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0062645 


y 

ROYAL  GAROENS  REW, 


■;-y 


( 


December  23,  1393  ] 


THE 

JOURNAL  or  HORTICULTURE, 

/ 


COTTAGE  GARDENER, 

AND 

HOME  FAHMEH. 


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


CONDUCTED  BY 

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


E  stablished 


VOLUME  XXVII.  THIRD  SERIES. 

JTJEY - DEOEMBEH,  1803. 


LONDON : 

PUBLISHED  FOE  THE  PEOPEIETOE,  171,  FLEET  STREET. 


•  .■* 


I 


1 

I 


LONDON  : 

PRINTED  AT  THE  JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  OFFICE, 
1 71,  FLEET  STREET. 


THK  JOUBHA.L  OF  HORTICULTCRB  AND  COTTAGB  QARDKNEB,  December  M,  1893.  ] 


TO  OUR  READERS. 


The  years  whirl  round  apace,  and  the  more  there  are  of  them  the  quicker  do  the  seasons  appear  to 
come  in  their  turn.  This  will  be  the  experience  of  all  our  old  friends  and  helpers,  and  they  will  feel, 
as  we  do,  that  speeding  time  is  made  the  more  pleasant  by  the  good  influences  of  the  gardens  which 
they  love  to  tend,  and  from  which  they  derive  health  and  inspiration.  May  their  garden  pleasures  be 
much  prolonged,  not  for  themselves  alone,  but  for  others  who  benefit  by  their  experiences  as  detailed 
by  facile  pens. 

To  the  younger,  but  yet  strong,  as  if  in  their  zenith,  the  time  will  glide  more  steadily,  and  they 
we  hope  shall  have  a  long,  useful,  and  prosperous  career  before  them.  It  will  not  be  less  so  by  their 
endeavours  to  incite  in  others  the  love  of  gardens  they  themselves  enjoy,  and  by  their  efforts  in  imparting 
knowledge  on  subjects  pertaining  to  the  craft  they  adorn. 

To  the  younger  still — the  probationers  in  that  craft — time  may  seem  to  drag ;  to  some  their  work 
may  be  hard,  and  they  look  longingly  onward  to  what  they  hope  may  be  an  easier  life.  Their  time  will 
come,  and  it  depends  on  themselves,  and  the  assistance  given  them,  whether  they  will  fill  the  positions 
they  will  occupy  as  worthily  as  do  men  who  fill  them  now,  and  as  those  who  have  gone  before.  We 
counsel  young  men  to  strive  for  knowledge  and  to  win  respect,  and  we  trust  those  in  authority  over  them 
will  aid  them  in  the  commendable  desire. 

We  rejoice  in  having  the  co-operation  of  men,  amateurs  and  gardeners,  of  ripe  experience,  as  well  as 
of  young  men  of  great  promise,  and  therefore  it  is  that  we  are  enabled  to  make  the  pages  of  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture  not  only  substantial,  but  bright — even  sometimes  lively — and  it  is  gratifying  to  know  that  our 
readers  are  satisfied.  A  gardener  writes:  — 

“  Besides  the  practical  knowledge  that  I  have  gained  from  the  Journal,  I  have  learned  to  love 
gardening  for  its  own  sake,  and  that  makes  arduous  duties  appear  light.  As  a  result  I  have  been  able  to 
give  the  utmost  satisfaction  to  my  employers,  and  have  good  recommendations  from  them.  ...  1  have  to 
seek  a  fresh  field  of  labour,  but  I  still  hope  to  be  able  to  show  that  the  teaching  of  the  Journal  has  not 
been  thrown  away  on  me.  Long  may  Editors  and  staff  continue  to  advise,  instruct,  commend,  and  not  to 
forget  wholesome  reproof  where  needed.  ...  I  make  no  apology  for  troubling,  as  you  have  forgotten  to 
despise  the  small  gardener.” 

Despise  the  small  gardener!  We  have  just  the  same  respect  for  able  men,  who  are  doing  their  duty 
creditably  and  well  in  small  gardens,  as  for  those  in  large  ones.  Some  of  the  great  gardeners  of  the  day 
won  their  spurs  in  small  gardens,  and  we  are  glad  to  know  that  not  a  few  managers  of  these  small  gardens 
are  as  happy  in  their  homes  as  are  the  gardeners  of  lords  and  dukes.  We  trust  our  appreciative  pupil 
has  found  a  comfortable  home. 

A  correspondent,  who  is  not  a  gardener,  but  a  country  gentleman  in  the  Midlands,  has  written  to  us 
from  Biarritz  : — 

“  I  he  Journal  of  Horticulture  is  one  of  the  very  few  papers  I  have  sent  on  here.  I  have  had  splendid 
crops  at  home — beaten  my  ‘  practical  ’  neighbours  in  growing  Swedes,  Mangolds,  Oats,  and  Parsnips — by 
following  your  rules.  Your  Farm  Notes  are  splendid.  If  ‘practical  ’  farmers  would  follow  them  as  the  amateur 
does,  I  do  not  think  we  should  hear  much  more  of  the  impractical — viz  ,  a  duty  on  corn  imported.” 

We  have  said  our  Readers  are  satisfied;  so  are  we,  and  we  thank  all  most  cordially,  amateurs  and 
gardeners,  old  and  young,  for  contributing  so  ably  in  making  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  the  welcome  guest 
it  undoubtedly  is  in  the  homes  of  the  wealthy  and  the  workers  in  this  and  other  lands. 

Our  best  wishes  to  all  for  a  happy  close  of  the  old  year  and  an  equally  happy  opening  of  the  new. 


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


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'S-  k 


https://archive.org/details/journalofhorticu3271hogg 


December  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


INDEX. 


ACACU  6RANDIS,  88 
Achimenee,  at  Keadicg,  32;  in 
baskets  at  Chatswonb,  80 
Acidanthera  seqniL  octialis,  77 
ACchmea  Maria!  Regina:,  401 
Aerldes,  notes  on,  S ;  Sanderl- 
annm,215 
After  the  rain,  47 
Agathaja  coelestls,  468 
Agave  Leopold  II.,  335 
Aglaonema  rotnndnm  (pnmi- 
Inm),  297,  379  .  400 
Agricnltnral  College,  a  new,  171 
Agricultural  Hall  Show,  report 
of  191,  219;  comments  on,  224 
Agricultural  science,  9 
Albert  Nurseries,  Peckham 
Rye,  531 

Allamanda  Williams!,  171 
Allotments,  at  Richmond,  8;  at 
Kingston-on-Thames,  334 
Alocasia  Chantrieri,  297 
Aloes,  variegated,  266 
Alstroemeria  aurantiaca,  30 
Amaryllis,  the  blue,  102  ;  bella¬ 
donna,  875 

American  Ginseng,  88 
Ames,  Mr.  F.  L.,  death  of,  313 
Analysis  of  soils,  347, 369 
Anemones,  polyanthe  8,184  ;  St. 
Brigid’s  (A.  coronaria  semi- 
plena),  504,  574  ;  fulgens,  549 
Anglo-American  day,  an,  69 
Angus,  Mr.  A.  K.,  death  of, 553 
Annuals,  showing,  66 
Anomatheca  cruenta,  99 
Anthemis, extraordinary  fascia- 
tlon  in,  125 

Anti-blight  powders,  201 
Anthracnose  in  Vines, 221 
Antirrhinums,  white,  197,  219, 
583 

Ants,  destroying,  SOO 
Antwerp  Exhibition,  the,  534 
ApEs  life,  peculiarities  of,  and 
east  winds,  94 

Apples,  market,  76;  New  Zea¬ 
land  Apples  in  London,  76  ; 
early,  102;  from  the  Hima¬ 
layas,  163;  Japanese,  149; 
Bismarck,  origin  of,  164;  at 
Swanmore,  187;  gathering 
and  storing,  206  ;  notes  on 
varieties,  213;  Benont,  282  ; 
in  cool  chambers,  221 ;  in 
Durham,  242  ;  scarcity  of 
dessert  Apples,  242;  Benoni, 
242;  a  fine  crop  of  Peasgood’s 
Nonesuch,  246 ;  cheap,  244 ;  in 
America,  245  ;  American 
Baldwin  in  England,  255 ; 
The  Lady,  800 ;  Wealthy,  817  ; 
Ecklinville,  317;  Duchess  of 
Oldenburg,  317 ;  Peasgood’s 
Nonesuch,  317;  from  seed, 
3  2;  large  soft,  355,  376  ; 
at  Covent  Garden,  355 ;  the 
best  county  for,  375 ;  trans¬ 
parent  patches  In  flesh,  388; 
dressing  wounds  of  Apple 
tree,  388  ;  in  Surrey,  40i  ; 
an  imminent  scarcity  of,  437  ; 
preserving,  443;  the  keeping 
of,  465  ;  the  premature  decay 
of,  487  ;  Baldwin  in  England, 
488;  a  good  crop  of  Rymer, 
489;  losing  flavour,  439; 
keeping,  508 ;  mineral  con¬ 
stituents  ot,  622 ;  American, 
528  ;  Gloeosporlum  fructi- 
genum,  544;  American.  548; 
some  good,  572;  Gascoigne’s 
Seedling,  588 

Apples  and  Pears  at  Woedhall, 
295 

Apple  blossom  weevil,  580 
Apricots,  from  open  air  stand¬ 
ards,  163 

Aquarium  (Royal)  Show, 341 
Araucaria  wood, 221 
Arboricultural  (Royal)  Society, 
Scottish,  178 


Arlstolochia  Slpho  seeding,  554 
Ashford  Vineries,  294 
Asparagus  forcing,  565 
August  heat  and  garden  pro¬ 
duce,  163 

Auricula  and  Primula  (Na¬ 
tional)  Society’s  report,  401 
Australian  fruit,  76 
Autumn  foliage  and  berries, 
891 


BiCTERIA,  IN  TOMATOES,  79, 
99,  325,  372  ;  microscope  for 
examining,  545 

Binanas  at  Knightshayes 
Court,  576 

Banbury  Onion  and  Vegetable 
Show,  275 

Bank  Holiday  engagements, 
115 

Banksia  integrlfolia,  435 

Barford  Hill  Gardens,  152 

Barlerlas,  155 

Battersea  Park,  215 

Beale,  Mr.  H.  E.  C.,  death  of, 

354 

Beans,  Scarlet  Runners  not 
setting,  80,  106,  117,  168  ;  at 
Malden  Erleigh,  Runner, 

355 

Bedding  In  tropical  weather, 
summer,  258 

Betiding  plants,  propagating, 
212 

Bees— Puniea,  swarming,  20  ; 
Punlcs  and  crossed  Syrians, 
43  ;  swarming,  43 ;  at  the 
moors,  65,  88,  111,  135, 208, 231  ; 
preparing  for  winter,  208  ; 
Punics,  88,  111 ;  swarms 

not  working.  111 ;  Scottish 
decision  on  swarms,  159 ; 
at  the  Heather,  can  bees 
count  ’i*  183 ;  do  bees  fly  in  a 
straight  line?  183;  useful 
hints,  254 :  robber  bees,  254  ; 
home  from  the  moors,  277  ; 
practical  hints  for  beginners, 
321,  343,  366,  887,  433,  480, 500  ; 
supering,  387 ;  hives  and 
honey,  412 ;  the  season  of 
1893,  434;  presentation  of 
honey  to  the  Lord  Mayor, 
434;  repairing  hives,  458  ; 
storms  and  wrappings,  458; 
foul  brood,  458  ;  earwigs  and 
bees,  458 ;  the  weather,  feed¬ 
ing,  480;  in  Yorkshire,  500 ; 
Lanarkshire  storlfying  hive. 
544  ;  and  the  weather,  565  ; 
humble  bees  in  New  Zealann, 
565  ;  in  1893,  comb  building, 
spreading  brood,  582 
Begonias,  at  Swanley,  9 ;  at 
Bexley,  33;  seed,  sowing, 
66 ;  at  Henbury  Hill,  267 ; 
Duchess  of  York,  297 ;  (tuber¬ 
ous)  as  bedding  plants,  310; 
at  Forest  Hill,  310 ;  summer 
and  winter,  374;  John  Heal, 
419 ;  Gloire  de  Lorraine,  565 
Belladonna  Lily  seeding,  375 
Besson,  Monsieur  Antoine, 
death  of,  469 
Bexley  Begonias,  33 
Birds,  our,  177 ;  and  the  fruit, 
266 

Birkbeck  Bank,  33 
Birmingham  and  District  Ama¬ 
teur  Gardeners’  Association, 
468, 533  ,  „ 

Blackberries,  culture  of,  552 
Black  fly,  winter  condition  of, 

BlMdford  Horticultural  So¬ 
ciety,  172  ,  , 

Blood  and  wood  ashes,  mixing, 
622 

Blood  manure,  making,  459 


Bogue,  Mr.  G.,  death  of,  317 
Bone  ash  as  a  manure,  566 
Bone  manures,  480 
Bone9,in  Chrysanthemum  pots, 
112;  and  kalnit,  applying 
dissolved, 322 

Books— "The  Garden  Story,” .55; 
“  British  Fungus  Flora,”  66  ; 
'*  Art  Out  of  Doors,”  250 ;  “  Tea 
Roses  :  How  to  grow  and  ex¬ 
hibit  them,”  558 
Boronia  polygalifolia,  88 
Botanical  Congress,  first  inter¬ 
national,  375 

Botanic  (Royal)  Society’s 
evening  f6te,  34 ;  scientific 
work,  149 ;  meetings  and 
shows  for  1894, 553 
Bouquet,  a  remarkable,  313 
Brighton  and  Sussex  “New  ” 
Horticultural  Societv,  491 
Bristol  notes— Springfield,  122  ; 
Henbury  Hill,  154 ;  Malmaius, 
155 

British  fungus  flora,  443 
Broccoli.snb-  leaveson  mldrlb,44 
Brockhurst,  jotting  about,  168 
Browallia  macrantha,  419 
Brussels  Sprouts,  491 
Buchan  Hill,  241 
Buddleia  globosa  in  Kirkcud¬ 
brightshire,  76 

Bulbs,  forcing,  433  ;  from  Asia 
Minor,  76 

Bullfinches,  trapping,  544 
Bnnyard’s,  Messrs.  Q,  &  Co., 
fruit  trees  at,  243 
Bulbophyllnm  viride,  119 ; 
B.  spathaceum,  175 


CACAO  IN  TRINIDAD,  468 
Cadland  Park,  143 
Caladium  Baronne  de  Maimore, 
30 

Caledonian  (Royal)  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society,  annual 
meeting,  553 ;  Shows  In  1894, 
575 

California  midwinter  Inter¬ 
national  Exposition,  236 
Caila,  a  new  rose  coloured,  420  ; 
a  new,  443 

Camellia  buds  dropping,  522 
Campanulas  persieifolia  Back- 
housiana  alba,  3 ;  granol- 
flora  Mariesi,  103, 124 ;  nltlda 
alba,  2S9 

Camphor,  Formosan,  289 
Canker,  In  fruit  trees,  6, 50, 10.5, 
120, 467 ;  Insects,  44  ;  winter 
treatment  of,  327 
Canker  mite  in  Pear  trees,  222 
Cannas,  new  varieties  certifi¬ 
cated,  131 

Canterbury  Bells,  8 
Caper  plant,  the,  45 
Cardiff,  a  botanic  garden  for,533 
Carex  japonica,  420 
Carnation  and  Picotee  Union 
Show,  63 

Carnation  (National)  Society  s 
report,  40i 

Carnation  and  Picotee  Society 
(northern  section).  108  ;  Mid¬ 
land  (annual  report),  554 
Carnations,  for  market,  2 ; 
Margaret,  8 ;  at  Chelsea,  26  ; 
disease,  eelworms.  34  and  35  ; 
National  Show,  36;  a  fine, 
101 ;  at  Slough,  105 ;  Miss 
N'na  Balfour,  136;  at  Halton, 
199;  English,  In  America, 
245 ;  new,  362 ;  new  self,  383 ; 
as  an  annual,  the,  439  ;  im¬ 
provement  at,  444  ;  plants 
diseased,  566  ;  Margaret.  672 
Carnation  shows  —  Mid  and 
Counties,  86;  West  of  Bi  g- 
land,  85 


Carrots,  culture  of,  263 
Caryopteris  Mastacanthus,  401 
Cassia  corymbosa,  289 
Cata.'etum  Bungerothi,269 
Cattleyas,  witholding  water 
from.  255  ;  C.  aurea,  237; 
C.  Gaskelliana.237  ;  blesensis, 
297 ;  bicolor,  351 ;  marginata, 
394;  Lord  Rothschild,  417; 
gjitrina,  605,  529 

Cauliflowers  in  adverse  sea¬ 
sons,  263 
Cedrela,  492 

Celery,  and  Celeriac,  135  ; 
leaves  decaying,  255;  culture, 
397  ;  protecting,  479  ;  deeply 
planted, 508  ;  decaying,  567 
Cemetery,  South  Shields, 
flowers  in.  198 

Cereus.  Night-blooming,  6, 2 , 
Chatsworth,  80 
Cherry  wo  id, 522 
Chicago,  World’s  Fair,  awards 
to  British  exhibitors,  312 
Chi  well,  a  call  at,  493 
Chinese  Bean  oil,  314 
Chrysanthemum  (National) 
Society’s  annual  outing,  58  ; 
Committee  meeting,  74.  339 
537 :  meeting,  224 ;  Show,  233  ; 
annual  dinner,  6l«  ;  early 
winter  show  (Aquarium),  519 
Chrysanthemums,  manurial 
mixture  for,  20  ;  early  flower¬ 
ing,  58,  271,  292;  prospects, 
74,  105  ;  a  Japanese  Show, 
74;  in  New  Zealand,  74; 
frozen  blooms  from  Australia, 
74 ;  prospects  in  Ireland,  eel- 
worm  infestation,  129  ; 
“  blind  ”  by  insect  punctures, 
136  ;  a  raiser  honoured,  in 
New  Zealand,  America,  and 


Japan,  bud  lormation,  154  ; 
foes,  at  Hey  wood,  176;  in 
Japan,  177;  early  flowering, 
249;  Show  at  Bordeaux,  249; 
housing,  278  ;  manure  water 
for,  278;  big  blooms  in 
France,  290  ;  bud  mite,  291 ; 
cerUfl''ated,  316,  445,  497,  514, 
Madame  Desgranges,  316 ;  an 
East-end  show,  Sheflield 
Chrysanthemum  Society, 
Chrysanthemum.s  in  Ireland, 
338  ;  Hull  and  East  Riding 
Chrysanthemum  Society’s 
cups,  339 ;  at  Battersea  Park, 
352 ;  at  Waterlow  Park, 
352,  380  ;  Crystal  Pa'ace 

Show,  352  ;  Charles  Davis, 
352  ;  awards  at  Aquarium 
November  Show,  352 ;  certifi¬ 
cated  varieties,  352,  402,  445, 
614;  around  Liverpool,  3.52  ; 
Lingdale  Lodge.  352;  Bos- 
cobel  Noctorum,  353 ;  Crofton, 
353;  algburth  Hall,  353; 
Cleveley,  Al  erton,  353  ; 
shows,  380  :  Inn  r  Temple 
Gardens,  Battersea  Park, 
Dulwich  Park.  380  ;  South- 
wa'-k  Park,  38):  F  nsoury 
Park,  881  ;  The  Priory  Horn¬ 
sey,  381 ;  around  Bourne 
mouth,  38l ;  Craomoor  Ljoge, 
381;  New  Royal  Nui  series,  381; 
Palace  Nursery,  381 ;  around 
Liverpool,  381 ;  Highfleld, 
Woolton,  33l;  Allerton  House, 
381;  Allerton  Beeche.s,  382  ; 
Dove  Pirk,  Wuolton,  382  ; 
Camp  Hill.  AVoolton,  382  ; 
Hillside.  Alleitou  382;  Eim 
Hall,  Wavcrtrce,  382 ;  Mossley 
House,  882  ;  Calaerstones, 
382;  notes  on  prize  sche¬ 
dules.  382;  out  of  date 
varieties,  white  Viviaud 
Morel,  N.C.S.  Committee 
meeting,  new  (ceniflcated) 
varieties,  4J2 ;  causes  of 


CHRYSANTHEMUMS-  Con¬ 
tinued, 

damping,  402  ;  The  Tribune, 
403;  in  the  south,  404;  at 
Chelsea,  405 ;  at  Swanley, 
Forest  Hill,  and  Lewisham, 
406 ;  at  Exmonth,  407 ;  Mr. 
Smee’s,  422  ;  Lucy  Kendall, 
422  ;  a  large  Vivian  d  Morel,  423; 
white  Vlviand  Morel,  422 ;  at 
Jesmond  Towers,  422  ;  at  the 
Crystal  Palace,  422  ;  South 
Westmoreland,  422;  Maiden¬ 
head,  423  ;  Royal  Gardens, 
AVlndsor,  423 ;  early  and  semi- 
early  flowering  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  423  ;  exhibitors’ 
cards,  4t4;  the  N.C.S.  and  its 
certificates,  444,  470,  497,  537  ; 
a  fracas  at  the  Aquarium 
Show,  441 ;  Mdlle.  Therese 
Bey,  445 ;  Judges  and  judg¬ 
ing.  445;  a  large  Viviand 
Morel,  445  ;  white  Viviand 
Morel,  445  ;  experiments  In 
Chi  ysanthemnm  culture,  445 ; 
Charles  Davis, 445,470, 497,537; 
novelties  at  the  Aquarium 
Show,  445  ;  at  Woodville, 
Keighley,  446;  at  Ket- 
ton  Hall.  446  ;  Woodhatch 
Lodge,  446;  Svon  House,  446 
The  Grange,  Hackbridge,  446 ; 
Earls  wool,  446  ;  protests  at 
shows,  470 ;  Lord  Rosebery, 
470;  cup  at  Grassendale  Show, 
470 ;  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  470  ; 
White  Viviand  Morel.  470  ; 
next  year’s  shows.  470;  at 
Chilwell.  470  ;  N.C.S.  Com¬ 
mittee  meeting, 47i;  Analysis, 
1885-92  ,  483  ;  Mr.  Molyneux 
in  Ireland,  497.  537  ;  Leon 
Frache,  Mdlle  Marie  Hoote, 
497  ;  an  amateur’s  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  497;  Chicago 
Chrysanthemum  Show,  497  ; 
a  curious  case  of  judging, 
503 ;  new,  514  ;  cups 
and  tubes,  515 ;  new  hairy 
varieties,  515 ;  Pompon 
Florence  Carr.  515 ;  Incurved 
Japanese,  515 ;  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  catalogues,  515 ; 
Mr.  Mawley’s  analysis,  515; 
the  right  bud,  516;  in  Ire¬ 
land,  516;  rooting,  622;  in¬ 
curved  Japanese  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  537  ;  Florence  Carr, 
637 ;  Robert  Petfleld,  537 ;  at 
Philadelphia,  U.S.A.,  537  ; 
Mdlle.  The  fese  Rey,  537  ;  new 
Chrysanthemums,  537  ;  Wa- 
ban,  .544  ;  Greenish  White, 
545  ;  Judges  judged,  verdict 
gullty,5U3,529;  Judges  judged, 
a  new  catechism.  553;  Eva 
Knowles  (new),  631 ;  rooting 
cuttings,  661  ;  incurved  Japa¬ 
nese,  531  ;  Miss  Dorothea 
Shea,  561 ;  the  “  Shoesmith  ” 
cup  and  lube,  561:  hairy 
Chryi.authemnms,  661 ;  in 
baskets.  562  ;  Mars,  562  ;  Mrs. 
A.  Hardy. 562 ;  damp-resisting 
Japanese  Chrysanthemums, 
582;  habits  of  Chry.-anthe- 
mums,  a  suggestion,  532  ; 
judging  at  Edinburgh,  578; 
gratting,  578  ;  Mrs.  J.  Carter, 
578;  Comte  F.  Luranl,  579; 
Elsie  .and  Buttercup,  6:9 ; 
America,  579 

Chrysanthemum  shows— Ha¬ 
vant,  407  ;  Loughborough. 
408  ;  Portsmouth,  408 ;  Kent 
County,  409 ;  Ascot,  409  ; 
Havant,  421;  Ewell,  424  ; 
Highgate,  4'5;  Crystal  Palace, 
426;  N.C.S.  (Aquarium), 427: 
Kingston  and  Surbiton,  429  ; 
Brighton,  430  ;  Southampton , 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER.  c  December  28,  lasj. 


vl 


chrysanthsmcm;  shows— 
Continued. 

430 ;  Watford,  430 ;  Leeds  Pax¬ 
ton,  431;  Putney,  431;  North- 
ampton,  432  ;  Qutl  and 
East  Kiding,  447  ;  Grimsby 
and  District,  447  ;  Liverpool, 
447  ;  Weils,  418 ;  Torquay.  448; 
Cirencester,  443  ;  Kidder¬ 
minster,  450 ;  Hornsey,  450  ; 
Bath,  450;  Bonruemouth,  450; 
Weybrliige,  450  Weston- 
super-Mare  451 ;  Birkenhead 
and  Wlrral,  452 ;  Gloucester, 
452  ;  Leather  aead,  45]  ; 
Hitchin,  453;  Windsor,  453  ; 
Exeter,  453  ;  Tadcaster  Pax¬ 
ton,  451  ;  Bradford  and 
District,  454  :  Pontefract,  454  ; 
Leicester,  455  ;  Godaiming, 
454  ;  Ipswich,  455  ;  Twicken¬ 
ham,  455  ;  Croydon,  453  ; 
Plymouth, 458 ;  Devizes,  4'6  ; 
Hull,  474;  Birmingham,  473; 
Kngby,  473 ;  Sou'h  Shields, 
474 ;  Bristol,  474  ;  Winchester, 
475 ;  Park3toue,475  ;  Hereford, 
475  ;  York.  475 ;  Cudieigh,  476 ; 
Melton  Mowbray,  476  :  Lin¬ 
coln,  477  ;  Shepton  Mallet, 
477;  Dublin,  477  ;  Edinburgh, 
477;  Sheffield,  478  ;  Bolton, 
478 :  Huyton  and  Roby,  478 ; 
Chester  Paxton  Society,  497  ; 
Sutton  Goldfield, 498 ;  Barford, 
498;  Eccles  and  Patricroft, 
498;  Grassendale  and  Aig- 
burth,  4»9 

Church  decorations  at  Christ¬ 
mas,  547 

Cider  refuse  as  manure,  254 
CImicifuga  serpentaria,  188 
Cirrhopetalum  Brienianum,  49 ; 

ornatissimum,  400  ,  528 
City  gardens,  past  and  present, 
526  550 ;  acreage  of,  575 
Clematis  failing.  298 
Clerodendrons,  fallax,  125 ;  tri- 
chotomum,  246 

Clubbing  in  winter  greens,  151 
Clumber,  284 

Coboea  scandens,  a  white,  266  ; 
alba,  300 

Cocoa  Palm  weevil,  the,  334 
Coeiogvnes,  borneensis,  49 ; 
tenuis,  119 

Codonopsis  (Glossocomia) 
ovata,  273 

Coleus  Distinction,  55 
Conifers,  some  fine,  at  Fel- 
bridga  PI  tee,  354 
Convo'vulns,  cneornm,  89; 
dwarf,  101 

Cooke’s,  Dr.,  retirement,  75 
Coombe  Court,  107 
Copper  (sulphate)  and  Paris 
green  mixtures,  142 
Copperas  in  plant  manures, 
220 

Coreopsis  monstrosa,  108 
Corlett,  Mr.  H.,  3Sl 
Cotton  plant,  wonders  of.  290 
Country  charms,  our,  468 
Covent  Garden  Market,  trade 
in,  100;  fruit,  266  ;  130  years 
ago,  276;  supplies,  355 
Crabs,  Siberian,  for  ornament, 
125 

Cratsegus  azarolns,  413 
Crinum  capense,  66,  344 
Crocus  hyemalis  var.  Foxi,  549 
Crops  in  South  Wales,  4 
Croton  Russelli,  492 
Crystal  Palace  September  fruit 
show,  608,580,  655,  575 
Cucumbers,  Peerless,  147  ;  for 
winter,  207,  417;  gummed, 
345 ;  piant  diseased,  366 ;  root 
disease,  preventing,  566 
Cunila  Mariana,  459 
Curious  spelling  of  names,  611 
Currant  shoots  (Black)  dis¬ 
eased,  11 

Currants,  crop  in  Greece,  288 
Cyclamen  roots  destroyed,  481 
Cyclobothra  amoena,  261 
Cydonia  j  aponica  fruiting,  312 
Cypripediums,  new.  volontea- 
nura  giganteum,  27 ;  Massai- 
anum  and  Stonei  Cannarte, 
30 ;  Winnianum,  71 ;  oeno- 
superbiens  and  Thayeria- 
num,  131 ;  Sander-super- 
biens,  215  ;  ceno-superbiens, 
269 ;  Charlesworthi,  297,  307  ; 
Clonius,  395 ;  Stattenanum. 
417  ;  insigne  var.  illnstre,  573 


CV2r0Ml 

DAFFODILS,  THE  SCILLT 
ISLKS  4l9 

Dahlia  (Natlonai)  Show,  225 
Dahlias— at  Rowledge,  198  ; 
Octavia,  Mrs,  Morgan,  Cap¬ 
tain  Boyton, Miranda,  Beauty 
of  Watford,  Edith  Turner, 
Florence  Woodland,  Mrs. 
Peart,  Cherub,  Grand  Duke 
Alexis,  Norma,  Duchess  of 
York,  Ceres,  Sovereign,  297  ; 
at  Salisbury,  341 ;  Brilliant, 
"  480 

Dalkeith,  316 
Datura  cornucopia,  298 
Davis,  Mr.  M.,  167 
Dendrobinms,  Hookerlanum, 
49;  in  autumn,  288; 

Dessert  table  competition,  519, 
531.  662 

Dianthns  callizonus,  126 
Digging  competition,  7 


Dinner,  competition,  115  ;  con¬ 
test  at  Carshalton,  14S ;  table 
decoration  (Mr.  Dunkin’s 
paper).  398 

Dlsas,  Kewensls,  3;  lacera,  237  ; 
the  blue,  269 

D  ion,  death  of  Mr.  Isaac,  492 

Dobson,  Mr.  Tnomas,  death  of, 
193 

D.od well,  death  of  Mr.  E.  8 , 513 

D’Ombrain,  Rev.  H.  H ,  daugh¬ 
ter,  death  of,  54 

Dracaena  indivisa  aurea  varie- 
gata, 30 

Drainage,  philosophy  of,  123 

Draper,  Mr.  W.  Y.,  death  of, 
355 

Drongit,  lessons  of  the,l ;  and 
caterpillar  life,  the,  174 ;  in 
France,  219 ;  effects,  219 

Dublin,  jottings  from;  574 

Dutch  flower  garden,  a  walk 
through,  363 


EARL’S  COURT  EXHIBITION, 
297.  510 

Earwigs,  402 ;  white,  491,  511 
Eastbourne,  flowers  at,  76 
East  Lothian  Garden  in  1893, 
559 

Eel  worms  in  Cucumber  and 
Tomato  roots,  501 
Echeveria  retusa,  89 
Edinburgh  Botanic  Gardens, 
2'0,  491 
Ensilage,  161 

Enthusiastic  veteran,  an,  236 
Epidendrum  pnmilum,  120 
Epilobium  obcordatum,  179 
Eria  albiflora,  119 
Krythrlnas,  culture  of,  300 
Euphorbia  j  acquininiseflora, 
55.5  ;  E.  pulcherrima,  555 
Evening  Primrose  as  a  vege¬ 
table,  246 

Ewell  Horticultural  Society,  123 
Exeter  Gardeners’  Society  an¬ 
nual  outing,  54 

Exhibiting,  curiosities  in  class¬ 
ing  and  judging,  222 
Eynsford  sho  w,  149 


FARM-VACANT  FARMS,  21, 46, 
67,  (clauses  from  a  lease),  89; 
the  drought  and  its  probable 
consequences,  68  ;  farm 
orchards,  118, 197  ;  farming  at 
home  and  abroad,  114 ;  the 
first  pockets  of  Hops,  114  ; 
barren  orchards,  fleld  voles 
and  enemies,  138;  autumn 
tillage,  ensilage,  161 ;  fodder 
for  winter,  ensilage,  185; 
work  on  the  home,  186,  216, 
253,  280,  346,  868,  390.  436, 
48-2,  602,  635,  668,  584  ;  the 
dairy,  fodder  crops,  209  ; 
brewers’  grains  for  cows,  210 ; 
a  butter  destroying  weed, 
283;  farm  homesteads,  253; 
poor  milk,  280 ;  Royal  Com¬ 
mission  on  Agriculture,  280 ; 
mixed  farming,  301;  agri¬ 
cultural  commission,  802 ;  a 
Wheat  straw,  323  ;  New 
Zealand,  a  warning  to 
farmers,  324  ;  acorn  poison¬ 
ing,  824;  the  Board  of  Agricul¬ 
ture,  Middlesex  Agricultural 
Society,  Lord  Tredegar's 
Agricultural  Shows,  346; 
liberty  for  farmers,  337  ; 
Irish  agriculture,  368 ;  winter¬ 
ing  catde,  890  ;  profits,  414; 
profitable  live  stock,  436, 460, 
482, 502,232, 667  ;  extraordinary 
weight  of  Swedes,  502  ;  root 
and  seed  stands  at  I-lington, 
514;  Wheat  for  cows.  524: 
thin  pasture,  524;  profitable 
live  stock  (lessons  of  the 
Cattle  Show),  646;  Spratts 
almanac,  568;  live  stock 
handbooks,  568  ;  "  Live  Stock 
Journal  "  almanac,  568 ;  soms 
lessons  of  the  year,  583 
Feeding  trees  and  plants,  and 
enriching  the  soil  in  the 
autumn,  349,  416, 466 
Fenn,  Mr.  Robert,  a  day  with, 
233 

Ferns,  transplanting  Tree,  232 ; 

houses  at  Inwood,  266 
Fertilisers,  and  County  Coun¬ 
cils,  147;  and  feeding  stuffs 
bill,  242 

Field  voles,  198 

Figs,  seasonable  work  amongst, 
183  ;  forcing,  411,  499 
Finsbury  Park,  bedding  at,  241 
Floral  nomenclature,  356,  883, 
439,  536;  spelling  at  shows, 
399 ;  curious  spelling  of 
names,  463, 493 
Floral  hketcu  Book,  the,  420 
Florists’  flowers,  noies  on,  213  ; 

seasonable  hints  on,  551 
Flower  b  rsket  at  Halton,  512 
Flower  garden,  65, 343  ;  plants, 
propagating,  135 ;  Insects, 
mites,  393 

Flowers,  for  market,  2 ;  at  the 
Royal  wedding,  10 ;  hardy 
autumn,  282;  hardy,  note  4 
on,  326;  autumn  and  winter, 
610 ;  perfume  of,  653 


F  ower  shows, judging  at,  176 
Forestry  Exhibition,  prizes  at, 
492,  419,  444 

Foxglove,  campanulate,  44 
Francoas,  culture  of,  4i9 
Fraser,  Mr.  Robert,  death  of, 
491 

Fritillaria  armena,  107;  bre- 
vicauiis,  441 

Fruit  culture,  remarks  bearing 
on,  573 

Fruit,  forcing,  42,  64,  83,  IIS, 
182,  207,  252,  276,  319,  342,  334, 
383,432,  479,  499.  519,  543,  564  ; 
culture  at  Wfghtwick  Mauor, 
54  ;  prospects  in  Bads,  122 ; 
unripe  and  decayed,  dangers 
of,  124 ;  painted,  148 ;  St, 
Petersburg  International 
Exhibitlou,  147 ;  at  Lowfleld, 
217  ;  in  Fij  i,  221 ;  in  Australia, 
221;  improviug  the  quality 
of,  244;  storing,  278  ;  high 
cultivation  of,  iSl;  at  Earl's 
Court,  297  ;  pruning  trees, 
298,  285;  culture,  soil  and 
climatic  conditions,  392; 
artificially  coloured,  400  ; 
planting,  410 ;  growing,  447  ; 
keeping  question,  508,  627, 
548  ;  machinery,  534;  canned 
fruit  in  California  and 
Australia,  .534 
Fruit  garden  hardy,  342 
Fruiterers’  Company  dinner, 
354 

Fruit  trees,  evils  of  crowding, 
141 ;  management  on  wails, 
150 ;  trees,  digging  amongst, 
174;  bones  and  kainit  tor, 
278  ;  exuberant  young,  36J; 
the  treatment  of  overcropped, 
870;  insects  on,  4i5;  pruning 
and  nailing,  499  ;  surface 
dressing,  499 ;  sulphate  of 
iron  for,  553 

Fuchsias  from  seed,  434 
Fuchsia  show,  a,  198 
Fuller,  Rev.  T.  M  ,  death  of— 
in  memorlam,  169 
Fungicides,  142, 165 


GALANTHUS  OCTQBRESSIS  (?) 
from  Albania,  5i8 ;  G.  corcy- 
rensis,  649;  G.  Kaohelie,  549 
Garden  produce  and  August 
heat,  163 

Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent 
Institution,  the  (an  appeal 
to  gardeners  in  Ireland),  525 
Gardeners,  the  Worshipful 
Company  of,  annual  banquet, 
55  ;  and  gardening,  580 
Garden  guns,  289 
Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhi¬ 
bition,  prizes  at,  419,  444  ; 
medals  at,  421 

Garden,  the  romance  of  a,  249 
Gas  lime,  a  caution,  9;  and 
maggots,  S3 
Gateford  Hill,  284 
Gladioli,  new  varieties,  certifi¬ 
cated,  131 ;  g  owing,  552  ;  a 
note  about,  o80 
Gienharst,  Esher,  489 
Globe  Amaranth  (Gomphrena 
globosa),  99 
Gioriosa  superba,  345 
Gloxinias,  a  fine,  75 ;  diseases 
of,  245 

Gooseberry,  history  of  Whin- 
ham’s  Industry,  102  ;  Show 
(Ripley),  157 
Gourds,  large,  420 
Grafting,  herbaceous,  512 
Grape-room, constructing,  45 
Grapes  scalded,  45 ;  Gros  Col- 
man,  66 ;  Lady  Downe’s 
scalded,  67;  heaviest  hunch 
of,  88  ;  colouring  late,  91 ; 
strains  of,  123;  seasonable 
notes  on,  134 ;  Berdiausk, 
173;  keeping  late,  18t;  out¬ 
doors.  Black  Hamburgh,  i9l ; 
shanking  after  ripening,  2U8 ; 
an  experiment  with  snank- 
Ing,  238  ,  262,  292  ;  cheao 

Muscats,  244;  rusted  and 
shrivelled,  254  ;  In  America, 
288  ;  causes  of  shanking  in, 
315 ;  shanking,  on  an  ex- 
nenmeut  With,  310 ;  prices  of, 
Ml ;  culture  or,  618 ;  two 
crops  in  on»  season,  534 ;  Lady 
Hutt  and  Apple..  Towers,  554 
Greenhouse  wiu ter  flower.-,  467 
Greenwich,  temperatures  at, 
163 

Grimston  Park,  Tadcaster,  56 
Grounds  and  orchards.arrange- 
mentof,  112 

Guiliot,  Jean  Baotiste,  death 
of,  272 

Gustavia  pterocarpa,  400 


HABENARIA9,  CISNABARINA, 
96  ;  H.  caruea,  288 
Hail  and  beat,  33 
Halton,  199;  flower  basket  at, 
512 

Hammerwood,  Sussex,  264 
Hampton  Court  Paiace,  bed¬ 
ding  at,  260 

Hardy  flowers,  notes  on.  117, 
188,  238, 548  ;  In  masses,  127 
Hardy  fruit  garden,  42,  109,  206, 
252, 457,  499,  543,  581 


Hardy  perennials  for  cutting, 
118 

Heating,  steam  versui  hot 
water,  222 ;  the  principles  of, 
328,  360 

Hedges  for  shady  places,  5i; 
clipping,  92 

Heiiopsis  scabra  major,  297,  371 
Heliotropes  propagating,  136 
Herbaceous  plants,  303 
Heuchera  sanguinea,  7 
Hiopeastrnm  procerum,  102 
Hodsock  Priory,  284 
Holland,  death  of  Mr.,  32 
Holland,  reclaimed  land  In,  267 
Holly  tree,  a  large,  85l 
Horticultural  Club,  356 
Horticultural  literature,  a  gold 
medal  and  £400  prize,  354 
Horticultural  (Royal)  Society, 
Chiswick  Show  and  Com¬ 
mittee  meetings,  80 ;  four- 
days  Shows,  34  ;  Show  at 
the  Agricultural  Hall,  54, 191 ; 
Flowers  at  Chiswick,  75; 
Committee  meetings,  78.  130, 
247,  298,  337,  377,  441,  495,  538, 
cartlflcates  and  awards  of 
merit,  78,  195,  243,  333,  378,  442, 
495,  639 ;  lecture  on  alpine 
houses,  78 ;  Scientific  Com¬ 
mittee,  99,  170,351,399,469,  517  ; 
lecture  on  Onions,  378;  and 
the  Imperial  Institute,  492; 
and  South  Kensington,  509  ; 
meetings  for  1894  ;  553 
Horticultural  (Royal)  Society 
of  Ireland,  534 

Horticultural  Society,  a  general 
266 

Horticulture  in  South  Africa, 
170 

Hotbeds,  present  use  of,  232 
House  for  fruit  and  Chrysan¬ 
themums,  545 
Hull  notes,  12 

Hybrid  Briar,  autumnal 
analysis,  1886-1893,  396 
Hybridisation  and  cross-fertili¬ 
sation,  356 
Hyde  Park,  215 


Index  kewensis,  219,  553 ; 

translation  of  Latin,  574 
Insects,  eradication  of,  4 ;  flower 
garden,  24,  93,  189,  269  ;  pests 
on  fruit  trees,  415,  554 
Inwo  )d  House  Gardens,  Bland- 
ford,  311 

Ireland,  notes  from,  94;  an  ap¬ 
peal  to  gardeners  in,  525 
Irises,  Pacific  Coast,  55  4 
Isle  of  Wight,  holiday  in,  168 
Ivy  on  trees,  66 


JAM  SHARPERS,  148 
.Japanese  gardening.  55 
Japanese  plants  at  Kew,77 
Japanese  trees  at  the  World’s 
Fair,  126 

Jasmine  harvest,  the,  314 
Judges)  udged— verdict :  guilty, 
503,  5l9 

Judges  and  judging  —  a  new 
catechism,  558  ;  at  Edin¬ 
burgh,  579 

Judgments,  curious,  193 


»  Kew  BULLETIN,”  the,  76  ; 

appeadix  1894,  533 
Kineton  flower  show,  149 
King-wood  Flower  Show,  174 
Kitchen  garden,  87, 183,  277, 329, 
387.  480,  433,  520,  565 
Knighton  Horticultural  So- 

cletv,  172 

Knowsley  Hall,  145 
Kola,  32 


LADYBIRDS  AND  THEIR 
LARVA!,  579 

Laelias,  majalis  and  purpu- 
rata,  3 ;  tenebrosa  and  No¬ 
velty,  131 ;  tenebrosa,  Wal¬ 
ton  Grange  var.,  150;  mono- 
phylla,  189;  elegans  'Turneri, 
Ingram’s  var,  297  ;  grandis 
tenebrosa,  351 ;  anceos  Ames- 
laua,  505 :  Ltelia  Flnckeniana, 
549  ;  L.  anceps  resting,  566 
Laello-Cattleya,  Pisandra,  394, 
407  ;  Statteriana,  462 
Langley  Nurseries,  Messrs. 

Veitch  *  Sons,  359 
Latham,  death  of  Mrs.,  283 
Lavender,  uses  of,  126 
Laxtou,  death  of  Mr.,  123 ; 

record  of  wsrk,  151 
Leaves,  the  movements  of,  522 
Leek  cult  ire.  successful,  371 
Leilneria  fioridana,  221 
Lessons,  from  the  past,  235  ;  of 
the  dry  season, 351 
L-ttuce,  Daniel’s  Continuity, 
124;  root  insects,  136;  sum¬ 
mer,  191 

Ligustrum  ibota,  376 
Liiiacese  from  Tropical  Africa, 
new,  77 

Lilies,  eastern,  93 :  Belladonna, 
at  Grimston  Park,  355 


Lilies  of  the  Valley,  planting, 
254 

Lily  of  the  Valiev,  foreing,  413  ; 

early  force  1,568 
Littonia  modesta,  249 
Liliuma  —  Alexandrae,  Lowi, 
Ukeyuri  (Alexandrae),  30,56; 
Lowi,  79  ;  L.  japonicum  var. 
Alexandrae,  79,265;  and  bac¬ 
teria,  160  ;  lanciiolium  and 
varieties,  202  ;  L.  Henryi,  191 ; 
at  Chelsea,  197;  notes  on,  292 
Limewashing  vinery  wall,  566 
Liquorice,  267 

Liverpool  Horticultural  Asso¬ 
ciation,  533 

Llewelyn,  Mr.  W.  D.,  fatal 
accident  to,  196 
Lloyd,  death  of  Miss,  288 
Loam  for  Peach  and  Vine  bor¬ 
ders,  322 

London  City  gardens,  past  and 
present,  626,  650  ;  acreage  of, 
575 

London  Parks,  changes  in,  511 
London  trees,  294, 318 
Low,  Mr.  Hugh,  death  of,  265 
Lubinia  atropurpurea,  672 
Luisia  Amesiaua,  96 
Lycaste  Imschootiana,549 
Lyclum  europaeum,  366 
Lyons,  Exhibition  at,  366 


MACHIN.Mr.  H.  V.,  58 
Madame  Patti’s  lov  e  of  flowers, 
318 

Maize  maturing  in  Wales,  467 
Manning,  retirement  of  Mr., 
219  ;  ttistimonlal  to,  288 
Manures,  artificial,  as  a  sub¬ 
stitute  for  natural,  32 1; 
chemical,  366 
Maples,  Japanese,  533 
Marchant,  death  of  Mr ,  219 
Marguerite  cuttings,  rooting, 
434 

Marigolds,  400 

'■  Martin  ”  flower  rack,  the  318 
Masdevallia  Gelengiana,  119 
Mealy  bug,  extirpating  from 
vineries,  137 
Meconop-is  Wallichl,  67 
Meehan,  presentation  to  Mr.,l25 
Medlar,  grafting,  413 
Melon  leaves,  bacterial  disease 
in,  112 

Melons  —  Hero  of  Isleworth, 
Royal  Pr  nee,  and  County 
Councillor,  131 ;  bad  at  shows, 
140;  Blenheim  Orange,  171; 
a  novelty,  2  8, 266 
Melville  Ca>tie,  S16 
Me .eorological  i R  jyal)  Societ  •, 
466 ;  November  storm,  576 
Mexican  plants  at  Kew,  77 
Michaelmas  Daisies  at  Chis¬ 
wick,  348,377 
Microbes  on  roots,  239 
Microscope  for  examining  bac¬ 
teria,  545 

Mignonette,  varieties  and  cu  - 
ture,  120 

MlUonia  Joioeyana,  131 
Mina  lobata,  366 
Missouri  Botanical  Garden,  533 
Montbrella  crocosm»flora 
plena,  143,  172  ;  Ingestre 
Hybrid,  148 
Morina  longifolia,  183 
Mori,la  hypogaaa,  184 
Mulberries, spirits  from.  257 
Mushrooms,  preparing  for,  19  ; 
and  Tomatoes,  125 ;  at  In¬ 
wood  House,  Blandford,  311 ; 
property  in,  420 


NARCISSI,  EXHIBITION  OF,  N 
Birmingham,  75 
Narcissus  Show,  a,lor  Birming¬ 
ham,  554 

National  Co-operative  Festival, 
163 

Nature’s  help  to  gardeners, 
(Syrphus  fly),  383,  335  ;  the 
laced-winged  fly,  517  ;  lady¬ 
birds,  579 

Nectarines,  Early  Rivers,  51 : 
shrivelling,  2u8 

Nelumbium  speclosnm  nuc!- 
ferum,  148 

Nemesla  sirumosa  SuttonI,  193 
Nepenthes  mixta,  297,  315  ;  at 
Chelsea,  340 

Nerlne  elcgans  alba,  349 
NeWbattle  Abbey,  316 
Newnham  Faddox,  263 
New  Zealand,  Karmahi  tree, 
265  ;  fruit  culture  In,  267  ; 
flora,  443 

Nlcotiana  colossea  variegati, 
30 

Nitrogen,  value  of  for  plant.-, 
132 

Not-s  by  the  way,  96,167,  19), 
264,  489 

Nothing  pays— a  wail,  49  3 
Notospartinm  Carmichaeli,  481 
Nymphma  Trickeri,  511 


OAKLEIGH,  NOTES  ABOUT,  9 
Oaks,  species  of,  245 ;  galls,  316 
Oats,  fine,  SI 

Odontogios^ums,  215;  planted 
cut,  279 ;  crispum,  628 


Deeember  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


Oncldiamg,  inteum,  95 ;  Incur- 
vum.asz 

Onion  maggot,  33,  579 
Onions  —  autumn  sown,  101 : 
Golden  Kocca,  124  ;  and 
Potatoes  at  Chiswick,  174  ;  at 
Beading,  302 ;  cerliflcated, 
337  ;  lecture  on,  378 ;  and  the 
maggot,  491;  mineral  consti¬ 
tuents  of,  522  ;  about,  579 
Oranges,  Jaffa,  333 
Orchard  planting  near  Denver, 
261 

Orchids  —  ventilating,  2  ;  Mr. 
Sander  in  America,  27 ;  Den- 
droblum  Hookerianum,  49  ; 
Clrrhopetalum  Brieniannm, 
49 ;  Ccelogync  borneensls,  49  ; 
Stanhopea  Lowi,  49;  Cypri- 
edlum  X  Winnianum,  71 ; 
halsenepsis  tetraspls,  71  ; 
Pleiones,  71 ;  Sobraiia  leu- 
coxantha,  95 ;  new  Orchids, 
95  ;  Polystachya  Imbricata, 
95 ;  Oncidium  luteum,  95 ; 
Habenaria  cinnabarina,  96  ; 
Lnisia  Ameslana,  96;  in  the 
open  air,  90 ;  Stanhopea 
Ameslana,  Bulbophyllnm 
gpathaceum,  Pleurothallls 
puberula,  Vanda  teres,  V. 
cserulea,  175;  at  Chelsea,  189; 
Lailla  monouhyll  ,  189 ;  at 
Morpeth,  Northumberland, 
189 :  Cattleya  aurea,  237  ; 
C.  Gaskelliana,  237 ;  Oncidium 
incurvum,  237  ;  Orchids  at 
Highbury,  237  ;  Disa  lacera, 
237  ;  from  seed,  279  ;  Cypri- 
pedlum  oeao-superbiens,  269; 
Catasetum  Bungerothi,  269  ; 
the  blue  Uisas,  269  ;  Cypri- 
pedinm  Charlesworthl,  307 ; 
repotting  and  surfacing  cool 
house,  307;  Cattleya  blesensis, 
Stenoglottis  longlfolia,  Cypri- 

Eedium  Euryandrum,  327  ; 

aelia  grandis  tenebrosa, 
351 ;  Cattleya  bicolor,  351 ; 
Orchids  at  Cliffe  House, 
Hessle,  35l ;  a  warning  to 
Orchid  hunters, 372;Onciaium 
Sanderianum,  372 ;  Cyprl- 
pedium  H.  Ballantlne,  372; 
Orchids  at  'Woolton  Wood, 
372;  notes  on,  394  ;  Cattleya 
Lord  Bothschild,  417 ;  Cypri- 
pedium  Statterianum,  417  ; 
Odontoglossums,  417;  Den- 
drobium  nobile,  439  ;  at 
Forest  Hill,  439 ;  Disa  Veitchi 
X  tripetaloides,  439  ;  The 
Orchid  Growers’  Manual,” 
462 ;  Ltclio-Cattleya  Statter- 
iana,  402;  for  flowering  at 
Christmas,  462,  487;  Lieiia 
anceps  Ameslana,  505;  Cat¬ 
tleya  citrina,  505  ;  Orchidi 
for  flowering  at  Christmas, 
505  ;  Clrrhopetalum  orna- 
tissimnm,  528  ;  Odontoglos- 
sum  crispum,  528 ;  Cattleya 
citrina, 529;  Lycaste  Imschoot- 
iana,  549;  Latlia  Finckeniana, 
549  ;  Orchid  lessons  for  young 
gardeners  (roots  and  their 
requirements),  550,  573 
Orton  Hall,  284 
Osiers,  culture  of,  272, 642, 563 
Ostrowskia  magolflca,  355, 
535 

Other  lands— New  South  Wales, 
129 

Out  of  town,  307, 329 
Oxylobium  callistachys,  15 


PALM  OIL  TRADE,  AFRICAN, 
101 

Palms,  Sago,  184 
Pansy,  early  history  of,  141 
Parks  and  open  spaces,  124 
Parona  paniculata,  575 
Parsley  for  winter  and  spring, 
72 ;  notes  about,  570 
Paulownla,  a  large,  534 
Pavla  macrostachya,  124 
Peaches  —  early  outdoors,  8  ; 
origin  of,  102;  growing  for 
market,  116,393;  boxes, glands 
on,  208;  yellows  and  potash, 
245;  origin  of,  334;  leaf 
blister,  373,  421 

Peaches  and  Nectarines  out¬ 
doors  and  under  glass,  157  ; 
Golden  Rathripe,  148;  colour 
In,  164;  forcing,  479 
Pears,  stocks  for,  221;  early, 
286  ;  ,'from  seed,  322  ;  self-fer¬ 
tilising,  506  ;  keeping,  508  ; 
Doyennd  dn  Cornice,  irom  a 
north  wall,  533  ;  the  pollina¬ 
tion  of,  536;  mineial  consti¬ 
tuents  of,  545 ;  notei  on,  578 
Pears  r.  Peaches,  259,  287,  30  8, 
872 

Pear  tree,  gall  mite  causing 
canker,  228 ;  blister  moth,  278 
Peas,  in  dry  summers,  249  ;  at 
Wem,  261 ;  Veitch’s  Autocrat, 
313;  particulars  about,  419; 
versus  Peaches,  421,  495  ; 

diseased,  459  ;  The  original 
Hessle,  469,  495  ;  in  1893,  495  ; 
Bergamotte  Hertrlch,  601 
Pelargoniums  at  Windsor,  418 
Pentstemon  antlrrhicoides,  443 
Pershore  Flower  Show,  173 
Perry  refuse  as  manure,  254 
Petra:a  volubllls,  66 
Phacelia  campanulata,  124 


Phal.-cnopslp,  Schillerian.a,  S ; 

tetraspls,  71 
Phygellus  capensis,  278 
Pico  tees,  new,  391 
Pine  Apples,  preserving  at 
Singapore,  535 

Pinks,  248;  at  Uandsworth,  29  ; 

on  the  Riviera.  222 
Pinus  insignis.shoots  and  buds 
destroyed,  322 
Pithers,  Mr.,  death  of,  76 
Plant,  a  new  Solanaceous,  355 
Plant  Industries  in  the 
Caucasus,  377 

P  ant  houses,  65,  110,  253,  320; 

work  in.  864,  521 
PLANTS,  FRDlTS,  AND  VEGE¬ 
TABLES  CERTIPIC  vTED  BY 
THE  KOVAL  HORTICOL- 
TUHAL  SOCIETY— 
Acalypha  Macafeeana,  496  ; 
ACiides  Ballantineanum  au- 
reum,  195 ;  Agave  Leopold  II., 
195  ;  A.  unlvittatamarginata, 
195 :  Aglaonema  pumilum 
(rotundum),  297  ;  Aglao- 
morpha  (  Poly  pod  ium)Meyen- 
i  ma,  49 ; ;  Aloeasla  Chant- 
rierl,  297  ;  Alstroemeria  au- 
rant'aca,  30;  Anthurium 
Wainbeckiatium,  338  ;  A. 

Lindenl  flora  carmine,378. - 

Begonia  Mrs.  Bourne,  78  ;  B. 
semoerflorens  Vernon,  131 ; 

B.  Oloire  de  Lorraine,  378; 

Bomarea  patacoensis,  338. - 

Cabbage,  Christmas  Drum¬ 
head,  538 ;  Caladium  Ba;  onne 
de  Maimoie,  30  ;  C.  Le  Nain 
Rouge,  78 ;  C.  President  de  la 
Devansaye,  131  ;  Calanthe 
Mylei-i,  496;  C.  Victoria 
Regina,  493  ;  Campanula  Ma 
riesi,  78 ;  Cannas,  Duchess  of 
York,  Capitaine  de  Suzzoni, 
Gloire  d’Empel,  Lohengrin, 
Kon'gin  Charlotte,  Michelet, 
131  ;  C.  Quasimodo,  248  ; 
Carnation  Esmeralda, 78;  Mrs. 
Leopold  de  Rothschild,  195  ; 

C.  Mary  Godfrey,  Reginald 
Godfrey,  Mdlle.  The  bse 
Franco,  338 ;  Ca  asetum  Dar- 
winiauum,  496  ;  Cattleya 
Hardyana  Tate’s  variety,  78  ; 
C.  blesensis,  297  ;  C.  chloris, 
838  ;  C.  Eldo'ado  Lindeni, 
338;  C.  Pheidinie,  338;  C. 
Warsequana  fascinator,  338; 
C.  lablata,  378 ;  C.  labiata  var. 
Sanderiana,  378  ;  C.  Hardy¬ 
ana  Selwood  var.  378  ;  C.  Lord 
Rothschild,  378  ;  C.  Waroc- 
queana  Imschootiana,  378 ; 
Chrysanthemum  Mrs.  P. 
Blair,  338;  C.  Ryecroit  Glory, 
W.  H  Fowler,  Miss  M.  Simp¬ 
kins,  Madame  M.  Ricaud,  the 
Tribune,  378  ;  C.  Chas.  Davis, 
C.  J.  Salter,  Duke  of  York, 
Golden  Weddine,  Mdlle.  The- 
ihse  Rey,  Rose  Wynne,  Robert 
Petfleld.Lord  Rosebery, John 
Bunyan,442:  C.  Le  Prince  de 
Bois,  Little  Pet,  Elise  Walker, 
H.  M.  Polletr,  Mrs.  J.  Mit¬ 
chell,  Mrs.  John  Gardiner, 
Elmer  d’Smith,  Golden  Gate, 
Judge  Hoit,  496  ;  C.  Good 
Gracious, Mrs.  MarianBourne, 
539 ;  ■  Clrrhopetalum  orna- 
tissimum,  378;  Cierodendron 
trichotomum,  195 ;  Cornus 
brachypoda  varitgata,  195; 
Costus  igneus,  539 ;  Croton 
Madame  Ernest  Bergman, 
131 ;  C.  Russelii,  442 ;  Cupres- 

sus  macrocarpa  lutea,  78. - 

Cypripedium  Massaianum, 
30;  C.  Stone!  Cannarte, 
80;  C.  Edwardi,  78,  195;  C. 
ceno-snperbiens.  131,  248;  C. 
Theyerianum,131;  C.  Bander- 
superbiens,  195 ;  C.  x  Aphro¬ 
dite,  248  ;  C.  Clotilde  Moens, 
248;  C.  Leonas,  248  ;  C. 
Charlesworthl,  297  ;  C.  Spi- 
cerlo-Lowianum,  338;  C.  Cio- 
nius,  378  ;  C.  Statterianum, 
378 ;  C.  Inslgne  albens,  378  ; 
C.  insigne  Clarkei,  878;  C. 
Ashworthaj,  442;  C.  Leeanum 
var.  James  Hamilton,  442  ; 
C.  South  gateense  superbum, 
442;  C.  Swinburne!  Stand 
Hall  var.,  442 ;  C.  Mary  Lee, 
496  ;  C.  Fairlano-Lawrencia- 
num,  496;  C.  Minos,  496  ;  C. 
insigne  var.  illnstre,  496; 
C.  vennstum  Measurianum, 
539;  C.  Warnhamensls,  639; 
C.  fascinatum,  539 ;  C.  Sal- 
lieri  aureum,  639 ;  C.  OSnone, 
539. — Dahlias,  Ernest  Cheat, 
Mrs.  Mortimer,  Gloriosa, 
Lady  Penzance,  Rowena, 
195;  D.  Cannell’s  Gem, 
Demon,  Golden  Locks,  M.C.C., 
Phyllis,  248  ;  D.  Octa- 
Via,  Mrs.  Morgan,  captain 
Boyton,  Miranda  Beauty  of 
Watford,  Edith  Turner,  Flo¬ 
rence  Woodland,  Mrs.  Peart, 
Cherub,  Grand  Duke  Aiexis, 
Norma,  Duchess  of  York, 
Ceres,  Sovereign,  297  ;  D. 
Emily  Hopper,  Ettle  Swan, 
Purple  Prince,  Miss  Arnold, 
Old  Gold,  338 ;  D.  CannelTs 
Brilliant,  Sir  F.  Mouteflore, 
Mrs.  Parrot,  378 ;  Datura 
cornucopia,  297;  Dendrobium 
Phalsenopsis  Appleton’s  var. 
878 ;  Disa  Premier,  838  ;  Dra- 


PLANT8  CERTIFICATED— Con¬ 
firmed. 

caina  Indivisa  aurea  varie- 
gata,  30;  D.  Alexander 

Laing,131 ;  D.  Jamesl.442  - 

Exacum  macranthum,  195 ; 
Gladioli  John  Warren,  Grover 
Cleveland ,  Alfred  Henderson, 
Duke  of  York,  13l;  G.  Ber¬ 
nice,  Cassandra,  Gertrude, 
Orlande,  196 ;  Grape  Cape 
Muscat,  246  ;  Grevillea 

Banksi,  131. - Habenaria 

carnea,  196  ;  Haemanthus 
Lindeni,  838;  Hedera  helix 
tesselata,  131  ;  Helianthus 
rigdus  Miss  Mellish,  196; 
Heliopsis  scabra  major,  297 ; 

Hollyhock  Amaranth,  131. - 

L.Tlia  crispa  superba,  78  ; 
L.  Novelty,  131 ;  L.  tenebrosa, 
Walton  Grange  variety,  131 ; 
L.  elegans  I'urneri,  Ingram’s 
var.,  297 ;  L.  elegans  crispa, 
338 :  L.  anceps  Amesiana, 
496  :  L.  Finckeniana,  539  ; 
Lmllo-Cattleya  epicasta, 248; 
L.  C.  Nysa,  248 ;  L.  C.  Pis- 
andra,  878 ;  L.  Statteriana, 
442  ;  L.  C.  Nysa,  539  ;  Liatris 
pycnostaohya,  131 ;  Lilium 
japonlcum  var.  Alexandric, 
30  ;  L.  Lowi,  30  ;  L.  Ukeyuri 

(L.  Alexandra;), 30. - Melon, 

Lee’s  Perfection,  78 ;  M.  Hero 
of  Isleworth,  Royal  Prince, 
County  Councillor,  131 ;  M.l- 
tonia  vexillaria,  Daisy  Hay- 

wood,78:  M  Joiceyana,131. - 

Nepenthes  Amesiana.  639  ; 
Nerine  elegans  alba,  338  ; 
Nlcoilana  colossea  variegata, 

80. - Odontoglossum,  Uro- 

Skinneri  alba,  338;  O.  cris¬ 
pum  var.  Tnompfona;,  539  ; 
Onions,  Southport  Yellow 
Globe,  Southport  Red  Globe, 
DeverilTs  Cocoanut,  Globe 
Madeira,  Italian  Tripoli, 
Prlzetaker,  337  ;  Orange, 

seedling  (Edith).  533.  - 

Paphinla  grandis  var.  gigas, 
378  ;  Peach,  Dnchess  of  York, 
246 ;  Pear  Beurre  Fouqueray, 
337  ;  Pentstemon  Clevelandi, 
193;  Phlox  Etna,l31;  P.Molifere, 
248  :  Pink  Ernest  Ladhams, 
193  ;  Platycerlum  stemmaria 
(cethlopica),  539  ;  Pleione 
maculata  alba,  442  ;  Plum 
Golden  Transparent,  247; 
Potatoes,  Major  T.  Neve, 
Success,  Crawley  Prizetaker, 
Boston  Q  and  Q ,  Conference, 
332;  Jeanie  Deans,  Confer¬ 
ence,  Early  Regent,  Nelly 
Langley,  Radcliffe  Kidney, 
337  ;  Primula  Forbesl,  442  ; 
Ptychoraphis  augusta,  338. 

- Quercus  americana  splen- 

dens,  338 - Rose,  Duke  of 

York,  196 ;  R.  Ade  ine  Viviand 

Morel,  243.  -  Solanum 

Wendlandi,  338  ;  Spiraea 
Anthony  Waterer,  78  ;  Stan¬ 
hopea  Lowi,  442 :  Sweet  Peas, 
Eliza  Eckfoid,  Tne  Belle,  78. 

-  Tecoma  Smith! .  338  ; 

Tritoma  Osiris,  131.  - 

Veronica  hybrida.  Purple 
Queen,  297.  —  Weigela  Eva 

Rathke,  196. - Zygopetalum 

rostratum,  539. 

Platycodon.o,  102 ;  or  Cam¬ 
panula,  145 ;  P.  grandiflora 
Mariesi,  P.  Mariesi  alba, 
170 

Pleiones,  71 

Plumbago  Larpentae,  314 
Plums  decaying,  113 ;  culture 
under  glass,  211 ;  mineral 
constituents  of,  545 
Pocket-book  notes,  94 
Poinsettia  pulchenlma  555 
Pol.vstachya  imbricata,  95 
Pomona  Farm  Nurseries,  Wlth- 
ington,  Hereford.  440 
Poppie.",  Iceland,  3,9 
Potatoes.  Snowdrop,  83 ;  crop 
in  Jersey,  197  ;  culture  of  240  ; 
prices  for,  246  ;  problem,  a, 
266,  334;  shrivelled,  288; 

mulching,  experiments  in 
America,  333 ;  certificated  at 
Chiswick,  332  ;  in  Lincoln¬ 
shire,  375  ;  diseased  and 
soabbed,366;  giow  ngexperi- 
ments,  420 ;  Per.ieverance 
with  (Messrs.  Sutton’s  ex¬ 
periments),  461;  seed,  665; 
ware,  555 

Pratt,  Miss,  death  of,  102 
Preparing  for  the  winter,  48 
Primula  Forbesi,  489 
Prize  -  giving,  proportional, 
156,  173,  202 

Prizes  at  the  Gardening  and 
Forestry  Exhibition,  419,  444, 
492 

Pruning  fruit  trees,  plain 
words  on,  270 

Pyrus  japonlca  fruiting,  443 


QUEEN  AND  GARDENER,  38 
Queen’s  cottage,  Kew,  468 


Radishes,  winter,  40i 
Railway  gardening,  654 
Rain,  after  the,  47 


Rainfall,  heavy,  153 
Ramsgate  Public  Park,  267 
Ranunculus  Lyalli,  467 
Raspberries,  autumn,  376 ;  in 
October,  421 ;  Jottings,  571 
Raspberry  moth  (Lampronia 
rubiella)  536 
Beauing,  flowers  at,  74 
Regent’s  Park,  bedding  at,  241 
Retrospect,  a,  509 
Room  plants,  675 
Boot  fung,U9,  246 
Rose  analysis,  18.66-1893,803 
Roselands,  Southampton,  818 
Rose  (National)  Society's 
Provincial  Show  at  Work¬ 
sop,  51 ;  N.R.S.  catalogue,  72; 
N.K.S.  Worksop  Show,  criti¬ 
cisms  on,  72  ;  National  Ro-e 
Society, 201, 465  ;  notes  about 
Ro;es,  201;  Mr.  Mrwley’s 
analysis,  331, 884,  418,  440,  465  ; 
new  cata  ogue  fund,  539; 
annual  meeting,  540  ;  annual 
dinner.  541 

Roses  Orange  fungus,  N.R.S. 
Tea  Exh. billon,  5 ;  Margaret 
Dickson,  writers  on.  Briers  or 
Briars,  orange  fungus,  28 ; 
a  fea-t  of,  29 ;  and  the 
'•  Victoria  ”  Fund,  51 ;  and 
rosarians  51,  73,  98;  the 

fragrance  of  72  97  ;  old  Rows 
at  Kirkconnell,  N.B.,  73; 
Mr,  Orahame’s  qnestl  mi  to 
rosarians,  97;  judging,  91; 
notes  on  the  Meiropolitin 
Exhibition  of  the  N.R8., 
98;  Ernest  Metz,  Souv-'nir 
de  la  Malmaison,  Mr.  Gra- 
hame’s  circular.  Teas  from 
cuttings,  N.R.S.  Provitcial 
Show,  121  ;  fungus  and 
remedies,  137;  E  n  st  Metz, 
Roses,  146 ;  Mr.  Laxton  and 
his  work  among  Roses, 
National  Ro-e  Society.  In 
memi  riam— death  oi  the  Rsv. 
J.  M.  Fu  ler,  the  fragrance  in, 
169  ;  Mr.  Grahame’s  circular, 
Ernest  Metz,  Tea  scented, 
growing  in  Saxony.  2i8  ;  The 
Bride,  240  ;  Ro.-a  Polyan  ha 
(Fairy  Roses),  243  ;  a  new 
hybrid  Rose,  240  ;  Jean 
Baptiste  Gui  lot,  272;  the 
late  M.  Gulllot,  a  large 
Marechal  Nie',  287;  hot 
season  Roses,  358,  384  ;  Rose 
analysis.  358  ;  hybrid  Briar 
Boies,  384  ;  Lo:d  Penzance’s 
Hybrid  Briars,  4l8  ;  sow  ng 
heps,  435  ;  the  Bose  in  1893, 
435,  494  ;  Aberdeen  Rose-,  509 ; 
the  N  R.S.  and  the  future  of 
exhibiting,  509;  manuring 
and  planting,  610  ;  protecting 
Tea  Roses,  539 ;  Rose  pests 
and  their  eradication,  539 ; 
Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons, 
540 ;  manuring  and  trans¬ 
planting,  540,  559,  577;  Burn- 
fide  s  Bijou  on  Tea  Rose.“,558 ; 
Comte  Alphon  e  de  Serenye 
and  Comiesse  de  Serenye, 
558 ;  the  winter  proteciion  of 
Roses,  558  ;  winners  with 
seventy-two  Roses,  659;  Hy¬ 
brid  Teas,  659,  577 ;  a  recent 
slander,  56);  Mts.  W.  C. 
Whitney,  576;  c  assiflcatlon 
of,  576  ;  blue  Roses,  676 
Roihams  ed,  honour.ii,  7;  wed¬ 
ding  flowers,  10 ;  experiments. 
Jubilee  of  the,  77 ;  experi¬ 
ments.  the,  91 ;  report  of  the 
Jubilee,  103 

Roval  Gardeners’ Orphan  Fund, 
490 

Ruellia  macrantha,  419 
Russia,  fruit  culture  in,  102 


SABBATIA  CAMPESTRI3,  159 
Scale  on  Kentia  leaf,  434 
Salvia  Grahami,  419 
Sand-binding  grass,  245 
Sawbridgeworih,  a  call  at, 
336 

Saxiiraga  biternata,  627 
Scabhius,  Sweet,  356 
School  gardens,  248 ;  continua¬ 
tion.  201 

Scotland,  woods  and  trees  lu, 
314 

Scottish  gardens,  a  glance  at, 
316 

Sennowe  Hall,  128 
Shading,  fruit  houses,  24  ; 
plants,  612 

Shallots,  exhibiting,  208 
Shanking  in  Gr  pps,au  experi¬ 
ment  with,  238.  262 
Shortcomings,  563 
Shows,  four  days’  condemned,  9 
Shows — Lee,  hiackheath,  and 
Lewisham,  17;  Croydon,  17 ; 
Diss,  37;  Brockhaui,  37; 
Hereford,  38 ;  Ipswich,  39  ; 
Norwich,  39  ;  Bath,  39  ; 
Farnlngham,  39;  Wolver¬ 
hampton,  41  :  Earl’s  (  #011, 
41;  Wolverhampton,  6s; 
Boston,  60;  Woodundge,  60; 
Chertsey,  Walton,  and  Wey- 
bridge,  61 ;  People’s  Pa  ace, 
62;  Wood  Green,  63;  Ascot 
and  District,  63;  Cainailon 
and  Pkotee  Union,  63  ; 
Trentham,  82;  Prescot,  83; 
Huyton  and  Roby,  8‘ ;  Bed¬ 
ford,  83  ;  Newcastle,  84  ; 


■vii. 


Snows — Continued. 

Earl’s  Court,  85 ;  West  of 
England  Carnation  and  Pico- 
tee,  85 ;  Midland  Counties 
Carnation  and  Plcotee,  86; 
Liverpool,  107  ;  Northern 
Carnation,  108  ;  Southamp¬ 
ton,  132  ;  Earl’s  Court,  183  ; 
Leicester,  156;  Taunton,  157  ; 
Taunton  Deane,  179;  Cardiff, 
180;  Wilts,  181;  Earl’s  Court, 
181,251;  Dumfries,  171 ;  Bland- 
ford,  172 ;  Knighton,  172 ; 
Pershore,  173  ;  Kingswood, 
174  ;  Shrewsbury,  203,  218  ; 
Trowbridge,205;  Bisingitoke, 
206  ;  Moseley,  Bath,  227; 
Sandy,  228  ;  Brighton,  229; 
Royal  Aquarium,  230 ;  Derby, 
250 ;  Birkenhead  and  Wlrrall, 
251;  Edinburgh,  273 ;  Banbury 
Onion  and  Vegetable.  276 ; 
Manchester,  276 ;  Gloucester 
and  Cheltenham,  319 
Shrewsbury,  floral  designs,  75 
Shropshire  Horticultural  So¬ 
ciety,  575 

Shrubs,  pruning,  92  ;  thoughts 
on.  607 

Shuttieworth  <fe  Co.,  Ltd., 
Me.-srs.  E.  D..  581 
Sliene  penuula,  80 
Slrex  gigas,  279,288,332 
Snowdrops,  ea-  ly,  548, 554 
Snow  Plough,  the  ”  KnowBley,” 
542 

Snowstorms,  290 
Sobraiia  leucoxantha,  95 
soils,  improving  light,  160 ; 
analysis  of,  347,  369 ;  enrich¬ 
ing  in  the  autumn.  349,  416, 
571 ;  and  climate,  influences 
0  )  392;  management  of,  520 
sparrows,  ravages  of,  145,  814  ; 
suburban,  244,  265 ;  trapping, 
289 

Spathoglottis  Fortunei,  283 
Sprayer),  Verinorel’s,  232 
Spraying  versus  Insect  pests 
and  fungoid  disea'^es,  71, 92 
Stapellas,  at  Kew,  101;  gigan- 
tea.  533 

Starch  formation,  126 
ttephanotis  floribunda  fruit¬ 
ing,  467 

Sternbergia  lutea,  376 
Stokesia  cyanea.  572 
Strawberries  — farming,  6,84; 
in  Hampshire,  25 ;  conti¬ 
nental,  121  ;  'n  pots, 299;  in 
October,  ripe,  355, 399  ;  mine¬ 
ral  con-tiiueuts  of,  545 
Stuartia  pentagyna,  100 
sulhampstead,  a  day  at,  236 
Sulphate  of  copper  solution  for 
destroying  scale,  522 
Sulphate  of  iron  for  fruit 
trees, 553 

SunnlLgdale  Park, 36 
Swainsonia  gahgitolla  alba, 
32 

Sweet  Peas,  150 

Sweet  Sultan  unsatisfactory, 
89 

Syrphus  fly,  383 


TAKING  OUR  ENEMIES  ON 
THE  QUIET,  415 
Tar  and  iruit  trees,  33 
Tea,  Farmo.san,  314 ;  cultivation 
In  C  ■ylon,333 
Tecoma  Smiihi,  356 
Tennis  lawn,  weed  on,  480 
Xesiimouials,  original,  344 
Thistles,  destr  yiug.  186 
Thames  Embankment,,  a  new, 
400 

Thomson,  Mr.  AV.,  death  of,  100 
Thorpe,  Mr.  G.,  death  of,  575 
Three  days’  holiday  in  the  Isle 
of  Wight,  168 

Thrips,  outdoors  and  under 
glass,  159 

Timber  measurements,  292 
Tomatoe.s— Notes  on,  12,  19; 
unhealthy  structures  for,  21 : 
difficulties,  333  ;  bacterial 
dlsea-e  in,  79,  99  ;  Sutton’s 
Al,  124:  di-e-is  d  and  remedy, 
160  ;  Lady  Bird,  171 ;  irregular 
in  size,  184 ;  a  museum  of, 
Messrs.  Sutton  ife  Sons,  267  ; 
stray,  312  ;  fine,  314 ;  exhibit¬ 
ing,  321 ;  are  Tomato  diseases 
controllable?  (baorenum), 
325,372;  Stray,  333;  diseases, 
bact  rial  and  eel  worm 
troubles  350  ;  stray, 356;  in 
1893,  392  ;  chem  cal  mannre 
ior.Sol;  cuitcire,5i8 ;  ripening 
green  (American  method), 
575 

Tree.“,  the  va’ue  of,  166;  the 
oldest  in  the  yvorld,  314 ; 
set  ing  up  wind-blown,  652 ; 
the  rings  of,  555 
Tridax  bi»olor  rosea,  295 
Troewolum  Mrs.  Clibran,  8 
Truffles,  209,  480 

Tuberoses,  to  flower  in  August, 
582 

Tynnlnghame,3l7 


UNITED  HORTICULTURAL 
BENEFIT  AND  PROVIDENT 
SOCIETY,  363  ;  annual  din¬ 
ner.  341 

Uraria  crlnita,  876 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  S8,  1893. 


Till. 


VEGETABLE  GROWER  AND 
HIS  WORK,  A,  489 
Vegetables,  exhibiting  in 
baskets,  116 ;  cuitnre  in  ad¬ 
verse  seasons,  240, 263 ;  grow¬ 
ing  and  showing,  397;  Targe, 

400 

Vegetarianism,  Lady  Taget’s 
piea  for,  128 
Verbaxnm  Chaixi,  82 
Veronica  hybrida  Purple  Queen, 

297 

Vine  border,  making  a,  888 
Vines— Current  notes  on,  18  ; 
leaves  scorched,  21, 26 ;  Mus¬ 
cat  of  Alexandria,  turning 
yellow,  66;  Goliaths,  139; 
planter  of  the  Hampton 
Court,  147 ;  the  Breadalbane, 

178  ;  problem,  a  268, 290 ;  sea¬ 
sonable  notes  on,  410;  cul¬ 
ture,  a  retrospect,  416 ;  mildew  ' 


Vines— Continued, 
on,  644;  liquid  manure  in 
winter  for,  645  ;  for  a  house 
without  Are  heat,  645 
Vineyards,  The  Rhine,  376 
Violas,  good  white,  82  ;  Border 
Maid,  10;  notes  on,  120;  for 
massing,  132;  new,  220,  438, 
496.  657  ;  comments  on,  658  ; 
new  miniature,  580 
Violets  in  the  winter,  417 


WAKEFIELD  PAXTON  SOCIETZ 
172 

Walls,  garden,  price  of,  388 
Walsh,  Mr.  Duncan,  death  of, 
491 

Waltham  Cross  revTsUed, 
384 


Wasps— nests  and  cyanide  of 
potassium,  10 ;  method  of 
destroying,  27;  and  their 
destruction,  61;  the  plaEUe 
of  126,  267  ;  destroying,  152  ; 
destroying  with  turpentine, 
queens,  wasps  and  benzoline, 
wasps  and  Tomatoes,  wasps 
and  muslin,  wasps  and  Mac 
Dongall’s  smoke  ferrets.  176, 
201;  queen,  266;  nests  de¬ 
stroyed,  266 

Water,  cold  versus  hard,  214 ; 
foft  versus  hard,  239,  271,  286, 
317,  339;  cost  of  boring  for, 
302 ;  hard  cold,  for  plants, 
361,  S74 

We8ther,in  Scotland, 55, 531;  in 
June.  55;  and  the  crops,  198; 
mild  Oct iber,  355  ;  rough,  in 
the  North,  467 ;  in  the  Isle 
of  Wight,  468 


Water  Lily,  a  new,  511 
Weeds,  destroying,  265 
Welton  House  gardens,  12 
Wembley  Park. 310 
Wem  Peas,  the,  281 
West  Ella  Conifers,  13 
Wicklow,  wanderings  in,  4SG 
Wild  flower  competitions,  173, 
222 

Wine,  Grape  and  Rhubarb,  233 
WiQier  flowering  plants,  283 
Winter  greens,  earthing  up, 
333 

Winter  moth,  421 
Winter,  preparing  for  the,  48 ; 
in  a  Scottish  mans*  garden, 
526 

Winter’s  Bark,  159 
Wistaria,  propagating  the,  55 
Wood,  a  new,  312;  ashes  and 
blood,  mixing,  622;  exposing 
to  rain,  522 


Woodhatch  Gardens,  166 
WooltoH  Qa  deners’  Mutual 
Improvement  Society,  The, 
543 

Worms  In  flower  pots,  20 


YORK  florists,  ANCIENT 
SOCIETY  OP,  annual  dinner, 
554 

York  Gala  and  city  charities, 
143  ;  flnances  401 


ZBPHYBANTHHS  TREAT I.E,  89 
Ai)  at  Pelargoniums,  chemical 
mauures  for,  481 


WOODCUTS. 


PAGE 

Achimenes,  a  Basket  of,  at  Chatsworth  ..  81 

Agave  Leopold  II .  ..  ..  335 

Aglaonema  pumilum  (rotundum)  . 379 

Apple  Benoni  . 232 

„  Gascoigne’s  Seedling  . 583 

Banksia  integrifolia  . 435 

Barleria  Gibsoni . 155 

Campanula  grandiflora  Mariesi . 103 

„  nitida  alba . 239 

„  persicifolia  alba  Backhousiana  ..  ..  3 

Canker  in  Pear  Trees,  caused  by  Mites  ..  223 

Carnations  attacked  by  Eelworms  . 34 

„  „  Helminthosporium  and  Uromyces  35 

„  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  at  Halton  ..  199 

Cattleya  Lord  Rothschild . 425 

Chrysanthemum  Bud  Mite  (Phytoptus  Ohrysanthemi 

—Abbey}  . 231 

„  Leaves  infested  with  Eelworms  ..  129 

Mdlle.  'Th^rfese  Key . 449 

„  Lord  Rosebery  . 471 

„  The  “  Shoesmith  ”  cup  and  tube  , .  561 

„  The  Tribune . 403 

Clerodendron  trichotomum  . 247 

Codonopsis  (Glossocomi)  ovata . 273 

Croton  Russelli  ..  493 

Cunila  Mariana  . 459 

Currant  (Black)  shoots  diseased  . 11 

Cyclobothra  amoena  . 261 

Oypripedium  Charlesworthi  . .  . .  . .  . .  307 

„  Clonius  . 395 

„  aeno-superbiens . 269 

„  insigne  var.  Illustre  . 673 

„  Sander-superbiens . 315 

„  Statterianum  . 417 

„  volonteanum  giganteum  ..  ..  37 

„  Winnianum . 71 


I’AGE 

Dendroblum  Hookerianum  (chrysotis)  ..  ..  49 

Dianthus  callizonus  .  ..  127 

Eelworms  in  Carnations . 34 

H  in  Chrysanthemums . 129 

Epilobium  obcordatum . 179 

Flower  Basket  at  Halton,  Tring  . 513 

Foxglove,  Campanulate . 44 

Fritillaria  armena . 107 

„  brevicaulis  . 441 

Habenaria  carnea . 283 

Halton,  Flower  Basket  at .  ..  ..  513 

„  House  of  Carnations . 199 

Heating,  the  principles  of  . ,  . .  . .  329,  360 

Heliopsis  scabra  major . 371 

Helminthosporium  on  Carnations  , .  . ,  . .  35 

Hemerobius  (the  Laced-winged  Fly) . 517 

Hull  and  East  Biding  Chrysanthemum  Society’s 

Cups .  ..  . 339 

Laced-winged  Fly  (Hemerobius)  . 517 

Ladybirds  and  their  Larvae  . 579 

Lselia  anceps  Amesiana . 505 

„  Finckeniana . 557 

„  tenebrosa,  Waltcn  Grange  variety  ..  .  150 

Lselio-Cattleya  pisandra . O'..  4Y 

„  Statteriana  .  ..  463 

Lillum  Henryi  . 191 

„  japonlcum  var.  Alexandre  (Hkeyuri)  ..  57 

„  Lowi . 79 

Littonia  modesta  ..  349 

Lycaste  Imscbootiana  . 549 

‘  Martin  ”  Flower  Back,  The  . 318 

Masdevellia  Qelengiana . 119 


PAGE 

Montbretia  crocosmaeflora  plena  . 143 

Mushrooms  at  Inwood  House  . . 311 

Nature’s  Helps  to  Gardeners — Ssrphus  Fly  ..  383 

„  „  Laced-winged  Fly,  The  (Hemc- 

robius)  . 517 

„  ,,  Ladybirds  and  their  Larv®  ..  579 

Nepenthes  mixta . 315 

Nerine  elegans  alba  . 349 

Notospartium  Carmichaeli  . 481 

Ostrowskia  magnifica  . 635 

Oxylobium  callistachys . 13 

Pear  Bergamotte  Hertrioh  . 501 

Pear-tree  Leaf  Gall  causing  Canker . 323 

Phytoptus  Ohrysanthemi — {Abbey} . 291 

Portraits — Corlett,  Mr.  H,  . 361 

„  Davis,  Mr.  M . 167 

„  Laxton.  Mr.  Thomas  . 151 

„  Machin,  Mr.  H.  V . 53 

Primula  Forbesi . .  ..  ..  439 

Rose  Mrs.  W.  C.  Whitney  . 677 

Saxifraga  bitemata  . 527 

Snow  Plough,  “The  Knowsiey" . 542 

Sobralia  leucoxantha  . 95 

Stanhopea  Amesiana  . 175 

Syrphus  Fly,  The,  and  Grubs . 333 

Temma  Smith!  . 357 

Tridax  bicolor  rosea  . 395 

Truffle,  a  Black  . 309 

Uromyces  on  Camatkni . 35 


July  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


SOME  time  ago,  when  our  “  Home  Farm  ”  contributor  had  been 
referring  to  rich  pastures  and  full  crops  as  the  result  of  the 
soil  being  well  stored  with  plant  food,  a  correspondent  desired  to 
know  where  such  verdancy  could  be  found.  Residing  in  a  high, 
dry,  and  not  over-well  tilled  locality,  the  incredulity  of  the  querist 
was  not  unnatural.  Not  in  his  district  alone,  but  over  a  vast 
tract  of  country,  notably  in  the  southern  and  parts  of  the  midland 
counties,  fields,  banks,  and  roadside  margins  were  so  parched  that 
scarcely  a  tinge  of  green  was  visible.  Not  a  “  bite  ”  could  be 
found  in  the  grazing  pastures,  and  meads  afforded  little  or  nothing 
to  the  mower.  Garden  crops  were  languishing,  and  the  anxiety  of 
gardeners  becoming  extreme  in  view  of  the  actual  collapse  of  some 
crops,  and  the  prospective  exhaustion  of  others  weeks  before  their 
time.  J ust  when  a  breakdown  of  supplies  for  man  and  beast  was 
imminent  the  rain  came  and  cheered  the  falling  spirits  of  the 
husbandman,  and  in  some,  perhaps  many,  districts  gave  a  distinct 
flush  to  vegetation.  The  parched  earth  was  moistened,  enabling 
sowing  and  planting  to  be  done  that  had  long  perforce  remained 
in  abeyance. 

But  this  was  not  so  everywhere.  Some  localities  were  visited 
by  drenching  thunder  showers  during  the  last  week  in  June,  a 
few  doing  damage  by  their  violence  ;  in  other  districts  the  showers 
extending  more  or  less  fitfully  over  two  or  three  days,  were  just 
sufficient  for  the  resumption  of  cultivation  and  “  saving  ”  established 
crops,  but  in  some  tracts  of  country  the  rain  was  so  light  that  only 
the  leafage  of  plants  and  herbage  in  gardens  and  fields  was 
freshened  and  the  surface  of  the  ground  temporarily  cooled.  It 
was  a  respite  from  exhaustion,  nothing  moroj  and  we  are  now 
informed  on  reliable  authority  that  there  are  stretches  of  country 
along  the  south  coast,  in  Sussex,  Kent,  and  parts  of  Hants  and 
Surrey,  in  which,  to  quote  a  graphically  descriptive  phrase, 
‘‘roads  and  pastures  are  all  one  colour,  a  cheerless,  whitey 
brown.” 

We  know  from  a  passing  glance  through  the  country  by  rail 
and  road  between  the  English  Channel  and  the  Humber  that  the 
above  statement  is  true  as  regards  the  localities  to  which  it  refers  ; 
and  we  also  know  that,  much  as  northern  farmers  and  gardeners 
have  felt,  and  perhaps  still  feel,  the  exhausting  effect  of  the 
drought,  they  ought  really  to  be  happy  in  escaping  the  immeasur¬ 
ably  greater  stress  and  strain  that  land  workers  in  the  dry  uplands 
in  the  midland  counties  and  the  parched  tropical  slopes  in  the 
south  have  had  to  endure.  But  while  being  convinced  of  the 
general  accuracy  of  the  above  comparison,  we  have  to  record  our 
conviction  of  a  fact  which  we  believe  to  be  indisputable.  Whether 
in  the  north  or  the  south,  or  anywhere  and  everywhere,  land  that 
is  naturally  rich  and  deep  by  alluvial  deposits,  and  not  exhausted 
by  greed  or  misjudgment,  also  land  that  has  been  subjected  to 
deep  culture  and  generous  enrichment  by  workers  with  means  and 
knowledge,  “holds  out”  the  best,  and  supports  crops  of  all  kinds 
for  use  or  ornament  long  after  the  poor  and  thinner  mediums 
“  give  out,”  and  vegetation  withers  and  dies.  There  is  not  a  square 
mile  in  the  kingdom  where  the  land  is  amenable  to  profitable 
cultivation  that  the  accuracy  of  the  above  dictum  is  not  demon¬ 
strated.  We  find,  comparatively  speaking,  gardens  full  and  fields 
bare  almost  everywhere.  What  is  the  reason  ?  It  is  a  case  of  land 
fertility  on  the  one  hand,  and  land  sterility  on  the  other.  We 

No.  680.— VoL,  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


1  • 


find  striking  examples  of  this  over  much  smaller  areas  than  a  mile. 
Even  in  the  same  field  they  are  evident,  and  to  test  the  matter 
still  more  closely  over  an  acre  of  land  in  almost  any  field  devoted 
to  small  allotments  the  truth  of  the  proposition  stares  us  in  the 
face,  and  cannot  be  obscured. 

Take  a  glance  say  at  four  roods  of  Barley  side  by  side  belonging 
to  as  many  cultivators,  the  previous  crop  in  each  case  Potatoes. 
We  find  on  one  piece  full  healthy  clean  growth  capable  of  yielding 
at  the  rate  of  at  least  five  quarters  of  grain  per  acre,  and  probably 
six.  The  next  piece  is  weak,  thin,  stunted,  weedy,  and  cannot 
approach  half  of  such  yield.  The  plot  adjoining  this  is  very  little, 
if  any,  better  ;  but  the  next  “  jumps  up  ”  more  than  afoot  higher, 
a  fleecy  mass  of  waving  plume-like  heads.  All  the  plots  have  had 
the  same  amount  of  sunshine  and  rain,  yet  the  crops  in  some 
flourish  and  in  others  fail.  Lot  not  the  owners  of  the  failures 
eondemn  the  land  and  the  sun,  but  rather  take  a  lesson  from  their 
successful  neighbours  on  the  remarkable  potency  of  high  cultiva¬ 
tion  during  periods  of  drought.  As  it  is  to  be  feared  the  average 
man  who  works  on  the  land  is  a  stubborn  animal — too  stubborn  to 
believe  in  and  learn  the  lesson  so  eloquently  taught  by  the  Barley, 
he  must  have  another  course.  He  can  enter  a  field  of  twenty  rod 
plots  of  Potatoes,  take  any  eight  of  these  plots  side  by  side,  which 
cover  one  acre.  One  or  perhaps  two  of  these  plots  are  supporting 
plants  with  stout  stems  and  broad  thick  leaves  that  meet  across  the 
space  of  27  inches  between  the  rows,  and  would  be  better  with 
more  room.  Of  the  remaining  plots  half  may  not  be  half  so  good 
as  the  best,  and  the  others  stunted  and  miserable,  not  capable  of 
paying  the  rent  of  the  land.  Again  we  ask  what  is  the  cause  of  the 
difference  ?  and  again  the  answer  is  enriched  soil  and  good  manage¬ 
ment  in  the  one  case,  impoverished  ground  or  errors  in  culture  in 
the  other.  If  there  is  any  other  valid  reason  we  shall  be  glad 
to  know  what  it  is.  As  in  small  cultures  so  in  large.  One  field  is 
full  of  grain  or  roots — a  cheerful  prospect  ;  the  next  thin  in  crop, 
weedy,  or  bare — a  depressing  spectacle.  All  have  had  the  same 
quantity  of  rain  and  the  soil  is  of  the  same  original  staple.  Deep 
clean  generous  culture  and  timely  cropping  always  “  tell,”  but 
never  so  clearly  as  in  a  long  period  of  drought.  Shallow,  late 
slipshod  working  and  exhausted  soil  tell  also,  but  disastrously. 

Our  farm  contributor  is  right  all  through  the  piece  in  his 
insistence  on  a  more  generous  and  intelligent  treatment  of  the 
soil.  In  no  other  way  can  either  farming  or  gardening  be  rendered 
profitable  in  dry  seasons,  or  any  seasons.  The  striking  differences 
in  crops  are  as  apparent  on  land  in  Surrey  and  Kent  as  in  Hunting¬ 
donshire,  Notts,  and  Lincolnshire,  where  inspection  has  been  made. 
Starved  farm  land  is  dried  out ;  deep  fertile  garden  ground  supports 
altogether  superior  crops.  Highly  farmed  and  well  fed  land  is 
productive,  and  the  grass  remains  green  for  weeks  longer  than  in 
thin  poor  soil,  and  all  other  crops  differ  in  the  same  way.  “  No 
grass  in  the  midlands”  is  a  familiar  line.  It  is  too  true  over  a 
great  extent  of  country  ;  but  go  to  Southwell,  where  Mr.  Merry- 
weather  grows  Roses,  and  a  green  district  will  be  seen.  The  grass 
is  knee  deep  in  some  of  the  least  used  nursery  paths,  or  was  ten 
days  ago.  Perhaps  it  is  cut  now.  The  roadsides  are  the  same, 
and  the  fields  the  reverse  of  brown.  Because  the  land  is  rich  the 
grass  is  rich,  if  it  were  poor  so  would  be  the  herbage. 

Go  to  Gateford  and  see  the  splendid  crops  of  all  kinds  on  the 
excellent  squire’s  estate  near  Worksop — Mr.  Machin’s — the  Rose 
squire  of  the  Midlands.  The  Roses  and  the  crops  are  what  they 
are  because  both  are  well  managed  by  owner  and  tenants.  Would 
that  all  were  like  them — that  all  had  such  land  and  equally,  as  the 
late  Lord  Tennyson  said,  “did  their  duty  by  it.”  Farmers  are  not 
going  to  ruin  there,  nor  in  the  best  farmed  lands  of  Lincoln  ;  but 
even  among  the  best,  indifferent  crops  occur  here  and  there  to  mar 
the  fair  face  of  the  country.  It  is  just  a  question  of  individual 
means,  ability,  energy,  and  management.  It  is  the  same  all  round 
and  everywhere.  Starve  the  laud  and  it  will  starve  both  woiker 
and  owner  ;  deepen  it  where  needed,  feed  it,  clean  it,  stir  it  to  keep 

No.  2336.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


2 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  6,  1895. 


in  the  moisture,  and  it  will  support  both  to  an  immeasurably  greater 
extent  than  so  much  of  it  does  now. 

It  is  announced  that  the  Board  of  Agriculture  are  instituting 
nquiries  for  ascertaining  the  best  means  to  adopt  with  land  in  dry 
seasons.  The  best  crops,  and  there  are  good  and  bad  everywhere, 
tell  clearly  enough  what  is  needed.  More  thorough  working,  more 
manure — plant-food — in  the  soil,  with  surface  working  to  conserve 
the  scant  moisture,  and  no  weeds  to  devour  what  the  crops  so 
urgently  require  and  must  have  to  render  them  satisfactory. 
Such  are  some  of  the  clear,  plain,  practical  lessons  taught  by 
the  drought  of  the  present  year.  Let  not  their  significance  be 
disregarded. 


WHAT  PAYS  BEST? 

(^Concluded  from  page  516,  last  vol.) 

Carnations  succeed  admirably  in  the  14  feet  wide  houses, 
either  on  low  roughly  extemporised  stages  or  on  the  borders  with 
boards,  slates,  or  tiles  under  the  pots.  The  common  “  Malmaisons” 
do  not  fetch  very  high  prices  in  Covent  Garden  now-a-days,  but  the 
rage  for  them  has  extended  to  provincial  towns,  where  they  sell 
readily  enough  at  from  6s.  to  12s.  per  dozen,  according  to  quality  and 
the  time  of  year.  The  pink  or  more  richly  coloured  forms  not 
being  so  extensively  grown,  still  sell  well  in  London,  or  somewhat 
better  than  they  do  in  most  provincial  towns,  most  that  I  have  sent 
to  Covent  Garden  averaging  12s.  per  dozen.  Provincial  people 
also  like  good  scarlet  Carnations  of  the  Winter  Cheer  type  ;  the 
saperior  whites,  notably  Mrs.  Moore,  likewise  finding  ready  sales  at 
from  Is.  6d.  to  3s.  per  dozen  blooms.  For  selling  in  pots,  the  new 
race  known  as  Marguerites,  and  which  flower  the  same  year  as  raised 
from  seed,  are  among  the  best  that  can  be  grown,  plants  in  6-inch 
pots  with  six  or  more  blooms  expanded  on  them  selling  freely  late 
in  the  autumn  at  Is.  each.  This  season  I  have  raised  about 
2000  of  these  Marguerite  Carnations,  all  being  planted  out  where 
they  are  to  remain  till  September — early  or  late  in  the  month, 
according  to  circumstances.  Very  few  of  them  will  ever  see  the 
inside  of  pots,  as  the  bulk  will  be  prepared  for  lifting  by  being  cut 
round  in  August  and  later  on  transplanted  to  the  border  of  a  house 
in  succession  to  Tomatoes.  All  being  well  we  shall  have  some  grand 
blooms  from  these,  selling  them  in  mixed  colours  and  in  bunches 
thirteen  in  each,  at  prices  varying  from  6d.  to  Is.  3d.  per  bunch. 
All  will  be  cleared  out  by  February,  or  in  time  to  plant  early  raised 
Tomatoes.  Where  the  water  supply  is  not  good  and  labour  some¬ 
what  short,  the  same  plan  may  well  be  tried  with  other  winter 
flowering  Carnations,  Malmaisons  excepted.  The  popular  colours 
are  red,  scarlet,  yellow,  white,  and  flesh  pink,  and  the  varieties 
should  be  also  those  that  do  not  invariably  burst  their  pods.  The 
prices  for  all  such  vary  from  33.  per  dozen  in  times  of  scarcity  to 
Is.  6d.  per  dozen  when  more  plentiful — wholesale  in  each  instance. 

Bouvardias  are  by  no  means  overdone  in  the  provinces,  the 
double-flowering  forms  being  worn  by  gentlemen,  and  the  single 
whites,  notably  the  Jasmine-flowered  varieties,  in  bouquets,  wreaths 
and  crosses.  These  succeed  well  when  planted  out  in  a  warm 
position  and  rather  light  soil,  lifting  and  repotting  or  transplanting 
to  a  border,  sharing  a  house,  if  need  be,  with  Carnations,  the  latter 
being  given  the  coolest  end.  Callas,  or  Arums  as  generally  termed, 
are  too  often  a  drug  in  the  market  to  be  very  profitable,  and  the 
only  times  a  good  sale  for  them  is  certain  are  at  Christmas  and 
Easter.  Those  who  succeed  in  flowering  them  well  at  the  first  festival 
and  can  contrive  to  have  some  for  the  latter  busy  time  among 
church  decorators  can  afford  to  sell  them  cheaply  in  the  interval. 
At  no  time  are  the  prices  so  good  as  formerly.  Last  Christmas  9s. 
per  dozen  was  considered  a  fair  price,  and  all  we  had  at  Easter 
did  not  reali«e  63.  per  dozen.  They  need  never  be  grown  in  pots. 
The  old  plants  being  dried  off  directly  the  Easter  flowers  are 
cut,  then  pulled  to  pieces,  planted  out  on  good  ground,  lifted 
before  the  middle  of  September,  and  replanted  in  the  houses,  will 
pay  fairly  well  for  the  little  trouble  expends  id  on  them. 

This  brings  me  to  yet  another  useful  class  of  forcing  houses, 
and  which  market  growers  cannot  very  well  dispense  with.  The 
roofing  for  houses  12  feet  wide  and  100  feet  long  can  be  bought 
cheaply,  and  bein?  duly  fixed  to  well  buttressed  9  inch  walls,  or 
to  boarded  sides,  in  either  case  30  inches  above  ground,  and  glazed 
with  the  best  21-oz.  Belgian  glass,  a  cheap  structure  is  the  result. 
In  this  instance  there  ought  to  be  a  flow  and  return  pipe  up  each 
side,  or  the  return  may  be  brought  back  on  each  side  of  the  central 
path,  while  it  also  pays  well  to  have  a  bottom  heat  pipe  2  feet  or 
so  from  the  sides.  Such  structures  fitted  up  with  wooden  latticed 
staging,  or  better  still  with  light  T  iron  framework  covered  with 
sheets  of  galvanised  iron,  ashes  or  clean  shingle  being  placed  on 
this,  are  admirably  adapted  for  propagating  purposes,  and  in 


particular  for  raising  thousands  of  sturdy  Tomatoes,  Cucumbers, 
and  other  plants.  These  warm  houses  are  also  the  best  for  Cucum¬ 
bers,  and  these  properly  managed  are,  considering  the  short  time 
they  are  about,  even  more  remunerative  than  Tomatoes.  Melons, 
again,  succeed  well  in  them,  but  for  these  to  pay  well  the  fruit 
ought  to  be  fairly  large,  prettily  netted,  of  an  attractive  colour,  and 
perfectly  sound  when  they  reach  Covent  Garden  in  May  and  J une. 
Later  fruit  had  better  be  sent  to  provincial  towns,  and  high  prices 
will  not  be  had  anywhere  for  them. 

After  the  Cucumbers  and  Melons  are  cleared  (two  distinct 
crops  of  the  former  being  grown  in  one  season)  fit  up  stages  for 
pot  plants.  Maidenhair  Fern  should  certainly  be  grown  extensively, 
the  fronds  finding  a  ready  sale  locally  and  in  large  centres  at  4d.  to 
fid.  per  dozen,  neat  plants  also  going  off  well  at  9s.  per  dozen 
wholesale,  and  Is.  each  retail.  Cyclamens  ought  also  to  be  prepared 
by  the  hundred  for  flowering  in  such  stage-fitted  houses,  the  flowers 
of  these  selling  freely  at  4d.  per  dozen,  or  rather  less  at  times,  the 
plants  also  finding  a  ready  market  at  remunerative  prices.  Double 
Chinese  Primulas  are  not  in  great  demand  in  a  cut  state,  but  when 
well  flowered  in  5-inch  pots  they  sell  freely  enough  at  93.  per 
dozen.  When  a  good  stock  of  A.  F.  Barron  can  be  propagated, 
this  superior  variety  will  find  ready  sales  in  a  cut  state.  Zonal 
Pelargoniums,  especially  Raspails,  are  largely  used  by  church 
decorators,  particularly  at  Christmas  and  Whitsuntide,  and  pay 
well  at  an  average  of  fid.  per  dozen.  If  strong  plants  are  pre¬ 
pared  in  the  open,  and  wintered  clear  of  each  other  on  stages 
in  moderately  warm  light  houses,  they  will  flower  grandly  as  long 
as  desired. 

This  does  not  exhaust  my  list  of  plants  that  can  be  profitably 
grown  during  the  autumn  and  winter  in  houses  primarily  intended 
for  fruit  culture,  no  mention  having  been  made  of  Lily  of  the 
Valley,  Roman  and  miniature  Hyacinths,  Freesias,  Narcissi,  Spiraeas, 
and  such  like,  but  I  must  be  content  co  add  that  orders  for  aU  the 
latter  should  be  placed  at  once,  or  the  bulbs  or  roots  may  not  be 
obtained  at  similarly  low  rates  if  ordered  much  later  on. — 
Market  Grower. 


Ventilatino  Orchids. 


Odontooeossums  are  very  impatient  of  direct  sunlight ;  they 
should,  therefore,  be  shaded  from  sun  at  all  times,  from  early 
spring  until  all  danger  of  burning  is  past  in  late  autumn.  Even  in 
the  winter  during  occasional  short  periods  of  bright  sunshine  the 
blinds  are  let  down.  The  plants  are  never  allowed  to  become  dry, 
and  are  kept  very  moist  during  the  summer.  The  house  is 
ventilated  day  and  night  all  the  year  round.  The  bottom  ventilators, 
or  those  placed  below  the  staging  and  about  a  foot  above  the  floor, 
are  left  partly  open  on  the  coldest  of  nights,  full  ventilation  from 
this  point  being  given  throughout  the  warm  season.  The  top 
ventilators  are  opened  not  later  than  6.30  a.m.  more  or  less  during 
warm  weather,  a  little  air  being  left  on  all  the  night  in  weather 
like  the  present.  The  side  ventilators,  or  those  on  a  level  with  the 
side  staging  of  the  house,  are  occasionally  opened,  but  only  to  keep 
down  the  temperature  when  it  gets  beyond  the  control  of  the  top 
and  bottom  ventilators.  Side  ventilation  has  a  tendency  to  dry  the 
house  and  plants  unduly,  and  should  only  be  employed  when 
absolutely  necessary  ;  70°  Fahr.  may  be  considered  the  maximum 
summer  temperature  for  Odontoglossums,  and  60°  the  average 
during  the  summer.  In  winter  50°-55°  is  a  good  general  tempera¬ 
ture,  5°  either  way  doing  no  harm  according  to  external  tem¬ 
perature. 

Cattleyas  require  plenty  of  light,  air,  and  moisture  during  the 
summer  and  early  autumn,  with  all  the  sunshine  available  in  the 
autumn,  winter,  and  early  spring.  Heavy  shading  should  never  be 
used,  only  sufficient  to  keep  the  plants  from  scorching.  Advantage 
ought  to  be  taken  of  every  period  of  dulness,  however  short,  to 
remove  the  blinds.  Permanent  shading  of  canvas  or  wash  should 
never  be  used.  An  average  temperature  of  5°  higher  than  the 
Odontoglossums  is  necessary.  They  require  air  at  all  times,  but 
not  quite  so  much  as  the  Odontoglossums.  I  grow  Odontoglossum 
citrosmum,  O.  Harryanum,  and  O.  grande  with  the  Cattleyas.  The 
house  should  be  kept  moist,  likewise  the  plants,  during  the  growing 
season,  with  a  drier  atmosphere  and  less  water  at  the  root  after  the 
pseudo-bulbs  have  finished  growth.  A  stagnant  atmosphere  must 
be  avoided  at  all  times.  Under  the  foregoing  treatment  the 
Odontoglossums  and  Cattleyas  in  my  care  grow  and  flower  freely. 
— W.  R.  W. 


Jn]y  S,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


S 


Disa  Kewensis, 

This  is  a  newr  hybrid  which  has  been  raised  at  Kew  from 
D.  grandiflora  and  D.  tripetaloides.  It  is  decidedly  pretty.  The 
leaves,  scape,  and  general  look  of  the  plant  are  like  those  of  the 
hybrid  D.  Veitchi,  the  parents  of  which  are  D.  grandiflora  and 
D.  racemosa,  but  the  flowers  of  D.  Kewensis  are  smaller,  being 
1  \  inch  across.  The  lateral  sepals  are  1  i  nch  long,  ovate,  slightly 
recurved  and  coloured  rich  rose  ;  the  posterior  sepal  is  hooded,  as 
in  D.  grandiflora,  three-fourths  of  an  inch  in  diameter  and  coloured 
rosy  lavender,  with  red  spots  ;  the  lip  is  yellow  inside,  with  trans¬ 
verse  lines  and  spots  of  crimson.  The  scape  is  18  inches  high  and 
bears  six  flowers.  The  seeds  were  sown  in  November,  1891,  so 
that  this  plant  is  only  eighteen  months  old.  There  are  numerous 
other  plants  of  the  same  age,  but  only  one  has  flowered. — 
W.  Watson  (in  “  Garden  and  Forest.”) 

L.elia  majalis. 

This  is  a  dwarf,  compact-growing  species,  and  rather  a  shy 
bloomer,  but  when  well  flowered  it  is  very  showy.  The  flowers, 
borne  singly  on  the  spike,  appear  on  the  young  growth  in  spring, 
and  are  about  5  inches  across,  the  petals  broader  than  the  sepals, 
rose  colour,  lip  large  and  streaked  with  purple.  It  should  be 
grown  in  a  sunny  position  in  the  Cattleya  house,  and  when  the 
growths  are  made  the  plants  ought  to  be  removed  to  the  open  air 
for  a  time.  This  species  succeeds  best  on  a  block  or  in  very  shallow 
pans. 

LiELIA  PURPUBATA. 

This  magnificent  Orchid  is  now  flowering  in  most  places,  but 
it  is  not  everywhere  that  fine  specimens  are  seen.  Small  plants 
do  not  show  the  character  of  the  species  ;  but  when  seen  in  good 
condition,  and  specimens  2  to  3  feet  through,  it  is  one  of  our 
grandest  Orchids.  The  habit  is  very  robust,  therefore  the  culture 
is  comparatively  easy,  and  as  plenty  of  water  is  required  at  the 
root  while  growing  an  open  compost  is  necessary.  It  should  be 
kept  with  the  Oattleyas,  and  in  a  genial  temperature  while  growing. 

Aerides. 

This  is  a  beautiful  genus  of  epiphytal  Orchids,  most  of  the 
species  of  which  are  easily  grown.  The  flowers  are  produced  in 
cylindrical  racemes  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  mostly  near  the 
tops  of  the  plants.  They  are  usually  fragrant,  last  a  long  while  in 
perfection,  and  vary  in  colour  from  white  to  pink  and  rose.  All 
the  large  growing  species,  of  which  4.  odorata  is  a  well  known  type, 
can  best  be  grown  in  broad  and  shallow  wood  baskets.  Small  plants 
should  be  suspended,  but  larger  ones  may  be  grown  on  the  stages 
if  allowed  plenty  of  room. 

Aerides  require  a  strong  moist  heat  in  summer  with  something 
for  the  long  white  roots  to  catch  hold  of  as  they  grow,  and  there  is 
nothing  to  equal  sphagnum  for  this  purpose.  If  this  is  renewed 
every  spring  together  with  a  few  lumps  of  charcoal  or  ballast,  large 
plants  may  be  kept  in  health  for  years  without  being  disturbed  at 
the  roots,  and  the  number  of  flowers  they  produce  under  these 
conditions  is  remarkable,  the  growth  also  being  very  free.  In  the 
winter  they  should  be  kept  drier  at  the  root,  but  not  sufficiently  so 
to  cause  shrivelling  of  the  foliage  or  the  lower  leaves  to  fall  off,  as 
this  greatly  disfigures  the  plants. 

As  a  proof  of  the  rapidity  of  growth  under  these  conditions, 
it  may  be  worth  mentioning  that  I  once  grew  a  plant  of  A.  odorata 
in  three  years  from  a  small  piece  in  an  8-inch  pot  to  a  specimen 
over  2  feet  through,  with  five  or  six  stems,  the  highest  of  which 
would  be  about  30  inches,  and  which  the  last  season  it  was  under 
my  charge  produced  sixteen  racemes  of  flowers,  many  of  them 
18  inches  in  length.  The  smaller  growing  species,  such  as 
A.  affine  and  A.  roseum,  are  rather  more  difficult  to  grow.  They 
require  more  attention  in  the  autumn  to  ripen  the  growth  made, 
and  should  in  all  cases  be  suspended  near  th.e  ventilators,  a  con¬ 
stant  supply  of  fresh  air  being  of  the  utmost  importance. 
— H.  E.  R. 

PhALASNOPSIS  ScilILLERIANA. 

Enclosed  is  a  photograph  of  ten  plants  of  Phalaenopsis 
Schilleriana,  which  were  grown  here  this  year,  and  bloomed  in 
March  ;  the  most  blooms  on  one  plant  were  sixty-two,  and  the 
least  twenty.  If  you  think  this  note  worthy  of  a  place  in  your 
valuable  paper  you  will  oblige  by  inserting  it. — Wai.  McHutciieon, 
The  Gardens,  Auchindennan,  Alexandria,  Durnhartonshire. 

[We  are  always  ready  to  insert  records  of  good  cultivation  such 
as  the  photograph  represents  ;  it  is,  however,  not  quite  suitable 
for  reproduction  in  our  columns,  and  we  suspect  hardly  does 
justice  to  the  plants  as  they  were  when  in  full  beauty.] 

Sale  op  New  Orchids. 

As  announced  in  our  advertisement  columns  last  week,  Messrs. 
Protheroe  &  Morris  will  sell  by  auction  at  their  rooms  in 


Cheapside,  E.C.,  to-morrow  (July  7th)  a  number  of  new  Orchids 
which  have  been  imported  by  Messrs.  F,  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans. 
These  will  include  Eulophiella  Elisabethae,  Habenaria  gigantea  var. 
sumatrana,  Cypripedium  Nicholsonianum,  Dendrobium  Phalaenopsis 
var.  Schroderianum,  and  a  rosy  red  Oncidium  from  Yenezuela. 


CAMPANULA  PERSIOIFOLIA  ALBA  BACKHOUSIANA. 

The  Peach-leaved  Bellflower,  Campanula  persicifolia,  is  a  very  old 
garden  plant.  According  to  a  writer  in  1797  the  species  was  then 


FIG.  1. — campanula  PERSICIPOLIA  alba  BACKHOUSIANA, 


becoming  uncommon  in  gardens,  its  place  having  been  taken  by  the 
improved  varieties  which  had  made  their  appearance  even  at  that  early 
date.  The  number  of  varieties  has  been  considerably  increased  since 
then,  and  perhaps  the  most  popular  as  well  as  the  most  useful  is  the 
white  form  C,  persicifolia  alba.  This  has  in  turn  been  undergoing 
improvement,  and  the  variety  now  under  notice  is  a  considerable 
advance  on  the  older  form,  the  pure  white  flowers  being  much 
larger  and  finer  than  in  the  type.  It  is  a  first-rate  variety  for  pot 
culture,  as  it  continues  a  long  time  in  flower,  and  is  said  to  force  welL 
Fig.  1  represents  it. — A.  B. 


4 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


July  G,  1893. 


NOTES  FROM  SOUTH  WALES. 

The  present  season  will  be  remembered  as  one  of  the  hottest 
and  driest  on  record  for  many  years  past.  The  rainfall  during 
March  was  only  0  35  inch,  which  fell  on  six  days,  and  the  fall  in 
April  was  still  less— 0  25  inch,  which  fell  on  three  days.  The  rain¬ 
fall  in  May  was  2-49  inches,  but  owing  to  the  dry  state  of  the 
ground  and  the  prevailing  hot  bright  weather  it  soon  evaporated, 
and  vegetation  was  little  benefited  by  it.  The  fall  in  J une  was 
very  low,  0'60  inch,  with  a  high  temperature  and  scorching  sun¬ 
shine.  The  ground  has  been  dried  now  to  a  considerable  depth, 
and  vegetation  is  suffering  severely  for  the  want  of  rain. 

All  kinds  of  fruit  trees  flowered  profusely  this  year  from  a 
fortnight  to  three  weeks  earlier  than  usual.  The  weather  was 
favourable  during  the  time  they  were  in  flower,  and  the  fruits  set 
well  and  swelled  freely  until  the  trees  began  to  feel  the  effects  of 
the  drought,  when  the  Apple  trees  began  to  get  covered  with  red 
spider  and  American  blight.  The  fruits  dropped  off  in  great 
numbers,  and  they  have  continued  to  drop  more  or  less  ever  since, 
although  many  of  them  are  more  than  half  grown.  The  set  of 
Apples  and  Pears  was  enormous,  and  the  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pear 
trees  here  had  to  be  propped  up  six  weeks  ago  to  keep  the  branches 
from  being  broken  by  the  weight  of  fruit.  Plums  are  a  much 
better  crop  than  I  anticipated  early  in  the  season,  but  the  trees 
are  very  much  blighted  with  aphis.  If  we  are  favoured  with 
copious  rain,  of  which  there  is  no  sign  at  present,  there  would  be 
a  good  crop  left ;  but  the  fruits  will  be  smaller  than  usual. 

The  crops  of  small  fruits  have  been  very  good,  notwithstanding 
the  long-continued  drought.  The  Strawberry  plants  were  mulched 
with  rough  stable  litter  early  in  January,  and  they  have  withstood 
the  dry  hot  weather  well  and  produced  a  good  crop,  which  began 
to  ripen  at  least  three  weeks  earlier  than  in  ordinary  seasons. 
Scarlet  Queen  ripened  fully  eight  days  before  Noble,  both  growing 
side  by  side  on  a  south  border.  The  fruits  are  not  so  large  nor  so 
handsome  looking  as  Noble,  but  they  are  much  firmer  and  better 
in  quality.  Gooseberries,  Raspberries,  Black,  White,  and  Red 
Currants  were  plentiful  and  of  good  quality  in  this  district,  but  the 
birds  were  troublesome  upon  those  not  netted. 

Vegetable  crops  have  suffered  most.  The  early  crops  of  Broad 
Beans  are  covered  with  black  aphis,  and  the  successional  crops 
withered  and  died  before  coming  into  flower.  Scarlet  Runners 
are  also  infested  with  black  aphis  ;  the  flowers  are  dropping  off  and 
pods  not  setting  well.  Peas  have  grown  fairly  well,  but  soon 
ripen  and  get  too  old  for  use.  Onions,  Carrots,  and  Turnips  have 
made  little  progress,  and  I  am  afraid  they  will  do  little  good  this 
season.  It  is  difficult  with  a  short  supply  of  water  to  keep  up  a 
succession  of  Lettuces  ;  they  are  withering  up  in  the  drills  before 
they  are  fit  for  use.  The  winter  crops — Savoys,  Broccoli,  Brussels 
Sprouts,  and  Celery — are  at  a  standstill,  and  in  some  places  the 
plants  of  the  Brassica  family  are  still  in  the  seed  bed,  where 
planting  was  delayed  with  the  expectation  of  getting  rain  soon. 
Asparagus  and  Seakale,  also  Tomatoes  trained  on  walls,  luxuriate 
in  this  dry  hot  weather,  which  seems  to  suit  them  admirably  ;  but 
Potatoes  are  losing  their  leaves  and  ripening  off  prematurely. 

The  loss  among  newly  planted  forest  trees  is  very  great.  In 
some  places  (on  the  hills  here)  all  those  that  were  planted  last 
season  have  perished,  and  we  have  lost  thousands  of  Scotch  Pine 
and  Larch  on  this  estate  that  were  planted  four  years  ago,  and  had 
grown  to  the  height  of  6  feet.  The  Larch  plantations  in  this 
district  are  badly  diseased  this  season,  which  may  in  some  measure 
be  attributed  to  the  long  drought. 

The  Vines  in  the  vineyards  at  Castle  Coch,  Swanbridge,  and 
St.  Quintin’s  Castle,  never  looked  better  since  they  were  planted. 
They  are  covered  with  fruit,  and  the  bunches  are  as  forward  now 
as  they  usually  are  at  the  end  of  August.  The  foliage  is  clean 
and  healthy,  and  the  young  canes  are  stronger  this  year  than  ever 
I  remember  them. — A.  Pettigrew,  Castle  Gardens,  Cardiff. 


INSECT  PESTS. 

Insect  pests  are  most  abundant  this  year,  and  correspondingly 
harmful  to  plant  life.  I  have,  on  former  occasions,  seen  a  greater 
plague  of  insects  on  the  vegetation  of  a  poor  peaty  soil,  but  have 
never  witnessed  anything  like  the  same  multitude  in  a  garden. 
Up  to  the  present  the  red  spider  has  not  made  itself  conspicuous  in 
the  garden  of  which  I  have  charge,  but  vaiious  aphides  are  to  be 
found  on  many  plants,  fruit  trees,  and  shrubs.  It  is  a  marked 
feature  of  this  insect  visitation  that  vegetation  growing  in  deep 
rich  soil  has  kept  comparatively  free  of  the  pests,  while,  on  the  other 
hand,  plants  growing  in  dry  and  shallow  ground,  as  well  as 
tpes  or  shrubs  which  have  stood  a  long  period  on  the  same 
site  without  having  received  any  cultural  help,  have  been  infested 
with  insects.  This  points  most  clearly  to  the  beneficial  aspect  of 


high  cultivation  as  a  deterrent  to  insect  attack.  It  cannot,  how¬ 
ever,  be  regarded  as  a  settled  point,  because  Carnations  in  luxuriant 
growth  have  been  much  preyed  upon,  while  Chrysanthemums  in 
pots  have  suffered  from  repeated  attack  of  the  aphis. 

Hymenoptera  have  been  very  early  afield  and  in  great  numbers. 
Three  species  at  least  of  the  humble  bee  have  been  largely  repre¬ 
sented.  The  mischief  they  confine  themselves  to,  so  far  as  the 
garden  is  concerned,  is  the  destruction  of  Carnation  and  Pink 
flowers.  Few  of  these  have  escaped  them,  and  practically  nothing 
can  be  done  to  prevent  their  visits.  The  common  wasp  is  also 
more  numerous  than  usual,  hanging  nests  in  particular  being 
common.  I  do  not  much  object  to  these,  as  at  present  and  for  a  few 
weeks  longer  they  are  not  f  rugivorous,  but  distinctly  insectivorous. 
The  foliage  of  infested  fruit  trees,  m.ore  particularly  Pears,  is 
swarming  with  wasps.  Some  cottagers  have  been  endeavouring  to 
destroy  those  colonies  settled  in  their  gardens.  Where  hanging 
nests  are  easy  of  access  no  better  method  of  extinction  need  be 
followed  than  this.  On  a  fire  shovel  place  a  few  embers  and 
keep  them  in  a  glow  until  wanted  by  means  of  a  little  added 
charcoal.  Then  throw  a  handful  of  flowers  of  sulphur  on  the 
glowing  mass,  and  with  this  stupefy  the  wasps.  Cut  down  the  nest, 
letting  it  drop  on  the  shovel,  and  few,  if  any,  wasps  will  remain. 
Cyanide  of  potassium  is  sometimes  applied  to  wasps  in  burrows, 
but  unless  the  nest  is  dug  out  and  destroyed  within  twelve  hours 
the  colony  quickly  resembles  in  vigorous  life. 

Respecting  the  eradication  of  aphis,  and  also  of  other  insects 
which  infest  trees  and  other  plants  growing  outdoors,  it  is  as  well 
to  see  whether  anything  cannot  be  effected  in  the  way  of  helping 
the  plant  itself  to  greater  vigour.  To  this  end  I  advise  the  removal 
of  all  superfluous,  and  on  that  account  hurtful  growth.  Take  for 
example,  an  old  wall-trained  Rose  tree.  Even  should  the  spring 
pruning  have  been  well  done  there  is  now  sure  to  be  many  weakly 
growths  unable  to  produce  buds,  or  in  any  way  to  further  the  well¬ 
being  of  the  tree  in  general.  Every  one  of  these  shoots  ought  to 
be  removed.  In  the  case  of  Plum  trees,  which  are  very  subject  to 
insect  attack,  similar  measures  must  be  followed  ;  and  the  same 
remark  applies  to  all  kinds  of  trained  trees.  The  benefit  of  thinning 
is  apparent  in  the  number  of  insects  which  are  at  once  cleared  out, 
as  it  is  these  worthless  growths  that  harbour  vermin.  The 
vigour  of  the  tree  is  also  enhanced,  and  any  help  afforded  in  the 
way  of  water  or  manure  at  once  reaches  those  shoots  which  are 
alone  capable  of  receiving  benefit.  With  the  growths  thus  thinned 
remedial  measures  can  be  applied  more  successfully.  There  are 
fewer  leaves  to  reach,  and  these  are  more  easily  cleansed. 

For  cleansing  on  a  large  scale  I  do  not  know  anything  better  or 
generally  easier  to  procure  than  soapsuds.  Progressive  laundresses 
do  not  now  employ  soda  as  a  softener  of  water,  but  in  cases  where 
soda  is  used  it  is  doubtful  if  it  does  any  harm.  To  a  large  tubful 
of  suds  add  a  quart  of  petroleum,  then  with  a  syringe  churn  the 
suds  until  the  mineral  is  assimilated.  To  any  tree  requiring 
cleansing  apply  this  solution  in  the  evening.  Follow  in  an  hour 
with  another  cleansing  of  pure  water,  and  if  the  work  is  properly 
done  few,  if  any,  insects  of  any  sort  will  be  left.  American  blight 
succumbs  to  the  same  agent.  In  this  case,  however,  it  is  necessary 
to  direct  with  some  force  the  spray  from  the  syringe  on  the  insect- 
infested  spots.  Currants  and  Gooseberries,  which  are  sometimes 
attacked  by  aphis,  are  most  expeditiously  cleaned  by  removing  the 
points  of  the  shoots.  I  clean  the  buds  of  Carnations  by  means  of 
a  slight  dusting  of  tobacco  powder.  Chrysanthemum  shoots  are 
rendered  clean  in  the  same  way. 

Turning  to  the  inmates  of  glass  structures,  the  only  difficult 
pest  I  have  had  to  deal  with  has  been  mealy  bug.  During 
the  time  the  heat  lasted  mealy  bug  multiplied  with  rapidity. 
Stephanotis  in  flower  was  attacked  perhaps  the  worst  ;  but  also  on 
some  old  Vines,  which  have  given  little  trouble  for  many  years,  the 
pest  increased  most  alarmingly.  Asparagus  in  a  hot  stove  also 
became  quickly  dirty.  The  break  up  of  the  drought  brought  a 
desired  opportunity,  and  with  one  day’s  cleaning  not  many  of  the 
enemy  was  left.  The  Grape  Vines  took  longest  to  clean,  as  it  was 
needful  to  go  carefully  over  every  rod,  shoot,  leaf,  and  bunch,  the 
latter  with  a  camel  hair  pencil,  the  others  with  a  sponge.  I  used 
as  an  insecticide  a  strong  solution  of  softsoap,  with  a  very  small 
quantity  of  petroleum  added.  The  sponge  and  the  pencil  were 
dipped  in  the  solution,  then  squeezed  almost  free  of  moisture,  and 
the  insects  thereafter  touched  lightly  with  either.  The  Vines  will 
require  to  be  looked  to  again  in  order  to  destroy  those  which 
escaped  notice,  and  I  am  hopeful  that  not  much  mealy  bug  will  be 
seen  again  for  a  long  lime  to  come.  Stephanotis,  Asparagus,  Palms, 
and  other  plants  not  easily  injured  were  syringed  with  a  solution  of 
soapy  water  ap.d  petroleum,  followed  closely  with  clean  water.  It 
is  well  to  note  that  shade  from  sunshine  is  advantageous  for  a  few 
days  after  cleansing. 

It  is  curious  to  observe  how  insects  attack  the  same  plant  year 
after  year.  I  had  a  Vine  which  regularly  developed  red  spider  at 


JnJy  6,  1693.  } 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


5 


a  certain  stage  of  its  growth.  In  another  structure  a  Vine  with  the 
same  regularity  experienced  an  attack  from  thrips.  On  examina¬ 
tion  it  was  found  that  both  Vines  were  growing  in  positions  where 
they  were  likely  to  become  dry  at  the  roots  more  quickly  than  their 
neighbours.  By  increasing  the  supply  of  water  along  with  an  extra 
application  of  manure  the  insects  have  entirely  disappeared. 
Thrips  are  almost  always  introduced  to  plants  by  maintaining  a 
high  temperature.  In  the  case  of  a  heat-loving  plant  like  the 
Croton,  one  is  apt  to  think  that  this  could  not  be  the  case  ;  but  it 
is  so  if  a  hot  drying  sun  shines  directly  on  the  plants.  Red  spider 
is  most  often  brought  into  prominence  by  dryness  at  the  root. 
Warm  soapy  water  applied  at  about  110°  is  an  excellent  insecticide 
for  eradicating  red  spider.  In  all  cases,  however,  it  is  best  to  see 
that  there  is  no  check  to  healthy  root  action,  and  if  there  is  to 
remove  the  cause  forthwith. — B. 


STRAWBERRY  FARMING. 

During  any  ordinary  season  Strawberries  should  now  be  coming  in 
(in  bulk)  from  our  English  fields,  but  a  visitor  to  any  of  the  gardens  in 
Hants  or  Kent  would  clearly  see  that  for  this  year  the  picking  is  over. 
As  a  rule  the  crop  lasts  about  a  month,  and  1893  has  been  no  exception 
to  the  rule.  Since  the  last  fortnight  in  May  the  beautiful  and  whole¬ 
some  fruit  has  been  pouring  into  the  London  and  provincial  markets  by 
the  ton.  Prices  have  been  good,  and  many  growers  have  had  solid 
reason  to  rub  their  hands  with  delight ;  but  although  in  some  cases  the 
returns  have  been  far  beyond  the  average,  in  others  probably  ruin,  on 
account  of  the  long  drought,  stares  men  in  the  face.  As  the  season  has 
been  so  exceptional,  and  the  success  of  growers  so  diverse,  it  may  be 
advantageous  to  look  a  little  closer  into  the  mystery  of  Strawberry 
farming,  with  the  experience  of  the  past  three  months  still  fresh  in  the 
mind,  and  inquire  if  anything  can  be  done  to  ensure  still  further  success 
another  year. 

It  goes  without  saying  that  Strawberry  growing  is  a  paying  occupa¬ 
tion.  I  have  watched  the  business  for  the  past  nine  years  in  Hampshire, 
and  have  seen  acre  after  acre  laid  down.  Young  men  start  with  say 
half  an  acre,  and  after  the  second  season  a  pony-cart  appears  on  the 
scene,  and  more  land  is  taken  up  and  planted.  There  must  be  money  in 
the  business.  Further,  it  seems  that  Surrey  is  making  a  start,  for  I  saw 
two  large  fields  not  far  from  Farnham  a  few  days  ago,  and  I  honestly 
say  that  the  plants  and  crop  were  fully  up  to  the  standard  of  Hampshire 
beds  ;  and  if  Surrey  starts,  I  see  no  reason  why  this  crop  should  not  be 
much  more  extensively  grown  in  the  south  of  England  generally,  for  the 
demand  for  fruit  is  increasing,  and  even  if  the  price  realised  is  only 
Is.  Gd.  to  2s.  per  gallon,  the  yield  is  quite  three  times  the  value  of  Potatoes 
grown  upon  an  equal  area,  and  the  risks  of  failure  are  not  nearly  so 
great.  Foreign  fruit  usually  appears  in  advance  of  English,  but  we 
know  well  the  superiority,  not  only  in  appearance  and  colour,  but  in 
flavour  also,  of  our  English-grown  Tomatoes  and  Strawberries,  and  this 
superiority  governs  the  market.  Certainly  all  the  returns  come  during 
one  month,  or  at  most  six  weeks  of  the  year,  and  the  labour  is  spread, 
more  or  less,  over  the  other  eleven  months  ;  but  to  men  who  contem¬ 
plate  taking  allotments,  if  the  land  is  fairly  suitable  as  regards  aspect 
and  retentive  power,  I  would  strongly  advise  them  to  try  a  few  rods  of 
Strawberries,  particularly  if  they  are  within  reach  of  a  fairly  large 
town.  There  is  room  for  speculation  here.  Many  people  hardly  know 
the  meaning  of  a  gallon  of  Strawberries,  who  would  be  pleased  to  buy 
such  for  23.  or  2s.  6d.,  fine  freshly  picked  fruit,  at  4d.  or  5d.  per  pound. 

I  might  say  much  more,  but  we  propose  looking  at  the  experiences 
gained  during  the  past  three  months,  and  to  do  this  tersely  and  yet 
thoroughly  is  a  difficult  matter.  I  have  certainly  found  it  a  general 
rule  that  the  men  who  have  done  best  are  those  whose  plots  are 
situated  upon  a  fairly  rich  loamy  soil  with  retentive  subsoil,  who 
have  gone  in  heavily  for  autumn  manuring  and  cleaning,  and  who 
have  simply  throughout  the  spring  right  up  to  the  period  of  bedding 
up,  kept  the  hoe  at  work,  in  many  cases  to  such  an  extent  that  the 
surface  (but  surface  only)  soil  was  almost  as  dusty  as  the  road. 

Some  have  done  well  upon  light  soils,  but  only  in  cases  where  the 
soils  have  been  consolidated  by  continual  treading  during  the  hoeing 
process.  Whatever  the  class  of  soil,  I  believe  most  strongly  that  the 
hoe  can  account  for  much.  A  good  porous  gravelly  subsoil  for  an  early 
crop,  but  unless  the  season  is  a  rainy  one  there  is  little  chance  of  a 
month’s  picking.  I  am  perfectly  certain  that  any  cleaning  work  done 
in  the  spring  is  disastrous,  for  the  young  fibrous  roots  of  the  plants 
make  growth  very  early,  and  growers  cannot  afford  to  injure  these  and 
weaken  their  plants. 

It  is  clearly  seen  that  by  continual  hoeing  the  soil  must  be 
compressed,  and  evaporation  retarded.  Moisture  is  greatly  needed  for 
the  Strawberry,  as  the  size  is  thereby  regulated  ;  and  it  is  only  those 
who  have  watched  the  development  of  the  fruit,  and  its  wonderfully 
quick  manner  of  filling  out  and  ripening,  who  can  testify  to  the 
importance  for  suitable  soil  and  retentive  subsoil. 

There  are  many  other  points  of  interest  that  readily  suggest  them¬ 
selves  to  the  mind,  but  I  may  later  on  deal  with  the  varieties  most 
suited  for  market  purposes,  the  modes  of  general  cultivation  in  the 
Hampshire  district,  the  gathering  and  marketing  the  crop,  the  treatment 
of  the  beds  after  the  crop  is  off,  and  when  running  out  of  condition 
through  age. 

The  profit  and  loss  account  is  hardly  obtainable,  as  in  many  cases, 


and  perhaps  wisely,  the  growers  would  not  care  to  tell  us  much  ; 
but  I  must  add  that  they  are  often  deprived  of  a  good  share  of 
their  well-earned  cash  by  the  middleman.  —  Edward  H.  Smith, 
Warminste}', 


Rose  Show  Fixtures  in  1893. 

July  6th  (Thursday). — Bath,  Farningham,  Manchester,  and  Norwich. 

„  7th  (Friday). — Ulverston. 

„  11th  (Tuesday). — Harleston  and  Wolverhampton.f 
„  12th  (Wednesday). — Earl’s  Court  and  Tunbridge  Wells. 

„  13th  (Thursday). — Worksop  (N.R.S.),  and  Woodbridge. 

,,  14th  (Friday). — Helensburgh. 

„  15th  (Saturday). — New  Brighton. 

„  20th  (Thursday). — Bedford  and  Trentham. 

„  25th  (Tuesday). — Tibshelf. 

„  27th  (Thursday). — Halifax  and  Southwell. 

„  29th  (Saturday ). — Bedale. 

f  Show  lasting  three  days. 

— Edward  Mawley,  Roselanh,  BerltTiamsted,  Herts. 

National  Rose  Show  at  Worksop. 

I  SHALL  esteem  it  a  favour  if  you  will  allow  me  to  make  the  follow¬ 
ing  communication  to  intending  exhibitors  through  your  columns  this 
week.  To  the  train  leaving  King’s  Cross  at  10,40  P.M.  of  July  12th, 
the  Great  Northern  Railway  Company  has  kindly  consented  to  attach  a 
special  van  for  Rose  boxes.  This  train  will  take  up  at  Hitchin.  It  will 
be  met  at  Worksop,  where  it  arrives  at  2.18  A.M  ,  and  the  boxes  can,  if 
exhibitors  so  wish,  go  direct  to  the  Show  ground  and  be  placed  in  charge 
of  a  night  watchman. 

The  next  train  out  of  King’s  Cross  is  5.15  A.M.  (morning  of  13th  July). 
This,  Mr.  Cockshott,  the  Superintendent  of  the  line,  tells  me  is  one  of 
the  heaviest  and  fastest  trains  of  the  day,  and  on  that  account  it  will 
not  be  practicable  to  attach  to  it  an  extra  van.  Mr.  Cockshott  will, 
however,  make  arrangements  for  conveyance  of  exhibitors’  boxes  by  this 
train,  if  I  can  give  him  some  idea  of  the  number  of  boxes  and  from  what 
stations  they  will  require  to  be  conveyed.  The  train  will  take  up  at 
Retford  at  8.20  and  reach  Worksop  at  8.31  a  m.  There  is  another 
train  from  Retford  at  8.23,  reaching  Worksop  at  8.40  a.m,,  and 
exhibitors  joining  the  M.S.  and  L.  system  at  Retford  (especially  those 
bringing  much  cargo)  will  find  more  accommodation  by  it  than  by  the 
express. 

From  Sheffield  exhibitors  will  find  a  van  for  their  boxes  on  the  train 
leaving  at  7,15  A.M.,  and  I  am  asking  the  Midland  Company  to  make 
due  provision  on  the  train  leaving  Nottingham  at  6  A.M.  and  Mansfield 
3pt  7  A.M* 

I  shall  be  much  obliged  if  exhibitors  intending  to  make  use  of  the 
5.15  A.M.  train  will  at  once  let  Mr.  George  Baxter  (our  Hon.  Secretary, 
69,  Bridge  Street,  Worksop)  or  myself  know,  a3_  near  as  may  be,  what 
they  will  bring  with  them,  and  where  they  will  join  the  train,  so  that  I 
may  be  able  to  reply  to  Mr.  Cockshott’s  inquiries.  No  doubt  so  far  as 
the  railway  company  is  concerned  the  10.40  p  m.  train  is  best.  It  will 
be  a  help  to  the  local  Committee  to  know  the  number  of  boxes  they  will 
have  to  meet  by  the  other  trains,  but  this  is  of  less  consequence, 
James  Snow  31,  Parli  Street,  Worltsoj). 

Orange  Fungus  on  Roses. 

I  HAVE  not  seen  Mr.  W,  G.  Smith’s  “  clear  and  well  illustrated  ” 
contribution  on  this  fungus  in  the  “  Rosarian’s  Year  Book”  for  1887. 
My  experience  of  the  parasite  does  not  accord  with  “W .  R.  Raillem  s 
(page  497,  last  vol.).  But  different  fungi  are  termed  “Orange”  that 
infest  Roses  besides  the  one  above  named,  as  Coleosporium  pingue,  Lev., 
and  Dothidea  Rosre,  Fr.  I  must  also  demur  to  your  correspondent  s 
dictum  that  it  is  the  latter  stage  of  Phragmidium  mucronatum  that 
does  the  most  harm  to  Roses,  for  it  is  the  mycelium  of  the  fungus 
that  does  the  whole  damage,  and  this  first  produces  the  Lecythea  Rosae, 
whilst  the  Phragmidium  is  borne  from  the  same  mycelia  and  has  none 
independent  of  the  other. — G.  Abbey. 

National  Rose  Society’s  Tea  and  Noisette  Exhibition. 

This  was  unquestionably  the  best  of  the  series  of  Exhibitions  that 
the  Society  has  held,  and  the  quality  and  correctness  of  the  blooms 
were  far  in  advance  of  any  show  of  the  kind  held  any  where.  We  n^ive 
had  some  in  wet  seasons,  when  the  outer  petals  of  the  flowers  had  to 
be  pulled  off,  and  the  blooms  looked  very  naked  ;  we  have  had  others 
in  showery  weather,  when  the  flowers  were  spotted  and  discoloure  , 
but  this  long  season  of  drought  has  enabled  exhibitors  to  show  .their 
flowers  in  the  perfection  of  colour  and  form,  The  date  on  which  it 


6 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  6,  1893. 


vf&3  held  caught  these  flowers  just  in  their  prime,  and  I  very  much 
doubt  whether  at  the  Crystal  Palace  or  elsewhere  we  shall  see  during 
the  present  season  such  a  collection  of  Teas  and  Noisettes  brought 
together. 

The  peculiarities  of  the  season  brought  about  some  curious  results, 
There  has  always  been  a  keen  competition  between  the  growers  of  Tea 
Roses  in  East  Anglia  and  the  West  of  England.  During  the  two  last 
years  victory  has  remained  with  the  latter,  but  this  year  the  course  of 
things  has  been  changed.  It  is  true  that  Dr.  Budd  of  Bath  was  suc¬ 
cessful,  but  of  our  two  champions,  Mr.  Alex.  Hill  Gray  and  thei  Rev. 
F.  R.  Burnside,  we  might  well  say  “  How  the  mighty  have  fallen  !  ” 
Knowing  well  as  I  do  the  warm  situation  in  which  Mr.  Gray  grows  his 
plants  I  was  quite  prepared  to  find  that  in  this  season  he  had  suffered 
from  the  long  drought  and  the  invasions  of  thrips  and  other  attendant 
calamities.  I  cannot  quite  as  well  understand  Mr.  Burnside’s  position, 
because  last  week  he  earried  everything  before  him  at  York.  I  am 
told  that  his  flowers  there  were  of  a  very  first-rate  character,  but  I 
wa*  sorry  to  hear  him  say  that  he  doubted  very  much  whether  he  should 
be  able  to  put  in  an  appearance  at  the  Crystal  Palace.  But  the  East 
Anglian  Rose  growers  were  this  year  very  much  to  the  front.  In  the 
nurserymen’s  class  all  the  principal  prizes  fell  to  the  Colchester 
growers,  Messrs.  B.  R.  Cant,  Frank  Cant,  and  Prior  &  Son.  It  is 
6rue  that  at  the  trial  of  East  Anglian  parsons  the  Revs.  H.  A.  Berners, 
F.  Page  Roberts  did  not  put  in  an  appearance,  but  the  Rev.  Foster 
Melliar  exhibited  in  a  form  we  have  never  seen  before.  His  box  of 
twelve  was  I  think  the  most  perfect  one  in  the  Show,  and  his  bloom  of 
Souvenir  d’Elise  which  gained  the  N.R.S.’s  silver  medal  as  the  best 
bloom  in  the  Show,  was  a  splendid  flower.  I  have  seen  larger  blooms  of 
the  variety,  but  never  one  in  which  the  perfection  of  form  and  colour 
were  more  strikingly  developed. 

Another  satisfactory  feature  of  the  Exhibition  was  the  keen  com¬ 
petition  that  took  place  in  many  of  the  amateur  classes.  There  had 
been  times  when  there  were  hardly  stands  suflBcient  for  the  prizes 
offered,  and  when  the  question  arose  whether  some  of  those  to  which 
they  were  awarded  were  really  worthy  of  it ;  but  in  the  case  of  this 
Exhibition  nothing  of  the  kind  occurred,  for  in  many  of  the  classes 
from  seven  to  fourteen  stands  were  shown  ;  and  although  not  very 
pleasant  to  those  who  were  left  out  in  the  cold,  it  was  more  agreeable  to 
those  who  won  to  know  that  they  had  had  a  hard  fight  for  it.  On  some 
former  occasions,  too,  a  large  proportion  of  the  blooms  had  been  either 
from  walls  or  from  houses,  but  I  doubt  very  much  whether  there  were 
any  shown  at  this  Exhibition  that  were  not  from  the  open  ground, 
hence  it  more  answered  the  wishes  and  expectations  of  the  Society, 
which  never  intended  that  it  should  be  a  show  for  Teas  and  Noisettes 
under  glass.  Although  the  general  character  of  the  flowers  was  that 
which  I  have  endeavoured  to  describe,  one  of  great  excellence,  there  were 
few  blooms  that  stood  out  pre-eminently  grand.  There  were  some  fine 
blooms  of  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac  and  Souvenir  de  Th6r^se  Levet  in  Mr. 
Poster-Melliar’s  stand,  very  bright,  though  a  colour,  I  think,  out  of  place 
aTuongst  the  delicate  and  refined  Teas.  One  of  the  most  remarkable 
Wooma  in  the  Exhibition  was  one  of  that  fine  Rose  of  old  Margottin’s, 
Boule  d’Or,  shown  in  Mr.  Budd’s  stand  of  Bath,  one  nearly  equally  good 
being  in  Mr.  Foster-Melliar’s  stand.  Marie  Van  Houtte  was  exhibited 
in  many  stands  in  excellent  form,  having  that  beautiful  yellowish  ground 
with  pink  on  the  edge  which  is  really  its  true  character.  Mr.  Grahame 
of  Croydon  had  also  some  excellent  blooms,  and  it  is  pleasant  to  find 
that  both  he  and  Mr.  Foster-Melliar,  who  have  done  so  much  to  instruct 
rosarians  by  their  writings,  have  shown  that  they  can  carry  into 
successful  practice  theories  they  have  advocated. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  in  the  stands  from  Colchester  in 
the  nurserymen’s  class  there  were  a  number  of  very  superior  blooms  ; 
indeed,  as  I  stood  by  the  experienced  amateurs  who  judged  in  this  class 
1  was  struck  by  the  high  number  of  points  given  to  each  stand.  Nor 
can  I  omit  a  word  of  praise  to  the  beautiful  dozen  of  Mar6chal  Niel 
exhibited  in  this  division.  It  is  a  somewhat  curious  thing  that 
although  the  Society  offers  very  good  prizes  for  a  decorative  arrange¬ 
ment  of  Teas  and  Noisettes  in  basket,  vase,  epergne,  or  indeed  anything 
suitable,  we  never  seem  to  be  able  to  get  beyond  three  competitors. 
The  competition  is  confined  to  ladies,  and  the  Committee  had  hoped 
that  there  would  have  been  a  larger  number  of  them  to  enter  the  lists. 
The  three  competitors  is  this  instance  were  Mrs.  Orpen  of  Colchester, 
Miss  Bloxam,  and  Mrs.  Mawley,  to  whom  the  prizes  were  awarded 
in  the  order  named.  Mrs.  Orpen’s  was  a  delightful  arrangement  in 
which  apricot  colour  predominated.  Miss  Bloxam  had  a  very  neatly 
arranged  basket,  the  foliage  of  which  mainly  consisted  of  the  leaves 
of  Rosa  rubrifolia,  the  dark  colour  of  which  afforded  a  good  contrast. 
Mrs.  Mawley’s  arrangement  was  very  pretty,  and  the  Roses  in  it  were 
excellent  in  quality. — D.,  Beal. 


CANKER  IN  FRUIT  TREES. 

The  following  cutting  from  the  “  Revue  Horticole  ”  may  be  interesting 
to  your  readers: — “  It  is  now  known  that  the  cause  of  canker  in  fruit 
trees  is  a  microscopic  fungus  named  Nectria  ditispima,  which  rapidly 
©xteuds  its  ravages,  but  which  can  be  effectively  brought  under  control. 
For  this  purpose  the  cankered  parts  should  be  cut  away  and  dressed 
with  a  pruning  knife,  after  whieh  a  mixture  of  the  bouillie  bordelaise 
containing  3  per  cent,  of  sulphate  of  copper  and  6  per  cent,  of  lime 
should  be  applied  to  the  affected  parts  with  a  paint  brush.  This  appli- 
aation  may  be  repeated  once  or  twice  in  the  course  of  the  summer.” 


This,  it  will  be  seen,  bears  out  Mr.  Abbey’s  remarks  on  page  115  of  the 
Journal  of  Horticulture,  February  9th  of  this  year.— One  Interested. 


Whatever  may  be  the  cause  of  canker  in  fruit  trees,  there  certainly  is 
a  great  deal  more  of  it  when  a  severe  winter  follows  a  cold  wet  summer.  Is 
it  because  the  sap  is  frozen  and  bursts  the  cells,  causing  a  rupture  through 
which  the  sap  comes,  forming  a  gummy  substance  ?  When  a  dozen  trees 
of  one  sort  are  planted,  and  only  one  is  cankered,  may  not  that  one  be 
rooted  deeper,  or  in  some  way  have  more  moisture  at  the  root,  causing  it 
to  grow  later,  and  consequently  get  the  sap  frozen  in  it  while  the  others 
escape  ?  Has  anyone  noticed  whether  those  varieties  most  subject  to 
canker  are  naturally  later  in  finishing  their  growths  ? 

On  February  16th,  1892,  we  had  38°  of  frost  here,  which  killed 
many  branches  of  fruit  and  other  trees  ;  and  as  we  had  mild  weather 
previous,  which  caused  the  sap  to  move,  may  I  ask  if  the  cause  of  death 
would  be  frozen  sap  ?  These  are  only  thoughts  from  observations  of 
canker  after  severe  winters,  and  are  not  proven  facts  of  canker  from 
that  cause. — B.  L.  J.,  Leicester. _ 

The  above  is  such  an  important  matter  that  in  a  paper  that  treats  on 
pomology  so  fully  as  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  no  apology  is  needed 
to  introduce  the  subject.  I  have  not  the  pleasure  of  the  personal 
acquaintance  of  Mr.  Abbey,  but  I  have  reason  to  think  that  his  theory 
of  the  cause  is  the  right  one,  and  that  the  remedy  for  the  cure  is 
a  good  one  which  was  fully  detailed  by  Mr.  Abbey  in  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture  early  in  the  present  year.  I  purchased  the  necessary 
ingredients  at  a  chemist’s  in  our  nearest  market  town,  and  mixed  it 
according  to  the  directions  given,  and  applied  it  to  seventy  standard 
Apple  trees  which  have  been  planted,  some  ten  and  others  fourteen 
years,  thirty-four  pyramid  Pear  trees,  and  twenty-four  espalier  Apple 
trees,  mostly  of  about  twenty  years’  growth. 

What  caused  my  anxiety  with  regard  to  canker  was  this.  Some  of 
the  first  planted  Apple  trees  (standards)  were  very  healthy,  with 
fine  heads  ;  but  in  the  autumn  and  winter  of  1892  I  noticed  several 
trees  badly  attacked  with  canker,  notably  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  and 
Warner’s  King ;  and  among  the  Pears  Glou  Morgeau  and  Seckle. 
I  applied  the  remedy,  and  I  am  pleased  to  say  that  the  trees  are  already 
healthier.  Canker  seems  to  be  arrested,  and  the  trees  are  carrying  a 
fine  crop  of  fruit.  I  shall  have  to  prop  many  of  the  Apples  and  Pears, 
and  the  trees  that  were  dressed  with  the  canker  mixture  were  not  nearly 
so  much  affected  with  caterpillars  as  those  trees  left  undressed.  We 
have  a  new  orchard  containing  several  hundred  trees,  and  I  hope  to 
dress  the  trees  in  the  same  manner  next  year. 

Why  I  think  Mr.  Abbey’s  theory  of  fungus  being  the  cause  of  canker, 
and  being  propagated  by  spores  carried  by  the  wind,  insects,  or  other 
means  of  infection,  is  this.  In  the  early  spring  of  1891  I  purchased 
some  new  maiden  Apple  trees,  thinking  to  form  them  into  espaliers.  I 
procured  them  from  a  good  source.  Among  them  was  a  plant  of  the 
new  Apple  Bismarck.  They  were  clean,  healthy  little  trees  on  the 
Paradise  stock.  For  want  of  other  space  I  was  obliged  to  plant  this 
particular  tree  of  Bismarck  near  to  a  tree  of  Old  Hawthornden  which 
was  affected  with  canker,  and  in  the  autumn  of  1892  I  noticed  one  of 
the  branches  on  the  small  tree  of  Bismarck  was  cankered,  which  I  have 
enclosed  for  your  inspection.  Now,  in  this  case  the  soil  was  good,  the 
roots  near  the  surface,  and  the  ground  had  been  specially  dressed  with 
supposed  antidotes  to  canker  and  its  cause  in  the  soil. — R.  Maher, 
T/ie  Gardens,  Yattendon  Coiirt,  Nevohury. 


NIGHT-BLOOMING  CEREUS. 

Mr.  Mark  B.  F.  Major  is,  I  think,  mistaken  in  supposing  Cereus 
Macdonaldim  to  be  the  plant  which  was  lost  a  number  of  years  ago  in 
his  late  father’s  interesting  collection.  If  he  will  refer  back  to  the 
Journal  for  June  12th,  1884,  page  464,  he  will  find  a  paragraph  on  the 
same  flowering  at  Cromwell  House  under  the  care  of  the  late  Mr.  W. 
Wright.  The  bloom  when  expanded  measured  14  inches  across.  On  the 
following  week,  June  19th,  page  492,  the  plant  is  mentioned  again. 
The  variety  referred  to  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  grandiflorus 
and  C.  speciosissimus.  It  was  a  remarkably  fine  healthy  plant,  trailing 
with  other  night-bloomers  over  a  large  wire  arch  figured  in  the  Journal 
for  May  22nd,  1884.  I  have  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  it  in  flower  on 
more  than  one  occasion  since  then.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Kenny, 
gardener  to  Viscount  Maynard,  Easton  Lodge,  Dunmow. — G.  W. 
Cummins. 


Mr.  Major’s  very  clear  description  of  some  varieties  of  this  Cactus 
enables  me  to  determine  with  more  confidence  that  my  free-flowering 
variety  is  Cereus  grandiflorus.  Will  you  once  more  extend  the  courtesy 
of  your  columns  to  me  to  ask  any  grower  of  this  Cereus  what  is  the 
greatest  number  of  blooms  he  has  had  on  any  one  evening  on  one  plant? 
Mr.  Major  says,  “  We  seldom  had  more  than  one,  and  I  think  never 
more  than  two  out  on  the  same  plant  at  one  time.”  This,  as  far  as  it 
goes,  seems  to  bear  out  my  idea  that  nine  fully  expanded  blooms  of 
Cereus  grandiflorus  on  one  plant  on  the  same  evening  may  be  a  very 
unusual,  as  it  certainly  is  a  very  magnificent  display. — Richard  J. 
Hilton. 

[It  is  recorded  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  page  422,  May  29th, 
1884,  on  the  authority  of  Mr.  Siddal  of  Chester,  that  a  large  specimen 
of  Cereus  grandiflorus  in  a  house  at  Pendyffryn,  Wales,  has  had  from 
sixty  to  eighty  flowers  open  at  one  time.] 


July  6,  IMJ.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


7 


Events  of  the  Week. — Horticulturists  will  be  busy  during  the 
ensuing  week.  Apart  from  the  Rose  shows,  a  list  of  which  is  given  on 
another  page,  several  events  of  special  horticultural  interest  will  take 
place.  As  mentioned  elsewhere,  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  on 
July  11th  have  an  exhibition  at  Chiswick,  with  which  the  show  of  the 
Carnation  and  Picotee  Society  will  be  held.  On  the  following  day  a 
special  show  of  Roses,  Carnations  and  fruit  will  take  place  at  the 
Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition,  Earl’s  Court,  whilst  in  the  evening 
the  Worshipful  Company  of  Gardeners  will  dine  at  the  Hotel  M4tropole. 
Wolverhampton  Floral  F6te  opens  on  the  11th  inst.  Woodbridge 
(Suffolk)  Show  will  be  held  on  the  13th.  A  great  Orchid  sale  will  take 
place  on  Friday  next,  the  7th,  at  Messrs.  Protheroe  &  Morris’  Auction 
Rooms. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — Warm,  bright  weather  again 

characterised  the  greater  portion  of  the  past  week.  Sunday  was  very 
hot,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  Monday.  Tuesday  was  likewise  warm 
hut  less  sunny  than  the  three  preceding  days,  and  a  refreshing  rain  fell 
at  night.  Wednesday  opened  cloudy  but  very  warm. 

-  Show  Reports. — The  crowd  of  Rose  and  other  shows  is  so 

great  that  it  is  impossible  the  whole  of  them  can  be  reported,  but 
•efforts  are  made  to  report  those  which  have  been  advertised  in  our 
columns,  or  exhibitions  of  general  interest  of  which  schedules  have  been 
sent  and  reporters’  tickets  received.  Reports  arriving  on  Wednesday 
morning,  and  for  which  no  space  has  been  reserved,  are  too  late  for 
insertion.  We  desire  to  thank  all  correspondents  who  send  us  notes  on 
local  shows  and  matters  of  public  interest. 

-  Carnations  and  Picotees  at  Earl’s  Court.  —  Arrange¬ 
ments  have  been  made  for  Carnations  and  Picotees  to  be  exhibited  at 
the  Rose  and  Fruit  Show  to  be  held  at  the  Gardening  and  Forestry 
Exhibition,  Earl’s  Court,  on  July  12th.  Seven  classes  are  provided  in 
the  supplementary  schedule  just  issued,  and  liberal  prizes  are  offered. 

-  The  employes  of  Messrs.  Richard  Smith  &  Co.,  St.  John’s 

Nurseries,  Worcester,  had  their  nineteenth  annual  excursion  on  Monday, 
the  19  th  ult.  Llandudno  was  the  place  chosen  for  this  year’s  outing, 
and  accompanied  by  their  wives  and  friends,  the  whole  party  numbering 
450,  travelled  by  way  of  the  Severn  Valley  in  a  special  train  of  carriages 
provided  by  the  G.W.R.  Co.  The  firm  have  intimated  their  intention 
to  close  their  nurseries  and  seed  establishment  to-day  (Thursday),  in 
honour  of  the  Royal  wedding,  and  to  pay  their  employes  for  the  day  as 
usual. 

-  Woodbridge  Horticultural  Society. — The  annual  Exhi¬ 
bition  of  this  Society  will  be  held  in  the  Abbey  Grounds  on  Thursday, 
July  13th.  Roses  form  a  special  feature  at  this  Show,  the  principal 
prize  being  a  25-guinea  challenge  cup  with  the  National  Rose  Society’s 
silver-gilt  medal  for  twenty-four  distinct  varieties.  The  competition  in 
this  tempting  class  ought  to  be  keen. 

- Wolverhampton  Exhibition  Floral  Fete. — This  annual 

event  will  be  held  in  the  Public  Park,  Wolverhampton,  on  July  11th 
and  the  two  following  days.  A  liberal  prize  schedule  has  been  prepared, 
and  in  addition  to  the  money  awards  for  plants,  Roses,  flowers  and 
fruit,  gold,  silver,  and  bronze  medals  are  offered  for  exhibits  of  Pansies 
and  Violas. 

- Chiswick  Garden  Flower  Show.— On  Tuesday,  July  11th, 

the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  hold  a  special  flower  Show  in  the 
Chiswick  Gardens,  which  are  close  to  Acton  Green,  Turnham  Green, 
Gunnersbury,  Chiswick,  and  Kew  Bridge  Stations.  The  Fruit,  Floral, 
and  Orchid  Committees  will  meet  at  11  A.M.  precisely.  Lady  George 
Hamilton  has  kindly  consented  to  distribute  the  prizes  in  the  afternoon. 
The  band  of  Her  Majesty’s  Royal  Horse  Guards  (Blues),  under  the 
direction  of  Mr.  Charles  Godfrey,  R.A.Mus.,  will  perform  during  the  day. 
The  Exhibition  will  be  open  to  the  public  from  1  to  8  p.m.  The 
Fellows  of  the  Society  and  special  subscribers  will  be  admitted  at 
twelve  o’clock  noon.  Intending  exhibitors  should  communicate  the 
nature  of  their  exhibits  to  Mr.  Barron  at  once,  so  that  the  proper  space 
can  be  allotted. 


-  French  Hono^'RS. — We  learn  from  Nature  that  the  French 

Academy  has  awarded  the  Prix  Desmazieres  to  M.  P.  Viala,  for  his 
researches  on  viticulture  ;  the  Prix  Montague  to  M.  l’Abb6  Hue,  for  his 
work  in  lichenology  ;  and  the  Prix  de  la  Fons  Mellcocq  to  M.  Maseleff, 
for  his  work  on  the  Botanical  Geography  of  the  north  of  France. 

- Awards  for  Scientific  Agriculture.  —  We  understand 

that  the  Albert  medal  of  the  Society  of  Arts  for  the  present  year  has 
been  awarded  to  Sir  John  Bennet  Lawes  and  a  like  medal  to  Mr.  John 
Henry  Gilbert  “  for  their  joint  services  to  scientific  agriculture,  and 
notably  for  the  researches  which  throughout  a  period  of  fifty  years  have 
been  carried  on  by  them  at  the  experimental  farm,  Rothamsted.” 

— ^  Bulbous  Irises. — The  lecture  on  “  Bulbous  Irises  ”  given  by 
Professor  Michael  Foster  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  on  May  8th,  1892,  has  been  published  in  pamphlet  form.  Some 
of  the  species  are  illustrated,  which  enhances  the  eighty-five  pages  that 
form  the  iroclmre.  Much  useful  information  is  conveyed  in  the  lecture, 
which  is  well  worth  a  perusal  by  all  admirers  of  these  beautiful  flowers. 

-  Heuchera  SANGUINEA.— Looking  over  a  large  bed  of  this 

beautiful  hardy  plant  I  saw  the  other  day  growing  in  Mr.  B.  Ladham’s 
nursery  at  Southampton,  I  was  struck  with  the  rich  colour  found  in  one 
seedling  plant,  that  gave  at  once  darker  foliage  and  larger  flowers,  of 
more  intense  colour.  This  is  a  form  that  could  hardly  help  displacing 
the  common  variety.  When  it  becomes  abundant  it  will  probably  be 
termed  atropurpurea. — A.  D. 

-  A  Use  for  Tomato  Leaves. — An  Indian  paper  remarks, 

“  Tomato  leaves  have  proved  to  be  of  value  in  an  unexpected  direction. 
It  has  been  found  that  water  in  which  a  quantity  of  fresh  Tomato 
leaves  have  been  steeped,  when  sprinkled  over  Peach,  Roses,  and  Orange 
trees,  had  the  effect  of  totally  routing  the  numerous  insects  of  all  kinds 
which  infested  the  trees,  and  in  two  days’  time  not  one  of  these  pests 
was  to  be  found.”  A  trial  would  be  interesting. 

-  Thb  Uaisy  Pea.  —  I  saw  this  fine  dwarf  Pea  growing 

admirably  at  Claremont,  Esher,  recently,  and  Mr.  Murrell  is  greatly 
taken  with  it.  In  height  and  appearance  it  much  reminds  me  of 
Robert  Fenn  Pea,  a  very  delicious  dwarf  Marrow  it  was  my  fortune  to 
raise  some  years  ago  by  crossing  Premier,  a  variety  then  well  known, 
with  Little  Gem.  The  Daisy  Pea  should  be  in  great  request  for  cottagers 
and  allotment  holders  who  wish  to  utilise  to  the  utmost  every  inch  of 
their  soil. — A.  D. 

-  Double  Annual  Chrysanthemums. — Amongst  the  annual 

Chrysanthemums  flowering  outdoors  the  new  double  varieties  promise 
to  give  excellent  results.  They  are  dwarfer  than  the  single  forms. 
A  great  per-centage  of  them  come  perfectly  double,  and  the  colours 
cover  many  shades  we  looked  for  in  vain  amongst  the  single  varieties. 
For  cutting  they  are  of  great  value,  remaining  in  perfect  condition  for 
several  days.  When  once  they  become  better  known  they  are  sure  to 
be  extensively  grown. — R.  P.  R. 

- Wakefield  Paxton  Society.  —  At  the  meeting  of  the 

members  of  this  Society  last  week  Mr.  J.  G.  Brown,  gardener  at  Hatfield 
Hall,  read  a  practical  paper,  in  which  he  clearly  and  fully  explained 
the  best  mode  of  cultivating  Strawberries,  and  named  some  of  the 
best  varieties  suitable  for  the  soil  in  the  district.  He  also  explained  the 
manner  in  which  Strawberries  are  grown  in  Kent,  in  the  district  of 
Bath,  and  at  other  places  where  they  are  extensively  cultivated.  A  long 
and  interesting  discussion  followed  the  essay. 

- A  Digging  Competition. — The  monthly  meeting  of  the 

Widcombe  Institute  Horticultural  Club,  held  recently,  took  the  form  of 
a  digging  competition.  At  half-past  seven  a  large  number  of  members 
assembled  at  Wansdyke,  Claverton  Down,  the  residence  of  Mr.  R.  A. 
Moger,  the  Hon.  Secretary,  and  proceeded  to  a  large  garden  at  the  rear 
of  the  house,  where  the  space  set  apart  for  the  digging  had  been  marked 
out.  Each  competitor,  who  could  use  a  fork  or  spade,  had  to  dig  half 
a  perch  of  ground  in  a  manner  most  suitable  for  a  crop  of  Cauliflower 
or  Broccoli,  and  to  use  the  manure  provided  in  the  way  he  considered 
most  suitable.  Seven  entered  for  the  contest,  and  their  work  was 
watched  with  interest  by  the  spectators.  Messrs.  T.  Collett  and 
W.  Crew  were  the  Judges,  and  points  were  given  for  time,  style,  and 
the  application  of  manure.  The  Judges  had  a  considerable  difficulty 
in  awarding  the  prizes,  but  finally  the  first  was  given  to  Mr.  Wale,  the 
second  to  Mr.  Ball,  and  a  third  prize  (kindly  given  by  Mr.  Heafield)  to 
Mr.  F.  Hooper,  Mr.  G.  Hooper  receiving  a  certificate  of  merit.  After 
the  competition  the  company  adjourned  to  the  lawn  of  Wansdyke,  where 
Mrs.  Moger  provided  an  excellent  supper. 


8 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Jnly  6,  18W. 


-  Gardening  Appointment.— Mr.  Henry  Angus,  late  general 

foreman  at  Wykeham  Abbey,  Yorkshire,  has  been  appointed  gardener  at 
Coupland  Castle,  Wooler,  Northumberland. 

-  Trop.eolum  Mrs.  Clibran. — This  is  unquestionably  a  great 

acquisition  to  our  list  of  bedding  Tropfeolums.  Throughout  all  the 
dry  weather  the  plants  have  been  covered  with  bloom.  It  associates 
well  with  the  scarlet  variety  Fire  King. — R.  P.  R. 

-  Alexander  Peach  Outdoors. —  I  began  to  gather  this  early 

Peach  on  June  23rd.  Early  Beatrice  will  soon  be  ready.  This  is 
exactly  four  weeks  in  advance  of  last  year  at  this  place  (North  Hants), 
showing  what  effect  the  excessive  heat  and  drought  has  had  on  Peach 
trees. — H.  C.,  Froylc  Park. 

-  Mr.  Joseph  Theobald.— This  faithful  servant  of  Mr.  George 

Bunyard  and  much  respected  man  died  on  the  29th  ult.  after  a  short 
illness.  He  was  for  thirty  years  “  florist  ”  foreman  in  the  Maidstone 
establishment,  previously  with  Mr.  B.  Cant  of  Colchester,  and  was  well 
known  in  the  southern  counties. 

- Dr.  Nansen’s  Arctic  Expedition. — We  are  requested  to  state 

that  Messrs.  Cadbury,  of  Bournville,  have  supplied  about  1500  lbs. 
weight  of  their  cocoa  essence  and  chocolate  in  hermetically  sealed 
tins,  as  a  portion  of  the  provisions,  which  must  keep  good  for  at 
least  seven  years,  taken  for  this  expedition. 

-  The  Weather  in  Hertfordshire. — Mr.  E.  Wallis,  The 

Gardens,  Hamels  Park,  Buntingford,  Herts,  writes  : — “  The  weather 
during  the  past  month  has  still  remained  exceptionally  dry  and  bright, 
there  being  only  one  full  dull  day.  Rain  is  everywhere  needed.  During 
the  past  four  months  only  2-67  of  rainfall  have  been  registered.  Rain 
has  fallen  on  eleven  days  during  the  past  month.  Maximum  in  any 
twenty-four  hours  was  0-25  on  the  22nd  ;  minimum  in  any  twenty-four 
hours  was  0  01  on  the  25th.  Total  during  the  whole  month,  0  88, 
against  2- 71  of  1892.” 

-  Awards  at  the  Earl’s  Court  Show. — Extreme  pressure 

on  our  space  last  week  prevented  us  mentioning  that  Messrs.  W.  Paul 
and  Sons,  Waltham  Cross,  were  awarded  a  silver-gilt  medal' for  a 
charming  collection  of  Roses  at  the  Earl’s  Court  Show  on  June  28th. 
Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall,  Stamford,  secured  a  silver  medal  for 
some  well-grown  Peaches  ;  Mr.  J.  R.  Chard,  Stoke  Newington,  for  floral 
decorations  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Forbes,  Hawick,  for  a  collection  of  Delphiniums. 
Extra  prizes  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Sons  for  a  collection 
of  fruit ;  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  for  cut  flowers  ;  Jarman  &  Co.,  for  vegetables  ; 
and  W.  Berridge,  for  Tomatoes.  First-class  certificates  were  awarded 
to  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware  for  Begonias  Queen  Victoria,  Champion,  and  Miss 
Fanny  Fell ;  Mr.  W.  Allan,  Gunton  Park  Gardens,  for  Strawberry 
Gunton  Park ;  and  to  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer,  Knaphill,  for  Spirma 
“Anthony  Waterer,”  a  very  dwarf  growing  pink  flowered  form. 

-  Allotments  AT  Richmond. — Two  years  since  a  large  demand 

for  allotments  in  Richmond  having  arisen,  the  Corporation,  as  the  local 
authority  under  the  Allotments  Act,  sought  to  obtain  a  portion  of  the 
Old  Deer  Park  for  the  purpose,  but  failed.  Effort  was  then  made  to  obtain 
land  in  another  direction,  and  eventually  some  20  acres  that  had  been 
for  many  years  under  market  garden  cultivation,  and  situated  between 
the  Sheen  Road  and  the  South-Western  Railway  on  the  eastern  side  of 
the  town,  were  secured  ;  this  the  Corporation  obtained  a  long  lease  of, 
and  after  setting  out  roads,  marked  off  into  196  allotments  in  areas 
ranging  from  10  to  20  rods.  The  ground  is  of  an  excellent  nature,  but 
had  been  v/orked  only  some  10  inches  deep  at  the  most,  and  whilst  this 
season  for  the  first  time  is,  in  spite  of  the.  drought,  carrying  excellent 
crops,  yet  will  be  greatly  improved  when  more  deeply  worked  and 
manured.  The  allotment  holders  comprise  men  engaged  in  every 
description  of  occupation,  not  a  few  had  ever  had  a  garden  or  allotment 
previously.  The  general  aspect  of  the  plots  is  excellent ;  cropping  is 
perhaps  too  crowded,  but  that  will  be  amended  by  time  ;  weeds  are  entirely 
absent,  and  in  every  part  there  is  remarkable  neatness.  The  appreciation 
in  which  the  allotments  are  held  is  indeed  in  many  cases  bordering  on 
enthusiasm.  The  men  seem  as  if  a  new  life,  with  new  aims,  desires,  and 
enjoyments  had  opened  up  before  them.  A  more  complete  vindication  of 
the  capacity  of  workers  of  all  descriptions  to  properly  cultivate  and 
appreciate  allotments  cannot  be  found  in  the  kingdom;  On  Saturday 
21th  ult.,  representing  the  Surrey  County  Council  Technical  Educa¬ 
tion  Committee,  Mr.  A.  Dean,  Kingston,  inspected  the  allotments  and 
afterwards  addressed  the  workers  on  the  ground,  describing  the  best 
methods  of  cultivation,  forms  of  cropping,  dealing  with  plant  pests,  and 
was  listened  to  for  an  hour  with  the  deepest  interest. 


- Margaret  Carnations. — Plants  of  these  Carnations  appear 

to  be  wonderfully  quiek  in  producing  flowers.  I  sowed  some  seed  about 
the  middle  of  February  and  grew  the  plants  in  heat,  afterwards  giving 
them  cool  treatment,  finally  planting  some  outdoors.  These  and  others 
in  pots  standing  out  of  doors  are  now  full  of  buds. — E.  M. 

-  The  Gunton  Park  Strawberries. — I  fully  agree  with  Mr, 

Dean  of  Kingston  in  his  estimate  of  the  Strawberries  he  refers  to  on 
page  521.  I  have  had  the  pleasure  to  receive  a  box  of  each  variety. 
They  travel  well,  and  are  in  colour,  shape,  and  flavour  excellent.  I 
think  they  are  worthy  of  a  trial  in  large  and  small  gardens. — J OHN 
Andrews,  Ron.  Sec.  to  the  WoodhrUlge  Horticultural  Society. 

-  The  Phylloxera. — It  is  reported  that  “the  phylloxera  has- 

appeared  in  the  vineyards  of  the  province  of  Trapani  (Sicily),  in  which 
Marsala  is  situated.  This  is  the  only  province  of  the  island  which  has- 
hitherto  been  exempt  from  the  visitation.  The  districts  where  the 
disease  has  been  discovered  are  Alcamo  and  Partinico.  A  Government 
commission  has  been  despatched  to  the  spot  to  combat  the  scourge.” 

-  Sun  Heat. — Mr.  S.  Arnott,  referring  to  the  “  intense  heat  ”■ 

near  Dumfries  on  Monday  last,  says  the  thermometer  hanging  against- 
a  wall  in  the  full  sun  registered  100°  at  2.45  on  Monday  last.  This 
would  indicate  pleasant  weather  to  some  southerners,  who  have 
languished  under  90°  in  the  shade  this  year  and  120°  in  the  sun.  We 
have  known  this  heat  exceeded  on  more  than  one  occasion  on  a  south 
wall. 

-  Exhibiting  Raspberries. — It  is  a  common  occurrence  to  see 

these  exhibited  without  stalks  at  cottage  shows,  and  even  amongst 
amateurs  the  practice  is  prevalent ;  but  I  do  not  remember  having 
noticed  a  gardener  stage  them  in  that  way.  It  is  difficult  to  initiate 
the  former  in  the  correct  method  of  presenting  all  their  exhibits,  but 
the  latter  should  surely  need  no  such  drilling.  They  would  hardly 
send  fruit  as  dessert  to  the  table  minus  the  stalks. — E.  M. 

-  Canterbury  Bells. — These  plants  make  a  grand  display  in 

the  borders  during  May,  June,  and  July.  If  the  seed  is  sown  late  ii> 
the  year  the  plants  are  weakly  in  the  autumn,  and  from  them  strong 
flower  spikes  cannot  be  had.  The  middle  of  June  is  a  good  time  to  sow 
seed  of  any  approved  variety.  Dean’s  strain  I  consider  very  good,  the 
colours  being  decided,  and  the  flowers  large.  The  single  flowers  are 
the  most  effective.  If  the  weather  is  dry,  well  water  the  ground  a  few 
hours  before  sowing  the  seed.  Cover  the  seed  thinly  with  fine  soil,  and 
shade  the  bed  until  the  seedlings  appear  above  ground,  when  they  should 
have  all  the  light  available  to  induce  a  sturdy  growth.  When  the 
plants  are  large  enough  to  handle  put  them  out  where  they  are  to- 
flower,  or  in  well  dug  land  8  inches  apart  until  the  autumn. — S. 

-  Royal  Meteorological  Society. — The  last  meeting  of  this 

Society  for  the  present  session  was  held  on  Wednesday  evening,  the 
21st  ult.,  at  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  25,  Great  George  Street, 
Westminster,  Dr.  C.  Theodore  Williams  (President)  in  the  chair.  Mr, 
R.  H.  Scott,  F.R.S.,  read  a  paper  on  “  Fifteen  Years’  Fogs  in  the  British 
Islands,  1876-1890,”  which  was  a  discussion  of  the  fog  observations 
made  at  the  stations  whieh  appear  in  the  “  Daily  Weather  Report.’^ 
The  winter  is  the  foggiest  season,  and  the  greatest  number  of  fog 
observations  are  reported  from  London,  Yarmouth,  Oxford,  and 
Ardrossan.  In  the  summer  half  year  the  fog  prevalence  attains  a  local 
maximum  in  two  different  districts — viz.,  at  Scilly,  St.  Ann’s  Head, 
and  Roche’s  Point  in  the  south-west,  and  at  Sumburgh  Head  and  Wick 
in  the  north.  These  are  evidently  sea  fogs,  accompanying  warm 
weather.  Mr.  Scott  has  made  a  collation  of  the  observations  of  fog 
and  the  force  of  the  wind,  and  finds  that  fog  almost  invariably  occurs 
only  with  calm  or  very  light  winds.  The  author  says  that  it  seems 
to  be  generally  assumed  that  fogs  in  London  are  increasing  in  frequency 
and  in  severity.  From  the  observations  it  appears  that  there  is  no  trace 
of  a  regular  increase  either  in  the  monthly  or  in  the  annual  curve. 
All  that  can  be  said  is  that  taking  the  three  lustral  periods  of  five  years 
each,  the  last  of  these  (1886-90)  comes  out  markedly  the  worst,  the 
successive  totals  being  262,  250,  and  322.  A  paper  on  “  Upper  Currents 
of  Air  over  the  Arabian  Sea,”  by  Mr.  W.  L.  Dallas,  F.R.Met.Soc.,  of  the 
Indian  Meteorological  Office,  was  also  read,  in  which  it  is  shown  that 
there  exists  a  regular  arrangement  in  the  vertical  succession  of  the 
upper  currents  ;  and  that  the  Doldrum  region,  and  not  the  geographical 
equator,  is  really  the  dividing  line  between  the  currents  of  the  northern 
and  southern  hemispheres.  Mr.  E.  D.  Archibald,  M.A.,  F.R.Met.Soc., 
also  gave  an  address  on  “  Australian  Climate  and  Weather,”  which 
was  illustrated  by  a  number  of  interesting  lantern  slides. 


July  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


9 


-  Agricultural  Science. — According  to  a  daily  contemporary 

Cambridge  is  about  to  institute  an  examination  in  agricultural  science. 
The  subjects  of  examination — each  subject  of  course  treated  with 
special  reference  to  agriculture — are  botany,  chemistry,  physiology  and 
hygiene,  entomology,  geology,  mechanics  and  engineering,  book-keeping, 
and  agriculture.  The  last,  however,  with  surveying,  veterinary  science, 
and  economics  in  relation  to  agriculture,  will,  or  may,  form  part  of  a 
further  examination  to  be  taken  after  the  others.  The  candidate  who 
has  passed  both  will  be  entitled  to  a  diploma,  and  the  candidate  who  has 
passed  one  to  a  certificate.  It  is  also  recommended  that  the  managing 
syndicate  shall  entertain  applications  for  the  appointment  of  persons 
to  inspect  schools  of  agriculture  or  horticulture  that  receive  grants  of 
public  money,  and  give  regular  instruction  in  these  subjects. 

-  Gas  Lime. — I  note  “  A.  1).”  (page  500)  advises  the  use  of  gas 

lime  on  land  in  the  occupation  of  allotment  holders  for  the  purpose  of 
preventing  the  Onion  maggot  injuring  the  crop.  While  admitting  its 
efficacy,  I  would  caution  those  persons  to  use  the  lime  very  sparingly,  as 
•only  last  year  I  saw  a  garden  where  it  had  been  used  too  freely  during 
the  previous  winter,  and  the  crops  of  all  kinds  were  in  a  most  deplorable 
condition,  seeds  of  Onions,  Carrots,  and  Beet  failing  to  germinate.  In 
some  cases  at  least  three  sowings  were  required,  and  transplanting  from 
other  gardens  was  necessary  to  obtain  a  crop.  In  looking  over  the  same 
garden  a  week  or  two  back,  I  remarked  how  well  the  crops  looked.  The 
Potatoes  were  in  marvellous  health  considering  the  extreme  drought 
experienced,  the  haulm  was  high,  erect,  and  the  foliage  deep  green. 
Far  better  use  the  lime  sparingly  and  often,  rather  than  to  dress 
heavily. — E.  M. 

-  Kingston  Gardeners’  Association.  —  The  usual  monthly 

meeting  of  this  body  was  held  at  the  Edenholme  school-room  on  Tuesday 
evening,  on  27th  ult.  There  was  a  large  attendance.  Mr.  Cushon 
occupied  the  chair.  Some  good  examples  of  Thorpe’s  Queen  and 
Sutton’s  Matchless  Marrow  Peas,  both  very  fine  varieties,  and  some 
sports  from  the  former  were  exhibited  by  a  member.  Mr.  Yeabsley, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Bryant,  Surbiton,  read  a  very  practical  paper  on  the 
Indian  Azalea,  from  which  much  useful  discussion  arose,  and  a  cordial 
vote  of  thanks  to  the  reader  was  accorded.  Mr.  Dean  read  a  letter  from 
Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Beading,  respecting  the  visit  of  the  Gardeners’ 
Cricket  Club  to  their  firm  next  Wednesday,  giving  a  cordial  invitation 
to  members  to  see  over  their  nursery  trial  grounds,  also  from  Mr.  Greig, 
station  agent  S.W.R.,  announcing  a  large  reduction  of  the  ordinary  fare 
to  and  from  Beading  to  members  of  the  Association. 

-  Sussex  Rainfall. — The  total  rainfall  at  Abbots  Leigh,  Hay¬ 
wards  Heath,  Sussex,  for  June  was  2-44:  inches,  being  0'64  above  the 
average.  The  heaviest  fall  was  1’31  inch  on  the  19th.  Rain  fell  on 
nine  days.  The  total  fall  for  the  six  months  was  9  inches,  which  is 
3T7  inches  below  the  average.  The  highest  temperature  in  shade  was 
90°  on  the  19th,  the  minimum  37°  on  the  1st.  Mean  maximum,  69  22°  ; 
mean  minimum,  48  26°;  mean  temperature,  58  74° — 1°  above  the  average. 
The  drought  in  the  above-mentioned  district  lasted  for  fifteen  weeks. 
During  the  four  months  (100  days)  rain  fell  on  only  twenty-two  days. 
From  March  2nd  to  June  19th  only  ITO  inch  rain  fell,  and  with  the 
exception  of  a  few  days  (from  the  15th  to  the  20th  May,  when  it  was 
dull  and  showery,  with  a  thunderstorm),  the  sun  was  all  the  time 
remarkably  hot,  and  the  wind  hard  and  parching,  and  an  almost  entire 
absence  of  dew  at  nights.  Crops  have  suffered  much  ;  watering  seemed 
to  have  little  effect.  Early  Potatoes  have  so  far  matured  that  they  will 
have  to  be  lifted  as  speedily  as  possible  to  prevent  them  growing  again. 
The  intense  heat  of  the  middle  of  June  ended  in  a  severe  thunderstorm, 
during  which  1'31  inch  of  rain  fell  in  an  hour,  doing  some  damage  ;  it 
was  followed  by  a  few  dull  days  and  more  showers,  that  have  done 
much  good.  The  first  two  days  of  July  has  been  quite  hot,  and  every 
appearance  of  its  continuing. — R.  I. 


BEGONIAS  AT  SWANLEY. 

It  is  always  a  pleasure  to  visit  the  Home  of  Flowers,  as  Messrs. 
H.  Cannell  &  Sons’  nursery  at  Swanley  is  named.  There  are  flowers 
in  abundance  to  be  seen  whenever  one  may  go,  and  my  visit  was 
chosen  when  I  thought  the  Begonias,  for  which  the  Swanley  firm  is 
justly  celebrated,  were  at  the  zenith  of  their  beauty,  and  amply  was 
1  repaid  for  my  journey.  Several  large  structures  are  devoted  to 
these  beautiful  plants.  Begonias  are,  however,  to  be  seen  everywhere 
— in  the  houses,  and  in  the  open  air.  Innumerable  varieties  are  grown, 
as  many  readers  of  the  Journal  who  have  seen  them  will  know. 

Apart  from  the  named  kinds  there  are  many  thousands  of  seedlings 
which  have  not  yet  flowered,  and  from  these  it  is  anticipated  many  new 
and  excellent  sorts  will  be  selected.  I  will  give  a  list  of  some  of  the 


best  that  were  in  flower  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  commencing  with  the 
double  varieties,  amongst  which  Cannell’s  Rosebud  stands  pre-eminent. 
It  combines  all  the  good  points  essential  in  a  first-rate  Begonia.  The 
blooms  are  the  shape  of  a  good  Camellia  flower,  but  are  larger,  the 
petals  overlapping  each  other  in  precisely  the  same  manner  as  is  so 
much  admired  in  that  popular  flower ;  the  colour  is  a  delicate  pink  of  the 
most  pleasing  shade  of  colour.  There  were  many  flowers  showing  blooms 
of  what  would  by  many  be  considered  perfect,  so  excellent  were  they, 
but  not  like  Rosebud.  General  Owen  Williams  is  one  of  the  most 
floriferous,  its  large  crimson  blooms  full  of  substance  standing  out 
boldlyi  above  a  dwarf  compactly  habited  plant.  A  distinct  and  pleasing 
flower  is  found  in  Thos.  Whitelaw.  The  flowers  are  of  a  soft  fawn 
charmingly  shaded  buff,  and  have  a  very  clearly  defined  edging  of  rosy 
red.  The  various  colours  blend  with  the  most  perfect  harmony,  and 
form  a  combination  which  cannot  fail  to  please  the  most  fastidious. 
Miss  Nora  Hastings  bears  a  flower  somewhat  after  the  same  style,  the 
ground  colour  being  soft  fawn  with  the  back  of  the  petals  rosy  salmon, 
with  the  blooms  large  and  substantial.  For  a  beautiful  clear  yellow 
Miss  Falconer  would  be  difficult  to  equal.  The  habit  of  the  plant  is 
fine,  and  the  flowers,  which  are  of  good  size,  are  borne  in  profusion. 

Amongst  the  deep  salmon  shades  Sir  J.  D.  Hooker  is  perhaps  one 
of  the  finrst.  The  blooms  are  of  great  size  and  extraordinary  sub¬ 
stance,  and  show  above  the  foliage  in  an  admirable  manner.  Lord 
Llangattock,  which  received  an  award  of  merit  at  the  Temple  Show,  is 
one  of  the  richest  crimsons,  with  flowers  of  excellent  shape  and  immense 
size.  For  a  Begonia  suitable  for  culture  in  a  basket  I  can  conceive 
nothing  better  than  Miss  E.  Wynne,  the  flowers  of  which  are  pure 
white,  and  droop  in  an  exceedingly  graceful  and  fascinating  manner. 
One  of  the  prettiest  is  Mrs.  Cornwallis  West,  the  colour  of  which  is 
most  uncommon,  and  can  only  be  described  as  a  soft  yellow  shaded  with 
apricot,  the  centre  petals  being  of  a  delicate  cream  shade  edged  with 
pink.  Octavia  is  a  beautiful  variety  with  pure  white  flowers  borne  with 
astonishing  freedom.  Though  the  blooms  are  small  in  comparison  with 
many  others,  this  is  a  variety  which  should  be  included  in  every 
collection.  Madame  la  Baronne  de  St.  Didier  has  a  very  large  flowers 
of  a  soft  yellow  colour,  and  is  one  of  the  most  striking  varieties  in  the 
collection.  Flamingo,  as  is  implied  by  the  name,  is  a  brilliant  scarlet 
coloured  variety.  The  flowers  are  plentiful,  of  good  shape,  and  the 
habit  of  the  plant  is  perfect.  CannelTs  Gem  is  the  freest  flowering 
variety  in  the  whole  collection,  and  will  be  most  popular  when  it 
becomes  known.  The  habit  is  good,  and  the  bright  scarlet  flowers  very 
erect.  Throughout  the  collection  it  is  noticeable  what  a  preponderance 
of  varieties  there  are  which  carry  their  blooms  perfectly  erect  instead 
of  hanging  over,  as  was  the  case  with  almost  all  but  a  very  short 
while  ago. 

From  amongst  the  singles  it  is  even  more  difficult  to  make  a  selec¬ 
tion,  the  flowers  on  the  m.ajority  of  the  plants  being  large,  substantial, 
and  of  good  shape.  Mrs.  John  Thorpe  was,  however,  one  of  the  very 
finest  and  most  effective,  the  ground  colour  being  white,  and  having  an 
edging  of  what  can  only  be  termed  a  reddish  lake.  The  plant  is  most 
floriferous  and  the  habit  excellent,  the  flowers  standing  boldly  above 
the  healthy  leafage.  Miss  Agnes  Stewart  is  a  variety  with  immense 
flowers,  colour  being  soft  yellow  clearly  edged  with  pink.  One  of  the 
most  prominent  is  Mrs.  W.  H.  Forster,  the  brilliant  red  flowers  of  which 
have  a  pure  white  centre.  The  massive  shapely  flowers  of  Colonel  Kidd, 
of  a  deep  red  shade,  are  very  attractive ;  as  also  is  Mr.  Packe,  which 
has  soft  rosy  red  flowers,  flushed  and  shaded  light  rose.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  distinct  colours  I  have  yet  seen,  either  amongst  Tuberous  Begonias 
or  any  other  flowers.  The  orange-buff  flowers  of  W.  Marshall  are 
singularly  beautiful.  This  is  a  colour  which  should  be  increased,  as  it 
will  most  assuredly  be  most  popular.  One  of  the  brightest  flowers 
is  Earl  Grosvenor,  orange-scarlet,  with  blooms  of  great  size  and  sub¬ 
stance.  There  were  many  other  varieties  equally  well  worthy  of 
mention,  but  time,  the  inexorable,  would  not  allow  me  to  take  notes 
of  more,  much  as  I  should  have  liked  to  do  so. — NOMAD. 


THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY’S  FOUR 

DAYS’  SHOW. 

The  remarks  of  “A  Fruit  Grower  and  Exhibitor”  anent  this 
subject,  on  page  480  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  June  15th,  seem 
to  me  to  be  both  forcible  and  opportune.  Judging  from  my  experience 
of  exhibiting  I  am  convinced  that  many  would-be  exhibitors  will 
be  prevented  competing  at  the  Show  in  question  if  the  produce 
staged  in  the  fruit  classes  has  to  remain  four  days  before  removal. 
Many  employers  who  grow  fruit  largely  would  strongly  object  to  having 
their  finest  specimens  encased  in  the  thick  coating  of  dust  which  would 
result  from  so  lengthy  a  sojourn  in  a  crowded  room  or  tent  ;  and,  more¬ 
over,  such  a  practice  is  calculated  to  bring  shows  into  disrepute,  for 
some  of  the  finest  dishes  frequently  look  the  reverse  of  inviting  at  the 
end  of  a  two-days  show.  This  seems  to  be  the  opinion  of  some  of  the 
leading  judges  at  the  metropolitan  shows,  who  look  with  extreme  dis¬ 
favour  upon  any  produce  exhibited  which  is  not  perfectly  fresh,  and  I 
have  frequently  seen  them  leave  unplaced  dishes  of  fruit  only 
because  they  had  been  staged  at  another  show  a  day  or  two  previously, 
although  they  were  superior  in  other  points  to  the  winning  dishes. 
Granting  this  is  the  right  course  to  pursue,  does  it  not  conclusively 
prove  that  a  four-days  show  is  a  step  in  the  wrong  direction  ? 

Another  point  to 'be  considered  is  the  expense  attending  so  long  an 
absence  from  home.  In  the  case  of  those  at  a  considerable  distance  from 


10 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  8,  1893, 


London  all  who  compete  cannot  win,  and  many  will  prefer  not  to  measure 
their  strength  with  the  veteran  showmen,  if  the  result  of  failing  to 
win  a  coveted  prize  is  also  to  bring  them  considerable  loss  financially. 
For  these,  as  well  as  the  weighty  reasons  pointed  out  by  “  A  Fruit 
Grower  and  Exhibitor,”  I  trust  the  Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  will  see  their  way  to  give  some  relief  to  would-be  exhibitors. — 
A  Midland  Counties  Fruit  Grower. 


FLOWERS  AT  THE  ROYAL  WEDDING. 

Twice  within  a  few  months  the  walls  of  historic  Fleet  Street  have 
resounded  with  the  cheers  of  the  multitude  over  a  spectacle  in  which 
the  products  of  the  garden  play  an  important  part.  In  November  last 
the  pageantry  of  the  Mayoral  procession  through  the  main  thoroughfares 
of  the  ancient  city  was  varied  for  the  first  time  in  history  by  a  trophy  of 
British  fruit  which  aroused  the  enthusiastic  plaudits  of  the  lookers-on^ 
and  to-day  there  is  a  deeper  swell  in  the  myriad  voices  which  cheer  on 
the  bride  and  bridegroom  of  an  hour  as  they  pass  with  the  music  of  a 
thousand  joy-bells  and  the  perfume  of  a  million  flowers  beneath  the 
windows  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  It  is  not  the  function  of  an 
organ  which  for  nearly  half  a  century  has  been  devoted  to  furthering 
the  interests  of  horticulture  to  dwell  on  the  general  features  of  an  occa¬ 
sion  such  as  this,  moving  and  tremendous  though  they  may  be  ;  but  it 
is  within  its  province  to  refer  with  pride  and  rejoicing  to  the  floral 
aspects  of  a  ceremony  which  has  evidently  stirred  the  heart  of  the  nation 
deeply,  and  called  forth  a  demonstration  almost  pathetic  in  its  intense 
and  spontaneous  delight.  Grim,  repellent  London,  mighty  assemblage 
of  gloomy  streets,  to-day  blossoms  like  the  Rose.  It  has  garlanded 
itself  with  flowers  to  do  honour  to  the  event  which  unites  the  heir  to 
the  throne  of  Britain  with  one  of  the  most  gracious  and  beloved  of  her 
daughters,  and  they  could  have  but  a  shallow  love  for  horticulture  who 
would  fail  to  derive  satisfaction  in  observing  how  largely  its  resources 
have  been  drawn  upon  for  an  occasion  of  such  national  and  historic 
interest. 

Considering  how  universal  the  custom  of  associating  flowers  with 
every  function  which  it  is  desired  to  invest  with  beauty  and  refinement 
has  become,  it  is  not  surprising  that  on  an  occasion  of  such  supreme 
importance  they  should  play  a  prominent  part.  The  Society  hostess 
who  spends  hundreds  of  pounds  in  order  that  her  guests  may  listen  to 
the  most  gifted  artistes  of  the  opera  does  not  hesitate  also  to  provide 
them  with  other  pleasures  in  the  form  of  costly  floral  decorations,  for 
without  them  her  rooms  would  be  cheerless  ;  nor  is  expense  spared  to 
procure  all  that  is  rarest  and  most  lovely  in  flowers  at  balls  and  other 
social  assemblies.  And  these  are  but  events  of  the  hour,  exciting  no 
comment  outside  the  Society  journals.  In  the  wedding  of  H.R.H.  the 
Duke  of  York  and  Her  Serene  Highness  the  Princess  Victoria  May  of 
Teck  we  have  an  event  which  is  talked  of  in  Birmingham  as  well  as  in 
Belgravia,  in  Manchester  as  well  as  in  Mayfair,  and  which  excites  the 
same  interest  in  the  village  cottage  as  in  the  town  mansion.  Strange 
therefore  would  it  be  if  in  bowing  to  the  wishes  of  the  nation  for  a 
ceremony  in  which  it  could  openly  testify  its  gratification  and  pleasure 
the  treasures  of  the  garden  had  been  overlooked. 

Few,  perhaps,  of  the  thousands  to  whom  the  floral  appurtenances  of  the 
Royal  nuptials  have  proved  an  object  of  interest  were  able  to  form  any 
impression  of  their  value  or  of  the  magnitude  of  the  task  of  preparing 
them,  contenting  themselves  with  a  casual  admiration.  But  those  to 
whom  flowers  represent  something  more  than  the  value  of  a  glance  not 
unnaturally  seek  to  get  at  least  an  approximate  impression  of  the 
principal  material,  and  the  extent  and  manner  of  its  utilisation.  A  call 
on  Mr.  Thomas  at  Windsor,  and  an  inspection  of  his  labours  at  St. 
Janies  s  Palace  and  in  the  Chapel  Royal,  together  with  a  visit  to  Mr. 
Wills  at  South  Kensington,  have  demonstrated  on  how  magnificent  a 
scale  those  gifted  horticulturists  have  carried  out  the  duties  allotted  to 
them.  Her  Majesty’s  gardener  has  had  to  fulfil  the  task  of  embellishing 
the  Palace  and  Chapel  referred  to  with  plants  and  flowers,  and  the  work 
nae  been  carried  out  with  an  ability  and  completeness  which  could 
hardly  have  been  excelled.  Oar  representative  called  in  the  height  of 
the  preparations.  Every  group,  whether  large  or  small,  every  window 
arrangement,  and  every  floral  device,  such  as  pillar  wreathing,  that 
displayed  at  St.  James’s,  had  the  various  plants 
allotted  and  placed  together  at  Frog  more  in  the  approximate  order  of 
their  later  arrangement,  so  that  when  conveyed  to  their  destination  the 
dress  rehearsal  could  be  followed  by  a  rapid,  smooth,  and  effective 
manipulation  of  the  material.  The  resources  of  the  Royal  gardens  had 
been  drawn  upon  to  the  extent  of  four  huge  vanloads  of  plants,  and 
it  18  a  sufficient  evidence  of  the  richness  with  which  they  are  stored  to 
say  that  there  still  remained  plants  enough  to  have  repeated  the 
decorations. 

St.  James’s  Palace  and  the  Chapel  Royal  in  the  early  morning  of  and 
throughout  Wednesday  presented  a  most  animated  appearance.  To  the 
on-looker  ignorant  of  the  systematic  manner  in  which  the  work  was  being 
carried  out,  there  appeared  to  be  bewildering  masses  of  lofty  Palms,  huge 
Crotons,  graceful  Ferns,  and  brilliant  flowering  plants ;  but  with  astonish¬ 


ing  deftness  and  rapidity  they  were  arranged  in  beautiful  banks  and 
groups,  until  when  completed  staircases,  landings,  windows,  and  columns 
were  garnished  with  beautiful  floral  adornments.  Passing  through  the 
state  rooms  the  wedding  assembly  traversed  the  armour  room,  the 
windows  of  which  were  filled  with  plants.  On  the  right  as  they 
descended  the  stairs  was  a  magnificent  group,  and  at  every  turn  fresh 
banks  of  foliage  and  flowering  plants  were  disposed.  The  pillars  of  the 
colonnade  were  wreathed  with  Roses  and  Ivy,  the  flowers  being  twined 
round  the  columns,  and  festoons  of  Roses  and  Ivy  sprays  stretching 
from  the  pillars,  together  with  baskets  of  Roses,  were  suspended  above 
the  heads  of  the  bridal  party.  A  beautiful  glade  of  Ferns  dotted  with 
flowering  plants  flanked  another  flight  of  stairs,  at  the  top  of  which  an 
admirable  effect  had  been  secured  by  placing  a  tall  Palm  at  each  side  of 
a  lofty  picture.  Near  the  entrance  to  the  chapel  was  the  retiring  room  of 
H.M.  the  Queen,  who  entered  the  Palace  at  this  point.  The  surroundings 
were  beautifully  decorated,  and  a  magnificent  bouquet  awaited  the 
arrival  of  the  Sovereign. 

The  most  beautiful  feature  of  the  Chapel  Royal  was  the  great 
window,  the  stone  facings  of  which,  18  feet  high  and  1  foot  10  inches 
broad,  were  completely  draped  in  pink  and  white  Roses.  At  each  side 
was  a  tall  Bamboo,  arching  over.  The  large  recess  at  the  base  of  the 
window  was  filled  with  cut  flowers  and  tall  glasses  appropriately 
furnished,  the  whole  forming  a  picture  of  wonderful  beauty.  On  the 
wall  under  the  window,  and  just  above  the  altar  table,  was  a  floral 
emblem  in  Gothic  lines,  executed  in  white  York  Roses  on  a  groundwork 
of  green  moss.  The  altar  table  was  beautifully  furnished  with  bouquets 
and  glasses  of  flowers. 

It  would  be  bewildering  to  attempt  a  description  of  every  method 
that  had  been  adopted  to  beautify  the  palace  and  chapel,  or  to  enumerate 
all  the  plants  and  flowers  utilised.  The  complete  composition  of  all  the 
groups  would  fill  a  page,  and  consequently  only  a  brief  reference  need 
be  made  to  the  material  employed.  One  very  fine  group  was  composed 
of  some  splendid  Palms,  Latania  borbonica  being  conspicuous  amongst 
them  ;  noble  Crotons,  such  as  pictum,  8  feet  high,  nobilis,  Disraeli,  and 
Weismanni,  Aralia  Sieboldi  variegata,  grand  plants  of  Anthurium 
Andreanum,  Clethra  arborea.  Coleuses  and  Grevilleas,  lightened  with 
Hydrangea  paniculata  grandiflora,  Liliums,  the  lovely  “  Bridal  Wreath” 
(Francoa  ramosa),  and  many  other  flowering  plants.  At  the  front  a 
moat  unique  effect  had  been  secured  by  associating  the  very  rare  and 
lovely  White  Water  Bean,  Nelumbium  speciosum  nuciferum,  with  a 
groundwork  of  Cyperus  and  various  aquatics,  A  charming  group  had 
been  put  together  attheside  of  the  grand  staircase  in  St.  James’s  Palace 
of  various  Crotons,  Palms,  Ferns,  and  Araucaria  excelsa,  with  such 
popular  flowering  plants  as  Marguerites,  Tydaeas,  Achimenes,  Hydran¬ 
geas,  Ericas,  and  Gloxinias.  The  windows  were  filled  with  Fuchsias, 
Marguerites,  Pelargoniums,  Hydrangeas,  and  other  flowering  plants 
associated  with  Caladiums  and  Ferns.  Amongst  the  Palms  utilised  in 
the  different  groups  were  some  splendid  Arecas,  Kentias  15  to  20  feet 
high,  and  Cocos  plumosus,  quite  20  feet.  Grand  plants  of  Anthurium 
crystallinum  and  A.  Warocqueana,  also  of  Alocasia  Thibautiana,  were 
noticeable,  while  a  beautiful  basket  of  Orchids  was  greatly  admired. 

The  cut  flower  decorations  were  a  vast  work  in  themselves.  There 
was  476  feet  of  wreathing  on  the  colonnade,  this  being  composed, 
like  the  baskets,  of  white  and  red  Roses.  There  was  also  20  feet  of 
wreathing  in  Roses  on  the  altar,  and  Her  Majesty’s  retiring  room 
was  decorated  with  Tea  Roses  and  Gladiolus  The  Bride.  Altogether 
upwards  of  5000  Roses  were  utilised,  with  large  quantities  of  white 
Gladioli,  Stephanotis,  Tuberoses,  and  Carnations. 

The  bouquets  and  floral  decorations,  made  and  carried  out  by  Messrs. 
Wills  &  Segar,  were  quite  worthy  of  the  reputation  of  the  firm. 
Fourteen  Royal  Princesses  carried  beautiful  bouquets.  That  of  the 
bride  was  an  exquisite  shower  bouquet,  in  which  the  “  old  Provence  Rose 
Duke  of  York?”  was  the  flower  most  largely  employed,  and  it  was  asso¬ 
ciated  with  Carnation  The  Bride,  Odontoglossums,  Cattleyas,  Orange 
Blossom,  and  Lily  of  the  Valley,  interspersed  with  Myrtle,  Fern,  and 
other  leafage.  This  and  the  ten  bridesmaids’  bouquets,  which  were  com¬ 
posed  of  similar  flowers  shaded  with  Cattleya  Mendeli,  were  exquisite 
examples  of  taste  and  skill.  York  Roses,  white  Carnations,  and  many 
choice  Orchids  were  noticeable  in  the  beautiful  bouquets  carried  by 
H.R.H.  the  Princess  of  Wales  and  her  daughters.  Gardenias  were  the 
buttonhole  flowers  of  the  Prince  of  Wales  and  the  Duke  of  York. 

The  floral  decorations  at  Buckingham  Palace  were  most  extensive 
and  beautiful,  the  experience  of  over  twenty  years  there  and  at  Marl¬ 
borough  House  having  well  qualified  Mr.  Wills  for  producing  something 
worthy  of  so  auspicious  an  occasion.  Large  quantities  of  the  most 
choice  and  beautiful  plants  and  flowers  were  employed  with  a  taste  and 
judgment  which  rendered  the  mansion  of  the  Sovereign  a  floral  fairy¬ 
land.  The  superb  gold  plate  displayed  at  the  Royal  banquet  and  the 
Royal  wedding  breakfast  was  interspersed  with  choice  Palms  and  other 
exotics  by  the  South  Kensington  firm,  while  the  setting  apart  of  the 
spacious  ballrsom  for  a  public  Ijreakfast  room  gave  them  another  oppor¬ 
tunity  of  showing  their  exceptional  skill. 

A  word  may  be  devoted  in  conclusion  to  the  efforts  of  private 
residents  and  the  proprietors  of  business  establishments  in  the  City  and 
West  End.  Thousands  of  balconies  and  windows  were  adorned  with 
flowering  plants  and  Ferns,  transforming  sombre  streets  into  pleasant 
promenades.  For  those  not  gaining  admission  to  the  Royal  Palaces  or 
Chapel,  these  public  decorations  proved  most  pleasing  and  attractive 
It  would  add  to  the  pleasure  of  those  whose  special  love  for  and  work 
amongst  flowers  adds  a  powerful  significance  to  what  has  been 
observed  on  this  occasion  if  it  could  be  thought  that  they  would  have 


July  6,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


11 


permanent  influences  for  good.  The  old  City  has  come  out  of  itself,  but 
reaction  is  inevitable,  and  it  may  be  hoped  that  it  will  not  be  a  complete 
return  to  the  status  quo.  Flower-furnished  windows  are  still  the  excep¬ 
tion  in  our  huge  towns,  and  a  great  work  must  be  accomplished  before 
the  masses  are  educated  up  to  the  sense  of  beauty  and  refinement  which 
finds  expression  in  bright  and  fragrant  blossoms.  They  bring  refresh¬ 
ment  to  the  heart  and  contentment  to  the  mind,  giving  new  pleasures  to 
those  who,  if  past  the  first  “  lexicon  of  youth,”  are  not  so  in  the  sense 
of  being  on  the  threshold  of  gardening  life,  but  have  the  bright  rubicon 
of  manhood  before  them,  opening  up  fresh  fields  of  thought  and 
happiness,  even  though  the  sands  of  their  material  existence  be  running 
down. 

Something,  too,  may  be  hoped  for  from  the  love  that  those  who  have 
to-day,  with  every  token  of  a  nation’s  affection  and  esteem,  entered  upon 
a  new  and  momentous  epoch  in  their  lives,  are  known  to  bear  for 
flowers.  At  Sandringham,  where  the  Royal  honeymoon  is  to  be  spent, 
few  of  the  flowers  so  admirably  cultivated  by  Mr,  McKellar  are  more 
extensively  grown  than  Tea  Roses,  and  for  these  chaste  and  delicious 
blossoms  the  bridegroom  is  reputed  to  have  a  special  regard.  But  both 
he  and  his  Consort,  possessing  in  a  rare  degree  the  attributes  to  which 


leaves  below  are  simply  blotched  (a),  and  one  leaf  (J)  is  perfectly  clean. 
The  attack  looks  like  frost-bite,  or  blackening  by  an  overdose  of  an 
insecticide  or  fungicide.  If  one  of  the  young  leaves  be  examined  on 
the  under  side  a  number  of  small  dots  will  be  seen.  These  app)ear 
concave  and  whitish,  but  they  are  really  convex  and  yellow,  with  a 
minute  black  central  spot  or  spots.  The  dots  are  just  visible  to  the 
unaided  eye,  as  shown  at  B — a  small  leaf,  natural  size,  blackened  and 
destroyed.  There  is  nothing  whatever  on  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaf 
but  dead  hairs  as  outgrowths.  Taking  a  still  smaller  leaf,  and  examining 
it  by  an  ordinary  pocket  lens,  1  find  the  yellow  pustules  spread  over 
the  whole  of  the  under  side,  and  they  still  appear  concave,  not  unlike 
the  “  cups  ”  of  an  Jilcidium,  the  whole  tissue  of  the  leaf  (C)  being 
destroyed  down  to  the  point  c,  that  part  being  black  ;  but  below  c  the 
footstalk  is  perfectly  healthy.  One  noticeable  feature  is,  the  dots  or 
spots  are  not  present  on  the  footstalk  nor  on  the  midribs  and  veins  of 
the  leaf.  This  is  a  remarkable  characteristic  of  mites — they  never,  or 
very  rarely,  produce  galls  from  those  parts.  By  mites,  I  mean  those  of 
the  sub-family  Phytoptidae  (four-legged  Phytoptus), 

If  a  minute  portion  of  an  undeveloped  leaf  be  examined  by  a  lens, 
we  find  the  pustules  are  a  beautiful  transparent  yellow  colour,  and 


Fig.  2.— black  currant  SHOOTS  DISEASED. 


flowers  specially  appeal,  are  broad  and  catholic  in  their  tastes,  and  the 
freedom  with  which  they  may  be  trusted  to  utilise  flowers  can  hardly 
fail  to  popularise  the  garden  and  widen  its  influences  for  good.  A  great 
step  will  have  been  gained  if  the  ever-widening  eddies  thus  set  in 
motion  carry  the  germs  of  flower-love  into  new  waters,  bringing  bright¬ 
ness  and  delight  to  those  for  whom  at  present  the  Roses  bloom  not. 


BLACK  CURRANT  SHOOTS  DISEASED. 

A  DISEASE  has  appeared  in  recent  years  on  the  tips  of  the  shoots  of 
Vines,  Figs,  Tomatoes,  and  other  plants  grown  under  glass.  It  first 
contracts  the"  margin  of  the  leaves  and  causes  them  to  enrol  or  enclose 
(in  Vines  it  is  the  reverse — i.e.,  invert),  and  the  affected  growth  becomes 
of  a  dirty  dark  brown  or  black,  the  leaves  dying.  The  disease  in  Figs, 
Vines,  and  Tomatoes  is  certainly  contagious,  but  there  is  no  trace 
whatever  of  fungal  attack,  and  though  the  appearance  is  that  of  red 
spider  attacks  with  the  leaf  tissues  blackened,  there  is  no  evidence  of 
animal  parasites.  I  am  persuaded,  however,  that  it  is  due  to  mites, 
which  have  the  property  of  producing  chemical  changes,  and  that 
always  takes  the  primordial  colour  of  the  host,  as  seen  in  the  young 
growth  before  chlorophyll  is  formed. 

But  we  are  now  concerned  with  the  blackened  condition  of  Black 
Currant  shoots  submitted  by  Mr.  F.  Q,  Lane.  The  tips  of  the  shoots  are 
hardened  in  tissue,  dirty  brown  or  black,  as  shown  at  A,  while  the 


instead  of  being  concave  they  are  convex,  and  not  unlike  the  fruits  of 
Nectria  ditissima  (the  Apple  and  Pear  canker  fungus)  in  form,  or  an  Oak 
blister-gall,  with  a  conspicuous  black  centre,  composed  of  one  or  more 
irregular  dots.  Transparent  yellow  pustules  may  be  discerned,  and  springing 
from  the  surface  of  the  leaf  (under  side)  between  the  blisters  are  some 
transparent  white  hairs.  These  are  Erineum,  and  no  creature  can 
produce  them  but  mites,  nor  any  chemical  known  to  science.  Subjecting 
a  still  minuter  portion  of  a  young  infested  leaf  to  a  higher  power  of 
the  microscope  we  get  to  see  that  the  blisters  have  been  raised  from 
the  cells  of  the  leaf  and  immediately  around  the  black  central  dot  or 
dots,  which  are  raised  with  the  blisters.  Three  are  shown  in  D,  at  d, 
and  the  hairs,  e,  are  seen  to  be  forked,  and  that  division  is  produced 
by  budding,  as  represented  by  the  little  knobs  along  them,  here  and 
there. 

Now  that  before  mentioned  is  all  there  is  to  see  on  the  leaves  and 
shoots.  The  black  spots  or  dots  in  the  centre  of  the  transparent  yellow 
blister  are  the  oxidised  excreta  of  the  mite,  and  the  blister  is  caused  by 
the  chemical  ferment  set  up  in  the  plant  tissues  or  cells  by  the  liquid 
portion  or  poison  absorbed,  and  corresponds  to  those  raised  by  ants  on 
the  human  skin.  The  abnormal  growth  of  the  hairs  is  due  to  endeavour 
on  the  part  of  the  plant  to  throw  off  the  poison,  and  this  only  provides 
pasturage  for  the  mites,  for  they  browse  on  those,  and  when  they  defo¬ 
liate  the  crop  of  Erineum  the  mites  must  do  or  die.  I  am  aware  that 
the  mites  are  said  to  “  stray  about  upon  the  leaves  and  the  shoots,  and 
make  their  peculiar  gold-coloured  galls  [which  are  shown  in  D]  upon  the 


12 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  6,  1893. 


young  and  tender  twigs  [we  have  seen  with  a  certain  result — death  to 
the  parts]  as  well  as  upon  the  sheathing  scales  or  embryonic  leaves  of 
the  buds,  it  is  believed  that  they  live  upon  these,  if  not  upon  the  leaves 
also  until  the  buds  are  again  formed.”  This  is  partly  true,  for  they 
cannot  and  do  not  live  on  the  leaves  and  young  shoots,  nor  are  the 
yellow  pustules  in  any  sense  galls,  but  mere  blisters,  poisoning  and  killing 
the  young  leaves  and  young  wood. 

The  Hazel-bud  gall  mite  has  already  (May  30th)  possession  of  the 
newly  formed  buds  of  the  Hazel,  the  leaves  corresponding  to  the  buds 
having  a  large  purple  blotch  in  the  centre  of  the  leaf,  and  the  Brineum 
is  being  produced  abundantly  by  the  scales,  but  there  is  not  a  mite  to  be 
seen  (except  in  the  buds  galled),  nor  are  the  central  or  embryonic 
blossom  or  wood  buds  yet  touched,  but  soon  will  be  when  the  mites 
emerge,  for  their  “  buds  ”  penetrate  the  leaf  buds  at  the  base  of  the 
scales,  and  they,  dropping  their  poison  on  the  growing  parts,  produce 
the  gall,  and  Brineum  hairs  spring  forth  bounteously  inside,  upon  which 
they  live  and  pass  the  winter  in  safety,  feasting  and  fattening,  and 
reproducing  on  what  would  otherwise  be  the  young  shoots,  and  leaves, 
and  nuts  of  the  succeeding  year.  It  is  the  same  with  the  Currant-bud 
gall  mite.  The  question.  Where  are  the  mites  now  ?  I  am  unable  to 
find  any  on  the  shoots  and  leaves  sent  by  Mr.  Lane.  I  have  shown 
what  they  have  done,  and  it  is  questionable  if  they  can  or  do  enter  the 
embryonic  buds  in  any  form  than  that  completing  the  cycle  of  their 
existence. — G.  Abbey. 


NOTES  ON  TOMATOES. 

Tomato  Sutton’s  Dessert. 

This  appears  to  be  an  excellent  variety  where  large  fruit  are  not 
favoured.  In  a  Peach  house  at  Kooksbury  Park  many  plants  of  it  are 
now  growing,  they  all  have  set  a  wonderful  crop  of  fruit.  This  is  borne 
in  long  racemes,  ranging  from  1  foot  to  2  feet  long,  and  carrying  as 
many  as  nineteen  fruit  on  one  raceme.  The  fruit  is  about  the  size  of 
a  large  walnut,  quite  smooth  in  the  skin,  bright  red  in  colour,  and 
of  excellent  flavour,  just  the  right  kind  to  eat  in  a  raw  state. — B.  M. 

Tomato  Disease. 

The  new  disease  to  which  Tomatoes  are  subject,  so  ably  described  by 
Mr.  Abbey  (page  471,  June  15th),  made  its  appearance  at  Ivy  Lodge, 
Bridge  of  Allan,  four  years  ago,  the  flrst  year  the  late  Mr.  M'Tavish 
grew  Tomatoes  there.  The  water  used  is  a  natural  supply,  which  enters 
the  garden  at  the  highest  point  from  the  grounds  above,  and  is  collected 
into  a  tank  from  which  it  is  led  by  pipes  to  wherever  wanted.  Whether 
it  is  contaminated  with  sewage  or  any  other  deleterious  matter  from 
the  houses  on  the  higher  ground  I  cannot  say  ;  but  there  is  a  contamina¬ 
tion  somewhere,  for  the  tank,  cisterns  in  the  houses,  and  a  pond  are 
continually  covered  with  a  green  confervoid.  Once,  when  talking  with 
Mr.  M‘Tavish  about  the  sudden  collapse  of  his  plants,  he  said  Mr. 
Thomson  of  Clovenfords,,  who  was  calling  a  few  days  previous, 
attributed  it  to  the  attack  of  wireworm.  As  I  could  not  observe  any 
of  the  usual  signs  of  a  wireworm  attack  I  misdoubted  the  statement 
without  any  farther  evidence  than  the  sudden  dying  of  the  plants  ; 
therefore  several  of  them  were  examined,  but  neither  wireworm  nor 
any  appearance  of  their  work  could  be  found. 

“  J.  F.  D.,”  at  page  505,  says,  “  Seeds  should  be  purchased  from  one 
of  the  best  houses  in  the  trade.”  Bven  although  we  do  so  it  does  not 
always  turn  out  as  we  wish.  I  enclose  several  seeds  which  are  discoloured. 
Is  it  the  nidus  of  some  species  of  disease  ?  Fully  a  third  of  the  seed 
from  a  healthy  fruit  had  the  same  discolouration  as  those  sent.  If  it  is 
the  seat  of  a  form  of  disease  it  will  account  greatly  for  the  spread  of 
such  diseases.  Would  any  of  your  readers  who  may  have  grown  “  Sharpe’s 
First  Little  Beauty  ”  give  their  opinion  of  it  ? — G.  M‘Douga"ll, 
Stirling. 

[We  have  examined  the  seeds  and  fail  to  find  any  spores  of  bacterium 
attached  to  them.  The  seeds,  however,  are  not  only  discoloured,  but 
very  weak,  and  not  likely  to  produce  sturdy,  healthy  seedlings.  Seed 
should  be  saved  from  the  finest  and  best  ripened  fruit,  selecting  the 
largest  and  most  plump  clean  seeds,  rejecting  those  which  are  small 
discoloured,  and  manifestly  not  well  developed.] 

Tomatoes  at  West  Hill  House. 

The  description  of  successful  Tomato  growing  is  of  interest  to  all 
those — and  they  are  many — who,  either  commercially  or  for  family  use, 
are  trying  to  make  their  crops  as  good  as  they  can  with  whatever  means 
they  may  have  at  command.  A  very  successful  system  of  culture  is 
pursued  by  Mr.  Hawtin,  gardener  to  Mr.  Samuel  Herrick  Sands,  late 
Mayor  of  Nottingham,  at  West  Hill  House,  on  the  Lenton  side  of  the 
borough.  He  devotes  one  of  his  houses,  through  the  summer  season, 
entirely  to  Tomatoes.  It  is  some  30  feet  long,  by  18  or  20  feet  wide ; 
span-roofed,  and  curvilinear,  thus  having  plenty  of  light.  In  the  centre, 
on  the  stone  bench  which  covers  a  water  cistern,  he  has  them  growing 
in  13  or  14-inch  pots,  well  drained,  but  standing  in  pans  to  retain  the 
waterings,  and  keep  the  plants  always  cool  and  moist  at  their  roots.  On 
the  side  benches  he  puts  boxes  made  the  whole  length  and  width,  2  feet 
wide  and  6  inches  deep,  holding  say  4J  or  5  inches  of  soil.  In  these 
boxes  the  plants  are  placed  in  a  double  row  on  the  outer  and  inner  sides  ; 
they  stand  about  18  inches  apart,  and  grow  straight  up,  fastened  to 
stakes  until  they  reach  the  wires  of  the  roof,  to  which  they  are  afterwards 
tied. 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  the  plants  are  rather  close  together, 
but  being  grown  on  the  single-stem  principle,  and  daily  attended  to,  there 


is  no  crowding.  In  all  there  are  about  eighty  plants  in  the  house,  and 
Mr.  Hawtin  told  me  that  since  he  commenced  cutting  he  had  cut  some 
150  lbs.  of  fruit,  and  when  we  saw  them,  June  26th,  there  would  be 
about  50  lbs.  of  fruit  quite  ready.  The  majority  of  his  plants  area 
sort  selected  by  him,  a  few  years  ago,  from  a  very  fruitful  plant 
out  of  a  packet  of  seed  of  Hopper’s  Goliath,  though,  in  most  years,  he 
adds  a  few  plants  of  the  other  varieties  which  are  said  to  be  excellent 
by  other  growers.  He  has  tried  all  the  forms  of  Perfection,  Conference, 
and  others  ;  but  as  he  does  not  grow  for  show  but  for  use,  he  finds  none 
to  fill  his  basket  like  his  variety  of  Hepper’s  Goliath,  Hopper’s,  though 
a  corrugated  fruit,  and  much  like  Sutton’s  Barliest  of  all  in  habit,  fruit, 
and  prolificacy,  grows  with  him  to  an  excellent  size,  and  a  very  high 
colour.  He  is  trying  Sutton’s  Maincrop  this  year,  and  in  some  things 
it  suits  him,  but  does  not  give  him  such  satisfactory  results  as  his  own 
variety  does.  The  compost  used  is  a  mixture  of  half  and  half  turf  and 
decayed  cow  manure.  This  is  found  to  hold  out  the  longest,  besides 
giving  firmness  and  short-jointed  growth  to  the  plants.  The  plants  are 
top-dressed  every  now  and  then  through  their  fruiting  stage  with  guano, 
and  are  occasionally  watered  with  liquor  from  the  garden  tank,  into  which 
all  the  house  sewage  goes. 

Mr.  Hawtin  uses  the  syringe  very  slightly,  if  at  all,  he  believing 
that  trying  to  grow  Tomatoes  on  the  lines  of  Cucumbers  has  been  the 
cause  very  largely  with  those  who  do  so  of  the  dreaded  Tomato  disease. 
With  him  he  has  never  had  the  least  sign  of  it,  and  he  attributes  it 
partly  to  his  non-use  of  the  syringe,  a  soil  not  too  rich  nor  in  too  great 
quantity,  and  good  feeding  by  top-dressings  of  soil  and  guano,  and 
occasional  rich  waterings,  and  his  light  and  airy  house.  We  agree  with 
him,  and  his  results  show  that  he  is  right.  There  may  be  a  point  or  two 
in  these  notes  which  will  be  of  advantage  to  some  Tomato  grower  or 
other,  and  every  little  helps. — P.  H,  N. 


ABOUT  HULL.  — III. 

Welton  House. 

Two  friends  from  the  north  took  a  pair  of  northern  appetites  with 
them  into  a  southern  restaurant  some  time  ago,  and  one  whispered  to 
the  other  to  “  give  him  a  bit  of  broad  Yorkshire  ”  as  the  waiter 
approached  to  solicit  their  orders.  No.  2,  not  being  too  hungry  to 
appreciate  a  joke,  complied,  and  the  confusion  of  the  waiter  was  as 
complete  as  though  he  had  been  asked  to  bring  Solanum  tuberosum 
or  Brassica  oleracea.  No.  2,  when  on  his  native  heath,  is  Mr.  Charles 
Lawton,  head  gardener  to  Colonel  Harrison  Broadley,  Welton  House, 
near  Brough,  but  he  spared  me  a  Yorkshire  accent  in  the  hearty  York¬ 
shire  welcome  extended  to  me  when  I  made  my  call.  But  there  is 
breadth  about  Mr.  Lawton  apart  from  the  speech  in  which  it  sometimes 
pleases  him  to  indulge.  He  is  broad  in  person  to  begin  with,  and 
broader  still  in  mind,  one  of  those  gardeners  who  combine  practical 
knowledge  with  scientific  culture,  keen  intelligence,  and  a  sturdy 
independence  of  thought. 

Welton  House  stands  in  beautiful  grounds  close  to  the  far-famed 
Welton  Dale,  which  is  a  part  of  the  vast  estate,  and  to  which  troop 
numbers  of  excursionists  from  Hull,  for  Colonel  Broadley  throws  it  open 
to  them,  and  thousands  are  glad  to  avail  themselves  of  the  privilege. 
Bills  are  frequently  on  view  in  Hull  town  inviting  would-be  visitors  to 
part  with  eighteen  pence,  and  in  return  to  be  transported  per  waggonette 
to  and  from  Welton.  The  vehicles  are  not,  to  speak  frankly,  models  of 
luxury,  but  they  are  comfortable,  so  that  anyone  who  feels  inclined  to  go 
by  road  has  a  fair  opportunity  of  gratifying  his  desires.  If  the  rail  is  chosen 
I  am  doubtful  whether  Ferriby  or  Brough  is  the  nearer  station.  Being 
independent  of  both  waggonette  and  train  it  was  not  a  special  poin 
with  me,  but  it  would  be  a  pleasant  and  not  very  long  walk  from  either. 
Welton  village  and  the  surrounding  country  has  an  interest  for  lovers  of 
the  “  good  old  times  ”  in  its  connection  with  the  exploits  of  Dick  Turpin, 
Scarborough,  Snowden  Dunning  (or  Dunhill),  and  other  notorious 
persons.  Mr.  Lawton  pointed  out  an  old  hostelry  there  in  which  the 
lamented  Eichard  was  incarcerated  pending  his  transmission  to  York 
under  other  conditions  than  prevailed  on  his  famous  ride.  I  was 
fortunate  in  seeing  Welton  under  the  favourable  conditions  of  glorious 
summer  weather,  and  the  fine  views  from  the  head  of  the  Dale  were  at 
their  best. 

The  gardens  and  grounds  around  the  mansion  possess  the  immense 
advantage  of  abundant  leafage.  Beeches  and  Blms  flourish  wonder¬ 
fully  well,  particularly  the  Copper  .  Beeches,  which  excel  their 
brethren  in  vigour  and  luxuriance,  and  make  a  fine  feature.  One 
tree  near  the  house  has  attained  to  enormous  dimensions,  and  the 
branches,  having  spread  across  the  drive,  have  been  raised  on  a  frame¬ 
work  of  stout  poles,  forming  a  natural  arch  of  great  beauty.  An 
extraordinary  instance  of  vitality  in  a  tree  is  afforded  by  an  enormous 
Sycamore,  the  branches  having  a  spread  33  yards  in  diameter.  At  a 
height  of  about  5  feet  the  trunk  split  in  a  heavy  wind,  and  one  portion 
was  dragged  to  the  ground.  It  was  resolved  to  raise  it  and  bolt  the  two 
together.  Failure  was  the  universal  prognostication,  being  voted  as 
certain  as  that  a  ship  must  come  to  grief  if  an  attempt  were  made  to 
drive  it  by  steam ;  but  the  ship  went  and  the  tree  grew.  A  bolt  was 
driven  right  through  the  pith,  and  a  large  plate  was  affixed.  The  plate 
is  now  covered  with  bark,  the  wounded  parts  healed,  and  the  tree  is  in 
perfect  health. 

There  is  a  great  deal  to  interest  old  timers  in  the  houses  at  Welton 
for  hardwooded  plants  are  well  represented  there.  Some  are  “  speci¬ 
mens  ”  of  quite  an  aldermanic  corpulence.  For  instance,  there  is 


July  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


18 


huge  plant  of  Polygala  grandis  4  to  5  feet  through,  and  without  exagge¬ 
ration  a  very  beautiful  object ;  also  a  grand  example  of  Statice  profusa 
5  feet  across.  Ericas  are  well  represented  by  ventricosa  globosa  4  feet 
in  diameter,  and  Lindleyana,  which  is  about  half  the  size,  and  has  been 
in  bloom  three  months.  Franciscea  Lindeni,  with  its  beautiful  purplish 
mauve  flowers,  which  are  borne  later  than  those  of  the  other  species, 
measures  about  3  feet  across,  and  being  covered  with  flowers  is  some¬ 
thing  to  admire.  There  are  some  bulky  old  Azaleas,  such  as  Magnificent 
(about  6  feet  across),  Due  de  Nassau,  and  Iveryana,  not  pyramids,  but 
broad,  evenly  furnished  specimens  full  of  bloom.  Boronia  elatior  is  an 
object  calculated  to  surprise  the  southron,  who  is  not  used  to  calculating 
the  size  of  members  of  this  genus  in  feet.  Other  noteworthy  plants  are 
Streptosolon  Jamesoni  wound  round  stakes  in  a  large  pot  and  freely 
bloomed ;  Cassia  corymbosa,  4  to  5  feet  across ;  Dasylirion  gracile 
glaucescens  and  D.  acrotrichum  ;  magnificent  specimens  of  Gleichenia 
Mendeli  and  G.  speluncm,  the  former  about  8  feet  through,  the  latter  a 
couple  of  feet  less  ;  Lapageria  alba  on  a  balloon-shaped  trellis  4  feet  in 
diameter,  which  has  been  clothed  in  flowers  ;  Euterpe  edule,  Stevensonia 
grandiflora,  Dion  edule,  Ixora  Williamsi,  I.  Duffi,  and  Kondeletia 
speciosa.  Eucharis  amazonica  is  in  splendid  health.  One  large  piece 
has  not  been  repotted  for  eighteen  years,  and  is  rarely  without  flowers, 
blooming  seven  and  eight  times  in  a  season.  It  is  supported  with  liquid 
manure  and  soot  water,  and  proves  its  vigour  by  bearing  seven  flowers 
on  a  spike. 

The  conservatory,  which  is  about  60  feet  long  by  45  feet  wide  and 
30  high,  contains  an  assortment  of  material  such  as  is  not  often  met 
with.  Some  of  its  occupants  are  familiar  enough,  but  others  are  less 
so.  Amongsc  the  former  may  be  mentioned  the  Camellias,  which  are  a 
wonderful  feature  ;  the  Abutilons,  which  go  right  up  to  the  roof  ;  Cantua 
dependens,  which  has  been  full  of  bloom  since  January  and  is  a  lovely 
sight  now  ;  Fortune’s  Yellow  Rose,  which  has  been  planted  forty-seven 
years  and  covers  one  end  and  part  of  the  roof,  bearing  thousands  of 
flowers  ;  Lardizabala  biternata,  and  a  number  of  fine  Palms  and  Tree 
Ferns.  Draco  Banks!  erythrochysis  is  more  of  a  stranger,  at  least  to 
me,  and  there  is  plenty  of  it  to  study,  for  it  is  30  feet  high,  and  two  other 
stately  exotics  on  which  I  gazed  for  the  first  time  were  Dacrydium 
cupressinum  and  Alectryon  excelsum.  Feeling  rather  dubious  about 
being  able  to  give  a  description  of  them  in  the  short  space  at  command 
I  take  refuge  in  the  useful  generalisms  that  both  are  “  handsome  and 
effective,”  while  the  latter  is  found  “  useful  for  cutting.”  I  think 
that  if  the  names  of  the  plants  sound  strange  these  phrases  will  make 
up  for  it.  There  are  many  other  odds  and  ends  of  a  more  or  less  attrac¬ 
tive  character,  and  one  is  tempted  to  think  that  Colonel  Harrison  Broadley 
has  either  roved  afar  or  had  many  wandering  friends,  so  strangely  is 
his  conservatory  stored.  It  is  likely  enough  that  it  would  not  entirely 
satisfy  the  present  generation,  but  it  is  interesting,  and  beautiful 
withal. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines  do  wonderfully  well  at  Welton.  They  are 
not  far  from  the  limestone,  and  appreciate  it  more  than  the  wanderer 
whose  way  takes  him  over  many  a  white  and  dusty  highway,  where 
Peaches  grow  not.  We  have  had  thirsty  weather  of  late.  The  Lawtonian 
trees  include  specimens  of  the  past  as  well  as  present  generations,  not 
dating  quite  back  to  the  days  of  Turpin  perhaps,  but  still  venerable. 
There  is  a  Grosse  Mignonne  of  impressive  rotundity,  reputed  to  be  fifty 
years  old,  which  has  not  missed  a  crop,  the  present  gardener  told  me, 
for  twenty-four  years,  and  has  yielded  as  many  as  twenty  dozen  Peaches 
as  one  season’s  quota.  In  its  younger  days  10  and  ll-oz.  fruits  were 
not  uncommon  ;  it  does  not  reach  that  figure  now,  but  bears  crops  quite 
good  enough  to  insure  its  retention,  and  he  would  be  callous  indeed  who 
could  condemn  such  a  faithful  old  slave  without  a  sigh.  Trees  four 
years  planted  promise  to  follow  the  parental  example,  so  vigorous,  so 
healthy,  and  so  fruitful  are  they.  The  Vines  are  equally  satisfactory, 
and  afford  ample  evidence  that  although  Mr.  Lawton  has  earned  special 
repute  as  a  plantsman,  he  is  equally  at  home  in  other  departments  of 
the  garden. 

Conifers  at  West  Ella. 

A  hint  from  the  Welton  gardener  took  me  to  West  Ella,  the  residence 
of  C.  P.  Sykes,  Esq.,  where,  he  told  me,  there  were  some  particularly 
fine  Conifers.  The  place  adjoins  the  village  of  Kirk  Ella,  which  is  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  it  has  been  my  pleasure  to  discover  about  Hull. 
There  is  quite  a  family  party  of  Ellas  in  the  neighbourhood,  all  having 
derived  their  name  from  a  worthy  savage  of  the  pre-Normanic  era. 
Doubtless  he  had  a  soul  above  Conifers  and  such  like  effeminate  delights 
of  an  effete  generation. 

The  gardener  at  West  Ella,  Mr.  Sturdy,  is  an  old  junior  of  Mr, 
Lawton’s.  He  was  making  his  way  down  the  village  when  I  arrived  on 
the  scene,  but  executing  a  strategic  movement  I  captured  him  near  the 
village  pump,  which,  by  the  way,  is  an  elaborate  and  ingenious  institu¬ 
tion  that  would  have  astonished  the  primitive  understanding  of  the 
ancient  Saxon.  West  Ella  is  a  very  beautiful  old  house  flanked  by 
irregular  sweeps  of  lawn,  on  one  portion  of  which  is  a  small  lake  dotted 
with  Water  Lilies,  edged  with  yellow  Irises,  and  looked  down  upon  by 
heavy  masses  of  Rhododendrons.  The  walls  of  the  building  are  clothed 
in  Roses  and  Honeysuckle,  so  that  it  presents  a  most  pleasing  aspect. 
There  is  plenty  of  good  timber  in  the  vicinity,  and  the  Conifers,  although 
not  numerous,  comprise  some  noteworthy  specimens.  Picea  nobilis  is 
represented  by  a  fine  tree  about  50  feet  high,  and  which  has  borne  some 
splendid  cones,  and  there  is  a  P.  Smithiana  of  equal  proportions.  An 
otherwise  grand  tree  of  Cedrus  atlantica  glauca,  40  feet  high,  has  been 
broken  about  by  the  snow,  and  its  beauty  unfortunately  marred.  The 
best  specimen  of  Wellingtonia  gigantea  is  a  noble  example,  and  there  are 


also  some  fine  Cedars,  notably  a  Deodar,  50  feet  high,  and  a  spreading 
“  Lebanon  ”  with  an  altitude  of  about  60  feet.  The  Araucarias  are  also 
remarkably  fine.  Less  imposing,  but  quite  as  perfect  in  its  way,  is  the 
4  feet  specimen  of  Abies  Parryana  glauca,  a  very  beautiful  little  lawn 
tree. 

Space  only  permits  of  the  briefest  possible  reference  to  West  Ella,  and 
I  can  only  add  that  throughout  the  establishment  there  is  ample  proof 
of  Mr.  Sturdy’s  capacity  to  do  justice  to  a  place  that  in  itself  and  its 
surroundings  can  claim  a  special  charm  and  attractiveness. — W.  P.  W. 


OXYLOBIUM  CALLISTACHYS. 

This  ornamental  shrubby  plant  does  not  appear  to  be  so  generally 
well  known  as  it  might  be,  or  it  would  be  more  extensively  cultivated. 
Either  as  small  plants  for  the  side  stages  of  the  conservatory  or  as 


PIG.  3.— OXYLOBIUM  CALLISTACHYS. 


plants  4  feet  high  in  large  pots  it  would  be  found  very  useful.  Like 
most  of  the  Australian  plants  Oxylobiums  require  only  ordinary  green¬ 
house  treatment,  but  to  make  them  flower  freely  allow  them  enough 
sun  to  thoroughly  ripen  their  shoots.  They  will  be  found  to  thrive 
best  in  a  compost  of  fibry  loam  and  peat  of  about  equal  parts,  with 
plenty  of  silver  sand  added.  Oxylobium  callistachys,  shown  in  fig.  3, 
has  bright  yellow  pea-shaped  flowers  produced  in  dense  clusters,  and  is 
very  showy,  as  are  also  many  of  the  other  species.  The  genus  is  a  large 
one,  but  many  of  the  species  are  not  known  in  English  gardens. 


WASPS’  NESTS  AND  CYANIDE  OF  POTASSIUM.' 

I  NOTICE  some  remarks  (page  518)  re  cyanide  of  potassium  and  the 
destruction  of  wasps’  nests.  Mr.  Molyneux  has  had  far  better  results 
from  its  use  than  I  have  had.  I  have  used  cyanide  of  potassium  now 
for  eleven  seasons,  and  my  experience  of  it  is  that  it  only  kills  the  ingoing 
wasps.  Where  the  nest  is  close  to  the  entrance,  which  very  often 
happens,  it  kills  a  portion  only  of  those  inside,  whilst  the  rest  are  merely 


14 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  6,  1893. 


teld  prisoners  until  the  fumes  of  the  cyanide  have  evaporated,  when  the 
wasps  pass  in  and  out  as  usual.  I  find  also  that  it  has  not  the  slightest 
injurious  effect  on  the  larvm  or  young  wasps,  which  alone  will  soon 
form  a  very  strong  nest  ;  but  if  a  piece  of  turf  be  placed  over  the  hole 
and  pressed  tightly  in,  it  often  prevents  their  escape. 

I  have  used  cyanide  of  potassium  in  different  forms — in  the  solid  about 
the  size  of  a  small  walnut,  placed  at  the  entrance  to  the  nest ;  in  its 
powder  form  as  recommended  by  Mr.  Molyneux,  also  dissolved  in  warm 
water,  pouring  it  into  the  mouth  of  the  nest.  All  these  different 
methods  of  using  it  have  produced  precisely  the  same  results,  via.,  that 
of  killing  all  wasps  passing  over  it  almost  instantly,  and  preventing 
those  inside  from  escaping  till  its  fumes  have  evaporated,  which  takes 
several  days.  In  the  meantime  it  has  no  effect  whatever  upon  the 
larvse. 

With  due  respect  to  Mr.  Molyneux’s  suggestion,  I  should  like  to  hear 
the  experience  of  others  on  the  effects  of  cyanide  of  potassium  in  the 
d'estruction  of  wasps’  nests. — B.  Beoady,  Hooton  Grange  Gardens. 


ROSE  SHOWS. 

NATIONAL  ROSE  SOCIETY. 

Geeat  (Show  at  the  Ceystal  Palace,  July  1st. 

Hose  exhibiting  as  regulated  by  the  fickleness  of  our  English 
climate  is  a  game  of  see-saw,  the  northern  and  southern  exhibitors 
occupying  each  end  of  the  plank,  and  rising  gracefully  up  or  coming 
heavily  down  according  as  the  presiding  genius  throws  its  weight  on 
the  one  balance  or  the  other.  The  game  is  exciting  to  the  participants, 
and  diverting  to  lookers-on,  the  more  so  if  among  the  fallen  champions 
one  is  descried  who  had  expressed  roseate  hues  about  his  prospects  long 
before  the  season  commenced,  only  to  have  them  dashed  by  some  pecu¬ 
liarity  of  the  weather  later  on.  For  three  years  past  the  southern 
growers  have  had  the  best  of  the  play  so  far  as  the  first  “National”  is 
concerned,  for  we  have  to  go  back  to  1889  to  find  the  great  trade  trophy 
out  of  Essex ;  but  once  more  climatic  conditions  have  given  the 
northerners  the  advantage,  and  their  southern  rivals  have  been  signally 
worsted. 

A  glance  back  over  the  records  of  the  six  years  1888-93,  shows  that 
on  three  occasions  victory  has  rested  with  the  young  and  energetic 
exhibitor,  Mr.  Frank  Cant  of  Braiswick,  Colchester,  his  successes  being 
achieved  in  1888,  1890,  and  1892,  which  goes  to  show  that  he  lays 
himself  out  for  biennial  victories.  In  1891  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  was 
triumphant,  and  in  1889,  as  this  year,  the  coveted  prize  fell  to  Messrs. 
Harkness  of  Bedale.  Rose  growers  in  the  South  will  well  remember 
the  character  of  the  season  in  which  the  first  success  of  the  York¬ 
shire  nurserymen  was  achieved.  We  had  such  a  long  spell  of  hot, 
dry  weather,  that  southern  Roses  were  hurried  on  with  alarming  rapidity, 
and  when  show  time  came  they  were  distinctly  past  their  best.  Then 
came  a  trio  of  late  seasons,  in  two  of  which  Messrs.  Harkness  were 
unable  to  stage  at  all,  and  consequently  the  Essex  growers  came  up 
smiling.  But  if  the  season  of  1889  was  early  owing  to  the  hot  and  dry 
weather,  what  are  we  to  say  of  1893  ?  It  has  out-Heroded  Herod,  and 
everybody  put  it  down  as  a  foregone  conclusion  that  the  trophy  must 
once  more,  like  Hatteras,  face  the  North.  The  Cants  must  have  felt 
themselves  beaten  before  a  bloom  was  staged,  but  they  bravely  did  their 
best,  and  may  console  themselves  with  the  reflection  that  they  showed 
much  better  than  the  majority  of  people  expected. 

With  respect  to  the  amateurs’  trophy  it  is  a  different  story.  Sub¬ 
limely  indifferent  to  the  character  of  the  seasons  Mr.  Lindsell  comes  and 
conquers.  He  despises  the  climatic  seesaw,  and  sails  ever  upwards. 
If  it  is  a  late  season  he  wins  ;  if  it  is  an  early  one  he  “  gets 
there  ”  just  the  same.  With  a  sequence  of  four  consecutive 
victories  to  point  to,  success  for  him  appears  to  have  become  an 
institution.  His  chief  opponent  of  last  year.  Dr.  Budd,  did  not 
compete  in  the  leading  class,  and  throughout  the  Show  there  were 
«ome  notable  absentees.  Where,  for  instance,  was  Mr.  Prince,  with 
those  wonderful  Teas  of  his,  and  where  Mr.  Burnside  ?  The  latter  was 
in  evidence  in  the  flesh,  but  in  many  classes  where  he  is  wont  to  show 
prominently  he  was  not  represented.  Of  the  amateurs  who  exhibited 
more  conspicuously  than  they  have  hitherto  done  may  be  mentioned 
Mr.  Machin,  Mr.  Drew,  Mr.  Orpen,  and  Mr.  Foster  Melliar. 

And  what  of  the  Show  as  a  whole  ?  Truth  compels  the  admission 
that  it  was  the  worst  for  several  years  past,  a  large  number  of  the 
flowers  being  not  only  undersized,  but  coarse  and  soiled  ;  still  there 
were  some  brilliant  exceptions,  and  the  general  opinion  appeared  to  be 
that  if  below  the  average  it  was  still  a  great  deal  better  than  might 
have  been  expected.  The  number  of  blooms  appeared  to  be  far  less 
than  at  any  preceding  show  of  late  years.  A  correspondent  says  there 
were  2000  fewer  than  in  1892. 

Nueseeymen’s  Class. 

As  is  well  known  the  principal  class  in  this  section  is  for  seventy-two 
distinct  varieties,  single  trusses,  and  which  usually  brings  forth  a  keen 
competition.  As  we  have  remarked,  the  fight  between  the  northern  and 
southern  growers  for  the  premier  position,  with  which  goes  the  challenge 
trophy,  was  not,  however,  quite  so  close  as  usual.  Messrs.  Harkness  and 
Sons,  Bedale,  were  declared  the  winners  without  much  difficulty  for  a 
collection  of  fine  blooms.  The  varieties  were  staged  as  follows  : — First 
box,  back  row  :  Ulrich  Brunner,  Duchesse  de  Morny,  Charles  Lefebvre 
(fine),  Suzanne  Marie  Rodocanachi,  Duke  of  Fife,  Gustave  Piganeau, 
(good).  Middle  row  :  Madame  Caroline  Kuster  Barthelemy  Joubert, 


Madame  Bravy,  Due  de  Montpensier  (fine),  Cleopatra,  Dr.  Andry 
(splendid).  Front  row:  Augusta  Rigotard,  Comtesse  de  Serenye, Comte 
de  Raimbaud  (good).  Souvenir  de  Paul  Neyron,  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  and 
Innocente  Pirola.  Second  box,  back  row  :  Exposition  de  Brie,  Lady 
Mary  Fitzwilliam,  General  Jacqueminot,  Marquise  de  Castellane,  Victor 
Hugo,  Mrs.  John  Laing.  Middle  row :  Margaret  Dickson,  A.  K.  Williams 
(grand),  Princess  Beatrice,  Fisher  Holmes,  Boule  d’Or,  Horace  Vernet 
(magnificent ;  the  silver  medal  H.P.  in  this  section).  Front  row : 
Madame  C.  Crapelet,  Marguerite  Boudet,  Reynolds  Hole,  Btoile  de  Lyon, 
Harrison  Weir,  Madame  B.  Verdier.  Third  box,  back  row  :  Dupuy 
Jamain  (fine),  Madame  G.  Luizet,  Gloire  de  Margottin,  Ernest  Metz 
(grand),  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Merveille  de  Lyon.  Middle  row  :  Marie 
Verdier,  Charles  Darwin  (grand),  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Earl  of 
Dufferin  (splendid),  Catherine  Mermet,  Madame  V,  Verdier  (grand). 
Front  row  :  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Viscountess  Folkestone,  Mons.  E.  Y. 
Teas,  Merrie  England,  Le  Havre,  Violette  Bouyer.  Fourth  box,  back 
row  :  Camille  Bernardin,  La  France,  Etienne  Levet,  Madame  H. 
Jamain,  Due  de  Rohan  (good).  Baroness  de  Rothschild.  Middle  row  : 
Souvenir  d’Blise,  Crown  Prince,  Francisca  Kruger,  Alfred  Colomb 
(magnificent).  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince,  Duchess  of  Bedford  (good). 
Front  row  :  Edward  Andry,  Mrs,  Harkness,  Prince  Arthur,  Jean  Ducher, 
Duke  of  Wellington,  and  Countess  of  Oxford.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant,  Col¬ 
chester,  was  second,  the  best  flowers  in  this  exhibit  being  Alfred  Colomb, 
Ethel  Brownlow,  Jean  Soupert,  Prince  Arthur,  The  Bride,  and  Mar^chal 
Vaillant.  Mr.  F.  Cant  secured  a  third  position  with  flowers  good,  but 
not  up  to  the  customary  standard.  Five  exhibitors  competed  in  this  class. 

In  class  2,  for  forty-eight,  distinct,  three  trusses  of  each,  there  was 
a  very  strong  competition.  Again,  however,  the  northern  growers  secured 
the  leading  position,  the  first  prize  going  to  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons. 
The  blooms  were  very  good,  and  comprised  the  following  varieties  : — 
Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam,  A,  K.  Williams  (fine),  Margaret  Dickson, 
Barthelemy  Joubert,  Souvenir  d’Elise,  Mons.  E.  Y.  Teas,  Dr.  Andry  (good), 
Dupuy  Jamain,  G6n4ral  Jacqueminot,  Madame  Bravy,  Duke  of 
Connaught,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Marie  Verdier,  Charles  Lefebvre, 
Duchesse  de  Morny  (fine),  Reynolds  Hole  (splendid),  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
Duchess  of  Bedford  (grand).  Marquise  de  Castellane,  Alfred  Colomb 
(good),  Suzanne  Marie  Rodocanachi,  Fisher  Holmes,  Caroline  Kuster,  Sir 
Rowland  Hill,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Mrs.  J.  Laing  (good),  Horace  Vernet, 
La  France  (fine),  Prince  Arthur,  Catherine  Mermet,  Dr.  Sewell,  Mrs. 
Harkness,  Madame  Verdier,  Captain  Christy,  Exposition  de  Brie, 
Innocente  Pirola,  Duchesse  de  Vallombrosa,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Madame  G. 
Luizet,  Senateur  Vaisse,  Madame  Cusin,  Countess  of  Rosebery,  Merveille, 
Beauty  of  Waltham,  Cleopatra,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  and  Madame 
Willermoz.  Mr.  Frank  Cant  was  a  good  second,  the  best  flowers  in  this 
stand  being  Fisher  Holmes,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Xavier  Olibo,  Reynolds 
Hole,  Souvenir  d’Elise  Vardon,  and  Ella  Gordon.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant 
followed  with  smaller  flowers.  There  were  four  competitors  in  this  class. 

Mr.  Henry  Merryweather,  Southwell,  Notts,  was  awarded  first  prize 
in  the  class  for  forty-eight  single  trusses,  again  proving  that  the 
northern  growers  have  the  season  in  their  favour  this  year,  the  blooms 
being  exceptionally  fine.  The  varieties  shown  were  Auguste  Rigotard, 
Mrs.  J.  Laing,  G^n6ral  Jacqueminot,  Jeannie  Dickson,  Marie  Baumann, 
Baroness  Rothschild,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Duchess  of  Bedford  (good), 
Madame  Hauseman,  John  Stuart  Mill,  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet,  Gustave 
Piganeau,  Heinrich  Schultheis,  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  Dupuy  Jamain  (fine), 
Victor  Hugo,  Gloire  de  Margottin,  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince,  Comte  de 
Raimbaud  (good),  La  France  de  1889,  Horace  Vernet  (splendid).  Marquise 
de  Castellane,  Camille  Bernardin,  Marie  Margot,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Her 
Majesty,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Jeanne  Sury  (good), 
Spenser,  Alfred  Colomb,  Suzanne  Marie  Rodocanachi,  Beauty  of 
Waltham,  Duke  of  Teck,  Senateur  Vaisse,  Prosper  Laugier,  Ernest  Metz 
(fine).  Dr.  Sewell,  Etienne  Levet,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Brightness  of 
Cheshunt,  Catherine  Mermet,  Madame  H.  Pereire,  The  Bride,  Fisher 
Holmes,  Francisque  Rive,  Abel  Carriere,  and  Eclaire.  Messrs.  G.  and 
W.  H.  Burch,  Peterborough,  were  second  in  this  class.  These  flowers 
were  fresh,  Horace  Vernet,  Camille  Bernardin,  A.  K.  Williams,  Pierre 
Netting,  and  Charles  Darwin  being  especially  good.  Messrs.  Perkins 
and  Son,  Coventry,  were  third.  Five  competitors  were  forthcoming 
in  this  class. 

Mr.  W.  H.  Frettingham,  Beeston,  Notts,  was  first  in  the  class  for 
twenty-four,  distinct,  single  trusses,  staging  some  grand  blooms.  The 
varieties  shown  were — back  row  :  Ulrich  Brunner,  Jean  Leli^vre,  Com¬ 
tesse  de  Ludre  (good),  A.  K.  Williams  (grand).  Pride  of  Waltham, 
Alfred  Colomb,  Duchess  of  Bedford  (richly  coloured),  Louis  Van  Houtte. 
Middle  row  :  Due  de  Wellington,  Her  Majesty,  Auguste  Neuman,  La 
France,  Charles  Lefebvre  (fine),  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Marie  Baumann, 
Lord  Macaulay.  Front  row  ;  Duke  of  Teck,  Reynolds  Hole,  Madame  C. 
Crapelet,  Dinge  Conard,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Ferdinand  de  Lesseps,  Charles 
Darwin,  and  Mons.  E.  Y.  Teas.  Mr.  J.  Mattock,  New  Headington, 
Oxford,  was  a  good  second.  This  stand  included  some  grand  blooms  of 
Marie  Baumann,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  La  France,  Ulrich  Brunner,  and  Earl 
Dufferin.  Messrs.  D.  Prior  &  Sons,  Colchester,  were  third  with  fair 
blooms.  There  were  four  exhibitors  in  this  class. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four,  distinct,  single  trusses,  the  competition 
was  keen.  Messrs.  G.  &  W.  H.  Burch  were  awarded  the  first  prize  for  a 
stand  of  small,  but  fresh,  and  well  coloured  blooms.  The  varieties 
shown  were  Her  Majesty,  Reynolds  Hole,  Marie  Verdier,  Earl  Dufferin, 
Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Fisher  Holmes, 
Madame  Rady,  Exposition  de  Brie,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  A.  K.  Williams, 
Xavier  Olibo,  Innocente  Pirola,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  Duke  of 
Wellington,  Senateur  Vaisse,  Comte  de  Raimbaud,  Alfred  Colomb, 


Jmly  C,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


16 


Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Horace  Vernet  (good),  Ulrich  Brunner,  Madame 
E.  Verdier,  and  Marie  Baumann.  Mr.  W.  H.  Frettingham,  Beeston, 
was  a  very  close  second,  showing,  amongst  others,  grand  blooms  of 
Duchess  of  Bedford,  Her  Majesty,  Comtesse  de  Ludre,  and  Merveille  de 
Lyon.  Mr.  G.  Mount,  Canterbury,  was  third. 

Amateurs’  Classes. 

The  trophy  class  for  forty-eight  blooms  which  always  excites  so  much 
interest,  brought  five  stands.  It  would  be  idle  to  state  that  they  formed 
as  high  class  a  display  as  last  year,  but  the  season  has  always  to  be  con¬ 
sidered.  A  really  fine  stand  from  Mr.  E.  B.  Lindsell,  Bearton,  Hitchin, 
secured  the  premier  award  and  added  to  his  already  high  reputation. 
The  flowers  were  large,  fresh,  and  full  of  colour,  the  varieties  being  as 
follows — Back  row  :  Horace  Vernet  (very  fine),  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Prince 
Arthur  (very  fine),  Madame  E.  Verdier,  Francois  Michelon,  Ulrich 
Brunner  (splendid,  selected  as  the  best  amateur’s  H.P.  in  the  Show), 
Her  Majesty,  Maurice  Bernardin,  Duchess  of  Morny,  A.  K.  Williams, 
Mdme.  J.  Desbois  (poor).  Lady  Shefiield,  Louise  Van  Houtte,  Merveille  de 
Lyon,  Countess  of  Oxford  (out  of  colour),  and  Gustave  Piganeau. 
Middle  row  :  Mdme.  Hoste,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Mardchal  Niel,  Dr. 
Sewell,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac  (very  good),  Alfred  Colomb,  J.  S.  Mill, 
Ethel  Brownlow,  Prince  Camille  de  Bohan,  The  Bride  (fine),  Dupuy 
Jamain,  Caroline  Kuster,  Etienne  Levet,  Comte  Raimbaud,  Marie  Van 
Houtte,  and  Abel  Carri^re.  Front  row  :  Fisher  Holmes,  Mdme.  Cusin, 
Earl  of  Dufferin,  Marie  Verdier,  Eosieriste  Jacobs,  Innocente  Pirola, 
Madame  V.  Verdier,  Chas.  Lefebvre,  Camille  Bernardin,  Xavier  Olibo, 
Catherine  Mermet,  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  Reynolds  Hole,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami, 
Beauty  of  Waltham,  and  La  France.  The  Rev.  J.  H.  Pemberton,  Havering- 
atte-Bower,  Romford,  took  the  second  prize.  He  had  distinctly  less 
weight  than  the  Hitchin  grower  and  one  or  two  of  his  flowers  were  badly 
tarnished,  but  as  a  whole  the  stand  was  a  good  one.  Marshall  P. 
Wilder,  Auguste  Rigotard,  J.  S.  Mill,  Horace  Vernet,  Sir  Rowland  Hill, 
and  Ernest  Metz  were  extremely  good,  and  the  last  named  was  a  splendid 
flower.  Mr.  H.  V.  Machin,  Gateford  Hill,  Worksop,  was  third  with  a 
highly  creditable  stand. 

There  were  four  stands  of  thirty-six  single  trusses,  and  the  first  prize 
went  to  the  Rev.  A.  Foster- Melliar,  Sproughton  Rectory,  Ipswich,  for  an 
excellent  collection,  the  flowers  being  large  and  well  coloured.  The 
varieties  were  as  follows — Back  row  :  Mrs.  Paul,  Lord  Macaulay,  Com¬ 
tesse  Panisse,  Madame  Isaac  Pereire,  La  Boule  d’Or,  E.  Y.  Teas,  Baroness 
Rothschild,  Emilie  Hausburg,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Hippolyte  Jamain, 
and  Madame  Hoste.  Middle  row  :  Marie  Verdier,  Le  Havre,  Victor 
Hugo,  Mar6chal  Niel,  Charles  Darwin.  Horace  Vernet,  Abel  Carriere, 
Ethel  Brownlow,  Ernest  Metz,  Madame  Charles  Crapelet,  Margaret 
Dickson,  and  Alfred  Colomb.  Front  row  :  Camille  Bernardin,  Merveille 
de  Lyon,  Eugene  Furst,  Francois  Michelon,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami,  Jean 
Liabaud,  Souvenir  d’Elise,  Penelope  Mayo,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac, 
Ulrich  Brunner,  Marie  Baumann,  and  Beauty  of  Waltham.  Mr.  W. 
Drew,  Uplands,  Ledbury,  took  second  place  with  an  excellent  stand  ;  it 
contained  no  specially  meritorious  flowers,  except  perhaps  a  G6n6ral 
Jacqueminot,  but  the  blooms  were  fresh  and  in  good  colour.  The  Rev. 
J.  H.  Pemberton  was  a  good  third.  The  twenty-four  class  only  brought 
two  stands,  but  both  were  good  ones.  Mr.  Gurney  Fowler,  Woodford, 
had  a  very  even,  fresh,  and  richly  coloured  collection,  and  was  placed 
first.  His  back  row  flowers  were  J.  S.  Mill,  Rosieriste  Jacobs,  Duchess  of 
Leeds,  Charles  Lefebvre  (very  good),  Fran9ois  Michelon,  Earl  of  Dufferin, 
Madame  Eugene  Verdier,  and  Prince  Arthur.  Middle  row  :  Fisher 
Holmes  (very  fine),  Xavier  Olibo,  Frangois  Louvat,  Black  Prince,  Dr. 
Sewell,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  A.  K.  Williams,  and  Victor  Hugo.  Front  row  : 
Le  Havre,  Princess  of  Wales,  Madame  Norman  Neruda,  Duchess  of 
Caylus,  Camille  Bernardin,  Comtesse  de  Paris,  and  Duke  of  Edinburgh. 
Colonel  Pitt  was  second,  Mr.  Lindsell  had  the  better  of  two  stands  of 
sixteen  trebles,  his  flowers  being  large  and  on  the  whole  good,  although 
one  or  two  were  very  weak.  The  varieties  were  A.  K.  Williams,  Horace 
Vernet  (very  fine),  Her  Majesty  (poor).  Lady  Sheffield,  Duke  of 
Wellington,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Catherine  Mermet  (bad),  Dupuy 
Jamain,  Reynolds  Hole,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Alfred  Colomb,  "rhe  Bride, 
Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Fisher  Holmes,  Prince  Arthur,  and  Madame  J. 
Laing.  Mr.  Machin  was  second.  Mr.  W .  Drew  won  with  twelve  trebles 
from  Colonel  Pitt,  his  only  opponent.  The  winner  had  Alfred  Colomb, 
A.  K.  Williams,  G4n4ral  Jacqueminot,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Lady  Sheffield, 
Charles  Darwin,  Comte  Raimbaud,  Marie  Baumann,  Louise  Van  Houtte, 
Horace  Vernet,  Ulrich  Brunner,  and  Earl  of  Dufierin.  Mr.  Drew  scored 
another  victory  with  twelve  of  one  variety,  a  fine  stand  of  Mrs.  J.  Laing 
representing  him.  Mr.  Budd  was  second  with  Marie  Baumann,  and  Mr. 
Machin  third  with  La  France. 

The  five  classes  open  onlyi  to  growers  of  less  than  2000  plants  of 
varieties  of  exhibition  Roses  were  interesting.  The  Rev.  H.  Berners, 
Harkstead  Rectory,  was  first  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  distinct,  single 
trusses.  The  varieties  shown  were  Marguerite  St.  Amand,  Marie 
Baumann  (good).  Her  Majesty,  A.  K.  Williams  (rich).  Baroness  Rothschild, 
Camille  Bernardin,  Fran9ois  Michelon,  Madame  Marie  Cointet,  Earl  of 
Pembroke,  Dr.  Hogg,  Eclaire,  Heinrich  Schultheis,  Le  Havre  (good), 
Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Reynolds  Hole,  Gustave  Piga- 
neau.  The  Bride,  Horace  Vernet,  Prince  Arthur,  Madame  Hoste,  Jean 
Soupert,  Francisca  Kruger,  and  John  Bright.  Mr.  A.  Slaughter,  Stey- 
ning,  Sussex,  was  second,  the  best  flowers  in  this  stand  being  Fisher 
Holmes,  A.  K.  Williams,  Dr.  Andry,  and  Beauty  of  Waltham.  Mr. 
W.  C.  Romaine,  The  Priory,  Old  Windsor,  was  third. 

Mr.  A.  Whitton,  Asken,  Bedale,  was  first  in  the  class  for  eighteen 
distinct,  single  trasses,  with  a  box  of  grand  blooms.  The  varieties  shown 
were  Ulrich  Brunner  (good),  Madame  E.  Verdier,  Marie  Baumann, 


Merveille  de  Lyon,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Lady  Mary 
Fitzwilliam,  Thomas  Mills,  Viscountess  Folkestone,  La  Havre,  Mona. 
Gustave  Guinneseau,  Victor  Hugo  (good),  Charles  Lefebvre,  Mrs. 
J.  Laing  (fine).  Dr.  Andry,  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet,  Countess  of 
Rosebery,  and  Margaret  Dickson.  Mr.  J.  Parker,  Oakfield,  Hitchin,  was 
second,  and  Mr.  E.  Mawley,  Rosebank,  Berkhampsted,  third,  both 
staging  good  flowers.  Mr.  J.  Ough,  Clifford  Street,  Hereford,  was  given 
the  premier  award  for  twelve  distinct,  single  trusses,  showing  Sir 
Rowland  Hill,  Gustave  Piganeau  (good),  G(5n6ral  Jacqueminot,  Merveille 
de  Lyon,  Marie  Baumann,  Camille  Bernardin,  Her  Majesty,  Earl  of 
Dufferin  (good),  Reynolds  Hole,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Suzanne  Marie  Rodo- 
canachi  (grand),  and  The  Bride.  There  was  no  other  exhibitor  in  this 
class.  The  Rev.  H.  Berners  was  first  with  eight  distinct,  three  trusses 
of  each,  showing  fine  blooms  of  Her  Majesty,  Henrich  Schultheis,  Ulrich 
Brunner,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Camille  Bernardin,  Crown 
Prince,  and  Alfred  Colomb.  Mr.  A.  Slaughter  was  awarded  the  second 
prize,  there  being  no  third  competitor.  The  Rev.  H.  Berners  was  again 
first  for  nine  single  trusses  of  any  Hybrid  Perpetual,  showing  a  grand 
bloom  of  Merveille  de  Lyon.  Mr.  W.  C.  Romaine  was  second  with  Dr. 
Andry,  and  Mr.  Whitton  third  with  Merveille  de  Lyon. 

Division  E  was  open  to  growers  of  not  more  than  1000  plants.  There 
were  six  stands  of  twelve,  the  best  being  that  from  Mr.  Orpen,  West 
Bergholt,  Colchester,  who  had  Alfred  Colomb  (very  good),  Mar^chal 
Niel,  Gustave  Piganeau  (very  fine),  Souvenir  d’uo  Ami,  Baroness  Roth¬ 
schild,  Horace  Vernet,  La  France,  Camille  Bernardin,  Mdlle.  Marie  Rady, 
Marie  Van  Houtte,  Fisher  Holmes,  and  Marie  Suzanne  Rodocanachi. 
Mr,  C.  J.  Grahame,  Coombe  Road,  Croydon,  was  second,  losing  a  little 
in  weight,  but  gaining  in  freshness.  Mr.  Parker  was  third,  and  Dr. 
Tucker  fourth.  Mr.  Conway  Jones  had  the  best  of  three  stands  of  nine, 
his  varieties  being  Prince  Camille  de  Rohan,  Catherine  Mermet,  Chas. 
Lefebvre,  Niphetos,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Marie  Hoste,  Benoit  Comte, 
Alfred  Colomb,  and  Earl  Dufferin.  Mr.  M.  Hodgson,  Shirley  Cottage, 
Croydon,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  C.  E.  Cuthell,  Chapel  Croft,  Dorking, 
third.  Mr.  Parker  had  the  best  six  trebles,  his  varieties  being  Alfred 
Colomb,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  E.  Y.  Teas,  Earl  Dufferin, 
and  Suzanne  Marie  Rodocanachi.  Miss  Mellish  and  Dr.  Tucker  were 
second  and  third.  The  best  six  of  one  variety  came  from  Dr.  Tucker, 
who  had  very  heavy  blooms  of  Her  Majesty.  Mr.  Parker  was  second 
with  the  same  variety ;  and  Mr.  Hodgson  third  with  Alfred  Colomb. 
There  were  two  other  stands. 

The  blooms  in  the  classes  open  to  growers  of  less  than  500  plants 
of  varieties  of  exhibition  Roses  were  not  quite  up  to  the  standard  of  last 
year.  Mrs.  L.  P.  Times,  Hitchin,  was  first  with  nine  distinct,  single 
trusses,  showing  Her  Majesty,  Etienne  Levet,  Horace  Vernet,  Alfred 
Colomb,  Earl  Dufferin,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Marie  Baumann,  Madame  C. 
Crapelet,  and  Due  de  Wellington.  Mr.  G.  Monies,  Sim  Street,  Hitchin, 
was  second,  and  Mr.  H.  P.  Landen,  Shenfield,  Brentwood,  third.  Dr. 
Freshfield,  The  Wilderness,  Reigate,  was  first  for  six  distinct,  single 
trusses,  staging  Duke  of  Teck,  John  Bright,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac, 
E.  Y.  Teas,  Marguerite  Brassac,  and  Star  of  Waltham  in  good  condition. 
The  Rev.  J.  R.  Buchanan  Horne  Vicarage,  Canterbury,  was  second  in 
this  class  ;  Mr.  F.  S.  Francis,  Crofton  Hall,  Orpington,  third ;  and  Miss 
Denton,  Orchard  Court,  Stevenage,  fourth.  Miss  E.  B.  Denton  was, 
however,  first  for  four  distinct,  three  trusses  of  each.  These  were 
Charles  Lefebvre,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  E.  Y.  Tea?,  Alfred  Colomb.  Mr.  F. 
Francis  was  second,  and  Mr.  A.  F.  Grace,  Christy  Green  House,  Steyning, 
Sussex,  third. 

In  the  class  comprising  six  distinct,  single  trusses,  and  open  only  to 
amateurs  who  have  never  won  a  prize  at  an  exhibition  of  the  National 
Rose  Society,  Mr.  A.  Bryant,  The  Cottage,  Foots  Cray,  was  first,  showing 
Madame  V.  Verdier,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Alfred  Colomb,  Camille  Bernardin, 
Marie  Rady,  and  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac.  Mr.  A.  F.  Grace  was  second, 
and  Mr.  H.  Browne,  Spa  Hill,  Upper  Norwood,  third.  Mr.  J.  Bateman, 
Highgate,  first  in  the  class  for  six  single  trusses  grown  within  eight 
miles  of  Charing  Cross,  with  Ulrich  Brunner,  Rosieriste  Jacobs,  Her 
Majesty,  Marie  Rady,  Suzanne  Marie  Rodocanachi,  and  Camille  Ber¬ 
nardin  in  good  condition.  Mr.  Rivers  H.  Loughton,  Hendon,  was 
second,  and  Mr.  Hugh  White,  5,  Woodside  Cottage,  Highgate,  third. 
Rev.  J.  H.  Pemberton,  Havering-atte-Bower,  Essex,  first  in  the  class  for 
six  “  new  Roses,”  single  trusses.  The  varieties  shown  were  Augustine 
Guinoisseau,  Caroline  Testout,  Elise  Fugier,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Jeannie 
Dickson,  and  Duchess  of  Fife.  Mr.  J.  Bateman  was  a  close  second. 
There  was  no  other  competitor  in  this  class. 

Tea  and  Noisette  Division. 

In  Class,  26,  for  twenty-four  Teas  and  Noisettes,  single  trusses,  there 
were  three  stands,  and  the  winning  one  was  that  of  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant, 
whose  flowers  were  even  but  by  no  means  so  clean  and  fresh  as  usual. 
He  had  a  grand  Ethel  Brownlow,  while  Madame  Hoste,  Madame  de 
Watteville,  The  Bride,  and  Souvenir  d’Elise  were  also  very  good.  Mr, 
Frank  Cant  was  second  with  Ethel  Brownlow,  Niphetos,  and  Madame 
Cusin  as  the  best  of  a  moderate  collection,  and  Messrs.  D.  and  W. 
Croll  were  third.  Mr.  B.  R,  Cant  again  won  with  eighteen  trebles,  and  this 
was  a  stronger  stand  than  the  twenty-four  singles,  the  flowers  as  a 
whole  being  cleaner.  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Madame  Cusin,  Madame  de 
Watteville,  and  Ethel  Brownlow  were  the  best.  Mr,  Mount  followed 
with  much  smaller  but  fairly  fresh  blooms,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Comtesse 
de  Nadaillac,  Madame  Cusin,  and  Niphetos  being  clean,  though  lacking 
size.  Mr.  Frank  Cant  was  third.  The  Tea  and  Noisette  trophy  class 
for  eighteen  blooms  brought  out  one  of  the  very  best  stands  in  the 
Show.  It  came  from  the  Rev,  A.  Foster-Melliar,  Sproughton  Rectory, 
Ipswich,  and  was  distinguished  for  the  size,  freshness,  and  cleanliness  of 


16 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  July  e,  1895. 


the  flowers.  The  varieties  were  as  follows  : — Back  row  :  Marechal  Nieh 
Madame  Cusin  (a  magnificent  flower),  Ernest  Metz,  The  Bride,  Comtesse 
Panisse,  Ethel  Brownlow  (very  fine).  Middle  row  :  Hon.  Edith  Gifford, 
Anne  Ollivier,  Innocente  Pirola,  Souvenir  d’Elise  (very  fine),  Jean  Ducher 
(weak),  and  Souvenir  de  S,  A.  Prince.  Front  row  :  Catherine  Mermet, 
Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Caroline  Kuster,  and  Marie  Van  Houtte  (very 
good),  Madame  Hippolyte  Jamain,  and  Souvenir  d’un  Ami.  Mr.  O.  G. 
Orpen,  Colchester,  was  second,  and  Mr.  H.  V.  Machin  third. 

The  Eev.  H.  Berners  won  with  twelve,  his  blooms  being  very  neat, 
clean  and  fresh.  Ethel  Brownlow  was  very  richly  coloured,  and  so  was 
Madame  Cusin.  Colonel  Pitt,  Turkey  Court,  Maidstone,  was  second. 
Mr.  Foster  Melliar  won  with  twelve  trebles,  his  stand  being  of  fair 
quality  though  the  flowers  were  somewhat  soiled.  Mr.  Machin  was  a 
close  second.  The  best  stand  of  any  Tea  or  Noisette,  nine  blooms,  came 
from  Mr.  Berners,  who  had  a  delightful  stand  of  Madame  Hoste,  the 
flowers  being  in  beautiful  condition,  though  not  large.  Mr.  Machin  was 
second  with  Caroline  Kuster. 

There  were  five  stands  of  twelve  in  division  2,  open  only  to  growers 
of  less  than  500  plants  of  Teas  and  Noisettes,  and  the  best  was  that  of 
Mr.  Orpen,  the  blooms  being  small  but  fairly  fresh.  Mr.  Parker,  The 
Croft,  Headington,  Oxon,  was  second  with  larger  flowers,  but  some  past 
their  best.  Mr,  A.  Tate,  Downside,  Leatherhead,  was  third,  and  Mr. 
Conway  Jones,  Hucclecote,  Gloucester,  fourth.  The  Rev.  J.  H.  Pem¬ 
berton  won  with  nine,  Mr.  Mawley  being  second.  Both  had  small 
blooms,  but  they  were  in  excellent  condition,  the  greater  weight  of  the 
Essex  blooms  gaining  them  the  chief  award.  Mr.  Orpen  was  victorious 
with  six  trebles,  having  Marie  Van  Houtte  particularly  good,  and  Mr. 
Parker  was  second.  They  occupied  the  same  positions  for  six  of  one 
variety,  Marechal  Niel  representing  Mr.  Orpen,  and  The  Bride  Mr. 
Parker,  Dr.  Tucker,  Swanley  Junction,  was  third  with  the  Hon.  Edith 
Gifford. 

Division  3  was  for  still  smaller  growers,  200  being  the  maximum 
number  of  plants  allowed.  Dr.  Tucker  was  victorious  with  nine  singles, 
his  flowers  being  very  fresh  and  good,  except  Catherine  Mermet,  which 
was  a  decided  blot  on  the  stand.  Miss  Mellish,  Woodstock  Priory, 
Worksop,  was  second ;  and  Mr.  W.  D.  Freshfield,  The  Wilderness, 
Eeigate,  third,  Mr.  A.  Whitton,  Askew,  Bedale,  defeated  four  opponents 
with  six,  and  he  had  a  very  good  stand.  Souvenir  d’Elise  and  Rubens 
being  admirable.  Mr.  J.  S.  Francis,  Orpington,  was  a  creditable  second  ; 
the  Eev.  J.  R.  Buchanan,  Canterbury,  third  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Monies,  Hitchin, 
fourth. 

The  single  variety  classes  were,  as  usual,  very  attractive.  Mr, 
B.  E.  Cant  had  the  best  twelve  of  any  yellow,  winning  with  Madame 
Hoste  ;  Messrs.  Croll  were  second,  and  Mr.  Mattock  third  with  Marie 
Van  Houtte.  There  was  one  other  stand,  Messrs.  Mack  &  Son  won  from 
four  opponents  with  twelve  of  any  white  except  Niphetos,  Merveille  de 
Lyon  in  good  condition  representing  them.  Messrs.  Harkness  and  Croll 
were  second  and  third  with  the  same  variety.  Eight  competed  with 
twelve  of  any  crimson  except  Marie  Baumann  or  A.  K.  Williams.  The 
English  Fruit  and  Rose  Co.  won  with  a  grand  box  of  Alfred  Colomb.  Mr, 
Mount  was  second  with  Fisher  Holmes,  and  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  third 
with  Alfred  Colomb.  There  were  seven  stands  of  dark  velvety  crimson 
varieties.  Messrs.  Prior  &  Son  won  with  Fisher  Holmes,  Mr.  Frank  Cant 
was  second  with  Xavier  Olibo,  and  Mr.  Mount  third  with  Abel  Carri&re. 
Messrs.  Prior  &  Son  won  from  four  opponents  with  Marechal  Niel, 
having  a  capital  box.  Mr.  Mount  was  second,  and  Mr.  Orpen  third. 
Five  competed  with  Marie  Baumann,  Mr.  Mount  winning  with  smooth 
bright  examples.  Messrs.  Frank  Cant  and  B.  R.  Cant  were  second  and 
third.  Mrs.  John  Laing  was  splendidly  shown.  Mr.  Mattock  won  with 
a  grand  box,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son  were  second  with  smaller  but 
beautiful  flowers,  and  Messrs.  Burch  third.  There  were  seven  other 
boxes.  Messrs,  Mack  &  Son  won  with  A.  K.  Williams  ;  Messrs.  Perkins 
and  Son  second,  and  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  third,  one  other  competing.  There 
were  only  two  stands  of  Niphetos,  both  very  good.  Messrs.  Burch  were 
first,  and  Mr.  Mount  second.  Mr.  B.  E.  Cant  was  victorious  with  Her 
Majesty,  large  but  tarnished.  Messrs,  Burch  being  second,  and  Mr. 
Mount  third.  Two  competed  with  Ernest  Metz,  Mr.  B,  R.  Cant  winning 
with  a  beautiful  box,  and  Mr.  Frank  Cant  being  second.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant 
was  also  first  for  Ethel  Brownlow  in  splendid  condition,  Mr.  Mount 
being  second,  and  Mr.  Frank  Cant  third.  For  twelve  of  any  H.P.  not 
named  Mr.  Frank  Cant  was  first  with  Fisher  Holmes,  Mr.  Mount  second 
with  the  same  variety,  and  Mr.  B,  R.  Cant  third  with  Alfred  Colomb. 
There  were  eleven  stands  in  all.  Mr.  Mount  won  with  six  of  Catherine 
Mermet  and  six  of  The  Bride,  and  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  was  second  ;  no  others 
competing.  For  twelve  of  any  new  Rose  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son  were 
first  with  a  splendid  box  of  Gustave  Piganeau  ;  Mr.  Frank  Cant  was 
second,  and  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  third  with  the  same  variety.  Messrs. 
Dickson  «fe  Sons,  Newtownards,  had  a  beautiful  silvery  blush  variety 
named  Mrs.  Sharman  Crawford,  for  which  a  gold  medal  was  awarded, 
and  they  were  accorded  a  similar  honour  for  a  splendid  ivory  white 
variety  named  Marchioness  of  Londonderry.  A  gold  medal  also  went  to 
Mr.  Chas.  Turner  for  the  garden  Rose  Crimson  Rambler,  which  produces 
huge  clusters  of  blooms.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  won  with  twelve 
new  Roses,  exhibiting  Gustave  Piganeau,  Mrs.  Paul,  Marie  Magat, 
Dowager  Duchess  of  Marlborough,  Gustave  Regis,  Duke  of  Fife,  Waban, 
Violet  Queen,  Chas.  Gates,  Paul’s  Early  Blush,  Bruce  Findlay,  and 
Fr^re  Marie  Pierre.  Mr.  Pemberton  was  second, 

Gaeden  and  Buttonhole  Eosei. 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  showed  garden  Roses  splendidly,  as  indeed  they 
always  do,  and  were  placed  first  for  thirty-six  varieties.  Gustave  Regis, 
Madame  Pierre  Cochet,  Rugosa,  Camoens,  Lucida,  and  Perle  d’Or  were 


much  admired.  Messrs.  Croll  were  second.  Mr.  Alfred  Tate  secured 
the  first  prize  and  Lord  Penzance’s  silver  cup  for  eighteen  bunches. 
He  had  a  splendid  stand,  but  unfortunately  it  was  overcrowded.  Gloire 
de  Rosomene,  Gloire  des  Polyanthes,  Queen  of  Bedders,  Moschata  nivea, 
and  Perle  d’Or  were  particularly  beautiful.  Mr.  Pemberton  and  Mr. 
Machin  were  placed  equal  second,  and  Miss  Mellish  fourth.  Mr.  Cuthell 
won  with  twelve,  Mr.  Orpen  following. 

Mr.  J.  Mattock,  New  Headington,  Oxford,  first  for  tw’elve  buttonhole 
Roses.  The  varieties  shown  included  Innocente  Pirola,  Comtesse  de 
Nadaillac,  Catherine  Mermet,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  W.  A.  Richardson, 
Niphetos,  W.  A.  Capucina,  Madame  de  Watteville,  L’Ideal,  Souvenir  de 
Paul  Neyron,  and  The  Bride.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams,  &  Co.,  Salisbury, 
were  second  ;  and  Mr.  H.  V.  Machin  third.  Miss  Mellish  was  first  for 
nine  bunches  of  single-flowered  Roses. 

The  Pkemier  Blooms. 

The  premier  H.P.  in  the  trade  classes,  as  already  remarked,  w'as  a 
magnificent  example  of  Horace  Vernet  in  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons’  first 
prize  stand  of  seventy-two,  and  in  the  amateurs’  section  a  noble  flower 
of  Ulrich  Brunner  in  Mr.  Lindsell’s  first  prize  stand  of  forty-eight.  The 
premier  trade  Tea  was  a  beautiful  bloom  of  The  Bride,  exhibited  by  Mr, 
B.  R,  Cant,  and  the  premier  amateurs’  Tea  a  superb  bloom  of  Madame 
Cusin,  one  of  the  best  ever  seen,  in  Mr.  Foster-Melliar’s  first  prize  box 
of  eighteen. 

Miscellaneous. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  not  so  numerous  as  on  former  occasions. 
Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  sent  a  large  collection  of  cub 
Roses  and  ornamental  foliage  shrubs.  The  Roses  were  very  bright, 
L’Ideal,  Alfred  Colomb,  Mrs.  J.  Laing  being  specially  good.  Messrs. 
J.  Cheal  &  Sons  sent  hardy  flowers  and  Violas,  and  Messrs.  J.  Laing  and 
Sons  had  a  charming  group  of  tuberous  Begonias  tastefully  arranged. 
Mr.  W.  Rumsey,  Waltham  Cross,  sent  some  Roses  not  for  competition 
and  Lord  Penzance  had  a  stand  of  garden  Roses.  Messrs.  G.  Jackman 
and  Sons,  Woking,  also  sent  a  large  collection  of  cut  Roses,  which 
attracted  some  attention. 

TORQUAY. — June  27th  and  28th. 

A  Rose  Show  was  held  in  the  nursery  grounds  of  Mtssrs.  Curtis, 
Sanford  &  Co.,  Torquay,  on  July  27th,  and  continued  the  following 
day.  The  primary  object  of  the  Show  was  to  provide  a  Devon  Rosery 
Gardeners’  Relief  Fund.  As  in  previous  years,  the  whole  of  the  arrange¬ 
ments  were  undertaken  by  the  above  firm,  the  members  of  which  did 
every t’ning  in  their  power  to  render  the  Exhibition  successful.  About 
400  feet  of  staging  were  erected  in  the  house  set  apart  for  the  Show. 

Mr.  Morton  Sparke  was  awarded  first  prize  for  a  box  of  twenty-four 
distinct  varieties,  which  included  an  exceedingly  fine  Captain  Christy 
and  good  specimens  of  Madame  Willermoz  and  Lord  Bacon.  Mr.  Sparke 
also  obtained  the  gold  medal  for  nine  Tea  and  nine  Hybrid  Perpetual 
blooms.  The  finest  flowers  comprised  Madame  Pierre  Guillot,  Etienne 
Levet,  Hon.  Edith  Gifford,  Baroness  Rothschild, and  Duke  of  Edinburgh. 
The  honours  again  went  to  Mr.  Morton  Sparke  for  his  thirty-six  distinct 
varieties,  including  good  examples  of  Ulrich  Brunner,  Xavier  Olibo, 
Mardchal  Niel  and  Anna  Olivier.  Mrs.  J.  M.  Browning  in  her  winning 
box  of  twelve  distinct  varieties  sent  admirable  specimens  of  Baroness 
Rothschild  and  Merveille  de  Lyon.  Mr.  Fortescue  was  awarded  the 
first  for  six  distinct  varieties,  his  most  noteworthy  blooms  being  Merveille 
de  Lyon  and  Dupuy  Jamain.  Duchess  of  Bedford  and  Catherine 
Mermet  were  the  pick  of  the  half-dozen  varieties  with  which  Mr.  J. 
Armitage  secured  honours,  while  in  the  class  for  six  blooms  of  one 
variety  Lady  Macgregor  won  easily  with  a  magnificent  box  of  Marechal 
Niels.  Among  the  prizes  offered  by  the  Torquay  Horticultural  Society 
were  two  silver  medals,  one  for  the  best  Hybrid  Perpetual  and  the  other  for 
the  best  Tea  Rose  in  the  Show.  Both  the  medals  were  carried  off  by 
Mr.  Mallock,  Louis  Van  Houtte  being  adjudged  the  finest  Hybrid  Per¬ 
petual  and  his  Alba  Rosea  the  best  Tea  bloom. 

The  most  striking  feature  of  the  Show  was  the  splendid  collection  of 
cut  Rose  blooms  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Curtis,  Sanford  &  Co.,  between 
thirty  and  forty  boxes  of  the  choicest  varieties  being  staged  with 
admirable  effect. 

Messrs.  Robert  Veitch  &  Son  of  Exeter  sent  an  interesting  collection 
of  Alpine  plants. 

SITTINGBOURNE.— June  29th. 

The  Sittingbourne  and  District  Rose  Society  is  a  new  body,  and  as 
the  Committee  includes  such  well-known  rosarians  as  Mr.  R.  L.  Knight 
and  Captain  Christy,  with  Mr.  Prideaux  Selby  as  Secretary,  its  career 
should  be  as  successful  as  enthusiasm  and  practical  knowledge  can 
make  it.  The  first  Show  was  an  excellent  one  considering  the  trials 
brought  about  by  the  peculiar  season,  heavy  wind  and  rain  having 
followed  the  prolonged  drought,  and  it  may  be  expected  to  increase  in 
importance  as  each  year  comes  round.  An  admirable  schedule  had 
been  formed,  and  the  awards  are  briefly  noted  herewith. 

In  the  first  of  the  open  classes,  which  was  for  thirty-six  varieties, 
Mr.  Geo.  Mount  won  with  a  first-rate  stand,  the  blooms  being  large, 
fresh,  and  bright.  Gustave  Piganeau,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  Mrs.  John 
Laing,  Niphetos,  and  Alfred  Colomb  were  fine  blooms.  Messrs.  W.  Ray 
and  Co.  were  second.  Mr.  Mount  had  another  fine  box  of  twelve 
trebles,  the  flowers  being  heavy,  and  except  for  one  or  two  in  beautiful 
condition.  Messrs.  Ray  &  Co.  were  second,  and,  as  before,  many  points 
in  the  rear.  With  twelve  Teas  Mr.  Mount  scored  his  third  victory,  and 
again  richly  deserved  it,  for  his  blooms  were  in  beautiful  order.  Efchel 
Brownlow,  Madame  Cusin,  Souvenir  de  Paul  Neyron,  Comtesse  de 


July  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


17 


Nadaillac,  The  Bride,  and  Souvenir  d’EIise  were  all  delightful  examples. 
Colonel  Pitt  followed  with  much  smaller  flowers,  of  which  Marie  Van 
Houtte  and  Souvenir  de  G.  Drevet  were  the  best. 

The  classes  reserved  for  members  of  the  Society  followed  the  rules 
of  the  National  Rose  Society,  being  divided  into  sections  to  suit  small  and 
large  growers.  Colonel  Pitt  won  with  twenty-four  in  the  class  for 
growers  of  any  number  of  plants.  His  stand  was  uneven,  and  some  of 
the  blooms  were  weatherworn,  but  John  S.  Mill  and  Alfred  Colomb  were 
excellent,  while  Madame  Bravy,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  and  Camille 
Bernardin  were  very  good.  Major  Knight  was  second,  not  far  in  the 
rear,  for  though  there  was  less  weight  in  his  stand,  the  flowers  as  a 
w’hole  were  a  little  fresher.  Captain  Christy  won  with  twelve.  He  had 
very  fresh  bright  blooms,  amongst  which  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Mrs.  John 
Laing,  The  Bride,  and  Dr.  Andry  were  very  fine.  Colonel  Pitt  was 
second,  and  Major  Knight  third.  Colonel  Pitt  was  first  with  twelve 
Teas  and  also  with  six  trebles,  both  being  very  good  stands.  In  the 
latter  class  Major  Knight  was  second. 

Mr.  Frank  Honeyball  was  first  with  twelve  in  the  section  open  to 
growers  of  not  more  than  500  plants,  Mr.  Edward  Prentis  second,  and 
the  Rev.  W.  J.  Mellor  third.  With  nine  Teas  and  four  trebles  (Teas) 
respectively  Dr.  Selby  secured  the  leading  position,  the  other  prizes 
going  to  Messrs.  Mellor  and  A.  J.  Thomas.  Mr.  F.  T.  Knight  had  a 
bright  stand  of  nine  in  the  250  plants  section,  and  won  somewhat 
easily  from  Mrs.  Tylden,  Mrs.  F.  Neame  being  third.  Mr.  Knight  also 
won  with  three  trebles,  Mr.  Mellor  being  second,  and  Mr.  Neame  third. 
Mr.  Mellor  had  a  very  good  stand  of  six  Teas,  the  blooms  including  a 
fine  one  of  President,  and  he  won  easily,  Mrs.  Tylden  being  second. 
Bliss  Vallance  and  Miss  Walter  secured  the  principal  prizes  in  the 
remaining  classes.  The  National  Rose  Society’s  medal  for  the  best 
bloom  in  the  Show  was  awarded  to  Major  Knight  for  a  grand  example 
of  Bladame  Victor  Verdier. 

The  floral  decorations  were  very  attractive.  Bliss  Ray  was  victorious 
with  an  epergne,  in  the  arrangement  of  which  she  had  displayed  a  com¬ 
mendable  lightness  of  touch.  Miss  Knight  was  second,  and  BIrs.  Selby 
third.  Bliss  Ray  won  with  a  soup  plate  and  tumbler  of  flowers,  Mrs. 
R.  L.  Knight  with  a  spray,  and  Miss  Christy  with  buttonholes.  Bliss 
Vallance,  BIrs.  Selby,  and  Miss  Sutton  making  themselves  responsible 
for  the  minor  awards.  Mr.  Kennett,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  W.  J.  Mellor, 
exhibited  a  promising  seedling  Tomato. 

CROYDON. — July  5th. 

The  best  Show  that  the  Croydon  Horticultural  Society  has  yet  held 
took  place  in  private  grounds  close  to  the  east  station  yesterday 
(Wednesday).  Roses,  specimen  plants,  and  vegetables  were  admirable, 
and  it  is  only  to  be  regretted  that  time  and  space  do  not  admit  of  full 
particulars  being  given.  Mr.  RoSey  had,  as  usual,  arranged  matters  well. 

The  Rose  classes  were  not  well  filled  in  all  cases,  but  the  flowers  were 
surprisingly  good.  Blessrs.  Paul  &  Son  of  Cheshunt  were  not  opposed 
with  forty-eight,  but  they  would  have  taken  a  great  deal  of  beating, 
for  their  flowers  were  very  clean  and  fresh.  One  of  the  best  blooms  was 
the  rosy  crimson  H.P.  Due  d’Orleans,  while  Niphetos,  Viscountess 
Folkestone,  and  E.  Y.  Teas  were  excellent.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  was  unop¬ 
posed  with  twenty-four  trebles,  and  as  usual  in  such  classes  had  a  strong 
stand.  Victor  Hugo,  Prince  Arthur,  and  A.  K.  Williams  were  very  fine, 
particularly  the  latter.  BIr.  Mount  was  victorious  with  twenty-four 
singles,  showing  an  even  and  fresh  stand  in  which  Thomas  Blills,  Alfred 
Colomb,  and  A.  K.  BVilliams  were  very  good.  BIr.  T.  Durrant  Young 
w'as  second,  and  BIr.  Butcher  third.  BIr.  B.  R.  Cant  had  a  splendid  stand 
of  twenty-four  Teas,  albeit  a  few  of  the  blooms  were  a  little  tinged. 
Souvenir  d’EIise,  Niphetos,  Luciole,  and  Catherine  Blermet  were  all 
fine  flowers,  while  there  were  many  other  good  blooms.  Mr.  Mount 
was  a  very  good  second,  and  Messrs.  Prior  k.  Son  third.  BIr.  Mount 
had  the  best  twelve  of  one  variety,  a  splendid  box  of  Mrs.  John  Laing. 
Messrs.  Prior  &  Son  were  second  with  Fisher  Holmes,  very  even  and 
well  coloured  ;  and  Blessrs.  Paul  &  Son  third  with  Mrs.  John  Laing.  In 
the  corresponding  Tea  class  Messrs.  Prior  &  Son  were  first  with  a  beautiful 
stand  of  BIar4chal  Niel  ;  BIr.  Blount  second  with  Comtessede  Nadaillac  ; 
and  BIr.  B.  R.  Cant  third  with  Ethel  Brownlow. 

The  fact  of  BIr.  Lindsell  showing  in  the  amateurs’  section  was 
evidence  enough  of  quality  there.  He  won  with  thirty-six  with  a  very 
good  stand,  in  which  a  grand  Horace  Vernet  was  very  conspicuous. 
BIr.  Brown,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Waterlow,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Alfred 
Slaughter  third.  BIr.  Blundell,  gardener  to  G.  Christy,  Esq.,  defeated 
the  Hitchin  amateur  with  twenty-four,  but  not  by  much,  both  stands 
containing  flowers  in  good  colour.  Mr.  Slaughter  was  third.  BIr. 
Lindsell  had  a  very  fine  box  of  six  trebles,  Horace  Vernet  and 
Alfred  Colomb  being  excellent.  Messrs.  Blundell  and  Slaughter  were 
second  and  third.  Mr.  Lindsell  had  the  best  twelve  of  one  variety, 
small,  but  very  neat  flowers  of  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac  representing  him. 
BIr.  Slaughter  was  second  with  Alfred  Colomb,  and  Mr.  Wright  third 
with  BIrs.  John  Laing.  BIr.  Blundell  won  with  eighteen  Teas,  and  BIr. 
Blawley  with  twelve,  the  latter  also  taking  first  for  twelve  H.P.’s.  He 
had  small  but  very  clean  flowers.  BIr.  Slaughter  won  with  four  trebles, 
and  other  prizewinners  were  Messrs.  C.  J.  Grahame,  Bateman  (the  latter 
being  first  for  nine),  G.  Bloules,  K.  H.  Gifford,  J.  de  la  Mare,  H.  Shoe- 
smith,  and  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks.  BIr.  Grahame  showed  to  great  advan¬ 
tage  in  the  district  classes,  and  secured  two  medals  with  a  beautiful 
example  of  BIrs.  John  Laing.  The  floral  decorations,  cut  flowers,  and 
table  plants  formed  a  good  display. 

The  larger  tent  was  filled  with  splendid  material  in  the  way  of 
specimen  plants  and  Orchids.  BIr.  H.  C.  Tilbey,  gardener  to  F.  Berns, 
Esq.,  won  with  six  of  the  latter.  Mr.  Carr,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Stephenson 


Clarke,  had  some  very  fine  Salaglnellas,  and  won  from  Messrs.  King, 
gardener  to  P.  Crowley,  Esq.,  and  Simmonds,  gardener  to  H.  C.BIayhew, 
Esq.  The  latter  won  with  Zonal  Pelagoniums,  and  Mr.  Slater,  gardener 
to  BIrs.  Hulse  with  Gloxinias,  BIr.  C.  Perrett  also  taking  a  first  for  the 
latter.  BIr.  Slater  was  most  successful  with  Ivy-leaved  Pelagoniums,  and 
Mr.  Tilbey  with  Ferns.  Begonias  were  finely  shown  by  BIr.  Slater,  the 
plants  being  large  and  well  bloomed,  while  Mr.  Kirk  and  BIr.  Simmonds 
also  had  good  plants,  Mr.  Slater  and  Mr.  Kirk  took  the  chief  prizes. 
The  famous  specimens  of  W.  BVarren,  Esq.,  Handcross  Park,  Crawley, 
now  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  W.  Hallam  (Mr.  Offer,  with  whose  name 
they  have  long  been  associated,  having,  we  hear,  been  promoted)  were 
very  conspicuous  in  the  classes  for  those  plants.  BIr.  Hallam  was  first 
with  nine  and  Mr.  Carr  second.  The  latter  had  much  the  larger  plants, 
and  would  no  doubt  have  won  but  for  the  backward  state  of  his  Ron- 
deletia.  BIr.  King  was  third.  Mr.  Hallam  had  some  magnificent 
ornamental  leaved  plants  and  won  easily  with  nine,  his  Crotons,  Alocasia 
macrorhiza  variegata,  and  Cycas  revoluta  being  pictures  of  health. 
BIr.  King’s  giants  were  also  in  good  order,  his  Anthuriums  being  very 
noticeable.  He  was  placed  second.  Blessrs.  Hallam  first  for  three  plants, 
and  King  had  another  tussle  for  Ferns,  the  Sussex  exhibitor  emerging 
victorious,  his  plants  were  in  splendid  order.  Mr.  Simmonds  was  success¬ 
ful  with  both  Caladiums  and  Coleuses,  and  BIr.  Carr  with  Dracrenas. 
First  prizes  for  groups  went  to  Messrs.  Scott,  Wooldridge,  and  King. 

Blessrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Sons,  Messrs.  Laing  &  Son,  BIr.  J.  R.  Box, 
BIr.  Butcher,  Blessrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son,  and  Messrs.  Peed  &  Son  had 
characteristic  miscellaneous  exhibits. 

An  idea  in  connection  with  this  Show  well  worth  copying  is  to 
collect  surplus  Roses,  and  sell  them  in  a  tent  on  the  ground  on  behalf  of 
the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund.  Last  year  £12  was  secured  in 
this  way.  Mrs.  Gunner  and  Mrs.  Dart  presided  over  the  stalls. 

/ 

LEE,  BLACKHEATH,  AND  LEWISHAM. — July  5th  and  6th. 

The  Shows  of  this  Society  during  the  quarter  of  a  century  of  its 
existence  have  always  been  of  a  high  class  character,  and  that  held  on 
the  above  dates  was,  notwithstanding  the  season,  no  exception  to  the 
rule.  As  usual  the  Exhibition  was  held  in  the  grounds  of  The  Cedars, 
Belmont  Hill,  Lee,  by  permission  of  BIrs.  Penn,  and  the  exhibits  staged 
were  quite  up  to  the  usual  standard.  Specimen  flowering  and  ornamental 
foliage  plants  formed  a  feature  at  this  Show,  and  groups  were  well 
represented,  the  same  remark  applying  to  fruit  and  vegetables. 

Specimen  plants  were  shown  in  first-rate  condition.  BIr.  J.  Lambert, 
gardener  to  H.  W.  Segelcke,  Esq.,  Herne  Hill,  was  first  for  six  foliage 
plants  ;  BIr.  Jeffery,  gardener  to  BIrs.  Crundell,  Eltham,  being  second. 
Mr.  C.  Nunn,  gardener  to  B.  Soames,  Esq.,  Blaze  Hill,  Greenwich, 
carried  off  the  honours  for  four  foliage  plants  ;  BIr.  Aley,  gardener  to 
R.  Kersey,  Esq.,  High  Road,  Lee,  following.  Half  a  dozen  Caladiums 
were  best  shown  by  BIr.  W.  Payne,  gardener  to  C.  D.  Abel,  Esq.,  Black- 
heath  ;  BIr.  Fox,  The  Cedars,  Lee  ;  and  BIr.  C.  Nunn  following  as  their 
names  are  given.  Mr.  Lambert  gained  the  premier  award  for  four 
exotic  Ferns,  showing  grand  plants,  BIr.  Fox  being  second  with  smaller 
specimens.  Mr.  Jeffery  had  a  good  half  dozen  Ferns,  for  which  the 
leading  prize  was  awarded,  the  second  place  being  accorded  to  BIr. 
C.  Nunn.  BIr.  Fox  was  first  for  six  Palms,  and  Mr.  C.  Nunn  had  the 
best  six  stove  or  greenhouse  plant*  in  flower.  These  included  two  fine 
specimens  of  Allamanda  nobilis  and  A.  Hendersoni.  Mr.  W.  Jeffery 
was  second  with  six  fiowering  plants,  showing  smaller  specimens.  BIr. 
Nunn  had  the  best  single  specimen  plant  in  flower,  Stephanotis 
floribunda,  BIr.  J.  Pearce  being  second  with  Allamanda  Hendersoni. 
Blessrs.  W.  Jeffery  and  C.  Nunn  divided  the  awards  for  twelve  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants.  Mr.  •!.  Lambert  was  first  with  six  Draesenas, 
Mr.  Jefferys  and  Mr.  Fox  following. 

The  class  for  a  collection  of  twenty-four  plants  brought  forth  a  good 
competition.  The  prizes,  however,  went  to  Messrs.  W.  Jeffery,  F.  Fox, 
and  C.  Saville  in  order  named.  BIr.  Nunn  was  placed  first  for  a  group 
of  plants,  Mr.  J.  Pearce  being  second.  BIr.  C.  Helmer,  gardener  to 
Bliss  Hooker,  Lee  Terrace,  was  first  with  twelve  Gloxinias,  and  BIr. 
C.  Nunn  first  for  six  plants.  Mr.  H.  Horton  also  gained  a  prize  for 
Gloxinias.  Tuberous  Begonias  were  best  shown  by  BIr.  T.  Bell, 
gardener  to  Rev.  G.  T.  Oldham,  Blackheath  ;  BIr.  J.  Lambert,  and  BIr. 
C.  Helmer.  Ornamental-leaved  Begonias  were  good,  the  best  plants 
coming  from  Messrs.  J.  Lambert,  T.  Aley,  and  G.  T.  Shrubb.  A  table 
of  plants  staged  by  Mr.  W.  Jeffery  secured  this  exhibitor  the  leading 
award,  the  second  prize  being  accorded  BIr.  F.  Fox  for  a  tasteful 
arrangement.  Coleuses,  Fuchsias,  and  Pelargoniums,  table  plants  and 
hardy  flowers,  were  also  well  shown  by  some  of  the  above  mentioned 
and  other  exhibitors. 

Roses  were  shown  in  very  good  condition  considering  the  season. 
BIr.  B.  R.  Cant,  Colchester,  was  awarded  the  premier  prize  for  seventy- 
two  blooms.  The  best  of  these  were  A.  K.  Williams,  Beauty  of  Waltham, 
B^’ictor  Hugo,  Marie  Verdier,  Bladamei  G.  Luizet,  Ulrich  Brunner,  and 
Alfred  Colomb.  Blessrs.  G.  &  W.  H.  Burch,  Peterborough,  were  second  with 
smaller  flowers.  There  was  no  third  competitor  in  this  class.  Blessrs. 
Burch  were,  however,  placed  first  with  forty-eight  Roses,  showing  good 
flowers.  The  second  prize  went  to  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons.  BIr. 
J.  Bateman,  Highgate,  had  the  best  dozen  blooms  ;  BIr.  H.  Cole,  gardener 
to  T.  A.  Mitchell,  Esq.,  Chislehurst,  following.  The  same  exhibitors 
secured  awards  for  six  Roses  in  the  order  given.  Messrs.  Burch  gained 
the  leading  award  for  twenty-four  blooms,  Blessrs.  B.  R.  Cant  and 
J.  Laing  &  Sons  following. 

Fruit  was  well  shown.  BIr.  J.  Neighbour,  Bexley  Park,  was  first  for 
a  collection  of  fruit,  BIr.  T.  A.  Kester,  Plumstead,  being  second,  and 


18 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  C,  1893. 


Mr.  Jeffrey,  Eltham,  third,  Mr.  Neighbour  was  again  first  for  another 
collection  of  fruit,  Mr.  G.  F.  Shrubb,  Blackheath,  following.  Black 
Grapes  were  best  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Rhoden,  Blackheath  Park,  gardener 
to  J.  Vavasseur,  Esq.,  Mr.  Neighbour  being  second,  and  Mr.  Goddard, 
gardener  to  T.  W.  White,  Esq.,  Eltham  Road,  third.  The  last  named 
exhibitor  was  first  with  a  single  bunch  of  white  Grapes,  and  Mr.  Rhoden 
similarly  for  three  bunches,  showing  Duke  of  Buccleuch  in  good  con¬ 
dition.  Mr.  Shrubb  was  first  with  Strawberries,  and  Mr.  Neighbour  with 
Melons  and  Peaches.  Other  successful  fruit  exhibitors  were  Messrs.  J. 
Pearce  and  W.  H.  Struckett. 

Vegetables  were  shown  in  first-rate  condition  by  Mr.  Fox,  who  was 
first  for  a  collection  ;  Mr.  Jeffery  being  second.  The  last-named  ex¬ 
hibitor  secured  the  leading  award  offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  for 
vegetables  from  their  seeds,  the  others  going  to  Messrs.  Neighbour  and 
C.  Nunn.  Mr.  Fox  had  the  best  six  Tomatoes  in  pots.  Mr.  Turpin, 
High  Road,  Lee,  gained  the  first  prize  given  by  Messrs.  C.  Sharpe  &  Co., 
Sleaford.  In  other  classes  vegetables  were  also  well  represented, 
special  prizes  being  offered  by  Messrs.  Daniel  Bros.,  Norwich,  and 
Carter,  Page,  &  Co.,  London  Wall. 

Amongst  the  miscellaneous  exhibits  Mr,  H.  J.  Jones,  Ryecroft 
Nursery,  Lewisham,  secured  a  silver  medal  for  a  grand  group  of  Fancy 
Pelargoniums  tastefully  arranged.  Some  splendidly  bloomed  Zonals 
staged  by  Mr,  Jones  also  attracted  attention,  especially  the  new  variety, 
Mrs.  W.  Wright,  This  is  of  a  robust  constitution,  and  the  nearest 
approach  to  blue  we  have  seen,  meriting  the  first-class  certificate 
awarded.  It  will  unquestionably  become  a  popular  variety.  Messrs.  J. 
Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  sent  some  Tuberous  Begonias,  well  flowered  ; 
and  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Roupell  Park  Nurseries,  Norwood  Road, 
S.E,,  had  a  group  of  Caladiums  and  other  foliage  plants,  also  a  collection 
of  Gloxinias.  Messrs.  W.  Butcher  «fe  Sons,  Blackheath,  had  a  stand  of 
weed  killers ;  and  Mr.  W.  Colchester,  Ipswich,  a  stand  of  ichthemic  guano. 


Emigeatiok. — The  July  circulars  of  the  Emigrants’  Information 
Office,  31,  Broadway,  Westminster,  and  the  penny  and  other  hand¬ 
books,  with  maps,  show  the  present  prospects  of  emigration.  A  short 
pamphlet  on  Newfoundland  is  also  issued.  A  new  branch  office  has  been 
opened  at  the  Public  Library,  Nottingham.  Work  in  New  South  Wales, 
especially  in  towns,  continues  to  be  very  scarce.  The  best  openings  are 
for  men  who  are  experienced  in  fruit  growing,  in  the  drying  and  packing 
of  fruits  for  export,  in  the  management  of  irrigated  and  unirrigated 
orchards,  in  wine  making,  and  in  the  manufacture  and  packing  of  butter 
and  cheese.  Domestic  servants  continue  to  be  in  steady  demand 
throughout  the  colony.  The  towns  of  Victoria,  and  especially  Melbourne, 
are  full  of  men  seeking  work,  and  no  working  man  should  go  there  at 
present.  With  the  object  of  providing  employment,  and  drawing  men 
away  from  the  overcrowded  towns,  the  Government  have  thrown  open 
more  land  for  settlement,  and  have  taken  steps  to  initiate  village  settle¬ 
ments,  to  construct  two  or  three  country  railways,  and  to  assist  the 
formation  of  labour  colonies.  In  Queensland  the  depression  at  Brisbane, 
Ipswich,  Townsville,  and  other  places  still  continues.  New  Zealand  is  in 
a  prosperous  condition,  and  offers  many  advantages  to  settlers.  In  Natal 
there  is  no  special  demand  for  labour.  New  land  regulations  have  been 
issued  under  which  cultivation  is  no  longer  made  a  condition  of  occupa¬ 
tion  by  purchasers  of  crown  lands.  Agricultural  farmers  and  their 
families  are  now  given  assisted  passages  to  the  Colony  on  certain  con¬ 
ditions.  Official  information  has  been  received  that  an  agent  has  been 
sent  from  Brazil  to  induce  British  emigrants  to  go  to  the  State  of  San 
Paulo  in  that  country.  In  view  of  the  suffering  and  loss  of  life  which 
have  been  occasioned  by  previous  schemes  of  this  nature,  all  persons  are 
again  most  strongly  warned  not  to  go  to  this  or  any  other  part  of  Brazil. 


WOKK.^o^theWEEK.. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — Early  Souses. — When  the  Grapes  are  cut  thoroughly 
cleanse  the  Vines  from  dust  and  insects  by  forcible  syringings,  keeping 
the  house  as  cool  as  possible  by  free  ventilation,  and  withdraw  the  roof 
lights  where  practicable  when  steady  rains  prevail.  Vines  that  are 
becoming  exhausted  through  long  subjection  to  early  forcing  and  bear- 
ing  heavy  crops  should  have  one  of  the  borders  renovated  where  there 
are  two,  and  the  roots  laid  in  fresh  material  near  the  surface.  Where 
they  are  confined  to  inside  borders  the  roots  may  also  be  lifted. 
Preparation  should  now  be  made  for  this  operation  by  getting  the 
materials  together,  so  that  the  work  may  be  executed  at  the  right  time 
and  with  dispatch.  One  of  the  borders  only  should  be  acted  upon  at  a 
time,  say  the  inside  border  one  year,  following  on  with  the  outside 
border  the  next.  The  proper  time  to  attend  to  the  roots  in  the  case  of 
early  Vines  is  as  soon  as  the  foliage  gives  indication*  of  ripening.  Shade 
should  be  provided  during  the  operations  and  the  Vines  syringed,  keep¬ 
ing  rather  close  for  a  time,  or  until  they  have  pushed  fresh  roots, 
when  free  ventilation  is  necessary. 

Houses  of  Ripe  Grapes. — Give  constant  ventilation,  and  on  hot  days 
sprinkle  water  on  the  borders  and  floors  to  prevent  the  Grapes  shrivel¬ 
ling.  A  temperature  of  55°  to  60°  will  be  sufficient  for  Black  Ham- 


burghs  by  artificial  means,  but  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  other  heat- 
requiring  varieties  will  need  fire  heat  to  prevent  the  temperature  falling 
below  60°  to  65°  at  night.  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes  colour  in 
proportion  to  the  light  and  air  they  receive.  Black  Hamburghs  finish 
best  beneath  a  good  spread  of  foliage,  and  a  slight  shade  is  absolutely 
essential  to  their  keeping  colour  for  any  length  of  time  after  ripening. 
Some  doubled  herring  nets  drawn  over  the  roof  lights  is  mostly 
sufficient. 

Grapes  Stoning. — During  this  process  the  Vines  should  not  be 
hurried,  either  by  artificial  heat  or  early  closing.  Supply  the  Vines  with 
plenty  of  food  in  an  available  form  at  the  commencement  of  the  stoning, 
which  is  soon  after  the  Grapes  are  set,  and  continue  this  up  to  their 
changing  colour.  There  is  nothing  better  for  Vines  than  phosphatic  and 
potassic  manures,  with  nitrogenic  in  proportion  to  the  vigour  of  the 
Vines,  If  they  are  heavily  cropped  and  the  foliage  is  relatively  small 
they  will  require  more  nitrogen  than  where  the  foliage  is  ample. 
Nitrate  of  soda  may  in  such  cases  be  given  with  advantage,  especially 
where  the  soil  is  light  or  calcareous.  Root  growth  should  precede  or  be 
simultaneous  with  leaf  growth,  and  the  growth  produced  must  be  stable, 
therefore  the  manure  ought  to  contain  other  elements  besides  nitrogen. 
A  good  mixture  for  weak  Vines  in  light  and  calcareous  soils  may  be 
formed  of  three  parts  bone  superphosphate,  two  parts  carbonate  of 
potash  (pearlash),  two  parts  nitrate  of  soda  (powdered),  and  three  parts 
ground  gypsum  ;  mix  and  apply  quarter  of  a  pound  per  square  yard 
after  watering,  and  wash  in  moderately.  Sulphate  of  ammonia  may  be 
used  where  the  soil  is  rather  strong  instead  of  the  nitrate  of  soda.  As 
a  good  all-round  manure  for  Vines  there  is  everything  they  require  in 
three  parts  bone  superphosphate,  two  parts  powdered  saltpetre,  and  one 
part  ground  gypsum  mixed,  supplying  a  quarter  of  a  pound  per  square 
yard  at  intervals,  say  when  the  Grapes  are  set  or  thinned,  half  swelled, 
and  commencing  to  colour.  If  the  roots  are  near  the  surface  half 
the  quantity  only  should  be  given  at  a  time,  but  at  less  distant  intervals. 

Grapes  Scalding. — The  best  preventive  for  this  consists  in  admitting 
air  rather  freely  towards  the  close  of  the  stoning  period,  especially  in 
the  early  part  of  the  day  and  through  the  day,  with  a  little  at  night, 
and  a  gentle  warmth  in  the  pipes,  so  as  to  maintain  a  temperature  of 
about  70°  artificially.  Scalding  is  most  prevalent  during  bright  weather 
following  a  dull  period.  The  essential  point  is  to  avoid  the  deposition 
of  moisture  upon  the  berries,  for  if  they  are  allowed  to  be  covered  with 
moisture  and  the  sun  raises  the  temperature  considerably  before  ventila¬ 
tion  is  given  the  leaves  will  assuredly  scorch  and  the  berries  scald.  The 
most  critical  time  is  just  before  (a  fortnight  to  three  weeks)  the  Grapes 
change  colour  for  ripening,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  however,  scorches 
badly  even  after  the  Grapes  are  advanced  in  colour,  and  a  slight  shade, 
as  that  of  garden  nets  drawn  over  the  roof  lights,  is  of  great  benefit  in 
breaking  the  fierce  rays  of  the  sun. 

Shanking. — This  is  seldom  altogether  absent  from  the  best  cultivated 
Grapes,  and  often  causes  great  trouble  through  deterioration  of  crop. 
It  is  known  to  be  accelerated  by  suspended  root-action  at  the  critical 
period  of  the  Grapes  ripening,  and  certainly  is  a  result  of  error  in 
management,  border  formation,  and  soil  constituents.  No  one  really 
knows  anything  for  certain  about  this  tantalising  disease,  but  it  has 
been  attributed  to  fungal  and  bacterial  agencies.  There  are,  however, 
no  fungous  outgrowths  to  be  found  in  shanked  Grapes,  except  those 
usually  found  on  dead  vegetable  matter,  but  there  is  an  affection  on  the 
shanks  of  the  berries  and  footstalks  of  the  bunches  of  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  Grapes  that  contain  mycelia  in  the  living  tissue,  and  the 
outgrowths,  though  not  well  developed,  are  evidently  those  of  a 
Gloeosporium,  not  unlike  G.  laticolor.  This  is  a  rather  unusual  ailment 
in  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  and  may  or  may  not  be  associated  with 
ordinary  shanking  (a  contraction  instead  of  swelling)  in  the  footstalks  of 
the  berries. 

To  avoid  shanking  the  borders  must  be  well  made  and  the  Vines 
properly  managed,  fully  exposing  the  foliage  to  light  and  air,  allowing 
no  more  growth  to  be  made  than  can  have  those  essentials.  Deficiency 
of  ventilation  in  the  early  stages  of  growth,  combined  with  too  much 
moisture,  inducing  long-jointed  growth  and  thin  foliage,  are  unfavour¬ 
able  to  the  building  up  of  healthy  tissues,  and  food  derived  from  a  cold 
wet  border,  with  the  roots  deeply  situated,  are  not  likely  to  produce  well 
finished  fruit.  Vines  liable  to  have  shanked  berries  should  be  given 
time,  particular  attention  being  paid  to  the  ventilation,  and  avoiding 
sudden  fluctuations  of  temperature,  so  as  to  secure  a  steady  supply  of 
nutriment,  and  allow  for  its  due  assimilation  by  permitting  a  good  spread 
of;  foliage.  Regulate  the  growths  on  the  extension  rather  .the 
restrictive  system  where  there  is  room  for  it  without  crowding,  keeping 
all  gross  laterals  stopped  so  as  to  cause  an  equal  flow  and  distribution 
of  the  sap  throughout  the  Vines,  and  this  will  assist  them  to  perfect 
their  crops.  It  is,  however,  necessary  to  renovate  the  border  in  bad  cases 
of  shanking,  and  lay  the  roots  in  fresh  compost  near  the  surface. 

Young  Vines. — There  are  two  methods  of  treating  those  of  this 
season’s  planting.  1,  Allowing  them  to  grow  unchecked  so  as  to  secure 
plenty  of  roots  and  stout  stems,  little  regard  being  paid  to  the  growths 
except  as  regards  the  leaves  corresponding  to  the  pruning  buds,  which 
are  not  suffered  to  be  crowded,  and  this  gives  three  good  buds  at  the 
bottom  of  the  trellis  to  which  the  canes  are  shortened  at  the  winter 
pruning.  2,  The  young  canes  are  permitted  to  grow  to  a  length  of  about 
9  feet,  and  are  then  stopped.  The  lateral  at  the  joint  will  push  strongly, 
and  should  be  let  grow  to  the  extent  of  four  to  six  leaves,  when  its 
point  may  be  pinched  off  ;  then  its  laterals  may  be  pinched  to  one  leaf, 
also  sub-laterals  as  made.  Laterals  proceeding  from  the  joints  along 
the  cane  being  stopped  to  one  leaf,  and  the  sub-laterals  also  to  one  joint 


July  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


19 


of  growth,  the  vigour  will  be  concentrated  on  the  cane  and  principal 
buds  without  starting  the  latter  into  growth,  and  they  may  be  pruned 
80  as  to  bear  a  moderate  crop  of  fruit  the  following  year. 

Vines  in  Pots  for  Early  Forcing. — Those  intended  for  this  purpose 
should  by  this  time  have  completed  their  growths.  Supply  water  only 
to  prevent  the  foliage  becoming  limp,  exposing  the  Vines  to  all  the 
light  and  sun  possible,  so  as  to  thoroughly  ripen  the  wood  and  the  buds. 
Keep  them  free  from  insects,  as  it  is  important  that  the  leaves  perform 
their  functions  to  the  last.  After  the  wood  becomes  brown  and  hard 
the  Vines  may  be  stood  on  slates  or  boards  in  front  of  a  wall  with  a 
south  aspect,  securing  the  canes  to  the  wall  to  prevent  the  foliage  being 
damaged  by  wind. 

Melons. — Plants  Swelling  their  Crops. — Ventilate  early,  or  at  75°, 
keep  through  the  day  at  80°  to  90°,  as  sun  avails,  and  close  so  as  to  run 
up  to  95°,  or  even  100°,  with  plenty  of  atmospheric  moisture.  A  little 
ventilation  about  6  p.m.  will  allow  the  vitiated  air  to  escape  and  the 
temperature  to  fall  gradually,  but  this  is  only  necessary  in  closely  glazed 
frames,  pits,  or  houses,  and  when  the  weather  is  warm  at  night.  Add 
fresh  soil  to  the  ridges  or  hillocks  as  the  roots  protrude,  and  press  firmly. 
Syringe  the  plants  in  houses  at  closing  time,  and  damp  well  in  the 
morning  and  in  the  evening  of  hot  days.  Plants  in  frames  should 
be  sprinkled  at  closing  for  the  day,  keeping  the  water  from  the 
collar.  Afford  liquid  manure  copiously,  always  weak  and  tepid,  and 
keep  it  from  the  foliage  of  frame  plants,  which  in  exceptional  cases  only 
need  manurial  applications,  as  they  root  into  the  fermenting  material 
and  grow  quite  vigorous  enough  without  manure  water. 

Afford  support  to  the  fruit  in  good  time,  placing  slates  under  those 
in  pits  or  frames.  Keep  the  foliage  fairly  thin,  avoiding  removing  a 
large  quantity  of  growths  at  one  time,  as  this  induces  gumming.  As  the 
fruit  approaches  ripening  reduce  the  supply  of  water  at  the  roots,  but 
not  to  cause  flagging,  and  admit  a  little  air  constantly,  withholding 
water  from  the  fruit.  Cracked  fruits  are  mostly  caused  by  a  moist 
atmosphere  at  night,  but  any  plants  that  become  stunted  while  the 
fruit  is  swelling,  and  then  given  more  generous  treatment,  are  more 
subject  to  this  defect  than  those  encouraged  in  the  early  stages  of  the 
fruit  swelling,  and  afterwards  kept  rather  dry  for  ripening.  This  is 
essential  to  secure  high  quality  in  the  fruit. 

Cucumbers. — A  few  seeds  may  now  be  sown  for  late  summer  and 
early  autumn  fruiting.  The  plants  from  this  sowing  will  be  fit  to  plant 
out  in  about  a  month  ;  they  do  well  in  frames,  and  the  fruit  is  finer 
than  that  of  old  plants.  Plants  in  full  bearing  must  have  attention  in 
thinning  exhausted  growths,  removing  tad  foliage,  stopping,  tying,  and 
regulating  the  young  so  as  to  keep  up  a  succession  of  bearing  wood. 
Add  a  little  fresh  loam  to  the  surface  from  time  to  time,  and  if  sprinkled 
with  some  bone  superphosphate  occasionally  roots  will  multiply  at  the 
surface,  where  they  can  be  fed  by  light  mulchings,  as  advised  for  Mel  ns. 
Supply  liquid  manure  in  other  cases  copiously  once  or  twice  a  week, 
according  to  circumstances.  Syringe  at  closing  time,  and  maintain  a 
good  moisture  all  day  by  damping  surfaces.  Flagging  must  be  prevented 
by  employing  a  shade  lightly  for  a  few  hours  in  the  forenoon  and  mid¬ 
day  when  the  sun  is  powerful.  Avoid  too  much  moisture  in  dull 
weather  ;  it  only  tends  to  promote  soft  growths,  and  renders  the  foliage 
more  susceptible  to  injury  on  a  bright  period  ensuing.  Close  early  or 
before  the  temperature  has  receded  to  80°,  and  so  as  to  gain  5°  to  10°, 
only  employing  fire  heat  to  maintain  it  at  60°  to  65°  at  night,  and  70° 
to  75°  on  dull  days. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Tomatoes  Under  Class. — If  the  stems  of  those  late  planted  are 
abnormally  thick,  more  especially  towards  the  points,  the  young  leaves 
also  curling  badly,  this  is  a  sure  sign  that  the  treatment  has  been  too 
liberal.  Tomatoes  should  never  be  planted  in  very  rich  soil,  the  other 
extreme  also  being  avoided,  what  assistance  they  require  in  the  shape  of 
fertilisers  being  best  applied  from  the  surface.  If,  therefore,  they  are 
growing  too  rankly  give  less  water  at  the  roots,  and  keep  up  a  good 
circulation  of  warm  dry  air.  Should  there  be  plenty  of  head  room, 
allowing  some  of  the  side  shoots  to  spread,  laying  these  in  not  less  than 
12  inches  apart,  and  pinching  out  all  secondary  growth  is  a  good  pre¬ 
ventive  of  grossness,  and  the  same  plan  may  be  followed  in  the  case  of 
plants  trained  or  staked  uprightly,  a  shoot  being  reserved  on  each  side, 
always  provided  this  can  be  done  without  any  undue  crowding.  If  the 
fruit  fails  to  set  well  at  this  time  of  year  this  is  almost  a  sure  sign  of 
either  grossness,  or  the  other  extreme  poverty  at  the  roots.  Those  swell¬ 
ing  off  extra  heavy  lower  clusters  of  fruit  soon  give  signs  of  exhaustion 
of  the  soil  unless  well  fed,  the  haulm  becoming  thin  and  hardening 
prematurely,  and  the  bunches  of  flower  puny,  also  failing  to  give  fruit. 
Anticipate  this  by  surfacing  over  the  soil  with  a  fairly  rich  compost, 
liquid  manure  also  being  freely  applied.  In  the  case  of  market  growers 
top-dressing  with  compost  would  be  a  too  expensive  proceeding,  but 
where  the  soil  is  at  all  poor  and  non-retentive  a  mulching  of  short 
manure  ought  to  have  been  applied  some  time  since  to  the  plants 
cropping,  and  to  those  later  planted  before  they  had  made  much 
progress.  Where  the  soil  is  either  non-retentive  of  moisture  or  naturally 
poor,  water  ought  to  be  supplied  to  the  borders  very  freely  during  hot 
dry  weather,  twice  and  sometimes  thrice  in  a  week. 

Tomato  Diseases. —Complaints  of  disease  attacks  were  rife  even 
during  the  exceptionally  hot  and  dry  weather  so  long  experienced,  and 
now  that  a  change  to  weather  of  a  somewhat  opposite  character  has 
taken  place  the  chances  are  that  diseases  of  a  fungoid  nature  will  spread 
rapidly  unless  timely  preventive  measure  are  taken.  Wholly  dispensing 
with  fire  heat  was  a  great  mistake,  and  many  will  have  good  cause  to 
regret  this  false  economy.  The  circulation  of  warm  dry  air  is  one  of  the 


best  preventives  of  disease,  and  also  promotes  a  hard,  productive  habit 
of  growth  in  the  plants.  Watering  ought  always  to  be  done  as  much  as 
possible  in  the  morning  of  clear  days,  and  the  foliage  wetted  but  little 
if  at  all.  Creating  a  soft  moist  atmosphere  such  as  suits  Cucumbers 
well  is  just  the  condition  that  favours  a  spread  of  disease.  Where  the 
Cladosporium,  which  is  quickly  recognisable  by  the  broad  yellow  spots 
on  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves,  is  rapidly  spreading,  something 
drastic  must  be  attempted  to  stop  its  progress,  or  the  whole  of  the  fully 
formed  leaves  will  be  quickly  ruined  by  it.  “  Killmright,”  frequently 
advertised  in  these  pages,  where  given  a  fair  trial,  has  been  found  an 
effective  preventive.  It  is  the  under  side  of  the  leaves  that  should  be 
reached  principally,  that  being  where  the  disease  germs  lodge  and 
spread. 

Mushrooms. — Manure  ought  now  to  be  collected  and  prepared  for 
making  into  Mushroom  beds,  more  especially  in  the  open  or  other 
quarters  than  the  Mushroom  house  proper,  the  latter  teing  largely 
reserved  for  the  later  or  cold  weather  crops.  Open  air  beds  have  of 
necessity  to  be  ridge  shaped,  and  the  materials  used  should  differ  some¬ 
what  from  those  required  for  flat  beds.  Do  not  wholly  separate  the 
litter  from  the  droppings,  the  correct  course  being  to  reserve  about  one- 
third  of  the  short  stained  straw  with  the  manure,  and  to  take  good  care 
of  the  longer  portions  for  the  purpose  of  well  covering  the  beds  after 
they  are  made.  The  beds  may  be  of  any  length,  about  three  loads  of 
prepared  manure  being  required  to  make  a  bed  3  yards  long.  Do 
not  leave  the  stable  manure  for  weeks  together  in  a  heap  or  pit  to  over¬ 
heat  and  b3comBdryand  musty,  but  keep  it  well  opened  out  till  enough 
has  been  savel  for  a  bed,  then  fork  away  the  long  strawy  portion,  and 
throw  the  rest  into  a  heap  to  ferment.  In  the  course  of  three  or  four 
days,  or  before  it  is  violently  hot  in  the  centre,  turn  the  heap  inside  out, 
gently  watering  it  if  at  all  dry.  Continue  this  treatment  about  every 
second  day  for  the  next  ten  days  or  fortnight,  and  by  that  time  there 
should  be  a  good  heap  of  well  sweetened  steadily  decaying  manure 
ready  for  making  into  a  bed.  If  the  first  bed  is  to  be  a  flat  one  and 
formed  under  cover  of  some  kind,  more  of  the  stained  straw  should  be 
forked  away  from  it  ;  but  in  other  respects  the  method  of  preparation 
ought  to  be  much  the  same  as  that  just  detailed.  Good  fresh  spawn  is 
always  to  be  preferred  to  any  that  is  either  cheap  and  stale,  therefore 
order  the  requisite  supply  from  a  reliable  source  in  readiness  for  use 
when  wanted.  Any  bads  formed  and  spawned  early  in  July  with  a  view 
to  having  Mushrooms  from  the  middle  of  August  onwards  require 
particularly  good  attention.  Unless  the  manure  has  been  very  well 
prepared  it  will  heat  very  violently,  the  centres  of  the  beds  attaining  a 
white  heat,  and  the  manure  generally  spoilt  for  the  growth  of  Mush¬ 
rooms  accordingly,  while  if  it  is  too  dry  decay  will  cease,  and  an  in¬ 
sufficient  moisture  be  the  cause  of  the  Mushrooms  failing  to  appear  in 
due  course. 

PLANT  HOUSES. 

Begonias. — Plants  of  various  kinds  intended  for  autumn  and 
winter  flowering  should  be  placed  into  the  pots  in  which  they  are 
intended  to  flower.  After  potting,  put  the  plants  in  cold  frames,  and 
keep  moderately  close  until  established,  when  give  more  air.  Shade 
lightly  during  the  brightest  part  of  the  day.  Insert  cuttings  of  B.  Ingram! 
in  thumb  pots.  These  will  be  useful  early  in  the  year  as  plants  in 
5-inch  pots.  This  variety,  if  placed  in  baskets  of  moderate  size  and 
the  plants  pinched  for  a  time,  will  yield  abundance  of  flowers  in  the 
autumn.  Cuttings  of  B.  nitida  and  its  variety  rosea  may  be  inserted 
at  once.  These  are  useful  for  flowering  in  the  stove  early  in  spring. 

Euphorbia  jacqulnlaeflora. — Place  all  the  earliest-rooted  plants 
in  the  pots  in  which  they  are  to  flower,  and  when  established  gradually 
harden  them  to  cool  frame  treatment.  Turn  these  plants  to  the  sun, 
so  that  the  wood  ripens  as  it  is  made.  Insert  cuttings  either  singly 
or  a  number  together.  If  the  latter  the  cuttings  should  be  placed 
round  the  side  of  5-inch  pots,  and  if  properly  grown  will  not  attain 
more  than  1  foot  in  height ;  they  will  prove  useful  for  various  decorative 
purposes.  The  old  plants  may  be  cut  back  and  placed  in  warmth  until 
they  break  into  growth,  when  repot.  Do  not  overwater  these  plants. 

Panlcum  varlegatum. — When  decorations  have  to  be  carried  out 
on  a  large  scale  well  furnished  plants  in  5-inch  pots  are  very  useful. 
Cuttings  should  be  inserted  thickly  into  such  pots.  They  will  root 
freely  in  any  moist  shady  house.  They  can  be  stood  on  the  floor  if  no 
more  suitable  position  can  be  found  them.  Well  developed  plants  in 
baskets  are  very  effective,  especially  when  grown  in  warm  houses  and 
suspended  from  the  roof  amongst  Palms  and  other  green  foliaged  plants. 
Fittonias  are  also  very  useful,  and  should  be  extensively  grown. 

Polnsettlas. — These  ought  to  be  in  cold  frames  aud  grown  fully 
exposed  to  the  sun.  Those  still  in  small  pots  repot  from  time  to  time  as 
they  need  more  root  room,  using  good  loam,  sand,  and  one-seventh  of 
decayed  manure.  Established  plants  may  have  a  little  artificial  manure 
applied  to  the  surface  or  given  clear  soot  water  occasionally.  Water 
carefully,  and  syringe  the  foliage  twice  daily. 

Tustlcla  flavlcoma. — Few  plants  are  more  worthy  of  extended 
cultivation  in  gardens  than  this  old  Justicia,  especially  for  warm  con¬ 
servatories  and  intermediate  structures.  Its  cultivation  is  easy  when 
plants  are  raised  annually  from  cuttings.  The  cuttings  should  be  rooted 
and  grown  for  a  time  in  heat,  and  when  well  established  gradually 
hardened  and  grown  with  Euphorbias  and  Poinsettias  until  September. 

Caladlum  argry  rites. — Plants  that  have  been  used  for  decoration 
and  have  become  shabby  should  be  rested  and  then  again  started  into 
growth,  when  they  will  be  found  useful.  A  supply  of  this  useful  foliage 
plant  in  good  condition  for  furnishing  in  occasional  batches  will  be 
found  very  useful. 


20 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  6,  1893. 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Preparing  for  the  Moors. 

Amongst  my  letters  on  the  morning  of  the  26th,  one  from 
Crawford  stated  “  The  Wild  Thyme  is  in  its  prime,  owing  to  the 
great  heat  and  dry  weather.  The  Heather  has  made  long  growths, 
the  yonng  Heather  is  flowering,  and  in  eight  or  ten  days  will  be 
well  in  bloom.”  It  will  be  observed  that  dry  weather  favours  the 
Heather,  and  this  year  it  is  about  six  weeks  earlier  than  usual.  The 
Clover  serson  is  only  beginning  with  us,  the  Heather  is  ready,  and 
the  highly  prized  Thyme  will  soon  be  past. 

After  a  week’s  rain  and  cooler  weather  a  renewal  of  the  high 
temperature  has  taken  place.  A  few  days’  continuation  will  favour 
the  filling  of  supers  but  cause  the  hives  to  heat,  which  makes  it  very 
risky  for  moving  bees  such  long  distances.  The  Heather  and 
the  Thyme  honey  is  the  most  valuable,  so  we  must  risk  the 
adventure.  Our  hives  are  in  excellent  condition  for  moving  to  the 
Heather,  being  well  ventilated  from  below  a  few  days  previous  to 
starting,  then  the  supers  uncovered  a  little  or  wholly  at  the  top,  the 
lid  of  the  super  case  or  protector  not  being  quite  close  permits  the 
heated  atmosphere  to  pass  off,  and  gives  a  slight  current  of  air.  As 
the  doorway  is  completely  closed  the  bees  do  not  make  an  effort 
to  escape.  Hives  so  managed  cannot  with  ordinary  care  get  over¬ 
heated. 

Punic  Nuclei  and  Punic  Queens. 

I  have  formed  a  few  nuclei  of  pure  Punics,  and  intend  taking 
them  to  the  Heather  a  week  earlier  than  my  entire  stock,  for  the 
purpose  of  making  a  trial  whether  they  can  be  kept  pure  at  that 
place.  Punic  queens  are  so  numerous  that  they  are  very  service¬ 
able  to  supply  stocks  that  may  be  queenless.  My  old  Punic  stock 
has  been  divided  and  swarmed  into  seven,  and  it  may  swarm  again. 
It  is  surprising  to  see  how  active  the  srnallest  of  these  swarms 
work  and  gather  honey.  My  old  stock  swarmed  twice  within  an 
hour,  and  both  are  doing  well. 

Mutilated  Queens  and  Swarms. 

One  day  lately  I  saw  an  enormous  number  of  drones  on  the 
ground,  and  on  the  alighting  board  a  few  bees  were  caressing 
a  spot  where  probably  a  queen  had  stood.  A  few  days  later  a 
similar  thing  occurred,  and  to  my  astonishment  I  saw  an  abnormally 
lengthy  queen  enter  the  hive.  It  struck  me  that  the  queen  being 
unable  to  fly  had  crept  to  the  ground,  and  then  up  on  to  the 
landing  board  which  touches  the  ground.  As  this  queen  is  a 
month  old  it  is  evident  she  was  unable  to  fly. 

To  the  bee-keeper  there  is  nothing  more  tantalising  than  to 
have  several  hives  issuing  at  same  time  without  the  slightest 
warning.  Such  a  thing  happened  to  me  on  the  26th.  During  a 
bright  blink  of  sunshine  between  drenching  showers,  no  less  than 
six  swarms  commenced  to  come  off  at  same  time.  Two  were  inter¬ 
cepted  and  three  hived.  One  of  the  three,  through  either  a  stranger 
queen  or  bees,  returned  to  the  parent  hive.  One  swarm  refused 
to  enter  a  hive.  A  heavy  rain  fell,  which  threatened  the 
destruction  of  every  bee,  as  they  were  scattered  about,  but  by- 
and-by  I  managed  to  get  them  to  take  to  a  hive.  On  some  future 
occasion  I  will  revert  to  the  subject,  as  it  is  important  beginners 
should  be  well  posted  up  in  hiving  swarms. 

Preventing  Bees  Swarming. 

“  B.  B.  H.”  wishes  to  know  something  about  preventing  bees 
swarming.  There  is  no  method  of  managing  bees  that  will  prevent 
swarming  at  all  times,  nor  perhaps  at  any  period  when  circum¬ 
stances  are  favourable  to  it.  A  young  queen  with  plenty  of 
breeding  space  is  the  surest  of  any.  The  plan  mentioned  on 
page  512  last  volume  was  not  found  out  by  Mr.  Simmins,  but  has 
been  practised  with  the  Stewarton  hive  for  at  least  half  a  century, 
contemporaneous  with  the  two  queens  in  one  hive  system.  The 
plan  Mr.  Simmins  adopts  I  believe  is  this.  The  sections  are  placed 
in  the  front  of  the  hive  where  brood  combs  used  to  be  put  by  him 
to  prevent  swarming— /.e  ,  the  combs  are  parallel  to  the  entrance, 
and  it  is  in  the  front  of  the  hive  or  in  advance  of  the  brood  nest 
the  sections  are  put,  then  when  well  begun  they  are  lifted  above. 
The  principle  is  identical  to  the  way  we  manage  our  hives  under  the 
Stewarton  system,  and  is  no  doubt  the  best  plan  known  to  delay 
or  retard  swarming  when  a  young  fertilised  queen  is  not  at  hand. 
We  do  not  know  whether  the  hive  mentioned  is  adapted  for  the 
purpose.  The  Lanarkshire  hive  is  suitable  for  all  places  and  all 
modes  of  management. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


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

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

Books  tor  Examinations  (il/.  i?.). — You  had  better  write  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  117,  Victoria  Street, 
Westminster,  S.W.  The  list  first  published  by  the  Society  was  far  from 
perfect. 

Grapes  Scalded  (J”.  6'.). — You  should  have  sent  sooner.  The 
night  temperature  has  perhaps  been  too  low,  and  the  house  not  properly 
ventilated  sufficiently  early  in  the  morning.  This  is  all  we  can  say 
this  week. 

Cymbldlum  Seed  (Yl  J.). — With  no  more  convenience  than  is 
mentioned  in  your  letter,  we  think  the  experiment  of  raising  Cymbidiums 
from  seed  is  scarcely  worth  trying.  Even  were  you  successful  in 
germinating  the  seed,  it  would  be  many  years  before  the  plants  flowered, 
and  then  it  is  quite  probable  that  the  flowers  may  be  of  an  inferior 
type.  It  would  be  advisable  to  remove  the  seed  pod  at  once  if  you 
decide  not  to  try  the  experiment. 

Thula  Hedge  (^Grovv'). — No  doubt  the  nurseryman  is  right  in 
respect  to  his  particular  plants.  The  smaller  would  be  likely  to  grow 
better,  and  make  a  screen  sooner  than  the  larger  ones  if  these  have  stood 
long  in  the  nursery  ground  without  being  transplanted.  In  our 
experience  Thuia  gigantea,  often  sold  as  T.  Lobbi,  makes  a  more  pleasing 
screen,  and  continues  so  over  a  greater  length  of  time  than  does 
T.  occidentalis  ;  but  tastes  vary,  and  you  may  prefer  the  latter.  The 
leaf,  a  very  fine  one,  11x8  inches,  is  Hedera  coriacea. 

Preserving  Hew  Propagating  Wood  Trays  (H.  I.'). — Although 
creosote  is  used  for  dipping  Hop  poles,  by  which  process  they  are 
rendered  durable,  we  have  no  experience  of  it  for  cutting  boxes,  and 
should  be  obliged  by  particulars  of  its  use  in  preserving  wood  from 
decay,  both  as  to  the  strength  and  manner  of  application,  whether 
applied  hot  or  cold,  and  when  steeped,  how  long,  also  whether  it  is 
likely  to  prove  injurious  to  the  cuttings  or  otherwise.  We  do  not  think 
it  would  be,  but  assurance  on  the  point  is  desirable. 

Worms  In  Flower  Pots  (^Perj^lexecV), — Worms  can  be  expelled 
from  flower  pels  with  lime  water  made  as  advised  to  another  corre¬ 
spondent  under  the  heading  of  Chrysanthemums.  The  best  plan, 
however,  is  to  prevent  their  getting  in  first  by  carefully  examining 
the  soil  before  potting,  then  by  using  Porter’s  invincible  crocks  as  a 
flooring  in  flower  pots  before  placing  in  the  ordinary  drainage.  These 
are  an  effective  barrier  to  worms,  while  allowing  superfluous  water  to 
pass  away.  Moreover,  they  are  so  cheap  that  a  hundred  can  be  had 
for  3s. 

Grapes  and  Maggot  (.7.  P.  E.'). — The  maggot  you  send  is  the  larva 
of  a  small  moth,  Tortrix  angustiorana.  You  will  have  no  difficulty  in 
seeing  the  moths  as  they  flit  about  in  the  egg-laying  season,  on  the 
Vines  being  disturbed.  Every  one  should  be  caught,  also  the  maggots, 
which  let  themselves  down  by  a  web  when  the  Grapes  are  moved.  We 
have  known  this  pest  do  much  harm  in  '.puncturing  ripe  Grapes  and 
these  communicating  decay  to  others.  The  Tortrix  is  supposed  to  have 
come  from  America,  and  has  not  been  prevalent  in  this  country  very 
many  years. 

Artificial  Manure  for  Top-dressing  Ctarysanttaemums  and 
Roses  In  Pots  (^Constant  Reader'). — 1,  The  mixture  you  name — three 
parts  bone  superphosphate,  two  parts  powdered  saltpetre,  and  part 
ground  gypsum,  mixed,  and  kept  dry,  is  an  excellent  manure  for  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  and  Roses,  also  any  plants  requiring  support  and  growing 
in  loam,  or  being  of  a  free-rooting  nature.  It  must  not,  however,  be 
used  for  delicate  rooting  plants,  as  Heaths  and  Azaleas,  nor  be  given 
excessively  to  any,  but  judiciously  employed  it  is  excellent.  2,  Bone 
superphosphate  is  generally  sold  at  7s.  per  cwt.,  the  price  being  more  for 
less  quantities,  and  less  is  charged  for  greater  weights. 

Gooseberry  Eeaves  and  Fruit  Damaged  (F.  I.). — The  spray 
is,  barring  the  affected  leaves  and  fruit,  in  excellent  health,  the  wood 
being  stout  and  short-jointed,  and  the  foliage  thick.  There  is  no  disease, 
but  the  whitish  leaves  have  had  their  chlorophyll  abstracted  by  some 
insects,  popularly  termed  red  spider,  which  have  been  unusually  prevalent 
this  season,  and  completely  arrested  the  growth  of  the  bushes  in  many 
places  during  the  diought.  Probably  the  rain  has  washed  off  the 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


25 


Though  no  plants  are  probably  more  easy  to  grow  than 
Tomatoes,  none  appear  to  give  more  trouble  to  many  persons 
who  essay  their  cultivation.  Notwithstanding  all  the  information 
that  has  been  given  in  our  columns  from  time  to  time  by  men 
who  have  succeeded  in  growing  the  most  satisfactory  crops  and 
men  who  have  failed  detailing  the  cause  of  their  failures  and 
eventually  winning  success  ;  and  notwithstanding  the  replies  that 
have  been  given,  we  had  almost  said  over  and  over  again,  in 
our  answers  to  correspondents’  columns,  on  almost  every  con¬ 
ceivable  point  in  connection  with  Tomato  culture,  Tomato 
diseases.  Tomato  prices,  further  inquiries,  perplexities,  disappoint¬ 
ments,  regrets,  challenges  relative  to  the  soundness  or  otherwise 
of  advise  that  has  been  given,  come  pouring  in.  All  this  betokens 
wide  interest  in  Tomato  culture,  and  we  are  g’ad  that  it  is  so  ; 
but  we  are  not  exuberantly  delighted  when  we  find  among  our 
correspondents  a  select  few  who,  after  all  that  is  done  to  help 
them,  disposed  to  question  almost  every  statement,  and  express 
regret  that  some  other  information  was  not  given  them,  or 
different  steps  taken  in  dealing  with  a  case,  or  cases,  imperfectly 
presented. 

Tomato  culture  is  a  question  of  common  sense.  It  cannot  be 
successfully  conducted  by  a  course  of  elaborate  argument  founded 
on  fanciful  theories  deduced  from  conflicting  results  that  have 
been  observed  under  varying  conditions,  the  significance  of  which 
can  rarely  be  appreciated  by  inexperienced  people.  Than  assisting 
those  who  have  not  been  taught  in  the  school  of  practice,  and 
giving  hints  of  guidance  that  may  be  helpful  to  them,  we  feel 
nothing  more  pleasurable.  It  is  work  in  which,  after  years  of 
experience  in  it,  we  do  not  grow  weary  ;  but  we  have  a  right  to 
expect  that  the  advice  we  take  pains  to  give  shall  be  followed 
intelligently  and  perseveringly,  as  in  no  other  way  can  its  sound¬ 
ness  be  tested  and  benefit  derived  from  it.  This,  we  have  good 
reason  to  believe,  is  the  practice  of  at  the  least  90  per  cent,  of 
seekers  for  information.  Not  a  few  have  found  the  advantage  of 
their  own  efforts  in  that  direction,  and  a  very  substantial  advantage 
it  has  been  to  many  ;  but  there  is  a  residuum.  There  always  is  in 
every  body  of  individuals  who  have  a  common  object  in  view,  who 
do  not  appear  to  be  able  to  accept  plain  teaching,  and  turn  it  to 
practical  account.  They  prefer,  like  a  certain  Handy  Andy  of  old, 
to  argue  the  point. 

We  may  tell  an  inquirer  that  the  night  temperature  of  his 
Tomato  house  has  been  kept  too  low  by  the  want  of  a  little  warmth 
in  the  water  pipes,  and  he  retorts  by  saying  that  so-and-so  has  no 
means  of  heating  the  house  in  which  he  grows  healthy  plants  free 
from  the  disease  and  obtains  good  crops  of  fruit.  Evidently  he 
assumes  the  low  night  temperature  theory  is  all  fudge.  We  may 
inform  another  (juerist  that  he  errs  in  his  method  of  ventilation, 
and  forces  his  plants  too  rapidly  into  growth  when  young  ;  that  he 
ought  to  strive  for  firmer  growth,  employ  less  moisture,  and  pro¬ 
vide  more  air.  Such  advice  does  not  quite  fall  in  with  his  views, 
because  he  has  been  told  his  plants  have  had  too  much  air.  A  third 
does  not  seem  able  to  move  a  finger  in  checking  disease  till  he  learns 
not  only  the  generic  but  the  precise  specific  name  of  the  attacking 
fungus  ;  yet  he  is  told  of  measures  that  if  promptly  resorted  to 
and  properly  carried  out  will  arrest  the  spread  of  all  fungi.  He 
sends  an  apology  for  a  Tomato  leaf  which  arrives  like  tinder 

No.  681.— Von,  XXVII.,  Third  Sehies. 


through  its  enclosure  in  a  letter  and  the  paper  abstracting  from  it 
what  little  moisture  it  contained  when  plucked  from  the  plant.  He 
is  asked  to  send  fresh  specimens,  so  packed  that  they  may  arrive 
in  a  fresh  state.  He  then  plucks  two  small  leaflets,  throws 
them  into  a  box  that  would  hold  fifty  such  like,  without  anything 
to  keep  them  fresh  and  firm,  never  thinking  that  by  the  shaking 
they  receive  in  the  post  in  their  dry  enclosure  and  a  “roasting*^ 
temperature,  that  they  arrive  much  in  the  same  state  as  if  they 
had  been  carefully  pressed  round  a  heated  curling  iron.  He  is  toll 
the  nature  of  the  disease  and  how  to  proceed  ;  but  that  is  not 
enough,  and  he  must  have  the  exact  name,  sending  at  last  a  sample 
encased  in  a  Cabbage  leaf.  This  sample  arrives  fresh  with  the 
fungus  all  alive,  and  is  identified  at  a  glance. 

In  consequence  of  the  thoughtlessness  of  the  sender  in  that 
case  and  nothing  else,  and  his  want  of  the  “  name  ”  of  the  foe, 
it  has  been  afforded  an  excellent  opportunity  to  establish  itself, 
and  has  done  so,  for  the  last  leaflet  received  was  worse  than  the 
first.  Yet  the  steps  to  take  in  dealing  with  such  attacks  were 
plainly  and  fully  given  a  fortnight  previously.  That  is  a  case  of 
grasping  after  a  shadow  and  losing  the  substance,  or  a  resort  to 
pedantic  rather  than  common  sense  methods  in  the  emergency. 
There  may  be  yet  time  to  save  the  plants,  and  we  strongly  hope 
the  enemy  will  be  conquered  ;  but  whatever  of  failure  ensues  will 
be  through  the  mistake  of  the  owner  and  no  one  else,  though  we 
may  expect  he  will  be  the  last  to  admit  it  ;  but  the  fact  does  not 
permit  of  argument. 

We  are  as  pleased  to  acquire  information  from  experienced 
correspondents  as  we  are  to  impart  it  to  the  inexperienced  ;  but 
when  the  latter  rise  superior  in  their  knowledge  to  men  who  have 
won  success  through  many  long  years  of  labour,  study,  and 
observation,  we  have  to  place  ourselves  on  their  side,  and  not 
silently  permit  their  teaching  to  be  questioned  and  controvened 
by  dialecticians,  who,  by  lack  of  cultural  knowledge,  are  apt  te 
base  their  arguments  on  false  premises,  and  do  so  base  them. 

Because  Tomatoes  are  healthy  and  free  from  disease  in  glass 
structures,  in  which  there  is  no  means  for  supplying  artificial  heat, 
that  is  no  argument  that  the  fungoid  disease  will  not  attack  the 
plants  that  have  been  grown  with  the  aid  of  artificial  heat,  and  this 
withdrawn  to  save  fuel.  There  is  no  analogy  between  the  two 
cases.  We  know  of  Tomatoes  as  healthy  as  plants  can  be,  and 
ripening  excellent  fruit  in  elevated  Pearson’s  frames  that  can  only 
be  heated  by  the  sun.  The  plants  were  sturdy  and  strong, 
requiring  no  stakes  to  support  them  when  planted  from  5-inch  pots, 
nor  for  some  time  afterwards.  They  were  planted  in  fresh  loam., 
not  rich,  but  very  firm.  They  were  not  watered  daily,  nor  bi-daily, 
often  not  more  than  once  a  week,  on  a  bright  morning,  sufficicnl 
air  being  given  so  that  the  surface  of  the  soil  became  perfectly  dry 
before  night.  Failing  this  it  was  dusted  with  dry  soil.  On  coM 
clear  nights  the  glass  was  covered  to  prevent  too  great  a  disparity 
between  the  night  and  day  temperature.  With  the  comparative 
absence  of  moisture  in  the  frame,  and  the  leaves  not  unduly 
cooled,  there  was  no  appreciable  deposition  of  dew  on  them. 
They  have  never  been  syringed.  The  stems  are  short-jointed 
and  firm,  the  leaves  not  particularly  large,  but  remarkably 
thick  and  rustle  like  parchment.  The  plants  produced  a  mass 
of  flowers,  clouds  of  pollen,  and  are  now  laden  with  fruit. 
There  is  not  a  speck  of  disease  on  them.  They  are  in  a  condition 
to  repel  rather  than  favour  parasitic  growths.  They  are  fully 
ventilated  in  the  day,  moderately  at  night,  air  being  increased  very 
soon  after  the  sun  reaches  the  frame  at  5  a  m.  So  long  as  there  is 
no  Potato  disease  about,  nor  Tomatoes  affected  with  either  th« 
Phythopthora  and  Cladiosporium  fungi  in  gardens  near,  the  system 
of  ventilation  will  be  pursued,  always  in  accordance  with  the 
weather  ;  but  should  those  fungi  appear  anywhere  near  outside 
the  Tomato  frame  this  would  be  kept  closed  entirely  at  night  and 
practically  in  the  daytime  to  exclude  the  fungus  spores,  and  the 
later  fruits  would  ripen  well.  It  is  surprising  the  heat  that 

No.  2337.— Yol.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


24 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


Tomatoes  will  endure,  and  the  drought  they  will  resist.  They  are 
all  right  in  a  close  dry  air,  like  a  desert,  but  would  soon  be  a  mass 
of  decay  if  kept  close  and  moist. 

Contrast  the  plants  alluded  to  with  others  grown  in  a  heated 
house,  watered  probably  too  often,  syringed,  it  may  be,  too  fre¬ 
quently.  A  night  temperature  of  about  60°  has  been  provided, 
and  a  genial  atmosphere  maintained  to  “  encourage  ”  growth  and 
obtain  early  fruit.  The  soil  in  many  such  cases  is  too  much  in 
bulk,  too  rich,  and  too  lightly  put  together.  The  growth  of  the 
plants  is  succulent  rather  than  firm  ;  the  stems  rather  long  than 
short-jointed ;  the  leaves  large  but  thin  and  soft  in  texture. 
Space  is  covered  freely  ;  the  days  are  hot,  and  a  few  nights  warm. 
Then  the  thought  arises  of  saving  a  shilling  or  two  by  ceasing 
firing.  The  pipes  get  stone  cold,  there  is  a  sudden  fall  in  the  night 
temperature  outside,  and  of  course  in.  The  house  has  been 
sprinkled,  and  there  is  consequently  moisture  in  the  atmosphere 
which  condenses  on  the  colder  leaves,  and  if  there  are  fungus 
spores  about  they  find  the  precise  conditions  for  germination,  both 
as  regards  moisture,  leaf  texture,  and  temperature.  In  a  warmer, 
drier  atmosphere  there  would  have  been  no  moisture  on  the  leaves 
for  the  tailed  zoospores  to  float  in — the  real  communicators  of 
disease — and  the  plants  would  remain  healthy.  They  are  first 
made  tender  with  fire  heat,  this  is  withdrawn,  and  they  are  then 
made  vulnerable  to  the  disease  ;  the  historic  “ ’haporth  o’  tar  ”  is 
saved,  but  the  ship — the  Tomato  crop — jeopardised. 

That  Tomatoes  like  abundance  of  air  is  evident  by  the  sturdy, 
healthy  growth  of  plants  now  ripening  excellent  fruit  in  the  open 
air  ;  also  in  frames  with  the  sashes  drawn  otf  most  of  the  time.  But 
that  is  because  the  air  has  been  dry  and  days  warm  and  bright. 
Had  the  weather  been  close  and  wet  with  a  murky  atmosphere  the 
fungoid  enemy  would  probably  have  taken  possession  of  them.  In 
large,  airy,  heated  houses  the  right  conditions  can  be  maintained. 
The  chief  requirements  are  a  free  circulation  of  air,  but  please 
mark  well — it  must  be  warm,  dry,  or  dryish  air,  not  chilling 
currents,  while  a  close  moisture-laden  atmosphere  is  a  forerunner 
of  diseased  plants.  Dry  heat  on  the  other  hand  is  inimical  to 
fungoid  growths  on  the  plants,  as  many  large  growers  have  found 
who  provide  them  with  a  temperature  of  80°-90°  over  three  or 
four  days  and  nights.  Bordeaux  mixture  and  other  preparations, 
which  have  been  repeatedly  named,  will  if  applied  in  time  be  of 
enormous  benefit  ;  but  it  should  be  remembered  that  they  are 
preventive  rather  than  curative.  This  has  been  said  at  the  least 
a  hundred  times,  and  will  perhaps  have  to  be  said  a  hundred  more, 
before  the  fact  takes  possession  of  the  minds  of  all  Tomato 
growers.  We  should  like  to  reduce  their  difficulties  and  ours  too. 


SHADING  FRUIT  HOUSES. 

It  has  long  been  an  established  belief  with  many  fruit  growers 
that  shading  under  almost  any  circumstances  is  inimical  to  the 
well-being  of  fruit  trees,  whether  they  are  grown  under  glass  or  in 
the  open  air.  They  are,  moreover,  inclined  to  look  with  a  com¬ 
bination  of  mystery  and  contempt  upon  the  cultivator  who 
advocates  and  practises  giving  shade  to  Tines  or  Peach  trees, 
except  in  the  case  of  newly  planted  ones  or  those  carrying  a  crop 
of  ripe  fruit,  these  being  exceptions  in  which  shading  is  generally 
acknowledged  to  be  beneficial.  That  harm  may  be  done  by  over¬ 
shading  I  do  not  deny,  but  between  this  and  the  other  extreme  of 
not  shading  at  all  there  are  instances  innumerable  in  which  shade 
when  judiciously  given  is  productive  of  superior  results,  which 
under  similar  circumstances  in  other  respects  could  not  be  obtained 
without  its  aid. 

It  might  be  advanced  that  I  have  chosen  an  exceptional  season 
during  which  to  bring  this  matter  forward,  but  in  my  opinion 
there  are  times  in  the  majority  of  summers  when  fruit  houses  may 
with  advantage  be  shaded,  although  perhaps  it  may  be  only  in  hot 
seasons  that  converts  to  the  practice  are  so  readily  made.  Red 
spider  is  at  present  unusually  rampant  in  houses  which  during 
ordinary  seasons  are  entirely  free  from  it,  and  I  am  fully  convinced 
that  where  such  is  the  case  a  much  more  satisfactory  state  of 
affairs  might  have  been  maintained  had  timely  shade  been  given,  for 
it  frequently  happens  that  during  a  long  fight  against  drought 


Vines  and  fruit  trees  do  not  get  enough  moisture  at  the  roots 
or  in  the  atmosphere.  Shade,  by  lessening  evaporation,  would  have 
done  away  with  the  necessity  for  so  much  water.  The  supply 
given  being,  therefore,  more  proportionate  to  their  requirements 
would  have  maintained  the  trees  in  a  healthier  condition,  in  which 
state  they  do  not  easily  fall  a  prey  to  the  attack  of  insects. 

In  determining  whether  or  not  the  practice  of  shading  fruit 
houses  at  certain  times  is  a  good  one,  we  must  bear  in  mind 
the  great  diversity  in  the  size,  situation,  and  construction  of  the 
innumerable  houses  in  use  for  fruit  growing  throughout  the 
country.  Some  of  these  being  small,  imperfectly  ventilated,  and 
situated  in  very  warm  positions  are  veritable  sun  traps,  in  which 
during  a  season  like  the  present  it  is  almost  impossible  to  keep 
either  plants  or  fruit  trees  healthy  without  resorting  to  shade.  In 
such  instances  the  Tines  or  fruit  trees  growing  in  them  should  be 
shaded  by  the  time  the  growth  of  the  fruit  stops  temporarily  till 
the  stoning  process  is  completed.  A  little  whitening  strained  through 
a  fine  wire  sieve  mixed  in  water,  and  syringed  evenly  over  the 
roof,  effects  the  object  in  view.  Light  houses,  the  framework  of 
which  is  iron  or  other  metal,  ought  also  to  be  similarly  treated, 
for  however  large  they  may  be,  the  materials  used  in  their  con¬ 
struction  being  such  great  conductors  of  heat  as  well  as  cold, 
render  very  strong  sunlight  too  powerful  for  vegetation  growing 
inside  them,  especially  if  trained  near  the  roof.  Houses  of  all 
descriptions  are  now  built  much  lighter  than  formerly,  and  for  this 
reason  alone  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  provide  shade  for  many 
plants,  which  under  more  antiquated  conditions  did  not  require  it. 

Thus  far  I  have  dealt  with  the  management  of  houses  requiring 
special  treatment  in  the  matter  of  shading,  and  I  wish  it  to  be 
distinctly  understood  that  I  do  not  advocate  the  indiscriminate 
shading  of  all  fruit  houses  at  the  stage  above  indicated,  though  in 
nearly  all  instances  a  little  shade  later  on  is  beneficial  should  the 
weather  prove  hot.  The  exact  stage  at  which  I  consider  this 
should  be  given  I  will  endeavour  to  describe.  Black  Hamburgh 
Grapes  colour  best  when  direct  sunshine  does  not  reach  the  bunches 
during  the  latter  part  of  the  afternoon.  I  have  always  experienced 
the  least  difficulty  in  colouring  them  perfectly  where  the  aspect 
has  been  an  east  one.  When  dealing  with  a  house  principally 
occupied  by  this  variety,  and  having  a  southern  aspect,  I  always 
give  a  light  shade  after  colouring  has  fairly  begun  all  over  the 
house  provided  the  weather  is  bright  at  the  time,  and  I  am  con¬ 
vinced  the  practice  does  much  toward  securing  good  colour  and 
bloom.  With  a  house  having  a  west  aspect  the  practice  is  quite,  as 
necessary,  for  the  sun  generally  comes  upon  such  a  house  suddenly, 
and  with  full  force  near  the  middle  of  the  day.  The  rapid  change 
thus  brought  about  is  not  conducive  to  good  colour  in  the  fruit. 
Madresfield  Court  will  colour  under  bright  sunshine  better  than 
any  black  variety  I  know,  but  even  this  should  be  shaded  when 
fully  ripe,  or  the  colour  will  not  be  retained.  If  Muscats  are 
trained  from  2  to  3  feet  from  the  glass,  shading  will  not  be  required 
till  the  fruit  is  ripe  to  prevent  shrivelling,  but  in  many  instances 
the  rods  are  unfortunately  not  more  than  15  or  18  inches  from  it, 
often  a  less  distance  than  that.  Under  these  conditions  during  hot 
weather  the  leaves  cannot  properly  perform  their  functions.  In 
such  cases  a  light  shade  when  the  colouring  process  is  somewhat 
advanced  is  of  great  benefit  in  preserving  the  foliage  in  a  healthy 
state,  a  few  of  the  main  leaves  immediately  over  the  best  bunches 
being  afterwards  tied  back  to  allow  the  fruit  to  get  plenty  of  sub¬ 
dued  light. 

Turning  to  Peaches  and  Nectarines  I  find  the  former  will  bear 
sunshine  with  impunity  much  better  than  the  latter,  and  it  is  only 
when  trained  very  near  the  glass  in  particularly  hot  positions,  or 
very  small  houses,  that  shading  is  required  till  the  fruit  commences 
ripening.  If  it  is  necessary  to  retard  this  a  canvas  shade  should 
be  given.  If  only  to  prevent  the  fruit  drying  by  sunshine, 
whitening  applied  with  a  syringe  will  answer  admirably.  Nectarines 
require  more  careful  treatment,  especially  such  varieties  as  Lord 
Napier,  Pineapple,  or  Tictoria  ;  these  become  much  disfigured, 
and  frequently  burnt,  when  disposed  near  the  glass  unless  shading 
is  resorted  to  shortly  after  colouring  begins. 

Intimately  connected  with  the  question  of  shading  is  that  of 
training  the  shoots  of  Tines  and  fruit  trees  at  a  reasonable  distance 
from  the  glass,  and  until  the  advantage  of  the  latter  practice 
is  more  fully  recognised  shading  during  hot  weather  becomes 
imperative  if  the  best  results  are  to  be  obtained. — D.  W. 


INSECTS  OF  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

(^Continued,  from  page  476,  last  vol.') 

The  dry  spring  and  summer  of  this  season  have  had  very  re¬ 
markable  effects  upon  animal  as  well  as  on  vegetable  life.  I  have 
observed  that  among  the  spiders  many  have  made  more  rapid 
progress  towards  maturity  than  is  usual  ;  this  may  be  because  the 


July  13,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


25 


continued  warm  weather  has  hastened  on  those  frequent  changes 
of  skin  through  which  these  insects  pass,  or  perhaps  their  food  has 
been  extra  abundant,  the  development  of  numerous  species  having 
been  earlier  from  the  cause  just  mentioned.  Along  the  lanes  in 
some  parts  of  England  the  profusion  of  spider  webs  on  the  banks 
has  been  noticeable,  these  appearing  very  conspicuous.  Owing  to  the 
dryness  of  the  herbage,  also  from  the  absence  of  rain,  the  spiders 
have  not  had  to  expend  silk  in  the  manufacture  of  new  webs,  so 
have  used  the  material  to  strengthen  the  old  ones. 

About  gardens  spiders  have  been  plentiful,  but  in  these  they 
meet  with  molestation,  if  they  escape  with  life,  few  people  being 
of  Mr.  A.  Murray’s  opinion,  that  “  spiders  are  the  most  powerful 
insect  friends  of  mankind.”  Obviously,  in  the  case  of  the  web 
makers,  those  that  furnish  food  to  the  spiders  are  only  a  per¬ 
centage  of  the  insects  that  are  snared  and  killed  ;  and  in  the 
group  of  hunters,  though  the  species  are  less  destructive,  each 
victim  being  a  separate  seizure,  they  are  abundant  and  very 
active.  I  find  it  is  a  common  supposition  that  spiders  are  blind, 
but  they  have  from  two  to  eight  simple  eyes,  though  in  securing 
their  prey  they  seem  to  be  principally  guided  by  the  sense  of 
touch,  and  not  sight.  A  proof  that  they  do  see  is  the  excite¬ 
ment  they  may  be  noticed  to  manifest  when  a  party  of  social 
flies  are  passing  their  webs.  By  sight,  too,  evidently  a  spider 
decides  concerning  some  insects  it  may  capture  in  its  web  but  does 
not  choose  to  meddle  with,  and  therefore  ejects  by  cutting  the 
cords  round  them,  or  else  leaves  them  alone.  It  is  not  at  all 
uncommon  in  the  garden  to  see  an  unlucky  earwig  struggling  in  some 
spider’s  web,  and  we  should  be  grateful  to  the  insect  if  it  helped  to 
diminish  the  numbers  of  this  foe  to  choice  flowers  ;  but  usually 
spiders  refuse  to  touch  earwigs.  Apparently  the  forceps  at  the 
tail  of  an  earwig,  which  has  no  power  as  a  weapon,  and  serves  to 
adjust  or  fold  the  wings,  is  regarded  by  a  spider  with  alarm. 

Many  caterpillars  fall  by  accident,  or  are  blown,  into  spiders’ 
webs  ;  some  of  these  are  not  to  the  taste  of  a  spider,  and  so 
they  are  left  to  escape  if  they  can  ;  some  are  secured,  and  after¬ 
wards  sucked.  It  is  amusing  to  see  a  spider’s  surprise  when  it  has 
in  its  web  one  of  the  leaf-rolling  caterpillars  that  may  have 
dropped  from  some  Rose.  The  spider  turns  it  round  and  round  in 
silk,  hoping  to  secure  it  ;  but  the  captive  objects  to  the  operation, 
and  unrolls  itself  speedily,  having  plenty  of  muscular  force,  till 
the  matter  is  ended  by  some  punctures  from  the  spider’s  fangs. 
Hunting  or  wandering  spiders  are  seldom  killed  by  gardeners, 
except  accidentally.  The  web-makers  are  not  unfrequently 
destroyed  with  their  webs  ;  we  must  sometimes  remove  these,  but 
if  we  gave  the  worker  a  chance  of  escape  it  might  spin  another 
web  in  a  spot  where  it  would  kill  insects  without  annoying  us. 

I  have  already  referred  to  the  conspicuous  and  regularly  formed 
webs  of  the  spiders  which  are  well  known  in  our  gardens,  and  by 
which  hosts  of  insects  are  captured  to  our  benefit.  Yery  different 
webs  are  formed  by  other  spiders  ;  that  of  Ciniflo  ferox  and  its 
relatives,  for  instance,  is  so  irregular  and  ragged  that  it  looks  like 
an  old  or  waste  web.  But  it  serves  as  a  snare,  and  is  indeed  very 
sticky,  taking  many  small  insects,  though  it  appears  open.  One 
thing  is  that  some  of  the  threads  are  fine  and  scarcely  noticed  by 
the  eye  ;  under  the  microscope  they  are  beautiful  in  form,  also 
having  a  bluish  tint.  Then  there  is  the  spider  often  called  daddylong¬ 
legs,  though  the  name  is  also  given  to  the  crane  fly.  This  occurs 
both  in  and  out  of  doors.  The  web  is  placed  on  walls  or  palings 
in  gardens  ;  it  is  loose  and  net-like.  The  maker,  in  science  called 
Pholcus  phalangoides,  frequently  wanders  far  from  its  web.  The 
pale  body,  which  is  slightly  marked,  is  long  ;  the  legs  much  longer, 
with  knee-joints  curiously  thickened. 

In  the  genus  Therideon,  where  the  rounded  abdomen  of  the 
spider  overhangs  the  thorax,  the  snares  that  are  made  are  very 
irregular  fine  threads  running  in  various  directions  over  the  tops  of 
plants  or  the  sides  of  bushes.  Occasionally  we  notice  about  the 
flower  garden  the  cocoons  made  by  this  genus  for  the  protection 
of  their  eggs.  A  familiar  one  is  that  of  T.  pallens,  a  little  brown- 
and-white  spider,  which  puts  its  cocoon  on  the  under  side  of  some 
leaf.  This  few  would  connect  with  the  spider  ;  it  is  a  Pear-shaped 
object  of  a  glossy  white,  and  has  several  points  projecting  from 
its  surface.  Another  species,  T.  lineatum,  which  has  black  lines  on 
its  greenish  body,  secures  its  cocoons  from  peril  by  doubling  over 
the  leaf  on  which  it  is  placed.  This  cocoon  is  round,  and  blue  or 
bluish  green.  A  species  rather  uncommon  makes  in  gardens  a  tent¬ 
like  nest,  about  2  inches  long,  close  to  the  irregular  web.  It  is 
generally  not  far  from  the  ground,  and  the  spider  called  T.  riparium 
roofs  it  to  keep  out  the  rain,  covering  the  top  of  this  nest  with 
fragments  of  earth  or  bits  of  leaves  and  flowers.  The  eggs  are 
enclosed  in  a  slight  covering  of  silk  as  well.  What  is  more  remark¬ 
able  in  this  spider’s  history  is  that  she  feeds  her  progeny  for  some 
time,  and  they  live  amicably  together  ;  the  food  is  chiefly  ants,  it  is 
stated,  which  she  catches  on  the  soil  or  on  twigs.  A  Therideon 
that  is  abundant  about  gardens  in  South  Europe  is  much  favoured 


by  growers  of  Grapes,  because  they  think  that  its  filmy  webs 
extended  over  the  Vines  keep  away  some  insects  from  the  ripening 
fruit.  There  is  a  larger  species,  brown  in  colour,  mottled  with 
black,  that  is  found  in  many  conservatories,  and  which  is  supposed 
to  be  of  foreign  parentage,  having  been  imported  with  plants.  A 
species  allied  to  the  preceding  constructs  amongst  masses  of  foliage 
in  gardens  and  shrubberies  a  web,  which  appears  large  as  compared 
with  the  size  of  the  spider,  Linyphia  montana,  which,  though 
small,  is  active  and  ravenous  ;  it  is  greyish  brown,  or  sometimes 
blackish.  The  snare  it  constructs  is  a  fine  horizontal  sheet,  over 
this  are  suspended  numerous  lines  crossing  each  other,  and  some 
helping  to  secure  the  web.  Insects  that  might  escape  this  strike 
against  these  upper  lines,  and  falling  are  seized  by  the  vigilant 
spider  below. 

Prominent  amongst  the  hunting  spiders  are  those  of  the  genus 
Thomasus,  mostly  garbed  in  showy  tints  of  black,  yellow,  green, 
and  red.  They  are  decidedly  crab-like,  having  broad  bodies,  and 
long,  powerful  fore  legs  ;  some  of  them  that  chase  their  prey  can 
move  either  forwards,  backwards,  or  sideways  with  great  rapidity. 
Others  have  a  habit  of  lurking  in  crevices,  or  under  little  stones  in 
the  soil.  The  common  wolf -spider  (Lycosa  saccata)  has  its  Latin 
name  from  the  bag  of  eggs  which  the  female  is  often  seen  dragging 
about.  This  is  a  wandering  spider,  allied  to  the  famous  tarentula 
of  Italy.  Some  hunting  spiders  leap  upon  their  victims.  Salticus 
scenicus  is  one  of  these,  frequent  upon  the  leaves  of  garden  plants  ; 
it  destroys  many  flies.  We  know  it  by  the  grey  ground  and  white 
bars,  also  by  its  habit  of  jerking  out  a  thread  when  it  springs. — 
Entomologist. 


STRAWBERRIES  IN  HAMPSHIRE. 

In  spite  of  the  great  heat  and  drought  experienced  some  market 
growers  consider  this  to  be  a  good  season  for  Strawberries.  There  may 
not  have  been  such  a  quantity  of  fruit  as  in  some  seasons,  but  the 
prices  have  ruled  fairly  high  throughout.  The  Strawberry  crop  in  this 
neighbourhood  was  an  early  one.  Picking  commenced  May  14th  with 
some  growers  as  compared  with  the  first  week  in  June  in  past  seasons. 
The  best  price  realised  that  I  can  hear  of  was  5s.  6d.  per  gallon  of  about 
51  lbs.,  or  Is.  per  lb.  By  June  8th  the  price  had  dropped  to  23.  Gd.  per 
gallon,  a  little  later  to  Is.  the  gallon  ;  even  at  this  price  the  crop  is 
remunerative. 

Strawberry  growing  for  market  in  this  part  of  the  county  is  un¬ 
doubtedly  on  the  increase.  Within  a  radius  of  five  miles  from  Botley 
there  cannot  be  less  than  400  acres  under  cultivation,  ranging  in  plots 
from  a  quarter  to  five  acres.  From  Botley  Station  the  bulk  of  the  fruit 
used  to  be  sent,  but  since  the  opening  of  the  line  from  Fareham  to  Netley 
much  of  the  fruit  is  despatched  from  Swan  wick,  a  small  station  on  that 
line.  The  output  from  this  station  alone  was  from  30  to  40  tons  per 
week,  as  many  as  50  tons  going  away  in  one  week.  The  punnet  and 
box  are  now  superseded  by  cross-handled  baskets  holding  one  gallon 
each,  as  many  as  from  15,000  to  16,000  leaving  the  station  named  in 
one  day.  So  much  has  this  method  of  despatching  the  fruit  come  into 
vogue  that  the  railway  company  have  specially  fitted  vans  with  tiers 
of  shelves  for  the  reception  of  these  baskets.  The  simplicity  of  these 
baskets  is  all  in  their  favour  ;  no  packing  material  \vhatever  is  needed, 
the  fruit  is  picked  direct  into  them,  a  sheet  of  white  paper  is  fastened 
securely  over  the  fruit  by  tying  it  to  the  basket  rim.  The  fruit  is 
picked  before  it  is  dead  ripe  and  therefore  does  not  suffer  in  transit,  but 
any  barely  ripe  at  the  time  of  gathering  becomes  thoroughly  so  during 
the  long  railway  journey  to  the  midland  and  northern  towns.  Some 
growers  who  send  their  fruit  to  the  local  towns  of  Portsmouth,  South¬ 
ampton,  and  Winchester  pack  in  square  light  deal  boxes  holding  a 
gallon  ;  these  being  made  of  the  same  size,  are  easily  stowed  away  tier 
upon  tier  in  spring  carts  and  vans  without  any  packing  material  what¬ 
ever.  Some,  however,  lay  a  single  frond  of  the  common  Bracken  on 
the  top  of  each  box,  which  has  a  tendency  to  keep  the  fruit  cool,  but  as 
the  journey  by  road  is  done  during  the  night  or  very  early  in  the  morn¬ 
ing  the  fruit  does  not  suffer  from  the  effects  of  the  hot  sun.  Much  of  the 
picking  is  done  in  the  early  morning,  therefore  is  in  a  better  state  for 
travelling  than  when  gathered  during  the  daytime. 

In  a  season  like  the  present  the  quantity  and  quality  of  fruit  vary 
according  to  the  soil  in  which  the  plants  are  grown.  In  one  garden, 
where  the  subsoil  is  clay,  the  top  soil  is  heavy  loam,  the  situation  being 
low,  the  yield  of  fruit  has  been  a  heavy  one.  Several  row’s  of  plants 
(five  years  old,  18  feet  long)  gave  one  gallon  of  fruit  each  at  one  picking, 
averaging  2s.  6d.  the  gallon,  which  cannot  be  regarded  other  than  a 
remunerative  crop.  From  the  same  garden  100  gallons  were  gath^ed 
at  one  picking,  and  sold  at  the  price  quoted,  this  quantity  being  taken 
from  less  than  a  quarter  of  an  acre.  This  w’as  the  best  picking  from 
that  plot,  many  more  of  less  quantity  being  gathered  frotn  the  same 
plot.  These  few  figures  tend  to  show  the  remunerative  character  of 
Strawberry  growing  when  carried  out  on  proper  lines.  The  same  garden 
of  If  acre  in  the  Jubilee  year  yielded  £3  worth  of  hay,  which  cost  30s. 
to  make  ;  it  was  then  under  grass.  By  degrees  the  whole  of  it  has  been 
broken  up  and  planted  mainly  with  Strawberries,  which  more  than 
once  since  that  year  have  given  the  occupier  a  net  gain  of  ^100. 

As  to  varieties,  but  few  are  grown  by  the  market  men.  Sir  Joseph 
Paxton  is  the  sheet  anchor  of  the  whole  district.  This  sort  is  the  best 
for  either  a  wet  or  a  dry  season,  grows  freely  and  crops  heavily,  and  is 


26 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


decidedly  better  ia  flavour  than  is  supposed  to  be  the  case  when 
thoroughly  ripened.  Some  plants  of  Noble  are  grown,  but  this  variety 
does  not  meet  with  much  favour.  Instead  of  its  being  earlier  in  ripening 
it  was  this  year  behind  the  old  favourite.  A  variety  rather  highly 
spoken  of  for  its  earliness  is  Eleanor.*  Locally  it  is  named  Melton  and 
Garnier’s.  It  crops  heavily  and  comes  in  quickly,  but  travels  badly  and 
soon  decays  after  being  gathered.  Lucas  is  a  favourite  with  some  for  its 
large  size,  but  is  looked  upon  as  being  “  soft.”  Perhaps  the  earliest  sort 
of  all  is  Princess  Frederick  William,  but  owing  to  its  extremely  small 
fruit  but  few  plants  are  grown,  Alice  Maud  is  much  liked  by  some 
growers  for  the  earliest  pickings. 

Strawberries  in  pots  are  found  to  pay  by  some  with  one  or  two  small 
houses.  Those  that  get  the  fruit  ripe  by  the  Ist  of  April  realise  Ss, 
per  lb.  Noble  is  highly  spoken  of  for  this  purpose,  owing  to  its  free 
setting  qualities.  Sir  Joseph  Paxton,  however,  is  preferred  for  its 
flavour.  The  plants  are  afterwards  sold  for  putting  out  in  the 
quarters  ;  they  give  a  full  crop  of  fruit  the  following  year,  the  price 
obtained  _  being  about  4s.  per  100  plants.— E.  Molyneux,  Swanmore 
JParlt,  Bishops  Waltham, 

[*  Eleanor  is  a  large  late  Arm  Strawberry. — Ed  ] 


BORDER  CARNATIONS  AT  CHELSEA. 

Most  lovers  of  border  Carnations  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London 
like  to  inspect  the  collection  in  the  nursery  of  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  at 
Chelsea,  for  a  representative  display  of  new  and  select  varieties  is  always 
to  be  found  there.  It  would  be  too  much  to  expect  that  in  such  a 
parching  season  as  the  present  the  plants  would  be  as  vigorous  and 
luxuriant  as  in  former  years.  They  have  suffered,  like  everything  else, 
from  the  drought,  notwithstanding  that  the  beds  were  carefully  re-made, 
strong  plants  put  out,  and  mulching  resorted  to.  Moreover,  the  flowers 
have  lost  colour  very  rapidly  in  the  fierce  sun  glare.  “  Here  to-day  and 
f  one  to-morrow  ”  has  been  the  rule.  Considering  the  disadvantages 
ander  w'hich  the  plants  have  had  to  fight  the  bloom  is  surprisingly  good, 
few  varieties  being  completely  out  of  character,  though  not  a  few  are 
undersized. 

One  of  the  most  beautiful  and  promising  of  the  novelties  is  Border 
Maid,  a  dwarf  grower  and  very  free  bloomer.  The  centre  of  the  flower 
is  deep  rose,  the  margins  of  the  petals  much  paler.  Few  varieties  have 
a  more  pleasing  appearance,  and,  what  is  little  less  desirable,  the  flowers 
are  very  sweet.  That  it  will  become  very  popular  as  a  general  border 
and  cut  flower  variety  there  can  be  no  doubt,  and  it  is  quite  within  the 
bounds  of  probability  that  it  will  also  become  a  favourite  as  a  winter 
sort.  Some  plants  in  pots  are  noteworthy  for  neat  habit  and  freedom  of 
blooming.  Near  it  at  Chelsea  are  a  quartette  of  good  older  varieties — 
Magnum  Bonum,  scarlet ;  W.  P.  Milner,  white  ;  Alice  Ayres,  white 
with  carmine  flakes  ;  and  Celia,  rose,  all  of  which  have  good  qualities 
to  recommend  them.  W.  P,  Milner  has  hardly  so  good  a  flower  as  Mrs. 
Frank  Watts,  but  it  blooms  more  freely,  and  for  cutting  purposes  is 
therefore  quite  as  desirable.  It  is  gratifying  to  notice  how  profusely 
the  delightful  Alice  Ayres  is  producing  its  flowers  under  difficulties.  A 
dark  Fancy  named  Lord  Beaconsfield  is  quite  likely  to  win  a  good  deal 
of  admiration,  and  so  is  a  purple  self  sport  from  it  called  William  Tovey, 
which  has  a  good  flower  and  blooms  freely. 

The  bizarres,  flakes,  and  Picotees  are  too  numerous  for  all  to  be 
referred  to  under  name,  and  moreover  most  of  them  are  well  known  ; 
it  will  suffice  to  say  that  a  complete  collection  of  the  best  varieties  is 
open  to  inspection.  But  there  are  many  seifs  and  Fancies  besides  those 
already  named  which  are  worth  a  special  reference.  Beauty  of  Foxhall 
is  one.  It  has  a  good  flower,  of  which  the  colour  is  purple,  is  a  capital 
doer,  and  an  excellent  winter  bloomer.  Lothair  is  another  fine  sort. 
The  flowers  are  of  a  soft  blush  hue,  at  first  showing  a  core,  but  sub¬ 
sequently  developing  admirable  character  and  form.  Brilliant  is  now 
pretty  well  known,  and  is  very  difficult  to  excel  in  colour.  Germania, 
too,  is  so  familiar  as  to  need  no  description,  but  there  is  a  lemon-coloured 
seedling  from  it  of  beautiful  form  and  quality,  besides  being  a  good  doer. 
Rose  Celestial  is  another  of  the  time-tried  sorts  which  have  won  lasting 
popularity,  and  in  the  same  category  may  be  classed  the  lovely  Fancy 
Almira  and  Mrs.  Reynolds  Hole.  Winter  Cheer  is  even  more  sought 
after  than  this  trio.  A  grander  Carnation  was  perhaps  never  seen  out, 
for  it  is  as  good  out  of  doors  in  summer  as  it  is  in  pots  in  winter.  The 
large  array  of  rose-coloured  sorts  is  supplemented  by  Dr.  Parker,  an 
excellent  variety  for  cutting ;  and  Grant  Allen,  which  blossoms  up  the 
stem  very  much  like  Alice  Ayres,  and  possesses  splendid  colour. 

The  Picotee  Carl  Schurz,  w'hite  with  broad  purple  margin,  has 
meritorious  qualities,  and  so  has  the  self  Cantab,  which  might  be  classed 
.■»9  a  scarlet  Clove,  possessing  a  full  rich  Clove  perfume.  It  was  raised 
by  Gifford,  and  another  of  his  seedlings  is  Sultan,  a  fine  crimson  variety. 
A  third  from  the  same  raiser  is  Maggie  Lawie,  a  free,  beautiful,  and 
very  fragrant  variety  of  the  familiar  Miss  Joliffe  colour.  It  ought  to 
become  a  great  favourite.  Florence,  buff,  very  free  ;  Crimson  Pet, 
which  possesses  an  excellent  bloom  ;  and  Empress,  white  with  a  stout 
smooth  petal,  all  win  admiration,  and  at  least  as  much  falls  to  the  share 
of  a  Fancy  emanating  from  Guernsey,  and  called  The  Lady.  It  is 
yellow  with  a  deep  crimson  suffusion,  and  blossoms  in  sheaf-like  pro¬ 
fusion.  A  pair  of  excellent  varieties  originating  with  Turner  are  Ruby 
and  Queen  of  Bedders.  The  former  is  noteworthy  for  its  brilliant  colour 
and  splendid  petal,  the  latter  for  dwarf  habit,  free  blooming,  and  bright 
shade  of  rosy  red.  Cara  Roma  is  a  good  purple,  having  rich  colour  and 
fine  shape. 

The  season  is  not  only  earlier  but  will  certainly  be  much  shorter  than 


usual  this  year.  Should  the  maggot  supplement  the  effects  of  the 
drought  by  extra  vigour,  1893  will  be  a  year  which  Carnation  lovers  will 
not  look  back  to  with  unmixed  pleasure. 


SCORCHED  LEAVES  IN  VINERIES. 

In’  this  neighbourhood  I  have  heard  complaints  of  Vine  leaves  being 
scorched  by  the  excessive  sunheat.  Not  even  during  the  Jubilee  year 
was  the  sun  so  powerful  as  upon  June  17th  and  the  two  following  days. 
I  do  not  allude  to  the  scorching  of  the  leaves  in  vineries  caused  by 
neglect  in  airing  the  house  properly.  Scorching  perhaps  takes  place 
between  the  hours  of  twelve  and  two,  and  when  sufficient  air  is  admitted 
for  all  ordinary  circumstances. 

Several  reasons  are  advanced  as  to  the  burning  of  the  leaves,  but  in 
my  opinion  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  the  right  theory  is  not  hit  upon. 
I  allude  to  the  question  of  dryness  at  the  roots  of  the  Vines,  and  if  this 
occurs  scorching  of  the  leaves  will  take  place  if  every  ventilator  is  wide 
open.  When  the  roots  are  devoid  of  a  sufficiency  of  moisture  the  foliage 
is  robbed  of  its  enduring  power,  rendered  flabby,  weak  in  tissue  matter, 
and  susceptible  to  the  power  of  the  sun.  Very  often  the  glass  is  blamed 
for  the  injury  caused  ;  it  is  said  to  be  full  of  blisters  or  defects  caused 
in  the  process  of  blowing,  but  it  is  strange  these  spots  have  not  been 
found  before  when  probably  the  vinery  has  been  in  existence  twenty 
or  more  years.  Experienced  persons  know  that  where  any  defective 
spots  are  present  in  the  glass  they  hav»  damaging  effect  upon  the  foliage, 
and  the  usual  plan  of  dealing  with  these  is  to  smear  them  over  with 
white  paint. 

Varieties  differ  in  their  susceptibility  to  scorching.  Perhaps  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  is  the  most  liable  to  be  injured,  Madresfield  Court 
following,  and  then  Mrs.  Pince.  Black  Hamburgh  is  the  least  sus¬ 
ceptible  of  any  to  this  foliage  defect.  The  varieties  named  possess 
slender  leafstalks,  more  so  than  any  other  sort  that  I  am  acquainted 
with.  This  fact  may  have  some  bearing  on  the  cause  of  why  these 
slightly  built  leaf-stemmed  kinds  are  more  liable  than  those  with  stout 
leafstalks  to  scorching.  Very  often  the  damage  done  is  owing  to  the 
outside  border  being  covered  during  the  winter,  thus  no  rain  can  get 
near  enough  to  it,  and  by  the  time  the  hot  days  of  June  come  round 
the  soil  in  the  border  is  very  dry  in  seasons  like  the  present.  Where 
the  soil  is  light  in  character  and  the  border  raised  well  above  the  sur¬ 
rounding  surface  it  is  surprising  what  a  quantity  of  water  Vines  will 
absorb,  even  when  in  an  outside  border. 

The  best  way  to  prevent  scorching  of  the  leaves  if  the  border  is  in 
want  of  water,  whether  it  be  an  inside  or  an  outside  one,  is  to  slightly 
shade  the  glass  outside  by  aid  of  liquid  whitening  syringed  on.  This 
has  the  effect  of  providing  a  slight  shade,  and  is  easily  taken  off  after  a 
day  or  two  after  the  border  has  been  well  soaked.  Of  course  a  careful 
cultivator  who  has  water  at  hand  will  never  allow  the  Vines  to  suffer 
at  the  roots,  but  water  in  sufficient  quantity  is  not  available  everywhere 
this  season.  I  know  a  garden  at  the  present  time  not  far  from  here 
where  every  drop  of  water  has  to  be  carted  over  a  mile.  The  person  in 
charge  cannot  very  well  be  blamed  if  a  few  Vine  leaves  should  be 
scorched  under  such  conditions. — S.  P.  H. 


NIGHT-BLOOMING  CEREUS. 

May  I,  through  the  pages  of  your  Journal,  thank  Mr.  G.  W.  Cummins 
(page  6)  for  his  kindly  correction  of  my  error  as  to  the  name  of  the  second 
variety  of  Night-blooming  Cereus  that  was  formerly  in  the  collection  of 
my  father,  the  late  Mr.  C.  M.  Major?  Having  referred  to  the  references 
he  gave  I  am  quite  satisfied  that  it  must  have  been  C.  Macdonaldim  and 
not  C.  nycticalus,  as  I  was  previously  inclined  to  think.  I  have  also 
no  doubt  now  that  the  variety  we  lost  must  have  been  C.  Maynardi. — 
Maek  B.  F.  Major. 


I  AM  not  responsible  for  about  four  lines  in  the  note  that  appeared 
in  the  Journal  last  week  (page  6) — viz.,  “  The  variety  referred  to 
(C.  Macdonaldiae)  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  grandiflorus  and 

C.  speciosissimus . It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Kenny,  gardener  to 

Viscount  Maynard,  Easton  Lodge,  Dunmow.”  According  to  the  Journal 
for  June  19th,  1884,  this  belongs  to  the  history  of  C.  grandiflorus 
Maynardi,  and  C.  Macdonaldiae  is  described  as  a  species  introduced  from 
Honduras  to  Kew  by  Mrs.  General  Macdonald,  and  first  flowered  in  the 
Royal  Gardens  in  1851. — G.  W.  CtJMMixs. 

[The  accidental  omission  of  the  specific  names  supplied  by  our 
correspondent  led  to  the  error,  which  we  thank  him  for  correcting.] 


I  HAVE  been  much  interested  in  the  articles  respecting  the  Night¬ 
flowering  Cereus,  and  a  few  particulars  of  some  plants  I  have  here 
might  be  useful.  I  have  four  Cereus  nycticalus  which  have  opened 
as  many  as  111  blooms  in  one  night.  The  largest  plant  opened  fifty- 
four  blooms  on  June  19th,  and  fifty-five  on  Saturday,  July  Ist.  On 
several  intervening  nights  there  were  from  three  to  twelve  flowers, 
and  there  are  several  yet  to  open.  I  measured  one  bloom  on  Saturday, 
July  1st.  It  was  9|  inches  diameter;  but,  unlike  Mr.  Major’s  plant, 
mine  has  white  petals.  I  have  one  plant  of  C.  hexagonus,  which 
has  opened  fifty-six  blooms  this  year,  and  has  ninety  more  to  expand. 
I  have  not  seen  more  than  eight  open  at  once.  They  remain  open  until 
about  ten  o’clock  the  following  day.  The  plant  is  30  feet  high,  has 
two  side  branches  about  half-way  up  8  feet  long.  The  flowers  are 
the  same  in  colour  as  C.  nycticalus,  but  smaller. — A.  Parrott,  Crymlyn 
Burroivs,  Swansea, 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


27 


Cypripedidm  volonteanum  giganteum. 

Compared  with  the  typical  form  of  C.  volonteanum  the  abo^ve 
is  a  decided  improvement  both  as  regards  size  and  colour,  and  it  is 
no  wonder  that  the  Orchid  Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  deemed  it  worthy  of  an  award  of  merit  when  exhibited  at 
the  Temple  Show  by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co,,  Clapton.  The 
plant  shown  bore  but  one  flower,  but  that  was  sufficient  to  indicate 
its  distinctive  character,  which  is  pourtrayed  in  the  illustration 
(fig.  4).  The  dorsal  sepal  is  large,  of  a  pea-green  colour,  the  petals 
also  being  pea  green  in  the  middle,  and  covered  with  brown  spots, 
margined  light  rosy  purple.  The  lip  is  dark  green  shaded  purple. 

New  Cypripediums. 

Of  more  than  500  plants  of  Cypripedium  Chamberlainiannm 
which  I  have  seen,  says  a  writer  in  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  the 
variety  magnificum  is  the  finest  and  largest  both  in  foliage  and 
flower.  The  plant  measures  2  feet  4  inches 
across,  and  the  leaves,  which  are  faintly  tes¬ 
sellated,  are  3  inches  broad.  The  polyflorous 
scape  is  pubescent  ;  the  flowers  are  borne 
one  at  a  time,  and  each  one  measures  over 
4  inches  across  the  petals.  The  dorsal  sepal 
is  IJ  inch  across,  pale  green,  shading  to 
primrose  yellow  on  the  margin,  with  ten 
dark  brown  rays,  and  pilose  on  the  reverse 
side.  The  inferior  sepal  is  pale  green  with 
brown  rays.  The  petals  are  pale  apple-green, 
with  rows  of  brown  purple  dots,  and  are 
twisted  in  a  reverse  direction.  The  lip  is 
2  inches  long,  crimson,  with  the  infolded 
lobes,  base  and  the  border  of  the  aperture 
a  pale  yellow,  the  whole  specked  with  car¬ 
mine.  The  staminode  is  a  deep  glossy  green. 

The  plant  of  C.  Germinyanum  aureum 
resembles  the  type,  but  the  flowers  are 
larger  ;  the  dorsal  sepal  an  umber  brown, 
bordered  with  dull  orange  ;  petals  vinous 
purple  on  the  superior  half,  and  dull  orange 
on  the  inferior  half,  dotted  with  red  near 
the  base  ;  the  lip  a  sombre  orange,  dotted 
inside  with  brown,  the  staminode  yellow. 

American  Methods. 

Our  cousins  are  ahead  of  us.  One  of 
them,  according  to  the  “  American  Florist,” 
appears  to  have  been  interviewing  Mr.  F. 

Sander  by  telephone  on  his  visit  to  the  World’s 
Fair.  Asked  if  he  thought  Orchids  had  a 
future  as  commercial  flowers  in  America, 

Mr.  Sander  replied  :  ‘‘Perfectly  sure  of  it. 

The  demand  doubles  itself  every  year  for 
cut  flower  purposes.  The  Orchid  is  the  real 
elite  of  the  flower  kingdom.  The  Rose  comes 
next.  First  of  all  the  Orchid  is  very  quaint 
and  extraordinary  in  form  aad  shape  ;  then  you  have  in  them 

all  the  colours  of  the  rainbow  ;  many  are  very  sweet  scented, 

and  above  all  there  is  no  flower  of  such  lasting  quality  as  the 
Orchid.  If  you  don’t  want  to  cut  it  to-day  you  can  cut  it 
to-morrow  or  a  month  hence.  That  is  not  so  with  other  flowers  ; 
the  Rose  must  be  cut  at  once.  Orchids  are  often  kept  a  month 

in  water.  There  are  some  exceptions,  but  with  nearly  all  this 

is  true.  Take  for  instance  Cymbidium  Lowianum.  I  have  known 
it  to  last  on  the  plant  for  three  months,  and  cut  for  eight  weeks. 
The  love  for  Orphids  has  simply  grown  with  education  and  wealth, 
and  so  it  will  grow  from  year  to  year,  and  as  the  supply  of  Orchids 
gets  less  so  prices  will  advance  from  year  to  year.” 

“  Then  you  believe  that  the  time  is  coming  when  these  plants 
will  become  scarce  ?  ” 

“  I  am  quite  sure  of  it.  Every  ounce  of  silver  taken  out  of  a 
mine  must  make  one  ounce  of  silver  less,  and  every  Orchid  out  ot 
the  woods  one  less,  and  as  they  are  slow  growing  and  the  competi¬ 
tion  is  now  very  great  in  importing,  the  only  pity  is  that  soon  the 
supply  will  not  be  big  enough.  Seedling  growing  is  now  beginning, 
but  they  can  never  be  produced  to  the  extent  needed.  I  am  quite 
sure  that  what  I  say  is  true,  and  you  will  find  as  the  years  roll  on 
that  I’m  right.” 


“  What  are  the  most  fashionable  varieties  in  England  at  the 
present  time  ?  ” 

“  Cattleyas  and Odontoglossums  are  always  fashionable.  Through 
nearly  every  Orchid  there  is  a  trace  of  magenta,  and  they  are  very 
brilliant  at  night.  Trianaes  come  out  great  at  night,  so  does 
Phalasnopsis  Schilleriana.  In  England  old  gold  colours  in  Orchids 
are  very  much  in  fashion  now,  such  as  Oncidium  prgetextum, 
0.  Forbesi,  and  O.  crispum.  We  never  have  enough  of  them,  and 
the  rage  is  spreading  all  over  the  world,  in  France  particularly.  It 
is  nothing  unusual  for  ten  dollars  to  be  paid  for  a  single  spike  of 
Oncidium  curtum.  For  a  succession  of  bloom  take  the  old  Cattleya 
labiata,  which  comes  in  October  and  November  up  to  Christmas  ; 
at  Christmas  Cattleya  Percivalliana,  which  is  followed  later  on  by 
Trianse  and  Mendelli.  These  are  not  expensive  varieties,  and  the 
first  year  they  will  produce  bloom  enough  to  pay  for  the  plants.” 


WASPS  AND  CYANIDE  OF  POTASSIUM. 

I  HAVE  used  cyanide  of  potassium  since  1883  or  1884  for  destroying 
wasps’  nests  built  in  the  ground,  and  always  successfully.  My  method 
is  to  take  an  old  piece  of  sponge  or  flannel  and  wring  it  out  with  plain 
water,  then  let  it  absorb  as  much  as  possible  of  a  saturated  solution  of  the 
cyanide.  It  is  then  put,  with  a  long  stick,  well  into  the  hole,  and  left 
till  evening,  when  a  piece  of  turf  should  be  placed  over  the  hole.  With 


FIG.  4. — CYPRIPEDIUM  VOLONTEANUM  GIGANTEUM. 


a  very  strong  nest  it  is  necessary  to  dig  up  the  comb  the  following  day, 
as  the  fumes  of  the  cyanide  do  not  affect  the  grubs. 

The  greatest  care  must  be  taken  in  using  this  chemical,  as  about  half 
a  grain  is  a  poisonous  dose,  and  the  poison  is  equally  active  whether 
swallowed  or  taken  in  through  broken  skin.  The  fumes  which  are 
given  off  are  dangerous  to  human  beings.  To  be  quite  safe,  after  using 
the  cyanide,  wash  the  hands  with  a  strong  solution  of  sulphate  of  iron, 
and  then  with  soap  and  water. — J.  Cockburn. 

Wasps  are  unusually  numerous  here  this  year,  and  the  nests  are 
easily  destroyed  by  pouring  a  small  teacupful  of  turpentine  in  the  hole 
at  night,  pressing  a  foot  on  to  close  the  hole.  It  will  effectually  kill 
every  wasp  and  grub,  and  there  is  no  danger  of  accidental  poisoning. 
Cyanide  of  potassium  is  dangerous,  and,  judging  from  my  own  experience, 
not  effective. — Thos.  Woodford,  Atlicrstone. 


Seeing  a  query  as  to  results  of  cyanide  of  potassium  on  wasps  on 
page  13  of  last  issue,  I  wish  to  state  1  have  used  it  this  season,  having 
during  the  past  few  days  taken  about  thirty  nests,  some  exceptionally 
strong  ones.  I  find  it  does  not  kill  the  larvm,  but  all  the  ingoing  wasps. 
My  mode  of  procedure  is  to  go  around  the  nests,  dropping  in  a  table¬ 
spoonful  of  cyanide  of  potassium  (liquid  form),  and  in  a  short  time 
afterwards,  not  a  wasp  being  seen,  I  dig  the  nest  out  and  burn  it. 

The  advantage  of  using  the  above  in  place  of  the  old  squib  <A. 


28 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


powder  and  sulphur,  or  tar,  is  a  nest  can  be  taken  any  time  during 
the  day,  and  clean  and  short  work  made  of  it. — A.  Aldbeman, 
Lffi,ngham  Hill,  JDorhing.  _ 

I  SEE  in  this  week’s  Journal  a  correspondent  has  been  giving  his 
eKperience  wdth  cyanide  of  potassium  for  the  destruction  of  wasps  and 
their  nests.  As  he  would  like  to  hear  the  experience  of  others  who  have 
tried  cyanide,  I  quite  corroborate  your  correspondent’s  remarks.  I  have 
repeatedly  tried  cyanide  of  potassium  (strength  as  much  as  90  per  cent, 
of  cyanide),  and  although  I  have  poured  as  much  as  6  ozs.  of  strong 
solution  at  a  time  down  the  holes  of  their  nests,  I  have  never  yet 
succeeded  in  destroying  a  nest  completely.  The  most  efficacious  remedy 
my  gardener  has  found  is  gas  tar  poured  down  the  holes,  and  this  is  a 
very  cheap  and  certain  destroyer  of  wasps  and  their  nests. — J.  K.  G. 


I  NOTICE  Mr.  Broady  (page  14)  is  not  very  much  in  favour  of  cyanide 
of  potassium  for  destroying  wasps,  because  it  does  not  at  the  same  time 
destroy  the  larvm  ;  but  he  would  himself  confer  a  boon  on  the  fruit¬ 
growing  community  by  suggesting  some  other  chemical  so  easy  of 
application  that  would  destroy  at  the  same  time  the  adult  wasp  as  well 
as  the  larvm.  The  value  of  cyanide  of  potassium  is  found  in  the  extreme 
convenience  of  its  application,  because  no  night  journeys  are  demanded 
such  as  that  occasioned  by  the  use  of  gunpowder  and  sulphur  squibs 
commonly  adopted  for  their  extermination.  Anyone  on  a  wasp-destroy¬ 
ing  expedition  with  the  cyanide  in  a  soluble  state  might,  by  carrying  a 
spade,  dig  out  the  nests  on  the  return  journey  after  an  application  of  the 
liquid  an  hour  or  two  previous. 

Mr.  Broady  says,  “  When  the  nest  is  close  to  the  entrance,  which 
very  often  happens,  it  kills  a  portion  only  of  those  inside,  whilst  the 
rest  are  merely  held  prisoners  until  the  fumes  of  the  cyanide  have 
evaporated,  when  the  wasps  pass  in  and  out  as  usual.”  This  experience 
certainly  does  not  coincide  with  that  I  have  gained  by  observation  ;  so 
long  as  the  entrance  is  open  they  are  not  held  prisoners,  because  of  the 
presence  of  the  deadly  fluid  placed  for  their  destruction.  In  an  hour  or 
so  after  the  cyanide  has  been  poured  in  at  the  mouth  of  their  nest  I  have 
noticed  that  not  a  wasp  was  seen  to  move  inside  or  out ;  all  would  be 
quiet.  Even  should  it  not  kill  the  larvm  it  certainly  would  be  worth 
an  extra  journey  to  dig  out. the  nest,  and  the  expense  and  trouble  in  its 
application  must  be  repaid. 

It  is  well  to  have  a  store  of  Scott’s  wasp  destroyer  in  hand,  in  antici¬ 
pation  of  attacks  on  choice  fruit ;  usually  this  is  effectual  in  checking 
their  depredations,  but  not  always.  Last  year  I  knew  of  more  than  one 
case  where  this  was  used  persistently  with  no  good  effect,  while  in  other 
years  wasps  were  careful  to  avoid  fruit  where  it  had  been  used.  To  be 
effectual  it  should  be  put  on  the  flrst  fruits  they  attack,  and  particu¬ 
larly  so  on  Grapes.  I  am  under  the  impression  that  the  cyanide  would 
be  more  effectual  in  a  liquid  than  a  dry  state,  and  perhaps  more 
economical.  When  kept  in  a  corked  bottle  there  is  less  loss  of  evaporation. 
— W.  Strugnell 


I  have  tried  several  plans  for  dealing  with  wasps’  nests,  but  I  have 
never  found  anything  so  convenient,  and  to  my  mind  so  safe  as  the 
cyanide,  but  Mr.  Broady  (page  13)  is  certainly  right  in  some  degree  in 
his  assertion  that  it  only  kills  the  wasps  going  in.  I  give  it  credit  for 
more  than  this,  it  stupefies  those  in  the  hive.  The  vapour  is,  I  believe, 
heavy  and  goes  down  into  the  nest.  Let  me  tell  of  one  nest  I  took  some 
years  ago.  A  friend  told  me  he  was  bothered  with  a  nest  in  the  roof  of 
his  dining  room  bow  window,  could  I  take  it  ?  Well,  I  said  I  would  try. 
I  found  that  the  wasps  had  three  entrances  under  three  different  tiles. 
At  each  entrance  I  put  a  piece  of  linen  well  soaked  in  a  strong  solution 
of  cyanide,  and  suggested  lunch  for  myself.  In  the  course  of  twenty 
minutes  I  repaired  to  the  roof.  There  was  a  stillness,  and  I  removed  one 
tile,  this  brought  me  on  the  edge  of  the  nest,  and  all  was  still  yet,  so 
we  removed  some  six  or  seven  tiles  and  then  the  nest  in  all  its  beauty 
was  revealed,  and  beautiful  it  truly  was,  clean  as  if  carved  out  of  some 
yellow  veined  marble,  there  it  lay  about  2  foot  in  length  and  1  in 
breadth,  and  from  5  to  10  inches  in  thickness.  Still  no  sign  of  life  ;  so 
I  placed  the  spade  flat  on  the  roof  between  two  rafters,  and  pushing 
it  as  far  as  I  could  lifted  the  major  portion  bodily  down  on  the  spade 
and  deposited  it  in  a  foot  tub  filled  with  water.  The  smaller  divisions 
were  removed  in  the  same  way.  Neither  the  lookers-on  or  I  were 
stung,  but  the  stable  boy  playing  with  the  pieces  of  comb  soon  after 
managed  to  squeeze  a  half  dead  wasp  and  was  rewarded  for  his  inquisi¬ 
tive  attentions. 

The  vapour  certainly  does  not  affect  the  pupm  covered  in,  and  as 
numbers  of  these  are  hatching  daily,  the  nest  will  very  soon  become 
lively  again  ;  indeed,  I  have  frequently  after  digging  out  the  nest  placed 
it  under  a  bell-glass,  just  lifting  the  bottom,  and  they  soon  begin  enlarg¬ 
ing  the  nest  and  increasing  in  numbers,  but  if  the  queen  have  succumbed 
to  the  poison  the  nest  must,  I  suspect,  come  to  an  end  in  a  few  weeks, 
when  all  the  pupm  in  the  nest  have  hatched.  Wherever  it  is  possible 
to  dig  out  and  break  up  the  nest  I  think  this  should  be  done,  and  I 
think  it  may  be  done  safely  in  a  quarter  of  an  hour  or  so  after  placing 
the  cyanide  at  all  the  entrances  to  the  nest. 

How  long  are  the  working  wasps  absent  from  the  nest?  This  is  a 
question  somewhat  difficult  of  solution,  but  judging  from  my  experience 
v/ith  the  cyanide  in  taking  nests,  I  should  say  that  in  fine  weather  it 
would  be  exceptional  for  them  to  be  away  twenty  minutes.  I  recollect 
many  years  ago  my  old  friend  Mr.  W.  Taylor,  then  at  Longleat,  narrated 


in  your  columns  his  plan  for  destroying  the  outsiders  ;  this  was  to  bury 
a  bottle  in  the  old  nest,  the  entrance  to  the  nest  being  the  mouth  of  the 
bottle,  containing  some  syrup. 

Applying  cyanide  and  nothing  else  being  done  may  be  disappointing, 
as  Mr.  Broady  seems  to  feel,  but  complete  the  business,  dig  out  the 
nest,  and  cyanide  is  our  most  useful  and  most  manageable  help,  at  least 
that  is  my  experience. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son’s  Boses. 

Messrs.  William  Paul  &  Son  request  us  to  state  with  reference 
to  the  notice  at  page  8  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  of  their  exhibit 
of  Roses  at  the  Show  at  Earl’s  Court  on  June  28th  last,  that  a  gold 
medal  (instead  of  a  silver-gilt  medal  as  mentioned)  was  awarded  to  the 
exhibit  in  question. 

Rose  Margaret  Dickson. 

What  your  interesting  contributor,  “  W.  R.  Raillem,”  has  said  in 
recent  numbers  of  the  Journal  of  this  beautiful  Irish  Rose  is  perfectly 
true.  When  half  blown  I  find  it  exceedingly  impressive,  surpassing  in 
purity  of  colour  and  majesty  of  aspect  Merveille  de  Lyon.  But  at  that 
picturesque  stage  of  its  development  it  indicates  a  central  iulness  which 
is  not  subsequently  adequately  sustained.  In  other  words,  when 
fully  expanded,  it  discloses  an  “  eye,”  though  by  no  means  so  con¬ 
spicuously  as  some  other  equally  famous  varieties,  such  for  example  as 
the  Baroness  Rothschild  from  which  it  is  descended.  —  David  R. 
Williamson. 

An  Old  Man’s  Views. 

Ip  the  Rev.  David  Williamson  desires  to  be  an  authority  on  Roses  he 
w'ould  surely  do  well  to  be  less  flattering  in  his  references  to  individuals 
and  look  more  carefully  into  the  subjects  on  which  he  writes.  He  will 
doubtless  learn  in  time  what  most  experienced  rosarians  know,  that  it 
is  not  prudent  to  dogmatise  on  the  merits  of  Roses  or  anything  else  on 
the  mere  authority  of  their  raisers.  I  have  heard  it  said  that  Mr. 
Williamson  cannot  have  studied  the  new  catalogue  of  the  N.R.S.  as  an 
oflSicial  guide  ;  and  it  is  also  a  matter  of  comment  that  he  does  not 
appear  to  appreciate  the  cardinal  difference  between  the  raiser  and 
the  introducer  of  a  Rose,  since  he  praises  both  alike,  except  when  he 
confounds  them.  Something  more  than  a  generous  heart  is  needed  to 
fit  a  person  to  write  with  general  acceptability  on  the  subject  of  the 
Rose.  As  one  of  the  oldest  contributors  to  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
I  feel  I  shall  be  doing  a  kindness  to  young,  talented,  and  well  meaning 
writers  if  I  can  induce  them  to  temper  their  zeal  in  (xtolling  their 
friends.  The  temptation  may  be  great  at  times,  and  "  sweet  are  the  uses 
of  advertisement.” — A  Jubilee  Rose-grower. 

Briers  or  Briars. 

I  see  that  a  contemporary,  which  is  not  often  wrong  in  spelling,  and 
was  able  lately  to  defend  the  word  “  Chesnuts  ”  learnedly  against  an 
impugner,  speaks  of  Lord  Penzance’s  hybrids  as  “  Sweet  -  Briers.” 
“  Briars  ”  is  certainly  the  commonest  form  of  spelling  to  which  we  are 
accustomed  ;  but  probably,  as  in  so  many  other  cases,  either  mode  can 
be  defended.  However,  I  remember  an  amusing  incident  as  to  the 
spelling  of  this  word,  where  “a  ”  or  “e”  was  not  the  question.  It  was 
at  the  examination  of  a  night  school  for  the  Government  grant,  and  the 
teachers  were  allowed  to  examine  subject  to  the  rules  sent  to  them.  A 
young  East  Anglian  labourer  was  going  through  the  reading  ordeal,  and 
his  teachers,  of  whom  I  was  one,  were  anxiously  watching  his  struggles. 
He  had  sunk  twice — I  mean  he  had  made  two  mistakes  in  his  allotted 
piece,  and  three  would  mean  a  failure.  He  came  to  the  word  in  question, 
stopped  dead,  and  spelt  it  slowly.  We  encouraged  him,  and  patted  him 
on  the  back,  for  he  had  all  the  appearance  of  having  a  word  in  him, 
but  of  being  afraid  to  part  with  it.  At  last,  after  much  exhortation 
to  play  the  man  and  “  out  with  it,”  he  spelt  it  again  very  carefully, 
“  B-r-i-a-r,”  and  then  the  word  burst  forth  quite  suddenly  like  an 
explosion,  “  Brumble  bush  1  ”  “  Well,  well !  yes,  oh  yea  !  eh,  Raillem  ?  ” 
said  my  dear  old  colleague  (long  since  deceased)  “  pass  that — oh  yes  I 
He  knows  what  it  means.”  My  conscience  was  against  it,  my  rosarian 
conscience,  which  knew  that  to  the  Suffolk  rustic  both  Briars  and  Black¬ 
berries  were  “  Brumble  bushes.”  However,  I  said  nothing,  and  the 
Education  Department  was  defrauded,  but  rosarian  taxpayers  will,  I 
hope,  forgive. — W.  R.  Raillem. 

Orange  Fungus, 

All  rosarians,  and  the  more  modest  Rose  growers  and  lovers,  must 
feet  grateful  to  Mr.  Abbey  (page  481,  June  15th)  for  his  interesting 
article  on  this  great  pest.  So  far  as  my  experience  has  gone,  what  I 
have  called  orange  fungus  is  not  very  common.  The  beautiful  orange 
spots  have  been  with  me  comparatively  rare,  but  the  sort  of  powdery 
dull  yellowish  brown  appearance  of  the  under  portion  of  the  leaves  has 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


29 


been  common  enough  towards  the  latter  part  of  the  season.  Are  we  to 
understand  that  this,  which  ceitainly  detracts  from  the  beauty  of  the 
foliage  and  very  decidedly  from  the  healthy  condition  of  the  plant,  is 
what  Mr.  Abbey  has  figured  at  D  in  fig.  87,  and  that  it  is  the  orange 
fungus  in  another  stage  1  If  so,  it  seems  to  me  we  are  fortunate  in  not 
having  the  orange  fungus  much  more  frequently,  because  with  me 
it  seems  a  very  common  trouble.  I  have  on  the  first  sight  of  the 
orange  spots  picked  off  all  I  could  see  and  burnt  them,  but  with  the 
later  condition  I  have  let  matters  take  their  course,  and  I  certainly  have 
seen  plenty  of  it  in  exhibition  stands. 

It  has  long  been  my  plan,  right  or  wrong,  to  cut  off  all  shoots  of 
Rose  bushes  that  I  should  cut  away  in  the  following  spring  in  the 
autumn.  At  the  same  time  I  have  shortened  very  fine  growing  shoots  to 
between  30  and  40  inches.  This  saves  them  in  some  degree  from  injury 
from  wintry  winds.  In  future  all  this,  whether  affected  or  not,  I  shall 
have  burnt  at  once.  If  I  take  exception  to  any  advice  that  Mr.  Abbey 
gives,  I  desire  to  do  it  in  all  humility.  I  cannot  think  that  “  burying  ” 
the  leaves  can  be  a  wise  plan.  Earth  is  a  deodoriser  certainly,  but  not  a 
disinfectant,  and  I  cannot  help  thinking  that  whenever  that  ground  is 
dug,  the  spores  must  be  set  free  to  go  on  their  evil  deeds.  Our  fore¬ 
fathers  certainly  had  the  notion  that  to  bury  was  to  destroy.  We  reap 
in  the  present  day  many  of  their  sowings,  to  our  misery  and  cost.  Fire 
is,  after  all,  the  great  purifyer,  the  great  destroyer  of  germs,  and  in  that 
alone,  as  to  cut-off  leaves  and  branches,  should  I  have  any  faith. 
— y.  B.  A,  Z. 

A  Feast  op  Roses. 

In  marked  contrast  to  last  year,  June  has  been  virtually  “  a  month 
of  Roses.”  Roses  in  abundance  have  shed  infinite  variety  and  beauty 
on  our  fairest  garden  scenes.  Noisette  Roses  on  overhanging  arches 
have  been  studded  from  base  to  summit  with  clusters  of  pink  and  white 
miniature  Roses  ;  also  in  groups  and  beds  with  their  numerous  flowers 
and  tiny  buds,  affording  a  fitting  contrast  to  the  giants  of  other  kinds. 
Teas  of  the  tenderer  class  have  revelled  in  the  late  tropical  weather,  and 
even  Hybrid  Perpetuals  in  open  positions,  have  produced  blooms  of  fine 
size,  substance  and  form,  but  unfortunately,  owing  to  the  great  heat, 
their  beauty  has  been  of  short  duration. 

A  better  season  for  our  national  flower,  could  scarcely  be  wished  for  in 
all  instances  where  water  has  been  copiously  given,  but  where  this  has 
not  been  done  I  have  heard  but  poor  accounts  of  the  progress  of  Roses. 
One  thorough  soaking  being  followed  up  by  mulching  with  short 
manure,  has  in  many  instances  made  a  vast  difference  between  the 
results  obtained  from  bushes  so  treated  and  others  not  given  this  necessary 
attention,  for  as  soon  as  a  Rose  tree  begins  to  suffer  from  want  of  rich 
food  or  water  it  becomes  a  prey  to  aphis,  mildew,  and  caterpillars.  It  is 
then  but  small  wonder  that  such  meagre  results  are  obtained.  This, 
however,  is  a  point  which  I  do  not  intend  to  enter  largely  upon  at  present, 
but  rather  to  point  out  a  few  of  the  peculiarities  exhibited  by  some 
varieties  during  a  season  like  the  present  one. 

Those  who  pruned  early  have  this  year  been  rewarded  with 
decidedly  the  best  blooms,  especially  among  Hybrid  Perpetuals.  Bushes 
or  standards  left  unpruned  till  the  usual  time  were  much  weakened  by 
having  to  cut  away  a  large  amount  of  young  growth.  I  pruned  some 
bushes  during  the  first  week  in  March,  and  have  cut  some  of  our 
finest  blooms  of  the  season  from  them,  the  growth  made  having  been 
wonderfully  strong  and  healthy.  La  France  has  given  us  some  beauti¬ 
ful  blooms  of  the  fine  rounded  form  for  which  this  variety  is  noted 
when  in  good  condition.  Countess  of  Oxford,  Victor  Verdier,  Marie 
Baumann,  John  Stuart  Mill,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Madame  Nachury,  Madame 
Gab.  Luizet,  and  Captain  Christy  have  all  succeeded  remarkably  well, 
but  that  generally  fine  variety  Merveille  de  Lyon  has  not  been  nearly 
so  good  as  usual  ;  the  petals  seem  to  lack  substance  and  to  be  entirely 
unable  to  withstand  hot  sunshine  when  accompanied  by  a  parched 
atmosphere.  Duchess  of  Bedford,  Jules  Margottin,  and  Baroness 
Rothschild  also  seem  to  delight  in  tropical  weather,  the  latter  variety 
being  so  quickly  spoilt  by  rain  ;  indeed  pink  or  white  Roses  are  generally 
injured  more  quickly  by  rain  than  darker  coloured  kinds. 

Excellent  as  the  Hybrid  Perpetuals  have  been,  the  Teas  have  done 
still  better  with  us  this  season.  In  a  warm  sunny  position,  when  they 
received  abundance  of  water,  the  trees  have  made  strong  healthy  growth 
kept  quite  free  of  insects,  and  produced  many  grand  blooms.  Even  that 
handsome  variety  Jean  Ducher,  which  generally  produces  large  promising 
buds,  but  unfortunately  fails  to  open  them  properly  by  reason  of  the 
petals  being  so  quickly  injured  by  rain  or  dew,  has  this  season  developed 
fine  blooms.  Bougere  is  another  wonderfully  free  flowering  kind  which 
has  given  a  multitude  of  blooms.  Ernest  Metz  in  my  opinion  is  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  coloured  Teas  grown,  the  blooms  being  of  fine 
form  and  soft  colour,  and  Grace  Darling,  though  by  no  means  large,  is 
unique  in  appearance  by  reason  of  the  peach-coloured  shade  which 
predominates  in  the  flowers.  Madame  de  Watteville  has,  as  yet,  given 
but  few  blooms,  the  severe  frost  of  the  last  two  winters  having  killed 
much  of  the  wood.  I  look  forward,  however,  to  having  a  large  number 
of  blooms  later  on.  Madame  H.  Jamain  and  Innocente  Pirola,  though 
not  remarkable  for  the  amount  of  growth  made,  have  given  an  unusual 
number  of  blooms.  This  is  perhaps  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  they 
were  less  severely  pruned  than  most  other  varieties  on  account  of  having 
made  a  large  amount  of  growth  early. 

Princess  of  Wales  is  the  dwarfest  growing  Tea  we  have,  but  it 
flowers  very  freely,  and  is  particularly  attractive  in  the  bud.  Goubault, 
Souvenir  d’un  Ami,  and  Catherine  Mermet  have  opened  their  flowers 
without  the  slightest  blemish  being  apparent  in  their  delicate  petals. 
Rubens  is  a  variety  which  does  not  appear  to  me  to  be  sufficiently  well 


known.  It  is  simply  perfect  in  the  bud,  being  white  delicately  tinted 
rose,  and  of  fine  conical  form.  The  Bride  has  this  year  proved  to  be 
quite  worthy  of  its  name,  having  produced  blooms  which  stood  peerless 
among  a  wealth  of  Roses. — H.  Dunkin. 


PINKS  AT  HANDSWORTH. 

I  HAVE  for  two  or  three  years  past  sent  you  some  notes  on 
exhibition  laced  Pinks  in  the  collection  grown  by  Mr.  Arthur  R.  Brown 
of  the  Crompton  Road,  Handsworth,  Birmingham,  a  collection  famous 
in  the  Midlands  for  its  inclusion  of  the  newest  as  well  as  the  best  oldest 
varieties,  and  for  excellent  cultivation.  Mr.  Brown’s  father  was  a  well- 
known  and  greatly  esteemed  old  florist,  and  always  made  Pinks  a 
favourite  flower.  He  was  the  raiser  of  Mrs.  Lark,  Ethel,  and  that  finest 
of  all  the  laced  Pinks,  Amy  ;  and  this  flower,  with  the  Carnation  and 
Picotee,  finds  a  thoughtful  and  excellent  cultivator  in  the  son.  The 
extreme  heat  of  the  early  and  middle  part  of  June  brought  Pinks 
rapidly  into  bloom,  and  when  the  flowers  were  not  shaded  the  colour  of 
the  lacing  was  destroyed  to  a  great  extent.  Mr.  Brown  had  his  plants 
growing  under  a  structure  like  that  used  for  Tulips,  with  a  canvas 
shading,  but  with  plenty  of  air.  It  was  difficult  to  preserve  them  in 
good  character  for  any  length  of  time  in  such  tropical  weather. 

Campbell’s  Extra  is  dark  purple  lacing,  a  refined  flower  with  fine 
petal  this  year.  Last  year  it  generally  came  heavy  and  not  so  good. 
This  season’s  blooming  shows  it  to  be  a  desirable  variety.  Brown’s 
Amy  is  a  grand  Pink,  and  the  finest  in  cultivation.  A  large  flower  of 
perfect  form,  with  broad  smooth  petal,  and  a  heavy  lacing  of  dark 
maroon,  a  variety  that  should  be  in  every  collection.  Fellowes’ 
Pandora,  light  red  or  rose  laced,  is  a  large  back  row  flower,  but  lacking 
refinement  and  form.  Campbell’s  Nothing  Better  is  a  most  refined 
flower,  dark  purple  laced,  and  an  evident  acquisition,  but  as  yet  very 
scarce.  Paul’s  Chastity  has  a  fine  petal,  the  bloom  is  small  but  of 
good  quality,  and  with  bright  rose  lacing.  Paul’s  Emeline  is  a  dark 
purple  laced  flower  of  first-rate  quality,  and  will  be  sought  after  by 
growers.  Brown’s  Ethel  is  a  large  full  flower  with  good  petal  and 
fine  form,  with  narrow  reddish  purple  lacing,  and  an  acquisition.. 
Turner’s  Berard  is  an  old  well  known  and  still  fine  variety  of  large  size, 
and  a  good  exhibition  flower,  with  dark  red  lacing.  Hooper’s  Mrs. 
Fred  Hooper,  clear  rose  laced,  is  a  very  fine  flower,  with  large  petal, 
and  stands  in  the  foremost  rank  of  fine  varieties.  Paul’s  Bertha  is  a 
grand  flower  with  a  fine  petal,  with  dark  reddish  purple  lacing. 
Fellowes’  Lorina  is  a  large  flower,  bright  in  colour,  dark  red  lacing, 
but  faulty  in  petal  and  form.  Turner’s  Godfrey  is  an  old  variety  still 
worth  growing,  with  reddish  purple  lacing,  and  a  reliable  exhibition 
flower.  Fellowes’  Hebe  is  very  heavy  in  colour  and  rough  ;  large,  but 
wanting  in  refinement.  Douglas’  Empress  of  India  is  a  beautiful  flower, 
with  an  excellent  petal  and  rich  bright  dark  lacing.  It  has  only  one 
fault — thinness  ;  and  another  row  of  petals  would  make  it  a  very  first- 
class  flower,  but  as  it  is  it  is  a  most  desirable  variety,  Fellowes’ 
Minerva  is  a  fine  flower  with  dark  red  lacing,  and  an  improvement  on 
Turner’s  Bertram,  and  is  a  fine  heavy  laced  flower.  Hooper’s  Ne  Plus 
Ultra  at  Handsworth  is  identical  with  Boiard,  or  at  all  events,  so  like 
it  that  a  distinctness  cannot  be  seen. 

Paul’s  William  Paul,  with  clear  rose  lacing,  is  a  very  fine  variety,  but 
such  a  bad  doer,  else  it  would  be  valuable.  Paul’s  Ada  Louise,  rosy  purple 
lacing,  is  bright  in  colour,  but  rough  in  form  as  grown  here.  Turner’s  Dr. 
Maclean,  rosy  purple  lacing,  is  a  fine  flower,  but  a  bad  grower.  Rosy 
Morn,  heavy  rose  laced,  has  a  fine  petal,  and  is  one  of  the  best  of  Mr. 
Fellowes’  raising.  Hooper’s  Harry  Hooper,  a  first-class  very  fine  full 
flower  with  broad  petal,  and  rich  and  bright  reddish-purple  lacing. 
Hooper’s  Emerald,  red  lacing,  is  like  Ada  Louise,  and  is  rather  rough. 
Brown’s  Mrs.  Dark,  an  old  flower  now,  is  still  a  useful  one  and  a  good 
grower.  Paul’s  Tottie,  a  small  but  chaste  flower,  with  good  petal 
and  bright  red  lacing.  Love’s  John  Love  for  the  future  is  to  be 
rejected,  as  “  Modesty”  is  so  much  finer.  Paxford’s  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  an 
Oxford  raised  flower  with  dark  red  lacing,  is  very  pure  in  the  white, 
but  coarse.  Paul’s  Modesty  is  always  a  first-class  flower,  and  should  be 
in  every  collection,  however  small,  and  with  light  reddish-purple  lacing. 
Maclean’s  John  Ball  is  still  a  good  old  flower,  with  dark  rich  purple 
lacing.  Arthur  Brown  is  the  name  given  to  a  very  fine  seedling  raised 
by  Mr.  George  Chaundy  of  Oxford,  a  coming  flower  with  bright  medium 
rosy-purple  lacing,  the  white  pure,  and  with  a  fine  well-formed  petal.. 
This  flower  must  be  described  as  extra  fine.  Fellowes’  Princess  Louise 
last  year  I  described  as  almost  a  good  flower  ;  this  year  it  is  good, 
with  a  broad  petal  and  of  fine  form,  and  with  red  lacing.  Fellowes’ 
Bessie  is  a  very  large  flower,  reddish-purple  lacing,  but  rough.  Fellowes’ 
Olympia,  red  laced,  large  but  rough.  Fellowes’  Lustre,  reddish-purple 
lacing,  is  large,  but  with  a  small  petal.  Fellowes’  Ophelia,  reddishr 
purple  lacing,  was  rough  last  year,  but  a  little  better  this  year,  but  still 
rough.  Taylor’s  Alderman  Thorp,  dark  red  lacing,  and  Taylor’s  Samuel 
Barlow  are  both  thin  but  with  good  petals,  and  too  small  for  midland 
growers. 

Croak’s  Noble  Grand  is  dark  red  laced,  and  has  a  fine  petal,  but  is 
BO  thin.  Croak’s  Mrs.  J.  Croak  is  a  very  useful  telling  flower,  and  if 
smoother  on  the  edge  would  be  in  every  way  a  first-rate  flower.  Fellowes’ 
Jeannette  is  one  of  'nis  best,  and  must  be  regarded  as  a  fine^  back  row 
flower  with  bright  purple  lacing.  Fellowes’  The  Rector  is  a  grand 
variety,  the  best  he  has  sent  out  and  first-class  in  every  way,  with  purple 
lacing.  Fellowes’  Captain  Kennedy,  reddish  purple  lacing,  a  newer  and 
very  fine  flower  of  good  form,  fine  petal,  and  bright  colour.  Fellowes’ 
Maggie,  rosy  purple  lacing,  full  of  petals  and  a  flower  of  fair  quality  as 


50 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


seen  here,  but  it  has  not  the  fine  petal  and  quality  of  The  Rector. 
Fellowes’  Melanee,  new,  small  in  petal,  still  a  pretty  and  full  flower  of 
medium  quality  and  with  bright  red  lacing.  Fellowes’  Enchantress, 
aew,  is  a  very  promising  flower,  and  evidently  an  improved  “  Zoe,”  but 
this  variety  is  not  fairly  tested  here  this  season.  Paul’s  Undine  is  rose 
laced,  pretty  but  small.  Fellowes’  Favourite  is  new,  a  promising  flower 
af  “  Rector  ”  colour,  but  with  small  petal  and  with  reddish  purple 
lacing.  This  must  have  another  season’s  trial,  as  the  plants  were  small, 
but  it  is  a  variety  evidently  worth  growing.  (Since  writing  these  notes 
another  bloom  has  opened,  and  it  is  evidently  a  very  flne  Pink,  and  the 
beet  Mr.  Fellowes  has  raised  excepting  The  Rector.)  Hooper’s  James 
Bouglas  and  Douglas’s  John  Drake  were  not  in  good  character  ;  and 
Campbell’s  Sancho  had  not  bloomed,  so  I  am  unable  to  send  notes  of 
these,  also  of  Mr.  Thurston’s  new  varieties. 

Border  Pinks  are  also  grown  here,  and  side  by  side  were  Mrs. 
iSinkins,  Her  Majesty,  and  Mrs.  Lakin,  all  white  varieties,  the  latter 
being  the  best,  and  with  a  better  pod  than  the  others.  Hooper’s  Mrs. 
Barlow  has  a  pale  rose  pink  ground  colour,  with  pale  purple  lacing,  of 
good  form,  and  is  a  very  pretty  border  variety. — W.  Dean. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

July  Htu. 

Chiswick  Local  Show. 

An  Exhibition  of  fruit,  flowers,  and  vegetables  was  held  in  the 
'iardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  Chiswick  on  the  above 
date,  and  from  an  horticultural  point  of  view  it  was  a  success.  Flowers 
and  plants  were  well  shown,  but  fruit  was  not,  in  the  competitive 
classes,  so  well  represented  as  might  have  been  expected.  Several 
exhibits  were  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  various  Committees,  and 
these  are  referred  to  in  their  respective  places.  The  annual  Exhibition 
of  the  National  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society  (Southern  Section)  was 
held  at  the  same  time  and  place,  and  a  report  of  the  Show  will  be 
found  elsewhere  in  this  issue.  There  was  but  a  moderate  attendance 
at  the  Exhibition  in  the  afternoon,  although  fine  weather  prevailed. 

Feuit  Committee. — Phillip  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ;  Messrs. 
3.  T.  Wright,  J.  Cheal,  W.  Bates,  F.  Q.  Lane,  Geo.  Wythes,  G.  Taber, 
W,  Warren,  T.  F.  Rivers,  P.  C.  Veitch,  G.  Reynolds,  Harrison  Weir, 
3.  Balderson,  G.  H.  Sage,  W.  H.  Divers,  A.  Dean,  and  J.  Willard. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nurseries,  Chelsea,  staged  a 
magnificent  collection  of  Gooseberries,  comprising  many  of  the  leading 
varieties  in  cultivation.  Noticeable  amongst  others  were  Hebron  Pro¬ 
lific,  small,  fine  flavour ;  Jays  Wing,  Rumbullion,  Warrington,  White¬ 
smith,  Green  Laurel,  Ironmonger,  Gipsy  Queen,  Keen’s  Seedling,  Yellow 
Champagne,  very  fine  flavour,  one  of  the  most  distinct  and  best.  A 
sfiver-gilt  Knightian  medal  was  recommended  for  this  collection. 
Apples,  Cherries,  Currants,  and  Raspberries  were  also  shown  by  the 
same  firm.  The  Red  Currants  were  particularly  fine.  La  Versaillaise 
being  the  finest  so  far  as  size  of  berry  may  be  taken  as  a  criterion. 
Mr.  J,  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House  Gardens,  was  awarded  a  cultural 
commendation  for  six  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  which  had 
been  cut  from  a  Vine  growing  in  a  12-inch  pot.  The  combined  weight 
of  the  six  bunches  was  9  lbs.  6  ozs. 

Mr.  J.  Douglas,  Great  Gearies,  Ilford,  staged  a  fine  bunch  of  his 
seedling  white  Grape,  the  result  of  a  cross  between  Black  Hamburgh 
and  White  Muscadine.  Messrs.  Hurst  &  Son,  Houndsditch,  staged  a 
'oasket  of  Tomato  Dunedin  Favourite.  The  fruits  were  very  shapely 
and  of  a  rich  deep  red  colour.  Mr.  Owen  Thomas,  Royal  Gardens, 
Windsor,  showed  seedling  Melons  in  fine  condition.  The  same  exhibitor 
also  staged  fruits  of  Walburton  Admirable  Peach,  for  which  he  was 
accorded  a  cultural  commendation.  Messrs.  Thomas  Rivers  &  Son, 
Saw  bridgeworth,  staged  a  grand  collection  of  fruit,  including  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  and  Plums,  for  which  a  silver  Knightian  medal  was  recom¬ 
mended.  Peaches  Princess  of  Wales  and  a  seedling  were  very  fine,  also 
were  Early  Rivers  and  Hale’s  Early,  which  had  been  grown  in  a  cold 
bouse.  A  box  of  Early  Rivers  Nectarine  was  also  striking.  Early 
Rivers,  Emperor  Francis,  White  Bigarreau,  Bedford  Prolific,  and  Bigar- 
reau  Monstreuse  de  Mezel  were  amongst  the  best  of  the  Cherries,  and 
Grand  Duke,  Victoria,  and  Monarch  of  the  Plums. 

Mr.  Miller,  gardener  to  Lord  Foley,  Ruxley  Lodge,  Esher,  staged  a 
collection  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  for  which  a  cultural  commenda¬ 
tion  was  accorded.  Mr.  Miller  also  staged  a  dish  of  Ponderosa  Tomatoes. 
Mr.  Leach,  Albury  Park  Gardens,  showed  Peaches,  Grapes,  and  fruiting 
branches  of  Plums  and  Damsons.  A  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded. 
Messrs.  Robert  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter,  staged  a  dish  of  Lotus  tetragono- 
lobus  (Asparagus  Pea),  for  which  they  were  accorded  a  vote  of  thanks. 
Mr.  Payne  staged  a  creditable  collection  of  Tomatoes.  Mr.  Thos. 
Kerridge,  Norwood  Lodge,  Southall,  showed  a  fine  plant  of  a  seedling 
Tomato  Norwood  Lodge. 

Floeal  Committee. — Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair), 
Messrs.  Jas.  Walker,  George  Stevens,  W.  C.  Leach,  Chas.  E.  Shea,  Thos. 
Godfrey,  R.  B.  Lowe,  J.  H.  Fitt,  Chas.  Noble,  Chas.  Jeffries,  Robert 
Owen,  and  Frank  Ross. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  had  a  beautiful  display  of  their 
specialties,  these  including  a  fine  strain  of  bedding  Stocks,  Achimenes 
^ngiflora  and  Rosy  Queen,  also  some  splendid  Begonias,  described  as 
being  six  months  from  the  seed-sowing  stage.  They  were  large, 
Iwalthy  plants  full. of  bloom.  Semperflorens  compacta  rosea;  S.  Coral 
Gem,  a  charming  variety,  with  soft  blush  pink  flowers;  Duehess  of 
York,  bright  rose  ;  Duchess  of  Edinburgh,  white,  with  broad  rose 


margin  ;  Crimson  Gem  and  Reading  Snowflake,  white.  A  silver-gilt 
Flora  medal  was  deservedly  recommended.  A  large  and  beautiful  col¬ 
lection  of  Ferns  and  foliage  plants  was  sent  by  Mr.  H.  B.  May.  The 
plants  were  in  beautiful  condition  and  most  tastefully  arranged  ;  indeed, 
the  group  was  one  of  the  best  Mr.  May  has  put  together.  A  silver-gilt 
medal  was  reeommended. 

Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  had  a  beautiful  mixed  group  of 
Orchids  and  other  plants,  these  ineluding  Brassavola  Digbyana, 
Cypripedium  superbiens,  Demidoff’s  variety,  Ochna  mnltifiora,  Epiden- 
drum  nemorale,  and  many  others  (silver  Flora  medal).  Messrs.  Hugh 
Low,  Clapton,  sent  a  new  Lilium  named  L.  Lowi,  for  which  a  first-class 
certificate  was  awarded.  This  is  referred  to  elsewhere.  Messrs.  J. 
Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  sent  some  Begonias  and  other  plants,  obtain¬ 
ing  awards  of  merit  for  Dracaena  indivisa  aurea  variegata  and  Caladium 
Baronne  de  Maimore.  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer,  Knaphill,  sent  plants  of 
Spiraea  “  Anthony  Waterer,”  and  Mrs.  Blake,  Croydon  (gardener,  Mr. 
Lewrey),  a  basket  of  Lewrey’s  Beauty  Lobelia.  Messrs.  Wallace  k  Co., 
Colchester,  sent  plants  of  a  new  Lily,  named  Lilium  Alexandras 
provisionally,  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  k  Sons  sent  apparently  the  same  Lilium  under  the 
name  of  L.  Ukeyuri,  and  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded.  Messrs. 
Veitch  also  secured  a  botanical  certificate  for  Ferraria  antherosa,  and 
they  had  Begonia  decora,  Strobilanthes  Dyeriana,  and  other  plants. 
Mons.  Lemoine,  Nancy,  sent  a  number  of  fibrous-rooted  Begonias,  the 
best  of  them  being  B.  Sieberiana,  Illustration,  and  Bajocensis.  Mr. 
J.  Sallier  sent  a  variegated  Nicotiana  which  is  described  elsewhere 
(award  of  merit).  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  k  Sons,  Swanley,  had  a  group  of 
Tuberous  Begonias,  the  plants  having  been  grown  from  seed  sown  last 
February.  'They  were  well  in  flower,  and  attracted  much  attention. 
Messrs,  Chas.  Lee  &  Son.  Hammersmith,  arranged  an  effective  group  of 
hardy  ornamental  shrubs,  for  which  a  silver-gilt  Flora  medal  was 
recommended. 

Orchid  Committee. — Present :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
J.  O’Brien,  E.  Hill,  Chas.  Pilcher,  and  Dr,  Masters. 

Orchids  were  not  shown  very  extensively.  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  k  Co., 
Clapton,  sent  a  small  group,  amongst  which  Cattleya  Harrisonre, 
C.  Eldorado  splendens,  C.  gigas,  Cypripedium  Schroderse,  and  the  beau¬ 
tiful  Stanhopea  Amesiana  were  conspicuous.  Messrs.  F.  Sander  k  Co., 
St.  Albans,  sent  a  small  collection  of  choice  Orchids.  Amongst  these 
were  Cypripedium  Massaianum  (award  of  merit),  Anguloa  Clowesi, 
Cattleya  granulosa,  and  C.  Gaskelliana,  Cook’s  variety,  T.  Statter,  Esq., 
Stand  Hall,  Manchester  (gardener,  Mr.  R.  Johnson),  sent  a  plant  of 
Cypripedium  Stonei  Cannartm,  for  which  an  award  of  merit  was  given. 
This  is  described  below.  Mr.  Statter  also  sent  blooms  of  other  Orchids, 
and  Mr.  W.  C.  Clark,  Orleans  House,  Sefton  Park,  Liverpool,  sent  a 
spike  of  Cattleya  Rex.  Messrs.  W.  Lewis  &  Co.,  Southgate,  had  a  plant 
of  Cattleya  Gaskelliana  var.  Southgatense. 

Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 

Alstroemeria  aurantiaca  (G.  H,  Cannell,  Esq.). — This  is  a  well  known 
hardy  plant,  the  orange  red  flowers  being  most  attractive  (award  of 
merit). 

Caladium  Baronne  de  Maimore  (J,  Laing  k  Sons). — An  attractive 
variety  with  medium  sized  leaves  of  a  light  colour  and  prominent  red 
veins  (award  of  merit). 

Cyinijyedium  Massaianum  (F.  Sander  k  Co.). — This  is  the  result  of 
a  cross  between  C.  superciliare  and  C.  Rothschildianum.  The  plant 
shown  bore  two  flowers  on  one  scape.  The  blooms  show  the  parentage 
of  C.  Rothschildianum  in  the  petals.  The  lip  is  dark  brown  (award  of 
merit). 

Cyprijoedinm  Stonei  Cannarte  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — This  is  a  fine  form 
of  C.  Stonei.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  broad,  light  eoloured,  veined  brown  ; 
the  petals  being  long,  narrow,  and  of  the  character  of  the  type.  The  lip 
is  light  purplish  brown  and  yellow  (award  of  merit), 

Draccena  indivisa  aurea  variegata  (J.  Laing  k  Son). — A  decorative 
plant  with  greenish  yellow  stripes  in  the  centre  of  each  leaf  (award  of 
merit). 

Lilium  Alexandria  X  (Wallace  k  Co.). — This  is  a  new  Lily,  and 
was  certificated  subject  to  its  being  correctly  named  by  Mr.  Baker,  who 
on  a  cursory  examination,  we  are  informed,  considers  it  to  be  a  garden 
hybrid.  It  is  a  grand  kind  from  .lapan.  It  is  apparently  a  dwarf 
form,  the  plants  exhibited  being  less  than  18  inches  in  height  and  each 
bearing  three  flowers.  The  blooms  are  very  large  and  pure  white  (first- 
class  certificate). 

Lilium  Lowi  (H.  Low  k  Co.). — This  is  a  tall-growing  Lilium,  the 
plant  (which  was  in  a  5-inch  pot)  shown  being  upwards  of  3  feet  in 
height.  The  flowers  are  medium  size,  white,  the  throat  being  densely 
spotted  with  crimson  (first-class  certificate). 

Lilium  Ukeyuri  (J.  Veitch  k  Sons). — This  is  apparently  the  same 
Lilium  as  was  shown  by  Messrs.  Wallace  k  Co.,  and  which  is  described 
above  (first-class  certificate). 

Nicotiana  colossea  variegata  (J.  Sallier,  Paris). — This  is  a  variegated 
form  with  large  leaves.  The  variegation  consists  of  a  creamy  margin 
and  light  coloured  ribs  (award  of  merit). 

Competitive  Classes. 

The  competitive  classes  were  fairly  well  filled,  and  in  most  instances 
the  exhibits  were  of  a  good  quality.  Mr.  Porteous,  gardener  to  E.  H, 
Watts,  Esq.,  Devonhurst,  Chiswick,  exhibited  some  large  and  fine 
Ferns,  very  healthy  and  fresh.  In  the  class  for  nine  hardy  sorts,  Mr. 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


31 


Waite,  gardener  to  Colonel  Talbot,  Esher,  was  first  with  some  large 
specimens.  A.  Russell,  Esq.,  Woodlands,  Isleworth,  had  some  well 
coloured  Fuchsias  in  the  class  for  six.  and  was  placed  first.  Mr.  J.  Ford, 
gardener  to  Sir  C.  Pigott,  Wrexham  Park,  Slough,  was  first  for  twelve 
Tuberous  Begonias.  They  were  splendid  plants,  being  large,  clean,  and 
well  furnished  with  fine  flowers.  It  is  not  often  that  such  admirable 
quality  is  met  with  in  Begonias  at  an  Exhibition.  Mr.  Ford  had 
arranged  his  plants  with  Ferns  and  Caladiums,  so  that  their  effect  was 
enhanced.  Mr.  W.  H.  Davis,  gardener  to  T.  E.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Ranelagh 
House,  Grore  Park,  was  placed  first  for  twelve  trusses  of  Zonals  ;  they 
were  a  little  thin,  but  still  far  superior  to  those  of  Mr.  Hoar,  gardener 
to  T.  J.  Cooper,  Esq.,  The  Grange,  West  Molesey.  Mr.  Porteous  won 
with  twelve  bunches  of  stove  and  greenhouse  flowers,  his  Orchids  being 
excellent.  Mr.  Aspland,  gardener  to  Dr.  Tuke,  Chiswick  House,  was 
second  ;  Mr.  Davis  third,  and  Mr.  Hoar  fourth.  Mr.  Sage,  gardener  to 
Earl  Dysart,  Ham  House,  Richmond,  won  with  hardy  flowers,  Mr. 
Aspland  being  second.  Miss  Debenham  was  first  with  eight  bunches, 
Mr.  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House,  Acton,  following.  Mr.  W.  H.  Davis 
had  some  excellent  Gloxinias,  and  was  placed  first  for  them  ;  while 
Mr.  Jones,  gardener  to  E.  Hyde,  Esq.,  had  some  grand  plants  not  for 
competition. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  Roses,  distinct,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son, 
Bedale,  were  awarded  the  first  prize,  showing  some  very  fine  blooms, 
amongst  the  best  of  which  were  Gustave  Piganeau,  Horace  Vernet, 
Reynolds  Hole,  Madame  Hausman,  and  Fisher  Holmes.  Mr.  G.  Mount, 
Ganterbury,  was  second  with  a  very  creditable  stand  ;  and  Mr.  B .  R. 
Cant,  Colchester,  third.  There  were  four  competitors  in  this  cla?s. 
Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son  were  again  accorded  the  first  prize,  a  silver 
cup,  for  twenty-four  Roses,  distinct,  three  trusses  of  each,  staging  Duke 
of  Wellington,  Duke  of  Connaught,  Etienne  Levet,  A.  K.  Williams, 
Alfred  Colomb,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Exposition  de  Brie,  and  Madame 
John  Laing  in  excellent  form.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  was  second  with  a  fine 
stand,  and  Mr.  Frank  Cant,  Colchester,  third.  Six  competitors. 
John  Bateman,  Esq.,  Rose  Vale,  Archway  Road,  N.,  gained  the  second 
prize  in  the  class  for  twelve  distinct  Roses.  There  were  only  two  com¬ 
petitors,  the  second  being  the  only  prize  awarded. 

For  a  group  of  plants  arranged  for  effect,  Messrs.  W.  Fromow  and 
Sons,  Sutton  Court  Nurseries,  Chiswick,  were  awarded  the  first  prize. 
This  group  was  tastefully  arranged,  comprising  Palms,  Crotons,  Ferns, 
Liliums,  Orchids,  Begonias,  and  Caladiums.  Mr.  Porteus,  gardener  to 
E.  H.  Watts,  Esq.,  was  first  for  another  group  well  arranged.  Dr.  Tuke 
being  second  in  this  class.  Both  exhibits  were  attractive  and  well 
arranged.  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Royal  Nursery,  Slough,  was  awarded  first 
prize  for  a  group  of  Pelargoniums,  showing  well  flowered  plants.  Miss 
Lilian  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House,  Acton,  W.,  secured  the  leading 
prizes  for  a  stand  of  flowers.  The  floral  classes  for  amateurs  were 
fairly  well  contested,  and  the  exhibits  in  many  cases  were  very 
creditable  to  their  growers,  the  window  box  for  which  Mr.  J.  Gale, 
Chiswick,  was  accorded  the  first  prize,  being  particularly  noticeable. 
Vegetables  were  also  staged  in  fine  condition  in  the  cottagers’  classes, 
the  collection  of  Mr.  A.  Farmer,  Gunnersbury,  being  remarkably  good 
for  the  season. 

Fruit  was  not  so  extensively  shown.  For  two  bunches  of  black 
Grapes  Mr.  T.  Osman,  The  Gardens,  Ottershaw  Park,  was  first,  show¬ 
ing  Black  Hamburgh  in  good  condition.  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite,  gardener 
to  Col.  the  Hon.  W.  P.  Talbot,  was  second,  there  being  no  other 
competitor.  There  were  four  exhibitors  of  two  bunches  of  white 
Grapes.  Mr.  Osman  was  again  first  with  well-grown  Mrs.  Pearson  ; 
Mr.  C.  Payne,  gardener  to  W.  A.  South,  Esq.,  Neasdon  House, 
Neasdon,  being  second  with  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  E.  H.  Watts, 
Esq.,  Devonhurst,  Chiswick,  was  third.  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  gardener  to 
J.  T.  Hopwood,  Esq.,  Ketton  Hall,  Stamford,  was  the  only  exhibitor  of 
Strawberries,  and  the  first  prize  was  awarded  for  a  fine  dish  of  British 
Queen.  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite  was  first  with  a  dish  of  Nectarines,  showing 
Stanwick  Elruge  in  fine  condition.  Mr.  J.  Ford,  gardener  to  Sir  C. 
Pigott,  Bart.,  Wrexham  Park,  Slough,  was  second  with  the  same  variety  ; 
and  Mr.  G.  H.  Sage,  gardener  to  Earl  Dysart,  Ham  House,  third 
with  Victoria.  Of  Peaches  there  were  four  exhibitors,  Mr.  J.  Debnam, 
gardener  to  A.  Pears,  Esq.,  Spring  Grove  House,  Isleworth,  being  first 
with  splendidly  coloured  Violette  Hative.  Mr.  J.  Ford  was  second  with 
Barrington,  and  Mr.  Waite  third  with  Royal  George,  well  coloured. 

Mr.  C.  J.  Waite,  gardener  to  Colonel  the  Hon.  W.  P.  Tallxjt,  Glen- 
hurst,  Esher,  was  accorded  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.’s  special  prize  for 
six  dishes  of  vegetables,  showing  Carter’s  Ashtop  Fluke  Potato,  Green 
Globe  Artichoke,  Carter’s  Perfection  Tomato,  Holborn  Onion,  Summer 
Favourite  Carrot,  and  Telegraph  Pea,  all  in  very  good  condition.  Mr.  C. 
Payne,  gardener  to  W.  A.  South,  Esq.,  Neasden  House,  Neasden,  being 
second,  and  A.  'Russell,  Esq.,  Woodlands,  Isleworth,  third.  Mr.  H. 
Balderson,  Corner  Hall,  Hemel  Hempstead,  secured  the  leading  prize 
offered  by  Messrs.  C.  Sharpe  &  Co.,  Sleaford,  for  three  dishes  of  Peas, 
showing  Sharpe’s  Queen,  Triumph,  and  Sir  F.  A.  Millbank  in  fair  condi¬ 
tion.  Mr.  G.  J.  Waite  was  second,  and  Mr.  T.  Watkins,  Grove  House, 
Merrow,  third.  Mr.  Waite  gained  first  prizes  for  three  dishes  of 
Potatoes,  showing  Reading  Giant,  Sutton’s  Seedling,  and  Carter’s  Ash¬ 
top  Fluke.  Mr.  Farmer,  Railway  Cottages,  Blenheim  Road,  Gunners¬ 
bury,  was  second,  and  Mr.  G.  H.  Sage  third.  Tomatoes  were  grandly 
shown  by  Mr.  Sage,  who  had  Conference,  Sutton’s  Al,  and  Perfection. 
Mr.  C.  Payne  was  second.  Mr.  W.  H.  Davies,  gardener  to  T.  E.  H. 
Hodgson,  Esq ,  Ranelagh  House,  Grove  Park,  was  first  with  a  brace  of 
Cucumbers,  showing  Sutton’s  Peerless.  Dr.  Tuke,  Chiswick  House,  was 
second. 


Events  of  the  Week. — Events  of  horticultural  interest  are  not 
particularly  numerous  during  the  ensuing  week.  To-day  (Thursday)  the 
provincial  Show  of  the  National  Rose  Society  will  be  held  at  Worksop, 
and  the  Woodbridge  (Suffolk)  Exhibition  takes  place.  Several  Rose 
shows  will  take  place  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  a  list  of  these 
will  be  found  in  our  last  issue. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — After  a  few  days  of  abnormal 

heat  heavy  thunder  showers  occurred  at  the  end  of  last  week.  Rain 
fell  heavily  on  Saturday  afternoon,  and  in  some  parts  of  the  metropolis 
much  damage  was  done  by  the  lightning.  On  Sunday,  Monday  and 
Tuesday  occasional  showers  also  occurred,  these  refreshing  vegetation 
considerably.  Wednesday  opened  showery,  and  at  the  time  of  going  to 
press  the  weather  appears  unsettled. 

-  Royal  Wedding  Decorations. — Mr.  J.  W.  Wimsett,  Ash- 

burnham  Park  Nursery,  King’s  Road,  Chelsea,  requests  us  to  state  that 
his  firm  supplied  half  of  the  floral  decorations  for  the  Royal  wedding, 
the  remainder,  as  stated  on  page  10  in  our  last  issue,  being  done  by 
Messrs.  Wills  &  Segar. 

-  The  Trentham  Show. — We  are  informed  that  the  Exhibition 

to  be  held  in  the  grounds  of  the  Duke  of  Sutherland  on  the  20th  inst. 
is  expected  to  be  of  a  very  interesting  and  comprehensive  nature.  The 
schedule  is  an  excellent  one,  and  prizes  good.  Gardeners  are  expected 
from  various  parts  of  the  country.  All  the  “  best  people  ”  from  the 
surrounding  neighbourhood  visit  the  Trentham  shows,  and  the  company 
generally  has  always  been  very  large  indeed. 

_  Frozen  Chrysanthemum  Blooms. — Chrysanthemum  growers 

will  be  interested  to  learn  a  special  meeting  of  the  General  Committee, 
and  also  of  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum 
Society,  will  take  place  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  on  Friday, 
July  21st,  at  six  o’clock  in  the  evening,  to  examine  the  frozen  blooms  of 
Chrysanthemums  sent  from  Sydney,  Australia.  Members  of  the  Society 
not  being  members  of  the  General  or  Floral  Committees  are  invited  to 
attend  at  seven  o’clock  to  inspect  the  frozen  blooms. 

_ Shrubs  and  Trees  Burnt  at  the  Alexandra  Palace.— 

On  Saturday,  July  1st,  the  shrubbery  and  trees  immediately  in  front 
of  the  Alexandra  Palace,  Wood  Green,  N.,  through  some  unexplained 
cause,  became  ignited,  and  the  fire  spread  with  such  alarming 
rapidity  that  in  a  very  short  time  several  acres  were  ablaze.  The 
local  steamers,  in  addition  to  the  Palace  hydrants,  were  quickly  at 
work,  but  the  fire  was  not  got  under  for  some  hours.  The  conflagra¬ 
tion  covered  an  area  of  ten  acres,  and  considerable  damage  was  done 
to  shrubs  and  trees. 

-  Some  Fine  Oats. — In  reference  to  your  leader  in  last  week’s 

issue  respecting  the  effect  of  the  drought,  I  send  you  herewith  a  sample 
of  Oats  growing  on  10  acres  of  nursery  land.  We  have  had  only  one 
night’s  rain  since  the  first  week  in  March.  The  days  are  too  short  to 
count  the  number  of  corns  to  each  head,  but  I  estimate  the  yield  at  at 
least  10  quarters  to  the  acre.  The  Oats  are  5  feet  high.  The  curious 
part  of  the  whole  matter  is  that  most  landowners  charge  extra  rent  for 
land  used  for  nurseries,  because  they  say  nurserymen  spoil  the  land. 
—A.  H.  Pearson,  Chilwell  mcrsery.  [Good  nurserymen  improve  it 
by  deep  cultivation.  The  Oats  were  splendid.] 

_  United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident 

Society.  —  The  quarterly  meeting  of  this  Society  was  held  on 
Monday  evening  last  at  the  Caledonian  Hotel.  Mr.  Nathan  Cole 
occupied  the  chair.  Three  new  members  were  elected,  making  thirty- 
five  in  the  six  months.  The  death  of  a  non-paying  member  occurred 
in  May  last,  and  the  amount  standing  to  his  credit  (£21  Ts.  Id.)  was 
paid  to  his  widow.  The  late  member  ceased  to  contribute  in  1836. 
One  member  only  is  on  the  Sick  Fund  at  the  present  time,  thus 
showing  the  health  of  the  members  to  be  good.  The  Treasurer 
reported  having  invested  £200  in  West  Bromwich  3  per  cent,  stock 
since  the  last  meeting.  The  usual  vote  of  thanks  to  the  Chairman 
I  terminated  the  proceedings. 


82 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


-  Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — At  the  usual  meeting  of  the 

members  of  this  Society  last  week  an  excellent  essay  on  “  Summer 
Salads”  was  read  by  Mr.  W.  Hudson,  The  Lodge,  Sandal  Grange* 
The  paper  contained  several  excellent  suggestions  and  some  valuable 
advice. 

-  The  Midland  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society. — We  are 

requested  to  state  that,  owing  to  the  earliness  of  the  season,  the  date  of 
this  Exhibition,  which  will  be  held  in  the  Botanical  Gardens,  Edgbaston, 
has  been  fixed  for  Saturday,  July  22nd,  instead  of  August  5th  as  in  the 
original  schedule. 

-  Johnson’s  Gardeners’  Dictionary.— The  fifth  part  of  the 

new  edition  of  this  standard  work  has  come  to  hand.  It  deals  with 
the  genera  from  Inga  to  Agaricus  campestris  (Mushroom),  inclusive, 
full  cultural  details  of  the  latter  being  given.  As  we  have  before 
remarked,  the  edition  will  be  completed  in  eight  parts. 

-  Gardening  Appointment. — Mr,  Thomas  Winkworth,  who 

for  the  past  eighteen  years  has  been  gardener  to  Ealph  Brocklebank, 
Esq.,  Childwall  Hall,  Liverpool,  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  that 
gentleman’s  eldest  son  (of  the  same  name),  who  is  leaving  Childwall, 
having  purchased  Haughton  Hall  estate,  near  Tarporley,  Cheshire. 

-  Verbascum  Chaixi.— “E.  M.”  writes,  “This  Nettle-leaved 

Mullein  has  grown  to  an  abnormal  height  with  me  this  year.  We  have 
a  plant  of  it  amongst  some  Ehododendrons  which  has  thrown  up  its 
flower  spikes  8  feet  high,  where  it  has  an  imposing  effect,  the  foliage  of 
the  evergreens  below  making  a  pleasing  getting  to  its  pale  yellow 
flowers.  The  plant  in  question  has  been  established  half  a  dozen  years. 
The  strong  soil  in  which  it  is  growing  appears  to  suit  it  well.  Where  a 
suitable  site  can  be  found  this  is  just  the  plant  to  grow  for  the  borders 
or  shrubberies.” 

- Violas  White  Duchess  and  Countess  of  Wharncliffe, 

— The  first  is  a  new  Viola  of  merit.  Its  colour  is  white,  distinctly 
edged  with  blue.  That  it  will  become  a  favourite  with  Viola 
cultivators  I  cannot  doubt.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Baxter  of  Daldowie. 
Passing  to  the  Countess  of  Wharncliffe,  it  is  to  my  mind  the  chastest, 
sweetest,  and  most  fragrant  of  pure  white  Violas.  Its  colour  is  exquisite, 
resembling  that  of  white  satin.  Let  any  of  the  readers  of  this  Journal 
who  cultivate  the  Viola  compare  the  Countess  of  Wharncliffe  with 
Countess  of  Hopetoun,  and  they  find  that  the  difference  is  very  dis¬ 
cernible.  Another  of  my  most  precious  floral  possessions  is  Dr.  Stuart’s 
miniature  Viola,  entitled  “  Violetta,”  which  may  be  described  in  the 
language  of  Thomas  Gray,  as  “  a  gem  of  purest  ray  serene.” — David 
K.  Williamson, 

-  Pansies  at  the  World’s  Fair. — An  American  contem¬ 
porary  says  ; — The  Pansy  display  at  the  World’s  Fair,  Chicago,  will  no 
doubt  soon  lose  some  of  its  attractiveness  from  the  continuation  of  ex¬ 
cessively  warm  weather.  The  great  beds  in  front  of  the  horticultural 
building  are  daily  admired  by  thousands.  These  Pansies,  which  repre¬ 
sent  the  best  strains  of  growers  in  England,  France,  and  Germany,  as 
well  as  in  America,  were  sown  in  the  open  ground  July  12th-18th 
last  year.  The  locality  chosen  was  one  of  the  inner  courts  of  the  horti¬ 
cultural  building,  so,  although  in  the  open  ground,  they  would  be  at 
least  partially  shaded  at  some  times  during  the  day.  They  received 
their  first  transplanting  when  about  five  weeks  old,  being  given  more 
room  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging  a  more  stocky  growth.  They  were 
finally  planted  out  in  the  autumn,  and  were  all  wintered  outside.  Some 
of  them  were  covered  with  littery  manure,  while  others  were  protected 
by  temporary  frames.  The  Pansies  were  very  late  in  coming  into  bloom, 

-  Foreign  Fruit  Crops,  —  Latest  advices  from  Greece  show 

that  the  downy  mildew  has  attacked  the  Currant  plants  in  Patras, 
Zante,  and  some  of  the  other  coast  districts,  and  there  is  reason  to  fear 
that  much  damage  will  be  done,  although  Currant  growers  in  the  east 
have  learned  to  use  the  copper  compounds  for  spraying  against  mildew. 
It  is  probable,  says  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  that  in  a  few  years 
Currants  from  California  will  be  as  common  in  our  markets  as  other 
fruits  are  now,  since  the  experiments  in  cultivating  this  berry  there 
have  proved  most  encouraging.  Fruit  dealers  are  looking  forward 
confidently  to  the  time  when  European  Currants  will  be  subject  to 
competition  with  the  California  product,  just  as  European  Prunes  and 
Eaisins  now  are.  The  Prune  crop  of  Bosnia  and  Servia  is  likely  to  be 
up  to  the  average,  and  the  crop  of  French  Prunes  will  be  abundant  and 
good.  Encouraging  reports  come  from  Spain  as  to  the  crop  of  Valencia 
Eaisins,  and  a  careful  review  of  the  situation  in  the  “  Journal  of 
Commerce  ”  concludes  that  there  is  likely  to  be  an  abundance  of  fruit 
from  all  sections  of  the  world  with  low  prices. 


-  Death  of  Mr.  Egbert  Holland, — We  regret  to  hear  of 

the  sudden  death  recently,  from  heart  disease,  of  Mr,  Eobert  Holland  of 
Frodsham,  Cheshire,  a  well  known  authority  on  agriculture,  and  the 
joint  author,  with  Mr.  James  Britten,  F.L.S.,  of  the  Natural  History 
Museum,  South  Kensington,  of  the  “  Dictionary  of  English  Plant 
Names.” 

-  Summer  Marguerites, — These  are  beautiful  flowers  when 

blooming  superbly  in  huge  masses.  At  the  same  place  as  I  saw  these 
there  are  Helenium  pumilum,  clear  yellow,  15  inches  in  height ;  Erigeron 
speciosus  superbus,  large  flat  bluish  mauve  flowers  ;  and  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  maximum,  white,  the  fine  dwarf  form  of  the  Ox-eye  Daisy. 
Later  in  the  season  this  latter  is  well  replaced  by  Chrysanthemums 
lacustre  and  uliginosum  ;  the  Helenium  by  various  single  Helianthuses 
and  Harpaliums  ;  and  the  Erigeron  by  some  of  the  finer  forms  of  the 
Michaelmas  Daisy. — A.  D. 

-  Death  of  Mr.  John  Fielden.— We  learn  with  extreme 

regret  of  the  death  of  Mr.  John  Fielden,  of  Grimston  Park,  Tadcaster. 
He  was,  we  believe,  about  seventy  years  of  age,  and  had  been  in  a  weak 
state  of  health  for  a  considerable  time.  He  was  buried  on  Friday  last  in 
the  pretty  churchyard  adjoining  the  fine  old  parish  church  of  Kirkby 
Wharfe,  mourned  deeply  by  a  wide  circle  of  friends,  and  by  those  who 
had  served  him.  A  more  kind,  considerate,  and  when  merit  deserved,  a 
more  appreciative  employer  did  not  exist.  He  took  an  interest  in 
everyone  on  his  place,  and  showered  benefits  upon  those  who  had  won 
his  confidence.  It  is  considered  probable  that  the  magnificent  estate 
will  remain  in  the  Fielden  family. 

-  SwAlNSONlA  GALEGAEFOLIA  ALBA. — The  finest  Specimen  of 

this  greenhouse  plant  that  I  have  seen  is  growing  against  the  back  wall 
in  Mr.  Agate’s  Chrysanthemum  house  in  Havant.  The  space  covered 
is  15  feet  by  7  feet,  and  is  a  sheet  of  pure  white  blooms.  The  floor  of 
the  house  is  composed  of  soil  in  which  are  planted  Tomatoes,  with  Tea 
Eoses  against  the  back  wall.  The  plant  in  question  is  in  a  12-incb  pot, 
but  the  roots  have  found  their  way  through  the  hole  at  the  bottom,  and 
are  now  rambling  in  the  border.  I  have  seen  this  same  plant  many 
times,  but  never  found  it  flowerless.  Mr,  Agate  speaks  highly  of  it  in 
producing  flowers,  which  are  extremely  useful  for  wreaths,  bouquets, 
or  in  fact  any  form  of  decoration. — E.  M. 

-  Achimenes. — There  is  just  now  in  profuse  bloom  a  very  large 

collection  of  these  pretty  old  fashioned  tuberous-rooted  flowers  at  the 
London  Eoad  Nursery,  Eeading,  where  not  only  have  the  Messrs,  Sutton 
and  Sons  collected  all  the  best  varieties,  chiefly  in  48-size  pots,  and  in 
that  perfection  of  cultivation  which  always  characterises  all  that  is 
there  done,  but  they  have  them  filling  the  long  span-house.  From  out  of 
the  whole  number  I  select  as,  to  my  mind,  the  most  beautiful — Ambrose 
Verschaffelt,  white,  veined  with  dark  blue  ;  Celestial,  lavender  blue  ; 
Longiflora  major,  deep  blue  ;  Masterpiece,  purple  ;  Alba  major,  pure 
white  ;  Harry  Williams,  deep  rich  rosy  crimson  ;  Lady  Lyttleton,  ruddy 
carmine ;  Eose  Queen,  rosy  magenta  ;  andSplendens,  fiery  scarlet — as  being 
a  beautiful  collection,  although  all  the  varieties  are  very  charming. — D, 

-  Kola. — Some  useful  information  with  reference  to  this  valu¬ 
able  plant  is  contained  in  a  report  on  the  botany  of  Sierra  Leona  pre¬ 
sented  to  the  Colonial  Office  and  published  as  an  official  paper  by  Mr, 
C.  F.  Scott  Elliot.  The  tree  Kola  acuminata,  Mr.  Elliott  says,  grows 
freely  everywhere,  and  is  found  from  the  sea  level  to  fully  3000  feet  at 
Sumbauaya,  in  the  Talla  highlands.  It  appears  to  thrive  wherever 
planted,  and  is  well  able  to  hold  its  own  in  the  original  native  bush. 
Mr.  Elliot  could  not  find  any  special  conditions  of  soil  as  necessary,  but 
it  certainly  grows  on  disintegrated  gneiss,  red  grit  or  laterite,  dolerite, 
and  occasionally  on  dry  alluvium.  He  does  not  think  he  ever  saw  it 
on  marshy  ground  or  soil  liable  to  be  overflowed,  and  in  planting  the 
tree  such  places  ought  to  be  avoided.  It  begins  to  bear  in  seven  years, 
and  is  in  full  bearing  after  eight  to  ten  years.  Each  tree  is  said  to 
yield  £3  to  £4  per  annum,  and  hence  a  plantation  ought  certainly  to 
include  a  large  number  of  these  trees.  The  yield  given  by  Mr,  Fawcett 
is  125  lbs,,  or  4000  seeds  per  tree — that  is,  £8  to  £10  per  tree,  or  £800 
an  acre.  Semler  says  it  produces  50  kilog.  in  the  tenth  year.  At 
present  the  nuts  are  chiefly  used  by  the  natives,  but  so  much  has  been 
done  of  late  years  to  bring  their  valuable  properties  before  the  public 
that  it  may  be  safely  said  that  the  demand  in  Europe  is  sure  to  increase. 
The  following  are  some  of  its  properties.  A  nut,  or  even  half  a  nut, 
will  enable  a  man  to  go  without  food  and  support  great  fatigue  for 
twenty-four  hours  or  more.  It  is  an  excellent  nerve  tonic,  and  is  espe¬ 
cially  good  for  keeping  the  brain  clear  and  active  at  night.  It,  how¬ 
ever,  prevents  sleep  almost  too  thoroughly,  and  should  not  be  taken 
less  than  four  hours  before  bed. — {The  Times,') 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


33 


-  Weather  at  Liverpool. — Last  week  the  heat  was  iatense, 

•all  kinds  of  vegetables  showing  greater  signs  of  distress  than  has  been 
apparent  this  season,  more  particularly  Lettuces,  which  were  simply 
scorched.  Friday  last  was  one  of  our  hottest  days,  the  thermometer  on 
a  south  wall  registered  over  100°,  On  Saturday  welcome  rain  descended. 
Sunday  more  rain  fell  in  gentle  showers,  and  on  Monday  at  11.30  a.m. 
we  had  a  thunder  shower  of  unusual  severity,  which  rendered  spouts 
and  grids  in  many  places  quite  incapable  of  taking  away  the  immense 
volume  oE  water.  As  I  write  (6.30  P.M.,  Monday)  a  steady  rain  is 
falling. — R,  P,  R. 

-  The  Queen  and  the  Gardener. — A  daily  contemporary 

says,  “At  the  luncheon  of  the  Council  and  Judges,  held  at  the  Royal 
Botanical  Gardens,  Manchester,  last  week,  Mr.  Bruce  Findlay,  the  Curator, 
in  proposing  the  health  of  the  newly  married  Royal  couple,  said,  ‘  I  may 
perhaps  be  excused  for  mentioning  an  incident  (not  a  secret,  inasmuch 
as  it  is  known  to  Her  Majesty  the  Queen).  In  the  year  1821  my  father 
was  a  gardener  in  the  then  Duke  of  York’s  garden  at  Oatlands  Park,  in 
Surrey.  The  Princess  Victoria,  then  a  baby,  was  in  the  garden  with  her 
nurse  and  fell  into  a  pool  of  water.  My  father,  who  was  near  at  hand, 
pulled  the  baby  out  of  what  might  have  been  a  watery  grave.’  ” 

-  Mignonettes. — Somewhat  of  a  surprise  this  wonderfully  dry 

season  was  it  to  see  the  extraordinary  free  growth  from  seed  at  Reading 
of  these  hardy  annuals.  The  product  was  as  good  at  the  seed  farm 
where  there  was  no  watering  as  at  the  nursery,  where  possibly  beds 
may  have  been  watered.  Out  of  the  many  varieties  grown  a  few 
seemed  to  stand  out  as  specially  good,  and  of  these  for  purity  of  white¬ 
ness  none  excels  the  Double  White,  a  variety  that  is  not  yet  thoroughly 
fixed,  but  doubtless  will  be  so  in  good  time.  The  best  single  white  is 
the  Giant  White,  a  first-rate  variety  for  massing  and  cutting  from. 
Golden  Queen  is  a  really  beautiful  golden  yellow,  very  true  and  of  a 
compact  habit,  and  the  Giant  Red  Pyramidal  is  the  best  of  its  section. 
Those  who  like  Mignonettes,  and  they  are  literally  everybody,  should 
secure  these  four  varieties  at  least. — D. 

-  Hail  and  Heat. — A  correspondent,  writing  to  the  Standard, 

says,  “  It  may  interest  readers  to  learn  that  this  locality,  Amisfield 
Tower,  near  Dumfries,  N.B.,  was  visited,  about  half-past  12  to 
1  P.M.,  July  8th,  with  a  severe  thunderstorm,  with  lightning  accom¬ 
panied  with  very  large  hailstones,  formed  of  solid  ice,  averaging  from 
3  to  4  inches  in  circumference,  and  were  picked  up  by  the  writer  to 
5  inches ;  it  seems  almost  incredible.  As  a  matter  of  course  a  large 
quantity  of  glass  in  vineries  has  been  destroyed,  in  many  cases  riddled 
as  if  with  rifle  bullets.  At  the  time  the  thermometer  was  73°  in  shade. 
Such  a  visitation  is  unknown  to  the  oldest  inhabitant.”  The  conjunction 
of  heavy  hail  and  great  heat  is  a  characteristic  of  certain  climatic  belts 
of  the  temperate  zone.  We  have  seen  in  South  Africa,  on  a  day  when 
the  temperature  was  about  96°  in  the  shade,  hailstones  fall  which  riddled 
the  corrugated  iron  verandah  above  our  head  till  it  resembled  a  colander. 

-  The  Birkbeck  Bank. — The  forty-second  annual  meeting  of 

the  Birkbeck  Building  Society  was  held  on  the  5th,  at  the  offices, 
29  and  30,  Southampton  Buildings,  Chancery  Lane.  The  report  adopted 
states  that  the  receipts  during  the  year  which  ended  March  31st  last 
reached  £12,169,030,  making  a  total  from  the  commencement  of  the 
Society  of  £163,297,213.  The  deposits  received  were  £9,857,817,  and 
the  subscriptions  £215,871.  The  gross  profits  amounted  to  £213,867. 
The  surplus  funds  now  stand  at  £5,727,331,  of  which  £1,670,210  is 
invested  in  Consols  and  other  securities  guaranteed  by  the  British 
Government.  Upwards  of  two  millions  (2,093,590)  registered  in  the 
books  of  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the  Bank  of  England.  The 
subscriptions  and  deposits  withdrawable  on  demand  amount  to 
£5,883,572.  The  new  accounts  opened  during  the  year  were  13,752, 
and  there  are  altogether  67,244  shareholders  and  depositors  on  the 
books.  Since  its  establishment  the  Society  has  returned  to  the  share¬ 
holders  and  depositors  £135,309,265,  the  whole  amount  having  been 
repaid  upon  demand.  During  the  panic  brought  about  in  September 
last  by  the  collapse  of  the  Liberator  and  its  allied  companies,  the  run 
on  the  Birkbeck  lasted  eleven  days,  and  £1,578,005  was  withdrawn. 
Only  when  it  became  known  that  every  depositor  could  be  paid  in  full 
did  the  panic  subside.  So  large  has  been  the  amount  of  deposits 
received  since  that  panic  that  the  Directors  have  thought  it  prudent  to 
reduce  the  rate  of  interest  on  deposit  accounts  from  March  3l8t,  1893, 
to  2J  per  cent.,  a  step  which  they  believe  has  materially  strengthened 
the  position  of  the  Society,  and  which  will  enable  them  in  future  to 
invest  a  still  larger  proportion  of  the  funds  entrusted  to  them  in  Consols 
and  other  British  Goverment  securities. 


-  Potato  Snowdrop. — With  us  this  season  the  above-named 

variety  has  yielded  a  wonderfully  fine  crop  of  handsome  tubers,  and  the 
quality  has  been  first-rate.  We  planted  a  good  breadth  a  yard  distance 
between  the  rows,  and  half  that  space  between  the  sets,  and  the  ground 
was  perfectly  hidden  by  their  vigorous  stalks.  In  these  gardens  Potatoes 
are  not  usually  of  good  quality,  the  ground  being  too  strong,  but  Snow¬ 
drop  is  an  exception,  and  as  a  consequence  obtains  more  space  than  other 
sorts.  It  remains  good,  too,  over  a  long  season.  For  exhibition  purposes 
it  is  well  suited,  because  of  its  clear  skin  and  handsome  form.  It  is  a 
very  early  variety  to  mature,  and  for  this  reason  should  be  useful  to  those 
having  restricted  garden  space,  because  of  planting  the  ground  with 
another  winter  crop  after  the  Potatoes  are  lifted.  Snowdrop  is  also  a 
good  market  Potato,  that  is  where  it  grows  as  it  does  hereabouts.  I  have 
seen  no  other  sample  in  the  greengrocers’  windows  equal  to  this  variety 
up  to  now,  or  command  the  same  prices. — W.  Strugnell,  Rood  Ashton, 

- Coal  Tar  to  Protect  Trees  from  Injurious  Insects. — 

Discussions  continue  as  to  whether  coal  tar  is  or  is  not  injurious  to  the 
bark  of  trees.  It  has  often  been  recommended,  in  order  to  paint  around 
the  base  of  trees  that  are  liable  to  the  attacks  of  borers — for  instance 
the  Apple  borer.  Quince  borer,  and  Peach  borer.  Certainly,  the  writer 
has  known  of  cases  where  it  has  been  applied  without  the  slightest 
injury,  while  there  are  undoubted  cases  of  treeshaving  suffered  by  its 
use.  Just  how  this  variation  in  effect  comes  about  is  not  clear,  nor  does 
it  much  matter  to  the  practical  man.  If  is  safe  to  say  that  sometimes 
coal  tar  so  applied  is  a  serious  injury;  but  why  use  coal  tar  at  all  ? 
Pine  tar  is  just  as  effectual  in  preserving  trees  from  the  ravages  ef  these 
noxious  insects,  and  certainly  does  no  damage  to  the  tree.  It  is  one  of 
the  best  preventives  against  the  inroads  of  stem  borers,  that  is,  when 
these  borers  operate  near  the  ground,  and  it  is  also  effectual  in  preserving 
the  trees  from  the  ravages  of  mice  in  winter  time.  Many  trees, 
especially  in  regions  where  the  ground  is  covered  by  snow  in  the  winter 
time,  suffer  seriously  from  the  attacks  of  mice. — (^Meehans'  Monthly,') 

-  Employment  of  Gas  Lime. — Your  correspondent  “E.  M.” 

(page  9)  may  rest  assured  that  I  have  advised  the  use  of  gas  lime  to 
allotment  holders  only  with  the  greatest  possible  care.  A  dressing  is 
laid  on  to  vacant  ground,  especially  that  previously  occupied,  or  to 
be  occupied  with  Onions,  early  in  the  winter,  and  allowed  to  become 
disintegrated  through  the  action  of  the  frost,  then  forked  in  several 
inches  in  depth  a  month  at  least  before  the  ground  is  sown.  Where 
ground  is  trenched  the  dressing  of  gas  lime  should  be  put  on  after 
that  work  is  done,  as  it  is  the  top  several  inches  of  soil  that  contain 
the  elements  of  harm  in  the  shape  of  chrysaloids,  of  course  that  is 
assuming  that  the  top  soil  is  kept  on  the  surface  in  trenching,  and  is 
not  thrown  into  the  bottom  of  the  trench.  I  have  read  of  a  thin  dress¬ 
ing  of  gas  lime  being  advised  to  be  strewn  along  the  spaces  between 
the  rows  of  the  young  Onion  plants  as  giving  off  a  perfume  that  is 
obnoxious  to  the  fly.  That  seems  to  be  dangerous  advice,  especially 
that  it  might  lead  to  much  tramping  of  the  plants.  I  very  much 
doubt  whether,  having  regard  to  the  relative  values  of  the  two  vege¬ 
tables,  the  present  plague  of  maggots  is  not  worse  for  Onions  than  is 
the  Peronospora  infestans  for  Potatoes.  In  any  case,  apart  from  any 
ameliorative  action,  more  harm  relatively  seems  to  be  done  to  the  Onion 
than  to  the  Potato.  Whosoever  can  devise  any  practical  and  perfect 
cure  for  the  Onion  maggot  will  deserve  well  of  his  country. — A.  D. 


THE  BEXLEY  BEGONIAS. 

“Not  at  home,”  was  the  response  to  my  inquiry  at  the  door  of  Mr. 
Horticultural  Builder  Burton  on  the  occasion  of  a  recent  visit  to  the 
Bexley  Peacheries,  and  “  Not  at  home  ”  was  the  same  dismal  refrain 
when  after  a  mile  and  a  half’s  walk  I  reached  the  residence  of  Mr. 
Begonia  Pope,  near  the  famous  wayside  hostelry  known  as  the  Old 
Crook  Log,  Bexley  Heath.  It  was  a  double  disappointment,  not  tem¬ 
pered  by  the  fact  of  having  to  take  the  sunny  side  of  the  familiar 
reading,  “  90°  in  the  shade,  120°  in  the  sun  ”  for  the  aforesaid  walk  ; 
but  the  Begonias  had  returned  from  Earl’s  Court  if  the  grower  had 
not,  and  so  the  danger  of  my  disposition  becoming  as  crooked  as  the 
ancient  billet  itself  was  happily  averted.  at  a 

I  ventured  to  pen  a  few  remarks  last  year  about  Mr. 

Ware’s  Begonia  Enterprise  at  Bexley,  and  am  glad  ^  to  observe  that 
there  has  been  a  further  advance  in  the  high  merits  of  his  strains 
during  the  past  season.  The  novelties  embrace  some  very  beautiful  and 
distinct  varieties,  which  can  hardly  fail  to  be  widely  sought  after.  The 
inevitable  Princess  May  was  amongst  them.  It  is  a  fringed  double 
flower,  pure  white  and  pleasing,  by  no  means  a  commonplace  addition 
to  the  whites.  More  distinct  is  a  magnificent  seedling  double,  as  yet 
unnamed,  the  colour  of  which  is  not  easily  to  be  described.  It  is  a  rich, 
brownish  bronze  with  a  deeper  edge ;  but  the  words  give  no  adequate 
idea  of  the  unique  shade  the  flower  possesses.  There  is  a  sunset  glow 


84 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Jaly  13,  1893, 


about  it  which  cannot  be  transferred  to  paper.  These  bronzy  hues 
vary  greatly  ;  but  all  are  beautiful,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  we  shall 
get  many  of  them.  Another  bronzy  double,  a  totally  distinct  type  of 
flower,  is  Iona,  a  light  golden  bronze  of  great  beauty.  Its  blooms  partake 
of  the  Kanunculus  shape,  a  clear  break  from  the  Hollyhock  section. 
Amongst  many  other  good  doubles  the  following  may  be  noted  : — Queen 
Victoria,  rosy  blush,  is  a  fine  variety  which  received  a  certificate  at 
Earl’s  Court  ;  the  bloom  is  excellent,  and  the  plant  flowers  freely.  Mrs. 
Fell,  which  w  as  seen  last  year,  is  a  large  and  very  fine  salmon  pink, 
free  and  good  ;  Bexley  Gem  is  a  glowing  carmine  of  great  beauty, 
representing  a  first-rate  type  of  plant  and  flower.  Rosebud  is  now 
well  known  ;  this  charming  little  variety  is  becoming  a  universal 
favourite.  Alba  Magna  is  an  admirable  type  of  white,  flowers  and  habit 
both  being  of  the  best.  Beauty  of  Belgrove,  soft  silvery  pink,  free  and 
good  in  every  way,  may  be  taken  as  a  standard  variety  in  its  colour 
just  as  the  comparatively  old  Henshaw  Russell  may  be  amongst  the 
scarlets.  Brilliant,  rich  scarlet,  a  bold  grower  and  free  bloomer,  is 
another  excellent  red.  Amongst  the  pinks  one  of  the  best  is  Pavona  ; 


FIG.  5.  — CARNATION  ATTACKED  BY  EELWORMS. 


and  Una,  rosy  pink,  is  equally  pleasing.  Of  the  yellows  a  prominent 
position  must  be  accorded  to  Duchess  of  Teck,  an  excellent  sort  in  every 
way.  The  flowers  are  light  in  colour,  and  might  be  described  as  lemon- 
hued.  Another  light  yellow  is  Solferino,  but  this  is  flushed  with  pink. 
At  the  risk  of  making  the  list  appear  formidably  long  I  add  mention  of 
another  trio — Viscountess  Cranbrook,  salmon  red,  with  white  centre ; 
Jennie  Fell,  deep  crimson,  a  Camellia-flowered  variety  of  exceptional 
charm,  and  Picotee. 

The  singles  are  quite  as  meritorious  as  the  doubles,  perhaps  as  a 
whole  they  are  even  better.  I  commence  with  what  is  quite  likely  to 
become  one  of  the  most  popular  of  all,  and  that  is  Champion,  a  variety 
in  which  flowers  of  a  distinct  and  lovely  golden  bronze  shade  are  asso¬ 
ciated  with  grand  habit  and  foliage.  Perfection,  something  in  the  same 
way,  was  good,  but  Champion  is  far  better.  Then  there  is  a  light  bronze 
seedling  with  a  faint  Tea  Rose  odour  ;  I  am  sorry  to  be  unable  to  dis¬ 
tinguish  it  by  a  name.  When  our  friends  get  hold  of  a  good  thing  why 
do  they  not  name  it  at  once  ?  Angelina  Scraggs  would  be  better  than 
nothing.  What  is  wanted  is  something  to  distinguish  it  by.  Pride  of 
Bexley  is  a  splendid  type  of  white,  and  Sovereign  of  yellow.  The 
former  has  large  and  perfectly  round  pure  white  flowers  freely  borne, 
and  Sovereign,  in  addition  to  its  excellent  flowers,  has  grand  foliage. 
Bexley  White  is  another  splendid  variety,  larger  than  Pride  of  Bexley, 
but  less  rounded.  Lord  Byron,  scarlet  with  white  centre  ;  Zanda,  a 
V  ly  large  rosy  red  ;  Alba  Fimbriata,  a  white  with  round  fringed  flowers  ; 


Black  Knight,  very  dark  velvety  crimson,  well  rounded,  and  a  free 
bloomer  ;  Magneta,  vermilion  ;  Venus,  rich  dark  crimson  with  white 
centre  ;  Heroine,  rich  bronzy  scarlet,  well  rounded  and  free  ;  Nerissa,  a 
glowing  rose  with  immense  flowers  ;  Superba,  a  fine  light  red ;  and 
Moravia,  a  crimson  with  flowers  of  perfect  form,  are  all  worth  growing. 
So  is  Sunset,  a  free  and  beautiful  golden  bronze.  Other  notabilities  are 
Marginata,  white  with  a  broad  crimson  margin  ;  Crimson  Bedder,  a 
most  vigorous  and  free  flowering  dark  red  ;  Alba  Marginata  Fimbriata, 
white  with  broad  carmine  edge ;  and  Goliath,  a  large  bronzy  buff  with 
immense  foliage. 

It  is  perhaps  a  little  injudicious  to  name  so  many,  but  after  all  there 
are  many  tastes  to  cater  for.  It  is  pleasing  to  be  able  to  record  that  the 
strong-stemmed  and  erect-flowered  type  of  plant  is  being  maintained. 
Of  the  200,000  plants  out  of  doors  it  is  yet  too  early  to  speak,  but 
judging  by  last  season  there  will  be  as  big  a  blaze  as  if  the  Old  Crook 
Log  had  caught  fire  by-and-by.  For  this,  however,  we  must  have  a  few 
lapses  from  the  120°  in  the  sun  reading,  otherwise  the  season  will  be  too 
dry  to  give  them  a  fair  chance. — W.  P,  W. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY’S  FOUR  DAYS’ 

SHOW. 

As  regards  the  above  subject,  I,  as  a  grower  and  exhibitor  of  fruit, 
entirely  concur  with  the  remarks  of  the  correspondents,  “  A  Fruit 
Grower  and  Exhibitor,”  and  “A  Midland  Counties  Fruit  Grower” 
(page  9).  A  four-days  show  may  be  some  advantage  to  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  but  I  think  the  Council  should  be  reminded 
that  it  is  a  serious  matter  for  exhibitors  to  absent  themselves  from 
home  for  nearly  a  week,  and  at  the  same  time  expose  their  employer’s 
property  to  the  parching  heat  and  dust  of  the  Agricultural  Hall  till  it 
is  completely  ruined.  During  the  past  few  weeks  I  have  heard  men 
well  qualified  to  give  an  opinion  say  that  unless  the  period  of  the  Show 
is  shortened  many  would-be  exhibitors  may  go  elsewhere,  and  this  is 
the  course  which  will  be  adopted  by — F.R.H.S. 

[Our  correspondent  is  one  of  the  best  and  most  successful  exhibitors,] 


ROYAL  BOTANIC  SOCIETY’S  EVENING  FETE. 

July  5th. 

An  evening  floral  fete  was  held  in  the  gardens  of  the  Royal  Botanic 
Society,  Regent’s  Park,  on  Wednesday,  July  5th.  Fine  weather  prevailed, 
and  the  gardens  were  brilliantly  illuminated.  Prizes  were  offered  for 
dinner  table  decorations,  groups  of  plants,  bouquets,  and  other  floral 
arrangements,  and  in  most  classes  the  exhibits  were  very  good.  Several 
exhibits  of  plants  and  flowers,  not  for  competition,  came  from  various 
nurserymen.  These  included  a  grand  collection  of  Roses  from  Messrs. 
W.  Paul  &  Sons,  and  hardy  flowers  from  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons  and 
J.  Cheal  &  Sons. 

In  the  competitive  classes  Messrs.  Osier  &  Co.,  100,  Oxford  Street,  W., 
were  awarded  the  first  prize  for  a  dinner-table  decoration,  Mr.  W.  P.  J. 
Youens,  Tower  Cottage,  Dartford,  Kent,  being  the  other  prizewinner. 
Miss  M.  V.  Seale  was  first  for  a  table  decoration  for  dessert,  the  other 
prizes  going  to  Messrs.  Osier  &  Co.,  and  Miss  M.  Gardner,  Park  House, 
St.  John’s  Wood  Park,  N.W.,  respectively.  The  last-named  exhibitor 
received  a  silver  medal  for  her  arrangement  of  a  buffet.  The  class  for 
the  decoration  of  a  supper  table  brought  forward  some  admirable  work, 
the  exquisite  use  of  Shirley  Poppies  gaining  for  Mr.  J.  R.  Chard,  Bruns¬ 
wick  Nurseries,  Stoke  Newington,  N.,  the  first  prize.  Other  successful 
competitors  were  Mrs.  Howard  White,  and  Mr.  H.  O.  Garford,  the  Floral 
Depot,  Stoke  Newington.  Mrs.  H.  0.  Garford  was  first  for  her  arrange¬ 
ment  of  an  epergne,  while  the  second  and  third  prizes  were  awarded  to 
Miss  Alice  Perkins  and  Messrs.  Osier  respectively.  The  silver  medal  for 
flowers  for  personal  adornment  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons. 
For  a  bridal  bouquet,  Messrs.  Harwood  Bros.,  Balham  Nurseries,  Balham, 
were  first  ;  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  and  Mr.  J.  Russell,  Devonshire 
Nursery,  Haverstock  Hill,  N.W.,  being  second  and  third  ;  and  for  a 
ballroom  bouquet  Messrs.  Harwood  Bros,  were  first,  Mrs.  H.  O.  Garford 
and  Miss  Minnie  Barrett  being  second  and  third  respectively. 

Mr.  H.  0.  Garford,  Messsrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  and  Mr.  R. 
Potter,  gardener  to  Sir  Mark  Collet,  Sevenoaks,  were  awarded  the  prizes 
for  a  sideboard  decoration  in  the  order  of  their  names  ;  while  in  the  use 
of  hardy  flowers  for  sideboard  ornamentation  the  successful  competitors 
were  Mrs.  M.  Gardner  and  Mrs.  E.  Sperling  of  Southend.  Mr.  R.  Scott, 
gardener  to  Miss  Foster,  The  Holme,  Regent’s  Park,  was  first  for  his 
decoration  of  a  window  ;  and  for  a  group  of  plants  in  a  recess  Mr.  W. 
Chalk,  Langworth,  Streatham  Hill,  following  in  both  classes. 


DISEASES  OF  CARNATIONS. 

Few,  if  any,  garden  plants  have  of  late  years  suffered  from  disease 
to  an  equal  extent  with  Carnations.  The  chief  ailments  are  one  caused 
by  microscopic  eelworms,  and  two  caused  by  parasitic  fungi.  One  of 
the  latter,  although  widespread  and  virulent,  has,  as  far  as  I  know, 
never  been  described  as  British  till  a  brief  notice  was  published  in 
the  Jo^irnal  of  Horticulture  on  June  15th  last,  page  480.  At  any 
rate  it  is  not  given  in  any  text  books  of  the  most  recent  date. 

A  few  weeks  ago  a  correspondent  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
sent  examples  of  “  Malmaison  ”  Carnations  infested  with  eelworms 
to  a  degree  I  had  never  seen  before.  The  stems  were  swollen,  and  in 
several  instances  the  leaves  were  spirally  twisted  as  if  writhing  in  agony. 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


35 


Attacks  of  parasitic  fnngi  commonly  cause  a  similar  twisting.  In  this 
district,  Poppies,  which  are  extremely  common  in  the  cornfields,  are 
frequently  attacked  by  a  Peronospora  (an  ally  of  the  Potato  fungus), 
and  this  attack  causes  the  flower  stems  to  become  twisted  into  inextri¬ 
cable  knots  with  the  flowers  and  seed  vessels  pointing  downwards  as 
frequently  as  upwards,  or  involved  in  the  knots  of  the  twisted  stems. 

An  example  of  a  Carnation  stem,  swollen  in  the  middle  and  with 
leaves  twisted  with  disease,  is  illustrated  in  fig.  5.  The  disease  spots 
are  white  and  semi-transparent ;  when  held  to  the  light  the  inner 
substance  of  the  leaves  is  seen  to  have  been  eaten  away.  If  a  small 
portion  of  the  leaf,  taken  from  the  neighbourhood  of  the  disease  spots, 
is  placed  under  the  microscope,  eel  worms  young  and  old,  and  male  and 
female,  with  a  vast  number  of  eggs,  will  be  seen  as  illustrated  at 
A,  B,  and  c.  In  a  diseased  Carnation  plant  these  minute  animals  exist 
apparently  in  uncountable  numbers.  The  name  of  the  eelworm  is  Tylen- 
chus  devastatrix,  KiiTin.  The  minute  transparent  eggs,  with  the  young 
coiled  up  inside,  are  shown  at  A,  and  the  young  just  emerged  from  the 
eggs  at  B,  enlarged  200  diameters.  An  adult  female  example  is 
shown  enlarged  to  100  diameters  at  C.  The  male  differs  slightly  from 
the  female,  but  for  all  practical  horticultural  purposes  the  illustration 
will  answer  for  both  sexes.  In  some  eelworms  the  sexes  differ  greatly 
from  each  other  in  general  form.  I  have  grown  Carnations  from  a 
single  diseased  plant  for  eight  years  in  succession  ;  every  season  the 
old  plants  have  been  burnt  and  new  plants  secured  from  layers 
apparently  free  from  disease,  yet  every  season  the  new  Carnation  plants 
have  swarmed  with  eelworms.  The  plants  become  equally  diseased  in 
the  open  garden  and  greenhouse.  This  fact  shows  how  necessary  it  is 
when  plants  once  become  infested  to  entirely  destroy  them,  every  frag¬ 
ment  from  a  diseased  plant  seems  to  bear  the  eggs  of  the  eelworm  (or 
Nematode)  in  its  tissues.  The  minute  animals  live  and  breed  chiefly 
inside  the  leaves,  and  the  transparent  spots  are  caused  by  the  tissues 
being  eaten  away.  The  worms  are  easily  destroyed  by  caustic  solutions, 
but  as  the  creatures  live  within  the  stem  and  leaves  it  is  almost 
impossible  to  get  at  them.  The  attack  of  eelworms  or  threadworms 
frequently  comes  from  infested  earth  or  water,  and  plants  are  at 
once  attacked  by  Nematodes  if  grown  in  earth  containing  chopped  up 
diseased  material  or  if  watered  with  water  in  which  infested  plants 
have  been  broken  up  and  introduced.  Tylenchus  devastatrix  is  common 
in  a  living  state  in  dung ;  the  animal  infests  Clover  and  Grasses,  and 
passes  in  a  living  state  and  uninjured  through  the  intestines  of  sheep, 
oxen,  horses,  and  other  animals. 

Mr.  John  J.  Willis  has  experimented  with  success  at  Harpenden  on 
infested  Clover  fields,  but  experiments  made  on  acres  of  land  seem 
hardly  applicable  to  a  limited  number  of  Carnations  in  a  flower  garden. 
Mr.  Willis,  as  reported  by  Miss  E.  A.  Ormerod,  found  that  sulphate  of 
ammonia  and  sulphate  of  potash  together  at  the  rate  of  4  cwt.  per  acre 
acted  most  effectually.  Sulphate  of  iron  at  the  rate  of  2  cwt.  per  acre 
caused  the  attack  of  Tylenchus  to  cease,  but  half  this  amount  did  not 
entirely  check  the  attack.  Infested  earth  can  be  successfully  treated 
with  gas  lime — see  the  leaflet  by  the  late  Dr.  Aug.  Voelcker  on  “  Com¬ 
position  and  Uses  of  Gas  Lime,”  published  by  the  Royal  Agricultural 
Society  of  England.  For  other  methods  of  treatment  see  the  number 
of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  already  quoted.  This  disease  was  first 
noticed  in  this  country  in  the  autumn  of  1881,  and  an  illustration 
and  description  was  published  in  the  “  Gardeners’  Chronicle  ”  for 
December  3rd,  1881. 

The  disease  caused  by  a  parasite  fungus  named  Helminthosporium 
echinulatum,  H.,  has  been  known  since  1870,  when  a  description  and 
small  illustration  was  publishsd  in  the  “  Gardeners’  Chronicle  ”  for 
March  19th,  of  that  year.  It  was  again  illustrated  in  greater  detail  in  the 
same  journal  for  August  2l8t,  1886.  A  fragment  of  a  Carnation  leaf 
attacked  by  the  Helminthosporium  (a  brown  fungus  mould),  is  illustrated 
natural  size  at  D  (fig.  6).  It  will  be  observed  that  the  fungus  grows  on 
both  sides  of  the  leaf  in  a  concentric  fashion;  a  minute  spot  first 
appears,  next  a  ring  round  that  spot,  then  a  larger  ring,  one  outside  the 
other,  till  in  bad  cases  the  rings  become  confluent  and  the  foliage  is  soon 
utterly  destroyed.  The  fungus  in  a  fruiting  state  is  superficial,  but  the 
mycelium,  or  spawn  from  which  the  fungus  arises,  is  partially  within  the 
membranes  of  the  leaf.  The  parasite,  of  course,  lives  by  abstracting  and 
living  upon  the  vital  juices  of  the  host  plant.  The  fungus  itself  as  seen 
under  the  microscope  and  enlarged  300  diameters  is  shown  at  E.  It  bears 
a  vast  number  of  jointed  spores  ;  at  first  these  spores  are  simple  or  with¬ 
out  joints,  but  at  length  each  spore  becomes  divided  into  from  two  to 
six  parts,  the  spores  are  faintly  brown  in  colour  and  covered  with 
almost  invisibly  minute  spines.  At  maturity  the  spores  break  to 
pieces  at  the  joints,  and  every  fragment  is  capable  of  reproducing 
the  disease.  These  fragments  are  doubtlessly  carried  in  the  air  in 
millions,  and  many  probably  hibernate  in  the  open  ground  through  the 
winter.  They  certainly  hibernate  in  greenhouses,  Sometimes  this 
Helminthosporium  infests  Sweet  vv  illiams,  and  a  fungus  not  to  be  dis¬ 
tinguished  from  the  Carnation  fungus  frequently  grows  on  Ornitho- 
galum  and  perhaps  other  plants.  The  parasite  is  a  close  ally  of  the 
fungus  which  causes  the  worst  form  of  Tomato  disease.  Hand-picking 
of  diseased  leaves  has  been  recommended  as  a  remedy.  As  the  parasite 
lives  partly  within  the  leaf  it  is  most  difficult  to  get  at,  although  spray¬ 
ing  with  a  fungicide  might  stop  its  growth;  the  safer  and  more  effectual 
Potato  fungus  solutions  might  also  be  tried.  The  almost  unlimited 
power  of  spore  production  in  the  Helminthosporium  makes  its  position 
almost  unassailable. 

The  third  parasite  illustrated  at  P  is  as  destructive  as  the  other  two. 
The  fungus  which  causes  the  mischief  is  known  as  Uromyces 


caryophyllinus,  Schreet,  It  is  illustrated  natural  size  at  F.  I  have 
known  it  and  its  effects  for  many  years,  but  I  think  this  is  the  first  time 
it  has  been  illustrated  in  this  country.  The  fungus  is  an  ally  of  the 
Hollyhock  fungus  and  the  red  rust  of  corn.  It  grows  wholly  within  the 
leaf,  which  it  distorts,  and  it  ultimately  bursts  the  membrane  of  both 
sides  for  the  emission  of  the  spores.  A  small  fragment  of  a  Carnation 
leaf  attacked  by  Uromyces  is  shown  in  section  at  G,  enlarged  50  diameters 
to  show  the  spore  pustules  rupturing  the  leaf  membranes  above  and 
below.  Two  sets  of  spores  are  produced.  The  spores  illustrated  at 
H,  enlarged  300  diameters,  are  called  Uredo  spores,  these  are  orange  in 
colour  and  covered  with  minute  spines,  they  are  produced  in  inconceiv¬ 
able  numbeis  and  quickly  germinate  upon  Carnation  leaves.  The  germ- 
tubes  from  the  spores  gain  access  to  the  interior  of  the  leaves  by  the 
stomata  and  then  quickly  form  new  pustules.  This  process  is  repeated 
till  in  bad  cases  all  the  foliage  is  involved  in  disease.  Towards  the  end 
of  the  flowering  season  resting  spores  are  formed  as  illustrated  at  i, 
enlarged  300  diameters.  These  resting  spores  are  somewhat  darker  in 
colour  than  the  Hredo  spores  ;  they  are  furnished  with  a  much  thicker 


FIG.  6. — CAENATION  FOLIAGE  ATTACKED  BY  HELMINTHOSPOEIUM  (D) 

AND  UEOMYCES  (F). 


membrane  or  skin,  and  are  smooth.  The  resting  spores  hil^rnate 
through  the  winter  in  dead  Carnation  refuse,  and  germinate  in  this 
decaying  material  in  or  on  the  ground  in  the  spring,  at  which  time  they 
make  their  attack  on  previously  unaffected  Carnations.  In  greenhouses 
the  fungus  grows  continuously  all  through  the  winter  by  its  Uredo 
spores ;  it  however  frequently  produces  resting  spores  in  the  same 
pustules  with  the  Uredo  spores.  This  latter  fact  shows  how  necessary 
it  is  to  burn  or  deeply  bury  all  disease-infected  garden  material. 
Uromyces  caryophyllinus  is  not  confined  to  the  Carnation — Dianthus 
Caryophyllus,  but  occurs  on  D.  supeibus  and  D.  prolifer. 

As  this  fungus  grows  entirely  within  the  plant  attacked,  it  is 
obviously  most  difficult  to  reach  either  by  sponging  or  spraying.  It  is 
reported  that  the  ravages  of  the  Potato  fungus  as  well  as  of  other  fungi 
whose  habit  is  to  grow  within  the  tissues  of  the  host  plant  have  been 
checked  by  spraying  :  if  the  reports  are  correct  similar  good  results 
might  follow  the  spraying  of  diseased  Carnations.  If  diseased  and 
dying  plants  cannot  be  saved,  disease  can  be  prevented  from  spreading 
by  clean  gardening,  plenty  of  air  in  greenhouses,  and  the  destruction  of 
all  tainted  material.  If  a  plant  attacked  by  Uromyces  is  placed  in  a 
greenhouse  the  disease  will  at  once  spread  with  terrible  rapidity  to 
other  plants  in  the  house.  Mr.  Mai  tin  K.  Smith  informs  me  that  this 
fungus  seems  powerless  w’ith  him  out  of  doors,  and  that  varieties  v/ith 
exceptionally  blue  foliage  resist  its  attacks.  Mr.  Smith  says  that 


86 


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[  July  13,  1893. 


CJojidy’s  fluid  kills  the  fungus,  and  that  two  applications  with  the  syringe 
or  sponge  are  generally  successful.  Permanganate  of  potassium  in 
water,  which  is  of  the  same  nature  with  Condy’s  fluid,  is  a  very  cheap 
material,  and  has  often  been  used  with  good  effect  as  a  remedy  for  plant 
diseases. 

A  few  other  fungi  sometimes  spread  to  Carnations  from  Lychnis  and 
other  genera  of  the  Caryophyllacem,  hut  the  two  here  described  are  the 
chief  depredators.  Carnations  too  are  frequently  attacked  by  the 
larvae  of  insects. — Wobthington  G.  Smith,  BunstaUe. 


SUNNINGDALE  PARK. 

The  village  of  Sunningdale  is  a  charming  place,  the  air  being  fresh 
and  pure,  not  affected  by  the  smokes  of  London,  despite  the  fact 
that  it  is  very  little  over  twenty  miles  from  the  metropolis.  On  the 
occasion  of  a  recent  visit  to  the  neighbourhood  I  was  struck  with  the 
healthy  green  foliage  of  the  trees,  and  this  after  such  a  long  drought. 
I  called  at  Sunningdale  Park,  the  beautiful  seat  of  Major  Joicey,  and 
asked  for  the  permission  to  view  the  gardens.  This  request  was  readily 
accorded  by  the  skilful  and  courteous  gardener,  Mr.  T.  J.  Thorne. 

Before  going  to  the  gardens  we  walked  round  the  park,  and  here  it 
was  observed  that  many  alterations  were  being  carried  out.  Huge 
mounds  had  been  gradually  carted  away  to  be  deposited  where  it  was 
thought  the  natural  beauty  of  the  place  would  be  enhanced  thereby. 
The  improvements  thus  effected  are  most  marked  now,  though  they  are 
as  yet  only  in  their  infancy,  and  when  the  whole  is  finished  there  will 
be  many  splendid  views  through  the  trees.  In  front  of  the  mansion  a 
lake  has  been  formed,  and  with  the  addition  of  a  small  waterfall  it  will 
be  one  of  the  most  charming  spots  on  the  estate.  Rhododendrons 
form  an  attractive  feature,  for  thousands  have  been  planted,  and 
though  at  the  time  of  my  visit  the  best  of  the  blooms  were  gone,  some 
perfect  trusses  of  beautifully  coloured  fiowers  were  still  to  be  seen. 
And  how  well  the  plants  all  looked  1  Many  of  them  have  only  been 
planted  for  seven  months,  and  the  majority  between  one  and  two 
years  ;  but  even  the  most  recently  planted  ones  have  made  wonderful 
growth,  and  the  young  foliage  presents  a  healthy  green  appearance. 
They  are  planted  in  a  loamy  soil  with  an  admixture  of  peat,  such  as 
can  be  obtained  from  the  woods  on  the  estate,  and  farmyard  manure, 
and  they  revel  in  it.  What  a  magnificent  display  they  will  make  a 
few  years  hence  ! 

The  principal  drive  to  the  mansion,  lined  on  each  side  with  hardy 
evergreen  shrubs,  including  many  of  the  best  Rhododendrons,  is 
splendidly  lit  with  the  electric  light,  as  also  is  the  house  itself.  When 
the  shrubs  were  in  flower  it  must  have  looked  grand  either  in  the  day¬ 
time  or  at  night,  when  the  soft  mellow  light  from  the  electric  lamps 
was  diffused  around  and  over  them.  The  engineer  very  kindly  allowed 
me  to  look  at  the  machinery  and  engines  by  which  the  place  is  lighted  ; 
and  the  cleanliness  which  pervaded  the  whole  place  was  most  noticeable. 
From  here  we  journeyed  to  the  lawns,  which  are  extensive,  and  amongst 
the  finest  I  have  seen  this  season  ;  when  at  the  lower  part  a  charming 
view  of  a  corner  of  the  mansion  is  afforded  by  breaks  in  the  trees  and 
over  mounds  of  green  turf. 

Equally  at  home  in  the  fruit  and  kitchen  gardens  as  in  the  park  and 
pleasure  grounds  is  Mr,  Tho]  ne,  for  they  are  all  splendidly  kept.  Perhaps 
the  most  striking  feature  in  the  fruit  garden  is  the  extraordinary  number 
of  Strawberries.  Noble  is  planted  in  abundance,  as  also  is  John  Ruskin, 
and  both  were  carrying  superb  crops  oi  their  delicious  fruits  at  the  time 
of  my  visit.  President  and  Dr.  Hogg  were  producing  abundance  of 
fruit,  which  ripens  when  the  two  first  named  have  long  been  over. 
Gooseberries,  Raspbeiries,  and  Currants  are  bearing  heavily.  Pears  are 
fair  and  Apples  light,  the  fruit,  owing  to  the  long-continued  drought, 
not  having  set  well.  In  the  houses,  some  new  ranges  of  which  have 
been  erected  recently,  everything  bears  the  stamp  of  health.  Peaches 
are  looking  particularly  well,  there  being  an  abundant  supply  of  both  ripe 
and  unripe  fruits.  Size  does  not  appear  to  be  a  desideratum  either  with 
these  or  Grapes,  a  number  of  medium  sized  fruits  and  bunches  being  the 
object  in  view.  Early  Dagmar  Peach  is  grown  for  early  use,  it  being  a 
good  cropper  and  of  very  fine  flavour.  A  number  of  Pines  plunged  in 
a  bed  of  leaves  in  a  house  in  which  Crotons  are  grown  look  well.  Many 
of  the  plants  are  carrying  grand  fruits,  some  of  which  were  almost  ripe 
while  others  were  still  in  the  green  state.  One  of  the  finest  fruits  was 
on  a  plant  of  Charlotte  Rothschild  and  another  on  the  Queen.  In  the 
kitehen  garden  some  rows  of  Exonian  Pea  are  very  prominent.  The 
crop  is  a  very  heavy  one  and  the  pods  of  good  size  and  remarkably  well 
filled.  In  height  Exonian  grows  from  3  to  4  feet,  and  is  the  best  early 
Pea  I  have  seen  this  season.  Chelsea  Gem  is  also  largely  grown,  but 
the  one  previously  named  is  decidedly  earlier. 

The  ranges  of  houses  devoted  to  floriculture  and  the  flower  garden 
look  bright  and  clean.  In  the  latter  Roses  form  the  chief  attraction, 
and  are  a  source  of  never  ending  pleasure  to  all  who  love  flowers.  There 
are  no  formal-looking  beds,  they  are  not  appreciated  ;  everything  is 
planted  so  that  Nature  may  lend  her  aid  in  intensifying  the  charms  of 
the  plants.  The  houses,  of  which  several  have  been  recently  erected, 
are  splendidly  built  and  well  furnished  with  flowering  and  foliage  plants. 
A  brilliant  scarlet  Carnation,  the  flowers  of  which  combine  perfect 
form  with  grand  substance,  was  very  noticeable.  It  is  a  seedling  of  Mr. 
Thorne’s  raising,  and  has  been  named  by  him  “  Mrs.  Joicey.”  Orchids, 
too,  are  a  feature  here,  as  mentioned  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for 
June  22nd,  page  495.  When  the  houses  it  is  proposed  to  build  are 
finished,  and  the  alterations  in  the  park  and  gardens  carried  out,  Sun¬ 
ningdale  Park  will  be  a  grand  estate. — W. 


NATIONAL  CARNATION  AND  PICOTEE  SOCIETY. 

(SoHTHEEN  Section.) 

Ip  the  Southern  Show  of  the  National  Carnation  Society  is  early 
this  year  it  was  by  no  means  the  failure  that  some  easily  frightened 
people  anticipated.  True,  some  growers  were  unable  to  poll  their  usual 
strength,  Mr.  Sydenham,  for  example  ;  but  most  of  the  leading  ex¬ 
hibitors  staged  extremely  well,  and  the  Show  as  a  whole  was  an  excellent 
one. 

There  were  three  stands  of  twenty-four  Carnations,  and  after  a  good 
struggle  between  Messrs.  Douglas  (gardener  to  Mrs.  Wbitbourn)  and 
Turner,  the  former  was  placed  first.  Both  had  very  good  stands.  Mr. 
Douglas’s  flowers  were  as  follows — Back  row  :  Tim  Bobbin  (2),  Charles 
Henwood  (2),  S.  Adams,  Lady  Mary  Currie,  and  two  seedlings.  Middle 
row  ;  Miss  Constance  Grahame,  Harmony,  Agricola  (2),  Arthur  Med- 
hurst,  and  three  seedlings.  Front  row  :  Mrs.  Douglas,  Edward 
Rowan  (2),  Miss  Constance  Grahame,  Robert  Lord,  and  three  seedlings. 
Of  Mr.  Turner’s  smooth,  fresh  collection  Charles  Henwood,  Harmony, 
Dr.  Hogg,  and  Lord  Lewisham  were  some  of  the  best  flowers.  Mr. 
Hooper  of  Bath  was  third.  Mr.  Martin  Rowan,  3G,  Manor  Street, 
Clapham,  won  with  twelve.  His  flowers  were  somewhat  thin  and  flat, 
the  varieties  being  Robert  Houlgrave,  George  Melville,  J.  S.  Hedderley, 
Alfred  (2),  J.  D.  Hextall,  Joe  Edwards,  John  Buxton,  Gordon  Lewis, 
Sportsman,  Edward  Rowan,  and  Rob  Roy.  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown,  Hands- 
worth,  Birmingham,  was  second — not  far  in  the  rear.  His  flowers  were 
larger  than  those  of  Mr.  Rowan,  but  one  or  two  had  fallen  and  weakened 
the  stand.  Mr.  Chaundy,  New  Marston,  Oxford,  was  third  ;  Messrs. 
Thomson  &  Co.  fourth  ;  Mr.  R.  Sydenham,  Birmingham,  fifth  ;  Mr. 
Chas.  Phillips,  18,  Hamilton  Road,  Reading,  sixth ;  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame, 
seventh  ;  and  Mr.  Thomas  Antiss,  Brill,  eighth.  There  were  four  stands 
of  six,  Mr.  J.  J.  Keen,  Southampton,  being  first  with  Squire  Potts, 
James  Douglas,  Alisemond,  C.  H.  Herbert,  Robert  Houlgrave,  and  John 
Keet.  It  was  not  a  good  stand,  C.  H.  Herbert  and  Robert  Houlgrave 
being  anything  but  first  rate.  Mr.  A.  Greenfield,  Sutton,  was  second  ; 
Mr.  A.  J.  Sanders,  gardener  to  Viscountess  Chewton,  third  ;  and  Mr. 
Nutt,  Southampton,  fourth. 

There  were  three  stands  of  twenty-four  Picotees,  Mr.  Turner  being 
first,  Mr.  Douglas  second,  and  Mr.  Hooper  third.  The  Slough  grower 
had  a  fairly  good  stand,  the  varieties  being  (back  row)  Lady  Catherine 
Gordon,  Esther  (2),  Favourite  (2),  Little  Phil  (2),  and  Brunette.  (Middle, 
row)  Sylvia,  Mrs.  Sam  Beal  (2),  Brunette,  Lady  Ponsonby,  Dr.  Epps, 
Mrs.  Tweedale,  and  Zerlina  ;  (front  row).  Dr.  Epps,  John  Archer,  Made¬ 
line  (2),  Morna  (2),  Lady  Holmesdale,  and  Mrs.  Tweedale.  Mr.  Douglas 
had  good  blooms  of  Jessie,  Ganymede,  and  Mrs.  Sharp,  but,  as  a  whole,  the 
flowers  were  a  little  thin.  The  first  of  the  nine  stands  of  twelve  was  that 
from  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.,  their  flowers  being  very  bright,  clean,  and 
fresh.  The  varieties  were  Mrs.  Sharp,  Little  Phil,  Brunette,  Zerlina, 
Favourite,  Amy  Robsart,  Campanini,  John  Smith,  Dr.  Huxley,  J.  Wil¬ 
liams,  and  Mrs.  Burnett.  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  was  second  with  thin  but 
clean  flowers,  Mr.  Rowan  third,  Mr.  Chaundy  fourth,  Mr.  Phillips  fifth, 
Mr.  Sydenham  sixth,  Mr.  Walker  seventh,  and  Mr.  Sanders  eighth. 
There  were  seven  stands  of  six,  Mr.  Jones  winning  with  a  beautiful 
box  made  up  of  Little  Phil,  Norman  Carr,  Clara  Pearson,  Mrs.  Payne, 
Campanini,  and  Brunette.  These  were  all  good  flowers.  Little  Phil 
being  very  fine.  Mr.  J.  P.  Sharp  was  second  with  somewhat  rough 
flowers,  Mr.  Greenfield  third,  Mr.  Ribbick  fourth,  Mr.  Keen  fifth,  Mr. 
Jordan  sixth,  and  Mr.  J.  Gilbert,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  L.  R.  Flood, 
seventh. 

Fellow  grounds  w'ere  quite  as  great  a  feature  as  the  whites.  Mr. 
Chas.  Blick,  gardener  to  Martin  R.  Smith,  Esq.,  Beckenham,  had  a 
splendid  stand  of  twelve,  consisting  of  Dorothy,  Madame  John  Denary, 
Almira,  Lohengrin,  Annie  Douglas,  Mrs.  R.  Sydenham,  Chrysolora, 
Countess  of  Jersey,  Remembrance,  Stadtrath  Bail,  Cowslip,  and  Optimus 
in  beautiful  order.  Mr.  Turner  was  second,  also  with  a  charming  box, 
Annie  Douglas,  Almira,  and  Mrs.  R.  Sydenham  being  particularly 
noticeable.  Mr.  Douglas  was  third,  Mr.  Phillips  fourth,  Messrs. 
Thomson  &  Co.  fifth,  Mr.  Chaundy  sixth,  and  Mr.  Anstiss  seventh. 
There  were  thirteen  stands  of  six,  and  they  formed  a  lovely  display. 
Mr.  Jones  won  with  Stadtrath  Bail  (a  grand  bloom),  Lord  Rendlesham, 
Victory,  Almira,  Mrs.Robt.  Sydenham,  and  Atalanta,  a  splendid  stand. 
Mr.  Brown  was  second,  Mr.  Sydenham  third,  Mr.  Chas.  Harden  fourth, 
Mr.  Hooper  and  Mr.  Nutt  equal  fifth,  Mr.  Keen  sixth,  and  Mr.  Henwood 
seventh. 

The  Selfs  and  Fancies  were  also  a  lovely  display.  Mr.  Turner  had 
a  grand  stand  of  twenty-four,  the  flowers  being  well  filled  and  in 
beautiful  colour.  The  back  row  blooms  were  Janira,  Germania  (2), 
King  of  Scarlets  (2),  and  Romulus.  Second  row  :  Schlieben,  Gladys, 
Terra  Cotta,  Mr.  Murray,  The  Governor,  and  Stadtrath  Bail.  Third 
row  :  Mrs.  Laing,  Dorothy,  Mrs.  Fred.  Romulus,  Ruby,  and  Rose  Unique. 
Front  row  :  Gladys,  Rose  Unique,  Mrs.  Wilson,  White  Lady,  Duchess  of 
Sutherland,  and  Edith  Wynne.  Mr.  Douglas  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr. 
Blick  third,  and  Mr.  Hooper  fourth.  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  won  with 
twelve,  his  varieties  being  Firefly,  Attraction,  King  of  Purples,  Germania, 
F.  Phillips,  Mrs.  Reynolds  Hole,  Mrs.  Fred  Gilbert,  Celson’s  Santazza, 
and  two  seedlings.  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  was  second  with  a  very  clean 
bright  stand,  Mr.  Phillips  third,  Mr.  Chundy  fourth,  Mr.  Walker  fifth, 
Mr.  Rowan  sixth,  and  Mr.  Harden  seventh.  Mr.  Harden  won  with 
Dodwell’s  1G7,  Victory,  Favourite,  Mdme.  Van  Houtte,  Harmony,  and 
Lady  Mary  Currie  in  the  class  for  six  Carnations  and  Picotees  ;  and  of 
the  seven  stands  of  six  Selfs  and  Fancies  Mr.  Jones  won  with  Norman 
Carr,  Almira,  Stadtrath  Bail,  Lord  Rendlesham,  Germania  and  Gladys, 
all  good  flowers.  Mr.  J.  F.  Kew,  Southend,  was  second  with  large 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


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flowers,  Mr.  Jordan  third,  Mr,  Henwood  fourth,  Mr.  Nutt  fifth,  Mr. 
Eebbeck  sixth,  and  Mr.  Spurling  seventh. 

The  following  were  the  awards  for  single  blooms.  Scarlet  bizarres. — 
Mr.  Rowan  first  and  fifth  with  Robt.  Houlgrave,  Mr.  Douglas  second 
with  a  seedling,  Mr.  Sydenham  third  with  Robt.  Lord,  and  Messrs. 
Thomson  &  Co.  fourth  with  C.  H.  Herbert.  Crimson  bizarres. — Mr. 
Sydenham  first  with  Master  Fred  and  fifth  with  Lord  Salisbury,  Mr. 
Douglas  third  with  Tim  Bobbin,  Mr.  Rowan  third  with  Jessica,  and  Mr. 
Phillips  fourth  with  John  Harland.  Pink  and  purple  bizarres. — Mr. 
Douglas  was  first  with  Reliance,  Mr.  Greenfield  second  with  W.  Skirving, 
Mr.  Rowan  third  and  Mr.  Brown  fourth  with  the  same  variety,  the 
latter  fifth  with  Mrs.  Barlow.  Scarlet  flake. — Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co, 
first  with  J.  P.  Sharp,  Mr,  Rowan  second  and  fourth  with  Sportsman, 
Mr.  Phillips  third  with  the  same  variety  ;  and  Mr.  Brown  fifth  with  Mr. 
Gordon.  Purple  flake. — Mr.  Turner  first  with  Charles  Henwood,  Mr. 
Rowan  second  with  Gordon  Lewis,  Mr.  Douglas  third  and  fourth  with 
Mrs,  Douglas,  Mr.  Brown  fifth  with  Billy  Henderson.  Rose  flake. — Mr. 
Rowan  first  with  Rob  Roy,  and  fourth  with  Crista  Galli,  Mr.  Chaundy 
second  and  third  with  Rob  Roy,  Mr.  Brown  fifth  with  Mr.  Cooling. 
Heavy  red  edge  Picotees. — Mr.  Turner  first  with  Morna,  Mr.  Brown 
second  with  Brunette,  Mr.  Phillips  third  and  fourth  with  Morna,  Mr. 
Douglas  fifth  with  Ganymede.  Light  red  edge. — Mr.  Jones  first 
with  Mrs.  Gorton  and  third  with  Thomas  William,  Mr.  Rowan 
second  with  Mrs.  Gorton,  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co,  fourth  and 
Mr.  Brown  fifth  with  Thomas  William,  Heavy  purple  edge. — 
Mr,  Keen  first  with  Amy  Robsart,  Mr.  Jones  second  with  the  same 
variety  and  fourth  with  Muriel,  Mr.  Rowan  third  with  Muriel  and  fifth 
with  Amy  Robsart.  Light  purple  edge. — Mr.  Rowan  first  with  Mary, 
Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  second  with  Edith,  Mr.  Brown  third  with  Pride 
of  Leyton,  Mr,  Douglas  fourth  with  Ann  Lord,  Mr.  Keen  fifth  with 
Pride  of  Leyton.  Heavy  rose  edge. — Mr.  Jones  first  with  Campanini 
and  third  with  Mrs.  Payne,  Mr.  Turner  second  with  Little  Phil,  Mr. 
Rowan  fourth  with  Little  Phil,  and  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  fifth  with 
Mrs.  Burnett.  Light  rose  edge. — Mr,  Brown  first  and  third  with  Mrs. 
Ricardo,  Mr.  Phillips  second  with  Ethel  and  fourth  with  a  seedling,  Mr. 
Keen  fifth  with  Ethel.  Heavy  scarlet  edge. — Mr.  Jones  first  with  Mrs. 
Sharp,  Messrs,  Thomson  &  Co.  second  with  the  same  variety,  Mr.  Keen 
fourth  with  Mrs.  Sharp,  and  Mr.  Douglas  fifth  with  the  same  variety. 
There  was  no  name  with  the  third  prize  flower.  Light  scarlet  edge. — 
Mr.  Jones  first  with  Favourite,  Mr.  Turner  second,  Mr.  Brown  third,  and 
Mr.  Keen  fifth  with  the  same  variety,  Mr.  Douglas  fourth  with  a  seed¬ 
ling.  Yellow  grounds. — Mr.  Jones  first,  Mr.  Phillips  third,  and  Mr. 
Douglas  fourth  with  Mrs.  Robt.  Sydenham,  Mr.  Turner  fifth  with 
Countess  of  Jersey.  The  second  prize  bloom  was  also  Mrs.  R.  Sydenham, 
but  the  name  of  the  prizewinner  was  missing. 

The  border  Carnations  were  much  admired  by  all  visitors.  Mr, 
Martin  Smith  had  a  most  beautiful  collection  not  for  competition,  to 
which  a  silver  Flora  medal  was  adjudged.  In  the  competition  for  nine 
varieties  Mr.  Douglas  won,  but  his  flowers  were  not  named  ;  Mr.  Hooper 
was  second  ;  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  Stamford,  third  ; 
and  Mr,  John  Walker,  Thame,  fourth.  Mr.  Douglas  was  also  victorious 
with  six,  Messrs.  Walker,  Thomson  &  Co.,  Divers,  and  Hooper  taking  the 
other  prizes.  Mr.  Sage  won  the  first  of  Mr.  Martin  Smith’s  prizes  for 
twelve  trusses,  Mr.  B.  C.  Goble  the  second,  Mr,  Douglas  the  third,  Mr. 
Divers  the  fourth,  and  Mr.  Barton  the  fifth.  The  prizes  for  buttonholes 
went  to  Messrs.  Douglas,  Thomson  &  Co.,  Walker,  and  Goble  in  the  order 
of  their  names  ;  for  vases  to  Messrs.  Douglas,  Goble,  and  Thomson  ;  for 
sprays  to  Messrs.  Thomson,  Walker,  Goble,  and  Douglas.  Messrs, 
Douglas  and  Turner  were  first  and  second  with  pot  plants. 

Mr.  T.  S.  Ware  had  a  beautiful  display  of  Carnations  not  for  com¬ 
petition,  and  was  awarded  a  silver  Banksian  medal. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

DISS. — July  4th. 

For  five  years  in  succession  this  small  but  vigorous  Society  has 
suffered  from  wet  days  on  the  date  chosen  for  the  Rose  Show,  but  the 
weather  was  this  year  most  propitious  for  the  occasion  ;  and,  much  as 
the  country  requires  rain,  everyone  at  Diss  must  have  been  glad  that  at 
last,  just  for  once,  “  Flower  Show  ”  ceased  to  be  synonymous  with 
“  Shower  Flow.”  The  Exhibition  was  held  at  Hall  Hills,  the  residence 
of  Mrs,  Downton,  and  Roses  of  course  were  weak,  as  they  are  throughout 
the  country  ;  but  the  Show  on  the  whole  was  a  good  one. 

For  thirty-six  (open)  Mr.  F.  Cant  was  first,  having  good  examples  of 
Mrs.  John  Laing  and  The  Bride.  D.  Prior  &  Son  were  second,  including 
a  specimen  of  Black  Prince,  which  has  been  good  this  year.  In  the  class 
for  twenty-four  , (amateurs)  a  capital  set-to  took  place  for  the  Frere 
Memorial  challenge  cup  between  the  old  rivals,  the  Rectors  of  Harkstead 
and  Sproughton.  Rev.  A.  Foster-Melliar  had  a  clear  lead,  and  retained 
the  cup  for  the  third  year  in  succession.  Lord  Macaulay,  Mrs.  John 
Laing,  and  Marie  Baumann  being  among  his  best ;  but  Rev.  H.  A. 
Berner’s  gardener  was  decidedly  a  good  second,  having  a  fine  light 
coloured  Horace  Vernet  and  a  beautiful  John  Bright.  This  bloom  won 
the  N.R.S.  medal  as  the  best  H.P.,  but  though  lovely  in  colour  it  was 
badly  divided,  and  a  Le  Havre  in  the  same  box  would  perhaps  have 
better  merited  the  distinction.  Rev,  F.  Page  Roberts  was  third,  showing 
Comte  Raimbaud  well. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  Roses  Mr.  Berners  was  first,  and  Mr.  Page 
Roberts  second.  With  twelve  Teas  Mr.  Foster-Melliar  was  first,  showing 
Catherine  Mermet  and  Marie  Van  Houtte  well.  In  this  box  and  in 


his  twenty-four  were  blooms  which  had  been  shown  at  the  Crystal 
Palace.  Mr.  Berners  was  second,  showing  a  very  clean  Madame  Hoste, 
which  gained  the  medal  as  best  Tea,  and  a  fine  Innocente  Pirola,  In  the 
two  local  classes  Mr.  Hammond  of  Eye  won,  showing  stands  of  con¬ 
siderable  promise. 

The  herbaceous  plant  classes  are  fast  becoming  one  of  the  features  at 
Diss  Show.  It  is  very  noticeable  how  the  good  example  of  Mr.  Page 
Roberts,  the  Hon.  Secretary,  has  caused  these  flowers  to  be  taken  up  in 
the  neighbourhood.  Diss  is  but  a  small  place,  yet  there  were  here  four 
classes  for  thirty-six,  twenty-four,  eighteen,  and  twelve,  and  each  of 
them  was  well  filled  by  amateurs  alone.  Rev.  Page  Roberts,  Mr. 
J.  Tudor  Frere,  Mrs.  Norris,  Mr.  J,  C.  Collins,  and  Rev.  C.  James  were 
the  principal  winners,  the  latter  obtaining  the  silver  medal  for  excellence 
of  cultivation.  Neither  Norwich  nor  Ipswich,  shows  of  more  than  double 
the  size,  had  such  a  grand  or  interesting  display  of  herbaceous  plants. 

Vegetables  were  good,  especially  the  collections  shown  for  the  prizes 
offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons.  Seven  groups  of  plants  were  shown, 
the  first  prize  going  to  Mr.  F.  Taylor,  M.P.  Six  dinner  tables  were 
decorated  by  ladies  in  competition,  Shirley  Poppies  and  Grasses  winning 
as  they  always  will. 

BROCKHAM,— July  4th. 

Rose  growers  will  not  easily  forget  the  season  of  1893.  If  anything 
can  make  a  gardener  morose  it  is  a  prolonged  drought.  The  Brockham 
Rose  Show  was  fixed  for  July  4th.  It  was  seen  long  before  that  this  was 
much  too  late.  But  shows  cannot  easily  be  shifted,  and  in  this  case  a 
change  was  not  possible.  The  twenty-ninth  Show  was  held  at  Denbies, 
the  seat  of  Lord  and  Lady  Ashcombe,  on  July  4th,  and  it  was  the  first 
appearance  in  that  widely  known  and  most  beautiful  place.  The  tent 
supplied  by  Messrs.  Kendall  of  Dorking  was  pitched  on  the  lawn  near 
the  house,  close  by  the  Beech  Walk  and  surrounded  by  trees  of  exceeding 
beauty.  Everything  that  could  be  done  to  help  the  Show  had  been 
done  by  Lord  Ashcombe,  and  his  courteous  and  most  obliging  gardener, 
Mr.  Beesley. 

It  would  not  be  possible,  within  the  limit  allowed  for  this  article,  to 
give  a  full  account  of  the  beauties  of  Denbies.  When  once  you  have 
reached  the  top  of  the  hill  on  which  the  house  stands,  you  forget  the 
past  and  give  yourself  up  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  all  that  can  be 
seen,  which  implies  the  grandest  of  Surrey  scenery,  and  the  most 
extensive  views  of  the  ranges  of  hills  near  and  far,  with  the  town  of 
Dorking,  picturesque,  compact,  and  well  to  do,  lying  at  your  feet.  To 
enjoy  this  thoroughly  you  should  go  to  the  roof  of  the  house  and  look 
down  upon  it,  as  we,  the  Committee  and  the  Judges,  were  invited  to  do  by 
Lord  Ashcombe  who  personally  conducted  us.  And  one  of  the  first  things 
you  would  notice  would  probably  be  the  dozen  or  so  lightning  conductors 
of  the  approved  type,  one  being  attached  to  each  chimney.  It  certainly 
is  a  very  wide  area,  but  seldom,  if  ever,  would  be  seen  such  a  pro¬ 
vision  against  lightning. 

On  descending,  an  inspection  of  the  greenhouses  (one  can  walk 
under  glass  for  more  than  600  yards)  and  gardens  was  made.  In  the 
former  all  the  plants  looked  the  picture  of  health,  and  plants  both  new 
and  old  were  in  great  profusion.  Bignonia  Tueri  was  very  conspicuous, 
one  plant  blooming  at  the  ridge  of  the  high  conservatory,  another  plant 
with  hundreds  of  blooms  rambling  at  great  length  within  reach. 
Bignonia  jasminoides  was  in  very  vigorous  condition.  Grevillea  robusta 
grown  as  a  creeper  20  feet  high,  was  somewhat  a  curiosity  ;  the  Japan 
Medlar,  Limes,  Lemons,  Tree  Tomatoes  (like  an  Egg  Plant),  Daturas, 
Ganna  Ehmani  (grand  flower),  Eucryphia  pinnatifolia  (like  a  wild 
Rose),  Erythrina  crista-galli  (called  the  Coral  Tree)  with  a  deep 
crimson  lobster  looking  bloom  (this  was  in  the  open  under  cover  of  the 
wall).  Fuchsia  fulgens  and  Salvia  patens  left  out  in  the  open  all  the 
winter,  and  great  numbers  of  climbing  Begonias,  Fuchsias,  with  many 
other  plants  made  these  conservatories  an  horticultural  treat. 

In  the  outside  garden  mention  only  can  be  made  of  Torreya  myristica 
(like  a  Yew),  Abies  pungens  glauca  (the  gift  of  Mr.  Appleby  and 
planted  in  honour  of  Lord  Ashcombe’s  promotion  to  the  peerage), 
beds  of  Golden  Thujas,  Japanese  Maples  (Acers),  Himalayan  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons  (that  had  not  stood  the  drought  well),  a  fine  weeping  Lime 
Tree,  a  Himalayan  Larch  raised  from  seed  given  by  Sir  W.  Hooker, 
Fern-leaved  Beech,  Sequoia,  Abies  grandis,  Picea  Lasiocarpa,  P.  Pindrow, 
and  a  fine  Cryptomeria  japonica,  40  high  at  least  though  planted  in 
1857,  and  a  good  specimen  of  Prunus  Pissardi,  and  mention  must  also 
be  made  of  the  fact  that  over-ripe  specimens  of  Beurrd  Gifford  Pears 
were  growing  on  the  walls,  although  July  had  only  just  opened. 

Entering  the  exhibition  tent  the  visitor  would  be  led  to  exclaim, 
“  What  a  splendid  show  !  ”  and  so  indeed  it  was.  But  an  explanation  is 
called  for. "  The  splendour  was  greatly  due  to  no  less  than  twelve  large 
boxes  of  blooms  cut  from  the  Cheshunt  Nurseries,  and  brought  by  Mr.  G. 
Paul  himself  to  help  the  Show,  which,  without  these  Roses,  would  have 
made  a  very  poor  comparison  with  former  Brockham  Rose  Shows, 
Amongst  his  flowers  were  these  :  Mad,  Pierre  Gochet  (an  improved 
W.  A.  Richardson),  Gustave  Piganeau,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Marie  Magat, 
Waban,  the  new  Tea  (a  sport  of  Catherine  Mermet),  T.  B.  Haywood, 
Dowager  Duchess  of  Marlborough  with  a  wonderful  scent,  a  Cheshunt 
seedling,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Charles  Gater,  and  Camille  Bernardin 
and  The  Bride. 

Mr,  Appleby  of  the  Boxhill  Nurseries  also  greatly  helped  the  Show 
by  staging  many  decorative  plants  of  Crotons,  Dracfenas,  Palms,  Glox¬ 
inias,  and  Ferns,  and  a  box  of  very  fresh  Roses,  in  which  Niphetos, 
Mardchal  Niel,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Her  Majesty,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Etoile  de 
Lyon,  and  A.  K.  Williams  were  conspicuous.  The  drought  was  account- 


38 


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C  July  13,  1893. 


able  for  the  comparatively  poor  show  made  by  the  exhibitors.  Many  of 
the  sixty-four  members  had  no  Roses  to  cut,  and  some  of  the  classes 
were  not  represented  at  all.  Mr.  Tate  and  Mr.  Cuthell  had  it  all  their 
own  way  in  the  three  first  classes,  as  indeed  they  had  last  year  as  well. 
It  is  discouraging  of  course  to  the  smaller  exhibitors  to  see  year  by  year 
this  state  of  things,  but  it  is  a  difficulty  that  committees  seem  to  find  it 
impossible  to  deal  with. 

In  class  1,  for  twenty-four  Roses,  Mr.  Tate  was  easily  first,  and  the 
following  Roses  won  for  him  the  National  Rose  Society’s  gold  medal. 
Xavier  Olibo,  Ernest  Metz  the  best  Rose  in  the  Show  ;  Madame  G. 
Luizet,  Rosieriste  Jacobs,  Charles  Lamb,  Her  Majesty,  Earl  of  Dufferin, 
Dr.  Andry,  La  Rosiere,  The  Bride,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  Lady  Mary  Fitz- 
william,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Anna  Ollivier,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Mrs.  J.  Laing, 
Horace  Vernet,  Marichal  Niel,  Marie  Baumann,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac, 
Beauty  of  Waltham,  Maurice  Bernardin,  Francisca  Kruger,  and  Alfred 
Colomb.  Mr.  Cuthell  took  second  prize  (N.R.S.  silver  medal),  with 
Paul  Neyron,  Anna  Ollivier,  Camille  Bernardin,  Susanne  Marie  Rodo- 
canachi,  Xavier  Olibo,  Countess  of  Oxford,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  F.  de 
Lesseps,  Marie  Finger,  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Duchesse  de  Morny,  Etienne 
Levet,  Comtesse  de  Serenye,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  La  France,  E.  Y.  Teas, 
Ulrich  Brunner,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Ed.  Morren,  Baroness  Rothschild,  Mdme. 
C.  Joigneaux,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  and  Lady  Mary 
Fitzwilliam, 

In  Class  2,  for  twelve  Teas,  the  Roses  which  won  Mr.  Tate  the  first 
prize  (N.R.S.  silver  medal)  were  The  Bride,  Anna  Ollivier,  Marie  Van 
Houtte,  Hon.  Ed.  Gifford,  Marechal  Niel,  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince, 
Francisca  Kruger,  Ernest  Metz,  Bouquet  d’Or,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Catherine  Metmet,  and  Sunset.  Mr.  Cuthell  took  the  bronze  N.R.S. 
medal  (second  prize)  with  The  Bride,  Anna  Ollivier,  Marie  Van  Houtte, 
Hon.  Ed.  Gifford,  Jules  Finger,  Mardchal  Niel,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami, 
Caroline  Kuster,  Perle  de  Jardin,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Madame 
Berard,  and  Madame  Lambard. 

For  six  triplets  (class  3),  Mr.  Tate  won  first  prize  with  Ulrich 
Brunner,  Xavier  Olibo,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  M.  Van  Houtte,  Etienne  Levet, 
and  Duchess  of  Bedford  ;  while  Mr.  Cuthell  took  second  rank  with 
Ulrich  Brunner,  Comtesse  d’Oxford,  Jules  Finger,  Madame  Victor 
Verdier,  Baroness  Rothschild,  and  Mad.  G.  Luizet.  Now,  good  as 
these  rosarians  undoubtedly  are,  it  is  better,  if  possible,  to  see  some 
variation  in  the  record.  A.  1,  maiden  ;  2,  cutback.  B.  1,  maiden  ; 
2,  cutback.  C.  1,  maiden  ;  2,  cutback.  Perhaps  the  Committee  will  be 
able  to  see  their  way  to  make  some  alteration  in  future. 

For  the  twelves,  class  4,  Mrs.  Perkins  took  first  prize  (N.R.S.  gold 
medal),  with  a  very  nice  box,  consisting  of  Baroness  Rothschild,  Comtesse 
de  Nadaillac,  Sunset,  Abel  Carriere,  Marechal  Niel,  Madame  Rady,  The 
Bride,  Mrs,  J,  Laing,  Souvenir  de  Th^rese  Levet,  Bouquet  d’Or,  Captain 
Christy,  and  Hon.  Ed.  Gifford.  The  Hon.  D.  Ryder  took  second  prize 
with  Duke  of  Teck,  Paul  Neyron,  Madame  Berard,  Prince  Camille  de 
Rohan,  Francois  Duval,  Reine  du  Midi,  Madame  M.  Rady,  Ferdinand 
de  Lesseps,  Abel  Carriere,  La  France,  Marie  Baumann,  and  Reine  Marie 
Henriette.  There  was  no  competition  for  the  third  prize,  nor  for  class  5 
(nine  Teas),  nor  for  class  6  (four  triplets).  In  class  7  (six  of  any  kind), 
Mrs.  Hatch  took  first  prize,  the  best  of  her  blooms  being  Her  Majesty. 
Mrs.  Poland  also  had  a  fine  bloom  of  the  same  Rose  in  the  box  which 
won  for  her  the  second  prize. 

For  four  Teas,  class  8,  Mrs.  Hatch  took  first  prize,  and  Miss  D.  A. 
Nesfield  second  prize.  In  the  members’  open  class  (9)  for  six  of  the 
same  kind  of  Rose,  Mrs.  Perkins  won  the  first  prize  with  good  blooms  of 
Mar6chal  Niel,  and  Mr.  Cuthell  second  prize  with  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
There  were  no  competitors  for  the  third  prize.  For  six  H.P.’s  (same 
kind),  Mrs.  Poland  with  John  Stuart  Mill  was  first,  and  Mr.  Cuthell 
with  Camille  Bernardin  second. 

The  boxes  of  garden  Roses  (11)  were  perhaps  the  chief  feature  of  the 
Show,  for  there  were  six  competitors.  The  first  prize  w’as  taken  by  Mr. 
Tate  for  a  very  beautifully  arranged  box,  containing  Lucida,  Aim^e  Vibert, 
Fellenberg,  Gloiie  de  Polyantha,  Safrano,  Gloire  de  Rosomaine, 
Moschata  Nivea,  Cramoisie,  Anna  Maria  Montravel,  Clothilde  Soupert, 
Hom6re,  Crested  Moss,  Mrs.  Bosanquet,  Common  China,  Red  Damask, 
Gloire  de  Dijon,  Queen  of  Bedders,  Boule  d’Or,  Souvenir  de  Malmaison. 
Mr.  Cuthell’s  box,  which  took  second  prize,  contained  Bardon  Job, 
Paul’s  Single  White,  Verdifolia,  Pissardi,  White  Pet,  Paquerette,  Celine 
Forestier,  Dr.  Grill,  and  L’Ideal.  For  a  smaller  collection  of  garden 
Miss  D.  A.  Nesfield  took  the  first,  Mrs.  Perkins  the  second,  and  Sir 
Benjamin  Brodie  an  extra  third  prize. 

The  dinner  table  decorations  was  represented  by  one  entry  only, 
which  was  Miss  D.  A.  Nesfield.  It  was  for  unmarried  ladies  only.  It 
was  very  well  done,  and  consisted  of  a  combination  of  centre  and  side 
green  vases  in  wrought  iron  stands  filled  with  Roses,  Ferns,  and  flowers. 
The  drawing-room  decorations  were  more  numerous,  but  not  up  to  the 
usual  mark.  Miss  D.  A.  Nesfield  took  first  prize  for  a  combination  of 
yellow  Escbscholtzia,  Copper  Beech,  Grasses,  and  Ferns  in  a  green  glass 
■vase  in  iron  stand.  Mrs.  Benecke  took  the  second  prize  for  a  basket, 
somewhat  unevenly  but  tastefully  arranged  with  Eucharis,  Honey¬ 
suckle,  Maize,  Passiflora,  Hollyhock,  Gypsophila,  and  Ferns. 

The  buttonhole  bouquets  represented  the  old  fashion  (small  size)  and 
and  the  new  (large  size).  The  Judges  were  strong  minded  enough  to  give 
the  first  prize  to  Miss  Blake  for  three  very  pretty  small  bouquets,  and 
the  second  prize  to  Miss  D.  A.  Nesfield  for  three  extremely  pretty  but 
oversized  new  fashioned  bouquets. 

The  best  Rose  in  the  Show  was  a  very  fine  bloom  of  Ernest  Metz, 
shown  by  Mr.  Tate. — A.  B.  Alexander. 


HEREFORD. — July  5th. 

The  twenty-seventh  anniversary  of  the  West  of  England  Rose  Society, 
the  oldest  Rose  Show  in  the  kingdom,  was  held  in  the  beautiful  grounds 
of  the  Castle  Green,  as  far  as  weather  was  concerned,  under  most 
favourable  circumstances.  A  slight  shower  in  the  early  morning  gave 
an  air  of  freshness,  grateful  both  to  the  exhibits  and  exhibitors,  many 
of  whom  we  know  have  been  disappointed  and  distressed  this  trying 
season.  Last  year,  as  many  rosarians  will  sadly  call  to  mind,  the 
Hereford  Rose  Show  was  held — as  at  the  National  Rose  Shows,  Provincial 
Show  at  Chester  two  days  later — in  a  continuous  deluge  of  rain,  which 
so  interfered  with  the  receipts  that  no  praise  too  high  can  be  given  to 
the  Hon.  Secretary,  Rev.  F.  R.  Burnside,  for  his  marvellous  energy  in 
not  allowing  the  Exhibition  to  fall  through,  and  in  supplying  a  small, 
but  as  it  fortunately  turned  out,  a  sufficiently  attractive  prize  list, 
to  gather  together  in  Hereford  the  leading  exhibitors  of  the- 
season.  May  I  stop,  Mr.  Editor,  and  ask  here  the  oft  put 
question,  why  Rose  shows  are  not  so  popular  as  they  might  be, 
and  theoretically  ought  to  be,  considering  the  unique  position  and 
popularity  of  our  national  flower?  Many  reasons  there  are  and  have 
been  ventilated,  perhaps  all  included  in  the  great  “  indispensable”  every¬ 
where — “  beer  and  skittles,”  which  freely  paraphrased  practically  means 
“  none  of  your  light  refreshments  :  parachutes,  tight  and  slack  rope 
acrobatisms,  &c.,  is  what  our  tickets  are  taken  for  and  undoubtedly 
this  is  the  case.  Have  we  not  success  at  Shrewsbury,  wet  or  fine?  What 
further  proof  is  wanted  ?  Still,  this  is  an  opportunity  your  reporter  does 
not  like  to  miss  in  assigning  another  reason  why  the  attendance  at  Rose 
shows  is  so  poor,  and  Rose  shows,  as  a  consequence,  so  short-lived.  He 
ventures  to  ask.  Could  not  that  stupendous  lever  of  thought,  word,  and 
deed — the  Public  Press — do  more  ? 

Let  any  of  your  readers,  fcr  instance,  take  up  his  London  daily  of 
July  3rd.  I  had  almost  ventured  to  predict  that  the  larger  the  circu¬ 
lation  of  that  paper,  the  smaller,  the  more  foggy  and  inaccurate  the 
paragraph  ;  and  then,  running  his  eye  over  the  report  of  the  National 
Rose  Society’s  Exhibition  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  ask  himself  what  plea¬ 
sure  or  profit  he  had  derived.  It  might  be  considered  exacting  perhaps 
to  expect  a  strict  technical  report  from  any  other  than  a  gardening 
newspaper,  but  surely  a  more  careful  and  detailed  account  might  have 
been  expected  ;  while  such  gross  inaccuracies  as  one  of  our  leading 
champion  Rose  nurserymen,  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant,  would,  one  would  have 
thought  of  easy  monosyllabic  nomenclature,  being  advertised  (for 
literally  to  tradesmen  this  is  so),  and  this  not  once  but  twice,  as  “  Caul.” 
To  use  a  slang  phrase  (it  altogether  seems  so  droll),  really  “  takes  the 
cake.”  I  could  mention  in  same  report  several  similar  inaccuracies, 
but  “  Ex  uno  disce  omnes."  Liberavi  viewn  animaim.  This  surely  is  not 
the  way  to  educate  the  public,  or  to  encourage  a  most  popular  (aye,  in 
spite  of  seeming  failure)  but  expensive  industry. 

Asking  pardon  for  this  long  digression,  your  reporter  must  at  once 
return  to  the  magnificent  tent,  capable  of  holding  the  thousands  of  Rose 
boxes,  which  alas  !  were  conspicuous  only  by  their  absence.  To  remedy 
this  deficiency,  the  wily  Hon.  Sec.  (Rev.  F.  R.  Burnside)  introduced  a 
new  departure  (one  quite  fashionable  among  prandial  bipeds),  in 
breaking  up  the  usual  continuity  of  the  tables  into  detached  groups, 
thereby  filling  the  entire  space,  without  interfering  with  or  giving  extra 
trouble  to  the  Judges. 

As  might  have  been  expected,  owing  to  the  early  and  dry  season,  the 
northern  exhibitors  (all  honour  to  them  for  so  well  filling  the  gap) 
carried  off  all  the  chief  prizes  in  the  three  leading  nurserymen’s  classes, 
the  third  prize  not  being  competed  for.  In  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Co.’s 
seventy-two  varieties,  which  took  first  prize,  there  was  a  conspicuous 
absence  of  Teas  and  Noisettes.  Their  blooms  were  wonderfully  smooth, 
well  coloured,  and  of  fair  size  for  the  season,  and  had  carried  extremely 
well.  They  included  the  following  varieties  of  H.P.’s — Gustave  Piganeau 
(grand  bloom  but  weakly  habit),  Madame  E.  Verdier,  G6n6ral  Jacque¬ 
minot  (fine  colour  and  shape),  Slarie  Baumann,  Emily  Soupert,  Duke  of 
Fife,  Duchesse  de  Morny,  Countess  of  Oxford,  Senateur  Vaisse  (splendid), 
La  France,  Dr.  Andry,  Mrs.  Harkness  (poor),  Duke  of  Teck  (radiant, 
as  one  might  suppose),  Marie  Rady  (superb),  A.  K.  Williams,  Suzanne 
Marie  Rodocanachi  (useful),  Horace  Vernet,  Silver  Queen,  Comtesse  de 
Ludre  (after  Mrs.  C.  Wood,  very  fine).  Noisettes  :  Caroline  Kuster, 
Charles  Lefebvre,  Countess  of  Rosebery,  Reynolds  Hole,  Emily 
Hausburg,  Jean  Soupert,  Madame  Hausman,  Mrs.  John  Laing  (grand), 
Alfred  Dumesnil,  Alfred  Colomb,  Rosieriste  Jacobs  (fine),  Comte  de 
Blaccas  (a  globular  too  much  alike  Emilie  Hausbirrg),  Duke  of  Con¬ 
naught,  Fisher  Holmes,  Pride  of  Waltham,  Harrison  Weir  (grand),  Charles 
Darwin,  Lady  Helen  Stewart,  Constantine  Petriakoff  (superb),  Auguste 
Rigotard,  Earl  of  Dufferin  (grand).  Black  Prince,  Margaret  Boudet, 
Duchess  of  Bedford  (exquisite).  Queen  of  Queens,  John  Saul,  May  Quennel 
(fine),  Elie  Morrel,  Dr,  Sewell,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  W.  F.  Bennett,  Le  Havre 
(good),  Ulrich  Brunner,  Frangois  Michelon,  Xavier  Olibo,  Capt.  Christy, 
Dupuy  Jamain,  Viscountess  Folkestone  (grand),  Madame  E.  Verdier, 
Heinrich  Schultheis,  Mons.  E.  Y.  Teas,  Due  de  Montpensier,  Duchess  of 
Albany,  Gloire  de  Margottin  (fine),  Mr.  George  Dickson,  Sir  Rowland 
Hill,  Magna  Charta  (good),  Avocat  Duvivier,  and  Marie  Verdier,  The 
second  prize  was  taken  by  the  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company,  Limited, 
(Cranstons),  who  had  fine  blooms  of  Duke  of  Wellington,  Tea 
Souvenir  d’Elise,  and  Her  Majesty.  The  thirty-six  trebles  fell  to 
Messrs.  Mack  &  Sons,  Yorkshire,  whose  varieties  included  H.P.  Charles 
Lefebvre,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Rosieriste  Jacobs,  Mrs,  John  Laing  (fine), 
Ulrich  Brunner  (magnificent),  S.  M.  Rodocanachi  (superb).  Pride  of 
Waltham,  A.  K.  Williams,  Baroness  Rothschild,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Princess 
Beatrice,  Star  of  Waltham,  Marquise  Castellane,  Duke  of  Teck,’Marguerite 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


89 


de  St.  Amand,  Louis  Corbie  (Mr.  Mack  speaks  very  highly  of  this  old 
Rose),  Victo  Hugo  (good),  Magna  Charta,  Alfred  Colomb,  Comtesse  de 
Morny,  Comte  de  Raimbaud  (grand),  La  France,  Duke  of  Wellington 
(good),  Countess  of  Rosebery,  Marie  Baumann.  Heinrich  Schultheis, 
Sultan  of  Zanzibar  (splendid  colour).  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet,  Etienne 
Levet,  Charles  Darwin  (good),  E.  Y.  Teas  (fine),  and  Sir  Rowland  Hill. 
The  second  prize  was  taken  by  the  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company, 
Limited  (Cranstons),  who  had  remarkably  fine  blooms  of  G^n^ral 
Jacqueminot,  Abel  Carriere,  and  Lady  Sheffield. 

The  twenty-four  trebles  first  prize  also  fell  to  Messrs.  Harkness 
with  grand  blooms  ©f  H.P.’s  Etienne  Levet,  Mrs.  John  Laing, 
Duchesse  de  Morny,  Prince  Arthur,  Mdme.  Isaac  Pereire  (superb), 
Alfred  Colomb  (grand),  Sir  R.  Hill,  Elie  Morel,  Mons.  E.  Y.  Teas 
(splendid),  M.  Boudet,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Merveille  de  Lyon  (grand), 
Duke  of  Wellington,  Violette  Bowyer,  Mdme.  Haussmann,  La  France, 
Marie  Bauman,  and  Heinrich  Schultheis.  The  second  prize  fell  to  the 
Fruit  and  Rose  Company,  Limited  ( Cranston).  The  third  to  Mr.  C. 
Whiting,  White  Cross,  Hereford. 

For  twelve  varieties  trebles,  Messrs.  Mack  &  Sons,  Yorkshire,  were 
first,  showing  finely  the  following  varieties  : — H.P.  Horace  Vernet 
(splendid).  La  France,  A.  K,  Williams,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Victor  Hugo 
(superb),  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Alfred  Colomb,  Mdme.  S.  Rodocanachi 
(very  fine),  Charles  Lefebvre,  Auguste  Rigotard,  Baroness  Rothschild, 
Prince  Arthur  (grand).  Second  prize,  Mr.  H.  Merryweather  ;  third  prize, 
Mr.  Charles  Whiting. 

In  the  amateur  division  first  prize  fell  to  Mr.  Drew,  Ledbury,  thirty- 
six  varieties,  who  also  won  one  the  N.R.  Society’s  silver  medal,  among 
which  may  be  specially  noticed  H.P.  Dupuy  Jamain  (grand),  S.  M.  Rodo¬ 
canachi,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Ulrich  Brunner,  A.  K. 
Williams  (fine),  Gustave  Piganeau  (superb),  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Mrs. 
J.  Laing,  Marie  Baumann,  Etienne  Levet,  Comte  Raimbaud,  Captain 
Christy,  Countess  of  Oxford  (splendid),  Violette  Bouyer,  E.  Y.  Teas, 
Le  Havre,  Frangois  Michelon,  Prince  Arthur  (good).  Queen  of  Queens, 
Victor  Hugo,! Marie  Verdier,  Pierre  Netting,  and  Heinrich  Schultheis, 
No  other  competitor.  In  the  amateur  class  restricted  to  Herefordshire 
the  first  prize  (eighteen  varieties),  which  included  the  N.R. S.’s  gold 
medal,  was  taken  by  Mr.  John  Ough,  with  blooms  very  fresh  and  well 
set  up,  as  follows  : — H.P,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Gustave  Piganeau  (grand). 
Her  Majesty  (not  her  year),  Duke  of  Welllington,  Merveille  de  Lyon, 
S.  Rodocanachi,  Comtesse  de  Serenye,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  A.  K,  Williams 
(fine).  Countess  of  Oxford,  Exposition  de  Brie  (grand),  Baroness 
Rothschild,  Marie  Baumann,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  Tea  The  Bride, 
H.P.  Marie  Rady  (grand),  Mrs.  John  Laing,  and  Alfred  Colomb. 

Tea*  and  Noisettes  were  shown  remarkably  well  considering  the 
season.  Messrs,  Harkness  &  Sons  continued  their  list  of  first  prizes  with 
an  excellent  stand  of  eighteen  varieties  open,  which  included  Th^r^se 
Levet  (bright  and  not  too  dark),  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami, 
Catherine  Mermet,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac  (fine  in  size  and  colour), 
Madame  Bravy,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Innocente  Pirola,  Madame  Hypolyte 
Jamain,  Francisca  Kruger  (fine).  Miss  Caroline  Kuster,  Jean  Ducher, 
Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince,  Souvenir  d’Elise  (superb),  Madame  de  Watte- 
ville,  The  Bride,  Princess  of  Wales,  and  Madame  Cusin.  Second  prize, 
Messrs.  Mack  ;  third  prize,  Mr.  H.  Merryweather. 

In  the  amateur  class  for  Teas  and  Noisettes,  first  prize  (given  by  Mr. 
Frank  Cant),  Mr.  Conway  Jones. 

The  prizes  for  twelve  blooms  of  any  light  Rose  was  carried  off  by 
Messrs.  Harkness  with  grand  blooms  of  Merveille  de  Lyon  ;  second, 
English  Fruit  and  Rose^Company  (Cranston)  ;  third,  Messrs.  Mack  and 
Son.  For  twelve  blooms  of  any  sort  of  dark  Rose,  first  prize,  Messrs. 
Mack,  with  H.P.  Marie  Baumann  ;  second,  Messrs.  Harkness ;  third, 
English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company  (Cranston). 

The  class  for  herbaceous  flowers  was  keenly  contested,  the  number  of 
varieties  staged,  and  good  taste  shown  in  staging,  being  very  noticeable. 
First  prize,  Mr.  Davenport,  Foxley  ;  second  prize,  Mr.  Watkins,  Welcroft  ; 
third  prize,  Sir  George  Cornwall,  Bart.,  Moccas  Court.  The  table 
decorations  were  much  admired  and  thus  awarded.  First,  Miss 
Watkins  ;  second,  Mrs.  Blashill  ;  third.  Miss  Stanhope.  Thanks  are  due 
to  numerous  friends,  and  especially  to  Mr.  Charles  Whiting,  Whitecross 
Nurseries,  for  collections  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  to  decorate  the 
tents.  One  great  feature  in  the  Exhibition,  and  last,  but  not  least,  was 
the  large  and  charming  collections  of  Sweet  Peas  and  Violas  exhibited 
and  arranged  as  to  colour  and  general  effect  by  Mr.  Jones,  manager  to 
Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Son,  Rothesay.  It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  one  of 
the  Violas  (Violetta)  was  exquisitely  sweet-scented.  The  Judges  were 
the  Rev.  C.  H.  Bulmer,  Mr.  John  Cranston,  Mr.  Harkness,  and  Mr.  W. 
Drew. — The  Herefordshire  Ikcumbent. 

IPSWICH. — July  5th  and  Gth. 

The  extremely  few  members  of  Ipswich  Horticultural  Society  who 
are  interested  in  Roses  were  naturally  sorry  that  it  was  decided  to  hold 
a  two-days  Show,  and  that  they  could  not  therefore  enjoy  the  counte¬ 
nance  of  the  N.R.S.  ;  but  they  were  in  a  most  hopeless  minority,  and 
were  grateful  for  being  allowed  to  show  Roses  at  all,  and  that  the  first 
day  at  least  did  not  clash  with  any  other  East  Anglian  show.  The  Show 
was  held,  as  usual,  in  Christ  Church  Park,  but  the  spot  chosen  seemed 
unnecessarily  near  to  the  uninhabited  house,  which  gave  a  somewhat 
melancholy  air  to  the  surroundings.  Competition  was  not  strong  in  the 
Rose  classes,  and  the  standard  of  merit  was  low. 

In  the  class  for  thirty-six  (open)  Mr.  F.  Cant  was  first,  having  a 
very  good  stand,  of  which  Mrs.  John  Laing  was  again  his  most 
noticeable  bloom.  Messrs.  D.  Prior  &  Sons  were  second,  having  a  very 


fine  Horace  Vernet  and  a  neat  bloom  of  Ella  Gordon.  Mr.  Woods  of 
Woodbridge  was  third.  In  the  class  for  twelve  trebles  (open)  the 
judging  showed  a  very  good  example  of  deciding  equal  point  merits  by 
arrangement  and  general  appearance.  Messrs.  Prior  &  Sons  and  F.  Cant 
were  absolutely  equal  in  points,  but  the  former’s  stand  was  so  decidedly 
superior  in  arrangement,  evenness,  and  general  beauty  as  to  be  held 
quite  worthy  of  the  additional  point  necessary  to  a  win.  A  fine  triplet 
of  Marechal  Niel  in  the  stand  of  Messrs.  Prior  contributed  to  this  result. 
In  twelve  Teas  (open)  Messrs.  Prior  were  first  and  F.  Cant  second,  the 
exhibits  being  only  fair. 

In  thirty-six  Roses  (amateurs).  Rev.  A.  Foster-Melliar’s  was  the 
only  exhibit ;  the  blooms  were  but  moderate.  In  twenty-four  Rev. 
H.  A.  Berners  was  first,  and  Mr.  Orpen,  of  Colchester,  second  with  a 
poor  stand.  In  twelve,  Mr.  Parsons  of  Woodbridge  won  with  a  very 
promising  stand,  having  Marie  Van  Houtte  and  Marechal  Niel  in 
good  condition.  Mr.  Berners  was  second,  and  Mr.  Orpen  third.  In 
twelve  Teas  Mr.  Berners  was  first,  Mr.  Orpen  second,  and  Mr.  Foster- 
Melliar  third.  In  the  first  and  third  stands  most  of  the  blooms  had 
already  done  duty  at  Diss.  In  six  Roses  of  any  sort  Mr.  Orpen  was  first 
with  fine  Mardchal  Niels,  Mr.  Parsons  second  with  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  and 
Mr.  Berners  third  with  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet. 

The  local  classes  were  only  fair.  In  three  classes  for  bouquets  and 
buttonholes  Mrs.  Orpen  was,  as  usual,  invincible,  and  indeed  seems  to 
have  frightened  away  other  competitors.  In  the  decoration  of  wild 
flowers  with  Grasses  Miss  0.  E.  Jennings  won  easily,  having  the  only 
light  arrangement.  Table  decorations  call  for  no  comment. 

In  groups,  Mr.  J.  H.  Southgate,  gardener  to  Mr.  Whitfield  King,  was 
a  very  good  first,  as  it  was  not  easy  to  find  fault  with  his  exhibit. 
Mr.  Jacobi,  of  Ipswich,  showed  herbaceous  plants  well.  The  weather 
was  glorious,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  funds  profited  accordingly. 

NORWICH.— July  6th. 

The  extremely  flourishing  Norfolk  and  Norwich  Horticultural 
Society  had  the  good  fortune  not  only  of  a  cloudless  day,  but  also  of 
having  chosen  last  year  the  Royal  wedding  day  as  the  date  of  their 
Show.  There  was  one  confiding  amateur  who  journeyed  to  Norwich 
with  thirty-six  blooms,  cut  the  same  day  as  another  thirty-six  for 
Ipswich,  in  the  full  expectation  that  he  would  be  unopposed  at 
Norwich  for  the  principal  amateur  prize  of  the  eastern  counties. 
The  place  chosen  was  “  Mouseholes,”  the  seat  of  J.  Poyser,  Esq.,  and 
the  tents  were  pitched  in  a  pretty  hollow,  but  oh  1  such  a  hot 
spot.  There  was  some  shade  at  a  distance  from  the  Rose  tent,  and 
thither  wended  the  confident  one  to  find  in  possession  a  genuine  Norfolk 
amateur,  who  seldom  exhibits  largely,  with  boxes  upon  boxes  literally 
overflowing  with  fine  Roses.  When  it  is  stated  that  this  gentleman 
actually  setup  and  exhibited  of  his  superabundance  on  July  Gth,  1893, 
an  extra  stand  of  thirty-six  really  fine  samples  of  Baroness  Rothschild, 
it  may  be  imagined  that  the  amateur  first  mentioned  not  only  speedily 
lost  all  traces  of  his  former  self-confidence  but  began  to  wonder  uneasily  if 
he  had  ever  been  heard  to  say  that  there  were  no  strong  Rose  amateurs 
in  Norfolk  proper. 

In  the  class  for  forty-eight,  open,  Mr.  B,  R.  Cant  was  first  with  fine 
large  blooms,  though  somewhat  rough  and  dirty.  His  best  blooms  were 
Her  Majesty,  and  a  small  but  charming  example  of  Ethel  Brownlow ; 
Marchioness  of  Dufferin  was  dirty  and  Md,  as  it  has  generally  been  this 
year.  Messrs.  Burch  of  Peterborough  were  second  with  smaller,  but 
cleaner  and  neater  blooms.  They  had  Horace  Vernet  very  fine,  but 
this  specimen  again  was  absolutely  unshaded  with  a  darker  tint  as  usual. 
Messrs.  Prior  of  Colchester  were  third  with  an  inferior  stand.  In 
eighteen  trebles,  open,  Mr.  B.  Cant  was  again  first,  and  Messrs.  Prior 
second.  The  latter’s  stand  was  rather  crowded,  but  this  must  have  been 
rather  a  near  thing.  Messrs.  Prior  third  with  a  high  coloured  triplet  of 
Jean  Ducher. 

In  thirty-six  blooms  (amateurs)  Rev.  A.  L.  Fellowes,  of  Beighton 
Rectory,  was  first,  his  blooms  being  large  and  heavy  though  rather  over¬ 
blown  and  not  exhibited  to  the  best  advantage.  His  best  bloom  was 
Emilie  Hausberg,  which  has  been  good  this  year  ;  this  gained  the  medal 
as  the  best  amateur  H.P.  Baroness  Rothschild  was  also  good,  and  he 
had  also  originally  two  wonderful  Teas,  Anna  Ollivier  and  Marie  Van 
Houtte,  but  these  promptly  succumbed  under  canvas.  Rev.  A.  Foster- 
Mellier  of  Sproughton  was  a  close  second  (three  points),  Thomas  Mills  (!) 
being  perhaps  his  best.  Miss  Penrice  of  Witton  was  third.  In  twelve 
trebles  (amateurs)  Rev.  A.  Foster-Melliar  was  placed  first,  alternate 
triplets  of  H.P.’s  and  Teas  having  a  good  effect.  Gustave  Piganeau 
and  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac  were  his  best.  Rev.  A.  L.  Fellowes  was 
second,  showing  nothing  but  H.P.’s  placed  in  rows.  In  the  class  for 
twenty-four.  Rev.  A.  L.  Fellowes  w'as  again  first,  Mr.  T.  C.  Blofeld 
second,  and  Rev.  F.  Page  Roberts  third. 

In  local  classes,  which  were  well  filled  and  contested,  the  medal  Tea 
was  found  in  a  badly  shown  Marechal  Niel  in  the  six  of  Mrs.  Amys 
Lyde.  In  the  class  for  twelve  Teas  Rev.  F.  Page  Roberts  was  first  with 
very  small  blooms,  but  shown  with  his  usual  skill  ;  Rev.  A.  Foster- 
Melliar  second  ;  and  Rev.  A.  L.  Fellowes  third. 

For  twelve  Roses  of  a  sort.  Rev.  A.  L.  Fellowes  left  his  rivals  out  of 
sight  with  La  France  and  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac  respectively.  In  six 
of  a  sort  the  samples  were  bad,  and  somebody  was  ashamed  of  his  two 
winning  stands.  Colonel  Rous  exhibited  as  an  extra  twenty-four 
Marechal  Niels  of  fair  quality,  and  the  extraordinary  stand  of  thirty- 
six  Baroness  Rothschilds,  shown  by  Rev.  A.  L.  Fellowes,  was  not 
honoured  as  it  should  have  been  with  an  extra  prize.  This  honour  was, 
however,  awarded  to  a  large  exhibit  of  garden  Roses  and  Polyanthus  by 
the  same  gentleman. 


40 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


Mr.  John  Green  of  Dereham  had  a  pretty  general  stand,  Reynolds 
Hole  Carnation  and  a  variegated  Saxifrage  being  among  the  most  note¬ 
worthy  of  his  exhibits.  Messrs.  Daniels  Bros,  had  also  a  large  stand, 
Gloxinias  and  Begonias  being  conspicuous.  Gloxinias  were  finely  shown 
by  H.  Trevor,  Esq.,  and  the  fruit  was  good.  To  genuine  florists,  however, 
perhaps  the  most  notable  exhibit  was  the  seedling  Picotees  and  Pinks 
shown  by  Rev.  C.Fellowes  of  Shottesham.  Twelve  of  each  were  shown, 
many  of  them  unnamed,  and  a  large  proportion,  of  the  Picotees  especially, 
was  considered  by  experts  to  be  of  very  high  merit.— W,  R.  Railleh. 

BATH. — JuL?  Gth. 

As  a  rule  the  Rose  shows  at  Bath  are  both  extensive  and  high-class, 
most  of  the  leading  rosarians  in  the  country  competing.  This  year  there 
was,  owing  to  the  drought,  a  great  falling  off  in  the  number  of  exhibits, 
but  all  things  considered  the  reputation  of  the  Society  has  not  suffered. 
It  is  also  most  gratifying  to  note  that  for  once  their  proverbial  misfortune 
as  regards  the  weather  was  changed,  a  “  Royal”  day  being  experienced, 
and  the  finances  of  the  Society  will  be  improved  accordingly. 

There  were  two  competitors  in  the  nurserymen’s  class  for  seventy-two 
single  trusses  of  Roses,  distinct,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son,  Bedale,  being 
first  with  a  collection  that  would  have  been  hard  to  beat,  even  in  a  more 
favourable  season.  Of  these  the  best  were  Comtesse  de  Ludre,  Duchesse 
de  Morny,  Susanne  Marie  Rodocanachi,  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Marie 
Baumann,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Gustave  Rousseau,  Rosieriste  Jacobs,  Marie 
Rady,  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  A.  K.  Williams,  Mrs.  J,  Laing,  Countess 
of  Oxford,  Madame  C.  Wood,  Fisher  Holmes,  General  Jacqueminot, 
Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam,  Edward  Andry,  Margaret  Dickson,  Prince 
Arthur,  Margaret  Bondet,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Elise 
Morel,  Xavier  Olibo,  Comte  de  Raimbaud,  Exposition  de  Brie,  Le  Havre, 
Countess  of  Rosebery,  Lord  Macaulay,  Alfred  Colomb,  Sir  Rowland 
Hill,  Crown  Prince,  Etienne  Levet,  Captain  Christy,  Reynolds  Hole, 
Madame  H.  Jamain,  Camille  Bernardin,  Magna  Charta,  Grand  Mogul, 
La  France,  Merrie  England,  May  Quennell,  Mons.  Noman,  Madame 
V.  Verdier,  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet,  Marquise  de  Castellane,  Duke  of 
Connaught,  and  Madame  J.  Perriere.  Messrs.  Cooling  &  Son,  Bath, 
were  a  very  creditable  second,  having  good  fresh  blooms  of  Alfred 
Colomb,  A.  K.  Williams,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  a  seedling  of  the  same 
character  as  the  latter,  but  much  fuller,  Pierre  Netting,  George  Baker, 
Harrison  Weir,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  E.  Y.  Teas,  Gustave  Piganeau, 
Lord  Bacon,  Horace  Vernet,  and  Dupuy  Jamain. 

Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons  were  also  well  first  with  thirty-six  triplets, 
and  which  comprised  fine  fresh  blooms  of  Etienne  Levet,  A.  Colomb, 
A.  K.  Williams,  Prince  Arthur,  Madame  E.  Verdier,  Mrs.  J.  Laing, 
Madame  Haussman,  Comtesse  de  Ludre,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Countess 
of  Rosebery,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Reynolds  Hole,  Marie 
Baumann,  and  Exposition  de  Brie.  Messrs.  Cooling  &  Son  were  second, 
they  also  showing  well.  With  eighteen  triplets  Mr.  G.  Mount,  Canter¬ 
bury,  was  first,  such  varieties  as  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Prince 
Arthur,  General  Jacqueminot,  Fisher  Holmes,  Abel  Carriere,  and  Dupuy 
Jamain  being  the  best  in  his  stands.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  J. 
Mattock,  Oxford,  who  had  good  blooms  of  Lady  Sheffield,  Madame  J. 
Laing,  C.  Lefebvre,  Mons.  E.  Y.  Teas,  and  Pierre  Netting.  The  first 
prize  for  thirty-six  single  trusses,  distinct,  was  well  won  by  Mr.  Mount, 
this  being  one  of  the  best  exhibits  in  the  Show.  Very  fresh  and  good 
were  Gtin^ral  Jacqueminot,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Dupuy  Jamain,  A.  K. 
Williams,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Marie  Rady,  C.  Darwin, 
Countess  of  Rosebery,  Fisher  Holmes,  Eugene  Fiirst,  Madame  Victor 
Verdier,  John  Bright,  Alfred  Colomb,  Marie  Baumann,  and  Louis  Van 
Houtte.  Mr.  J.  Mattock  was  again  second,  his  best  being  Earl  of  Dufferin, 
Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Marie  Baumann,  Marie  Rady,  and  Xavier  Olibo. 

There  was  good  competition  in  the  class  for  eighteen  Teas  or 
Noisettes,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son  winning  first  prize  with  a  very 
superior  stand,  which  comprised  Cleopatra,  to  which  was  awarded  a 
silver  medal  of  N.R.S.,  Madame  H.  Jamain,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami,  Madame 
Hoste,  Comte  de  Nadaillac,  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince,  Ernest  Metz,  The 
Bride,  Madame  de  Watteville,  Souvenir  d’Elise,  Francisca  Kruger, 
Caroline  Kuster,  Th4r^se  Levet,  Hon.  E.  Gifford,  Catherine  Mermet, 
Innocente  Pirola,  and  Madame  Bravy.  Mr.  G.  Mount  was  a  creditable 
second,  his  best  being  Niphetos,  The  Bride,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami,  Souvenir 
d’Elise  Vardon,  and  Marechal  Niel,  the  latter  being  thought  by  many 
fully  deserving  of  the  medal  which  went  to  the  bloom  of  Cleopatra 
already  noticed.  Mr.  J.  Mattock  was  third. 

Amateurs’  classes  were  badly  filled,  Mr.  S.  P.  Budd  having  matters 
very  much  to  himself.  This  gentleman’s  exhibit  of  thirty-six  varieties, 
single  trusses,  fully  deserved  the  award  of  a  first  prize,  being  very 
considerably  better  than  he  expected  to  cut  two  days  prior  to  the 
Show.  The  best  were  Charles  Lefebvre,  Sultan  of  Zanzibar,  Francois 
Michelon,  E.  Y.  Teas,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Sir  Garnet  Wolseley,  S.  M. 
Rodocanachi,  Horace  Vernet,  Ernest  Metz,  A.  K.  Williams,  Madame 
Victor  Verdier,  Le  Havre,  Reynolds  Hole,  Marie  Baumann  and  Long¬ 
fellow;  With  eighteen  varieties,  triplets,  Mr.  S.  P.  Budd  was  again 
first.  For  twenty-four  single  blooms,  distinct,  Mr.  H.  Hobbs,  Bristol, 
was  well  first,  his  stand  comprising  good  Auguste  Rigotard,  Horace 
Vernet,  Mons.  Bonsteten,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  A.  Colomb,  Dr.  Andre,  Prince 
Arthur,  Camille  Bernardin,  Captain  Christy,  and  B.  Y.  Teas.  Mr.  J. 
Parker,  Headington,  was  second,  his  most  noteworthy  blooms  being 
Senateur  Vaisse,  Marie  Baumann,  Eclaire,  and  Horace  Vernet.  With 
twelve  blooms  Mr.  J.  Parker  was  first,  Mr.  T.  Hobbs  second,  and  Mr.  R. 
Hull,  Sutton  Benger,  third.  The  first  prize  for  twelve  triplets  went  to 
Mr.  T.  Hobbs.  The  best  eighteen  Teas  was  shown  by  Mr.  S.  P.  Budd, 
among  these  being  very  creditable  blooms.  Mr.  A.  H.  Gray,  Bath,  was 
second.  With  twelve  varieties  Mr.  J.  Parker  was  first.  Mr.  T.  Hobbs 


second.  Mr.  S.  P.  Budd  was  easily  first  with  six  triplets,  Mr.  J.  Parker 
being  second  and  Mr.  A.  H.  Gray  third. 

Some  of  the  open  classes  were  very  well  filled,  this  being  especially 
the  case  in  that  for  twelve  trusses  of  any  Rose.  Messrs.  Harkness  and 
Son  had  a  grand  stand  of  Mrs,  J.  Laing,  a  bloom  among  these  being 
selected  for  the  award  of  National  Rose  Society’s  silver  medal  for  the 
best  Hybrid  Perpetual  in  the  Show.  Mr.  J.  Mattock  was  a  good  second 
with  the  same  variety.  Mr.  J.  Mount  was  first  with  any  yellow  Rose, 
having  a  good  stand  of  Mardchal  Niel,  Mr.  A.  H.  Gray  was  second.  A 
fine  stand  of  Gustave  Piganeau  gained  Messrs.  Harkness  the  premier 
award  for  the  best  crimson  Rose,  Mr,  G.  Mount  being  second  with 
Fisher  Holmes.  Prizes  were  also  offered  for  twelve  distinct  garden 
decorative  Roses  in  bunches,  and  with  these  Messrs.  G.  Cooling  &  Son 
were  well  first,  staging  fine  bunches  of  Aimie  Vibert,  Madame  Bruant, 
Princess  de  Nassau,  Madame  Lambard,  Fellemberg,  York  Rose, 
Cheshunt  Scarlet,  Single  Perpetual  White,  Triomphe  de  Noisette, 
Madame  Bravy,  Pappilon,  and  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison.  Local  classes 
were  not  well  filled,  the  most  noteworthy  exhibit  in  these  being  the 
stand  of  thirty-six  varieties,  single  trusses,  that  gained  Mr.  A.  H.  Gray 'a 
gold  medal. 

The  competition  in  the  class  for  nine  bouquets  of  Roses  was  close, 
Mr.  J.  Mattock  being  first,  Messrs.  G.  Cooling  &  Son  second,  and  Mr. 
J.  Bradbury  third,  all  showing  well.  Very  good  also  were  the  exhibits 
of  hardy  herbaceous  flowers  in  bunches.  Mr.  F,  Hooper,  Widcombe, 
was  a  good  first,  and  Mr.  A.  A.  Walters,  Bath,  second.  With  twenty- 
four  bunches  hardy  annuals  Mr.  A.  F.  Newman,  Bath,  was  well  first, 
the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  F.  Hooper.  Mr.  R.  B.  Cater  had  a  first 
prize  for  a  pretty  basket  of  Orchids,  Mr.  A.  F.  Newman  being  a  credit¬ 
able  second  in  the  same  class. 

Good  prizes  were  offered  for  a  group  of  miscellaneous  plants  arranged 
for  effect  on  a  space  not  exceeding  200  square  feet.  Mr.  J.  Cypher, 
Cheltenham,  was  well  first  for  a  very  light  and  tasteful  arrangement, 
Messrs.  Cooling  &  Son  being  second,  and  Mr.  T.  J.  Tate,  gardener  to 
W.  Pumphrey,  Esq.,  Bath,  third.  Mr.  Cypher  was  also  first  for  fine- 
foliaged  plants.  A  fairly  large  tent  was  principally  devoted  to  Tuberous 
Begonias,  a  fine  display  of  these  being  made.  The  silver  cup,  value 
£5  5s.,  offered  by  the  Rev.  E.  Lascelles,  a  famous  local  raiser  of 
Begonias,  for  twelve  plants  was  well  won  by  Mr.  J.  B.  Blackmore, 
Tiverton,  who  had  grand  plants  ;  Mr.  Blackmore  also  took  the  lead  in 
several  other  classes,  showing  remarkably  well  in  each  instance.  Other 
successful  exhibitors  were  Mr.  W.  Bees,  gardener  to  D.  S.  Carr,  Esq., 
Tiverton  ;  and  Mr.  E.  Dagger,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Simms.  Messrs.  Black- 
more  and  T.  Wilkins,  Blandford,  were  the  most  successful  with  cut 
blooms,  the  last  named  taking  one  of  the  special  prizes  offered  by  Mr. 
B.  R.  Davis,  Begonia  grower,  Yeovil. 

Non-competitors’  exhibits  comprised  a  grand  display  of  Tuberous 
Begonias  in  a  cut  state  by  Mr.  B.  R.  Davis,  the  varieties,  both  single  and 
double,  being  very  superior.  Messrs.  Canned  &  Sons,  Swanley,  also 
showed  Tuberous  Begonias  in  fine  style,  their  doubles  being  particularly 
good.  Very  attractive  were  the  Sweet  Peas  and  bedding  Violas  in 
bunches  with  a  background  of  black  velvet.  Pansies  and  Marigolds 
brought  from  Scotland  by  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay.  Carnations 
were  extensively  and  well  shown  by  Mr.  F.  Hooper.  Certificates  of 
merit  were  awarded  to  all  these  exhibits. 

FARNINGHAM.— July  6th. 

The  fifteenth  annual  Show  of  the  Farningham  Rose  and  Horticul¬ 
tural  Society  was  held  on  the  above  date.  The  Rose  classes  were  not 
very  well  filled,  doubtless  owing  to  what  was,  considering  the  season,  a 
late  date,  but  possibly  owing  a  little  to  the  Royal  wedding.  However, 
the  Exhibition  as  a  whole  was  a  good  and  attractive  one.  General 
Edwards  is  the  Hon.  Secretary  and  was  able  to  show  a  good  balance  in  his 
last  financial  statement,  so  that  the  Society  may  be  considered  to  be  on  a 
firm  footing. 

Two  competed  in  class  1,  which  was  for  thirty-six  varieties,  and 
Mr.  Mount  was  plaeed  first  for  an  excellent  stand,  in  which  Comtesse  de 
Nadaillac,  Duke  of  Wellington,  and  Eug&ne  Fiirst,  were  the  best  of  an 
even  and  well  coloured  collection.  Colonel  Pitt,  Turkey  Court,  Maid¬ 
stone,  was  second  with  a  fair  box,  in  which  Marie  Rady  was  far  the  best 
bloom.  Le  Havre  was  also  very  good.  The  remainder  were  a  little 
uneven  in  merit,  but  the  stand  was  a  good  one  considering  the  season ; 
The  Colonel  has  shown  consistently  well  this  season.  The  same  result 
was  apparent  in  the  class  for  eighteen  Teas  and  Noisettes.  Mr.  Mount 
had  a  charming  box,  although  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince  was  terribly 
blown  and  weakened  it  considerably.  The  best  flowers  were  Souvenir 
d’un  Ami,  Niphetos,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  and  Madame  Cusin,  but  all 
were  good  with  the  exception  of  the  one  first  named.  Colonel  Pitt’s 
flowers  were  much  smaller,  but  clean  and  fairly  fresh. 

In  the  amateurs’  class  for  twenty-four  Colonel  Pitt  won  somewhat 
easily,  although  several  of  his  flowers  were  very  weak.  A  splendid 
Marie  Rady,  which  was  awarded  a  silver-gilt  medal  as  the  best  H.P.  in 
the  Show,  a  fine  Horace  Vernet,  and  good  examples  of  Ulrich  Brunner 
and  Madame  Victor  Verdier  retrieved  the  position,  and  secured  the 
award.  Dr.  Tucker,  The  Limes,  Swanley  Junction,  was  second  with 
much  smaller  but  fresh  flowers  ;  and  R.  L.  Knight,  Esq.,  Sittingbourne, 
was  third.  Dr.  Tucker  was  victorious  with  twelve  Teas.  His  flowers 
were  very  small,  but  otherwise  they  were  good,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac, 
Niphetos,  and  Marie  Van  Houtte  being  charming  blooms.  Colonel  Pitt 
had  larger  flowers,  but  one  or  two  were  well  past  their  best,  and  lost  points. 
The  latter  appeared  to  be  the  only  exhibitor  of  six  trebles,  and  received 
the  second  prize,  his  stand  being  somewhat  weak.  Mr.  Gibson,  gardener 
to  T.  F.  Burnaby  Atkins,  Esq.,  was  the  only  exhibitor  of  six  of  one 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


41 


variety  (light),  and  received  a  third  prize  for  a  moderate  bos  of 
Niphetos. 

In  the  third  division  the  first  prize  for  twelve  blooms  went  to  C,  J. 
Grahame,  Esq.,  Croydon,  who  had  a  fairly  good  stand,  Fisher  Holmes 
and  Dr.  Andry  being  the  best  flowers.  Mr.  Gibson  was  second,  receiving 
a  special  bronze  medal  for  A.  K.  Williams,  and  Mr.  R.  Edwards,  The 
Gardens,  Beechy  Lees,  Otford,  was  third.  Mr.  Grahame  had  a  very  neat 
stand  of  nine  Teas,  the  flowers  being  clean  and  fresh,  if  small.  The 
silver  medal  was  awarded  to  his  bloom  of  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac.  Dr. 
Tucker  was  second.  Mr.  Barber,  gardener  to  J.  H.  Dalton,  Esq.,  The 
Oaks,  Chislehurst,  won  with  six  ;  Mr.  Couchman,  gardener  to 
A.  Lanceley,  Esq.,  Farningham,  being  second. 

Pansies  and  cut  flowers  generally  formed  a  bright  display.  Dr. 
Ashurst  was  first  with  twelve  of  the  former,  Mr.  Gibson  being  second, 
and  T.  Denne,  Esq.,  Wilmington,  third.  Mr.  Gibson  had  the  best  box 
of  cut  flowers,  and  an  excellent  one  it  was,  doing  him  great  credit.  Mr. 
Edwards  was  second  ;  Mr.  Dunster,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  J.  Williamson, 
third,  and  Mr.  Barber  fourth.  Some  very  tastefully  arranged  vases, 
baskets,  &c.,  were  exhibited  by  Miss  Solomon,  Miss  K.  Smith,  Miss  Wood, 
Miss  Hodsoll,  Miss  Rita  Jameson,  Miss  Edwards,  Miss  F.  Smith,  Miss 
N.  E.  Solomon,  Miss  Emily  Solomon,  Miss  Dalton,  Miss  K.  Hodson,  Miss 
Ashurst,  Miss  Sybil  Edwards,  Miss  E.  E.  Smith,  Miss  Agnes  Solomon, 
and  Miss  Maynard,  all  of  whom  received  prizes. 

Table  plants  were  extremely  well  shown  by  Mr.  Edwards,  Mr.  Gib¬ 
son,  and  Mr.  Potter,  gardener  to  Sir  Mark  Collett,  Bart.,  St.  Clere, 
Kemsing,  Sevenoaks,  who  were  first,  second,  and  third  in  the  order  of 
their  names.  Groups  of  plants  were  good,  Mr.  J.  D.  Abbott,  gardener  to 
Sir  W.  Hart  Dyke,  being  first ;  Mr.  T.  Abbott,  gardener  to  W.  Moore, 
Esq.,  second  ;  and  Mr.  Gibson  third.  The  prizes  for  Ferns  went  to 
Mr.  Barber  and  Mr.  T.  Abbott ;  and  those  for  stove  and  greenhouse 
plants  to  Messrs.  Gibson,  Edwards,  and  Potter.  Colonel  Pitt  took  the 
lead  with  Grapes,  his  bunches  being  excellent  both  in  the  white  and 
black  classes,  Messrs.  Potter,  Winnill,  and  Edwards  received  the  minor 
prizes.  Mr.  ]‘’otter  won  with  a  Melon.  There  was  an  extensive  and 
good  display  of  vegetables.  Mr.  Edwards  was  first  with  twelve  varieties, 
Mr.  Winnill  with  nine,  and  Mr,  Baldwin,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Crossley, 
Esq.,  with  six,  the  latter  being  for  Messrs.  Sutton’s  prizes.  Mr.  T. 
Abbott  and  Mr.  Nicol  were  also  prizewinners.  Mr.  T.  Abbott  had  the 
best  Cucumbers,  and  Mr.  Baldwin  the  best  Tomatoes,  The  first  prize 
for  a  table  went  to  Mr.  J.  D.  Abbott. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons  had  an  interesting  collection  of  Cactaceous 
plants,  together  with  some  beautiful  Begonias  and  Gloxinias.  They  also 
had  a  large  and  fine  mixed  group  of  plants, 

WOLVERHAMPTON. — July  11th. 

Considering  the  season  there  was  a  surprisingly  good  display  of 
Roses  at  Wolverhampton  on  the  above  date.  It  is  true  several  of 
the  blooms  were  more  or  less  faded,  and  more  appeared  to  have  been 
injured  by  wind  and  rain,  still  excellent  collections  were  staged  by 
northern  growlers.  In  the  class  for  seventy-two  'olooms,  distinct,  the  first 
and  second  prizes  of  £7  lOs.  and  5  guineas,  given  by  the  Mayor  of  the 
town,  C.  T.  Mander,  Esq.,  were  won  by  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  Bedale, 
and  R.  Mack  &  Sons,  Catterick  Bridge,  respectively,  Messrs.  Merry- 
weather  &  Son,  Southwell,  being  third. 

With  forty-eight  blooms,  distinct,  Messrs.  Mack  &  Son  were  first  with 
a  really  fine  collection,  Messrs.  Harkness  and  Merryweather  showing 
well  for  the  remaining  prizes,  which  they  won  in  the  order  of  their 
names.  In  the  thirty-six  bloom  class  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons  won  the 
premier  position,  Messrs.  Merryweather  being  second,  and  Perkins  and 
Son  third  in  good  competition.  In  the  tw'enty-four  bloom  class  the 
Bedale  firm  were  again  to  the  fore,  second  honours  going  to  Southwell, 
and  third  to  Hereford— the  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company. 

Messrs.  Merryweather  were  the  premier  exhibitors  of  new  Roses.  In 
the  class  for  twelve  dark  Roses  Messrs.  Mack  k  Son  were  first  with 
Horace  Vernet,  Harkness  &  Sons  second  with  Alfred  Colomb,  and 
D.  &  W.  Croll,  Dundee,  third  with  Maurice  Bernardin.  A  good  class. 
The  light  bloom  class  brought  out  probably  the  finest  stand  ever  seen  of 
Merveille  de  Lyon.  Mr.  Pemberton,  one  of  the  Judges,  remarked  the 
stand  contained  “six  silver  medal  blooms.”  It  was  certainly  a  splendid 
stand,  and  will  not  soon  be  forgotten.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Son  were 
second,  and  the  Hereford  Roses  third,  both  stands  Mrs.  J.  Laing.  The 
winners  in  the  open  class  with  Teas  were  Messrs.  Croll,  Merryweather, 
and  Townsend,  but  all  the  blooms  were  injured  by  the  weather. 

In  the  gardeners’  and  amateurs’  class  for  thirty-six  blooms  the  prizes 
were  won  by  Messrs.  Budd  (Bath),  Pemberton  (Havering),  and  Robins 
(Wolverhampton)  in  the  order  named,  with  very  good  collections.  Mr. 
Budd  was  first  with  twelve  Teas,  the  best  stand  of  these  Roses  in  the 
Show. 

A  large  general  Exhibition  was  held  at  the  same  time,  but  cannot 
be  further  referred  to  this  week.  Rain  fell  in  torrents  at  intervals  on 
the  opening  day,  and  must  have  prejudiced  the  attendance  of  visitors 
materially. 

EARL’S  COURT.— July  12th. 

Despite  the  heavy  fall  of  rain  on  the  preceding  evening  there  was 
a  fair  display  of  Roses,  Carnations,  and  other  flowers  at  the  Gardening 
and  Forestry  Exhibition  at  Earl’s  Court  on  Wednesday,  July  12th. 
Fruit  was  also  shown  in  grand  condition,  the  Grapes  being  specially  fine. 

Carnations  were  very  good,  especially  those  shown  by  Mr.  M. 
Rowan,  Clapham,  who  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for  twenty-four 
blooms.  The  best  of  these  were  Rob  Roy,  George  Melville,  John  Buxton, 
and  W.  Skirviag.  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough,  was  a  close 


second  with  a  stand  of  bright  flowers.  The  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  J. 
Douglas,  Great  Gearies,  Ilford.  Mr.  G.  Chaundy,  New  Marston,  Oxford, 
secured  the  leading  award  |for  twelve  Carnations,  showing  fresh  and 
brightly  coloured  flowers.  The  second  prize  in  this  class  went  to  Mr, 

F.  Hooper,  Widcombe,  Bath,  for  a  stand  of  good  blooms  ;  Mr.  A.  J. 
Sanders,  gardener  to  Viscountess  Chewton,  Bookham  Lodge,  Cobham, 
being  third.  There  were  only  three  competitors  in  each  of  the 
foregoing  classes. 

Mr.  C.  Turner  secured  the  premier  honours  in  the  class  for  twenty- 
four  Picotees,  showing  grand  flowers.  The  best  were  Mrs.  S.  Beal, 
John  Archer,  Morna,  Madeline,  Favourite,  and  Brunette.  Mr.  Douglas 
was  second,  and  Mr.  M,  Rowan  third.  In  both  cases  good  flowers  were 
staged.  There  were  only  three  competitors  in  the  class  last  mentioned. 
Of  twelve  Picotees  there  were  four  exhibitors,  and  the  competition  was 
somewhat  keen.  Mr.  F.  Hooper,  however,  gained  the  premier  prize  for 
a  stand  of  fresh  flowers.  Mr.  G.  Chaundy  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr. 
A.  J.  Sanders  third. 

There  were  nine  exhibitors  of  twelve  self  and  Fancy  Carnations,  and 
consequently  the  first  prize,  which  went  to  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame,  was 
well  won.  The  flowers  were  very  good,  especially  Alfred  Grey,  Duchess 
of  Portland,  and  Rose  Unique.  Mr,  Rowan  was  a  close  second,  Mr. 

G.  Chaundy  being  third.  Mr.  J.  Douglas  won  with  twelve  yellow 
ground  Picotees,  staging  splendid  flowers.  Mr.  C.  Turner  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Chaundy  third.  Mr.  T.  Anstiss,  Brill,  gained  a  first-class 
certificate  for  Carnation  Mrs.  Anstiss,  a  grand  apricot-coloured  self. 
Mr.  C.  Turner  was  again  first  for  twenty-four  self  and  Fancy  Carna¬ 
tions,  Mr.  J.  Douglas  being  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Smith,  Downley,  High 
Wycombe,  Bucks,  third. 

Mr.  G.  Wythes,  gardener  to  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Syon  House, 
sent  a  collection  of  border  Carnations,  not  for  competition  (silver  medal). 
Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  also  had  some  Carnations.  A  box  of 
new  dwarf  Cannas  were  likewise  sent  by  Messrs.  Paul,  to  whom  a  silver 
medal  was  awarded  for  their  various  exhibits.  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame, 
secured  a  silver  medal  for  a  collection  of  border  Carnations. 

Mr.  Chas.  Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough,  gained  the  first  prize 
in  the  class  for  forty-eight  distinct  Roses,  three  trusses  of  each. 
The  best  were  Prince  Arthur,  Mar^chal  Niel,  Crimson  Rambler, 
A.  K.  Williams,  and  Louis  Van  Houtte.  The  first  prize  and 
silver  medal  in  the  class  for  forty-eight  Roses,  distinct,  single 
trusses,  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Paul  k  Son,  Old  Nurseries, 
Cheshunt,  who  staged  A.  K.  Williams,  Alfred  Colomb,  Ernest  Metz, 
Madame  Gabriel  Luizet,  La  France,  and  Her  Majesty  in  good  form. 
In  the  class  for  twenty-four  Roses,  distinct,  three  trusses  of  each,  Messrs. 
Prior  &  Son  took  the  premier  position,  with  Mr.  Geo.  Mount  a  close 
second.  Mary  Bennett,  Jean  Ducher,  Queen  of  Queens,  Lady  Sheffield, 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  and  Catherine  Mermet  were  amongst  Messrs. 
Prior’s  best.  Messrs.  D.  Prior  k  Son  gained  the  first  prize  for  twenty- 
four  distinct  Roses.  Horace  Vernet,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Anna  Ollivier,  and 
Chas.  Lefebvre  were  amongst  the  best.  Mr.  G.  Mount  was  a  very  close 
second.  Messrs.  D.  Prior  k  Son,  Colchester,  were  the  only  competitors  in 
the  class  for  twenty-four  Teas  or  Noisettes,  and  the  first  was 
accorded  to  them.  The  stand  included  Madame  Willermoz,  Edith 
Giffard,  Perle  des  Jardins,  Madame  Lambard,  and  Jean  Ducher  in  grand 
form.  Mr.  G.  Mount,  Canterbury,  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for 
eighteen  Tea  or  Noisette  Roses,  distinct,  showing,  amongst  others,  Hon. 
Edith  Gifford,  Catherine  Mermet,  Innocente  Pirola  in  fine  form.  Messrs. 
Paul  k  Son  were  awarded  the  first  prize  and  a  silver  medal  for  twenty- 
four  bunches  of  garden  Roses,  staging  a  beautiful  collection.  Mr. 
A.  Gibson,  gardener  to  T.  F.  Burnaby  Atkins,  Esq.,  Halstead  Place, 
Sevenoaks,  was  awarded  an  extra  prize  for  a  creditable  box  of  twelve 
bunches  of  garden  Roses.  Mr.  Gibson  was  again  first  for  twelve  distinct 
Hybrid  Perpetual  Roses,  Mr.  Jas.  Parker,  Oakfield,  Hitchin,  being  second, 
and  Miss  E.  Bailey  Denton,  Orchard  Court,  Stevenage,  third.  Mr.  Jas. 
Parker  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for  twelve  Tea  or  Noisette  Roses  in 
distinct  varieties  staged  a  good  selection.  Messrs.  Geo.  Jackman,  Woking, 
staged  a  large  collection  of  Roses  not  for  competition  (silver  medal). 

Mr.  H.  B.  May,  Dyson’s  Lane  Nurseries,  Upper  Edmonton,  staged  a 
very  fine  magnificent  group  of  foliage  plants.  Dracmnas,  Ferns,  Crotons, 
Palms,  Caladiums,  and  Isolepis  gracilis  were  amongst  the  most  promi¬ 
nent  (gold  medal).  A  collection  of  hardy  plants  was  excellently 
arranged  by  Messrs.  J.  Cheat  k  Son,  Crawley.  This  exhibit  included 
Gaillardias  in  exceptionally  good  form,  Violas,  Perennial  Phloxes,  Sweet 
Peas,  and  Gladioli  (silver-gilt  medalL  Messrs.  Barr  &:  Son  staged  a 
beautiful  collection  of  herbaceous  cut  flowers.  The  same  firm  also 
arranged  a  miniature  rockery  in  a  most  effective  manner  (silver  medal). 
Mr.  H.  G.  Sage,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Dysart,  Ham  House,  Richmond, 
staged  a  charming  collection  of  herbaceous  flowers  (silver  medal).  Mr. 
J.  Prewitt,  Swiss  Nursery,  Hammersmith,  and  Mr.  Wythes,  gardener  to 
the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Syon  House,  Brentford,  were  awarded 
equal  first  prizes  in  the  class  for  twelve  bunches  of  stove  and  greenhouse 
flowers,  Mr.  Gibson  being  placed  third.  Mr.  Chuck  was  awarded  an 
extra  prize  for  some  Anthuriums.  A  certificate  was  awpded  for  tri¬ 
color  Pelargonium  Duchess  of  York  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Prewitt. 

The  class  for  three  bunches  of  black  Grapes  brought  forth  nine  com¬ 
petitors,  but  the  leading  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  A.  Maxim,  gardener 
to  Hon.  Miss  Shaw-Lefevre,  Heckfield  Place,  Winchfield,  who  had  some 
well  coloured  Black  Hamburghs,  Mr.  T.  Osman,  Ottershaw  Park, 
Chertsey,  was  a  good  second  with  neat  bunches  of  the  same  variety. 
Mr.  F.  Jordan,  gardener  to  Birkett  Foster,  Esq.,  The  Hill,  Witley, 
Surrey,  being  third.  An  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  W.  Shingler, 
Melton  Constable,  East  Dereham,  for  three  good  bunches  of  Alnwick 


42 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


Seedlinp.  There  were  live  competitors  of  white  Grapes,  and  Mr.  W. 
Lane,  King’s  Ride,  Ascot,  was  first,  showing  three  neat  bunches  of 
Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Mr.  W.  Tidy,  Stanmore  Hill,  Great  Stanmore, 
was  second  with  Foster’s  Seedling ;  and  Mr,  T.  Osman  third  with 
Mrs.  Pearson. 

Mr.  F.  Billings,  gardener  to  R.  W.  Hanbury,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Ham  Hall, 
Ashbourne.  Derbyshire,  was  first  with  a  single  dish  of  Nectarines  ;  Mr. 
J.  Wallis,  Keele  Hall,  Newcastle,  Staffs,  second  ;  and  Mr.  A.  Gibson, 
Halstead  Place,  Sevenoaks,  third.  Mr.  Billings  was  also  first  for 
Peaches,  Mr.  F.  J.  Debnam,  Spring  Grove  Gardens,  Isleworth,  being 
second,  and  Mr.  Wallis  third.  An  extra  prize  went  to  Mr.  A.  H. 
Richwood,  gardener  to  Dowager  Lady  Freake,  Fulwell  Park,  for  a  dish 
of  Peaches.  Mr.  W.  Chuck,  gardener  to  P.  Thelhusson,  Esq.,  Brodf- 
worth  Hall,  Doncaster,  was  first  with  Strawberries.  Mr,  T.  Elisha, 
Belling  Place,  Old  Windsor,  was  first  with  one  Melon,  showing  a 
seedling,  and  Mr.  E,  Little,  Milton  Court,  Dorking,  was  second,  the 
third  prize  going  to  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Rowledge,  Farnham.  Mr. 
E.  Little  was  first  for  three  Melons,  showing  Hero  of  Lockinge,  Mr. 
Mortimer  being  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Portbury,  Ripon  House,  Putney 
Heath,  third.  Mr.  Mortimer  was  first  for  a  dish  of  Cherries. 

Mr.  W.  Jenks,  gardener  to  W.  M.  Grant,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  Cobham, 
staged  a  magnificent  collection  of  Tomatoes  not  for  competition  (silver 
medal).  Messrs.  Thos.  Rivers  &  Son,  Sawbridgeworth,  staged  a  grand 
collection  of  fruit,  including  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Cherries,  and  Plums 
(silver-gilt  medal).  Mr.  A.  Maxim,  gardener  to  Hon.  Miss  Shaw  Lefevre, 
Heckfield  Place,  Winchfield,  showed  two  baskets  of  Black  Hamburgh 
Grapes,  packed  and  ready  for  sending  to  market  (silver  medal),  as 
also  did  Mr.  R.  Grindrod.,  Whitfield  Gardens,  Hereford.  Mr.  Grindrod 
staged  three  bunches  of  Gros  Maroc  Grape  in  fine  condition  (silver 
medal).  Mr.  W.  Shingler,  Melton  Constable,  East  Dereham,  staged  a 
bunch  of  new  Grape,  Lady  Hastings,  a  Black  Muscat  with  good  berries, 
but  a  rather  straggling  bunch.  Mr.  T.  Elisha  sent  a  number  of  seedling 
Melons,  dishes  of  Peaches,  and  some  Peas  and  Cucumbers,  for  which  a 
bronze  medal  was  awarded.  A  first  class  certificate  was  awarded  for  a 
seedling  Melon  named  Earl’s  Court,  a  red  fleshed  variety. 


WOKK.FOil’raE  WEEK,,  ra 

HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Peaches  and  M'ectarlnes.  —  Treatment  of  Succession  Shoots. — 
Secure  loosely  in  the  proper  direction  for  training  healthy  successional 
shoots.  Deal  with  the  strongest  first,  leaving  the  weakest  comparative 
latitude  a  little  longer.  As  a  rule  it  is  not  generally  desirable  to  shorten 
these  at  all,  especially  if  sufficient  space  is  available  for  training  ;  but 
very  vigorous  shoots  that  have  attained  to  a  length  of  over  15  inches 
may  be  topped  to  a  lateral  near  that  point  if  one  has  pushed,  this 
forming  a  new  leader,  but  weaker  than  the  portion  removed.  Other 
laterals  that  may  have  been  produced  reduce  to  the  first  pair  of  leaves. 
Growths  of  medium  strength  which  ha^  e  originated  from  older  wood 
than  the  fruiting  shoots,  and  are  better  placed  than  the  successionals 
retained,  ought  to  be  preserved,  as  by  laying  in  a  few  of  such,  wherever 
space  is  or  can  be  made  available,  the  trees  are  kept  more  evenly 
furnished  with  fruitful  wood. 

Gooseberries. — Summer  pruning  ought  to  be  completed  without 
delay,  pinching  off  the  side  shoots  on  the  main  stems  at  the  fourth  leaf 
where  the  spur  system  of  pruning  is  adopted.  After  the  fruit  is  gathered 
is  the  best  time  to  thin  out  old  branches  for  the  purpose  of  affording 
more  room  to  young  growths  which  will  eventually  bear  finer  fruit. 
The  young  growth  also  must  be  thinned  if  at  all  thickly  placed,  and 
none  of  it  shortened,  but  allowed  to  extend  its  full  length  under  the 
influence  of  sun  and  air  with  the  full  exposure  of  every  leaf.  A  com¬ 
bination  of  spur  pruning  and  allowing  a  fair  amount  of  young  growths 
to  remain  yearly  is  a  profitable  system  where  young  gieen  fruit  is 
plentifully  required,  as  well  as  some  needed  of  a  larger  size  and  fully 
ripened.  The  youngest  wood  will  produce  the  former  and  the  spurred 
shoots  the  latter.  Some  bushes  may  be  treated  entirely  on  the  system 
of  retaining  young  wood  annually,  provided  the  fruit-bearing  shoots  are 
cut  out  directly  the  crops  are  cleared,  so  that  the  growths  retained 
may  receive  the  benefit  of  sun  and  air  in  order  to  rinen  fully  to  their 
extremities. 

Red  and  White  Currants. — The  side  shoots  on  main  branches 
not  yet  summer  pruned  stop  to  five  or  six  good  leaves,  in  order  that 
the  lowest  base  buds  may  be  properly  fed  and  matured  for  furnishing 
the  following  season’s  crops.  Full  grown  bushes  must  have  the 
growths  at  the  extremities  of  the  main  branches  stopped  the  same  as 
side  shoots,  but  young  bushes  still  extending  their  principal  growths 
need  these  preserving  until  the  winter  pruning.  In  aged  trees  young 
strong  shoots  extending  from  the  base  may  be  encouraged  for  taking  the 
place  of  worn-out  branches  or  such  as  are  producing  a  thicket  of 
crowded  spurs.  The  continued  vitality  and  productiveness  of  old  trees 
ci'Q)  hy  gradually  renewing  their  vigour  in  this  manner,  be  maintained. 

Black  Currants. — No  summer  pruning  in  the  sense  of  shortening 
young  wood  is  necessary  with  this  fruit.  The  encouragement  of  strong 
suckers  from  the  base,  or  young  vigorous  wood  from  various  parts  of  the 


lower  branches,  is  the  best  means  of  rendering  the  bushes  fru 
ful,  dispensing  at  the  same  time  with  worn-out  branches  as  well  as 
superfluous  and  ill-placed  growths.  Support  crops  of  fruit  on  bushes  in 
dry  positions  by  watering  freely  and  mulching,  but  avoid  giving  liquid 
manure  where  ripe  fruit  is  hanging  for  late  or  exhibition  purposes.  •«nS!5 

Raspberries.  —  Thin  out  new  canes  or  suckers  of  Raspberries, 
allowing  only  four  or  five  of  the  strongest  to  each  stool.  If  planted  in 
continuous  rows  the  thinning  out  of  the  weakest  canes  should  early  be 
resorted  to,  so  that  when  the  new  canes  are  tied  in  position  there  will  be 
no  crowding.  If  they  extend  higher  than  5  feet  stop  them  at  that 
height.  When  the  fruit  is  cleared  cut  the  old  canes  down  to  the  ground 
at  once.  Plenty  of  water  and  liquid  manure  with  an  additional  mulch 
over  the  roots  will  benefit  the  plants. 

Outdoor  Vines. — Train  the  current  year’s  wood  as  open  as  possible, 
exposing  it  and  the  foliage  fully  to  sun  and  air,  as  upon  this  depends 
continued  fruitfulness.  The  bearing  shoots  being  stopped  one  or  two 
joints  beyond  the  bunches  according  as  space  is  available,  the  subsequent 
laterals  formed  must  be  pinched  to  one  leaf.  Fruitless  shoots,  if  any, 
stop  to  six  or  seven  leaves.  Tie  in  the  fruiting  shoots  securely.  Thin  out 
the  berries  freely,  going  over  the  bunches  a  second  time  if  necessary.  Allow 
one  bunch  only  to  a  shoot.  Support  the  Vines  well  at  the  root  during 
the  swelling  of  the  fruit,  applying  water  and  liquid  manure. 

Outdoor  Fig’S. — Retain  no  more  of  the  current  year’s  shoots  than 
can  be  comfortably  laid  in  without  crowding,  reserving  each  at  full 
length.  A  few  shoots,  however,  if  too  long  to  be  retained  entire,  but 
for  which  space  can  be  found  if  shortened  to  five  or  six  leaves,  may  be 
stopped  as  indicated.  Stop  the  extremities  of  shoots  bearing  Figs  to  the 
fourth  leaf  above  the  fruit.  This  serves  to  concentrate  the  vigour  while 
still  encouraging  a  proper  circulation  of  the  sap  to  feed  the  fruit. 

Propagating  Strawberries. — Rooting  runners  for  early  plants 
must  now  be  attended  to.  The  best  are  furnished  from  young  fruiting 
plants,  these,  as  a  rule,  being  strong  and  vigorous.  A  few  applications 
of  water,  and  a  mulching  of  manure  over  the  roots  of  old  plants,  will 
assist  materially  in  giving  the  runners  a  start,  and  increasing  the  size  of 
the  plantlets  if  at  all  backward  owing  to  the  dry  season.  A  good  method 
of  rooting  runners  is  securing  them  in  small  pots  three  parts  filled  with 
loam  and  manure,  and  upon  3  inch  squares  of  turf  previously  well  soaked 
in  liquid  manure.  Whether  pots  or  turves  are  used  they  should  be  sunk 
in  the  ground  partly,  if  not  wholly,  so  that  they  may  not  dry  so  quickly. 
Peg  the  runners  in  position  with  short  wooden  or  iron  pegs,  though  small 
stones  laid  on  the  runners  nearly  answer  the  same  purpose.  Water 
freely  every  day,  and  nip  off  the  points  of  the  runners  beyond  the  pots 
or  turves.  Later  runners  may  be  rooted  on  small  heaps  of  good,  rich 
soil  laid  between  the  rows.  Another  method  consists  in  securing  a 
selection  of  the  best  runners  on  the  ordinary  soil  between  the  plants, 
loosening  it  if  necessary  and  maintaining  it  moist.  In  every  case 
remove  the  weakest  runners  from  the  old  plants,  whereby  those  retained 
are  not  crowded  and  weakened.  Beware  of  propagating  from  naturally 
barren  plants  as  disappointment  will  follow.  Such  plants  promptly  dis¬ 
card  before  this  characteristic  is  forgotten. 

Trim  away  the  surplus  runners  from  all  plants,  and  from  those 
planted  in  the  spring  cut  away  the  wires  close  to  the  plants  as  they  show, 
propagating  being  seldom  desirable  from  these.  It  is  a  better  plan  to 
induce  as  strong  growth  as  possible  with  a  vie-v  to  obtaining  fine  crops 
of  fruit  the  following  year.  Hoe  down  weeds  in  the  driest  weather. 
After  rain  strongly  growing  weeds  may  be  pulled  up,  effecting  this  before 
the  seed  falls.  Plan'ations  marked  for  destruction  should  not  be  allowed 
to  be  breeding  beds  for  troublesome  weeds  where  they  remain  to  flower 
and  ripen  seed,  which  is  quickly  distributed  unnoticed  over  adjoining 
ground.  Destroy  all  such  before  they  flower  if  the  ground  cannot  be 
dug,  and  the  weeds  deeply  buried  at  once. 

Apples  and  Fears.— Complete  the  summer  pruning,  or  the  short¬ 
ening  of  the  breastwood,  to  from  four  to  six  good  leaves.  If  these  shoots 
are  thickly  placed,  that  is,  several  issuing  close  together  from  one  spur, 
thin  some  out.  The  sun  will  reach  down  to  the  base  of  the  shoots  left 
better.  Fruit  may  still  be  thinned  with  advantage  to  heavily  cropped 
trees.  Some  of  the  Apples  removed  may  be  utilised  for  cooking. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines. — Early-forced  frees. — Trees  wh'ch 
were  started  from  early  December  to  the  new  year  will  for  some  time 
have  been  cleared  of  their  fruit,  and  having  the  wood  on  which  the 
fruit  was  borne  removed,  if  not  extension,  as  soon  as  the  fruit  was 
gathered,  those  retained  may  be  exposed  to  light  and  air.  It  is,  of 
course,  essential  that  the  buds  be  properly  formed  and  perfected,  and. 
the  wood  thoroughly  matured,  which  is  encouraged  by  clean  culture  and 
proper  supplies  of  nourishment.  The  trees,  therefore,  must  be  syringed 
and  cleansed  of  insects,  if  necessary,  by  the  prompt  application  of  an 
approved  insecticide,  and  supplied  with  water,  or  in  the  case  of  weakly 
trees  liquid  manure  at  the  roots.  A  light  mulching  will  a'so  tend  to 
keep  the  roots  at  the  surface,  and  prevent  the  premature  ripening  of  the 
foliage.  The  buds  in  most  cases  will  be  sufficiently  plumped,  and  the 
wood  firm  enough  to  allow  the  roof  lights  being  removed.  This  should 
not  further  be  delayed,  unless  the  trees  are  unusually  vigorous,  when 
the  lights  may  remain  on  a  time  longer  or  if  lifting  is  to  be  done  until 
that  is  performed.  The  removal  of  the  root  lights  is  an  old  and  com¬ 
mendable  practice,  ensuring  complete  rest  for  the  trees,  and  the- 
thorough  moistening  of  the  borders  by  the  autumn  rains. 

S'lccesslon  Houses. — Trees  started  in  February  have  the  fruit  ripe, 
and  in  some  cases  cleared  of  their  crops.  As  the  fruits  are  removed  cut 
out  the  shoots  that  have  borne  them,  and  thin  the  growths  where  they 
are  so  close  that  the  foliage  cannot  have  full  exposure  to  light  and  air.. 


Jul7  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


43 


Cleanse  the  trees  of  dust  by  means  of  the  syringe  or  engine.  Red  spider 
or  other  insect  pests  must  be  subdued  by  the  prompt  employment  of  an 
insecticide.  Keep  the  borders  thoroughly  moist,  feeding  with  liquid 
manure  if  the  trees  have  carried  heavy  crops,  are  at  all  weakly,  or  do 
not  plump  the  buds.  Stop  all  laterals  to  one  joint  on  vigorous  trees,  or 
allow  a  little  lateral  growth  if  the  trees  have  the  buds  in  an  advanced 
state,  this  preventing  premature  ripening  of  the  foliage.  When  the 
wood  is  matured  and  the  buds  well  formed  remove  the  roof  lights.  The 
exposure  to  dew  and  rain  has  an  invigorating  effect. 

Trees  Started  in  March. — The  fruit  of  the  second  early  and  mid¬ 
season  varieties,  which  only  are  worth  growing  for  supplies  after  May 
under  forcing  treatment,  are  taking  the  last  swelling,  and  should  have 
the  leaves  drawn  aside  and  the  fruit  raised  by  means  of  laths  across  the 
wires  of  the  trellis,  so  that  the  apex  will  be  to  the  light.  Inside  and 
outside  borders  must  be  watered,  and  liquid  manure  supplied  until  the 
fruit  commences  to  ripen.  A  light  mulch  of  lumpy  manure  will  lessen 
the  need  of  supplies  of  water,  but  avoid  heavy  mulching.  Ventilate 
early,  or  rather  increase  it,  as  a  little  air  on  all  night  is  beneficial,  and 
syringe  by  7  A.M.,  ventilating  freely  through  the  day.  When  the  sun  loses 
power  in  the  afternoon  begin  to  reduce  the  air  and  so  as  to  raise  the 
temperature  to  85°  or  90°,  with  a  syringing  and  damping  of  the  surface. 
This,  however,  must  be  done  with  judgment,  for  when  the  sun  is  power¬ 
ful  and  the  house  closed  the  water  may  be  heated  so  as  to  scorch  the 
leaves,  which  occurs  in  span-roofed  houses  running  east  and  west. 
Water  also  hanging  for  any  length  of  time  on  the  fruit  during  the  last 
swelling  is  liable  to  damage  the  skin,  causing  it  to  crack  and  imparting 
a  musty  flavour  ;  therefore  have  the  fruit  dry  before  nightfall,  and  in 
dull  weather  syringe  only  in  the  morning  or  damp  the  floors  and  borders 
instead  of  wetting  the  trees.  Cease  syringing  directly  the  fruit  com¬ 
mences  ripening,  but  damp  surfaces,  especially  the  borders,  whenever 
they  become  dry,  and  ventilate  rather  freely. 

Late  Houses. — The  fruit  in  these  is  quite  three  weeks  earlier  than 
usual  and  requires  abundant  ventilation  to  retard  it.  This  necessitates 
frequent  attention  to  damping  and  giving  supplies  of  water  at  the 
roots.  Syringe  well  in  the  morning  and  afternoon.  Keep  the  shoots 
tied  down  as  they  advance,  allowing  no  more  than  are  necessary  for  next 
year’s  bearing,  or  for  furnishing  the  trees,  so  that  the  foliage  will  have 
full  exposure  to  light  and  air.  Stop  laterals  to  one  leaf,  retaining 
growth  to  attract  the  sap  to  the  fruit.  Gross  shoots  which  push  laterals 
from  the  leaf  buds,  cut  back  to  where  the  buds  remain  intact,  or  if 
likely  to  disarrange  the  equalisation  of  the  vigour  of  the  tree,  remove 
them  altogether.  Draw  the  leaves  away  from  the  fruit,  affording  sa 
much  light  and  sun  as  possible.  This  is  important,  for  the  higher  the 
colour  the  better  the  flavour  of  the  fruit. 

Unheated  Houses  or  Wall  Cases. — These  generally  contain  several 
varieties  and  have  the  fruit  in  various  stages.  Ours  consist  of  the  mid¬ 
season  and  late  varieties,  the  stoning  being  completed  and  now  taking 
the  last  swelling.  The  trees  are  well  supplied  with  liquid  manure,  it 
being  run  directly  from  the  manure  cart  on  the  border  by  means  of  hose 
pipes.  With  plenty  of  nourishment  at  the  roots  and  the  foliage  disposed 
so  that  it  has  light  and  air  from  all  points,  the  fruit  swells  kindly  and 
colours  well.  Keep  the  growths  thinly  disposed,  every  shoot  given  full 
exposure  to  sun  and  air.  Syringe  about  7  A.M. ;  admit  a  little  air 
constantly,  and  increase  the  ventilation  with  the  advancing  temperature, 
having  it  full  at  75°.  Syringe  again  in  the  afternoon  about  5  p.m.  If 
red  spider  appear,  subdue  it  by  forcible  syringing  or  the  prompt 
application  of  an  insecticide. 

Figs. — Second  Crop. — The  fruit  of  planted-out  trees  started  about 
the  new  year  is  in  an  advanced  state,  and  this  second  crop  must  be 
thinned  where  too  plentiful,  reserving  that  at  the  base  of  the  shoots, 
which  swells  and  finishes  better  than  at  the  points,  where  fruit  must  not 
be  taken  if  a  full  first  crop  is  desired  another  season.  Avoid  heavy 
second  crops  for  a  similar  reason,  for  heavily  taxed  trees  will  not  afford 
satisfactory  early  crops.  Train  the  shoots  thinly,  allow  plenty  of 
space  in  the  ties  for  the  shoots  to  swell,  and  stop  side  shoots  at  about  the 
fifth  leaf,  but  only  leave  those  for  which  there  is  room,  and  so  as  not  to 
interfere  with  the  extension  or  successional  growths.  Supply  water 
copiously  ;  if  the  surface  is  mulched  with  sweetened  horse  droppings  the 
manuiial  elements  will  be  washed  into  the  soil  each  time  water  is 
applied  and  ammonia  be  given  off,  and  the  roots  be  attracted  to  and 
kept  active  at  the  surface.  Trees  in  narrow  borders  may  need  water 
every  day  in  hot  weather,  others  once  or  twice  a  week  according  to  the 
extent  of  the  rooting  area.  Syringe  twice  a  day  forcibly  to  dislodge 
red  spider.  With  proper  feeding  and  attention  to  air  moisture  there  will 
be  little  need  for  insecticides,  but  red  spider  must  be  kept  in  check,  and 
scale  removed  with  a  brush  and  a  soapy  solution.  Admit  a  little  air 
constantly,  increase  it  early,  and  close  in  good  time  with  plenty  of 
atmospheric  moisture,  then  the  fruit  will  swell  to  a  good  size,  and  a  free 
circulation  of  rather  dry  air  when  ripening  will  insure  Figs  in 
perfection. 

Fig  Trees  in  Pots  for  Early  Forcing. — It  is  important  that  the  trees 
have  plenty  of  light,  are  not  crowded,  and  are  well  ventilated  to  solidify 
the  growths.  Syringe  the  trees  twice  a  day  in  hot  weather  and  occasion¬ 
ally  only  in  dull,  keeping  the  foliage  perfectly  free  from  insects. 
Afford  liquid  manure  at  roots,  as  well-fed  and  properly  matured  growths 
only  produce  really  good  first  crops.  Stopping  to  induce  a  neat  habit  is 
necessary  in  young  plants,  but  it  must  not  be  practised  later  than  this, 
or  the  young  growths  will  not  have  time  to  mature  and  form  embryonic 
Figs  at  the  joints.  Trees  for  early  forcing  must  only  bear  light  second 
crops,  taking  care  to  remove  any  fruit  showing  now  or  later,  and  keeping 
the  points  of  the  shoots  well  exposed  to  the  light. 


iK 


m  BDE-KEEPBR. 


.~i~  I  ,  i .  I .  r.  I  .T.  1  -7  » I  ■  i~~r-  r*  f » r-  I  ■ 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

The  first  week  of  July  was  the  busiest  of  the  whole  season. 
On  the  Ist  I  took  several  hives  and  nuclei  to  the  Heather  for  the 
purpose  of  getting  a  little  Wild  Thyme  honey,  and  to  secure  pure 
fertilisation  of  some  Punic  queens,  also  to  prepare  the  site  for 
sixty  hives.  I  have  never  seen  Heather  so  early  and  so  promising. 
With  ten  days  or  so  fine  weather  during  the  next  four  weeks  there 
will  be  a  large  yield  of  honey.  The  bees  are  all  in  the  best  condi¬ 
tion  for  gathering. 

PuNics  AND  Crossed  Syrians. 

Punics  have  done  remarkably  well  in  many  places,  and  with 
myself.  The  hive  referred  to  in  the  two  last  numbers  of  the 
Jour7ial  of  Horticulture  has  given  to  its  owner  in  a  day  or  two 
more  than  a  month  after  being  hived  75  lbs.  in  supers  and  sections. 
The  gross  weight  on  the  7th,  including  surplus  removed,  was  140  lbs., 
tare  30  lbs.,  nett  110.  The  parent  hive  has  yielded  about  56  lbs., 
the  nett  of  it  being  100  lbs.  The  second  swarm  from  it  was  lost. 
It  would  be  worth  the  while  of  persons  in  quest  of  information 
and  instructions  on  bees  to  visit  Blantyre,  where  both  Punic  bees 
and  practical  bee-keepers  with  their  weighty  hives  may  be  seen. 
My  crossed  Syrians  are  wonderful  heavy.  These  and  the  Punics 
are  the  only  unswarmed  ones,  but  others  of  the  same  breeds  have 
swarmed. 

It  is  many  years  since  I  drew  the  attention  of  your  readers  to 
the  fact  that  by  caging  a  queen  on  top  of  a  hive  having  a  laying  or 
virgin  queen  a  swarm  issued.  I  have  several  cases  where  I  gave 
two  Punic  queen  cells,  thinking  they  might  destroy  one  as  they 
hatched  out.  Singular  to  say  these  queens  were  ripe  for  hatching 
on  June  20th,  and  were  still  piping  on  July  7th.  Three  of  them 
swarmed,  but  in  every  case  went  back  to  the  parent  hive.  It  is 
frequently  advised  to  throw  back  an  after-swarm  on  the  parent 
hive  after  it  has  been  off  a  few  hours,  and  it  will  not  swarm  again. 
This,  however,  is  erroneous  advice,  for  so  long  as  two  queens 
exist  in  one  hive  they  are  liable  to  swarm  at  any  moment,  which 
may  be  prolonged  for  three  weeks,  as  in  the  cases  stated  above, 
and  that  is  the  reason  why  we  deposed  one  of  the  queens  in  the 
two-queens-in-one-hive  system. 

I  have  also  had  several  cases  of  swarming  where  stray  young 
queens  entered  other  hives  than  their  own.  The  foregoing  are  but 
a  few  of  many  similar  cases  which  I  have  experienced.  Some  bee¬ 
keepers  argue  that  a  fertilised  queen  sometimes  takes  an  airing. 
I  do  not  believe  that,  but  in  every  case  where  queens  were  seen  on 
the  wing  during  any  part  of  the  year  they  were  surplus  queens 
from  their  own  hive,  or  a  neighbouring  one  ;  because  queens  are 
bred  if  required  during  every  month  of  the  year. 

One  important  item  I  have  omitted  to  mention  is,  that  the 
supers  and  sections  taken  from  the  crossed  Punic  referred  to  were 
not  supplied  with  foundation  deeper  than  half  an  inch,  only  starters, 
or  the  yield  might  have  been  still  greater. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee¬ 
keeper. 

Swarming. 

How  does  “  A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper  ”  account  for  bees 
swarming  on  a  Sunday  oftener  than  any  other  day  in  the  week  ? 
I  have  two  stock  hives  side  by  side,  which  sent  out  their  first 
swarms  on  Sunday,  June  18th  ;  and  as  I  have  not  had  any 
swarms  do  the  like  before,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  whether  I  have 
acted  rightly  or  not.  The  first  swarm  had  just  clustered  on  a 
Currant  bush,  when  out  came  No.  2,  and  clusters  with  No.  1. 
Taking  the  branch  and  more  than  half  of  the  cluster  I  placed 
them  gently  into  a  bar-frame  hive,  and  supplied  them  with  eight 
frames,  two  of  them  being  filled  with  food  and  brood.  The  rest  of 
the  cluster  was  laying  on  the  ground,  which  I  thought,  if  properly 
hived,  would  possibly  have  a  queen  and  settle  ;  but  it  was  soon  to 
be  seen  the  bees  were  not  settled,  as  they  came  out  and  clustered 
under  the  landing  board  of  the  other  newly  hived  swarm.  There 
they  hung  for  two  days,  and  when,  on  the  20th,  I  picked  up  a  dead 
queen  in  front  of  this  hive  they  joined  the  other  inmates,  and  all 
have  worked  peaceably  together.  I  then  filled  up  the  hive — a 
thirteen  framed  one — and  placed  a  28  lb.  section  rack  on  the  top. 
Is  this  right,  or  is  it  possible  to  do  anything  more  ?  The  stock 
hives  are  ten  and  eleven  framed.  I  shall  also  be  glad  to  know  if 
any  swarm  will  be  of  much  use  after  this  date.  Any  advice  for 
the  future  working  will  be  highly  appreciated  by — H.  Richardson, 
Barnsley. 

[That  bees  swarm  sometimes  on  a  Sunday  there  is  no  doubt, 
but  in  my  experience  not  more  frequently  than  on  any  other  day. 
Bees  always  make  preparations  from  eight  to  ten  days  previous  to 


44 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  13,  1893. 


swarming,  after  which,  in  from  six  to  ten  days  more,  the  after¬ 
swarms  come,  unless  the  first  swarm  has  been  delayed  bejond  its 
normal  time  through  unfavourable  weather.  In  such  cases  the 
after-swarm  may  come  any 'time  from  one  to  eight  or  ten  days  after 
the  prime  swarm,  which,  under  the  above  circumstances,  may  have 
a  young  queen,  the  old  one  invariably  meeting  an  untimely  end  by 
her  rival  daughters  or  the  bees  themselves.  One  point  of  great 
moment  to  the  bee-keeper  as  regards  profit  is  to  hasten  the  end  of 
the  plurality  of  queens  after  swarming  has  commenced — that  is,  by 
destroying  all  queen  cells  unless  one  about  eight  days  after  the 
first  swarm.  At  the  same  time  form  a  nucleus,  or  several  nuclei, 
as  surety  against  the  loss  of  the  queen  of  the  old  stock,  and  have 
in  readiness  queens  to  add  to  any  swarmed  hive  shortly  after  the 
issue  of  the  prime  swarm.  Sometimes  the  summer  goes  past 
while  the  queen  remains  a  virgin,  from  the  fact  that  somehow  or 
other  the  bees  permit  a  plurality  of  queens  without  attempting  to 
swarm  or  to  kill  them.  I  have  three  such  hives  that  have  piped 
for  no  less  than  three  weeks,  whereas  had  the  surplus  ones  been 
killed  they  might  have  nearly  hatched  by  this  time.  The  three 
cases  mentioned  had  their  quesn  cells  duly  excised  and  young 
Punic  queens  added,  but  second  batches  of  these  were  so  superior 
to  the  first  that  I  introduced  a  second  ripe  queen  cell  to  each,  and 
they  have  piped  ever  since.  When  two  or  more  swarms  come  at 
the  same  time,  the  bees — either  through  several  queens  or  stranger 
bees,  or  both — will  not  settle,  and  it  is  better  to  allow  the  union, 
or  catch  both  or  more  queens,  and  let  them  go  back  to  their 
respective  hives.  Under  the  circumstances  you  acted  wisely,  and 
the  best  that  could  be  done.  The  Heather  and  the  Limes  are  the 
only  two  sources  of  honey  now  likely  to  be  profitable. — A.  L.  B.  K.] 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

F.  Cooper,  Manners  Street,  Wellington. —  Garden  and  Agricultural 
Seeds. 

J.  V.  Van  Zanten  &  Zonen,  Hillegom,  near  Haarlem. — Dutch  Bulbs. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editok”  or  to  “The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Vegetables  for  Exhibition  (jR.  P.'). — You  should  have  sent  the 
list  for  confirmation  or  suggested  alterations.  To  publish  a  list  that 
might  differ  more  or  less  materially  and  yet  not  be  substantially  better 
would  inevitably  lead  to  confusion  and  be  the  reverse  of  helpful  under 
the  circumstances. 

Tomato  Fruits  Diseased  (//.  F.  Smith'). — The  truits  are  viru¬ 
lently  attacked  with  Cladosporium  Lycopersici,  as  illustrated  in  the 
Journal  of  Horticulture,  March  19th,  1892,  page  386.  They  are  beyond 
remedy,  and  should  be  gathered  and  burned.  Notes  on  the  prevention 
of  Tomato  disease  appear  in  the  present  and  preceding  issues. 

Canker  Insects  {J.  Hiam). — You  appear  to  think,  and  indeed  say, 
that  you  can  find  insects  on  cankered  wood  with  your  pocket  lens  that 
Mr.  Abbey  cannot  find  with  the  microscope.  We  have  to  say  that  if 
there  had  been  insects  on  the  specimen  when  he  received  it  they  would 
have  been  discovered.  We  have  made  close  microscopic  search  for 
insects  alleged  by  you  to  have  caused  canker  in  specimens  submitted. 
The  only  insects  were  such  as  affect  decayed  wood,  and  they  certainly 
were  not  the  cause  but  the  consequence  of  the  canker.  We  begin  to 
want  to  see  this  pocket  lens  canker-causing  insect  magnified.  It  is  like 
the  sea  serpent,  a  great  deal  talked  about  but  not  seen  except  by  the 
favoured  few — three  individuals,  we  think,  out  of  about  thirty  millions 
in  the  famous  case.  Please  send  a  correct  drawing  of  the  creature,  so 
that  we  may  publish  it,  for  convincing  the  other  29,999,997,  or  those  of 
them  who  may  be  interested  in  the  subject.  We  fear  it  will  be  useless 
sending  more  specimens  unless  you  send  the  “  pocket  lens”  with  them, 
for  they  do  not  reveal  themselves  under  our  microscope,  and  it  appears 
to  be  the  same  with  Mr.  Abbey’s.  Have  a  correct  drawing  prepared,  and 
make  yourself  famous  as  a  discoverer. 


Tomato  Disease  {S.  J.  A.). — No  mistake  has  been  made  as  to 
the  nature  of  the  disease  with  which  your  Tomatoes  are  being  over¬ 
run.  The  cladosporium  does  not  affect  the  leaves  before  these  are 
fully  matured,  but  that  does  not  alter  the  fact  that  “  soft  ” — that  is 
to  say,  rankly  grown — stems  and  leaves  [are  the  most  predisposed  to 
attack.  The  disease  is  most  virulent  in  a  moist  atmosphere,  and  in 
dull  weather  especially  it  is  false  economy  to  dispense  with  fire  heat. 
One  of  the  remedies  that  has  been  found  useful  is  an  extra  strong 
heat,  brought  about  principally  by  means  of  the  hot-water  pipes, 
accompanied  by  an  atmosphere  as  dry  as  it  can  be  kept  for  two  or 
three  days.  “  Market  Grower  ”  is  fully  capable  of  taking  care  of 
himself,  and  we  wish  you  could  grow  Tomatoes  as  well  as  he  does. 
You  are  evidently  a  believer  in  the  doctrine  “  in  a  multitude  of 
councillors  is  wisdom.”  May  we  add — and  bewilderment  ? 

Campanulate  Foxglove  (Dr.  It.). — As  we  have  before  remarked, 
the  terminal  campanulate  flowers  in  Foxgloves  are  abnormal  and  not 
uncommon.  Abnormal  floral  forms  also  occur  in  other  plants  with 


Irregular  monopetaloug  corollas,  as  in  Linaria  vulgaris  var.  Peloria, 
which  was  illustrated  in  the'Journal  of  Horticulture  for  July  28th,  1892, 
page  85.  In  the  Foxglove  the  corolla  usually  becomes  enlarged  and 
split  into  spreading  segments,  as  shown  in  the  specimen  depicted  in  the 
accompanying  illustration  (fig.  7).  We  have  seen  many  similar 
instances,  but  the  precise  cause  of  such  changes  has  not  been  revealed, 
Sub-Xeaves  from  IMCidrlb  of  Branching  Broccoli  (T.  H.  S.). — 
The  outgrowths  from  the  midrib  of  the  leaf  are  not  uncommon  in 
Brassicas,  and  may  be  due  to  the  unusual  drought,  which  has  caused 
adventitious  buds  to  form  in  the  midrib  where  the  veins  radiate  from 
it.  One  of  the  outgrowths  is  a  miniature  leaf,  and  from  it  proceeds  a 
growth  corresponding  to  the  flowering  branches  of  the  head.  The 
other  has  no  leaf,  but  a  distinct  shoot  about  an  inch  long,  with  leaves 
from  an  eighth  to  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  length,  and  there  are  buds  in 
the  centre  not  unlike  those  of  flowers,  into  which  they  would  probably 
develop  if  the  weather  continued  dry.  It  is  a  great  curiosity,  and  is  no 
doubt  due  to  the  richness  of  the  soil  and  the  extraordinary  weather. 
This  has  concentrated  the  vital  forces  on  the  midrib,  forming  it  into  a 
sort  of  stem,  and  buds  have  been  formed  and  shoots  produced  therefrom 
as  from  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  It  generally  occurs  when  the  soil  is  rich 
and  the  plants  vigorous. 


July  13,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


45 


Vines  Unhealtby  (i?.  A."). — Your  letter,  through  not  having  been 
addressed  to  “  The  Editor,”  has  remained  unopened  until  there  is  no 
time  left  to  give  other  than  a  brief  reply.  Lime  water  may  be  given 
with  safety.  Wire  worms  can  be  trapped  with  Carrots  or  Potatoes. 

Crapes  Scalded  QR.  A.  L'E.). — We  cannot  name  unripe  Grapes. 
The  berries  sent  are  scalded,  and  the  reply  to  “  J.  G.”  applies  equally  to 
your  case.  As  your  Grapes  may  be  Muscats  a  light  shade,  such  as  a 
screen  of  herring  nets  or  sprinkling  the  glass  with  limewash,  may  be 
advisable  in  extremely  hot  weather ;  and  the  hotter  it  is  the  greater  the 
danger  of  a  low  night  temperature,  particularly  if  there  is  moisture  in 
the  house  with  the  ventilators  closed,  or  not  opened  soon  enough  in  the 
morning. 

Crapes  Scalded  (.7.  —  The  Grapes  have  been  carefully 

examined.  They  are  scalded  more  or  less  over  every  part,  quite  as  much 
on  the  lower  part  of  the  bunch  and  under  side  of  the  berries  as  at  the 
upper  part  of  the  bunch  and  top  side  of  the  berries.  It  is  a  bad,  but  not 
uncommon  case.  It  shows  that  the  night  temperature  has  been  low  and 
the  atmospheric  moisture  considerable,  wdth  the  house  closed.  The  sun 
acting  upon  such  in  the  morning  quickly  heats  and  expands  the 
moisture-laden  air,  and  this,  forced  against  cooler  or  less  rapidly  heated 
substances,  as  the  upper  surfaces  of  leaves,  the  berries  of  Grapes,  cold 
walls,  or  water  pipes,  condenses,  and  this  water  being  often  10°  to  15°, 
and  not  infrequently  20°  to  30°  higher  in  temperature  than  the  skin  or 
cuticle  of  the  berries,  the  parts  most  exposed,  either  to  the  sun  or  the 
surrounding  atmosphere,  have  the  epidermal  tissues  destroyed,  and  when 
evaporation  takes  place  from  such  parts  they  shrink.  If  the  Grapes  are 
examined  closely  it  will  be  noticed  that  the  scalding  has  occurred  before 
air  has  been  admitted,  and  the  discolouration  and  shrinking  is  only  due 
to  the  evaporation  which  follows  the  ventilation.  Had  the  ventilation 
commenced  with  the  heating  and  expansion  of  the  atmosphere  by  the 
sun,  evaporation  taking  place  from  the  berries  instead  of  moisture  being 
condensed  upon  them,  and  they  had  been  warmed  correspondingly  with 
the  surrounding  air,  it  is  certain  scalding  would  not  have  occurred.  It 
is  prevented  by  fire  heat,  so  as  to  maintain  a  night  temperature  of  65°  to 
70°,  and  a  little  more  by  day  artificially.  This  admits  of  air  being 
given,  and  moisture  does  not  condense  on  the  berries.  A  temperature 
of  70°  by  artificial  means  and  enough  air  to  promote  a  circulation  is  a 
complete  preventive  of  scald,  but  it  may  occur  in  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
on  the  upper  part  of  the  bunches  when  they  are  exposed  to  the  direct 
rays  of  the  sun,  especially  on  bright  weather  succeeding  a  cold  dull 
period,  then  a  slight  shade  is  necessary.  As  scalding  is  only  likely  to 
occur  in  Lady  Downe’s  from  a  fortnight  to  three  weeks  before  the 
colouring  is  well  pronounced  it  is  advisable  to  employ  a  little  fire  heat, 
ao  as  to  maintain  a  rather  warm  and  somewhat  dry  atmosphere  during 
that  time,  and  until  the  berries  are  all  assuming  their  ripening  hue. 

Constructing-  a  Grape  Room  (77.  B.). — As  your  wall  is  only 
8  feet  high  the  lean-to  to  allow  for  head  room  could  only  be  narrow,  but 
a  width  of  6  feet  inside  will  allow  of  racks  being  placed  against  both 
walls.  There  is  no  objection  to  your  using  galvanised  corrugated  iron 
for  the  roof,  with  provision  for  ventilation,  a  few  small  openings 
sufficing.  The  straw  will  act  as  a  non-conductor,  and  the  walls  should  be 
lined  with  boards  kept  about  an  inch  from  the  face.  The  floor  may  be 
formed  of  tiles  or  cement,  the  latter  preferably,  as  it  is  needful  to 
keep  out  rats.  It  will  be  necessary  to  provide  pipes  for  heating  so  as  to 
exclude  frost  and  expel  damp,  fixing  them  as  far  from  the  racks  as 
possible,  say  in  the  centre  or  path.  A  flow  and  return  2  inch  pipe  would 
be  sufficient.  Hacks  may  be  easily  made  by  fixing  uprights  3  inches  by 

2  inches  against  the  sides  at  3  feet  apart,  narrow  surface  outwards. 
At  18  inches  from  the  floor  line  fix  shelves  between  the  uprights 

3  inches  by  IJ  inch,  broad  surface  upwards,  and  the  back  edge  1  inch 

higher  than  the  front,  to  which  affix  a  J  inch  square  lath  flush  with 
the  face  on  the  upper  surface,  forming  a  ledge.  At  the  same  height 
above  the  first  shelf  fix  another,  and  so  on  to  within  18  inches  of  the  top 
of  the  uprights.  Proceed  in  a  similar  manner  between  the  other 
uprights,  forming  shelves  from  the  floor,  18  inches  between,  all  on  the 
same  levels  and  heights.  The  shelves  are  for  the  bottles  to  rest  on.  At 
1)  inches  above  the  level  of  each  shelf  fix  a  rail  2J  inches  by  IJ,  narrow 
face  outwards,  kept  1  inch  from  the  face  of  the  uprights  by  a  strip  of 
wood  corresponding  with  the  face  of  the  upright,  and  the  thickness  of 
the  rail,  and  secure  the  rail  to  the  upright  with  screws.  The  bottom 
side  of  the  rail  should  be  9  inches  above  the  top  of  the  shelf.  Then  cut 
notches  1^  inch  wide  and  1  inch  deep  on  the  inner  edge  of  the  rail  for 
the  neck  of  each  bottle  to  rest  in  at  9  inches  distance  apart.  Nothing 
more  is  required  but  the  bottles.  These  are  perhaps  best  ordinary  pint- 
and-a-half  wine  or  spirit  bottles  of  clear  glass.  Filled  with  water  they 
can  be  stood  on  the  shelves  with  the  neck  in  the  notches  easily  and 
safely.  > 

The  Caper  Plant  (77.  71.).— Capparis  spinosa,  as  we  have  before 
stated,  from  -which  the  capers  of  commerce  are  obtained,  grows 
abundantly  in  the  south  of  Europe,  along  the  shores  and  on  the  islands 
of  the  Mediterranean,  and  in  Syria.  It  is  generally  found  wild  on  walls 
and  rocks  ;  it  is  met  with  on  the  walls  of  Rome,  Sienne,  and  Florence, 
and  is  extensively  cultivated  in  the  south  of  Europe,  ■  particularly 
between  Marseilles  and  Toulon,  and  in  many  parts  of  Italy  ;  but  it  is 
from  Sicily  that  the  greatest  supply  is  brought.  The  flower  buds  form 
the  capers  so  much  used  as  a  pickle  and  a  sauce,  but  in  some  parts  the 
fruit  is  also  employed.  In  the  early  part  of  summer  the  plant  begins 
to  flower,  and  the  flowers  continue  to  appear  successively  till  the 
beginning  of  winter.  The  young  flower  buds  are  picked  every  morning, 
and  as  they  are  gathered  they  are  put  into  vinegar  and  salt ;  and  this 


operation  continues  for  six  months,  as  long  as  the  plants  are  in  a 
flowering  state.  When  the  season  closes  the  buds  are  sorted  according 
to  their  size  and  colour,  the  smallest  and  greenest  being  the  best ;  these 
are  again  put  into  vinegar,  and  then  packed  up  for  sale  and  exportation. 
Capers  are  stimulant,  antiscorbutic,  and  are  much  employed  as  a  condi¬ 
ment,  but  the  medicinal  virtues  of  the  plant  reside  in  the  root,  which  is 
slightly  bitter,  somewhat  acrid  and  sour,  and  is  diuretic. 

N’ames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  consequence 
of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Apples  and  Pears  sent  to  this  office  to 
be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  ichich  are  not  worth  sending 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  (IF.  N.  P.j. — The  Apple  is  the  Early  Red  Margaret  or 
J  uneating.  The  premature  ripening  and  fruit-falling  is  probably  the 
result  of  the  drought. 

N'ames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  Arm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(7.  S.'). — Hoya  stenophylla.  (A.  77,). — Lilium  japonicum.  (H.  77.).— 
Monstera  deliciosa.  (71,  77.). — 1,  Luculia  gratissima  ;  2,  Maranta 
albo-lineata.  (71  Johnson). — 1,  Lysimachia  nummularia ;  3,  Astrantia 
minor  ;  4,  Tradescantia  virginica ;  5,  Centaurea  speciosa.  The  others 
withered.  ((7.  J,  S.). — 1,  Altrcemeria  aurantiaca  ;  2,  Geranium  pratense 
flore-pleno  ;  3,  a  Ceanothus,  no  flowers.  {G.  A.). — 1,  Crataegus  crus- 
galli,  variety  ;  2,  Fraxinus  heterophylla  ;  3,  Crinum  capense. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— July  12th. 

No  alteration.  Supplies  heavy  with  steady  business  doing. 


FRUIT. 


8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

Apples,  half  sieve  . .  . . 

0 

0  to  0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

1 

6 

to  2 

G 

„  Tasmanian, per  case 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

„  Nova  Scotia,  per 

Oranges,  per  100  ..  .. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

barrel . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

G 

8 

0 

Cherries,  half  sieve  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Gooseberries,  half  sieve  . . 

1 

6 

2 

0 

Strawberries,  per  lb.  ..  .. 

0 

G 

1 

6 

VKGrSXABIiKS. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Asparagus,  per  bundle  . . 

0 

0 

to  0 

0 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2 

to  0 

0 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb.  . . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

a 

0 

3 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

a 

0 

3 

0 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

a 

0 

5 

0 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Salsafy,  bundle  . .  . .  . . 

1 

0 

1 

8 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 

a 

0 

4 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Seakale,  per  basket  . .  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

3 

0 

3 

6 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

a 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

G 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . .  . . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 
Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 


s. 

d. 

S. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ., 

1 

6 

to  3 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . . 

1 

6 

to  3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

6 

Calceolaria,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

1 

0 

3 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

bunches . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Pinks,  dozen  bunches  .... 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Primula  (double)  12  sprays 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Lilium  candidum,  dozen 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

blooms  . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  .. 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum  12 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

blooms  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

0 

4 

0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

Sweet  Peas,  doz.  biuiches.. 

3 

0 

G 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Sweet  Sultan,  doz.  bunches 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bimches  . , 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms , .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  . . 

3 

0 

G 

0 

PLANTS  IN  POTS. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

J. 

Arbor  Vit®  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Calceolaria,  per  dozen 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Lobelia,  per  doz . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Crassula.  per  dozen  . . 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  dozen  18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

„  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Musk,  per  dozen . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Ericas,  various . 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Euonvmus,  var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Nasturtiums,  per  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns,  iu  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Ferns  (smalD  pf  r  liundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  per  dozen.. 

G 

0 

12 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  . ,  . . 

1 

6 

7 

6 

„  scarlet,  per  dozen . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each . . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Petunia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

5 

0 

9 

0 

„  single,  in  boxes . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Hydrangea,  per  dozen  . . 

12 

0 

24 

0 

46 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  1-3,  1893. 


VACANT  FARMS. 


Mixed  farming  generally,  as  was  indicated  last  week,  is 
without  doubt  advisable  as  a  rule  ;  the  exceptions  are  dairy, 
fruit,  vegetable,  and  corn  farms.  Let  us  glance  briefly  at  each 
class  of  farm  in  view  of  hiring  one  of  them— not  that  this  is  so 
simple  a  matter  as  it  may  seem  to  the  uninitiated.  The  popular 
idea  that  there  are  plenty  of  vacant  farms  everywhere,  and  that 
every  farm  is  re-let  at  a  heavy  reduction  of  rent,  most  certainly 
does  not  apply  to  really  good  dairy  farms.  Reference  to  the 
rent  roll  of  an  estate  consisting  entirely  of  grass  farms  shows 
that  the  rents  range  now  at  from  378.  to  60s.  per  acre.  For  a 
farm  at  the  lower  rent,  which  fell  in  last  Lady  Day,  we  had  five 
applicants,  and  for  another  becoming  vacant  next  April  there 
are  already  four  offers  at  the  old  rental  of  408.  per  acre.  These 
farms  are  in  the  midlands,  but  even  in  Essex  we  have  had  no 
difficulty  in  obtaining  a  rent  of  30s.  per  acre  for  fair  pasture — a 
very  different  thing  to  much  of  the  poor  exhausted  corn  land  of 
that  county. 

Turning  to  the  rent  roll  of  an  East  Anglian  estate  of  corn 
farms  we  have  a  striking  contrast  to  grass  land  rentals,  those  of 
the  corn  land  ranging  from  14s.  per  acre  downwards  to  very 
little  more  than  half  that  amount.  It  is  only  by  making  such 
ruinous  reductions  that  tenants  have  been  kept  upon  the  land  at 
all.  On  this  particular  estate  there  is  the  melancholy  satisfaction 
that  not  one  farm  is  vacant,  while  on  neighbouring  estates  there 
are  thousands  of  acres  in  hand.  Nothing  will  induce  the  tena,nts 
to  change  or  modify  their  practice ;  corn-growing  or  nothing 
appears  to  be  a  life  maxim  with  them,  and  though  the  heavy 
rent  reduction  enables  them  to  struggle  on  they  have  still  to 
meet  a  large  outlay  for  labour.  Take  for  example  one  of  the 
farms  on  this  estate.  Out  of  its  total  area  of  859  acres  there 
are  not  30  acres  in  pasture,  so  that  we  may  certainly 
estimate  that  there  are  800  acres  of  it  ai’able.  Much  of  it 
is  light  land,  but  at  best  the  outlay  for  tillage  is  a  heavy 
matter.  The  staple  produce  is  Barley  and  sheep,  and  we  have 
no  doubt  the  excellent  flock  of  Suffolk  sheep  on  this  farm  has 
stood  the  tenant  in  good  stead  under  the  depression.  One  point 
of  practice  worthy  of  all  praise  in  East  Anglian  farming  is  the 
systematic  sheep  folding,  which  tends  so  materially  to  sustain 
soil  fertility.  We  have  striven  in  vain  to  induce  our  tenants  in 
the  midlands  to  adopt  the  prac'ice  on  hill  farms  in  the  winder,  to 
stimulate  some  of  their  poor  pasture.  But  they  are  slaves  to 
custom ;  not  one  of  them  has  ever  set  a  sheep  fold,  nor  have 
they  any  hurdles  suitable  for  the  purpose. 

Of  their  comparatively  highly  rented  farms  we  can  say  that 
even  under  an  easy-going  system  of  management  they  answer, 
and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  dairy  farms  are  profitable  even 
when  devoted  sole’y  to  the  production  of  milk  for  sale  ;  they 
ought  to  be  much  more  so  under  the  manufacture  of  first- class 
butter  and  cheese.  But  we  must  not  forget  that  at  a  milk  farm 
pure  and  simple  there  is  no  dairy  work  ;  all  the  expense  of  a 
dairy  plant  or  of  butter  and  cheese  making  is  avoided.  Rich 
pasture,  healthy  cows,  that  before  all  things  else  are  deep 
milkers,  no  matter  what  breed  they  may  be,  plenty  of  water  and 
a  refrigerator  for  cooling  the  milk,  a  sufficient  stock  of  17-gallon 
railway  milk  cans  (which  cost  about  £1  apiece),  a  station  horse 
and  cart  or  van,  nearness  to  a  railway  station,  with  a  milk 
market  at  not  more  than  twenty  or  thirty  miles’  distance  by 
rail.  These  ar.e  the  few  and  simple  conditions  for  the  wou'd-be 
milk  farmer  to  bear  in  mind.  If  to  these  he  can  add  a  few  acres 
of  arable  land  for  roots,  and  such  fodder  crops  as  Yetches, 


Lucerne,  Clover,  Sainfoin,  Rye  Grass,  mixed  seeds,  Green 
Maize,  Cattle  Cabbage,  and  Thousand-headed  Kale,  he  will  have 
every  facility  for  a  business  which  can  be  managed  with  a 
very  moderate  expenditure  for  labour.  Outside  some  such 
radius  as  we  have  indicated  it  would  be  greatly  to  the  advantage 
of  the  producer  if  milk  could  be  diverted  from  the  great  centres  of 
population  to  local  butter  or  cheese  factories,  or  under  favourable 
conditions  to  the  home  productions  of  cheese  and  butter. 

For  cheese  and  butter  making  there  must  be  a  well  ventilated, 
well  drained  dairy,  so  placed  that  no  impure  air  comes  near  it 
from  cattle  yards,  stables,  piggeries,  manure  heap,  or  sewer,  or 
taint  will  be  imparted  to  the  milk,  cream,  or  curds,  as  the  case 
may  be.  In  it  the  milk  is  passed  through  the  separator  for 
butter,  or  is  brought  to  a  proper  temperature  to  receive  the 
rennet  for  cheese.  Butter  and  cheese  should  both  be  made 
there,  the  cheese  being  taken  thence  to  a  room  with  shelves, 
ventilators,  and  heating  apparatus ;  the  butter  to  a  cool  store 
room  on  slates,  with  only  wall  brackets  to  receive  them,  and 
a  central  packing  table  or  slate  slab. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

If  the  annual  insurance  of  crop  and  stock  does  not  include  corn  or 
haystacks  on  outlying  land,  the  prompt  insurance  of  such  stacks  should 
always  be  done,  as  they  are  especially  liable  to  accidents  from  the  care¬ 
less  use  of  matches  by  vagrants.  Once  on  fire  there  is  little  hope  of 
saving  them,  as  they  may  burn  for  some  time  before  being  seen,  and 
when  they  are  seen  much  time  is  usually  lost  before  real  efforts  are  made 
to  extinguish  the  fire.  On  a  property  which  came  into  our  hands  some 
time  ago,  the  buildings  of  a  certain  homestead  had  been  destroyed  by 
fire  and  rebuilt.  Among  the  new  buildings  were  some  neat  looking 
stables  of  brickwork,  but  the  common  mistake  had  been  made  of 
leaving  the  inner  walls  exposed,  with  the  equally  common  result  of 
bricks  and  mortar  being  kicked  to  pieces  by  the  horses.  All  brickwork 
in  stables  must  be  covered  to  a  height  of  5  feet  with  stout  match  board  - 
ing,  to  prevent  this  vexatious  destruction  of  property.  This  is  entirely 
a  matter  for  the  owner  or  agent  of  the  property  to  see  to.  In  our 
experience  we  have  not  found  tenants  to  trouble  themselves  about  it. 

Milch  cows  should  be  kept  in  by  day  during  this  sultry  weather  or 
they  will  be  so  worried  by  flies  as  to  be  constantly  rushing  about  the 
pasture  to  their  detriment  and  a  serious  falling  off  in  the  milk  yield. 
Not  only  is  it  a  humane  thing  to  have  commodious  well  ventilated 
hovels  which  can  be  closed  for  this  purpose,  but  it  is  decidedly  profit¬ 
able.  With  a  good  cut  of  Clover,  Lucerne,  or  other  green  fodder  going, 
the  hovel  or  cowhouse  racks  are  filled  regularly  twice  during  the  day, 
so  that  the  cows  can  quietly  feed  in  comfort  and  then  be  turned  out 
after  the  evening  milking.  Here,  again,  the  few  acres  of  arable  land  on  a 
dairy  farm  tell  in  an  acceptable  supply  of  green  fodder  as  an  invaluable 
auxiliary  to  the  permanent  pasture,  enabling  the  grazier  to  do  the  best 
thing  for  his  own  advantage  in  the  better  management  of  his  stock. 

Especial  attention  has  been  given  to  pig  breeding  so  as  to  have  a 
large  number  ready  for  the  corn  stubbles.  This  is  an  easy  matter  as 
young  sows  come  into  breeding  so  early,  and  it  is  certainly  desirable  to 
breed  sows  as  well  as  store  pigs  while  they  are  so  dear.  We  have 
recently  seen  some  enormous  sows  in  the  Midlands,  and  must  needs 
repeat  our  warning  against  keeping  such  unwieldly  animals. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Squarb,  Loxdox. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

Ix  THE  Day. 

Bain. 

1893. 

July. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

G-rass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  .. 

2 

30-146 

69-4 

62-6 

N.E. 

64-1 

83-6 

68-4 

116-9 

55-8 

— 

Monday  . . 

3 

30-133 

69-7 

60-7 

E. 

64-9 

83-2 

58-9 

125-7 

57-4 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

4 

30-056 

64-6 

57-2 

E. 

65-1 

76-7 

65-0 

121-9 

52-1 

0-180 

Wednesday 

5 

29-787 

65-0 

61-2 

N.E. 

65-0 

76-7 

54-3 

112-0 

54-5 

— 

Thursday . . 

6 

29-995 

69-3 

61-8 

N.B. 

63-9 

85-7 

54-6 

120-4 

51-7 

— 

Friday 

7 

29-993 

72-2 

60-9 

E. 

65-0 

90-7 

54-1 

128-2 

48-4 

_ 

Saturday  . . 

8 

29-736 

80-2 

67-2 

S. 

66-3 

88-4 

63-2 

130-3 

66-4 

0-456 

29-978 

70-1 

61-7 

64-9 

83-6 

56-9 

122-2 

53-8 

0-636 

REMARKS. 

2nd. — Hot,  hazy,  and  oppressive ;  clouds  at  times  in  evening. 

3rd. — Generally  sunny,  but  a  good  deal  of  cirro-cumulus  cloud. 

4tli. — Bright  breezy  day,  cloudy  at  times  in  afternoon,  overcast  evening,  and  rain 
from  10  P.M. 

5th.— Bain  till  2  A.M.,  overcast  morning,  spots  of  rain  at  noon,  occasional  gleams  of 
sun  in  afternoon,  cloudless  evening. 

6th. — Hot,  clear,  and  almost  cloudless, 

7th. — Sunny  and  hot,  but  calm  and  a  little  hazy. 

8th. — Sunny  and  hot,  but  some  breeze ;  heavy  rain  with  lightning  and  thunder  from 
4.30  P.M.  to  6.30  P.M.,  showers  again  at  night. 

A  very  hot  week,  hotter  than  any  week  in  Jubilee  year  (1887),  or  than  in  any  year 
back  to  1882  at  least.— G.  J.  Symoxs, 


Jidy  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


47 


NOW  that  the  rain  has  come  and  moistened  the  parched  earth 
gardeners,  farmers,  and  amateurs — indeed  all  who  engage 
in  the  cultivation  of  the  soil,  will  to  a  more  or  less  considerable 
extent  be  relieved  from  the  anxiety  that  in  some  cases  was 
almost  too  heavy  to  be  borne.  Artificial  watering  has  been 
indispensable  in  gardens  over  a  long  period  in  order  to  prevent 
the  collapse  of  plants  and  crops  ;  but  notwithstanding  all  the 
labour  devoted  to  it,  and  it  has  absorbed  most  of  the  time  of 
many  workers,  anything  like  satisfactory  growth  and  a  full 
supply  of  seasonable  produce  could  not  be  produced.  The  earth 
might  be  moistened  for  short  periods,  but  the  parchingly  dry 
atmosphere  was  a  great  counteracting  force  and  uncontrollable 
obstacle  to  the  progress  of  vegetation. 

Trying  indeed  the  season  has  been  even  to  persons  engaged  in 
gardens  who  have  had  a  good  water  supply  at  hand  ;  but  to  obtain 
and  distribute  it  has  been  almost  heart-breaking  work  to  many  an 
earnest  man,  and  such  men  envied  those  with  water  “  laid  on  ”  and 
hose  to  conduct  it  where  required.  With  the  home  water  supply 
practically  exhausted  and  only  limited  quantities  obtainable  from  a 
distance,  then  did  the  position  become  almost  unendurable,  and  it 
has  been  a  case  of  “  all  hands  to  the  pumps  ”  except  those  engaged 
in  carting  or  carrying  the  precious  fluid  nearly  all  the  hours  of  day¬ 
light,  with,  unfortunately,  very  little  to  cheer  them  for  their  labour. 
We  may  use  water  as  we  may,  by  hand  distribution,  the  return 
is  disappointingly  small  during  a  season  of  protracted  drought  ; 
and  only  when  the  supply  was  full,  and  of  the  best  character,  with 
adequate  mechanical  means  provided,  could  lawns  be  kept  green 
and  plants  and  crops  in  a  flourishing  state  in  the  open  air,  during 
the  exhausting  period  through  which  we  have  passed.  Even  when 
all  that  can  be  done  is  done — and  we  wish  more  could  be 
accomplished  in  water  storage — there  is  nothing  like  a  supply 
direct  from  the  clouds — the  great  restorer  of  languishing  vegetation 
— “  sweet  refreshing  rain.” 

This  has  come  at  last,  and  brought  relief  to  thousands  of 
workers  on  the  land,  also  in  time  to  be  of  incalculable  benefit, 
but  too  late  xo  save  valuable  crops  that  have  been  lost  to  the 
husbandman.  The  most  energetic  and  best  cultivators  will  make 
prompt  efforts  to  obtain  such  compensation  as  they  can  in  the 
form  of  subsidiary  crops,  and  it  is  wonderful  with  what  rapidity 
those  sown  or  planted  late,  as  referred  to  in  another  article,  grow 
through  the  autumn  months  under  the  earth  warmth,  now  so 
great,  in  combination  with  the  moisture  also,  we  hope,  in  most 
districts  prevailing.  But  the  rain,  though  it  opens  the  land  for 
working,  and  stimulates  cultivators  to  make  the  best  of  it,  may,  if 
prolonged,  summon  into  activity  at  least  one  enemy,  the  Potato 
disease  ;  and  all  who  wish  to  avert  it  by  the  dressings  that  have  in 
many  cases  proved  effectual  will  do  well  to  act  in  time. 

In  the  case  of  this  and  indeed  all  fungoid  and  insect  enemies, 
nothing  is  so  fatal  as  procrastination.  Prompt  action  on  the  first 
and  faintest  symptoms  of  attack  is  potent  in  its  influences.  A 
waiting  policy  is  always  dangerous.  Two  insects  are  more  easily 
destroyed  than  two  thousand,  and  in  the  former  case  injury  is 
averted,  while  in  the  latter  it  has  been  more  or  less  disastrous.  In 
dealing  with  fungoid  attacks  similar  remarks  apply,  but  with 
even  greater  force.  Parasitic  visitations  can  be  checked  and  even 
destroyed  in  their  infancy,  but  when  deeply  established  in  the 

No.  682. — VOL.  XXVIL,  Third  Series. 


tissues  of  the  host  plants,  no  matter  whether  these  are  Potatoes, 
Tomatoes,  Vines,  or  any  others,  they  are  practically  ineradicable. 
In  nine  cases  out  of  ten  when  well  proved  antidotes  fail  in 
accomplishing  the  desired  purpose,  it  is  not  the  fault  of  the  articles, 
but  of  those  who  apply  them,  or  who  rather  fail  to  do  so  until  the 
time  has  passed  for  them  to  act  with  effect.  Yet  so  much  of 
perversity  do  we  find  in  frail  humanity  that  some  persons  who  fail 
through  their  own  inactivity  are  the  first  to  decry  the  means  as 
useless,  and  the  moat  ready  to  accuse  of  incapacity  those  who  have 
endeavoured  to  help  them.  This  has  always  been  so,  as  all  men 
of  long  experience  know,  and  so  it  is  likely  to  be  to  the  end, 
for  each  generation  appears  to  bring  in  turn  men  of  similar 
idiosyncracies  to  those  who  have  gone  before,  but  we  would  fain 
hope  the  peculiars  will  be  fewer  year  by  year. 

After  the  rain,  too,  we  may  hope  to  hear  less  of  under-glass 
difficulties — the  scorching  and  scalding  of  Grapes,  and  the  drying-up 
of  Cucumbers  and  Melons,  leaving  the  former  bitter  and  the  latter 
flavourless.  Where  the  water  supply  is  adequate,  and  not  chilling 
in  its  coldness,  such  evils,  with  otherwise  good  management,  are 
avertable.  This  statement,  though  hard  to  believe  by  the  victims 
of  such  mishaps,  is  proved  to  demonstration  by  hundreds  of 
cultivators  who,  by  their  skill,  foresight,  quick  perception,  and 
close  attention  fortify  themselves  against  the  contingencies,  and 
have  none  of  the  troubles  to  deplore.  Insufficiency  of  moisture, 
both  in  the  atmosphere  of  plant  and  fruit  houses,  as  well  as  in  the 
soil  in  which  Vines,  Cucumbers,  Melons,  and  various  other  plants, 
crops,  and  trees  are  grown,  is  one  of  the  main  causes  of  most 
of  such  evils  as  those  indicated,  and  with  which  too  many  persons 
have  to  contend. 

We  have  lived  long  enough  to  note  that  the  greater  the  heat 
and  more  protracted  the  drought  the  greater  the  number  of 
complaints  we  hear  of  Cucumbers  and  Melons  failing  to  give 
satisfaction,  and  of  Grapes  shrinking  instead  of  swelling  to 
maturity.  This  ought  not  to  be  so.  All  those  crops  should  be 
better  in  bright  and  hot  than  in  dull  and  cold  seasons,  and  they 
would  be  with  full  support  and  a  well-managed  system  of  venti¬ 
lation  and  other  cultural  aids  appropriate  to  the  circumstances. 
The  brighter  and  more  continuous  the  sun  the  greater  the  quantity 
of  water  passes  as  vapour  from  the  leaves  of  plants,  and  therefore 
the  greater  must  be  the  supply  for  the  roots  to  imbibe,  with 
proportionate  moisture  in  the  atmosphere  to  counteract  extreme 
transpiration.  When  the  escape  of  moisture  from  the  leaves  of 
whatever  may  be  grown  is  in  excess  of  that  supplied  by  the  roots, 
collapse  both  of  foliage  and  fruit  must  occur  sooner  or  later.  And 
with  the  weakening  of  the  foliage  in  a  too  dry  atmosphere  come 
insects,  for  the  conditions  that  are  unfavourable  to  healthy  growth 
are  in  almost  the  same  proportion  favourable  to  the  increase  of 
the  foes  of  the  gardener.  With  thorough  health  in  plants,  trees, 
and  crops,  the  result  of  sound  culture,  and  the  prevention  of  checks 
and  chills,  there  would  be  fewer  difficulties  to  encounter,  and  less 
complaints  to  meet  and  explanations  to  make  relative  to  the  quality 
of  the  produce  supplied. 

Why  are  there  so  many  inferior  Cucumbers  this  year  and  ill- 
flavoured  Melons  staged  at  exhibitions  ?  We  have  seen  hundreds 
of  both,  and  not  one  pair  in  ten  of  the  former  were  anything  like 
so  fresh  and  tempting  in  appearance  as  are  those  grown  by 
specialists  in  bulk  for  the  market.  In  one  case  the  plants  have 
been  comparatively  starved  and  probably  insect-infested,  and  in  the 
other  they  have  been  well  fed  and  kept  clean.  The  half-exhausted 
plants  may  be  expected  to  improve  under  moister  surroundings, 
and  it  is  hoped  they  will  do  so. 

In  respect  of  Melons  we  are  well  within  the  bounds  of  strict 
accuracy  in  saying  that  at  some,  if  not  most,  exhibitions  it  has 
been  difficult  to  find  three  fruits  worthy  of  the  prizes  provided  for 
them.  The  majority  have  been  distinctly  inferior  and  not  a  few 
positively  “nasty,”  as  many  a  judge  knows  too  well.  In  some 
instances  the  result  is,  perhaps,  attributable  to  the  search  for 

No.  2338.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


48 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  20,  1893, 


improvement  by  crossing,  this  ending  in  spoiling  many  fruits  through 
inferiority  of  variety  ;  but  in  most  instances  the  shortcomings 
are  due  to  the  late  exhausting  weather  and  exhausted  plants. 
The  roots  have  failed  to  supply  adequate  nutriment,  and  the  leaves 
failed  to  manufacture  and  secrete  the  requisite  juices  for  the 
development  of  high-class  fruit.  Insects  have,  in  too  many  cases, 
enjoyed  what  the  plants  needed,  and  when  these  abound  well  fed 
highly  flavoured  Melons  or  any  other  fruits  are  out  of  the  question. 
Now  that  rain  has  come  it  is  hoped  that  many  insects  will  go. 
This  will  certainly  be  the  case  outside,  and  therefore  suggests  the 
way  they  may  be  banished  from  under  glass,  as  they  should  be  and 
must  be  if  cultural  success  is  to  be  attained. 

The  hot  season  has  proclaimed  with  trumpet  tongue  the  value 
of  high  culture — deep  rich  soil  and  cleanliness.  From  Land’s 
End  to  John  o’  Groat’s  the  crops  tell  the  same  significant  story — 
land  starvation  and  neglect  leading  to  ruin  ;  land  enrichment  and 
high  management  tending  directly  in  the  other  direction,  the  crops 
holding  out  the  longest  and  yielding  the  best.  There  is  no  exception 
to  the  advantages  of  sound  culture,  and  as  in  the  open  air  so  under 
glass,  the  best  work  tells  and  the  best  men  win,  not  at  shows  alone, 
for  that  is  a  comparatively  small  matter,  but  reputations  at  home  by 
their  industry  and  skill.  We  want  more  of  such  winners,  in  many 
fields  especially,  as  well  as  in  some  gardens,  alike  in  the  interests  of 
the  producers  and  the  increased  prosperity  of  the  country. 


PREPARING  FOR  THE  WINTER. 

Owing  to  the  abnormally  dry  weather  experienced  during  the 
present  season  the  work  of  planting  vegetables  in  their  winter 
quarters  has  been,  in  many  instances,  greatly  delayed.  Now,  how¬ 
ever,  showers  have  become  general  all  over  the  country  the  work 
should  be  completed  as  quickly  as  possible,  otherwise  the  plants 
will  have  but  a  short  season  of  growth.  Those  that  were  early 
planted  have  not  made  much  progress  this  season,  except  in  the 
very  few  instances  in  which  they  have  been  copiously  supplied  with 
water,  or  when  a  mulching  of  short  manure  or  leaf  soil  has  been 
given.  The  advantages  to  be  derived  by  carrying  out  the  latter 
practice  with  garden  crops  generally,  has,  this  season,  been  strikingly 
demonstrated,  and  in  all  instances  where  the  soil  is  light  or  shallow 
I  strongly  advised  a  mulching  to  be  given  now  if  possible,  because 
the  rapid  and  long  continued  evaporation  has  extracted  a  vast 
amount  of  fertility  from  the  soil. 

To  make  up  for  this  deficiency  a  thorough  soaking  with  liquid 
manure  given  to  all  established  plants  before  the  mulching  is  put 
on  will  be  found  extremely  beneficial,  but  there  should  be  no 
mistake  as  to  what  is  meant  by  a  “  thorough  soaking.”  Three 
gallons  to  a  square  yard  may  be  considered  as  such,  and  be 

depended  upon  to  moisten  the  soil  down  to  the  roots  of  the 

plants.  The  drainings  from  stables,  piggeries,  or  the  contents  of 
other  cesspools,  will  answer  the  purpose  splendidly.  Failing  these 
natural  fertilisers,  a  pound  of  superphosphate  of  lime  with  half 
a  pound  of  nitrate  of  soda,  mixed  in  twenty  gallons  of  water, 
makes  a  good  liquid  manure,  so  does  2  lbs.  of  guano  dissolved  in 
thirty  gallons  of  water,  or  a  peck  of  soot  placed  in  a  muslin  bag 

and  steeped  in  the  same  quantity  of  water.  A  little  timely 

attention  given  to  these  matters  will  speedily  have  a  marked  effect 
upon  all  crops,  and  by  encouraging  early  growth  the  chances  of 
suffering  loss  during  severe  winters  is  greatly  lessened. 

Turning  to  those  crops  which  have  yet  to  be  planted,  it  is  well 
to  set  out  good  breadths  of  the  various  kinds  of  Kales  and  Cole- 
worts  which  have  proved  hardy  during  recent  winters.  Foremost 
among  these  may  be  mentioned  Asparagus  Kale,  which  has  been 
quite  a  “  sheet  anchor  ”  in  numerous  gardens  during  the  spring 
months,  at  a  time  when  the  loss  of  Broccoli  have  been  much  felt. 
This  fine  Kale  also  possesses  the  rare  quality  of  having  a  delicious 
flavour  when  cooked.  At  this  late  season,  if  the  rows  are  2  feet 
apart,  the  plants  will  not  require  to  be  more  than  15  inches 
asunder  in  the  rows,  or  if  set  between  the  early  Potatoes  now 
being  taken  up,  the  distance  between  the  lines  may  be  a  trifle  less 
to  correspond  with  spaces  between  the  Potatoes.  When  planted 
between  late  Potatoes  I  prefer  to  lay  the  haulms  in  the  centre  of 
alternate  alleys,  set  the  Kales  (in  those  thus  cleared)  a  foot  apart, 
and  as  soon  as  the  tubers  have  been  lifted  take  up  with  a  spade 
every  other  plant,  and  replant  in  the  centre  of  the  intermediate 
spaces.  Late  Dwarf  Green  Curled  is  another  invaluable  Kale 
suitable  for  planting  largely  at  the  present  time  ;  with  us  during 


the  last  two  seasons  it  has  supplied  tender  greens  up  to  the  time 
that  Cabbage  could  be  cut  in  quantity.  It  requires  about  the  same 
space  as  Asparagus  Kale.  Late  Queen  Broccoli  ought  now  to  be 
of  the  right  size  for  planting.  Taking  a  lesson  from  the  experience 
of  last  season  we  are  this  year  depending  largely  upon  this  variety 
and  Leamington,  though  of  course  plants  of  the  latter  have 
already  been  planted.  If  the  former  are  set  out  in  rows  2  feet 
apart,  a  distance  of  6  inches  less  between  the  plants  will  be  found 
sufficient.  Rosette  Colewort  and  Little  Pixie  always  prove 
exceedingly  useful  during  the  autumn  months.  We  have  now  a 
good  bed  of  these  from  sowings  made  early  in  June,  and  the  plants 
will  be  set  out  shortly  a  foot  apart  in  good  rich  soil.  Plants 
resulting  from  sowings  made  late  in  June  will  also  prove  useful,  but 
it  will  be  a  great  advantage  in  their  case  to  plant  on  a  warm 
border. 

Thus  far  I  have  dealt  especially  with  those  crops  which  are 
particularly  adapted  for  late  planting.  Where,  however,  other 
varieties  of  Borecoles  and  Coleworts,  which,  during  ordinary 
seasons  are  put  out  at  a  much  earlier  date,  are  not  yet  planted  into 
their  permanent  position,  the  work  may  still  be  done  with  the 
prospect  of  securing  a  fair  amount  of  success,  though,  as  a  matter 
of  course,  they  will  not  make  such  strong  growth  unless  we  are 
favoured  with  an  exceptionally  warm  autumn.  Cottagers’  Kale, 
Sprouting  Broccoli,  Chou  de  Burghley,  Brussels  Sprouts,  and 
Couve  Tronchuda  are  all  good  varieties  to  which  the  foregoing 
remarks  apply. 

Before  lifting  the  plants  the  soil  about  the  roots  should  be 
thoroughly  moistened.  If  they  have  been  previously  pricked  out 
they  may  then  be  lifted  with  good  balls  of  earth,  and  will  under 
such  favourable  circumstances  experience  but  little  check.  When 
they  have  to  be  planted  direct  from  the  seed  bed  it  is  a  good 
plan  to  dip  the  roots  in  a  puddle  made  of  clay  sufficiently  thick 
to  adhere  to  them  ;  this  frequently  wards  off  the  attacks  of 
grubs,  which  often  make  sad  havoc  with  plants  destitute  of  small 
fibrous  roots.  For  the  convenience  of  watering  the  plants  should 
be  set  in  drills,  and  a  slight  hollow  left  around  the  stem  of  each 
plant. — H.  D. 


STRAWBERRY  FARMING. 

To  market  gardeners  and  allotment  holders  who  contemplate 
starting  a  Strawberry  patch  due  consideration  and  care  at  the 
outset  go  far  towards  future  success.  Assuming  that  the  land  is 
suitable  in  aspect  and  in  accordance  with  the  remarks  in  my  last 
contribution  (page  5)  we  can  pass  on  to  the  preparation  of  the  bed 
for  the  plants.  Now  is  a  splendid  time  for  beginning  operations. 
The  early  Potatoes  are  coming  off,  and  the  land  can  be  easily  and 
effectually  cleaned.  This  is  of  paramount  importance  when  we 
remember  that  the  plants  are  to  stand  for  four  or  five  years.  The 
man  who  ensures  a  perfectly  clean,  deeply  cultivated  plot,  with  rich 
supplies  of  good  farmyard  manure  well  dug  in,  need  have  little 
fear. 

The  plants  for  the  production  of  marketable  fruit  must  be 
hardy,  good  croppers,  producing  berries  of  good  size,  shape,  and 
flavour.  There  are  at  least  three  capital  varieties,  which  answer  in 
almost  every  particular  to  this  description — viz..  Sir  Joseph 
Paxton,  Laxton’s  Noble,  and  Dr.  Hogg  ;  and  any  grower  could 
not  go  far  wrong  in  selecting  all  or  any  of  these.  The  two  former 
are  at  present  mostly  grown  in  the  Hampshire  and  Surrey  fields, 
but  I  believe  there  is  a  grand  future  for  the  latter,  for  I  saw  a 
fortnight  ago  at  a  local  show  two  dozen  berries  of  the  Dr.  Hogg 
variety  which  weighed  1  lb.  10^  ozs.,  and  were  of  exquisite  colour, 
shape,  and  flavour.  If  either  of  these  varieties  is  chosen,  plenty 
of  space  must  be  given  for  development,  as  all  are  very  gross, 
and  should  not  be  closer  than  about  30  inches  in  the  rank  and 
18-22  inches  (I  prefer  22)  between  the  plants.  After  planting, 
little  more  than  keeping  down  weeds  and  pinching  off  runners 
need  be  done  ;  the  latter  is  essential,  in  order  to  enable  the  young 
plants  to  get  strong  before  the  frosts  set  in. 

The  hoe  must  be  kept  at  work  throughout  the  spring.  Many 
people  pluck  the  first  blooms  so  that  the  plants  shall  not  fruit  the 
first  season,  but  this  mode  of  procedure  is  not  advisable.  There 
may  be  a  gain  in  constitutional  strength,  but  under  any  conditions 
the  plant  will  throw  two  or  three  new  crowns  in  one  season,  and 
it  is  from  these  new  crowns  that  we  expect  our  fruit.  In  fact, 
the  largest  and  best  trusses  of  fruit  always  grow  centrifugal. 
Besides,  “  a  bird  in  the  hand  ”  is  applicable  here,  and  two  medium 
crops  with  some  immediate  returns  are  preferable.  As  the  young 
plants  often  give  the  earliest  and  finest  fruit  they  therefore  pay 
for  a  little  bedding.  Light  straw,  short  rushes,  coarse  grass,  in 
short  anything  which  does  not  contain  seeds,  is  suitable  for  the 
purpose,  and  should  be  well  laid  as  soon  as  the  Strawberries  reach 
the  size  of  marbles.  If  it  can  be  spread  soon  after  a  good  rain 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


49 


so  much  the  better.  Growers  usually  run  over  their  plots  before 
bedding  and  cut  off  the  remaining  runners  to  throw  strength  into 
the  fruit. 

Early  fruit  is  gathered  in  punnets,  and  sells  readily  ;  but  as 
soon  as  the  glut  comes  it  is  picked  into  gallon  baskets  (6^  lbs.) 
and  sent  up  to  market  without  further  disturbance.  Punnets  can 
be  cheaply  bought  in  the  winter  by  the  gross,  and  the  gallon 
baskets  are  not  expensive,  2s.  6d.  or  3s.  per  dozen.  The  fruit  will 
sell  readily  at  the  nearest  town,  but  where  the  fields  are  of  large 
size  the  produce  is  put  on  the  rail  to  London,  Glasgow,  Edinburgh  ; 
in  fact,  some  of  the  best  prices  have  this  year  been  obtained  in  the 
two  latter  towns.  The  sale  is  practically  certain,  but  great 
judgment  is  required  in  placing  the  fruit.  The  grower  must 
know  his  man. 

Strawberry  plants  bear  their  maximum  crop  when  three  and 
four  years  old.  After  the  fifth  year  they  require  lifting,  as  the 
fruit  begins  to  get  small.  In  setting  out  a  piece  of  land  it  is  there¬ 
fore  necessary  to  arrange  the  beds  in  stages,  so  that  they  come  in 
and  go  out  of  cultivation  one  after  the  other.  When  the  crop  is 
off  rake  up  the  bedding,  and  if  only  a  few  runners  are  required 
trim  the  plants  with  a  hook,  clear  out  the  rubbish,  and  set  the  hoe 
to  work.  Old  worn-out  plants  should  be  grubbed  up  and  burnt 
and  the  ground  dug  for  Potatoes,  thus  affording  an  opportunity  of 
again  getting  the  land  into  condition  by  liberal  cultivation  and 
plentiful  supplies  of  rich  manure.  —  Edward  H.  Smith, 
Warminster. 


BACTERIAL  DISEASE  IN  TOMATOES. 

Each  week  since  the  appearance  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  of 
my  first  note  respecting  the  above  I  have  looked  eagerly  for  some 
further  communications  throwing  more  light  upon  the  subject.  It 
appears,  however,  that  none  is  forthcoming,  and  we  must,  for  the 
present  at  least,  be  content  with  Mr.  Abbey’s  far-from-consoling 
assurance  that  there  is  no  known  remedy  for  the  disease. 

A  few  days  subsequently  to  the  writing  of  my  former  note  I  paid  a 
visit  to  a  friend,  who  showed  me  several  hundreds  of  Tomato  plants 
that  had  succumbed  to  an  attack  of  this  disease,  and  although  my 
losses  have  been  trivial,  I  consider  the  matter  of  sufficient  importance 
to  warrant  its  being  thoroughly  investigated  in  hopes  of  eventually 
finding  a  cure,  or  better  still,  a  preventive.  That  seems  impossible 
without  first  discovering  in  what  way  the  bacterial  germs  or  spores  are 
introduced.  Mr.  Abbey,  in  his  exceedingly  interesting  communication, 
page  472,  ad  vises  the  avoidance  of  animal  manures,  with  which  advice  I 
entirely  concur.  At  the  same  time  I  wish  to  mention  that  in  the  house 
where  the  most  stable  manure  was  used  this  year  I  have  not  lost  a 
plant,  whilst  last  year,  in  the  same  house,  when  Thomson’s  and  silicate 
manures  were  used  and  no  animal  manure,  I  lost,  as  nearly  as  I  recollect, 
seven  or  eight  plants. 

Before  reading  Mr.  Abbey’s  report  I  felt  fully  convinced  that  the 
disease  was  not  infectious,  for  on  only  one  occasion  have  I  had  two 
plants  in  close  proximity  to  each  other  die,  although  I  have  occasionally 
left  an  infested  plant  until  it  was  quite  withered.  Allow  me  to  add, 
this  is  simply  my  experience,  and  not  intended  to  reflect  suspicion  of  a 
doubt  on  Mr.  Abbey’s  statement. 

Turning  to  “  J.  F.  D.’s  ”  remarks  on  page  605,  I  wish  to  inform  him 
that  for  eight  years  before  coming  to  this  place  I  had  grown  Tomatoes 
without  being  troubled  with  diseased  plants  or  fruits,  and  probably  felt 
quite  as  sceptical  respecting  their  injurious  effects  as  your  correspondent 
appears  to  do.  Subsequent  experience  has  taught  me  to  believe  in  and 
also  to  respect  Tomato  diseases,  although  of  all  they  are  subject  to,  I 
consider  the  one  now  under  consideration  the  most  to  be  dread^. 

As  to  procuring  seed  from  one  of  the  best  houses  in  the  trade,  I  agree 
with  Mr.  M’Dougall  that  the  best  results  do  not  always  follow  even 
then.  In  my  case  the  seeds,  as  before  stated,  were  procured  from  a 
friend  whose  plants  have  never  been  troubled  with  bacterial  disease, 
and  only  to  a  limited  extent  with  any  other.  In  conclusion  I  would 
like  to  ask  Mr.  Iggulden  to  give  us  his  opinion  on  this  subject,  as  I  was 
informed  a  few  days  since  that  he  is  by  no  means  a  stranger  to  its 
effects,  both  on  Tomatoes  and  Cucumbers. — C.  Lock,  Bristol. 


Dendrobium  Hookerianum. 

AVhen  well  grown  this  is  a  beautiful  Orchid,  and  it  is  sur¬ 
prising  that  one  does  not  se)  it  more  frequently  in  small  as  well 
as  large  collections.  Some  time  since  I  saw  sayeral  fine  plants 
with  growths  quite  3  '^eet  in  length,  and  these  bore  nnany  flowers. 
The  latter,  as  a  lule,  measure  from  3  to  4  inches  in  diameter,  and 


are  of  a  deep  rich  yellow  colour.  The  lip  is  velvety  yellow,  and 
there  are  two  blotches  of  deep  yellow  in  the  throat.  This  noble 
Dendrobium  is  also,  I  believe,  known  as  D.  chrysotis,  under  which 
name  it  is  sometimes  figured.  Perhaps  an  illustration  of  it  would 
convey  to  your  readers  a  better  idea  of  this  grand  Orchid  than  will 
any  description  of  mine. — Orchidist. 

[The  accompanying  engraving  (fig.  8)  depicts  a  bloom  of 
Dendrobium  Hookerianum.] 

CiRRHOPETALUM  BrIENIANUM. 

This  species  was  introduced  from  Borneo  by  Messrs.  Linden,  of 
L’Horticulture  Internationale,  Brussels,  with  whom  it  flowered  in 
March,  1891,  when  it  was  sent  to  Kewfor  determination.  A  plant 
from  the  same  source  flowered  with  Mr.  James  O’Brien,  of  Harrow- 
on-the-Hill,  in  the  following  October.  It  belongs,  says  the  “  Kew 
Bulletin,”  to  the  group  having  the  dorsal  sepal  and  petals  ciliate  or 


FIG.  8. — DENDROBIUM  HOOKERIANUM. 


appendaged,  and  is  allied  to  C.  Makoyanum.  The  lateral  sepals  are 
light  straw-colour,  except  a  small  portion  near  the  base,  which,  as 
well  as  the  greater  part  of  the  dorsal  sepal,  petals  and  lip,  is  very 
dark  dull  maroon. 

CCELOGYNE  BORNEENSIS. 

According  to  the  “Kew  Bulletin”  this  species  belongs  to 
Lindley’s  small  section  Flexuosm,  and  may  be  placed  next  to  the 
Javan  C.  longifolia,  Lindl,  which  has  longer  and  narrower  leaves, 
and  the  pseudo-bulb  without  a  slender  attenuated  neck.  It  is  a 
native  of  Borneo,  whence  it  was  introduced  by  Messrs.  Linden,  of 
L’Horticulture  Internationale,  Brussels,  in  whose^  collection  it 
flowered  last  August.  The  flowers  are  whitish  or  light  buff  (this 
point  remains  doubtful  owing  to  the  flowers  being  somewhat 
withered),  with  red-brown  reticulations  on  the  side  lobes  of  the 
lip,  and  some  markings  of  similar  colour  on  the  front  lobe. 

Stanhopea  Lowi. 

This  handsome  Stanhopea  is  allied  to  S.  eburnea,  Lindl,  and 
S.  Reichenbachiana,  Roezl,  differing  from  the  former  in  its  globose 
hypochil  and  differently  coloured  flowers,  and  from  tbe  latter 
(known  only  from  description)  in  having  the  mesochil  solid,  not 
deeply  channelled,  as  Reichenbach  twice  distinctly  states  in  his 
description.  The  character  is  an  essential  one  in  the  genus,  other¬ 
wise  the  distinctness  of  the  present  one  might  be  doubted. 

S.  Lowi  was  introduced  from  New  Granada  by  Messrs.  Hugh 
Low  &  Co.,  of  Clapton,  and  flowered  in  their  collection  last 
December.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  of  a  creamy  buff 
latter  with  numerous  minute  brown  spots  on  the  disc.  The  bp  is 
ivory-white,  the  upper  half  of  the  hypochil  with  bai-ds  of  ^^1^ 
marcon,  formed  of  numerous  suffused  spots  with  some  scattered 
dots  between  them.  The  column  is  pale  green,  with^  ivory-white 
wings.  The  flowers  exhale  a  powerful,  almost  Ntrcissus-like 
fragrance. —  (“Kew  Bulletin.”) 


60 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  20,  1893. 


CANKER  IN  FRUIT  TREES. 

Before  replying  to  the  articles  on  this  subject  by  Mr.  Kruse, 
“  A.  D.,’'  and  Mr.  Pendered  in  the  issue  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
of  June  22nd  (pages  497  and  498),  I  desire  to  correct  an  error  in  my 
paper  on  “  American  Orcharding  ” — viz.,  the  “  3G  bushels  ”  in  the  first 
.sentence  of  the  seventh  paragraph  on  page  437  should  have  been 
2|  bushels. 

Mr.  Kruse’s  able  description  of  the  soils  of  the  ragstone  range  of 
hills  in  Kent  is  interesting  and  valuable.  A  brief  digest  of  the  condi¬ 
tions  of  soil  and  environment  disfavouring  or  countenancing  canker  in 
Apple  and  Pear  trees  on  the  Kentish  rag  formation  will  be  instructive 
and  useful. 

1,  On  the  lower  slopes  of  the  ragstone  range  of  hills  the  rock 
(calcareous  sandstone)  is  nearest  the  surface,  therefore  well  drained  ; 
the  ground  is  the  richest  from  the  rainwash  or  dehrh  brought  down 
from  the  higher  parts  of  the  range,  and  it  is  the  lightest  in  colour, 
because  it  is  nearest  the  rock,  consequently  contains  more  lime,  and 
from  the  water  percolating  through  it  freely  the  iron  has  been  eliminated 
or  assimilated  and  taken  up  by  the  crops  during  an  untold  period  of 
cultivation  or  carried  off  by  the  water  passing  through  the  soil.  Under 
these  conditions  the  Apple  and  Pear  trees  canker  the  least.  This  being 
30,  and  if  parasites  are  not  the  cause  of  the  cankerous  affections,  why 
do  the  trees  canker  at  all  ? 

2,  At  the  top  of  the  ragstone  range  of  hills  the  subsoil  is  a  red  clay, 
water  must  pass  through  it  slowly,  or  not  at  all,  and  this  will,  in  a  greater 
or  lesser  degree,  irrigate  the  ground  lower  down,  and  enrich  it  with 
assimilible  iron  and  other  tree  food  ;  the  soil  is  also  redder  and  less  rich 
than  on  the  lower  slopes — this  through  air  and  rain  not  entering  it 
freely  so  as  to  liberate  and  render  its  stores  of  nutrition  so  quickly 
available  as  where  the  soil  is  more  open.  Thus  the  trees  are  placed  at 
a  disadvantage,  not  only  in  respect  of  soil,  but  of  climate,  for  it  must 
be  colder  at  the  top  than  at  the  bottom  of  the  range.  Qn  this  part  of 
the  hills  the  Apple  trees  canker  the  most,  and  “  hardly  any  Pears  will  do 
well,  the  fruit  of  most  varieties  cracking  so  much  as  to  be  worthless, 
and  the  trees  are  unhealthy.”  Mr.  Kruse,  it  will  be  observed,  makes  a 
distinction  between  the  canker  of  the  Apple  trees  and  the  cracking  of 
the  fruit  and  ill-health  of  the  Pear  trees,  and  this  shows  conclusively 
that  the  diseases  are  different.  That  of  the  Apple  trees  may  or  may  not 
be  due  to  fungi.  I  have  never  stated,  as  “  A.  D.”  alleges,  that  the  canker- 
fungus  (Nectria  ditissima)  was  the  sole  cause  of  cankerous  affections  on 
Apple  or  Pear  trees.  The  evil  may,  and  does  result  from  several  causes, 
and  I  have  said  and  shown  that  trees  may  have  many  wounds  without  the 
fungus  growing  in  them.  But  there  is  no  question  about  the  Pear  trees  ; 
they  or  their  fruit  are  troubled  with  scab-fungus  (Gladosporium  or 
Pusicladium  dendriticum  var.  pyrinum),  which  attacks  the  young  wood 
and  produces  the  cankerous,  scaly  condition  of  the  bark,  so  well  seen  in 
Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  Pear  in  far  too  many  cases,  especially  on  the 
Quince  stock,  in  cold  localities  and  heavy  or  wet  soils.  Is  not  the  canker 
in  the  Apple  trees  and  the  cracking  of  the  fruit  and  ill  health  in  the 
Pear  trees  as  much,  if  not  more,  due  to  the  unfavourableness  of  the 
environment  than  to  the  soil  ?  The  latter  may  be  improved  by  drainage 
and  cultivation,  but  who  can  alter  the  climate  ?  Nevertheless,  the 
climate  may  be  much  improved  for  tree  growth  by  attending  to  the 
sanitation  of  the  soil,  or,  in  other  words,  the  trees  so  benefited  by 
drainage  and  soil  improvement  as  to  resist  the  parasites  which  await  a 
favourable  opportunity  to  fasten  and  prey  upon  them. 

3,  Midway  between  the  top  and  the  bottom  of  the  slope  of  the 
ragstone  range  of  hills,  “the  soil  is  a  rich  brown  loam  in  a  very  good 
condition,  owing  to  the  abundance  of  ragstone  d4bris,  is  neither  too 
heavy  nor  too  light,  and  is  well  supplied  with  the  principal  elements  of 
plant  food.  Experience  shows  that  these  are  in  a  sufficiently  available 
form,  for  all  kinds  of  vegetables  can  be  grown  of  splendid  condition,  and 
fruits  of  high  quality  are  cultivated.”  Such  is  Mr.  Kruse’s  description 
of  the  soil  of  the  slope  on  which  he  operates.  In  this  “  rich  brown  loam 
in  a  very  good  condition,”  and  in  a  favoured  situation  of  a  county 
that  produces  the  best  using  Apples  in  the  world,  “some  trees  of 
almost  every  variety  canker.  With  some  varieties  there  is  only 
a  tree  here  and  there,  and  other  sorts  canker  so  much  that  it  is  im¬ 
possible  to  grow  them  except  for  a  few  years.”  Mr.  Kruse’s  evidence  is 
conclusive.  It  is  not  a  question  of  soil  so  much  as  of  environment  and 
of  the  “  survival  of  the  fittest,”  for  “  the  higher  the  ground  the  more 
the  Apple  trees  canker.” 

But  Mr.  Kruse  still  adheres  to  the  soil  theory,  and  thinks  he  would 
be  benefited  in  his  culture  by  an  “  analysis  of  a  good  Apple  soil  in  the 
Weald  of  Kent.”  I  cannot  help  him  in  this  matter,  and  think  it  would 
not  benefit  him  much  if  I  could.  After  a  careful  study  of  the  soils  of 
these  islands,  and  guided  by  nearly  half  a  century’s  experience,  I  am 
convinced  that  cultivators  who  pay  the  most  attention  to  the  natural 
adaptability  of  crops  to  the  soil  and  position  obtain  the  best  results  with 
the  least  expenditure  of  labour  and  manures.  So  with  fruit  trees.  To 
secure  healthy  trees  and  profitable  crops  of  fruit  they  must  be  suited 
alike  to  the  soil  and  the  location  ;  and  to  avoid  disease — canker  or  any 
other — we  must  select  those  varieties  best  able  to  resist  and  throw  oil 
the  parasite  producing  it.  This  means  finding  out  by  experience  or 
observation  the  varieties  that  succeed,  and  plant  those  only.  This 
applies  to  all  parts  of  the  British  islands,  for  there  is  not  a  spot  in  them 
up  to  500  feet  and  more  above  the  sea  level  that  is  not  fitted  for  the  pro¬ 
duction  of  some  varieties  of  hardy  fruits.  With  all  due  deference  to 
soil  theorists  and  the  ransacking  of  all  parts  of  the  world  for  manures, 

I  am  satisfied  that  cultivation  and  selection  of  kinds  and  varieties  are 
far  more  important. 


“A.  D.,”  page  498,  commences  by  sheltering  under  Mr.  Tonks’ 
mantle.  I  was  under  the  impression  that  my  views  and  those  of  Mr. 
Tonks  and  other  earnest  inquirers  were  identical — namely,  that  sound 
cultivation  is  the  prime  agent  in  securing  healthy  trees  and  profitable 
crops  of  fruit.  It  is  as  well  to  be  disillusioned  in  this  case.  “  A.  D.”  says, 
“  Canker  is  a  product  of  starvation  in  respect  of  the  particular  variety 
affected,  or  in  other  words,  it  is  a  disease  caused  by  the  absence  in  the 
soil  of  the  elements  which  are  essential  to  the  healthy  maturation  of  the 
wood.”  This  is  a  remarkable  statement,  and  shows  that  he  has  nothing 
in  common  with  Mr.  Tonks,  who  did  not  advise  different  kinds  of  foods 
for  various  varieties  of  Apples,  but  a  complete  food  for  all  the  Apple 
family  wherever  situated,  subject  to  variation  according  to  the  require¬ 
ments  of  different  soils  as  ascertained  by  analysis.  “  A.  D.”  does  not  see 
this,  but  asks,  “  How  is  it  that  of  two  varieties  of  Apples  or  of  Pears 
growing  close  together,  .  .  .  under  absolutely  the  same  conditions,  yet 
one  is  healthy  beyond  all  question,  the  other  cankers  badly,  and  hardly 
ever  ripens  annual  growths?”  He  then  answers,  “The  reason  is 
obvious.  One  sort  finds  all  that  it  needs  in  the  soil,  the  other  does  not.” 
How  does  “  A.  D.”  prove  this  ?  Where  is  the  “  obvious  reason  ?  ”  I 
see  no  description  of  the  soil  or  an  analysis,  no  specifying  of  the  varieties, 
and  “  A.  D.”  sees  nothing  but  soil  starvation  to  account  for  the  difference. 
What  about  constitutional  hardiness  in  different  varieties  t  Here  is  a 
chance  for  “  A.  D.”  to  tell  us  why  the  Calville  Blanche  Apple  requires  to 
be  grown  under  glass  in  this  country,  and  the  Hunthouse  thrives  at 
elevations  in  North  Yorkshire  over  500  feet  above  the  sea  level.  Will 
“A.  D.”  oblige  by  naming  the  “predisposing  cause,”  the  reason  for  the 
difference  in  hardiness  between  two  varieties  of  Apples,  perhaps  raised 
from  two  pips  taken  from  the  same  core  of  the  parent  Apple,  and  why 
one  has  a  better  constitution  than  the  other.  Until  an  answer  is  given 
to  this  I  must  decline  to  accept  “A.  D.’s”  preconceptions  of  predisposing 
causes  ;  but  at  the  same  time  he  adduces  evidence  in  support  of  my 
contention  that  the  reason  why  all  Apples  and  Pears  do  not  suffer 
equally  from  canker  is  more  a  question  of  constitutional  hardiness  and 
adaptability  to  position  than  of  soil.  This  is  shown  in  the  second  para¬ 
graph  of  his  critique  as  follows  : — 

“  Trees  growing  together  side  by  side  for  forty  years,  Kibston, 
Alfriston,  Wellington  [Dumelow’s  Seedling],  cankering  badly  ;  Waltham 
Abbey  Seedling,  Cockle’s  Pippin,  and  Beauty  of  Hants  doing  splendidly. 
All  on  Crab  stocks,  soil  a  deep  and  not  very  sweet  clay.  Again,  of  Pears, 
Alexandra  Lambre,  Thompson’s,  Nouveau  Poiteau,  and  Williams’  Bon 
Chr&tien  do  wonderfully  well,  planted  twenty-two  years  on  the  Pear 
stock.  Beurr6  Diel  and  Beurr(5  d’Amanlis  canker  very  badly,  fruit 
split  and  spotted,  comparatively  worthless;  others  [what  varieties?] 
fruit  perfect,  clean,  and  delicious.”  Then  follows  the  question,  “  Why 
is  the  canker?”  and  “A.  D.’s”  answer  is,  “Because  of  predisposing 
causes.”  These  “are  deficiency  of  tree  food,  the  lack  of  essentials  to 
health  ;  in  other  words,  of  the  formatien  of  perfectly  sound  ripened 
wood.” 

Now  let  us  recognise  established  facts.  Ribston  Pippin  has  its  home 
in  the  rich,  deep,  porous  soil  of  the  great  Vale  of  York,  where  it  has  a 
different  climate  to  that  over  a  “  deep,  and  not  very  sweet  clay.”  It 
cankers  to  death  on  hot  sands.  Alfriston  deserves  a  better  fate  than  a 
lingering  death  on  a  sour  bottom  ;  so  also  does  Dumelow’s  Seedling, 
which,  however,  will  not  thrive  in  the  warm  soil  of  Sandy  in  Bedford¬ 
shire.  Waltham  Abbey  Seedling,  Cockle’s  Pippin,  and  Beauty  of  Hants 
do  well  in  all  fairly  good  Apple  soils,  even  as  far  north  as  the  North 
Riding  of  Yorkshire  in  lightish  soils.  The  soil  theory,  therefore,  breaks 
down  along  the  line,  and  the  selection  of  varieties  suited  to  different 
soils  and  localities  marches  on  as  it  has  done  in  all  time  to  victory.  As 
for  the  Pears,  it  is  certain  that  they  are  similarly  influenced  by  location, 
and  the  hardiness  or  otherwise  of  their  inherent  constitutions.  The 
Beurre  Diel  and  Beurrfl  d’Amanlis  Pears  had  not  the  fruit  cracked  by 
soil  influence,  but  by  scab-fungus,  and  the  susceptibility  or  otherwise 
thereto  is  more  due  to  climate  than  to  soil.  In  the  north  the  trees 
are  healthy  and  the  fruit  without  speck  or  blemish,  fruits  of  Beurr^ 
Diel  often  weighing  1  lb.,  and  sometimes  over  2  lbs.  in  weight. 

Among  other  things  “  A.  D.”  says,  we  get  rid  of  the  canker  by  taking 
the  head  of  the  tree  clean  off  and  replacing  it  by  grafting  with  scions 
from  a  variety  that  thrives  well  on  the  soil.  The  head  is  not  “  re¬ 
placed  ”  but  a  new  one  provided  of  a  variety  suited  to  the  climate,  for 
the  roots  are  in  the  same  soil  as  before.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  said 
“  beheading  is  a  cure  for  all  diseases,”  and  it  is  often  the  best  for  Apple 
trees  afflicted  with  canker.  But  it  is  not  Mr.  Tonks’  plan,  for  he  cured 
his  cankered  trees,  not  one  variety  in  particular,  but  all,  with  the  same 
generous  regimen.  I  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  Mr.  Tonks  cured 
his  trees  of  what  he  considered  to  be  canker,  and  I  am  equally  certain  that 
those  trees  had  not  canker-fungus  (Nectria  ditissima)  growing  in  them, 
for  the  parasite,  once  seated  in  a  shoot,  sooner  or  later  if  not  destroyed, 
compasses  its  destruction.  Lift  fruit  trees  and  improve  the  soil  by  all 
means,  apply  manures  and  attend  to  all  the  cultural  requirements, 
but  rest  assured  that  none  of  these  will  avail  against  canker  or  gum  caused 
by  fungi,  for  the  diseased  limbs  will  remain  so  unless  the  parasite  is 
destroyed  or  removed  by  incision  or  amputation. 

Trees  injured  by  frost,  as  described  by  “A.  D.,”  clenches  my  argu¬ 
ment.  They  did  “  splendidly  for  many  years  ”  before  the  frost  played 
havoc  with  them.  Yes,  the  spores  of  the  canker-fungus  took  possession 
of  the  wounds.  He  will  not  allege,  I  hope,  that  the  frost  would  per¬ 
manently  affect  the  constituent  elements  of  the  soil.  What  then  becomes 
of  his  soil  theory  ?  The  soil  had  clearly  nothing  to  do  with  the  conse¬ 
quences  in  that  case. 

I  could  say  much  more  in  reply  to  “  A.  D,,”  but  I  am  encroaching. 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


51 


and  mHst  refer  briefly  to  Mr.  Pendered’s  communication,  on  page  498. 
He  says,  “  I  first  thought  the  canker  was  caused  by  an  insect  ”  (so 
does  Mr.  Hiam  and  Mr,  Harrison  Weir),  “  and  then  by  a  fungus,  but  I 
came  to  the  conclusion  the  insects  and  fungus  were  due  to  the  disease, 
and  not  the  disease  to  them,”  No  reasons  are  given  for  this  conclusion. 
This  does  not  alter  the  facts,  “  Canker  may  differ  on  various  soils  and 
in  different  localities.”  Just  so,  it  is  a  question  of  varieties  suited  to 
different  soils  and  localities — a  mere  matter  of  selection.  Then  follows 
a  very  accurate  description  of  canker  in  the  second  paragraph  as  caused 
by  fungus,  beating  my  best  endeavours,  and  he  goes  on  to  say,  “  As  a 
remedy  I  cut  off  all  the  worst  cankered  branches,  and  cleaned  the 
remainder.”  “  The  result  was  a  success.”  Just  so,  the  fungus  was  got 
rid  of  to  a  certain  extent,  but  not  entirely,  for  “  it  comes  again  after 
a  time.”  Had  Mr.  Pendered  cut  away  all  the  cankered  parts  in  the 
first  instance,  it  is  perfectly  clear  he  would  not  have  been  troubled 
with  canker  afterwards,  unless  the  fungus  had  appeared  again  in  fresh 
wounds. 

Mr.  Pendered  cures  canker  in  Gooseberry  and  Currant  bushes  by 
letting  it  have  its  run  upon  them,  and  when  they  are  no  longer  profitable 
roots  them  out  and  plants  young  trees.  There  is  no  canker  in  Goose¬ 
berry  or  Currant  bushes  caused  by  fungus.  It  mainly  arises  from  larval 
attacks  and  damage  in  other  ways,  the  Nectria  found  on  these  bushes 
being  always  on  the  dead  wood  or  bark,  and  not  in  the  living  tissues. 
The  canker,  so-called,  in  the  Laurel  is  really  gum,  due  to  a  fungus 
(Coryneum  Beijerincki),  and  is  the  same  as  that  causing  gumming  in 
Cherry  trees.  There  is  no  cure  but  incision  or  amputation.  Old  Laurel 
bushes  cut  off  to  the  ground  or  near,  no  matter  how  large  and  badly 
smitten  they  may  be,  will  push  strong  healthy  shoots  from  the  base  and 
form  fine  bushes  in  less  time  than  the  best  rooted  and  most  carefully 
planted  and  tended  young  shrubs.  It  doss  not  matter  what  the  soil 
may  be,  provided  it  is  such  as  Laurels  will  grow  in,  nor  whether  the 
locality  be  high  or  low,  if  it  is  not  unfitted  for  their  growth. — G.  Abbey, 


WASPS  AND  THEIR  DESTRUCTION. 

A  COEEESPONDENT,  “J,  R.  G.”  (page  28),  writing  on  the  destruc¬ 
tion  of  wasps,  pronounces  gas  tar  the  “  most  efficacious  remedy  his 
gardener  has  tried.”  It  is  the  cheapest  and  most  complete  destroyer  of 
wasps’  nests  that  I  have  found,  after  experience  with  every  method 
recommended  in  the  of  Horticulture  last  week.  Hundreds  of 

nests  have  been  “  settled  ”  by  pouring  a  quantity  into  the  entrances 
through  the  spout  of  an  old  watering  can.  It  is  the  work  of  half  a 
minute,  and  not  in  a  solitary  instance  has  the  plan  failed,  whether  a  sod 
was  pressed  over  the  nest  entrances  or  not.  It  is  easy  to  cover  them, 
and  this  is  generally  done,  though  scores  have  been  left  open  for 
purposes  of  experiment,  and  always  with  the  same  result — nest 
destroyed.  A  neighbouring  gardener,  who  has  used  gas  tar  for  more 
than  twenty  years,  never  thinks  of  covering  the  nest  entrance  after  the 
doctoring.  In  both  these  cases  gas  tar  is  made  on  the  premises,  and 
therefore  costs  nothing. — Noeth  Lincoln. 


Theee  are  more  wasps’  nests  this  season  than  I  ever  remember 
seeing  or  hearing  of  before.  To  make  matters  worse,  all  are  unusually 
strong  at  this  early  date,  and  the  fruit  is  being  attacked  even  before  it 
is  ripe.  Taking  or  destroying  a  few  score  nests  does  not  seem  of  much 
avail  ;  at  any  rate,  I  see  no  great  falling  off  in  their  numbers.  Grapes, 
ripe  and  ripening,  were  soon  found  out,  and  before  we  were  able  to 
apply  the  right  remedy  it  was  scarcely  safe  to  go  near  some  of  the 
bunches  ;  and  what  is  the  remedy,  will  be  the  question  to  which  many 
readers  will  be  glad  to  have  a  reply.  For  several  seasons  past  I  have  tried 
Davis’  wasp  killer,  as  a  destroyer  of  wasps  and  a  preventive  of  their 
attacks,  with  never-failing  success,  and  once  more  it  has  done  good 
service.  A  few  drops  of  this  poisonous  syrup  applied,  with  the  aid  of  a 
pointed  stick,  to  berries  or  other  fruit  that  has  been  started  on  by  wasps 
soon  attracts  the  latter,  with  the  result  that  those  eating  it  are  killed, 
and  the  rest  are  apparently  frightened  away.  I  would  not  be  without 
so  effective  a  remedy  on  any  account.  Gas  tar  for  nests  to  which  it  can 
be  applied,  and  Davis’  wasp  killer  for  the  rest,  are  my  remedies,  and 
they  never  fail. — W.  Iggxjlden. 


Me.  E.  Beoady  on  page  14  asks  for  information  from  others 
respecting  the  effects  of  cyanide  of  potassium  on  wasps  and  the  larvae  in 
the  nests.  I  have  used  it  with  deadly  effect  in  some  cases,  and  have 
known  it  comparatively  harmless  in  others.  There  are  many  things  to 
take  into  consideration — weather,  state  of  the  ground  when  used,  cracks, 
position  of  nests,  and  species  of  wasps.  We  have  three  species  of  ground 
wasps — Vespa  vulgaris,  V.  germanica,  and  V.  rufa,  and  three  building 
above  ground,  all  having  their  peculiarities.  I  have  known  the  three 
species  of  ground  wasps’  nests  within  a  yard  of  each  other  on  a  favourite 
bank. 

Vespa  rufa,  which  never  grows  into  a  large  colony,  so  far  as  I  have 
seen,  usually,  if  not  invariably,  builds  very  near  the  surface,  often  so 
close  that  the  paper  covering  may  be  seen  without  removing  the  soil ; 
these  would  be  easily  destroyed  with  cyanide  of  potassium. 

V.  vulgaris,  on  the  other  hand,  often  traverse  long  tunnels,  even  a 
yard  or  two  in  moles’  runs,  and  in  consequence  the  cyanide  of  potassium 
would  have  very  little  effect  on  the  colony,  except  the  few  at  the 
entrance. 

V.  germanica,  the  largest  and  most  destructive  species,  often  have 
their  nests  deeper  in  the  ground,  and  more  frequently  than  the  others 


build  in  open  fields,  and  are  consequently  more  accessible  for  using 
cyanide  of  potassium. 

Wasps  are  very  numerous  this  season,  and  the  nests  unusually  strong 
in  numbers  for  this  time  of  year.  I  took  a  nest  in  the  Easter  week. — 
J.  Hiam, 


Roses  and  the  Victoeia  Fend. 

At  the  suggestion  of  the  Directors  of  the  Gardening  and  Forestry 
Exhibition  a  committee  of  ladies  organised  a  Rose  sale  at  the  Earl’s 
Court  Exhibition  on  Saturday  evening  last  in  aid  of  the  “Victoria” 
Fund.  A  number  of  stalls  were  arranged  in  the  centre  of  the  building 
around  the  band  of  the  Hon,  Artillery  Company,  and  after  eight  o’clock 
a  scene  of  busy  excitement  ensued.  Although  the  idea  was  hastily 
developed  upwards  of  £40  was  realised.  Among  those  who  rendered 
valuable  assistance  were  the  Misses  Milner,  Mrs.  and  the  Misses  Dodson, 
and  Mrs.  Harry  Turner. 

Roses  and  Rosaeians. 

I  am  very  much  indebted  to  “A  Jubilee  Rose  Grower”  for  the 
interest  he  takes  in  my  horticultural  welfare.  I  perceive  that  the  com¬ 
munication  he  has  addressed  to  your  columns  has  chiefly  been  inspired 
by  my  visit  to  Waltham.  It  may  interest  him  to  learn  that  I  have  just 
received  a  gratifying  letter  from  one  of  the  greatest  of  English  rosarians, 
in  which,  with  reference  to  that  article,  he  says — “  I  have  read  with 
much  pleasure  your  ‘  Visit  to  Waltham.’  It  is  a  production  of  very  high 
literary  merit,  an  oiisis  in  the  desert  of  horticultural  literature,  and 
marvellously  accurate  as  to  details.”  I  could  quote,  if  I  had  occasion  to 
do  so,  from  another  distinguished  horticulturist  and  successful  author 
to  a  precisely  similar  effect,  I  hope  you  will  permit  me  to  say  that  my 
knowledge  of  modern  Roses,  such  as  Margaret  Dickson,  Mrs.  Paul, 
Salamander,  White  Lady,  Gustave  Regis,  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince, 
Mrs.  John  Laing,  Crimson  Rambler,  and  Duchess  of  Fife,  has  been 
derived,  not  from  the  catalogue,  but  from  practical  experience,  for 
though  not  an  exhibitor  at  shows,  I  may  claim  to  be  a  successful 
cultivator  of  Roses.  In  some  instances  I  have  written  to  their  raisers 
regarding  their  parentage,  which  for  the  sake  of  perfect  accuracy  in 
description  I  was  entitled  to  do.  In  my  unconventional  estimates  of  the 
value  of  these  I  have  been  independent  and  entirely  conscientious.  The 
characteristics  which  I  have  attributed  to  such  Roses  as  those  of  the 
late  Mr.  Bennett,  the  Messrs.  Dickson,  Mr.  William  Paul,  Mr.  Cant,  Mr. 
Cranston,  and  Mr.  George  Paul,  are  those  with  which  I  have  become 
familiarised  through  the  medium  of  careful  and  assiduous  cultivation. 
Your  correspondent  has  alluded  to  the  National  Rose  Society.  I  have 
the  greatest  respect  for  that  Association,  whose  President  is  my  intimate 
personal  friend.  I  think  it  would  be  a  gain  if  anonymous  contributions 
had  a  place  elsewhere. — David  R.  Williamson. 

Y'oue  correspondent,  “A  Jubilee  Rose  Grower”  (page  28),  is,  it 
seems  to  me,  unduly  severe  on  the  articles  on  Roses  written  by  the  Rev. 
David  Williamson.  The  latter  has  at  least  the  courage  of  his  opinions, 
as  he  signs  his  name  to  his  articles,  which  your  correspondent, 
“  A  Jubilee  Rose  Grower,”  does  not.  Moreover,  Mr.  Williamson’s 
writings  are  enjoyable  from  the  fact  that  they  come  fresh  from  the 
observations  of  a  true  lover  of  plants  and  flowers,  who  is  keenly  alive 
to  all  that  is  beautiful  in  Nature,  if  not  educated  (?)  in  all  the  techni¬ 
calities  and  rules  of  the  comparatively  small  number  of  Rose  growers 
who  are  also  exhibitors.  Mr.  Williamson  draws  direct  from  the  garden 
that  which  too  many  of  our  writers  on  gardening  gather  from  previous 
authors,  from  the  frequenters  of  exhibition  tents  and  committee  rooms. 
It  is  amusing  to  find  “A  Jubilee  Rose  Giower,”  while  questioning  Mr. 
Williamson’s  accuracy,  set  up  the  N.R.S.’s  new  catalogue  as  an  official 
guide.  No  Rose  grower  of  taste,  unless  an  exhibitor,  would  be  influ¬ 
enced  in  his  selection  of  Roses  for  his  garden  by  this  “  official  guide.” 
It  leaves  out  many  of  the  best  Roses  for  garden  and  house  decoration, 
and  recommends  others  that  no  one  but  an  exhibitor  would  care  to  grow. 
But  then  it  may  be  said  the  so-called  National  Rose  Society  is  only 
an  exhibitors’  Society.— Audi  Alteeam  Paetem. 

NATIONAL  ROSE  SOCIETY. 

Peovincial  Show  at  Woeksop. — July  1.3th. 

Histoey  seemed  bent  on  repeating  itself  in  one  important  and 
unpleasant  particular  in  connection  with  the  provincial  Show  of  the 
National  Rose  Society  at  Worksop,  and  that  was  in  providing  a 
thoroughly  wet  and  miserable  day.  Those  who  had  the  misfortune  to 
taste  the  pleasures  of  the  Chester  Exhibition  last  year  will  remember 
the  great  downpour.  But  the  worst  did  not  come  to  the  worst  on 
Thursday  last.  After  heavy  showers  in  the  morning  the  weather  settled 
somewhat,  and  though  dull  was  not  so  threatening  as  to  prevent  people 
coming  out.  The  gratifying  result  was  that  in  the  afternoon  the  Show 
was  crowded,  and  as  the  Exhibition  of  the  Worksop  Horticultural 
Society  (referred  to  in  another  page)  was  held  in  conjunction  with  the 
Rose  display,  the  visitors  had  value  for  their  money. 


52 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


t  July  20,  1893. 


The  general  opinion  appeared  to  be  that  so  far  as  the  open  and  trade 
classes  were  concei  ned  it  was  going  to  be  a  case  of  Harkness  first  and 
the  rest  nowhere,  but  in  the  amateurs’  section  there  was  a  feeling  of 
absolute  uncertainty.  A  few  bolder  than  the  rest  ventured  a  hesitating 
prediction  or  two,  but  they  managed  to  hedge  it  round  with  so  many 
qualifications  that  they  were  sure  to  be  right  whatever  happened.  The 
result  was  a  complete  surprise  so  far  as  the  Jubilee  class  was  concerned, 
an  outsider  in  Mr.  Whitton  of  Bedale  coming  in  well  ahead  of  the  usual 
leaders,  Mr.  Lindsell  in  particular  failing  to  get  a  prize.  Somehow  or 
other  Mr.  Pemberton  also  failed  to  display  his  customary  interest  in  the 
welfare  of  the  trophy.  Another  instance  of  the  climatic  see-saw,  it 
will  be  said.  Very  likely  ;  but  for  all  that,  ’twas  a  glorious  victory. 
That  both  trade  and  amateurs’  trophies  should  go  to  Bedale  is,  of 
course,  a  coincidence  largely  influenced  by  the  season.  Messrs.  Hark¬ 
ness  were  not  victorious  without  a  struggle,  for  in  the  Jubilee  and 
several  other  classes  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Son  of  Newtownards  gave  them 
a  hard  fight.  In  the  former  there  was  no  doubt  about  the  verdict,  but 
in  the  class  for  thirty-six  trebles  many  appeared  to  think  that  a  mis¬ 
take  had  been  made,  and  that  the  Irish  growers  ought  to  have  been 
placed  first.  The  blooms  were  pointed  up,  however,  and  Messrs. 
Harkness  &  Son’s  flowers  found  by  the  Judges  to  be  two  points  ahead  ; 
too  close  to  be  comfortable,  no  doubt.  It  was  generally  agreed  that 
considering  everything  the  Jubilee  flowers  made  a  marvellous  display. 
The  Palace  winners  had  a  really  magnificent  stand.  How  tenderly  Mr. 
Harkness  nursed  it  when  he  found  there  was  no  one  to  oppose  him  with 
seventy-two,  and  what  a  number  of  fine  blooms  he  found  he  could 
dispense  with  in  the  latter  1  Mr.  Merryweather,  Mr.  Mount,  Messrs, 
Mack  &  Son  all  showed  extremely  well,  as  in  the  amateurs’  section 
did  Messrs.  Whitton,  Hutchinson,  Machin,  Mawley,  Grahame,  and 
Pemberton. 

It  can  hardly  be  said  that  the  Show  was  a  completely  satisfactory 
one — what  “  National  ”  could  be  without  the  Cants,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr. 
Burnside, Mr.  Foster-Melliar,  Mr.  Berners, or  Mr.  Hill  Gray?  to  mention 
only  a  few  of  those  whose  enforced  absence  was  mourned — but  it  was  a 
surprisingly  good  one  considering  the  season.  Let  us  hope  that  next 
year  the  crestfallen  heroes  will  not  be  compelled,  nolens  volens,  to  leave 
the  fray  to  others,  but  will  once  more  show  themselves  worthy  of  places 
amongst  the  bravest  and  best.  Mr.  Mawley,  Mr,  D’Ombrain,  Mr.  Machin 
and  others  worked  hard  to  get  the  Show  ready  for  the  Judges  in  good 
time,  and  were  more  successful  than  has  sometimes  been  the  case  in  the 
past.  All  honour  to  them. 

The  first  of  the  nurserymen’s  classes  was  that  in  which  the  Jubilee 
trophy  and  £2  10s.  constituted  the  first  prize  for  thirty-six  blooms.  The 
Crystal  Palace  winners,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  were  generally  expected 
to  repeat  their  southern  victory,  and  they  did  so  with  a  really  superb 
stand,  the  flowers  being  large,  richly  coloured,  perfectly  fresh  and 
clean.  The  varieties  were  as  follows  : — Back  row  :  Mdme.  E.  Verdier  (a 
grand  flower),  Mrs.  .lowett  (splendidly  coloured),  Fran9ois  Michelon, 
Camille  Bernardin,  S.  M.  Eodocanachi  (very  brilliant),  Comte  Raimbaud, 
Ulrich  Brunner,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Earl  Dufferin,  Duchesse  de  Morny, 
Marie  Eady,  and  Marie  Baumann.  Middle  row  :  A.  K.  Williams, 
Mar^chal  Niel,  Alfred  Colomb,  Madame  H.  Jamain,  Horace  Vernet  (a 
.splendid  flower),  Pierre  Netting,  Duchess  of  Bedford  (very  fine),  Fisher 
Holmes,  Hon,  Edith  Gifford,  Prince  Arthur  (a  grand  flower),  Comtesse 
de  Nadaillac,  and  Chas.  Lefebvre.  Front  row  :  Dupuy  Jamain 
(splendid),  Duke  of  Fife,  La  France,  Reynolds  Hole,  J.  S.  Mill,  Harrison 
Weir,  Madame  Haussmann,  E.  Y,  Teas,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Countess  of 
Rosebery  (a  beautiful  flower,  full  of  colour),  Gustave  Piganeau,  and 
Exposition  de  Brie,  Messrs.  A.  Dicksons  &  Sons,  Newtownards,  had  a 
very  fine  stand,  and  one  that  deserved  a  better  fate  than  the  second 
prize  in  such  a  season  ;  but  they  were  well  beaten  by  the  Bedale  growers 
for  all  that.  They  had  some  splendid  flowers,  particularly  General 
Jacqueminot,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Chas.  Lefebvre  (although  a  little 
tarnished),  Camille  Bernardin,  Catherine  Mermet,  Countess  of  Rosebery, 
Madame  Eugene  Verdier,  Benoit  Comte,  President  Willermoz,  and 
Madame  Hoste.  Messrs.  Mack  &  Son,  Catterick,  were  a  most  creditable 
third,  their  blooms  being  smaller  than  the  others,  but  very  fresh  and 
nlean. 

Absence  of  competition  in  the  seventy-two  class  enabled  Messrs. 
Harkness  &  Sons  to  concentrate  their  strength  on  the  Jubilee  class,  and 
if  the  large  stand  was  made  to  suffer  somewhat  in  order  to  reinforce  the 
•quarter  in  which  danger  lay,  it  was  not  by  any  means  weak,  and  com¬ 
prised  some  very  fine  blooms,  which,  under  the  circumstances,  it  may 
be  well  to  name,  instead  of  going  through  the  whole  stand,  and  includ¬ 
ing  the  mediocrities  in  so  doing.  The  best  flower  was  a  grand  Horace 
Vernet,  which  the  Bedale  growers  have  shown  very  finely  this  year,  and 
they  were  fortunate  in  having  a  still  better  one  for  the  forty-eight. 
Mrs.  John  Laing  was  also  beautifully  shown,  although  a  little  marked 
by  the  weather.  The  same  remarks  apply  to  Fisher  Holmes.  Dupuy 
Jamain  was  a  large  and  well  coloured  bloom,  and  so  was  Ulrich  Brunner, 
Comtesse  de  Ludre  was  very  rich,  and  Madame  C.  Crapelet,  G6n4ral 
Jacqueminot,  Prince  Arthur,  and  Gustave  Piganeau  were  also  worthy 
of  commendation,  albeit  the  last  named  had  its  outer  petals  tarnished. 
First  prize  was  awarded. 

There  was  a  close  struggle  between  Messrs.  Harkness  and  Dickson 
with  thirty-six  trebles,  the  Bedale  growers  eventually  securing  the 
award,  but  not  by  many  points.  Both  were  splendid  stands.  Messrs. 
Dickson  had  the  cleanest  flowers  and  the  most  variety,  but  Messrs. 
Harkness  had  the  heaviest  blooms.  The  latter  were  represented  by 
Gustave  Piganeau,  Prince  Arthur,  Alfred  Colomb,  E.  Y.  Teas,  Etienne 
Levet,  Fisher  Holmes,  Comtesse  de  Serenye,  Exposition  de  Brie,  Dupuy 


Jamain,  Harrison  Weir,  Rosieriste  Jacobs,  S.  M.  Eodocanachi,  Horace 
Vernet,  G6n4ral  Jacqueminot,  Duchesse  de  Morny,  A.  K.  Williams, 
H.  Schultheis,  Chas.  Darwin,  Pierre  Netting,  Reynolds  Hole,  La  France, 
Duke  of  Connaught,  Mrs.  Harkness,  Chas.  Lefebvre,  Pride  of  Waltham, 
Marie  Baumann,  Countess  of  Rosebery,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  Madame 
Haussmann,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  May  Quennell,  Dr.  Sewell,  Earl 
Dufferin,  Marie  Verdier,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  and  Duchess  of  Bedford. 

Mr.  H.  Merryweather,  Southwell,  won  with  thirty-six  single  trusses, 
and  he  had  a  very  even,  well-coloured  collection,  in  which  Duke  of 
Albany,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Victor  Hugo,  Camille  Bernardin,  and  Gustave 
Piganeau  were  particularly  good.  Messrs.  Mack  &  Son  were  second 
with  a  very  fair  stand,  Mr.  Frettingham  third,  and  Mr.  Mount  was 
awarded  an  extra  prize.  The  best  of  three  good  stands  of  eighteen  trebles 
came  from  Messrs.  Mack  &  Son,  whose  Marie  Baumann,  Victor  Hugo, 
Prince  Arthur,  and  General  Jacqueminot  were  very  good  indeed.  Mr. 
Merryweather  was  an  excellent  second,  and  Mr.  Mount  third. 

The  Jubilee  trophy  for  amateurs  brought  several  splendid  stands,  and 
the  class  was  a  noteworthy  one  considering  the  season.  The  premier  award 
went  out  of  the  usual  hands,  falling  to  Mr.  Whitton  of  Bedale.  He  well 
merited  his  victory,  his  flowers  being  in  perfect  condition.  The  varieties 
represented  v/ere— back  row  :  Emilie  Hausburg,  Duchess  of  Bedford 
(a  lovely  flower),  Mdme.  Montet,  Prince  Arthur,  Franqois  Michelon 
(weak),  Comte  Raimbaud,  Marie  Verdier,  and  Dupuy  Jamain.  Middle 
row  :  Ulrich  Brunner,  Rubens,  A.  K.  Williams  (a  grand  flower),  Catherine 
Mermet,  Dr.  Andry,  Inuocente  Pirola,  E.  Y.  Teas,  and  S.  M.  Eodocanachi. 
Front  row  :  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Camille  Bernardin,  Mrs.  Laing, 
Alfred  Colomb,  Madame  G.  Luizet,  Horace  Vernet,  Etienne  Levet,  and 
Victor  Hugo.  Mr.  W.  Hutchinson,  Kirby  Moorside,  was  second  with  a 
delightful  collection,  the  only  fault  of  which  was  that  the  flowers  were 
rather  light.  Mr.  H.  V,  Machin,  Gateford  Manor,  Worksop,  was  third  with 
a  very  good  stand.  The  Palace  winner,  Mr.  Lindsell,  was  altogether  out 
of  it. 

There  was  also  excellent  competition  with  thirty-six  single  trusses, 
the  Rev.  J.  H.  Pemberton  winning  the  piece  of  plate  with  somewhat 
small  but  clean  blooms,  the  best  being  Mrs.  John  Laing,  A.  K.  Williams, 
Horace  Vernet,  Comte  Raimbaud,  and  J.  S.  Mill.  Mr.  W.  Drew,  Led¬ 
bury,  was  second  with  The  Bride,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  A.  K.  Williams,  and  a 
lovely  Madame  Hoste  as  his  best  flowers.  Mr.  Lindsell  was  third.  Mr. 
Machin  was  the  only  exhibitor  of  twelve  trebles,  and  was  rightly 
awarded  the  first  prize. 

Division  D  was  open  to  growers  of  less  than  2000  plants.  There  were 
two  classes,  one  for  eighteen  single  trusses  and  one  for  twelve.  Three 
competed  with  eighteen,  and  the  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  Whitton,  the 
best  blooms  in  a  moderate  stand  being  Prince  Arthur,  Duchess  of 
Bedford,  A.  K.  Williams,  Catherine  Mermet,  and  Alfred  Colomb.  Mr. 
Hutchinson  followed  with  fair  flowers.  Duchess  of  Bedford  being  one  of 
the  best ;  and  Mr.  W.  Boyes,  Derby,  was  third.  Mr.  E.  Mawley,  Berk- 
hamsted,  was  first  with  twelve,  his  flowers  being  small  but  extremely 
neat ;  Mrs.  John  Laing  and  Marquise  de  Castellane  were  perhaps  the 
best.  There  was  no  other  competitor. 

In  division  E,  for  growers  of  less  than  1000  plants,  there  were  classes 
for  twelve  and  nine.  The  former  found  Mr.  C.  J.  Grahame  of  Croydon 
to  the  fore,  his  blooms  being  small,  but  the  majority  clean  and  fresh. 
Suzanne  Marie  Eodocanachi  was  a  good  bloom,  although  a  little  wanting 
in  tone.  Mr.  Mallender,  gardener  to  Miss  Mellish,  Hodsock  Priory, 
Worksop,  was  second.  In  the  other  class  there  was  only  one  stand,  that 
of  the  Rev.  F.  H.  Gall,  Hitchin,  and  he  was  charitably  awarded  the  first 
prize.  Division  F,  in  which  there  was  a  class  for  six  single  trusses,  did 
not  fill. 

The  local  division  brought  out  some  very  fair  flowers.  It  covered  a 
radius  of  thirty  miles  from  Worksop  Cattle  Market,  and  consequently 
admitted  Mr.  Boyes,  who  defeated  his  solitary  opponent.  Miss  Mellish, 
by  a  few  points  only,  his  flowers  being  much  undersized.  The  best 
flower  in  either  stand  was  Miss  Mellish’s  Madame  Eugene  Verdier. 
Mrs.  Jebb,  Firbeck  Hall,  was  the  only  one  to  stage  a  twelve  stand,  and 
was  given  the  first  prize ;  while  in  that  for  six  Mr.  H.  Stewart  of 
Carlton  scored  a  bloodless  victory.  Competition  was  better  with  six 
Teas,  Miss  Jebb  winning  from  three  opponents  with  a  very  good  stand 
indeed,  her  flowers  being  fresh  and  perfectly  clean.  The  Hon.  Edith 
Gifford  and  Marie  Van  Houtte  were  two  of  the  best.  Mr.  Stewart  was 
second  with  fresh  flowers,  and  Miss  Mellish  third. 

The  extra  classes  for  amateurs  comprised  one  for  six  new  Roses,  one  for 
six  of  any  H.P.  for  exhibitors  in  divisions  C  and  D,  a  similar  one  for  those 
in  divisions  E,  F,  and  G,  and  one  for  eighteen  bunches  of  garden  Roses. 
In  the  first  the  Rev.  J.  H.  Pemberton  was  the  only  exhibitor,  and  was 
placed  first  for  Gustave  Piganeau,  Caroline  Testout,  Duchess  of  Fife, 
Madame  Delville,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  and  Frances  Bloxham.  In 
the  second  Mr.  Lindsell  won  with  a  moderate  stand  of  Mrs.  J.  Laing, 
Mr.  Whitton  being  second  with  Prince  Arthur,  and  Dr.  Budd  third  with 
Alfred  Colomb.  In  the  third  Mr.  Grahame  won  with  La  France,  and 
Miss  Mellish  was  second.  In  the  fourth  there  were  three  excellent 
stands,  much  the  best  being  that  of  Mr.  Machin,  who  had  Rugosa  rubra. 
Mignonette,  L’Ideale  (beautiful),  Paquerette,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  The  Pet, 
W.  A.  Richardson,  Damascena,  Monthly,  Anna  Maria  de  Montravel, 
Red  Pet,  Salet,  Eeve  d’Or,  Gloire  des  Polyanthes,  Rugosa  alba,  and 
Perle  d’Or  in  delightful  condition.  Mr.  Pemberton  was  an  excellent 
second,  and  Miss  Mellish  third. 

Teas  and  Noisettes  were  not  up  to  high  water  mark  as  a  whole,  but 
many  were  good.  Mr.  Merryweather  scored  in  the  only  open  class, 
which  was  for  twelve  trebles,  and  with  one  or  two  exceptions  he  had  a 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


63 


very  good  stand,  for  although  the  flowers  were  small  they  were  in 
perfect  condition.  Mr.  Mount  was  an  excellent  second.  Messrs.  Dick- 
■son  &  Sons  won  with  eighteen  in  the  trade  class  for  that  number, 
Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son  following.  Both  had  good  stands,  but  the  Irish 
growers  were  well  in  front,  their  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Madame  Hoste, 
Madame  de  Watteville,  and  Francisca  Kruger  being  beautiful  blooms. 
Mr.  Merryweather  was  first  with  twelve,  again  showing  extremely  well, 
his  flowers  being  exceptionally  fresh  and  clean.  Ernest  Metz  was  a 
splendid  example.  A  capital  box  from  Mr.  Mount  secured  the  second 
prize,  and  the  third  went  to  Messrs.  D.  &  W.  Croll,  Dundee. 

In  the  first  division  for  amateurs,  no  specified  number  of  plants, 
Dr.  Budd  of  Bath  won  with  a  very  beautiful  box,  the  blooms  displaying 
no  exceptional  size,  but  being  extremely  fresh  and  clean.  Mr.  Machin 
was  a  most  creditable  second.  Dr.  Budd  was  also  first  with  six  trebles, 
Kaving  another  charming  box,  and  Mr.  Machin  was  the  only  other  ex¬ 
hibitor.  Mr.  Mawley  was  first  in  the  500-plant  section  for  nine  blooms, 
Messrs.  Grahame  and  Pemberton  following.  Mr.  Mawley’s  was  a  box 
in  his  best  style.  Mr.  Whittle  of  Leicester  won  with  a  neat  stand  in 
the  200-plant  class  for  six  ;  Mr.  Whitton  second,  and  Miss  Mellish 
third.  Mr.  Machin  won  with  nine  of  one  variety,  and  Mr.  Grahame 
with  six,  Mr.  Mawley  being  second  in  the  latter  class,  and  Mr.  Whittle 
third. 

New  Roses  were  splendidly  shown  by  Messrs.  Dickson,  who  won  with 
Duke  of  Fife,  Caroline  Testout,  Jeannie  Dickson,  Marchioness  of  London¬ 
derry,  Madame  Delville,  Salamander,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Margaret 
Dickson,  Le  Flecheur  (?),  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  Kaiserin,  Augusta 
Victoria,  and  Waban.  Mr.  Merryweather  was  second,  and  Messrs.  Paul 
and  Son  third.  For  twelve  of  any  yellow,  Mr.  Mount  was  first  with  a 
fair  box  of  Mar^chal  Niel,  and  Messrs.  Croll  second  with  Marie  Van 
Houtte.  Messrs.  Dickson  won  with  La  France  in  excellent  order  in  the 
light  pink  class,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son  being  second  with  a  bright  box 
■of  Mrs.  Laing,  and  Mr.  Mount  third  with  the  same  variety.  Messrs. 
Mack  &  Son  had  the  best  twelve  crimsons,  winning  with  a  splendid  box 
of  Horace  Vernet.  Messrs.  Harkness  were  second  with  A.  K.  Williams, 
and  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Son  third  with  Alfred  Colomb.  There  appeared 
to  be  only  two  stands  of  dark  velvety  crimsons,  and  neither  was  good. 
Mr.  Frettingham  was  placed  second  for  Louis  Van  Houtte,  and  Mr. 
Mount  third  for  Fisher  Holmes.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  had  a  pleasing 
stand  of  singles,  and  were  awarded  the  first  prize. 

The  premier  Tea  in  the  amateurs’  class  was  a  splendid  Madame  Hoste 
in  Mr.  Drew’s  second  prize  stand  of  thirty-six,  and  the  premier  H.P,, 
a  grand  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  included  in  Mr.  Pemberton’s  first  prize  stand  in 
the  same  class.  The  premier  trade  H.P.  was  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons’ 
magnificent  Horace  Vernet  in  the  Jubilee  thirty-six,  and  the  premier 
Tea,  a  splendid  Madame  Hoste,  in  Messrs.  Dickson’s  second  prize  box. 

[As  an  ardent  rosarian  and  one  who  has  worked  so  assiduously  in 
-connection  with  the  provincial  show  of  the  National  Rose  Society,  we 
have  much  pleasure  in  publishing  the  portrait  of  Mr.  H.  V.  Machin  of 
Gateford,  Worksop.] 

ULVERSTON  ROSE  SHOW.— June  10th. 

The  North  Lonsdale  Rose  Society,  which  is  affiliated  with  the 
National  Rose  Society,  held  its  tenth  annual  Exhibition  on  the  above 
date,  and  great  public  interest  was  manifested  in  it.  Prizes  to  the  value 
of  £50  were  offered,  together  with  four  bronze  medals  of  the  N.R.S. 
and  a  silver  medal  for  Pansies.  The  Show  was  held  three  weeks  earlier 
than  last  year,  and  would  have  suited  many  local  amateurs  had  it  taken 
place  still  earlier. 

The  nurserymen  made  an  extensive  display.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  of 
•Colchester  was  absent  this  year,  the  now  comers  being  Messrs.  R .  B.  Mack 
and  Sons,  Catterick,  Yorkshire,  and  Mr.  W.  Frettingham,  Beeston,  Notts. 
They  were  not  equal  to  the  Irish  representatives,  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson 
and  Sons,  the  Royal  Nurseries,  Newtonards,  who  carried  off  all  the  first 
prizes  in  all  the  nine  classes.  Their  exhibits  were  greatly  admired, 
especially  the  new  seedling  Marchioness  of  Downshire,  which  was 
awarded  the  gold  medal  at  the  Crystal  Palace.  Messrs.  Harkness, 
Bedale,  took  two  second  and  a  third  prize  ;  Messrs.  R.  B.  Mack  &  Sons 
four  seconds,  also  the  prize  for  the  best  Rose  in  the  Show  with  Horace 
Vernet. 

In  the  amateurs’  section  J.  H.  Midgley  Esq.,  J.P.,  Grange-over-Sands, 
took  the  leading  prizes  and  gained  the  bronze  medals  for  the  best  light 
H.P.  bloom  with  Merveille  de  Lyon,  and  Souvenir  d’EIise  Vardon  for  the 
best  Tea  or  Noisette.  Mr.  Midgley,  however,  withdrew  his  claim  to  the 
latter  in  favour  of  H.  V.  Machin,  Esq.,  Vice-President  of  the  N.R.S. , 
another  successful  exhibitor.  Mrs.  Wm.  Boulton,  Ulverston,  won 
the  bronze  medal  in  the  dark  H.P.  class  with  Ulrich  Brunner.  The 
other  classes  were  all  well  filled,  and  the  Pansies  were  charming.  The 
nurserymen  judged  the  amateur  section,  and  vice  versa.  Altogether  it 
was  a  grand  show  considering  the  season. — R.  P.  R. 

[The  “Herefordshire  Incumbent”  writes: — “In  your  otherwise 
wonderfully  correct  report  of  our  Hereford  Rose  Show,  considering  my 
corrections  and  loose  writing,  I  see  the  word  ‘  would  ’  is  put  for  ‘  word,’ 
in  connection  with  Mr.  Cant’s  name,  and  the  word  ‘  Noisettes  ’  before 
the  name  of  Caroline  Kuster  in  the  seventy-two  list  is  obviously  out  of 
place.  The  reading  should  have  been,  ‘  Caroline  Kuster  (Noisette),’  the 
H.P.’s  then  following  in  sequence.”  Mr.  A.  Whitton  of  Bedale 
also  writes  : — “  In  your  report  of  Hereford  Rose  Show  (page  38),  the 
stand  credited  to  Mr.  Drew  contained  the  twenty-four  Roses  with  which 
I  won  first  prize,  also  the  medal  for  the  best  H.P.,  Pierre  Netting.  I 
was  also  winner  of  the  twelve  trebles  and  six  Teas.”] 


A  DESTRUCTIVE  HAILSTORM. 

The  hailstorm  mentioned  in  the  Journal  of  July  13th  (page  33) 
was  only  felt  in  a  slight  degree  in  this  neighbourhood  (Kirkbean),  but 
from  the  local  newspapers  of  July  12th  it  appears  to  have  increased 
in  severity  in  its  progress  in  a  northerly  direction,  and  to  have  at¬ 
tained  its  greatest  force  in  the  parish  of  Kirkmahoe,  a  few  miles  north 
of  Dumfries  and  near  Amisfield.  In  the  town  of  Dumfries  a  great 
deal  of  damage  was  done  to  glass,  and,  as  was  to  be  expected,  nurseries 
and  private  gardens  have  suffered  considerably.  Mr.  Jas.  Service, 
Maxwelltown,  had  over  360  sheets  of  glass  broken,  Messrs.  T.  Kennedy 
and  Co.  over  150,  and  Messrs.  Fotheringham  &  Co.  a  considerable 
number.  Private  establishments,  such  as  that  of  ex-provost  Lennox  at 
Edenbank,  where  there  were  nearly  100  sheets  broken,  also  received 
much  damage  in  this  way.  The  damage  to  fruit,  flowers,  and  vegetables 
has  also  been  very  serious,  as  may  be  seen  by  this  quotation  from  a  local 
newspaper  : — “  Fruit  trees  were  stripped  to  a  large  extent,  and  still 
greater  loss  was  inflicted  by  the  ice  cutting  holes  in  the  Apples,  Pears, 
and  Plums  which  remained  on  the  branches.  They  are  thus  practically 
destroyed,  as  they  will  rot  on  the  tree.  Vegetables  were  riddled  as  if 
with  shot,  and  flowers  in  large  numbers  were  broken  and  ruined  for  the 
season.” 

Great  destruction  has  also  been  caused  to  farm  crops,  and  young 
ducks  and  pheasants  were  killed  by  the  hailstones.  The  account  given 


FIG.  9.— MR.  H.  V.  MACHIN. 


of  the  damage  done  at  Carfield  in  Kirkmahoe,  the  residence  of  Dr. 
Williamson,  is  very  dismal  reading,  but  the  following  extracts  will  give 
an  idea  of  the  severity  of  the  storm  : — “  One  hundred  and  ten  large 
squares  of  glass  in  the  conservatories  were  broken.  Some  of  these  were 
one-eighth  of  an  inch  rough  plate,  and  were  further  protected  by  a 
canvas  blind.”  “  The  fruit  crop  is  literally  and  entirely  destroyed. 
Scarcely  a  single  Apple,  Pear,  Green  Gage,  or  Plum  can  be  found,  of 
those  still  on  the  trees,  which  is  not  chipped  beyond  hope  of  ripening. 
Leaves  of  Cabbage,  greens,  and  Cauliflower  are  reduced  to  shreds  ;  thick 
stalks  of  Rhubarb  are  split  and  twisted  ;  Vegetable  Marrows  are  com¬ 
pletely  wasted  ;  whole  rows  of  Peas  and  Beans  are  levelled,  and  the  pods 
cut  with  hailstones.”  In  the  same  parish  one  hailstone  of  circular 
shape,  and  not  of  exceptional  size,  is  said  to  have  measured  2  inches  and 
a  tenth  in  diameter.  Such  storms  are  of  rare  occurrence  in  this  usually 
temperate  district,  and  it  is  well  that  the  area  of  its  force  was  com¬ 
paratively  limited, — S.  Abnott. 


CARNATIONS  AT  PUTNEY  HILL. 

Amongst  the  best  border  Carnations  I  have  seen  this  season  are 
those  at  Red  Brae,  Putney  Hill,  S.W.,  the  residence  of  Dr.  W.  S.  Wyman. 
The  plants,  which  are  growing  on  a  border  facing  due  south,  have  made 
splendid  growth,  and  an  abundance  of  healthy  layers  with  a  profusion 
of  flowers  are  the  rewards  they  give  for  the  generous  treatment  and 
concentrated  attention  they  must  have  received  both  from  the  Doctor 
and  his  able  gardener,  Mr.  Wheeler.  The  plants  had  not  been  disbudded 
to  the  extent  to  which  the  practice  is  carried  by  some  growers,  two 
objects  being  kept  in  view — good  quality  of  blooms  combined  with  large 
numbers.  The  flowers  were  of  excellent  form  and  substance,  and  this 
despite  the  fact  that  all  the  crown  blooms  and  those  immediately 
beneath  them  had  been  gathered.  I  was  agreeably  surprised  to  find 
such  grand  plants  after  the  many  small  weakly  ones  which  are  so 
plentiful  this  season. 

I  will  name  a  few  of  the  hest  of  those  which  were  in  bloom  at  my 
recent  visit.  First  must  be  mentioned  the  well  known  Picotee  Red 
Brae.  This  is  a  beautiful  flower  of  fine  shape  ;  the  petals  are  broad,  and 


51 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  20,  1893. 


the  calyx  very  rarely  splits,  a  point  of  the  utmost  importance  in  a 
garden  such  as  this,  where  ringing  is  not  practised.  The  ground  colour 
is  pure  white  and  the  edge  a  clear  rosy  purple,  forming  a  charming 
combination.  One  of  the  best  of  the  scarlets  is  unquestionably  Lord 
Byron,  the  blooms  of  which  are  of  exceptional  size  and  of  a  rich  striking 
colour.  The  shape,  too,  is  everything  one  could  desire.  James  Gragg  is 
a  very  beautiful  fancy  variety,  having  broad  shapely  petals,  the  colour 
of  which  is  a  dull  white  profusely  spotted  and  flaked  dark  crimson. 
Constance  is  one  of  the  best  whites  in  the  whole  collection,  the  sub¬ 
stantial  blooms  being  of  the  purest  white.  Baby  Castle  is  a  magnificent 
flower  with,  so  far  as  I  can  see,  only  one  fault — it  is  inclined  to 
burst  its  calyx,  a  serious  drawback  to  such  a  bloom .  The  colour  is  a 
lively  rose  pink,  and  the  flowers  are  very  much  fringed.  The  fine  Rose 
Celestial  is  here  in  grand  condition,  blooming  profusely  and  making 
strong  healthy  looking  growth.  Germania,  perhaps  the  best  of  the 
yellows,  is  doing  its  grower  every  credit,  as  also  is  the  popular  Mary 
Morris.  Ossian  is  a  fine  white  flower,  having  fringed  petals  of  much 
breadth  and  substance.  Napoleon  III.  is  an  excellent  variety,  with 
brilliant  scarlet  flowers  borne  in  the  utmost  profusion ;  not  quite  so 
bright  in  colour  as  the  foregoing,  but  still  bright,  and  of  equal  substance 
is  The  Coroner.  Amongst  other  varieties  noticed  in  the  collection  were 
Mrs.  Reynolds  Hole,  Lord  H.  Pomeroy,  Mrs.  Fawcett,  Mrs.  Tegner,  Alice 
Ayres,  and  three  grand  rows  of  the  Old  Crimson  Clove,  without  which, 
no  matter  how  choice  the  varieties,  no  collection  could  be  termed 
complete. 

Another  excellent  feature  of  this  suburban  garden  is  a  charming 
little  rockery,  upon  which  nothing  was  more  showy  at  the  time  of  my 
visit  than  the  Iceland  Poppies.  Some  good  Thymes  were  unfortunately 
just  passed  their  best,  as  I  should  much  have  liked  to  have  seen  them  ; 
perhaps  on  the  occasion  of  a  future  visit  I  shall  be  more  fortunate, — 
H.  J.'W. 


Events  of  the  Week. — As  notified  in  another  paragraph  the 
Committees  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  meet  at  the  Drill 
Hall,  James  Street,  S.W.,  on  Tuesday,  July  25th.  A  special  show  of 
Carnations,  Picotees,  and  other  flowers  will  be  held  at  the  Gardening 
and  Forestry  Exhibition,  Earl’s  Court,  on  July  26th  and  27th,  The 
Midland  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society  will  hold  an  exhibition  in  the 
Botanical  Gardens,  Edgbaston,  on  Saturday,  July  22nd,  instead  of 
August  5th,  as  stated  in  the  schedule. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — The  current  week  opened  wet, 

rain  falling  heavily  on  Sunday  morning.  In  the  evening  it  cleared, 
and,  with  the  exception  of  a  slight  shower,  Monday  proved  fine  but 
rather  windy,  as  also  did  Tuesday.  On  Wednesday  morning  it  was 
raining,  and  at  the  time  of  going  to  press  it  is  dull  and  cloudy. 

- Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  meeting  of  the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  take  place  on  Tuesday,  July  25th,  at 
the  Drill  Hall,  James  Street,  Victoria  Street,  Westminster.  The  Fruit, 
Floral,  and  Orchid  Committees  will  assemble  at  twelve  o’clock,  as  usual, 
and  at  3  P.M.  a  paper  on  “  Alpine  Houses  and  Plants”  will  be  read  by 
Mr.  H.  Selfe  Leonard. 

-  The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — We 

are  informed  that  at  the  recent  Bath  Rose  Show  a  large  tent  was  set 
apart  by  the  Management  Committee  for  the  use  of  members  and 
friends  of  the  above  Institution,  who  were  invited  at  five  o’clock  to 
hear  an  address  from  Mr.  H.  J.  Veitch.  R.  B.  Cater,  Esq,,  presided, 
being  supported  by  Mr.  Ingram  (Secretary  of  the  Gardeners’  Royal 
Benevolent  Institution),  Mr.  William  A.  Garaway,  Mr.  B.  R.  F.  Pearson, 
Mr.  W.  W.  Jeffrey,  and  others.  Mr.  Veitch  made  a  forcible  appeal  in 
support  of  the  funds  of  this  excellent  Institution. 

-  Hedges  for  Shady  Places.— It  is  often  desirable  to  have 

hedges  along  lines  where  large  trees  are  already  growing.  Among  the 
best  shrubs  for  this  purpose,  says  “  Meehan’s  Monthly,”  are  the  various 
varieties  of  Privet.  They  stand  dry  ground  better  than  almost  any¬ 
thing  else.  It  is  not  so  much  the  shade  which  injures  the  hedges  in 
these  situations  as  it  is  the  drying  of  the  ground  by  the  roots  of  the 
trees.  When  we  imagine  the  enormous  amount  of  moisture  tran¬ 
spiring  from  thousands  of  leaves  of  trees,  we  can  readily  see  how  dry  the 
ground  must  be  which  has  to  supply  this  moisture.  But  those  who 
have  practical  experience  understand  this  without  even  a  thought  of 
the  philosophy  involved. 


-  The  Rev.  H,  H.  D’Ombrain. — We  desire  to  record  our  deep 

sympathy — which*  will  be  shared  by  a  host  of  friends — with  Mr. 
D’Ombrain  on  the  great  loss  he  has  sustained  by  the  death  of  his  beloved 
elder  daughter.  We  know  that  her  life  was  a  noble  and  brave  one,  for 
it  was  consecrated  to  the  good  of  those  who  needed  succour — sufferers 
in  institutions  of  which  she  was  the  devoted  head.  Mr.  D’Ombrain’s 
absence  from  many  Rose  shows,  as  well  as  from  our  columns  of  late, 
under  the  familiar  nom  de  of  “  D,,  Deal,"  has  been  imposed  by 

the  illness  of  his  daughter,  which,  to  his  great  sorrow,  terminated 
fatally.  We  shall  hope  to  soon  have  something  from  his  pen  again. 

-  National  Carnation  Show'. — Mr, '  M.  Rowan  writes  : — 

In  your  enumeration  (page  36)  of  the  blooms  shown  in  my  stand  at 
Chiswick,  Alfred  “  S.B.”  is  set  down  for  “  2.”  There  were  three  scarlet 
bizarres  shown — viz.,  Robert  Houlgrave,  Alired,  and  Fred,  and  in 
appending  the  names  to  the  flowers  at  the  last  moment  I,  in  my  hurry, 
wrote  for  the  third  one  Alfred  instead  of  Fred.  The  error  was  obvious 
enough,  and  the  bloom  was  correctly  named  when  shown  in  my  twenty- 
four  the  next  day  at  Earl’s  Court. 

-  Early  Rivers  Nectarine.— During  a  hurried  visit  to  Saw- 

bridge  worth  a  few  days  since,  I  noticed  a  fine  crop  of  this  new  Nectarine 
just  ripe  on  trees  in  pots.  These  were  much  in  advance  of  Lord  Napier 
grown  in  the  same  house,  and  better  coloured.  I  counted  twenty-six 
fruit  on  a  tree  in  an  11-inch  pot,  all  of  which  were  fit  for  exhibition, 
which  shows  that  it  is  a  good  cropper,  and  I  consider  it  likely  to  become 
as  great  a  favourite  eventually  as  any  of  the  varieties  now  before  the 
public. — W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  Stamford, 

- Show  at  the  Agricultural  Hall,— As  we  have  before 

announced,  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  hold,  from  August  29th 
to  September  Ist,  1893,  at  the  Royal  Agricultural  Hall,  London,  what 
the  officials  expect  will  prove  to  be  “  the  grandest  show  of  fruit,  flowers, 
and  vegetables  ever  held  in  this  country.”  The  amount  of  money  offered 
in  prizes  exceeds  £400,  and  this,  it  is  considered,  will  attract  nursery¬ 
men,  gardeners,  and  lovers  of  fruit  and  flowers.  Special  awards  are 
offered  for  heating  apparatus,  greenhouses,  appliances,  and  other 
sundries,  and  in  this  division  space  is  already  being  largely  taken  up. 
This  section  is  under  the  direction  of  the  managers  of  the  Royal 
,  Agricultural  Hall  Company.  Those  desiring  to  secure  space  should 
make  immediate  written  application  for  the  same. 

-  Exeter  Gardeners’  Society’s  Annual  Outing.  —  The 

members  of  the  Exeter  Gardeners’  Society  held  their  annual  outing 
on  Wednesday,  July  12th,  combining,  as  usual,  instruction  with  pleasure. 
The  trip  was  to  Sidmouth,  making  stoppages  on  the  way  at  Streatham 
Hall,  Exeter,  Killerton  Park,  and  Escott.  At  Streatham  Hall  the  party 
was  met  by  Mr.  Franklin,  head  gardener  to  Mrs,  R.  B.  West,  who 
conducted  them  through.  At  Killerton  the  members  were  met  by 
Mr.  Garland,  and  under  his  guidance  spent  two  hours  in  strolling  through 
Sir  Thomas  Acland’s  grand  old  park.  The  pleasure  grounds  are  very 
extensive  and  the  walks  charmingly  arranged.  The  trees  and  shrubs 
are  some  of  the  finest  in  the  West  of  England.  At  Escot,  Sir  John 
Kennaway  accorded  all  a  hearty  welcome,  inviting  them  to  wander  at  will 
over  the  grounds  and  see  all  there  was  to  be  seen.  Accompanied  by  Mr. 
Underdown,  the  head  gardener,  a  hurried  inspection  was  made  of  the 
gardens,  the  wilderness,  and  other  parts  of  the  park.  Sidmouth  was  not 
reached  until  nearly  half-past  five,  and  an  adjournment  was  made  for 
dinner,  after  which  the  party  returned  to  Exeter. 

- Fruit  Culture  at  Wightwick  Manor,  Wolver¬ 
hampton.  —  A  Wolverhampton  correspondent,  Mr.  T.  B.  Dobbs, 
writes  : — “  Mr.  G.  A.  Bishop  has  proved  the  great  advantage  of  a 
knowledge  in  chemistry  applied  to  fruit  culture,  and  the  efficacy  of 
well  selected  manures,  by  the  production  of  three  successive  crops  of 
fruit  in  pots,  including  Cherries,  Plums,  and  Pears.  There  are  several 
dozen  trees  in  a  line  down  the  centre  of  an  orchard  house,  every  branch, 
from  base  to  apex,  being  heavily  laden  with  fruit  according  to  the  samples 
forwarded.  These  trees  are  only  grown  temporarily  till  the  permanent 
Peach  trees  in  the  back  and  Nectarine  trees  in  the  front  are  sufficiently 
established,  and  will  be  removed  this  year.  To  get  a  combination  of 
Peaches,  Plums,  and  an  equally  heavy  crop  of  Cherries  of  all  the  best 
dessert  varieties  in  the  same  house  shows  one  of  the  highest  forms  of  the 
cultivation  of  fruit,  bearing  in  mind  that  the  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees 
are  heavily  cropped  with  fine  fruit  for  the  second  time.”  [The  samples 
of  Plums  are  splendid — large  clusters  of  Iruit  of  the  first  size,  and  the 
foliage  of  the  best  possible  description,  the  whole  undoubtedly  repre¬ 
senting  high-class  culture.] 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


55 


-  Gardening  Appointments. — Mr.  W.  C.  Davis,  for  upwards 

of  four  years  Mr.  Clayton’s  foreman  at  Grimston  Park,  Tadcaster,  has 
been  appointed  head  gardener  to  Sir  Andrew  Fairbairn,  Bart.,  Askham 
Hall,  York.  Mr.  Richard  Moore,  the  Gardens,  Llanwern  Park,  has  been 
engaged  by  Wm.  Henderson,  Esq.,  as  gardener,  at  Berkley  House,  Frome, 
Somerset. 

- -  COLEOS  Distinction.— Two  beds  of  this  distinct  Coleus  are 

Mow  to  be  seen  in  grand  condition  at  Messrs.  Veitch’s,  Chelsea  Nursery. 
The  rich,  dark,  substantial  foliage  produces  a  very  striking  effect,  it 
being  next  to  impossible  to  walk  through  the  nursery  without  giving  it 
more  than  a  passing  glance. — H;  W. 

-  Propagating  the  Wistaria. — It  is  not  generally  known, 

remarks  an  American  contemporary,  that  the  Wistaria  grows  from  root 
cuttings.  Layering,  however,  is  a  very  good  method  where  there  is  room 
for  it.  The  trailing  shoots  root  by  being  buried  in  the  ground  a  little, 
but  better  if  a  slit  is  first  made  in  the  shoot. 

-  Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — At  the  meeting  of  the  above 

Society  on  Saturday  evening  Mr.  W.  E.  Corden,  who  is  well  known  as 
an  amateur  hybridiser,  read  a  practical  and  interesting  paper  ©n  “  The 
Pelargonium.”  There  was  a  collection  of  fine  plants  and  cut  blooms, 
and  these  were  sold  on  behalf  of  the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. 

-  The  Weather  in  Scotland. — At  a  meeting  of  the  Edin¬ 
burgh  Botanic  Society  on  July  13th,  the  Curator  (Mr.  R.  Lindsay) 
observed  that  the  past  month  was  remarkable  for  the  excessive  heat 
and  dryness  which  prevailed.  The  continued  want  of  rain  having 
lasted  throughout  nearly  the  whole  ot  spring  the  marvel  was  that  its 
effects  had  not  been  more  serious  on  vegetation.  A  heavy  fall  of  rain 
took  place  on  the  23rd  of  the  month,  after  which  all  danger  from 
drought  was  at  an  end.  The  lowest  reading  of  the  thermometer  during 
June  was  40°,  which  was  registered  on  the  2nd.  On  the  night  of  the 
16th  the  thermometer  did  not  fall  below  62°  ;  the  lowest  day  tempera¬ 
ture  was  50°  on  the  23rd,  and  the  highest  (89°)  on  the  18th  of  the 
month.  Hardy  herbaceous  plants  flowered  freely,  but  went  quickly 
past  owing  to  the  drought.  The  early  flowering  kinds  had  ripened  from 
seeds  abundantly.  On  the  rock  garden  fewer  plants  came  into  flower 
last  month  than  for  any  June  during  the  last  eleven  years,  the  largest 
number  having  blossomed  this  year  in  May.  In  all  294  species  and 
varieties  came  into  flower  last  month. 

- Japanese  Gardening.  —  In  a  highly  tasteful  number  of 

“  The  Studio  ”  for  July  appears  an  interesting  article  upon  the  gardens 
of  Japan  by  Mr.  Charles  Holme.  The  writer  seeks  to  impress  his  readers 
with  the  fact  of  the  intense  admiration  for  Nature  possessed  by  the 
Japanese.  Their  gardening  is  intensely  artificial  in  the  sense  that  they 
try  laboriously  to  reproduce  in  miniature  real,  and  in  many  cases  ideal 
landscapes,  differing  in  this  respect  from  the  Chinese,  who  stock  their 
gardens  with  vegetation  distorted  into  the  shape  of  junks,  pagodas,  and 
other  bizarre  objects.  He  says,  “  Foreign  plants,  with  the  exception, 
perhaps,  of  a  few  characteristic  ones  from  China,  are  not  favoured  by  the 
Japanese  ;  for  they  do  not  look  upon  their  gardens  as  places  to  collect 
and  display  a  variety  of  botanical  specimens  as  in  a  nursery  or  arbo¬ 
retum  ;  their  idea  is  that  the  garden  shall  appear  as  a  picture,  complete 
in  itself,  each  thing  being  in  harmony  with  the  rest,  and  forming,  as  it 
were,  a  part  of  a  whole.  The  gardener  in  Japan  is  a  sort  of  landscape 
painter,  w'ho  uses  actual  trees,  rocks,  and  water,  instead  of  canvas, 
paints,  and  brushes.  The  picture  he  may  form  may  be  in  imitation  of 
some  natural,  well-known  scene  in  his  own  country,  or  in  China  ;  just 
as  though,  if  an  Englishman,  he  might  strive  to  reproduce  the  beauties 
of  the  Strid  in  Bolton  Woods,  or  the  Fairy  Glen  at  Bettws-y-Coed.  But 
often  he  takes  for  himself  a  theme  of  an  abstract  nature  and  endeavours 
in  his  arrangements  to  express  a  sentiment,  as  of  ‘  retirement,’  ‘  medi¬ 
tation,’  ‘long  life,’  or  ‘fidelity.’  In  the  majority  of  cases  simplicity 
is  aimed  at  rather  than  redundancy,  as  lavish  display  and  vulgarity  are 
synonymous  in  the  Japanese  mind.”  The  perfect  Japanese  garden 
would  seem  to  be  one  in  which  there  is  a  waterfall,  hills  and  glens,  lakes 
and  islands  ;  stone  lanterns  incrusted  with  lichen,  moss  and  leaves,  shaped 
like  a  hat,  a  milestone,  or  a  temple,  and  containing  small  oil  lamps  ;  a 
stone  washing  basin  ;  bridges  ;  curiously  winding  pathways  of  stepping- 
stones,  and  summer-houses.  In  the  absence  of  sufficient  space,  this  multum 
in  parvo  style  will,  one  must  suppose,  somewhat  resemble  that  of  the 
Chelsea  pensioner  or  the  Broxbourne  amateur.  “  The  Studio  ”  is  a 
truly  high  art  magazine,  but  we  trust  that  it  is  not  trying  to  imbue 
our  aestheticised  E nglish women  with  a  craze  for  J apanese  gardening,  other¬ 
wise  unfortunate  husbands  who  cannot  extend  their  limbs  in  the 
drawing-room  on  account  of  the  knick-knacks,  gew-gaws,  and  bric-a- 
brac,  will  soon  find  such  relief  equally  impossible  out  of  doors. 


-  We  are  informed  that  Mr.  M.  Cdthbertson  of  the  Public 

Park  Nursery,  Rothesay,  was  awarded  a  silver  medal  for  125  bunches 
of  hardy  flowers  at  the  Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society.  Also  at 
Paisley,  two  days  after,  Mr.  Cuthbertson  had  the  same  honour  conferred 
for  a  similar  exhibit. 

- Fuchsias  and  Begonias. — One  of  the  most  attractive  houses 

at  Messrs.  Veitch’s  at  the  present  time  is  that  containing  some  excellent 
Begonias,  Zonal  and  Ivy-leaf  Pelargoniums,  and  Carnations  on  the 
stages,  with  Fuchsias  of  various  types  trained  up  the  roof.  On  entering 
the  house  one  is  met  with  a  truly  gorgeous  display  of  colours  which 
cannot  fail  to  attract  attention  and  admiration  from  all  who  see  it 
— H.  W. 

-  The  Weather  in  June. — June  was  a  dry  month,  but  not  so 

bad  as  the  preceding,  as  we  had  three  good  showers.  The  wind  was  in  a 
northerly  direction  twenty-one  days.  We  had  sixteen  bright  days, 
three  of  which  were  clear.  Barometer  varied  considerably.  Highest 
reading  30’44,  at  9  A.M.  on  18th  ;  lowest  29’35,  at  9  A.M.  on  23rd.  Total 
rainfall  1  inch,  which  fell  on  nine  days,  the  greatest  daily  fall  being 
0‘31,  on  22nd.  Highest  shade  temperature  87°,  on  the  19th  ;  lowest 
36°,  on  1st ;  lowest  on  grass  26°,  on  the  11th.  Mean  daily  maximum, 
7D90°  ;  mean  daily  minimum,  48‘43°.  Mean  temperature  of  the  month, 
60' 13°.  The  garden  spring  ran  20  gallons  per  minute  on  the  30th. — 
W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  Stamford. 

-  The  annual  banquet  of  the  Worshipful  Company  of 

Gardeners  was  held  at  the  Hotel  M4tropole  on  the  evening  of  the 
12th  inst.  The  Master,  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  assisted  by  the  Upper 
Warden,  Mr.  Beaumont  Shepheard,  received  the  guests,  who  numbered 
about  eighty,  half  of  whom  were  ladies.  After  the  usual  loyal  toasts 
had  been  given  by  the  Master,  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  proposed  that  of 
“  The  Ladies  ”  in  glowing  language.  He  commented  on  the  pleasing 
innovation  betokened  by  their  presence,  and  hinted  that  considering 
man  owed  to  woman  his  exclusion  from  the  finest  garden  ever  known — 
to  wit,  the  Garden  of  Eden — man  was  very  forgiving.  Colonel  Dampier 
Palmer,  M.P.,  responded,  and  incidentally  remarked  that  it  was  usual  to 
select  a  bachelor  in  preference  to  a  married  man  for  this  purpose,  because 
on  the  principle  followed  in  the  House  of  Commons,  he  spoke  from 
imagination  rather  than  from  knowledge.  Consequently  the  Master 
could  have  discharged  the  function  better  than  himself.  Mr.  Harrison 
Weir  then  proposed  the  toast  of  the  evening,  “  The  Worshipful  Company 
of  Gardeners.”  He  dwelt,  among  much  else,  on  the  pleasure  received 
in  perusing  the  old  authorities  on  English  horticulture,  on  the  con¬ 
nection  between  the  plant  world  and  decorative  art,  on  flowers  as  a 
medium  for  expressing  amatory  sentiment,  and  the  modern  craving  after 
excitement  as  shown  in  the  cultivation  of  the  unrestful  Orchid.  The 
Master,  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  whose  name  was  coupled  with  the  toast, 
replied  stating  that  the  Company  dated  its  origin  from  the  reign  of 
James  I.,  that  it  was  doing  good  work  in  the  promotion  of  horticultural 
education,  and  viewed  gratefully  the  generous  donation  of  scholarships 
for  this  purpose  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  and  Baron  Schroder.  Other 
coasts  were  honoured,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  evening  agreeably 
diversified  by  both  instrumental  and  vocal  music. 


EEVIEWS  OF  BOOKS. 

The  Garden's  Story.  By  George  H.  Ellwanger,  London  ;  William 

Heinemann. 

From  Mr.  Heinemann  there  has  come  to  hand  an  English  edition  of 
this  very  agreeable  book.  It  is  somewhat  in  the  nature  of  an  edition  de 
luxe,  prettily  bound  in  light  green,  and  well  suited  for  display  within 
the  boudoir  or  the  drawing-room.  Not  the  least  interesting  portion  of 
the  volume  is  the  introduction  by  the  Rev.  C.  Wolley  Dod,  a  careful  perusal 
of  which  is  indispensable  to  the  understanding  of  the  following  pages. 
Indeed  so  interesting  is  it  that  we  venture  to  reproduce  a  considerable 
part  of  it  here,  feeling  quite  sure  that  the  terse  and  picturesque  summary 
of  the  contrasts  between  the  Old  England  and  the  New  will  excite  a 
relish  for  the  body  of  the  work. 

The  scene  of  the  book  is  the  neighbourhood  of  Rochester,  in  the  State 
of  New  York.  It  is  situated  on  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Ontario,  about 
sixty  miles  due  east  from  the  Falls  of  Niagara,  and  separated  by  less  than 
that  distance  from  the  Dominion  of  Canada  across  the  lake  ;  a  line  of 
150  miles  may  be  drawn  to  Toronto.  Canadian  territory  extends  some 
hundred  miles  to  the  south  of  the  latitude  of  Rochester,  so  that  what  wo 
read  in  this  story  may  be  applied  to  a  considerable  part  of  British  America. 
Our  friends  in  that  region  have  to  deal  with  hardy  plants  under  different 
conditions  from  those  which  prevail  in  our  insular  climate.  Theirs  is  always 
a  real  winter,  and  the  ground  is  not  fully  thawed  until  our  spring  flowers 
have  been  flowering  in  driblets  for  about  two  months.  Hence  it  happens 
that  spring  flowers  across  the  Atlantic  come  in  a  heap,  and  though  there 
may  be  for  a  day  or  two  a  relapse  into  winter  the  early  flowers  there  have  a 


66 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[July  20,  1893. 


wonderful  power  of  resisting  frost :  indeed,  we  may  sometimes  see  in  our 
own  flower  beds  Trillium?,  Tiarellas,  Uvularias  holding  up  their  heads  with¬ 
out  flinching  on  the  coldest  day  that  the  end  of  a  British  April  can  bring, 
when  every  Daffodil  is  doing  obeisance  with  its  face  on  the  ground.  So  the 
gay  burst  of  spring,  which  is  too  often  a  mere  poetical  fiction  with  u«,  is  a 
reality  in  North  America,  though  it  may  come  late.  The  hot  summer  which 
soon  follows  brings  many  things  which  remind  us  of  descriptions  of  tropical 
countries.  Humming  birds  hover  about  the  flowers  in  the  sun,  the  Honey¬ 
suckles  at  dusk  are  crowded  with  the  great  Sphinx  Carolina,  and  fire  flies 
blaze  all  night.  The  great  heat  favours  the  maturation  of  some  plants, 
which  rarely  complete  their  cycle  of  growth  out  of  doors  in  our  short  and 
doubtlul  summer,  though  from  the  same  cause  drought  is  more  destructive 
there  to  the  beauty  of  the  garden.  The  Alpine  plants,  natives  of  high 
elevations  in  mountains  of  Europe  and  Asia,  though  the  long  and  regular 
winter  would  favour  their  cultivation  in  the  lowlands  near  Rochester,  seem 
for  the  most  part  incapable  of  enduring  that  dry  heat. 

The  colloquial  names  of  flowe  s,  many  of  them  perhaps  new  to  the 
reader,  with  which  the  story  abounds,  need  not  be  explained  here,  because 
they  are  accompanied  at  least  once  in  the  book  by  the  botanical  Latin  name, 
and  a  very  complete  Index  enables  us  to  refer  with  ease  to  the  page  where 
the  name  occurs.  Hence  such  names  as  Partridge  Vine — it  may  be  noticed 
by  the  way  that  nearly  all  trailing  plants  are  called  Vines  in  America — 
Spring  Beauty,  Butterfly  Weed,  call  for  no  comment.  But  the  popular 
names  of  birds  introduced  without  the  addition  of  their  scientific  synonyms 
may  puzzle  those  who  know  nothing  of  American  ornithology,  and  who 
may  like  to  learn  what  are  the  familiar  feathered  friends  or  enemies  of  the 
gardener  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Ontario.  One  bird  seems  to  be  the  same 
everyw’here  in  its  wicked  propensities,  the  cosmopolitan  “English”  sparrow 
(why  “English,”  more  than  Russian,  or  French,  or  Turk,  or  Prussian?); 
but  our  friends  insisted  on  having  it  sent  over  to  them  in  spite  of  our  warn¬ 
ing,  and  though  they  repent  of  their  bad  bargain,  and  call  the  bird  a  little 
wretch — 

“  0  factum  male  !  0  miselle  passer  !” 

they  must  keep  it  now,  and  we  heartily  wish  they  would  take  the  rest  too. 
Many  other  birds  are  introduced,  such  as  wrens,  nuthatches,  swallows,  and 
martins,  crows,  orioles,  and  plovers,  which  though  distinct  in  detail  from 
their  Old  World  representatives,  are  sufficiently  near  to  make  the  allusions 
to  them  consistent  with  our  experience  ;  but  in  one  or  two  cases  it  is  not  so  ; 
for  instance,  the  first  English  settlers  gave  the  name  of  Robin  to  a  migra¬ 
tory  kind  of  thrush  (Turdus  migratorius)  with  a  red  breast,  a  songster,  but 
not  a  winter  resident  near  Rochester,  and  therefore  hardly  suggestive,  except 
in  name,  of  the  half  domesticated  little  frequenter  of  our  sheds  and  window 
ledges  which  sings  to  us  all  winter,  and  seems  rarely  to  venture  beyond  the 
limits  of  its  native  shrubbery.  Another  ambiguous  name  is  Blackbird,  given 
in  the  North-Eastern  States  to  the  red-winged  starling  (Agelteus  phoenicens), 
a  gregarious  and  migratory  bird,  very  destructive  to  grain  crops,  and  breed¬ 
ing  amongst  the  reed  of  marshes,  having  but  little  in  common  with  our 
“  ouzel  cock,”  BO  black  of  hue,  which  warbles,  eats,  and  dwells  in  our  ever¬ 
greens  and  orchards. 

About  other  birds  introduced,  it  may  be  acceptable  information  to  some 
who  do  not  know  it  already,  that  the  chickadee  is  a  titmouse,  the  bobolink  or 
rice  bird  a  migratory  large  bunting  with  a  plumage  of  black,  white,  and 
yellow.  The  hair-bird  is  the  hairy  woodpecker,  which,  like  our  native  green 
woodpecker  or  “  rain-bird,”  is  noisy  before  rain.  The  pee-wees  (or  peewits) 
are  flycatchers,  and  the  cat-bird — so  called  from  the  likeness  of  its  note  to 
the  mewing  of  a  kitten — is  a  dark-colouied  thrush.  The  grackle  or  crow- 
blackbird  is  an  omnivorous  and  gregarious  noisy  depredator,  something 
between  a  jackdaw  and  a  starling.  Such  names  as  blue-bird— a  bird  about 
the  size  of  our  robin — and  yellow-bird,  a  kind  of  goldfinch,  while  suggestive 
of  tropical  feathering,  sufficiently  explain  themselves.  To  compare  the 
garden  birds  of  two  countries,  one  ought  to  have  refided  in  both  ;  but,  after 
consulting  those  who  know,  I  conclude  that  in  the  matter  of  song  the 
balance  is  in  favour  of  the  old  country,  while  the  Northern  States  of  the 
New  World  have  more  gay  plumage  to  admire  in  spring  and  summer. 

The  main  portion  of  the  book  consists  of  fifteen  chapters,  each  bearing 
a  poetical  or  seasonable  title,  and  couched  in  the  form  of  a  running 
monologue  or  soliloquy  upon  the  panorama  of  natural  incidents  unfolded 
during  one  year.  Early  spring  is  dealt  with  under  the  title  of  “  The 
Garden  in  Anticipation.”  We  are  introduced  to  later  spring  in  the 
chapter  entitled  “  When  Daffodils  Begin  to  Peer,”  while  such  headings 
as  “ Warm-Weather  Wisdom,”  “Midsummer  Flowers  and  Midsummer 
Voices,”  “Flowers  and  Fruits  of  Autumn,”  and  “  The  Last  Monk’s- 
hood  Spire,”  suggest  the  inevitable  progression  of  the  seasons.  It  is 
from  every  point  of  view  a  most  refined  and  desirable  publication — a 
worthy  successor  to  the  works  of  White  and  Jeffries — and  eminently 
suitable  as  a  gift-book  between  naturalists  and  lovers  of  horticulture. 


British  Fungus  Flora.  By  Geoege  Masses.  London  :  George  Bell 

and  Sons. 

We  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  above  text  book.  The 
work  is  in  two  volumes,  and  is  a  model  of  excellence  in  respect  of  the 
clearness  of  its  type  and  solidity  of  its  binding.  In  a  short  preface 
Mr.  Massee  indicates  to  us  the  vast  strides  which  have  been  made  in  the 
diagnosis  and  differentiation  of  fungus  species  during  the  last  twenty 
years,  these  having  almost  doubled  so  as  now  to  number  nearly  5000. 
In  the  present  work,  however,  Mr.  Massee  confines  himself  chiefly  to  the 
description  of  the  Basidiomycetes  and  the  Ascomycetes,  leaving  the 
Moulds  and  Mildews  for  those  who  choose  to  make  a  closer  examination 
of  the  subject  in  his  other  work  entitled  “  The  Evolution  of  Plant  Life  : 
Lower  Forms,”  The  meaning  of  this  is  that  the  fungi  dealt  with  and 
depicted  in  the  pages  of  the  book  which  we  are  noticing  are  those  having 
a  visible  stem,  or  at  least  a  visible  pilous,  such  as  we  are  accustomed  to 
see  in  the  common  Mushroom,  and  many  of  which  strike  the  eye  of  even 
ordinary  observers  as  they  adhere  to  the  branches,  trunk,  collar,  or  the 


roots  of  trees,  or  to  posts  or  fences,  or  as  they  appear  upon  dunghills, 
rubbish  heaps,  and  about  swamps  and  plantations. 

To  the  universalist,  the  revelation  of  the  enormous  vista  to  be  opened 
up  by  mycological  investigation  is  somewhat  staggering,  and  must  excite 
something  like  a  feeling  of  despair  at  the  brevity  of  life.  If  art  was 
long  and  life  was  short  in  the  days  of  Horace,  what  will  be  the  relative 
importance  of  a  life  even  like  that  of  the  late  M.  Chevreuil,  in  the  face 
of  the  ultimate  revelations  of  telescopy  and  microscopy  ?  Perfect 
happiness  will  then  only  be  enjoyed  by  tbe  absorbed  specialist,  and  men 
of  science  will  spend  a  lifetime  in  the  contemplation  of  a  spot  in  the 
heavens  invisible  to  the  naked  eye,  or  of  the  mould  which  gathers  upon 
a  particular  kind  of  strawberry  jam.  One  thing  is  certain,  however,, 
that  the  pleasure  of  a  subject  increases  proportionately  to  the  mental 
concentration  with  which  it  is  pursued,  and  the  consideration  of  fungi 
during  a  perusal  of  Mr.  Massee’s  book  is  pleasant  even  to  a  mind  hitherto 
occupied  with  the  more  visible  and  striking  beauties  of  phanerogamous 
plants.  One  fact  impresses  the  reader,  and  that  is  the  interdependence 
of  organic  life  and  the  further  revelations  foreshadowed  by  science 
of  the  sequences  which  prevail  upon  our  planet.  It  is  in  the  highest 
degree  interesting  to  read  of  the  affinity  certain  parasitic  fungi  show  for 
particular  trees  and  particular  situations,  and  induces  the  mind  to  expect 
and  hope  for  an  ultimate  solution  of  the  puzzle  of  creation.  Whether 
this  ever  arrives  or  not,  such  investigation  is  at  least  a  more  profitable 
mental  manifestation  than  the  old-fashioned  way  of  regarding  each  dis¬ 
jointed  fact  as  an  accident  or  a  miracle.  It  is  permissible  even  to  look 
forward  to  a  time  when  the  unravelling  of  scientific  problems  may 
become  of  as  absorbing  interest  to  young  persons  of  the  future  as 
charades  and  guessing  contests  are  to  those  of  the  present  day.  “The 
British  Fungus  Flora  ”  is  the  result  of  an  exhaustive  comparison  of  the 
best  known  authorities  upon  the  subject,  and  it  may  be  confidently 
recommended  as  a  work  of  study  and  reference  to  those  interested  in 
mycology. 


A  NEW  LILIUM. 

At  the  Exhibition  held  in  the  Gardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  at  Chiswick  on  July  11th,  considerable  attention  was  centred 
on  a  new  Lilium  exhibited  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic 
Nursery,  Chelsea,  and  Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester.  The  first 
mentioned  firm  exhibited  it  under  the  name  of  L.  Ukeyuri,  and  the 
latter  showed  it  provisionally  as  L.  Alexandras.  A  first-class  certificate 
was  awarded  in  each  case ;  but  in  the  latter  instance  subject  to  the 
Lilium  being  correctly  named  by  Mr.  Baker  of  Kew,  who,  so  far  as  we 
can  at  present  ascertain,  considers  it,  on  a  cursory  examination,  to  be 
a  garden  hybrid.  Messrs.  Veitch,  on  the  other  hand,  as  already  hinted, 
exhibited  it  as  a  species  from  Japan,  and  according  to  the  rules  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society,  which  give  precedence  to  those  who  enter 
an  analogous  exhibit  first,  we  illustrate  it  (fig.  10)  as  L.  Ukeyuri. 

From  a  decorative  point  of  view  it  is  a  grand  Lilium,  and  one  that 
will  doubtless  become  as  popular  as  L.  auratum.  It  is  a  dwarf  grower, 
being  less  than  18  inches  in  height,  and  some  of  the  plants  exhibited 
bore  three  flowers.  The  blooms,  as  will  be  seen  by  referring  to  the 
illustration,  are  very  large,  pure  white,  and  of  great  substance.  It  is 
unquestionably  one  of  the  finest  and  most  beautiful  Liliums  yet 
introduced. 


GRIMSTON  PARK,  TADCASTER. 

In  many  respects  Grimston  Park  may  claim  a  high  place  amongst 
the  stateliest  of  the  “  homes  of  England.”  A  noble  mansion  is  asso¬ 
ciated  with  splendid  grounds  and  a  magnificently  timbered  park.  The 
flower  garden  merges  almost  imperceptibly  into  the  woodland,  sharing 
in  some  measure  its  cool,  reposeful  aspect.  If  the  Italian  style,  so  con¬ 
spicuous  in  the  house  and  its  immediate  surroundings,  should  fail  to 
prove  satisfying — and  consider  it  artificial,  there  is  ample  compensation 
in  the  bright  pictures,  painted  by  Nature’s  own  prodigal  hand,  which 
abound  in  the  immediate  vicinity.  The  mansion  was  not  built  for 
Mr.  John  Fielden,  who  died  recently,  but  for  Lord  Howden,  and  the 
architect  was  Decimus  Burton,  while  the  garden  and  grounds  were  laid 
out  by  Nesfield.  How  the  work  of  the  twin  artists  compares  it  would 
require  the  architectural  knowledge,  the  deep  artistic  sympathy,  and 
the  literary  skill  of  a  Hardy  to  explain.  But  if  the  higher  plane  to 
which  the  accomplished  author  of  “  A  Laodicean  ”  would  raise  such  a 
description  is  denied  to  a  gardening  writer  he  can  at  least  make  some 
acknowledgment  of  the  many  good  features  of  Nesfield’s  work.  The 
formalities  peculiar  to  the  Italian  style  of  the  flower  garden  melt  away 
along  the  winding  walks  which  lead  to  the  wilder  portions  of  the  grounds, 
and  in  the  broad  belts  of  Conifers  and  forest  trees,  the  shrub-covered 
banks,  the  cool  recesses,  the  Fern-clothed  undergrowth,  and  the  pro¬ 
fusion  of  wild  and  naturalised  flowers,  there  is  a  store  of  interest 
and  pleasure  which  grows  the  more  closely  it  is  examined. 

In  the  garden  proper  statuary  and  flowers  dispute  attention.  The 
beds  are  numerous  and  attractively  filled,  and  at  the  right  of  the  house 
is  a  beautifully  furnished  Rose  garden.  The  latter  is  backed  by  a  belt 
of  Oaks,  Sycamores,  Copper  Beeches,  and  other  trees.  The  last-named 
are  magnificent  specimens,  and  in  the  evening  glow  their  leaves  are 
tinged  with  Coleus-like  hues  unique  and  pleasing  to  the  eye.  Valuable 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  Horticulture  and  cottage  gardener. 


67 


marbles  gleam  amoogst  stately  Conifers.  The  boar  in  the  Borghese 
garden  at  Bologna  is  represented  by  a  stone  of  great  value,  and  from  it 
the  eye  wanders  to  one  of  the  finest  specimens  of  Thujopsis  dolabrata 
north  of  the  Trent,  20  feet  high  or  more,  and  admirably  proportioned. 
Or,  again,  an  almost  priceless  Figure  of  Europa  divides  attention  with 
a  noble  Lawson’s  Cypress  40  feet  high  and  a  grand  tree  of  Thujopsis 


grounds  disclose  many  objects  of  interest  when  pursued.  Thousands 
of  Narcissi  are  established  in  the  grass,  and  in  the  spring  they  add 
their  own  peculiar  charm.  Huge  bushes  of  the  Mock  Orange  diffuse 
their  powerful  fragrance.  One  of  Philadelphus  grandiflorus  15  feet 
high  and  10  feet  through  was  a  wonderful  sight,  being  completely 
wreathed  in  flowers.  A  picturesque  effect  is  added  by  the  lofty  Scotch 


Fig.  10.— L1L1U.\1  UKEYURI, 


borealis  with  an  altitude  of  about  30  feet.  There  is  no  limestone  in  this 
portion  of  the  grounds,  and  Rhododendrons  as  well  as  Conifers  thrive 
well.  Laurels  are  as  luxuriant  as  at  Swanmore,  and  there  must  be  two 
or  three  acres  of  them  in  different  parts  of  the  estate  ;  rotundifolia  and 
caucasica  do  best. 

The  winding  walks  which  lead  to  the  undressed  portion  of  the 


Firs,  with  their  heavy  mantles  of  Ivy,  supplemented  in  some  instances 
by  clustering  masses  of  wild  Roses,  the  pink  blossoms  of  which  break 
from  the  cool  Ivy  slopes  in  myriads.  One  of  the  most  beautiful  spots  in 
the  grounds,  or,  indeed,  in  any  garden  in  the  country,  is  the  Emperor’s 
walk,  so  called  from  the  lines  of  busts  of  some  of  the  most  famous  and 
infamous  of  the  old  Roman  and  other  potentates  on  each  side  of  it.  The 


53 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  80,  1893. 


marbles  are  magnificent  pieces  of  work,  and  doubtless  their  value  is 
great,  especially  the  figure  of  the  great  Napoleon,  a  costly  and  superb 
piece  of  work  in  Carrara  marble,  but  a  gardener’s  eye  is  quite  likely  to 
wander  from  them  to  the  grand  Conifers,  ornamental  trees  and  lofty 
timber  in  their  vicinity.  The  forest  trees  at  the  back  are  noble 
examples — and  amongst  the  Conifers  in  front  of  them  I  would  particu¬ 
larly  mention  Abies  orientalis  25  to  30  feet  high,  A.  Kutrow,  an  Indian 
species  about  20  feet,  Picea  Pinsapo,  and  P.  Cembra,  both  about  20  feet, 
together  with  Cryptomeria  japonica  30  to  40  feet,  and  Cupressus  Lawson- 
iana  about  30  feet,  all  of  which  are  extremely  handsome  specimens. 

The  grounds  at  the  other  end  of  the  house  are  little  less  attractive, 
rich  as  they  are  in  fine  forest  trees  and  Conifers.  Corsican  Pines  are 
amongst  the  most  remarkable.  In  reaching  there  what  is  known  as  the 
Church  Walk  is  traversed,  and  the  first  portion  of  this  is  flanked  by  a 
border  of  hardy  plants,  with  a  long  wall  covered  with  summer  Koses  at 
the  back.  The  latter  were  smothered  in  flowers,  clustering  in  thick 
masses  right  on  to  the  top  of  the  wall.  The  herbaceous  plants  consisted 
of  broad  clumps,  most  of  them  a  yard  across  or  more,  such  bold  and 
brilliant  flowers  as  Paeonies,  Hemerocallis  flava.  Spiraea  plumosa,  Inula 
glandulosa,  Delphiniums,  Geraniums,  Centaureas,  Potentillas,  and  Cam¬ 
panulas  of  many  sorts  being  represented  by  huge  masses.  There  may 
not  be  much  interest  in  such  a  border  as  this,  consisting  of  more  or  less 
common  plants,  to  hardy  plant  specialists,  but  its  effect  is  undeniable. 

A  somewhat  brief  reference  must  be  made  to  the  ornamental  depart* 
ment  under  glass,  which  is  in  every  way  as  well  managed  as  the  gardens 
and  grounds.  The  conservatory  was  under  revision,  but  a  remarkably 
fine  pair  of  Rhapis  flabelliformis,  10  feet  high  and  7  to  8  feet  through, 
were  noticeable  ;  also  a  lofty  Seaforthia  elegans,  30  feet  high,  in  flower, 
and  some  immense  Camellias.  Later  the  structure,  which  is  a  very 
spacious  and  lofty  one,  will  be  embellished  by  the  noble  spikes  of 
Campanula  pyramidalis  and  other  plants,  now  rapidly  advancing,  and 
in  autumn  it  will  be  gay  with  Chrysanthemums.  There  is  a  feature 
about  the  plant  houses  at  Grimston  which  is  well  worth  copying.  No 
bare  space  is  permitted  at  the  sides  of  the  paths  and  beneath  the  stages, 
but  all  is  attractively  covered  with  such  graceful  plants  as  Fittonias, 
Panicum  variegatum,  Tradescantias,  Cyperus  alternifolius,  Selaginellas, 
and  a  variety  of  Ferns.  How  great  an  improvement  this  is  upon  the 
ordinary  plan  can  only  be  realised  by  seeing  Mr.  Clayton’s  work.  The 
houses  are,  so  to  say,  finished.  One  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the 
structures  is  that  in  which  an  attempt  is  being  made  to  eombine  a  cool 
Orchid  house  with  a  fernery.  The  Ferns  are  not  grown  in  pots  on  a 
stage,  but  cover  banks  and  nooks  in  a  natural  and  graceful  manner, 
besides  clothing  the  back  wall,  in  association  with  Selaginellas,  in  a  cool 
garment  of  greenery.  No  special  attempt  is  made  to  produce  specimen 
plants,  but  a  few  giants  are  noticeable,  amongst  them  being  a  Davallia 
Mooreana  about  9  feet  across.  Orchids  are  extremely  well  managed. 
There  are  from  300  to  400  Calanthes  in  a  healthy  and  forward  condition, 
besides  a  good  assortment  of  Cattleyas,  Cypripediums,  Pleiones,  Thunias, 
and  others.  It  would  be  impossible  to  refer  individually  to  all  the  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants  which  are  represented,  but  throughout  there  is 
evidence  of  good  culture  and  exceptional  taste.  At  the  front  of  one  of 
the  houses,  on  a  warm  border  at  the  foot  of  the  wall,  and  facing  south, 

I  noticed  a  grand  mass  of  Guernsey  Lilies.  They  are  thoroughly 
established  and  bloom  most  profusely,  in  fact  a  score  of  flowers  may  be 
cut  at  a  time  instead  of  the  ones  and  twos  which  are  obtainable  from  the 
usual  handful  of  plants  in  pots  under  glass. 

Some  surprising  results  have  been  recorded  amongst  fruit  and  vege¬ 
tables  ;  for  instance.  Potatoes  were  lifted  from  a  south  border  without 
protection  on  the  26th  of  May,  which  is  a  striking  proof  of  the  earliness 
of  the  season  considering  the  northern  locality.  Strawberries  (Noble) 
were  gathered  at  the  same  time.  The  Apple  crop  is  somewhat  dis¬ 
appointing,  for  there  was  a  marvellous  show  of  bloom.  Lord  Suffield, 
Irish  Peach  and  Yorkshire  Greening  being  about  the  only  three  to  carry 
a  really  satisfactory  burden  of  fruit.  A  dwarf,  spreading,  open  type  of 
tree  is  favoured.  The  famous  Sherburn  Winesour  Plum  (for  which  as 
much  as  a  guinea  has  been  paid  for  a  stone  of  fruit  from  the  limestone) 
is  bearing  well.  A  south  wall  furnished  with  Peaches,  Nectarines  and 
Plums  is  worth  noticing.  Condor  proves  to  be  one  of  the  most  useful  of 
the  Peaches,  ripening  three  weeks  before  the  other  varieties.  Apricots 
are  loaded  with  fruit,  and  St.  Ambroise  is  the  most  trustworthy  variety. 
It  is  an  excellent  sort,  cropping  well,  displaying  no  desire  to  die  off,  and 
being  of  good  quality,  though  hardly  equal  to  Moor  Park.  The  Peaches 
and  Nectarines  under  glass  are  in  splendid  condition,  Bellegarde,  Grosse 
Mignonne,  A  Bee,  Early  Albert,  and  Prince  of  Wales  being  a  few  of  the 
elect.  The  Vines  are  equally  good.  Mr.  Fielden  favoured  the  Frontignans, 
and  these,  as  well  as  the  more  popular  varieties,  are  carrying  admirable 
crops.  One  house  of  Frankenthal,  bearing  the  usual  complement  of 
about  200  bunches,  is  particularly  striking.  The  kitchen  garden  is 
extensive  and  well  cropped.  Grand  Brussels  Sprouts  are  secured  by 
planting  them  2  feet  apart  between  rows  of  early  Potatoes  3  feet  asunder, 
the  soil  being  tilled  around  the  sprouts  after  their  associates  are  cleared 
off.  A  dressing  of  wood  ashes  and  night  soil  encourages  splendid  crops 
of  Onions,  1  ton  and  70  lbs.  having  been  taken  off  about  270  square 
yards  of  ground  last  year,  and  the  present  year’s  quarter  is  equally 
promising.  There  is,  in  fact,  the  impress  of  good  work  in  every  depart¬ 
ment  at  Grimston,  and  in  the  present  notes  many  things  have  been 
lightly  touehed  on  which  merit  special  notice,  but  even  with  the  season 
of  Rose  shows  practically  over  space  is  not  too  abundant. 

Without  a  doubt  Grimston  Park  may  be  ranked  amongst  the  leading 
places  of  the  land,  and  Mr.  Clayton  as  one  of  the  foremost  British 
gardeners. — W.  P.  W. 


Baely  Flowering  Chrysanthemums. 

Those  who  grow  the  early  Chrysanthemums  can  scarcely  be  other 
than  satisfied  with  the  way  in  which  the  plants  are  flowering  this  year. 
Those  which  I  grow  on  borders  are  covered  with  bloom.  Early  Blush 
being  particularly  good.  This  is  a  grand  old  early  flowering  variety,  and 
one  that  should  be  extensively  grown;  It  is  a  favourite  in  many 
suburban  gardens  in  the  north  of  London.  The  yellow  and  white 
varieties  are,  however,  more  attractive,  and  of  these  a  good  selection 
might  be  made. — Suburban. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society’s  Annual  Outing. 

Following  a  thoroughly  wet  day  it  was  generally  thought,  when  the 
morning  of  the  17th  inst.  opened  dull  and  cloudy,  that  the  annual  picnic 
and  outing  of  the  members  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society 
would  be  somewhat  a  failure.  Fate,  however,  ruled  otherwise,  and  as 
the  black  clouds  rolled  by  the  sun  shone  brilliantly  on  the  “  Mum  ” 
growers  and  their  friends  who  had  burdened  themselves,  wisely,  perhaps, 
if  too  well,  with  umbrellas,  macintoshes  and  other  safeguards  against 
rain.  The  outing  was  a  decided  success  from  a  numerical  point  of 
view,  and  the  officials  of  the  N.C.S.  must  feel  gratified  with  the 
result.  Thanks  to  the  energies  of  Mr.  R.  Dean,  the  Secretary,  the 
arrangements  were  carried  out  in  a  most  efficient  manner,  and  all  who 
availed  themselves  of  this  opportunity  for  a  pleasant  run  in  the  country 
spent  a  most  enjoyable  day. 

As  previously  announced  in  these  pages,  Wycombe  Abbey,  High 
Wycombe,  Bucks,  the  beautiful  seat  of  the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Carrington, 
was  the  place  selected  for  this  year’s  picnic,  and  the  parties  were  con¬ 
veyed  thither  by  the  Great  Western  Railway  on  Monday  last.  A  long 
programme  had  been  arranged,  and  among  other  things  was  a  cricket 
match  between  members  of  the  N.C.S.  and  the  Aylesbury  Floral  and 
Horticultural  Society.  This  started  at  eleven  o’clock,  so  to  enable 
the  players  to  be  on  the  ground  promptly  a  party  accompanied  by  Mr. 
Dean  left  Paddington  Station  at  8.20  A.M.,  the  other  section  following 
at  11  A.M.  On  previous  years  the  party  has  usually  numbered  about 
eighty,  but  on  this  occasion  there  were  at  least  150.  Arriving  at  their 
destination  the  visitors  explored  the  grounds,  gardens,  and  watched  the 
cricket  match,  which  proved  a  most  exciting  if  not  particularly  brilliant 
game.  Those  of  our  readers  who  are  cricketers  will  be  interested  to 
know  that  the  N.C.S.  team  was  beaten  by  seven  wickets.  In  the  first 
innings  neither  side  scored  very  heavily,  but  the  bowling  of  Mr.  Agate, 
the  well-known  Havant  Chrysanthemum  grower,  deserves  more  than  a 
passing  reference.  Playing  for  the  N.C.S.  team  this  bowler,  who 
obviously  is  as  much  at  home  in  the  cricket  field  as  among  his  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  took  no  less  than  six  wickets  at  the  cost  of  one  run — no 
mean  feat.  Some  of  the  opposing  team  also  distinguished  themselves 
in  the  field. 

An  excellent  dinner  was  served  in  the  large  Hall  adjoining  the 
Abbey  by  Mr.  F.  W.  Miles,  and  this  was  presided  over  by  Mr.  Dean. 
Justice  having  been  done  to  this  by  the  excursionists,  the  loyal  toasts 
were  proposed  and  drunk,  following  which  came  the  toast  of  “  The 
Health  of  Lord  Carrington.”  This  was  briefly  proposed  by  Mr.  R. 
Ballantine,  and  Mr.  Miles,  the  head  gardener  at  Wycombe  Abbey, 
responded.  Mr.  Dean  gave  the  “  Aylesbury  Floral  and  Horticultural 
Society,”  coupled  with  the  name  of  Mr.  Fowler,  the  Captain  of  the 
Aylesbury  cricket  team,  who  responded.  An  adjournment  was  then 
made,  the  cricketers  to  resume  their  match,  and  the  rest  of  the  party  to 
wander  over  the  grounds  and  neighbourhood.  Many  went  to  Hughenden 
Manor,  the  residence  of  the  late  Earl  of  Beaconsfield,  which  is  about  two 
miles  distant,  but  here  disappointment — the  only  blot  in  the  day’s  pro¬ 
gramme — awaited  them.  After  exploring  the  pretty  church  at  Hugh¬ 
enden,  which,  by  the  way,  is  of  great  historical  interest,  some  of  the 
party  proceeded  to  the  Manor  House  with  the  object  of  seeing  the 
gardens.  Here,  however,  they  were  met  by  the  present  proprietor,  who 
informed  them  that,  owing  to  his  not  having  received  an  intimation  of 
their  visit,  he  was  unable  to  allow  them  to  view  the  grounds,  which 
apparently  are  rich  in  Conifers.  Returning  to  High  Wycombe,  a  visit 
was  made  to  the  chair-making  factory  of  Mr.  W.  Birch,  who  kindly 
conducted  the  party  over  the  premises  and  explained  the  details  con¬ 
nected  with  his  extensive  business.  This  was  one  of  the  most  interesting 
features  in  the  day’s  programme,  and  those  who  failed  to  see  the  factory 
missed  a  treat.  Seats  of  every  conceivable  kind  are  made  here  in 
thousands,  and  complete  “  antique  ”  chairs  are  turned  out  in  hundreds 
by  the  aid  of  modern  machinery  1 

During  the  afternoon,  too,  an  exploration  of  the  gardens  and  grounds 
of  the  Abbey  was  made.  The  pleasure  grounds  and  park  are  of  an 
undulating  and  picturesque  character,  and,  moreover,  well  wooded.  The 
common  Beech  seems  to  thrive  remarkably  well  on  the  dry  chalky  slopes, 
and  on  the  lawn  there  are  two  exceedingly  fine  specimens  of  the  Copper 
Beech.  Some  large  trees  of  Platanus  orientalis  also  attract  attention  on 
entering  the  grounds,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  Elms,  which  are 
very  fine.  Bedding  is  not  extensively  done,  but  the  Abbey  is  partially 


JuTy  JO,  1893.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


59 


covered  with  various  climbing  plants,  including  Ampelopsis,  Ivy,  Roses, 
and  the  Grape  Vine.  An  old  orangery  near  the  house  is  of  exceptional 
interest,  although  Nature  holds  the  sway  on  this  beautiful  place,  but 
few  attempts  at  artificial  decoration  being  noticeable.  In  the  gardens 
Vines,  Peaches,  and  Cherries  are  evidently  well  cared  for  under  glass, 
and  fruit  is  extensively  grown  in  the  open  air.  Vegetables,  too,  form  a 
feature,  and  it  would  appear  that  flowers  for  cutting  are  required  in 
bulk.  Carnations  are  extensively  grown,  as  also  are  other  plants  that 
give  an  abundance  of  blossom.  At  G  P.M.  visitors  partook  of  tea  in  the 
hall,  and  at  8  P.M.  most  of  them  assembled  at  the  railway  station  on  the 
homeward  journey,  evidently  tired  but  satisfied  with  their  day’s  outing. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

WOLVERHAMPTON.— July  11th,  12th,  13th. 

The  character  of  the  Roses  exhibited  on  the  occasion  of  the  great 
floral  fete  held  in  this  busy  Midland  town  was  indicated  last  week,  and 
the  names  of  the  successful  competitors  in  the  chief  classes  recorded. 
There  was,  however,  a  great  and  meritorious  display  in  other  sections — 
specimen  plants,  groups,  flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables,  to  which  reference 
must  be  made  without  any  pretence  to  giving  a  detailed  report  and  full 
list  of  prizewinners.  This  would  be  too  exacting  on  space  during  a 
period  of  pressure,  while  a  great  deal  of  the  matter  would  possess  local 
interest  only.  It  is  true  the  Wolverhampton  Shows  are  local,  but  it  is 
equally  true  they  are  much  more  than  this,  for  the  more  important 
classes  are  open  to  all  comers  ;  and  so  great  have  been  the  successes 
during  past  seasons,  that  in  the  course  of  five  years  the  floral  fete  has 
won  for  itself  an  honourable  position  among  the  great  provincial 
gatherings  of  the  kingdom.  This  is  due  mainly  to  a  generous,  yet  well- 
considered  policy  adopted  by  a  Committee  of  large  views  and  business 
capacity,  whose  services  are  recognised  by  the  municipal  authorities  as 
well  as  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  surrounding  district.  The 
Mayor  of  Wolverhampton  (T.  C.  Mander,  Esq.)  is  President  of  the 
Society,  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  its  prosperity.  In  response  to 
his  invitation  the  town  was  decorated  from  end  to  end,  and  everything 
was  joyous — till  the  rain  came  down. 

The  rain  1  It  was  not  a  drizzling  that  fell  at  wide  intervals,  but 
exactly  the  reverse,  for  the  rain  almost  came  down  in  sheets,  and  only 
the  best  of  tents  could  have  afforded  shelter  from  the  downpour.  The 
canvas  was,  however,  good,  and  a  large  extent  was  necessary  for  accom¬ 
modating  the  exhibits.  Five  marquees,  each  apparently  150  feet  long 
or  more,  and  40  or  50  feet  wide,  were  well  filled  in  every  case.  But  what 
of  the  officials  1  They  must  not  be  pictured  with  doleful  countenances. 
“  The  rain  would  do  good,  the  Treasurer  was  well  fortified,  the  weather 
would  clear  and  the  crowds  come  before  the  three  fete  days  were  over.” 
That  appeared  to  be  predominating  theme,  and  a  more  cheerful  body  of 
officials  were  never  seen  under  the  watery  circumstances,  but  they  had 
their  equal  at  Woodbridge  in  Suffolk  three  days  later  ;  of  that,  however, 
more  anon,  and  we  will  now  take  a  glance  at  some  of  the  Wolverhamp¬ 
ton  exhibits. 

Specimen  Plants  and  Groups. — Of  these  there  was  a  wonderfully  fine 
display,  as  there  ought,  considering  that  close  upon  £80  were  offered  in 
the  two  classes.  The  first  was  for  sixteen  stove  and  greenhouse  plants, 
not  less  than  eight  in  bloom.  When  it  is  said  that  Mr.  Cypher  put  forth 
his  full  strength  it  will  be  conceded  there  was  something  to  see.  He 
won  the  £20  prize  with  a  grand  collection.  His  chief  flowering  plants 
were  Erica  Parmentieriana  rosea,  a  huge  fleecy  mass  ;  Kalosanthes 
coccinea,  a  glowing  semi-globe  ;  Allamanda  nobilis  and  Statice  profusa 
like  a  huge  bouquet.  The  foliage  plants  were  also  noteworthy  for  size 
and  excellence.  The  second  prizewinner,  Mr.  Finch,  gardener  to 
J.  Marriott,  Esq.,  Coventry,  w'as  a  powerful  antagonist,  and  well  won 
the  £15  with,  among  others,  a  symmetrical  and  densely  flowered  example 
of  Erica  impressa,  a  large  Aphelexis  and  still  larger  Ixora,  with  a  neat 
Allamanda  grandiflora,  fine  Palms,  and  a  splendid  specimen  of  Croton 
Morti.  Mr.  Dyer,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Marigold,  Edgbaston,  won  the 
remaining  prize  of  £10  with  a  highly  creditable  assortment.  Messrs. 
Cypher  and  Finch  were  the  respective  winners  in  the  class  for  six 
flowering  plants  with  fine  examples.  In  foliage  plants  the  first-named 
exhibitor  was  prominent,  his  Croton  angustifolius,  8  feet  in  diameter, 
resembling  a  fountain  of  gold.  In  the  class  for  six  exotic  Ferns,  Mr. 
R.  Sharpe,  gardener  to  J.  Lovatt,  Esq.,  Bushbury,  was  the  premier 
exhibitor  with  large  and  admirably  grown  plants,  Mr.  Dyer  following — 
a  strong  second.  Among  the  six  Orchids  with  which  Mr.  J.  Palmer, 
gardener  to  Wm.  Bown,  Esq.,  Birmingham,  won  the  chief  prize,  was  a 
remarkable  plant  of  Epidendrum  prismatocarpum  with  twenty-seven 
vigorous  spikes  and  hundreds  of  sparkling  flowers.  This  plant  was  in 
consideration  for  the  medal  offered  for  the  gardener’s  or  amateur’s 
exhibit  that  displayed  the  best  culture  in  the  Show,  but  Mr.  Finch’s 
great  and  good  contribution  of  specimens  overwhelmed  it.  Mr.  Palmer 
a’so  had  Cattleya  Sanderiana  in  admirable  condition. 

Groups. — Prizes  of  £15,  £10,  £5,  and  £3  were  offered  in  the  open 
class  for  plants  arranged  for  effect  in  space  not  exceeding  450  square 
feet.  There  were  five  competitors,  whose  collections  were  arranged  down 
the  centre  of  a  large  tent,  and  produced  in  the  aggregate  a  picturesque 
display.  Mr.  Cypher  was  the  premier  exhibitor  with  a  somewhat 
diamond  shaped  arrangement.  The  ground  was  covered  with  Adiantum 
cuneatum,  forming  a  level  surface,  in  which  was  lightly  dotted  small 
Palms,  Crotons,  and  Orchids.  The  four  corner  points  of  the  diamond 
each  contained  larger  Palms  and  Orchids,  and  in  the  centre  was  a  bold 
free  mound  of  Hydrangea  paniculata  in  a  groundwork  of  Ferns,  sur¬ 


mounted  by  a  graceful  specimen  of  Phoenix  rupicola.  It  was  a  charming 
arrangement  without  the  least  suspicion  of  crowding,  every  plant 
showing  itself  fully,  and  all  good.  The  second  prize  was  well  won  by 
Mr.  Francis  Denning,  Moseley,  Birmingham,  with  a  somewhat  similar 
shaped  group,  but  with  more  points — no  improvement.  Libonias  were 
effectively  disposed  with  Palms,  Liliums,  Crotons,  Caladiums,  and 
Statices  amongst  Ferns.  A  good  group  but  rather  crowded.  Mr.  W.  H. 
Dyer  was  third  with  a  richly  coloured  group  of  well  grown  plants,  but 
rather  too  many  of  them.  The  fourth  prize  was  won  by  Mr.  J.  Wright, 
nurseryman,  Wolverhampton,  who  also  employed  too  many  plants. 

Prizes  of  £6,  £4,  and  £3  were  also  offered  for  groups  not  to  exceed 
400  square  feet,  open  to  gardeners  in  Staffordshire,  Worcestershire, 
Warwickshire,  and  Shropshire.  Mr.  W.  A.  Powell,  gardener  to  G.  H. 
Kenrick,  Esq.,  Edgbaston,  was  the  premier  exhibitor  with  a  circular 
arrangement  of  well-grown  plants — Liliums,  Palms,  and  ornamental 
foliaged  kinds,  brightened  with  Libonias  and  Clerodendron  fallax, 
margined  with  Isolepis.  Mr.  S,  Horton,  gardener  to  W.  Fowler,  Esq., 
Sedgley,  was  second,  Francoas  being  effectively  associated  with  Crotons, 
Orchids,  Bouvardias,  and  Ferns.  The  remaining  prize  was  won  by 
Mr.  Dyer. 

Fruit. — The  display  of  this  was  not  remarkable  for  extent,  while  the 
quality  of  several  dishes  left  much  to  be  desired,  still  there  were  credit¬ 
able  examples  of  cultirre  in  the  chief  prizewinning  collections. 

With  a  collection  of  ten  varieties,  including  black  and  white  Grapes, 
Mr.  Gilman,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Shrewsbury,  Ingestrie  Hall,  took 
the  lead  with  a  good  Pine,  excellent  Black  Hamburgh  and  good  Foster’s 
Seedling  Grapes,  a  fine  Melon,  with  excellent  dishes  of  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  Figs,  and  Waterloo  Strawberries.  Mr.  Bannerman,  gardener 
to  Lord  Bagot,  was  a  rather  close  second,  with  excellent  produce ;  and 
Mr.  John  Bailey  third. 

In  the  class  for  four  bunches  of  Grapes,  distinct,  Mr.  J.  Wilkes, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Meakin,  won  first  honours  with  Madresfield  Court, 
Black  Hamburgh,  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  not 
large,  but  all  ripe  and  good.  Mr.  Sidney  Brammill,  gardener  to 
W.  H.  F.  Mayhurst,  Esq.,  was  second  with  larger  but  less  ripe  bunches 
of  Alicante,  Foster’s  Seedling,  Gros  Maroc,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria ; 
Mr.  Bannerman  third  with  Foster’s  Seedling,  Alnwick  Seedling,  Duke 
of  Buccleuch,  and  Black  Hamburgh,  neat  bunches,  good  berries,  ripe, 
but  rubbed.  With  two  bunches  of  white  Grapes  Mr.  C.  Froud,  Coventry, 
won  first  with  good  Muscats,  Mr.  Brammill  second  with  fine  Foster’s 
Seedlings,  and  Mr.  Bannerman  third  with  small  bunches  but  clean  and 
good  berries  of  Duke  of  Buccleuch.  In  the  corresponding  class  for 
black  Grapes  Mr.  Froud  was  first  with  Black  Hamburgh,  and  Mr. 
Brammill  second  with  Alicante.  In  the  local  class  for  six  dishes  of 
fruit  the  prizes  were  won  by  Messrs.  Brammill  and  Bannerman,  both 
staging  excellent  collections.  Mr.  F.  W.  Plant,  Bilston,  staged  most 
creditable  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  not  for  competition,  grown  on 
banks  formed  by  the  excavations  from  coal  mines,  and  perhaps  some¬ 
thing  else.  They  deserved  a  mark  of  high  commendation.  The  best 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  were  staged  by  Mr.  Waite,  gardener  to  Col.  the 
Hon.  W.  P.  Talbot,  Glenhurst,  Esher,  who  also  took  the  lion’s  share  of 
prizes  for  vegetables  offered  by  Messrs.  Buttons,  Webbs,  and  Carters, 
closely  followed  by  Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Guest,  Inwood 
House,  Blandford.  The  collections  were  excellent. 

Out  Floioers. — In  the  open  classes  only  two  stands  of  twenty-four 
varieties  of  hardy  herbaceous  flowers  were  staged.  First,  Messrs. 
Townsend  &  Sons,  Worcester  ;  second  Mr.  G.  Newell,  gardener,  Birming¬ 
ham.  Mr.  Alderman  Dickinson,  Chairman  of  the  Baths  and  Parks 
Committee,  offered  a  two-guinea  prize  for  twenty-four  varieties  of 
hardy  flowers  most  suitable  for  park  decoration,  but  there  was  only 
one  exhibit  made  by  Messrs.  Townsend  &  Sons,  and  these  were  chiefly 
annuals,  and  some  of  not  a  very  decorative  character.  The  idea  is  a 
good  one,  but  it  will  be  well  in  the  future  to  make  the  schedule  more 
definite.  Mr.  Paul  Lutz,  of  Wolverhampton,  offered  as  a  first  prize  a 
handsome  gold  medal  for  the  best  display  of  Pansies  and  Violas,  and 
Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  won  it  with  a  superb  display  well 
staged.  The  Viola  sprays,  a  large  number,  were  especially  attractive 
amongst  the  newer  kinds.  In  addition,  and  as  a  part  of  Messrs. 
Dobbie’s  display,  there  was  a  good  display  of  the  choicest  Sweet  Peas, 
some  superb  African  and  striped  French  Marigolds,  Pelargoniums,  Carna¬ 
tions,  and  herbaceous  flowers,  to  all  of  which  a  handsome  silver  medal 
was  awarded.  The  second  prize  for  collection  of  Pansies  and  Violas 
was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Paul  &  Co.  ;  third  to  Mr.  Campbell,  both  well- 
known  Scottish  florists.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons  won  the  prizes  for 
bouquets. 

Miscellaneous  ExliiUts.—Tl'he^.e.  were  extremely  numerous,  and  in 
many  instances  of  excellent  quality.  Messrs.  Smith  &  Co.,  Worcester, 
had  a  display  of  herbaceous  and  other  blooms ;  Messrs.  Birkenhead, 
Sale,  Manchester,  their  usual  fine  display  of  choice  Ferns  ;  Mr.  J.  H.  White, 
nurseryman,  Worcester,  a  bright  effective  display  of  cut  herbaceous 
blooms,  Carnations,  and  Begonias;  Mr.  C.  F.  Thurstans,  Wolverhampton, 
fine  Carnation  and  Picotee  blooms  ;  Messrs.  Edwards  &  Sons,  Sherwood, 
Nottingham,  a  pretty  display  of  Edwardsian  pottery  and  Ferns  ; 
Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons,  vegetables  ;  Mr.  Bason,  Wolverhampton,  his 
famous  Mushroom  spawn  ;  Messrs.  Hewitt  &  Co.,  Solihull,  Birmingham, 
a  fine  display  of  Begonia,  Carnation,  and  herbaceous  blooms ;  Messrs. 
Thomson  &  Co.,  Sparkhill,  Birmingham,  some  good  border  Carnations 
and  other  flowers  ;  and  Messrs.  Dobbs  &  Co.,  Wolverhampton,  and  Mr. 
R.  Lowe,  Wolverhampton,  also  had  honorary  exhibits. 

Garden  accessories  were  in  evidence  outside  the  tents,  and  medals 
were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Wright  k  Holmes,  Birmingham,  for  excellent 


60 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  20,  1893. 


greenhouses  and  garden  frames  and  their  improved  glazing  ;  to  Messrs. 
Bayliss  &  Inmann,  Birmingham,  for  artistically  designed  and  constructed 
garden  arbours,  &c.  ;  to  Mr.  G.  H.  Brotherton,  Wolverhampton,  for 
garden  furniture  ;  to  Mr.  Jabez  Attwood,  Stourbridge,  for  improved 
hot-water  apparatus  for  amateur  greenhouses,  and  to  Messrs.  W.  Cook 
and  Co.,  Wolverhampton,  for  their  patent  double-action  force  foot 
pump,  an  excellent  and  easily  worked  garden  hose  distributor. 

On  the  third  day  of  the  Exhibition  special  prizes  were  offered  for 
garden  Roses,  the  object  of  the  Committee  being  to  encourage  the 
cultivation  of  the  older-fashioned  garden  Roses,  and  at  this  Show 
last  year  these  were  brought  out  in  good  style,  many  very  old 
garden  favourites  being  seen.  But  this  year  our  old  kinds  had  been 
prematurely  driven  into  and  out  of  flower,  and  scarcely  any  were  left 
for  exhibition,  so  H.P.’s  and  Teas  and  what  older  Roses  were  left  in 
flower  had  to  be  fallen  back  upon.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons  won  flrst 
prizes,  and  Messrs.  Townsend  &  Sons  seconds.  Mr.  Coombs,  gardener 
at  Himley,  was  first  for  a  basket  of  such  Roses. 

As  a  result  of  the  successes  of  the  annual  floral  fites,  the  public  park 
in  which  they  were  held  has  benefited  by  sundry  erections,  and  recently 
an  offer  of  £1000  was  made  by  the  Show  Committee  to  the  Town 
Council  for  the  erection  of  a  conservatory  in  the  park,  with  an  under¬ 
taking  to  maintain  it.  This  was  not  accepted,  on  the  ground  that  the 
amount  would  be  more  acceptable  if  applied  to  the  acquirement  of  an 
additional  park  in  another  locality,  where  such  appears  to  be  needed. 
The  Show  Committee,  however,  prefer  to  take  their  stand  on  the  prin¬ 
ciple  that  where  the  money  was  earned  there  it  should  be  expended. 
Undoubtedly  the  erection  of  a  sensible  and  commodious  structure  would 
be  an  acquisition,  as  at  Leicester  and  other  places,  including  some  of  the 
London  parks  ;  and  in  every  instance,  so  far  as  we  know,  where  displays 
of  Chrysanthemums  have  been  provided  under  glass  in  the  autumn  they 
have  given  unbounded  satisfaction.  These  park  Chrysanthemum  shows 
are  visited  by  thousands,  and  the  public  interest  in  them  increases 
yearly.  It  is  possible  the  offer  in  question  will  be  reconsidered,  and  we 
may  expect  the  end  of  it  will  be  that  both  a  new  park  will  be  obtained 
and  a  new  feature  of  interest  added  to  the  fine  existing  enclosure.  This 
would  be  a  happy  issue  of  which  the  authors  would  have  every  reason 
to  be  proud  in  achieving.  As  evidence  of  the  success  of  the  Wolver¬ 
hampton  Shows  as  rehabilitated  largely  on  the  initiative  of  Mr.  W.  A. 
Green,  an  ardent  amateur  florist  and  trusted  town  oflScial,  it  may  be 
stated  that  the  takings  in  1889  amounted  to  £907,  in  1890  to  £986,  in 
1891  to  £1275,  in  1892  (wet  days)  to  £1152.  On  the  present  occasion 
the  rain  led  to  a  reduction  of  £175  the  first  day,  the  receipts  being 
£100  73.  6d.  On  the  second  day  they  were  £322  5s.,  and  on  the  third 
£589  9s.  6d.,  the  greatest  amount  ever  taken  in  one  day  at  these  shows. 
On  the  last  day  there  were  35,000  visitors. 

BOSTON. — July  12th. 

The  “  port  of  Lincolnshire  ”  was  en  fete  on  the  12th  of  July,  the 
annual  horse,  dog,  cat,  bird,  rabbit,  Rose  and  horticultural  Show  taking 
place  on  that  date.  One  large  tent  suflBced  for  the  gardening  portion 
of  the  Show,  contiguous  to  which  was  that  devoted  to  the  canines,  and 
it  was  to  a  mournful  accompaniment  of  howls  in  all  manner  of  keys 
that  our  representative  pursued  his  work.  He  thought  of  giving  the 
dogs  a  look  up  afterwards,  but  a  stony  stare  from  a  sad-eyed  bull  dog 
induced  him  to  alter  his  mind  and  he  contented  himself  with  admiring 
Spratts’  fine  stand  of  biscuits,  &c.,  outside.  The  plants  were  not  a  very 
grand  display,  but  cut  flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables  were  very  fair, 
while  the  few  Roses  staged  were  excellent. 

Taking  the  fruit  first,  the  first  prize  for  black  Grapes  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  A.  Black,  who  had  large  and  heavy  bunches,  but  unfortunately  they 
were  rubbed,  and  their  appearance  thus  marred.  The  variety  appeared 
to  be  Gros  Maroc.  Mr.  A.  Jarnell  was  second  with  Black  Hamburgh, 
small,  but  splendidly  coloured  ;  and  J.  Oldred,  Esq.,  third.  Whites 
were  not  nearly  so  good,  the  first  prize  bunch  (that  of  Mr.  A.  Lighten) 
being  uneven,  and  Mr.  Black’s  second  prize  cine  unripe.  There  were 
some  splendid  dishes  of  Gooseberries,  such  as  are  not  often  seen  in  the 
south.  Mr.  W.  Nightscales  was  first,  the  Rev.  T.  Staffurth  second,  and 
Mr.  Jarnell  third.  It  is  getting  late  for  Strawberries,  and  only  two 
moderate  dishes  were  shown,  Mr.  Vinters  being  first,  and  Mr.  M.  Crowden 
second.  Currants  were  excellent,  especially  the  blacks.  Mr.  King  and 
Mr.  Staffurth  both  had  splendid  dishes,  the  former  winning.  The 
third  prize  went  to  Mr.  W.  Greenfield.  Mr.  Staffurth  won  with  whites, 
and  Mr.  Nightscales  with  reds,  a  second  award  going  to  Mr.  Greenfield. 
R^pberries  were  rather  poor,  and  so  were  Cherries,  Mr.  King  winning 
with  the  former,  Mr.  Staffurth  second.  Only  a  second  prize  was  awarded 
for  Cherries,  this  going  to  Mr.  Crowden.  Mr.  Black  had  the  best  dish 
of  Peaches,  Mr.  Dolby  following,  and  the  latter  won  with  Nectarines. 

The  vegetable  exhibits  were  good  on  the  whole.  Tomatoes  were 
grandly  represented,  there  being  twelve  dishes  in  all,  most  of  them 
excellent  in  quality.  Mr.  King  won  with  a  very  fine  dish  of  the  Per¬ 
fection  type,  Mr.  Lighten  second,  and  Mr.  Vinters  third.  The  best  of  a 
fair  lot  of  Peas  came  from  Mr.  Nightscales,  Messrs.  Crowden  and  Green¬ 
field  following.  French  Beans  were  of  about  equal  quality,  the  prizes 
going  to  Messrs.  Crowden,  Nightscales  and  Staffurth.  Broad  Beans  were 
very  good,  Messrs.  Nightscales,  Staffurth  and  Jarnell  being  first,  second, 
and  third  in  the  order  of  their  names.  A  splendid  pair  of  Cauliflowers 
came  from  Mr.  Dolby,  who  won  from  Messrs.  Nightscales  and  Crowden, 
and  Cucumbers  were  equally  well  shown  by  Mr.  Greenfield,  who  defeated 
Messrs.  Crowden  and  Nightscales.  Cabbages  as  shown  by  Messrs.  Dolby 
(first),  King  (second),  and  W.  Mumford  (third)  were  all  very  good,  but 
neither  Lettuce  nor  Endive  was  quite  up  to  the  mark.  Mr.  Crowden  took 


a  second  prize  for  both .  Mr.  Dolby  had  excellent  Carrots  and  won  easily 
from  Messrs.  Mumford  and  Crowden.  Capital  Turnips  came  from  Mr.  Roe, 
who  easily  defeated  Messrs.  Mumford  and  Jarnell.  He  also  showed  Onions 
extremely  well,  the  second  and  third  prizes  for  these  going  to  Messrs. 
Staffurth  and  Mumford.  Mr.  Roe  had  a  somewhat  thin  pot  of  Parsley, 
but  the  quality  was  better  than  that  of  Messrs.  Mumford  and  Staffurth, 
who  followed  him  in  the  order  of  their  names.  Mr.  Staffurth  was  the 
only  exhibitor  of  Rhubarb,  and  was  placed  first  for  grand  sticks.  Mr. 
Dolby  won  with  Kidney  Potatoes  and  Mr.  Nightscales  with  rounds,  the 
minor  awards  going  to  Messrs.  Staffurth,  Jarnell,  and  Crowden. 

In  another  section  Messrs.  Craven  and  Lockwood  divided  most  of  the 
first  prizes  for  fruit  between  them,  and  also  showed  very  prominently  in 
the  vegetable  classes,  other  prizes  going  to  Dr.  Ashdown,  Mr.  A.  Tapster, 
and  Mr.  Vines.  The  latter  had  some  excellent  Potatoes.  In  classes  for 
collections  of  vegetables,  Messrs.  Dolby  and  Tapster  secured  first  prizes, 
the  minor  ones  going  to  Messrs.  Jarnell,  Craven,  and  Ashdown. 

Cut  flowers  were  somewhat  numerous.  Mr.  J.  Illman,  Lincoln,  had 
the  best  bouquet  and  also  the  best  one  of  Roses,  Mr.  Dolby  following  in 
each  class.  The  latter  won  with  garden  flowers,  and  was  also  first  in 
other  classes,  but  Mr.  Illman  defeated  him  with  buttonholes  and  also 
with  twelve  stove  and  greenhouse  flowers,  the  Lincoln  exhibitor  having 
some  fine  clusters.  With  hardy  flowers  Mr.  W.  Clegg  was  first  and  Mr. 
Dolby  second.  Pansies  were  rather  poor,  neither  Mr.  Clegg  nor  Miss 
Porter,  who  were  first  and  second  respectively,  having  particularly  good 
blooms.  The  Rose  classes  showed  a  must  unusual  state  of  affairs,  there 
being  only  two  exhibitors,  Messrs.  G.  «fc  W.  H.  Burch  and  Mr.  Clegg. 
The  Peterborough  growers  were  placed  first  for  forty-eight,  second  for 
twenty-four,  and  second  for  twelve  trebles,  having  no  opposition  in  each 
case.  Their  forty-eight  stand  was  a  very  fine  one,  and  the  twenty-four 
deserved  first  prize  considering  the  season.  Mr.  Clegg  was  first  in  another 
class  for  twelve. 

Plants  were  only  moderate.  Mr.  Oldred  appeared  to  be  the  only 
exhibitor  of  Selaginellas,  and  was  placed  first  for  healthy  plants.  Mr. 
Dolby  was  the  only  exhibitor  of  Petunias,  Fuchsias,  and  Begonias.  The 
latter  were  the  best,  and  the  first  prize  was  given  to  them  ;  but  he  had  to 
put  up  with  second  for  the  others.  The  best  group  came  from  Mr. 
Oldred.  It  was  well  arranged,  but  somewhat  wanting  in  flowers,  the 
foliage  work  having  been  a  little  overdone.  Mr.  Dolby  was  second  with 
a  group  exhibiting  precisely  the  same  fault  as  the  other.  Mr.  Night¬ 
scales  wag  third.  Mr.  Dolby  won  with  a  hanging  basket,  and  the  first 
prize  for  foliage  plants  went  to  Mr.  A.  O.  Scrivener,  whose  plants  were 
small  but  healthy.  Mr.  Dolby  was  second,  and  Mr.  Nightscales  third. 
Mr.  Dolby  won  with  Coleus,  having  large  plants  just  a  little  wanting  in 
colour ;  and  for  Ferns  the  prizes  went  to  Messrs.  Oldred,  Dolby,  and 
Black  in  the  order  of  their  names. 

WOODBRIDGE.— July  13th. 

A  LOCAL  reporter,  skilled  in  the  art  of  observation  and  description, 
“  wrote  up  to  ”  the  annual  Exhibition,  which  is  an  event  of  the  year, 
in  the  “  East  Anglian  Daily  Times  ”  as  follows  : — “  The  annual  show  of 
the  Woodbridge  Horticultural  Society,  which  claims  and  deserves  the 
name  of  a  grand  musical  and  floral  fete,  was  held  on  Thursday  last  under 
somewhat  unfavourable  conditions.  It  is  a  traditional  coincidence,  not 
out  of  harmony  with  the  different  character  of  the  two  enterprises,  that 
Ipswich  Flower  Show  is  always  spoiled  by  rain,  and  the  neighbouring 
event  always  brightened  by  sunshine.  With  the  present  exceptional 
season,  however,  there  was  a  change  of  luck.  Rain  fell  in  torrents  just 
as  the  charming  Abbey  Grounds  opened  upon  this  year’s  Exhibition  at 
Woodbridge,  and  the  weather  was  dull  and  threatening  throughout  the 
day.  The  scene  lost  something  of  its  bright  and  pleasure-inspiring 
aspect  in  consequence,  but  it  takes  something  more  than  a  few  showers 
to  subdue  the  energy  of  the  promoters,  or  the  public  spirit  of  the  in¬ 
habitants,  and  in  all  essential  respects  the  old  prestige  of  the  town  was 
splendidly  sustained.  The  streets  were  decorated,  general  holiday  was 
observed,  and  there  was  an  exceedingly  large  attendance  of  visitors 
from  all  parts  of  the  neighbouring  district.  The  entrance  to  the  Show 
was  by  a  path  beneath  the  spreading  Beeches  in  front  of  Capt.  R.  J. 
Carthew’s  mansion — whose  kindness  on  these  occasions  merits  warm 
acknowledgment — and  the  splendid  site  provided  on  the  sloping 
meadows  beyond  was  laid  out  in  much  the  same  style  as  in  previous  years. 
Four  large  marquees  were  erected  for  the  staging  of  the  various  exhibits  ; 
a  handsome  bandstand  was  “  o’er-canopied  ”  with  festoons,  and  illumi¬ 
nated  at  night  by  fairy  lights  ;  and  the  natural  surroundings,  with  the 
square  tower  of  St.  Mary’s  Church  rising  above  the  trees,  formed  a 
lovely  setting  to  the  animated  scene.  Judges  from  a  distance  were  much 
impressed  with  the  beauty  of  the  grounds.  The  prize  schedule  comprised 
nearly  200  classes,  and,  generally  speaking,  the  Show  was  a  long  way 
ahead  of  the  Ipswich  and  East  of  England  Exhibition,  and  why  it  should 
be  so  was  a  question  much  discussed  by  visitors  from  the  county 
town.  Does  the  inferiority  arise  from  want  of  money,  lack  of  good 
management,  or  what  ?  The  fact  remains,  whatever  may  be  the  cause, 
and  the  Woodbridge  folk  have  good  reason  to  feel  gratified  with  the 
comparison.” 

The  Woodbridge  Shows  are  popular  for  several  reasons.  1,  The  Society 
has  been  long  established,  and  its  Jubilee  Exhibition  is  not  far  distant. 
2,  It  is  managed  by  a  body  of  business  men  who  take  great  interest  in  the 
shows  and  work  together  harmoniously.  3,  The  town,  of  between  4000 
and  5000  inhabitants,  is  breezy  and  clean,  and  not  too  far  from  Ipswich 
(about  seven  miles  by  rail)  to  render  the  journey  a  task.  4,  The 
Exhibition  grounds  are  picturesque,  and  in  themselves  a  force  of  attrac¬ 
tion.  5,  The  local  gentry,  tradesmen,  and  apparently  the  inhabitants 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


61 


generally  take  an  interest  in  the  event.  6,  The  best  garden  produce 
obtainable  is  displayed,  and  the  best  music  provided — no  roundabouts 
or  mountebankism,  but  a  pure  “  floral  and  musical  ”  fete,  with  nothing 
whatever  to  offend,  but  wholesome  pleasure  is  great  objective  ;  and  (7) 
the  people  appreciate  all  that  is  done  for  their  delectation,  and  attend 
the  Shows,  “  rain  or  shine.”  It  was  nearly  all  rain  on  this  last 
occasion,  and  it  seemed  proper  to  endeavour  to  sympathise  with  MrfJohn 
Andrews,  the  indefatigable  Honorary  Secretary,  on  the  prospective 
failure  ;  but  sympathy  was  wasted.  “  Oh  !  never  mind,”  he  coolly 
replied,  “  we  usually  have  it  flne,  and  you  will  see  the  people  will  come 
if  it  does  rain.”  It  rained  in  torrents,  and  two  of  the  Judges  at  least  will 
not  forget  it  (for  they  had  to  reach  London  before  getting  dried),  yet  soon 
after  the  Show  was  open  the  tents  were  filled  with  visitors,  and  a  stream 
of  people  entered  the  grounds — as  fine  an  assemblage  as  one  could  hope 
to  see.  Well  done,  Woodbridge  1 

The  Rose  tent  was  perhaps  the  great  centre  of  attraction ,  for  therein 
was  the  contest  for  the  25-guinea  cup  with  stands  of  twenty-four  blooms. 
Not  as  a  competitor  in  the  class  but  as  an  adjudicator,  a  rosarian  was 
espied,  who  wears  the  familiar  initials  “  W.  E.  R.”  Good  humour  was 
stamped  on  his  countenance,  and  to  the  gentle  suggestion  that  he  would 
“  take  a  note  of  the  Roses  ”  came  a  response  ”  Yes,  short.”  Not  that  he 
wanted  anything  ;  he  simply  meant  his  acccount  would  be  a  short  one, 
and  here  it  is,  quite  long  enough  for  the  time  of  year. 

The  competition  in  the  professional  classes  was  good,  one  of  the 
brothers  Harkness  holding  his  own  well  against  the  full  strength  of 
Colchester,  while  at  the  same  time  the  other  brother  was  winning  the 
Jubilee  cup  at  Worksop  against  the  rest  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 
It  was  a  considerable  feat,  but  Roses  are  grown  in  such  quantities  by 
the  leading  members  of  the  trade,  that  it  is  probable,  without  detracting 
from  the  merits  of  the  performance,  that  any  one  of  them  at  his  best, 
with  all  the  others  out  of  form,  might  have  done  it. 

For  the  Woodbridge  challenge  cup,  value  25  guineas,  Messrs.  Harkness 
was  placed  first,  the  best  bloom  being  an  exceptionally  fine  specimen  of 
Duke  of  Wellington,  Horace  Vernet,  Reynolds  Hole,  and  Earl  of  Dufferin 
being  also  very  fine.  The  stand  was  sadly  marred  by  three  light-coloured 
blooms  put  in  for  the  sake  of  change  of  colour.  La  France  being  espe¬ 
cially  poor.  Mr.  Frank  Cant  was  second,  not  far  behind,  having  Black 
Prince  very  fine,  and  the  Duke  of  Connaught  good.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant 
third. 

In  forty-eights  Messrs.  Harkness  were  again  first,  Horace  Vernet 
and  Reynolds  Hole  being  again  conspicuous.  Mr.  B.  Cant  second,  and 
Mr.  Frank  Cant  third.  In  twelve  Teas  Messrs.  Prior  were  first,  Mr. 
B.  Cant  coming  as  a  very  close  second  indeed,  and  Mr.  F.  Cant  third. 
In  twelve  trebles  Messrs.  Harkness  were  again  to  the  front,  Horace 
Vernet  being  once  more  the  pick  of  the  collection.  Mr.  B.  Cant  second, 
and  Mr.  F.  Cant  third.  It  transpired,  however,  that  the  schedule,  which 
was  somewhat  eccentric,  specified  twelve  trebles  of  H.P.’s,  and  as  Mr. 
B.  Cant  had  a  fine  triplet  of  Mar^chal  Niel  inadvertently  inserted,  a 
substantial  extra  prize  was  liberally  awarded  to  them  by  the  Executive, 
and  Messrs.  Prior  became  third. 

A  silver  medal  was  to  be  awarded  to  the  best  Rose  in  the  professional 
classes,  but  as  the  cup  class  was  strangely  debarred  there  was  some 
trouble  about  this,  and  the  award  eventually  went  to  the  best  shaped 
flower,  a  very  light  coloured  specimen  of  Comtesse  d’Oxford  in  Mr. 
B.  Cant’s  forty-eight.  Each  of  Messrs.  Harkness’  stands  was  disfigured 
by  sorry  specimens  of  Comtesse  de  Serenye,  introduced  apparently  for 
the  sake  of  light  colour. 

In  the  amateur  classes  the  competition  was  as  weak  as  it  was  good  in 
the  trade  division.  It  was  as  diflBcult  to  avoid  winning  a  prize  as  it 
sometimes  is,  and  should  be,  to  get  one.  A  certain  gentleman,  having  no 
opponent,  won  a  third  prize  for  six  H.P.’s  of  a  sort  with  five  indifferent 
blooms ;  there  was  a  stem  and  a  few  scattered  petals  on  the  moss  to 
show  where  there  had  presumably  been  another  specimen,  but  nothing 
more.  In  the  principal  class  (18),  Rev.  A.  Foster-Melliar  had  no 
opponent,  a  good  bloom  of  Mrs.  John  Laing  winning  him  also  the  medal 
for  the  best  Rose  in  the  large  amateur  classes.  For  twelve  Teas,  the  same 
gentleman  and  Mr.  Orpen  renewed  their  Crystal  Palace  contest  with  the 
same  result,  the  Sproughton  Teas  being  much  larger,  though  not  quite 
so  well  shown.  Mr.  Orpen,  however,  secured  two  medals,  both  with 
Mar6chal  Niels  :  one  for  the  best  Rose  in  the  smaller  amateur  classes, 
and  one,  which  was  a  sure  win  for  him  to  start  with,  as  he  had  no 
opponent,  for  the  best  Rose  grown  by  an  Essex  amateur. 

The  schedule,  though  not  altogether  satisfactory,  was  evidently 
designed  with  the  utmost  goodwill  for  the  encouragement  of  small 
growers,  there  being  classes  for  those  growing  less  than  1000  and  less 
than  500  plants  local  classes  for  districts  of  different  radius,  and  classes 
for  four,  two,  and  even  single  specimens.  It  w’as  disheartening  to  see 
only  one  exhibit  in  a  class,  and  even  some  classes  perfectly  empty  ;  but 
what  could  be  expected  in  such  a  season  ?  Thus  ends  the  Roses,  and 
there  is  very  little  space  left  for  the  rest.  This  may  be  filled  by  the 
Ipswich  chronicler,  as  we  have  internal  evidence  that  it  was  whispered 
to  him  by  one  of  the  Judges  who  oflficiated  in  the  classes  referred  to. 

Second  in  order  of  arrangement  was  the  marquee  in  which  fruit 
and  first-class  vegetables  were  displayed.  Lord  Suflfield  was  as  suc¬ 
cessful  here  as  were  the  north  country  exhibitors  with  Roses  and 
perennials.  His  lordship’s  collection  of  eight  varieties  of  fruit,  so 
well  grown  by  Mr.  Allan,  the  able  gardener,  would  have  taken  a 
leading  position  at  any  show  in  England,  so  fine  was  the  quality 
of  them  all.  Two  new  varieties  of  Strawberries  were  here  particularly 
noticeable.  One  of  them,  named  Lord  Suflfield,  is  particularly  dark 
-coloured,  and,  unlike  some  others  of  that  hue,  is  also  of  delicious 


flavour.  The  other,  Gunton  Park,  very  bright,  firm,  and  good.  Both 
sorts  received  special  certificates  because  of  their  novelty  and  ex¬ 
cellence,  and  will  probably  take  a  position  as  standard  Strawberries. 
Throughout  the  fruit  was  excellent.  Grapes  were  generally  good, 
although  some  small  and  loose  bunches  were  seen.  Melons  looked  a 
great  deal  better  than  they  were,  for  there  was  quite  a  remarkable 
absence  of  flavour.  The  Judges,  after  tasting  every  variety,  had  great 
difficulty  in  finding  four  good  enough  for  the  prizes,  and  the  smallest 
Melon  of  the  lot  was  eventually  selected  as  the  best.  Cherries  were 
splendidly  shown  in  all  classes.  Lord  Suflfield’s  Black,  Tartarian  and 
White  Hearts  were  marvellous  specimens,  and  the  Morellos  could  hardly 
be  beaten  anywhere.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  were  not  extensively 
shown,  and  the  first  prize  dishes  were  unmistakeably  first ;  there  was  a 
great  falling  off  in  the  rest.  Red,  White,  and  Black  Currants  made  an 
astonishing  show,  such  as  is  rarely  seen.  Messrs.  Daniels  Bros,  of 
Norwich  had  a  capital  stand  here,  not  for  competition,  of  Gloxinias, 
Pelargoniums,  Carnations,  and  new  varieties  of  Potatoes  and  Peas.  The 
vegetables  were  staged  around  the  sides,  and  were  also  in  harmony  with 
the  general  standard  of  excellence. 

A  third  tent  was  devoted  to  cottagers’  exhibits,  and  this  must  be 
passed  by — for  want  of  space,  not  because  the  exhibits  were  unworthy  of 
notice.  Last  of  all,  but  not  least,  came  the  grand  section  for  pot 
plants  and  groups  arranged  for  effect.  An  old  moral  was  here  pointed 
by  the  Judges.  The  first  prize  was  given,  not  to  the  more  imposing 
groups,  but  to  that  (Lord  Rendlesham’s)  which  was  most  freely  and 
artistically  arranged,  without  packing  and  overcrowding.  That  every 
plant  should  show  its  own  beauty  without  using  one  to  hide  the  defects 
of  another,  is  the  principle  on  which  a  decision  was  arrived  at.  In  the 
centre  of  Lord  Rendlesham’s  display  was  a  plant  of  the  graceful 
Humea  elegans,  and  the  group  was  made  up  of  Carnations,  Tuberoses, 
Orchids  (for  which  the  Eendlesham  Hall  gardens  are  famed),  and 
bright  scarlet  Anthuriums,  together  with  splendid  pots  of  Dracsena, 
Caladiums,  and  Crotons.  Some  of  the  others  had  too  many  Crotons, 
but  the  second  and  third  were  simply  spoiled  by  overcrowding.  The 
most  remarkable  feature  of  the  Show  here,  however,  was  supplied  by 
the  Tuberous  Begonias.  A  new  class  was  formed  for  groups  of  Begonias 
and  Maidenhair  Ferns  in  pots  (6  feet  by  3  feet),  and  this  association  of 
bright  colour  with  delicate  foliage  had  a  surpassingly  lovely  effect. 
Woodbridge  people  must  be  careful  to  develop  an  idea  which  they  have 
had  the  honour  of  originating.  The  Begonias  in  pots  in  the  classes 
were  highly  creditable  to  the  whole  of  the  cultivators.  Baskets  of  pot 
plants  were  effective.  Exotic  and  hardy  Ferns  (first  prizes  for  both 
going  to  the  Duke  of  Hamilton)  were  noticeably  good,  and  the  larger 
specimen  plants — Pandanus,  Acalypha,  Asparagus  plumosus,  Allamanda, 
foliage  Begonias,  and  so  forth — completed  a  grand  general  grouping. 

Woodbridge  is  a  very  pleasant  town  with  fertile  land  surrounding  it, 
and  this  well  tilled.  The  noble  church,  with  the  magnificent  Seckford 
Charity,  however,  constitute  the  pride  of  the  place.  The  latter  was 
founded  by  Thomas  Seckford  in  the  reign  of  Queen  Elizabeth,  and  sup¬ 
ported  by  a  small  estate  in  Clerkenwell,  then  let  for  a  little  more  than 
£100  a  year.  It  now  comprises  several  streets,  and  yields  a  great 
revenue.  The  homes  for  decayed  tradesmen  and  their  widows  have  a 
frontage  of  337  feet.  The  inmates  have  two  rooms  and  a  garden,  the 
aged  couples  enjoying  about  £30  a  year  and  single  inmates  £20,  with 
clothing,  medical  attendance,  and  everything  necessary  to  their  comfort. 
A  pleasure  ground  and  broad  terrace  walk  560  feet  long  in  front  of  the 
buildings  is  free  to  all  and  the  public.  The  site  is  unique  and 
picturesque.  On  remarking  to  the  occupant  of  one  of  the  dwellings,  a 
hale  old  man,  yet  bent  with  years,  that  he  had  an  outlook  as  grand  as 
the  Prince  of  Wales  has,  he  replied,  with  great  emphasis,  “  Yes,  sir ;  and 
I  am  as  happy  as  the  Prince  is  too.”  It  is  truly  a  splendid  charity, 
and  as  well  worthy  of  a  note  as  the  flower  Show  is  in  the  salubrious 
Suffolk  town. 

CHERTSEY,  WALTON,  AND  WEYBRIDGE.— July  13th. 

The  twenty-eighth  annual  summer  Exhibition  of  this  Society  w’as 
held  this  year  on  July  13th  in  the  grounds  of  Oatlands  Lodge,  belonging 
to  C.  Swinfen  Eady,  Esq.,  in  every  way  a  charming  site  for  such  a 
purpose.  The  place  is  rich  in  historic  points,  having  been  once  the 
residence  of  the  first  Duke  of  York.  In  the  grounds  there  is  a  magnifi¬ 
cent  grotto,  said  to  have  cost  £40,000  in  building.  The  grounds  are 
beautifully  timbered,  some  very  fine  Beeches  and  Lebanon  Cedars  are  to 
be  seen.  The  Exhibition,  although  showing  a  slight  falling  off  in  large 
specimen  plants,  was  a  really  good  general  one.  The  exhibits  were  nume¬ 
rous,  and  altogether  of  commendable  quality.  The  groups  arranged  for 
effect  had  a  tent  to  themselves.  Mr.  Rawlings,  the  energetic  Secretary, 
as  usual,  had  all  the  arrangements  complete  by  the  specified  time. 

Substantial  special  prizes  were  offered  for  the  group  of  plants.  There 
were  five  competed  in  the  class  for  a  group  to  be  arranged  in  a  half 
circle  14  feet  by  7  feet.  Mr.  G.  J.  Cook,  gardener  to  J.  S.  Sassoon, 
J)sq.,  J.P.,  Ashley  Park,  Walton,  was  a  good  first  with  a  remarkably  fine 
arrangement  of  suitable  plants.  Well  grown  and  coloured  Crotons  were 
effectively  disposed  above  a  base  of  Maidenhair  Fern,  intermixed  with  such 
decorative  plants  as  Francoa  ramosa.  Cocos  Weddelliana,  Pancratium 
fragrans,  and  Gloxinias.  Mr.  G.  Carpenter,  gardener  to  Major  Collis 
Brown,  Broad  Oaks,  Byfleet,  was  a  good  second,  a  trifle  heavier  in  the 
arrangement.  Mr.  H.  Jacques,  gardener  to  Miss  Kenny,  The  Almness, 
Chertsey,  third.  Four  charming  groups  were  arranged  in  the  class  for 
those  less  in  size  than  the  former.  Mr.  Hopkins,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Wodderspoon,  Walton-on-Thames,  was  first.  The  arrangement  of  suit¬ 
able  plants  was  all  that  could  be  desired.  Mr.  Millican,  gardener  to 


62 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  20,  1893. 


H.  Cobbett,  Eiq.,  Ongar  Hill,  Addlestone,  a  good  second.  Lilium  auratum 
and  longiflorum  were  especially  effective  here.  Mr.  Cook  staged  the 
best  six  foliage  plants,  also  the  finest  exotic  Ferns ;  well  grown  speci¬ 
mens.  Mr.  Hopkins  took  the  premier  award  for  a  specimen  flowering 
plant,  a  profusely  bloomed  Bougainvillea  glabra,  Mr.  Jacques  following 
with  Clerodendron  Balfourianum.  Mr.  Millican  had  choice  varieties  and 
well  grown  specimens  in  the  class  for  British  Ferns,  which  are  usually 
well  shown  here.  Mr.  Cheeseman,  gardener  to  W.  Kiddall,  Esq.,  Rydens 
Road,  Walton,  won  in  the  class  for  Fuchsias  with  four  specimens  freely 
flowered  and  not  too  formally  trained.  Tuberous  Begonias  are  always 
a  feature  at  this  Exhibition.  Those  staged  on  this  occasion  were  no 
exception,  being  not  only  freely  grown  but  grandly  flowered,  Mr. 
W.  Stedman,  gardener  to  Miss  Verity,  Moorcroft,  Weybridge,  carrying 
off  premier  honours.  A  class  was  provided  for  dwarf  Lobelias  in  pots, 
and  a  good  display  they  made,  being  compact  and  freely  flowered.  Mr. 
Pagram,  gardener  to  A.  F.  Hobhouse,  Esq.,  The  Whim,  Weybridge,  was 
first.  Mr.  Stedman  staged  the  best  Gloxinias,  well  grown  and  freely 
flowered. 

Cut  flowers  were  numerously  staged,  making  a  bright  display  ;  space, 
however,  forbids  more  than  a  passing  reference  to  one  or  two  classes. 
Mr.  Will  Taylor,  Osborn  Nursery,  West  Hampton,  took  the  premier  award 
in  the  class  for  twenty-four  distinct  bloom  Roses,  with  fresh  well-formed 
flowers,  if  not  large.  Mr.  T.  Osman,  Ottershaw  Park,  Chertsey,  staged 
the  best  stand  of  miscellaneous  flowers.  Mr.  Pagram  won  with  herbaceous 
flowers  in  a  spirited  competition.  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  both  single 
and  double  varieties,  were  well  represented  by  several  exhibitors. 

Fruit,  though  not  numerous,  was  good  in  quality.  For  the  best 
collection  of  six  varieties  there  were  four  competitors.  Mr.  J.  Swann, 
gardener  to  Murray  Smith,  Esq.,  Brockley  Lodge,  Weybridge,  won  the 
premier  honour  with  well-finished  Black  Hamburgh  and  Foster’s  Seed¬ 
ling  Grapes  (extra  fine).  Princess  of  Wales  Peaches,  Hero  of  Lockinge 
Melon,  and  Apricots.  Mr.  Osman  was  second.  Mr.  Swann  secured  the  lead¬ 
ing  position  in  the  classes  for  both  black  and  white  Grapes,  two  bunches 
of  each,  with  really  fine  examples  of  Black  Hamburgh  and  Foster’s 
Seedling,  Mr.  Osman  following  in  the  former  class,  and  Mr.  C.  Gardner, 
gardener  to  R.  H.  Turner,  Esq.,  Rydens  Road,  Walton,  in  the  last  named 
class.  With  Princess  of  Wales  Mr.  Swann  secured  leading  award  in 
the  class  for  a  single  dish  of  Peaches,  Mr.  Carpenter  securing  a  similar 
distinction  for  Nectarines.  Mr.  Protheroe,  gardener  to  Miss  Green, 
Oakwood,  Weybridge,  had  a  really  good  Melon  (Premier)  in  the  class 
for  that  fruit. 

Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  staged  an  interesting  group  of 
plants  not  for  competition,  in  which  figured  some  very  fine  double 
Tuberous  Begonias.  Mr.  G.  Jackman,  Woking,  had  eight  dozen  Roses, 
also  not  for  competition. 

PEOPLE’S  PALACE. — July  13th,  14th,  15th. 

A  Flower  and  Rose  Show  was  held  at  the  People’s  Palace,  Mile 
End  Road,  E.,  on  July  13th  and  the  two  following  days,  primarily  for 
the  purpose  of  encouraging  horticulture  in  the  east  of  London.  The 
Exhibition  was  opened  by  Lady  Rothschild,  who  was  supported  by, 
amongst  others,  the  Hon.  L,  Rothschild,  Sir  Frederick  Young,  K.C.M.G., 
Spencer  Charrington,  Esq.,  M.P.,  F.  Wootton  Isaacson,  Esq.,  M.P., 
T.  Dyer  Edwards,  Esq.,  Harry  S.  Samuel,  Esq.,  Frederick  Charrington, 
L.C.C.,  Nathaniel  L.  Cohen,  Esq.,  S.  B.  Boulton,  Esq.,  and  C.  A.  Murton, 
Esq.  The  opening  ceremony  was  of  a  formal  character,  and  various 
speeches  were  made.  Mr.  Cohen,  in  the  course  of  some  remarks,  observed 
that  the  governors  of  the  People’s  Palace  were  looking  forward  to  the 
time  when  it  would  be  possible  to  form  a  horticultural  society  and  hold 
exhibitions  of  a  more  pretentious  nature  in  the  building.  Messrs.  Harold 
Boulton,  Ernest  Flower,  and  C.  E.  Osborne  are  the  Hon.  Secretaries,  and 
by  these  gentlemen  the  arrangements  were  admirably  conducted. 

A  large  and  effective  group  of  plants  came  from  the  Royal  Gardens, 
Frogmore,  and  these  being  sent  by  Her  Majesty  the  Queen  attracted 
much  attention.  They  comprised  Palms,  Liliums,  Caladiums,  Balsams, 
Campanulas,  Crotons,  and  Perns.  The  Duke  of  Fife  also  sent  some 
Crotons,  Dracsenas,  and  Pandanus,  with  bunches  of  cut  flowers,  includ¬ 
ing  Iceland  Poppies,  Sweet  Peas,  Carnations,  and  Liliums.  Lord 
Rothschild  (gardener,  Mr.  Reynolds)  also  had  a  group  of  plants,  amongst 
which  Ferns,  Crotons,  Dracaenas,  and  Coleus  were  conspicuous.  The 
group  was  edged  with  Panicum  variegatum,  which  gave  the  whole  a 
finished  appearance.  From  the  same  source  came  a  magnificent  basket 
of  Water  Lilies. 

The  Countess  of  Brownlow  sent  some  bunches  of  hardy  cut  flowers, 
principally  Alstrbmerias  and  Phloxes.  Lord  Hothfield  and  the  Duke  of 
Wellington  also  sent  some  Sweet  Peas  and  Carnations,  and  R.  G.  Har¬ 
greaves,  Esq.,  some  Pelargoniums,  Allamandas,  Stocks,  and  Carnations. 
Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  had  some  double  Begonia  blooms 
set  up  in  bunches  with  Maidenhair  Fern.  The  same  firm  also  sent  a 
small  collection  of  Cacti  in  pots,  and  J.  C.  Tasker,  Esq.,  Middleton  Hall, 
Brentwood,  had  three  boxes  of  cut  Roses  and  some  Cannas,  the  latter 
being  especially  good.  Colin  Romaine,  Esq.,  likewise  sent  four  boxes  of 
Roses,  which  were  admired,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  plants 
arranged  by  H.  G.  Hubbuck,  Esq.  Some  Carnations  and  Grapes  came 
from  Richard  Ovey,  Esq. 

_  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  sent  a  large  collection  of 
miscellaneous  plants  all  charmingly  arranged.  Amongst  these  were 
Palms,  Liliums,  Vallota  purpurea,  Dracaenas,  Oranges,  and  Crotons. 
Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Sons,  Waltham  Cross,  also  sent  a  collection  of  plants 
and  hardy  flowers.  A  group  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  came  from 
N.  L.  Cohen,  Esq.,  and  Mrs.  J.  Butcher,  St.  Swithen  Lane,  E.C.,  had 


some  beautiful  bouquets.  Leonard  Noble,  Esq.,  sent  plants  and  cut 
flowers,  and  S.  B.  Boulton,  Esq.,  a  large  collection  of  stove  and  green¬ 
house  plants  and  cut  flowers.  Ludwig  Monde,  Esq.,  had  a  group  of 
Fuchsias,  Palms,  Coleuses,  and  other  plants,  and  J.  L.  Firbank,  Esq., 
some  good  Carnations  in  pots.  T.  Dixon  Galpin,  Esq.,  had  plants  in 
pots,  and  the  Duke  of  Norfolk  some  cut  flowers.  E.  N.  Buxton,  Esq., 
sent  a  group  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  Great 
Gearies,  Ilford,  had  some  Fancy  and  Show  Carnations,  as  also  had  Mr. 
C.  Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough.  H.  H.  Marks,  Esq.,  sent  a  small 
group  of  plants  and  some  baskets  of  flowers.  Mr.  E.  A.  Holmes, 
Frampton  Park  Nurseries,  Hackney,  staged  a  group  of  plants,  and  Mr. 
J.  R.  Chard,  Stoke  Newington,  had  some  table"  decorations.  Messrs.  J. 
Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  sent  a  collection  of  hardy  flowers,  and  Lady 
Henry  Somerset  some  cut  Roses.  A  group  of  plants  was  also  sent 
from  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent’s  Park.  Prizes  were  awarded 
for  miscellaneous  exhibits  staged  by  amateurs. 

WORKSOP.— July  13th. 

It  is  not  at  all  unlikely  that  the  British  public,  or  such  portion  of 
it  as  attended  the  floral  display  at  Worksop  on  Thursday  last,  got  some¬ 
what  confused  over  the  Worksop  Rose  and  Horticultural  Society’s  Show 
of  the  National  Rose  Society,  held  in  conjunction  with  each  other  as  they 
were  ;  indeed,  it  was  clear  from  the  remarks  of  many  that  they  did  not 
grasp  the  distinction  betwe3n  the  two.  That,  however,  was  not  of  any 
great  consequence  so  long  as  they  were  satisfied  with  the  dual  display, 
and  of  that  there  need  be  little  doubt.  A  certain  reporter,  however, 
experienced  a  slight  shock  when  on  going'to  deal  with  one  show  he  found 
two  awaiting  his  attention.  The  fulness  with  which  the  “  National  ” 
had  to  be  treated  precluded  a  lengthy  account  of  the  local  Exhibition,  but 
some  features  of  it  were  too  good  to  be  passed  over  in  silence,  notably 
the  fruit  from  Osberton  and  Clumber,  which  spoke  volumes  for  the  skill 
of  Messrs.  Wood  and  Slade.  The  former’s  Grapes  were  magnificent.  The 
groups,  too,  were  much  in  advance  of  what  we  have  in  the  south, 
particularly  Mr.  Webb’s. 

Taking  the  plants  first,  Mr.  Slade,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  New¬ 
castle,  Clumber,  won  with  table  material ;  Mr.  Wood,  gardener  to 
F.  Foljambe,  Esq.,  Osberton,  second,  both  having  clean  and  healthy 
plants.  Mr.  Slade  was  also  first  for  Begonias,  Mr.  Morris,  Worksop, 
following.  The  Clumber  gardener  had  some  beautiful  Gloxinias  and 
defeated  Mr.  Morris  very  easily,  also  showing  Lilium  auratum  extremely 
well.  Mr.  Wood  won  with  stove  and  greenhouse  flowers,  his  Anthuriums 
being  very  fine  ;  Mr.  Slade  was  second.  Fuchsias  were  rather  poor,  and 
Petunias  hardly  call  for  comment,  Mr.  Stewart  of  Carlton  winning  with 
them.  The  groups  were  extremely  attractive,  the  first  prize  one, 
arranged  by  Mr.  A.  Webb,  Kelham,  Newark,  displaying  marked 
originality  of  treatment,  the  sloping  bank  arrangement  so  dear  to 
southern  exhibitors  being  departed  from  in  favour  of  a  parallelogram 
with  four  small  corner  mounds  and  a  large  central  one,  the  groundwork 
being  formed  of  moss  and  Selaginella.  There  was  abundance  of  healthy 
flowering  and  foliage  plants  tastefully  arranged  in  the  groups.  Mr. 
Horton,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Portland,  Welbeck,  was  second,  also 
with  a  charming  arrangement,  but  it  was  too  light,  Grasses,  Palms, 
and  slender  Crotons  being  too  liberally  employed.  It  is  praiseworthy  to 
avoid  overloading  a  group  with  flowers,  but  Mr.  Horton  had  gone  to  the 
other  extreme.  Mr.  Slade  was  third,  his  group  also  having  too  much 
foliage,  but  it  was  heavier  than  the  other.  The  plants  composing  it 
were  healthy  and  clean.  Messrs.  Fisher,  Son,  &  Sibray  had  a  beautiful 
miscellaneous  group  not  for  competition. 

Cut  flowers  were  largely  composed  of  children’s  bouquets  and 
similar  exhibits,  but  herbaceous  flowers  were  extremely  well  shown  by 
Mr.  Mallender,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Mellish,  Hodsock  Priory,  who  had 
Galega  oSicinalis,  Lilium  Thunbergianum  sanguineum,  and  L.  excelsum 
very  good.  W.  H.  Mason,  Esq.,  Retford,  was  second,  and  Mrs.  Alderson, 
Worksop,  third. 

Mr.  J.  H.  Wilson  had  some  charming  Sweet  Peas  and  Carnations. 
The  latter  were  extremely  good,  embracing  his  yellow  ground  fancy 
Mrs.  Wilson,  and  many  standard  sorts.  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson  &  Sons, 
Chilwell,  exhibited  their  beautiful  dark  velvety  crimson  Gloxinia 
The  Beacon,  and  some  attractive  floral  decorations.  One  bouquet  of 
Mrs.  Reynolds  Hole  Carnation  and  bronzy  Croton  leaves  was  unique 
and  pleasing  to  a  degree.  Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.  had  one  of 
the  most  effective  displays  in  the  Show,  consisting  of  some  very  fine 
Roses  and  hardy  flowers,  also  a  collection  of  healthy  foliage  plants. 
The  Shireoaks  Market  Garden  Co.  had  a  splendid  display  of  Stocks,  the 
plants  being  admirably  grown,  and  the  strain  first  rate. 

Fruit  was  exceptionally  fine.  Mr.  Wood  had  some  grand  produce  in 
the  class  for  a  collection,  his  Grapes,  both  black  and  white,  being 
magnificent,  while  his  Pine,  Cherries,  and  Melon  were  very  good.  Mr. 
Slade  was  second  with  fair  Grapes,  excellent  Peaches,  good  Cherries,  and 
a  capital  Melon.  Mr.  Webb  was  third,  his  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and 
Figs  being  very  good  indeed.  Mr.  Slade  won  with  black  Grapes,  having 
finely  coloured  clusters.  Mr.  Wood  was  second,  and  Mr.  Rose,  Kirk- 
lington  Hall,  third.  Mr.  Wood  had  splendid  white  Grapes,  defeating 
Messrs.  Slade  and  Preston  easily.  Mr.  Wood  won  in  two  other  Grape 
classes,  and  the  character  of  his  bunches  showed  him  to  be  a  grower  far 
above  the  average.  He  was  first  for  a  Melon,  and  Mr.  Slade  second. 
The  latter  beat  him  with  Peaches,  but  was  defeated  in  turn  with 
Nectarines.  Mr.  Allen,  gardener  to  T.  Huntsman,  Esq.,  was  first  for 
Strawberries,  and  Mr.  Mallender  second,  while  for  Cherries  Mr.  Slade 
won,  and  Mr.  Mallender  was  again  second.  Hardy  fruit  was  abundant 
and  good.  Mr.  Joseph  Stanley  won  with  Raspberries,  and  Mr.  F.  Clark 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


63 


with  both  light  and  dark  Gooseberries  ;  minor  prizes  going  to  Messrs. 
J.  Hurst,  R.  Lee,  T.  Clifton,  and  A.  Ryalls,  The  awards  for  Currants 
went  to  Messrs.  F.  Clark,  J.  Stanley,  T.  Clifton,  J.  Darby,  and  R.  Bram- 
mer.  The  cottagers]also  showed  hardy  fruit  well. 

There  was  an  extensive  display  of  vegetables.  Mr.  Slade  was  first 
with  a  collection,  his  Cauliflowers,  Potatoes,  and  Onions  being  excellent. 
Mr.  W.  H.  Mason  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Allen  third.  The  former  had 
very  good  Peas  and  Beans.  The  Shireoaks  Market  Gardens  Co.  had  a  fine 
dish  of  Hackwood  Park  Tomatoes,  and  were  placed  first,  Mr.  Slade  being 
second.  The  winners  also  had  some  very  fine  Tomatoes  not  for  competi¬ 
tion.  Mr.  J.  Doughty  was  first  with  Broad  Beans  and  Mr.  Stubbings 
with  French,  while  Mr.  Howard  was  victorious  with  Cucumbers.  Ex¬ 
cellent  Cabbages  and  Lettuces  were  shown  by  Mr.  M.  Wood  of  Rayton, 
and  Mr.  Garside  was  to  the  fore  with  Peas.  First  prizes  for  Potatoes 
went  to  Messrs.  Garside  and  H.  Hewitt. 

WOOD  GREEN.— July  15th. 

The  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Wood  Green  and  District  Horticul¬ 
tural  Society  was  held  in  the  grounds  attached  to  the  Town  Hall,  Wood 
Green,  on  Saturday,  July  15th.  There  was  a  good  display  of  plants  and 
cut  flowers  from  private  gardens  as  well  as  nurseries.  Fruit  and  vege¬ 
tables  were  also  fairly  well  represented  in  the  respective  classes,  and  the 
same  may  be  said  of  bouquets  and  floral  decorations.  A  “  Rose  Queen  ” 
procession  and  sports  were  held  during  the  afternoon,  and  the  arrange¬ 
ments  were  carried  out  in  an  efficient  manner  by  Mr.  Horace  Bates,  the 
Hon.  Secretary. 

Some  well-known  metropolitan  nurserymen  made  a  good  display  of 
flowers  and  plants.  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Tottenham,  sent  a  large  collection  of 
hardy  flowers,  amongst  which  Gaillardias,  Phloxes,  Delphiniums,  Coreopsis, 
and  Poppies  were  noticeable.  Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries, 
Cheshunt,  also  sent  a  large  number  of  hardy  flowers,  comprising  two  good 
boxes  of  Carnations,  bright  and  fresh  in  appearance.  Messrs.  R.  and 
G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate,  had  a  charming  group  of  miscellaneous  plants, 
including  Dracaenas,  Liliums,  Ferns,  and  Begonias.  Messrs.  H.  Low 
and  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park,  Enfield,  sent  some  cut  Roses  ;  and  Mr. 
W.  Bowers,  The  Vineries,  Wood  Green,  had  a  group  of  Tomatoes  in  pots. 
The  plants  were  heavily  laden  with  fruit.  Messrs.  Whellock  and  Whel- 
lock.  Wood  Green,  sent  a  large  number  of  Roses  and  Carnations. 
Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  exhibited  a  large  group  of  miscel¬ 
laneous  plants  and  a  stand  of  Mushroom  spawn.  Messrs.  W.  L.  Lewis 
and  Co.,  Southgate,  sent  a  group  of  Orchids,  chiefly  Cattleyas  and 
Odontoglossums.  These  were  tastefully  arranged  with  Ferns  and  other 
plants. 

Groups  of  plants  in  the  competitive  classes  were  fairly  good,  the  best 
in  a  special  class  coming  from  Mr.  S.  Card,  gardener  to  W.  Hollings¬ 
worth,  Esq.,  Wood  Green.  Mr.  W.  Wilson,  gardener  to —  Sydney,  Esq., 
Bowes  Park,  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Armstrong  third.  Mr.  D.  Slater, 
gardener  to  F.  0.  Field,  Esq.,  East  Finchley,  was  awarded  an  extra 
prize  for  a  group  of  plants.  Mr.  F.  Page,  Wood  Green,  was  first  for  a 
group  of  Ferns,  Mr.  F.  V,  Marment,  Bowes  Park,  being  second. 
Specimen  plants  were  very  good,  the  best  being  staged  by  Mr.  W. 
VVilson,  Bowes  Park,  and  Mr.  S.  Card. 

Considering  the  season  and  late  date  Roses  were  finely  shown  by 
Mr.  G.  W.  Cook,  New  Southgate.  This  gentleman,  an  amateur  grower, 
won  several  first  prizes.  Mr.  J.  Armstrong,  gardener  to  John  Allen,  Esq., 
Southgate,  likewise  secured  a  first  prize  for  twelve  cut  Roses.  Mr.  E.  R. 
Smith,  Muswell  Hill,  and  Mr.  E.  H.  Gould,  Bowes  Park,  were  also  among 
the  premier  prizewinners  for  Roses.  Mr.  W.  Rumsey,  Joyning’s 
Nursery,  Waltham  Cross,  sent  half  a  dozen  boxes  of  beautiful  Roses, 
the  flowers  being  fresh  and  bright. 

ASCOT  AND  DISTRICT  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

By  kind  permission  of  the  trustees  of  the  Ascot  Grand  Stand  a 
Cottagers’  and  Industrial  Show  was  held  on  the  13th  and  14th  inst.,  in 
connection  with  the  above  Society.  The  following  nurserymen  exhibited, 
not  for  competition  ; — Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  of  Reading,  a  fine  collec¬ 
tion  of  Gloxinias,  with  Stocks,  Carnations,  and  hardy  annuals.  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  sent  two  boxes  of  Begonias,  containing 
single  and  double  blooms.  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son  a  good  display  of 
Carnations  and  Pinks,  also  hardy  herbaceous  flowers.  Mrs.  Phippen  of 
Reading,  a  very  attractive  group  of  decorative  plants,  floral  crosses,  and 
a  bouquet  of  Carnations,  which  was  much  admired.  Messrs.  J.  Standish 
and  Co.  filled  the  end  of  the  Rotunda  with  Palms,  Acers,  &c.  Mrs.  S.  F. 
Ponton  of  Wokingham  had  Cucumbers  and  Tomatoes.  Attractive  groups 
of  plants  were  sent  by  local  gentlemen.  The  one  arranged  by  Mr. 
Thorne,  gardener  to  Major  Joicey,  of  Sunningdale  Park,  was  highly 
admired,  as  was  a  fine  bank  of  Begonias  from  Sir  William  Farmer 
(gardener,  Mr.  Hataway).  E.  Hamilton,  Esq.,  The  Charters  (gardener, 
Mr.  Cole)  and  Mr.  Lane,  King’s  Ride,  furnished  the  centre  of  the  tables 
with  good  Crotons,  Caladiums,  and  other  plants.  The  cottagers’  exhibits 
were  of  very  good  quality,  but  not  so  numerous  as  in  other  years. 
Prizes  were  also  given  for  well  kept  gardens.  The  Committee  have 
plenty  of  funds  and  a  charming  place  to  hold  a  show.  In  a  neighbour¬ 
hood  containing  good  gardens  it  is  a  pity  they  do  not  offer  prizes  for 
amateurs  at  summer  shows. — A  Visitor. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

George  Bunyard  &  Co.,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Maidstone. — Roses,  Rulhs, 
and  Straieierries. 

J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  S.E. —  General  Plant  Catalogue. 

Ant.  Roozen  &  Son,  Overveen,  Haarlem,  Holland.— and  Cape 
Bulbs. 


CARNATION  AND  PICOTEE  UNION. 

The  annual  Exhibition  held  in  connection  with  the  Carnation  and 
Picotee  Union  took  place  on  Tuesday  last  in  the  gardens  of  Mr.  E.  S. 
Dodwell,  Stanley  Road,  Oxford.  As  might  have  been  expected  the 
northern  growers  were  to  the  fore,  their  blooms  being  just  at  the  summit 
of  their  beauty,  while  those  of  the  more  southern  men  have  been  over 
for  two  and  in  many  cases  three  weeks.  Taken  as  a  whole  the  Exhibi¬ 
tion  was  an  unqualified  success,  the  flowers  being  of  perfect  form  and 
substance,  if  slightly  lacking  the  size  it  is  now  customary  to  see  amongst 
them.  High  praise  must  be  accorded  to  Mr.  Dodwell  and  the  Com¬ 
mittee  for  the  admirable  manner  in  which  the  Show  was  conducted. 
The  occasion  of  this  Exhibition  bringing  together  so  many  friends  was 
considered  a  fitting  one  for  presenting  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dodwell  on  the 
happy  attainment  of  their  golden  wedding,  a  silver  tea  and  coffee 
service  and  salver,  which  had  been  subscribed  for  by  over  200  of  the 
veteran  florist’s  friends.  With  the  above  was  also  given  a  testimonial 
which  had  been  signed  for  by  the  numerous  subscribers. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  testimonial  presented  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Dodwell  : — “  Very  many  friends  throughout  the  kingdom  as  well 
as  abroad  desire  upon  the  occurrence  of  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  your 
wedding  day  to  offer  you  their  warm  congratulations  on  this  memorable 
and  happy  occasion,  and  to  add  their  earnest  hope  that,  surrounded  by 
those  you  love  and  who  so  dearly  love  you,  much  length  of  days  may 
yet  be  granted  to  you.  They  gladly  avail  themselves  of  this  oppor¬ 
tunity  to  give  expression  to  the  feelings  of  respect  and  admiration  with 
which  they  have  long  watched  Mr.  Dodwell’s  floricuitural  work,  and  to 
record  their  sense  of  his  unvarying  kindness  and  courtesy  among  his 
fellow  florists.  They  wish,  then,  as  a  mark  of  their  regard,  and  of  the 
gratification  they  feel  that  you  have  been  permitted  to  reach  this  crown¬ 
ing  point  of  your  wedded  life,  to  beg  your  acceptance  of  the  accom¬ 
panying  tea  and  coffee  service  and  salver — the  produce  of  many 
subscriptions  purposely  limited  in  amount — assuring  you  that  it  is  a 
souvenir  of  widely  felt  loving  regard,  and  equally  assured  that  you  will 
find  in  that  feeling  the  chief  value  of  this  gift.” 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Collier  made  an  excellent  speech  in  making  the  pre¬ 
sentation.  Mr.  Dodwell  expressed  thanks  and  gratitude  on  behalf  of 
himself  and  Mrs.  Dodwell  to  their  friends  for  this  unanimous  proof  of 
their  real  regard.  Many  speeches  were  made  by  friends  at  the  luncheon, 
after  which  the  presentation  took  place.  The  following  ladies  and 
gentlemen  were  present,  amongst  others,  to  assist  Mr.  Alderman  Buckeli 
in  the  chair — The  Rev.  C.  P.  Brickwell,  Rev.  Mr.  Scott,  Rev.  Mr.  Collier, 
Rev.  Mr.  Gibbs,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  S.  Dodwell,  Mr.  Alfred,  Mr.  Arthur, 
and  Mr.  Fred  Dodwell,  and  other  members  of  the  family.  Dr.  Guinness 
and  Messrs.  Ranger  Johnson,  T.  E.  Henwood,  Chas.  Phillips,  Arthur 
Brown,  Robt.  Sydenham,  Wm.  Bacon,  Wm.  Harding,  J.  S.  Hedderley, 
J.  Whitham,  Tom  Lord,  J.  Wynne  Ffoulkes,  C.  H.  Herbert,  Thos.  Anstiss, 
and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  Hill.  The  company  numbered  over  one  hundred  in 
all.  Let  us  hope  that  on  the  occasion  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dodwell’a 
diamond  wedding  such  a  meeting  of  friends  may  again  take  place. 
Mr.  Dodwell  has  worked  hard  in  the  interests  of  horticulture  generally, 
and  has  thus  gained  many  personal  friends  and  the  high  approbation 
of  many  gentlemen  who  have  never  yet  met  him.  We  append  the 
names  of  the  principal  prizewinners,  also  those  of  the  varieties 
exhibited  in  the  leading  stands. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  flake  or  bizarre  Carnations,  in  distinct  varie¬ 
ties,  Mr.  Tom  Lord,  Todmorden,  was  an  excellent  first,  staging  blooms 
of  Bruce  Findlay,  Master  Fred,  Duke  of  York,  Gordon  Lewis,  Thaddeus, 
Admiral  Curzon,  two  seedlings,  George,  Sportsman,  J.  D.  Hextall,  and 
Robert  Houlgrave  in  magnificent  condition.  Mr.  J.  Whitham  was  a 
very  close  second  ;  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  a  creditable  third  ;  Messrs. 
Thomson  &  Co.  fourth  ;  Mr.  Geo.  Chaundy  fifth  ;  Mr.  A.  K.  Brown  sixth  ; 
and  Mr.  W.  Read,  gardener  to  Mr.  E.  S.  Dodwell,  who  in  ordinary 
seasons  is  usually  found  much  nearer  the  top  of  the  tree,  seventh.  Mr. 
J.  Edwards  took  the  premier  position  in  the  class  for  six  flakes  and 
bizarres,  dissimilar,  exhibiting  fine  blooms  of  Master  Fred,  two  seedlings, 
Teddy,  Sportsman,  and  Guardsman.  Mr.  E.  Shaw  was  a  good  second  ; 
Mr.  J.  S.  Hedderley  third  ;  Mr.  C.  Phillips  fourth  ;  Mr.  A.  Medhurst 
fifth  ;  Mr.  Wm.  Bacon  sixth  ;  and  Thos.  Anstiss  seventh. 

For  twelve  white  ground  Picotees,  in  distinct  varieties,  Messrs. 
Thomson  &  Co.  were  first,  showing  in  fine  form  Mrs.  Sharp,  Amelia, 
Nellie,  Dr.  Epps,  Mrs.  Chancellor,  Thomas  William,  Little  Phil,  Zerlina, 
Campanini,  Mrs.  Payne,  Lady  Louisa,  and  Mrs.  Gorton.  The  flowers  in 
this  stand  were,  with  scarcely  an  exception,  fresh  and  bright.  The 
second  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Robt.  Sydenham  for  a  fine  stand,  Mr. 
J,  Whitham  being  third,  Mr.  Tom  Lord  fourth,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  fifth, 
Mr.  J.  Edwards  sixth,  Mr.  E.  Shaw  seventh,  and  Mr.  Chas.  Phillips 
eighth.  Mr.  A.  W.  Jones  staged  some  beautiful  blooms  in  the  class  for 
six  white  ground  Picotee  Carnations.  The  stand  included  Mrs.  Payne, 
Nellie,  Favourite,  Thos.  William,  Brunette,  and  Campernini.  Mr.  J.  B. 
Sharp  was  second,  Mr.  J.  S.  Hedderley  third,  Mr.  Wm.  Bacon  fourth, 
Mr.  Medhurst  fifth,  and  Mr.  Anstiss  sixth.  The  competition  was  keen 
in  this  class,  the  flowers  being  remarkable  for  their  perfect  colouration 
and  form. 

For  twelve  Carnations,  either  seifs,  fancies,  or  yellow  grounds,  in 
distinct  varieties,  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  wai  deservedly  awarded  the 
first  prize.  The  exhibit  included  Romulus,  Tournament,  A.  W.  Jones, 
Gladys,  Stadtrath  Bail,  Dodwell’s  167,  Germania,  Janira,  Victory,  Mrs. 
Robert  Sydenham,  Mrs.  Jameson,  and  Brockhaus.  The  second  place 
w'as  taken  by  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  with  a  fine  exhibit,  Mr.  George 
Chaundy  being  third,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  fourth,  Mr.  W.  Read,  gardener 


64 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  20,  1893. 


to  Mr.  Dodwell,  fifth  ;  Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame,  sixth  ;  Mr.  Thos.  Anstiss 
seventh,  and  Mr.  C.  Phillips  eighth. 

For  six  Carnations,  either  seifs,  fancies,  or  yellow  grounds,  dissimilar, 
Mr.  W.  Spencer  was  accorded  the  premier  position,  staging  beautiful 
flowers  of  Mrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  Schlieben,  Theodore,  Madame  Van 
Houtte,  Stadtrath  Bail,  and  Vandyck.  Mr.  Chas.  Harden  was  a  very 
good  second  ;  Mr.  J.  S.  Hedderley,  third;  Mr.  E.  Shaw,  fourth  ;  Mr.  N. 
Medhurst,  fifth;  Mr.  Chas.  Henwood,  sixth;  Mr.  J.  Edwards,  seventh; 
and  Mr.  Wm;  Bacon,  ninth.  Mr.  W.  Read  was  placed  first  in  the  class 
for  six  blooms  of  the  Kilmory  yellow  ground  seedlings  in  not  less  than 
three  dissimilar  varieties.  This  stand  included  perfect  examples  of 
Tournament,  Queen  of  Hearts,  Nora,  Tournament,  Sport,  Nosula,  and 
Nancy.  Mr.  A.  Medhurst  was  second ;  Mr.  Geo.  Chaundy,  third  ;  Mr. 
Thos.  Anstiss,  fourth  ;  and  Mr.  Wm.  Bacon,  fifth. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jones  was  accorded  the  first  place  in  the  class  for  six 
yellow  ground  blooms,  any  raiser’s  variety,  with  Stadtrath  Bail,  Almira, 
Countess  of  Jersey,  Germania,  Mrs.  Robt.  Sydenham,  and  Atalanta.  The 
second  prize  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.,  Mr.  Wm.  Reid 
being  third,  Mr.  Chas.  Phillips  fourth,  Mr.  Chas.  Harden  fifth,  Mr.  T.  E. 
Henwood  sixth,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  seventh,  Mr.  J.  S.  Hedderley  eighth, 
Mr.  J.  P.  Sharp  ninth. 

The  premier  blooms  in  the  Exhibition  were  Master  Fred,  a  scarlet 
bizarre  exhibited  by  Mr.  Tom  Lord  ;  Germania,  yellow  self  from 
Mr.  A.  W.  Jones  ;  Dodwell’s  1528  fancy  Carnation,  shown  by  Mr.  Wm. 
Read  ;  white  ground  Picotee  Little  Phil,  staged  by  Mr.  J.  Whitham, 
and  yellow  ground  Picotee  Mrs.  Robt.  Sydenham,  exhibited  by  Mr. 
Spencer. 

Certificates  were  awarded  for  the  following  blooms  : — Arline,  pink 
and  purple  bizarre,  magnificent  flowers  ;  Thaddens,  crimson  bizarre  of 
great  merit ;  Bruce  Findlay,  a  pink  and  purple  bizarre  of  superb  form; 
Duke  of  York,  a  beautiful  scarlet  bizarre,  all  of  which  were  staged  by 
Mr.  Tom  Lord  ;  Feron,a  fine  purple  flake,  exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  Whitham  ; 
and  Mrs.  Anstiss,  a  rich  apricot-coloured  self  of  great  substance  and 
good  form,  shown  by  Mr.  Anstiss.  It  being  very  late  when  our  reporter 
reached  Oxford,  it  was  found  impossible  to  get  a  full  list  of  the  prizes, 
as  some  of  the  blooms  had  been  removed. 


WOKK.foi\.theWEEK.. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines.  —  Earliest  House.  —  Thoroughly  ripened  wood  and  well 
nourished  properly  developed  buds  are  of  primary  importance  in 
securing  a  crop  of  Grapes  the  following  season.  The  wood  is  generally 
well  ripened  in  the  early  houses,  for  the  Vines  as  a  rule  are  not  over- 
vigorous,  and  the  dry  atmosphere  maintained  during  the  ripening  of  the 
Grapes  tends  to  mature  the  foliage,  buds,  and  wood.  This  is  sometimes 
fatal  to  the  principal  leaves,  or  those  corresponding  to  the  pruning  buds 
by  encouraging  red  spider,  and  the  consequence  is  the  Vines  go  to  rest 
early  and  start  into  growth  in  September,  when  they  should  be  com¬ 
pletely  at  rest.  When  the  Vines  lose  the  lower  leaves  on  the  bearing 
shoots  growth  should  be  encouraged  from  the  laterals,  alike  to  stimulate 
root  action,  appropriate  the  sap,  and  prevent  premature  resting.  Where 
the  Vines  retain  the  foliage  to  the  base  of  the  bearing  shoots — termed 
laterals — it  will  be  necessary  to  maintain  a  dry  atmosphere  to  thoroughly 
ripen  the  wood,  but  it  will  not  be  needful  to  employ  artificial  heat. 
Ventilate  fully,  keeping  all  laterals  and  late  growths  stopped,  and  aim 
at  complete  rest  by  having  the  border  cool  and  moderately  dry.  The 
inside  borders  may  require  watering,  but  avoid  making  the  soil  very 
wet.  Outside  borders  may  need  covering  with  dry  straw  or  bracken  in 
order  to  throw  off  heavy  rains,  for  a  too  moist  condition  of  the  soil  tends 
to  late  growth.  Where  the  Vines  are  in  an  unsatisfactory  condition 
prepare  for  lifting  at  an  early  date,  getting  fresh  loam  and  clean 
drainage  handy,  so  that  the  work  can  be  quickly  performed  when 
started.  It  is  desirable  to  lift  the  roots  and  lay  them  in  fresh  soil  near 
the  surface  whilst  there  is  foliage  on  the  Vines,  but  the  leaves  corre¬ 
sponding  to  the  pruning  buds  must  be  maturing,  and  the  lateral  growths 
will  favour  speedy  root  action.  Work  of  this  character  ought  not  to  be 
delayed  beyond  August  in  the  case  of  Vines  that  are  to  be  started  early 
in  December,  which  will  need  pruning  by  the  middle  of  September  or  a 
little  later. 

Vines  for  Early  Forcing. — When  it  is  contemplated  to  start  Vines 
early  that  have  hitherto  not  been  so  subjected,  it  will  be  necessary  as 
soon  as  the  crop  is  oflE  to  thoroughly  cleanse  them  by  syringing  or  the 
application  of  an  insecticide.  If  there  is  any  doubt  about  the  maturity 
of  the  wood  and  the  plumpness  of  the  budg  it  will  be  desirable  to 
employ  fire  heat  in  the  daytime  to  maintain  a  temperature  of  70®  to  75° 
with  moderate  ventilation,  and  turn  the  heat  off  at  night  to  allow  the 
pipes  to  cool.  This,  with  a  thorough  circulation  of  air,  will  soon  cause 
the  wood  to  harden  and  the  buds  to  plump,  inducing  rest.  When  the 
Vines  have  the  wood  ripe  and  the  buds  plump  they  will  only  require 
full  ventilation  day  and  night. 

Vines  in  Pots  for  Very  Early  Forcing. — When  these  are  to  be 
started  early  in  November  to  afford  ripe  Grapes  during  March  or 


April  the  wood  should  now  be  thoroughly  ripened  and  the  buds  plumped. 
If  not  the  house  may  be  kept  rather  warmer  by  day,  say  70°  to  75° 
artificially  and  80°  to  85°  with  sun  heat,  closing  early  so  as  to  raise  the 
temperature  to  90°  or  95°,  and  throw  the  ventilators  open  at  night. 
Afford  water  or  liquid  manure  in  sufficient  quantity  to  prevent  flagging, 
and  expose  the  foliage  to  all  the  light  possible.  Laterals  must  be  kept 
well  in  check,  leaving  no  more  than  are  absolutely  essential  to  appro¬ 
priate  any  excess  of  sap  and  so  prevent  the  principal  buds  being  started. 
When  the  wood  is  brown  and  hard  and  the  buds  are  prominent  the  Vines 
should  be  removed  to  a  situation  outdoors,  standing  the  pots  on  slates  or 
boards  in  front  of  a  south  wall  or  fence.  Secure  the  canes  to  avoid 
damage  from  wind,  and  only  give  water  to  prevent  the  foliage  falling 
prematurely.  In  wet  weather  the  pots  may  be  laid  on  their  sides  or  some 
waterproof  material  be  employed  over  them.  When  the  main  leaves 
turn  yellow  commence  reducing  the  laterals,  and  prune  when  the  leaves 
are  all  off,  the  laterals  being  cut  off  close  and  the  canes  shortened  to 
the  length  required.  This  done  place  them  in  any  cool,  airy,  dry  place 
until  required  for  forcing.  Keep  moderately  dry  at  the  roots,  and 
exclude  frost. 

Successional  Vines  Freed  of  their  Cro^s.  —  If  there  be  any  red 
spider  thoroughly  cleanse  the  Vines  by  means  of  water  from  a  syringe 
or  engine,  and  repeat  occasionally.  Mealy  bug  and  scale  should  be 
combatted  with  petroleum.  It  is  easiest  applied  in  emulsion  form,  but 
this  coats  the  glass  with  soapy  matter,  which  is  not  easy  to  get  off  once  it 
hardens.  There  is  no  objection  to  pure  petroleum  and  water,  the  thing 
is  to  keep  it  well  mixed  whilst  it  is  being  applied.  This  may  be  done 
by  one  person  syringing  into  the  watering-can,  whilst  another  applies  it 
to  the  Vines  forcibly  so  as  to  well  coat  every  part  of  them  and 
house  with  the  mixture — a  wineglassful  of  petroleum  to  4  gallons  of 
water.  This  repeated  two  or  three  times  at  intervals  of  a  few  days  is  an 
effectual  remedy.  Keep  the  laterals  within  reasonable  limits.  If  the 
Vines  are  vigorous,  and  the  wood  not  ripening  well,  keep  the  house 
rather  dry,  and  ventilate  fully  at  night,  but  turn  on  the  heat  by  day, 
and  ventilate  moderately.  This  will  tend  to  the  maturity  of  the  wood 
and  buds.  Vigorous  Vines  must  not  be  stopped  too  closely  or  the 
principal  buds  may  be  started  into  growth  by  an  excess  of  sap,  and  they 
may  be  kept  without  water  until  the  foliage  becomes  a  little  limp. 
Vines,  on  the  other  hand,  that  are  enfeebled  by  continued  cropping 
should  be  encouraged  to  make  growth  by  applying  liquid  manure  to  the 
border.  Ventilate  the  house  freely  day  and  night,  for  it  is  mainly  a 
question  of  evaporation  in  securing  thoroughly  ripened  wood. 

Grapes  Ripening. — Whilst  colouring  most  Grapes  swell  considerably, 
and  there  must  not  be  any  deficiency  of  moisture  in  the  border.  Give, 
therefore,  a  good  supply  of  water  or  liquid  manure,  especially  the  latter, 
where  the  Vines  are  heavily  cropped,  for  though  it  may  not  materially 
influence  the  Grapes  it  will  contribute  to  the  general  health  of  the 
Vines,  and  by  giving  them  plenty  of  time  the  erop  may  finish  satisfac¬ 
torily.  Hastening  heavily  burdened  Vines  and  a  deficiency  of  nourish¬ 
ment  is  almost  sure  to  culminate  in  defective  colour  in  the  Grapes.  A 
good  rest  at  night  in  a  temperature  of  60°  to  65°  with  air  is  a  great 
help  to  Vines  taxed  to  the  utmost  by  a  heavy  crop.  Allow  the  laterals 
to  extend  if  possible.  A  moderate  amount  of  air  moisture  is  essential 
to  the  health  of  the  Vines,  sprinkling  the  floor  in  the  morning 
and  afternoon  in  bright  weather,  or  occasionally,  and  no  ill  effects 
will  follow,  provided  a  circulation  of  rather  warm  air  is  secured 
This  is  absolutely  essential  to  avoid  spot  in  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and 
some  other  tender  skinned  Grapes,  therefore  admit  air  constantly  enough 
with  a  gentle  warmth  in  the  hot- water  pipes  to  insure  a  circulation  and 
prevent  the  deposition  of  moiscure  on  the  berries. 

Melons.  —  Stopping  and  Removing  Groioths.  —  When  the  fruit  is 
swelled  to  the  size  of  an  egg,  the  laterals  should  be  kept  pinched  to  one 
leaf,  and  if  this  results  in  too  much  foliage,  so  that  the  main  leaves  are 
crowded  or  shaded,  thinning  must  be  resorted  to.  This  should  be  done  a 
little  at  a  time,  for  removing  a  large  quantity  of  foliage  at  once  gives  a 
check  to  the  fruit  swelling.  Instead  of  distant  manipulation,  the  plants 
should  be  gone  over  once  a  week  at  least,  and  in  the  case  of  vigorous 
plants  twice,  for  stopping  and  the  removal  of  superfluous  shoots,  never 
allowing  the  principal  leaves  to  be  crowded,  but  fully  exposed  to  light 
and  air. 

Watering. — Never  allow  the  plants  to  lack  moisture  at  the  roots,  for 
when  water  is  withheld  until  the  foliage  flags  a  check  has  been  given, 
and  the  effect  is  seen  in  their  feeble  aftergrowth,  from  which  they 
seldom  recover  and  often  collapse,  or  the  crop  ripens  prematurely  and 
is  poor  in  flavour.  The  great  point  is  not  to  allow  flagging,  and  yet 
not  to  give  water  until  the  soil  is  becoming  so  dry  as  to  be  insufficiently 
moist  for  the  support  of  the  plants,  when  a  thorough  supply  should 
be  given.  Plants  swelling  their  fruits  will  need  water  or  liquid 
manure  at  least  once  a  week.  When  setting  and  ripening  it  will 
suffice  to  just  keep  the  foliage  from  flagging,  and  if  watering  becomes 
necessary  it  should  be  given  to  these  in  frames  without  wetting  the 
foliage  more  than  can  be  helped.  A  poor  growth  is  not  good  either  for 
setting  or  the  ripening  of  the  fruit,  but  a  drier  condition  of  the  soil  is 
desirable  at  those  times  than  when  the  fruit  is  swelling. 

Syringing  the  Plants. — When  the  flowers  are  advanced  for  expan¬ 
sion  withhold  water  from  the  foliage,  also  when  the  fruit  is  ripening, 
as  this  is  the  chief  cause  of  the  fruit  cracking.  At  the  time  of 
setting  and  ripening  in  frames  and  pits  the  atmosphere  can  hardly  be 
kept  too  dry  ;  in  bouses  moisture  must  not  be  entirely  withheld  at  those 
periods,  but  surfaces  should  be  damped  in  the  morning  and  afternoon 
in  bright  weather.  When  the  fruit  is  swelling  syringe  well  at  closing 
time,  and  if  morning  syringing  is  practised  it  should  be  done  early. 


July  20,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


65 


Plants  in  frames  should  be  sprinkled  at  closing  time  during  the  swelling 
of  the  fruit,  but  on  fine  days  only,  being  careful  to  keep  the  water 
from  the  neck  or  collar  of  the  plants. 

Ventilating. — Daring  the  setting  and  ripening  of  the  fruit  admit  air 
freely,  leaving  a  little  on  constantly  to  prevent  the  deposition  of 
moisture  on  the  blossoms  or  fruits  through  the  night.  Give  more  venti¬ 
lation  early  in  the  morning  of  bright  days,  always  when  the  temperature 
has  advanced  to  75°,  and  gradually  increase  it  with  the  advancing  heat, 
keeping  through  the  day  at  80°  to  90°,  and  closing  sufficiently  early  to 
rise  to  90°,  95°  or  100°,  and  before  nightfall  admit  a  chink  of  air  at  the 
top  of  the  house  or  the  back  of  the  frame.  This  is  particularly  necessary 
in  closely  fitting  and  glazed  structures,  in  badly  constructed  houses  night 
ventilation  may  be  dispensed  with. 

Temperature. — Resource  will  only  need  to  be  had  to  fire  heat  in 
houses  and  to  linings  for  frames  in  dull  cold  periods,  then  a  little 
artificial  heat  is  desirable  to  maintain  a  buoyant  atmosphere  when  the 
blossoms  are  setting  and  the  fruit  is  ripening,  otherwise  the  temperature 
will  be  ruled  at  this  season  by  external  influences.  A  night  temperature 
of  65°  and  70°  to  75°  by  day  must  be  given  to  plants  in  houses. 

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Carnations. — If  not  already  done  a  mulching  of  old  Mushroom-bed 
manure  or  leaf  soil  should  be  given  Carnations  after  very  lightly 
loosening  the  surface,  and  giving  a  good  watering.  This  will  serve  to 
prolong  the  display  considerably.  The  Margaret  Carnations,  if  raised 
moderately  early  and  duly  planted  out,  will  flower  strongly  in  August  or 
September,  though  not  if  they  are  topped  ;  give  these  also  the  benefit  of 
a  mulch. 

Propagating-  Carnations. — If  the  smaller  side  shoots  are  slipped 
off  now  these  will  strike  quite  as  readily  as  Pinks  in  a  frame  or  hand- 
lights  placed  at  the  foot  of  a  north  wall  or  fence.  In  warm  moist 
localities  bottom  heat  may  be  dispensed  with,  but  a  very  slight  hotbed 
is  of  good  assistance.  Pack  enough  material  inside  the  frames  to  raise 
about  4  inches  of  loamy  gritty  soil  well  up  to  the  light,  and  face  over 
with  sharp  sand.  Little  or  no  trimming  is  required  by  short  slips,  but 
longer  cuttings  or  any  upwards  of  4  inches  in  length  should  be  shortened, 
not  however,  by  cutting  with  a  knife,  the  better  plan  being  to  pull  them 
cleanly  apart  at  a  joint.  Fix  them  firmly  in  the  soil,  give  a  gentls 
watering,  and  keep  close  and  shaded  from  what  bright  sunshine  reaches 
the  frame  till  rooted. 

Saving  Pink  Seed. — Seed  if  ripe  may  be  either  stored  till  next 
spring,  or  else  be  sown  at  once.  When  quite  new  yet  properly  ripened 
it  germinates  quickly  either  on  a  well  prepared  border  or  in  boxes  set  in 
a  cool  shady  position.  If  not  sown  very  thickly  neat  little  plants  will 
be  formed  before  the  winter  arrives,  those  in  boxes  being  kept  in  cool 
frames.  Mrs.  Sinkins,  and  varieties  raised  from  that  robust  popular 
form,  come  quite  true  from  seed,  and  young  plants  partaking  somewhat 
of  a  perpetual  flowering  character  are  more  likely  to  flower  the  same 
season  they  are  planted  out  than  are  the  more  delicate  varieties. 

Hollyhocks. — Red  spider  can  be  destroyed  by  mixing  a  handful 
of  flowers  of  sulphur  into  a  paste  and  then  mix  it  with  two  gallons  of 
clear  water,  and  with  a  syringe  thoroughly  wet  both  the  under  and 
upper  surface  of  the  leaves.  Black  fly  is  also  unusually  prevalent  on 
Hollyhocks,  and  this  may  be  got  rid  ot  by  means  of  tobacco  powder  or 
strong  snuff,  puffing  this  well  over  the  under  side  of  the  leaves.  No 
side  shoots  should  be  allowed  to  grow  on  any  of  the  plants.  They 
ought  to  be  kept  well  supplied  with  moisture  at  the  roots,  and  be  given 
a  mulching  of  short  manure.  If  leaf  buds  are  found  at  the  axils  of  the 
leaves  of  any  side  shoots  removed,  the  latter  may  be  cut  into  short 
lengths,  placed  singly  in  small  pots,  and  rooted  in  a  gentle  but  not  very 
moist  heat.  All  that  develop  into  plants  should  be  shifted  into  larger 
pots  before  they  become  much  root-bound. 

Dahlias. — Old  stools  push  up  very  many  more  shoots  than  should 
be  left  to  grow,  much  better  results  following  upon  the  practice  of 
confining  the  plants  to  a  single  stem,  or  at  the  most  two  stems.  These 
being  kept  properly  secured  to  a  strong  stake,  will  branch  strongly  and 
produce  either  a  few  extra  fine  blooms  for  exhibition  purposes,  or  an 
abundance  of  ordinary  good  flowers.  If  the  former  are  desired  about 
four  stakes  should  be  placed  to  each  plant,  and  some  of  the  best  placed 
branches  be  fastened  to  these,  the  rest  being  cut  away  or  better  still 
early  pinched  out.  Dahlias  require  abundance  of  moisture  at  the  roots, 
a  good  mulch  of  strawy  litter  further  serving  to  keep  the  ground  cool 
and  moist. 

Gladioli.  —  Stakes  should  be  placed  to  these  before  the  spikes 
become  heavy,  frequent  syringings  and  waterings  also  being  necessary 
if  fine  spikes  and  large  flowers  are  desired.  In  order  to  have  the  spikes 
for  exhibition  with  the  flowers  well  together  and  all  facing  one  way 
they  ought  to  be  enclosed  in  a  V-shaped  trough,  made  by  nailing  two 
long  thin  pieces  of  board  about  4  inches  wide  to  a  strong  stake.  With 
the  aid  of  these  troughs  it  will  also  be  an  easy  matter  to  shade  the 
lower  flowers  with  newspaper,  with  a  view  to  keep  them  fresh  and  of 
good  colour  to  match  the  upper  flowers. 

PLANT  HOUSES. 

Hpacrls. — Give  these  full  sunshine  and  abundance  of  air,  so  that 
their  wood  will  become  thoroughly  ripened,  which  is  necessary  to  insure 
abundance  of  flowers.  Also  give  a  sufficient  supply  of  water  at  their 
roots,  or  the  lower  foliage  will  soon  turn  yellow  and  fall.  On  the  other 
hand  do  not  allow  the  soil  to  become  saturated  by  heavy  rains.  Old 
lights  that  can  be  placed  over  them  when  necessary  is  all  the  protection 
they  need.  E’-ica  hyemalis  may  have  the  same  treatment. 


Kalosanttaes. — Plants  that  have  flowered  should  be  cut  close  back 
and  be  placed  in  a  frame  until  they  break  into  growth,  after  which  keep 
perfectly  cool  and  wintered  on  a  shelf  in  the  greenhouse.  Young 
shoots  may  be  inserted  singly  or  four  or  flve  together  in  5-inch  pots,  and 
if  put  in  gentle  warmth  the  cuttings  root  quickly.  If  they  are  to  flower 
the  following  season  they  ought  to  be  hardened  when  rooted,  and  either 
placed  outside  or  on  a  shelf  in  the  greenhouse.  The  growths  should  be 
well  ripened,  the  object  is  to  prevent  them  starting  again  into  growth.  If 
they  make  fresh  growth  while  being  rooted  flowers  need  not  be  looked  for 
until  the  plants  have  enjoyed  one  clear  season’s  growth.  Where  an 
increase  of  stock  is  needed  the  stems  may  be  cut  into  lengths,  for  these 
root  quickly  and  break  freely  into  growth. 

French  and  Fancy  Pelargoniums. — Cuttings  that  are  rooted  for 
early  flowering  should  be  placed  into  small  pots  at  once  and  stood  in 
frames  until  they  start  into  growth.  The  points  of  the  plants  ought  to 
be  removed  if  not  done  when  the  cuttings  were  inserted.  Cuttings  for 
the  main  stock  of  young  plants  for  another  year  should  be  inserted  at 
once.  They  will  root  with  freedom  if  put  in  sandy  soil  outside.  We 
find  this  the  easiest  and  most  certain  method  of  propagating  these  plants. 
Do  not  insert  mere  flower  stems,  older  portions  of  the  plant  root  freely 
and  make  much  better  plants.  Plants  that  have  been  ripening  on  the 
walks  for  a  few  weeks  may  be  cut  close  back  and  placed  in  a  frame  until 
they  break  into  growth.  Keep  the  frame  moderately  close  and  syringe 
the  plants  twice  daily  until  they  commence  to  grow,  when  the  old  soil 
may  be  shaken  from  their  roots,  and  repot.  Keep  close  for  a  time  until 
root  action  has  commenced,  when  the  plants  should  be  grown  perfectly 
Gool. 

Zonal  Pelargoniums. — Plants  that  are  growing  outside  and  are 
intended  for  autumn  and  winter  flowering  should  have  the  flower  trusses 
removed  as  they  appear  and  any  shoots  stopped  that  are  taking  the  lead. 
If  the  pots  are  well  filled  with  roots  give  weak  stimulants  every  time 
they  need  water,  or  artificial  manure  may  be  given  to  the  surface  of  the 
soil  at  intervals  of  a  fortnight.  The  plants  should  be  fully  exposed  to 
the  sun,  and  firm  sturdy  growth  must  be  encouraged.  Plants  that  have 
been  flowering  inside  and  have  grown  leggy  may  be  cut  back.  If  started 
in  frames  and  grown  under  glass  these  will  make  excellent  flowering 
plants  during  the  winter.  The  cuttings  from  these  plants  may  be 
inserted  in  boxes,  or  in  borders  outside,  and  when  rooted  placed  into 
small  pots.  These  will  flower  in  5-inch  pots  during  the  early  spring 
months.  Cuttings  that  are  rooted  may  be  placed  into  3-inch  pots,  and  if 
stood  outside  when  established  will  flower  profusely  under  glass 
during  the  declining  months  of  the  year.  The  points  of  these  plants 
may  be  removed,  and  then  they  should  be  allowed  to  grow  on  without 
further  pinching. 

Solanums. — Plants  that  have  set  a  good  crop  of  berries  should  be 
watered  freely.  If  once  they  are  allowed  to  become  dry  the  foliage  will 
turn  yellow  and  the  beauty  of  the  plants  will  be  destroyed.  Soot  water 
assists  them  wonderfully  and  imparts  to  the  foliage  a  fine  dark  hue. 
These  plants  may  be  plunged  outside  in  ashes.  The  syringe  should  be 
used  freely  to  keep  the  foliage  free  from  red  spider. 


IS 

m  BEE-KEEPBR. 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

At  THE  Moors. 

As  much  information  regarding  the  management  of  bees  is 
gleaned  at  the  moors,  I  will,  according  to  my  custom  in  previous 
years,  record  what  comes  under  my  observation.  Owing  to  the 
continued  heat  and  dry  weather  there  is  the  most  profuse  bloom 
on  the  Heather  that  I  have  ever  witnessed. 

On  July  1st  I  took  one  prime  swarm,  an  old  Punic  stock  not  rid 
of  its  surplus  queens,  and  a  number  of  nuclei.  Owing  to  some 
oversight  or  an  accident  on  the  way,  there  was  a  small  opening  in 
one  of  the  boxes  sufficient  for  bees  to  escape,  but  wherever  we 
were  they  returned  to  the  box,  even  when  moving  along.  When 
discovered  of  course  I  stopped  the  hole,  shutting  out  two  bees. 
The  day  was  fine  and  warm,  and  on  my  return,  three  hours  after¬ 
wards,  the  escaped  bees  met  me  at  the  place  they  were  shut  out, 
accompanying  me  to  the  station,  a  distance  of  one  and  a  half  mile. 
Had  I  travelled  the  other  way  the  bees  would  I  have  no  doubt 
found  their  hive.  The  moment  the  old  stock  was  opened,  although 
it  had  previously  swarmed  and  been  divided  into  eight,  it  threw 
off  another  swarm,  and  I  have  reasons  for  believing  it  was  not 
the  last  one.  The  prime  swarm  was  a  strong  one,  and  only  a 
week  old.  Although  subjected  to  rough  treatment  in  the 
conveyance,  no  combs  were  broken.  Some  of  the  Punic  surplus 
queens  entered  this  hive,  and  in  eight  days  after  it  was  set  down 
it  swarmed  at  a  distance  of  two  miles,  and  was  hived  in  a  tool-box 
upon  the  railway.  In  the  course  of  a  week  the  nuclei  filled  their 
boxes  with  combs,  and  the  prime  swarm  increased  in  weight 
20  lbs.,  while  all  the  queens  were  fertilised,  and  every  available 
cell  filled  with  eggs  and  larvae  a  few  days  after. 

On  July  11th  we  started  in  the  morning  with  sixty  hives. 


66 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  20,  1893. 


and  owing  to  the  rough  roads  I  expected  the  whole  of 
them  would  be  spoiled,  but  not  a  bee  was  lost,  nor  a  comb 
broken,  after  a  journey  of  fifty  miles  by  road  and  rail.  Six  men 
managed  the  whole,  and  in  two  hours  after  their  arrival  at  the 

station,  which  is  two  miles  from  their  destination,  the  work  was 

completed.  Taking  the  number  and  other  things  connected  with 
them  into  consideration  it  will  be  easily  seen  there  is  no  other 
hive  extant  that  could  be  set  down  with  similar  safety  and 

expedition.  If  there  were  any  reliance  in  the  advice  to  give 

timeous  room  to  prevent  swarming,  and  the  returning  of  after 
swarms  for  the  same  purpose,  it  would  be  a  boon  to  bee-keepers. 
Three  hives,  with  a  plurality  of  queens  piping  for  four  weeks, 
swarmed  a  day  after  they  were  set  down.  Notes  from  the  moors 
will  be  continued  next  week. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


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

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

Verses  (jCastanea). — We  are  unable  to  inform  you  in  what  book 
the  verses  you  send  are  to  be  found,  and  we  have  not  space  for  their 
insertion  in  our  columns. 

Biennials  and  Perennials  from  Seed  (^Reader'). — You  may  sow 

at  once  in  light  soil  in  the  open  ground,  any  or  all  kinds  of  which  seed 
is  offered  in  catalogues,  but  there  should  not  be  a  day’s  unnecessary 
delay.  Your  letter  only  arriving  as  our  pages  were  being  made  up  for 
press  we  cannot  possibly  do  more  than  give  this  brief  reply  to  your 
question. 

Sbowlngr  Annuals  (^Constant  Reader'). — When  prizes  are  offered 
for  three  annuals  schedules  usually  say  they  must  be  distinct  kinds.  In 
that  case  there  must  be  no  more  than  three,  and  the  Sweet  Scabious 
may  be  one  of  them  in  one  colour.  Neither  a  Dahlia  nor  a  Gladiolus 
would  be  admissible  in  such  a  class  for  they  are  not  annuals.  Annuals 
are  plants  which  are  raised  from  seed,  flower,  and  die,  root  and  branch, 
the  same  season. 

Criticism  (&  J.  A.). — By  all  means  exercise  your  critical  intelli¬ 
gence  to  any  extent  so  long  as  it  affords  you  pleasure.  We  do  not 
intend  to  discuss  the  unending  theme  of  market  prices,  nor  to  alter 
them  to  meet  diverse  individual  views.  The  measures  we  have  recom¬ 
mended  will  prevent,  do  prevent,  and  have  prevented,  the  Tomato  disease. 
We  have  grown  Tomatoes  for  thirty  years,  and  never  once  failed  in 
having  good  crops  from  clean  plants,  and  we  do  not  expect  to  fail 
in  the  future. 

Sowlngr  Begonia  Seed  (^Begonia).  —  Probably  the  best  plan 
would  be  to  sow  the  seeds  very  thinly  in  boxes  or  large  pans,  so  that 
the  seedlings  would  have  room  to  grow  undisturbed  as  long  as  they 
could  be  kept  growing,  and  winter  the  tubers  in  the  soil  in  which  they 
grew  until  they  showed  signs  of  growth  in  the  spring.  Under  proper 
management  they  would  make  good  flowering  plants  next  year.  Cer¬ 
tainly  transfer  the  pollen  of  the  fringed  single  variety  as  you  propose. 
You  may  not,  however,  succeed  in  your  object  the  first  year  of  the 
seedlings  flowering, 

Crlnum  capense  QG.  A.). — This  plant  is  hardy  in  sheltered  posi¬ 
tions,  and  we  have  never  seen  such  large  floriferous  clamps  as  in  the 
deep  rich  soil  of  a  south  border,  the  plants  mulched  and  watered  in  the 
summer,  a.nd  the  ground  thickly  covered  with  leaves  in  winter  to  prevent 
injury  by  frost.  The  bulbs  are  usually  safe  when  planted  6  or  8  inches 
deep  and  have  a  little  surface  protection.  The  plants  do  not  always 
succeed  in  dry  conservatories,  in  which  they  are'  often  some  distance 
from  the  glass,  and  considerably  shaded.  With  healthy  root  action  in 
sweet  loamy  soil,  and  abundance  of  light  and  air,  the  leaves  are  not 
yellow,  but  green.  The  plants  enjoy  root  moisture  in  summer,  but  not 
stagnant  soil,  and  a  sunny  position.  In  the  autumn  the  water  supply 
may  be  reduced  and  the  plants  exposed  to  all  the  sun  possible  for 
ripening  the  growth  and  storing  nutrient  matter  in  the  bulbs.  They 
succeed  admirably  in  cool  frames  during  the  period  of  growth,  or  in 
light  greenhouses,  with  plenty  of  air.  The  soil  should  be  kept  dryish. 


not  dust  dry,  in  the  winter.  The  root  action  of  your  plant  may  be 
defective,  and  the  position  it  occupies  not  quite  suitable. 

Petrsea  volubllls  (_Toung  Gardener).  —  The  history  of  Petraaa 
volubilis  is  brief  but  interesting  in  some  degree.  It  was  first  discovered 
by  Houston  at  Vera  Cruz,  but  has  also  been  found  at  Martinique  and 
elsewhere.  On  the  authority  of  Alton’s  “  Hortus  Kewensis  ”  it  seems 
that  seeds  were  first  sent  to  the  Chelsea  Botanic  Garden  before  1733, 
but  from  these  Miller  states  only  two  plants  were  raised,  flowers  not 
being  produced  until  1802,  when  a  specimen  bloomed  in  Mr,  Woodford’s 
collection  at  Vauxhall.  From  this  a  coloured  plate  was  prepared  for 
the  “  Botanical  Magazine  ”  (plate  628),  but  the  variety  there  shown  is 
distinct  from  that  you  mention,  the  corolla  lobes  being  larger,  the  calyx 
lobes  more  narrow,  and  the  colour  a  uniform  purplish-lilac.  Houston 
named  the  plant  in  honour  of  Lord  Eobert  James  Petre,  who,  it  has 
been  said,  was  “  the  worthiest  of  men,  whose  death  was  the  greatest  loss 
that  botany  or  gardening  ever  felt  in  this  island.”  A  very  large  collec¬ 
tion  of  plants  was  formed  by  this  nobleman,  large  stoves  and  conserva¬ 
tories  being  erected  for  the  tropical  species,  while  the  outdoor  collection 
was  also  extremely  large,  the  total  number  of  individuals  being  said  to 
be  about  219,925.  The  culture  of  the  plant  is  easy.  Given  an  ordinary 
stove  temperature,  a  good  compost  of  turfy  loam  and  peat,  with  a  small 
proportion  of  well  decayed  manure,  and  little  difficulty  will  be  ex¬ 
perienced  in  both  growing  and  flowering  the  plant,  providing  it  be 
kept  clear  of  insects,  mealy  bug  being  its  especial  enemy.  Supply  water 
liberally  when  growth  is  advancing,  syringing  freely  to  keep  the  foliage 
fresh  and  clean.  It  can  be  increased  by  layers,  but  the  best  way  is  to 
graft  young  shoots  upon  pieces  of  the  root  in  April  or  May,  when  if 
treated  like  other  root  cuttings,  placed  in  heat  and  shaded,  young 
vigorous  plants  can  usually  be  readily  obtained. 

Crros  Colman  Grapes  (Youngster). — The  Grapes  are  a  credit  to 
you  ;  but  since  you  say  you  have  “  never  seen  larger  and  would  like  to 
do  so,”  we  show  you  a  good  sample  as  grown  by  Mr.  J.  Goodacre,  of 


Fig.  11.— gros  colman  grape. 


Elvaston.  The  berry  depicted  in  the  engraving,  fig.  11  was  taken 
from  a  bunch  that  weighed  7  lbs.,  but  contained  only  sixty-eight  berries. 
Keep  on  striving,  and  you  will  excel  as  a  Grape  grower. 

Ivy  on  Trees  (A.  D.  IF.). — There  is  no  question  but  that  Ivy  is 
injurious  to  trees  against  which  it  grows,  as  is  evidenced  by  the 
diminished  vigour  of  the  trees  as  compared  with  those  that  are  not 
mantled  with  Ivy  ;  but  there  is  no  disputing  the  fact  that  when  trees 
have  been  long  and  so  much  covered  with  it  as  to  be  very  much  en¬ 
feebled  thereby,  that  the  removal  of  the  Ivy  acts  prejudicially  by 
exposing  the  long-protected  bark  to  the  direct  influence  of  the  atmo¬ 
sphere.  Ivy  ought  never  to  be  allowed  to  grow  on  trees  that  are 
intended  for  profit,  but  should  be  cut  or  removed  before  it  has  made 
much  headway.  Trees  covered  with  Ivy  in  a  young  state  will  never 
make  profitable  timber,  and  aged  trees  are  better  felled  when  covered 
with  it,  unless  it  be  desired  to  retain  them  as  ornaments. 

Muscat  of  Alexandria  Vine  Beaves  Yellow  (B.  A.). — The 

leaf  has  the  peculiar  appearance  incidental  to  scorching  in  this  variety. 
It  is  probably  caused  by  excessive  evaporation  from  foliage  subjected 
to  a  close  and  moist  atmosphere  during  the  night  and  early  part  of  the 
day.  Admit  a  little  air  at  night  if  the  house  is  closely  glazed,  and  in 
all  cases  increase  or  give  ventilation  in  the  morning  by  the  time  the 
sun  acts  upon  the  house,  so  as  to  dissipate  the  moisture  and  allow  the 
evaporation  from  the  leaves  to  go  on  correspondingly  with  the  increasing 
temperature.  As  for  the  wireworms,  they  are  best  trapped.  Pieces  of 
turf  about  4  inches  square  inserted  in  the  border  about  1  foot  apart  are 
good  traps,  the  turf  being  fresh— that  is,  with  live  grass  and  roots, 
placing  them  a  little  below  the  surface,  so  that  they  may  remain  moist 
and  right  side  upwards.  The  wireworms  feed  on  the  roots,  and  by  with¬ 
drawing  the  turf  occasionally  the  pests  may  be  caught.  Carrots  cut 
into  2-iDch  lengths  and  buried  about  an  inch  below  the  surface  are  also 
good.  A  pointed  stick  may  be  thrust  into  each  bait,  so  as  to  form  a 
handle,  and  by  it  the  bait  can  be  readily  withdrawn  at  short  intervals 
and  examined.  The  wireworms  will  be  found  feeding  on  the  Carrot, 
and  may  soon  be  cleared  away.  Lime  water  will  not  do  any  harm  to 
the  Vines  nor  to  the  wireworms.  The  best  plan  is  to  catch  and  kill 
them. 


Jnly  rj,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


09 


sy^sc/^x  f\  (,) 

AN  ANGLO-AMERICAN  DAY. 

z  - X - 

AS  we  in  the  old  country  are  interested  in  the  work  and  ways 
horticultural  of  our  kinsmen  on  the  “  other  side,”  so  do 
our  transatlantic  friends  and  fellow  workers  seek  to  become 
acquainted  with  the  plans,  methods,  and  intentions  of  cultivators 
in  the  mother  land.  Those  who  had  the  privilege  of  attending 
the  luncheon  at  the  Trentham  Show  last  week  will  not  soon 
forget  the  splendid  welcome  given  by  some  200  Englishmen  to 
the  American  Consul  ;  neither  will  they  forget  his  earnest, 
eloquent,  responsive  speech.  The  Consul,  though  a  new  comer, 
had  been  quick  to  perceive  the  love  for  gardens  existing  among 
the  inhabitants  of  this  country.  He  recognised  the  great  advan¬ 
tages  of  this  to  a  community,  and  expressed  his  full  sympathy 
with  all  that  had  been  done  and  was  being  done  to  foster  the 
taste  in  flowers  and  improve  the  cultivation  of  the  land  around 
the  dwellings  of  the  people.  The  example  of  the  mother  nation, 
to  whom  his  people  looked  with  pride,  in  making  home  plots 
bright  as  well  as  useful  would  not  be  lost  on  the  daughter  land. 
He  had  communicated  his  impressions  and  views  to  his  authorities, 
and  told  them  that  wherever  a  patch  of  ground  could  be  found 
near  a  cottage  door  a  Pansy  smiled.  Flowers  grew  because  they 
were  loved,  and  it  was  gladdening  to  see  the  produce  of  the 
gardens  of  England.  Such  in  brief  and  substance  was  the  speech 
of  Mr.  Warner. 

It  is  well  to  see  ourselves  as  others  see  us,  and  take  courage — 
to  press  on  in  work  that  is  good  for  the  worker,  beneficial  to  the 
community,  and  which  may  exert  a  wholesome  influence  far 
beyond  the  confines  of  our  shores.  It  is  well  also  to  note  that 
Britain  as  a  nation  is  not,  as  pessimists  would  imply,  behind  all 
the  world  in  everything,  but  can  even  win  encomiums  from 
representatives  of  what  is  admittedly  one  of  the  most  enterprising 
nations  of  the  earth.  The  Great  Republic  of  the  West,  in  whose 
marvellous  progress  we  take  just  pride,  has  taught  us  many 
things  besides  the  value  of  Tomatoes,  and  it  is  well  if  we  can 
teach  something  in  return  of  a  tendency  to  add  to  the  comforts 
and  pleasures  of  domestic  life.  The  enterprise  of  its  people  has 
taught  us  something  commercially — namely,  that  the  produce  of 
one  country  is  good  for  another,  and  that  by  skill  in  production 
and  methods  of  presentation  each  may  share  m  meeting  the  wants 
of  the  other  to  the  benefit  of  both.  That  both  have  been  benefited 
by  the  interchange  of  commodities  is  indubitable,  though  we  do  not 
yet  work  on  equal  terms. 

With  all  our  faults  and  failings  the  Old  World  remains  more 
liberal  than  the  New  in  tariff  arrangements.  The  disadvantages  on 
this  side  rest  with  producers,  while  on  the  other  they  press  heavily 
on  consumers.  The  “  greatest  good  to  the  greatest  number  ”  is  the 
keystone  of  the  policy  of  Britain,  but  the  “  most  wealth  to  the 
fewest  persons  ”  would  appear  to  be  the  predominating  factor  in 
moulding  the  customs  and  framing  the  laws  of  greater  and  newer 
countries.  Yet  one  has  become  accustomed  to  the  methods  of 
the  other,  and  all  may  work  in  friendly  rivalry.  The  latter,  after 
all,  is  the  important  point,  for  friendly  rivalry  is  the  great  lever  of 
trade  development ;  friction,  through  mistrust,  ever  impeding  com¬ 
mercial  progress.  We  will  send  to  other  lands  whatever  we  can 
place  in  their  markets  in  better  form  at  current  prices  than  they 
can  supply  :  and  we  will  also  strive  to  excel  in  such  products  as  our 
land  affords  for  the  needs  of  our  own  people.  It  is  a  case  of 

No.  G83. — VoL  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


turning  to  the  best  possible  account  the  natural  resources  and  local 
peculiarities  everywhere,  and  sending  the  products  everywhere  else, 
where  they  will  command  the  attention  of  purchasers.  Possibly  we 
have  not  done  all  we  could  and  ought  in  this  direction,  and  our 
competitions  have  become  our  educators.  May  we  profit  by  the 
lesson. 

The  foregoing  is  a  prelude.  Though  the  pleasant  experience 
at  Trentham  would  entitle  the  day  to  be  regarded  as  “  Anglo- 
American,”  another  day  is  more  particularly  in  mind,  not  less 
pleasant  to  those  who  spent  a  little  time  together  in  seeking  to 
impress  on  an  American  mind  that  we  have  something  worth 
seeing  a  little  different  from  the  scenery  in  the  States,  as  well  as 
examples  of  cultivation  that  we  consider  well  representative  of 
British  horticulture  both  as  viewed  in  its  useful  and  ornamental 
aspect.  An  American  florist  of  repute  is  visiting  the  Old  Country, 
from  which  he  took  his  departure  forty  years  ago,  and  has  won 
fame  and  foitune  in  the  land  of  his  adoption.  In  sturdy  build 
and  steady  speech  Mr.  Palmer  of  Buffalo,  New  York  State,  might 
be  taken  as  a  typical  Englishman,  but  his  mind  and  lingual 
characteristics  are  distinctly  American.  He  believes  in  dollars, 
and  can  “  guess  ”  as  well  as  any  native-born  New  Yorker.  But 
he  is  not  ultra-prejudiced,  and  can  recognise  what  is  good  wher¬ 
ever  he  may  see  it,  and  when  he  does  see  something  of  particular 
merit  he  appears  as  if  instinctively  to  appraise  its  “  worth  ”  He 
is  great,  among  other  things,  in  Carnations  and  Roses,  blooms  of 
which  he  grows  extensively  and  profitably  for  sale.  “  Yes,  sir,” 
he  will  say,  “  we  can  beat  you  in  these — growing  them  under  glass 
in  winter  ;  but  you  can  beat  us  in  ”  (and  who  could  anticipate 
the  conclusion  of  his  sentence)  “in  crooked  country  lanes  and_ 
hedges.” 

Mr.  Palmer  has  doubtless  seen  a  great  deal  more  in  England 
than  he  did  last  Saturday ;  but  he  saw  what  he  wanted  in  what  are 
left  of  Carnations  at  Slough,  as  well  as  Roses  in  pots  being  grown 
for  specimens,  also  Turner’s  new  Crimson  Rambler,  which  has 
caused  somewhat  of  a  sensation,  growing  alike  in  pots  and  in  the 
open  ground  in  the  nursery.  As  to  Carnations,  it  may  be  interesting 
to  know  what  Americans  think  of  varieties  and  methods  of  showing 
them.  The  paper  collar  style  is  to  them  an  abomination,  and  they 
will  not  look  at  a  flower  twice  that  is  not  supported  by  a  stem 
strong  enough  to  hold  it  boldly,  firmly,  upright.  In  America  the 
flowers  are  shown  on  stems  a  foot  or  so  long  in  clear  decided 
colours,  and  as  large  as  they  can  be  produced  by  cultivation  and 
disbudding,  these  being  the  kinds  that  bring  in  the  dollars.  They 
are  raised  early  in  the  year,  planted  out,  generously  treated,  topped 
once  or  twice,  carefully  lifted  in  September,  and  planted  on 
benches  in  large  light  houses  for  affording  blooms  through  the 
winter  and  spring,  one  only  on  each  stem,  and  as  many  stems  as 
practicable  without  overcrowding.  After  blooming,  the  plants  are 
thrown  away,  young  stock  alone  being  relied  on  for  producing  the 
coveted  blooms.  “  Malmaisons  ”  are  not  yet  grown  to  any  great 
extent  in  America,  but  when  it  becomes  known  that  they  are 
among  the  favourite  flowers  with  our  aristocrats  and  millionaires 
they  may  perhaps  “  take  ”  among  the  Democrats  and  Republicans, 
who  appear  to  have  a  sneaking  fondness  for  exalted  personages, 
and  it  is  pretty  well  known  that  strenuous  endeavours  were  made 
to  obtain  the  presence  of  Royalty  at  Chicago. 

Returning  to  Carnations.  The  bold-stemmed,  free-growing 
border  varieties,  Mrs.  Apsley  Smith  and  Queen  of  the  Bedders, 
attracted  the  Buffalo  florist.  The  former  is  the  brightest  of 
flame  scarlets  in  the  collection,  and  the  robust  plants  had  passed 
through  the  winter  unscathed.  It  is  most  effective  in  a  glowing 
mass,  also  valuable  for  affording  a  wealth  of  flowers  for  cutting, 
and  their  size  would  be  increased  by  disbudding.  Queen  of  the 
Bedders  is  similarly  bold,  hardy,  and  free,  with  large,  smooth, 
salmon-pink  blooms,  and  altogether  a  first-class  border  Carnation. 
King  of  Scarlets  comes  within  American  “claims”  in  character, 
and  two  or  three  of  the  yellow  ground  Picotees  found  favour  with 

No.  2339— VoL-  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


70 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTIGULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  2T,  18»3. 


the  specialist — notably,  Countess  of  Jersey,  a  fine  variety  ;  Annie 
Douglas,  very  large  ;  and  Mrs.  Sydenham,  rich  in  ground  colour, 
and  chastely  margined  with  reddish-pink.  Iver  White  was  con¬ 
sidered  the  best  of  the  early  white  Carnations. 

In  America  Roses  are  produced  much  in  the  same  way  as  Car- 
Fations.  Vigorous  young  plants  grown  in  beds  of  soil  4  or  5  inches 
thick  on  benches,  flowered  once  then  thrown  away.  Plants  8  feet  high 
in  pots  of  Marechal  Niel  and  others,  including  the  new  Crimson 
Rambler  interested  the  visitor  at  Slough,  and  he  recognised  the 
excellence  of  the  work  in  producing  them,  as  he  did  the  specimens 
in  pots  for  producing  forty  or  fifty  fine  blooms  next  year  ;  and  it 
may  interest  growers  of  Roses  in  pots  to  know  that  Mr.  Turner 
finds  that  the  best  time  for  repotting  the  plants  is  soon  after 
they  have  bloomed,  keeping  them  under  glass  for  a  few  weeks 
and  duly  syringed,  then  removing  them  to  the  open  air.  That  is 
not  the  plan  adopted  by  the  majority,  though  it  is  the  practice 
of  the  most  successful  growers.  A  line  about  the  new  Rambler 
in  the  open  ground.  The  growth  is  marvellous,  and  the  adapta¬ 
bility  of  this  distinct  Rose  for  pillars,  arches,  walls,  hedges,  or 
any  other  space  that  requires  covering  with  wreaths  of  semi- 
double  crimson  flowers  can  no  longer  be  doubted.  It  is 
probably  destined  to  find  its  way  into  most  gardens  in  most 
countries.  The  Manetti  stock  suits  it  to  perfection. 

Now  we  start  for  the  picturesque  and  ancient  arboricultural 
scene  afforded  by  the  historical  Burnham  Beeches.  Passing  East 
Burnham  Park,  the  country  residence  of  Mr.  H.  J.  Veitch,  where 
much  was  evidently  being  done  in  beautifying  the  grounds,  and  in 
which  a  new  gardener’s  house  was  observed — good,  we  may  be  sure 
— we  twist  and  turn  down  the  embowered  lanes  in  which  we  “  whip  ” 
even  the  U  S.  A.,  and  soon  find  ourselves  in  the  forest.  It  is,  with 
a  little  open  common  land,  374  acres  in  extent,  the  property  of  the 
Corporation  of  London,  free  for  the  citizens  and  for  all  whence¬ 
soever  they  may  come.  Mr.  Forbes,  the  Ranger,  says  in  his  concise 
“  Guide,”  “  the  trees  are  among  the  existing  remnants  of  the 
ancient  forests  that  once  covered  the  greater  part  of  Britain,  and 
Burnham  Beeches  will  bear  comparison  for  hoary  antiquity  and 
sylvan  beauty  with  any  forest  scenery  in  Europe.”  No  doubt  he 
is  right.  By  whom  or  when  the  trees  were  last  pollarded  no  one 
knows,  but  it  is  centuries  ago.  The  result  of  it  is  that  each 
gigantic  trunk,  with  its  grotesque  contortions,  supports  a  number 
of  branches  of  tree-like  dimensions,  and  though  several  of  the 
tranks  are  mere  hollow  shells,  and  the  half  of  some  wasted  away  in 
the  lapse  of  centuries,  the  young  growths  are  as  healthy  and  the 
leafage  as  fresh  and  green  as  on  many  youthful  trees.  These  relics 
of  past  ages  have  their  local  names  founded  on  structural 
peculiarities.  Thus  the  “Elephant”  and  the  “Camel,”  from 
fancied  and  not  far  fetched  resemblances  to  those  animals,  while 
Gray’s  tree  commemorates  the  name  of  the  famous  poet  whose 
remains  rest  at  Stoke  Pogis  near  by.  There  are  numbers  of  these 
trees,  but  the  “  Queen,”  standing  alone  on  the  margin  in  solitary 
majesty,  is  the  monarch  of  them  all,  strong,  sound,  and  healthy, 
with  still  a  long  future  before  her,  typical  let  us  hope  of  the  life 
of  our  noble  Queen,  whose  magnificent  home  is  in  view  beyond 
the  trees.  But  we  must  pass  on,  though  not  before  recording  the 
American’s  notions.  Have  you,  Mr.  Buffalo,  any  such  Beeches 
at  home  ?  “  No,  sir,  we  have  not,  and  I  guess  if  some  of  our 

people  had  them  they  would  think  they  were  not  worth  much, 
and  pretty  soon  turn  some  of  the  wood  into  fuel.  Mind,  I  don’t 
say  I  should,  but  some  of  the  boys  would  not  be  long  before 
they  did  some  clearing.” 

“Dropmore”  was  the  word  given  to  the  coachman,  and  in 
twenty  minutes  we  were  shaking  hands  with  Mr.  C.  Herrin,  the 
able  and  courteous  gardener  there.  Fair  is  the  scene  from  this 
mansion  of  the  Fortescues,  with  the  towers  of  Windsor  in  the 
distance.  Richly  is  the  country  wooded  all  around,  the  blue 
Surrey  hills  rising  above  the  trees,  forming  a  splendid  background 
to  a  real  English  landscape.  Quaintly  interesting  is  the  long 
terrace  in  front  of  ancient  glass  structures  and  unique  apiaries. 


Pleasurable  it  is  to  see  the  beds  of  old  English  flowers,  with 
brighter  masses  of  exotics  to  enliven  the  scene,  and  the  stately 
woolly-headed  Thistle,  Carduus  eriophorus,  in  bold  contrasting 
effect  in  the  borders.  Blue  Chinese  vases  and  pedestals  collected 
by  the  late  Lord  Grenville  are  a  feature,  and  stand  all  weathers 
in  an  avenue  between  and  among  the  flowers.  Cool  are  the 
glades  of  noble  trees,  and  then  in  openings  in  the  wood  beyond 
are  the  famous  Conifers,  splendid  in  stature,  health,  and  contour 
— monuments  of  the  late  Mr.  Phillip  Frost,  who  planted  them. 
The  noble  Douglas  Fir,  120  feet  high,  the  glory  of  the  fine  old 
place  ;  while  others,  such  as  the  gigantic  Araucaria,  graceful 
A’oies  Albertiana,  weeping  A.  Morinda,  and  massive  Pinus 
insignis,  with  several  more  falling  little  short  in  beauty.  As 
their  dimensions  were  recently  given  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
(page  312,  April  20th,  1893)  it  is  not  necessary  to  repeat  them. 
A  glance  through  the  Peach  houses  containing  splendid  fruit,  and 
with  an  expression  of  surprise  that  Mr.  Herrin  had  kept  things  so 
fresh  with  no  rain  to  speak  of,  and  a  nearly  exhausted  water 
supply,  we  took  a  hasty  departure.  And  what  do  you  think  of 
this,  Mr.  American  ?  “  Well,  it’s  very  good  and  very  fine,  but 

your  gentry  keep  the  wood  growing  till  it’s  worth  nothing,  and  I 
guess  our  people  would  have  some  of  it  out  sooner  —  before  it 
was  spoiled.”  This  in  reference  to  the  old  plantation  trees 
through  which  we  passed  via,  Cliveden  en  route  for  Windsor. 
Looking  over  the  wall  our  friend  guessed  Cliveden  was  bought  by 
one  of  his  people.  “  The  richest  man  in  America,  worth 
£40,000,000,  Mr.  Astor.”  He  supposed  “  our  man  ”  had  to  sell 
it  because  he  wanted  money,  but  was  promptly  told  “  No  ”  by  an 
ardent  Englishman  from  Germany,  as  “  the  Duke  of  Westminster 
could  buy  Mr.  Astor  out  and  out,  and  then  have  plenty  to  spare  !  ’ 
What  sturdy  Britons  our  naturalised  citizens  become !  A  native 
would  scarcely  have  made  the  correction  in  that  form. 

Windsor,  or  rather  Frogmore,  for  we  entered  on  the  Datchet 
side,  was  reached  under  a  slanting  sun,  just  the  time  to  run  through 
the  houses  comfortably  and  see  the  home  park  in  fullest  beauty, 
with  the  shadows  of  the  trees  reaching  far  across  the  grass,  and 
golden  streaks  of  sunUght  playing  between  them.  It  was  calm, 
cool,  and  restful,  a  perfect  evening  after  a  somewhat  fatiguing  day, 
yet  a  day  as  the  law-made  loyal  Britain  said  at  its  close,  “  long  to  be 
remembered.”  The  district  around  Windsor  has  borne  the  brunt  of 
the  drought.  Large  Elm  trees  on  the  way  appeared  as  if  roasted,  and 
hedges  were  sere  and  brown.  The  rainfall  at  Frogmore  was  1'70 
inch  between  the  4th  of  March  and  4th  of  J uly,  surely  the  driest 
experience  yet  recorded. 

“  Look  out  for  red  spider  ”  was  the  silent  thought  as  we  entered 
the  Peach  ranges.  Healthier,  cleaner,  greener  foliage  was  not  to 
be  seen,  and  Walburton  Admirable  Peaches  weighed  1  lb.  each 
and  more.  Most  of  the  trees  were  cleared  of  fruit.  The  demand 
has  been  unusually  great  and  met,  with  abundance  to  follow  on  the 
outside  walls.  Not  a  sign  of  red  spider  to  be  seen  on  the  trees 
inside  or  out.  House  after  house  cleared  of  Grapes,  but  a  good 
supply  still  left  for  later  use.  Young  Vines,  two  years  planted, 
bearing  heavily,  and  last  year’s  planted  Muscats  carrying  two  fine 
bunches  each  at  the  base  of  splendid  long,  strong,  and  short-jointed 
extension  canes  —  two  from  each  Vine.  Earliest  Vines  nearly 
ready  for  pruning  ;  second  house  maturing  fast,  but  shaded. 
“  Shaded,”  does  someone  exclaim  ?  Yes,  shaded.  Mr.  Thomas 
does  not  work  by  rule  of  thumb,  but  according  to  circumstances, 
and  wishes  to  keep  the  foliage  working  a  little  longer  than  it  would 
under  brilliant  sun.  He  would  shade  Melons  rather  than  have 
injured  and  consequently  ineffective  leaves.  Speaking  of  Melons 
reminds  of  a  house  of  the  new  Frogmore  Seedling  (recently 
certificated),  the  plants  swelling  a  full  fine  crop.  The  variety 
is  evidently  as  free  as  it  is  good,  but,  like  all  Melons,  to 
develop  fullest  quality  there  must  be  no  premature  collapse  by 
exhaustion. 

We  climb  up  and  look  down  into  the  Pine  pits.  Splendid  are 
the  plants  in  sturdiness  and  colour  with  fruits  of  Smooth  Cayennes 


July  37,  M93.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


71 


twelve  pips  deep.  One  smaller  fruit  is  ripening,  produced  by  a 
rootless  sucker  inserted  only  ten  months  ago.  Is  not  this  going  to 
beat  the  record  ?  We  pass  by  lines  of  Tomatoes.  “  Ah,  yes  !” 
remarks  the  American,  “  we  can  grow  and  sell  them  at  half  a 
dollar  a  bushel,  and  you  can’t  beat  that,  I  guess.”  No,  our  price  is 
about  6d.  a  pound,  rather  than  6d.  a  peck.  A  house — a  long  case 
of  cordon  Pears — will  be  a  feature  of  interest  in  a  year  or  two, 
and  useful  withal,  as  the  best  of  fruit  will  be  a  practical  certainty. 
We  have  a  glance,  just  a  glance,  in  the  plant  houses,  and  note  the 
same  health  and  cleanliness  that  prevail  in  the  fruit  department. 
Nepenthes  were  luxuriating,  the  not  often  seen  N.  lanata  thriving 
and  pitchering  well.  Everything  is  grown  for  castle  and  palace, 
and  the  choicest  and  best  plants  have  to  go  on  great  occasions.  The 
long  conservatory  was  gay  with  many  flowers,  including  one  that 
would  not  be  thought  “  valuable  ”  enough  by  many  a  parvenu. 
It  is  a  Godetia,  the  seed  of  which  Her  Majesty  brought  from  the 
Continent ;  the  flowers  crimson  with  white  rays — a  really  effective 
variety,  and  notwithstanding  its  simplicity,  perhaps  because  of  it, 
found  favour  with  the  Queen. 

We  could  only  look  at,  not  through,  the  kitchen  garden  of 
fifty  acres,  for  we  have  yet  to  see  the  terrace,  and  arrive  just 
in  time  to  view  from  the  battlements  of  the  majestic  castle  the 
sun  sinking  behind  the  distant  hills.  We  look  down  on  the 
dizzy  depths,  peering  between  the  tree  tops  into  the  grassy 
dells  and  beautiful  slopes  below.  We  walk  round  the  horseshoe 
shaped  terrace,  and  admire  the  beautiful  enclosure  in  which 
flowers,  ornamental  shrubs,  and  statuary  combine  to  produce  an 
altogether  charming  effect  on  the  smooth  emerald  turf.  The 
long  walk,  or  avenue  of  magnificent  Elms,  stretches  far  away,  its 
dignity  not  being  lessened  in  the  first  faint  suffusion  of  twilight, 
and  we  pass  through  the  precincts  into  the  town. 

Now,  Mr.  Palmer,  we  have  shown  you  the  best  we  can  of  what 
we  think  great  and  good  in  park  and  garden  scenery,  and  of 
English  garden  culture  in  its  broadest  aspect  by  a  master  in  the 
art.  Are  you  satisfied  ?  “  Yes,  perfectly  ;  it  is  fine  all  through  and 
good  all  over  ;  the  under  man  has  to  admit  himself  beaten,  and 
you  are  at  the  top  this  time  anyhow.  But  don’t  forget  to  call 
on  me  in  Buffalo  when  you  are  passing.” 

Thus  ended  our  Anglo-American  day.  Our  friend  will  not 
forget  it  when  in  his  far-away  home,  while  those  who  formed  his 
escort  will  long  remember  with  pleasure  his  genial  company  and 
naive  comments.  We  all  join  in  a  hearty  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr. 
Harry  Turner  for  his  good  guidance,  and  the  indulgent  reader  will, 
mayhap,  not  object  to  this  narration  during  holiday  time. 


CyPRIPEDITJM  X  WiNNIANUM. 

Tins  charming  hybrid  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Druryi 
and  C.  villosum,  the  former  being  the  pollen  parent.  A  plant  of 
it  was  exhibited  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  February  14th  of  this  year,  and 
the  Orchid  Committee  deemed  it  worthy  of  an  award  of  merit. 
The  bloom  is  a  harmony  in  brown.  The  petals  are  deep  brown  on 
the  upper  part,  lighter  below,  with  a  broad  central  stripe.  They 
are  rather  blunt  and  incurving,  as  shown  in  the  illustration  (fig.  12). 
The  lip  is  light  brown,  and  the  dorsal  sepal  purplish  brown,  edged 
with  lemon,  and  margined  with  white. 

Phal.rnopsis  tetraspis. 

Although  introduced  into  English  gardens  from  the  Andaman 
Islands  by  Major-General  Berkeley  twelve  years  ago,  and  described 
at  that  time  by  Reichenbach  from  a  plant  flowered  by  the  late 
Mr.  John  Day  as  “a  very  free-flowering  species,  bearing  a  rich 
panicle  of  ivory-white  flowers  in  the  way  of  P.  violacea,  delight¬ 
fully  fragrant,”  this  Phalaenopsis  is,  says  a  writer  in  a  recent 


number  of  the  “Garden  and  Forest,”  rarely  heard  of  amongst  culti¬ 
vators.  There  were  several  plants  of  it  in  flower  at  Kew  a  short 
time  ago.  Each  flower  was  1^  inch  across,  with  broad,  fleshy,  pure 
white  sepals  and  petals,  and  a  narrow,  hairy  labellum  blotched 
with  yellow.  According  to  General  Berkeley  this  species  grows 
on  Mangrove  and  other  trees  in  muddy  swamps  at  the  extreme 
end  of  the  creeks  where  the  water  is  fresh,  and  where  the  plants 
hang  from  the  branches  a  few  feet  above  the  water,  growing  with 
extraordinary  luxuriance. 

Pleiones. 

These  charming  little  Orchids  are  invaluable  where  cut  flowers 
are  required.  Considering  they  are  so  easy  to  grow  it  is  surprising 
we  do  not  see  more  of  them.  Anyone  possessing  a  warm  green¬ 
house  or  stove  need  not  be  afraid  of  disappointment.  The  pseudo¬ 
bulbs  after  flowering  should  be  allowed  to  rest  a  short  time,  but 


FIG.  12. — CYPRIPEDIUM  X  WINNIANUM. 


never  be  quite  dry.  When  the  young  growths  are  about  inch 
long  the  pseudo-bulbs  should  be  taken  out  of  the  pot  and  separated,, 
carefully  removing  all  the  old  compost  from  them,  cutting  the  old 
roots  to  within  about  an  inch  of  the  pseudo-bulb  ;  the  portion  left 
serves  to  keep  them  firm  in  the  pot.  They  must  be  carefully 
washed  to  clear  away  any  traces  of  scale,  to  which  pest  they  are 
very  subject,  and  which  is  very  troublesome  if  allowed  to  ruu  on 
the  young  leaves. 

The  compost  I  use,  and  better  results  cannot  be  desired,  ir 
good  fibrous  peat  and  chopped  sphagnum  with  a  liberal  proportion 
of  nodules  of  dried  cowdung  and  charcoal,  and  a  good  sprinkling  of 
sharp  sand  mixed  well  together.  Six-inch  pots  half  filled  with 
potsherds  are  employed.  The  pseudo-bulbs,  five  or  six  according^ 
to  the  number  of  young  growths,  are  potted  firmly,  raised  above 
the  rim  of  the  pot.  Afterwards  place  them  in  a  temperature  of 
about  50°,  and  keep  them  damp  but  not  wet  until  the  new  roots 
have  reached  the  sides  of  the  pot,  then  an  increase  of  heat  will  be 
advantageous.  We  are  always  careful  not  to  wet  the  leaves,  or 
they  will  soon  become  spotted  and  will  decay  prematurely.  As 
growth  advances  the  pots  are  occasionally  plunged  in  weak  liquid 
manure  up  to  the  pseudo-bulbs.  Continue  this  about  twice  a 
week  until  they  have  swelled  ;  they  will  then  require  less  water,, 
and  may  be  placed  in  a  cooler  part  of  the  house.  In  due  course 
the  leaves  will  ripen  and  fall,  and  the  flower  buds  appear. — 
Specialist. 


SPRAYING  VERSUS  INSECT  PESTS  AND 
FUNGOID  DISEASES. 

The  question  is  no  longer  “  Shall  I  spray  ?  ”  but  “When  and 
how  shall  I  do  it  ?  ”  Such  is  the  heading  of  a  leading  article  of  a 
paper  received  recently  from  America.  Agriculturists  and  horti¬ 
culturists  are  now  fully  realising  that  they  must  fight  hard  against 
the  ravages  of  insect  pests  and  fungoid  diseases  if  they  wish  to 
ensure  a  remunerative  crop  in  field,  garden,  or  orchard 

Fruit  trees.  Vines,  Tomatoes,  Potatoes,  and  Om)„  are  alike 


72 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  July  27,  1893. 


attacked  by  these  pests,  and  the  results  obtained  on  the  experi¬ 
mental  stations  in  the  States  and  also  in  England,  prove  without 
doubt  that  at  present  the  only  way  of  dealing  successfully  with 
these  natural  enemies  of  the  plants  in  question  is  by  spraying. 
Poisonous  solutions  must  at  all  times  be  dealt  with  cautiously  and 
by  reliable  men.  Such  mixtures  to  be  effective  must  also  be  pro¬ 
perly  made,  ora  failure  exposes  the  whole  thing  to  ridicule.  It  is 
my  intention  to  speak  of  the  easiest  and  safest  method  of  pre¬ 
paring  the  Bordeaux  mixture  so  greatly  used  for  Vines,  fruit 
trees,  Tomatoes,  and  Potatoes.  This  mixture  should  now  be 
applied  by  all  gardeners  in  the  country  as  a  test  upon  the  Potatoes. 
In  a  week  or  two  the  disease  will  be  rampant,  the  weather  is  now 
suitable  for  its  propagation,  and  we  must  give  the  first  dressing 
before  the  fungus  commences  its  raids.  The  experimental  plots  in 
this  district  have  all  been  sprayed,  and  we  are  now  hard  at  work 
upon  the  cottagers’  allotments  and  the  plots  in  fields  and  village 
gardens.  By  the  time  we  have  been  round  once  I  anticipate  15  to 
20  acres  will  have  received  treatment. 

The  mixture  is  very  easily  made  in  large  quantities,  but  small 
brewings  require  greater  care  and  consideration.  I  will,  however, 
deal  with  each  case.  We  want  a  solution  of  copper  sulphate  (blue 
vitriol),  some  freshly  slaked  lime,  and  a  supply  of  water.  The 
mixing  apparatus  consists  of  two  wooden  buckets  and  a  tub  holding 
from  10  to  20  gallons.  Take  2  lbs.  of  copper  sulphate,  dissolve  it 
in  a  bucket  containing  a  gallon  of  hot  water,  stirring  it  well  until 
the  copper  is  dissolved.  Slake  about  1  lb.  of  fresh  quicklime  in  the 
second  bucket,  and  when  slaked  add  about  another  gallon  of  water 
and  stir  the  whole  until  the  water  is  quite  milky.  Place  8  gallons 
of  cold  water  in  the  tub,  and  when  the  contents  of  the  first  bucket 
are  cold  mix  the  whole  10  gallons  in  the  tub,  stirring  vigorously 
with  a  stick,  and  the  solution  is  ready  for  use.  This  is  sufficient  to 
spray  10  perches,  and  the  cost  does  not  exceed  Is.  3d.  The  mixture 
is  much  more  easily  made  when  large  areas  are  to  be  dressed. 
Suspend  a  sack  containing  40  to  50  lbs.  or  more  of  copper  sulphate 
in  a  tub  in  which  there  are  20  to  40  gallons  of  cold  water.  The 
copper  dissolves,  and  we  can  soon  obtain  a  solution  of  25  to  30  per 
cent,  of  copper.  Having  a  25  per  cent,  solution,  about  3  gallons  of 
this  will  make  40  gallons  of  the  bouille. 

After  mixing  the  copper  and  water,  slake  about  2  lbs.  of  lime 
and  add  as  before,  stirring  during  the  whole  process.  The  lime  is 
added  simply  to  neutralise  the  acidity  of  the  sulphate,  and  less  than 
the  above  quantities  may  be  used  ;  but  if  it  is  not  of  good  quality 
and  slakes  badly,  the  time  to  cease  adding  milk  of  lime  is 
detected  by  dropping  in  one  or  two  drops  of  a  solution  of  ferro- 
cyanide  of  potassium.  This  poisonous  solution  gives  a  deep  brown 
colour  if  the  copper  is  not  neutralised,  but  remains  unaltered  in 
colour  if  there  is  sufficient  lime.  A  good  spraying  machine  is 
Vermorel  s  Eclair,  and  this  before  long  will  come  into  general  use  for 
spraying.  It  can  be  used  with  advantage  for  fruit  trees  and 
vegetables,  but  in  this  country  it  is  as  yet  little  understood,  and  even 
the  time  to  use  it  is  unknown  to  many  practical  men.  Since 
writing  the  above  I  have  found  a  plot  of  Schoolmaster  Potatoes 
badly  diseased.  The  plot  is  low-lying,  shaded  by  Apple  trees, 
and  Mangolds  were  grown  on  it  last  year.  In  other  parts  of  the 
garden^  Schoolmasters  are  as  yet  untouched. — Edward  H.  Smith, 
W armvnster, 

(To  be  continued.) 


PARSLEY  FOR  WINTER  AND  SPRING. 

There  are  few  gardens,  either  large  or  small,  in  which  this  indis¬ 
pensable  herb  is  over-plentiful  during  severe  winters,  but  there  are  many 
in  which  the  supply  has  not  been  equal  to  the  demand,  and  it  is  on 
record  that  “market  men”  who  have  made  a  “lucky  hit”  with  it 
during  such  seasons  have  reaped  a  richer  reward  than  any  other  crop  is 
capable  of  realising.  At  other  times,  when  mild  winters  have  been 
experienced,  this  self-same  herb  has  been  a  drug  in  the  market.  What¬ 
ever  weather  is  likely  to  come  it  is  wise  to  be  prepared  for  the  worst. 
The  produce  of  sowings  made  in  early  spring  and  during  May  will  keep 
up  a  constant  supply  till  very  severe  weather  is  experienced,  and  on  no 
account  should  the  winter  supply  be  drawn  upon  until  that  from  other 
sources  is  quite  exhausted.  Much  may  be  done  to  economise  by  attend¬ 
ing  to  this  point,  for  there  is  generally  too  great  an  inclination  to  pick 
irom  sheltered  positions  as  soon  as  a  few  degrees  of  frost  are  experienced. 
Although  the  leaves  may  be  frozen  stiff  and  look  uninviting,  if  placed  in 
cold  water  and  gradually  thawed  they  will  serve  for  all  purposes,  and, 
moreover,  be  a  distinct  gain. 

No  matter  how  exposed  a  position  Parsley  is  grown  in,  it  is  seldom 
much  disfigured  by  frost  unless  it  is  continuous.  Then  is  the  time  to 
draw  upon  the  supply  which  has  been  prepared  for  use  during  severe 
weather  and  throughout  the  early  spring  months.  A  good  sowing 
snould  be  made  as  soon  as  possible  to  provide  this  supply.  If  space  at 
ine  toot  qf  a  south  wall  is  available  the  ground  should  be  prepared  by 
mrking  in  a  little  old  hotbed  manure,  or  leaf  soil  and  wood  ashes  if  the 

4  ought  then  to  be  drawn  a  few  inches  from 

the  wall,  in  which  the  seed  should  be  sown  thinly. — D.  W. 


The  N.R.S.  Catalogue. 

“Audi  Alteram  Partem,”  in  youn  last  issue,  referring  to  the 
National  Rose  Society’s  new  catalogue  of  exhibition  and  garden  Roses, 
says  that  “  no  Rose  grower  of  taste,  unless  an  exhibitor,  would  be 
influenced  in  his  selection  of  Roses  for  his  garden  by  this  ‘  official 
guide.’  It  leaves  out  many  of  the  best  Roses  for  garden  and  house 
decoration,  and  recommends  others  that  no  one  but  an  exhibitor  would 
care  to  grow.” 

Now,  this  strikes  me  as  a  very  sweeping,  and  at  the  same  time  mis¬ 
leading  statement.  In  the  first  place  I  know  dozens  of  non-exhibiting 
rosarians  who  have  warmly  welcomed  the  appearance  of  this  new 
catalogue,  and  who  regard  it  as  a  trustworthy  guide,  philosopher,  and 
friend,  in  the  selection  of  Roses  for  their  gardens.  It  certainly  contains 
a  list  of  exhibition  Roses,  a  small  proportion  of  which  cannot  be  recom¬ 
mended  to  amateurs  generally ;  but  on  the  other  hand,  half  the  cata¬ 
logue  in  question  is  devoted  entirely  to  the  description  of  varieties  suit¬ 
able  for  garden  decoration  and  general  cultivation,  Roses  which  would 
be  quite  out  of  place  in  any  collection  grown  exclusively  for  exhibition 
purposes.  In  fact,  the  catalogue  recently  issued  by  the  Society  was  not 
in  the  first  instince  intended  for  exhibitors  at  all,  but  for  its  non-exhibit¬ 
ing  members.  Your  correspondent  appears  to  be  of  opinion  that  the 
National  Rose  Society  “  is  only  an  exhibitors’  society,”  whereas  more 
than  two-thirds  of  its  members  have  probably  never  exhibited  a  Rose  in 
their  lives.  It  may  also  surprise  him  to  hear  that  the  entire  cost  of  the 
new  edition  has  been  defrayed  by  exhibitors,  and  that  it  has  been 
issued  by  the  Society  more  especially  for  the  benefit  of  their  non¬ 
exhibiting  brethren. 

The  new  edition,  which  is  bound  in  cloth  and  illustrated,  contains 
descriptions  of  nearly  300  selected  Roses,  many  of  which  are  as  yet  to 
be  found  in  very  few  trade  catalogues.  If  any  of  your  readers  would 
like  to  judge  for  themselves  as  to  the  value  of  our  new  catalogue,  I  can 
only  say  that  I  shall  be  happy  to  supply  them  with  a  copy  at  the  small 
cost  of  fourteen  stamps. — Edward  Mawley,  Bosehanh,  BerJihamsted, 
Herts. 

Roses  and  Rosarians. 

It  is  very  strange  to  see  the  contemptuous  way  in  which  lovers  of 
Roses  who  are  not  exhibitors  speak  of  those  who  are.  Anyone  may 
aecuse  anyone  else  of  want  of  taste  if  their  likings  do  not  coincide,  and 
such  accusations  against  exhibitors  are  common  enough  in  newspapers 
with  a  column  or  so  devoted  to  gardening,  though  one  does  not  expect 
to  find  them  in  the  Journal,  and  I  do  not  remember  ever  seeing  an 
exhibitor  hit  back  by  condemning  the  lovers  of  garden  Roses  for  want 
of  taste.  But  to  go  farther  and  accuse  exhibitors  of  ignorance,  as 
“  Audi  Alteram  Partem  ”  seems  to  do  by  saying  it  is  “  amusing,  on  a 
question  of  accuracy,  to  find  the  new  N.R.S.  Catalogue  set  up  as  an 
official  guide,”  is  “  rayther  too  rich,”  as  Sam  Weller  would  have  said. 
Some  items  in  that  catalogue  may  be  open  to  criticism  (I  hope  to  make 
some  humble  ones  myself  before  long)  but  it  is  prepared  by 
men  who  are  without  question  the  highest  authorities  on  the  Rose  in  all 
its  branches,  most  of  whom  make  it  the  special  study  of  their  lives. 
Surely,  in  any  other  branch  of  art,  science  or  manufacture,  the  “  amuse¬ 
ment  ”  would  come  in  when  such  a  compilation  was  denounced  as  un¬ 
trustworthy  by  an  outsider,  without  any  proofs  and  merely  upon  his 
ipse  dixit.  Whether  it  is  “  amusing  ”  or  not  to  find,  after  the  statements 
of  “  Audi,  &c.”  (“  it  leaves  out  many  of  the  best  Roses  for  garden  and 
house  decoration,  and  recommends  others  that  no  one  but  an  exhibitor 
would  care  to  grow.  But  then  it  may  be  said  that  the  so-called  National 
Rose  Society  is  onlyan  exhibitor’s  Society  ”)  that  the  catalogue  in  question 
contains  eleven  pages  of  exhibition  Roses  and  twelve  of  garden  Roses  of 
every  description  and  species,  must  be  left  to  the  readers  of  the  Journal 
to  decide. 

It  was  plain  to  anyone  acquainted  with  the  catalogue  that  the 
mention  of  it  as  an  official  guide  in  the  letter  of  “A  jubilee  Rose 
Grower  ”  referred  to  the  statement  as  to  the  raisers  and  dates  of  the 
different  Roses  catalogued,  which  is  the  result  of  thorough  investigation 
by  the  best  au'horities,  and  may  be  relied  on  as  impartial.  Other  points 
in  the  letter  of  “Audi,  &c.,”  might  possibly  be  found  “amusing”  by 
an  irreverent  peruser,  but  I  leave  him  and  Rev.  D.  Williamson  in  the 
able  hands  of  “A  Jubilee  Rose  Grower,”  with  each  word  of  whose  letter 
I  heartily  agree.  I  trust,  however,  that  “an  oasis  in  the  desert”  of  the 
Rose  column  of  the  Journal  may  still  be  found  occasionally  from  the 
pen  of  Mr.  Williamson,  whose  writings  have  caused  real  amusement  to 
others  besides  myself. — W.  R.  Raillem. 


Your  fluent  correspondent,  Mr.  Williamson,  should  not  attribute 
motives  to  persons  who  may  venture  to  differ  f»om  him  in  a  respectful 
manner  on  a  point  of  form.  I  had  not  his  visit  to  Waltham  the  least 
in  mind  when  I  sent  the  short  note  to  which  he  refers  on  page  51 
last  week.  I  had  noticed,  as  have  others,  his  tendency  to  direct  public 
attention  to  his  personal  friendships  and  distinguished  associations,  and 


July  27,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


73 


to  appear  to  make  these  even  more  prominent  than  the  legitimate 
subjects  of  his  communications.  That  is  the  Society  paper  style.  Some 
persons  enjoy  public  familiarities,  others  do  not.  It  is  not  long  since  I 
had  the  pleasure  of  a  handshake  with  the  genial  President  of  the 
National  Rose  Society,  and  I  have  had  many  such  pleasures  over  a 
long  series  of  years,  but  I  should  shrink  from  publicly  proclaiming 
anything  like  “  intimate  personal  friendship  ”  on  the  ground  of  such 
acquaintance.  The  same  remarks  apply  to  Mr.  William  Paul.  I  hold 
both  these  gentlemen,  and  notabilities  of  the  Rose  world,  in  great 
respect ;  but  why  should  I  tell  it  from  the  housetops  to  a  circle  of 
readers  who  care  nothing  about  my  connections  ?  I  could  not  do  it 
except  under  the  shelter  of  a  nom  de  plume,  and  that  is  not  doing  it  at 
all  in  the  sense  to  which  the  reference  applies. 

A  word  about  these  terrible  noms  de  plume  and  the  heinousness  of 
“  anonymity.”  Permit  me  to  say  I  think  there  is  a  great  deal  of  cant 
written  on  this  subject.  All  the  best  leading  articles  in  the  world  are 
unacknowledged  by  the  writers  of  them.  Would  Mr.  Williamson  or  his 
supporter  denounce  a  limes  leader  that  praised  them  or  their  work 
because  the  writer,  whom  we  will  call  John  Smith,  did  not  append  his 
name  to  it  ?  Does  your  correspondent  first  alluded  to  (I  try  to  avoid 
introducing  his  name  needlessly)  object  to  the  letter  of  “  Audi  Alteram 
Partem,”  and  think  it  should  have  had  a  place  “  elsewhere,”  because 
the  writer  prefers  to  withhold  his  name  ?  the  same  writer,  be  it  noted, 
applauding  the  “  courage  ”  of  the  gentleman  he  defends,  but  whose 
example  he  does  not  follow. 

Again,  let  me  ask  why  did  the  courageous  writer,  who  is  so  fond  of 
introducing  names,  withhold  the  particular  name  of  the  great  rosarian 
who  praised  an  article  so  highly  for  its  *•  literary  merit  and  marvellous 
accuracy?”  It  seems  even  Mr.  Williamson  can  suppress  a  name  when 
it  answers  his  purpose,  though,  considering  his  proclivities,  he  might  be 
supposed  to  be  the  last  man  to  do  so. 

I  am  sorry  he  has  introduced  this  subject,  but  having  done  so  the 
rejoinder  is  imperative.  Please  let  it  be  understood  that  I  do  not  wish 
for  your  correspondent  to  disclose  the  names  of  either  of  his  two 
admirers  whom  he  conceals.  He  is  quite  justified  in  doing  so,  and  there 
are  plenty  of  names  without  them.  Critics  should  do  all  they  can  to  be 
consistent,  and  writers  on  Roses  or  anything  else  treat  the  subjects 
fairly  on  their  merits  and  not  make  them  vehicles  for  scattering  compli¬ 
ments  in  prodigal  profusion  on  friends  and  acquaintances  ;  or,  may  I  add, 
for  speaking  scornfully  of  the  work  of  others,  as  for  example  the  N.R.S. 
catalogue.  Give  credit  where  credit  is  due  for  good  work  well  done  by 
all  means,  but  do  not  overdo  it,  or  in  the  estimation  of  many  it  will 
degenerate  into  mere  laudation  of  no  value  to  anyone.  Mr.  Williamson 
evidently  has  the  pen  of  a  ready  writer  and  is  apparently  sympathetic. 
Let  him  steel  himself  against  his  tendency  to  flatter  individuals,  and  let 
his  pen  be  guided  more  by  his  head,  less  by  his  heart,  and  he  will  shine  the 
more  in  horticultural  journalism.  I  may  not  live  to  see,  yet  I  suspect  the 
time  will  come  when  he  will  acknowledge  that  someone  has  done  him 
a  service  in  this  discussion,  though  at  the  present  moment  he  cannot  be 
expected  to  admit  that  his  friend  is — A  Jubilee  Rose-geower. 

N.R.S.  Worksop  Show, 

Let  me  first  congratulate  your  representative  on  the  admirable 
report  he  has  written  on  this  Show,  and  also  on  the  very  keen  discrimi¬ 
nation  he  has  generally  given  evidence  of  in  that  report.  Although  I 
do  not  agree  with  every  item  of  his  account,  yet  I  do  with  the  greater 
part  of  it,  as  being  far  above  the  average  in  appreciation  of  merit  in 
Roses. 

My  reason  for  writing  this  letter  is  in  consequence  of  his  remarks 
on  the  thirty-six  trebles  of  the  large  trade  growers.  He  says,  “  Both 
were  splendid  stands.  Messrs.  Dickson  had  the  cleanest  flowers  and  the 
most  variety,  but  Messrs.  Harkness  had  the  heaviest  blooms.”  Of  course 
he  may  mean  variety  of  colour  by  “  most  variety,”  but  there  must  be 
and  only  be  thirty-six  varieties  in  this  class,  so  that  the  expression 
“  most  variety  ”  hardly  correctly  applies  ;  but  when  he  goes  on  further 
to  state  that  Messrs.  Harkness  had  the  heaviest  blooms  as  contrasted 
with  the  freshness  of  those  of  Messrs.  Dickson  he  brings  me  to  the 
subject  of  this  letter. 

There  has  been  grave  dissatisfaction  on  many  occasions  this  year, 
and  I  have  myself,  although  fairly  successful  at  all  the  shows  I  sent 
flowers  to,  been  a  sufferer  by  this  very  method  of  judging  Roses  by 
weight  as  opposed  to  freshness.  It  is  an  utterly  incorrect  system,  and 
one  which  I  regret  to  say  the  professional  element  of  the  N.R.S.  are 
more  prone  to  give  attention  to  than  amateurs,  although  some  of  the 
N.R.S.  amateur  authorities  sin  also.  It  is  time  that  attention  should  be 
drawn  to  this  question,  and  that  some  discussion  took  place  in  some 
leading  horticultural  paper.  I  dislike  judging  with  people  who  ignore 
the  Rose  ”  in  the  most  perfect  phase  of  its  possible  beauty  ”  (N.R.S. 
definition  of  a  good  Rose),  and  surely  freshness  is  an  absolute  necessity 
for  this  desideratum,  and  not  mere  size.  See  also  N.R.S.  rules  for 
points — “  Where  flowers  are  of  equal  merit  judges  shall  consider  arrange¬ 
ment,  freshness,”  &c.  ;  and  this,  1  state,  some  judges  ignore  !  I  am  not 
averse  to  saying  in  public  that  although  my  vote  may  be  outweighed  by 
the  majority  (when  there  are  three),  I  always  have  and  shall  give 
preference  to  the  exhibits  that  are  staged  fresh  to  those  that  are  merely 
large,  this  being  the  true  reading  of  our  rules,  and  the  method  that 
should  be  carried  out  at  shows  under  N.R.S.  rules.  I  would  like  to 
emphasise  the  fact,  however,  that  all  Messrs.  Harkness’.  flowers  were 
fresh,  and  that  consequently  in  the  instance  which  has  called  forth 
these  remarks  the  question  of  freshness  versus  size  did  not  apply.  Both 


boxes  were  beautiful,  and  throughout  their  exhibits  at  Worksop  the 
same  may  be  said  of  Messrs.  Harkness’  and  Messrs.  Dicksons’  flowers. 

— Charles  J.  Grahame,  Croydon. 

The  Feagrakce  of  Roses. 

It  was  the  immortal  Shakespeare  who  said,  in  the  most  romantic  of 
all  his  dramas — “Romeo  and  Juliet” — “A  Rose  by  any  other  name 
would  smell  as  sweet.”  Nevertheless,  it  cannot  be  denied  that  certain 
names  of  Roses,  such,  for  example,  as  La  France  and  Marie  Baumann, 
are  suggestive  of  fragrance,  while  others  are  not.  And  doubtless  the 
want  of  fragrance  in  a  flower,  however  imposing  in  appearance,  is  a 
serious  limitation,  almost  as  regrettable  as  the  lack  of  moral  sweetness 
in  a  beautiful  woman.  Some  Roses  indeed  are  so  very  impressive,  so 
commanding  in  their  size  and  substance  and  splendour  of  complexion, 
that  we  almost  forget  their  utter  ignorance  of  odour  in  the  contempla¬ 
tion  of  their  almost  imperial  majesty,  and  among  these  we  may  reckon 
Baroness  Rothschild  (“  who  would  be  white  if  she  were  not  always 
blushing,  as  if  in  the  consciousness  of  her  beauty,”  says  the  Dean  of 
Rochester),  the  White  Baron.;ss,  and  Merveille  de  Lyon.  The  two 
beautiful  Roses  last  named  are  closely  affiliated  to  the  first,  and,  unless 
in  colour,  partake  of  the  parental  qualities  and  characteristics,  a  fact 
which  may  be  learned  by  any  rosarian  without  reference  to  the  cata¬ 
logues,  by  comparing  their  nature  and  manner  of  development. 

In  my  own  garden,  where  for  the  sake  of  their  colour  not  less  than 
their  fragrance,  the  fairest  flowers  are  partially  shaded  from  the  oft-times 
too  exacting  sun,  Roses  are  arranged  according  to  their  parentage ;  an 
interesting  experiment,  and  a  valuable  one  also,  as  I  have  already 
learned  from  experience,  for  the  study  of  their  attributes.  There  White 
Lady,  which  I  have  frequently  eulogised  for  its  exquisite  perfume,  finds 
itself  in  close  proximity  to  Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam  ;  while  Margaret 
Dickson,  the  most  superb  and  majestic  of  ivory-white  Roses,  is  not  far 
distant  from  Merveille  de  Lyon,  though  considerably  nearer  to  the 
prolific  Lady  Mary,  from  whom  her  fragrance  is  derived.  On  the  same 
principle,  Augustine  Guinoisseau,  one  of  the  most  fragrant  of  modern 
Roses,  blooms  sweetly  beside  the  silvery  pink  La  France.  The  colour  of 
the  former  is  white,  delicately  and  most  gracefully  suffused  with  rose. 

It  is  a  very  abundant  bloomer,  and  its  pendulous  habit  is  a  valuable 
characteristic,  constantly  giving  it  the  appearance  of  being  much  fuller 
and  more  perfect  than  it  is.  Though  I  do  not  profess  to  be  a  great 
authority  on  Rose  eultivation,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  recommend  this 
“  almost  white  La  France  ”  to  those  of  my  readers  to  whom  it  is  a 
stranger  by  reason  of  the  qualities  to  which  I  have  referred. 

Among  Teas  and  Noisettes  two  of  the  most  attractive  are  L’Ideale 
and  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince.  Mrs.  Paul,  a  gold  medallist  of  the 
National  Rose  Society,  and  probably  the  finest  of  modern  Bourbons,  has 
a  most  delicious  fragrance,  much  resembling  that  of  the  old  Monthly 
Rose ;  it  is  also  remarkable  for  form  and  substance,  and  is  altogether  a 
distinct  and  splendid  acquisition.  Among  other  comparatively  recent 
productions  which  I  fin  1  irresistibly  fascinating  by  reason  of  their 
sweetness  of  odour  and  aspect  are  Mr.  Paul’s  Corinna  and  Salamander, 
Mr.  Cant’s  Prince  Arthur,  the  beautiful  Aberdonian  Duchess  of  Fife, 
Lady  Ethel  Brownlow,  Mr.  Cranston’s  Crimson  Bedder,  and  the  late 
Mr.  Bennet’s  Mrs.  John  Laing.  There  is  unquestionably  at  present  a 
strong  and  growing  aversion  to  inodorous  Roses,  and  I  doubt  not  that 
ere  long  a  Rose  without  fragrance  will  be  accounted  an  anomaly. — 
David  R.  Williamson. 

Old  Roses  at  Kirkconnell,  Dumfries,  N.B. 

There  are  many  interesting  plants  in  Mrs.  Maxwell-Witham’s 
garden  at  Kirkconnell,  and  on  a  recent  visit  there  I  noticed  the 
beauty  of  the  great  bushes  of  the  old  Roses  which  have  been  in  the 
garden  for  many  years.  They  are  mostly  in  great  masses,  which  have 
been  for  long  unmutilated  and  allowed  ample  room.  It  is  in  masses 
such  as  these  that  the  old  Roses  are  seen  to  most  advantage,  and  one  is 
led  to  wonder  if  our  newer  flowers  such  as  Her  Majesty  will  ever  lend 
themselves  to  such  grand  effects  as  are  produced  by  the  older  sorts. 

The  old  Maiden’s  Blush — a  mass  of  bloom — is  about  6  feet  high. 
One  known  as  Carmine  Rose  grows  about  8  feet.  A  white  one  called 
8t.  Margaret’s  Rose,  which  always  flowers  about  June  10th  (St.  Mar¬ 
garet’s  Day),  is  very  fine.  Swiss  Boy  is  also  very  pretty.  One  which 
is  said  to  be  exceedingly  rare  is  known  as  “  Kirkconnell  Favourite,” 
and  one  bush  was  measured  5  feet  high  and  16  feet  through — a  mass 
of  beautiful  pink  flowers.  The  York  and  Lancaster  is  also  growing 
luxuriantly.  The  Scotch  Roses — yellow,  marbled,  blush,  white,  and 
dark  pink — also  form  magnificent  clumps,  which  are  very  beautiful 
in  their  season.  Rose  Celeste  and  Maiden’s  Blush  are  great  favourites, 
the  former  being  deliciously  fragrant.  The  little  Cinnamon  Rose, 
growing  in  a  hedge,  is  also  much  esteemed  for  its  fragrance.  A  beautiful 
white  spicy-scented  Rose  called  “  Plum  Cake  ”  is  also  in  the  garden, 
while  the  white  Provence  Rose  also  does  well.  The  front  of  the  house 
is  covered  with  a  fine  tree  of  Dundee  Rambler,  planted  nearly  sixty 
years  ago,  which  covers  the  house  with  a  mass  of  beautiful  flowers. 
Some  rare  single  Rosea  are  grown  outside  the  garden,  and  the  old 
Crimson  Velvet  Rose  flourishes,  while  the  Ayrshire  Roses  climb  luxuriantly 
in  suitable  positions. 

Roses  of  the  most  recent  introduction,  such  as  the  beautiful  Gustave 
Piganeau  are  likewisj  appreciated  at  Kirkconnell,  but  after  all  these 
great  masses  of  garden  Roses  from  their  beauty  and  associations  must 
always  remain  a  feature  of  the  greatest  interest  in  such  fine  old  gardens 
as  this. — S.  Arnott. 


7L 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  July  27,  1893. 


Chrysanthemum  Prospects. 

Several  well-known  trade  and  amateur  growers  are  of  the  opinion 
that  the  present  spell  of  moist,  rainy  weather  will,  after  the  long 
drought,  start  the  plants  into  rapid  growth,  and  thus  delay  bud  for¬ 
mation,  by  which,  instead  of  the  season  being  an  early  one,  it  is  more 
likely,  in  their  opinion,  to  be  rather  late.  It  would  be  interesting  to 
know  how  far  this  view  is  held  by  cultivators  at  large. 

A  Japanese  Chrvsanthemum  Snotv. 

To  those  who  have  no  idea  of  what  a  Chrysanthemum  show  is  like  in 
its  native  country,  it  may  be  useful  to  point  out  that  in  a  collection  of 
pictures  by  Mr.  Alfred  Parsons,  now  on  view  at  the  rooms  of  the  Fine 
Art  Society,  148,  New  Bond  Street,  there  is  a  charming  little  piece  of 
water  colour  drawing  (No.  90)  entitled  “  A  Chrysanthemum  Show, 
Yokohama.  November.”  A  covered  building  of  bamboo  with  a  wide 
opening  in  the  middle  of  the  roof  through  which  a  delicious  fine  sky  is 
observable,  has  a  bank  of  large-flowered  Chrysanthemums  on  each  side 
securely  sheltered  from  the  sun  and  wind.  The  flowers  are  big,  massive, 
and  of  all  colours,  and  the  plants  appear  to  be  sunk  in  the  ground,  as  no 
pots  are  visible.  They  are  railed  off,  and  a  large  open  space  is  left  for  the 
public  to  walk  about  in.  Ten  or  a  dozen  Japanese  in  native  costume  are 
enjoying  the  show,  which  is  depicted  so  well  by  Mr.  Parsons.  The 
colours  of  the  blooms  are  mostly  white,  yellow,  purple,  and  crimson. 
The  picture  is  bright  and  clear,  and  such  an  exhibit  at  any  of  our  shows 
would  meet  with  a  very  favourable  reception. 

Chrysanthemums  in  New  Zealand. 

The  flowers  staged  at  the  recent  meeting  of  the  N.C.S.  at  the 
Aquarium  were  in  some  respects  less  interesting  than  those  sent  over  by 
Mr.  Earland,  which  were  shown  last  September.  On  that  occasion  the 
varieties  were  stated  to  be  seedlings  raised  from  Colonial  saved  seed, 
and  were  all  named  by  the  raiser.  The  four  blooms  sent  from  Sydney 
were  fairly  well  grown,  but  unfortunately  no  information  was  forth¬ 
coming  as  to  whether  they  were  true  Australian  seedlings  or  only  old- 
established  varieties.  From  correspondence  read  by  the  Secretary  and 
by  the  Foreign  Secretary,  it  appears  that  there  had  been  for  some  time 
previous  to  the  holding  of  the  New  Zealand  shows  a  great  deal  of  wet 
weather,  and  as  the  Colonial  growers  do  not  resort  to  protection  of  any 
sort  the  exhibition  suffered  somew'hat  severely.  The  weather  in 
Australia  has  also  been  unfavourable  for  the  popular  flower. — P. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

A  SPECIAL  meeting  of  the  General  Committee  and  the  Floral  Com¬ 
mittee  was  held  at  the  Eoyal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  on  Friday  last, 
the  principal  item  on  the  agenda  paper  being  the  consideration  of  some 
Australian-grown  Chrysanthemums,  which  had  been  frozen  in  blocks  of 
ice,  and  sent  to  the  Society  for  adjudication.  Mr.  R.  Ballantine  occupied 
the  chair.  After  reading  the  notice  convening  the  meeting,  mention 
was  made  of  the  death  of  the  late  Mr.  E.  Saunderson,  for  many  years 
President  of  the  Society.  The  Chairman  announced  that  the  funeral 
was  attended  by  himself,  the  Secretary,  and  several  other  members,  and 
that  a  wreath  w'as  sent  in  the  name  of  the  N.C.S. 

The  Secretary  read  a  letter  from  the  Auckland  (N.Z.)  Chrysanthe¬ 
mum  Society  concerning  their  recent  Show,  at  which  many  novelties 
had  been  staged,  the  chief  of  which  were  W.  Tricker,  Vi  viand  Morel, 
Miss  Anna  Hartzhorn,  E.  G.  Hill,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Eynsford  White, 
and  Lilian  B.  Bird. 

Mr.  Harman  Payne  read  some  interesting  correspondence  from  New 
Zealand  relating  to  the  frozen  blooms  sent  out  by  the  N.C.S.,  which 
had  been  exhibited  at  the  Wellington  and  Christchurch  Societies,  and 
were  to  be  sent  to  other  places  in  the  Colony.  Large  numbers  of 
visitors  had  paid  for  admission  to  see  the  English  flowers,  and  it  was 
confidently  felt  that  the  experiment  would  result  in  a  large  increase  of 
growers  in  New  Zealand.  The  incurves  were  particularly  admired,  and 
nothing  so  perfect  had  ever  been  seen  there  before. 

Mr.  Dean  announced  that  the  blooms  then  on  the  table  were  grown 
by  a  Mr.  R.  Forsyth  of  Sydney.  This  gentleman  was  a  prominent 
exhibitor  at  the  Sydney  Show,  and  a  successful  prizewinner.  It  was 
to  be  regretted  that  the  names  of  the  blooms  had  not  been  communi¬ 
cated,  because  in  the  frozen  state,  which  caused  some  degree  of  dis¬ 
colouration,  they  could  not  be  identified  with  any  certainty.  One  of 
che  blooms  was  a  large  incurved  Japanese  of  the  Lady  Lawrence  type, 
the  colour  being  a  dirty  white.  Another  was  of  the  build  of  Bouquet 
Fait,  of  a  decidedly  brownish  tinge,  but  of  good  size  and  substance. 
The  third  was  a  very  flat,  broad-petalled,  incurved  Japanese  flower  of 
light  bronze,  and  the  fourth  bloom  was  an  incurved  with  very  close 
regularly  disposed  petals,  and  of  a  deep  bronze  or  cinnamon  yellow,  A 
-’liver  modal  was  awarded  for  the  exhibit. 

Mr.  J  ukes  thought  that  although  the  sending  of  such  exhibits  was 
interesting  they  had  but  little  educational  advantages,  and  could  only 
be  reftarded  as  curiosities.  He  thought  the  Society,  now  that  they  had 


a  fair  idea  of  the  way  the  Chrysanthemum  was  grown  in  the  Antipodes, 
should  be  on  their  guard  against  encouraging  too  many  exhibits  of  this 
sort,  as  it  caused  considerable  expense  for  carriage  and  cold  storage. 

Mr.  Cannell  received  a  vote  of  thanks  for  staging  some  seedling 
Begonias,  one,  a  deep  double  crimson,  attracting  much  attention. 

Several  questions  submitted  by  affiliated  societies  were  disposed  of, 
and  it  is  a  gratifying  proof  of  the  usefulness  of  the  scheme  for  affiliation 
to  find  that  disputes  are  so  readily  settled  by  the  ruling  of  the  parent 
Society, 


FLOWERS  AT  READING. 

A  VISIT  to  the  nurseries  and  trial  grounds  of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons 
the  other  day  revealed  the  fact  that  Reading  has,  in  common  with  other 
places,  suffered  from  drought.  Annuals  are  dwarfer  in  growth  than 
usual,  but  in  most  instances  the  plants  are  flowering  profusely,  and  in 
some  cases  seeding  prematurely.  No  rain,  we  were  informed,  had  fallen 
practically  for  four  months,  and  were  it  not  for  the  strenuous  attempts 
to  counteract  the  effects  of  a  prolonged  drought,  the  results  could  not  be 
other  than  disastrous.  Judicious  management,  combined  wdth  good 
cultivation,  such  as  has  been  recommended  in  these  pages,  curtailed  the 
evil  effects,  however,  to  a  great  extent,  and  it  is  anticipated  that  there 
will  be  an  e-xcellent  seed  harvest,  notwithstanding  the  deficiency  of  rain 
during  the  early  stages  of  growth.  Much  might  be  seen  at  Reading, 
there  being  always  something  of  interest  to  note,  and  much  could  be 
recorded.  Space,  though,  is  limited,  and  we  must  confine  our  remarks 
for  the  present  to  the  flowers  that  are  now  the  most  attractive  at  this 
world-famed  establishment.  Cleanliness  and  brightness  pervade  the 
whole  premises,  and  smartness  in  attention  to  details  relative  to  the 
production  of  the  best  possible  seeds  is  most  noticeable. 

As  is  well  known,  every  flower  worthy  of  note,  and  that  it  is  possible 
to  grow  from  seed,  receive  attention  at  the  extensive  nurseries,  and  in 
the  trial  grounds  of  Messrs.  Sutton,  but  none  more  so  perhaps  than 
Tuberous  Begonias.  These  now  form  a  special  feature,  and  they  are 
well  worth  a  visit.  It  may  be  possible  to  see  larger  and  more  unwieldly 
blooms,  but  it  is  questionable  whether  from  a  decorative  point  of  view 
more  useful  plants  are  forthcoming  from  any  source.  For  neatness  of 
habit  combined  with  vigour  and  gracefulness  we  have  never  seen  better 
plants,  and  the  same  may  be  said  in  regard  to  the  flowers.  These  are 
not  ungainly  In  size,  as  is  too  frequently  the  case,  but  large  enough  to 
display  their  beauty  and  symmetry.  Of  colours  there  is  a  great  variety, 
and  the  shades  of  blossoms  on  plants  produced  from  a  packet  of  seed  of 
the  Reading  Beauty  strain  are  really  surprising.  Plants  from  seed  sown 
six  months  ago  are  now  a  sight  worth  seeing,  being  from  12  to  15  inches 
in  height  and  covered  with  blooms.  One  cannot  help  noticing  the 
diversified  habits  of  the  plants;  and  although  all  present  that  healthiness 
and  equilibrium  that  denotes  careful  fertilisation  and  judicious  manage¬ 
ment,  some  are  erect,  with  the  flowers  on  stout  stalks,  standing  well 
above  the  foliage,  others  are  semi-erect,  and  not  a  few  are  of  a  drooping 
nature,  possessing  the  gracefulness  of  a  Fuchsia,  and  suitable  for  hang¬ 
ing  baskets.  For  trade  purposes  the  plants  of  the  above-mentioned 
strain  are  arranged  in  sections  under  glass,  and  it  may  be  interesting  to 
note  that  the  firm  makes  a  speciality  of  offering  seeds  of  the  various 
colours  separately.  Numerous  colours,  from  pure  white  to  a  deep  crim¬ 
son  and  the  richest  yellow  with  delicate  tints  of  pink  are  also  included 
in  Sutton’s  prize  strain  ;  and  the  plants  are  also  dwarf  in  habit  with  a 
robust  constitution.  No  attempt  is  made  to  compile  a  long  list  of  named 
varieties,  the  principal  object  kept  in  view  being  to  grow  seeds  that  can 
be  relied  upon  to  produce  compact  plants  which  will  yield  an  abundance 
of  flowers  of  an  equal  size  and  exquisite  colouring.  A  new  single  white 
of  exceptional  merit,  however,  has  recently  been  raised,  and  this  is 
known  as  Queen  of  Whites.  It  is  a  beautiful  variety,  one  of  the  best  in 
cultivation,  and  always  attracts  attention.  The  plant  is  of  good  habit, 
and  the  flowers  are  pure  white,  large,  and  of  great  substance.  In 
Reading  Gem  we  have  an  interesting  break  from  the  ordinary  type  of 
Begonias.  The  flowers  are  of  perfect  form,  and  have  white  centres, 
which  merge  into  a  charming  pink  shade,  the  margin  of  the  petals  being 
a  glowing  carmine.  It  is  one  of  the  prettiest  Begonias  we  have  seen, 
and  it  will  doubtless  become  a  popular  variety.  Those  who  require 
blooms  of  a  rich  orange  scarlet  shade  should  make  their  acquaintance 
with  Prince  of  Orange,  whilst  for  producing  bright  orange  coloured 
flowers  Meteor  will  be  found  a  most  useful  variety.  The  last-named 
kind  has  handsome  dark  foliage  marked  with  light  veins,  which  enhances 
its  appearance  considerably. 

What  has  been  said  in  regard  to  the  single  Begonias  applies  with 
equal  force  to  the  double  varieties.  The  compactness  of  the  plants  and 
diversity  of  colouring  in  the  flowers  are  equally  noticeable  in  this  section. 
Sutton’s  Double  Mixed  comprises  blooms  of  the  most  superb  forms  and 
varied  colours.  Among  them  may  be  found  flowers  representing 
Camellias,  Hollyhocks,  Dahlias,  Carnations  and  Roses,  and  in  innumer¬ 
able  shades  of  yellow,  rose,  carmine,  scarlet,  and  crimson,  quite  equal  to, 
and  in  some  cases  surpassing,  many  named  varieties.  The  Double 
White  is  a  magnificent  variety  with  pure  white  blossoms  of  superb  form 
and  substance  produced  well  above  a  mass  of  sturdy  robust  foliage. 
Indeed,  both  single  and  double  forms  are  unique  ;  but  to  fully  realise 
the  quality  of  the  strain  the  plants  must  be  seen,  and  once  seen  they  will 
be  grown. 

A  new  departure  in  Begonia  culture  has  been  made  at  Reading,  and 
the  result  is  that  we  now  have  a  useful  class  of  fibrous-rooted  plants  of 
the  B.  semperflorens  section.  These  can  be  raised  from  seed  as  easily  as  the 
tuberous  varieties,  the  plants  usually  flowering  freely  within  a  period  of 


July  27,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


75 


five  or  six  months.  From  seed  sown  in  January  some  plants  a  foot  in 
height  and  loaded  with  flowers  are  to  be  observed  here,  but  to  ensure 
spring  and  early  summer  blooming  a  sowing  may  be  made  in  August, 
and  the  seedlings  grown  steadily  during  the  winter.  A  selection  of 
these  is  being  made,  and  the  result  is  of  a  most  satisfactory  nature. 
Crimson  Gem  is  one  of  the  best,  and  quite  an  acquisition,  the  flowers 
being  of  a  bright  crimson  shade.  For  bedding  purposes  as  well  as  pot 
culture  these  Begonias  are  exceedingly  useful,  and  in  the  open  air  the 
foliage  assumes  a  bronzy  metallic  hue,  which  enhances  their  appearance. 
At  the  Gardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  last  year  these 
Begonias  were  bedded  out,  and  certificates  awarded  for  several  varieties  ; 
whilst  at  Reading  this  year  they  are  most  effective  in  the  open  air. 
Duchess  of  York  is  a  new  variety  with  rosy  pink  flowers,  as  also  is 
Floral  Gem.  Snowflake  is  a  charming  white,  and  Duchess  of  Edinburgh 
is  a  beautiful  form,  with  large  white  blossoms  suffused  with  pink.  It 
may  be  noted  with  advantage  that  these  Begonias  are  robust,  yet  dwarf 
and  well  proportioned  in  habit,  and  will  bloom  long  after  the  tuberous 
varieties  are  over  ;  indeed  if  properly  managed  they  will  flower  nearly 
all  the  year.  The  individual  flowers,  too,  are  twice  as  large  as  those  of 
•the  ordinary  semperflorens  type,  and  are  produced  in  great  abundance. 
There  is  undoubtedly  a  future  in  store  for  these  beautiful  plants. 

Achimenes  also  form  a  special  feature  at  Reading,  and  several  houses 
are  devoted  to  their  culture.  For  years  experiments  have  been  made 
and  improvements  effected  by  careful  and  patient  fertilisation,  and  now 
the  plants  are  perfect  in  habit,  robust,  and  profuse  in  flowering.  A 
great  diversity  of  colours  hag  also  been  obtained.  Sutton’s  Blue  is  a 
good  representative  of  one  type,  the  flowers  being  of  an  intense  shade. 
Rosy  Queen  is  a  splendid  variety,  especially  attractive  under  artificial 
light.  Splendens  is  a  magnificent  scarlet,  a  decided  improvement  on 
Dazzler.  Harry  Williams  is  a  distinct  variety  and  rather  late  in  flower¬ 
ing,  which  renders  it  all  the  more  valuable  ;  and  in  Admiration  we  have 
a  beautiful  rosy  purple  flower.  The  whites  are  also  specially  good,  the 
same  applying  to  other  varieties.  Gloxinias  raised  from  seed  sown  a 
few  months  ago  are  making  a  grand  show,  the  plants  being  vigorous, 
■carrying  splendid  foliage  and  flowers  of  great  size  and  substance.  The 
spotted  kinds  are  charmingly  coloured,  and  by  a  series  of  crosses  an 
improvement  in  the  habit  of  the  plants  has  been  effected,  the  foliage 
being  more  robust  than  was  formerly  the  case.  Of  named  varieties 
such  as  Her  Majesty,  Duke  of  York,  Sutton’s  Scarlet  and  Purple  are  too 
well  known  to  need  a  lengthy  reference  here,  these  having  been  ex¬ 
hibited  at  many  leading  exhibitions  recently.  A  yellow  Torenia  deserves 
apecial  mention,  and  the  sight  of  a  number  of  plants  of  Cyperus  alterni- 
folius  raised  from  seed  would  interest  many  horticulturists. 

Regarding  the  flowers  in  the  open  air  the  Asters  first  claim  atten¬ 
tion.  Here  we  find  a  strain  of  the  finest  quality,  and  comprising 
flowers  of  the  most  charming  colours.  Many  of  the  plants,  however, 
will  be  at  their  best  in  about  three  weeks,  but  those  who  require  an  early 
flowering  variety  should  grow  Harbinger.  This  is  a  splendid  Aster,  grow¬ 
ing  18  inches  in  height,  and  producing  an  enormous  number  of  pure  white 
flowers  about  a  month  before  any  other.  The  blooms  of  the  variety 
Comet  in  various  shades  much  resemble  Japanese  Chrysanthemums, 
and  are  general  favourites  for  cutting,  whilst  for  garden  decoration 
Sutton’s  Bedding,  Snowball,  and  Fire  King  are  deserving  of  mention. 
The  new  dwarf  Gannas  raised  from  seeds  sown  this  spring  are  blooming 
profusely  in  the  open  air,  and  for  producing  a  grand  effect  in  the  flower 
garden  these  plants  are  indispensable.  They  should  be  grown  in  every 
garden.  Carnations  are  particularly  good,  although,  generally  speak¬ 
ing,  the  season  has  been  extraordinarily  short,  and  it  is  satisfactory  to 
observe  that  whilst  layers  and  established  plants  have,  owing  to  the 
prolonged  drought,  failed,  the  seedlings  are  flowering  abundantly.  The 
plants  are  vigorous  in  growth,  forming  dense  tufts,  and  bear  hundreds  of 
richly  coloured  double  flowers.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  Picotees, 
which  make  a  charming  show.  Stocks  are  everything  that  could  be 
desired,  showing  a  remarkable  per-centage  of  double  flowers,  as  also 
do  the  Petunias,  which  are  wonderfully  fine.  A  large  breadth  of 
seedling  Hollyhocks  afford  ample  evidence  that  considerable  attention 
has  been  paid  to  the  selection  of  Sutton’s  prize  strain.  The  plants 
are  dwarfer  than  is  usual,  being  about  4  feet  in  height,  doubtless  owing 
to  the  dry  weather,  but  the  flowers  are  as  double  and  as  fine  as  those 
of  the  best  named  varieties.  It  is  surprising  how  beautiful  these  Holly¬ 
hocks  are  when  treated  as  annuals.  Bedding  Lobelias  from  seed  are 
compact  in  habit  and  profuse  in  flowering,  a  vast  improvement  on  the 
straggling  seedlings  of  bygone  days.  The  blue,  white,  and  pink  varieties 
are  equally  good,  forming  a  strain  which  should  be  found  in  every 
garden.  A  specialty  is  also  made  of  the  trailing  Lobelias  in  various 
colours,  these  being  eminently  adapted  for  vases  and  hanging  baskets. 

lAt  the  trial  grounds  the  huge  beds  of  annuals  produce  a  brilliant 
display  of  colour.  It  is  impossible  to  enumerate  all  the  plants  worthy 
of  notice,  but  special  mention  may  be  made  of  a  few  exceptionally  fine 
varieties.  In  this  category  we  may  place  Crimson  King  Virginian  Stock, 
a  decided  improvement  on  the  type,  and  an  excellent  edging  plant  or  for 
growing  in  beds.  The  double  white  Clarkias  are  extremely  useful,  and 
among  Nasturtiums  Aurora  deserves  special  notice.  This  is  a  most 
beautiful  flower  of  a  primrose  shade  suffused  with  pink  and  carmine. 
Cloth  of  Gold,  a  yellow-leaved  variety,  is  effective  in  a  mass,  and  would 
make  an  excellent  bedding  plant.  Of  Calendulas  Orange  King  is  a 
grand  double  variety,  and  the  French  Marigold  Miniature  Spotted  is 
very  showy.  Godetias  in  variety  form  pleasing  masses  of  colour.  Lady¬ 
bird  being  a  very  dwarf  form  with  white  flowers  spotted  crimson. 
Apple  Blossom  is  an  exceedingly  pretty  Godetia  with  dense  heads  of 
white  and  pink  flowers,  and  a  dwarf  form  of  Ladv  Albemarle  is  esne- 


cially  good.  The  last  named  variety  is  well  adapted  for  bedding,  the 
same  remark  applying  to  a  selection  of  Duchess  of  Albany  which  has 
large  pure  white  flowers.  The  Lupins  appear  to  be  flowering  well  this 
year,  the  various  colours,  comprising  different  shade  of  blue,  lilac,  white 
and  yellow  being  most  effective.  Portulacas  also  form  a  pleasing  feature, 
as  likewise  do  the  Poppies  of  numerous  kinds.  Great  care  is  taken  to 
keep  the  popular  Shirley  Poppy  rich  and  varied  in  colouring,  all 
“rogues”  being  promptly  removed.  Numerous  other  annuals,  in¬ 
cluding  the  beautiful  Nemesia  Strumosa  Siittoni,  also  receive  attention; 
every  possible  effort  to  produce  seed  of  the  very  best  quality  being 
made,  and  thus  the  reputation  of  the  firm  for  excellence  is  fully 
maintained. — C. 


The  Weather  ih  London. — During  the  past  week  the  weather 
has  been  changeable  in  the  metropolis.  Sunday  opened  fine  but  gusty, 
and  rain  fell  heavily  during  the  evening.  Monday  was  showery  and 
Tuesday  proved  fine,  but  it  rained  slightly  on  Wednesday  morning.  AC 
the  time  of  going  to  press  it  is  fine. 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens.  —  In  the 

Gardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  Chiswick  a  very  large 
collection  of  herbaceous  Phloxes  is  now  in  full  flower,  and  contains 
many  beautiful  varieties.  Tuberous  and  hybrid  Begonias  grown  in 
beds  in  the  open  are  now  coming  into  bloom.  Violas,  of  which  there  is 
a  very  large  collection,  have  done  remarkably  well,  and  are  still  laden 
with  flowers,  A  house  devoted  to  Fuchsias  now  presents  a  charming 
appearance.  Cannas  grown  under  glass  form  an  interesting  feature,  and 
are  doing  well  and  very  attractive.  The  Grapes  in  the  conservatory 
and  other  houses  are  bearing,  as  usual,  heavy  crops  of  good  fruit. 
Tomatoes  are  grown  extensively,  and  commencing  to  ripen  outdoors. 
All  the  best  varieties  are  grown,  and  afford  a  good  opportunity  for 
observation  to  those  interested  in  their  culture, 

-  Dr.  Cooke. — According  to  the  “  Kew  Bulletin  ”  Dr.  Cooke, 

the  well-known  authority  in  mycology,  has  retired  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
five  from  the  public  service.  Dr.  Cooke  came  to  Kew  when  tlu 
collections,  of  which  he  has  charge,  were  transferred  from  the  Indian 
Museum  to  that  establishment  in  1880.  It  is  gratifying  to  note  that  in 
recognition  of  his  services  the  Secretary  of  State  for  India  has  made 
a  small  addition  to  Dr.  Cooke’s  pension.  Dr.  Cooke  has  been  succeeded 
at  the  Kew  Herbarium  by  Mr.  G.  Massee,  whose  work  on  “  British  Fungi 
Flora  ”  was  reviewed  in  our  last  issue. 

-  Floral  Designs  at  Shrewsbury. — In  consequence  of  the 

very  early  season  for  Carnations,  and  the  certainty  that  there  could  be 
but  little  competition  at  Shrewsbury  Show,  August  23rd  and  24th,  the 
Committee  have  determined  to  withdraw  the  liberal  prizes  offered 
for  collections,  and  instead  to  give  £5  and  a  gold  medal  for  the  best 
display  of  floral  arrangements  in  a  space  10  feet  by  4  feet,  with 
second  and  third  prizes  added.  The  various  objects  to  be  exhibited 
in  this  class  are  left  to  the  discretion  of  the  exhibitor. 

-  An  Exhibition  op  Narcissi  in  Birmingham. — The 

Council  of  the  Birmingham  Botanical  Society  has  decided  to  hold  an 
Exhibition  of  Narcissi  in  their  Gardens  at  Edgbaston  on  Wednesday 
and  Thursday,  April  18th  and  19th,  1894.  An  Exhibition  was  arranged 
to  be  held  in  April  last,  but  the  early  season  caused  the  Narcissi  generally 
to  be  out  of  flower  before  the  date  fixed  for  the  Exhibition,  so  that 
a  good  representative  Exhibition  did  not  take  place ;  but  it  gave  the 
Council  every  encouragement  to  hold  another  Exhibition  next  April. 

-  A  Fine  Gloxinia. — “A.  J.  N.”  writes — “At  the  monthly 

meeting  of  the  Chichester  and  District  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improve¬ 
ment  Society,  June  2Gth,  an  extraordinary  Gloxinia  of  Messrs.  Sutton'.s 
strain  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  W.  Aylward,  gardener  to  G.  Woodbridge, 
Esq.,  Chichester.  A  first-class  cultural  certificate  was  awarded  for  the 
same.  The  plant  was  raised  from  seed  two  years  ago,  and  carried  fifty  - 
four  fully  expanded  flowers,  which  were  of  a  good  average  size,  aul 
there  were  several  buds  to  open.  It  was  grown  in  a  7-inch  pot,  and  was 
32  inches  in  diameter.  The  leaves  were  from  9  to  14  inches  long,  and 
averaged  7  inches  wide,  and  were  of  a  bright  and  healthy  colour.  I 
saw  in  the  conservatory  of  the  gardens  managed  by  Mr.  W.  Aylwa  i 
several  Gloxinias  similar  to  the  one  mentioned,” 


76 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  27,  1893. 


- District  Superintendent  of  London  Parks. — We  are 

informed  that  Mr.  John  Knight  has  been  appointed  District  Superintend¬ 
ent  of  Parks  and  Open  Spaces,  north  of  the  Thames,  under  the  auspices 
of  the  London  County  Council. 

-  Horticulture  in  France  has  been  recognised  by  the 

appointment  of  M.  De  la  Devansaye  as  a  Chevalier  of  the  Legion  of 
Honour.  M.  De  la  Devansaye,  we  understand,  has  been  President  of 
the  Horticultural  Society  of  Angiers  for  twenty  years. 

-  Lincoln’s  Inn  Gardens. — The  gardens  of  Lincoln’s  Inn  will, 

by  permission  of  the  benchers,  be  thrown  open  for  the  benefit  of  the 
poor  children  inhabiting  the  surrounding  neighbourhoods.  On  and 
after  August  14th,  until  September  15th,  the  gardens  will  be  open  from 
5  o’clock  until  dusk. 

-  Water  Excursion. — A  party  of  about  ninety  persons,  chiefly 

employes  at  the  Eoyal  Nurseries,  Slough,  and  friends,  had  a  very 
pleasant  trip  up  the  Thames  last  week.  The  party  embarked  about 
nine  o’clock  in  the  steam  launch  “  Emperor,”  and  the  beautiful  river 
bank  scenery  was  greatly  enjoyed. 

- New  Zealand  Apples  in  London. — Shippers  of  Apples 

from  Auckland  are,  says  a  New  Zealand  paper  to  hand,  in  receipt  of 
returns  for  fruit  shipped  to  London.  Although  the  prices  realised  have 
not  in  every  case  been  satisfactory,  a  large  amount  of  useful  information 
has  been  gleaned  as  to  the  future  prospects  of  the  trade,  which  goes  to 
show  that  there  is  money  in  the  trade  when  it  is  carried  out  on  the  best 
lines. 

-  Septon  Park  Gardeners’  Association.  —  Under  the 

patronage  of  the  Lord  Mayor  and  of  the  ex-Mayor,  Mr.  J.  de  Dels  Adam, 
the  members  of  the  Sefton  Park,  Wavertree,  and  District  Amateur 
Gardeners’  Association  will  hold  their  annual  flower  Show  on  Saturday, 
August  12th,  and  Monday,  August  14th,  in  the  enclosed  grounds  of  the 
old  Fern  Lawn  Tennis  Club,  Smithdown  Road,  opposite  the  Sefton  Park 
entrance.  Arrangements  have  been  made  for  exhibits  in  fifty-three 
classes,  with  three  prizes  for  each  class. 

-  Lambeth  Flower  Show. —  The  annual  Lambeth  Flower 

Show  was  held  in  Lambeth  Palace  Grounds  recently.  In  spite  of  the 
dryness  of  the  season  during  the  last  few  months  a  large  number  of 
flowers  were  exhibited,  and  they  all  gave  evidence  of  knowledge,  care, 
and  attention.  The  flowers  displayed  in  marquees  were  not  the  only 
attraction.  During  the  day  a  programme  of  athletic  sports  was  carried 
through,  there  was  an  old  English  fair,  and  at  night  a  display  of  fire¬ 
works.  Canon  Pelham  presided  at  the  distribution  of  prizes  by  Mrs. 
Stanley,  who  was  accompanied  by  Mr.  H.  M.  Stanley,  the  African 
explorer, 

-  Market  Apples. — In  the  deep  sandy  soil  at  Ham  Common 

Mr.  Walker,  who  has  a  number  of  remarkably  fine  Apple  trees  from 
four  to  six  years  planted,  has  very  largely  reduced  his  stock  of  Lord 
SufSeld,  and  is  replacing  it  with  Lord  Grosvenor,  which  is  found  to 
be  more  robust  and  on  the  whole  a  more  reliable  cropper.  Then,  too, 
such  a  popular  variety  as  Warner’s  King  does  not  do  well  on  the  sand, 
and  is  being  replaced  by  Bismarck.  However,  the  six  favourite  kitchen 
varieties  here  are  Lord  Grosvenor,  Grenadier,  Stirling  Castle,  Peter  the 
Great,  Prince  Albert,  and  New  Hawthornden.  This  is  also  for  all  ordinary 
purposes  a  selection  hard  to  beat  as  bush  trees.  Of  dessert  varieties  for 
market  purposes  Gladstone,  Worcester  Pearmain,  Yellow  Ingestrie,  and 
Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  are  in  high  favour  ;  so  also  is  Duchess  of  Olden¬ 
burg,  a  really  good  market  Apple. — A.  D. 

- Flowers  at  Eastbourne. — The  recent  rains  have  had  a 

most  beneficial  effect  at  Eastbourne,  as  elsewhere,  and  the  flower  beds 
on  the  Grand  Parade  are  now  arrayed  in  all  their  glory.  They  present 
a  brilliant  yet  harmonious  mass  of  bloom,  and  daily  visitors  may  be  seen 
admiring  them .  Eastbournians,  says  a  Sussex  paper,  are  proud  of  their 
gardens  on  the  Front,  and  with  good  reason,  for  they  are  certainly  an 
additional  attraction  to  an  already  picturesque  promenade.  Mr.  Smith, 
the  Corporation’s  head  gardener,  invariably  manages  to  produce  some 
novel  device  in  laying  out  the  beds.  Examples  of  his  skill  in  this 
respect  may  be  found  opposite  Victoria  Place  and  Wilmington  Square. 
The  latter  exhibits  the  sentiment  of  loyalty  and  congratulation  so 
appropriate  to  the  present  season.  On  scrolls  of  red  in  yellow  letters 
are  the  following  words  ; — “  Eastbourne’s  best  wishes  for  our  sailor 
Prince,  G.F.E.A.,”  “Densest  qui  regit  omnia,”  “Long  life  and  happiness 
to  their  Royal  Highnesses  the  Duke  and  Duchess  of  York.”  In  the 
centre  is  a  representation  of  the  Royal  Standard,  7  feet  square,  and  at 
the  eastern  end  a  crown. 


-  English  Gardeners  for  India, — An  Indian  paper  states 

that  the  Government  of  India  have  under  consideration  a  scheme  by 
which  European  gardeners  for  gardens  in  the  various  provinces  will  be 
regularly  supplied  from  Kew,  and  will  be  retained  on  conditions  more 
satisfactory  than  at  present. 

-  Lady  Gardeners. — A  daily  contemporary  is  responsible  for 

the  following  statement : — “  Lady  Carlisle  is  training  an  entire  staff  of 
women  gardeners,  who  she  hopes  will  keep  the  grounds  of  her  Yorkshire 
home  in  as  perfect  a  condition  as  their  male  predecessors  have  done.”  If 
there  is  any  truth  in  this  assertion  it  is  surely  the  latest  development  of 
the  craze  for  lady  gardeners. 

- Australian  Fruit. — During  the  past  year  or  so  fruit  from' 

the  irrigation  colonies  in  Australia  has  been  noticeable  on  our  markets. 
Canned  Peaches  and  Apricots  are  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Chaffey  Brothers 
at  the  Earl’s  Court  Exhibition,  at  the  Imperial  Institute,  and  the  Crystal 
Palace.  It  is  stated  that  a  consignment  of  4000  cases  of  Oranges  and 
Lemons  from  Australia  will  shortly  arrive. 

- Buddleia  globosa  in  Kirkcudbrightshire, — Mr.  S.  Arnott 

writes  : — This  fine  shrub  was  lately  in  full  flower  in  Mrs.  Maxwell- 
Witham’s  garden  at  Kirkconnell.  A  plant  grown  on  a  south  wall 
receives  a  little  protection  in  winter,  some  Spruce  branches  being  placed 
over  it ;  but  one  on  a  south  border  has  for  the  last  four  years  had  na 
protection,  and  is  in  noway  injured.  I  should  like  to  know  how  far 
north  this  Buddleia  is  found  to  be  hardy. — S.  Arnott. 

-  Mangroves  and  Their  Effect  on  the  Coast  Line. — Id 

his  interesting  report  to  the  Colonial  Office  on  the  scientific  results  of 
the  Anglo-French  Delimitation  Commission  which  he  accompanied  to 
Sierra  Leone,  Mr.  Scott  Elliot  states  that  the  effect  of  the  Mangroves 
in  creating  alluvial  soil  could  be  very  clearly  seen  at  Mahela  and  in  the 
Samu  country  generally.  Mangrove  trees  seem  in  fact,  he  says,  to  have 
been  designed  by  Nature  to  change  any  bay  or  indentation  of  the  coast 
line  into  fertile  soil. 

-  Death  of  Mr.  J.  Pithers.— Chrysanthemum  growers  will 

hear  with  great  regret  of  the  death  of  Mr.  J.  Pithers,  which  took  place 
at  Chilwell  early  yesterday  (Wednesday)  morning.  He  had  been  head 
grower  to  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson  &  Sons  for  the  past  few  years,  and 
only  those  who  have  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing  their  magnificent 
collection  in  November  can  realise  the  full  excellence  of  his  work  for 
the  great  midland  firm.  His  capacity  as  a  Chrysanthemum  grower 
had  been  previously  proved,  for  he  was  a  well-known  exhibitor  and 
prizewinner  when  practising  in  the  south  of  London  years  ago.  Mr. 
Pithers  had  an  exceptional  knowledge  of  the  Autumn  Queen  and 
energetically  supplemented  the  efforts  of  his  employers  to  keep  their 
collection  up  to  date  in  every  respect. 

-  Hook  Cottage  Garden  Society. — Representing  the  Surrey 

County  Council  Technical  Education  Committee,  Mr.  A.  Dean,  in  con¬ 
junction  with  Mr.  Weddell  and  Mr.  Cox,  Secretary  to  the  local  Society, 
visited  the  parish  allotments  on  Thursday  afternoon  and  awarded  prizes 
for  the  best.  There  are  a  large  number  on  land  which  belonged  to  the 
late  Mr.  Blake,  the  rental  being  Is.  per  rod.  Naturally,  the  “  Surrey 
Comet  ”  asserts,  Mr.  Blake’s  death  has  caused  some  anxiety  as  to  the 
future  occupation  of  the  land  as  allotments.  Several  cottage  gardens 
were  also  visited  and  prizes  awarded.  In  the  evening,  under  the  pre¬ 
sidency  of  Mr.  W.  B.  Clode,  an  address  on  “  Gardening  in  Relation  to 
Allotments  and  Cottages  ”  was  delivered  b/  Mr.  Dean  at  the  schools 
to  a  considerable  audience,  which  was  listened  to  with  the  greatest 
interest. 

-  Horticultural  Education. — At  the  fost-'prandial  proceed¬ 
ings  in  connection  with  the  annual  outing  of  the  Devon  and  Exeter 
Gardeners’  Association  some  excellent  suggestions  were  thrown  out  by 
the  Chairman,  Mr.  Hope,  and  others,  whereby  the  value  of  the  Society 
as  an  educational  institution  would  be  enhanced,  and  the  interests  of 
an  important  industry  be  promoted.  One  of  the  suggestions,  remarks 
an  Exeter  evening  paper,  was  that  the  younger  members  should  take 
an  increased  interest  in  the  practical  work  of  the  Society,  and  thus  fit 
themselves  the  better  to  meet  the  growing  competition  with  the  English 
markets  which  was  everywhere  manifest.  It  is  doubtless  a  great  slight 
upon  farmers  and  gardeners  that  they  should  allow  millions  of  Apples 
to  be  sent  from  the  other  side  of  the  globe,  when  they  could  be  pro¬ 
duced  at  home  with  perfect  ease,  and  sold  at  prices  which  would  be 
thoroughly  remunerative.  This,  of  course,  is  but  a  very  small  phase  of 
the  foreign  competition  question,  and  is  a  subject  which  might  properly 
occupy  the  attention  of  everyone  interested  in  horticulture. 


July  S7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


77 


-  The  “  Kew  Bulletin.” — Copies  of  the  “  Kew  Bulletia  ”  for 

April  and  May,  also  for  June,  are  to  hand,  and  these  contain  much  use¬ 
ful  information.  In  the  number  for  the  first  two  months  there  is  an 
interesting  account  of  “  Botanical  Enterprize  in  1796,”  which  is  well 
worth  perusal.  Instructive  articles  on  the  ”  Chinese  white  wax  ”  and 
•“  Manila  aloe  fibre,”  with  miscellaneous  notes  are  also  included  in  that 
inumber.  The  issue  for  June  is  equally  interesting,  and  in  addition  to 
various  articles  contains  many  miscellaneous  notes  from  which  we 
extract  the  half-dozen  that  follow  this  paragraph. 

- Malayan  Plants. — Dr.  G.  King,  F.E.S.,  has  sent  from 

“Calcutta  a  collection  of  between  two  and  three  hundred  new  or 
rare  Malayan  plants,  and  a  set  of  270  specimens  of  the  late 
Father  Scorlechini’s  Perak  Ferns.  These  Ferns  were  worked  out  by 
Colonel  Beddome,  and  published  in  the  “Journal  of  Botany,”  in  1887. 
Mr.  Charles  Curtis,  Assistant  Superintendent,  Fore.st  Department, 
Penang,  who  is  an  excellent  collector,  has  also  forwarded  a  further  set  of 
■220  species  of  Malayan  plants. 

- Plants  from  Japan. — Through  Dr.  Kingo  Miyabe,  Kew  has 

received  from  the  Agricultural  College  of  Sapporo,  Japan,  the  first  part  of 
a  set  of  the  plants  of  the  Island  of  Yeso.  It  contains  237  pieces,  and  includes 
the  orders  Ranunculacese  to  Kosacem.  And  through  Professor  Matsumura 
Jinzo,  Director  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  Imperial  University,  Tokio,  the 
Herbarium  has  been  enriched  by  a  collection  of  some  1350  species, 
including  many  not  previously  represented  at  Kew.  This  collection  is 
valuable,  apart  from  its  numerical  extent,  inasmuch  as  it  contains 
authentic  specimens  of  novelties  published  by  Professor  M.  Jinzo 
himself. 

- Mexican  Plants — Kew  has  purchased  a  set  of  Mr.  C.  G. 

Pringle’s  Mexican  Plants,  collected  in  1892,  and  also  the  first  three 
centuries  of  Mr.  L.  D.  Reed’s  Virginian  plants.  Both  of  these  gentle¬ 
men  are  excellent  collectors,  and  Mr.  Pringle’s  Mexican  plants  include 
novelties  from  the  apparently  inexhaustible  Mexican  flora.  Dr.  A. 
Engler,  the  Director  of  the  Berlin  Botanic  Garden,  has  presented  a 
parcel  of  about  100  species  of  Brazilian  Melastomacem,  many  of  them 
authenticated  types  of  new  species. 

- Bulbs  from  Asia  Minor. — Mr.  E.  Whittall,  a  merchant  of 

Smyrna,  and  an  ardent  lover  of  plants,  has  considerably  enriched  the 
Kew  collection  of  bulbous  plants.  He  is  collecting  systematically,  and 
the  results  promise  to  be  very  successful.  Already  several  new  things 
contributed  to  the  herbarium  have  come  to  light,  amongst  them 
Galanthus  Icarisiae,  Tulipa  concinnea,  and  Fritillaria  Whittallii. 

- New  Liliace^  from  Tropical  Africa. — In  Engler’s 

“  Jahrbucher,”  vol.  xv.,  pp.  467-179,  is  a  paper  by  Dr.  Engler  and  Mr. 
J.  G.  Baker  on  the  new  Liliacem  discovered  by  recent  German  collectors 
in  Tropical  Africa.  It  includes  an  Iphigenia,  a  bulbine  with  flat  leaves^ 
an  Anthericum  of  the  sub-genus  Phalangium,  five  species  of  Chloro- 
phytum,  one  Eriospermum,  an  Aloe,  four  Albucae,  one  Urginea,  two 
Drimise,  five  Scillae  of  the  sub-genus  Ledebouria,  and  six  new  Dracaenas, 
one  of  which  is  figured.  This  latter,  which  is  named  D.  Braunii  after 
its  discoverer,  has  been  brought  from  the  Cameroons  to  the  Berlin 
Botanic  Garden,  where  it  flowered  in  August,  1891.  It  has  very  short 
fl,owering  stems,  with  only  a  single  pair  of  leaves,  overtopped  by  the  much 
longer  leafy  sterile  stems.  The  new  Aloe  (A.  venenosa,  Engler')  was 
found  by  Dr.  Pogge  on  the  Kaissai,  one  of  the  feeders  of  the  Congo  in  the 
very  centre  of  the  continent,  and  is  used  as  an  arrow  poison. 

-  Acidanthera  ^quinoctialis,  Balter. — Through  Mr.  Scott 

Elliott,  Kew  has  received  full  specimens,  with  corms  for  cultivation,  of 
this  plant  collected  on  the  top  of  Sugar-loaf  Mountain,  Sierra  Leone, 
where  Mr.  Scott  Elliot  found  it  on  his  recent  expedition  as  botanist  to 
the  Anglo-French  Delimitation  Commission.  It  was  only  known  pre¬ 
viously  by  a  sketch  of  the  inflorescence  and  flowers  made  by  Dean 
Herbert,  now  in  the  Bindley  Library,  a  copy  of  which  was  made 
several  years  ago  by  Mrs.  Thiselton  Dyer  for  the  Kew  collection  of 
drawings.  The  corm  is  large  and  globose,  with  tunics  of  parallel  fibres. 
The  plant  reaches  a  height  of  4  feet,  and  the  stem  bears  a  large  number 
of  strongly  veined  ensiform  leaves,  the  lowest  of  which  is  IJ  foot 
long,  and  nearly  an  inch  broad.  The  tube  of  the  perianth  is  5  or  6 
inches  long,  the  longest  that  is  known  in  the  whole  order  Iridere.  The 
species  much  resembles  the  Abyssinian  A.  unicolor  and  A.  bicolor  of 
Hochstetter,  but  is  much  larger  in  size.  The  locality  where  the  plant 
was  seen  by  Mr.  Scott  Elliot  is  3000  feet  above  sea-level.  The  whole 
collection  brought  home  contains  altogether  1500  species. 


- Mark  Smith,  Limited. — Just  as  we  are  preparing  for  press 

a  request  reaches  us  to  announce  the  amalgamation  of  the  firms  of 
Messrs.  Mark  Smith  &  Co.,  Louth,  and  the  Horticultural  and  Agricultural 
Chemical  Company,  Glasgow.  The  above  will  be  the  title  of  the  weed 
killing  company  in  future,  with  the  head  quarters  at  Louth,  Lincolnshire. 

-  Jubilee  of  the  Eothamsted  Experiments.  —  Th* 

arrangements  are  now  completed  for  the  celebration  of  the  Jubilee  of 
the  Rothamsted  agricultural  experiments  at  the  Laboratory,  Harpenden 
Common,  on  Saturday,  the  29th  inst.,  at  3  P.M.,  under  the  presidency 
of  Mr.  Herbert  Gardner,  M.P.,  President  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture. 
The  proceedings,  we  learn  from  Nature,  will  commence  with  the  dedi¬ 
cation  by  Mr.  Gardner  of  a  granite  memorial,  erected  in  front  of  the 
Rothamsted  Laboratory,  to  commemorate  the  occasion.  Addresses  of 
congratulation  will  then  be  presented  to  Sir  John  Lawes  and  Dr.  Gilbert 
on  behalf  of  the  subscribers  to  the  Rothamsted  Jubilee  Fund  and 
various  learned  societies,  including  the  Royal,  Royal  Agricultural, 
Chemical,  Linnean,  and  other  leading  scientific  institutions.  Sir  John 
Lawes  will  also  be  presented  with  his  portrait,  which  has  been  painted 
by  Mr.  Hubert  Herkomer,  R.A.,  for  the  subscribers  to  the  Jubilee  Fund. 
Afterwards  there  will  be  a  reception  at  Rothamsted  by  Lady  Lawes. 
The  Rothamsted  Laboratory,  where  the  ceremony  will  take  place, 
adjoins  Harpenden  Common,  and  is  distant  about  half  a  mile  from  the 
Harpenden  station  of  the  Midland  Railway  Company. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

July  25Tn. 

The  holiday  season  had  set  its  mark  oh  the  meeting  on  the  above 
date,  the  exhibits  showing  a  considerable  falling  off  in  numbers  and  the 
attendance  being  very  small.  However,  there  was  a  fair  show  of  flowers 
and  fruit  and  a  good  sprinkling  of  Orchids. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present  :  T.  Francis  Rivers,  Esq.  (in  the 
chair)  ;  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard,  J.  Cheai,  William 
Warren,  H.  J.  Pearson,  A.  Dean,  G.  Woodward,  W.  H.  Divers, 
G.  Wytlies,  G.  Reynolds,  F.  Q.  Lane,  H.  Balderson,  and  J.  Smith. 

Fruit  made  an  attractive  display.  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maid¬ 
stone,  Kent,  sent  a  large  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears,  comprising  some 
thirty  dishes.  The  Apples  were  clean,  of  a  good  size,  and  well  coloured, 
especially  Red  Juneating,  Duchess  of  Oldenburg,  Gladstone,  Beauty  of 
Bath,  Red  Astrachan,  Lady  Sudeley,  and  Quarrenden.  Other  varieties 
especially  good  were  Stirling  Castle,  Early  Transparent,  Grenadier, 
Sugarloaf,  Peter  the  Great,  and  Gold  Medal.  Some  fruits  of  Pear  The 
Beacon  were  fine  and  well  coloured.  The  same  firm  staged  fruits  of 
the  yellow  and  red  Mirabelle  Plums  and  some  Apricots.  A  silver 
Knightian  medal  was  recommended. 

Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Sons,  Sawbridgeworth,  sent  a  grand  collection  of 
Apples,  Apricots,  Cherries,  Nectarines,  Plums,  and  Pears  grown  in  a  cool 
orchard  house  ;  Ribstou  Pippin  Apples  were  very  fine  and  well  coloured, 
and  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  and  Souvenir  du  Congres  Pears  looked 
delicious.  Lord  Napier  and  Dryden  Nectarines  were  exceedingly  good, 
being  richly  coloured,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  Monarch  and  Late 
and  Early  Transparent  Gage  Plums.  The  Cherries  were  Bigarreau  Noir 
de  Gueben,  Emperor  Francis,  and  Geant  d’Hedelfinger  ;  the  Apricots 
being  Grosse  Peche  and  Mexico  (silver  Knightian  medal).  Mr.  W.  H. 
Divers,  gardener  to  J.  S.  Hopwood,  Esq.,  Ketton  Hall,  Stamford,  sent 
a  box  of  remarkably  fine  Dagmar  and  Crimson  Galande  Peaches  and 
Lord  Napier  Nectarines.  The  Peaches  were  exceedingly  good  and  re¬ 
flected  credit  on  the  grower  (cultural  commendation).  Mr.  0.  Thomas, 
Royal  Gardens,  Windsor,  staged  a  grand  Smooth  Cayenne  Pine,  cut 
from  “  a  rootless  sucker  planted  on  September  15th,  1892.”  The  fruit 
weighed  5  lbs.  12  ozs.  (cultural  commendation).  Mr.  Thomas  also  sent 
a  hunch  of  white  Grapes  for  naming,  and  four  baskets  of  Apricots,  com¬ 
prising  Moorpark,  Frogmore,  Shipley’s,  and  Powell’s  Late. 

Mr.  Woodward,  Barham  Court  Gardens,  Maidstone,  staged  fruits  of 
Alexander  Peach  grown  on  an  east  wall,  and  some  fine  Lord  Napier 
Nectarines  gathered  from  a  standard  tree  in  an  unheated  house  (cultural 
commendation).  A  dish  of  1892  Apples  came  from  Col.  E.  Smith, 
Threescombe  House,  Stroud  (gardener,  Mr.  E.  Jackson),  but  the  fruit 
was  small  and  uninviting  compared  with  those  of  this  year,  sent  by  Mr. 
Bunyard.  Mr.  T.  W.  Rich  sent  fruits  of  a  seedling  culinary  Apple,  said 
to  be  very  early.  They  were  meelium-sized  and  well  coloured  on  one 
side,  but  no  award  was  made.  A.  H.  Smee,  Esq.,  The  Grange,  Walling- 
ton  (gardener,  Mr.  G.  W.  Cummins),  had  a  dish  of  a  fine  early  Apple, 
the  name  of  which  was  not  determined  ;  and  Lord  Foley,  Ruxley 
Lodge,  Esher  (gardener,  Mr.  Miller),  some  well  grown  fruits  of  Royal 
George,  Noblesse,  Grosse  Mignonne,  and  Alexander  Peaches  (cultural 
commendation).  Mr.  Laxton,  Bedford,  showed  coloured  plates  of  his 
new  Strawberry  Royal  Sovereign. 

Mr.  G.  Wythes,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Syon 
House,  Brentford,  staged  seventeen  fruits  of  Beauty  of  Syon  Melon, 
six  boxes  of  Apricots,  and  four  boxes  of  Morello  Cherries  (silver  Bank- 
sian  medal).  Mr.  J.  Smith,  Mentmore  Gardens,  Leighton  Buzzard,  had 
half  a  dozen  dishes  of  Apricots,  including  fine  fruits  of  Moorpark  and 
Hemskirk  (vote  of  thanks).  Nine  dishes  of  Apricots  were  also  sent  from 
the  Society’s  Garden  at  Chiswick,  the  best  fruits  being  Shipley’s  Early, 


78 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  37,  1893. 


Kaisha,  Moorpark,  and  Turkey.  Seedling  Melons  were  sent  by  Mr,  F. 
Lee,  Lynford  Hall,  Norfolk,  and  Mr.  J.  Rodboume,  Haling  Park 
Gardens,  Croydon.  An  award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  Melon  Lee’s 
Perfection,  which  is  a  good  flavoured  white-fleshed  variety.  Messrs. 
Cooper,  Denison  &  Walkden,  7,  Bride  Street,  B.C,,  sent  some  “  Handy  ” 
fruit  baskets.  These  are  made  of  tough  Manilla  paper,  and  with  the 
wire  handles  attached  are  convenient  for  small  fruits  (commended). 

A  large  collection  of  Tomatoes,  comprising  thirty-four  dishes,  came 
from  the  Society’s  Gardens  at  Chiswick.  The  best  red  varieties  were 
Perfection,  Long-keeper,  Chemin,  Seedling  Macgregor,  Horsford’s 
Prelude,  and  the  yellow  varieties  were  well  represented  by  Peach 
Yellow,  Blenheim  Orange,  Golden  Queen,  Golden  Gem,  and  Golden 
Nugget.  Mr.  J.  May,  gardener  to  S,  G.  Lutwyche,  Esq.,  Oakfield,  Eden 
Park,  Beckenham,  sent  a  box  of  splendidly  grown  fruits  of  Perfection 
Tomato  (cultural  commendation),  Mr.  G,  M'Dougall,  Ravenna  Cottage, 
Stirling,  sent  some  fruits  of  a  fine  seedling  Tomato  named  Ravenna,  for 
which  a  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded. 

Floral  Committee. — W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair);  Rev. 
H.  H.  D'Ombrain,  Messrs.  C.  T.  Druery,  H.  B.  May,  H.  Herbst, 
David  W,  Thomson,  R.  Dean,  G.  Stevens,  C.  F.  Bause,  C,  J.  Salter, 
H.  Cannell,  J.  D.  Pawle,  W.  Bennett  Poe,  C.  E.  Shea,  C.  E.  Pearson, 
T.  Baines,  O.  Thomas,  T.  W.  Girdlestone,  and  G.  Gordon. 

Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Albert  Nurseries,  Peckham  Eye,  sent 
a  collection  of  plants,  among  which  Crotons  Hawkeri,  Lady  Zetland, 
Earl  of  Derby,  Queen  Victoria,  Princess  of  Waldeck  ;  Ferns,  Caladiums, 
Dracfenas,  Liliums,  and  Hydrangeas  were  most  conspicuous  (silver 
Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  staged  a  group 
of  miscellaneous  plants.  Amongst  these  were  Palms,  Tuberous  Begonias, 
Caladiums,  and  the  pretty  Saxifraga  sarmentosa  tricolor  superba 
(silver  Flora  medal).  An  award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  Caladium 
Le  Nain  Rouge,  which  is  described  below.  Mrs.  Darwin,  The  Grove, 
Huntingdon  Road,  Cambridge,  sent  a  Tuberous  Begonia  named  Mrs. 
Bourne,  which  attracted  attention.  An  award  of  merit  was  adjudged 
lor  this  variety,  which  is  described  elsewhere. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons  sent  a  very  beautiful  collection  of  double 
tuberous  Begonias  interspersed  with  Ferns,  the  plants  having  been  raised 
from  seed  in  February.  The  invaluable  Octavie  formed  a  line  at  the 
back.  The  varieties  displayed  great  quality  in  respect  to  size  and 
colour  (a  silver  Banksian  medal  was  recommended).  Messrs.  J.  Veitch 
and  Sons  sent  Eetinospora  squarrosa  sulphurea,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana 
versicolor,  four  Gladioli  x  Lemoinei  varieties,  a  charming  basket  of 
single  dwarf  French  Marigolds,  the  beautiful  pale  yellow  Rhododendron 
Sylvia,  Lantana  Drap  d’Or,  Carnation  Celia,  and  Didymocarpus  lacunosa 
(botanical  certificate).  H.  B.  Domaille,  Esq.,  La  Colombelle,  Guernsey, 
sent  a  Carnation  named  La  Villette,  a  yellow  ground  Fancy.  Mr.  P. 
McArthur,  Maida  Vale,  had  a  small  collection  of  Ferns,  foliage  plants, 
and  Orchids  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  F.  Roemer,  Quedlinburg, 
Germany,  had  the  variegated  Hop  Humulus  japonica  variegatus.  Car¬ 
nations  came  from  L.  de  Bunsen,  Esq.,  Mrs.  Wickham,  and  Mr.  F.  Bull, 
Colchester.  The  latter  received  an  award  of  merit  for  Esmeralda. 
(See  below). 

Mr.  H.  Eckford,  Wem,  Salop,  sent  a  fine  collection  of  Sweet  Peas, 
for  which  a  silver  Banksian  medal  was  recommended.  These  were  fresh 
and  highly  coloured,  the  best  being  Novelty,  Firefly,  Senator,  Mrs. 
Gladstone,  Lady  Penzance,  Emily  Eckford  (fine  blue),  Eliza  Eckford, 
and  The  Belle.  Awards  of  merit  were  adjudged  the  two  last  named, 
which  are  described  elsewhere.  Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Sons,  The  Old 
Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  sent  a  collection  of  hardy  flowers,  a  dark  flowered 
Clematis  of  the  Viticella  type  named  “  Kermesana,”  and  a  beautiful 
Campanula  Mariesi,  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded. 
This  is  described  elsewhere.  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall,  Stamford, 
sent  a  splendid  collection  of  cut  Carnations,  tastefully  arranged  in 
bunches  on  moss  with  their  own  foliage.  Bunches  of  Ketton  Rose  were 
much  admired  in  this  contribution.  Other  good  varieties  were  Duchess 
of  Portland,  Winter  Cheer,  Mead’s  Crimson,  and  Rose  of  Rutland 
(bronze  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer  secured  a  first-class 
certificate  for  Spirrna  Anthony  Waterer,  which  is  mentioned  elsewhere. 

Orchid  Committee. — Present :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Dr.  Masters,  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien,  H.  Ballantine,  T.  W.  Bond,  T.  Statter, 
E.  Hill,  H.  M.  Pollett,  and  A.  H.  Smee. 

The  Orchids  were  not  very  numerous,  but  there  were  a  few  for 
the  specialists  to  find  pleasure  in.  Messrs.  Sander  &  Co.  had  a  small 
but  very  pleasing  group  flanked  by  the  new  foliage  plant  Strobilanthes 
Dyerianus.  The  Orchids  included  Cypripedium  Massaiana  (superciliare 
X  Rothschildianum),  the  first  hybrid  yet  flowered  from  the  latter  ; 
C.  Fausianum  (Dauthieri  X  calophyllum  superbum),  C.  hybridum 
Youngianum,  Zygopetalum  (Promensea)  xanthina,  Mormodes  pardinum, 
Aerides  Sanderiana,  Cattleya  Gaskelliana,  C.  granulosa,  and  Dendrobium 
transparens  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  Pitcher  &  Manda  sent  a 
pale  form  of  Sobralia  macrantha  named  Princess  May.  The  sepals  and 
petals  were  nearly  white,  the  lip  a  faint  blush,  and  the  throat  lemon- 
tinted.  They  also  had  Cypripedium  Edwardi,  which  is  described  below. 
Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  had  a  group  of  considerable  beauty,  fringed 
and  interspersed  with  Ferns.  It  included  Platychinis  filiforme,  Anguloa 
Ruckeri  sanguinea,  Cypripedium  robusticum,  C.  Swanianum,  C.  superbum 
DemidofE’s  variety,  Paphinia  cristata  grandis,  and  Pescatorea  Dayana. 

A  silver  Banksian  medal  was  recommended. 

T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Manchester, sent  several  interesting  plants, 
such  as  Laelia  elegans  superbiens,  L.  prasiata,  Cattleya  Rex,  C.  crispa 
superba  (see  below),  Vanda  lamalata,  Cattleya  Rex  Stand  Hall  variety 
(cultural  commendation),  and  Lselia  Amesiana.  Mr.  H.  Denison,  I 


gardener  to  T.  A.  Gledstanes,  Esq.,  Manor  House,  Gunnersbury,  received 
a  cultural  commendation  for  Cattleya  superba  splendens.  Mr.  Billington, 
gardener  to  W.  R.  Lee,  Esq.,  Audenshaw,  Manchester,  sent  Cattleya 
Gaskelliana  Audenshaw  variety  (a  fine  form).  Mr.  Salter,  gardener  to 
T.  B.  Haywood,  Esq.,  Woodhatch  Lodge,  Reigate,  contributed  Miltonia 
vexillaria  Daisy  Haywood,  which  received  a  first-class  certificate  and  is 
described  below.  H.  Tate,  jun..  Esq.,  Allerton,  Liverpool,  had  Cypri¬ 
pedium  Tryonianum  (Harrisianum  x  superbiens,  DemidofE’s  variety), 
and  Cattleya  Hardyana,  Tate’s  variety  (see  below).  Messrs.  W.  L. 
Lewis  &  Co.  were  represented  by  Cattleya  Dowiana  variety  Lewisiana, 
and  C.  gigas  Turnbulliana. 

Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 

Begonia  Mrs.  Bourne  (Mrs.  Darwin). — This  is  a  curious  break  in 
Tuberous  Begonias.  It  is  a  vigorous  growing  variety  with  yellow 
flowers,  the  petals  of  which  have  crimped  edges,  the  sepals  being 
partially  transformed  into  leaves  (award  of  merit). 

Caladium  Le  Nain  Rouge  (J.  Laing  «&  Sons). — A  dwarf-growing 
variety  with  small  red  leaves  flushed  with  green.  For  decorative 
purposes  it  will  be  very  useful  (award  of  merit). 

Campanula  Mariesi  (G.  Paul  &  Son), — This  is  a  charming  Cam¬ 
panula  of  a  dwarf  habit  of  growth.  A  pan  of  it  was  shown,  and  the 
plants  were  from  3  to  6  inches  in  height.  The  flowers  are  about 
3  inches  in  diameter,  and  of  a  brilliant  blue  shade  (first-class 
certificate). 

Cattleya  Hardyana,  Tate's  variety  (H.  Tate,  jun.,  Esq.). — A  very 
fine  form,  of  great  size,  and  rich  in  colour,  the  lip  being  particularly 
prominent.  The  colour  is  rich  maroon  crimson  with  yellow  side  lobes 
(award  of  merit) . 

Carnation  Esmeralda  (Mr.  F.  Bull). — A  yellow  ground  with  slate- 
coloured  flakes,  very  distinct  (award  of  merit). 

Cupressus  maerocarpa  lutea  (Dicksons,  Limited). — A  very  beautiful 
variety,  the  foliage  being  of  a  very  distinct  lurid  yellowish  green  colour 
(first-class  certificate). 

Cypripedmm  Edwardi  (Pitcher  &  Manda). — A  cross  between  C. 
Farrieanum  and  C.  Veitchi.  The  petals  are  the  chief  feature  of  the 
flower  ;  they  are  blunt  and  drooping,  with  greenish-white  lines  of 
chocolate  dots  and  fringed  with  hairs  of  the  same  colour  ;  dorsal  sepal 
greenish  white  with  chocolate  lines  and  flushed  with  rose  towards  the 
edge  (award  of  merit). 

Lcelia  crispa  superha  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — A  very  fine  form,  a  most 
profuse  bloomer,  judging  by  the  specimens,  and  with  large  flowers. 
Sepals  and  petals  pure  white,  lip  rich  purple  (first-class  certificate). 

Melon.  Lee's  Perfection  (F.  Lee,  Esq.) — This  is  a  large,  handsome  white 
flesh,  fruit  sweet  and  juicy  and  of  good  flavour  (award  of  merit). 

Miltonia  vexillaria  Daisy  Haywood  (T.  B.  Haywood,  Esq.). — A 
magnificent  variety,  flowers  of  great  size  and  pure  white,  save  for  the 
central  patch  of  yellow  (first-class  certificate). 

Spiraea  Anthony  Waterer  (Anthony  Waterer). — This  is  a  dwarf¬ 
growing  form  of  S.  Bumalda,  and  the  heads  of  bloom  are  deep  crimson 
(first-class  certificate). 

Sweet  Pea  Eliza  Eckford. — A  beautiful  and  distinct  variety,  with 
white  flowers  tinted  and  flushed  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Sweet  Pea  The  Belle  (H.  Eckford). — A  charming  variety,  with  blush 
flowers  heavily  flushed  with  rosy  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Alpine  Houses  and  Plants. 

At  the  Drill  Hall  on  Tuesday  afternoon  Mr.  H.  Selfe  Leonard  read 
an  admirable  essay  on  the  above  subject,  Mr.  Geo.  Paul  occupying  the 
chair.  The  attendance  was  not  very  large,  but  it  was  evident  that  all 
were  deeply  interested  in  what  was  said  by  the  essayist,  who,  it  needi 
scarcely  be  said,  dealt  with  his  subject  in  a  masterly  manner. 

Mr.  Selfe  Leonard,  at  the  opening,  pointed  out  that  in  his  paper  only 
true  Alpine  plants  would  be  referred  to,  and  not  such  as  had  been 
popularly  called  so,  through  their  dwarf-growing  habit  and  adaptability 
for  planting  in  rock  gardens,  but  having  no  right  whatever  to  the  name, 
which  was  only  truly  applicable  to  such  plants  as  really  grow  on  moun¬ 
tains  in  the  temperate  regions.  From  many  years’  personal  and  close 
study  of  Alpine  plants  the  essayist  had  found  that  some  artificial  pro¬ 
tection  was  essential  to  real  success,  such  protection  to  be  supplementary 
to  the  rock  garden.  It  was  not  frost  which  was  to  be  feared,  for  this,  in 
the  essayist’s  opinion,  was  practically  harmless  to  the  very  large  majority 
of  such  plants  which  were  grown  in  this  country  ;  it  was  the  cold  rains 
of  the  autumn  and  the  cutting  winds  of  the  spring  months  which 
played  such  havoc  amongst  the  more  tender  plants  under  notice. 

To  demonstrate  this  reference  was  made  to  the  well  known 
Alpine  species  of  Primulas,  first-rate  collections  of  which  were,  he 
said,  far  too  seldom  seen.  For  protecting  these  plants  many 
contrivances  were  called  to  the  aid  of  growers,  but  that 
most  generally  used  was  the  ordinary  garden  light  which,  though 
excellent  in  its  way,  had  one  serious  disadvantage,  for  while  keeping  the 
tops  of  the  plants  dry  it  allowed  them  in  rainy  weather  to  become  sodden 
at  the  roots,  through  the  'water  constantly  dripping  off  the  sides  and 
front.  Frames  were  also  largely  used,  but  these  were  very  difficult  to 
adequately  ventilate,  a  point  of  the  utmost  importance  when  the  pro¬ 
tection  of  Alpine  plants  was  under  c  ns’deration.  A  house  specially 
constructed  for  the  purpose  was  recommended.  In  erecting  such  houses 
the  primary  consideration  was  to  provide  an  abundance  of  fresh  air. 
The  houses  which  he  had  found  to  give  the  most  satisfaction  were  built 
with  wooden  sides  and  ends,  almost  flat  entirely  removeable  roofs,  with  a 
stage  running  down  each  side  under  which  were  shutters  which,  except 


July  27,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


79 


in  very  foegy  weather,  were  kept  always  open.  The  houses  were  low 
and  the  stages  built  up  fairly  close  to  the  glass,  as  the  plants  were  not 
adapted  for  placing  on  low  stages  at  a  distance  from  the  roof.  Such 
houses  were  built  north  and  south  and  shaded  by  means  of  a  wash  being 
put  on  the  glass  with  the  aid  of  a  brush. 

Shade  was  necessary  for  some  plants — as,  for  example,  the  Ramondias. 
which,  when  found  growing  in  their  native  habitats,  were  always  shaded. 
As  a  further  shading,  and  when  the  lights  were,  as  was  frequently  the 
case,  entirely  removed,  he  had  canvas  made  to  stretch  the  length  of  the 
house,  and  this  he  had  found  very  necessary  during  such  intensely  hot 
weather  as  had  been  experienced  during  the  past  months.  The  inside 
arrangements  of  such  houses  was  purely  a  matter  of  taste,  some  pre¬ 
ferring  to  have  the  plants  placed  in  a  bed  on  the  stages,  and  others,  of 
whom  he  was  one,  rather  leaning  towards  keeping  them  in  pots,  as 
the  plants  were  more  easily  replaced  when  their  beauty  was  on  the 
wane  ;  and  besides,  the  soil  which  was  known  to  be  most  suited  to  a 


are  depicted  in  the  engraving,  and  these  attracted  some  attention. 
The  bloom  is  medium-sized,  white,  covered  with  bright  crimson  spots. 
The  leaves  are  deep  green,  and  about  3  inches  in  length. 


In  reference  to  your  article  on  a  “New  Lilium”  in  your  issue  of 
the  20th,  kindly  allow  us  to  state  that  we  believe  that  our  exhibit  was 
entered  before  that  of  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  and  that  the  first- 
class  certificate  was  awarded  to  each,  no  distinction  being  made  as 
stated  in  your  article.  The  naming  of  the  Lilium  was  left  to  Mr. 
Baker.  We  have  written  to  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  to  confirm 
our  views,  the  matter  being  considered  at  their  meeting.  We  consider 
you  should  have  illustrated  the  Lilyas  L.  Alexandrae,  which  name  has 
now  been  confirmed  by  Mr.  Baker.  We  are  afraid  that  we  shall  not  be 


Fig.  13— lilium  LOWI. 


plant  could  be  much  more  readily  accorded.  Under  the  stages  a  rockery 
could  be  formed,  and  such,  when  tastefully  and  skilfully  arranged, 
undoubtedly  much  enhanced  the  beauty  of  the  house. 

In  erecting  the  house  in  the  rock  garden  the  existing  formation 
should  receive  consideration  in  order  that  the  house  might  be  placed  in 
such  a  position  as  not  to  become  at  any  time  unsightly,  but  rather  be  an 
interesting  and  an  additional  charm.  In  ventilating  houses  of  Alpine 
plants  near  towns  and  where  fogs  were  at  all  prevalent  it  was,  said  the 
essayist,  advisable  that  all  the  air  admitted  should  be  filtered  through 
wire  gauze,  which  prevented  much  smoke  and  soot  from  finding  a 
resting  place  on  the  occupants  of  the  house. 

After  a  short  discussion  a  hearty  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded  to 
Mr.  Leonard  for  his  paper,  and  the  meeting  closed. 


NEW  LILIUMS. 

A  PLANT  of  Lilium  Lowi,  which  is  shown  in  the  illustration  (fig.  13), 
was  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  at  the  Exhibition 
held  on  July  11th  in  the  Gardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society, 
Chiswick.  It  is  a  very  distinct  and  pretty  Lily,  and  a  first-class 
certificate  was  awarded  for  it.  The  plant  staged  was  about  3  feet  in 
height,  and  growing  in  a  .l-inch  pot.  It  bore  two  flowers  such  as  , 


able  to  forward  you  the  letter  from  the  R.H.S.  in  time  for  this  week’s 
issue,  but  trust  you  will  put  the  matter  right. — Wallace  &  Co. 

[We  stated  that  “a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  in  each 
case.”  Our  artist  sketched  the  flower  of  Messrs.  Veitch’s  plant,  and  we 
naturally  associated  the  name  under  which  it  was  exhibited  with  the 
illustration.  We  also  indicated  that  the  correct  name  had  still  to  be 
determined.  Mr.  Baker  now  gives  it  as  Lilium  japonicum  var. 
Alexandrse,] 


BACTERIAL  DISEASE  IN  TOMATOES. 

Mr.  Lock  (page  49)  has  been  rightly  informed.  I  am  far  from 
being  a  stranger  to  the  disease,  if  disease  it  is,  to  which  he  alludes,  but 
have  so  wholesome  a  dread  of  the  staying  }  owers  of  Mr.  G.  Abbey  that 
I  would  rather  not  cross  swords  with  him  just  yet.  When  I  have 
thoroughly  convinced  myself,  and  am  therefore  in  a  position  to  convince 
others,  that  Mr.  Abbey  has  mistaken  effect  for  cause,  then,  and  not  till 
then,  do  I  intend  to  enter  fully  into  the  subject.  To  all  appearances 
there  is  no  necessity  fer  either  Mr.  Lock  or  other  wholesale  growers  to 
alarm  themselves  as  to  the  work  of  any  known  bacteria  among  either 
Tomatoes  or  Cucumbers. 

If  my  advice  is  taken,  Mr.  Lock,  and  others  who  are  equally 


80 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  27,  1893. 


interested,  will  not  again  invite  a  failure  in  one  way  in  their  attempts  to 
stear  clear  of  another.  Poverty  of  soil  and  insufficiency  of  moisture 
have  much  to  answer  for  this  season.  Why  does  Mr.  Lock  agree  that 
animat  manure  should  be  avoided,  when,  according  to  his  own  showing, 
a  use  of  it  has  been  attended  with  the  best  of  results  ?  I  am  of  opinion 
that  we  have  been  too  sparing  of  solid  manure,  especially  this  year, 
chemical  or  special  manures  being  but  poor  reeds  to  lean  upon  in 
tropical  weather.^ — W.  IgGtXTLDEN. 


SCARLET  RUNNER  BEANS  NOT  SETTING. 

I  SHALL  be  glad  to  know  the  cause  of  Scarlet  Runner  Beans  not 
setting.  I  have  never  known  them  behave  in  the  way  they  are  now 
doing.  I  called  on  my  next  neighbour  (a  market  grower)  to  inquire 
about  his,  and  I  found  them  just  like  my  own.  He  tells  me  the  com¬ 
plaint  is  pretty  general  in  this  neighbourhood.  I  am  well  aware  that 
Beans  fail  to  set  if  they  are  dry  at  the  root,  but  in  my  case  and  also 
that  of  my  neighbour  they  have  not  been  so.  I  was  not  a  little  sur¬ 
prised  to  find  that  they  did  not  respond  to  the  waterings,  as  I  have 
always  been  able  to  procure  Beans  with  the  aid  of  the  water-pot 
in  dry  weather.  I  am  even  more  surprised  now,  as  for  the  past 
fortnight  we  have  had  copious  rain.  I  observe  that  humble  bees  are 
scarce  hereabout  this  season,  and  that  the  blossoms  of  Beans  are  not 
pierced  by  them  as  is  usual.  Is  the  proboscis  of  the  humble  bee 
necessary  to  effect  the  “  pollination”  of  Beans  as  is  the  case  with  some 
Clovers  1  Hive  bees  do  not  work  at  Scarlet  Runners  much.  Informa¬ 
tion  will  be  very  acceptable. — T.  S.,  Bristol, 

[We  shall  be  glad  to  hear  what  correspondents  have  to  say  on  the 
subject.] 


SILENE  PENDULA. 

The  great  beauty  and  effectiveness  of  this  well-known  plant  when 
employed  in  masses  for  spring  bedding  is  invariably  commented  upon  by 
all  who  see  it  in  full  flower.  There  is,  however,  one  objection  frequently 
advanced  against  its  general  use  for  the  above  purpose — viz.,  the  com¬ 
paratively  late  period  at  which  it  flowers,  this  in  many  cases  preventing 
the  planting  of  the  summer  occupants  of  the  beds  filled  with  the  Silene 
at  the  usual  time.  There  is  a  great  amount  of  truth  in  this  objection, 
but  it  is  one  which  may  to  some  extent  be  overcome  by  sowing  the  seed 
early,  and  planting  the  young  plants  in  their  permanent  quarters  some 
time  during  the  following  October.  The  usual  time  recommended  for 
sowing  is  early  in  August.  This  answers  fairly  well  should  the  w'eather 
during  the  following  two  months  prove  favourable  for  promoting  rapid 
growth,  and  if  early  autumn  frosts  are  not  prevalent  ;  but  under 
conditions  the  reverse  of  these  the  plants  do  not  become  strong 
and  well  rooted  in  time  for  early  planting.  This  operation  is  in  conse¬ 
quence  delayed  till  late  in  the  autumn  or  early  in  the  spring,  the 
result  in  either  case  being  that  their  flowering  period  is  unnecessarily 
delayed.  In  order  to  avoid  this  undesirable  state  of  affairs  seed  should 
be  sown  at  once  in  a  sunny  position. 

T  generally  sow  thinly  in  drills  9  inches  apart.  When  the  plants 
are  large  enough  to  handle  they  are  pricked  in  beds,  allowing  4  inches 
of  space  between  each  plant,  and  should  the  weather  prove  dry  they 
are  kept  well  watered  till  established.  The  only  after-treatment  neces¬ 
sary  to  secure  good  plants  by  October  is  to  eradicate  all  weeds  in  a 
young  state,  and  occasionally  stir  the  surface  of  the  soil  with  a  small 
hoe.  Well-rooted  plants  with  good  halls  of  earth  attached  are  thus 
obtained,  which,  having  been  grown  sturdily  from  the  first,  are  able  to 
withstand  the  frost  of  severe  winters,  and  with  the  advent  of  warm 
spring  "weather  start  at  once  into  growth,  and  begin  to  flower  as 
early  as  the  climatic  conditions  of  each  locality  and  season  render 
possible. — H.  Dha’kin. 


CHATSWORTH. 

Whether  Chatsworth  under  the  Chester  rhgime  differs  much  or 
little  from  the  Chatsworth  of  Speed  and  Thomas  must  be  left  for 
deeision  to  those  whose  visits  are  not,  like  my  own,  limited  to  the  first 
figure  of  the  numerical  system,  but  who  have  seen  it  under  its  various 
chiefs.  Probably  so  vast  a  place,  of  which  the  working  arrangements 
must  necessarily  be  in  the  hands  of  permanent  departmental  foremen, 
changes  little  year  by  year,  but  as  to  that  I  can  say  nothing.  My 
reference  to  the  great  Cavendish  demesne  must  be  limited  to  a  few 
impressions  made  while  its  famous  gardens  rest  under  the  charge  of  Mr. 
Chester,  and  as  a  result  of  a  road  journey  thither  in  the  midst  of  the 
terrific  heat  of  late  June  in  the  present  year  of  grace.  To  refer  to  it 
at  all  seems  to  be  repeating  an  oft-told  tale,  but  “other  times,  other 
manners,”  other  minds,  other  thoughts,  and  perchance  some  fresh 
ground  may  be  broken  as  the  result  of  a  pleasant  summer  ramble 
through  some  of  the  loveliest  scenery  in  England — from  smoky  Sheffield 
to  beautiful  Baslow  and  Edensor. 

It  was  my  misfortune  to  arrive  at  Chatsworth  a  few  minutes  after  some 
friends  had  taken  the  head  gardener  under  their  protecting  wings  and 
carried  him  away.  I  had  had  a  foretaste  of  this  sort  of  thing  in  Sheffield 
the  day  before,  when  I  struggled  through  the  sweltering  heat  up  to 
Rough  Bank  in  search  of  Ben  Simonite,  found  that  he  had  moved 
farther  afield  up  Attercliffe  way  ;  sought  him  there,  and  at  length  dis¬ 
covered  his  garden  only  to  learn  that  the  worthy  old  florist  was  out  in 
the  town  somewhere.  A  second  edition  of  this  within  a  few  hours  was 
too  much,  but  there  was  no  help  for  it.  I  was  too  late.  But  fortune 


did  not  altogether  desert  me.  The  plant  foreman,  Mr.  G.  Ridout,  came 
to  the  rescue,  and  proved  to  be  a  capable  and  entertaining  guide.  He 
has  been  at  Chatsworth  more  years  than  some  young  ladies  would  own 
to  having  existed,  loves  it  well,  and  knows  its  every  feature  and  charm. 
Herewith,  at  the  outset,  I  gratefully  acknowledge  his  able  and  patient 
guidance. 

In  the  Bosom  of  the  Hills. 

There  are  many  approaches  to  Chatsworth,  but  it  is  difficult  to 
imagine  one  more  beautiful  than  that  from  Sheffield,  which  takes  the 
traveller  by  Fox  Houses  and  Froggatt  Edge  to  Baslow  and  the  Derwent 
Valley.  The  road  goes  upward  for  many  tedious  and  dusty  miles  from 
the  cutlery  metropolis,  winding  gradually  into  cloudland,  and  then 
there  comes  the  turning  point — the  point  where  the  peaks  tower  up 
around  and  look  on  the  green  depths  far  below.  The  road  winds  round 
the  side  of  the  hills,  downward  now,  downward  for  mile  after  mile 
through  the  bosom  of  the  hills,  with  the  grim  rocks  above  and  the 
smiling  valley  beneath.  The  former  hang  sheer  over  the  road  in  some 
places,  but  there  are  no  waters  to  loosen  their  hold  or  masses  of  snow  to 
bring  them  crashing  down.  The  peaks  glide  by  one  by  one  in  majestic 
array.  To  an  eye  that  has  not  rested  on  the  gleaming  Silberhorn  or  the 
sublime  Jungfrau  they  must  be  of  absorbing  interest,  and  the  temptation 
to  turn  in  the  saddle  and  gaze  on  each  giant  as  it  recedes  into  the  rear 
is  too  strong  to  be  resisted,  even  when  flying  at  breathless  speed  down 
the  winding  hillside,  with  the  dizzy  slope  down  to  the  valley  but  a  few 
feet  away.  It  is  a  picture  not  often  seen,  not  soon  to  be  forgotten.  What 
dreary  grandeur  there  must  be  in  it  in  the  winter  time,  when  the  fierce 
winds  sweep  through  the  valleys  and  the  tors  are  robed  in  their  winding 
sheets.  But  that  is  in  the  past  and  in  the  future,  not  in  the  sunlit, 
gilded  present.  Now  the  great  hills  smile,  and  their  magnificence 
retains  all  its  hold  upon  the  mind  when  at  length  Baslow,  nestling  in  the 
valley,  is  reached,  the  Derwent  crossed,  and  Chatsworth  close  at  hand. 

Is  Chatsvtorth  Beautiful  ? 

I  ask  the  question  in  all  seriousness,  and  with  a  reason.  In  a  book 
from  whieh  I  shall  presently  quote  there  are  references  which  might 
lead  to  the  belief  that  the  pride  of  Derbyshire  is  but  a  poor  apology  for 
a  beautiful  domain — cockneyfied,  artificial,  and  commonplace.  We  who 
have  read  of  it  ehiefly  from  the  gardening  point  of  view  have  surely 
formed  no  such  opinion  as  that.  Have  gardening  writers,  therefore, 
given  us  misleading  impressions  ?  Is  the  reputation  that  it  enjoys,  as 
one  of  the  fairest  spots  of  our  “isle  inviolate,”  false?  Should  we  no 
longer  look  upon  it,  as  we  have  done  for  all  these  years,  as  one  of  the 
foremost  places  in  the  land  ?  Fresh  indeed  would  be  the  ground  broken 
if  I  were  to  study  Chatsworth  from  such  a  standpoint,  and,  setting  at 
defiance  all  established  ideas  of  its  beauty  and  greatness,  proceed  to 
show  that  it  is  vulgar  and  inartistic.  But  no  such  task  is  mine.  I  call 
attention  to  such  a  view  publicly  expressed  with  the  object  of  showing, 
as  I  hope,  that  it  is  inaccurate  and  untenable.  Let  us  read  : — 

A  Criticism  and  a  Defence. 

“  If,”  says  Baddeley’s  “Guide  to  the  Peak  District”  in  its  reference 
to  the  Chatsworth  Gardens,  “  we  once  admit  that  Art  does  not  outstep 
its  provinee  in  entering  into  direct  competition  with  Nature  in  Nature’s 
own  department,  that  there  is  nothing  impertinent  in  the  cockney 
pleasantry  that  a  beautiful  landscape  is  almost  equal  to  the  transforma¬ 
tion  scene  in  a  pantomime,  we  may  derive  unmixed  pleasure  from  the 
Chatsworth  Gardens.”  One  may  be  forgiven  if  he  pauses  and  rubs  his 
eyes  over  such  words  as  these.  Even  while  admiring  the  cleverness  of 
their  construction,  no  one  can  fail  to  recognise  that  a  tremendous 
indictment  is  being  levelled  at  the  place  of  which  a  description  is  being 
given,  and  naturally  seeks  to  ascertain  what  has  prompted  them.  But 
before  proceeding  to  that  the  writer  tells  us  that  Nature  is  gracious  and 
kind.  “  In  some  parts  of  them  ”  (the  gardens),  he  goes  onto  say,  “  Art 
has  almost  become  a  second  Nature,  so  forgiving  a  spirit  has  the  latter 
manifested  in  overgrowing  hand-built  rockeries  with  her  own  green 
livery.”  And  then  we  learn  what  is  the  head  and  front  of  the  offend¬ 
ing.  There  is  a  long  cascade  in  the  grounds  near  the  house — a  made 
cascade,  a  cascade  such  as  that  in  the  grounds  of  the  Crystal  Palace, 
with  broad  stages  of  stone,  each  a  yard  or  so  below  the  other,  so  that  the 
water  when  “  on  ”  may  go  plunging  down,  making  a  series  of  miniature 
falls.  This  grievous  thing  appears  to  have  had  a  large  share  in  exercis¬ 
ing  the  soul  of  the  Guide  writer,  and  the  evil  work  was  furthered  by  a 
tree  of  copper,  so  cunningly  contrived  that  the  turning  of  a  tap  in  a 
quiet  corner  near  causes  water  to  gush  from  its  stems,  and  squirt  around 
on  unwary  visitors  like  a  Californian  “  sprinkler  ”  on  a  bed  of  Radishes. 
Well,  the  tree  is  an  absurd  fancy  of  course,  and  the  cascade  artificial  and 
indefensible;  butadmittingboth,  whatisto  be  saidof  the  person  to  whose 
mind  these  things  constitute  the  gardens  of  Chatsworth?  Vain,  it 
would  seem,  are  the  thousands  of  magnificent  Conifers,  rearing  their  tall 
spires  to  the  clouds,  the  flower  bordered  lakes,  the  huge,  the  gorgeous 
masses  of  Rhododendrons  clothing  the  hillsides,  the  banks  of  wild 
Roses,  the  Fern-filled  dells.  All  that  makes  what  to  visitors  who  know 
and  love  beautiful  gardens  is  a  dream  and  a  delight  must  be  blotted  out 
to  leave  room  for  a  paltry  satire,  founded  chiefly  on  a  stone  cascade  and 
a  eopper  tree  1  To  absurdity  so  sublime,  to  ignorance  so  colossal,  as 
are  evidenced  in  the  description  of  Chatsworth  Gardens  from  which  I 
have  quoted,  it  would  surely  be  futile  to  suggest  that  these  are  but  weak 
fragments  of  a  great,  a  powerful,  a  magnificent  whole. 

The  Victoria  House. 

Were  it  only  for  the  Victoria  house,  Chatsworth  would  be  well  worth 
a  visit.  There  is  something  in  its  very  originality  which  strikes  one. 


July  27,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


81 


and  its  breadth  and  boldness  of  treatment  fit  the  place.  Older  and 
more  travelled  horticnlturists  than  myself  have  perhaps  met  its  counter¬ 
part,  but  to  me  it  had  all  the  charm  and  delight  of  something  that  is  at 
once  strikingly  beautiful  and  entirely  fresh.  The  greater  part  of  it  is 
occupied  by  the  central  basin,  and  in  the  middle  of  that  was  a  plant  of 
the  famed  Victoria  regia  with  half  a  dozen  leaves  6  feet  across.  It  had 
started  from  a  small  plant  put  out  in  April,  about  two  months  before  I 
saw  it.  This  will  give  an  idea  of  the  rapidity  of  its  growth.  It  was  not 
in  bloom,  but  other  beautiful  aquatics  were.  The  lovely  Nymphsa 
Devoniana,  with  its  bronzy  leaves  and  brilliant  carmine  flowers,  and 
the  pale  blue  N.  Daubenyana,  were  two  of  the  most  beautiful,  but  the 
ivory-hued  N.  dentata,  and  the  pale  lemon  odorata  sulphurea,  with  its 
rich  orange  centre,  were  also  greatly  admired .  Wheels  turned  by  the 
water  flowing  from  taps  above  them  keep  the  whole  volume  in 
motion.  Coleuses,  large  and  small,  splendidly  coloured,  line  the  top 
of  the  wall,  but  immeasurably  the  most  striking  objects  in  the 
house,  apart  from  the  Victoria,  are  the  superb  baskets  of  Achimenes 
suspended  in  the  air,  as  may  be  seen  on  reference  to  the  engraving 
fig.  Id.  The  largest  are  4  feet  high  and  the  same  through,  living 
masses  of  the  richest  colours.  Nelumbium  speciosum  is  largely 
represented  in  one  of  the  side  basins.  The  plants  trained  up  the 
sides  are  not  passed  by  without  admiration.  Gloriosa  superba  is  in 
such  condition  as  to  richly  merit  its  name.  Thunbergias  are  producing 
showers  of  blossom,  and  a  less  familiar  plant  in  Stigmaphyllon  ciliatum 
exhibits  rare  beauty. 

The  Fehit  Houses. 

These,  like  the  Victoria  house  and  several  plant  structures,  are  in 
the  kitchen  garden,  which  is  some  distance  from  the  mansion  and  its 
grounds.  A  grand  house  of  Pines,  in  which  Queen  and  Smooth  Cayenne 
are  largely  represented,  is  sufficient  evidence  that  these  noble  but 
tortoise-like  fruits  have  not  been  abandoned,  as  is  the  case  in  so  many 
places.  Cucumbers  are  grown  on  an  enormous  scale,  and  the  last  of 
the  batches  of  forced  Strawberries,  which  collectively  would  number 
from  2000  to  3000,  was  seen.  Amongst  the  vineries  is  an  old  structure 
on  the  ridge  and  furrow  system  built  in  Sir  Joseph  Paxton’s  time.  The 
Vines,  which  are  planted  outside,  still  yield  good  bunches.  There  are 
four  houses  of  Frankenthal  alone,  which  was  the  late  Duke’s  favourite 
Grape,  and  in  his  preference  for  it  he  displayed,  as  in  so  many  other 
things,  good  sense  and  taste.  That  the  Vines  have  sound  material  on 
which  to  feed,  and  good  management  to  enable  them  to  make  the  most 
of  it,  is  proved  by  a  house  of  Hamburghs  four  years  old  and  another  of 
Foster’s  Seedling  three  years  old.  Both  have  splendid  foliage,  and  the 
latter  in  particular  have  made  wonderful  growth.  There  is  a  grand  crop 
of  Muscats  in  another  large  house.  The  Peach  houses  are,  for  the  most 
part,  very  wide  structures.  One  old  flue-heated  house  40  yards  long 
was  once  filled  with  a  single  tree.  They  are  full  of  fruit,  the  trees 
being  models  of  good  training,  health,  cleanliness,  and  cropping.  It 
would  be  almost  invidious  to  single  out  any  varieties  for  special  men¬ 
tion,  but  Goshawk  and  Koyal  George  deserve  it.  Figs  are  splendidly 
grown,  and  so  are  Melons.  There  is  a  house  of  young  plants  of  the 
latter,  such  as  is  very  rarely  to  be  met  with.  Hero  of  Lockinge,  Wm. 
Tillery,  Blenheim  Orange,  Bead’s  Scarlet  Flesh,  and  The  Countess  are 
all  largely  represented. 

The  Plant  Houses. 

What  may  be  termed  the  show  houses  for  plants  are  in  the  grounds 
near  the  mansion,  but  the  nursery  is  in  the  kitchen  garden.  A  thousand 
Chrysanthemums  are  here  grown  for  cut  flowers,  and  double  Primulas 
are  also  in  strong  force.  Streptocarpuses  of  the  excellent  Veitchian 
strain  are  turned  to  a  good  use,  being  grown  in  3-inch  pots  and  employed 
as  edgings.  With  a  pinch  of  Clay’s  fertiliser  now  and  then  by  way  of  a 
stimulant  they  flower  beautifully.  I  was  much  struck  with  a  Justiceous 
plant,  Crossandra  infundibuliformis,  which  I  had  not  previously  seen. 
It  has  large  double  flowers  bearing  a  strong  likeness  to  those  of  a  Zinnia, 
salmon  in  colour,  and  lanceolate  leaves.  It  had  been  in  bloom  for  two 
months  at  the  time  of  my  call,  and  is  unquestionably  a  very  useful  plant 
worth  growing  in  many  other  places.  The  Chatsworth  foreman  spoke 
highly  of  it.  I  must  pass  over  the  other  plants  in  the  nursery  depart¬ 
ment  to  say  a  word  or  two  about  those  near  the  house.  There  is  an 
excellent  collection  of  Orchids,  the  Vandas  in  particular  being  extremely 
fine,  quite  reminding  one  of  the  magnificent  plants  of  Messrs.  B.  S. 
Williams  &  Son,  and  Mr.  Measures  of  Camberwell,  which  is  as  high  praise 
as  could  be  given.  There  are  also  some  splendid  pieces  of  the  beautiful 
Thunia  Marshalli,  and  a  very  fine  collection  of  Calanthes,  Cypripediums, 
and  Cattleyas.  Angrsecum  eburneum,  too,  is  well  represented.  A  good 
assortment  of  Heaths  provides  a  source  of  interest  to  lovers  of  hard- 
wooded  plants.  It  would  be  impossible  to  refer  individually  to  all  the 
plants  that  are  well  grown,  but  Eucharises  call  for  a  special  reference, 
as  do  Tuberoses,  which  are  splendidly  flowered  in  4-inch  pots.  Of  table 
plants  there  is  a  grand  collection.  The  Camellia  house,  with  its  huge 
plants,  20  feet  high,  must  be  a  wonderful  sight  when  its  giants  are 
smothered  with  flowers.  What  is  termed  the  Portland  Walk  is  a  beau¬ 
tiful  promenade  by  the  side  of  a  lofty  wall  covered  with  a  glass  case. 
It  must  be  quite  150  yards  long,  and  the  whole  of  the  wall  is  covered 
with  climbers  and  creepers,  such  as  Fuchsias,  Tea  Roses,  Abutilons, 
Veronica  Andersoni,  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums. 

The  Geeat  Conseevatoet. 

The  critical  Guide  writer’s  description  of  the  conservatory  can  hardly 
be  called  comprehensive,  but  it  is  decidedly  quaint.  “  It  is,”  he  says, 
“  nearly  300  feet  long,  120  feet  wide,  and  60  feet  high.  In  it  the  rarest 


exotics,  from  the  Fan  Palm,  gaunt  and  heavy  topped,  to  the  Maidenhair 
Fern,  the  most  beautiful  thing  in  the  building,  find  a  congenial  home. 
There  is  one  Cactus-like  plant — the  American  Aloe — which  is  fabled  to 
take  100  years  to  flower,  and  then  to  die.”  That  is  all.  This  lucid 
description  is  interesting  from  the  information  given  as  to  the  dimen¬ 
sions  of  the  great  structure.  It  is  truly  a  wonderful  building,  but  as  it 
is  now  undergoing  complete  repair  I  did  not  see  it  at  its  best.  It  con¬ 
tains  a  remarkable  collection  of  plants,  amongst  them  being  the  blue 
Adamia  cyanea,  huge  Cinnamons,  Theophrasta  imperialis,  with  its  fine 
broad  leaf  ;  Inga  pulcherrima,  a  Sensitive  Plant  ;  Cibotium  princeps 
25  feet  high,  Heritiera  macrophylla.  Begonia  fuchsiodes  20  feet  high, 
Dasylirion  acrotrichum  9  feet  high,  growing  luxuriantly  close  to  a  pool ; 
grand  pieces  of  Platycerium  alcicorne.  Bamboos,  Yuccas,  a  splendid 
collection  of  Cacti,  including  some  beautiful  seedlings  ;  Corypha 
australis  65  feet  high,  the  top  of  which  has  been  through  the  roof  ; 
C.  umbellifera,  60  feet ;  Encephalartos  Kaffira  (the  Kaffir  Palm),  of 


FIG.  14.— A  BASKET  OP  ACHIMENES. 


which  there  are  two  noble  plants  ;  Monstera  deliciosa  fruiting  well  ; 
Renanthera  coccinea  18  feet  high,  and  with  four  spikes  of  its  rich  red 
flowers  ;  and  a  gigantic  Seaforthia  elegans  60  feet  high  in  seed.  Other 
objects  of  admiration  are  the  basket  Ferns,  the  many  beautiful  pools, 
the  almost  precipitous  walls  of  stones  and  Ferns,  the  cases  of  Filmies, 
the  Bananas  (from  one  of  which  a  72  lb.  cluster  has  been  cut),  and  the 
Tree  Fern  stems  spangled  over  with  the  beautiful  berries  of  Nertera 
depressa,  which  spread  over  the  moss  that  covers  the  stem  when  planted 
and  now  produce  a  beautiful  effect. 

The  Flowee  and  Wild  Gaedens. 

I  need  only  make  a  passing  reference  to  the  Italian  or  west  front 
garden  near  the  mansion,  with  its  conspicuous  masses  of  pink  China 
Roses  and  golden  Yews,  or  to  the  French  garden  near  the  Portland  Walk, 
with  its  Moss  Roses,  Pinks,  Violas,  and  other  flowers,  but  the  grounds 
and  wild  garden  call  for  fuller  notice.  From  the  lake,  with  its  famous 
fountain,  which  when  in  full  swing  uses  1000  gallons  of  water  a  minute, 
grand  views  can  be  obtained.  The  surrounding  country  presents  a 
beautiful  picture,  the  white  waters  of  the  Weir  flash  in  the  sunlight,  and 
Edensor  Church  may  be  seen  nestling  among  the  trees.  Splendid  Beeches 
dot  the  rising  ground  near  the  conservatory,  and  wild  Roses  clothe  the 
banks.  At  one  point  there  is  a  precipitous  wall  40  feet  high,  from  the 
face  of  which  near  the  summit  water  gushes.  Moss  and  Ivy  mantling 
the  stones.  Paths  wind  up  to  higher  ground,  where  huge  breadths  of 
Rhododendrons  flourish.  Sheffielders  tell  me  that  in  spring  they  make 


82 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  27,  183S. 


pilgrimages  to  see  the  wondrous  sight  when  the  broad  masses  are  in 
bloom,  and  that  their  beauty  is  indescribable.  I  can  well  believe  it,  for 
my  mind  recalls  the  extraordinary  picture  in  the  late  Mr.  McIntosh’s 
garden  at  VVeybridge,  where  there  could  not  have  been  a  third  of  the 
plants  which  clothe  the  hillsides  at  Chatsworth.  Beautiful  salmon- 
coloured  masses  of  Ghent  Azaleas  also  arrest  attention,  and  here  and 
there  a  pause  has  to  be  made  to  admire  a  noble  Conifer.  A  splendid 
Pinus  nobilis  60  feet  high  overhangs  a  lake,  and  not  far  away  are  a 
grand  pair  of  Abies  orientalis  30  to  40  feet  high.  A  wonderful  specimen 
•of  A.  Douglasi,  which  had  an  altitude  of  nearly  70  feet,  has  unfortunately 
been  torn  by  the  wind.  A.  Nordmanniana,  30  feet  high,  is  very  beautiful 
in  the  tender  hue  of  its  young  growths.  Cryptomeria  japonica  is 
splendidly  represented,  as  are  Araucarias, 'Firs,  Larches,  and  Austrian 
Pines.  The  lake  referred  to  with  its  dotting  of  yellow  Irises  and  border 
of  Willow  Herbs  and  yellow  Broom  is  a  beautiful  picture. 

In  the  trees,  shrubs  and  flowers,  in  the  banks,  glades  and  dells,  there 
is  a  diversity  of  beauty  and  interest  which  no  pen  could  describe.  It  is 
not  a  tree,  but  a  thousand  trees,  not  rods,  but  acres  of  wild  garden  and 
woodland  with  their  countless  numbers  of  shrubs,  ferns  and  flowers 
which  have  to  be  seen  before  the  mind  can  form  a  conception  of  the 
beauties  and  glories  of  Chatsworth.  My  pleasure  in  the  visit  was  shared 
by  hundreds  of  excursionists  from  Sheffield,  Manchester,  and  other  places, 
and  I  am  told  there  is  a  similar  influx  every  day.  I  turn  from  an 
imperfectly  fulfilled  task  with  the  sense  that  this  noble  place  must 
exercise  powerful  influences  for  good  in  opening  up  conceptions  of  the 
beautiful  to  thousands  of  toilers  to  whom  the  joys  of  gardening  are, 
from  circumstances  beyond  their  control,  forbidden. — W.  P.  W. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

TRENTHAM. — July  20th. 

When  it  is  considered  that  the  annual  exhibitions  held  in  the 
Ducal  Grounds  of  Trentham  are  the  outcome  of  the  local  Cottage 
Garden  Society  we  are  foreibly  reminded  of  the  truth  of  the  axiom  that 
“  Great  results  from  little  causes  spring.”  The  first  attempt  at  extension, 
a  very  few  years  ago,  was  prompted  by  a  desire  to  provide  more 
attractive  features  than  a  cottagers’  show  could  afford,  and  the  results 
have  exceeded  the  most  sanguine  anticipations.  But  while  the  general 
exhibitions  of  high  class  produce  in  the  form  of  the  artistic  arrange¬ 
ments  of  plants,  great  displays  of  Roses  and  other  cut  flowers,  and  superior 
fruit  have  attained  national  fame,  the  original  object  of  the  society  has 
not  been  lost  sight  of,  and  the  greatest  number  of  classes  are  still  to  be 
found  in  the  amateurs’  and  cottagers’  portion  of  the  schedule.  Moreover, 
the  prizes  offered  in  these  classes  considerably  exceed  the  average  value 
of  the  majority  that  are  provided  in  shows  of  this  nature.  This  is  tery 
satisfactory,  and  it  is  also  gratifying  to  observe  that  the  competition  in 
these  classes  increases  and  improves  from  year  to  year.  The  society  is 
therefore  accomplishing  the  object  it  was  established  to  promote — better 
tilled  gardens  and  more  attractive  home  surroundings  in  the  district. 

Geoups  of  Plants. 

With  that  reference  to  what  may  be  termed  the  foundation  of  the 
Show,  we  pass  to  the  general  exhibits  as  being  of  wide  general  interest. 
It  may  be  premised  that  no  prizes  are  offered  for  large  specimen  plants 
at  Trentham,  but  instead  special  attention  is  devoted  to  groups.  For 
these  the  prizes  offered  exceed  those  in  a  similar  class  at  any  show  in 
the  kingdom,  and  as  a  consequence  the  competition  is  the  best  that  can 
be  produced.  Perhaps  nothing  could  better  indicate  the  superiority  of 
the  groups  that  were  arranged  last  week  than  the  fact  of  the  formidable 
Mr.  Cypher  being  placed  in  the  third  position,  and  surely  never  before 
did  such  a  beautiful  arrangement  fail  to  win  a  higher  place.  Still,  the 
prize  was  not  small.  The  first  prize  provided  in  this  300  feet  space 
arrangement  was  £20  with  a  “special,”  value  £10  10s.,  added  ;  second 
prize,  £20;  third,  £13  ;  fourth,  £9  ;  or  a  total  of  no  less  than  £70  10s. 
in  this  one  class.  That  is  the  way  to  secure  the  highest  competition, 
and  the  groups  arranged  were  worth  a  long  journey  to  see. 

The  fortunate  winners  of  those  prizes  were  the  Duke  of  St.  Albans 
(gardener,  Mr.  J.  Edmonds),  first  ;  J.  H.  Manners  Sutton,  Esq. 
(gardener,  Mr.  Webb),  second  ;  Mr.  Cypher  third  ;  and  C.  H.  Wright, 
Esq.  (gardener,  Mr.  Roberts),  fourth.  The  character  of  the  groups  may 
be  briefly  referred  to,  anything  like  a  detailed  description  of  them  being 
out  of  the  question.  The  space  appeared  to  have  been  set  out  in 
squares.  Mr.  Edmonds  occupied  his  with  a  magnificent  Kentia  as  a 
central  plant,  elevated  on  a  mound  of  Ferns,  from  which  sprung,  with 
telling  effect,  noble  scarlet  heads  of  Hsemanthus.  There  were  some 
eight  or  nine  smaller  mounds,  in  some  of  which  single-stemmed,  well 
grown,  and  highly  coloured  Crotons  commanded  attention  ;  in  others 
were  graceful  Palms,  and  in  one  a  beautiful  plant  of  Dracaena  indivisa 
Yariegata.  At  the  base  of  these  elevated  plants  were  Ferns  interspersed 
with  flowers,  such  as  Begonias,  a  few  Orchids,  and  Francoas,  but  this 
was  lightly  done,  while  Caladium  argyrites  and  variegated  Grasses 
were  placed  here  and  there  in  the  miniature  dells  between  the  eleva¬ 
tions.  Richness,  with  freedom,  was  the  prevailing  characteristic  of  the 
group  ;  but  if  it  had  a  fault  it  was  just  a  little  overdone,  but  still  a 
beautiful  arrangement,  or  it  would  not  have  won  its  high  position  at  the 
hands  of  such  Judges  as  Messrs.  Bruce  Findlay,  F.  Sander,  and  John 
Wills. 

Mr.  Webb’s  arrangement  was  similar  in  character,  and  he  ran  his 
rival  closely.  He  formed  a  bold  mound  right  in  the  foreground, 
surmounted  by  a  noble  Palm,  and  had  smaller  mounds  near  the  corners 
occupied  with  handsome  foliage  plants,  including  splendid  Crotons  ; 


scarlet  Anthuriums,  and  other  flowers,  associated  with  Ferns,  Panicums, 
and  Caladiums,  enlivened  the  group,  which  was  undoubtedly  a  good  one, 
but  the  background  perhaps  a  little  weak.  Mr.  Webb  must  be  regarded 
as  a  formidable  competitor  in  classes  of  this  nature. 

Mr.  Cypher’s  group  was  wholly  different.  It  was  composed  of  a 
clear  groundwork  of  moss  with  a  large  central  and  smaller  front  mounds 
of  Orchids  arranged  round  a  Palm  in  each  case.  There  was  plenty  of 
space  between  the  mounds,  in  which  a  pair  ol  Tiger  Lilies  were  effective  : 
but  the  group  was  undoubtedly  weakened  by  small  patches  of  blue 
Lobelias,  and  the  linking  of  the  front  mounds  by  a  formal  chain  of 
Caladium  argyrites  did  not  strengthen  the  arrangement.  The  back¬ 
ground  was  composed  of  Hydrangea  paniculata.  Crotons,  and  slender 
Bamboos — too  light  for  the  position,  and  not  a  sufficient  foil  to  the 
plants  in  the  foreground.  Formalism  is  a  cardinal  fault  in  arranging 
plants  for  effect  in  the  eyes  of  most  experienced  judges. 

Mr.  Roberts’  group  in  the  class  under  notice  was  similar  in  style  to 
the  first  and  second  prize  arrangements,  but  rather  too  many  plants 
were  employed,  and  the  leading  features  did  not  stand  out  so  clearly  as 
is  desirable,  though  the  group  was  superior  to  many  that  have  w’on  first 
honours  at  many  shows.  In  the  local  group  class  the  chief  prize  was 
won  by  J.  P.  Maddock,  Esq.  (Mr.  G.  H.  Smith,  gardener),  a  background 
of  well  grown  specimen  plants,  with  a  free  undulated  arrangement  in 
front — and  altogether  a  creditable  display.  The  whole  of  the  groups 
made  a  show  in  themselves  of  great  attractiveness  to  the  crowds  of 
visitors. 

Feuit  and  Vegetables. 

Not  less  important  and  meritorious  was  the  display  of  fruit,  and 
nothing  approaching  it  in  extent  and  quality  had  been  se«n  at  any 
show  of  the  season.  The  prizes  were  good — £10,  £6,  and  £3  being 
offered  for  nine  dishes,  and  £6,  £3,  and  £2  for  six  dishes,  also  similar 
amounts  for  four  bunches  of  Grapes,  while  sufficient  inducements  were 
provided  to  bring  plenty  of  entries  in  the  smaller  classes.  The  numbers 
show  this  clearly,  and  the  list  is  worth  giving.  In  the  nine  dish  class 
there  were  seven  entries  ;  for  six  dishes,  nine  ;  for  four  bunches  of 
Grapes,  fourteen  ;  for  three  bunches  of  Black  Hamburghs,  twenty-one  ; 
for  three  of  any  other  black  Grape,  seventeen ;  for  three  Muscats, 
eleven  ;  for  three  of  any  other  white  Grape,  sixteen  ;  for  a  green  flesh 
Melon,  twenty ;  scarlet  flesh,  seventeen ;  Peaches  and  Nectarines, 
fourteen  each  ;  and  Cherries,  ten  entries.  A  sufficient  foundation  it  will 
be  admitted  for  a  fine  show,  and  a  fine  show  it  was,  though,  of  course, 
all  the  fruit  brought  was  not  staged,  and  the  Committee  will  have  to 
consider  the  desirability  of  providing  more  prizes  in  these  classes. 

In  the  large  class  for  nine  dishes,  including  three  bunches  each  of 
black  and  white  Grapes,  a  Melon,  and  a  Pine,  Mr.  J.  Mclndoe,  The 
Gardens,  Hutton  Hall,  was  first  with  a  splendid  collection,  fine  Muscat 
and  good  Gros  Maroc  Grapes,  excellent  Bellegarde  Peaches,  Humboldt 
Nectarines,  Negro  Largo  Figs,  Souvenir  du  Congres  Pears,  and  a  fine 
cluster  of  well  ripened  Bananas.  This  collection  was  also  granted  a 
valuable  pedestal  and  vase  offered  for  the  “  most  meritorious  exhibit  in 
the  Show,”  and  Mr.  Mclndoe  went  home  happy.  Mr.  J.  Goodacre  was 
second  in  this  class,  his  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  and  Elruge  Nectarines 
being  very  good  indeed.  Mr.  Dawes,  Temple  Newsam,  third  with  well- 
grown  produce. 

In  the  class  for  six  dishes  Mr.  G.  Reynolds,  Gunnersbury  Park,  had 
the  honour  of  placing  Mr.  Mclndoe  in  the  second  position,  sufficient 
proof  that  Messrs.  Rothschild’s  fruit  was  of  high  merit.  The  Muscat 
and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  were  particularly  good,  and  a  fine  Melon 
had  much  weight.  Mr.  Edmonds  followed,  but  not  far  distant,  with 
excellent  fruit. 

Mr.  Crawford,  gardener  to  J.  Grant  Morris,  Esq.,  secured  the  premier 
position  with  four  bunches  of  Grapes  in  two  distinct  kinds  with  superior 
examples  of  Madresfield  Court  and  Black  Hamburghs.  Mr.  Alsopp, 
gardener  to  Lord  Hotham,  was  a  close  second  with  finely  finished 
Muscats  and  Buckland  Sweetwater;  third,  Mr.  J.  Wilkes,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Meaken,  Cresswell  Hall,  the  Hamburghs  being  finely  finished.  For 
three  bunches  of  Black  Hamburghs  the  prizes  went  in  order  to  Mr,  J.  G. 
Morris,  Mr.  J.  Roberts  (Gunnersbury),  and  Rev.  Bulkeley  Owen,  all 
staging  admirable  examples  of  culture.  In  the  any  other  black  class, 
Mr.  A.  G.  Young  (Tanybryn,  North  Wales)  well  won  the  first  place  with 
grand  full  bunches  of  Muscat  Hamburghs  (also  awarded  a  special  for 
the  best  three  bunches  of  Grapes  in  the  Show),  Mr.  Grant  Morris 
second,  and  Mr.  J.  Edmonds  third,  both  with  Madresfield  Court  in 
admirable  condition.  In  the  Muscat  class  Mr.  Alsopp  was  clearly  first, 
Mr.  N.  C.  Curyan  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Hudson  third.  Both  bunches  and 
berries  were  very  good  in  this  class,  but  the  date  evidently  too  early 
for  general  high  finish.  In  the  any  other  white  class  Mr.  Alsopp  again 
took  the  lead  with  remarkably  fine  Buekland  Sweetwater,  Mr.  Banner- 
man  following  with  good  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  Lord  Carnarvon’s 
gardener  being  third  with  Bucklands.  The  special  prizes  offered  by 
Messrs.  W.  Innes  &  Co.  for  three  bunches  of  any  variety  grown  with 
“Fertilitas”  were  won  first  by  Mr.  W.  Elphinstone,  Shipley  Hall 
Gardens,  with  noble  specimens  of  Cannon  Hall.  Second,  the  Earl  of 
Shrewsbury,  with  Madresfield  Court ;  third,  N.  C.  Curzon,  Esq ,  with 
Black  Hamburghs.  It  may  be  added  that  Mr.  Elphinstone  cut  thirty 
similar  bunches  of  Cannon  Hall  at  the  same  time  from  one  Vine  with 
three  rods—a  noteworthy  achievement,  if  not  unparalleled,  in  a  gentle¬ 
man's  garden.  Mr.  Miller  Mundy  should  be  proud  of  his  Vine.  The 
display  of  Grapes  in  the  above  classes  was  magnificent,  and  dozens  of 
exhibits  not  in  the  charmed  circle  would  have  been  well  within  it  at 
most  shows  held  during  the  present  year. 

In  the  green  fieshed  Melon  class  Mr.  Gcodacre  was  first  with  the 


July  2r,  1393.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


83 


<Jountes5,  and  Mr.  Wilkes  was  first  in  the  scarlet  flesh  class.  The  names  of 
the  other  prizewinning  varieties  could  not  be  obtained.  The  best  Peaches 
were  shown  by  Mr.  G-ilman,  Violette  Ilative,  and  the  best  Nectarines 
from  Bretly  Park.  Further  details  not  procurable  in  the  crowied  tent, 
and  a  mere  list  of  prizewinners  without  varieties  is  of  small  interest. 

Roses  and  Special  Exhibits. 

Mr.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Theodore  Guest,  was  the  most  success¬ 
ful  exhibitor  of  vegetables  for  Messrs.  Taylor’s,  Sutton’s,  and  Webb’s 
prizes,  one  of  his  collections  winning  the  medal  for  the  best  example  of 
good  culture  in  the  Show.  Mr.  J.  Waite  closely  followed  in  most 
of  the  classes  wdth  excellent  produce. 

Roses  were  undoubtedly  the  centre  of  attraction  in  the  cut-flower 
department,  and  considering  the  season  the  display  was  remarkable. 
In  the  class  for  forty-eight  blooms,  distinct,  Messrs.  Harkness  were 
first  with  A.  K.  Williams,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Mrs.  John  Laing, 
Madame  Hausman,  A.  Rigotard,  Marie  Baumann,  Madame  E.  Verdier, 
Chas.  Lefebvre,  J.  S.  Mill,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Fisher  Holmes,  Exposition 
de  Brie,  Horace  Vernet,  Eclair,  Madame  Chas.  Crapelet,  Duchess  of 
Bedford,  Edouard  Andre,  and  Countess  of  Rosebery  as  the  leading 
blooms.  H.  Merryweather  second  with  very  bright  blooms,  those  most 
noteworthy  being  Ulrich  Brunner,  Sir  G.  Wolseley,  F.  Holmes,  Thomas 
Mills,  Gloire  de  Margottin,  Pierre  Netting,  Her  Majesty,  Souvenir  d’Elise, 
Horace  Vernet.  Messrs.  R.  Mack  &  Sons,  Catterick,  third. 

With  thirty-six  distinct  blooms  Messrs.  Harkness  were  again  first, 
winning  the  National  Rose  Society’s  gold  medal.  Best  varieties.  —  Mrs. 
J.  Laing,  A.  K.  Williams,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Charles  Lefebvre,  Marie 
Rady,  Duchesse  de  Morny,  Alfred  Colomb,  Etienne  Levet,  Senateur 
Vaisse,  J.  S.  Mill,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Madame  Hausmann,  Horace 
Vernet,  S.  M.  Rhodocanachi,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  The  Bride,  Earl  of 
Dufferin,  Duke  of  Teck,  E.  Hausberg,  and  B.  Y.  Teas.  Messrs. 
Jas.  Cocker  &  Sons,  Aberdeen,  second.  Her  Majesty,  Caroline  Kuster, 
A.  Soupert,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  and  Margaret  Dickson 
being  very  good.  Third  Messrs.  Mack  &  Sons.  Twenty-four  distinct, 
three  blooms  each,  first  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  the  best  triplets 
being  Alfred  Colomb,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Duke  of  .Edinburgh,  H.  Vernet, 
Queen  of  Queens,  Harrison  Weir,  Fisher  Holmes,  Pride  of  Waltham, 
Prince  Arthur,  A.  K.  Williams,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Chas.  Lefebvre,  Countess 
of  Rosebery.  Second  Mr.  H.  Merryweather,  the  best  blooms  being 
Gustave  Piganeau,  A.  K.  Williams,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Catherine  Mermet, 
La  France,  Ulrich  Brunner.  Third  Messrs.  Mack  &  Sons. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  single  dark  velvety  Roses  Mr.  H.  Frettingham, 
Beeston,  was  first  with  Pierre  Netting,  Messrs.  Harkness  second  with 
Reynolds  Hole,  and  Messrs.  D.  &  W.  Croll,  Dundee,  with  Prince  Arthur. 
Not  a  good  class.  Twelve  blooms  light  Roses  (much  better),  first 
Messrs.  D.  &  W.  Croll,  second  Messrs.  Harkness,  third  Messrs.  Perkins 
and  Sons,  Coventry,  all  staging  Mrs.  John  Laing.  Twelve  Roses,  any 
colour,  first  Messrs.  Harkness,  Alfred  Colomb,  fine  ;  second  Messrs. 
Croll,  M.  Baumann,  good  ;  third  Messrs.  Mack  &  Sons,  A.  K.  Williams. 

Eighteen  Teas  and  Noisettes,  first  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons,  Aberdeen, 
with  Princess  of  Wales,  F.  Kruger,  Rubens,  Ethel  Brownlow,  Madame 
Hole,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami,  Madame  Lambard,  The  Bride,  Comtesse  de 
Nadaillac,  S.  A.  Prince,  Cleopatra,  Souvenir  d’Elise,  Madame  Cusin, 
Madame  Bravy,  and  Innocente  Pirola.  Second  Messrs.  Croll,  Dundee. 
Third  Mr.  Merryweather.  Twelve  distinct  Teas  or  Noisettes,  three 
blooms  each,  first  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons,  Aberdeen,  with  Rubens, 
Cleopatra,  S.  A.  Prince,  The  Bride,  Hon.  E.  Gifford,  Madame  Lambard, 
very  good.  Second  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons.  Third  Messrs.  Croll. 

Other  cut  flowers  in  competition  must  perforce  be  passed  with  the 
remark  that  Messrs.  Jenkinson  Sons,  Newcastle,  Staffordshire, 
exhibited  splendid  bouquets,  defeating  Messrs.  Perkins  in  all  the  classes 
— a  notable  feat. 

Silver  medals  were  awarded  for  special  exhibits — namely,  Messrs. 
Birkenhead,  Cutbush,  Laing  &  Mather,  Dobbie  &  Sons,  Hewitt  &  Co., 
Smith  (Worcester)  and  Edmunds  (Nottingham)  for  their  specialties.  A 
bronze  medal  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Pearson  &  Sons,  Chilwell,  for  a 
richly  coloured  Gloxinia,  and  a  first  class  certificate  and  silver  Banksian 
medal  to  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.  for  their  distinct  new  plant  with  large 
blue  tinted  leaves,  Strobilanthus  Dyerianus. 

We  are  glad  to  learn  that  though  several  thousands  of  persons,  by  kind 
permission  of  the  Duke  of  Sutherland,  passed  through  the  Trentham 
grounds  not  the  slightest  damage  was  done  to  anything.  Improvements 
are  visible  everywhere.  The  Duchess,  as  is  well  known,  is  a  great  lover 
of  flowers,  and  the  gardens  of  Trentham  may  be  expected  to  become 
still  more  famed  for  their  interest  and  beauty. 

PRESCOT.— JULY  20th. 

The  ninth  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Prescot  Horticultural  Society 
was  held  on  Thursday  in  Knowsley  Park.  Charming  weather  prevailed, 
and  there  were  close  upon  200  entries  more  than  last  year.  A  most 
effective  circular  group  of  plants  was  arranged  by  Mr.  J.  Bounds, 
gardener  toA.L.  Jones,  Esq.,  Oaklands,  Aigburth,  and  this  exhibitor  was 
awarded  first  prize  ;  the  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  R.  Pinnington, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow  House,  Roby.  The  leading  prize  for  a 
group  60  square  feet,  went  to  Mr.  H.  McFall,  gardener  to  E.  C.  Leventon, 
Esq.,  Oakfield,  Roby. 

For  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  there  was  a  close  run  between 
Messrs.  Bounds  and  Pinnington,  the  Judges  deciding  in  favour  of  the 
former.  For  Fuchsias,  and  Zonal  Geraniums,  Mr.  Leith,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Ihler,  staged  wonderful  examples,  the  Ivy-leaved  Geraniums  being  7  feet 
high,  and  the  Fuchsias  were  not  formally  trained,  although  9  feet  high. 
The  prize  for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  Ferns  went  to  Mr.  R.  Pinnington  for 


fine  specimens.  Double  and  single  Begonias  were  admirable,  both  prizes 
being  taken  by  Mr.  .T.  Humphreys,  gardener  to  E.  S.  Eccles,  Esq.,  The 
Oichard,  Huy  ton.  The  prizes  for  Gloxinias,  Cockscombs,  and  Liliums  went 
to  Messrs.  Learmont,  McFall,  and  T.  Eaton,  gardener  to  J.  Parrington, 
Esq.,  Roby  Mount.  For  Petunias  and  Coleus  Mr.  W.  Gibbs,  gardener  to 
G.  T.  Gripper,  Esq.,  Roby,  was  successful.  Roses  call  for  little  comment. 
James  Berry,  Esq.,  Prescot,  took  honours  for  eighteen,  and  was  second 
in  twelve,  the  first  being  taken  by  Mr.  W.  Wharton,  gardener  to 
J.  Royston,  Esq.,  The  Orchard,  Huyton.  In  classes  for  Pansies, 
collections  of  cut  flowers  outdoors,  double  and  single  Dahlias,  bouquets, 
»ix  Roses  in  pots,  and  model  garden,  the  following  were  successful — 
Messrs.  Pownall,  Eaton,  Humphreys,  Bounds,  and  Donnelly. 

Fruit  was  well  shown,  Mr.  W.  Oldham,  gardener  to  J.  Beecham,  Esq., 
Ewanville,  Huyton,  taking  first  for  four  dishes  of  fruit,  with  Buckland 
Sweetwater  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Gros  Mignonne  Peaches,  and 
Scarlet  Premier  Melons,  Mr.  Eaton  and  Mr.  Pinnington  being  excellent 
second  and  third.  The  prizes  for  two  bunches  Black  Hamburgh,  two 
any  other  black,  and  dish  of  Nectarines  went  to  Mr.  J.  Barker,  gardener 
to  J.  W.  Raynes,  Esq.,  Rock  Ferry,  for  perfect  samples  of  Madresfield 
Court  and  Pineapple.  For  two  bunches  of  Muscats,  and  two  bunches 
of  any  other  white,  Mr.  E.  Blythian,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Baxter,  The 
Towers,  Rainhill,  was  a  good  first,  Mr.  Oldham  being  second.  For 
Melons,  Peaches,  Cherries,  Black,  Red,  and  White  Currants,  Raspberries, 
Gooseberries,  and  Apples,  the  following  secured  the  awards — Messrs. 
Ferguson,  Eaton,  Tyrer,  W.  A.  Allan,  Barker,  Gibbs,  Cook,  Aindow, 
Hughes,  and  Bounds.  Vegetables  were  grandly  shown,  the  first  for 
collection  of  twelve  varieties  being  taken  by  Mr.  J.  Case,  whilst  Mr. 
R.  Pinnington  took  that  offered  by  Mr.  H.  Middlehurst,  seedsman, 
Manchester  Street,  Liverpool.  Mr.  Jno.  Young,  the  President,  and  Mr. 
Robert  Rigby,  the  courteous  Secretary,  and  Committee  are  worthy  of 
every  commendation  for  the  hard  work  they  performed. 

HUYTON  AND  ROBY. 

The  first  Exhibition  of  this  newly  formed  Society  was  held  last 
week  in  a  field  adjoining  the  new  Local  Board  offices,  and  more  than 
realised  the  expectations  of  the  Committee  and  visitors  alike.  Over 
£80  had  been  offered  in  prizes  for  groups  fruit,  plants,  and  vegetables, 
besides  a  fine  silver  challenge  cup  to  be  w'on  two  years  in  succession,  or 
three  times  in  all,  for  twenty-four  cut  Roses  in  eighteen  varieties,  and 
which  was  presented  by  the  Vice-President,  W.  H.  Crook,  Esq.,  Huyton. 
There  were  also  special  prizes  for  original  paintings  of  flowers, 
epergnes,  and  bouquets.  Of  the  quality  of  the  exhibits  there  was  not 
a  fault  to  be  found.  Space  will  not  permit  of  a  full  account  of  the 
exhibits.  Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow  House, 
Roby,  took  first  prizes  for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  six  stove  and 
greenhouse  Ferns,  two  Palms,  Peaches,  and  Nectarines,  and  four  dishes 
of  Potatoes  ;  second  for  one  Orchid,  a  greenhouse  plant  in  bloom,  three 
Coleus,  collection  of  four  dishes  of  fruit,  and  six  stove  and  greenhouse 
cut  flowers. 

Mr.  Baton,  gardener  to  John  Parrington,  Esq.,  Roby  Mount,  secured 
prizes  for  four  dishes  of  fruit,  single  greenhouse  Fern,  two  bunches 
Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  and  second  for  Liliums,  Begonias,  Peaches 
and  Nectarines.  Mr.  W.  Lyon,  gardener  to  A.  M.  Smith,  Esq.,  Bolton 
Hey,  Roby,  gained  awards  for  one  Orchid,  six  stove  and  greenhouse  cut 
flowers,  a  very  pretty  group  7  feet  in  diameter,  and  for  table  plants. 
Mr.  McFall,  gardener  to  E,  C.  Leventen,  Esq.,  Oakfield,  Roby,  also  was 
awarded  prizes  for  eight  varieties  of  vegetables,  six  table  plants,  two 
Palms,  and  four  stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  Mr.  Rattray,  gardener  to 
G.  G.  Musson,  Esq.,  the  President  of  the  Show,  won  with  Begonias,  and 
was  second  for  a  group  of  plants  and  for  the  twenty-four  Roses  ;  the 
challenge  cup  being  won  by  Mr.  W.  Wharton,  gardener  to  J.  Royston, 
Esq.,  Huyton,  with  a  good  collection  well  arranged. 

The  prizes  for  an  epergne  went  to  Miss  Crook,  with  a  charming 
arrangement  of  Iceland  Poppies  and  light  Grasses  ;  whilst  for  the  paint¬ 
ing  Miss  Maggie  Fishwick,  The  Orchard,  Huyton,  had  a  charming 
upright  panel  of  Irises  and  Lilium  candidum  ;  Miss  Kate  Harding, 
Rydal  House,  Huyton,  being  granted  an  award  of  merit  for  a  beautiful 
painting  representing  a  wickerwork  basket  filled  with  Bourbon  Roses, 
with  blue  china  vase  in  background.  Nurserymen  made  a  splendid 
exhibit.  Messrs.  Middlehurst  with  herbaceous  cut  flowers  and 
Gladiolus  ;  Ker  &  Sons,  Aigburth,  with  new  and  rare  plants  ;  and  C.  A. 
Young,  F.R.H.S.,  West  Derby,  for  Carnations  and  Picotees. — R.  P.  R. 

BEDFORD. — July  20th. 

Under  most  unfortunate  circumstances  has  this  Show  been  held 
during  the  last  five  consecutive  years,  rain  falling  each  year  during  the 
greater  part  of  the  day.  Thursday  last  proved  no  exception  to  the 
proverbial  wet  Bedford  Flower  Show  day,  rain  commencing  by  seven 
o’clock  with  a  most  leaden  sky,  and  old  prophets  predicted  a  wet  day. 
Fortunately,  however,  by  eleven  o’clock  things  brightened,  and  the  sun 
appeared  to  gladden  the  hearts  of  Secretary  and  Committee,  who  have 
been  working  a  practically  insolvent  concern.  With  a  band  contest  as 
an  extra  draw  things  promised  to  go  off  better  than  could  have  been 
expected  earlier  in  the  day,  and  the  afternoon  and  evening  holding  fine, 
although  threatening,  enough  money  was  taken  to  pay  expenses. 

Reverting  to  the  Show  proper,  all  were  agreed  that  considering  the 
remarkable  season  and  the  lateness  of  the  Show  for  Roses  and  herbaceous 
flowers,  it  was  a  very  creditable  one  indeed.  The  exhibits  were  good, 
although  not  in  such  great  numbers  as  in  former  years.  In  the  open 
class  for  Roses,  forty-eight  distinct,  Messrs.  G.  k.  W.  H.  Burch,  Peter¬ 
borough,  proved  the  victors  in  a  class  of  five  competitors  with  clean  and 


84 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  £7,  1893. 


bright,  although  small,  blooms.  Messrs.  D.  Prior  &  Sons  proved  a  close 
second,  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,Cheshunt,  third.  In  the  open  eighteen  Teas, 
Dr.  Budd,  Bath,  was  first  ;  D.  Prior  &  Son,  Colchester,  second  ;  Rev. 
W.  H.  Jackson,  Stagsden,  Bedford,  third.  In  amateur  classes,  for  twenty- 
four  Boses,  distinct,  open,  Dr.  Budd  was  again  to  the  front,  with  Mr. 
E.  B.  Lindsell  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Parker,  Hitchin,  third.  In  the  class 
for  twelve  Teas  and  Noisettes,  distinct,  Dr.  Budd  was  first.  Rev.  Jackson, 
Stagsden  Vicarage,  Bedford,  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Parker  third. 
For  twelve  Roses,  distinct.  Miss  E.  Druton,  Stevenage,  was  first,  Mr.  G. 
Monies,  Hitchin,  second,  and  Mr.  \V.  0.  Times,  Hitchin,  third. 

In  the  open  class  for  thirty-six  hardy  herbaceous  there  were  two 
very  strong  exhibits,  Messrs.  Paul  «fc  Son,  Cheshunt,  first,  Laxton  Bros. 
Bedford,  a  close  second.  In  the  class,  Messrs.  Sutton’s  prizes  for  the  best 
collection  of  vegetables,  open  to  amateurs  and  gardeners,  Mr.  Empson, 
The  Gardens,  Ampthill  House,  was  first  with  a  good  stand,  Mr.  G.  Wood- 
hams  second,  and  Mr,  G.  Robinson,  gardener  to  F.  Howard,  Esq., 
third.  The  exhibits  in  the  amateur  and  gentlemen’s  gardeners’  classes 
in  most  cases  were  very  creditable  indeed,  and  although  there  was  in 
some  classes  but  one  exhibit,  the  Judges,  owing  to  the  quality,  in  most 
cases  awarded  first  prizes. 

The  cottagers’  class  was  not  up  to  the  usual  high  standard,  no  doubt 
owing  to  the  season ;  neither  was  the  market  gardeners’  class  nor  the 
class  for  table  decorations  as  good  as  they  ought  to  have  been,  but  the 
hard-working  and  energetic  Secretary,  Mr.  J.  S.  Verey,  and  his  Com¬ 
mittee  are  to  be  congratulated  on  the  success  of  the  Show  under 
depressing  financial  circumstances,  and  we  wish  them  better  success  in 
the  future. 

NEWCASTLE. — July  20th,  21st,  and  22nd. 

The  sixty-ninth  Exhibition  of  the  Durham,  Northumberland,  and 
Newcastle-on-Tyne  Incorporated  Botanical  and  Horticultural  Society 
was  held  on  the  above  dates  in  conjunction  with  the  Northumberland 
Agricultural  Society.  This  arrangement  has  proved  very  advantageous 
in  the  Society’s  interests,  and  the  results  financially  have  been  of  a  most 
satisfactory  character.  The  Exhibition  was  held  in  three  large  marquees 
in  the  Recreation  Ground,  North  Road.  This  is  most  suitable  for  an 
Exhibition  of  that  character,  and  it  would  be  well  that  if  in  future  the 
Shows  were  always  held  here. 

We  have  on  many  former  occasions  seen  a  greater  number  of  exhibits. 
Although  lacking  in  that  respect,  the  quality  was  exceptionally  good, 
and  the  Judges  declared  the  Roses  of  Messrs.  Harkness,  Bedale,  the  best 
and  largest  they  had  seen  this  year.  Plants  were  also  well  shown,  espe¬ 
cially  the  flowering  stove  plants,  those  staged  by  Mr.  Letts  falling  in  for 
a  great  share  of  admiration  ;  his  Dipladenia  amabilis  was  a  true  specimen 
of  the  plantsman  handicraft.  It  was  covered  to  the  bottom  of  the  trellis 
with  blooms  so  rich  in  colour.  It  has  often  been  reverted  to  in  these 
columns  the  advantage  it  would  be  to  the  Society  if  they  were  to  give 
prizes  for  groups  of  plants  same  as  of  yore.  The  much  better  arrange¬ 
ment  and  artistic  effects  produced  in  grouping  plants  together  have 
recently  been  highly  developed,  and  to  which  all  those  who  visited  the 
York  Gala  can  bear  testimony.  Had  it  not  been  for  the  excellent 
exhibits  shown  by  the  local  nurserymen  the  Show  would  have  been  far 
from  so  attractive  as  it  was,  which  in  some  way  compensated  for  the 
group  of  plants  that  were  formerly  one  of  the  salient  points  of  the 
Exhibition. 

Plants.  —  The  plants  were  very  fine,  and  occupied  one  of  the 
tents.  For  six  plants  in  bloom  in  the  open  class  Mr.  E.  H,  Letts, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Zetland,  Aske  Hall,  was  first  with  Dipladenia 
amabilis  and  boliviensis,  both  superbly  flowered,  and  the  former  in 
addition  an  excellent  colour ;  Anthurium  Scherzerianum  (Shuttle- 
worth’s  variety),  Allamandas  nobilis  and  Wardleana,  Erica  Aitoniana, 
also  well  flowered.  The  first  prize  was  £10  and  the  Royal  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society’s  medal.  Mr.  W.  J.  Morris,  Felling,  was  second 
with  some  grand  plants  of  Ixoras,  Stephanotis  floribunda,  and  Statice 
profusa.  Mr.  D.  Wylam,  Shankhouse,  Cramlington,  was  third  with 
Statice  Batcherianum,  Clerodendron  Balfourianum,  and  Anthurium 
Schertzerianum.  In  the  corresponding  class  for  six  stove  and  green¬ 
house  plants  Mr.  F.  Nicholas,  gardener  to  Marquis  of  Zetland, 
Upleatham,  was  first  with  Stephanotis  floribunda.  Erica  Austiniana 
ampullacea,  Allamanda  nobilis,  Statice  profusa,  and  Dipladenia 
boliviensis.  Mr.  D.  Wylam  was  second  with  small  plants,  including 
Stephanotis  and  Clerodendron  fallax.  For  eight  foliage  plants  Mr. 
E.  H.  Letts  was  also  first  with  Cycas  circinalis,  Croton  angustifolius, 
Cycas  revoluta,  Kentia  Fosteriana,  Crotons  Queen  Victoria  and  angusti¬ 
folius,  and  Chamaerops  Fortunei.  Mr,  J.  Smith,  gardener  to  Theo. 
Lange,  Esq.,  Heathfield  House,  Gateshead,  was  second  with  Zamia 
Lehteni,  a  fine  glaucous  appearance,  Kentia  Fosteriana,  Sabal  Black- 
manni,  Phoenix  sylvestris,  Croton  Victoria,  and  Dicksonia  antarctica. 
For  six  foliage  plants  Mr.  F.  Nicholas  was  first,  including  good  examples 
of  Croton  angustifolius,  Dasylirion  acrotrichum,  Cycas  circinalis,  Croton 
Johannis,  and  Dicksonia  antarctica. 

For  six  exotic  Ferns  Mr.  F,  Nicholas  was  also  first  with  fine  plants 
of  Davallia  fijiensis  plumosa,  Gleichenia  Mendelli,  Sadleria  cyathoides, 
Leucostegia  immersa,  Lomaria  zamisefolia,  Davallia  tenuifolia  Veitchi- 
ana,  the  latter  very  graceful.  This  stand  was  fresh  and  beautiful. 
Mr.  J.  McIntyre  was  second  with  Adiantum  concinnum  latum, 
a  fine  Davallia,  Gleichenia  Mendelli,  Microlepia  hirta  cristata,  Adiantum 
farleyense,  and  Davallia  Mooreana.  In  the  corresponding  six  Ferns 
in  the  gardeners’  class  Mr.  J.  McIntyre,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Gurney  Pease, 
Woodside,  Darlington,  was  first  ;  and  Mr.  D.  Wylam  second. 

Cut  Flowers  and  Table  Decorations, — Table  decorations  and  cut 
flowers  always  prove  an  attractive  feature  at  this  Exhibition.  For  table 


plants  Mr.  Mclndoe,  gardener  to  Sir  Jos.  Pease,  Hutton  HalL 
Guisboro’,  was  first.  For  theepergne  of  cut  flowers  for  drawing  room,  six 
competitors  staged.  Mrs.  J.  Morris,  Felling,  was  a  good  first  with 
a  charming  and  graceful  arrangement,  each  tier  of  the  stand  was 
made  less  in  good  proportions.  Liliums,  Dipladenias,  Pancratiums, 
Allamandas,  and  other  choice  flowers  were  all  used  effectively.  Six 
epergnes  were  staged  and  had  a  very  pleasing  effect  on  the  table. 
Baskets  of  cut  flowers  were  also  well  arranged.  Mr.  P.  Robertson, 
Mossend  Nurseries,  Helensburgh  was  first.  The  flowers  were  choice 
and  nicely  twined  round  the  basket.  They  were  Pancratiums,  Odonto- 
glossum  grande.  Carnation  Duchess  of  Fife,  and  Dendrobium  Paxtoni. 
Mr.  P.  Robertson  was  also  first  with  the  bridal  bouquet,  which  was  not 
too  formal,  not  too  large,  and  contained  the  usual  white  flowers.  Miss  J. 
Jennings,  Green  Market,  Newcastle,  was  first  for  hand  bouquet.  The 
ladies’  spray  was  a  choice  combination.  Mr.  J.  Battensby,  Swalwell, 
was  first  with  Roses  in  bud  and  Cattleya  amethystoglossa  on  Rose  foliage 
and  Adiantum  gracillimum.  Mr.  P.  Robertson  was  second  with  Odonto- 
glossum  grande  on  Asparagus  plumosum  nana.  In  the  corresponding 
class  Miss  Edmondson,  Clayton  Road,  Newcastle,  was  first  for  an 
epergne,  and  also  first  for  a  basket  of  cut  flowers.  Mr.  T.  Battensby,  Hagg 
Hill,  Blaydon,  was  first  for  a  bridal  bouquet,  and  Miss  Edmondson 
first  for  a  hand  bouquet. 

For  forty-eight  Roses,  dissimilar,  £6  and  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Banksian  medal  are  given  for  first,  and  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son,  Bedale, 
Yorks,  won  the  leading  prize  with  what  was  considered,  for  the  season, 
exceptionally  fine  blooms  both  in  colour  and  size.  The  best  flowers 
were  D  ie  de  Rohan,  Mdme.  J.  Laing,  Earl  Dufferin,  Mdme.  Hausmann, 
Marechal  Niel,  Duchess  of  Fife,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  and  Francisca 
Kruger.  Messrs.  D.  &  W.  Crall,  nurserymen,  Dundee,  were  second,  their 
best  blooms  being  Margaret  Dickson,  Captain  Christy,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami, 
Innocente  Pirola,  the  Bride,  La  France,  1889  (a  dark  Rose),  Senateur 
Vaisse,  Etienne  Levet,  Countess  of  Bedford,  and  Earl  Dufferin.  Messrs. 
Mack  &  Son,  Catterick,  were  third  for  thirty-six  Roses,  and  Messrs. 
Harkness  were  also  first  with  similar  varieties  to  those  shown  in  their 
forty-eight  stand,  followed  by  Messrs.  Croll  and  Mack  respectively.  For 
twelve  yellow  Roses  Mr.  D.  Robertson  was  first  with  Francisca  Kruger, 
and  for  twelve  Roses,  any  variety,  Mr.  H.  May,  Hope  Nurseries,  Bedale, 
Yorks,  was  first  with  fine  blooms  of  Alfred  Colomb. 

For  forty-eight  bunches  of  hardy  herbaceous  and  border  flowers 
correctly  named,  Messrs.  Harkness  were  first  ;  Mr.  T.  Battensby  was 
second.  For  twenty-four  Show  Pansies  Mr.  J.  Proudlock,  Bates  Cottages, 
Backworth,  was  first  with  an  extraordinary  fine  stand,  which  was  very 
much  commended.  For  twenty-four  Fancy  Pansies  Mr.  A.  Bailey,  jun., 
Sunderland,  was  first.  Mr,  F.  Nicholas  was  first  for  two  bunches  of  cut 
flowers  from  stove  or  greenbou;e  plants.  For  Carnations  and  Picotees 
Mr.  F.  Cowdy  was  well  first  with  very  large  blooms,  which  were  greatly 
admired. 

Fruit. — For  a  collection  of  fruit,  eight  dishes,  distinct,  black  and 
white  Grapes  allowed  as  separate  dishes,  Mr.  J.  Mclndoe  was  first  with 
good  Black  Hamburgh  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  faultless  in 
colour,  Bellegarde  Peaches,  Beurrd  Superfin  Pears,  some  good  Apples, 
Pitmaston  Nectarines,  and  a  very  fine  Melon.  Mr.  J.  Hunter,  gardener 
to  Earl  of  Durham,  Lambton  Castle,  was  second  with  excellent  Black 
Hamburgh  and  Duchess  of  Buccleuch  Grapes,  Early  Mignonne  Peaches, 
Jefferson  Apples,  &c.  Collection  of  four  dishes.  Pines  excluded,  Messrs. 
Hunter  and  Mclndoe  reversed  positions.  Mr.  Hunter  had  Black  Ham¬ 
burgh  and  Duchess  of  Buccleuch  Grapes  (very  fine).  Royal  George 
Peaches,  and  Emperor  Alexander  Apples.  Mr.  Mclndoe  had  Black 
Hamburgh  Grapes,  Noblesse  Peaches,  Beurrd  Superfin  Pears.  Mr, 
McIntyre  was  third. 

For  four  bunches  of  Grapes,  not  less  than  two  varieties,  the  Society 
offer  £3  and  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  bronze  medal.  Mr.  J. 
Hunter  was  first.  The  Black  Hamburghs  were  finely  finished  and 
faultless  in  colour,  so  were  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Mr.  J.  Mclndoe 
was  second  with  Gros  Colman  and  Madresfield  Court.  Mr.  W.  Stewart 
was  third  ;  seven  stands  were  staged.  For  two  bunches  of  Muscats 
(white),  Mr.  J.  Mclndoe  was  again  first,  the  bunches  were  about  3  lbs. 
weight,  well  shaped,  and  the  berries  all  regular ;  there  were  no 
vacancies  in  the  bunches  whatever.  Mr.  W.  Stewart,  gardener  to  Sir 
Wilfrid  Lawson,  Brayton  Manor,  was  first  for  two  bunches  of  Buckland 
Sweetwater,  and  two  excellent  bunches  they  were.  Mr.  J.  Atkinson, 
gardener  to  Sir  Edward  Blacket,  Matfen  Hall,  was  first  for  two  Black 
Hamburgh  bunches,  nine  dishes  were  staged.  For  two  bunches  any 
other  variety  Mr.  Mclndoe  was  again  first  with  Gros  Maroc. 

Mr.  Stewart  was  first  for  a  scarlet-fleshed  Melon.  Mr.  J.  M'Donald, 
gardener  to  A.  E.  Burdon,  Esq.,  Hartford  House,  was  first  for  Peaches, 
For  Nectarines,  Mr.  Geo.  Marr,  gardener  to  J.  Delacoart,  Esq.,  Thorney- 
holme  Gardens,  Clitheroe,  was  first  with  Blruge.  This  is  a  young  exhi¬ 
bitor,  and  he,  it  is  to  be  opined,  will  compete  again  at  Newcastle.  Figs, 
Cherries,  Strawberries,  and  Tomatoes  were  also  shown,  Messrs.  J.  Hunter, 
J.  Mclndoe,  T.  Battensby,  and  J.  Punton,  being  the  respective  winners. 
The  Committee  may  be  congratulated  on  their  arrangements,  and  the 
cultural  and  financial  success  of  the  Show.  Mr.  J.  Hood,  jun.,  must  not 
be  forgotten  for  the  admirable  way  the  plants  were  staged,  and  Mr.  J. 
Gillespie,  jun.,  for  his  untiring  courtesy  and  urbanity. 

The  following  nurserymen  contributed  excellent  stands  of  plants, 
which  formed  one  of  the  great  attractions  of  the  Exhibition  : — Messrs. 
Joseph  Robson  &  Sons,  Hexham,  Coniferae,  Roses,  and  Japanese  Maples. 
Messrs.  Little  &  Ballantyne,  Carlisle,  Musa  Cavendishi  fruiting  in  a 
10-inch  pot,  general  foliage  plants,  which  made  a  most  effective  display. 
Messrs.  Kent  &  Brydon,  Darlington,  a  general  collection  of  stove 


July  27,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


86 


and  greenhouse  plants.  Mr.  Ed.  Jennings,  Palms  and  greenhouse  plants. 
Messrs.  Edwards  of  Nottingham  their  rustic  pots.  Mr.  John  Forbes, 
Hawick,  Violas  and  herbaceous  plants,  also  Carnations,  a  Mrs.  Granston 
a  pure  white,  good  strong  habit.  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rotbesay,  Violas 
and  herbaceous  plants,  and  named  Sweet  Peas.  Messrs.  Gunn 
and  Co.,  Sunderland,  garden  seeds.  Messrs.  Wm.  Fell  &  Co.,  Wentworth 
Nurseries,  Hexham,  splendid  specimen  Coniferae,  well  adapted  for 
decorations  on  a  large  scale.  Mr.  John  Hood,  jun.,  100,  Elswick 
Road,  Newcastle,  their  patent  bracket  flask  in  terra-cotta,  suitable  for 
either  flowers.  Ferns,  and  table  decoration.  Most  of  these  stands 
enumerated  received  medals  from  the  Society  for  the  excellence  of  their 
exhibits. — Beenakd  Cowan,  F.R.H.S. 

EARL’S  COURT.— July  26th. 

This  Show  should  have  been  largely  made  up  of  Carnations,  but  the 
season  somewhat  upset  the  arrangements.  There  was,  however,  a  fair 
number  of  these  flowers,  more,  probably,  than  most  persons  expected, 
and  the  quality  throughout  was  very  good.  So  far  as  the  principal 
classes  were  concerned  the  result  corresponded  with  that  at  some  of  the 
leading  Rose  shows,  a  northern  exhibitor  coming  southward  and  carry¬ 
ing  away  the  chief  prizes.  He  fairly  defeated  such  sterling  growers  as 
Messrs.  Turner  and  Douglas,  but  neither  of  these  was  able  to  show  as 
well  as  usual  at  this  time  of  year,  and  another  season  the  victorious 
northerner  may  not  find  them  so  easily  overthrown.  The  Carnations 
were  supplemented  by  some  splendid  collections  of  hardy  flowers  and 
excellent  fruit,  the  collective  display  was  a  good  one.  The  Grapes 
were  particularly  noteworthy.  The  competition  with  them  was  very 
lively,  and  there  was  hardly  an  inferior  bunch  in  the  whole  number 
shown.  Black  Hamburgh  and  Gros  Maroc  were  splendidly  repre¬ 
sented. 

There  were  two  stands  of  twenty-four  Carnations,  the  first  prize 
going  to  an  exhibitor  whose  name  is  not  very  familiar  in  the  south — 
Mr.  E.  Shaw,  Moston,  Manchester.  His  flowers  were  somewhat  small, 
but  very  smooth  and  fresh.  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  Edenside  Gardens,  Great 
Bookham  was  second  with  larger  but  somewhat  rougher  flowers.  There 
w’ere  also  two  stands  of  twelve,  but  they  were  far  from  good,  and  only 
the  second  prize  was  awarded,  this  going  to  Mr.  Chaundy,  Oxford.  Mr. 
Chas.  Turner  had  a  very  beautiful  stand  of  twenty-four  yellow  grounds, 
and  defeated  Mr.  Douglas  somewhat  easily.  Mr.  Chaundy  was  the  only 
exhibitor  of  twelve,  and  was  placed  first  for  a  very  neat  box.  The 
Slough  grower  won  again  with  twenty-four  seifs  and  fancies,  having 
good  blooms  of  high-class  varieties.  Mr.  Chaundy  was  second,  and  Mr. 
Douglas  third.  Mr.  Shaw  was  not  opposed  with  twelve,  and  received 
the  first  prize  for  a  very  good  box.  The  Manchester  grower  secured 
another  highly  creditable  victory  with  twenty-four  Picotees,  having  very 
clean,  smooth,  fresh,  and  well  filled  blooms.  Mr.  Turner  was  second,  and 
Mr.  Douglas  third.  The  only  stand  of  twelve  was  that  from  Mr.  Chaundy, 
and  the  third  prize  represented  its  merits.  Mr.  Sage  won  with  border 
Carnations  ;  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  second.  Mr.  Turner  was 
first,  Mr.  Douglas  second,  and  Mr.  Sage  third  with  seifs,  Mr.  Douglas’s 
variety,  a  new  one  named  Crimson  King,  receiving  a  first-class  certificate. 
Mr.  C.  B.  Cole  had  a  beautifully  arranged  vase,  and  was  placed  first, 
Mr.  N.  H.  Cole  being  second,  Messrs.  G.  Walton  and  J.  Douglas  equal 
third.  Mr.  Turner  received  a  certificate  for  a  bright  scarlet  self  named 
Mrs.  Apstey  Smith, 

Fruit  was  a  very  good  display,  particularly  the  Grapes.  Five 
competed  with  three  varieties,  two  bunches  of  each,  and  all  had  good 
clusters.  Mr.  Osman,  Ottershaw  Park  Gardens,  Chertsey,  won  with 
fine  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh,  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  Muscat  of 
Alexandria.  Mr.  Tidy,  gardener  to  W.  K.  D’Arcy,  Esq.,  Stanmore  Hall, 
Great  Stanmore,  was  second  with  Gros  Maroc  splendidly  coloured, 
Foster’s  Seedling,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria ;  and  Mr.  W.  Messenger, 
gardener  to  C.  H.  Berners,  Esq.,  Woolverstone  Park,  Ipswich,  was  third 
with  Golden  Queen,  Gros  Maroc,  and  Black  Hamburgh.  Nine  competed 
with  three  bunches  of  black  Grapes,  the  first  prize  going  to  Mr.  Friend, 
gardener  to  the  Hon.  P.  C.  Glyn,  Rooks  Nest,  Godstone,  for  Black  Ham¬ 
burgh  finely  berried  ;  the  second  to  Mr.  Messenger  for  the  same  variety, 
larger  bunches  but  smaller  berries,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  Osman,  who  also 
had  Black  Hamburgh.  There  were  four  stands  of  three  whites,  Mr. 
W.  H.  Lees,  Trent  Park  Gardens,  New  Barnet,  winning  with  very  large 
clusters  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Mr.  Tidy  being  second,  and  Mr.  Howe, 
gardener  to  H.  Tate,  Esq.,  Streatham,  third,  with  the  same  variety.  The 
best  of  eight  dishes  of  Apricots  came  from  Mr.  Lees.  The  variety  was 
Moor  Park,  and  the  fruit  very  fine.  Mr.  Messenger  was  second,  and 
Mr.  Maxim,  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Miss  Shaw  Lefevre  third.  The  prizes 
for  Peaches  went  to  Messrs.  Maxim,  W.  H.  Lees,  and  Messenger,  in  the 
order  of  their  names,  the  fruit  being  excellent.  Mr.  Tidy  was  first,  Mr. 
G.  H.  Sage,  Ham  House  Gardens  second,  and  Mr.  Wallis,  gardener  to 
R.  Sneyd,  Esq.,  third  with  Plums,  the  first  named  having  a  grand  dish 
of  Jefferson’s.  The  prizes  for  Apples  and  Pears  went  to  Messrs.  Grindrod, 
J.  C.  Mundell,  J.  Friend,  T.  A.  Hester,  and  A.  Maxim. 

The  competing  exhibits  of  hardy  flowers  made  a  brilliant  display. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  had  a  splendid  collection  of  twenty-four, 
winning  from  Messrs.  Sage  and  Such,  who  also  showed  well.  Mr.  Sage 
won  with  twelve  bunches,  Messrs.  Newell  and  Wythes  following.  The 
prizes  for  Sweet  Peas  went  to  Messrs.  Newell,  Eckford,  Elphinstone,  and 
Sage. 

The  miscellaneous  exhibits  comprised  quite  half  the  show,  and  for 
several  displays  medals  were  awarded,  but  they  had  not  been  announced 
when  our  reporter  left.  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son  occupied  almost  the  whole 
of  one  side  of  the  tent  with  a  beautiful  display  of  hardy  flowers. 


amongst  which  were  Hyacinthus  candicans,  perennial  Phloxes,  Liliums, 
Delphiniums,  Statices,  and  Campanulas.  Adjoining  this  collection  were 
a  number  of  Melons  (Beauty  of  Syon),  Apricots,  and  Morello  Cherries 
from  Mr.  Wythes,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Syon 
House,  all  indicating  excellent  culture.  The  Cherries  and  Apricots  were 
remarkable  for  their  high  colouring.  Mr.  Wythes  also  contributed  a 
very  attractive  group  of  plants,  in  which  Campanula  pyramidalis  and 
C.  p.  alba  were  very  much  admired. 

Messrs.  Prior  &  Co.,  Colchester,  staged  a  splendid  lot  of  Roses,  the 
flowers  being  particularly  clean  and  fresh.  Mr.  Henry  Eckford  was 
represented  by  some  familiar  friends  in  the  shape  of  a  delightful 
collection  of  his  choice  Sweet  Peas.  Mr.  Eric  Such  had  a  charming 
display  of  perennial  Phloxes  and  Gaillardias.  The  latter,  arranged  in 
bunches  of  ten  in  the  same  way  as  single  Dahlias  are  exhibited,  and 
with  Asparagus  foliage,  were  really  beautiful,  and  the  idea  is  worth 
copying.  Messrs.  Laing  &  Sons  had  a  splendid  stand  of  single 
Begonias,  and  another  of  doubles,  together  with  a  very  large  and 
diversified  collection  of  hardy  flowers,  the  whole  display  making  one  of 
the  best  in  the  Show.  Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  had 
a  collection  of  fruit  trees  in  pots,  including  Figs,  Apples,  Peaches, 
Plums,  and  Pears,  the  trees  being  well  grown  and  fruiting  freely. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  contributed  a  very  beautiful  collection 
of  Roses,  Carnations,  and  other  hardy  flowers.  The  Carnations,  tied  up 
loosely  in  bunches  of  five  with  their  own  foliage,  presented  a  delightful 
effect.  There  were  several  stands  of  them,  alternating  with  Roses.  Mr. 
Chas.  Turner  had  a  neat  and  pleasing  collection  of  Carnations.  Messrs. 
Cannell  &  Sons  contributed  a  collection  of  Melons,  and  Mr.  R.  Grindrod 
some  very  good  Gooseberries,  Currants,  Cherries,  and  Apricots.  Messrs. 
Laxton  Bros,  had  plants  of  their  excellent  Strawberry  Royal  Sovereign. 


WEST  OF  ENGLAND  CARNATION  AND  PICOTEE 

SOCIETY. — July  19th. 

The  first  Exhibition  of  this  new  Society  was  held  in  the  Clifton 
Zoological  Gardens,  Bristol,  July  19th,  and  although  so  many  collections 
were  out  of  flower,  there  was  a  fair  display.  In  the  class  for  twelve 
Carnations  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown,  Handsworth,  Birmingham,  was  first  with 
C.  H.  Herbert,  Mrs.  Barlow,  Geggie’s  Tom  Pinley,  Douglas’s  No.  37, 
John  Payne,  Squire  Llewellyn,  Geggie’s  Ellis  Crossley,  Samson,  Geggie's 
Tom  M‘Creath,  Douglas’s  Virgil  (bright  in  colour),  Rosy  Morn,  and 
Admiral  Curzon.  Mr.  T.  Hooper,  Bath,  was  second,  and  Mr.  F.  Hooper, 
Chippenham,  third.  For  six  Carnations  Mr.  Dowell,  Chew  Magna, 
Bristol,  was  first. 

For  twelve  Picotees  Mr.  Charles  Pinder,  Slough,  was  first  with 
Morna,  Lyddington’s  Favourite,  Nellie  (very  fine).  Lady  Holmesdale, 
John  Archer,  Thomas  William  (good),  Adolphus,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Lady  Emily  Van  de  Weyer  (fine),  and  J.  B.  Bryant  and  Mary  (both 
fine).  Mr.  .A.  R.  Brown,  Birmingham,  was  second,  in  whose  stand  were 
good  blooms  of  Little  Phil,  Mrs.  Beal,  'Thomas  William,  and  Mrs.  Payne. 
Mr.  F.  Hooper  was  third.  For  six  Picotees  Mr.  F.  W.  Barker,  Bristol, 
was  first  with  Ethel,  Nymph,  Edith  D’Ombrain,  Mrs.  Chancellor,  and 
two  of  Hooper’s  seedlings. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  yellow-ground  Picotees,  Mr,  Charles  Turner, 
Slough,  was  first  with  Mrs.  Henwood,  Stadrath  Bail,  Annie  Douglas 
(a  seedling  like  Lilian),  Mafret,  Mrs.  Arthur  Barrett  (high  coloured), 
Nellie  and  Edith  M.  Wynne  (both  very  fine),  Lilian,  Agnes  Chambers, 
and  Mrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  Mr.  Arthur  Brown  was  second,  in  whose 
stand  were  blooms  of  Friedrich  Wagner,  Almira,  Mrs.  R.  Sydenham, 
and  Janira.  Mr.  F.  Hooper  was  third.  For  six  yellow-grounds,  the 
Rev.  G.  R.  Brown,  Iron  Acton,  Bristol,  was  first  with  Countess  of 
Jersey,  Dorothy,  Mrs,  Henwood,  Victoria,  Lady  Edwards,  and  Mrs, 
Robert  Sydenham.  Mr.  F,  W,  Baker,  Keynsham,  was  second. 

For  twelve  Selfs  or  Fancies,  Mr.  Charles  Turner,  Slough,  was  first 
with  Germania,  Ruby,  Almira,  King  of  Scarlets,  Terra  Cotta,  Salamander, 
The  Governor,  Romulus,  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Keening  Albert,  Rose 
Unique  (very  fine),  and  Janira.  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  was  second  with 
Ruby,  Mrs.  F.  Baker,  Madame  Van  Houtte,  and  Schleiben.  Mr.  F. 
Hooper  was  third. 

Single  blooms  were  shown  as  follows  : — Bizarres  and  fiakes  :  First, 
Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  with  Joe  Edwards  ;  second,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  with 
Jim’s  Favourite  (Geggie)  ;  third,  Mr.  F.  Hooper  with  Matador.  Picotees  : 
First,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  with  Thomas  William  ;  second,  Mr.  C.  Turner 
with  Thomas  William.  Third,  Mr.  C.  Turner  with  Nellie,  Yellow- 
ground  Picotees  :  First,  Mr.  C.  Turner  with  Countess  of  Jersey  ;  second, 
Rev.  G.  R.  Brown  with  Mrs.  Henwood  ;  third,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  with 
Queen  Boadicea  (Simonite).  Selfs  :  First,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  with  a 
grand  bloom  of  Rose  Unique  ;  second,  Mr.  C.  Turner  with  Salamander  ; 
third,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  with  Master  Fred. 

The  premier  Carnation  was  Admiral  Curzon  in  Mr,  Brown’s  first  priz« 
stand  of  twelve.  The  premier  Picotee  was  Thomas  William  in  Mr, 
Turner’s  first  prize  stand  of  twelve.  The  premier  yellow  ground  was 
Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  in  Mr.  C.  Turner’s  first  prize  stand  of  twelve. 

Mr,  Charles  Turner’s  silver  medal  for  twelve  self  Carnations  was  won 
by  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown,  his  finest  blooms  being  Rose  Unique,  Rubj',  Benary’s 
Wieland,  Aureole  (Chaundy),  Mrs.  Fred,  and  Rose  Wynne. 

A  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  to  a  superb  pure  white  tree 
Carnation  named  Blagdon  Surprise,  with  a  flower  almost  as  good  in 
quality  as  Mrs.  Fred  and  the  plant  of  good  habit.  This  was  exhibited 
by  Mr.  A.  Ambrose,  gardener  to  F.  R.  Robinson,  Esq.,  Sneyd  Park, 
Bristol. 


86 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  July  27,  1803. 


THE  MIDLAND  COUNTIES  CARNATION  AND 

PICOTEE  SOCIETY.— July  22nd. 

The  third  annual  Exhibition  of  this  flourishing  Society  was  held  in 
the  Edgbaston  Botanical  Gardens,  Birminghana,  on  Saturday,  July  22nd, 
and  there  was  a  very  large  display  of  blooms  and  a  close  competition. 
Carnations  were  not  up  to  their  usual  standard,  as  so  few  blooms  were 
left,  owing  to  the  early  season. 

For  twelve  blooms  of  Carnations  Mr.  Tom  Lord,  Todmorden,  was 
first  ;  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  second  ;  Mr.  John  Whitham,  Hebden 
Bridge,  third  ;  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  fourth  ;  Mr.  E.  Shaw,  Man¬ 
chester,  fifth  ;  Mr.  Chas.  Freeland,  Larkhall,  N.B.,  sixth  ;  and  Mr. 
Henry  Geggie,  Bury,  Lancashire,  seventh.  In  the  class  for  twelve 
Picotees  there  were  eleven  exhibits,  and  better  quality  prevailed 
throughout,  competition  being  close.  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  was  first 
with  fine  blooms  of  Mr.  J.  P.  Sharps,  fine  seedling  Rosey  Sydenham,  a 
superb  flower  ;  Mrs.  Coldridge,  Polly  Brazil,  Nellie,  and  Mrs.  Payne,  all 
very  fine.  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.,  Birmingham,  were  second  with  a 
grand  bloom  of  Nellie  in  this  stand.  Mr.  Arthur  Brown,  Handsworth, 
was  third,  and  in  this  stand  were  fine  blooms  of  Pride  of  Leyton  and 
Mrs.  S.  Beal  (both  new),  also  Mrs.  Payne.  Mr.  J.  Whitham  was 
fourth  ;  Mr.  Tom  Lord  fifth  ;  Mr.  E.  Shaw  sixth  ;  Mr.  Wm.  Spencer, 
jun.,  Birmingham,  seventh. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  yellow-ground  flowers  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham, 
Birmingham,  was  first  with  very  fine  blooms  of  Countess  of  Jersey, 
Janira,  Romulus,  Mrs.  Henwood,  Stadrath  Bail,  Schleiben,  Brockhaus, 
Victory,  Mrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  A.  W.  Jones,  and  others.  Messrs. 
Thomson  &  Co.,  Sparkhill  Nurseries,  was  second;  Mr.  Charles  Turner, 
Slough,  third  ;  Mr.  Arthur  Medhurst,  Oxford,  fourth  ;  Mr.  B.  Simonite, 
Sheffield,  fifth  ;  and  Mr.  J.  H.  Wilson,  Birmingham,  sixth. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  seifs  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  was  first  with 
Germania,  Ruby,  Gladys,  Justinian  (light  pink).  Blushing  Bride  (a 
fine  bright  scarlet  seedling),  iinnie  Lakin,  Joe  Willett,  Queen  of  Buffs, 
Theodore  Aureole,  and  a  dark  sport  from  C.  H.  Herbert.  Mr.  A. 
Medhurst  was  second  with  seedlings  ;  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  third  ; 
Mr.  C.  Turner  fourth  ;  Mr.  Wilson  fifth.  In  the  class  for  six  Carnations, 
Mr.  Crossley  Head,  Hebden  Bridge,  was  first;  Mr.  Ben  Simonite 
second  ;  Mr.  A.  Medhurst  third  ;  Mr.  Joe  Edwards,  Manchester,  fourth  ; 
Mr.  WilliamtKenyon  fifth  ;  Mr.  C.  F.  Thurstans,  Wolverhampton,  sixth, 
and  Mr.  James  Bleakley,  Manchester,  seventh.  For  six  Picotees  there 
were  nineteen  competitors.  Mr.  Crossley  Head  first ;  Mr.  Thurstans 
second  ;  Mr.  A.  W.  Jones,  Handsworth,  third  ;  Mr.  W.  Kenyon  fourth  ; 
Mr.  J.  P.  Sharp  fifth  ;  Mr.  William  Spencer,  Birmingham,  sixth  ;  Mr. 
James  Bleakley  seventh. 

For  six  fancies  of  yellow  grounds  M.  A.  W.  Jones  was  first;  Mr. 
Arthur  Brown,  second  ;  Mr.  Spencer,  third  ;  Mr.  George  Chaundy, 
Oxford,  fourth  ;  Mr.  R.  Makepeace,  Leicester,  fifth;  Mr.  George  Eyre, 
Derby,  sixth  ;  Mr.  Ed.  Hill,  Nottingham,  seventh.  The  classes  for  six 
seifs  and  for  the  maiden  exhibitors  were  well  contested.  Classes  10  to 
28  were  for  single  blooms,  four  prizes  in  a  class,  and  eighty-two  prizes, 
but  we  have  not  space  for  enumerating  all  these. 

The  premiers  were — Bizarre  Carnation,  Mr.  Tom  Lord  with  Master 
Fred  ;  flake  Carnation,  Mr.  B.  Simonite  with  Sportsman  ;  self  Carnation, 
Mr.  C.  Turner  with  Germania  ;  yellow  ground  Picotee,  Mr.  W.  Spencer 
with  Mrs.  Robt.  Sydenham  ;  heavy  edge  Picotee,  Mr.  A.  W.  Jones 
with  Mrs.  Payne  ;  light  edge  Picotee,  Mr.  R.  Sydenham  with  Thomas 
William. 

Class  29  was  for  twelve  varieties  of  border  Carnations,  five  strains 
of  each.  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  were  first ;  Miss  Perkins,  Leamington, 
second  ;  Messrs.  Hewitt  &  Co.,  Birmingham,  third  ;  Mr.  Simon  Rogers, 
Whittlesey,  Peterborough,  fourth  ;  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall 
Gardens,  fifth.  For  six  varieties  of  border  kinds,  three  stems  of  each, 
Mr.  Thurstans  was  first ;  Mr.  Wm.  Barsby,  Lincoln,  second  ;  Mr. 
George  Chaundy  third  ;  Mr.  E.  M.  Sharp,  Edgbaston,  fourth. 

There  was  an  excellent  exhibition  of  shower  bouquets,  sprays,  and 
baskets,  all  of  Carnations  and  Picotees,  and  much  competition.  Plants 
in  pots,  six  varieties,  brought  out  three  exhibitors.  Extra  prizes  were 
offered  for  bouquets  and  sprays  of  Sweet  Peas,  and  some  very  pretty 
exhibits  were  staged,  Mrs.  Thewles,  Floral  Depot,  New  Street  Station, 
easily  taking  the  first  prize  with  a  charming  shower  bouquet  of  pale  pink 
flowers. 

Certificates  of  merit  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.,  Sparkhill 
Nurseries,  for  a  new  dark,  rich-coloured  self  Carnation,  Topsy,  and  a 
very  fine  yellow-ground  Picotee,  Mrs.  Spencer,  and  to  Mr.  George 
Chaundy,  Oxford,  for  a  new  S.B.  Carnation,  Albert  Whitham. 

The  Birmingham  Botanical  Society’s  two  silver  medals  for  the  greatest 
number  of  points  in  certain  classes  were  awarded  to  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham 
and  to  Messrs.  Hewitt  &  Co.  The  Botanical  Society’s  two  bronze  medals 
for  the  second  most  successful  exhibitors  in  the  same  classes  were  awarded 
to  Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.  and  Miss  Perkins.  A  silver  medal  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  W.  Jones,  Handsworth,  Birmingham,  for  excellence  of 
culture. 

The  honorary  exhibits  are  invariably  so  good  at  these  Exhibitions 
that  silver  and  bronze  medals  are  given  by  the  Carnation  Society  for 
exhibits  of  exceptional  merit.  Silver  medals  were  awarded  to  Messrs. 
Hewitt  &  Co.,  Solihull  Nurseries,  for  a  very  fine  display  of  Tuberous 
Begonias  and  hardy  cut  blooms  ;  to  Mr.  J.  White,  nurseryman,  Worcester, 
for  collection  of  cut  flowers  of  various  kinds  ;  to  Mr.  B.  R.  Davis, 
Yeovil,  for  a  superb  display  of  his  excellent  double  Begonias  ;  and  to 
Messrs.  Thomson  &  Co.,  Sparkhill  Nurseries,  for  an  extensive  display 
of  border  Carnations  and  Picotees.  Bronze  medals  were  awarded  to 


Messrs.  Jarman  &  Co.,  Chard,  Somerset,  for  herbaceous  and  other  cut 
flowers  ;  and  to  Mr.  Hy.  Eckford,  Wem,  for  new  and  other  Sweet  Peas 
of  his  own  raising.  Nearly  £110  was  offered  in  prizes  and  medals,  and 
excellent  arrangements  were  made  for  the  Exhibition  by  Mr.  W.  B. 
Latham,  the  Curator  of  the  gardens. 


WOKK.F0^™:WEEK. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Pines.— As  houses  become  vacant  clean  them  thoroughly  before 
being  again  occupied  with  plants.  The  first  thing  to  be  seen  to  is 
the  bed.  If  bottom  heat  be  afforded  by  hot-water  pipes,  the  material 
forming  the  bed,  whether  of  tan  or  leaves,  should  be  removed  at  least 
once  a  year,  or  woodlice  and  other  predatory  vermin  rapidly  increase, 
and  are  harboured  by  the  old  material.  Syringe  every  part  of  the  house 
with  hot  water,  thoroughly  cleansing  the  wood  and  ironwork  with  soap 
and  water,  using  a  brush,  and  keeping  the  soapy  water  from  the  glass, 
which  should  be  cleaned  inside  and  outside  with  pure  water  only.  Scald 
all  brickwork  and  brush  with  hot  limewash,  reaching  well  into  holes  and 
crevices.  Paint  the  wood  and  ironwork,  and  make  the  roof  as  water¬ 
proof  as  possible,  as  much  damage  is  caused  by  water  dripping  on  the 
foliage.  Chambered  beds  heated  with  hot-water  pipes  are  much  in 
advance  of  those  surrounded  or  passing  through  beds  of  rubble.  Those 
composed  of  the  latter  should  be  turned  over,  and  any  dirt  or  small  parts 
removed  to  allow  the  heat  given  off  to  penetrate  through  the  whole 
uniformly  to  the  bed.  Fresh  tan  should  be  provided  in  other  cases.  If 
wet,  turn  it  occasionally  on  fine  days.  With  hot- water  pipes  beneath 
about  3  feet  depth  of  tan  is  ample,  more  will  be  needed  where  such 
aid  is  not  provided.  In  most  cases  it  will  only  be  necessary  to  mix 
new  tan  with  the  least  reduced  portion  of  the  old,  this  being  sifted 
and  the  fine  rejected. 

Routine. — Suckers  started  in  June  will  soon  fill  their  pots  with  roots, 
and  must  be  shifted  into  the  fruiting  pots  before  the  roots  become 
closely  matted  together.  Queens,  Envilles,  and  moderate-growing  kinds 
generally  succeed  well  in  9  or  10-inch  pots,  those  of  stronger  growth 
should  have  11-inch  pots.  Water  immediately  after  potting  if  the  soil 
be  dry,  not  otherwise,  and  plunge  in  a  bottom  heat  of  90°  to  95°. 
Crowding  young  plants  is  a  great  mistake,  as  they  become  drawn  and 
weakly  instead  of  forming  a  sturdy  growth,  a  condition  that  should 
always  be  aimed  at.  Attend  to  the  bottom  heat  of  beds  that  have 
recently  been  disturbed  by  renewal  and  replacing  of  plants,  not  allowing 
the  heat  at  the  base  of  the  pots  to  exceed  95°  without  immediately 
raising  them,  as  too  much  bottom  heat  will  disastrously  affect  plants 
having  the  pots  filled  with  roots  or  those  with  fruit.  Examine  the 
plants  for  water  about  twice  a  week,  supplying  it  only  to  those  in  need. 
Maintain  a  moist,  genial,  and  well  ventilated  atmosphere.  The  change 
in  the  weather  has  produced  climatic  conditions  favourable  to  growth, 
so  that  Pine  plants  grow  luxuriantly,  therefore  discontinue  any  shading 
such  as  may  have  been  employed  for  an  hour  or  two  at  midday,  when 
the  sun  was  powerful  through  the  months  of  May,  June,  and  this,  the 
plants  being  given  all  the  light  possible,  admitting  air  early,  especially 
after  dull  periods,  and  plentifully  when  the  temperature  ranges  from 
85°  to  95°.  Afford  fruiting  plants  a  night  temperature  of  70°  to  75°, 
65°  to  70°  at  night  sufficing  for  successional  plants.  Some  suckers 
should  be  reserved  on  the  stools  for  starting  in  September,  but  they 
must  not  be  allowed  to  become  too  large,  detaching  and  potting  thenu 
if  necessary. 

Cherry  House. — The  trees  have  now  plumped  the  buds,  and  the 
leaves  are  not  capable  of  much  further  effort  in  elaborating  the  sap  and 
storing  it  in  the  buds  and  adjacent  wood,  therefore  any  undue  excite¬ 
ment  will  cause  the  trees  to  start  into  fresh  growth.  This  must  be 
guarded  against  by  exposing  the  trees  to  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere 
so  far  as  the  house  will  admit,  as  the  best  means  of  arresting  pre¬ 
mature  growth,  to  which  the  Cherry  is  liable  when  forced  year  after 
year  successively.  The  roof  lights  must  be  removed ;  t  ees  in  pots 
should  be  placed  outdoors, plunging  the  pots  in  ashes.  If  the  roof  lights 
are  fixed  ventilate  to  the  fullest  extent.  The  borders  must  not  be 
allowed  to  become  dry,  but  have  copious  supplies  of  water,  and  if  the 
trees  are  weak  afford  liquid  manure.  To  subdue  red  spider  give  an. 
occasional  washing  with  the  syringe  or  garden  engine.  Promptly 
subdue  bla.-ik  aphides  with  tobacco  water.  Trees  in  pots  must  be 
regularly  syringed  and  watered  to  preserve  the  foliage  in  a  healthy 
condition. 

rigs.  —  Early  Forced  Trees  in  Pots.  —  When  the  second  crop  ia 
gathered  examine  the  trees  for  red  spider  and  brown  scale  ;  keeping 
the  trees  somewhat  drier  at  the  roots  and  the  freer  ventilation  to  insure 
a  drier  atmosphere  tends  to  an  increase  of  these  pests.  Now  that  the 
wood  is  firm,  and  there  is  less  danger  of  injuring  the  foliage  than  at  an 
earlier  stage,  an  insecticide  may  be  used  for  their  annihilation  more 
successfully.  A  petroleum  mixture  is  very  effective  against  scale,  and 
if  softsoap  is  added  it  is  fatal  to  red  spider.  Dissolve  8  ozs.  of  soft- 
soap  and  1  oz.  of  washing  soda  in  4  gallons  of  boiling  water,  add  a 


July  27,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


87 


wineglasaful  of  petroleum,  and  apply  when  cooled  to  100°  with  a 
syringe.  Keep  the  mixture  well  mixed  by  alternate  squirts  into  the 
vessel  and  on  the  plants,  which  should  be  well  wetted  in  every  part, 
and  if  they  cannot  be  laid  on  their  sides  and  turned  over  a  little  dry 
moss  may  be  tied  around  the  stem,  and  a  sort  of  pyramid  placed 
about  the  plants  to  prevent  the  solution  soaking  into  the  soil.  If  the 
wood  is  badly  infested  with  scale  employ  a  somewhat  stiff  brush  to 
dislodge  it  whilst  wet.  Similar  means  may  be  pursued  with  the 
leaves,  damaging  them  as  little  as  possible.  In  bad  cases  repeat  the 
treatment  in  a  day  or  two,  afterwards  syringing  thoroughly  with  tepid 
vyater.  The  trees  will  need  water  only  to  prevent  the  foliage  becoming 
limp,  ventilating  to  the  fullest  extent  day  and  night,  but  protect  from 
heavy  rains,  which  has  a  tendency  to  keep  the  trees  active  instead  of 
inducing  rest.  This  is  absolutely  essential  to  trees  subjected  to  early 
forcing.  For  these  considerations  early  forced  potted  trees  should  not 
be  placed  outdoors  if  there  is  any  doubt  about  the  maturity  of  the 
wood,  and  they  cannot  have  complete  rest  if  the  weather  prove  wet. 
If  placed  outdoors  it  must  be  in  a  sunny  position,  and  the  pots  stood  on 
rough  ashes  with  finer  about  them. 

Early  Forced  Planted  out  Trees. — Admit  enough  air  to  ensure  a 
circulation  constantly,  ventilating  freely  by  day.  If  dull  weather 
prevail  a  gentle  heat  in  the  hot- water  pipes  will  favour  the  ripening  of 
the  fruit,  which  is  insipid  or  highly  flavoured  according  to  the  heat  and 
air.  Diminish  the  watering  at  the  root  and  discontinue  syringing  over 
the  trees,  but  a  moderate  air  moisture  may  be  secured  by  damping 
occasionally  for  the  benefit  of  the  foliage.  If  red  spider  prove  trouble¬ 
some  heat  the  pipes  on  a  calm  evening  to  170°  and  paint  them  with 
sulphur  brought  to  the  consistency  of  cream  with  skim  milk,  having  the 
house  closed,  and  keeping  the  pipes  hot  about  an  hour,  then  allow  them 
to  cool  and  the  temperature  to  fall  to  its  usual  degree.  Repeat  in  the 
course  of  a  week  to  destroy  any  pests  then  emerged  from  the  eggs.  As 
soon  as  the  fruit  is  gathered  cleanse  thoroughly  with  the  syringe  or 
engine,  freeing  the  trees  of  red  spider,  and  maintain  a  free  circulation 
of  rather  dry  warm  air  until  the  foliage  begins  to  fall  naturally,  but  it 
must  not  be  accelerated  by  allowing  the  soil  to  become  dust  dry  at  the 
roots  of  the  trees. 

Unheated  Fig  Houses,— fruit  is  now  well  advanced  to  maturity 
and  in  some  cases  ripening.  Where  it  is  swelling  no  pains  should  be 
spared  to  keep  the  foliage  clean  by  syringing  in  the  morning  and  early 
afternoon.  Do  not  syringe,  however,  if  the  day  is  likely  to  be  dull,  or 
in  the  afternoon  if  there  is  a  prospect  of  the  foliage  not  becoming  dry 
before  night.  Under  those  circumstances  damp  the  border,  especially 
in  the  afternoon.  Admit  a  little  air  early,  increasing  it  with  the  sun 
neat,  maintaining  through  the  day  at  80°  to  85°  with  free  ventilation, 
closing  early  so  as  to  increase  the  temperature  to  90°  to  95°,  and  when 
the  sun’s  power  is  declining  a  little  air  may  be  admitted  at  the  top  of 
the  house,  so  as  to  allow  the  pent-up  moisture  to  escape  and  the 
temperature  to  gradually  cco’.  Supply  water  or  liquid  manure  to 
the  roots  according  to  circumstances,  so  as  to  keep  the  soil  in  a 
thoroughly  moist  condition.  With  the  fruit  advancing  for  ripening 
lessen  the  supply  of  water  and  discontinue  syringing,  securing  a  circu¬ 
lation  of  air  constantly,  and  ventilate  freely  when  favourable.  Husband 
sun  heat,  which  will  not  do  any  harm  if  the  atmosphere  is  not  confined, 
a  little  ventilation  being  given  to  allow  of  the  moisture  escaping  instead 
of  condensing  on  the  fruit  and  causing  it  to  crack  and  spot. 

Cucumbers.— Pot  the  seedlings  for  autumn  fruiting  as  they  become 
ready,  placing  a  stick  to  each  plant  intended  for  trelliswork,  and 
pinching  out  the  point  of  such  as  are  required  for  growing  in  frames  or 
pits,  at  the  second  rough  leaf.  Prepare  fermenting  materials  to  afford 
bottom  heat  for  the  latter,  and  cleanse  houses  thoroughly,  the  woodwork 
with  hot  water,  soap,  and  a  brush,  the  glass  with  clear  water,  and  lime- 
wash  the  walls.  Remove  all  the  old  soil  and  make  everything  as  clean  and 
sweet  as  possible.  Turfy  loam  stacked  until  the  herbage  is  dead,  a 
tenth  of  charcoal,  and  a  sixth  of  old  mortar  rubbish  thoroughly  incor¬ 
porated  form  a  suitable  compost.  If  heavy  add  an  equal  proportion  of 
fibrous  sandy  peat  to  the  loam. 

If  the  weather  prove  cold  and  sunless  it  will  be  necessary  to  employ 
a  little  fire  heat,  as  a  low  temperature  induces  stunted  fruits,  canker  at 
the  collar,  and  mildew  on  the  foliage.  Enough  artificial  heat  should  be 
used  in  such  weather  to  maintain  a  night  temperature  of  65°  to  70°,  and 
70°  to  75°  by  day.  Sulphur  dusted  on  the  foliage  is  the  best  cure  for 
mildew,  and  quicklime  rubbed  into  the  affected  parts  acts  well  against 
canker.  If  aphides  appear  fumigate  in  a  calm  evening  and  repeat  early 
the  following  morning.  After  a  period  of  dull  weather  shade  on  a 
return  of  bright  sun  so  as  to  prevent  flagging.  Keep  the  growths 
regularly  attended  to  twice  a  week,  remove  exhausted  growths,  and  main¬ 
tain  a  succession  of  bearing  wood  by  laying  in  young  fruitful  growths. 
Close  early,  running  up  to  90°  to  100°,  and  ventilate  early  and 
moderately,  keeping  up  a  good  moisture  by  frequently  damping  available 
surfaces. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Potatoes. — A  complete  change  in  the  weather  would  appear  to  be 
very  general,  and  most  probably  Potato  disease  will  become  prevalent. 
Those  who  mean  trying  the  effects  of  the  sucrated  bouillie  bordelaise 
will  now  have  good  opportunities  for  so  doing.  The  first  dressing  ought 
to  have  been  applied  in  anticipation  of  disease,  and  preferably  on  a 
<lry  day,  a  second  application  being  advisable  about  a  month  later. 
Tnis  season,  owing  to  the  forwardness  of  the  crops,  early  lifting  would 
have  been  found  the  best  prerentive  of  disease.  Once  more  it  may  be 


pointed  out  that  there  is  no  necessity  to  wait  for  the  haulm  to  die 
down  before  lifting  and  storing  commences.  Once  tuber  growth  has 
ceased  and  the  skins  are  set,  nothing  further  will  be  gained,  and  much 
may  be  lost  by  leaving  them  in  the  ground.  Should  it  be  inconvenient 
to  lift  the  crops  just  now,  be  content  to  draw  the  haulm  and  wheel 
this  away.  In  most  fairly  warm  districts  the  early  and  the  bulk  of 
second  early  varieties  are  quite  fit  for  lifting.  Unfortunately,  the 
drought  has  checked  the  progress  of  late  varieties  in  all  cases  where  the 
soil  was  poor  and  non-retentive  of  moisture,  and  this  will  most  probably 
be  followed  by  pro-tuberation.  There  is  no  help  for  this,  unless, 
indeed,  the  first-formed  crop  happens  to  be  large  enough  for  lifting. 
Many  of  the  second  earlies  will  also  grow  out ;  but  this  should  be 
prevented  by  either  lifting  or  haulm-drawing. 

Turnips. — It  is  not  often  that  there  are  too  many  of  these  grown 
for  winter  use,  and  this  season  better  opportunities  than  usual  will  be 
afforded  for  growing  extra  large  breadths.  Some  portions  of  the  ground 
cleared  of  second  early  Potatoes  should  be  devoted  to  Turnips,  the 
earliest  opportunity  of  sowing  the  seed  of  the  latter  in  quantity  being 
taken.  As  the  Potatoes  are  lifted  the  whole  of  the  ground  should  be 
forked  over,  levelled,  and  all  lumps  broken  down.  If  this  is  delayed  for 
a  few  days  the  soil  will  not  work  so  well,  and  seed  sowing  be  a  more 
difficult  operation.  Some  of  the  best  Turnips  for  present  sowing  are 
Snowball,  Veitch’s  Red  Globe,  Orange  Jelly,  and  Chirk  Castle  Black 
Stone.  For  the  three  first  named  the  drills  may  well  be  drawn  15  inches 
apart,  12  inches  being  ample  for  the  latter.  As  far  as  hardiness  is 
concerned  Chirk  Castle  Black  Stone  is  the  best,  the  quality  also  being 
superior.  If  the  drills  are  at  all  dry  moisten  prior  to  sowing,  and  in  any 
case  distribute  the  seed  thinly,  or  much  extra  thinning  out  will  be 
necessary.  If  birds  commence  drawing  the  seedlings  just  as  they  are 
coming  through  the  soil  dust  the  latter  over  with  soot  and  lime  while 
the  dew  is  on  them. 

Endive. — Very  early  raised  Endive  is  not  to  be  depended  upon,  the 
bulk  of  it  running  to  seed  prematurely.  About  the  middle  of  July  is  a 
good  time  to  sow,  the  plants  thus  obtained  attaining  their  full  size 
before  wintry  weather  sets  in,  and  keeping  well  when  stored.  Good 
forms  or  selections  of  Green  Curled  and  the  Broad-leaved  Batavian  are 
the  best  that  can  be  grown.  Supposing  a  wall  border  or  sunny  plot  of 
rather  high  ground  has  been  duly  cleared  of  early  Potatoes,  this  should 
be  prepared  as  advised  in  the  case  of  Turnips.  It  is  the  least  trouble  to 
sow  the  seed  thinly  where  the  plants  are  to  remain,  the  drills  being 
drawn  12  inches  apart.  Space  not  being  available  for  this,  sow  the  seed 
in  drills  6  inches  asunder,  and  eventually  transplant  the  greater  part  of 
the  seedlings,  leaving  the  rest  to  grow  to  their  full  size  where  they  are. 
Early  Endive  can  also  be  had  by  sowing  the  seed  broadcast  in  beds,  and 
the  seedlings  being  thinned  to  about  6  inches  apart  each  way,  they  soon 
press  against  each  other  and  are  self-blanching  accordingly. 

liOttuce. — It  is  yet  somewhat  early  to  sow  Lettuce  seed  in  quantity 
with  a  view  to  having  abundance  in  the  autumn  and  early  winter,  but 
should  the  next  two  or  three  months  prove  as  wet  and  dull  as  predicted, 
then  it  might  happen  that  the  July-raised  plants  will  be  extra  service¬ 
able.  Anyway,  there  should  be  no  cessation  of  the  pains  taken  in 
keeping  up  a  good  supply  of  Lettuce,  fortnightly  sowings  being  none  too 
often.  With  each  selection  of  varieties  the  Black-seeded  Brown  Cos 
ought  always  to  be  sown,  this  variety  if  well  grown  being  one  of  the 
best.  These  may  well  follow  Potatoes,  the  plants  being  raised  where 
they  are  to  remain.  Sow  the  seed  thinly  in  drills  10  inches  or  12  inches 
asunder. 

Cabbage. — Coleworts  or  small  quick-hearting  Cabbages  ought  to  be 
already  in  rough  leaf,  though  if  other  winter  vegetables  are  scarce  more 
seed  should  be  sown.  If  these  late-raised  plants  fail  to  heart  in  where 
they  are  planted  thickly  the  tops  may  yet  prove  very  acceptable.  Seed 
may  be  sown  thinly  in  drills  12  inches  apart,  and  the  plants  allowed  to 
remain  where  they  come  up.  Now  is  also  the  best  time  for  sowing  seed 
of  Ellam’s  Dwarf  Spring,  Wheeler’s  Imperial,  Little  Pixie,  Hill’s  Incom¬ 
parable,  and  other  favourite  neat  growing  varieties.  The  plants  resulting 
should  be  ready  to  form  a  close  succession  to  spring  sown  Onions.  The 
more  vigorous  varieties  should  be  sown  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  later, 
as  plants  of  these  when  raised  early  are  apt  to  bolt. 

Iiate  Peas. — Now  that  there  has  been  a  welcome  change  in  the 
weather  there  is  a  better  prospect  of  the  late-sown  Ne  Plus  Ultra  Peas 
and  such  like  growing  more  strongly  than  was  the  case  during  the  very 
hot  and  dry  weather.  There  is,  however,  no  certainty  about  their  holding 
out  till  frost  intervenes,  and  if  extra  late  Peas  must  be  had  more  seed 
ought  to  be  sown.  This  time  the  preference  should  be  given  to  this 
season’s  seed  of  Exonian,  William  L,  Daisy,  Chelsea  Gem,  English 
Wonder,  or  any  other  good  first  or  second  early  varieties.  New  seed 
germinates  the  most  strongly,  the  plants  throughout  being  more  vigorous 
than  those  resulting  from  old  seed.  The  centres  of  wide  spaces  between 
Celery  trenches  answer  for  a  single  row,  or  the  seed  may  be  sown  on 
other  rather  high  ground,  early  frosts  being  most  felt  in  the  lower  part 
of  many  gardens.  Moisten  the  rather  deep  drills  if  at  all  dry,  covering 
the  seed  with  about  3  inches  of  soil.  Surface  mulchings  and  waterings 
in  dry  weather  are  considered  of  much  importance. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

W.  Cuthbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  'S.— Hyacinths,  Taligys,  and  oiho 
Eulbojis  Roots, 

W.  &  C.  Gowie,  Grahamstown,  Cape  Colony. — Seeds  and  Plants. 


88 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Ju’y  27,  13937 


.  . 

iS 

iIhe  bbe-kbbper. 

VsA  1 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Notes  from  the  Moors. 

Since  the  bees  were  taken  to  the  Heather  the  weather  has 
been  wet  and  stormy.  More  bees  have  been  lost  in  a  few  days 
than  there  were  last  year,  there  being  more  inducement  for 
them  to  fly  out,  and,  owing  to  want  of  sunshine,  the  chilled  bees 
overtaken  by  the  lashing  showers  never  rise.  These  phenomena  in 
hilly  districts  are  more  frequent  and  extraordinary  than  in  the 
lowlands.  On  the  19th,  between  1  and  2  p.m.,  when  the  sun  for 
a  brief  period  shone  out  with  all  her  splendour,  the  air  became 
suddenly  very  cold,  lasting  for  about  fifteen  minutes,  with  a 
strong  wind  at  the  time.  Bees  fell  in  showers  to  the  ground,  and 
I  had  to  take  shelter,  and  retreat  homewards. 

The  bees  are  anxious  to  work,  the  flowers  being  so  profuse,  and 
with  but  one  week’s  calm  and  fair  weather  they  would  gather  large 
quantities  of  honey.  Swarming  with  all  the  untoward  weather 
has  been  prevalent,  proving  that  the  advice  to  the  effect  that 
timely  room  will  prevent  it  is  erroneous.  An  unparalleled  case 
has  been  brought  under  my  notice  this  week.  After  two  or  three 
virgin  queens  had  piped  and  lived  together  in  one  hive  swarming 
took  place.  It  is  somewhere  about  eight  years  since  I  stated  in 
this  Journal  a  case  where  three  weeks  expired  after  the  queens 
were  hatched  before  they  swarmed,  and  showed  the  desirability 
where  profit  was  concerned  of  getting  rid  of  all  the  surplus  ones  at 
the  earliest  opportunity. 

PuNics. 

As  usual  I  meet  with  bee-keepers  from  different  localities  who 
have  their  bees  near  mine.  One  man  accosted  me  with,  “  How 
have  your  Punics  done  this  year  ?  ”  I  replied,  and  repeated  some 
of  the  advice  that  has  appeared  in  the  pages  of  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture.  Another  person  exclaimed,  “  My  Punics  have  been 
by  far  my  best  hives,  both  last  year  and  this  one.”  The  first  who 
spoke  explained  “  that  he  put  supers  upon  a  swarm  a  few  days 
hived,  and  in  two  weeks  after  they  were  filled  and  prettily  sealed.” 
Surely  these  facts  disprove  the  assertions  made  against  these  bees. 
My  prime  swarm  mentioned  several  weeks  since  has  increased  in 
weight  45  lbs.,  excelling  my  others,  nearly  the  one-half  of  that 
being  gathered  after  the  weather  had  broken.  There  is  little 
necessity  looking  after  their  doorways,  they  contrast  or  extend 
them  themselves  as  circumstances  demand. 

There  are  perhaps  some  persons  who  may  after  all  these  facts 
have  been  published  still  endeavour  to  disprove  them,  but  let  all 
who  seek  after  truth  pay  me  and  my  hives  a  visit,  and  they  will 
learn  more  truth  in  an  hour  than  in  years  by  merely  reading  what 
is  said  about  the  Punic  bees  by  writers  who  have  had  no  actual 
experience  with  them. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor”  or  to  “The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Bees  (F.  J.  IF.). — Your  letter  is  received,  and  the  required  information 
will  be  given  as  soon  as  possible. 

^rational  Rose  Society’s  Catalogue  QRosariaii).  —  You  will 
find  an  answer  to  your  question  on  page  72  of  the  present  issue. 

Iilght  Reading  (S.  J.  A.). — Amusing  and  refreshing,  but  should 
have  been  sent  a  day  sooner  to  secure  insertion. 


Book  on  Table  Decoration  (6*.  W.  It.). — “Table  Decoration,” 
by  William  Low,  and  published  by  Messrs.  Chapman  &  Hall,  London, 
would  meet  your  requirements.  It  could  no  doubt  be  obtained  through 
any  bookseller. 

Raw  Bones  and  Chrysanthemums  (IF.  A.  31.). — Evidently  the 
bones  used  as  drainage  are  injuring  your  plants.  Clear  lime  water  will 
not  hurt  them,  and  may,  or  may  not,  destroy  the  maggots.  Cannot  you 
carefully  turn  the  plants  out  of  their  pots  and  remove  the  cause  of  the 
evil?  It  may  be  tedious  work,  but  will  be  the  best  way  of  improving 
the  plants. 

Boronla  polygallfolla  (A.  31.). — You  are  correct  in  saying  that 
this  Boionia  is  “  comparatively  little  known,”  but  it  is  one  of  the  most 
useful  of  the  genus.  In  few  gardens,  however,  it  is  largely  grown,  but 
wherever  it  has  been  fairly  tried  the  highest  opinion  is  held  of  its  merits 
as  a  greenhouse  or  conservatory  plant.  Perhaps  the  best  examples  of  its 
utility  can  be  seen  at  Kew  in  the  greenhouse,  where  during  the  spring 
and  early  summer  months  plants  with  quite  masses  of  flowers  are  very 
noticeable  upon  the  side  shelves.  These  are  borne  on  corymbose  heads, 
are  of  a  bright  rosy-lilac  hue,  and  last  a  considerable  time  either  upon 
the  plant  or  when  cut.  The  growth  being  very  free,  the  plant  will 
endure  hard  cutting,  a  valuable  quality  when  flowers  are  so  largely 
in  demand  ;  and  though  the  colour  is  not  so  brilliant  or  startling 
as  that  of  some  plants,  it  is  a  shade  that  can  be  readily  associated 
with  many  others  without  producing  any  unpleasant  discord.  It 
requires  similar  treatment  to  other  species  of  the  genus. 

Heaviest  Buneta  of  Crapes  (^Yoxing  Gardener). — We  have  many 
times  answered  similar  questions  to  yours,  and  can  only  repeat  that  the 
heaviest  bunch  of  Grapes  we  have  seen,  and  so  far  as  we  know  that  has 
been  officially  recorded,  was  a  bunch  of  the  Calabrian  Kaisin,  weighing 
26  lbs,  4  ozs.,  grown  by  Mr.  Curror,  gardener  to  J,  Douglas,  Esq., 
Eskbank,  Dalkeith,  and  exhibited  in  Edinburgh  on  September  15th, 
1875.  A  bunch  of  Syrian  grown  by  the  late  Mr.  Dickson,  gardener  to 
J.  Jardine,  Esq.,  Arkleton,  Langholm,  weighed  at  the  same  show  25  lbs., 
15  ozs.  This  appeared  to  be  the  larger  bunch  of  the  two,  the  berries 
having  been  more  thinned  than  the  former.  Mr.  Dickson  has  stated 
that  the  bunch  when  cut  weighed  26  lbs.  8  ozs.,  so  that  either  it  must 
have  lost  weight  before  it  reached  the  show  or  there  was  a  difference  in 
the  scales  employed  in  the  two  instances.  An  illustration  of  this  bunch 
was  reproduced  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  December  29th,  1892. 
Mr.  Koberts,  The  Gardens,  Charleville  Forest,  Tullamore,  has  grown  a 
bunch  of  Gros  Guillaume  weighing  23  lbs.  5  ozs. 

Acacia  grandls  (^Amateur). — The  plant  to  which  you  allude  is  no 
doubt  Acacia  giandis,  which  is  a  native  of  Western  Australia.  It  forms 
a  shrub  of  moderate  .size,  and  flowers  freely  while  small.  The  stems  are 
angular,  grooved,  and  usually,  but  not  invariably,  quite  glabrous.  The 
leaves  consist  of  two  pinnm  articulated  at  their  base,  each  pinna  being 
about  an  inch  long,  and  composed  of  from  eight  to  ten  pairs  of  linear, 
alternate,  smooth  leaflets,  the  rachis  or  stalk  to  which  they  are  attached 
being  flattened,  and  terminated  by  a  small  leafy  point.  A.  grandis  is  a 
most  charming  plant  for  spring  flowering,  being  at  that  season  loaded 
with  its  g.dden  yellow  balls;  and  at  all  periods  of  the  year  its  elegant 
foliage  gives  it  an  ornamental  character.  Its  propagation  is  effected 
either  by  seeds  or  cuttings,  usually  by  the  latter  method  ;  they  should 
be  inserted  in  white  sand,  or  very  sandy  soil,  and  covered  with  a  bell- 
glass  or  tumbler.  As  they  are  impatient  of  damp,  they  require  a  little 
more  care  during  the  rooting  process  than  those  of  the  leafless  species. 
The  inside  of  the  glass  should  be  wiped  daily,  and  as  soon  as  the  cuttings 
are  well  rooted  they  must  be  potted  into  sandy  peat,  and  eventually 
into  good  fibrous  peat  containing  less  sand. 

American  Ginseng'  (A.  B.). — You  desire  to  know  something  about 
“  American  Ginseng,  which  is  highly  valued  as  a  medicine  by  the 
Chinese.”  The  following  extract  from  a  recent  number  of  the  “  Kew 
Bulletin  ”  exactly  answers  j'our  question  : — “  The  American  Ginseng 
belongs  to  the  natural  order  Araliacese,  an  order  closely  allied 
to  the  Umbelliferm.  Amongst  Araliacem  are  included  plants 
of  very  different  habits  and  characters,  such  as  Panax,  Fatsia, 
the  tropical  Sciadophyllum  and  Hedera  (the  common  Ivy).  Aralia 
quinquefolia,  A.  Gray,  has  a  low  herbaceous  stem  seldom  more  than 
a  foot  or  15  inches  high.  The  leaves  are  long-stalked,  pal matisect,  with 
usually  five  leaflets  (hence  the  specific  name),  arranged  in  a  whorl  of 
three  or  four  at  the  summit  of  the  stem  ;  the  leaflets  have  generally  three 
larger  than  the  others,  they  are  somewhat  thin,  obovate-oblong,  pointed 
and  serrate.  A  single  umbel  of  flowers  appears  on  the  short,  slender, 
terminal  peduncle  with  small  yellowish  flowers.  The  calyx  is  adherent  to 
the  ovary  and  surmounts  it  with  five  minute  teeth.  The  corolla  is  made 
up  of  five  small  oval  white  petals  which  soon  fade  away.  The  stamens 
(when  present)  are  five  in  number,  with  small  heart-shaped  anthers, 
and  there  are  two,  sometimes  three,  persistent  ordinary  curved  styles. 
The  ovaries  expand  into  small  round  bright  red  berries  about  the  size  of 
small  peas,  each  with  two  seeds.  The  root  (the  part  used)  is  tuberous, 
3  or  4  inches  long  and  usually  branching  into  two  or  three  tap¬ 
shaped  divisions.  It  is  wrinkled  by  parallel  transverse  ridges,  and  gives 
rise  to  a  number  of  fibrous  rootlets.  The  upper  portions  of  the  root-tuber 
show  several  angular  scars,  the  remains  of  previous  stems  which  die 
down  annually.  As  the  roots  increase  with  age  they  often  assume 
strange  forms,  and  such  roots  are  highly  prized,  the  Chinese  readily 
giving  large  sums  for  them.  In  America  the  roots  are  not  regarded  as 
possessing  active  medicinal  properties.  They  have,  however,  an 
aromatic  bitter-sweet  taste,  are  somewhat  mucilaginous,  and  may  have  a 
j  mild,  stimulant,  tonic  effect.” 


August  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


91 


Although  the  great  work  that  has  been  conducted  for  fifty 
years  on  the  Rothamsted  Park  estate  of  Sir  John  Bennett 
Lawes  and  his  talented  and  energetic  coadjutor,  Dr.  J.  H.  Gilbert, 
is  of  agricultural  interest  mainly,  we  make  no  apology  for  inserting 
a  report  of  the  proceedings  on  another  page  in  honour  of  those 
workers  in  science  in  its  direct  bearings  on  the  cultivation  of  the 
soil  ;  nor  do  we  hesitate  to  make  this  prominent  reference  to  their 
services,  and  the  recognition  of  them  that  has  been  won  so  well. 
No  one  interested  in  the  art  of  cultivation,  whether  on  farms  or  in 
gardens,  can  visit  Rothamsted  without  being  impressed  with  the 
magnitude  of  the  operations  there  to  be  seen,  both  on  the  land  and 
in  the  laboratory.  Experiments  on  almost  all  kinds  of  crops  with 
various  manures,  and  no  manures,  over  a  long  series  of  years  teach 
valuable  lessons.  The  results  of  soil  starvation  and  soil  enrichment 
are  side  by  side.  The  effects  of  the  chief  chemical  manures,  both 
alone  and  in  combination,  are  displayed,  and  it  is  impossible  to 
ignore  the  lessons  the  crops  teach.  The  laboratory  work  is  almost 
bewildering  in  its  magnitude,  and  the  exhaustive  nature  and 
complete  records  of  the  experiments  evoke  surprise  and  admi¬ 
ration  . 

Few  greater  treats  can  be  imagined  to  the  gardener  or  farmer 
with  an  inquiring  mind,  and  a  desire  to  trace  results  to  their  causes, 
than  that  afforded  by  an  inspection  of  Rothamsted  in  company 
with  those  who  have  made  it  famous  all  over  the  civilized  world — 
Sir  John  Lawes  and  Dr.  Gilbert.  The  untiring  zeal  of  the  former 
in  the  work  which  he  instituted,  and  the  remarkable  energy  of  the 
latter,  are  not  likely  to  be  forgotten  by  the  visitor.  Those  who 
appreciate  the  picturesque,  as  well  as  scientific  and  practical  experi¬ 
ments,  will  find  the  former  in  the  fine  old  Elizabethan  mansion  and 
its  surroundings.  Particularly  noteworthy  is  an  ancient  avenue  of 
stately  Limes  producing  in  a  natural  way  an  avenue  of  successors. 
The  arms  of  the  old  trees  have  bent  over  and  reached  the  ground 
on  each  side,  and  at  about  equal  distances  from  the  parent  trunks, 
taken  root,  thrown  up  luxuriant  suckers  that  are  developing  into 
straight  and  stately  trees  parallel  with  the  originals.  It  is  an 
interesting  example  of  continuity  in  tree  life  and  orderly  arrange¬ 
ment  unaided  by  the  art  of  man,  and  is  in  bold  contrast  to  the  art 
and  science  which  in  other  directions  pervade  the  establishment. 
We  wish,  as  will  all  our  readers  who  have  seen  the  work  of 
Rothamsted,  still  a  long  period  and  usefulness  to  the  distinguished 
veterans  who  were  honoured  last  week.  Rich  in  knowledge  and 
experience  they  are  still  almost  physically  young.  Dr.  Gilbert  will 
shortly  start  for  Chicago  to  deliver  a  course  of  lectures,  and  he 
will  not  meet  there  many  men  possessing  greater  mental  and 
physical  activity  than  himself.  His  friends  bid  him  hon  voyage, 
and  will  be  glad  to  see  him  home  again. 


COLOURING  LATE  GRAPES. 

The  art  of  perfectly  colouring  Grapes  of  all  varieties  has  long 
been  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  difficult  points  in  connection 
with  fruit  growing,  and  the  cultivator  who  accomplishes  the  feat 
is  accredited  with  having  performed  a  highly  meritorious  achieve¬ 
ment.  As  far  as  my  experience  goes  it  is,  however,  rare  indeed 
that  any  cultivator  succeeds  in  bringing  a  dozen  varieties  to  this 

No.  684. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


desirable  state  during  any  one  season,  unless  the  bunches  are  con¬ 
spicuously  small,  in  which  case  the  performance  would  not  be  a 
remarkable  one,  for  to  come  up  to  the  high  standard  of  the  present 
day  size  of  bunch  and  berry,  as  well  as  good  form  and  colour,  must 
be  combined. 

The  peculiarities  of  each  season  doubtless  render  uniformity  of 
quality  in  Grapes  difficult  of  attainment,  because  during  bright 
hot  seasons  black  varieties  seldom  finish  so  well  or  retain  their 
colour  so  long  as  white  ones,  while  in  dull  seasons  the  chief 
obstacle  lies  in  producing  the  rich  amber  tint  which  denotes  per¬ 
fection  in  the  latter.  This  difficulty  is  often  largely  increased 
by  growing  too  many  varieties  in  one  house,  under  which  con¬ 
ditions  it  is  impossible  to  give  each  kind  the  treatment  required 
Much  has,  however,  been  done  in  recent  years  to  lessen  this 
obstruction  by  planting  in  mixed  houses  only  those  varieties  which 
ripen  about  the  same  time,  or  require  similar  temperatures.  This, 
together  with  the  special  attention  which  has  been  given  to  Grape 
culture  during  the  last  two  decades,  has  resulted  in  the  production 
of  a  largely  increased  per-centage  of  well-coloured  Grapes.  Let 
those  who  are  inclined  to  doubt  this  statement  carry  their  memory 
back  ten  or  fifteen  years,  and  picture  to  themselves  the  com¬ 
paratively  few  really  well-finished  Grapes  to  be  met  with  at 
exhibitions  and  in  high-class  fruiterers’  shops  at  that  time,  and  then 
compare  their  mental  retrospect  with  what  they  may  see  in  similar 
places  to-day  ;  the  result  I  think  will  be  convincing.  There  is, 
however,  still  room  for  the  good  work  already  begun  to  be  still 
further  extended,  till  badly  coloured  Grapes,  which  were  once  the 
rule,  become  the  exception.  Given  clean  healthy  Vines,  not  over¬ 
cropped,  it  ought  not  to  be  a  difficult  matter  to  colour  every  berry 
which  does  not  shank  in  a  house  in  which  suitable  varieties  are 
planted  together,  and  I  believe  by  paying  due  attention  to  the 
following  details  of  culture,  any  intelligent  gardener  may  succeed 
in  doing  it. 

The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  ascertain  the  condition  of  the 
soil  about  the  roots  in  regard  to  moisture  immediately  the  berries 
show  signs  of  colouring.  If  the  soil  be  in  the  least  dry,  a 
thorough  soaking  of  liquid  manure  should  be  given,  or  one  of 
the  many  approved  chemical  manures  sprinkled  upon  the  surface 
of  the  border  and  watered  in.  On  subsequent  occasions,  when¬ 
ever  the  soil  becomes  slightly  dry,  water  ought  to  be  applied  till 
the  Grapes  are  ripe.  If  liquid  manure  is  given  just  as  colouring 
begins  I  prefer  to  use  clear  water  at  later  waterings,  except  in 
the  case  of  Vines  growing  in  narrow  borders  crammed  with  roots. 
Ventilation  is  a  matter  which  plays  an  important  part  in  effecting 
good  colour.  There  is,  I  think,  too  great  a  tendency  to  suddenly 
increase  the  amount  as  soon  as  colouring  commences,  with  the 
result  that  a  check  is  given  to  the  Vines  at  a  critical  stage,  and  the 
prospect  of  securing  coloured  Grapes  greatly  lessened.  It  is  not 
so  much  the  amount  of  air  given  which  requires  alteration  as 
the  time  of  admitting  and  manner  of  reducing  it.  The  practice 
of  allowing  the  thermometer  to  reach  a  given  point  before  ventila¬ 
tion  is  increased  is  not  a  good  one.  When  this  is  done  condensed 
moisture  on  the  berries  frequently  follows,  loss  of  bloom  being 
the  result.  No  matter  what  the  temperature  may  be  early  in  the 
morning,  more  air  should  be  admitted  before  it  begins  rising, 
and  afterwards  increased  sufficiently  to  prevent  a  rapid  rise 
or  decreased  to  avert  a  sudden  change  in  the  opposite  direction- 
During  the  afternoon  of  bright  days  ventilation  should  be  reduced 
so  as  to  maintain  the  temperature  between  75°  and  85°,  allowing 
a  little  air  to  be  admitted  through  the  top  lights  continually, 
and  as  colouring  advances  at  the  front  of  the  house  as  well. 
These  tactics  should  be  continued  throughout  the  finishing  period, 
with  the  slight  exception  that  as  the  berries  ripen  the  air 
admitted  may  be  increased  in  volume,  which  will,  of  course,  keep 
the  temperature  throughout  the  day  slightly  lower. 

It  is  a  rare  occurrence  to  find  well  coloured  Grapes  on  Vines 
badly  infested  with  red  spider  or  other  insects,  yet  the  treatment 

No.  2340. — VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


92 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[August  3,  1893. 


given  by  some  cultivators  during  the  ripening  period  is  calculated 
to  bring  about  a  rapid  spread  of  these  pests,  which  revel  in  a 
parched  atmosphere  such  as  many  consider  it  necessary  to  maintain 
during  that  stage.  Indeed,  I  will  go  still  further,  and  maintain 
that  it  is  the  one  weak  point  which  in  many  instances  prevents 
black  Grapes  finishing  well.  Vine  leaves  which  are  perfectly 
fresh  and  healthy  when  colouring  begins,  after  being  subjected  to 
an  unnecessary  amount  of  fire  heat  and  but  little  atmospheric 
moisture  for  a  few  weeks,  become  dry,  brittle,  and  altogether  devoid 
of  freshness,  under  which  conditions  they  cannot  properly  perform 
their  functions.  If  we  take  a  lesson  from  Nature’s  book  we  find 
that  Grapes  on  walls  in  the  open  air  which  colour  during  the  damp 
cold  nights  of  August  and  September  usually  become  as  black  as 
Sloes. 

In  order  to  maintain  the  foliage  in  a  healthy  condition,  and 
thus  promote  good  colour,  the  floor  and  stages  of  the  house  should 
be  damped  three  times  daily  during  bright  weather,  and  once  on 
dull  days  when  fire  heat  is  constantly  employed.  Houses  in  which 
Vines  of  Madresfield  Court  are  growing  must  have  less  atmospheric 
moisture  to  prevent  the  berries  cracking.  The  hot-water  pipes 
should  be  heated  sufficiently  to  maintain  the  night  temperature 
between  60°  and  65°  during  the  next  month.  Later  on,  when 
colder  nights  prevail,  it  is  better  to  allow  the  thermometer  to  fall 
5°  lower  than  to  overheat  the  hot- water  pipes  to  keep  up  a  given 
temperature.  The  great  consideration  is  to  employ  a  little 
artificial  heat  constantly  during  the  night  and  on  dull  days, 
then  the  exact  degree  of  temperature  kept  up  is  not  of  much 
consequence. 

All  white  Grapes  require  a  somewhat  drier  atmosphere  during 
the  ripening  period  than  is  good  for  black  ones,  otherwise  the  berries 
became  spotted,  or  “cloudy.”  Muscats  should  also  have  a  far 
greater  amount  of  fire  heat  than  black  Grapes.  A  night  tempera¬ 
ture  ranging  between  65°  and  75°  with  a  rise  of  5°  from  fire  heat  on 
dull  days  is  not  too  much  for  them.  It  is  also  important  that  a  few 
of  the  leaves  be  tied  aside  to  allow  the  sun  to  shine  directly  on  the 
bunches,  but  this  exposure  ought  to  be  done  gradually,  otherwise 
browned  or  shrivelled  berries  may  be  the  result.  Some  growers 
advise  Gros  Colman  to  be  grown  in  the  Muscat  house.  In  my 
opinion  this  is  the  wrong  place  for  it.  I  have  never  seen  perfectly 
coloured  Colmans  produced  in  a  house  in  which  Muscats  were 
well  grown,  as  the  king  of  white  Grapes  requires  a  much  greater 
amount  of  artificial  heat  to  bring  it  to  perfection  than  does  the 
most  imposing  of  black  ones.  Any  cultivator  whose  experience 
differs  from  mine  in  this  respect  will  confer  a  benefit  upon  readers 
of  the  Journal  by  recording  it. — Vitis. 


PRUNING  SHRUBS— CLIPPING  HEDGES. 

It  is  well  known  that  shrubs  pruned  during  the  winter  or  early 
spring  retaliate  by  producing  an  abundant  crop  of  shoots.  True,  it 
is  often  most  convenient  to  do  the  work  connected  with  shrubberies 
when  the  season  is  least  pressing,  but  in  my  experience  it  generally 
occurs  that  it  requires  doing  over  again  before  the  autumn  is 
reached.  I  have  seen  pruning  undertaken  periodically  during  the 
month  of  April,  but  this  is  too  late,  as  the  plants  operated  on  are 
made  more  or  less  bare  at  a  season  when  one  expects  freshness  and 
beauty.  The  same  results  accrue  if  pruning  is  delayed  till  too  far 
in  the  autumn.  There  is  certain  to  be  a  long-standing  eyesore, 
ending  only  when  new  growth  commences  the  year  succeeding. 
I  find  that  the  month  of  July  and  the  early  part  of  August 
comprises  the  most  suitable  period  of  the  year  in  which  to  prune 
shrubs  profitably.  In  practice  I  am  not  particular  as  to  the  exact 
moment,  and,  indeed,  the  time  varies  according  to  the  exigencies 
of  each  season.  The  chief  thing  to  be  observed  is  that  the  work 
be  overtaken  at  a  time  when  growth  for  the  season  is  practically 
completed,  so  that  no  roughness  may  appear  before  another  year. 
At  the  same  time  a  little  growth  is  made  ensuring  that  fresh 
appearance  which  is  so  delightful  in  a  garden. 

There  are,  however,  exceptions.  Privet  when  employed  as 
a  hedge  requires  trimming  more  than  once  a  year.  If  left  till 
the  general  pruning,  the  growths  made  during  the  season  are  so 
strong  that  after  being  cut  there  is  but  little  foliage  to  be  seen. 
The  plan  with  Privet  is  to  cut  as  often  as  possible.  I  have  seen 
it  done  three  times  a  year  with  good  effect.  The  oval-leaved  form 
is,  perhaps,  less  unsightly  after  hard  cutting  than  the  common 
sort,  but  I  clip  it  also  twice  a  year,  in  spring  and  at  this  period. 
Hedges  of  Taxus  elegantissima  also  require  bi-annual  pruning  ;  if 
left  too  long  the  green  has  to  be  cut  into,  and  the  beauty  of  the 
hedge  destroyed  for  a  time.  Young  Yew  hedges  are  improved  by 
cutting  often,  therefore  it  is  wise  to  trim  these  also  twice  a  year. 
Holly  and  Box  require  trimming  once  a  year  only,  and  if  the 
hedges  are  old  and  large  a  year  may  be  passed  without  pruning. 


and  that  to  their  benefit.  Some  plants  require  to  be  treated 
differently  than  is  usual  with  most  hedges.  Thus  we  have  a 
long  hedge  of  Laurustinus.  To  prune  this  with  shears  would  be  a 
sure  means  of  destroying  all  prospect  of  flower  the  year  succeed¬ 
ing,  therefore  growths  are  taken  out  as  they  trespass  beyond  the 
general  contour  required.  So  also  with  common  Mahonia.  It  is 
necessary  to  trim  this  with  judgment,  as  both  flower  and  fruit 
are  beautiful.  We  have  also  a  long  hedge  of  White  Spruce. 
This  is  cut  twice  a  year.  All  the  young  growths  are  shorn  at 
present,  and  during  the  spring  the  hedge  is  again  looked  over  and 
any  shoots  out  of  bounds  pruned. 

Rhododendrons  should  on  no  account  be  left  unpruned  later 
than  J uly,  and  the  sooner  it  is  done  after  flowering  so  much  the 
better.  Rhododendrons  may  be  kept  in  bounds  and  flowered  pro¬ 
fusely  by  cutting  out  a  few  growths  every  year,  or  every  second 
year.  These  shoots  ought  to  be  cut  fairly  well  back,  so  that  they 
may  break  behind  those  left  and  in  due  course  take  their  place 
when  they  also  have  grown  beyond  their  limit.  I  cut  in  Laurels 
and  most  other  shrubs  in  much  the  same  way.  When  once  a  man 
gets  into  the  method  it  does  not  take  more  time  than  cutting  back 
the  whole  face  of  the  shrubs,  and  it  has  the  advantage  of  being 
less  unsightly. — B. 


SPRAYING  VERSUS  INSECT  PESTS  AND 
FUNGOID  DISEASES. 

Continuing  my  remarks  from  page  73,  it  should  be  borne 
clearly  in  mind  that  spraying  with  fungicides  is  preventive  rather 
than  remedial.  The  fungus  cannot  possibly  develop  upon  leaves 
which  have  been  treated  with  the  concoction,  as  it  is  poison  to  it. 
This  fact  then  gives  us  a  good  idea  as  to  the  time  of  application. 
True,  the  prospect  of  disease  this  year  is  not  great,  but  it  has  made 
a  start.  The  weather  at  present  is  exactly  suited  to  its  develop¬ 
ment,  and  there  is  ample  time  for  its  ravages.  As  we  have  found 
disease  in  leaves  and  tubers  contaminating  spores  will  soon  fill  the 
air,  and  to  take  due  precaution  in  assisting  our  plants  to  resist  the 
attack  is  our  main  chance  of  escape. 

Now  is  the  time  to  apply  the  solution  of  blue  vitriol  and  lime, 
choosing  a  dry  day  with  as  little  wind  as  possible.  On  no  account 
must  spraying  be  commenced  until  the  dew  is  off  the  leaf,  as  the 
mixture  is  thereby  diluted,  and,  moreover,  will  not  stick  to  the 
foliage.  Two  dressings,  with  an  interval  of  one  month,  will  be 
sufficient,  and  the  cost  does  not  exceed  18s.  to  £1  per  acre  for 
each  dressing,  resulting  probably  in  a  gain  of  at  least  twice  that  sum. 
A  man  cannot  do  thoroughly  more  than  half  an  acre  a  day,  unless  he 
has  a  lad  to  fill  his  machine,  fetch  water,  and  assist  in  mixing  the 
stuff.  He  should  also  start  work  with  his  back  to  the  wind.  The 
dressing,  when  dry,  should  appear  of  a  whitish-blue  colour  upon  the 
leaves.  For  a  day  or  so  it  may  seem  to  retard  growth,  but  ex¬ 
perience  teaches  me  that  the  vitality  of  the  haulm  is  ultimately 
increased,  hence  the  improvement  in  weight  of  the  crop. 

The  efficacy  of  the  mixture  is  already  beginning  to  show  itself. 
We  have  three  acres  of  land  under  field  cultivation,  and  two  acres 
are  planted  with  about  forty  varieties  of  Potatoes  in  ^th  acre  plots. 
At  the  top  end  of  the  field  a  long  patch  of  “  The  Daniels  ”  was 
planted  by  the  tenant,  and  these  are  very  badly  diseased.  We 
purposely  left  undressed  one  perch  of  each  of  our  forty  varieties 
immediately  opposite  (a  four-yard  pathway  intervenes)  this  long 
strip  of  “The  Daniels.”  On  July  26th  no  trace  of  disease  could 
be  seen  on  the  plots,  but  on  walking  round  on  the  29th  disease 
spots  could  be  counted  by  the  dozen  upon  the  undressed  perches  of 
White  Elephant,  Surprise,  Cosmopolitan,  Windsor  Castle,  Satis¬ 
faction,  Abundance,  Perfection,  Stourbridge  Glory,  Holborn 
Abundance,  Magnum  Bonum,  The  Triumph,  and  The  Daniels. 
We  searched  most  carefully  for  spots  upon  the  dressed  portion, 
but  none  could  be  found  below  the  line  of  rods.  We  dressed 
again  on  the  31st  as  our  month  was  up. 

I  may  in  passing  give  one  or  two  practical  hints  in  preparing 
and  testing  the  mixture.  Be  sure  and  use  fresh  lime,  and  slake  it 
just  before  mixing,  as  it  then  sticks  so  much  better  to  the  foliage  ; 
use  it  when  warm,  and  pour  it  through  the  strainer  of  the  Eclair 
into  the  tub.  Never  mix  in  iron  vessels,  and  especially  do  not 
dissolve  the  copper  in  such,  as  a  chemical  action  is  involved,  which 
gives  the  mixture  a  dirty  green  colour,  instead  of  which  it  should 
be  a  beautiful  blue  (royal  blue). 

In  preparing  the  ferrocvanide  of  potassium  for  testing  take 
half  an  oz.  of  the  lemon-yello  ’  crystals  and  dissolve  in  5  ozs.  of  cold 
water.  The  solution  will  be  ready  for  use  in  twenty  minutes,  and 
will  last  for  a  very  long  time. 

With  regard  to  the  dressing  upon  Tomato  plants,  it  is  almost  too 
late  now  to  apply  it  with  safety,  for  fruit  has  in  most  cases  formed 
and  is  ripening  fast.  Such  plants  should  be  sprayed  before 
the  blossoms  fall,  as  the  disease  usually  first  shows  itself  upon  the 


August  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


93 


older  leaves.  We  must  in  fact  anticipate  an  attack  in  accordance 
with  the  season,  and  be  prepared  for  resistance. 

Leaf  blight  in  the  Cherry,  Plum,  and  Pear  may  all  be  treated 
to  advantage  with  the  same  mixture,  but  for  fruit  trees  several 
dressings  are  necessary,  and  should  all  bo  applied  before  the  fruit 
has  quite  set,  in  order  that  it  may  not  be  tainted  and  ruined  in 
colour.  The  first  dressing  could  be  applied  just  as  the  leaves  begin 
to  open,  and  the  second  directly  the  blossoms  begin  to  fall.  When 
the  second  dose  is  given,  4  ozs.  of  Paris  green  added  to  every 
50  gallons  of  Bordeaux  mixture  effectually  destroys  insects  and 
grubs. 

Before  real  progress  can  be  made  the  Eclair  will  have  to  rank 
as  one  of  the  most  important  requisites  of  the  garden.  It  is 
equally  useful  for  insecticide  and  fungicide  work.  It  ought  to 
supersede  the  syringe  for  dressing  trees  upon  walls  with  the  well- 
known  and  admirable  solution  of  quassia  chips  and  softsoap,  and  it 
should  prove  invaluable  in  the  application  of  kerosene  and  other 
emulsions  to  Onion  beds  with  the  object  of  scaring  and  finally 
extirpating  that  terrible  pest  the  Onion  fly. — Edward  H.  Smith, 
Warminster. 


INSECTS  OF  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

{Continued  from  page  25.') 

Our  flower  beds  and  frames  furnish  a  home  to  a  host  of  those 
small  and  singular  insects  which  have  been  dignified  into  an  order 
and  called  the  Thysanura.  Science  has  puzzled  itself  about  their 
place  in  Nature  ;  some  would  join  them  to  the  centipedes  or  the 
Crustaceans  ;  some  think  them  akin  to  crickets  or  dragon  flies  ; 
others  put  them  near  the  spiders  and  mites.  Entomologists 
generally  have  taken  no  heed  of  them,  gardeners  are  mostly 
unaware  of  their  existence  ;  but  the  microscopist  rejoices  over 
them,  for  the  scales  of  these  insects  furnish  him  with  very  capital 
test  objects.  Formerly  the  whole  group  were  also  called  the 
Springtails.  This  name,  however,  was  found  to  be  only  suitable 
for  part,  as  they  do  not  all  jump  or  leap,  and  so  they  have  been 
divided  into  the  Thysanura  proper,  and  the  Collembola.  There 
are  other  differences,  too,  besides  the  presence  or  absence  of  the 
peculiar  springing  apparatus.  All  of  them  show  a  dislike  to  light, 
hence  we  have  difficulty  in  getting  acquainted  with  their  habits  ; 
but  the  Thysanura  like  warmth,  and  occur  upon  dry  walls,  or  in 
earth  and  substances  not  very  moist,  while  the  Collembola  seem  to 
flourish  in  damp  places,  and  they  suffer  nothing  from  the  effects 
of  cold.  It  is  the  Collembola  that  we  chiefly  meet  with  in  gardens, 
since  they  feed  upon  decaying  leaves,  or  any  kind  of  vegetable 
matter  undergoing  change,  also  upon  some  fungi,  and  they  occur 
upon  growing  plants  ;  sometimes  they  swarm  in  our  frames,  being 
partial  to  succulent  species.  Collembola,  though  from  their  minute 
size  they  are  frequently  unnoticed,  infest  some  of  the  flower  beds, 
attacking  leaves  near  the  soil,  the  crowns  or  bulbs  of  plants,  as  well 
as  some  roots,  and  weaken,  if  they  cannot  kill.  On  the  other  hand, 
it  is  in  their  favour  that  they  help  to  decompose  substances  which 
become  then  valuable  as  manure. 

As  in  all  true  insects,  the  body  is,  amongst  the  Collembola, 
divided  into  three  sections — head,  thorax,  and  abdomen  ;  the  head 
bears  the  antennie  and  mouth  organs,  the  six  legs  are  attached  to 
the  thorax,  and  the  abdomen  has  the  saltatorial  appendage,  with  its 
catch  and  spring.  Some  have  the  skin  protected  by  scales,  and 
others  are  hairy.  Upon  the  heads  of  some  are  a  number  of  round 
colourless  points,  which  have  been  taken  for  eyes,  but  which  are 
really  organs  of  tonch.  The  simple  eyes  are  behind  the  antennae, 
and  form  two  little  groups,  one  each  side  of  the  head.  At  the 
mouth  we  find  a  pair  of  fine  feelers  or  palpi  and  a  pair  of  jaws, 
which  are  long,  and  strengthened  by  horny  muscles  ;  within  the 
mouth  is  a  double  and  complicated  system  of  teeth,  which  the 
insects  use  far  too  effectively  sometimes  upon  young  leaves  and 
tender  rootlets.  Amongst  these  little  creatures  a  few  species 
occur  that  are  blind,  yet  they,  in  spite  of  this  disadvantage,  move 
about  with  activity  and  decision  ;  probably  their  antennae  are 
specially  sensitive.  Some  species  have  not  the  leaping  apparatus 
that  most  possess,  which  has  the  form  of  r  sort  of  fork,  having  a 
spring  and  catch.  When  we  see  one  of  them  jump,  it  appears  to 
us  a  wonderful  display  of  muscular  force  perhaps,  yet  it  is  not  so 
much  by  effort  that  it  is  made  as  by  the  elasticity  of  the  spring, 
and  in  this  way  force  is  economised.  Sir  John  Lubbock  has 
remarked  that  many  people  might  suppose  that  in  these  insects, 
and  in  some  of  similar  habit,  the  condition  of  inactivity  was  one  of 
repose,  though  the  muscles  might  be  ready  to  move  at  the  slightest 
impulse,  but  he  thinks  the  position  of  rest  is  one  of  high  tension, 
there  is  then  a  conflict  of  opposing  forces,  which  for  awhile  balance 
each  other.  He  takes,  for  comparison,  the  case  of  certain  Orchids, 
where  the  part  of  the  flower  which  insects  visit  is  not  close  to  the 
pollen,  yet  the  plants  depend  on  insects  for  fertilisation.  In 
Catasetum  there  is  found  a  long  sensitive  (process,  which  overhangs 


the  place  where  insects  are  likely  to  settle,  so  that  when  they  arrive 
it  is  almost  certain  they  will  touch  it.  Immediately  they  do  this 
the  flower  starts  into  action,  and  throws  its  pollen  masses  in  the 
direction  of  the  insect,  with  such  force  that  they  will  travel  2  or 
3  feet.  It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  the  plant  is  on  the  qui  vive, 
just  as  an  insect  might  be,  waiting  to  put  forth  its  power  at  the 
moment  it  is  needed. 

Returning  to  the  Collembola  we  notice  the  singular  fact  that 
species  which  are  leapers,  and  those  which  cannot  leap  because  they 
possess  no  spring,  are  often  to  be  found  in  company  under  the 
same  piece  of  board  or  amidst  a  little  pile  of  decaying  leaves. 
More  than  that,  some  of  those  having  the  ability  to  jump  occur 
in  localities  where  leaping  performances  are  hardly  possible.  The 
present  season,  owing  to  its  dryness,  has  not  been  favourable  to  the 
increase  of  the  insects  ;  one  who  has  studied  their  habits  reports 
that  they  are  speedily  killed  by  a  weak  solution  of  salt.  Smyn- 
thures  fuscus,  about  one-tenth  of  an  inch  in  length,  is  one  of  the 
largest  of  the  tribe,  and  feeds  chiefly  on  fungi  upon  trees,  fences, 
or  elsewhere.  Its  relative,  S.  viridis,  which  has  green  eyes  and 
red  antennse,  prefers  lawns  and  borders,  where  it  occurs  from  May 
to  September.  The  species  of  Papirius  are  very  active,  running  and 
jumping  gracefully  ;  they  have  globular  bodies  and  long  antennae, 
in  colour  some  are  brown,  some  black  and  green.  It  appears  that 
in  the  summer  they  frequent  damp  wood,  but  during  the  winter 
months  they  may  be  sometimes  detected  on  the  leaves  of  evergreens 
and  other  plants  in  gardens. 

In  the  genus  Degeeria  hairs  replace  scales  ;  some  of  these  hairs 
are  club-like,  and  others  resemble  a  bow,  and  have  even  a  seeming 
notch  at  the  end,  representing  that  to  which  the  string  is  attached. 
They  have  sixteen  eyes,  and  the  body  is  prettily  mottled.  Upon 
some  of  the  old-fashioned  wooden  edges  to  flower  beds  which  one 
comes  upon  now  and  then  the  Degeerias  occur  abundantly,  above 
and  beneath  the  soil.  Orchesella  cincta  is  also  without  scales.  This 
is  a  common  species  amongst  dead  leaves,  which  it  helps  to  disin¬ 
tegrate  ;  in  colour  it  is  black,  barred  with  yellow,  sometimes 
entirely  black.  Larger  than  most  of  its  kin  is  Tomocerus  longi- 
cornis,  named  from  its  long  antenna.  It  is  well  equipped  in  lead- 
coloured  scales,  and  can  brave  the  cold  of  winter,  even  when  severe. 

The  species  of  Seira  are  scaly,  some  of  them  dark  hued,  some 
have  bright  metallic  tints  ;  they  are  rather  partial  to  conservatories 
and  hothouses.  One  that  is  rare,  called  S.  curvicollis,  has  a  thorax 
projecting  over  the  head,  which  gives  the  insect  somewhat  of  the 
aspect  of  a  hippopotamus.  Lipura  fimitaria  requires  no  leaping 
apparatus,  since  its  life  is  passed  in  feeding  upon  the  roots  or 
underground  stems  of  plants  ;  it  is  white  and  velvety,  short-legged 
and  stout,  quick  in  movement,  though  we  often  turn  up  small  parties 
of  them  when  digging  or  hoeing.  Quite  different  in  colour  is  Anoura 
muscorum,  being  dark  purple,  about  one  -  fourteenth  of  an  inch 
long,  dotted  over  with  points  arranged  in  rows  (as  a  magnifying  glass 
shows  us),  the  mouth  has  a  sucker  and  not  jaws.  It  seems  to  lodge 
under  the  bark  of  shrubs,  and  in  the  joints  or  hollows  of  stems, 
but  does  not  appear  to  be  particularly  hurtful  One  more  species  I 
may  mention  which  occurs  in  damp  earth,  but  has  a  preference  for 
the  warmer  corners  and  sides  of  our  beds  ;  this  is  Campodea  staphy- 
linus,  a  soft  white,  narrow-bodied  insect,  having  neither  scales  nor 
eyes,  and  which  many  persons  might  regard  as  a  mite. — 
Entomologist. 


EASTERN  LILIES. 

Under  the  above  title,  which  has  the  merit  of  comprehensiveness, 
are  included  the  Liliums  of  the  Levant,  of  Siberia,  Persia,  India,  China, 
and  Japan.  L.  candidum,  one  of  the  most  beautiful  and  perhaps  thenaost 
familiar  of  Lilies,  is  Levantine,  davuricum  or  umbellatum  is  Siberian, 
giganteum  cordifolium  is  a  native  of  the  Himalayas,  tigrinum  comes 
from  China,  while  auratum,  longiflorum,  and  speciosum  are  of  Japanese 
extraction.  The  American  Lilies  are  for  the  most  part  interesting 
hybrids,  and  the  Bermuda  Lily,  Lilium  Harris!,  is  just  the  Japanese 
longiflorum,  as  I  learn  from  Dr.  Wallace  of  Colchester,  somewhat  modified 
and  improved  in  appearance  and  productiveness  by  tropical  cultivation. 
But  it  is  not  more  impressive,  as  experience  has  proved  to  me,  than 
Lilium  longiflorum  giganteum,  which  comes  to  this  country  direct  from 
Japan.  This  variety,  though  its  name  is  somewhat  similar,  must  not  be 
confounded  with  the  great  Himalayan  giganteum,  which  I  must  confess 
to  have  found  somewhat  disappointing.  I  planted  it  in  a  finely  sheltered 
and  otherwise  congenial  situation  last  November,  and  attended  inost 
faithfully  to  the  instructions  of  Dr.  Wallace  regarding  its  cultivation, 
yet,  owing  perhaps  to  the  exceptional  dryness  of  the  summer,  it  only 
attained  to  a  height  of  4  feet.  It,  however,  produced  several  magnificent 
blooms  (ivory  white  with  violet-crimson  streaks),  which  was  undoubtedly 
a  great  consolation.  Nevertheless,  I  think  this  Lily  is  over-estimated, 
when  I  compare  it  with  the  much  more  beautiful  Lilium  auratum 
or  Golden-rayed  Lily,  which  is  now  in  full  bloom.  Its^  flowers 
are  unusually  large  with  me  this  year,  being  in  many  instances 
12J  inches  in  diameter.  Among  other  species  that  grow  luxuriantly 
with  me  are  candidum,  davuricum,  croceum,  tigrinum,  Thunbergianum 


9i 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1893. 


(or  “  elegans  ”),  martagon,  longiflorum,  and  speciosum  ;  of  the  last 
mentioned  I  have  several  exquisite  varieties,  such  as  album,  roseum, 
rubrum,  and  Kroetzeri.  Of  all  the  speciosums  I  am  persuaded  that 
Kroetzeri  is  by  far  the  most  valuable  ;  its  colour  is  the  purest  white,  it 
is  very  prolific,  remarkable  for  durability,  and  easily  grown. 

The  Lily  is  now,  even  as  it  was  in  the  days  of  William  Cowper,  the 
rival  of  the  Rose.  If  the  latter  is  the  queen  the  former  is  assuredly  the 
empress  of  flowers.  I  admit  that  the  Rose  for  brilliancy  of  colour  and 
perfect  sweetness  of  fragrance  is  not  surpassed ;  but  for  stateliness, 
imperial  majesty,  and  imposing  splendour  of  aspect  there  can  be  no 
rivalry  with  the  Lilium  auratum.  No  flowers  are  more  impressive  in 
their  perfect  purity  and  beauty  than  Lilium  candidum  and  Lilium 
longiflorum.  How  deeply  we  regret  the  absence  of  these  when  their 
season,  always  too  transitory,  has  passed  ;  when,  like  the  last  Rose  of 
summer,  they  are  “faded  and  gone.”  During  their  short-lived  reign 
they  seem  to  make  the  very  atmosphere  of  our  gardens  more  exquisitely 
pure.  No  picture  can  delineate  the  full  expressiveness  of  their  beauty  ; 
they  have  a  charm  of  sweetness  most  sacred  in  its  meaning  which  no 
pen  can  describe,  because  they  are  the  work  of  a  mystic  ineffable  art 
our  utmost  efforts  fail  to  find. — David  R.  Williamson. 


POCKET-BOOK  NOTES. 

These  jottings  will  not  be  of  much  account,  they  can  be  private  if 
you  like,  but  I  thought  I  would  write  them  just  to  say  that  this  week’s 
Joxornal  of  Horticulture  is  more  than  usually  interesting.  Some 
numbers  are  so,  at  least  they  are  so  to  readers,  if  not  to  editors  and 
compilers. 


To  begin.  I  enjoyed  “An  Anglo-American  Day  ”  thoroughly,  and 
in  imagination  formed  one  of  the  very  pleasant  company  who  had  such 
“  a  good  day  ”  in  such  an  unique  round  of  visits.  “  Orchids  ”  I  do  not 
indulge  in,  I  am  a  spade  and  wheelbarrow  man,  and  “  Spraying  ” 
has  not  yet  become  one  of  my  round  of  duties. 


The  Rose  correspondence  I  enjoyed  immensely.  It  carried  me  back 
to  the  days  of  nearly  forty  years  ago,  when  I  showed  my  first  Roses, 
large,  full  blown,  and  to  me  glorious,  but  which  the  Judges  refused  to 
look  at,  to  my  disgust  and  inward  wrath.  Fortunately  for  me  a  good 
rosarian,  one  of  the  best  the  midlands  has  produced,  though  only  a 
working  man,  came  across  me  in  that  state  of  indignation,  and  he  most 
kindly  but  faithfully,  very  faithfully,  as  I  felt  at  the  time,  showed  me 
where  I  was  wrong,  and  that  Roses  should  be  cut  and  staged  in  all  their 
maiden  loveliness  ;  or,  as  Mr.  Charles  J.  Grahame  says,  page  73,  quoting 
from  the  N.R.S.  definitions  of  a  good  Rose,  “  in  the  most  perfeet  phase 
of  their  possible  beauty.”  The  lesson  I  never  forgot.  I  trust  Mr. 
David  R.  Williamson  may  be  as  benefited  by  the  plain  speaking  of  his 
brother  rosarians  as  I  was.  Through  a  long  life  I  have  found  that 
these  friendly  rebukes,  though  at  the  time  somewhat  hard  to  bear, 
are  the  best  things  that  could  come  to  us. 


“  Parsley  for  Winter  and  Spring  ”  is  a  timely  little  note.  I  always 
sow  a  frame,  or  part  of  it,  of  nine  lights  in  which  I  grow  my  earliest 
Potatoes,  with  Parsley  about  midsummer,  and  the  other  part  with 
Lettuces,  &c.,  for  winter  a  little  later.  This  gives  me  an  unlimited  supply 
of  Parsley  all  through  the  winter  and  spring.  A  friend  and  neigh¬ 
bour  of  mine  always  throws  a  pinch  or  two  of  Parsley  seed  about  August 
on  the  soil  of  his  orchard  house,  and  thus  gets  over  the  difficulty  of  a 
scarcity  of  it  in  a  hard  winter.  _ 

“Notes  and  Gleanings”  I  usually  read  first,  and  this  week  one  of 
them  gave  me  a  shoek,  for,  though  a  near  neighbour,  I  had  not  heard  of 
the  illness  of  Mr.  Pithers  of  Chilwell,  and  the  news  of  his  death  startled 
me.  I  can  emphasise  all  you  say  of  him  and  more,  for  he  was  one  of 
the  pleasantest  of  companions,  not  only  in  a  gardening  tour  round  his 
beloved  Chrysanthemums,  but  also  in  a  friendly  professional  confab 
with  a  few  gardening  cronies.  Amongst  these  he  could  let  himself  out 
and  give  and  take  with  the  keenest  enjoyment. 


_  “  Scarlet  Runner  Beans  Not  Setting.”  This  fact  is  rather  prominent 
this  season,  and  I  think  we  must  look  to  the  absence  of  bees  to  account 
for  it.  I  have  amongst  my  gardening  scraps  notes  of  a  paper  by 
Professor  Henslow  given  some  years  ago,  in  which  he  demonstrates  quite 
plainly  that  this  family  of  Beans  must  be  pollenised  by  insect  agency  in 
this  country,  or  they  will  be  inevitably  barren  ;  the  construction  of  the 
flower  making  it  so.  This  was  only  the  case  with  respect  to  the  Runner 
Bean,  the  form  of  the  flower  of  the  Dwarf  Bean  being  quite  different 
and  self-fertilising.  The  subject  is  worth  discussing. 


In  1855,  in  Sir  Joseph  Paxton’s  days,  I  made  the  same  journey  from 
Sheffield  to  Baslow  and  Chatsworth  which  “W.  P.  W.”  did,  and  I 
enjoyed  going  over  the  old  route  with  him,  in  his  visit  to  Chatsworth, 
our  “  Palace  of  the  Peak.”  I  have  never  forgotten  that  visit  and  never 
shall,  and,  though  “W.  P,  W.”  has  seen,  and  will  see,  many  other 
gardens,  I  do  not  think  he  will  see  another  Chatsworth.  By  this,  he 
and  you  will  see  that  one  person  enjoyed  reading  pages  80  and  81. 


I  must  not  go  on,  though  the  reports  of  the  shows  are  deeply 
interesting,  that  of  Trentham  very  much  so.  Reports  of  shows  have  a 


tendency  to  become  monotonous  and  wearisome,  but  those  of  the  Journa 
of  Horticulture  are  exceptions,  inasmuch  as  that  the  Editor  allows  the 
personality  of  each  reporter  to  appear  more  fully  and  pronouncedly  than 
do  the  Editors  of  other  gardening  papers.  The  blue  pencil  does  not 
dash  out  all  original  expressions  of  opinion,  thus  leaving  the  report  as 
if  done  by  a  machine,  and  therefore  there  is  in  their  reports  a  freshness 
and  brightness' often  absent  in  others. — P.  H.  N. 


PECULIARITIES  OF  APHIS  LIFE— EAST  WINDS. 

I  BEG  to  thank  “  Entomologist  ”  for  his  note  on  this  subject,  on 
page  505  of  the  last  volume.  He  is  quite  right  in  presuming  I  spoke  of 
A.  Pruni  as  the  Plum  aphis,  although  there  was  some  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  the  species  when  I  introduced  them  at  a  meeting  of  fruit 
growers  at  Evesham,  in  February,  1890,  from  Prune  Damson  trees  grow¬ 
ing  in  an  exposed  orchard.  A  gentleman  who  had  a  copy  of  Mr. 
B nekton’s  excellent  work  wrote  me  afterwards  confirming  my  opinion. 
It  cannot  be  too  deeply  impressed  on  the  minds  of  fruit  growers  that 
these  mothers  of  millions  in  future  generations  are  exposed  on  the 
unopen  buds  at  the  base  or  neck,  taking  their  nourishment  at  the  only 
vulnerable  point  of  attack,  and  that  applications  of  strong  insecticides 
will  not  injure  the  buds  at  that  time.  I  have  tried  experiments  on  some 
trees,  leaving  others  untouched,  and  as  the  seasons  advanced  the  contrast 
was  most  marked.  I  do  not,  of  course,  deny  that  aphides  take  flight 
when  at  maturity,  and  spread  themselves  to  “  fresh  fields  and  pastures 
new  ;  ”  but  the  general  or  popular  delusion  that  they  come  from  some 
mysterious  place  in  the  “  east  winds”  is  exploded,  so  far  as  I  am  con¬ 
cerned.  Many  I  have  seen  on  flight  on  a  warm  still  day,  and  the  wind 
south-east ;  but  the  source  is  not  far  to  seek  on  examining  the  back  of 
the  foliage  of  Plum  trees. 

As  an  illustration  as  to  the  popular  idea  respecting  this  kind  of 
blight,  perhaps  I  may  mention  one  case  which  came  under  observation 
about  a  month  ago.  A  man  who  has  a  few  acres  of  orcharding  called 
on  me.  I  asked  him  about  fruit  prospects,  and  his  reply  was  to  this 
effeet,  if  not  in  exact  words,  “  Oh,  the  Plum  trees  are  all  ‘  shrimed  ’  up 
with  blight,  and  the  bloom  all  fell  off.  I  wish  you  would  come  and  see 
them,  and  tell  me  what  I  am  to  do.”  I  said  it  was  too  late  to  do  much 
good,  as  the  aphides  were  then  inside  the  curled  foliage.  If  he  had 
attended  the  lectures  in  the  village  in  February  and  March  and  seen  the 
mothers  on  the  buds  and  specimens  under  the  microscopes  as  others  did, 
and  took  action,  he  could  easily  have  counteracted  the  attack  to  a  great 
extent,  if  not  entirely.  As  usual  in  such  cases  he  commenced  blaming 
the  “  east  winds  ”  in  spring,  yet,  as  everybody  knows,  we  had  less  east 
wind  and  so-called  “blight  clouds”  and  more  blight  than  usual,  on 
account  of  the  warmth  and  dry  weather.  I  then  pointed  out  Plum 
trees  on  walls  east,  west,  north,  and  south  all  free  from  blight,  or  nearly 
so,  saying  at  the  same  time  if  east  winds  were  the  cause  surely  it  would 
have  caught  some  of  them.  I  next  called  his  attention  to  the  streaks  of 
lime,  soap,  and  petroleum  below  the  branches,  the  residuum  from  the 
spring  dressing,  as  the  preventive  to  the  “  east  wind  ”  notion  and  where 
blights  come  from.  I  then  took  him  into  the  house  and  showed  him  the 
viviparous  mothers  and  their  families  of  young  wingless  aphides  in  all 
stages  of  growth,  remarking  at  the  same  time  they  could  not  have  com« 
in  east  winds,  as  they  had  no  wings  to  fly  with  from  the  mysterious 
unknown  source.  As  this  was  his  first  acquaintance  with  a  microscope 
he  was  much  interested  in  the  matter.  At  my  leisure  I  gave  him  a 
call  (three  miles  away),  and  found  his  orchard  and  garden  trees  in  a  sad 
plight  from  aphides  and  caterpillars  of  the  winter  moth.  He  called  my 
particular  attention  to  a  Hawthorn  hedge,  which  was  blighted  and  brown 
as  if  scorched  with  fire  for  a  distance  of  about  20  yards,  he  asking  how 
I  could  account  for  that.  I  took  off  a  few  shoots  with  the  curled 
foliage,  and  showed  him  the  eaterpillars  in  the  rolled  leaves  as  they 
came  tumbling  out  on  being  stirred.  I  again  referred  him  to  the  east 
wind  notion  and  blight,  pointing  out  that  almost  to  a  foot  the  hedge  was 
protected  from  the  east  winds  by  buildings  where  it  looked  so  bad,  and 
that  the  moths  when  laying  their  eggs  must  have  been  very  careful  not 
to  expose  themselves  and  their  future  progeny  to  its  influence,  and  that 
the  surrounding  hedges  exposed  to  east  winds  were  free  from  blight. 

There  is  another  popular  idea  respecting  aphis  attack  that  I  do  not 
agree  with,  over  which  I  have  had  many  contentions  in  a  friendly  way 
with  some  of  the  best  gardeners — viz.,  their  preference  for  unhealthy 
trees  and  plants.  My  experience  is  that  they  “  go  for  ”  the  best  and 
most  succulent,  and  that  by  degrees  they  bring  the  plants  into  the  bad 
condition  by  sucking  the  sap  to  sueh  an  extent  as  to  bring  them  into  a 
decrepit  state  before  they  are  noticed,  or  before  steps  have  been  taken 
to  save  the  plants  or  trees.  The  worst  attack  I  have  met  with  from 
Aphis  pruni  I  can  safely  say  is  at  the  Toddington  fruit  plantations,  and  I 
sineerely  hope  experiments  will  be  made  early  next  spring  with  Messrs. 
Stott’s  killmright  at  the  right  time  before  the  bloom  is  open,  dressing 
alternate  trees  or  definite  lines,  leaving  others,  and  I  have  no  doubt  as  to 
results  in  the  following  summer. — J.  Hiam,  Astwood  Banli. 


NOTES  FROM  IRELAND. 

The  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Glasnevin,  two  miles  north-east  of  the 
city  of  Dublin,  are  of  easy  access  by  tram  which  passes  the  gates,  before 
reaching  which.  Prospect  Cemetery,  bounding  the  gardens  on  the  south 
is  passed.  A  conspicuous  landmark  is  the  lofty  monumental  tower  mark¬ 
ing  the  last  resting-place  of  O’Connell.  In  the  Botanic  Gardens  many 
fine  and  rare  trees  and  shrubs  stand  as  memories  of  the  late  curator 


August  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


95 


Dr.  Moore  ;  the  same  good  work  is  carried  on  and  kept  up  to  date  by 
hia  son,  the  present  curator,  iono  publico,  and  how  much  the  public 
avail  themselves  of  the  privilege  statistics  show  by  the  ever-increasing 
number  of  visitors,  though  you  may  be  stopped  by  the  official-looking 
janitor  at  the  gates  and  bid  inscribe  your  name  in  the  book.  This  time 
I  slipped  in  unchallenged,  but  was  immediately  arrested  by  a  fine 
Paulownia  imperialis  with  a  grand  timber-like  trunk  ;  this  would  be 
worthy  of  a  special  visit  when  in  flower,  but  I  fear  that,  as  in  England, 
spring  frosts  are  its  bete  noir. 

Hunting  up  Mr.  Moore’s  lieutenant,  whom  I  had  met  a  few  hours 
previously  at  the  Koyal  Horticultural  Society’s  Summer  Show  arranging 
one  of  those  fine  groups  which  so  materially  aid  our  exhibitions,  we 
enter  the  new  Palm  house,  100  feet  long,  60  feet  wide,  66  feet  high, 
well  furnished  with  fine  specimens.  One  notable  example  of  the  Sago 
Palm  sweeps  up  to  the  roof,  and  as  I  look  up  the  66  feet,  Mr.  Pope  looks 
back  on  forty  years  and  speaks  of  the  time  he  had  carried  it  himself  from 
one  house  to  another.  Very  noble,  too,  is  a  giant  Bamboo  rivalling  the 
Palm  in  height ;  here  also  are  the  Browneas,  not  now  in  their  gorgeous 
inflorescence.  The  abrupt  ending  of  this  house  in  a  heavy  wall  is  not 
a  pleasing  coup  d'aU,  but  Begonias  and  the  Monstera  are  at  home  on  it 
and  Tradescantia  very  much  so. 

From  here  we  enter  the  Fern  house  where,  amongst  the  many  plants, 
Davallia  Mooreana,  8  feet  through,  stands  pre-eminent,  and  the  quaint 
Conifer-like  Lycopodium  squarrosum  from  the  Himalayas  claims 
attention.  The  next  division  contains  Orchids,  including  some  large 
Sobralias,  of  which  xantholeuca  is  in  flower  and  also  the  deep  rich 
Cattleya  Sanderiana.  Cypripediums  are  largely  represented.  Parrishi 
is  fine,  and  very  pretty  is  Trichopilia  Wagneri  with  pale  green  sepals 
and  white  lip. 

The  curvilinear  range,  350  feet  long  in  five  divisions,  contains  a 
vast  collection,  that  of  Bromeliads  being  the  largest  extant.  Succulents, 
too,  are  in  vast  array.  Napoleona  (Bonapartea)  imperialis  is  a  fine 
Citron-foliaged  shrub  with  a  Passion-flower-like  blossom,  and  very 
pleasing  are  the  soft  pale  yellow  blossoms  of  Bignonia  Chamberlaini. 
Illumining  a  back  wall  in  one  division  is  the  golden  Cassia  laevigata. 
Leaving  this  range  the  aquatic  house  comes  next,  where  the  Victoria 
regia  rightly  holds  sovereign  sway,  whilst  floating  round  the  outer  leaves 
Pistia  stratiotes,  the  Water  Soldier,  acts  as  a  guard  of  honour  to  the 
Water  Queen,  a  small  overshot  wheel  fed  by  a  pipe  keeps  the  water  in 
circulation  ;  huge  p'ants  of  Caladiums,  exceptionally  fine,  stand  on  the 
edges  of  the  tank  and  side  stages,  and  Nymphaeas  rosea  and  coerulea  are 
in  beauty  inside  and  outside  in  an  overflow  tank  ;  near  this  house  is  one 
devoted  to  tree  Ferns. 

Entering  the  private  grounds  “Mums  ”  (unworthy  abbreviation,  why 
not  Chrysanths  ?)  are  in  strong  force,  and  call  forth  some  notes  of 
admiration  from  me  while  my  guide  strikes  a  discordant  one  by  asking, 
“  Are  they  worth  the  trouble  ?  ”  But  he  regards  with  such  an  air  of 
fatherly  affection  the  sturdy  brown  legs  of  his  600  children  that  I  con¬ 
clude  without  resorting  to  the  argumentum  ad  hominem  that  we  are  both 
on  the  one  side.  In  the  private  houses  is  a  fine  collection  of  Odonto- 
glossums  and  Masdevallias.  Mr.  Moore  has  an  army,  some  in  flower,  more 
curious  than  handsome,  and  though  it  may  be  heresy  to  say  so,  here  in 
the  cool  temperature  is  the  prince  of  Pitchers  the  Rajah,  the  only  plant  in 
Ireland .  Alas  1  that  it  should  be  so.  To  describe  “  His  Highness  ’’  I  should 
say  that  he  is  short  and  stout,  yet  withal  having  a  dignity  quite  his  own, 
holding  the  same  position  in  the  great  family  of  Nepenthes  that  the 
Eastern  potentate  does  to  his  subjects,  an  idea  helped  out  perhaps  by  the 
“  gobble  you  up  ”  appearance  of  the  brown  -  hued  pitchers,  hence 
perhaps  the  reason  for  guarding  a  magnificent  Cephalotus  with  a  bell- 
glass,  and  preventing  a  catastrophe.  Darlingtonias  and  Droseras  are 
671  masse.  A  house  of  Filmy  Ferns  is  fine,  with  grand  Todeas,  a  cartload 
of  the  Killarney  Fern,  and  many  choice  Hymenophyllums.  Another 
house  is  filled  with  choice  Zonal  Pelargoniums  and  Tuberous  Begonias 
over  which  my  friend  lingers  lovingly,  but  I  have  trespassed  long 
enough  on  his  time,  two  hours  have  slipped  by  all  too  quickly  but  very 
pleasantly. — E.  K. 


SOBRALIA  LEDCOXANTHA. 


This  beautiful  Orchid  does  not  appear  to  have  become  very 
plentiful  yet,  judging  by  its  non-appearance  in  many  collections, 
notwithstanding  that  it  has  been  known  to  specialists  for  some 
years.  The  plant  is  dwarf  in  habit,  the  slender  stems  1  to  2  feet 
high,  bearing  plicate  leaves  like  those  of  other  better  known  Sobra¬ 
lias,  and  the  flowers  are  clustered  near  the  apex  of  the  stem.  It 
is  related  to  S.  macrophylla,  but  must  not  be  confounded  with 
S.  xantholeuca,  also  a  valuable  and  handsome  plant  bearing  pale 
yellow  flowers. 

When  well  grown  the  flowers  are  really  handsome.  The  sepals 
on  some  blooms  I  have  are  nearly  .3  inches  long  and  1  inch  broad, 
massive,  pure  white,  and  recurving.  The  petals  are  of  similar 
length  and  breadth,  slightly  recurving,  not  quite  so  thick  as  the 


sepals,  but  pure  white.  The  lip  is  partially  tubular,  the  tube 
2  inches  long,  the  limb  rounded  one-half  to  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  across,  and  beautifully  frilled,  rich  orange,  yellow  in  the  throat 
fading  to  the  margin,  which  is  pure  white  ;  the  base  of  the  lip  and 
the  column  are  also  white.  Each  flower  is  very  neat  in  form,  the 
wax-like  substance  and  purity  being  beautifully  relieved  by  the 
dash  of  orange  in  the  lip.  An  illustration  of  this  charming  Orchid 
would  doubtless  interest  your  readers. — Specialist. 

[The  engraving  (fig.  15)  depicts  a  bloom  of  Sobralia  leuco- 
xantha.] 

New  Orchids. 

Among  other  interesting  features  of  the  July  number  of  the 
“  Kew  Bulletin,”  a  copy  of  which  has  come  to  hand,  are  some  notes 
on  “  New  Orchids.”  Ten  species  that  have  flowered  at  Kew  or 


FIG.  15. — sobralia  LEUCOXANTHA. 


have  been  determined  there  are  described,  and  as  being  of  special 
interest  to  our  readers  we  extract  the  four  notes  which  follow  this 
paragraph. 

Polystachya  imbricata. 

This  species  was  sent  by  Mr.  J.  O’Brien  of  Harrow-on-the-Hill, 
Middlesex,  with  whom  it  flowered  in  August,  1891.  It  may  be 
placed  near  to  P.  ensifolia,  Llndl.,  which,  however,  has  much  longer 
leaves  and  a  lax  inflorescence.  There  does  not  appear  to  be  any 
species  with  which  the  present  one  can  easily  be  confused.  The 
sepals  are  pale  yellow,  the  lateral  ones  suffused  with  pink  along  the 
margins  ;  the  petals  straw  colour,  and  the  lip  pink,  with  a  yellow 
callus,  and  wholly  pubescent  inside. 

Oncidium  luteum. 

This  Oncidium  flowered  in  the  collection  of  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart.,  Dorking,  in  June,  1892,  when  it  was  sent  to 
Kew  for  determination.  It  is  closely  allied  to  O.  chrysopyramis, 
Rchh.  /.,  but  that  species  has  invariably  a  broader  isthmus  to  the 
lip,  and  a  few  other  structural  differences  which  seem  to  indicate 
the  distinctness  of  the  present  one.  Its  flowers  are  uniformly  light 
yellow,  and  borne  in  a  large  lax  panicle.  It  belongs  to  a  group  of 
species  in  which  the  column  and  its  elongated  rostellum  resemble 
the  head  and  beak  of  a  bird,  from  which  one  of  the  species, 
O.  ornithorhynchum,  Ku7ith,  derived  its  specific  name.  Lindley 
distributed  the  species  into  four  or  five  different  sections,  but  they 
are  so  intimately  allied  as  to  leave  no  doubt  of  their  forming 
natural  group,  which  may  bear  the  name  Rostrata  (a  name  used  by 
Lindley  in  a  more  restricted  sense).  About  twenty  species  bave 
been  described,  but  several  of  them  are  still  very  imperfectly 
known. 


96 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1393. 


HABENAPaA  CINNABARINA. 

This  species  was  introduced  by  Messrs.  W.  L.  Lewis  &  Co.  of 
Southgate,  together  with  Disa  incainata,  Lhidl.,  and  Cynorchis 
grandiflora,  Ridl.  The  colour  of  its  flowers  is  rather  unusual, 
beingj  cinnabar-orange,  with  a  few  red  spots  on  the  back  of  the 
sepals,  and  thus  resembling  those  of  Disa  incarnata  from  the  same 
locality.  The  plant  here  described  has  nine  flowers  and  buds,  but 
appears  as  if  very  imperfectly  developed,  and  normal  specimens 
may  be  much  larger.  It  is  very  different  from  everything  hitherto 
described  from  Madagascar,  so  far  as  can  be  discovered,  but  its 
exact  affinity  remains  a  little  doubtful. 

Luisia  Amesiana. 

This  species  was  sent  to  Kew  by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.  of 
Clapton  in  June,  1891.  who  state  that  it  was  imported  together 
with  Vanda  Kimballiana,  Rchh.  f.  Thus  its  habitat  must  be  on 
the  hills  of  the  southern  Shan  States,  at  4000  to  5000  feet  elevation. 
Shortly  afterwards  it  was  sent  by  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.  of  St. 
Albans,  who  gave  its  native  country  as  “  Burma.”  It  has  since 
been  received  from  Glasnevin.  It  is  allied  to  L.  macrotis,  Bchh 
but  has  flowers  more  than  twice  as  large.  The  sepals  and  petals 
are  pale  yellowish  white,  slightly  suffused  with  purple  near  the 
apex,  and  having  a  few  obscure  dull  purple  markings  on  the  back. 
The  lip  is  suffused  with  purple,  and  blotched  with  dark  purple,  the 
margin  being  light  greenish  yellow.  The  column  is  pale  green. 

Orchids  in  the  Open  Air. 

As  many  readers  of  these  pages  are  aware.  Orchids  have  for  a 
long  time  formed  a  special  feature  at  The  Orange,  Carshalton,  the 
residence  of  A.  H.  Smee,  Esq.,  whose  name  is  well  known  in  horti¬ 
cultural  circles,  and  on  a  recent  visit  to  “  My  Garden  ”  it  was  seen 
that  the  enthusiasm  in  this  respect  had  by  no  means  abated.  Mr. 
Smee  is  apparently  as  fond  of  his  Orchids  as  he  is  of  his  fruit,  and 
in  Mr.  G.  W.  Cummins  he  has  an  able  cultivator.  Several  houses 
are  devoted  to  Orchids,  and  a  large  collection  has  been  brought 
together.  The  plants,  moreover,  are  for  the  most  part  remarkably 
healthy,  and  when  in  flower  doubtless  produce  a  bright  effect. 

The  most  noteworthy  feature  in  regard  to  the  Orchids  at  “  My 
Garden,”  as  Mr.  Smee  terms  the  beautiful  grounds  attached  to  his 
house,  however,  is  the  fact  that  hundreds  of  them  are  grown  in  the 
open  air  during  the  summer.  This  is  not  news  to  old  readers  of  the 
Journal,  inasmuch  as  references  to  this  fact  have  frequently  been 
made,  and  an  illustration  appeared  in  the  issue  for  October  30th, 
1884,  demonstrating  cleaily  the  method  in  which  the  Orchids  are 
managed.  Much  the  same  exists  at  the  present  time,  and  a  sojourn 
outdoors  for  a  few  months  proves  so  beneficial  to  the  plants  that 
Mr.  Cummins  adopts  the  plan  every  season.  It  must  not  be 
imagined,  though,  that  everyone  “  may  go  and  do  likewise.”  Were 
such  the  case  it  is  very  probable  that  thousands  of  Orchids  would 
annually  collapse,  for,  notwithstanding  that  some  species  are  easy 
to  manage  under  glass,  they  quickly  resent  any  sudden  and 
extreme  climatical  changes.  This,  of  course,  is  known  to  most 
Orchid  growers,  and,  therefore,  it  is  not  at  all  surprising  that 
they  are  sometimes  slow  to  adopt  new  ideas  in  preference  to  old- 
world  plans.  But,  as  already  remarked,  it  has  been  proved  that 
Orchids  can  be  grown  outdoors  during  the  summer  under  favour¬ 
able  circumstances. 

In  the  garden  alluded  to  there  are  facilities  that  cannot  be 
found  in  every  establishment.  “  My  Garden  ”  is  charmingly  situated, 
being  well  watered  and  intercepted  by  several  small  streams  from 
the  river  Wandle.  Dells  and  winding  walks  exist,  and  these,  being 
covered  with  a  canopy  of  foliage,  form  excellent  places  for  the 
plants.  No  drying  winds  and  scorching  atmosphere,  the  bane  of 
Orchids,  can  reach  the  plants.  On  all  sides  Ferns  luxuriate,  and 
the  plants  are  placed  on  open  lathed  platforms  directly  over  and 
at  about  a  foot  from  the  water.  Several  hundreds  are  subjected 
to  this  treatment,  and  the  whole  of  them  appear  to  revel  in  the 
cool  moist  surroundings.  In  one  dell,  amidst  trees  which  afford 
abundance  of  shade,  we  find  a  collection  of  Masdevallias,  some  of 
which  are  in  flower,  whilst  in  another  part  of  the  garden  may  be 
seen  a  group  of  Odontoglossums  in  variety.  Lycastes,  too,  and 
numerous  cool-house  Orchids  are  placed  in  the  positions  indicated 
during  the  summer.  Most  of  the  plants  present  a  healthy 
appearance,  so  different  to  the  sickly  hue  which  is  a  characteristic 
in  those  kept  under  glass  during  scorching  weather. 

All  kinds  of  Orchids  are  not,  however,  subjected  indiscriminately 
to  the  open  air  treatment.  Years  of  experience  have  taught  Mr. 
Cummins  what  plants  will  do  well  under  such  circumstances,  and 
those  that  will  not.  The  latter  are  kept  under  glass,  together  with 
the  kinds  that  require  a  warmer  temperature  than  can  be  obtained 
under  natural  circumstances  in  this  country,  even  during  an 
exceptionally  “  favourable  ”  summer.  In  the  latter  category  we 
may  place  Cattleyas,  of  which  the  best  and  most  choice  forms  are 


grown.  Last  week  several  were  in  flower,  including  the  beautiful 
C.  Mossim  Hardyana.  Cypripediums  are  well  represented,  and  the 
same  may  be  said  of  other  Orchids.  Arranged  in  a  charming 
fernery  many  of  them  make  a  fine  display  when  in  bloom. — C . 


NOTES  BY  THE  WAY. 

There  are  pleasant  examples  of  English  scenery  around  the  little 
Sussex  town  of  East  Grinstead,  north  of  which  lie  the  Surrey  hills,  east 
Ashdown  forest,  and  southwards  the  South  Downs  ;  there  is  therefore 
little  wonder  that  the  locality  has  tempted  many  wealthy  Londoners  and 
others  to  establish  estates  in  its  vicinity.  The  breezes  which  sweep  down 
from  the  forest  are  robust  and  invigorating,  carrying,  perhaps,  a  little 
ozone  from  the  salt  waters  lying  some  twenty-five  miles  beyond  them. 
Possibly  they  are  a  little  too  convincing  in  the  winter  and  spring,  but 
even  then  their  influences  cannot  be  very  malevolent,  otherwise  there 
would  be  something  less  significant  of  healthfulness  than  the  death-rate 
of  under  ten  per  1000  to  which  Grinsteadians  now  proudly  point.  For 
these  reasons,  not  less  than  for  the  fact  that  there  are  many  places  of 
interest  in  the  neighbourhood,  horticulturists  of  a  wandering  turn  may 
do  far  worse  than  spend  a  few  days  in  the  little  town  near  the  Surrey 
border. 


There  was  a  time  when  a  gardeners’  society  existed  there.  Neigh¬ 
bouring  blue  aprons  lifted  up  their  voices  in  instructive  intercourse 
with  their  fellows,  shook  their  heads  sagely  over  knotty  problems, 
pulverised  trembling  opponents  with  eloquent  invective,  and  brought 
examples  of  their  skill  as  ramrods  to  drive  home  the  bullets  of  argument. 
Where  is  that  Society  now  ?  Why  is  the  council  chamber  empty  ;  the 
Demosthenes  and  Ciceros  of  the  locality  silent ;  and  all  things  in  a  state 
of  stagnation  ?  I  visited  Grinstead  in  days  gone  by,  and  there  was  talk 
of  meetings  and  shows,  of  papers  and  discussions,  of  competitions  and 
medals — everything,  in  fact,  to  stir  up  gardening  talent  and  give  gar¬ 
deners  something  special  to  think  and  talk  about  as  well  as  to  work  for. 
I  return  ;  and,  lo  1  the  meetings  are  no  more,  the  papers  unwritten,  and 
the  cobwebs  settling  down  upon  the  brains  of  the  orators.  It  is  a  sad 
change,  and  it  is  natural  for  a  visitor  to  wonder  what  has  brought  it 
about. 


But  wondering  is  not  knowing.  Trouble  appears  to  have  arisen  in 
various  ways.  The  excellent  President,  Mr.  George  Truscott,  took  unto 
himself  a  wife,  and  fixed  his  quarters  in  the  neighbouring  county. 
Another  official  took  something  else  and  also  quitted  the  scene.  Active 
members  became  disgusted  with  the  supineness  of  the  majority,  and  it  is 
a  fact  worth  noting  that  the  greater  number  of  the  members  of  most 
associations  consider  that  those  who  are  willing  to  work  for  it  and  them 
are  honoured  by  being  allowed  to  do  so.  From  these  and  other  causes 
things  went  wrong,  and  the  end  of  it  was  that  the  Society’s  affairs  were 
wound  up,  and  its  career  of  usefulness  terminated.  Gardeners  of 
Grinstead,  this  is  not  well.  When  Greece  fought  Troy  she  lacked  the 
services  of  only  one  of  her  great  warriors,  but  here  all  play  the  part  of 
Achilles,  and  there  is  no  one  to  carry  on  the  work  so  well  begun  a  few 
years  ago.  If  there  were  no  good  men  in  the  neighbourhood  this  state  of 
things  would  not  be  so  surprising,  but  there  are  numerous  fine  places 
and  practical  men,  besides  the  usual  complement  of  cottagers  and 
amateurs. 

There  is  Dunn  of  Oakleigh,  a  smart  young  gardener  and  generally 
intelligent,  cut  out  for  a  secretary  if  there  ever  was  one ;  Simmons, 
gardener  at  Mr.  Murchison’s  beautiful  place,  whose  speeches  are  still 
talked  about ;  Glen  of  Brambletye,  a  canny  Scot,  whose  native  shrewd¬ 
ness  has  been  sharpened  up  by  a  sojourn  amongst  the  Yorkshire  Tykes  ; 
Draper  of  Plaw  Hatch,  a  gardening  Lawson  in  his  mixture  of  wit  and 
wisdom  ;  Harris  of  Hammerwood,  a  first-rate  vegetable  grower  ;  Jupp  of 
Felbridge,  whose  Conifers  are  something  to  be  proud  of  ;  Boland  of 
Imberhorne,  whose  special  qualities  I  have  had  no  opportunity  of  find¬ 
ing  out  ;  Prentice  of  Paddock  Hurst,  about  whom  I  am  equally  ignorant, 
and  quite  a  number  of  men  in  smaller  places.  Here  is  material  enough 
for  a  practical  set  of  officials  and  working  committee  to  begin  with. 
Why  do  they  not  set  to  work  and  make  a  fresh  start  ?  With  a  long 
pull,  a  strong  pull,  and  a  pull  altogether  the  Society  could  be  put  on  its 
feet  again.  Who  is  going  to  take  the  lead? 


Mentioning  these  gardeners  and  their  places  suggests  to  me  that  a 
few  jottings  about  them  may  be  of  interest.  I  will  not  study  any  order 
of  precedence  nor  attempt  formal  reports,  but  make  a  few  random  remarks 
about  them  as  they  come,  beginning  with  Oakleigh.  This  is  the  residence 
and  estate  of  Sir  Francis  Wyatt  Truscott,  ex-Lord  Mayor  of  London, 
prince  of  printers,  director  of  railways,  and  otherwise  a  very  prominent 
figure  in  the  higher  City  circles.  His  house  is  a  delightful  one,  standing 
on  high  ground  and  commanding  a  splendid  view  of  the  surrounding 
country.  The  establishment  might  almost  be  termed  a  model  one, 
every  department  being  in  admirable  order.  The  work  of  development 
and  improvement  has  been  carried  out  on  substantial  lines.  There  has 
been  no  jerry-building  or  cheap-jack  fitting,  but  everything  looks  solid 
and  enduring.  The  fields  are  well  fenced,  the  cottages  handsome  and 
well  built,  the  stables,  outbuildings,  and  garden  walls  thoroughly  con¬ 
structed,  the  vineries.  Peach  houses,  and  garden  fittings  generally  of  the 
best  type.  It  is  quite  clear  that  Sir  Francis  is  a  firm  believer  in  good 
work,  not  caring  for  tinsel  and  flashiness. 


August  3,  1833.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


97 


If  there  is  one  thing  in  the  gardens  likely  to  interest  gardening 
visitors  more  than  another  it  is  a  splendid  fruit  cage  constructed  against 
the  northern  wall  of  the  kitchen  garden.  About  the  wall  itself  there 
hangs  a  story.  Though  substantially  put  together  it  is  much  exposed, 
and  a  considerable  portion  of  it  was  blown  down  by  a  terrific  hurricane 
two  or  three  years  ago,  carrying  with  it,  of  course,  the  promising  line  of 
cordon  trees  which  Mr.  F.  Dunn,  estate  manager  and  gardener,  was 
beginning  to  look  upon  so  proudly.  Pride  goes,  we  know,  before  a  fall  ; 
in  this  case  it  was  the  wall  and  not  the  grower  of  the  trees  who  came  to 
grief,  but  no  doubt  he  sorrowed  extremely  for  all  that.  All  good 
gardeners  grieve  to  see  evil  come  upon  the  property  of  an  esteemed 
and  respected  employer  as  much  as  they  do  upon  the  wreck  of  their 
own  handiwork.  The  wall  fell,  like  the  society  before  referred  to,  but 
Oakleigh  knows  no  failure.  In  a  short  space  it  rose  again,  better  and 
stronger  than  before,  fresh  trees  were  planted,  and  once  more  the  chest 
measurement  of  the  gardener  increases  as  he  gazes  upon  it. 


I  return  to  the  cage,  which  is  really  something  out  of  the  common 
and  worthy  of  special  attention,  for  such  a  fixture  would  be  of  the 
utmost  value  in  any  garden.  It  is  216  feet  long  and  12  feet  wide.  The 
wall  is  12  feet  high,  and  from  it  projects  a  glass  coping  2  feet  6  inches 
wide ;  the  cage  arching  gracefully  from  the  coping  to  the  ground. 
These  figures  will  show  that  it  is  spacious,  and  “cage  ”  is  perhaps  hardly 
the  word  to  apply  to  it,  especially  as  the  birds  have  no  chance  of 
becoming  acquainted  with  anything  more  than  the  outside  of  it. 
Two-inch  galvanised  iron  piping,  painted  black  and  fixed  beneath  the 
front  of  the  coping,  constitutes  the  supports,  and  angle  iron  arches 
perforated  for  the  strand  wires  sustain  the  covering,  which  is  of  |-inch 
mesh  wire  netting,  the  strand  wires  being  about  a  foot  apart.  There  is 
a  netted  door  at  each  end,  and  completeness  is  added  by  the  spouting 
connected  with  the  coping,  by  which  rain  is  conveyed  to  a  pipe  emptying 
itself  into  a  tank  in  one  corner. 


The  advantages  of  such  a  structure  as  this  are  pretty  obvious.  The 
smallest  bird  which  British  fruit  growers  have  to  contend  with  has  no 
chance  of  scraping  its  hungry  body  through  the  netting,  nor  can  the 
most  wily  member  of  the  feathered  tribe  imitate  the  small  boy  outside 
the  circus  and  gain  admission  by  crawling  under.  It  is  clearly  a  case  of 
“no  admittance”  to  thrush  and  blackbird,  sparrow  and  finch.  Wasps 
are  not  debarred  of  course,  nor  moths  and  other  egg-laying  pests,  but  all 
such  have  a  watchful  enemy.  Moreover,  the  coping  acts  as  a  protection 
to  the  wall  trees.  One  improvement,  and  one  only,  suggests  itself,  and 
that  is  to  have  this  moveable,  so  that  it  might  be  raised  to  admit  genial 
showers  to  the  border.  A  batten  path  is  provided,  which  can  be  readily 
removed  to  permit  of  cultural  operations  and  does  away  with  the 
disadvantage  of  a  hard,  trodden  walk. 


A  large  amount  of  choice  dessert  fruit  may  be  grown  in  a  cage 
such  as  this.  On  the  back  wall  at  Oakleigh  is  a  collection  of  cordon 
Pears  and  Plums,  flanked  by  an  Apricot  cropping  heavily  at  each  end. 
The  cordons  were  planted  in  October,  1891,  after  the  rebuilding  of  the 
fallen  wall,  and  have  made  remarkable  progress.  But  they  have  been 
well  treated.  The  soil  was  removed  to  a  depth  of  about  21  feet,  and 
fresh  loam  resting  on  a  foundation  of  lime  rubbish  was  substituted. 
The  trees  were  planted  firmly  18  inches  apart,  and  well  mulched.  No 
manure  was  put  in  the  soil.  The  result  is  that  they  have  made  free 
but  fruitful  growth,  and  are  now  bearing  good  crops.  The  Plums — 
Jefferson’s,  Cox’s  Emperor,  Peach,  Washington,  and  Prince  Englebert — 
are  full  of  fruit.  The  Pears  comprise  Thompson’s,  Duchesse  d'Angou- 
leme,  Zephirin  Gr^goire,  Doyenne  Boussoch,  Beurr^  Bachelier,  Doyenn6 
du  Comice,  Bergamotte  Esperen,  Calixte  Mignot,  Beurr^  d’Anjou, 
Clapp’s  Favourite,  Beurr^  Diel,  Beurr6  Superfin,  Prineess,  Glou  Morgeau, 
Pitmaston  Duchess,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  General  Toddleben,  Jersey 
Gratioli,  Vicar  of  Winkfield,  Beurrd  Alexandre  Lucas,  Mar^chal  de 
Cour,  and  Durondeau — by  no  means  a  bad  selection. 


The  front  portion  of  the  cage  is  devoted  to  choice  Cherries,  Goose¬ 
berries,  and  Currants.  Cherries  of  such  varieties  as  May  Duke,  Late 
Black  Bigarreau,  Black  Tartarian,  Elton,  Early  Rivers,  Royal 
Duke,  and  Bigarreau  Napoleon  are  trained  to  the  angle  iron  supports  ; 
and  Gooseberries  are  being  trained  toasting-fork  fashion  up  the  netting. 
A  row  of  Gooseberries  is  planted  behind  them,  and  further  in  the 
interior  is  another  row,  planted  alternately  with  Black,  Red,  and  White 
Currants.  At  present  these  are  young  bushes  bearing  light  crops,  but 
when  they  have  filled  their  allotted  space  they  will  give  a  very  accept¬ 
able  supply  of  fruit.  So  much  satisfaction  has  the  fruit  cage  given  that 
there  is  talk  of  erecting  another  one  against  a  wall  with  a  west  aspect. 
If  this  sort  of  thing  goes  on  it  will  be  bad  for  the  neighbours,  as  the 
birds  will  flock  to  them  in  disgust. 


The  Oakleigh  gardens  are  in  excellent  order  throughout,  and  Mr. 
Dunn  need  not  be  afraid  of  his  work  being  seen.  The  Peaches  and 
Vines  are  particularly  well  done,  being  a  wonderful  contrast  to  the  con¬ 
dition  they  were  in  when  I  saw  them  on  his  taking  charge  five  years  ago. 
They  are  now  well  furnished  with  healthy  growth,  and  bearing  excellent 
crops.  The  early  Peach  house,  in  which  are  two  large  trees  of  Barring¬ 
ton  and  Violette  Hative,  have  yielded  magnificent  fruit,  which,  if 
exhibited,  would  have  taken  a  great  deal  of  beating  in  the  best  company. 
The  rejuvenation  of  the  trees  shows  how  plastic  Peaches  are  in  skilful 
hands.  The  outdoor  fruit  is  also  well  managed.  Apples,  Pears,  and 
Plums  are  all  cropping  admirably.  One  walk  in  the  kitchen  garden  is 


lined  with  rows  of  cordons,  a  substantial  erection  being  provided  for 
their  support.  It  is  high  enough  to  give  them  a  good  run,  and  they  are 
doing  all  the  better  for  it.  The  restriction  principle  is  often  carried  to 
such  an  extent  as  to  starve  the  trees  into  comparative  barrenness.  ^'More 
Grinstead  gleanings  another  week. — W.  P.  W. 


As  inquiries  have  reached  us  as  to  the  character  of  the  circular 
recently  issued  by  Mr.  C.  J.  Grahame,  owing  to  the  circular  and  envelope 
being  headed  “  National  Rose  Society,”  we  think  it  should  be  clearly 
understood  by  our  members— 1,  That  Mr.  Grahame  has  resigned  his 
position  as  a  member  of  the  Committee.  2,  That  the  document  in 
question  has  no  official  sanction  whatever. — H.  Honywood  D’Ombeain, 
Edwaed  Mawley,  Hon,  Secs. 

Me.  Geahame’s  QuestioisS  to  Rosaeians. 

Ix  order  to  obtain  the  views  of  as  many  members  of  the  National 
Rose  Society  as  possible  on  certain  subjects  which  have  been  under 
discussion  for  some  time  past  in  regard  to  the  Society’s  arrangements, 
Mr.  Charles  J.  Grahame  has  posted  the  following  questions  to  a  number 
of  gentlemen  with  a  request  to  be  favoured  with  early  replies. 

1,  Do  you  think  the  annual  Tea  Rose  Show  at  the  London  Scottish 
Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  advantageous  or  otherwise  to  the  Society  and 
its  exhibitors,  and  would  you  maintain  or  abolish  it  ? 

2,  (a)  About  what  date  do  you  consider  best  for  our  annual 

Metropolitan  Show  ?  (&)  Do  you  think  Saturday  the  best  day  on 

which  to  hold  that  meeting,  or  do  you  think  the  exact  day  of  the  week 
immaterial  ? 

3,  About  what  date  do  you  consider  best  for  the  Provincial  Show, 
bearing  in  view  that  this  meeting  should  be  fixed  chiefly  to  suit 
growers  in  late  districts. 

4  (a)  Do  you  think  two  Metropolitan  Shows  of  equal  importa,nce 
would  be  preferable  to  the  present  arrangement  of  a  Metropolitan 
and  Provincial  Show  ?  (5)  Or  if  the  arrangements  for  the  two  shows 

be  left  as  they  now  are,  would  you  divide  the  prize  money  more 
equally  ? 

5,  Do  you  think  it  would  be  desirable  that  candidates  for  member 
ship  in  our  Society  should  go  through  a  form  of  election  ? 

We  suspect  the  replies  will  be  “  varied  and  interesting.” 

Feageant  Roses. 

Peehaps  there  may  be,  as  Mr.  Williamson  asserts,  page  73,  “  un¬ 
questionably  a  strong  and  growing  aversion  to  inodorous  Roses,”  but  if 
so,  I  do  not  think  it  influences  to  any  extent  the  exhibiting  Rose-grower. 
For  thirty-five  years  I  have  been  a  grower  of  Roses,  but  amongst  the 
hundred  that  I  may  cut  every  few  days,  how  rarely  do  I  do  more  than 
hold  my  pets  in  different  positions  and  fill  my  eyes  with  their  beauty. 
When  I  do  feast  the  prominent  feature  of  the  face  with  its  perfume  it  is 
generally  some  Tea  or  bloom  of  La  France  that,  watered  by  the  dews 
and  showers,  has  refused  to  further  unfold  its  charms.  To  break  off 
at  the  insertion  of  the  petals  the  whole  unexpanded  bud,  and 
tearing  it  in  two  from  the  base,  is  indeed  a  surfeit  of  fragrance,  which, 
as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  no  beautifully  expanding  bloom  ever 
possesses. 

Many  years  ago  one  of  the  Rose  elections  I  conducted  was  on  the 
point  of  fragrance.  I  recollect  that,  in  my  innocence,  I  felt  certain 
that  the  old  Cabbage  must  head  the  poll,  but  very  few  of  the  voters 
appeared  to  be  cognisant  of  its  existence,  or,  if  they  were,  disliked  its 
perfume.  There  is  something  in  antipathies  even  as  regards  scent, 
and  the  old  Latin  proverb,  tot  homines,  surely  applies  ;  and  I  recollect 
one  reply  stated  that  the  perfume  f?)  of  Duke  of  Edinburgh  was  to  him 
perfectly  disagreeable  1  As  a  rule,  as  far  as  my  nasal  organ  guides  me, 
and  being  decidedly  prominent  I  follow  its  guidance,  the  dark  H.P.  s 
are  the  most  fragrant,  and  amongst  these  Pierre  Netting  is  to  myself  the 
most  agreeable  aroma.  La  France  and  Augustine  Guinoisseau,  both 
classed  as  H.P.’s,  have  undoubtedly  a  Tea  taint.  What  a  description  1 
as  if  there  could  be  a  taint  of  Tea  ?  But  in  some  of  the  Teas  the 
astringent  tinting  is  too  powerful  for  some  persons  to  allow  the  fragrance 
to  be  altogether  an  agreeable  perfume. 

At  that  perfume  election  I  recollect  that  Mr.  Curtis’s  remarks, 
which  were  printed  in  full  in  the  Journal,  were  most  interesting,  and 
showed  an  amount  of  discrimination  in  fragrance  which  would  tax 
most  of  us  to  emulate.  In  conclusion  I  would  ask.  Why  need  our 
interchanges  of  thought  on  Rose  matters  be  as  thorny  as  some  of  our 
favourites  ?  and  if  some  of  us  prefer  to  write  under  a  noin  a e plume 
where  is  the  harm  ?  Many  of  these  are  as  well  known  as  though  th^y 
signed  their  names  in  full.  Who  does  not  know  “  D.,  Beal,  “  E.  M., 
“A.  C.,”  and  in  bygone  days  “  Wiltshire  Rector  ”  and  “Herefordshire 
Incumbent?”  Are  all  these,  including  your  humble  correspondent,  to 
be  ruthlessly  anathematised  because  we  prefer  to  write  and  perhaps 
offer  advice  under  a  noin  dc  plume  ?  Why  should  our  non-exhibiting 
friends  sneer  at  the  N.R.S.  ?  That  Society  has  done  much  for  Roses, 


98 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1893. 


and  although  the  exhibiting  division  may  have  been  in  at  the  birth  I 
do  not  think  they  despise  or  look  down  on  the  lovers  of  garden  Roses, 
With  many  of  us  it  is  by  no  means  a  disregard  for  their  beauty  ;  it  is 
indeed  the  impossibility  of  doing  both  from  want  of  room.  That,  at 
least,  is  my  case ;  otherwise  I  should  delight  in  having  my  old  favourites 
“  looking  in  at  the  window,”  rambling  in  their  own  sweet  luxuriance 
and  graceful  charms. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 

Roses  and  Rosaeians. 

In  reply  to  the  latest  contribution  to  your  columns  of  “  A  Jubilee  Rose 
Grower  ”  (page  73),  allow  me  to  say  that,  so  far  as  I  can  remember,  I 
have  never  allowed  my  judgment,  when  writing  on  horticulture  or  any 
other  subject,  to  be  biassed  by  the  influence  of  personal  friendship ;  nor 
in  my  articles  have  I  consciously  over-estimated  any  personal  friend.  It 
is  gratifying  to  believe  that  the  generous  hope  of  “  W.  R.  Raillem  ”  may 
be  realised,  and  as  amusement  is  often  beneficial  I  trust  my  contribu¬ 
tions  to  the  “  Rose  column  ”  will  not  be  without  wholesome  effect  on 
the  minds  of  the  more  serious  section  of  correspondents. — David  R. 
Williamson. 

[Mr.  Williamson  is  not  a  literary  dry-as-dust,  and  we  should  be  sorry 
for  him  to  become  one.  Writers  who  can  combine  pleasure  with 
instruction  are  public  benefactors.] 


I  HAD  not  noticed  “Audi  Alteram  Partem’s  ”  letter,  page  51,  in 
the  Journal  in  more  than  a  very  casual  way.  With  “  W.  R.  Raillem” 
I  have  frequently  been  amused  at  the  way  “  Rose-growers  of  taste  ”  (as 
we  must  accept  “  A.  A.  P.’s  ”  description  of  himself  and  Mr.  Williamson 
as  gospel)  write  on  Roses.  Mr.  Mawley  and  “  W.  R.  Raillem  ”  have 
let  down  these  gentlemen  fairly  easy,  the  former  giving  the  practical 
part  of  the  story  about  the  catalogue,  and  the  latter  vivisecting  the 
“  Rose-growers  of  taste  ”  in  a  way  that  I  trust  they  will  thoroughly 
enjoy  and  appreciate. 

I  shall  look  forward  while  on  my  holidays  in  the  next  few 
weeks  to  enjoying  further  letters  in  the  Journal  replete  with  “  fresh 
observations  ”  on  horticulture  from  these  gentlemen  who  are  “  true 
lovers  of  plants  and  flowers,”  and  by  the  sad  sea  waves  I  may  reflect  on 
the  year  we  rosarians,  who  are  unfortunately  exhibitors,  have  wasted  in 
following  a  “  will  o’  the  wisp,”  or  even,  to  give  it  a  worse  name,  a 
“  chimera  ”  which  can  never  help  us  to  become  “  keenly  alive  to  what 
is  beautiful  in  nature.” — Charles  J.  Geahame,  Croydon. 

Judging. 

I  THINK  Mr.  Grahame  (page  72)  is  a  little  hypercritical  in  objecting 
to  the  words  “  more  variety,”  as  applied  to  a  stand  of  Roses.  I  think 
we  should  all  understand  it  as  alluding  to  colour,  and  that  it  is  quite  a 
legitimate  expression.  One  man  may  show  a  stand  of  twenty-four,  or 
thirty-six  blooms  for  the  matter  of  that,  all  of  red  H.P.’s,  while  another 
with  a  good  sprinkling  of  Teas,  especially  yellow  ones,  as  well  as  light 
H.P.’s,  would  surely  show  “more  variety,”  though  not  “  more  varieties.” 

I  confess  I  do  not  like  to  hear  of  a  “  weighty  ”  stand  or  “  heavy  ” 
blooms,  though  I  fear  I  am  becoming  used  to  it.  It  seems  rather  like 
bringing  Roses  down  to  the  prize  goose  level,  but  I  do  not  think  it  is  as 
bad  as  it  sounds.  It  is  not  mere  “  size,”  but  implies  fulness  and  stout 
thick  petals  as  well,  for  size  does  not  necessarily  involve  weight. 

As  to  “  freshness,”  which  is  distinct  Irom  colour,  though  rather 
difllcult  to  define  separately,  has  not  Mr.  Grahame  rather  overlooked  the 
words  of  his  own  quotation  from  N.R.S.  rules,  “  Where  flowers  are  of 
equal  merit  judges  shall  consider  arrangement,  freshness,  &c.  ?  ”  I  have 
never  found  a  judge  who  in  such  a  case  would  refuse  to  consider 
“  arrangement ;  ”  but,  of  course,  he  might  say  that  “  freshness  ”  had 
already  received  its  due  meed  in  points  in  comparison  with  the  standard, 
for  they  would  necessarily  be  pointed  where  of  equal  merit. 

In  two  or  three  instances  where  I  have  been  judging  this  year  the 
points  have  been  equal,  and  “  arrangement  ”  has  settled  the  matter,  to 
the  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  In  these  cases  “  freshness  ”  would 
already  have  been  estimated  in  the  pointing. 

Considering  the  great  distances  they  have  to  travel,  both  Messrs. 
Dickson  and  Messrs.  Harkness,  the  former  especially,  have  to  be  con¬ 
gratulated  on  the  freshness  of  the  blooms  they  have  staged.  I  was 
surprised  to  see  that  the  fine  stand  of  herbaceous  flowers  with  which 
Messrs.  Harkness  won  at  Woodbridge  travelled  entirely  uncovered,  yet 
lost  none  of  their  freshness.  In  a  dusty  time  I  should  think  this  was 
impossible.  I  understood  that  the  point  was  that  railway  officials  took 
more  care  of  the  flowers  when  they  could  see  them. — W.  R.  Raillem. 

Metropolitan  Exhibition  op  the  National  Rose  Society. 

When  we  remember  the  fierce  controversy  which  fluttered  the 
rosarian  world  last  autumn  it  was  instructive,  not  to  say  amusing,  to 
see  the  “  flattened  ”  condition  of  the  advocates  of  the  later  date,  for  long 
before  the  day  arrived  it  was  clear  that  most  of  the  exhibitors  from 
early  districts  were  entirely  hors  de  comlat.  When  I  met  Mr.  R.  G. 
Baker,  the  former  champion  of  the  Rose  world,  who  it  is  well  known 
hails  from  Exeter,  and  asked  him  if  he  had  any  Roses,  “  No,”  was  his 
reply,  “mine  were  over  weeks  ago ;”  and,  with  very  few  exceptions,  the 
same  may  be  said  of  most  southern  growers.  True  the  season  has  been  an 
extraordinary  one,  and  none  of  us  may  ever  see  its  like  again,  but  it  is 
just  these  popibilities  in  our  uncertain  climate  which  should  incline  us 
to  a  date  which  a  long  series  of  years  has  on  the  whole  proved  to  be 
appropriate. 

It  is  always  more  pleasant  to  record  success  than  failure,  but  still  the 
truth  must  be  told,  and  I  think  it  may  be  safely  averred  that,  with  the 


exception  of  the  disastrous  year  of  1879,  when  the  smallness  and  poverty 
of  the  exhibition  from  a  totally  different  cause — namely,  the  excessive 
wet — the  N.R.S.  never  held  a  poorer  exhibition.  The  number  of  Roses 
exhibited,  of  which,  however,  I  have  no  accurate  account,  appears  to 
have  been  some  2000  less  than  those  exhibited  last  year,  and  in  conse¬ 
quence  the  competition  was  not  near  so  keen,  and  in  some  classes  even 
there  were  not  enough  stands  for  the  prizes  offered.  This  falling  off 
would  be  naturally  more  conspicuous  amongst  amateurs  than  nursery¬ 
men,  who,  from  the  large  quantity  that  they  grow  and  their  different 
localities,  have  a  better  chance  of  making  up  a  good  stand,  and  hence, 
with  the  exception  of  some  stand  amongst  the  Tea  Roses,  the  standard 
of  excellence  was  considerably  lowered.  As  was  anticipated,  the  cooler 
climate  of  Yorkshire  and  the  copious  rains  that  they  have  had  there 
helped  forward  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons  of  Bedale,  who  carried  off  with 
flying  colours  the  much-coveted  challenge  trophy.  There  were  in 
their  stand  of  seventy-two  some  grand  blooms.  The  Horace  Vernet, 
which  gained  the  silver  medal,  was  a  grand  flower,  of  fine  build,  great 
substance,  and  brilliant  colour.  Almost  as  good,  if  not  quite  so,  was  a 
beautiful  bloom  of  Dickson’s  Earl  Dufferin  ;  in  addition  to  these  there 
were  some  splendid  flowers  of  Comte  de  Raimbaud,  Victor  Hugo, 
Fisher  Holmes,  and  other  high  coloured  flowers,  which  are  always  well 
shown  by  the  Yorkshire  firm.  The  other  prizes  of  these  principal 
classes  were  carried  off  by  the  East  Anglian  growers,  in  whose  stands 
some  fine  flowers  were  shown.  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  had  in  his  stand,  beside 
some  excellent  H.P.’s,  some  remarkably  fine  Teas,  amongst  which  were 
a  grand  bloom  of  The  Bride,  which  obtained  the  N.R.S.  silver  medal 
for  the  best  Tea  among  the  nurserymen’s  class  ;  in  fact,  the  success  of 
this  part  of  England,  and  the  discomfiture  of  the  southern  and 
western  growers,  which  was  foreshadowed  at  the  Tea  and  Noisette 
exhibition  at  the  Drill  Hall,  were  complete.  It  was  somewhat  remark¬ 
able  that  in  a  season  of  such  brilliant  sunshine  the  dark  coloured 
hybrids  should  so  many  of  them  have  been  shown  in  such  fine  form. 
My  friend,  Mr.  Biron,  and  myself  have  both  encouraged  Mr.  Mount  of 
Canterbury  in  his  ambitious  projects  of  Rose  growing,  and  I  think  it  is 
somewhat  remarkable  that  in  so  forward  a  season  as  the  present,  and 
from  so  early  a  locality  as  Canterbury,  he  should  have  captured  so  many 
prizes,  and  even  in  some  instances  have  beaten  such  giants  as  the 
Cants  of  Colchester.  Some  of  these  days,  when  he  wins  the  trophy  to 
which  he  aspires,  he  must  take  out  a  coat  of  arms  with  two  parsons 
as  the  supporters,  and  an  anvil  and  hammer  for  his  crest ;  the  motto 
must  be  left  for  the  present. 

Those  who  recollect  the  long  line  of  boxes  of  Teas  and  Noisettes 
which  overflowed  in  all  directions  in  1892  will  be  ready  to  confess  the 
immense  falling  off  in  numbers  in  the  present  Exhibition,  and  the 
success  which  at  the  Drill  Hall  attended  the  East  Anglian  growers 
foreshadowed  a  still  greater  triumph  at  the  metropolitan  Show.  “  We 
mean,”  it  was  said  to  me  some  time  ago,  “  to  have  the  Tea  Trophy  in  East 
Anglia  this  year,”  and  so  it  has  happened,  for  it  was  carried  off  in 
triumph  by  the  Rev.  A.  Foster-Melliar,  whose  winning  stand  will  not  be 
easily  forgotten.  The  magnificent  flower  of  Madame  Cusin,  which  won 
the  N.R.S. ’s  medal  for  the  best  Tea  in  the  amateur  division,  was  itself 
worth  going  a  long  distance  to  see,  and  was  unquestionably  the  finest 
bloom  in  that  variety  ever  exhibited.  There  were  other  fine  flowers  in 
the  stand,  one  of  them  a  grand  bloom  of  Marie  Van  Houtte  was  an 
instance  of  what  can  be  done  with  Tea  Roses.  It  was  cut  on  the 
Monday  previous,  had  been  placed  in  a  nearly  airtight  and  perfectly 
dark  cellar  for  three  days  not  tied  up,  and  for  two  more  in  a  cellar  with 
a  little  light  and  air,  and  was  almost  entirely  unchanged  when  brought 
out  on  Friday  evening  ;  in  fact  this  has  been  a  year  in  which  this 
variety  has  been  remarkably  fine.  The  same  may  be  said  of  Ethel 
Brownlow,  whose  brilliancy  of  colour  and  stoutness  of  petal  has  been 
conspicuous,  displaying  merits  which  some  of  its  most  ardent  admirers 
never  before  thought  resided  in  it.  A  little  disappointment  has  been  felt 
with  regard  to  Ernest  Metz,  and  this  was  a  season  above  all  others  which 
was  supposed  to  be  favourable  to  it,  and  yet  there  were  only  two  stands 
of  it  exhibited,  coming  from  the  two  Cants  of  Colchester,  I  think  this 
seals  its  doom  as  to  its  being  offered  in  a  separate  class,  which  has  now 
been  tried  three  seasons  and  with  the  same  indifferent  results.  One 
flower  which  has  sometimes  been  disparagingly  spoken  of,  but  which 
I  have  always  looked  upon  with  favour,  Madame  Hoste,  has  come  quite 
to  the  front,  the  box  shown  by  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  being  all  that  could 
be  desired.  Alas  1  the  “  fortifications  of  Beaulieu  ”  and  the  “  Paradise 
of  Teas  ”  added  nothing  to  their  fame.  I  was  sure  the  former  in  such 
a  season  would  be  stormed  by  enemies  that  it  would  be  impossible  to 
resist,  and  that  thrips  and  red  spider  would  make  many  a  breach  in  the 
ramparts  ;  but  why  the  latter  should  have  so  utterly  collapsed  I  cannot 
quite  understand. 

As  was  anticipated,  the  season  militated  strongly  against  that  which 
has  of  late  years  formed  so  attractive  a  portion  of  the  Exhibition — 
namely,  the  garden  Roses.  Hardly  one  of  the  single  species  was  in 
evidence,  and  it  was  only  through  breaking  the  rules  laid  down  by  the 
N.R.S.,  introducing  Teas  and  even  hybrids,  that  the  stands  could  be 
filled.  It  was,  of  course,  a  disappointment,  especially  to  those  who,  like 
Lord  Penzance,  have  encouraged  progress  in  this  direction,  but  it  was 
one  of  those  things  for  which  the  season  had  prepared  us.  By  next  year 
Messrs,  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  will  have  distributed  many  of  Lord 
Penzance’s  seedlings,  and  we  may  expect  a  keener  competition.  New 
Roses  were  scarce.  Of  those  of  the  last  two  years  the  only  one  that  has 
obtained  any  position  is  Gustave  Piganeau ;  it  is  a  Paul  Neyron  style  of 
flower,  the  colour  crimson,  and  at  present  it  seems  to  be  much  in  favour. 
It  is  not  in  its  style  one  that  commends  itself  much  to  me,  but  I  think 


Auffust  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


99 


that  it  is  somewhat  early  to  complain  of  its  growth.  It  may  be  as  some 
say  of  poor  habit,  but  like  most  new  Roses  that  are  likely  to  be  popular, 
it  has  been  so  hard  worked  that  every  bit  of  constitution  must  have  been 
taken  out  of  it.  Another  French  Rose  of  a  very  different  character, 
Gustave  Regis,  is  likely  to  be  a  favourite  for  buttonhole  purposes.  It 
appears  to  be  a  Hybrid  Tea,  has  a  long  pointed  bud,  bright  yellow  in 
•colour,  but  with  very  few  petals,  so  that  really  it  might  almost  when 
expanded  be  considered  a  single  Rose.  It  is,  however,  among  our  home 
growers  that  we  must  apparently  now  look  for  sterling  novelties,  and 
especially  to  the  Newtownards  firm,  Alexander  Dickson  &  Sons.  They 
exhibited  three  seedlings,  and  to  two  of  them  was  the  gold  medal  of  the 
H.R.S.  awarded,  an  honour  which  no  firm  has  ever  obtained  before. 
One  of  these,  Mrs.  Sharman  Crawford,  is  a  beautiful  bright  pink  Rose, 
of  fine  form  and  build,  reminding  one  a  little  of  Mrs.  John  Laing,  but 
quite  distinct  from  that  flower,  but  appears  also  to  have  a  vigorous 
constitution.  The  other  was  a  large  full  white  Rose,  suggesting  Lady 
Mary  Fitzwilliam.  There  is  an  immense  quantity  of  stuff  in  it,  and  if 
it  opens  well  will  be  a  valuable  addition  to  our  white  Roses.  Another 
gold  medal  of  the  N.R.S.  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Turner’s  new  climbing 
Japanese  Rose,  Crimson  Rambler.  It  had  already  obtained  a  similar 
honour  at  Paris,  and  has  been  seen  so  well  and  so  often  that  there  is 
very  little  doubt  that  everyone  who  possesses  a  garden  will  be  anxious 
to  obtain  it,  and  by  thus  giving  the  N.R.S.’s  highest  award  to  a  purely 
garden  Rose  the  Society  has  shown  its  sympathy  with  the  current  taste, 
and  that  it  is  by  no  means  bound  to  bestow  all  its  favours  on  the 
exhibition  varieties. 

Such,  then,  is  a  rapid  view  of  some  of  the  more  salient  points  of  the 
show,  which,  although  disappointing  in  many  respects,  was  the  means 
of  bringing  together  a  considerable  number  of  fine  blooms,  showing  that 
even  the  most  adverse  seasons  cannot  utterly  quench  the  ardour  of  the 
Tosarians. — D.,  Deal, 


BACTERIAL  DISEASE  IN  TOMATOES. 

Apparently  Mr.  Iggulden  (page  79)  thinks  me  inconsistent  in  my 
remarks  on  the  use  of  animal  manure  for  Tomatoes,  but  if  he  will  turn 
again  to  my  note  on  page  49  he  will  fail  to  find  that  I  said  its  use  bad 
been  followed  by  the  best  results.  Had  I  found  it  so  it  would  indeed 
be  strange  for  me  to  advocate  the  use  of  chemical  manures  in  preference 
to  animal. 

If  I  could  bring  myself  to  believe  that  the  absence  of  bacterial 
disease  is  attributable  to  the  use  of  animal  manure  it  would  rise  greatly 
in  my  favour.  But  having  lost  one  or  more  plants  in  each  of  four 
houses,  some  fed  with  animal  others  with  chemical  manures,  it  is  very 
apparent  that  the  absence  or  otherwise  of  the  disease  is  not  due  to  the 
manure  used.  My  principal  objection  to  animal  manure  is  that  it 
renders  the  plants  more  liable  to  the  attacks  of  cladosporium  and  allied 
fungoid  diseases,  especially  in  badly  ventilated  houses,  as  some  of  mine 
are.— C.  Lock,  Bristol.  _ 


As  Mr.  W.  Iggulden  expresses  his  intention  of  convincing  others 
that  I  have  mistaken  “  effect  for  cause,”  when  he  has  “  thoroughly 
convinced  ”  himself,  perhaps  he  will,  in  the  meantime,  send  a  specimen 
of  the  disease  in  Cucumbers  which  he  considers  to  be  identical  with  that 
in  Tomatoes  submitted  by  Mr.  Lock  to  the  Editor,  so  that  I  may  have 
an  opportunity  of  satisfying  myself  of  their  being  synonymous  or  other¬ 
wise.  This  is  imperative  prior  to  a  display  of  “  cross  swords  ”  for  the 
understanding  of  what  it  is  all  about.  Mr.  Iggulden,  however,  indulges 
in  philippic  in  his  preliminary  canter,  which  is  not  calculated  to 
impress  an  opponent  favourably,  and  seeking  to  discredit  a  prospective 
antagonist  is  not  usually  a  proof  of  prowess.  Something  more  than 
appearance  ”  will,  of  course,  be  expected  from  Mr.  Iggulden,  for 
unless  he  gives  evidence  of  his  acquaintance  with  and  knowledge  of 
bacterial  diseases  I  must  decline  to  step  into  the  arena  for  the  special 
delectation  of  preconceptionists.  But  I  am  quite  ready  to  enter  the 
lists  with  him  or  anyone  undertaking  to  prove  that  Mr.  Lock’s  specimen 
of  Tomatoes  were  not  attacked  by  and  destroyed  through  bacteria .  Of 
these  I  have  representations  as  shown  by  the  microscope,  which  exhibit 
things  as  they  are,  and  it  is  safer  to  be  guided  by  facts  than  to  strive  to 
erect  castles  on  “  appearance.” 

This  shall  be  the  test.  Mr.  Iggulden  to  send  to  me  (through  the 
Editor)  specimens  of  Cucumbers,  Melons,  or  Vegetable  Marrows 
collapsing  from  the  disease  of  which  he  is  “  lEar  from  being  a  stranger,” 
and  I  will  subject  them  to  microscopical  examination  and  submit  the 
results,  both  of  Mr.  Lock’s  Tomatoes  and  Mr.  Iggulden’s  Cucumbers,  to 
the  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture.  This  will  give  Mr.  Iggulden 
a  chance  to  display  his  abilities  as  a  scientist,  for  in  these  days  some¬ 
thing  more  is  expected  than  mere  guesses  at  diseases  and  empirical 
cures. — G.  Abbey, 


NOTES  IN  SEASON. 

Anomatheca  cruenta. 

This  charming  Cape  bulbous  plant  is  exceedingly  useful  for 
flowering  at  the  present  time.  It  is  of  comparatively  easy  cultivation, 
requiring  similar  treatment  to  the  Ixias,  to  which  it  is  closely  allied. 
The  plants  are  of  a  very  dwarf  nature,  attaining  only  from  6  to 
12  inches  in  height.  The  flowers,  which  are  produced  in  great  pro¬ 
fusion,  are  of  a  bright  scarlet  colour  blotched  with  crimson,  and  are 
produced  continuously  over  a  lengthened  period,  thereby  making  them 
indispensable  plants  where  a  display  of  flowers  has  to  be  kept  up.  The 


main  flower  stem  is  furnished  with  numerous  flowering  br..nchlets,  and 
is  terminated  with  a  spike  of  from  nine  to  eleven  blooms. 

The  plants  must  not  be  allowed  to  suffer  through  lack  of  moisture  at 
the  roots.  After  the  flowering  season  is  over,  and  when  the  foliage 
commences  turning  yellow,  the  supply  of  water  may  be  gradually 
curtailed,  but  it  should  never  be  entirely  withheld.  The  bulbs  ought  to 
be  shaken  out  and  repotted  about  the  third  week  in  February,  placing 
from  nine  to  eleven  bulbs  in  a  6-inch  pot.  Good  fibry  loam  and  leaf 
soil,  with  a  little  sharp  sand  will  form  a  suitable  compost  for  them. 

Globe  Amaranth. 

Gomphrena  globosa  or  the  Globe  Amaranth  is  a  most  beautiful 
annual  flower,  and  is  exceedingly  useful  for  the  summer  decoration  of 
the  greenhouse  and  conservatory.  It  is  of  a  neat  and  erect  branching 
habit,  attaining  a  height  of  from  IJ  to  2  feet,  each  shoot  being 
terminated  with  a  compact  round  head  of  rich  purple  flowers.  Seeds 
should  be  sown  in  March  or  April  in  well-drained  pans  filled  with  sandy 
soil,  and  placed  in  gentle  heat.  When  the  seedlings  appear  assign 
them  a  light  position,  and  immediately  the  plants  are  large  enough  to 
handle  place  them  singly  in  small  60-sized  pots.  Keep  the  plants  well 
down  in  the  pots,  so  that  the  cotyledon  or  seed  leaves  rest  on  the  soil. 
They  should  then  be  grown  in  a  temperature  of  from  60°  by  night  and 
70°  by  day,  with  a  rise  of  from  5°  to  10°  by  sun  heat. 

For  ordinary  decorative  purposes  7-inch  or  8-inch  pots  will  be 
sufficiently  large  provided  liquid  farmyard  manure  or  one  of  the 
numerous  chemical  mixtures  be  applied  two  or  three  times  a  week  after 
the  pots  are  well  filled  with  roots.  After  the  flower  heads  are  fully 
developed  the  plants  may  be  removed  to  the  greenhouse  or  conservatory, 
where  they  will  keep  up  a  display  of  flower  for  a  very  considerable 
length  of  time.  Like  the  old  Everlasting  Flower,  Helichrysum  bracteatum, 
the  blooms  require  cutting  just  before  they  are  fully  expanded,  as  they 
then  last  much  longer  in  perfection. — Geo.  Parrant. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

July  25th. 

Scientific  Committee. — Present :  Dr.  H.  Mliller  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Dr.  Russell,  Dr.  Scott,  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr.  Bonavia,  Rev.  G.  Henslow 
(Hon.  Sec.),  and  Mr.  W,  Sykes  (visitor). 

Dianthus,  sp.,  ^'c,  —  Dr.  Miiller  showed  a  specimen  of  a  Pink 
from  Val  d’Annivieres,  in  the  Rhone  Valley.  It  was  referred  to 
Mr.  F.  N.  Williams  for  identification,  and  proved  to  be  Dianthus 
prolifer,  L.  He  also  exhibited  an  “  E  lelweiss,”  from  Mount  Cook,  New 
Zealand.  Though  the  inflorescence  bore  much  resemblance  to  the 
European  form,  the  foliage  was  quite  distinct,  the  leaves  being  obovate, 
and  one-quarter  of  an  inch  in  length.  It  was  referred  to  Kew  for 
identification.  He  also  exhibited  a  Peach,  apparently  attacked  by 
fungi.  It  was  also  referred  to  Kew  for  investigation. 

Fir-leaved  Clover. — Dr.  Bonavia  showed  a  specimen  of  this  tolerably 
well-known  form  from  garden  culture. 

Preserving  Fresh  Ripe  Fruit. — Mr.  W.  Sykes  of  Woodleigh,  East 
Dulwich,  described  some  methods  for  preserving  fruit  in  tins  and 
otherwise,  the  air  being  exhausted  from  the  tins.  The  following  is  the 
description  of  Tomatoes  : — ”  The  fruit  was  quite  ripe  and  perfect ;  after 
seven  days  they  had  not  altered,  and  kept  two  or  three  days  after  being 
exposed  to  the  atmosphere.  After  fourteen  days  the  fruit  showed  signs 
of  ‘  sweating.’  They  kept  the  same  time  exposed  and  ate  all  right. 
After  twenty-one  days  there  was  considerable  sweating,  after  thirty 
days  more  so,  after  thirty-seven  days,  still  more,  the  juice  draining  out 
badly.  The  fruit  throughout  never  lost  its  bright  brilliant  colour.”  A 
discussion  arose  as  to  the  advisability  of  adopting  the  plan  of  exhausting 
the  tins  of  air.  Both  Dr.  Miiller  and  Dr.  Russell  were  of  the  opinion 
that  this  method  was  unadvisable,  inasmuch  as  the  vacuum  can  never 
be  perfect,  and  it  tended  to  expand  the  cells,  and  so  by  rupturing  the 
tissues,  “  sweating  ”  would  increase.  Another  method  described  was  to 
bury  the  fruit  like  Potatoes  or  Mangold  : — “Apples  buried  straight  from 
the  trees  in  heaps  like  Potatoes,  surrounded  by  straw  and  covered  with 
earth  a  few  inches  thick,  keep  well  into  the  following  year.  Nonpareil, 
a  very  astringent,  bright  coloured  and  bad  keeper,  loses  neither  colour 
nor  flavour  after  being  buried.  Similarly  Peas  in  jars  covered  over  with 
a  bladder  and  buried,  were  quite  ‘fresh’  at  Christmas.  In  these  and 
similar  cases  it  appears  to  be  the  carbonic  acid  evolved  by  respiration  of 
the  fruit  which  acts  as  a  preservative  by  driving  away  the  air  from  the 
enclosed  space.  This  tends  to  destroy,  or  at  least  hinder,  the  fermentive 
or  putrefactive  action  of  bacteria.  Mr.  Sykes  hopes  to  communicate 
further  results  from  experiments  with  this  year’s  fruit. 

Pelargonium  ignescens,  $  sterile. —  Mr.  Henslow  exhibited  a 
specimen  of  this  plant  found  in  a  cottage  garden  at  Zeals,  Devon.  On 
referring  to  Sweet’s  “  Geraniacese,”  it  appears  to  have  been  raised  from 
the  seed  of  P.  fulgidum  by  Sir  R.  C.  Hoare.  Another  seedling  of  the 
same  species  was  P.  scintillans.  Though  called  “hybrids”  the  parentage 
is  unknown.  The  word  “sterile”  refers  to  the  anthers  being  devoid  of 
pollen.  P.  ignescens  (proper),  as  well  as  the  above,  are  all  figured  by 
Sweet,  oj).  cit.,  viz.,  P.  ignescens,  vol.  i..  No.  2  ;  P.  ign.  0  sterile,  i.,  55  ; 
P.  scint.,  i.,  28  ;  and  P.  fulgidum,  i.,  69.  The  date  given  is  1821. 

Shaky"  Ash  wood. — Messrs.  Holland  &  Holland  of  0.xford  Street 
forwarded  a  remarkable  specimen  of  the  peculiarity  known  as  “  shaky 
timber  ”  among  carpenters.  On  splitting  the  wood  a  central  portion 
separates  from  the  surrounding  layers.  It  is  probably  due  to  some 
seasonal  influence  when  the  cambium  formed  an  imperfect  and  easily 
separable  layer. 


100 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1893. 


Events  of  the  Week. — The  ensuing  week  will  be  rather  a  busy 
one  amongst  horticulturists.  To-morrow  (Friday)  there  will  be  a 
sale  of  Orchids  and  animals  at  Messrs.  Protheroe  and  Morris’ 
Auction  Rooms  in  Cheapside,  E.C.  On  Saturday  Shows  will  be 
held  at  Croydon  and  Southampton,  the  latter  continuing  on  Monday, 
August  7th.  The  Exhibition  of  the  Beddington  and  Wallington 
Horticultural  Society  will  also  be  held  on  the  7th  inst.  As  announced 
in  another  paragraph  the  Committees  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
will  meet  at  the  Drill  Hall,  James  Street,  S.W.,  on  Tuesday,  August  8th. 
On  the  9th  and  10th  inst.  a  special  Show  of  flowering  and  foliage  plants 
will  be  held  at  the  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition,  Earl’s  Court,  a 
class  being  also  provided  for  six  dishes  of  hardy  fruit. 

- The  Weather  in  London.  —  The  past  week  has  been 

characterised  by  changeable  weather  in  the  metropolis.  Sunday  was 
showery,  rain  falling  heavily  at  intervals.  Similar  weather  prevailed 
on  Monday,  Tuesday  was  fine  and  warmer,  but  much  rain  fell  during 
the  night.  Wednesday  opened  bright,  and  at  the  time  of  going  to 
press  it  is  fine. 

- Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  meeting  of  the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  be  held  on  Tuesday,  Aug.  8th,  in  the 
Drill  Hall,  Westminster.  Mr.  J.  J.  Baker,  F.R.S.,  of  the  Royal 
Herbarium,  Kew,  has  promised  to  deliver  a  lecture  on  “  Cannas  ”  at 
3  o’clock,  and  the  Council  will  feel  obliged  to  exhibitors  who  will  make 
a  special  feature  of  these  plants  on  that  day.  There  will  not  be  another 
meeting  in  the  Drill  Hall  until  September  12th  owing  to  the  four- 
days  show  in  the  Agricultural  Hall,  Islington,  from  August  29th  to 
September  Ist. 

-  Death  of  Mr.  W.  Thomson,  jun. — With  great  regret  we  record 

the  death  of  Mr.  William  Thomson,  son  of  Mr.  W.  Thomson  of  Cloven¬ 
fords,  whieh  took  place  on  July  30th,  from  pleurisy.  Mr.  Thomson  was 
in  his  forty-fourth  year,  and  his  untimely  decease  will  be  regretted  by 
numerous  Scotch  and  English  horticulturists. 

-  National  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association.  —  The 

members  of  this  Association  held  their  monthly  meeting  at  the  Memorial 
Hall,  Farringdon  Street,  E.C.,  on  Tuesday,  August  1st,  Mr.  T.  W. 
Sanders  presiding.  There  was  a  large  attendance,  and  some  excellent 
exhibits  were  staged.  Silver  medals  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  H.  A. 
Needs,  G.  Bell,  A.  G.  Rowberry,  G.  Stevens,  and  Cook.  Mr.  J.  Bateman 
of  Highgate  read  an  interesting  paper  on  “  Roses  for  Exhibition,” 
dealing  with  the  subject  in  a  practical  manner.  A  vote  of  thanks  to 
Mr.  Bateman  for  his  essay  concluded  the  proceedings. 

-  Shropshire  Horticultural  Society. — We  are  requested 

to  correct  the  statement  made  on  page  75,  that  the  Carnation  prizes  to 
be  offered  at  the  forthcoming  Shrewsbury  Show  are  withdrawn  ;  all 
classes  stand  as  in  the  schedule.  The  special  new  class  is  only  to  provide 
for  a  contingency.  Should  any  Carnation  collections  come,  and  we 
hear  some  will  be  staged,  these  prizes  will  be  awarded  just  as  if  no  special 
class  has  been  offered. 

-  A  Good  Action. — At  the  Committee  luncheon  of  the  Reigate 

Show  last  week  a  letter  was  read  by  Mr.  Wells  from  a  gentleman  stating 
the  very  deplorable  condition  through  ill-health  of  a  local  gardener 
whose  name  was  given,  and  asking  for  pecuniary  assistance.  A  list  was 
handed  round  the  table,  and  some  35g.  collected  by  Mr.  Steer.  The 
case  seems  to  be  a  very  distressing  one,  as  the  poor  man  is  in  consump¬ 
tion,  and  there  is  a  large  family  to  be  maintained. 

- Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — At  the  usual  weekly  meeting 

of  the  members  of  the  above  Society  on  Saturday,  23rd  ult.,  the  subject 
for  discussion  was  “  Carnations  and  Picotees.”  A  large  table  was  filled 
with  beautiful  specimens,  some  being  the  old-fashioned  varieties  and 
others  were  examples  of  the  florist  flowers.  There  were  also  on  the 
table  Stephanotis  and  Allamanda  flowers.  The  discussion  was  opened 
by  Mr.  Haddock  of  Lofthouse,  who  is  an  extensive  and  successful 
grower  of  Carnations  and  Picotees.  Mr.  Haddock  strongly  recommended 
his  friends  to  grow  Carnations  and  Picotees.  He  said  they  were  good 
town  flowers,  as  they  will  withstand  the  effects  of  smoke,  and  by  a  little 
arrangement  it  was  possible  to  have  plants  in  bloom  all  the  year  round. 


-  The  Dutch  Horticultural  Society. — We  are  informed 

that  members  of  this  Society  have  intimated  their  intention  to  visit 
Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons’  establishments  on  Saturday,  the  12th  inst., 
together  with  a  few  other  friends. 

-  Gardening  Appointment.  —  Mr.  C.  Page,  for  some  years 

gardener  to  H.  P.  Leschalles,  Esq.,  Highams,  Ascot,  has  been  appointed 
to  succeed  Mr.  Lee  as  gardener  to  J.  B.  Fortescue,  Esq.,  Boconnoc, 
Lostwithiel,  Cornwall. 

-  Bulbs  for  the  Royal  Parks. — We  understand  that  Messrs. 

W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  have  been  favoured  with  an  order  for 
bulbs  for  the  Royal  Parks,  including  St.  James’s,  St.  Margaret  Square, 
Regent’s  Park,  and  Hampton  Court  Gardens. 

-  Grapes  at  Trentham. — Through  a  clerical  error  on  the 

exhibition  card  the  first  prize  for  four  bunches  of  Grapes  was  credited 
to  Mr.  Crawford  in  our  report  on  page  82  last  week.  The  winner  was 
Mr.  J.  J.  Craven,  The  Gardens,  Allerton  Priory,  Liverpool. 

-  Wasp  Nests. — Mr.  Edward  Gristwood,  The  Gardens,  Hearts 

Hill,  Loughton,  Essex,  informs  us  that  himself  and  Mr.  W.  Dickens,  of 
Dibden  Hall  Gardens,  have  destroyed  sixty-three  wasp  nests  by  pouring 
petroleum  into  them,  applying  a  light  and  burning  them  out, 

-  Border  Maid  Viola.— Mr.  John  Forbes,  Hawick,  sends  us 

some  blooms  of  a  splendid  Viola  to  be  named  “Border  Maid.”  It  is  to 
be  a  close  compact  grower  and  a  free  fiowerer.  The  blooms  are  large  and 
beautiful,  of  a  rich  orange  colour,  with  a  distinct  purplish  blue  margin. 

-  Mushrooms  in  the  North.  —  Mushrooms  have  been  very 

plentiful  in  Westmoreland,  large  quantities  being  sent  away  for  sale  to 
large  provincial  towns.  In  the  district  around  Kirkby  Lonsdale,  says 
a  writer  in  a  local  paper.  Mushrooms  have  been  selling  at  li  per  lb. 

- The  Proposed  Floral  Contest  at  Chicago. — We  under¬ 
stand  that  in  view  of  the  small  amount  of  encouragement  received  the 
Chicago  Committee  has  deemed  it  best  to  abandon  the  project  of  an 
international  contest  in  the  arrangement  of  flowers  at  the  World’s  Fair 
in  August. 

-  Early  Pears. — “  J.  H.  W.”  observes  ; — “  As  evincing  the 

extreme  earliness  of  this  season  we  have  been  obliged  to  gather  the  fruit 
from  two  trees  of  Jargonelle  Pears  on  July  27th,  which  in  1891  were  not 
ready  until  September  12th.  From  two  horizontal  trained  trees  on  a  wall 
with  a  west  aspect  we  have  gathered  IJ  cwt.  of  very  fine  fruit.  All 
our  bush  and  pyramid  Pear  trees  are  loaded  with  fruit  this  season.  We 
have  given  bushels  of  fruit  to  the  pigs,  but  still  there  are  bushels  too 
many  left.” 

- English  Horticulturists  in  America.— An  American 

exchange  to  hand  says  :  “Among  notable  visitors  to  Boston  during  the 
first  week  in  July  was  Mr.  Nicholson,  of  Kew  Gardens,  England,  on  his 
way  to  Chicago.  He  visited,  as  does  everybody  nowadays,  the  Arnold 
Arboretum,  and  spent  a  few  hours  among  the  trees  and  shrubs.  Mr.  W- 
Goldring,  brother  of  the  Messrs.  Goldring,  of  Albany,  N.T.,  honoured 
Buffalo  with  a  very  short  visit  on  Saturday,  July  1st.  Mr.  Goldring  has 
just  returned  from  India,  where  he  has  been  laying  out  grounds  for 
some  of  the  native  princes.” 

- Trade  in  Covent  Garden  Market. — As  a  specimen  of  how 

the  trade  in  this  market  has  been  developed,  we  understand,  says  a 
daily  contemporary,  that  last  week  one  firm  alone  dealt  with  64,734 
packages,  including — Green  Gages,  27,583  ;  Orleans  and  other  Plums, 
15,138  ;  Pears,  8,043  ;  Peaches  and  Apricots,  5,002  ;  Tomatoes,  Salads, 
and  Cucumbers,  4,077  ;  Nuts,  2,098;  Cherries,  Black  and  Red  Currants, 
Apples  and  Grapes,  645  ;  Bananas,  Melons  and  Lemons,  995  ;  Potatoes, 
Pea?  and  Onions,  1,153.  Ten  years  ago  it  was  considered  a  wonderful 
business  for  one  single  firm  to  turn  over  20,000  packages  in  a  week. 

-  Stuartia  pentagyna. — One  of  the  most  beautiful  American 

shrubs  now  in  flower  is  Stuartia  pentagyna  ;  its  large  creamy  white 
flowers,  3  or  4  inches  across,  with  scalloped  margins  resembling  those  of 
some  Camellias,  to  which,  indeed,  the  Stuartia  is  related.  Perhaps,  says 
the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  the  slow  growth  of  this  plant  while  it  is  young 
has  discouraged  growers  ;  at  all  events,  it  is  so  rarely  found  in  gardens 
that  it  has  never  received  a  common  English  name.  When  fully 
established,  however,  so  that  its  beauties  are  developed,  this  Stuartia  is 
one  of  the  most  pleasing  of  all  hardy  shrubs  which  flower  in  summer, 
and  it  should  be  omitted  from  no  carefully  selected  collection.  It 
appreciates  liberal  treatment,  and  when  planted  in  good  loam  mixed  with 
peat  and  enriched  occasionally  with  a  dressing  of  old  and  well-pulverised 
manure  it  will  always  repay  such  attention. 


August  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


101 


-  Lady  Gardenees.— Mr.  J.  Riddell,  The  Gardens,  Castle 

Howard,  York,  writes  : — “  Among  the  weekly  papers  a  report  has  been 
going  the  round  that  Lady  Carlisle  contemplated  the  substitution  of 
women  gardeners  for  the  staff  at  present  employed  in  the  gardens  here. 
As  the  Journal  of  Hortic^dture  quoted  the  statement  (page  76),  and 
having  been  asked  to  contradict  the ,  report  when  occasion  for  doing 
so  occurred,  there  not  being  a  shadow  of  truth  in  it,  I  hope  you  will  be 
able  to  find  space  for  this  note  in  your  next  issue,” 

-  The  Festival  op  Flowers. — The  sixth  National  Co-operative 

Festival  will  be  held  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on  Saturday,  August  19th. 
The  flower  show  will  probably  be  as  large  as  ever,  notwithstanding  the 
adverse  season.  The  co-partnership  exhibition  of  goods  from  workshops 
in  which  the  workers  share  profits  and  management  will  be  much  ex¬ 
tended,  as  several  new  and  interesting  societies  will  take  part.  Mr. 
Wm.  Broomhall,  General  Secretary,  49,  Bedford  Street,  Strand,  offers  to 
send  information  to  all  interested  in  the  co-operative  movement. 

-  Stapelias. — The  collection  of  Stapelias  formed  by  the  late 

Mr.  Thomas  Westcorabe  of  Worcester  has  recently  been  presented  to 
Kew  by  his  sister.  Miss  Westcombe,  along  with  numerous  notes,  descrip¬ 
tions,  and  a  collection  of  beautifully  executed  coloured  drawings, 
prepared  by  Miss  Westcombe  from  the  plants  (of  Stapelia  and  allied 
genera)  flowered  by  her  brother.  Stapelias,  remarks  the  “  Kew  Bulletin,” 
are  exceedingly  difficult  plants  to  cultivate, 'and  many  of  the  species 
can  only  be  kept  through  an  English  winter  with  the  utmost  care  and 
attention.  Mr.  Westcombe’s  success  as  a  cultivator  of  these  plants  was 
quite  exceptional.  Since  his  death  some  of  the  plants  have  somewhat 
suffered,  but  most  of  them  will  probably  recover  in  their  new  quarters 
at  Kew. 

-  A  Fine  Carnation. — Mr.  Bernard  Cowan,  The  Lodge,  Harton 

Cemetery,  South  Shields,  sends  us  a  photograph  of  a  plant  of  Carnation 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  that  bore  105  blooms,  open  and  unopened. 
The  plant  was  in  a  10-inch  pot,  and  has  been  grown  by  Mr.  Alex, 
Turvis,  South  View,  South  Shields,  who  is  an  amateur  grower,  and  is 
Chairman  of  the  General  Purposes  Committee  of  the  South  Shields  and 
Northern  Counties  Chrysanthemum  Society.  Mr.  Turvis  takes  an  active 
interest  in  the  Exhibition,  and  his  well-known  popularity  is  of  consider¬ 
able  advantage  to  the  Society.  He  is  also  a  grower  of  Roses  and  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  and  when  his  commercial  transactions  are  over  the  rest  of 
the  evening  is  spent  attending  to  the  cares  and  wants  of  his  favourite 
flowers. 

-  Kingston  Gardeners’  Association.  —  At  the  monthly 

meeting  of  this  Society,  held  on  the  26th  ult.,  a  short  but  very  useful 
paper  on  “  The  Gloxinia  ”  was  read  by  Mr.  Hawkes  of  Lismaine 
Gardens.  Daring  the  discussion  which  followed  questions  were  asked 
as  to  the  insect  termed  the  creeping  or  jumping  thrips,  which  proved 
to  be  so  difficult  to  deal  with,  so  fond  of  the  Gloxinia,  and  was  impervious 
to  fumigation.  From  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  came  a  collection  of  cut 
flowers  of  their  beautiful  strain,  and  Mr.  Peed,  a  local  gardener,  also 
brought  some  brilliant  flowers  of  the  same  strain.  Mr.  Hawkes 
showed  some  very  fine  Cockscombs,  and  Mr,  T.  Cushon  exhibited  a 
good  Melon  Imperial  Green-Flesh,  grown  in  a  frame  without  bottom 
heat  after  Potatoes  had  been  taken  out.  Mr.  A.  Dean  will  give  an 
address  on  “  Hardy  Border  Flowers  ”  to  the  members  at  the  meeting  on 
August  29  th. 

-  Flora  op  Mount  Kini  Balu.  —  The  collection  of  dried 

plants  from  the  above  locality  in  N.E.  Borneo,  referred  to  in  the  “  Kew 
Bulletin,”  1892,  p.  249,  has  been  worked  out  by  Dr.  0.  Stapf,  the 
Assistant  for  India  at  the  Herbarium,  who  read  a  paper  on  the  subject 
before  the  Linnean  Society  on  the  15th  June  last,  which  will  pro¬ 
bably  appear  in  one  of  the  Society’s  publications.  In  addition  to  the 
plants  collected  by  the  Drs.  Haviland,  Dr.  Stapf  has  also  taken  up  a 
small  collection  from  the  same  mountain,  made  by  Sir  Hugh  Low  some 
forty  years  ago,  together  with  a  few  plants  collected  more  recently  by 
Mr.  F.  W.  Burbidge.  Altogether  they  number  about  400  species,  320  of 
which  are  phanerogams.  There  are  two  new  genera  and  upwards  of 
150  new  species,  for  the  greater  part  shrubs.  Melastomaceae  and 
Rubiacese  largely  predominate  in  the  lower  elevations,  and  the  last 
family  is  somewhat  numerously  associated  with  increasing  numbers  of 
Ericaceae,  Vacciniaceae,  Orchids,  and  Ferns  at  higher  levels.  Noteworthy 
among  the  novelties  are  eleven  very  distinct  new  species  of  the 
Kricaceous  genus  Diplycosia,  and  two  new  species  of  the  Australian 
Irideous  genus  Patersonia.  Many  other  new  facts  have  been  brought  to 
light  by  the  combined  collections,  and  Dr.  Stapf ’s  paper  promises  to  be 
of  more  than  ordinar  interest. — (“  Kew  Bulletin.”) 


-  A  Novel  Contest. — In  connection  with  the  Show  of  the 

Beddington,  Carshalton,  and  Wallington  Horticultural  Society,  to  be 
held  in  Carshalton  Park  on  the  August  Bank  Holiday,  a  class  instituted 
by  Mr.  A.  H.  Smee  is  creating  a  good  deal  of  interest.  It  is  thus  set 
forth — “For  the  best  dinner  to  be  produced  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  2s. 
The  dinner  must  consist  of  meat  and  at  least  two  distinct  kinds  of 
vegetables,  and  be  sufficient  for  a  man,  his  wife,  and  three  children. 
The  value  of  each  article  must  be  clearly  stated.  First  prize,  £2 ; 
second  do.,  £1  10s.;  third  do.,  £1;  fourth  do.,  10s.”  We  are  informed 
there  are  thirty  entries.  Also  in  connection  with  the  same  Show  a 
conference  on  gardening  is  announced  under  the  presidency  of  E.  J. 
Halsey,  Esq.,  Chairman  of  the  Surrey  County  Council.  Superior  and 
inferior  garden  produce  will  be  exhibited,  and  a  short  address  thereon 
given  by  Mr.  J.  Wright  for  the  instruction  of  amateurs,  cottagers,  and 
allotment  holders. 

-  Dwarf  Convolvuluses.  —  Amongst  the  numerous  hardy 

annuals  which  were  recently  blooming  so  profusely  in  the  seed 
grounds  of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  were  three  forms  of 
dwarf  Convolvuluses,  which  were  so  wonderfully  true  to  character 
that  10,000  flowers  seemed  to  be  exactly  alike.  It  was  quite  remarkable 
to  find  how  well  these  annuals  were  doing  in  the  drought,  and  still  more 
how  effective  and  lovely  in  their  respective  masses  they  were.  Very 
charming  indeed  is  subcaernleus,  the  flowers  of  a  pleasing  sky  blue 
colour.  This  is  at  once  a  novelty  and  a  beauty.  Quite  different 
because  so  dark  is  Crimson  Violet,  the  flowers  of  a  heavy  but  rich  hue, 
as  its  name  implies  ;  and  most  effective  is  the  brilliant  Dark  Blue.  To 
these  may  be  added  the  White,  but  the  others  are  delightful. — D. 

- Autumn-sown  Onions. — This  is  a  good  time  to  make  a 

sowing  of  Onions  for  producing  bulbs  next  May  and  two  following 
months  to  succeed  those  raised  from  seed  sown  during  last  spring. 
If  the  ground  is  in  fairly  good  condition  as  regards  fertility  it  need 
only  be  dug,  trodden,  surface-dressed  with  soot,  and  raked  level  ;  then 
draw  drills  from  12  to  15  inches  asunder  and  about  1  inch  deep,  running 
north  and  south,  for  the  reception  of  the  seed.  Early  White  Naples  and 
White  Elephant  are  good  varieties  to  sow  for  standing  the  winter.  Sow 
the  seed  sufficiently  thick,  the  drills  to  admit  of  some  of  the  young 
plants  being  drawn  for  salading,  where  used  for  that  purpose,  and  to 
make  good  any  blanks  that  might  occur  in  the  ranks  through  any  cause 
during  the  next  five  or  six  months.  Close  the  soil  over  the  seed  in 
the  drills  with  the  feet,  tread,  and  afterwards  rake  level  in  the  same 
direction  as  the  drills.  Transplantings  can  be  made  from  the  thin¬ 
nings  in  the  spring  if  it  should  be  deemed  necessary  to  extend  the 
crop,  allowing  a  space  of  from  6  to  12  inches  between  the  plants  in 
the  rows,  the  ground  being  prepared  in  the  manner  advised  for  seed. — 
H.  W.  Ward. 

-  The  West  African  Palm  Oil  Trade. — In  his  report  to 

the  Colonial  Office  on  the  botany  of  Sierra  Leone,  Mr.  Scott  Elliot  says 
that  the  export  of  Palm  oil  and  kernels  forms  by  far  the  largest  part  of 
the  West  African  export  trade.  In  1890  the  value  of  the  Palm  oil 
exported  from  Sierra  Leone  was  £13,599  and  of  the  Palm  kernels 
£107,827.  The  tree  is  more  abundant  further  down  the  West  African 
coast,  and  appears  to  prefer  alluvial,  often  marshy,  ground  near  the  sea. 
It  p>articularly  seems  to  thrive  on  the  rich  soil  of  the  Mangrove  accumu¬ 
lations.  There  are  large  numbers  of  Palm  trees  in  the  Mahela  district, 
where  a  factory  once  existed,  and  there  are  also  a  considerable  number 
up  the  Searcies  River  and  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Limba  district.  It 
grows  also  on  low  sandstone  or  gneissose  hills,  but  probably  does  not 
produce  so  much  in  such  places  as  on  the  low-lying,  rich  alluvials.  The 
Palm  is  propagated  from  the  offshoots  that  appear  at  its  base,  and  these 
are  said  to  begin  in  the  second  or  fifth  year,  and  are  in  full  bearing 
about  the  tenth  to  fifteenth  year.  They  continue  produc’ing  for  sixty 
years.  A  single  tree  yields  from  1  to  3  gallons  of  Palm  oil,  or,  according 
to  Semler,  16  litres  annually,  and  this  amount  of  oil  will  give  from  one- 
sixth  to  half  a  hundredweight  of  kernels.  This  would  be  a  profit  of 
from  2s.  to  6s.  a  tree  per  annum,  as  about  300  gallons  of  Palm  oil  give  a 
ton  of  oil  and  about  2^  tons  of  kernels.  Hence  plantations  of  these 
trees  should  be  profitable  in  time.  It  is,  however,  exceedingly  difficult 
to  get  any  trustworthy  information,  and  the  above,  Mr.  Elliot  says,  must 
be  regarded  as  very  approximate.  The  Palms  require  no  care,  and  are 
not,  apparently,  attacked  by  any  injurious  insects.  The  preparation  is 
of  a  very  rough  and  makeshift  character  ;  the  fruits  are  thrown  into  a 
tank  and  left  till  decomposition  begins.  They  are  then  boiled  and 
afterwards  pounded  in  a  mortar.  Probably  25  per  cent,  of  the  oil  is  lost 
in  preparation. 


102 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Angtist  3,  1893. 


-  Hippeastrum  peocerum.  —  This  is  the  blue  Amaryllis  of 

horticulturists,  and  the  Amaryllis  Rayneri  of  "  Botanical  Magazine,” 
t.  5883.  It  was  introduced  by  M.  Binot  from  South  Brazil  about  1863, 
says  the  “Kew  Bulletin,”  but  it  has  remained  rare  in  cultivation, 
probably  on  account  of  the  difficulty  experienced  in  getting  it  to  flower. 
Two  plants  of  it  have  been  flowering  in  the  Sueculent  house  (No.  5)  at 
Kew.  The  species  is  quite  distinct  from  the  rest  of  the  genus,  the 
bulb  having  a  neck  18  inches  long  and  distichous  falcate  ensiform 
leaves,  firm  in  texture,  with  a  white  cartilaginous  edge.  The  flowers 
are  borne  in  an  umbel,  and  they  are  as  large  as  the  Belladonna  Lily. 
The  colour  is  bluish-lilac  with  numerous  spots  of  a  darker  shade  of 
purple. 

- WiDCOMBE  Horticultural  Club. — Some  members  of  this 

Society  had,  on  July  24th,  the  privilege  of  seeing  the  Begonias  grown 
by  the  Rector  of  Newton  St.  Loe.  The  visit  came  as  a  surprise,  for  it  was 
not  included  in  the  printed  programme  of  the  Club’s  proceedings,  but 
was  arranged  at  the  invitation  of  the  Rev.  E.  Lascelles  by  the  energetic 
lion.  Secretary  of  the  Club,  who  is  always  seeking  opportunities  of 
increasing  its  usefulness  and  of  affording  instruction  and  enjoyment  to 
the  members,  about  forty  of  whom  with  a  few  friends  left  Widcombe 
shortly  after  six  o’clock  in  three  well-horsed  conveyances  for  Newton. 
Mr.  Lascelles  cordially  welcomed  the  party,  and  after  showing  the  visitors 
all  over  his  beautiful  garden,  promised  to  give  the  members  a  lecture 
upon  his  favourite  flower — the  Begonia. 

-  Hanbury  Medallion. — According  to  the  July  number  of 

the  “  Kew  Bulletin,”  the  museum  of  the  Royal  Gardens  has  lately 
))ecome  possessed  of  a  medallion  portrait  of  the  late  Daniel  Hanbury, 
F.R.S.,  F.L.S.  This  medallion  is  the  original  model  in  plaster  by  the 
late  Thomas  Woolner,  R.A.,  and  was  copied  in  marble  for  Mr.  Thomas 
Hanbury,  F.L.S.  It  is  a  faithful  likeness  of  the  great  pharmacologist. 
The  ornamentation  on  the  flat  surface  surrounding  the  portrait  repre¬ 
sents  the  plants  to  which  Daniel  Hanbury  gave  special  attention — 
namely,  Liquidambar  orientale.  Mill,  which  he  proved  in  1857  to  be 
the  source  of  Liquid  Storax,  and  Ipomoea  simulans,  a  species  of  his 
own,  and  described  by  him  in  a  paper  read  before  the  Linnean 
Society  in  1869  as  the  source  of  Tampico  Jalap.  Kew  is  indebted  to 
Mrs.  Woolner  for  the  gift  of  this  medallion,  whieh  finds  a  fitting  home 
in  a  museum  greatly  enriched  by  numerous  contributions  of  vegetable 
drugs  made  by  Hanbury  himself  during  his  lifetime. 

-  Fruit  Culture  in  Russia. — We  are  informed  that  “  The 

Russian  Society  of  Fruit  Culture  is,  with  the  sanction  of  the  Czar, 
organising  an  international  Exhibition  to  be  held  at  St.  Petersburg  in 
the  autumn  of  1894,  with  the  object  of  showing  the  present  condition 
in  Russia  of  the  cultivation  of  fruit,  medicinal  plants  and  vegetables, 
and  of  the  manufacture  of  their  products.”  It  is  also  stated  that  “  A 
congress  of  pomologists  will  be  convened  simultaneously  with  the  Exhi¬ 
bition,  and  all  persons  interested  in  the  progress  of  horticulture  and 
pomology,  both  in  Russia  and  other  countries,  are  invited  to  take  part  in 
the  Exhibition,  which  will  comprise  the  following  sections  :  Fresh  fruit 
fresh  vegetables  ;  dried  fruit  and  vegetables,  preserved  or  treated  by 
other  processes  ;  wine,  cider,  perry,  and  other  fruit  beverages  ;  Hops 
and  medical  herbs,  seeds,  fruit  trees  and  bushes,  horticultural  imple¬ 
ments  and  appliances  and  technicality  of  production,  together  with 
literary,  scientific,  and  educational  accessories,  collections  and 
plans.”  It  is  expected  that  further  details  will  be  forthcoming  in 
due  course. 

-  Origin  op  the  Peach. — Nothing  is  now  more  universally 

accepted  than  the  fact  that  the  Peach  is  an  improved  variety  of  the 
Almond.  The  Almond  has  a  thin  shell  around  the  stone,  which  splits 
open  and  exposes  the  stone  when  mature.  This  outer  skin  has  simply 
become  fleshy  in  the  Peach,  so  that  is  all  that  gives  it  its  specific 
character.  It  seems  now  clear  from  investigation  in  the  history  of 
ancient  Babylon  that  in  their  gardens,  now  nearly  4000  years  ago,  the 
Peach  was  cultivated  then  as  it  is  now.  It  must  have  been  many  years 
before  this  that  the  Peach  was  improved  from  the  Almond,  and  this  fact 
goes  to  show  the  great  antiquity  of  the  fruit.  Possibly  gardening  in 
some  respects,  at  least  so  far  as  it  relates  to  many  of  our  cultivated 
fruits,  was  as  far  advanced  six,  or  perhaps  eight  or  10,000  years  back  as 
it  is  to-day.  Phoenec'ans,  many  thousands  of  years  ago,  as  is  proved  by 
the  records,  had  in  their  gardens  Almonds,  Apricots,  Bananas,  Citrons, 
Figs,  Grapes,  Olives,  Peaches,  Pomegranates,  and  even  Sugar-cane  was 
in  extensive  cultivation.  Certainly  this  shows  how  very  far  advanced 
these  nations  were  in  garden  culture  these  many  years  ago. — (“  Meehans’ 
Monthly.”) 


-  Platycodons. — Not  very  appreciable,  if  indeed  is  there  any 

distinction,  between  the  Platycodons  and  Campanula  grandiflora  and  its 
varieties.  Possibly  the  distinetion  is  found  only  in  name,  and  if  there 
be  none,  then  the  diverse  appellations  are  misleading.  At  Messrs.  Barr 
and  Son’s  Long  Ditton  Nursery,  various  Platycodons  are  in  abundant 
bloom,  and  at  this  season  most  deservedly  rank  amongst  the  best  of 
hardy  garden  flowers.  The  growth  is  in  most  cases  about  2  feet  in 
height,  the  stems  producing  numerous  side  flowers  on  long  stems, 
which  are  admirable  for  cutting.  Grandiflora,  single  blue,  and 
plenum,  double  and  darker  ;  album  and  striatum,  also  Mariesi,  are- 
capital  varieties. — A.  D. 

-  Early  Apples. — I  specially  noted  the  best  six  varieties  in 

the  respeetive  dessert  and  kitchen  sections  of  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.’s 
very  fine  collection  shown  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  the  25th  ult.  The  Apples 
for  the  time  of  year  were  wonderfully  fine,  and  all  from  the  open  air. 
Mr.  Woodward  of  Barham  Court,  however,  tells  me  that  Apples  are 
swelling  wonderfully  fast  since  the  rains,  and  that  there  should  be  some 
grand  fruit  at  the  Agricultural  Hall  Show.  I  found  of  dessert  varieties- 
Gladstone,  Red  Juneating,  Red  Astrachan,  Beauty  of  Bath,  Lady 
Sudeley,  and  Red  Quarrenden  to  be  the  best,  ripening  in  about  the 
order  placed,  whilst  of  kitchen  sorts  Lord  Grosvenor,  Lord  Suffield, 
Grenadier,  Stirling  Castle,  Peter  the  Great,  and  Potts’  Seedling  were 
the  best.  I  have  seen  elsewhere  Warner’s  King  and  Emperor  Alexander 
very  fine  too.  On  the  whole,  we  shall  probably  find  it  needful  to  have 
many  of  our  finest  Apples  gathered  fully  a  month  earlier  than  usual,  or 
they  may  fall  from  the  trees.  The  netting  of  the  finest  samples  will 
become  imperative  in  many  cases. — A.  D. 

-  Death  op  a  Lady  Botanist. — The  death  is  announced,  on 

Thursday  last,  of  Miss  Anne  Pratt,  who  was  born  at  Strood,  near 
Rochester,  in  1806.  This  distinguished  botanist  published  her  first 
book  when  just  twenty  years  of  age,  entitled  “  Flowers  and  Their 
Associations,”  a  work  characterised  by  elegance  of  thought  and  refine¬ 
ment  of  diction,  qualities  that  marked  all  her  numerous  subsequent 
writings.  A  devoted  student  of  nature,  accurate  and  painstaking  in 
all  her  researches,  she  was  also  gifted  as  an  artist.  She  made  exquisite 
sketches  of  plants  to  illustrate  her  subjects.  She  was  the  author  of 
“Pratt’s  Catechism  of  Botany,”  “The  Field,  the  Garden,  and  the 
Woodland,”  “  Wild  Flowers,”  “  The  Dawnings  of  Genius,”  “  Poisonous 
Plants,”  “  Common  Things  of  the  Seashore,”  and  other  works.  Her 
02,us  magnum  was  “  Flowering  Plants  and  Ferns  of  Great  Britain,”' 
which  was  illustrated  with  coloured  block-printed  plates,  and  forms  an 
exhaustive  history  of  all  British  species,  which  ever  since  its  appear¬ 
and  has  taken  rank  with  standard  botanical  works.  The  copyright 
expiring  in  1879,  it  was  bought  by  the  publishers,  Frederick  Warne 
and  Co.,  the  senior  partner  of  that  firm  having  from  the  first  entertained 
a  great  partiality  for  the  work,  and  in  1880,  at  the  age  of  seven ty-three, 
the  author,  with  her  eharaeteristic  vivacity,  revised  it,  and  the  work 
was  reproduced  in  a  cheaper  form.  Miss  Pratt  married  in  1867  Mr. 
John  Pearless,  of  East  Grinstead,  who  survives  her. 

-  History  op  Whinham’s  Industry  Gooseberry.  —  The 

originator  of  the  Gooseberry,  which  has  now  become  an  almost 
universal  favourite  with  the  market  gardening  fraternity,  was,  says 
the  “  Newcastle  Chronicle,”  Mr.  Robert  Whinham  of  Morpeth,  himself 
a  market  gardener.  Whinham  was  born  early  in  this  century,  and  up 
to  within  a  few  years  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1858,  he 
occupied  as  tenant  the  Allery  Banks  Gardens,  belonging  to  the  Earl 
of  Carlisle,  at  Morpeth.  There  it  was  that  he  first  began  cultivating, 
and  propagating  the  Gooseberry.  All  the  time  the  labour  and  the 
thought  he  expended  in  perfecting  hisi venture  profited  him  but  little 
in  the  shape  of  pecuniary  reward.  He  died  a  poor  man.  His  grave  in 
Morpeth  churchyard  is  practically  unknown,  and  no  memorial  of  him 
exists  other  than  which  he  established  himself  by  giving  his  own  name 
to  the  fruic  he  originated.  Attracted  as  we  always  have  teen  by  fruit 
culture,  it  was  not  without  feelings  of  interest  that  we  paid  a  visit  the 
other  day  to  the  very  garden  which  witnessed  the  early  struggles  of 
Robert  Whinham.  Situated  on  the  rising  ground  to  the  south-east  of 
Morpeth,  and  in  close  proximity  to  the  railway,  we  found  the  scene  of 
his  labours.  The  summer  evening  was  closing  in  as,  escorted  by  Mr. 
George  W.  Purdy,  the  present  tenant,  we  wandered  through  the  garden, 
which  is  almost  entirely  given  over  to  the  cultivation  of  Gooseberries, 
the  whole  area  being  sheltered  and  protected  by  old  Apple  trees.  Mr. 
Purdy’s  father  immediately  succeeded  the  Whinham  family  in  the 
tenancy,  and  when  he  took  over  the  garden  he  found  there  bushes  of  the 
identical  berry  which  must  have  been  some  of  the  very  first  cultivated 
by  Whinham.  These  bushes  had  then  reached  maturity,  and  some  of 


August  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


103 


them  yet  remain  in  very  vigorous  growth.  One  of  these,  which  cannot 
possibly  be  less  than  forty-seven  years  old,  has  cropped  heavily  ever 
since  1856,  Last  year  it  yielded  three  and  a  half  stones  of  berries  ;  this 
year  it  was  still  more  heavily  laden,  the  estimated  weight  of  the  crop 
being  four  stones. 


CAMPANULA  GRANDIFLORA  MARIESI. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  July  25th 
Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Son,  the  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  staged  a  plant  of 
Campanula  grandiflora  Mariesi,  and  for  which  the  Floral  Committee 


John  Rennet  Lawes,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  and  Dr.  John  Henry  Gilbert,  F.R.S.„ 
in  commemoration  of  the  fifty  years  agricultural,  chemical,  and  botanical 
investigations  which  those  gentlemen  have  jointly  carried  out  on  the 
Rothamsted  estate,  and  which  hare  become  famous  throughout  the 
world.  The  proceedings  on  Saturday  were  the  result  of  a  movement 
initiated  by  the  Prince  of  Wales,  who  called  a  meeting  at  the  rooms  of 
the  Royal  Agricultural  Society  on  March  1st  last,  when  His  Royal 
Highness  gave  the  following  brief  outline  of  the  work  of  Sir  John  Lawes 
and  Dr.  Gilbert  : — 

“  All  those  who  are  interested  in  the  progress  of  agricultural  know¬ 
ledge,  and  especially  in  the  application  of  chemistry  to  the  cultivation 
of  crops  and  the  feeding  of  stock,  must  be  aware  of  the  extreme  im¬ 
portance  of  the  valuable  series  of  experiments  so  long  carried  on  at. 


Fig.  16.— campanula  grandiflora  mariesi. 


awarded  a  first-class  certificate.  The  plant,  also  known  as  Platycodon 
grandiflorum  Mariesi,  is  not  a  new  one,  inasmuch  as  it  was  introduced 
upwards  of  a  decade  ago.  It  is  nevertheless  worthy  of  more  extensive 
culture,  and  should  be  given  a  place  in  every  garden. 

As  shown  in  the  illustration  (fig.  16),  the  plant  is  dwarf  in  habit, 
being  not  more  than  6  inches  in  height.  The  flowers  are  large  and 
broad,  measuring  3  inches  or  more  in  diameter,  and  of  a  brilliant 
purplish  blue  colour  with  darker  veins.  It  is  a  charming  plant,  and 
deserves  a  better  fate  than  it  hitherto  has  had. 


THE  ROTHAMSTED  JUBILEE. 

Ax  event,  which  was  described  as  “  unique  in  the  history  of  scientific 
collaboration,  as  well  as  in  the  history  of  scientific  research,”  was 
celebrated  in  the  Hertfordshire  village  of  Harpenden  on  Saturday,  when 
a  huge  granite  memorial  was  dedicated  and  presentations  made  to  Sir 


Rothamsted  by  Sir  John  Rennet  Lawes.  These  experiments  were  com¬ 
menced  in  the  year  1843,  so  that  the  current  year  will  witness  the 
conclusion  of  no  less  than  half  a  century’s  investigations,  which  have 
been  conducted  during  the  lifetime  of  their  founder.  During  the  whole 
of  this  period,  moreover.  Dr.  Gilbert  has  been  associated  with  Sir  John 
Lawes  in  the  work  of  experimental  research.  The  Rothamsted  experi¬ 
ments  have  from  the  commencement  been  entirely  disconnected  with 
any  external  organisation,  and  have  been  maintained  at  the  sole  cost  of 
Sir  John  Lawes.  For  the  continuance  of  the  investigations  after  his 
death.  Sir  John  has  recently  made  the  munificent  endowment  of 
£100,000,  besides  the  famous  laboratory  and  certain  areas  of  land,  and 
has  nominated  some  of  the  most  distinguished  scientists  of  the  day  to 
administer  the  trust.  In  view  of  all  these  facts,  and  the  great  national 
importance  of  the  Rothamsted  experiments,  it  is  only  fitting  that  some 
public  recognition  should  be  made  of  the  invaluable  services  rendered 
to  agriculture  by  Sir  John  Lawes  and  hii  distinguished  colleague,  Dr. 
Gilbert.” 

As  the  result  of  the  meeting  an  Executive  Committee  was  formed. 


104 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  A.ugriist  3,  1893 


coDBisting  of  the  Duke  of  Westminster,  K.G-.,  President  of  the  Koyal 
Agricultural  Society  of  England,  Chairman  ;  the  Earl  of  Clarendon, 
Lord  Lieutenant  of  Herts  ;  Viscount  Emlyn,  Chairman  of  the  Chemical 
and  Woburn  Committees  of  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society ;  Lord 
Kelvin,  P.R.S.  ;  Sir  John  Lubbock,  M.P.,  F.R.S,,  Trustee  of  the  Lawes 
Agricultural  Trust ;  Dr.  H.  E,  Armstrong,  F.R.S. ,  President  of  the 
Chemical  Society  ;  Professor  Charles  Stewart,  President  of  the  Linnean 
Society  ;  Sir  John  Evans,  F.R.S.,  Treasurer  of  the  Royal  Society,  Honorary 
Treasurer ;  and  Mr.  Ernest  Clarke,  Secretary  of  the  Royal  Agricultural 
Society,  Honorary  Secretary.  Subscriptions  were  invited  with  the  result 
that  a  sufBcient  sum  was  obtained  to  erect  a  granite  memorial  weighing  over 
8  tons  immediately  opposite  the  laboratory  (which  was  built  by  public 
subscription  and  presented  to  Sir  John  Lawes  in  1854),  and  which  stands 
out  boldly  in  view  from  all  points  of  Harpenden  Common  ;  to  have  a 
three-quarter  length  portrait  of  Sir  John  Lawes  painted  by  Herkomer ;  and 
to  purchase  a  massive  silver  salver  to  present  to  Dr.  Gilbert.  The 
memorial  is  a  massive  boulder  of  granite  placed  end-ways  on  another 
square  block.  On  the  side  facing  the  common  is  this  inscription : — 
‘■To  commemorate  the  completion  of  fifty  years  of  continuous  experi¬ 
ments  in  agriculture  conducted  at  Rothamsted  by  Sir  John  Rennet 
Lawes  and  John  Henry  Gilbert,  A.D.  MDCCCXCIII.”  But  besides 
these  presentations,  and  also  addresses  from  the  subscribers,  various 
learned  and  agricultural  societies,  both  at  home  and  abroad,  took  the 
opportunity  of  presenting  other  addresses,  so  that  the  proceedings  of 
Saturday  were  international  in  their  character. 

There  was  a  large  and  distinguished  company  present.  Mr.  Herbert 
Gardner,  M.P.,  President  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture,  presided.  On  his 
right  were  Sir  John  Lawes  and  Dr.  Gilbert,  and  on  his  left  the  Duke  of 
Westminster  and  the  Duke  of  Devonshire.  Among  the  others  present, 
in  addition  to  the  members  of  the  Executive  Committee  whose  names 
are  given  above,  were  Earl  Cathcart,  Lord  Amherst  of  Hackney, 
Viscount  Grimston,  the  Hon.  A.  Holland-Hibbert,  M.  Johanet  and 
M.  Aubin  (representing  the  Soci^t6  des  Agriculteurs  de  France),  Sir 
J.  D.  Hooker,  Sir  Owen  Roberts,  Professor  Michael  Foster,  Professor 
F.  0.  Bower,  Professor  Kinch,  Sir  Jacob  Wilson,  General  Cohnsae,  Mr. 
W.  Carruthers,  Dr.  Fream,  Professor  Sheldon,  Major  Craigie,  Professor 
Church,  Mr.  Henry  F.  Moore,  Mr.  Ludwig  Mond,  Professor  W.  Odling, 
Dr.  W.  J.  Russell,  Mr.  Martin  J.  Sutton,  Mr.  Charles  Whitehead, 
Dr.  J.  A.  Voelcker,  Mr.  A.  Warrington,  Professor  W.  A.  Tilden,  Dr. 
Bernard  Dyer,  Mr.  W.  H.  Perkin,  Mr.  W.  Crookes,  and  Mr.  W.  H. 
Parkin,  all  of  whom  were  subscribers  also  to  the  testimonial.  Apologies 
were  read  for  non-attendance  from  the  Prince  of  Wales,  M.  E.  Tisserand, 
Councillor  of  State,  Director  of  Agriculture  for  France,  and  many 
others,  as  well  as  a  telegram  of  congratulation  from  the  Association  of 
Experimental  Stations  in  the  United  States  and  Canada. 

Mr.  Herbert  Gardner,  M.P.,  who  was  received  with  cheers,  said 
they  had  met  to  honour  as  far  as  it  was  in  their  power,  in  the  name  of 
agriculture  and  of  the  agricultural  classes,  two  distinguished  men — Sir 
John  Lawes  and  Dr.  Gilbert  (cheers) — who  had  rendered  invaluable 
services  to  our  great  national  industry.  It  was  felt  that,  in  addition  to 
mere  personal  testimony  of  regard,  there  should  be  some  outward  and 
endurable  memorial  of  the  admiration  which  the  agricultural  world  felt 
for  the  valuable  work  which  had  illustrated  the  lives  of  those  two 
gentlemen.  More  durable  even  than  that  granite  block  would  be  the 
complete  series  of  records  of  the  work  done  at  Rothamsted  which  were 
contained  in  the  large  series  of  works  which  lay  on  the  table  before  him 
(cheers),  and  he  had  done  something  towards  making  these  of  more 
value  by  obtaining  a  grant  from  the  Treasury  in  order  to  purchase  forty- 
four  complete  sets  which  he  had  presented,  at  the  expense  of  the  nation, 
to  leading  public  institutions.  (Cheers).  During  the  fifty  years  the 
experiments  at  Rothamsted  had  been  in  progress  there  had  been 
remarkable  changes.  Wheat  having  fluctuated  no  less  than  SOs.  per 
quarter,  having  been  as  high  as  743.,  and  in  May  last  as  low  as  24s.  8d. 
He  thought  the  development  of  the  steam  ocean  traffic  had  done  more  to 
bring  down  the  price  of  Wheat  than  either  Cobden  or  Bright,  and  the 
present  low  range  he  attributed  to  England  having  accumulated  an 
unusual  surplus  just  after  the  Russian  famine,  and  in  the  diminution 
which  had  been  going  on  there  might  be  found  some  scintilla — slight  it 
might  be — of  better  times.  (Cheers.) 

The  Duke  of  Westminster,  after  offering  his  personal  congratula¬ 
tions,  read  the  following  addresses  from  the  subscribers  : — 

“To  Sir  John  Bennet  Lawes,  D.C.L.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  &c. — On  behalf 
of  the  Committee  of  the  Rothamsted  Jubilee  Fund,  and  of  the  numerous 
subscribers  to  that  Fund  in  all  parts  of  the  world,  I  offer  you  the  most 
hearty  congratulations  on  the  completion  of  half  a  century’s  uninter¬ 
rupted  investigation  of  agricultural  problems  of  the  highest  practical 
value  and  interest. 

“  These  investigations,  which  originated  with  you,  relate  not  only  to 
the  growth  of  cereal  and  other  crops  under  the  most  varying  conditions, 
but  also  to  the  economic  effect  of  different  foods  on  the  development  of 
the  animals  of  the  farm.  They  have  embraced,  moreover,  most  important 
researches  concerning  the  chemical  constituents  of  soils,  the  rainfall, 
drainage  waters,  and  the  sources  from  which  plants  derive  their  supply 
of  nitrogen. 

“  During  the  whole  of  this  period  of  fifty  years  you  have  had  the 
zealous  co-operation  of  your  lifelong  friend  Dr.  Joseph  Henry  Gilbert, 
whose  name  will  ever  be  associated  with  yours,  and  whom  jointly  with 
you  we  desire  on  the  present  occasion  to  congratulate. 

“  For  the  continuance  of  the  experiments  and  investigations  which 
have  already  extended  over  so  long  a  period,  you  have  munificently 
provided  by  the  establishment  of  the  Lawes  Agricultural  Trust,  so  that 


our  successors  will  profit  even  more,  if  possible,  than  we  of  the  present 
day  have  done,  by  your  enlightened  labours. 

“  The  memorial  which  is  now  erected,  will,  it  is  hoped,  preserve  your 
jo'nt  names  in  honoured  remembrance  for  centuries  to  come,  while  the 
portrait  that  is  presented  to  you  herewith  will  hand  down  to  future 
generations  the  likeness  of  one  of  the  most  disinterested  as  well  as  the 
most  scientific  of  our  public  benefactors.  —  Albert  Edward  P., 
July  29th,  1893.” 

“To  Joseph  Henry  Gilbert,  M.A.,  Ph.D.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  &c. — In 
celebrating  the  jubilee  of  the  Rothamsted  agricultural  experiments,  it  is 
impossible  to  dissociate  your  name  from  that  of  Sir  John  Lawes,  and  on 
behalf  of  the  subscribers  to  the  Rothamsted  Jubilee  Fund  in  all  parts  of 
the  world,  I  offer  you  the  most  hearty  congratulations  on  the  completion 
of  your  fifty  years  of  continuous  labours  in  the  cause  of  agricultural 
science. 

“  The  nature  and  importance  of  those  labours  are  so  well  known  that 
it  is  needless  to  dilate  upon  them  ;  but  if  the  institution  of  the  various 
investigations  and  experiments  carried  out  at  Rothamsted  has  been  due 
to  Sir  John  Lawes,  their  ultimate  success  has  been  in  a  great  measure 
secured  by  your  scientific  skill  and  unremitting  industry.  Moreover,  by 
your  lectures  and  writings,  you  have  been  a  leading  exponent  in  this 
and  other  countries  of  the  theoretical  and  practical  aspects  of  the 
researches  that  have  been  undertaken  at  Rothamsted. 

“A  collaboration  such  as  yours  with  Sir  John  Lawes,  already  extend¬ 
ing  over  a  period  of  upwards  of  fifty  years,  is  unexampled  in  the  annals 
of  science.  I  venture  to  hope  for  an  extended  prolongation  of  these 
joint  labours,  and  trust  that  the  names  of  Lawes  and  Gilbert,  which  for 
so  many  years  have  been  almost  inseparable,  may  survive  in  happy 
conjunction  for  centuries  to  come. — Albert  Edward  P.,  July  29th, 
1893.” 

M.  Johanet  then  read  an  address  in  French  from  the  Soci6t6  des 
Agriculteurs  de  France,  and  M.  Aubin  one  from  those  employed  in  the 
laboratory  of  the  same  Society. 

The  Duke  of  Devonshire  presented  addresses  from  the  11,000 
members  of  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society  of  England,  and  offered  to 
Sir  John  Lawes  and  Dr.  Gilbert  their  most  hearty  and  cordial  con¬ 
gratulations  on  the  completion  of  half  a  century  of  investigations  at 
Rothamsted,  which  had  been  of  such  paramount  importance  to  the 
agricultural  community,  and  the  continuance  of  which  had  been  secured 
to  succeeding  generations  by  the  generous  benefaction  of  Sir  John 
Lawes.  At  Rothamsted  they  saw  what  experimental  work  ought  to  be 
— work  which  had  had  a  great  effect  on  all  other  experimental  work  in 
the  country.  In  the  name  of  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society  of  England 
he  had  to  offer  their  most  sincere  and  grateful  thanks  to  Sir  John 
Lawes  and  Dr.  Gilbert  for  their  valuable  work,  and  to  express  the  hope 
that  they  might  long  be  spared  to  continue  their  labours,  as  was  well 
described  in  the  charter  of  the  Society,  “  For  the  general  advancement 
of  agriculture.”  (Cheers.) 

Dr.  Michael  Foster  presented  an  address  from  the  Royal  Society  of 
England ;  Dr.  Armstrong  next  presented  an  address  from  the  Chemical 
Society  ;  Professor  Stewart  from  the  Linnean  Society  ;  Professor  Kinch 
from  the  Cirencester  College  ,*  and  Mr.  Ernest  Clarke  (in  the  absence  of 
M.  Tisserand,  Director  of  Agriculture  in  France),  on  behalf  of  the 
Soci4t6  Nationale  d’ Agriculture  de  France.  This  address,  coming  as  it 
does  from  what  is  probably  the  oldest  and  most  unique  agricultural  Society 
in  the  world — a  Society  in  which  membership  is  more  prized  than  in  any 
other — was  probably  the  most  gratifying  of  any  presented.  It  ran  as 
follows: — “Soci^tfi  Nationale  d’ Agriculture  de  France.  Hfitel  de  la 
Socifitfi,  Rue  de  Bellechasse,  18,  Paris,  19th  July,  1893.  To  Sir  John 
Bennet  Lawes,  Bart.  Sir  and  dear  colleague, — We,  the  members  of  the 
board  and  oflScers  of  this  ancient  agricultural  Society  of  France,  in  our 
name,  and  in  the  name  of  our  fellow  Associates,  have  the  honour,  on 
this  memorable  day,  to  tender  to  you  and  to  your  constant  and  faithful 
companion  Dr.  Gilbert,  the  expression  of  our  sincere  respect  and  admira¬ 
tion  for  your  invaluable  contributions  to  agricultural  science.  By  a 
remarkable  concurrence  of  circumstances  we  observe  that  in  the  year 
1856  two  of  the  then  most  prominent  agricultural  chemists  of  Europe 
were  received  in  our  ranks — namely.  Dr.  Julius  Liebig  and  Sir  John 
Bennet  Lawes,  thus  finding  their  opportunity  to  blend  their  superior 
knowledge  with  the  science  and  experience  of  our  own  Boussingault, 
whose  methods  of  investigation  bore  a  striking  similarity  of  genius  and 
a  frame  of  mind  akin  to  theirs.  More  fortunate  than  Boussingault,  you 
have  enjoyed  the  rare  advantage  of  conducting  with  an  unequalled 
vigour  and  singleness  of  purpose  through  a  long  series  of  years  the  toil¬ 
some  and  arduous  but  glorious  pursuits  to  which  you  have  devoted  your 
life,  and  of  crowning  your  multifarious  researches  with  results  of 
scientific  and  practical  value,  which  for  ever  will  engrave  your  name  in 
the  grateful  memory  of  mankind.  May  you.  Sir  and  dear  colleague, 
with  the  powerful  assistance  of  your  learned  friend  Dr.  Gilbert,  con¬ 
tinue  during  many  years  to  come  your  noble  and  fruitful  existence  for 
the  benefit  of  your  contemporaries  and  of  posterity.  With  this  our 
heartfelt  wish,  we  have  the  honour.  Sir  and  dear  colleague,  to  remain 
your  respectful  and  affectionate  admirers,  and  in  special  Committee 
assembled  appose  duly  our  signatures  E.  Tisserand,  President  ; 
Chatin,  Vice-President  ;  Louis  Passy,  Secretaire  Perpetuel;  Henry 
L.  DE  ViLMORiN,  Vice-Secretaire ;  A.  Liebault,  Tresorier  Perpetuel  ; 
J.  Laverriebe,  Librarian.  Paris,  19th  July,  1893.” 

Sir  John  Lawes,  who,  on  rising  to  reply,  was  received  with  hearty 
cheering,  said  that  it  was  only  a  very  few  months  since  he  and  his  wife 
received  the  congratulations  of  many  friends  on  having  attained  fifty  years 
of  married  life,  which  was  occasionally  called  a  golden  wedding.  That 


August  3,  1893.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


105 


afternoon  lie  had  to  return  thanks  to  that  distinguished  company  for 
congratulating  himself  and  Dr.  Gilbert  on  the  work  they  had  carried  on 
together  for  fifty  years.  When  two  persons  were  joined  together  in 
marriage  they  could  not  part — they  were  bound  together  by  a  solemn 
tie.  Dr.  Gilbert  and  himself  were  bound  by  no  ties  ;  but  this  con¬ 
nection,  as  he  had  said,  had  continued  fifty  years.  What  was  the  cause  of 
that  ?  It  was  nothing  less  than  that  he  had  an  immense  love  of  the 
work  they  were  engaged  in.  He  had  delighted  in  the  work  from  the 
very  beginning,  and  had  given  as  much  time  to  it  as  he  could  consistent 
with  other  duties ;  but  Dr.  Gilbert  had  made  it  the  work  of  his  life. 
Had  it  not  been  for  the  labours  of  Dr.  Gilbert  the  affairs  of  Rothamsted 
would  have  been  in  a  diflferent  state  to  that  in  which  they  now  were. 
Dr.  Gilbert  was  not  only  at  work  when  he  was  at  home,  but  what  were 
called  holidays  were  spent  by  him  in  visiting  other  countries  and  places, 
by  putting  himself  in  communication  with  other  bodies,  so  that  he 
might  make  his  own  work  more  valuable  to  those  at  home.  This  year 
he  was  going  to  Chicago  to  deliver  a  course  of  lectures  on  the  work  at 
Rothamsted.  Sir  John  Lawes  then  cordially  thanked  those  present  for 
the  presentations  which  had  been  made  to  him,  and  hoped  that  in 
fifty  years’  time  such  a  representative  assembly  as  he  saw  in  front  of  him 
would  meet  to  do  honour  to  those  who  came  after  them.  (Cheers.) 

Dr.  Gilbert,  in  acknowledging  the  gifts,  referred  to  the  coldness 
and  doubt  with  which  their  early  experiments  were  received,  especially 
when  they  departed  from  the  orthodox  lines,  and  instanced  how  those 
who  at  first  opposed  them  eventually  were  converted  and  became  their 
firm  advocates  and  supporters  in  a  work  so  important  to  the  agricultural 
interest.  He  thanked  Sir  J.  Lawes  for  the  very  kind  way  he  had 
referred  to  their  connection,  and  expressed  the  hope  that  it  would 
continue,  although  in  the  natural  course  of  things  it  could  not  be 
expected  to  exist  for  many  more  years,  but  they  desired  that  matters 
would  be  left  in  such  a  way  that  their  work  might  still  be  carried  on 
by  others.  (Cheers.) 

Votes  of  thanks  to  the  Executive  Committee  and  to  the  Minister 
of  Agriculture  for  presiding  brought  a  memorable  function  to  a  pleasant 
conclusion.  Most  of  the  visitors  afterwards  attended  a  reception  given 
by  Lady  Lawes  in  the  picturesque  old  manor  house  at  Rothamsted. — 
(“The  Times.”) 


CARNATIONS  AT  SLOUGH. 

Caenatiok  growers,  like  others  interested  in  horticulture,  will  have 
cause  for  remembering  the  season  of  1893.  Good  blooms  have  been  as 
abundant  this  year  as  on  any  other  previous  occasion,  but  the  period  of 
flowering  has  been  disastrously  short.  Evidence  of  this  one  could  not 
help  noting  in  many  ways.  Where  possible  dates  of  the  Carnation  shows 
were  altered  to  meet  the  requirements  of  growers,  and  in  such  cases 
flowers  of  excellent  quality  were  staged.  There  were,  however,  excep¬ 
tions  to  this  rule,  and  where  it  was  found  practically  impossible  to 
change  the  dates  of  the  shows  according  to  the  season,  the  display  of 
bloom  was  far  from  being  extensive.  In  a  similar  manner  the  Carna¬ 
tions  in  the  garden  have  been  affected,  and  it  is  only  by  the  greatest 
difficulty  that  it  has  been  possible  to  retard  the  blooms.  Nurseries 
as  well  as  private  gardens  have  suffered  in  this  way,  and  on  calling  at 
Mr.  C.  Turner’s  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough,  a  week  or  so  ago  I  found  most 
of  the  blooms  practically  past  their  best.  I  was,  however,  in  time  to 
take  a  hasty  glance  at  the  flowers  that  were  exhibited  at  Birmingham  on 
Saturday,  July  22nd,  before  the  boxes  were  despatched  to  the  railway 
station. 

For  the  purpose  of  keeping  the  blooms  clean,  and  perhaps  retarding 
them,  many  plants  were  in  pots  in  shaded  houses.  It  could  be  easily 
seen  that  the  Carnations  had  been  exceedingly  fine,  and  that  a  large 
and  choice  collection  is  grown  at  Slough.  The  best  in  flower  at  the 
time  of  my  visit  included  some  grand  varieties.  Among  the  seifs  Rose 
Wynne  was  specially  noticeable.  This  is  a  crimson  self  with  a  fine 
broad  petal,  and  the  bloom  is  very  large.  When  shown  at  the  Earl’s 
Court  Exhibition  last  year  it  attracted  attention,  and  a  first-class 
certificate  was  awarded  for  it.  King  of  the  Scarlets  was  also  exceed¬ 
ingly  good.  This  is  a  grand  self  of  good  shape  and  substance,  and 
should  be  found  in  every  garden.  Iver  White  is  one  of  the  best  white 
Carnations  in  cultivation,  being  of  good  habit,  early,  and  very  profuse 
in  flowering.  Rose  Unique,  a  splendid  flower  with  broad  petals,  was  in 
good  condition,  as  likewise  was  Salamander.  The  latter  is  an  exceed¬ 
ingly  fine  bloom  of  a  salmon  scarlet  colour,  and  has  been  certificated. 
Germania,  one  of  the  best  yellow  seifs,  was  in  first-rate  condition  ;  and 
of  Rose  Celestial,  a  large  rose-coloured  self,  and  an  improvement  on  the 
well-known  Mary  Morris,  it  can  only  be  said  that  it  should  be  found  in 
every  garden.  The  Governor  is  a  fine  white  with  a  blush  tint,  and 
Dazzle  is  a  very  bright  scarlet  of  a  free  flowering  habit.  The  latter  is 
strongly  recommended  for  bedding  purposes.  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  a  fine 
fringed  white,  was  grand,  and  Duchess  of  Fife,  a  soft  pink  shade,  was 
specially  noteworthy.  Tree  or  perpetual  flowering  Carnations  are  also 
extensively  and  well  grown,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  seedlings. 
The  latter  were  past  their  best,  but  the  huge  beds  of  them  left  evidence 
of  what  a  grand  display  of  bloom  there  had  been.  The  flowers  were 
obviously  produced  in  hundreds  on  each  plant,  the  latter  forming  a 
sturdy  tuft  of  growth. 

With  regard  to  the  Picotees  these,  like  the  other  sections,  are 
admirably  represented.  The  plants  are  vigorous,  healthy,  and  the 
flowers,  what  remained  of  them,  were  all  that  could  be  desired.  Duchess 
of  Sutherland  is  a  most  distinct  and  beautiful  variety.  The  flower  is 
large,  full,  and  heavily  edged  with  bright  rose.  Madeline  is  an  extra 


fine  variety,  with  broad  pure  white  petals,  edged  with  bright  rose  ;  and 
in  Gazelle  we  have  a  medium  sized  but  good  shaped  flower,  with  a  rich 
purple  edge.  Romulus  is  a  grand  Picotee,  with  a  buff  ground  suffused 
with  pink  ;  and  Countess  of  Jersey  is  a  yellow  ground  variety,  edged 
with  bright  rose.  Annie  Douglas  is  an  attractive  flower,  with  a  yellow 
ground  and  deep  pink  margin.  Victory  is  a  splendid  variety,  with  an 
orange-coloured  ground,  flaked  and  edged  with  red  ;  and  Old  Coin  is 
another  distinct  variety  of  the  same  character.  Lord  Rendlesham,  Mrs. 
Henwood,  and  Sunset  are  also  good  yellow  or  buff  ground  varieties,  and 
being  good  growers  will  doubtless  find  their  way  into  most  collections  if 
they  have  not  already  done  so.  Carnations  are  by  no  means  the  only 
plants  that  are  well  grown  at  Slough,  but  to  see  them  was  the  purport 
of  my  visit,  hence,  for  the  present,  the  reference  to  them  alone. —  C. 


The  Chrysanthemum  Season, 

I  THINK  the  coming  Chrysanthemum  season  will  be  more  “  peculiar  ’' 
than  either  early  or  late.  Some  varieties  have  been  much  affected  by 
the  very  hot  season.  The  wood  has  ripened  and  plants  are  showing  the 
crown  bud,  in  some  cases  three  weeks  earlier  than  in  other  seasons, 
while  in  other  varieties  the  weather  has  not  mads  any  appreciable 
difference.  Although  it  is  more  than  likely  that  some  of  the  best  blooms 
will  be  seen  towards  the  end  of  October,  yet  many  of  the  varieties  usually 
taken  on  the  “crown  buds”  will  this  season  have  to  go  to  the  “  terminals, 
and  thus  the  majority  of  the  flowers  will  probably  develop  somewhere 
about  the  usual  time. — Geo.  Woodgate,  Warren  House  Gardens, 
Kingston  Hill, 

Chrysanthemum  Prospects. 

It  is  difficult  at  present  to  accurately  guage  the  prospects  of  the 
season  as  to  its  being  early  or  late.  My  opinion  is  that  it  will 
not  be  a  late  one,  but  rather  the  opposite  amongst  the  general  body  of 
cultivators  who  cannot  be  said  to  have  had  much  experience  in  the 
cultivation  of  Chrysanthemums  primarily  for  cut  blooms.  My  reason 
for  thinking  so  is  this.  There  is  such  a  tendency  nowadays  to  obtain 
size  in  the  flowers,  and  those  persons  to  whom  I  chiefly  allude  have  learnt 
that  the  early  formed  buds  give  the  largest  blooms  in  one  way,  and  as 
many  of  the  plants  showed  “crown”  buds  during  the  month  of  July 
they  were  loth  to  let  them  pass,  and  consequently  many  were  “  taken,” 
with  the  result  that  must  inevitably  follow,  early  and  coarse  flowers. 

By  following  such  a  method  of  culture  I  prognosticate  much 
grumbling  from  the  middle  of  October  about  the  earliness  of  certain 
varieties.  When  we  see  such  varieties  as  Mdlle.  Lacroix  and  Peter  the 
Great  showing  the  colour  of  their  florets  and  developing  from 
“crown”  buds  in  July,  what  must  we  expect  in  October?  Such 
instances  as  this  are  but  examples  of  what  are  to  follow.  Experienced 
growers  know  that  buds  “  taken  ”  in  July  are  entirely  useless  with 
but  few  exceptions,  that  they  fight  shy  of  any  that  form  at  that  time, 
preferring  to  have  others  which  will  show  themselves  about  the  third 
week  in  August,  as  the  result  of  pinching  out  the  July  buds  and 
running  on  the  growth  another  stage. — E.  Molyneux. 

The  Chrysanthemums  about  here  are  forming  their  “  crown  ”  buds 
very  early — in  fact,  too  early  to  be  of  any  use  for  exhibition.  Stanstead 
White,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  E.  Molyneux,  Beauty  of  Castlewood,  Viviand 
Morel,  and  Comte  de  Germiny  have  all  shown  the  “crown”  bud. 
During  the  past  week  buds  could  plainly  be  seen  on  Avalanche,  Puritan, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Hamlet,  Louis  Bcehmer,  Mrs.  A.  Hardy,  Gloire  de  Rocher, 
and  several  others.  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Madame  Lacroix,  and  Viviand 
Morel  have  already  thrown  three  “  crown  ”  buds  each. 

The  following  varieties  of  incurves  are  also  showing  this  morning 
(July  31st)  Jeanne  d’Arc,  third  bud  ;  Mons.  Bahuant,  third  bud  ; 
Madame  Pierre  Blancard,  over  6  feet  high  ;  Ami  Hoste,  G.  Doughty, 
Queen  of  England,  and  also  on  a  plant  of  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas  that  was 
pinched  back  on  May  29th.  Several  others  look  as  though  the  bud 
would  appear  in  a  few  days.  With  the  exception  of  Mrs.  A.  Hardy, 
Beauty  of  Castlewood,  and  Louis  Boehmer,  none  of  the  buds  have  been 
taken.  The  plants  are  very  strong  and  healthy,  and  at  present  have  not 
received  any  stimulant  with  the  exception  of  a  little  soot  water  occa¬ 
sionally.  Taken  all  round,  I  am  afraid  it  will  be  a  difficult  matter  to 
time  the  buds  with  any  certainty,  and  several  gardeners  I  have  spoken 
to  on  the  subject  are  of  the  same  opinion.  It  would  be  interesting  to 
know  how  other  Chrysanthemums  are  behaving  in  different  localities. — 
W.  J.,  Suit 071,  Storey, 


CANKER  IN  FRUIT  TREES. 

In  Mr.  Abbey’s  article  entitled  “  Canker  in  Fruit  Trees  ”  occurs  the 
following  passage,  on  page  50  : — “  There  is  no  question  about  the  Pear 
trees  ;  they  or  their  fruit  are  troubled  with  the  scab  fungus,  Cladosporium 
or  Fusicladium  dendriticum  var.  pyrinum,  which  attacks  the  young  wood 
and  produces  cankerous  scaly  condition  of  the  bark,  &c.” 

There  is  a  fungus  which  attacks  the  young  wood  of  the  Pear  tree  as 


106 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1893. 


above  stated,  and  also  the  young  wood  of  the  Apple  tree,  the  bark  of 
which  splits,  and  underneath  is  an  erumpent  stroma  (black  perithecium) 
subcarbonaceous  externally,  said  to  be  fleshy  within.  The  leaves  of  a 
Pear  tree  which  are  attacked  by  this  fungus  are  previously  attacked  by 
the  leaf  fungus  Actinema  crataegi  orbiculatum,  and  the  fruits  in  such 
case  are  attacked  by  the  Fusicladium  dendriticum.  The  opinion  now 
seems  to  be  that  the  Actinema  is  the  forerunner  of  the  other,  and  an 
earlier  stage  of  it.  I  should  be  very  glad  if  Mr.  Abbey  would  tell  your 
readers  whether  this  fungus  on  the  young  wood  with  the  black  peri¬ 
thecium  is  the  one  to  which  he  intends  to  refer  to,  and  apparently  con¬ 
siders  to  be  Fusicladium  dendriticum.  In  my  younger  days  it  used  to 
be  called  Dothiora  pyrenophora  of  Fries. 

I  should  also  be  obliged  if  Mr.  Abbey  has  been  able  to  find  Nectria 
ditissima  on  the  roots  of  Apple  trees,  and  what  are  the  factors  which 
produce  canker  on  the  root.  I  have  often  found  roots  of  trees  the  top 
growth  of  which  is  badly  cankered  perfectly  free  from  canker.  I  may 
add  that  both  the  Dothiora  and  the  Fusicladium  dendriticum  are  the 
food  of  the  beetle  mite  Oribata  orbicularis. — H.  P. 


In  your  number  of  July  20th  Mr.  Abbey  has  incorrectly,  and  I 
think  unfairly,  quoted  my  letter  to  you,  published  on  page  498  of  your 
journal. 

Firstly,  he  states  that  I  gave  no  reasons  for  coming  to  the  conclusion 
that  insects  and  fungus  were  due  to  the  disease  (canker),  and  not  the 
disease  to  them,  whereas  I  stated  that  “  I  had  tried  insecticides  and 
cleansing  the  wound,”  and  as  these  did  no  good  I  abandoned  the  theory 
of  insects  and  fungus. 

Secondly,  I  said  canker  may  differ — i.e.,  have  a  different  form — on 
various  soils  and  in  different  localities.  Mr.  Abbey  says,  “Just  so  ;  it  is 
a  question  of  varieties  suited  to  different  soils  and  localities.”  I  did  not 
apply  the  remark  to  particular  varieties,  bat  simply  to  convey  that  I 
could  only  speak  of  canker  as  it  appeared  in  my  own  garden,  as  I  had  no 
knowledge  of  it  anywhere  else. 

Thirdly,  Mr.  Abbey  states  my  remedy  to  be  cutting  off  the  worst 
cankered  branches  and  cleansing  the  remainder,  but  omits  the  chief 
remedy  as  stated  in  my  letter,  as  I  go  on  to  say,  “  I  pared  off  the  top 
soil  and  round  the  stems  of  the  trees  as  far  as  I  thought  the  roots  would 
reach  to  the  depth  of  nearly  a  foot,  and  put  some  strong  decayed  farm¬ 
yard  manure  on  the  top  of  them,  covering  it  with  the  top  soil  to  induce 
the  trees  to  find  their  sustenance  near  the  surface  instead  of  striking 
downwards  to  the  poverty-stricken  and  cankerous  undersoil.”  “  The 
result  was  a  complete  success.” 

Mr.  Abbey  goes  on  to  say  that  if  I  had  cut  away  all  the  cankered 
parts  it  is  perfectly  clear  I  should  not  be  troubled  with  canker  again. 
This  I  beg  leave  to  doubt,  as  it  does  not  agree  with  my  own  experience 
of  some  trees  from  which  I  cut  all  the  cankered  parts  away. 

Fourthly,  Mr.  Abbey  says  that  “  Mr.  Tendered  cures  canker  in 
Gooseberry  and  Currant  bushes  by  letting  it  have  its  run  of  them,  and 
when  they  are  no  longer  profitable  roots  them  out  and  plants  new  trees,” 
whereas  I  said  “  I  did  not  try  to  cure  them.”  As  to  whether  the 
disease  in  them  and  Laurels  is  canker  I  am  not  sure,  but  I  know  it  is 
similar  in  its  operation,  and  believe  it  arises  from  the  soil.  Fifteen 
years  ago  I  planted  a  hedge  of  Laurels  upon  a  bank  of  made  soil.  They 
are  now  10  feet  high,  and  are  most  luxuriant  in  their  growth,  with 
scarcely  a  dead  bough.  Seven  or  eight  years  after  I  planted  in  the  same 
garden  a  hedge  of  the  same  kind  of  Laurels  on  the  level  ground.  These 
grew  rapidly  for  a  few  years,  but  latterly  whole  branches  have  died, 
though  they  grow  again  near  the  bottom.  With  this  example  before  me 
I  think  I  am  justified  in  attributing  the  disease  to  the  soil  and  not  to 
fungus. 

Mr.  Abbey’s  lengthy  articles  are,  no  doubt,  very  good  from  a  scientific 
point  of  view,  but  I  doubt  whether  they  are  not  beyond  the  reach  of  the 
ordinary  fruit  grower,  and  I  invite  your  readers  to  try  the  simple  remedy 
contained  in  my  letter  on  page  498  of  your  Journal,  and  I  believe 
they  will  have  the  same  success  in  destroying  canker  as  I  have. — 
Thos.  Pendeked. 


SCARLET  RUNNER  BEANS  NOT  SETTING. 

1  CAN  corroborate  the  experience  of  “  T.  S.,  Bristol  ”  (Journal  of 
Horticulture,  July  27th,  page  80).  My  Scarlet  Runners  at  Ealing  have 
also  failed  this  year  to  a  very  large  extent,  notwithstanding  constant  and 
copious  watering  through  the  whole  period  of  their  growth.  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Sons  have  noticed  a  similar  thing  at  Reading,  and  I  find  the 
same  is  occurring  in  Dorset.  Mr.  Darwin  observed  that  this  species  of 
Phaseolus  often  fails  to  set  pods  in  the  absence  of  bees,  which  are 
required  to  fertilise  the  flowers  ;  whereas  the  French  Bean  is  independent 
of  them,  being  always  self-fertilised,  and  consequently  can  be  forced  in 
winter.  Moreover,  the  bees  often  secure  the  honey  illegitimately  by 
perforating  the  calyx  from  without ;  the  humble  bees  come  first  and 
make  the  hole,  the  hive  bees  following  suit  and  taking  advantage  of 
the  hole. 

That  bees  are  scarce  this  year  appears  to  be  the  case  from  the  follow¬ 
ing  extract  from  a  letter  in  the  “Daily  News”  of  July  10th.  The 
writer  from  Much  Hadham,  Herts,  says  : — “  The  present  is  one  of  the 
worst  seasons  ever  known  for  swarms.  Under  ordinary  circumstances 
I  should  have  had  at  least  a  dozen  swarms,  but  I  have  not  had  one. 
The  bee  crop  is,  like  many  other  crops  this  year,  almost  a  total  failure.” 
— Geokge  Henslow. 


I,  LIKE  “  T.  S.,”  have  noticed  that  these  Beans  do  not  set  so  well  as 
usual  this  season.  In  this  garden  we  have  rows  which  have  run  up 
10  feet  high,  and  to  all  appearances  are  the  picture  of  health,  having 
received  copious  supplies  of  water  during  dry  weather  and  mulchings  of 
partly  decayed  manure.  Even  now  that  we  have  had  such  delightful 
showers  the  Beans  do  not  set  as  well  as  could  be  expected.  Although 
plenty  of  the  flower  racemes  are  1  foot  in  length,  only  a  very  few  pods 
are  forthcoming  from  the  base.  I  am  totally  at  a  loss  to  understand 
the  reason  for  this  state  of  things,  and  am  waiting  for  some  scientific 
reason  to  be  given. — E.  Molyneux. 


There  seems  to  be  a  very  general  complaint  hereabouts  concerning 
the  non-setting  of  Scarlet  Runner  Beans.  It  is  not  often  the  plants 
grow  so  strongly  and  are  in  such  good  condition  for  bearing  so  early  in 
the  season,  and  the  failure  to  set  is  all  the  more  disappointing  accord¬ 
ingly.  From  Breconshire  I  hear  the  same,  or  very  nearly  the  same 
report.  Curiously  enough  in  the  latter  case  a  few  pods  did  form  at  first, 
then  comes  a  gap  on  the  spikes,  and  now  more  Beans  are  setting  again. 
In  this  locality  they  failed  completely  at  first,  and  now  are  doing  fairly 
well.  As  it  happens  our  first  pods  are  not  more  than  two-parts  the  size 
they  ought  to  be,  imperfect  pollination  evidently  being  responsible  for 
this  malformation  of  pods. 

I  am  under  the  impression  the  first  flowers  were,  owing  probably  to 
the  excessive  heat  in  which  they  were  partially  developed,  imperfectly 
formed,  or  at  any  rate  deficient  in  pollen,  this  accounting  for  their 
dropping  off  prematurely.  It  is  true  humble  bees  are  not  nearly  so 
numerous  as  usual,  but  if  their  assistance  is  needed  in  the  case  of  the 
earliest  flowers,  why  not  also  for  those  that  follow  ?  The  common  bees 
are  working  among  our  rows  every  day,  but  no  humble  bees.  It  is 
doubtful  if  a  remedy  for  this  non-setting  can  be  suggested,  and  the 
chances  are  the  same  circumstances  will  not  be  noticeable  again  by  the 
present  generation  of  gardeners. — W.  Igghlden,  Somerset, 


Our  Beans  are  in  the  same  condition  as  those  of  “  T.  S.,  Bristol." 
The  plants  are  a  picture  in  health  and  robustness ;  they  never  know 
what  it  is  to  be  in  want  of  either  drink  nor  food,  and  are  very  floriferous. 
But  alas  1  how  disappointing  to  observe  a  naked  raceme  with  but  a 
couple  of  pods  at  its  base,  and  two  flowers  at  the  points,  whose  fate  is 
to  fall  like  its  predecessors. 

For  an  hour  I  viewed  the  bees,  both  humble  and  hive,  searching  for 
nectar  in  these  showy  flowers.  Out  of  the  whole  number  only  one  hive 
bee  entered  the  flower  in  front ;  they  all  seemed  to  alight  outside  between 
tbe  calyx  and  corolla,  and  thus  from  one  flower  to  the  other  they  flew. 
I  could  not  imagine  how  they  obtained  any  honey,  as  both  calyx  and 
corolla  are  so  closely  united,  until  I  plucked  a  few,  and  then  found  out 
the  secret,  of  which  many  more  are  in  quest.  At  the  base  of  each 
corolla  there  was  an  aperture,  drilled  no  doubt  by  these  honey  searchers, 
and  into  this  hole  they  pushed  their  proboscis,  and  obtain  the  honey 
with  greater  ease  than  down  the  tube.  The  same  thing  is  done  to 
extract  the  honey  out  of  the  flower  tubes  of  my  Bouvardias,  which  soon 
get  unsightly  and  wither. 

The  disturbance  of  the  reproduetive  organs  is  the  cause  of  failure. 
They  are  enveloped  in  a  spirally  twisted  keel,  which  makes  it  awkward 
for  the  bees  to  enter,  hence  the  reason  for  the  short  cut  for  hidden 
treasure.  No  doubt  were  the  bees  to  enter  the  flower  the  right  way  a 
better  set  would  be  the  result. — J.  D.,  Duffryn,  S.  Wales, 


This  important  crop  is  unusually  late  and  the  gatherings  sparse  this 
season,  few  growers  having  picked  pods  before  August.  The  cause  is 
generally  attributed  to  the  droughty  weather,  and  it  certainly  is  the 
chief  reason  of  the  late  and  scanty  crops.  In  the  early  part  of  the 
season  the  flowers  are  often  defective,  dropping  wholesale ;  but  it  is 
not  confined  to  that  exclusively,  as  many  racemes  cast  greater  part 
or  the  whole  of  the  blossoms  at  different  parts  of  the  season  without 
forming  pods.  Stopped  plants,  as  in  field  cultures,  usually  set  the 
first  flowers  better  and  afford  earlier  pickings  than  those  staked  and 
unstopped.  The  latter,  however,  produces  pods  more  abundantly  later 
in  the  season,  and  this  points  to  drought  or  starvation  as  the  prime 
agent  in  non-setting.  Mulched  plants  also  yield  a  good  crop  when  those 
in  dry  and  poor  soil  are  sterile,  and  plants  in  the  open  are  often  loaded, 
while  those  grown  against  walls  or  fences  produce  little  beyond  flowers. 

The  Scarlet  Runner  is  merely  a  form  or  variety  of  the  Dwarf  or 
French  Kidney  Bean  (Phaseolus  vulgaris),  a  native  of  tropical  and 
temperate  regions  ;  “  universally  cultivated  but  not  anywhere  clearly 
known  as  a  wild  plant  ”  (Baker),  and  was  introduced  to  this  country  in 
1597  as  a  tender  annual,  yet  it  is  much  hardier  than  the  Scarlet  Runner 
(P.  V.  multiflorus).  This  is  considered  to  be  a  native  of  South  America, 
and  it  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  the  evolutions  from  it  are  much  more 
hardy  and  prolific  than  the  old  type  or  common  Scarlet  Runner,  and 
points  to  the  necessity  of  originating  new  varieties  and  selecting  those 
best  fitted  to  the  environment.  There  is  considerable  difference  in  the 
old  variety  both  in  hardiness  of  plant,  setting,  and  productiveness,  and 
by  saving  seed  from  those  most  profitable  large  growers  have  secured 
strains  which  are  far  more  productive  and  certain  in  cropping  than 
where  saving  seed  indiscriminately  is  practised.  It  is  also  a  notable 
fact  that  “runners”  with  the  pods  of  French  Beans  are  less  hardy  than 
Dwarf  Kidney  Beans  generally. 

As  to  the  necessity  of  humble  bees  forjeffecting  pollenation  in  Scarlet 
Runners,  it  is  certain  that  in  large  towns,  where  these  plants  are  grown 


August  3,  1693, 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


107 


largely  for  ornament  and  use  against  walls,  fences,  and  as  screens,  the 
abundant  crops  must  be  mostly,  if  not  entirely,  due  to  self -fertilisation. 
Indeed,  it  is  doubtful  if  humble  bees  contribute  to  the  setting  of  Beans, 
for  in  towns  they  are  by  no  means  plentiful,  and  French  Beans  set 
abundantly  under  glass  when  the  bees  are  asleep.  Besides  this,  the 
humble  bees  are  never  seen  partial  to  Beans,  and  work  most  on  wild 
plants,  though  they  will  visit  exotics  in  cases  of  emergency,  and  some¬ 
times  damage  Beans  by  boring  a  hole  in  the  calyx  to  obtain  the  nectar 
more  easily.  In  that  case  the  flowers  are  not  fertilised,  and  the  seeds 
become  abortive.  Nevertheless,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that  certain 
plants — that  is,  Red  Clover,  are  dependent  on  humble  bees  for  their 
fertilisation,  and  they  may  generally  be  regarded  as  useful  allies  through 
their  conveying  pollen  from  flower  to  flower. — G.  Abbev. 


FRITILLARIA  ARMENA. 

Among  the  dwarf-growing  Fritillarias,  the  species  depicted  in  the 
illustration  (fig.  17)  occupies  a  prominent  place.  As  the  specific  name 
implies,  F.  armena  is  a  native  of  Armenia,  and  was  introduced  in  1878, 
but  it  is  not  generally  well  known  in  gardens.  It  is  a  charming  little 
plant,  growing  about  6  inches  in  height.  The  flowers  are  brownish 
purple,  and  as  will  be  seen  by  referring  to  the  woodcut,  are  small^ 
campanulate,  and  slightly  drooping.  They  are  usually  produced  in 
April.  There  is  a  yellow  form  of  this  species  named  F.  a.  fusco-lutea. 
This  was  introduced  in  1887  and  is  a  native  of  Smyrna. 

The  engraving  was  prepared  from  a  sketch  taken  at  the  Royal 
Gardens,  Kew,  where  the  choicer  Fritillarias  can  be  seen  in  bloom 
during  the  spring  and  early  summer.  F.  armena  can  be  grown  in 
sheltered  positions  on  a  rockery  or  border,  or  in  pots  in  a  cool  green¬ 
house. 


COOMBE  COURT. 

Amongst  the  residences  and  gardens  that  so  finely  decorate  the 
lower  portion  of  the  Duke  of  Cambridge’s  estate  at  Coombe,  Kingston- 
on-Thames,  there  are  few  prettier  or  more  admirably  kept  than  is  that 
under  notice.  For  some  years  it  was  the  residence  of  Mr.  Watney,  but 
now  is  the  property  of  Mr.  W.  A.  Bevan,  one  of  a  well-known  banking 
firm,  and  Mr.  Springthorpe  is  the  able  and  esteemed  gardener.  The 
front  or  upper  side  of  the  grounds  abuts  on  a  new  road  that  runs 
through  Coombe  Warren,  and  there  are  seen  on  the  outer  wall ,  which  is  most 
pleasingly  covered  with  Ivies  planted  outside,  evidence  of  the  neatness 
which  prevails  within.  The  lower  side  of  the  grounds,  probably  one- 
third  of  a  mile  distant,  abuts  on  to  Coombe  Lane,  where  a  long  line  of 
close-trimmed  Lime  trees  shows  again  the  estimation  in  which  order  and 
neatness  is  held.  The  fine  house,  one  of  red  brick,  stands  on  the  upper 
margin,  and  for  that  reason  obtains  some  splendid  views  over  the  county 
of  Surrey,  the  wjiich  spreads  out  south  like  a  beautiful  panorama. 

In  the  grounds  the  centre  portion  comprises  two  or  three  enclosures, 
in  which  cows  luxuriate,  whilst  surrounding  these  are  extensive 
shrubberies  and  walks,  all  admirably  kept,  and  where  there  are  many 
beautiful  trees,  that  are  not  at  all  common,  whilst  there  are  some 
efiectively  planted  flower  beds  on  the  upper  terraces  for  the  summer. 
In  the  spring  it  is  possible  to  look  down  in  divers  places  in  the  grounds 
of  really  grand  masses  of  Rhododendrons,  Azaleas,  and  other  flowering 
shrubs,  the  which,  even  at  remote  distances,  have  been  planted  to  be 
seen  from  the  terrace.  Kalmias  do  wonderfully  here. 

There  are  good  walled  kitchen  gardens  admirably  cropped,  and  a 
large  number  of  houses,  in  which  fruit  and  flowers  are  well  grown, 
whilst  there  seems  to  be  not  an  inch  of  level  ground  in  the  place. 
A  good  tennis  court  has  been  formed,  and,  in  spite  of  the  sand  which 
forms  so  much  of  the  subsoil,  trees  and  shrubs  thrive  splendidly. 

I  was  much  interested  in  the  fine  wall  of  Cherries.  The  trees  are  in 
the  best  of  health,  very  clean,  and  some  of  them  reaching  to  the  top  of 
the  9-feet  wall,  also  run  from  12  to  16  feet  in  length,  and  in  all  cases 
were  carrying  heavy  crops  of  fruit.  They  were  all  close  netted ;  the 
nets,  however,  not  hanging  in  immediate  contact  with  the  leaves,  but 
held  off  from  some  3  feet  at  the  base,  slanting  up  to  the  top,  by  long 
bamboo  rods. 

Asked  whether  much  trouble  had  been  found  from  aphis,  Mr.  Spring¬ 
thorpe  said  that  when  the  points  of  the  summer  shoots  were  being 
infested,  he  cut  them  all  bare  back,  had  their  trimmings  carefully 
removed  at  once,  and  burnt,  and  the  fly  had  since  given  no  further 
trouble.  Of  course  the  fruit  was  a  little  less  in  size  than  usual,  owing 
to  the  drought,  but  then  none  of  the  fruits  had  cracked,  as  is  so 
commonly  the  case,  when  rain  is  plentiful. 

From  the  earliest  variety.  Early  May,  fruits  for  tarts  were  gathered 
early  in  May,  and  for  dessert  in  the  middle  of  the  month.  Early 
Rivers  followed,  then  May  Duke,  Frogmore  Bigarreau,  Black  Eagle, 
Bigarreau  Napoleon,  and  latest  the  Old  Bigarreau.  The  Cherry  portion 
of  the  wall  is  about  100  yards  long,  and  capitally  furnished  throughout. 
In  one  part  of  the  garden  low  down  a  standard  Morello  is  fruiting 
heavily,  whilst  within  20  feet  is  another  that  has  hardly  a  fruit  upon  it. 
Both  were  in  full  bloom  in  the  middle  of  April,  when  as  is  well  known 
one  or  two  sharp  white  frosts  prevailed.  These  frosts,  erratic  in  effect, 
killed  the  blossom  on  one  tree  and  left  the  other  unharmed,  yet  both 
were  apparently  equally  exposed. — A.  D. 


LIVERPOOL  SUMMER  SHOW. 

July  26th  and  27th. 

Nevek  perhaps  in  the  history  of  the  Liverpool  Horticultural  Asso¬ 
ciation  has  there  been  a  better  all-round  Show  than  that  which  was 
opened  on  the  Review  Ground,  Sefton  Park,  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday 
last.  In  every  class  the  competition  was  of  the  keenest  character,  and 
the  exhibits  numbered  100  'more  than  last  year.  Although  the  large 
marquee  in  which  the  plants  were  shown  covered  some  3000  square  yards, 
the  entire  space  was  fully  occupied,  the  centre  portion  containing  one 
broad  stretch  of  beautiful  foliage  and  flowering  plants. 

Specimen  Plants  and  Groups. 

Mr.  Finch,  gardener  to  W.  Marriott,  Esq.,  Coventry,  secured  the 
highest  award  for  eight  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  having  grand 
examples  of  Cycas  circinalis,  Kentias  australis  and  Fosteriana,  and 


FIG.  17. — FRITILLARIA  ARMENA. 


a  fine  Croton  Queen  Victoria;  Erica  impressa,  Phoenocoma  prolifera 
Barnesi  5  feet  across  well  flowered,  Ixoras  Fraseri  5  feet,  and  a 
grand  salicifolia.  Mr.  Cromwell,  gardener  to  T.  Sutton  Timmis,  Esq., 
Cleveley,  Allerton,  was  a  close  second,  his  grand  Croton  Queen 
Victoria  7  feet  6  inches  across  being  the  admiration  of  all.  This 
exhibitor  also  showed  splendid  plants  of  Alocasia  Lowi,  Statiee  profusa 
and  Ixora  Williamsi.  Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner, 
Blacklow  House,  Roby,  was  third  in  this  class  with  smaller  plants. 
There  was  a  close  competition  between  Messrs.  Jellicoe,  gardener  to 
F.  H.  Gossage,  Esq.,  J.P.,  Camp  Hill,  Woolton,  and  Healey,  gardener  to 
Col.  Wilson,  Hillside,  Allerton,  for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  flowering 
plants,  the  former  winning  by  the  superiority  of  his  foliage  plants, 
which  contained  two  magnificent  bush  Crotons  Countess  and  Mortfor- 
tainensis,  his  best  flowering  specimens  being  Allamanda  Hendersoni, 
Anthurium  Andreanum.  Mr.  Healey  staged  beautiful  examples  of 
Crotons  interruptus,  aureus,  and  Queen  Victoria ;  and  Cycas  revoluta. 
Erica  impressa,  and  Allamanda  Hendersoni.  Mr.  Leadbeater,  gardener 
to  W.  J.  Davey,  Esq  ,  Aigburth,  a  good  third.  Mr.  Healey  also  succeeded 
in  defeating  Mr.  Finch  with  four  stove  and  greenhouse  flowering  plants, 
staging  Allamanda  Schotti,  Erica  Wilsoni,  Ixora  Williamsi,  and 
Cypripedium  barbatum.  Mr.  Finch  had  a  fine  Allamanda  grandi- 
flora.  Mr.  Bracegirdle,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Watts,  Esq.,  Elm  Hall, 
Wavertree,  being  third.  In  the  class  for  three  stove  and  greenhouse 
plants  in  flower,  Mr.  Jellicoe  was  first  also  for  four  fine-foliage  plants, 
Mr.  McFall  and  Mr.  Healey  taking  second  honours,  whilst  the  latter 
succeeded  in  securing  the  prize  for  three  Palms,  Mr.  Pinnington  being 


103 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1893. 


second.  For  one  fine-foliage  plant  Mr.  Cromwell  staged  one  of  the  most 
charming  specimens  of  Croton  Williamsi  it  would  be  possible  to  see,  grand 
in  colour,  6  feet  across.  For  one  stove  plant  and  one  greenhouse  plant  in 
bloom  Mr.  Finch  secured  both  prizes,  the  second  honours  going  to 
Mr.  Carling,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Cope,  Dove  Park,  Woolton. 

Ferns  were  admirably  shown,  the  prize  for  six  plants  going  to  Mr, 
T.  Gower,  gardener  to  J.  A.  Bartlett,  Esq.,  Lynton  Lodge,  Mossley  Hill, 
the  chief  being  Goniophlebium  subauriculatum,  Davallia  Mooreana,  and 
Dicksonia  antarctica.  A  splendid  second  prize  exhibit  was  arranged  by 
Mr.  Cromwell,  his  best  being  Davallia  fijiensis,  Nephrolepis  davallioides 
furcans,  and  Microlepia  hirta  cristata.  Mr.  Bracegirdle  was  third.  Mr. 
Cromwell  took  the  prizes  for  three  Fuchsias  and  one  Fuchsia,  showing 
good  plants.  In  the  class  for  three  Ferns  Mr.  J.  J.  Craven,  gardener  to 
J.  G.  Grant  Morris,  Esq.,  Allerton  Priory,  was  a  good  first,  having 
Microlepia  hirta  cristata,  9  feet,  and  Gleichenia  rupestris  glaucescens, 
very  fine;  Mr.  G.  Eaton,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Shirley,  Esq.,  Allerton,  being 
second.  The  prizes  for  one  tree  Fern  and  one  (not  tree)  went  to  Messrs. 
Bracegirdle  and  T.  Moorhouse,  gardener  to  R.  Brocklehurst,  Esq.,  West 
Derby,  the  latter  being  first  for  one  Zonal  Pelargonium,  and  second  for 
six  Tuberous  Begonias.  The  first  honours  for  six  Begonias  and  one  went 
to  Mr.  T.  Ankers,  gardener  to  W.  B.  Bowring,  Esq.,  Aigburth,  for  some 
of  the  finest  varieties  ever  seen  at  the  Show.  With  six  Zonal  Pelar¬ 
goniums  Mr.  T.  Gower  was  the  only  exhibitor.  Ivy-leaf  Geraniums, 
Caladiums,  table  plants.  Gloxinias,  Cockscombs,  Coleus,  and  Liliums 
were  admirable,  the  prizes  going  to  Messrs.  J.  Stoney,  gardener  to  Sir 
Thomas  Earle,  Bart.,  Allerton  Tower  ;  G.  Eaton  ;  J.  Bounds,  gardener  to 
A.  L.  Jones,  Esq.,  Oakfield,  Aigburth;  P.  Greene,  Eaton,  Bounds,  and 
Pattison,  gardener  to  S.  J.  Waring,  jun..  Esq.,  Palmyra,  Aigburth,  in  the 
order  named,  the  latter  winning  with  one  Palm,  Mr.  Finch  being  first 
for  one  Erica. 

There  were  four  groups  arranged  for  space  not  exceeding  150  square 
feet.  In  this  Mr.  Jellicoe  was  an  easy  first  with  a  light  central  mound, 
and  at  intervals  outside  several  smaller  ones.  There  was  a  good  ground¬ 
work  of  Maidenhair  Fern,  from  which  peeped  small  Francoas  and  other 
plants,  the  whole  being  edged  with  Panicum.  Mr.  Moorhouse,  for  second 
place,  showed  much  improvement  from  anything  he  has  done  before, 
and  'should  prove  a  difficult  competitor  at  a  future  Show.  Mr.  Brace¬ 
girdle  staged  a  very  pretty  group,  but  used  scarlet  Pelargoniums  rather 
too  freely,  which  impaired  the  effect.  In  the  nurserymen’s  section,  250 
square  feet,  Messrs.  R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons,  Aigburth  Nursery,  were  easily  first 
with  a  charming  group.  Mr.  P.  Poulton,  Aigburth,  was  second.  The 
prize  for  four  Orchids  went  to  Mr.  J.  Bounds  with  Cattleyas  Eldorado 
Wallisi  and  virginalis,  Oncidium  crispum  grandiflorum  and  vexillaria 
rubellum.  Mr.  Bracegirdle  followed  closely,  his  best  being  Cattleya 
Sanderiana  and  Disa  grandiflora.  Mr.  W.  Lyon  was  first  with  a 
single  Orchid. 

Cut  Flowers. 

Considering  the  season  Roses  came  as  a  surprise  to  all  visitors  by 
reason  of  their  excellence.  The  battle  was  fought  entirely  between 
Ireland  and  Scotland,  Messrs.  Cocker  of  Aberdeen  winning  in  every 
class  from  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons,  the  Royal  Nurseries,  New- 
townards,  Co.  Down.  In  the  class  for  forty-eight  distinct  they  had 
charmingly  fresh  blooms.  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Sons  had  very  good 
Suzanne  Marie  Rhodocanachi,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Alfred  Colomb, 
Prosper  Laugier,  Louis  Van  Houtte,  and  Her  Majesty.  For 
eighteen  Teas  and  Noisettes,  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons  were 
first,  and  Messrs.  Dickson  second.  For  twelve  cut  Roses,  six 
light  and  six  dark,  Messrs,  Cocker  &  Sons  were  first  with  Her 
Majesty  and  Gustave  Piganeau  ;  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Sons  second  with 
Marchioness  of  Londonderry  and  Alfred  Colomb.  For  twelve  cut  Rosea 
T.  Raffles  Bulley,  Esq.,  Liscard,  was  first  ;  Mr.  J.  M'Coll,  gardener  to 
J.  W.  Hughes,  Esq.,  News  Heys,  Allerton,  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Rimmer, 
Ashurst,  Formby,  third.  The  boxes  of  Roses  arranged  for  effect  showed 
a  wonderful  improvement,  Mr.  Carling  winning  with  a  beautiful 
arrangement  arranged  with  Maidenhair  Fern.  T.  Raffles  Bulley,  Esq., 
was  second,  and  Mr.  P.  Greene  third. 

Stove,  greenhouse,  and  hardy  cut  flowers  were  excellent,  and  the 
competition  very  keen.  For  twelve  stove  and  greenhouse  and  twelve 
herbaceous  flowers,  Mr.  Jellicoe  won  honours,  the  prize  for  twenty-four 
herbaceous  going  to  Mr,  G.  Eaton  for  well  arranged  bunches  ; 
Mr.  T.  Coulton  was  second.  The  prizes  for  one  and  two  bouquets  went 
to  C.  J.  Proctor,  Esq.  Dahlias  and  Carnations  have  never  been  seen  in 
better  condition,  the  prizes  going  to  Messrs.  H.  Banks  and  A.  J.  Rogers. 
For  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons’  prizes  for  Nemesia  Strumosa  Suttoni  Mr. 
Harrison,  gardener  to  Mrs.  W.  G.  Bateson,  Allerton,  was  placed  first. 
The  winner  in  the  model  garden  class  was  Mr.  A.  Randall. 

Fruit. 

Seldom  has  there  been  such  a  display  of  fruit  seen  at  Liverpool,  the 
Judges  remarking  that  their  duties  had  been  of  the  most  difficult 
description.  For  eight  dishes  of  fruit,  distinct,  Mr.  J.  Goodacre, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Harrington,  Blvaston  Castle,  Derby,  was 
accorded  the  premier  position,  having  Madresfield  Court  and  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  Grapes,  small  but  well  finished ;  Dymond  Peach,  Elruge 
Nectarines  (splendid).  High  Cross  Hybrid  Melon,  very  large ;  McLaughlin’s 
Gage  Plum  and  Moor  Park  Apricots.  Mr.  Bennett,  gardener  to  Hon. 
C.  H.  Wynn,  Rflg,  Corwen,  N.  Wales,  was  second,  showing  fine 
bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  not 
quite  finished ;  A1  Melon,  Barrington  Peaches,  Pine  Apple  Nectarines 
The  Czar  Plum,  Moorpark  Apricots,  and  a  good  Queen  Pine.  For  six 
dishes  Mr.  J.  Stoney  was  first,  staging  grandly  finished  Muscat  and 


Madresfield  Court  Grapes,  Teton  de  Venus  Peach,  Downton  Nectarines, 
Masterpiece  Melon,  and  Purple  Gage  Plum.  Mr.  W.  Oldham,  gardener 
to  J.  Beecham  Esq.,  Ewanville,  Huyton,  for  second  position,  had  grand 
Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Grosse  Mignonne 
Peaches,  Stanwick  Elruge  Nectarines,  Blenheim  Orange  Melon,  and 
Kirke’s  Plum.  Mr.  T.  Elsworthy,  gardener  to  A.  R.  Gladstone,  Esq., 
Court  Hey,  Broad  Green,  was  a  good  third.  Mr.  Stoney  was  also  first 
for  a  dish  of  Peaches  with  TSton  de  Venus,  for  a  scarlet-flesh  Melon 
with  Masterpiece,  and  with  two  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  which 
for  size  of  berry  and  perfect  colouring  could  not  be  surpassed.  Mr. 
Coates,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Verdin,  Esq.,  J.P.,  Knutsford,  Cheshire,  was 
second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Gray,  gardener  to  Sir  G.  Meyrick,  Bart.,  Bodorgan 
Anglesea,  third.  Mr.  Bennett  was  an  easy  first  for  four  bunches  of 
Grapes,  showing  Buckland  Sweetwater,  Madresfield  Court,  Black 
Hamburgh,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Mr.  J.  Grey,  second  ;  Mr. 
G.  Middleton,  gardener  to  R.  Pilkington,  Esq.,  Rainford  Hall,  St. 
Helens,  third. 

For  two  bunches  of  Black  Hamburghs  Mr.  Middleton  was  awarded 
the  silver  medal  and  first  prize  from  amongst  ten  competitors  for  what 
the  Judges  considered  the  best  bunches  ever  staged  at  an  exhibition; 
berries  like  Plums,  good  colour,  and  perfection  in  thinning  were  the 
qualities  they  possessed.  Mr.  J.  Gray  had  larger  bunches,  well  coloured, 
but  smaller  in  the  berry,  a  good  third  coming  from  Mr.  T.  Elsworthy. 
For  two  bunches  any  other  black,  Mr.  J.  J.  Craven  had  perfect  Madres¬ 
field  Court  black  as  Sloes  ;  Mr.  J.  Bennett  second ;  Mr.  J.  Barker,  gardener 
to  J.  W.  Raynes,  Esq.,  Rock  Ferry,  third.  Mr.  J.  Gray  was  placed  first 
for  any  other  white  Grape  with  good  Foster’s  Seedling  ;  Mr.  J.  Wynn, 
gardener  to  J.  Johnson  Houghton,  Esq  ,  Westwood,  Neston,  second  ;  Mr. 
W.  Oldham  third.  Mr.  Gray  was  first  for  green-fleshed  Melon  with  Hero 
of  Lockinge,  Mr.  Goodacre  scoring  with  one  Pineapple  and  Elruge 
Nectarines.  The  prizes  for  six  dishes  of  hardy  fruits  and  basket  of  fruit 
went  to  Messrs.  G.  Dutton  and  Stoney. 

Vegetables. 

For  twelve  varieties,  Mr.  R.  C.  Townshend,  gardener  to  Colonel 
Lloyd,  Aston  Hall,  Oswestry,  was  placed  first,  his  best  dishes  being 
Autumn  Mammoth  Cauliflower,  Cranston’s  Excelsior  Onion,  Elcombe’s 
Improved  Parsnip,  Intermediate  Carrot,  Sutton’s  Exhibition  Beet,  and 
Supreme  Potato.  Mr.  J.  Hathaway,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Latham, 
Latham  House,  Ormskirk,  was  a  good  second,  having  fine  Globe  Arti¬ 
chokes,  Cranston’s  Excelsior  Onion,  Intermediate  Carrot,  Wright’s 
Grove  White  Celery.  Mr.  J.  Stoney  third.  For  eight  varieties  Mr.  J. 
Pownall,  Prescot,  was  first ;  Mr.  J.  J.  Craven  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Stoney 
third.  For  six  varieties  Mr.  Hathaway  was  again  a  good  first ;  Colonel 
Lloyd  second ;  Mr.  J.  Stoney  third.  The  prizes  for  Peas  went  to 
Messrs.  Maciver  and  Craven,  the  latter  also  winning  with  two 
dishes  of  Potatoes  and  Mr.  Hathaway  with  four  dishes.  For  three 
dishes  of  Tomatoes,  one  dish,  and  brace  of  Cucumbers  the  prizes  went  to 
Messrs.  Forrester,  Craven,  M.  Hannagan,  gardener  to  R.  C.  Naylor,  Esq., 
Hooton  Hall. 

Nurserymen’s  Exhibits. 

These  were  a  feature  of  the  Show,  certificates  of  merit  being  awarded 
to  Messrs.  R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons  for  a  variegated  Hop,  climbing  Roses, 
and  Rose  Souvenir  de  Bonn  ;  Dicksons,  Ltd.,  for  splendid  assortment  of 
herbaceous  flowers  ;  Mr.  John  Forbes,  Hawick,  for  new  white  Carnation  ; 
Mrs.  Cranston,  Pentstemons,  Hollyhocks,  border  Carnations,  and 
herbaceous  plants  ;  Messrs.  Hewitt  &  Co.,  Birmingham,  for  magnificent 
Begonia  blooms  ;  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  for  Sweet  Peas,  Violas, 
Carnations,  Marigolds  and  Dahlias,  a  choice  exhibit ;  Liverpool  Horti¬ 
cultural  Co.,  for  fine  bank  of  Tea  Roses,  Orchids  and  Gloxinias  ;  Messrs. 
Charlesworth,  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Bradford,  for  a  group  of  Orchids  ; 
Messrs.  Thomas  Davies  &  Co.,  for  herbaceous  flowers  and  vegetables  ; 
Mr.  Henry  Middlehurst,  Manchester  Street,  Liverpool,  for  splendid 
spikes  of  seedling  Gladioli  ;  J.  de  Bels  Adam,  Esq.,  for  a  group  of 
Tomatoes  in  6-inch  pots  ;  and  to  Messrs.  Laing  and  Mather,  Kelso,  Scot¬ 
land,  for  a  superb  collection  of  Carnation  blooms  in  variety,  amongst 
them  being  the  charming  new  variety  Lady  Nina  Balfour,  a  flesh-coloured 
self,  sweetly  scented  and  very  attractive. 


THE  NATIONAL  CARNATION  AND  PICOTEE  SOCIETY. 

Northern  Section. 

The  annual  Exhibition  of  this  section  was  held  in  the  Botanical 
Gardens,  Manchester,  on  July  29th,  and  as  all  the  other  exhibitions  in 
the  South  had  taken  place,  it  was  somewhat  a  surprise  to  see  so  many 
flowers  exhibited.  There  was  only  one  Birmingham  grower  able  to  stage 
a  few  blooms,  for  Carnations  in  the  Midlands  were  really  over.  The 
following  were  the  awards  : — 

For  twelve  Caruations,  dissimilar,  first,  Mr.  T.  Lord,  Todmorden, 
with  a  stand  of  superb  blooms,  consisting  of  Duke  of  York,  Arline  (very 
fine),  Oscar  Wilfred,  George,  S.B.  (a  grand  flower,  probably  the  finest 
bloom  ever  exhibited),  Thalia,  Master  Fred  (very  rich  in  colour),  Dan 
Godfrey,  Seedling  No.  12,  Bruce  Findlay  (fine).  Admiral  Curzon, 
Thaddeus,  and  Biddy  Malone.  Second,  Mr.  J.  Whitham,  Hebden 
Bridge,  with  Robert  Lord,  Oscar  Wilfred,  Fanny  Hudson,  Master 
Stanley,  Thalia,  Joseph  Lakin,  William  Dean  (very  fine).  Master  Fred, 
Wm.  Skirving,  Lily  Cannell,  Edward  Rowan,  and  Admiral  Curzon. 
Third,  Mr.  H.  Geggie,  Bury  ;  fourth,  Mr.  E.  Shaw,  Morton,  Manchester  ; 
fifth,  Mr.  G.  Chadwick,  Dukinfield. 


August  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


109 


For  twelve  Picotees,  dissimilar,  first,  Mr.  T.  Lord,  with  Norman 
Carr,  Thomas  William,  (a  wonderfully  fine  bloom),  Little  Phil,  Morna, 
(good),  Zerlina  (fine),  Mr.  Payne,  Mrs.  Gorton,  Mr.  Sharp,  Mary 
D.  Anstiss,  (a  superb  bloom).  Favourite,  Campanini,  and  Alliance. 
Second,  Mr.  E.  Shaw,  with  Little  Phil,  Nellie  (excellent),  Mrs.  Open- 
shaw  (Geggie’s,  a  grand  flower  and  will  take  a  leading  position),  John 
Smith,  Thomas  William,  Morna,  Clara  Penson,  Favourite,  Muriel  (fine), 
Daisy,  Mrs.  Summers  and  Campanini.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Whitham.  Fourth, 
Mr.  A.  R.  Brown,  Birmingham.  Fifth,  Mr.  H.  Geggie.  Sixth,  Mr.  H. 
Pomroy,  Stakehill,  Manchester. 

For  six  Carnations,  dissimilar,  fiist,  Mr.  Crossley  Head,  Hebden 
Bridge,  with  Master  Fred  (fine),  George,  Gordon  Lewis  (fine),  Fanny 
Hudson,  Joe  Edwards,  and  Richard  Bealey.  Second,  Mr.  G.  Thorniley, 
Middleton,  with  C.  H.  Herbert,  Joe  Edwards,  Master  Fred,  Young 
Meynill,  Ivanhoe,  and  Thalia.  Third,  Mr.  G.  Maddock,  Wakefield. 
Fourth,  Mr.  W.  Kenyon,  Bury.  Fifth,  Mr.  Squire  Greenwood,  Hebden 
Bridge.  Sixth,  Mr.  Joe  Edwards,  Blackley.  Seventh,  Mr.  Pomroy. 
Eighth,  Mr.  C.  F.  Thurstans,  Wolverhampton. 

For  six  Picotees,  dissimilar,  first,  Mr.  Crossley  Head  with  Morna 
(good).  Little  Phil,  Miss  Wood,  Thomas  William,  Lady  Louisa  (a  very 
fine  bloom),  and  Zerlina.  Second,  Mr.  C.  F.  Thurstans  with  Dr.  Epps 
(grand),  Zerlina,  Mary,  Thomas  William  (very  fine).  Mrs.  Sharp,  and 
Campanini.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Edwards  ;  fourth,  Mr.  W.  Kenyon  ;  fifth, 
Mr.  B.  Simonite,  Shefiield  ;  sixth,  Mr.  Thorniley;  seventh,  Mr.  Green¬ 
wood  ;  eighth,  Mr.  Maddock. 

For  twelve  seifs,  first,  Mr.  E.  Shaw,  with  Germania,  Reuben  Butler 
(two),  Mrs.  Muir,  Lillie  Shaw,  Mrs.  Fred,  Mrs.  Lee,  and  four  seedlings. 
Second,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown,  Handsworth,  Birmingham,  with  Ruby,  Mrs. 
Fre3,  Attraction,  Germania  (two  blooms),  Wieland  (two),  Koerner, 
Patience,  Aurora,  Hebe,  and  Berenger.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Edwards.  Fourth, 
Mr.  T.  Lord.  For  six  seifs,  first,  Mr.  Kenyon.  Second,  Mr.  Pomroy. 
Third,  Mr.  C.  F.  Thurstans. 

For  twelve  Fancy  Carnations  or  Picotees,  first,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown, 
Birmingham,  with  an  excellent  stand  of  flowers,  made  up  from  his  fine 
remaining  blooms  on  his  plants — viz.,  Alice  Brook,  fine ;  Janira,  Eclipse, 
Dodwell’s  Seedling  166,  Richard  Tryan,  Romulus,  Schleiben  (two), 
Agnes  Chambers,  Lilian  (grand),  Stadrath  Bail,  and  Terra  Cotta. 
Second,  Mr.  B.  Simonite,  with  Romulus  and  eleven  seedlings.  Third, 
Mr.  Pomroy.  For  six  Fancy  varieties. — First,  Mr.  J.  Edwards,  with 
Harlequin,  Jessica,  Mrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  A.  W.  Jones,  Dodwell’s 
Seedling  680,  and  a  seedling. 

In  the  single  bloom  classes  the  awards  were  as  follows  ; — Scarlet 
bizarre. — First  and  fifth,  Mr.  T.  Lord  with  George,  and  third  with  Duke 
of  York.  Second,  Mr,  E.  Shaw  with  George.  Fourth,  Mr.  G.  Thorniley 
with  C,  H.  Herbert.  Crimson  bizarre. — First  and  second,  Mr.  T.  Lord 
with  Master  Fred.  Third  and  fourth,  Mr.  T.  Maddock  with  Edward 
Schofield,  Fifth,  Mr.  C.  F.  Thurstans  with  Master  Fred.  Pink  and 
purple  bizarre, — First  and  second,  Mr.  T.  Lord  with  Seedling  No.  4,  and 
third  and  fifth  with  Arline.  Fourth,  Mr.  Maddock  with  Sarah  Payne, 
Scarlet  flake. — First,  second,  and  fifth,  Mr,  G,  Thorniley  with  Joe 
Edwards,  Third  Mr.  Geggie,  and  fourth  Mr.  Simonite  with  William 
Dean.  Rose  flake. — First  and  fifth,  Mr.  T.  Lord  with  Thalia.  Second, 
Mr.  Maddock  with  a  seedling.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Edwards  with  Teddy,  and 
fourth  with  Mrs.  Gunn.  Purple  flake. — First,  Mr.  Lord  with  Gordon 
Lewis,  third  with  Mayor  of  Nottingham,  and  fourth  with  James 
Douglas.  Second  Mr.  B.  Simonite,  and  fifth  Mr.  J.  Whitham  with 
James  Douglas. 

Picotees  were  shown  thus  : — Heavy  red  edge. — First,  Mr.  Lord, 
with  Mary  D.  Anstiss,  very  fine,  fourth  with  the  same  variety,  and 
second  with  Morna,  Third,  Mr.  Shaw,  with  Morna.  Fifth,  Mr, 
Thurston,  with  Dr,  Epps.  Light  red  edge. — First,  second,  and  fifth, 
Mr.  Lord  ;  third,  Mr.  Thurstans  ;  fourth,  Mr.  Shaw  ;  all  with  Thomas 
William.  Heavy  purple  edge.  —  First,  Mr.  Geggie  ;  second,  Mr. 
Thorniley ;  fourth,  Mr.  Shaw ;  all  with  Mrs.  Openshaw  ;  third,  Mr. 
Lord  ;  and  fifth,  Mr.  A.  R.  Brown  ;  with  Muriel,  Light  purple  edge, — 
First,  third,  and  fourth,  Mr.  Thurstans  ;  second,  Mr.  Brown  ;  and  fifth, 
Mr.  Chadwick  ;  all  with  Mary.  Heavy  rose  edge. — First,  Mr.  Brown  ; 
second,  Mr.  Thorniley  ;  both  with  Mrs.  Payne  ;  third  and  fifth,  Mr. 
Lord,  with  Mrs.  Sharp  ;  fourth,  Mr.  Kenyon,  with  Little  Phil.  Light 
rose  edge. — First,  Mr.  Thorniley  ;  second,  Mr.  Kenyon  ;  and  fourth, 
Mr.  Brown  ;  all  with  Nellie  ;  fifth,  Mr.  Shaw,  with  Favourite. 

The  premier  Carnation  was  a  grand  bloom  of  George,  from  Mr.  T, 
Lord  ;  the  best  Picotee  being  a  superb  bloom  of  Thomas  William,  also 
from  Mr.  Lord. 

A  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  to  Mr.  T.  Maddock  for  Edward 
Schofield,  a  fine  high  coloured  crimson  bizarre  Carnation  in  the  style 
of  Joseph  Lakin,  A  certificate  was  also  awarded  to  Mr.  Joe  Edwards 
for  a  dark  maroon  self  Carnation  of  fine  form,  petal,  and  substance,  and 
named  Mancussian. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

The  “Acme”  Chemical  Company,  Limited.,  St.  Stephen’s  Street, 
Tunbridge. — Weedkiilers,  Shading,  Anti-Fungi  Poiodcr,  X'c. 

De  Vries  &  Co.,  Aurora  Nursery,  Beverwijk,  Haarlem. — Bulbous 
Plants. 

Messrs.  Laxton  Bros.,  Bedford. — New  Strawberries  and  Coloured 
Plate. 

E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Albert  Nurseries,  Peckham  Eye,  London, 
S.E  — Trade  Circular. 

L.  Spath,  Baumschule,  Berlin. — Bulbs  and  Miscellaneous  Plants. 


WOKK.Fo^'r™WEEK., 


HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Preparing'  Ground  for  Strawberry  Planting. — The  nature  of 
the  ground  on  which  future  crops  of  Strawberries  are  intended  to  be 
grown  must  be  first  taken  into  consideration.  Poor  soil  is  of  little  use 
for  such  a  gross  feeding  plant  as  the  Strawberry,  but  it  is  possible  with  too 
much  manuring  and  good  soil  combined  to  form  a  rooting  medium  which 
will  favour  the  growth  of  foliage  at  the  expense  of  fruit.  Adding 
manure  to  ground  already  full  of  humus  is  the  most  likely  to  be  pro¬ 
ductive  of  gross  growth  in  Strawberries.  Such  soils  should  be  deeply 
dug  and  the  whole  bulk  of  material  to  the  depth  of  18  inches  well 
incorporated. 

The  Best  Soil. — The  best  soil  for  Strawberries  is  undoubtedly  that  of 
medium  quality  and  richness.  What  are  usually  termed  holding  loams 
are  good,  as  well  as  heavy  soils  not  naturally  stiff  or  wet  to  any  extent. 
Such  soils  encourage  a  firm  and  steady  growth,  not  over-luxuriant  but 
strong  and  favourable  to  fruitfulness.  If  deeply  dug  and  freely  manured 
for  any  recent  crop,  such  as  early  Potatoes,  very  little  need  be  done  in 
order  to  prepare  the  ground  for  planting  beyond  completing  the  removal 
of  the  crop,  afterwards  forking  and  levelling  the  surface. 

Light  Soil. — On  very  light  gravelly  soils  it  will  be  advisable  to  again 
manure  the  plots  intended  for  Strawberries,  giving  a  heavy  or  light 
dressing  according  to  the  special  requirements.  As  the  ground  should 
not  be  too  loose  when  the  plants  are  placed  permanently  out,  its  pre¬ 
paration  may  take  place  a  week  or  two  previously,  compressing  the 
surface  into  a  firm  condition  at  planting  time  by  the  simple  operation 
of  treading  wdth  the  feet,  but  only  when  dry  or  crumbly.  If  obtainable 
the  addition  of  clay  or  marl  to  light  soils  will  greatly  improve  them. 

Wet  Soil. — Wet  soils  need  special  preparation,  the  subsoil  being 
made  free  and  open  to  allow  superfluous  water  to  drain  away  readily. 
Should  water  collect  within  3  feet  of  the  surface  nothing  will  make 
the  soil  fit  for  Strawberry  culture  but  draining.  Damp  soils  produce 
foliage  at  the  expense  of  fruit,  and  the  latter  when  produced,  except 
perhaps  in  very  dry  seasons,  is  subject  to  mildew. 

Heavy  Soil. — Many  soils,  usually  stiff  and  heavy,  only  require  work¬ 
ing  well  to  be  admirably  suited  for  Strawberry  culture.  Adding  sand, 
road  scrapings,  or  fine  coal  ashes  together  with  thorough  and  frequent 
moving  and  mixing  will  bring  them  into  suitable  condition.  Ridging 
roughly  in  the  winter  to  expose  as  much  surface  as  possible  to  the  action 
of  frost  tends  to  hasten  the  amelioration  of  such  soil.  A  season’s  culti¬ 
vation  is  often  requisite  with  the  most  obstinate  and  retentive  soils.  It 
is  little  or  no  use  planting  if  the  ground  is  not  friable.  Better  continue 
to  work  the  ground  during  the  autumn,  winter,  and  spring,  planting  at 
the  latter  period  if  the  results  of  thorough  cultivation  are  sufficiently 
evident  to  warrant  it. 

Manure. — Farmyard  manure  is  usually  the  best  to  work  into  the 
ground,  not  applying  it,  as  a  rule,  in  a  fresh  state  or  fully  decomposed, 
but  partly  decayed,  it  then  containing  its  most  important  constituents. 
For  light  soils  cow  excreta  is  good,  and  for  very  heavy  retentive 
ground  farmyard  manure  containing  a  large  proportion  of  strawy 
material  is  excellent. 

Trenching  Ground. — It  is  not  wise  to  follow  immediately  an  old 
bed  of  Strawberries  with  the  same  crop  again.  If,  however,  it  be 
absolutely  necessary  to  do  it  the  best  plan  to  adopt  is  to  pare  off  the 
strong  clumps  of  plants,  leaving  the  mass  of  rooted  runners,  if  not 
wanted,  and  weeds  to  be  trenched  in.  The  nature  of  the  subsoil  must 
determine  whether  ordinary  or  bastard  trenching  .should  be  carried 
out.  Boor  subsoil  must  not  be  brought  to  the  surface,  and  the  rich 
buried  deeply.  In  bastard  trenching  properly  done  the  layers  of  soil 
will  practically  remain  the  same.  Work  in  plenty  of  good  manure, 
also  trench  any  hard  or  weedy  ground.  The  deep  moving  facilitates  the 
passage  of  air  and  water  through  it,  and  an  opportunity  is  afforded  of 
burying  troublesome  weeds,  except  such  as  Bindweed  or  Couch  Grass, 
which  ought  to  be  picked  out  as  trenching  proceeds.  The  sooner  the 
ground  for  this  season’s  planting  is  prepared  the  better. 

Planting-  Strawberries.— In  order  to  secure  early  and  heavy 
supplies  of  fruit  from  young  plants  the  first  year  it  is  imperative  that 
early  planting  be  adopted,  and  that  the  best,  strongest,  and  most 
vigorous  rooted  plants  only  be  inserted.  Runners  rooted  early  in  pots, 
turves,  or  mounds  of  soil  will  supply  plants  in  the  right  condition. 
Plant  during  the  first  two  weeks  in  August,  choosing  if  possible  a  dull 
period  with  the  surface  not  wet.  If  dry  weather  prevails  at  the  time  of 
planting  draw  rather  deep  drills,  placing  the  plants  in  these  so  that  each 
may  be  in  a  slight  depression  or  basin  in  which  water  can  be  poured  to 
enable  them  to  become  readily  established. 

After  Treatment . — Along  with  fresh  growth  runners  will  form  and 
extend,  but  nip  them  off  closely  and  regularly  as  they  show.  The  Dutch 
hoe  run  frequently  between  the  rows  will  loosen  the  surface  soil,  destroy 
seedling  weeds,  and  promote  growth  of  the  plants. 

Distances  to  Plant. — The  exact  distances  between  the  rows  and 
plants  vary  with  the  different  varieties  and  soils.  The  width  between 
the  rows  containing  the  strongest  growers  may  in  good  soil  be  3  feet. 
For  robust  growers  have  the  rows  2|  feet  asunder,  moderate  growing 


110 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1893. 


varieties  being  allowed  2  feet.  The  distances  between  the  plants  in  the 
rows  may  be  6  inches  less  in  each  case.  On  poor  ground  the  rows  and 
plants  may  be  a  little  closer.  Insert  any  spare  runners  or  small  plants 
6  inches  apart  in  nursery  beds.  These  come  in  useful  for  spring 
planting. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Peacbes  and  Nectarines. — Early  Houses. — The  leaves  on  trees 
started  in  December  and  early  January  are  now  beginning  to  fall,  and 
there  is  great  danger  of  orer-maturity  of  the  buds  or  their  premature 
excitement,  which,  followed  by  a  eheck  however  slight,  causes  them  to 
drop.  The  trees  must  not  lack  moisture,  affording  water  or  liquid  manure 
to  those  that  are  weakly  as  it  becomes  necessary.  Excessive  moisture 
at  the  roots,  however,  is  liable  to  cause  premature  growth  in  the  buds, 
which  must  be  guarded  against  by  cool  treatment  and  judicious  manage¬ 
ment.  There  is  little  danger  of  the  borders  being  made  unduly  wet  by 
rain,  provided  the  drainage  is  thorough  and  the  soil  sufficiently  furnished 
with  gritty  and  calcareous  matter.  Allow  such  laterals  as  are  green  and 
unripe  to  remain  as  an  outlet  for  any  excess  of  sap  ;  they  are  the  best 
safeguard  against  starting  the  bloom  buds,  and  equally  effective  in  main¬ 
taining  activity  at  the  roots.  Early  forced  trees  form  far  too  many 
blossom  buds  as  a  rule,  so  that  there  is  comparatively  few  wood  buds, 
and  these  mostly  confined  to  the  base  and  extremity  of  the  shoots. 
Neither  is  the  growth  strong,  hence  in  pruning  it  is  not  desirable  to  cut 
back  next  year’s  bearing  wood  unless  the  shoots  are  of  great  length. 

Where  disbudding  has  been  attended  to,  no  more  wood  being  trained 
in  than  is  required  to  replace  the  bearing  shoots  of  the  current  year  and 
to  renew  worn-out  growths,  as  well  as  to  provide  for  the  proper  extension 
of  the  trees,  very  little  pruning  will  be  needed.  Indeed,  trees  that  have 
long  been  subjected  to  early  forcing  frequently  become  so  enfeebled  as  to 
need  the  removal  of  the  weak  growths,  which  afford  much  smaller  fruit 
than  is  yielded  by  the  moderately  vigorous  and  well-ripened  shoots. 
Such  trees,  if  very  weak,  may  have  the  old  soil  carefully  removed  from 
amongst  the  roots,  supplying  fresh  rather  strong  calcareous  loam  in  its 
place.  Any  trees  which  grow  too  luxuriantly  must  be  lifted  and  the 
roots  carefully  laid  in  fresh  soil,  if  necessary,  near  the  surface.  Give  a 
good  watering  to  the  trees  that  have  had  the  soil  renewed  about  the 
roots,  also  to  those  which  have  been  lifted.  These  operations  require  to 
be  performed  as  soon  as  the  leaves  are  mature  and  before  they  fall  from 
the  trees. 

Succession  Houses. — Cut  away  the  shoots  that  have  borne  fruit 
unless  required  for  extension,  and  thin  the  growths  where  they  are  too 
crowded.  This  will  allow  of  the  thorough  cleansing  of  the  foliage  with 
water  from  the  syringe  or  engine,  repeating  as  necessary,  so  as  to  keep 
the  foliage  and  wood  free  from  insects,  preserving  the  leaves  in  health  as 
long  as  possible.  The  freer  access  of  light  and  air  will  also  assist  the 
perfecting  of  the  buds  and  ripening  of  the  wood.  Attend  to  a  due 
supply  of  water  at  the  roots.  Where  the  fruit  is  ripening  a  free  circula¬ 
tion  of  air  will  enhance  the  quality  considerably,  sufficient  water  only 
being  given  at  the  roots  to  prevent  the  foliage  becoming  limp,  and 
securing  air  moisture  by  occasionally  damping  the  surfaces.  If  the 
trees  suffer  from  dryness  at  the  roots  the  fruit  ripens  prematurely,  and 
an  arid  atmosphere  induces  red  spider  and  mealiness  in  the  fruit. 

Ants  are  particularly  voracious  this  season,  and  eat  into  the  choicest 
and  best  fruits,  preferring  Nectarines  to  Peaches,  and  especially  Lord 
Napier  Nectarine.  The  ants  are  attracted  by  partially  picked  bones 
laid  near  the  haunts,  and  when  smothered  with  ants  the  bones  are 
dropped  into  boiling  water.  After  the  bones  are  drained  and  parted 
with  the  water  they  are  eligible  again  as  baits.  To  prevent  their 
ascending  the  trees  strips  of  “  honey  fly  gum  paper  ”  may  be  wrapped 
around  the  stem,  securing  with  string,  but  this  is  not  necessary,  only  let 
the  strips  overlap  and  keep  close  round. 

Late  Houses. — The  wood  is  best  somewhat  thinner  than  is  usually 
allowed  in  earlier  houses,  for  it  does  not  ripen  so  well  generally.  By 
allowing  plenty  of  room  the  foliage  assimilates  the  sap  better,  more  food 
is  stored,  and  the  buds  form  perfectly  and  the  wood  ripens  well,  other 
conditions  being  favourable.  Gross  growths  must  be  stopped,  or  better 
removed  altogether,  for  they  only  impoverish  the  weaker  by  appro¬ 
priating  an  undue  amount  of  sap,  preventing  its  equal  distribution, 
and  favouring  nothing  but  unfruitfulness  and  gumming.  Endeavour, 
therefore,  to  secure  an  equal  balance  of  moderately  strong  short-jointed 
growths,  and  to  insure  their  ripening  ventilate  freely  in  the  morning, 
and  allowing  a  good  heat  from  sun  through  the  day,  closing  in  time  to 
run  up  to  85°  or  more.  Admit  a  little  air  before  nightfall  to  allow  the 
pent-up  heat  and  moisture  to  escape,  and  the  atmosphere  to  gradually 
cool,  thereby  securing  rest.  This  and  the  early  ventilation  promotes  the 
solidification  of  the  wood  and  its  ripening.  Forcible  syringings  will  be 
necessary  until  the  fruit  commences  ripening  to  keep  the  trees  free  from 
red  spider.  The  borders  also  must  be  well  supplied  with  water  or  liquid 
manure,  and  a  light  mulching  will  further  surface  rooting,  as  well  as 
assist  in  keeping  the  soil  regularly  moist,  and  at  the  same  time  affording 
nourishment. 

melons.— Zufe  Fruit. — If  Melons  are  required  very  late  seed 
should  now  be  sown.  Plants  from  this  sowing  will  be  fit  to  put  out  in 
about  a  month,  and  setting  their  fruit  in  September  will  afford  Melons 
in  November  and  to  the  new  year.  This,  however,  can  only  be  effected 
in  a  light,  airy,  well-heated  structure,  and  not  always  then,  for  Melons 
abhor  the  autumn  mists  and  fogs.  Bottom  heat  is  absolutely  necessary, 
and  is  best  furnished  by  hot  water  pipes  in  a  chamber,  as  fermenting 
materials  induce  too  much  vigour  in  the  plants,  and  decline  in  heat 
when  most  is  required. 

Late  Summer  and  October  Melons. — To  ensure  these  the  plants  must 


be  placed  out  at  once,  giving  them  about  a  couple  of  barrowloads  each 
of  good  loam,  with  a  sixth  each  of  horse  droppings  and  old  lime  rubbish 
intermixed.  Make  the  compost  very  firm,  and  have  it  in  a  moist  state 
before  planting.  Strong  plants,  watered  the  previous  night,  only  are 
suitable,  for  it  is  far  more  difficult  to  produce  late  than  early  Melons. 
Encourage  the  plants  to  make  free  growth  by  syringing  at  closing  and 
damping  surfaces  in  the  morning  and  evening  of  hot  days.  Ventilate 
between  70°  and  75°,  and  keep  the  temperature  through  the  day  at  those 
figures  by  artificial  means,  85°  to  90°  from  sun  heat,  and  close  so  as  to 
raise  the  heat  to  95°  or  100°,  allowing  it  to  fall  to  65°  through  the 
night.  The  plants  will  show  and  set  fruit  upon  the  first  laterals,  and 
the  plants  being  almost  at  fruiting  stage  when  put  out,  this  will  speedily 
be  effected. 

Plants  Swelling  their  Crops. — Overcropping  ruins  more  Melons  than 
anything  else,  therefore  reduce  the  number  of  fruits  when  fairly 
swelling  to  two  on  a  weak  plant,  three  on  one  moderately  vigorous,  four 
on  a  strong,  and  six  on  large  and  strong  plants.  Overcrowding  the 
foliage  is  equally  disastrous  to  the  quality  of  the  fruit,  for  it  requires 
all  the  solidity  that  can  be  given  to  it,  and  to  effect  this  the  growths 
must  be  kept  fairly  thin,  all  having  full  exposure  to  light.  Stop  the 
laterals  to  one  joint,  and  where  this  is  likely  to  result  in  crowding  thin 
them.  Earth  up  the  plants  as  the  roots  protrude,  less  soil  being  needed 
than  earlier  in  the  season,  and  afford  copious  supplies  of  liquid  manure, 
always  weak  and  tepid.  Syringe  from  3  to  4  p.m.  or  earlier,  and  then 
raise  the  temperature  from  sun  heat  to  95°  or  more.  With  due  supplies 
of  water  at  the  roots  shading  will  not  be  necessary,  or  only  after  dull 
weather,  when  a  light  shading  will  be  of  benefit  from  powerful  sun 
until  the  plants  become  inured  to  it.  It  may  also  be  needed  when  the 
houses  have  the  ends  north  and  south,  and  the  sun  is  powerful  on  the 
west  side.  Place  supports  to  the  fruits  in  good  time,  and  slanting  so 
that  water  will  not  rest  upon  them. 

Fruit  Bipening. — A  dry  atmosphere  is  essential  to  secure  quality  and 
prevent  the  fruit  cracking.  Admit  a  little  air  constantly,  maintaining 
a  circulation  by  gentle  warmth  in  the  pipes,  and  employing  enough 
artificial  heat  to  keep  the  temperature  at  70°  to  75°  by  day,  advancing 
10°  to  15°  from  sun  heat,  and  to  prevent  its  falling  below  65°  at  night. 
Withhold  water  from  the  roots,  but  the  foliage  must  not  flag  or  the 
quality  of  the  fruit  will  be  seriously  deteriorated.  Where  there  is  fruit 
swelling  in  the  house  an  occasional  damping  will  be  necessary  for  the 
benefit  of  the  foliage,  and  it  will  not  affect  the  ripening  fruit  disastrously 
if  plenty  of  air  is  afforded. 

Late  Plants  in  Pits  and  Frames. — The  setting  of  the  fruit  should 
now  be  effected,  to  allow  time  for  its  swelling  and  ripening.  If  neces¬ 
sary  give  a  good  watering  before  the  flowers  open,  and  line  the  sides  of 
the  frame  and  bed  with  hot  manure.  Give  a  little  ventilation  constantly 
at  the  top,  so  as  to  prevent  the  deposition  of  moisture  on  the  blossoms, 
and  continue  it  until  the  fruit  is  set  and  commences  swelling.  Impreg¬ 
nate  the  blossoms  daily,  and  when  suflScient  fruits  are  obtained  remove 
all  flowers,  and  afterwards  keep  the  growths  well  stopped  and  fairly 
thin,  so  that  they  have  plenty  of  air  and  light.  Maintain  a  moist  and 
warm  atmosphere  to  assist  the  swelling  of  the  fruit,  closing  early  with 
sun  heat,  and  sprinkling  the  plants  on  fine  afternoons.  Water  will  be 
required  twice  a  week  in  bright  weather,  but  supply  it  sparingly  or  not 
at  all  when  dull,  and  admit  a  little  air  to  prevent  a  stagnant  atmosphere. 
Ventilate  early  on  fine  mornings,  and  maintain  a  temperature  ranging; 
from  80°  to  90°  through  the  day  from  sun  heat.  If  sunny  weather 
prevails  and  the  heat  is  properly  maintained  by  linings  the  fruit  will  be 
good  often  up  to  November. 

PLANT  HOUSES. 

Blgnonla  grandlflora.  —  In  5-inch  pots  this  plant  flowers  pro¬ 
fusely  and  is  very  useful  for  various  decorative  purposes.  Cuttings  of 
young  wood  root  freely  in  houses  where  a  fair  amount  of  moisture 
is  maintained.  The  plants  should  be  well  ripened  and  rested  in  a  cool 
house.  When  started  into  growth  in  the  spring  an  intermediate  tem¬ 
perature  suits  them  well  if  fully  exposed  to  the  sun.  The  wood  made 
must  be  Arm  or  else  the  plants  fail  to  flower. 

Gloxinias. — Plants  raised  from  seed  sown  late  in  the  spring  and 
now  in  small  pots  should  be  transferred  into  others  4  and  5  inches  in 
diameter,  according  to  their  size.  These,  if  shaded  from  bright  sunshine 
and  grown  close  to  the  glass  in  cold  frames,  will  make  excellent  deco¬ 
rative  plants  a  few  months  hence.  Few  plants  when  well  grown  are 
more  effective.  By  starting  the  tubers  at  intervals  of  a  month  and 
raising  seedlings,  a  very  long  succession  of  bloom  can  be  obtained. 
Plants  that  flowered  early  and  have  enjoyed  a  good  season  of  rest  may 
be  started  again  into  growth.  They  will  soon  commence  to  grow  in  any 
structure  that  is  kept  moderately  close.  The  plants  may  be  flowered  in 
the  same  pots. 

Tuberous  Begonias. — Seedlings  may  be  grown  in  cold  frames,, 
for  although  they  may  appear  to  be  late  they  will  make  wonderful 
progress,  and  flower  profusely  during  October  and  November  if  placed 
in  a  warm  house  close  to  the  glass  where  the  atmosphere  is  kept 
moderately  dry.  The  flowers  of  these  Begonias  are  very  useful  for 
house  decoration.  They  are  easily  bruised,  and  therefore  do  not  travel 
well. 

Nertera  depressa. — This  is  really  a  charming  little  plant  when 
well  grown  and  covered  with  its  coral-like  berries.  Plants  that  have 
berried  well,  and  have  started  again  into  growth,  may  be  broken  up  and 
dibbled  thickly  into  small  pots  or  pans,  the  latter  being  best  when 
needed  for  table  decoration.  This  plant  grows  freely  in  any  light 
moderately  rich  soil,  and  should  be  kept  moist  until  well  established  in 
an  intermediate  temperature.  By  autumn  the  surface  of  the  pots  or 


A.ugu3t  3,  1896.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


Ill 


pans  will  be  covered  with  growth,  and  if  well  watered  we  find  the  plants 
winter  well  on  shelves  where  the  temperature  does  not  fall  below  45°. 
In  spring  a  fair  amount  of  air  and  full  sunshine  should  be  afforded 
them,  when  they  will  be  found  to  berry  freely. 

Celoslas. — Plants  for  autumn  and  winter  now  in  3-inch  pots,  and 
may  be  transferred  into  5-inch  without  delay.  Grow  the  plants  in 
frames  where  they  can  enjoy  a  liberal  amount  of  air.  They  should  not 
be  hurried  in  their  last  stages  or  they  will  be  almost  certain  to  damp  at 
the  base  when  arranged  in  conservatories  and  other  structures. 

Asparagus  deflexus. — However  effective  and  useful  other  varie¬ 
ties  of  Asparagus  may  be  for  furnishing  in  pots  and  for  supplying 
greenery  for  cutting,  A.  deflexus  is  a  handsome  basket  plant.  It  is 
very  distinct  in  appearance,  and  its  fairly  long  feathery  shoots  droop 
gracefully  over  the  sides  of  the  basket.  This  is  certainly  a  great 
acquisition  to  the  numerous  basket  plants  at  disposal. 

Eplptayllums. — These,  if  assisted  by  gentle  warmth  to  make  their 
growth,  should  now  be  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  and  at  the  same  time  be 
given  abundance  of  air.  They  flower  profusely  when  the  growths  are 
thoroughly  ripened,  which  is  best  accomplished  by  exposure  to  light  and 
air,  and  not  by  the  barbarous  system  of  drying  them  at  their  roots  until 
the  plants  shrivel.  Where  stage  room  is  limited  these  plants  do  well 
grown  in  pots  suspended  from  the  roof  by  means  of  wire.  In  this 
position  they  do  not  suffer  so  quickly  from  the  drying  conditions  of  the 
atmosphere  as  many  other  plants.  Even  in  baskets  the  plants  do  very 
well,  providing  they  are  not  overwatered.  If  strong  stocks  of  Pereskia 
are  at  hand  they  may  be  cut  into  lengths  and  inserted  in  small  pots.  If 
pieces  of  Epiphyllum  are  attached  on  the  top  and  then  stood  in  the 
propagating  frame  they  will  unite  by  the  time  the  stocks  are  rooted. 
Grafting  is  easily  effected  by  splitting  the  stock  at  the  top  and  the 
removal  of  the  bark  from  the  scion,  or  by  placing  pieces  on  each  side 
after  removing  a  portion  of  the  stock,  so  that  the  two  barks  come 
together.  When  placed  on  each  side  of  the  stock,  and  each  scion  point¬ 
ing  outwards,  they  form  good  shaped  heads  much  quicker  than  when 
one  piece  only  is  attached. 


m  BBE-KEiEPBR. 


m 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Notes  from  the  Moors — Swarming. 

During  the  two  first  weeks  of  my  stay  at  the  moors,  amidst 
very  boisterous  weather,  I  have  had  not  less  than  eight  unexpected 
swarms.  One  hive  sent  off  a  swarm  that  had  several  young  queens 
living  together  for  six  weeks,  which  is  another  lesson  of  the  many  I 
have  bad  not  to  put  trust  in  bees  killing  the  supernumerary  queens 
by  returning  swarms.  The  above  case  is  the  most  extraordinary 
one  I  have  experienced,  but  it  is  not  uncommon.  The  Heather 
is  gorgeous,  but  it  was  midday  on  July  27th  before  the  honey  began 
to  flow,  which  has  been  oE  short  duration,  as  the  morning  of  28th 
dawned  with  an  overcast  sky  and  low  temperature. 

Where  do  drones  congregate  ?  Ancient  writers  on  bees  tell  us 
that  drones  ascend  to  the  top  of  the  highest  hill  near  the  apiary  for 
the  purpose  of  meeting  queens.  The  23rd  of  J uly  being  a  fine  day 
with  the  exception  of  a  drizzling  rain  at  intervals,  drones  were 
flying  in  great  numbers.  Being  also  a  likely  day  for  queens  to  be 
on  the  wing  I  ascended  by  a  ridge  to  a  height  of  1400  feet  above 
sea  level  and  from  300  to  400  feet  above  the  bees.  In  the  bosom 
of  two  prominences  and  at  a  great  height  the  drones  were  in 
myriads  and  the  humming  they  made  was  converted  into  a  roar. 
By  their  quick  movements  and  darting  at  each  other  proved  that 
our  early  observers  were  a  great  deal  more  accurate  in  their  obser¬ 
vations  than  many  modern  writers. 


Punic  Bees. 

I  hope  to  be  able  with  these  bees  to  prove  an  important  point, 
that  is  whether  being  bred  at  so  high  an  altitude  they  will  become 
acclimatised,  and  consequently  hardier.  But  although  a  writer 
tried  to  impress  us  with  the  belief  that  Punic  bees  being  natives 
of  a  warm  country  were  tender,  I  have  not  found  them  so.  I  have 
one  of  my  queens  that  was  imported  in  1891  still  alive  and 
breeding  well,  and  I  know  of  six  others.  This  is  proof  that  Punic 
queens  are  long  lived  and  very  prolific.  The  queen  referred  to 
has  been  at  the  Heather  here  for  three  years,  which  doubly  taxes 
the  laying  powers  of  queens. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 

Swarms  not  Working. 

I  HAD  a  swarm  of  bees  on  May  6th,  which  began  to  work  well 
until  about  a  month  ago,  when  they  appeared  to  stop  working,  and 
I  never  see  any  workers  among  them.  The  bees  are  still  in  the 
hive,  and  they  have  a  little  comb,  there  being  a  large  number  of 
them,  but  they  do  not  work.  I  commenced  to  feed  them,  but  it 
did  not  make  any  difference  to  their  working.  I  had  another 
swarm  on  the  22nd  of  May,  so  I  put  them  in  a  much  larger  hive. 


They  did  well,  filled  the  hive,  and  they  are  still  working,  having 
commenced  to  fill  a  cap  I  placed  on  the  top  of  the  hive.  In  the 
first  swarm  I  sometimes  see  the  bees  fighting  with  much  larger 
ones  in  the  same  hive.  If  “  A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper  ”  would 
kindly  advise  me  what  to  do  I  should  be  much  obliged,  as  the 
time  of  year  is  drawing  on,  and  I  am  afraid  they  will  not  fill  their 
hive  with  comb  for  the  winter. — F.  J.  W. 

[The  key  to  enable  me  in  your  case  to  give  a  proper  explanation 
is  wanting.  Prime  swarms  often  issue  with  an  effete  queen,  so 
that  it  is  no  better  than  queenless,  and  not  unfrequently  with  one 
or  several  young  ones,  which  always  run  the  risk  of  being  lost  or 
remaining  unfertile  for  several  weeks.  The  swarm  under  such 
conditions  throws  off  a  portion  of  her  bees,  which  renders  the 
original  one  too  weak  to  be  of  much  use  for  the  present  season, 
being  with  a  young  and  fertile  queen  too  intent  on  breeding. 
Examine  the  hive  or  watch  the  entrance  for  young  bees  at  a  time 
when  rallying,  and  if  these  are  present  feed  till  full  of  comb 
and  of  proper  weight  to  stand  the  winter.  It  then  ought  to  be  an 
excellent  and  profitable  hive  for  next  season.  Make  it  a  rule  in 
your  apiary  to  have  no  queens  older  than  from  ten  to  twelve 
months,  and  you  will  be  pleased  with  the  little  extra  labour  and 
save  disappointment.  Your  hives  will  also  be  in  the  best  possible 
condition  for  gathering  honey  with  the  minimum  amount  of  swarm¬ 
ing.  Raising  nuclei  and  deposing  old  queens  early  in  the  season 
constitute  sensible  work  for  the  current  year  as  well  as  for  the 
following  season. — A.  L.  B.  K  ] 


GARDENERS'  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS. 

The  Gardeners’  Eotal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  50,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 

United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. — 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Eoad,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 

Eoyal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron, 
Eoyal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens,  Chiswick,  London,  W. 


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

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

Poetry  (^Fleur'). — We  are  unable  to  inform  you  in  what  book  the 
lines  you  send  occur. 

Presentation  Book  (Flora) . — If  the  gardener  to  whom  you  kindly 
wish  to  present  a  comprehensive  book  does  not  possess  “  Thompson’s 
Gardeners’  Assistant  ”  it  would  be  a  very  useful  and  appropriate  gift. 
It  is  published  by  Blackie  &  Sons,  and  can  be  obtained  through  a 
local  bookseller. 

IVIealy  Bug-  on  Vines  (A.J.). — Your  letter  arrived  too  late  to  be 
fully  answered  this  week.  Do  the  best  you  can  with  a  forcible  jet  of 
water  and  the  aid  of  a  pointed  stick  for  dislodging  the  insects  before 
sending  the  bunches  to  table,  allowing  time  after  the  unenviable 
operation  for  the  berries  to  become  dry  before  dishing  the  fruit. 

Chrysanthemum  Bea-ves  Falling  (Chrysanthemum').  —  It  is 
possible  that  the  bones,  if  raw,  also  the  excessive  use  of  the  guano,  have 
had  a  deleterious  effect.  An  application  of  clear  lime  water  could 
not  do  harm,  and  might  do  good,  followed  by  a  solution  of  soda  as 
advised  to  another  correspondent.  The  leaves  shall  be  examined 
microscopically. 

Chrysanthemums  (Bob). — The  crown  buds  showing  now  will  give 
larger  and  earlier  blooms  than  you  are  likely  to  obtain  from  the  terminal 
buds.  We  do  not  know  in  what  way  you  can  retard  the  flowers  of 
Madame  Desgranges  other  than  keeping  the  plants  in  the  coolest  posi¬ 
tion  you  can  find,  but  not  under  trees.  Many  plants  are  producing  buds 
sooner  than  usual  this  year  through  no  fault  of  their  cultivators. 


112 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  3,  1898. 


Tomatoes  Diseased  (J..  A.  B.'). — The  specimens  did  not  arrive 
in  time  for  the  requisite  examination  being  made  for  the  purpose  of 
reply  in  the  present  issue.  The  case  shall  have  attention. 

Wlreworms  In  Vine  Border  (J.  J.'). — These  not  easily  destroyed 
pests  are  no  doubt  injuring  your  Vines.  Pursue  sedulously  your  practice 
of  inserting  baits  of  Potatoes  and  Carrots,  withdrawing  them  frequently 
for  securing  the  depredators.  We  have  known  squares  of  fresh  turf 
buried  in  the  soil  even  more  effectual  than  the  roots  mentioned. 
We  have  heard  that  sowing  Mustard  seed  on  wireworm  -  infested 
land  and  allowing  the  plants  to  grow  has  in  some  mysterious  way 
acted  beneficially,  but  catching  the  pests  is  the  most  certain  mode  of 
riddance. 

Cucumbers  Falling  (^Hampshire'). — The  disease  in  the  roots  is 
caused  by  minute  nematoid  worms,  and  they  may  be  communicated 
with  soil,  manure,  or  water.  We  fear  your  plants  are  beyond 
recovery.  Heating  the  soil  to  212°  destroys  parasitic  germs.  An 
experienced  cultivator  has  found  that  practice,  then  mixing  with 
each  bushel  of  the  soil  a  pint  each  of  steamed  bonemeal  and  soot, 
and  a  quart  of  wood  ashes,  keep  his  plants  in  health  and  free 
from  this  destructive  visitation.  Every  part  of  the  house  should 
be  thoroughly  cleansed,  floors  and  walls  of 'the  pit  washed  with  hot 
lime.  You  do  not  say,  however,  whether  the  plants  are  grown  in  pits 
or  frames. 

Potatoes  for  IVKontevldeo  {Quintero). — It  would  be  impossible 
for  anyone  to  name  a  solitary  variety  as  the  best  for  your  purpose. 
Possibly  you  are  right  in  assuming  that  early  varieties  may  answer  the 
best  in  sandy  soil  because  of  the  risk  of  drought  more  prejudicially 
affecting  the  later  crops.  Even  in  this  country  the  best  varieties  for 
particular  soils  and  localities  can  only  be  ascertained  by  experiment, 
and  so  it  must  be  in  your  case.  Potatoes  of  American  origin  would  be 
likely  to  answer  the  best,  such  as  Early  Puritan,  Early  Eose,  Beauty  of 
Hebron,  Extra  Early  Vermont,  and  Charles  Downing.  Of  good-sized 
tubers  (and  it  would  be  a  mistake  to  plant  small  ones)  half  a  ton  will  be 
needed  to  plant  an  acre  of  land  in  rows  27  inches  asunder  and  12  to 
15  inches  in  the  lines.  We  do  not  know  of  any  small  work  on  Ferns 
such  as  you  appear  to  require.  Possibly  the  Director  of  the  Eoyal 
Gardens,  Kew,  might  be  able  to  advise  you  on  the  subject,  and  we  are 
sure  he  would  be  willing  to  do  so. 

Melon  Xeaves  Diseased  {Subscribe?’). — Yes,  the  Melon  leaf 
subjected  to  microscopic  examination  is  “smothered”  with  a  disease 
caused  by  a  fungus-like  creature  allied  to  that  which  produces  finger- 
and-toe  in  Turnips  and  clubroot  in  Cabbages.  But  it  is  higher  specialised 
than  that  fungus  (Plasmodiophora  brasslcas),  for,  though  this  curious 
group  of  fungi,  called  Myxomycetes  (to  which  finger-and-toe  fungus 
belongs),  have  the  power  of  movement  by  changing  their  forms,  like  the 
low  microscopic  animals  called  Amcebas,  it  possesses  the  power  of 
locomotion  in  a  higher  degree,  and  is  capable  of  attacking  any  part  of 
the  plant.  The  malignant  bacteroidg  causing  disease  in  Melons, 
Cucumbers,  and  Vegetable  Marrows  sometimes  attack  the  stem  only, 
level  with  or  within  a  foot  of  the  ground,  and  the  plants  so  attacked 
collapse  as  suddenly  as  those  infested  at  the  roots.  But  it  may  leave 
the  roots  and  stem  intact,  fastening  on  the  bines  here  and  there,  and 
causing  a  swelling,  with  sometimes  an  exudation,  which  is  due  to  the 
ferment  set  up  by  the  bacteria,  and  in  other  cases  it  may  infest  the 
leaves  only.  In  the  latter  case  the  leaves  are  usually  thick  in  texture 
and  abnormally  green  and  healthy  in  appearance,  but  this  gives  place  to 
a  jaundiced  hue,  and  transparent  yellow  pustules  appear  on  the  upper 
surface.  These  soon  shrink,  forming  specks,  and  the  leaves  turn  rusty 
and  collapse,  the  midribs  and  footstalks  remaining  intact ;  all  the  same, 
the  plants  die,  apparently  healthy  at  the  roots,  in  the  stems,  and  even 
bines.  If  the  plants  are  examined  they  will  be  found  to  have  no  (or 
only  small  and  discoloured)  nitrogenic  nodosities  on  the  roots,  which  is 
a  common  case  where  fermenting  materials  are  employed  for  bottom 
heat,  and  we  may  assume  that  the  bacteroidg  which  convert  free  nitrogen 
into  the  form  by  which  it  can  be  assimilated  by  the  plant  are  not  pre^ 
sent.  This  is  a  vital  point  in  proving  that  the  presence  and  vitality 
of  the  micro-organisms  which  give  rise  to  the  root-tubercles  is  the  indis¬ 
pensable  factor  by  which  atmospheric  nitrogen  is  taken  up  and  elaborated, 
It  is  still  further  necessary  to  show  that  the  malignant  bacteroids  do  not 
attack  the  roots,  stem,  bines,  footstalks,  and  midribs  of  the  leaves  because 
they  contain  assimilated  nitrogen.  This  is  seen  in  the  case  under 
notice  by  the  micro-organisms  concentrating  their  forces  on  the  parts 
where  the  free  nitrogen  enters  the  plant,  which  can  only  take  place  by 
the  parts  above  ground,  and  most  freely  by  the  leaves.  On  examining 
the  thinner  tissue  of  the  leaf,  where  the  free  nitrogen  must  enter  most 
and  freest,  we  found  the  stomata  swollen  and  closed,  and  the  hairs 
remarkably  short,  blunt,  and  stunted,  whilst  they  were  almost  entirely 
wanting  on  the  thicker  portions.  In  the  interior  of  the  latter  the 
bacteria  were  very  abundant,  but  not  so  much  so  as  to  cause  the  sudden 
collapse  or  decay  of  the  affected  part,  for  there  were  some  perfectly  healthy 
cells,  but  most  had  been  invaded,  and  we  anticipate  the  drying  up  and 
falling  away  of  those  parts  of  the  leaves  as  if  scorched,  leaving  the  mid¬ 
ribs  and  footstalks  intact.  The  plants,  however,  will  positively  refuse 
to  grow,  though  their  roots  and  stems  appear  perfectly  healthy,  and  they, 
with  their  fruit,  gradually  wither.  The  fruit  ripens  prematurely,  and 
the  seeds  are  for  the  most  part  very  defective,  if,  indeed,  they  store 
sufficient  matter  to  effect  germination.  The  seeds,  however,  are  not  in 
any  way  affected  by  the  bacterial  affection,  and  the  disease  will  not 
show  itself  in  the  progeny.  It  is  not  by  any  means  a  new  disease, 
for  it  has  been  known  in  England  more  than  a  century,  although 


diseases  of  this  nature  have  only  received  the  attention  of  bacteriologists 
within  the  last  quarter  of  a  century. 

Bones  Becoming-  Putrid  and  Maggotty  In  Cbrysantbemum 
Pots  {W,  A.  M.). — This  is  a  very  common  occurrence  this  season, 
many  plants  being  ruined  by  the  broken  bones  employed  as  drainage  to 
the  pots  at  the  time  of  the  final  potting  having  become  putrid,  alive 
with  maggots,  and  emitting  a  stench.  The  bones,  though  perfectly  dry 
and  in  excellent  condition  when  received,  soon  become  decomposed 
when  moistened  because  they  have  undergone  a  process  of  fermentation 
so  as  to  render  the  gases  they  contain  more  readily  available  for  the 
plants.  Such  bones,  however,  should  never  be  used  for  drainage,  nor, 
indeed,  any  bones,  for  all  are  liable  to  ferment  and  foster  the  develop¬ 
ment  of  maggots.  It  is  different  when  the  bones  are  mixed  with  the 
soil  ;  then  the  producers  of  the  maggots  cannot  get  at  them,  and  the 
decomposition  takes  place  much  more  gradually  and  they  are  likely  to 
prove  advantageous.  There  is  nothing  like  a  clean  drainage  composed  of 
potsherds  for  Chrysanthemums.  It  is  imperative  to  get  rid  of  the  bones, 
clearing  every  particle  away,  cleansing  the  pots,  and  using  crocks  only  for 
drainage.  The  soil  also  that  has  not  been  occupied  with  roots  should  be 
removed,  using  fresh  loam  intermixed  with  lime  rubbish  and  charcoal, 
as  these,  especially  the  old  plaster,  will  have  a  tendency  to  sweeten  the 
soil,  and  it  will  further  be  freed  of  sourness  by  watering  the  plants 
with  tepid  water  in  which  1  oz.  of  washing  soda  to  3  gallons  has  been 
dissolved.  The  sodic  solution  will  saponify  the  fatty  matter  present  in 
the  soil,  and  this  practice  a  large  grower  has  found  necessary  to  pursue 
with  plants  that  were  almost  killed  by  indiscreetly  using  bones  for 
drainage,  which  by  the  vendor  were  described  as  particularly  strong. 

Arrangement  of  Grounds  and  Orchards  {J.  H.  jF). — The 

small  kitchen  garden,  47  yards  by  16  yards,  would,  as  the  ground  is 
heavy,  be  best  occupied  with  half-standard  Plums.  They  would  come 
into  bearing  soon  and  be  profitable  in  a  few  years  ;  plant  in  the 
autumn  as  soon  as  the  leaves  have  fallen.  The  Czar,  Belgian  Purple, 
Prince  Englebert,  Gisborne’s,  and  Victoria  are  suitable  varieties,  with 
Crittenden  and  Bradley’s  King  Damsons.  The  spaces  between  the  trees, 
which  may  be  15  feet  apart,  could  be  utilised  with  vegetables,  or  be 
temporarily  planted  with  Strawberries  or  Gooseberries  and  other  bush 
fruits.  The  drying  ground  must  of  course  remain  as  it  is,  also  the  43  by 
40  yards  orchard,  which,  however,  seems  to  have  many  vacant  places, 
especially  on  the  west  and  north  sides,  but  these,  we  presume,  you  intend 
to  fill  up  by  the  trees  you  name.  The  80  by  38  yards  meadow  might  be 
planted  with  fruit  trees,  employing  standards  if  you  wish  to  have  the 
use  of  the  grass  ;  but  it  is  an  undesirable  practice  unless  the  grass  is 
eaten  by  calves  or  sheep,  though  it  may  be  mown  only.  Manure  is  given 
after  or  before  every  crop,  say  not  less  than  20  tons  of  stable  or  farmyard 
manure  each  year.  Apples  would  perhaps  answer  under  such  circum¬ 
stances,  provided  the  soil  is  well  drained,  along  with  the  hardier  Pears. 
It  would,  however,  be  much  the  best  broken  up,  properly  prepared,  and 
planted  in  the  autumn  with  bush  trees,  as  the  choicer  varieties  would 
have  a  better  chance.  Mr.  Gladstone.  Duchess  of  Oldenburg,  Worcester 
Pearmain,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  Gascoigne’s  Scarlet 
Seedling,  and  Baumann’s  Eeinette  are  desirable  dessert  Apples ;  and 
for  culinary,  Keswick  Codlin,  Lord  Grosvenor,  Potts’  Seedling,  Ecklin- 
ville.  Queen,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  New  Hawthornden,  Golden  Noble, 
Prince  Bismarck,  Lane’s  Prince,  and  Bramley’s  Seedling.  They  may 
be  planted  6  feet  apart,  but  unless  root-pruned  they  would  require 
thinning  in  about  six  years,  leaving  them  12  feet  apart,  or  plant  them 
that  distance  at  the  commencement,  and  crop  with  vegetables  between. 
Of  Pears,  Beacon,  Jargonelle,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  Beurr^  d’Amanlis, 
Durondeau,  Beurr4  Superfin,  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Marechal  de  Cour, 
Emile  d’Heyst,  Doyenn4  du  Comice,  Beurrd  d’ Anjou,  and  Josephine  de 
Malines.  You  may  get  shelter  for  these  by  planting  the  north  side  with 
Damson  trees,  also  in  the  hedgerows,  or  by  them,  so  as  to  break  the  force 
of  winds.  Of  course  trees  can  be  planted  in  the  80  yards  by  30  yards 
meadow  on  the  grass,  and  they  may  be  either  Apples,  Pears,  or  Plums  as 
standards,  and  the  hedgerows,  except  on  the  south,  might  be  planted 
with  Damson  trees  for  shelter.  Of  the  plans  for  the  flower  garden.  No.  3 
is  the  most  simple,  and  by  enlarging  the  beds,  most  likely  to  meet  your 
requirements.  There  certainly  is  more  accommodation  for  plant*  in 
No.  2,  but  Ferns  are  not  likely  to  do  any  good  on  the  south  of  the-house, 
though  other  plants  would  do  well  on  the  rockwork.  The  beds  in  No.  1 
are  too  near  the  house,  where  it  is  desirable  to  have  grass  next  the  gravel 
instead  of  bare  earth — an  everlasting  eyesore.  We  cannot  submit  plans. 
Some  good  perennials  are  Adonis  vernalis.  Allium  pedemontanum, 
Alyssum  saxatile  compactum,  Alstromeria  psittacina,  Anthericum  lilias- 
trum,  Aquilegia  glandulosa,  Armeria  plantaginea  rosea,  Aubrietia  graeca 
superba,  Calochortus  luteus  oculatus.  Campanula  aggregata,  C.  dahurica, 
C.  glomerata  alba,  C.  Van  Houttei,  Centaurea  montana  and  var.  alba, 
Convallaria  majalis,  Corydalis  eximia,  Delphinium  nudicaule,  Dianthus 
floribundus,  Doronicum  Clusi,  Fuchsia  pumila,  Funkia  lanceolata, 
Gentiana  verna.  Geranium  Endressi,  Geum  Fremonti,  Hemerocallis 
flava,  Hepatica  triloba  vars.,  Hypericum  calycinum.  Iris  germanica  vars., 
I.  orientalis.  Lobelia  fulgens,  Lychnis  dioica  rubra  plena,  Mertensia 
sibirica.  Narcissus  Emperor,  N.  Empress,  N.  incomparabilis,  N,  poeticus 
ornatus  and  plenus,  QSnothera  Youngi,  Pseonia  arietina  vars.,  Papaver 
nudicaule  vars..  Phlox  amoena,  P.  subulata  vars.,  Polemonium  Kichardi, 
Pulmonaria  azurea.  Ranunculus  aconitifolius  plenus,  R.  bullatus  plenus, 
Saxifraga  Camposi,  Sedum  spectabile,  Spirrea  japonica,  Trollius  euro- 
paeus,  and  Zauschneria  californica.  All  are  under,  or  not  exceeding, 
2  feet  in  height,  and  do  not  need  stakes,  but  you  should  add  Pinks, 
double  Primroses,  Hellebores,  Auriculas,  Mimulus,  Pansies,  Violas,  V iolets, 
and  single  and  double  Pyrethrums,  with  bulbs  to  have  a  good  display. 


August  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


113 


Plums  Decaylngr  QJames  Hvoion). — The  fruit  is  affected  by  Plum 
rot  or  the  monilia  of  fruit  (Monilia  fructigena).  It  is  recommended  to 
spray  the  trees  with  Bordeaux  mixture  at  a  safe  strength,  say  2  ozs. 
sulphate  of  copper  dissolved  in  a  vessel  by  itself,  2  ozs.  quicklime,  slaked 
and  formed  into  a  thin  whitewash,  pouring  this  into  the  vessel  containing 
the  copper  SDlution  through  a  hair  sieve.  Stir  well,  and  dilute  to 
^2  gallons.  Spray  when  the  fruit  is  a  quarter  grown,  again  when  half 
grown,  and  just  before  commencing  to  ripen,  yet  prior  to  colouring.  The 
only  thing  that  can  be  done  now  is  to  collect  and  burn  all  the  affected 
fruits  and  practise  clean  culture.  Although  there  is  a  considerable 
amount  of  flocculent  matter  on  the  pieces  of  branch,  it  is  not  fungal, 
but  proceeds  from  the  scale,  which  appears  to  be  allied  to  the  Spindle- 
tree  scale  (Chionaspis  Euonymi).  Syringe  the  trees,  as  soon  as  the  fruit 
is  gathered,  with  softsoap,  half  a  pound  dissolved  in  a  gallon  of  boiling 
water,  place  in  a  2-gallon  stone  bottle  with  a  wineglassful  of  petroleum, 
cork,  and  agitate  violently  for  five  minutes,  so  as  to  churn  the  contents, 
theri  pour  in  a  gallon  of  boiling  water  or  a  little  less,  so  as  to  allow  of 
mixing  by  shaking,  pouring  into  a  4-gallon  watering  can,  and  add  two 
gallons  of  hot  water,  mixing  well  with  the  syringe.  When  cool  enough 
(100°  Fahr.),  syringe  the  trees,  wetting  every  part  with  the  emulsion,  and 
repeat,  if  necessary,  in  ten  days.  In  the  winter,  use  the  spray  treatment 
according  to  the  formula  given  in  vol.  i.,  page  2.51,  of  the  Fruit  Growers' 
Guide,  to  which  you  refer. 

M’ames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  coiisequence 
of  the  large  number  of  loorthless  Agifles  and  Pears  sent  to  this  office  to 
be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  sgyecimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  which  are  not  worth  sending 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  (J/.  31.  C.). — Apple,  Duchess  of  Oldenburg.  (IF.  J.  B.'). 
— 2,  Jolly  Beggar ;  3,  Bed  Astrachan  :  4,  Sugar-loaf  Pippin  :  5,  English 
Codlin.  (^B.  IF.). — White  Joanetting. 

Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(^South  American). — An  Argemone,  most  probably  a  sport  from  A. 
mexicana.  (77.  IF.). — Harpalium  rigidum.  (F.  B.'). — Calystegia 
pubescens.  (fAmateury — Oatananche  bicolor.  {J.  F.  Cranswicli). — 
Rubus  odoratus,  a  native  of  North  America,  introduced  in  1700. 
(^J.  D.'). — 1,  Saponaria  officinalis  ;  2,  Scutellaria  galericulata  ;  3,  Echium 
violaceum  ;  4,  Rosa  rugosa. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — August  2nd. 


Heavy  supplies  to  hand  with  trade  quiet. 

FRUIT. 


B. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

Apples,  half  sieve  . .  . . 

1 

0  to  3 

6 

Grapes  per  lb . 

1 

0 

to  2 

0 

„  Tasmanian, per  case 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Lemons,  case  . ,  . .  . . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

„  Nova  Scotia,  per 

Oranges,  per  100  ,. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

barrel . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

6 

8 

0 

Cherries,  half  sieve  . ,  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

1 

6 

2 

S 

Filberts,  per  100  lbs.  , . 

40 

0 

0 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  , . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Gooseberries,  half  sieve  . . 

1 

6 

2 

0 

Strawberries,  per  lb . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

B. 

d. 

s.  d. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d 

Asparagus,  per  bundle  . . 

0 

0 

.0  0 

0 

Mustard  and  Oress,  punnet 

0 

2 

to  0 

0 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb.  . . 

0 

3 

0 

4 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

1 

0 

1 

6 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  .. 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Cucumbers,  dozen  ,.  .. 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Seakale,  per  basket  ..  ., 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

6 

Lettuce,  dozen  ..  ..  .. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

0 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  ..  .. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE 

WHOLESALE 

PRIOES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 

s. 

d. 

S. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  . . 

3 

0  to  6 

0 

Asters  (French),  per  bunch 

1 

0 

1 

6 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

6 

Calceolaria,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

1 

0 

3 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

bunches . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

Primula  (double)  12  sprays 

0 

9 

1 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  .. 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lilium  lanoifolium,  dozen 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

o 

0 

4 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Stocks,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum  12 

Sweet  Peas,  doz.  bimches.. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

blooms  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Sweet  Sultan,  per  dozen 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms , ,  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

PLANTS  IN  POTS. 


8. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

a. 

d. 

Arbor  Vit®  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 

0 

24 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Lobelia,  pei  doz . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Dracmna  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . , 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Euonvmus,  var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Nasturtiums,  per  dozen  .. 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

21 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Ferns  (small)  per  hundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  per  dozen . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  . .  . . 

1 

6 

7 

6 

„  scarlet,  per  dozen. . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each.. 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Petunia,  per  dozen  ..  .. 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  ..  .. 

5 

0 

9 

0 

„  single,  in  boxes.. 

1 

G 

3 

0 

Hydrangea,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Rhodanthe,  per  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

FARM  ORCHARDS. 

Now  is  the  time  to  closely  inspect  farm  orchards,  to  make 
a  critical  survey  of  each  tree,  so  as  to  form  a  reliable  opinion 
of  its  condition  and  requirements  ;  to  decide  if  it  is  or  is  not 
as  healthy  and  as  fruitful  as  it  ought  to  be  ;  whether  it  is 
capable  of  improvement  under  special  treatment,  or  is  worth¬ 
less  and  a  mere  waster  of  valuable  space.  Seven  such  special 
inspections  have  we  made  recently,  all  of  them  highly  important, 
showing,  as  they  did,  how  general  is  the  ignorance  of  the  mere 
rudiments  of  fruit  culture  even  in  its  most  simple  guise  of 
the  grass  farm  orchard.  This  is  all  the  more  deplorable  from 
the  fact  that  many  of  the  trees  of  both  Apples  and  Pears  in 
such  orchards  have  heavy  crops  of  fruit  this  season,  very  much 
of  which  is  so  small  as  to  be  comparatively  worthless  for 
market.  “  The  trees  bear  well,  but  the  fruit  is  always  small,” 
said  the  owner  of  one  of  those  orchards,  and  he  went  on  to 
suggest  root-pruning  as  a  remedy !  We  had  to  explain  that 
root-pruning  is  only  required  to  repress  undue  vigour  of  wood 
growth ;  that  his  trees,  with  their  heads  grown  into  thickets, 
with  no  young  wood  growth  now  or  for  several  years,  with 
the  whole  of  the  branches  heavily  laden  with  fruit  and  thickly 
set  with  blossom  buds,  were  in  such  a  condition  of  exhaustion 
that  fine  fruit  was  an  impossibility.  The  remedy  was  simply 
a  judicious  branch- thinning,  with  frequent  and  full  doses  of 
liquid  manure  to  the  roots. 

We  have  no  doubt  that  our  advice  is  applicable  to  most 
old  farm  orchards  throughout  the  land.  It  is  a  good  sign  that 
such  advice  is  asked  for  so  frequently  now,  but  we  fear  it  is 
not  always  applied  so  well  as  to  do  much  good.  It  is  so  difficult 
for  beginners  to  grasp  the  significance  of  a  full  dose  of  liquid 
manure.  A  mere  surface  wetting  does  no  good ;  the  whole 
of  the  soil  about  the  whole  of  the  roots  must  be  dosed  so 
persistently  that  it  is  fully  supplied  with  plant  food.  To  make 
sure  of  this  it  is  poured  over  the  whole  of  the  surface  under 
the  tree  and  for  fully  a  yard  outside  the  radius  of  its  branches. 
In  some  instances  it  is  necessary  to  open  a  small  trench  a 
spade  deep  right  round  the  tree  under  the  tips  of  the  branches 
and  to  make  a  few  holes  between  this  circular  trench  and  the 
stem  ;  then  by  repeatedly  filling  holes  and  trench  with  liquid 
manure  it  spreads  and  sinks  deep  enough  in  the  soil  to  reach 
all  the  roots.  There  the  orchard  adjoined  the  homestead,  from 
whence  the  sewer  ran  into  a  large  cesspool  overflowing  with 
sewage  in  the  lower  part  of  the  orchard.  It  had  never  occurred 
to  the  worthy  farmer  to  turn  this  rich  source  of  fertility  to 
account,  but  he  promised  to  do  so  at  once  and  persistently.  A 
supply  of  such  excellent  liquid  manure  is  forthcoming  at  most 
farm  homesteads  ;  at  many  it  is  justly  regarded  as  invaluable 
for  grass  land,  and  if  enough  cannot  be  spared  for  the  trees 


114 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


f  August  3,  1893. 


a  splendid  substitute  can  be  bad  by  dissolving  in  40  gallons  of 
water  1  lb.  nitrate  of  soda,  1  lb.  muriate  of  potasb,  and  2  lbs. 
superphosphate.  This  is  an  excellent  fertiliser  for  all  fruit 
trees  and  bushes,  as  well  as  for  those  in  old  orchards,  but  there 
especially  do  we  recommend  the  combination  of  potash  with 
the  other  salts,  because  of  the  too  probab’e  exhaustion  of  the 
soil  near  the  trees. 

At  another  farm,  in  an  old  orchard  near  the  house  an 
attempt  had  been  made  to  gradually  clear  off  and  replace  the 
old  and  much  cankered  trees  with  young  ones.  The  soil  was  a 
cold  heavy  clay,  and  though  the  young  trees  had  made  some 
growth,  it  had  cankered  so  badly  that  ihe  restoration  of  the 
orchard  was  practically  a  failure.  Evidence  of  the  remarkable 
energy  and  ability  of  the  farmer  is  afforded  by  the  general 
excellence  of  the  whole  of  the  other  crops  on  the  farm,  notwith¬ 
standing  the  long  drought.  He  was  not  content  to  fail  in  even 
such  a  minor  matter  as  the  management  of  his  orchard,  and  so 
came  his  appeal  for  advice.  As  usual,  the  remedy  was  a  very 
simple  matter  ;  he  has  to  discard  the  diseased  trees,  to  open 
stations  6  feet  square  and  2  feet  deep,  to  lay  a  row  of  2  inch 
drain  pipes  across  the  bottom,  to  fill  the  stations  with  sound 
top-spit  soil,  using  enough  of  it  to  allow  for  its  gradually  settle¬ 
ment  to  the  common  level,  to  connect  the  station  drains  with  a 
central  main  drain  running  right  through  the  orchard,  and  to 
plant  strong  healthy  standard  trees  immediately  after  the  leaf 
falls  in  autumn.  To  make  stations  in  clay  without  outlets  for 
water  must  lead  to  failure.  The  farmer’s  puzzle  was  why  the 
orchard  trees  failed,  while  a  dozen  or  more  others  planted  at 
the  same  time  in  a  hedgerow  had  made  healthy  growth  and 
were  bearing  fruit.  Upon  going  to  the  hedgerow  we  pointed 
out  to  him  that  the  surface  of  a  field  on  one  side  of  it  was  quite 
3  feet  lower  than  that  on  the  other  side,  there  was  no  possi¬ 
bility  of  accumulation  of  water  about  the  roots,  and  they  were 
healthy  thriving  trees. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Never  was  there  a  season  when  nitrogenous  manures  played  such 
an  important  part  as  they  have  in  this  summer  of  trials  and  difficulties 
arising  from  the  great  drought.  The  application  of  the  mixture  of 
nitrate  of  soda,  superphosphate,  muriate  of  potash,  and  steamed  bone 
flour  to  pasture  during  the  last  week  of  February  told  even  better  than 
usual,  for  the  soil  had  been  well  soaked  by  the  heavy  rain  of  that  wet 
month,  and  there  was  plenty  of  rain  then  and  at  the  beginning  of 
March  to  thoroughly  dissolve  and  wash  in  the  manure  to  the  soil  about 
the  roots  of  Grasses  and  Clovers.  A  full  hay  crop  thus  became  a 
certainty.  It  has  repeatedly  been  so  in  other  seasons  when,  although 
there  has  been  no  long  drought,  drying  March  winds  have  not  been 
followed  by  April  showers.  Clearly,  then,  the  lesson  enforced  once 
more  is  to  apply  chemical  to  all  grass  land  about  the  last  week  in 
February.  “  But,”  we  were  once  told,  “  it  could  not  be  done  with 
snow  upon  the  ground.”  It  could,  and  with  this  advantage,  that  as 
the  snow  melts  it  carries  the  manure  into  the  turf. 

Nitrate  of  soda  alone  has  also  and  is  playing  an  important  part 
now.  With  frequent  showers  free  growth  is  a  certainty  if  only 
1  or  2  cwt.  per  acre  of  chis  splendid  fertiliser  is  sown  broadcast  over 
hungry  pasture,  among  catch  crops,  roots,  or  any  other  crops  requiring 
a  lift  onwards.  It  is  really  lamentable  to  find  so  many  graziers,  with 
ruin  staring  them  in  the  face,  doing  nothing  of  the  sort  to  help  them¬ 
selves.  Want, of  means  1  Surely  not,  for  it  is  entirely  worth  while  for 
a  man  to  sacrifice  something  in  order  to  obtain  command  of  such  a 
means  of  giving  food  to  his  hungry  cattle  and  hope  to  himself.  It  is 
certain  that  wherever  the  soil  has  been  well  tilled  in  autumn  and  well 
stored  with  fertility  that  crops  are  highly  satisfactory  now.  Equally 
clear  is  it  that  poverty  of  soil  under  the  drought  has  led  to  a  ruinous 
crop  failure.  Corn  harvest  is  in  full  swing  very  generally  south  of  the 
Trent.  It  is  a  month  earlier  than  usual,  and  points  to  one  of  the  finest 
opportunities  for  thorough  autumn  tillage  we  have  had  for  many  years. 
Let  us  try  and  turn  it  to  full  account. 


FAEMING  AT  HOME  AND  ABROAD. 

The  following  interesting  note  by  Mr.  Martin  J.  Sutton,  of  Kidmore 
Grange,  appears  in  the  Times  of  July  31st.  Mr.  Sutton  says  : — 

“  On  my  return  home  I  find  that  very  little  improvement  has  taken 
place  in  the  situation  since  I  left  in  the  last  week  in  June.  It  would 
appear  that,  though  the  second  cuttings  of  Clover  leys  will  be  improved, 
the  root  crops  have  not  been  so  much  benefited  by  the  heavy  rains  of 
the  last  fortnight  as  might  reasonably  have  been  expected,  while  those 


rains  have  done  more  harm  than  good  to  the  corn.  I  should  like  to 
say  a  word  on  the  condition  of  affairs  on  the  Continent.  I  started  on 
my  usual  journey  abroad  on  the  26th  of  June,  after  travelling  some 
hundreds  of  miles  the  week  previous  through  some  of  the  best  agricul¬ 
tural  districts  of  England.  I  was  thus  able  to  compare  the  agricultural 
conditions  then  obtaining  in  this  country  and  those  on  the  Continent. 
I  have  since  travelled  some  3000  miles  by  road  and  rail  inspecting  the 
crops  in  the  north  of  France,  Belgium,  the  Rhine  Provinces,  and 
Southern  Germany.  It  is  true  that  in  all  these  countries  the  first  hay 
crop  was  a  comparative  failure,  and  it  seemed  at  one  time  that  the 
roots  might  also  be  short.  But  I  was  agreeably  surprised  to  find  there 
the  grass  growing  very  rapidly  for  the  second  crop,  and,  excepting  in 
parts  in  the  north  of  France,  the  roots  looking  very  well  indeed.  Rye 
this  year  appeared  to  me  a  specially  heavy  crop,  and  it  has  been  mostly 
seeured  in  splendid  condition,  I  saw  some  very  heavy  pieces  of  Wheat, 
and  both  Oats  and  Barley  are  far  better  than  those  to  be  met  with  on 
this  side  of  the  Channel,  Indeed,  it  was  lamentable  all  the  way  between 
Dover  and  London,  travelling  through  the  richest  districts  of  Kent,  to 
contrast  the  miserable  crops  there  growing  with  the  abundance  on  the 
other  side.  It  is  satisfactory  to  know  that  north  of  the  Humber 
agrieultural  prospects,  even  in  our  own  country,  are  just  as  good  as 
they  are  bad  in  the  south,  and  unless  a  very  wet  hay  and  corn  harvest 
follows  there  and  the  Potato  disease  spreads  rapidly  and  injures  the 
tubers,  the  Yorkshire,  Lancashire,  and  Scotch  farmers  will  have  little 
to  complain  of,  as  they  will  have  good  crops  of  hay  to  sell  at  famine 
prices.  Very  different  is  the  prospect  for  agriculturists  in  the  western, 
southern,  and  eastern  districts  of  England,  where  hay,  roots,  and  spring 
corn  are  all  seriously  deficient,  and  Wheat  cannot  be  an  average  crop.” 


THE  FIRST  POCKETS  OF  HOPS. 

The  first  pocket  of  new  Kent  Hops  arrived  in  the  Borough  on 
Monday  last,  and  was  sold  at  £25  per  cwt.  In  sending  this  information, 
Messrs.  W,  H.  &  H,  Le  May  state  that  the  effect  of  the  rain  that  has 
fallen  during  the  last  three  weeks  can  now  be  seen.  It  has  freshened 
up  all,  but  the  Golding  Hops  in  Mid  and  East  Kent  have  benefited 
the  most.  The  bine  is  now  full  of  sap,  and  the  foliage  a  very  dark 
green.  With  fine  hot  dry  weather  from  now  till  picking  they  would 
estimate  the  Golding  grounds  to  give  a  crop  of  8  cwt.  per  acre.  With 
regard  to  the  Fuggles  on  the  heavy  clays  of  the  Weald  of  Kent  and 
Sussex,  the  rain  came  too  late  to  increase  the  crop  much.  These  Hops, 
with  the  earlies,  such  as  Prolifics,  Hobb’s,  and  Seale’s,  may  produce  an 
average  of  3  cwt.  to  4  cwt.  per  acre,  if  the  red  spider  that  is  running 
very  fast  through  most  grounds  does  not  prevent  the  development  of  the 
Hop  cones.  Many  experienced  growers  think  there  will  not  be  a  pocket 
per  acre  picked  in  those  grounds  that  are  badly  infested  with  red  spider. 
The  market  is  very  firm. 

On  Saturday  Messrs.  Edward  Webb  &  Sons,  Wordsley,  received  a 
pocket  of  new  Worcester  Hops,  which  passed  the  public  scales  at 
Worcester  on  Friday,  which  is  the  earliest  date  on  record.  It  was 
grown  by  Mr.  H.  T.  Taylor,  Showle  Court,  Ledbury.  The  pocket  was 
resold  to  Mr.  W.  Butler,  Crown  Brewery,  Birmingham.  The  quality 
of  the  year’s  crop  is  likely  to  be  good,  but  a  light  yield  is  expected. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamdex  Square,  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

Rain, 

1893. 

July. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

23 

30T90 

65-7 

55-8 

S. 

62-0 

73-3 

48-9 

108-9 

43-0 

0-391 

Monday  . . 

24 

29-911 

66-3 

63-6 

s.w. 

62-2 

75  6 

59-0 

117-1 

57-4 

— 

Tuesday  . , 

25 

29-873 

65-2 

56-9 

w. 

62-7 

73-7 

57-4 

123-7 

53-9 

— 

Wednesday 

26 

29-838 

65-0 

58-7 

s.w. 

62-2 

71-0 

55-9 

1.0-2 

52-9 

0-020 

Thursday . . 

27 

30-161 

61-8 

54-4 

N.E. 

62  7 

72-3 

54-4 

119-8 

50-4 

— 

Friday 

28 

30-305 

63-4 

55-1 

N.E. 

62-3 

71-3 

47-3 

104-8 

43-2 

— 

Saturday  . . 

29 

30-136 

64-9 

59-9 

S.W. 

62-6 

70-8 

58-8 

96-7 

55-2 

0-072 

30-059 

64-6 

57-8 

62-4 

72-6 

54-5 

113-0 

50-9 

0-483 

REMARKS. 

23rd.— Generally  sunny  in  the  morning  and  cloudy  in  the  afternoon  ;  rain  after  6  P.M. 
and  heavy  rain  from  9  r.M.  to  11  P.M. 

24th. — Rainy  till  6  A.M.,  and  overcast  till  11  A.M..  bright  and  sunny  after. 

25th. — Generally  sunny  throughout  the  day ;  cloudy  with  spots  of  rain  in  the  evening. 

26th. — Bright  early  ;  showery  with  thunder  from  8.30  a.m.  to  10  A.M.,  then  generally 
sunny  till  3  P.M.  and  variable  after,  with  frequent  thunder  and  occasional 
rain. 

27th. — Fine  and  generally  sunny,  but  occasionally  overcast  in  the  afternoon. 

28th. — Bright  early,  but  very  calm,  and  the  sun  became  gradually  obscured  by  the 
accumulation  of  smoke ;  cloudy  in  the  afternoon  and  overcast  with  spots  of  rain 
in  the  evening. 

29th. — Occasional  sunshine  in  the  morning,  but  generally  overcast ;  rain  at  0.30  P.M., 
and  slight  showers  later. 

Temperature  very  similar  to  that  of  the  previous  week  and  of  the  average.  Very 

little  rain  except  on  the  23rd. — G.  J.  SYMON6. 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


115 


There  are  various  ways  of  spending  Bank  Holiday,  and  it  will 
be  conceded  that  those  persons  who  endeavour  to  combine 
pleasure  with  instruction  on  holiday  occasions  spend  the  time  at 
their  disposal  not  unwisely.  When  we  remember  the  methods  that 
were  indulged  in  by  the  community  during  periods  of  recreation 
some  half  a  century  ago  and  compare  them  with  those  in  vogue  now, 
we  cannot  fail  to  recognise  an  advance  in  the  right  direction  in  the 
habits  of  the  people.  The  change  has  been  brought  about  in  part 
by  the  better  system  of  education  that  is  now  well  established,  and 
in  part — and  a  very  large  part  too— by  the  development  of  railways 
and  the  temptations  of  their  managers  to  secure  as  large  a  share  as 
possible  of  the  loose  cash  of  the  million.  Inducements  to  travel 
have  been  offered  till  they  seem  to  have  become  irresistible,  and 
cities  and  towns  become  perceptibly  emptied  by  the  exodus  of 
their  inhabitants.  Some,  it  is  true,  indeed  many  thousands,  stop 
short  at  the  parks  and  commons  that  have  been  provided  or 
preserved  near  populous  centres,  and  this  proves  the  value  and 
usefulness  of  those  large,  enjoyable,  and  healthy  places  of  popular 
resort.  Thousands  more  go  farther  afield  and  have  a  veritable 
“  day  in  the  country  ”  or  at  the  seaside.  Then  efforts  are  being 
made  in  semi-rural  districts  to  attract  the  people  to  some  pleasant 
centre,  such  as  a  gentleman’s  park,  where  a  flower  show  and  an 
exhibition  of  cottage  garden  and  allotment  produce  is  held  and 
modes  of  healthy  enjoyment  provided. 

There  is  a  greater  disposition  now  than  ever  existed  before  to 
afford  encouragement  to  the  working  population  to  derive  pleasure 
and  profit  from  small  gardens  and  allotments,  and,  happily,  greater 
alacrity  on  the  part  of  workers  to  accept  it.  We  read  in  a  daily 
paper  that  the  excellent  institution  known  as  the  Finchley  Allot¬ 
ment  Holders’  Society  contrived  on  Monday  last  to  combine  business 
with  pleasure,  and  it  succeeded  admirably.  It  took  advantage  of 
Bank  Holiday  to  show  what  it  could  do  in  the  cultivation  of  fruit, 
flowers,  and  vegetables.  There  are  345  allotment  holders  in  the 
Seciety,  and  they  contributed  nearly  450  exhibits.  The  Finchley 
Society  is  an  example  of  what  may  be  done  throughout  the  country. 
It  is  beyond  question  that  the  cultivators  of  allotments,  small 
holdings,  and  cottage  gardens  may  put  into  their  own  pockets  a 
great  amount  of  money  that  is  now  spent  upon  importations  from 
abroad.  Under  a  fully  developed  system  the  cultivation  of  allot¬ 
ments  and  small  holdings  would  go  far  to  arrest  or  counterbalance 
the  decline  which  is  observable  in  several  branches  of  what  is  still 
the  chief  national  industry.  The  existence  of  this  Society  of 
Allotment  Holders  at  Finchley  also  reminds  us  that  the  English 
petty  cultivator  may  profit  by  the  example  of  his  French  neigh¬ 
bours.  In  a  recent  report,  drawn  up  at  the  British  Embassy  in 
Paris  and  lately  published  by  the  Foreign  Office,  an  interesting 
account  is  given  of  the  unions  which  the  small  farmers  of  France 
have  formed  among  themselves  for  the  purpose  of  buying  the  best 
seeds,  manures,  and  implements  at  the  lowest  prices,  and  of  gelling 
their  surplus  produce  on  the  most  favourable  terms. 

Another  example  of  spending  Bank  Holiday  on  similar  lines 
was  afforded  by  the  Show  of  the  Beddington,  Carshalton,  and 
Walliugton  Horticultural  Society  that  is  established  to  promote 
interest  and  efficiency  in  cottage  gardening  and  allotment  culture 
in  a  district  having  an  area  of  about  four  square  miles.  Mr.  A.  H. 
Smee,  C.C.,  is  a  leader  in  this  work,  and  takes  active  personal 

No.  685. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Sekies. 


interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  Society.  At  this  last  Bank  Holiday 
Show  he  provided  a  class  at  once  novel  and  useful,  and  which  also 
proved  an  unqualified  success.  It  may  be  fittingly  termed  a 
Sunday  dinner  class  for  a  working  man’s  family.  The  idea 
“caught  on,”  and  it  is  impossible  to  speak  too  highly  of  the 
results.  It  is  not  easy  to  conceive  the  effect  of  some  thirty  dinners 
arranged  side  by  side,  all  giving  evidence  of  thought,  taste,  and 
culinary  skill.  As  the  entries  came  in  the  question  of  judges 
became  a  matter  of  concern.  It  is  thought  that  the  views  of  high 
class  experts,  such  as  club  chefs,  might  be  different  from  those 
accustomed  to  dinners  of  this  character.  It  was  eventually  decided 
that  one  of  the  County  Council  lecturers  on  cookery  should,  in 
conjunction  with  a  gentleman  who  during  many  years  had  practical 
experience  of  a  working  gardener’s  fare,  and  who  also  well  knows 
what  is  good  in  advanced  cookery,  award  the  prizes.  Having 
regard  to  the  novelty,  excellence,  and  altogether  satisfactory 
character  of  this  dinner  show,  we  asked  Mr.  Edward  Luckhurst 
to  describe  the  exhibits  in  the  belief  that  his  description  would 
be  of  interest  to  the  majority  of  our  readers,  and  he  obligingly 
complied  as  follows  : — 

“  At  the  annual  Show  of  the  Society  above  mentioned,  held  at 
Carshalton  Park  on  August  Bank  Holiday,  a  novel  feature  was 
introduced  in  the  guise  of  a  competition  open  to  the  wives  and 
daughters  of  all  subscribers  and  members  for  the  best  dinner  to  be 
produced  at  a  cost  not  exceeding  2s  ;  the  dinner  to  consist  of 
meat  and  at  least  two  distinct  kinds  of  vegetables,  and  be  sufficient 
for  a  man,  his  wife,  and  three  children,  the  value  of  each  article 
to  be  clearly  stated.  This  was  proposed  by  A.  H.  Smee,  Esq.,  who 
with  his  usual  liberality  gave  £5  to  be  awarded  in  four  prizes  of  £2, 
£1  lOs.,  £1,  and  10s.,  to  which,  owing  to  the  hearty  response 
made  to  this  offer,  and  the  evident  utility  of  the  competition,  Mr. 
Smee  added  three  other  prizes  of  7s.  6d.  each. 

“  How  popular  this  new  departure  is  was  shown  by  the  thirty- 
two  entries,  filling  the  central  table  of  a  large  tent.  So  good  were 
most  of  the  dinners  that  the  work  of  judging  was  anything  but  a 
light  matter.  To  visitors  the  Show  proved  an  irresistible  attrac¬ 
tion,  the  tent  being  thronged  all  the  afternoon,  and  discussion  ran 
high  over  the  merits  of  the  exhibits, 

“  As  was  to  be  expected  this  class  showed  praiseworthy  traits  of 
humble  life  and  character.  How  much  time,  thought  and  care  had 
been  devoted  to  the  work,  how  thoroughly  the  competitors  had 
thrown  themselves  into  it,  and  how  eagerly  results  were  looked 
forward  to,  could  probably  hardly  be  grasped  by  even  such  an 
appreciative  throng  as  made  access  to  the  table  most  difficult. 
One  point  about  which  there  was  an  unmistakeable  concensus  of 
opinion  was  that  the  best  dinner  gained  the  first  prize  ;  but  “  how 
Mrs.  Stevens  did  it  for  the  money”  was  evidently  a  puzzle. 
Mrs,  Stevens  is  the  thrifty  wife  of  the  worthy  head  gardener 
to  E,  G.  Coles,  Esq.,  The  Lodge,  Carshalton,  who  himself  took 
high  honours  as  first  for  a  collection  of  vegetables,  first  for  a 
collection  of  fruits,  and  several  other  leading  prizes  in  the  Show. 
Mrs.  Stevens’  dinner  consisted  of  a  well  cooked  joint  of  pressed 
beef,  a  tureen  of  soup  made  in  cooking  the  beef,  which  was 
temptingly  glazed  and  garnished  with  Beetroot  and  Parsley  ;  two 
equally  well  cooked  dishes  of  Runner  Beans  and  Potatoes,  a  Plum 
tart,  and  custard  with  bread  comprised  the  rest  of  this  appetising 
meal,  which  was  alike  admirably  selected,  cooked,  and  placed  on 
the  table.  The  cost  was  precisely  2s,  To  go  into  details  the 
prices  given  were  soup  flavouring  Id.,  beef  9d.,  Beet,  Parsley 
and  Glaze  l^d..  Beans  3d.,  Potatoes  2d.,  Bread  Id.,  Plum  tart  4d,, 
and  custard  l^d.  The  whole  of  the  judging  was  done  by  pointing  ; 
the  points  awarded  to  the  first  prize  being  54,  to  the  second  51 
to  the  third  prize  47,  and  to  the  fourth  prize  4G,  showing  plainly 
how  close  the  competition  was.  The  maximum  points  allowed 
amounted  to  98  :  soup  8,  fish  8,  stews  10,  meat  or  puddings  10, 
vegetables  12,  sweets  (5,  pastry  6,  savory  or  cheese  6,  bread  4, 
salad  4,  sufficiency  G,  cost  G,  skill  in  preparation  12.  It  will  be 

No.  2341.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


116 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  i.ugust  10,  1893 


understood  that  several  of  the  points  were  provisional,  and  not 
touched  at  all.  No  two  dinners  were  alike,  and  the  main  details  are 
given  in  case  they  may  be  suggestive  to  others,  as  they  may  wish 
to  add  an  interesting  feature  to  cottage  garden  shows. 

“  Good  management  as  well  as  good  cooking  had  its  due  influence 
upon  the  Judges’  decision,  and  Mrs.  Stevens’  admirable  manage¬ 
ment  certainly  exemplified  true  economy,  not  only  in  the  cooking 
and  serving  of  the  food,  but  in  the  purchase  of  it.  Mr.  Smee  is 
to  be  congratulated  upon  his  successful  innovation,  and  upon  the 
admirable  illustration  of  domestic  economy  which  this  new  feature 
in  exhibiting  affords.” 

Another  special  feature  set  forth  in  the  schedule  was  for  a 
collection  of  vegetables  in  nine  distinct  kinds,  which  were  to 
include  a  selection  from  the  following  : — Nine  tubers  of  Potatoes, 
three  Cauliflowers,  nine  Onions,  thirty-six  pods  of  Peas,  twenty- 
four  pods  of  Broad  Beans,  six  Carrots,  three  Marrows,  fifty 
Kidney  Beans,  three  Cabbages,  six  Parsnips,  and  six  Turnips,  Parsley 
being  admissible  for  furnishing.  This  class  was  rendered  the  more 
interesting  by  the  fact  that  it  was  open  to  all  amateurs,  cottagers, 
and  professional  gardeners  in  the  district.  The  competition  was 
remarkably  keen,  and  the  work  of  the  Judges  thus  rendered 
unusually  difficult.  The  maximum  number  of  points  which  could 
be  gained  was  73,  and  the  winner  of  the  first  prize,  Mr.  J.  H. 
Stevens,  was  adjudged  54 or  18j  below  the  maximum,  which, 
considering  the  season,  was  very  good.  It  will  doubtless  be  inter¬ 
esting  to  readers  to  know  with  what  produce  Mr.  Stevens  gained 
his  position,  and  the  number  of  points  he  was  awarded  for  each 
kind,  and  a  list  is  appended.  Potatoes  6  (out  of  10),  Peas  6, 
Scarlet  Runner  Beans  5,  Cooking  Cabbages  6,  Cauliflowers 
1^,  Onions  6,  Turnips  6,  Carrots  7,  Parsnips  5  (the  standard 
of  all  these  being  8  points)  which  gives  an  aggregate  of  54|^.  We 
have  said  the  competition  was  keen.  Mr.  J.  Slater,  who  was  awarded 
the  second  prize,  reached  54  points  ;  Mr.  Wm.  Newton  third,  53  , 
and  Mr.  Hy.  Schoolbridge  fourth,  51  J.  It  was  a  popular  class,  and 
gardeners  won  all  the  prizes  but  the  third.  Mr.  Newton  was  a 
working  builder  last  year  but  is  developing  into  something  else. 
After  hearing  lectures  on  horticulture  he  commenced  the  erection 
of  glass  structures.  They  were  completed  this  spring,  and  during 
the  present  summer  he  has  grown  and  sold  12,000  Cucumbers 
and  2  tons  of  Tomatoes.  He  is  further  “  making  land  pay,”  not 
under  glass  though  it  costs  him  £8  an  acre  in  rent  and  taxes. 
The  improvement  in  garden  and  allotment  culture  in  the  district 
is  remarkable,  a  comparison  with  the  pointing  of  every  crop  on 
plots  in  competition  for  prizes  last  year  and  this  showing  an 
average  increase  of  40  per  cent,  during  the  present  season  of 
drought,  as  ascertained  by  Mr.  Smee.  This  is  the  most  effectual, 
practical  and  conclusive  test  of  cultural  knowledge — appraising 
the  crops  for  prizes,  and  not  1  per  cent,  of  the  men  who  learn 
the  most  and  work  the  best  could  be  induced  to  sit  for  exami¬ 
nation  in  a  room  and  attempt  answering  a  series  of  questions 
on  paper. 

In  connection  with  the  Show  under  notice,  at  which  some 
300  prizes  were  awarded,  including  a  silver  medal  to  Mr.  G.  W. 
Cummins,  a  Conference  on  gardening  was  held.  E.  J.  Halsey,  Esq., 
Chairman  of  the  Surrey  County  Council,  presided,  and  in  an 
admirable  speech  promised  that  all  possible  help  and  encourage¬ 
ment  should  be  afforded  to  those  workers  who  wished  to  improve 
their  position  by  their  own  efforts,  and  gain  something  in  addition 
to  their  wages,  in  order  that  they  might  feel  themselves  more 
independent  and  happier  in  their  homes.  Mr.  J.  Wright  also  gave 
an  address  with  “  object  lessons,”  showing  the  effects  of  right  and 
wrong  methods  in  the  production  of  vegetables,  fruit,  and  flowers. 
The  tent  would  not  hold  half  the  people.  The  sides  were  removed, 
and  the  packed  audience,  inside  and  out,  manifested  the  closest 
interest  in  the  proceedings.  Pleasure  was  undoubtedly  combined 
with  instruction  in  the  spending  of  Bank  Holiday  in  Carshalton 
Park,  and  doubtless  many  other  places  in  the  kingdom  on  that 
bright  and  beautiful  day. 


PEACH-GROWING  FOR  MARKET. 

Round  London  there  appears  to  be  a  tendency  for  market 
growers  to  confine  their  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  one  or  at 
the  most  two  kinds  of  fruit  or  “fruit  vegetables.”  Some  grow 
nothing  but  Cucumbers,  others  Cucumbers  and  Tomatoes,  a  few 
grow  Grapes  and  Tomatoes  on  a  very  large  scale,  and  instances 
have  also  come  under  my  notice  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  being 
the  fruit  principally  grown.  Undoubtedly  it  is  a  great  mistake  to 
attempt  the  cultivation  of  a  variety  of  crops,  especially  if  it  ends 
in  none  of  them  being  done  well,  and  beginners  in  the  neighbour¬ 
hood  of  the  Metropolis  ought  certainly  to  be  warned  in  time.  The 
case,  however,  with  market  growers  starting  in  the  provinces  is 
different  and  greater  variety  is  called  for.  According  to  my  experi¬ 
ence,  provincial  towns  are  far  from  being  well  supplied  with 
Peaches  and  Nectarines.  There  seems  to  be  a  good  demand  for  all 
but  the  very  earliest  fruit.  Last  June  the  prices  obtained  for  good 
average  fruit  from  a  provincial  fruiterer  was  25  per  cent,  better 
than  that  allowed  by  a  leading  salesman  in  Covent  Garden,  and 
judging  from  the  published  returns  the  improvement  has  been 
well  sustained.  On  June  19th  a  consignment  of  six  dozen  selected 
Peaches  realised  £3  12i.  after  carriage  was  paid,  commission  not 
being  charged,  and  that  I  think  very  good  for  a  country  town. 
This  year  Peaches  and  Nectarines  were  in  greater  demand  than 
usual  during  the  latter  part  of  June  and  the  first  fortnight  in  July 
(owing  to  the  scarcity  of  high-class  Strawberries),  telegrams  for 
more  to  be  sent  on  being  frequent.  I  like  telegrams  to  be  flying 
about,  as  that  means  a  brisk  trade  and  good  prices. 

On  page  515,  last  volume,  I  briefly  alluded  to  a  class  of  14  feet 
wide  span-roofed  houses  that  answered  well  for  Tomatoes  and 
Chrysanthemums.  Such  houses  are  very  suitable  for  Peach  and 
Nectarine  culture.  Large  quantities  of  fruit  are  not  desired 
at  one  time,  and  a  succession  is  obtained  by  growing  early 
and  late  varieties  in  one  house.  For  instance,  I  commenced 
gathering  Early^  Alexander  during  the  first  week  in  May, 
Hale’s  Early,  A  Bee,  Crimson  Galande,  Bellegarde,  Dymond, 
Barrington,  Sea  Eagle,  and  Walburton  Admirable  forming  a 
good  natural  succession,  the  two  last-named  not  yet  being 
marketed.  Good  sized  highly  coloured  fruits  are  most  in  demand. 
Waterloo  and  Early  Alexander,  both  very  showy  varieties,  with 
very  little  to  choose  between  them,  are  the  best  early  Peaches, 
but,  unfortunately,  addicted  to  bud  dropping.  Hale’s  Early, 
also  of  American  origin,  is  from  a  week  to  ten  days  later,  but 
far  more  reliable,  while  the  fruits  are  large  and  well  coloured. 
All  three  are  bad  travellers  and  keepers,^  and  must  certainly 
be  marketed  before  they  are  fully  ripe.  A  Bee  is  a  really  good 
second  early  variety  ;  fruits  large,  of  good  colour  if  properly 
exposed,  and  fairly  firm  when  ripe  ;  quality  first-rate.  In  Crimson 
Galande  we  have  the  heau  ideal  market  Peach.  It  is  of  free, 
yet  very  productive,  habit  of  growth,  a  sure  setter,  and  the  fruits, 
without  being  greatly  exposed,  colour  grandly.  Perhaps  the  best 
midseason  market  Peach,  and  good  also  for  private  gardens.  Bar¬ 
rington  should  be  included  by  growers  who  wish  to  keep  up  a  long 
succession.  The  tree  is  a  healthy  grower,  and  good  bearer  of 
fairly  large  and  well-coloured  fruits  which  travel  and  keep  well. 
Princess  of  Wales,  unfortunately,  does  not  colour  well,  otherwise 
it  is  a  fine  easily  grown  Peach.  Sea  Eagle  possesses  a  fine  con¬ 
stitution,  sets  freely,  and  the  fruits,  if  properly  thinned,  attain  an 
extra  large  size,  colouring  grandly,  and  keeping  longer  than  most 
varieties.  I  have  frequently  obtained  18s.  per  dozen  for  good 
samples  of  Sea  Eagle  in  August,  and,  all  things  considered,  this  is 
one  of  the  very  best  that  a  market  grower  can  cultivate,  either 
under  glass  or  in  the  open  air.  Walburton  Admirable  ripens  still 
later  and  attains  a  large  size,  but  cannot  be  depended  upon  to 
colour  well.  It  may  not  have  occurred  to  many  market  growers  to 
give  Salwey  a  trial,  but  this  “  turnipy  ”  Peach  sometimes  pays 
remarkably  well.  I  have  known  instances  of  SOs.  per  dozen  being 
given  for  fruits  from  an  open  wall,  but  they  were  sold  during  the 
first  fortnight  in  November.  In  an  unheated  house  this  variety 
can  sometimes  be  kept  till  November,  and  medium-sized,  highly 
coloured  fruit  will  fetch  not  less  than  ISs.  per  dozen  in  Covent 
Garden  Market.  Salwey  is  a  sure  bearer,  but  not  much  must  be 
said  in  favour  of  its  eating  qualities. 

Nectarines  do  not  pay  so  well  as  Peaches,  and  in  addition  are 
not  so  easily  grown.  Being  smooth  skinned  the  fruits  are  more 
liable  to  be  disfigured  by  insect  pests  and  scorching.  There  is  a 
demand  for  them,  but  nothing  like  that  for  Peaches,  and  I  find  one 
tree  of  Nectarines  to  four  of  Peaches  a  fair  proportion  for  market 
culture.  As  a  rule  Nectarines  are  not  large  enough  to  please 
buyers,  and  if  colour  is  lacking  the  prices  will  fall  accordingly.  The 
new  Early  Rivers  promises  to  meet  a  long-felt  want — viz.,  a 
Nectarine  that  will  ripen  at  much  the  same  time  as  the  earliest 
Peaches  under  similar  treatment.  It  is  also  a  fine  variety  and 
colours  as  well,  if  not  better,  than  Lord  Napier.  The  latter  was 


Anpnst  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


117 


hitherto  the  best  early  Nectarine,  and  till  Early  Kivers  can  be  had 
in  quantity  should  be  planted  the  most  freely.  I  have  never 
obtained  more  than  9s.  per  dozen  for  Lord  Napier,  the  prices 
gradually  coming  down  4s.  per  dozen  for  fairly  good  samples.  I 
do  not  advise  market  growers  to  plant  the  richly  flavoured  Pine¬ 
apple  and  Pitmaston  Orange,  but  they  may  grow  Stanwick  Elruge 
to  succeed  Lord  Napier,  this  being  an  easily  grown,  heavy- crop¬ 
ping,  highly  coloured  variety.  Hardwicke  is  also  large  and  free- 
bearing  and  colours  well,  being  better  for  market  purposes  than 
the  much  better  known  Elruge  from  which  it  was  raised.  If  a  late 
variety  is  desired  plant  Victoria.  The  variety  is  a  great  cropper, 
rendering  free  thinning  necessary,  and  the  fruits  must  be  well 
exposed  to  increase  their  size  and  develop  the  best  colour. — 
Market  Grower. 

(To  be  continued.) 


HARDY  FLOWER  NOTES. 

In  a  season  such  as  this  has  been,  we  feel  inclined  to  withdraw 
the  unkindly  expressions  which,  openly  and  mentally,  we  have 
applied  to  our  British  climate.  The  brief  period  of  drought  we 
have  had  here  (near  Dumfries),  and  which  has  left  its  mark  in 
slight  degree,  has  been  broken,  and  welcome  rain  bas  given 
refreshment  to  gardens  and  gardeners  alike.  As  we  wander  into 
the  garden  to  work  among  its  inmates  or  to  study  afresh  the 
beauty  of  their  forms  and  hues,  they  seem  to  stand  “  smiling  by  ” 
with  a  blithe  welcome  for  their  admiring  owner,  who  has  in  these 
bright  blooms  a  reward  for  much  forethought  and  care.  The 
matchless  Rose,  the  wax-like  Lily  (which  will  perhaps  forgive  the 
comparison  of  the  texture  of  its  petals  to  the  work  of  the  bee)  ; 
and  many  others,  stately  and  lowly,  join  in  this  welcome,  and 
he  is  indeed  callous  whose  heart  does  not  respond  with  joy  to  their 
greeting. 

These  flowers  of  summer  are  so  numerous  and  so  beautiful  that 
selection  is  always  invidious  and  generally  unsatisfactory ;  but 
the  many  Meadow  Sweets  or  Spirasas,  some  past  and  some  at  the 
time  of  writing  still  in  flower,  by  their  feathery  beauty  have 
pressing  claims  for  notice,  as  they  rise  above  other  border  plants, 
or  form  neat  tufts  covered  with  their  graceful  flowers.  Among 
these  Meadow  Sweets  or  Dropworts  there  is  none  more  graceful 
that  the  noble  Spir^a  Aruncus,  the  Goat’s  Beard,  with  its  fine 
panicle  of  plume-like  flowers.  Even  more  graceful,  and  in  some 
positions  more  desirable  on  account  of  its  dwarfer  habit,  is 
S.  astilboides,  the  Astilbe-like  Meadow  Sweet,  a  native  of  Japan, 
which  is  rapidly  becoming  popular  both  for  border  and  forcing 
purposes.  A  newer  variety,  known  as  S.  astilboides  floribunda,  I 
have  not  met  with,  but  if  superior  to  the  type  it  will  certainly  be 
an  invaluable  plant.  I  have  at  present  in  the  room  in  which  I 
write  a  plant  of  the  typical  species  in  full  flower  which  was  lifted 
and  potted,  not  being  forced  in  any  way.  The  only  fault  it  possesses 
for  the  house  is  that  its  fragrance  is  towards  evening  rather  over¬ 
powering.  There  is  a  great  wealth  of  material  among  the  Meadow 
Sweets,  and  they  are  worthy  of  more  extended  cultivation  in  their 
various  forms,  herbaceous  and  shrubby,  and  in  their  various 
colours  ;  although,  personally,  I  prefer  the  white  and  creamy  shades 
to  the  pink  or  red  colours  of  some. 

The  various  Thistle-like  plants  of  our  gardens  are  always 
appreciated  by  all  who  see  them.  The  Eryngiums,  with  their 
steel-blue  or  ivory  heads  and  stems,  are  justly  becoming  increasingly 
popular,  and  this  favour  is  also  being  extended  to  the  various 
Echinops  or  Globe  Thistles.  A  fine  plant  of  E.  commutatus, 
the  Changeable  Globe  Thistle,  has  attracted  much  attention  here. 
Tusser  tell  us  that — 

“  If  Thistles  so  growing  prove  lusty  and  long, 

It  signifieth  land  to  be  hearty  and  strong.” 

If  we  are  to  take  that  old  writer  to  be  an  infallible  authority 
my  garden  must  be  of  soil  “  hearty  and  strong.”  The  contrary  is, 
however,  the  case,  and  I  have  little  doubt  that  the  height  of  7  feet 
which  E.  commutatus  has  attained  here  is  due  to  the  plant  being 
a  seedling  and  thus  full  of  vigour.  The  Changeable  Globe  Thistle 
is  a  native  of  Austria  and  other  parts  of  Europe,  and  was  introduced 
in  1817.  It  is  classed  as  a  perennial,  but  many  of  the  Echinops  in 
our  gardens  are  either  not  true  perennials  or  are  short-lived,  and  it 
is  well  to  have  a  young  plant  in  store  to  replace  a  lost  one.  Very 
stately  is,  as  may  be  supposed,  this  fine  plant,  with  its  spiny 
pinnatifid  leaves,  rough  above  and  downy  beneath,  and  its  round, 
whitish  balls  of  flower. 

In  sharp  contrast  to  the  stateliness  and  rugged  beauty  of  the 
Echinops  is  the  grace  and  elegance  of  the  Feather  Grass  (Stipa 
pennata),  which  has  for  a  time  been  in  full  beauty.  Here  is  no 
glittering  beauty,  no  Paeony-like  bloom  of  striking  colour,  no 
massive  grandeur,  but  instead  a  plant  of  tenderest  grace.  Little 
wonder  was  it  that  in  olden  times,  as  Gerard  tells  us,  ladies  wore 


the  plumes  of  this  Grass  as  feathers,  and,  if  we  no  longer  see  it 
thus  in  use,  its  elegance  commends  it  as  a  garden  plant.  Even 
before  it  flowers  the  tussock  of  arching  grass  is  very  beautiful,  and 
when  the  blooms  appear,  and  while  they  last,  they  are  full  of 
attraction,  moving  as  they  do  with  the  lightest  breath  of  air.  When 
winds  are  fierce  they  toss  and  pirouette,  when  softer  gales  are 
blowing  they  float  lightly  to  and  fro,  and  when  hardly  a  breath  is 
to  be  felt  they  move  gently  with  the  slightest  current,  tbeir 
gossamer-like  lightness  making  them  the  sport  of  the  lightest 
breathings.  We  want  graceful  as  well  as  showy  plants  in  our 
gardens,  and  these  hardy  Grasses  are  not  nearly  enough  grown. 

Not  the  least  pleasant  time  in  the  garden  is  the  evening,  when 
some  flowers  seem  to  shine  with  a  softer  and  gentler  beauty.  It 
is  true  that  some  have  closed  their  petals,  desiring  not  the  cool 
dew,  or  seeking  to  screen  themselves  from  the  flying  moths  in 
search  of  food.  It  is  also  true  that  then  the  sun  no  longer  shines 
through  the  petals  of  the  Poppy,  giving  it  the  appearance  of  some 
piece  of  stained  glass  taken  from  some  cathedral  where  the  glass 
Stainer’s  art  is  shown  in  perfection  ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  some 
flowers,  such  as  the  Evening  Primroses,  which  look  dowdy  in  the 
sunlight,  come  into  beauty  as  the  shades  of  evening  creep  along. 
Then  it  is  that  the  white  or  golden  cups  of  the  Glnotheras  seem 
beautiful.  As  Bernard  Barton  says — 

“  I  love  at  such  an  hour  to  mark 

Tbeir  beauty  greet  the  night  breeze  chill.” 

And  such  flowers  as  these  may  give  much  delight  to  those  whom 
business  calls  from  home  by  day,  and  whose  evenings  in  the  garden 
might  be  made  more  enjoyable  by  the  beauty  of  the  delightful 
Oil.  marginata,  with  its  white  cups  ;  of  the  pretty  (E.  taraxacifolia, 
with  its  Dandelion-like  leaves  and  white  flowers  changing  to 
crimson  ;  or  even  by  the  more  common  QE.  biennis,  no  mean  plant, 
with  stately  habit  and  soft  golden  flowers.  Those,  too,  who  can 
enjoy  their  gardens  by  day  need  not  confine  themselves  to  the 
night-blooming  species,  but  will  find  in  Oil.  Youngi  and  QE.  Fraseri 
two  plants  which  will  give  much  pleasure. 

One  of  the  charms  of  the  garden  of  hardy  flowers  is  its  cosmo¬ 
politan  character.  Here  some  native  plant  grows  side  by  side  with 
one  from  the  steppes  of  Siberia  ;  there  a  Greek  Crocus  reposes 
under  a  carpet  of  Spanish  Stonecrop  ;  here,  again,  a  plant  from 
the  Himalayas  is  cheek  by  jowl  with  one  from  the  South  American 
Andes.  We  read  much  of  triple  alliances,  but  the  garden  would 
almost  exhaust  the  vocabulary  to  describe  the  characters  and 
multiplicity  of  its  friendly  leagues.  I  fancy,  however,  that  most 
of  us  must  confess  that  we  may  have  some  “  respect  of  persons  ” — 
or  plants — in  our  likings,  and  that  we  may  have  a  preference  for 
flowers  from  some  particular  portion  of  this  globe  of  ours.  I,  for 
one,  must  confess  to  a  desire  to  possess  more  of  the  flowers  which, 
in  the  newer  Britain  of  the  Antipodes,  for  long  displayed  to  the 
Maori  the  charms  of  Nature,  and  now  give  the  colonist  some 
compensation  for  those  he  left  behind.  Thus  it  is  that  the  New 
Zealand  Veronicas  are  specially  attractive  to  me,  and  glad  am  I 
that  their  real  beauty  only  enhances  their  attractions.  Several  of 
them  are  quite  hardy  on  rockwork  here,  and,  although  well  known, 
yet  worthy  of  repeated  notice  is  Y.  Traversi,  which  in  good  soil  will 
form  great  bushes  of  evergreen  glossy  foliage,  clothed  in  summer 
with  countless  spikes  of  pretty  white  flowers  with  purple  anthers. 
Beautiful  as  it  is  thus,  the  prettiest  plant  I  have  ever  seen  is  one 
on  the  top  of  a  dryish  rockery  here,  where  it  is  somewhat  stunted 
in  growth,  with  the  effect  of  increasing  the  quantity  of  flowers  and 
its  neatness  of  habit.  It  has  been  very  beautiful,  forming  a  bush 
only  18  inches  in  height  and  2^  feet  across,  and  coming  into  flower 
before  an  “  Alpine  Rose  ”  (Rhododendron  ferrugineum),  which  is 
close  to  it,  had  passed  out  of  flower.  The  two  formed  a  pleasing 
picture.  Very  fine,  too,  has  been  V.  speciosa,  with  its  beautiful 
glossy  leaves  and  its  spikes  of  purple  blue.  This  is  on  the  top  of 
a  rockery,  but  protected  by  a  wall  from  the  north  wind — a  needful 
precaution  for  this  species,  which  is  not  nearly  so  hardy  as 
Travers’s  Veronica.  Others,  such  as  the  curious  V.  salicornioides, 
V.  Colensoi  glauca,  or  V.  Lyalli,  are  grown  here,  and  I  hope  gradu¬ 
ally  to  add  to  my  collection  of  hardy  sorts.  'Thus  on  border  or 
rockery  does  summer  yield  her  floral  charms — rich  in  beauty, 
grandeur,  grace,  or  in  tenderest  associations,  and  all  things  that 
endear  them  to  our  hearts. — S.  Arnott. 


SCARLET  RUNNER  BEANS  NOT  SETTING. 

The  failure  of  Scarlet  Runners  to  produce  pods  has  been 
attracting  my  notice  for  some  time,  and  I  hove  read^  all  that  your 
correspondents  have  written  on  page  106,  about  which  I  offer  the 
following  criticisms.  There  does  not  appear  to  be  anything 
abnormal  about  the  form  of  the  flower  this  year.  The  double 
coil  at  the  point  of  the  keel  is  quite  usual,  so  is  the  sheath,  within 


118 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1893. 


Scarlet  Runner  is,  after  all,  not  derived  from  Pbaseolus  multi- 
florus,  but  from  Phaseolus  vulgaris,  the  Dwarf  or  FrenchBean.  That 
the  old  Case  Knife,  the  Butter,  and  the  climbing  white  or  pale 
flowered  section  of  the  French,  are  come  from  Phaseolus  vulgaris 
can  hardly  be  doubted,  but  the  scarlet  and  white  Dutch  Runner 
section  is  absolutely  differelit  in  every  respect  ;  the  plants  never 
assume  a  dwarf  form,  and  always  have  fleshy  or  tuberous  roots, 
which  practically  make  them  perennial.  But  the  question  opened  up 
under  the  above  heading  has  wider  range  than  is  found  in  its 
present  limitations.  The  matter  applies  to  all  flowers,  more  or  less 
— to  the  question  as  to  how  far  insect  agency  is  absolutely  essential 
to  pollenation  or  floral  fertility,  or  how  far,  on  the  other  hand, 
Nature  performs  her  functions  in  flowers  without  external  aid. 
We  have  here,  whether  it  be  limited  to  the  consideration  of  the 
fertilisation  of  Runner  Bean  flowers  only,  or  to  the  wider  one  of 
the  actual  necessity  for  insect  agency  in  relation  to  flowers  gene¬ 
rally,  a  subject  into  which  the  Scientific  Committee  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  may  well  dip  with  perhaps  much  greater 
advantage  to  horticulture  than  is  at  present  made  evident  from 
the  deliberations  of  that  distinguished  body. 

I  do  not  think  that  insect  agency  is  absolutely  essential  to  the 
fertilisation  of  Bean  flowers,  because  I  think  the  actual  polleii- 
ation  has  taken  place  before  the  flowers  are  expanded.  It  is 
certainly  the  case  with  Peas,  and  I  think  it  is  the  case  with  most 
pod-bearing  plants.  Anyone  who  dissects  a  Bean  flower  will  find 
that  it  is  practically  impossible  for  a  bee  or  other  similar  insect  to 
assist  pollenation  in  any  way,  and  as  the  bees,  if  carefully  watched, 
are  found  to  avoid  all  partially  expanded  blooms,  and  to  operate  on 
those  fully  open,  the  inference  is  that  they  are  too  late  to  assist  in 
fertilisation. 

Looking  over  literally  hundreds  of  allotments  in  different  parts 
of  Surrey  in  almost  every  one  of  which  Runner  Beans  were  grow¬ 
ing  well,  I  invariably  found  a  fine  well  set  crop.  This  I  attri¬ 
buted  to  the  cooler  atmosphere  and  active  air  found  in  open 
fields  as  compared  with  what  is  found  in  hot  enclosed  gardens. 
C-reat  heat,  and  especially  a  dry  temperature,  may  be,  indeed  I 
think  must  be,  productive  of  barrenness,  and  especially  so  when 
aided  by  drought  at  the  roots.  Thus  we  invariably  find  that  the 
earliest  flowers  on  Runner  Beans  set  well,  also  the  later  ones 
when  the  temperature  is  lower,  indeed  the  flowers  never  set  so  freely 
as  towards  the  end  of  August  and  early  in  September.  It  is 
during  exceptional  hot  dry  weather  that  barrenness  results ;  but  the 
trouble  is  all  over  now  and  there  is  a  plentiful  setting  going  on.  I 
find  this  to  be  the  case  in  a  very  hot  dry  town  yard  with  my 
Runner  Beans. — A.  Dean. 


which  anthers  and  stigma  are  contained,  the  point  of  the  stigma 
protruding  slightly,  and  being  pushed  out  more  on  the  slightest 
pressure  from  above,  the  anthers  remaining  just  visible  at  the 
mouth  of  the  opening.  Whether  pollen  is  unusually  deficient  I 
cannot  say.  The  flowers  can  hardly  be  fertilised  by  bees,  as  it  is 
their  habit  in  visiting  these  flowers  to  puncture  the  lower  side  of 
the  calyx,  if  not  already  done  ;  and  I  observe  that  they  proceed  at 
once  to  this  aperture  as  if  by  instinct.  Neither  hive  bees  nor 
humble  bees  nor  wasps  are  below  the  average  in  quantity  this  year. 
All  of  these  visit  the  flowers,  and  all  extract  the  honey  in  the  same 
way  ;  I  believe  they  do  so  every  year.  I  know  several  other 
flowers  which  they  invariably  treat  so.  My  gardener  believed 
that  the  unusual  abundance  of  these  insects,  and  their  habit  of 
lacerating  the  base  of  the  calyx,  and  so  damaging  the  attachment 
of  the  embryo  pod,  was  the  cause  of  failure  ;  but  I  do  not  agree 
to  this.  I  tried  brushing  a  quantity  of  marked  flowers  with  a 
camel-hair  pencil,  and  my  gardener  tied  up  in  muslin  a  quantity 
more  whilst  still  in  bud,  but  the  result  did  not  answer  our  expec¬ 
tation.  About  the  same  proportion,  and  no  more  (say  10  per  cent.), 
set  pods.  Those  within  the  muslin  may  have  been  self -fertilised  ; 
but  I  find  in  nearly  all  the  flowers  within  the  sheath  of  the  keel 
thrips,  small  coleoptera,  and  mites  sufficient  to  fertilise  them. 
The  Scarlet  Runners  in  my  garden  have  at  no  time  of  their 
growth  suffered  from  drought,  and  are  more  luxuriant  than  usual. 
I  think  in  this  fact  we  may  perhaps  have  a  clue  to  the  cause  of 
failure.  It  is  generally  believed  that  too  luxuriant  growth  is  a 
cause  of  sterility  both  in  the  animal  and  vegetable  creation.  Virgil 
warns  farmers  against  it,  both  as  regards  corn  and  live  stock  ;  and 
the  only  point  on  which  all  your  correspondents  agree  is  that  the 
appearance  of  the  plants  this  year  is  unusually  healthy  and 
luxuriant. — C.  Wolley  Dod,  Edge  Hall,  Malpus. 

P.S. — On  dissecting  the  flowers  and  examining  them  with  a 
quarter-inch  lens  I  find  that  they  abound  with  thrips  and  red 
spider.  These  pests,  which  have  been  everywhere  abundant 
through  the  spring  and  summer,  find  a  comfortable  home  within 
the  twisted  sheath  of  the  keel  which  encloses  the  vital  organs  of 
the  flower.  They  worry  and  render  abortive  those  parts,  and  are 
perhaps  a  more  probable  cause  of  the  failure  complained  of  than 
the  luxuriance  of  growth  as  suggested  above.  The  prevalent  wet 
weather  will  probably  lessen  the  plague,  and  we  shall  get  more 
beans. — C.  W.  D. 


I  BEG  to  correct  one  word  in  the  latter  portion  of  my  note  in 
last  week’s  issue,  page  106.  It  runs  thus,  “  The  disturbance  of  the 
reproductive  organs  is  the  cause  of  failure.”  For  “  disturbance  ” 
read  non-disturbance  of  the  pollen  grains  ;  nor  is  it  either  dis¬ 
tributed  by  insects  from  flower  to  flower  to  ensure  the  desired 
effect.  Whilst  jotting  this  correction  I  came  across  some  of 
Professor  H.  Muller’s  observation  on  the  fertilisation  of  Phaseolus 
coccineus,  Lam.').  He  says,  the  hive  bee  and  other  small  bees 
which  are  unable  to  press  the  carina  down  obtain  the  honey  by 
taking  advantage  of  holes  which  a  humble  bee  (I  suppose  Bombus 
terrestris,  L.)  bites  through  the  calyx.  More  powerful  bees,  with 
sufficiently  long  proboscides,  alight  on  the  left  ala,  and  in  forcing 
the  proboscis  down  into  the  flower  bring  its  base  in  contact  with 
the  stigma.  Now,  when  the  ala  and  the  carina  (which  is  united 
to  them)  are  further  depressed,  there  emerges  from  the  tubular 
apex  of  the  carina,  which  is  coiled  nearly  into  two  complete 
whorls,  the  similarly  coiled  style,  and  it  emerges  in  such  a  way 
that  its  stigma  points  downwards  and  towards  the  left,  and  its 
pollen  covered  hairs  come  in  contact  with  the  base  of  the  insect’s 
proboscis,  dusting  it  with  fresh  pollen.  In  this  manner  cross- 
fertilisation  is  insured,  and  self-fertilisation  prevented  in  case  of 
insect  visits.  In  absence  of  insects  self-fertilisation  cannot  occur, 
since  the  stigma  protrudes  from  the  carina,  while  the  pollen  is 
enclosed  within  it. 

The  similar  mode  of  fertilisation  in  the  Kidney  Bean  (Phaseolus 
vulgaris,  L.)  was  described  ten  years  earlier  by  Darwin,  who  showed 
by  experiment  that  insect  visits  are  essential  for  the  fertilisation  of 
this  plant.  Plants  covered  with  fine  net  remained  completely 
barren,  unless  the  action  of  bees  were  artificially  imitated.  When 
Darwin  repeated  the  experiment  on  a  larger  scale  a  few  flowers  on 
some  specimens  bore  fruit.  Small  insects  (thrips)  had  presumably 
gained  access  to  these.  Dr.  Ogle  also  gives  a  description  of  the 
floral  mechanism  in  P.  vulgaris  (French  Bean),  and  P.  coccinea 
(Scarlet  Runner).  Of  the  flowers  which  Dr.  Ogle  protected  from 
bees  by  means  of  a  gauze  net  no  single  one  bore  fruit. — 
J.  D.,  Duffryn,  S.  Wales. 


The  Fertilisation  of  Runner  Bean  Flowers. 
Whilst  I  generally  agree  with  Mr.  Abbey  in  his  conclusions  as 
to  the  non-u«es  of  insects  in  relation  to  the  fertilisation  of  Bean 
flowers,  I  differ  from  him  entirely  in  his  assertion  that  the 


HARDY  PERENNIALS  FOR  CUTTING. 

No  garden  can  be  considered  complete  without  a  serviceable 
border  of  hardy  perennials  for  cutting.  Although  there  is  never 
at  any  time  a  general  display,  except,  perhaps,  when  Squills, 
Narcissi,  and  other  spring-flowering  bulbs  are  in  bloom,  something 
of  interest  may  be  had  continuously,  and  by  judicious  selection  it 
is  possible  to  have  at  all  times  a  good  supply  of  cut  flowers. 
Flowers  in  early  spring  are  especially  appreciated,  since  consider¬ 
able  time  must  elapse  before  a  general  display  of  summer-blooming 
annuals,  like  Sweet  Peas,  Stocks,  Poppies,  and  Asters  may  be  had. 
New  or  rare  kinds  are  not  always  satisfactory  to  the  amateur,  but 
there  are  many  of  free  and  easy  growth  which  can  be  thoroughly 
recommended. 

Lenten  Roses,  mostly  hybrids  or  forms  of  Helleborus  orientalis, 
are  among  the  earliest  flowers.  These  are  bowl-shaped,  white, 
sometimes  shaded  with  green  or  reddish  purple,  and  often  beauti¬ 
fully  spotted.  They  are  borne  on  leafy  stems,  and  are  very 
serviceable  flowers  to  cut,  keeping  well  for  a  long  time.  The  best 
time  to  plant  or  to  divide  the  clumps  is  in  the  autumn.  Some  of 
the  best  hybrids  are  Frau  Irene  Heinemann,  Hofgarten  Inspector 
Hartweg,  and  Willby  Schmidt.  The  Christmas  Rose  (H.  niger) 
blooms  in  southern  and  eastern  Europe  during  the  winter,  and 
imported  roots  are  frequently  offered  in  America.  It  would  be 
well  to  note  here  that  it  is  not  a  very  satisfactory  hardy  plant,  at 
least  in  the  New  England  States.  Being  disposed  to  bloom  on  the 
occurrence  of  a  mild  spell,  it  is  sure  to  be  cut  down  by  the 
succeeding  sharp  frosts.  Spring  frosts  usually  injure  the  young 
leaves,  and  consequently  it  is  rarely  in  a  very  thrifty  condition 
in  that  part  of  America. 

The  numerous  species  and  varieties  of  Narcissus  furnish  some 
of  the  most  beautiful  spring  flowers  useful  for  cutting.  While 
many  of  the  newer  and  rarer  garden  hybrids  are  costly,  there  are 
common  kinds  in  abundance  which  may  be  had  cheaply  enough  to 
be  within  the  reach  of  all,  and  it  may  be  taken  as  an  axiom  that 
the  cheaper  they  are  the  more  satisfactory  they  will  be.  The 
common  English  Daffodil  and  its  varieties  are  probably  better 

1' 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


119 


known  than  any,  and  are  seen  in  florists’  windows  from  January 
until  Easter-time,  having  been  forced  in  greenhouses.  The  flowers 
are  large,  trumpet- shaped,  borne  singly  on  stout  stems,  wholly 
yellow  in  such  varieties  as  Golden  Spur  and  Trumpet  Major,  and 
with  a  white  perianth  and  yellow  trumpet  in  Horsfieldi,  and  a 
primrose  trumpet  with  yellow  perianth  in  Obvallaris,  the  Tenby 
Daffodil.  The  Incomparabilis  and  varieties  follow  the  trumpet 
section  in  their  period  of  blooming,  and  are  distinguished  by  a 
larger  perianth  and  smaller  trumpet,  which  is  in  these  called  the 
crown.  Of  this  class  the  great  Welsh  Chalice  Flower,  Sir  Watkin, 
is  the  best.  It  has  a  vigorous  constitution,  and  increases  quite 
rapidly.  The  Poets’  Narcissus  is  the  latest  of  all  to  bloom.  The 
flowers  are  white,  with  a  small  crown  edged  with  red.  It  is,  more¬ 
over,  very  sweetly  scented. 

Doronicum  plantagineum  excelsum  is  a  very  handsome  early 
yellow  blooming  Composite.  It  makes  an  excellent  border  plant, 
and  furnishes  a  good  supply  of  flowers  for  cutting.  The  Virginian 
Cowslip  (Mertensia  virginica),  with  its  lovely  panicles  of  metallic- 
blue  flowers,  is  ever  welcome  ;  the  cut  flowers  are  charming.  This 
should  always  be  planted  where  it  can  have  especial  care.  It  forms 
long  tuberous  roots  ;  dying  down  very  early  in  the  season  it  is  apt 
to  be  overlooked  and  destroyed  by  hoeing.  The  common  English 
Primrose  and  the  more  recent  Primrose-Polyanthus  hybrids  have 
developed  a  beautiful  class  of  plants  for  early  spring  border  work, 
as  well  as  for  general  house  decoration.  There  are  now  strains 
producing  flowers  of  all  shades  of  red,  purple,  lilac,  yellow  and 
white.  Heuchera  sanguinea  is  a  comparatively  new  and  beautiful 
species  from  Mexico.  It  is  suitable  for  the  front  rank  of  the 
border  or  for  the  alpine  garden.  Its  long,  slender  spikes  of 
coral-red  flowers  are  particularly  beautiful,  and  last  for  a  long 
time.  Sweet  Williams  (Dianthus  barbatus),  although  rather  un¬ 
wieldy  for  cutting,  have  the  affectionate  regard  of  all  flower  lovers. 
They  are  best  cultivated  as  biennials.  Seeds  may  be  sown  in 
May,  and,  transplanted  8  inches  apart,  they  make  good  clumps 
for  shifting  into  blooming  quarters  in  the  spring  following.  Day 
Lilies  (Hemerocallis)  are  among  the  most  satisfactory  border 
plants.  The  flowers  are  of  various  shades  of  yellow.  By’ taking 
H.  Dumortieri,  orange  yellow,  early  ;  H.  graminea,  sulphur  yellow, 
early  ;  H.  flava,  yellow,  summer  blooming ;  and  H.  Thunbergi, 
sulphur  yellow,  late,  a  supply  of  these  may  be  had  for  a  long 
time.  The  flowers  are  sweet-scented,  and  are  effective  for  deco¬ 
rative  work. 

Pseonies  generally  suggest,  in  the  popular  mind,  very  showy  but 
rather  coarse  double  flowers.  The  single  varieties  are  exceedingly 
handsome  and  very  appropriate  for  vases.  The  Maltese  Cross,  or 
Scarlet  Lychnis  (L.  chalcedonica),  is  a  very  common  border  plant, 
very  bright  and  pure  in  colour.  In  this  respect  it  is  unique.  No 
plant  gives  so  much  satisfaction,  taking  care  of  itself  perfectly  ;  it 
remains  more  or  less  in  bloom  during  the  entire  summer.  L.  ves- 
pertina  plena  is  the  double  form  of  the  common  evening  scented 
species  of  Europe.  While  healthy  enough  where  established,  it  is 
safer  to  protect  its  rather  fleshy  rootstock  with  a  few  dry  leaves. 
The  Alpine  Poppy  (Papaver  alpinum)  and  the  Iceland  Poppy 
(P.  nudicaule)  are  more  or  less  in  bloom  the  whole  season,  and  if 
picked  when  freshly  opened  will  last  two  or  three  days.  The 
colours  of  the  first-named  are  mostly  shades  of  red  and  white,  of 
the  latter  yellow.  In  habit  and  constitution  they  are  very  much 
alike.  These  elegant  little  species  are  not  quite  happy  in  an 
ordinary  border  ;  they  should  have  a  space  set  apart,  free  from  the 
shade  of  coarse  growing  plants,  and  also  have  the  slight  protection 
of  leaves  or  Pine  needles  rather  than  manure.  Perennial  Lark¬ 
spurs  are  noble  border  plants.  Their  majestic  spikes  of  blue  stand 
out  distinctly.  The  double  varieties  are  desirable  for  cutting, 
lasting  well.  By  a  little  care  in  cutting  away  seed  stems  a  supply 
may  be  had  until  late  in  the  autumn.  The  double  white  Achillsea 
Ptarmica,  although  rather  weedy  in  habit,  is  a  free  bloomer  and 
quite  indispensable  where  cut  flowers  are  required. 

Coreopsis  grandiflora  is  a  clear  yellow  flowering  species,  giving 
an  abundance  of  blooms  until  late.  It  is  rather  biennial  in 
character,  but  sows  itself  so  freely  that  there  is  never  any  danger 
of  losing  it.  The  double  as  well  as  single  varieties  of  Pyrethrum 
roseum  and  Potentilla  grandiflora  are  general  favourites  in 
European  gardens,  where  many  fine  named  varieties  are  cultivated. 
These  should  be  grown  in  beds  or  borders  by  themselves  and 
receive  abundance  of  water  in  summer  and  light  protection  in 
winter.  Thermopsis  caroliniana,  a  yellow-flowered  member  of  the 
Pea  family,  makes  a  bright  and  attractive  border  plant.  Its  hand¬ 
some  spikes  of  yellow  flowers  are  useful  in  vases.  Many  other 
perennials  might  be  added,  but  Helianthus  decapetalus,  single  and 
double,  Aster  bessarabicus,  A.  Novoe-Anglise,  and  the  Japanese 
Anemones  must  close  this  list  of  useful  plants,  and  these  will 
furnish  flowers  from  spring  until  autumn. — T.  D.  H.  (in  Garden 
pud  Forest). 


Bulbophyllum  viride. 

This  small  species  was  sent  to  Kew  for  determination  by  Philip 
Crowley,  Esq.,  Waddon  House,  Croydon,  in  December,  1890.  A 
plant  presented  to  the  Kew  collection  has  since  flowered  on  two  or 
three  occasions.  It  is  allied,  says  the  “  Kew  Bulletin,”  to  B.  in- 
tertextum,  Lindl.,  from  the  same  region.  The  flowers  are  wholly 
light  green,  except  for  the  presence  of  a  pair  of  small  dull  purple 
eye-like  spots  on  the  base  of  the  lip,  and  a  stain  of  the  same  colour 
on  the  face  of  the  column. 

Eria  albiflora. 

This  plant  was  sent  to  Mr.  J.  O’Brien  of  Harrow-on-the-Hill, 
Middlesex,  with  whom  it  flowered  in  June,  1891,  and  again  in 
August  of  the  following  year  ;  and  it  has  also  flowered  at  Kew. 
It  belongs,  the  “  Kew  Bulletin  ”  observes,  to  the  section  Bryobium, 
and  may  be  placed  next  to  E.  articulata,  Lindl.  The  flowers  are 
white,  and  are  borne  in  a  lax  raceme  on  a  slender  scape.  There  is 
a  drawing  in  the  collection  marked  “Wynaad,  Sept.,  Jerdon’s  sale, 
1873,”  which  is  evidently  the  same  species,  but  it  does  not  appear 
to  have  been  previously  described. 

CffiLOGYNE  TENUIS. 

This  species  belongs  to  Lindley’s  section  Flexuos^,  and,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  July  number  of  the  “  Kew  Bulletin,”  may  be  placed 
next  to  C.  borneensis,  Rolfe  (supra  p.  62).  It  differs  in  its  one- 
leaved  pseudo-bulbs,  slender  scapes,  and  other  characters.  It  was 
introduced  by  Messrs.  Linden  of  L’Horticulture  Internationale, 
Brussels,  with  whom  it  flowered  in  August,  1892.  The  flowers 
were  somewhat  withered  when  received,  but  appear  to  be  of  a  light 
buff  shade,  with  very  few  markings  on  the  lip.  The  pseudo-bulbs 
and  leaves  are  described  from  a  reduced  sketch. 

Masdevallia  Gelengiana. 

When  exhibited  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  at  the  meeting 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  on  April  25th  of  this  year,  a 


fig.  18.— masdevellia  gelengiana. 


plant  of  Masdevallia  Gelengiana  created  some  interest  amongst 
orchidists,  and  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  for  it.  As  shown 
in  the  engraving  (fig.  18),  the  plant  is  dwarf  in  growth,  being  less 
than  4  inches  in  height.  The  flowers  are  not  very  large,  and  are 
pale  greenish  yellow  tinge,  covered  with  minute  rosy  crimson  spots. 
The  tail-like  appendages  to  the  blooms  are  about  3  inches  in 
length. 


120 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1893. 


Epidendrum  PUMILUM. 

A  pretty  little  species  allied  to  E,  Endresi,  Rchh.f.  (apparently 
the  nearest  ally  which  has  yet  appeared,  but  very  different  in  the 
shape  of  its  leaves  and  colour  of  its  flowers.  It  was  imported  by 
Messrs.  F .  Sander  &  Co.  of  St.  Albans,  with  whom  it  flowered  in 
January,  1890.  Early  in  the  present  year  it  was  also  received  for 
determination  from  Mr.  F.  W.  Moore,  Glasnevin  Botanic  Garden. 
The  sepals  and  petals  are  light  greenish  yellow,  also  the  lip,  with 
the  exception  of  the  orange-yellow  callus.  The  column  is  very 
pale  green  below,  nearly  white  above.  As  in  E.  Endresi,  the  sheaths 
of  the  leaves  are  covered  with  small  brown  warts. 


THE  VIOLA. 

This  beautiful  flower,  the  culture  of  which  has  of  late  years  received 
a  remarkable  stimulus  from  the  writings  of  Mr.  Dean  of  Birmingham, 
Mr.  Cuthbertson  of  Rothesay,  Mr.  McLeod  of  Chingford,  and  others, 
may  perhaps  be  accounted  by  many  of  my  readers,  who  do  not  know  it* 
value,  a  minor  consideration  when  compared  with  other  and  more 
ambitious  flowers,  and  yet  it  is  possible  that  the  Viola  may  have 
attributes  of  the  greatest  importance  which  they  do  not  possess.  It  has 
not  the  glowing  splendour  of  the  imperial  Lily  or  the  queenly  Rose,  yet 
in  its  own  exquisite  department  of  Nature  it  reigns  supreme.  The 
period  during  which  it  graces  our  gardens  is  considerably  longer  than 
that  which  is  glorified  by  any  other  flower.  It  blooms  upon  the  grave 
of  the  Snowdrop  and  Ifepatica  ;  it  is  a  charming  contemporary  of  the 
vernal  Daffodil  ;  it  sees  the  Aquilegia,  after  a  brief  yet  delightful  term 
of  beauty,  consigned  to  decay  ;  it  is  not  unnoticed  in  its  unobtrusive 
sweetness,  when  the  Musk  Carnations  break  and  swell.  Of  all  of  these 
floral  magnates  it  is  the  lowly  companion,  and  it  survives  them  all. 
I  hope  my  enthusiasm  has  not  carried  me  away,  but  in  the  special 
direction  of  durability  can  as  much  be  asserted  of  any  other  flower  ? 
Hybrid  Perpetuals  and  Tea-scented  Roses  have  two  seasons,  but  each  of 
these  is  sufficiently  short  in  duration,  and  on  the  wffiole  I  greatly  com¬ 
miserate  those  writers  who  can  write  only  on  the  Rose,  that  most 
evanescent  of  flowers.  I  have  Roses  such  as  the  Reynolds  Hole,  which, 
though  immensely  eulogised  by  rosarians,  can  stand  effectually  neither 
sunlight  nor  rain.  The  former,  if  ordinarily  powerful,  annihilates  their 
complexion  ;  after  a  single  shower  of  the  latter,  by  which  the  Viola  is 
greatly  revived,  they  are  found  in  a  condition  of  putridity — a  saddening 
revelation,  which  during  the  last  extraordinary  summer,  and  especially 
within  the  last  three  weeks,  has  often  come  to  me.  The  flowers  which, 
in  my  experience,  most  heroically  withstand  and  survive  the  elements  I 
have  indicated  are  the  Sweet  Pea,  the  Aquilegia,  the  Lily,  the  Viola, 
and  the  Tropseolum.  I  have  no  desire,  while  thus  emphasising  the 
durability  of  our  humbler  garden  treasures,  to  under-estimate  thereby 
the  value  of  the  Rose.  It  is  indeed,  when  perfect,  a  work  of  indescrib¬ 
able  beauty,  but  its  glory  is  like  that  of  the  rainbow  or  the  sunset — it  is 
marvellously  short  lived.  It  was  Montgomery,  that  florist  among  poets, 
who  sang  : — 

“  The  Rose  is  but  a  summer’s  reign ; 

The  Daisy  never  dies.” 

Almost  as  much  might  expressively  be  said  of  the  Viola,  for  there  are 
few  indeed  of  the  “  Daughters  of  the  Year  ”  to  whom  its  aspect  is 
unknown. 

I  presume  that  every  successful  cultivator  of  this  charming  flower 
has  his  special  favourites,  and  I  am  free  to  confess  that  my  own  are 
Violetta,  a  lo'^ly  miniature  rayless  Viola,  with  the  fragrance  of  the 
sweet-scented^  violet ;  the  Countess  of  Wharncliffe,  which  is  white  satin 
alike  to  the  vision  and  to  the  touch,  perhaps  the  most  cherished  of  my 
floral  possessions  ;  Bridesmaid,  the  White  Duchess,  H.  M.  Stanley,  the 
Lemon  Queen,  the  Countess  of  Kintore,  and  the  uniquely  complexioned 
Duchess  of  Fife.  I  have  no  desire  to  dogmatise  upon  so  delicate  a 
theme ;  I  know  there  are  no  confines  to  the  vast  domains  of  taste, 
that  prejudice  is  often  so  mysterious  in  it*  origin  as  to  be  perfectly 
unaccountable,  save  upon  the  principle  of  the  law  of  variation  ;  yet  of 
this  I  am  assured,  that  by  reason  of  their  faultless  form  and  delicate 
perfume  the  varieties  I  have  enumerated  should  be  included  in  every 
collection  that  is  worthy  of  the  name.  I  have  little  doubt  that  such 
veritable  gems  as  Violetta  and  the  Countess  of  Wharncliffe  find  favour 
with  that  veteran  midland  cultivator  Mr.  Wm.  Dean,  who  has  probably 
done  more  than  any  living  man  to  raise  the  Viola  into  that  eminence  of 
popularity  which,  through  his  powerful  exertions  and  its  own  inherent 
virtues,  it  presently  commands, 

I  have  spoken  of  its  manifold  invaluable  characteristics  ;  I  leave  it 
to  the  specialists  whose  names  I  have  recorded  to  describe  its  cultivation, 
—David  R.  Williamson. 


MIGNONETTE. 

In  the  onward  march  of  flowers  towards  perfection  Mignonette  has 
not  been  forgotten.  Many  improved  forms  have  been  raised,  but  it 
would  be  too  much  to  affirm  that  the  ordinary  cultivator  has  given  to 
these  the  justice  they  deserve.  Therefore,  before  I  write  a  word  of 
praise  about  the  improved  sorts,  I  shall  draw  attention  to  the  negligent 
way  in  which  Mignonette  is  cultivated.  The  ordinary  growler  commences 
wrong  in  sowing  the  seed  much  too  thickly.  The  result  is  thin  stems, 
small  foliage,  and  poor  heads  of  flower,  with  a  short  season  of  blooming. 
Ike  tiuth  IS  this  sweet  flower  yields  a  return  for  the  slightest  amount  of 


care  devoted  to  it,  consequently  it  has  been  culturally  greatly  neglected. 
I  have  some  growing  in  a  bed  of  Narcissi  the  ground  being  hard  through 
want  of  digging,  yet  these  plants  are  producing  large  spikes  of  bloom. 

Mignonette  succeeds  well  on  dry  soil.  We  have  a  long  border  which 
is  always  dry,  unless  when  rain  is  falling,  and  Mignonette  thrives  well 
in  this  border  ;  but  it  revels  in  a  light  rich  open  soil.  In  this,  if  given 
room,  it  grows  and  spreads  with  great  rapidity.  The  plants  should  be  at 
least  18  inches  asunder,  unless  in  the  case  of  a  dwarf  sort,  such  as 
Tom  Thumb  which  may  be  grown  at  a  foot  apart.  Another  point  of 
importance  is  to  see  that  no  seeds  are  allowed  to  form  and  remain  on  the 
plants.  Personally,  I  have  no  difficulty  in  this  direction,  as  the  plants 
are  cut  so  hard  and  so  often  for  their  flowers  ;  but  where  the  flowers 
are  not  required  it  is  worth  while  to  remove  all  those  spikes  which  get  to 
the  seeding  stage. 

For  many  years  past  we  have  had  a  choice  of  good  varieties,  and 
that  being  so,  it  is  as  well  to  grow  these.  Those  I  am  this  year 
growing  are  Cloth  of  Gold,  Machet,  Garraway’s  White,  Crimson  King, 
Tom  Thumb,  and  Queen  Victoria.  All  these  are  worth  growing,  a  good 
selection  being  the  three  first  named, — B. 


CANKER  IN  FRUIT  TREES. 

In  reply  to  “  H.  P.”  (page  105)  1  have  the  pleasure  to  say  that  the 
fungus  I  intended  and  referred  to  as  producing  scaly  canker  on  Pear 
trees  was  as  stated — Cladosporium  dendriticum,  Wallr.,  var.  pyrinum. 
Actinonema  cratmgi  is  merely  a  form  of  C.  dendriticum,  which  it  is  not 
usual  to  refer  to  when  treating  generally  of  the  species.  Besides,  I  was 
under  the  impression  that  the  variety  of  the  species  found  on  Cratmgus, 
especially  the  leaves  of  C.  Pyracantha,  was  C,  dendriticum  orbiculatum. 
It  is  so  given  by  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  in  his  “Outlines  of  British 
Fungology,”  and  differs  from  the  species  as  found  on  Apple  trees,  also 
from  that  found  on  Pear  trees. 

Dothiora  pyrenophora,  Fr.,  belongs,  as  “  H.  P.”  is  no  doubt  aware,  to 
the  order  Sphasronemei,  and  produces  another  form  of  canker  on  twigs 
of  Apple  and  Pear.  Another  species,  D.  sphseroides,  Fr,,  does  the  same 
on  Ash  twigs,  and  of  both  the  fungus  causing  canker  in  its  most 
malignant  form — viz.,  Nectria  ditissima — is  not  slow  to  avail  itself. 

Cladosporium  dendriticum  belongs  to  the  order  Dematiei,  in  which 
the  threads  are  free,  rarely  collected  into  stipitiform  bundles,  yet 
corticated  and  carbonised  as  also  frequently  are  the  spores.  These  in 
Cladosporium  spring  from  the  sides  or  terminally,  and  are  short  at  first, 
finally  uniseptate.  Does  “  H.  P.”  mean  to  imply  that  Dothiora  pyreno¬ 
phora  and  Cladosporium  dendriticum  are  synonymous  1  D.  pyrenophora 
spores  are  pedicellate,  obovate,  and  simple. 

Allow  me  to  thank  “  H.  P.”  for  his  interesting  and  (to  me)  instruc¬ 
tive  communication,  and  to  say  that  I  have  not  found  Nectria  ditissima 
on  the  roots  of  Apple  trees,  but  the  fungus  has  been  found  on  those  of 
Ash  trees,  which,  however,  are  often  exposed.  The  worst  form  of  root 
canker  (so  called)  that  I  have  acquaintance  with  is  that  produced  by 
American  blight  on  Apple  trees,  and  there  is  an  allied  species  which 
infests  the  roots  of  Beech  trees,  and  renders  the  stems  almost  white  in 
some  cases.  Can  any  correspondent  give  the  correct  name  and  history  of 
this  species  ?  I  have  an  impression  that  it  attacks  the  Crab,  and  if  so  it 
will  attack  Apple  trees.  If  it  be  the  same  species  that  infests  Crabs,  as 
that  which  is  found  on  Beech  tree  roots,  it  would  make  sad  havoc  in  an 
orchard  if  once  established  in  the  trees.  Perhaps  “  Entomologist  ”  will 
enlighten  us  upon  this  point. 

In  making  researches  into  the  diseases  of  Larch  which  died  off  by 
the  hundred  acres  when  nearly  large  enough  for  pit  props,  for  which 
purpose  the  Larch  was  grown,  I  found  a  number  of  fungi  on  the  roots. 
These,  however,  were  mostly  stages  of  Agaricus  melleus,  namely  Rhizo- 
morpha  fragilis  and  R.  subcorticalis,  the  mycelium  of  which  lives 
between  the  wood  and  the  bark,  and  this  species  may  occasionally  be 
found  on  Apple-tree  roots.  The  mischief  to  the  Larch  had  manifestly 
been  caused  by  Peziza  Willkommi  or  calycina,  which  acts  much  in  the 
same  way  as  Nectria  ditissima  on  Apple  trees.  Of  course,  a  number  of 
fungi  will  live  on  dead  roots,  but  I  have  not  found  any  on  the  live  roots 
which  has  produced  canker.  Nectria  cinnabarina  will  grow  on  almost 
any  kind  of  detached  exposed  root,  preceded  by  Tubercularia  vulgaris, 
but  neither  occurs  on  living  tissue,  and  if  canker  occurs  at  the  roots 
it  is  generally  in  consequence  of  some  damage  or  leaving  portions  of 
broken  or  detached  roots  in  planting  or  root-pruning, 

I  am  extremely  obliged  to  “  H.  P.”  for  his  excellent  factor  in  connection 
with  canker : — “  I  have  often  found  roots  of  trees,  the  top  growth  of  which 
is  badly  cankered,  perfectly  free  from  canker,”  That  completely  settles 
the  soil  theorists,  and  Mr.  Tendered  in  particular,  whose  valued  com¬ 
munications  have  clenched  all  my  arguments,  and  I  am  sorry  that  he 
thinks  I  hare  quoted  his  letter  unfairly.  If  this  is  meant  to  apply  to  the 
facts,  which  I  certainly  did  not  question,  I  tender  my  best  apologies. 
But  that  is  not  the  point,  for  it  was  not  the  facts  but  the  deductions 
Mr,  Tendered  drew  from  them  that  were  and  are  still  questioned,  and  it 
is  quite  clear  Mr.  Tendered  could  have  saved  immensely  by  first  finding 
out  the  cause  before  proceeding  to  apply  remedies.  Anything  short  of 
that  is  mere  quackery.  There  is  nothing  like  resource,  and  it  is 
remarkable  that  Mr.  Tendered  should  reserve  the  fact  of  his  having  cut 
all  the  cankered  parts  away  of  some  trees.  Of  this  he  said  nothing  in 
his  previous  letter,  and  I  decline  now  to  entertain  it  as  evidence,  for 
keeping  back  essential  facts  is  fatal  to  any  case.  Nevertheless,  the 
Laurel  hedge  is  put  forward  as  proof  that  gum  on  Laurels  arises  from  the 
soil,  yet  those  on  the  bank  have  some  dead  boughs,  or  as  Mr,  Tendered 
puts  it,  “scarcely  a  dead  bough,”  therefore  they  are  not  canker 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


121 


proof  notwithstanding  the  difference  in  environment  of  those  on  the 
level  ground.  These  Laurels  grew  rapidly  for  a  few  years,  but  in  seven 
years  whole  branches  died,  and  growths  start  again  near  the  bottom. 
In  his  previous  letter  Mr.  Tendered  said  he  cleared  them  away  and 
planted  fresh.  How  does  he  reconcile  the  two  statements  ?  Or  if  the 
soil  was  the  cause  of  the  canker  why  do  shrubs  grow  again  healthily  ? 

Tour  correspondent  may  rest  assured  that  the  simple  remedy  he 
advises  will  continue  to  be  followed  as  spasmodically  a  little  longer  as 
it  has  been  during  the  past  2000  years  ;  but  I  have  no  doubt  whatever 
that  my  “  scientific  ”  efforts  will  be  within  the  grasp  of  every  ordinary 
fruit  grower,  and  possessed  by  every  schoolboy  within  this  decade. — 
G.  Abbey. 


The  word  “  orbiculatum  ”  in  my  letter  to  you,  printed  on  page  106, 
August  3rd,  fifth  line  from  the  top,  should  have  been  placed  in  the 
next  line,  after  “  dendriticum,”  thus  :  “  var.  orbiculatum.”  It  is  my 
mistake  entirely. — H.  P. 


“  D.,  Deal,”  in  Journal  of  Horticulture,  page  98,  writes  in  rather 
disparaging  terms  of  the  above  Kose.  Can  he  be  aware  of  the  fact  that 
in  an  election  of  the  best  twenty-four  Tea  Eoses  The  Bride  received  the 
highest  number  of  votes,  viz.,  forty-six,  and  Ernest  Metz  forty-one  ;  to 
me  this  is  conclusive  proof  that  leading  exhibitors  think  very  highly  of  the 
latter.  All  through  June  I  could  gather  splendid  specimens,  but  by  the 
time  of  the  National  (July  1st)  the  best  were  over.  In  my  opinion 
Ernest  Metz  is  far  away  the  finest  and  best  Tea  Kose  sent  out  during 
the  last  six  years.  It  was  shown  in  fine  form  at  the  National  Tea  Kose 
Show  (June  20th)  this  year. — Benjamih  K.  Cant,  Colchester. 

Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  (B£luze,  1843). 

I  WISH  to  say  a  word  about  the  Kose  thus  described  in  the  National 
Kose  Society’s  catalogue.  It  is  a  very  old  Kose,  as  I  have  always  believed 
once  a  favourite  with  the  Empress  Josephine.  That,  however,  hardly 
agrees  with  the  N.E.S.  date.  It  is  hardly  an  exhibition  Rose.  I 
remember  twenty  years  ago  it  had  rather  a  way  of  appearing  in  the 
boxes  of  Teas  of  beginners,  but  it  is  well  worthy  of  more  extensive 
cultivation  by  those  who  are  not  Rose  showers.  My  intimate  acquaint¬ 
ance  with  it  dates  from  this  year.  Up  to  then  I  never  had  more  than  one 
plant  of  it  in  my  garden  ;  but  last  autumn,  whilst  arranging  a  very 
small  town  Rose  garden,  a  liberal  friend  who  buys  his  Roses  by  the 
beds,  seldom  less  than  a  dozen  of  any  variety,  and  who  also  has  a  way 
o  f  changing  his  Roses,  presented  me  with  a  whole  bed  of  Malmaisons. 
T  hey  were  large  old  plants  and  were  cut  in  very  hard.  They  began 
blooming  in  May,  and  have  never  ceased  for  a  day,  and  seem  disposed 
to  keep  on  steadily  until  checked  by  the  frosts.  It  is  the  nearest 
instance  I  have  known  of  a  true  Perpetual.  My  hot  little  shut  in 
garden  also  suits  Teas.  The  Bride,  Waban,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  and 
others  of  the  kind  have  done,  and  are  doing,  very  well  ;  but  I  have  had 
nothing  to  surpass,  or  indeed  equal,  the  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  in 
the  early  stage  of  its  bloom.  It  must  be  admitted  we  townsfolk  have 
one  valuable  advantage — we  can  turn  on  the  hose  whenever  needed  ; 
and  plenty  of  sunshine  and  plenty  of  water  go  a  long  way  towards 
perfecting  flowers. — A.  C. 

National  Rose  Society. 

The  manifesto  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Society  set  forth  in  the 
Journal,  page  97,  as  a  sort  of  counterblast  to  my  circular  to  exhibiting 
members,  has  caused  me  some  amusement ;  and  although  it  may  annoy 
other  people,  they  should  not  take  it  too  seriously,  as  it  can  be  only 
looked  on  as  a  jeu  d'esprit,  to  which  both  the  Honorary  Secretaries 
are  prone  at  times.  No  one,  even  the  proverbial  and  much-maligned 
Scotsman,  could  by  at  any  natural  process  of  reasoning  come  to  the  con¬ 
clusion  that  my  circular  was  issued  by  the  Society,  or  required  official 
sanction.  If  the  manifesto  be  meant  as  a  sly  hint  to  the  members 
that  they  should  not  reply  to  my  queries,  the  Secretaries  have  been 
somewhat  dilatory  in  issuing  it,  and  I  may  mention  that  these  gentle¬ 
men  were  amongst  the  very  first  persons  to  reeeive  the  circular,  which 
has  been  out  quite  a  fortnight. 

I  have  received  replies  from  all  the  largest  as  well  as  many  other 
well  informed  exhibitors,  also  from  others  highly  thought  of  amongst 
our  members,  from  the  President  downwards.  I  am  quite  satisfied  with 
these  replies,  many  of  them  accompanied  with  letters  expressive  of 
gratification  that  these  subjects  are  being  at  last  properly  inquired  into, 
and  I  intend  in  due  time  to  give  an  analysis  of  the  opinions  expressed. 
As  the  Secretaries  have  taken  the  trouble  to  mention  the  fact  of  my 
resignation  of  Committee,  which  took  place  early  last  June,  I  may  as 
well  supplement  their  information  by  stating  that  in  order  that  I  should 
in  future  have  no  official  connection  with  the  Society,  I  also  at  the  same 
time  resigned  my  local  secretaryship  of  the  Croydon  district.  No  doubt 
the  Secretaries  will  soon  find  a  better  representative. — Charles 
J.  Grahame, 


Tea  Roses  from  Cuttings. 

So  immensely  popular  are  Tea  Roses,  that  notwithstanding  the  vast 
number  of  bushes  disposed  of  annually  by  nurserymen,  few  gardens  can 
boast  of  being  able  to  maintain  a  continuous  supply  of  their  deliciously 
scented  flowers.  The  death-rate  of  plants  in  the  open  air  has,  during 
the  last  two  years,  been  unusually  heavy,  and  in  order  to  obtain  a  suffi¬ 
cient  number  of  plants  to  fill  up  vacancies,  a  considerable  outlay  has,  in 
many  instances,  been  necessary.  To  some  this  is  a  matter  of  little 
moment,  to  others  it  is  one  of  importance ;  and  there  are  few  indeed 
who  would  not  be  glad  to  expend  upon  new  Roses  a  greater  amount 
than  they  at  times  find  available.  This  I  think  they  might  easily 
do  if  plants  of  older  varieties  were  propagated  freely  each  year,  so  as 
to  have  a  sufficient  stock  in  hand  to  fill  up  gaps,  or  at  least  some  of 
them. 

I  have  tried  many  experiments  in  connection  with  the  propagation  of 
Tea  Roses  from  cuttings,  and  I  am  convinced  that  if  the  right  kind  of 
wood  is  selected  the  present  is  the  best  time  in  the  whole  year  to  set 
about  the  work.  When  the  right  method  is  adopted  it  is  surprising 
with  what  ease  and  certainty  a  good  stock  of  vigorous  plants  may  be 
obtained.  The  plan  I  find  best  is  the  following.  I  select  the  requisite 
number  of  short-jointed  half-ripened  shoots  which,  if  possible,  have  been 
severed  from  the  parent  plant  with  a  heel  attached.  Cut  in  lengths 
containing  from  three  to  five  joints,  although  it  is  only  necessary  to 
have  a  couple  of  joints  above  the  soil  after  the  cuttings  are  inserted. 
Varieties  differ  much  in  the  length  of  joints,  and  I  find  that  the  most 
vigorous  plants  are  produced  from  cuttings  having  a  moderate  amount 
of  growth  above  the  soil,  provided  the  leaves  and  stems  are  kept  from 
shrivelling  till  young  roots  are  emitted.  In  preparing  the  cuttings,  cut 
the  base  with  a  sharp  knife,  trim  any  projecting  portions  of  bark, 
remove  a  couple  of  the  lower  leaves,  and  if  needful  shorten  the  top  to 
a  good  bud. 

Fresh  yellow  loam  two  parts,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  leaf  soil  and 
a  liberal  amount  of  sharp  sand  added,  form  the  compost  I  employ.  This 
is  pressed  moderately  firm  into  well  drained  5-inch  pots  and  given  a 
surfacing  of  sand.  Half  a  dozen  cuttings  are  inserted  round  the  sides 
of  each  pot  and  one  in  the  centre.  The  soil  is  pressed  firmly  around  the 
base  of  each  cutting.  Failure  is  frequently  brought  about  through  not 
attending  to  this  simple  detail.  A  watering  is  then  given  and  the  pots 
be  plunged  in  cocoa-nut  fibre  or  sawdust  in  a  cold  frame,  one  having  a 
north  or  west  aspect  is  preferable.  Much  less  difficulty  is  then  expe¬ 
rienced  in  keeping  the  atmosphere  cool  and  moist  without  resorting  to 
dense  shade.  No  air  need  be  admitted  for  a  couple  of  weeks,  except  in 
dull  weather  to  dry  superfluous  moisture.  The  cuttings  are  syringed 
once  or  twice  daily  during  bright  weather.  This  keeps  the  soil  suffi¬ 
ciently  moist  till  air  is  admitted,  but  should  it  become  in  the  least  dry 
upon  the  surface  water  is  given  through  a  rose,  as  the  least  approach  to 
dryness  about  the  base  of  the  cuttings  causes  the  cellular  tissue  to 
become  contracted,  and  failure  is  the  result.  A  little  air  is  admitted 
daily  after  the  cuttings  have  been  inserted  a  fortnight. 

Some  growers  make  a  mistake  in  being  in  too  great  a  hurry  to  pot 
the  young  plants  directly  they  see  growth  has  commenced,  the  result 
being  that  they  are  lost.  It  is  rare  indeed  that  the  cuttings  have  more 
than  callused  by  the  time  growth  begins,  and  even  when  young  roots 
are  just  pushing  into  the  soil  it  is  a  dangerous  practice  to  pot.  This 
operation  should  be  deferred  till  the  roots  have  obtained  a  good  hold  of 
the  soil,  and  there  is  no  difficulty  in  determining  when  they  have 
reached  this  stage  if  they  are  carefully  turned  out  of  the  pots.  Three  or 
4-inch  pots  will  be  quite  large  enough  to  transfer  the  plants  to,  as  it  is 
important  to  have  the  soil  well  permeated  with  roots  before  winter  sets 
in.  The  plants  should  if  possible  be  wintered  in  a  pit  or  other  structure 
from  which  frost  is  excluded.  They  succeed  fairly  well  if  plunged 
in  coal  ashes  in  a  cold  pit ;  but  during  a  long  spell  of  severe  frosts  they 
suffer  considerably  from  the  damp  and  confined  atmosphere.  Under 
such  conditions  the  plants  do  not  start  into  good  growth  in  the  spring, 
and  much  time  is  lost.  When,  however,  they  are  kept,  as  above  advised, 
in  heated  structures,  the  rvood  gets  thoroughly  hardened  during  the 
winter,  and  the  plants  are  ready  for  potting  early  in  the  spring. 

When  all  danger  from  frost  is  over  the  strongest  will  be  available 
for  planting  in  beds  in  the  open  air,  while  the  remainder  may  either  be 
grown  in  pots  or  planted  in  a  warm  corner  of  the  reserve  garden. 
Whichever  course  is  pursued,  if  good  culture  is  given  spleiidid 
plants  will  be  produced  by  the  following  season.  A  number  of  cuttings 
put  in  annually  will  then  maintain  a  constant  supply  of  Tea  Rose  trees 
which  will  be  available  for  all  purposes,  and  being  always  ready  at  hand, 
maybe  planted  at  the  most  opportune  times.  Any  who  act  upon  the 
advice  above  given  will,  I  am  sure,  have  no  difficulty  in  raising  a  good 
stock  of  Tea  Roses,  and,  judging  from  the  exclamations  I  frequently 
hear,  there  are  not  a  few  who  would  gladly  increase  their  stock  in  a 
way  so  simple,  yet  satisfactory.  —  H.  Dunkin,  Castle  Gardens, 
Warwicli. 

National  Rose  Society’s  Provincial  Show  at  W  orksop. 

It  was  a  bold  venture  to  hold  the  Provincial  Show  this  year  at  the 
small  Nottingham  town  of  Worksop,  bold  on  the  part  of_  the  Ic^al 
Society  which  ventured  upon  the  trouble  and  expense  which  such  a 
proposition  involves,  bold  on  the  part  of  the  Society  which  entru^ed 
the  second  great  event  of  the  season  to  a  small  local  Society  which  had 
indeed  for  some  years  been  affiliated,  but  whose  modest  pretensions  had 
not  hitherto  given  any  indication  of  the  more  ambitious  projects  that 
lay  beneath  the  surface.  It  is  another  instance  of  what  can  be  d(me 
when  one  energetic  person  undertakes  such  a  work.  He  infuses  hig 


122 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1893. 


enthusiasm  into  powers  who  warmly  second  his  efforts  and  do  their  best 
to  forward  the  interests  of  the  Society. 

It  is  due  to  Mr.  Henry  V.  Machin  in  the  first  instance,  and  to  Messrs. 
Whale,  Baxter,  and  the  zealous  Committee,  that  all  the  arrangements 
were  so  carefully  made ;  but  there  is  one  element  in  all  such  matters 
with  which  we  must  have  to  reckon,  but  which  we  cannot  control,  the 
character  of  the  weather.  As  week  after  week  of  the  continued  drought 
rolled  by,  the  thought  could  but  be  present.  When  this  breaks  up  shall 
we  not  have  a  wet  and  dreary  time  ?  and  then  came  the  remembrance 
of  Chester  last  year,  the  most  disastrous  day  that  the  N.R.S.  has  ever 
experienced  at  its  provincial  shows  ;  and  when  I  arrived  at  Worksop  on 
the  evening  previous  and  was  told  that  already  there  had  been  registered 
Ij  inch  of  rain  that  day,  one  could  not  but  feel  that  ill-fortune  is 
likely  to  follow,  and  that  Worksop  will  be  a  reproduction  of  Chester. 
The  morning  broke  gloomily  with  a  drizzling  rain,  but  happily  it  cleared 
off  between  twelve  and  one,  and  the  afternoon  was  tolerably  fine  ;  but 
the  wet  had  had  its  effect  on  both  exhibitors  and  the  public,  and  the 
result  was  unfavourable  in  a  financial  point  of  view.  To  anyone  who 
recollected  the  overflowing  show  at  Chester,  that  at  Worksop  must  have 
appeared  small,  and  that  it  was  so  was  borne  out  by  the  fact  that  in  the 
highest  class  for  seventy-twos  there  was  but  one  competitor,  that  the 
great  Essex  firms  were  unrepresented,  while  from  the  further  south  no 
one  appeared  except  plucky  Mr.  George  Mount  amongst  nurserymen, 
and  Mr.  Budd  amongst  amateurs. 

The  Metropolitan  Show  has  by  some  been  rather  absurdly  called  the 
Rose  Derby,  but  the  Derby  is  but  one  incident  in  the  great  Epsom 
meeting.  The  analogy  of  that  great  race  is  to  be  found  in  the  competition 
for  the  much-coveted  trophies.  Carrying  out  this  comparison  I  think  we 
may  compare  the  competition  for  the  Jubilee  trophies  to  the  race  for 
the  St.  Leger  at  Doncaster.  Like  it,  it  was  carried  out  on  northern 
ground,  and,  like  it,  only  stands  a  little  lower  in  the  estimation  of  winners 
to  the  great  Metropolitan  event.  It  sometimes  happens  in  these  races 
that  an  outsider  on  whom  nobody  reckoned  defeats  all  the  calculations 
of  the  book-makers,  and  so  it  happened  at  Worksop  ;  and  while  antici¬ 
pations  as  to  whether  Budd  or  Pemberton  or  Lindsell  would  carry  it  off, 
one  whose  name  was  never  even  alluded  to,  Mr.  A.  Whitton  of  Bedale, 
bore  off  the  trophy.  As  to  nurserymen  everybody  concluded  that  it 
would  go  to  Messrs.  Harkness,  and  for  the  second  time  this  firm  has 
accomplished  a  feat  which  no  other  firm  has  done — namely,  carrying  off 
both  trophies  for  the  year.  It  was  not  so  easily  won,  as  Messrs. 
Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons  of  Newtownards  ran  them  so  close  that  there  were 
but  few  points  of  difference  between  them  ;  indeed,  in  one  respect  they 
had  an  advantage — namely,  the  greater  variety  of  colour  in  their  stand. 
I  think  it  was  disappointment  to  a  good  many  that  Mr.  Machin  did  not 
take  a  higher  place,  but  it  was  no  surprise  to  me,  who  had  heard  that  he 
had  not  cut  his  Roses  until  the  drenching  rain  came  on.  It  is  but 
another  instance  of  the  fatal  mistake  that  amateurs  so  often  make  of 
putting  off  the  cutting  of  their  Roses  until  the  very  latest  time  possible, 
especially  if  the  show  be  near  at  hand.  Let  an  exhibitor  only  think  at 
what  time  the  Roses  from  Canterbury  and  Newtownards  must  have 
been  cut,  when  he  will  at  once  see  that  his  best  plan  is  to  make  hay 
while  the  sun  shines.  Had  Mr.  Machin  but  cut  his  Roses  in  the  early 
morning  of  the  day  before,  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  he  would 
have  easily  taken  the  premier  place.  Although  the  season  has  been  so 
unfavourable,  yet  there  are  some  Roses  which  have  been  exhibited  in  as 
fine  condition  as  ever  they  were  shown  in.  Take  for  example  Horace 
Vernet,  which  has  secured  the  silver  medal  for  the  best  H.P.  both  at  the 
Crystal  Palace  and  Worksop.  Grand  blooms  also  were  shown  of  Comte 
Raimbaud,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Due  de  Wellington,  Victor  Hugo,  Suzanne 
Marie  Rodocanachi,  A.  K.  Williams,  Charles  Darwin,  Dr.  Sewell,  Louis 
Van  Houtte  ;  whilst  amongst  Teas  some  grand  blooms  of  Ethel 
Brownlow,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Madame  Hoste,  a  beautiful  bloom  of* 
which  secured  the  N.R.S.’s  medal  in  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Sons  of 
Newtownards  firm,  the  same  flower  securing  the  silver  medal  in  the 
amateurs’  class  for  Mr.  Walter  Drew.  The  Mrs.  John  Laing,  which 
secured  the  silver  medal  for  Mr.  Pemberton,  was  a  good  flower,  though  I 
have  seen  finer  blooms  of  it.  Amongst  the  smaller  exhibitors  who 
hailed  from  the  South,  few  indeed  in  number,  must  be  noted  Mr. 
Charles  J.  Grahame  of  Croydon,  Mr.  Edward  Mawley,  the  Honorary 
Secretary,  and  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Gall  of  Hitchin,  all  of  whom  showed 
exceedingly  well,  especially  when  we  consider  the  disadvantages  under 
which  they  laboured  from  the  long  drought. 

The  wisdom  of  the  alteration  in  the  Society’s  rules  with  regard  to 
new  Roses — namely,  that  of  allowing  those  in  the  last  three  years  instead 
of  two  to  be  included  in  the  stands — was  shown  here,  as  it  had  already 
been  in  the  Crystal  Palace.  Formerly  we  used  to  get  a  few  indifferent 
blooms  from  grafted  plants,  whereas  now  we  can  not  only  have  our 
English  raised  Roses  but  whatever  French  ones  there  are,  and  they  are 
very  few,  are  no  longer  from  pot  plants,  but  from  those  grown  in  the 
open  ground.  One  has  only  to  recollect  what  Madame  Hoste  was  when 
first  exhibited  among  new  Roses,  and  then  to  see  what  it  is  now,  is 
how  widely  different  the  flowers  are  under  these  two  different  conditions. 
Thus  probably  so  good  a  stand  of  new  Roses  has  not  before  been 
exhibited  as  that  of  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons,  containing  as  it  did 
some  of  their  own  fine  Roses,  Marchioness  of  Londonderry,  Margaret 
Dickson,  and  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  Duke  of  Fife,  Gustave  Piganeau, 
which  would  have  been  excluded  but  for  the  new  rule,  with  the  American 
sport  Chabaw,  and  a  few  French  Roses  of  no  particular  merit,  but  of 
which  we  may  perhaps  hear  more  by-and-by.  While  upon  this  subject 
I  may  mention  a  very  remarkable  stand  of  new  Roses  shown  by  a  local 
exhibitor.  When  I  say  that  it  contained  a  white  Charles  Lefevre,  a  red 


Baroness  Rothschild,  and  a  pink  Baron  de  Von  Stettin,  it  will  be  at 
once  seen  how  perfectly  unique  it  was.  Out  of  the  twelve  blooms  there 
were  only  five  correctly  named.  It  could  not  be  disqualified  as  there  were 
no  duplicates,  but  surely  one  would  think  that  even  a  “crock  boy’’ 
would  have  known  better  than  to  have  made  such  preposterous  mistakes, 
and  it  seemed  very  hard  to  be  obliged  to  give  a  prize  to  a  s^and  whose 
nomenclature  was  so  very  mixed  as  in  this  case. 

Garden  Roses,  as  might  have  been  expected  owing  to  the  character 
of  the  season,  were  not  largely  exhibited,  but  there  was  one  very  excel¬ 
lent  stand  from  Mr.  Machin,  in  which  some  of  the  plants,  such  as  the 
Rugosa,  were  shown  with  a  good  deal  of  foliage,  and  I  cannot  but  think 
that  this  is  the  condition  in  which  these  exhibits  should  be  seen  in 
future — at  least,  where  the  exhibitors  are  near  home — for  it  is  no  easy 
matter  to  carry  these  flowers  any  distance.  A  bunch  of  L’Ideale 
attracted  considerable  attention,  and  some  bunches  of  the  small  Poly- 
antha  section  were  very  attractive. 

As  your  reporter  has  already  given  a  full  account  of  the  prizetakers 
and  of  the  flowers  they  exhibited  I  have  not  entered  into  any  details 
upon  these  points,  but  have  merely  indicated  the  chief  points  of  interest, 
and  it  is  to  be  sincerely  hoped  that  this  Exhibition  may  have  given  a 
stimulus  to  Rose  growing  in  the  northern  midlands,  and  that,  as  in  other 
places,  although  it  may  not  have  resulted  in  any  immediate  profit  to  the 
local  Society,  good  effects  may  be  felt  in  future  years. — D.,  Beal, 


FRUIT  PROSPECTS  IN  BEDFORDSHIRE. 

Apples  are  a  good  average  crop.  The  fruits  of  many  kinds  are 
rather  smaller  than  usual,  but  now  the  rains  have  come  they  are  swell¬ 
ing  fast.  The  Codlin  class,  such  as  Lord  Sulfield,  is  better  than  I  have 
seen  for  some  years.  Pears,  about  half  a  crop  upon  bush  and  standard 
trees,  better  results  on  walls.  Eeurre  Clairgeau, Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey, 
Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  and  Marie  Louise  are  amongst  the  best. 
Plums  are  a  good  average  crop.  Apricots  half  a  crop.  Peaches  and 
Nectarines  on  unprotected  walls  are  carrying  full  crops  and  ripening 
about  a  month  earlier  than  usual.  The  trees  generally  are  healthier 
and  better  than  they  have  been  for  some  years.  Peaches  of  good  size 
and  quality  were  gathered  from  the  walls  the  first  week  in  July,  but  it 
was  necessary  to  assist  the  trees  with  liberal  supplies  of  water,  other¬ 
wise  the  fruit  would  have  been  very  small. 

Strawberries  showed  abundance  of  blossom,  but  owing  to  the  late 
spring  frosts,  the  long  drought,  and  excessive  heat,  we  had  only  about 
half  a  crop,  and  this  was  only  secured  by  heavy  waterings.  Laxton’s 
Scarlet  Queen  was  the  pioneer  this  season,  beating  John  Ruskin  and 
Noble  by  a  few  days  ;  Laxton’s  Latest  of  All  has  proved  itself  a  good 
variety  of  the  British  Queen  type,  of  excellent  flavour  and  size.  It 
seems  to  do  well  on  rather  light  sandy  soil,  where  British  Queen  will 
not  succeed.  Oxonian  was  the  latest  with  finely  coloured  fruit. 

Bush  fruits  have  been  about  half  a  crop,  and  very  small.  These 
ripened  irregularly  owing  to  the  long  drought.  As  soon  as  the 
fruits  showed  signs  of  colouring  they  were  attacked  by  birds.  The 
little  blue  tits  are  very  troublesome,  they  set  nets  of  ordinary  size  at 
defiance,  flying  clean  through  1-inch  mesh  ;  but  owing  to  the  welcome 
rains  we  have  had  during  July,  upwards  of  5  inches,  vegetation  is 
making  rapid  progress.  Apples  and  Pears  are  swelling  very  fast  now, 
and  promise  to  be  of  good  size,  the  fruits  of  most  kinds  being  clear 
and  bright. 

Most  kinds  of  vegetables  have  suffered  from  the  drought.  It  has 
only  been  from  highly  cultivated  soil,  deep  digging,  and  generous 
manuring  that  the  best  results  were  obtained. — G.  R.  ALLIS,  Old  Warden, 
Biggleswade. 


NOTES  FROM  BRISTOL. 

Bristol,  like  most  large  cities  in  this  country,  can  boast  of  many  good 
gardening  establishments  in  its  suburbs,  supported  by  its  most  wealthy 
merchants  and  private  residents  who  take  an  interest  in  some  phase  of 
garden  work  for  pleasure  or  profit  or  a  combination  of  both.  The  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  and  spring  Shows  which  are  held  in  Bristol  testify  in  a 
marked  degree  to  the  higher  class  of  gardening  carried  on  there,  the 
Chrysanthemum  fixture  being  looked  upon  as  one  of  the  best  in  the 
provinces.  For  want  of  time  I  was  enabled  only  to  visit  a  few  of  the 
many  interesting  gardens  I  am  acquainted  with,  and  notes  on  such  may 
not  be  without  some  interest  to  the  many  readers  of  the  Journal  resident 
in  the  district, 

Springfield. 

This  is  the  pleasantly  situated  residence  of  F.  Savage,  Esq. 
Although  good  all-round  gardening  is  carried  on  there  are  specialities 
both  in  winter  and  summer,  foremost  of  them  being  Orchids,  which  are 
wonderfully  well  grown  by  Mr.  Edwards,  who,  it  may  be  said,  has  held 
his  present  position  for  thirty  years,  and  I  believe  for  the  whole  of  that 
time  has  been  a  constant  reader  of  the  Journal  of  Uorticulture.  The 
collection  is  not  a  large  one,  but  it  embraces  sufficient  in  point  of 
numbers  and  variety  for  furnishing  a  succession  of  bloom  at  all  seasons. 
At  the  present  time  Odontoglossum  Insleayi  leopardianum,  0.  tigrinum, 
and  0.  pulchellum  are  conspicuous,  while  of  Oncidiums  0.  Cavendish- 
iana,  0.  sphacelatum — the  first  named  a  good  form,  the  latter  a  fine 
specimen  now  fast  opening.  Oucidium  splendidum  must  have  been 
fine,  judging  from  the  size  of  the  remaining  portion  of  the  flower  stem 
and  the  v’gour  of  the  plant.  0.  crispum  and  0.  varicosum  are  each 
strong  and  healthy,  and  produce  a  good  annual  display.  0.  macranthum, 


Ausrust  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


123 


to  my  mind  the  queen  of  Oncidiums,  is  here  in  splendid  form  ;  last 
season  its  spike  reached  across  the  house,  and  for  convenience  was 
trained  to  the  roof  girder,  and  must  indeed  have  been  very  fine.  Lycaste 
Skinneri  resembles  the  well  known  Phaius  grandifolius  in  its  growth,  and 
was  just  pushing  forth  vigorous  flower  spikes.  Among  Cattleyas,  gigas 
Sanderiana  was  conspicuous  by  its  flne  bold  growths  ;  this  plant  last  year 
produced  nine  of  its  massive  and  richly  coloured  blooms,  which  measured 
9  inches  in  diameter.  C.  Bowringiana,  C.  Skinneri,  C.  Mendelli, 
C.  Mossise,  and  C.  Harrisonise  violacea  were  each  in  a  healthy,  vigorous 
state,  not  mere  scraps  but  fine  large  pieces.  Imported  plants  of  the 
now  popular  autumn-flowering  Cattleya  labiata  were  noticed,  some  of 
which  had  already  bloomed,  others  being  awaited  with  interest,  because 
of  their  varying  character  of  growth.  Cypripedium  insigne  in  7-inch 
pots  were  carrying  twenty  and  upwards  of  their  useful  blooms,  which 
are  valuable  for  house  decorating.  Dendrobiums  nobile,  Wardianum, 
and  Farmeri,  among  others,  were  noticeable,  the  plants  being  fine  with 
an  abundant  promise  of  bloom. 

Crotons,  Dracaenas,  and  other  foliage  plants  and  Ferns  are  grown 
to  meet  a  large  demand  for  indoor  work  ;  while  Eucharis,  Dipladenias, 
and  Allamandas  furnish  choice  flowers  for  cutting  purposes.  Eucharises 
are  particularly  strong,  and  flower  frequently,  and  for  the  cleaning  their 
leaves  no  insecticide  is  ever  employed,  Mr.  Edwards  being  of  opinion 
that  injury  to  the  foliage  brings  on  premature  debility,  and  sometimes 
failure.  Small  pots  of  Adiantum  farleyense  are  always  a  feature  here, 
and  a  useful  employment  is  found  for  them  in  the  house,  where  they 
are  naturally  very  striking.  Winter-flowering  Pelargoniums  are  given 
prominence  to  for  cutting  purposes,  and  Poinsettias  form  another  of 
Mr.  Edwards’  specialities ;  a  good  batch  of  the  late  blooming  variety, 
judging  from  those  now  remaining,  must  have  been  very  fine.  In 
48-pots  I  noticed  bracts  measuring  from  16  to  20  inches  across,  and 
very  dwarf  in  stem.  Old  plants  are  started  early,  and  grown  vigorously 
until  June,  when  the  tops  are  taken  off  and  put  into  small 
pots,  and  these  plunged  in  a  frame  on  a  prepared  manure  bed  when  the 
•thermometer  indicates  a  temperature  of  90°,  In  a  fortnight  they  are 
rooted  and  ready  for  potting,  and  from  that  time  they  are  gradually 
exposed  to  light  and  cooler  surroundings,  so  as  to  keep  them  dwarf. 

Two  very  light  and  well  ventilated  houses  furnish  a  supply  of 
Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Plums  from  the  middle  of  June  to  the  end  of 
September.  The  body  of  the  houses  are  filled  with  a  double  row  of 
trees  in  pots,  the  lofty  back  walls  having  permanent  ones  trained  to 
wires.  All  the  trees  are  perfectly  clean  and  healthy  ;  those  in  pots,  as 
soon  as  the  fruit  is  gathered,  are  plunged  outdoors  and  their  places 
occupied  with  Chrysanthemums  for  the  winter.  An  excellent  provision 
for  increased  ventilation  is  carried  out  by  means  of  4-inch  glazed  socket 
pipes,  conveyed  through  the  centre  of  the  border  from  end  to  end. 
Upright  pipes  connected  with  this  ventilating  drain  are  placed  at  equal 
distance  apart,  and  an  upright  one  at  each  end  outdoors  forms  the  shaft 
for  the  conveyance  of  air  into  the  house  without  any  adjustment  of  the 
ordinary  ventilators.  The  outside  ones  are  each  fitted  with  a  cover,  so 
that  their  use  can  be  regulated  with  ease,  and  this  additional  volume  of 
air  moving  from  the  floor  of  the  house  is  of  great  value  in  summer, 
especially  in  such  light  structures. 

I  was  interested  in  the  heating  arrangements  carried  out  at  Spring- 
field.  Mr.  Edwards  is  much  in  favour  of  small  pipes,  and  find  by  their 
use  a  steady  heat  can  be  maintained  more  easily  and  with  less  strain 
on  the  boilers  than  is  the  case  with  larger  pipes.  The  mains  are  3-inch 
pipes,  and  reduced  to  2-inch  sizes  in  all  the  latest  built  structures  which 
the  present  proprietor  has  erected.  Two  tubular  boilers  are  connected, 
so  that  one  or  both  may  be  used  as  occasion  demands.  There  are  many 
other  points  of  interest  at  Springfield  which  do  credit  to  their  owner  and 
gardener,  but  space  does  not  permit  of  further  detail. — W.  S. 

CTo  be  continued.) 


STRAINS  OF  GRAPES  —  CONTINENTAL  STRAW¬ 
BERRIES. 

The  French  “  viticulteurs,”  the  nurserymen  of  the  craft,  such  as 
Etienne  Salomon  of  Thomery,  have  gone  very  exhaustively  into  the 
classification  of  the  varieties  of  the  Grape  Vine.  This  has  led  them — 
as  it  quite  naturally  should,  and  the  only  wonder  is  that  others,  the 
English  specialists  included,  have  not  made  more  of  the  fact — that  there 
exist  many  different  “  strains  ”  of  the  same,  and  chiefly  of  the  more 
popular  sorts.  For  instance  the  Black  Hamburgh,  or  Frankenthal, 
has  been  found  to  differ  in  this  respect  from  the  standard  at  least  a 
dozen  times  ;  and  the  Gros  Colman  is  classed  with  the  French  in  two 
very  distinct  strains — the  one  light  leaved  (in  colour)  with  large  berries, 
colouring  with  diflSculty,  and  the  leaves  dying  or  ripening  quicker  ; 
the  other  darker  leaved,  berries  smaller  and  colouring  very  early  and 
quite  black,  I  know  all  that  the  difference  of  soil  and  manuring  can 
do  ;  but  the  fact  of  different  strains  of  the  same  variety  existing  cannot 
be  denied,  and  it  would  be  more  wonderful  if  such  were  not  the  case 
than  that  it  should  be  a  fact. 

I  recollect  reading  some  time  ago  in  the  Journal  some  queries 
about  the  Marguerite  Strawberry.  The  Marguerite  Libreton,  raised  by 
Libreton  in  1856  or  1859,  I  do  not  recollect  which,  is  a  very  large  light 
rose  and  very  early  Strawberry,  of  a  most  regular  tapering  shape.  I  have 
seen  some  grown  by  a  specialist  of  Brussels,  now  departed  (De  Jonghe) 
3  inches  long  and  2  inches  across  the  shoulder.  There  were  two  on  the 
plant  which  had  only  two  or  three  leaves,  and  grown  in  a  small  pot. 
It  was  the  best  market  Strawberry  for  forcing,  but  is  much  discarded 


now.  It  is  not  of  first  quality  ;  it  mildews  easily  ;  and  the  chief  cause 
of  its  not  paying  is — it  is  soft  and  does  not  keep  ;  the  shop  people  do 
not  like  it. 

The  Strawberry  best  liked  for  forcing  here  is  Louis  Vilmorin,  It 
is  not  an  early  sort,  but  grows  very  sturdy  ;  few  leaves  ;  sets  capitally  ; 
is  of  dark  varnished  red ;  keeps  and  travels  the  best.  By  starting 
early  enough  and  quite  gradually  they  come  as  soon  as  any  other ; 
the  first  fruits  are  large.  The  largest  Strawberry  is  considered  to  be 
Marbchal  MacMahon,  all  the  fruit  comes  large ;  also  Dr.  Morel, 
which  strange  to  say  (I  have  been  told  so)  forces  well  on  hotbeds,  but 
mildews  fearfully  if  forced  by  hot-water  heating. — Heleneveld, 


The  WeathePv  in  London. — After  local  thunderstorms  towards  the 
end  of  last  week,  and  much  hail  in  places,  a  sudden  change  occurred. 
On  Monday  and  subsequent  days  this  week  the  weather  has  been  of  a 
tropical  character,  the  sun  being  powerful  and  unclouded,  but  meteor¬ 
ologists  have  discovered  a  “  depression  ”  somewhere,  and  expect  it  to 
reach  us  in  the  course  of  a  few  days, 

-  Dutch  Hoeticultueal  Society. — The  members  of  the 

“  Dutch  Horticultural  Travelling  Society  ”  were  present  at  the  last 
meeting  of  the  Koyal  Horticultural  Society  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  the 
8th  inst.  The  conductor  of  the  party  was  Mr.  J.  K.  Budde,  the 
Curator  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  Utrecht. 

■ -  Veemoeel’s  Eclaie. — You  had  better  warn  your  readers  that 

Vermorel’s  sprayer  cannot  be  used  for  emulsions  containing  soap  or  oils, 
minerals  or  others.  In  a  few  hours’  time  the  indiarubber  organs  would 
be  destroyed.  Mr.  Vermorel  in  his  notice  points  out  the  fact.  The 
Eclair  is  to  be  used  for  bouillie  bordelaise  alone  ;  at  any  rate,  never  with 
any  compound  containing  soap  or  oils. — H. 

- Johnson’s  Gaedenees’  Dictionaey. — The  new  edition  of 

this  work  will  soon  be  completed,  the  sixth  part  having  come  to  hand. 
This  instalment  includes  the  portion  of  an  article  on  Mushroom  culture, 
and  ends  with  a  description  of  the  genus  Pleopeltis.  Two  more  parts 
are,  we  believe,  to  be  published  to  complete  the  book. 

-  Death  of  Me,  Thomas  Laxton, — Just  as  we  are  preparing 

for  press  we  learn  with  much  regret  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Laxton  of  Bedford,  which  occurred  on  Sunday  afternoon,  the  6th  inst., 
after  a  distressing  illness  of  eight  weeks’  duration,  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
three  years.  As  is  well  known,  Mr.  Laxton  was  one  of  our  chief  experts 
in  the  art  of  cross-fertilization,  and  he  exercised  this  art  with  remark¬ 
able  diligence  and  success.  He  has  added  to  our  gardens  new  flowers, 
vegetables,  and  fruits  that  will  long  keep  his  name  in  remembrance. 
Only  a  few  days  prior  to  his  death  we  were  reminded  of  his  achieve¬ 
ments  in  the  form  of  a  coloured  plate  of  the  new  Strawberry  Laxton’s 
Eoyal  Sovereign — a  splendid  early  variety,  as  large  as  Sir  Joseph  Paxton, 
with  much  of  the  British  Queen  flavour.  This  Mr.  Laxton  considered 
his  masterpiece  among  Strawberries,  and  the  distribution  of  plants,  we 
presume,  will  be  continued  by  his  sons — the  Laxton  Brothers,  Bedford, 
Well  it  will  be  if  they  have  inherited  their  father’s  skill  in  the  work  in 
which  he  engaged  so  zealously  over  a  number  of  years. 

-  Philosophy  of  Deainage. — Few  cultivators  understand  how 

water  operates  in  soil  culture.  One  of  its  chief  uses  is  to  purify  the 
soil.  The  roots  of  plants  require  the  agency  of  oxygen  in  preparing 
food,  just  as  much  as  the  leaves  do ;  and  after  the  air  has  lost  its 
oxygen  it  is  impure  and  unfit  for  the  use  of  the  plant.  A  heavy  fall  of 
rain  completely  saturates  the  soil  and  drives  out  the  impure  air,  and  as 
this  water  passes  away  a  new  supply  of  air  follows.  In  no  other  way 
can  the  soil  be  rendered  free  of  impure  air  than  by  this  curious  process 
of  Nature.  In  brief,  says  “  Meehan’s  Monthly,”  rain  is  a  purifier  of  the 
earth.  Of  course  the  soil  retains  moisture,  and  from  this  moisture  the 
roots  subsequently  are  enabled  to  draw  their  supply.  This  is  necessary, 
but  air  is  no  less  necessary  than  the  water.  One  of  the  most  interesting 
treatises  on  the  subject,  and  by  which  this  paragraph  has  been  suggested, 
is  an  essay  delivered  before  the  Marion  County  Horticultural  Society 
of  Salem,  Oregon,  by  President  John  M.  Bloss,  of  the  State  Agricultural 
College,  and  Director  of  the  Agricultural  Experiment  Station, 


124 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1893. 


-  Gardening  Appointment. — Mr.  J.  A.  Cox,  who  has  been 

the  past  nine  and  half  years  foreman  at  Aldenham  House,  Elstree, 
Herts,  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  the  Hon.  A.  Holland  Hibbert, 
Munden  Park,  Watford,  Herts, 

-  Prince  Consort’s  Association. — This  Association  recently 

held  its  fortieth  exhibition  in  Windsor  Home  Park.  Collections  of 
plants  were  arranged  by  Mr.  0.  Thomas,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore, 
Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  and  Mr.  C.  Turner. 

-  Profitable  Culture. — It  is  quite  certain,  says  the  “  Rural 

World,”  that  to  make  agriculture  pay  in  this  country  it  must  approach 
market  gardening  to  a  greater  extent  than  it  does,  which  means  more 
work  for  the  rural  labourer  and  better  profits  for  the  farmers. 

-  Sandringham  Flower  Show. — This  annual  exhibition  was 

held  on  Wednesday,  August  2ad,  and  proved  a  great  success.  The  fruit, 
flowers,  and  vegetables  staged  by  the  cottagers  were  plentiful  and  of 
good  quality.  The  Sandringham  gardens  were  open  to  visitors,  who 
were  more  numerous  than  for  some  years  past. 

-  St.  Mary’s  Fields,  Hampstead. — The  preservation  of  these 

fields  as  an  open  space  is  engaging  attention  in  the  district.  At  a 
meeting  held  on  Wednesday  evening  August  2nd,  at  St.  Mary’s  Hall, 
Abbey  Road,  Hampstead,  presided  over  by  the  Earl  of  Meath,  resolutions 
in  favour  of  preserving  as  a  public  recreation  ground  the  portion  yet 
unbuilt  upon  of  St.  Mary’s  Fields  were  unanimously  adopted. 

-  Pavia  macrostachya. — A  fine  specimen  of  this  beautiful 

late  flowering  North  American  shrub  was  recently  in  full  bloom  in 
Mr.  Smee’s  garden  at  Hackbridge,  but  suddenly  died  last  week  as  if 
through  the  effects  of  lightning.  The  flowers  are  produced  with  great 
freedom  and  in  dense  plumy  spikes.  The  growth  is  spreading  and  the 
foliage  abundant,  in  rich  contrast  to  the  wealth  of  bloom.  Ample  space 
must  be  accorded  to  this  plant  to  allow  it  to  spread  out  in  its  own 
characteristic  way,  whilst  it  thrives  in  any  good  garden  soil. 

-  Parks  and  Open  Spaces. — The  Chairman  stated  in  the 

course  of  his  address  at  a  recent  meeting  that  the  parks  and  open 
spaces  under  the  charge  of  the  London  County  Council  had  had  their 
area  increased  by  1000  acres  during  the  past  four  years.  The  Council 
possesses  fourteen  parks,  thirty  open  spaces,  and  twenty-two  gardens, 
the  annual  cost  of  maintenance  of  which  is  £82,992,  but  there  are  few 
items  of  expenditure  devolving  upon  the  Council  that  receive  more 
general  approval  than  the  expenditure  in  connection  with  London’s 
open  spaces. 

-  Sutton’s  A1  Tomato. — At  the  first  Exhibition  of  garden 

produce  held  last  week  at  Purley,  the  best  dish  of  Tomatoes  was  this  not 
yet  very  well  known  variety.  It  is  of  the  Challenger  type,  but  is  larger, 
the  fruits  being  more  deep  than  broad.  Perhaps  for  that  reason  the 
exhibitor  (Mr.  Houlder)  had  it  set  up  in  heaped  form,  when  the 
full  depth,  form,  and  solidity  of  the  fruits  were  made  so  much  the  more 
apparent.  A  good  dish  of  a  flat  round  variety,  the  fruits  set  out  singly, 
looked  best  at  the  first,  but  the  fruits  were  found  to  be  lacking  the  depth 
and  weight  as  well  as  the  finish  of  the  A1  variety.  I  saw  the  plants 
from  which  these  fruits  were  gathered  later  in  Mr.  Houlder’s  garden, 
growing  in  a  small  span  house  and  fruiting  splendidly.  I  think  these 
deep  or  Apple-shaped  Tomatoes  wdll  become  popular.  At  the  same 
Show  a  very  beautiful  group  of  Begonias  interspersed  with  effective 
Caladiums  and  various  flowering  and  foliage  plants  was  staged  by 
Mr.  J,  M.  Box  of  Croydon,  who  is  an  extensive  grower  of  excellent 
varieties. — A.  D. 

-  Phacelia  Campanulata. — There  are  many  shades  of  blue  in 

annuals,  and  the  most  popular  one  just  now  seems  to  be  the  familiar 
Cornflower,  Centaurea  Cyanus.  As  a  buttonhole  flower  this  has  been 
extensively  worn  during  the  past  season.  It  is  hoped  that  some  day  it 
may  be  possible  to  obtain  a  selection  that  shall  give  a  richer  colour 
than  in  even  the  best  forms  found  in  a  garden  strain.  But  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  of  all  blue  flowered  hardy  annuals  is  Phacelia  campanu- 
laria,  a  somewhat  dwarf  grower,  and  giving  a  fine  mass  of  colour  for 
bedding.  I  saw  this  in  grand  form  and  colour  the  other  day  in  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Sons’  seed  grounds  at  Reading,  and  as  it  was  then  still  hot  and 
dry  the  result  showed  that  this  Phacelia  is  a  capital  dry  weather 
annual.  It  is  also  very  hardy,  for  if  sown  so  late  as  the  end  of 
September  the  plants  will  pass  an  ordinary  winter.  The  colour  of  the 
cup-shaped  flowers,  which  are  about  the  size  of  those  of  Nemophila 
insignis,  is  just  the  intense  blue  of  Salvia  patens.  It  is  indeed  a 
beautiful  flower. — A.  D, 


-  French  Marigolds. — We  have  pleasure  in  sending  a  few 

blooms  of  our  French  Marigolds  for  your  inspection. — Bobbie  &  Co., 
Rothesay,  [The  blooms  sent  were  of  excellent  substance,  andi  the 
colours  perfectly  defined .] 

-  Carnation  Lottie  Kiblew. — Herewith  I  send  you  flowers 

of  a  new  yellow-ground  border  Picotee  named  Lottie  Kirlew,  of  which  I 
should  like  your  opinion. — Geo.  Holmes.  [The  flowers  are  very  good, 
and  the  variety  will  doubtless  become  popular  when  well  known.] 

-  Viola  Miss  Cannell. — Mr.  H.  Cannell  writes  “  I  think 

you  will  say  my  Viola  (Miss  Cannell)  is  decidedly  whiter  andfmore 
effective  than  the  renowned  Sylvia,  it  has  a  far  better  habit.  1  send  blooms 
of  both.”  [Though  the  blooms  were  curled  up  through  resting  in  the 
post  over  Bank  Holiday  the  greater  purity  of  Miss  Cannell  was  very 
apparent.] 

-  Golden  Rocca  Onion. — “  W.  K.  W.”  writes : — “  This  is  a 

great  improvement  upon  Giant  Rocca,  and  is  the  best  variety  for 
autumn  sowing.  This  opinion  has  been  firmly  fixed  in  my  mind  by  the 
numerous  fine  beds  of  it  I  have  recently  met  with  in  various  Norfolk 
gardens,  especially  some  splendid  samples  thereof  at  Sennowe.  The 
bulb  is  of  a  beautiful  straw  colour  when  mature,  large  in  size,  and 
of  most  handsome  shape.  For  exhibition  purposes  I  believe  it  is 
unequalled.” 

-  Continuity  Lettuce. — The  same  correspondent  observes : 

— “Another  good  thing  which  has  received  much  praise  this  season 
from  many  Norfolk  gardeners  is  Daniels’  Continuity  Lettuce,  a  brownish 
coloured  Cabbage  kind  of  good  size,  In  spite  of  heat  and  drought 
during  the  past  months  it  has  wherever  grown  developed  large  solid 
heads,  which  appear  to  stand  longer  than  those  of  any  other  known 
variety.” 

-  Campanula  grandiflora  Mariesi.  —  Referring  to  the 

plant  figured  on  page  103  last  week,  Mr.  George  Paul  writes  from  The 
“  Old  ”  Nurseries,  Cheshunt  : — “  I  think  the  plant  is  Japanese,  and  was 
introduced  by  Maries.  It  is  a  dwarf  hardy  form  of  Platycodon  grandi¬ 
flora.  I  think  it  wants  the  south  slope  of  a  rockwork,  and  probably, 
having  done  so  well  this  year,  likes  a  warm  summer.  These  Japanese 
plants  vary  much,  probably  from  the  island  they  come  from,  but  I  should 
think  they  would  like  England  to  be  just  a  little  warmer  to  feel  quite 
at  home.” 

-  Meteorological  Observations  at  Hodsock  Priory, 

Worksop,  Notts,  for  July,  1893. — Mean  tempersture  of  the  month, 
60  9°.  Maximum  on  the  18th,  8P7°;  minimum  on  the  28th,  42  3°, 
Maximum  in  the  sun  on  the  8th,  135'9° ;  minimum  on  grass  on  the  28th, 
35'7°.  Mean  temperature  of  air  at  9  A.M.,  62'5°;  mean  temperature  of 
soil  1  foot  deep,  61’4°,  Total  duration  of  sunshine  in  the  month  154 
hours,  or  31  per  cent,  of  possible  duration.  We  had  three  sunless  days. 
Total  rainfall,  3-98  inches.  Rain  fell  on  eighteen  days.  Approximate 
averages  for  July — Mean  temperature,  60-7°.  Sunshine,  160  hours. 
Rainfall,  2-42  inches.  A  showery,  wet  month,  rather  warmer  than  the 
last  few  years. — J.  Mallender. 

-  Unripe  and  Decayed  Fruit.  —  The  “Lancet”  says 

“Nothing  is  more  essential  to  method  in  learning  than  frequent 
reiteration,  and  it  is  therefore  needless  to  plead  excuses  in  seeking 
thus  to  impress  even  the  elementary  facts  of  sanitary  science.  It 
might  be  supposed  that  by  this  time  everyone  understood  the  im¬ 
portance  of  observing  particular  care  in  the  selection  of  a  summer 
dietary,  especially  as  regards  fruit.  Hardly  any  question  of  domestic 
management  is  either  more  vital  or  more  elementary ;  yet  error  con¬ 
tinually  arises  in  this  connection  in  the  simplest  way.  A  few  days  ago 
a  child  died  soon  after  eating  Strawberries.  Why  ?  Because  the  fruit 
had  been  purchased  two  days  previously,  and,  as  was  only  to  be  expected, 
when  eaten  was  in  a  state  of  decay.  It  is  impossible  to  resist  the  im¬ 
pression  that  neglect  had  something  to  do  with  the  sad  result  in  this 
instance.  Luscious  fruits  are  particularly  liable  to  putrefactive  change, 
and  such  thrifty  processes  as  exposure  to  a  cold  and  dry  air,  spreading 
out  and  the  like,  suffice  only  to  postpone  decay  for  a  brief  period.  We 
cannot  do  better  than  point  to  the  incident  above  mentioned  in  order 
to  remind  the  vendor  and  the  purchaser  alike  that  freshness  is  the  only 
certain  guarantee  of  safety  when  any  succulent  fruit  forms  an  article 
of  diet.  We  have  not  forgotten  that  another  hardly  less  serious  danger 
of  the  season  awaits  those  who  indulge  in  fruit  which  is  under-ripe.  In 
this  case  taste  as  well  as  judgment  commonly  interpose  a  caution  the 
importance  of  which  can  hardly  be  exaggerated.  Yet  here,  also,  the 
consequences  of  neglect  have  too  often  been  sadly  apparent.” 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


125 


-  The  Total  Rainfall  fok  July  at  Abbot's  Leigh, 

Hayward’s  Heath,  Sussex,  was  3  48  inches,  being  0-82  inch  above  the 
average.  The  hiaviest  fall  was  0  59  inch  on  the  4th  ;  rain  fell  on  sixteen 
■days.  The  highest  temperature  in  the  shade  was  74°  on  12th,  the 
minimum  42°  on  28th.  Mean  maximum  73°,  mean  minimum  58  28°, 
mean  temperature  65-62°.  Mean  in  the  sun  83'6°.  A  very  favourable 
month.  Vegetables  now  make  rapid  progress. — E.  I. 

-  July  Weather  in  Herts. — The  past  month  here  has  main¬ 
tained  its  character  of  being  one  of  the  wettest  months  of  the  year. 
This  season  the  rain  was  much  needed,  and  vegetation  has  gone  forward 
by  leaps  and  bounds.  The  early  part  of  the  month  was  intensely  hot. 
Rain  fell  upon  seventeen  days  during  the  month.  Maximum  in  any 
twenty-four  hours,  0  72  on  the  26th  ;  minimum  in  any  twenty-four 
hours,  0  01  on  the  13th.  Total  during  the  month,  3-06,  against  4-02  of 
1892. — E.  Wallis,  The  Gardens,  Hamels  Farh. 

-  The  Weather  Last  Month. — July  was  very  changeable 

and  showery,  with  only  four  really  bright  days.  Barometer  fluctuated 
very  much.  The  highest  reading  was  30  30  at  9  a.m.  on  28th  ;  lowest, 
29  54  at  noon  on  20th.  Wind  in  a  westerly  direction  eighteen  days. 
Total  rainfall,  2-41  inches,  which  fell  on  twenty  days,  the  greatest  daily 
fall  bring  0-50  inch  on  the  2nd.  The  total  is  0-31  inch  below  the 
average  for  the  month.  Temperature  in  shade  :  highest,  87°  on  7th  ; 
lowest,  40°  on  28th ;  lowest  on  grass,  33°  on  28th.  Mean  daily  maxi¬ 
mum,  69’63°;  mean  daily  minimum,  52  64°;  mean  temperature  of  the 
month,  62-27°.  We  had  several  thunderstorms.  The  garden  spring 
ran  17  gallons  per  minute  on  31st. — W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall 
Gardens,  Stamford. 

-  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund.— The  monthly  meeting  of  the 

Committee  was  held  on  the  28th  ult.  at  the  Horticultural  Club,  Hotel 
Windsor,  W.  Marshall,  Esq.,  in  the  chair.  Matters  of  interest  connected 
with  the  administration  of  the  Fund  were  discussed,  and  reserved  for 
further  consideration.  The  Hon.  Secretary  announced  the  following 
receipts  : — From  Mr.  J.  Lyne,  local  Secretary,  The  Gardens,  Foxbury, 
Chislehurst,  £16  Is. ;  Mr.  G.  W.  Cummins,  local  Secretary,  The  Gardens, 
The  Grange,  Wallington,  sale  of  flowers  at  Croydon  Horticultural  Show, 
£8  ,-  collected  at  the  Wimbledon  Flower  Show,  £4  28.  6d.  ;  and  box 
per  Mr.  J.  Kneller,  The  Gardens,  Studley  Royal,  Ripon,  9s.  The  next 
meeting  of  the  Committee  will  be  held  on  the  last  Friday  in  October. 

-  Lincoln’s  Inn  Fields.  —  The  Parliamentary  Committee 

reported  at  the  meeting  of  the  London  County  Council,  held  on 
August  1st,  that  they  had  been  advised  by  the  solicitor  and  the  Par¬ 
liamentary  agent  that  the  way  in  which  the  Council  would  be  most 
likely  to  be  successful  in  obtaining  possession  of  Lincoln’s  Inn  Fields 
as  an  open  space  for  the  public  would  be  by  seeking  compulsory 
powers  of  acquisition  under  the  terms  and  provisions  of  the  Lands 
Clauses  Act.  They  recommended  that  they  be  instructed  to  prepare 
a  Bill  accordingly,  and  communicate  with  the  Benchers  of  Lincoln’s 
Inn  and  the  trustees  of  the  garden  concerning  same,  and  inviting 
them  to  enter  into  a  conditional  contract  for  the  sale  of  the  area 
within  the  square.  This  was  agreed  to. 

-  Presentation  to  Mr.  Meehan.  —  On  the  4th  of  July  at 

Vernon  Park,  Philadelphia,  the  citizens  of  that  city  presented  to  Mr. 
Thomas  Meehan  a  handsome  silver  plaque  as  a  testimonial  of  their 
appreciation  of  his  services  in  establishing  small  parks  in  various 
sections  of  the  city.  The  plaque  is  of  solid  silver,  19  inches  by  24  in 
size,  and  framed  in  carved  mahogany,  set  in  a  polished  mahogany 
shadow-box  covered  with  plate  glass.  It  is  etched  with  oxidised 
shading  to  represent  the  original  parchment  granted  to  William  Penn. 
In  the  central  part  of  the  top  of  the  plaque  is  the  following  apt  quota¬ 
tion  from  Penn’s  letter  to  his  Commissioners,  dated  September  30th, 
1681  — “  That  it  may  be  a  green  country  tow-n  and  always  wholesome.” 
We  have  more  than  once  called  attention  to  the  singular  value  of  Mr. 
Meehan’s  work,  and  we  are  glad  to  know  that  he  is  one  of  the  prophets 
who  is  not  without  honour  in  his  own  country.  One  of  the  speakers  at 
the  presentation  called  attention  to  the  extraordinary  spectacle  of  a 
man  elected  and  re-elected  to  the  City  Council  for  a  decade  of  years  by  the 
common  consent,  and,  in  fact,  by  the  urgent  desire  of  the  leaders  of  all 
parties  and  all  factions,  simply  because  he  has  pursued  steadily  the  work 
for  which  he  was  fitted  by  his  own  good  judgment  and  training.  It  is 
rare  indeed  that  any  one  man  is  able  to  do  so  much  good  in  a  civic 
position  ;  rare,  too,  that  he  can  command  the  confidence  of  his  fellow 
citizens  so  generally,  and  rarer  still  that  they  manifest  such  a  grateful 
appreciation  of  unselfish  work. — (“  Garden  and  Forest.”) 


-  Extraordinary  Fasciation  in  Anthemis.  —  We  have 

received  from  the  Rev.  F.  E.  Ainger,  of  Newcastle-on-Tyne,  an  interest¬ 
ing  specimen  of  the  fasciation  of  Anthemis  Cotula.  The  most  ordinary 
example  of  the  monstrous  growth  in  plants  known  as  fasciation  is  to  be 
seen  in  the  Cockscomb.  There  the  stalks  and  petioles  of  the  plant  are 
all  massed  and  confounded,  while  the  flowers  appear  at  the  top  in  the 
curious  scarlet  crest  which  forms  the  attractive  feature  in  its  cultiva¬ 
tion.  The  Anthemis  Cotula  sent  by  Mr.  Ainger  exhibits  a  similar 
distortion.  The  stalks  lie  conglomerated  together  in  a  broad  markedly 
ribbed  band,  not  unlike  the  leaf  of  an  Iris,  of  about  a  foot  in  length, 
and  surmounted  by  a  dull  yellow  crest  similar  to  that  of  the  Cocks¬ 
comb.  All  around  the  massed  stalks  appears  a  network  resembling  a 
parasite,  but  which  is  in  reality  an  excess  of  the  leaves,  petioles,  and 
flowers  of  the  Anthemis  remaining  incorporated  with  the  other  solidified 
portions.  At  a  superficial  glance  the  whole  looks  like  an  Anthemis 
climbing.  Dodder-wise,  round  a  flag,  but  the  terminal  cristate  growth 
upsets  this  theory. 

-  Burnt  Fruit  at  the  World’s  Fair.— The  only  exhibitor’s 

fruits  saved  from  the  burning  of  the  Cold  Storage  Building  at  the 
World’s  Fair  were,  says  an  American  exchange,  about  five  barrels  of 
winter  Apples,  belonging  to  New  York,  which  were  dug  from  the  ruins 
three  or  four  days  after  the  fire.  These  Apples  were  put  on  exhibition, 
and  they  now  occupy  about  350  plates  on  the  tables  formerly  used  for 
the  Lemon  display  of  Riverside  County,  California.  They  are  still  in 
presentable  condition,  and  include  Baldwin,  Roxbury  Russet,  English 
Russet,  Golden  Russet,  and  Campfield.  California  has  received  Oranges 
from  the  Pacific  coast  to  supply  her  loss  in  the  fire. 

- Mushrooms  and  Tomatoes.— Have  you  ever  tried  Mush¬ 
rooms  and  Tomatoes  cooked  together  ?  If  not,  says  a  writer  in  “  Truth,’’ 
you  will  thank  me  for  this  recipe  : — Remove  the  peel  and  stalks  from 
seven  or  eight  good  sized  fresh  Mushrooms  ;  lay  them,  the  hollow  part 
upward,  on  a  buttered  saut^-pan,  put  a  small  piece  of  butter  on  each, 
season  with  salt  and  pepper,  cover  with  a  lid  and  cook  them  in  a  hot 
oven  for  twenty  minutes.  Meanwhile  prepare  a  similar  number  of 
round  pieces  of  toast  buttered  on  both  sides.  Fry  an  equal  quantity  of 
thick  slices  of  ripe  Tomatoes.  Now  place  a  slice  of  Tomato  on  each 
piece  of  toast,  and  finish  with  a  Mushroom  on  the  top.  Dish  on  a  white 
paper  and  serve  very  hot. 

-  The  Siberian  Crab  as  an  Ornamental  Treb.— The  great 

utility  of  this  tree  as  an  ornament  in  the  garden.  It  is  evident  that  it 
is  appreciated  by  A.  W.  Smee,  Esq.,  The  Grange,  Hackbridge,  as  many 
trees  are  to  be  seen  in  his  garden.  At  the  present  time  the  fruits  are 
just  ripening  —  a  month  earlier  than  is  customary  —  and  the  sight 
presented  is  a  very  beautiful  and  at  the  same  time  a  very  unique  one. 
Planted  here  and  there  on  the  borders  the  trees  are  universally  admired. 
Apart  from  their  beauty,  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  from  the  fruits 
a  most  toothsome  and  nourishing  jelly  can  be  made  ;  the  tree,  therefore, 
has  two  points  at  the  least  which  render  it  desirable  in  every  garden — 
it  is  pleasing  to  the  eye  and  also  to  the  palate. — H.  W. 

- Clerodendron  fallax. — "W.  B.”  writes: — Seedlings  of 

this  plant  should  not  be  allowed  to  become  checked  in  small  pots,  or 
they  will  fail  to  do  satisfactorily.  To  grow  these  plants  well  they 
should  be  potted  directly  they  need  more  root  room,  when  they  will 
abundantly  repay  for  the  care  bestowed  upon  them  by  the  large  scarlet 
trusses  they  are  capable  of  producing.  These  plants  in  their  early 
stages  ought  to  be  grown  in  heat,  and  afterwards  in  an  intermediate 
temperature.  They  must  be  kept  growing  freely  from  the  first  to  the 
time  they  show  flower.  When  the  plants  are  in  full  growth  the  points 
may  be  removed,  and  the  plants  induced  to  branch.  It  is  useless 
pinching  them  after  they  show  flower,  especially  if  the  plants  have 
become  woody  through  checking  them. 

-  Battersea  Amateurs’  Horticultural  Societf. — This 

Society  held  its  first  annual  summer  Show  on  Bank  Holiday  in  a  field 
kindly  lent  for  the  occasion  by  Percy  Thornton,  Esq.,  M.P.  The  number 
of  exhibits  was  large,  some  good  plants  being  shown  by  the  amateurs  o 
the  district.  A  charming  group  of  plants  was  arranged  by  Mr.  W.  Wels- 
ford,  Binfield  and  Lansdowne  Nurseries,  South  Lambeth,  which  included 
amongst  others  perennial  Phloxes,  Asters,  Delphiniums,  Hydrangeas, 
and  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  great  variety.  Mr.  G.  B.  Fischer, 
florist,  30,  High  Street,  Clapham,  staged  a  highly  creditable  collection  of 
stove  and  greenhouse  foliage  plants,  as  also  did  Mr.  W.  Charman, 
gardener  to  H.  Russell,  Esq.,  Beechwood,  Clapham  Common.  A  fine 
collection  of  Ferns  was  shown  by  Mr.  Brown,  gardener  to  H.  Ravenhill, 
Esq.  Clapham  Common. 


126 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1898» 


-  Wasps. — A  wasp  plague  continues  to  cause  great  inconvenience 

in  the  neighbourhood  of  Dover.  A  curious  incident,  says  a  daily  con¬ 
temporary,  happened  on  Saturday  in  a  village  near  Sandwich.  A 
labourer  discovered  a  wasp’s  nest,  and  struck  with  the  beauty  of  its 
formation  instantly  took  it  home  and  carelessly  put  it  aside,  with  the 
object  of  taking  it  to  a  naturalist.  The  nest  proved  to  be  full  of  eggs, 
which  the  warmth  of  the  house  developed  during  the  night  into 
hundreds  of  wasps.  When  the  family  awoke  in  the  morning  the  house 
was  swarming  with  wasps,  and  the  family  had  to  make  their  escape  as 
best  they  could.  Some  of  them  were  severely  stung.  We  do  not  think 
this  man  will  take  home  another  wasp’s  nest. 

- Gardening  at  the  World’s  Fair. — The  picturesque  dwarf 

trees  of  Japan  interested  me  greatly.  One  old  Cypress,  300  years  old, 
perished  during  the  winter,  but  there  were  some  ancient  crooked  Maples, 
about  a  foot  high,  and  a  Pine  tree  with  gnarled  branches  and  massive 
roots  that  would  have  adorned  a  forest  in  Lilliput,  for  they  were  not 
more  than  18  inches  high.  Every  leaf  had  been  carefully  trained  on  the 
Maple,  and  the  pine-needles  were  held  imperceptibly  in  place  to 
produce  that  fine  cushiony  effect  that  is  so  highly  prized.  It  seemed 
like  looking  at  some  venerable  monarch  of  the  forest  through  the 
reverse  end  of  an  opera-glass,  so  perfectly  did  the  Lilliputian  tree 
reproduce  all  the  storm-wrought  eccentricities  of  the  great  one. 
Among  other  curious  objects  says  a  writer  in  “  Garden  and  Forest”  was 
the  exact  model  of  a  Japanese  garden,  quaintly  rendered,  with  little 
figures  crossing  its  toy  bridges  or  lingering  by  its  tiny  lake.  Here  were 
the  hillocks,  the  cascades,  the  stone  lamps,  the  sheet  of  water,  the 
smooth  stones,  the  summer  houses  hidden  in  the  clumps  of  trees,  the 
flowering  shrubs,  the  groups  of  Irises  by  the  water’s  edge — a  complete 
and  fanciful  little  pleasure  ground  within  the  circumference  of  a  large 
round  table. 

-  Ewell  Horticultural  Society. — The  twenty-ninth  annual 

Exhibition  of  this  Surrey  Society  was  held  on  a  nice  fine  day  on  the 
beautiful  grounds  of  The  Grove,  the  residence  of  the  ex-Lord  Mayor, 
Sir  D.  Evans.  The  grounds  were  thrown  open  to  the  public,  and  their 
entire  keep,  which  is  really  first-rate,  reflects  on  the  gardener,  Mr.  Quin¬ 
ton,  the  highest  credit.  Of  plant  groups  there  was  a  very  fine  one  sent 
by  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  of  Begonias,  Gloxinias,  Cala- 
diums.  Foliage  plants — i.e.,  of  the  competing  groups — the  largest  and 
best  was  set  up  by  Mr.  Whiteman,  gardener  to  A.  W.  Gadesden,  Esq. 
Mr.  Worsfold,  gardener  to  Lady  Glyn,  coming  second  with  a  charming 
arrangement  ;  and  Mr.  Quinton  was  third.  Mr.  Whiteman  had  the  best 
six  foliage  and  flowering  plants  ;  also  the  best  six  Begonias,  excellent 
specimens,  and  the  best  six  Fuchsias.  Mr.  Quinton  had  six  superbly 
flowered  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  some  3  feet  through,  and  well  grown. 
Several  noble  Palms  sent  by  Mr.  Whiteman  helped  to  decorate  the 
flower  tent.  Hardy  flowers  were  in  capital  form,  the  best  twelve  bunches 
coming  from  Mr.  Worsfold,  whose  selection  and  setting  up  were  ex¬ 
cellent.  Mr.  Elsey,  gardener  to  Miss  Carlisle,  was  second.  Mr.  Worsfold 
had  the  best  twelve  bunches  of  annuals,  a  capital  lot  of  flowers,  Mr. 
Elsey  again  being  second.  Mr.  Quinton  was  a  good  first  with  four 
dishes  of  fruit,  having  finely  finished  Alicante  Grapes,  Eoyal  George 
Peaches,  Elruge  Nectarines,  and  Jargonelle  Pears  ;  Mr.  Worsfold  was 
second.  Vegetables  all  round  were  excellent,  and  one  class  is  men¬ 
tioned  elsewhere.  An  odd  class  was  that  for  head  gardeners’  bouquets, 
the  best  coming  from  Mr.  Whiteman,  whilst  in  the  class  for  under 
gardeners’  bouquets  Mr.  Simmonds,  from  the  same  place,  was  first,  both 
being  admirably  arranged.  After  the  usual  presentation  of  prizes, 
kindly  performed  by  Lady  Evans  on  the  lawn,  Mr.  A.  Dean,  for  the 
Surrey  County  Council,  gave  a  short  address  relating  to  gardening,  for 
which,  on  the  proposal  of  Mr.  David  Evans,  a  cordial  vote  of  thanks 
was  awarded. 

-  Exhibiting  Vegetables.  —  For  a  pretty,  neat,  compact 

method  of  showing  vegetables  I  have  seen  none  better  than  was  found 
last  week  at  the  Ewell  Show,  where  five  lots  of  six  kinds  were  set  up 
in  large  punnets,  or  rather  shallow  white  baskets,  12  inches  over.  It  is 
a  requirement  of  the  schedule  that  the  exhibits  shall  be  so  displayed, 
hence  the  result  is  uniformity  in  appearance,  if  not  in  quality.  Again, 
the  size  of  the, punnets  used  checks  the  exhibiting  of  products  of  undue 
dimensions,  which  is  an  excellent  result.  The  class  being  for  gardeners 
capital  exhibits  were  staged.  Mr.  H.  Pedrick,  gardener  to  Col.  Norbury 
Pott,  had  for  the  season  good  Cauliflowers,  Scarlet  Kunners,  G.  F. 
Wilson  Peas,  Perfection  Tomatoes,  Ashleaf  Potatoes,  and  pretty  white 
Marrows.  Mr.  Ay  ling,  gardener  to  W.  M.  Waiters,  Esq.,  who  came 
second,  had  capital  Satisfaction  Potatoes,  Canadian  Wonder  Dwarf 
Beans  and  white  Turnips.— A.  D. 


-  Ailantus  glandulosa  in  America. —  Superintendent 

W.  E.  Smith  of  the  Washington  Botanic  Garden  says  that  Ailantus- 
glandulosa  is  of  all  trees  the  one  for  narrow  streets.  Its  large  foliaceous 
development  keeps  it  vigorous  and  healthy.  The  only  objection  to  it 
is  the  unpleasant  fragrance  of  the  flowers.  This  can  be  entirely 
avoided  by  treating  the  tree  as  a  pollard,  as  is  the  custom  in  Paris.  It 
never  flowers  because  of  the  pruning.  The  law  made  by  Congress 
against  its  being  planted  in  Washington  was  owing  to  the  influence,  we 
believe,  of  a  well  written  article  by  Mr.  Downing.  Don  Piatt  was, 
perhaps,  the  last  to  dare  the  law  and  plant  one  of  these  trees  in  the 
aristocratic  quarter  of  Washington.  His  keen  sarcasm,  which  found 
expression  in  his  paper  known  as  “  The  Capitol,”  prevented  the 
authorities  from  interfering  with  him. — (“  Garden  and  Forest.”) 

-  Sweet  Lavender. — The  cry  of  “Sweet  Lavender”  heralds 

the  close  of  the  summer  season,  and  old-fashioned  housewives  will  be 
garnering  their  store  of  scented  blossom  to  perfume  linen  presses  and. 
wardrobes,  and  for  the  more  prosaic  routing  of  the  destructive  moth. 
Lavender  derived  from  the  English  plant,  whose  scientific  name  is 
Lavandula  vera,  has  many  medicinal  properties,  which  make  it  valuable 
as  a  corrective  adjunct  to  other  medicines,  while  alone  it  is  aromatic 
carminative,  and  stimulative.  The  oil  distilled  from  the  Lavender 
plant  is  valuable  in  hair  lotions,  and  the  following  recipe,  says  the 
“  Lady,”  will  be  found  admirable  to  stimulate  the  growth  of  thin  or 
weakly  hair  ; — Oil  of  Lavender,  6  dr. ;  lard,  melted  with  twenty  drops 
oil  of  Nutmeg,  1  oz. ;  Cocoa  butter,  5  dr.  Lavender  is  highly  antiseptic, 
and  therefore  invaluable  in  the  sick  room  ;  but  it  must  be  the  pure 
extract,  and  not  the  artificial  product  which  now  figures  largely  in, 
perfumery,  and  is  obtained  from  petroleum  and  other  sources.  Artificial 
perfumes  have  a  heavier  and  less  agreeable  odour  than  the  natural  ones, 
however  skilfully  manipulated,  and  excessive  use  causes  headache  and 
dizziness ;  while  the  natural  odour  obtained  from  Lavender  is  most 
soothing  in  headache  and  lassitude.  Very  few  people  are  aware  of  the 
virtues  of  Lavender  as  a  skin  lotion  and  cosmetic.  A  little  strong, 
good  Lavender  water,  diluted  with  about  an  equal  quantity  of  water, 
forms  a  valuable  wash  for  the  skin  where  the  pores  are  enlarged  or 
after  exposure  to  the  sun.  The  skin  may  also  be  bathed  with  a  solution 
of  Lavender  water  when  heated  or  inflamed,  and  during  severe  bilious 
headaches,  or  in  the  agonies  of  mal  de  mer,  much  relief  is  obtained  by 
bathing  the  throat,  forehead,  and  temples  with  good  Lavender  water, 
while  a  spray  is  most  refreshing  to  travellers  by  land  and  sea. 

-  Starch  Formation. — When  a  leaf  is  exposed  to  sunlight  it 

is  well  known  that  among  the  earliest  changes  noticeable  is  the  forma¬ 
tion  of  starch  ,•  and,  further,  that  this  starch  production  is  stopped  by 
placing  the  leaf  in  the  dark,  so  that  if  half  of  the  surface  of  the  leaf  be 
exposed  to  the  sun,  and  the  other  half  be  covered  with  opaque  paper, 
the  uncovered  half  will  contain  starch,  while  none  will  be  formed  in  the 
covered  portion,  and  that  which  it  had  previously  will  disappear.  It 
had  come  almost  to  be  an  article  of  faith,  says  the  “Gardeners 
Chronicle,”  that  this  starch  formation  was  the  primary  and  universal 
result  in  the  process  of  “  assimilation,”  which  is  consequent  upon  the 
exposure  of  the  green  material  (chlorophyll)  to  light,  and  the  elimination 
of  oxygen.  Working  physiologists,  indeed,  were  more  cautious  in  their 
utterances  than  text-book  writers  and  teachers.  It  now  appears  from 
the  recent  researches  of  Messrs.  H.  T.  Brown  and  G.  H.  Morris,  as 
presented  to  the  Chemical  Society  in  April  last,  that  cane  sugar  is  the 
first  product  (and  not  glucose,  as  had  been  by  many  supposed),  and  aa 
this  sugar  is  formed  faster  than  it  can  be  utilised,  the  excess  is  deposited 
in  the  form  of  starch.  This  reserve  of  starch  is  drawn  upon  when  the 
light  fails,  the  starch  being  then  dissolved  by  a  ferment,  or  “enzyme,” 
known  as  diastase,  which  is  secreted  by  the  protoplasm  of  the  cell  in 
amount  proportionate  to  the  needs  of  the  case,  so  that  the  formation  of 
diastase  is  looked  on  as  an  effort  to  remedy  the  consequences  of  defective 
nutrition.  The  course  of  events  in  the  process  of  assimilation  appears 
to  be,  first,  formation  of  soluble  cane-sugar,  then  deposition  of  insoluble 
starch,  followed  by  formation  of  diastase-ferment,  which  dissolves  the 
starch  and  allows  of  its  transmission  in  a  fluid  state,  or  as  sugar,  from 
the  place  at  which  it  is  stored  to  the  place  where  it  is  used  up  in  the 
processes  of  growth  and  activity,  which  demand  supplies  of  nourishment 
for  their  fulfilment. 


DIANTHUS  CALLIZONUS. 

Though  this  beautiful  alpine  Pink  was  discovered  nearly  half  a 
century  ago  it  is  still  new  and  rare  in  gardens.  It  is  a  native  of 
Transylvania,  where  it  is  found  at  an  elevation  of  6000  to  7500  feet. 
It  has  a  certain  resemblance  to  D.  alpinus,  but  the  flowers  are  half 
as  large  again,  and  altogether  it  is  a  finer  and  more  robust  plant. 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


127 


The  flowers  are  of  a  bright  rose-purple  with  a  darker  zone  speckled 
with  white  round  the  throat.  The  leaves  are  lanceolate  and  glaucous, 
like  those  of  D.  cassius. 

The  plant  forms  dense  tufts  and  flowers  very  freely.  As  it  possesses 
a  robust  constitution,  is  quite  hardy,  and  will  thrive  in  almost  any 
situation,  it  will  no  doubt  soon  become  a  common  garden  plant.  It 
strikes  freely  from  cuttings.  It  is  certainly  the  finest  alpine  Pink  at 
present  in  cultivation.  The  engraving  (fig.  19)  was  prepared  from  a 
sketch  of  a  plant  growing  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew. — A.  B. 


HARDY  FLOWERS  IN  MASSES. 

Although  an  extensive  collection  of  hardy  flowering  plants  pro¬ 
duces  a  bright  and  continuous  display  in  the  herbaceous  border,  yet 
when  we  see  large  masses  of  individual  kinds  by  themselves  we  think 


down  the  names  of  a  few  of  the  [many  interesting  plants  there  to  be 
found.  Mr.  Ladhams  makes  a  point  of  adding  to  his  collection  all  new 
or  improved  types  of  recently  introduced  kinds,  which  renders  a  visit 
all  the  more  interesting. 

Amongst  the  Campanula  family  the  newer  Platycodon  grandiflora 
pumila  Mariesi  is  superior  to  most  other  forms.  This  Japanese  variety 
grows  barely  2  feet  high,  and  bears  very  large  pure  white  blossoms, 'and 
is  quite  self-supporting.  The  pale  blue  and  rich  purple  forms  make  a  bold 
display  in  large  masses.  C.  persicifolium  album  grandiflora  has  flowers 
fully  twice  the  size  of  the  old  variety,  and  is  therefore  a  decided  improve¬ 
ment.  C.  latifolia  macrantha  has  rich  purple  flowers,  quite  the  best  of 
the  type.  That  pretty,  dwarf,  free-flowering,  double  Sweet  William — 
Dianthus  barbatus  magnificus — with  its  intensely  deep  crimson  flower 
heads,  deserves  more  attention  than  it  receives  at  present.  The  yellow 
Foxglove,  Digitalis  aurea,  is  represented  by  one  named  grandiflora,  and 
is  receiving  some  attention,  as  Foxgloves  of  this  colour  with  reasonable 
sized  blooms  are  none  too  common.  The  older  D.  ferruginea  has  blooms 


Fig.  19.— dianthus  CALLIZONUS. 


they  are  even  then  more  effective  than  when  isolated  perhaps  in  the 
mixed  border.  It  is  not,  however,  in  private  gardens  that  we  must  look 
for  extra  large  clumps  of  any  one  particular  kind,  such  as,  for  instance, 
a  patch  of  Heuchera  sanguinea  30  feet  long  and  3  feet  wide,  a  mass  of 
its  gorgeous  colour  ;  space  does  not  admit  of  this  form  of  arrangement, 
even  if  the  means  did.  Although  half  a  dozen  plants  of  this  gem  make 
a  bold  display  in  a  favourable  nook  in  the  rockery  or  in  the  ordinary 
border,  one  cannot  compare  the  effect  with  that  of  the  larger  mass. 

A  hasty  look  through  the  herbaceous  department  of  the  nursery  of 
Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  Shirley,  near  Southampton,  who  has  devoted  much 
time  and  space  to  this  section  of  flower  growing  to  meet  the  great 
demand  caused  by  the  increasing  love  for  hardy  flowering  plants,  gives 
one  much  insight  into  the  many  varieties  and  kinds  now  so  largely 
cultivated  as  seen  growing  side  by  side.  The  beds  are  arranged 
parallel  to  each  other  in  varying  lengths,  all  3  feet  wide,  for  the  sake 
of  convenience  in  planting  and  attention.  Much  of  the  ground 
occupied  for  this  purpose  was  once  a  huge  gravel  pit,  and  to  see  the 
shingle-like  soil  it  is  surprising  how  well  the  different  plants  thrive. 
In  spite  of  the  remarkably  dry  season  a  bright  display  has  been 
maintained,  showing  well  the  holding  character  of  the  soil,  which 
is  kept  well  stirred,  and  thus  prevents  the  evaporation  of  moisture 
to  a  great  extent.  For  the  benefit  of  readers  of  the  Journal  I  jotted 


far  too  small  and  rusty  looking  to  be  attractive,  Agrostemma  coeli- 
rosea  is  particularly  bright  and  showy.  The  rose-coloured  form  of 
Veronica  spicata  is  bright  in  a  mass,  growing  from  1  to  2  feet  high,  and 
entirely  self-supporting. 

The  Statice  family  receives  a  good  deal  of  attention.  The  flowers  are 
found  so  useful  in  a  dry  state  for  winter  decoration,  for  if  cut  when 
fully  developed  they  retain  their  natural  colour  for  a  couple  of  years. 
S.  incana  nana  is  the  best  of  the  type,  the  large  spreading  heads  of 
flower  give  such  a  variety  in  colour.  Some  especially  deep  in  tint  were 
being  preserved  for  future  use  in  hybridising.  In  the  same  way  the 
Eryngiums  are  employed,  amethystinum  and  giganteum  varieties  were 
being  cut  in  masses.  A  grand  patch  of  Erigeron  aurantiacum  was  just 
over,  another  of  E.  philadelphicus  was  a  sight  to  behold,  growing  only 
1  foot  high,  and  freely  flowered  ;  this  is  quite  one  of  the  best  of  the 
family.  Dracocephalumvirginianum  album, sometimes  called  Physostegia, 
is  worthy  of  a  place  in  any  collection  large  or  small  ;  its  pure  white 
flowers  deserve  to  be  appreciated.  Gaillardias  occupy  much  space  ;  the 
grandiflora  type  is  the  more  showy  either  when  growing  or  in  a  cut 
state,  but  a  stock  of  the  pale  yellow  double-flowered  Vivian  Grey 
demands  more  than  a  passing  notice.  Plants  of  Achillea  The  Pearl  are 
to  be  seen  advancing  to  the  flowering  stage.  Anthericum  liliastrum, 
with  its  tiny  blossoms  of  pure  white,  contrasts  well  with  its  more  showy 


128 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1893. 


neighbours  ;  this  variety  is  by  some  preferred  to  the  larger-bloomed 
A.  L.  major.  Masses  of  the  yellow  Aquilegia  chrysantha,  a  remarkably 
interesting  plant,  and  perhaps  still  the  best  of  the  Columbine  family,  were 
quite  charming.  Asphodelus  luteus  and  ramosus  are  showy  and  quaint. 
Astrantias  are  generally  neglected  plants  in  private  gardens,  but  large 
batches  of  them  are  grown  to  meet  the  demand,  as  their  merits  are 
appreciated.  By  far  the  best  of  the  perennial  Cornflowers  is  the  soft 
yellow  variety  ruthenica,  the  flowers  being  useful  for  cutting. 

Chelone  barbata,  one  of  the  most  distinct  and  showy  of  hardy 
plants,  is  represented  by  spikes  of  bloom  from  3  feet  to  4  feet  high. 
The  merits  of  Chrysanthemums  maximum  and  the  later  flowered  variety 
latifolium  are  here  thoroughly  recognised,  large  batches  of  both  are 
cultivated  to  meet  the  increasing  demand.  The  present  is  not  a  good 
year  for  Delphiniums,  the  flower  spikes  being  rather  poor.  Thousands 
of  seedlings  are  raised  annually,  selected  from  approved  strains,  and 
these  small  plants  withstood  the  unfavourable  weather  well.  Dictamnus 
fraxinella  is  a  showy  plant,  not  nearly  enough  grown. 

Gypsophila  paniculata  is  a  plant  growing  in  favour,  it  is  so  useful 
for  cutting  and  mixing  with  other  flowers.  A  very  pretty  dwarf  growing 
white  flowered  Galega  was  noticeable,  its  compact  habit  rendering  it 
worthy  of  culture.  Huge  masses  of  Helenium  pumilum  were  in  gorgeous 
array,  the  rich  yellow  flowers  were  so  freely  produced  at  this  early 
date.  Hyacinthus  candicans  was  throwing  up  numerous  flower  spikes, 
the  bulbs  having  withstood  the  sharp  frost  of  the  last  winter  quite 
unharmed.  In  heavy  soil  the  bulbs  refuse  to  live  over  one  year  with  me. 
Linum  campanulatum  grandiflorum  has  flowers  like  the  old  blue 
perennial  variety  in  form,  but  much  larger,  and  being  yellow  it  is  a 
striking  plant,  growing  near  2  feet  high.  The  drooping  point  of  the 
pure  white  spikes  of  Lysimachia  clethroides  at  once  arrests  attention  of 
hardy  plant  lovers.  This  is  of  vigorous  growth,  a  single  root  quickly 
spreading  a  long  way.  Michauxia  campanulata  is  well  worth  attention, 
the  bluish  white,  bell-shaped  flowers  are  distinctly  attractive.  A  very 
pretty  early  flowering  and  dwarf  growing  Phlox  is  Penge,  the  individual 
flowers  being  quite  round,  pure  white,  except  the  oculated  eye,  height 
2  feet.  The  Evening  Primroses,  (Enothera  riparia  and  speciosa,  are 
charming  plants,  the  former  for  the  rockery,  where  its  freely  produced 
bright  yellow  blossoms  are  most  conspicuous.  The  latter  has  large  pure 
white  flowers  growing  2  feet  high.  The  somewhat  rare  Onosma  taurica 
appears  to  succeed  well,  its  pure  yellow,  drop-like  flowers  are  decidedly 
attractive.  Poppies  are  extensively  grown,  especially  noteworthy 
being  pilosa,  a  dwarf  growing  variety  with  terra  cotta  coloured 
flowers. 

Mr.  Ladhams  devotes  much  time  to  the  cultivation  of  border  Pinks, 
having  raised  many  seedlings,  the  best  of  which  is  Ernest  Ladhams, 
certificated  last  year.  He  has  crossed  some  with  the  ordinary  type  of 
Dianthus  chinensis  in  the  hope  of  producing  richer  colouring.  Nelly,  a 
clearly  marked  variety,  is  highly  prized.  This  is  one  of  the  most 
deserving  races  of  plants  we  have  in  the  hardy  plant  department, 
because  they  come  within  the  range  of  all  persons. — E.  Molyneux. 


LADY  PAGET’S  PLEA  FOR  VEGETARIANISM. 

In  promulgating  the  evangel  of  vegetarianism  we  shall  scarcely  be 
considered  as  betraying  the  interests  of  the  readers  of  this  paper.  We 
have,  therefore,  much  pleasure  in  reproducing  from  an  interview 
published  in  the  “  Westminster  Gazette  ”  some  of  the  opinions  of  Lady 
Augustus  Paget,  who  throws  herself  into  the  cause  with  that  whole¬ 
heartedness  characteristic  of  women.  Lady  Paget  is  by  birth  a  German, 
and  perhaps  much  experience  of  German  cookery  may  have  the  effect 
of  causing  a  delicate  stomach  to  incline  to  the  more  etherial  food  of 
Arcadia.  Certainly  there  are  acts  entailed  by  the  persistence  in  a 
carnivorous  diet  which  shock  the  humaner  sensibilities  of  the  mind 
when  the  consideration  of  these  acts  is  not  deliberately  ignored.  If  each 
of  the  radiant  dehutantes  at  a  fashionable  ball  had  helped  to  kill  and 
cook  the  viands  so  delicately  proffered  to  them  by  their  cavaliers  in  the 
supper-room,  we  fancy  that  the  wings  of  those  gentlemen’s  imaginations 
would  not  soar  so  freely,  nor  would  they  accept  all  the  glamour  thrown 
over  the  funccion  in  the  columns  of  the  “  Lady  ”  or  the  “  Gentlewoman.” 
Romance  is,  however,  a  difficult  plant  to  scotch,  and  thrives  even 
amongst  professional  cooks  and  butchers.  Such  is  the  inconsistency  of 
the  human  mind  that  doctors  and  nurses  have  their  glorious  illusions 
regarding  the  patients  they  are  tending,  and  even  the  common  hangman 
is  capable  of  falling  in  love. 

Lady  Paget  was  apparently  awakened  to  the  general  want  of  logic 
on  the  subject  of  flesh-eating  by  the  description  of  the  cruelties  of  the 
trans-Atlantic  cattle  trade.  She  overlooks,  however,  the  difficulties 
which  will  have  to  be  encountered  from  the  absence  of  leather  and 
fiddle-strings  should  the  slaughter  of  animals  ever  be  discontinued  in 
deference  to  the  prejudices  of  vegetarians.  In  the  course  of  the  inter¬ 
view  she  says,  “  I  believe  that  vegetable  diet  has  a  decided  action  upon 
the  mind.  In  a  kind  of  way  it  dematerialises  the  mind.  The  grosser 
elements  are  kept  in  subjection  and  the  spiritual  rises  predominant.  A 
person  troubled  with  a  torpid  mind  ought  at  once  to  become  a  vegetarian. 
I  have  known  many  cases  where  it  has  been  most  beneficial.  I  believe, 
too,  that  a  vegetable  diet  enables  one  to  bear  hardships  and  fatigue  ; 
this  has  been  demonstrated  very  forcibly  by  the  long-distance  walk  from 
Berlin  to  Vienna,  in  which  vegetarians  have  triumphed  so  gloriously. 
Since  I  have  abstained  from  eating  flesh  food  I  can  climb  hills  with 
great  ease  and  never  get  out  of  breath.  Then,  how  convenient  it  is  in 
travelling  to  be  able  to  make  a  meal  off  a  piece  of  bread  and  an  Apple  I 
It  renders  one  so  charmingly  independent,  and  lifts  a  load  of  care  off 


your  mind  to  have  no  thought  about  cooks  and  hotel  dinners.  There  is 
another  little  point,  too,  which  may  have  great  weight  with  some  people 
— vegetarians  have  invariably  bright,  clear  complexions  ;  they  have  no 
need  of  cosmetics. 

“  I  cannot  emphasise  too  often  that  meat  diet  trammels  and  material¬ 
ises  our  higher  faculties.  Vegetarians  may  be  eccentric,  they  may  be 
faddists  ;  but  they  are  invariably  gentle,  high-minded,  well-disposed 
people.  I  believe  that  the  practice  of  vegetarianism  will  play  a  most 
important  part  in  refining  the  masses  and  rendering  them  less  coarse  and 
less  brutal.  In  the  olden  days  men  ate  great  lumps  of  flesh  almost  raw ; 
now  we  have  developed  cooking  to  an  art  which  has  robbed  meat  of  its 
old  repulsive  grossness  ;  and,  in  my  opinion,  the  process  of  evolution 
will  go  on  until  we  come  to  exclude  it  altogether  from  our  diet.  We  are 
to  eat  in  its  place  fruits,  cereals,  vegetables,  butter,  milk,  cream,  eggs, 
cheese,  and  wholemeal  bread.  There  is  one  great  difficulty  in  this 
country — you  do  not  get  sufficient  fruit  ripened  in  the  sun.  Look  at 
the  Italians  ;  in  their  sunny  clime  they  live  upon  fruit ;  and  how 
healthy  they  are,  and  how  beautiful  are  their  teeth  and  complexions ! 
I  have  several  little  fancies  about  fruit.  It  ought  to  be  eaten  when 
freshly  gathered,  and  if  possible  every  person  should  pick  for  himself. 
I  never  believe  that  an  Apple  affords  me  the  same  nourishment  if  it  is 
picked  up  by  the  gardener,  sorted  by  the  housekeeper,  and  so  passed  on 
to  table  through  many  hands.  I  believe  that  to  get  the  vital  principle 
of  a  fruit  you  must  pick  it  from  the  tree  with  your  own  hands  and  eat 
it  immediately.  Part  of  its  vital  essences  are  lost  if  it  is  kept,  or  if  it 
passes  through  the  hands  of  others.  Fruits  are  the  only  edibles  we  can 
eat  and  digest  without  cooking  ;  everything  else  requires  the  aid  of  fire 
to  make  it  palatable  and  wholesome.  I  believe  that  the  movement  in 
England  is  much  impeded  by  the  inadequate  way  in  which  the  vegetables 
are  cooked,  and  until  this  defect  is  thoroughly  remedied,  and  a  greater 
variety  is  introduced  into  the  vegetarian  bill  of  fare,  there  is  not  much 
prospect  of  extending  it  amongst  the  poorer  classes,  to  whom  it  would 
be  such  a  great  boon. 

“  My  country  people,  the  Germans,  are  taking  up  vegetarianism  very 
thoroughly  on  the  ground  of  health.  It  was  a  German  professor  who 
first  aroused  me  to  interest  in  the  subject,  and  it  has  been  in  German 
books  that  I  have  studied  the  question.  These  books  are  refreshing  as 
mountain  air  ;  they  are  full  of  cold  water,  open  windows,  sun  baths,  air 
baths,  swimming  and  gymnastics,  everything  on  the  simplest  and  most 
economical  lines.  Their  chief  object  is  to  bring  us  back  to  a  healthier 
and  simpler  mode  of  life.  The  German  vegetarian  books  are  full  of 
excellent  recipes  for  dishes  of  all  kinds,  suited  to  every  time  of  the  year, 
and  to  different  countries,  which  is  most  important,  for  the  new-fledged 
vegetarian  always  thinks  he  is  going  to  die  of  hunger.  It  is  certain 
that  the  giving  up  of  animal  food  cures  many  illnesses  which  no  medicines 
can  touch.  In  affections  of  the  heart  it  is  often  the  only  remedy.  This 
is  not  difficult  to  explain,  when  one  reflects  that,  whilst  the  meat-eater’s 
heart  has  seventy-two  beats  in  the  minute,  the  vegetarian’s  has  only 
fifty-eight  beats,  being  20,000  beats  less  in  the  course  of  the  twenty-four 
hours.  Insomnia  and  nervousness  are  affected  in  the  same  way — there 
is  less  wear  and  more  repose  in  the  constitution.  For  diseases  of  the 
skin  a  vegetable  diet  does  marvels.  I  work  a  good  deal  amongst  the  sick 
poor,  and  have  been  most  successful  in  my  treatment.  I  apply  the 
simple  remedies,  such  as  nettle  tea  and  camomile  tea,  and  persuade  my 
patients  to  live  on  vegetable  fare  and  study  ventilation  and  exercise.  I 
always  stop  their  fat  bacon.  I  believe  it  to  be  one  of  the  most  fruitful 
sources  of  skin  disease  amongst  the  poor.” 


A  SUMMER  VISIT  TO  SENNOWE. 

This,  the  beautiful  seat  of  B.  Le  Neve  Foster,  Esq.,  J.P.,  has  been 
previously  alluded  to.  It  is  now  becoming  celebrated  on  account  of 
the  success  achieved  by  the  gardener  Mr.  Gilbert  during  the  past  two 
seasons  as  a  grower  and  exhibitor  of  Chrysanthemums.  Being  in  the 
near  neighbourhood  a  few  days  since  I  took  the  opportunity  afforded  to 
call  and  see  what  are  the  prospects  for  the  coming  season. 

Some  800  Chrysanthemums  are  being  grown,  and  judging  from 
present  appearances  Mr.  Gilbert  will  again  occupy  an  honourable  position 
amongst  front  rank  exhibitors.  Most  of  the  best  new  varieties  of  the 
season  are  included  in  the  collection,  and  also  many  seedlings,  some  of 
which  already  show  distinct  and  promising  characteristics  in  habit  of 
growth  and  in  foliage.  About  fifty  plants  of  the  beautiful  new  white 
Japanese  variety  Mrs.  B,  Le  Neve  Foster  give  promise  of  producing 
grand  flowers.  The  whole  of  the  plants  are  remarkable  for  their  dwarf 
sturdy  habit,  and  the  exceptionally  stout  leathery  foliage.  The  principal 
distinctive  features  of  the  method  of  cultivation  are  giving  small  shifts 
in  potting,  so  as  to  ensure  eventually  the  whole  ball  of  soil  being  well 
filled  with  roots  ;  judicious  watering,  and  abstaining  from  feeding  until 
after  the  buds  are  “  taken  ”  and  commence  swelling. 

The  span-roofed  house  in  which  most  of  the  Japanese  varieties  are 
flowered  contains  trees  that  are  now  producing  a  magnificent  crop  of 
Peaches  and  Nectarines.  It  is  estimated  that  there  are  from  1200  to 
1300  fruits  on  the  trees.  The  house  is  49  feet  long,  16  feet  wide,  and 
10  feet  high  to  the  central  ridge.  Notwithstanding  the  excessively 
heavy  crop  of  fruit  the  trees  are  developing  plenty  of  good  wood  for 
another  season’s  work,  showing  that  their  powers  are  not  unduly 
taxed.  It  seems  to  me  that  the  stimulants  given  to  the  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  standing  thickly  together  upon  the  borders  in  the  autumn 
serve  usefully  and  efficiently  to  feed  the  Peach  trees  also,  and  this 
supports  the  theory  that  feeding  the  roots  of  fruit  trees  is  best  effected 
by  supplies  of  liquid  manure  in  the  autumn  and  winter. — W.  K.  W. 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


129 


■■ 


Chrysanthemum  Prospects, 

In  my  opinion  the  Chrysanthemum  season  will  not  be  a  late  one. 
Nearly  all  my  plants  showed  the  crown  buds  some  fourteen  days  ago, 
and  were  not  taken.  The  only  variety  in  my  collection  that  has  behaved 
to  me  in  the  ordinary  way  this  season  is  Boule  d’Or  (6  feet  high)  ;  this 
showed  the  crown  bud  on  August  5th,  which  of  course  I  took.  Japanese 
seem  to  have  grown  taller  than  usual.  Mdlle.  Lacroix  is  8  feet  high, 
Florence  Davis  7  feet  high,  Btoile  de  Lyon  6  feet  6  inches,  Gloire 
du  Eocher  7  feet,  Stanstead  White  6  feet.  Sunflower  6  feet,  Avalanche 
5  feet  6  inches,  Viviand  Morel  6  feet  (after  being  cut  down).  In  the 
case  of  the  incurved  some  have  grown  exceptionally  tall,  notably  Miss 
M.  A.  Haggas,  Violet  Tomlin,  and  Princess  of  Wales,  all  of  which  are 
over  7  feet  at  the  present  time.  They  had  a  plentiful  supply  of  water 
during  the  excessively  hot  and  dry  weather.  The  incurves  I  have 
mentioned  went  4  feet  high  before  they  made  a  natural  break. — 
F.  W.  Buckingham,  lonlridge^  Kent. 


A  SEASON  which  has  thrown  the  gardening  world  out  of  gear  must 
have  more  or  less  effect  on  the  Chrysanthemum,  and  be  the  cause  of 
corresponding  anxiety  to  exhibitors  of  the  Autumn  Queen,  emphasised 
at  this  crucial  period  of  bud-taking  :  hence,  I  take  it  that  notes  in  the 
Journal  are  looked  for  with  more  than  ordinary  interest,  though 
growers  in  normal  seasons  to  come  may  regard  their  notebooks  of  ’93 
more  as  a  curiosity  than  a  guide. 

Here  with  500  plants  grown  for  large  flowers,  the  wood  is  unusually 
short-jointed,  and  the  foliage  is  all  that  one  could  desire.  The  second 
crown  bud  is  the  one  I  usually  go  for,  but  many  showed  that  early  in 
July,  and  in  those  cases  we  are  right  with  a  third  crown.  This  obtains 
with  Etoile  de  Lyon,  E.  Molyneux,  and  L.  Boehmer,  while  Avalanche, 
Mons.  Bernard,  Mrs.  Jameson,  Mrs.  Clarke,  and  Col.  Smith  should  be 
right  on  the  second  crown,  not  yet  prominent.  Florence  Davis, 
Stanstead  White,  and  some  few  of  Mrs.  Hardy  are  the  principal  buds 
taken  (on  August  3rd)  so  far.  These  were  pinched  plants,  and  generally 
difficult  to  get  out  in  time  with  us.  Amongst  incurves,  Violet  Tomlin, 
Miss  Haggas,  Mrs.  Heale,  and  the  Princess  family  generally  are  not 
affected  by  the  season,  but  Jeanne  d’Arc  is  now  going  for  a  third  bud 
which  I  fear  will  be  rather  early,  and  many  other  incurves  will  have  to 
be  taken  on  terminals.  Robert  Cannell  and  Viviand  Morell  threw  buds  at 
every  joint  in  the  spring,  and  had  to  be  cut  to  the  base.  They  now  have 
from  three  to  five  shoots  2  feet  high,  and  should  give  a  good  bud. 
Amongst  the  leading  varieties  in  each  section  some  have  been  stopped 
or  otherwise  treated  that  whatever  betides  there  will  be  a  difference  of 
time  of  opening  in  some  plants  of  each  variety,  and  if  any  lessons  are  to 
be  learned  this  year,  not  the  least  important  may  be  of  having  two 
strings  to  one’s  bow. 

I  trust  the  Editor  will  in  this  department  be  deluged  with  copious 
notes,  if  only  to  shut  out  those  belligerent  rosarians. — E.  K,,  Dublin. 

[We  wonder  what  the  rosarians  will  say  about  this  proposition  ? 
We  think  we  can  find  a  fair  field  for  both  great  floral  parties  to  state 
their  views  on  matters  of  current  public  interest.  Let  the  notes  come.] 


Chrysanthemum  Leaves  Infested  with  Eelworm. 

On  examining  the  freshest  of  the  leaves  sent  by  “  Chrysanthemum  ” 
it  had  the  appearance  shown  at  A,  natural  size.  The  lower  part  a,  of 
the  leaf  and  its  footstalk  b  was  found  perfectly  healthy,  the  texture 
thick  and  leathery,  and  tbe  epidermis  stout  and  elastic.  The  upper  half  c, 
represented  in  black,  however,  was  discoloured  dark  brown  or  black  on 
the  upper  surface,  and  clammy,  whilst  the  under  side  of  that  part  of 
the  leaf  was  found  to)  be  green  and  apparently  healthy.  Tested 
microscopically,  nothing  was  revealed  externally  beyond  a  stunted, 
swollen,  distorted  growth  of  the  leaf  hairs,  on  the  upper  discoloured 
surface.  The  stomata  on  the  under  side  of  the  discoloured  portion  of 
the  leaf  were  swollen,  closed,  and  the  hairs  mere  stumps.  There  could 
not  be  any  doubt  as  to  the  disease  being  similar  to  that  produced  by 
water  hanging  on  the  leaves  for  a  considerable  time.  This  would  have 
satisfied  me  at  one  time  (and  that  not  remote)  that  it  was  a  case  of 
disorganised  tissue,  the  consequence  of  a  bad  condition  of  the  soil  and 
roots,  but  that  day  has  gone  for  ever. 

Taking  the  finest  possible  section  through  a  diseased  portion  of  the 
leaf,  as  shown  by  the  white  line  at  d,  and  placing  that  on  edge  on  a 
glass  slide,  I  was  simply  astonished  to  find  an  eelworm  writhing  amid 
the  leaf  hairs  and  forming  itself  into  a  “sailor’s  knot,’’  which  has  so 
often  been  well  figured  by  Mr.  G.  W.  Smith,  and  others,  that  it  is  need¬ 
less  to  repeat  it  here.  On  subjecting  the  section  to  an  alcoholic  solution 
the  bodies  as  shown  from  e-i,  were  disclosed.  In  e  is  seen  the  smaller 
forms  of  eelworms  present ;  /,  male;  y,  females;  A  A,  cysts  or  eggs ;  Ax, 
an  undetermined  body,  probably  a  female  emerging  from  the  egg  ;  i,  leaf 
hairs  distorted  and  broken  off  in  making  the  section.  These  last  are 
generally  figured  as  females  ;  such  is  not  the  case,  but  the  eelworms 
probably  emerge  from  the  leaves  through  the  leaf  hairs,  which  they 
evidently  convert  into  galls  ;  anywise  they  are  greatly  distorted  and 


often  lie  almost  flat  on  the  discoloured  portion  of  the  leaf,  and  in  the 
clammy  substance  among  the  hairs  the  eelworm  may  occasionally  be 
found. 

At  B  is  shown  a  small  section  of  the  leaf  tissue  ;  y,  cells  invaded  ; 
A,  eelworm  ;  I,  cysts ;  m,  unattacked  cells  ;  n,  cells  and  tissue  completely 
destroyed  by  eelworms  ;  o,  eggs  or  cysts.  The  disease  first  appears  as 
spots,  these  soon  spread  over  the  whole  leaf  until  it  withers.  The 
change  is  more  rapid  after  rain.  Excessive  wet  favours  the  entrance  of 
the  eelworm  into  the  leaf,  for  I  deny  that  an  eelworm  can  enter  a  plant 
by  its  root  hairs,  and  it  takes  very  little  in  any  other  way  from  the 
soil.  Eelworms  are  found  in  root  nodosities  of  Clover,  Cucumbers, 
Melons,  Tomatoes,  and  Vegetable  Marrows,  but  there  is  no  evidence  that 
they  can  pass  from  root  nodosities  through  the  tissues  of  the  plant  to 
the  leaf.  That  is  a  phase  of  the  subject  which  remains  as  yet  un¬ 
explained  ;  yet  the  eelworm  gets  into  the  leaves  of  Carnations  somehow, 
certainly  not  by  the  root  nodosities,  for  there  are  none  ;  nor  are  there 
any  on  Chrysanthemum  roots,  for  they  may  be  and  usually  are  un¬ 
attacked  by  eelworm.  If  the  eelworm  makes  any  attempt  to  ascend  the 
stem  internally  it  must  do  so  by  destroying  the  plant  cells,  and  the  stem 
becomes  distorted  and  clammy  externally,  and  the  plants  collapse 
suddenly. 

There  is  no  reason  culturally  for  this  attack,  which  is  most  virulent 
on  the  Princess  family.  Yet  the  plants  are,  as  shown,  infested  with  the 
eelworm.  The  species  evidently  is  a  distinct  one,  closer  related  to 
Heterodera  radicola,  Muller,  than  to  Tylenchus  devastatrix,  but  of  this 
there  is  doubt,  and  the  leaves  were  too  far  gone  to  render  “  culture  ” 
desirable.  The  only  thing  to  do  with  the  leaves  is  to  pick  off  those 


Fig.  20. 


diseased  and  burn  them,  then  spray  with  Bordeaux  mixture.  This  would 
prevent  any  further  attack  if  it  did  not  actually  destroy  the  eelworms 
in  the  tissues,  for  a  small  portion  of  copper  must  be  absorbed,  and  the 
slightest  is  fatal  to  eelworms  as  well  as  most  other  parasites. 

Kainit  is  the  only  thing  likely  to  benefit  the  plants  at  their  roots,  or 
a  ley  formed  by  steeping  wood  ashes  in  water  for  a  few  days,  then  pour 
off  the  supernatent* liquor  and  water  the  plants  with  it.  A  quart  of 
wood  ashes  to  a  gallon  of  water,  not  counting  the  water  necessary  to 
form  the  ashes  into  a  paste,  would  be  sufficiently  strong,  but  it  is  more 
likely  the  eelworms  infest  the  site  upon  which  the  plants  are  stood 
rather  the  soil  in  the  pots.  A  pinch  of  kainit  between  the  thumb  and  two 
forefingers  sprinkled  on  the  surface  of  each  pot  and  washed  in  might 
be  of  benefit  if  the  eelworms  infest  the  roots.  It,  however,  requires  to 
be  used  with  judgment,  taking  care  not  to  give  an  overdose. — G.  Abbey. 


IN  OTHER  LANDS. 

A  CORRESPONDENT  writes : — After  reading  with  pleasure,  as  I  am 
sure  others  have  done,  the  interesting  notes  on  “  Other  Lands  ”  in  recent 
issues  of  the  Journal,  I  am  impelled  to  send  a  record  of  the  journeyings  of 
Mr.  C.  Napier  Bell,  abridged  from  a  New  Zealand  paper,  “  The  Christ¬ 
church  Press,”  and  which  appears  to  well  depict  the  characteristic 
features  of  a  great  and  important  colony.  It  is  as  follows  : — 

The  Far  West  op  New  South  Wales. 

Having  seen  enough  of  Sydney  I  took  train  on  the  western  line  in 
order  to  take  a  view  of  the  interior  as  far  as  Bourke.  Starting  from 
Eedfern  station,  for  the  first  nine  or  ten  miles  there  is  a  succession  of 
towns  forming  the  suburbs,  these  contain  handsome  houses  and  fine 
villas,  surrounded  with  gardens  and  shade  trees,  in  which  one  sees  a 
strange  mixture  of  tropical  and  temperate  plants,  the  beautiful  crimson 
Hibiscus,  with  Palms  of  different  sorts  among  Roses,  Hawthorn,  Elm 
and  Pine  trees.  At  Parramatta  is  the  junction  of  the  line  which  goes  to 
Newcastle  and  Brisbane,  and  beyond  this  the  country  is  partly  culti¬ 
vated  and  partly  in  pasture,  being  covered  with  a  beautiful  sward  of 


130 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1893. 


grass  ;  several  pretty  villages  are  passed,  and  the  country  is  watered  by 
many  sluggish  creeks  of  dirty  brown  water.  There  are  also  large  patches 
od  original  bush.  Crossing  the  Nepean  river  and  the  Emu  Plains,  we 
arrive  at  the  foot  of  the  Blue  Mountains,  thirty-seven  miles  from  Sydney. 
The  line  ascends  a  spur  of  the  hills,  and  when  the  train  has  climbed 
some  400  feet  high  there  is  a  beautiful  view  of  the  Emu  Plains  and  the 
great  expanse  of  level  country  extending  as  far  as  the  eye  can  reach 
towards  the  sea.  In  the  distance  the  country  looks  as  if  covered  with 
bush,  ridge  upon  ridge,  but  near  by  it  is  seen  to  be  cultivated  and 
occupied  with  innumerable  orchards  of  Orange,  Lemon,  Vines,  and  fields 
of  Maize,  Lucerne,  Sorghum,  &c. 

At  Springwood  we  are  at  a  height  of  1200  feet,  and  the  air  is  already 
fresh  and  eool ;  this  is  a  pretty  township,  surrounded  with  clearings  out 
of  the  forest,  in  which  Oranges  and  Lemons  are  cultivated.  As  we  rush 
through  the  woods  we  see  cottages  peeping  through  clearings ;  small 
farms  here  and  there  with  Maize,  Potatoes,  Pumpkins,  Melons,  and 
Oranges,  and  we  pass  a  picnic  party,  where  hundreds  of  children  are 
being  feasted  and  amused  in  a  little  vale  among  the  bush.  At  Went¬ 
worth  Falls  we  are  2840  feet  above  the  sea  ;  here  is  a  pretty  village 
built  on  a  small  flat  surrounded  with  deep  gullies,  with  a  fine  view  over 
a  wooded  country.  To  the  south-west  appears  the  town  of  Lawson,  on 
the  same  level,  two  miles  off,  and  a  semicircular  ridge  enclosing  a  deep 
wooded  valley  shows  the  course  the  railway  takes  on  top  of  the  ridge 
from  this  town  to  that.  Here  we  see  trim  orchards  of  Apricots,  Peaches, 
Apples,  &c.,  and  grass  fields  and  cottages  all  surrounded  by  the  bush. 
And  so  on  to  Katoomba.  This  is  a  scattered  village  built  on  a  command¬ 
ing  ridge  jutting  out  towards  the  deep  valley  mentioned  above  ;  there 
are  here  some  very  grand  hotels,  as  this  is  the  favourite  resort  of  Sydney 
people  seeking  to  avoid  the  heats  of  summer  ;  the  elevation  being 
3450  feet,  the  air  is  delightfully  fresh  and  cool,  creeks  and  running 
water  are  seen  everywhere,  not  brown  and  sluggish,  as  is  usual  in 
Australia  ;  but  clear,  sparkling,  briskly  flowing  creeks. 

Beyond  Lithgow  we  traverse  a  fine  valley  partly  cultivated  and  partly 
covered  with  good  pasture,  here  we  saw  very  long  trains  loaded  with 
coal  and  others  with  sheep  ;  the  valley  with  its  village  and  cottages,  its 
grassy  uplands,  gardens,  and  orchards,  surrounded  with  dark  wooded 
hills,  makes  a  very  pretty  pass  through  a  wooded,  hilly  district,  and 
again  open  out  a  country  of  lovely  hills  and  vales,  covered  with  rich 
pasture  and  dotted  over  with  scattered  trees,  making  the  park-like 
scenery  so  characteristic  of  Australia.  Crossing  the  Macquarrie  River 
we  reach  the  town  of  Bathurst  at  145  miles  from  Sydney,  and  2150  feet 
above  the  sea.  This  is  a  beautiful  town  built  on  the  gently  rising  slopes 
of  the  river  with  fine  streets,  shops,  public  buildings,  and  churches,  and 
scattered  all  around  it  are  villas,  cottages,  and  mansions,  surrounded  by 
beautiful  gardens.  The  valley  is  seven  or  eight  miles  wide,  and  is 
bounded  by  grassy  rolling  downs.  This  is  a  very  fertile  district.  The 
river  winds  through  this  fine  valley,  its  course  marked  by  a  Weeping 
Willow,  Poplar,  and  native  trees. 

Passing  through  fine  grassy  and  cultivated  country  with  several  com¬ 
fortable  looking  villages,  we  come  to  George’s  Plains,  which  consist  of 
high  wooded  ridges,  grassy  uplands  and  vales,  with  a  good  deal  of  culti¬ 
vation  round  scattered  farm  cottages.  At  8  p.m.  we  arrive  at  Orange, 
192  miles,  and  2840  feet  high.  This  is  a  flourishing  town  with  several 
fine  streets,  in  which  are  some  good  buildings,  fine  shops,  large  hotels, 
and  two  or  three  handsome  churches.  All  the  buildings  are  of  brick,  as 
are  almost  all  the  towns  and  villages  I  have  seen  in  N.S.W.  This  is 
the  prettiest  country  I  have  seen  on  this  route ;  round  about  the  town 
are  many  cottages  and  farm  houses,  and  a  few  villas  surrounded  with 
lawns,  gardens,  and  groves  of  trees.  The  country  has  apparently  not 
been  long  cleared,  as  the  fields  are  still  encumbered  with  dead  ring- 
barked  Gum  Trees  ;  the  air  is  deliciously  fresh  and  cool,  and  the  sky 
without  a  cloud. 

Leaving  Orange  we  pass  through  many  miles  of  fine  country,  among 
orchards  and  fields  of  grass.  Rape  and  Lucerne.  All  along  the  line 
within  the  railway  fences  there  is  a  brilliant  display  of  Sunflowers  and 
Hollyhocks.  We  pass  ten  or  twelve  miles  of  dry  rocky  bush,  then  come 
again  to  park -like  glades  and  rolling  land,  a  sweetly  pretty  country,  in 
this  fresh,  cool  air  and  brilliant  sunshine. 

At  Wellington  we  are  getting  down  to  the  plains.  This  is  a  pretty 
village  of  good  brick  houses  and,  as  usual,  surrounded  by  cottages 
amidst  groves  of  Acacia  and  Pepper  tree  ;  there  are  wooded  hills  sur¬ 
rounding  a  fine  vale  of  rich  grass,  with  some  cultivation  in  Lucerne  and 
other  crops  ;  the  soil  is  dark  red  and  appears  very  rich.  After  this  we 
pass  over  to  the  Macquarie  river,  180  feet  wide,  with  the  water  standing 
in  pools,  separated  by  sandy  beds,  and  then  pass  through  scattered  bush 
and  wide  grass  fields,  in  which  are  many  haystacks  and  a  few  farm 
cottages  ;  the  beautiful  sweeping  uplands  are  ploughed,  showing  the 
dark  red  soil,  and  there  are  many  fine  fields  of  deep  green  Lucerne, 
This  is  a  beautiful  part  of  the  country,  cottages  are  seen  all  along  with 
verandahs  densely  shaded  with  Vines  and  Passion-flower  ;  some  have 
walks  or  bowers  leading  from  the  house  door  to  the  garden  gate,  covered 
over  with  Vines,  and  in  the  gardens  are  Sunflowers,  Hollyhocks,  Fig, 
Quince,  Peach,  Apricot  and  Mulberry  trees.  I  saw,  also,  large  patches 
of  Pumpkins,  Melons  and  Maize. 

At  Murrumbidgerie  the  monotony  of  the  eternal  Gum  bush  begins  to 
to_  be  relieved  by  groves  of  native  Pines  which  grow  tall  and  straight 
with  a  conical  form  like  Noah’s  Ark  trees,  and  this  tree  is  said  to  indi¬ 
cate  good  soil,  still  there  is  no  lack  of  Gum  Trees  ;  in  fact,  the  great 
Eucalyptus  family  has  taken  possession  of  Australia,  and  nothing  can 
dislodge  it.  One  often  hears  of  the  danger  of  drought  from  disforesting 
a  country  ;  but  Australia,  the  land  of  droughts,  is  all  covered  with  bush 
or  scrub  of  one  kind  or  another. 


At  Dubbo,  278  miles  from  Sydney  and  865  feet  above  the  sea,  we  are 
on  the  great  plains  of  the  interior.  The  temperature  is  pleasantly  warm, 
the  sky  is  pale  blue  flecked  with  clouds,  and  a  balmy  breeze  tempers  the 
glaring  sunshine. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

August  8th. 

CONTKAEY  to  expectations  the  first  of  the  August  exhibitions  was  a 
large  and  varied  one,  the  holiday  season  failing  to  have  the  effect  generally 
anticipated.  The  display  was  a  marked  advance  on  the  last  one. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present  :  John  Lee,  Esq.  (in  the  chair);  Messrs. 
T.  L  Saltmarsh.  Joseph  Cheal,  Geo.  Bunyard,  J.  Willard,  Geo.  Wythes, 
H.  Balderson,  F.  Lane,  George  Taber,  Jas.  Hudson,  Rev.  W.  Wilks 
and  Dr.  Hogg. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  sent  an  admirable  collection  of  hardy  fruit 
comprising  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  Raspberries,  and  Cherries.  The  Apples 
included  fine  examples  of  Winter  llawthornden,  Frogmore  Prolific,  Lord 
Grosvenor,  Stirling  Castle,  Cellini,  Lord  Suffield,  Seaton  House,  Early 
Strawberry,  and  Domino.  Amongst  the  Plums  Sultan,  Kirke’s,  Belgian 
Purple,  Belle  de  Louvaine,  and  Early  Transparent  Gage  were  exceed¬ 
ingly  good.  A  silver  Knightian  medal  was  recommended.  The  Apples, 
it  should  be  noted,  were  from  pyramids  in  the  open  ground.  Mr. 
Nicholas,  Castle  Hill  Gardens,  South  Molton,  received  a  silver  Banksian 
medal  for  a  group  of  splendid  Pine  Apples  which  aroused  the  admiration 
of  all  present.  Numerous  Melons  were  staged.  Three  received  awards 
of  merit,  and  are  referred  to  below.  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley, 
sent  a  large  and  varied  collection  of  Ornamental  Gourds,  and  a  splendid 
display  of  Apples,  Pears,  Crabs,  and  Plums.  The  Apples  were  large, 
handsome,  and  excellently  coloured.  Queen,  Gladstone,  Lady  Sudeley, 
Peter  the  Great,  and  White  Astrachan  being  very  fine.  There  were 
seventy  dishes  in  all,  open  ground  fruit  of  the  best  quality  (silver 
Banksian  medal).  Mr.  Thomas,  Royal  Gardens,  Windsor,  contributed 
an  excellent  collection  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  representing  the 
produce  of  outdoor  trees,  also  two  seedling  Melons.  The  Peaches  and 
Nectarines  included  Goshawk,  Alexandra  Noblesse,^  Stirling  Castle, 
Premier,  Violette  Hative,  Grosse  Mignonne,  Dr.  Hogg,  A  Bee,  Bellegarde, 
T6ton  de  Venus,  Pineapple,  Elruge,  Lord  Napier,  and  many  other 
varieties  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Go.  sent  Pears 
Beurr6  Gififard,  Pr^coce  de  Tr6vouf,  and  Petite  Marguerite,  also  a  dish 
of  Lady  Sudeley  Apple  exhibiting  remarkably  rich  colour.  The  Apples 
were  stated  to  have  been  grown  in  very  poor  land,  and  received  a 
cultural  commendation. 

Floral  Committee. — Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  John  Fraser,  John  Laing,  H.  Herbst,  Richard  Dean,  George 
Stevens,  C.  F.  Bause,  J.  Jennings,  H.  B.  May,  Thos.  Godfrey,  Harry 
Turner,  George  Paul,  William  Bain,  Chas.  E.  Shea,  J.  T.  Bennett  Poe, 
Thos.  Baines,  Henry  Cannell,  George  Gordon,  Peter  Barr,  and  Robert 
Owen. 

Mr.  John  Forbes,  nurseryman,  Hawick,  Scotland,  arranged  a 
magnificent  collection  of  Hollyhocks.  Numerous  varieties  were  shown, 
all  the  blooms  being  very  double  and  of  excellent  shape.  Amongst  the 
best  may  be  mentioned  Cygnet,  Miss  Dawson,  Walden  Queen,  Golden 
Drop,  James  Macdonald,  Alba  Superbissima,  J.  M.  Lindsay,  Excelsior, 
Conquest,  Mrs.  Edgar,  Tecoma,  Purple  Prince  and  Earl  of  Breadalbane 
(silver  Flora  medal).  The  same  exhibitor  also  staged  Digitalis  and 
Antirrhinums  in  variety,  for  which  he  was  accorded  a  vote  of 
thanks. 

An  excellent  feature  of  the  Show  was  the  collection  of  hardy  flowers 
staged  by  Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Peckham  Rye,  and  Fleet, 
Hants.  This  exhibit  included  cut  Roses,  amongst  the  best  of  which 
were  Fisher  Holmes,  Baroness  Rothschild,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Paul  Neyron, 
and  Charles  Lefebvre.  Perennial  Phloxes,  Gladioli,  Lilium  superbum, 
L.  longiflorum,  L.  tigrinum  plenum,  Rudbeckia  californica,  Scabiosa 
caucasica  grandiflora,  Pentstemons,  Asclepias  tuberosa  and  Helenium 
pumilum  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  C.  Holden,  61,  Warwick  Road, 
Ealing,  exhibited  a  fine  group  of  foliage  and  flowering  plants,  including 
Coleus  Distinction,  Begonias,  Ferns,  Dracaenas,  and  Palms  (vote  of 
thanks).  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones,  Hither  Green,  Lewisham,  sent  a  basket  of 
Zonal  Pelargonium  Mrs.  Wright,  the  plants  in  which  were  carrying 
very  fine  trusses.  The  same  exhibitor  also  had  a  basket  of  Chrysan¬ 
themum  Lady  Fitzwilliam  in  grand  condition. 

Mr.  J.  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House  Gardens,  Acton,  showed  some 
magnificently  flowered  plants  of  Campanula  pyramidalis  and  C.  p.  alba. 
This  group  produced  a  fine  effect,  which  was  enhanced  by  the  edging  of 
finely  grown  Aspleniums  (silver-gilt  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  Kelway 
and  Son,  Langport,  Somerset,  furnished  almost  the  whole  length  of  one 
side  of  the  hall  with  blooms  of  Gaillardias,  the  best  of  which  were 
James  Kelway,  Topaz,  Hero,  Oceola,  Magenta  King,  and  Splendidissima 
plena  ;  Eryngium  plenum,  Helianthus  Soleil  d’Or,  Veronica  longifolia 
subsessilis,  Amaryllis  belladonna  (Belladonna  Lily),  Achillea  eupatoria. 
Chrysanthemum  maximum,  Solidago  altissima.  Delphiniums  in  variety, 
Centaurea  montana  rosea,  Helenium  pumilum.  Dahlia  serratipetala  Duke 
of  Vork,  and  a  truly  magnificent  collection  of  Gladioli,  of  which  Castro, 
Countess  of  Craven,  Shakespeare,  Duchess  of  Fife,  Besler,  Electra,  Galatea, 
Hemon,  Baroness  Burdett  Coutts,  Jas.  Payne,  Mrs.  D’Ombrain,  Lord 
Hawke,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Jas.  Wood,  Leonard  Kelway,  Rev.  H.  H. 
D’Ombrain,  Sir  F.  Bolton,  John  Warner,  Mariana,  Oriana,  Duchess  of  York, 
Grover  Cleveland,  Mr.  Fowler,  J.  C.  V aughan,  Alfred  Henderson,  Marengo, 
and  Mary  Anderson  were  particularly  striking.  Several  were  honoured 
by  the  Committee,  and  are  referred  to  below.  The  same  firm  also  showed 
Gannas  in  good  condition,  amongst  the  best  of  which  were  Duke  of 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


131 


York,  Comtesse  de  Morny,  and  Duchess  of  York  (award  of  merit,  see 
below).  Silver-gilt  Banksian  medal.  Messrs.  Hy.  Cannell  &  Son 
arranged  a  grand  collection  of  double  and  single  Begonias  and  Antir¬ 
rhinums.  Amongst  the  best  of  the  double  Begonias  were  Octavie,  Mrs. 
G.  Gurney,  Sir  Cecil  Domville,  Miss  Baldwin,  Mrs.  Lette,  Miss  Ada 
Field,  and  Sir  J.  D.  Hooker.  The  single  blooms  in  this  exhibit  were 
arranged  in  sprays,  each  containing  five  blooms,  and  having  Maidenhair 
Fern  and  Asparagus  plumosus  as  a  background,  thus  producing  a  novel 
and  striking  effect.  The  same  firm  also  staged  Chrysanthemums  Golden 
Shah,  Blushing  Bride,  Harvest  Home,  and  Gustave  Grunerwald  (silver 
Flora  medal).  Messrs.  John  Laing  &  Son,  Forest  Hill,  exhibited  a 
group  of  stove  and  greenhouse  flowering  and  foliage  plants,  ineluding 
Caladiums  Mrs.  R.  Veitch,  Baron  de  Namore,  Mercedes  d’Argent, 
President  de  la  Devansaye  (award  of  merit,  see  below),  and  Reine 
de  Denmark ;  Bertolonias  Van  Houtei,  Comte  de  Kerchove,  and 
Madame  A.  Van  Geert ;  Caraguata  cardinalis,  Adiantum  macrophyllum 
albo-striatum,  Beaufortia  speciosa,  Saxifraga  sarmentosa  tricolor 
euperba,  Crotons  Flamingo  and  Morti,  Fuchsia  Countess  of  Aberdeen, 
and  Grevillea  Banksi  (first-class  certificate,  see  below).  Silver-gilt 
Banksian  medal. 

Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son,  Lowfield  Nurseries,  Crawley,  showed  a 
collection  of  Sweet  Peas,  double,  single  and  Cactus  Dahlias.  Amongst 
the  best  of  the  Cactus  varieties  were  Ernest  Cannell,  Duke  of  Clarence, 
Black  Prince,  and  W.Rayner  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware, 
Hale  Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham,  staged  Lilium  Batemani,  L.  Ukeyuri, 
Cactus  Dahlia  Ernest  Glasse,  C.  D.  Mrs.  A.  Peart,  and  Gaillardia 
Surprise.  Mr.  C.  F.  Bause,  Morland  Nursery,  South  Norwood,  staged 
Croton  Madame  Ernest  Bergman  (see  below),  Caladium  President  de 
la  Devansaye  (see  below),  and  DracEena  Alexander  Laing  (see  below). 
Mr.  Fred.  Bull,  Wormiugford,  Colchester,  sent  a  hox  of  Carnation  Golden 
Nugget.  Messrs.  Dicksons,  Limited,  Chester,  staged  Cockscomb  Sunrise, 
Tropmolum  Boule  d’Or,  Petunia  Silver  Queen. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  supported  the  afternoon  meeting  with  a 
collection  of  Cannas,  many  of  the  varieties  being  extremely  beautiful. 
Amongst  them  may  be  noted  Sophie  Buchner,  Madame  Crozy,  Comte  de 
Ganez,  Michelet  (see  awards),  Picturata,  and  Professor  David.  He  also 
sent  a  number  of  Gladiolus  Cbildsi  varieties,  noteworthy  for  the  great 
size  of  the  flowers,  particularly  Seedling  No.  1,  a  huge  Allamanda-like 
bloom.  Mr.  O’Brien  showed  Cyrtanthus  McKenni,  a  fragrant  little 
flower  not  often  seen.  Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.  sent  Lilium  auratum 
Witlei  and  a  variegated  Arundo.  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  had 
one  of  the  most  pleasing  displays  in  the  Show,  a  large  bank  of  garden 
Carnations  in  bunches,  and  another  of  Sweet  Peas.  They  had  borne 
their  long  journey  well,  being  in  beautiful  condition.  Nearly  all  the 
best  varieties  were  represented  (silver  Flora  medal).  Messrs.  Paul  and 
Son,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  contributed  a  large  and  beautiful 
mixed  group,  comprising  Cannas  Alphonse  Bouvier,  Comte  de  Ganez, 
Paul  Sigrist,  Miss  S.  Hill,  and  a  number  of  seedlings  from  the  open 
ground  ;  several  boxes  of  Roses,  Begonia  Lafayette,  Phloxes,  Liliums, 
and  other  hardy  flowers  (silver  Flora  medal).  They  also  had  a  collec¬ 
tion  of  cut  and  pot  Roses,  and  two  very  fine  baskets  of  Clethra 
speciosa  and  C.  alnifolia.  Lord  Ashcombe  received  a  cultural  com¬ 
mendation  for  Bignonia  grandiflora  in  splendid  condition. 

Orchid  Committee. — Pesent  ;  Dr.  Masters  (in  the  chair) ;  Messrs. 
J.  O’Brien,  H.  M.  Pollett,  T.  Statter,  Hugh  Low,  W.  H.  White,  G.  Hill, 
S.  Courtauld,  Jas.  Douglas,  and  F.  Sander.  The  duties  of  the  Committee 
were  light,  the  exhibits  being  comparatively  few. 

Mr.  Thorne,  gardener  to  Major  Joicey,  Sunningdale  Park,  sent  a  grand 
piece  of  Vanda  Sanderiana  with  eleven  expanded  flowers  and  one  bud, 
the  flowers  of  great  size,  exhibiting  this  fine  Orchid  in  its  best  character 
(cultural  commendation).  Flowers  of  Cattleya  granulosa  Scholfieldiana 
and  Miltonia  Joiceyana  (see  certificates)  came  from  the  same  source. 
Mr.  Stephens,  gardener  to  W.  J.  Thompson,  Esq.,  Walton  Grange,  Stone, 
Staffs,  contributed  Oncidium  spiloptium,  bought  as  0.  St.  Legerianum, 
and  also  a  grand  variety  of  Lselia  tenebrosa,  which  is  described  under 
certificated  plants.  Mr.  Johnson,  grower  to  T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand 
Hall,  Manchester,  was  represented  by  Lselia  Schilleriana  var.  Johnsoni. 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  sent  a  new  Laelia  named  Novelty 
which  is  referred  to  below.  Barina  suaveolens  with  its  deliciously 
scented  spikes  came  from  the  Glasnevin  Botanical  Gardens  (botanical 
certificate). 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Burford  Lodge,  Dorking  (grower,  Mr. 
White)  sent  a  small  but  very  beautiful  group,  composed  of  Aerides 
Lawrencae  var.  Sanderiana  with  four  raeemes  heavily  loaded  with  bloom, 
Miltonia  speetabilis,  Cattleya  Blessensis,  Laelia  elegans  Turner!  Purple 
Prince,  Laelia  Philbrickiana,  Schomburgkia  Lyons:,  Cypripedium  Harrisi- 
froyae  (C.  Harrisianum  x  C.  Godefroyae),  C.  aeno-superbiens  (see  below), 
and  Aganisia  inoptera  (botanical  certificate).  A  silver  Banksian  medal 
was  recommended.  Messrs.  Sander  &  Co.  also  had  a  very  pleasing  group, 
in  which  Cypripedium  hybridum  Youngianura,  C.  Macfarlanei, 
C.  Maynardi,  C.  radiosum,  Grobia  Amherstiae,  Vanda  Sanderiana, 
Aerides  Ballantineanum  aureum,  a  splendid  piece  of  A.  Sanderiana, 
Grammatophyllum  Fenzlianum,  and  Cypripedium  Thayerianum  (see 
below)  were  conspicuous.  A  silver  Banksian  medal  was  recommended. 
Mr.  Chapman,  grower  to  R.  J.  Measures,  Esq.,  Cambridge  Lodge, 
Camberwell,  sent  Masdevallia  Lowi,  which  was  certificated  in  1890, 
Cypripedium  Youngianum,  and  a  form  of  C.  Numa  named  superba. 

Certificates  and  Awards. 

Melon  Hero  of  Idewortli  (Mr.  Wythes). — A  cross  between  Wythes’ 
Seedling  and  Syon  House,  a  green-fleshed  variety,  very  sweet,  neat  in 
.shape,  and  well  netted  (award  of  merit). 


Melon  Royal  Prince  (Mr.  W.  Palmer,  Cobden  Villas,  Andover). — A 
cross  between  Triumph  and  Hero  of  Lockinge,  a  small  evenly  netted 
yellow-fleshed  variety,  extremely  sugary  (award  of  merit). 

Melon  County  Councillor  (Mr.  W.  Palmer).  —  A  cross  between 
Triumph  and  Blenheim  Orange,  a  small  well-netted  variety,  sweet  in 
flavour  (award  of  merit). 

Tritoma  Osiris  (Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt). — Remarkable  for  its  distinct 
orange  yellow  inflorescence  (award  of  merit). 

Phlox  Etna  (Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt). — A  brilliant  carmine  variety 
with  a  good  head  of  bloom,  and  about  18  inches  high  (award  of  merit). 

_  Liatris  pycnostachya  (Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt) .  —  Some  splendid 
spikes  of  this  little  known  old  plant  were  shown,  the  beautiful  mauve 
heads  being  greatly  admi-red.  It  w’as  figured  in  the  Journal  of  Horti¬ 
culture  some  years  ago  (first-class  certificate). 

Canna  Duchess  of  York  (Kelway  &  Son). — A  beautiful  fancy  variety, 
pale  yellow,  blotched  with  deep  red  (award  of  merit). 

Canna  Capitaine  de  Suzzoni  (Lemoine). — A  fine  variety,  with  clear 
yellow  blooms  profusely  spotted  with  dull  brownish  red  (award  of 
merit). 

Canna  Gloire  d'Empel  (Vilmorin). — A  grand  flower,  very  rich  deep 
scarlet  in  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Canna  Lohengrin  (Vilmorin,  Andrieux  &  Co.). — A  very  distinct 
colour  ;  it  might  almost  be  described  as  orange  amber  (award  of 
merit). 

Canna  Eonigin  Charlotte  (Pfitzer). — A  charming  flower,  with  orange 
scarlet  flowers,  distinctly  margined  with  clear  yellow  (award  of  merit). 

Canna  Michelet  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence). — A  good  variety,  with  rich 
bright  scarlet  flowers  (award  of  merit). 

Montiretia  crocosmceflora  plena  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence).  —  A  semi¬ 
double  form,  having  orange  yellow  flowers  (first-class  certificate). 

Hollyhoch  Amaranth  (Webb  &  Brand). — A  rich,  deep  silvery  rose 
coloured  bloom,  of  exceptional  substance  and  shape  (award  of  merit). 

Gladiolus  John  Warren  (Kelway  &  Son). — A  variety  with  very  large 
flowers,  and  a  fine  spike,  rich  orange  scarlet,  with  a  few  deeper  flakes 
and  a  purple  throat  (award  of  merit). 

Gladiolus  Grover  Cleveland  (Kelway  &  Son). — A  very  distinct  and 
beautiful  variety,  brilliant  carmine  with  a  faint  cerise  suffusion,  and  a 
white  stripe  along  the  centre  of  each  segment  (award  of  merit). 

Gladiolus  Alfred  Henderson  (Kelway  &  Son). — Bright  vermilion, 
very  large  flowers  and  grand  spike  (award  of  merit). 

Gladiolus  Buhe  of  Yorh  (Kelway  &  Son). — Light  rosy  red,  throat 
pale  with  purplish  flakes  (award  of  merit). 

Grevillea  Banhsi  (J.  Laing  &  Sons). — A  very  distinct  and  graceful 
species,  of  which  perhaps  the  exhibitors  will  supply  some  particulars 
(first-class  certificate). 

Begonia  semperflorens  Vernon  (J.  Laing  &  Sons). — This  bronzy  hued 
variety  is  now  fairly  well  known.  It  is  a  most  effective  and  desirable 
plant,  as  much  from  the  fine  colour  of  the  leaves  as  for  the  profusion  of 
bright  red  flowers  (award  of  merit). 

Caladium  President  de  la  Devansaye  (J.  Laing  &  Sons  and  C.  Bause). 
— A  beautiful  variety  with  rich  red  foliage  (award  of  merit). 

Hedera  helix  tesselata  (Miss  Browning-Hall,  Algiers). — A  tesselated 
form  of  the  old  plant  and  very  attractive  (award  of  merit). 

Draecena  Alexander  Laing  (C.  Bause). — A  variety  with  long  slender 
leaves,  deep  purplish  green  edged  with  crimson  (award  of  merit). 

Croton  Mdme.  Ernest  Bergman  (C.  Bause). — A  beautiful  variety  with 
short,  broad  leaves,  elegantly  marbled  with  green,  gold,  and  red  (award 
of  merit). 

Lcelia  tenelrosa  Walton  Grange  variety  (W.  J.  Thompson). — A  very 
fine  variety,  the  flowers  being  of  great  size,  sepals  and  petals  butter 
yellow,  lip  white,  throat  deep  crimson,  altogether  an  imposing  and 
beautiful  form  (first-class  certificate). 

Miltonia  Joiceyana  (Major  Joicey). — A  new  form  with  pseudo-bulbs 
4  to  6  inches  long,  and  flowers  borne  in  long  racemes.  The  sepals  and 
petals  are  dark  brown  with  bars  of  light  brownish  yellow,  lip  very  pale 
mauve,  with  a  darker  blotch  at  the  base  of  the  column  (first-class 
certificate). 

Lcelia  Novelty  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  hybrid  between  L.  elegans 
and  L.  Dayana,  the  former  being  the  pollen  parent.  A  small  form  with 
miniature  flattened  pseudo-bulbs,  sepals  and  petals  rich  rosy  mauve,  lip 
very  deep  rich  velvety  purplish  crimson  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  ceno-superhiens  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence).  —  A  cross 
between  C.  senanthum  and  C.  superbiens,  a  broad  and  somewhat 
impressive  flower.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  of  considerable  breadth  and  well 
rounded.  The  central  area  is  green  with  rows  of  chocolate  dots,  the 
margin  white  with  a  rosy  suffusion ;  petals  broad  and  blunt,  dull 
reddish  brown  with  a  few  chocolate  spots,  lip  same  colour  (award  of 
merit). 

Cypripedium  Thayerianum  (Sander  &  Co.). — A  new  hybrid  secured 
by  crossing  C.  Lawrenceanum  and  C.  Boxalli  atratum.  It  is  a  small 
very  dark  flower;  lip  chocolate  with  a  green  base,  dorsal  sepal  dark 
burnished  chocolate  with  a  suffusion  of  green  towards  the  apex,  margin 
flushed  with  rose,  petals  dark  chocolate,  base  greenish  and  with  dark 
spots  (award  of  merit). 

The  Lecture. 

On  Tuesday  afternoon  Mr.  J.  G.  Baker,  F.R.  S.,  of  Kew,  read  an  excellent 
paper  on  Cannas,  Mr.  Bennett  Poe  presiding.  The  essay  was  essentially 
botanical,  the  essayist  dissecting  the  flowers  piece  by  piece  and  naming 
every  fragment  with  the  ease  of  a  master.  These  Cannas,  said  Mr. 
Baker,  were  divided  into  four  sections,  three  of  which  were  so  distinct 
that  they  had  until  recently  been  classed  as  separate  genera,  but  owiug 


132 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1833. 


to  the  ease  with  which  they  might  be  fertilised  one  with  the  other  it 
was  now  generally  acknowledged  that  they  were  but  species  of  one 
genus.  Gannas  were  introduced  by  Gerarde  in  the  year  1596,  the 
species  being  named  indica.  The  Gannas  were  first  taken  in  hand  by 
hybridisers  in  the  year  1840,  at  least  it  was  in  the  year  in  which  the 
results  were  first  recorded.  The  leader  in  this  great  work  was  Mons. 
Andrd  Since  that  year  the  advance  in  the  quality  of  Gannas  has  been 
steady  throughout  the  whole  of  the  time. 

During  the  past  twenty  years  the  hybridists  have,  said  the  essayist, 
used  the  true  Ganna  and  the  well  known  forms  of  iridiflora,  the  objects 
having  been  to  secure  fine  bright  coloured  flowers  of  large  size,  and  at 
the  same  time  to  retain  the  handsome  characteristics  of  the  foliage. 
The  result  of  these  improvements  had  been  that  the  old  true  Gannas 
have  been  almost  driven  out  of  cultivation,  the  more  showy  later 
hybrids  having  practically  superseded  them.  A  short  discussion  was 
afterwards  held,  in  which  Mr.  G.  Paul  took  a  prominent  part,  and  then 
a  vote  of  thanks  having  been  accorded  to  Mr.  Baker  for  his  interesting 
discourse  the  meeting  closed. 


THE  VALUE  OF  NITROGEN  TO  PLANTS. 

Plants  can  use  nitrogen  in  three  different  forms — viz.  : — 

(1) ,  As  nitrogen  gas  or  uncombined  nitrogen. 

(2) ,  In  the  form  of  ammonia. 

(3) ,  In  the  form  of  nitrates. 

All  plants  cannot  use  nitrogen  in  any  of  these  three  forms  equally 
well,  but  each  form  is  found  specially  suited  to  certain  kinds  of  plants, 
as  will  be  noticed. 

(a).  Nitrogen  Gas  Used  by  Plants. — Although  we  have  nitrogen 
gas,  or  uncombined  nitrogen,  existing  in  the  air  in  enormous  quantities, 
still,  the  number  and  kinds  of  plants  which  can  use  the  nitrogen  of  the 
air  is  not  large.  In  general,  those  plants  which  are  called  leguminous, 
such  as  the  Bean,  Pea,  Glover,  Alfalfa,  &c.,  can  take  uncombined, 
nitrogen  from  the  air. 

(&),  Nitrogen  of  Ammonia  Used  by  Plants. — The  leaves  of 
some  plants  have  the  power  of  absorbing  ammonia  directly  from  the 
air  and  obtain  nitrogen  in  this  way.  Some  plants  obtain  nitrogen  from 
ammonium  salts  through  the  soil. 

(c).  Nitrogen  op  Nitrates  Used  by  Plants. — The  largest  part 
of  the  nitrogen  which  most  plants  obtain  is  taken  up  by  their  roots 
from  the  soil  in  the  form  of  nitrates  ;  that  is,  nitric  acid  combined  with 
some  metal,  as  sodium  or  potassium.  As  already  stated,  most  of  the 
nitrates  used  by  plants  are  formed  by  changing  into  nitrates  ammonia 
compounds  and  organic  substances  in  the  soil  by  the  process  called 
nitrification.  Hence,  nitrogen,  in  the  form  of  nitrates,  is  the  most 
available  form  for  most  plants ;  that  is,  it  can  be  most  readily  taken  up 
and  used  by  plants. 

Relations  op  Nitrogen  to  Fertilisers. 

(<f),  Experiments  have  shown  that  nitrogen  is  essential  to  the  growth 
of  plants  ;  that  the  quantities  of  nitrogen  available  as  plant  food  are 
very  small ;  that  nitrogen  is  one  of  the  first  elements  in  the  soil  to  be 
used  up  ;  that,  of  all  the  fertilising  elements,  nitrogen  is  and  always 
has  been  the  most  expensive. 

The  Specific  Action  of  Nitrogen  upon  Plants. 

G),  The  influence  of  nitrogen  in  its  various  forms  upon  plant  growth 
is  shown  by  at  least  three  striking  effects. 

First. — The  growth  of  stems  and  leaves  is  greatly  promoted,  while 
that  of  buds  and  flowers  is  retarded.  Ordinarily,  most  plants,  at  a 
certain  period  of  growth,  cease  to  produce  new  branches  and  foliage,  or 
to  increase  those  already  formed,  and  commence  to  produce  flowers  and 
fruits,  whereby  the  species  may  be  perpetuated.  If  a  plant  is  provided 
with  as  much  available  nitrogen  as  it  can  use  just  at  the  time  it  begins 
to  flower,  the  formation  of  flowers  may  be  checked,  while  the  activity  of 
growth  is  transferred  back  to  and  renewed  in  stems  and  leaves,  which 
take  on  a  new  vigour  and  multiply  with  remarkable  luxuriance. 
Should  flowers  be  produced  under  these  circumstances  they  are  sterile 
and  produce  no  seed. 

Second. — The  effect  of  nitrogen  upon  plants  is  to  deepen  the 
colour  of  the  foliage,  which  is  a  sign  of  increased  vegetative  activity  and 
health. 

Third. — The  effect  of  nitrogen  is  to  increase  in  a  very  marked  degree 
the  relative  proportion  of  nitrogen  in  the  plants. 

Loss  OF  Nitrogen  Gompounds. 

(/)>  Since  ammonia  compounds  and  nitrates  dissolve  easily  in  water, 
is  there  not  danger  of  their  being  carried  away  in  drainage  water  from 
the  upper  soil  out  of  reach  of  the  plant  ? 

Experiments  have  been  made  to  settle  the  question,  and  results 
indicate  that  ammonia  compounds  are  largely  retained  in  the  soil. 
Nitrates  are  apt  to  be  washed  out  and  lost  in  the  case  of  bare  fallow 
land  ;  but  when  the  soil  is  covered  with  vegetation  there  is  little  or  no 
loss,  for  the  reason  that  the  roots  of  growing  plants  absorb  nitrogen  very 
readily.  Some  nitrogen  is  also  lost  by  organic  matter  in  the  process  of 
decay,  escaping  into  the  air  as  free  nitrogen. 

These  losses^  of  nitrogen  are,  to  some  extent,  replaced  naturally  by 
means  of  the  nitric  acid  and  ammonia  dissolved  by  the  rain  and  dew, 
also  by  organic  matter  decaying  at  the  surface  of  the  soil,  and  by 
conversion  of  the  free  nitrogen  of  the  air  into  some  form  which  the 
plant  can  take  up  and  use.  These  natural  additions  of  nitrogen  do  not 
usually  make  good  on  the  farm  the  losses,  and  in  time  the  nitrogen 
becomes  insufucient  to  produce  paying  crops  without  the  addition  of 
nitrogenous  manures. — N.  T.  J.  (in  the  “Agricultural  Economist.’’) 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

SOUTHAMPTON. — August  5th  and  7th. 

For  some  years  past  wet  weather  has  characterised  the  summer 
Exhibition  and  Fete  held  annually  under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  of  Southampton,  and  the  financial  results  have 
in  consequence  not  always  been  of  a  satisfactory  nature.  The  gentle¬ 
men  comprising  the  Gouncil,  however,  have  never  been  daunted,  and 
notwithstanding  the  difficulties  they  have  had  to  contend  with  in  this 
respect,  have  each  year  managed  to  provide  an  Exhibition  that  is 
generally  considered  to  be  one  of  the  best  held  in  the  South  of  England. 
That  which  took  place  in  the  grounds  of  the  Society  at  Westwood  Park 
on  the  above  dates  proved  no  exception  to  the  rule  as  regards  the 
exhibits.  Those  who  are  acquainted  with  the  Great  York  Gala  and  the 
famous  Shrewsbury  Exhibition  may  form  an  idea  as  to  what  the  South¬ 
ampton  Fete  is  in  the  south,  although  on  rather  a  smaller  scale.  It  is 
a  flower  show  attended  by  numerous  side  attractions,  which  serve  as 
valuable  auxiliaries  to  the  floral  portion  so  far  as  inducing  a  large 
number  of  visitors  is  concerned.  Fortunately  fine  weather  prevailed 
on  this  occasion,  and  thousands  of  people  visited  the  grounds. 

Regarding  the  Exhibition,  although  the  entries  in  some  classes  were 
not  particularly  numerous,  it  was,  on  the  whole,  a  grand  show.  In  the 
opinion  of  the  judges  the  exhibits  were  quite  up  to  the  standard, 
and  in  some  instances  were  exceptionally  fine.  Specimen  plants  were 
exceedingly  good  despite  the  fact  that  such  growers  as  Messrs.  Gypher 
of  Gheltenham,  and  A.  Ocock,  erstwhile  gardener  at  Handcross  Park, 
have  apparently  ceased  to  exhibit  at  Southampton.  The  plants  shown 
by  Mr.  Jennings  in  the  leading  class  attracted  much  attention, 
they  being  grand  examples  of  cultural  skill.  The  groups,  usually 
a  strong  feature,  were  good,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  cut  blooms. 
Fruit  and  vegetables  were  excellent,  the  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alex¬ 
andria  shown  by  Mr.  E.  Molyneux  being  amongst  the  best  we  have 
seen  this  year.  The  arrangements  were  conducted  in  an  efficient  manner 
by  Mr.  G.  S.  Fuidge,  the  energetic  Secretary. 

Plants  and  Groups. 

The  principal  class  in  the  open  section  was  for  ten  stove  and  greenhouse 
plants,  five  to  be  in  bloom,  and  the  remaining  foliage  specimens.  Four 
exhibitors  competed  for  the  substantial  prizes  offered,  and  the  leading 
awmrd  went  to  Mr.  F.  G.  Jennings,  gardener  to  W.  Garton,  Esq.,  Rose- 
lands,  Woolston,  for  splendidly  grown  plants.  Those  in  flower  comprised 
Stephanotis  floribunda,  Glerodendron  Balfourianum,  Statice  profusa, 
Allamanda  nobilis  and  A.  Hendersoni,  the  others  including  Grotons 
Warreni  and  Queen  Victoria,  well  coloured  and  in  exceptionally  fine 
condition.  Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Theodora  Guest,  Inwood 
House,  Hensbridge,  was  second.  Bougainvillea  glabra,  Ixora  Williamsi, 
and  Groton  Queen  Victoria  being  well  shown  by  this  exhibitor.  The 
third  prize  went  to  Mr.  E.  Wills,  Shirley,  and  the  fourth  to  Mr. 
N.  Blandford.  Mr.  Jennings  was  again  first  in  the  class  for  six  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants,  showing  Groton  angustifolium  (grand  and  well 
coloured),  Allamanda  nobilis,  Dipladenia  amabilis,  Stephanotis  flori¬ 
bunda,  Dicksonia  antarctica,  and  Kentia  Fosteriana.  Mr.  W.  Peel, 
gardener  to  Miss  Todd,  Sidford  Lodge,  Shirley,  was  a  good  second,  Mr, 
E.  Wills  being  third,  and  Mr.  T.  Williams  fourth.  The  last  named 
exhibited  a  magnificent  plant  of  Gassia  corymbosa  loaded  with  blossoms. 
Mr.  T.  Hall,  gardener  to  Samuel  Montague,  Esq.,  M.P.,  President  of  the 
Society,  South  Stoneham  House,  secured  the  premier  award  for  six 
miscellaneous  plants,  the  best  of  which  were  Eucharis  amazonica, 
well  flowered  ;  Latania  borbonica,  Gocos  Weddelliana,  and  Allamanda 
Hendersoni.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  W.  Peel  for  a  collection  of 
smaller  plants. 

The  groupswere  good,andintheleading  classthe  competition  was  very 
keen.  Mr.  Wilkins,  however,  proved  the  winner  of  the  principal  award, 
this  exhibitor  having  arranged  a  charming  exhibit.  The  plants  were 
tastefully  put  together,  and  the  whole  produced  a  very  fine  effect.  From 
a  groundwork  of  Adiantum,  fresh  and  green  in  appearance,  rose  graceful 
spikes  of  Gelosias,  Francoas,  and  other  flowering  plants,  these  being 
interspersed  with  Aralias,  Grotons,  Dracsenas,  and  Galadiums,  all  richly 
coloured.  Mr.  E.  Wills  followed  closely  with  a  very  fine  arrangement, 
the  third  position  being  assigned  to  Mr.  E.  Garr,  gardener  to  W.  A.  Gillet, 
Esq.,  Fair  Oak  Lodge,  Bishopstoke  ;  and  the  fourth  to  Mr.  B.  Ladhams, 
Shirley,  for  a  compact  group  of  miscellaneous  plants.  For  a  smaller 
group  Mr.  Peel  secured  the  leading  position,  having  a  fine  collection  of 
plants  well  arranged.  The  background  was  composed  of  a  large  Palm 
and  Humea  elegans,  and  amongst  the  most  noticeable  plants  were 
Grotons,  Galadiums,  Dracaenas,  Liliums,  and  Alocasias.  Mr.  T.  Hall 
was  second,  Messrs.  Langston  Brothers,  Burgess  Street,  Bassett,  being 
third.  Mrs.  Kingsbury,  Bevois  Valley,  had  the  best  collection  of  nursery 
stock  ;  Mr.  G.  Windebank,  Bevois  Town,  being  second ;  and  Mr. 
Ladhams  third.  In  the  amateurs’  section  the  groups  of  plants  were 
also  well  arranged,  the  principal  prizewinners  being  Messrs.  T.  E. 
Ghamberlain,  F.  M.  Vokes,  and  H.  0.  Vokes. 

Ferns  were  well  shown  in  the  open  class.  Mr.  F.  G.  Jennings  had 
the  best  six  stove  or  greenhouse  Ferns  in  Adiantum  concinnum, 
A.  cardiochlaena,  A.  fragrantissimum,  Davallia  Mooreana,  Microlepia 
hirta  cristata  (very  fine),  and  Nephrolepis  davallioides  furcans.  Mr. 
J.  Annys,  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Mrs.  Eliote  Yorke,  Hamble  Gliffe,  was 
second ;  Mr.  W.  Peel  third  ;  and  Mr.  W.  Garr  fourth.  Mr.  N.  Blandford, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Haselfoot,  Moor  Hill,  West  End,  was  first  wdth  six 
double  Zonal  Pelargoniums  and  the  same  number  of  single  varieties. 
Mr.  G.  Windebank  was  second  in  both  classes.  Goleuses  were  finely 
shown,  the  best  plants  coming  from  Mr.  T.  Hall  ;  Messrs.  E.  Garr  and 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


133 


J.  Evans,  gardener  to  Lady  Ashburton,  Melehet  Court,  following  in 
order  of  their  names.  Mr.  T.  Hall  secured  the  premier  prize  for  six 
Petunias,  staging  well-grown  plants.  Mr.  G.  Busby,  gardener  to 
Col.  F.  Willan,  Thorne  Hill  Park,  had  the  best  half  dozen  hardy  Ferns, 
these  including  fine  specimens  of  Osmunda  regalis  cristata,  Onoclea 
sensibilis,  Lastrea  grandiceps,  and  Athryium  f.-f.  Elworthi.  The 
leading  award  for  six  plants  of  Celosia  pyramidalis  went  to  Mr. 
R.  West,  gardener  to  H.  J.  Wigram,  Esq.,  Northlands,  Salisbury,  Messrs. 
E.  Wills,  and  T.  Hall  following  in  the  order  given. 

In  the  class  for  single  specimens  of  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  the 
competition  was  very  keen,  and  some  grand  exhibits  were  forthcoming. 
Mr.  J.  Amys  secured  the  leading  position  for  a  plant  in  flower,  staging 
a  magnificent  specimen  of  Allamanda  Hendersoni.  This  was  well 
trained  and  densely  flowered,  one  of  the  best  plants  seen  at  any  exhibi¬ 
tion.  Mr.  Jennings  followed,  the  third  award  going  to  Mr.  E.  Carr,  both 
exhibitors  showing  Allamanda  Hendersoni.  Mr.  Jennings  was  first  with 
a  single  specimen  of  an  ornamental  foliage  plant,  having  Croton 
Williamsi  in  splendid  condition,  clean  and  richly  coloured.  Mr.  W.  Peel 
was  second  with  a  grand  plant  of  Croton  angustifolium,  the  third  prize 
going  to  Mr.  J.  Evans.  Mr.  Peel  had  the  best  six  Mosses  in  pans.  Mr. 
E.  Carr  was  first  with  Gloxinias  and  table  plants  were  best  shown  by 
Messrs.  Wills  and  Budd.  Tuberous  Begonias  were  only  fairly  good,  the 
awards  being  taken  by  Messrs.  E.  Wills,  Wilkins,  J.  Hughes,  J.  Evans, 
and  E .  Carr  in  the  respective  classes.  Orchids  were  not  numerous  nor 
exceptionally  good.  Mr.  J.  Evans  was  first  with  a  single  specimen, 
showing  a  form  of  Lselia  purpurata  well  flowered.  The  second  and 
third  prizes  in  this  class  went  to  Messrs.  E.  Wills  and  E.  Carr,  the 
former  having  a  plant  of  Calanthe  veratrifolia  and  the  latter]L^lia  pur¬ 
purata.  Mr.  N.  Blandford  gained  the  premier  position  with  a  small 
collection  of  Orchids  tastefully  arranged  with  Ferns,  the  other  exhibitor 
being  W.  A.  Gillett,  Esq.,  Fair  Oak  Lodge. 

Cut  Flowees  and  Table  Decorations. 

This  section  formed  an  important  feature  in  the  Exhibition,  and 
appeared  to  attract  the  larger  number  of  visitors.  Roses  were  not 
extensively  shown,  as  could  hardly  be  expected,  but  those  staged  were 
of  excellent  quality.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury,  had  a 
grand  box  of  twenty-four  blooms  considering  the  time  of  year,  and  for 
which  the  first  prize  was  awarded.  The  best  flowers  were  La  France, 
Alfred  Colomb,  Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam,  Horace  Vernet,  and  The  Bride. 
Messrs.  Perkins  &  Co.,  Coventry,  followed  with  a  stand  of  fresh  though 
smaller  blooms.  The  class  for  twelve  bunches  of  cut  flowers  was  well 
contested.  Mr.  J.  Budd,  gardener  to  F.  G.  Dalgety,  Esq.,  Lockerby 
Hall,  Romsey,  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for  a  box  of  blooms  taste¬ 
fully  arranged  with  Fern  fronds.  The  most  conspicuous  in  this  stand 
were  Clerodendron  fallax,  Ixora  Williamsi,  and  Cattleya  crispa.  Mr. 
J.  Evans  was  a  close  second,  showing  a  box  of  very  fine  flowers. 
Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  nurseryman,  Shirley,  was  placed  first  for  twelve  varie¬ 
ties  of  hardy  herbaceous  cut  flowers,  Mr.  N.  Pritchard,  Christ  Church, 
following.  Both  exhibitors  staged  a  bright  collection  of  blooms,  which 
were  much  admired.  Mr.  N.  Pritchard  also  had  some  charming  spikes  of 
Gladioli  in  named  varieties.  Mr.  R.  West  was  third  with  herbaceous 
cut  flowers.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  were  placed  first  with 
twelve  Dahlias,  amongst  which  R.  T.  Rawlings,  Dazzler,  Peacock,  Duke 
of  Fife,  and  Henry  Bond  were  the  best.  Mr.  R.  West  followed  with 
good  flowers,  Mr.  J.  Evans  being  third.  Matters  were  reversed  in  the 
class  for  Pompon  Dahlias,  Mr.  West  being  first  for  twelve  blooms, 
Messrs.  Keynes  Williams  &  Co.  following.  Cut  Zonal  Pelargoniums 
were  best  shown  by  Mr.  N.  Blandford  in  the  class  for  single  varieties, 
and  Mr.  West  had  the  best  double  flowers.  Mr.  W.  Batten,  Old  Basing, 
secured  the  leading  prizes  for  six  bunches  of  cut  flowers  and  half  a 
dozen  Rose  blooms. 

The  table  decorations  were  simple  and  effective.  For  a  table  8  feet 
by  4  feet  dressed  with  flowers  and  foliage,  Mr.  Ladhams  was  placed 
first  for  a  pretty  arrangement,  Mr.  A.  B.  Hobby,  Vadwell  Road,  followed 
in  this  class.  The  best  epergne  of  flowers  was  also  staged  by  Mr. 
Ladhams,  Miss  K.  Goldring  and  Mrs.  Kingsbury  being  second  and  third. 
Messrs.  Perkins  &  Co.,  as  is  usual  with  them,  secured  the  chief  awards 
for  bridal  and  hand  bouquets  in  the  open  classes.  Baskets  of  wild 
flowers  and  buttonhole  bouquets  were  well  shown  by  Miss  K.  E. 
Matthews,  Miss  Bauce,  Miss  Ladhams,  Miss  Chamberlain,  Messrs. 
B.  Ladhams  and  A.  G.  Allsop. 

Fruit  and  Vegetables. 

As  already  remarked,  these  were  well  represented,  and  by  some  were 
considered  to  be  the  best  that  have  been  seen  at  Southampton.  Grapes 
were  splendidly  shown  in  the  classes  for  white  and  black  varieties.  Five 
competed  for  three  bunches  of  white  Grapes,  but  the  Muscat  of 
Alexandrias  staged  by  Mr.  E.  Molyneux,  Swanmore  Park,  Bishops 
Waltham,  were  by  far  the  best.  The  bunches  were  large  and  of  a 
handsome  shape,  the  berries  also  being  very  fine,  but  a  week  or  so  would 
have  given  them  a  better  tint  and  more  finished  appearance.  However, 
they  were  the  best  Grapes  in  the  Show,  and  merited  the  first  prize 
awarded.  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward,  Longford  Castle,  was  second,  also  with 
Muscat  of  Alexandria,  well  finished,  but  a  little  smaller  in  bunch  and 
berry  than  those  exhibited  by  Mr.  Molyneux.  Mr.  C.  Warden,  gardener 
to  Sir  F.  H.  Bathhurst,  Clarendon  Park,  Salisbury,  was  third  with  fine 
bunches  of  Buckland  Sweetwater.  For  three  bunches  of  black  Grapes 
Mr.  A.  Henbest  was  placed  first  for  grandly  finished  Black  Hamburghs. 
Mr.  H.  W.  Ward  was  again  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Inglefield,  gardener  to  Sir 
J.  W.  Kelk,  Bart.,  Ted  worth  House,  third.  Mr.  J.  Hughes  secured  the 
first  prize  for  two  bunches  of  white  Grapes,  Mr,  Evans  being  second 


and  Mr.  G.  W.  Taylor  third.  Four  competed  in  t’.e  class  for  two  bunches 
of  black  Grapes,  and  the  prizes  were  taken  by  Messrs.  G.  Busby, 
J.  Hughes,  and  J.  Budd.  Seven  exhibitors  competed  for  a  single  bunch 
of  white  Grapes,  and  also  for  one  bunch  of  any  black  variety.  In  the 
former  class  Mr.  E.  Molyneux  was  again  first  with  well  finished 
Muscats,  Messrs.  H.  W.  Ward  and  C.  Warden  securing  second  and  third 
prizes  respectively.  Mr.  Henbest  had  the  best  single  bunch  of  black 
Grapes,  showing  perfectly  coloured  Black  Hamburghs.  Mr.  Ward 
followed  with  good  Madresfield  Court,  Mr.  C.  Warden  being  third. 

Although  surpassed  in  Grapes,  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward  secured  a  well- 
merited  honour  in  the  class  for  six  dishes  of  fruit.  Pines  excluded. 
Seven  exhibitors  were  forthcoming,  and  the  competition  was  very  keen. 
Mr.  Ward  had  richly  coloured  Dryden  Nectarines,  Brunswick  Figs,  Sea 
Eagle  Peach,  Hero  of  Lockinge  Melons,  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and 
Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  in  excellent  condition.  Mr.  A.  J.  Allsop  was 
second,  and  Mr.  G.  Sugfield  third.  The  last  named  exhibitor  had  the 
best  half-dozen  Peaches,  Mr.  Ward  following  with  well-grown  Sea 
Eagle,  and  Mr.  J.  Hughes  was  third.  Eight  exhibitors  competed  in  the 
class  just  mentioned,  and  ten  had  Nectarines.  Messrs.  H.  Drover  and 
Sons,  Hillside  Nursery,  Ventnor,  were  placed  first  for  grand  fruits  of 
Pineapple.  Mr.  J.  C.  Jennings  was  second  with  the  same  variety  richly 
coloured.  Melons  were  well  shown  by  Messrs.  H.  W.  Ward,  C.  Warden, 
G.  Amys,  A.  Henbest,  G.  Inglefield,  and  E.  Molyneux,  all  of  whom 
secured  prizes  in  two  classes  in  order  as  their  names  are  given.  Mr.  G. 
Busby  won  with  six  dishes  of  fruit  of  outdoor  growth,  staging  Morello 
Cherries,  Jargonelle  Pears,  Goliath  Plums,  Royal  George  Peach,  Brown 
Turkey  Figs,  and  Irish  Peach  Apples,  all  in  first-rate  condition.  Mr.  J. 
Budd  was  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Henbest,  Crawley  Court,  Winchester, 
third. 

Vegetables  were  clean  and  of  first-rate  quality  considering  the 
exceptionally  dry  season.  Mr.  T.  Wilkins  secured  the  leading  prize 
offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  for  a  collection  of  vegetables.  These 
comprised  New  Intermediate  Carrots,  Ponderosa  Tomatoes,  Duke  of 
Albany  Peas,  Satisfaction  Potatoes,  Rousham  Park  Onion,  and  Cauli¬ 
flowers.  Mr.  Wilkins  also  won  the  chief  prize  given  by  Messrs.  Webb 
and  Sons  for  a  similar  collection.  Messrs.  Inglefield  and  J.  Hughes  were 
second  and  third  in  this  class.  For  the  prizes  offered  for  a  collection  of 
nine  varieties  eight  exhibitors  competed,  and  in  each  case  the  produce 
was  of  excellent  quality.  Mr.  T.  Wilkins  here  also  maintained  his 
reputation  as  being  a  vegetable  grower  as  well  as  a  plantsman  by  carry¬ 
ing  away  the  first  prize,  the  second  and  third  awards  going  to  Messrs. 
G.  Inglefield  and  J.  Hughes.  Peas  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward, 
and  Beans  by  Mr.  Inglefield.  Mr.  R.  West  staged  Potatoes  and  Carrots 
in  grand  condition,  and  Mr.  J.  Budd  was  awarded  the  premier  honour 
for  twelve  Onions  from  spring  seed.  Mr.  J.  Hughes  had  the  best  dozen 
autumn-sown  Onions,  staging  fine  heavy  bulbs  of  Lemon  Rocca.  Mr. 
A.  Henbest,  out  of  fourteen  competitors,  secured  the  first  prize  for  a 
brace  of  Cucumbers,  showing  perfect  fruits  of  Improved  Telegraph. 
Mr.  B.  Ladhams  won  with  a  dish  of  Tomatoes,  Messrs.  W.  Colton  being 
second,  and  Langston  Bros,  third,  all  staging  good  fruits.  Vegetables 
and  fruit  were  also  well  staged  in  the  cottagers’  classes. 

Miscellaneous. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  not  numerous.  Messrs.  Keynes, 
Williams  &  Co.  had  a  box  of  Roses  and  a  collection  of  new  and 
recently  introduced  Dahlias.  Certificates  were  awarded  for  Dahlias 
Valkyrie  (Pompon),  Ochroleuca,  Duke  of  York,  Duchess  of  Fife,  and 
Emperor  of  Germany,  the  last  four  being  of  the  Cactus  type.  Messrs. 
Perkins  k.  Co.  had  a  new  dark  Dahlia  named  Matchless,  and  Mr.  B. 
Ladhams  staged  a  large  collection  of  cut  flowers,  bright  and  interesting. 
Mrs.  Kingsbury  had  a  group  of  miscellaneous  plants,  as  also  had 
Mr.  W.  H.  Rogers,  Red  Lodge  Nursery,  Southampton.  Mr.  Rogers 
likewise  sent  a  splendid  group  of  ornamental  shrubs  in  pots. 

EARL’S  COURT.-— August  9th. 

The  present  Show  was  to  consist  mainly  of  flowering  and  foliage 
plants,  and  they  were  represented  in  such  numbers  as  to  somewhat  over¬ 
crowd  the  tent,  one  or  two  of  the  exhibitors  having  to  be  content  with  a 
very  modest  amount  of  room.  This  was  a  direct  contrast  to  the  last 
show,  when  spacing  out  had  to  be  resorted  to.  On  that  occasion  Car¬ 
nations  and  Picotees  should  have  formed  the  most  prominent  feature, 
and  their  scarcity  consequent  on  the  early  season  left  the  show  some¬ 
what  thin.  On  this  occasion  hardy  flowers  were  very  strongly  repre¬ 
sented  and  made  a  most  beautiful  display.  Both  amateurs  and  pro¬ 
fessionals  showed  them  exceedingly  well.  They  are  not  likely  to 
be  seen  much  better  at  any  show  this  year.  The  plan  of 
giving  prizes  for  groups  as  well  for  the  usual  collections  answered 
admirably,  the  competing  exhibits  being  extremely  beautiful, 
not  less  so  certainly  than  the  majority  of  the  groups  of  green¬ 
house  and  stove  plants  which  are  seen  at  shows.  The  winning  one  was 
a  very  fine  piece  of  work,  material  and  arrangement  being  alike  excellent. 
There  was  not  much  between  the  other  two,  but  Mr.  Such,  notwith¬ 
standing  a  preponderance  of  Gaillaidias,  was  placed  second.  Messrs. 
Paul  &  Son  had  some  particularly  fine  bunches  in  the  class  for  them, 
and  won  most  decisively.  Better  are  rarely  seen,  but  Mr.  Cuthbertson 
made  a  wonderfully  good  display,  considering  that  the  flowers  had  been 
staged  at  Leicester  before  coming  to  London,  and  this,  be  it  remembered, 
after  a  very  long  railway  journey.  Mr.  Wythes  is  not  very  often  found 
competing,  but  when  he  does  enter  the  fray  he  gives  a  good  account  of 
himself,  and  on  this  occasion  he  showed  indoor  and  outdoor  flowers  and 
fruit  very  finely. 

The  open  class  for  a  group  of  flowering  and  foliage  plants  brought  an 


134 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  10,  1893. 


excellent  one  from  Messrs.  Laing  &  Sons,  to  whicli  the  first  prize  was 
deservedly  awarded.  Double  and  single  Begonias,  some  well-coloured 
Crotons  and  Campanula  pyramidalis  stood  out  prominently  in  it,  and 
the  arrangement  was  very  good.  There  was  no  competition.  Mr. 
Howe,  gardener  to  H.  Tate,  Esq.,  Streatham,  was  unopposed  with  a 
group  of  Crotons  and  Dracaenas,  but  condition  and  cleanliness  were  so 
satisfactory  that  the  premier  award  was  made.  In  the  amateurs’  class 
for  flowering  and  foliage  plants  Mr.  Wythes,  Syon  House  Gardens,  won 
with  a  tasteful  arrangement  which  would  very  well  have  borne  a  few 
more  flowers,  but  the  quality  of  the  material  was  too  good  to  be  taken 
exception  to.  There  was  •nly  one  group  of  Liliums,  and  that  came 
from  Slough.  Mr.  Turner’s  plants  were  well  flowered,  and  deserved  the 
flrst  prize. 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Sons,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  had  a  beautiful 
group  of  hardy  flowers,  and  were  placed  first.  Mr.  Such  was  second,  his 
Gaillardias  showing  up  well.  Messrs.  Laing  &  Sons  were  third.  In  the 
corresponding  class  for  amateurs  Mr.  Wythes  was  first,  and  Mr.  Sage, 
gardener  to  Earl  Dysart,  second.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  won  with  twenty- 
four  bunches  of  hardy  flowers,  exhibiting  material  of  first-rate  quality. 
Liatris  pycnostachya,  Rudbeckia  purpurea,  Malva  moschata,  the  Phloxes, 
and  Montbretia  crocosmmflora  were  very  fine.  Mr.  M.  Cuthbertson  was 
second,  also  with  excellent  bunches,  and  Mr.  Such  third.  In  the 
amateurs’  class  for  twelve  bunches  Mr.  A.  Newell,  gardener  to  Sir  E. 
Sanders,  won  with  very  good  clusters.  Mr.  Sage  was  a  close  second,  Mr. 
Wythes  third,  and  Mr.  E.  Tickner,  gardener  to  J.  Watney,  Esq.,  received 
a  third  prize. 

There  was  a  class  for  a  collection  of  hardy  fruit  (six  dishes),  and 
Mr.  Wythes  won  with  Morello  Cherries — a  capital  dish — Royal  George 
Peaches,  Williams’  Bon  Chr§tien  Pears,  Pineapple  Nectarines,  Worcester 
Pearmain  Apples,  and  Jefferson  Plums.  Mr.  G.  H.  Sage  was  second 
with  good  Jefferson  Plums  and  Mulberries. 

The  miscellaneous  exhibits  comprised  many  which  were  at  the  Drill 
Hall  the  day  before,  and  altogether  formed  a  very  fine  feature  of  the 
Exhibition.  Mr.  Cuthbertson  of  Rothesay  had  a  bright  and  well 
diversified  collection  of  hardy  flowers,  which  were  wonderfully  fresh 
considering  that  they  had  had  a  very  long  journey,  and  been  shown 
at  Leicester  on  Tuesday  (silver  medal).  Mr.  Forbes  of  Hawick  had  a 
very  beautiful  display  of  Hollyhocks,  which  are  referred  to  in  our  report 
of  the  R.H.S.  ;  also  a  flne  display  of  Stocks,  Antirrhinums,  and 
Pentstemons.  The  two  last  named  were  very  fine  (silver-gilt  medal). 
Messrs.  Cheal  &  Son  repeated  their  Drill  Hall  exhibit  of  Gourds,  fruit, 
Sweet  Peas,  and  Dahlias,  and  it  attracted,  as  it  deserved,  considerable 
notice  (two  silver  medals).  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son  had  a  very  large  bank 
of  hardy  flowers,  good  material,  well  arranged  (silver  medal).  Mr. 
A.  McMillan  had  a  box  of  very  good  Chrysanthemums  (silver  medal). 
Messrs.  S.  Spooner  &  Sons  had  some  excellent  dishes  of  Apples  (silver 
medal).  Mr.  A.  W.  Young  sent  Gloxinias  and  Begonias  (bronze  medal). 
Messrs.  Barron  &  Sons  contributed  an  interesting  collection  of  tree 
foliage,  but  had  not  room  to  display  them  to  advantage  (silver  medal). 
Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame,  gave  a  foretaste  of  the  Dahlia  season  in  some 
splendid  Show  and  Fancy  blooms  (silver  medal).  Messrs.  Kelway  and 
Son  had  the  grand  collection  of  Gladioli,  Gaillardias,  and  hardy  flowers 
which  attracted  so  much  attention  at  the  R.H.S.  meeting  (silver-gilt 
medal) ;  and  Mr.  R.  Nicholas  had  sent  on  from  there  his  splendid 
Pine  Apples  (silver-gilt  medal).  Messrs.  R.  Cross  &  Sons  exhi¬ 
bited  sprayers  and  insecticides.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Son  sent 
several  plants  for  certificate,  such  as  Begonia  Vernon,  Grevillea 
Banksi,  Caraguata  cardinalis,  and  Carnation  Stanstead  Beauty, 
very  bright  and  good.  Mr.  T.  Jannoch  was  represented  by 
a  neat  bank  of  Lilies  of  the  Valley,  remarkable  for  the  time  of  year 
(silver  medal).  Mr.  T.  A.  Hester,  gardener  to  W.  G.  Dawson,  Esq.,  had 
a  good  collection  of  fruit,  not  for  competition,  and  so  had  Mr. 
Rickwood,  gardener  to  the  Dowager  Lady  Freake,  and  Mr.  Hoar,  gar¬ 
dener  to  T.  J.  Cooper,  Esq.,  each  receiving  a  silver  medal.  Mr.  J. 
Hudson,  The  Gardens,  Gunnersbury  House,  had  some  splendid  plants 
of  Campanula  pyramidalis,  blue  and  white.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son, 
Cheshunt,  had  beautiful  boxes  of  Roses,  for  which  a  silver  medal 
was  awarded  ;  and  Miss  Lilian  Hudson  displayed  a  charming  table  of 
floral  decorations,  receiving  a  silver-gilt  medal. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Wm.  Bull,  536,  King’s  Road,  Chelsea,  London,  S.W. — Tuierous-rooted 
Plants  and  Bulbs. 

W.  Clibran  &  Son,  Oldfield  Nurseries,  Altrincham. — Bulbs,  Ji'c. 

Dickson  &  Co.,  1,  Waterloo  Place,  Edinburgh. — Catalogue  of  Flower 
Boots,  J^'o, 

Dickson  &  Robinson,  Manchester. — Catalogue  of  Bulbs  and  Boses, 

W.  B.  Hartland,  Ard-cairn,  Cork. — Catalogue  of  Da  ffodils. 

Hogg  &  Wood,  Coldstream. — Bulbous  Boots. 

Wm.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross. — Bulbs  and  Winter  Floioers. 

J.  R.  Pearson  &  Son,  Chilwell  Nurseries,  Nottingham. — Bulbous 
Plants. 

J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Roupell  Park  Nurseries,  Norwood  Road,  S.E. — 
Bulbous  Flower  Boots, 

William  Sydenham,  Tamworth,  Staffordshire. — List  of  Fancy  Exhibi¬ 
tion  Pansies. 

Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea. — Hyacinths  and 
other  Bulbous  Boots, 

B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  (Tprer  Holloway,  London.  —  Dtscriptixe 
Lata.ogue  oj  Bulbs,  Fhuit  Trees,  Boses, 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — Early  Houses. — Although  the  Vines  have  the  wood  ripe  and 
some  of  the  foliage  is  falling,  there  must  not  be  any  attempt  at  removing 
it  nor  to  cut  the  laterals  close  in,  as  that  would  probably  cause  the 
principal  buds  to  start.  This  must  be  prevented  by  removing  the 
laterals  by  degrees  and  shortening  some  of  the  long  shoots,  reserving, 
however,  some  growth  above  the  buds  to  which  the  Vines  are  to 
pruned,  the  final  pruning  being  deferred  until  the  early  part  of 
September,  Where  the  Vines  are  not  satisfactory,  the  old  surface  soil 
should  be  removed  and  forked  from  amongst  the  roots,  raising  any  that 
are  deep  and  laying  them  in  fresh  material  nearer  the  surface.  Good 
calcareous  loam  or  that  containing  a  rather  free  admixture  of  small 
stones  and  grit,  broken  up  roughly  and  well  compacted  about  the  roots, 
is  the  most  suitable  compost.  If  it  be  of  a  heavy  nature  add  a  sixth  of 
old  mortar  rubbish;  if  light,  a  similar  proportion  of  clayey  marl,  dried 
and  pounded.  C.rushed  or  half-inch  bones  may  be  used  discriminately — 
say  a  bushel  to  cartload  of  loam,  and  a  similar  proportion  of 
charcoal,  and  where  the  loam  is  very  turfy  add  7  lbs.  of  kainit  and 
14  lbs.  of  Thomas’s  phosphate  to  each  cartload  of  loam.  Give  a  moderate 
watering  and  the  roots  will  push,  especially  adventitious  ones,  from 
near  the  collar,  into  the  new  soil  at  once,  and  the  Vines  will  start  freely 
when  the  time  arrives  for  doing  so.  If  the  drainage  is  defective  and 
the  whole  of  the  soil  has  to  be  removed,  perform  the  lifting  expedi¬ 
tiously,  and  if  the  Vines  are  weak  it  is  desirable  to  give  a  season’s  rest  or 
crop  very  moderately. 

Midseason  Houses. — The  Grapes  colour  rapidly  this  season,  and 
though  not  so  large  in  bunch  or  berry  they  are  of  high  quality.  Red 
spider  has  been  very  troublesome  in  some  cases,  but  upon  the  whole 
Vines  have  flourished  with  the  extra  light  and  heat,  especially  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  which  has  the  Grapes  better  ripened  and  coloured  than  for 
some  years  past.  Where  the  berries  are  ripe  it  will  be  necessary  to 
employ  a  slight  shade  over  the  roof  lights,  with  a  double  thickness  of 
herring  nets,  to  prevent  black  Grapes  losing  colour,  and  Foster’s 
Seedling,  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  similar  varieties  from  having  the 
berries  browned.  This,  and  some  hexagon  netting  over  the  ventilators 
to  exclude  wasps  and  flies,  will  ensure  the  Grapes  keeping  in  good 
condition  for  a  considerable  time. 

Where  the  Grapes  are  ripening  copious  supplies  of  water  will  be 
necessary  ;  even  outside  borders  may  need  applications,  and  the  borders 
can  be  mulched  with  an  inch  or  two  of  short  material.  If  liquid  manure 
is  given  it  should  be  of  a  sustaining  rather  than  stimulating  nature,  and 
moderate  atmospheric  moisture  will  be  necessary  for  the  benefit  of  the 
foliage.  This  can  be  secured  by  damping  surfaces  occasionally,  and  will 
not  do  any  harm  to  the  Grapes  provided  the  ventilation  is  free  and  a 
circulation  of  air  insured  at  night.  A  little  fire  heat  will  be  advisable  in 
case  of  dull  and  damp  weather  prevailing,  but  it  need  not  be  more  than 
to  secure  70°  to  75°  by  day,  and  60°  to  65°  at  night,  and  admit  of  a 
circulation  of  air  constantly,  as  it  is  stagnant  air  that  conduces  to 
spotting  and  cracking  in  the  berries.  Allow  a  fair  spread  of  foliage 
over  black  Grapes,  but  keep  that  of  the  white  varieties  rather  thin,  not 
allowing  crowding  in  either  case. 

Late  Houses. — When  well  grown  Lady  Downe’s  has  a  decided  Muscat 
flavour,  which  is  improved  with  keeping.  This  may  be  effected  in  any 
room  from  which  frost  and  damp  are  excluded.  Mrs.  Pince  is,  perhaps,, 
the  worst  of  all  Grapes  to  finish,  and  requires  a  good  spread  of  foliage, 
with  gentle  warmth  in  the  hot-water  pipes,  so  as  to  secure  a  night 
temperature  of  65°,  and  70°  to  75°  by  day,  with  a  little  air  constantly, 
continuing  this  until  the  berries  are  thoroughly  black  and  covered  with 
blue  bloom.  It,  however,  loses  colour  quickly  after  being  ripe,  and  is 
inclined  to  shrivel.  Continue  to  afford  full  supplies  of  water  until  the 
Grapes  are  well  advanced  in  colour,  for  most  late  Grapes  take  a  long 
time  to  perfect  thoroughly.  All  are  best  grown  on  the  extension  system 
• — that  is,  they  require  more  room  and  a  greater  spread  of  wood.  Too 
early  and  close  stopping  is  always  detrimental  to  the  well-doing  of  late 
Grapes,  and  a  good  spread  of  foliage  is  essential.  The  foliage  must  be 
fully  exposed  to  light  and  kept  perfectly  clean  and  healthy,  some  growth 
being  made  so  as  to  keep  the  roots  active,  and  overcropping  avoided. 
The  feeding  must  also  commence  early  and  be  continued  until  the 
berries  are  at  least  coloured,  not  applying  substances  likely  to  taint  the 
Grapes.  The  water  will  not  do  any  harm  if  air  is  admitted  freely. 
Maintain  a  constant  circulation  with  a  gentle  warmth  in  the  hot- water 
pipes  to  prevent  moisture  being  condensed  on  the  berries.  Afford  a 
temperature  of  65°  at  night,  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially,  80°  to  90° 
through  the  day  from  sun,  and  close  sufficiently  early  to  increase  to 
90°  or  95°.  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Canon  Hall  Muscat  should  have; 
5°  more  all  round. 

Late  Hamburglis. — These  are  more  forward  than  usual,  and  arc 
advanced  towards  colouring  where  the  houses  have  been  kept  open  day 
and  night.  This  procedure  should  be  continued  as  there  is  plenty  of 
time  to  colour  and  finish  these  Grapes,  and  provided  they  are  ripened 
in  September  they  retain  colour  much  better  than  those  ripened  in 
August,  It  will  be  necessary  to  place  some  wasp-proof  material  over  the 


August  10,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


186 


ventilators,  such  as  hexagon  netting,  for  these  insects  are  very  numerous 
in  some  localities  and  voraciously  devour  the  fruit,  some  before  it  is  well 
coloured.  Bottles  half  full  of  sweetened  beer  should  be  suspended 
outside,  and  bushels  of  wasps,  bluebottle  flies,  and  other  predatory  pests 
may  be  drowned  in  a  short  time. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Celery. — Showery  weather  has  been  very  favourable  to  the  growth 
of  Celery.  In  some  instances,  however,  the  rains  have  not  been 
sufficiently  heavy  to  well  soak  the  soil  close  up  to  the  plants,  and  this 
should  at  once  be  made  good  by  means  of  the  watering  pot.  Showery 
weather  is  the  best  time  for  applying  liquid  manures  or  for  washing  in 
soot  and  salt.  Soot  may  be  very  freely  dusted  along  the  rows,  but  salt 
must  be  more  sparingly  used.  Both  are  excellent  manures,  and  good 
slug  deterrents.  Exhibition  Celery  should  have  a  good  soaking  of  liquid 
manure  about  once  a  week,  and  only  a  little  soil  in  the  form  of  a  top¬ 
dressing  placed  about  the  stems,  the  blanching  being  most  cleanly 
effected  by  means  of  several  folds  of  brown  paper.  Do  not  bind  the 
latter  to  such  an  extent  as  to  check  the  development  of  the  hearts. 
About  one-half  of  the  leaves  ought  to  be  enclosed  by  the  paper,  and  a 
month  is  not  too  much  time  to  allow  for  perfect  blanching. 

For  ordinary  use  the  blanching  may  be  effected  by  moulding  up. 
Commence  by  clearing  small  leaves  and  suckers  from  the  plants  of 
white  varieties,  weeds  also  being  drawn  out.  Then  dress  with  soot  or 
salt,  or  the  two  in  mixture,  and  wash  some  of  this  down  to  the  roots  the 
same  evening.  Next  morning  chop  down  some  of  the  soil  from  the 
sides,  and  distribute  about  3  inches  of  this  in  the  trench.  While  this  is 
being  done  the  outer  stalks  of  the  plants  should  be  held  or  tied  well 
together.  In  the  course  of  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  the  hearts  will  be 
advanced  considerably,  and  the  second  moulding  up  may  be  given. 
Avoid  placing  too  much  soil  in  the  trench  at  one  time.  The  final 
moulding  up  should  be  given  about  one  month  before  the  Celery  is 
required  for  use. 

Celery  lieaf  ivxiner. — In  some  gardens  the  Celery  is  quite  clear 
of  this  pest,  and  in  others  scarcely  a  leaf  is  free  of  them.  A  close  look¬ 
out  ought  always  to  be  kept  for  the  first  attack.  This  season  the  flies 
were  unusually  early  at  work  among  the  plants,  piercing  the  leaves  and 
depositing  the  eggs,  and  unless  all  the  grubs  found  eating  their  way 
between  the  two  skins  are  destroyed  the  leaves  will  present  a  very 
ragged  appearance.  A  free  use  of  soot  on  and  about  the  plants,  applied 
when  the  leaves  are  damp,  has  a  deterrent  effect  upon  the  newly  hatched 
flies,  driving  them  to  seek  fresh  quarters,  while  if  all  the  maggots  found 
in  the  leaves  are  crushed  between  the  finger  and  thumb  not  much 
harm  will  result. 

Celerlac.— Celeriac,  or  Turnip-rooted  Celery,  ought  ere  this  to  have 
been  planted  on  the  level,  ground  previously  well  manured  for  and 
occupied  by  early  Cauliflowers  suiting  it  well  without  any  further  pre¬ 
paration  beyond  a  good  surface  hoeing.  What  is  wanted  is  a  large, 
quickly  grown.  Turnip-like  root,  a  firm  rich  root-run  being  the  most 
likely  to  produce  these.  Keep  the  plants  well  supplied  with  water  in 
dry  weather,  liquid  manure  or  soot  also  doing  good.  The  surface  of 
the  ground  should  be  kept  free  of  weeds.  There  should  be  no  moulding 
up  of  Celeriac,  the  root  only  being  eaten  either  as  a  vegetable  or 
salad. 

Winter  Spinach. — This  crop  is  of  so  much  importance  that  more 
that  ordinary  pains  should  be  taken  in  producing  it.  It  thrives  best  on 
rather  high,  free  working,  fairly  rich  ground,  the  plan  of  growing  it  on 
raised  Asparagus-like  beds  answering  well  where  the  site  is  naturally 
damp  and  cold.  The  ground  ought  to  have  been  manured  and  dug  some 
time  ago,  forking  it  over  lightly  once  since.  If  lime  has  not  been  given 
to  the  selected  plot  during  the  past  five  or  six  years  well  whiten  the 
surface  with  newly  slaked  lime  now  and  lightly  stir  in  prior  to  sowing 
the  seeds  ;  no  lime  being  needed  then  apply  a  dressing  of  soot.  Draw 
shallow  drills  from  12  inches  to  15  inches  asunder.  Moisten  these  drills 
if  at  all  dry,  and  then  sow  the  seed  thinly.  The  Victoria  or  Monstrous 
Viroflay  is  the  finest  of  all  varieties,  and  with  this  should  be  sown  a  few 
long  rows  of  either  the  round-seeded  Summer  or  prickly-seeded  Winter 
Spinach.  Another  sowing  should  be  made  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks 
later. 

Iiate  Kidney  Beans. — In  the  autumn  a  few  late  Kidney  Beans 
may  prove  acceptable.  The  plants  are  far  from  being  hardy,  but  if  the 
seeds  are  sown  on  somewhat  high  ground,  where  the  plants  can  be  pro¬ 
tected  during  frosty  nights,  they  may  be  preserved  some  time  after  the 
rest  of  either  Runner  or  Kidney  Beans  have  succumbed.  Any  of  the 
early  varieties  and  also  Canadian  Wonder  are  suitable  for  present  sow¬ 
ing.  Draw  the  drills  2  feet  asunder  for  the  stronger  growers,  18  inches 
being  enough  for  the  dwarf  early  forms,  of  which  Sion  House  is  still 
one  of  the  best.  If  the  drills  are  at  all  dry,  water  before  sowing  the 
seed  thinly.  Thin  out  the  seedlings  to  about  6  inches  asunder  and 
mould  up. 

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Bedding  Antirrhinums. — The  white  bedding  variety  forms  a  very 
attractive  bed,  the  flowering  period  being  fully  equal  to  that  of  the 
majority  of  other  plants  used.  Several  newer  forms  suitable  for 
bedding  have  also  been  introduced.  In  order  to  have  strong  plants 
ready  for  planting  early  next  season,  and  which  only  can  be  depended 
upon  for  a  good  effect,  propagating  should  commence  now.  Short 
flowerless  shoots,  slipped  off  from  old  plants,  will  root  readily  in  a 
cold  frame  or  handlights  at  the  foot  of  a  north  wall  or  other  cool  and 
not  too  dark  position.  Dibble  three  or  four  of  the  cuttings  round  the 
sides  of  3-inch  pots  filled  with  gritty  loamy  soil,  give  a  gentle  watering, 


and  keep  close  and  shaded  during  the  hottest  part  of  the  day  till  they 
are  rooted.  Some  could  be  wintered  in  pots,  and  the  rest  planted  in 
sheltered  nursery  beds. 

Antirrhinums  from  Seed. — The  white  bedding  and  other  named 
Antirrhinums  come  quite  true  from  seed,  and  this  is  the  readiest  means 
of  raising  a  large  number  of  plants.  Now  is  a  better  time  for  sowing 
than  early  next  year,  and  this  season’s  seed  will  germinate  more  strongly 
than  older  seed.  Sow  the  seed  thinly  on  the  surface  of  previously 
moistened  pans  of  light  sandy  soil  and  very  lightly  cover  with  fine  soil. 
Cover  with  a  square  of  glass  and  either  moss  or  paper,  and  place  in 
a  cool  frame  or  handlight  at  the  foot  of  a  north  wall  or  fence.  When 
the  seedlings  are  large  enough  prick  out  in  boxes  of  light  soil.  Being 
fairly  hardy,  some  may  be  planted  out  in  nursery  beds  and  the  rest  be 
wintered  in  a  cold  frame. 

Pentstemons. — These  again  are  seldom  very  effective  the  same 
season  they  are  propagated,  but  plants  raised  now  from  either  cuttings 
or  seed  would  do  remarkably  well  next  summer.  Both  cuttings  and  seeds 
should  be  treated  exactly  as  advised  in  the  case  of  Antirrhinums.  Where 
hardier  bedding  plants  are  preferred  to  the  more  tender  kinds,  Pent¬ 
stemons  ought  certainly  to  be  given  a  place.  Strong  old  plants  are  most 
suited  to  mixed  borders,  but  late  summer  or  autumn  raised  plants  placed 
out  early  into  large  well  prepared  beds  and  lightly  staked  up  would 
prove  quite  a  feature  in  the  display.  A  mixture  of  Pentstemons  and 
Nicotiana  affinis  is  both  bold  and  pleasing.  As  many  as  are  wanted 
should  be  wintered  in  cold  frames  or  pits,  as  a  very  severe  winter  is 
sometimes  fatal  to  most  of  the  exposed  plants. 

Tuberous  Begonias. — If  short  flowerless  side  shoots  of  these  are 
made  into  cuttings,  dibbled  rather  thickly  in  pans  or  boxes  of  fine 
sandy  soil,  set  in  the  full  sunshine  and  sheltered  from  heavy  rains,  the 
majority  will  strike  root  and  form  tiny  tubers  before  the  tops  die  down. 
Left  where  they  are  and  stored  in  a  dry  cellar  or  shed  where  severe 
frosts  cannot  reach  them,  these  small  tubers  will  winter  well  and  be 
very  handy  for  bedding  next  season.  Now  is  also  a  good  time  to  sow 
seed  with  a  view  to  having  abundance  of  small  tubers  to  make  an 
early  start  with  next  season.  Quite  new  seed  will  germinate  very 
quickly  and  strongly,  and  this  should  be  preferred,  though  last  season’s 
seed  will  not  fail  if  sound  at  the  time  of  sowing.  Prepare  several  pans 
or  boxes,  by  careful  draining  and  filling  up  with  fine  light  sandy  soil. 
Make  the  surface  very  level  and  firm,  but  do  not  sand  over,  give  a  gentle 
watering,  and  about  one  hour  later  sow  the  seed  thinly,  quite  on  the 
surface,  no  covering  over  being  attempted.  Place  in  a  cold  frame  on 
inverted  pans  or  pots  with  a  view  to  excluding  worms,  cover  with 
squares  of  glass,  and  shade  heavily.  The  soil  must  be  kept  uniformly 
moist,  not  by  waterings,  but  rather  by  partial  immersion  in  a  tub  or 
tank  of  water,  the  one  thing  to  avoid  being  the  disturbance  of  the 
germinating  seed.  The  seedlings  will  not  make  much  growth,  but  if 
undisturbed  will  form  tubers  near  the  size  of  Radish  seed.  Such,  if 
kept  plump  till  next  March,  will  be  available  for  growing  into  strong 
plants  by  the  time  they  are  wanted  for  the  flower  beds. 

Cbrysanthemums.— If  there  are  any  bad  failures  in  the  flower 
garden,  and  the  late  hot  and  dry  weather  proved  very  trying  in  many 
cases,  some  of  these  might  be  made  good  by  either  planting  out  or 
transplanting  Madame  Desgrange  and  Mrs.  Hawkins.  Both  of  these 
varieties  are  very  sturdy  and  floriferous  this  season,  and  perhaps 
would  do  better  service  in  the  flower  beds  than  under  glass.  If  planted 
in  a  sloping  direction,  the  tops  well  spread  out,  and  lightly  pegged  or 
tied  down,  either  variety  would  form  a  good  groundwork  for  a  few  rather 
tall  Cockscombs.  A  bed  or  beds  thus  filled  would  rank  among  the  most 
attractive  feature  in  a  garden. 


HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

Vf«ir— 'nn 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

At  the  Moors. 

Four  weeks  have  passed  since  our  bees  were  taken  to  the 
Heather,  but,  excepting  two  days  when  the  sun  shone  at  intervals 
from  fifteen  to  thirty  minutes,  it  never  blessed  us  with  its  presence 
for  more  than  five  minutes  at  a  time,  dense  black  clouds  with  strong 
winds  prevailing  through  the  day,  and  often  the  nights  were  frosty, 
the  grass  having  more  the  appearance  of  Christmas  than  July  and 
August.  Bees  are  doing  no  good,  but  the  Heather  is  not  past  yet, 
and  with  a  few  fine  days  the  honey  might  come  into  it  and  cheer 
the  desponding  hearts  of  many  bee-keepers.  Although  the  experi¬ 
ence  has  been  disappointing  and  provoking,  I  have  had  some 
valuable  lessons. 

In  past  years  it  was  puzzling  to  know  the  cause  of  dead  bees  at 
the  front  of  many  of  the  hives.  Sometimes  this  arose  from  fight¬ 
ing,  the  robbers  being  attracted  by  smelling  the  honey  through 
openings  in  the  hive  left  for  ventilation  or  being  badly  made.  The 
real  and  worst  cause,  however,  is  swarming.  The  bees  of  one 
swarm,  often  with  many  queens,  divide  themselves  into  clusters 
over  a  number  of  hives,  and,  entering  them,  slaughtering  as  often 
as  not  takes  place  ;  the  queens  escaping  injury  cause  a  swarm  to 
issue  and  repeat  the  disaster  over  other  hives.  When  the  bees  of  a 


186 


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[  August  10,  1893. 


swarm  are  well  received  and  the  weather  is  favourable  the  hives 
rise  greatly  in  weight.  When  a  stray  queen  enters  another  hive 
and  is  well  received  piping  begins  and  continues  until  one  or  the 
other  is  deposed,  or  till  a  swarm  issues,  consequent  of  the  two 
queens. 

I  have  been  several  times  asked  “  if  I  ever  heard  a  laying  queen 
pipe.”  I  have,  but  once  only,  when  there  were  none  but  herself  in 
the  hive.  At  the  present  time  I  have  four  laying  queens  piping, 
answering  the  call  of  the  usurpers,  and  one  has  piped  for  two 
weeks.  If  bee-keepers  become  impressed  with  these  facts,  giving 
no  heed  whatever  to  the  advice  given  on  how  to  prevent  swarming, 
they  will  find  the  work  more  enjoyable  as  well  as  profitable.  In 
addition  to  the  above  cases,  I  have  three  hives  that  swarmed  a 
month  since.  I  excised  all  the  royal  cells  at  the  proper  time,  yet 
others  were  raised  and  the  operation  had  to  be  performed  a  second 
time,  swarming  being  repeated,  the  cause  in  every  case  being  a  fer¬ 
tilised  queen  laying  and  in  the  hive  at  the  same  time  as  her  rival 
sisters. — A  Lanaekshike  Bee-keepee. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editob”  or  to  “The  Publishee.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  stafE  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Border  Carnations  (^Lamg  Mather').  —  The  box  of  blooms 
arrived  as  we  were  preparing  for  press.  We  can  only  say  they  are  bright 
and  beautiful.  Lady  Nina  Balfour,  blush  pink,  shows  to  advantage  in 
good  company  by  the  breadth  of  petal,  while  the  blooms  diffuse 
refreshing  fragrance. 

Seedllngr  Violas  (TF.  Reid). — The  flowers,  as  Violas  often  do, 
arrived  with  the  petals  curled.  They  appear  to  lack  substance,  and  we 
should  scarcely  think  the  varieties  possess  any  great  commercial  value, 
though  others  may  be  raised  from  them  w'orth  exhibiting  at  one  of  the 
leading  Pansy  and  Viola  shows. 

Plants  for  Exportation  {Quintero). — Fruit  trees,  Eoses,  and 
various  kinds  of  plants  are  successfully  transported  over  longer  voyages 
than  you  mention  by  nurserymen  who  engage  largely  in  an  export 
trade,  and  they  know  the  best  time  to  send  and  the  right  methods  of 
packing  to  adopt.  A  few  losses  must  naturally  be  expected  and 
duplicate  plants  ordered  accordingly. 

Flsb  IVIanure  (F.C.). — The  question  you  ask  scarcely  permits  of 
a  definite  reply.  Possibly  the  raw  fish  might  give  the  best  results  in  a 
dry  season.  We  should  prefer  to  invest  in  chemical  manure  obtained 
with  the  essentia]  elements  guaranteed,  especially  for  Tomatoes  and 
Vines.  Why  not,  as  you  have  an  opportunity,  determine  the  question 
by  experiment  1  No  other  method  is  so  good. 

Irish  Peach  Apple  {J.  B.). — This  Apple  is  more  prone  than 
many  others  to  bear  at  the  end  of  the  branches,  and  it  is  not,  as  a  rule, 
wise  to  shorten  these  after  a  suflicient  number  have  been  obtained  for 
forming  a  bush  or  tree.  Generally  pruning  should  be  limited  to 
thinning  out  the  least  promising  parts  now  to  admit  light  and  air  to  the 
remainder  and  thus  improve  them  for  bearing. 

Fruit  for  Profit  {An  Enthusiast). — The  Apple  trees  should  have 
the  ground  to  themselves  as  bushes  or  low  standards,  and  800  trees 
per  acre  is  far  too  many  as  a  permanency.  They  should  be  12  feet  apart, 
and  that  is  302  trees  per  acre.  The  trees  of  course  could  be  planted  in 
the  first  instance  6  feet  apart,  and  at  the  end  of  six  years  every  other 
row  and  tree  could  be  transferred  to  other  ground.  Plums  may  be 
grown  as  standards  with  Gooseberries,  Currants,  and  Easpberries 
between  them,  and  they  will  bring  in  good  returns  so  long  as  they  are 
worth  keeping — say  a  dozen  years — then  it  is  batter  to  rely  on  the  Plums 
alone.  There  is  every  reason  to  anticipate  that  the  demand  for  fruit 
will  increase,  and  first-class  Apples  are  likely  to  realise  a  remunerative 
price  for  some  time  to  come,  but  inferior  fruit  will  be  a  drug  in  the 
market.  Apples  grown  on  the  Paradise  stock  are  usually  preferable  to 
those  from  trees  on  Crab.  The  produce  per  tree  and  consequently  acre 


depends  on  the  distance,  variety,  soil,  season,  and  management,  so  that 
no  estimate  can  be  given.  “  Profitable  Fruit  Growing  ”  may  perhaps  be 
useful  to  you,  and  may  be  had  from  this  office  for  Is.  3d.  by  post. 

Tomatoes  Spotted  {A.  A.  B.). — The  specks  on  the  fruit  appeared 
to  be  caused  by  the  fungus  Cladosporium  lycopersici,  but  on  examining 
them  we  found  no  fungal  bodies,  and  though  the  epidermal  tissues  are 
destroyed  to  the  extent  of  the  scabs,  the  cells  beneath  are  large  and 
singularly  healthy.  You  will  notice  that  the  extremities  of  the  plants, 
notably  the  younger  leaves,  are  yellowish,  that  spots  or  blotches  appear 
on  the  stems  and  older  leaves,  especially  the  leafstalks,  and  that  the  evil 
begins  at  the  extremity  of  the  plant  and  descends  to  the  roots.  The 
disease  is  called  chlorosis,  and  is  believed  to  be  due  to  imperfect 
nutrition.  It  has  been  recommended  to  use  dressings  containing  kainit, 
nitrate  of  soda,  superphosphate,  and  iron  sulphate,  but  little  benefit  has 
been  derived  from  any  of  them  after  the  disease  has  developed,  and  it  is 
hardly  likely  that  scabbing  will  be  prevented  by  applications  at  the 
roots.  We  should  like  to  see  examples  later  in  the  season,  with  a  view 
to  affording  further  information. 

“Blind”  Chrysantbemums  (TF.  Wells). — Many  hundreds  of 
plants  have  been  injured  this  year  by  a  small  weevil-like  creature 
lurking  in  the  points  and  piercing  the  soft  portion  near  the  apex,  thereby 
causing  distortion  and  blindness.  You  appear  to  have  caught  the 
enemy  at  work,  but  the  specimens  you  send  are  larger  than  any  we  have 
seen,  and  may  or  may  not  be  a  different  species.  At  the  present 
moment  we  have  not  examples  of  both  forms  for  examination.  The 
matter  is,  however,  of  small  moment  in  comparison  with  finding  the 
means  of  preventing  the  injury,  and  we  know  of  more  than  one  large 
collection  of  plants  saved  from  “  blindness  ”  this  year  by  lightly  dressing 
them  twice  a  week  with  tobacco  powder.  This  is  simple,  and  has  proved 
effectual.  Try  it,  and  let  us  know  the  result  in  your  case.  We  may 
add  that  the  name  of  your  insect  is  Systellonotus  triguttatus,  the  winged 
form  being  males,  the  others  females,  and  both,  as  you  have  found, 
remarkably  active. 

Proposed  Vineries  on  Shale  {Pitt  Hill). — The  shale  being  of 
the  carboniferous  formation,  weathers,  as  you  say,  into  a  plastic  clay, 
and  naturally  produces  Heaths  and  Sedges,  but  it  does  not  contain 
anything  of  a  deleterious  nature  likely  to  injure  Vine  roots  ;  indeed,  it 
is  doubtful  if  they  would  penetrate  it.  When  burned,  as  you  are  no 
doubt  aware,  it  forms  excellent  material  for  walks  and  drives.  The 
bottom  of  the  intended  border  should  slope  to  a  drain,  being  made 
firm  and  even,  and  that  must  have  proper  fall  and  outlet,  which  will  be 
easily  effected  in  your  case,  and  will  to  some  extent  aerate  the  border  as 
well  as  render  stagnation  from  water  impossible.  This  is  a  vital  point, 
especially  if  you  leave  the  clay  in,  which  we  should  do,  using  9  inches 
thickness  of  brickbats,  and  over  these  3  inches  thick  of  mortar  rubbish 
from  an  old  building,  freed  of  pieces  of  wood  ;  then  the  good  loam 
and  turf  on  top,  well  mixed  with  such  additions  of  turfy  loam  as  you 
may  command  to  make  a  depth  of  about  30  inches  of  good  soil.  It 
would  not  be  desirable  to  rely  on  the  shale  for  drainage. 

Insects  Infesting-  Iicttuce  Roots  {R.  P.). — The  insects  belong 
to  the  family  of  aphides,  and  the  group  that  lacks  the  two  tubes  so 
conspicuous  in  the  others  on  the  hinder  segments  of  the  back  of  the 
abdomen.  There  are  two  species  hurtful  to  Lettuce — Pemphigus  fusci- 
frons  and  P.  lactucarius,  the  last  being  usually  the  more  common  and 
destructive,  forming  the  fine  cottony  filaments  secreted  from  the  bodies 
of  the  insects,  which  line  the  cavities  hollowed  out  of  the  soil  between 
the  roots,  more  plentifully  than  the  other.  It  is  diflBcult  to  propound 
a  preventive,  as  the  attack  is  not  suspected  until  leaf-flagging  indicates 
injury  to  the  roots.  Drenching  the  ground  with  soapsuds  round  the 
plants  is  beneficial,  especially  if  half  a  pint  of  tobacco  juice  is  added  to 
10  gallons  of  soapsuds.  The  latter  must  not  contain  bleaching  powder, 
but  ordinary  soapsuds  from  laundries,  containing  soap  and  soda  only, 
are  safe.  Lime  water  is  also  obnoxious  to  the  insects,  using  1  lb.  of 
quicklime  to  3  gallons  of  water,  stirring  well,  and  then  let  stand 
two  or  three  days,  in  which  time  pour  off  the  clear  water  and  soak  the 
ground  with  it.  After  the  Lettuces  are  cleared  off  give  a  good  dressing 
of  lime  and  soot,  and  dig  in  with  a  fork. 

Propagratlng  and  Wintering  Heliotropes  {Torli), — The  present 
is  the  exact  time  for  establishing  a  stock  of  Heliotropes  for  flower  beds 
next  summer.  Cuttings  strike  with  great  freedom  in  a  close  warm 
frame  or  case,  temperature  60°  to  70°.  We  take  them  from  plants  in  the 
beds,  choosing  well-exposed  growths,  not  too  soft  nor  yet  hard,  but 
crisp  when  cut.  The  extreme  tips  are  often  too  soft  and  are  then 
removed,  and  if  they  produce  flower  buds  these  are  cat  off.  They  are 
inserted  an  inch  or  more  apart  in  a  firm  layer  of  sifted  sandy  soil, 
surfaced  with  pure  sand,  on  an  unsifted  loamy  mixture,  this  a  little 
more  than  half  filling  the  pots,  and  the  whole  well  watered  before  the 
cuttings  are  taken.  These  are  made  about  3  to  4  inches  long,  the  lower 
half  or  a  little  more  divested  of  leaves,  the  work  of  preparation,  inser¬ 
tion,  and  removing  them  to  close  quarters  being  done  quickly  to  avert 
any  flagging  of  the  leaves.  A  light  sprinkling  is  given  to  settle  the 
sand  round  the  stems,  and  the  requisite  shading  and  moisture  are 
provided  to  keep  the  leaves  fresh.  In  the  course  of  a  few  days  they  will 
remain  fresh  with  less  shading,  and  air  and  light  in  gradually  increasing 
quantities  must  be  admitted  until  the  plants  will  endure  full  ventilation 
and  bright  sun,  both  of  which  are  essential  for  hardening  their  tissues. 
With  plenty  of  space  available  in  a  light  house  in  which  a  winter 
temperature  of  about  55°  could  be  maintained,  we  should  establish  a 


August  10,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


137 


sufficient  number  of  the  young  plants  separately  in  4-inch  pots,  and 
these  with  good  attention  would  be  in  splendid  condition  for  bedding 
next  season.  Failing  the  requisite  space  we  should  insert  five  cuttings 
in  3^-inch  pots  and  expect  every  one  to  grow,  then  winter  the  plants  in 
these  pots.  Early  in  the  year  we  should  transfer  them  without  division 
to  5^-inch  pots,  and  they  would  afford  abundance  of  cuttings  for  striking 
in  heat  in  the  spring,  and  these  would  make  excellent  plants  by  the 
end  of  May.  From  six  pots  of  cuttings,  and  with  suitable  cultural 
conveniences,  300  plants  could  easily  be  raised  by  the  time  required 
for  bedding  out,  and  it  would  be  no  great  task  to  have  twice  that 
number.  It  is  to  be  remembered  that  Heliotropes  cannot  be  kept 
healthy  in  cold  greenhouses  from  which  frost  is  only  just  excluded, 
and  the  temperature  should  rarely  fall  or  not  long  remain  below  50°  in 
the  winter. 

Fungrus  on  Her  IMajesty  Rose  (id  J.). — The  disease  on  the 
Rose  shoot  is  not  orange  fungus,  for  that  is  bright  orange.  The  shoot 
of  Her  Majesty  Rose  sent  by  you  is  infested  with  the  ordinary  Rose 
mildew,  and  forms  a  felt-like  coat  over  the  young  wood,  living  on  the 
outer  surface  of  the  cells  of  the  infested  parts.  This  stage  of  the  fungus 
is  known  as  Oi'dium  leucoconium ;  later,  dark  brown  or  black  specks 
appear  seated  amid  the  felting  and  spring  from  the  same  arachnoid  or 
web-like  mycelium.  These  bodies  are  the  “fruits”  or  resting  stage  of 
the  fungus,  and  by  these  the  parasite  survives  from  year  to  year,  for  the 
spores  of  the  first  stage  cannot  survive  the  rigours  of  a  severe  winter 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — AUGUST  9th. 
Heavy  supplies  to  hand  with  trade  quiet. 


FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

Apples,  per  bushel  . .  . . 

1 

0  to  G 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

9 

to  2 

0 

„  Tasmanian, per  case 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

„  Nova  Scotia,  per 

Oranges,  per  100  .. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

barrel . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

6 

8 

0 

Cherries,  half  sieve  . .  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

1 

6 

2 

6 

Filberts,  per  100  lbs. 

30 

0 

35 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  .. 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Gooseberries,  half  sieve  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Strawberries,  per  lb . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

S. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

Asparagus,  per  bundle 

0 

0 

to  0 

0 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2 

to  0 

0 

Beans,  Eidney,  per  lb.  . . 

0 

3 

0 

4 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . ,  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

6 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

6 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Seakale,  per  basket  . .  , . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  pftr  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  ..  ,.  ., 

0 

3 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . ,  . ,  . . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

6 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

G 

Mushrooms,  punnet  ,.  .. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 


except  under  glass,  where  the  resting  conceptacles  are  seldom  produced, 
and  the  mildew  is  much  easier  destroyed  or  arrested  in  its  growth. 
But  the  mildew  infesting  Roses  under  glass  is  a  different  species,  and  we 
should  be  obliged  if  anyone  noticing  blackish  and  roundish  specks 
among  the  mildew  on  Rose  trees  under  glass  would  forward  specimen. 
The  dark  speck  stage  of  the  fungus  on  your  Rose  is  scientifically  called 
Sphoerotheca  pannosa,  and  in  that  form  the  fungus  is  practically 
indestructible.  Remedial  measures  must  be  directed  to  subduing  the 
mildew  in  its  earliest  stages.  This  Mr.  Bardney  effected  under  glass  by 
syringing  the  trees  with  a  softsoap  solution  occasionally,  and  it  has  been 
found  equally  efficacious  outdoors.  The  syringing  itself  unseats  the 
spores,  and  the  potash  of  the  softsoap  destroys  the  mycelium,  and 
renders  the  leaves  for  a  time  proof  against  the  spores.  About  1  oz.  of 
softsoap  to  a  gallon  of  boiling  water,  thoroughly  dissolving,  and  when 
as  cool  as  the  hand  can  be  borne  in  it  for  a  minute,  applied  with  a 
syringe,  is  effectual  when  taken  in  time,  upon  the  first  appearance  of 
the  disease.  Another  good  remedy  is  to  slake  a  pound  of  fresh  quick¬ 
lime  in  a  copper,  adding  a  pound  of  flowers  of  sulphur  and  a  gallon  of 
water,  and  boil  for  ten  minutes,  constantly  stirring  whilst  it  is  boiling, 
then  allowed  to  settle ;  the  clear  liquid  is  poured  off  and  placed  in  a 
stone  bottle,  kept  well  corked  in  a  dark  place.  The  plants  should  be 
syringed  with  a  1  per  cent,  solution  of  this  preparation — that  is,  half  a 
pint  to  six  and  a  quarter  gallons  of  water. 

IMCealy  Bug  on  Vines  (A.  J.^. — By  the  means  mentioned  in  our 
last  issue  the  Grapes  may  be  made  passable  for  table — that  is,  those  not 
coated  with  the  filthy  secretion  of  the  insects  and  become  black  with 
fungus.  It  would  be  desirable  to  facilitate  the  clearing  of  the  Vines  as 
much  as  possible,  for  there  is  nothing  you  can  well  do  until  the  crop  is 
off.  Immediately  that  is  effected  cut  away  all  the  laterals  and  as  much 
of  the  young  wood  as  can  be  spared — that  is,  shorten  the  bearing  shoots 
to  about  six  or  eight  leaves  of  their  base,  so  that  if  fresh  growth  is  made 
the  pruning  buds  will  not  be  started.  Burn  all  the  trimmings,  and  syringe 
the  Vines  thoroughly,  wetting  every  part  of  the  house,  with  a  mixture 
of  a  wineglassful  of  petroleum  to  4  gallons  of  water,  the  oil  being 
forced  into  tbe  water  by  driving  a  syringeful  of  the  mixture  into 
the  vessel  and  the  next  over  the  Vines,  and  so  on.  The  syringing  is 
best  done  in  the  evening  of  a  calm  day,  and  the  house  closed.  Repeat 
every  other  day  for  a  week,  twice  the  following  week,  and  once  a 
week  afterwards  until  the  leaves  fall,  collecting  and  burning  them. 
Prune  as  soon  as  the  leaves  are  all  down,  and  burn  the  prunings.  Then 
strip  tbe  Vines  of  any  loose  bark,  not  peeling  them  into  the  quick,  and 
thoroughly  wash  with  a  solution  of  softsoap,  3  ozs.  to  a  gallon  of  water, 
adding  one  teaspoonful  of  phenyle,  mixing  well,  applying  with  a  brush, 
and  reaching  well  into  every  hole,  angle,  and  crevice,  taking  care  not  to 
damage  the  buds.  Thoroughly  cleanse  the  house,  the  woodwork  and 
ironwork  with  water,  softsoap,  and  a  brush,  the  glass  with  clean  water, 
and  limewash  the  walls.  Remove  the  surface  soil,  and  supply  fresh 
loam  in  its  place.  If  care  is  taken  not  to  introduce  plants  with  mealy 
bug  into  the  house,  or  it  does  not  adjoin  another  in  which  plants  are 
grown  infested  with  it  ,we  do  not  think  you  will  be  further  troubled, 
but  it  is  a  good  plan  to  syringe  the  house  before  starting  the  Vines  with 
the  petroleum  mixture.  If  you  cannot  procure  phenyle  of  a  chemist, 
dissolve  3  ozs.  of  softsoap  in  a  gallon  of  boiling  water,  pour  into  a 
2-gallon  stone  bottle,  add  a  wineglassful  of  petroleum,  cork  and  churn, 
moving  up  and  down  or  to  and  fro  with  the  hands  for  fifteen  minutes, 
then  pour  out  a  little  and  apply  as  before  stated,  but  not  hotter  than 
the  hand  can  bear. 


Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 


8. 

d. 

8. 

d 

3. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  . . 

2 

0 

to  4 

0 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  ., 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Asters  (French),  per  bunch 

0 

9 

1 

3 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

6 

Calceolaria,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

1 

0 

3 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

bunches  . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

Primula  (double)  12  sprays 

0 

9 

1 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen  . . 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

o 

0 

4 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Stocks,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Lilium  longiflornm  12 

Sweet  Peas,  doz.  bunches . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

blooms  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Sweet  Sultan,  pet  dozen 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches . 

«> 

«> 

0 

4 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  , . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitse  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 

0 

24 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  . .  . , 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Lobelia,  per  doz . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

e 

4 

0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  , . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Buonvmus,var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Nasturtiums,  per  dozen  .. 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Ferns  (small)  prr  Irindred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  per  dozen,. 

6 

0 

xz 

0 

Ficus  eiastica,  each  ..  ., 

1 

6 

7 

6 

„  scarlet,  per  dozen . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each.. 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Petunia,  per  dozen  , .  . . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  ..  .. 

5 

0 

9 

0 

Rhodanthe,  per  dozen 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Hydrangea,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

FARM  ORCHARDS. 

Barren  Trees. 

Why  are  barren  trees  so  often  left  uncared  for,  and  old 
worn-out  trees  not  cut  down  ?  Because  the  orchard  has  been 
regarded  as  a  mere  adjunct  to  the  homestead,  a  handy  enclosure 
for  calves  or  a  sick  horse,  or  any  casual  animals  —  a  useful 
paddock  in  point  of  fact,  the  rent  of  which  is  obtained  from 
the  grass  growing  under  the  trees  rather  than  from  the  fruit 
upon  them.  If  proof  were  wanted  that  it  may  be  more — very 
much  more  than  this — we  might  point  to  the  Kent  Cherry 


IVames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(IF.  -4.). — Haemanthus  coccineus. 


orchards,  where  the  grazing  is  let  to  the  resident  tenant,  and 
the  fruit  crop  is  sold  for  the  landlord  by  annual  auction  to  the 
highest  bidder.  The  Cherry  crop  is  so  valuable,  that  though 
the  laud  on  which  the  trees  grow  is  let,  the  right  to  the  fruit 
is  retained  by  the  landlord,  just  as  is  the  right  to  minerals. 
To  him  often  enough  the  fruit  is  something  like  a  gold 
mine.  Would  that  the  crop  of  an  ordinary  farm  orchard 


138 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Augnst  10,  1893. 


were  so  regarded  by  the  tenant  at  whose  disposal  they  are, 
for  then  no  quarter  would  be  given  to  barren  trees,  they 
would  either  be  rendered  fruitful  or  have  to  give  place  to 
other  trees. 

But  we  may  be  told  that  barrenness,  or  in  other  words  crop 
failure,  frequently  occurs  from  the  destruction  of  the  blossom. 
It  does,  and  yet  this  might  often  be  prevented  if  only  due 
thought  were  given  to  the  provision  of  shelter  when  the  trees 
are  planted.  A  sheltering  belt  of  Lombardy  Poplar  mixed 
with  Austrian  Pine,  with  an  inner  line  of  Myrobellan  Plum  is  a 
necessity  for  every  orchard  at  all  exposed  to  wind  from  the 
north-east  or  south-west.  It  is  these  cross  winds  which  play 
havoc  with  the  crop.  The  first  in  spring,  when  its  icy  breath 
destroys  in  a  single  blast  the  hope  and  promise  of  a  year  ;  the 
last  in  autumn,  when  the  fruit  is  swept  from  the  trees  on  the 
wings  of  a  furious  sou’- wester.  Last  year  we  were  asked  why  a 
certain  Apple  tree  had  never  had  a  crop  of  fruit  during  the  eight 
years  of  the  farmer’s  tenancy  ;  yet  we  were  told  it  was  full  of 
blossom  every  year.  The  tree  was  evidently  in  perfect  health 
and  full  vigour,  and  root-pruning  was  our  first  thought.  But  a 
careful  survey  of  the  surroundings  showed  the  possibility  of 
cold  cutting  winds  from  the  north-east  past  an  angle  of  the 
farmhouse  right  on  the  tree.  Our  suggestion  of  an  attempt 
to  break  the  force  of  this  wind  by  means  of  a  wall  screen 
during  blossom  time  was  acted  upon  this  spring,  with  the 
gratifying  result  of  a  capital  crop  of  fruit  now. 

Another  cause  of  crop  failure  is  undoubtedly  attributable  to 
the  planting  of  so  many  sorts  of  Apple  of  a  shy-fruiting  habit, 
and  of  Pears  unsuitable  for  the  climate.  “  Fifteen  years  ago 
did  I  plant  that  Blenheim  Pippin,”  said  a  worthy  farmer  to  us 
when  we  were  inspecting  his  orchard,  “and  it  has  never  yet 
had  a  crop  of  fruit.”  Well,  it  is  a  grand  Apple,  and  worth 
waiting  a  while  for,  but  there  is  a  limit  to  waiting,  very  much 
inside  fifteen  years  ;  life  is  too  short  for  that,  and  we  should 
certainly  have  shortened  the  branches  and  re-grafted  that  barren 
tree  with  one  or  other  of  the  bold  and  constant  fruiters  long 
ago.  Too  much  stress  cannot  be  placed  upon  the  judicious 
selection  of  sorts,  in  doing  this  something  more  is  required  than 
the  mere  sight  of  a  tree  heavily  laden  with  fruit.  On  the  day 
before  writing  this  article  we  saw  three  fine  standard  trees  in 
an  old  orchard  bearing  a  heavy  crop  of  Blenheim  Pippins,  and 
we  were  told  that  this  was  tbe  third  consecutive  heavy  crop 
they  had  borne.  Tet  we  dare  not  recommend  it  for  small 
orchards,  because  it  is  notoriously  a  slow  and  often  shy  bearer, 
and  there  are  plenty  of  sorts  with  as  fine  if  not  as  handsome 
fruit  which  yield  early  and  continuous  crops.  It  is  for  this 
all-important  reason  that  preference  is  given  to  such  sorts 
for  orchard  planting  as  Keswick  Codlin,  Potts’  Seedling, 
Ecklinville  Seedling,  Warner’s  King,  Lemon  Pippin,  Golden 
Noble,  Duchess  of  Oldenburg,  Beauty  of  Kent,  and  Bramley’s 
Seedling. 

All  worthless  sorts,  barren  or  otherwise,  should  be  got  rid 
of,  and  in  making  arrangements  for  replanting  at  leaf-fall  in 
autumn  a  few  select  sorts  only  should  be  planted.  If  the 
intention  is  to  sell  the  fruit  then  about  six  sorts  would  be  ample, 
planting  several  trees  of  each,  and  planting  so  well  that  there 
may  be  no  doubt  about  the  future  of  the  trees.  We  shall 
probably  have  something  more  to  say  about  sorts  before  planning 
time. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

The  cutting  of  winter  Oats  and  Rye  has  this  year  been  quickly 
followed  by  the  general  harvest,  which  has  not  been  seriously  hindered 
by  wet  weather,  though  heavy  showers  of  rain  have  been  frequent,  as 
the  fresh  green  herbage  of  pastures  everywhere  shows  plainly  enough. 
Stubble  Turnips,  Trifolium  incarnatum,  and  Italian  Rye  Grass  are  being 
sown  exceptionally  early,  and  second  growths  of  Clover  are  much  more 
abundant  than  the  first  growth  was.  Thin  crops  of  late  sown  Oats  had 
much  better  be  used  as  green  forage,  or  for  silage,  than  be  left  late  upon 
the  ground  to  ripen.  We  have  seen  some  fields  of  both  Oats  and  Barley 
where  the  ripening  is  so  uneven,  that  among  Oats  especially  there  must 
be  a  serious  loss  of  corn  before  the  crop  is  saved.  It  is  practically  two 


crops,  and  if  only  required  for  home  use  would  be  turned  to  best 
account  for  silage,  but  we  fear  this  is  too  much  to  hope  for  where 
ensilage  has  never  been  tried. 

Root  crops  have  improved  wonderfully  during  the  last  two  or  three 
weeks.  Seed  which  lay  dormant  in  the  soil  during  the  drought  sprung 
into  growth  of  marvellous  activity  with  the  first  heavy  shower,  and 
growth  has  continued  with  such  rapidity  that  Mangolds,  Swedes, 
Carrots,  and  White  Turnips  have  rushed  up  so  quickly  that  plant¬ 
thinning  could  hardly  be  got  over  fast  enough.  We  have  seen  soine 
thin  crops,  some  half  failures,  but  on  the  whole  the  root  crop  bids  fair 
to  be  one  of  much  greater  abundance  than  at  one  time  seemed  possible. 
The  drought  has  shov/n  us  many  weak  points  in  the  water  storage  of 
several  farms.  This  is  an  important  matter  which  must  have  attention 
this  autumn,  both  for  the  convenience  of  tenants  and  for  the  actual 
improvement  of  property.  It  is  possible  to  accumulate  enough  water 
for  summer  requirements  in  most  meadows  by  means  of  land-drains  and 
ditches,  as  well  as  by  a  regular  watercourse.  It  is  simply  a  matter  of 
soil  excavation  and  in  some  instances  of  clay  puddling  for  a  dam. 


THE  FIELD  VOLE  AND  ITS  NATURAL  ENEMIES. 

The  Board  of  Agriculture,  in  view  of  the  great  injury  committed  by 
field  voles  (often  spoken  of  as  mice)  in  Scotland,  have  issued  extracts 
from  the  report  of  the  Committee  that  was  appointed  to  investigate 
the  subject.  Illustrations  are  given  of  the  short-tailed  vole  (Arvicola 
agrestis)  and  of  the  long  tailed  field  mouse  (Mus  sylvaticus),  as  well  as 
of  their  natural  enemies  the  short-eared  owl,  kestrel,  sparrowhawk, 
stoat,  and  weasel. 

The  Departmental  Committee  recommend  that  strict  injunctions 
should  be  given  by  landowners  that  the  birds  mentioned  should  not  be 
destroyed.  Their  presence  in  full  numbers,  though  inadequate  to  avert 
an  outbreak  of  voles,  would  undoubtedly  tend  to  mitigate  it,  and  as 
has  been  proved  in  the  case  of  the  short-eared  owl,  they  have  the  faculty 
of  multiplying  abnormally  in  presence  of  an  unusual  supply  of  food. 
They  are,  at  all  events,  most  useful  allies  to  man  in  combating  attacks 
of  ground  vermin. 

The  Committee  deprecate  in  the  strongest  manner  possible  the  use  of 
the  pole-trap  for  the  capture  of  hawks.  Besides  the  inhumanity  of  this 
device,  it  is  indiscriminate,  and  harmless  owls,  kestrels,  and  buzzards 
are  just  as  likely  to  be  taken  by  it  as  are  the  more  mischievous  species. 

While  admitting  that  it  is  hardly  reasonable  to  expect  that  stoats 
should  be  allowed  to  multiply  in  game-coverts,  or  in  the  vicinity  of 
pheasant  coops,  the  Committee  have  no  hesitation  in  recommending  that 
weasels,  which  are  persistent  mouse  hunters,  and  do  little  damage  to 
game,  should  not  be  molested,  at  least  in  moorlands  and  hill  pastures, 
where  they  can  do  little  harm  and  much  good. 


PAMPHLET  ON  DOGS. — From  Messrs,  Spratt  &  Co.,  Bermondsey,  we 
have  received  a  copy  of  a  pamphlet  written  for  them  by  Mr.  Gordon 
Stables,  M.D.,  R.N.,  entitled  “  The  Dog  from  Puppyhood  to  Age.”  It  is 
excellently  illustrated,  and  lovers  of  dogs  will  find  in  it  a  vast  amount 
of  useful  information.  The  writer  is  widely  known  as  an  authority  on 
this  and  kindred  subjects,  and  his  name  may  safely  be  taken  as  a  criterion 
of  merit.  The  price  of  the  publication  is  Id. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
OAiiDEN  Square,  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  THE  Day. 

Rain. 

1893. 

July  &  August. 

j  Barometer 

j  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

30 

29-868 

6-2-3 

58-0 

N.W. 

62-1 

69-4 

54-8 

125-4 

54-2 

0-033 

Monday  . . 

31 

29-883 

60-1 

53-7 

W. 

61-3 

69'3 

49-6 

117-0 

46-6 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

1 

29-998 

59-9 

53-6 

N. 

60-8 

69-4 

47-9 

118-6 

43-8 

0-106 

Wednesday 

2 

29-855 

65-0 

58-7 

W, 

61-4 

72-2 

57-4 

119-0 

56-9 

— 

Thursday . . 

3 

29-870 

64-2 

59-2 

s.w. 

61-7 

68-1 

54-8 

95-4 

50-9 

0-103 

Friday 

4 

29-734 

64-5 

60-1 

s.w. 

61-9 

73-3 

59-9 

l-.'2-l 

59-7 

0-783 

Saturday  .. 

5 

29-858 

64-1 

56-9 

w. 

60-8 

71-4 

53-2 

119-7 

50-2 

— 

29-867 

62  9 

57-2 

61-4 

70-4 

53-9 

116-7 

51-8 

1-025 

REMARKS. 

30th. — Rain  in  small  hours ;  much  sunshine  during  the  day,  but  cloudy  at  times,  and 
a  heavy  shower  at  0.30  P.M. 

1st. — Breezy  and  sunny,  with  cloudy  intervals  and  occasional  spots  of  rain. 

1st.— Alternate  cloud  and  sunshine,  the  latter  greatly  preponderating  ;  rain  after 
11  P.M. 

2nd. — Rain  till  4  A.M. ;  cloudy  at  times  in  morning  ;  brilliant  afternoon  and  evening. 

3rd. — Generally  overcast  and  windy  ;  occasional  gleams  of  sun  ;  rain  at  night. 

4th.— Rain  till  3.31  A.M.,  then  overcast  till  noon,  followed  by  sunshine  till  1.30  P.M. ; 
thunder  storms  in  afternoon  with  heavy  rain  0'48  inch  falling  in  twelve 
minutes  at  3  P.M. 

Sth. — Brilliant  from  sunrise  to  11.30  A.M.,  frequently  cloudy  after. 

An  unsettled  week,  with  a  rather  heavy  thunderstorm  on  the  4th,  Temperature 
slightly  below  the  average. — G.  J.  Symons. 


August  17,  1893.  J 


189 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


IT  is  not  for  the  sake  of  Biblical  comparison  that  the  great 
Vines  to  which  a  passing  reference  is  about  to  be  made  are 
described  as  the  Goliaths  of  Grapedom,  They  are  not  dangerous 
monsters,  calling  for  destruction  from  the  sling  o£  some  horticul¬ 
tural  David,  but,  on  the  contrary,  are  looked  upon  with  admira¬ 
tion  and  pleasure  as  examples  of  cultural  skill,  and  of  the  inherent 
vigour  of  the  world-renowned  fruit.  Truly  the  Vine  is  a  plant  of 
generous  strength  and  large  endeavour,  loving  to  stretch  its  limbs 
freely,  and  to  forage  unrestricted  in  the  earth  and  in  the  air 
Circumstances  compel  its  restriction  in  many  places,  but  when 
unfettered  and  unconfined  there  are  many  remarkable  examples  of 
its  capacities  for  self-development. 

“  Men  like  big  things,”  said  the  late  “  Single-handed  ”  in  one 
of  those  communications  which  were  the  delight  of  Journal  readers 
a  few  years  ago,  and  in  tones  of  gentle  reproach  he  went  on  to 
deprecate  the  neglect  which  fell  upon  many  small  gems  of  the 
flower  world  through  the  attention  devoted  to  larger  objects.  He 
did  not  make  any  direct  reference  to  Vines,  and  probably  did  not 
have  them  in  his  mind  when  penning  the  lines  from  which  I  have, 
quoted.  And  indeed  there  would  have  been  no  grounds  for  using 
them  as  another  illustration  of  the  accuracy  of  his  observations 
In  the  vast  majority  of  cases  in  which  Grapes  are  cultivated  no 
attempt  is  made  to  strive  for  the  production  of  giants,  but  rather 
a  restrictive  system  is  pursued  in  order  to  provide  for  the  inclusion 
of  a  number  of  varieties,  and  it  is  only  under  exceptional  circum¬ 
stances  that  huge  Vines  are  grown.  Nevertheless,  it  would  be 
beside  the  fact  to  deny  that  gardeners  as  a  body  take  a  deep 
interest  in  every  specimen  of  extraordinary  development.  The 
man  who  only  grows  table  Crotons  does  not  withhold  appreciation 
from  8  feet  giants  if  they  are  satisfactory  in  health,  cleanliness, 
and  colour  ;  nor  does  the  kitchen  gardener,  whose  Onions  are  only 
8  to  10  ozs.  weight,  fail  to  inspect  2^-lb.  examples  with  admiration 
when  he  sees  them  exhibited.  Strange,  therefore,  would  it  be  if, 
in  the  case  of  a  fruit  in  which  so  much  interest  centres  as  the 
Grape,  special  attention  were  not  paid  to  the  wonderful  Vines 
which  are  dotted  here  and  there  over  the  gardens  of  the  country. 
They  occupy  a  position  which  gives  them  prominence  over  those 
that  are  only  of  ordinary  dimensions.  They  are,  so  to  say,  the 
reigning  family  of  the  Grape  nation. 

Journal  readers  have  heard  something  about  the  great  Vines  at 
Manresa  House  Roehampton,  Speddoch,  and  Cumberland  Lodge, 
and  now  I  should  like  to  say  a  few  words  about  another  giant,  not 
perhaps  so  remarkable  in  some  respects  as  they,  but  still  a  noble 
and  noteworthy  example.  This  is  the  Black  Hamburgh  at  Silwood 
Park,  Ascot,  the  residence  of  Thomas  Cordes,  Esq.  A  recent  note 
from  his  gardener,  Mr.  T.  Grant,  led  to  a  visit,  which  I  considered 
well  repaid  by  an  inspection  of  what  is,  without  doubt,  one  of  the 
finest  Vines  in  the  country.  The  respect  that  is  promptly  accorded 
to  a  man  who  claims  to  have  read  every  number  of  the  Journal  for 
a  quarter  of  a  century  is  increased  by  a  survey  of  the  famous  Vine 
under  his  charge.  If  any  hypercritical  person  desired  further 
proof  of  Mr.  Grant’s  intelligence  and  discrimination  than  the  fact 
noted,  he  would  find  it  in  a  garden  that  is  well  managed  in  every 
way,  and  in  a  Vine  that  is  not  only  of  exceptional  dimensions,  but 
is  in  the  best  of  health,  and  carrying  a  splendid  crop  of  fruit. 

The  Silwood  Vine  occupies  a  lean-to  house  128  feet  long  and 

No.  686. — VOL,  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


12  feet  wide,  with  a  height  at  the  back  of  12  feet  and  at  the  front 
of  7  feet.  The  whole  of  the  roof  is  covered  with  rods  and  laterals. 
In  some  respects  the  Vine  resembles  and  in  others  differs  from  that 
at  Roehampton.  To  begin  with,  the  main  stem  is  a  much  more 
prominent  feature  of  it.  There  is  a  clear  trunk  over  6  feet  high 
with  a  girth  at  its  greatest  circumference  of  3  feet  2  inches.  To 
imagine  an  orchard  standard  of  such  dimensions  is  easy  enough, 
but  for  a  Vine  it  is  marvellous  indeed.  A  small  boy  could  have 
quite  a  comfortable  climb  up  this  wonderful  stem,  and  if  left  to  his 
own  devices  after  reaching  the  top  would  find  himself  in  a  happy 
hunting  ground  after  his  own  heart.  It  forks  there  into  two  large 
limbs,  these  branching  in  turn  into  smaller  ones,  the  rods  running 
right  and  left  in  a  line  with  the  back  wall,  and  the  fruiting  growths 
trained  from  the  upper  part  of  them.  Here  is  where  the  re¬ 
semblance  to  the  Manresa  Vine  comes  in,  for  with  it  the  same 
system  is  pursued.  The  laterals  of  the  Silwood  Vine,  like  those 
of  its  great  rival,  are  not  all  trained  regularly  nearly  at  right  angles 
with  the  rods,  but  many  are  laid  in  diagonally. 

The  Vine  is  not  planted  in  the  centre  of  the  house,  but  about 
70  feet  from  the  door.  Seven  rods  run  the  length  of  the  house  on 
this  side,  giving  a  total  of  490  feet,  and  on  the  left  9  rods  occupy 
the  space,  giving  a  total  of  522  feet.  Besides  these  there  are  young 
rods  laid  in,  chiefly  on  the  right  hand  side,  where  the  old  ones  are 
thinnest,  to  the  extent  of  quite  100  feet.  The  total  length  of  rod 
may,  therefore,  be  set  down  at  1112  feet.  The  foliage  is  large  and 
healthy  ;  indeed,  considering  the  age  of  the  Vine  (about  which 
more  further  on),  the  size  of  the  leaves  is  surprising.  And  the 
crop  ?  for  after  all  that  is  of  the  greatest  importance.  It  is  in 
every  way  a  fine  one.  The  number  of  bunches  is  830,  ranging  in 
weight  from  half  a  pound  to  3  lbs.  There  is  a  good  sprinkling  of 
2  and  2^  lbs.  bunches,  and  a  fair  calculation  is  that  the  clusters 
average  li  lb.  throughout,  or  a  total  of  1037  lb?,  in  round  figures. 
A  noteworthy  feature  is  the  large  size  of  the  berries.  Many  of  the 
bunches  are  quite  fit  for  showing,  colour  and  finish  being  excellent- 
It  may  be  noted,  too,  that  the  variety  is  an  exceptionally  well 
flavoured  one. 

It  will  be  conceded  that,  however  the  Silwood  Vine  may 
compare  with  the  other  giants  of  which  we  bear  and  read  in 
dimensions,  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  its  superior  in  respect  to 
fruiting.  Remarkable  indeed  is  the  picture  presented  by  its  long 
lines  of  bunches,  hundred  upon  hundred  stretching  overhead. 
Looking  from  one  end  they  seem  to  close  up  at  the  other  into  one 
broad  blue  mass  of  fruit.  They  are  striking  to  a  degree  without  a 
doubt,  but  they  open  up  reflections  as  to  the  reverse  side  of  the 
shield.  What  a  task  the  thinning  of  this  house  alone  must  be  ! 
Every  cultural  item  is  carried  out  as  conscientiously  with  the  giant 
Vine  as  with  others  carrying  only  a  dozen  bunches.  It  is  in 
robust,  vigorous  health,  the  leaves  stout,  substantial,  and  free  from 
insect  enemies.  The  Vine  may  be  pointed  to  with  pride  not  only 
for  its  extraordinary  size  but  for  its  splendid  condition.  A  unique 
and  interesting  comparison  could  be  secured  by  placing  the 
Chinaman  Chang,  with  his  8  feet  6  inches  of  stature,  beside  the 
huge  Vine  the  next  time  he  visits  England.  As  he  is  reputed  to 
have  strong  horticultural  tastes  he  would  doubtless  enjoy  the 
experience. 

Questions  may  perhaps  suggest  themselves  as  to  the  age  of  the 
Vine,  the  character  of  the  border,  and  other  matters.  The  age  is 
not  definitely  known,  but  is  believed  to  be  from  100  to  110  years. 
If  this  be  so  it  is  quite  a  veteran  compared  with  the  Vine  raised 
and  grown  by  Mr.  Davis.  Unfortunately,  no  record  of  its  planting 
exists.  It  is  true  that  many  cottagers  know  its  history,  but 
unfortunately  they  all  tell  a  different  story,  which  is  rather 
remarkable  considering  that  there  is  no  doubt  in  any  case  that  each 
is  telling  the  whole  truth  and  nothing  but  the  truth  about  the 
matter.  At  least  six  of  them  are  prepared  to  swear  positively  that 
the  Vine  was  planted  by  his  grandfather — another  very  remarkable 
fact.  One  would  think  that  some  of  these  worthies  had  been 

No.  2342.— Von.  LXXXTX.,  OLD  Series. 


140 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  17,  1893. 


trained  by  the  continental  guides  whom  Mark  Twain  has  told  us 
about  in  “  The  Innocents  Abroad,”  several  of  whom  sold  him  half 
of  a  sacred  relic,  and  others  the  whole  of  it.  Under  the  circum¬ 
stances  there  is  room  for  reasonable  doubt  as  to  the  real  age  of  the 
Vine,  and  that  point  must  be  passed  over  undecided. 

Two  facts  seem  to  show  that  it  was  first  planted  in  association 
with  others.  One  of  these  is  that  the  front  wall  is  built  with 
arches  throughout,  and  the  other  that  the  Vine,  as  already 
mentioned,  is  not  in  the  centre  of  the  structure.  Probably  it 
originally  had  companions,  and  these  were  removed  one  by  one 
when  it  was  observed  that  the  Black  Hamburgh  was  bent  on 
developing  into  something  out  of  the  common.  It  is  planted 
inside,  but  there  is  no  border  either  inside  or  out.  Where  the 
roots  are  feeding  no  man  knows.  There  are  none  at  the  surface. 
Probably  the  majority  have  gone  into  the  lower  strata  of  gravel 
and  sand,  and  betaken  themselves  in  the  direction  of  the  lake 
which  is  a  considerable  distance  away.  There  is  a  depth  of  about 
4  feet  of  soil  before  coming  to  the  gravel.  It  is  light  and  sandy, 
but  has  been  rendered  more  substantial  by  manorial  additions 
From  the  front  wall  of  the  vinery  to  a  wall  opposite  there  is  a 
distance  of  88  feet.  This  ground  was  originally  not  cropped,  and 
the  wall  left  bare,  the  argument  being  that  the  vegetables  and 
fruit  trees  would  rob  the  Yine ;  but  as  there  was  a  choice  assort¬ 
ment  of  Nettles,  Docks,  &c.,  when  Mr.  Grant  took  charge,  and  the 
Yine  still  lived,  he  thought  he  might  just  as  well  put  in  something 
useful.  The  walls  are  now  covered  with  trees,  the  ground  cropped 
with  vegetables,  and  Tomatoes  even  grown  on  the  front  wall  of 
the  vinery.  The  Yine  seems  to  go  on  better  than  ever.  The 
ground  has  been  manured  very  heavily  for  the  vegetables,  and  the 
soil  thus  enriched,  a  course  which  few  would  find  fault  with.  On 
another  point,  however,  the  present  grower  comes  into  direct 
conflict  with  the  prevailing  opinion,  and  that  is  in  relation  to  the 
burying  of  animal  carcases  in  the  border.  He  believes  in  it  and 
practises  it,  except  that  instead  of  planting  dead  donkeys  he 
generally  plants  dead  deer.  Instances  have  been  quoted  of  carcases 
being  buried  in  borders  and  years  afterwards  not  a  root  found  near 
them.  This  is  exactly  contrary  to  the  experience  of  the  Silwood 
gardener.  His  observation  has  taught  him,  he  says,  that  it  is  quite 
correct  so  long  as  the  mass  is  putrid,  but  that  when  quite  decom¬ 
posed  the  roots  do  undoubtedly  seek  and  feed  upon  it. 

Somewhat  lengthened  reference  has  been  made  to  the  Silwood 
Yine  because  it  has  not  been  previously  described,  and  not  because 
it  is  advanced  as  the  finest  Yine  in  Britain.  There  are  others  which 
exceed  it  in  dimensions,  and  which  perhaps  produce  heavier  crops. 
The  Manresa  Yine,  for  instance,  fills  a  house  224  feet  long  and 
11  feet  wide,  and  is  said  to  cover  3825  square  feet  of  glass.  It  has 
seven  rods  running  parallel  with  the  wall,  like  the  Silwood  Yine 
but  their  aggregate  length  considerably  exceeds  that  of  the  latter 
amounting  to  1400  feet,  as  against  the  1112  feet  of  the  Ascot 
Goliath.  If  anything,  however,  the  crop  is  a  little  lighter.  The 
Koehampton  Yine,  which  has  again  been  a  wonderful  sight  this 
year,  has  carried  706  bunches,  weighing  940  lbs.,  Mr.  Cordes’ 
giant  producing  1037  lbs.,  and  it  may  be  said  that  the  crop 
from  these  two  Yines  is  nearly  17|  cwts.  of  excellent  Grapes.  The 
Manresa  Yine  is  in  admirable  condition,  being  vigorous,  healthy, 
and  clean,  with  grand  laterals  well  matured  and  giving  the  best 
promise  for  another  season.  Both  it  and  the  Silwood  Yine  are 
magnificent  examples,  of  which  the  respective  gardeners  may  be 
justly  proud. 

The  Yine  at  Speddoch  in  Dumfriesshire,  which  formed  the 
subject  of  an  able  communication  in  the  Journal  last  summer,  is 
another  of  the  Goliaths  of  Grapedom.  It  fills  a  house  60  feet  by 
20  feet,  and  is  trained  vertically  instead  of  horizontally.  Its 
champion  made  no  claim  for  its  supremacy  on  the  score  of 
dimensions,  and  as  he  states  that  its  girth  at  the  ground  just  below 
its  branches  is  2  feet  4  inches  as  against  the  3  feet  2  inches  of  the 
Silwood  Yine,  and  the  house  is  much  smaller  than  that  covering 
the  latter,  which  in  turn  is  smaller  than  the  Koehampton  structure, 


such  a  claim  could  certainly  not  be  substantiated.  When  he  spoke 
of  its  crop,  however,  he  had  something  quite  different  to  say.  The 
number  of  bunches  was  “  considerably  over  500.”  This,  I  might 
remark  in  passing,  is  a  somewhat  loose  statement  ;  surely  there  was 
no  insuperable  obstacle  to,  their  being  counted.  Then  we  were  told 
that  the  smallest  of  them  could  not  be  much  less  than  2  lbs.  in 
weight,  while  some  of  the  largest  weighed  4  or  5  lbs.  and  upwards. 
This  is  very  remarkable  for  a  Yine  nearly  a  hundred  years  old. 
The  total  weight  in  1891  was  “  considerably  ”  (vague  word)  “  over 
1000  lbs.,  and  it  was  estimated  that  the  1892  crop  was  going  to 
exceed  that  by  200  lbs.  If  it  did  so,  if  1200  lbs.  of  Grapes  were 
actually  cut  from  the  Speddoch  Yine,  then  beyond  doubt  it  is 
more  remarkable  than  either  of  the  others  in  fruiting,  and  it  must 
unquestionably  be  a  splendid  Yine. 

Two  other  giants  of  the  Grape  world  are  the  Cumberland 
Lodge  Yine,  which  fills  a  house  138  feet  long  and  24  feet  wide,  and 
the  Breadalbane  one,  which  is  said  to  cover  4275  superficial  feet  of 
roof  space,  and  may  thus  be  fairly  awarded  the  palm  as  the  largest 
Yine  in  the  kingdom.  I  am  tempted,  in  the  absence  of  any 
personal  knowledge  of  it  and  its  cropping  powers,  to  suggest  that  a 
few  notes  by  someone  who  has  seen  it  and  secured  statistics  would 
be  of  great  interest  to  readers  of  the  Journal. — W.  P.  W. 


BAD  MELONS. 

“  It  will  soon  be  time  to  ask  what  Melons  are  grown  for,” 
observed  one  of  the  judges  at  a  show  recently.  He  was  suffering 
by  a  surfeit  after  tasting  about  twenty  fruits,  not  one  of  them 
even  second  rate  in  quality  and  most  of  them  positively  offensive. 
Perhaps  the  adjudicator  was  not  in  the  most  amiable  mood,  and 
he  certainly  could  not  judge  another  class  till  he  banished  the 
horrid  “after  taste,”  which  made  him  shudder,  by  taking  a  little 
brandy.  Some  of  the  fruits  were  in  a  state  of  semi-fermentation  ; 
one  seemed  to  have  a  paraffin  flavour,  and  the  other  tasted  as  if  it 
had  been  pickled  in  salt.  To  say  that  several  were  no  better  than 
Turnips  would  be  a  libel  on  a  good  old  vegetable.  They  were  not 
half  so  pleasant  to  the  taste  as  a  tender  slice  of  a  crisp  sweet 
Turnip. 

“  What  are  suchMelons  grown  for?”  The  majority  of  them  could 
not  have  been  made  palatable  even  with  sugar  and  wine.  Perhaps 
they  were  grown  to  “look  well  ”  on  the  table.  Three  of  them 
were  presentable,  the  remainder  miserable  enough  in  appearance  ; 
some  not  half  a  pound  in  weight,  others  innocent  of  netting  ;  some 
“  pitted  ”  by  the  nibbling  of  thrips  or  other  insects  that  had  been 
trying  them.  In  a  word  the  fruits  as  a  whole  were  not  fit  to  be  seen, 
could  not  be  eaten,  and  were  entirely  out  of  place  on  the  exhibition 
table . 

The  majority  of  the  fruits  appeared  to  be  the  produce  of 
starved  or  exhausted  plants,  and  if  foliage  had  been  shown  as  well 
as  the  fruit  the  former  would,  perhaps,  have  been  somewhat  of  a 
revelation.  It  is  almost  certain  we  should  have  seen  small  apologies 
for  leaves,  some  more  than  half  scorched,  others  approaching 
tinder.  We  might  have  expected  to  find  hungry  colonies  of  red 
spider  and  thrips  that  had  extracted  all  the  sweetness  they  could 
from  the  plants,  leaving  nothing  for  the  fruits  to  render  them 
eatable  ;  and  it  may  be  that  white  fleecy  masses  of  mealy  bug 
would  not  have  been  absent.  It  is  perfectly  certain  that  no  such 
bad  fruits  would  have  been  produced  by  plants  carrying  stout, 
clean,  healthy  green  foliage. 

Scorching,  crowding  and  starvation  ruin  Melons  and  render  the 
fruits  of  the  best  varieties  worthless.  Under  good  management 
the  plants  are  kept  growing  till  the  fruit  is  ripe,  the  leaves  being 
neither  specked  nor  shrivelled,  but  fresh,  firm,  and  green.  Inherently 
good  varieties  are  then  brought  out  in  the  highest  condition  while 
the  fruits  of  relatively  inferior  sorts  are  made  the  best  of,  these, 
let  it  be  said,  not  being  half  so  bad  as  the  best  sorts  are  under 
negligent  management  or  erroneous  methods  of  culture. 

Melon  growing  appears  to  have  come  to  such  a  pass  that  it  is 
hard  to  find  sufficient  fruits  in  a  class  worthy  of  the  prizes  at 
almost  any  show.  It  is  almost  becoming  a  surprise,  as  it  certainly 
is  a  treat,  to  find  three  Melons  out  of  twenty  of  really  first  class 
quality,  fleshy,  juicy,  and  refreshing,  with  a  delightful  aroma.  Is 
the  Melon  being  spoiled  by  searchings  for  improvement  and  the 
production  of  “Heroes”  to  which  some  hybridizer  hopes  to  im¬ 
mortalise  his  name  ?  or  is  the  cultivation— as  in  the  case  of  Peaches 
on  walls  in  scores  of  gardens — becoming  a  “ lost  art?”  There  is 
something  wrong,  radically  and  glaringly  wrong,  about  this  Melon 
question,  but  whether  the  fault  is  to  be  traced  to  that  ubiquitous 


Augait  17,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


141 


rogue  the  “weather,”  to  loose  methods  of  culture,  or  to  mongrel 
varieties,  remains  to  be  discovered  and  admitted. 

So  generally  low  has  the  average  quality  of  Melons  fallen  that 
I  think  I  may  challenge  any  person  whose  duty  it  has  been  to 
taste,  say,  a  hundred  Melons  this  year  for  the  purpose  of  awarding 
prizes,  if  he  can  say  that  he  has  found  ten  out  of  that  number 
worth  taking  home  as  a  treat  to  his  friends  ?  This  was  not  always 
so.  Melons  were  even  better  in  the  old  “  dung  bed  ”  days  than 
many  are  now  from  modern  structures.  I  mean  the  fruits  as 
represented  at  exhibitions,  for  we  may  hope  that  high-class  Melons 
are  grown  which  do  not  find  their  way  to  shows.  With  those  we 
have  nothing  to  do  ;  but  exhibited  Melons  are,  for  the  time  being, 
public  property,  and  sent  to  be  criticised.  Under  this,  in  the  bulk, 
they  fail.  Few,  indeed,  are  really  good,  some  are  moderate,  and 
many  bad— -absolutely  bad,  and  no  other  word  can  truthfully 
express  their  condition.  What  are  they  grown  for  ?  To  what  is 
this  great  degeneration  to  be  attributed  ? — The  Other  Judge. 


THE  EARLY  HISTORY  OF  THE  PANSY. 

When  Mr.  James  Simkins  determined  to  bring  out  his  Pansy 
book  for  the  encouragement  of  amateur  cultivators,  he  asked  me 
to  write  a  history  of  the  florists’  Pansy  from  its  earliest  stage  of 
improvement  from  the  wild  Pansy  of  the  field.  I  did  so,  to  the 
best  of  my  ability,  in  the  first  edition  of  the  work,  published  in 
1889,  giving  coloured  illustrations  of  some  of  our  first  Pansies  of 
more  than  half  a  century  since.  I  also  wished  to  place  on  record 
the  fact  that  Mr.  Thompson,  then  gardener  to  Lord  Gambler, 
Iver,  near  Uxbridge,  was  the  first  to  take  the  Pansy  in  band,  at  the 
instigation  of  his  employer  and  his  daughter,  who  took  to  their 
gardener  some  plants  of  the  wild  Pansy  found  growing  in  the 
fields  on  the  estate. 

In  a  letter  from  a  very  able  and  esteemed  correspondent  of  the 
Journal  received  by  me,  he  refers  to  a  conversation  betwixt 
himself  and  Mr.  Sweet,  also  one  of  your  contributors,  to  the  effect 
that  Mr.  Sweet  has  had  conversations  with  old  florists  about 
Kilbarchan  as  to  Pansies  being  grown  in  that  locality  as  early  as 
1812  or  1813,  and  that  the  improvement  in  the  Pansy  might  have 
been  carried  on  simultaneously  in  England  and  Scotland.  The  date 
when  Mr.  Thompson  first  took  the  wild  Pansy  in  hand  was  1813 
or  1814,  and  those  who  wish  for  the  information  I  gave  as  to  its 
earliest  history  can  find  it  by  referring  back  to  Mr.  Simkins’s 
Pansy  book^  and  for  a  history  of  the  Fancy  Pansy  to  the  Journal 
'?/'  Horticulture  for  July  26th,  1883,  written  by  me. 

In  order  to  try  and  find  out  if  our  Scottish  florists  really  took 
the  Pansy  in  hand  at  the  time  Thompson  did,  I  have  searched 
through  volumes  of  Harrison’s  “  Floricultural  Cabinet  ”  from  the 
first  volume  (1833),  and  others  up  to  1840,  and  although  florists’ 
flowers  were  thoroughly  discussed  and  their  treatment  and  culture 
given  through  the  “  Cabinet,”  I  cannot  anywhere  find  any  informa¬ 
tion  as  to  any  Scottish  florists  having  taken  them  in  hand  at  that 
early  period,  or  any  record  of  any  Scottish-raised  varieties. 

In  the  volume  for  1833  (December  number)  coloured  illustra¬ 
tions  are  given  of  the  following  Heartsease — viz.,  Sky  Blue  and 
Yellow,  in  form  and  size  that  of  a  small  Viola;  Allen’s  Queen 
Adelaide,  and  Appleby’s  William  IV.,  in  which  there  is  the  first 
approach  to  a  “  belting  ”  or  border  on  the  edge  of  the  three  lower 
petals,  but  of  very  indifferent  form  and  with  a  rayed  centre.  In 
the  November  number  of  the  1833  volume  there  is  also  a  coloured 
plate  showing  Maid  of  Athens,  Prince  George  (an  exact  counter¬ 
part  of  Violas  Vernon  Lee  and  Rob  Roy),  and  Thompson’s 
Favourite,  a  very  novel  flower,  about  as  well  shaped  as  Viola  cor- 
nuta  and  but  a  trifle  larger.  Coloured  illustrations  of  these  are 
given  in  Simkins’  book.  In  this  volume  there  is  a  list  of  seventy- 
six  varieties  of  Pansies  in  cultivation,  the  raisers’  names  so  far  as 
given  being  English  florists — Allen,  Bryce,  Brown  of  Slough, 
Bunny  of  Stratford,  Wheeler  of  Warminster,  and  Wilmer  of 
Sunbury.  Their  places  of  abode  are  not  given,  but  as  I  knew  all 
personally  in  my  early  days  I  am  able  to  give  their  places  of 
business.  In  this  list  is  to  be  found  Lord  Gambier,  Thompson’s 
Favourite,  already  alluded  to,  and  others  of  Thompson’s  raising. 

In  the  August  number,  1834,  there  are  also  coloured  plates  of 
Lucy  and  Sir  Walter  Scott,  the  latter  a  yellow  ground  flower  with 
dark  top  petals,  with  a  fraction  of  belting  in  each  lower  petal,  and 
a  small  blotch  on  each  side  of  the  eye  in  the  side  petals,  the  bottom 
petal  being  rayed  up  to  this  period.  The  flower  is  always  alluded 
to  as  the  Heartsease  in  the  Floricultural  Cabinet,  but  in  the  volume 
for  1835  I  find  the  word  Pansy  first  used.  This  was  even  then  an 
old  name,  as  Shakespeare  makes  Ophelia  say  in  her  mad  scene, 

“  There’s  Pansies,  that’s  for  thoughts,”  and  it  is  well  known  that  the 
word  is  derived  from  the  French  Pens4e  or  thought.  In  this 
volume  are  coloured  plates  of  Iver  Beauty,  golden  yellow  with  a 
distinct  wire  edging  of  coerulean  blue,  a  flower  about  the  size  of 


Violetta,  the  parent  of  the  miniatums,  and  could  it  be  obtained 
now  would  send  my  esteemed  friend  William  Cuthbertson,  of 
Dobbie  &  Co.,  into  the  regions  of  delight  as  an  immense  acquisition 
to  our  Fancy  Violas,  for  I  begin  to  think  we  shall  soon  have  to 
make  classes  for  them,  seifs,  fancies,  miniatums,  and  hybrid 
Pansies,  the  latter  of  the  Pansy  type,  but  I  am  not  going  into  that 
subject  now. 

In  the  1835  volume  there  are  also  coloured  illustrations  of 
Royal  Crimson,  yellow  with  a  margin  or  belting  in  the  lower 
petals,  with  the  top  petals  of  brownish  crimson,  a  distinct  advance 
towards  our  belted  show  Pansies.  Iver  Beauty  was  in  all  proba¬ 
bility  one  of  Thompson’s  raising.  In  the  same  vol.,  June  number, 
Rollison’s  Princess  Victoria  and  Marsden’s  King  William  are 
figured,  but  still  of  the  Viola  form  and  without  blotch. 

In  the  July  number,  vol.  for  1836,  an  illustration  is  given  of 
Barratt’s  Seedling,  straw  ground  colour,  with  a  regular  belting 
and  dark  top  petals,  but  with  a  rayed  centre,  and  a  nearer  approach 
to  our  modern  show  Pansy.  Other  seedlings  figured  there  also 
showed  improved  form  with  the  more  distinctive  character  of  the 
modern  show  Pansy,  and  from  this  time  the  Pansy  went  ahead  in 
improved  form  and  size.  Mr.  Barratt  was  a  well  known  nurseryman 
at  Wakefield,  Yorkshire.  He  took  the  Pansy  in  hand  as  well  as 
the  Dahlia,  and  his  grand  old  Dahlia  Vicar  of  Wakefield  will  be 
remembered  by  many  an  old  florist. 

In  June  and  July,  vol.  for  1837,  eight  seedlings  raised  by  the 
editor,  Mr.  Harrison,  then  the  proprietor  of  the  Downham  Nurseries, 
Norfolk,  are  figured,  and  in  some  of  these  this  improved  form  is 
maintained  ;  but  all  with  one  exception  with  rayed  centres — that 
is,  without  the  defined  blotch  of  dark  colour  surrounding  the  eye — 
and  in  that  instance  the  blotch  was  of  very  primitive  form. 

I  may  add  here  that  in  March,  1836,  in  reply  to  a  correspondent 
for  a  list  of  forty  best  sorts,  Mr.  Mountjoy,  a  celebrated  florist  at 
that  time  near  Ealing,  London,  gave  a  list  which  contained  twenty- 
four  of  his  own  raising,  for  he  was  then  celebrated  for  Pansies,  ten 
of  Thompson’s  raising,  and  the  remainder  by  other  raisers,  but  not 
one  that  I  can  trace  as  oc  Scottish  origin. 

In  the  vol.  for  1837,  in  the  May  No.,  a  brief  review  is  given  of 
“  A  History  and  Description  of  the  Pansies  Known  at  that  Time,” 
but  unfortunately  their  history  is  not  given  in  the  review  in 
question,  but  the  reviewer  stated  that  at  that  period  there  were 
more  than  500  varieties  in  cultivation  ;  so  then  as  now,  far  too 
many  must  have  been  sent  out  as  so-called  decided  improvements. 

In  the  volume  for  1840  there  is  a  coloured  illustration  of 
Silverlock’s  Black  Knight,  a  very  dark  self,  which  made  an  immense 
reputation,  for  the  flower  was  the  first  greatly  improved  dark 
self  known  in  its  fine  form,  medium  size,  smoothness  and  substance. 
I  was  at  that  time  in  my  teens,  employed  in  a  nursery  in  the  South 
of  England  where  we  grew  every  variety  of  florists’  flowers  of  any 
note,  and  I  can  readily  hark  back  to  many  of  the  old  Pansies 
I  have  enumerated,  Silverlock’s  Black  Knight  has  very  often 
since,  and  up  to  the  present  time,  been  referred  to  by  me  as  a 
grand  acquisition  in  those  days.  It  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Silver- 
lock  of  Chichester,  an  old  and  esteemed  nurseryman  and  florist,, 
and  the  business  is  still  in  existence. 

The  first  double  Pansy  is  referred  to  in  this  volume,  ?.nd  was 
raised  by  an  amateur,  but  in  old  Parkinson’s  “Paradisus  Terres- 
tris,”  published  in  1629,  a  double  Heartsease  is  mentioned.  In 
Miller’s  “  Gardeners’  Dictionary,”  1764,  it  is  stated  that  “  Hearts¬ 
ease  or  Pansies  grow  naturally  in  some  parts  of  the  northern 
counties  of  England,  but  are  generally  cultivated  in  gardens  about 
London.” 

To  those  who  are  not  well  acquainted  with  Pansies  it  will  be 
as  well  to  mention  that  the  term  “  Show  ”  Pansies  applies  to  our 
old  varieties,  consisting  of  white,  yellow,  or  dark  seifs  of  circular 
form,  or  to  flowers  with  a  white  or  yellow  body  or  ground  colour 
with  dark  top  petals,  a  distinct  margin  or  belting  in  the  three 
lower  petals,  with  a  dense  well  defined  blotch  about  the  eye. 
Fancy  Pansies,  or  those  of  miscellaneous  colours  not  conforming  to 
the  conditions  recognised  in  the  old  “Show”  varieties,  but  both 
strains  are  used  for  exhibition  purposes.  —  Willia.w  Dean, 
Birmingham. 


CROWDED  FRUIT  TREES. 

Symmetrical  trees,  models  in  shape,  are  useless  unless  they’ 
produce  fine  fruit.  We  are  only  too  familiar  with  well-shaped 
trees  that  are  a  crowded  mass,  with  not  a  fruit  spur  in  the  centre 
worthy  of  the  name  ;  they  are  pruned  annually  after  a  fashion, 
but  they  might  as  well  be  clipped-in  with  the  shears.  Trees  of 
whatever  description  they  may  be,  w'hether  Pears,  Apples,  or 
Plums,  should  have  the  branches  so  disposed  that  light  and  air  can 
have  free -access  to  every  leaf.  This  is  the  secret  of  thorough 
development,  and  by  no  other  means  can  the  most  satisfactory 
results  be  obtained.  This  is  the  time  to  thin  out  to  the  desired 


112 


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[  l.ugust  17,  1893 


extent  all  overcrowded  trees.  Whether  they  are  pyramids  or 
bushes  the  branches  should  radiate  from  the  stem  at  distances  of 
not  less  than  18  inches.  This  is  no  waste  of  space,  but  on  the 
contrary  a  gain  of  fruit,  where  a  common-sense  system  of  pruning 
is  followed. 

I  have  no  objection  to  the  fruit  spurs  advancing  somewhat 
farther  than  some  cultivators  allow,  provided  these  spurs  are 
judiciously  thinned.  No  harm  is  done  by  leaving  stubby  fruiting 
shoots  from  6  to  9  inches  long,  if  they  are  shortened  after 
the  fruit  has  been  gathered.  This  style  of  pruning  must  be 
followed  if  we  are  to  have  good  crops  of  such  Apples  as  Irish 
Peach  and  Warner’s  King,  which  invariably  produce  bold  flowers 
and  fine  fruit  on  those  growths  ;  and  leaving  them  will  not  crowd 
the  trees  if  the  main  branches  are  sufficiently  far  apart.  The  chief 
guide  in  this  matter  should  be  the  size  to  which  the  foliage  attains 
when,  as  now,  it  is  fully  developed.  Warner’s  King,  Betty  Geeson, 
Small’s  Admirable,  and  Hanwell  Souring  (a  valuable  Apple  on  the 
English  Paradise  stock)  make  large  leaves,  and  should  have  more 
room  between  their  branches  than  King  of  the  Pippins,  Irish 
Peach,  and  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin.  Exactly  the  same  rule  applies 
to  Pears,  Cherries,  and  Plume.  The  branches  of  Pitmaston  Duchess 
Pear  need  more  space  than  those  of  Winter  Nelis  ;  Oullins  Golden 
Gage  needs  more  room  than  Coe’s  Golden  Drop,  and  the  Bigarreau 
race  than  the  Duke  Cherries. 

All  who  grasp  Sie  importance  of  having  the  branches  of  fruit 
trees  a  good  distance  asunder  will  not  allow  shoots  that  extend  to 
be  cut  out  afterwards.  This  is  right,  for  allowing  them  to  grow 
to  be  cut  away  perhaps  two  or  three  years  later  is  so  much 
wasted  energy.  Fruit  trees  are  often  ruined  through  being  allowed 
to  form  a  strong  central  lead,  depriving  other  branches  of  support. 
If  we  are  to  grow  fine  fruit  the  heads  of  standard  or  bush  trees 
must  be  kept  open,  first  by  the  removal  of  the  centre,  and  then  an 
equal  distribution  of  the  branches,  so  that  the  lower  will  have  an 
equal  chance  with  those  that  naturally  assume  a  more  upright 
position.  Small  growths  and  cross  branches  must  be  kept  out  of 
the  trees,  so  that  light  and  air  can  reach  every  part  to  develop 
the  buds  and  colour  the  fruit. 

If  we  glance  at  small  fruit  bushes  we  find  too  many  of  them  in 
a  deplorable  condition.  Gooseberries  are  allowed  to  form  a  thicket 
near  the  top,  and  there  is  not  the  slightest  chance  for  fruit  spurs  to 
form  beneath  them.  They  have  been  spoiled  by  overcrowding 
from  youth  upwards.  By  a  simple  process  of  allowing  main 
branches  to  extend  a  foot  or  so  apart,  shortening  lateral  growths 
upon  them  in  summer,  and  cutting  those  back  to  two  eyes  in 
winter,  the  branches  become  clothed  with  spurs  which  yield  fine 
fruit  abundantly.  Similar  remarks  apply  to  Red  and  White 
Currants.  A  dozen  main  branches  are  ample  for  producing 
magnificent  bushes,  these  branches  being  formed  by  cutting  back 
the  shoots  of  young  trees  when  planted,  and  again  the  second 
season.  After  this  they  may  extend,  and  by  summer  and  winter 
pruning  will  become  wreathed  with  fruit.  Black  Currants  are 
also,  as  a  rule,  much  too  crowded.  Old  fruiting  wood  should  be 
cut  out  now  to  admit  light  and  air  freely  to  the  young  and  sturdy 
growths  to  render  them  fruitful  in  character.  Raspberries  also 
suffer  through  a  thicket  of  growths.  The  canes  that  have  fruited 
should  be  removed  forthwith,  also  the  young  growths  thinned  and 
secured  against  breakage. 

Not  only  are  fruit  trees  growing  in  the  open  crowded  with  wood, 
but  most  of  those  grown  against  walls  have  far  too  many  branches 
or  shoots.  To  allow  the  leaves  to  hang  one  over  another  is  wrong, 
as  they  are  then  either  weakened  or  spoiled,  and  so  must  the 
trees  be  in  no  very  long  time.  Healthy  fruitful  trees  and 
bushes  cannot  be  produced  by  defective  leafage,  and  where  over¬ 
crowding  is  apparent  the  evil  should  be  rectified  at  once. — 
Wm.  Bakdnby. 


SULPHATE  OF  COPPER  AND  PARIS  GREEN 

MIXTURES  AS  FUNGICIDES  AND  INSECTICIDES. 

Within  the  recollection  of  what  may  be  termed  experienced 
cultivators,  say  of  half  a  century’s  practice  in  the  agri -horticultural 
field,  the  maladies  incidental  to  cultivated  plants  have  increased 
correspondingly  with  the  enlarged  cultures,  and  proportionate  to 
the  spread  of  commerce — the  interchange  of  seeds,  cuttings,  and 
plants  between  all  the  countries  of  the  world.  Blights,  moulds, 
and  rusts  are  rifer ;  beetles,  moths,  and  flies  have  become  more 
numerous,  their  grubs  and  caterpillars  increasedly  vexatious  to 
field  and  garden  crops. 

Fifty  years  ago  the  Potato  disease,  caused  by  the  fungus 
(Phytophthora  infestans),  was  unknown  as  such  in  this  country, 
the  French  and  German  vineyards  had  not  been  materially 
plagued  by  Vine  mildew  (Oi'dium  Tuckeri),  and  brown  rot 
(Peronospora  viticola)  did  not  greatly  devastate  European  vine¬ 


yards  before  1878.  Kent  was  not  alarmed  by  the  fungus — the 
Hop  mildew  (Sphcerotheca  Castagnei) — before  1843.  The  Larch 
fungus  (Peziza  Willkommi)  only  became  serious  on  Larches  in 
Great  Britain  in  1875.  Apple  scab,  caused  by  the  fungus 
(Cladosporium  or  Fusicladium  dendriticum)  and  scab,  with 
cracking  in  Pears,  caused  by  another  form  of  the  fungus  (C.  or 
F.  d.  pyrinum),  was  not  noticed  as  remarkably  destructive  to  the 
Apple  and  Pear  crops  in  this  country  before  1844.  The  Onion 
mildew  (Peronospora  Schleideniana)  has  only  been  troublesome  to 
market  gardeners  and  seed  growers  within  the  last  few  years. 
This  plague  is  believed  to  have  been  introduced  to  the  Canary 
Isles  from  Bermuda,  and  found  its  way  to  this  country  by  the 
interchange  befere  alluded  to.  The  “smut”  of  Wheat  (Ustilago 
segetum)  and  “  bunt  ”  (Tilletia  Caries)  have  not  increased  for  the 
obvious  reason  that  measures  have  been  taken  to  prevent  their 
recurrence  by  steeping  the  seed  in  sulphate  of  copper  solutions. 
This  is  particularly  worthy  of  the  attention  of  cultivators. 

With  regard  to  insects,  their  increased  prevalence  is  notable. 
It  is  right,  however,  to  mention  that  Mr.  T.  A.  Knight  expressed 
his  opinion  at  the  beginning  of  the  century,  that  insect  infestations 
were  oftener  the  cause  of  the  failure  of  the  fruit  crops  than  were 
damage  from  spring  frosts.  Nevertheless,  the  caterpillars  of  the 
winter  moth  (Cheimatobia  brumata)  and  other  moths  have 
defoliated  fruit  trees  in  many  places  within  the  last  ten  years 
where  they  were  not  particularly  destructive  before.  The  Hop 
aphis  (Aphis  or  Phorodon  humuli)  within  the  half  century  has 
grown  in  blight  to  Hops  so  as  to  reduce  the  crop  in  some  years 
from  an  average  of  7  cwt.  to  2  cwt.  per  acre,  but  the  Hop  growers 
abandoned  the  predisposed  cause — the  atmospheiic  rigmarole,  and 
placed  their  hopes  in  science  and  energy,  by  which  they  have  or 
may  overcome  the  enemy.  The  Turnip  fly  (Haltica  or  Phyllotreta 
nemorum)  “  eats  up  ”  the  Turnip  crops  in  some  seasons.  Miss 
Ormerod  calculating  the  direct  loss  caused  by  this  pest  in  1881  at 
more  than  half  a  million  of  money.  Gooseberry  and  Currant 
sawfly  (Nematus  ribesi)  larvae,  aided  by  the  caterpillars  of  the 
magpie  moth  (Abraxas  grossulariata),  have  maintained  their 
infestations  with  recurrent  virulency.  Mustard  beetles,  the  “  Black 
Jack  ”  (Phaedon  betulae)  had  the  best  of  in  the  Cambridgeshire 
and  Lincolnshire  Mustard  fields  in  1884,  and  often  since.  Cob 
Nut  and  Filbert  trees  have  been  visited  in  Kent  by  the  larvae  of 
the  March  moth  (Anisopteryx  aescularia),  this  pest  delighting  in 
green  Gooseberries  and  the  tender  fruits  of  Apple,  Pear,  and  Plum 
trees.  But  the  greatest  plague  of  all  that  I  have  seen  in  the  half 
century  was  that  of  the  Oak  leaf  roller  moth  (Tortrix  viridina) 
larvae  in  1888,  when  they  defoliated  most  of  the  Oak  trees  in  a 
wood  of  100  acres,  and  left  the  garden  and  orchard  fruitless. 
Rooks  were  the  only  benefactors  by  the  invasion,  but  the  cry  in 
1892  was  “  still  they  come  ” — the  multitudinous  hosts  of  caterpillars 
and  in  their  wake  the  rooks. 

What  have  the  gardeners  and  farmers  of  this  country  done  to 
prevent  and  repel  fungal  and  insectal  invasions  ?  Ever  since  I  can 
remember  the  market  gardeners  of  this  country  collected  and 
strewed  road  dust  on  their  caterpillar-infested  Gooseberry  and 
Currant  bushes.  That  is  the  foundation  of  the  copper  remedies — 
it  is  mentioned  by  Herodotus,  b.c.  484,  as  a  practice  of  the 
Egyptians,  but  none  of  our  learned  scientists  took  up  the  subject 
until  our  brother  cultivators  across  the  Channel  —  the  French 
vineyardists— used  road  dust  mixed  with  verdigris  to  choke  off 
marauders  both  fungal  and  insectal.  Sulphur  proved  efficacious 
against  mildew  —  our  recipes  for  bisulphide  of  calcium,  also 
sulphide  of  potassium  remedies  are  due  to  the  French,  yet  the 
advent  of  Peronospora  viticola  in  1878  caused  the  French  savants 
to  direct  their  attention  to  the  use  of  sulphate  of  copper  mixed 
with  road  dust,  the  effect  upon  the  Vines  thus  treated  being 
more  or  less  satisfactory,  and  it  led  to  the  trial  of  sulphate  of 
copper  in  solution  as  a  remedy.  M.  Prillieux,  in  1886,  reported 
to  the  Societe  Nationale  d’ Agriculture  de  France  that  “the 
numerous  experiments  made  that  year  demonstrated  beyond  doubt 
the  efficacy  of  salts  of  copper  in  combating  the  Peronospora  of  the 
Vine.”  M.  Prillieux  also  intimated  in  1886  that  two  or  three 
experiments  were  made  on  Potatoes  attacked  by  the  Potato  mildew 
(Phytophthora  infestans),  the  results  in  consequence  of  the  un¬ 
favourable  conditions  not  being  decisive,  but  likely  to  prove 
effectual.  M.  Millordet  and  M.  Gayon  also  pursued  the  copper 
remedy  with  considerable  energy,  those  experts  and  M.  Schloesing 
having  shown  that  the  conidia  (the  spores)  of  the  Vine  mildew  did 
not  germinate  on  leaves  treated  with  a  weak  sulphate  of  copper 
solution,  also  that  the  spores  of  the  Peronospora  viticola  could  not 
or  did  not  grow  on  the  under  sides  of  Vine  leaves  treated  on  their 
upper  surface  with  sulphate  of  copper.  Experiments  that  were 
carried  out  in  various  parts  of  France  upon  M.  Prillieux’s  recom¬ 
mendation  have — especially  those  of  M.  Aime  Girard  in  1888,  1889, 
and  1890  —  proved  conclusively  that  sulphate  of  copper  is  as 
effectual  against  the  Potato  mildew  as  against  the  brown  rot  of 


August  17,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


143 


the  Vine.  Similar  experiments  carried  out  in  Belgium,  in  America, 
and  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  have,  the  reports  say,  been 
“  favourable  without  exception.’' 

In  1892  the  Board  of  Agriculture  published  a  “  Report  on 
Recent  Experiments  in  Checking  Potato  Disease  in  the  United 
Kingdom  and  Abroad,”  which  has  been  reviewed  favourably  in  the 
“  Home  Farm  ”  part  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture.  In  this 
“  Report”  there  is  considerable  difference  in  the  results,  some  being 
highly  satisfactory,  and  others  “  worse  than  the  disease  ”  on  account 
of  the  damage  to  the  crop  and  consequent  depreciated  yield.  That 
is  a  point  we  will  consider  presently,  but  I  wish  to  impress  the  fact 
on  those  anxious  to  save  their  crops  from  fungal  attacks  that  there 
is  no  necessity  to  smother  the  leaves  of  the  plants  by  coating  them 
on  their  under  sides  with  sulphate  of  copper.  The  spores  of  the 
Potato  fungus  enter  the  Potato  leaves  mainly  by  the  stomates, 
therefore  it  has  been  concluded  that  the  copper  should  be  mainly 
placed  there.  This  is  a  mistake,  for  M.  Schloesing’s  experiments 
show  that  the  copper  is  retained  by  the  cuticle  of  the  leaves,  and 
its  retention  by  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves  is  sufficient  to 
prevent  the  fungus  from  establishing  itself  upon  the  under  sides, 
where  it  first  invades  the  Potato  plant,  and  finally  descends  to 
the  tubers.  This  is  important,  because  it  renders  applications 
made  after  the  disease  has  been  established  effective  in  staying 
the  attack  and  considerably  increasing  the  crop  by  preserving 
the  vigour  of  the  plants  to  a  much  later  period  than  would  be  the 
case  were  they  not  treated.  Copper,  therefore,  is  a  preventive  and 
curative  agent  in  the  treatment  of  the  Potato  disease. 

The  reason  why  some  mixtures  of  copper  sulphate  have 
proved  innocuous  to  the  foliage  of  Potatoes,  whilst  similar  have  done 
it  considerable  injury,  is  solely  due  to  a  proper  or  improper  mixture 
being  employed.  If  the  mixture  contains  no  free  copper,  and  is  not 
too  strong,  it  will  not  do  any  harm  whatever  to  the  tenderest  foliage, 
but  if  it  comprise  the  least  moiety  of  free  copper  it  will  blacken 
every  leaf  it  is  sprayed  upon  in  degree  corresponding  to  the  amount. 
Chemists  are  remiss  in  not  telling  us  all  about  this  ;  perhaps  they 
think  everybody  knows  as  much  as  they  do,  or  that  only  they  have 
the  right  to  know  anything  of  the  why  and  wherefore.  Every 
schoolboy  will  know  all  about  these  things  shortly.  A  correspondent 
last  year  noted  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  that  his  preparation 
of  Bordeaux  mixture  was  brown  in  colour,  which  is  not  unlikely,  as 
much  of  the  so-called  sulphate  of  copper  is  largely  adulterated  with 
iron  sulphate,  still  he  found  it  efficacious  as  a  fungicide  ;  hence  I 
conclude,  rightly  or  wrongly,  that  it  contained  next  to  none  of 
sulphate  of  copper,  otherwise  it  is  impossible  to  account  for  its  not 
laying  the  plants  to  which  it  were  applied  dead  and  prostrate,  for 
the  brown  colour  of  a  copper  solution  is  a  clear  indication  of  its 
not  being  neutralised  by  the  lime.  Chemists  have  an  infallible 
test  for  the  free  copper  in  a  Bordeaux  mixture,  namely,  ferro- 
cyanide  of  potassium,  and  it  was  first  mentioned  by  Dr.  G. 
Patrigeon  in  the  “  Journal  d’Agriculture,”  Prat.  No.  54,  page  701. 
Half  an  ounce  of  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  is  dissolved  in  2  or 
3  ozs.  of  water,  placed  in  a  bottle  and  kept  corked.  It  is  not 
poisonous,  and  is  a  solution  of  the  commonly  called  “  red  prussiate 
of  potash.”  When  it  is  desired  to  test  the  Bordeaux  mixture  for 
free  copper  a  few  drops  of  this  solution  is  added,  and  if  the  mixture 
contains  the  least  quantity  of  free  copper  it  immediately  gives 
a  brownish  reaction.  Such  mixture  is  not  safe  to  use  upon 
any  plant,  for  it  will  blacken  Potato  tops,  Tomato  leaves,  every 
thing.  If  there  be  no  reaction  when  the  ferrocyanide  solution 
is  added,  the  mixture  or  solution  contains  no  free  copper,  and 
is  perfectly  safe  to  apply  to  any  plant,  provided  the  dose  is 
not  too  strong,  for  another  reaction  sets  in  afterwards  ;  therefore, 
the  mixture  should  not  be  kept  several  days,  but  must  be  used 
after  it  is  prepared,  according  to  the  formula  given,  as  soon  as 
possible. 

The  American  Bordeaux  mixture  always  differed  from  the 
European  in  containing  one-third  less  lime  than  of  sulphate  of 
copper,  whilst  the  majority  of  the  latter  consisted  of  equal  propor¬ 
tions  of  sulphate  of  copper  and  lime,  the  per-centage  being 
calculated  by  the  sulphate  of  copper  relative  to  the  water  used. 
The  bouillie  Bordelaise  used  in  the  experiments  carried  on  by  the 
Royal  Agricultural  Society  of  England  for  the  Board  of  Agricul¬ 
ture  in  1891  consisted  of  20  lbs.  of  sulphate  of  copper,  10  lbs.  of 
unslaked  lime,  and  100  gallons  of  water.  M.  Girard  frequently 
used  a  2  per  cent,  bouillie — that  is,  20  lbs.  of  sulphate  of  copper 
and  the  same  of  lime  to  100  gallons  of  water.  M.  Thienpont 
thinks  a  2  per  cent,  bouillie  better  than  one  of  4  per  cent.,  and 
strives  to  hit  a  happy  medium  between  his  and  M.  Girard’s  3  per 
cent,  recommendation  by  a  2^  per  cent,  bouillie.  M.  Petermann 
tried  a  1  per  cent,  mixture,  and  recommended  a  2  per  cent.  one. 
The  United  States  bouillie  varied  from  a  2  to  2|  per  cent,  of 
sulphate  of  copper.  All  have  reference  to  the  Potato  disease. — 
G.  Abbey. 

(To  be  continued.) 


A  DOUBLE  MONTBRETIA. 

Mr.  W.  Bain,  gardener  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Burfoni 
Lodge,  Dorking,  placed  a  novelty  before  the  Floral  Committee  of  the 
R.H.S.  on  August  8th  in  the  form  of  a  double  Montbretia  crocosmaeflcra, 
and  its  value  and  distinctness  were  recognised  by  a  first-class  certificate. 
Sir  Trevor  had  it  from  the  Continent,  but  Mr.  Bain  is  unable  to  give 
any  information  as  to  its  origin.  Strictly  speaking  the  form  is  semi¬ 
double,  but  the  flowers  are  well  filled,  and  in  colour  they  are  bright 
orange  yellow.  This  promises  to  be  a  valuable  addition  to  a  useful 
class  of  plants.  None  of  the  Montbretias  at  present  receives  the 
attention  it  deserves.  M.  Pottsi,  M.  crocosmaeflora,  and  others  are 


exceedingly  useful  from  their  free  flowering  nature,  their  distinct 
colours,  their  long  period  of  beauty,  and  their  ease  of  culture.  The  new 
variety  which  fig.  21  represents  will  serve  a  good  purpose  if  it  draws 
wider  attention  to  the  whole  genus. 


CADLAND  PARK. 

Among  the  many  fine  estates  that  are  situated  on  the  shores  of  the 
Solent  Cadland  Park  stands  out  prominently.  It  is  the  seat  of  Andrew 
Drummond,  Esq.,  of  the  well-known  banking  firm  at  Charing  Cross,  and 
is  about  three  miles  from  the  pretty  village  of  Hythe,  and  seven  miles 
by  water  and  land  from  Southampton.  To  reach  the  mansion  anil 
gardens  from  the  southern  seaport  town  is  a  matter  of  taste  for  the 
visitor.  Those  who  prefer  a  short  but  enjoyable  sea  trip  can  “  cross  the 
stream,”  as  termed  by  the  local  “salts,”  by  steamboat  in  about  twenty 
minutes  from  Southampton  to  Hythe,  starting  from  the  town  quay, 
which  is  within  a  short  distance  of  the  railway  stations.  On  a  fine 


144 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  17,  1893. 


summer’s  day  this  is  a  pleasant  ride.  The  other  usual  method  of  reach¬ 
ing  Cadland  from  the  point  mentioned  is  by  road,  which  constitutes 
a  drive  of  at  least  seventeen  miles  through  a  charming  district.  The 
estate  is  a  large  one,  perhaps  the  finest  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and 
has  a  sea  frontage  of  thirteen  miles.  Bordering  on  the  New  Forest  it 
is  only  natural  that  the  scenery  is  of  a  picturesque  character  ;  but  it  is 
almost  impossible  for  anyone  who  has  not  seen  it  to  form  an  adequate 
idea  as  to  its  beauty.  It  has  been  my  lot  to  visit  numerous  parks  and 
gardens  from  far  beyond  the  borders  to  the  south  coast,  but  in  no  case  have 
better  views  presented  themselves  than  on  this  quiet  southern  resort. 
The  house  is  a  plainly  built  though  substantial  edifice,  having  been 
restored  in  18.37,  and  is  situated  on  a  hill  commanding  a  grand  outlook. 
At  the  foot  of  the  hill,  or  rather  a  series  of  hills,  for  the  whole  neigh¬ 
bourhood  is  of  an  undulating  nature,  lies  the  Solent,  whose  waters  at 
the  time  of  my  visit  were  studded  with  yachts  ready  for  the  regatta. 
On  the  opposite  shore  stands  the  stately  Netley  Hospital,  where  thou¬ 
sands  of  British  warriors  have  been  invalided,  and  near  by  may  be 
seen  Netley  Castle  nestling  amidst  a  clump  of  trees.  The  Hamble  Cliffs 
and  hills  beyond  complete  a  natural  picture  that  can  well  hold  its  own 
with  any  in  the  country. 

Time  has  wrought  changes  at  Cadland  Park,  as  it  does  elsewhere* 
and  the  gardens  are  now  in  charge  of  Mr.  G.  Garner,  whose  achieve¬ 
ments  in  the  Chrysanthemum  world  whilst  at  Amberwood,  near  Christ¬ 
church,  are  too  well  known  to  need  further  reference  here.  This 
estimable  and  able  gardener  took  up  his  abode  here  in  April  last,  a  busy 
season,  and  one  generally  sufficient  to  test  the  abilities  of  any  man. 
Scarcely  had  he  become  settled  than  the  proprietor  of  the  estate, 
K.  A.  Drummond,  Esq.,  died,  the  next  heir  being  his  eldest  son,  as 
before  mentioned.  This  event,  of  course,  brought  slight  changes,  but 
the  gardens  being  in  excellent  keeping  are  much  as  heretofore. 
“  Fragrance  in  flowers  and  quality  in  fruit  ”  is  the  motto  at  this  grand 
establishment,  and  Mr.  Garner  continues  to  carry  it  out  to  a  letter.  In 
the  houses  strict  attention  is  paid  to  the  smallest  detail,  and  as  is  usual 
in  such  cases,  fruit  of  excellent  quality  is  obtained.  Peaches  under 
glass  are  remarkably  well  grown,  and  notwithstanding  the  exceptionally 
dry  season  the  trees  are  entirely  free  from  thrips  or  red  spider.  This 
will  be  all  the  more  astonishing  when  it  is  recorded  that  but  little 
syringing  is  practised,  a  cool  moist  atmosphere  obtained  by  constantly 
damping  the  floors  being  preferred.  The  Peach  and  Apricot  houses  are 
270  feet  long,  lean-to  structures,  and  have  a  south-eastern  aspect. 
Trees  are  grown  on  the  back  wall  and  standards  in  the  front,  a  path 
being  between  the  two.  The  standard  trees  are  noticeable  for  the  large 
number  of  richly  coloured  fruit  they  carry,  as  well  as  for  the  healthy 
appearance.  Of  Peaches,  Eoyal  George,  Sea  Eagle,  and  Hale’s  Early 
are  favourite  varieties ;  and  as  regards  Nectarines,  Rivers’  Orange, 
Improved  Downton,  Pineapple,  and  Spencer  are  most  extensively 
grown.  Apricots  are  trained  similarly,  there  being  standards  as  well  as 
trees  on  the  wall.  Moorpark,  Hemskirk,  Large  Red  and  Early  are  the 
favourite  varieties.  To  fill  in  vacant  space  between  the  standard  trees 
in  these  houses  some  plants  of  Sutton’s  Perfection,  Abundance, 
Excelsior,  and  Favourite  Tomatoes  are  trained,  and  these  are  carrying 
heavy  crops  of  fine  fruit. 

Grapes  are  extensively  cultivated,  particularly  Muscats,  but* 
owing  to  injudicious  treatment  on  some  former  occasion,  the  Vines  in 
one  house  are  not  in  the  best  of  health.  To  all  appearances  the  Vines 
are  young,  are  planted  in  very  deep  outside  and  inside  borders,  and 
the  result  is  that  shanking  is  prevalent  to  an  undesirable  extent.  Mr. 
Garner  noticed  this  defect  on  taking  charge  last  spring,  and  after  a 
summer’s  trial  he  has  decided  to  take  out  the  whole  of  the  Vines  in  one 
house  devoted  to  Muscats  and  plant  fresh  ones  in  an  inside  border  of 
smaller  dimensions.  By  adopting  this  method  success  will  undoubtedly 
be  ensured.  The  next  vinery  is  a  large  one,  in  which  Muscats  and 
Alicantes  are  planted  alternately.  The  latter  are  good,  the  bunches 
being  large,  and  give  promise  of  colouring  well,  but  it  has  been  decided 
to  partition  the  structure  to  grow  each  kind  by  itself.  It  is  observable 
here  that  a  Vine  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  planted  near  a  cold-water 
cistern  does  not  thrive  nearly  so  well  as  some  of  its  neighbours.  In  a 
house  composed  of  Black  Hamburghs  the  Vines  are  healthy  and  bear 
good  bunches  of  fruit.  Some  of  the  rods,  however,  are  rather  old,  and 
young  ones  are  being  laid  in  as  substitutes.  The  fourth  vinery  is  also 
devoted  to  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  The  Vines  are  remarkably  free 
from  red  spider  and  shanking,  and  moreover  are  producing  a  very  fine 
crop.  The  bunches  are  large  in  size  and  of  a  handsome  shape,  the  same 
applying  to  the  berries.  Cool  treatment  is  given,  air  being  admitted  at 
night,  and  obviously  with  good  results.  Syringing  the  Vines  is  not 
practised,  and  despite  the  prevalence  of  red  spider  this  season  not  an 
insect  can  be  seen  on  the  leaves.  If  any  signs  of  red  spider  were  seen 
early  in  the  season  the  affected  leaves  were  immediately  sponged  with 
softsoap  and  water,  and  hence  the  pest  has  been  kept  at  bay.  In 
cases  where  shanking  has  appeared  t’ne  Vines  are  induced  to  make  all 
the  growth  they  possibly  can  after  the  first  pinching.  This  plan, 
evidently  a  good  one.  might  with  advantage  be  adopted  by  those  who 
meet  with  similar  difficulties.  Melons  are  splendidly  grown  in  pits  as 
well  as  in  a  span-roofed  house.  In  the  latter  structure  the  plants  are 
^trying  on  an  average  five  good  fruits  each,  the  varieties  including 
Triumph,  Sutton’s  Al,  and  Amberwood  Beauty,  a  variety  raised  by  Mr. 
Garner  a  few  years  ago.  It  is  a  handsome  fruit,  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  Hero  of  Lockinge  and  Read’s  Scarlet,  and  ripens  about  a  week 
emier  th;m  the  first-named  variety.  Cucumbers  are  also  well  grown, 
Qe  P  an  being  to  sow  the  seed  where  the  plants  are  required  to  grow, 
trawberrles  are  grown  in  pots,  and  about  6000  plants  are  standing  in 


sunny  positions  to  become  thoroughly  ripened.  Contrary  to  the  general 
rule,  they  are  liberally  supplied  with  liquid  manure  during  the  late 
summer  and  autumn,  none  being  given  in  the  spring  whilst  the  fruit  is 
ripening. 

Hardy  fruit  forms  a  feature  at  Cadland,  and  at  present  the  trees  are 
carrying  enormous  crps.  Figs  in  the  open  air  are  as  plentiful  as  Apples 
are  in  some  places,  and  the  fruit  ripens  beautifully,  A  “Fig  walk’’ 
is  composed  of  trees  planted  against  a  wall  originally,  but  now  they 
form  an  arbour  over  a  walk  for  a  distance  of  60  yards  or  so,  the 
branches  being  supported  by  stakes.  The  trees  are  loaded  with  fruit  of 
a  good  size  and  excellent  flavour.  Peaches  on  the  open  walls  were 
badly  blistered  last  spring,  inasmuch  as  the  trees  are  exposed  to  east 
winds.  It  is  therefore  proposed  to  plant  choice  Pears  on  this  wall,  and 
devote  another  more  favourable  to  Peaches.  This,  if  carried  out,  will 
be  a  decided  improvement,  and  will  result  in  the  production  of  some 
fruit  of  the  best  quality.  Pears  on  the  walls  are  almost  a  failure  this 
year,  especially  old  trees,  but  standards  are  laden  with  fruit  to  such  an 
extent  that  it  has  been  necessary  to  support  the  branches.  Marie 
Louise  and  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  are  especially  heavy  croppers  here  ; 
no  less  than  4  bushels  of  fruit  were  picked  from  a  medium-sized  bush  tree 
of  the  latter  variety.  Apples  are  fairly  heavy,  and  the  same  may  be 
said  in  regard  to  Plums,  which  are  well  represented  on  the  walls.  Coe’s 
Golden  Drop,  Green  Gage,  Rivers’  Early,  Pond’s  Seedling,  and  Magnum 
Bonum  are  grown  amongst  other  varieties.  Some  fine  Quince  trees  are 
noticeable  too,  and  a  grand  old  Mulberry  is  producing  a  fine  crop  of 
fruit. 

Besides  fruit,  the  usual  complement  of  vegetables  and  flowers  are 
grown  in  the  kitchen  gardens,  which  are  about  5  acres  in  extent  and 
divided  into  walled-in  sections.  These  all  slope  towards  the  south-east, 
and  the  soil  being  of  a  light  nature,  the  drought  has  been  severely  felt 
here  this  summer.  By  assiduous  work  and  judicious  management, 
however,  but  few  evil  effects  are  now  noticeable,  and  the  crops  are 
thriving  amazingly.  Perhaps  one  of  the  most  striking  features  in  this 
department  is  a  row  of  Scarlet  Runner  Beans,  which  forms  a  division 
between  the  kitchen  garden  and  a  portion  of  the  pleasure  grounds.  This 
row  is  372  feet  in  length,  and  Beans  have,  it  is  stated,  been  grown  in  the 
same  position  for  half  a  century.  The  plants  this  year,  notwithstand¬ 
ing  the  drought,  have  made  free  growth  and  are  yielding  a  good  crop  of 
pods.  This  success  is  attributed  to  the  fact  that  apart  from  the  five 
cartloads  of  manure  that  were  trenched  into  the  soil  in  which  the  beans 
were  planted  early  in  June,  copious  supplies  of  water  have  been  given 
when  necessary.  The  little  extra  trouble  thus  involved,  however, 
brought  its  reward,  for  whilst  many  are  complaining  of  a  shortness  of 
beans,  there  is  a  plentiful  supply  at  this  establishment.  Large  breadths 
of  Broccoli,  Cauliflowers,  Cabbages,  Sprouting  Broccoli,  and  Kale  are 
grown,  but  no  Seakale,  inasmuch  as  abundance  of  this  can  be  obtained 
from  the  seashore  a  short  distance  away.  Asparagus  thrives  well  and 
is  grown  on  the  level,  the  soil  being  as  before  mentioned  light,  and 
therefore  suitable  for  this  mode  of  culture. 

In  the  plant  houses  the  same  cleanliness  as  characterises  the  outside 
departments  may  be  observed,  and  every  effort  is  made  to  keep  up  the 
supply  of  decorative  plants  and  cut  flowers.  Near  the  entrance  of  the 
gardens,  and  close  to  the  gardener’s  cottage,  a  large  span-roofed  green¬ 
house  is  situated  in  which  numerous  plants  are  grown.  The  roof  on  one 
side  is  covered  with  Jasmines,  Heliotropes,  Bougainvilleas,  and  the  blue 
and  white  Plumbagos,  P.  capensis  alba  being  especially  fine.  All  these 
plants  are  grown  similarly  to  Vines,  being  “spurred  in  ’’  closely  during 
the  winter.  This  mode  of  treatment  obviously  suits  them,  for  they  are 
laden  with  blossom.  Cheshunt  Hybrid,  Niphetos,  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
Mar^chal  Niel,  and  other  Roses  are  trained  on  the  opposite  side,  and 
from  these  thousands  of  blooms  are  cut.  Zonal  Pelargoniums  and 
Azaleas  are  extensively  cultivated  for  winter  flowering,  these  plants 
being  special  favourites.  Orchids  find  a  place  amongst  the  stove  plants, 
and  being  healthy,  will,  no  doubt,  give  a  profusion  of  bloom  later  on. 
A  number  of  plants  of  Calanthe  vestita,  C.  Veitchi,  and  a  piece  of  the 
beautiful  Vanda  teres  deserves  more  than  a  passing  notice.  Dendrobiums, 
Lmlias,  Coelogynes,  Cattleyas,  and  Odontoglossums  are  well  represented. 
Chrysanthemums  will  not  be  up  to  the  Amberwood  standard  this  year, 
inasmuch  as  when  the  present  gardener  took  them  in  hand  they  were 
still  in  small  pots,  the  stems  nearly  2  feet  in  height,  and  growing  on  a 
manure  bed.  The  plants  were  cut  back  and  repotted,  and  being  at  the 
present  time  in  a  healthy  condition,  it  is  expected  that  a  good  supply  of 
blooms  suitable  for  cutting  will  be  forthcoming.  Next  year  we  shall 
doubtless  hear  further  of  the  Cadland  Chrysanthemums,  and  it  may  not 
be  too  much  to  expect  to  see  them  figuring  prominently  upon  the 
exhibition  tables. 

Conifers  flourish  luxuriantly  in  the  grounds,  and  also  in  the  exten¬ 
sive  woods  adjoining.  Two  remarkably  fine  Cedars  are  situated  near 
the  front  of  the  house,  and  there  are  a  few  good  specimens  on  the  lawn. 
In  a  portion  of  the  pleasure  grounds  near  to  the  kitchen  garden  there  is 
a  splendid  tree  of  the  deciduous  Cypress  (Taxodium  distichum), 
possibly  the  finest  in  the  country.  It  is  nearly  100  feet  in  height, 
and  14  feet  in  circumference  at  4  feet  from  the  ground.  The  flower 
garden  proper  presents  a  bright  appearance,  especially  some  pyramids  of 
Zonal  Pelargoniums,  which,  viewed  from  one  end,  appears  as  a  hedge  of 
blossom.  Two  beds,  representing  the  Prince  of  Wales’  Feathers,  are 
exceedingly  well  done,  one  being  filled  with  flowerin?,  and  the  other 
with  ornamental  foliage  plants.  Beds  of  sweet-scented  flowers  are 
conspicuous,  such  plants  as  the  Lemon-scented  Verbena  (Aloysia 
citriodora),  Harrison’s  Musk,  and  scented-leaved  Pelargoniums  being 
employed.  Roses  are  grown  in  great  numbers,  and  the  same  applies  to 


August  17,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


145 


Lily  of  the  Valley  and  Carnationg,  the  scented  varieties  of  the  last 
named  being  preferred.  A  grand  plant,  9  or  10  feet  in  height,  of 
Chamserops  Fortune!,  on  the  lawn,  has  stood  the  test  of  many  winters, 
and  still  looks  well.  The  broad  stretches  of  green  sward  are  in  excel¬ 
lent  condition,  and  the  cleanliness  which  pervades  the  whole  place 
reflects  credit  on  Mr.  Garner  and  his  assistants. — C. 


THE  SPARROW  AGAIN. 

Some  few  weeks  ago  we  inserted  several  letters  from,  we  may 
perhaps  be  permitted  to  say,  sparrow  friends  and  foes.  We  could  not 
insert  all  that  came  to  hand  at  that  time,  other  subjects  demanding  a 
share  of  space  ;  but  as  some  of  the  communications  were  too  good  to 
waste  they  were  placed  aside  till  a  convenient  opportunity  offered  for 
their  appearance,  and  now  we  bring  up  arrears, 


Mr.  Witherspoon  is  fortunate  in  having  sparrows  of  a  specially 
good  variety.  He  should  do  his  level  best  to  keep  the  breed  pure,  and 
make  his  sparrows  companions  and  friends.  He  should  entice  them  to 
stop  at  home  by  growing  corn  in  a  milch  state,  or  he  will  rue  the  day 
when  some  of  his  birds  go  for  their  holiday,  and  bring  back  to  their 
home  some  of  the  “  scoundrel  ”  kind,  which  are  plentiful  over  all  the 
horticultural  earth. 

I  have  in  my  garden  a  wire  aviary,  which  contains,  amongst  other 
inhabitants,  a  white  sparrow.  The  boughs  of  a  Plum  tree  extend  over 
the  wirework  of  the  aviary,  and  all  the  blossoms  that  fall  through  are 
eagerly  snapped  up  by  this  sparrow.  If  he  had  his  liberty  I  have  not 
the  least  doubt  but  what  he  would  do  the  same  as  Mr.  Kaillem’s 
sparrows,  and  might  be  shot. 

Sparrows  that  have  not  previously  started  an  establishment  of  their 
own  feed  their  young  at  first  on  aphides,  flies,  and  caterpillars  ;  but 
they  soon  degenerate,  and  find  that  their  young  are  quite  as  easily 
reared  on  the  soft  food  provided  for  young  chickens,  and  with  the 
exception  of  now  and  again  chasing  a  white  butterfly,  give  up  all  the 
trouble  and  difficulty  of  collecting  insects  of  any  kind. 

On  the  outskirts  of  this  town  (Lewes),  and  the  first  year  I  have  ever 
known  such  a  thing  to  occur,  the  jackdaws  stripped  the  Cherry  trees  of 
all  the  fruit ;  in  other  years  the  starling  has  been  the  guilty  party,  and 
the  rooks  ate  the  Green  Peas  out  of  the  pods  in  a  wholesale  way. — 
J.  H.  Verrall. 


The  sparrow  is  becoming  lower  in  my  estimation  daily.  The  rascals 
were  lately  caught  ruining  a  row  of  Sweet  Peas  by  pulling  off  the 
flowers.  On  mentioning  this  to  the  owner  of  the  Peas  he  said,  “  Yes  ; 
they  also  kill  my  bees  and  eat  them.” 

We  have  had  many  instances  of  the  injury  done  by  them  in  this 
country.  Let  us  have  a  glimpse  over  the  report  of  the  American 
Ornithologist  to  the  Department  of  Agriculture.  This  is  his  opinion  : — 

“  The  English  sparrow  (Passer  domesticus)  is  a  hardy,  prolific,  and 
aggressive  bird,  possessed  of  much  intelligence  and  more  than  ordinary 
cunning.  It  is  domestic  and  gregarious  in  habit,  and  takes  advantage 
of  the  protection  afforded  by  the  proximity  to  man,  thus  escaping 
nearly  all  the  enemies  which  check  the  abundance  of  our  native  birds. 
Its  fecundity  is  amazing  ;  it  hatches  from  five  to  six  broods  in  a  season, 
with  from  four  to  six  young  in  a  brood.  We  take  the  sparrow  as  an 
enemy. 

“1.  The  sparrow  as  an  enemy  of  our  native  birds. 

“  Of  all  the  native  birds  which  habitually  make  their  homes  near  the 
abodes  of  man,  the  martin  is  the  only  species  which  is  able  to  hold  its 
own  against  the  sparrows  ;  and  numerous  instances  are  on  record  where 
sven  the  martin  has  been  beaten  and  forced  to  abandon  its  former 
nesting  place  by  these  belligerent  aliens,  some  of  the  martins  having 
their  eyes  picked  out.  Dr.  B.  Harry  Warren  writes  : — ‘  Our  native 
birds  have  rapidly  and  steadily  diminished  in  numbers  since  the 
sparrow  came.  Former  plentiful  residents  are  rare.  Even  transient 
visitants  and  migrants  have  been  so  pressed  by  the  usurper  that  they 
now  seem  to  avoid  certain  parts  as  plague-stricken  spots.’ 

“  2.  The  sparrow  as  an  enemy  to  gardeners  and  fruit  growers. 

“  In  addition  to  the  indirect  injury  thus  brought  about  by  depriving 
our  gardens  and  orchards  of  the  protection  afforded  them  by  our 
insectivorous  birds,  the  sparrow  causes  a  positive  and  direct  loss  to  our 
agricultural  industries,  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  not  less  than 
several  millions  of  dollars  per  annum.  The  ravages  done  by  the  sparrow 
affect  almost  every  crop  produced  by  the  farmer,  fruit  grower,  and 
gardener,  and  extend  over  the  entire  year.  Indeed,  it  is  safe  to  say  that 
ii  now  exerts  a  more  marked  effect  upon  the  agricultural  interest  of 
America  than  any  other  species  of  birds,  and  its  unprecedented  increase 
and  spread,  taken  in  connection  with  the  extent  of  its  ravages  in  certain 
districts,  may  be  regarded  with  grave  apprehension.  In  the  early  spring 
it  prevents  the  growth  of  a  vast  number  of  fruit  by  eating  the  germ  from 
the  fruit-buds  of  trees  and  bushes.  The  Peach,  Pear,  Plum,  Cherry, 
Apple,  Apricot,  and  Currant  suffer  most.  The  birds  eat  Green  Peas  as 
fast  as  they  grow.  They  peck  Apples,  Peaches,  and  Grapes,  causing 
them  to  decay  upon  the  trees.  Sparrows  are  worse  than  all  the  Apple 
pests  combined. 

‘■3.  The  sparrow  as  an  enemy  to  Grape  culture. 

“  The  Grape  industry,  which  is  one  of  rapidly  increasing  consequences 
in  America,  encounters  in  the  sparrow  an  enemy  second  only  to  the 
phylloxera  and  certain  fungus  growths.  Already  in  some  parts  of  the 
East  it  has  become  such  a  scourge  that  Grape  culture  can  no  longer  be 


carried  on  with  profit,  it  being  necessary  to  enclose  the  ripened  clusters 
in  paper  bags  to  insure  their  protection.  They  have  ruined  the  Grape 
crop  almost  wholly  where  unprotected. 

“  4.  The  sparrow  as  an  enemy  to  grain  growers. 

“  Annoying  and  injurious  as  the  sparrow  is  to  the  fruit  grower  and 
vegetable  gardener,  the  loss  it  inflicts  on  the  producer  of  cereals  is  even 
greater.  Though  for  its  permanent  residence  it  prefers  populous 
localities  and  places  of  abundant  traffic  and  commotion,  still,  in 
anticipation  of  the  harvest  season,  it  gathers  in  enormous  flocks,  and 
leaving  the  cities  and  towns,  moves  off  into  the  surrounding  country  to 
feed  upon  the  ripening  grain.  Its  consumption  and  waste  of  corn, 
Wheat,  Rye,  Oats,  Barley,  and  Buckwheat  in  many  parts  of  the 
country  is  enormous.  It  feeds  upon  the  kernel  when  it  is  in  the  soft 
milky  state,  as  well  as  when  it  has  matured  and  hardened,  and  in  fields 
of  ripe  grain  it  scatters  upon  the  ground  even  more  than  it  consumes. 
Instances  have  been  reported  where  in  the  place  of  a  full  and  fair 
crop  only  the  straw  remained  to  be  gathered. 

“  5.  Failure  of  the  sparrow  as  an  insect  destroyer. 

“  The  sparrow  was  brought  to  America  in  the  belief  that  it  was  an 
insectivorous  bird,  and  with  the  expectation  that  it  would  devour  the 
caterpillars  which  destroy  the  foliage  of  the  Elm  and  other  shade 
trees  in  the  streets  and  parks.  The  utter  futility  of  this  hope  has  been 
demonstrated  over  and  over  again  in  cities  and  larger  towns  which  are 
overrun  with  birds  and  caterpillars. 

“  Miss  Eleanor  A.  Ormerod,  in  her  Ninth  Report  on  ‘  Injurious  Insects 
and  Common  Farm  Pests,’  states  that  the  sparrows  drive  off  swallows 
and  martins,  thus  permitting  a  great  increase  in  flies  and  insects 
destructive  in  the  garden  and  orchard.  Miss  Ormerod  cites  a  case  in 
which  the  destruction  of  the  sparrow  and  the  consequent  reappearance 
of  swallows  and  martins  resulted  in  the  abolishment  of  the  insect  pest, 

“  Mr.  J.  H.  Gurney,  junr.,  a  well-known  ornithologist,  says  : — i  think, 
the  sparrows  do  enough  harm  to  warrant  everybody  to  destroy  them. 
Say  one-fifth  of  good  to  four-fifths  of  harm  is  about  what  they  do,  take 
the  country  all  over,  though  at  certain  times  and  places  they  do  nothing 
but  harm.  I  have  striven  to  say  what  I  could  in  their  favour,  being 
naturally  a  lover  of  birds. 

“  The  destructive  habits  of  the  sparrow  in  Bermuda,  Cuba,  England, 
Germany,  Austria,  Russia,  India,  and  Egypt,  arc  too  well  known  to 
require  more  than  passing  observations.  In  England  alone  the  damage 
it  causes  has  been  estimated  at  not  less  than  3,850,000  dols.  per  annum  ; 
and  in  Australia  the  loss  is  much  greater,  as  seen  in  the  evidences 
collected  and  published  by  the  Australian  Government,  that  in  the 
short  space  of  ten  days  the  sparrows  took  a  ton  and  a  half  of  Grapes.” 

What  does  J.  Witherspoon  say  about  these  “  clouds  of  witnesses  ?” — 
Davies  Ddffryn. 


At  page  484  last  volume,  Mr.  Harrison  Weir  seems  to  think  I  regard  the 
sparrow  as  harmless  to  the  buds  of  Currants  and  Gooseberries.  It  is  not 
the  case.  I  am  perfectly  cognisant  of  the  mischief  they  do  in  that 
respect ;  but  although  I  have  not  observed  them  destroy  Croci,  I  do  not 
dispute  the  statements  of  others  on  the  point.  Mr.  Harrison  Weir 
doubts  if  sparrows  or  other  birds  will  “  eat  various  kinds  of  caterpillars.” 
Here  they  eat  the  much-detested  Gooseberry  caterpillar,  which  few 
birds  touch,  as  well  as  the  leaf  rollers  and  other  sorts.  If  I  read  and 
interpret  his  article  correctly  in  regard  to  the  feeding  of  birds,  he  agrees 
with  me  on  a  very  important  point  in  the  discussion.  I  know  of  many 
of  the  good  and  bad  habits  of  the  sparrow.  My  object  in  taking  up  the 
subject  was  to  learn  from  others  whether  the  good  did  not  counter¬ 
balance  the  evil  he  is  guilty  of. — W.  J.  B. 


Man  as  the  lord  of  creation  was  told  to  replenish  the  earth  and 
subdue  it,  also  to  have  dominion  amongst  other  things  over  the  fowls 
of  the  air.  If  we  remember  those  two  words  “replenish”  and  “subdue,” 
we  shall  find  in  them  authority  to  remove  whatever  may  stand  in  the 
way  of  man’s  progress  in  the  march  of  civilisation,  including  sparrows. 
Fifty  years  ago  there  were  more  birds  of  prey  than  now  to  keep  them  in 
Subjection. — William  Smith, 


PLATYCODON  OR  CAMPANULA. 

The  note  by  “  A.  D.”  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  of  August  3rd, 
page  102,  on  these  plants,  and  the  excellent  illustration  on  page  103-, 
under  the  name  of  Campanula  grandiflora  Mariesi,  lends  emphasis  to 
the  remark  of  your  correspondent,  “  Not  very  appreciable,  if  indeed 
is  there  any  distinction  between  the  Platycodons  and  Campanula 
grandiflora  and  its  varieties.  Possibly  the  distinction  is  found  only  in 
name,  and  if  there  be  none,  then  the  diverse  appellations  are 
misleading.” 

P.  grandiflorum  and  C.  grandiflora  are  synonymous,  and  much 
confusion  is  caused  by  the  use  of  both  names.  Alphonse  de_  Candolle 
is  the  authority  for  the  genus  Platycodon,  the  name  of  which  is  derived 
from  broad,  and  kodon,  a  bell,  on  account  of  the  shape  of  the 

flowers.  I  am  not  acquainted  with  the  reasons  which  induced  Do 
Candolle  to  separate  the  Platycodons  from  the  Campanulas  ;  but  the 
most  distinctive  feature  from  the  garden  point  of  view  is  the  inflated 
appearance  and  flattened  top  (I  mean  flat  relatively  to  the  other 
Campanulas)  of  the  Platycodons.  This  has  given  rise  to  the  popular 
name  of  “  Balloon  Flower.”  The  only  advantage  from  a  flower  grower’s 
standpoint  of  a  separation  of  the  plants  is  that  it  is  difficult  to  persuadi? 


143 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  August  ir,  1893. 


the  public  that  Campanula  grandia  and  C.  graudiflora  are  distinct  plants 
in  every  way. 

Referring  to  C.  grandiflora  Mariesi,  it  may  be  of  interest  to  add  that 
this  beautiful  variety  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Maries,  a  brother  of  the 
nurseryman  of  that  name  at  Lytham  in  Lancashire ;  and  that  a  pure 
white  form  identical  with  it  except  in  colour  has  been  raised  in  Italy, 
and  was  offered  for  sale  this  year.  I  am  not  aware,  however,  that  it 
has  been  offered  by  any  of  our  British  nurserymen,  A  white  form 
should  be  of  much  value  and  beauty,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  it  will 
not  be  long  absent  from  our  gardens. — S.  Aenott. 

[Mr.  E.  Molyneux  refers  to  a  pure  white  form  of  Japanese,  not 
Italian  origin,  on  page  127,  but  describes  the  plant  as  growing  nearly 
2  feet  high.  Mr.  George  Paul’s  plant  was  quite  dwarf,  about  6  inches 
in  height.] 


gardens  are  certain  to  take  place,  for  many  of  the  houses  are  very  old 
fashioned,  and  there  will  be  a  much  heavier  demand  in  consequence  of 
the  larger  family  to  provide  for.  Mr.  Harrison  is  not  only  a  thorough 
practitioner,  but  a  good  botanist,  also  an  authority  on  British  plants,  and 
he  rendered  my  visit  to  Knowsley  both  pleasurable  and  instructive. — 
R.  P.  R. 


KNOWSLEY  HALL. 

Rnowsley  Hall,  the  principal  seat  of  Lord  Derby,  is  situated  about 
six  miles  from  Liverpool.  The  beautiful  park  is  well  wooded,  and  is 
very  extensive.  From  an  architectural  point  of  view  the  mansion  calls 
for  very  little  comment.  It  is  very  plain,  with  the  exception  of  a 
portion  which  has  lately  been  restored.  Of  the  garden,  Mr.  Harrison, 
the  head  gardener,  stated  that  it  was  in  no  sense  a  show  place ;  but 
a  hurried  run  through  some  time  ago  very  soon  made  me  attach  little 
importance  to  my  courteous  guide’s  remark,  for  there  was  much  that 
would  have  done  credit  to  any  exhibition  table,  even  though  such  a 
large  demand  is  made  upon  the  garden’s  resources.  Excellent  shelter  is 
provided  by  splendid  plantations  of  trees ;  and  even  if  this  did  not 
p  ove  sufficient,  the  garden  is  entirely  walled  in,  so  that  cutting 
winds  are  quite  unknown.  The  walls  are  of  red  bricks,  and  everywhere 
filled  with  the  choicest  of  Cherries,  Pears,  Apricots,  and  Plums,  which 
a  e  carefully  trained  and  give  a  good  return  for  the  skilled  labour 
b3stowed  on  them,  judging  by  the  splendid  crops. 

The  first  house  entered  was  a  lean-to  vinery  newly  planted,  the  Vines 
showing  every  promise  of  building  up  stout  canes.  Then  we  passed 
through  a  large  Peach  house,  from  which  a  good  crop  had  been  gathered, 
■on  to  the  Alicante  house  where  some  splendid  bunches  were  colouring 
very  well.  We  next  entered  the  Black  Hamburgh  house,  from  which 
part  of  the  crop  had  been  gathered  ;  but  there  was  sufficient  evidence 
in  the  bunches  remaining  to  show  what  excellent  well  coloured 
bunches  the  house  had  contained.  The  Muscat  house,  which  is  in  two 
divisions,  contained  what  I  unhesitatingly  say,  as  finely  finished  and  as 
even  bunches  as  anyone  could  wish  to  see,  and  not  a  trace  of  shanking 
was  noticeable.  Another  large  house  planted  with  Alicantes,  Lady 
Djwne’s,  and  Trebbiano  presented  a  grand  sight,  not  only  for  the  heavy 
crops  the  Vines  were  carrying,  but  for  the  extra  quality  of  both  bunch 
and  berry.  These  Vines  had  for  the  greater  portion  been  layered,  a 
system  of  which  Mr.  Harrison  is  much  in  favour. 

The  Plum  house  was  next  entered.  Some  trees  are  in  large  pots, 
and  others  planted  out,  and  in  each  case  they  were  carrying  a  good 
crop  of  fruit.  What  struck  me  most  was  the  healthy  foliage,  and,  what 
is  not  often  seen,  quite  free  from  any  curl  in  the  leaf.  No  wonder  that 
good  crops  result  from  such  excellent  management.  These  Plums  fruit 
year  after  year,  and  seem  likely  to  yet  do  many  years’  service.  The 
varieties  most  grown  are  Kirke’s,  Jefferson,  Coe’s  Golden  Drop,  Reine 
Claude,  Victoria,  Prince  of  Wales,  Ickworth  Imp^ratrice.and  MLachlan’s 
■Gage,  the  latter  being  highly  prized.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  carrying 
heavy  crops  are  grown  on  the  back  wall  of  the  Plum  house.  The  Fig 
trees  were  also  abundantly  cropped,  being  the  leading  varieties— Negro 
Largo,  Brown  Turkey,  and  White  Marseilles.  The  same  remark  as  to  a 
-crop  will  also  answer  for  the  Cherry  house  ;  3500  Strawberries  are 
grown  in  pots,  and  they  were  looking  their  best.  As  an  early  variety 
John  Ruskin  had  been  tried,  but  was  not  very  satisfactory.  Waterloo 
for  late  work  is  grand,  and  there  are  very  few  places  where  it  is  grown 
sj  well  as  at  Knovi'sley.  The  plants  are  layered  in  their  fruiting  pots, 
and  are  equal  in  every  way  to  those  which  are  previously  layered  in 
small  pots. 

A  greenhouse  and  stove  were  beautifully  furnished  with  a  choice 
collection  of  flowering  and  foliage  plants  in  the  best  of  health.  In 
the  cool  Orchid  house  the  plants  were  in  admirable  condition,  and 
Asparagus  deflexus  planted  alternately  with  A.  plumosus  nanus,  and 
covering  the  back  wall,  produced  a  chaste  effect.  One  special  feature 
ds  the  culture  of  the  Amaryllis,  and  one  might  go  many  miles  before 
meeting  with  such  a  collection  as  is  seen  at  Knowsley.  They  number 
over  seventy  varieties,  hundreds  of  plants,  and  of  different  ages.  They 
have  been  raised  by  Mr.  Harrison,  the  result  of  crossings  between  Messrs. 
Williams  and  Veitch  s  best  varieties.  Tomatoes  and  Melons  are  well 
grown.  Knowsley  Favourite  is  a  popular  Melon,  and  a  good  one 
judging  from  the  handsome  fruits  the  plants  were  carrying.  A  number 
of  Solanums,  with  some  excellent  Poinsettias  and  Centropogon  Lucy- 
anum,  and  other  winter  flowering  plants,  were  looking  healthy.  A  large 
new  conservatory,  built  entirely  of  teak  wood,  is  nearing  completion, 
and  will  prove  of  great  service  in  accommodating  the  large  Palms  which 
are  so  much  needed,  and  which  were  in  the  old  structure  completely 
cramped  for  want  of  head  room. 

Outside,  the  Stock  Princess  Alice,  a  pure  white  variety  and  much 
superior  to  the  old  variety,  was  a  picture  in  itself,  and  there  is  certain 
to  be  a  great  future  for  it.  Vegetables  of  every  description  are  grown 
m  'he  best  manner,  and  the  fruit  room  was  a  model  of  what  such  a 
structure  ought  to  be.  At  the  Hall  business  is  getting  settled  down 
aj;am  since  the  new  Earl’s  return  from  Canada,  Improvements  in  the  1 


National  Rose  Society. 

The  “  manifesto,”  as  Mr.  Grahame  humourously  calls  the  explana¬ 
tory  note  recently  issued  by  the  Secretaries  of  the  N.R,S.,  was,  it  is 
scarcely  necessary  to  say,  in  no  way  intended  as  a  “  counterblast  ”  or 
"  jeu  d' esprit."  It  is  really  wonderful  what  a  number  of  diverse  and 
interesting  titles  such  a  harmless  production  can  have  called  forth.  It 
simply  contained  two  statements  necessary  to  the  understanding  of  his 
circular  and  which  should  by  rights  have  been  mentioned  in  it,  Mr. 
Grahame  accuses  the  Secretaries  of  being  dilatory  ;  he,  however,  forgets 
that  his  circular  only  reached  them  after  the  middle  of  the  week,  and 
that  the  “  manifesto  ”  in  question  appeared  in  the  Journal  of  Horti¬ 
culture  of  the  next,  and  that  consequently  no  earlier  answer  to  it  was 
possible. — E.  M.,  Berlihamsted. 

Ernest  Metz. 

Rose  growers  generally  will  do  well  to  note  and  act  upon  the  valuable 
hint  of  the  very  high  authority  of  Mr.  Benjamin  R.  Cant  re  Ernest  Metz, 
He  might  have  gone  farther  back  than  the  last  six  years  for  so  good  a 
Tea  Rose,  As  a  flower  it  is  capable  of  being  as  splendid  as  any  Tea 
grown,  whilst  the  constitution  and  strong  free  growth  are  considerably 
better  than  any  of  them  that  have  as  grand  flowers.  It  is  even  better 
out  of  doors  than  under  glass.  I  have  grown  it  both  ways  in  numbers 
every  year  since  it  was  first  sent  out. — S.  S. 

Rose  Jottings. 

To  strengthen  Mr.  H.  Dunkin’s  note  on  striking  Tea  Rose  cuttings  I 
may  mention  that  last  autumn  I  cut  off  the  top  of  a  Souvenir  d’un  Ami 
in  a  pot,  and  as  the  portion  cut  off  was  straight  and  had  the  label 
attached  to  it,  I  stuck  it  in  at  the  side  of  the  pot,  no  further  care  being 
taken  of  it,  it  rooted  and  has  bloomed  several  times. 


Like  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant  I  was  surprised  at  our  friend  “  D,,  Deal's  ”  rather 
disparaging  note  on  Ernest  Metz.  I  humbly  second  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant’s 
opinion  of  its  excellence.  As  I  write  a  lovely  bloom  is  near  me,  and  it 
runs  a  chance  of  equalling  in  my  esteem  both  Catherine  Mermet  and 
her  daughter  The  Bride.  What  can  one  say  more  ?  If  Mr.  B .  R.  Cant 
had  in  his  mind  the  recent  election,  it  seemed  to  me,  viewing  it 
perhaps  somewhat  critically,  rather  misleading.  I  cannot  but  think 
these  three  Roses  would  be  nearly  equal — in  fact  like  the  Irishman,  who, 
when  asked  if  he  was  badly  off,  replied  that  if  there  was  another 
person  in  the  world  worse  off  than  himself  they  must  be  “  about  aiquil.” 
It  will  be  hard,  I  fancy,  to  separate  these  three  Roses  in  a  Tea  Rose 
election  another  year,  and  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant’s  “  certificate  of  merit  ”  is,  in 
my  view,  most  worthily  bestowed.  Whether  Waban  will  dispute  the 
“  pride  of  place  ”  with  the  trio  remains  for  the  future  to  settle,  but  it 
promises  well.  _ 

Did  the  last  Rose  that  graced  Mr.  D.  R.  Williamson’s  study  table 
leave  him  a  thorny  memento  ?  In  my  innocence  I  have  always  thought 
that  par  excellence  the  queen  of  flowers  gave  us  the  most  lengthy 
return  for  benefits  bestowed.  Now  Mr.  Williamson,  writing  of  the 
Viola,  says,  “  I  hope  my  enthusiasm  has  not  carried  me  away  ;  but,  in 
the  special  direction  of  durability,  can  as  much  be  asserted  of  any  other 
flower  ?  ”  and  then  he  goes  on  to  compare  Roses,  and  talks  of  “  their  ” 
seasons  being  of  ”  short  duration.”  Granted  that  the  duration  of  beauty 
in  each  separate  bloom,  as  he  remarks,  is  “  marvellously  short  lived,” 
still  in  some  Tea  blooms  it  has  lasted  suflBciently  long  to  allow  of 
exhibition  at  three  consecutive  shows.  I  presume,  however,  that  Mr. 
Williamson  means  that  the  duration  of  the  blooming  period  is  short ; 
but  surely  we  Rose  maniacs,  if  you  will,  are  not  in  error  when  we 
assert  that,  given  favourable  conditions,  the  duration  of  bloom  with  our 
favourites  is  scarcely  equalled  by  any  other  flower.  With  the  help  of 
glass  it  is  possible  to  have  Tea  blooms  in  spite  of  wintry  blasts  or  mantle 
of  snow,  and  even  on  some  of  the  highest  land  in  Somersetshire  I  have 
picked  buds  of  Safrano  in  February  in  the  open  in  a  warm  corner ; 
and  once,  an  exceptional  winter  certainly,  I  picked  a  bunch  of  Gloire 
de  Dijon  buds,  some  beautifully  formed,  on  New  Year’s  Day,  on  a  wall 
facing  the  north  1  Take  our  ordinary  seasons  out  of  doors  and  some  of 
our  Roses  begin  to  give  us  stray  blooms  in  April,  and  continue  in  some 
variety  to  the  end  of  October  and  perhaps  even  later.  This  is  fairly 
constant  blooming.  I  agree  heartily  with  Mr.  A.  Hill  Gray  and  say 
the  true  perpetuals  are  the  Teas. 


Compliiuents  to  “  E.  K.,  Dublin,"  we  do  not  intend  to  be  shut  out. 
Let  him  take  care  we  don’t  scratch  him,  and  a  Chrysanthemum  cannot 
retaliate. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


Augujt  17,  1S93.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


147 


Events  of  the  Week. — The  coming  week  will  not  be  a  par¬ 
ticularly  busy  one  for  metropolitan  horticulturists.  On  Friday  and 
Saturday,  August  18th  and  19th,  the  National  Co-operative  Festival  will 
be  held  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  and  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  August 
23rd  and  21:th,  there  will  be  an  exhibition  of  flowers  and  fruit  at  the 
Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition.  The  Devon  and  Exeter  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society’s  Show  will  be  held  on  Friday,  August  18th.  On 
Vfednesday,  August  23rd,  the  Shrewsbury  Floral  Fete  and  the  Harpenden 
Horticultural  Society’s  Show  will  be  held,  and  on  Thursday,  August 
24th,  is  the  Basingstoke  Show,  and  on  August  24th  and  25th  the  annual 
Show  at  Weymouth  will  be  held. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — For  several  days  the  weather 

has  been  oppressively  hot,  the  temperature  ranging  between  80°  and  90°, 
while  on  several  nights  it  has  not  fallen  below  70°.  The  heat  appears 
to  have  been  more  enervating  than  at  any  previous  time  during  a 
memorably  hot  year. 

-  A  Well-won  Honour — The  Queen  has  conferred  the  honour 

of  knighthood  upon  Dr.  Joseph  Henry  Gilbert,  F.R.S.,  who  has  been 
associated  for  more  than  fifty  years  with  Sir  J.  B.  Lawes  in  the  agri¬ 
cultural  experiments  conducted  at  Kothamsted. 

-  Gardening  Appointments. — Mr.  William  Dancer  succeeds 

Mr.  C.  Smith  as  head  gardener  to  Major  A.  C.  Little,  Rystan  House, 
Tetbury,  Gloucestershire.  Mr.  C.  Boatwright,  gardener  to  the  late  Mr. 
E.  Coveil,  Beckenham  Place,  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  J.  L.  Buck- 
nell.  Esq.,  Langley  Court,  Beckenham. 

- Who  Planted  the  Hampton  Court  Vine? — A  statement 

having  appeared  in  the  “Standard”  that  the  old  Vine  at  Hampton 
Court  was  planted  in  1763  by  Lancelot  Brown  (otherwise  known 
as  “  Capability  ”),  a  Hampstead  correspondent  thus  writes  : — “  I 
only  know  that  I  have  always  heard  my  late  father  say  that  the 
great  Vine  at  Hampton  Court  was  planted  by  an  ancestor  of  his 
whose  name  was  Robinson,  and  who  most  certainly  was  at  Hampton 
Court,  and  that  George  III.  presented  him  on  the  occasion  with  a 
snuff-box,  which  said  box  my  father  always  treasured,  and  which 
I  have  and  value.  It  is  tortoiseshell,  inlaid  with  silver,  and  very  pretty. 
Oddly  enough,  it  is  only  about  three  weeks  since  I  was  speaking  to  a 
cousin  about  the  great  Vine,  and  I  said,  ‘  Well,  you  know  an  ancestor 
of  ours,  a  Mr.  Robinson,  planted  that  Vine,  and  I  have  the  snuff-box 
that  George  HI.  gave  him  when  he  planted  it.’  The  reply  was,  ‘Yes, 
I  have  always  understood  from  my  father  (he  was  own  cousin  to  my 
father,  and  one  of  his  names  was  Robinson)  that  such  was  the  case,’  and 
the  remark  was  made  that  I  ought  to  have  the  fact  engraved  on  the 
box.”  From  remarks  in  another  column  it  will  be  seen  that  the  grand¬ 
fathers  of  some  half-dozen  persons  are  claimed  as  the  planters  of  the 
Silwood  Vine.  We  have  seen  it  stated  that  an  ancestor  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Laxton  planted  the  Hampton  Court  Vine. 

-  Tunbridge  Wells  and  Tonbridge  Gardeners’  Asso¬ 
ciation. — The  members  of  this  Society,  conducted  by  Mr.  D.  Cornwell, 
paid  a  visit  to  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  on  Wednesday, 
Aug.  9th.  The  company,  numbering  upwards  of  sixty,  were  conducted 
over  the  nursery,  and  many  remarks  of  a  laudatory  character  were  let 
fall  respecting  the  magnificence  of  the  Begonias,  the  brightness  and 
diversity  of  colouring  displayed  amongst  the  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  the 
curios  in  the  houses  devoted  to  Cactaceous  plants,  the  large  and  beauti¬ 
ful  collection  of  the  now  almost  forgotten  Verbena,  and  the  varied  hues 
seen  in  the  houses  of  Fuchsias.  From  thence  they  went  to  inspect 
the  nurseries  of  Mr.  Phillip  Ladds,  round  which  they  were  very  kindly 
conducted  by  Mr.  Ladds,  jun.  Here  delight  was  largely  intermingled 
with  astonishment  at  the  magnitude  of  the  operations  carried  on  with 
such  striking  success.  In  the  afternoon  Messrs.  Cannells’  Eynsford 
Nurseries  and  Seed  Farms  were  visited,  afterwards  journeying  to  the 
Eynsford  Show,  which  was,  very  fortunately  for  them,  being  held  on 
that  day.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  a  most  enjoyable  and  instructive 
day  was  spent,  and  the  thanks  accorded  to  Mr.  Cannell  were  hearty  and 
sincere,  nor  were  they  undeserved,  for  that  gentleman  had  been  inde¬ 
fatigable  in  his  exertions  to  make  things  pleasant,  and  admirably  he 
succeeded. — H.  W. 


-  Fruit  Crops  in  the  Midlands.— “  Observer”  writes: — 

So  far  as  I  can  see  the  fruit  crops  in  the  midland  counties  are  fairly 
good,  and  in  some  cases  much  beyond  the  average.  Apples  appear  to 
be  very  plentiful,  and  are  selling  at  nominal  prices  in  local  markets. 
Plums  are  plentiful,  and  it  is  with  difficulty  that  small  growers  can 
dispose  of  them  at  remunerative  prices,  especially  the  ordinary  varieties. 
Pears  are  not  quite  so  abundant,  these  apparently  having  failed  to  set 
well.” 

-  One  dry  season  in  the  sixties  Runner  Beans  in  this  neigh¬ 
bourhood  were  a  complete  failure,  although  growing  strong  from  watering 
and  mulching.  Noticing  a  row  in  a  cottage  garden  bearing  a  very  heavy 
crop  I  asked  the  cotter  how  he  managed  his  Beans.  “  Water  them  over¬ 
head,  master,  in  the  evening  to  set  them.”  I  did  not  water  mine  over¬ 
head  but  syringed  them,  and  had  plenty  of  Beans,  and  I  have  often  since 
then  stopped  the  flowers  failing  off  by  simply  syringing  in  the  evening. 

I  am  doing  so  now  and  have  plenty  of  Beans. — Jas.  Hamilton, 
Byrliley  Gardens. 

- Jargonelle  Pear. — One  of  the  finest  and  handsomest  trees 

of  this  excellent  early  Pear  I  have  seen  was  in  a  small  cottage  garden  at 
Chessington,  Surrey,  very  recently.  The  tree  is  probably  fifty  years  old, 
very  tall,  remarkably  well  proportioned,  a  perfect  natural  standard 
pyramid,  in  the  most  complete  health,  and  carrying  a  grand  crop  ot  fine 
fruit.  On  the  upper  boughs  they  hung  literally  like  ropes  of  Onions. 
Autumn  Bergamot,  there  called  the  “  Bergamy,”  and  Beurr6  Capiaumont 
w  ere  also  fruiting  wonderfully.  The  district  seems  to  be  specially  a 
favourable  one  for  Pears. — A.  D. 

-  Apple  Shepherd’s  Seedling.— I  found  this  Apple  repre¬ 
sented  by  large  old  trees  growing  in  a  Surrey  village  the  other  day. 
Dr.  Hogg,  I  observe,  states  in  the  “Fruit  Manual”  that  it  is  identical 
with  Alfriston.  Finding  it  under  the  first  appellation  had  led  me  to 
conclude  that  it  was  of  local  origin  ;  but  of  course  Alfriston  has  a 
national  reputation.  Owing  to  the  height  of  the  trees,  and  the  fact  that 
because  of  the  drought  the  fruits  were  not  of  the  usual  size,  it  was 
difficult  to  determine  what  it  was  ;  but  I  daresay  Dr.  Hogg  is  right, 
especially  as  the  variety  is  mentioned  in  the  locality  in  question  as  a 
good  cropper  and  keeper.— D. 

-  Cucumber  Peerless. — When  I  was  recently  at  the  Swiss 

Nursery,  Farnham,  and  looked  through  several  houses  of  Cucumbers  of 
various  kinds,  the  fruits  hanging  for  seed  in  such  great  quantities  I 
thought  a  photograph  of  the  houses  would  have  been  regarded  as 
imaginary.  The  last  house  Mr.  Mortimer  took  me  into  was  filled  with 
Peerless,  as  sent  out  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  although  certificated 
under  the  name  of  Success.  Certainly  was  the  simile,  “  thou  hast  kept 
the  good  wine  until  now  ”  here  most  applicable.  The  long  fruits  were 
of  the  most  perfect  form,  wonderfully  handsome,  and  I  think  for  length 
and  beauty  difficult  to  surpass.  It  is  a  variety,  however,  that,  in  sp'te 
of  the  abundance  of  fruit,  seeds  most  sparingly. — A.  D. 

- Agricultural  Fertilizers  and  Feeding  Stuffs. — The 

House  of  Commons  Grand  Committee  on  Trade  have  concluded  their 
revision  of  the  Fertilizers  and  Feeding  Stuffs  Bill,  introduced  by  the 
Minister  for  Agriculture  (Mr.  H.  Gardner).  Sir  J.  Gorst  presided.  It  was 
agreed  that  County  Councils  should  be  empowered  to  appoint  officers  to 
take  on  behalf  of  buyers  samples  for  analysis  of  the  products  dealt  with 
by  the  measure.  It  was  resolved  that  any  person  fraudulently  tampering 
with  such  samples  should  be  liable  to  six  months’  imprisonment,  and 
that  the  Board  of  Agriculture  itself,  as  well  as  other  parties  mentioned 
in  the  measure,  might  prosecute  under  it.  The  Bill  as  amended  was 
ordered  to  be  reported. 

- International  Exhibition  of  Fruit  Culture.  —  We 

have  been  requested  to  draw  the  attention  of  the  fruit  growers  to  an 
International  Exhibition,  to  be  held  by  the  Russian  Society  of  Fruit 
Culture,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Czar,  at  St.  Petersburg,  in  the 
autumn  of  1894,  with  the  object  of  showing  the  present  condition  of  the 
cultivation  of  fruit  and  vege  ables,  of  viticulture,  of  the  cultivation  of 
various  special  plants,  and  the  manufacture  of  their  products.  The 
Exhibition  will  comprise  the  following  sections  : — 1,  Fresh  fruit  ; 
2,  fresh  vegetables  ;  3,  dried  fruit  and  vegetables,  preserved  or  treated 
by  other  processes  ;  4,  wine,  cider,  perry,  and  other  fruit  beverages  ; 
5,  Hops  and  medical  herbs ;  6,  seeds  ;  7,  fruit  trees  and  bushes ; 
8,  horticultural  implements  and  appliances,  and  technicality  of  pro¬ 
duction  ;  9,  literary,  scientific,  and  educational  accessories,  collections, 
plans,  &c.  Applications  for  further  information  should  be  addressed  to 
the  offices  of  the  International  Exhibition  of  Fruit  Culture,  1891, 
Imperial  Agricultural  Museum,  Fontanka,  10,  St.  Petersburg. 


148 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  AuguBt  17,  1893. 


-  Bottesford  Horticultural  Society.  —  Like  many  other 

horticultural  societies,  the  members  of  above  held  their  annual 
Exhibition  on  August  7th.  It  was  a  successful  gathering,  there  being 
upwards  of  600  entries  in  the  classes  for  fruit,  flowers,  and  vegetables. 
In  every  section  the  exhibits  were  of  good  quality  and  reflected  credit 
upon  the  respective  growers. 

-  Early  Apricots. — Mr.  B.  G.  Jenkins,  West  Dulwich,  S.E., 

writes  : — “  I  enclose  three  or  four  fruits  from  an  Apricot  tree  I  have 
growing  on  an  open  standard  in  my  garden.  The  tree,  which  has  not 
had  the  slightest  attention,  is  carrying  upwards  of  600  fruits,  all  in 
good  condition.”  [Shipley’s  Apricot  is  the  name  of  the  fruits  our  corre¬ 
spondent  sends,  the  colouring  and  flavour  of  which  are  alike  excellent.] 

- Hailstones  in  Lincolnshire. — A  correspondent  writes: — 

“  A  heavy  thunderstorm  prevailed  in  South  Lincolnshire  on  Thursday 
morning,  August  10th,  during  which  hailstones  of  an  enormous  size  fell. 
At  Grantham  some  pieces  of  ice  as  large  and  as  square  as  ordinary  lump 
sugar  were  picked  up.  Much  damage  has  been  done  in  the  neighbour¬ 
hood  to  glass  houses,  and  Apples  and  Pears  are  injured  in  some  gardens.” 

-  Melon  Ingestre  Hybrid. — Last  week  in  visiting  the  gardens 

at  Ingestre,  where  fruits  of  all  kinds  are  so  well  grown,  I  was  much 
impressed  with  the  new  Melon  Mr.  Gilman  has  raised  by  crossing  Hero 
of  Lockinge  with  Countess,  the  result  being  a  new  variety  of  great 
excellence.  The  constitution  of  the  plant  is  strong,  and  it  is  a  free 
setter.  The  fruit  is  beautifully  netted,  of  a  bright  goldenyellow  colour, skin 
thin,  and  shows  no  tendency  to  crack  ;  flesh  greenish  white,  and  flavour 
of  the  highest  type.  In  one  house  containing  eight  plants  there  were 
from  thirty  to  forty  ripe  fruits,  averaging  from  3  to  5  lbs.  each.  This 
Melon  was  awarded  a  certificate  of  merit  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  May  the  9th. — Robert  Cock,  F.R.H.S. 

-  Grand  Yorkshire  Gala. — At  the  general  meeting  of  the 

guarantors  and  life  members  of  the  above  held  last  week,  the  recom¬ 
mendation  of  the  Council  that  the  sum  of  £251  be  handed  over  to  the 
Tork  charities  was  approved.  The  sum  of  £175  was  added  to  the 
reserve  fund,  bringing  it  up  to  £2000,  and  the  remaining  balance 
carried  forward  to  next  year’s  account.  The  following  grants  were 
made: — York  County  Hospital,  £50;  the  Dispensary,  £50;  Blue  and 
Grey  Coat  Schools,  £30;  Bootham  Asylum,  £25;  Yorkshire  Society’s 
School,  London,  £21;  the  Industrial  Schools,  £20;  Wilberforce  School 
for  the  Blind,  £10;  the  Penitentiary,  £10;  the  Invalid  Kitchen,  £10; 
the  Nurses’  Home,  £10;  Girls’  Friendly  Society,  £10;  Society  for  the 
Prevention  of  Cruelty  to  Children,  £5  ;  total,  £251. 

-  Jam  Sharpers. — Some  revelations  made  in  the  columns  of 

"  Food  and  Sanitation  ”  seem  to  show  that  some  of  the  smaller  jam 
manufactories  in  London  are  badly  in  want  of  inspection  by  the  public 
health  officers.  Good  jam  can  be,  and  is,  sold  at  a  very  low  price,  but 
some  of  the  jam  eaten  by  the  poor  is  made  of  disgusting  ingredients. 
The  other  day  several  tons  of  fruit,  described  as  in  a  revolting  state, 
were  seized  at  one  factory  in  North  London.  It  included  three  vanloads 
of  tinned  Pine  Apples,  quite  rotten,  and  some  tons  of  Gooseberries, 
Apples,  Oranges,  and  other  fruits,  as  well  as  a  lot  of  Onions  and 
Walnuts,  mostly  putrid.  A  strange  find  was  a  quantity  of  Plum  stones, 
dirty,  as  if  gathered  in  the  streets.  There  can  be  little  doubt  that 
these  were  intended  to  be  mixed  with  so-called  Plum  jam,  which  is  not 
made  of  Plums  at  all,  but  of  Marrows,  Apples,  and  other  vegetable 
matter  in  a  more  or  less  useless  condition.  In  some  instances  poisonous 
colourings  are  used  to  give  the  manufactured  article  an  attractive 
appearance. 

-  Golden  Rathripe  Peach. — Mr.  E.  Trollope  writes  from 

Coombe  Park,  Reading  : — “  I  send  a  sample  of  Peaches  gathered  from 
a  south  wall,  outdoors,  labelled  Golden  Rathripe.  It  is  a  variety  which 
I  think  is  not  generally  grown,  but  appears  to  do  remarkably  well  here. 

It  is  a  good  cropper,  one  of  the  finest-looking  Peaches,  and  the  flavour 
is  much  liked.  We  have  had  a  wonderful  crop  of  fruit  of  all  kinds  this 
year.  Apricots  and  Plums  especially.  We  face  due  south,  and  everything 
was  quite  a  month  earlier  than  I  ever  knew  it.”  [We  think  the  name 
of  the  Peach  is  incorrect,  yet  although  the  Golden  Rathripe  may  be 
regarded  as  one  of  the  best  of  the  yellow-fleshed  American  Peaches  in 
quality,  it  cannot  be  compared  with  our  best  established  varieties.  We 
have  known  more  than  one  instance  of  Golden  Rathripe  being  removed 
from  Peach  houses  as  disappointing  after  occupying  valuable  space  for 
years.  It  may  possibly  be  better  in  favourable  positions  outdoors,  and 
especially,  perhaps,  during  a  season  like  the  present  one.  Tastes  also 
vary,  and  there  may  be  palates  to  which  these  pasty  yellow-fleshed 
Peaches  are  agreeable.  The  one  sent  is  the  clingstone,  Pavie  Jaune.] 


-  Nelumbium  speciosum  nuciferum. — This  very  scarce  plant,. 

the  Sacred  Bean  of  Egypt,  so  rarely  seen  in  flower,  is  now  in  bloom 
in  one  of  the  stoves  at  the  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore,  and  was  an 
object  of  great  interest  to  the  Birmingham  Gardeners’  Association  on. 
the  occasion  of  their  recent  visit.  It  is  a  tall  growing  species,  with 
large  bold  foliage,  and  the  flowers  pure  white  and  deliciously 
fragrant.  It  is  growing  in  a  pan  of  water. 

-  The  annual  report  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Garden,  Cal¬ 
cutta,  of  which  Lieut-Colonel  G.  King,  F.R.S.,  is  Superintendent,  has 
been  issued.  From  it  we  learn  from  “  Nature  ”  that  all  the  efforts  to 
introduce  the  cultivation  of  the  Japanese  Paper  Mulberry  have  failed, 
As  the  Superintendent  points  out,  this  Mulberry  yields  a  beautiful  fibre, 
which  is  naturally  so  white  that  it  requires  very  little  bleaching,  hence 
it  seems  a  pity  that  no  wealthy  landowner  has  taken  up  its  cultivation 
on  a  large  scale. 

-  Grantham  and  District  Horticultural  Society. — 

The  first  annual  Exhibition  of  the  above  Society  was  held  at  Grantham 
on  Monday,  August  7th.  Upwards  of  eighty  classes  were  provided,  and 
on  the  whole  these  were  well  filled,  the  exhibits  being  of  excellent 
quality.  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson  &  Sons,  Chilwell  Nurseries,  Beeston, 
Notts,  sent  some  splendid  floral  designs  and  bouquets.  Messrs.  J.  W, 
Brown  &  Sons,  Grantham  and  Stamford,  also  sent  miscellaneous  exhibits, 
as  likewise  did  Lord  Brownlow,  Sir  Hugh  Cholmeley,  Sir  J.  Thorold, 
and  others. 

-  Torquay  District  Gardeners’  Association. — The  first 

annual  excursion  of  the  above  Society  took  the  form  of  a  visit  to 
Taunton  Show  on  the  10th  inst.  The  party,  consisting  of  eighty  mem¬ 
bers,  left  Torquay  by  special  train,  arriving  at  Taunton  soon  after  10  A.M. 
Luncheon  was  partaken  of  at  the  George  Hotel,  Mr.  \V.  B,  Smale  pre¬ 
siding.  In  addition  to  visiting  the  Show  several  of  the  party  inspected 
Mr,  W.  H.  Fowler’s  Chrysanthemums  at  Claremont,  and  admired  the 
splendid  condition  of  the  plants.  Taunton  Castle  was  also  visited,  and 
the  party  returned  home  well  satisfied  with  their  day’s  enjoyment. 

-  Turning  Natural  Advantages  to  Account^— Professor 

Massey  of  the  North  Carolina  Experimental  Station  writes  that  he  can 
see  no  reason  why  the  cultivation  of  vegetables  under  glass  should  not 
be  profitable  in  the  Southern  States  at  points  where  quick  transportation 
northward  is  possible.  “  If  Boston  growers  can  force  Cucumbers  at  a 
profit  by  using  double  sashes  and  heavy  coal  bills,  why  could  not  this 
be  done  better  still  in  North  Carolina,  with  cheaper  houses  and  half  the 
expense  for  fuel  1  If  Lettuce  is  grown  at  a  profit  with  fire  heat,  and  sent 
from  Boston  to  Washington,  why  should  not  a  man  in  North  Carolina 
grow  it  at  a  profit  when  he  can  raise  equally  good  Lettuce  in  a  simple 
cold  frame  ?  ”  These  remarks  are  suggestive,  and  have  wide  application. 

-  Painted  Fruits. — The  “Evening  News ’’says  the  ingenuity 

of  the  “  bird  faker  ”  who  could  hide  russet  coats  under  all  the  hues  of 
the  rainbow  is  being  applied  by  Parisians  in  another  sphere.  Ingenious 
fruit  dealers  have  invented  a  way  of  colouring  their  wares  in  order  to 
improve  their  market  value.  They  stain  ordinary  Oranges  a  deep  red, 
making  them  look  like  Mandarins,  which  fetch  much  higher  prices. 
They  also  tint  Pine  Apples  to  make  them  look  more  attractive,  and  dye 
the  common  white  Strawberries  a  lovely  red.  Melons  are  now  being 
treated  in  a  similar  way,  and  tinted  a  fine  orange,  their  flavour  being 
increased  by  injecting  an  essence  of  Melon.  The  latest  development 
of  this  business  is  in  connection  with  Pears,  which  are  dyed  red  for  a 
third  of  their  size,  and  blue  below,  thus  presenting  the  national  colours 
when  peeled.  These  are  said  to  be  in  some  demand  for  dessert  fruit  on 
account  of  their  novelty, 

- The  New  York  Fruit  Market. — The  “  Garden  and  Forest  ’ 

says  — “  Cherries  from  California  seem  as  beautiful  and  abundant  aa 
they  were  two  months  ago.  The  varieties.  Royal  Anne  and  Black 
Republican,  are  the  popular  favourites.  Congress  Pears  are  coming 
from  the  same  State  and  cost  a  little  more  than  the  Bartletts  and 
Howells.  Crawford’s  and  Hale’s  Early  are  the  principal  varieties  of 
Peaches  which  are  now  coming  from  the  Pacific  coast.  Plums  are  still 
abundant  and  cheap.  From  the  Southern  States  Le  Conte  Pears  are 
coming  of  rather  lower  than  ordinary  quality.  Peaches  from  the  far 
southern  points  are  becoming  rare,  and  those  from  Maryland  and 
Delaware  are  taking  their  places,  and  are  of  fair  quality  for  early  varieties. 
Raspberries  are  practically  out  of  the  market.  Astrachan  and  Sweet 
Bough  Apples  are  1‘75  dols.  a  barrel.  Pocono  Mountain  Huckleberries 
are  twelve  cents,  a  quart.  Good  Gooseberries  are  worth  two  dols.  a 
bushel.  Florida  continues  to  send  Delaware  Grapes  and  some  choice 
Grape  fruit.” 


August  17,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


149 


-  The  Birmingham  Gardeners’  Association.  —  A  large 

number  of  members  (236)  of  this  Association  visited  Windsor  Castle  and 
Frogmore  Gardens  on  the  14th  inst.  They  were  met  at  the  Windsor 
Station  by  Mr.  Thomas,  and  conducted  by  him  through  the  State  apart¬ 
ments,  the  Terrace  garden,  the  Albert  Memorial  Chapel,  St.  George’s 
Chapel,  and  the  stables.  At  the  dinner  held  at  the  Town  Hall  a  hearty 
vote  of  thanks  was  accorded  to  Mr.  Thomas  for  his  great  kindness,  also 
to  the  Kev.  Canon  Dalton  for  kindly  volunteering  to  conduct  the  party 
through  the  chapels,  and  explaining  features  of  interest.  The  famous 
Vine  at  Cumberland  Lodge  was  subsequently  inspected,  and  found  in 
admirable  condition,  many  of  the  bunches  on  the  young  growths  being 
of  good  size  and  quality.  The  300-acre  lake  Virginia  Water  was  a  great 
treat,  and  the  Shaw  Farm  much  admired.  Frogmore  Gardens,  with 
their  high  standard  of  excellence,  were  a  pleasure  to  see.  A  “  grand 
outing”  was  the  universal  verdict,  and  unstinted  praise  was  accorded 
to  Mr.  Thomas  for  having  given  so  much  time  and  personal  attention 
to  details  the  whole  day  through. 

-  Eynsford  Show. — The  Eynsford  Cottage  Gardeners’  Mutual 

Improvement  Society  held  their  annual  Show  in  Luliingstone  Park 
by  the  kind  permission  of  Sir  William  Hart-Dyke,  M.P.,  the  display 
of  flowers  and  vegetables  being  a  highly  creditable  one.  Interest  was 
•without  doubt  chiefly  centred  in  the  special  prizes  offered  by  Messrs. 
Henry  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley  and  Eynsford,  for  a  collection  of 
vegetables  grown  from  their  seeds,  to  consist  of  six  Tomatoes,  six 
•Carrots,  a  dish  of  thirty  pods  of  Peas,  four  Cabbages,  a  dish  of  nine 
round  and  one  of  nine  kidney  Potatoes,  three  Cauliflowers,  six  Beet¬ 
roots,  three  Marrows,  six  Turnips,  thirty  pods  of  Scarlet  Banners,  and 
nine  Onions,  spring  sown.  With  the  prize  in  this  clas.s,  which  was 
open  to  the  various  Kentish  Amateurs’  Societies,  a  silk  sash  was  given 
having  on  it  the  words  “  Champion  Vegetable  Grower  of  Kent  ”  in  raised 
silk  characters,  also  given  ’oy  Messrs.  Cannell.  Six  collections  were 
staged,  the  Milton-near-Sittingbourne  Society  being  adjudged  the 
victors  by  the  narrow  majority  of  three  points,  Eynsford,  the  holders 
during  the  last  year,  being  placed  second,  and  the  Kemsing  and  Otford 
Society  a  very  close  third.  Amongst  the  best  produce  in  the  Milton 
•stand  were  Tomatoes,  Carrots,  Onions,  Turnips,  and  Scarlet  Runners  ; 
the  Eynsford  stand  being  strongest  with  Potatoes,  Peas,  Onions, 
Cabbages,  and  Cauliflowers.  The  sash  will  be  competed  for  again  next 
jear,  when  the  competition  will,  it  is  expected,  be  even  stronger,  and 
the  result  will  be  looked  forward  to  with  eagerness  in  the  county. — H.  W. 

-  The  Dinner  Contest  at  Carshalton.  —  The  Wallington 

Herald  thus  refers  to  this  contest  “It  was  evident  that  considerable 
thought  had  been  bestowed  on  the  subject,  and  that  many  of  the  dinners 
had  not  been  prepared  until  the  way  in  which  the  money  should  be 
spent  had  been  arranged  over  and  over  again.  It  was  noticeable  that 
hardly  any  two  had  chosen  the  same  joint  of  meat,  or  had  prepared  it  in 
exactly  the  same  w^ay.  Some  had  first  made  soup  from  the  meat 
before  cooking  it,  to  appear  on  the  table,  others  had  roasted  or  boiled, 
whilst  still  others  had  had  recourse  to  the  satisfying  and  nutritious 
meat  pie.  The  highest  number  of  marks  were  awarded  to  Mrs.  Smee 
(not  a  competitor),  who  had  thus  arranged  her  menu,  and  divided  the 
money  allowed  her  :  Two  mackerel  4d,,  meat  pie,  9^d.,  Potatoes  fd.. 
Beans  2d.,  bread  Id.,  sweets  3d.,  cheese  Jd.,  butter  Jd.,  and  vinegar  and 
spice  Jd.,  total  Is.  9|d.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mrs.  Stevens  of 
West  Street,  Carshalton,  who  had  thus  spent  her  money  :  Soup  from 
beef,  flavouring  Id.,  pressed  beef  9d.,  Beet,  Parsley,  and  glazing  l^d.. 
Beans  3d.,  Potatoes  2d.,  bread  Id.,  Plum  tart  4d.,  custard  l^d.  Mrs. 
Barr  took  second  prize,  her  dinner  consisting  of  breast  of  mutton  lid.. 
Potatoes  2d.,  Veeetable  Marrow  Id.,  Cabbage  Id.,  pudding  (milk  rizine) 
IJd.,  bread  and  butter  IJd.,  Apple  pie  3d.,  cheese  Id.,  Lettuce  Jd.,  and 
herb  beer  ^d.,  she  being  the  only  competitor  who  had  made  any 
allowance  for  the  wants  of  thirsty  Nature.  Other  competitors  were 
equally  ingenious,  and  there  can  be  no  question  that  this  new  departure 
has  given  many  a  bothered  housewife  a  few  ideas  of  what  can  be  done 
with  a  small  sum  of  money  by  the  exercise  of  a  little  thought  and  care. 
It  is,  however,  but  fair  to  say  that  a  good  deal  of  doubt  was  expressed 
by  many  of  the  visitors  as  to  the  possibility  of  purchasing  in  an  ordinary 
way  the  quantity  of  meat  specified  in  many  of  the  exhibits  at  anything 
like  the  amounts  placed  opposite  to  them,  even  if  the  purchases  were 
delayed  until  the  butchers  were  anxious  to  sell.  Of  course  the  value  of 
the  competition  is  altogether  lost  if  there  are  any  doubts  as  to  the  bona 
jides  of  the  prices  alleged  to  have  been  given,  and  therefore  it  would  be 
well,  if  the  class  is  repeated  next  year,  if  some  sort  of  a  certificate  were 
to  be  required  from  the  competitors  showing  that  the  purchases  had 
been  made  in  the  open  market,  at  the  prices  then  current,  and  that  the 
tradesmen  had  not  been  told  what  they  were  for.” 


-  About  150  members  of  the  Scottish  Arboricultural 

Society  have  been  spending  a  week  in  the  south  of  England.  After 
inspecting  Burnham  Beeches,  Windsor,  Cliveden,  the  New  Forest,  and 
Kew  their  tour  closed  on  Saturday  with  a  visit  to  the  Gardening  and 
Forestry  Exhibition  at  Earl’s  Court.  Mr.  H.  E.  Milner,  the  Chairman 
of  the  Exhibition,  in  an  excellent  speech  at  the  luncheon,  thanked  the 
Scottish  Society  for  spreading  throughout  the  world  a  knowledge  of  the 
best  methods  of  cultivating  trees.  Mr.  Malcolm  Dunn,  in  respondingi 
remarked  that  they  had  seen  much  to  avoid  in  forestry,  yet  something 
good  and  worth  remembering,  not  the  least  being  generous  hospitality. 
The  Forestry  exhibits  were  subsequently  inspected  and  explained  by 
Professor  Curtis  of  Downton  College.  The  visitors  then  cooled  them¬ 
selves  at  Captain  Boy  ton’s  Water  Show. 

-  The  Japanese  Apple. — Referring  to  the  “  Forest  Flora  of 

Japan”  in  the  “Garden  and  Forest,”  “  G.  S.  S.”  says  “  Of  true  Apple 
trees  there  is  apparently  only  a  single  indigenous  species  in  Japan,  the 
Pyrus  Toringo  of  Siebold.  This  is  the  tree  which  is  often  cultivated  in 
American  and  European  gardens  as  Pyrus  Malus  floribunda,  Pyrus 
microcarpa,  Pyrus  Parkmani,  Pyrus  Halleana,  Pyrus  Sieboldi,  and 
Pyrus  Ringo.  It  is  a  common  and  widely  distributed  plant  in  Japan, 
growing  from  the  sea-level  in  Yezo  to  elevations  of  several  thousand 
feet  in  central  Hondo,  usually  in  moist  ground  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
streams.  Sometimes  it  is  a  low  bush,  but  more  often  a  tree  15  to  30  feet 
in  height,  with  a  short  stout  trunk  and  spreading  branches.  The  leaves 
are  exceedingly  variable,  and  on  the  same  plant  are  often  oblong, 
rounded  or  acute  at  the  apex,  or  broadly  ovate  or  more  or  less  deeply 
three-lobed.  The  fruit,  which,  like  that  of  the  Siberian  Pyrus  baccata, 
loses  the  calyx  before  it  is  fully  ripe,  resembles  a  Pea  in  size  and  shape, 
and  in  colour  varies  from  bright  scarlet  to  yellow.  In  early  spring 
Pyrus  Toringo  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  the  trees  found  in  our 
gardens,  where  it  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  covers  itself  every  year  with 
fragrant  pink  or  red  single  or  semi-double  flowers.” 

-  Royal  Botanic  Society  of  London.  —  The  fifty-fourth 

anniversary  meeting  of  this  Society  has  been  held  at  the  Gardens, 
Regent’s  Park,  Mr.  Charles  Brinsley  Marlay  in  the  chair.  The  Duke  of 
Teck  was  re-elected  President,  and  Mr.  H.  Lindsay  Antrobus  Treasurer, 
for  the  ensuing  year.  From  the  annual  report  it  appeared  that  the 
number  of  new  Fellows  elected  was  nearly  the  same  as  last  year.  The 
various  exhibitions  and  fStes  had  been  successfully  carried  out,  the 
exhibits  both  in  number  and  quality  being  above  the  average.  That  of 
the  evening  fete  especially  had  been  the  largest  since  it  was  instituted 
twenty-two  years  ago.  The  scientific  work  of  the  Society  had  rather 
increased  than  otherwise.  Nearly  700  students  of  science,  art,  and 
medicine  had  received  free  orders  of  admission  of  from  one  to  three 
months  during  the  year,  and  the  facilities  offered  to  schools,  classes, 
and  scientific  societies  generally  had  been  largely  taken  advantage  of. 
Among  new  clients  in  this  branch  might  be  noted  many  of  the  students 
studying  botany  in  the  London  Board  Schools.  The  special  plants 
successfully  cultivated  for  the  first  time  included  specimens  of  the 
Mangrove,  Rhizophora,  and  an  ant  habitation  plant  from  Torres 
Straits.  Within  the  spiny  tuberous  root  of  this  plant  numbers  of  the 
common  red  garden  ant  have  made  a  home,  to  the  apparent  benefit 
of  both.  The  meeting  closed  with  a  unanimous  vote  of  thanks  to  the 
Chairman. 

-  Kineton  Flower  Show.  —  Notwithstanding  the  drought  of 

early  summer  the  present  season  seems  to  be  an  unusually  good  one  for  the 
production  of  late  Potatoes.  At  the  above-named  Show,  which  was  held 
on  the  10th  inst.,  Potatoes  were  a  remarkable  feature,  the  tubers  being 
characterised  by  great  size,  good  form,  and  perfectly  clear  skins.  It  is 
rare  indeed  to  see  such  splendid  examples  of  good  culture  exhibited  at 
local  shows,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  district  deserve  great  credit  for 
their  cultural  achievement.  In  the  non-competing  classes,  Mr.  J. 
Garner,  gardener  to  E.  Cassell,  Esq.,  exhibited  a  fine  collection  of  fruit, 
containing  Black  Hamburgh  and  Foster’s  Seedling  Grapes,  both  of 
which  were  noteworthy  for  their  beautiful  colour.  Mr.  F.  Perkins  of 
the  Leamington  Nurseries  staged  an  excellent  and  effective  group  of 
plants.  The  Show  was  held  in  the  delightful  grounds  of  Lord 
Willoughby  de  Broke,  whose  gardens  were  thrown  open  to  the  public 
during  the  afternoon  and  evening,  when  large  numbers  of  visitors 
enjoyed  a  pleasant  stroll  around  them.  In  the  flower  garden  I  noticed 
fine  beds  of  Begonias  and  Tropasolum  Mrs.  Clibran  ;  the  latter  is 
evidently  an  acquisition,  destined  to  become  universally  popular. 
Chrysanthemums  were  also  looking  wonderfully  well,  but  the  crown 
buds  had  shown  several  weeks  in  advance  of  their  usual  time,  and  were 
therefore  removed. — H.  D. 


150 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  17,  IWJ. 


LiELIA  TENEBROSA  WALTON  GRANGE 

VARIETY. 

A  VERY  beautiful  and  noteworthy  Orchid  was  exhibited  at  the 
last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  by  Mr.  Stevens, 
gardener  to  W.  J.  Thompson,  Esq.,  Walton  Grange,  Stone,  Staffs. 
It  was  a  form  of  Laslia  tenebrosa  with  yellow  sepals  and  petals, 
and  attracted  a  good  deal  of  attention  and  admiration  from  the 
orchidists  present.  It  is  without  doubt  a  fine  and  imposing  variety, 
the  flowers  being  of  considerable  size  and  the  colouring  harmonious. 
The  sepals  and  petals  are  clear  butter  yellow,  the  lip  white,  the 
throat  deep  crimson.  A  first  class  certificate  was  awarded, 
and  fig.  22  represents  the  form.  Mr.  Stevens  informs  us  that  the 
flowers  came  on  the  current  year’s  growth  from  an  imported  piece 


that  was  purchased  early  this  year  —  a  fact  which  should  be  a 
further  encouragement  to  those  who  buy  importations  mainly  in 
the  hope  of  something  unexpected  and  valuable  appearing  amongst 
them. 


THE  SUMMER  MANAGEMENT  OF  WALL  FRUIT  TREES. 

The  first  important  step  to  be  taken  in  the  building  up  of  the 
healthy  fruitful  fruit  tree  is  to  give  it  adequate  root  room,  needful 
drainage,  and  suitable  soil,  following  with  a  skilful  manipula¬ 
tion  and  distribution  of  the  summer  growths,  and  keeping  them  in  a 
clean  condition.  The  latter  essential  is  not  so  much  a  question  of  time 
as  it  is  a  want  of  prompt  action.  Assuming  that  young  trees  were  duly 
planted  on  the  lines  indicated  soon  after  the  fall  of  the  leaf  last  autumn, 
and  that  in  training  the  shoots  to  the  trellis  or  wall  in  the  spring  no 
hard  and  fast  cutting  back  method  of  procedure  was  practised,  but  on 
the  contrary,  the  five,  seven,  nine  or  a  dozen  growths  of  the  previous 
year  were  spread  out  widely  and  evenly  apart  over  the  space  allotted  to 
each  tree,  there  will  be  ample  room  for  laying  in  sufficient  shoots  of  the 
current  year’s  growth. 

The  summer  management  of  fruit  trees  consists  in  keeping  them  in 
a  healthy  growing  condition  at  the  roots  as  well  as  above  ground.  If 
the  soil  is  dry  about  the  roots,  as  is  generally  the  case  with  wall  trees, 
even  in  the  winter  months,  no  amount  of  manipulating  and  syringing 
of  the  branches  and  leaves  will  bring  about  the  same  results  that 
would  he  obtained  from  trees  growing  in  moist  soil. 

Root  and  branch  must  be  kept  in  a  healthy  state  from  the  time 
the  first  sign  of  growth  appears,  that  is,  the  soil  should  be  kept 
uniformly  moist  about  the  roots,  top  growth  being  judiciously  dis¬ 
budded  and  pinched,  and  kept  free  from  the  attacks  of  insects. 
Aphis  and  red  spider  speedily  make  serious  inroads  on  the  leaves  if  not 
promptly  dealt  with.  A  solution  of  clear  water  and  tobacco  juice  at  the 
rate  of  1  quart  of  the  latter  to  4  gallons  of  the  former  applied  with 
the  syringe  to  the  trees  affected  with  green  or  black  fiy  in  the  afternoon 
after  the  sun  has  gone  off  the  trees,  in  the  case  of  trees  on  south  and 


west  walls,  will  not  only  rid  them  of  the  insects  then  on  the  trees,  bat, 
as  a  rule,  will  render  the  foliage  distasteful  to  future  attacks.  Peach 
trees  being  well  washed  with  clean  water  from  the  garden  engine  every 
bright  afternoon  during  the  summer  and  early  autumn  months  will 
prevent  them  being  attacked  by  red  spider. 

Where  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  have  not  been  properly  disbudded 
earlier  in  the  season  no  time  should  be  lost  in  reducing  the  number  of 
young  growths,  retaining  those  nearest  to  their  bases  to  produce  fruit 
next  year.  Lay  them  in  between  the  shoots  from  which  they  proceed 
with  small  twigs — say  at  3  inches  apart,  afterwards  pinching  out  alll 
foreright  shoots  or  secondary  growths  as  they  appear.  Remove  the 
points  from  any  extra  vigorous  young  shoots  at  about  2  feet,  so  as  to 
direct  the  flow  of  sap  into  the  weaker,  and  thereby  conduce  to  an  evea 
growth  in  the  tree.  Apricots,  Pears,  Plums,  Apples,  and  Sweet 
Cherries  should’ have  the  leading  young  shoots  trained  in  position  to 

cover  the  wall  space,  pinching  at  2  feet 
or  so  for  the  purpose  indicated,  and  stop¬ 
ping  the  foreright  growths  or  breastwood 
at  about  six  leaves  from  their  origin. 
Morello  Cherries  should  be  treated  the 
same  as  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees.  A 
judicious  course  of  pinching  and  stopping 
of  the  shoots  being  pursued  during  the 
summer  months  tends  to  the  plumping 
of  wood  buds,  the  formation  of  spurs  or 
fruit  buds,  and  a  promotion  of  balance 
of  growth  in  the  trees  operated  on.  It. 
also  tends  to  the  swelling  of  the  crop 
to  greater  dimensions  than  would  other¬ 
wise  be  attained,  and  prevents  the  forces 
of  the  trees  being  wasted,  as  is  the  case 
when  breastwood  15  to  24  inches  long  is- 
allowed  to  grow  before  being  cut  back 
in  autumn,  as  is  too  often  the  case.  Pigs 
may  be  treated  in  the  manner  recom¬ 
mended  for  Peaches,  only  the  shoots 
should  be  given  more  room  to  develop. 
All  young  retained  growths  should  be 
secured  to  the  wall  or  trellis  in  due  time, 
leaving  room  in  the  shreds  or  ties  for  the 

enlargement  of  growth. — H.  W.  WARD. 

0 


SWEET  PEAS. 

Last  summer,  in  the  course  of  some 
remarks  on  Sweet  Peas,  I  referred  to 
the  bad  germinating  quality  of  English- 
saved  seeds  of  the  previous  year.  If 
anything  last  autumn  proved  even  more 
disastrous,  so  that  those  only  who  were 
judicious  in  their  treatment  of  the  seed 
are  likely  to  have  had  a  satisfactory 
growth.  The  weakly  appearance  of  the 
seeds  of  several  varieties  impressed  me 
so  unfavourably  that  I  sowed  none  in 
the  open  ground,  but  took  the  precaution  to  sow  the  seeds  thickly 
among  light  sandy  soil  in  ordinary  cutting  boxes,  from  whence  in 
due  time  the  young  plants  were  transplanted  into  the  garden.  I 
have  quite  150  yards  of  Sweet  Peas,  the  plants  having  been  raised  as 
above,  and  every  foot  of  the  lines  is  covered  with  healthy  flowering- 
plants.  In  practice  the  operation  is  not  so  absorbent  of  labour  as 
might  appear.  When  the  seedlings  had  grown  6  inches  in  height 
they  were  planted  in  the  following  manner  : — After  a  line  had  been 
stretched  along  the  ground  a  cutting  was  made  with  a  spade  to  a  depth 
sufficient  to  allow  the  roots  to  be  spread  out  therein.  Then  while  one 
man  put  the  plants  in  their  places  another  followed  with  a  spade  and 
filled  in  the  soil.  All  earth  was  shaken  off  the  roots  before  being 
planted.  According  to  sort  each  plant  was  from  2  to  6  inches  apart. 
A  few  Spruce  Fir  branches  were  placed  on  each  side  of  the  row  of  plants, 
these  forming  an  efficient  protection  until  longer  sticks  were  required  to 
support  the  lengthened  growths.  New  varieties,  and  a  few  intended  for 
seed-producing  purposes  were  brought  forward  in  small  pots.  These 
were  planted  at  a  foot  to  2J  feet  apart.  I  am  hopeful  of  obtaining 
a  supply  of  good  seeds  from  these  specially  treated  plants  ;  always, 
however,  entertaining  a  dread  that  sparrows  and  finches  may  leave 
but  few. 

I  have  sometimes  heard  it  remarked  that  the  improved  forms  of 
Sweet  Peas  when  compared  with  common  strains  are  not  so  telling  as 
garden  flowers.  Possibly  that  is  so.  As  cut  flowers,  however,  there  can 
be  no  doubt  as  to  the  immense  superiority  of  the  former,  and  with 
regard  to  effect  in  mass  that  is  very  much  a  matter  of  opinion.  It  is 
the  same  in  reference  to  new  sorts.  I  have  heard  the  beauty  of 
Venus  disparaged  by  one  person  while  another  upheld  it  as  a  charming 
flower ;  so  also  with  Countess  of  Radnor.  The  same  diversity  of 
taste  is  apparent  in  present  day  Carnations,  more  especially  in  those 
peculiarly  tinted  forms  which  are  sent  over  by  French  and  German 
cultivators. 

I  thought  I  would  like  to  test  the  value  of  a  selected  number  of 
Sweet  Peas  commercially.  The  variety  most  “  run  on,”  in  the  words  of 
the  salesman,  is  Mrs.  Gladstone,  but  Her  Majesty  is  also  good.  These 
two  varieties  are  also  very  floriferous,  the  latter,  owing  to  the  large  size 


Angast  17,  1893.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


151 


of  the  individual  blooms,  bulking  well.  When  the  new  white  form, 
almost  rivalling  Her  Majesty  in  size,  is  sent  out  by  Mr.  Eckford  no 
variety  ought  to  be  more  profitable.  Blanche  Burpee  ii  the  name  of 
thii  variety,  and  growers  would  do  well  to  note  its  advent.  Then 
Mrs.  Gladstone  has  a  formidable  rival  in  Blushing  Beauty,  a  variety 
not  quite  so  floriferous,  but  with  much  larger  flowers  and  of  a  softer 
more  satiny  shade.  Of  crimson  forms  1  still  like  Cardinal.  Firefly  has  a 
larger  bloom,  but  perhaps  hardly  so  bright.  Lady  Penzance  is  excellent, 
and  other  good  ones  that  I  like  not  already  named  are  Mrs.  Eckford, 
Orange  Prince,  Captain  of  the  Blues,  and  Royal  Robe. — B. 


MR.  LAXTON  AND  HIS  WORK. 

The  name  of  “Laxton”  is  so  familiar  to  readers  of  horticultural 
literature  all  the  world  over  that  a  portrait  of  the  raiser  of  more  new 
vegetables  of  sterling  worth  than  probably  any  other  man  of  his  time, 
and  also  of  several  Strawberries  and  flowers,  cannot  fail  to  be  acceptable 
to  the  great  body  of  amateur  and  professional  cultivators. 

Mr.  T.  Laxton  commenced  his  experiments  in  hybridisation  as  an 
amusement  about  the  year  1865,  and  on  7th  July,  1868,  he  obtained  his 
first  certificate  from  the  R.H.S.  for  the  Pea  Supreme,  raised  by  crossing 
the  old  Sugar  Pea  (having  an  enormous  pod,  but  few  seeds)  withNe  Plus 
Ultra.  This  was  followed  by  Alpha,  certificated  on  August  2nd,  1869. 
At  the  same  time  he  took  the  Zonal  Pelargonium  in  hand,  raising 
Jewell,  certificated  in  1871,  and  Emily  Laxton,  one  of  the  first  semi¬ 
double  scarlets.  He  also  raised  the  first  double  white,  named  in  honour 
of  the  late  Jean  Sisley.  Continuing  his  work  among  Peas  he  next 
produced  William  I.,  Dr.  Hogg,  Marvel,  Omega,  Fillbasket,  and  G.  F. 
Wilson. 

Roses  were  not  overlooked,  his  first  being  named  Chas.  Darwin, 
followed  by  Anne  Laxton,  Emily  Laxton,  Dr.  Hogg  and  Mrs.  Laxton, 
all  purchased  and  sent  out  by  Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt. 
Princess  Louise,  Duchess  of  Bedford  and  Mrs.  Harry  Turner  were  also 
raised  by  Mr.  Laxton.  He  still  continued  his  experiments  with  Peas, 
and  corresponded  with  the  late  Mr.  Charles  Darwin  on  the  cross¬ 
fertilization  of  the  Leguminosas. 

Mr.  Laxton  removed  to  Bedford  in  January  1878,  and  took  trial  and 
experimental  grounds  at  Girtford,  devoting  his  whole  life  and  energy  to 
the  work  he  had  always  so  much  at  heart.  His  next  certificate,  gained 
in  1879,  was  for  Minimum  Pea,  a  dwarf  only  6  inches  high  ;  then 
followed  John  Bull,  William  Hurst,  Evolution  and  Charmer.  He  also  at 
the  same  time  gave  attention  to  Potatoes,  raising  by  cross-fertilization 
Reward,  Bouncer  and  Beds  Hero,  and  selected  the  valuable  white 
variety  from  the  original  pink  Beauty  of  Hebron,  and  which  is  now 
extensively  grown  by  market  gardeners  as  well  as  many  others.  Sweet 
Peas  attracted  his  notice,  and  he  raised  the  Invincible  Carmine  (still 
one  of  the  brightest  scarlets)  followed  by  Invincible  Blue,  the  nearest 
approach  then  to  a  blue  Sweet  Pea,  but  time  would  not  allow  of 
his  continuing  this  branch,  which  he  relinquished  in  favour  of 
Strawberries. 

His  first  raised  at  Girtford  was  King  of  Ear  lies,  followed  by  Captain 
and  the  now  world-renowned  Noble.  This,  unlike  nearly  all  his  other  seed¬ 
lings,  was  not  an  artificial  hybrid,  but  a  natural  one  from  Forman’s 
Excelsior,  probably  fecundated  by  bee  agency  with  the  strong 
growing  American  variety,  Kerr’s  Prolific.  He  sowed  the  seeds  from  an 
exceedingly  fine  fruit,  as  he  believed  in  the  deterioration  of  a  stock 
through  saving  seed,  as  is  often  done  after  all  the  best  pickings  have 
been  taken.  Tomatoes  were  also  treated  by  him  with  success,  Laxton’s 
Open  Air  being  still  considered  one  of  the  best.  Onions  were  not  over¬ 
looked,  and  Laxton’s  Sandy  Prize  was  the  result  of  his  endeavours 
for  improvement.  Then  followed  more  Strawberries,  Latest  of  All, 
A.  F.  Barron,  Commander,  Jubilee  and  White  Knight,  Potatoes  still 
had  a  share  of  the  labours,  the  recently  certificated  Early  Laxton, 
(Sharpe’s  Yictor  x  Ashleaf),  being  an  improvement  on  both,  and  likely 
to  be  largely  grown  both  in  private  and  market  gardens. 

Peas  were  still  a  factor,  Walton  Hero,  Earliest  of  All,  Early  William 
(the  early  selection  of  William  the  First),  Alderman,  Oracle,  then  the 
fine  “  Gradus,”  which  he  considered  his  greatest  achievement  (Earliest 
of  All  X  Duke  of  Albany),  producing  pods  as  early  as  the  former  with 
the  size  of  the  latter.  It  was  only  distributed  last  year  by  the  raiser 
in  conjunction  with  Messrs.  Harrison  of  Leicester.  The  Brassica  tribe 
did  not  claim  much  of  Mr.  Laxton’s  attention,  but  Chou  de  Bedford 
was  raised  by  him  from  the  Chouve  Tronchuda. 

Unfortunately,  Mr.  Laxton  was  taken  away  when  his  work  was 
likely  to  gain  for  him  some  pecuniary  recompense  for  the  time  and 
money  expended  in  producing  his  novelties.  His  great  aim  was  to  pro¬ 
duce  something  better  and  distinct  from  existing  varieties.  Nearly 
everything  raised  was  the  result  of  careful  selection  and  trial  after 
artificial  cross-fertilisation,  not,  as  in  so  many  instances,  the  mere 
selection  from  some  well-known  variety.  He  always  advocated  the 
careful  selection  and  seeding  from  the  best  and  strongest  flowers  or 
fruits.  He  never  hybridised  two  weakly  growing  varieties.  He  also 
firmly  believed  in  seed-saving  from  the  earliest  seed  to  produce  earlier 
strains,  and  in  this  he  was  particularly  successful — as,  for  instance,  in 
the  selection  of  William  the  First  Pea,  which  gave  him  a  strain  called 
Early  William,  distinctly  in  advance  of  the  existing  stock. 

Runner  Beans. — The  Czar,  the  largest  white-flowered  Runner; 
Girtford  Giant,  a  cross  between  Czar  and  the  Old  Scarlet ;  and  the  new 
Titan  (Czar  X  Girtford  Giant)  are  evidences  of  his  success  in  this  direc¬ 
tion.  Laxton’s  Open  Air  Cucumber  was  obtained  from  the  outdoor 


Ridge  X  Telegraph,  and  produces  in  good  seasons  very  handsome  smooth 
fruits  in  the  open.  Much  as  Mr.  Laxton  has  done  he  has  left  much 
uncompleted,  and  as  he  often  remarked  a  man  in  his  profession  ought 
to  have  three  lifetimes  to  see  his  work  through.  His  last  Strawberry 
Royal  Sovereign,  from  King  of  the  Earlies  X  Noble,  he  considers  the 
best  he  has  yet  introduced,  being  only  distributed  this  season. 

Mr.  Laxton  was  for  many  years  a  Fellow  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  and  served  on  the  Fruit  Committee.  He  was  also  formerly  a 
Fellow  of  the  Linnean  Society.  He  wrote  articles  for  horticultural 
journals  both  at  home  and  in  America  till  his  health  failed,  thirty 
years  of  incessant  work  at  his  life  hobby  leaving  him  enfeebled.  He 
leaves  a  widow  and  three  daughters  not,  we  are  sorry  to  hear,  too  well 
provided  for,  and  also  four  sons,  by  two  of  whom,  William  and  Edward, 
the  business  will  be  continued.  Mr.  Laxton  was  an  affectionate  husband, 
indulgent  parent,  and  a  modest,  unassuming,  genial  man.  He  was  born 
at  Tinwell,  near  Stamford,  in  1830,  and  died  on  the  date  mentioned  last 


FIG.  23, — MB.  THOMAS  LAXTOH. 


week.  His  remains  were  interred  in  the  Bedford  Cemetery,  numerou 
wreaths  being  placed  on  the  bier  by  relatives  and  friends. 

The  above  is  an  imperfect  record  of  Mr.  Laxton’s  ■wmrk,  but  it 
sufifices  to  show  that  his  name  will  long  have  a  place  in  the  annals  of 
horticulture.  _ 


Permit  me  as  an  old  correspondent  to  express  the  surprise  and  deep 
regret  with  which  I  saw  the  announcement  of  the  death  of  my  dear 
friend  Mr.  Thomas  Laxton  of  the  Experimental  Nursery,  Bedford.  It 
was  only  the  other  day  seemingly  that  I  had  an  interesting  letter  from 
him,  making  some  inquiries  about  hybrid  Tomatoes,  Peas,  and  new 
varieties  of  Potatoes  specially  suited  for  Ireland,  he  had  asked  me  to  try 
and  report  on  for  him.  It  is  quite  a  shock  to  think  he  is  no  more.  I  am 
sure  I  express  the  voice  of  thousands  of  my  countrymen  and  women  in 
wishing  that  long  may  the  memory  of  so  good  a  man  be  kept  green.  If 
a  subscription  list  is  opened  with  that  object  I  shall  be  pleased  to 
forward  my  cheque. — W.  J.  Murphy,  Clonmel. 


WINTER  GREENS  CLUBBING. 

I  AM  afraid  clubbing  will  be  pretty  general  in  winter  greens 
especially  Brussels  Sprouts  and  Broccoli.  The  plants  here  are  in  robust 
health,  having  grown  freely,  but  they  now  show  signs  of  distress  in 
places,  flagging  under  a  very  hot  sun.  It  is  getting  late  now  to  put  out 
young  plants,  but  something  must  be  done  or  great  loss  among  the 
plants  will  result.  I  only  know  of  one  remedy  for  plants  already 
affected,  and  that  is  to  make  the  ground  firm  around  each  plant  by 
thoroughly  treading  the  soil  down  with  the  feet,  afterwards  earthing  the 
plants  up  the  same  as  Potatoes  are  earthed  in  spring.  The  plants  will 
soon  make  fresh  roots  higher  up  the  stem  than  previously,  and  take 
possession  of  the  additional  soil  afforded  them. 

This  has  been  an  exceptionally  dry  season,  making  the  work  of  grow¬ 
ing  good  Peas  and  Cauliflowers  very  difficult,  especially  in  dry  soils. 
If  it  is  difficult  to  raise  these  two  crops,  it  is  also  the  plants  which  ar» 


152 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  17,  1893. 


to  iupply  the  needs  of  the  winter  naonths.  It  is  during  the  time  when 
the  plants  are  in  the  seed  beds — June  and  July  —  that  clubbing  is 
helped  on  by  sowing  the  winter  greens  too  soon,  and  allowing  them  to 
remain  in  the  seed  beds  longer  than  is  good  for  them,  This  is  not  the 
only  cause.  Planting  year  after  year  on  the  same  ground  with  no 
intermediate  crop  will  conduce  to  clubbing.  A  change  of  ground  is  not 
always  to  be  had,  so  that  extra  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  plants  in 
their  young  stage  of  growth.  It  is  very  well  to  select  a  warm  south 
border  for  sowing  the  summer  vegetables  which  are  required  for  early 
use,  but  I  think  it  is  preferable  to  make  the  seed  beds  for  the  winter 
greens  in  the  open  garden,  and  use  great  care  in  sowing  the  seeds,  by 
first  taking  off  2  inches  of  surface  soil,  then  well  soaking  the  ground 
with  water,  sowing  the  seeds  upon  the  damp  soil,  and  finally  covering 
with  the  dry  earth  which  was  first  taken  off,  and  not  watering  after¬ 
wards.  If  the  seeds  be  good,  germination  will  be  quick  and  thorough. 

While  the  seedlings  are  in  a  very  young  state  is  a  most  critical 
time  for  them,  as  the  fly  will  work  havoc  in  the  beds  if  not  guarded 
against,  even  after  the  two  rough  leaves  have  appeared.  Upon  the  first 
appearance  of  the  fly  an  old  herring  net  should  be  laid  lightly  over  the 
bed  and  eased  off  the  plants  every  two  days.  A  little  anthracite  coal 
ash  and  soot  mixed  and  dusted  over  the  plants  early  in  the  morning 
while  they  are  wet  with  dew,  will  soon  overcome  the  fly,  but  the  herring 
net  itself  is  distasteful  to  them.  If  the  plants  are  not  sown  too  early 
and  placed  out  before  a  check  to  growth  occurs,  clubbing  will  be 
lessened.  Where  time  and  space  affords  transplanting  in  a  young  state 
is  advisable, — G.  Garner,  Cadland  Park  Gardens. 


VIOLAS. 

The  early  part  of  this  year  proved  a  most  propitious  time  for  the 
Viola,  and  brought  it  very  prominently  to  the  front  as  a  spring  decora¬ 
tive  plant,  and  but  for  the  tropical  heat  of  the  summer,  and  the  terrible 
plague  of  aphis  in  so  many  places,  1893  would  have  been  a  record  year 
for  Violas.  Mr.  Williamson’s  remarks  last  week,  page  120,  lead  me  to 
say  a  few  words,  not  in  criticism,  for  he  does  not  in  the  slightest  degree 
attempt  to  dogmatise,  but  pleasantly  draws  attention  to  the  Viola  as  a 
charming  bedding  plant,  as  it  undoubtedly  is.  I  heartily  thank  him 
for  giving  good  assistance  in  still  further  advocating  its  value,  for  it  has 
taken  many  years  to  get  the  plant  popular.  Of  his  kindly  reference  to 
myself  I  am  fully  sensible. 

Only  a  few  days  since  I  was  at  Umberslade  Hall,  Warwickshire, 
where  masses  of  that  grandest  of  all  white  Violas,  Countess  of  Hope- 
toun,  was  in  full  beauty,  planted  out  in  April  last  in  good  soil  in  beds 
in  the  flower  garden  ;  the  plants  were  robust  and  simply  a  mass  of  fine 
flowers.  My  old  variety,  raised  about  fourteen  or  fifteen  years  since. 
Dean’s  True  Blue,  even  now  far  away  the  very  best  blue  Viola  in 
cultivation,  was  just  as  fine  in  every  way  as  Countess  of  Hopetoun,  and 
masses  of  flower.  Both  are  compact  sturdy  growers,  of  the  same  habit 
and  height,  and  are  very  early  and  continuous  bloomers.  Countess  of 
Wharncliffe,  alluded  to  by  Mr.  Williamson,  was  sent  out  a  few  years 
since.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Sfmpson  at  Wortley  Hall  near  Sheffield  ; 
and  it  has  been  reintroduced  from  a  Preston  firm  under  the  name  of 
Lord  Fitzgerald.  This  is  also  similar  in  habit  to  the  Countess  of 
Hopetoun,  but  is  of  a  more  snowy  white  colour,  and  does  not  open  flat 
as  in  others  ;  still  it  is  a  very  effective,  free-blooming  variety.  We  have 
a  host  of  new  whites— Sylvia,  White  Duchess,  White  Flag,  and  others 
— some,  too,  closely  like  the  Countess,  but  none  so  good  or  so  valuable. 

Those  on  the  look  out  for  sterling  varieties  for  bedding  will  do  well 
to  go  in  largely  for  Mrs.  Charles  Turner,  blue  purple  ;  William  Neil,  soft 
rosy  pink  ;  The  Mearns,  rosy  violet  with  light  top  petals  ;  Duchess  of 
Fife,  white  and  cream  with  bright  brown  margin  ;  Bullion,  a  grand 
yellow  ;  The  Queen,  or  Ardwell  Gem,  pale  yellow  ;  Wonder,  light 
yellow ;  Lady  Amory,  rich  violet  with  dark  top  petals ;  Bridesmaid, 
very  pale  primrose.  These  are  only  a  few  of  the  very  fine  bedders. 
We  are  getting  a  host  of  new  sorts,  many  of  them  great  rubbish,  but 
some  of  exceeding  beauty,  especially  for  exhibition,  but  as  valued 
bedders  we  must  have  good  habit,  telling  distinct  self  colours,  flori- 
ferousness,  good  constitution,  and  early  and  continuous  bloomers. — 
Wm.  Dean,  Birmingham, 


WASPS. 

It  should  be  well  understood  that  some  of  the  remedies  advocated 
for  the  destruction  of  these  pests,  such  as  cyanide  of  potassium  and 
advertised  wasp  destroyers,  are  most  dangerous  poisons.  The  former  has 
a  deadly  vapour  and  should  only  be  used  with  the  greatest  caution  : 
with  the  latter,  the  poisoning  of  fruit  freely  exposed  is  advocated,  a 
most  undesirable  state  of  things  and  only  to  be  resorted  to  at  the  last 
extremity. 

It  is  plain  that  destruction  of  the  nests  is  the  proper  way  of 
extermination,  but  first  **  catch  your  hare.  *  It  is  not  everyone  who 
can  readily  find  all  the  nests  about  the  place  even  when  they  are  quite 
strong.  When  I  was  a  boy,  the  account  in  one  of  Mayne  Keid’s  works 
of  the  bee  hunters  of  North  America  led  me  to  try  the  same  way  of 
finding  wasps’  nests.  Shortly,  it  consists  of  watching  the  direction  of 
fiight  from  two  or  more  spots  at  a  little  distance  from  the  infested  places 
and  thus  getting  converging  lines  which  should  lead  to  the  nests.  One 
soon  gets  accustomed  to  recognising  a  wasp  from  other  insects  by  its 
flight  even  8f>me  way  off.  A  low  place  in  a  hedge  will  soon  give  you 
some  lines  of  flight,  which  should  be  followed  up  ;  and  likely  banks  and 
hedges  should  of  course  also  be  examined  in  the  sunshine. 


When  the  nest  is  found,  gas  tar  seems  to  me  to  be  far  away  the  best, 
simplest,  quickest,  and  least  dangerous  of  all  modes  of  destruction. 
You  pour  a  little  down  the  hole  at  night,  and  the  nest  is  destroyed — no 
fire  and  no  poison — time  and  trouble  practically  nil.  For  pendent  nests, 
the  simplest  plan  seems  a  shot  from  a  gun  at  close  quarters — blank 
cartridge  will  do.  Go  at  night,  have  your  shot,  ’olow  it  to  atoms,  and 
retreat  speedily. 

At  a  certain  public  school,  where  the  boys  are  freely  allowed  out  into 
the  country,  the  taking  of  wasps’  nests  became  a  popular  diversion  ; 
and,  before  long,  pressed  by  the  emulation  which  is  so  strong  a  feature 
with  English  lads,  it  came  to  be  reckoned  a  shame  to  take  them  other¬ 
wise  than  in  broad  daylight,  and  with  any  other  weapons  besides  green 
boughs  and  spades.  Of  course  the  boys  got  stung  sometimes,  but  where 
was  the  fun  if  there  was  no  danger?  To  such  a  pitch  was  this 
chivalrous  spirit  carried  that,  on  one  occasion  finding  and  digging  out  a 
small  and  weak  nest,  it  was  decided  to  carry  it  home  and  place  it  in  a 
convenient  and  secluded  hole  where  it  would  not  be  meddled  with,  till 
it  was  strong  enough  to  defend  itself  :  and  this  was  actually  done  ! 
Rather  absurd,  but  they  were  only  boys — and  young  Englishmen  !— 
W.  R.  Raillem. 


BARFORD  HILL. 

The  residence  of  C.  A.  S.  Ryland,  Esq.,  occupies  a  delightful  position 
on  the  summit  of  one  of  the  many  undulating  hills  for  which  the  varied 
scenery  of  Warwickshire  is  justly  famed.  Starting  from  the  county 
town  a  three-miles  drive  over  a  broad  level  road  brings  us  to  the  quaint 
Roman  bridge  which  spans  the  Avon,  and  gives  access  to  the  pleasant 
village  of  Barford,  where  gay  window-boxes,  well  kept  cottage  gardens, 
teeming  with  brightly  coloured  flowers,  speak  volumes  for  the  taste  and 
industry  of  the  inhabitants,  and  afford  a  striking  example  of  the  rivalry 
created  and  the  good  work  done  by  cottage  garden  societies,  for  the 
excellent  condition  of  these  wayside  gardens  must  be  attributed  in  a 
great  measure  to  the  thriving  horticultural  society  of  which  Barford 
boasts,  and  which,  thanks  to  the  liberality  of  the  owner  of  Barford  Hill 
is  well  supported.  Thus  far  on  our  journey  we  have  pursued  a  straight 
and  even  course,  neither  turning  to  the  right  nor  the  left,  except  to  give 
a  passing  or  a  backward  glance  to  some  special  object  of  attraction 
which  anon  caught  our  eyes  as  they  turned  in  rapid  succession  to  the 
right  or  to  the  left.  Thus  we  sped  on  pleasantly  enough  till  it  suddenly 
dawned  upon  us  that  too  great  a  regard  for  the  main  road  and  its 
diversions  had  caused  us  to  leave  behind  the  gardens  we  intended  to 
visit.  The  turn  we  should  have  taken  was,  however,  yet  in  sight ;  it  was 
reached  again  in  a  few  minutes,  and  we  began  to  pursue  an  upward 
course  over  a  road  which  rises  by  a  series  of  erratic  gradients  to  the  top 
of  Barford  Hill.  Here  we  find  the  entrance  to  the  gardens  close  at 
hand,  and  Mr.  R.  Jones,  the  able  and  energetic  gardener,  on  the  spot  to 
welcome  us.  On  entering  the  kitchen  garden  the  first  object  to  arrest 
attention  was  a  bed  of  summer  flowering  Chrysanthemums,  which  even 
thus  early  ( J uly  28th)  were  aglow  with  their  golden  flowers.  Pr6cocit6 
and  Flora  were  the  varieties  principally  grown.  Marigolds,  Asters, 
Lobelias,  and  many  fine  seedling  Verbenas  occupied  an  adjoining  border, 
which  faces  the  gardener’s  pleasant  and  commodious  residence,  at  the 
opposite  end  of  which  is  a  charming  verandah  entwined  with  a  rich 
profusion  of  creepers,  a  mass  of  the  fine  purple  coloured  flowers  of 
Clematis  Jackmanni  producing  a  striking  effect. 

We  next  proceed  between  an  avenue  of  bush  Chrysanthemums, 
which  are  arranged  around  the  sides  of  the  walks  ;  they  are  fine  plants 
in  splendid  health,  and  will  undoubtedly  make  a  beautiful  display 
during  the  autumn  months,  as  there  are  500  of  them  grown  in  the  bush 
form  ;  but  more  of  Chrysanthemums  anon,  when  we  come  to  the  plants 
which  are  grown  for  supplying  large  blooms. 

Apple  and  Pear  trees,  trained  in  pvramidal  form,  are  planted  a  few 
feet  from  the  edges  of  the  walk.  Nearly  all  of  these  are  this  year 
carrying  heavy  crops,  notably  two  fine  trees  of  Pitmaston  Duchess 
Pear,  which  have  numbers  of  very  large  fruits.  Mr.  Jones  attributes 
bis  success  to  the  practice  of  keeping  the  branches  thinly  disposed.  In 
a  newly  made  kitchen  garden  a  long  avenue  of  standard  Apples,  Pears, 
and  Plums  have  been  planted  ;  these  have  made  capital  growth,  and 
give  promise  of  supplying  abundance  of  choice  fruit  in  a  few  years,  as 
the  most  approved  varieties  have  been  selected.  Apricots  on  walls  have 
very  heavy  crops,  a  general  experience  in  the  neighbourhood.  Large 
quantities  of  vegetables  are  required,  and  every  effort  is  being  made  to 
meet  the  demand,  which  is  maintained  at  present  under  somewhat 
adverse  circumstances,  as  the  soil  is  cold  and  heavy.  Plenty  of  rough 
strawy  manure  is,  however,  dug  into  all  vacant  quarters  during  the 
autumn  months,  when  the  land  is  thrown  up  roughly,  so  that  the  action 
of  the  frost  may  pulverise  it.  This  course  of  treatment  will  assuredly 
soon  work  a  great  improvement  in  the  mechanical  condition  of  the 
surface  soil,  which  is  already  rich  in  chemical  constituents.  Splendid 
rows  of  Runner  Beans,  fine  heads  of  Cabbage,  heavy  solid  bulbs  of 
Onions,  and  sturdy  Beet  all  attest  that  the  soil  is  productive,  notwith¬ 
standing  the  fact  that  much  difficulty  is  experienced  in  working  it  in 
the  spring  and  establishing  young  crops.  I  noticed  several  rows  of 
Windsor  Castle  Potato  were  being  grown,  and  was  curious  to  see  a 
sample  of  the  tubers.  On  lifting  several  roots  these  proved  to  be 
wonderfully  even  in  size,  having  every  appearance  of  a  good  table 
variety,  for  which  purpose  Mr.  Jones  speaks  highly  of  it.  Beauty,  as 
well  as  utility,  is  studied  in  the  kitchen  gardens  at  Barford  Hill.  The 
walks  are  formed  of  grass  kept  closely  cut,  and  bordered  on  each  side 
with  herbaceous  plants  and  annuals,  which  at  the  time  of  my  visit  were 
wouderfaliy  effective.  Double  Zinnias  and  East  Lothian  Stocks  were 


August  17,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


163 


especially  good  ;  the  latter  are  sown  early  in  the  spring,  and  the 
majority  of  them  flowered  during  the  ensuing  summer. 

Glass  structures  are  numerous  and  arranged  in  a  somewhat  scattered 
form  in  various  parts  of  the  kitchen  garden.  In  the  range  which  we 
first  enter  the  houses  have  three-quarter  span  roofs.  For  lightness 
and  finish  these  structures  are  admirable.  There  is,  however,  one 
drawback  in  connection  with  them — the  framework  is  of  iron,  and  those 
who  have  had  experience  with  glass  houses  of  this  description  are  well 
aware  what  great  watchfulness  and  care  are  necessary  in  the  matter  of 
ventilation  and  damping  to  counteract  the  great  fluctuation  in 
temperature  for  which  hothouses  constructed  of  similar  materials  are 
noted.  It  may  therefore  be  readily  understood  that  they  do  not  find 
favour  at  Barford  Hill,  especially  after  the  recent  tropical  weather.  In 
the  stove  we  found  a  clean  healthy  collection  of  plants  of  the  right  size 
for  decorative  purposes,  for  which  they  are  in  great  demand.  The 
central  bed  was  occupied  principally  with  Palms  and  Crotons,  the  latter 
being  well  coloured.  C.  Weismani,  angustifolius,  Chelsoni,  Victoria, 
Disraeli,  Thompsoni,  and  many  other  varieties  were  well  represented, 
the  wall  of  the  bed  being  completely  covered  with  a  trailing  mass  of 
Panicum  variegatum,  while  on  the  roof  a  thinly  trained  plant  of  Bougain¬ 
villea  glabra  bore  imposing  panicles  of  rose-coloured  bracts,  a  useful 
shelf  on  the  back  wall  being  filled  with  Calanthes  and  other  plants. 
The  vineries  are  not  numerous,  being  only  two  in  number.  Considering 
the  Vines  in  these  are  old,  an  additional  house  or  two  in  this  department 
would  be  a  great  advantage,  as  without  the  loss  of  a  crop  it  is  a 
difficult  matter  to  plant  young  Vines.  An  inside  border  has.  however,  been 
made,  and  some  young  Vines  recently  planted,  which  will  next  year  be 
cut  down  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  soil.  Mr.  Jones,  being  an  old 
“  Floors  Castle”  man,  may  be  depended  upon  to  do  the  best  that  can  be 
done  under  the  circumstances.  The  old  Vines  are  carrying  a  heavy  crop 
of  excellent  Grapes  just  the  right  size  in  bunch  for  table  use. 
Gros  Colman,  Gros  Guillaume,  Black  Hamburgh,  Buckland  Sweet¬ 
water,  and  Muscat  all  growing  in  one  house.  At  the  end  of  the  range 
is  a  lofty  conservatory,  where  many  good  specimens  of  Pelargoniums, 
Fuchsias,  and  miscellaneous  plants  were  growing.  In  this  house  the 
bulk  of  the  Chrysanthemums  are  flowered  ;  although  some  of  the  plants 
must  necessarily  be  at  a  great  distance  from  the  glass,  it  is  on  the  whole 
a  capital  place  for  them,  being  a  light  airy  structure,  just  such  a  one  as 
Mr.  Molyneux  would  have  liked  for  his  plants  of  Madame  C.  Audiguier 
when  he  used  to  grow  them  12  feet  high.  Near  by  we  enter  a  capital 
range  of  Peach  houses,  the  trees  being  trained  on  a  curved  trellis  in  the 
front,  others  occupying  the  back  wall.  Fine  fruits  of  Royal  George 
Peach  and  Victoria  Nectarine  were  still  hanging  in  one  division.  In 
the  others  the  trees  were  clean,  healthy  and  vigorous.  Several  good 
span-roofed  plant  houses  have  recently  been  built.  In  one  of  these  we 
found  a  splendid  collection  of  seedling  tuberous  Begonias,  the  plants 
were  well  grown  sturdy  examples,  and  made  a  fine  display.  One  variety 
in  particular  was  noted  for  its  enormous  well  shaped  flowers,  and  with 
judicious  hybridising  should  prove  the  parent  of  a  splendid  race  of 
seedlings. 

A  start  has  been  made  with  Orchids,  a  couple  of  houses  being 
principally  devoted  to  them.  The  majority  of  the  plants  are  small, 
having  only  recently  been  obtained,  but  they  are  clean  and  healthy, 
appearing  to  be  quite  at  home  in  their  abode.  A  well-marked  variety  of 
Oncidium  Krameri  was  in  full  beauty,  as  were  several  good  spikes  of 
flower  among  the  Odontoglossums.  The  collection  will  in  a  short  time 
be  a  good  one,  as  choice  species  and  varieties  are  being  continually  added 
to  it,  while  those  already  obtained  are  making  good  progress.  Another 
range  of  houses  is  devoted  to  the  growth  of  Melons,  Pines,  Ferns,  with 
batches  of  Cyclamen  growing  on  shelves  near  the  glass,  a  cool  structure 
adjoining  being  used  for  forwarding  plants  just  coming  into  flower 
preparatory  to  being  taken  to  the  mansion  or  conservatory  proper.  Near 
here  are  plenty  of  useful  pits  in  which  Cyclamen,  Primulas,  and 
Cinerarias  are  in  capital  condition.  Zonal  Pelargoniums  and  Bouvardias 
are  grown  extensively  for  winter  flowering.  These  were  looking  remark¬ 
ably  well,  and  will  prove  quite  a  sheet  anchor  during  the  dull  season. 
Much  more  might  be  said  on  this  subject,  but  I  must  pass  onward,  as 
there  are  other  things  to  tell  of. 

Chrysanthemums,  of  which  850  are  grown  on  the  large  bloom 
principle,  demand  notice.  As  we  approach  them  it  is  not  difficult  to 
see  that  our  guide  is  a  Chrysanthemum  enthusiast.  The  light  kindles 
in  his  eye,  and  his  countenance  is  aglow  with  animation  as  we 
obtain  a  f  ull  view  of  his  “  Chrysanthemum  field,”  for  indeed  such  it 
seems.  A  splendid  position  in  a  wide  open  spot  has  been  selected  for 
them.  The  plants  are  arranged  in  rows  running  east  and  west,  with 
some  4  or  5  feet  of  space  between  each  row.  Every  facility  is  thus 
given  for  attending  to  the  wants  of  each  plant,  and  also  for  thoroughly 
examining  them.  This  we  proceeded  to  do.  Passing  along  every  row  of 
plants  we  carefully  note  their  condition,  looking  out  for  old  favourites, 
and  generally  finding  them  as  well  as  nearly  all  the  new  ones  of  proved 
merit.  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Viscountess  Hambledon,  Mohawk,  Col.  W.  B. 
Smith,  Lord  Brooke,  Middleton  Clark,  and  Beauty  of  Exmouth  are 
represented  by  several  good  plants.  All  are  in  capital  health,  and  are 
remarkable  for  the  firm,  hard  growth  made  ;  there  is  no  approach  to 
grossness,  and  the  leaves  are  as  thick  and  leathery  as  it  is  possible  to 
have  them.  They  are  now  taking  on  that  bronzy  tint  which  is  a  sure 
indication  of  ripeness  consequent  upon  exposure.  Like  many  other 
cultivators  this  year  Mr.  Jones  finds  the  crown  buds  formed  too  early. 
In  nearly  all  instances  they  have  therefore  been  removed  and  successional 
ones  promise  to  come  quite  soon  enough.  Many  men,  especially  gardeners, 
have  a  knack  of  showing  visitors  the  best  last.  Such  was  our  experience 


in  this  instance.  Good  as  the  plants  already  seen  were,  the  last  row  sur¬ 
passed  all  others.  Etoile  de  Lyon  and  Miss  Lilian  Bird  were  the  varieties 
which  held  the  post  of  honour.  These  were  exceptionally  strong,  yet 
hard,  and  without  doubt  well  ripened,  and  I  fancy  it  will  be  difficult  to 
meet  with  better  plants.  With  a  lingering  look  we  leave  them  to  hasten 
to  the  pleasure  grounds  before  the  shades  of  evening  fall. 

Around  the  outskirts  we  follow  a  pretty  winding  walk,  and  wend  our 
way  among  some  artistically  arranged  rockwork  containing  Yuccas, 
Ferns,  and  other  suitable  plants.  Catching  a  pretty  glimpse  of  park¬ 
like  scenery,  we  cross  the  green  sward,  near  large  beds  of  vigorous  Roses, 
and  wend  our  way  to  the  terrace  around  the  mansion.  Below  we  have 
a  series  of  oblong  beds  planted  chiefly  with  Pelargoniums,  Lobelias,  and 
Pyrethrums.  Black  Douglas  is  a  bronze  tricolor  very  popular  here, 
where  it  grows  and  colours  wonderfully  well.  One  unique  bed  was 
filled  with  this  variety  and  edged  wi^h  a  broad  band  of  Manglesi. 
Others  were  masses  of  rose,  pink,  or  scarlet  provided  with  suitable 
edgings.  Near  the  centre  of  this  line  of  beds  were  two  grand  Golden 
Yews,  perfect  specimens  some  10  or  12  feet  high.  The  whole  of  the 
pleasure  gardens  were  in  fine  trim,  tidiness  and  good  order  being 
apparent  on  every  hand.  Following  the  terrace  walk  we  pass  to  the 
conservatory  adjoining  the  mansion.  Here  a  fine  plant  of  Tacsonia 
Van-Volxcmi  covers  the  roof,  the  shoots  being  allowed  to  drop  loosely 
from  it,  must  have  a  fine  effect  when  in  flower.  Palms  and  other  fine- 
foliaged  plants  luxuriate  in  the  central  bed,  while  a  good  selection  of 
flowering  plants  brighten  up  the  side  stages. 

We  now  retrace  our  steps  to  the  terrace  walk  in  order  to  take  a 
lingering  view  of  the  fine  scene  before  us.  Our  eyes  first  rest  upon  the 
brightly  coloured  flower  beds  beneath,  then  wander  to  the  cool  refreshing 
green  of  a  distant  belt  of  trees  ;  this  belt  is  broken  in  its  outline,  and 
between  the  serried  lines  shine  the  bright  waters  of  Shakespeare’s 
“flowing  Avon.”  From  the  water  to  the  tree  tops  the  space  widens,  as 
if  to  give  a  clearer  view  of  the  stately  tower  of  St.  Mary’s  church  at 
Warwick.  Still  another  glimpse  of  the  Avon  is  seen  in  the  opposite 
direction,  and  all  around  the  beauty  of  the  undulating  ground  defies  my 
power  of  description  ;  but  it  requires  no  great  gift  of  imagination  to 
arouse  the  inward  conviction  that  for  quiet  home-like  beauty  the  scene 
before  us  will  not  be  easily  surpassed.  Both  “  the  Squire  ”  and  Mrs. 
Smith- Ryland  are  ardent  lovers  of  horticulture,  who  take  great  interest 
in  their  gardens,  and  provide  with  a  liberal  hand  the  means  for  keeping 
them  in  good  condition,  and  in  Mr.  R.  Jones  they  have  an  active  and 
intelligent  gardener,  whose  heart  is  in  his  work,  and  who  thoroughly 
appreciates  the  liberality  of  his  employers. — H.  D. 


APPLES  FROM  THE  HIMALAYAS— HEAVY  RAINFALL. 

I  SEND  you  two  Apples  for  the  favour  of  naming.  I  purchased  Dr. 
Hogg’s  “  Fruit  Manual,”  and  I  have  been  trying  to  name  my  Apples  by 
it,  but  I  have  not  been  very  successful.  Perhaps  English  Apples  vary  a 
little  when  grown  here,  as  our  climate  on  the  Himalayas  is  different 
from  yours.  Our  elevation  is  6500  feet.  Last  year  we  had  no  rain  from 
February  to  July.  This  year  during  the  cold  weather  (from  the  end  of 
January  to  the  beginning  of  March)  15  feet  of  snow  fell.  All  the  spring 
and  till  the  18th  June  rain  constantly  fell.  At  this  time  the  monsoon 
commenced,  and  the  fall  was  : — 

June  ..  18  19  20  21  22  23  24  25  26  27  28  29  30 

Inches..  084  3'62  1-56  1-17  0-06  3-24  0-92  0-18  0-53  2-97  2'13  1-23  126 

The  two  Apples  I  send  have  not  had  much  sun  to  colour  them.  In 
ordinary  years  they  are  much  redder.  Are  they  both  the  same  1  They 
look  so,  but  all  on  one  tree  have  the  stalks  short  and  on  the  other  the 
stalks  are  long.  The  first  tree  is  a  compact  grower  and  the  other  is  a 
straggling  one.  If  you  could  name  these  for  me  it  would  help  me  in 
working  with  Dr.  Hogg’s  book. — Angus  Campbell. 

[We  regret  very  much  that  the  two  Apples  arrived  in  a  completely 
rotten  state  ;  in  fact,  a  shapeless  mass,  with  not  a  vestige  of  character 
left  to  guide  us  in  their  identification.  If  the  stalks  of  the  fruit  from 
one  tree  are  short,  and  the  other  long,  and  the  trees  are  markedly 
dissimilar  in  habit,  the  varieties  may  be  regarded  as  distinct. 

The  chief  external  fixed  characters  to  be  noted  in  seeking  for  the 
names  of  fruit  are  : — Stalks,  short  or  long,  stout  or  thin,  inserted  in  deep 
or  shallow  depressions  ;  eye,  large  or  small,  open  or  closed,  with  broad 
or  narrow  segments,  flat  or  erect,  set  in  a  deep  or  shallow,  smooth  or 
plaited,  basin.  Yet  we  have  many  specimens  sent  to  us  without  stalks, 
and  the  eyes  spoiled  by  pinning  the  numbers  in  them.  The  size,  shape, 
colour,  and  peculiar  markings  of  the  fruit  have  also  to  be  observed,  but 
these  are,  so  to  say,  moveable  factors  as  influenced  by  climate  or  other 
disturbing  cause. 

The  internal  characters  to  be  noted  are  the  position  of  the  dried 
stamens  in  the  tube — namely,  marginal,  median,  or  basal ;  the  tube 
itself  as  to  form— conical  or  funnel  shaped  ;  and  the  carpels  or  core. 
Illustrations  of  all  these  distinctive  marks  are  given  in  the  “Fruit 
Manual,”  and  they  become  clearer  by  study  and  comparison  with 
dissected  fruits. 

Our  readers,  and  they  are  many,  who  are  interested  in  the  question 
of  rainfall,  which  they  carefully  ascertain,  will  note  the  Himalayan 
downpour  represented  by  19'61  inches  on  thirteen  days  in  June,  no  less 
than  6'86  inches  falling  on  two  days,  but  it  will  be  observed  there  was 
no  rain  from  February  to  July,  but  there  was  plenty  of  snow  in  March. 
We  must  not  consider  our  climate,  with  all  its  drawbacks,  the  worst  in 
the  world.]  ( 


154 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  17,  1893. 


Batley  and  Disteict  Chkysanthemum  Society, 

We  have  received  the  schedule  of  the  forthcoming  show  of  this 
Society,  to  be  held  on  November  11th.  In  the  principal  open  class  for 
twenty-four  Chrysanthemum  blooms,  twelve  incurved  and  twelve 
Japanese,  in  not  less  than  nine  varieties  of  each,  a  first  prize  of  £5  is 
offered,  to  which  will  be  added  the  Society’s  silver  cup,  value  £6  Gs., 
also  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society’s  silver  medal.  Mr.  Allen 
Hall,  4,  High  Street,  Batley,  is  the  Secretary. 


Honours  foe  a  Chrysanthemum  Raiser. 

The  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  are,  no  doubt,  aware 
that  on  the  Continent  it  is  customary  for  the  Governments  of  various 
countries  to  recognise  special  service  in  horticulture  by  conferring 
decorations  upon  those  who  are  considered  worthy.  Many  eminent 
French,  Belgian,  and  other  nurserymen  have  been  the  recipients  of  the 
Legion  of  Honour,  the  Order  of  Leopold,  and  the  Merits  Agricole, 
without  naming  other  orders  less  familiar  here.  Notwithstanding  the 
enormous  advantages  that  must  have  accrued  to  French  horticulture  by 
the  labours  of  such  Chrysanthemum  specialists  as  MM.  Diilaux,  Louis 
Lacroix,  De  Eeydellet,  Dr.  Audiguier,  and  M.  Boucharlat,  whose  efforts 
have  so  materially  advanced  the  cause  of  Chrysanthemum  culture 
throughout  Europe  and  America,  we  do  not  remember  ever  yet  seeing 
any  announcement  of  their  work  being  rewarded  in  this  way.  It  is 
pleasing,  however,  to  record  that  M.  Ernest  Calvat,  a  raiser  of  quite 
modern  times,  has  just  been  appointed  a  Chevalier  of  the  Order  of  the  Merits 
Agricole.  M.  Cal  vat’s  seedlings  have  been  shown  in  England  with 
conspicuous  success  during  the  past  two  or  three  years,  and  are,  it  will 
be  remembered,  chiefly  characterised  by  their  heavy  massive  blooms  of 
the  Japanese  incurved  type.  He  is  the  only  Frencfi  exhibitor  that  has 
successfully  obtained  first-class  certificates  of  the  National  Chrysan¬ 
themum  Society,  and  he  is  to  be  congratulated  on  having  so  soon  won 
■distinction  in  a  way  that  is  dear  to  the  heart  of  every  Frenchman. 


Chrysanthemums  in  New  Zealand. 

A  correspondent  writing  from  Christchurch  (N.Z.)  reports  that 
the  frozen  blooms  sent  out  to  the  Wellington  Horticultural  Society 
by  the  N.C.S.  have  recently  been  exhibited  at  Christchurch  also.  He 
adds  that  the  lovers  of  Chrysanthemums  have  good  reason  to  be  proud  of 
the  steady  progress  that  is  being  made  in  the  cultivation  of  that  flower 
in  the  colony.  The  localities  where  the  leading  growers  are  to  be  found 
are  Auckland,  Napier,  Wellington,  Nelson,  Christchurch,  Timaru  and 
Dunedin,  and  besides  these  places  there  are  other  districts  in  which 
attempts  are  being  made  to  encourage  and  extend  a  taste  for  the  culti¬ 
vation  of  this  popular  favourite. 

In  Christchurch  alone  there  are  several  very  able  cultivators  who 
have  demonstrated  by  the  excellence  of  their  exhibits  that  they 
thoroughly  understand  the  art  of  the  big  bloom  method.  Most  of  these, 
however,  are  amateurs  who,  being  employed  in  shops  and  offices  during 
the  day,  find  an  enjoyable  recreation  in  growing  the  Queen  of  Autumn 
as  a  hobby  and  relief  from  business  cares.  The  trade  generally  have 
not  yet  found  time  enough  to  devote  themselves  to  this  phase  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  culture,  but  are  contented  to  stage  mixed  exhibits  at  the 
shows.  Among  new  varieties  Vi  viand  Morel,  R.  Kingston  and  W. 
Tricker  have  excited  most  attention  and  been  much  admired.  The 
Christchurch  Chrysanthemum  Show,  held  May  11th  and  12ch  last,  was 
a  remarkably  gooi  one  in  spite  of  the  extremely  unfavourable  weather 
that  preceded  it.  In  fact  all  over  the  Australasian  colonies  the  weather 
just  previous  to  the  Chrysanthemum  season  seems  to  have  been 
eiceptionably  wet.  In  various  parts  of  New  Zealand  there  are  growers 
busily  engaged  in  raising  new  seedlings,  and  we  have  no  doubt  but  that 
something  will  be  heard  of  them  here  in  EngUnd  before  very  long. 


American  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

We  have  not  hitherto  been  able  to  record  much  concerning  the 
progress  of  this  Society,  for  its  chief  work  seems  to  have  been  confined 
to  the  registration  of  the  names  of  new  varieties.  Founded  about  four 
years  ago,  there  has  never  to  our  knowledge  been  any  show  held  under 
its  auspices,  and  we  were  beginning  to  wonder  whether  it  had  ceased  to 
exist.  A  friendly  correspondent  in  the  States  has,  however,  just  sent 
us  a  little  pamphlet,  entitled  “  Report  of  the  Committee  on  Classification 
of  Chrysanthemums  before  the  American  Chrysanthemum  Society,” 
which  shows  very  clearly  that  the  Society  is  attempting  a  useful  work. 
The  report  is  practically  a  catalogue  of  the  varieties  grown  in  the 
States  drawn  up  in  a  form  that  has  no  doubt  been  suggested  by  the 
catalogue  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  of  London.  There 
are  select  lists  wholly  devoted  to  American  seedlings  and  importations, 
together  with  an  A.B.C.  list  at  the  end  of  the  work.  The  catalogue  is 
neatly  printed  and  contains  thirty-seven  pages,  and  does  not  state  upon 
it  whether  it  is  for  sale  or  only  for  private  circulation  among  the  Society’s 
members. 

Yokohama  Gardeners’  Association. 

This  Association,  which  is  a  purely  commercial  body,  have  issued  an 
illustrated  catalogue  this  year  of  fruits,  shrubs,  and  flowers.  Among  the 


Coloured  illustratioas  are  seven  of  new  Chrysanthemums.  They  are 
fairly  well  executed,  but  the  types  of  flowers  depicted  do  not  differ  in 
any  essential  points  from  those  already  in  cultivation  here. — P. 

Chrysanthemums — Bud  Formation. 

Judging  from  the  notes  which  are  weekly  appearing  in  the  Journal 
Chrysanthemum  growers  and  exhibitors  are  evidently  much  concerned 
over  the  abnormally  early  appearance  of  crown  buds.  The  cry  seems  to 
come  generally  from  growers  in  the  south,  and  I  feel  certain  that  those 
living  in  the  midland  or  northern  counties  will  this  year  have  a  great 
advantage  over  their  southern  friends  in  the  production  of  blooms  for 
exhibiting  at  the  earlier  shows.  During  ordinary  seasons  I  find  crown 
buds  show  themselves  fully  a  fortnight  later  in  this  district  than  they  do 
in  Wilts  or  Hampshire,  and  during  a  season  like  the  present  the  one 
advantage  thus  gained  is  great  indeed,  for  provided  crown  buds  are  taken 
at  the  right  time  the  flowers  resulting  therefrom  generally  win  when 
pitted  against  others  from  terminal  buds,  excepting  the  cases  of  special 
varieties. 

I  have  comparatively  few  buds  appearing  too  early  this  year. 
Violet  Tomlin,  Miss  Haggas,  Mons.  Bahuant,  Princess  of  Wales,  Prince 
Alfred,  and  Lord  Wolseley  from  autumn-struck  plants  showed  their  first 
crown  buds  about  July  25th,  while  spring-struck  plants  are  (August 
12th)  showing  them  now.  The  former  were  removed,  the  latter  are  being 
taken.  Several  plants  of  the  Queen  family  showed  buds  during  the 
first  week  in  August ;  they  were,  however,  exceptions  of  the  bulk  of  our 
plants,  the  buds  are  now  visible,  and  they  could  scarcely  have  appeared 
at  a  more  opportune  time.  Many  of  these  plants  were  not  struck  till 
the  last  week  in  January.  They  are  now  from  4  to  5  feet  in  height,  the 
stems  being  very  thick  and  hard  at  the  base.  It  seems  to  me  that  this 
spring  propagation  is  a  point  which  will  in  the  future  receive  great 
attention,  as  its  effect  in  delaying  the  formation  of  crown  buds  is  a 
matter  of  vital  importance  to  Chrysanthemum  growers,  especially  in  the 
case  of  early  varieties  when  grown  in  the  south  of  England.  If  those 
who  send  notes  on  this  subject  to  the  Journal  will  record  the  difference 
noted  between  autumn  and  spring-struck  plants,  their  contributions  will 
be  extremely  valuable. 

Turning  to  Japanese  varieties.  It  is  curious  to  note  that  Boule  d’Or 
showed  buds  about  the  usual  time,  during  the  first  five  days  of  August. 
Etoile  de  Lyon  from  autumn-struck  plants,  July  22nd  ;  from  cuttings 
inserted  at  the  end  of  January,  buds  showed  from  August  1st  to  10th. 
Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  W.  W.  Coles,  from  autumn-struck  plants,  showed  buds 
July  29th.  Viviand  Morel,  from  cuttings  put  in  at  the  end  bf  January, 
showed  buds  about  the  same  date,  a  few  of  these  were  taken,  the  others 
removed.  W.  H.  Lincoln,  F.  Davis,  Sunflower,  W.  Tricker,  and  Mrs. 
E .  Beckett,  from  cuttings  inserted  at  the  same  time,  preceding  variety 
showed  buds  from  the  1st  to  the  12th  of  August.  Avalanche  is  the  only 
Japanese  variety  which,  with  me,  produced  the  whole  of  the  crown  buds 
too  early  to  be  taken.  On  plants  of  many  other  varieties  not  specially 
mentioned  crown  buds  are  now  daily  becomins  visible,  and  by  the 
20th  of  August  I  hope  to  have  every  bud  taken.  Unless  we  are  favoured 
with  an  exceptionally  warm  autumn  I  believe  the  buds  taken  on  the 
dates  above  given  will  produce  the  finest  flowers  for  exhibiting  during 
the  first  three  weeks  of  November. — H.  Dunkin,  Castle  Gardens, 
WarwicTi. 


NOTES  FROM  BRISTOL. 

(^Continued  from  page  123.') 

Henbury  Hill. 

These  gardens  are  in  charge  of  Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  one  of  the  most 
genial  and  practical  of  gardeners.  Mr.  Smith  has  acquired  quite  a 
local  fame  for  his  Tuberous  Begonias,  which  after  years  of  careful 
selection  and  cross-fertilisation  is  now  equal  to  almost  any  of  the  best 
trade  collections.  His  ideas,  however,  do  not  bind  him  to  any  hard  and 
fast  rule  as  to  form  and  character  in  either  plant  or  bloom.  Equal 
pleasure  is  derived  from  the  drooping  as  from  erect  standing  bloom,  and 
his  standard  of  excellence  do  not  lead  him  to  discard  all  but  smooth 
petalled  flowers.  He  is  fond  of  form  and  variety. 

In  the  stove  are  healthy  plants  in  variety,  and  among  them  I  noticed 
some  promising  seedling  Crotons.  A  batch  of  Adiantum  farleyense, 
occupying  a  moist  corner,  seems  quite  at  home,  and  furnish  a  good 
groundwork  for  displaying  Calanthes  in  flower  to  the  best  advantage. 
Orchids  share  a  portion  of  this  house,  Cypripedium  Sedeni  being  repre¬ 
sented  by  a  good  healthy  plant  which  had  just  finished  blooming. 
Dendrobiums  in  variety,  Phalasnopsis,  one  plant  of  P.  amabilis  having 
a  spike  of  flowers  now  open,  with  other  species  and  varieties  too  nume¬ 
rous  to  mention.  Of  Freesias  there  were  a  good  batch  of  very  dwarf 
plants,  which  will  make  a  good  display  later  on.  Mignonette  in  the 
same  house  is  a  partial  failure,  the  first  time  for  eighteen  years,  this 
being  attributable  partly  to  a  change  in  their  autumn  quarters,  this  and 
other  instances  convincing  Mr.  Smith  that  plants  have  a  partiality  for 
certain  positions.  Mr.  Smith  is  an  adept  with  Mignonette,  one  standard 
sort  which  has  been  in  cultivation  now  some  few  years  being  raised  by 
him. 

Eucharis  plants  standing  over  a  tank  of  warm  water  in  another  house 
have  flowered  three  or  four  times  during  the  past  twelve  months,  and  at 
one  time  these  were  so  badly  infested  with  mite  that  drastic  measures 
had  to  be  adopted  to  stamp  it  out.  The  leaves  were  cut  away  and  the 
outer  skin  of  the  bulbs  removed  and  thoroughly  washed  with  warm  soapy 
water.  Following  this  they  were  placed  in  the  pots  they  now 
occupy,  and  plunged  at  once  into  a  hotbed,  and  from  that  time  no  mite 


August  ir,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


155 


has  beea  seen,  and  their  health  and  vigour  now  is  all  that  could  be 
desired.  In  the  fernery  are  some  interesting  plants,  but  so  many  of 
the  deciduous  varieties  being  just  now  at  their  worst,  a  good  estimate 
of  the  summer  beauties  of  the  house  could  scarcely  be  formed.  Some 
plants  of  Lastrea  lepida,  Adiantum  reniforme,  Asplenium  viviparum, 
and  Nephrolepis  pectinatus  struck  me  as  being  very  distinct  and  useful 
for  decorative  work,  the  latter  particularly  so  when  occupying  small 
pots.  Bouvardias  are  splendidly  grown  at  Henbury  Hill,  large  bushes 
in  8-inch  pots  still  flowering  freely,  and  have  done  so  since  the  autumn. 
Carnations  are  grown  in  goodly  numbers,  and  a  local  seedling 
named  Cleeve  Hill  Beauty  is  much  prized  for  its  free  blooming  habit, 
bright  rosy  coloured  and  shapely  blooms,  and  good  constitution.  These 
are  planted  out  in  summer,  lifted  and  potted  again  in  autumn,  a  system 
that  secures  fine  plants  and  abundance  of  blooms  for  cutting.  The 
popular  Miss  Jolliffe  has  a  fitting  companion  in  La  Niege,  a  dwarf 
growing  white  variety  of  much  the  same  habit  and  size  of  flower. 

Good  Grapes  have  been  grown  for  some  years  in  these  gardens,  and 
the  promise  of  future  crops  is  most  assuring.  One  house  is  filled  with  a 
single  Vine  of  Black  Hamburgh,  which  is  many  years  old,  but  few  young 
ones  could  excel  it  in  its  large  and  finely  coloured  bunches  annually 
produced,  or  its  healthy  and  vigorous  growth.  Peaches  are  thinly 
trained,  Mr.  Smith  believing  in  having  just  sufficient  wood  to  secure  a 
good  crop  and  no  more,  this  rule  being  notable  both  indoors  and  out. 
It  would  be  better  if  such  a  practice  was  more  common  in  gardens,  for 
then  the  trees  would  get  the  benefit  of  sunshine  and  air  to  mature  the 
current  growth  with  greater  certainty. 

In  the  vegetable  garden  is  a  good  breadth  of  winter  Spinach  in  two 
varieties  Sutton’s  New  Long  Standing  and  the  ordinary  prickly.  The 
superiority  of  the  new  one  was  clearly  demonstrated  by  the  stouter  and 
much  larger  leaves,  and  is  less  injured  by  frost.  This,  when  better 
known,  should  become  a  standard  sort  both  for  summer  and  winter 
growth.  Late  Queen  and  Sutton’s  Bouquet  were  among  the  hardiest  of 
the  Broccoli,  neither  of  these  apparently  having  suffered  by  the  late 
severe  weather.  The  early  winter  sorts  were  nearly  all  killed. 

Malmains,  Fhenchay. 

This  is  the  residence  of  Captain  Belfield,  and  where  plants,  Ferns, 
and  Orchids  are  so  well  grown  by  the  able  gardener  in  charge,  Mr.  W. 
Rye.  The  collection  of  some  fifty  plants  of  Todeas  superba  and 
pellucida  are  such  that  can  be  found  probably  nowhere  in  the  kingdom. 
They  are  magnificent,  and  beyond  all  power  of  description.  The  heads 
measure  5  or  6  feet  in  diameter,  and  many  of  the  root  stems  stand 
8  feet  above  the  large  pots  in  which  they  are  grown.  They  were, 
I  believe,  collected  and  brought  home  by  Captain  Belfield  himself  some 
years  since,  and  their  present  condition  is  such  that  must  give  him 
immense  satisfaction.  Every  plant  is  in  the  best  of  health,  yet  during 
the  late  severe  weather  frost  enveloped  their  fronds  in  ice  on  many 
occasions,  and  no  attempt  is  made  to  prevent  such  an  occurrence  ;  one 
half  of  the  house,  which  was  added  some  few  years  since,  having  no  hot- 
water  pipes,  and  a  3-inch  flow  and  return  is  insufficient  to  keep  out 
frost  in  the  older  division  of  the  house.  During  the  summer  the  roof 
is  heavily  shaded,  and  the  plants  receive  a  syringing  once  or  twice  a 
day,  so  that  the  fronds  are  kept  uniformly  moist.  Very  rarely  is  water 
needed  at  the  roots,  or  rather  applied  to  the  soil,  the  dense  moisture 
prevailing  at  all  times  sustain  them  perfectly. 

In  the  tall  Palm  and  Fern  house  adjoining  are  many  fine  specimens, 
some  of  these,  too,  like  the  Todeas,  having  been  brought  home  by 
Capt.  Belfield.  Cyathea  dealbata  stands  some  14  feet  in  height. 
Cyathea  medullaris  and  Alsophila  excelsa,  too,  are  stately  specimens. 
Areca  sapida  is  a  truly  grand  plant,  reaching,  I  should  say,  18  feet  in 
height.  The  Date  Palm,  Phoenix  dactylifera,  Chamserops  excelsa,  and 
Kentia  Fosteriana  adding  to  the  tropical  forest-like  aspect  of  this  noble 
structure.  Some  tall  Tree  Fern  stems  are  clothed  with  the  creeping 
rhizomes  of  the  Davallia  canariense,  which  in  summer  must  have  a  pretty 
effect.  In  the  stoves  are  many  fine  specimens  of  Anthuriume  Andreanum, 
Ferierense,  and  crystallinum,  Crotons,  Stephanotis,  Allamanda  nobilis, 
a  fine  plant  ;  Clerodendron  Balfourianum,  Bougainvillea  glabra,  and 
Eucharis.  These  last  named  do  uncommonly  well,  and  are  seldom  out 
of  bloom.  They  are  growing  in  wide  but  somewhat  shallow  pots,  which 
seem  to  suit  them  admirably,  as  do  also  the  house  and  treatment  they 
receive. 

Orchids  are  grown  in  large  numbers  and  variety,  and  is  another 
feature  of  these  gardens.  Cymbidium  arvense  had  several  spikes  of  its 
sweetly  scented  and  curiously  coloured  spikes.  Epidendrum  fragrans, 
too,  was  furnished  with  some  spikes  of  their  highly  interesting  and 
pretty  flowers.  Nepenthes  Mastersiana  and  Hookeriana  were  growing 
well  in  suspended  baskets,  and  had  several  of  their  quaint  pitchers  of 
large  size.  Dendrobium  speciosum  was  just  opening  its  pretty  yellow 
and  spotted  flowers  on  semi-drooping  spikes.  This  is  a  noble  plant, 
which,  when  in  full  bloom,  must  be  very  striking.  D.  Pierardi  will  be 
later  on  a  sheet  of  blossom,  several  strong  plants  being  suspended  from 
the  roof.  Calanthe  Veitchi  has  been,  and  still  are,  remarkably  fine ; 
and  Cypripedium  insigne  and  Maulei  fill  several  large  pans.  A  strong 
piece  of  Cypripedium  laevigatum  was  noticeable,  as  also  was  another 
healthy  one  of  C.  porphyreum.  Coelogynes  are  numerous  and  well 
furnished  with  plenty  of  strong  flower  spikes.  Cattleya  citrina  on 
blocks  does  particularly  well.  C.  Mendelli,  C.  Mossiae,  Laelia  anceps, 
and  L.  purpurata,  Odontoglossums  grande,  citrosmum,  and  C.  roseum, 
Vandas,  Angraecum  sesquipedale,  Aerides,  Brassia  verrucosa,  and  hosts  of 
others  furnish  a  constant  supply  of  bloom  in  varying  quantities  at  all 
times. 


Grapes  and  Peaches  are  well  grown,  the  latter  gaining  the  leading 
prizes  at  local  shows,  which  is  the  best  proof  of  the  skilled  attention 
given.  Outdoor  fruits  are  limited  in  extent,  and  the  same  may  be  said 
also  of  vegetables,  but  suflScient  are  grown  to  meet  the  demands  of  the 
house.  The  place  generally  reflects  much  credit  on  Capt.  Belfield,  who 
is  a  keen  horticulturist,  and  on  his  gardener  for  its  excellent  keep¬ 
ing.— W.  S. 


BARLERIAS. 

A  Scottish  correspondent  wishes  to  know  something  about 
Barlerias,  which  he  has  not  seen  mentioned  in  the  Journal.  They  have 
all  the  same  been  mentioned.  Tney  are  tropical  shrubs,  B,  Gibsoni 
being  perhaps  one  of  the  most  useful  for  decorative  purposes.  The 
figure  shows  a  flower  spray.  It  is  a  neat  branching  shrub,  attaining  a 
height  of  several  feet ;  but  handsome  well  furnished  plants  some  2  or 
more  feet  high  may  be  grown  from  cuttings  in  a  single  season ;  and  as 


these  not  only  bloom  freer  than  old  plants,  but  produce  the  finest 
flowers,  there  is  no  advantage  in  keeping  the  old  ones.  The  leaves  are 
upwards  of  3  inches  long,  ovate-lanceolate  and  acuminate,  deep  green 
above,  glaucous  below,  and  somewhat  coriaceous  in  texture.  Flowers 
funnel-shaped,  produced  in  terminal  and  axillary  spikes  near  the  ends 
of  the  branches  ;  lobes  spreading,  colour  pale  purple,  the  two  upper  lobes 
having  a  dark  purple  blotch  in  the  centre.  It  flowers  in  midwinter. 
Native  of  Central  India. 


PROPORTIONAL  PRIZEGIVINO. 

Having  for  a  long  time  been  contending,  and,  I  think,  almost  alone, 
in  favour  of  the  principle  of  awarding  prizes  at  flower  shows  in  pro¬ 
portion  to  the  respective  merits  of  the  selected  exhibits,  I  took  very 
much  interest  in  the  class,  the  first,  I  think,  of  its  kind,  set  apart  at  the 
recent  Carshalton  Show,  in  which  the  principle  of  proportional  prize¬ 
giving  was  adopted.  Now  I  find  from  your  report  of  the  particular 
class — nine  kinds  of  vegetables — that  the  difference  between  the  first 
and  fourth  of  the  selected  entries  was  covered  by  only  four  points, 
whilst  the  first  was  so  near  to  the  second  as  to  be  only  half  a  point 
better,  and  the  third  was  but  one  point  below  the  second.  Practically 
the  difference  of  the  four  lots  were  about  1,  2,  3,  and  4  per  cent.,  mere 


166 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  17,  1893. 


trifles  indeed.  But  then  these  trivial  differences  in  merit  are  really 
great  ones  when  the  old  system  of  prizegiving  is  practised.  Here  was 
a  sum  of  £5  set  apart  for  the  class  to  he  divided  into  four  prizes. 
Ordinarily  the  prizes  would  have  been  403,,  SOs.,  20s.,  and  lOs, ;  the 
second  prize  being  25  per  cent,  less  than  the  first,  the  third  prize  33i 
less  than  the  second,  the  fourth  50  per  cent,  less  than  the  third,  and 
75  per  cent,  less  than  the  first.  Now,  as  the  points  of  the  selected  four 
when  most  carefully  judged  stood  at  541^,  54,  53,  and  51^.  can  anyone 
assert  with  any  degree  of  justice  that  under  the  ordinary  method  of 
giving  prizes  the  merits  of  these  four  collections  would  have  been  fairly 
dealt  with  ?  It  would  be  too  absurd  to  say  so.  I  should  very  much  like 
to  learn  how  the  £5  were  ultimately  apportioned  ;  but  having  regard 
to  relative  merits,  as  shown  by  the  pointing,  I  make  the  amounts  to  be — 
first,  28s. ;  second,  27s.  ;  third,  25s.  ;  and  fourth,  203. — A.  Dean. 

[Other  prizes  were  awarded  for  collections  in  which  there  was  a 
greater  falling  off  in  points,  but  the  particulars  given  below  were  not 
previously  obtained.  At  the  first  pointing  two  of  the  collections  were 
equal,  and  it  was  only  on  a  second  rigid  examination  that  a  slight 
difference  could  be  discovered.  The  system  is  a  just  one,  but  its  general 
adoption  would  necessitate  an  increase  in  the  number  of  judges  at 
most,  if  not  all,  shows.]  _ _ 


Collections  of  Vegetables. 

£ 

S. 

d. 

1st 

Prize 

.  54i  points  . 

0 

18 

10 

2nd 

.  54  . 

0 

18 

8 

3rd 

...  ...  53J  ,, 

0 

18 

6 

4th 

.  5U  „  . 

0 

17 

10 

6  th 

.  45  „  . 

0 

15 

7 

0th 

>? 

801 

•••  JJ 

0 

10 

7 

£5 

0 

0 

— G.  W.  Cummins. 


WOODHATCH,  REIGATE. 

Being  at  South  Park,  Reigate,  the  other  day,  and  close  to  the 
beautiful  place  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund,  Mr. 
T.  B.  Haywood,  I  gladly  availed  myself  of  a  kind  invitation  from  Mr. 
Salter,  the  esteemed  gardener,  and  a  spare  couple  of  hours,  to  visit  these 
grounds.  Their  great  feature  to  me  is  found  in  the  remarkable  neatness, 
the  very  high  order  of  keeping,  to  use  a  common  term,  found  in  every 
direction.  I  think  I  have  never  seen  a  tidier  garden,  or  one  in  which 
order  so  thoroughly  prevails.  That  may  to  some  extent  be  due  to 
abundance  of  help.  1  do  not  know,  but  certainly  very  much  also  is  due 
to  the  excellent  training  in  these  elements  of  garden  excellence  Mr. 
Salter  has  had.  I  do  not  propose  to  outline  or  describe  the  place  except 
to  say  that  a  large  portion  of  it  is  very  close  home  and  compact, 
especially  so  is  that  the  case  with  the  glass  department.  But  such  parts 
as  vegetables,  Potatoes,  and  hardy  fruit  are  in  different  places,  and  some 
of  them  remote.  Even  the  Roses,  of  which  there  are  many  grown,  are 
close  to  the  farm,  some  distance  from  the  house,  but  then  it  has 
been  needful  to  find  for  them  there  a  soil  that  is  suitable  for  their 
requirements. 

Two-  special  kinds  of  plants  are  grown  at  Woodhatch  in  great 
quantities.  These  are  Orchids  and  Chrysanthemums,  both  wonderfully 
well  done.  Mr.  Salter  took  me  through  house  after  house,  each  devoted 
to  Dendrobiums,  Odontoglossums,  Cattleyas,  and  so  on  in  their  respec¬ 
tive  sections,  all  in  the  most  admirable  condition,  clean  beyond 
description,  and  the  plants  in  perfect  health.  Perhaps  it  is  not  at  all 
difficult  to  manage  Orchids  well  when  you  have  plenty  of  good  houses 
and  assistance,  but  I  have  seen  many  very  much  bungle  at  it  all  the 
same,  and  have  been  very  glad  to  get  away  from  them.  It  is  far 
different  at  Woodhatch,  where,  whilst  just  now  few  of  the  plants  are 
blooming,  it  is  a  rich  treat  to  look  through  the  houses,  but  in  the  spring 
it  must  be  indeed  a  delight.  Then  out  in  the  open  there  is  a  wondrous 
lot  of  Chrysanthemums.  Mr.  Salter  has  a  thousand  plants  of  many 
sorts  in  every  section,  and  it  is  not  possible  to  withhold  a  warm 
tribute  of  praise  for  their  splendid  condition.  The  Reigate  district 
has  considerable  fame  for  the  production  of  high  class  Chrysanthemums, 
due  to  some  extent  perhaps  to  the  excellent  locality,  but  chiefly,  of 
course,  to  skill  attained  through  frequent  severe  competition  at  local 
shows  :  and  even  Woodhatch  finds  formidable  competitors  at  Great 
Doods,  where  Mr.  Brown  practises  so  well,  and  in  Messrs.  Riches,  Bailey, 
Hayter,  and  others.  How  like  the  shepherd  who  so  well  indicates  the 
members  of  his  flock  by  their  faces  does  Mr.  Salter  point  out  the 
Morels,  the  Smiths,  the  Queens,  the  Avalanches  or  Sunflowers  and 
numbers  of  others  by  their  leaves  alone.  Every  one  is  known,  and  a 
beautiful  study  does  this  class  of  plant  knowledge  present.  There  are 
no  insects  on  the  plants,  and  no  rustiness  about  leaf  or  pot.  It  would 
not  be  easy  to  detect  that  the  plants  had  been  watered,  and  but  that 
they  were  properly  moist,  as  all  over  the  area  on  which  they  stand, 
a  fine  rake  is  run  and  footsteps  obliterated  after  each  watering. 

In  one  long  lean-to  house  there  is  a  brilliant  lot  of  double  and  single 
Begonias,  and  in  another  similar  house  a  fine  collection  of  bush  Fuchsias. 
On  the  back  wall  ot  both  houses  is  a  fine  lot  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines, 
doing  capitally.  There  is  in  one  of  the  double  Begonias  a  sort  of 
departure  from  the  normal  type,  as  the  flowers  have  much  the  shape 
and  form  of  a  Cactus  Dahlia.  Anything  which  looks  like  a  break  from 
the  big  rotund  type  of  flowers  may,  well  be  regarded  with  interest.  The 
chief  Tomato  grown  here  is  Hepper’s  Goliath,  a  very  old  variety 


relatively,  but  at  Woodhatch  it  is  a  truly  enormous  cropper.  The  fruits 
of  the  largest  are  rather  sutured,  the  smaller  ones  of  excellent  form,  but 
the  crop  could  not  be  excelled.  The  plants,  trained  up  under  a  sloping 
roof,  are  planted  in  a  somewhat  narrow  shallow  bed  of  soil,  whilst 
excess  of  root  room  seems  conducive  to  coarse  growth  and  disease, 
certainly  the  finest  fruit  crops  are  got  from  very  limited  soil  beds. 
The  newer  forms  of  the  now  popular  Streptocarpus  are  grown  here  in 
great  quantity.  Mr.  Salter  has  been  intercrossing  to  secure,  and  with 
much  success,  finer  blooms.  Some,  too,  are  of  rich  hues  of  colour,  whilst 
now  so  beautiful  it  is  very  obvious  that  there  is  still  great  room  for  the 
production  of  greater  variation  in  colour  of  the  flowers. 

A  lovely  Antirrhinum,  yellow  and  red,  a  wonderful  bloomer,  is  a 
striking  feature  in  the  open  borders.  All  kinds  of  hardy  plants  are 
well  grown,  and  indeed  they  are  greatly  encouraged  here,  where  so 
much  of  glass  does  not  by  any  means  produce  insensibility  to  the 
beauties  of  hardy  outdoor  plants.  The  crop  on  Apple,  Pear,  and  other 
fruit  trees  is  a  heavy  one,  but  tomtits  and  wasps  are  giving  great 
trouble.  The  district  is  one  essentially  favourable  to  fruit  production, 
but  it  is  evident  that  where  there  is  practical  knowledge  of  tree 
requirements,  by  far  the  best  results  are  secured. — A.  D. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

LEICESTER. 

The  annual  Show  was  again  held  in  the  Abbey  Park  on  the  8th  inst.> 
and  as  usual  attracted  an  enormous  crowd  of  people.  Upwards  of 
12,000  generally  attend,  and  this  year  that  number  must  have  been 
much  exceeded.  Horticulture  is  encouraged  very  much  by  the  Corpo¬ 
ration,  especially  among  the  working  classes.  One  striking  evidence  of 
this  may  be  seen  in  the  large  number  of  allotment  gardens  close  to 
the  town.  Another  is  the  beautiful  Park  where  the  Show  is  held  yearly, 
the  profits  of  which  are  devoted  to  its  maintenance ;  and  not  the  least 
of  all  is  the  gratifying  sight  of  the  garden  produce  in  the  cottagers’ 
tent,  many  of  whom  would  stand  a  good  chance  in  the  professionals’ 
class.  The  fiower  beds  and  park  generally  looked  remarkably  well,  but 
one  could  easily  see  Mr.  Burn  has  had  some  hard  work  this  hot,  dry 
season,  the  whole  of  the  soil  being  mud  from  the  river,  which  is  not  a 
good  staple  for  a  dry  season  like  the  present. 

The  groups  of  plants  were  arranged  in  the  centre  of  the  new  show 
house,  a  recent  addition  to  the  park,  the  cost  of  which  was  defrayed  by 
the  flower  shows,  and  amounted  to  £700.  This  is  a  famous  place  for 
Chrysanthemums  in  the  winter,  of  which  a  fine  lot  were  in  preparation 
near  at  hand,  and  looked  very  promising.  The  first  prize  for  a  group  of 
plants  was  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  Smith,  gardener  to  Mr.  S.  Bennett,  who 
had  clean  well-grown  examples  of  Crotons.  Dracasnas,  Alocasias,  and 
Chrysanthemums,  lightened  by  good  plants  of  Eulalia  japonica  variegata. 
Second,  Mr.  G.  Barry,  gardener  to  Mr.  H.  Snow,  whose  group  was  rather 
heavier  in  appearance.  Third,  Mr.  W.  Calvert,  gardener  to  Mr.  G. 
Oliver,  the  arrangement  being  better  than  No.  2,  but  the  plants  not  so 
fresh.  Zonal  Pelargoniums  lined  the  sides  of  this  house  in  conjunction 
with  Begonias  and  other  plants,  making  an  effective  display.  A  novelty 
in  the  shape  of  three  bouquets  immersed  in  water  under  glass  shades 
attracted  attention,  as  exhibited  by  Mr.  H.  Smith.  The  specimen  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants  were  arranged  in  an  adjoining  house.  Mr,  W.  S. 
Bolton,  gardener  to  VV.  Billson,  Esq.,  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for 
good  specimens,  including  Allamanda  Hendersoni,  Plumbago  capensis, 
Bougainvillea  glabra,  and  others.  Second,  Mr.  W.  Calvert.  For  six 
exotic  Ferns  Mr.  J.  Smith  was  first,  showing  a  fine  Adiantum  farleyense, 
Davallia  canariensis,  D.  Mooreana.  among  other  good  specimens. 

The  fruit  classes  were  keenly  contested.  The  first  prize  for  a 
collection  of  eight  dishes  was  won  by  Mr.  Goodacre,  gardener  to  the 
Earl  of  Harrington,  Elvaston  Castle.  The  fruit  was  good  and  well 
staged.  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  were  fine  in  colour  and  bunch, 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  good,  as  was  the  Madresfield  Court.  An  excellent 
Queen  Pine,  Best  of  All  Melon,  Nectarines,  Peaches,  and  Apricots  com¬ 
pleted  the  collection.  Second,  Mr.  Mclndoe,  who  showed  fine  fruit, 
but  not  so  fresh  in  appearance.  His  collection  contained  fine  bunches 
of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  a  large  bunch  of  Bananas,  and  very  fine 
Pitmaston  Duchess  Pears.  Third,  Mr.  J.  Read,  Bret  by  Park.  In  the 
collection  of  four  dishes  there  was  a  very  strong  competition.  Mr. 
Goodacre  was  again  placed  first,  showing  very  fine  Muscat  Hamburgh 
Grapes,  a  Melon,  Nectarines,  and  Peaches.  Second,  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers, 
who  lost  a  few  points  with  Grapes,  but  was  much  in  advance  with 
Peaches  and  Nectarines.  Third,  Mr.  McVinish.  Fourth,  Mr.  Mclndoe. 

Grapes,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  first,  Mr.  McVinish,  good  bunches, 
fairly  coloured  ;  second,  Mr.  Mclndoe.  For  any  other  white  Grape, 
Mr.  Reed  was  first,  showing  Cannon  Hall,  good  in  bunch  and  berry,  but 
deficient  in  colour.  Black  Hamburghs,  first,  Mr.  McVinish,  good  in  all 
points  ;  second,  Mr.  J.  Goodacre,  with  good  bunches,  not  so  perfect  in 
colour.  For  any  other  black,  Mr.  W.  Messenger  was  a  good  first  with 
Gros  Maroc,  grand  berries  and  well  coloured  ;  second,  Mr.  W.  G.  Adams. 
Peaches,  first,  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers  with  Crimson  Galande,  fine  in  size  and 
colour  ;  second,  Mr.  Mclndoe  ;  third,  Mr.  McVinish.  Nectarines,  first, 
Mr.  W.  H.  Divers  with  a  fine  dish  of  Dryden  ;  second,  Mr.  J.  H. 
Goodixcre  ;  third,  Mr.  J.  Mclndoe.  Apples  were  a  large  class,  and  some 
very  fine  examples  were  shown  ;  small  fruits  and  Plums  also  brought  a 
large  number  of  entries. 

There  was  strong  competition  in  the  open  class  for  a  collection  of 
twelve  kinds  of  vegetables.  No  less  than  nine  lots  were  staged,  and  all 
good.  Mr.  Garraway,  Bath,  took  first  with  a  superb  collection  coitaining 


August  17,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


167 


Conference  Tomatoes,  Telegraph  Cucumbers,  Eclipse  Cauliflower,  White 
Spanish  Onion,  James’  Intermediate  Carrot,  White  PlumeCelery,  Garra- 
way’s  Surprise  Runner  Beans,  a  splendid  dish.  Telephone  Peas,  Snowdrop 
and  Masterpiece  Potatoes,  White  Stone  Turnip,  Pen-y-Byd  Marrow,  the 
whole  neatly  setup  with  Parsley  and  coloured  Carrot  leaves.  Mr.  McVinish 
was  second,  Mr.  R.  Shaw  third.  The  single  dishes  of  vegetables  were 
strongly  contested  in  most  instances,  the  quality  of  the  exhibits  being 
remarkably  good  for  the  season. 

A  large  number  of  Roses  were  staged.  In  the  class  for  thirty-six 
blooms  Messrs.  Cocker  won  the  first  prize  with  highly  coloured  flowers  ; 
second,  Messrs.  Croll,  Dundee  ;  third,  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son,  Bedale. 
With  twenty-four  varieties  the  prizes  went  to  the  same  exhibitors  in 
the  same  order.  For  twelve  of  one  variety  Messrs.  Cooker  were  first 
with  Horace  Vernet,  Messrs.  Harness  second  with  Mrs.  J.  Laing. 
Wreaths  and  bouquets  made  a  very  interesting  show,  Messrs.  Perkins 
taking  the  chief  prizes,  Mr.  Woodcock  also  securing  a  good  share. 

Among  exhibits  not  for  competition,  Messrs.  Laing  of  Forest  Hill 
staged  a  fine  group  of  new  and  interesting  plants,  and  very  fine  Begonias. 
A  new  Carnation  attracted  much  attention  in  this  collection.  It  is 
called  Stanste..d  Surprise,  and  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate. 
Saxifraga  sarmentosa  variegata,  Sibthorpia  variegata.  Begonia  Arthur 
Malet,  Campylobotrys  Ghiesbrieghti  variegata  were  among  the  most 
noticeable  plants  in  this  group,  which  was  awarded  a  gold  medal. 
Messrs.  Williams  of  Holloway  had  a  fine  group  of  plants,  which  also 
received  a  gold  medal,  and  contained  many  choice  Orchids  and  orna¬ 
mental  foliage  plants,  among  which  Cattleya  Dowiana,  Cypripedium 
Morgan*,  Sarracenia  purpurea,  Sonerilas,  Crotons,  and  Nepenthes  were 
especially  noticeable,  the  whole  forming  a  very  interesting  exhibit. 

Messrs.  Cuthbertson  of  Rothesay  staged  a  splendid  collection  of 
hardy  herbaceous  cut  flowers,  which  worthily  received  a  silver-gilt 
medal  at  the  hands  of  the  judges,  the  same  firm  also  taking  first  prize 
for  twelve  varieties  of  herbaceous  flowers.  Mr.  Forbes  of  Hawick 
sent  six  stands  of  border  Carnations,  many  of  the  varieties  being  new, 
and  all  of  them  were  very  much  admired  ;  a  silver  medal  was  awarded. 
Mr.  W.  Barron  showed  an  interesting  and  instructive  collection  of  cut 
shoots  from  hardy  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  and  Mr.  J.  Crawford  of 
Coddington  Hall  Gardens  sent  a  fine  collection  of  hardy  fruits. 

A  new  class,  open  to  market  growers  only,  brought  some  capital 
tables  of  useful  plants,  just  the  sort  to  encourage  for  a  town  like 
Leicester,  as  useful  for  window  and  room  decoration.  The  cottagers’ 
exhibits  made  a  good  show  in  themseli'es,  especially  in  vegetables,  and 
it  is  very  gratifying  to  see  such  a  great  interest  taken  in  horticulture  by 
the  people  of  Leicester. 

FRUIT  AND  VEGETABLES  AT  THE  TAUNTON  SHOW. 

The  show  of  fruit  on  the  10th  inst.  was  even  better  in  some  respects 
than  usual,  this  being  strong  commendation.  Six  persons  competed  with 
a  collection  of  eight  varieties,  the  first  prize  going  to  Mr.  W.  Iggulden, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Cork,  Marston  House,  Frome,  who  had  very  well 
finished  stands  of  three  bunehes  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Madresfield 
Court  Grapes,  a  good  Hero  of  Lockinge  Melon,  Bellegarde  Peaches,  Pine¬ 
apple  Nectarines,  Moor  Park  Apricots,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  Pears,  and 
Jefferson  Plums,  all  in  excellent  condition.  Mr.  J.  Lloyd,  gardener  to 
Vincent  Stuckey,  Esq.,  Langport,  was  a  very  close  second,  the  Black 
Hamburgh  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  seedling  Melon,  and 
Pineapple  Nectarines  in  this  collection  being  very  good.  Mr.  A.  Cross¬ 
man,  gardener  to  J.  Brutton,  Esq.,  Yeovil,  was  third,  his  front  dishes 
being  remarkably  good.  Mr.  Iggulden  was  also  first  with  four  dishes, 
having  well-coloured  Madresfield  Court  Grape,  Golden  Gem  Melon, 
Bellegarde  Peaches,  and  Elruge  Nectarines.  Mr.  Lloyd  was  again 
second,  and  Mr.  Crossman  third,  two  other  good  collections  being 
shown. 

Mr.  Iggulden  was  well  first  in  the  class  for  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes, 
the  only  fault  being  smallness  of  berries.  Mr.  W.  Crossman,  gardener 
to  Captain  Dick,  was  second,  and  Mr.  D.  Hobby,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  Pon- 
sonby  Fane,  third.  In  the  any  other  black  class  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Radnor,  was  first  with  Madresfield  Court  in 
good  eondition  ;  Mr.  Iggulden  being  a  close  second  with  the  same  variety, 
and  Mr.  Lloyd  third.  The  best  Muscat  of  Alexandria  were  shown  by 
Mr.  Iggulden,  Mr.  Lloyd  being  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  Ward  third. 
With  any  other  white  variety  Mr.  F.  Crossman  took  the  lead  with  very 
good  Buckland  Sweetwater,  Mr.  Ward  following  very  closely  with  the 
same  variety,  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr.  A.  Crossman. 

Melons  were  not  numerously  shown.  The  Rev.  W.  S.  Cotter, 
Yeovil,  was  first  with  a  very  good  fruit  of  Hero  of  Lockinge,  Mr. 
Iggulden  following  with  Golden  Gem  at  its  best,  Mr.  Ward  being  third. 
The  best  dish  of  Peaches,  apparently  Crawford’s  Exquisite,  was  shown 
by  Mr.  J.  Reed,  gardener  to  F.  J.  L.  Parsons,  Esq. ;  Mr.  S.  Kidley, 
gardener  to  W.  S.  Hall,  Esq.,  being  a  good  second.  Very  fine  indeed 
were  the  fruits  of  Pineapple  that  gained  Mr.  A.  Crossman  the  first  prize 
for  Nectarines,  Mr.  J.  Webber,  gardener  to  G.  F.  Luttrell,  Esq.,  being 
a  good  second  with  the  same  variety.  Messrs.  Webber  and  Iggulden 
were  the  prizewinners  with  Apricots,  and  with  Pears  Messrs.  D.  Hobby 
and  S.  Tottle  were  successful.  Messrs.  Iggulden,  W.  Greedy,  W.  Utter- 
mere,  T.  Every,  Smith,  F.  Crossman,  and  Webber  were  also  prizewinners 
in  other  fruit  classes. 

Vegetables. — Taunton  shows  are  always  noted  for  the  quantity  and 
excellence  of  the  vegetables  shown,  but  on  this  occasion  they  were  more 
plentiful  than  usual,  and  the  quality  evidently  had  not  been  impaired 
by  the  dryness  and  heat  of  the  summer — cottagers,  as  well  as  private 
gardeners,  staging  grand  produce.  The  best  collection  of  eight  varieties 


was  shown  by  Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Ivor  Guest,  Henstride, 
who  had  very  fine  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflowers,  Giant  White  Celery, 
Excelsior  Onions,  Intermediate  Carrots,  Ponderosa  Tomatoes,  Satis¬ 
faction  Potatoes,  Ne  Plus  Ultra  Runner  Beans,  and  Autocrat  Peas.  Mr. 

H.  Copp,  gardener  to  W.  E.  Erie  Drax,  Sherborne,  was  a  very  close 
second,  and  Mr.  T.  Evry,  Bath,  third.  Mr.  Copp  was  first  in  the  class  for 
a  collection  of  vegetables,  the  prizes  for  which  were  provided  by  Messrs. 
Jarman  &  Co.,  Chard,  Mr.  Wilkins  being  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Crossman 
third.  Mr.  Copp  also  took  the  first  of  the  prizes  provided  by  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Sons,  Mr.  Mitchell,  gardener  to  G.  T.  C.  Grove,  Esq.,  being  a 
good  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Crossman  third.  Mr.  Garraway,  Bath,  took  the 
first  of  Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons’  prizes,  Mr.  H.  F.  Manley  being  second. 
Classes  were  also  provided  for  all  kinds  of  vegetables,  the  competition 
being  remarkably  keen  throughout. 

[The  report  of  the  plants  and  flowers  has  not  reached  us.  It  has 
been  presumably  lost  in  the  post.] 


A  GOOSEBERRY  SHOW. 

The  annual  Gooseberry  Show  was  held  at  the  Sitwell  Arms,  Wall 
Street,  Ripley,  on  Saturday  last.  The  berries  were  weighed  by 
Mr.  Joseph  Eyre,  of  Codnor.  Mr.  James  Taylor  acted  as  Secretary. 
The  Show  was  a  complete  success,  and  some  magnificent  fruit  was 
exhibited.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  prizetakers  : — 


PBEMIEB. 


John  Barlow,  Bobby . 

STEWART  PRIZE. 

J.  Langton,  Lord  Derby . 

G.  Walters,  Leveller . 

C.  Vernon,  Great  Bobby  . 

J.  Grainger,  Transparent  ... 

J.  Wathey,  Bobby  . 

J.  Taylor,  Ranger  . 

I.  Smith,  British  Oak  . 

J.  Clee,  Careless  . 

J.  Caulton,  Dr.  Morley  . 

G.  Thorpe,  Thatcher . 

J.  Hamilton,  Jerry . 

T.  Nicholson,  Antagonist . 

G.  Lowe,  Drill . 

T.  Machin,  Diadem . 

SECOND  RUN. 

C.  Vernon,  Ringer . 

G.  Walters,  Bobby . 

J.  Grainger,  Lord  Derby  . 

J.  Langton,  Bobby . 

J.  Wathey,  Bobby  . 

G.  Thorpe,  Transparent  . 

J.  Gaulton,  Bobby  . 

J.  Taylor,  Bobby 

G.  Lowe,  Bobby  . 

J.  Barlow,  Bobby  . 

I.  Smith,  Antagonist  . 

T.  Machin,  Transparent  . 

J.  Clee,  Dan’s  Mistake  . 

J.  Whysall,  Dan’s  Mistake . 

J.  Hambleton,  High  Sheriff 

T.  Machin,  Lizzie  . 

BEST  BEATEN  BERRY. 

J.  Langton,  Bobby . 

TWINS. 

J,  Langton,  Stockwell  . 

J.  Taylor,  Lady  Orton  . 

J.  Barlow,  Bobby  . 


dwta. 

grs 

28 

1 

26 

1 

23 

18 

20 

12 

26 

0 

25 

12 

21 

4 

18 

23 

17 

0 

21 

23 

15 

0 

16 

18 

18 

15 

16 

0 

16 

0 

25 

11 

24 

9 

24 

0 

23 

17 

23 

8 

22 

8 

23 

8 

22 

3 

21 

21 

22 

22 

20 

20 

19 

5 

20 

18 

17 

0 

15 

0 

13 

1 

24 

17 

36 

5 

32 

9 

27 

4 

HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines. — The  full  exposure  of  the  fruits  to  the 
light  is  essential.  Leaves  unduly  shading  the  fruit  draw  on  one  side,  so 
that  the  latter  may  receive  every  benefit  possible  from  the  admittance 
of  light,  air,  and  sunshine.  Without  these  colouring  of  the  fruit  is 
imperfect,  the  proper  flavour  is  not  developed,  and  the  whole  finish 
unsatisfactory.  Earwigs  are  liable  to  attaek  ripening  fruits.  Trapping 
with  the  hollowstems  of  bean  stalks  or  narrow  crumpled  lengths  of  brown 
paper  are  good  methods  of  reducing  their  numbers,  if  each  morning  the 
traps  are  examined,  and  the  insects  caught  in  them  blown  out  and 
destroyed.  Protect  the  fruit  from  birds  by  banging  nets  in  front  of  the 
trees.  They  might  be  arranged  at  the  base  so  as  to  catch  any  falling 
fruits,  but  it  is  desirable  to  gather  ripe  specimens  before  they  detach 
themselves  from  the  trees,  choosing  a  period  when  they  are  perfectly 
dry. 

Xate  Peacbes. — Continue  to  syringe  the  foliage  of  trees  with  the 
fruit  still  green..  Rapid  evaporation  from  the  foliage  tends  to  exhaust 


168 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  August  17,  1993, 


the  nourishment  available.  Refreshment  given  regularly  with  a  syringe 
or  garden  engine  is  conducive  to  cleanliness  and  a  prevention  of  red 
spider,  also  an  aid  to  the  steady  development  of  the  fruit.  Adequate 
root  moisture,  too,  must  not  be  overlooked,  giving  stimulating  assistance 
only  up  to  the  period  of  the  first  signs  of  fruit  showing  colour,  not  after, 
clear  water  only  being  used  during  ripening  if  moisture  is  needed. 

Ripening:  Peach  and  Wectarlne  Wood. — Nothing  superfluous 
should  be  allowed  to  remain  on  the  trees  which  will  tend  to  retard  the 
necessary  hardening  of  the  future  bearing  shoots.  The  earliest  trees 
from  which  fruit  has  been  gathered  must  have  the  bearing  shoots  cut  out 
at  once,  training  in  the  succession  shoots  at  suitable  distances  apart. 
Remove  any  that  are  likely  to  crowd  the  rest.  Attend  diligently  to  the 
cleanliness  of  the  trees,  red  spider  being  perhaps  the  most  insidious  pest 
that  attacks  the  leaves  at  this  period  of  the  year.  Frequent  syringings 
with  soapsuds  or  soap  dissolved  in  water  at  the  rate  of  2  ozs.  to  the  gallon 
will  destroy  the  pests  and  prevent  their  reappearance  if  regularly  applied, 
Gishurst  compound  and  other  insecticides  may  be  used  instead  if  pre¬ 
ferred.  Such  faith,  however,  is  placed  in  the  efficacy  of  the  various 
insecticides  to  destroy  pests  which  prey  upon  trees  that  insects  are 
allowed  to  attain  a  strong  foothold  before  means  are  applied  to  destroy 
them.  In  the  case  of  red  spider  this  is  a  very  dangerous  plan,  as  the 
mischief  they  are  able  to  inflict  upon  the  foliage  of  Peach  and  other  trees 
is  irreparable.  It  is,  therefore,  important  to  make  war  with  red  spider 
upon  its  first  appearance.  Serious  attacks  of  this  insect  cause  premature 
ripening  of  the  wood,  the  leaves  as  a  result  falling  considerably  earlier 
than  they  should  instead  of  being  retained  to  the  very  latest  period  to 
assist  in  feeding  and  plumping  the  buds.  Clear  water,  forcibly  applied 
to  reach  the  under  as  well  as  the  upper  surfaces  of  the  leaves,  is  a 
ready  means  of  maintaining  the  trees  in  health,  attention  also  being 
paid  to  moistening  the  borders.  Dryness  at  the  roots  is  very  frequently 
the  cause  of  attacks  of  red  spider  in  the  first  instance. 

Treatment  of  Gross  Growing:  and  Weakly  Trees. — Trees  that 
are  rather  weak  in  growth  and  lack  vigour  may  be  improved  by  apply¬ 
ing  stimulants  to  the  roots  judiciously,  while  those  growing  too  strongly 
must  be  gradually  checked  by  withholding  water  and  exposing  every 
shoot  fully  to  sunshine  and  air.  In  some  cases  root-pruning  will  be 
necessary  shortly,  or  lifting  and  replanting,  the  latter  method  being  the 
best  means  of  regulating  the  growth  in  young  trees. 

Early  Apples  and  Pears.  —  Early  Apples,  such  as  the  Red 
Astrachan,  Joaneting,  Devonshire  Quarrenden,  Irish  Peach,  and  Mr. 
Gladstone,  will  as  they  ripen  require  gathering.  Jargonelle  Pears  are 
unusually  fine  in  many  districts  this  year,  especially  where  the  fruits 
have  been  thinned.  The  reduction  to  two  or  three  on  a  spur  has  resulted 
in  examples  being  developed  above  the  average  size,  but  where 
clusters  of  more  have  been  left  the  individual  fruits  are  as  a  rule 
under  the  average  size.  The  fitness  of  fruit  for  gathering  is  known 
generally  by  the  footstalks  parting  readily  from  the  spurs,  or  when 
sound  fruits  begin  to  fall  of  their  own  accord.  A  cool  period  of  the 
day,  when  the  fruit  is  dry,  is  the  best  time  for  gathering,  exercising 
special  care  in  the  handling  of  choice  specimens,  as  well  as  in  select¬ 
ing  the  precise  time  for  securing  fruit  in  the  best  condition.  Some, 
if  gathered  too  soon,  are  watery  ;  others,  allowed  to  hang  too  long, 
being  mealy,  a  musky  disagreeable  flavour  being  apparent,  which  is  not 
appreciated.  Remove  all  fruit  bored  by  maggots,  whether  ready  for 
gathering  or  not. 

Removing:  Dead  Wood  from  Fruit  Trees. — The  present  is  an 
opportune  time  for  cutting  out  dead  shoots,  twigs,  or  branches  in  all 
forms  of  fruit  trees.  Such  wood  can  now  be  easily  distinguished,  and 
in  the  case  of  wall  trees  it  often  appears  very  conspicuous,  as  evidenced 
by  dying  branches  of  Plums,  Apricots,  and  Cherries.  Remove  them  at 
once  back  to  their  point  of  origin,  training  in  their  place  the  healthy 
adjoining  branches, 

IHorello  Cberrles. — Thin  out  the  wood  in  crowded  trees  to  admit 
plenty  of  light  and  air  to  the  shoots  retained.  It  is  not  necessary  to  tie 
shoots  closely  in  at  present,  that  is  securing  them  their  full  length  to 
the  wall  or  trellis.  The  extremities  will  ripen  better  by  being  allowed 
to  hang  free,  the  lower  parts  being  fully  secured.  Ripe  fruit  required 
to  hang  protect  with  netting. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Peaches  and  RTectarlnes. — Earliest  Forced  Houses. — The  leaves 
are  now  beginning  to  fail,  and  this  takes  place  far  more  gradually  with 
early  forced  trees  than  later  in  the  season.  The  trees  being  exposed  as 
advised  by  the  removal  of  the  roof  lights,  there  will  not  be  need  to  assist 
their  falling,  as  the  wind  will  do  it  most  eilectually.  Allow  them  to 
remain  until  they  part  from  the  trees  readily,  clearing  them  away  as 
they  fall.  Avoid  a  dry  condition  of  the  border,  as  this  may  cause  the 
blossom  buds  to  drop  when  they  should  be  swelling.  Excessive  moisture 
at  the  roots  is  frequently  the  cause  of  premature  growth,  which  should 
be  guarded  against,  but  it  is  not  desirable  to  replace  the  roof  lights 
unless  the  weather  is  excessively  wet.  Early  forced  trees  require  little 
pruning,  for  they  do  not  make  strong  growth,  and  have  a  larger  per¬ 
centage  of  single  blossom  buds  than  those  started  in  spring  under  more 
favourble  conditions,  hence  in  pruning  it  is  not  so  desirable  to  cut  back 
the  bearing  wood  unless  of  excessive  length,  and  in  that  case  it  must  be 
to  a  wood  bud,  to  insure  growth  for  attracting  sap  to  the  fruits.  Very 
little  pruning  will  be  needed  provided  disbudding  has  been  properly 
attended  to  and  no  more  shoots  laid  in  than  are  necessary  to  take  the 
place  of  the  current  year’s  bearing  shoots  and  to  renew  worn-out  growths, 
as  \^11  as  to  provide  for  the  proper  extension  of  the  trees. 

Early  forced  trees  are  seldom  too  vigorous  after  they  have  been 


subjected  to  the  process  a  few  years,  but  generally  become  so  enfeebled 
as  to  need  the  removal  of  the  weak  growths,  which,  though  plentifully 
furnished  with  fruit  buds,  are  undesirable  from  their  affording  smaller 
fruit  than  is  furnished  by  the  better  fed  and  more  vigorous  growths. 
Such  trees  should  have  the  old  soil  carefully  removed  from  amongst  the 
roots,  and  fresh  turfy  loam,  to  which  has  been  added  a  bushel  of  wood 
ashes  to  a  cartload,  supplied,  firming  it  well,  and  giving  a  good  watering. 
Lift  any  trees  that  grow  too  vigorously,  shorten  the  long  and  bare  roots, 
and  lay  the  more  fibrous  ones  nearer  the  surface,  making  the  soil 
firm.  These  operations  require  to  be  performed  as  soon  as  the  leaves 
are  mature,  and  before  they  fall  from  the  trees,  yet  not  before  they  give 
indications  of  doing  so. 

Succession  Houses. — As  the  trees  are  cleared  of  fruit  cut  out  all  the 
current  year’s  bearing  wood,  not  being  extensions,  and  thin  all  the 
growths  where  too  crowded.  Syringe  as  is  necessary  to  keep  down  red 
spider,  or  promptly  apply  an  insecticide.  Keeping  the  borders  duly 
supplied  with  water  or  liquid  manure  will  greatly  assist  weakly  trees. 
Ventilate  the  houses  to  the  fullest  extent  unless  the  wood  is  not  ripen¬ 
ing,  in  which  case  ventilating  freely  at  night  and  keeping  the  house 
rather  close  in  the  daytime  ripening  will  be  induced.  Any  young  trees 
that  are  too  vigorous  should  have  a  trench  taken  out  about  one-third  the 
height  of  the  tree  from  the  stem  and  the  roots  cut,  filling  the  trench 
again  firmly. 

Late  Houses. — The  wood  should  be  laid  in  thinner  than  is  customary 
with  trees  in  earlier  houses,  so  as  to  secure  the  thorough  solidification 
of  the  growths  ;  then  the  buds  will  become  perfect,  and  matter  be 
stored  in  the  adjacent  wood  for  the  support  of  the  blossoms  and  embryo 
fruit  in  the  coming  season.  As  gross  growths  tend  to  impoverish  the 
weaker  by  drawing  to  them  an  undue  amount  of  sap,  and  prevent  an 
equal  distribution  of  vigour,  they  must  be  stopped,  or  preferably 
removed  altogether.  Keep  the  trees  free  from  red  spider  by  forcible 
syringings  until  the  fruit  gives  indications  of  ripening.  The  borders 
should  be  well  supplied  with  water  or  liquid  manure,  and  be  mulched 
about  an  inch  thick  with  short  partially  decayed  manure. 

Mailing  New  Borders. — If  any  planting  of  trees  in  new  houses,  or 
replacing  of  old  by  young  trees  is  contemplated,  material  for  making 
the  border  should  be  procured,  so  that  the  work  may  be  executed  with 
despatch,  and  the  borders  made  so  as  to  have  time  to  settle  somewhat 
before  the  trees  are  planted.  Strong  turfy  loam,  with  enough  small 
stones  and  grit  to  allow  water  to  percolate  through  it,  is  the  best,  espe¬ 
cially  that  off  calcareous  formations.  The  loam  should  be  strong  rather 
than  light.  Strong  clay  soils  are  not  good  unless  they  contain  a  large 
per-centage  of  small  stones  and  grit.  Where  the  soil  lacks  calcareous 
matter,  a  goodly  admixture  of  lime  rubbish  to  heavy  and  of  clayey  marl 
to  light  loams  will  improve  them. 

New  borders  must  have  efficient  drainage.  If  the  bottom  of  the 
border  is  unfavourable  it  should  be  concreted  6  inches  thick,  gravel, 
coarse  and  fine  together,  with  a  third  of  lime  made  into  a  mortar-like 
mass,  put  in  so  as  to  slope  to  a  drain  of  3-inch  tiles,  having  a  proper  fall 
and  outlet.  When  the  concrete  has  hardened  9  to  12  inches  of  drainage 
should  be  provided,  placing  the  roughest  at  the  bottom  and  the  finest  at 
the  top.  Cover  the  drainage  with  turves  grass  side  downwards,  and 
if  a  layer  3  inches  thick  of  old  mortar  rubbish  or  chalk  broken  to  the 
size  of  road  metal  is  added,  the  roots  will  seldom  pass  through  this 
into  the  strata  beneath.  Instead  of  making  the  border  all  at  once  a 
4  feet  width  is  ample  for  a  couple  of  years,  and  the  openings  in  the  front 
wall  to  let  the  roots  out  should  be  bricked  up  so  as  to  insure  the  occupa¬ 
tion  of  the  inside  border  before  they  pass  into  the  outside.  Loose  bricks 
or  dry  walls  will  do  for  holding  up  the  soil  of  the  borders.  The  border 
need  not  exceed  30  inches  and  should  not  be  less  than  24  inches  deep. 
The  compost  should  be  neither  wet  nor  dry,  and  be  put  together  firmly. 
The  border  ought  to  be  made  ready  for  planting  by  the  end  of 
September. 

In  respect  of  varieties  and  structures  it  is  beat  to  have  few  of  the 
first  and  the  latter  of  moderate  size,  so  that  those  which  ripen  about 
the  same  time  c?n  be  grown  together.  The  structures  for  early  forcing 
should  face  south,  lean-to’s  or  three-quarter  span-roofed  houses  being 
much  the  best  if  well  ventilated  and  efficiently  heated.  For  very  early 
forcing  Alexander,  Early  Louise,  and  Waterloo  Peaches,  with  Advance 
and  Early  Rivers  Nectarines  are  suitable.  The  Peach  first  named  is 
somewhat  liable  to  cast  its  buds,  chiefly  from  over-maturity,  as  the  buds 
on  the  spurs  or  stopped  shoots  are  far  less  prone  to  be  cast  than  those  on 
the  first  made  wood.  For  second  early  houses  Hale’s  Early  Alfred  and 
A  Bee  Peaches  ;  Nectarines,  Darwin,  Goldoni,  and  Lord  Napier  ;  for 
succession,  Stirling  Castle  and  Royal  George  Peaches,  the  two  best 
forcing  varieties  with  BIruge  and  Dryden  Nectarines,  unsurpassed  for 
cropping  and  quality.  These  cannot  well  be  forced  to  ripen  before  the 
end  of  May  or  early  in  June,  then  they  carry  plenty  of  colour.  For 
midseason  houses,  Dr.  Hogg,  Grosse  Mignonne,  Goshawk,  Dymond, 
Noblesse,  Bellegarde,  and  Belle  Beauce  Peaches  ;  Nectarines,  Improved 
Downton,  Stanwick  Elruge,  Rivers’  Orange,  and  Pineapple.  Late 
houses,  Barrington,  Exquisite,  Princess  of  Wales,  Gladstone,  Saa  Eagle, 
Walburton  Admirable,  and  Golden  Eagle  Peaches.  Nectarines,  Newton, 
Milton,  Spencer,  and  Victoria. 

For  an  unheated  house  or  wall  case — Waterloo  or  Early  Louise, 
Hale’s  Early  or  A  Bee,  Early  Alfred  or  Rivers’  Early  York,  Dagmar  or 
Dr.  Hogg,  Crimson  Galande  or  Magdala,  Royal  George  or  Grosse 
Mignonne,  Belle  Beauce  or  Goshawk,  Dymond  or  Noblesse,  Bellegarde 
or  Barrington,  Gladstone  or  Princess  of  Wales,  Walburton  Admirable  or 
Lady  Palmerston,  Sea  Eagle  or  Golden  Eagle.  Nectarines  to  succeed 
each  other  in  an  unheated  house — Early  Rivers,  Lord  Napier,  Darwin, 


August  ir,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


159 


Elruge,  Byron,  Dryden,  Violette  HMive,  Pineapple,  Spencer,  Newton, 
Milton,  and  Victoria. 

Trees  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  for  planting  in  houses  are  best  after 
two  or  three,  or  even  four  or  more  years  trained  to  walls  or  in  cool 
houses,  and  they  transplant  with  complete  success  provided  they  have 
been  duly  lifted,  so  as  to  move  with  abundance  of  fibrous  roots.  Failing 
these  an  early  selection  should  be  made  of  trees  in  nurseries,  choosing 
the  best  furnished,  most  evenly  balanced,  clean  and  healthy,  and  with 
medium  sized  short-jointed  wood.  If  carefully  lifted  when  the  wood 
becomes  firm  and  the  leaves  are  parting  from  the  trees  and  planted 
without  delay,  they  will  experience  little  check,  and,  being  bearing 
trees,  some  fruit  may  be  taken  the  first  year. 

Cucumbers. — Houses  that  are  to  be  used  for  supplying  fruit  at 
Christmas — the  plants  having  been  raised  from  a  sowing  made  about  the 
10th  of  the  month — should  now  be  cleared,  so  that  the  needful  cleaning, 
repairs,  or  painting  may  be  done  thoroughly  before  the  house  is  wanted. 
Pot  the  plants  as  they  require  it,  growing  them  in  full  light,  and 
support  them  with  sticks.  They  should  be  grown  without  stopping, 
rubbing  off  side  shoots  as  they  appear  to  the  height  of  the  trellis. 

The  autumn  fruiting  plants  should  be  encouraged  to  make  strong 
growth  by  earthing  betimes,  not  making  large  additions,  but  enough 
each  time  to  cover  the  protruding  roots,  taking  care  to  have  the  soil 
warm  and  moist.  Afford  plenty  of  water,  but  avoid  excessive  supplies 
and  driblets.  Syringe  at  3  to  3.30  P.M.,  damping  in  the  morning,  noon, 
and  before  nightfall  in  bright  weather.  Maintain  a  night  temperature 
of  65°  to  70°,  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially,  and  keep  it  through  the  day 
at  80°  to  90°  from  sun  heat,  closing  sufficiently  early  to  rise  to  90°,  95°, 
or  100°.  Train  the  growths  9  to  12  inches  apart — that  is,  the  side  shoots 
— and  stop  them  at  about  12  to  15  inches  growth  to  give  the  needful 
fruiting  and  furnishing  wood.  Kemove  all  fruit  as  well  as  male 
blossoms  as  they  appear,  so  as  to  get  the  plants  strong,  the  early  part 
of  September  being  sufficiently  early  to  allow  fruits  to  swell  for 
cutting  at  the  end  of  the  month.  By  cropping  lightly  at  first  a  good 
supply  can  be  had  later  in  November  and  December. 

Plants  in  bearing  will  require  attention  in  thinning  old  growths, 
removing  bad  leaves,  stopping  at  a  joint  beyond  the  show  of  fruit,  to 
maintain  a  succession.  Plants  in  frames  will  be  restored  to  vigour  by  a 
good  thinning  out  of  the  old  shoots  and  the  addition  of  a  little  fresh 
loam,  giving  a  moderate  watering,  and  a  sprinkling  on  bright  af  ternoons, 
closing  at  about  3  P.M.  With  liming  and  the  protection  of  mats  over 
the  lights  Cucumbers  will  be  produced  for  a  lengthened  period. 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Are  Bees  Wild  Animals  ? 


Decision  has  been  given  in  the  Sheriff  Court,  Perth,  in  an 
action  in  which  David  Harris,  farmer,  Aberbothrie,  Alyth,  sued 
Robert  Elder,  farmer,  Burnhead,  Alyth,  for  delivery  of  a  swarm 
of  bees  belonging  to  pursuer,  which  on  June  5th  last  swarmed 
from  pursuer's  hive,  and  were  followed  by  him  to  defender’s  place, 
where  they  alighted  and  were  retained  by  him.  The  Sheriff  held 
that  bees  in  a  wild  state  were  the  property  of  the  person  who  could 
get  possession  of  them.  The  defender  was  not  entitled  to  open  his 
door  to  give  entrance  to  the  pursuer  to  take  possession  of  the  bees. 
He  therefore  assoilzied  the  defender,  but  allowed  no  expenses. 

The  above  decision  by  the  Perth  Sheriff  seems  to  me  to  be  of 
an  extraordinary  nature,  and  contrary  to  precedent,  use,  and  wont, 
the  latter  in  Scotland  being  constituted  law.  In  previous  actions  it 
was  always  held  that  if  the  owner  of  a  swarm  of  bees  did  not  lose 
sight  of  them  he  could  enter  any  premises  and  secure  them  by 
paying  all  damages,  once  lost  sight  of  they  belonged  to  any  person 
who  found  them,  which  I  think  reasonable  and  just. 

Bees  are  certainly  not  wild  animals  in  the  proper  sense,  not 
more  so  than  poultry,  pigeons,  &c.,  or  the  ferrets  of  the  squire 
or  gamekeeper  which,  according  to  the  above  decision,  any  person 
may  take  them  wherever  found.  People  should  not  find  anything 
and  keep  it.  According  to  an  unrescinded  law  in  Scotland  all  found 
property  is  to  be  handed  over  to  the  Baron  Bailie,  and  to  a  recent 
law  to  the  police.  Had  I  been  the  judge  I  would  have  acted  a 
Solomon’s  part  and  given  the  owner  of  the  bees  his  property. 
The  case  is  one  for  bee  associations  to  take  up,  and  either  get  the 
law  amended  or  administer  it  according  to  justice  as  it  was 
intended. 


At  the  Moors. 


The  weather  has  since  the  7th  taken  a  turn  for  the  better,  and 
bees  are  gathering  Heather  honey  quickly.  Hives  that  were  almost 
at  starvation  point  are  gaining  weight  rapidly,  and  with  a  few  days 
more  fine  promises  to  b^e  the  best  honey  season  since  1859. 


Queenless  Hive. 

A  correspondent,  “  F.  J.  W.,”  writes  on  this  subject,  and  asks 
for  advice.  His  hive  may  not  be  queenless,  and  it  would  therefore 


be  risky  to  introduce  a  valuable  queen  to  it.  He  should  try  it  first 
with  a  piece  of  brood  comb  containing  eggs  and  larvae  ;  if  queenless 
it  will  raise  a  queen.  Any  dealer  will  supply  a  queen.  I  obtain 
all  my  imported  queens,  Punics  excepted,  from  Messrs.  George 
Neighbour  &  Sons,  127,  High  Holborn,  London.  Punics  can  be 
had  from  Mr.  J.  Hewitt,  Cambridge  Street,  Sheffield.  If  the 
bees  start  queen  cells  by  removing  the  piece  of  brood  the  hive  will 
be  in  a  fit  condition  to  receive  an  imported  queen.  Nature’s  book 
is  the  best  to  study,  assisted  by  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  and 
7d.  sent  to  Col.  Bennett,  50,  Gordon  Street,  Glasgow,  will  secure 
an  essay  on  bees  by  post. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Messrs.  Ellwanger  &  Barry,  Mount  Hope  Nurseries,  Kochester, 
U.S.A. — Strawberries,  Dutch  Bulbs,  S\'c, 

Osman  &  Co.,  132  and  134,  Commercial  Street,  London. — Illustrated 
Catalogue  of  Horticultural  Su  ndries. 

Sutton  &  Sons,  Beading. — Illustrated  Bulb  Catalogue  for  1893. 


•,*A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor  ”  or  to  “  The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

uxelon. — A  correspondent  whose  letter  has  been  mislaid,  has  sent  a 
Melon  desiring  our  opinion  on  the  fruit.  It  is  very  good  in  appearance, 
but  we  are  sorry  to  say  quite  inferior  in  quality,  and  one  taste  was  more 
than  enough.  Our  correspondent  will  have  no  difficulty  in  recognizing 
this  reply  as  applying  to  his  fruit. 

Thrlps  XTiider  Class  and  Outdoors  (^B.  H.'). — There  are  many 
species  of  thrips,  and  so  much  alike  as  to  render  it  difficult  to  distinguish 
them  from  each  other.  One  of  the  most  hurtful  is  that  infesting  plants 
under  glass,  and  this  species  is  also  often  found  outdoors  in  hot  seasons. 
It  is  called  Heliothrips  hoemorrhoidahs,  and  cannot  survive  the  winter 
outdoors.  The  most  common  thrips  outdoors  is  the  small  black  variety. 
The  insects  are  found  on  many  plants,  especially  in  dry  seasons,  also  in 
flowers,  which  they  more  or  less  malform.  It  is  called  H.  minutissima. 

Sabbatla  campestrls  (A.  B.'). — The  plant  to  which  you  doubt¬ 
less  refer  is  Sabbatia  campestris.  This  is  one  of  the  showiest  of 
our  hardy  outdoor  annuals,  and  is  a  native  of  the  open  prairies  of 
Arkansas  and  Red  River,  where,  although  not  very  plentiful,  the  effect 
of  its  deep  rose  lilac-coloured  flowers  is  quite  dazzling  when  seen  through 
the  long  grass.  It  grows  from  G  inches  to  a  foot  high,  with  slightly 
winged  stem,  branching  habit ;  leaves  ovate,  amplexicaule,  acute,  nerved ; 
flowers  nearly  2  inches  in  diameter,  each  of  the  variable  segments  being 
marked  with  a  five-rayed  greenish-yellow  star,  having  an  irregular  white 
margin.  It  grows  well  in  ordinary  garden  soil.  8.  campestris  has 
often  been  confounded  with  the  Chironia  trinerva  of  Ceylon,  and, 
although  agreeing  in  artificial  character,  the  colour  of  the  flower  and 
the  ovate  leaves  distinguish  it  clearly  enough  for  all  practical  purposes. 

Winter’s  Bark  (ZT.  B.). — You  wish  to  “know  something  about 
Winter’s  Bark.”  This  is  the  produce  of  a  small  tree  (Drymis  Winter!) 
allied  to  the  Magnolias,  and  is  occasionally  seen  in  botanic  gardens  or 
choice  collections  of  plants  in  this  country.  The  bark  is  a  stimulant 
aromatic  tonic,  and  may  be  used  for  similar  purposes  as  cinnamon  and 
Canella  alba,  for  the  latter  of  which  it  is  sometimes  substituted.  Its 
odour  is  that  of  pepper  and  basil,  and  its  flavour  of  a  burning  acridity 
adhering  to  the  throat.  It  is  said  to  be  good  in  scurvy,  vomiting,  and 
paralysis,  and  it  is  also  used  for  tanning.  It  was  first  brought  to 
England  from  the  Straits  of  Magellan  in  1579  by  Captain  Winter,  who 
went  out  with  Sir  Francis  Drake  in  his  voyage  round  the  world.  He 
found  it  very  useful  to  his  ship’s  crew  both  as  a  substitute  for  other 
spices  and  as  a  cure  for  scurvy.  The  leaves  with  other  herbs  are  said  to 
hive  been  used  successfully  in  fomentations,  and  half  a  drachm  of  the 
bark  boiled  with  some  carminative  seeds  promoted  perspiration  and 
relieved  those  suffering  from  scurvy.  Other  species  of  Drymis,  as  grana- 
tensis  and  axillaris,  possess  the  same  properties,  and  the  fruit  of 
Tasmannia  aromatica  is  used  as  pepper  by  the  settlers  of  Australia. 


160 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[August  17,  1893. 


Improving  Xlght  Soil — Pear  Iieaves  Browned  (^F,  M.  31.'). — 
If  the  clay  can  be  dried  and  smashed  into  small  particles  it  could  be  the 
better  incorporated  with  the  light  soil  of  your  garden,  and  would 
undoubtedly  improve  it.  We  have  not  found  raw  lumps  of  much 
immediate  advantage.  Clay  sufficiently  burned  to  be  easily  pulverised 
is  especially  valuable  for  mixing  with  light  soil  for  fruit  trees,  and 
indeed  all  kinds  of  crops.  The  Pear  leaves  have  the  appearance  of  an 
attack  by  slug-worms,  but  they  have  not  cleared  away,  as  usual,  the 
whole  of  the  soft  substance  of  the  leaf,  so  that  the  veins  and  the  skin 
of  the  lower  side  are  all  that  remain  ;  indeed,  the  leaf  surface  is  almost 
entire,  but  discoloured,  and  there  are  only  traces  of  slug-worm  attack 
here  and  there  on  the  upper  surface.  This  may  be  due  to  the  unusual 
hardness  of  the  epidermal  tissues.  It  is  remarkable,  however,  that 
there  is  not  further  indications  of  such  attacks.  There  is  no  trace  of 
fungal  affection,  and  we  think  the  discolouration  of  the  leaves  is  due  to 
the  slug-worm,  the  pest  having  collapsed  in  its  early  stages,  but  not 
before  it  had  injured  the  leaves. 

Tlie  White  Beam  Tree  (^1.  I.). — No  doubt  you  refer  to  the 
Pyrus  Aria  of  botanists,  and  which  is  commonly  known  as  the  White 
Beam  Tree,  in  reference  to  the  white  under  surface  of  the  leaves.  It 
is  a  native  of  Britain,  chiefly  in  the  mountainous  districts  on  limestone 
soils.  Its  fruit  is  acid  and  astringent,  but  is  not  disagreeable  to  eat 
when  in  a  state  of  incipient  decay,  like  the  Medlar.  When  dried  and 
reduced  to  powder  it  has  been  converted  into  a  sort  of  bread  during 
times  of  scarcity  both  in  France  and  Sweden ;  and  when  fermented  it 
forms  a  beer,  or,  by  distillation,  a  powerful  spirit.  It  is  greedily  eaten 
by  birds,  for  which  reason  the  trees  are  ordered  to  be  preserved  in 
French  forests,  that  the  number  of  birds  may  be  increased,  in  order  to 
keep  down  the  insects.  The  fruit  also  furnishes  food  to  squirrels,  and 
when  it  drops,  deer  and  the  hedgehog  eat  it  with  avidity.  The  wood  is 
very  hard,  of  a  fine  close  grain,  yellowish  white,  and  susceptible  of  a 
high  polish.  It  may  be  stained  of  any  colour,  and  is  much  used  in 
making  handles  of  knives  and  forks,  wooden  spoons,  and  for  musical 
instruments,  and  various  articles  of  turneryware. 

Iilllums  Unsatisfactory  (^E.  IF.). — The  buds  are  destroyed  by  the 
same  cause  as  the  leaves,  but  some  of  the  buds  have  had  their  stalks 
gnawed  by  a  weevil,  which  would  probably  be  found  by  examining 
the  plants  at  night  with  a  lantern.  The  discoloured  leaves  are  due  to 
bacteria  generally,  but  there  are  traces  of  another  infection,  viz.,  that  of  a 
fungus,  which  is  certainly  not  the  cause,  but  the  consequence  of  the 
diseased  tissues,  for  it  only  lives  on  those  which  have  been  disorganised 
by  the  bacteria.  This  parasite  is  embedded  in  the  cells  and  sets  up  a 
ferment,  completely  destroying  them  and  leaving  its  spores  attached  to 
the  walls  of  the  cells.  The  fungus  comes  after  the  bacterial  attack,  and 
is  confined  mainly  to  the  upper  surface  of  the  leaves,  as  in  attacks  by 
eelworm.  We  were  unable  to  identify  the  species,  which  is  different  to 
the  micro-organism  producing  wet  rot  in  Potatoes,  and  the  ferment  is 
very  much  less.  The  fungus  germs  are  those  of  Polyactis  cana.  Try 
spraying  with  Bordeaux  mixture  early  another  season  to  prevent  the 
attacks.  We  suspect  the  plants  which  had  been  grown  to  a  height  of 
18  inches  under  glass  before  being  planted  out  in  May  would  receive  a 
check,  as  their  tissues  would  be  necessarily  tender,  and  any  injury, 
though  not  perceived  at  the  time,  would  render  them  liable  to  parasitic 
attack. 

Tomato  Beaves  Diseased  (IF.  D.). — The  yellow  spots  in  the 
leaves  indicate  the  abstraction  of  the  contents  of  the  cells  by  the 
mycelium  of  a  fungus  (Phytophthora  infestans),  and  its  “  fruits  ”  are 
just  emerging  from  the  under  side  of  the  leaves.  They  are  as  yet 
immature  on  the  yellowish  parts,  while  those  on  the  brown  portions 
have  been  developed  and  the  spores  scattered.  The  best  thing  to  do  is 
to  remove  all  the  leaves  or  leaflets  exhibiting  yellow  spots  and  burn 
them,  also  every  part  that  has  become  brown  or  black,  then  spray  the 
plants  with  Bordeaux  mixture  prepared  as  follows  :  sulphate  of  copper 
4  ozs.,  powdered,  dissolving  in  a  vessel  by  itself  in  3^  gallons  of  water, 
then  slake  4  ozs.  of  quicklime  (quite  fresh)  in  another  vessel,  and  form 
into  a  thin  limewash  with  water,  and  pour  it  through  a  hair  sieve  slowly 
into  the  vessel  containing  the  copper  solution,  adding  enough  water  to 
make  1\  gallons  altogether.  To  make  sure  that  this  will  not  injure  the 
plants  drop  a  few  drops  of  ferrocyanide  of  potassium  into  the  Bordeaux 
mixture  after  it  has  been  well  stirred,  and  if  it  turns  brown  it  will 
injure  the  plants,  but  if  it  remain  a  clear  celestial  blue  it  is  perfectly 
safe.  It  should  be  used  as  soon  as  made,  not  letting  it  stand  for  several 
hours.  Any  fruits  near  ripening  should  be  cut,  and  then  spray  the 
plants  in  every  part,  repeating  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  ten  days. 
The  mixture  may  be  kept  from  the  fruit  by  wrapping  it  in  oilskin  before 
spraying,  removing  it  afterwards.  This  makes  safety  doubly  sure  as 
regards  danger  in  using  the  fruit  from  the  adherent  copper.  Maintain  a 
dry  atmosphere  with  free  ventilation, 

NTames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  conseqmnce 
of  the  large  numier  of  worthless  Apples  and  Pears  se7it  to  this  office  to 
he  named,  it  has  heen  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  which  are  not  worth  sending 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  (^Lover  of  Fruit). — Pears— 1,  Jargonelle  ;  2,  Not  ripe. 


probably  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey.  {^George  Pennill).  —  4,  Beurr6 
Glaiigeau  ;  5,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  ;  6,  Windsor.  The  Apples  are 
deformed  or  defective,  and  cannot  be  identified.  (6*.  C.). — As  has  been 
many  times  stated,  Plums  cannot  be  named  without  portions  of  young 
wood  with  leaves  accompany  the  fruit.  (IF.  G.  J.). — The  Apple  is 
either  a  local  seedling  or  a  continental  variety,  and  has  no  recognised 
name  on  our  list.  {II,  D.). — Thb  Plum  is  probably  Pond’s  Seedling,  bub 
young  shoots  with  leaves  are  necessary  for  satisfactory  identification, 
(IF.  S.  Payne). — 16,  Allen’s  Everlasting;  48,  Longville's  Kernel  ;  60, 
Whorle  Pippin;  71,  Golden  Eeinette.  {A.  H.  Lawrence). — 1,  Lord 
Suffield  ;  2,  Perhaps  Gloria  Mundi  distorted  ;  3,  Possibly  a  small  Domino ; 
4  and  5,  New  Hawthornden  ;  6,  Winter  Majetin.  (J.  T.  Bare). — You 
ought  to  have  informed  us  if  the  flowers  of  the  Nectarine  are  large  or 
small.  If  they  are  small  it  is  Stanwick  Blruge.  {H.  MI). — The  Pear  is 
a  good  example  of  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  The  Apple  cannot  be 
identified. 

Wames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
{II.  E.  31.). — The  specimen  arrived  in  a  very  defective  state.  It  is 
possibly  Dimorphanthus  mandchuricus,  which  sometimes  produces 
leaves  4  feet  to  5  feet.  Very  ornamental  in  shrubberies.  {G.  F.  S.). — 
Monarda  didyma  (Bergamot).  {G.  A.), — The  specimens  are  quite 
insufficient  for  identification.  The  habits  of  such  plants  should  be 
clearly  described,  and  better  examples  packed  to  arrive  in  a  fresh  state 
for  purposes  of  nomenclature.  {C.  F.). — CEnothera  macrocarpa. 
{G.  A).~l,  Davallia  canariensis  ;  2,  D.  decora;  3,  Acrophorus  affine; 
4,  Adiantum  Weigandi ;  5,  A.  elegans  ;  6,  Cornus  sanguineus. 


OOYENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — AuauST  16th. 
Large  supplies,  readily  changing  hands  at  low  rates. 


FRUIT, 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Apples,  per  bushel 

* 

1 

0  to  6 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

9 

to  2 

0 

„  Tasmanian, per  case 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

„  Nova  Scotia, 

brl. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Oranges,  per  100  .,  .. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Cherries,  half  sieve  . . 

. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

6 

8 

0 

Cobs  . 

25 

0 

0 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve  . . 

1 

G 

2 

6 

Filberts,  per  100  lbs. 

25 

0 

0 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Gooseberries,  half  sieve 

•• 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Strawberries,  per  lb . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Asparagus,  per  bundle 

, 

0 

0 

to  0 

0 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2 

to  0 

0 

Beaus,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

0 

3 

0 

4 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Beet,  Red,  dozen  . ,  . . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  , . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Carrots,  bunch  . .  . , 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

s 

Celery,  bundle  . .  , , 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

b 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Soorzonera,  bundle  . . 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Cucumbers,  dozen  .. 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Seakale,  per  basket  . .  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . .  , , 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . ,  . . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

4 

Lettuce,  dozen  ..  .. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . . 

.. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 
Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 


s. 

d. 

S. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

a. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

2 

0  to 

4 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  , .  2 

0  to  4 

(> 

Asters  (French),  per  bunch 

0 

9 

1 

3 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  . .  2 

0 

4 

0 

„  (English)  doz.  bches. 

3 

0 

5 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . .  1 

6 

3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  ,. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms  3 

0 

12 

6 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches  6 

0 

9 

0 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches . 3 

0 

6 

0 

bunches  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Primula  (double)  12  sprays  0 

6 

1 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches  2 

0 

6 

0 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen  ..  0 

6 

1 

6 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

1 

6 

4 

0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  . .  4 

0 

6 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . .  1 

0 

2 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  ..  2 

0 

4 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Stocks,  dozen  bunches  . .  4 

0 

8 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum  12 

Sweet  Peas,  doz.  bunches..  2 

0 

4 

0 

blooms  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Sweet  Sultan,  per  dozen 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches . 3 

0 

4 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  ..  0 

4 

0 

6 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitse  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Hydrangea,  per  dozen  . .  12 

Oto  24 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 4 

0 

6 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz.  12 

0 

18 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 

0 

24 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lobelia,  per  doz . 3 

0 

6 

0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . .  3 

0 

4 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . .  6 

0 

12 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz .  4 

0 

6 

0 

Euonvmus,  var.,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 6 

0 

9 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  ,.  1 

„  (specimens)  ..  ..21 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

0 

63 

0 

Ferns  (smaU)  pr  r  liundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  per  dozen..  6 

0 

12 

0 

Ficus  elastica.  each  .. 

1 

6 

7 

6 

„  scarlet, per  dozen..  3 

0 

6 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. , 
Fuchsia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Petunia,  per  dozen  . .  , .  6 

0 

9 

0 

5 

0 

9 

0 

Rhodanthe,  per  dozen  , .  4 

0 

6 

0 

A.  igust  17,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


161 


AUTUMN  TILLAGE. 

Of  the  many  lessons  of  the  great  drought,  most  important 
of  all  was  that  of  the  primary  value  of  deep  and  thorough 
autumn  tillage.  Without  it  many  a  farmer’s  hands  have  been 
tied,  a  seed  bed  was  an  impossibility.  Why  ?  Because  his 
heavy  land  was  not  ploughed  till  after  it  became  saturated  by 
the  heavy  rainfall  of  an  exceptionally  wet  February.  The  wet 
furrows  were  then  exposed  to  the  drought  which  set  in  early  in 
March,  sun  and  wind  then  drying  them  so  quickly  that  the  clods 
were  impervious  to  any  implement  —  roller,  cultivator,  or 
harrow  made  no  impression  upon  them,  and  Lent  went  by  with 
out  a  field  being  sown  with  corn.  Even  where  matters  were 
not  quite  so  bad.  the  soil  being  crushed  sufficiently  to  admit  of 
the  sowing  of  both  corn  and  root  crops,  much  of  the  seed  lay 
dormant  week  after  week,  the  plants  coming  in  patches.  When 
rain  at  length  fell,  growth  sprung  up  from  the  dormant  seed, 
wi'h  the  result  of  many  a  coimfield  in  July  having  patches  and 
strips  of  ripening  corn  alternating  with  others  quite  gi'een  and 
in  full  growth. 

Where  the  land  had  thorough  tillage  last  autumn,  and  was 
left  for  winter  well  drained,  clean,  thrown  up  into  ridges,  and  with 
perfect  mechanical  divisions,  it  broke  down  under  the  harrows 
into  an  excellent  seed  bed — sweet,  mellow,  moist,  and  light  as 
ashes.  In  the  second,  or  early  in  the  third,  month  of  the  year 
sowing  went  on  with  a  rapidity  and  finish  impossible  under  a 
less  perfect  system  of  cultivation.  Seed  germination  followed 
quickly  and  evenly,  up  came  a  full  strong  plant,  growth  went  on 
without  serious  check  or  hindrance  from  drought,  on  to  such 
early  maturity  of  the  corn,  that  very  much  of  it  was  in  shock 
or  stook  a  month  before  the  usual  time  of  harvest.  Roots,  too, 
have  thriven  equally  well,  and  timely  intelligent  farming  stands 
triumphant.  The  year  for  it  is  crowned  with  plenty,  for  be  very 
sure  that  hand-in-hand  with  such  energe'ic  tillage  goes  an 
equally  sensible  systematic  storage  of  the  soil  with  plant 
food. 

Drainage,  mechanical  division,  cleanliness,  autumn  tillage, 
sustained  fertility,  carefully  selected  seed,  timely  sowing,  these 
are  the  watchwords  of  the  successful  farmer.  The  guiding 
principles  of  his  practice,  they  affect  all  he  does.  He  is  success¬ 
ful  not  only  because  of  them,  but  also,  and  very  much  also, 
because  they  are  combined  with  sound  judgment,  and  powers 
of  discrimination,  which  enable  him  to  apportion  his  cropping 
and  modify  his  practice  whenever  it  becomes  necessary  or 
advantageous  to  do  so. 

This  autumn  a  golden  opportunity  has  come  to  him  in  the 
early  harvest.  The  clearance  of  the  corn  from  the  land  so  early 
in  August  will  enable  him  to  have  the  stubbles  quite  clean 
before  plough  and  subsoiler  are  at  woi-k.  His  land  is  so  free 
and  open  that  the  broadshare  can  be  used  at  once  to  slightly  pare 
the  surface,  so  that  perennial  weeds  may  be  got  together  by  the 
harrows  which  follow  and  be  burnt.  Soil  that  is  crude,  hard,  and 
heavy  cannot  be  pared  so  easily ;  it  is  usually  so  hard  after 
harvest  that  neither  plough  nor  broadshare  will  enter  it  till  it 
is  softened  by  heavy  autumnal  showers,  and  so  precious  time 
is  wasted  and  the  opportunity  for  thorough  tillage  lost.  There 
should  be  time  this  autumn  for  doing  something  to  correct  the 
crudeness  of  heavy  land.  Gas  lime  has  been  used  with  excel¬ 
lent  effect  upon  the  Essex  clays.  When  applied  in  autumn  it 
acts  mechanically  upon  the  soil,  stimulates  latent  fertility  ;  but 
it  ought  never  to  be  used  instead  of  manure.  Rather  apply  it, 
or  lime  fresh  from  the  kiln,  early  in  autumn,  and  sow  chemical 


manure  with  the  corn,  roots,  or  other  crops  in  spring.  As  a 
rule,  lime  may  be  used  advantageously  once  in  six  years  at  the 
rate  of  GO  to  100  bushels  per  acre.  One  of  our  finest  crops  of 
Wheat  was  on  land  which,  when  it  came  into  our  hands,  was  in 
a  very  foul,  inert  condi  ion.  It  had  a  summer  fallow,  was 
cross-ploughed  deeply  several  times,  was  dressed  with  fresh 
kiln  lime  during  these  ploughings,  then  well  manured  just 
before  the  Wheat  sowings.  This  was  a  case  of  necessity  as 
regards  the  fallow,  because  the  land  was  so  very  foul.  Coal 
ashes,  slag  from  smelting  furnaces,  and  burnt  clay  are  also 
excellent  for  opening  up  the  land.  In  mining  districts  there 
are  immense  heaps  of  slag — enough  for  the  land  of  a  wide 
district,  but  which  is  seldom  if  ever  turned  to  account  for  such 
a  purpose. 

WOEK  ON  THE  HOME  FAEM. 

Since  writing  our  last  note  thunder  storms,  with  a  heavy  downpour 
of  rain,  have  been  frequent,  but  there  has  been  nothing  worthy  of  the 
name  of  wet  weather,  and  harvest  work  has  gone  on  with  despatch.  On 
some  farms  the  whole  of  the  corn  is  in  stack,  and  the  ploughs  are  at 
work  upon  the  stubbles.  First  of  all  such  weeds  as  Couch  Grass,  Colts¬ 
foot,  Thistles,  Docks,  and  Ononis  or  Eest  Harrow  must  be  destroyed, 
then  ploughing  follows  at  once,  cultivators,  horse  hoes,  harrows,  and 
ploughs  all  being  in  full  swing,  so  as  to  have  the  soil  cleaned,  broken  up 
deeply,  turned  over  by  cross-ploughing  two  or  three  times  according  to 
the  weather,  and  at  the  last  turn  all  that  is  left  for  the  spring  sowing  is 
thrown  into  high  ridges  by  the  double-breasted  plough. 

Have  all  land  intended  for  autumn  sowing  with  Wheat,  Eye,  and 
Winter  Oats  ready  for  the  corn  drill  by  the  end  of  the  month  in  order 
that  the  sowing  may  be  done  early  in  September.  The  seed  will  go  in 
quickly  and  well  then,  but  if  the  sowing  is  put  off  till  October  it  may 
have  to  wait  for  fine  weather  till  spring.  Get  in  the  corn  then  in 
September,,  so  as  to  do  the  work  in  the  best  way,  and  have  a  full  strong 
plant.  Sow  no  Wheat  on  inferior  land,  only  on  the  best  mixed  soil  ; 
select  good  seed,  and  apply  manure  through  the  drill  with  the  seed — 
half  hundredweight  sulphate  of  ammonia,  quarter  hundredweight 
steamed  bone  flour,  and  quarter  hundredweight  superphosphate  per  acre. 
This  very  moderate  dressing  is  to  get  a  sturdy  plant  before  winter,  and 
is  followed  early  in  spring  withl^  cwt.  nitrate  of  soda,  quarter  hundred¬ 
weight  steamed  bone  flour,  half  hundredweight  superphosphate,  and 
half  hundredweight  muriate  of  potash  where  necessary. 

It  may  appear  somewhat  premature  to  mention  this  matter  while 
harvest  is  still  in  full  swing,  but  it  is  not.  The  common  fault  is  to  relax 
efforts  after  harvest,  just  when  all  in  our  power  should  be  done  to  push 
on  autumn  work,  and  get  as  forward  as  possible  before  wet  October 
comes.  Now  is  the  time  for  strenuous  effort.  Strive  to  be  well  beforehand 
with  all  farm  work,  but  especially  with  field  work,  which  is  so  dependant 
upon  the  weather.  Very  pleasant  is  the  feeling  when  the  land  is 
locked  up  by  frost  and  snow  that  it  was  so  tilled  in  the  autumn. 


BOARD  OF  AGRICULTURE  AND  ENSILAGE. 

In  view  of  the  exceptional  circumstances  resulting  from  the  drought 
of  the  spring  and  summer  of  this  year,  the  Board  of  Agriculture 
consider  it  desirable  to  circulate  information  concerning  the  use  of 
ensilage  processes,  and  their  value  in  providing  winter  and  spring  keep 
for  stock. 

The  general  impression  prevailing  upon  the  subject  of  ensilage  is 
that  it  is  only  serviceable  in  wet  seasons  when  they  cannot  be  properly 
made.  But  there  are  not  a  few  agriculturists  who  make  silage  regularly 
either  in  silos,  or  in  stacks,  or  in  clamps  every  year,  and  speak  highly  of 
its  value  for  feeding  purposes. 

The  wet  summer  of  1888  gave  a  great  temporary  stimulus  to  ensilage, 
which  was  encouraged  by  the  discovery  that  good  silage  could  be  made 
in  stacks  and  clamps  by  a  comparatively  cheap  and  simple  process. 
This  year  attention  will  be  again  very  generally  directed  to  ensilage  in 
consequence  of  the  unprecedented  scarcity  of  grass  and  Clovers  for  hay, 
and  the  failure  of  the  ordinary  crops  for  winter  food  caused  by  drought. 

Materials  suitable  for  Silage. 

It  may  in  some  cases,  it  is  believed,  be  too  late  to  make  hay  of 
Lucerne,  second  cuts  of  Clover,  Sainfoin,  and  grass,  as  well  as  of  Italian 
Eye  Grass,  grass  and  Clover  mixtures,  and  other  crops  sown  when  the 
drought  ceased.  All  of  these  crops  that  can  be  spared  from  the 
immediate  requirements  of  the  farm  stock  may  be  advantageously  made 
into  silage.  They  should  be  allowed  to  stand  as  late  as  the  weather  will 
permit,  for  although  it  is  acknowledged  to  be  best  to  cut  such  crops  as 
grass  and  Clover  for  silage  when  in  flower,  the  object  must  be  to  get  the 
greatest  possible  bulk  of  material  at  this  crisis. 

Every  particle  of  herbage  upon  farms  should  be  cut  for  silage. 
Even  weeds,  sedge,  and  rushes  should  be  utilized.  Nettles  have  been 
successfully  employed.  The  outsides  of  fields  and  the  sides  of  hedges 
and  other  waste  places  should  be  brushed  and  the  brushings  ensiled. 
The  leaves  of  some  kinds  of  trees  may  also  be  ensiled.  If  the  material 
is  too  coarse  for  actual  silage  it  will  be  useful  for  topping  up  the  silos, 
stacks,  or  clamps.  Coarse  grass  in  meadows,  pastures,  and  under  trees 
in  orchards  and  elsewhere,  which  stock  frequently  reject,  may  be  made 


162 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


£  August  17,  18ftS. 


into  eatable  silage.  Hop  bines  should  be  ensiled  directly  the  hops  have 
been  picked,  while  the  sap  is  fresh.  Maize  and  Sorghum  saccharatum 
are  valuable  ensilage  materials. 

Pbeparation  of  Materials. 

Grass,  Clovers,  Oats,  Bye,  Lucerne,  Vetches,  &c.,  require  no  prepara¬ 
tion.  They  are  simply  mown  as  closely  as  possible  and  carted  to  the  silo, 
stack,  or  clamp,  and  put  in,  or  on,  and  compressed  as  tightly  as  possible 
that  the  air  may  not  penetrate  between  the  layers.  Hop-bines  should 
be  carted  directly  the  hops  have  been  picked,  and  much  pressure  applied 
to  them.  Where  silos  are  available  it  would  be  well  to  cut  hop-bines 
with  the  bine  cutter  used  to  cut  them  for  manure,  or  they  may  be 
put  into  stacks  or  clamps  whole,  or  cut  into  long  lengths  with  this 
machine.  Maize  and  Sorghum  are  usually  chaffed  in  fairly  large 
lengths  when  put  into  silos.  Maize  ensiled  whole  in  stacks  or  clamps 
turns  out  well  if  properly  managed,  even  though  the  stalks  are  very 
large  and  thick. 

Special  machines  may  be  obtained  for  chaffing  silage  materials, 
and  elevators  for  stacking  them. 

Methods  of  Ensilage. 

Since  the  publication  of  the  Summary  of  Replies  to  Questions  on 
Silos  and  Ensilage  in  Great  Britain  by  the  Agricultural  Department  in 
1885  (C. — 4536),  and  the  Reports  of  the  Ensilage  Commission  (H.  C. — 
308  of  1885  and  H.  C. — 119  of  1886),  there  have  been  very  important 
changes  in  the  methods  of  ensilage.  At  that  time  the  only  mode  of 
making  silage  was  to  put  it  into  silos,  or  pits, — receptacles  with  sides 
of  brick,  stone,  or  concrete.  These  were  often  too  expensive  for  tenant 
farmers.  Here  and  there,  however,  heads  of  barns,  out-houses,  and 
other  buildings  were  converted  into  silos  at  a  small  cost.  On  large 
holdings  it  would  be  necessary  to  have  these  in  various  parts  of  the 
farm  as  the  carting  of  green  forage  long  distances  would  be  very  costly. 
But  since  the  inexpensive  and  simple  stack  and  clamp  systems  have 
been  introduced,  regular  pit-silos  have  not  materially  increased  in 
numbers. 

Silos, 

Existing  silos  will  naturally  be  made  full  use  of  in  this  emergency, 
and  buildings  that  can  be  readily  and  economically  converted  may  be 
made  into  temporary  silos,  as  the  silo  system  has  certain  advantages. 
There  is  generally  not  quite  so  much  waste  as  in  stacks  and  clamps,  and 
it  is  easier  to  keep  out  air. 

To  get  sweet  silage  the  silo  should  be  filled  somewhat  slowly  to 
obtain  a  temperature  of  from  130°  to  160°,  which  neutralises  the  acid 
fermentation.  If  the  temperature  falls  much  below  this,  sour  silage  is 
produced. 

When  silos  are  filled  they  are  pressed  down  by  machinery,  or  pressure 
is  given  by  weights  of  various  kinds  that  may  be  convenient,  such  as 
earth,  bricks,  stones  upon  planks  and  boards.  Machinery  for  pressing 
has  been  patented  by  several  manufacturers. 

Silage  Stacks. 

In  the  wet  weather  of  1888,  as  it  was  impossible  to  make  hay, 
attention  was  directed  to  the  most  inexpensive  modes  of  making  silage, 
and  silage  stacks  of  various  shapes  and  sizes  were  hastily  eonstructed  in 
all  parts  of  the  country.  Where  ordinary  care  was  taken  the  result  was 
generally  satisfactory,  and  the  experience  of  practical  men  in  later 
years  warrants  the  recommendation  of  the  adoption  of  the  stack  system 
at  the  present  crisis. 

Silage  stacks  are  made  in  the  same  way  as  ordinary  haystacks. 
The  materials  are  carted  and  stacked  either  in  circular,  square,  or 
oblong  stacks.  It  is  important  to  have  great  and  regular  pressure, 
which  may  be  adjusted,  or  adjusts  itself,  as  the  mass  shrinks.  If  this 
is  obtainable,  the  materials  may  be  put  together  as  quickly  as  may  be 
convenient.  There  are  several  patented  methods  of  pressing,  as  by 
chain  pressure,  hydraulic  presses,  and  lever  appliances.  Before  pressing 
the  material  should  be  carefully  levelled. 

Silage  stacks  may  also  be  made  without  special  machinery.  In  this 
case  the  material  cannot  be  put  together  so  quickly,  and  every  part 
must  be  most  carefully  and  firmly  trodden,  especially  that  near  the 
outsides.  Poles  may  be  pitched  at  the  corners  and  sides  of  the  stack, 
and  braced  together  at  the  top  to  guide  the  stackmakers.  A  framework 
of  four  large  planks  may  be  made  round  the  poles  and  drawn  up  as  the 
stack  progresses  by  pulleys  fastened  to  each  end  of  the  bracing  at  the 
top.  This  will  keep  the  stack  in  shape,  and  allow  the  outsides  to  be 
well  trodden  down.  The  boards  may  be  used  to  cover  the  stack  when 
made,  and  heavily  weighted  with  bricks,  stones,  or  other  weighty 
substances.  The  whole  must  be  covered  with  straw  or  other  covering 
to  keep  out  the  wet. 

A  well-known  pioneer  of  the  ensilage  movement  has  given  up  silos 
and  makes  silage  now  entirely  in  round  stacks.  They  are  built  slowly, 
and  not  pressed  nor  weighted  until  complete.  Bough  grasses  or  weeds 
are  used  to  top  up,  and  a  layer  of  these  is  put  at  the  bottom.  The 
surface  is  trodden  down,  and  sand  or  earth  is  laid  on  the  top  to  a  depth 
of  about  6  inches.  A  trench  is  dug  round  the  stack  if  the  surface 
drainage  is  not  good,  the  earth  from  this  serving  to  cover  the  silage. 
“No  mode  of  compression  has  been  found  so  good,”  this  gentleman 
writes,  “as  earth  or  sand;  it  follows  the  ensilage  down  much  better 
than  any  other  mode  of  weighting.  A  little  attention  is  necessary  for 
a  day  or  two,  to  see  that  it  goes  down  without  cracking.  In  building 
the  stack  it  should  be  kept  full  in  the  middle,  in  order  that  it  may  finish 
convex.”  He  also  recommends  the  use  of  a  mixture  consisting  of  a 
layer  of  one  load  of  Oats,  Peas,  Beans,  Vetches,  and  Italian  Bye  Grass, 


alternating  with  a  layer  of  two  cartloads  of  meadow  grass,  the  whole 
being  cut  or  chaffed  before  being  ensiled. 

Dry  earth  may  be  spread  either  directly  on  the  silage  or  on  inter¬ 
vening  sheets  of  Willesden  paper.  In  this  case  no  other  covering  will 
be  required. 

Materials  for  silage-stack-making  should  be  used  whole  as  a  rule, 
and  carted  at  once  after  cutting.  Hop  bines  and  other  coarse  material 
may  be  chaffed  advantageously  in  longish  lengths  with  a  hop-bine 
cutter. 

Silage  Clamps. 

These  are  simple  and  inexpensive  receptacles  of  the  green  crops 
enumerated  above.  They  are  advocated  by  practical  men  as  most 
valuable,  especially  in  times  of  emergency,  and  some  stock-owners  who 
have  silos  prefer  to  adopt  clamps. 

They  may  be  made  on  slightly  sloping  ground  by  stumping  out  the 
required  size,  the  length  exceeding  the  breadth,  and  carting  material 
for  silage  within  this  area.  The  carts  must  be  drawn  on  and  over  the 
heap  precisely  as  when  a  manure  mixen  is  made,  and  tipped  where 
material  is  required  to  fill  up.  They  must  be  drawn  as  closely  to  the 
sides  as  possible  so  as  to  give  pressure  there.  When  the  middle  has 
risen  too  high  for  further  carting  the  sloping  ends  are  cut  off  and  the 
material  thrown  on  to  the  clamp,  and  levelled,  and  firmly  trodden  in. 
The  outsides  may  be  pared  off,  and  the  material  treated  in  the  same 
way.  Then  dry  earth  should  be  laid  evenly  upon  the  clamp,  to  a  depth 
of  8-10  inches,  either  with  or  without  an  intervening  layer  of  rough 
herbage,  bracken,  or  leaves. 

On  dry  soils  a  trench  may  be  dug  3  feet  deep,  and  of  length  and  width 
according  to  the  quantity  of  material.  This  may  be  packed  tightly  into 
the  trench  by  the  carts  being  led  over  it.  A  heavy  roller  drawn  over 
the  mass  will  help  to  consolidate  it.  The  soil  from  the  trench  can  be 
used  for  covering  and  weighting  the  clamp.  Practical  men  say  that 
the  material  cannot  be  too  juicy  and  even  wet  to  make  good  silage  by 
this  process. 

Old  pits  for  chalking  land,  so  numerous  in  chalk  soil  districts,  forna 
capital  receptacles  for  silage.  The  carts  should  be  led  over  the  mass, 
which  must  be  finally  left  in  a  somewhat  conical  form,  and  covered 
with  earth  to  a  depth  of  from  10  to  12  inches. 

Where  earth  is  used  as  a  covering  for  silage  stacks  or  clamps  occa¬ 
sional  inspection  is  necessary,  as  the  earth  sinks  with  the  silage,  and 
cracks  are  sometimes  formed  which  must  be  filled  up.  , 

The  Use  and  Value  of  Silage. 

Many  stock-owners  and  cow-keepers  make  silage  regularly  and  use 
it  as  a  valuable  addition  to  ordinary  food  for  stock.  In  one  instance  an 
owner  of  forty-five  dairy  cows  has  for  some  years  kept  his  cows  almost 
entirely  upon  silage  made  in  stacks,  with  an  allowance  of  oil  cake.  There 
is  much  other  testimony  as  to  its  value  for  feeding  milch  cows  as  well  as 
breeding  ewes.  For  fatting  beasts  it  has  been  proved  that  well-made 
silage  is  at  least  of  equal  value  with  hay,  and  for  lean  stock  of  all  kind's 
it  may  be  used  as  a  complete  substitute  for  either  hay  or  roots.  Farm 
horses  will  do  well  on  properly  made  silage. 

It  can  be  given  either  by  itself,  either  cut  or  whole,  or  it  can  be 
chaffed  with  straw  or  hay.  In  the  exceptional  condition  of  the  scarcity 
of  hay  and  the  shortness  of  the  straw  of  all  crops,  there  will  be  little  o^f 
these  to  spare  for  cutting  into  chaff,  and  silage  may  be  given  alone,  and 
must  prove  of  inestimable  value  for  supplying  the  quantities  of  bulky 
food  that  are  absolutely  essential  for  the  digestion  of  ruminants  and  to 
keep  them  in  health. 


METEOBOLOGICAL  OBSBBVATIONS. 
Oamdbn  Squarb,  Loxdon. 

Lat.51°  32'  40"  N. ;  Loag.  0°  8'  0"  W.:  Altitude.  Ill  feet. 


Datb. 

9  A.M, 

In  THE  Day, 

Bain. 

1893, 

August. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32'',  and 

I  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Incha. 

Sunday  , . 

6 

30-135 

61-1 

55-4 

N.E. 

60-2 

70-9 

47-2 

96-9 

43-3 

- - 

Monday  . . 

7 

30-085 

65-0 

60-4 

S.W. 

59-9 

78-0 

56-1 

126-0 

64-0 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

8 

30153 

72-2 

62-2 

S. 

61-2 

84-9 

54-2 

125-1 

60  0 

— 

Wednesday 

9 

30083 

73-1 

65-1 

S.E. 

62-7 

83-0 

60-0 

121-9 

63-1 

0-010 

Thursday . . 

10 

29-931 

72-1 

65-8 

S.B. 

64-1 

82-6 

63-9 

123-9 

58-6 

- - 

Friday 

11 

30-115 

70-7 

63-9 

E. 

65-0 

81-7 

61-8 

1-9-2 

57-3 

0-077 

Saturday  . . 

12 

30-183 

68-1 

65-4 

S.W. 

65-9 

79-8 

63-3 

126-2 

60-3 

— 

30-098 

68-9 

62  6 

62-7 

80-1 

58-1 

121-3 

53-8 

0-087 

REMARKS. 

6th. — Brilliant  from  sunrise  to  9  A.M.,  then  hazy ;  generally  overcast  in  afternoon 
with  occasional  spots  of  rain. 

7th. — Overcast  till  nearly  11  A.M.,  bright  and  warm  after. 

8th. — Generally  sunny,  but  not  clear. 

9th.— Almost  cloudless  throughout ;  much  distant  lightning  in  evening  and  nigh  t. 

10th. — Mucb  distant  lightning  and  some  thunder  and  rain  in  the  small  hours ;  hazy 
and  oppressive  in  morning  ;  clear  and  hot  after  noon. 

11th, — Bright  sunshine  throughout. 

12th. — Rain  from  3  A.M.  to  4  -V.M. ;  overcast  morning  with  drizzle  at  10  A.M.  sunny 
afternoon  and  evening. 

A  sultry  week  with  frequent  haze  and  calm  air.  Temperature  about  6°  above  the 

average,  the  minima  in  shade  being  higher  than  in  any  other  week  of  the  year. — 
G  J.  Symons. 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


163 


AUGUST  HEAT  ANU 
GARDEN  PRODUCE. 

X 


Memorable  to  the  public  generally,  and  by  no  class  more 
than  the  gardening  community,  will  be  the  remarkable  heat 
of  August  of  the  present  year.  An  unbroken  term  of  eleven 
days,  in  which  the  shade  temperature  was  upwards  of  80°,  and  on 
several  days  over  90°,  with  a  night  minimum  of  seldom  less  than 
70°,  is  an  occurrence  so  rare  as  to  demand  permanent  record. 
Thursday  last,  the  17th  inst.,  was  one  of  the  hottest  days  known 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  metropolis.  The  returns  vary  somewhat 
from  different  localities,  due  in  part  no  doubt  to  the  positions 
occupied  by  thermometers,  and  perhaps  in  greater  part  to  the 
variations  of  instruments  from  the  standard  of  accuracy.  The 
readings  at  Greenwich  we  may,  however,  expect  to  be  correct, 
and  we  are  informed  that  at  Greenwich  the  temperature  in  the 
sun  reached  146‘2°  on  Friday  last,  and  in  the  shade  95T°  This,  it 
is  authoritatively  stated,  has  not  been  exceeded  in  August  during 
the  last  fifty  years,  although  it  was  equalled  on  August  11th,  1884, 
and  it  has  only  been  exceeded  twice  at  Greenwich  during  the 
last  half  century,  the  readings  being  96  6°,  July  22nd,  1868; 
and  97T°,  July  15th,  1881.  As  the  minimum  night  temperature 
was  72°,  the  mean  daily  temperature  of  August  17th  has 
therefore  apparently  not  been  exceeded  since  authentic  records 
have  been  kept.  In  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens, 
Chiswick,  on  Thursday  in  the  “  hot  week  ”  the  shade  thermometer 
registered  95°,  and  examiners  of  the  trials  of  Onions  and  Potatoes 
were  bravely  (?)  discharging  their  duties  beneath  the  shade  of 
umbrellas. 

Lives  have  been  lost  through  the  excessive  heat,  and  more  no 
doubt  would  have  been  but  for  those  splendid  institutions — public 
hospitals — in  which  many  persons  who  were  stricken  found  refuge 
and  relief.  Much  loss  has  been  incurred  by  the  destruction  of 
perishable  food,  including  fruit  and  vegetables.  We  have  seen 
it  announced  that  it  is  not  at  all  uncommon  for  5  or  6  tons  of 
produce  to  be  destroyed  weekly  in  Covent  Garden  during  hot 
weather,  but  that  amount  was  greatly  exceeded  during  the  late 
abnormal  heat.  Large  quantities  were  spoiled  on  arrival,  and  had 
to  be  forthwith  carted  away,  and  sent  down  the  river  in  barges  for 
use  as  manure.  Only  those  consigners  who  were  alive  to  the 
importance  of  not  keeping  fruit  till  it  was  fully  ripe  before 
packing  could  rely  on  the  produce  being  saleable  a  few  hours  after 
exposure  in  the  market.  One  of  the  most  common  errors  of  the 
inexperienced  is  to  wait  a  day  or  more  too  long  with  their  fruit, 
and  then  not  being  sufficiently  careful  in  excluding  bruised  or 
blemished  specimens,  A  very  few  of  these  will  render  the  bulk 
comparatively  useless,  and  especially  when  the  fruit  is  as  ripe  as 
it  should  be,  no  allowance  being  made  for  its  changing  on  the  way 
— a  change  that  may  amount  to  destruction. 

The  heat  and  drought  have  had  a  most  exhausting  effect  on 
vegetation.  In  some  parts  of  Surrey,  where  little  rain  has  fallen, 
thunder  showers  having  gone  elsewhere  during  July,  we  have 
recently  seen  large  Elm  trees  as  if  seared  with  fire  and  hedge¬ 
rows  shrivelled,  no  green  leaves  to  be  seen.  In  many  gardens 
the  time  of  the  workers  has  been  almost  exclusively  devoted  to 
watering  in  the  hope  of  keeping  shrubs  alive,  and  many  large 
Rhododendrons  have  perished.  Lawns  and  walks  are  littered  -with 
leaves  as  in  October,  and  where  no  sweeping  has  been  done  the 
ground  is  thickly  covered,  few  being  left  on  many  trees  and 

Na  687. — VoL.  XXVII,,  Third  Series. 


none  of  them  green.  Should  a  warm  moist  autumn  follow,  a 
second  growth  on  trees,  shrubs,  and  fruit  bushes  is  by  no  means 
improbable.  Where  the  drought  has  been  the  most  severe  and 
prolonged  the  greatest  difficulty  has  been  experienced  in  main¬ 
taining  the  vegetable  supply  and  keeping  flower  beds  and  borders 
presentable.  This  could  not  be  done  in  the  absence  of  deep 
rich  soil  and  mulching,  supplemented  by  such  waterings  as  could 
be  given  by  exhausted  men. 

Fruits  of  all  kinds  have  ripened  before  their  time,  and  are 
generally  smaller  than  usual,  also  drier,  but  not  too  dry  for  the 
voracious  wasps,  which  have  had  most  of  the  best  on  many  trees 
that  could  not  be  protected.  The  effect  of  the  heat  has  been 
seen  in  the  ripening  of  Apricots  on  open  orchard  standards.  We 
had  small  but  excellent  fruits  from  such  a  tree  grown  at  Dulwich 
a  fortnight  ago,  and  it  is  worthy  of  record  that  33  bushels  of 
ripe  Apricots  have  been  gathered  from  twenty-four  trees  grown 
quite  in  the  open  in  the  market  grounds  of  Mr.  Smith  of  Chiswick, 
and  sold  to  Mr,  Beach,  the  famous  jam  manufacturer  at  Brentford, 
for  11s.  a  bushel.  This  is  an  extraordinary  yield  of  the  ripe 
Apricots  from  open  standard  trees  early  in  August,  and  could 
not  be  produced  in  other  than  an  abnormally  hot  and  dry  summer. 
The  variety  was  the  Royal. 

Perhaps  no  better  index  of  the  condition  of  garden  crops 
generally  at  the  present  time  could  be  afforded  than  by  the 
National  Co-operative  Vegetable,  Fruit,  and  Flower  Show  that 
was  held  at  the  Crystal  Palace  last  Saturday.  It  should  be  said, 
however,  that  the  magnitude  of  the  display  rendered  it  necessary 
to  arrange  and  judge  the  vegetables  on  the  previous  day,  Friday. 
Mr.  E.  O.  Greening,  the  Managing  Director  of  the  Association, 
appeared  proud  of  the  display,  as  well  he  might  be,  although 
there  was  a  falling  off  in  the  number  of  exhibits  in  the  industrial 
or  cottagers’  section,  for  while  the  decrease  in  this  section  was 
small,  the  increase  in  the  entries  of  professional  gardeners,  notably 
for  fruit,  was  very  much  larger.  Last  year  the  workers’  entries 
numbered  for  vegetables  1525,  this  year  they  fell  to  1202  ;  but  in 
the  professional  classes  they  rose  from  502  to  627.  In  fruit  the 
workmen’s  entries  last  year  were  154,  this  year  240  ;  the  increase 
in  the  professional  classes  being  from  111  to  198.  Altogether  the 
entries  of  the  workers  in  vegetables,  fruit,  plants,  and  flowers 
were  2539,  and  of  the  professionals  1388.  Mr,  Greening  in  his 
interesting  opening  address  suggested  that  the  weather  had  been 
more  cruel  to  cottagers  and  allotment  holders  than  to  gardeners. 
These  latter  had  deeper,  richer  soil,  and  the  lesson  should  not  be 
lost.  Thorough  culture  tells  always,  but  never  so  effectively  as 
during  a  dry  exhausting  season.  The  Director  thought  he  might 
claim  for  the  Show  the  honour  of  being  the  largest  of  the  kind  in 
Britain,  as  he  certainly  might.  It  will  be  safe  to  say  its  equal 
has  not  been  seen  in  Europe,  and  we  have  yet  to  learn  that  an 
exhibition  of  garden  produce  of  the  same  character  and  magnitude 
has  been  provided  in  the  land  of  great  things — America — produce 
largely  grown  by  cottagers  and  the  industrial  population.  It  may 
be  said,  as  affording  a  tangible  idea  of  the  extent  of  the  display, 
that  a  length  of  1100  yards  of  tabling  was  requisite  for  staging  the 
exhibits.  These  were  shown  in  245  classes,  including  seven  for 
honey,  and  one  for  farm  produce. 

Vegetables,  fruit,  and  flowers  came  from  widely  distant  parts 
of  the  country,  and  the  show  may  fairly  be  regarded  as  a  national 
one,  not  in  name  alone  but  in  fact.  Let  it  be  said  at  once  that 
it  was  a  credit  to  the  nation,  and  more  especially  in  the  vegetable 
department,  as  representing  the  cultural  work  of  the  industrial 
population.  Not  the  name  of  a  prizewinner  will  be  given  here, 
for  if  we  give  one  we  must  give  scores,  and  no  one  would  be 
the  better  for  the  list.  All  personalities  shall  remain  obscure,  and 
their  work  alone  alluded  to.  There  need  be  then  no  fear  of  free 
criticism  touching  tender  susceptibilities.  It  has  to  be  said  that 
the  vegetables  of  the  industrial  classes,  cottagers,  and  artisans, 
were  decidedly  better  as  a  whole  than  were  those  staged  by 

No.  2343.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


16i 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


gardeners.  The  winner  of  the  leading  prize  collection  in  the 
professional  class  may  not  be  expected  to  acquiesce  in  this  ;  but 
there  was  not  one  dish  of  his  produce  that  could  not  have  been 
easily  beaten  by  a  dish  of  the  same  kind  in  the  cottagers’  classes. 
His  vegetables  were  too  large.  A  critical  on-looker  described  them 
as  “  clumsy.”  They  represented  unremitting  cultural  attention, 
no  doubt,  but  also  represented  waste  in  labour  and  material.  It 
is  not  suggested  that  those  in  other  collections  were  better,  for 
they  were  not.  We  had  large  and  coarse  on  the  one  hand,  and 
small  and  coarse,  or  inferior,  on  the  other.  Surely  all  the  best 
vegetable  judges  know  that  too  much  weight  is  attached  to  mere 
size,  and  yet  few  appear  to  have  the  moral  courage  to  place 
quality  first,  as  it  always  should  be  for  vegetables  that  are 
supposed  to  be  grown  for  the  dining  tables  of  the  affluent  who 
desire  to  have  such  vegetables  of  the  highest  possible  quality. 
Cottagers’  vegetables  may  be  permissibly  larger,  as  bulk  is  a 
point  of  moment  ;  but  even  then  it  should  not  be  at  the  expense 
of  good  quality. 

It  was  observable  in  most  of  the  cottagers’  classes  that  the 
largest  Onions,  Marrows,  Beet,  Kidney  Beans,  Carrots,  and  indeed 
nearly  all  other  vegetables,  did  not  obtain  the  highest  prizes.  High 
quality  with  useful  size  appeared  to  be  what  the  judges  had  in 
mind  in  determining  the  relative  merits  of  the  cottagers’  produce. 
This  should  always  be  so,  or  coarseness  and  waste  will  be 
encouraged  as  is  the  case  now  in  gardeners’  classes.  Prizes  are 
regularly  awarded  to  vegetables  that  no  first-class  cook  would 
accept  for  a  first-class  dinner.  No  one  who  knows  what  a  first- 
class  dinner  is  can  deny  that  assertion,  yet  the  absurdity  of 
honouring  the  unwieldy  and  unacceptable,  as  judged  by  the  final  and 
conclusive  test,  is  perpetuated.  A  gardener  who  has  to  supply  the 
best  that  can  be  grown  for  a  nobleman’s  table  remarked  the  other 
day  that  he  thought  the  time  had  arrived  when  a  limit  should  be 
placed  to  size,  and  that  no  vegetables  should  exceed  certain 
stipulated  dimensions.  There  is  something  in  the  idea,  and  perhaps 
in  time  he  or  others  may  put  it  into  shape  by  suggesting  a  maximum 
size  for  vegetables  grown  by  gardeners  for  the  tables  of  their 
employers.  It  would  result  in  the  staging  of  produce  of  much 
higher  quality  than  is  now  seen  at  shows,  and  to  which  leading 
prizes  are  awarded. 

But  while  the  workers  led  the  way  by  the  excellence  of  their 
produce  in  the  vegetable  classes,  the  gardeners,  as  may  be  expected, 
were  far  in  advance  with  fruit,  though  excellent  specimens  and 
dishes  were  staged  in  both  sections.  Cooking  Apples  were  espe¬ 
cially  fine,  and  sixteen  growers  competed  in  one  class.  Dessert 
Apples  and  Pears  were  also  good .  The  Apples  were  of  fair  size 
and  finely  coloured.  Pears  were  mainly  represented  by  Williams’ 
Bon  Chretien,  or,  as  it  was  frequently  named,  “William.”  Amongst 
the  Grapes  Alicantes  were  the  best,  though  good  bunches  of 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  were  shown.  Plums  were  finely  exhi¬ 
bited  both  in  the  culinary  and  dessert  classes.  Amongst  the 
Peaches  Sea  Eagle  was  perhaps  the  finest,  though  there  were  other 
very  good  fruits.  Melons  were  not  a  particularly  good  feature, 
nor  were  small  fruits,  the  Show  being  too  late  for  them 
this  early  season.  Brightness  and  sweetness  were  imparted  by 
flowers  of  various  kinds  and  in  bewildering  numbers,  and 
altogether  the  Show  in  its  entirety  was  a  wonderful  one  consider¬ 
ing  the  season. 

The  exhibits  afforded  practical  and  conclusive  testimony  of  the 
great  and  growing  interest  that  is  taken  in  gardening  by  the 
community.  The  excellence  of  the  products  also  denoted  skill  in 
cultivation  and  the  exercise  of  thought  and  persevering  work  in 
bringing  them  together  in  such  generally  good  condition.  The 
Show  was  a  credit  to  all,  organizers  and  exhibitors.  Co-operation  in 
production  is  evidently  growing.  Whether  anything  like  equal 
progress  can  be  made  by  co-operation  in  distribution  remains  to  be 
seen.  Mr.  Greening  and  his  able  associates  have  done  much  in  one 
direction,  and  it  is  conceivable  they  can  do  something  in  the  other, 
tending  to  the  more  profitable  disposal  of  crops  to  the  producers 


without  any  prejudice  to  consumers,  but  on  the  contrary  to  their 
advantage. 

Always  on  the  look  out  for  somethirg  new  and  good,  Mr. 
Greening  said  “  next  year  he  should  like  to  carry  out  a  novel  idea 
of  his  own,  if  he  could  only  get  the  Judges  to  work  with  him,  and 
that  was  to  show  in  the  centre  of  the  Palace  a  model  of  a  town 
garden,  as  it  often  was,  with  its  bricks  and  pots,  old  kettles,  and 
dead  cats,  and  the  other  rubbish  strewn  within  its  boundaries,  and 
to  place  side  by  side  with  it  a  town  garden  such  as  it  might  be  by 
the  aid  of  co  operation  and  the  improved  resources  and  knowledge 
of  working  men.”  If  the  great  organiser  can  find  the  means  and 
the  Crystal  Palace  Company  find  a  suitable  space  in  the  grounds, 
real  gardens  could  be  formed  of  the  nature  suggested  that  would 
be  interesting,  instructive,  and  attractive  (without  the  cats),  but  an 
attempt  to  carry  out  the  idea  in  the  Palace  would,  it  is  feared, 
result  in  a  burlesque,  though  no  doubt  something  of  a  sensational 
nature  might  be  provided — if  there  is  room. 


COLOUR  IN  PEACHES  AND  NECTARINES. 

Undoubtedly  this  has  been  a  very  good  season  for  the  colour¬ 
ing  of  the  above  fruits.  Some  varieties  naturally  put  on  a  higher 
colour  even  during  the  dullest  seasons  than  do  others.  Whether 
for  market  purposes  or  for  home  dessert  the  colour  of  the  fruit 
has  a  good  deal  to  do  with  its  acceptance,  and  affects  its  value 
materially.  There  is  no  fruit  more  tempting  to  the  palate  than 
a  highly  coloured  Peach  ;  but  it  is  to  show  how  to  get  high 
colour  in  them  during  a  comparatively  dull  summer  that  these 
notes  are  written.  Sunshine  is  not  the  only  factor  which  is 
required.  Light  is  most  essential.  Exposure  to  light,  air,  and 
sunshine  is  generally  advised,  and  often  practised  when  the  fruits 
have  had  the  final  thinning,  and  about  the  size  of  large  Walnuts. 
But  I  maintain  that  this  full  exposure  should  take  place  earlier 
than  at  the  stoning  stage.  The  finishing  of  the  fruit  properly 
should  be  studied  at  the  time  of  planting.  A  good  distance — at 
least  15  inches  from  the  glass — is  the  proper  position  in  which  to 
train  the  branches  in  the  front  part  of  the  structure,  and  when 
trees  are  planted  and  trained  upon  the  back  walls  those  in  front 
should  be  so  disposed  as  not  to  obstruct  the  light  from  them.  The 
trees  must  be  kept  healthy  from  the  beginning,  not  fed  so  as  to 
make  them  gross,  but  brought  into  good  bearing  condition  as  soon 
as  possible — the  result  of  a  well-maintained  state  of  the  borders 
and  thoroughly  ripened  wood. 

Setting  the  fruit  is  a  very  important  point  to  consider.  Those 
flowers  which  are  on  the  upper  side  of  the  trellis,  in  the  case  of 
trees  growing  at  the  front  and  those  which  stand  well  forward  on 
the  back  wall  trees,  should  be  attended  to,  whether  setting  be 
accomplished  by  means  of  the  syringe,  camel’s-hair  pencil,  or 
shaking  the  trees.  The  aim  should  be  to  get  a  good  set  of  fruit 
well  exposed  to  the  light,  and  then  there  will  be  a  fair  prospect  of 
having  colour  in  the  fruit.  The  crimson  is  not  put  on  during  the 
last  stages  of  growth  only,  but  is  begun  much  earlier.  I  like  to 
see  the  young  Peaches  well  browned  by  the  time  they  have  stoned  ; 
this  betokens  that  deep  crimson  colour  which  it  is  so  desirable  to 
obtain.  If  left  till  later,  just  as  the  last  swelling  begins  before  the 
leaves  are  put  on  one  side,  the  fruit,  through  the  sudden  exposure, 
is  liable  to  scald,  because  being  grown  in  semi-darkness  the  skin  is 
tender,  and  unable  to  bear  the  sun’s  rays  without  injury.  Having 
trees  in  good  health,  the  foliage  kept  free  from  red  spider,  early 
exposure  of  the  fruits  to  sun,  light,  and  air,  even  in  the  dullest 
of  our  summers  fairly  well  coloured  Peaches  and  Nectarines  may 
be  obtained. — G.  Garner. 


ORIGIN  OF  THE  BISMARCK  APPLE. 

As  a  misconception  appears  to  exist  in  England  as  to  the  origin 
of  the  Apple  “  Prince  Bismarck,”  I  beg  to  give  you  the  following 
details  concerning  this  splendid  fruit,  as  I  was  present  at  the 
monthly  meeting  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of  Victoria,  held  in 
the  Athenaeum,  Collins  Street,  Melbourne,  where  it  was  exhibited 
for  the  first  time  by  a  Mr.  Clarkson,  nurseryman,  Carisbrook,  and 
named  by  the  Seedling  Fruit  Committee  in  June,  1873  : — 

At  our  gardens  we  kept  a  register  of  seedling  fruits  of  merit 
raised  in  the  Colony  that  came  under  the  notice  of  the  Committee, 
when  we  were  under  the  control  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of 
Victoria,  and  the  practice  is  continued  now  that  the  gardens  are 
under  the  control  of  the  Government,  and  managed  by  a  Board  of 
Horticulture.  Some  of  the  gentlemen  composing  this  Board  were 


AugUBk  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


166 


members  of  the  Seedling  Fruit  Committee  of  the  Horticultural 
Society  when  this  Apple  was  named.  I  enclose  a  copy  of  a  form 
that  is  forwarded  to  raisers  of  seedling  fruits,  which  they  are 
requested  to  fill  in  and  return,  when  it  is  again  entered  into  a 
permanent  book,  and  open  to  anyone  interested  in  the  raising  of 
seedlings.  The  form  will  show  all  the  details  in  connection  with 
this  Apple. 

I  have  taken  this  plan  to  prevent  any  further  claims  being 
made  by  any  of  the  other  colonies,  as  I  observe  in  the  “  Fruit 
Manual  ’’  edition  1884,  page  181,  it  is  stated  that  it  was  raised  in 
the  province  of  Canterbury,  Xew  Zealand,  and  was  sent  home  to 
Mr.  Mclndoe,  gardener  to  Sir  Joseph  Pease,  Bart.,  Hutton  Hall, 


Guisborough,  and  again  in  the  Gardener  s  Chronicle,  February  18th, 
1893,  where  a  notice,  also  a  figure  of  the  Apple,  appears  as  grown 
by  Messrs.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  of  Maidstone,  who  say  it  is  of  Tasmanian 
origin  ;  whilst  Messrs.  Rivers  &  Son  attribute  it  to  New 
Zealand.  As  both  statements  are  incorrect,  which  can  be  testified 
by  the  Register,  I  would  feel  extremely  grateful  if  you  can  set  the 
matter  at  rest  when  an  opportunity  occurs  to  give  the  correct 
history  of  this  Apple.  I  also  enclose  herewith  a  photograph  of 
Apple  “  Prince  Bismarck,”  taken  by  one  of  the  students  at  the 
gardens  from  a  fair  sized  specimen. — Geo.  Neilson,  Curator,  Royal 
Horticultural  Gardens,  Richmond  Park,  Burnley,  Melbourne,  Victoria, 
Australia,  July  10th,  1893. 


[copy  AS  TAKEN  FROM  THE  REGISTER  KEPT  AT  THE  GARDENS.] 

ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY  OF  VICTORIA.-REGISTER  OF  SEEDLING  FEUIT3  RAISED  IN  VICTORIA. 

Ayple,  exhibited  by  B.  Clarkson,  Carisbrook,  Victoria,  June  Meeting,  1873. 


Kind  of  Fruit,  for  example,  Apple,  Pear,  iSrc. 

Name  of  Raiser .  ...  ... 

Locality  where  raised  ...  . 

Date  of  Sowing .  . 

If  artificially  crossed  (or  chance  seedling) 

Parentage  (if  known)  . 

Date  of  fruiting,  first  time  . 

Season  of  Ripening 

Size  (small,  medium,  or  large)...  . 

Shape  (description  must  depend  upon  kind  of  fruit) 

Skin  (whether  rough  or  smooth,  ribbed,  <fcc.) 

Colour  of  Skin  .  . . 

Core  (characteristics  of — large  or  small,  ic.) 

Flesh  (colour,  consistency,  &c.,  <fec.)  ... 

Quality  (first,  second,  or  third  class) . 

Use  (dessert,  cooking,  cider,  drying,  &c.)  . 

Stalk  (short,  long,  stout,  or  slender,  bent  or  straight,  how  insetted) 

Stalk  Basin  (large  or  small,  deep  or  shallow)  . 

Eye  Basin  (large  or  small,  plain  or  plaited,  broad  or  narrow)  . 
Segments  (long  or  short,  closed  or  open,  reflexed,  pointed,  &c.,  &c 

Pips  (large  or  small)  . 

Stone  (large  or  sma'l) . 

Kernel  (bitter  or  sweet)  . 

Suture  (term  applies  to  Plums,  Peaches,  &c.) 

Flowers  (particulars  as  to  size,  colour,  &c.) 

Habit  of  Tree  (whether  spreading  or  upright,  &c.) 

Constitution  of  Tree  (robust  or  otherwise) ... 

Foliage  (large  or  small,  and  of  what  colour,  &c.) 

Date  when  and  where  first  fruited 

By  whom  named  (if  at  all)  . 

To  what  'disease  liable  (if  any) 


Particulars. 


Apple. 

Carisbrook,  Victoria. 

Uncertain. 

Chance  seedling. 

Not  known. 

18G4. 

Late  autumn. 

Large. 

Oblate,  ribbed  towards  the  crown. 

Smooth. 

Yellow  striped  with  crimson,  often  in  some  localities  covered  all 
Small,  [over  with  deep  crimson. 

White,  juicy. 

First. 

Cooking. 

About  1  inch,  slender. 

Deep,  wide,  lined  with  russet. 

Deep,  angular  basin. 

Closed,  flat. 

Medium. 


Spreading. 

Robust. 

Large  light  green. 

1864,  Park  Farm,  Carisbrook. 

Named  by  the  Seedling  Fruit  Committee  of  the  Horticultural 
Woolly  aphis.  [Society  of  Victoria,  1873. 


Remarks. 


The  name  given  to  this 
Apple  by  the  Seed¬ 
ling  Fruit  Committee 
of  the  Horticultural 
Society  of  Victoria 
in  June,  1873,  was 
Prince  Bismarck. 


A  chance  seedling 
found  growing  on 
Harrison’s  Hill  dig¬ 
gings,  amongst  the 
mullock  heaps;  it 
was  one  of  a  dozen 
found  growing,  and 
was  transplanted 
into  my  garden  by 
Messrs.  Walters  and 
Shulty,  my  prede¬ 
cessors.  I  was  on 
the  place  at  the  time 
in  1862.  Mr.  B. 
Clarkson,  of  Smoky 
Gully,  got  grafts 
from  me. 

(Signed) 
Fredk.  Fricke. 

Witness  to  Signature, 
Henry  Beilby. 


The  above  is  a  true  and  correct  copy  of  what  appears  in  the  permanent  register  of  seedling  fruits  kept  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Gardens. 

Geo.  Neilson,  Curator. 


SULPHATE  OF  COPPER  AND  PARIS  GREEN  MIXTURES  AS  FUNGICIDES  AND  INSECTICIDES. 

{Concluded  from  page  143.) 


Now,  assuming  that  we  can  procure  pure  sulphate  of  copper, 
and  prepare  with  it  a  one-sixth  strength  of  Bordeaux  mixture  or 
bouillie  Bordelaise,  there  is  an  end  henceforth  to  all  cavils  over  the 
copper  treatment,  for  the  quantity  required  is  so  small  as  not  likely 
to  poison  the  soil,  nor  in  any  way  prove  detrimental  to  the  welfare 
of  animals  or  mankind.  Remember  the  solution  of  copper  sulphate 
must  be  a  pure  celestial  blue,  the  lime  lily  white  and  good.  When 
mixed — the  sulphate  of  copper  solution  and  the  limewash — the 
mixture  should  abide  beautifully  blue  after  a  few  drops  of  ferro- 
cyanide  of  potassium  solution  are  added.  The  Bordeaux  mixture, 
prepared  according  to  the  formula  given  on  page  173  of  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture,  March  2nd,  has  proved  perfectly  safe  to  apply  to 
Vines  and  a  preventive  of  black  rot  caused  by  the  fungus  Laestadia 
Bidwelli  (Ell.).  It  may,  therefore,  be  concluded  that  it  is  equally  safe 
to  apply  to  all  fruit  trees  or  plants  subject  to  fungoid  diseases,  and  as 
likely  to  prove  as  efficacious  as  a  preventive  and  curative  of  blight, 
mould,  and  rusts  peculiar  to  other  plants  as  to  those  of  Vines.  For 
convenience  the  formula  for  the  minim  Bordeaux  mixture  may  be 
repeated  : — 1,  for  small  growers,  or  indoor  operations  ;  2,  for  large 
growers,  or  for  using  over  vegetable  crops  in  the  garden,  allotment, 
or  field. 

1. — Minim  Bordeaux  Mixture. 


Sulphate  of  copper  ...  . 

•  •  »  •  •  • 

4  ounces 

Lime  (freshly  burned)  unslaked 

•  •  •  •  • » 

4  ounces 

Water . 

. 

7^  gallons 

2.— Minim  Bordeaux 
Sulphate  of  copper  . 

Mixture. 

1  lb. 

Lime  (freshly  burned)  unslaked 

•••  ••• 

1  lb. 

Water  . 

...  ... 

CO  gallons 

Dissolve  the  copper  sulphate  in  one  vessel — crystals  may  be 
placed  in  a  bag,  but  powdered  soonest  dissolves — and  slake  the 
lime  in  another,  forming  into  a  thin  whitewash  ;  when  cool  pour 
into  the  copper  solution  slowly  through  a  hair  sieve  ;  stir  well, 
test,  and  if  all  right  the  mixture  is  ready  for  use.  Note. — The 
mixture  must  be  used  without  delay  ;  it  will  not  do  to  prepare  it 
overnight,  or  keep  it  a  day  or  two.  This  applies  to  all  Bordeaux 
mixtures,  for  the  neutralising  effect  of  the  lime  only  lasts  a  few 
hours,  after  which  the  mixture  will  blacken  the  foliage  of  plants, 
being  as  disastrous  as  simple  sulphate  of  copper  solution,  that  not 
being  safe  to  use  over  tender  foliage  and  fruit  at  a  greater  strength 
than  1  lb.  of  sulphate  of  copper  to  800  gallons  of  water. 

The  Bordeaux  mixtures  above  given  should  always  be  used 
when  the  foliage  is  dry,  preferably  in  the  afternoon,  but  always  so 
early  as  to  become  dry  before  the  dew  descends,  and  invariably  by 
means  of  a  spraying  machine.  A  handy  sprayer,  on  similar 
principles  to  the  Malbec  bellows,  is  a  desiderata  for  amateurs. 
Every  garden  ought  to  have  a  M.  Yermorel  Knapsack  pump 
“  Eclair.”  Allotment  holders  may  club  together  and  purchase  one 
— in  fact,  there  ought  to  be  one  or  more  in  every  village  let  out  at 
a  reasonable  charge.  Any  intelligent  labourer  can  use  it. 

The  uses  to  which  the  Bordeaux  mixture  may  be  put  are  pre¬ 
vention  and  cure  of  all  fungal  infestations  on  crops.  Three 
examples  must  suffice. 

1,  Onion  crops. — There  is  money  in  this  crop,  only  keep  it  from 
the  Onion  mildew  (Peronospora  Schleideniana).  The  plants  for 
seed  should  be  sprayed  about  the  third  week  in  May,  and  again 
early  in  June.  Plants  for  bulbing  must  be  sprayed  just  as  the 
bulbs  begin  to  form,  and  repeat  three  weeks  afterwards. 


166 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


2,  Cereal  crops. — Corn  mildew  (Puccinia  graminis),  about  which 
we  know  very  little  more  than  Felice  Fontana  published  in  the 
year  1767,  and  certainly  no  more  than  resulted  from  the  movement 
set  on  foot  by  Sir  Joseph  Banks  in  1804,  the  harvest  that  year 
being  alarmingly  blighted,  and  given  in  pamphlet,  with  capital 
illustrations,  by  M.  F.  Bauer.  Without  setting  the  Berberry 
theory  aside,  we  may  just  look  the  simple  fact  in  the  face  that 
“  rust  ”  always  appears  conspicuously  on  the  blades  of  cereals 
towards  the  end  of  May  or  early  in  June,  and  in  localities  where 
there  are  no  Berberry  bushes  for  miles  around.  Spray  the  cereal 
crops,  especially  Wheat,  the  end  of  April  or  early  in  Mav  in  the 
south,  later  in  the  north,  and  repeat  in  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks. 
Remember  that  the  “  rust  ”  attacks  the  “  grass,”  and  that  is  fosterer 
of  the  grain. 

3,  Potato  Crops. — Spray  these,  each  row  on  both  sides,  up  one 
side  and  down  the  other,  the  first  week  in  July,  again  the  third 
week  in  July,  and  a  third  time  the  second  week  in  August.  Early 
varieties  left  for  seed  will  only  require  one,  second  early  two,  and 
late  crops  three  dressings. 

Arsenate  of  copper,  called  Scheele’s  green,  after  its  discoverer, 
a  celebrated  chemist,  “his  own  instructor”  at  Upsal  in  1773, 
attained  some  repute  as  an  insecticide  on  the  Continent  long  before 
Paris  green,  alias  emerald  green.  Schweinforth  green  was  employed 
in  America,  but  did  not  become  popular  on  account  of  its  poisonous 
nature.  It  was  first  used  as  a  destroyer  of  black  fly  on  Beans,  the 
Bean  aphis  (Aphis  rumici.s)  being  “  hard  ”  to  kill,  and  became 
famous  in  America  through  being  found  effectual  in  saving  the 
crop  of  Potatoes  from  the  Potato  or  Colorado  Beetle  (Doryphora 
decemlineata).  Then  it  came  into  use  as  a  remedy  against  the 
canker  worm,  Codlin  moth,  and  other  insects  destructive  to  fruit 
trees  in  America,  and  during  the  past  five  years  in  this  country 
against  larvje  eating  the  foliage  and  blossom  of  fruit  trees.  All 
about  Paris  green  as  a  remedy  for  caterpillar  infections  will  be 
found  in  the  last  ten  volumes  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture. 
There  is  one  thing  about  Paris  green  that  I  cannot  understand — 
namely,  a  coat  of  it  on  foliage  or  growths  will  not  kill  sucking 
insects — aphides,  chermes,  and  red  spider  ;  why  house  flies  have  to 
imbibe  very  little  of  the  stuff  (arsenic)  smeared  on  “  fly  papers  ” 
before  death  ensues.  Of  course  aphides  and  chermes  are  fixed,  or 
provided  with  a  skin  that  throws  off  the  mixture  intended  for  their 
destruction  ;  the  fact  being  that  the  Paris  green  mixture  never  is 
interposed  between  their  suckers  and  the  epidermis — or  is  their 
immunity  due  to  their  never  being  reached  by  the  spray  ?  Spray 
upwards  for  to  reach  aphides  on  the  under  sides  of  the  leaves,  and 
what  happens  then  ?  The  Paris  green  mixture  kills  red  spider,  the 
Ivy  and  Gooseberry  acari  (Bryobia  speciosa),  gall  mites  also,  only 
get  it  on  the  buds  before  they  enter  them,  or  on  the  leaves  in 
advance  of  their  becoming  snug  in  the  galls. 

It  is  not,  however,  about  mixtures  that  contain  a  little  of 
everything  in  the  hope  of  killing  something,  but  of  Paris  green 
as  a  combined  fungicide  and  insecticide  that  I  desire  to  draw 
attention. 

Orchardists  in  America  and  in  this  country  have  found  that 
where  Paris  green  has  been  used  for  the  prevention  and  destruction 
of  insects  that  the  scab  fungus  (Cladosporium  dentriticum)  has  not 
plagued  Apples  and  Pears.  In  Paris  green  we  have  copper,  32-11 
per  cent.,  for  funguses,  and  arsenic,  28-56  per  cent.,  with  carbon, 
6-09  per  cent.,  for  insects  or  their  larvae.  Here  we  have  all  that  is 
required  to  kill  every  parasite  preying  on  crops  above  ground. 
That  is  the  thing — spray  our  cereal  crops  with  Paris  green,  1  lb.  of 
the  paste  to  200  gallons  of  water,  adding  enough  lime  to  make  it 
correspond  to  skim  milk,  at  the  latest  time  it  may  be  used  in  May 
with  the  Strawsonizer.  Turnips  can  be  done  the  same  way,  and  the 
“  fly  ”  will  not  eat  more  than  one  meal  afterwards.  Later  applica¬ 
tions  can  be  made  with  the  knapsack  pump  Eclair,  which  will  serve 
for  all  garden  and  allotment  requirements.  The  lime  must  be  fresh 
slaked,  and  when  cool  added  to  the  Paris  green  mixture  slowly 
through  a  hair  sieve,  stirring  the  mixture  whilst  the  limewash  is 
being  added.  The  object  of  the  lime  is  twofold.  1,  To  admit  of 
the  better  application  of  the  mixture  ;  2,  cause  the  mixture  to 
adhere  better  and  longer  to  the  plants.  Instead  of  the  lime  4  lbs. 
of  flour  may  be  added  to  the  mixture  to  retain  the  poison  on  the 
foliage,  but  it  is  not  equal  to  the  lime,  which  serves  other  useful 
purposes,  the  chief  being  absolute  safety  to  the  foliage  from  the 
copper  of  the  arsenite — Paris  green — and  it  suffices  if  the  Paris 
green  mixture  has  enough  lime  stirred  in  to  render  it  slightly 
milky.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  use  it  over  vegetable  crops  that 
will  be  required  for  table  before  the  parts  dressed  have  been 
allowed  time  to  be  washed  clean  by  rains,  and  the  “  paste  ”  only 
should  be  employed  for  the  mixture,  dry  Paris  green  being  not 
only  difficult  to  mix  but  dangerous  to  handle. 

Experiments  in  the  treatment  of  Apple  scab  were  carried  on  by 
Prof.  E.  S.  Goff  with  Paris  green  mixture  in  1891, and  though  several 
other  fungicides  and  insecticides  were  tried  it  proved  “  more  efficient 


in  preventing  scab  and  more  effective  against  insects  than  any  of  the 
other  preparations  used  singly  or  combined.”  This  is  good  news 
— too  good  almost — only  it  is  confirmed  by  all  who  have  used  Paris 
green  mixture  in  two  or  three  consecutive  years.  Spraying,  there¬ 
fore,  is  a  paying  concern,  for  it  is  better  to  prevent  than  to  provide 
a  cure  for  fungal  and  insect  plagues.  Fruit  trees  are  beset  by 
other  fungoid  growths  besides  scab  on  Apples  and  cracking  in 
Pears.  Mildew  often  attacks  Apple  blossom  and  its  young  leaves, 
the  fungus  (Oidium  farinosa)  preventing  the  young  fruit  swelling 
and  crippling  the  growths.  When  a  crop  of  fruit  appears  certain 
caterpillars  emerge — not  borne  on  the  wings  of  east  winds — from 
the  eggs.  The  Codlin  moth  deposits  its  eggs  at  or  near  the  eye  of 
Apples  and  Pears  before  they  turn  down,  and  many  other  depre¬ 
dators  commence  their  attacks  as  soon  as  the  buds,  foliage,  blossoms, 
and  fruit  are  sufficiently  advanced  fox  their  food.  The  duty  of  every 
cultivator  is  to  place  a  barrier  between  the  spoilers  and  the  object 
aimed  at.  Paris  green  paste,  1  lb.  to  320  gallons  of  water,  is  gene¬ 
rally  strong  enough  to  use  over  Apple  trees  just  after  the  petals 
fall,  as  the  foliage  is  then  tenderer  than  that  of  Pear  trees.  Cob  Nats 
and  Filberts,  1  lb.  of  Paris  green  to  265  gallons  of  water,  sufficing 
for  the  latter  while  the  foliage  is  young.  Plum  and  Damson  trees. 
Currant  and  Gooseberry  bushes  bear  the  mixture  full  strength, 
Paris  green  1  lb.  to  200  gallons  of  water,  with  sufficient  fresh  made 
limewash  added  to  give  it  a  slightly  milky  appearance,  from  the 
first,  and  all  the  foliage  after  it  is  fully  developed.  At  the  strength 
last  named  it  should  be  sprayed  on  trees  liable  to  fungoid  or 
insectal  parasites  by  the  time  the  buds  commence  swelling  in 
spring,  say  at  the  end  of  March,  earlier  or  later  by  a  week  according 
to  the  season,  and  it  ought  not  to  be  used  after  the  flowers  expand, 
on  account  of  the  bees,  as  well  as  being  dangerous  to  the  fructi¬ 
fying  organs.  This  is  a  precautionary  measure,  but  not  the  least 
important  of  the  series.  The  second  spraying  should  take  place 
directly  the  fruit  is  set  and  commences  to  swell,  say  the  first  or 
second  week  in  June  for  Apples,  but  be  guided  by  the  condition  of 
the  trees  and  the  infestation,  for  in  case  of  a  severe  and  early 
attack  of  caterpillars  it  may  be  desirable  to  spray  the  trees  just 
before  the  flowers  open,  otherwise  the  pests  devour,  the  flowers — 
everything,  and  repeat  the  spraying  directly  the  petals  have  fallen. 
This  will  only  be  required  in  exceptional  years  of  caterpillar 
infections.  Usually  four  sprayings  are  sufficient — that  is,  the  two 
before  mentioned — 1,  at  the  end  of  March  ;  2,  early  in  J  une,  and 
a  third  a  fortnight  after  the  second,  with  a  final  one  the  second 
week  in  July.  The  latter  spray  may  interfere  with  the  early 
Apples  and  Pears,  therefore  cultivators  must  exercise  their  judg¬ 
ment  and  discretion,  for  it  must  be  understood  that  no  fruit  treated 
with  an  arsenical  or  copper  preparation  is  safe  to  eat  until  it  has 
been  washed  by  rain. 

Raspberries  are  the  most  susceptible  of  damage  from  copper  or 
arsenite  mixtures.  Paris  green  mixture  must  not  be  used  on  them 
at  a  greater  strength  than  advised  for  the  tender  foliage  of  the 
Apple  tree.  They  have  many  enemies,  which  may  be  accounted 
for  from  the  fact  that  the  latter  are  allowed  to  have  their  “  own 
sweet  will  ”  on  Raspberry  plants.  The  “  minim  ”  Bordeaux  mix¬ 
ture  may  be  employed  safely  against  fungal  pests,  which  are  not 
particularly  troublesome  in  this  country  ;  but  foliage  biting  and 
eating  creatures  are  best  destroyed  by  Paris  green  mixture  not 
stronger  than  for  Apples,  and  not  applying  it  later  than  the  full- 
sized  flower  buds  appear. 

Strawberry  plants  are  sometimes  plagued  by  blight  caused  by 
a  fungus  (Oidium  Balsami,  a  stage  only  in  the  development  of 
some  Erysiphe).  The  plants  subject  to  the  attacks  of  the  parasite 
may  be  sprayed  with  the  “minim”  Bordeaux  mixture  just  before 
or  when  the  flowers  show  colour,  and  repeat  directly  the  fruits  are 
set  ;  but  it  is  rare  that  more  than  one  treatment  is  necessary.  If 
Paris  green  mixture  is  used  it  must  not  be  stronger  than  advised 
for  Apples  trees,  and  not  be  applied  later  than  the  first  “  peep  ”  of 
white  blossom  in  the  trusses. — G.  Abbey. 


THE  VALUE  OF  TREES. 

Though  it  looks  as  if  Brother  Jonathan  threatened  to  take 
possession  ultimately  of  these  happy  islands  with  his  corn,  his  beef, 
his  millionaires,  his  redeemed  Irish  patriots,  and  his  “notions” 
generally,  it  is  scarcely  likely  that  we  shall  ever  introduce  the 
American  festival  “  Arbor  Day  ”  into  the  British  calendar.  The 
four  national  holidays  in  the  United  States  are,  “  The  Glorious 
Fourth  of  July,”  “Washington’s  Birthday,”  “  Decoration  Day,” 
and  “  Arbor  Day.”  “  Decoration  Day  ”  is  that  consecrated  to  the 
embellishing  of  the  graves  of  those  who  fell  on  both  sides  during 
the  Civil  War  of  1861-65;  “Arbor  Day”  is  that  on  which  old 
and  young  go  out  in  parties  and  plant  whole  districts  of  barren 
public  land  with  infant  timber.  In  our  own  colonies  similar  con¬ 
ditions  have  suggested  the  adoption  of  so  reasonable  a  custom,  and 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


167 


“  Arbor  Day,'’  or  possibly  “  Arbour  Day,”  may  yet  become  a 
recognised  festival  with  old  and  young  in  Australia. 

This  wholesale  method  of  regenerating  waste  lands  is  eminently 
characteristic  of  a  practical  and  pushing  age,  and  the  consideration 
of  it  naturally  leads  to  the  consideration  of  the  work  which  has 
been  effected  more  slowly  by  prescient  individuals  among  the  fore¬ 
fathers  of  the  English-speaking  people.  Although  Old  England 
was  in  parts  bountifully  clothed  by  Nature  with  forest,  there  are 
many  districts  now  presenting  a  charming  panorama  of  wood,  of 
field,  and  of  lawn,  which  four  hundred  years  ago  more  resembled 
those  wastes  our  emigrant  kinsmen  are  seeking  to  reclaim  abroad. 
From  the  descriptions  given  by  foreign  travellers  of  England 
during  the  sixteenth  century  it  would  seem  as  if  much  of  it  was 
spongy,  waste,  and  open  where  now  the  landscape  delights  the  eye 
of  the  visitor  in  whom  familiarity  has  not  bred  indifference. 
This  transformation  slowly  effected  here  is  being  reproduced  as 
though  by  magic  in  other  parts  of  the  globe,  where  a  warmer  sun 
often  working  upon  an  irrigated  soil  develops  vegetation  with 
almost  twice  the  rapidity  it  does  in  England.  We  have  heard  of 
the  wonders  worked  by  the  Mormons  at  Salt  Lake,  and  these  have 
been  more  than  repeated  by  the  settlers  at  Fresno  and  Los 
Angeles  in  California,  and  at  Christchurch  in  New  Zealand. 

Our  Queen  had  already  reigned  fourteen  years  when  the  Canter¬ 
bury  Pilgrims  pitched  their  tents  upon  the  verge  of  the  great  open 
moorlands  extending  for  hundreds  of  miles  at  the  foot  of  the  New 
Zealand  Alps.  It  was  an  immense  prairie  land,  as  large  as  Pied¬ 
mont,  covered  with  nothing  but  coarse  tussock  grass,  and  lying 
between  the  ocean  and  a  wall  of  snow-capped  mountains.  In 
summer  it  was  often  scourged  by  a  sirocco  bearing  a  simoom  from 
end  to  end  without  encountering  a  tree  to  check  its  sterilising  in¬ 
fluence.  Now,  for  a  radius  of  thirty  miles  around  the  Cathedral  of 
Christchurch,  the  landscape  is  as  fresh  and  green  as  that  of  Essex, 
beset  with  Willows,  Poplars,  Acacias,  and  Eucalypti,  and  enclosing 
dairy  farms  as  fine  as  those  of  Holland.  Anyone  who  had  gone  to 
sleep  in  England  and  awoke  in  a  drag  on  the  way  to  the  “  New 
Zealand  Cup  ”  at  Lincoln  outside  Christchurch,  in  November,  would 
merely  imagine  he  had  been  transported  to  another  part  of  England. 
Year  by  year  the  mantle  of  vegetation  heightens,  until  the  day 
will  come  when  to  the  inhabitants  near  the  sea  the  view  of  the 
distant  mountain  ranges  will  become  invisible  except  by  ascending 
the  Cathedral  spire. 

Such  is  the  magical  effect  which  the  hand  of  man  can  produce 
by  erecting  a  shelter  of  timber  against  the  influences  of  unrestricted 
nature.  But  the  beneficial  influences  of  planting  are  not  confined 
to  fostering  moisture  upon  dry  prairie  lands  or  even  to  stopping  the 
pernicious  drifting  of  sand-dunes  as  has  been  done  so  successfully 
on  the  “  Landes  ”  of  Western  France.  The  ameliorative  effect  of 
trees  upon  soil  is  far  from  being  fully  realized.  The  effect  oc 
certain  trees,  such  as  the  Eucalyptus,  is  medicinal  and  curative  on 
certain  miasmatous  land,  as  we  see  in  the  reclamation  which  is 
being  made  of  the  Italian  Campagna  ;  and  even  in  our  sour  boggy 
soils  the  most  curiously  opposite  effects  can  be  produced.  Planting 
acts  in  a  variety  of  ways.  It  makes  a  dry  and  shifting  soil  stable 
and  moist  by  intercepting  sun  heat  and  breaking  the  wind.  It 
makes  a  sodden  soil  warmer  and  sweeter  by  absorbing  much  of  the 
moisture  and  preventing  the  refrigerating  effect  caused  by  the 
impact  of  cold  and  drying  winds.  Indeed  if  the  right  kind  of  tree 
can  be  discovered  there  seems  to  be  scarcely  any  complaint  of  the 
soil  which  planting  cannot  do  something  to  cure,  and  we  cannot  but 
admire  the  good  sense  and  public  spirit  of  the  United  States  where 
the  question  of  afforestation  is  made  a  matter  of  national  conscience 
and  national  co-operation. 

It  is  not  generally  known  that  in  wet  climates  barrenness  of 
the  land  is  often  due  to  baneful  fungoid  growths,  which  tend  to 
keep  it  in  a  condition  of  bog.  It  has  been  noticed  in  the  more 
northerly  parts  of  Great  Britain  that  often  where  a  shelter  of 
trees  has  been  opposed  to  the  winds  striking  upon  a  sodden  sterile 
soil,  the  outer  portion  on  which  the  full  brunt  of  the  attacks  falls 
becomes  covered  with  a  mossy  or  lichenous  growth,  which  curiously 
enough  is  absent  on  the  interior  trees  where  one  would  more 
naturally  expect  it.  This  would  seem  to  indicate  that  such  planta¬ 
tions  operate  as  a  kind  of  sieve  or  strainer  of  the  spawn  borne  by 
the  winds,  and  this  theory  is  borne  out  by  the  fact  that  as  the  trees 
grow  up  the  land  behind  the  trees  loses  its  mossy  or  boggy 
nature,  and  becomes  capable  of  bearing  crops  and  grasses.  Land 
robbed  of  its  shelter  and  left  exposed  to  the  winds,  even  when 
laid  down  in  pasture,  has  been  known  to  deteriorate  rapidly,  while 
that  which  was  sheltered  while  lying  fallow  recovered  much  of  its 
productive  power.  This  shows  that  in  cold  and  wet  climates  the 
action  of  trees  can  be  as  beneficial  as  it  is  in  lands  where  it  is  hot 
and  dry.  Indeed,  it  is  marvellous  to  reflect  upon  the  possibilities 
which  still  lie  before  the  human  race  in  this  matter,  and  of  the 
transformation  which  will  surely  pass  over  the  face  of  much  of  the 
earth,  hitherto  regarded  as  melancholy  and  useless. — M.  H. 


MR.  M.  DAVIS. 

Having  in  view  the  doubts  that  have  been  expressed  relative  to 
the  planters  of  some  of  the  “  Goliaths  of  Grapedom,”  and  the  various 
claims  advanced  for  tracing  the  origin  of  the  Vines  to  the  ancestors 
of  present  day  writers,  we  have  decided  that  posterity  shall  know 
who  the  raiser  of  at  least  one  famous  Vine  was,  also  to  show  what 
manner  of  man  he  is  some  thirty  years  after  he  inserted  the  cutting. 

Mr.  M.  Davis  is  undeniably  the  raiser  of  the  magnificent  Vine  at 
Manresa  House,  Roehampton,  and  has  pruned  and  trained  it  through¬ 
out  its  career.  So  far  as  we  know  there  is  no  man  living  who  can 
look  on  a  similar  achievement.  The  mere  size  of  the  Vine  is  some¬ 
thing  to  be  proud  of,  but  add  to  this  its  fine  character  and  splendid 
condition,  then  public  recognition  of  Mr.  Davis’  work  becomes  almost 
a  duty.  We  have  certainly  great  pleasure  in  giving  honour  to  whom 
honour  is  justly  due  in  this  case.  Thirty  years  of  unremitting  atten¬ 
tion  and  cultural  skill  have  made  the  Vine  what  it  is  to-day — a  veritable 


FIG.  25.— ME.  M.  DAVIS. 


giant  in  the  vigour  of  youth  that  produces  Grapes  of  first-class  quality, 
and  would  produce  far  more  if  pressure  was  resorted  to.  When  in  full 
bearing  there  is  no  finer  sight  in  Grape  culture  to  be  seen  near  London, 
and  nothing  more  credita’cle  to  any  gardener. 

We  do  not  appear  to  have  any  honours  for  disposal  in  this  country 
for  a  lifetime  of  work  so  well  done  in  the  form  in  which  it  is  repre¬ 
sented  in  this  Vine,  but  honours  galore  have  been  distributed  for  products 
that  bear  no  comparison  with  this  cultural  work  of  Mr.  Davis.  So  far 
as  we  know  the  Manresa  Vine  stands  alone  as  the  finest  in  the  world 
raised  and  tended  by  one  man  from  the  beginning  until  now.  Mr.  Davis 
is  a  successful  grower  of  all  kinds  of  fruit,  and  as  intelligent  and 
courteous  as  he  is  able.  Though  a  very  real  worker,  he  is  one  of 
Nature’s  gentlemen,  and  we  have  not  heard  of  one  visitor  out  of  many 
return  from  Manresa  gardens  and  express  anything  but  high  approval 
of  the  man  and  his  work.  Mr.  Davis  is  an  excellent  type  of  a  British 
gardener. 

NOTES  BY  THE  WAY. 

A  WEEK  or  two  ago  I  expatiated  mildly  over  the  attractions  of  East 
Grinstead,  a  pleasant  little  town  on  the  Surrey  side  of  Sussex,  and  said 
a  few  words  about  one  of  its  gardens.  If  I  were  to  content  myself  with 
that  a  second  visit  could  not  be  paid  without  apprehension,  for  there  is 
that  wholesome  rivalry  amongst  the  various  gardeners  in  the  district 
which  does  so  much  to  keep  up  a  high  standard  of  work.  “  And  why  ? 
each  might  say ;  “  haven’t  I  a  right  to  be  talked  about  as  well  as 
So-and-so  1  ”  Dear  sirs  all,  you  have  the  same  claim,  and  shall  have  the 
same  attention,  but  one  at  a  time,  please  ;  let  us  go  to  work  rnethodically. 
I  chatted  on  the  first  occasion  about  pleasant  Oakleigh  with  its  fruit 


168 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


cage,  and  now  I  cross  the  road  to  make  a  jotting  or  two  about  Brock- 
hurst,  the  charming  place  of  Mr.  Murchison,  where  gardener  Simmons 
gives  a  welcome  and  a  good  account  of  himself  to  gardening  visitors. 


It  would  be  far  from  easy  to  find  a  place  with  gardens  more 
undulating  than  these.  I  have  a  lively  recollection  of  climbing  some 
steepish  banks  at  Abberley  side  by  side  with  Mr.  Arthur  Young  some 
few  years  ago,  and  I  thought  then  that  a  course  of  athletic  training 
would  not  be  amiss  for  helping  one  to  get  about  in  comfort.  It  is  very 
much  the  same — if  anything,  a  little  more  so — at  Brockhurst.  It  is 
really  all  climbing,  not  quite  of  the  lope  and  alpenstock  sort,  but  still 
fairly  steep,  and  what  it  lacks  in  this  respect  it  makes  up  for  in 
quantity.  There  are  banks  and  slopes  whichever  way  you  turn.  All 
this,  though  it  may  be  somewhat  tiring  to  those  who  have  not  been 
dieted  and  sweated  and  bustled  about  as  though  they  were  going  in  for 
a  university  boat  race,  gives  very  unusual  features  and  presents  aspects 
of  considerable  charm.  There  is  a  sameness  about  level  ground  as  there 
is  about  smooth  water,  and  one  appreciates  an  uneven  surface  as  he  does 
the  foam-tipped  swell  on  broad  ocean  expanses — always  providing  there 
is  no  sea-sickness  about. 


The  house  is  a  long,  somewhat  low  informal  structure.  I  do  not 
know  what  style  it  is  in,  for  the  difierence  between  the  Gothic  and 
Renaissance  is  about  the  extent,  I  grieve  to  say,  of  my  architectural 
knowledge.  But  I  do  know  that  it  is  handsome,  cool  and  inviting.  There 
is  nearly  as  much  difference  btween  houses  as  there  is  between  gardens, 
some  being  massive,  formal  and  cold,  with  a  frowning  and  gloomy 
aspect,  such  as  are  fitted  by  a  setting  of  clipped  Yews  and  the  like  ;  others 
rambling,  natural,  and  comfortable  looking,  with  which  an  undulating 
garden  surface,  luxuriant  shrubs  and  bright  mixed  borders  at  once 
associate  themselves  in  the  mind.  Mr.  Murchison’s  house  is  one  of  the 
latter  type,  and  a  more  charming  country  residence  is  not  easily 
imagined.  It  is  a  home,  not  a  mansion.  The  conservatory  attached  is 
lofty,  spacious  and  cool,  being  heavily  draped  with  green  creeper 
growths,  and  softened  with  the  filmy  humidity  of  Ferns,  but  not  devoid  of 
brightness,  either,  for  well  grown  flowering  plants  are  sufficiently  repre¬ 
sented  to  prevent  any  suspicion  of  sombreness.  I  have  never  entered  a 
more  attractive  conservatory,  and  Mr,  Simmons  may  be  pardoned  if  he 
feels  somewhat  proud  of  it,  but  he  is  one  of  those  modest  men  who  hide 
their  feelings  from  the  vulgar  gaze,  and  so  I  cannot  say  what  his  senti¬ 
ments  thereon  may  be.  _ 


The  residence  faces  north  and  south.  I  am  a  little  dubious  as  to 
which  would  be  styled  the  front,  but  accord  that  honour  to  the  broad 
sweep  of  windows  and  entrances  looking  upon  the  southern  hills.  A 
beautiful  view  may  be  had  from  them,  one  of  the  most  delightful  with¬ 
out  a  doubt  in  the  county.  There  is  absolutely  nothing  to  obstruct  it. 
The  garden  sinks  away  below  the  walls  in  many  a  grassy  terrace  and 
steep  declivity,  and  beyond  it  stretch  the  fields  and  woods,  which  melt 
away  at  the  base  of  the  wolds.  It  must  present  a  charming  spectacle 
of  soft  tender  pastoral  beauty  in  the  glow  of  early  morning,  not  less 
pleasing  than  the  mellow  aspect  of  meadow  and  forest  when  the  heat  of 
the  day  is  upon  the  country  side.  I  did  not  see  it  under  either  condi¬ 
tion,  but  under  the  tearful  mantle  of  a  heavy  and  protracted  rainstorm ; 
but  it  is  there,  and  no  exaggeration  of  imagination  is  needed  to  invest  it 
with  features  of  beauty,  reposefulness,  and  charm. 


Mr.  Simmons  will,  I  feel  sure,  forgive  me  for  not  going  into  details 
of  his  excellent  flower  gardening  under  the  circumstances.  I  must 
sorrowfully  admit  that  it  is  not  within  my  scope  to  recall  from  memory 
every  bed  in  every  place  I  enter — would  that  it  were.  And  as  to  notes, 
why  they  would  have  presented  much  the  aspect  of  the  tear-punctured 
missives  which  writers  of  love  stories  have  familiarised  us  with,  even  to 
the  extent  of  being  undecipherable,  had  I  attempted  to  take  them  in 
the  pelting  storm.  It  was  worthy  work  of  its  kind,  particularly  the  sub¬ 
tropical  beds,  which  linger  with  me  as  exceptionally  well  arranged  and 
admirably  furnished  examples.  Nor  were  the  conditions  favourable  for 
noting  down  the  names  and  altitudes  of  the  many  good  Conifers  with 
which  the  grounds  were  studded,  or  for  a  description  of  the  shrubs  over¬ 
hanging  the  lake.  Personal  wishes  are  as  nothing  when  the  rain  falls 
with  that  tropical  luxuriance  and  steadfastness  which  make  umbrellas 
more  sighed  for  than  lead  pencils,  and  mackintoshes  more  desirable  than 
notebooks.  I  am  not  prepared  to  say  that  the  drops  were  as  large  as 
eggs,  which  is  the  sort  of  thing  Clark  Russell  tells  us  about  in  those 
wonderful  sea  stories  of  his,  but  the  rain  fell  long  and  with  a  waspish 
persistency.  I  must  sum  up  the  gardens  and  grounds  by  saying  that 
they  have  been  most  judiciously  laid  out  and  planted,  and  are  a  not 
unworthy  reward  for  the  thought  and  care  which  both  master  and  man 
have  bestowed  upon  them.  _ 

There  is  not  a  great  amount  of  glass  at  Brockhurst.  One  would 
expect  rather  more  from  a  place  of  its  size.  This,  however,  only  affects 
a  writer  in  that  it  leaves  him  less  to  say  than  he  would  otherwise  have 
ab  his  command.  What  space  there  is  is  made  the  most  of.  The  Peaches 
and  Nectarines  were  eloquent  with  the  language  of  health,  foliage,  and 
abundant  fruit.  The  main  plant  house  was  as  full  of  fine,  strong,  clean, 
and  healthy  material  as  it  could  be  comfortably  packed  with  ;  indeed, 
the  thought  strikes  me  that  there  must  have  been  as  much  ingenuity 
exercised  to  get  the  plants  in  as  skill  to  grow  them  so  well.  To  be  sure 
it  is  a  hard  thing  to  throw  healthy  plants  away.  A  gardener  no  more 
likes  to  do  it  than  parents  do  to  cast  their  children  out  upon  the  world. 


Amongst  various  good  things  in  one  of  the  houses  I  noticed  a  batch  of 
a  Carnation  much  thought  of  locally,  named  Pope’s  Seedling.  It  is  a 
very  floriferous  tree  with  lemon,  rose-flaked  flowers,  but  1  am  told  often 
throws  seifs.  It  appears  to  be  a  very  useful  variety  worth  seeing  in 
other  parts.  _ 

Brockhurst  boasts  a  well-stocked  kitchen  garden  and  a  noble 
array  of  fruit  trees,  but  as  the  concentrated  iniquities  of  a  score  of 
shower  baths  had  done  their  worst  upon  us  by  the  time  we  got  amongst 
them,  we  were  fain  to  hurry  through.  The  place  is  in  good  order  all 
over,  and  if  the  gardener  is  as  satisfied  with  his  handiwork  as  he  might 
justly  be,  he  is  far  from  being  a  discontented  man.  All  the  soft  water 
there  was  about  moved  neighbour  Dunn,  who  was  one  of  the  saturated 
ones  present,  to  dilate  on  his  favourite  theory  of  the  value  of  rain  water 
and  the  absolute  worthlessness  of  hard.  The  young  Oakleigh  gardener 
is  as  smart  and  promising  a  man  as  I  know,  but  he  really  has  most 
eccentric  ideas  in  respect  to  water.  According  to  him  a  nice  strong 
solution  of  arsenic  would  be  about  as  nourishing  to  a  plant  as  hard 
water.  A  medical  gentleman  with  a  strong  antipathy  to  alcohol 
recently  propounded  the  statement  that  there  is  about  the  same  amount 
of  support  in  the  bite  of  a  mad  dog  as  there  is  in  a  glass  of  stout.  Mr. 
Dunn  gives  hard  water  about  an  equal  value  for  plants.  Of  course  he 
does  not  forget  to  let  loose  a  deluge  of  arguments  on  the  head  of  anyone 
who  questions  his  theory.  What  does  he  say  to  putting  some  of  them 
in  print?  _ 

It  would  be  bad  for  town  gardeners  if  hard  water  were  as  injurious 
to  plants  as  some  of  our  friends  assert.  What,  I  wonder,  would  the 
many  earnest  and  persevering  amateurs  do  whose  plants  never  receive 
any  except  hard  water,  and  in  a  season  like  the  present,  too  1  Gardening 
for  them  would  be  a  more  troubled  pastime  than  it  is  now,  and  it  is 
already  full  enough  of  dififlculties  and  drawbacks. — W.  P.  W. 


SCAELET  RUNNER  BEANS  NOT  SETTING. 

I  HAVE  read  with  much  interest  what  has  recently  appeared  in  the 
Journal  on  this  subject,  and  I  desire  to  take  this  opportunity  of  thanking 
all  those  correspondents  who  have  kindly  replied  to  my  inquiry  (page  80). 
There  is,  however,  so  much  differing  among  the  doctors  that  I  am  yet  at 
a  loss  how  to  decide  ;  still,  I  am  thankful  for  the  information  contained 
in  their  communications. 

In  my  letter  I  naturally  connected  the  scarcity  of  humble  bees  with 
the  scarcity  of  Beans,  having  read  at  some  time  that  their  presence  was 
necessary  in  order  to  secure  a  crop  of  red  Clover  seed,  but  now  that  I 
have  observed  more  closely  the  way  they  work  at  Bean  flowers,  I  do  not 
think  they  are  instrumental  in  the  “  pollination.”  The  proboscis  is 
directed  to  the  very  base  of  the  corolla,  and  not  towards  the  reproductive 
organs.  On  the  other  hand,  I  cannot  agree  with  those  who  consider 
these  insects  injurious  to  the  organs  or  the  embryo  Beans,  for  I  have 
known  seasons  that  it  was  next  to  an  impossibility  to  find  a  flower  whose 
calyx  was  not  pierced  by  them,  yet  Beans  were  abundant. 

One  writer  thinks  that  the  earlier  blooms  failed  to  set  owing  to  the 
excessive  heat  and  atmospheric  dryness.  Granted,  but  why  was  there 
not  a  change  for  the  better,  say  in  a  w'eek  after  the  rain  came,  and  the 
consequent  lowering  of  temperature  ?  Whereas  my  Beans  did  not 
begin  to  set  until  the  Slst  of  July.  This  improvement  continued  for 
about  ten  days,  when  the  flowers  began  falling  again  to  some  extent. 
During  that  period  we  have  had  a  good  downpour,  and  to  all  appearance 
the  weather  was  perfect.  A  neighbour  living  a  mile  distant  called  my 
attention  to  this  circumstance,  when  we  at  once  proceeded  to  examine 
my  own  Beans,  and  found  it  even  so. 

I  agree  with  Mr.  Abbey  that  drought  and  poverty  will  cause  the 
flowers  to  drop  wholesale.  Probably  I  have  not  grown  so  many  crops  of 
Beans  as  he  has,  but  I  have  grown  about  tHirty,  and  I  have  never  before 
failed  to  get  a  fair  amount  of  pods  by  copious  waterings.  Indeed,  I 
had  come  to  regard  the  Bean  crop  as  a  certainty  if  plenty  of  water  could 
be  given. 

Among  other  causes  advanced  are  over-luxuriance,  growing  in  en¬ 
closed  spaces,  thrips  and  other  insects  infesting  the  plants.  With  regard 
to  the  two  former  reasons,  it  appears  from  the  writers  on  page  106,  and 
from  my  own  inquiries  and  observations  in  this  neighbourhood,  that  no 
matter  what  the  treatment,  position,  or  state  of  the  fertility  of  the  soil, 
the  results  are  pretty  much  alike.  I  certainly  found  a  few  yellow  thrips  in 
some  of  the  flowers  I  examined,  but  not  enough,  I  think,  to  do  any 
serious  damage,  and  even  if  it  were  so  I  cannot  account  for  their  sudden 
disappearance  about  the  end  of  the  month,  which  we  must  suppose 
took  place,  thus  allowing  the  organs  to  fulfil  their  functions. — T.  S., 
Bristol. 


THREE  DAYS’  HOLIDAY  IN  THE  ISLE  OF  WIGHT. 

Abriving  at  Ryde  I  went  by  train  to  Shanklin,  distance  ten  miles, 
and  near  the  Chine  who  should  I  meet  but  our  old  gardening  friend,  Mr. 
C.  Orchard,  manager  of  the  Bembridge  Hotel  and  gardens.  With  him 
was  Mr.  W.  Drover  of  Fareham,  well  known  as  one  of  the  leading 
Chrysanthemum  growers.  We  adjourned  to  the  Chine  Hotel  for  lunch, 
and  I  soon  found  these  gentlemen  were  on  business,  having  to  act  as 
judges  at  the  Shanklin  Horticultural  Show,  held  in  the  beautiful  grounds 
of  Ryleston,  kindly  lent  by  Mons.  Spartali.  At  the  outset  I  must  say  of 
all  the  local  shows  I  ever  attended  I  never  was  in  such  charming  grounds 
and  scenery.  The  grounds  stand  well  up  on  the  cliffs  and  overlook  the 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


169 


Chine  Pier,  the  Spa  Hotel,  the  splendid  sands,  on  which  you  can  walk 
to  Sandown,  some  five  miles,  the  beautiful  white  cliffs,  distance  about 
twelve  miles,  and  the  coast  as  far  as  the  eye  can  see.  I  am  told  that  on 
a  clear  day  one  can  see  Brighton. 

Passing  to  the  tents  I  was  very  much  interested  in  the  exhibits.  One 
tent  was  well  filled  with  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  including  Palms, 
Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Ferns,  Coleuses,  Fuchsias,  and  very  fine  speci¬ 
mens  of  Araucaria  excelsa,  well  feathered  and  clean,  some  of  the  finest 
I  ever  saw.  The  fruit  tent  most  noticeable  for  the  Grapes,  Melons, 
Peaches  ;  the  Nectarines  the  finest  seen  this  season.  The  cut  flowers 
were  good  for  the  season.  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias,  Marigolds,  Roses, 
Asters,  ladies’  sprays,  and  bouquets.  The  vegetable  tent  for  professional 
gardeners  contained  good  Celery,  Cauliflowers,  Tomatoes,  autumn  and 
spring  Onions.  The  cottagers’  tent  was  well  filled.  I  notice  by  the 
schedule  that  no  less  than  120  classes  in  all  are  provided.  Great 
credit  is  due  to  the  Honorary  Secretary,  Mr.  A.  Carter,  and  to  the 
Committee  for  the  efficient  manner  in  which  everything  was  carried  out. 

I  remained  till  the  evening,  when  a  promenade  concert  took  place,  and 
the  grounds  were  lit  up  by  fairy  lamps.  I  enjoyed  the  concert  with 
Mr.  C.  Orchard,  who  left  me  to  go  to  Bembridge,  and  I  went  on  to 
Ventnor,  distance  four  miles,  to  prepare  for  the  next  day. 

The  followdng  day  I  walked  from  the  esplanade  on  the  cliffs  to 
Steephill  Bay,  which  is  a  charming  walk.  On  the  right  under  the  hill 
is  Steephill  Castle,  late  the  county  residence  of  Dudley  Hamburgh,  Esq. 
Following  my  walk  I  come  to  the  Ventnor  Hospital,  which  was  opened 
by  the  Queen.  This  is  a  splendid  block  of  buildings  with  about  12  acres 
of  pleasure  grounds  attached  and  overlooking  the  sea.  Still  continuing 
my  walk,  I  came  through  Bank  End  Farm,  which  is  one  of  the  prettiest 
and  most  compact  farms  under  the  undercliff.  The  front  of  the  house  is 
covered  with  Roses,  and  of  a  mild  season  Roses  have  been  picked  at 
Christmas,  Mr.  Truelove  is  now  the  occupier  of  the  farm,  and  many 
years  ago  was  the  gardener  and  steward  to  the  Hon.  Mrs.  Dudley 
Pelham  of  St.  Lawrence.  I  then  get  in  the  high  road,  and  walk  along 
the  undercliff,  and  come  to  the  pretty  church  of  St.  Lawrence.  This  old 
church  is  one  of  the  smallest  in  England,  which  every  visitor  to  the 
island  ought  to  see.  The  gates  being  open,  I  walked  round  the  little 
churchyard,  when  I  saw  on  some  of  the  tombstones  names  that  took  my 
memory  back  to  my  boyhood.  I  pass  on  for  about  half  a  mile,  and 
then  return  for  Ventnor,  passing  the  new  church  of  St.  Lawrence,  which 
stands  on  high  ground  overlooking  the  sea.  1  then  get  to  the  Hon. 
Mrs.  Dudley  Pelham’s  gardener’s  lodge. 

I  introduced  myself  to  the  gardener,  and  was  received  by  every 
courtesy.  I  found  he  was  gathering  Figs,  which  one  could  pick  by  the 
bushel.  The  kitchen  garden  lays  well  up  under  the  Down,  the  extent 
being  about  4  acres.  Apple,  Pear,  and  Plum  trees  were  broken  down 
by  the  heavy  crops.  Wasps  are  very  troublesome,  and  Mr.  Norton,  the 
gardener,  showed  me  two  great  bottles  he  had  emptied  that  morning 
going  through  the  plant  houses.  I  see  plants  are  grown  mostly  for 
conservatory  decoration,  and  they  are  remarkably  clean.  Vineries 
contain  Black  Hamburghs,  Muscat,  and  Alicantes,  which  were  well  done. 
The  Black  Hamburghs  were  well  finished,  and  had  extra  sized  berries. 
Tomatoes  and  Melons  are  also  finely  grown.  Chrysanthemums  on  the 
cut-back  system  look  well.  In  the  pleasure  grounds  Roses  are  well 
done  here,  having  secured  many  first  prizes  at  the  Undercliff  Shows. 
The  grounds  looked  neat,  and  the  beds  very  gay.  Among  the  most 
noticeable  were  the  beds  of  Henry  Jacoby  Pelargonium,  the  best  I 
have  seen  this  season.  Many  people  have  no  idea  what  the  Island 
gardeners  have  to  contend  with  to  get  their  manure  and  things  carried 
to  the  places  required.  They  have  to  hand-cart  everything,  which 
makes  labour  very  hard.  I  leave  my  friend  and  return  him  many 
thanks,  and  arrive  back  to  Ventnor  for  dinner  and  tea,  highly  pleased 
with  my  walk,  and  finish  out  my  evening  on  the  pier. 

My  last  day  I  took  a  walk  early  in  the  morning,  and  found  Mr. 
Sheath,  the  gardener  to  Mis.  Mitchell,  at  Macrocarpa  Gardens,  Under¬ 
cliff,  near  Ventnor,  among  his  Begonias,  which  he  has  the  finest 
selection  of  seedlings  in  the  Island.  Some  of  the  blooms  measure  6  inches 
over,  of  perfect  form.  Mr.  Sheath  tells  me  he  started  with  Messrs. 
Cannell’s  strain,  and  keeps  on  improving  both  double  and  single.  I  pass 
on  to  a  fine  house  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  and  Buckland  Sweet¬ 
water,  which  are  well  finished.  The  stove  plant  houses  contain  some 
very  fine  specimen  Crotons,  Eucharis,  Tree  Ferns,  Bougainvillea,  and 
Stephanotis.  Plants  are  largely  grown  for  decoration  to  supply  a 
charming  conservatory  attached  to  the  house,  overlooking  the  sea.  The 
grounds  are  not  very  extensive,  nor  is  the  kitchen  garden ;  but  every¬ 
thing  looked  neat,  and  a  credit  to  the  gardener. 

My  next  walk  was  to  Messrs.  H.  Drover  &  Sons’  nurseries.  The  Hillside 
nurseries  are  mostly  devoted  to  cut  blooms,  and  the  grounds  very  neatly 
laid  out,  Mr.  H.  Drover  was  foreman  and  manager  at  the  Lower 
Grounds,  Aston  Park,  near  Birmingham,  for  many  years.  Most  noticeable 
were  some  very  fine  Cyclamens,  double  Primulas,  and  pot  Roses.  The 
St.  Boniface  Nurseries  are  composed  of  fruit  houses,  which  are  devoted 
to  Black  Hamburghs,  Muscats,  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  Alicantes. 
There  are  two  long  ranges  of  houses  125  feet,  one  being  filled  with 
Peaches  and  Pineapple  Nectarines,  These  are  well  done  and  clean. 
The  other  part  of  the  ground  is  filled  with  a  good  selection  of  vegetables 
to  supply  the  shop,  which  is  managed  by  the  son.  I  must  say  these 
houses  are  built  under  the  Down,  and  the  soil  looks  nothing  but  hard 
rock  and  chalk.  The  view  from  these  nurseries  is  the  best  I  have 
seen,  and  if  any  gardener  has  the  privilege  of  a  three  days’  holiday  I 
should  advise  him  to  take  the  same  route,  as  I  am  sure  the  gentlemen 
I  have  mentioned  would  be  pleased  to  see  him.  I  return  back  by  the 


train  to  the  pier  head  for  the  boat  to  Southsea  Pier,  where  I  slop  two 
hours,  finally  securing  a  train  at  Portsmouth  Station,  and  arrive  home 
safely,  feeling  better  for  my  holiday. — A  Lover  of  Scexery  and 
Gardens. 


Mr.  Laxton  and  His  Work  Among  Roses. 

Under  the  above  heading  a  writer  in  your  issue  of  August  17th 
enumerates  the  Roses  raised  by  the  late  Mr.  Laxton,  and  states  "  Roses 
were  not  overlooked,  his  first  being  named  Charles  Darwin,  followed 
by  Annie  Laxton,”  and  the  article  goes  on  to  say  that  Duchess  of 
Bedford  was  also  raised  by  him.  May  I  be  permitted  to  point  out  that 
Annie  Laxton  is  an  1869  Rose,  and  Charles  Darwin  came  out  in  1879, 
ten  years  later  1  Also  may  I  say  that  Duchess  of  Bedford  was  raised  by 
a  neighbour  of  mine,  Mr.  Postansof  Brentwood,  and  not  by  Mr.  Laxton? 
— J.  H.  P. 

National  Rose  Society. 

In  reply  to  Mr.  Mawley  I  beg  to  say  that  my  private  circular  was 
sent  out  on  the  2l8t  and  22nd  July,  and  I  repeat  that  the  Secretaries 
were  amongst  the  very  first  to  receive  it.  Their  public  reply  was  in  the 
Journal  of  the  3rd  August.  The  objection  to  such  a  reply  is  in  the  fact 
that  it  is  never  advisable  nor  necessary  to  make  a  public  question  of 
shortcomings  in  the  management  or  working  of  any  society,  but  as  the 
Secretaries  think  otherwise  they  must  take  the  consequences  of  the 
subject  being  discussed  in  the  gardening  Press.  Mr.  Mawley,  more 
hihernico,  says  “  by  rights”  I  should  have  entered  into  certain  personal 
explanations  in  my  circular.  I  purposely  avoided  any  personal  attitude 
in  that  paper  so  as  to  show  no  bias  whatever.  As  I  have  already  said, 
the  result  of  the  inquiry  is  satisfactory  both  in  the  character  and  number 
of  replies. — Charles  J.  Grahame,  hriglit stone,  I.  Wight. 

In  Memoriam — Death  of  the  Rev.  J.  M.  Fuller. 

Although  not  occupying  a  very  prominent  position  in  the  horti¬ 
cultural  world,  there  are  many,  especially  amongst  the  members  of  the 
National  Rose  Society,  who  will  hear  of  Mr.  Fuller’s  death  with  the 
deepest  regret.  At  his  delightful  vicarage  at  Bexley  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Fuller  for  many  years  successfully  cultivated  the  Rose,  and  were 
frequent  exhibitors  at  the  local  shows  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  also 
at  the  National  Society’s  shows.  Indeed,  of  one  of  the  shows  in  the 
neighbourhood,  my  fellow  judge  used  to  say — in  sporting  phrase — ‘Mrs. 
Fuller  first,  and  the  rest  nowhere.”  Mr.  Fuller  was  a  constant  attendant 
at  the  meetings  of  the  Committee  of  the  N.R.S.,  and  for  some  years 
had  been  one  of  its  Vice-Presidents,  in  which  capacity  he  frequently 
took  the  chair.  He  always  performed  these  duties  with  the  utmost 
courtesy  and  in  the  most  businesslike  manner. 

Mr.  Fuller  was  an  erudite  scholar  and  an  active  clergyman.  He  was 
kind  and  genial  in  his  ways,  and  there  is  a  large  circle  of  friends  who  will 
greatly  miss  him,  and  in  the  N.R.S.  it  will  be  difficult  to  replace  one 
who  by  his  courtesy  and  geniality  was  ever  welcomed.— D.,  Deal, 

The  Fragrance  of  Roses. 

In  my  recent  contribution  to  the  Journal  upon  this  special  subject  I 
unconsciously  omitted  the  names  of  two  highly  fragrant  Roses  which 
should  most  assuredly  have  been  included  in  my  selection,  viz.,  Caroline 
Testout  and  Viscountess  Folkestone ;  the  latter  one  of  the  most 
successful  productions  of  the  late  Mr.  Bennet,  who  should  rank  hereafter 
as  one  of  the  greatest  rosarians  England  has  produced.  I  much  regret 
that  his  Roses  were  not  more  universally  appreciated  during  his  lifetime  ; 
but  there  can  be  no  question  that  they  have  risen  very  high  in  popular 
estimation  since  his  death.  That  such  splendid  acquisitions  as  Her 
Majesty,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam,  and  Grace  Darling, 
most  of  which  are  exceedingly  fragrant,  are  steadily  increasing  in 
popularity  is  a  fact  which  must  be  sufficiently  manifest  to  every  earnest 
student  of  contemporary  horticultural  literature,  Mrs.  John  Laing 
already  ranks  as  one  of  the  four  leading  Hybrid  Perpetuals  ;  but  I 
think  that  Marie  Baumann  for  perfect  sweetness  and  faultless  form, 
likewise  I  may  add  for  matchless  productiveness,  should  be  assigned  the 
premier  place. 

With  what  your  contributor  “  Y.  B.  A.  Z.”  says  on  page  146  of  the 
value  of  Tea  Roses  as  almost  perpetual  bloomers  I  thoroughly  agree. 
Thanks  to  such  admirable  varieties  as  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince,  Belle 
Lyonnaise,  L’Ideal,  Gloire  de  Dijon,  Cheshunt  Hybrid,  Gustave  Regis, 
and  Etoile  de  Lyon,  I  have  been  blessed  with  a  constant  succession  of 
beautiful  blooms  from  the  end  of  April  till  the  present  time.  One  of 
my  favourite  Tea  Roses  is  Perle  des  Jardins.  I  would  esteem  it  one  of 
our  finest  varieties,  but  for  its  very  remaikable  formation,  by  reason  of 
which  it  does  not  open  well.  I  may  state  that  my  recent  incidental 
reference  to  the  evanescence  of  Roses  (m  my  Viola  article,  page  120}, 
was  concerned  chiefly  with  certain  utterly  unsatisfactory  and  absolutely 
disappointing  Hybrid  Perpetuals  of  no  value  whatever,  which  should 
I  think  be  relegated  without  mercy  to  the  regions  of  oblivion  ;  other¬ 
wise  they  should  be  denominated  in  the  catalogues  “  Fine  Weather 


170 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


Varieties,”  and  I  think  it  should  also  be  mentioned  by  their  raisers 
that  they  must  be  very  carefully  shaded  from  the  sun. 

I  am  glad  to  find  so  eminent  a  rosarian  as  Mr.  Benjamin  R.  Cant,  of 
Colchester,  vindicating  the  supreme  merit  of  Ernest  Metz,  a  Rose  which 
has  a  great  future  before  it,  if  I  have  not  deceived  myself  regarding  its 
claims.  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince  is  another  exquisite  variety  which  has 
not  yet  received  adequate  recognition.  Why  it  should  be  regarded  as 
inferior  to  The  Bride,  I  cannot  conceive  ;  for  it  is  unquestionably  a 
purer  white  Tea  than  its  rival,  and  in  other  respects  it  is  at  least  equally 
impressive. 

I  have  been  informed  by  the  correspondent  to  whom  I  have  referred, 
that  exhibitors  as  a  rule  do  not  attach  any  importance  to  the  presence 
or  absence  of  fragrance  in  a  Rose.  Such,  however,  is  manifestly  not  the 
opinion  of  Mr.  Cranston  of  Hereford,  who  was  first  with  Alfred  Colomb 
at  the  National  Rose  Show.  “Every  Rose”  he  aflfirms  (in  his  book) 
“  should  have  fragrance  ;  ”  and  I  think  that  his  verdict  should  be 
regarded  as  decisive.  Unquestionably  there  are  many  magnificent 
Roses,  for  the  most  part  descended  from  Baroness  Rothschild,  which 
are  inodorous ;  nevertheless  I  adhere  to  my  original  theory  that  the 
absence  of  this  attribute  is,  even  in  such  instances,  a  serious  limitation. 
—David  R.  Williamson. 


HORTICULTURE  IN  SOUTH  AFRICA. 

We  extract  the  following,  written  by  a  visitor,  from  the  catalogue  of 
Messrs.  W.  &  C.  Gowie,  as  it  indicates  horticultural  progress  in  our 
African  empire : — 

This  firm  of  seed  and  plant  merchants,  Grahamstown,  has  within  the 
past  few  years  secured  a  reputation  throughout  South  Africa,  and  in  the 
coming  impetus  to  the  fruit  industry  will  take  a  great  part.  Mr.  W. 
Gowie  is  a  standing  example  of  what  may  be  accomplished  by  enterprise 
and  unflagging  industry  out  of  small  beginnings.  He  commenced  his 
career  as  horticulturist  by  the  purchase  of  an  old  garden  of  about  two 
acres.  This  he  completely  trenched,  converting  it  into  rich  ground  for 
the  growing  of  Roses  and  other  flowers,  all  bis  work  being  distinguished 
by  complete  thoroughness.  Then  as  demands  upon  him  grew  he  leased 
a  part  of  Oatlands  Park  Estate,  and  last  year  he  and  his  brother,  who 
joined  him  as  a  business  partner,  became  proprietors  of  that  estate, 
which  occupies  a  large  portion  of  the  western  slope  of  the  basin  wherein 
Grahamstown  is  cradled.  Long  may  they  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their 
enterprise.  Oatlands  Park  is  1200  acres  in  extent.  It  embraces  the 
whole  of  a  well- wooded  valley,  and  contains  a  variety  of  fine  natural 
and  ornamental  scenery.  Each  slope  of  the  valley  is  thickly  covered 
w'ith  Mimosa  trees  and  thick  bushes,  while  the  bed  of  the  valley  holds 
two  or  three  large  dams,  overshadowed  by  large  forest  trees,  and  that 
portion  of  the  stream  not  required  for  irrigation  flows  into  a  shallow 
basin,  from  the  centre  of  which  springs  a  cluster  of  tall  Poplars.  A 
long  line  of  Gum  Trees  marks  the  boundary  on  the  town  side,  and  on  the 
slope,  opposite  the  house,  a  small  space  is  reserved  for  the  town.  This 
is  known  as  Prince  Alfred’s  Park,  the  Duke  of  Edinburgh  when  a  lad 
having,  on  a  visit  to  the  town,  planted  an  Oak  on  that  spot.  That  was 
when  Oatlands  was  the  property  of  Sir  Walter  Currie,  a  great  sportsman 
and  warrior,  who  formed  that  fine  corps  the  original  F.A.M.  Police. 
The  foreground  in  the  illustration  was  at  that  time  wild  land,  and  some 
years  later  Sir  Walter  introduced  therein  the  first  pair  of  ostriches  ever 
kept  in  a  domestic  state  in  the  colony.  No  one  of  the  many  hundreds 
who  saw  those  birds,  however,  dreamt  of  the  use  to  which  they  could  be 
put,  and  no  effort  was  made  to  breed  them  for  their  feathers. 

Now  where  the  ostriches  built  their  nests  a  garden  glows  in  all  the 
beauty  of  its  Roses  and  budding  fiuit  trees.  Messrs.  Gowie  Brothers 
have,  however,  only  as  yet  worked  one  corner  of  their  fine  estate — that 
nearest  the  town — where  they  have  some  30  acres  completely  trenched 
and  well  covered  with  flowers,  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  and  thou¬ 
sands  of  young  fruit  trees. 

In  the  foreground  is  a  field  of  mixed  Roses,  thousands  in  number, 
from  which,  during  the  season,  large  numbers  are  despatched  by  rail 
and  post  to  all  parts  of  the  country.  The  Rose  thrives  well  in  South 
Africa,  and  1  saw  many  a  small  plain  iron  house  in  Kimberley  and 
Johannesburg  redeemed  from  ugliness  by  magnificent  Roses.  Beyond 
this  glowing  field  of  white  and  red  there  is  on  the  right  a  smooth  lawn 
interspersed  with  ornamental  trees,  and  above  that  the  glass  houses  for 
propagating,  potting,  including  the  Fern  house,  wherein  is  one  of  the 
finest  and  most  beautiful  collection  of  African  and  foreign  Ferns  I  have 
seen,  all  flourishing  splendidly,  and  most  of  them  in  demand  for  the 
adornment  and  beautifying  of  ladies’  boudoirs.  Out  in  the  open  near 
the  signpost  were  trees  of  the  English  Hawthorn  in  bloom  and  rare 
plants  usually  found  in  hothouses,  but  here  thriving  in  the  open,  one 
of  them  covered  with  a  mass  of  white  and  scarlet  bloom.  Beyond  to  the 
left  is  the  fruit  nursery,  where  are  some  15,000  young  fruit  trees, 
comprising  Orange,  30  varieties  of  Pear,  20  of  Peach,  36  of  Apple,  6  of 
Nectarine,  10  of  Apricot,  besides  Almonds,  Walnuts,  and  Medlars.  Here 
were  1400  grafts  of  Orange  trees  three  and  four  years  old,  raised  from 
the  pip,  and  then  budded  or  grafted,  Mr.  W.  Gowie  having  completely 
mastered  this  art.  Of  course  he  has  noticed  the  gradual  growth  of  the 
export  trade  in  fruit,  and  is  turning  his  attention  to  trees  which  will 
produce  the  best  crops  for  the  London  market,  and  has  made  a  start 
with  2000  Apples,  the  “  Late  Bloomer,”  which  yields  a  beautiful  dark 
red  fruit  of  fine  flavour.  There  is  no  blight  about  the  trees,  they  were 
clean,  healthy,  and  just  bent  upon  doing  their  work  in  the  world  by 
producing  fruit. 

There  had  been  a  great  demand  on  Mr.  Gowie  for  Orange  trees,  and 
he  had  almost  sold  out  the  whole  of  his  stock  of  three  and  four  year  old 


trees,  many  of  them  going  to  Capetown,  where  a  few  years  back  the 
Australian  bug  had  destroyed  thousands  of  trees.  I  may  remark  that  an 
enemy  has  been  found  to  the  Dorthesia  in  the  ladybird  insect,  and  at 
Uitenhage  one  gentleman  has  bred  these  insects  with  the  laudable  object 
of  supplying  them  to  owners  of  Orange  groves  threatened  by  the  bug. 
In  a  few  months  the  ladybirds  will  clear  out  the  pest,  lock,  stock,  and 
barrel,  old  and  young,  and  then,  having  eaten  the  enemy,  they  settle  the 
danger  which  might  arise  from  a  plague  of  ladybirds  by  eating  each  other. 


THE  PLATYCODONS. 

My  note  on  page  145  was  written  before  I  had  seen  Mr.  E.  Moly- 
neux’s  article,  or  I  would  have  referred  to  it  at  the  time.  ^  I  have  no 
doubt  the  plant  referred  to  by  your  esteemed  contributor  is  the  white 
variety  of  P.  grandiflorum,  and  not  the  new  white  form,  which  is  a 
seedling  from  P.  Mariesi  and  is  said  to  be  exactly  like  the  parent  except 
in  colour.  It  was  offered  by  Hillebrand  and  Bredemeier  of  Pallanza 
under  the  name  of  “  P.  Mariesi  album,”  and  in  the  catalogue  is  said  to 
attain  a  height  of  “  15  to  20  centimetres,”  (equalling  about  6  to  8  inches). 

For  garden  purposes  the  Platycodons  may  be  divided  into  P. 
autumnalis,  growing  sometimes  to  nearly  3  feet  in  height,  and  flower¬ 
ing  later  than  the  others  ;  this  is  blue.  P.  grandiflorum,  sometimes 
2  feet  in  height,  although  generally  dwarfer.  Of  this  there  are  the 
following  forms — single  blue,  double  blue,  single  whitO  and  double 
white.  P.  g.  nobilis  with  large  pale  blue  flowers,  and  P.  g.  striatum, 
with  striped  flowers,  are  named  in  some  continental  catalogues,  but  I 
have  never  met  with  them  in  cultivation.  •  ,  •  i  ^ 

P.  Mariesi  will  generally  be  found  growing  about  9  inches  in  height, 
and  the  form  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Paul  appears  to  be  an  extremely 
dwarf  one  for  the  plant  as  grown  in  this  country.  Mr.  Paul  is  quite 
correct  in  saying  that  P.  Mariesi  is  from  Japan.  In  the  “  Dictionary  of 
Gardening,”  P.  autumnalis  is  considered  synonymous  with  P.  grandi¬ 
florum,  which  is  given  as  growing  from  6  to  12  inches  in  height  (?)  P. 
Mariesi  is  given  as  a  form  of  P.  grandiflorum.  The  Platycodons  are 
still  occasionally  met  with  under  Schroder’s  name  of  Wahlenbergia. 

S.  Aknott. 

Platycodon  gkandifloeum  Mariesi. 

In  my  notice  of  this  plant  on  page  127  a  mistake  has  crept  in,  which 

1  attribute  to  transcribing  my  notes.  The  white  form  of  P.  g. 
Mariesi  is  a  scarce  plant  growing  not  more  than  6  inches  high.  P. 
grandiflora  alba  is  the  variety  to  which  I  alluded  as  growing  nearly 

2  feet  high.— E.  Molynedx. 

Platycodon  Mariesi  alba. 

I  BEG  to  enclose  a  plant  of  the  Platycodon  Mariesi  alba  mentioned 
by  Mr.  Molyneux  in  his  notes  on  page  127  of  Journal,  which  was  also 
referred  to  on  page  146,  as  being  very  scarce  in  England.  I  happen  to 
have  a  few  dozen  plants  which  flowered  well  with  me  this  year.  The 
plant  I  send  was  cut  quite  close  to  the  ground. — B.  Ladhams,  Shirley. 

[The  specimen  was  6  inches  in  height  and  appeared  to  have  been 
flowering  freely.] 

ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

Scientific  Committee. — At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Scientiflc 
Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  D.  Morris,  Esq.,  C.M.G., 
occupied  the  chair. 

Antliracnose  {Sphaeeloma  ampelinum'). — Specimens  of  Grapes  from 
a  garden  near  Dorking  were  exhibited  suffering  from  this  disease.  Mr. 
G.  Massee,  of  Kew,  who  determined  the  disease,  stated  that  the  Vines 
were  affected  by  “a  mild  form  of  Anthracnose,”  which  is  caused  by  a 
fungus  called  Sphaceloma  ampelinum.  Be  Bary  (“  Bot.  Zeit,,”  1873). 
The  fruit  of  the  fungus  is  developed  during  the  winter,  hence  before 
this  period  all  diseased  portions  should  be  removed,  and  furthermore 
such  portions  should  be  cut  well  back,  as  the  mycelium  is  perennial, 
and  works  backwards  from  the  young  shoots  which  it  first  attacks. 

The  Chairman  stated  that  no  one  knew  until  a  few  weeks  ago  that 
this  terrible  Vine  disease  was  in  England;  but  now  it  was  reported 
from  an  Edinburgh  garden  as  well  as  from  Dorking.  In  America  the 
disease  was  most  deadly,  and  it  was  also  the  source  of  much  trouble  on 
the  Continent.  Notwithstanding  the  above  statement,  it  is  possible 
that  the  disease  has  been  lingering  for  at  least  two  or  three  years  in  this 
country,  as  Mr.  R.  D.  Blackmore,  of  Teddington,  called  attention  to  it 
at  the  Grape  Conference  held  at  Chiswick  in  September,  1890.  In  the 
“Journal  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,”  vol.  xiii.,  p.  49,  Mr. 
Blackmore  said  a  disease  which  attacked  his  Vines,  “resembled 
Anthracnose,”  although  the  symptoms  were  not  quite  identical.  The 
tip  of  the  shoot  is  first  attacked,  and  the  crinkles  of  the  unexpanded 
leaf,  which  becomes  of  a  dirty  wa.sh-leather  colour,  and  loses  its  pellu- 
cidity  ;  then  the  leaves  that  are  expanded  further  down  the  shoot 
become  cupped  and  concave  on  the  lower  side,  convex  on  the  upper, 
and  lose  their  grailing.  All  the  shoot  becomes  dull,  and  its  crispness  is 
gone  ;  and  if  pinched  it  indents  without  breaking.  The  disease,  unless 
checked  at  the  outset,  descends  the  stem  very  quickly,  runs  into  the 
older  wood,  and  destroys  the  Vine.”  The  specimen  submitted  to  the 
Committee  had  the  canes,  fruitstalks,  and  berries  affected  with  dark 
brownish  blotehes  and  spots,  while  the  leaves  were  of  a  dull  greyish 
tint,  shaded  here  and  there  with  brown  on  the  under  surfaee.  As  a 
remedy  it  was  suggested  that  Vines  suspected  of  the  disease  should  be 
dusted  with  sulphur  in  the  spring  time,  and  later  on  a  mixture  of 
sulphur  and  lime  should  be  applied  judiciously.  In  some  places  on  the 
Continent  a  wash  of  sulphate  of  iron  is  used  for  the  stems.  Any 
Vines  now  suffering  badly  from  “  anthracnose  ”  should  be  immediately 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


171 


destroyed  by  fire  to  prevent  the  disease  spreading.  It  may  be  mentioned 
that  Mr.  Blackmore  (“  Journal  Royal  Horticultural  Society  ”)  plunged 
an  infected  shoot  into  a  can  of  strong  liquid  manure  ;  and  this  arrested 
the  evil,  and  after  two  or  three  such  dippings  sound  growth  was 
renewed.  The  manure  should  be  undiluted  and  strong. 

Primula  Poissoni. — Mr.  G.  F.  Wilson  exhibited  a  plant  with  several 
■flower-scapes,  one  of  which  bore  six  whorls  of  purple  flowers. 


Events  of  the  Week. — Apart  from  the  four  days’  Show  which 
opens  at  the  Agricultural  Hall,  Islington,  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society,  on  Tuesday,  August  29th,  but  few  events 
of  horticultural  interest  will  take  place  in  the  metropolis  during  the 
ensuing  week.  A  further  reference  to  the  Exhibition  is  given  in 
another  paragraph  on  this  page. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — After  the  abnormal  heat  of  last 

week  a  change  in  the  temperature  has  been  generally  welcomed.  As 
mentioned  in  the  leading  article  of  this  issue,  95°  were  recorded  at 
Greenwich  Observatory  in  the  shade  on  Friday  last ;  but  on  Saturday 
the  thermometer  fell  to  75°  in  the  metropolis.  A  little  rain  fell  on 
Monday  morning  and  also  on  Tuesday  afternoon.  Wednesday  opened 
showery,  and  at  the  time  of  going  to  press  the  weather  appears 
unsettled. 

-  Agricultural  Hall  Show. — On  Tuesday,  August  29th, 

the  great  Show  of  plants,  flowers,  fruits,  and  horticultural  sundries  will 
be  opened  at  the  Agricultural  Hall,  Islington,  by  the  Royal  Horticul¬ 
tural  Society,  and  will  remain  open  to  the  public  until  the  night  of 
September  Ist.  The  members  of  the  Fruit,  Floral,  and  Orchid  Com¬ 
mittees  will  meet  on  the  29th  inst,  at  11  A.M.  precisely,  but  will  be 
admitted  at  the  Barford  Street  entrance  as  early  as  ten  o’clock.  They 
are  particularly  requested  to  wear  the  badges  given  out  at  the  last 
Temple  Show,  and  to  have  their  Fellows’  pass  or  tickets  with  them. 
We  are  requested  to  state  that  as  the  catalogue  of  the  Show  must  go  to 
press  on  Monday,  it  is  hoped  that  all  exhibitors  will  have  given  par¬ 
ticulars  as  to  their  exhibits  by  that  day  to  the  Superintendent  of  the 
R.H.S.  Gardens,  Chiswick,  as  otherwise  they  cannot  possibly  appear  in 
the  catalogue. 

-  Lady  Bird  Tomato. — Although  I  knew  this  to  be  in  many 

respects  an  excellent  Tomato,  I  was  quite  unaware  until  I  saw  it  recently 
growing  in  a  house  at  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons’  Eynsford  Nursery 
what  an  extraordinary  cropper  it  was.  Growing  here  by  the  side  of 
such  sterling  varieties  as  CannelTs  Perfection,  Ham  Green  Favourite, 
and  Hackwood  Park  Prolific,  it  completely  eclipsed  them  as  regards 
weight  of  crop.  The  fruits  are,  however,  not  of  such  good  shape  as  either 
Perfection  or  Ham  Green,  though  they  are  equally  as  rich  in  colour. 
The  growth  made  by  Lady  Bird  is  far  stouter  and  more  robust  looking 
than  any  of  the  others,  and  the  crop  must  have  been  at  least  twice  as 
heavy.  I  am  surprised  that  more  is  not  heard  of  this  Tomato,  as  to  my 
mind  it  is  one  of  the  finest  that  has  been  introduced  during  the  past 
three  or  four  years.  It  was  figured  in  the  Journal  for  January  5th, 
1893,  at  page  15.— H.  W. 

-  Melon  Blenheim  Orange. — Now  there  are  so  many  varieties 

annually  introduced  the  value  of  this  high-class  Melon  appears  to  be 
overlooked,  but  I  am  yet  inclined  to  think  that  it  ranks  foremost  in  its 
section  for  all-round  properties — namely,  handsome  shape  and  fine 
netting,  high  quality,  good  constitution,  and  free  setting.  I  have  a 
recollection  of  the  fine  fruits  grown  by  Mr.  Iggulden  at  Marston  House 
some  few  years  since  on  the  extension  system  of  training,  many  of  them 
weighing  6  lbs.  and  upwards  each.  Cut  from  plants  in  full  foliage  they 
were  unbeaten  in  the  best  competition.  At  Heywood  its  value  seems  to 
be  fully  appreciated,  for  calling  there  recently  I  saw  one  house  devoted 
exclusively  to  this  variety,  the  fruits  averaging  from  2  to  3  lbs.  each. 
The  plants  were  placed  about  1  foot  or  so  apart,  and  kept  to  single 
stems  j  and  although  this  particular  house  is  a  small  one,  over  forty 
fruits  were  swelling,  and  furnished  with  the  perfect  net  so  characteristic 
of  the  variety.  It  is  good  for  growing  in  frames  in  summer  under 
restricted  treatment,  but  to  see  it  in  its  best  condition  it  should  be 
grown  on  a  trellised  roof  of  a  heated  structure. — W,  S.,  Rood  Ashton. 


-  An  Annual  Outing. — The  employes  of  Messrs.  William 

Cutbush  &  Son  of  Highgate,  London,  N.,  and  Barnet,  Herts,  held  their 
outing  on  Saturday,  August  19fch,  on  which  occasion  they  went  to 
Hastings,  where  an  enjoyable  day  was  spent. 

-  Vines  in  France. — On  account  of  the  intense  heat  at  Medoc 

and  Bordeaux  the  Vines,  says  a  correspondent,  have  become  completely 
ripe  during  the  past  week.  At  the  Chateau  Margaux  the  Grapes  are 
already  being  gathered.  It  is  estimated  that  the  heat  has  spoilt  25  per 
cent,  of  the  vintage,  which,  in  spite  of  this  loss,  remains  unusually 
large. 

- Pink  Ernest  Ladhams. — I  send  a  few  blooms  of  new 

perpetual-flowering  Pink  Ernest  Ladhams,  which  is  now  as  full  of  buds 
and  blossom  as  in  spring.  I  have  never  been  without  bloom  since  it 
was  raised  four  years  since,  and  it  forces  admirably.  A  recent  storm 
has  somewhat  damaged  the  blooms,  as  the  plants  are  growing  quite 
in  the  open. — B.  Ladhams,  Shirley.  [A  beautiful  border  Pink  with 
large  fragrant  blossoms.] 

-  Tender  and  True  Runner  Bean.— The  public  ought  to 

be  greatly  indebted  to  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  for  the  introduction  of 
this  splendid  novelty.  The  seed  resembles  the  ordinary  French  Bean. 
Canadian  Wonder  sown  at  the  same  time  is  all  over.  Tender  and  True 
is  covered  to  a  height  of  4  feet  with  well  shaped  pods  about  the  size  of 
those  of  Canadian  Wonder,  and  is  likely  to  continue  cropping  until 
frost  cuts  it  down.  This  Bean  is  likely  to  be  much  heard  of  in  the 
near  future. — R. 

-  A  New  Cactus  Dahlia. — At  the  South  of  Scotland  Horticul¬ 
tural  Society’s  Show  at  Dumfries  on  15th  and  IGth  inst.,  Messrs.  Dobbie 
and  Co.  of  Rothesay  exhibited  a  new  Cactus  Dahlia  named  Ivanhoe.  It 
is  the  first  of  a  new  type,  being  single  and  having  sharply  pointed,  some¬ 
what  twisted  petals.  The  colour  is  a  beautiful  rose,  and  for  decorative 
purposes  it  will  certainly  be  much  in  demand.  Ivanhoe  is  a  charming 
novelty,  and  was  greatly  admired. — S.  A. 

- SiDALCEA  PEDATA. — This  was  the  most  striking  plant  in  an 

exhibit  of  hardy  herbaceous  flowers  by  Mr.  Lister  of  Rothesay  at  the 
same  Show.  It  is  a  beautiful  Malva-like  flower  of  a  pretty  blush  pink 
colour.  I  can  find  no  reference  to  this  plant,  but  was  informed  that  it 
grew  about  3  feet  in  height.  For  exhibition  purposes  it  looks  as  if  it 
would  be  invaluable. — S.  A. 

- Carnation  Lady  Nina  Balfour.— This  new  Carnation  was 

exhibited  with  a  number  of  others  by  Laing  «fc  Mather  of  Kelso.  They 
were  arranged  in  bunches  with  their  own  foliage.  Lady  Nina  Balfour 
is  undoubtedly  a  beautiful  flower  of  a  most  attractive  pink  colour,  and  if  it 
possesses  the  qualities  claimed  for  it  by  the  firm  distributing  it  will  soon 
be  widely  grown.  A  bright  scarlet  self  named  Dundas  Scarlet  in  the 
same  exhibit  pleased  me  very  much. — S.  A. 

-  Hardy  Flowers  at  Dumfries  Show.— At  this  Show  on 

15th  and  16th  inst.  six  exhibitors  competed  for  the  prize  for  twenty -four 
spikes  or  bunches  of  hardy  herbaceous  plants.  The  first  prize  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  J.  Harper,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Maxwell-Witham  of  Kirk- 
connell,  with  a  good  collection,  arranged  in  a  most  effective  manner. 
Among  the  most  noteworthy  plants  was  the  larger  and  better  of  the  two 
forms  of  Rudbeckia  or  Echinacea  purpurea.  The  second  went  to  Mr. 
J.  Wilson,  gardener  to  J.  Davidson,  Esq.,  Summerville,  who  had  perhaps 
more  variety,  but  must  have  lost  several  points  for  arrangement.  Third 
Mr.  W.  Carruthers,  gardener  to  Capt.  Stewart  of  Shambellie.  In  the 
class  for  six  spikes  the  prizes  went  to  Mr.  W.  Edgar,  an  amateur,  and 
Mr.  W.  Carruthers. — S.  Arnott. 

-  A  New  Agricultural  College. — The  Kent  County  Council 

have  completed  the  arrangements  by  which  they  propose  to  extend 
their  scheme  of  technical  education,  by  the  establishment,  jointly  with 
the  Surrey  County  Council,  of  an  Agricultural  College  at  Wye.  The 
idea  is  to  provide  a  centre  for  agricultural  science  and  practical 
instruction,  at  which  not  only  will  instruction  be  given  to  resident  and 
non-resident  scholars,  but  from  its  professional  staff  will  be  drawn 
lecturers  to  visit  the  towns  and  villages  of  Kent  and  Surrey,  while  the 
College  itself  will  become  a  seat  of  scientific  research  and  examination 
of  soils,  manures,  seeds,  and  products.  The  acquisition  of  the  premises 
at  Wye  was  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Earl  of  Winchilsea.  The  govern¬ 
ment  of  the  College  is  vested  in  Lord  Winchilsea,  as  Hereditary 
Governor,  nine  representatives  of  the  Kent  County  Council,  six  of  the 
Surrey  County  Council,  two  of  the  Universities  of  Oxford  and  Cambridge 
one  of  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society,  and  one  of  the  Bath  and  West  of 
England  Society  and  Southern  Counties  Association, 


172 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  18&3. 


- American  Horticultural  Journalism. — Oar  excellent  trans¬ 
atlantic  contemporary,  The  American  Florist,  keeps  in  the  front  rank  of 
horticultural  journalism  “  on  the  other  side.”  Special  issues  are  the  order 
of  the  day,  the  “  Convention  and  Columbian  Souvenir  ”  number  being  the 
latest  achievement  in  this  direction.  This  number  is  replete  with  illus¬ 
trations,  for  besides  some  charming  views  of  the  horticultural  exhibits 
at  the  Chicago  Exhibition,  no  less  than  41G  portraits  of  horticulturists 
are  given. 

-  “Iggulden’s  Antirrhinum.” — For  a  mass  of  pure  white 

flowers  for  bedding  I  know  of  nothing  to  equal  Iggulden’s  Antirrhinum, 
It  has  been  in  bloom  the  whole  of  the  season,  and  appears  likely  to 
continue  all  the  summer.  It  is  important  to  keep  the  spikes  of 
seed-pods  cut  off,  not  minding  the  sacrifice  of  two  or  three  flowers  and 
buds  at  the  top  ;  indeed,  the  plants  are  more  even  and  compact  after 
this  operation,  as  a  number  of  shorter  spikes  are  ready  to  open  their 
numerous  flowers.  I  believe  the  variety  is  fairly  well  “  fixed,”  so  a 
stock  may  be  raised  from  seed.  I  prefer,  however,  to  insert  cuttings  in 
the  autumn,  wintering  them  in  a  cold  frame,  or,  in  other  words,  treat 
them  like  Calceolarias. — T.  S. 

-  Allamanda  Williamsi. — As  an  exhibition  plant,  this  recent 

introduction  of  Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  must  shortly  take  a  high 
position.  Darker  in  foliage  and  stem  than  most  varieties  at  present 
in  cultivation,  a  grand  habit,  and  flowers  stout  in  texture  of  a  pleasing 
medium  shade  of  ochre,  it  is  particularly  acceptable,  not  only  for  exhi¬ 
bition,  but  to  supply  cut  blooms  for  decorative  work.  The  plant  is  of 
upright  growth,  and  in  some  instances  stakes  are  not  even  required  for 
support.  Strong  shoots  taken  with  a  heel  early  in  the  season,  and  grown 
in  4-inch  pots,  make  pretty  little  plants  for  grouping.  As  showing  its 
fioriferousness,  I  saw,  a  few  days  ago,  a  plant,  9  inches  in  height,  grown 
to  a  single  stem,  and  only  in  a  3-inch  pot,  which  had  a  perfect  head  of 
growth  bearing  nine  fully  developed  flowers. — R.  P,  R. 

-  Hardy  Flowers  at  Eynsford. — Those  who  are  interested 

in  hardy  flowers  would  find  that  a  day  spent  on  Messrs.  H.  Cannell 
and  Sons’  seed  farms  at  Eynsford  highly  enjoyable.  Visitors  are 
received  and  treated  with  the  utmost  courtesy,  and  a  sight  will  be 
shown  that  is  not,  at  any  rate  by  Londoners  like  myself,  to  be  seen 
every  day.  Here  will  be  found  large  beds  of  the  fragrant  Alyssum 
maritimum,  the  gaudy  Antirrhinum,  and  the  more  lowly,  though  not 
by  any  means  less  beautiful,  Viola.  Thousands  of  Asters  are  throwing 
up  good  sized  flowers  which  present  a  very  charming  appearance,  the 
colours  being  massed  in  a  tasteful  style.  The  soil  on  which  these  plants 
are  growing  is  of  a  very  light  chalky  nature,  nevert’neless  they  are  doing 
admirably,  and  this  after  a  dry  season,  is  proof  of  the  skill  and 
unremitting  attention  to  which  Mr.  Robert  Cannell  subjects  them. — H. 

-  Blandford  Horticultural  Society. — In  brilliant  weather 

the  above  Society  held  its  first  annual  Show  on  Thursday,  the  17th  inst., 
in  the  beautiful  grounds  of  Bryanstone  Park,  the  seat  of  the  Right  Hon. 
Viscount  Portman,  K.G-.,  and  the  Society  is  to  be  congratulated  on  the 
success  it  attained.  Mr.  Allsopp  secured  the  premier  award  with  a  very 
fine  group  tastefully  arranged.  Mr.  Perkins,  Milton  Abbey,  also  ex¬ 
hibited  a  grand  group  of  plants.  Sir  W.  Marriott  (gardener,  Mr.  Denny) 
sent  a  splendid  group  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  including  some 
Orchids,  amongst  which  was  the  chaste  Catasetum  Bungerothi  (not  for 
competition).  Fruit  was  well  shown  in  all  classes,  the  principal  prize- 
takers  being  Messrs.  Martin,  Allsopp,  Perkins,  Elsworth.  Vegetables 
were  well  shown,  Mr.  Allsopp  again  winning  the  first  prize.  Amateurs 
and  cottagers  came  out  remarkably  well,  their  exhibits  being  very  fine. 
Mr.  Pritchard  of  Christchurch  showed  a  collection  of  herbaceous  plants 
in  flower,  which  added  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  the  Show. — Visitor. 

-  The  Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — At  the  recent  meeting 

of  this  Society,  Mr.  H.  Gill  of  Leeds,  son  of  Mr.  Gill,  one  of  the  Vice- 
Presidents,  read  an  extremely  interesting  and  practical  paper  on  “  The 
Tulip.”  The  author  this  year  carried  off  first  prize  in  the  Maiden 
Growers’  class  at  the  Manchester  Show  of  the  Royal  National  Tulip 
Society,  and  also  came  in  second  for  the  silver  medal  in  the  open  class. 
In  his  paper,  Mr.  H.  Gill  observed  that  as  it  was  not  the  season  for 
Tulips  he  could  not  illustrate  his  remarks  by  specimens,  still  as  this 
was  the  time  for  those  who  intended  to  begin  the  cultivation  of  this 
beautiful  flower,  perhaps  he  could  give  them  a  few  hints  which  would 
be  valuable.  He  then  dealt  with  the  raising  of  seedlings,  the  prepara¬ 
tion  of  the  becjs,  and  traced  the  steps  necessary  to  secure  success  in 
the  development  of  the  bulbs,  noticing  the  practice  followed  by  the 
principal  growers,  and  the  points  he  had  found  of  special  importance 
i  n  his  own  experience. 


- The  Introduction  of  Foreign  Plants. — “  Garden  and 

Forest  ”  sums  up  a  column  of  comments  and  quotations  on  and  from  some 
recent  articles  in  “  Garden  Flora  ”  as  follows  :  —It  would  be  difficult  to 
compute  with  accuracy  the  total  number  of  foreign  plants  now  grown 
in  northern  Europe,  every  year  adding,  of  course,  largely  to  the 
enormous  total.  But  to  give  some  idea  of  what  this  total  now  may  be 
we  may  quote  Professor  Rraus’s  statement  that,  v,rhile  some  1500 
flowering  plants  are  believed  to  be  natives  of  England,  Sweet’s  “  Hortus 
Britannicus”  names  as  growing  there  in  1830  some  32,000  species. 
This  means  that  even  sixty-three  years  ago,  before  the  prolific  labours 
of  the  last  two  generations  of  explorers  and  importers,  more  than  twenty- 
two  plants  had  been  introduced  by  man  into  England  for  one  with 
which  Nature  had  there  supplied  him. 

-  Montbretia  crocosm^flora  flore-pleno. — The  above 

named  new  plant,  figured  in  your  last  issue,  was  raised  and  sent  out  by 
the  well-known  Freneh  hybridist.  Monsieur  Victor  Lemoine  of  Nancy, 
from  whom  I  received  it  towards  end  of  last  year.  The  first  two 
flowers  which  opened  on  my  plant  were  quite  single,  but  those  which 
expanded  afterwards  had  all  a  double  row  of  petals,  so  that  the  flowers 
can  only  be  considered  as  semi-double,  an  additional  proof  of  which  is 
that  several  of  them  are  now  setting  seed,  which  a  fully  double  flower 
would  hardly  do.  The  flowers  are  very  short-lived,  each  of  them 
remaining  open  not  more  than  a  day  and  a  half,  so  that  those  at  the 
bottom  of  the  spray  usually  closed  before  those  at  the  top  commenced 
to  expand.  This  plant  is  interesting  more  as  the  first  of  a  new  race 
with  double  flowers  than  from  its  own  individual  merits,  and  considering 
what  really  fine  and  beautiful  things  Mens.  Lemoine  has  already  given 
us  in  this  family,  he  may  reasonably  be  expected  to  produce  in  the 
near  future  much  better  and  more  fully  double  flowers  than  those  of  the 
plant  now  under  notice. — W.  E.  Gumbleton. 

-  Grapes  and  Tomatoes  at  Swanley. — It  would  doubtless 

astonish  many  people,  as  it  did  me,  to  see  the  Vines  growing  at  Mr. 
Ladds’  nurseries,  from  which  Grapes  are  sent  to  the  yarious  markets 
for  ten  months  in  the  year.  House  after  house  had  been  cleared  of 
Black  Hamburgh,  and  at  the  time  of  my  visit  Mr.  Ladds  was  about  to 
commence  cutting  Black  Alicantes,  than  which  I  have  never  seen  a 
finer  crop.  The  bunches  were  of  good  size,  and  the  finish  of  the  berries 
left  little  to  be  desired.  In  one  house,  600  feet  long  by  about  18  feet 
wide,  it  was  estimated  that  between  4  and  5  tons  of  Grapes  were 
hanging.  There  were  six  houses  of  this  size,  all  stocked  v^ith  the  same 
variety,  and  coming  in  in  succession.  No  bunches  are  removed  from 
the  Vines,  they  been  made  to  carry  all  they  produce,  and,  despite  the 
tax  this  must  put  upon  their  energies,  good  health  meets  the  eye  in 
every  direction.  One  span-roofed  structure,  700  feet  long,  is  planted 
with  Gros  Colman,  and  the  weight  of  Grapes  must  be  enormous.  The 
berries  and  bunches  are  of  good  size  and  finish,  and  the  canes  are 
cropped  from  within  18  inches  or  2  feet  of  the  border,  right  up  to  the 
ridge.  This  house  alone  is  worth  a  visit  to  see,  but  it  would  not  be  all 
that  Mr.  Ladds,  jun.,  could  show.  Tomatoes  may  be  seen  by  the 
thousand,  planted  out  in  the  borders  of  long  low  span-roofed  structures. 
Roses,  too,  are  cut  here  by  the  thousand  every  week,  and  this  during 
the  whole  of  the  year. — Nomad. 

-  Knighton  Horticultural  Show.— The  second  annual  Show 

was  held  in  the  grounds  of  R.  Toller,  Esq.,  Clarendon  Park,  August  17th, 
and  as  regards  the  exhibits  must  be  considered  a  success.  Vegetables 
in  the  amateurs’  and  cottagers’  classes  were  excellent,  and  plants  and 
cut  flowers  were  also  very  creditable.  There  were  a  number  of  special 
prizes,  which  were  very  keenly  contested,  given  by  tradesmen.  But 
perhaps  the  special  prizes  given  by  some  of  the  members  of  the 
Committee  are  most  worthy  of  emulation.  They  were  confined  to  the 
children  of  the  schools  in  the  neighbourhood  for  bouquets  and  baskets  of 
wild  flowers  to  be  arranged  in  the  presence  of  the  Committee,  also  for 
window  plants  grown  by  themselves,  Mr.  Wm.  Bell,  the  Hon.  Secretary 
of  the  Leicester  Chrysanthemum  Society,  has  taken  great  interest  in 
thsse  classes.  He  visited  the  schools  at  intervals  during  the  summer 
and  instructed  the  children  in  plant  growing,  and  has  thus  instilled  in 
the  minds  of  the  children  a  love  for  gardening,  which  we  hope  may 
be  a  pleasure  and  profit  to  them  in  after  years.  All  these  classes 
were  very  keenly  contested  by  the  children,  and  some  of  the  exhibits 
were  meritorious.  Five  groups  (not  for  competition)  were  tastefully 
arranged  down  the  centre  of  one  large  tent.  Each  group  differed  in 
character  from  the  others,  but  none  were  crowded.  Mr.  G.  Lawson, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  G.  H.  Ellis,  Knighton  Hayes,  brought  his  specimen 
Ferns,  which  were  very  much  admired.  The  children  in  the  special 
classes  mentioned  above  brought  160  exhibits. 


August  24,  1693.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


173 


-  The  Island  op  Foemosa. — A  report  on  the  Island  of  Formosa 

by  Mr.  Hosie  has  been  published  as  a  Parliamentary  paper.  It  is  the 
first  which  has  been  issued  in  this  country  since  1886,  and  in  the 
interval  the  island  has  become  an  independent  province  of  the  Chinese 
Empire.  The  agricultural  products  include  Rice  (two  crops  annually), 
Wheat,  Millet,  Indian  Corn,  Sweet  Potatoes,  and  other  bulbous  plants, 
and  various  kinds  of  Yams.  Bamboos  and  Lotuses  flourish  in  the  North, 
and  the  Ginger  plant  is  freely  cultivated.  The  Guava  tree  grows  wild# 
Mr.  Hosie  says  :  “  In  respect  of  economic  plants  the  island  is  indeed 
wealthy,  but  up  to  the  present  neither  the  native  nor  the  foreigner  has 
taken  full  advantage  of  the  wealth.”  The  other  products  include  Tea 
(a  black  variety  erroneously  classed  as  green),  camphor,  sulphur,  and 
tobacco.  Two  kinds  of  sugar  are  obtained,  the  most  important  being 
“  Saccharum  sinense,  J7oarZ>.”  In  conclusion,  Mr.  Hosie  says  that  the 
trade  of  the  island  is  woefully  undeveloped.  The  bulk  of  the  tea  goes  to 
the  United  States,  and  most  of  the  sugar  to  Japan. 

-  Wild  Flowee  Competitions. — Almost  everywhere  these 

competitions  are  to  my  mind  very  unsatisfactory.  At  one  show  I  found 
not  less  than  eighty-five  bunches  of  wild  flowers  staged  in  competition 
for  three  prizes,  and  though  three  others  were  awarded,  there  were 
seventy-nine  unsuccessful  exhibitors.  In  the  corresponding  class  for 
baskets  of  wild  flowers  there  were  thirty-one  exhibits,  leaving  twenty-six 
that  were  disappointed.  A  very  interesting  class,  however,  was  one  of 
wild  flowers,  dried  and  preserved  in  book  albums.  Three  of  these  were 
exhibited,  the  contents  well  preserved  but  very  indifferently  named,  not 
one  botanically,  and  the  common  names  more  or  less  local  or  incorrect. 
I  ventured  later  in  addressing  the  visitors  to  urge  that  some  local  effort 
should  be  made,  as  I  would  wish  to  see  it  universally  made  in  rural 
districts,  to  form  classes  for  the  instruction  of  children  in  the  botanical 
and  common  nomenclature  of  wild  flowers,  as  that  would  be  educational 
and  useful,  whilst  the  present  practice  of  asking  for  mere  bunches  did  no 
good  whatever. — Alex.  Dean. 

-  Peeshoee  Flowee  Show. — This  and  the  attractions  which 

are  associated  with  it  provide  one  of  the  most  popular  holidays  in  South 
Worcestershire.  The  eighteenth  annual  gathering  took  place  on  17th 
inst.,  and  the  result  must  have  been  eminently  satisfactory  to  all  engaged 
in  its  promotion.  The  Show  was  revived  after  an  interval  last  year, 
and  the  new  management,  which  then  successfully  commenced  its  career, 
has  continued  to  extend  and  develop  the  attractions  of  the  horticul¬ 
tural  Show  and  the  attendant  entertainments.  Their  enterprise  was 
fairly  rewarded,  the  attendance  being  larger  than  last  year,  and  number¬ 
ing  between  6000  and  7000.  The  pleasant  grounds  of  the  Abbey,  again 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Committee  by  Major  Hudson,  formed  a 
picturesque  locale  for  the  Exhibition.  The  Show  displayed  many 
points  of  excellence.  Of  the  plants  and  flowers  shown.  Ferns,  Coleus, 
and  Fuchsias  were  thoroughly  good  exhibits.  Begonias  were  creditable, 
and  Asters,  Zinnias,  Roses,  and  Dahlias  were  all  good  and  well  shown 
for  the  season.  Fruit  was  on  the  whole  excellent.  The  Apples  were 
remarkably  fine.  The  Kent  fruit  sent  by  Mr.  Bunyard  was  well  to 
the  front. 

-  Peopoetional  Prizegiving. — I  beg  to  thank  Mr.  Cummins 

for  the  information  respecting  the  ultimate  apportioning  of  the  prizes 
at  Carshalton  published  under  my  reference  to  the  subject  of  last  week. 
The  figures  given  stand  as  an  admirable  object  lesson,  and  merit  every 
attention.  I  looked  for  four  prizes  only,  but  six  were  awarded.  Now 
had  the  six  been  provided  on  the  ordinary  system  we  should  have  seen 
the  £5  divided  about  as  follows — SOs.,  253.,  203.,  Hs..  7s.,  Is.  The  new 
method  of  apportionment  given  aecording  to  actual  merit  shows  that  the 
first  prize  is  but  8.3.  3d.  more  than  is  the  sixth  or  lowest.  The  first  and 
second  prizewinners  may  grumble,  but  the  lower  winners  have  much  to 
be  satisfied  with.  Another  excellent  result  of  the  system  I  uphold  is  that 
no  prize  awarded  is  higher  than  the  relative  merits  of  the  exhibit 
require.  Thus  in  this  particular  competition  the  first  prize  collection 
was  18J  points  below  the  Judges’  maximum,  showing  that  there  was 
room  for  half  a  dozen  better  exhibits  to  have  come  between  it  and  the 
maximum.  Who,  in  such  case,  therefore  are  entitled  to  complain  ?  I 
do  not  understand  that  the  general  adoption  of  the  system  advocated 
would  necessitate  a  greater  number  of  judges,  except  that  it  would  often 
compel  a  higher  appreciation  of  the  work  involved,  and  keener  examina¬ 
tion.  But  very  much  of  judging  is  done  by  poin  s  already,  and  in  all 
cases  a  maximum  being  determined  even  for  .single  dishes,  or  of  any¬ 
thing,  let  the  points  be  written  on  the  backs  of  the  entry  cards,  with 
the  position  of  the  collection,  and  the  thing  is  done.  It  would  really 
rest  with  the  Committee  to  properly  apportion  the  prize  money. — 
A.  Dean. 


-  The  Beeadalbane  Vine. — In  the  article  in  your  last  issue 

(page  139)  entitled  “  The  Giants  of  Grapedom,”  which  I  have  found 
very  interesting,  there  is  an  incidental  reference  to  the  Breadalbane 
Vine,  regarding  which  the  writer  desires  farther  information.  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  inspecting  this  famous  Vine  several  years  ago ;  but  the 
statistics  then  acquired  would  not  obviously  describe  either  its  dimen¬ 
sions  or  its  productiveness  at  the  present  time.  It  constitutes  un¬ 
doubtedly  the  prevailing  attraction  at  the  beautiful  Killin  residence  of 
the  Marquis  of  Breadalbane.  I  understand  that  the  splendid  Grapes 
produced  by  this  Vine  are  annually  distributed  by  the  benevolent 
Marchioness  among  the  hospitals  and  infirmaries  of  Edinburgh  and 
Glasgow.  Her  ladyship  is  exceedingly  popular  in  the  former  eity,  in 
whose  charitable  institutions  she  takes  a  deep  interest.  Her  husband 
is  at  present  the  representative  of  the  Queen  at  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  Church  of  Scotland.  I  have  no  doubt  that  the  Marquis  of 
Breadalbane’s  head  gardener  at  Auchmore  in  Killin  parish,  Perthshire, 
would  be  very  glad  to  give  your  contributor  the  required  statistics 
regarding  the  world-famous  Breadalbane  Vine.  If  he  desires  me  to  do 
so  I  will  write  to  him  on  the  subject. — David  R,  Williamson. 

-  Beediansk  Grapes. — Berdiansk  is  celebrated  in  Southern 

Russia  for  the  size  and  sweetness  of  its  Grapes.  The  British  Consul 
in  Southern  Russia  in  a  recent  report  speaks  of  Berdiansk  town  as 
formed  by  Prince  Woronsoff  in  1842  on  the  low  ground  adjoining  the 
steppe,  and  was  originally  probably  washed  by  the  Sea  of  Azof,  the  soil 
being  entirely  sand  and  shells,  with  brackish  water  everywhere  within 
a  foot  of  the  surface.  Plans  were  drawn  up  for  the  formation  of  gardens, 
and  about  800  acres  were  offered  to  peasants  and  German  colonists,  on 
condition  that  they  planted  not  less  than  120  fruit  trees  or  2400  Vines 
per  desiatine  of  2  7  acres,  a  rent  of  7J  per  annum  per  desiatine  being 
levied.  Sole  ownership  was  granted  upon  condition  that,  in  case  of 
default,  the  land  would  revert  to  the  town.  Every  available  plot  was 
soon  taken  up,  and  in  a  few  years  the  entire  space  was  transformed  into 
well-arranged  and  profitable  gardens.  During  1888  this  experiment  was 
repeated  by  the  Town  Council.  A  quantity  of  land — about  500  desiatines 
— was  sold  by  auction,  and  averaged  £10  to  £50  per  desiatine,  the  terms 
being  an  annual  payment  of  6s.  per  desiatine  for  ten  years,  and  the 
same  conditions  as  to  cultivation.  No  difliculty  occurred  in  finding 
purchasers,  and  the  necessary  Vines  and  fruit  trees  were  planted,  and 
the  gardens  now  present  a  very  favourable  aspect.  The  Vines  thrive 
well,  and  already  bear  fruit,  large  quantities  of  ordinary  garden  produce 
being  also  grown.  The  descriptions  of  Vines  principally  grown  here  are 
the  Chassla  or  Bernska,  Chaons,  Isabella,  black  and  white  Muscat, 
Burgonski,  Arcitinski,  and  the  Alexandra  Muscat.  The  Vines  give  a 
greater  yield  on  the  low,  sandy  soil ;  but  the  more  delicate  kinds  thrive 
better  on  the  slopes  in  a  clay  soil.  About  3000  Vines  occupy  a  desiatine 
of  land,  and  no  manuring  is  practised,  although,  where  experiments  have 
been  made  with  old  Vines,  manure  has  been  found  advantageous.  The 
average  yield  of  Grapes  of  the  common  kinds  is  about  10  lbs.  per  Vine, 
36  lbs.  producing  about  2  gallons  of  wine.  The  superior  kinds  give  a 
smaller  yield.  Prices  of  Grapes  average  from  Is.  8d.  to  8s.  per  36  lbs., 
and  new  wine  from  3s.  to  lOs.  per  2  gallons.  The  crushing  is  carried  on 
in  a  primitive  manner,  and  little  attention  is  paid  to  sorting  or  cleaning. 
Bulgarian  and  German  colonists  go  in  from  the  country  districts  during 
the  early  autumn  and  buy  up  the  wine,  none  being  as  yet  exported. 
There  are  several  large  private  growers,  who  take  special  care  in  the 
cultivation  of  their  Vines  and  preparation  of  wine,  and  some  good, 
sound  wine  can  be  generally  found  in  their  cellars.  The  bulk  of  the 
wine  being  of  a  light  character  (8  to  10  per  cent,  of  alcohol),  does  not 
bear  keeping  ;  but  where  the  superior  kinds  are  properly  cleared  from 
the  stalks  and  sun-dried  a  good,  strong  wine  is  obtained,  which  keeps 
well,  and  can  be  bought  at  12s.  to  163.  per  2  gallons.  No  phylloxera  or 
other  Vine  disease  has  yet  been  experienced  at  Berdiansk.  It  is  estimated 
that  some  1500  desiatines  of  land  are  under  Vine  cultivation  amongst 
the  various  colonies  and  villages  in  the  district,  in  addition  to  the 
quantity  belonging  to  the  town.  Probably  in  a  short  time  an  outlet  will 
have  to  be  found  for  the  surplus  wine,  as  the  quantity  produced  will  be 
doubled,  and  the  supply  will  be  greater  than  can  be  consumed  in  the 
surrounding  districts.  The  Vines  seldom  fail  to  give  a  good  yield.  The 
cultivation,  therefore,  is  found  to  be  lucrative  ;  but  it  is  five  years  before 
the  Vine  is  in  full  bearing.  The  present  production  of  wine  at  Berdiansk 
amounts  to  about  300,000  gallons  per  annum.  The  Vines  during  the 
autumn  are  bent  down  and  well  covered  over  with  earth  to  provide 
against  the  attack  of  the  severe  frosts.  In  the  spring  this  is  removed 
and  the  Vines  cut  down  to  2  feet  and  3  feet  from  the  ground,  and  no 
more  than  five  stalks  or  branches  are  allowed  to  remain,  and  these  have 
necessarily  four  or  five  buds  on  each. 


174 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


-  A  New  Alpine  Garden. — The  Horticultural  Society  of 

Dauphiny  and  the  Tourist  Society  of  the  same  district  have  combined 
to  form  an  Alpine  Garden  at  Champrousse  at  an  elevation  of 
1800  metres;  500  to  600  plants  are  already  planted.  The  garden  says 
the  “  Illustration  Horticole”  is  intended  as  a  refuge  for  rare  or  interest¬ 
ing  species  whose  existence  in  a  wild  state  is  threatened,  and 
as  an  establishment  wherein  such  species  may  be  propagated  for 
distribution. 

-  Violas. — The  Rev.  David  R.  Williamson  of  Kirkmaiden  writes 

to  us  as  follows  : — “  I  am  greatly  indebted  to  Mr.  William  Dean  for 
his  generous  references  to  my  recent  article  on  the  Viola  in  your  issue 
of  last  week.  What  he  says  of  my  advocacy  of  the  merits  of  this 
beautiful  and  durable  border  flower  is  all  the  more  appreciated  by 
reason  of  the  fact  that  I  do  not  know  Mr.  Dean  either  personally  or 
by  correspondence.  I  am  much  gratified  to  find  that  he  coincides 
with  my  estimate  of  the  Countess  of  Wharncliffe,  which  by  reason  of 
its  satin-like  texture  and  exquisite  fragrance  I  account  much  superior 
to  such  varieties,  however  admirable  in  other  aspects,  as  White  Flag, 
Sylvia,  and  the  Countess  of  Hopetoun,  whose  splendid  attributes, 
nevertheless,  I  fully  recognise.  Each  of  these  is  exceedingly  showy, 
and  very  floriferous.  In  Mr.  Dean’s  interesting  and  instructive  article 
on  the  ‘  History  of  the  Pansy,’  in  the  same  excellent  number  of  the 
Journal,  he  has  a  eulogistic  reference  to  Mr.  Cuthbertson  of  Rothesay, 
which  is  amply  deserved.” 

-  Spanish  Chestnuts. — In  England  the  Chestnut  has  never 

been  of  much  esteem  as  food.  For  long  its  propagation  was  left  to 
chance,  and  it  was  not  until  the  middle  of  the  last  century  that  it  was 
first  cultivated.  It  was  principally  used  to  provide  hop-poles  and  pigs- 
mast.  On  the  Continent,  however,  and  especially  in  Italy  and  Spain,  it 
formed  an  important,  and  in  some  places  the  principal  article  of  food. 
There  are  many  ways  of  preparing  the  Chestnut  for  the  table.  Reduced 
to  a  flour,  with  the  addition  only  of  water  and  occasionally  a  little  salt, 
it  is  cooked  in  various  simple  ways,  polenta,  a  thick  porridge, /arzwate, 
a  soup  of  less  consistency  than  the  polenta,  or  need,  thin  round  cakes 
baked  between  two  flat  hot  stones,  and  to  which  a  special  aroma  is  given 
by  placing  a  dried  Chestnut  leaf  above  and  below  the  paste  while  baking. 
These  are,  however,  in  Tuscany,  usually  alternated  polenta,  made  of 
Indian  Corn,  or  Wheat  and  Rye  bread,  in  which  case  the  amount  of 
Chestnut  flour  consumed  is  reduced  to  one-third  or  one-fourth,  according 
to  circumstances.  In  the  Piedmont  Chestnuts  are  only  used  as  fruit. 
In  parts  of  Spain  bread  made  from  Chestnuts  is  in  common  use.  When 
Chestnuts  are  not  ground  they  are  roasted  or  boiled  either  in  water  or 
milk. — (“  Vegetarian  Messenger.”) 

-  Kingswood  Flower  Show.— This,  the  third  Exhibition  of 

this  Gloucestershire  Society,  was  a  distinct  advance  upon  its  prede¬ 
cessors.  Many  good  prizes  were  offered  both  in  the  open  and  amateurs’ 
classes.  In  the  former  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  won  the  leading 
prizes  in  his  usual  excellent  style,  Mr.  Mould,  Pewsey,  also  showing  well. 
No  less  than  three  silver  cups,  each  valued  at  5  guineas,  were  won  by 
Mr.  W.  Rye,  gardener  to  Captain  Bellfield,  Frenchay,  who  had  a  grand 
lot  of  flowering  and  fine-foliaged  plants  and  Ferns.  Mr.  W.  Bannister, 
gardener  to  H.  St.  Vincent  Ames,  Esq.,  also  showed  plants  well.  Cut 
flowers  were  quite  a  feature  in  the  display.  Dr.  Budd’s  Roses  being 
particularly  good.  Fruit  was  also  of  great  excellence.  The  best  collec¬ 
tion  of  six  varieties  was  shown  by  Mr.  W.  Nash,  gardener  to  the  Duke 
of  Beaufort,  Badminton,  who  had  remarkably  good  Alicante  and  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  Grapes,  a  handsome  Golden  Gem  Melon,  good  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  and  Figs.  Mr.  Bannister  was  second.  Mr.  Nash  was  also 
well  first  for  black  Grapes,  his  three  bunches  of  Alicante  being  faultless. 
Dr.  Grace  and  Mr.  Doel  were  also  successful  in  Grape  classes.  Apples 
and  Pears  were  numerous  and  good,  as  also  were  vegetables  generally. 
Messrs.  Jullion  and  Cottle  are  the  Honorary  Secretaries,  and  they  are  to 
be  congratulated  upon  the  results,  financially  and  otherwise,  of  their 
labours. — W.  I. 


THE  DROUGHT  AND  CATERPILLAR  LIFE. 

It  is  remarkable  how  often  we  find  Nature  brings  about  a  favourable 
change  out  of  circumstances  that  appear  unpromising,  and  this  has 
been  the  case  in  some  points  with  the  drought  of  the  present  summer. 
Both  in  the  country  and  in  gardens  hordes  of  caterpillars  appeared  on 
many  plants  and  trees  during  May,  and  as  the  dry  weather  continued  it 
seemed  likely  that  they  would  be  the  cause  of  much  mischief  to  a 
vegetation  already  languishing  for  lack  of  moisture.  The  dryness  and 
the  warmth  together  did  indeed  accelerate  the  development  of  some 
species,  and  sent  them  into  the  pupal  state  earlier  than  usual  ;  but  with 
regard  to  a  larger  number  of  caterpillars,  as  time  went  on,  the  result  of 
the  drought  was  manifestly  unfavourable.  Much  moisture  is  hurtful  to 


most  caterpillars ;  an  excess  of  dryness,  however,  tells  against  them, 
and,  after  the  long  absence  of  rain  the  condition  of  the  leaves  was 
such  that  caterpillars  became  unable  to  masticate  them,  and  the  warmth 
reduced  the  natural  juices  of  their  bodies,  so  that  many  of  them  died 
of  inanition.  Of  course  this  dying  off  of  caterpillars  was  more  notice¬ 
able  on  trees  and  wild  plants  than  on  cultivated  species,  because  these 
were  often  watered  to  some  extent,  when  it  was  possible,  and  so  the 
foliage  or  other  portions  of  the  plants  were  maintained  in  an  edible 
condition.  Hairy  caterpillars,  1  believe,  suffered  less  from  the  heat  than 
did  smooth  ones,  because  the  coat  of  hairs  tended  to  diminish  evapora¬ 
tion  from  the  body. — Entomologist. 


ONIONS  AND  POTATOES  AT  CHISWICK. 

The  following  members  of  the  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee 
examined  these  crops  at  Chiswick  on  the  17th  inst. — Messrs.  H.  Balder- 
son  (in  the  chair),  G.  Wythes,  G.  Norman,  G.  Sage,  J.  Willard,  J.  Wright, 
G.  W.  Cummins,  A.  Dean,  and  A.  F.  Barron,  Secretary. 

The  Committee  first  inspected  the  different  varieties  of  Onions  which 
have  been  grown  in  the  gardens  this  season,  the  general  crop  being 
exceptionally  satisfactory,  having  regard  to  the  drought  and  other 
Onion  troubles  so  prevalent  elsewhere.  The  rows  of  Onions  are  about 
20  feet  long,  and  there  were  fifty  of  them.  The  seed  was  sown  on 
March  3rd.  All  the  various  sections  of  Onions  were  fully  represented, 
but  there  could  be  no  doubt  whatever  as  to  the  unquestionable  superiority 
of  the  globular  forms  over  the  old  White  Spanish  type,  with  their  some¬ 
what  flattened  or  hollow  bases.  The  awards  made  were  based  absolutely 
upon  the  merits  of  the  respective  sorts  as  presented  in  the  trial,  and 
only  the  most  striking  were  selected  for  honours.  The  following 
received  three  marks,  the  highest  award  the  Committee  can  make  at 
Chiswick.  Awards  of  merit  or  certificates  can  only  be  granted  at  the 
Drill  Hall,  where  samples  of  the  respective  sorts  may  be  shown  by  the 
persons  sending  to  Chiswick. 

Southport  Yellow  Glohe. — Very  smooth,  handsome,  even  ;  Giant 
Zittau  type,  but  finer. 

Southport  Red  Globe, — Very  fine,  handsome,  even,  firm,  a  first-rate 
one  ;  the  best  of  all  the  red  section.  Seed  of  both  from  Deverill  and 
Henderson,  New  York. 

Suttons'  A1 . — This  is  of  the  medium  Globe  type,  a  very  fine  massive 
handsome  Onion,  that  was  much  admired. 

DeverilVs  Cocoanut. — The  finest  and  best  of  all  the  deep  Globe  or 
James’  Keeping  type. 

Henderson's  Prizetaker. — Also  a  very  fine  globular  Onion. 

Globe  Madeira  (Vilmorin). — A  remarkably  fine  stock,  showing  the 
best  sample  of  the  trial. 

Italian  Tripoli. — The  best  of  the  white-skinned  forms. 

It  is  perhaps  surprising  to  learn  that  several  Onions  that  have  of 
late  made  a  reputation  for  weight  did  not  obtain  awards,  but, 
apart  from  lack  of  distinctness,  these  varieties  under  ordinary  culture 
were  far  from  being  the  wonders  they  are  supposed  to  be. 

Potatoes,  of  which  there  is  a  good  trial,  were  next  taken,  but  probably 
one-third  of  the  sorts  need  another  month  to  mature  in,  whilst  not  a  few 
were  of  poor  appearance.  About  a  dozen  were  finally  selected  for 
cooking,  the  lifted  samples  being  all  that  could  be  desired.  These 
selected  samples  were  all  most  admirably  served,  for  Potatoes  are  always 
well  cooked  at  Chiswick,  and  the  full  award  of  three  marks  was  made  to 
the  following.  Sutton’s  Triumph,  and  Windsor  Castle,  white  round ; 
Jeannie  Deans,  flattish  white  round;  Lillie  Langtry,  red  round ;  Early 
Regent,  a  now  well  known  variety,  and  Redcliffe  Seedling,  long  white 
kidney  shape,  great  cropper.  Some  others  full  of  promise  will  have  to  be 
seen  and  tried  later.  It  was  agreed  that  the  Potatoes  were  exceptionally 
sound  and  good  this  season. 


DIGGING  AMONGST  FRUIT  TREES. 

This  practice  cannot  be  too  strongly  condemned,  yet  it  is  persisted 
in,  I  believe,  merely  for  the  sake  of  appearance.  If  the  ground  is 
kept  clean  digging  need  not  be  practised  ;  if  trees  are  well  managed  the 
ground  surrounding  them  should  be  a  network  of  fibres  induced  by 
surface  dressings  of  farmyard  manure.  Where  digging  has  been  regularly 
practised  for  years  we  may  look  in  vain  for  fibrous  roots.  The  roots  are 
driven  down  beyond  the  reach  of  the  spade  into  material  that  is 
unsuitable  for  them,  and  need  we  wonder  that  the  young  shoots  die 
back  and  the  trees  canker  ?  Only  recently  I  have  been  engaged  in 
removing  comparatively  young  trees  practically  fibreless  that  should 
have  been  in  good  condition  but  for  the  spade.  With  the  roots  of  trees 
in  sour,  wet,  or  hungry  subsoil  I  suspect  “  spraying  ”  for  a  lifetime  with 
blue  French  broth  would  not  prevent  canker. 

If  trees  are  to  produce  good  crops  of  fine  fruit  they  must  be 
liberally  fed  at  their  roots.  If  farmyard  manure  is  not  available  for 
periodical  dressings,  and  the  drainage  from  the  farmyard  cannot  be  had 
or  other  sewage,  recourse  must  be  had  to  artificial  manures.  A  mixture 
of  two  parts  superphosphate  of  lime  and  onepartiof  nitrate  of  soda  is 
simple  and  good,  applying  from  loz.  to  2  ozs.  to  the  square  yard,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  state  of  the  trees,  as  far  as  the  roots  extend,  judging  the 
distance  by  the  branches.  This  dressing  may  be  given  two  or  three 
times  during  the  season,  commencing  early  in  spring.  A  more  durable 
manure  has  been  recommended  in  the  Journal,  and  may  usefully  be 
repeated  here  :  “  5  lbs.  of  bonemeal,  2  lbs.  of  sulphate  of  potash  mixed 
and  applied  4  ozs.  to  the  square  yard.”  If  applied  in  spring  1  lb.  of 
nitrate  of  soda  might  be  added  to  this  mixture. — Fruit  Grower. 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


17& 


S 


Stanhopea  Amesiana, 

This  new  and  beautiful  Orchid  was  exhibited  at  the  Drill  Hall 
on  April  25th  by  Messrs.  H.  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  and  it  attracted 
considerable  attention,  the  Orchid  Committee  of  the  Koyal  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society  awarding  a  first-class  certificate  for  it.  It  is  said 
to  have  been  imported  amongst  some  plants  of  S.  Lowiana,  which 


PlEUROTH  ALLIS  PUBERULA. 

This  species  belongs  to  the  section  Spathacese,  and  is  allied  to 
the  West  Indian  P.  univaginata,  Lindl.,  but  its  flowers  are  smaller 
and  more  densely  arranged  on  the  raceme.  It  was,  says  the  “  Kew 
Bulletin,”  sent  for  determination  by  Mr.  F.  W.  Moore,  Keeper, 
Royal  Botanic  Garden,  Glasnevin,  in  January,  1892,  and  again 
early  in  the  present  year.  The  flowers  are  pale  green  with  a  little 
dull  yellow  at  the  base,  and  exhale  a  Hawthorn-like  fragrance.  The 
upper  half  of  each  sepal  is  finely  pubescent.  t/in 

YaNDA  TERES. 

Whilst  visiting  the  gardens  at  Cadland  Park,  Southampton, 
recently,  my  attention  was  called  to  a  plant  of  Vanda  teres,  which  had 
obviously  been  injured,  possibly  by  coming  in  contact  with  the 
spout  of  a  watering  can.  The  plant  after  the  accident  apparently 


Fig.  26.— stanhopea  AMESIANA. 


as  regards  size  and  form  of  the  flower  it  resembles.  It  differs, 
however,  in  colour.  The  flowers,  one  of  which  is  depicted  in  the 
illustration  (6g.  26),  on  the  plant  shown  were  very  large,  of  an  ivory 
or  porcelain  white.  They  were,  moreover,  deliciously  fragrant, 
which  enhanced  them  considerably.  This  Stanhopea  is  an  acquisi¬ 
tion,  and  doubtless  will  become  a  favourite  amongst  Orchid 
growers. 

Bulbophyllum  spatiiaceum. 

According  to  the  “  Kew  Bulletin  ”  this  species  was  introduced 
by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.  of  Clapton,  and  flowered  with  Mr. 
James  O’Brien  of  Harrow-on-the-Hill,  Middlesex,  in  July,  1892, 
when  it  was  sent  to  Kew  for  determination.  It  is  allied  to 
B.  apodum,  Ilooh,  /.,  “  Flora  of  British  India,”  v.  p.  766,  but  has 
shorter  leaves  and  a  much  denser  raceme,  and  much  more  slender 
membranaceous  bracts.  The  flowers  are  light  straw  yellow,  with  a 
somewhat  brighter  lip.  The  base  of  the  inflorescence  is  sheathed 
by  spathaceous  bracts,  in  allusion  to  which  the  name  is  given. 


began  to  languish,  and  fears  were  entertained  that  it  would  die. 
Equal  to  the  occasion,  however,  Mr.  Garner,  the  gardener,  bound 
moss  around  the  growths  in  different  places,  and  this  being  kept 
damp  induced  the  formation  of  new  roots  from  those  points.  By 
this  means  the  plant  was  saved.  Under  such  good  management 
it  will  doubtless  flourish  and  produce  many  beautiful  flowers. — C. 

Vanda  cairulea. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  Orchids  in  cultivation,  with 
its  pale  lilac  flowers  produced  in  October,  and  lasting  in  beauty  four 
or  five  weeks.  It  is  considered  a  cool  Orchid.  I  have  tried  to  grow 
it  in  a  cool  house,  and  was  very  unsuccessful.  I  then  placed  it  in 
the  East  Indian  house,  where  it  commenced  growing  at  once,  pro¬ 
ducing  roots  from  the  stem  and  soon  filling  the  basket.  I  grow  the 
plant  in  an  oak  basket  with  dried  sphagnum  moss  chopped  fine  and 
all  the  dust  well  sifted  out,  and  one-third  of  crocks  well  mixed  with 
the  sphagnum.  I  suspend  the  basket  close  to  the  glass  under  one 


176 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


of  the  ventilators  in  the  roof  of  the  house.  When  the  plant  has 
rooted  into  the  sphagnum  and  is  making  its  growth  it  requires 
abundance  of  water  and  plenty  of  air  with  a  moist  atmosphere, 
and  when  growth  is  completed  very  little  water  is  needed  during 
the  winter  months.  The  sphagnum  must  not  be  allowed  to  become 
too  dry,  or  the  plant  will  shrivel  and  lose  its  lower  leaves. — 
Specialist. 


WASPS.* 

Desteoyino  with  Tukpentine— Queens. 

I  QUITE  agree  with  “W.  R.  Raillem”  that  the  use  of  gas  tar  is  the 
easiest,  cheapest,  and  best  method  of  destroying  wasps’  nests,  provided 
you  can  do  so  from  above  perpendicularly  ;  but  suppose  the  nests  to 
be  in  the  bank  of  a  river,  how  then?  My  extensive  rosarium,  about 
80  yards  long,  area  40  poles,  is  situated  on  the  bank  of  the  mighty  river 
Hiz.  Perpendicular  fall  of  the  bank  18  inches,  depth  of  water  10  inches, 
width  of  river,  average,  6  feet.  There  were  four  wasps’  nests  in  the 
bank  this  year,  about  6  inches  above  water  level.  These  were  destroyed 
by  a  piece  ot  rag  well  saturated  with  spirit  of  turpentine  being  thrust 
into  the  holes,  and  then  set  on  fire  at  night.  Next  morning  the  nests 
were  dug  out  and  burnt.  Cost  of  turpentine  6d.,  rag  an  old  pocket- 
hankerchief. 

At  all  early  flower  shows,  i.e.,  before  the  end  of  June,  I  would 
suggest  a  prize  should  be  ofiered  for  the  largest  number  of  queen  wasps 
exhibited  dead,  killed  in  the  current  year  before  date  of  the  show,  this 
would  exclude  museum  specimens. — H.  F.  Llag, 

Wasps  and  Benzoline. 

The  wasps  are  doing  so  much  damage  to  the  orchards  in  South 
Lincolnshire  that  fruit  growers  have  been  obliged  to  gather  the  fruit 
before  it  is  ripe,  thus  incurring  considerable  loss  in  their  sales.  At 
Quadring,  the  mail  cart,  which  runs  between  Spalding  and  Bonington, 
was  attacked  by  a  swarm  of  wasps,  and  the  horse  and  driver  were 
stung  so  severely  that  they  were  unable  to  proceed  on  their  journey, 
and  the  mails  were  delayed  for  over  an  hour.  Shopkeepers,  whose 
windows  .are  infested  with  the  insects,  have  found  a  benzoline  spray 
to  be  an  effective  means  of  extirpation. 

Wasps  and  Tomatoes. 

Mr.  Thorne,  gardener,jThe  Bush,  Walton-on-Thames,  informs  us  that 
he  established  Tomatoes  in  pots  for  growing  up  and  over  the  front 
ventilators  of  the  vinery  purposely  for  excluding  wasps.  The  air  filters 
through  the  Tomatoes,  but  the  wasps  remain  outside.  There  is  quite  a 
plague  of  them,  and  they  are  devouring  all  kinds  of  fruit  within  reach. 
In  the  absence  of  the  Tomato  barrier  the  vinery  was  “  full  of  wasps.” 
A  gentleman  informs  us  of  a  case  of  wasps  devouring  Green  Gage 
Plums  ;  some  of  these  he  placed  in  a  small  open  conservatory  among 
Tomatoes  in  pots,  and  there  they  were  safe,  as  no  wasps  enter  the  house. 

Wasps  and  Muslin. 

A  Sussex  correspondent  desiring  to  protect  ripe  Figs  enclosed  the 
fruit  in  muslin,  but  the  pertinacious  wasps  ate  through  the  muslin  and 
finished  the  Figs. 

MacDougall’s  Smoke  Ferrets. 

I  DO  not  see  that  any  of  your  correspondents  who  are  suffering 
under  this  plague  of  wasps  have  mentioned  MacDougall’s  “  smoke 
ferrets,”  which  I  look  upon  as  the  simplest  and  most  effective  destroyer 
of  wasps’  nests  that  I  have  met  with.  I  had  in  my  rockery  what  seemed 
to  be  a  tolerably  strong  nest,  I  therefore  applied  in  the  first  instance 
some  cyanide  of  potassium.  This  killed  a  considerable  number ;  after 
a  few  days  the  nest  was  as  strong  as  ever.  I  therefore  one  night  lighted 
one  of  these  smoke  ferrets  and  put  it  into  the  hole,  closing  the  entrance. 
In  about  half  an  hour’s  time  the  nest  was  dug  out  and  a  gallon  of  dead 
wasps  was  taken  out,  besides  six  large  pieces  of  comb  full  of  larvse. 

Many  nests  have  since  been  taken  by  it  all  around  me.  It  derives 
its  name  of  smoke  ferret  from  the  fact  that  it  is  used  instead  of  that 
unpleasant  animal  for  the  purpose  of  driving  rabbits  out.  A  lighted 
tube  is  placed  in  the  run  and  bunny  very  soon  bolts. — D.,  Beal. 


JUDGING  AT  FLOWER  SHOWS— WHAT  IS  AN  EXOTIC? 

At  the  Cardiff  Flower  Show  last  year  I  had  occasion  to  blame  the 
Judges  for  giving  the  first  prize  to  a  “collection  of  cut  flowers,  hardy 
herbaceous  perennials,  twelve  bunches,  distinct  varieties,”  which 
contained  Roses,  Hydrangeas,  and  some  other  woody  plants  :  and  this 
year  I  have  reason  to  find  fault  with  the  Judges  for  disqualifying  a 
“  collection  of  cut  flowers,  twelve  bunches  (exotic)  distinct  varieties,” 
for  containing  a  bunch  of  Anemone  japonica  alba.  With  this  I  send 
you  a  copy  of  the  Society’s  schedule  so  that  you  can  see  the  wording 
for  yourself.  Anemone  japonica  alba — if  1  mistake  not — was  intro¬ 
duced  from  Japan  by  Fortune,  and  is  not  indigenous  to  this  country, 
and  therefore  must  be  an  exotic  to  all  intents.  If  the  wording  of 
the  schedule  had  been  “  tropical  exotics  ”  I  could  have  understood  their 
decision  ;  but  as  it  is,  I  must  say  I  am  surprised  at  the  Judges,  especially, 
one  of  them  who  hails  from  London,  showing  such  a  lack  of  knowledge 
of  our  English  etymology.  What  do  you  think,  Mr.  Editor  ?  — 
A.  Pettigrew,  Castle  Gardens,  Cardiff. 

_  [We  think  the  Judges  were  wrong  both  last  year  and  this.  We  also 
think  the  wording  of  the  schedule  distinctly  open  to  improvement  in 
more  than  one  class.] 


Chrysanthemum  Foes. 

The  diagrams  of  eelworms  and  text  on  page  129  must  be  of  vital 
interest  to  all  in  this  department,  and  we  cannot  but  feel  grateful  to 
Mr.  Abbey  for  revealing  to  us  so  subtle  an  enemy.  Perhaps  he  and  the 
Editor  may  be  induced  to  supplement  it  by  bringing  us  in  like  manner 
face  to  face  with  that  “small  weevil-like  creature”  which  cripples  the 
tops  and  our  hopes  at  the  same  time.  Given  a  good  fat  caterpillar  or 
earwig  there  is  something  tangible  to  get  between  your  thumb  and 
finger,  not  to  mention  the  exquisite  pleasure  (not  to  the  beastie)  of 
giving  him  the  coup  de  grace ;  but  science  alone  can  give  us  dominion 
over  these  microscopic  foes.  To  this  end  she  straps  Vermorei  pumps  on 
our  back  and  stocks  the  seedroom  shelf  with  Kilm- Wrights  (nothing 
personal)  and  other  ingenious  aids  from  her  laboratory.  One  lesson  I 
learned  last  season  about  this  “worm  i’  the  bud”  is  not  to  let  him  get 
there  ;  dredge  the  tops  freely  with  tobacco  powder  while  healthy.  The 
result  has  been  that  crippled  tops  this  season  are  reduced  to  a  minimum. 
Another  lesson  learned  this  season  is  that  Mr.  Molyneux’s  remedy  (lime 
and  sulphur  solution),  as  given  in  his  admirable  book,  is  harmless  to  the 
roots,  and  can  be  used  in  safety  at  this  season,  if  required,  without 
unfastening  tall  plants  to  lay  them  down.  This  I  tested  by  watering 
some  plants  with  the  mixture  as  diluted  for  syringing  without  any 
baneful  results.  I  will  not  further  trespass  on  space  lest  I  incur  the 
reproach  that  “  Ireland  blocks  the  way,”  but  I  do  hope  the  ball  will 
be  kept  rolling  in  that  “  fair  field  for  discussion”  the  Editor  generously 
provides. — E.  K.,  Buhlin. 

Chrysanthemums  at  Heywood. 

As  a  West  of  England  grower  Mr.  Robinson,  gardener  to  Lord  Justice 
Lopes,  has  acquired  more  than  local  fame,  his  success  last  year  at  several 
shows,  including  Devizes,  Bath,  and  Bristol,  being  above  the  average, 
and  he  is,  therefore,  looked  upon  as  a  strong  rival  competitor  to  many 
who  visit  the  above  named  and  other  shows.  Judging  from' the  present 
appearance  of  his  plants  there  is  every  prospect  of  his  credit  being  well 
maintained,  if  it  does  not  even  supersede  that  of  1892.  The  buds  are 
evidently  being  well  timed  by  the  usual  course  of  pinching  and  cutting 
down,  according  to  the  variety,  during  the  spring  and  early  summer 
months,  and  the  manner  in  which  the  buds  are  setting,  their  free  growth, 
and  healthy  appearance  of  leaf  and  stem  proves  they  are  judiciously 
and  systematically  treated.  I  was  struck  with  the  high  quality  of 
many  of  the  varieties  of  recent  introduction  numbered  among  the 
collection  of  some  460  plants  grown  principally  for  large  blooms. 
Several  of  the  better  known  novelties  are  represented,  not  by  solitary 
plants,  but  with  from  four  to  six  of  a  sort,  and  as  these  are  forming 
their  crown  buds  in  succession  new  varieties  will  sure  to  be  a  strong 
feature  in  Mr.  Robinson’s  stands  during  the  coming  contests. 

Colonel  W.  B.  Smith  is  wonderfully  promising,  and  is  represented  by 
six  uniformly  healthy  and  vigorous  plants  ;  so  also  is  Lord  Brooke. 
J.  Shrimpton,  W.  Seward,  and  G,  W.  Childs,  the  new  Cullingfordi 
seedlings,  are  each  strong,  and  bid  fair  to  give  large  blooms  in  due  time. 
Duke  of  York,  Edwin  Beckett,  W.  Tricker,  J.  P.  Kendal,  John  Dyer, 
said  to  be  an  improved  Kate  Mursell ;  Coronet,  Waban,  Golden  Wedding, 
R.  C.  Kingston,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Robert  Owen,  J.  S.  Fogg,  Mrs.  E.  D. 
Adams,  Mrs.  Gov.  Fifer,  Tuxedo,  Le  Verseux,  Mrs.  Nisbet,  E.  G.  Hill, 
Beauty  of  Castlehill,  and  Beauty  of  Castleford,  are  all  in  the  finest 
possible  condition.  Mr.  Robinson  had  perhaps  the  finest  specimen 
bloom  of  Viviand  Morel  last  year  seen  in  the  west  of  England,  and  his 
plants  (several  of  them  cut  down  in  April)  look  well  now.  Its  sports, 
Chas.  Davis  and  Mrs.  W.  R.  Wells,  are  equally  vigorous.  Of  older  sorts, 
E.  Molyneux,  Sunflower,  Mrs.  Wheeler,  Mdlle.  M.  Hoste,  Mrs.  Falconer 
Jameson,  Florence  Davis,  Gloriosum,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Avalanche,  Stan- 
stead  White,  and  Mdlle.  Lacroix  may  be  mentioned  among  many  others, 
all  in  the  same  enviable  state  of  health.  The  hairy  petalled  varieties  are 
well  represented.  Of  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy  there  are  a  dozen  plants  in 
various  stages  of  bud  development.  Queen  of  the  Hirsutes,  Louis 
Boehmer,  and  its  white  sport  were  noted  as  doing  well. 

Some  of  the  incurved  showed  much  disposition  to  flower  in  the  early 
summer  months,  but  by  cutting  down  a  goodly  portion  of  the  Queen 
family  this  failing  was  outgrown.  These  are  comparatively  dwarf,  but 
the  “  Princesses  ”  are  most  of  them  8  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  it  is 
computed  that  by  the  time  the  flowers  are  open  a  large  portion  of  the 
stock  will  cover  12  feet  stakes.  No  mildew  is  to  be  found,  consequently 
with  the  very  close  personal  attention  given  to  the  smallest  detail,  the 
foliage  is  perfect  almost  to  the  pots  ;  the  bright  sunshine,  too,  which  we 
have  known  only  too  well  this  summer  has  given  them  the  beautiful 
tint  that  bespeaks  perfect  maturity  in  the  stems. 

Now  that  the  buds  are  forming  rapidly,  feeding  with  artificial 
manures  will  commence  in  earnest.  Clay’s  and  Thomson’s  command¬ 
ing  the  largest  favours  at  Heywood.  Soot  water  has  been  the  principal 
stimulant  used  since  the  pots  were  filled  with  hungry  roots,  with 
occasional  weak  doses  of  liquid  manure  as  a  change.  No  artificial  of  any 
sort  had  been  used  by  the  middle  of  August,  save  that  mixed  with  soil  at 
potting  time,  and  the  stout  stems,  vigorous  foliage,  and  perfect  colour 
betokens  unusual  effort  in  attending  to  the  daily  needs  of  the  plants . 


August  24,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


177 


No  less  than  four  times  each  hot  day  have  they  been  examined  for 
watering,  and  the  shortness  of  the  supply  has  given  much  additional 
labour  in  carting  from  a  distance,  as  it  has  done  in  numberless  other 
gardens  throughout  the  country. — VISITOR. 

The  Chrysanthemum  in  Japan. 

In  the  “  Transactions  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  ” 
(part  i.  1893)  recently  received  there  is  a  paper  by  Mr.  James  Comley 
of  Lexington,  entitled  “A  Visit  to  Japan.”  Unlike  many  of  the 
travellers  to  that  interesting  country,  Mr.  Comley  appears  to  have 
arranged  his  visit  so  as  to  spend  the  latter  part  of  the  year  in  Japan, 
and  as  a  consequence  his  paper  contains  many  allusions  to  the 
Chrysanthemums  which  he  evidently  saw  with  much  advantage  to 
himself  and  with  interest  to  his  readers.  As  the  Transactions  of  the 
Society  referred  to  are  not  very  accessible  to  Chrysanthemum  admirers 
in  this  country,  1  feel  Mr.  Comley  will  excuse  me  making  several  copious 
extracts  from  the  record  of  his  visit  to  the  Land  of  the  Eising  Sun,  as  I 
am  well  assured  that  many  readers  of  the  Journal  will  appreciate  to  the 
full  much  of  the  matter  selected.  He  arrived  in  Yokohama  on  the 
3rd  November  last  year,  and  in  the  Cliff  Gardens  of  that  city  had  his 
first  experience  of  Japanese  Chrysanthemums,  where,  he  says,  he  saw 
dwarf  figures  composed  of  Chrysanthemums  representing  all  kinds  of 
character.  A  visit  was  then  paid  to  the  Yokohama  Gardens  Association, 
an  establishment  covering  200  acres  of  land,  which  he  tells  us  has  the 
most  beautiful  collection  of  its  kind  in  the  world.  The  Chrysanthemums 
were  grand,  from  600  to  800  varieties  being  on  view.  Among  these  were 
about  seventy  altogether  new  varieties  which  he  obtained,  all  wonderful 
in  colour  and  shape. 

Mr.  Comley  adds  that  he  visited  every  place  of  note  in  Yokohama 
where  he  might  expect  to  find  a  Chrysanthemum,  and  discovered  one  or 
two  new  varieties  in  each  place.  These  were  generally  obtained  on  the 
spot,  though  this  he  explains  is  not  an  easy  thing  to  do  at  all  times,  an 
experience  in  which  the  late  Mr.  Robt.  Fortune  would  have  concurred 
had  he  been  alive.  With  genuine  American  shrewdness  he  tells  us  that 
many  of  the  natives  will  not  sell  anything  in  their  handsome  grounds, 
and  that  the  gardeners  of  the  gentry  who  are  dignified  with  the  title 
of  noblemen  have  to  be  conciliated  by  a  little  stratagem  and  use  of 
brains. 

At  Tokio,  where  the  Palace  of  the  Emperor  is  situated,  Mr.  Comley 
saw  one  of  the  best  collections  of  Chrysanthemums  in  Japan.  The 
Imperial  Gardens  are  difficult  of  access,  but  he  managed  to  obtain  a 
sight  of  this  great  home  of  the  Japanese  flower.  At  Davgozaka  it  has 
been  the  custom  for  many  years  to  arrange  Chrysanthemum  blooms  to 
represent  notable  persons,  birds,  or  animals,  or  to  tell  of  some  event  in 
history.  As  the  visitor  approaches  from  the  street  flags  and  banners 
seem  to  invite  him,  and  the  showmen  tell  of  the  great  skill  they  have 
to  show.  The  costumes  of  the  figures  are  composed  of  Chrysanthemuihs, 
the  faces  are  carved  in  wood  or  plaster,  the  whole  being  realistic  in 
appearance.  The  construction  of  these  models  is  most  interesting.  First, 
a  frame  of  bamboo  of  the  required  size  is  made,  and  the  plants  growing 
in  pots  are  arranged  in  the  rear  of  this  frame  in  such  a  manner  that 
neither  stems  nor  pots  can  be  seen  from  the  front.  Then  the  blooms  are 
drawn  through,  and  arranged  in  artistic  fashion  among  moss  on  the 
front  of  the  frame.  These  models  last  for  about  a  month,  and  old  and 
young  go  to  view  the  show,  which  is  considered  one  of  the  great  events 
of  the  year. 

By  way  of  supplementing  Mr.  Comley’s  observations  above  it  may  be 
added  that  in  Mr.  Piggott’s  work,  “  The  Garden  of  Japan,”  published 
last  year,  there  is  an  illustration  of  one  of  these  built-up  floral  models, 
entitled  the  “  Seven  Gods  of  Happiness,”  from  a  photograph  taken  at 
Davgozaka  by  a  member  of  the  British  Legation.  This  writer  tells  us 
that  the  Chrysanthemum  is  the  last  of  the  “  four  gentlemen  ” — SAi 
Kunshi — so  called  for  the  qualities  of  which  they  are  typical :  the  four 
are  Miime,  the  Plum,  vigour  and  sweetness  ;  Ran,  the  Orchis,  grace  in 
adversity  ;  Take,  the  Bamboo  ;  and  Kiku,  the  Chrysanthemum,  the 
emblem  of  To  Ye  Mei,  a  distinguish.ed  Chinese  official,  who  many 
centuries  ago  retired  from  the  Government  service  on  account  of  its 
corruptness.  Mr.  Robert  Fortune  refers  to  this  peculiar  phase  of 
Chrysanthemum  culture  as  being  practised  by  the  Japanese  florists,  but 
I  am  not  aware  of  any  book  but  Mr.  Piggott’s  in  which  an  illustration 
of  it  is  given. 

To  return  to  Mr.  Comley’s  paper,  and  I  must  continue  as  far  as 
possible  to  quote  his  own  language,  for  it  is  impossible  for  me  to 
attempt  to  improve  upon  it,  he  says  :  “  One  morning  going  out  early 
he  came  to  a  tea  house,  and  there  saw  growing  in  the  yard  a  magnificent 
collection  of  Chrysanthemums.  There  were  four  pretty  Japanese  girls 
sitting  on  the  verandah  of  the  house,  and  he  asked  permission  to  step 
in  to  look  at  a  particular  flower  more  closely.  After  some  display  of 
bashfulness  he  was  admitted,  and  after  he  had  taken  tea  and  praised  the 
flowers,  the  young  girl  who  seemed  to  own  them  took  up  the  specimen 
he  most  admired,  reserved  only  a  side  shoot  for  herself,  and  he  became 
the  happy  possessor  of  another  novelty.” 

From  there  he  proceeded  to  Kioto,  where  he  found  the  best  Chrys¬ 
anthemums.  They  were  to  be  seen  in  every  garden,  and  he  secured 
some  very  interesting  varieties,  among  which  were  many  varieties 
of  an  entirely  new  class.  While  in  Kioto  this  enthusiastic  and 
successful  American  Chrysanthemum  hunter  went  to  Sacco,  a  hundred 
miles  distant,  to  visit  the  finest  Chrysanthemum  Show  in  Japan. 
In  this  Show  we  are  told  there  were  thirty  different  classes  of 
Chrysanthemums  all  arranged  in  booths  built  of  bamboo,  each  class 
by  itself.  Specimen  plants  were  grown  in  almost  every  conceivable 
shape’  people  can  realise  his  surprise  at  this  marvellous  display 


after  all  the  wonderful  shows  he  had  seen  in  Japan.  Again,  he  inquired 
if  he  could  purchase  some  of  these  gorgeous  varieties,  but  was  refused, 
and  it  was  only  after  convincing  the  people  that  he  wanted  the  plants 
for  private  use  and  to  take  out  of  the  country  that  he  was  allowed  to 
have  some. 

Pointing  out  some  of  the  varieties  he  wished  to  possess  he  was  told 
he  could  not  have  any  of  those  on  view  but  must  select  from  others 
growing  on  a  plot  of  land  in  the  rear  of  the  Exhibition.  “Imagine  my 
further  astonishment,”  says  Mr.  Comley,  “  when  a  bamboo  gate  was  opened 
and  I  saw  over  a  quarter  of  an  acre  of  land  literally  covered  with  plants, 
all  named,  two  or  three  of  every  kind  and  more  of  Some.  Many  of  these 
plants  were  from  7  to  8  feet  high  with  flowers  from  7  to  14  inches  in 
diameter.”  He  went  over  the  whole  place,  row  by  row  and  when  he  had 
finished  he  had  no  less  than  17.5  varieties,  after  which  he  returned  to 
Kioto  well  pleased  with  the  result  of  his  expedition  and  hastened  to  send 
off  his  treasures  to  Boston.  He  collected  many  other  plants,  but  his 
collection  of  Chrysanthemums  during  the  time  he  stayed  in  Japan 
amounted  to  about  400  varieties,  amongst  which,  no  doubt,  are  some 
wonderfully  fine  sorts  at  present  unknown  to  American  or  European 
growers,  and  which  we  may  possibly  hear  something  further  of  during 
the  next  few  seasons.  Such  a  ransacking  of  Japanese  gardens  would ' 
suggest  that  the  Americans  are  now  in  possession  of  everything  from 
Japan  in  the  Chrysanthemum  line  that  is  worth  growing,  but  a  few  more 
observations  from  Mr.  Comley  will  show  there  is  still  more  room  for 
future  exploration.  Towards  the  close  of  his  paper  he  says  “  Long'  as  I 
have  cultivated  the  Chrysanthemum  I  had  never  seen  a  flower  until  I 
went  to  Japan  where  everyone  loves  it.  I  visited  five  hundred  places 
where  the  flower  is  cultivated,  and  these  were  only  the  principal  gardens 
in  a  few  of  the  large  cities.” 

It  has  been  my  pleasure  to  read  many  accounts,  more  or  less  exten¬ 
sive,  of  Chrysanthemums  as  grown  in  Japan  ;  but  never  until  I  came 
across  Mr.  Comley’s  charming  paper  have  I  experienced  the  delight  of 
reading  a  personal  sketch  by  a  man  well  versed  in  the  popular  autumn 
flower.  The  ordinary  traveller  who  describes  Chrysanthemums  hardly 
understands  the  subject  sufficiently  to  do  it  justice,  but  Mr.  Comley  is  a 
specialist  and  a  grower,  and  resides  in  a  part  of  America  where  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  are  well  understood,  and  the  readers  of  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture  will  share  with  me  the  feeling  that  his  “Visit  to  Japan” 
is  too  good  an  article  to  remain  locked  up  in  the  Transactions  of  the 
Society  to  which  he  has  contributed  some  of  the  most  interesting  and 
instructive  material  extant.  That  is  my  only  reason  for  laying  his 
article  so  heavily  under  contribution,  and  as  an  enthusiastic  Chrysan¬ 
themum  admirer  he  will,  I  feel  sure,  accept  generously  my  excuses  for 
having  done  so. — C.  H.  P. 


OUR  BIRDS. 

Mr.  Duffryn’s  (page  145)  are  undoubtedly  a  thick  cloud  of 
witnesses,  and,  strange  fact,  all  of  whom  testify  evilly  of  my  poor 
sparrows.  Sparrows,  too,  are  recompensed  much  the  same  way  as 
generally  are  his  lords  and  masters — whilst  good  deeds  are  ignored  and 
forgotten,  little  mistakes  are  treasured  up  and  remembered  continuously. 
This  regretable  custom  I  suppose  the  sparrow  also  will  have  to  submit 
to.  Fortunately,  quite  in  ignorance  of  these  black  clouds  that  appa¬ 
rently  in  waterspout  fashion  were  to  clear  the  way  of  all  who  dared 
to  contradict,  this  season  I,  with  all  attention  and  seriousness,  have 
been  testing  the  sparrows’  claims  to  a  retained  nitch  in  wisdom’s  huge 
diversity.  Sustained  by  evidence  that  has  been  overwhelmingly  favour¬ 
able  and  singularly  conclusive,  the  sparrow  once  more  has  demonstrated 
in  a  way  that  admits  of  no  contradiction. 

In  the  open  country  to  fruit  growers  the  sparrow  is  an  untiring 
friend  and  a  determined  adversary  of  their  worst  enemies.  But  has  our 
Editor  not  been  taking  the  sparrow  into  his  confidence  ?  has  he  not  just 
allowed  him  to  have  one  little  peep  where  lay  hidden  away  these 
multitudinous  wrathful  accusations  ?  warned  him  to  be  on  his  best 
behaviour,  and  especially  to  look  well  after  Mr.  Witherspoon’s  Apples? 
But  let  the  understanding  have  been  what  it  may,  this  fact  remains  to 
the  credit  of  the  sparrow.  Whilst  the  Apple  caterpillar  appears  in 
shoals  morning,  noon,  and  night.  “They  at  them,”  and  the  happy 
result  is  I  have  the  heaviest  crop  of  clean  beautiful  Apples  that  I  have 
ever  seen.  However  much  the  friends  of  birds  may  be  in  a  minority  I 
am  now  more  than  convinced  that  truth  lies  their  way.  But, 
fortunately,  my  grand  fruit  crop  has  not  only  been  preserved,  but  I 
also  have  had  the  good  fortune  to  call  in  witnesses,  and  whose  evidence 
will  be  forwarded  to  you  in  good  time.  My  faith  remains  unshaken, 
that  Nature’s  laws  and  all  created  are  wondrously  adapted  to  balance — 
to  restrain  extremes.  That  there  is  a  useful  purpose  and  place  for  all, 
only  selfish,  short-sighted  man  refrains  from  tampering  with  machinery 
so  effective,  yet  subtle,  designedly  framed  to  move  man’s  brains  and  to 
equal  him  to  whatever  may  be  the  responsibility  or  station  that  he  may 
occupy. 

As  Mr.  Verrall  lives  in  the  outskirts  of  a  populous  town,  and  worse, 
keeps  his  sparrows  confined  in  an  aviary,  judgment  formed  under  such 
conditions  can  hardly  be  trustworthy.  But  as  this  witness  seems  to  get 
badly  on  with  birds  in  general,  perhaps  my  relating  to  him  a  practice 
I  follow  with  children  might  be  of  service.  During  the  many  years 
that  I  have  grown  fruit  my  garden  gates  have  remained  continuously 
unlocked,  with  the  result,  to  my  advantage,  a  mutual  code  of  honour 
seems  to  exist  between  Apples  and  schoolboys  which  it  is  ]ust  possible 
with  somewhat  similar  treatment  his  ill-bred  jacks,  starlings,  and 
sparrows  might  imitate. 

Next  Mr.  Duffryn’s  imported  “cloud  of  witnesses.”  Just  fancy,  the 


178 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893 


sparrows  that  requisitioned  passing  railway  trains  and  utilized  them  as 
private  nutcrackers  being  told  oif  aa  “  little  slavies  ”  to  do  drudgery.  No, 
no,  the  situation  was  taken  in  at  a  glance,  and  never  was  British  honour 
entrusted  in  safer  hands.  “  Miss  Jonathan,”  no  matter  how  gaudy  may 
be  her  feathers,  must  again  lay  her  airs  to  one  side  and  recommence  her 
own  “grubbery,”  as,  imported  sparrows,  be  they  English,  Irish,  or  canny 
Scotch,  are  British  subjects  all  ;  by  nature  were  never  intended,  and 
never  will  be  slaves.  Some  day,  experience  gained  by  also  importing 
rabbits  to  where  Nature  saw  no  need  for  them,  may  prevail  upon  man  to 
cease  to  tamper  with  arrangements  that  in  ages  long  past  were 
pronounced  both  perfect  and  good. 

Charge  No.  1. — Here,  I  must  be  a  learner,  as  I  have  never  been  out 
of  the  United  Kingdom  ;  but,  if  referring  to  at  least  an  arm  of  our 
pugnacious  British  family  I  am  rather  inclined  to  think  that  the  charge 
wili  be  true. 

Next  charge  No.  2.  “  The  sparrow  as  an  enemy  to  gardeners  and 
fruit  growers.”  We  read  American  scraps  when  in  search  of  the  mighty 
“  tall.”  My  over  sixty  years  of  British  experience  perceives  that  this 
structure  has  been  drawn  out  at  the  expense  of  its  stability ;  it  is  so 
overcharged  with  pure  unadulterated  “  bosh  ”  that  it  entirely  misses  the 
object  aimed  at. 

No.  3,  “  The  sparrow  as  an  enemy  to  Grape  culture.”  I  have  seen 
hens,  ducks,  blackbirds,  and  grey  birds  all  enjoying  the  gobbling  of 
Grapes,  but  in  England  to  lay  such  a  charge  to  a  sparrow  is  as  unfair 
as  it  is  untrue ;  it  is  preposterous. 

No.  4,  “  The  sparrow  as  an  enemy  to  grain  growers.”  The  mighty 
army  of  sparrows  engaged  in  the  scavenging  work  of  large  cities  results 
in  a  heavy  tithe  been  taken  from  those  who  foolishly  grow  in  such 
situations ;  but  of  the  open  country  this  charge,  too,  is  seriously  over¬ 
drawn,  and  I  must  demand  that  it  be  amended  by  being  based  on  the 
country  average.” 

No.  5,  “  Failure  of  the  sparrow  as  an  insect  destroyer.”  With  all 
respect  to  Miss  Ormerod  and  Mr.  Gurney,  jun.,  T  must  beg  to  repeat 
that  my  experience  as  a  born  gardener  entirely  differs  from  theirs,  and 
I  also  claim  that  the  faith  that  possesses  me  has  for  its  foundation  most 
careful  and  deeply  interested  observation. 

Mr.  Smith’s  reference  to  the  march  of  civilisation  reminds  that  it  is 
such  march  that  has  destroyed  that  natural  balance  that  he  also 
refers  to. 

To  “  W.  J.  B.”  jast  a  word  of  counsel.  Stand  to  your  guns,  and 
warned  by  Carlyle’s  reminder,  never  turn  faint-hearted  when  the  hands 
held  up  leave  truth  in  a  minority. — Joseph  Witherspoon. 

P.S. — May  I  append  the  following  letter,  which  has  been  sent  to  me 
by  Mr.  W.  J.  Watson,  Newcastle-on-Tyne  : — “  No  one  interested  in  fruit 
growing  in  the  north  can  fail  to  be  impressed  with  the  extraordinary 
crop  of  Apples  your  trees  are  bearing  this  year.  The  quantity  and 
quality  of  the  fruit  on  your  Lord  Suffields,  and  one  or  two  other  varieties, 
emphasises,  in  my  mind,  the  wisdom  of  limiting  the  number  of  varieties 
planted,  and  you  would  be  doing  a  real  service  to  the  public  if  you 
would,  from  your  practical  experience,  state,  say  the  half-dozen  varieties 
you  have  found  succeed  best  with  you.” — J.  W. 


ROYAL  SCOTTISH  ARBORICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

It  is  nearly  forty  years  since  the  above  Society  was  established,  and 
the  annual  excursions  of  the  members  have  always  been  a  prominent 
part  in  the  programme,  productive  of  much  technical  information  in  the 
science  of  forestry.  This  year  the  Society  was  successful  in  obtaining 
permission  to  visit  Windsor  Castle,  by  favour  of  Her  Most  Gracious 
Majesty.  Every  arrangement  possible  was  done  by  the  Council  to  make 
the  trip  a  great  success.  A  special  train  with  seven  saloon  carriages  was 
engaged  for  the  party  from  Edinburgh,  which  numbered  about 
150  persons.  Perhaps  on  no  previous  occasion  has  an  equal  number  of 
horticulturists  or  arboriculturists  been  so  luxuriously  provided  for,  and 
the  officials  of  the  Society  deserve  to  be  congratulated  upon  the  activity 
and  zeal. 

The  trip,  which  occupied  ten  days,  left  Edinburgh  on  August  7th 
and  travelled,  as  mentioned,  to  Windsor  on  that  day.  The  royal  mews 
were  first  inspected  under  the  guidance  of  Mr.  John  Manning,  the 
superintendent  of  Her  Majesty’s  horses  and  carriages,  and  were  much 
admired.  The  royal  stables  occupy  four  and  halt  acres  of  ground  and 
nearly  100  grooms  are  employed.  The  party  then  entered  the  Castle, 
visiting  the  Vandyke  and  other  rooms,  and  much  enjoyed  an  inspection 
of  the  magnificent  historical  paintings,  statuary,  and  rare  works  of  art  from 
many  lands.  Grinling  Gibbons’s  wood  carvings  were  especially  admired. 
In  the  grand  vestibule  are  the  addresses  which  Her  Majesty  has  received 
in  every  form  of  casket  from  her  subjects  ;  all  are  carefully  preserved.  Here 
also  are  many  of  the  Jubilee  trophies.  The  throne  room  with  the  ivory 
chair  was  inspected,  also  the  grand  reception  room  with  its  splendid 
tapestries,  as  well  as  the  Waterloo  Chamber  and  St.  George’s  Hall ;  two 
oak  chairs  appeared  to  be  of  special  interest,  one  from  oak  grown  on  the 
field  of  Waterloo,  the  other  one  from  Alloway  Kirk  in  Scotland.  The 
presence  chamber  was  last  inspected,  the  tapestry  here  being  splendid. 
Several  objects  were  pointed  out  by  the  guides,  especially  that  of 
raising  the  tower  to  its  present  height,  and  it  was  stated  that 
George  IV.  spent  million  of  money  in  making  the  Castle  what  it 
now  is, 

The  party  was  next  met  by  Mr,  Owen  Thomas,  Her  Majesty’s  head 
gardener,  and  conducted  to  the  east  terrace,  where  the  flower 


garden  was  inspected.  It  is'  a  fine  combination  of  the  Italian  and 
French  styles  made  in  the  time  of  George  IV.  Thujas  and  Cupressus 
are  trained  pyramid  in  shape,  and  these  formed  an  effective  combination 
with  flowers,  which  the  most  fastidious  could  not  but  admire.  The 
terrace  battlements  of  the  Castle  overlook  the  flower  garden,  and  bring 
the  whole  under  the  vision.  Near  to  the  flower  garden  is  a  Cedrua 
Deodara  planted  by  Prince  Albert,  and  a  fine  tree  of  Paulownia 
imperialis,  Chestnut-like  in  flower,  and  somewhat  similar  in  perfume. 
The  Castle  slopes  were  next  visited  where  Her  Majesty  takes  her  drives 
in  her  favourite  pony  carriage.  These  are  principally  planted  with 
Beeches,  Holly,  Elms,  and  Spanish  Chestnuts,  and  were  re-arranged 
under  the  guidance  of  the  Prince  Consort.  A  wild  rock  garden  is 
picfuresque,  being  made  out  of  an  old  quarry.  Near  to  here  is  a  fine 
specimen  of  a  stunted  Oak  of  the  Norman  period.  It  girthed  36  feet 
in  circumference.  A  curious  Beech  tree  of  interest  to  arboriculturists  was 
next  seen.  This  was  raised  from  the  Martin  Luther  tree,  and  brought 
from  Germany  in  1825  by  King  George  IV.,  when  he  was  the  Duke  of 
Ciarence.  An  Oak  planted  by  Queen  Victoria  on  September  12th,  1863, 
as  marking  the  spot  where  stood  Herne’s  Oak,  which  was  blown  down 
the  same  year.  On  the  home  farm  are  some  very  old  Oaks  decaying, 
but  all  are  specially  taken  care  of. 

The  private  grounds  of  Frogmore  are  seldom  open  to  visitors,  but 
the  Eoyal  Scottish  Arboricultural  Society  were  fortunate  in  having 
no  obstacle  to  bar  their  visit.  The  first  object  of  interest  here  was  a 
grand  kiosk  from  the  Kaiserberg,  Lucknow,  sent  by  Earl  Canning,  the 
first  Viceroy  of  India.  A  fine  specimen  of  Taxodium  distichum,  8  feet 
in  girth,  was  inspected  here ;  also  were  several  trees  planted  by  Royalty. 
The  extent  of  the  glass  for  forcing  fruit  and  vegetables  is  4^  acres. 
There  are  31  acres  for  vegetables  inside  the  walls  and  20  acres  outside. 
There  are  150  men  employed. 

The  Show  farm  was  next  inspected,  the  farm  breeds  and  cows  and 
draught  horses  all  receiving  attention.  Windsor  Park  and  Forest  were 
next  visited.  The  great  Vine  at  Cumberland  Lodge  was  also  inspected. 
The  vinery  is  138  by  18  feet,  and  this  year  there  are  about  1770  bunches 
on  the  Vine,  the  age  of  which  is  110  years.  The  bunches  on  the  young 
wood  will  average  from  2  to  3  lbs.  weight  each.  A  quick  drive  then 
brought  the  party  to  the  Virginia  Water,  a  fine  sheet  of  water,  the 
largest  artificial  one  in  England,  covering  over  130  acres.  It  was 
formed  in  1790.  Belvedere  Fort  wms  next  visited,  where  a  tea  had  been 
provided  by  the  thoughtfulness  of  Her  Majesty,  which  was  much 
appreciated.  Afterwards,  to  commemorate  the  visit,  a  tree  of  Abies 
Albertiana  was  presented  by  Mr.  Alex.  Milne  of  Messrs.  Dickson  and 
Sons,  Hanover  Square,  Edinburgh,  which  was  planted,  several  members 
rendering  assistance.  A  beautiful  drive  to  Windsor  brought  the  party 
back,  passing  en  route  the  Cumberland  Obelisk,  Rhododendron  Drive, 
and  the  Long  Walk. 

Afterwards  the  annual  dinner  was  held  in  the  White  Hart  Hotel,  Mr. 
J;  Methven,  sen.,  Vice-President,  in  the  chair,  in  the  absence  of  Professor 
Balfour.  The  usual  loyal  and  patriotic  toasts  were  given.  The  Chair¬ 
man,  Mr.  F.  Simmonds,  gave  “  The  Health  of  the  Royal  Scotch  Arbori¬ 
cultural  Society,”  which  was  responded  to  by  the  Chairman.  Mr. 
Malcolm  Dunn  gave  “The  English  Arboricultural  Society”  in  a  kind 
and  feeling  way,  which  was  responded  to  by  Mr.  Bernard  Cowan  and 
Mr.  Jas.  Watts,  J.P.  Mr.  Miller,  agent  to  the  Marquis  of  Salisbury, 
made  some  interesting  remarks  as  to  the  future  of  the  land  question. 
He  advocated  all  land,  where  remote  from  railway  stations,  to  be 
planted  with  trees,  and  he  mentioned  the  better  the  land  the  better  the 
results  would  be. 

The  next  day  everyone  was  astir  in  good  time,  as  there  were  several 
objects  of  interest  to  be  still  seen  in  Windsor — St.  George’s  Chapel, 
&c.,  in  front  of  which  the  party  was  photographed.  Carriages  were 
then  entered,  and  a  quiet  drive  took  us  to  Cliveden.  On  the  fine 
terrace  is  a  magnificent  Magnolia.  Tulip  Trees  and  Lombardy  Poplars 
here  reeeived  attention,  some  were  105  feet  high.  A  Yew  vista,  very 
effective  and  pretty,  next  drew  attention.  The  glass  houses  are 
numerous,  and  under  the  able  management  of  Mr.  R.  Nesbit  are,  of 
course,  in  good  order.  Dropmore,  the  seat  of  Lady  Fortescue,  was  then 
visited,  and  this  is  noted  for  its  fine  collection  of  Coniferm,  which  have 
often  been  mentioned  in  these  pages. 

The  celebrated  Burnham  Beeches  was  then  visited,  Mr.  H.  J. 
Veitch,  who  joined  the  party  at  Cliveden,  and  proved  a  most  instructive 
guide.  The  party  was  also  joined  here  by  Mr.  Penney,  late  head  gardener 
to  the  Prince  of  Wales.  The  Beeches  w'ere  much  admired,  and  the 
drive  very  pleasant  through  the  woods.  After  a  short  drive  the  grounds 
of  Mr.  Harry  Veitch  were  inspected.  A  halt  was  made  at  Stoke  Pogis 
to  visit  the  grave  of  Gray,  who  wrote  his  well-known  elegy  in  a  country 
churchyard.  A  drive  to  Windsor,  and  portmanteaus  all  quickly 
packed,  we  are  soon  into  our  special  train,  and  arrived  at  Southampton 
the  same  day,  to  be  ready  the  next  day  for  the  New  Forest. 

We  were  all  up  in  time  the  following  day  to  catch  the  8.30  boat  to 
Hythe,  half  hour  drive  brings  to  Beaulieu.  There  is  the  remains  of  a 
fine  old  monastery,  the  ruins  of  which  was  covered  with  Clematis  Vitalba, 
and  also  Myrtus  communis  was  in  bloom  here.  From  Beaulieu  we  had 
one  and  a  half  hour’s  drive  to  Lyndhurst,  where  the  party  was  received 
by  the  Hon.  Gerald  Lascelles,  the  Deputy  Surveyor  in  charge.  A  visit 
was  also  made  to  Marwood,  the  seat  of  Sir  William  Harcourt,  M.P. 
Returning  to  London  Kew  Gardens  and  the  Exhibition  at  Earl’s 
Court  were  visited  on  Saturday.  The  party  then  dispersed,  about  fifty 
going  home  from  Euston,  the  rest  visiting  Hatfield  on  Monday.— 
Bernard  Cowan  F.R.H.S. 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


no 


EPILOBIUM  OBCORDATUM. 

Th?e  dwarf-growing  Epilobiums,  many  of  which  are  suitable  for 
growing  on  rockeries,  are  not  so  well  known  in  gardens  as  some  of  the 
taller  species  and  varieties.  Amongst  the  former  E.  obcordatum 
(fig.  27)  may  be  mentioned,  for  although  by  no  means  a  new  plant,  it  is 
worthy  of  extended  cultivation.  It  is  a  native  of  the  Rocky  Mountains, 
where  it  is  found  at  over  1000  feet  above  sea  level.  It  is  perfectly 
hardy  in  our  gardens,  standing  any  amount  of  drought,  and  the  present 
season  has  suited  this  plant  admirably,  flowering  as  it  has  done 
incessantly  from  June  until  the  present  time.  Dry  sunny  slopes  are  the 
places  to  be  chosen  on  which  to  plant  it.  It  soon  covers  the  plaee 
allotted  to  it.  The  flowers  vary  from  three  to  five  on  each  stem,  over 
an  inch  in  diameter,  and  of  a  lovely  dark  rose  colour.  It  is  easily 
injured  by  damp  during  the  winter  season,  and  should  be  protected  by 
a  “  cloche  ”  or  piece  of  glass  raised  above  the  plant,  so  as  to  allow  free 
access  of  air.  A  difficulty  is  often  experienced  in  propagating  it,  but 
in  heat  it  roots  readily  at  this  season,  when  the  cuttings  have  been 
thoroughly  ripened. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

TAUNTON  DEANE. — August  10th. 

This  flourishing  Society  held  its  twenty-sixth  annual  Exhibition  at 
Vivary  Park  on  the  above  date  under  most  favourable  auspices ; 
the  weather,  that  most  important  element  in  success  or  failure  of 
horticultural  exhibitions,  having  been  all  that  could  be  wished  for ;  indeed 
the  Society  has  been  most  fortunate  in  this  respect,  for  it  is  stated 
that  of  the  twenty-six  exhibitions  only  one  of  them  was  marred 
by  a  thoroughly  wet  day.  At  these  exhibitions  it  has  been  my 
happiness  to  have  officiated  as  judge  for  the  last  twenty-one  years 
uninteruptedly,  during  which  time  I  need  not  say  great  changes  have 
taken  place.  Secretaries,  committee,  judges,  and  exhibitors  have  alike 
changed,  and  perhaps  I  was  almost  the  only  one  present  at  the  meeting 
who  could  look  back  to  an  official  connection  with  the  Society  for  so  long, 
and  now  having  attained  my  majority  I  think  that  it  is  most  probable 
that  my  connection  also  with  it  will  cease. 

With  regard  to  the  Exhibition  itself  the  same  change  has  also  taken 
place.  The  main  features  of  it  are  indeed  the  same  ;  two  large  tents  of 
plants  and  flowers,  the  fruit  and  vegetables,  the  cottagers’  productions 
(always  most  creditable  here),  are  the  same  as  heretofore.  These  were 
well  filled,  although  there  were  some  gaps  owing  to  the  earliness  of  the 
season,  but  on  the  whole  it  was  remarkable  what  fine  collections  had 
been  got  together.  The  plan  which  has  been  adopted  of  late  years  of 
placing  collections  of  large  plants,  which  filled  the  middle  of  the  tent 
on  the  ground  instead  of  that  on  stages,  is  an  excellent  innovation. 
Formerly  it  was  rather  the  pots  than  the  plants  which  were  seen,  but 
now  visitors  can  look  down  upon  the  plants  and  see  them  in  their  full 
beauty. 

On  entering  the  first  tent  we  are  confronted  by  the  splendid  collec¬ 
tions  of  Mr.  James  Cypher  of  Cheltenham.  In  class.  1,  for  twelve  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants,  were  Statice  profusa  (this  is  one  of  the  most 
splendid  plants  of  this  kind  ever  exhibited).  Erica  obata  purpurea. 
Erica  Aitoniana  Turnbulli,  Bougainvillea  glabra,  Allamanda  nobilis, 
Allamanda  Hendersoni,  Dipladenia  amabilis  (very  good),Ixora  Pilgrimi, 
Ixora  Williamsi,  and  Anthurium  Scherzerianum ;  this  was  a  very 
fine  specimen  and  well  flowered.  The  same  firm  was  first  in  class  2, 
for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  which  consisted  of  the  following : — 
Erica  Irbyana,  Erica  Austiniana,  Allamanda  nobilis,  Statice  profusa, 
Ixora  Pilgrimi,  and  Ixora  Williamsi.  For  foliage  plants  Mr.  Cypher  was 
again  first.  He  had  grand  specimens  of  Kentia  Fosteriana,  Kentia 
australis,  Latania  borbonica,  Croton  montefontainensis,  Croton 
Thompsoni,  Croton  Chelsoni,  Dasylirion  acrotrichum,  Cordyline  indivisa  ; 
these  plants  were  all  vigorous,  clean,  and  well  grown,  Mr,  Cypher’s 
collections  were  undoubtedly  the  cream  of  the  Exhibition  as  far  as 
plants  were  concerned,  although  some  very  excellent  exhibits  were  staged 
by  Mr.  Brock  of  Exeter  and  Mr.  Mould  of  Pewsey,  Wilts  ;  in  fact, 
there  was  a  smaller  gap  between  the  first  and  second  collections  than  on 
many  previous  occasions,  showing  that  the  excellence  of  culture  was 
more  widely  diffused. 

Considerable  changes  have  taken  place  in  the  character  of  the 
plants  exhibited  under  what  may  be  termed  greenhouse  plants.  I  can 
look  back  on  the  time  when  one  whole  side  of  the  tent  was  occupied 
with  various  classes  of  Pelargoniums — Zonal,  Nosegay,  gold  and  silver 
variegated,  and  bronze,  while  neither  Begonias  or  herbaceous  plants 
were  to  be  seen .  Now  this  is  changed,  and  the  two  latter  classes  have  come 
prominently  forward,  although  one  of  the  best  exhibitors  of  Begonias,  the 
Mayor  of  Taunton,  was  unable  to  put  in  an  appearance,  as  his  plants  had 
nearly  all  gone  out  of  flower.  This  was  a  great  disappointment  to  many, 
as  his  collections  were  always  well  grown,  and  comprised  the  best 
novelties.  At  the  entrance  to  the  tent  a  stand  of  Begonias  and  other 
flowers,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Davis  of  Yeovil,  whose  strain  of  Begonias, 
both  single  and  double,  is  so  well  known.  I  had  made  a  list  of  these, 
but  unfortunately  have  mislaid  it.  There  were  several  stands  of  the 
ever-attractive  herbaceous  plants.  These  were  shown  in  large  bunches 
of  flowers,  the  most  conspicuous  of  which  came  from  Mr.  Pritchard, 
the  well-known  nurseryman  at  Christchurch,  Hants.  At  this  end  of 
the  tent  was  a  flne  stand  of  Messrs,  Kelway  &  Son’s  seedling  Gladioli, 


for  two  of  which  first-class  certificates  were  awarded.  This  firm  had 
also  other  hardy  flowers,  making  altogether  a  grand  display.  The  cut 
flowers  were  exhibited  on  the  other  side  of  the  tent,  and  consisted  of 
Roses,  Gladioli,  Asters,  Dahlias,  Verbenas,  Hollyhocks,  and  Begonias, 
Many  of  these  showed  unmistakeably  the  effects  of  the  weather.  Holly¬ 
hocks  and  Verbenas  being  especially  poor. 

I  was  surprised  to  see  Roses  so  well  shown  as  they  were.  Although 
few  in  number  they  were  excellent  in  quality,  being  well  exhibited  by 
Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  and  Mr.  Budd  of  Bath.  For  thirty -six 
varieties  the  former  obtained  the  first  prize.  The  varieties  were — Back 
row  :  Charles  Lefebvre,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Capt.  Christy,  Comte  Raimbaud, 
Hon.  Edith  Gifford,  A.  K,  Williams,  John  Hopper,  S(5nateur  Vaisse,  The 
Bride,  Xavier  Olibo,  Paul  Neyron,  In  second  row  :  La  France,  Etienne 
Levet,  Climbing  Niphetos,  Lady  Arthur  Hill,  Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam, 
John  S.  Mill,  Princess  Vera,  a  very  good  Tea  ;  Jean  Soupert,  very  rich 


FIG.  27. — EPILOBIUM  OBCORDATUM. 


and  dark  ;  Amazon,  Charles  Lamb,  Perle  des  Jardins,  Lady  Sheffield. 
In  the  third  row  :  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Sunset,  a  good  bloom ;  Grand 
Mogul,  identical  with  Jean  Soupert  ;  Madame  Hoste,  a  very  beautiful 
bloom  of  a  good  Tea ;  Comtesse  d’Oxford,  Mar^chal  Niel,  Souvenir  de 
Madame  Metral,  Devoniensis,  Ferdinand  de  Lesseps,  May  Rivers,  a  very 
pretty  China  Tea ;  Madame  Cusin,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Mr.  S.  P,  Budd  was 
a  very  good  second.  In  the  class  for  eighteen  singles  Messrs.  Keynes, 
Williams  &  Co.  were  again  first  with  the  following  varieties — La  France, 
Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Marie  Margot,  Marquise  de 
Castellane,  Alfred  Colomb,  A.  K.  Williams,  Edith  Gifford,  Countess  of 
Rosebery,  Perle  des  Jardins,  Horace  Vernet,  Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam, 
Princess  of  Wales,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  very  good 
in  colour ;  Gustave  Piganeau,  Madame  Hoste,  and  Charles  Lefebvre.  The 
same  firm  had  some  excellent  stands  of  Dahlias  in  the  various  sections 
of  show,  fancy.  Cactus,  and  single  varieties.  The  Cactus  Dahlias, 
especially,  were  fine  ;  two  were  certificated,  and  one  of  these,  Gloriosa, 
was  of  a  brilliant  colour,  and  promises  to  be  an  effective  addition  to  this 
cIrss 

The  Mayor  of  Taunton’s  (Mr.  W.  H.  Fowler)  Gladioli  were  as  usual 
of  surpassing  excellence,  but  it  may  serve  as  an  illustration  of  the 
extraordinary  character  of  the  season,  for  whereas  in  1892  he  had  a 
difficulty  in  obtaining  the  requisite  number  of  varieties  because  his 
flowers  were  not  in  bloom,  this  year  he  had  the  same  difficulty  from 
another  cause,  viz.,  that  nearly  all  his  flowers  were  over.  His  stand  of 
twenty-four  comprised  the  following  fine  varieties :  Grand  Rouge, 


180 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


Shakespeare,  Grand  Vainqueur  (a  splendid  flower),  Mont  Blanc  (a  grand 
white),  Baroness  Burdett  Coutts  (very  large  and  fine),  Countess  Craven, 
Giganteus,  Prot^e  (a  very  beautiful  flower),  Fantonine,  Ali,  Adolphe 
Brogniart,  Medicis,  Oriflamtne  (very  bright),  Dalilah,  Cam^leon,  Mons, 
Chevrueil,  Le  Vesuve. 

The  second  tent  was  to  a  great  extent  a  reproduction  of  the  first,  the 
main  difference  being  that  the  nurserymen  do  not  compete,  and  con¬ 
sequently  amateurs  have  a  better  scope  for  their  exhibits.  At  the 
entrance  of  this  tent  Messrs.  Kobert  Veitcb  &  Son  of  Exeter  had  a  stand 
of  varied  and  beautiful  flowers,  conspicuous  amongst  which  were 
two  varieties  of  Lilium  auratum — namely,  plataphilaum  and  rubro- 
vitatum  ;  flowering  and  foliage  plants  from  Mr.  Brock  of  Exeter,  and 
Miss  Todd  of  Southampton,  and  Mr,  Wilfred  Marshall,  whom  I  am  glad 
to  see  resuming  his  place  amongst  exhibitors.  Mr.  Tottie’s  Fuchsias 
were,  as  usual,  good.  In  Eoses  Dr.  Budd  occupied  the  leading  position 
as  far  as  H.P.’s  were  concerned,  but  that  veteran  florist,  Mr.  Hobbs  of 
Lower  Easton,  Bristol,  was  a  good  second.  For  twelve  Teas  the  Mayor 
of  Taunton  held  the  first  place  ;  his  flowers  were  Edith  Gifford, 
Madame  de  Watteville,  Anna  Olivier,  Cleopatra,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  fine  in  colour  ;  Ernest  Metz,  Madame  Cusin, 
Souvenir  de  Ther^se  Levet,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Sappho,  and  The  Bride. 
Dr.  Budd  was  second  with  fine  flowers,  but  showing  little  variation 
of  colour. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  I  have  attempted  to  give  anything  like 
a  detailed  account  of  all  the  exhibits  of  this  remarkable  Show.  I  have 
but  selected  a  few  of  the  most  salient  points,  with  the  object  of  convey¬ 
ing  to  your  readers  how  thoroughly  horticulture  is  patronised  in  the 
west.  When  I  think  of  the  feeble  exhibitions  which  are  held  in  my  own 
county  and  in  the  neighbouring  ones,  and  contrast  them  with  the 
vigorous  and  sustained  efforts  which  mark  our  western  friends,  I  feel 
ashamed  of  our  apathy.  There  is  one  thing,  however,  in  which  Taunton 
people  have  be?  a  most  highly  favoured,  and  that  is  in  the  character  of 
the  weather  on  their  show  days,  as  I  have  already  said  ;  but  there  is 
another  element  of  their  success  which  must  not  be  omitted — namely, 
the  excellence  of  all  the  arrangements.  I  know  no  Society  which  is 
happier  in  this  respect.  The  courtesy  of  the  Secretaries,  and  the  energy 
with  which  the  Committee  carry  out  their  duties,  leave  nothing  to  be 
desired.  Judges  and  exhibitors  may  alike  wish  that  for  many  years 
they  may  carry  out  the  same  courtesy  and  energy,  duties  which,  how¬ 
ever  pleasant,  are  not  light,  but,  at  any  rate,  they  have  their  reward  in 
the  gratitude  of  all  concerned. — D.,  Deal. 

[The  vegetables  and  fruit  were  dealt  with  on  page  157,  last  week.] 

CAKDIFF. — AtTGTJST  15th  AND  16th. 

There  is  every  prospect  of  this  Society  becoming  one  of  the  most 
prominent  in  the  south-western  counties.  Already  it  quite  takes  the 
lead  in  the  Principality,  and,  thanks  to  the  energy  and  untiring  zeal  of 
its  Secretary,  Mr.  H.  Gillett,  and  a  good  working  Committee,  such 
progress  is  being  made  as  to  quite  render  the  Society  worthy  of  such  an 
important  town  as  Cardiff. 

In  the  open  classes  Mr.  J.  Cypher  was  well  to  the  front,  taking  first 
prizes  with  twelve  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  bloom,  eight  fine- 
foliaged  plants,  and  four  Orchids.  In  each  instance  Messrs.  Heath  and 
Son,  Cheltenham,  were  a  creditable  second.  Mr.  Cypher’s  flowering 
plants  consisted  of  Ixoras  Pilgrimi  and  Williamsi,  Phoenocoma  prolifera 
Barnesi,  Allamanda  nobilis.  Bougainvillea  glabra,  Statices  Gilbert!  and 
profusa.  Ericas  Marnockiana,  Austiniana,  and  Aitoniana  Turnbulli,  all 
fresh  and  good.  The  fine-foliaged  plants  consisted  of  Crotons  Queen 
Victoria,  Chelsoni,  and  Montfontanensis  beautifully  coloured  ;  Kentia 
Belmoreana  and  Canterburyana,  Cycas  revoluta,  and  a  Caryota.  The 
Orchids  were  Dendrobium  phalsenopsis,  with  four  spikes  ;  Calanthe 
veratrifolia,  Vanda  coerulea,  and  Cattleya  Dowiana.  The  best  six 
Fuchsias  were  shown  by  Mr.  Hillard,  a  working  shoemaker,  and  were 
fine  pyramids  of  Mrs.  Bundle,  Beacon,  Try  Me,  Oh  I  Marginata, 
Charming,  and  King,  Mr.  J.  Clarke,  gardener  to  Colonel  Sir  G.  S, 
Hill,  was  second.  For  exotic  Ferns  Mr.  J.  Clarke  was  a  good  first,  but 
was  only  second  for  six  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Mr.  J.  Hillard  being  again 
first  with  extra  large  well-flowered  specimens.  The  Tuberous  Begonias 
were  remarkably  fine,  and  with  these  Mr.  J.  Malpas,  gardener  to 
E.  Jenkins,  Esq.,  Penyland,  was  first.  In  the  amateurs’  tent  Fuchsias 
again  made  a  good  display,  Mr.  J,  Clarke  being  first  with  excellent 
pyramids  of  Mrs.  F.  Glass,  Kose  of  Castille,  Beacon,  and  Display.  Mr. 
J.  Hillard  was  a  creditable  second.  Mr.  Clarke  had  the  first  prize  for 
stove  and  greenhouse  flowering  plants,  among  these  being  Justicia 
carnea  freely  flowered  and  Clerodendron  Balfourianum.  For  fine- 
foliaged  plants,  Mr.  Pettigrew,  Cardiff  Castle  Gardens,  was  an  easy 
first,  staging  fine  healthy  specimens  of  Kentia  borbonica,  Cycas  revoluta, 
Phoenix  compacta,  and  Latania  borbonica.  Mr.  J.  Malpas,  gardener  to 
E.  Jenkins,  Esq.,  Penyland,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Hockey,  gardener 
to  Colonel  C,  H.  Page,  third.  Mr.  Malpas  was  first  for  Caladiums,  and 
Mr.  J,  Clarke  second,  while  for  Zonal  Pelargoniums  Mr.  J,  Clarke  was 
first,  Mr,  J.  Oxenham  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Rex,  gardener  to  C.  Waldron, 
third.  The  best  Tuberous  Begonias  were  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Blackmore, 
gardener  to  A,  Duncan,  Esq.,  Mr.  T.  Malpas  being  second,  and  Mr.  A. 
Whitefield,  third,  Mr.  Pettigrew  was  awarded  a  first  prize  for  a  grand 
standard  Ivy-leaf  Pelargonium. 

One  tent  was  wholly  devoted  to  groups,  three  classes  being  provided. 
The  premier  prize  for  a  group  to  occupy  a  space  occupying  100  square 
feet,  was  well  won  by  Mr.  W.  J.  Hockey,  gardener  to  Colonel  Page, 
Cardiff.  This  group  was  in  the  form  of  a  circle,  the  centre  consisting  of 
a  good  Kentia  raised  rather  high,  and  springing  out  of  a  bank  of  Fern, 


Liliums,  bright  coloured  Crotons,  Celosias,  and  others.  Just  clear  of  this 
a  circular  mound  was  formed  of  Maidenhair  Fern,  out  of  which  sprung 
numerous  elegant  Palms,  Crotons,  Dracmnas,  Begonias,  and  a  few  Glox¬ 
inias  and  other  fiowering  plants.  Mr.  F.  Case,  Cardiff,  was  a  fairly 
good  second,  and  R.  Phelps  &  Co.,  Cardiff,  third.  Three  competed  with 
half-circular  groups,  Mr.  J.  Clarke  being  a  good  first,  and  Mr.  H.  Rex 
second.  With  still  smaller '  groups  Mr.  E.  Lewis  was  a  good  first,  and 
Mr.  R.  Jordan,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Meggett,  Esq.,  third. 

Cut  flowers,  in  both  the  open  and  amateurs’  tents,  were  remarkably 
good,  and  the  competition  very  keen.  Particularly  good  were  the  Roses. 
The  best  twelve  triplets  were  shown  by  Mr.  Crossling,  Penarth,  who  had 
fine  fresh  blooms  of  Duke  of  Wellington,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  Mrs.  J. 
Laing,  Victor  Verdier,  La  France,  Marie  Baumann,  Lord  Bacon,  Fisher 
Holmes,  Captain  Christy,  A.  K.  Williams,  Victor  Hugo,  and  Lady  Mary 
Fitzwilliam.  Dr.  Budd,  Bath,  was  a  good  second,  his  best  being 
C.  Lefebvre,  A.  Colomb,  Horace  Vernet,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  and 
La  France.  An  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams, 
and  Co.,  Salisbury.  The  Teas  were  even  better  than  the  Hybrid  Per- 
petuals.  With  twelve  triplets  of  these  Mr.  J.  Treseder,  Cardiff,  was 
first,  having  fine  fresh  blooms  of  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  The  Bride, 
Ernest  Metz,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  C,  Mermet,  Madame  Bravy,  Hon. 
Edith  Gifford,  Ethel  Brownlow,  Perle  des  Jardins,  Princess  Beatrice, 
and  Francisca  Kruger.  Dr.  Budd  was  second,  and  an  extra  prize  went 
to  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams,  &  Co.  The  best  twenty-four  single  blooms, 
any  varieties,  were  shown  by  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams,  &  Oo.,  Dr.  Budd 
being  second.  The  class  for  twelve  Teas  was  a  grand  one.  Mr.  S. 
Treseder  was  first.  The  second  prize  was  awarded  to  Dr.  Budd,  and  Mr. 
R.  Crossling  received  an  extra  prize.  Mr.  G.  Humphries,  Chippenham, 
succeeded  in  winning  the  first  prize  for  twenty-four  Dahlias,  among 
these  being  very  fine  blooms  of  G.  Barnes,  J.  Walker,  Crimson  Ring, 

E.  S.  Rawlings,  Colonist,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  Mrs.  Saunders,  Queen  of  the 
Belgians,  and  Mr.  Glasscock.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams,  &  Co.  were 
second.  The  last  named  took  the  lead  with  twelve  bunches  of  Cactus 
Dahlias,  making  a  very  effective  display  with  Bertha  Mawley,  Delicata, 
Apollo,  Kaiserin,  Countess  of  Radnor,  and  Countess  of  Gosford.  In  Mr. 
Humphries’  second  prize  stand  were  good  blooms  of  Alpha,  the  best 
white  Cactus  flowering  Dahlia  yet  raised.  Mr.  Garraway,  Bath,  was 
first,  and  Mr.  Every,  Bath,  second,  with  Asters  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Blackmore, 
gardener  to  A.  Duncan,  Esq.,  was  first  with  Begonia  blooms.  Gladioli 
were  not  particularly  good.  Mr.  J.  Tant  was  first,  and  Mr.  G.  Shewring 
second  for  twenty-four  varieties.  Herbaceous  flowers  were  grandly 
shown.  Mr.  G.  Garraway  was  first  for  these,  and  Mr.  G.  Shewring 
second.  Asters  were  shown  remarkably  well  by  Mr.  J.  Lloyd,  gardener 
to  Vincent  Stuckey,  Esq.,  Langport,  Mr.  G.  Garraway  being  a  good 
second. 

Wreaths,  crosses,  and  bouquets  are  always  grandly  shown  at  Cardiff, 
but  the  exhibitors  of  the  best  examples  on  this  occasion  did  not  always 
meet  with  their  desserts.  Mr.  W.  Treseder  was  placed  first,  and  Mr. 

F.  Case  second  for  a  wreath,  both  having  magnificent  exhibits,  such 
flowers  as  Lilium  lancifolium  album,  Gladiolus  The  Bride,  Francoa 
ramosa,  Roses,  Stephanotis,  Arums,  and  Tuberoses  being  very  freely 
used.  For  a  cross,  R.  Phelps  &  Co.,  Cardiff,  were  first,  but  that  shown 
by  Mr.  F.  Case  should  have  been  preferred,  instead  of  being  placed 
second.  Mr.  W.  Treseder  had  a  first  for  a  grand  bridal  bouquet,  Mr. 
F.  Case  being  a  close  second,  while  for  a  coloured  bouquet  Messrs. 
Phelps  &  Co.  were  first,  and  Mr.  R.  Treseder  second.  The  dining 
tables  were  not  of  great  merit. 

It  is  in  the  fruit  department  where  the  greatest  strides  have  been 
made,  the  exhibits  being  more  numerous,  and  the  quality  generally  of 
marked  improvement.  Eight  competed,  with  six  bunches  of  Grapes  in 
six  varieties,  and  curiously  enough  the  Judges  were  not  equal  to  decid¬ 
ing  which  exhibit  deserved  the  first  prize.  Mr.  Dawes,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Biddulph,  Ledbury,  and  Mr.  E.  Silk,  gardener  to  F.  M.  Franklin,  Esq,, 
were  placed  equal  first,  the  former  having  good  Alnwick  Seedling,  Black 
Hamburgh,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  the  latter  fine  but  not  well 
coloured  Gros  Maroc,  poor  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  good  Black  Ham¬ 
burgh.  Mr.  J.  Lloyd  was  placed  third  for  some  fine  bunches.  With 
Black  Hamburgh  Mr.  Silk  was  first,  having  extra  fine  and  well  coloured 
bunches  ;  the  second  prize  to  Mr.  J.  Greatrex,  gardener  to  Miss  Rous, 
who  also  had  fine  bunches.  For  Muscats  Mr.  Dawes  was  first,  and 
Mr.  Lloyd  second.  Mr.  Silk  staged  fine  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  was  first, 
the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  Lloyd.  Mr.  Silk  was  also  first  for  any 
other  white,  having  fairly  good  Golden  Queen  ;  Mr.  F.  Crossman, 
gardener  to  Captain  Dick,  being  second  with  Buckland  Sweetwater. 
Alicantes  were  shown  in  fine  condition  by  Mr.  Dawes,  Mr.  S.  Bowditch, 
gardener  to  Colonel  Gaskell,  being  a  good  second.  There  were  also 
several  single  bunch  classes.  Melons  were  quite  a  feature  in  the 
display,  and  with  these  Mr.  A.  Pettigrew  was  most  successful,  taking 
first  for  single  fruit,  and  for  pairs  in  three  different  classes,  Messrs. 
E.  Lewis,  J.  Dawes,  J.  Portsmouth,  gardener  to  H.  W.  Well,  Esq.,  being 
the  other  prizewinners.  A  dish  of  very  pale  Alexandra  Noblesse  Peach 
gained  Mr.  J.  Oswald,  gardener  to  W.  T.  Crawshay,  Esq.,  a  first  prize, 
Mr.  H.  Morgan  being  second.  In  the  class  for  Nectarines  Mr.  F.  Case 
was  first  with  Pineapple,  a  handsome  dish  of  Lord  Napier  shown  by 
Mr.  Dawes  being  placed  second. 

Apples  were  grandly  shown.  For  four  dessert  varieties  the  Fruit 
and  Flower  Company,  Hereford,  were  first,  having  Lady  Sudeley, 
Duchess  of  Worcester,  Worcester  Pearmain,  Yellow  Ingestre,  Astrachan, 
and  Evagil.  Mr.  J.  Lloyd  was  a  very  close  second.  The  Fruit  and 
Flower  Company  were  also  first  for  culinary  Apples,  the  varieties  being 
Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  Lord  Suffield,  Frogmore  Prolific,  Lord  Grosvenor, 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


181 


Cellini,  and  Potts’  Seedling.  Mr.  W.  J.  Hockey  was  second.  The  prizes 
offered  for  a  collection  of  six  dishes  of  fruit  are  scarcely  worthy  of  the 
Society,  and  the  wording  of  the  schedule  was  decidedly  faulty.  Mr. 
J.  Dawes  was  first  with  good  Gros  Maroc  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
Grapes,  Eastnor  Castle  Melon,  very  fine  Barrington  Peaches,  Humboldt 
Nectarines,  and  Jefferson  Plums.  Mr.  J.  Lloyd  was  second,  losing 
principally  owing  to  having  one  variety  of  Grape  only,  his  construing  of 
the  schedule  being  the  right  one. 

Another  tent  was  wholly  filled  with  vegetables.  The  best  collection 
of  nine  varieties  was  shown  by  Mr.  G.  She  wring,  Mr.  A.  Baxter  being  a 
good  second.  The  first  of  Messrs.  Webb’s  prizes  was  won  by  Mr,  Every, 
Mr.  Garraway  being  a  close  second.  Mr.  J.  Portsmouth  was  the  winner 
of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Son’s  first  prize,  the  second  going  to  Mr.  W.  J. 
Hockey.  The  principal  prizewinners  in  the  numerous  other  classes 
were  Messrs.  Baxter,  Greatrex,  Shewring,  Porter,  J.  Richards,  W.  Hillier, 
and  W.  Moore. 

In  the  non-competitive  classes  Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  arranged 
a  very  attractive  group  of  Orchids,  Sarracenias,  Palms,  and  other  choice 
plants,  for  which  they  were  very  highly  commended.  One  side  of  a 
tent  was  wholly  occupied  with  a  group  of  hardy  and  heat-loving  Ferns 
brought  from  Sale,  Manchester,  by  Messrs.  Birkenhead,  and  near  to 
these  was  a  grand  display  of  Gladioli,  Gaillardias,  and  such  like  by 
Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons,  Langport.  Messrs.  Edwards  &  Son,  Notting¬ 
ham,  exhibited  a  large  number  of  fancy  pots  and  baskets  filled  with 
Ferns,  and  the  display  of  a  somewhat  similar  character  being  made 
by  Messrs.  Heath  &;  Son,  Cheltenham.  Messrs.  T.  H.  Grasp  k.  Co., 
nurserymen,  &c.,  Swansea,  had  several  hand  bouquets,  wreaths,  and 
crosses  on  view,  and  the  local  nurserymen  lent  a  considerable  number  of 
plants  for  filling  up  blank  spaces. 

WILTS.— Augtjst  16th. 

Favoured  by  charming  weather  the  Wilts  Horticultural  Society 
held  the  annual  Exhibition  of  plants,  cut  flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables, 
in  the  Earl  of  Pembroke’s  beautiful  park  at  Witton,  near  Salisbury, 
on  the  16th  inst. 

In  the  open  classes  three  good  exhibits  of  twelve  stove  and  green¬ 
house  plants,  six  foliage  and  six  flowering,  were  staged  by  Mr.  Pinch, 
gardener  to  J.  Marriott,  Esq.,  Queen’s  Road,  Coventry  ;  Mr.  Willes, 
Winchester  Road,  Shirley  ;  and  Mr.  Peel,  gardener  to  Miss  Todd, 
Lidford  Lodge,  Southampton,  and  t’ne  prizes  were  awarded  to  them  in 
the  order  in  which  their  names  appear.  The  first  prize  dozen  consisted 
of  well  flowered  plants  of  Ixora  Fraseri,  Clerodendron  Balfouriana, 
Dipladenia  Thomas  Speed,  Erica  Irbyana  (about  6  feet  over),  E.  Mar- 
nockiana,  Phcenocoma  prolifera  Barnesi,  Kentia  Fosteriana,  K.  australis, 
Cycas  circinalis,  Latania  borbonica,  Croton  Queen  Victoria,  and 
C.  Morti,  the  Crotons  being  well  coloured.  In  the  class  for  nine  stove 
and  greenhouse  plants,  four  in  bloom  and  five  foliage,  there  were 
three  entries.  Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Theodore  Guest, 
Inwood  House,  Henstridge,  was  first ;  Mr.  Peel  second,  and  Mr.  Willes 
was  third,  all  staging  good  plants.  Mr.  Wilkins  had  the  best  half 
dozen  of  exotic  Ferns,  showing  fine  healthy  looking  plants  of  Cyathea 
medullaris,  Davallia  Mooreana,  Adiantum  Farleyense  (a  grand  plant), 
Thamnopteris  nidus  avis,  Adiantum  cuneatum,  and  Gymnogramma 
Wettenhalliana.  Mr.  Peel  was  a  creditable  second.  Mr.  A.  Bedford, 
Harnham  Nursery,  Salisbury,  was  first  for  pyramidal  Fuchsias,  Mr. 
George  Fulford,  gardener  to  Earl  Nelson,  Trafalgar  Park,  Salisbury, 
being  awarded  the  third  prize  for  smaller  but  well  flowered  plants. 
There  were  only  two  entries.  Mr.  A.  Robey,  gardener  to  Captain 
Greenwood,  Harnham  Cliff,  Salisbury,  was  first  in  the  class  for  six 
Tuberous  Begonias  ;  Mr.  E.  Willes  was  second,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Wilkins 
third. 

Groups  of  plants  arranged  for  effect  formed  a  feature.  Mr.  Willes 
was  first  for  a  light  and  well  finished  arrangement,  “dot  plants’’  of 
brightly  coloured  Crotons,  Celosias,  Ixoras,  Bridal  Wreath  (Francoa 
ramosa).  Tuberoses,  Asparagus,  small  Palms  set  in  a  groundwork  of 
Maidenhair  Fern  (Adiantum  cuneatum),  with  a  Palm  at  the  back, 
which  gave  a  dignified  effect  to  the  group.  Mr.  Wilkins  was 
second  with  a  similar  group.  Mr.  Robey  was  third.  There  were  five 
entries  in  this  class.  The  group  confined  to  gentlemen’s  gardeners 
only  brought  out  two  contestants  for  the  honours  offered,  Messrs. 
Wilkins  and  Peel,  who  with  good  arrangements  took  the  prizes  in  that 
order. 

The  silver  cup,  value  £5,  open  to  amateurs  within  a  radius  of  six 
miles  of  Salisbury,  given  by  the  Right  Worshipful  the  Mayor  of 
Salisbury  (A.  Whitehead,  Esq.),  for  a  group  of  plants  arranged  in  a 
semicircle  of  10  feet  in  diameter,  only  brought  forth  two  entries,  Mr. 
Frank  Pearce,  High  Street,  Salisbury,  and  Mr.  Alderman  Lovibond, 
St.  Anne  Street,  also  of  Salisbury,  who  took  the  prizes  in  that 
order  with  tastefully  set  up  arrangements.  Mr.  Hinxman,  gardener 
to  H.  C.  Gregory,  Esq.,  The  Island,  Fisherton,  Salisbury,  led  in  the 
class  for  a  group  arranged  in  a  semicircle,  8  feet  in  diameter,  being 
closely  followed  by  Mr.  Ford,  gardener  to  M.  Swayne  Esq.,  The 
Island,  Witlon,  and  Mr.  C.  Hamlin,  The  Close,  Salisbury,  all  for 
creditable  arrangements.  Mr.  J.  Chalk,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Rigden, 
Belle  Vue,  Salisbury,  had  the  best  six  Ferns,  distinct ;  Mr.  G.  Hibbert, 
gardener  to  Miss  Nightingale,  Witton,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Aider- 
man  Lovibond  third.  The  last  named  exhibitor  had  the  best  half 
dozen  plants  of  Coleus,  and  Mr.  J.  Rockett,  gardener  to  George 
.Smith,  Esq.,  Westbourne,  Salisbury,  was  second,  both  showing  well.  Mr. 
A.  Robey  was  first  for  six  Tuberous-rooted  Begonias;  Mr.  J.  Hughes, 
gardener  to  W.  Baring,  Esq.,  Norman  Court,  Salisbury,  was  second, 
and  Mr.  J,  Scammel,  gardener  to  J.  R.  Kendle,  Esq.,  Witton,  third. 


Mr.  Hinxman  was  first  for  three  pots  of  Liliums,  and  Mr.  C.  Hamlin 
was  second. 

Fruit  was  shown  remarkably  well.  Eight  collections  of  eight  kinds 
(Pine  Apple  excluded)  were  staged,  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward,  gardener  to  the 
Earl  of  Radnor,  Longford  Castle,  Salisbury,  being  well  ahead  with  large 
solid  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  large  in  berry  and  well  coloured  ; 
heavy  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh,  fine  in  berry  and  finish,  and  carrying 
a  good  bloom ;  fine  Blenheim  Orange  Melon,  large  Sea  Eagle  Peaches, 
fine  Brunswick  Figs,  white  Magnum  Bonum  Plums,  large,  clean,  and 
beautifully  coloured  Bon  Chrltien  Pears,  and  Pineapple  Nectarines,  the 
latter  being  the  only  weak  dish  in  the  collection.  Mr.  A.  Crossman, 
gardeaer  to  J.  Brutton,  Esq.,  Yeovil,  was  a  good  second.  Mr.  Charles 
Warden,  gardener  to  Sir  F.  H.  Bathurst,  Bart.,  Clarendon  Park,  Salis¬ 
bury,  being  a  close  third.  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward  was  also  first  for  three 
bunches  of  Muscats  ;  Mr.  J.  Fewtrell,  gardener  to  Charles  C.  Tudway, 
Esq.,  The  Cedars,  Wells,  Somerset,  being  sec  nd  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Budd, 
gardener  to  F.  J.  Dalgetty,  Esq.,  Lockerley  Hdll,  R  m;ey,  third.  In 
the  class  for  any  other  white  Grape  than  Muscat  of  AUxandria,  Mr.  Ward 
was  first  with  handsome  bunches  of  Golden  Queen,  Mr.  Warden  being 
secsnd  with  heavy  lunches  of  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  Mr.  P.  R. 
Dav  dson,  gardener  to  Lord  Wolvertoa,  Iw.rue  Hou?e,  Shafteebury,  was 
third  with  the  same  variety.  There  were  seven  entries  in  this  class. 
Mr.  James  Chalk,  gardener  to  George  Read,  Esq.,  Westwood,  Salisbury, 
was  first  for  Black  Hamburghs,  showing  three  good-sized  bunches.  Mr, 
Warden  and  Mr.  Ward  were  second  and  third  respectively  with  smaller 
but  better  coloured  bunches.  In  the  “  any  other  ’’  black  class  Mr. 
Warden  was  first  in  a  good  competition,  staging  fine  shapely  bunches  of 
Muscat  Hamburgh,  fine  in  berry  and  well  coloured.  Mr.  Davidson  was 
second  with  B'ack  Alicante,  somewhat  loose  in  the  bunch,  and  Mr. 
Hughes  was  third  with  same  variety.  Mr.  Crossman  was  first  for  Pine 
Apple,  showing  a  medium-sized  Queen,  large  in  the  pips,  and  highly 
coloured.  Mr.  Budd  was  second,  a  larger  Queen,  a  little  green  about  the 
pips,  and  a  good-sized  Cayenne  being  passed  by  the  Judges.  Out  of 
fourteen  Melons  staged  Mr.  Palmer,  Conden  “Villa,”  Andover,  was  first 
for  a  variety  named  “  County  Councillor,”  Mr.  Hughes  being  second, 
showing  a  nice  fruit  of  Hero  of  Lockinge. 

Apples  and  Pears  were  well  shown.  Mr.  Frederick  Smith,  gardener 
to  the  Bishop  of  Salisbury,  The  Palace,  Salisbury,  was,  as  is  usual  at 
this  Show,  first  for  three  dishes  of  dessert  Apples,  staging  even,  clean, 
well  coloured  fruits  of  Worcester  Pearmain,  Mabbott’s  Pcarmain,  and 
Cbline.  Mr.  Evans,  gardener  to  Lady  Ashburton,  Melchet  Court, 
Romsey,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Hughes  third.  Mr.  Wilkins  had 
premier  honours  in  the  corresponding  class  for  culinary  varieties,  show¬ 
ing  fine  fruits  of  Blenheim  Orange,  Lord  Suffield,  and  Peasgood’s 
Nonesuch.  Mr.  Evans  was  sicond;  and  Mr.  Inglefield,  gardener  to 
Sir  John  Kelk,  Bart.,  Tedworth  House,  Marlborough,  was  third.  Mr. 
Hughes  was  first  for  four  dishes  of  Pears,  being  closely  followed  by 
Mr.  F.  Smith  and  Mr.  Browning,  gardener  to  Canon  Sir  Talbot  Baker, 
Ranstone,  Blandfoid.  Mr.  Wilkins  was  first  for  Peaches  with  six  even 
highly  coloured  fruits  of  Sea  Eagle,  Mr.  Hughes  being  second  with 
Barrington.  Mr.  Chalk  was  first  for  Nectarines  with  good  fruits  of 
Pineapple. 

Three  collections  of  twelve  kinds  of  vegetables  were  shown  by  Messrs. 
Wilkins,  Inglefield,  and  Mr.  A.  J.  Allsop,  gardener  to  Viscount  Portman, 
Brynstone  House,  Blandford,  by  whom  the  prizes  were  taken  in  the 
order  indicated.  Mr.  Wilkins’  collection  contained  fine  examples  of 
Autumn  Giant  Cauliflower,  Sutton’s  Perfection  Tomato,  Favourite 
Onions  of  immense  size,  fine  shape,  and  very  firm  ;  Satisfaction  Potato, 
Stratagem  Peas,  New  Intermediate  Carrot,  Exhibition  Beet,  Lyon  Leek, 
Ne  Plus  Ultra  Runner  Bean,  Model  Cucumber,  and  Giant  White  Celery, 
the  whole  being  very  tastefully  set  up  with  green  Parsley. 

The  cut  flower  classes  were  well  filled,  and  Dr.  D.  Seaton,  Rutland 
Lodge,  Bitterne,  Hants  (gardener,  Mr.  Pomroy),was  well  first  for  twenty- 
four  Roses,  single  trusses.  Mr.  Evans  was  first  for  twelve  Roses, 
distinct,  with  good  blooms.  Mr.  Budd  was  a  good  first  in  the  class  for 
eighteen  bunches  cut  flowers.  Dahlias  were  shown  well  by  Mr.  West 
and  Mr.  C.  Hooper,  and  Asters  by  Mr.  Browning. 

Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams,  &  Co.  contributed  an  artistic  arrangement 
of  cut  flowers  and  plants,  also  eight  stands  of  Show,  Fancy,  and  Cactus 
Dahlias.  Messrs.  Robert  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter,  had  a  fine  and  rare 
assortment  of  herbaceous  and  alpine  plants  in  great  variety,  also  a  good 
assortment  of  Apples,  the  fruits  being  of  fine  size,  clean,  even,  and 
many  of  them  being  very  highly  coloured.  Mr.  Ladhatrs,  Shirley,  also 
greatly  helped  in  rendering  the  flower  tents  both  interesting  and  attrac¬ 
tive  by  a  liberal  contribution  of  herbaceous  and  alpine  flowers,  which 
served  to  illustrate  the  utility  and  attractiveness  of  these,  in  many 
places,  neglected  hardy  plants. 

EARL’S  COURT.— August  23rd  and  24th. 

A  SPECIAL  Show  of  Gladioli,  Dahlias,  with  other  flowers  and  fruit 
was  held  at  the  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition,  Earl’s  Court,  on 
the  above  dates.  The  tent  in  which  the  Show  was  held  was  fairly  well 
filled,  and  most  of  the  exhibits,  considering  the  season,  were  of  good 
quality.  Gladioli  and  Dahlias  were  fairly  represented,  but  comparatively 
few  Asters  were  forthcoming.  Miscellaneous  floral  exhibits  made  a 
good  display,  as  also  did  fruit.  Rain  fell  heavily  on  the  opening  day, 
and  the  Show  was  not  numerously  attended. 

The  principal  class  provided  was  for  100  spikes  of  Gladioli,  but  here 
only  one  firm  competed.  This  was  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  k  Co.,  Howe  House 
Nurseries,  Cambridge,  to  whom  the  first  prize  was  awarded.  The  spikes 
shown  by  Messrs.  Burrell  were  grand,  being  large  in  size  and  brilliant 
and  varied  in  colouring.  Space  will  not  permit  us  to  give  the  whole  of 


182 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTIODuTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893, 


the  varieties  shown,  but  the  names  of  a  few  of  the  most  striking  may 
be  interesting.  These  included  Grand  Rouge,  Baroness  Burdett  Coutts, 
Cygnet,  Atlas,  Flambeau,  Florence,  lolanthe,  Corinne,  Muriel,  Fiamette, 
Castilda,  and  Tessa.  First-class  certificates  were  awarded  for  the  last 
four  varieties.  In  the  class  for  twelve  varieties  Mr.  D.Witlaw,  Brechin, 
Scotland,  was  the  only  exhibitor,  and  the  first  prize  was  awarded  for  a 
collection  of  fine  spikes.  The  best  of  these  were  Enchantress,  Dr. 
Bailley,  Grand  Rouge,  Opale,  Sultane,  Pyramid,  Tiger,  and  Baroness 
Burdett  Coutts.  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons,  Langport,  were  awarded  a 
silver-gilt  medal  for  a  fine  collection  of  Gladioli,  comprising  seventy-two 
spikes  of  the  leading  kinds,  also  nine  new  varieties.  Among  the  latter 
were  Boston,  Kate  Marsden,  Palene,  Admiral  Marden,  Mariana, 
and  Indiana,  the  last-named  a  very  deep  coloured  variety.  A  first-class 
certificate  was  awarded  for  a  charming  variety  named  Sir  Michael 
Culme  Seymour.  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons  also  had  some  boxes  of  Asters, 
Gaillardias,  and  miscellaneous  hardy  flowers. 

Dahlias  were  shown  in  good  condition,  although  not  so  extensively 
as  might  have  been  expected.  There  were  five  exhibitors  in  the  class 
for  twenty-four  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias,  and  the  competition  was  very 
keen.  Mrs.  S.  Mortimer,  Rowledge,  Farnham,  succeeded  in  winning  the 
first  prize  with  a  stand  of  fine,  clean,  and  even  blooms.  The  best  of 
these  included  Mrs.  Saunders,  Reliance,  Mrs.  George  Rawlings,  Maud 
Fellows,  Henry  Walton,  Eclipse,  Duke  of  Fife,  Diadem,  Sunbeam,  and 
Harrison  Weir.  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough,  was  a  close 
second  with  even  flowers.  Colonist,  W.  Keith,  Miss  Cannell,  Hope,  and 
Crimson  King  being  particularly  fine.  Mr.  M.  V.  Seale,  Vine  Nurseries, 
Sevenoaks,  was  third  with  smaller  flowers. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias  there  were  also  five 
exhibitors,  and  Mr.  T.  Vagg,  gardener  to  J.  Theobald,  Esq.,  M.P., 
Bedfords,  Havering,  Romford,  won  the  leading  prize.  The  finest 
flowers  in  this  stand  were  Prince  of  Denmark,  John  Walker,  Mrs. 
Gladstone,  and  William  Rawlings.  Mr.  A.  Ocock,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
McIntosh,  Havering  Park,  Romford,  was  second,  and  Mr.  J,  G.  Fowler, 
Glebelands,  South  Woodford,  third. 

The  single  Dahlias  were  exceedingly  good,  and  it  is  a  pity  that  there 
were  not  more  exhibitors,  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Crawley,  secured  the  flrst  prize  for  twenty-four  bunches,  showing  the 
principal  varieties.  Amongst  others  Victoria,  The  Bride,  Lowfield 
Beauty,  Eclipse,  Alba  Perfecta,  and  Formosa  were  very  good.  Mr. 
M.  V.  Seale  followed  with  an  attractive  stand,  the  third  award  going  to 
Mr.  E,  F.  Such,  The  Nurseries,  Maidenhead,  Mr.  Seale  was  first, 
however,  for  twenty-four  bunches  of  Pompon  varieties,  the  best  of 
which  were  Red  Indian,  Whisper,  Favourite,  and  Dorothy,  Mr.  C. 
Turner  was  second,  and  Messrs,  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  third.  The  last- 
named  firm  was,  however,  first  for  nine  bunches  of  Cactus  and 
decorative  Dahlias.  The  most  attractive  of  these  were  Duchess  of 
York,  Delicata,  Charming  Bride,  and  Bertha  Mawley.  Mr.  Seale  gained 
the  second  prize,  and  Mr.  C.  Turner  followed  closely. 

Miscellaneous  floral  exhibits  were  more  numerous  than  those  in  the 
competitive  classes.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  sent  a  collection  of  Cactus, 
decorative,  and  Pompon  Dahlias,  tastefully  arranged  in  bunches  (silver 
medal).  Mr.  S.  Mortimer  had  a  large  number  of  Show  and  Fancy 
Dahlias,  the  blooms  being  clean  and  brightly  coloured.  A  similar 
collection  came  from  Mr.  B.  F.  Such,  who  also  had  some  summer 
flowering  Chrysanthemums  (silver  medal).  Mr.  W.  Salmon,  2,  Ivy 
Cottages,  Elder  Road,  West  Norwood,  sent  hardy  flowers,  arranged  in 
bunches,  and  a  collection  of  Dahlias  (silver  medal).  Messrs.  P.  Barr 
and  Sons,  Long  Ditton,  had  a  collection  of  Liliums  and  other  hardy 
flowers,  for  which  a  silver  medal  was  awarded.  Messrs.  W.  Paul 
and  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  sent  a  splendid  collection  of  fruit  trees 
in  pots,  including  Apples,  Peaches,  Plums,  Pears,  and  Figs. 
The  trees  were  remarkably  healthy  and  loaded  with  fruit.  The  same 
firm  also  had  boxes  of  cut  Roses,  dishes  of  Apples  and  Pears.  This  contri¬ 
bution  attracted  considerable  attention  by  reason  of  its  diversity  and 
excellence,  and  merited  the  gold  medal  awarded.  Mr.  W.  Welsford, 
South  Lambeth,  sent  a  group  of  annuals  in  pots,  and  a  collection  of 
hardy  flowers,  Mr.  J.  Hudson,  gardener  to  Messrs,  de  Rothschild, 
Gunnersbury  House,  Acton,  contributed  a  group  of  specimen  scented¬ 
leaved  Pelargoniums,  some  of  which  were  4  feet  in  height  and  as  much 
in  diameter.  Mr.  J.  Walborn,  Cedars  Nursery,  West  Kensington,  had  a 
small  group  of  plants,  comprising  Palms,  Liliums,  and  Crotons  (silver 
medal).  Mr.  G.  Wythes,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  also 
staged  Crotons  and  some  well-grown  Nepenthes  (silver-gilt  medal). 
Mr.  A .  W.  Young,  South  Norwood,  had  some  Gloxinia  and  Begonia  blooms. 

Fruit  formed  a  feature  in  the  Show,  although  only  one  competitive 
class  was  provided.  This  was  for  twelve  dishes  of  hardy  fruits,  and 
there  were  four  exhibitors.  Mr.  Mclndoe,  Hutton  Hall  Gardens, 
Guisborough,  secured  the  first  prize  for  a  grand  collection,  comprising 
Pitmaston  Duchess  and  Souvenir  du  Congres  Pears,  Crawford’s  Early 
and  Violette  Hative  Peaches,  Elruge  and  Byron  Nectarines,  Columba  and 
Jefferson’s  Plums,  Swedish  Reinette  and  Cox’s  Pomona  Apples,  Morello 
Cherries,  and  Apricots.  Mr.  G.  Wythes  was  second,  this  exhibitor 
showing  a  good  dish  of  Mulberries  in  this  collection.  The  third  prize 
went  to  Mr.  G.  H.  Sage,  Ham  House,  Richmond.  Mr.  J.  F.  Hoar, 
gardener  to  J.  T.  Cooper,  Esq.,  The  Grange,  West  Molesey,  sent  a  collec¬ 
tion  of  Plums,  Cherries,  Pears,  Peaches,  and  other  fruit.  Messrs. 

S.  Spooner  &  Son,  Hounslow,  had  a  splendid  collection  of  Apples  of 
bright  and  clean  appearance  (silver  medal).  Mr.  W.  G.  Richerd,  gardener 
to  F.  Lilley,  Esq.,  “Croft,”  Mount  Park,  Ealing,  sent  a  number  of 
dishes  of  fruit,  including  ten  varieties  of  Peaches  (silver  medal).  Mr. 

T.  J.  Stacey,  Tne  Peacheries,  Caversham,  Reading,  had  a  very  large 
collection  of  Melons,  for  which  a  silver  medal  was  awarded. 


O  WEEK..  1 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Pines. — Potting  Rooted  Suckers. — When  the  suckers  obtained  from 
the  summer  fruiting  plants  are  ready  for  repotting,  it  is  well  to  divide 
the  plants  into  two  batches.  The  strongest  should  be  put  in  10  or 
11-inch  pots  as  soon  as  they  are  well  rooted,  affording  them  a  position 
near  the  glass  in  a  light  airy  house.  The  plants  so  treated  will  produce 
a  good  successional  supply  of  ripe  fruit  in  late  summer  or  early  autumn 
next  year.  The  other  plants,  suckers  from  the  summer  fruiters,  winter 
best  in  7  or  8-inch  pots,  transferring  them  to  larger  ones  in  the  spring, 
which  with  suckers  of  Smooth-leaved  Cayenne  that  were  started  last 
March  will  provide  a  successional  supply  of  Pines  through  the  winter 
months. 

Re-arranging  the  Plants. — Those  plants  not  fruiting  will  have  com¬ 
pleted  their  growths,  and  should  have  air  liberally  for  the  next  six 
weeks  when  the  temperature  exceeds  80°.  All  well  rooted  plants 
require  a  bottom  heat  of  80°  to  85°,  but  recently  potted  suckers,  or 
those  not  having  roots  well  established  in  the  fresh  compost,  should  have 
the  bottom  heat  maintained  at  90°. 

Fruiting  Plants. — Moderate  atmospheric  moisture  will  be  necessary 
for  those  swelling  their  fruit,  admitting  a  little  air  early  in  the  morning, 
so  as  to  allow  of  any  superfluous  moisture  escaping  before  the  sun’s  rays 
act  powerfully  or  directly  upon  the  fruit.  Any  fruit  it  is  desired  to 
retard  should  be  moved  to  a  rather  cool  or  shady  house,  affording  an 
abundance  of  air. 

i  Figs, — Earliest  Trees  in  Pots. — These  may  be  placed  outdoors  if  the 

wood  be  ripe,  but  if  there  is  any  doubt  about  this  the  trees  must  be  con¬ 
tinued  under  glass  with  a  free  circulation  of  air.  These  are  matters  in 
which  the  cultivator  must  exercise  judgment.  In  either  case  encourage 
surface  roots  by  a  top-dressing  of  rough  loam  and  manure,  with  a. 
sprinkling  of  superphosphate  occasionally.  Those  placed  outdoors  must 
not  be  allowed  to  root  from  the  base  of  the  pots .  Cut  off  all  such  roots, 
top-dress,  after  which  afford  a  good  watering,  and  the^  will  need  no 
more  water  at  the  roots  than  is  sufficient  to  keep  the  foliage  in  health. 

Earliest  Fig  Houses. — In  the  house  started  at  the  new  year  and  with 
the  trees  planted  out  the  wood  will  now  be  ripening,  and  the  supply  of 
water  may  be  diminished  or  discontinued,  air  being  given  very  liberally- 
If,  however,  the  second  crop  is  not  yet  ripened  moderate  moisture  in  the 
soil  will  be  necessary,  with  a  rather  free  circulation  of  warm  air  to 
insure  high  quality  in  the  fruit.  When  the  fruit  is  gathered  take  prompt 
measures  to  destroy  insects,  syringing  forcibly  to  dislodge  red  spider, 
and  remove  brown  scale  with  a  brush  and  solution  of  softsoap,  3  ozg.  to 
a  gallon  of  water. 

Late  Houses. — The  fruit  of  trees  in  cool  houses  is  earlier  and  flher 
this  year  than  usual,  and  the  second-crop  Figs  are  so  forward  as  to  be 
likely  to  ripen.  If  any  are  left  with  this  object  it  should  be  at  the  base 
of  the  current  growth,  removing  those  from  the  extremities  of  the  shoots. 
The  great  point  is  to  keep  the  growths  thin  and  the  roots  restricted,  so  as 
to  insure  sturdy,  short-jointed,  well-ripened  wood.  Keep  up  a  circulation 
of  air,  expose  the  fruit  as  much  as  possible  to  the  sun,  and  if  red  spider 
be  troublesome  syringe  on  a  fine  morning  after  a  close  picking  of 
the  fruit,  and  give  no  more  water  than  is  absolutely  needful  for  the  well 
being  of  the  plants. 

Unsatisfactory  Trees. — Planted-out  Fig  trees  not  unfrequently  grow 
rampantly,  and  in  consequence  produce  thin  crops  of  fruit.  In  that 
case  root-pruning  should  be  resorted  to,  and  the  roots  confined  to  a 
narrow  border  of  from  3  to  4  feet  width,  A  trench  taken  out  at  this 
distance  from  the  stem  after  the  fruit  is  gathered  will  check  the  tendency 
to  a  late  growth,  assist  in  the  ripening  of  the  wood,  more  especially  if 
the  growths  are  disposed  thinly,  and  the  points  of  the  shoots,  instead  of 
being  closely  tied-in,  are  allowed  to  grow  up  to  the  glass.  If  the 
drainage  be  defective  it  will  be  necessary  to  lift  the  trees  as  soon  as  the 
leaves  commence  falling,  and  replant  in  fresh  soil.  Place  9  to  12  inches 
of  rough  rubble  for  drainage,  and  on  this  about  3  inches  thickness  of  old 
mortar  rubbish  freed  from  pieces  of  wood.  This  will  keep  the  drainage 
clear  indefinitely,  and  the  roots  will  find  the  lime  that  is  required.  Good 
turfy  calcareous  loam,  rather  strong  than  light,  will  grow  excellent 
Figs.  If  deficient  in  lime  add  a  sixth  of  old  mortar  rubbish  to  the 
loam,  and  in  replanting  ram  the  compost,  thoroughly  incorporated,  well 
about  the  roots,  for  short-jointed  wood  cannot  so  well  be  secured  by  any 
other  means  than  a  solidified  compost.  The  border  must  be  24  inches 
deep.  Should  the  drainage  be  good  it  will  only  be  necessary  to  confine 
the  roots  to  the  narrow  border,  removing  some  of  the  old  soil  from 
amongst  the  roots,  and  supply  fresh  compost. 

melons  In  Houses. — Maintain  a  night  temperature  of  65°  to  70°, 
and  75°  artificially  by  day.  As  the  weather  is  exceptionally  favourable 
there  will  be  little  need  for  fire  heat,  and  the  supplies  of  water  will 
require  to  be  liberal.  As  the  days  shorten  lessened  supplies  will  be 
needed,  yet  give  enough  water  to  keep  the  soil  in  a  moist  state  whilst 
the  fruit  is  swelling,  but  after  it  is  full  sized  or  ceases  swelling  afford 
no  more  than  to  prevent  the  foliage  flagging.  Keep  the  laterals  well 
stopped  to  one  joint  or  leaf,  and  rub  off  all  superfluous  shoots  as  they 
show,  allowing  nothing  to  interfere  with  the  principal  leaves,  or  to 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


183 


retard  the  swelling  of  the  fruit.  Plants  with  fruit  advanced  for  ripen¬ 
ing  should  have  an  abundance  of  air,  with,  if  practicable,  an  increase  of 
temperature,  avoiding  a  close  moist  atmosphere,  and  keep  rather  dry  at 
the  roots. 

Latest  Plants. — Those  planted  in  houses  will  require  every  encourage¬ 
ment,  maintaining  a  moist  atmosphere  and  a  temperature  of  70°  to  75° 
by  artificial  means,  falling  5°  on  cold  nights,  and  keeping  the  bottom 
heat  steady  at  80°  to  85°.  The  leader  must  not  be  pinched  until  it 
reaches  the  trellis,  when  it  may  have  its  point  taken  out  if  more  than 
one  leader  is  wanted.  Keep  a  sharp  look  out  for  canker  at  the  collar  and 
upon  the  stem,  rubbing  quicklime  into  the  parts  affected,  striving  to 
maintain  a  clean  growth. 

Melons  in  Pits  and  Frames. — The  latest  plants  in  pits  and  frames 
will  have  set  or  be  setting  their  fruit.  In  order  to  secure  a  good  set,  the 
growths  require  to  be  kept  rather  thin,  the  atmosphere  warm  and  dry 
by  the  aid  of  linings,  so  as  to  insure  steady  progress  and  the  free 
admission  of  air.  Those  in  hot-water-heated  pits  will  be  the  better  of  a 
gentle  warmth  in  the  pipes  on  cold  nights  and  dull  wet  days,  a  gentle 
heat  affording  facilities  for  ventilation,  which  should  be  given,  if  only  a 
little,  so  as  to  insure  evaporation,  and  the  consequent  elaboration  and 
assimilation  of  the  sap,  on  which  depends  in  a  great  measure  the  quality 
of  the  fruits.  The  plants  may  be  sprinkled,  avoiding  the  collar  or  stem, 
early  in  the  afternoon,  and  closing  before  or  by  the  temperature  has 
receded  to  80°  or  85°,  and  so  as  to  raise  it  to  90°  or  95°.  Admit  a  little 
air  at  75°,  or  increase  it  from  that  with  the  advancing  sun  heat  to 
85°  or  90°,  at  which  keep  through  the  day  from  sun  heat.  Plants  in 
frames  should  be  attended  to  as  required  with  linings  of  sweetened 
fermenting  material  as  the  nights  become  cold,  so  as  to  prevent  the 
temperature  falling  below  65°  in  the  morning,  and  if  mats  are  placed 
over  the  lights  after  the  sun  leaves  the  frames,  and  removed  shortly  after 
the  sun  has  risen,  success  will  be  ensured, 

THE  KITCHEN  GAKDEN. 

Cabbagres. — Hot  weather  and  warm  moist  soil  having  caused  the 
seeds  to  germinate  quickly  and  the  plants  to  grow  rapidly,  there  is  every 
likelihood  of  the  earliest  raised  plants  being  much  earlier  than  desirable. 
Anyway  they  ought  not  to  be  wholly  depended  upon.  If  more  seed  is 
sown  at  once  thinly  in  drills  previously  moistened,  there  is  every 
probability  of  the  plants  obtained  being  quite  large  enough  to  put  out 
this  autumn.  Even  if  they  are  not  they  may  yet  prove  very  handy  next 
spring  either  for  forming  successional  beds  or  for  filling  blanks  caused 
by  many  of  the  too  early  raised  plants  running  to  seed  prematurely. 
Coleworts  have  also  grown  very  rapidly,  and  no  time  should  be  lost  in 
planting  these  extensively.  They  could  he  planted  in  succession  to 
Peas,  Beans,  and  autumn  Onions  without  any  preparation  of  the  ground 
other  than  surface  hoeing  and  removal  of  weeds.  Should  the  weather 
be  hot  and  dry  this  ought  not  to  hinder  planting,  as  rather  than  spoil 
the  plants  in  the  seed  beds  they  ought  to  be  well  soaked  with  water 
prior  to  drawing,  and  be  replanted  in  drills,  also  watered.  A  foot  apart 
each  way  is  enough  space  for  small  quick  hearting  Cabbages  and  Cole- 
worts. 

Onions. — In  some  gardens  there  are  particularly  good  beds  of  Onions 
to  be  seen  and  in  others  very  poor  ones  indeed.  Where  the  seed  was 
sown  early  and  came  up  well  the  bulbs  are  all  of  good  size  and  well 
matured,  thick  or  “  bull  ”  necks  being  scarce.  There  is  scarcely  any 
necessity  to  twist  down  the  tops  in  order  to  hasten  maturation  of  the 
bulbous  roots,  and  the  latter  will  be  fit  for  drawing  and  storing  very 
much  earlier  than  usual.  Directly  they  come  away  readily  from  the 
soil  is  the  time  for  removing  them,  and  if  they  are  further  harvested  on 
dry  boards  or  wattled  hurdles  in  the  open,  or  if  the  weather  is  wet,  an 
empty  vinery  or  other  dry  airy  place  should  be  utilised.  Onions  after 
they  are  thus  well  prepared  should  be  stored  in  a  cool  airy  shed.  Where 
the  seed  germinated  irregularly,  some  not  starting  till  several  weeks 
later  than  the  rest,  the  crops  will  be  difficult  to  deal  with.  The  late 
plants  are  bulbing  badly  and  will  not  mature  properly.  It  will  be  quite 
useless  to  draw  these  with  a  view  to  storing  them,  and  the  better  plan 
will  be  to  leave  them  where  they  now  are,  drawing  them  as  they  are 
wanted  for  use.  Those  that  have  made  fairly  good  progress  should  have 
their  necks  or  tops  twisted  down  to  hasten  maturation,  while  all  that 
are  already  ripening  ought  to  be  taken  the  greatest  care  of,  being 
treated  as  already  advised  in  the  case  of  early  beds,  as  it  is  these  that  will 
keep  the  longest. 

Sowing-  Onion  Seed. — It  is  not  yet  too  late  to  sow  seed  of  Tripoli 
and  White  Spanish  Onions  to  stand  through  the  winter.  Such  are  not 
absolutely  indispensable,  but  are  recommended  if  large  heavy  roots  are 
desired  early  next  summer,  and  ought  certainly  to  be  grown  extensively 
where  the  summer  crops  are  partial  failures  this  season.  The  Queen, 
Early  White  Naples,  and  other  early  maturing  varieties  may  well  be  sown 
with  Giant  Madeira,  Giant  White  Tripoli,  Eoccas,  and  other  large 
bulbing  sorts,  the  drills  being  drawn  12  inches  apart,  and  moistened 
prior  to  sowing  the  seed.  The  White  Spanish  types  are  quite  as  hardy 
as  the  Tripolis,  but  the  bulbs  obtained  from  plants  raised  very  early  in 
the  year  under  glass  are  invariably  of  better  form  than  those  formed  by 
autumn-raised  plants,  also  keeping  better. 

Winter  Spinach. — Judging  from  the  progress  made  by  a  number 
of  late  planted  winter  green  vege4ables.  Spinach  will  grow  rather  rapidly, 
and  should  the  hot  weather  last  through  August  the  earliest  plants 
of  the  latter  will  very  probably  run  to  seed  prematurely.  It  is  advisable, 
therefore,  to  sow  another  good  breadth  of  ground  at  once.  An  open, 
rather  high,  or  well  drained  and  fairly  rich  piece  of  ground  should  be 
selected,  and  the  seed  be  sown  in  shallow  drills  drawn  not  less  than 
12  inches  asunder  and  well  moistened. 


liettuces. — Where  Lettuce  can  be  obtained  good  early  in  the  season 
is  the  best  site  for  growing  late  autumn  Lettuce.  The  Cos  varieties 
sown  late  may  fail  to  heart  properly,  and  the  preference  ought  there¬ 
fore  to  be  given  to  Early  Paris  Market,  Golden  Queen,  Commodore  Nutt, 
and  All  the  Year  Round  Cabbage  Lettuces.  Draw  drills  10  inches  apart, 
give  a  gentle  watering,  and  sow  the  seed  rather  thinly.  During  showery 
weather  the  thinnings  drawn  from  rows  of  Cos  as  well  as  Cabbage 
varieties  may  well  be  dibbled  out  on  warm  borders,  and  should  the 
weather  keep  fairly  mild  during  September  some  useful  Lettuces  may 
be  had  for  storing  in  frames  or  protecting  with  boards  and  frame  lights. 

Tomatoes  In  the  Open. — This  promises  to  be  a  remarkably  good 
season  for  Tomatoes  grown  against  garden  walls  and  fences,  as  well  as 
those  in  the  open.  Already  a  considerable  weight  of  fruit  has  been  cut, 
and  there  are  large  numbers  of  ripening  and  green  fruit  on  the  plants. 
All  leading  growths  ought  ere  this  to  have  been  topped,  while  super¬ 
fluous  side  shoots  should  be  kept  constantly  cut  away.  Leaves  are  very 
strong  and  healthy,  no  disease  being  apparent.  In  order  to  favour  the 
development  of  the  later  fruit,  and  to  hasten  ripening  generally,  the 
leaves  should  he  freely  reduced  in  size,  in  many  instances  not  more  than 
one-third  of  the  leaf  being  left.  As  yet  no  disease  has  been  observed, 
but  it  may  become  troublesome  directly  there  is  a  change  to  dull 
showery  weather.  The  best  preventive  is  keeping  the  leaves  dry.  In 
many  instances  spare  garden  lights  might  with  advantage  be  fixed  over 
the  plants  against  walls,  these  efftctually  warding  off  rains  and  heavy 
dews. 

Tomatoes  under  Glass. — These  also  have  cropped  admirably,  the 
plants  where  they  have  not  been  stopped  continuing  to  set  great  clusters 
of  fruit.  Where  they  have  grown  rather  vigorously,  and  perhaps  failed 
to  fruit  well  in  consequence,  the  plan  of  freely  shortening  back  the 
leaves  would  have  checked  this  over-luxuriance,  and  have  promoted  a 
more  productive  habit  of  growth.  Many  of  the  older  leaves  will  now  be 
quite  yellow,  and  should  be  cut  off.  If  disease  spots  show  on  the  leaves, 
the  worst  form  known  as  Cladisporium  being  denoted  by  yellow  spots 
near  the  size  of  a  threepenny  piece,  and  a  mildew-like  patch  under¬ 
neath,  can  only  be  safely  checked  by  means  of  a  considerable  increase  of 
fire  heat,  accompanied  by  a  good  circulation  of  dry  air.  Raising  the 
temperature  of  the  house  or  houses  to  about  115°  during  the  hottest  part 
of  three  or  four  days  in  suceession  kills  much  of  the  fungus,  as  is  both  a 
safe  and  good  remedy.  Old  plants  in  boxes  or  narrow  ridges  of  soil  can 
be  kept  in  a  growing  productive  state  till  next  summer  if  need  be.  All 
that  is  necessary  is  to  reserve  and  lay  in  side  shoots  thinly  all  over  the 
roof,  these  soon  commencing  to  hear  fruit.  In  order  to  infuse  a  little 
new  life  into  these  old  plants  give  a  soaking  of  liquid  manure,  a  short 
time  after  removing  a  little  of  the  surface  soil,  and  top-dressing  with 
a  mixture  of  turfy  loam  and  short  manure,  a  sprinkling  of  bone  meal 
improving  the  compost.  Young  plants,  especially  when  the  body  of  the 
house  is  to  be  utilised,  are  the  most  likely  to  produce  heavy  crops  of 
fruit,  and  these  may  well  be  placed  singly  in  12-inch  pots  at  once. 
While  the  weather  remains  hot  and  dry  these  young  plants  may  safely 
be  left  in  the  open,  but  directly  there  is  a  likelihood  of  a  change  to 
colder,  damp  weather  they  ought  to  be  housed,  or  otherwise  they  may 
become  affected  by  the  Potato  disease. 


;  ■  .  1  ^  .  ■  ,  ~ .  ■■ — , — ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ — ! .  ■  ^  T  ■  1  t 

Im  bee-keeper.4 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

At  the  Heather. 

After  a  week’s  improved  weather,  of  which  the  bees  did 
not  fail  to  take  advantage,  a  change  for  the  worse  came  on  the 
19th  inst.  High  winds  prevailed,  accompanied  by  a  heavy  fall  of 
rain,  putting  a  stop  to  honey  gathering.  As  the  Heather  is  not 
yet  past,  however,  the  dry  season  having  favoured  it  greatly  both 
in  the  extent  of  growth  and  profuseness  of  bloom,  in  a  few  more 
fine  days  there  will  be  some  unusually  weighty  hives. 

Crossed  and  pure  Punics  have  given  every  satisfaction,  enabling 
me  to  disprove  every  adverse  criticism  about  these  bees  in  Britain 
and  America.  One  prime  swarm  two  months  hived  cannot  have 
risen  less  than  70  lbs.,  but  accurate  weights  will  be  given  in  due 
course.  My  time  has  been  fully  occupied  since  I  removed  the  bees 
here,  so  persistent  in  swarming  have  they  been,  and  are  not  past 
yet.  If  the  Punics  are  the  best  in  the  aggregate  my  two  best  hives 
are  composed  of  second  cross  Syrians  unswarmed,  and  a  second 
cross  Carniolan,  an  old  swarmed  stock. 

Our  local  bee  and  honey  shows  appear  to  have  been  a  success, 
but  I  have  been  unable  to  attend  any.  What  I  have  learned  and 
fully  proved  at  the  moors  this  year  will  by-and  by  be  embodied 
in  practical  articles  for  beginners,  which  I  trust  will  be  of  perma¬ 
nent  benefit  to  them. 

Can  Bees  Count? 

My  bees  stand  at  the  foot  of  one  glen  and  on  the  point  of 
intersection  to  the  main  one  that  leads  to  many  others,  and  behind 
a  stone  dyke  which  runs  east  and  west,  the  hives  facing  north.  A 
hive  I  had  forwarded  to  me  was  placed  at  the  west  end  of  three 


184 


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[  August  24,  1893. 


detached  hives,  and  it  is  bad  policy  to  crowd  the  hives.  The  empty 
hive  was  placed  6  feet  from  the  western  one,  the  bees  and  drones 
of  which  alike  immediately  entered,  while  some  of  the  bees  from 
the  next  hive  entered  the  westmost  one.  I  then  moved  it  to 
20  feet  distant,  and  this  time  with  the  entrance  quarter  round,  and 
still  some  bees  and  drones  flew  towards  it.  The  lesson  is  the  same 
as  that  I  have  »o  often  taught.  Never  alter  the  appearance  or 
aspect  of  hives  after  September. 

Do  Bees  Fly  in  a  Straight  Line  ? 

It  is  generally  believed  that  bees  when  returning  to  their  hives 
fly  in  a  direct  line,  but  this  is  not  verified  here.  The  bee  stands 
were  at  the  foot  of  a  glen  that  separates  two  hills.  In  order  to 
reach  another  glen  situated  at  a  right  angle  on  the  hill  at  a  con¬ 
siderable  elevation  rather  less  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile  distant, 
where  the  Heather  is  extra  fine,  and  where  gold  was  at  one  time 
found  and  was  sometimes  wrought  for,  in  a  straight  line  the 
bees  would  have  come  down  the  hill  at  an  angle,  but  instead 
they  flew  right  down  the  second  named  glen  until  they  reached 
the  bottom,  then  turned  to  the  east  at  a  right  angle  again,  flew 
down  the  main  glen,  and  past  their  hives  from  150  to  200  yards 
where  the  valley  and  dyke  nearly  intersect,  then  over  the  dyke, 
reaching  their  hives  on  the  lee  side  of  it,  flying  at  least  a  mile 
further  when  windy  than  when  calm.  —  A  Lanarkshire  Bee¬ 
keeper. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor  ”  or  to  “  The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Grapes  SHanking'  (i?.  C.  jV.'). — Your  letter  arrived  as  we  were 
jrtDaring  for  press.  The  matter  shall  receive  attention  next  week. 

Plums  under  Glass  (i?.  II.'). — For  training  up  the  rafters  of  a 
house  with  a  south-west  aspect  Denniston’s  Superb,  McLaughlin’s, 
Brahy’s  Green  Gage,  and  Transparent  Gage  are  excellent.  Other  four, 
not  Gages,  are  Jefferson,  Washington,  Kirke’s,  and  Coe’s  Golden  Drop. 

Peaches  for  hSarket  (>?.  S.). — We  suspect  our  correspondent  will 
not  recommend  any  particular  form  of  tree  as  the  best  under  all  circum¬ 
stances.  His  experience  is  much  too  great  for  that,  but  he  may  be 
expected  to  refer  both  to  trees  grown  as  pyramids  in  pots  and  to  trees 
planted  out  and  trained  to  trellises. 

Potting  Tuberoses  {Reader). — Tuberoses  should  be  potted  so 
that  the  tops  of  the  tubers  are  about  half  an  inch  above  the  soil.  The 
suckers  ought  to  be  removed.  There  is  no  advantage  in  keeping  the 
tubers  for  a  second  year,  as  they  seldom  flower  satisfactorily.  The 
three  shoots  round  the  crown  bud  of  the  Chrysanthemum  should  be 
removed. 

Anemone  polyanthes  (Z.  B.  E.). — This  fine  Anemone  grows 
about  a  foot  to  18  inches  in  height,  with  a  wealth  of  fine  ornamental 
foliage.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  bunches  of  from  six  to  eighteen, 
umbel  fashion,  on  longish  scapes.  The  blooms  are  rarely  less  than 
an  inch  in  diameter,  pure  white,  firm  textured,  and  lasting  a  con¬ 
siderable  time  in  a  cut  state.  It  loves  shade,- plenty  of  moisture  in 
rather  a  heavy  but  rich  soil.  The  leaves  are  deciduous ;  the  crown, 
though  exposed,  requiring  no  protection,  as  it  is  found  at  altitudes  of 
from  10,000  to  12,000  feet  above  sea  level  from  Kashmir  to  Sikkim, 
flowering  during  the  early  summer. 

Xattayrns  sativus  {Amateur). — You  are  right.  The  Blue  Pea 
(Lathyrus  sativus)  is  one  of  the  prettiest  and  most  distinct  of  all  the 
annual  Peas  of  ornamental  character.  It  is  an  old  plant  in  gardens,  and 
yet  many  persons  have  never  seen  it,  although  it  is  universally  admired  by 
all  who  chance  to  see  it  covered  with  its  clear  blue  blossoms.  Its  culture 
is  of  the  easiest.  Seeds  sown  in  drills  or  clumps  in  March  produce  plants 
which  flower  in  July,  and  continue  in  bloom  until  late  in  the  autumn.  All 
the  atteiition  required  after  sowing  is  to  stake  each  clump  with  a  few 
bushy  twigs  abcut  2  feet  in  height.  The  3  to  4-seeded  pods  are  curiously 


winged  along  the  back.  This  species  has  long  been  grown  in  South  Europe 
as  a  forage  plant,  but  its  beauty  ought  to  guarantee  it  a  welcome  in  all 
good  flower  gardens. 

XLeeplng  Xate  Grapes  {H.  P.). — Late  Grapes,  to  keep  well, 
should  be  thoroughly  ripe  by  the  middle  of  September,  which  can  only 
be  effected  by  assisting  the  Vines  in  spring  and  early  summer  with 
gentle  fire  heat,  so  as  to  have  them  sufficiently  early  for  ripening  the 
fruit  by  the  time  indicated.  The  Grapes  should  be  allowed  to  hang  on 
the  Vines  until  the  leaves  have  fallen,  when  they  ought  to  be  cut  with  a 
sufficient  length  of  wood  below  the  bunches  to  allow  of  that  part  being 
placed  in  bottles  containing  water,  and  all  the  wood  above  the  bunches 
should  be  retained,  at  least  it  is  best  so  to  do,  as  cuts  increase  the  evapora¬ 
tion.  The  bottles  should  be  about  three-parts  filled  with  clear  rain  water, 
and  a  piece  of  charcoal  placed  in  each .  The  bottles  must  be  placed  on  a 
rack,  so  that  they  slope  to  an  angle  of  about  45°,  so  that  the  bunches 
will  depend  clear  of  the  bottles.  The  latter  will  need  replenishing  as 
the  water  wastes,  and  the  Grapes  should  be  examined  occasionally  for 
decayed  berries,  which  should  be  removed  as  they  appear.  The  most 
suitable  place  for  keeping  the  Grapes,  failing  a  Grape-room,  is  a  rather 
dry  room,  which  can  be  kept  at  a  temperature  of  about  45°,  or  ranging 
between  50°  as  a  maximum  and  40°  minimum. 

Tomatoes  Irregular  in  Size  {S.  S.). — When  the  plants  are 
vigorous  and  the  leaves  and  trusses  ffirge,  the  fruits  are  generally 
uneven  in  size.  The  first  setting  on  the  trusses  are  usually  the  largest, 
and  the  next  medium-sized,  whilst  the  latest  are  generally  small.  The 
crop  is,  therefore,  easily  assorted  into  three  grades.  The  first,  consisting 
of  large  fruits,  and  the  last  of  small,  say  the  size  of  a  Green  Gage  Plum, 
are  less  profitable  than  the  medium-sized  fruits,  which  generally  realise 
good  prices.  To  secure  this,  judicious  thinning  is  necessary,  and  if 
practised  early  does  not  impair  the  total  weight  of  the  crop,  for  by 
removing  the  ill-shapen  and  the  latest  set  fruit  on  the  respective  trusses 
those  left  swell  to  an  even  size.  This  requires  judgment  so  as  to  get  a 
full  weight  of  fruit  of  even  sample  and  have  it  come  in  succession- 
ally,  but  the  main  point  is  not  to  overcrop.  The  hot  dry  weather  has 
been  against  the  swelling  of  Tomatoes,  and  the  fruits  have  ripened  in 
some  cases  prematurely  through  the  sun  being  unusually  powerful  and 
the  atmosphere  not  having  been  kept  proportionately  moist.  A  slight 
shade  would,  no  doubt,  have  improved  matters  by  lessening  evaporation 
and  securing  the  better  swelling  of  the  fruit.  As  the  growth  is  free 
enough  there  cannot  be  anything  materially  amiss  with  the  soil,  but  the 
chief  essential  to  the  .swelling  of  the  fruit  is  nitrogen,  which  is  not  over¬ 
abundant  in  artificial  manures,  as  it  is  the  most  costly  substance.  In  a 
season  like  the  present  solid  manure  is  decidedly  advantageous  on 
account  of  the  humus  and  resultant  nitric  acid,  but  it  is  easy  to  supply 
nitrogen  if  the  swelling  of  the  fruit  is  not  free  enough  by  dressings  of 
nitrate  of  soda,  a  small  handful  in  the  powdered  state  being  applied  to 
a  space  of  8  square  yards,  or  J  oz.  per  square  yard,  it  being  mixed  for 
facility  of  application  with  an  equal  quantity  of  dry  earth.  This 
supplied  according  to  the  needs  of  the  plants  and  the  condition  of  the 
soil  and  weather  will  be  amply  repaid. 

Sagro  Palms  (A  New  Reader). — l’'ou  desire  to  know  something 
about  sago,  and  from  whence  it  is  obtained.  Sago  is  obtained  from 
various  species  of  Indian  Palms.  In  the  Indian  Archipelago  it  is 
procured  from  Sagus  Rumphi,  Sagus  laevis,  and  Sagus  genuina  ;  on  the 
Coromandel  coast  from  Phoenix  farinifera ;  in  Ceylon  from  Corypha 
umbraculifera ;  and  in  Assam  from  Caryota  urens.  These  trees  are  cut 
down,  and  from  the  pith  filling  their  stems  the  sago  is  extracted.  The 
pith  is  thoroughly  washed,  and  from  the  washing,  when  allowed  to  rest, 
the  fecula  or  starch  subsides ;  this  is  the  sago  flour  of  commerce,  of 
which  large  quantities  are  used  in  the  manufacture  of  calico.  When 
used  as  food  it  is  granulated,  and  known  as  pearl  sago.  Tapioca  is 
really  sago  in  lumps,  and  was  so  called  merely  because  the  French,  who 
introduced  it  from  India,  named  it  Sagou-tapioka.  About  eight 
thousand  tons  of  sago  are  annually  imported.  Sagus  Rumphi  is  a 
small  tree,  comparatively  speaking,  not  above  30  feet  high.  It  is  a 
native  of  the  Indian  Archipelago,  particularly  of  Malacca,  Borneo, 
Sumatra,  Celebes,  and  the  Moluccas.  Before  the  tree  has  arrived  at 
maturity  the  stem  consists  of  a  mere  shell,  about  2  inches  thick,  with  a 
great  mass  of  spongy  pith,  becoming  gradually  absorbed,  and  ultimately 
the  stem  remains  hollow.  At  the  time  when  the  pith  is  fully  developed, 
and  before  it  has  begun  to  diminish,  which  is  indicated  by  the  superior 
leaves  being  covered  with  a  sort  of  farina  or  white  dust,  the  tree  is 
felled,  and  the  trunk  cut  into  lengths  of  6  or  7  feet  long,  which  are 
split  to  admit  of  the  pith  being  more  easily  removed.  The  pith  is  in 
the  state  of  a  coarse  powder,  and  is  mixed  with  water  in  a  trough  having 
a  sieve  at  one  end ;  the  water,  loaded  with  farina,  passes  through  the 
sieve,  and  is  received  in  convenient  vessels,  where  it  is  allowed  to  stand 
till  the  insoluble  matter  has  subsided.  The  water  is  then  strained  off, 
and  the  farina  which  is  left  may  be  dried  into  a  kind  of  meal,  or  moulded 
into  whatever  shape  may  be  desired.  Sago,  as  it  comes  to  this  country, 
is  prepared  by  forming  the  meal  into  a  paste  with  water,  and  rubbing  it 
into  grains ;  it  is  produced  in  the  greatest  abundance  in  the  Moluccas, 
but  of  the  finest  quality  on  the  eastern  coast  of  Sumatra.  The  Chinese 
of  Malacca  refine  it,  so  as  to  give  it  a  fine  pearly  lustre,  and  large 
quantities  are  also  prepared  at  Singapore.  It  is  said  that  a  single  tree 
will  yield  from  500  to  600  lbs.  of  sago.  Sago  forms  the  principal  food 
of  the  natives  of  the  Moluccas.  A  decoction  of  sago  fermented  yields 
alcohol  by  distillation,  and  by  ascescence  it  forms  vinegar.  The  fruit 
of  this  Palm  is  the  size  of  a  hen’s  egg.  The  base  of  the  leafstalks  is 
covered  with  long  fibrous  filaments,  that  serve  to  make  cordage  and 
sacking. 


August  24,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


185 


Wames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
toHowing  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  consequence 
of  the  large  numher  of  loorthless  Apples  and  Pears  sent  to  this  office  to 
be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  which  are  not  worth  sending 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  (^Wm,  Huxley). — Apple  Peasegood’s  Nonesuch.  (^Evaiis, 
//a«socA’.?).  — Duchess  of  Oldenburg.  (^F.P.D  ). — 1,  Red  Astrachan  ;  2, 
Ring  of  Pippins;  3,  Court  Pendh  Plat ;  4,  London  Pippin.  (R.B.). — 1, 
Brown  Turkey;  2,  Brunswick. 

N'ames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
S  »  —  Specimen  insufficient.  (A.  J/.).  —  Lilium  lancifolium. 

(if.  P.), — Adiantum  cuneatum. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

J.  Carter  &;  Co.,  High  Holborn,  London. — Bulb  Catalogue. 

Bidij  ^  Sons,  Lowfield  Nurseries,  Crawley. — Spring  Floivering 

Dobie  &  Mason,  Oak  Street,  Manchester.  —  Hyacinths,  Tulips, 

Crocuses,  y  v  . 

Fisher,  Son,  &  Sibray,  Handsworth  Nurseries,  Sheffield. — Bulbs  and 
Floicer  Boots. 

J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  S.E. — Butch,‘French,  and  other  Bulboics 
Boots.  >.  > 

Little  &  Ballantyne,  Carlisle. — Bulb  Catalogue. 

\iImorin,  Andrieux  &  Co.,  Paris. — Bulbous  Booted  and  other 
I  lowers. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — August  23rd. 

Large  supplies,  readily  changing  hands  at  low  rates. 

FRUIT, 


Apples,  per  bushel  . .  . . 

„  Tasmanian, per  case 
„  Nova  Scotia,  brl. 
Cherries,  half  sieve  . ,  . , 

Cobs  . . 

Filberts,  per  100  lbs.  i  I  ; 
Gooseberries,  half  sieve  . . 


s.  d, 

Asparagus,  per  bundle  . .  0  0 
Beaus,  Kidney,  per  lb.  ..03 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . I  o 

Carrots,  bunch . 0  4 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . ,  . ,  2  0 

Celery,  bundle  . 1  0 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches  2  0 
Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . .  1  6 

Endive,  dozen  . 1  3 

Herbs,  bunch  . .  . .  , ,  o  3 

Leeks,  bunch  . 0  2 

Lettuce,  dozen . o  9 

Mushrooms,  punnet  ..  ..  0  9 


d. 

8. 

d. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

0  to  6 

0 

Grapes  per  Ib.  . .  . . 

9 

to  2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Lemons,  case  . .  . . 

..  10 

0 

15 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Oranges,  per  100 

..  0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz. 

..  1 

6 

8 

fl 

0 

0 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

..  1 

6 

2 

6 

0 

0 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each 

..  2 

0 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Strawberries,  per  lb.  . . 

..  0 

0 

0 

0 

VEGETABLES. 


s.  d. 


to  0 
0 
0 
0 

3 
1 

4 
3 


0 
4 
0 
6 
0 
3 
0 
0 

1  6 
0  0 
0  0 
1  0 
1  0 


s.  d. 


Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet  0  2  to  0 

Onions,  bunch  . 0  3  0 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  ,.20  3 

Parsnips,  dozen . 10  0 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 2  0  4 

Salsafy,  bundle . 10  1 

Scorzouera,  bundle  ....  1  6  0 

Seakale,  per  basket  , .  ..  0  0  0  0 

Shallots,  per  lb .  0  3  0  0 

Spinach,  bushel .  8  0  0  0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb .  0  3  0  4 

Turnips,  bunch .  0  4  0  6 


s.  d 
0 
6 
0 
0 
6 
e 
0 


AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— CUT  FLOWERS. 
Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 


8. 

d. 

S. 

d 

8. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

2 

0  to 

4 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

to  4 

0 

Asters  (French),  per  bunch 

0 

9 

1 

3 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  . , 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  (English)  doz.  bches. 

3 

0 

5 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

6 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches . 

3 

0 

G 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Primula  (double)  12  sprays 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

1 

6 

4 

0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

„  YeUow,  dozen  ..  .. 

2 

0 

4 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Stocks,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum  12 

Sweet  Peas,  doz.  bunches.. 

2 

0 

4 

0 

blooms  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Sweet  Sultan,  per  dozen 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches . 

O 

O 

0 

4 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms . .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

PLANTS  IN  POTS. 


8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitae  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Hydrangea,  per  dozen 

12 

Oto  24 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  , .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 

0 

24 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lobelia,  per  doz . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Euony m  us ,  var.,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  . .  . . 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Perns  (small'i  pr  r  hundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  per  dozen,. 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  ..  .. 

1 

6 

7 

6 

„  scarlet,  per  dozen . , 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each . . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Petunia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

5 

0 

9 

0  1 

Rhodanthe,  per  dozen 

4 

0 

6 

0 

FODDER  FOR  WINTER— ENSILAGE. 

Tropical  heat,  the  thermometer  at  nearly  90°  in  the  shade, 
with  nine  hours  of  bright  sunshine  day  after  day  at  mid-August, 
is  certainly  brilliant  harvest  weather,  and  Wheat  samples  will 
be  so  high  in  quality  as  to  compare  favourably  with  imported 
corn.  But  this  extreme  heat,  this  parching  weather,  is  fatal 
to  the  hopes  of  those  farmers  who  put  off  mowing  what  little 
grass  they  had  till  corn  harvest  was  well  advanced,  in  the  vain 
expectation  that  enough  rain  would  fall  after  all  to  induce  some 
really  useful  additional  growth  of  herbage.  It  is  true  enough 
that  rain  has  fallen  so  freely  in  many  districts  to  thoroughly 
moisten  the  soil  to  a  considerable  depth,  and  wherever  this  has 
happened  pastures  are  clothed  with  rich  luxuriant  herbage,  but 
there  are  others  where  the  pasture  has  never  recovered  from 
the  effects  of  the  drought,  and  there  the  outlook  is  indeed 
gloomy.  Useless  for  their  assistance  now  is  it  to  dwell  upon 
the  folly  of  laying  down  the  whole  of  the  land  to  permanent 
pastu^'e — of  starving  the  land  when  it  is  so  laid  down  :  we  cannot 
help  them.  It  is  to  those  who  were  wise  enough  to  sow  Rye, 
Oa^s,  Italian  Rye  Grass,  Tai’es,  and  Peas  or  Beans  as  catch 
crops,  that  we  turn  to  urge  them  to  do  their  utmost  to  preserve 
and  store  as  much  of  such  fodder  as  they  can  for  use  next 
winter  and  spring. 

In  the  prevalent  hot  weather,  any  of  it  that  is  sufficiently 
forward  in  growth  can  easily  be  made  into  hay,  but  most  of  it 
will  not  be  ready  for  mowing  till  unsettled  weather  and 
shortening  days  render  haymaking  much  too  speculative  to  be 
safe.  Recourse  must  then  be  had  to  ensilage,  as  a  simple,  sure, 
and  efficient  means  of  preserving  fodder  in  a  wholesome 
nutritious  condition.  Prejudice  and  ignorance  may  try  to 
oppose  it,  but  in  such  a  crisis  no  quarter  must  be  given  to  any 
nonsense  of  the  kind.  There  has  been  too  much  forbearance 
shown  in  this  matter,  and  we  believe  that  among  the  lessons  of 
adversity  taught  by  this  trying  year,  the  real  value  and  use  of 
silage  will  take  a  prominent  place. 

No  longer  is  it  necessary  to  build  costly  silos  as  receptacles 
for  chaffed  fodder — that  is  one  of  the  things  we  have  had  to 
unlearn.  Nor  do  we  require  any  of  the  costly  patent  pressing 
apparatus  which  keen  implement  makers  speedily  placed  on 
market  in  response  to  an  apparent  want.  Experience  has  shown 
that  green  forage  mown  and  placed  in  a  sufficiently  compact 
heap  in  layers  of  a  yard  thick,  with  an  interval  of  three  or  four 
days  between  the  stacking  of  each  layer,  will  afford  an  invalu¬ 
able  store  of  nutritious  food  for  horses,  store  cattle,  cows,  sheep, 
and  lambs.  To  go  fully  into  detail,  let  us  explain  what  is 
considered  as  the  best  way  of  making  a  compressed  silage  heap 
at  the  present  time.  It  requires  some  practice  to  enable  one  to 
decide  beforehand  upon  the  size  of  the  heap.  The  fact  of  a 
cubic  foot  of  a  well-made  silage  heap  weighing  half  a  hundred¬ 
weight  shows  how  closely  it  can  be  pressed  together.  Bearing 
this  in  mind,  with  a  calculation  as  to  the  weight  of  crop  per 
acre,  should  enable  one  to  decide  upon  the  size  of  a  heap  which 
when  finished  is  to  be  6  feet  in  height,  on  a  clear  level  place, 
easy  of  access,  and  near  the  yards.  Mark,  for  example,  a  space 
18  feet  wide  by  36  feet  long.  Upon  this  cart  and  shoot  the 
forage  as  it  is  mown,  spreading  it  out  regularly,  keeping  the 
sides  upright,  but  making  a  slope  with  the  forage  at  each  end 
for  the  loads  to  be  drawn  upon  the  heap,  and  the  empty  carts  to 
pass  off  at  the  other  end,  just  as  is  done  in  making  a  Suffolk 
manure  heap.  This  carting  upon  the  heap  helps  to  make  it 


186 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  24,  1893. 


compact ;  a  torse  drawing  an  iron  roller  is  also  kept  going  over 
it  till  a  6rm  layer  3  feet  high  is  made.  This  layer  is  then  left 
to  settle  and  heat  for  three  or  four  days,  a  thorough  rolling 
with  the  horse  and  iron  roller  being  given  daily.  Then  another 
layer  is  put  on  and  treated  in  precisely  the  same  way,  the  heap 
being  thus  gradually  built  to  a  height  of  6  feet.  The  sloping 
ends  are  then  cut  off  with  a  hay  knife,  thrown  upon  the  top  of 
the  heap,  spread  out  and  well  trampled  down,  so  that  ends  and 
sides  are  all  left  perpendicular.  The  top  is  then  weighted  with 
timber — rough  logs  answer  perfectly  well — topped  up  with 
rough  litter  or  straw  and  thatched.  Of  course  there  is  some 
heating,  bat  the  gradual  construction  and  pressure  prevents 
excessive  or  hurtful  heating,  and  the  silage  becomes  cool  in 
about  three  months.  At  half  a  hundi'edweight  to  the  cubic  foot, 
the  contents  of  such  a  heap  work  out  at  about  97  tons,  and  the 
fortunate  owner  of  it  might  well  be  an  object  of  envy  to  his 
brother  farmers  in  the  coming  wintei*.  The  difficulty — the  only 
difficulty,  is  to  get  enough  green  forage,  not  necessarily  of  the 
same  sort.  It  may  be  a  mixture  of  green  Oats,  Rye,  Rye  Grass, 
Lucerne,  second  cut  of  Clover,  Tares,  or  mixed  seeds,  it  matters 
not  which ;  all  or  any  of  them  treated  in  the  simple  manner 
described  will  make  an  aromatic  heap  of  fodder  that  will  prove 
invaluable  for  stock  feeding  from  Christmas  till  May  day,  or 
longer  if  necessary. 

We  had  written  the  above  before  seeing  the  hints  on  special 
ensilage  which  the  Board  of  Agriculture  has  sent  out,  and 
which  appeared  in  the  last  number  of  the  Journal.  They  are 
certainly  well  timed,  and  will  do  good  if  they  induce  farmers  to 
save  every  scrap  of  spai*e  herbage,  and  store  it  for  winter  by 
ensilage.  Our  details  of  the  process  were  advisedly  confined  to 
the  making  of  clamped  silage,  because  of  its  facility,  economy, 
and  certainty.  After  the  clamp  is  made  the  two  important 
points  are  pressure  and  tha'ching  to  throw  off  rain.  By  all 
means  use  dry  earth  if  it  can  be  had ;  but  bearing  in  mind  how 
doubtful  that  is  in  autumn,  we  think  it  better  to  recommend 
the  use  of  logs  of  timber.  Anything  heavy  will  do  —we  used 
slag  from  an  old  blast  furnace  for  our  first  silo — so  as  to  keep 
a  steady  pressure  upon  the  heap,  then  top  up  to  a  sufficiently 
acute  angle  and  cover  with  thatch  of  straw,  reeds,  rushes, 
heather ;  with  corrugated  iron  sheets,  weather  boards,  felt,  or 
anything  to  throw  off  rain  and  keep  the  silage  dry.  Soil  alone 
will  not  do  this,  and  we  certainly  think  the  Board  of  Agri¬ 
culture’s  advice  to  use  it  for  a  covering  as  risky.  We  repeat, 
use  plenty  of  pressure,  and  keep  out  the  rain,  if  you  would 
preserve  silage  in  good  condition. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

At  the  Royal  Show  at  Chester  an  enterprising  seedsman  had  a  bundle 
of  drought-resisting  fodder  plants  with  very  long  roots  on  his  stand.  He 
was  wise,  because  particular  attention  to  such  crops  has  been  forced 
upon  the  grazier  this  summer.  We  hope  it  may  lead  to  the  more 
general  culture  of  Lucerne,  which,  good  as  it  always  is,  hag  stood  out 
conspicuous  for  its  superiority  over  all  other  forage  plants  without  any 
special  culture  beyond  that  followed  in  ordinary  practice.  With  its 
roots  deep  down  in  the  soil  it  has  passed  through  the  drought  unscathed, 
unaffected  by  it  in  the  slightest  degree.  The  three  growths  of  it  have 
given  an  aggregate  in  height  of  full  10  feet.  What  would  graziers  in 
Leicestershire  with  their  hay  crop  barely  10  inches  high,  or  Kent  and 
Sussex  farmers  with  no  hay  at  all,  say  to  this  1  Often  when  urging  the 
value  of  this  crop  and  its  easy  culture  upon  tenant  farmers  have  we 
been  told  that  soil  must  have  lime  in  it  for  Lucerne.  Well,  we  would 
certainly  give  land  a  heavy  dressing  of  lime  rather  than  go  without 
Lucerne,  and  we  once  more  earnestly  recommend  it  for  general 
cultivation. 

Second  cropg  of  Clover  are  much  heavier  than  was  the  first  crop. 
They  are  being  mown  and  made  into  hay  with  great  facility  now,  the 
demand  for  hay  of  any  kind  being  so  general  that  very  little  Clover  will 
be  left  for  seed.  Harvest  work,  and  the  breaking  up  of  stubbles,  has 
been  going  on  briskly.  Sheep-folding  on  a  capital  crop  of  White  Mustard 
helps  to  ease  the  pastures.  It  makes  a  wholesome  change  for  the  flock, 
and  the  land  is  enriched  for  a  crop  of  Winter  Oats. 

We  have  had  many  complaints  of  fly  striking  among  the  sheep  of 
our  correspondents,  a  special  grievance  being  made  of  flies  attacking 
sheep  so  soon  after  they  have  been  dipped.  It  should  be  clearly  under¬ 
stood  tha,t  while  dipping  may  give  sheep  immunity  from  fly  attacks  for 
a  short  time,  its  special  work  is  to  destroy  at  the  time  of  dipping  all 


parasitical  insects  in  the  wool  or  upon  the  skin,  especially  those  terrible 
blood-suckers,  the  ticks,  which  irritate  the  sheep  to  such  a  degree  that 
they  are  practically  never  at  rest,  and  cannot  thrive.  Dipping  soon 
after  shearing,  and  again  in  September,  is  usually  all  that  is  required  ; 
both  are  indispensable,  and  are  usually  sufficient.  Fly  attacks  are  to  be 
expected  daily  and  hourly  in  such  dry  hot  weather  as  we  are  now 
having,  but  there  can  be  no  material  harm  from  them  if  the  flock  has 
proper  attention.  That  is  the  point — pains  and  care,  very  little  science 
is  wanted.  We  recently  went  through  the  flock  of  a  veterinary  surgeon, 
and  found  several  bad  cases  of  foot-rot  ;  evidently  the  man  of  science 
was  not  a  careful,  hardly  a  humane  man. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Thistles  (A.). — To  destroy  Thistles  they  must  be  pulled  up  by  the 
roots.  On  arable  land  this  is  done  by  repeated  hoeing  among  root  crops, 
or  by  thorough  autumn  tillage,  ploughing,  harrowing,  deep  stirring  with 
cultivator  or  horse  hoe,  so  as  not  only  to  sever  the  roots  well  beneath  the 
surface,  but  to  bring  the  loosened  plants  upon  the  surface,  to  be  killed 
by  exposure,  or,  better  still,  collected  and  burnt.  On  pasture,  the 
practice  of  mowing  Thistles  once  or  twice  during  summer  may  weaken 
growth,  but  we  always  regard  it  as  a  waste  of  time  and  money.  Root 
them  up  once  for  all,  and  there  is  an  end  of  them  ;  we  have  had  them 
pulled  up  by  hands  protected  with  stout  leathern  gloves  when  the  land 
is  softened  by  heavy  rain,  also  dug  up  with  dock  spuds.  The  plan  may 
be  tedious,  but  it  is  certainly  thorough.  Never  suffer  a  Thistle  to  run 
to  seed  ;  turn  every  one  to  the  rooting  up  of  them  at  odd  times,  and  by 
the  exercise  of  a  little  perseverance  you  will  get  rid  of  them.  Show  this 
to  your  neighbour,  and  at  any  rate  try  and  induce  him  to  prevent  Thistle 
seeding.  We  have  known  an  entire  parish  to  become  infested  with  this 
pest  by  seed  blown  about  it  from  the  land  of  a  slovenly  farmer.  That 
farm  eventually  came  into  our  hands.  By  steady  persistence  we  got  rid 
of  the  Thistles.  If  your  land  is  as  badly  infested  by  them  as  that  was, 
you  will  have  a  very  clear  idea  of  the  true  meaning  of  perseverance 
before  you  have  done  with  them. 


Poultry  in  France. — The  income  derived  by  French  people  who 
rear  fowls,  says  an  industrious  statistician,  according  to  octroi  and 
market  returns,  is  337,100,000  francs,  of  which  153,500,000  francs 
represent  the  value  of  the  flesh,  and  183,600,000  francS  that  of  the 
eggs.  The  quantity  sold  in  poultry  yards  is  immense,  as  is  also  the 
number  used  in  the  homes  of  those  who  rear  fowls.  These  figures  do 
not  find  their  way  into  statistics. 

The  Harvest  in  the  Midlands. — Midland  farmers,  a  daily 
contemporary  asserts,  have  had  greater  advantages  for  in-gathering 
their  crops  this  year  than  they  have  had  for  nearly  a  quarter  of  a 
century.  It  is  estimated  that  Wheat  on  the  average  will  yield  from 
four  to  five,  quarters  per  acre,  which  is  above  the  usual  produce,  while 
the  quality  is  exceptionally  good.  Oats  again  are  far  above  the 
average,  and  are  already  so  ripe  that  thrashing  can  begin  as  soon  as  the 
crop  is  cut.  It  is  complained  that  the  straw  is  short;  hut  the  farmers 
have  the  compensating  advantage  that  both  quality  and  quantity  are 
fairly  excellent.  During  the  past  few  days  considerable  progress  has 
been  made  with  the  in-gathering,  and  the  result  so  far  has  created 
much  satisfaction. 


MBTBOROLOaiCAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamdex  Square,  Loxdox. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  THE  Day. 

Rain. 

1893. 

August. 

1  Barometer 

at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . .  13 

30-180 

74-5 

67-6 

E. 

65-4 

78-5 

59-3 

99-1 

55-1 

— 

Monday  . .  14 

30-232 

71-3 

61-2 

Calm. 

65-2 

82-7 

60-2 

111-0 

55-3 

Tuesday  . .  15 

30-223 

74-9 

64-2 

S. 

65  6 

87-8 

58-8 

119-8 

54-3 

_ 

Wednesday  16 

30-137 

75-2 

62-7 

S.W. 

66-0 

90-7 

59-9 

130-4 

53-3 

_ 

Thursday . .  17 

30-088 

76-3 

65-9 

s.w. 

67-0 

92-7 

61-3 

1.8-9 

56-1 

Friday  . .  18 

29-819 

84-3 

66-7 

s. 

67-9 

93-6 

64-1 

131-9 

56-8 

_ 

Saturday..  19 

29-920 

68-5 

61-8 

s.w. 

68-8 

79-5 

63-8 

123-2 

60-3 

— 

30-086 

75-0 

64-3 

66-6 

86-5 

61-1 

120-6 

55-9 

— 

REMARKS. 


13th.— Bright  sunshine  early,  but  haze  and  cloud  gradually  accumulated,  and  only 
occasional  gleams  of  sun  after  11  a.m. 

14th. — Calm,  hazy,  and  oppressive  throughout. 

15th. — Sunny  and  hot ;  hazy,  with  a  little  cloud  in  morning,  and  solar  halo  about 
11  A.M. 

16th. — Hot;  almost  cloudless  till  3  30  P.M.;  solar  halo  about  4  P.M.,  cloudless  again 
by  5  p.M. 

17th. — Sunny  and  hot  throughout,  a  little  hazy  in  the  morning. 

18th. — Almost  cloudless,  with  very  high  temperature,  but  breezy  and  pleasant ;  distant 
lightning  at  night. 

19th. — Cool  and  pleasant,  with  sunshine  at  times. 

A  very  hot  week ;  probably  the  hottest  recorded  here  since  the  observations 
commenced  in  1858.  The  9  A.M.  temperature  on  18th  (84'3°0  is  without  precedent  in 
the  thirty-six  years,  and  the  16th,  17th,  and  18th  are  the  only  instance  of  three  con¬ 
secutive  days  with  max.  above  90'^.  The  temperature  of  93-6°  on  18th  has  only  once 
been  exceeded,  namely  on  July  15th,  1881,  when  94-6°  was  recorded.— d.  J.  SYMOXS. 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


187 


OVER  all  the  fruits  that  are  grown  in  our  island  home  the  Apple 
remains  king  in  usefulness  ;  but  it  has  to  be  said  that  the  fruit, 
broadly  and  generally  speaking,  is  not  yet  represented  in  kingly 
fashion.  In  too  many  instances  it  lacks  dignity,  and  does  not 
command  the  respect  to  which  the  fruit  when  seen  in  its  full 
nobility  of  character  is  justly  entitled.  Apples  were  on  the  down 
grade  for  many  a  year,  but  their  course  was  checked  by  the  efforts 
of  men  who  believed  them  worthy  of  a  better  fate  than  that  to 
which  they  were  being  driven  by  apathy,  ignorance,  and  neglect. 
The  Apples  of  Britain,  taking  them  in  the  bulk,  a  dozen  years  ago 
were  a  disgrace  to  the  nation  and  spurned  by  its  inhabitants  in 
favour  of  the  better,  larger,  brighter  samples  from  other  lands  ; 
yet  the  soil  of  those  lands  was  no  better  than  in  our  own,  the 
varieties  no  better,  the  enemies  no  fewer,  the  climate  no  more 
favourable  as  a  rule  to  the  growth  of  Apples  than  that  which 
generally  prevails  in  this  country.  Impediments  have  to  be 
encountered  everywhere,  and  losses  periodically  sustained,  but  this 
is  the  case  with  the  production  of  all  crops  that  are  influenced  by 
the  weather,  as  both  farmers  and  gardeners  know  too  well ;  and 
whatever  the  obstacles  in  growing  fruit,  those  persons  who  adopt 
the  best  methods  are  bound  to  have  the  greatest  success,  as  in  the 
splendid  Apples  exhibited  in  the  Agricultural  Hall,  Islington. 

When  the  planting  of  Apple  trees  much  more  extensively  than 
formerly  was  being  so  strongly  advocated  during  what  may  be 
termed  the  fruit  crusade,  many  persons  feared  that  if  the  advice 
were  followed  the  country  would  soon  be  so  full  of  fruit  that  the 
crops  would  “fetch  nothing.”  Undoubtedly  the  effect  of  the  agita¬ 
tion  for  growing  more  and  especially  better  fruit  in  this  country 
resulted  in  the  planting  of  millions  of  trees  and  bushes  over  thou¬ 
sands  of  acres  of  land.  Great  numbers  of  those  trees  are  now  in 
bearing,  and  the  fruit  is  leaving  its  impress  on  the  markets. 
Broadly  speaking  the  result  so  far  is  to  render  the  small  scrubby 
Apples  from  old  or  exhausted  trees  not  worth  sending  to  market, 
while  fine  fruit  from  young  trees  finds  a  ready  sale  at  prices,  if  not 
high  yet  remunerative  to  the  grower.  As  the  supply  of  first-class 
fruit  increases  in  bulk  prices  would  inevitably  fall  but  for  two 
great  counteracting  influences — 1,  the  constant  increase  in  the 
number  of  consumers  ;  2,  the  increased  disposition  of  the  public  to 
purchase  fruit  when  it  is  of  the  best  appearance,  good  in  quality, 
and  obtainable  at  a  moderate  price.  Inferior  fruit  is  repellant  to 
thousands,  and  they  will  not  have  it  at  any  price,  but  bright,  good 
sized,  speckless,  and  tender-looking  specimens  are  so  tempting  as  to 
become  irresistible.  Several  instances  could  be  cited  of  the  use¬ 
lessness  of  third  or  fourth-rate  Apples  and  of  the  value  of  first-class 
produce  to  the  grower,  but  one  must  suffice  at  present. 

W.  H.  Myers,  Esq.,  M.P.,  is  a  gentleman  who  takes  great 
interest  in  improving  his  estate,  not  because  of  the  advantage  of 
this  to  himself  alone,  but  because,  while  he  may  eventually  gain,  a 
number  of  men  are  in  the  meantime  benefited  by  the  employment 
afforded  in  establishing  extensive  plantations  of  Larch  and  other 
trees.  These  plantations  will  be  more  profitable  in  the  end  than 
the  land  surrounding  under  agricultural  tillage  ;  but  fruit  trees 
have  also  been  planted  at  Swanmore  by  Mr.  Myers’  gardener — not 
many,  only  about  2000 — and  though  the  oldest  of  these  trees  have 
only  been  planted  three  years,  some  of  them  are  already  giving  an 
encouraging  return.  The  fruit  from  these  young  trees  as  grown 

No.  688. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


in  good  and  well-prepared  soil  is,  so  to  say,  “  run  after  ”  at  5a.  a 
bushel ;  while  the  crops  of  smaller  fruit  from  old  and  more  or  less 
enfeebled  orchard  trees  would  be  gladly  disposed  of  for  a  fourth  of 
the  price,  yet  more  time  is  involved  in  gathering  the  latter  than 
the  former. 

This  Swanmore'experiment  in  Apple  culture  is  suggestive  and 
instructive.  In  the  first  place  varieties  were  wisely  chosen  that 
had  been  found  to  succeed  the  best  in  a  small  orchard  planted 
fifteen  years  ago.  These  were  mainly  Warner’s  King,  the  tree 
never  failing  to  yield  magnificent  fruit,  Ecklinville  and  Mere  de 
Manage  as  cooking  Apples,  with  Worcester  Pearmain,  King  of  the 
Pippins,  and  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  as  table  fruits.  Several  other 
sorts  including  Blenheim  Pippin  did  not  succeed  half  so  well  in 
the  strong  loam  resting  on  chalk,  and,  therefore,  were  excluded 
from  the  new  plantation  ;  but  other  varieties  of  repute  were 
included.  A  grass  field  of  5  acres  adjoining  the  garden  was 
devoted  to  this  Apple  growing  experiment.  The  position  is 
elevated  and  open,  and  in  those  respects  favourable  to  the 
blossoms  escaping  destruction  by  spring  frost  in  comparison  with 
those  of  trees  in  low,  damp,  and  confined  enclosures. 

One  portion  of  the  field  was  planted  with  standard  trees  30  feet 
apart,  and  a  bush  tree  between  each  two'  standards  in  the  lines, 
also  a  row  with  the  trees  15  feet  asunder  between  the  rows  of 
standards,  thus  in  this  portion  the  trees  stand  at  the  distance 
last  named.  They  are  on  grass,  each  planted  in  a  prepared  station, 
4  feet  wide  and  2  feet  deep.  The  soil  is  kept  free  from  weeds  and 
loose  on  the  surface,  not  by  digging  but  with  the  hoe.  The  growth 
has  been  so  good  and  the  root  action  so  free  that  the  ground  has 
been  broken  in  circles  a  foot  wide  and  18  inches  deep  outside  the 
stations  to  permit  of  root  extension  in  the  upper  layer  of  soil.  The 
trees  were  pruned  after  planting  to  obtain  the  requisite  number  of 
branches,  and  have  made  admirable  progress.  Some  that  made 
very  free  growth,  suggestive  of  exuberance,  were  simply  taken  up 
and  replanted  —  an  excellent  plan  for  enhancing  vigour  and 
inducing  fruitfulness  not  sufficiently  practised.  When  once  bearing 
commences  the  fruits  will  keep  the  growth  in  subjection.  All  the 
lifted  trees  are  replanted  higher  than  before,  and  ic  is  found  that 
the  higher  the  mounds  are  in  reason  the  more  satisfactory  is  the 
growth,  as  combining  adequate  extension  with  firmness  and 
blossom-forming  proclivity.  Soma  of  the  mounds  are  18  inches 
high,  few  less  than  a  foot  above  the  ground  level.  On  trees  that 
are  in  bearing  and  mulched  with  manure  the  fruit  is  magnificent, 
and  fine  enough  to  sell  in  any  market  where  the  trees  are  not 
mulched,  as  is  the  case  with  the  majority.  This  orchard  on  grass 
will  be  profitable  in  another  year  or  two,  and  numbers  of  the  trees 
have  paid  for  themselves  and  something  more  already. 

The  other  half  of  the  field  was  wholly  broken  up  and  planted 
similarly,  but  extra  rows  of  maiden  trees  were  planted  between  the 
standards  and  two-year-old  bushes,  so  that  the  whole  stand  7^  feet 
apart.  This  is  the  way  to  obtain  the  most  money  off  the  ground 
by  the  sale  of  Apples  at  a  small  extra  cost  in  planting  the 
maidens,  though  no  doubt  a  still  earlier  gain  would  be  had  by 
inter-planting  with  Gooseberries ;  but  this  is  an  Apple  experiment. 
The  standard  trees  are  included  in  case  at  any  future  time,  as  they 
advance  in  growth,  the  dwarfs  can  be  gradually  removed,  and  the 
ground  beneath  the  tall  standards  devoted  to  grazing,  if  it  should 
be  required  for  that  purpose,  and  it  is  proverbially  difficult  to 
foresee  what  may  be  wanted  eventually  on  a  gentleman’s  estate,  as 
the  fancy  of  some  owner  may  turn  in  the  direction  of  live  stock  in 
preference  to  fruit.  For  producing  the  greatest  abundance  of  the 
best  Apples,  cultivated  fruit  gardens  is  the  system  to  adopt,  and  irt 
suitable  soil  and  positions,  combined  with  good  management,  the 
work  may  be  expected  to  prove  fairly  remunerative  even  if  the 
prices  for  fruit  fall  lower  than  they  are  now,  always  provided  the 
produce  is  of  high  quality  and  of  uniformly  good  throughout  the 
bulk.  Second  and  third  rate  fruit  carelessly  marketed  cannot  be 
expected  to  pay  in  the  future.  For  the  very  best  home-grown 

No.  2344.— VOL.  LXXXIX.  OLD  Series 


188 


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[  August  31,  1893 


Apples  there  always  has  been,  and  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  there 
always  will  be  a  ready  sale. 

Returning  to  the  varieties  in  Mr.  Myers’  experiment  the 
standard  trees  consist  of  100  Worcester  Pearmain,  forty-six 
Ecklinville,  thirty-six  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  and  fifty  Bramley’s 
Seedling.  The  dwarfs  comprise  250  Warner’s  King,  a  variety 
that  would  be  increased  in  an  extension  of  planting  ;  220  Ecklin- 
villes,  too  many,  as  the  fruits  are  soft  and  liable  to  be  specked  ; 
forty  M^re  de  Menage,  a  satisfactory  proportion  ;  twenty  Worcester 
Pearmain,  not  nearly  sufficient,  as  the  fruit  sells  so  well  ;  forty 
Irish  Peach,  not  profitable,  and  would  not  be  planted  again  for 
market  purposes  ;  120  Lady  Sudeley,  as  coming  in  just  when 
wanted,  would  be  increased  ;  seventy-five  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  would 
be  considerably  increased  ;  thirty  King  of  the  Pippins,  sufficient, 
crop  good,  and  fruit  fine,  but  not  bright  enough  ;  twenty-five 
Lady  Henniker,  too  many,  tree  too  large,  and  a  sparse  bearer  ; 
550  Lord  Grosvenor,  one  of  the  most  profitable  of  all,  and  would 
be  largely  increased  ;  100  Bramley’s  Seedling,  growing  and 
bearing  so  well  that  it  would  be  considerably  increased  both  in  the 
form  of  standards  and  dwarfs  ;  125  Lane’s  Prince  Albert,  of 
which  many  more  would  be  planted  ;  100  Stirling  Castle,  such  an 
early  and  bountiful  bearer  that  it  would  be  planted  more 
extensively. 

In  respect  to  the  bearing  of  the  young  trees  in  the  plantation, 
Bramley’s  Seedlings,  as  standards  and  dwarfs  planted  in  1890,  are 
carrying  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  fruits  10  inches  in  circum¬ 
ference,  and  are  not  blown  off  the  trees.  A  maiden  planted  last 
autumn  had  three  fruits  12  inches  in  diameter,  heavier  than  itself, 
pointed  to  as  not  a  “  slow  ”  bearer.  Warner’s  King  and  Lord 
Qrosvenor,  bearing  twenty-five  fruits  13  inches  in  diameter* 
35  bushels  being  sold  from  the  latter  at  5s.  a  bushel ;  Stirling 
Castle,  overladen,  fruits  good,  but  unduly  taxing  the  trees  ;  Lane’s 
Prince]  Albert,  young  trees,  supporting  twenty  to  thirty  splendid 
Apples,  ^and  making  satisfactory  growth  ;  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin 
carrying  fifty  to  sixty  handsome  fruits,  several  girthing  9  inches. 

Of  the  varieties  grown  in  less  numbers,  the  Queen  and  Cox’s 
Pomona  were  promising  well,  as  were  Bismarck,  very  fine 
Wealthy,  Wiltshire  Defiance,  and  Sandringham,  very  large  ;  Queen 
Caroline,  beautiful  ;  Golden  Spire,  and  Frogmore  Prolific.  Of 
table  sorts,  Devonshire  Quarrenden  has  paid  well,  and  Mr.  Moly- 
neux  wishes  he  had  several  hundred  trees  of  Benoni  and  several 
hundred  bushels  of  Worcester  Pearmain.  He  finds  a  great  dearth 
of  table  Apples  between  the  first  earlies — such  as  Red  Astrachan, 
Mr.  Gladstone,  and  others — and  the  autumn  bearers,  hence  the 
special  value  of  such  as  Lady  Sudeley,  Worcester  Pearmain,  and 
Benoni,  and  of  these  he  would  plant  largely,  in  the  full  assurance 
of  a  ready  sale.  Upwards  of  100  of  the  best  varieties  in  cultiva¬ 
tion  are  on  trial  at  Swanmore,  including  most  of  the  new  sorts, 
the  object  being  to  ascertain  by  comparison  those  most  likely  to 
give  the  best  return  if  extensively  planted  for  commercial 
purposes.  This  well  conducted  experiment  in  Apple  culture  will 
be  of  practical  value  to  intending  planters,  and  Mr.  Myers  and  his 
gardener  are  to  be  congratulated  on  the  progress  already  made,  as 
well  as  on  a  promising  future. 


HARDY  FLOWER  NOTES. 

Morina  longifolia. 

Thebe  are  few  hardy  flowers  which  attract  more  attention 
than  a  good  specimen  of  Morina  longifolia  when  in  full  bloom. 
The  long,  glossy,  somewhat  spiny  leaves  are  very  pretty,  and  the 
handsome  spike  with  its  crowded  whorls  of  white  and  crimson 
flowers  add  to  the  appearance  of  the  plant.  It  seems  to  be  a 
favourite  wherever  grown,  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  it  does 
not  prove  a  true  perennial  on  all  soils.  It  is  so  easily  raised 
from  seed,  which  it  ripens  abundantly,  that  it  can  be  readily 
replaced  ;  and  it  may  be  noted  that  young  plants  transplant  much 
more  successfully  than  older  ones,  as  the  long  tap  roots  are  liable 
to  injury.  One  of  the  pleasing  features  of  this  plant  is  the  variety 
presented  by  the  flowers  in  their  various  stages.  The  buds  are 


white,  and  when  open  the  flowers  are  of  a  pretty  pink,  which  again 
passes  ofE  to  a  fine  bright  crimson.  The  flowers  have  rather  long 
tubes  in  proportion  to  their  breadth,  these  being  about  1  inch, 
and  the  flower  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  across.  The  blooms 
are  produced  in  whorls  in  the  axils  of  the  flowering  stems,  which 
attain  a  height  of  2  feet  or  more.  The  leaves  are  from  10  inches 
to  upwards  of  a  foot  in  length,  and  are  pinnatifid. 

Morina  longifolia  will  be  found  to  thrive  well  in  a  rich  but 
somewhat  light  soil,  and  prefers  a  little  shade.  The  customary 
period  for  flowering  here  (Dumfries)  is  July,  but  occasionally  a 
plant  will  fail  to  bloom  in  the  ordinary  season,  and  throws  up  a 
flower  stem  in  late  autumn.  Even  a  plant  which  flowers  in  its 
usual  course  will  sometimes  throw  up  late  stems.  A  fine  spike 
on  one  of  my  plants  was  just  beginning  to  open  late  last  October, 
when  a  severe  night’s  frost  destroyed  it.  It  is  a  native  of  Nepaul, 
whence  it  was  introduced  by  Wallich  about  1839.  Seeds  may  be 
sown  in  pots  or  boxes  as  soon  as  ripe,  and  placed  in  a  frame,  or  they 
may  be  kept  until  spring,  and  sown  in  the  open  ground  in 
March  or  April.  With  good  treatment  plants  should  flower  the 
second  season.  Division  of  the  plants  is  also  practised,  but  this 
should  not  be  attempted  unless  they  are  a  fair  size. 

The  genus  Morina  was  named  in  honour  of  Louis  Morin,  a 
French  botanist,  who  existed  in  the  end  of  the  seventeenth  and 
beginning  of  the  eighteenth  centuries.  The  fii'St  species  of  the 
genus  which  was  introduced  was  M.  persica,  discovered  by  Tourne- 
tort.  Besides  this,  and  the  subject  of  this  note,  there  are  some 
half  a  dozen  other  species,  all  being  natives  of  Asia.  Few  of  these 
are  in  cultivation  in  this  country.  The  Morinas  belong  to  the 
natural  order  Dipsacese,  and  a  synonym  of  the  genus  is  Asaphes. 
An  illustration  of  M.  longifolia  is  given  in  the  “  Botanical  Maga¬ 
zine,”  tab.  4092  ;  in  the  “  Botanical  Register,”  vol.  xxvi.,  plate  36  ; 
and  one  may  also  be  found  in  Maund’s  “  Botanic  Garden,”  vol.  v., 
plate  197.  The  latter  only  shows  part  of  the  spike,  and  conse¬ 
quently  does  not  do  full  justice  to  the  symmetry  of  the  plant. 
Morina  longifolia  is  one  of  the  flowers  which  can  be  recommended 
with  every  confidence. 

Coreopsis  monstrosa.  • 

The  specific  name  of  monstrosa  has  occasionally  been  applied 
in  a  most  inappropriate  manner  to  flowers,  and  it  cannot,  I  think, 
be  denied  that  here  we  have  a  case  in  point.  Judging  from  the 
appearance  of  Coreopsis  monstrosa  from  a  garden  or  from  a  struc¬ 
tural  point  of  view,  there  is  nothing  about  the  plant  which  would 
give  warrant  for  according  it  a  specific  name  far  from  appropriate 
to  such  a  graceful  flower,  for  this  plant  shares  the  grace  of  its 
congeners,  which,  as  a  whcle,  are  exceedingly  beautiful  in  habit. 
It  seems  to  be  a  plant  of  garden  origin,  and  only  a  large-flowered 
and  extremely  fine  form  of  one  of  our  most  beautiful  garden 
flowers — C.  lanceolata.  The  habit  of  the  plant  is  more  robust 
than  is  the  typical  C.  lanceolata,  and  it  may  be  recommended 
as  a  decided  improvement  upon  the  latter.  I  have  seen  this 
plant  in  various  gardens  and  soils,  and  taken  as  a  whole  C. 
monstrosa  will  bear  favourable  comparison  with  the  much-praised 
C.  grandiflora,  its  bright  clear  yellow  flowers  being  of  good  colour 
and  form.  There  seems  to  be  no  special  difficulty  in  its  cultivation. 

Morisia  hypog^a. 

Although  I  have  recently  written  of  this  neat  rockery  plant, 
some  additional  information  as  to  its  propagation  may  be  of 
interest,  especially  as  I  have  failed  to  discover  any  reference  to 
this  system  of  propagation  as  applied  to  the  Morisia.  This  is  by 
means  of  root  cuttings,  a  well  known  and  useful  method  of 
propagating  many  flowers.  In  lifting  a  plant  of  M.  hypogsea  for 
the  purpose  of  taking  off  cuttings  and  dividing  the  plant,  an 
examination  of  the  character  of  the  roots  caused  me  to  be  of 
opinion  that  it  could  be  easily  increased  by  means  of  cuttings 
of  short  pieces  of  the  root.  Several  of  the  roots  were  taken 
off,  cut  into  pieces  about  an  inch  in  length,  inserted  in  pots 
of  light  sandy  soil,  and  placed  in  a  cool  greenhouse.  The  upper 
or  thicker  end  of  each  root  cutting  was  of  course  placed 
uppermost  and  so  placed  that  it  was  just  under  the  slight 
layer  of  sand  with  which  the  pot  was  surfaced.  In  about  a 
fortnight  leaves  began  to  appear  from  the  apex,  and  the  plants 
produced  in  this  way  are  nearly  as  large  as  those  obtained  by 
ordinary  cuttings  of  the  stems  inserted  the  same  day.  The  cuttings 
were  taken  off  in  the  end  of  June. 

CiMICIFUGA  SERPENTARIA. 

Whatever  may  be  said  for  the  literal  accuracy  of  the  name  of 
Serpent-like  Bugwort,  all  who  have  seen  this  flower  will,  I  feel 
sure,  agree  in  thinking  it  a  most  unpleasant  one  for  such  a  pretty 
occupant  of  our  garden  borders.  I  fear  even  the  Rose  if  burdened 
with  the  name  of  Bugwort  would  hardly  “smell  as  sweet,”  and  one 
is  tempted  to  wish  for  a  revision  of  some  of  the  names  which,  like 
the  plants  themselves,  have  come  to  us  from  the  other  side  of  the 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEIL 


189 


Atlantic.  Until,  however,  some  authority  can  give  us  a  better 
name  and  secure  its  general  acceptance,  we  must,  I  suppose 
veil  it  under  the  Greek  name  which,  although  of  similar  mean¬ 
ing,  disguises  to  ordinary  ears  the  unpleasant  reference  of  which  we 
complain. 

In  Mr.  Nicholson’s  “Dictionary  of  Gardening”  C.  lerpentaria 
is  described  as  a  synonym  of  C.  racemosa  ;  but,  while  this  may 
be  the  case  from  a  botanical  point  of  view,  for  garden  purposes 
the  plants  sold  as  C.  racemosa  and  C.  serpentaria  are  very  distinct 
in  the  appearance  of  the  inflorescence,  the  former  having  straight, 
erect  racemes  of  flowers,  while  the  subject  of  this  note  has  its 
racemes  twisted  and  abruptly  bent  in  a  curious  manner,  whence,  I 
suppose,  the  derivation  of  the  distinctive  or  specific  name  of  ser¬ 
pentaria.  In  general  this  form  in  flowers  is  not  particularly 
attractive,  resembling  as  it  does  the  effect  at  times  produced  by 
blooms  which  have  for  some  time  been  laid  prostrate,  and  have 
then  been  staked  and  tied  to  an  erect  position,  thus  frequently 
giving  the  flower  spikes  a  twisted  appearance.  In  C.  serpentaria, 
however,  this  is  not  so,  but  the  abrupt  angles  and  contortion  renders 
the  plant  more  interesting,  and  in  no  way  detracts  from  its  beauty. 
I  find,  indeed,  that  this  Cimicifuga  is  being  more  frequently  sought 
for,  and  much  disappointment  is  felt  when,  as  is  not  unfrequently 
the  case,  the  ordinary  C.  racemosa  is  supplied. 

I  have  recently  seen  some  fine  specimens  of  C.  serpentaria,  and 
in  the  garden  at  Cavens,  Dumfries,  N.B.,  several  fine  plants  about 
5  feet  high  had  a  good  effect  in  a  long  border  contrasted  with 
Aconitum  bicolor.  The  Cimicifugas  belong  to  the  large  family  of 
Ranunculace^,  and  are  very  beautiful  in  a  border  suited  to  the 
growth  of  the  taller  herbaceous  plants,  where  with  a  little  shade 
and  a  fair  amount  of  moisture,  they  will  soon  form  handsome 
clumps.  They  are  readily  propagated  by  division,  or  by  means  of 
seeds,  sown  as  soon  as  ripe. 

Early  Flowering  of  Autumn  Bulbs. 

The  warmth  of  the  past  season  has  ripened  bulbs  early,  and  the 
rain  which  succeeded  the  great  heat  has  pushed  many  into  growth, 
thus  bringing  several  plants  which  generally  flower  late  in  autumn 
into  premature  flower.  Thus  Leucoium  autumnale  came  into  flower 
the  first  week  in  July,  and  Colchicums  Bertoloni  and  C.  latifolium 
came  into  flower  on  July  28th  and  29th  respectively.  One  can 
hardly  say  that  their  appearance  was  welcome  at  this  early  season, 
when  flowers  were  plentiful,  and  we  looked  forward  to  their  succeed¬ 
ing  other  plants,  and  bridging  over  what  is  usually  a  comparatively 
dull  season. — S.  Arnott. 


Orchids  at  Chelsea. 


There  were  not  at  the  time  of  my  visit  to  Mr.  Bull's  the  other 
day  a  great  number  of  Orchids  in  bloom,  as  the  season  has  cleared 
them  off  much  more  rapidly  than  usual.  However,  what  there 
were  assisted  materially  to  brighten  the  structures  devoted  to  their 
culture,  and  particularly  noticeable  amongst  those  in  flower  were 
Cypripedium  oenanthum  superbum,  a  very  beautiful  piece  of 
Angrajcum  descendens,  the  blooms  of  which  were  diffusing  a  faint 
but  pleasing  fragrance  ;  Habenaria  militaris,  little  plants  of  which 
were  throwing  up  their  brightly  coloured  blooms  ;  Oncidium 
Kramerianum,  Saccolabium  Blumei  longiracemosum  in  fine  con¬ 
dition,  and  several  richly  coloured  Lselias  purpurata  and  elegans. 
On  many  of  the  Orchid  pots  were  to  be  seen  pieces  of  Potatoes 
placed  as  traps  for  woodlice. 

L^lia  monophylla. 

We  have  no  more  charming  little  summer  flowering  Orchid 
than  this.  There  are  about  a  dozen  examples  of  it  in  flower  in  the 
cool  Orchid  house  at  Kew,  each  bearing  from  six  to  a  dozen  flowers 
of  elegant  butterfly  form,  and  coloured  vivid  orange  scarlet.  I 
have  heard  of  a  plant  which  bore  three  flowers  on  a  scape,  but  all 
of  the  plants  at  Kew  have  only  a  single  flower  on  each  scape. 
The  pseudo-bulbs  are  no  thicker  than  a  knitting-needle,  6  inches 
long,  each  bearing  a  single  narrow  leaf  3  inches  long.  The  scape 
is  slender,  curved,  3  inches  long,  and  the  flower  is  between  1  and 
2  inches  in  diameter. 

The  Kew  examples  have  been  in  flower  a  fortnight,  and  the 
flowers  are,  at  the  time  of  writing,  still  quite  fresh.  They  are 
grown  in  a  cool  house  along  with  Masdevallias,  and  they  get  a  fair 
supply  of  water  all  the  year  round.  This  species  was  first  intro¬ 


duced  and  flowered  at  Kew  in  1882,  plants  having  been  found  by 
Mr.  Morris  in  Jamaica  on  St.  Andrew’s  Mountain  at  an  elevation 
of  about  5000  feet.  Mr.  Norman  Cookson  is  trying  to  cross  it 
with  other  species,  of  Lselia. — W.  Watson  (in  “Garden  and 
Forest  ”). 

Orchids  in  Northumberland. 

Anyone  visiting  Morpeth,  the  former  capital  of  Northumber¬ 
land,  would  scarcely  at  first  sight  be  aware,  or  expect  to  find,  so 
large  an  area  of  glass  houses  devoted  to  plant  and  Orchid  culture 
as  that  possessed  by  Edward  Hopper,  Esq.,  of  Riverside.  The 
collection  of  Orchids  is  one  of  the  best  in  Northumberland.  On  a 
recent  visit  I  had  pointed  out  to  me  Dendrobium  giganteum  with 
four  blooms,  Oncidium  papilio  majus,  5  inches  across,  very  fine  ; 
and  Odontoglossum  Uro-Skinneri,  so  very  suitable  for  buttonholes. 
Amongst  other  plants  must  be  mentioned  Clerodendron  fragrans 
for  its  pleasing  perfume  ;  Hedychium  album,  a  charming  white 
flower,  and  the  curious  Strelitzia  Reginse  with  ten  spikes. 

Mr.  Hopper  is  a  great  botanist,  and  possesses  one  of  the  finest 
botanical  libraries  in  the  district,  is  a  warm  enthusiast,  and  always 
glad  to  meet  persons  interested  in  gardening.  He  has  now  secured 
the  services  of  Mr.  James  Wood  as  head  gardener,  and  the  place 
is  a  credit  to  the  latter’s  gardening  skill,  which  is  well  known  in 
the  north  of  England. — Bernard  Cowan. 


INSECTS  OF  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

{Continued  from  page  93.') 

Since  the  mites  are  insects  that  are  to  be  found  almost  every¬ 
where,  indoors  and  out,  we  may  be  sure  they  have  some  repre¬ 
sentatives  in  every  flower  garden.  Tropical  countries  can  furnish 
specimens  belonging  to  this  group  which  are  as  large  as  a  pea,  but 
all  our  British  species  verify  their  name — they  are  but  specks  of 
life,  and  many  are  so  tiny  that  they  can  scarcely  be  seen  without 
a  magnifying  glass.  Like  the  aphis  and  some  other  insects  of 
small  size,  their  numbers  enable  them  to  produce  results  they  could 
not  otherwise  accomplish,  and  there  are  species  that  give  us  trouble, 
even  in  the  cultivation  of  flowers,  a  few  being  particularly  notice¬ 
able  .  It  is  only  of  late  that  attention  has  been  called  to  the  economy 
of  these  insects,  and,  in  the  case  of  some  plants  and  trees,  it  is 
likely  to  remain  for  the  present  a  doubtful  matter  whether  the 
mites  upon  them  are  a  cause  of  disease  or  its  consequence.  The 
mite  most  familiar  to  us  in  houses  and  gardens  is  the  annoying 
red  spider  (so-called),  and  its  useful  relatives,  if  endued  with 
intelligence,  might  very  well  disown  a  species  having  habits  so 
unlike  theirs.  Juvenile  mites  are  not  much  different  in  appear¬ 
ance  from  full-grown  specimens,  except  that  they  possess  but  six 
legs,  eight  being  the  complete  number  ;  nobody  has  ascertained  yet 
how  long  their  life  lasts.  All  species  have  the  abdomen  neither 
segmented  nor  stalked,  but  more  or  less  rounded,  and  joined  on  to 
a  small  thorax  bearing  the  legs.  It  might  be  desirable  in  some 
cases  to  destroy  their  eggs  ;  the  minuteness  of  these  is  a  difficulty, 
however.  Also  it  has  been  suggested  that  they  are  wafted  by  the 
air  from  the  place  where  they  are  laid  to  another  spot,  and  certainly 
their  sudden  appearance  at  times  is  mysterious,  for  the  insects 
themselves  are  not  of  migratory  habit,  or  but  rarely. 

Of  all  the  mites,  the  spinners  come  nearest  to  the  spider  proper, 
since  they  are  able  to  weave  a  web,  having  claws  specially  adapted 
to  this,  and  a  spinning  apparatus.  The  mouth  has  a  barbed  sucker, 
and  mandibles  or  jaws  as  well  ;  and  some  suppose  that  those  of  the 
spinning  mites  which  act  as  blood-suckers  throw  into  the  tiny 
puncture  they  make  some  kind  of  poison.  Specimens  of  both 
groups,  of  the  vegetable  feeders  and  of  those  that  are  predacious, 
are  to  be  noticed  in  flower  gardens.  Those  of  the  former  are  the 
smaller,  and  of  pale  or  dull  colours,  also  semi-transparent  ;  those  of 
the  latter  are  velvety  and  opaque,  in  colour  some  shade  of  red  or 
black.  One  of  our  worst  enemies  is  the  red  spider,  Tetranychus 
telarius,  a  strict  vegetarian,  and  which,  though  most  troublesome  in 
houses,  abounds  upon  some  exotic  plants  in  beds  and  borders.  We 
call  it  red,  and  many  of  these  insects  are  of  some  shade  of  red,  but 
others  occur  that  are  green  or  brown,  hence  some  have  been  thought 
to  be  distinct  species.  An  entomologist  noticed  upon  the  Hollyhock 
red  spiders  of  various  colours,  possibly  of  different  ages  ;  and  upon 
the  Rose,  in  some  districts,  some  occur  of  pale  green  hue,  and 
almost  transparent.  Boisduval  thinks  that  red  spider  rarely 
appears  on  the  Rose  if  the  tree  is  healthy,  and  also  with  Camellias 
and  Dracaenas  ;  it  is  plants  out  of  condition  that  the  insect  seems 
to  single  out  for  attack.  This  insect  is  so  notably  a  lover  of 
"Warmth  that  it  has  been  observed,  in  some  instances,  to  die  off 
plants  that  have  been  shifted  from  houses  into  the  open  air,  being 
unable  to  stand  the  change  of  temperature.  But  it  may  often  be 
found  flourishing  under  the  ordinary  conditions  of  our  climate,  and 
a  dry  spring  and  summer,  such  as  we  have  had,  must  have  favoured 


190 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  31,  1893. 


the  increase  of  red  spider  out  of  doors,  while  many  plants  were  less 
able  to  resist  its  attacks.  The  injury  done  arises  from  the  combined 
results  of  biting  and  sucking,  also  the  leaf-pores  are  choked  by  the 
secretions  of  the  insect.  With  the  aid  of  a  hand  magnifier  we  can 
perceive,  upon  the  under  side  of  leaves  chiefly,  the  manner  in  which 
red  spiders  group  themselves,  scores,  or  even  hundreds  feeding 
together,  the  party  including  specimens  of  all  sizes  and  ages  ;  but 
the  juveniles  are,  of  course,  very  minute  in  their  first  stage,  semi¬ 
transparent,  and  more  sluggish  than  those  that  are  nearly  or  quite 
full  grown.  The  eggs  are  large  in  proportion  to  the  insect  ;  but  it 
is  also  the  fact  that  individuals  partly  grown,  and  with  their  legs 
tucked  in,  presumably  in  the  act  of  changing  their  skins,  have  been 
taken  for  eggs.  It  is  not  certain  whether,  in  the  open  air,  this 
species  passes  the  winter  in  the  egg  state.  French  entomologists 
think  adults  hybernate  under  stones  and  in  odd  corners,  to  resume 
activity  in  spring,  depositing  eggs  then,  which  give  birth  to  the  new 
brood.  It  would  seem  that  the  web  is  the  united  work  of  several 
of  the  older  individuals  on  a  leaf,  the  minute  claws  and  hairs  of  the 
legs  being  employed.  It  is  both  a  protection  and  a  help  to  loco¬ 
motion,  for  the  mite  has  some  difficulty  in  crawling  upon  the 
surface  of  smooth  or  slightly  sticky  leaves.  When  spraying  and 
syringing  to  destroy  this  insect,  either  with  Gishurst  compound, 
sulphur  and  soap,  or  whatever  other  remedy  may  be  tried,  it  is 
necessary  to  remember  that  little  good  is  done  if  the  under  side  of 
the  leaves  is  not  thoroughly  wetted.  Red  spider  is  kept  in  check 
by  many  insect  foes,  or  it  would  do  us  much  more  harm. 

Some  people  who  are  liable  to  be  attacked  by  what  is  often 
called  the  “  harvest  bug  ”  are  very  careful  to  keep  away  from  corn 
fields  during  August,  not  knowing,  perhaps,  that  this  pest  may 
attack  us  in  our  own  garden.  The  harvest  bug,  T.  autumnalis, 
which  is  another  of  the  spinning  mites,  occurs  not  only  about  fields 
but  amongst  Beans,  Currants,  and  Raspberries,  also  on  some 
herbaceous  plants  in  our  borders,  and  upon  the  grass  of  lawns.  It 
is  a  brownish  red,  but  very  minute,  so  that  it  is  not  easily  seen  ;  but 
it  can  make  itself  felt.  People  often  suppose  that  have  been  bitten 
by  fleas  or  gnats,  when  they  have  been  insidiously  attacked  by  this 
mite,  which  sometimes,  though  not  always,  buries  itself  under 
the  skin,  raising  a  lump  or  tumour.  Some  persons  present  no 
attractions  to  this  insect,  others  suffer  much  from  it,  and  it 
frequently  assails  the  domestic  cat,  owing  to  its  habit  of  prowling 
about  gardens  in  quest  of  birds.  Cats  have  been  found  to  have 
swarms  of  harvest  bugs  on  their  feet  and  legs,  causing  the  supposi¬ 
tion  that  they  are  suffering  from  itch.  A  curious  fact  is,  that 
before  they  transfer  themselves  to  man  and  animals  these  bugs 
have  been  feeding  upon  vegetable  juices,  which  they  quit  to  become 
bloodsuckers.  Another  of  the  harvest  mites  has  been  noticed  by 
thousands  upon  the  pebbles  of  garden  walks  near  London,  having, 
it  is  thought,  been  conveyed  there  with  gravel.  This  is  Trom- 
bidium  lapidom,  rose  red  when  young,  afterwards  brown  or 
brownish  red,  with  a  few  white  spots.  Probably  the  insect  after¬ 
wards  attaches  itself  to  various  low  plants.  Another  of  this  genus 
that  occurs  in  gardens  is  T.  holosericeum,  a  mite  with  an  array  of 
barbed  hairs  on  its  back,  which  is  very  plump,  and  scarlet  in  hue. 
Mr.  Stewart  states  that  it  is  useful,  because  it  devours  aphides  and 
small  newly  hatched  caterpillars. — Entomologist. 


NOTES  BY  THE  WAY. 

Beamblette  is  a  name  that  calls  up  recollections  of  pleasant 
country  lanes,  margined  by  hedges  heavy  with  the  sprawling,  rambling 
growths  of  Blackberries  ;  but  it  is  not  by  such  ways  that  it  must  be 
sought.  The  place  lies  on  the  main  road  from  East  Grinstead  to  Mares- 
field,  Nutfield,  Uckfield,  and  so  on  in  the  direction  of  the  coast.  From 
Oakleigh,  which  is  on  the  left,  to  Brambletye,  which  is  on  the  right,  is 
but  a  short  walk,  and  neither  time  nor  trouble  need  therefore  be 
expended  in  reaching  it.  The  place  is  in  the  occupation  of  Donald 
Larnach,  Esq.,  a  wealthy  Australian,  or  Scotchman  with  Australian 
connections,  and  it  is  certainly  one  of  the  finest  estates  in  a  neighbour¬ 
hood  which  is  far  from  being  poor  in  imposing  establishments.  The 
house  is  a  fine  one,  commanding  splendid  views  of  Ashdown  Forest  and 
the  southern  range  of  hills.  It  stands  out  boldly  in  its  tree-clad 
eminence,  and  can  be  seen  for  many  miles  around. 


With  the  gardens  of  Brambletye  was  for  a  long  time  associated  the 
name  of  an  excellent  cultivator — Mr.  Jenks,  but  he  is  now  installed  in  a 
little  nursery  in  the  adjoining  village  of  Ashurst  Wood  ;  and  a  stalwart 
broad-shouldered  Scot,  in  the  person  of  Mr.  G.  F.  Glen,  reigns  in  his 
stead.  I  do  not  know  whether  the  latter  emulated  the  feats  of  the 
famous  Donald  Dinnie  in  his  younger  days  ;  he  certainly  looks  big 
enough,  and  strong  enough  too,  and  in  his  brogue  there  is  the  burr  of  a 
mighty  bass.  Before  coming  into  Sussex  he  had  charge  of  the  extensive 
gardens  at  Wentworth  Woodhouse,  Lord  Fitzwilliam’s  splendid  York¬ 
shire  seat,  and  has  therefore  had  the  experience  which  stands  a  man  in 
such  good  stead  when  a  large  place  is  offered  to  him.  Between  York¬ 
shire  and  Sussex  there  is  a  difference  other  than  that  of  so  many  miles. 


The  true  Yorkshireman  is  of  quite  a  different  type  to  the  Sussexite, 
and  doubtless  therefore  the  Anglo-Scottish  gardener  finds  the  conditions 
of  work  much  at  variance  with  those  in  the  northern  county. 


Brambletye  is  a  large  place,  and  the  flower  garden  is  some  distance 
from  the  kitchen  garden  and  houses.  To  the  former  Mr.  Glen  did  not 
lead  me,  considerations  of  the  presence  of  “  the  family  ”  operating 
with  him  so  far  as  I  could  understand.  A  gardener  should  always 
place  the  wishes  of  his  employers  before  any  desire  to  have  his  own 
handiwork  admired.  The  impulse  should  be  respected  even  while  due 
weight  is  given  to  the  fact  that  most  gentlemen  make  a  wide  distinction 
between  visitors  who  come  to  pourtray  the  beauties  of  their  estates  and 
those  who  come  to  ramble  round  out  of  mere  curiosity,  or  perhaps  to 
find  openings  for  adverse  criticism.  If  a  gardener  has  a  fine  house  of 
Grapes,  representing  in  a  great  measure  his  own  cultural  skill,  he  likes 
to  have  it  appreciated,  and  quite  right,  say  I ;  similarly,  if  a  gentleman 
has  a  beautiful  house  and  grounds  he  does  not  disapprove  of  their  being 
admired,  but  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  is  glad  to  have  others  express  their 
pleasure  in  them,  but  always  at  a  convenient  time. 


But  if,  from  the  reasons  given,  I  am  not  in  a  position  to  say  what 
Brambletye  is  like  from  the  main  ornamental  point  of  view  there  is  a 
side  issue  to  which  I  gladly  call  attention.  This  is  neither  more  nor  less 
than  a  sub-tropical  garden  formed  on  the  site  of  a  large  rubbish  heap  at 
the  entrance  to  the  kitchen  garden.  What  transformation  could  be 
more  striking  ?  At  the  theatre  one  sometimes  sees  a  gay  ball-room 
scene  succeed  a  representation  of  a  thieves’  kitchen,  or  a  stately  street 
of  palaces  and  temples  follow  a  hideous  slum.  Mr.  Glen  has  directed 
his  scene-shifters  with  such  wisdom  and  boldness  that  he  has  produced 
something  well  worthy  of  comparison  with  the  best  efforts  of  a  Telbin. 
This  little  sub-tropical  garden — the  word  “  bed  ”  is  insufficient — is  one 
of  the  most  admirable  ornamental  features  of  a  large  place  that  1  have 
seen  in  any  garden  this  year.  I  understand  that  its  conception  was  due 
to  a  special  wish  of  Mrs.  Larnach,  and  everybody  is  to  be  congratulated 
on  the  result. 


The  little  garden  is  not  a  stiff  square  nor  a  formal  parallelogram,  nor, 
if  I  may  be  permitted  to  say  it,  an  equally  stiff  and  formal  circle.  It 
is  undulating  and  flowing  in  outline,  with  graceful  sweeps  and  curves, 
possessing  that  free  informal  character  which  everybody  so  much 
admires,  but  rarely,  if  ever,  imitates.  It  is  as  boldly  planted  as  it  is 
admirably  designed.  Stately  Musas  uprear  their  huge  leaves,  and  the 
beautifully  marked  foliage  of  Lavatera  arborea  variegata  shows  up  well. 
This  fine  plant  is  as  effective  in  form  as  it  is  in  the  markings  of  its 
leafage,  which,  by  the  way,  were  not  half  developed  at  the  time  of  my 
visit.  Ricinuses  also  play  an  important  part,  Gibsoni  and  Obermanni 
being  very  conspicuous,  as  do  Atriplex  hortensis  rubra,  Abutilon 
Thompson!,  Wigandias,  Coleuses,  Agapanthuses  (giving  a  welcome  tone 
of  colour  against  the  masses  of  foliage),  and  Zeas.  A  pleasing  carpet  or 
groundwork  is  formed  of  the  little  Koniga  variegata.  And  all  this  in  the 
place  of  a  rubbish  heap  1  _ 

There  are  other  ornamental  features  about  this  part  of  the  garden. 
F or  instance,  it  is  observed  that  the  exterior  bases  of  all  the  houses  are 
furnished  with  flowering  plants,  in  which  Zonal  Pelargoniums  and 
Heliotropes  shine  conspicuously.  This  entirely  does  away  with  the  bare 
appearance  which  usually  prevails.  And  the  interior  of  the  fruit  houses 
is  also  brightened  up  with  plants,  for  which  a  sort  of  platform  stage  is 
provided  at  the  side  of  the  path.  This  is  the  wish  of  the  ladies  of  the 
house,  and  there  can  be  no  denying  the  beautiful  and  cheerful  appear¬ 
ance  that  it  imparts.  Amongst  them  are  noticed  Globe  Amaranths, 
Celosias,  Musk,  Petunias,  Lobelias,  Coleuses,  Diplacus  glutinosus, 
Francoa  ramosa.  Fuchsias,  Nicotiana  affinis.  Hydrangeas,  Achimenes  and 
Gloxinias,  all  clean,  healthy,  and  flowering  freely.  It  is  easy  to  imagine 
many  gardeners  declaring  that  it  is  quite  enough  to  grow  Peaches  and 
Grapes  without  having  plants  to  bother  abont  as  well,  but  it  is  done  at 
Brambletye,  and  the  result  is  very  good.  Alschynanthus  Lobbianus  I 
noticed  growing  and  flowering  freely  in  a  hanging  basket,  and  a  beautiful 
object  it  was.  _ 


I  must  not  forget  the  fruit  in  admiring  the  flowers.  Vines  and 
Peaches  looked  remarkably  well,  notwithstanding  that  a  thoughtless 
act  on  the  part  of  an  assistant  had  somewhat  seared  the  foliage  of 
the  latter.  They  must  have  a  congenial  root  medium,  for  they  grow 
with  extraordinary  luxuriance,  in  spite  of  the  lifting  that  has  been 
repeatedly  practised.  Grosse  Mignonne  carried  a  grand  crop  of  very 
fine  fruit,  two  trees  giving  twenty-two  dozen.  I  was  much  struck  with 
the  exceptional  colour  in  Lord  Napier  Nectarine.  All  the  varieties 
colour  highly,  but  his  lordship  was  deeply  suffused  almost  all  over  his 
countenance  with  a  rich  and  ruddy  glow,  quite  drowning  his  usual 
speckled  appearance.  The  Grapes  are  excellent,  and  some  canes  of 
Buckland  Sweetwater  and  Foster’s  Seedling,  four  years  old,  have  made 
unusual  progress.  They  are  evidently  in  good  soil  and  well  managed. 


The  outdoor  fruit  is  a  wonderfully  heavy  crop,  and  it  was  sad,  in  one 
sense,  to  see  quantities  falling  from  the  drought.  One  of  the  best  Apples 
in  a  somewhat  large  collection  is  Harvey’s  Wiltshire  Defiance,  a 
conical  fruit  with  prominent  ribs,  and  taking  on  a  rich  colour.  It  is  a 
constant  cropper,  a  good  keeper,  and  possesses  excellent  quality.  There 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


191 


are  also  some  model  trees  of  Bramley’s  Seedling,  planted  by  Mr.  Jenka 
when  the  variety  was  first  sent  out,  I  believe.  He  was  bold  enough  to 
plant  a  good  many,  and  they  have  amply  vindicated  his  judgment.  It 
is  admitted  to  be  one  of  the  best  Apples  grown  in  the  neighbourhood. 
D.  T.  Fish  and  Warner’s  King,  often  classed  as  synonymous,  are  distinct 
enough  at  Brambletye,  and  particularly  so  in  the  foliage.  The  former 
has  small,  light-coloured  leaves,  the  latter  much  larger  and  darker  ones. 
The  difference  between  them  in  this  respect  is  not  so  minute  as  to 
require  a  long  study  with  a  microscope  to  discover,  but  is  clear  and 
palpable  enough  at  a  glance.  Early  Rivers  Plum  was  breaking  down 
its  branches  with  fruit,  bearing,  not  wisely,  but  too  well.  Some  people 
are  fond  of  saying  that  this  wonderful  Plum  has  made  a  handsome  slice 
in  a  goodly  fortune  for  Mr.  Rivers  ;  that  I  know  nothing  about,  and  it 
is  a  private  matter  into  which  it  is  not  seemly  to  inquire.  But  of  this 
I  feel  satisfied,  whether  it  has  filled  his  pockets  or  not,  it  has  those  of 
more  than  one  market  grower,  though  they  are  not  too  fond  of 
admitting  anything  about  the  pocket- filling,  only  the  emptying. 

One  more  hint  picked  up  at  Brambletye,  and  that  is  concerning  the 
great  usefulness  in  a  season  like  the  present  of  New  Zealand  Spinach. 
Sown  in  heat  in  April  and  planted  out  on  mounds  in  a  frame,  minus 
lights  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  it  had  been  picked  from  all  the  summer, 
and  would  assuredly  give  dishes  until  the  frost  came,  a  period  of  some¬ 
thing  like  six  months  let  us  say.  It  grows  luxuriously  and  continuously, 
and  though  I  am  not  going  to  say  it  would  be  as  acceptable  in  the 
dining  room  as  tender  and  delicate  Peas,  it  is  not  despised  in  a  season 
when  Peas  and  Beans  are  excessively  scarce. 


Prom  what  I  saw  at  Brambletye  it  is  a  place  well  done  and  worth 
visiting.  I  congratulate  Mr.  Glen  on  his  good  work,  and  wander 
through  a  rock-lined  path,  and  across  the  fields  to  Plaw  Hatch,  the 
residence  of  Mrs.  Arbuthnot,  and  the  gardens  of  which  are  in  charge  of 
Mr.  Draper.  That  wise  and  witty  gardener  has  much  to  talk  about  and 
much  to  show  you.  What  a  conversationalist  he  is  to  be  sure  1  And 
what  a  garden  he  has  under  his  charge !  Surely  there  never  was  such  a 
mixture.  1  am  overwhelmed  by  it.  Descriptive  powers  of  an  ordinary 
type  are  of  no  avail  in  dealing  with  Plaw  Hatch.  Mr.  Draper  is  too 
much  for  me. — W.  P.  W. 


BLACK  HAMBUEGH  GRAPES  OUTDOORS. 

I  SEND  you  a  box  containing  one  bunch  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes 
grown  and  ripened  entirely  out  of  doors  without  any  artificial  aid  on  the 
south  wall  of  my  house.  The  season  is,  of  course,  exceptional,  but  I 
have  ripened  them  thoroughly  the  three  past  seasons,  though  always 
later  in  the  year. 

The  wall,  as  is  the  case  in  many  houses  in  these  south-western 
counties,  is  slated  to  keep  out  the  driving  winds,  and  this  no  doubt  helps 
in  the  result,  and  there  is  a  kitchen  chimney  inside  ;  but  there  must  be 
hundreds  of  houses  equally  favourably  situated  (for  this  is  very  much 
exposed  to  winds  and  gets  no  shelter)  which  might  well  produce  similar 
results.  I  have  about  fifty  bunches  larger  and  smaller  this  year,  the 
Vine  having  been  planted  four  years  ago.  There  was  a  fine  bloom 
on  the  Grapes  when  packed,  but  I  fear  they  will  suffer  in  transit. — 
J.  R.  Ddmmelow,  Membury  Parsonage,  Chard. 

[The  bunch  of  Grapes  was  of  medium  size,  the  berries  being  fine  and 
well  coloured.] 


SUMMER  LETTUCES. 

The  difficulty  of  maintaining  a  supply  of  Lettuces  this  summer  has 
been  a  common  cause  of  complaint.  Those  having  a  poor  soil  to  deal 
with  have  no  doubt  experienced  a  Lettuce  famine  to  a  certain  extent. 
Daniel’s  Continuity,  a  variety  spoken  favourably  of  by  your  corre¬ 
spondent  “  W.  K.  W.”  recently,  has  been  very  useful  here  on  account 
of  its  long  standing  before  running  to  seed.  Its  colour,  too,  causes  it 
to  be  looked  upon  by  those  unacquainted  with  it  as  somewhat  of  a 
novelty,  making  an  agreeable  change  with  the  lighter  green  of  Cos 
and  Cabbage  varieties.  Hammersmith,  one  of  the  most  reliable  for 
winter  work,  “  bolted  ”  every  plant  under  the  tropical  sun  we  have  lately 
experienced,  though  sown  and  planted  alongside  Veitch’s  Perfect  Gem  and 
other  popular  sorts.  Sutton’s  Intermediate  is  a  good  Lettuce.  As  its  name 
implies,  it  is  intermediate  in  appearance  and  character  between  the 
Cabbage  and  Cos  varieties.  It  has  the  dark  leaves  of  the  Bath  Cos,  with 
the  dwarf  growth  and  compact  head  of  the  Cabbage.  Those  who  object 
to  the  soft  leaf  of  the  latter  section  would  find  in  this  an  intermediate 
crispness  between  the  two,  and  for  this  reason  I  am  inclined  to  the  belief 
that  it  will  become  popular.  It  has  been  the  favourite  of  all  the  sorts 
grown  in  these  gardens  this  summer.  The  Celery  ridge  usually  furnish  the 
finest  Lettuce  of  the  season,  but  it  has  not  done  so  in  our  case  this 
year ;  the  best  we  have  had  was  from  firm  undug  ground  on  which 
Strawberries  were  planted  late  last  autumn  in  one  instance,  and 
another  in  which  a  crop  of  Broccoli  was  grown  last  year,  and  the 
ground  left  undug  for  planting  the  same  crop  again  this  summer. 

The  Lettuce  seeds  were  sown  in  the  intermediary  spaces  in  the  spring, 
and  the  Broccoli  plants  put  out  in  their  places  when  they  were  ready  before 
the  Lettuces  were  cleared  off.  We  were  cutting  some  very  fine  heads 
from  this  firm  ground  when  in  many  gardens  they  refused  to  grow  at 
all,  consequent  on  the  severe  drought.  Veitch’s  Perfect  Gem  has  done 
splendidly,  and  is  a  valuable  and  distinct  summer  variety,  and  from 
what  I  saw  of  it  last  spring  in  a  neighbour’s  garden  I  should  say  it  is  a 
good  winter  sort  too. — W.  Steugnell,  Rood  Ashton  Gardens, 


LILIUM  HENRYI. 

Although  this  beautiful  Lilium  has  been  grown  at  the  Royal 
Gardens,  Kew,  for  the  past  three  or  four  years,  it  has  not  yet  found  its 
way  into  many  private  establishments.  Being  now  in  commerce,  how¬ 
ever,  it  will  no  doubt  be  quickly  distributed,  for  the  distinctiveness  of 
the  flower  will  render  the  species  popular.  It  is  a  charming  Lily,  and  is 
said  to  have  been  discovered  in  1888  near  Ichang  in  the  Hupeh  Province 
of  Western  China  by  Dr.  A.  Henry,  a  missionary  in  that  locality. 
Mr.  Ford,  Hong  Kong  Botanical  Gardens,  sent  bulbs  of  it  to  Kew,  and 
these  flowered  in  August,  1889.  Bulbs  have  been  planted  out  at  Kew, 
and  they  are  now  flowering  profusely,  the  spikes  varying  from 
4  to  6  feet  or  more  in  height,  and  carrying  upwards  of  a  dozen  flowers 
each. 

As  will  be  seen  by  the  illustration  (fig  28),  which  has  been  prepared 
from  a  bloom  kindly  supplied  by  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale  Farm  Nursery, 
Tottenham,  the  flower  resembles  that  of  L.  lancifolium  in  shape,  but 
differs  considerably  in  colour,  being  of  a  rich  orange  yellow  shade 
marked  with  crimson.  It  is  a  vigorous  growing  species,  and  is  now 


flowering  freely  in  Mr.  Ware’s  nursery,  where,  we  believe,  it  has  proved 
quite  hardy.  By  referring  to  the  report  of  the  Exhibition  held  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  the  Agricultural  Hall 
this  week,  it  will  be  seen  that  a  first-class  certificate  has  been  awarded 
for  this  grand  Lilium.  _ 

ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

GREAT  SHOW  AT  THE  AGRICULTURAL  HALL. 

August  29th,  30th,  31st,  and  Sept.  1st. 

The  frequent  references  to  the  great  Exhibition  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  at  Islington  have  proved  the  interest  which  the 
event  has  excited  in  the  floral  world.  It  has  been  approved  and  con¬ 
demned,  voted  too  long,  and  fixed  for  the  wrong  place,  and  in  other  ways 
criticised,  but  withal  it  has  taken  hold  of  people’s  attention.  We  do 
not  know  particulars  of  the  arrangement  which  the  two  Societies  have 
made  in  connection  with  the  Show,  but  at  least  it  must  be  admitted 
that  the  R.H.S.  has  done  its  share  of  the  work  well,  for  a  great  and 
varied  Exhibition  has  been  arranged  which  merits  the  support  of  the 
public.  There  was  a  magnificent  display  of  fruit,  perhaps  the  best  which 
has  been  got  together  in  London  of  recent  years,  and  that  in  itself  should 
prove  a  great  attraction.  The  leading  growers,  both  amateur  and  pro¬ 
fessional,  have  acquitted  themselves  nobly,  and  when  such  leading 
cultivators  as  Messrs.  Bunyard,  Cheal,  Paul,  Rivers,  Veitch,  Woodward, 


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[  August  31,  1893. 


aad  others  are  doing  their  best  the  display  is  no  mediocre  one.  Then 
there  was  a  wonderful  display  of  cut  flowers — one  of  the  finest  ever  seen — 
Roses,  Gladioli,  and  Dahlias  being  the  three  chief  features,  and  most  of 
the  leading  growers  were  represented  by  them.  Groups  of  plants  made 
grand  banks  in  the  centre  of  the  Great  Hall,  but  imposing  though  they 
were  it  is  doubtful  if  these  are  not  relatively  the  least  striking  feature  of 
the  Exhibition.  They  were  dwarfed  by  the  great  altitude  of  the  building, 
but  had  they  been  a  little  elevated  a  superb  effect  would  have  been 
produced. 

There  was  only  a  small  attendance  in  the  early  portion  of  the 
opening  day,  but  we  hope  to  be  able  to  record  in  due  course  a  success  as 
great  from  the  financial  as  it  undoubtedly  is  from  an  artistic  point  of 
view.  While  it  is  a  pleasure  to  note  so  much  that  is  good,  we  must  not 
overlook  one  or  two  oversights,  especially  as  we  are  authoritatively 
informed  that  the  Council  enjoy  fair  criticism.  One  mistake — we  will 
call  it  a  printer’s — fixed  the  time  for  judging  at  one  o’clock,  whereas  it 
ought  to  have  been  finished  then,  and  it  naturally  caused  delay  and  con¬ 
fusion  in  staging.  The  1  o’clock  was  no  doubt  intended  for  11 
o’clock,  so  firstly  by  the  misplacement  of  a  comma  (referred  to  in 
another  place),  and  then  the  omission  of  a  “  1,”  a  check  was  experienced, 
but  all  went  smoothly  in  the  end.  The  second  oversight  was  in 
omitting  to  send  reporters’  tickets,  at  least  to  this  office,  and  we  wonder 
how  the  authorities  thought  our  three  reporters  could  pass  the  closely 
guarded  barriers  to  let  the  world  have  a  record  of  this,  the  last  and  best 
work  up  to  date  of  the  R.H.S.  However,  reporters  are  proverbially 
men  of  resource,  and  the  following  is  the  result  of  their  endeavours.  The 
luncheon,  however,  beat  them,  though  the  scribes  belonging  to  ordinary 
(not  horticultural)  newspapers  found  admittance  to  the  tables.  Perhaps 
the  Agricultural  Hall  Company  were  responsible  for  the  ticket  arrange¬ 
ments,  and  they  were  not  like  the  Show  itself — a  success. 

Fruit. 

A  detachment  from  the  Fruit  Committee,  headed  by  Dr.  Hogg,  was 
told  off  to  inspect  the  large  contributions  arranged  in  the  body  of  the 
hall,  such  as  those  of  Messrs.  Bunyard,  Cheal,  Rivers,  Veitch,  and  others, 
and  splendid  they  were,  a  reserve  being  arranged  for  the  table  for  the 
examination  of  new  products  under  the  superintendence  of  the  genial 
Chairman,  Mr.  Phillip  Crowley.  The  table  men,  in  addition  to  the 
Chairman,  were,  so  far  as  can  be  remembered,  Messrs.  T.  F.  Rivers, 
F.  Q.  Lane,  J.  Hudson,  J.  Cheal,  G.  Reynolds,  A.  J.  Laing,  A.  Young,  and 
J.  Wright.  The  flying  contingent,  besides  the  Doctor,  were  Messrs. 
Taber,  H.  J.  Pearson,  H.  Balderson,  G.  W.  Cummins,  A.  Dean,  and 
W.  H.  Divers,  and  both  divisions  had  plenty  to  do.  The  first  products 
placed  on  the  table  were  from  Mr.  Owen  Thomas,  from  the  Royal 
Gardens,  Frogmore,  who  sent  a  white  Melon  raised  from  Frogmore 
Seedling  and  High  Cross  Hybrid.  The  seedling  was  handsome,  juicy, 
and  refreshing,  but  wanting  in  flavour.  Another  Melon  from  Frogmore 
named  Cambrian  was  similar  in  character,  but  with  a  distinct  aroma. 
Several  fine  fruits  of  Frogmore  Seedling  were  sent  by  Mr.  Thomas,  and 
a  vote  of  thanks  was  awarded.  Mr.  Llewellyn  Hughes  sent  a  dish  of 
splendid  fruits  of  Lord  Sufifield  Apple  grown  in  a  small  back  garden  in 
populous  Islington,  far  superior  to  fruits  that  were  grown  in  the  country 
twenty  years  ago.  We  are  advancing,  and  a  cultural  commenda¬ 
tion  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Hughes.  A  new  Melon  was  sent  by  E.  Hart, 
Esq.,  Fairlawn,  Totteridge,  Herts  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Smith).  It  is  a 
closely  netted  fruit  raised  from  Countess  and  Syon  House  ;  good,  but  not 
quite  good  enough  for  a  certificate.  Mr.  E.  Gilman,  gardener  to  the 
Earl  of  Shrewsbury,  sent  six  Melons — Pride  of  Ingestrie,  the  result  of 
a  cross  between  Colston  Bassett  and  Syon  House  ;  fruits  handsome, 
juicy,  sweet,  and  refreshing,  but  not  equal  to  existing  varieties,  and  no 
award  was  made. 

Mr.  W.  H.  Divers  sent  a  seedling  Peach  Late  Crimson,  raised  from 
Byron  Nectarine,  fruit  fine  and  very  heavy,  said  to  ripen  after  Sea  Eagle. 
Mr.  Divers  was  requested  to  send  six  fruits  another  year,  and  so  comply 
with  the  conditions,  which  he  was  unable  to  do  on  the  present  occasion. 
Messrs.  R.  Veitch  &  Son  sent  from  Exeter  fruits  of  the  Late  Devonian 
Peach,  the  result  of  a  cross  between  Belle  de  Vitry  and  Late  Admirable. 
They  were  sent  to  show  the  high  colour  of  the  variety,  and  ripe  samples 
are  expected  to  be  sent  to  a  subsequent  meeting.  Mr.  Miller,  gardener 
to  Lord  Foley,  Ruxley  Lodge,  Esher,  sent  fine  fruits  of  Barrington  and 
Chancellor  Peaches,  but  they  were  not  ripe  (vote  of  thanks). 

Mr.  John  Allsop,  The  Gardens,  Dalton  Hall,  Hull,  sent  a  dish  of 
Tomatoes  Allsop’s  Elected.  A  splendid  cluster  was  exhibited,  and 
handsome  individual  fruits.  Recommended  to  be  tried  at  Chiswick. 
Messrs.  James  Carter  &  Co.  sent  dishes  of  the  Duke  of  York  Tomato, 
very  fine  fruits.  A  beautiful  dish  of  Blenheim  Orange  was  also  sent 
by  Messrs.  Carter,  and  a  vote  of  thanks  accorded.  Messrs.  Collins 
Brothers  sent  a  plant  of  the  Challenger  Tomato  bearing  fine  fruits.  Vote 
of  thanks,  the  variety  having  been  previously  certificated.  Mr.  Joseph 
Fitt,  The  Gardens,  Malshanger  Park,  sent  two  fine  clusters  of  the  Lady’s 
Finger  Banana,  and  a  cultural  commendation  was  awarded. 

Mr.  J.  Hudson  sent  from  Gunnersbury  House  neat  bunches  of  Lady 
Hutt  (round  white),  and  Appley  Towers  (black)  cut  from  Vines  grown 
on  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria  ;  also  Gros  Maroc  from  a  Foster’s  Seedling 
stock  for  representing  improvement  in  flavour  ;  but  as  no  fruit  from  a 
Vine  on  its  own  roots  was  sent  for  comparison,  no  opinion  was  expressed, 
but  a  vote  of  thanks  awarded.  Mr.  Francis  Calver,  Ludlow,  sent  a  dish 
of  smal  .yellow  dessert  Apples,  ripe,  tender,  of  fair  quality  and  useful 


as  ripening  at  the  present  season.  The  variety  was  not  named  (vote  of 
thanks). 

A  seedling  Potato,iGeorge  Dickson,  was  sent  by  Mr.  H.  Mackerbeth, 
Ulverstone ;  tubers  round,  roughly  skinned,  and  of  excellent  shape  ; 
recommended  to  be  grown  at  Chiswick,  as  the  produce  was  much 
admired.  A  similar  recommendation  was  made  in  respect  to  a  new 
Kidney  Potato,  named  Barton  Court  Perfection,  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  Magnum  Bonum  and  Snowdrop  ;  beautiful  shaped  tubers,  sent 
by  Mr.  Wm.  Young,  Barton  Court  Gardens,  Kintbury. 

Mr.  William  Trotter,  gardener  to  F.  Ricardo,  Esq.,  Bromeberrow 
Place,  Ledbury,  sent  two  cases  of  fruit,  grown  and  dried  at  Bromeberrow. 
Apples  and  Plums  in  different  varieties  were  represented,  also  Peas  and 
Kidney  Beans.  The  samples  were  so  good  and  suggestive  that  a  silver 
medal  was  unanimously  recommended.  Mr.  J.  Clarke,  Albion  Nursery, 
Farnham,  sent  upwards  of  thirty  bunches  of  Grapes  in  seven  varieties, 
grown  without  fire  heat,  not  large  but  good  and  well  finished,  and  a 
small  silver  medal  was  recommended  for  them. 

Dr.  P.  H.  Emerson,  Claringbold,  Broadstairs,  Kent,  sent  an  unusual 
and  interesting  collection  of  fruits  and  vegetables  grown  in  the  open 
air,  comprising  Sweet  Potatoes  (Convolvulus  Batatas),  Ohio  Squash, 
Brazilian  Gourd,  Yokohama  Squash,  fine  English  Codlin  Apples  (grown 
on  the  Quince  stock),  English  Coilin,  Skirret,  Hamburgh  Turnip-rooted 
Parsley,  Beurrd  Hardy  Pears,  Sweet  Mountain  Peppers,  Spanish  Mammoth 
Pepper,  Monstrous  Pepper,  Egg  Plant  (Early  Dwarf  and  Long  Purple), 
Sandwich  Island  Salsify,  Lima  Bean,  Ground  Nuts  (Arachis  hypogsea), 
Pe.  Tsai  (Brassica  sinensis  var.).  A  bronze  medal  was  unanimously 
recommended,  and  the  Chinese  Cabbage,  which  is  said  to  be  very  hardy, 
and  somewhat  like  Spinach  when  cooked,  but  more  mucilaginous, 
requested  to  be  grown  at  Chiswick. 

The  preceding  exhibits  were  examined  at  the  Committee  table  ;  the 
following  arranged  in  the  body  of  the  hall,  and  here,  it  must  be  said, 
that  the  display  of  fruit  by  the  leading  nurserymen  was  magnificent, 
trees  in  pots  bearing  splendid  dishes,  forming  an  appropriate  and  effec¬ 
tive  background  to  the  dishes  and  baskets  in  front. 

Messrs.  T.  F.  Rivers  &  Son  had  splendid  Peach  and  Pear  trees  in  pots 
bearing  fruit  of  the  first  size  and  tempting  in  quality.  The  prominent 
Peaches,  Sea  Eagle,  Albatross,  Princess  of  Wales,  Osprey,  and  unnamed 
seedlings  were  all  very  fine,  as  were  the  Pears  Labrun,  Louise  Bonne 
of  Jersey,  Souvenir  du  Congr^s,  Conference,  and  Marie  Louise  d’Uccle. 
The  valuable  Monarch  Plum  was  represented  by  heavily  laden  trees  in 
pots  and  splendid  fruit  in  boxes— a  Plum  with  a  future,  as  ripening 
when  the  “  glut”  is  over.  Pigs  in  pots  were  well  shown,  and  what  may 
be  termed  a  hedge  of  fruiting  Vines  had  an  imposing  effect.  A  gold 
medal  was  recommended  for  this  splendid  collection. 

Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons  had  heavily  laden  Apples  and  Pears  in  pots, 
the  fruit  being  fine  and  admirably  coloured.  Two  years  old  Bismarck 
Apples  were  laden  with  fruit ;  still  finer  were  many  of  the  specimens 
shown  in  baskets  and  dishes,  all  the  leading  varieties  being  admirably 
represented,  such  as  Alexander,  Gascoigne’s  Seedling,  Frogmore  Prolific, 
Bismarck,  Worcester  Pearmain,  Lady  Sudeley,  Flower  of  Kent,  MSre  de 
Manage,  Cellini,  The  Queen,  and  others,  all  speckless  and  in  beautiful 
colour.  Pears  were  also  excellently  represented  (silver-gilt  Knightian 
medal).  Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons  had  an  extensive  and  imposing 
display  of  Apples,  Pears,  and  Plums,  with  a  central  group  of  Figs  and 
Peaches  in  pots.  Some  of  the  finest  Apples  were  Seaton  House, 
Winter  Hawthornden,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  Frogmore  Prolific,  Stirling 
Castle,  Gascoigne’s  Seedling.  Of  Plums,  Grand  Duke,  Autumn  Compote, 
Belle  de  Septembre,  Monarch,  Coe’s  Golden  Drop,  Late  Transparent 
Gage,  Bryanston  Gage,  and  Decaisne,  attracted  attention  by  their  size 
and  colour.  Raspberries  and  Cherries  were  also  included  in  this  fine 
collection  (silver-gilt  Knightian  medal). 

Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.  had  a  splendid  (xhibit  of  fruit  and  fruit 
trees,  its  interest  lying  as  much  in  its  great  diversity  as  in  its  quality. 
There  were  trained  trees  of  nearly  all  kinds,  such  as  espaliers  ready 
for  furnishing  fences  or  walls,  cordons,  fans,  pyramids,  amateurs’ 
standards  fruiting  up  the  stem  and  forming  good  heads,  the  kinds 
represented  in  fruit  being  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  Apples,  Pears, 
Grapes,  Plums,  and  Figs.  Such  an  exhibit  as  this  must  be  full  of 
interest  to  the  public  and  not  without  instruction.  There  were  about 
sixty  trees  in  all.  The  Maidstone  firm  also  had  a  splendid  display 
of  gathered  fruit,  comprising  about  120  dishes,  thirty-six  baskets, 
and  seven  stands  (Grapes).  Amongst  the  finest  of  the  Apples  were 
Duchess  of  Oldenburg,  Lord  Suffield,  Annie  Elizabeth,  Cellini,  Lord 
Grosvenor,  Potts’  Seedling,  Stone’s,  Lady  Sudeley,  The  Queen,  Wor¬ 
cester  Pearmain,  Stirling  Castle,  and  Grenadier.  Pears — Dr.  Jules 
Guyot,  and  Williams’  Bon  Chrfitien.  Plums— Cox’s  Emperor,  and 
Monarch.  The  Nuts  are  also  worthy  of  mention.  The  Prolific  Filbert 
was  shown  in  large  clusters  quite  ripe,  and  a  large  and  splendid 
variety  likely  to  become  very  popular  is  Bergere.  About  fourteen 
varieties  of  Strawberries  were  shown,  some  in  planting  pots  and  others 
potted  off  (silver  gilt  Knightian  medal,  and  it  ought  to  be  a  large  one). 

Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  had  a  large  display  of 
Apples,  Pears  and  Plums,  the  produce  being  of  their  usual  high  quality. 
They  also  had  some  splendid  trees  in  pots  (silver-gilt  Knightian). 

The  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company  (Cranston’s)  sent  100  dishes 
of  Apples,  large  in  size  and  well  coloured,  some  of  the  best  being 
Seigende  Reinette,  Lord  Suffield,  Tom  Putt,  Lord  Grosvenor,  King  of 
the  Pippins,  and  Potts’  Seedling.  Mr.  Bythway  had  forty-five  dishes  of 
Apples  and  two  baskets,  some  of  his  varieties  being  very  good  indeed, 
notably  Bramley’s  Seedling,  Tom  Putt,  Tower  of  Glamis,  Mfere  de 
Manage,  The  Queen,  and  Ribston  (silver  Knightian).  Messrs.  Spooner 


August  31,  1S93,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


193 


and  Sons  had  ninety-five  dishes  and  baskets,  but  they  were  in  two  parts, 
otherwise  would  have  looked  more  effective.  The  fruit  was  not  note¬ 
worthy  for  size,  but  was  clear,  and  well  coloured  (silver  Knightian). 
Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons  sent  fifty  dishes  of  well-coloured  Apples  and 
Pears  (silver  Knightian). 

Competitive  Classes. — The  misplacement  of  a  comma  caused  some  to 
wonder  what  was  wanted  in  the  first  of  the  fruit  classes.  The  schedule 
read,  “  Twelve  distinct  kinds,  black  and  white  Grapes,  admissible.” 
This  was  thought  to  refer  to  twelve  kinds  of  Grapes,  black  and  white,  but 
a  very  little  reflection  should  have  sufficed  to  show  that  twelve  kinds  of 
fruit,  black  and  white  Grapes  admissible,  was  meant.  There  was  some 
delay  in  judging  this,  so  we  may  take  the  second  class  first.  This  was 
for  six  distinct  kinds,  black  and  white  Grapes  admissible,  as  before.  Mr. 
Ocock  won  with  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Alicante,  Elruge  Nectarine, 
Cox’s  Golden  Gem  Melon,  Osprey  Peach,  and  Williams’  Bon  Chretien 
Pear,  altogether  a  very  good  display.  Mr.  Masterson  was  a  good  second, 
but  weakened  by  moderate  black  Grapes,  and  Mr.  Wallis  third. 

Mr.  McTndoe,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  W.  Pease,  Bart,,  M.P.,  Hutton  Hall, 
Guisboro’,  was  the  only  exhibitor  of  twelve  kinds,  and  it  was  hardly  up 
to  his  best  condition.  He  had  fair  Gros  Guillaume  and  Buckland 
Sweetwater  Grapes,  Negro  Largo  Figs,  Moorpark  Apricots,  Pineapple 
Nectarines.  Exquisite  Peaches,  Beurr6  d’Amanlis  Pears,  Magnum  Bonum 
Melon,  Jefferson’s  Plums,  Ribston  Pippin  Apple,  Morello  Cherries,  and  a 
fair  Pine.  The  second  prize  was  awarded. 

Grapes  were  excellently  but  not  extensively  shown.  The  first  of  the 
classes  was  for  three  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  the  principal 
prize  being  a  silver  cup  presented  by  the  Turner  Memorial  Trustees. 
This  was  secured  by  Mr.  Reynolds,  gardener  to  the  Messrs,  de  Rothschild, 
Gunnersbury  Park,  Acton,  with  large  and  splendidly  coloured  clusters. 
Mr.  Winter,  gardener  to  W.  Maw,  Esq.,  Walk  House,  Barrow-on- 
Humber,  was  second  with  bunches  of  a  very  similar  character,  but  a 
trifle  smaller  ;  while  Messrs.  Tidy  of  Stanmore,  and  Jordon  of  Holdenby 
House  Gardens,  were  equal  third.  There  were  three  other  stands.  A 
similar  prize  was  offered  for  Black  Hamburgh,  and  this  cup  was  carried 
off  by  Mr.  Elphinstone,  gardener  to  E.  M.  Mundy,  Esq.,  Shipley  Hall, 
Derby,  whose  bunches  were  very  fine  in  berry  and  splendidly  coloured. 
Mr.  Reynolds  was  second,  his  berries  being  smaller  than  those  of  Mr. 
Elphinstone  ;  and  Mr.  Messenger  was  third.  Three  others  competed.  Mr. 
Reynolds  had  the  best  three  bunches  of  any  other  white,  Buckland  Sweet¬ 
water,  perfectly  coloured  and  fine  in  berry,  securing  him  the  first  prize. 
Mr.  Osman,  gardener  to  L.  J.  Baker,  Esq.,  Ottershaw  Park,  Chertsey, 
was  second  with  Mrs.  Pearson.  Mr.  S.  T.  Wright,  gardener  to  0.  Lee 
Campbell,  Esq.,  Glewston  Court,  Ross,  had  some  magnificent  6-lb. 
bunches  of  Alicante  in  the  class  for  any  other  black  Grapes,  and  won 
somewhat  easily  ;  but  Mr.  Howe,  gardener  to  H.  Tate,  Esq  ,  Park  Hill, 
Streatham,  showed  the  same  variety  very  finely,  and  was  a  most  credit¬ 
able  second  ;  Mr.  Reynolds  being  third  with  good  Gros  Maroc. 

There  was  one  other  class  for  Grapes,  this  calling  for  sixteen  bunches 
in  eight  varieties,  and  some  splendid  fruit  was  staged  in  it.  Mr. 
Reynolds  had  a  grand  collection,  his  bunches  being  well  coloured 
throughout,  and  the  berries  very  fine.  He  had  Chasselas  Napoleon, 
Madresfield  Court,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Black  Hamburgh,  enormous 
bunches  of  Trebbiano,  Alicante,  Mrs.  Pearson,  and  Gros  Maroc.  Taken 
in  conjunction  with  his  other  successes,  Mr.  Reynolds  may  be  said  to 
have  scored  a  Grape  triumph.  Another  splendid  contribution  came 
from  Mr.  Bury,  gardener  to  C.  Bayer,  Esq.,  Tewkesbury  Lodge,  Forest 
Hill,  who  had  Alicante,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Gros  Guillaume,  and 
Gros  Maroc  in  very  fine  condition,  but  Trebbiano  was  not  nearly  so 
good  as  Mr.  Reynolds’s.  Mr.  Wallis  was  third,  his  Golden  Queen  being 
the  best. 

Some  splendid  Peaches  were  shown  in  the  class  for  four  dishes,  six 
fruits  to  each.  Mr.  Divers,  gardener  to  J.  T.  Hopwood,  Esq.,  Ketton 
Hall,  Stamford,  won  with  magnificent  fruit  of  Princess  of  Wales,  Bar¬ 
rington,  Prince  of  Wales,  and  Sea  Eagle.  They  were  of  great  size  and 
splendidly  coloured.  Mr.  Woodward,  Barham  Court  Gardens,  Maid¬ 
stone,  followed,  also  having  beautiful  examples.  Mr.  Mclndoe  was 
third,  and  an  extra  prize  was  deservedly  awarded  to  Mr.  Wallis, 
gardener  to  R.  Sneyd,  Esq.,  Keele  Hall,  Newcastle,  Staffs.  Mr.  Tidy 
gardener  to  W.  R.  D’Arcy,  Esq.,  Stanmore,  was  first  with  two  dishes. 
Sea  Eagle  and  Late  Admirable  representing  him.  Mr.  Ocock,  gardener 
to  Mrs.  McIntosh,  Havering  Park,  Romford,  was  second ;  and  Mr. 
Elphinstone,  Henley  Park,  Surrey,  third.  Mr.  Mclndoe  won  with  four 
dishes  of  Nectarines,  his  varieties  being  Byron,  Humboldt,  Pineapple, 
and  Spenser,  small,  but  beautifully  coloured.  Mr.  Woodward  was 
second,  and  there  was  another  competitor,  Mr.  Potter,  St.  Clere  Gardens, 
Kemsing,  who  was  perhaps  third,  but  his  card  was  not  marked.  Mr. 
Divers  appeared  to  be  the  only  exhibitor  of  two  dishes,  and  was  awarded 
the  first  prize  for  Spenser  and  Pineapple  in  excellent  order. 

Mr.  Ocock  had  the  best  pair  of  Melons,  staging  very  fine  fruits  of 
Countess  and  a  white-fleshed  seedling.  Mr.  Messenger  was  a  good 
second,  and  Mr.  Masterson,  gardener  to  the  Marchioness  of  Camperdown, 
Weston  House,  Shipston-on-Stour,  third.  With  four  dishes  of  Plums 
Mr.  Mclndoe  was  to  the  front,  winning  with  excellent  dishes  of  white 
Magnum  Bonum,  Prince  Englebert,  Jefferson,  and  Lawson’s  Golden 
Gage.  Mr.  Turton,  gardener  to  J.  Hargreaves,  Esq.,  Maiden  Erlegh,  was 
second,  and  Mr.  Messenger,  Woolverstone  Park  Gardens,  Ipswich, 
third.  Mr.  Mclndoe  was  easily  first  with  a  collection  of  Plums. 

Apples  were  extremely  good.  There  were  nine  collections  of  six 
dishes,  and  of  these  the  best  was  a  wonderful  half  dozen  from  Mr. 
Woodward,  which  easily  accounted  for  the  first  prize.  The  varieties 
were  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  Emperor  Alexander,  New  Hawthornden, 


Warner’s  King,  Lord  Suffield,  and  Washington,  all  being  of  enormous 
size,  clean,  and  finely  coloured.  Mr.  G.  Chambers,  Beech  Farm, 
Mereworth,  Maidstone,  was  second,  his  Cox’s  Pomona  being  full  of 
colour,  and  the  other  varieties  were  very  good.  Mr.  Turton,  Maiden 
Erleigh,  Reading,  and  Mr.  Prinsep,  gardener  to  Viscountess  Folkestone, 
Buxted  Park,  Sussex,  were  equal  third.  Thiee  dishes  of  Pears  were 
asked  for,  and  with  these  Mr.  Gibson,  gardener  to  Earl  Cowley,  Draycott 
House,  Chippenham,  was  victorious,  his  varieties  being  Beurr^  Clairgeau, 
Duchesse  d’Angouleme,  and  Pitmaston  Duchess  of  great  size.  Mr. 
Woodward  was  second.  Messrs.  Masterson  and  another,  whose  card  was 
unmarked,  equal  third. 

Mr.  Watkins’  prizes  for  a  collection  of  hardy  fruit  was  carried  off  by 
Messrs.  Woodward  and  Mclndoe,  both  having  excellent  displays.  The 
former’s  first-prize  stand  was  strengthened  by  some  very  good  Peaches, 
which  were  lacking  in  the  Yorkshire  grower’s  collection.  He  also  had 
some  splendid  Apples,  Pears,  and  Plums.  Mr.  Mclndoe  had  Apples, 
Pears,  Cherries,  Plums,  Gooseberries,  Apricots,  Nuts,  and  Red  Currants 
— a  good  and  varied  exhibit. 

The  first  prize  for  a  collection  of  Apples  went  to  Messrs.  Bunyard 
and  Sons,  who  had  a  large  and  very  varied  collection  of  high-class 
fruit,  the  produce  being  large,  clean,  and  well  coloured,  speaking 
volumes  for  the  Maidstone  soil,  air,  and  culture.  The  English  Fruit 
and  Rose  Company  were  second  in  this  class.  Mr.  Woodward  secured 
the  first  of  Messrs.  Bunyard  &  Co.’s  prizes  for  three  duhes  of  dessert 
Apples  with  Ribston,  Washington,  and  Lady  Sudeley,  beautifully 
coloured,  and  the  first  for  three  dishes  of  culinary  varieties  with  Peaa- 
good’s  Nonesuch,  Stone’s  and  Warner’s  King,  the  minor  awards  going 
to  Messrs.  Chambers  and  Turton. 

Messrs.  Bunyard  &  Co.  appeared  to  be  the  only  exhibitors  of  orchard 
house  trees,  and  were  awarded  the  first  prize  for  healthy,  well-trained 
specimens,  carrying  excellent  fruit.  Mr.  Mclndoe  won  with  orchard 
grown  fruit,  Mr.  Potter  being  second,  and  Mr.  Nicholson,  gardener  to 
J.  W.  Melles,  Esq..  Sewardstone  Lodge,  Chingford,  third. 

Vegetables. 

There  were  nine  vegetable  classes,  the  first  of  them  being  for  a 
colloction  of  twelve  distinct  kinds  arranged  in  baskets  or  “  rounds,”  the 
first  prize  being  the  Turner  Memorial  cup,  value  £5.  Mr.  Waite, 
gardener  to  Colonel  Talbot,  Glenhurst,  Esher,  won  with  some  grand 
produce.  His  imposing  basket  was  made  up  of  Carter’s  Autumn 
Mammoth  Cauliflower,  Satisfaction  Potato,  Globe  Artichokes,  Silver  Ball 
Turnip,  Intermediate  Carrot,  Glenhurst  Favourite  Tomato,  Ailsa  Craig 
Onion,  Veitch’s  Early  Rose  Celery,  Pragnell’s  Beet,  Student  Parsnip, 
Ne  Plus  Ultra  Runners,  and  Dobbie’s  Champion  Leeks.  Mr.  Wilkins, 
gardener  to  Lady  Theodore  Guest,  Inwooi  House,  Henstridge,  was 
second  also  with  grand  produce,  his  Ailsa  Craig  Onions  and  Intermediate 
Carrot  being  particularly  fine.  Mr.  Watson  third.  Only  one  competed 
with  six  kinds,  namely  Mr.  Payne,  gardener  to  W.  A.  South,  Esq., 
Neasdon,  and  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  him,  a  generous  decision. 
The  first  of  Messrs.  Carter’s  prizes  went  to  Mr.  Waite  for  a  very  fine 
basket  of  the  Holborn  firm’s  excellent  specialities,  and  the  second  to 
Mr.  Payne.  Mr.  Chopping,  Periwinkle  Mills,  Sittingbourne,  was  first 
for  Messrs.  Carter’s  prize  for  Potatoes,  showing  six,  excellent  dishes. 
This  amateur  is  an  admirable  grower  of  Potatoes.  Mr.  Waite  was 
second.  Mr.  Chopping  also  won  the  Turner  Mem  rial  cup  for  twelve 
dishes  of  Potatoes,  exhibiting  some  magnificent  tubers.  Mr.  Waite  was 
second,  and  Mr.  W.  Young,  Barton  Court  Gardens,  Kintbury  was  third. 
Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons  and  Mr.  Wilkins  had  very  fine  collections  of 
Onions  not  for  competition,  for  which  silver  medals  were  recommended. 

Mr.  Waite  won  with  Salads,  and  was  second  with  Onions,  being 
defeated  in  this  class  by  Mr.  Wilkins,  whose  produce  was  larger  but 
less  handsome  than  Mr.  Waite’s.  Mr.  Wilkin?  had  Lord  Keeper  and 
Mr.  Waite  Ailsa  Craig.  Mr.  Howe  won  with  three  dishes  of  Tomatoes, 
having  very  good  dishes  of  Lady  Bird,  Silver’s  Invincible,  and  Per¬ 
fection.  Mr.  Ryder  was  second,  and  Mr.  Tidy  third.  Messrs. 
Dobbie  &  Co.  offered  prizes  for  their  fine  Leek  Champion,  and  some 
splendid  produce  was  shown.  Mr.  D.  Gibson,  gardener  to  C.  R.  Dubs, 
Esq.,  was  first,  Mr.  R.  Watson  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Findlay  third. 
Messrs.  Dobbie  exhibited  some  grand  specimens  of  the  Leek  themselves, 
and  also  of  their  other  specialities.  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.  exhibited  a 
large  and  handsome  Tomato  named  Duke  of  York,  also  their  well- 
known  Blenheim  Orange. 

Plants  and  Cut  Flowers. 

This  section  comprised  the  bulk  of  the  exhibits,  and  the  following 
members  of  the  Floral  Committee  made  the  awards  in  the  miscellaneous 
division.  Messrs.  G.  Paul,  C.  T.  Druery,  T.  D.  Pawle,  W.  H.  Williams, 
C.  E.  Pearson,  R.  Owen,  C.  Jeffries,  W.  Bain,  G.  Stevens,  R.  Dean, 
J.  H.  Fitt,  Thomas  Godfrey,  R.  B.  Lowe,  C.  J.  Salter,  J.  Jennings, 
H.  Turner  and  Frank  Ross. 

Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Albert  Nurseries,  Peckham  Rye, 
and  Fleet,  Hants,  had  a  large  group  of  miscellaneous  plants,  arranged 
in  an  effective  manner.  The  background  was  composed  of  large  Palms, 
and  the  front  portion  being  principally  Crotons,  Dracmnas,  Coleus, 
Maidenhair  Ferns,  Conifers  of  various  kinds,  and  Liliums  (silver-gilt 
Flora  medal).  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate  Nurseries,  N.,  also 
contributed  a  group  of  ornamental  foliage  and  flowering  plants, 
including  large  Palms,  Liliums,  Dracaenas,  Carnations,  Bouvardias, 
Dracsenas,  and  Ciotons,  the  whole  being  put  together  in  a  charming 
manner  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough, 
staged  a  splendid  group  of  Liliums  and  Hydrangeas,  amongst  which 
were  a  few  Palms.  This  group  made  an  imposing  appearance,  and  was 
much  admired  by  visitors  (silver  Banksian  medal).  A  solid-looking 


194 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  31,  1893. 


mound  of  Pompon  Dahlias,  tuberous  Begonias,  Adiantums,  and  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  was  arranged  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones,  Rycroft  Nursery, 
Lewisham.  Amongst  the  Zonal  Pelargoniums  the  “nearest  blue” 
variety,  Mrs.  W.  Wright,  was  most  conspicuous.  This  is  a  showy 
Zonal  with  large  trusses  of  bloom  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  J. 
Hudson,  gardener  to  Messrs .  de  Rothschild,  Gunnersbury  House,  Acton, 
exhibited  in  this  section,  as  well  as  in  the  competitive  classes,  a  number 
of  trained  scented-leaved  Pelargoniums.  Two  plants  of  the  old  Radula, 
trained  like  a  fan,  were  most  attractive,  and  some  standard  Aloysia 
citriodora  commanded  attention  (silver  Flora  medal).  A  large  collection 
of  exotic  and  native  Ferns  from  Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Birkenhead,  Sale, 
Manchester,  formed  quite  a  feature  in  the  Show,  there  being  most  of  the 
leading  and  choice  varieties  represented.  Conspicuous  amongst  others 
in  this  contribution  were  the  beautiful  Athyrium  f.-f.  kalothrix, 
Adiantum  Hodgkinsoni,  Davallia  fijiensis  elegans,  Lygodium  dicho- 
tomum,  Adiantum  tenerum  roseum,  Microlepia  hirta  cristata,  Pteris 
nobile,  and  Polystichum  acrostichoides  lobatum,  the  last-named  being 
a  new  hardy  Fern  (silver  Flora  medal) . 

Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  Victoria  and  Paradise  Nurseries,  Upper 
Holloway,  arranged  a  large  oval-shaped  group  of  foliage  plants  in  the 
centre  of  the  hall.  Amongst  others  in  this  collection  were  splendid 
Tree  Ferns  and  Palms  12  or  15  feet  in  height,  Alocasias,  Dracaenas, 
ornamental  foliage  Begonias,  and  some  fine  specimens  of  the  varie¬ 
gated  Indiarubber  Plant  (Ficus  elastica  variegata).  A  few  plants  of 
Nepenthes  and  Orchids  in  fiower  were  placed  on  pedestals,  these 
adding  variety  and  attractiveness  to  the  group  (silver -gilt  Flora 
medal).  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Son  had,  amongst  other  things,  a  choice 
collection  of  Cacti  and  succulent  plants,  amongst  which  the  Prickly 
Pear  (Opuntia  monocantha)  was  in  fruit.  Agave  Victoria  Regina, 
Bchinocactus  in  variety,  and  numerous  others.  Blooms  of  Cactus 
Dahlias  were  shown  with  the  plants  referred  to  (silver  Banksian  medal). 
A  remarkably  fine  group  of  Palms  of  huge  size,  interspersed  with 
Tuberoses,  Dracaenas,  Crotons,  and  Ferns  was  arranged  by  Mr. 
P.  McArthur,  4,  Maida  Vale.  A  plant  of  Cypripedium  Harrisonium 
superbum  was  noticeable  in  this  contribution,  one  of  the  fiowers  being 
exceptionally  fine.  Other  Orchids,  including  Oncidium  crispum  and 
Catasetum  macrocarpum  were  also  conspicuous  in  the  group  (silver 
Flora  medal).  Mr.  A.  Waterer,  Knap  Hill,  Woking,  had  specimens  of 
the  Colorado  Blue  Spruce  (Picea  pungens  argentea),  and  one  of  P.  p. 
glauca,  both  varieties  being  very  showy  (bronze  Banksian  medal). 
Messrs.  Hurst  &  Son,  152,  Houndsditch,  London,  sent  half  a  dozen 
plants  of  a  new  crested  Golden  Feather  under  the  name  of  Pyrethrum 
aureum  cristatum,  but  no  special  award  was  made.  W.  B.  Kellock, 
Esq.,  Stamford  Hill,  sent  two  seedling  Agaves  named  A.  Leopold  II.  and 
A.  univittata  marginata,  for  which  first-class  certificates  were  awarded. 
The  plants  are  described  elsewhere. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  sent  a  basket  of 
Cornus  brachypoda  variegata,  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  has  been 
awarded.  This  is  described  below.  A  certificate  was  also  adjudged  for 
Clerodendron  trichotomum,  which  was  likewise  shown  by  Messrs.  Veitch. 
From  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer  came,  in  addition  to  the  Piceas  already 
mentioned,  a  box  of  blooms  of  Spirma  Anthony  Waterer,  and  Weigela 
Eva  Rathke,  a  late  flowering  variety,  for  which  a  first-class  certificate 
was  awarded.  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  secured  an  award  of  merit 
for  Pentstemon  Cleveland!,  which  is  described  elsewhere,  and  a  first- 
class  certificate  for  a  plant  of  Exacum  macranthum,  which  was  figured  in 
the  Journal  for  Dec.  22nd,  1892.  The  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Shirley  Vicarage, 
gained  an  award  of  merit  for  Helianthus  rigidus  Miss  Mellish,  which  is 
described  elsewhere.  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Roupell  Park  Nurseries, 
sent  a  small  group  of  Caladiums  and  some  plants  of  the  recently  intro¬ 
duced  Strobilanthes  Dyeriana  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  Wallace 
and  Co.,  St.  John  Street,  Colchester,  had  a  number  of  new  Liliums, 
including  L.  Henryi,  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded. 
This  species  is  described  and  illustrated  on  page  191  of  this  issue. 
Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Sons,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  had  a  large  group 
of  Bamboos  in  tubs,  and  some  dwarf  Cannas,  for  which  a  silver  Flora 
medal  was  recommended.  Messrs.  W.  Barron  &  Sons,  Elvaston  Nursery, 
Borrowash,  Derby,  had  a  large  collection  of  foliage  from  ornamental 
and  deciduous  trees  (bronze  Banksian  medal). 

Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttle  worth  &  Co.,  Albert  Nurseries,  Peckham  Rye, 
arranged  a  handsome  group  of  hardy  flowers  and  shrubs.  Amongst  the 
most  noticeable  flowers  in  this  stand  were  Gladioli,  Liliums,  Calliopsis 
lanceolata.  Phlox  Attraction,  Helianthus  grandiplenus,  Helenium 
autumnale,  Asters  (Michaelmas  Daisies),  and  a  bright  collection  of 
show,  fancy,  and  Cactus  Dahlias  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  A  very 
beautiful  collection  of  Gladioli  was  staged  by  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son, 
Langport,  Somerset,  the  best  of  which  are  Boston,  Herkomer,  Myers, 
Ouless,  Mills,  Ellis,  Sir  S.  Northcote,  Fiducia,  Mrs.  Langtry,  Maid  of 
Orleans,  Marquis  of  Exeter,  Ovide,  and  Mary  Anderson.  Gaillardias 
were  also  very  bright  and  showy,  the  best  being  Magenta  King,  Jas. 
Kelway,  Avail  a,  and  Raphael.  The  same  firm  also  have  a  box  of 
Dahlia  serratifolia  Duke  of  York,  Pompon  Dahlias  Darkness,  Guiding 
Star,  Dandy,  A.  F.  Barron,  Fashion,  G.  Brinckman,  and  Royalty.  Asters 
were  also  shown,  and  a  varied  collection  of  herbaceous  flowers,  including 
Eryngium  planum,  Py rethrums,  Solidago  altissima,  Cannas,  and 
Michaelmas  Daisies  (silver  Banksian  medal).  A  very  beautiful  collec¬ 
tion  of  hardy  flowers  was  staged  by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Son,  King  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  including  Lilium  lannifolium,  Helianthus,  Pent- 
stemons.  Gladioli,  Calliopsis,  Phloxes,  Colchicum  byzantium,  C.  vare- 
gatum,  Violas,  and  summer  flowering  Chrysanthemums  (silver  Banksian 
medal).  A  collection  of  hardy  flowers  and  Dahlias  was  shown  by 


Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  in  which  Gladioli,  Hyacinthus  can- 
dicans,  Tritoma  Uvaria,  Gaillardias,  Liliums,  Dahlias  (Pompon  and 
Cactus,  Lobelia  cardinalis,  Calliopsis  lanceolata  grandiflora  (exception¬ 
ally  good).  Anemone  japonica  alba  were  most  noticeable  (silver  Banksian 
medal).  Roses  were  grandly  shown  by  Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  &  Son, 
Waltham  Cross.  Particularly  good  were  Duke  of  York,  White  Lady, 
Lorna  Doone,  Corinna,  Pride  of  Waltham,  Spenser,  Grace  Darling, 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  Marie  Rady,  L’Iddal,  Comte  Henri  Reignon, 
Madame  Lausette  de  Messimy,  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Wm.  ^len 
Richardson,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Polyantha  Roses,  Madame  Pierre  Cochet, 
a  reddish  W.  A.  Richardson,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Madame  Hoste,  La 
France,  Souvenir  d’ Auguste  Legros,  Ernest  Metz,  G6n6ral  Jacqueminot, 
Ella  Gordon,  Homer,  and  Madame  Alfred  de  Rougemont  (silver  Flora 
medal).  Mr.  Reynolds,  gardener  to  the  Messrs.  Rothschild,  Gunnersbury 
Park,  Acton,  staged  a  box  of  Carnation  Mrs.  Leopold  de  Rothschild,  for 
which  he  received  an  award  of  merit  (see  below).  Messrs.  Dobbie  <k  Co., 
Rothesay,  had  a  very  large  collection  of  Dahlias  of  various  types.  Asters, 
and  Marigolds,  the  latter  being  very  fine.  A  silver  gilt  Flora  medal  was 
recommended.  Mr.  Eric  F.  Such,  Maidenhead,  had  a  collection  of 
Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  B.  Ladhams, 
Southampton,  arranged  a  group  of  Ernest  Ladhams  perpetual  flowering 
Pink,  for  which  he  has  received  an  award  of  merit. 

There  was  only  a  light  display  of  Orchids,  and  the  following  members 
of  the  Orchid  Committee  were  present  to  judge  the  exhibits : — Sir 
Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.  (Chairman),  Jas.  O’Brien,  T.  Statter,  E.  Hill, 
F.  Sander,  H.  M.  Pollett,  H.  J.  Veitch,  H.  Ballantine,  and  Dr.  Masters. 
A  beautiful  table  was  made  up  of  the  combined  contributions  of  Messrs. 
W.  L.  Lewis  &  Co.  and  Sander.  The  former  had  Cattleya  bicolor, 
C.  Gaskelliana,  Cypripedium  Roezli,  Cyp.  Bradshawianum,  Brassavola 
fragrans,  and  others  tastefully  displayed  amongst  Ferns  and  Grasses  (a 
silver  Banksian  medal  was  awarded).  Messrs.  Sander  &;  Co.  received  a 
similar  honour.  They  had  Habenaria  carnea  (first-class  certificate,  see 
below),  Aerides  Ballantineanum  aureum  (award  of  merit),  Cypripedium 
Sander-superbiens  (award  of  merit),  the  beautiful  Pescatorea 
Klabochorum,  and  other  choice  things.  T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall, 
Manchester,  sent  Cypripedium  Edwardi  (award  of  merit),  and  several 
forms  of  Cattleya  granulosa.  Mr.  Cookson  had  Cypripedium  Sander- 
superbiens  (see  page  195). 

Competitive  Classes. — Groups  of  plants  and  specimens  were  not  so 
well  represented  as  might  have  been  expected.  For  a  group  of  Palms 
and  foliage  plants  to  occupy  a  space  not  exceeding  800  square  feet,  the 
first  prize  of  £15  being  presented  by  Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttle  worth  &  Co., 
there  was  only  one  exhibitor — namely,  Mr.  H.  B.  May,  Dyson  Lane 
Nurseries,  Upper  Edmonton.  This  contribution  was  tastefully  arranged, 
the  Palms  being  of  graceful  habit,  and  not  too  thickly  disposed. 
Crotons,  Dracsenas,  Ferns  of  various  kinds,  and  Ananassa  sativa  variegata 
were  conspicuous,  and  made  a  pleasing  effect.  In  the  class  for  a  group 
of  flowering  and  foliage  plants  arranged  for  effect,  to  occupy  a  space 
not  exceeding  300  square  ieet,  Mr.  J.  Hudson,  gardener  to  Messrs. 
De  Rothschild,  Gunnersbury  Park,  Acton,  won.  The  group  arranged 
by  this  exhibitor  was  very  fine.  The  groundwork  was  composed 
of  Adiantums  and  other  Ferns,  from  which  rose  Liliums,  Crotons, 
Ixoras,  Pancratiums,  Bouvardias,  Vallotas,  and  graceful  Palms.  There 
was  only  one  firm  exhibiting  a  group  of  Liliums  in  pots,  this  being 
Messrs.  Bunting  &  Sons,  Colchester,  to  whom  the  first  prize  has  been 
awarded.  The  plants  in  this  group  were  grandly  flowered,  and  made 
an  imposing  display.  At  the  back  were  some  fine  L.  auratum  platy- 
phyllum,  then  plants  of  the  L.  lancifolium  type,  the  front  consisting  of 
L.  Batemannise  and  L.  longiflorum.  Mr.  J.  Nicholson,  gardener  to 
J.  W.  Meller,  Esq.,  Sewardstone  Lodge,  Chingford,  was  the  only  exhi¬ 
bitor  in  the  class  for  a  group  of  flowering  and  foliage  plants  to  occupy  a 
space  not  exceeding  150  square  feet.  This  was  a  creditable  arrangement, 
and  the  first  prize  was  awarded.  Palms  and  Crotons,  the  latter  highly 
coloured,  were  the  features  here. 

Specimen  plants  were  not  numerous.  For  eight  Crotons  Messrs. 
B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  were  the  only  exhibitors,  and  the  second  prize 
was  awarded.  The  plants  were  only  medium  sized  but  richly  coloured, 
especially  Disraeli,  Queen  Victoria,  Williamsi  and  Mutabilis.  For 
twelve  Coleuses,  distinct,  Mr.  J.  Nicholson  was  the  only  exhibitor.  The 
plants  were  good  specimens  and  deserved  the  first  prize  awarded.  Two 
competitors  were  forthcoming  in  the  class  for  twelve  stove  and  green¬ 
house  Ferns, — namely,  Mr.  Howe,  gardener  to  Henry  Tate,  Esq., 
Streatham  Common,  and  Mr.  P.  McArthur,  Maida  Vale.  The  first- 
named  exhibitor  proved  victorious  with  fine  specimens.  The  best 
were  Goniophlebium  subauriculatum,  Nephrolepis  ensifolia,  N. 
exaltata,  Adiantum  Williamsi,  Microlepia  hirta  cristata,  and  Dicksonia 
antarctica.  The  plants  shown  by  Mr.  McArthur  were  good  specimens. 
Mr.  Hudson  was  the  only  exhibitor  in  the  class  for  a  group  of  Pelar¬ 
goniums  of  any  class,  showing  well  trained  specimens  of  the  scented 
leaved  varieties,  for  which  the  first  prize  was  awarded.  Some  of  these 
specimens  are  very  fine,  the  best  being  Radula,  Pheasant’s  Foot,  and 
Quercifolium  minor.  No  less  than  twenty  varieties  were  shown  by 
Mr.  Hudson.  Mr.  Howe  was  placed  first  for  two  large  Palms,  showing 
Kentia  Fosteriana  and  Seaforthia  elegans  of  gigantic  size.  Messrs, 

B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  followed,  and  this  firm  also  secured  the  prizes  for 
two  large  Cycads,  and  two  Palms  in  pots  not  exceeding  10  inches,  and 
gained  the  only  prize  awarded  for  two  large  Tree  Ferns,  In  many  of  the 
classes  there  were  no  entries,  as  for  instance,  those  provided  for  a  group 
of  Tuberous  Begonias,  early  Chrysanthemums,  groups  of  China  Asters, 
Zonal  and  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums,  Cannas  and  Fuchsias. 

Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son,  Lowfield  Nurseries,  Crawley,  gained  the 


31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAOtJ  i/^/vzyi/Tv^c/v. 


J.1^0 


first  prize  for  a  collection  of  Dahlias  arranged  for  eifect,  with  one  of 
the  most  striking  exhibits  in  the  Show.  The  Dahlias  were  arranged  in 
sprays  of  six  blooms,  and  had  between  them  sprays  of  Asparagus 
plamosus,  the  combination  being  a  most  happy  one.  Amongst  the 
most  beautiful  of  the  Cactus  section  were  Delicata  (very  fine'),  Duchess 
of  York  (good),  Marchioness  of  Bute,  Lady  Primrose  (very  delicate), 
Edith  Cheal  (good  dark).  Blushing  Bride  (fine),  Honoria  (good  yellow), 
and  Countess  of  Radnor.  Singles — Duchess  of  Fife,  Miss  H.  Cameron, 
Alba  Perfecta,  Mrs.  Parrott,  Miss  Glascock,  Duchess  of  Albany,  Lady 
Montefiore.  Pompons — George  Brinckman,  Whisper  (good),  Isabel, 
B.  F.  Junker,  Darkness,  Revenge,  Tommy  Keith,  and  Martial.  Show — 
Mrs.  Gladstone,  Mrs.  Saunders,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh,  R.  T.  Rawlings,  Prince 
of  Denmark,  Mrs.  Peter  MacKenzie,  Crimson  King,  Goldfinder,  and 
Theobold.  The  second  prize  was  gained  by  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams 
and  Co.,  The  Nurseries,  Salisbury,  with  a  very  fine  stand,  in  which 
Apollo,  Bertha  Mawley,  Kaiserine,  Countess  of  Radnor,  Lady  Penzance, 
Countess  of  Gosford,  Cactus  Gloriosa,  seedling  (award  of  merit,  see 
below)  and  Daphne  were  the  most  prominent. 

For  sixty  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias,  in  not  less  than  thirty  kinds,  Mr. 
John  Walker,  Thame,  Oxon,  was  first.  The  stand  was  composed  of 
Majestic,  Prince  Bismarck,  John  Hickling,  Crimson  King,  Colonist, 
Maud  Fellowes,  Harry  Keith,  Shirley  Hibberd,  Mrs.  David  Saunders, 
J.  T.  West,  W'm.  Rawlings,  Henry  Walton,  Burgundy,  Professor  Fawcett, 
Majestic,  Arthur  Ocock,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh,  John  Walker,  Earl  of  Raven- 
worth,  Dorothy,  Mathew  Campbell,  Jas.  Cocket,  Willie  Garratt,  Prince 
Henry,  Wm.  Keith,  John  Neville  Keynes,  John  Standish,  Dr.  Moffat, 
Mrs.  Harris,  Jas.  Stephens,  Harrison  Weir,  Wm.  Powell,  Prince  of 
Denmark,  Mrs.  Jefford,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  Fred.  Smith,  John  Henshaw, 
and  Constancy.  The  second  prize  was  taken  by  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Swiss 
Nursery,  Farnham,  with  some  magnificent  flowers.  Mr.  Chas.  Turner, 
Royal  Nurseries,  Slough,  was  a  very  good  third.  Messrs.  Keynes, 
Williams  &  Co.  have  been  placed  first  for  eighteen  bunches  of 
Dahlias,  staging  in  grand  condition  Apollo,  Kaiserine,  Baron  Schroder, 
St.  Catherine,  Blaek  Prince,  Lady  Penzance  (award  of  merit,  see  below), 
Duke  of  Clarence,  Lady  Skelmersdale,  Countess  of  Pembroke,  Dawn, 
Delicata,  Countess  of  Radnor,  Bertha  Mawley,  Countess  of  Gosford, 
Chancellor  (award  of  merit,  see  below),  Miss  Violet  Morgan,  Sir  Roger, 
and  Lady  Henry  Grosvenor.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son  have  taken  the 
second  prize.  Their  stand  includes  Delicata,  Countess  of  Gosford, 
Ernest  Cheal  (award  of  merit,  see  below),  Robert  Cannell  (very  good), 
Beauty  of  Bynsford,  and  Countess  of  Radnor. 

Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  took  the  premier  award  for  eighteen 
bunches  of  Pompon  Dahlias,  distinct,  ten  blooms  in  each  bunch.  Crimson 
'Beauty,  Lady  Blanche,  Little  Jack,  Midnight,  Whisper,  Janet,  Sovereign, 
Admiration,  White  Aster,  Isabel,  Ceres,  Darkness,  Lselia,  Grace,  George 
Brinckman,  Bacchus,  and  Madge  are  the  varieties  represented  in  this 
stand.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son  were  a  very  close  second,  with  Mr.  Chas. 
Turner  a  good  third.  In  this  stand  Mr.  Turner  showed  Rowena,  for 
which  he  received  an  award  of  merit  (see  below).  For  eighteen  bunches 
of  single  Dahlias  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son  deservedly  secured  the 
leading  position  with  some  grand  blooms  of  Annie  Hughes,  The  Bride, 
James  Scobie,  Evelyn,  Lowfield  Beauty,  Yellow  Satin,  Miss  Glascock, 
Ruth,  Aurora,  Amos  Perry,  W.  C.  Harvey,  Duke  of  York,  Gulielma,  Lady 
Whitehead,  Kitty,  Formosa,  Victoria,  and  Northern  Star.  The  second 
position  was  occupied  by  Mr.  E.  F.  Such,  Maidenhead. 

In  the  amateurs’  class  for  twenty-four  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias, 
W.  Keith,  Esq.,  Cornwall*,  Brentwood  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  T.  West)  was 
first.  The  varieties  represented  in  this  exhibit  were  Harry  Keith, 
Alice  Emily,  J.  T.  West,  W.  Rawlings,  Dorothy,  E.  Britton,  Edward 
Sherman,  George  Rawlings,  John  Walker,  Nellie  Garrett,  Maud 
Fellowes,  Arthur  Rawlings,  Sunbeam,  R.  T.  Rawlings,  Burgundy, 
Prince  of  Denmark,  Frank  Pearce,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  and  some  seedlings. 
Mr.  Vagg,  gardener  to  Jas.  Theobald,  Esq.,  The  Bedfords,  Havering, 
Romford,  secured  the  second  place,  and  Mr.  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Woodford, 
Essex,  third.  For  twelve  bunches  of  Cactus  Dahlias  to  be  competed  for 
by  amateurs,  Mr.  J.  T.  West  staged  St.  Catherine,  Jos.  Chamberlain, 
Marchioness  of  Bath,  Mary  Hillier,  Harry  Freeman,  Duke  of  Clarence, 
Blanche  Keith,  Mrs.  Keith,  Glory  of  Brentwood,  Kynerith,  Charles 
Rolfe,  Robt.  Maher,  and  gained  the  first  prize ;  Mr.  J.  Gurney  Fowler 
being  second  and  Mr.  J.  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House  Gardens,  Acton, 
third.  Mr.  Maher,  gardener  to  A.  Waterhouse,  Esq.,  Yattendon  Court, 
Newbury,  received  the  second  prize  for  twelve  bunches  of  Cactus 
Dahlias  with  good  examples  of  Marchioness  of  Bute,  Robert  Maher, 
Lady  Marsham,  Honoria,  Panthea,  Juarezi,  Professor  Baldwin,  and 
Mrs.  Hawkins.  This  was  the  only  exhibit  in  this  class,  and  the  first 
prize  was  withheld.  For  twelve  bunches  of  Pompons,  Mr.  J.  T.  West 
was  placed  first  with  Eva,  Fair  Helen,  Arthur  West,  Eurydice,  Mary 
Kirk,  Achilles,  Little  Sweetheart,  Tommy  Keith,  Gipsy  and  Winifred, 
and  two  seedlings  in  magnificent  condition.  Mr.  J.  Hudson  gained  the 
second  award. 

Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  Shirley  Nurseries,  Southampton,  gained  the  first 
prize  for  a  collection  of  herbaceous  flowers,  amongst  which  the  best  were 
Scabiosa  caucasica,  Gaillardias,  Centaureas,  Campanulas,  Eryngiums, 
Perennial  Phloxes,  Anemone  japonica,  Tropaeolum  speciosum,  Malva 
moschata  alba,  and  Liatris  Pycnostachya.  Messrs.  Paul  k  Son,  the  Old 
Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  were  second ;  and  Messrs.  James  Cocker  &  Son, 
nurserymen,  Aberdeen,  third.  Mr.  G.  H.  Sage,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Dysart,  Ham  House,  Richmond,  was  first  in  the  amateurs’  class  for  a 
collection  of  herbaceous  flowers,  amongst  which  were  Gaillardias,  Statice 
speciosa.  Irises,  perennial  Phloxes,  Calliopsises,  and  Pyrethrums.  The 
Rev.  F.  Page  Roberts,  Scole  Rectory,  Norfolk,  was  second  ;  and  Miss  R. 


Debenham,  St.  Peter’s,  St.  Albans,  third.  Mr.  Hudson  was  placed  first 
for  twelve  bunches  of  herbaceous  flowers,  and  had  amongst  others 
Rudbeckia  laciniata,  R.  Newmanni,  Helenium  pumilum.  Anemone 
japonica  alba,  and  Aster  Shorti. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Paul  &  Son  secured  the  premier  position  for  a  collection 
of  twelve  bunches  of  Phloxes  in  not  less  than  nine  varieties.  Their 
stand  contained  Eugene  Dangaverillas,  Roxelane,  Caron  de  Ache, 
Wm.  Muir,  Moliere,  Amazon,  Baccile,  John  Forbes,  Granville,  Flambeau, 
Boule  de  Feu,  and  Comtesse  de  Castries.  The  second  place  was  held 
by  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son,  nurserymen,  Bedale,  Yorks.  Messrs. 
J.  Burrell  &  Sons,  Cambridge,  gained  the  premier  position  for  a  most 
beautiful  collection  of  Gladioli,  staging  many  fine  varieties,  amongst 
which  Cassandra,  Bernice,  Gertrude,  and  Orlanda  received  awards  of 
merit  (see  below).  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son,  Bedale,  were  second. 
Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Son  were  awarded  the  first  prize  for  a  collection  of 
Roses  in  pots  and  cut  blooms.  The  flowers  on  the  opening  day  were  fresh 
and  varied,  the  best  being  Marie  Van  Houtte,  La  France,  Alfred  Colomb, 
Beauty  of  Waltham,  L’Ideal,  and  Ulrich  Brunner.  Messrs.  J.  Cocker 
and  Sons,  Aberdeen,  followed  with  a  collection  of  bright  flowers,  Mr. 
B.  Mount,  Canterbury,  being  third.  Four  competitors  in  this  class. 
Mr.  Gibson,  gardener  to  T.  F.  Burnaby  Atkins,  Esq.,  Halstead  Place, 
Sevenoaks,  Kent,  was  placed  first  for  twelve  bunches  of  stove  and  green¬ 
house  flowers,  amongst  which  Allamandas,  Anthuriums,  Eucharis,  and 
Dipladenias  were  conspicuous.  Mr.  Howe,  Park  Hill,  Streatham,  was  a 
good  second,  the  flowers  in  this  stand  being  well  arranged.  The  third 
prize  went  to  Miss  R.  Debenham,  St.  Peter’s,  St.  Albans.  For  a  collection 
of  Sunflowers  and  Rudbeckias  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  <k  Co.,  Howe  House 
Nurseries,  Cambridge,  were  first  ;  Mr.  G.  H,  Sage,  gardener  to 
Earl  Dysart,  Ham  House,  Richmond,  was  second,  and  Messrs.  G.  Paul 
and  Son  third.  A.  J.  iRowberry,  Esq.,  The  Crescent,  South  Wood¬ 
ford,  secured  tbe  silver  medal  presented  by  the  London  Pansy  Society 
for  twelve  sprays  of  Violas,  and  Messrs.  J.  Cocker  &  Sons,  Aberdeen,  the 
bronze  medal. 

Certificates  and  Awards  op  Merit. 

Aerides  Ballantineanum  aureum  (F.  Sander  &  Co.). — An  East  Indian 
Aerides,  noteworthy  for  the  very  rich  colouring  of  the  side  lobes,  which 
are  very  much  deeper  than  those  of  A.  Ballantineanum,  being  rich 
butter-yellow  (award  of  merit). 

Agave  Leopold  II.  (W.  B.  Kellock,  Esq.). — This  is  a  magnificent 
plant  with  an  interesting  history.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
A.  Schidigera  princeps  and  A.  filifera,  the  latter  being  the  pollen  parent. 
It  was  raised  from  seed  sown  about  fifteen  years  ago,  one  of  the  parents 
being  much  admired  by  Her  Majesty  in  visiting  the  gardens  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  South  Kensington  at  that  period,  when 
it  was  exhibited  by  Dr.  Kellock,  The  plant  is  one  of  the  most  effective 
Agaves  we  have  seen,  the  spines  being  from  18  inches  to  2  feet  in  length, 
covered  with  white  woolly  filaments.  It  was  named  in  honour  of  the 
King  of  the  Belgians  by  permission  (first-class  certificate). 

Agave  univittata  marginata  (W.  B.  Kellock,  Esq.). — This  is  another 
seedling  raised  by  Dr.  Kellock.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
A.  Schidigera  princeps  and  A.  univittata.  The  leaves  are  deep  green 
with  a  distinct  paler  stripe  down  the  middle,  and  the  margins  are  white 
and  smooth,  wherein  it  differs  from  A.  univittata  (first-class  certificate). 

Carnation  Mrs,  Leopold  de  Rothschild  (Reynolds). — A  flesh  pink 
variety,  much  after  the  style  of  Miss  Joliffe,  but  with  somewhat  larger 
flowers  (award  of  merit). 

Cornus  hrachypoda  variegata  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — An  attractive 
shrub  with  ornamental  foliage.  The  centre  of  each  leaf  is  pale  green, 
with  a  well-defined  cream  margin  (first-class  certificate) . 

Cypripedium  Edtoardi  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — This  hybrid  is  the  result 
of  a  cross  between  C.  Veitchi  and  C.  Fairrieanum.  It  is  a  small  but 
attractively  marked  flower,  with  drooping  wavy  petals,  green  lined  with 
purple  dots,  and  margined  with  purplish  rose  ;  dorsal  sepal  greenish 
white  veined  with  chocolate  and  purplish  rose  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Sander-superhiens  (Cookson). — A  beautiful  hybrid, 
procured  by  crossing  C.  Sanderianum  and  G.  superbiens,  and  is  the 
first  Sanderianum  hybrid  yet  produced.  It  was  crossed  by  Captain 
Vipan  and  raised  from  his  seed  by  Mr.  Cookson.  The  flowers  are  very 
large,  and  are  remarkable  for  the  very  long  and  drooping  petals,  which 
are  double  the  length  of  the  lip.  They  are  pale  yellow  in  colour, 
heavily  blotched  with  chocolate,  the  lip  brownish  red,  the  pointed  dorsal 
sepal  greenish  white  with  chocolate  lines  (award  of  merit). 

Clerodendron  trichotomum  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is  a  compara¬ 
tively  well-known  hardy  shrub  from  Japan.  The  foliage  is  large,  of  a 
deep  green  colour,  the  flowers  being  white  with  a  purplish  calyx 
(first-class  certificate). 

Dahlia  Ernest  Cheal  (Cheal  &  Son).— A  good  Cactus  variety  with 
broad  petals  of  a  rich  crimson  scarlet  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Rowena  (C.  Turner). — A  compact  Pompon-flowered  variety, 
the  petals  of  which  are  clear  yellow  tipjwd  and  slightly  flushed  bright 
red  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Mrs.  Mortimer  (S.  Mortimer). — A  good  Fancy  variety,  clear 
yellow  tipped  rosy  lilac,  fine  form,  quite  distinct  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Gloriosa  (Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.). — Rich  bright  scarlet ; 
fine  flowers  of  the  Cactus  type  (an  award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Lady  Penzance  (Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.). — A  Cactus  variety 
with  delicate  primrose  yellow  coloured  flowers  ;  broad  petals  (award  of 
merit) . 

Dahlia  Lady  Penzance  (Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.). — A  fine,  narrow- 
petalled  variety  of  a  clear  canary  yellow  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Exacum  macranthrum  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence),— This  is  a  beautiful 


196 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  August  31,  1893. 


plant,  suitable  for  stove  decoration,  but  it  is  by  no  means  new.  It  was 
figured  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  December  22nd,  1892.  The 
flowers  are  of  a  bright  purplish  blue  shade  (first-class  certificate). 

Gladiolus  Bernice  (J.  Burrell  &  Co.). — A  fine  spike  with  large 
flowers  of  dull  creamy  shade,  tinted  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Gladiolus  Cassandra  (J.  Burrell  &  Son). — This  is  a  very  fine  flower, 
dull  white  or  heavily  shaded  yellow  and  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Gladiolus  Gertrude  (J.  Burrell  &  Co.). — A  grand  variety  with  delicate 
flowers,  creamy  white,  tinted  pale  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Gladiolus  Orlande  (J.  Burrell  &  Co.). — A  fine  variety  with  large  deep 
salmon  pink  flowers  (award  of  merit). 

Habenaria  carnea  (F.  Sander  &  Co.). — A  distinct  species,  much  larger 
than  H.  militaris,  and  of  a  tender  rosy  flesh  or  blush  colour.  It  is  a  most 
beautiful  Orchid,  and  was  much  admired  (first-class  certificate). 

HeliantJius  rigidus  Miss  MelUsh  (Rev.  W.  Wilks). — This  is  a  grand 
form  of  the  well-known  type.  The  flowers  are  rather  large,  and  of  a 
bright  golden  yellow  (award  of  merit). 

Lilium  Henryi  (Wallace  &  Co.). — This  beautiful  Lilium  is  illustrated 
and  fully  described  on  page  191,  so  it  is  needless  to  reiterate  here  (first- 
class  certificate). 

Rose  Duke  of  York  (W.  Paul  &  Son). — This  is  a  new  China  Rose  of 
great  merit.  The  flowers  are  neat  in  shape,  medium  sized,  and  of  a  rich 
silvery  pink  shade  (award  of  merit). 

Pentstemon  Clevelandi  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence). — A  charming  hardy 
plant  with  spikes  of  scarlet  flowers  (award  of  merit). 

Pink  Brnest  Ladhams  (B.  Ladhams).  —  Very  fine  border  Pink. 
Flowers  pale  blush,  heavily  fringed,  blotched  rich  maroon  at  lower 
part  of  petals  (award  of  merit). 

Weigela  Eva  Rathke  (Anthony  Waterer). — This  is  described  as  being 
“  a  perpetual  bloomer.”  The  flowers  are  dark  red,  and  certainly  form 
a  novelty  at  this  period  of  the  year  (first-class  certificate). 

Horticxjltttkal  Buildings  and  Appliances. 

These  were  fairly  well  shown,  most  of  the  leading  firms  being  repre¬ 
sented,  but  the  magnitude  of  the  floral  and  fruit  exhibits  somewhat 
dwarfed  this  portion  of  the  Exhibition.  The  greenhouses,  heating  appli¬ 
ances,  and  stands  of  horticultural  sundries,  being  arranged  at  one  end  and 
along  the  sides  of  the  vast  hall,  were  perhaps  not  seen  to  the  advantage 
they  would  be  were  it  possible  to  have  had  them  in  more  conspicuous 
positions.  Noticeable  amongst  the  glass  structures  were  the  substan¬ 
tially  built  houses  of  Messrs.  Foster  &  Pearson  (Limited),  Beeston,  Notts, 
who  were  well  represented.  Here  may  be  seen  buildings  fitted  with  every 
modern  improvement,  also  heating  appliances  of  the  best  type,  and  fitted 
with  patent  smoke  consumers.  Frames  of  various  kinds,  including  the 
popular  three-quarter  span-roof  type,  were  also  shown  by  this  firm  (silver- 
gilt  Flora  medal).  Mr.  W.  Cooper,  the  horticultural  provider  of  the 
Old  Kent  Road,  S.E.,  made  a  splendid  show  of  his  specialties.  About 
a  dozen  greenhouses  of  various  kinds,  suitable  for  large  or  small 
gardens,  were  exhibited,  these  being  fitted  with  heating  apparatus. 
Poultry  houses  were  also  shown  by  Mr.  Cooper,  who  had  likewise  a  stand 
of  composts,  fertilisers,  insecticides,  and  general  sundries  for  the  garden. 
We  were  unable  to  find  the  mention  of  any  award  either  on  the  official 
list  supplied  to  us  or  on  the  exhibits  for  this  large  and  useful  contri¬ 
bution  ;  was  it  an  oversight  ? 

Mr.  G.  W,  Riley,  Herne  Hill  Rustic  Works,  Dulwich  Road,  S.E., 
contributed  a  number  of  rustic  summer  houses  of  a  varied  type 
and  strong  appearance  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  E.  Newton 
and  Co.,  Hitchen,  Herts,  have  a  well-built  greenhouse,  and  Messrs. 
Messenger  &  Co.  were  well  to  the  fore  in  that  respect.  This  well-known 
firm  exhibited  a  large  span-roofed  greenhouse  fitted  with  hot  water  pipes 
and  a  propagating  bed,  whieh  could  not  be  other  than  useful  in  any 
garden  (silver-gilt  Flora  medal).  Mr.  C.  Toope,  Stepney  Square,  Stepney 
Green,  E.,  had  a  miniature  greenhouse  fitted  with  Toope’s  patent  fog 
purifying  and  self -ventilating  system.  Small  boilers,  and  oil  and  gas 
stoves,  suitable  for  heating  small  greenhouses,  were  also  exhibited  by 
Mr.  Toope  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  Fenlon  &  Son,  Eldon 
Street,  E.C.,  had  various  heating  appliances  for  large  and  small 
structures,  and  the  automatic  damper  was  shown  (silver  Banksian  medal). 
Messrs.  Sam  Deards  &  Co.  also  sent  apparatus  for  heating  purposes,  and 
a  small  greenhouse  “  glazed  without  putty,  springs,  lead,  or  packing  of 
any  kind  ”  (silver  Banksian  medal). 

Manures,  insecticides,  and  other  sundries  made  quite  a  display. 
Messrs.  H.  &  E.  Albert,  17,  Gracechurch  Street,  London,  E.C.,  had  a 
stand  of  their  pure  concentrated  manure  which  has  proved  so  beneficial 
as  a  fertiliser.  Mr.  W.  Colchester,  Ipswich,  showed  tins  of  Ichthemic 
guano,  and  Messrs.  Corry  &  Co.  had  a  stand  of  garden  necessaries, 
including  thermometer,  stakes,  baskets,  labels,  and  other  items.  The 
Stott  Co.,  Limited,  Manchester,  made  a  good  show  with  their  useful 
sprays,  ^  syringes,  engines,  and  the  equally  serviceable  “  Killmright  ” 
insecticide.  A  large  stand  of  manures,  soils  of  various  kinds,  stakes, 
labels,  and  other  essentials  for  garden  use  was  arranged  by  Messrs. 
Wood  &  Sons,  Wood  Green,  N.  Mr.  J.  T.  Anderson,  135,  Commercial 
Street,  Shoreditch,  also  had  a  number  of  speciality  well  displayed,  one 
of  the  most  important  of  which  was  a  new  kind  of  “  wood  wool.”  This 
material  is  very  fine  and  much  softer  than  the  ordinary  “  wood  wool,” 
and  might,  therefore,  be  used  for  packing  tender  fruit  and  choice 
flowers.  Mr.  J.  George,  10,  Victoria  Street,  Putney,  was  represented  by 
a  stand  of  Thomson’s  Vine  and  plant  manure  and  other 
garden  sundries.  A  large  collection  of  grasses,  insecticides 
and  fumigating  material  came  from  Messrs.  Sly,  Dibble  and 
Co.,  2,  Colonial  Avenue,  London,  S.E.,  and  the  Lawes  Chemical 
Co.,  5,  Mark  Lane,  E.,  had  a  stand  of  disinfecting  fluids.  Messrs. 


Osman  &  Co.,  had  an  attractive  display  of  material  useful  for 
decorative  purposes,  and  Clarke’s  patent  syphon  oil  stoves  are  shown 
(silver  Banksian  medal).  Other  miscellaneous  exhibits  are  plentiful,  and 
included  a  stand  of  fruit  and  vegetables  and  seeds  from  Messrs.  Harrison 
and  Sons,  Leicester.  Messrs.  Gayner,  Banham,  near  Attleborough  exhibited 
Apples  aa  used  for  cider  making,  the  stand  forming  quite  a  feature'  in 
the  exhibition.  The  Standard  Manufacturing  Co.,  St.  Alkemund’s 
Churchyard,  Derby,  had  a  large  number  of  their  tree  and  shrub 
pruners,  which,  judging  from  a  practical  demonstration,  are  of  great 
service.  The  same  firm  exhibit  “  the  standard  fruit  gatherer,”  a  useful 
contrivance  for  reaching  fruit  on  outside  branches  of  high  trees. 
Combined  with  this  implement  is  a  pruner,  the  net  for  catching  the 
fruit  being  moveable  (silver  Flora  medal) . 

We  were  not  able  to  obtain  an  official  list  of  the  prizes  and  awarde 
made  other  than  in  the  implement  division,  and  this  was  apparently 
incomplete ;  therefore  if  any  omissions  occur  further  reference  must 
be  made  to  them. 


Events  of  the  Week.  —  The  principal  events  of  horticultural 
interest  during  the  ensuing  week  include  the  annual  Exhibition  of 
fruit,  flowers,  and  vegetables,  which  is  held  at  Sandy,  Bedfordshire, 
to-day  (Thursday).  On  Friday,  September  1st,  the  Show  of  the 
National  Dahlia  Society  will  open  at  the  Crystal  Palace,  continuing- the 
following  day.  A  three-days  Exhibition  of  Dahlias  and  Gladioli 
will  open  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  on  Wednesday,  Sep¬ 
tember  6th,  The  Agricultural  Hall  Show,  which  is  reported  in  the 
present  issue,  continues  open  until  Friday  night. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — For  the  most  part  fine  dry 

weather  characterised  the  past  week  in  the  metropolis,  although  it  has 
been  decidedly  cooler,  especially  at  night.  At  the  time  of  going  to  press, 
however,  it  is  dull  but  with  prospects  of  clearing. 

- Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — A  handbill  has  been  sent 

to  us  announcing  that  the  Director  of  the  Promenade  Concerts,  Theatre 
Royal,  Covent  Garden,  has  made  arrangements  to  supply  tickets  on 
liberal  terms  in  aid  of  the  above  fund,  but  we  have  not  received  any 
official  information  relating  to  the  project. 

-  Mr.  James  Douglas. — The  first  Carnation  and  Auricula 

catalogue  of  the  well  known  gardener  and  florist  of  Great  Gearies 
reminds  us  that  we  have  not  made  any  announcement  of  his  having 
established  a  business  at  Great  Bookham.  He  purchased  land  there 
some  time  ago,  and  we  have  seen  in  passing  a  fine  glass  structure.  His 
catalogue  of  new  and  choice  varieties  of  Carnations  and  Picotees  and 
Auriculas  indicates  that  he  has  large  stocks  of  plants  for  distribution. 
The  business  address  of  Mr.  James  Douglas  is  Edenside,  Great  Bookham, 
Surrey. 

- Fatal  Accident  to  Mr.  W.  D.  Llewelyn.— The  profound 

sympathy  of  a  wide  circle  of  horticultural  friends  will  be  extended  to 
Sir  J.  T.  D.  Llewelyn,  Bart.,  in  the  terrible  loss  that  he  has  sustained 
in  the  death  of  his  eldest  son,  Mr.  William  D.  Llewelyn,  who  was 
found  dead  in  Penllergare  woods  on  Friday  last.  He  had  gone  out 
with  his  gun  and  fishing  rod,  and  not  having  returned  at  a  late  hour 
a  search  was  instituted,  when  the  shocking  discovery  was  made  that 
he  had  been  killed  by  the  discharge  of  his  weapon.  Mr.  William 
Llewelyn  was  in  his  twenty-sixth  year,  and  when  at  Oxford  was 
a  noted  cricketer.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  a  Justice  of  the 
Peace  for  the  county  of  Glamorgan,  and  the  melancholy  circumstances  of 
his  untimely  fate  are  heightened  by  the  fact  that  he  was  shortly  to  have 
been  married,  and  only  a  day  or  two  previously  had  attended  the 
wedding  of  his  younger  brother.  An  inquest  was  held  on  Saturday, 
when  a  verdict  of  accidental  death  was  returned  and  a  vote  of  condolence 
with  his  relatives  was  passed.  The  tragic  event  has  cast  a  gloom  over 
the  whole  neighbourhood,  for  there,  as  in  the  horticultural  world.  Sir 
John  Llewelyn  is  extremely  popular. 

-  “Perfect”  Weed  Killer. — We  have  received  from  Mark 

Smith,  Ltd.,  Louth,  samples  of  the  “  Perfect  ”  Weed  Killer,  and  after  a 
thorough  test  can  vouch  for  its  efficacy.  This  preparation  is  in  the 
form  of  a  powder,  and  one  of  its  greatest  advantages  is  its  portability 
as  compared  with  the  liquids  which  have  previously  been  prepared  for 
the  same  purpose. 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


197 


- GtAkdening  Appointment. — Mr.  J.  Hollingworth,  Woodseat, 

Uttoxeter,  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  Lord  Tredegar,  Tredegar  Park, 
Newport. 

-  Handsome  Legacy, — According  to  a  daily  paper,  the  late 

Lord  Calthorpe  has  left  by  his  will  £700  to  Mr.  Thos.  Jones,  the  head 
gardener  at  Elvetham  Park,  Winchfield. 

-  The  Bamboo  Company,  late  of  58,  St.  Paul’s  Churchyard, 

desire  us  to  mention  that  they  have  removed  to  more  commodious 
premises  at  Great  Sutton  Street,  Clerkenwell,  E.C. 

-  The  Wakefield  Paxton  Society.— At  the  meeting  of  this 

Society  last  week  Mr.  T.  Pitts,  gardener  to  Dr.  Kendell  of  Walton,  gave 
an  interesting  and  instructive  discourse  on  The  Pea,”  illustrated  by  a 
number  of  specimens  of  the  most  popular  kinds,  fully  describing  the 
best  methods  of  culture.  Several  members  took  part  in  a  discussion  of 
the  subject. 

-  The  members  of  the  Highbury  Horticultural  Society 

made  their  outing  to  Swanley  on  Saturday  last.  After  inspecting  the 
neighbourhood  they  made  long  inspection  of  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons 
greenhouses  and  seed  farms.  A  large  Wardian  case  containing  seedling 
Chrysanthemums  that  were  shown  at  Sydney  (New  South  Wales)  last 
April,  causing  much  sensation  there,  had  just  arrived,  and  this,  together 
with  Begonias,  Brugmansia  Cornucopia  (The  Horn  of  Plenty)  much 
interested  the  visitors. 

-  Derbyshire  Horticultural  Society. — We  have  received 

a  schedule  and  tickets  for  the  Show,  which  is  to  be  held  on  September  6th 
and  7th,  but  there  is  no  intimation  where  the  Exhibition  will  be  held, 
but  presumably  in  or  near  Derby.  We  note  that  some  good  prizes  are 
offered,  including  £20,  £15,  £10,  and  £5  for  groups  of  plants,  and  these 
should  insure  first-class  competition.  The  Exhibition  is  to  be  held  in 
connection  with  the  Agricultural  Show,  Mr.  W.  Bacon,  Beckett  Mill 
Printing  Works,  Derby,  being  the  manager  of  the  horticultural  depart¬ 
ment. 

- At  the  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Wigtonshire  Horticul¬ 
tural  Society,  held  at  Stranraer,  the  leading  prizes  for  Roses  were 
won  by  Messrs.  Thomas  Smith  &  Sons  and  Mr.  McMicking,  head 
gardener  to  James  McDouall,  Esq.,  of  Logan,  in  the  parish  of  Kirk- 
maiden.  A  splendid  specimen  of  Charles  Lefebvre  exhibited  in  the 
Logan  collection  was  considered  absolutely  perfect.  Mr.  McMicking 
was  equally  successful  with  his  Dahlias,  which  were  remarkably  fine. 
The  richly  coloured  Grapes  exhibited  by  Mr.  Day,  Lord  Galloway’s  head 
gardener,  easily  obtained  the  premier  place  ;  while  the  Rev.  Dr.  Barty  of 
Kirkcolm  was  first  as  formerly  with  herbaceous  fiowers. 

-  Liliums  at  Chelsea. — In  the  large  show  house  at  Mr. 

Wm.  Bull’s  Nursery,  King’s  Road,  Chelsea,  there  are  at  present  in  flower 
some  very  beautiful  Liliums.  Amongst  the  best  were  a  large  flowered 
pure  white  variety  of  the  speciosum  type  named  album  novum ;  L.  s. 
punctatum,  another  small  pure  white  flowered  variety  with  coloured 
spots  on  the  petals ;  L.  s.  Melpomene,  a  very  dark  coloured  variety 
having  fine  flowers  and  an  unusually  broad  leaf ;  L.  Henryi,  the  colour 
of  which  is  I  suppose  a  rich  apricot,  the  petals  being  sparsely  speckled 
with  brownish  crimson.  This  is  a  most  attractive  species  with 
extremely  fragile  looking  growth?.  L.  Batemannae  was  also  seen 
standing  out  prominently  amongst  numerous  others. — W. 

-  Farm  Orchards. — Mr.  J.  Hiam  writes  : — “  I  have  read  the 

articles  on  this  subject  with  much  interest  which  have  lately  appeared 
in  the  Journal^  and  can  speak  as  to  the  deplorable  condition  in  which 
many  orchards  are,  but  with  the  best  material  to  renovate  them  running 
to  waste  down  the  ditches  and  into  the  streams,  the  liquid  from  farm¬ 
yards.  In  my  lectures  last  spring  I  made  this  a  leading  subject  among 
country  audiences,  including  many  farmers,  and  placed  on  the  slides 
under  the  microscopes  spots  of  sewage  after  evaporation,  in  order  to 
bring  most  intelligently  to  their  minds  and  eyes  the  great  waste  of 
manure  running  away  at  their  expense.  In  support  of  what  I  recom¬ 
mended  I  turned  a  stream  of  water  in  February  from  an  ordinary  field 
ditch  to  irrigate  a  row  of  Apple  trees.  The  effect  has  been  that,  in 
spite  of  the  excessive  dry  spring  and  summer,  the  trees  have  made  more 
growth  than  during  the  past  ten  years,  and  the  fruit  is  quite  double  the 
size  I  have  ever  grown  of  the  same  sorts,  whereas  the  rule  of  the  season 
is  that  fruit  is  very  small.  Irrigation  on  well  drained  ground  works 
wonders,  and  the  surprise  is  that  so  few  appear  to  realise  the  advantages 
of  brooks  and  streams  with  the  aid  of  self-acting  rams  and  other 
means.” 


-  Fruit  Trees  in  Switzerland. — In  Switzerland  it  is  stated 

that  very  stringent  laws  exist  for  the  protection  of  fruit  trees  from 
insects  and  other  pests.  No  tree  owner  is  allowed  to  treat  his  trees  as 
he  chooses,  but  a  strict  watch  is  kept  over  both  amateur  and  professional 
horticulturists. 

- Fruit  Hawkers  in  Olden  Times. — According  to  a  daily 

contemporary,  in  the  sixteenth  century  there  was  a  curious  enactment  in 
England  whereby  street  hawkers  were  forbidden  to  sell  Plums  and 
Apples,  for  the  reason  that  servants  and  apprentices  were  unable  to 
resist  the  sight  of  them,  and  were  consequently  tempted  to  steal  their 
employer’s  money  in  order  to  enjoy  the  costly  delicacies. 

-  Sudden  Death  op  a  Jersey  Nurseryman.  —  We  regret 

to  hear  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Ch.  B.  Saunders  of  Jersey,  who  died 
suddenly  from  apoplexy  on  August  1st.  Mr.  Saunders  was  born 
January  4th,  1824,  and  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-one  took  over  the 
management  of  his  father’s  then  very  extensive  business  of  a  nurseryman 
and  fruit  grower.  It  is  reported  that  his  business  will  be  continued  by 
Mr.  Becker. 

-  A  French  Pomological  Congress. — We  understand  that 

the  tenth  general  Show  and  the  eleventh  Pomological  Congress, 
organised  by  the  Pomological  Association  of  the  West  of  France,  will 
take  place  atVannesfrom  October  17th  to  22nd,  The  samples  of  fruit 
destined  for  the  Show  are  to  be  the  property  of  the  Society,  and  must  be 
sound,  ripe  (or  almost  ripe),  and  represent  the  average  type  of  exhibited 
varieties.  A  special  exhibition  of  instruments,  such  as  crushers, 
grinders,  presses,  and  stills  will  also  be  held. 

- Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Journal.  —  We  have 

received  a  copy  of  part  1,  vol.  xvi.,  of  the  Journal  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society.  This  forms  a  neat  book  of  upwards  of  300  pages, 
and  contains  much  useful  information.  The  papers  that  have  been 
read  at  the  meetings  held  during  the  first  half  of  the  present  year  are 
included,  and  these  alone  are  worthy  of  perusal.  Extracts  from  the 
proceedings  of  the  Society  are  also  given,  and  the  whole  of  the  awards 
made  during  the  above-mentioned  period  are  enumerated.  Many  of  the 
new  and  rare  plants  are  illustrated.  The  price  of  the  work  to 
non-Fellows  is  5s. 

- The  Potato  Crop  in  Jersey. — This  is  the  second  year  in 

succession  the  Jersey  Potato  crop  has  been  unsatisfactory,  the  price 
made  per  ton  for  those  exported  having  been  a  little  less  than  £5, 
against  an  averaged  value  for  eleven  years  of  rather  over  £6.  The 
crop  is  about  11,000  tons  less  than  in  1892.  It  is  stated  that  the 
earliest  consignments  only  made  £20  per  ton  this  year  against  £52  last 
year,  while  the  latter  ones  made  £3  lOs.  per  ton  against  £2  33.  4d.  last 
year.  The  total  amount  received  for  the  crop  this  year  is  no  less  than 
£160,275  83.  4d,  less  than  for  the  good  crop  of  1891,  in  which  year  no 
Potatoes  were  sold  at  less  than  £5  per  ton. 

-  Sparrows  Again, — The  sparrows  have  undoubtedly  many 

sins  to  answer  for  from  a  gardener’s  and  farmer’s  point  of  view,  but  I 
can  speak  from  many  years’  close  observations  that  they  are  particu¬ 
larly  fond  of  the  Oak  leaf-rolling  caterpillars,  the  chrysalids,  and  the 
moths.  Neither  are  they  the  only  helpers  the  rooks  have  in  clearing 
Oaks,  for  starlings,  the  tit  tribe,  and  in  the  mature  state  swallows  and 
martins,  darting  hither  and  thither  among  the  branches,  take  the  moths, 
and  help  in  the  general  destruction.  Sparrows  undoubtedly  take  much 
insect  food  when  they  have  young,  I  once  put  a  brood  in  a  cage,  and 
the  old  birds  brought  a  large  number  of  cockchafers  and  pushed  them 
between  the  wires,  but  the  young  birds  dropped  them  in  the  bottom  of 
the  cage,  not  being  able  to  feed  themselves. — J.  Hiam. 

-  White  Antirrhinums,  —  Why  does  "T.  S.”  (page  172) 

refer  to  the  variety  in  bloom  with  him  as  “  Iggulden’s  ?  ”  It  would 
be  as  correct  for  me  to  refer  to  the  white  Snapdragon  which  blooms 
so  beautifully  at  Swanmore  Park  as  “  Molyneux’s.”  The  fact  is  the 
variety  is  found  in  all  directions,  and  though  I  have  never  seen  it 
anywhere  in  such  profusion  or  more  beautiful  than  at  Swanmore, 
yet  it  is  to  be  found  in  many  gardens.  It  is  very  much  more  to 
the  point  to  find  that  such  striking  effects  can  be  obtained  from 
Antirrhinums.  There  are  plenty  of  other  self-coloured  forms  that 
would  answer  equally  well  if  grown  from  cuttings,  as  this  white  variety 
is,  I  had  a  splendid  rich  crimson  with  a  white  throat  at  Bedfont, 
named  Brilliant,  that  I  have  not  seen  excelled  for  effectiveness  and 
would  make  a  beautiful  bedder ;  for  this  purpose  striking  self  colours 
are  best. — A.  D. 


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31,  1893, 


- Death  of  Mb.  Thomas  Dobson.— It  is  with  regret  that  I 

haye  to  announce  the  death  of  Mr.  Thomas  Dobson,  which  took  place 
on  22nd  inst.  He  was  for  over  thirty  years  head  gardener  to  Sir 
Hedworth  Williamson,  Bait.,  at  Whitburn,  near  Sunderland,  and  was 
deservedly  and  highly  respected  amongst  his  brother  gardeners.  He 
had  lately  been  pensioned  off  by  Sir  Hedworth,  and  but  recently,  during 
the  inspection  of  a  neighbouring  gentleman’s  greenhouse,  he  fell  and 
injured  his  head,  from  which  effects  he  never  recovered,  and  there  is 
no  doubt  the  sad  occurrence  hastened  his  death.  He  was  interred 
Thursday  last  at  Harton.  Amongst  the  mourners  were  Sir  Hedworth 
Williamson  and  the  principal  servants  of  his  estate. — Bebnaed 
Cowan,  F.R.H.S. 

-  Field  Voles.  —  I  have  been  much  interested  from  time  to 

time  in  watching  the  doings  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture  in  respect  to 
diminishing  the  plague  of  voles  in  Scotland,  and  quite  agree  with  the 
remarks  on  page  138  as  to  the  use  of  owls,  kestrels,  and  weasels  as  useful 
destroyers  of  these  pests,  from  what  I  have  observed.  Owls  and  kestrels 
ought  to  be  not  only  encouraged  instead  of  destroyed,  but  to  have  homes 
placed  in  convenient  places  to  breed  and  roost  in,  and  so  accumulate.  I 
have  had  both  in  my  homes  placed  in  the  trees  in  the  fields.  Voles  are 
fond  of  fruits  and  vegetables.  I  catch  them  with  baited  traps  with 
Apple,  but  this  would  involve  too  much  expense  to  carry  out  on  a  large 
scale  probably.  Still,  when  it  comes  to  a  matter  of  reducing  the  value 
of  land  to  such  an  extent,  the  best  and  cheapest  way  to  restore  its  value 
is  the  consideration. — J.  Hiam. 

-  NemesiA  Stedmosa  Suttoni. — “  R.  P.  R.”  writes  “  This 

annual,  sent  out  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  bids  fair  to  become  a  popular 
plant.  Although  not  one  of  the  best  of  seasons  in  which  to  try  a  new 
introduction,  this  charming  plant  has  stood  the  test  well.  There  is  a 
strange. fascination  about  the  flowers  which  is  rather  diflScult  to  describe, 
some  I  have  seen  being  of  a  rich  orange,  pale  yellow,  beautiful  shades 
of  ochre,  the  throat  being  quaintly  blotched  with  black  and  yellow.  If 
seed  is  sown  about  the  middle  of  March  in  gentle  heat,  and  the  seed¬ 
lings  transplanted  when  the  danger  from  spring  frost  is  over,  the  plants 
will  branch  out  freely.  This  last  season  being  so  dry  the  plants  have 
reached  a  little  more  than  a  foot  in  height,  and  I  should  fancy  18  inches 
would  be  the  limit.  Dwarfer  plants  may  be  produced  by  pinching 
out  the  leading  point  of  the  plants  when  well  established  after  trans¬ 
planting.” 

-  Feuit  in  NoethumbeelAND. — A  northern  daily  contemporary 

remarks  that  a  very  boisterous  south-west  wind  made  havoc  amongst 
the  fruit  trees  in  the  orchards  and  market  gardens  in  the  Hexham 
district  last  week.  The  mischief  was  worst  amongst  those  trees  which 
bear  fruit  of  the  largest  size.  Some  Apple  trees  which  bear  only  a 
limited  number  of  fruit,  but  of  a  large  and  superior  size,  were  almost 
stripped,  while  trees  bearing  a  smaller  class  of  fruit  only  lost,  compara¬ 
tively  speaking,  a  small  percentage  of  their  yield.  Pears,  particularly 
of  the  Hessle  variety,  were  an  abundant  crop.  One  tree,  growing  on  the 
bank  of  the  Hextol  stream,  had  to  have  its  branches  propped  up,  so 
heavily  were  they  laden.  The  wind  stripped  the  Pear  trees  of  a  good 
percentage  of  their  fruit.  The  Plum  trees  did  not  suffer  anything  like 
so  severely,  the  trees  being  smaller,  and  not  so  much  exposed  to  the 
violence  of  the  wind. 

-  The  Weathek  and  the  Ceops.  — Mr.  P.  Davison,  The 

Gardens,  Iwerne  House,  Blandford,  observes  : — The  summer  of  1893 
will  long  be  remembered  in  the  annals  of  horticulture  for  its  excessive 
drought  and  heat.  The  spring  months,  with  few  exceptions,  were  mild, 
and  brought  forth  an  early  and  abundant  show  of  fruit  blossom  of  all 
kinds.  During  its  expansion  and  setting  we  had  three  frosty  nights  in 
succession,  varying  in  intensity  from  9°  to  12°,  which  left  its  indelible 
marks  on  the  embryo  fruit,  and  is  now  apparent  in  blotches,  blister,  and 
deformed  Apples  and  Pears.  Still,  we  have  abundant  crops  of  the  two 
latter,  and  also  all  kinds  of  fruit,  including  Strawberries  and  bush  fruit. 
The  latter  were  small,  and  wanting  in  juice  and  flavour.  The  drought 
was  most  severely  felt  in  the  months  of  April,  May,  and  nearly  all  June. 
Lawns  and  pasture'fields  were  brown  and  bare.  It  was  only  by  dint  of 
mulching  and  incessant  waterings  that  we  could  keep  our  young  plants 
alive  in  the  kitchen  garden  and  in  the  flower  beds.  Vegetables  suffered 
severely  —  Peas  nearly  a  failure,  while  Lettuce  and  Spinach  ran  to  seed, 
and  Turnips  were  dry  and  stringy  and  bitter  in  taste.  Rain  came 
moderately  at  the  end  of  June,  and  in  July  a  large  quantity  fell  and 
gave  vegetation  a  new  life.  We  are  now  having  a  plentiful  supply  of 
vegetables,  such  as  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflower,  Vegetable  Marrows, 
Beans,  dwarf  and  running.  Cabbages  have  been  terribly  infested  by 


the  caterpillars.  The  temperature  during  the  present  month  has  been 
exceedingly  high.  At  noon,  on  the  16th  and  17th  inst.,  the  thermometes 
indicated  95°  in  the  open.  Late  Peas,  such  as  British  Queen,  Egyptian. 
Marrow,  &c ,  are  eaten  up  by  mildew.  Wasps,  and  all  insect  pests,  have 
been  unusually  numerous  and  troublesome  this  year.  Potatoes  are  a 
splendid  crop  of  good  medium  size  and  excellent  flavour,  and  so  far  are 
nearly  free  from  disease. 

-  A  Fuchsia  Show. — A  western  contemporary  remarks  that 

at  Bristol  the  grounds  presented  an  exceptionally  attractive  appearance 
at  the  Zoological  Society,  Bristol,  when  the  Fuchsia  Show  was  held 
recently.  The  plants  were  attractively  set  out  in  a  large  marquee  erected 
on  the  lawn,  the  effectiveness  of  the  display  being  enhanced  by  the 
judicious  use  of  Palms  and  Ferns.  There  were  altogether  160  Fuchsia 
plants  exhibited,  and  Mr.  Harris,  the  Society’s  head  gardener,  may  well 
be  proud  of  the  fine  show  they  made.  Possibly  owing  to  the  fierce 
heat  experienced  of  late,  the  collection  would  have  looked  a  little  better 
a  month  ago,  but  the  sight  of  the  Fuchsias,  over-fruitful  in  their  rich 
clusters  of  pendulous  bloom,  was  one  not  to  be  missed  by  admirers  of 
flowers.  Altogether  109  distinct  varieties  were  represented.  Seedlings 
looked  extremely  well,  and  formed  an  important  feature  of  the 
Exhibition. 

-  Dahlias  at  Rowledge. — That  Mr.  Mortimer  should,  in  the 

first  London  competition  for  Show  Dahlias,  have  exhibited  such  beautiful 
blooms  as  he  did  at  Earl’s  Court,  winning  the  prize  easily  from  older 
competitors,  is  all  the  more  remarkable  when  it  is  remembered  that  the 
soil  in  which  his  Dahlias  are  growing  was  but  a  few  years  ago  a  piece 
of  poor,  starved  shallow  heath  or  common ;  so  poor,  indeed,  that  it 
would  have  seemed  dear  at  lOs.  per  acre.  Even  now,  close  by,  there  is 
land  that  wears  just  the  same  starved  hungry  appearance,  and  which  no 
one  would  for  one  moment  think  could  hardly  grow  a  Potato,  much  lest 
a  Dahlia.  The  result,  as  seen  with  the  Dahlias,  shows  what  can  be  done 
in  converting  a  barren  heath  into  living  productive  soil.  Here  it  is  as 
dissimilar  from  what  is  found  at  Slough,  Salisbury,  and  Thame,  as  chalk 
is  from  cheese.  It  is  therefore  all  the  more  to  the  credit  of  Mr.  Mortimer 
that  in  such  a  dry  season  as  the  present  has  been  he  should  have  done 
so  well. 

-  CuEious  Judgments. — If  we  did  not  know  that  Mr.  Petti¬ 
grew  did  not  pose  as  a  wag,  we  might  have  imagined  that  he  had  been, 
joking  over  the  oddities  of  the  judges  at  Cardiff,  whose  acts  he  criticises. 
How  on  earth  was  it  possible  for  judges  to  read  the  term  “  exotic  ”  as 
they  did  ?  If  they  will  turn  to  their  dictionaries  they  will  find  the 
term  signifies  “foreign” — that  is  to  say,  any  plant  introduced  here 
from  other  countries  is  an  exotic,  or,  in  other  words,  is  not  indigenous 
to  Great  Britain.  Mr.  Pettigrew  intimates  that  the  term  exotic,  without 
any  explanatory  prefix,  was  employed.  Then,  of  course,  every  imported 
plant  was  inadmissible.  Why  will  committees  make  such  errors  in  com¬ 
piling  their  schedules,  and  judges  do  such  odd  things  ?  The  placing  of 
Roses  and  Hydrangeas  amongst  hardy  herbaceous  perennials  is  indeed 
another  oddity.  How  Mr.  W.  Marshall  would  have  revelled  in  the 
consequent  disqualification. — D. 

-  Flowebs  in  a  Cemeteby. — South  Shields  possesses  parks, 

the  beauties  of  which  are  greatly  admired ;  but  it  can  also  boast  of 
another  floral  display  of  a  most  attractive  kind.  The  latter,  however, 
is  not  in  a  pleasure  ground,  but  in  a  cemetery.  In  connection  with 
their  new  place,  near  Harton,  the  South  Shields  and  Westoe  Burial 
Board  have  adopted  a  policy  from  the  first  of  making  it  as  cheerful  and 
pleasant-looking  as  possible.  Mr.  Bernard  Cowan,  F.R.H.S.,  the  Super¬ 
intendent,  during  the  present  summer  has  been  most  successful  in  this 
respect,  and  the  ground  under  his  control  will  well  repay  a  visit  from 
all  admirers  of  fair  Flora.  The  cemetery,  says  the  “  Newcastle  Daily 
Journal,”  has  been  laid  out  so  as  to  hide  the  graves  from  public  view  as 
much  as  possible,  and  on  first  entering  the  place  it  is  diflScult  to  imagine 
that  it  possesses  any  sombre  aspect  at  all.  On  the  other  hand  it  has 
all  the  characteristics  of  a  fine  ornamental  garden.  Some  skilfully 
worked-out  designs  in  carpet  bedding  attract  attention  at  the  entrance, 
while  further  on  the  borders  of  the  main  roads  are  simply  charming. 
Some  of  these  are  arranged  in  circular  and  oblong  flower  beds  cut  out 
of  the  green  turf,  and  present  a  most  tasteful  arrangement  of  colours. 
Others,  fully  occupied  with  herbaceous  plants,  are  ablaze  with  bloom  of 
great  variety  of  colour  and  form,  while  yet  another  has  a  magnificent 
display  of  Carnations  in  full  flower.  The  trees  and  shrubs  which 
surround  the  grave  spaces  have  grown  rapidly,  and  their  thick  foliage 
sets  off  splendidly  the  floral  display.  Altogether,  the  cemetery  presents 
a  most  charming  appearance,  and  reflects  high  credit  on  its  Super¬ 
intendent. 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


199 


HA.LTON. 

Half  hidden  amongst  the  trees  with  which  the  Chiltern  Hills  are 
covered  lies  the  rural  village  of  Halton,  which  claims  as  a  resident  one 
of  the  greatest  financiers  of  the  day — Mr.  Alfred  de  Kothschild.  His 
estate,  which  covers  an  enormous  area,  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  in  this  country,  the  gardens  being  models  from  which 
anyone  might  easily  learn  a  lesson.  Cleanliness  predominates  over  all, 
from  the  stately  mansion  of  Bath  stone  down  to  the  humble  potting 
shed.  An  invitation  to  go  and  have  a  look  “  all  over  the  place  ”  was 
accepted  with  alacrity,  but  with  a  very  faint  idea  what  those  few  words 


got  to  the  top  of  one  of  the  Chiltern  Hills,  from  whence  the  panorama 
presented  before  our  eyes  was  one  of  surpassing  beauty.  Down  in  the 
valleys  lay  the  fertile  vale  of  Aylesbury,  with  the  stately  home  of  the 
Earl  of  Rosebery  showing  amongst  the  trees,  and  away  beyond  on 
another  high  hill  could  be  seen  Waddesden  Manor,  the  home  of  Baron 
Ferdinand  de  Rothschild.  Truly  we  were  in  the  country  of  the  Roth¬ 
schilds  ;  on  every  side  the  land  for  miles  belonged  to  some  one  of  this 
wealthy  family,  who  are  so  highly  respected  by  their  poorer  neighbours, 
to  whose  comfort  and  well-being  they  are  so  truly  solicitous.  A  little 
further  on  and  we  come  upon  a  veritable  plateau  on  the  top  of  a  hill, 
not  a  natural  one  be  it  understood,  but  one  which  Mr.  de  Rothschilcl 


Fig.  29.— souvenir  DE  LA  MALMAISON  CARNATIONS  AT  HALTON. 


meant  on  a  summers  day  with  the  thermometer  registering  well  into 
the  nineties,  and  that  in  the  shade.  However,  notwithstanding  the 
heat,  I  spent  one  of  the  most  enjoyable  and  instructive  days  I  have  ever 
had  during  my  life.  I  will  endeavour  to  recall  for  the  benefit  of  those 
readers  of  the  Journal  who  are  unable  to  visit  Halton  some  of  the  points 
which  appeared  to  me  to  be  of  more  than  passing  interest  or  of  unusual 
beauty. 

To  ensure  myself  a  good  long  day  I  left  London  by  the  9.16  a.m. 
train  and  reached  Tring  punctually  at  half-past  ten,  where  I  found 
Mr.  Sanders,  the  genial  and  talented  gardener,  waiting  to  take  me  under 
his  wing.  From  the  station  we  drove  through  the  town  of  Tring,  past 
Lord  Rothschild’s  beautiful  demesne,  through  the  country  for  about  four 
miles,  until  we  came  to  one  of  the  entrances  of  the  Halton  estate.  ^  In¬ 
stead  of  going  direct  to  the  gardens  we  went  round  and  round  until  we 


had  formed  more,  so  far  as  I  could  see,  to  give  work  to  some  of  the 
labourers  about  than  for  any  advantages  that  could  possibly  accrue  to 
him  from  it.  Facing  this  stands  a  very  beautiful  chalet,  which  has  been 
erected  as  a  resting  place  for  players  in  the  American  bowling  alley 
to  which  it  is  attached.  It  is  indeed  a  charming  spot,  the  views  from 
both  back  and  front  being  almost  incomparable,  at  least  to  those  who 
love  English  scenery. 

From  thence  we  drove  down  grass  drives  through  shady  woods  of 
Beech  trees,  between  which  could  be  caught  at  intervals  glimpses  of 
the  mansion  lying  far  away  down  in  the  valley  below.  Through  one 
of  these  vistas  was  opened  a  view  of  the  flower  gardens,  and  the  picture 
was  a  perfect  one,  worthy  of  being  reproduced  on  canvas  by  any  of 
our  most  celebrated  artists.  During  the  drive  down  the  hills  several 
rustic  summer  houses  were  passed.  These  erections,  I  was  surprised  to 


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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  31,  1893. 


see,  were,  though,  rustic  outside,  not  by  any  means  so  in,  the  floors 
being  thickly  carpeted,  and  comfortable  looking  chairs  standing 
about,  adding  an  air  of  cosiness  to  them  which  is  all  too  often  con¬ 
spicuous  by  its  absence  in  these  useful  and  ornamental  additions  to  a 
garden.  A  long  drive  through  the  park  brought  us  to  the  kitchen  and 
fruit  gardens,  which  are  situated  rather  over  a  mile  from  the  mansion 
and  flower  gardens.  It  is  in  this  part  of  the  estate  that  Mr.  Sanders’ 
pleasant  house  is  situated,  almost  hidden  under  some  old  Beech  trees, 
and  close  beside  an  orchard  which  has  been  but  very  recently  planted. 
Here  we  stayed  and  had  a  thoroughly  good  rest,  took  some  substantial 
refreshment  for  the  welfare  of  the  body,  and  then  away  we  started  to 
walk  through  the  park  to  the  flower  gardens,  which  are  unusually 
extensive. 

The  gardens  round  the  mansion  are  composed  of  lawns  and  flower 
beds,  all  of  which  are  kept  scrupulously  clean,  and  have  been  during  the 
past  summer  heavily  watered,  which,  as  evidenced  by  the  bright  and 
robust  condition  of  the  plants,  has  had  a  most  beneficial  effect.  The 
terrace  beds  are  filled  with  tuberous  and  fibrous-rooted  Begonias, 
Fuchsias,  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  all  the  varieties  planted  being 
conspicuous  for  their  bright  colours.  The  Begonias  have  not  flowered  so 
freely  as  is  customary,  the  soil,  which  is  of  a  very  chalky  nature,  not 
having  held  enough  moisture  to  insure  the  utmost  floriferousness. 
There  were,  however,  two  strikingly  notable  exceptions  to  this,  and  they 
both  belonged  to  the  fibrous-rooted  section  ;  one  was  B,  Worthiana,  and 
the  other  B.  fioribunda  rosea,  the  former  being  covered  with  its  bright 
orange-coloured  blossoms,  and  the  latter  forming  a  perfect  mass  of  rosy 
pink.  Down  the  centre  walk  from  the  garden  entrance  to  the  house 
beds  and  vases  on  each  side  look  very  bright,  and  at  the  end  is  a  large 
circular  fountain,  round  the  back  of  which  is  a  bright  border  containing 
Eucalyptus  globulus  (Blue  Gum),  Castor  Oil  Plants,  Palma,  Gannas, 
Nicotiana  affinis.  Marguerites,  and  Zonal  Pelargonium  John  Gibbons.  On 
each  side  of  this  fountain,  partially  hidden  in  the  background  of  bushes, 
is  a  powerful  electric  light,  with  the  reflectors  fixed  to  shine  directly  on 
the  centre  ornament.  The  pedestals  on  which  the  vases  are  stood  in 
the  walk  are  made  so  that  the  lower  portion  swings  back,  and  in  each 
is  found  an  electric  light ;  this  throws  its  light  straight  down  the  walk 
towards  the  fountain,  and  the  effect  thus  produced  when  the  lights  are 
burning  is,  said  Mr.  Sanders,  truly  magnificent.  The  beds,  vases,  and 
fountains  with  their  occupants  are  as  clearly  seen  by  this  artificial 
light  by  night  as  they  are  by  day  under  the  natural  rays  of  the  sun. 
These  vases  are  filled  with  Begonias  and  various  other  plants,  amongst 
the  best  being  those  occupied  by  double  white  and  pink  Zonal  Pelar¬ 
goniums,  which  are  flowering  with  exceptional  freedom. 

We  next  visited  the  Italian  garden,  where  a  most  emphatic  change 
greets  the  eye.  The  centre  is  a  lawn  with  one  large  centre  bed,  and  the 
sides  are  of  trellis,  up  which  Ivy  has  been  trained.  Niches  have  been 
made  in  which  statues  are  placed,  and  at  the  extreme  end  is  a  large 
summer  house,  over  which  Roses  are  being  trained.  The  bed  in  the 
middle  of  this  garden  is  a  large  one  filled  with  Lilium  longiflorum, 
L.  tigrinum  splendens, yellow  Marguerites, and  some  excellent  Fuchsias. 
This  Italian  garden  is  one  of  the  most  novel  features  of  the  estate,  and 
for  lovers  of  the  uncommon  certainly  one  of  the  most  attractive.  For 
my  own  part,  however,  I  prefer  the  style  so  well  portrayed  in  what  is 
known  as  the  German  garden,  where  the  beds  are  formed  of  large  masses 
of  a  few  different  plants,  planted  in  a  manner  which  needs  an  inspection 
to  be  understood,  as  for  me,  at  any  rate,  it  is  practically  indescribable. 
Dark  and  light-foliaged  Gannas  are  in  this  style  of  planting  seen  to 
advantage,  as  also  are  the  Begonias,  amongst  which  Acacia  lophautha 
has  been  planted,  Gentaurea  Glementei,  and  Abutilons.  The  Indian 
garden  represents  an  entirely  different  mode  of  planting,  the  pre¬ 
dominating  features  throughout  being  handsome  Palms  and  Dracaenas 
of  all  sizes.  These  might  be  termed  the  background,  but  flowers  of 
various  sorts  were  used  to  form  attractive  beds  and  borders.  A  tent  is 
erected  in  the  Indian  style  in  this  garden,  and  forms  an  unusual  feature 
in  a  flower  garden,  being  furnished  in  a  really  luxurious  manner. 
Stands  are  fixed  in  here,  as  in  almost  all  the  other  structures  on  the 
estate  in  which  flowers  and  plants  may  be  placed,  and  these,  it  is 
needless  to  say  are  effective.  An  unique  attraction  on  one  of  the 
lawns  is  a  huge  wicker  basket  filled  with  plants  of  different  kinds.  It 
is  of  immense  size,  measuring  about  14  feet  across  and  standing  upwards 
of  5  feet  high,  the  cross  handle,  of  course,  rising  much  higher  than  this. 
I  was  much  struck  with  the  beauty  of  this  ornament,  and  have  never 
before  seen  such  a  thing.  The  basket  is  lined  with  turves,  grass  side 
outwards,  and  in  this  is  placed  a  casing,  which  carries  the  weight  of  the 
soil.  The  centre  was  bright  with  Lilium  longiflorum  and  L.  tigrinum 
splendens,  grand  Hydrangeas,  Petunias,  and  Tropmolums,  the  latter 
being  allowed  to  hang  in  festoons  over  the  sides.  The  gardens  surround¬ 
ing  an  ornamental  lake,  which  has  been  formed  mainly  to  provide 
skating  during  the  winter  months,  are  very  charmingly  laid  out. 
Liliums  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums  are  largely  utilised  here,  as  also  are 
shrubs  of  various  kinds  and  of  all  sizes. 

The  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens  are  also  admirably  kept,  but  the  latter 
is  completely  overrun  with  wasps  this  season,  and  to  such  an  extent  do 
they  carry  their  depredations  that  Mr.  Sanders  has  found  it  absolutely 
necessary  to  have  all  the  Pears  gathered  before  they  were  nearly  ripe,  as 
they  were  all  being  rapidly  destroyed.  At  the  end  of  the  garden  runs 
an  arm  of  the  Grand  Junction  Ganal,  and  in  the  banks  of  this  the  wasps 
make  their  homes,  which  are  unfortunately  rather  difficult  of  access  for 
the  men  to  destroy  them.  Gyanide  of  potassium  is,  however,  being 
used  with  fatal  effects  to  many  hundreds  of  the  pests  daily.  All  the 
small  fruits  have  been  gathered,  but  the  trees  and  bushes  bear  the 


unmistakeable  stamp  of  being  in  good  hands.  A  number  of  the  Apple 
trees  have  been  covered  with  hexagon  netting  to  keep  out  the  wasps, 
but  if  they  are  as  precocious  as  those  referred  to  by  a  Sussex  corre¬ 
spondent  at  page  176  of  your  last  issue  this  precaution  will  be  of  little 
use.  All  the  best  varieties  of  Apples  are  grown,  and  particularly  notice¬ 
able  were  some  trees  of  Oox’g  Orange  Pippin,  King  of  the  Pippins,  and 
Wellington,  which  were  carrying  crops  of  magnificent  fruits.  Straw¬ 
berries  are  forced  in  very  large  numbers,  and  preparations  are  now  in 
an  advanced  stage  for  supplying  an  abundance  of  fruits  during  the 
coming  season.  In  the  houses  the  same  difficulty  with  the  wasps  has  to 
be  contended  with,  though  not  to  quite  such  a  large  extent.  Several 
vineries  and  Peach  houses  have  been  cleared  of  their  fruit,  as  also  have 
some  Fig  trees,  for  which  there  is  a  large  demand.  Notwithstanding 
the  fruit  that  has  been  gathered,  there  is  still  abundance  ripe  and  ripen¬ 
ing,  more  especially  amongst  the  Grapes. 

The  houses  devoted  to  plants  are  completely  filled  with  those  suit¬ 
able  for  furnishing  the  mansion  and  summer  houses,  Galadiums, 
Grotons,  Dracmnas,  Anthuriums  representing  the  largest  stocks. 
Maidenhair  Ferns  are  not  largely  grown  in  pots,  though  some  are  of 
course  so  cultivated,  but  the  fronds  when  required  are  taken  from  the 
end  wall  of  one  of  the  vineries  on  which  plants  have  been  secured  by 
the  aid  of  a  wire  trellis.  This,  as  will  be  readily  admitted,  besides 
supplying  innumerable  fronds,  forms  a  most  pleasing  and  at  the  same 
time  novel  appearance.  Unfortunately  my  visit  was  too  late  for  me  to 
see  the  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  Garnations  in  their  best  condition, 
but  some  idea  may  be  gained  on  referring  to  the  illustration  (fig.  29), 
which  has  been  reproduced  from  a  photograph,  of  the  great  beauty  of 
the  plants  and  the  striking  success  of  the  mode  of  culture  to  which  they 
are  subjected.  So  grand  are  the  plants  and  the  few  individual  blooms 
which  remained,  that  1  asked  Mr.  Sanders  to  favour  me  with  details  of 
his  mode  of  procedure,  and  he  gives  it  as  follows  : — 

“  The  house  of  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  Garnations  in  the  photo¬ 
graph  contains  about  700  plants  of  the  fleshy  white  and  pink  varieties, 
which,  with  the  striped  Lady  Middleton,  are  the  only  three  that  can 
claim  to  be  true  types  of  that  now  popular  flower.  Their  culture  being 
generally  well  known  by  all  who  take  an  interest  in  Garnations,  there  is 
perhaps  nothing  new  in  our  method  of  treating  them.  Layering,  in 
preference  to  cuttings,  is  done  in  frames  in  July  as  soon  as  the  plants 
are  ready,  shading  them  for  a  week  or  two  until  they  commence  to  make 
fresh  roots,  when  they  are  gradually  hardened  and  exposed  to  the 
weather  by  removing  the  lights  altogether.  When  well  rooted  the 
young  plants  are  lifted  and  put  in  48-size  pots,  using  good  loam,  leaf 
mould,  and  sand.  When  well  established  in  the  soil  they  are  again 
shifted  into  32’s,  a  little  well  decayed  manure  being  used  this  time  and 
at  all  succeeding  pottings.  No  more  shifts  are  given  them  during 
November,  December,  and  January,  when  growth  is  naturally  slow  and 
root  extension  is  not  required.  Watering  is  at  that  period  very  care¬ 
fully  done,  and  a  dry  atmosphere  is  maintained,  with  an  even  night 
temperature  of  45°  to  60°,  and  the  plants  being  kept  well  up  to  the 
light. 

“  When  the  days  begin  to  lengthen  and  the  sun  to  regain  its  power 
the  plants  soon  make  new  growth.  Another  potting  is  then  given, 
which  carries  them  through  their  flowering  period,  during  which  they 
are  benefited  by  liberal  treatment  in  the  way  of  liquid  manure  water¬ 
ings,  and  an  occasional  application  of  Glay’s  fertiliser.  Soot,  too,  is  an 
important  factor  in  producing  that  deep  leek-green  foliage,  indicating 
perfect  health.  One  flower  stem  each  is  all  to  be  expected  the  first 
flowering,  but  the  plants  are  at  the  same  time  making  side  shoots  close 
down  to  the  soil.  These  shoots  soon  form  a  perfect  cluster  of  growth, 
ensuring  a  good  harvest  of  flowers  the  following  year.  After  flowering, 
during  which  time  shading  is  necessary,  the  plants  are  gradually 
exposed  and  stood  outdoors  for  a  week  or  two  before  being  finally 
repotted,  this  time  in  10  or  11-inch  pots,  to  allow  the  soil  to  be 
worked  well  around  the  loosened  balls  with  their  mass  of  roots.  The 
plants  are  shaded  and  syringed  a  little  to  establish  them  in  their  new 
quarters.  They  soon  grow  into  good  bushes,  with  from  eight  to  sixteen 
strong  growths,  the  earliest  of  which  flower  during  the  winter  and  early 
spring.  A  little  higher  temperature  is  given  to  the  earliest  plants,  55° 
at  night,  which  materially  assists  the  development  of  the  flowers.  The 
wealth  of  bloom  is  not  looked  for  until  May  and  J une,  when  the  same 
liberal  treatment  is  resorted  to  until  the  plants  have  done  flowering. 
The  plants  represented  in  the  engraving  are  two  years  old.  To  have  an 
abundance  of  flowers  it  is  necessary  to  raise  plants  every  year  from  the 
two-year-old  plants  after  flowering,  there  being  no  advantage  in  keeping 
them  longer,  unless  extra  size  specimens  are  required.  They  at  no  time 
want  coddling,  and  like  plenty  of  light  and  air  on  all  favourable  occa¬ 
sions,  shading  only  after  potting  and  when  in  flower.  No  plant  repays  the 
cultivator  better  for  liberal  treatment  when  the  blooms  are  developing, 
and  flowers  4,  5,  and  even  6  inches  across  are  the  result. 

“Like  all  other  plants  Garnations  have  their  enemies,  and  a  perpetual 
war  is  always  raging  to  keep  them  under.  Green  fly  is  very  persistent, 
and  frequent  fumigations  are  necessary  to  dislodge  the  pest.  Red  spider 
during  hot  dry  weather  is  a  still  worse  enemy  ;  dipping  or  syringing  with 
insecticides  being  resorted  to  to  clear  the  plants  of  them,  or  sickly  yellow 
foliage  soon  follows.  But  worst  of  all  is  the  brown  fungi,  which  infests  the 
plants  during  the  winter,  for  which  I  know  no  absolute  cure.  We  keep 
it  under  by  continually  going  over  the  plants  and  rubbing  it  off  with  a 
dull  pointed  stick,  using  a  mixture  of  water,  softsoap,  and  sulphur, 
which  kills  the  spores  when  dislodged.  While  there  is  really  no  cure, 
I  believe  there  is  a  preventive,  which  lies  in  the  management  of  the 
plants  during  late  summer  and  autumn,  growing  them  well  exposed  to 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


201 


the  sun,  which  hardens  every  particle  of  growth,  and  avoiding  a  moist 
muggy  atmosphere  ;  but  as  we  are  situated  on  a  level  with  a  branch  of 
the  Grand  Junction  Canal  we  cannot  well  control  the  latter  as  much  as 
we  should  like.”— H.  J.  W. 


WASPS. 

The  season  proves  exceptionally  favourable  for  the  development  of 
wasps’  nests,  and  many  hornets  have  made  their  appearance  once 
more  after  an  absence  of  many  years.  There  is  a  mistake  on  page  126 
copied  from  a  contemporary,  in  supposing  that  wasps  “  develop  from 
eggs  in  a  single  night,”  as  it  takes  weeks  to  pass  through  the  various 
stages  of  transformation.  The  probability  is  that  the  wasps  mentioned 
were  of  the  species  Vespa  norwegica,  and  when  taken  at  this  season  of 
the  year,  or  a  fortnight  earlier,  the  workers  naturally  become  inactive, 
although  still  inside  the  nest,  as  I  have  frequently  noticed.  The  extra 
warmth  and  the  disturbance  of  the  nest  by  bringing  into  a  dwelling 
would  induce  activity. 

About  a  fortnight  ago  I  cut  one  of  these  species  of  nest  out  of  a 
Hawthorn  bush  for  a  farmer,  and  as  it  was  a  very  good  specimen  it  was 
intended  to  be  placed  in  a  glass  case  as  an  ornament.  Before  doing  so  I 
took  the  precaution  to  place  the  nest  in  a  tolerably  hot  oven  all  night, 
in  order  to  kill  all  the  wasps  inside,  and  dry  any  larvae  which  might  still 
exist  in  the  combs.  I  also  have  an  excellent  specimen  nest  I  cut  out  of 
a  Holly  tree  while  the  wasps  were  in  full  vigour  in  working.  My 
method  of  procedure  is  to  first  drive  inside  any  wasps  building  or  pro¬ 
tecting  the  nest  by  syringing  with  cold  water,  as  a  shower,  gently,  and 
then  very  carefully  release  the  nest  from  all  sprays  except  the  main 
bough  by  which,  it  is  suspended,  with  pruning  scissors,  and  hold  the 
main  branch  firmly,  to  prevent  falling  when  cutting  off. — J.  HlAM, 
Astioood  Banli, 


ANTI-BLIGHT  POWDERS. 

What  I  may  be  doing  is  of  very  little  consequence  to  anybody  I 
surmise,  but  before  my  experimental  Potato  plots,  whereon  1  have 
applied  the  anti-blight  powders  this  year,  arrive  at  their  sere  and  yellow 
leaves,  I  feel  that  I  should  like  you  to  see  specimens  representing  the 
present  appearance  of  their  foliage.  No.  1  represents  leaves  upon  which 
I  have  applied  a  new  powder  that  Messrs.  Tate  &  Buchanan  describe  as 
“  Agricultural  ”  anti-blight,  distinctive  from  theij  “  Horticultural  ” 
powder,  which  has  been  three  years  in  distribution.  The  Agricultural 
is  a  much  cheaper  production,  and  more  palpably  lasting  upon  the 
foliage,  as  you  may  observe.  We  have  had  severe  winds  and  heavy  rains 
since  I  applied  it,  the  (with  the  fear  of  Mr.  Abbey  before  my  eyes  as  I 
write  it)  Phytophthora  infesfans  spores  would  find  it  a  great  difficulty 
to  enter  the  stomata  through  the  above  cuticle  protective.  Mr.  Barron 
and  Mr.  Barr  well  know  that  I  do  not  care  a  brass  farthing  about  the 
under  sides  of  the  leaves,  though  I  would  not  answer  for  the  disease 
spreading  if  it  gained  a  bed  before  the  application. 

I  begin  my  dressings  with  the  powder  from  the  youth  up  of  the 
haulm,  at  least,  that  is  to  say,  I  have  done  so  with  the  “  Horticultural  ” 
anti.  The  early  frost  came  last  year  just  as  Mr.  Barr  sent  me  a  supply 
and  effectually  put  a  stop  to  my  powderings,  so  I  have  been  using  that 
reserve  this  season  till  I  obtained  the  new  “Agricultural”  as  I  would 
presumably  have  done  gold  dust.  Nos.  2  and  3  foliage  have  been 
dressed  entirely  with  the  “  Horticultural  ”  compound  which  do  not 
maintain  itself  so  distinctly  upon  any  foliage,  but  the  beautiful  glaze 
and  greenery  it  evolves  makes  it  far  preferable  for  greenhouse  work,  and 
with  me  it  is  quite  effective  in  preventing  the  Potato  disease.  No 
mildew  or  vermin  can  ever  become  established  on  the  haulm  when  dressed 
judiciously  with  powder.  I  send  you  also  a  first  main  leaf  from  one 
of  my  Tomato  plants,  which  have  now  eight  ripe  and  fourteen  unripe 
fruit  upon  it.  In  practice  I  foreshorten  the  principal  leaves  to  prevent 
crowding  as  the  plants  grow  with  single  stems  about  15  inches  apart  and 
4  to  5  feet  high,  they  are  now  a  beautiful  sight ;  we  have  Tomatoes 
galore,  and  between  ourselves  fried  bacon  and  Tomatoes  do  not  make 
a  bad  dish. 

In  passing  Major  Thoyt’s  lodge  gate  the  other  evening,  I  said  to  the 
occupant,  “  Good  evening  Pullen,  how  are  the  taties  ?  ”  “Bad,  bad.”  “Why 
you  don’t  mean  to  say  they  are  diseased  ?  ”  “  Just  look  across  the  garden 

there,  they  are  gone  quite  black.”  Sure  enough  they  were,  and  I  see  in 
another  neighbour’s  garden  next  to  me,  he  has  cut  off  all  his  tops.  Now 
if  my  neighbour’s  Potatoes  are  so  diseased  why  should  mine  be  left  for 
four  consecutive  years  1  I  will  say  no  more,  let  those  speak  who  have 
not  borne  the  burthen  and  heat  of  the  day. 

As  to  fruit,  my  Gladstone  and  Irish  Peach  Apples  were  failures, 
plenty  of  Keswick  Codlins,  and  my  Pay  the  Rents  and  Wellingtons 
would  break  themselves  down  if  they  were  not  propped.  Pears  are 
good  with  me,  or  rather  were,  but  the  wasps  necessitated  my  gathering 
them  before  they  were  ripe.  Perry  is  the  consequence,  and  cider  will 
soon  prove  so  with  the  Apples  in  part,  and  I  regret  to  say  so  with  Cox’s 
Orange  Pippin,  of  which  I  have  a  full  crop.  Of  small  fruits  the 
missus’s  jam  shelves  are  full,  and  so  are  my  wine  barrels.  I  never  had  a 
more  bountiful  supply  of  small  fruits,  but  then,  you  know,  I  tapped  one 
of  the  finest  and  unfailing  springs  when  I  first  came  here  ;  and  as  Beau 
Brummel  was  said  to  say  “  Cravats  made  the  man,”  I  say  water  made 
my  fruit. — Robert  FeNjS^. 

[The  specimens  were  withered  when  examined.  We  hear,  however, 
of  a  projected  pilgrimage  to  Sulhamstead,  when  the  plants  can  be 
examined,  and  the  overflowing  stores  of  the  veteran  and  his  “  missus  ” 
somewhat  diminished.] 


National  Rose  Society. 

It  is  with  fear  and  trembling  that  I  take  up  my  pen  to  reply  to 
Mr.  Grahame,  for  it  appears  that  in  taking  any  notice  whatever  of  his 
semi-official-looking  circular  we  Secretaries  committed,  at  all  events  in 
his  opinion,  a  great  blunder.  For  this  unpardonable  offence  he  tells  us 
we  “  must  take  the  consequences  of  the  subject  being  discussed  in  the 
gardening  Press.”  I  suppose  it  is  useless  pleading  that  even  such  a 
fearful  crime  as  simply  trying  to  amend  Mr.  Grahame’s  circular  cannot 
justly  warrant  so  dreadful  an  exposure  as  that  with  which  the  Com¬ 
mittee  is  now  threatened.  However,  the  deed  is  done,  and  the  conse¬ 
quences  must  be  faced  as  best  they  may. 

In  such  straits  one  is  apt  to  catch  at  any  straw  which  happens  to 
float  by  at  the  time.  I  am,  therefore,  wondering  whether  there  is  any 
slight  consolation  to  be  found  in  the  thought  that  there  is  probably  not 
a  single  society  in  the  kingdom  the  management  of  which  would 
altogether  please  so  exacting  a  critic  as  Mr.  Grahame.  Again,  but  I 
suppose  I  must  be  wrong,  I  have  hitherto  been  under  the  foolish  impres¬ 
sion  that  there  is  scarcely  any  other  horticultural  society  which  possesses 
so  spotless  a  record  of  the  past,  or  whose  affairs  would  bear  as  searching 
an  examination  as  our  beloved  National  Rose  Society. — E.  M.,  Berk- 
Tiavisted. 

Notes  About  Roses. 

I  FEAR  that  I  must  have  been  misunderstood  in  what  I  said  about 
Ernest  Metz.  I  never  meant  to  imply  that  it  was  not  a  most  beautiful 
Rose  when  caught,  but  I  did  doubt  its  constancy  upon  this  ground  that 
special  prizes  have  been  offered  for  it  at  the  Crystal  the  last  three  years, 
that  in  1891  and  1892  there  was  no  competition,  and  that  this  year, 
which  was  considered  to  be  an  especially  favourable  one  for  it,  only  the 
two  great  Colchester  firms  competed,  and  yet  I  know  that  several 
amateurs  went  in  largely  for  it,  and  intended  to  compete,  but  could  not. 
Perhaps  another  season  may  prove  more  favourable. 

I  note  that  your  correspondent,  Mr.  Williamson,  (page  170)  expatiated 
on  the  satisfaction  that  Tea  Roses  had  given  him  ;  he  singles  out  a  few 
by  name,  but  curiously  enough,  three  of  them  are  not  Teas.  L’Ideal  is  a 
Noisette,  as  he  will  see  it  marked  in  the  Rose  Society’s  catalogue,  while 
Gustave  Regis  and  Cheshunt  Hybrid  are  only  Hybrid  Teas.  The  latter 
have  been  long  placed  among  the  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  but  is  now 
transferred  to  the  special  class  of  Hybrid  Teas. 

A  correspondent  in  one  of  your  contemporaries  made  the  statement 
that  Louis  Van  Houtte  was  a  sport  from  Charles  Lefebvre.  This  was 
so  new  to  me,  and  seemed  so  little  credible,  that  I  ventured  to  ask  on 
what  authority  it  was  based.  To  this,  as  far  as  I  can  see,  no  reply  has 
been  given.  Are  any  of  your  readers  able  to  say  whether  they  have 
heard  this  statement  or  not  ? 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  disappointment  experienced  by 
rosarians  this  year,  they  have  had  some  compensation  in  the  wealth  of 
autumn  bloom,  not  only  in  the  Teas  but  in  the  Hybrid  Perpetuals  ;  the 
former  especially  have  been  a  marvel  of  beauty. 

While  writing  on  the  subject  of  Roses  I  would  mention  a  matter  on 
which  I  feel  a  little  sore.  I  have  just  received  from  the  Treasurer  of 
the  N.R.S.  a  list  of  those  members  who  have  not  paid  their  subscriptions  ; 
this,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  amounts  to  ninety-five,  or  about  one-sixth  of 
the  whole,  and  amongst  these  are  to  be  found  members  of  our  Committee 
and  many  of  our  exhibitors.  As  a  special  circular  was  addressed  to  our 
members  to  ask  them  not  to  give  this  additional  trouble,  and  that  the 
plan  of  deducting  their  subscriptions  from  their  prize  money  would  not 
be  allowed,  I  think,  to  say  the  least,  it  is  very  inconsiderate,  and 
should  this  meet  the  eye  of  any  of  those  alluded  to  I  hope  they  will 
make  no  delay  in  sending  in  their  subscriptions  either  to  the  Treasurer 
or  to  one  of  the  Secretaries. — D.,  Deal. 


CONTINUATION  SCHOOL  GARDENS. 

A  NOTE  relating  to  the  discovery  of  recently  established  school 
gardens  in  Lincolnshire  having  gone  the  rounds  of  the  Press  under  the 
heading  of  a  “  Novel  Idea,”  the  following  letter  on  the  subject  appeared 
in  a  recent  issue  of  “  The  Standard.” 

“In  reference  to  the  ‘novel  idea’  of  boys’  gardens  in  connection  with 
schools,  as  announced  in  “The  Standard”  of  the  14th  inst.,  as  well  as  in 
other  journals,  may  I,  as  ‘  Horticultural  Instructor,’  acting  under  the 
directions  of  the  Technical  Education  Committee  of  the  Surrey  County 
Council,  briefly  describe  what  is  being  done  in  the  county  mentioned  in 
teaching  practical  gardening  to  youths  in  several  villages  ?  _ 

“  Small  gardens  in  close  connection  with  schools,  it  may  be  said,  is 
by  no  means  a  novel  idea.  I  remember,  many  years  ago,  observing  plots 
of  ground  attached  to  the  schools  at  Rangemore,  supported  by  Lord 
Burton,  and  quite  recently  I  have  had  the  opportunity  of  inspecting 
school  gardens  at  Hale,  near  Farnham,  where  plots  of  ground  have  long 
been  provided  both  for  boys  and  girls,  the  former  for  the  cultivation  of 
vegetables,  the  latter  for  flowers.  These  gardens  have  been  established 
for  about  twelve  years,  and  Mr.  E.  Cmsar,  the  schoolmaster,  who  is  a 


202 


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[  August  31,  1893. 


successful  amateur  gardener,  has  had  pleasure  in  teaching  those  of  his 
pupils  who  desired  to  learn  what  they  could  of  gardening  to  cultivate 
these  plots.  They  have  always  been  in  great  demand,  and  most  of  them 
have  ^en  very  well  managed  indeed. 

“  Recognising  the  value  of  teaching  practical  horticulture  in  con¬ 
nection  with  schools,  the  Surrey  County  Council  first  provided  a  series  of 
lectures  on  gardening  for  schoolmasters  and  pupil  teachers  ;  then  plots 
of  ground  were  obtained  in  villages  to  be  worked  by  the  older  boys 
attending  school,  as  well  as  others  who  have  ceased  attending,  and  who 
are  engaged  in  various  occupations  in  the  parishes.  The  first  of  these 
small  gardens — twenty-four — were  formed  at  Banstead,  on  land  kindly 
provided  by  Mr.  Robertson  Rodger,  C.C.  The  plots  of  1  rod  each  have 
been  worked  by  the  boys  for  two  seasons,  under  the  superintendence  of 
local  gardeners.  Vegetables  of  approved  varieties  are  grown,  also  a  few 
flowers  by  those  who  desire  to  have  them,  while  a  plot  of  4  rods  is  set 
apart  for  affording  lessons  in  the  cultivation  of  hardy  fruits.  These 
miniature  vegetable  gardens  have  been  admirably  cropped  and  cultivated. 
They  are  at  this  moment  full  of  useful  produce,  and  are  neat,  clean,  and 
orderly — cherished  by  the  tillers  and  their  parents  alike. 

“  Similar  groups  of  gardens  are  established  at  Ashtead,  Fetcham, 
Hersham,  Effingham,  Clandon,  Bookham,  Horley,  and  Hale.  It  is  my 
duty  to  inspect  these  plots  periodically,  gi  ve  instructions,  take  note  of 
the  different  crops  and  estimate  their  merits,  which  are  represented  in 
points,  those  boys  who  win  the  most  by  their  diligence  and  aptitude 
being  the  recipients  of  prizes  proportionate  with  the  merit  displayed. 
The  Hale  County  Council  Gardens  have  been  quite  recently  examined, 
and  it  would  be  extremely  difficult  to  find  a  weed  in  sixteen  out  of 
eighteen  of  them,  while  the  crops  are  as  good  as  could  be  expected 
during  the  season  of  drought  on  an  extremely  porous  and  gravelly  soil. 
These  plots  are,  in  fact,  as  well  cared  for,  as  clean,  and  as  creditable  as 
are  any  gentlemen’s  gardens  in  the  district,  and  they  have  been  admired 
by  many  visitors.  It  is  not  suggested  that  they  excel  the  groups  in 
other  villages  still  to  be  inspected,  and  where  the  crops  ought 
to  be,  and  no  doubt  are,  better,  in  the  better  soil.  They  are  mentioned 
as  showing  that  the  best  has  been  done  that  could  be  done  under  the 
circumstances,  while  a  previously  barren  square  of  land  has  been  ren¬ 
dered  distinctly  useful,  the  boys  in  the  meantime  gaining  knowledge 
which  can  scarcely  fail  to  be  of  service  to  them  in  after  life. 

“  Each  boy  in  the  different  villages  is  provided  with  a  set  of  tools 
of  suitable  size,  comprising  a  spade,  digging  fork,  draw  hoe,  Dutch  hoe, 
and  planting  fork  or  trowel,  with  sheds  for  their  accommodation.  These 
tools  are  inspected,  and,  with  trifling  exceptions,  are  kept  in  the  most 
admirable  condition,  being  made  bright,  and  then  lightly  oiled  to  prevent 
rusting.  Potatoes  and  seeds  were  provided  for  cropping,  and  prizes  have 
been  awarded  for  the  produce  at  some  local  exhibitions.  The  boys  attend 
borticultural  lectures  when  these  are  given  in  their  villages  during  winter 
evenings,  and  appear  in  every  way  anxious  to  acquire  information  on  the 
management  of  land  and  the  production  of  crops.  So  far  as  is  known, 
the  Surrey  system  of  Continuation  School  Gardens  is  the  most  complete 
that  has  been  yet  established  under  County  Council  auspices  ;  and  it  is 
hoped  and  expected  that  the  rising  generation  will  be  benefited  by  the 
privileges  afforded. — J.  Weight.” 


LILIUM  LANCIFOLIUM  AND  ITS  YARIETIES. 

Theee  are  few  more  beautiful  flowering  plants  for  greenhouse  or 
conservatory  decoration  at  this  season  than  the  various  types  of 
Lilium  lancifolium.  Some  few  years  ago  they  were  cultivated  more 
extensively  than  at  present,  and  it  is  strange  that  such  charming  plants 
should  be  neglected. 

Good  sound  imported  bulbs  can  be  procured  from  any  nurseryman. 
The  bulbs  will  be  found  in  most  instances  to  be  of  a  moderate  size,  and 
three  are  sufficient  fora  10-inch  pot.  Drain  the  pots  well,  and  place  over 
the  crocks  a  handful  of  partly  decayed  leaves,  afterwards  half  fill  the 
pots  with  a  compost  of  fibry  loam,  one  part  dried  horse  droppings  and 
rough  leaf  mould,  adding  a  remaining  part  of  broken  red  sandstone  and 
coarse  silver  sand.  This  has  been  the  best  compost  we  have  ever  used, 
the  growth  of  the  plants  being  strong,  and  the  flowers  exceptionally 
fine.  When  the  pots  have  been  filled  to  the  height  mentioned  give  a 
sprinkling  of  coarse  sand,  on  which  place  the  bulbs,  and  fill  up  almost 
level  with  the  top  of  the  latter. 

After  potting  we  place  the  pots  in  a  cold  frame,  plunging  them  to 
the  rims  in  ashes.  If  the  soil  was  fairly  moist  no  water  will  be 
requisite  until  growth  is  perceivable.  Protection  from  severe  frost  may 
be  afforded  by  covering  the  lights  with  any  stout  material,  removing  it 
on  every  favourable  occasion,  and  giving  ventilation  when  necessary. 
In  this  position  they  may  remain  until  growth  is  well  advanced  in  the 
spring.  The  plants  can  then  be  removed  outside,  standing  them  on 
ashes,  which  will  allow  the  water  to  drain  away  freely  and  keep  out 
worms.  As  the  pots  become  full  of  roots  top-dress  with  a  similar 
compost  to  that  recommended.  Daring  growth,  and  until  the  buds 
begin  to  show  colour,  weak  applications  of  liquid  manure  will  be  found 
very  effectual.  Soot  is  invaluable,  the  gro^yth  assuming  a  deeper  green, 
and  a  sprinkling  of  some  fertiliser  is  also  beneficial.  Neatly  painted 
stakes  should  be  placed  to  the  growths  to  prevent  the  bulbs  getting 
loosened,  and  when  the  buds  show  signs  of  colour  a  cool  greenhouse  is 
the  best  place,  as  then  the  flowers  open  perfectly  clean . 

After  flowering  we  never  place  the  pots  out  of  doors  but  in  the 
greenhouse,  and  repot  the  plants  when  they  have  finished  flowering. 
They  are  then  carefully  watered,  for  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  more 
failures  occur  through  the  pots  being  placed  outside  and  exposed  to  the 


cold  rains  of  the  autumn  than  from  any  other  cause.  As  the  stems 
show  gradual  signs  of  decay  water  is  entirely  withheld,  and  the  pots 
transferred  to  a  cold  frame,  where  the  bulbs  keep  plump  and  are  ready 
to  make  a  good  start  in  the  spring.  The  varieties  we  used  to  grow 
largely  were  Roseum  and  Album,  but  these  are  now  superseded  by 
Rubrum,  with  more  intense  colouring,  and  Album  Kratzseri,  with  better 
formed  flowers  and  a  green  band  in  the  petals.  I  enclose  a  few  flowers, 
from  which  you  will  see  that  our  treatment  is  not  very  far  wrong. 
— R.  P.  R. 

[The  flowers  sent  are  very  fine,  and  reflect  credit  on  the  grower.] 


PROPORTIONAL  PRIZES. 

If  Mr.  A  Dean  has  been  contending  for  the  right  of  proportional 
prizegiving  in  the  Journal  (page  155)  I  am  very  sorry  to  have  missed 
noting  his  efforts  to  effect  this  very  just  alteration.  The  Carshalton 
Exhibition  appears  to  show  the  unfairness  and  absurdity  of  the  ordinary 
method  of  prizegiving.  Wherever  I  have  had  anything  to  do  with 
schedule  framing  1  have  tried  to  bring  the  value  of  the  prizes  offered  as 
near  together  as  possible.  When  competition  is  severe  there  is  often 
the  slightest  margin  between  the  successful  exhibitors,  yet  that  slight 
difference  may  mean  pounds,  as  for  instance  when  the  prizes  are  £15, 
£10,  £5,  and  many  of  us  can  recollect  cases  in  which  the  first  prize  has 
been  £15,  and  the  second  only  £5. 

The  large  first  prizes  have  arisen,  as  I  believe,  from  a  mistaken 
notion  on  the  part  of  committees,  that  a  good  sum  of  money  was  a  greater 
inducement  to  exhibitors  to  enter  specimens.  I  do  not  know  whether  I 
am  right  or  wrong,  but  I  have  always  fancied  that  a  larger  number  of 
exhibitors  is  obtained  by  a  greater  number  of  prizes.  For  instance,  I 
think  £10,  £8,  £6,  £4,  would  bring  together  more  competitors  than 
£20  and  £10,  and  if  entry  fees  are  charged  this  is  a  matter  of  some 
moment  to  the  Committee. 

There  are  other  advantages  attending  proportional  prizegiving.  It 
would  necessitate  greater  care  on  the  part  of  the  judges,  and  though  I 
believe  in  the  great  desire  of  judges  to  act  fairly  towards  all  exhibitors, 
everything  that  tends  to  the  exercise  of  care  and  caution  in  awarding 
prizes  is  an  advantage  to  the  general  body  of  exhibitors.  Moreover, 
when  there  is  a  great  difference  in  the  value  of  prizes,  exhibitors  who, 
perhaps,  naturally  look  favourably  on  their  own  productions,  would 
probably  acquiesce  in  the  judgment  when  they  saw  how  close  was  the 
competition,  and  everything  that  tends  to  kindly  feeling  between  the 
two  classes  is  an  advantage.  The  office  of  judge,  if  honestly  carried  out, 
is  no  sinecure  ;  it  means  a  fair  share  of  labour,  and  this  method  of 
prize-awarding  would  mean  that  every  class  would  have  to  be  “  pointed.” 
This  is  often  quite  unnecessary,  one  exhibit  being  often  immeasurably 
superior  to  the  other.  No  doubt  a  large  number  of  judges  would  be 
required,  and  a  stricter  clearing  of  the  tents  at  the  stated  time,  a  matter 
that  is  not  sufficiently  attended  to  at  most  shows,  and  one  that  greatly 
curtails  the  time  at  disposal  of  the  judges. 

I  see  some  difficulties.  Of  course,  instead  of  a  certain  number  of 
prizes  being  offered,  some  such  note  as  this  would  be  necessary,  “  In  the 
following  classes  such  a  sum  (whatever  the  Committee  have  agreed  to) 

will  be  offered  in - prizes.”  But  what  will  a  single  exhibitor  receive, 

or  exhibitors,  fewer  than  the  number  of  prizes  offered  ?  Then  it  would 
seem  necessary  to  have  in  the  Secretary’s  tent  someone  well  up  in  the 
matter  of  per-centages,  whose  duty  it  would  be  to  thus  divide  the  sum. 
I  do  not  exactly  envy  him  the  work,  and  certainly  the  post  will  not  be 
solicited  by  myself,  although  I  suspect  that  these  difficulties  would  soon 
be  smoothed  over. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


PRESENT  USE  OF  HOTBEDS. 

Dueing  such  bright  weather,  such  as  we  have  had  lately,  it  seems 
somewhat  out  of  place  to  write  about  hotbeds  and  their  uses  ;  but  a 
well  constructed  hotbed  at  the  present  time  is  of  much  importance  for 
rooting  the  cuttings  of  various  summer  bedding  plants  which  are 
required  for  stock  for  the  following  season.  Some  gardeners  keep  a 
stock  in  pots  all  the  summer,  w’nich  is  a  very  wise  plan.  Where  this  is 
not  done  no  time  should  be  lost  in  striking  a  good  batch  of  each  sort 
used,  and  a  hotbed  is  the  most  suitable  place  wherein  to  root  the 
cuttings  quickly.  Such  as  Coleus  Verschaffelti,  Iresines  Lindeni  and 
Herbsti,  Gnaphalium,  Alyssum,  Lemon-scented  Verbena,  Heliotrope,  and 
Harrison’s  Musk,  are  easily  rooted  in  a  hotbed.  Pelargoniums  are  the 
best  rooted  in  boxes  outdoors,  Mesembryanthemums  in  pots  in  a  cool 
frame  or  greenhouse,  and  rootlets  of  Lobelias  dibbled  in  boxes  and 
placed  under  a  north  wall  till  established.  Alternantheras  are  generally 
taken  up,  divided,  and  put  in  boxes  ;  but  I  like  to  have  a  stock  of  young 
plants  also.  They  grow  more  freely  during  the  winter  and  early  spring 
months,  and  give  a  greater  number  of  cuttings  in  the  spring,  healthier 
and  freer  in  growth  than  those  taken  from  old  stock  plants. 

The  hotbed  should  be  made  of  litter,  old  dry  leaves,  and  a  little  lawn 
grass  mixed  in,  each  layer  being  slightly  damped  as  the  work  proceeds 
if  the  material  is  at  all  dry.  About  6  or  8  inches  of  ashes,  cocoa  fibre, 
or  sawdust,  may  be  placed  on  the  top  when  the  material  has  been  made 
firm.  This  is  in  the  case  of  hotbeds  made  in  deep  pits  ;  if  they  are  to 
stand  alone  in  the  open  the  frame  must  be  placed  on  at  a  certain  stage, 
and  more  heating  material  added  afterwards,  so  that  the  surface  of  the 
pots  when  plunged  will  be  about  8  inches  from  the  glass. 

A  suitable  compost  to  root  the  cuttings  in  is  half  leaf  mould  and 
half  loam,  with  a  free  admixture  of  sharp  sand,  Make  the  soil  firm 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


203 


in  the  pots  bafore  inserting  the  cuttings,  and  sprinkle  a  little  sand 
upon  the  surface  of  the  soil  after  the  cuttings  are  in  and  watered. 
This  helps  to  prevent  damping.  Be  careful  that  the  cuttings  do  not 
flag  much  before  being  placed  in  the  frame,  leaving  a  little  air  on  at 
the  top  so  as  the  vapour  may  escape.  Attention  is  necessary  after¬ 
wards  to  see  that  the  cuttings  do  not  flag,  and  are  well  shaded  from  all 
sunshine  till  rooted.  When  this  has  taken  place  air  may  be  gradually 
admitted  more  freely,  and  the  plants  put  in  pots  or  boxes  as  is  most 
convenient  If  they  be  kept  in  a  suitable  temperature  during  the 
winter,  and  not  over-watered,  grand  plants  will  be  at  hand  for  quickly 
increasing  the  stock  to  the  required  number. — Gr.  Gaeneb. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

SHREWSBURY. — August  23ed. 

Once  again  has  the  famed  and  beautiful  Quarry  Grounds  of  historic 
and  picturesque  Shrewsbury  been  seen  in  a  manner  to  be  remembered. 
The  best  specimen  plants  that  Britain  can  boast,  with  beautiful  groups 
half  filling  one  of  the  huge  marquees ;  cut  flowers  in  extraordinary 
numbers  and  superior  quality,  with  floral  arrangements  of  the  first  order 
of  merit,  and  in  some  respects  unique  ;  fruit  in  enormous  quantity  and 
superb  condition — the  premier  display  of  the  year ;  vegetables  as  if 
grown  for  an  army  of  giants;  the  best  music  the  kingdom  affords — 
the  bands  of  the  Royal  Horse  Guards  and  the  Grenadiers,  led  by  the 
“  two  Godfreys,”  with  sundry  other  attractions  of  a  very  miscellaneous 
order ;  with  Pain’s  fireworks  and  40,000  people  on  the  green  sward, 
encircled  by  towering  Limes,  we  have  an  aggregate  of  a  very  remarkable 
character  brought  together  on  the  occasion  of  the  “  Floral  and  Musical 
FSte  ” — the  nineteenth  of  the  series — the  greatest  and  the  best  that  has 
yet  been  provided  by  the  Shropshire  Horticultural  Society, 

The  Society,  as  represented  by  the  records  of  its  shows,  appears  to 
have  started  well,  and  to  have  gone  on  improving  with  no  checks  worth 
mentioning,  until  it  has  reached  its  present  commanding  position  in  the 
horticultural  world.  The  total  receipts  from  the  first  Show  in  1875  was 
£790,  an  amount  it  may  be  noted  only  a  little  above  the  sum  allocated 
for  prizes  during  the  present  year.  The  receipts  last  year  from  all 
sources  were  £3740.  This  year  they  may  be  a  little  less  in  consequence 
of  the  unfortunate  disturbance  in  the  coal  trade,  and  thousands  of  men 
“  out  ”  of  the  class  which,  with  their  families,  attend  the  great  Pro¬ 
vincial  Festival.  The  takings  on  the  first  day  (£535)  were  greater  than 
on  the  corresponding  day  in  any  other  year,  while  those  on  the  record 
day  amounted  to  £1400 — a  wonderful  result  under  the  circumstances. 
There  was  no  falling  off  in  the  competition  ;  but  on  the  contrary,  an 
increase  of  200  entries,  bringing  the  total  up  to  2400.  This  speaks  well 
for  the  confidence  that  is  reposed  in  the  Society.  Exhibitors  are 
treated  in  no  niggardly  fashion,  but  every  encouragement  that  can  rightly 
be  given  is  extended,  as  is  instanced  by  the  number  of  medals  and  special 
prizes  granted  for  miscellaneous  exhibits  of  a  meritorious  character.  In  a 
word  a  generous  policy  is  pursued,  and  it  is  this  which  has  mainly 
made  the  Society  what  it  is.  Societies  that  work  on  the  principle  of 
getting  as  much  from  and  giving  as  little  as  possible  to  those  who  are 
in  a  position  to  support  them,  seldom  if  ever  win  a  high  position  and 
gain  the  confidence  of  the  horticultural  community.  Of  such  magnitude 
was  this  last  Show  at  Shrewsbury  that  no  less  than  twenty-two  Judges 
were  engaged,  and  they  could  only  just  complete  their  duties  in  time 
for  the  public  admittance.  The  following  were  the  adjudicators  in  the 
different  sections  : — 

Specimen  Plants  and  Groups,  —  Mr.  Outram,  B.  S.  Williams 
and  Co.,  London  ;  Mr.  Ranger,  R.  Ker  &  Sons,  Aigburth  Nurseries, 
Liverpool  ;  Mr.  Chapman,  gardener  to  J.  Spode,  Esq.,  Hawkesyard 
Park,  Rugeley. 

Cut  Flowers,  Floral  Designs,  Bouquets,  &c.— Mr.  W.  Dean, 
Sparkhill,  Birmingham  ;  Mr.  Wright,  Journal  of  Horticulture  Office, 
London;  Mr.  Blair,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Sutherland,  Trentham  ; 
Mr.  Barnes,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Westminster,  Eaton  Hall. 

Fruit. — Mr.  0.  Thomas,  gardener  to  H.M.  The  Queen,  Windsor ; 
Mr.  Coleman,  gardener  to  Lady  H.  Somerset,  Eastnor  Castle,  Ledbury  ; 
Mr.  Miller,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Craven,  Combe  Abbey  ;  Mr.  Rabone, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Shrewsbury,  Alton  Towers. 

Vegetables. — Mr.  Muir,  gardener  to  Miss  Talbot,  Margam  Park, 
Glamorgan  ;  Mr.  Lambert,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Powis,  Powis  Castle, 
Welshpool  ;  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Radnor,  Longford 
Castle,  Salisbury  ;  Mr.  N.  Pownall,  gardener  to  F.  Wright,  Esq.,  Lenton 
Hall,  Nottingham. 

Wild  Flowers. — Mr.  W.  Beacall  and  Mr.  T.  P.  Blunt,  Shrewsbury  ; 
and  Rev.  W.  Serjeantson,  Acton  Burnell. 

Cottagers. — Mr.  J.  Jones,  gardener  to  A.  P.  Heywood-Lonsdale, 
Esq.,  Cloverley  ;  Mr.  J.  Wallis,  gardener  to  R.  Sneyd,  Esq.,  Keele  Hall  ; 
Mr.  T.  B.  Field,  gardener  to  Sir  H.  Thyrwhitt,  Bart.,  Stanley  Hall  ;  and 
Mr.  Farrant,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Juson,  Shrewsbury. 

Only  the  chief  features  of  the  Show  can  be  noted,  and  the  prize¬ 
winners  in  some  of  the  principal  classes  recorded. 

Groups  and  Specimen  Plants. 

Groups. — The  schedule  opened  with  a  class  for  a  “group  of  miscellane¬ 
ous  plants,  in  and  out  of  bloom,  arranged  to  produce  the  best  effect,  and 
occupying  a  space  of  300  square  feet.”  The  prizes  offered  in  these  classes 
were  £20,  £16,  £14,  and  £12  respectively,  and  it  may  be  said  that  the 
winners  of  the  third  and  fourth  prizes  were  as  well  entitled  to  the  amounts 
allocated  as  were  the  first  and  second  prizewinners  to  the  relative  greater 


sums.  Five  groups  were  arranged  in  squares  and  produced  an  imposing  and 
diversified  effect.  After  long  and  close  examination  the  premier  prize 
was  awarded  to  the  group  of  J.  H.  Manners  Sutton,  Esq.,  Kelham  Hall, 
as  arranged  by  Mr.  A.  Webb,  gardener.  It  may  be  described  as  strong 
and  rich,  though  perhaps  a  trifle  heavy,  yet  it  could  scarcely  be 
described  as  overcrowded,  though  undoubtedly,  to  use  the  familiar  term 
of  gardeners,  there  was  “stuff  enough  in  it.”  It  was,  however,  good 
“  stuff,”  the  plants  being  bright  and  healthy.  The  arrangement  con¬ 
sisted  of  a  bold  central  mound  of  Crotons,  Dracaenas,  and  Ferns,  sur¬ 
mounted  with  a  spreading  Palm.  There  were  five  or  six  smaller  mounds 
of  a  similar  character  supporting  isolated  plants  of  Crotons,  Dracaenas, 
and  small  Palms  in  excellent  condition.  The  ground,  or  dells  between 
the  elevations,  was  furnished  with  small  brightly  coloured  plants  and 
Ferns,  not  packed  closely  together,  but  dotted  in  the  moss,  and  plenty 
of  space  between  them.  The  background  consisted  of  Palms,  Crotons, 
and  Liliums.  The  contour  and  character  of  every  plant  was  displayed, 
instead  of,  as  is  so  often  the  case,  one  spoiling  the  effect  of  the  other  by 
crushing  and  crowding. 

That  great  prizewinner  at  shows,  Mr.  Cypher  of  Cheltenham,  who  has 
also  the  reputation  that  so  many  persons  appreciate,  of  being  a  “  good 
loser,”  just  lost  the  first  prize  in  this  class  but  well  won  the  second,  an 
extremely  light  and  chaste  arrangement,  but  not,  as  some  thought,  quite 
rich  enough.  White  as  represented  by  Francoas  and  Caladium 
argyrites  predominated  under  a  canopy  of  Ferns.  The  plants  were 
thinly  disposed,  and  in  that  respect,  perhaps,  excelled  all  others,  and  the 
effect  of  the  whole  would  have  been  enhanced  with  fewer  variegated 
plants  as  a  background.  Mr.  F.  Denning,  Birmingham,  was  placed 
third  with  a  good  but  rather  heavy  arrangement,  though  lightened  with 
a  group  of  Tuberoses  springing  from  a  mass  of  Asparagus  plumosus  or 
allied  form — an  attractive  combination.  This  is  the  best  group  we  have 
seen  from  this  exhibitor,  who  seems  to  possess  the  spirit  of  perseverance 
that  usually  brings  success  sooner  or  later.  The  remaining  prize  was 
worthily  adjudged  to  the  group  of  C.  H.  Wright,  Esq.,  Halston  Hall 
(Mr.  Roberts,  gardener),  and  was  composed  of  bold  masses  of  Liliums 
associated  with  Palms,  interspersed  with  small  Crotons  and  other 
plants — effective  and  ran  its  rival  rather  closely.  The  fifth  group  was 
arranged  by  Messrs.  Jones  &  Son,  Shrewsbury.  Its  merit  was  recognised 
by  an  extra  prize  of  £5,  and  the  exhibitors  will  now  perhaps  fortify 
themselves  for  another  contest. 

Specimen  Plants. — The  class  for  sixteen  stove  and  greenhouse  plants, 
half  to  be  in  bloom,  created  a  good  deal  of  interest,  as  it  seemed  to  be 
understood  that  Messrs.  Cypher  and  Finch  (Mr.  Marriott’s  able  gardener) 
were  showing  their  best  for  the  premier  (£20)  prize.  Some  persons 
thought  that  the  latter’s  magnificent  Ixoras  and  brilliant  Crotons  would 
“  pull  him  through,”  but  the  predominating  view  was  that  “  Cypher 
would  overweight  him,”  and  so  it  was.  He  won  with  a  grand  collection. 
His  Ericas  Eweriana,  Marnockiana,  and  Aitoniana,  also  Allamanda 
Hendersoni,  Dipladenia  amabilis,  Statice  profusa,  and  Clerodendron 
were  highly  effective,  and  admirably  supported  by  magnificent  8  feet 
Crotons  angustifolius.  Sunset,  and  Queen  Victoria,  and  these  well 
backed  by  lofty  Palms — a  ponderous  contribution,  as  it  had  to  be  to 
hold  the  position  against  the  Coventry  contingent.  Mr.  Pinch’s  Ixora 
Duffi  was  remarkable  by  the  richness  of  its  massive  heads.  Its  equal 
has  probably  never  been  seen,  and  the  Williams’  Memorial  medal  was 
awarded  for  it  as  the  best  flowering  stove  plant  in  the  Show.  Mr. 
Finch  had  other  fine  Ixoras,  a  splendid  Erica,  fine  Allamanda,  good 
Lapageria,  and  glowing  Crotons  Prince  of  Wales  and  Warreni,  but  his 
Palms  lacked  weight.  He  well  won  the  £15  prize,  and  £2  extra  with 
the  Williams’  medal.  There  were  no  other  competitors,  and  luckily, 
perhaps,  for  the  large  tent  was  overcrowded  with  exhibits. 

Amongst  these  the  plants  in  the  class  for  Shropshire  gardeners  con¬ 
tributed  effectively  to  the  display.  The  first  prize  for  six  specimens 
was  won  by  Mr.  Pearson,  gardener  to  Lord  Berwick,  Attingham  Hall, 
with  two  Ixoras,  an  Allamanda,  Dipladenia,  Palm,  and  Croton,  all  in 
good  condition,  as  were  the  plants  with  which  Mr.  Farrant,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Juson,  Shrewsbury,  won  the  second  prize.  Ferns  were  admirably 
represented,  and  the  specimens  of  Salopian  gardeners  were  most  credit¬ 
able,  those  of  Mr.  Penson,  gardener  to  Lord  Forester,  Willey  Park, 
Broseley,  perhaps  especially  so.  His  plants  comprised  Microlepia  hirta 
cristata,  Nephrolepis  davallioides,  Polystichum  capense,  Adiantum 
decorum,  Davallia  Mooreana,  and  Adiantum  farleyense,  wonderfully 
fresh  and  healthy.  Messrs.  Bremmell  and  Steventon  were  also  successful 
exhibitors.  Tuberous  Begonias,  Fuchsias,  Coleuses,  Dracmnas,  and 
Caladiums  were  effectively  shown  by  Messrs.  Lambert,  Leith,  Bremmell, 
and  other  gardeners  ;  but  Orchids  could  not  be  expected  to  be  numerous 
so  late  in  the  season.  Messrs.  Cypher  and  Shuttleworth  &  Co.  (Brad¬ 
ford)  were  successful  in  the  nurserymen’s  class,  winning  the  prizes  of 
£12  and  £8  respectively,  A.  E.  W.  Darby,  Esq.  (Mr.  Dawes,  gardener), 
being  the  only  exhibitor  in  the  amateurs’  section.  The  prizes  for 
Palms  were  won  by  Messrs.  Cypher,  Finch,  and  Webb. 

In  the  same  plant  tent  Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Tottenham,  had  a 
splendid  collection  of  Tuberous  Begonias,  for  which  a  gold  medal  was 
awarded,  a  similar  mark  of  distinction  being  granted  to  a  most^ exten¬ 
sive  and  varied  exhibit  of  plants  by  Messrs.  Pritchard  &  Sons,  Shrews¬ 
bury,  and  a  silver  medal  to  the  Liverpool  Horticultural  Company  for  a 
fine  group  of  Tea  Roses, 

Cut  Flowers. 

The  cut  flower  section  is  always  a  heavy  one.  There  were  thirty-six 
classes  in  the  division  open  to  all.  In  the  class  for  a  collection  of  cut 
Roses,  in  space  12  feet  by  6  feet,  two  admirable  exhibits  were  staged, 
both  from  Scotland.  Messrs.  James  Cocker  &  Son,  Aberdeen,  were  well 


204 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  31,  1893. 


first  with  fine  blooms,  staged  in  small  groups  of  separate  varieties,  a 
basket  of  Viscountess  Folkestone  being  the  centre  object.  Messrs. 
D.  &  W.  Croll,  Dundee,  was  second  —  a  fine  display,  with  a  con¬ 
spicuous  centre  of  blooms  of  Mar^cbal  Niel  and  Online  Forestier.  For 
twenty-four  cut  Roses  the  prizes  were  awarded  to  these  two  firms,  the 
Aberdeen  firm  being  first. 

In  the  class  for  a  collection  of  Dahlias  of  all  types,  in  a  space  15  feet 
by  6  feet,  there  was  a  display  which  drew  forth  warm  admiration, 
Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  of  Salisbury,  easily  taking  the  first 
prize  with  a  fine  assortment  most  effectively  arranged  ;  Mr,  George 
Humphries,  The  Nurseries,  Kingston  Langley,  second;  Messrs.  Jones 
and  Sons,  Shrewsbury,  third ;  Messrs.  Kimberley,  of  Coventry,  also 
Messrs.  Jones  &  Son,  Shrewsbury,  being  commended.  For  twenty-four 
Dahlias— first,  Mr.  Humphries  ;  second,  Messrs,  Harkness  &  Sons, 
Bedale  ;  third,  Messrs.  Keynes  &  Co. 

Three  collections  of  Gladioli  were  staged,  each  in  a  space  of  24  feet 
by  6  feet,  and  made  a  brilliant  display.  The  first  prize  fell  to  Messrs. 
Harkness  &  Sons,  Bedale,  for  bold,  well-bloomed  large  spikes.  Second, 
Messrs.  Jones  &  Son,  Shrewsbury.  Third,  Mr.  Wm.  Shaw,  Kidderminster. 
For  eighteen  spikes  of  Gladioli  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons  were  first,  and 
Mr.  William  Shaw  second.  Liberal  prizes  were  offered  for  Begonia 
blooms  in  a  space  8  feet  by  6  feet,  and  here  Mr.  Davis  of  Yeovil  had  it 
all  to  himself  with  a  very  fine  display.  In  the  class  for  twelve  bunches 
of  stove  and  greenhouse  flowers.  Orchids  excluded,  some  excellent  exhibits 
were  staged.  Mr.  Carling,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Cope,  Woolton,  Liverpool, 
was  first,  and  other  good  boxes  were  stagsd, 

A  grand  display  was  made  with  hardy  border  flowers,  set  up  in 
competition  for  the  liberal  prizes  for  collections,  each  in  a  space  15  feet 
by  6  feet,  annuals  and  shrubs  excluded.  Six  collections  were  staged, 
and  each  deserved  a  first  prize.  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Son,  Aberdeen,  were 
first  with  bold  bunches  in  great  variety,  well  arranged.  Messrs. 
Harkness  &  Sons  were  second  with  a  very  extensive  assortment,  too 
much  crowded  into  the  given  space.  Third  Messrs.  Laxton  Brothers, 
Bedford  (succeeding  to  their  late  father’s  business),  with  noble  bunches. 
Fourth  Messrs,  Biddles  &  Co.,  Loughborough.  Fifth  Messrs.  Dicksons, 
Chester,  with  an  excellent  group. 

Prizes  of  £5,  £4,  and  £3  were  offered  for  a  collection  of  Carnations 
and  Picotees  in  variety,  shown  with  their  own  foliage  and  buds,  and  not 
dressed  in  any  way,  in  a  space  9  feet  by  6  feet.  The  season  for  these 
flowers  was  over  south  of  the  Tweed,  but  three  collections  were  staged 
from  Scotland.  First,  Mr.  Campbell,  Blantyre.  Second,  Messrs.  Laing 
and  Mather,  Kelso  ;  and  third,  Mr.  John  Forbes,  Hawick.  It  is  an 
excellent  idea,  as  it  shows  the  character  of  the  varieties,  and  had  the 
month  of  August  been  the  blooming  time  as  usual  with  the  Midland 
growers,  there  would  have  been  a  much  finer  display. 

Shrewsbury  is  famous  for  bouquets,  and  prizes  of  £5,  £4,  and  £3  are 
annually  offered  for  a  ball  and  a  bridal  bouquet.  Messrs.  Jenkinson  and 
Son,  florists,  Newcastle-under-Lyne,  were  first  with  two  handsome 
shower  bouquets.  Second,  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry.  Third, 
Mr.  Gilbert  Davidson,  Ammanford.  Liberal  prizes  are  also  given  for 
buttonhole  bouquets,  a  hand  bouquet,  bridal  bouquet,  and  epergnes. 
Another  class  is  devoted  to  a  decorative  dinner  table  for  ten  persons 
with  flowers  and  fruits.  Messrs.  Jones  &  Sons,  Shrewsbury,  were  well 
first  with  two  epergnes,  and  a  good  Melon,'  Pine,  Nectarines,  Peaches, 
and  Grapes,  and  six  small  specimen  glasses.  Four  other  exhibits  were 
staged  in  this  class. 

A  new  departure  here  was  to  be  seen  in  liberal  prizes  being  offered 
for  a  group  of  floral  arrangements,  in  a  space  12  feet  by  6  feet.  There 
were  six  competitors,  all  of  considerable  merit  and  beauty  of  arrange¬ 
ment.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  were  first  with  a  splendid 
assortment,  consisting  of  shower  bouquets,  in  which  shades  of  cream 
colour  and  light  yellow  predominated  ;  others,  made  up  of  light  coloured 
Cattleyas  and  Oncidium  flexuosum  ;  lovely  baskets  of  flowers,  anchors, 
wreaths,  crosses,  sprays,  and  along  the  top  lovely  fan-shaped  arrange¬ 
ments  of  Grasses,  Ferns,  and  foliage.  Various  other  designs  were  staged 
in  this  collection,  and  in  the  centre  was  a  large  wedding  cake  orna¬ 
mented  with  wreaths.  Messrs.  Jenkins  &  Sons,  Newcastle,  were  a  good 
second,  and  three  equal  third  prizes  were  awarded.  The  amateur  classes 
in  the  cut  flower  department  were  generally  also  well  filled. 

Fruit. 

Fruit  was  magnificently  shown,  the  competition  in  all  the  classes 
being  very  heavy,  and  with  a  remarkable  absence  of  inferior  exhibits. 
It  was  the  largest  and  best  exhibition  ever  held  by  the  Society, 
particularly  of  Grapes. 

Collections. — There  were  five  entries  for  twelve  dishes  of  fruit, 
premier  honours  being  secured  by  the  Earl  of  Harrington,  Elvaston 
Castle  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  H.  Goodacre),  who  staged  Muscat  Hamburgh, 
very  fine ;  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Madresfield  Court,  and  Foster’s 
Seedling  Grapes,  all  in  prime  condition  ;  his  other  dishes  consisting  of 
Walburton  Admirable  and  Golden  Eagle  Peaches,  Hero  of  Lockinge 
Melon,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  Washington  Plums,  Victoria  Nectarines,  a 
good  Pine,  and  a  fine  dish  of  Strawberries.  Second,  J.  Corbett,  Esq., 
Impney  (gardener,  Mr.  Parker),  with  Golden  Queen,  Alicante,  Alnwick 
Seedling,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  well  finished ;  Cox’s  Orange 
Pippin  Apples,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  Humboldt  Nectarines,  Best  of  All 
Melon,  Princess  of  Wales  Peach,  Jersey  Gratioli  Pears,  Jefferson  Plums, 
and  a  good  Pine.  Third,  Hon.  Mrs.  Meynell  Ingram  (gardener,  Mr. 
Dawes),  a  very  close  opponent,  all  the  dishes  being  fine.  Fourth, 
W .  A.  H.  Marks,  Esq.  Ledbury  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Bailey),  who  staged 
some  very  fine  fruit,  but  his  Pine  was  weak.  For  a  collection  of  nine 
dishes  of  fruit,  open  to  Salop  only,  the  competition  was  keen.  H.  H. 


Hayhurst,  Esq.  (gardener,  Mr.  S.  Bremmell),  secured  first  honours,  his 
best  dishes  being  fine  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Alnwick  Seedling 
Grapes,  Bon  Chretien  Pears,  Late  Duke  Cherries,  Hero  of  Lockinge 
Melon,  and  Prince  of  Wales  Peaches.  Second,  Rev.  J.  M.  Buckley  Owen 
(gardener,  Mr.  J.  Langley).  Third,  J.  Watson,  Esq.  (gardener,  Mr. 
A.  Gant),  both  staging  fine  fruit. 

Grapes. — The  class  for  six  bunches  of  black  Grapes  excited  much 
attention,  the  prizes  amounting  to  £19  causing  heavy  competition,  and 
grand  specimens  were  staged  by  many  veterans.  The  Hon.  C.  H.  Wynn, 
The  Rhffg,  Corwen  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Bennett),  was  placed  first  with 
magnificent  bunches  of  Gros  Maroc,  Alnwick  Seedling,  and  Alicante, 
the  size  of  berry,  depth  of  bloom,  and  perfect  finish  were  splendid. 
Second,  the  Earl  of  Harrington,  with  fine  Gros  Guillaume,  Alicante,  and 
Alnwick  Seedling.  Third,  ,1.  Grant  Morris,  Esq ,  Allerton  Priory 
(gardener,  Mr.  Craven).  Fourth,  C.  Bayer,  Esq.,  Forest  Hill,  London 
(gardener,  Mr.  J.  Bury).  Fifth,  Earl  of  Cork,  Frome  (gardener,  Mr.  W. 
Iggulden).  The  two  latter  receiving  extra  prizes,  their  exhibits  being 
so  meritorious.  For  three  bunches  of  Black  Hamburghs,  J.  C.  Sinclair, 
Esq.,  Rock  Ferry  (gardener,  Mr.  R.  Brownbill),  was  first  with  beautiful 
examples  in  a  heavy  class.  Second,  J.  T.  Harris,  Esq.,  Stone  (gardener, 
Mr.  J.  Bates),  with  flue  bunches,  well  finished.  Third,  R.  Pilkington, 
Esq.,  Rainford  Hall,  St.  Helens  (gardener,  Mr.  G.  Middleton).  The 
class  for  three  bunches  of  any  other  black  was  a  grand  one,  many  fine 
stands  of  Alicante  and  Gros  Maroc  having  to  stand  out,  as  Madresfield 
Court  swept  the  deck.  Many  exhibitors  hope  the  Society  will  make  a 
class  for  late  Grapes  another  year.  J.  Grant  Morris,  Esq.,  was  a  good 
first  with  fine  bunches,  and  berries  well  finished.  Second,  Mrs.  Meakin, 
Cresswell  Hall,  Stafford  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Wilks).  Third,  Hon.  C.  H. 
Wynn. 

For  four  bunches  of  white  Grapes  in  two  varieties,  J.  R.  Franklin, 
Esq.,  St.  Hillary,  Cowbridge  (gardener,  Mr.  E.  Silk),  secured  the  first 
position  with  fine  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Mrs.  Pearson.  Second, 
Hon.  C.  H.  Wynn,  with  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Buckland  Sweetwater. 
Third,  Duke  of  Newcastle,  Worksop  (gardener,  Mr.  C.  Slade),  with 
Duke  of  Buccleuch,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Many  splendid  lots  could 
not  receive  notice  as  the  class  was  so  extensive.  The  white  Muscat  class 
was  a  big  one,  but  though  the  fruit  was  fine  in  bunch  and  berry  the  colour 
generally  was  not  good,  and  shrivelling  had  set  in  on  many  stands, 
the  opinion  being  that  the  season  has  been  too  forcing  to  suit  Muscats. 
R.  Pilkington,  Esq.,  was  a  good  first.  Second,  the  Duke  of  Newcastle, 
very  close  on  the  first.  Third,  J.  Daintry,  Esq.,  Congleton  (gardener, 
Mr.  A.  H.  Hall).  For  three  bunches  of  any  other  white,  J.  Grant  Morris, 
Esq.,  was  first  with  fine  well  coloured  clusters  of  Buckland  Sweetwater. 
Second,  Mrs.  B.  Darby,  Baschurch  (gardener,  Mr.  R.  Lawley).  Third, 
0.  Bayer,  Esq.  Two  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  open  to 
Salop  only,  first.  Rev.  J.  M.  B.  Owen.  Second,  C.  H.  Wright,  Esq., 
Halston  Hall,  Oswestry  (gardener,  Mr.  C.  Roberts).  Third,  G.  Borr,  Esq., 
Oaklands.  Other  successful  exhibitors  in  the  classes  confined  to  Salop 
were  Lord  Harlech,  Col.  R.  T.  Lloyd,  R.  Darby,  Esq.,  and  Lord 
Berwick. 

Lord  Bagot,  Blythefield,  Mrs.  Horsfall,  and  Mrs.  Meekin  were 
the  successful  exhibitors  of  Peaches,  but  the  names  of  the  varieties 
could  not  be  ascertained  ;  the  fruit  was  very  large  and  highly  coloured. 
For  Nectarines  R.  Sneyd,  Esq.,  Keele  Hall  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Wallis),  was 
first  with  beautiful  fruit  of  Darwin.  Second,  Lord  Harlech,  with 
Violetta  Hative.  Third,  Hon.  Mrs.  Meynell  Ingram.  Lord  Harlech 
also  took  first  with  Apricots  and  with  twelve  purple  Plums,  J.  Corbett, 
Esq.,  occupying  a  similar  position  with  white  Plums.  Green-flesh 
Melons  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Edmonds,  Earl  of  Harrington,  and 
Lord  Berwick,  who  took  the  prizes  in  the  order  named.  For  scarlet- 
flesh  Melons  Rev.  J.  M.  B.  O  wen,  Hon.  Mrs.  Meynell  Ingram,  and  the 
Duke  of  Newcastle  took  the  honours  as  named. 

Five  splendid  Pine  Apples  were  staged  by  Mr.  C,  Slade,  gardener  to 
the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  well  deserving  the  certificate  of  merit  and 
special  prize  awarded.  A  similar  prize  was  awarded  to  the  Hon.  C.  H. 
Wynn  forsix  Pine  Apples,  very  fine.  A  special  prize  was  awarded  to  C.  Lee 
Campbell,  Esq.,  Glewston  Court,  Ross  (gardener,  Mr.  S,  T.  Wright),  for 
three  immense  bunches  of  Black  Alicante  Grapes,  which  were  also  large 
in  berry,  with  a  dense  bloom,  in  perfect  condition.  Mr.  J.  Watkins, 
Pomona  Farm  Nurseries,  Hereford,  was  awarded  a  certificate  of  merit 
and  a  silver  medal  for  a  large  collection  of  Apples,  Pears,  and  Plums,  all 
the  fruit  being  large  and  of  very  high  colour,  attracting  much  attention; 
The  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company,  King’s  Acre,  Hereford,  were 
awarded  a  certificate  of  merit  for  a  large  collection  of  Apples  of 
brilliant  colour  for  the  time  of  the  year. 

Vegetables. 

Large  quantities  of  vegetables  were  shown,  many  of  them  of  excellent 
quality,  but  better  finished  collections  have  been  seen  at  previous 
Shrewsbury  Shows.  There  were  six  competitors  for  the  Society’s  prizes 
offered  for  twelve  varieties,  but  the  Judges  experienced  no  great 
difficulty  in  awarding  those  prizes.  Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady 
Theodore  Guest,  Blandford,  was  well  first,  having  fine  Autumn  Giant 
Cauliflowers,  Lyon  Leeks,  Sutton’s  Solid  White  Celery,  Green  Globe 
Artichokes,  Exhibition  Beet,  Ne  Plus  Ultra  Runner  Beans,  Satisfaction 
Potatoes,  Perfection  Tomatoes,  Ailsa  Craig  Onions,  Model  Cucumbers, 
and  Autocrat  Peas.  Mr.  W.  Pope,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Carnarvon, 
Newbury,  took  the  second  prize  with  a  good  even  collection,  in  which 
Solid  White  Celery  and  Satisfaction  Potatoes  were  particularly  fine.  The 
third  prize  went  to  Mr.  R.  Milner,  gardener  to  Miss  Talbot,  Penrice 
Castle,  Swansea.  In  the  class  for  six  varieties,  this  being  confined  to  the 
county  of  Salop,  there  were  twelve  competing,  a  capital  lot  of  produce 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


205 


being  shown.  Mr.  S.  Wakebam,  gardener  to  T.  W.  Williams,  Esq.,  was 
first,  he  having  good  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflowers,  Snowball  Turnips, 
Ailsa  Craig  Onions,  Intermediate  Carrots,  Main  Crop  Tomatoes,  and 
Blood  Red  Beet.  Mr.  J.  Abbott,  gardener  to  Mrs.  C.  Guise,  was  a 
creditable  second ;  and  Mr.  R.  C.  Townsend,  gardener  to  Colonel  R. 
Lloyd,  third. 

Potatoes  in  all  the  classes  provided  for  them  were  remarkably  good, 
coarseness  being  less  apparent,  and  less  favoured  by  the  Judges  than 
usual.  The  best  six  varieties  were  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Hathaway,  gardener 
to  the  Earl  of  Lathom,  Ormskirk,  who  had  Satisfaction,  Edgcote  Purple, 
Chancellor,  Reading  Ruby,  Cole’s  Favourite,  and  Scarisbrick  Favourite 
in  perfect  condition.  Mr.  G.  H.  C.  Shorting  was  second,  and  Mr.  E. 
Cumberbatch  third.  For  three  varieties,  Mr.  T.  Griffiths,  gardener  to 
J.  Dixon  Taylor,  Esq.,  was  well  first,  having  excellent  dishes  of  The  Bruce, 
Prizetaker,  and  Satisfaction.  Mr.  J.  Hathaway  was  second,  and  Mr.  W. 
Pope  third.  There  were  twenty-five  competitors  with  one  dish  of 
Tomatoes,  Mr.  D.  Sheppard,  Winchcombe,  being  first  with  very  good 
examples  of  Perfection  ;  Mr.  A.  Ruddock  being  second,  and  Mr.  W. 
Shaw  third.  Carrots,  Turnips,  Onions,  and  other  vegetables  in  season 
were  extensively  and  well  shown,  a  whole  tent  being  principally  devoted 
to  them. 

Special  prizes  were  offered  by  several  of  the  leading  seedsmen,  the 
competition  being  good  in  most  cases.  Five  competed  with  collections 
of  vegetables,  the  prizes  for  which  were  provided  by  Messrs.  Webb  and 
Sons,  Stourbridge.  Mr.  T.  Wilkins  took  the  lead  with  very  fine  Excelsior 
Onions,  Webb’s  Solid  White  Celery,  Autumn  Giant  Caulifiowers,  Autocrat 
Peas,  Webb’s  Defiance  Carrots,  Sensation  Tomatoes,  Satisfaction  Potatoes, 
and  Ne  Plus  Ultra  Runner  Beans.  Mr.  C.  Pope  was  second,  his 
Mammoth  Red  Celery  and  Stourbridge  Gem  Cucumbers  being  extra 
good.  The  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  J.  Hathaway,  the  fourth  to  Mr.  R. 
Milner,  and  the  fifth  to  Mr.  R.  C.  Townsend.  Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons  also 
provided  prizes  for  a  dish  of  Tomatoes,  and  in  this  instance  Mr.  W. 
Iggulden,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Cork,  Frome,  was  first  with  well 
selected  Webb’s  Sensation ;  Mr.  J.  Langley,  gardener  to  the  Rev. 
Bulkeley  Owen,  West  Felton,  being  a  close  second.  Mr.  J.  Cooke, 
gardener  to  G.  Singer,  Esq.,  third,  and  Mr.  J.  Craven,  gardener  to 
J.  Grant  Morris,  Esq.,  fourth.  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  offered  prizes  for 
collection  of  vegetables,  the  first  of  which  only  was  open  to  all,  the  rest 
being  confined  to  the  county  of  Salop.  Mr.  T.  Wilkins  was  well  first 
with  a  collection  very  like  that  which  he  staged  for  the  Society’s  prizes. 
Mr.  S.  Wakehamwasagood  second,  Mr.  R.  Townsend  third,  Mr.  G.  Pear¬ 
son,  gardener  to  Lord  Berwick,  fourth,  and  Mr.  J.  Milner  fifth.  Messrs. 
Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  London,  offered  prizes  in  three  separate 
classes,  in  each  of  which  there  was  good  competition,  Messrs.  Farrant, 
Iggulden,  Bird,  and  others  taking  the  prizes.  Messrs.  Taylor  and 
Thomson,  Bishopsgate,  London,  also  provided  good  prizes  for  their 
customers  to  compete  for.  The  first  for  a  collection  of  vegetables  was 
well  won  by  Mr.  W,  Pope,  Mr.  T.  Wilkins  was  second,  and  Mr.  R.  C, 
Townsend  third. 

The  first  of  the  prizes  offered  by  the  late  Mr.  Laxton  for  four  varie¬ 
ties  of  his  new  Potatoes  was  won  by  Mr.  W.  Iggulden,  who  staged 
medium-sized  tubers  of  Early  Laxton,  Reward,  Victorious,  and  General. 
The  winner  of  the  first  prize  foi  Clibran’s  Tomato  was  Mr.  A.  Ruddock, 
gardener  to  E.  A.  Young,  Esq.,  but  the  fruits  were  rough.  A  series  of 
prizes  were  offered  by  Mr.  R.  Sydenham,  Birmingham,  which  attracted 
fairly  good  competition.  Messrs.  G.  Cooke,  A.  Lowe,  Bridgend,  and 
W.  T.  Roderick,  gardener  to  A.  M.  Biddulph,  Esq.,  Chirk  Castle,  being 
the  principal  prizewinners.  The  names  of  the  winners  of  the  prizes 
offered  by  Messrs.  Thompson  &  Co.  did  not  transpire  in  time  for  inclu¬ 
sion  in  this  report.  Cottagers’  exhibits  were  extensive  and  meritorious. 

Honoeaey  Exhibits. 

These  alone  were  sufficient  to  make  up  a  very  fine  Exhibition. 

Gold  medals  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  for  an 
enormous  collection  of  Dahlias,  choice  Sweet  Peas,  African  and  French 
Marigolds  of  the  finest  quality,  summer  Chrysanthemums,  herbaceous 
and  other  fiowers — a  bright,  varied,  and  admirably  arranged  display  ; 
also,  as  previously  stated,  to  Messrs.  Thomas  Ware  &  Co.,  Tottenham, 
for  a  very  fine  collection  of  Begonias  in  pots  and  in  a  cut  state,  and  to 
Messrs.  Pritchard  &  Sons,  Shrewsbury,  for  a  very  extensive  bank  of 
decorative  plants. 

Silver  medals  were  awarded  to  ■  Mr.  Albert  Myers,  nurseryman, 
Shrewsbury,  for  a  bank  of  plants  ;  Messrs.  Birkenhead,  Sale,  for  choice 
Ferns;  Messrs.  Dicksons  (Limited),  Chester,  a  collection  of  plants; 
Messrs.  Wm.  Cutbush  &  Son,  London,  collection  of  cut  flowers  ;  Messrs. 
Hewitt  &  Co.,  Birmingham,  Begonias  and  other  plants  ;  Messrs.  Phillips 
and  Co.,  Shrewsbury,  a  collection  of  fruit ;  Mr.  Watkins,  Pomona  Farm, 
Hereford,  collection  of  Apples,  Pears,  and  Crabs  ;  The  Liverpool  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society  for  a  group  of  Roses  in  pots.  The  Williams’  Memorial 
medals,  and  £2  to  Mr.  W.  Finch,  gardener  to  Mr.  Alderman  Marriott, 
Coventry,  for  his  grand  example  of  Ixora  Duffi,  and  to  Mr.  W.  Evans, 
Stone,  Staffordshire,  as  an  amateur  who  does  not  employ  a  gardener, 
for  a  fine  plant  of  Oncidium  incurvum. 

Certificates  of  merit  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons, 
Coventry,  for  seedlirg  Cactus  Dahlias  Grand  Mogul  and  Matchless,  also 
to  a  lovely  Pompon,  Greyfriars  ;  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams,  &  Co., 
Salisbury,  for  seedling  Cactus  Dahlias,  Gloriosa,  Dawn,  and  Mephisto- 
pheleg ;  Mr.  Hy.  Eckford,  Wem,  for  Sweet  Peas;  Mr.  Wm.  Innes, 
Rothesay,  for  Pansies  and  cut  flowers  ;  Messrs.  Edwards  &  Sons,  Sher¬ 
wood,  Nottingham,  for  floral  decorations  ;  Messrs.  Jarman  &  Co.,  Chard, 
for  a  collection  of  vegetables  ;  Mr.  W.  D.  Bacon,  Wolverhampton,  for 
new  Milltrack  Mushroom  spawn  ;  The  English  Fruit  Company,  Hereford, 


for  a  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears  ;  Laxton  Brothers,  Bedford,  for 
Sweet  Pea  Princess  May,  in  colour  very  like  Countess  of  Radnor. 

A  special  silver  medal  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady 
Theodore  Guest,  for  twelve  sorts  of  Onions,  six  bulbs  of  each,  very  large 
and  well  ripened,  a  wonderful  exhibit,  Ailsa  Craig  standing  out 
prominent  amongst  them. 

Such  is  the  general  character  of  the  Shrewsbury  Show.  Only  by 
great  zeal,  sound  knowledge,  and  unremitting  labour  on  the  part  of  the 
Committee  and  experienced  Secretaries  (Messrs.  Adnitt  and  Naunton) 
could  such  gigantic  displays  of  garden  produce  be  arranged.  The 
success  of  the. Society  has  been  phenomenal,  and  the  town,  its  charities, 
schools,  and  other  objects  have  shared  in  its  prosperity  to  the  amount  of 
£3500.  Bravo,  Shrewsbury  1 

TROWBRIDGE. — August  23ed. 

The  forty-fourth  Exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  on  the  above 
date  under  favourable  circumstances,  and  must  have  proved  a 
financial  as  well  as  a  horticultural  success,  judging  from  the  immense 
number  of  visitors  and  the  extensive  array  of  exhibits  on  view.  No 
large  money  prizes  are  offered  to  attract  exhibitors  from  a  distance,  but 
the  district  is  one  from  which  a  first  class  exhibition  may  be  made. 
Fuchsias  arb  always  a  feature  here,  and  it  is  doubtful  whether  a  rival 
exhibition  of  these  popular  plants  could  be  found  anywhere.  The 
redoubtable  Fuchsia  raiser,  Mr.  James  Lye.  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Mrs. 
Hay,  Market  Lavington,  was  the  champion  in  both  classes  pro¬ 
vided — namely,  for  four  and  six  plants,  his  specimens  being  perfect  in 
every  detail,  and  standing  from  8  to  10  feet  in  height.  Mr.  Geo. 
Tucker  won  the  second,  and  Mr.  Pocock,  gardener  to  J.  P.  Haden,  Esq., 
third  prize. 

For  nine  stove  and  greenhouse  flowering  plants,  Mr.  Mathews, 
gardener  to  Sir  W.  Roger  Brown,  was  first,  but  Major  Clark  followed 
him  very  closely,  Mr.  E.  B.  Rod  way  being  third.  This  was  a  strong 
class,  including  good,  healthy,  well-trained  and  perfectly  flowered 
plants  of  Allamanda  nobilis,  A.  Hendersoni,  Bougainvillea  glabra, 
Lapageriai  rosea  and  alba,  Ixoras,  Ericas,  Eucharis  amazonica, 
Rondeletia  speciosa,  Clerodendron  Balfourianum  and  others.  The 
same  exhibitors  secured  the  prizes  in  the  order  given  for  six  and 
three  flowering  plants.  For  fifteen  Ferns  or  Mosses  Mr.  G.  Tucker  was 
a  good  first,  Mr.  Haden  second,  and  Mr.  Sancombe  third.  Sir  Roger 
Brown,  Mr.  F.  Applegate,  and  Captain  Spicer  (gardener,  Mr.  F.  Perry), 
shared  the  prizes  for  foliage  plants  in  the  order  named.  Only  two 
exhibits  of  Caladiums  were  staged,  but  these  were  large,  well  grown 
plants  of  good  variety,  Mr.  Pocock  was  first  and  Mr.  Mathews  second. 
Mr.  Mathews  was  again  to  the  front  in  a  strong  class  for  specimen 
trained  Coleus,  the  Hon.  Mrs.  Hay  second,  and  Mr.  E.  B.  Rod  way  third. 
Mr.  Mathews  was  the  only  exhibitor  of  Heaths,  six  plants,  and  gained 
the  first  prize.  Mr.  Pymm,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Goldsmith,  was  first  for  a 
group  of  plants  arranged  for  effect  on  a  space  not  exceeding  60  square 
feet,  but  Mr.  Deacon,  gardener  to  H.  Harris,  Esq.,  Caine,  staged  a  much 
more  effective  arrangement,  highly  coloured  Crotons,  Eulalias,  Dracseuas, 
Hedychiums,  and  Orchids,  being  raised  lightly  from  a  groundwork  of 
Ferns,  Panicums,  and  similarly  dwarf  plants.  Mr.  Pymn’s  was  a  simple 
“  bank,”  too  symmetrically  arranged,  and  devoid  of  the  undulating 
features  that  characterised  his  opponent’s  exhibit.  Mr.  Tucker  was  first 
for  six  well  grown  Gloxinias,  also  for  the  same  number  of  Achimenes 
and  double  Begonias.  Mr.  Keen  won  with  six  single  Begonias,  with 
profusely  flowered  plants  of  small  blooming  sorts,  quite  out  of  date 
according  to  present  day’s  standard  of  perfection.  The  premier  award 
for  Orchids  was  won  by  Mr.  Pymm,  Sir  Roger  Brown  being  second,  and 
Mr.  Deacon  third. 

Cut  flowers  were  well  represented.  Asters  being  first-rate.  Messrs. 
W.  J.  Jones,  G.  Garaway,  Bath,  and  A.  A.  Walters,  Bath,  won  the  prizes 
with  twenty-four  German  Asters  ;  while  with  French  of  the  same 
number  of  blooms  Messrs.  A.  A.  Walters,  T.  Every,  and  G.  Garaway 
were  the  w-inners  in  the  order  of  their  names.  Roses  were  not  exten¬ 
sively  shown,  but  for  the  season  were  very  good  indeed.  In  the  open 
classes  Dr.  Budd,  Bath,  was  first  for  twelve  bunches  ;  Messrs.  Cooling 
and  Son  second  ;  and  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Kings wocd,  third,  and  these 
positions  were  repeated  by  the  same  growers  for  twenty-four  Roses, 
single  blooms.  In  the  amateurs’  division  Dr.  Budd  was  beaten  by  Mr. 
T.  Hobbs,  Bristol,  in  the  class  for  twelve  bunches,  and  also  for  twelve 
single  blooms.  Gladiolus,  Verbenas,  Hollyhocks,  hardy  annuals,  and 
choice  greenhouse  cut  flowers  ;  Dahlias,  and  trusses  of  brightly  coloured 
Zonal  Pelargoniums  were  each  represented  in  large  numbers  of  good 
stands. 

In  the  fruit  tent  it  was  universally  admitted  that  the  Show  was  one 
that  had  never  been  equalled  on  any  previous  occasion,  every  class 
being  largely  contested.  For  a  collection  of  ten  dishes,  excluding 
Pines,  Mr.  W.  Strugnell,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Long,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Rood 
Ashton,  Trowbridge,  first,  his  dishes  being  Black  Hamburgh,  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  and  Alnwick  Seedling  Grapes,  Blenheim  Orange  Melon, 
Bellegarde  Peaches,  Pineapple  and  Stanwick  Elruge  Nectarines,  Jefferson 
Plums,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  and  Morello  Cherries  placed  on  brightly 
coloured  leaves  of  Ampelopsis  Veitchi.  Mr.  G.  Pymm  was  second 
with  good  Foster’s  Seedling  and  large  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh 
Grapes,  Exquisite  Peaches,  Green  Gage  Plums,  Lady  Sudeley  Apples, 
Cherries  and  Pears.  Mrs.  Hardwick,  Bradford-on- Avon,  and  Mr.  W . 
Cook,  gardener  to  Major  Heneage,  Compton  Basset,  were  awarded  equal 
thirds,  and  there  were  two  other  collections.  For  a  collection  of  six 
varieties  Mr.  F.  Parry  was  successful  over  Mr.  Palmer,  Bradford-on- 
Avon,  and  R.  B.  Cater,  Esq.,  Bath.  Grapes  were  numerous  in  the 


206 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  31,  1892. 


Beveral  clasees  provided,  but  particularly  so  in  the  one  for  black,  in 
which  Muscats  are  excluded.  Mr,  W.  Marsh,  Coombe  Down,  Bath,  was 
^t  with  large,  shapely  bunches  of  Alicante,  perfect  in  colour  and  berry. 
Mr.  T.  Jones,  Bath,  second  for  Gros  Maroc.  Third,  Mr.  Attwsll,  Stoke 
Bishop,  Bristol.  Messrs.  J.  Dole,  J.  Gibson  and  Attwell  won  with 
Buckland  Sweetwater  in  the  class  for  any  other  white,  and  for  White 
Muscats  Messrs.  T.  Jones,  J.  Gibson  and  Attwell  were  again  the  suc¬ 
cessful  competitors.  Black  Muscats  were  the  least  strongly  contested, 
Messrs.  Jones,  Gibson  and  R.  J.  Philips,  gardener  to  Mrs.  John  Baily, 
Frome,  sharing  the  prizes  in  the  order  named.  Mr.  E.  D.  Foxcroft, 
Bath,  and  Mr.  J.  Stratton,  Melksham,  won  with  green-fleshed  Melons, 
Mr.  S.  Humphrey  and  Mr.  J.  Gibson  with  scarlet-fleshed  sorts.  Mr.  W. 
Strugnell  won  with  dessert  Plums,  Mr.  Pymm  with  Cherries,  Mr.  J. 
Colman,  Bristol,  Peaches,  Mr.  Strugnell  Nectarines,  Mr.  G.  Garaway 
dessert  Apples,  and  Mr.  Strugnell  culinary  Apples,  showing  Peasgood’s 
Nonesuch,  weighing  from  16  ozs.  to  22  ozs.  each. 

Bouquets,  wreaths,  and  vases  of  flowers  were  a  good  feature,  and  as 
usual  attracted  much  attention.  Messrs.  Attwell,  A.  H.  Newman,  and 
E.  T.  Hill  of  Bristol  ;  Brown  &  Son,  Frome  ;  W.  Strugnell,  and  Miss 
Maud  Cole  were  the  principal  exhibitors ;  the  memorial  wreath  of  the 
latter  being  particularly  good. 

Vegetables,  as  is  always  the  case  at  Trowbridge,  were  staged  in  con¬ 
siderable  quantities  and  in  the  highest  state  of  excellence,  this  applying 
equally  to  the  open,  amateurs’,  and  cottagers’  sections.  Messrs.  Webb 
and  Sons,  Stourbridge,  offer  prizes  for  a  collection  of  six  sorts,  and  this, 
as  well  as  the  open  to  all  class,  were  both  won  by  Mr.  Geo.  Garaway, 
market  gardener  of  Bath.  Potatoes  were  numerous  and  good,  so  also 
were  Carrots  and  Onions  ;  but  Peas  and  Beans  displayed  evident  signs 
of  the  ungenial  weather  experienced  of  late. 

Mr.  James  Huntley  has  been  Honorary  Secretary  for  upwards  of 
thirty  years,  and  his  genial  manners  and  business  capacities  win  him 
many  friends  and  helpers.  Both  Secretary  and  Committee  work  hard  in 
the  promotion  of,  and  the  carrying  out  the  arduous  duties  involved  in 
such  an  exhibition,  and  they  deserve  all  the  praise  bestowed.  The 
prize  money  is  always  paid  before  exhibitors  leave  the  field,  and  the 
Society,  it  may  be  added,  is  in  the  most  flourishing  state,  with  a 
substantial  reserve  fund  in  hand. 

BASINGSTOKE. — August  25th. 

The  annual  summer  Exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  in  Hack- 
wood  Park — a  charming  site  for  such  a  fete.  With  the  exception  of  a 
few  showers  in  the  morning  the  day  was  delightfully  fine,  many  persons 
taking  the  opportunity  to  visit  the  Show,  the  park,  and  the  military 
tournament.  The  Exhibition  was  decidedly  good,  and  superior  to  any 
previously  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Society.  The  competition 
was  keen  in  nearly  all  classes,  while  the  quality  of  the  exhibits  left 
little  to  be  desired.  Vegetables  were  admirably  represented,  a  few 
perhaps  too  large,  and  it  was  evident  the  Judges  paid  more  regard  to 
high  quality  than  mere  size.  The  arrangements  were  under  the  superin¬ 
tendence  of  the  Hon.  Secretary  (Mr.  J.  A.  Wallington)  and  his  efficient 
assistant  (Mr.  Weeks),  and  left  little  to  be  desired.  Four  marquees 
were  necessary  to  accommodate  the  exhibits,  and  so  well  were  they 
arranged  that  ample  space  was  provided  for  the  visitors  to  inspect  the 
Show  without  unpleasant  crowding. 

Plants  were  not  only  numerously  staged,  but  of  good  quality.  The 
principal  class  was  for  twelve  specimens,  in  or  out  of  bloom.  Mr.  Bower- 
man,  gardener  to  C.  Hoare,  Esq.,  Hackwood  Park,  was  easily  first,  so 
good  were  his  plants  of  Allamanda  grandiflora,  Clerodendron  Balfouri- 
anum,  Statice  profusa,  and  Ixoras  in  the  flowering  section,  combined 
with  several  well  coloured  Crotons  and  healthy  Palms.  Mr.  T.  Russell, 
gardener  to  W.  Bradshaw,  Esq.,  Audley’s  Wood,  was  second  by  the 
superiority  of  his  flowering  plants.  Mr.  H.  Brown,  gardener  to 
A.  B.  Welch-Thornton,  Esq.,  Beaurepaire  Park,  third.  Mr.  Russell  was 
the  first  prizewinner  with  six  plants  in  flower,  staging  good  specimens. 
Mr.  T.  Weaver,  gardener  to  W.  0.  Gilchrist,  Esq.,  Oakley  Park,  Basing¬ 
stoke,  secured  first  honours  for  six  foliage  plants,  healthy  well-developed 
Palms  with  fairly  good  Crotons  being  conspicuous.  Mr.  Brown  second, 
Mr.  Russell  third.  For  a  collection  of  miscellaneous  plants  arranged  in 
a  semicircle,  effect  to  be  the  leading  feature,  there  were  three  exhibi¬ 
tors,  Mr.  Bowerman  and  Mr.  Weaver  making  a  grand  display  for  the 
first  and  second  prizes  in  the  order  named.  The  only  fault  that  could 
be  found  with  the  first  prize  group  was  a  slight  preponderance  of 
Crotons  and  Tuberoses.  The  group  was  well  arranged,  light  and 
effective.  Mr.  Weaver  erred  by  crowding  the  plants,  which  were  good, 
but  too  numerous  for  the  purpose.  Mr.  G.  Southcott,  gardener  to 
Captain  Oldfield,  Basingstoke,  third.  In  the  class  for  single  specimen 
flowering  plants  M  r.  Bowerman  secured  the  premier  award  with  Allamanda 
Hendersoni,  Mr.  Brown  coming  second  with  a  well-grown  plant  of 
Clerodendron  fallax.  These  two  exhibitors  reversed  the  order  in  the 
specimen  foliage  plant  class,  Mr.  Brown  having  Cycas  revoluta,  while 
Mr.  Bowerman  had  a  well  coloured  Croton  Queen  Victoria.  Begonias 
made  a  great  display.  For  twelve  plants  Mr.  H.  Brown  won  easily 
with  handsome  specimens,  carrying  remarkably  good  blooms.  Mr. 
G.  Best,  gardener  to  F.  W.  Ley  land.  Esq.,  The  Vyne,  Basingstoke,  was 
second.  Mr.  Brown  also  won  with  six  plants.  Coleus  were  remarkably 
well  shown.  For  four  pyramids  Mr.  G.  Southcott  was  distinctly  ahead 
of  Mr.  T.  Russell ;  the  plants  from  both  were  over  6  feet  high  and  well 
coloured.  Mr.  Brown  staged  the  best  Liliums,  well  grown  and  flowered 
plants  of  the  lancifolium  type.  Mr.  Weaver  had  best  six  exotic  Ferns, 
well  developed  examples  of  popular  kinds.  Table  plants  were  nume¬ 
rously  staged,  Mr.  Best  winning  for  twelve,  Mr.  Bowerman  being  an 


extremely  close  second.  Many  other  plants  were  well  represented, 
space  only  preventing  our  naming  the  winners. 

Cut  flowers  added  greatly  to  the  attractiveness  of  the  Show.  Roses 
were  not  numerous,  but  the  prize  flowers  were  of  excellent  quality  and 
well  arranged.  For  twenty-four  blooms  Mr.  Neville,  gardener  to  F.  W. 
Flight,  Esq.,  Cornstiles,  Twyford,  Winchester,  was  the  only  competitor, 
but  he  staged  remarkably  handsome  blooms.  He  also  well  won  premier 
honours  with  twelve  blooms.  Mr.  Russell  was  second.  For  twelve  bunches 
of  cat  flowers  Mr.  G.  Best  won  the  first  position  with  a  neatly  arranged 
collection.  Hardy  herbaceous  flowers  were  staged  in  quantity,  Mr.  N, 
Kneller,  gardener  to  W.  S.  Portal,  Esq.,  Malshanger  Park,  was  first,  and 
Mr.  Best  second.  Mr.  Weaver  won  with  twelve  trusses  Zonal  Pelar¬ 
goniums,  Mr.  Kneller  second,  both  staging  well.  Dahlias  were  fairly 
well  represented,  Mr.  R.  H.  Munday  first,  Mr.  Neville  second.  The 
first-named  had  the  best  Asters  in  twelve  blooms,  a  really  good  stand, 
mainly  of  the  Comet  type.  Table  decorations,  bouquets,  and  sprays 
were  well  represented  in  classes  open  to  ladies  only,  Mrs.  Whitlock, 
Mrs.  Thorne,  and  Miss  Owen  being  the  most  successful  exhibitors. 

Fruit  made  a  capital  display.  For  eight  dishes  Mr.  Bowerman  was. 
an  easy  first,  staging  nicely  finished  bunches  of  Gros  Maroc  and 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  Barrington  Peaches,  Countess  Melon, 
Brown  Turkey  Figs,  and  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  Pears.  Mr.  T.  Osman, 
gardener  to  L.  Baker,  Esq.,  Ottershaw  Park,  Chertsey,  was  second,  he 
also  staging  well.  For  a  collection  of  six  dishes  Mr.  Osman  was  first, 
Mr.  H.  Brown  second.  Grapes  were  well  represented.  In  the  Black 
Hamburgh  class  Mr.  Bowerman  was  first  with  medium  sized  bunches, 
having  good  berries  and  colour,  Mr.  Brown  second.  In  the  any  other 
black  class  Mr.  Osman  was  first  with  Alicante,  admirably  coloured,  Mr. 
Bowerman  and  Mr.  Kneller  following  in  the  order  named.  Mr.  Brown 
had  the  best  White  Muscat  Grapes,  staging  fairly  good  examples,  Mr. 
Osman  second,  though  he  took  the  highest  position  in  the  class  for 
any  other  white  with  Foster’s  Seedling.  Mr.  Russell  had  the  best  green 
flesh  Melon,  a  tolerably  good  one  of  Hero  of  Lockinge  ;  Mr.  W.  A.  Hunt 
second.  A  somewhat  peculiar  circumstance  occurred  in  the  scarlet  flesh 
class,  Messrs.  Wright  and  Molyneux  withholding  all  the  prizes,  so 
unpleasant,  not  to  say  nauseous,  were  the  fruits.  Mr.  Bowerman  had 
the  best  Peaches,  Sea  Eagle,  and  Mrs.  Field  the  best  Nectarines. 
Apples  made  a  great  display.  For  three  dishes  of  dessert  kinds  Mr. 
Kneller  was  placed  first,  Mr.  Neville  second.  Kitchen  varieties  were 
well  represented  also,  as  were  Plums,  Mr.  Bowerman  winning  for  three 
dishes. 

Vegetables  filled  the  whole  of  one  side  of  a  large  tent.  For  six 
varieties,  the  prizes  offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Mr.  Lye,  gardener 
to  W.  H.  Kingsmill,  Esq.,  Sydmonton  Court,  Newbury,  beat  his  for¬ 
midable  opponents,  Messrs.  Kneller  and  Bowerman,  who  were  placed  in 
the  order  named.  In  the  first  prize  collection  were  grand  examples  of 
Satisfaction  Potato,  Perfection  Tomato,  Excelsior  Onion,  Sulham  Pink 
Celery,  Mammoth  Cauliflower,  and  New  Intermediate  Carrot.  Mr. 
Bowerman  turned  the  tables  on  Mr.  Lye  in  the  class  for  the  best 
collection  in  competition  for  Messrs.  Carter’s  prizes  with  a  good 
collection,  consisting  of  Rousham  Park  Onion,  Autumn  Giant  Cauli¬ 
flower,  and  Satisfaction  Potato.  Messrs.  Bowerman  and  Lye  won  first 
and  second  prizes  offered  by  Messrs.  Webb  for  six  varieties  with  produce 
similar  to  the  foregoing  in  quality  and  variety.  Mr.  Lye  won  the  first 
prize  offered  by  Messrs.  John  Sharpe  &  Son,  Mr.  Best  second,  and  Mr, 
Bowerman  third,  all  staging  excellent  produce.  For  a  collection  of 
Potatoes  in  nine  distinct  varieties  Mr,  Lye  was  an  easy  winner  with 
clean  shapely  examples  of  leading  varieties. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  had  a  collection  of  cut  blooms  of 
annuals  and  perennials,  with  several  plants  in  pots  of  their  choice 
Begonias,  Shrimp  Pink  and  Queen  of  the  Whites,  all  bearing  a  deep 
impress  of  the  strain  sent  out  by  this  firm. 


WOKK.foiitheWEEK.. 


HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Cleanslngr  Fruit  Booms. — As  the  time  is  fast  approaching  when 
fruit  rooms  will  be  fully  occupied,  it  is  desirable  that  everything  should 
be  clean  before  bringing  in  choice  Apples  and  Pears.  Wholesome 
conditions  in  the  storing  of  fruit  are  imperative.  Taints  of  any  kind, 
musty  smells,  and  an  unsuitable  atmosphere  will  soon  be  transferred 
to  the  delicate  flesh  of  Apples  and  Pears.  Therefore  let  the  walls  be 
whitewashed,  the  shelves  and  woodwork  thoroughly  cleansed  with  soap 
and  water,  and  the  floor  scrubbed,  admitting  plenty  of  air  afterwards 
to  dry  the  structure  quickly. 

Gathering-  Apples  and  Pears. — No  wholesale  clearance  of  the 
fruit  from  trees  must  yet  be  adopted  where  it  is  necessary  to  store 
specimens  for  future  use,  but  where  Apples  and  Pears  for  immediate 
supplies  are  needed,  especially  for  cooking  purposes,  any  sufficiently 
sized  fruit  may  be  secured.  Fallen  fruit  collected  and  used  at  once 
proves  useful,  but  such  ought  not  to  be  stored  in  the  same  place  with 
choice  carefully  gathered  specimens.  Varieties  which  ripen  immediately 
may  be  picked  as  soon  as  they  part  readily  from  the  spurs.  To  remain 


August  SI,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


207 


oa  the  trees  until  dead  ripe  has  the  effect  of  the  fruit  losing  its  freshness, 
aroma,  and  flavour  if  stored.  If  gathered  just  on  the  turn,  without 
injury,  and  kept  in  a  cool  dark  place  with  the  atmosphere  pure  and 
sweet,  neither  too  dry  nor  damp,  each  specimen  will  finish  well. 

Hints  on  Storlngr  Trult. — Place  Apples  and  Pears  in  the  store¬ 
room  in  single  layers  on  clean  dry  boards  or  shelves,  from  which  they 
can  absorb  no  taint  or  smell.  Avoid  laying  fruit  on  straw  of  any  kind, 
as  the  least  mustiness  in  it  will  be  attracted  to  the  fruit.  Clean  white 
paper  may  be  employed  with  advantage  to  cover  shelves.  With  var¬ 
nished  white  wood  shelves  fitted  in  the  fruit  room  there  is  little  fear  of 
fruit  being  injuriously  affected.  Common  deal  boards  often  contain 
turpentine.  Plums  to  be  kept  for  future  use  should  be  allowed  to  hang 
until  perfectly  ripe,  then  carefully  gathered  with  the  stalks  intact, 
wrapped  in  tissue  paper,  and  laid  in  a  dry  airy  place  in  the  fruit  room. 
It  is  the  late  varieties  which  are  chiefly  stored  to  yield  a  succession  as 
long  as  possible,  but  some  weeks  may  elapse  before  it  is  needful  to 
detach  the  fruit  from  the  trees  where  it  is  desirable  they  should  hang 
protected,  in  the  case  of  very  choice  varieties,  with  gauze  bags  from  the 
attacks  of  birds,  wasps,  and  bluebottle  flies. 

Protecting-  Cbolce  Fruit. — Specimens  of  any  kind  of  soft  fruit 
intended  for  any  special  purpose  should  be  effectually  secured  against 
the  attacks  of  birds  and  insects.  The  former  may  be  kept  at  bay  by  the 
judicious  use  of  nets,  but  for  the  latter  other  contrivances  are  necessary. 
The  gauze  bags  referred  to  are  the  surest  means  of  protection,  while 
bottles  of  sweetened  beer  hung  about  the  trees  will  attract  and  drown 
numbers  of  wasps  and  flies.  Earwigs  are  often  prevalent,  soon  doing 
much  mischief.  The  only  way  of  guarding  against  their  depredations  is 
to  trap  them  in  short  lengths  of  bean  stalks,  examining  the  traps  every 
morning,  and  blowing  out  the  insects  into  hot  water.  Keep  the  sur¬ 
roundings  of  the  trees  clean,  as  earwigs,  woodlice,  and  other  marauders 
always  accumulate  among  weeds  and  rubbish,  especially  if  dry  and 
partly  decayed. 

Supporting  Fruit  Trees. — As  trees  are  relieved  of  their  crops 
some  assistance  may  be  necessary  to  aid  the  roots  in  perfecting  the  fruit 
buds  for  another  season.  Adequate  moisture  in  the  soil  in  which  the 
principal  fibrous  roots  ramify  is  the.  first  essential.  Ked  spider  increases 
fast  when  the  soil  is  deficient  in  this  respect,  and  the  leaves  once  over¬ 
run  with  this  small,  but  troublesome  pest  their  premature  loss  is  certain, 
to  the  detriment  of  the  fruit  buds  which  derive  their  main  support 
from  healthy  green  foliage  fully  exposed  to  light  and  air.  Further 
assistance  being  needed  after  the  soil  is  properly  moistened  it  may  be 
afforded  by  applications  of  liquid  manure.  Weakly  trees  only  should  be 
treated  to  this.  It  will  cause  their  buds  to  plump  up  better,  and  the 
growth  generally  to  be  strengthened.  Trees  already  strong  enough  had 
better  not  be  encouraged  to  make  further  growth.  It  may  be  advisable 
to  restrict  the  rooting  powers  of  such  trees  if  fruitless,  and  this  condition 
arises  from  excessive  growth. 

Tblnnlng  out  Crowded  Brandies. — This  is  the  best  period  of  the 
year  for  such  operations.  There  is  no  advantage  in  having  the  interior 
of  trees  full  of  wood  and  foliage  which  cannot  receive  any  light.  Every 
superfluous  branch  is  detrimental  to  fruitfulness.  While  the  foliage  is 
present  on  the  trees  a  better  idea  can  be  formed  of  the  exact  distances 
branches  require  in  order  to  fully  receive  and  benefit  by  the  full  admis¬ 
sion  of  sunshine  and  air  to  every  leaf  and  bud. 

Subduing  American  Bllgbt. — This  is  now  very  conspicuous  on 
many  Apple  trees,  and  an  attempt  ought  to  be  made  to  arrest  its 
increase.  Spirits  of  turpentine  and  petroleum  are  both  effectual 
destroyers  of  the  pest  without  injury  to  the  trees  if  used  judiciously. 
The  application  must  not  be  heavy,  only  suflflcient  to  moisten  the  bristles 
of  a  paint-brush,  then  dabbing  the  insects  and  their  fluffy  covering  with 
either  spirits  of  turpentine  or  petroleum .  The  oil  must  not  be  allowed 
to  run  to  waste  down  the  stem,  or  saturate  the  bark.  A  portion  of  the 
loose  downy  substance  can  be  collected  on  a  saturated  brush  without 
touching  the  bark  or  stems  at  all  to  any  extent. 

FRUIT  FORCING!. 

Vines  In  Pots  for  Early  Forcing. — Those  intended  for  starting 
early  in  November  should  now  be  completely  at  rest,  the  wood 
thoroughly  ripe,  the  laterals  cut  close  back,  and  the  canes  shortened  to 
about  6  feet — more  or  less,  according  to  the  length  required  for  the 
position  they  are  to  occupy  and  the  situation  of  the  plump  eyes.  If  the 
Vines  are  kept  rather  dry  at  the  roots  it  reduces  the  tendency  to 
bleeding,  or  the  cuts  when  dry  may  be  dressed  with  styptic  or  knotting. 
Do  not  allow  the  soil  to  become  dust  dry,  for  this  causes  the  roots  to 
shrivel,  whilst  a  very  wet  condition  may  induce  the  decay  of  the  fibres. 
Keep  the  Vines  in  a  cool,  airy  house.  Later  Vines  in  pots  may  be 
placed  outdoors  to  harden  the  growth  and  induce  rest,  the  south  side  of 
a  wall  or  fence  being  preferable.  If  Vines  have  to  be  bought  they 
should  now  be  ordered.  The  best  for  early  forcing  in  pots  are  White 
Frontignan,  Foster’s  Seedling,  Black  Hamburgh,  and  Madresfield  Court. 

Earliest  House, — The  earliest  forced  Vines — those  started  from  early 
December  to  January — should  now  be  pruned.  It  is  not  necessary  to 
wait  until  all  the  leaves  have  fallen  if  the  Vines  are  going  to  rest — the 
wood  brown  and  hard  and  the  leaves  turning  yellow  ;  the  pruning 
will  cause  the  Vines  to  rest  more  quickly  and  thoroughly.  All  the 
loose  bark  should  be  removed,  washing  the  rods  with  clear  rain  water 
and  afterwards  with  an  insecticide  or  a  solution  of  softsoap,  4  ozs.  to  a 
gallon  of  water.  If  there  be  any  scale  or  mealy  bug  add  half  a  wine- 
glassful  of  petroleum  and  half  an  ounce  of  washing  soda  to  the  solution, 
and  keep  it  well  mixed  whilst  being  applied  with  a  brush  to  reach 
every  hole,  angle,  and  crevice.  Before  dressing  the  Vines  the  woodwork 


should  have  been  cleansed  with  softsoap  and  water,  the  glass  with  clear 
water,  and  the  walls  limewashed.  Top-dress  the  borders  both  inside  and 
outside,  clearing  away  the  old  mulching  material  and  the  loose  surface 
soil  first;  then  supply  fresh  turfy  loam,  with  a  9-inch  potful  of  bone- 
meal  and  double  that  quantity  of  wood  ashes  to  every  3  bushels  of  loam, 
and  make  firm.  Weakly  Vines,  or  those  in  an  unsatisfactory  state,  will 
be  improved  by  removing  the  soil  down  to  the  roots  and  supplying 
fresh  turfy  loam  with  an  admixture  of  a  sixth  of  old  mortar  rubbish 
and  a  sprinkling  of  bonemeal  and  wood  ashes,  lifting  any  roots  avail¬ 
able  for  the  purpose,  and  laying  them  out  in  fresh  material  within 
6  inches  of  the  surface.  This,  however,  is  best  done  before  the  leaves 
have  fallen.  Comparative  dryness  is  desirable,  but  excessive  drought 
weakens,  if  not  destroys,  the  young  roots,  and  a  sodden  soil  causes  their 
decay.  Outside  borders  should  have  a  covering  of  some  kind  to  protect 
them  from  the  heavy  autumn  rains,  which  reduce  the  temperature 
considerably.  Glass  lights  are  much  the  best,  as  they  throw  off  the  rain 
whilst  allowing  the  sun  to  warm  the  soil.  These  not  being  available, 
and  they  need  only  be  used  in  the  case  of  heavy  rains,  a  covering  of 
leaves  and  litter  will  be  necessary  after  the  weather  sets  in  cold.  i 

Late  Grapes, — Continue  a  night  temperature  of  65°  and  70°  to  75° 
by  day  artificially,  with  80°  to  85°  from  sun,  until  the  Grapes  are 
perfectly  ripe,  ventilating  freely  and  keeping  lateral  growths  closely 
stopped,  a  warm  atmosphere  with  a  free  circulation  of  air  being  essential 
to  thorough  ripening.  Laterals  allowed  to  grow  only  excite  root  action, 
and  this  encourages  late  growth.  Material  for  covering  the  borders 
should  be  held  in  readiness,  for  late  Grapes  keep  much  better  when  the 
roots  are  not  chilled  by  the  autumn  rains.  Tarpaulin,  shutters,  or 
thatched  hurdles  can  be  used  for  this  purpose  when  required. 

Young  Vines. — These  generally  make  a  strong  growth,  and  are  con¬ 
sequently  late  in  ripening.  Such  should  be  assisted  with  fire  heat, 
maintaining  a  minimum  temperature  of  65°  and  a  maximum  of  75° 
from  fire  heat,  running  up  to  85°  to  90°  from  sun  heat,  accompanying 
the  artificial  heat  with  a  little  top  and  bottom  ventilation  so  as  to  insure 
a  circulation,  increasing  it  proportionately  with  the  sun  heat.  Laterals 
also  should  be  kept  well  in  hand,  not,  however,  pinching  them  so  close 
as  to  start  the  principal  buds. 

Cucumbers. — Earlier  closing  and  syringing  is  necessitated  by  the 
shorter  and  colder  days,  it  being  desirable  to  husband  the  sun  heat  and 
have  the  foliage  fairly  dry  before  dusk.  Employ  fire  heat  to  maintain  a 
temperature  of  70°  to  75°  by  day  and  to  secure  65°  at  night.  Keep  the 
shoots  thin,  remove  old  growths  to  make  room  for  young  ones,  and  so 
insure  a  succession  of  bearing  wood.  Stop  young  shoots  a  joint  beyond 
the  fruit.  Encourage  root  action  by  a  steady  bottom  heat  of  80°,  surface 
dressings  of  lumpy  loam  and  sweetened  horse  droppings,  and  afford  tepid 
liquid  manure  whenever  water  is  required.  Do  not  allow  the  fruit  to 
hang  after  it  becomes  fit  for  use,  and  avoid  overcropping. 

Autumn- fruiting  Plants. — Stop  the  growths  so  as  to  insure  an 
even  spread  of  bearing  wood.  Remove  the  staminate  blossoms  and 
tendrils,  also  the  first  fruits.  No  shading  will  now  be  necessary.  Cease 
syringing  the  plants  in  the  morning,  and  only  practise  it  lightly  on  bright 
afternoons,  keeping  the  house  damped  as  occasion  requires.  Admit  air 
early  but  moderately,  avoiding  draughts,  for  chills  stunt  the  growths, 
and  a  confined  atmosphere  causes  the  foliage  to  become  thin  and  flabby. 
Endeavour  to  secure  a  sturdy  growth  whilst  opportunity  offers  by  early 
and  judicious  ventilation. 

Winter -fruiting  Plants, — The  plants  from  seed  sown  early  in  August 
are  now  fit  to  place  in  their  fruiting  quarters.  The  house  must  be  a  light 
one,  have  a  south  aspect,  and  means  of  securing  a  temperature  of  65°  to 
70°  in  all  weathers.  A  bottom  heat  of  80°  to  90°  is  also  necessary.  All 
soil  previously  used  must  be  cleared  out,  and  the  whole  of  the  interior 
of  the  house  scalded,  if  possible,  with  hot  water,  washing  the  woodwork 
with  softsoap,  water,  and  a  brush,  making  the  glass  clean,  and  lime¬ 
washing  the  walls.  Where  rubble  is  used  over  and  about  the  pipes  for 
bottom  heat  see  that  it  is  clean  ;  if  not,  take  it  out  and  cleanse  it  by 
washing.  Secure  the  drainage  with  a  layer  of  turves,  slightly  charred, 
grass  side  downwards.  Place  in  hillocks  or  ridges  of  sod  of  about  2  feet 
base,  10  or  12  inches  depth,  and  1  foot  across  at  top.  Use  turfy  loam 
of  medium  texture  two-thirds,  fibrous  sandy  peat  one-third,  rejecting 
any  woody  matter,  old  mortar  rubbish  freed  of  laths  or  pieces  of  wood, 
with  the  rough  broken  small  one-sixth,  and  nut  charcoal  one-twelfth,  the 
whole  well  incorporated.  This  material  is  equally  suitable  for  plants  in 
beds,  pots,  or  boxes,  and  should  be  made  moderately  firm.  Pots  or 
boxes  must  be  well  drained,  and  only  so  far  fille  1  with  soil  that  when 
the  plants  are  introduced  their  seed  leaves  will  be  about  level  with  the  rims 
of  the  pots,  and  as  they  will  have  some  stem  below  the  seed  leaves  which 
will  admit  of  earthing  as  the  plants  increase  in  growth.  Very  serviceable 
fruits  can  be  had  from  plants  in  pots  or  boxes  in  houses  with  a  stove 
temperature,  training  the  growths  so  that  their  leaves  will  be  clear  of  the 
glass.  Plant  when  the  soil  is  warmed  through,  press  it  gently,  and 
secure  the  plants  to  stakes  reaching  to  the  trellis.  Rub  off  the  laterals 
to  that  height,  and  stop  the  leading  shoot  at  about  the  second  or  third 
wire  of  the  trellis.  Shade  from  bright  sun  until  established.  Syringe 
lightly  in  the  early  afternoon,  damp  the  house  in  the  morning,  noon, 
and  afternoon.  Maintain  a  day  temperature  of  70°  to  75?,  rising  10° 
to  15°  from  sun  heat,  and  a  night  temperature  of  70°,  falling  5°  through 
the  night.  The  plants  will  give  fruit  in  the  late  autumn,  but  they  must 
not  be  cropped  much  if  they  are  to  produce  a  crop  from  Christmas 
to  spring. 

Seed  may  now  be  sown  for  raising  plants  to  give  a  supply  of 
fruit  about  Christmas  and  onwards.  Telegraph  is  still  one  of  the  best 
varieties.  Place  the  seed  singly  in  3-inch  pots  a  little  more  than  halt 


208 


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[  August  31,  1893. 


filled  with  soil,  and  cover  half  an  inch  deep.  A  pane  of  glass  over  each 
pot  will  bring  up  the  plants  quickly  ;  remove  it  as  soon  as  they  appear 
above  the  soil,  and  keep  well  up  to  the  glass.  Barth  up  the  plants  as 
they  require  it,  and  transfer  to  5- inch  pots  when  they  need  a  shift, 
placing  a  stick  to  each,  to  which  secure  the  plant  as  it  grows.  Rub  off 
laterals  as  they  show,  and  train  with  a  single  shoot.  The  plants  will  be 
fit  to  place  out  during  the  first  fortnight  of  October. 

Pits  and  Frames. — The  growths  in  these  will  need  to  be  kept  thin  as 
a  safeguard  against  damp,  and  watering  must  be  done  early  and  with 
care  and  judgment,  as  cold  and  damp  are  disastrous  to  Cucumbers  late  in 
the  season.  The  plants  will  need  very  little  water  after  this,  as  the 
roots  get  enough  moisture  through  the  decay  of  the  fermenting  materials. 
They  must  not,  however,  be  allowed  to  flag,  and  a  light  sprinkling  may 
be  given  occasionally  at  closing  time.  Line  the  beds  with  stable  litter, 
and  admit  a  little  air  at  the  back  to  allow  of  any  steam  escaping.  The 
temperature  should  be  kept  at  about  65°  at  night,  employing  a  covering 
of  mats  over  the  lights  on  cold  nights.  With  due  attention  to  the  linings 
and  covering  Cucumbers  will  be  obtained  from  these  structures  for  some 
weeks  to  come. 

Strawberries  In  Pots. — Any  plants  not  yet  in  their  fruiting  pots 
should  be  given  them  without  delay.  Placed  in  5  or  6-inch  pots,  according 
to  the  size  of  the  plants,  they  will  fill  them  with  roots  before  the  winter, 
and  though  not  so  large  as  those  potted  earlier,  will  give  some  fine  fruit, 
if  they  are  not  started  before  February.  Plants  potted  some  time  ago 
should  be  examined,  and  if  making  side  buds  these  ought  to  be  removed 
with  a  pointed  piece  of  hard  wood,  so  as  to  throw  the  vigour  into  the 
central  crown  or  bud.  Vigorous  plants  will  not  require  liquid  manure, 
but  weakly  ones  may  be  supplied  with  it  twice  a  week.  All  runners 
must  be  removed  as  they  appear,  also  weeds.  If  the  surface  of  the  soil 
becomes  hard  loosen  it,  especially  at  the  sides  of  the  pots,  so  as  to 
ensure  the  thorough  moistening  of  the  ball.  As  the  plants  grow  set 
the  pots  farther  apart  so  as  to  expose  the  foliage  to  light. 


BI)E-KE)EPBR. 

.  .  .  ,  .  .  1  .  ,  . ,  .  1  . 1.  1  :r-r.;i  -7-1  -  I  -f.  |  |  .  iT  r.-'l 

h 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Bees  at  the  Moors. 

We  have  now  at  the  time  of  writing  reached  August  28th,  and 
the  morning  dawned  the  pleasantest  I  have  witnessed  since  I  came 
on  the  moors.  Ice  was  as  thick  as  a  shilling,  and  every  green 
thing  stiff  and  white  as  at  midwinter.  The  rain  four  days  previous 
to  the  26  th  completely  washed  the  honey  out  of  and  spoiled  some 
Heather,  but  there  still  remains  a  great  quantity  of  it  in  fair 
order,  but  all  is  past  lower  down  the  hills.  The  long  continuation 
of  the  bloom  here  gives  us  bee-keepers  an  advantage  over  those 
where  it  is  warmer  and  the  Heather  naturally  earlier  but  shorter  in 
duration. 

Owing  to  the  prolonged  spell  of  stormy  weather  during  the 
best  of  the  Heather  bloom  the  yield  of  honey  is  not'  so  great  as  it 
might  have  been,  but  on  the  whole  is  fairly  good  ;  and  now  with 
the  improved  weather  at  the  end  more  may  be  added.  It  is  rather 
singular  to  witness  honey  gathering,  swarming,  and  frosty  weather 
at  same  time,  but  experience  gives  confidence,  and  is  more  reliable 
and  valuable  than  theory. 

From  one  hive  there  has  been  an  increase  of  eleven,  while  other 
four  have  been  frustrated,  making  sixteen  in  all  had  they  been 
allowed.  As  my  time  is  limited,  further  particulars  I  will  hold 
over  till  later  on,  when  I  will  give  them  in  a  concise  form  for  the 
benefit  of  beginners  ;  and,  I  may  add,  for  modern  bee-keepers  in 
general. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 

Preparing  for  Winter. 

Those  who  already  possess  stocks  must,  unless  the  bees  are 
taken  to  the  moors,  at  once  begin  to  prepare  for  winter  ;  each 
stock  must  be  fed  up  to  a  sufficient  weight,  and  if  need  be 
strengthened  by  an  addition  of  driven  bees,  in  accordance  with  the 
instructions  given  in  these  columns,  and  then  when  every  attention 
has  been  paid  to  these  salient  points  the  less  the  bees  are  disturbed 
until  March  next  the  better  it  will  be  for  the  stocks.  If  it  is 
desired  to  ruin  a  stock  late  feeding  and  continued  manipulation  in 
the  late  autumn  will  soon  do  its  deadly  work  ;  but  if  strong, 
prosperous  colonies  are  desired  that  can  be  had  with  as  little 
trouble  and  not  much  more  expense  than  starveling  stocks,  which, 
dragging  on  a  weary  existence  through  the  winter,  are  a  discredit  to 
any  bee-keeper,  and  a  sign  of  lamentable  slothfulness  and  neglect. 

Bees  must  be  kept  strong,  and  the  fact  can  never  be  too  often 
impressed  upon  bee-keepers  in  general,  and  some  in  particular, 
that  one  strong  stock  is  of  more  value  than  three  weak  ones,  and 
with  less  time  expended  on  it  in  the  way  of  manipulation  will 
give  greater  results  than  the  three  weak  ones  put  together. 
True,  in  exceptional  cases  a  weak  stock  does  in  spring  make 
a  rapid  advance,  but  this  is  only  by  way  of  exception  owing 
to  a  young  and  vigorous  queen  ;  but  even  this  rapid  progress 


is  not  in  the  same  ratio  as  that  which  a  strong  stock,  headed 
by  an  equally  good  queen,  would  make  under  the  same  circum¬ 
stances. — F.  - 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Dobie  &  Dicks,  66,  Deansgate,  Manchester. — Dutch  Bulis. 

James  Douglas,  Edenside,  Great  Bookham,  Surrey. — Catalogue  of 
Carnations,  Picotees,  and  Auriculas. 

C.  Turner,  Royal  Nursery,  Slough. — Hyacinths,  Narcissus,  Tulips, 

R.  Veitch  &  Son,  High  Street,  Exeter. — Dutch  Bulls,  ^'C. 


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

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

Wasps  (<S.  A). — If  you  consult  the  last  few  issues  of  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture  you  will,  we  think,  find  recorded  all  the  known 
remedies  for  destroying  wasps  ;  but  after  all  that  is  done  the  plague 
continues,  and  each  fruit  grower  must  adopt  the  best  local  measures 
available  for  saving  his  fruit.  There  is  no  universal  panacea,  any  more 
than  there  is  for  ridding  the  world  of  flies  and  various  insect  pests. 

Glands  on  Peacb  Iieaves  (^Ignoramus'). — The  glands  are  minute 
wart-like  growths  at  the  extreme  base  of  the  leaves,  and  in  some 
instances  are  round  and  in  others  kidney  shaped.  In  some  varieties  of 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  the  glands  are  visible  enough,  in  others  more 
or  less  obscure,  while  a  few  are  glandless.  Examine  a  number  of  leaves 
of  different  varieties  closely,  and  your  eye  will  soon  become  educated  on 
the  subject  of  glands. 

Exhibiting^  Shallots  (H.  Bell). — You  ask  if  the  Shallot  is  a 
vegetable  on  the  ground  that  “  a  friend  was  disqualified  because  he 
placed  a  dish  consisting  of  one  variety  in  a  collection  of  vegetables.” 
We  have  many  times  intimated  that  the  schedules  of  shows  should 
accompany  questions  of  this  nature,  in  order  that  we  may  see  the 
precise  conditions  under  which  exhibits  must  be  staged.  Of  course  the 
Shallot  is  a  vegetable,  but  all  the  same,  may  not  be  admissible  in 
certain  classes,  according  to  special  stipulations  which,  if  ignored, 
might  result  in  disqualification. 

Grapes  Shanklngr  after  Rlpenlngr  (B.  C.  N.). — There  is  such  a 
thing  as  Grapes  shanking  after  they  are  ripe,  both  when  they  are 
hanging  on  the  Vines  whilst  these  are  in  leaf,  and  after  the  Grapes 
have  been  bottled  and  placed  in  the  Grape  room.  One  form  of  shanking 
is  caused  by  a  micrococcus,  and  produces  an  enlarged  or  ulcered  con¬ 
dition  of  the  footstalk  prior  to  the  shanking,  and  it  is  likely  that 
shrinkage  of  the  footstalk  without  the  ulceration  may  be  caused  by  the 
same  micro-organism,  but  this  is  as  yet  undetermined,  and  in  fact,  no 
malignant  bodies  have  been  discovered  in  the  wire-like  shanked  footstalks. 

Nectarines  Shrlvelllngr  (Cestria). — The  shrinking  generally 
occurs  at  the  apex,  and  is  rather  common  with  the  fruits  borne  by 
young  or  vigorous  trees,  and  the  fruit  partakes  more  or  less  of  the 
nature  of  the  growth.  When  such  fruits  ripen  the  watery  matter  is 
dissipated,  and  as  this  is  most  abundant  where  the  swelling  has 
been  greatest  they  shrivel.  The  shrinkage  is  generally  confined 
to  Nectarines,  Peaches  under  the  same  conditions  being  little 
affected,  as  they  retain  more  of  the  watery  matter  in  ripening,  and 
the  evaporation  takes  place  more  evenly  through  their  having  downy 
skins.  The  fruits  affected  are  not  really  a  defect  of  culture.  Perhaps 
a  slight  shade  in  very  bright  weather  would  have  prevented  the 
shrinking  ;  but  the  best  preventive  is  plenty  of  air,  taking  care  not 
to  over-feed  the  trees. 

Clematis  Falling:  (Tom  Ridley). — We  have  examined  all  the 
sprays  you  forwarded,  and  have  been  unable  to  find  any  parasite  likely 
to  cause  the  appearance  presented  by  No.  3  spray.  No.  2  is,  as  you  say, 
“  beginning  to  go,”  but  you  have  not  sent  that  part  where  the  mischief 
begins,  and  the  collapse  of  the  portion  above  the  seat  of  the  malady  is 
only  a  question  of  a  few  days  and  sometimes  hours.  No.  1  is  healthy  ; 
in  fact,  all  the  sprays  are  free  from  malignant  micro-organisms,  for,  as 
before  stated,  the  attacked  parts  have  not  been  sent.  This  is  sometimes 
situated  on  the  stem  and  at  the  node  or  joint  next  the  root  on  which  the 
variety  is  grafted,  then  the  plant  collapses  altogether,  and  often  the  same 
year  as  planted.  But  the  attack  is  generally  confined  to  the  base  of  the 
annual  growths  where  they  spring  from  the  preceding  year’s  wood,  and 


August  31,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


209 


it  is  not  restricted  to  the  first,  but  the  secondary  growths  collapse  in  a 
similar  manner.  It  is  occasioned  by  a  fungus  or  micrococci  which  girdles 
the  shoot,  and  causes  the  collapse  of  the  part  above  the  affection.  It  is 
confined  to  certain  species  of  Clematis,  and  is  culturally  believed  to  be 
due  to  over-propagation,  but  this  is  purely  conjectural.  The  only  thing 
we  have  found  of  any  use  is  to  promptly  cut  away  the  affected  parts  a 
joint  or  two  below  where  they  die  off  ;  but  the  disease  is,  in  some  cases, 
so  fixed  in  the  basal  portion  as  to  be  beyond  remedy,  Jfor  to  cut  the 
affected  parts  away  in  some  cases  means  the  destruction  of  the  plants. 
It  is  best  to  limit  yourself  to  those  varieties  which  succeed  the  best  in 
the  position  assigned  to  them. 

TrufBes  (iZ.  B,'). — The  lump  of  soil  sent  contains  what  resembles 
Truflles,  but  in  such  a  state  of  putrefaction  that  it  is  impossible  to  speak 
with  certainty  on  the  subject.  The  common  Truffle  (Tuber  mstivum), 
as  described  by  Thompson  in  the  “  Gardener’s  Assistant,”  “  is  nearly 
spherical  in  shape,  and  has  been  known  to  attain  a  weight  of  3  or  4  lbs., 
and  measure  4  inches  in  diameter.  The  surface  is  rough,  warty,  and  black. 
The  flesh  is  greyish,  or  white  when  young,  black  veined  with  white 
when  old.  The  smell  is  powerful,  but  by  no  means  unpleasant.  It 
grows  from  2  to  10  inches  under  the  surface  of  the  ground,  and  the  spots 
where  it  is  to  be  found  are  discovered  by  means  of  dogs  trained  for  the 
purpose.  It  is  abundant  in  some  parts  of  Britain,  particularly  in  Wilt¬ 
shire,  Kent,  and  Hampshire,  but  never  occurs  in  any  but  calcareous 
foils,  where  it  grows  under  the  shade  of  trees,  generally  the  Oak  and 
Beech.  In  warm  moist  years  it  may  be  found  throughout  the  year,  but 
most  abundantly  from  August  to  October.”  We  reproduce  a  fine  specimen 


Fia.  30. — BLACK  TRUFFLE. 


of  the  black  Truffle.  Just  as  many  aerial  fungi  only  grow  on  dead  wood, 
and  that  of  a  particular  kind,  so  the  black  Truffle  is  only  met  with  among 
the  roots  of  trees,  and  more  especially  the  common  and  Evergreen  Oak 
and  Quercus  coccifera.  It  is  among  the  roots  of  these  trees  that  the 
Truffles  are  most  abundant,  and  acquire  a  perfume  that  makes  them 
esteemed  all  over  the  world.  Truffles  increase  like  other  allied  fungi. 
When  ripe  they  contain  minute  spores  not  exceeding  1  250th  of  an  inch 
in  diameter,  and  when  the  Truffle  decays  in  the  ground  these  produce 
white  threads  or  mycelium,  like  Mushroom  spawn  when  running,  and 
a  fresh  crop  results. 

nrames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  consequence 
of  the  large  nuniber  of  worthless  Apples  and  Pears  sent  to  this  office  to 
be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  lohich  are  not  worth  sending 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  (J,  H.  Eldridge'). — The  Apples  are  evidently  seedlings, 
as  we  do  not  recognise  them  as  among  named  sorts.  No.  1  is  not  unlike 
Irish  Peach ;  Pears  No.  2  quite  rotten,  and  No.  1  resembles  Verulam. 
(B.  IP.). — No.  1,  Greenup’s  Pippin  ;  2,  Fearn’s  Pippin  ;  3,  small  Scarlet 
Nonpareil  ;  4,  Cellini.  {F.  John  Gray').— Ribston  Pippin  ;  2,  Dutch 
Codlin,  small ;  3,  not  known  ;  4,  Reinette  de  Caux  ;  5,  Yorkshire  Green¬ 
ing  ;  6,  Emperor  Alexander.  (^A.II.L.). — 1,  Wadhurst  Pippin  ;  2,  Lord 
Derby  ;  3,  Beurr4  d’Amanlis  ;  4,  Summer  Rose ;  5,  Greenup’s  Pippin  ; 
6,  Lemon  Pippin.  (J.  R.  B.  Watson). — 1,  Grosse  Calebasse  ;  2,  Beurr6 
Superfin  ;  3,  too  unripe.  (^E,  J.  M.). — Undoubtedly  Golden  Queen. 
(IF.  P.  S.). — Nouveau  Poiteau.  (Z>.  M.). — The  coloured  Pear,  which  is 
quite  ripe,  is  Beurrd  d’Amanlis,  but  we  do  not  think  the  other  is  the 
same  ;  Apples — No.  1,  Greenup’s  Pippin  ;  2,  Ribston  Pippin  ;  3,  decayed  ; 
4,  Gravenstein.  (J.  F.  TP.).— We  cannot  name  Peaches  without  a 
portion  of  the  young  wood  and  information  as  to  the  size  of  the  flewers  ; 
the  one  sent  is  evidently  one  of  Mr,  Rivers’  seedlings,  probably  Early 


Louise.  (5.  Welhs). — 5,  Emperor  Alexander.  The  others  not  worth 
naming  or  growing  except  for  cider.  {E.  H.), — 1,  Norfolk  Colman  ;  2, 
Striped  Beefing  ;  3,  Winter  Hawthornden ;  4,  Greenup’s  Pippin. 

(A.  E.). — 1,  Sandringham ;  2,  Blenheim  Pippin  ;  3,  Ecklinville ;  5,  Cox’s 
Pomona  ;  6,  Lord  Derby  (?).  (ZZi  R.  Bugmore). — 1,  Napoleon  ;  2,  Mard- 
chal  de  Cour  ;  3,  Grosse  Calebasse  ;  4,  Beurr6  d’Aremberg  ;  6,  Winter 
Nelis.  Six  is  the  maximum  number  to  send,  and  the  better  they  are 
the  better  their  chance  of  being  named.  {Thos.  Pye). — Lane’s  Prince 
Albert  (?)  ;  2,  Alfriston  ;  3,  Winter  Hawthornden  ;  4,  Roundway 
Magnum  Bonum.  (A.  J.  N.). — 1,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  ;  2,  Nouveau 
Poiteau  ;  3,  General  Toddleben  ;  4,  Marie  Louise  ;  5  and  6,  Beurrd 
Capiaumont.  {J.  S.  B.). — 1,  Dredge’s  Fame  ;  3,  Scarlet  Nonpareil  ; 
4,  Court  Pendfi  Plat ;  5,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin.  Late  truits  should  be 
sent  nearer  the  ripening  period. 

ITames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures,- 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(Hi  J.  P.).  —  Oncidium  microchilum.  (H.  F,). — Dendrobium  canali- 
culatum.  _ 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — AUGUST  30th. 


Large  supplies,  readily  changing  hands  at  lo-w  rates. 

FRUIT. 


s.  d.  s.  d. 

Apples,  per  bushel  . .  . .  1  0  to  6  0 

„  Tasmanian, per  case  0  0  0  0 

,,  Nova  Scotia,  brl.  0  0  0  0 

Cherries,  half  sieve  ....  0  0  0  0 

Cobs  .  25  0  0  0 

Filberts,  per  100  lbs.  .,  25  0  0  0 

Gooseberries,  half  sieve  ..  0  0  0  0 


VEGETABLES. 


Grapes  per  Ib . 

Lemons,  case  . .  . , 

Oranges,  per  100  .. 

Peaches,  per  doz. 
Plums,  per  half  sieve 
St.  Michael  Pines,  each 
Strawberries,  per  lb. . , 


Asparagus,  per  bundle  . . 
Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

Carrots,  bunch . 

Cauliflowers,  dozen'  ..  .. 

Celery,  bundle  ....  . . 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 
Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

Endive,  dozen  . 

Herbs,  bunch  ....  . . 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

Mushrooms,  punnet  , .  , . 

AVERAGE 


d.  s.  d. 
0  to  0  0 
4 


0  4 
2  0 


0  2 
0  9 
0  9 


0  0 
0  0 
1  0 
1  0 


Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

Onions,  bunch  . 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  .. 

Seakale,  per  basket  . .  . . 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

Spinach,  bushel . . 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

Turnips,  bunch . 


WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 
Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 


d. 

3. 

d. 

0 

9  to 

2 

0 

10 

0 

J5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

1 

6 

8 

0 

1 

6 

2 

S 

2 

0 

5 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

s. 

d. 

B. 

d.' 

0 

2  to 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

s 

2 

0 

3 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

4 

s 

1 

0 

1 

6 

1 

6 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

8 

0 

0 

0, 

0 

3 

0 

4 

0 

4 

0 

S 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  , . 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Asters  (French),  per  bunch 

0 

9 

1 

3 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  , . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  (English)  doz.  bches. 

3 

0 

5 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ,.  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12  ,  6 

Carnations,  12  blooms  . , 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

.  i  5' 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches . 

3 

0 

s 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

sprays  . 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

‘  6 

0 

Buoharis,  dozen . 

1 

6 

4 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen  . . 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  .. 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

O 

0 

4 

0 

Lilium  longiflornm  12 

Stocks,  dozen  bunches  . , 

4 

0 

8 

0 

blooms  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Sweet  Peas,  doz.  bimches.. 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

, 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

S. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitse  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

5 

0 

to  9 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Hydrangea,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Drac»na  terminalis,  per 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  .. 

3 

0 

4 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Dractena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Euonvmus,  var.,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Ferns  (small)  prr  Jvindred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pelargoniums,  per  dozen,. 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  . . 

1 

0 

7 

6 

„  scarlet,  per  dozen. . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. , 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Rhodanthe,  per  dozen 

4 

0 

6 

0 

THE  DAIRY— FODDER  CROPS. 


Among  dairy  farmers  having  nothing  but  permanent  pasture 
for  the  cows,  there  is  much  complaining  of  poverty  of  herbage, 
and  a  consequent  lowness  of  milk  yield.  This,  for  the  moment 


210 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  August  31,  1893, 


is  bad  enough,  but  the  outlook  for  the  coming  winter  is  still 
more  gloomy.  Where  is  the  Michaelmas  rent  to  come  from  ? 
and  how  are  the  cows  to  be  fed  next  winter  ?  are  questions  to 
which  no  satisfactory  answer  appears  forthcoming  from  that 
section  of  the  farming  community  who,  placing  their  dependence 
entirely  upon  pasture,  have  been  content  to  take  all  they  could 
get  from  it,  without  spending  a  penny  upon  manure  of  any  sort, 
and  with  as  little  expenditure  as  possible  upon  labour.  In 
ordinary  seasons,  with  an  average  rainfall,  this  answers  suffi¬ 
ciently  to  enable  them  to  pay  their  rent,  to  obtain  means  for 
subsistence,  and  to  “  keep  the  money  together ;  ”  or,  in  other 
words,  to  keep  capital  invested  in  the  business  intact.  But  the 
folly  and  risk  of  such  a  system,  of  such  absurd  parsimony,  is 
only  too  apparent  under  stress  of  a  drought,  when  the  pasture 
fails  them,  and  they  have  nothing  else  on  the  farm  to  turn  to. 
Then  the  underfed  cows  quickly  fall  off  in  condition,  there  is  a 
proportionate  decrease  in  the  milk  yield,  which,  of  course,  tells 
upon  the  milk  sold,  or  the  butter  and  cheese  made,  as  well  as 
upon  the  quantity  of  such  produce. 

Of  the  cheese  rooms  we  have  inspected  this  season,  the  only 
one  that  is  really  satisfactory  in  both  quantity  and  quality  of 
cheese  is  that  of  a  Midland  tenant  farmer,  who  not  only  system¬ 
atically  applies  manure  to  his  pasture,  but  also  has  enough  arable 
land  to  afford  a  supply  of  other  green  crops,  roots,  and  com. 
He  also  employs  sufficient  labour  to  have  all  necessary  work 
done  well  and  quickly.  In  this  matter  his  views  are  peculiar, 
aa  he  will  only  have  young  men  and  lads  who  board  and  lodge 
at  the  farmhouse,  and  who  have  to  work  with  him.  In  a  new 
farmhouse  and  homestead  in  course  of  construction  for  him 
we  have  taken  care  to  have  enough  bedrooms  for  his  require¬ 
ments,  so  anxious  are  we  to  encourage  good,  sound,  sensible 
practice  on  the  estate.  We  have  also  given  him  special  facilities 
and  convenience  in  the  outbuildings,  but  as  all  this  will  be 
explained  in  another  article,  we  refrain  from  further  mention 
of  it  now. 

Our  especial  object  here  is  to  call  attention  to  green  crops, 
which  have  proved  useful  under  the  great  drought,  while  pasture 
has  failed  so  generally,  but  not  universally.  It  is  important  to 
mention  this,  because  though  the  valleys  of  the  Trent,  Wye, 
and  Derwent  in  Derbyshire  ;  of  the  Soar  in  Leicestershire,  and 
many  a  rich  alluvial  “  level,”  marsh,  and  fen,  have  had  abundant 
herbage  for  grazing,  and  a  full  hay  crop,  we  have  also  seen 
excellent  pasture  at  hill  farms  where  good  management  and 
thorough  cultivation  of  the  pasture  prevails. 

Of  all  auxiliary  green  crops  none  have  told  better  this  summer 
than  green  Maize.  No  doubt  it  was  the  spring  drought  that 
induced  much  more  of  it  to  be  sown  than  usual,  but  still  there 
is  not  half  enough  of  it  grown.  Well  does  a  correspondent  in 
The  Field  ask  why  stock-owners  do  not  try  it  more  generally  ? 
He  goes  on  to  say,  “  There  is  a  stupid  prejudice  that  it  is  a 
tropical  plant  which  is  quite  unsuitable  to  our  English  climate. 
But  this  is  not  true.  If  the  farmer  were  advised  to  grow  the 
grain  it  would  be  quite  another  matter,  but  at  least  in  the 
southern  half  of  England  a  large  crop  of  green  Maize  is  as 
certain  as  Turnips,  more  certain  than  Mangolds,  and  withal  the 
simplest  and  cheapest  crop  to  grow  which  can  be  mentioned. 
This  is  the  seventh  year  the  writer  has  taken  a  crop  without 
a  failure,  although  with  one  partial  failure.  Curiously,  the  great 
value  of  Maize  is  felt  in  years  like  the  present,  inasmuch  when 
grass  suffers  for  want  of  rain  and  great  heat  Maize  flourishes 
best  if  it  has  firm  hold  of  the  soil.  At  almost  all  times  in  normal 
years  the  pastures  are  bare  in  autumn,  just  when  Maize  comes 
in  ;  milk  consequently  falls  off  when  it  is  most  valuable  on 
account  of  its  superior  quality.  How  opportune,  then,  comes 
the  daily  waggonload  of  Maize,  which  is  strewn  about  the 
pastures  and  eaten  up,  stock,  lock,  and  barrel,  by  the  ravenous 
cattle,  whose  partiality  for  it  is  sufficient  to  convince  the  feeder 
of  its  value.” 


Sorghum  saccharatum  has  been  of  equal  value  this  year. 
Both  crops  grow  with  such  freedom,  yield  so  large  a  bulk  of 
nutritious  succulent  food  per  acre,  develop  with  such  marvellous 
rapidity,  and  are  alike  useful  as  green  food  or  for  silage,  tliat 
they  should  be  regarded  as  indispensable.  In  so  hot  a  summer 
Maize  answers  everywhere.  We  have  seen  recently  Maize  of  a 
good  height  on  the  borders  of  Yorkshire.  Both  these  grand 
forage  plants  are  exceedingly  nutritious.  The  Sorghum  may 
perhaps  be  the  more  fattening  of  the  two  as  it  is  so  rich  in 
saccharine.  We  have  tasted  excellent  sugar  made  from  plants 
grown  in  this  country. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

The  Early  Drumhead  Cabbages  drilled  in  April  bid  fair  to  be  ready 
for  use  before  the  green  Maize  is  finished.  This  is  what  we  particularly 
aim  at — this  overlapping  of  successional  crops.  Anything  like  the  free 
growth  of  Cabbage  or  Kale  this  summer  has  only  been  possible  where 
land  was  really  well  done.  As  the  Rye  folds  were  ploughed  the  drill 
followed  at  once  day  by  day  ;  there  was  thus  plenty  of  moisture  in  the 
soil  to  make  quick  seed  germination  a  certainty,  and  the  land  was  so 
rich  in  fertility  that  plant  growth  was  equally  speedy.  Trifolium 
incamatum,  the  crimson  fiowered  Italian  Clover,  has  been  got  in  well 
on  a  clean  stubble,  nicely  softened  by  rain,  so  much  so  that  only  light 
Barley  harrows  were  used.  These  were  passed  over  the  stubbles  first, 
then  the  seed — 28  lbs.  to  the  acre — was  sown  broadcast,  well  worked  in 
by  bush  harrows,  which  were  followed  by  a  light  roller. 

A  field  of  Sutton’s  Giant  Evergreen  Italian  Rye  Grass  sown  early 
in  September  proves  most  useful  throughout  the  following  year.  Sow 
3  bushels  of  seed  per  acre,  and  take  care  that  it  has  rich  land  ;  it  is  then 
invaluable  as  green  food  in  stables  and  cow-house,  for  bay,  for  silage, 
and  for  sheep-folds,  a  fold  of  “  Italian  ”  being  generally  regarded  as 
equal  to  three  folds  on  pasture,  because  it  affords  food  for  three  times 
the  number  of  sheep  that  the  best  pasture  does.  On  poor  land  it  is 
comparatively  worthless,  and  the  seed  is  wasted,  for  though  it  may 
germinate  freely  the  plant  comes  yellow  in  bine,  and  its  growth  is  so 
stunted  as  to  be  worthless.  Under  the  high  cultivation  of  which  it  is  so 
worthy  it  continues  growing  freely  from  early  spring  till  late  in  autumn, 
giving  crop  after  crop  of  marvellous  abundance,  no  fodder  crop  known 
to  us  being  more  useful.  We  place  some  stress  upon  this  because  of  the 
popular  idea  that  this  grand  crop  requires  a  sewage  farm.  Unquestion¬ 
ably  it,  like  green  Maize,  gives  a  much  greater  bulk  cf  crop  under  the 
advantage  of  irrigation,  but  we  need  only  to  take  care  to  sow  on  land 
rich  in  fertility  to  obtain  heavy  crops  of  both.  We  have  long  held  it  in 
high  esteem  for  its  earliness,  coming  into  use  as  it  does  before  mixed 
seeds  or  ordinary  pasture. 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Brewers’  Grains  for  Cows  (A.  C.  C.  2>.). — Brewers’  grains  should 
be  used  in  moderation  for  cows  when  the  milk  is  required  for  butter, 
of  which  they  'are  liable  to  affect  the  fiavour  injuriously  if  used  as  a 
principal  article  of  diet.  They  are  considered  to  promote  a  full  yield 
of  milk  and  are  used  freely  where  milk  is  sold  for  immediate  con¬ 
sumption.  Stored  in  large  quantities  in  a  compact  mass,  grains  keep 
sweet  and  wholesome  for  months,  and  we  recommend  the  use  of  them 
with  due  caution  for  all  cows  while  fodder  is  so  scarce  and  the  price  of 
hay  is  so  high. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Squark,  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  DAT. 

Bain. 

1893. 

August. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

20 

29-852 

72-5 

62-3 

S.W. 

68-0 

77*3 

59-4 

118-7 

55-2 

0-022 

Monday  . . 

21 

29-650 

68-1 

64-8 

S. 

66-9 

77-8 

63-7 

124-9 

60-1 

0-012 

Tuesday  . . 

22 

29-869 

67-2 

60-1 

S. 

66  2 

74-4 

55-2 

119-1 

50-2 

0-010 

Wednesday 

23 

29-976 

65-0 

58-1 

S. 

65-8 

65-8 

57-1 

96-3 

54-8 

0-249 

Thursday . . 

24 

30-073 

63-2 

56-9 

S.W. 

63-8 

72-7 

51-7 

1-/4-1 

488 

— 

Friday 

25 

30-276 

63-1 

56-2 

W. 

62-9 

73-6 

51-0 

125-9 

48-1 

— 

Saturday  . , 

26 

30-272 

61-2 

54-3 

N.W. 

62-2 

68-4 

49-7 

110-5 

45-2 

— 

29-995 

65-7 

59-0 

65-1 

72-9 

55-4 

117-1 

51-8 

0-292 

REMARKS. 

20th. — Occasional  sunshine  in  morning,  shower  at  3’30  p.m.  ;  fair  evening. 

21st. — Cloudy,  with  frequent  slight  rain;  sun  in  afternoon,  fresh  breeze;  fine  evening. 

22nd.— Cloudy,  with  bright  sun  occasionally  early  and  throughout  day,  fresh  breeze  ; 
dark  and  heavy,  with  strong  wind  at  5  p.m. 

23rd. — Dull,  with  slight  rain  early,  and  rain  at  9.20  A.M.,  dark  at  11.15,  and  rain  up  tO' 
3  P.M.,  then  fair. 

24th. — Overcast  early,  a  little  sun  during  morning  with  strong  breeze,  sunny  rest  of 
day;  fine  night. 

25th. — Bright  and  sunny  morning,  a  little  cloud  at  2.10  P.M. ;  sun  bright  at  times  in 
afternoon,  but  generally  overcast ;  fine  night. 

26th. — Bright  and  sunny  throughout. 

A  fine  week,  and  though  nearly  10°  colder  than  the  previous  one  it  has  been  above 

the  average  temperature.-^.  J.  Symons. 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDE  NEIL 


211 


PLUMS  generally  are  more  impatient  of  a  forcing  atmosphere 
than  any  other  stone  fruit.  This,  however,  does  not  pre¬ 
clude  the  successful  cultivation  of  the  choicer  varieties  under 
glass,  for  with  properly  constructed  and  well  managed  houses 
Plums  of  the  highest  excellence  may  be  readily  obtained.  Lean-to 
structures  erected  against  south-east,  south,  or  south-west  walls 
answer  admirably,  provided  they  are  well  ventilated,  the  border 
thoroughly  drained,  and  adequate  supplies  of  water  given  the 
trees.  The  side  and  top  lights  should  open  the  whole  length  of 
the  house,  and  the  roof  lights  be  moveable.  Cases  6  feet  in  width 
will  accommodate  trees  on  walls  and  others  on  a  low  trellis  in  front, 
say  to  the  extent  of  one-third  the  distance  up  the  sloping  roof. 
The  front  trees  may  be  trained  as  cordons,  and,  duly  restricted  at 
the  roots,  they  bear  abundantly.  This  plan,  however,  is  not  so 
good  as  training  half  standard  trees  to  a  trellis  fixed  9  to  12  inches 
from  the  glass,  the  stems  being  the  height  of  the  front  lights.  Less 
space  is  afforded  by  this  method,  but  the  fruit  attains  to  greater 
perfection  and  is  more  abundant  than  on  trees  trained  to  the  wall. 
When  the  house  is  10  feet  or  more  in  width,  bush,  pyramid,  or 
low-stemmed  trees  with  round  heads  may  be  grown  with  great 
advantage  in  front,  either  planted  out  or  in  tubs,  and  so  arranged 
as  not  to  deprive  the  trees  on  the  back  wall  of  too  much  light. 
Grand  Plums  are  also  grown  in  wall  cases  by  planting  the  trees 
in  front,  one  to  each  rafter,  and  training  them  up  the  roof  as 
cordons.  This  does  not  prejudicially  affect  Peach  or  Nectarine 
trees  on  the  wall. 

Span-roofed  houses  with  the  ends  north  and  south,  or  north-east 
and  south-west,  are  suitable  for  standard  Plum  trees — the  best 
of  all  methods  of  training  stone  fruits  under  glass.  A  row  of  trees 
can  be  disposed  in  the  centre,  and  a  row  on  each  side  of  the  house. 
It  is  imperative  that  the  trees  have  stems  so  high  that  their  heads 
will  be  exposed  to  full  light.  If  grown  in  pots  it  matters  little 
what  form  the  trees  are  in,  nor  what  height  or  width  the  house 
may  be  if  it  is  light  and  airy.  In  exposed  localities  it  has  been 
recommended  to  sink  the  floor  of  the  house  somewhat  below  the 
surface,  so  as  to  secure  the  advantage  of  earth  heat,  and  facilitate 
the  covering  of  the  roof  with  mats  or  canvas  in  severe  weather. 
The  great  objection  to  sunk  houses  is  damp,  especially  in  low  sites. 
With  the  trees  in  pots  the  roof  lights  may  be  fixed,  as  they  can  be 
transferred  anywhere  at  will,  and  the  grand  secret  of  success  in  the 
culture  of  Plums  in  cool  houses  is  keeping  the  trees  dormant  as 
late  as  possible,  with  the  soil  in  a  thoroughly  moist  condition. 
Excessive  dryness  at  the  roots  as  a  means  of  forcing  the  trees  to 
become  and  remain  dormant  till  late  in  the  spring  often  causes  the 
buds  to  fall.  When  the  trees  are  fully  exposed  from  the  fall  of 
the  leaves  to  the  bursting  of  the  buds  inactivity  and  the  soundness 
of  the  buds  are  assured  during  the  resting  season,  and  Plum  trees 
take  no  harm  whatever  in  the  severest  weather  when  the  pots  are 
plunged  over  the  rims  in  ashes.  An  orchard  house  with  boarded 
sides,  not  so  close  as  to  entirely  deprive  the  trees  of  light  on  frosty 
nights  and  on  cold  days  when  the  house  is  shut,  hinged  boards  at 
the  sides  opening  the  full  length  of  the  structure  provide  efficient 
ventilation,  and  the  roof  glazed  with  large  panes  of  glass,  is  the 
exact  position  for  growing  Plum  trees  in  pots.  This  site  affords 
sufficient  shelter  against  our  uncertain  springs,  insures  the  perfect 
ripening  of  the  fruit  in  cold,  dull,  wet  seasons,  and  prevents  its 

No.  689. — VOL.  XXVII.,  Thied  Series. 


deterioration  hy  throwing  off  rains  and  keeping  it  safe  from 
dews  and  fogs. 

The  early  and  late  varieties  are  invariably  excellent  for  growing 
under  glass,  but  the  crackling-fleshed  and  high  quality  midseason 
varieties,  as  the  Gage  race,  Jefferson  and  Kirke’s,  do  not  always 
finish  satisfactorily,  the  fruit  turning  soft  and  shrinking  instead  of 
ripening.  The  late  Mr.  T.  Rivers  advised  trees  of  these  Plums  to 
be  removed  to  a  warm  and  sheltered  situation  outdoors  for  ripening  ; 
it  is  an  excellent  plan  provided  means  are  taken  to  protect  the  fruit 
from  rain,  otherwise  it  cracks  in  wet  weather.  This  method  can  only 
be  adopted  with  trees  in  pots.  For  planted-out  trees  careful  attention 
is  necessary  in  ventilating,  watering,  and  feeding  during  the  early 
stages  of  growth,  with  plenty  of  air  moisture  when  the  fruit  is 
swelling,  especially  at  night  in  dry  hot  summers.  Air  at  the  time 
of  ripening  cannot  be  too  freely  admitted,  as  it  is  excessive 
evaporation  which  causes  the  fruit  to  ripen  prematurely  and  be  soft 
and  poor  in  flavour.  Oullins  Golden  is  very  handsome  and  as  good 
as  it  looks,  but  the  tree  grows  too  freely  to  fruit  well,  yet  it 
frequently  does  better  under  glass  than  in  the  garden.  Denniston’s 
Superb  admits  no  rival  in  its  season  for  crop  and  quality.  McLaughlin 
may  be  described  as  a  large  Green  Gage  with  a  fine  perfume. 
Brahy’s  Green  Gage  is  earlier  than  the  old  Green  Gage  and  larger  ; 
it  certainly  is  one  of  the  most  delicious  Plums.  Early  Trans¬ 
parent  Gage  is  excellent  for  growing  as  cordons  and  in  pots,  but 
the  fruit  requires  to  be  somewhat  severely  thinned.  Green  Gage 
bears  enormously  when  the  soil  is  firm  and  the  roots  restricted  or 
root-pruned.  Transparent  Gage  grows  vigorously,  and  it  requires 
a  firm  soil  and  restriction  at  the  roots  or  root-pruning.  Purple 
Gage  shrivels,  and  is  richly  flavoured  accordingly.  Lawson’s 
Golden  Gage  affords  a  pleasing  variety  and  is  excellent  in  quality. 
Guthrie’s  Late  Green  and  Reine  Claude  de  Bavay,  with  Late 
Transparent  Gage,  continue  the  supply  up  to  October,  and  col¬ 
lectively  comprise  a  dozen  of  the  richest  Plums  in  cultivation. 
They  are  all,  except  Purple  Gage,  greenish  yellow,  or  yellow 
streaked  or  blotched  with  green  or  purple.  Bryanston  Gage  also 
ripens  late  in  September,  and  the  tree  is  very  prolific.  Few,  if 
any.  Plums  are  richer  flavoured  than  Angelina  Burdett,  and  being 
black  with  brown  spots  is  of  good  appearance.  Of  other  Plums 
for  dessert  Early  Favourite  ripens  as  soon  as  any,  followed  by 
De  Montfort,  Jefferson,  Kirke’s,  Coe’s  Golden  Drop,  and  Ickworth 
Imperatrice,  so  that  with  a  judicious  selection  choice  fruit  can  be 
had  from  trees  in  a  cool  house  from  July  to  November  inclusive. 
The  following  are  also  good  for  dessert  or  culinary  when  grown 
under  glass— Czar,  Belgian  Purple,  Sultan,  Denbigh,  Victoria, 
Italian  Prune,  Prince  Englebert,  Washington,  Monarch,  Imperial 
de  Milan,  Blue  Imperatrice,  and  Grand  Duke.  All  may  be  grown 
as  cordons,  planting  the  trees  about  2  feet  apart,  and  training  the 
stems  about  1  foot  from  the  glass.  If  the  trees  are  fan-trained 
fewer  varieties  will  be  required.  Denniston’s  Superb,  Brahy’s 
Green  Gage,  Jefferson,  Transparent  Gage,  Kirke’s,  and  Coe’s 
Golden  Drop  cannot  well  be  excelled  for  affording  a  succession  of 
choice  fruit. 

Whether  the  trees  are  planted  out  or  grown  in  pots  they 
require  a  rather  stiff  soil.  Good  calcareous  strong  loam  interspersed 
with  small  stones  or  flints  needs  no  admixture  for  borders.  Efficient 
drainage,  consisting  of  3-inch  drains  to  carry  off  superfluous  water, 

1  foot  depth  of  rubble,  preferably  brickbats  with  a  3-inch  top 
layer  of  old  mortar  rubbish,  and  18  to  24  inches  depth  of  soil  a^e 
necessary  for  borders.  For  pots  or  restricted  borders  a  fourth  part 
of  well  decayed  manure  to  three  of  stiff  maiden  loam,  with  a  9- inch 
potful  of  bonemeal  and  a  quart  of  soot  added  to  every  3  bushels 
of  compost,  are  suitable.  If  the  soil  is  deficient  of  grit  and  lime  add 
a  fifth  part  of  sifted  old  mortar  rubbish,  and  if  turfy  use  Thomas’s 
phosphate  instead  of  bone  dust.  The  pots  should  be  drained 
thoroughly  with  crocks  or  oystei  shells.  Make  the  soil  firm  and  allow 
sufficient  space  for  helding  water.  Planting  or  potting  is  best  done 
immediately  the  leaves  have  fallen.  Potted  trees  ought  to  be  plunged 

No.  2345.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


212 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


in  ashes,  and  it  is  desirable  to  allow  them  to  make  a  year’s  growth 
outdoors  before  they  are  placed  under  glass  for  fruiting.  When 
trees  two  or  three  years  from  the  bud  or  graft,  and  especially  in 
pots,  can  be  had,  it  is  better  to  purchase  such  than  to  rear  them, 
and  being  furnished  with  blossom  buds  a  crop  of  fruit  may  be  had 
the  first  year. 

If  the  trees  are  placed  outdoors  each  winter  (after  the  fruit  is 
gathered  in  the  case  of  early  varieties),  they  should  be  returned  to 
the  house  before  the  buds  are  so  far  advanced  as  to  show  colour, 
allowing  plenty  of  room  for  the  development  of  the  growth,  and 
standing  each  pot  on  two  or  more  bricks  on  the  flat  a  little  distance 
asunder,  so  that  the  roots  will  not  pass  into  the  soil,  whilst  insuring 
a  free  passage  for  the  water.  Such  trees  can  be  moved  at  any  time 
without  prejudice  to  the  growth.  When  the  trees  are  kept  under 
glass  constantly  the  ventilators  should  be  wide  open  during  the 
winter  whenever  the  temperature  is  above  freezing  point,  but  when 
frost  prevails  they  ought  to  be  kept  closed.  The  trees  also 
should  be  placed  close  together,  so  that  they  can  be  protected  from 
frost  by  a  covering  of  dry  hay  or  straw  between  and  over  the  potsj 
standing  them  apart  in  the  spring.  Similar  remarks  apply  to  planted- 
out  trees  in  respect  of  ventilation  under  fixed  roofs  in  winter,  but 
the  better  plan  is  to  remove  the  roof  lights  when  the  leaves  have 
fallen  and  keep  them  off  until  the  spring. 

Under  the  circumstances  indicated  the  trees  will  start  naturally 
in  the  spring,  and  from  this  time  forward  a  circulation  of  air,  except 
in  severe  weather,  should  always  be  maintained  by  leaving  the 
ventilators  open  more  or  less  day  and  night.  Abundance  of  air 
and  a  dry  atmosphere  is  the  only  way  to  secure  a  proper  set  of 
fruit.  By  the  time  the  fruits  are  set  and  swelling  the  sun  will 
have  considerable  power,  and  may  be  taken  advantage  of  to 
accelerate  the  growth  by  reducing  the  ventilation  in  the  afternoon, 
yet  leaving  some,  airing  early  each  morning,  and  when  the  wind 
is  sharp  and  cold  ventilate  on  that  side  opposite  its  direction.  In 
the  summer  the  ventilators  should  be  kept  constaEtly  open. 

The  trees  must  never  be  distressed  for  lack  of  a  supply  of 
water  ;  one  flagging  ruins  the  crop  for  the  season,  and  trees  in 
pots  are  successful  in  proportion  to  the  watering  and  nourishment. 
The  soil  must  always  be  kept  moist.  Trees  in  pots  require  water 
twice,  sometimes  three  times  a  day  in  the  summer  ;  also  top-dressings 
of  rich  compost,  preferably  pieces  of  turf,  to  encourage  plenty  of 
surface  roots,  which  can  be  fed  to  any  extent  by  liquid  manure  and 
sprinklings  of  chemical  fertilizers  occasionally.  Trees  in  borders 
will  require  water  less  frequently,  that  depending  on  root  area,  the 
spread  of  the  top  and  the  crop,  but  there  must  not  be  any  deficiency 
of  moisture  or  want  of  food.  Over-watering  and  over-feeding  must 
not  be  indulged  in,  for  the  Plum  is  impatient  of  extremes,  but 
liberal  treatment  should  be  accorded  if  the  trees  are  expected  to 
produce  full  crops  annually.  As  the  fruit  advances  in  ripening 
lessen  the  supplies  of  water  and  withhold  liquid  manure,  but  the 
foliage  must  not  be  allowed  to  become  limp  or  to  flag. 

From  the  time  the  fruit  is  set  until  it  begins  to  ripen  the  trees 
should  be  syringed  in  the  morning,  also  in  the  afternoon,  except  on 
dull  cold  days,  when  a  genial  atmosphere  may  be  secured  by  damp¬ 
ing  the  paths  and  borders  when  they  become  dry.  Syringing  the 
trees  must  cease  when  the  fruit  commences  to  ripen,  and  the 
atmospheric  moisture  be  gradually  reduced,  but  a  little  of  the  latter 
will  not  do  any  harm  provided  the  air  is  not  stagnant,  and  it  is 
necessary  for  the  perfecting  of  the  fruit  and  the  health  of  the 
foliage.  Hexagon  netting  over  the  ventilators,  and  frame  doors 
covered  with  it,  are  necessary  to  exclude  bluebottle  flies  and  wasps, 
otherwise  use  the  thinnest  muslin  over  the  trees  or  enclose  the 
fruits  in  bags  of  that  material.  After  the  fruit  is  removed  recourse 
must  be  had  to  syringing,  watering,  and  proper  supplies  of  nourish¬ 
ment  for  the  perfecting  of  the  wood  and  buds  for  next  year’s  crop. 
Early  varieties  in  pots  should  be  placed  outdoors  as  soon  as  the 
fruit  is  gathered,  assigning  them  a  sunny  position,  and  duly 
attended  to  in  watering  and  syringing.  Midseason  varieties  may 
be  treated  similarly,  also  the  late  sorts  as  they  are  cleared  of  fruit. 


Repotting  or  top-dressing  is  best  done  before  the  leaves  fall.  The 
object  to  be  kept  in  view  is  to  secure  fresh  roots  in  new  material, 
therefore  remove  as  much  old  compost  as  possible  without  exces¬ 
sive  root  disturbance,  not  carrying  the  reduction  too  far,  and 
ram  the  soil  firmly.  In  top-dressing  trees  in  borders  the  old 
mulching  should  be  removed,  and  fresh  supplied  after  loosening 
the  surface.  If  the  trees  are  growing  too  luxuriantly  a  few  of  the 
stronger  roots  may  be  severed  and  removed.  When  the  trees 
grow  exuberantly  they  should  be  carefully  lifted  and  root-pruned, 
replanting  with  the  roots  near  the  surface,  and  well  firming  the 
soil.  If  the  trees  are  unsatisfactory  or  weakly  lift  them,  remove 
the  old  soil,  and  replant  in  fresh  compost  over  good  drainage. 

Training  and  pruning  are  the  next  points  to  consider.  Bush, 
pyramid,  and  round  headed  trees  on  stems  are  best  for  pots  or 
planting-out.  Standard  trees  are  unequalled  for  the  latter  purpose, 
and  are  easily  formed  by  heading  at  the  height  required.  Pyramids 
merely  require  the  side  shoots  pinched  and  the  leader  stopped  to 
secure  them.  Summer  pinching  may  be  practised  twice  or  even 
three  times  on  the  leader,  and  the  side  shoots  once  or  twice  to  four 
or  ^x  leaves,  avoiding  overcrowding  the  growths,  otherwise  the 
fruits  are  deteiorated  for  lack  of  air,  and  many  of  the  spurs  will  be 
too  weak  to  produce  fruit,  the  numerous  dead  spurs  on  Plum  trees 
being  due  to  this  cause.  Pruning  may  be  performed  in  the  spring,  as 
the  buds  are  then  easier  distinguished  by  the  inexperienced,  but  as 
soon  as  the  fruit  is  gathered  is  the  best  time.  As  a  rule  Plum 
trees  under  glass  should  be  trained  for  fruit  first  and  form  after¬ 
wards,  that  is,  pinching,  disbudding,  and  thinning  must  not  be 
carried  too  far,  for  growth  is  necessary  for  the  production  of  fruit, 
its  development,  and  perfect  finish.  Trees  on  trellises  or  walls 
require  the  usual  summer  and  winter  pruning,  but  the  spur  system 
is  not  by  any  means  the  best  for  the  Plum  under  glass.  The  trees 
being  on  front  or  roof  trellises  are  best  treated  on  the  alternative 
system,  in  which  the  shoots  are  allowed  to  grow  up  to  the  glass, 
only  keeping  them  just  clear,  these  being  stopped  and  kept  mode¬ 
rately  thin.  By  thinning  out  the  fruited  branches  annually,  and 
encouraging  shoots  to  take  their  places,  the  trees  are  maintained  in 
youthful  vigour,  and  the  fruit  produced  is  abundant  and  very  fine. 
Old  trees  that  produce  little  beyond  breastwood  and  leaves  will 
often  yield  enormous  crops  by  laying-in  young  wood,  which  in  the 
second  year  will  form  bloom  buds  throughout  its  length  and  give 
some  fruit,  and  in  the  third  year  a  good  crop. — G.  Abbey. 


PROPAGATING  BEDDING  PLANTS. 

The  work  of  propagating  bedding  plants  has  perhaps  this  year 
been  delayed  longer  than  usual,  for  the  sake  of  preserving  the  full 
beauty  of  the  beds.  It  should,  however,  now  be  pushed  on  as  fast 
as  possible,  in  order  to  get  the  cuttings  well  rooted  before  the  dull 
short  days  come.  Judging  from  the  appearance  of  Pelargonium 
cuttings,  there  is  every  reason  to  suppose  that  fine  plants,  with  a 
small  per-centage  of  losses,  may  be  anticipated,  as  they  are  hard, 
short-jointed,  and  entirely  devoid  of  the  soft  sappy  growth  which 
predominated  last  year.  These  favourable  conditions  should  be 
taken  advantage  of  by  making  the  cuttings  somewhat  shorter  than 
usual,  so  that  the  plants  resulting  therefrom  may  be  sturdy  from 
the  first.  Cuttings  with  two  or  three  joints  will  in  the  majority  of 
instances  prove  the  best. 

When  placed  in  shallow  boxes  a  couple  of  inches  asunder  large 
numbers  may  be  wintered  in  a  limited  space,  but  where  there  is 
plenty  of  house  or  pit  room  during  the  winter  I  would  strongly 
advise  inserting  the  cuttings  at  once  in  3-inch  pots.  The  labour 
of  potting  at  a  busy  time  in  the  spring  is  then  avoided,  and  plants 
of  the  dwarfest  habit  are  obtained.  One  crock  only  need  be 
placed  over  the  base  of  each  pot,  a  little  rough  leaf  soil  being 
excellent  material  to  cover  this  with:  Whatever  compost  is  used 
for  filling  the  pots  with,  it  should  be  made  somewhat  light  and 
sandy  by  the  addition  of  leaf  mould  and  road  sand.  It  is,  how¬ 
ever,  a  mistake  to  use  old  and  exhausted  potting  soil  when  this 
pot  system  is  practised,  or  the  plants  will  not  make  progress  in 
the  spring.  A  good  proportion  of  fresh  loam  or  moderate  rich 
garden  soil  should  therefore  be  incorporated  with  the  compost. 
A  sunny  position  on  a  bed  of  coal  ashes  in  the  open  air  is  a  capital 
position  in  which  to  place  the  pots  after  the  cuttings  are  inserted. 
Should  boxes  be  employed  I  like  to  place  these  on  thin  strips  of 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


213 


deal,  so  that  the  air  may  circulate  under  the  boxes,  and  thus 
prevent  loss  through  damp. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  heat  of  the  present  summer  Violas 
have  flowered  so  splendidly  right  up  to  the  present  time  that  we 
have  as  yet  inserted  no  cuttings ;  the  work  will,  however,  be  in 
progress  by  the  time  these  lines  are  in  print.  When  a  sufficient 
number  of  young  shoots  spring  from  the  base  of  the  plants  can  be 
obtiined  we  give  them  the  preference,  but  in  many  instances  these 
do  not  suffice  to  supply  our  requirements ;  the  points  of  the  old 
shoots  are  then  used.  If  these  are  stopped  early  in  the  spring  they 
make  good  plants.  Any  varieties  which  produce  very  few  cuttings 
may^  be  quite  cut  down  now,  the  old  shoots  cut  into  lengths  con¬ 
taining  two  or  three  joints  each,  and  be  inserted  in  pans  placed  in 
cool  close  pits.  More  cuttings  will  be  produced  from  the  old 
plants  by  the  end  of  September,  and  these  if  dibbled  into  light 
soil  placed  in  cold  pits  will  make  excellent  plants.  The  Dairy¬ 
maid,  a  variety  I  have  grown  this  year,  has  been  very  popular. 
Early  in  the  season  the  flower  is  ivory  white,  but  as  the  summer 
wanes  the  colour  is  French  grey.  Countess  of  Hopetoun  is  I 
think  still  by  far  the  best  white  variety,  indeed,  I  know  of  no 
other  bedding  plant  which  makes  such  a  splendid  white  bed 
during  the  summer  months.  All  my  gardening  friends  who  visit 
me  are  glad  of  a  few  cuttings  of  it  when  they  do  not  already 
possess  that  variety.  The  most  of  our  cuttings  are  inserted  in 
front  of  a  south  wall  in  the  ordinary  garden  soil,  which  is  rather 
light.  A  little  road  sand  is  first  placed  on  the  surface.  The  cuttings 
are  placed  a  couple  of  inches  apart,  and  are  well  attended  to  in 
the  rnatter  of  being  watered  when  they  require  it.  They  remain 
in  this  position  without  any  protection  throughout  the  winter,  and 
only  a  very  low  percentage  of  losses  are  the  result. 

Coleus,  Iresine,  Alternantheras,  Mesembryanthemums,  Helio¬ 
trope,  Cupheas,  and  similar  plants  root  quickly  and  easily  if 
inserted  in  well-drained  pots  or  pans  which  are  stood  in  a  pit  or 
frame,  provided  they  are  kept  close,  syringed  once  or  twice  daily, 
and  are  shaded  from  bright  sunshine.  Should  wet  cold  weather 
set  in  the  three  first  named  plants,  being  somewhat  tender,  will 
make  more  satisfactory  progress  if  stood  upon  a  hotbed  or  in  a 
heated  pit,  the  great  point  to  aim  at  being  to  get  cuttings  of  all 
kinds  established  as  soon  as  possible  after  being  inserted.  To  do 
this  they  must  not  be  allowed  to  flag  after  they  are  taken  from  the 
parent  plants.  If  greater  attention  were  paid  to  this  point  we 
should  hear  less  complants  about  the  difficulty  of  rooting  cuttings 
of  all  descriptions. — W.  C. 


SEASONABLE  HINTS  ON  FLORIST  FLOWERS. 

Theee  has  probably  never  been  a  season  more  disappointing  to 
the  cultivators  of  florist  flowers  than  that  of  1893.  Everything 
seemed  turned  topsy-turvy  ;  plants  came  into  flower  three  weeks  or 
a  month  before  their  time,  and  the  dates  of  exhibitions  had  to  be 
altered  ;  and  now  that  the  end  of  August  has  come  we  are  asking 
ourselves  where  are  our  autumnal  flowers  ?  The  long-continued 
drought  increased  the  difficulty,  and  to  keep  plants  in  good  health 
was  no  easy  task. 

Auriculas. — These,  the  earliest  of  florist  flowers,  were  the 
first  to  indicate  the  normal  character  of  the  season  ;  they  were  out 
of  flower  fully  three  weeks  before  their  usual  time,  and  consequently 
have  had  a  longer  time  in  their  summer  quarters  than  usual.  So 
far  as  I  can  see  they  have  not  suffered  from  this.  I  see  few 
summer  deaths  among  my  small  collection,  but  altogether  they 
look  well.  They  have  not  certainly  suffered  from  drip,  for  there 
was  no  rain  to  cause  it.  At  present  it  will  be  necessary  to  go 
carefully  through  the  plants  to  take  off  all  dead  outside  leaves, 
remove  weeds,  and  if  there  be  any  aphides  either  brush  them  off 
carefully  or  fumigate  the  plants.  In  about  a  month’s  time  it  will 
be  necessary  to  remove  them  to  their  winter  quarters  either  in  pits 
or  frames  facing  south,  giving  them  all  the  air  possible,  but  not 
allowing  them  to  get  rain.  I  have  this  year  reduced  the  size  of  the 
pots  in  which  the  plants  are  grown,  and  this  of  course  makes  the 
collection  seem  to  be  much  smaller.  I  remember  successful 
cultivation  being  achieved  by  those  who  grew  in  both  large  and 
small  pots,  and  am  therefore  not  sure  whether  I  shall  gain  much  by 
the  change. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. — Here  again  the  character  of  the 
season  has  led  to  very  unsatisfactory  results,  at  least  so  far  as  my 
own  garden  is  concerned,  owing  to  the  excessive  forwardness  of  the 
plants,  which  necessitated  the  alteration  of  the  date  of  the 
Carnation  Show.  It  was  necessary  to  layer  very  early,  for  the 
wood  was  ripe,  and  had  it  been  left  any  longer  layering  would 
have  been  a  matter  of  very  great  difficulty.  It  was  a  choice  of  two 
evils,  for  I  feared  that  too  early  layering  would  lead  to  the  layers 
running  up  to  bloom  ;  the  weather  of  July  being  wet  and  com¬ 
paratively  dull  was  favourable  for  them,  and  the  layers  rapidly 


rooted.  I  now  find  that  my  fears  were  not  groundless,  as  a  con¬ 
siderable  number  have  spindled  for  bloom,  and  will  of  course  be 
valueless.  It  will  now  be  time  to  remove  layers  from  the  plants, 
for  notwithstanding  all  that  has  been  said  as  to  wintering  them  in 
the  open  ground  it  is  a  hazardous  thing,  and  I  think  it  is  much 
better  to  remove  the  layers,  and  pot  them  and  place  them  in 
cold  frames  for  the  winter.  They  may  be  potted  either  singly 
or  in  pairs,  and  by  this  method  the  plants  will  be  very  little 
disturbed  when  they  are  planted  out  in  the  spring.  It  is 
best  to  use  simple  compost  in  potting  ;  in  fact,  good  loam  with 
a  little  sand  is  all  that  is  needed.  Where  the  plants  are  potted 
in  pairs  they  should  be  placed  near  the  outside  of  the  pot  ;  when 
potted  they  ought  to  be  removed  to  a  close  frame  for  two  or 
three  days,  watered,  and  afterwards  have  as  much  air  as  possible 
given  to  them.  By  the  end  of  September  they  may  be  removed 
into  a  frame  facing  south,  which  can  be  left  partially  open  night 
and  day.  This  will,  of  course,  be  the  proper  time  for  adding  to 
one’s  collection,  and  it  is  remarkable  how  much  more  people’s 
minds  are  turned  towards  the  border  varieties  than  to  the  old 
florists’  kinds,  not  that  I  think  that  the  latter  will  ever  lose  their 
place  in  the  estimation  of  the  true  florist  ;  the  only  thing  likely  to 
effect  that  being  the  over-dressing  to  which  they  are  subjected.  It 
is  almost  hopeless  to  have  this  remedied,  although  attempts  have 
been  made  by  offering  prizes  for  undressed  flowers  to  get  rid  of 
the  practice. 

Gladioli. — Here,  again,  the  season  has  sadly  interfered  ;  like 
everything  else,  they  were  too  early.  In  the  west  of  England 
they  were  mostly  over  in  the  second  week  of  August,  and  here  I 
shall  hardly  have  a  flower  left  by  the  end  of  the  month,  whereas 
in  some  years  I  have  had  a  difficulty  in  getting  a  stand  for  the 
Crystal  Palace  on  the  6th  and  7th  of  September  owing  to  their  not 
being  yet  in  flower.  Notwithstanding  the  dry  weather,  or  perhaps 
in  consequence  of  it,  they  have  done  better  with  me  this  year  than 
last.  One  result  will  be  that  the  bulbs  will  be  sooner  fit  for 
lifting  than  in  most  years,  and  this  will  probably  be  in  their  favour 
for  a  future  bloom  ;  there  will  be,  however,  no  necessity  for  inter¬ 
ference  with  them  for  some  time.  The  earlier  sections  of  the 
Lemoinei  and  Nancianus  groups  will,  however,  soon  be  ready,  as 
they  are  earlier  than  the  Gandavensis  section.  I  do  not  lift  these 
every  year,  but  protect  them  with  a  mulching  of  some  sort.  As, 
however,  I  did  not  lift  them  last  year  I  shall  do  so  now.  I  have 
found,  singularly  enough,  that  while  my  unprotected  bulbs 
perished  in  the  winter  1891,  thus  dispelling  the  notion  of  their 
hardiness,  here  at  any  rate,  one  of  them,  Duguesclin,  has 
survived,  but  so  have  some  of  the  varieties  of  the  Gandavensis,  and, 
therefore,  I  am  afraid  neither  of  the  section  can  be  pronounced 
hardy. 

Pansies. — The  summer  has  always  been  in  the  South  of 
England  a  trying  time  for  these  plants,  as  the  dryness  of  our 
atmosphere  does  not  seem  to  suit  them  ;  they  may  now  contract 
mildew  and  perish.  I  find  that  many  plants  have  gone  off  since 
they  were  planted  out.  It  will  be  necessary  now  to  put  in  small 
pots  any  cuttings  that  have  rooted,  and  to  divide  the  plants,  cutting 
off  all  straggling  shoots  and  placing  them  in  a  cold  frame,  which 
should  be  kept  close  for  a  few  days  until  they  are  rooted. 

Roses. — This  exceptional  season  is  now  drawing  to  a  close,  and 
certainly  the  last  few  weeks  have  wonderfully  developed  the 
growth  of  our  plants.  I  think  it  is  now  a  very  good  plan  to  thin 
out  the  weaker  shoots  and  those  which  have  done  duty  in  flowering 
this  year.  It  gives  more  air  to  the  plants,  and  consequently  a 
greater  chance  of  ripening  the  wood.  The  long  shoots  which  have 
sprung  up  from  the  base  should  now  be  staked  to  prevent  their 
being  blown  about. 

I  have  not  included  among  florists’  flowers  such  as  Phloxes, 
Pentstemons,  and  other  plants  which  have  been  by  some 
included  amongst  them,  nor  have  I  said  anything  about  Tulips 
and  Ranunculus,  because  nothing  can  be  done  with  them  except 
looking  over  the  bulbs  to  see  that  they  are  not  receiving  any  injury 
from  mildew  ;  neither  have  I  included  Pelargoniums  or  Fuchsias, 
which  are  essentially  greenhouse  flowers.  Neither  can  I  admit 
their  right  to  be  included  in  this  division  ;  and  yet  it  would  be  very 
hard  to  say  on  what  principle  a  Phlox  is  not  to  be  considered  a 
florist’s  flower  while  a  Carnation  is.  But  definitions  are  puzzling 
things,  and  I  have  never  met  with  one  about  florists’  flowers  that 
would  go  on  all  fours. — D.,  Deal. 


FACTS  AND  THOUGHTS  ABOUT  APPLES. 

It  will,  in  all  probability,  be  a  long  time  before  we  again  have 
such  splendid  crops  of  Apples  of  the  finest  quality.  Our  English 
grown  Apples  ought  this  year  to  hold  their  own  against  all  comers, 
for  they  apparently  possess  every  desirable  good  quality,  being 
large,  highly  coloured,  and  of  fine  full  flavour.  Many  varieticg 


214 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


which  during  ordinary  seasons  are  quite  unpalatable  in  an  uncooked 
state  are  this  year  tempting  enough  for  dessert  purposes,  and 
those  which  are  generally  considered  the  cream  of  dessert  kinds 
have  a  flavour  far  superior  to  that  they  usually  possess.  I  noticed 
this  a  few  days  ago  when  tasting  several  early  Apples. 

Worcestershire  Pearmain,  I  thought,  the  best  of  all  Apples  of 
the  Codlin  type,  and  is  unusually  good  this  season.  The  fruits, 
being  large  and  of  great  depth,  are  wonderfully  attractive  in  appear¬ 
ance.  Lord  Suffield  is  carrying  prodigious  crops  in  this  neighbour¬ 
hood,  but  in  many  instances  the  trees  canker  badly.  Stirling  Castle 
is  equally  productive,  but  also  suffers  much  from  canker  ;  indeed,  I 
invariably  notice  that  trees  which  are  remarkable  for  their  good  crop¬ 
ping  qualities  are  the  first  to  succumb  to  this  troublesome  disease. 
Lord  Grosvenor  seems  to  be  rapidly  replacing  Lord  Suffield  in  some 
districts,  but  hereabouts  (Warwick)  Manks  Codlin  will,  I  think, 
prove  the  best  early  cooking  Apple  to  grow.  It  is  a  free  and 
certain  bearer,  the  beautiful  golden  colour  of  the  fruit  renders  it 
more  attractive  in  appearance  than  those  cooking  kinds  above 
enumerated.  In  the  gardens  here  the  trees  show  no  traces  of 
canker.  Ecklinville,  Keswick  Codlin,  and  Hawthornden  have  also 
very  heavy  crops  ;  the  former  variety  grows  more  freely  than  the 
majority  of  early  ones,  and  suffers  but  little  from  canker.  The 
latter  should  be  extensively  grown  for  home  use,  as  it  is  frequently 
preferred  to  other  cooking  kinds  on  account  of  its  brisk  and  some¬ 
what  sharp  flavour.  Colden  Spire  is  a  variety  which  I  think  ought 
to  be  more  extensively  planted.  In  appearance  it  is  extra  fine,  crops 
well,  and  ripens  a  little  later  than  Lord  Suffield.  I  do  not  remember 
ever  having  previously  seen  such  good  crops  of  Warner’s  King  as  I 
have  met  with  this  year.  At  the  Castle  Nursery  Mr.  J.  Kitley 
recently  showed  me  two  large  bush  trees  carrying  grand  specimens 
of  this  fine  variety.  A  noteworthy  fact  in  connection  with  them  was 
that  the  branches  were  bearing  freely  quite  in  the  centre  of  the 
trees,  Mr.  Kitley  is  a  great  believer  in  the  practice  of  thinning  the 
branches  freely  and  leaving  them  unshortened,  and  he  considers  his 
success  in  Apple  culture  is  in  a  great  measure  due  to  the  fact 
that  he  adopts  this  method.  Very  heavy  crops  of  Devonshire 
Quarrenden  are  this  year  prevalent  around  Warwick,  and  that 
favourite  local  variety  Wyken  Pippin  is  also  abundant.  Neither 
Cox’s  Pomona  nor  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  (which  with  me  usually 
crop  well),  is  this  year  very  productive.  On  the  other  hand, 
standard  trees  of  Irish  Peach,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Worcester¬ 
shire  Pearmain,  and  Kerry  Pippin  are  loaded  with  fruits. 

At  one  time  Apples  of  all  kinds  promised  to  be  undersized,  but 
since  the  late  rains  a  wonderful  improvement  has  taken  place  ; 
and  considering  the  heavy  crops  the  trees  are  carrying  many 
of  the  fruits  are  remarkably  large.  These  being  ripened  under  the 
influence  of  brilliant  sunshine  are  firm,  sound,  and  good  in  colour, 
so  that  we  may  reasonably  look  forward  to  their  keeping  well. 
Considering  how  very  early  gathering  has  to  be  commenced  this 
year  it  is  well  that  the  fruit  can  be  stored  in  good  condition. 
Every  possible  care  ought  also  to  be  exercised  in  storing,  so  as 
to  prolong  the  supply  as  much  as  possible.  In  seasons  like  the 
present  one,  when  Apples  are  so  plentiful,  the  fruit  room  proper 
will  seldom  accommodate  the  whole  of  the  crop.  The  early  varie¬ 
ties  may  then  be  conveniently  stored  in  sheds  and  outhouses,  in 
which  positions  they  generally  keep  in  good  condition  if  placed  in 
thin  layers  and  kept  cool  and  dark. 

It  seems  to  me  that  too  many  early  varieties  have  during  recent 
years  been  planted,  with  the  result  that  our  markets  are  glutted 
with  Apples,  which  must  be  disposed  of  because  they  will  not 
keep.  In  a  season  like  the  present  this  is  especially  apparent. 
What  we  want  is  a  greater  bulk  of  such  late-keeping  kinds  as 
Sturmer  Pippin,  Lane’s  Prince  Albert,  and  Northern  Greening. 
It  is  scarcely  possible  to  say  too  much  in  favour  of  the  first  of 
this  trio,  as  it  is  a  consistent  cropper.  The  fruits  will  keep  per¬ 
fectly  sound  and  fresh  till  June,  when  it  is  good  for  both  culinary 
and  dessert  purposes.  I  shall  be  much  mistaken  if  the  abundant 
yet  early  Apple  crop  of  1893  does  not  have  the  effect  of  causing 
fruit  growers  to  devote  more  attention  to  very  late  kinds,  with 
which  I  am  sure  they  may  successfully  compete  against  those  sent 
by  our  kinsmen  in  the  Antipodes. — H.  Dunkin. 


SOFT  VERSUS  HARD  COLD  WATER. 

It  is  seldom  that  I  do  otherwise  than  content  myself  by  pondering 
over  the  pages  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  reading  the  practical 
and  interesting  articles  from  the  pens  of  so  many  good  writers,  in  most 
cases  sound  and  reliable  authority  ;  so  that  in  taking  up  my  pen  to 
defend  one  of  my  secret  ideas,  which  in  a  recent  issue  your  correspondent, 
“  W.  P.  W.,”  has  thought  right  to  divulge,  I  may  be  pardoned  for  any 
slight  misgivings  that  naturally  arise  in  publicly  accepting  the  respon¬ 
sibility  of  an  “eccentric  idea,”  if  such  it  can  be  proved.  I  am  still 
under  the  impression  that  “  W.  P.  W.”  has  launched  his  boat  upon  a 
troubled  sea,  and  will  find  it  diflScult  to  steer  a  straight  course  to 


convince  a  practical  gardener  that  “hard  cold  water”  is  little  better  than 
slow  poison  to  vegetation  in  general.  The  nourishing  qualities  of 
“  hard  cold  water  ”  are  rendered  easily  perceptible  if  constantly  followed 
by  watering  plants  either  in  pots  or  planted  out. 

We  will  turn  for  a  moment  to  the  forcible  query  “W.  P.  W.”  con¬ 
fronts  us  with — viz.,  “  What,  I  wonder,  would  the  many  persevering 
amateurs  do  whose  plants  never  receive  any  except  hard  water?”  If 
this  statement  means  “hard  cold  water”  direct  from  tap  or  pump,  then 
my  compassion  for  such  plants  is  fully  aroused,  and  my  advice  to  those 
persevering  earnest  men  who  endeavour  to  keep  vitality  in  their  plants 
by  such  means  is.  Abandon  the  idea.  My  answer  to  “  W.  P.  W.’s  ” 
query  as  to  what  those  earnest  amateurs  would  do  is  rather  diificult  to 
frame.  What  they  ought  to  do  is  easily  answered — viz.,  those  who  are 
living  in  towns,  and  have  only  “  hard  cold  water  ”  at  command,  ought, 
in  the  first  place,  to  procure  a  tub  or  cistern,  and  fix  outside  fully 
exposed  to  the  air,  and  in  such  a  position  to  catch  the  full  power  of  the 
sun’s  rays  for  a  few  hours  during  the  day.  This  will  be  found  to  act 
wonderfully  upon  the  water.  Nature,  in  this  particular  instance, 
teaches  most  indisputable  lessons  which  no  theoretical  knowledge  can 
d'spel.  Is  not  vegetation  in  due  season  nourished  with  showers  and 
warmth  according  to  their  wants — warm  showers  in  summer,  cold 
showers  in  winter?  Therefore,  those  who  are  guided  by  Nature’s  laws 
in  respect  to  water  that  must  be  artificially  used  will  reap  the  surest 
and  greatest  reward . 

I  claim  that  water  used  within  a  few  degrees,  more  or  less,  of  the 
temperature  of  the  soil  to  be  moistened,  is  the  truest  guide  to  administer 
nourishment  to  plants.  “  Hard  cold  water  ”  used  constantly  during  the 
height  of  summer,  produces  a  pale,  stunted,  sickly  appearance  upon 
vegetation  in  general,  and  so  attracts  insects  and  diseases  which  might 
otherwise  be  averted  by  timely  thought  and  a  little  extra  trouble,  which 
would  be  doubly  repaid .  Such  water  is  not  only  injurious  when  admitted 
to  the  roots  of  plants,  but  it  is  detrimental  to  the  foliage  if  used  for 
syringing  during  the  summer.  Take,  for  instance,  a  Peach  tree  infested 
with  red  spider.  It  is  an  impossibility  to  thoroughly  eradicate  this  pest 
with  “hard  cold  water,”  yet  by  constantly  using  soft  or  rain  water  this 
troublesome  insect  can  be  mastered. 

In  conclusion,  allow  me  to  assure  “  W.  P.  W.”  upon  his  closing 
remarks  (page  168),  that  gardening  with  all  its  difficulties  might  be 
made  far  more  enjoyable,  especially  during  such  a  trying  season  as  we 
have  passed  through,  if  gardeners  and  amateurs  could  but  realise 
the  value  of  soft  water,  or  hard  water  rendered  soft  and  warm,  as  a 
nourishing,  health-producing  stimulant  to  vegetation  in  place  of  the 
easily  obtained  obnoxious  drug,  “  hard  cold  water.”  I  now  leave  the 
subject  in  the  hands  and  minds  of  readers  of  the  Journal,  and 
“W.  P.  W.”  in  particular,  to  prove  by  practical  demonstration  that 
my  ideas  are  whimsical,  and  that  I  am  deviating  from  established  forms 
before  I  accept  the  term  “  eccentric.” — F.  Dunn. 


THE  SPARROW  QUESTION. 

With  due  respect  to  Mr.  J.  Witherspoon  (page  177),  the  facts  which 
I  quoted  (page  145)  seem  to  test  the  strength  of  his  faith  to  the  utmost. 
Thus  squeezed  he  becomes  fierce,  and  tries  vainly  to  overturn  them.  He 
may  call  us  his  opposers  what  he  likes,  “  selfish,  short-sighted,  wrathful, 
&c.,”  because  we  do  not  love  the  ways  of  the  sparrow.  He  may  scorn¬ 
fully  ignore  and  condemn  the  charges  made  against  these  destructive 
birds,  but  where  is  he  going  to  stand  while  he  thus  throws  dust  into  the 
eyes  of  truth  ?  I  know  he  stands  alone,  for  he  fishes  for  recruits.  He  throws 
his  hook  and  line  across  Mr.  Editor’s  path  with  a  tempting  bait  of 
persuasion  at  the  end  of  it,  but  this  discreet  gentleman  quietly  lets  it 
float  and  does  not  bite.  Like  a  defeated  marshal  on  a  battlefield  Mr. 
Witherspoon  stands  alone,  h'.s  rakish  regiments  having  been  shattered, 
not  by  the  ammunition  of  those  “  good  deeds,”  but  by  the  explosive 
power  of  those  “little  mistakes”  (as  he  terms  them)  so  apparent  in  the 
scoundrel  sparrow.  I  consider  your  correspondent  both  unjust  and 
inconsistent  in  his  endeavour  to  defend  these  birds. 

Charge  1  (page  145),  he  submits  (though  very  reluctantly)  to  be  a 
learner  and,  as  he  says  “  that  he  is  rather  inclined  to  think  that  the 
charge  will  be  true.” 

Charge  2.  He  disbelieves  that  these  birds  are  enemies  to  gardeners 
and  fruit  growers.  He  denounces  the  grand  volume  of  the  American 
Agricultural  Keport  as  mere  “  scraps,”  throws  it  one  side  and  puts  his 
small,  comparatively  speaking,  “  experience  ”  in  its  stead.  Age  does  not 
always  indicate  the  width  of  experience,  and  younger  persons  often 
possesses  more  experience  than  their  elders  in  some  things. 

Charge  3.  He  screens  the  sparrows  with  the  feathers  of  hens,  ducks, 
and  blackbirds.  We  all  know  that  Grape  culture  in  our  country  is  not 
carried  on  like  that  of  America  ;  but  this  does  not  impugn  the  accuracy 
of  the  report. 

Charge  4.  Here,  “  J.  W.”  takes  refuge  in  cities,  and  describes  sparrows 
as  “scavengers”  which  pick  bones  and  clear  away  refuse  ;  but  grain  and 
fruit  buds  do  not  grow  in  cities  for  the  scavengers  to  destroy.  Perhaps 
suburban  amateurs  will  describe  the  good  (or  harm)  that  sparrows  do  in 
their  gardens. 

Charge  5.  Here  your  correspondent  modestly  suggests  that  Miss 
Ormerod’s  researches  and  overwhelming  evidencv  are  nothing  to  his  own 
“  experience.”  Miss  Ormerod’s  evidence  was  gathered  from  a  hundred 
sources  ;  Mr.  Witherspoon’s,  so  far  as  we  know,  in  one  garden.  Can  he 
give  the  names  of  gardeners  under  whom  he  was  trained,  and  who 
taught  him  his  (unsupported)  doctrine  that  sparrows  do  far  more  good 
than  harm  in  the  majority  of  gardens  and  fields? — Davies  Duffbyn. 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


215 


CyrRIPEDIDM  Sander-superbiens. 

The  first  Cypripedium  Sanderianum  hybrid  which  has  yet 
appeared  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Cookson  at  the  Agricultural  Hall 
on  August  29th,  under  the  above  name,  and  received  an  award  of 
merit.  The  other  species  employed  was  C.  superbiens,  and  the 
credit  of  the  cross  belongs  to  Captain  Vipan,  the  hybrid  having 
been  raised  by  Mr.  Cookson  from  seed  supplied  by  the  former.  It 
is  a  beautiful  and  distinct  form,  the  flowers  being  of  great  size,  and 
remarkable  for  the  very  long,  drcoping  petals,  which  are  double 
the  length  of  the  lip.  They  are  pale  yellow  in  colour,  heavily 
blotched  with  chocolate.  The  lip  is  brownish  red,  and  the  dorsal 
sepal,  which  is  pointed,  greenish  white  with  chocolate  lines. 
Fig.  31  represents  this  fine  acquisition.  Mr.  Cookson  has  followed 
a  distinguished  lead  in  respect  to  nomenclature  ;  but  such  a  name  as 
Sander-superbiens  is  not  euphonious,  and  forms  a  quaint  mixture  of 
English — or  ought  we  to  say  German  ? — and  Latin, 

Aerides  Sanderianum. 

Two  of  the  largest-flowered  and  handsomest  of  all  Aerides  are 
this  and  its  near  ally,  A.  Lawrencise.  “  Broadly  speaking,”  says 
Mr.  W.  Watson,  in  a  recent  issue  of  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  “  they 
are  only  varieties  of  the  old  garden  favourite,  A.  odoratum,  but 
their  flowers  are  nearly  as  large  again,  and  their  leaves  broader 
than  the  ordinary  form  of  that  plant.”  At  Kew,  A.  Sanderianum 
is  represented  by  a  plant  a  yard  high,  clothed  with  healthy  foliage 
to  the  base,  bearing  two  flower- scapes,  each  18  inches  long  and 
clothed  with  twenty-five  flowers,  which  are  l^^inch  in  diameter, 
creamy  white,  tipped  with  amethyst,  and  deliciously  fragrant.  It 
is  nearly  ten  years  since  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.  introduced  this 
plant  in  quantity  from  the  Philippine  Islands  along  with 
A.  Lawrenciae,  the  first  plant  of  which  was  purchased  at  an 
auction  sale  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  for  235  guineas.  It  differs 
from  A.  Sanderiana  in  having  pure  white,  instead  of  creamy  white, 
flowers  with  amethyst  tips, 

Odontoglossums, 

These  have  been  in  many  cases  heavily  shaded  during  the  past 
summer,  but  the  material  should  be  gradually  dispensed  with,  the 
blinds  being  drawn  down  for  a  few  hours  only  during  bright  sun¬ 
shine.  As  much  light  as  possible  ought  now  to  be  admitted,  and 
where  the  shading  is  of  a  permanent  nature  lose  no  time  in  washing 
the  greater  portion  of  it  off.  It  will  not  be  safe  to  remove  all  at 
once,  or  injury  may  result  if  bright  weather  follows.  Shading  of 
this  nature  is  not,  however,  advisable  for  Orchids.  Considerably 
less  atmospheric  moisture  will  be  needed,  and  also  about  the  roots 
of  the  plant,  but  on  no  account  allow  the  atmosphere  of  the  house 
to  become  dry,  or  the  soil  at  the  roots  of  the  plants. 

Press  down  the  moss  if  it  has  grown  above  the  base  of  the 
psendo-bulbs.  Wash  the  pots  in  which  the  plants  are  growing,  as 
well  as  those  upon  which  they  are  elevated.  Slugs  can  frequently 
be  found  when  turning  over  the  plants.  Wash  the  glass  and  wood¬ 
work  of  the  structure  in  which  they  are  grown,  and  limewash  the 
walls.  Do  not  allow  the  temperature  to  fall  below  50°  at  6  a.m. 
Artificial  heat  only  will  be  needed  during  cold  nights  for  some 
weeks  longer. — Specialist, 


PARAGRAPHS  ABOUT  THE  PARKS. 

Whatever  may  be  said,  for  cr  against,  about  the  London  County 
Council,  it  is  generally  admitted  that  they  have  effected  great  improve¬ 
ments  in  the  parks,  gardens,  and  open  spaces  of  the  Metropolis.  They 
have  added  fresh  lungs  to  the  system,  strengthened  others,  and  improved 
the  condition  of  the  huge  patient  in  a  manner  very  pleasant  to  behold. 
True,  the  drought  has  set  at  naught  their  efforts  to  clothe  the  commons 
and  other  public  places  with  smooth  greensward,  but  that  detracts 
nothing  from  the  credit  due  to  honest  and  enlightened  endeavour,  and 
the  authorities  undoubtedly  have  at  the  head  of  this  important  depart¬ 
ment  a  most  competent  and  zealous  official  in  Mr.  J.  J.  Sexby. 


Battersea  Park, 

The  south-west  of  London  has  had  its  fair  share  of  the  benefits 
which  followed  the  fall  of  the  old  Board  of  Works.  Wandsworth 
Common  has  been  quite  transformed.  Fresh  turf  has  been  laid,  new 
walks  have  been  made,  old  furze  cleared  off  and  young  established, 
lakes  formed,  and  seats  provided.  Battersea  Park  has  also  been 
improved.  It  has  been  put  under  the  charge  of  one  of  the  most 
capable  superintendents  which  any  of  the  London  parks  have  yet  had 


in  Mr.  Coppin  ;  the  staff  has  been  increased,  cricket  pitches  have  been 
re-made,  lawn  tennis  grounds  provided,  and  the  floral  attractions  of  the 
place  largely  augmented.  Battersea  has  reason  to  be  proud  of  its  park, 
and  very  likely  it  is.  Let  us  hope  that  the  efforts  of  the  Council  have 
not  gone  altogether  unrewarded  by  gratitude  and  appreciation.  This 
park  always  enjoyed  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  most  attractive 
in  London,  and  of  late  years  its  claims  have  grown  stronger.  It  enjoys 
a  unique  position,  on  one  side  of  it  swarming  a  dense  industrial  popula¬ 
tion  and  on  the  other  being  the  river. 


Visitors  of  a  gardening  turn  who  would  like  to  have  a  good  look 
round  the  park  and  see  most  of  what  is  to  be  seen  in  the  flower  way, 


vould  not  err  by  entering  at  the  south-west  gate  and  following  a 
ystematic  round.  Perhaps  they  will  run  over  it  with  me  in  imagination 
Irst.  Two  beautiful  borders  stretch  away  right  and  left  on  entering, 
[’hey  are  6  or  7  feet'  broad,  and  as  long  as  I  can  remember  have  been 
me  of  the  brightest  features  of  the  park.  Although  they  have  had  the 
vear  and  tear  of  an  exceptionally  trying  season  they  are  still  looking 
veil,  being  bright  with  Dahlias,  Sunflowers,  herbaceous  Phloxes  and 
Vnemone  japonic^  alba  at  the  back,  and  in  front  of  these  wi  ee 
^etunias.  Stocks,  Lilium  speciosum,  annual  Phloxes,  '  Aonal 

Pelargoniums,  Sedum  spectabile.  Coleuses,  Asters,  Campanulas,  age  es, 
''o  11  irvr\o/ac  rjo  i  1 1  o  Tri  id  a  PpTi  f'flf.pmons,  and  many  other  flowers. 


The  drive  on  the  left  hand  may  be  followed  as  far  as  the  north-west 
entrance,  when  a  turn  to  the  right  along  a  broad  drive  near  the  riverside 
will  bring  us  to  a  group  of  coffin-shaped_  beds  converging  to  a  central 
circular  one.  Before  coming  to  them  a  circle  is  observed  planted  with 


216 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTIGULS'URE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


Begonias  and  various  Coleuses,  mixed  with  Lobelias.  Six  of  the  coffin- 
shaped  beds  are  planted  as  pairs,  and  have  filled  out  extremely  well. 
One  pair  is  planted  with  Begonias  in  the  centre,  interspersed  with  a 
Nierembergia  gracilis,  a  graceful  plant  that  likes  hot  weather.  They  are 
flanked  by  lines  of  Golden  Harry  Hieover  Pelargoniums  and  Lobelias. 
A  second  pair  are  planted  with  blue  Violas  and  a  silver  variegated 
Zonal  in  mixture,  with  an  outer  line  of  Iresine,  and  a  margin  of  what 
appeared  to  be  variegated  Thyme.  Less  common,  but  even  more 
effective,  are  white  Antirrhinums  mixed  with  Amaranthus  melancholicus 
ruber,  and  with  an  outer  line  of  Eobert  Fish  Pelargonium.  These  are 
beautiful  beds,  and  the  combination  is  a  very  simple  one.  A  dark 
Coleus  would  show  up  the  Snapdragons  as  well  as  the  Amaranthus  does. 


In  passing  on  it  is  impossible  to  help  observing  the  admirable  neat¬ 
ness  and  order  which  prevail.  The  turf  is  excellently  kept,  the  borders 
clean  and  in  good  order  all  through.  Naturally  the  leaves  are  giving 
a  great  deal  of  trouble  just  now  ;  they  are  falling  early  and  rapidly, 
and  are  being  raked  up  into  heaps  and  burned.  A  very  attractive 
corner  is  found  near  the  refreshment  room  in  the  same  drive.  A  broad 
border  and  series  of  beds  occupy  the  inside  of  a  semi-circle.  If  one  had 
been  tempted  to  think  a  visit  at  the  end  of  August  too  late  in  a  season 
like  the  present  he  would  be  undeceived  by  the  time  he  had  seen  this 
picture,  for  it  is  difficult  to  imagine  that  it  could  ever  have  been  more 
beautiful  than  it  is  now.  The  border  is  brilliant  with  Beet,  Marguerites, 
scarlet  and  other  Zonals,  Calceolarias,  white  Snapdragons  (beautiful 
as  before),  Lobelias,  and  Echeverias.  Two  or  three  of  the  beds  are 
carpets,  neat  in  design,  well  filled,  and  admirably  kept ;  others  are 
composed  of  hardy  Fuchsias  mixed  with  Heliotrope,  and  edged  with 
Lobelia  and  Sempervivum  tabulmforme. 


At  this  point  it  will  be  well  to  turn  to  the  right  and  pass  through  the 
central  walk  to  the  sub-tropical  garden,  which  has  been  for  many  years 
the  crowning  glory  of  the  park.  It  is  splendidly  effective  this  season. 
There  is  a  pleasant  irregularity  of  level  and  outline  about  the  ground, 
and  both  beds  and  material  for  planting  them  are  diversified  in 
character.  In  one  there  is  a  bold  group  of  Cannas  ;  in  another  Begonias 
mixed  with  silvery  Dactylis  and  edged  with  Zonals,  Lobelias,  and 
Echeverias  ;  in  a  third  (an  oblong)  Eucalyptus  globulus  8  to  10  feet 
high  rises  above  the  marbled  foliage  of  Abutilon  Thompsoni,  and  there 
is  the  usual  margining.  Another  bed  quite  as  effective  in  its  way  as  any 
of  the  others  is  planted  with  Lobelia  cardinalis  rising  from  a  mass  of 
Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums,  with  Violas  and  dwarf  succulents  outside. 
The  tall  scarlet  spikes  of  the  Lobelia  are  very  striking.  Then  there  are 
beds  of  Dahlias,  beds  of  Bamboos,  beds  of  carpet  plants,  beds  of 
succulents,  beds  of  Ricinus  (very  effective  these  in  their  greens  and 
purples),  beds  of  Lilium  speciosum  mixed  with  Stocks  and  many  others 
which  cannot  be  enumerated.  Go  and  see,  that  is  the  best  advice  which 
can  be  given.  The  Battersea  sub-tropical  garden  is  as  fine  a  feature  as 
any  park  in  the  kingdom  can  boast  of  possessing,  and  just  outside  it, 
leading  to  the  lake,  the  Palm  dell  and  grove  are  unique. 


Bearing  to  the  right  and  then  abruptly  to  the  left  we  get  the  lake  on 
the  left  hand  and  follow  it  as  far  as  the  south-east  gate,  near  which 
there  is  a  very  large  rectangular  bed  filled  with  Phloxes,  Lobelia 
cardinalis.  Anemone  japonica  and  its  white  variety,  early  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  Gladioli,  and  a  host  of  dwarfer  plants.  With  the  borders 
beside  it,  it  forms  a  most  brilliant  and  striking  picture.  A  ramble  up 
the  side  of  the  park  to  finish  the  inspection  at  the  north-east  gate  will 
reveal  many  bright  corners  and  gay  borders,  in  fact  there  are  few  dull 
moments  in  the  little  tour.  Battersea  Park  is  a  favourite  resort  of 
thousands  of  workers  in  the  vicinity,  and  adds  to  the  benefits  of  pure 
air  the  wholesome  lesson  of  the  beauty  and  cheerfulness  of  flowers. 


If  the  Chrysanthemums  fulfil  their  present  promise  there  will  be  a 
splendid  display  in  a  few  weeks’  time,  for  there  are  about  2000  plants 
of  a  type  which  good  growers  admire  best.  They  are  stiff  and  sturdy, 
with  stout,  brown  stems  and  substantial  foliage,  the  growth  ripening 
admirably.  A  number  of  buds  have  been  taken,  but  it  is  not  expected 
that  the  blooming  will  be  appreciably  earlier  than  usual.  No  matter, 
so  long  as  it  is  good,  and  of  that  there  need  be  little  doubt.  The  show, 
we  believe,  opens  about  the  middle  of  October. 

Hyde  Park. 

As  every  Londoner  and  many  country  visitors  know  there  is  a  tre¬ 
mendous  difference  between  the  surroundings  of  Battersea  and  Hyde 
Parks,  the  latter  being  in  the  very  heart  of  the  fashionable  quarter.  It 
is  not  my  intention  to  form  any  comparison  between  them,  because  they 
vary  greatly  in  every  way  ;  but  as  a  few  notes  have  been  devoted  to  the 
floral  features  of  the  one  so  brief  references  may  be  made  to  those  of 
the  other.  Country  gardeners  often  find  a  difficulty  in  arranging  for  a 
sufficient  change  in  their  flower  beds  to  satisfy  themselves  and  their 
employers  season  after  season,  and  they  are  sometimes  glad  to  have  their 
attention  called  to  combinations  elsewhere,  which,  with  a  little  re¬ 
arrangement  to  meet  local  conditions,  will  provide  the  desired  variation. 

Hyde  Park  is  extensive,  and  the  bedding,  especially  near  Park  Lane, 
is  splendidly  carried  out ;  but  there  is  one  little  matter  in  which  there 
is  room  for  improvement,  and  that  is  in  the  prevailing  bareness  at  the 
Marble  Arch.  There  is  a  short  border  of  flowers  on  the  left,  but  it  is 
round  the  corner,  practically  out  of  sight  from  the  road,  so  that  passers- 
by  and  those  entering  the  Park  here  have  nothing  bright  and  cheerful 


to  greet  them.  As  a  number  of  paths  diverge  just  opposite  the  Arch 
there  is  a  difficulty  in  providing  for  broad  borders,  but  a  little  group  of 
beds  established  on  the  grass  just  behind  them  might  be  provided, 
I  think,  and  they  would  make  the  entrance  much  more  attractive  and 
pleasing  than  it  is  now.  With  a  modest  suggestion  to  that  effect  I  pass 
to  say  a  few  words  about  some  of  the  beds. 


Those  who  want  to  see  the  best  of  them  should  turn  to  the  left  inside 
the  Marble  Arch,  and  walk  down  parallel  with  Park  Lane,  past  Gros- 
venor  Gate,  towards  Hyde  Park  Corner,  or  vice  versa.  Here  magnificent 
stretches  will  be  found,  varying  in  shape,  size,  and  design  in  a  degree 
sufficient  to  satisfy  the  most  exacting  critic.  One  of  the  first  to  be  seen 
is  composed  of  Fuchsias  rising  above  early  Chrysanthemums  and 
Asters,  with  outer  lines  of  Iresine  Wallsi  and  Alternanthera  aurea  nana. 
This  would  be  a  beautiful  bed  were  the  Fuchsias  good,  but  unfortunately 
they  are  somewhat  thin,  and  this  is  the  case  in  most  of  the  other  beds 
in  which  they  are  planted,  although  there  are  one  or  two  noteworthy 
exceptions,  of  which  more  later.  A  second  bed  is  composed  of  Abutilons, 
Celosias,  and  Dracaena  rubra  in  mixture,  carpeted  with  Alternanthera 
aurea  nana,  and  lined  with  Coleus  splendens.  Lobelia  Snowball,  and 
L.  Omen  in  three  separate  bands.  This  is  effective,  and  would  be  more 
so  if  the  Abutilons  were  better  bloomed. 


There  are  several  examples  of  the  Pelargonium-Viola  mixtures.  One 
is  composed  of  Mrs.  Pollock  and  Blue  King,  with  Lobelia  and  Pyrethrum 
aureum  laciniatum.  Another  is  a  combination  of  Pelargonium  Princess 
Alexandra  and  Viola  Lilacina,  with  Swanley  Blue  Lobelia  and  the 
Pyrethrum  ;  but  this  group  is  nearly  surrounded  by  trees,  and  it  is  evident 
that  they  have  told  against  the  beds  considerably.  They  have  spoiled  a 
well-designed  bed  that  ought  to  have  been  very  attractive.  It  is 
composed  of  Grevillea  robusta,  mixed  with  Carnations  on  a  groundwork 
of  True  Blue  Viola,  but  the  last  named  has  done  very  badly.  The  outer 
lines  are  Lobelia  Omen  and  Lysimachia  Nummularia  aurea.  A  passing 
tribute  ought  to  be  paid  to  the  admirable  system  of  naming  the  plants 
which  is  adopted.  It  must  be  instructive  to  the  public  and  useful  to 
those  horticulturists  who,  not  being  Kew  experts,  are  unable  to  recognise 
every  plant  in  the  world  at  a  glance. 


The  main  block  of  beds  is  just  by  the  Grosvenor  Gate  on  the  Piccadilly 
side.  There  is  a  wide  oblong  stretch  of  greensward  with  a  path  on  each 
side  of  it,  and  the  beds  are  arranged  in  pairs,  one  at  the  side  of  each 
walk.  It  is  well  to  keep  the  oblong  on  the  right,  going  in  the  direction 
of  the  Corner,  as  then  the  long  line  of  beds  near  the  park  railings  may 
be  inspected  at  the  same  time.  All  have  done  much  better  than  the  first 
group  ;  with  hardly  an  exception  they  have  filled  out  well,  and  the 
designs  are  both  varied  and  beautiful,  so  that  it  is  a  true  delight  to 
study  them.  All  of  course  are  not  equally  pleasing  to  one  pair  of  eyes, 
but  tastes  differ,  and  what  one  visitor  condemns  another  would  approve. 

Attracting  attention  is  a  very  beautiful  bed  formed  by  the  simple 
admixture  of  scarlet  Tuberous  Begonias  and  Acacia  lophantha,  with  a 
groundwork  of  Lysimachia  Nummularia  aurea  and  an  edging  of  Lobelia 
Snowball.  There  is  nothing  elaborate  or  difficult  to  imitate  about  this, 
but  it  would  not  be  easy  to  excel  it.  Another  that  is  strikingly  effective 
is  made  up  of  splendid  pyramids  of  Heliotrope  General  Garfield  4  to 
6  feet  high,  to  3  feet  through  and  full  of  bloom,  mixed  with  Lilium 
speciosum  and  Nicotiana  affinis,  the  carpet  being  Alternanthera  aurea 
nana,  the  outer  lines  A.  paronychioides  major  and  A.  amcena.  It  is 
rich,  bold,  and  imposing.  _ _ 

Two  delightful  beds  have  been  formed  by  associating  Tuberous 
Begonias  with  Grevillea  robusta.'  One  is  the  crimson  variety  Chas. 
Baltet,  its  flowers  being  well  set  off  by  the  foliage  plant,  and  the  bed  is 
carpeted  with  Harrison’s  Musk,  a  broad  band  of  Viola  Snowflake  com¬ 
pleting  it.  In  the  other  the  pink  Begonia  Lady  Stanhope  is  used. 
These  are  two  of  the  most  successful  mixtures  in  the  park.  There  is 
one  bed  in  which  Fuchsias  are  growing  and  blooming  beautifully.  The 
tall  plants,  with  their  pendant  flower-laden  shoots,  droop  gracefully 
over  a  mixture  of  Abutilons,  double  Petunias,  and  Begonias,  a  border 
of  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium  variegatum  completing  an  effective 
arrangement.  _ 


A  simple  combination  that  is  likely  to  please  most  persons  is  a 
scarlet  Zonal  mixed  with  the  lilac  Viola  Bessie  Clark,  these  being 
surrounded  by  a  band  of  the  dwarf  yellow  Fuchsia  Cloth  of  Gold  half 
a  yard  across.  Scarlet  Begonias  rising  from  a  carpet  of  the  golden 
Creeping  Jenny,  and  margined  with  the  bronzy  Fuchsia  Meteor,  also 
look  extremely  well.  Between  and  amongst  these  beds  are  huge  Palms, 
groups  of  Eucalyptus  globulus,  hardy  Fuchsias,  pyramidal  Heliotropes, 
and  eolumnar  masses  of  Plumbago  capensis  8  feet  high,  all  of  which 
serve  a  useful  purpose  in  breaking  up  the  lines  and  imparting  diversity. 


Shortly  after  this  grand  group  is  quitted  another  is  reached  on  the 
left,  and  in  it  a  few  of  the  best  mixtures  are  (1)  hardy  Fuchsias,  Lilium 
speciosum  and  Celosias,  with  a  groundwork  of  blue  Lobelia  ;  (2)  Ivy¬ 
leaved  Pelargonium  Mdme.  Crousse  in  fine  masses,  with  early  Chrysan¬ 
themums  and  Violas ;  (3)  dwarf  Cannas,  with  Acacia  lophantha, 
Grevillea  robusta,  and  Indiarubber  plants,  carpeted  with  Alternanthera ; 
(4)  a  rose  Begonia  on  a  groundwork  of  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium 
variegatum,  edged  with  Coleuses  and  white  Lobelia.  Soon  after 
these  beds  are  passed  a  sharp  turn  to  the  right  will  lead  to  the  dell  near 


September  7.  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


217 


the  Serpentine,  where  a  winding  stream  meandering  between  Ivy- 
covered  banks  to  a  rocky  head  lined  by  tall  Tree  Ferns  and  lofty  Musas 
is  well  worth  seeing.  From  here  to  Hyde  Park  Corner,  as  well  as  along 
the  Lady’s  Mile,  there  are  several  attractive  beds  and  borders  to  be 
found  ;  but  probably  enough  has  been  described  to  serve  the  purpose 
of  indicating  the  beauty  of  the  great  park  under  the  masterly  super¬ 
intendence  of  Mr.  W.  Brown. — Wandeeer. 


FRUIT  GATHERING  TIME  AT  CHEALS’. 

Between  the  end  of  budding  time  and  the  commencement  of  the 
lifting  season  there  is  a  little  lull  in  the  fruit  nurseries,  not  a  com¬ 
plete  one  by  any  means,  for  there  is  plenty  of  work  still  on  hand, 
but  just  a  trifling  relaxation  of  the  pressure  which  seems  almost  a 
chronic  condition  in  rising  places.  It  is  then  that  the  wise  man  will 
pay  his  visit  if  he  can.  In  early  September  many  trees  have  been 
relieved  of  their  golden  or  crimson  load,  gatherings  having  been  made 
in  order  to  secure  fruit  for  the  shows,  but  the  majority  remain  with 
the  greater  part  of  their  crop,  and  so  their  bearing  qualities  may  be 
perceived.  The  season  of  1893,  so  harrassing  and  even  deadly  to 
numerous  light-land  cultivators,  has  dealt  kindly  with  those  great 
growers  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  of  Crawley.  No  hungry,  thirsty  soil  is 
theirs,  but  heavy,  tenacious  loam,  and  while  in  thousands  of  places  trees 
have  languished  and  dropped  their  fruit,  Conifers  wilted,  and  shrubs 
shrivelled,  at  Lowfield  their  growth  has  been  steady,  substantial,  and 
healthy.  I  have  more  than  once  inspected  the  famous  nurseries,  but 
have  never  seen  them  in  such  condition  as  they  are  this  season.  The 
weather  has  given  such  an  opportunity  for  weed  extermination  as  we 
have  not  had  for  many  a  year,  and  it  has  been  taken  advantage  of  to 
the  full.  Acre  after  acre  may  be  traversed  without  one  weed  being  seen. 
In  order,  cleanliness,  and  neatness  the  nurseries  are  perfect,  while  above 
and  beyond  all  there  are  the  thousands  of  healthy,  vigorous  trees  which 
are  to  go  forth  and  bring  fresh  credit  to  the  name  of  Cheal  when  the 
season  comes  round. 

The  Old  Order  and  the  New. 

It  is  impossible  to  help  contrasting  the  present  with  the  past.  A 
quarter  of  a  century  ago  this  fruit  and  shrub  nursery  of  about  100  acres, 
employing  its  scores  of  hands,  was  under  farm  cultivation,  and  for  every 
man  who  then  found  occupation  there  is  now  work  for  a  dozen.  The 
value  of  the  land  has  grown  enormously,  the  prosperity  of  its  culti¬ 
vators  has  increased,  and  the  condition  of  the  workers  has  correspond¬ 
ingly  improved.  These  are  gratifying  facts.  Development  was  steady 
and  gradual  until  ten  or  fifteen  years  ago,  since  when  it  has  gone  on 
with  accelerated  speed,  good  material  and  good  workmanship  securing 
the  general  recognition  which  has  now  placed  the  once  small  local  firm 
in  the  front  rank  of  British  nurserymen.  Though  the  Crawley  soil  is 
holding  and  stubborn,  like  John  Bull’s  own  character,  it  has  sterling 
qualities,  building  up  strong  and  seasoned  growth  well  calculated  to 
fight  its  way  into  matured  health,  strength,  and  fruitfulness.  There  is 
something  fresh  and  invigorating,  too,  in  the  Crawley  air,  alike  to 
vegetation  and  mankind,  for  in  addition  to  splendid  trees  and  brilliant 
flowers,  Lowfield  possesses  in  the  nonagenarian  parent  of  the  well- 
known  brothers,  a  wonderful  specimen  of  humanity.  Mr.  Cheal,  senior, 
now  in  his  ninety-fourth  year,  still  gazes  on  the  scenes  which  have  been 
familiar  to  him  for  nearly  a  century  with  faculties  undimmed,  enjoys 
life,  and  astonishes  the  doctors,  who  long  ago  dubbed  him  “  the  ever¬ 
green,”  and  left  him  to  his  own  marvellous  vital  resources  as  requiring 
no  help  from  them.  To  hear  him  speak  with  fatherly  pride  of  the 
energetic  and  enterprising  brothers  who  have  lifted  the  business  up  by 
hard  work  and  sound  methods,  and  have  grown  grey  in  the  work,  as 
“  my  boys,”  and  then  to  glance  out  over  the  acres  of  fruit  and  mentally 
contrast  them  with  the  old  corn-growing  order  of  things,  brings  home 
the  contrast  of  the  generations.  In  the  hurry  of  progress  let  us  not 
forget  the  firm  foundations  of  the  past. 

A  House  of  Cordon  Pears. 

But  the  present  is  too  pressing  to  afford  much  time  for  retrospect.  I 
went  to  Cheal’s  to  report  their  work  and  progress  up  to  date,  and  I  must 
set  about  my  task.  First,  a  few  words  may  be  devoted  to  the  house  of 
cordon  Pears,  which  is  now  one  of  the  great  features  of  the  nursery.  It 
is  50  feet  long,  20  wide,  and  12  high,  the  rafters  going  down  to  within  a 
foot  of  the  ground,  where  there  is  a  continuous  shutter  at  each  side, 
raised  in  genial  weather  to  admit  a  flow  of  pure  air  amongst  the  trees. 
The  structure,  it  will  be  understood,  is  a  very  light  one.  Bush  trees  are 
planted  in  a  central  bed,  and  all  round  the  house  are  trained  cordon 
Pears.  They  have  been  planted  out  in  the  border  and  allowed  to  go 
right  up  the  roof,  which  permits  a  run  of  about  15  feet.  They  are  now 
in  their  third  year,  and  are  a  very  striking  and  instructive  sight,  being 
laden  with  magnificent  fruit.  A  good  deal  has  been  cleared  off,  but 
there  is  still  a  crop  hanging  which  speaks  with  eloquent  voice  of  the 
benefits  of  the  system.  Here,  with  the  trees  under  easy  control  and  the 
blossom  protected,  an  annual  crop  is  insured.  They  not  only  bear 
splendid  fruit  now,  but  exhibit  in  the  bold  buds  with  which  they  are 
bristling  the  promise  of  an  equal  crop  next  season.  Amongst  them  are 
new  and  old  varieties,  Duchesse  de  Nemours  is  a  January  Pear 
resembling  Doyennd  Boussoch  in  appearance,  and  of  excellent  quality. 
Belle  de  Bruxelles  and  Duchesse  de  Mouchy  are  both  bearing  well,  but 
neither  is  much  known  generally.  The  latter  keeps  till  March,  Then 
there  are  Charles  Cognde,  a  useful  February  Pear ;  Beurrd  Alexandre 
Liicas,  Princess,  in  grand  condition;  Epine  Dumas  and  Abb6  Fetel, 


which  has  grand  clusters  of  large  fruit.  Amongst  the  older  varieties 
Beurrd  Superfin,  Beurrd  Hardy,  Uvedale’s  St.  Germain’s,  Doyennd 
Boussoch  (very  fine),  Mardchal  de  Cour,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey, 
Durondeau,  Jersey  Gratioli,  Clapp’s  Favourite,  Triomphe  de  Jodoigne, 
Beurr6  d’  Amanlis,  and  General  Toddleben  are  carrying  splendid  crops, 
the  last-named  being  one  of  the  best.  There  is  one  notable  disappoint¬ 
ment,  however,  and  that  is  the  delicious  Doyenn^  du  Comice,  which  so 
far  does  badly,  the  fruit  being  brown  and  scabbed.  The  cordon  house  is 
undoubtedly  a  great  success,  and  attracts  the  attention  of  all  visitors. 
In  due  time  similar  structures  will  doubtless  be  found  in  many  private 
places. 

Cordons  Out  of  Doors, 

Although  the  drought  has  been  so  prolonged  and  insects  so  trouble¬ 
some  the  trees,  as  I  have  said,  are  in  admirable  condition.  The  insect 
plague  would  have  developed  into  a  very  serious  matter  but  for  being 
dealt  with  in  a  firm  manner.  For  many  weeks  two  hands  were  con¬ 
stantly  employed  in  the  application  of  insecticides,  and  as  labour  means 
expense  the  task  was  a  costly  one,  but  the  result  was  that  the  mischief 
to  the  trees  was  arrested,  and  they  have  gone  on  well  ever  since.  The 
Crawley  cordons  are  famous,  and  in  few  previous  seasons  have  they  been 
seen  in  such  splendid  order.  Apart  from  the  walls,  espaliers,  and  arches, 
each  with  its  ripening  burden,  there  are  excellent  crops  both  of  Apples 
and  Pears  in  the  open  quarters.  The  latter  are  surprisingly  full,  the 
blossom  escaping  injury  from  the  spring  frosts  as  it  rarely  does.  A  good 
deal  was  destroyed,  but  plenty  escaped.  Beurr^  d’ Amanlis,  Williams’ 
Bon  ChrfStien,  Williams’  Victoria,  a  later  variety  than  the  last  named  ; 
Passe  Colmar,  Marie  Louise  d’Uccle,  Fondante  d’Antomne,  Doyenn6  du 
Comice  (exceptionally  good),  Durondeau  (ditto),  and  Beurr4  de 
I’Assomption  may  be  named  as  a  few  that  are  bearing  heavily.  These 
trees  are  not  topped,  but  the  side  shoots  are  shortened  to  encourage  the 
formation  of  fnrit  spurs,  with  which  they  are  thickly  studded.  They 
are  clean,  vigorous,  healthy,  and  fruitful,  and  no  one  inspecting  them 
would  hesitate  to  entrust  his  fortunes  to  them  if  he  were  desirous  of 
planting.  It  is  not  in  vain  that  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons  have  devoted 
special  attention  to  this  popular  and  rising  class. 

Notes  on  Various  Apples. 

“  Why,”  said  Mr.  A.,  “  don’t  people  grow  more  of  Hormead  Pear- 
main  ?”  and  then  he  looked  at  Mr.  J.,  and  the  latter  responded,  ‘'Ah  ! 
Why?”  It  is  one  of  the  best  Apples  grown  at  Crawley,  being  a  fine 
and  constant  cropper,  a  good  grower,  and  bearing  beautiful  fruit.  It 
is  an  excellent  kitchen  sort,  and  may  also  be  used  for  dessert.  The 
neglect  of  this  variety  apparently  rankled  in  Mr.  A.’s  mind,  for  an  hour 
or  so  after  he  returned  to  it,  and  this  time  clinched  the  matter  by 
saying  emphatically  that  if  he  were  going  to  grow  six  varieties  this 
would  be  one  of  them.  Will  not  some  growers  try  it  on  the  strength 
of  this,  and  report  results?  Then  there  is  the  Forge,  a  small  local 
Apple,  wonderfully  heavy  for  its  size,  growing  freely  in  almost  any 
soil,  never  cankering,  bearing  every  year,  hardy,  healthy,  and  an  admir¬ 
able  cooker.  It  has  exceptional  colour  this  year,  but  is  always  attrac¬ 
tive,  though  hardly  large  enough  for  market.  Waltham  Abbey  Seedling 
and  The  Queen  are  yielding  grand  fruit  on  young  bushes.  Jefferson 
is  a  small  and  attractive  dessert  variety,  the  skin  striped  and  fl.aked, 
the  fruit  somewhat  flattened,  borne  freely,  and  of  very  agreeable  flavour. 
It  does  well  as  a  cordon.  Landsberger  Reinette  is  bearing  fine  crops 
both  as  a  bush  and  a  cordon.  Sussex  Nanney,  a  mid-Sussex  dessert 
Apple  with  soft  flesh,  ready  now,  ia  not  widely  known,  but  merits 
recognition. 

An  Apple  which  is  puzzling  not  a  few  experts  is  one  had  under  the 
name  of  Ringer.  It  is  not  that,  for  although  the  yellow  fruit  bears  a 
strong  resemblance  to  it,  it  is  much  heavier  and  the  stalk  shorter  ;  the 
tree  crops  better  than  Ringer  too.  Several  have  thought  it  to  be  Jolly 
Beggar,  but  the  foliage  is  quite  distinct  from  that  and  the  stalk  shorter. 
If  it  could  be  pronounced  a  distinct  variety  it  would  be  well  worthy  of 
a  name,  for  the  fruit  is  wonderfully  solid  and  heavy,  keeping  well,  and 
the  tree  is  a  great  cropper.  Sandringham,  Lady  Henniker,  Maltster, 
Frogmore  Prolific,  Margil,  and  Lord  Lennox  are  all  observed  to  be  bear¬ 
ing  well.  Young  trees  of  Lane’s  Prince  Albert,  open,  clean,  healthy 
bushes,  are  almost  breaking  down  with  their  load  of  splendid  fruit.  The 
colour  that  many  varieties  possess  this  season  is  altogether  exceptional. 
With  the  warm  air  and  soil  they  have  assumed  the  richest  imaginable 
tints,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  Beauty  of  Kent,  Cellini,  Barchard’s  Seedling, 
Bismarck,  Gascoyne’s  Seedling  and  Wealthy  being  particularly  brilliant. 
The  season  has  brought  about  noticeable  changes  in  some  varieties. 
Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  is  not  so  large  as  usual,  and  Ecklinyille  far  from 
being  so  good  as  it  generally  is  ;  on  the  other  hand  Cellini,  usually  one 
of  the  worst  at  Crawley,  is  grand  both  in  crop  and  colour  this  season,  and 
Lord  Suffield,  another  of  the  troublesome  ones,  is  also  excellent  in  every 
way.  A  splendid  stock  of  Bismarck  arrests  special  attention  and  orders 
are  beginning  to  flow  in  for  it  rapidly,  Cospatrick,  Newton  Wonder 
(an  improved  Wellington),  King  of  the  Pippins,  Betty  Geeson,  Claygate 
Pearmain,  Mannington,  Dutch  Mignonne,  and  Domino  successively 
arrest  attention  for  their  healthy  growth  and  enormous  crops.  Newton 
Wonder,  Betty  Geeson,  and  Domino  all  stand  very  high  in  Messrs. 
Cheal’s  estimation,  and  all  must  grow  in  popular  esteem  from  their 
intrinsic  excellence. 

The  Dahlias. 

It  would  be  useless  to  attempt  an  exhaustive  reference  to  every 
object  of  interest  in  the  fruit  way  at  Lowfield,  so  I^  give  in  at  once, 
and  pass  on  to  say  a  few  words  about  the  Dahlias,  which  constitute  the 
other  great  speciality  of  the  firm.  There  are  several  large  quarters  of 


218 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


them,  one  being  devoted  to  Shows  and  Fancies,  another  to  Cactus  and 
decorative,  a  third  to  Pompons,  and  a  fourth  to  singles,  besides  borders 
of  Tom  Thumbs.  They  were  in  full  beauty,  and  produced  a  magnificent 
effect,  hundreds  of  thousands  of  brilliant  flowers  dazzling  the  eye.  A 
choice  dozen  of  the  Cactus  and  decorative  group,  worth  growing  every¬ 
where,  are  Delicata,  Robt.  Cannell,  Mrs.  Peart,  Ernest  Cannell,  Sir 
Roger,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Beauty  of  Arundel,  Bertha  Mawley,  Crawley 
Gem,  Edith  Cheal,  Countess  of  Radnor,  and  Duchess  of  York,  The 
purely  “  decorative  ”  varieties  will  soon  be  out  of  date.  Twelve  splendid 
Pompons,  chosen  from  a  most  extensive  collection,  are  Sunshine,  Arthur 
West,  Boule  d’Or,  Tommy  Keith,  Phoebe,  Geo.  Brinckman,  H.  G.  Searle, 
Grace,  E.  F.  Jungker,  Whisper,  Burydice,  and  Lady  Blanche.  A  dozen 
beautiful,  distinct,  and  free-flowering  singles  are  Formosa,  Gulielma, 
Northern  Star,  Eclipse,  Amos  Perry,  Evelyn,  Miss  Glasscock,  The  Bride, 
May  Sharpe,  Aurora,  Duke  of  York,  and  Kitty.  The  Tom  Thumbs  are 
flowering  freely  and  brightly,  particularly  Mignon,  Bantam,  Houp-U, 
and  Canary. 

I  had  wished  to  make  some  reference  to  the  trees  and  shrubs,  but 
must  leave  them  for  the  time  at  least.  The  Dartmouth,  John  Downie, 
Transcendent,  and  Red  Siberian  Crabs,  Prunus  Pissardi,  the  Thorns, 
the  Acers,  the  Golden  and  Cornish  Elms,  and  the  Conifers  are  pictures 
of  health  and  beauty.  No  one  need  wish  for  a  finer  stock.  They  form 
with  the  fruit  trees  a  monument  to  the  success  which  has  followed  a  long 
and  arduous  struggle  with  a  stiff,  unkindly,  but  withal  fertile  soil. 
Energy  and  determination,  supported  by  cultural  skill,  have  proved  the 
conquerors,  and  a  fiftyfold  increase  in  the  productiveness  of  the  land  is 
at  once  the  reward  and  the  justification  of  those  who  have  triumphed. 
— W.  P.  W. 


National  Rose  Society, 

I  AM  confident  that  whatever  other  effect  my  circular  may  have 
produced,  it  is  a  pleasure  to  have  drawn  so  reticent  a  man  as  Mr. 
Mawley  into  an  active  correspondence  in  your  Journal.  One  would 
think  from  Mr.  Mawley’s  letter  on  page  201  that  I  had  issued  a  series 
of  questions  involving  charges  of  the  most  terrible  character,  as  his 
reply  contains  such  expressions  as  *•  fearful  crime,”  “  searching  examina¬ 
tion,”  “  spotless  record,”  and  other  terms  which  are  suggestive  and 
certainly  invite  a  reply. 

Let  us  see  then  how  others  look  on  the  management  of  the  Society, 
A  writer  in  a  contemporary  (whose  identity  I  am  unable  to  fix), 
under  the  appropriate  pseudonym  of  “  Lux,”  says  “  there  is  a  strong 
element  of  conservatism  in  nearly  all  these  special  societies,  and 
the  general  plan  is  to  get  everything  cut  and  dried  at  a  nice  tea  party 
sort  of  meeting.”  I  think  “  Lux  ”  accurately  describes  the  Committee 
meetings  of  “  our  beloved  National  Rose  Society  ” — a  stock  phrase  of 
endearment  peculiar  to  “  E.  M.,”  who  will  presumably  be  glad  to  answer 
a  few  questions  that  I  will  put  to  the  Secretaries, 

1,  Does  either  of  these  gentlemen  know  of  any  Society  of  standing 
whose  Committee  meet  to  transact  business  once  a  month,  and  manage 
to  properly  discuss  the  affairs  and  current  work  of  the  Society  in  the 
space  of  about  one  hour  ? 

2,  Do  the  Secretaries  know  of  any  Society  whose  members  are 
enrolled  without  any  election,  who  prior  to  enrolment  are  asked  no 
questions,  and  for  whom  no  one  is  responsible  ? 

3,  Would  the  Secretaries  say  how  many  inquiries  they  received  as  to 
the  “character”  of  my  private  circular,  the  receipt  of  which  inquiries 
they  state  urged  them  to  make  the  circular  a  subject  for  public  notice 
and  repudiation  ? — Charles  J.  Grahame,  Croydon. 

Tea  Rose  Ernest  Metz. 

I  HAVE  sent  some  blooms  of  the  above  Rose  for  your  inspection, 
and  probably  you  will  agree  with  me  that  it  would  be  difficult  to 
name  any  other  kind  more  beautiful  at  this  time  of  year. — Benjamin 
R.  Cant. 

[We  do  agree  with  our  correspondent  in  this  respect.  The  blooms 
were  beautiful,  being  deep,  large,  handsome,  delightfully  fresh,  and 
of  a  delicate  blush  pink,  shaded  carmine  at  the  edge  of  the  petals. 
Obviously  Ernest  Metz,  like  the  majority  of  Roses,  thrives  at  Colchester.] 

Tea-scented  Roses. 

I  AM  much  obliged  to  “  D.,  Deal,"  for  the  information  he  gives  me 
in  your  issue  of  last  week.  I  have,  however,  been  for  some  time  familiar 
with  the  fact  that  L’Ideal  is  a  Noisette  (hybridised,  nevertheless,  with 
the  Tea-scented  class,  and  therefore  closely  allied  to  these)  ;  likewise 
that  Cheshunt  Hybrid — a  Rose  which  ought,  if  only  for  its  fragrance,  to 
be  valued  more  highly  than  it  is  by  exhibitors — is  a  Hybrid  Tea.  I  am 
interested  to  find  that  your  correspondent  assigns  to  the  same  category 
Gustave  Regis,  which  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  modern  Roses, 
especially  when  in  bud.  At  this  stage  of  development  it  rivals  L’Ideal 
and  William  Allen  Richardson.  Noisette  and  Tea  Roses  succeed 
admirably  in  my  garden  (Wigtonshire)  grown  in  the  open  air,  and  they 
require  during  the  winter  but  little  protection.  Among  these  are  those 
somewhat  delicately  constituted  v®  ’s\<tties  of  the  Noisette  class,  Marechal 


Niel  and  Cloth  of  Gold.  But  then  we  are  encircled  on  all  sides  (save 
one)  by  the  sea,  and  have  from  the  Atlantic  the  mitigating  influence  of 
the  Gulf  Stream.— David  R.  Williamson. 

Rose-growing  and  Pressing  in  Saxony. 

The  experimental  Rose'  plantations  started  two  years  ago  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Leipzig  have  given  such  brilliant  results  that  they  are, 
the  Belgian  Consul  states,  being  extended.  The  plants  have  thriven 
well  through  the  long  and  severe  winter  of  1892-93,  and  their  condition 
in  May  left  nothing  to  be  desired.  It  has  been  shown  that  it  was  a 
false  idea  to  suppose  that  these  flowers  require  Oriental  heat  to  prosper 
and  acquire  a  delicate  perfume  ;  the  experiments  at  Leipzig  having 
proved  that  a  cool  temperature,  and  even  a  little  damp,  is  the  first 
condition  of  a  good  yield,  whilst  great  heat  is  the  enemy  of  Roses.  A 
special  factory  has  been  established  in  the  middle  of  the  plantations  by 
the  house  which  made  the  first  experiments,  and  it  is  to  be  put  in 
operation  this  summer.  Provision  is  made  for  dealing  each  day — we 
quote  the  Consul — •“  with  50,000  kilogs.  of  leaves,  “  producing,  at  least, 
about  40  kilogs.  of  oil,  water,  and  pomade  of  Roses,  valued  at  40,000 
to  50,000  marks.  To  start  with  the  factory  will  have  three  boilers 
providing  300  square  metres  of  heated  surface,  and  the  Roses  will, 
immediately  they  are  plucked,  be  transferred  to  the  macerating  jars, 
where,  thanks  to  this  procedure,  they  will  deposit  their  perfume  in  all 
its  freshness  and  delicacy.  Only  the  quantity  of  leaves  required  at  the 
moment  will  be  collected,  a  few  minutes  sufficing  to  transfer  the  leaves 
from  the  plants  to  the  machines.”  “Commerce”  of  the  26th  July 
adds  :  “  This  expedition  is  favourably  contrasted  with  the  procedure 
followed  in  Turkey  and  in  France,  where  frequently  the  Roses  plucked 
in  the  morning  are  only  distilled  in  the  evening.  As  to  the  oil  of  Roses 
produced  in  Saxony  during  last  year,  it  is  claimed  that  not  only  did  it 
not  fall  short  on  comparison  with  the  Turkish  product,  but  that  it  was 
better  than  its  rival  in  delicacy  and  strength,  and  the  lasting  character 
of  its  perfume.” — (“  Kew  Bulletin.”) 


A  MELON  NOVELTY. 

Enclosed  herewith  you  will  find  a  seedling  Melon  plant,  respecting 
which  I  shall  be  glad  to  have  information.  Three  days  ago  I  sent  to 
table  a  very  fine  looking  Melon  Prince  Arthur  ;  when  it  was  cut,  the 
seeds  inside  were  found  to  be  germinating,  and  showing  various  stages 
of  plant  development.  The  plant  sent  was  the  most  advanced,  the 
stem  2  inches  long,  and  the  cotyledons  well  formed.  What  appears  to  be 
the  most  remarkable  in  connection  with  this  matter  is  the  chlorophyll 
in  the  leaves.  How  did  this  get  there?  Is  it  possible  that  sufficient 
light  could  penetrate  the  skin  and  flesh  of  the  fruit  to  produce  it  ?  The 
skin  of  this  Melon  was  particularly  thin,  and  the  flesh  very  transparent. 
Would  the  unusual  hot  sun  which  we  have  had  account  for  the  seeds 
germinating  inside  the  fruit  ?  I  have  frequently  seen  split  Melons 
with  young  plants  growing  out  of  them,  but  this  Melon  was  perfectly 
sound,  very  smooth,  and  of  handsome  appearance.  It  had  been  cut 
from  the  plant,  and  placed  in  a  cool  vinery  three  days  previous  to 
being  sent  to  table.  Any  information  respecting  it  will  be  accept¬ 
able  to  both  my  employer  and  myself. — Thos.  ARNOLD,  The  Gardens, 
Cirencester  House. 

[The  Melon  plant  received  had  a  stem  2  inches  long,  with  roots  in 
formation  and  well  developed  cotyledons  of  a  pale  green  colour.  Our 
correspondent  is  no  doubt  right  in  his  conjecture.  The  requisite  con¬ 
ditions  for  germination  were  present — namely,  heat,  moisture,  and 
oxygen  gas,  this  being  an  essential  constituent  of  water,  while  sufficient 
light  from  bright  sun  passed  through  the  thin  rind  and  transparent 
flesh  for  the  deposition  of  chlorophyll  in  the  cotyledons.  The  seedling 
was  quite  healthy,  and  would  undoubtedly  have  grown  satisfactorily  if 
established  in  soil  under  suitable  cultural  conditions.  Just  as  preparing 
for  press  a  correspondent,  “  Muriel  Grahame,”  informs  us  of  a  similar 
instance  in  a  Lemon,  green  growths  from  the  seed  nearly  half  an  inch 
long  and  roots  of  the  same  length  when  the  fruit  was  cut  open.] 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

The  last  issue  of  the  Jo7irnal  of  Horticulture,  August  31st,  con¬ 
tained  a  most  interesting  report  of  the  Shrewsbury  Horticultural  Show 
(page  203),  a  report  which  I  should  like  every  individual  connected  with 
horticultural  societies  to  read  and  inwardly  digest.  If  societies  and 
their  secretaries  generally  would  try  and  imitate  the  policy  pursued  by 
the  Shrewsbury  friends  we  should  hear  less  of  failure,  and  soon  find  a 
very  different  feeling  to  exist  between  societies  and  exhibitors. 

In  my  opinion  your  correspondent  in  his  report  of  Shrewsbury  Show 
hit  the  nail  on  the  head.  If  societies  are  to  be  successful  they  must  not 
only  gain  the  confidence  and  good  wishes  of  the  public,  but  must 
endeavour  by  every  legitimate  means  in  their  power  to  retain  their 
supporters.  It  frequently  occurs  to  me  that  Show  Committees  are 
consumed  with  the  idea  that  they  are  conferring  a  boon  on  the  horti¬ 
cultural  community  by  providing  a  Show,  and  that  exhibitors  ought  to 
meekly  submit,  “  and  feel  grateful  ”  for  the  niggardly  treatment  so 
often  meted  out  to  them  by  many  societies.  If  such  societies  find  their 
entries  and  funds  gradually  declining  year  by  year  they  certainly  have 
nobody  to  blame  but  themselves.  Show  Committees  would  do  well  to 
bear  in  mind  that  they  cannot  very  well  get  on  without  the  aid  of 
exhibitors  if  they  would,  who  frequently  travel  many  miles  at  great 
inconvenience  and  expense  to  contribute  the  shows. 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


219 


Let  societies  offer  the  very  best  prizes  they  can,  and  there  will  be 
little  difficulty  in  securing  good  entries  and  a  show  which  a  generous 
public  will  patronise  and  appreciate.  It  is  a  blind  policy  to  extract  the 
last  fraction  you  can  get  from  the  pocket  of  the  very  men  who  make 
the  show.  Such  niggardly  treatment  tends  to  drive  exhibitors  away 
in  disgust  never  to  return.  I  am  pleased  to  know  that  there  are 
societies  which  I  could  name,  and  that  deserve  all  the  praise  that  has 
been  bestowed  upon  them  from  time  to  time,  and  which  are  to-day  in  a 
most  prosperous  condition.  They  have  gained  the  confidence  of  the 
community  in  the  first  place  by  securing  the  services  of  the  best  judges 
they  can  obtain,  and  secondly  by  a  liberal,  generous,  and  considerate 
treatment  of  the  exhibitors  and  supporters.— Wai.  Innes. 


Events  of  the  Week. — During  the  ensuing  week  several  impor¬ 
tant  horticultural  events  will  take  place.  The  Committees  of  the  Koyal 
Horticultural  Society  will  meet  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  Tuesday, 
September  12th  ;  and  on  the  13th  a  special  Show  of  autumn  flowers  and 
fruit  will  open  at  the  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition,  Earl’s  Court, 
continuing  the  following  day.  The  Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural 
Society’s  Exhibition  will  be  held  at  Edinburgh  on  the  13th  and 
14th  inst.  The  show  of  Dahlias,  Gladioli,  and  Early  Chrysanthemums, 
which  opened  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  on  the  6th  inst.,  continues  to-day 
(Thursday)  and  to-morrow, 

- The  Weather  in  London.  —  With  the  exception  of  a  few 

slight  local  showers  fine  weather  has  again  prevailed  in  the  metropolis 
during  the  past  week.  The  days  have,  as  a  rule,  being  bright  and  sunny 
but  the  nights  rather  cold .  At  the  time  of  going  to  press  it  is  fine  and 
warm. 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  meeting  of  the 

above  Society  will  be  held  on  Tuesday,  September  12th,  in  the  Drill 
Hall,  James  Street,  Westminster.  Mr.  James  Douglas  will  deliver  a 
lecture  on  “  Garden  Phloxes  and  Pentstemons,”  and  collections  of  these 
plants  will  be  welcomed  as  a  means  of  illustrating  the  lecture  in  a 
practical  way.  As  the  season  for  Gladioli  is  drawing  to  a  close  we 
have  been  requested  by  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son  of  Langport  to  say  that 
their  prize  of  a  silver  medal  will  be  offered  at  this  meeting  for  the  best 
twelve  Gladiolus  gandavensis  varieties  raised  from  British  seeds.  Prizes 
are  also  offered  by  the  Society  for  twelve  distinct  Gladioli  grown  by 
amateurs. 

-  Mr.  Thomas  Manning, — After  long,  diligent,  and  faithful 

service  as  manager  to  the  great  firm  of  Messrs.  .James  Veitch  &  Sons, 
Chelsea,  Mr.  Manning  has  well  won  the  rest  he  will  seek  at  the  close 
of  the  present  month,  Few  persons  could  possess  more  intimate  and 
varied  knowledge  of  plants  and  their  value  than  Mr.  Manning,  and  this 
combined  with  great  business  capacity  made  him  a  man  of  mark  in  the 
horticultural  world.  He  has,  “  boy  and  man,”  been  connected  with  the 
firm  for  forty-eight  years.  Mr.  Manning  will  take  with  him  wherever 
he  may  “  settle  down  ”  the  best  wishes  of  a  host  of  friends. 

-  We  have  received  the  first  Fasciculus  of  that  marvellous  book 

the  Index  Kewensis,  of  which  it  may  be  said,  as  Linnmus  and  Haller 
said  of  John  Ray’s  “  Historia  Plantarum,”  “  opus  immensi  laioris." 
We  have  heard  this  described  as  a  “  Modern  Steudel,”  and  so  it  is  in 
some  respects ;  but  it  is  that  and  something  more,  for  it  gives  a  citation 
of  all  the  synonymes,  with  references  to  the  pages  of  the  works  in 
which  they  are  to  be  found,  and  this  Steudel  dees  not  do.  The  title  of 
the  work  is  “  Index  Kewensis  :  an  Enumeration  of  the  Genera  and 
Species  of  Flowering  Plants  from  the  time  of  Linnseus  to  the  year  1885 
inclusive,  together  with  their  authors’  names,  the  works  in  which  they 
were  first  published,  their  native  countries,  and  their  synonymes. 
Compiled  at  the  expense  of  the  late  Charles  Robert  Darwin,  under  the 
direction  of  Joseph  D.  Hooker,  by  B.  Daydon  Jackson.”  It  is  a  great 
work  and  worthy  of  Kew. 

-  Medals. — Now  that  medals  are  so  freely  provided  as  honours 

for  commendable  exhibits  at  horticultural  and  other  shows  we  may 
appropriately  refer  to  some  artistic  examples  sent  for  inspection  by 
Mr.  J.  Carter,  37,  Howard  Street,  Birmingham,  which  he  is  now 
bringing  before  the  public.  The  gold,  silver-gilt,  silver,  and  bronze 
medals  are  alike  beautifully  finished,  while  the  various  designs  are  highly 
artistic  and  appropriate  to  the  objects  represented  so  well. 


-  Death  of  Mr.  George  Marchant. — Though  not  a  pushing 

man  striving  to  keep  his  name  before  the  public,  Mr.  Marchant 
occupied  a  very  public  position,  to  which  he  won  his  way  by  diligent 
work  and  honest  endeavour.  He  was  one  of  the  Crimean  heroes, 
receiving  several  wounds,  also  English  and  Turkish  medals.  He  found 
employment  in  the  London  parks,  and  spent  about  thirty  years  of  his 
life  in  them.  For  sixteen  years  he  had  charge  of  the  Thames  Embank¬ 
ment  Gardens,  first  under  Mr.  Sinclair,  then  Mr.  Cochrane,  in  the 
Metropolitan  Board  of  Works  days.  On  the  County  Council  succeeding 
the  Board,  Mr.  Marchant  was  sent  to  Ravenscourt  Park,  but  soon 
returned  to  take  full  charge  of  the  Thames  Embankment  Gardens. 
This  position  he  held  with  much  credit  till  his  death,  which  occurred 
on  the  28th  ult.  in  his  fifty-eighth  year.  A  gentleman  who  has  known 
Mr.  Marchant  and  his  work  for  years  says  of  him,  “  A  more  con¬ 
scientious  worker  could  not  be  found.  Faithful  labour  is  always 
appreciated,  and  no  man  in  the  several  parks  was  more  highly  thought 
of  by  his  superior  officer,  Mr.  Sexby,  than  was  George  Marchant.” 

- The  Agricultural  Hall  Show. — As  most  persons  expected. 

this  speculation  resulted  in  considerable  loss — it  is  said  upwards  of  £300. 
As  might  also  be  expected,  the  Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  took  care  to  secure  a  guarantee  against  bearing  any  share  of 
possible  loss  occurring.  We  also  learn  that  several  trade  exhibitors  did 
little  or  no  business  to  meet  the  considerable  expense  they  incurred  in 
sending  large  collections  of  produce.  The  Exhibition  was  a  fine  one, 
and  it  is  regrettable  that  it  did  not  receive  a  large  share  of  public 
appreciation. 

-  Drought  in  France. — Mr.  A.  H.  Pearson,  writing  from 

Angers  on  the  3rd  inst.,  says  : — “  In  passing  down  the  boulevard  here 
to-day  I  noticed  several  of  the  Chestnut  trees  which  had  gone  to  res: 
by  reason  of  the  drought,  and  subsequently  pushed  out  new  leaves  and 
blossoms.  One  or  two  trees  were  quite  white  over.  Is  not  this  unusual  ? 
The  pastures  are  in  a  fearful  state,  and  the  proverbial  ‘  oldest  inhabi¬ 
tant  ’  never  saw  the  Loire  so  low  as  at  present.”  [There  are  numbers 
of  leafless  trees  in  the  south  of  London,  but  France  is  ahead  of  us  in 
having  Chestnuts  growing  and  flowering  now  as  if  in  spring.] 

-  White  Antirrhinums.— In  reply  to  “  A.  D.”  (page  197)  as 

to  why  I  referred  to  this  variety  as  “  Iggulden’s,”  I  have  to  say  that  I 
believed  him  to  be  the  first  to  introduce  it  to  that  part  of  the  country, 
and  I  very  naturally  connected  his  name  with  it,  not  knowing  any  other 
that  I  could  distinguish  it  by.  Ic  has  been  grown  at  Marston  for  some 
ten  years,  and  I  think  I  am  correct  in  stating  that  it  was  in  Mr. 
Iggulden’s  possession  prior  to  that  time.  My  only  motive  in  writing  the 
note  (page  172)  was  to  call  attention  to  a  very  useful  plant.  If  “A.  D.” 
had  distributed  the  “splendid  crimson”  of  which  he  writes,  and  I  had 
fortunately  shared  in  his  liberality,  I  should  certainly  have  spoken  and 
written  of  it  as  “  Dean's,”  without  taking  the  trouble  to  ascertain 
whether  or  not  he  had  a  right  to  his  name  being  coupled  with  it. — T.  S. 

-  Drought  Effects. — It  seems  almost  incredible  after  the 

many  fine  rains  that  we  have  had  in  the  London  district,  that  trees 
should  be  suffering  so  severely  from  drought  that  at  the  end  of 
August  there  may  be  seen  at  Strawberry  Hill  numerous  Elms 
literally  without  a  leaf  on  them,  and  this  too  in  what  is  called  the 
fertile  valley  of  the  Thames.  I  have  rarely  seen  in  relation  to  the 
effects  of  the  season  on  trees  greater  contrast  than  was  the  other  day 
found  at  Hackwood  Park,  Basingstoke,  where  on  a  solid  chalk  base 
trees  and  shrubs  and  grass  were  all  luxuriantly  beautiful,  hardly  a 
leaf  having  been  shed.  Then  a  few  days  later  I  looked  in  at  Lady 
Freake’s  place,  Fulwell  Park,  Twickenham,  and  there  found  the  grass 
burnt  brown,  the  trees  shedding  leaves  wholesale,  some  being  quite 
leafless,  and  sweeping  literally  going  on  constantly ;  in  fact,  it  was 
just  such  a  sight  as  may  be  looked  for  at  the  end  of  October ;  and 
yet  the  soil  in  this  district  has  the  reputation  of  being  deep  and 
retentive ;  but  it  is  evident  that  when  gravel  at  the  base  and  trees 
are  thick,  the  subsoil  becomes  so  intensely  dry  that  nothing  short  of  a 
deluge  of  water  such  as  a  wet  winter  gives  can  fairly  saturate  the  roots. 
Needless  to  say  that  this  intense  dryness  of  the  soil  extended  to  the 
kitchen  gardens  also,  and  rendered  cultivation  exceedingly  difficult. 
It  is  a  capital  wet  season  position,  but  a  very  bad  dry  one  ;  and  yet 
within  40  yards  of  the  garden  there  is  a  small  river  full  of  water, 
but  it  might  as  well  be  in  the  moon  so  far  as  it  affords  any  benefit 
to  the  trees  or  gardens.  In  all  such  situations  the  season  has  beyond 
measure  demonstrated  the  immense  need  there  is  of  an  ample  supply  of 
water  in  dry  weather,  and  here  could  a  few  thousands  of  gallons  be 
lifted  each  day  from  the  river  it  would  be  of  the  greatest  value  to  the 
gardener. — A.  D. 


220 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


- National  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association.  —  The 

members  of  the  above  Association  held  their  usual  monthly  meeting 
in  the  Memorial  Hall,  Farringdon  Street,  E.C.,  on  the  5th  inst.,  Mr. 
T.  W.  Sanders  presiding.  A  lecture  on  “Begonias”  was  given  by 
Mr.  \V.  E.  Jupp,  a  successful  amateur  grower,  and  a  good  discussion 
followed. 

-  The  Turpentine  Industry. — Contrary  to  what  most  persons 

would  infer,  it  is  said  on  the  authority  of  the  United  States  Department 
of  Agriculture,  after  careful  tests,  that  tapping  the  Pine  trees 
for  turpentine  is  not  injurious  to  the  timber,  and  that  the  lumber 
is  in  no  way  affected  by  it.  The  turpentine  industry,  with  a  product 
worth  10,000,000  dollars  annually,  is  thus  a  clear  gain. 

- Wood  Wool. — In  our  report  of  the  horticultural  sundries 

exhibited  at  the  Agricultural  Hall  Show  last  week  we  omitted  to 
mention  a  superior  kind  of  wood  wool,  which  was  noticeable  in  the 
excellent  stand  of  Messrs.  W.  Wood  &  Sons  of  Wood  Green,  N.  This 
wood  wool,  a  sample  of  which  is  before  us,  is  remarkably  fine,  and 
being  sweet,  soft,  and  clean,  is  well  adapted  for  packing  tender  as  well 
as  firm  fruit. 

- The  Total  Rainfall  at  Abbot’s  Leigh,  Hayward’s 

Heath,  Sussex,  for  the  past  month  was  0-55  inch,  being  1-75  inch 
below  the  average.  The  heaviest  fall  was  0  23  inch  on  the  3rd.  Rain  fell 
on  eight  days.  The  highest  temperature  was  86°  on  the  17th,  the 
lowest  43°  on  the  6th  and  29th.  Mean  day  temperature  75-20°,  mean 
night  temperature  53-12°,  mean  temperature  64-16°,  which  is  5-08°  above 
the  average.  Where  are  our  weather  prophets  who  promised  us  a  wet 
August  ? — R.  I. 

-  New  Violas. — As  so  much  has  been  written  about  Violas,  I 

thought  you  might  like  to  see  blooms  of  the  trio  of  large  flowering 
rayless  varieties  I  shall  send  out  next  year.  The  blooms  sent  are  small, 
but  they  are  larger  when  developed.  The  blue  with  a  white  centre  is  a 
cross  between  Ariel  and  Violetta,  and  named  Pride  of  Etal.  The  white 
is  Mrs.  Scott,  a  seedling  from  Countess  of  Wharncliffe,  crossed  with 
Violetta.  The  yellow  is  George  Lord,  a  seedling  from  Ardwell  Gem 
crossed  with  Violetta.  Princess  May  and  Pure  Love  are  miniatures  ; 
notice  the  Picotee  edge  in  Pure  Love.  I  have  also  a  white  Picotee  edge, 
no  rays  at  all,  and  so  dwarf  ;  and  many  fine  varieties  you  shall  see  later 
on. — Geo.  Steel.  [The  flowers  of  the  first  three  varieties  named  are 
charming,  although  but  medium  sized.  The  “  miniatures  ”  are  very 
small,  but  the  colouring  is  delicate,  and  the  Picotee  edge  just 
discernible  in  Pure  Love.] 

-  Alterations  in  Edinburgh  Botanic  Gardens.  —  The 

Palm  and  temperate  houses  at  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Edinburgh, 
have,  we  learn  from  a  northern  daily  contemporary,  just  undergone 
reconstruction.  The  old  Palm  house  was  built  in  1832,  the  newer  or 
western  half  was  erected  in  1856.  The  former  is  octagonal  in  form, 
with  a  diameter  of  60  feet ;  the  latter  is  100  feet  long,  60  feet  wide,  and 
with  an  arched  iron  and  glass  roof  72  feet  high.  For  the  most  part  the 
specimen  Palms  and  other  tropical  plants  were  placed  in  tubs,  which 
had  by  no  means  an  ornamental  aspect.  This  arrangement  Professor 
Bayley  Balfour,  Regius  Keeper  of  the  Garden,  has  now  entirely  abolished. 
The  whole  of  the  trees  and  plants  in  the  temperate  house  and  in  the 
hotter  Palm  ho^e  are  planted  in  specially  prepared  beds,  and  in  conse¬ 
quence  appear  in  this  miniature  tropical  forest  as  if  they  were  growing 
in  their  native  habitat.  The  change  has  already  told  upon  them  in  the 
most  beneficial  manner.  The  majority,  indeed  all  of  them,  are  showing 
signs  of  a  vigorous  life  which  has  been  unknown  in  the  Palm  house  for 
years.  Coils  of  pipps.  are  placed  along  the  side  of  the  inner  wall 
of  the  Palm  house,  and.also  along  the  iron  gallery,  so  that  in  the  winter 
an  equable  temperature  of  50°  may  be  maintained.  The  old  Palm  house 
was  formerly  heated  from  a  number  of  small  houses  on  the  outside  of  the 
walls.  These  have  now  been  cleared  away,  the  lower  walls  have  been 
opened  up,  and  encircling  the  Palm  house  on  all  sides,  save  that  by  which 
it  is  joined  up  to  the  temperate  house,  is  a  handsome  iron  and  glass 
annexe,  which  gives  about  200  feet  of  staging,  and  imparts  to  the  main 
building  a  lightness  and  beauty  it  never  before  possessed.  Next  year  the 
range  of  greenhouses  stretching  from  the  herbarium  to  the  Palm  houses 
is  to  be  overhauled,  and  the  tank  house  may  be  taken  up  next.  At  this 
time  an  important  re-arrangement  of  the  heating  appliances  in  the 
Garden  has  taken  place.  Formerly  there  were  no  fewer  than  twenty- 
two  different  furnaces  and  eighteen  or  nineteen  sep.arate  stokeholes 
scattered  all  over  the  place .  These  have  been  concentrated  into  one 
stokehole,  situated  not  far  from  the  back  of  the  Palm  house.  The  total 
cost  of  the  reconstruction  of  the  Palm  houses  and  the  new  heating  arrange¬ 
ments  has  been  about  £3000, 


-  Presentation  at  Aldenham  Park  Gardens. — We  under* 

stand  that  Mr.  J.  A.  Cox,  who  for  several  years  has  served  as  foreman 
in  the  above  gardens,  was  on  September  1st  presented  with  a  marble- 
clock,  a  set  of  carvers,  and  a  dozen  table  knives  and  forks  by  his- 
friends  on  the  occasion  of  his  leaving  his  situation. 

-  Wasps  in  Nottinghamshire.— Mr.  J.  Mallender,  Hodsock 

Priory,  Worksop,  writes  : — Wasp  nests  have  been  very  numerous  here 
this  season.  I  have  destroyed  115  nests  within  a  mile  radius  of  these- 
gardens.  I  destroyed  the  nests  in  the  daytime.  It  is  an  old  plan,  but 
after  trying  many  new  ways,  I  am  most  in  favour  of  the  method  I  have 
practised  for  more  than  thirty  years.  [Is  the  “  old  plan”  a  secret?  ] 

-  Onion  Gum. — A  very  convenient  gum  can  be  made  of  Onion 

juice.  A  good-sized  Spanish  Onion,  after  being  boiled  a  short  time,  wil 
yield,  on  being  pressed,  quite  a  large  quantity  of  very  adhesive  fluid. 
This,  a  correspondent  remarks,  is  used  quite  extensively  in  various  trades 
for  pasting  paper  on  tin  or  zinc,  or  even  glass,  and  the  tenacity  with 
which  it  holds  would  surprise  anyone  on  making  the  first  attempt.  It 
is  the  cheapest  and  best  gum  for  such  purposes,  and  answers  just  as  well 
as  many  of  the  more  costly  and  patent  cements. 

-  The  Weather  in  August. — Mr.  W,  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall 

Gardens,  Stamford,  observes  : — This  was  a  very  changeable  month,  but 
dry,  and  in  this  neighbourhood  plant  life  suffered  more  from  drought 
during  the  last  week  than  in  any  previous  time  this  year.  We  had 
twenty-one  bright  days.  A  heavy  thunderstorm  occurred  on  the  10th,. 
and  very  hot  weather  on  the  18th.  The  thermometer  was  81°  in  shade 
at  9  A  M.,  and  registered  93°  afterwards.  We  had  a  shock  of  earthquake 
at  6.41  p.m.  on  4th,  The  barometer  stood  at  29  67  inches.  Wind  wa& 
in  a  westerly  direction  for  twenty  days.  Total  rainfall  was  1-62  inch 
which  fell  on  twelve  days,  and  is  0  64  inch  below  the  average  for  the 
month.  The  greatest  daily  fall  was  0  43  inch  on  11th.  Barometer, 
highest  30  35  at  9  A.m.  on  29th  ;  lowest  29-58  at  9  A.M.  on  2l9t.  Highest 
shade  temperature  93°  on  18th  ;  lowest  40°  on  29th  ;  lowest  on  grass 
34°  on  29th,  Mean  daily  maximum  75'41° ;  mean  daily  minimum 
53-54°  ;  mean  temperature  of  the  month  64-32°.  This  is  3-92°  above  the 
average  for  the  last  ten  years.  The  garden  spring  ran  15  gallons  of 
water  per  minute  on  31st. 

-  Zonal  Pelargoniums  at  Swanley. — The  utility  and  con¬ 
tinuous  beauty  of  these  plants,  both  for  planting  in  flower  beds  and 
for  use  in  pots  in  the  greenhouse,  is  recognised  and  admitted  by 
everyone.  Messrs,  H.  Cannell  &  Son  have  made  a  speciality  of  these 
plants,  and  in  their  hands  rapid  strides  of  improvement  have  been 
made.  Enormous  trusses  are  now  produced  in  profusion,  and  the  size 
of  the  individual  pips  would  astonish  most  people  who  took  the  trouble 
to  measure  them.  An  ordinary  watch  is  completely  hidden  if  one  of 
these  pips  is  placed  over  it.  Nothing  of  the  beauty  of  the  plant,  be  it 
understood,  is  lost  from  its  size.  Some  flowers  may  with  size  become 
vulgar  in  the  eyes  of  the  fastidious,  not  so  the  Zonal  Pelargonium. 
With  it  the  term  “  vulgar  ”  can  never  be  named,  they  must  always 
remain  chaste  and  beautiful,  the  flower  alike  of  the  nobleman  and  the 
mechanic.  I  will  mention  a  few  of  the  singles  which  were  in  bloom  on 
the  occasion  of  a  recent  visit,  and  which  I  considered  amongst  the  very 
best.  Blue  Peter,  raised  by  that  prince  of  Pelargonium  raisers,  Mr. 
W.  B.  Miller,  is,  though  not  a  pure  blue,  unquestionably  a  decisive 
step  in  that  direction ;  the  flowers  are  medium  in  size,  and  possess  a 
very  marked  bluish  tinge  which  a  clear  white  eye  aids  in  emphasising. 
Albion  stands  pre-eminent  amongst  the  pure  whites,  being  a  real 
improvement  on  Swanley  Single  White.  Amongst  the  salmons 
Mascagni  must  be  accorded  a  high  place.  In  habit  it  is  dwarf,  bearing 
blooms  of  fair  size  with  the  utmost  profusion,  and  of  a  soft  silvery 
salmon  shade  with  a  -white  eye.  It  is  certainly  one  of  the  most 
attractive  in  the  collection.  Mrs.  French  may  be  noted  as  throwing 
enormous  trusses  composed  of  shapely  deep  pink  coloured  pips.  Miller’s 
Favourite  is  a  brilliant  scarlet  large-trussed  variety,  which  is  very 
striking.  A  very  beautiful  flower  is  found  in  Mademoiselle  Trine.  The 
habit  of  the  plant  is  vigorous,  and  trusses  are  abundant,  being  composed 
of  charming  rosy  magenta  shaded  pips.  A  bright  scarlet  worthy  of 
special  mention  is  found  in  W.  P.  Wright.  The  plant  is  dwarf  and 
strong  in  habit,  and  carries  its  enormous  trusses  prominently  above  the 
foliage.  It  is  a  variety  with  a  great  future.  Marquis  of  Dufferin  is  a 
grand  magenta  crimson  coloured  variety,  with  good  sized  pips.  A 
distinct  variety  is  Spotted  Gem,  The  colour  is  a  clear  purplish  pink, 
but  the  three  lower  petals  are  densely  spotted  with  crimson.  It  is  a 
very  charming  variety.  Numerous  other  very  beautiful  varieties  were  in 
bloom,  but  those  mentioned  attracted  my  attention  more  especially. — H. 


Septem'jer  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


221 


-  The  “  Kew  Bulletin  ”  for  August,  a  copy  of  which  has  come 

to  hand,  contains  as  usual  much  useful  information.  Among  other 
articles  is  a  report  of  the  “  Californian  Fruit  Industries,”  and  another 
on  the  “  Plant  Industries  in  the  Caucasus.”  Other  important  matters 
dealt  with  include  “  Fibre  Investigations  in  the  United  States,”  “Decades 
Kewenses,  VI,,”  “  St.  Vincent  Arrowroot,”  “  Pulping  Liberian  Coffee,” 
and  “  Henequen  Hemp  in  Yucatan.”  Some  miscellaneous  notes  are 
also  given,  and  from  these  we  extract  the  four  paragraphs  that  follow. 

-  Leitnebia  feoridana,  Chapm.—Dv.  W.  Trelease,  Director 

of  the  Missouri  Botanic  Gardens,  St.  Louis,  U.S. A.,  has  forwarded  to 
Kew  a  specimen  of  this  species,  found  by  him  in  Missouri.  This  in¬ 
teresting  plant,  previously  recorded  from  the  salt  marshes  of  Florida 
only,  was  placed  by  its  author  in  the  order  Myricaceas,  but  raised  to  the 
rank  of  a  monotypic  order  by  Bentham  and  Hooker  in  the  “  Genera 
Plantarum,”  vol,  iii.,  p.  396.  A  good  figure  of  it  is  given  in  Hooker’s 
“  leones  Plantarum,’'  t.  1044.  It  forms  a  shrub  from  2  to  6  feet  high, 
somewhat  resembling  a  Willow,  from  which  it  differs  in  having  a  solitary 
ovule  affixed  laterally.  From  Myrica  it  is  easily  distinguished  by  the 
absence  of  resinous  glands  in  the  leaves,  while  the  elongated  (not  globose) 
inflorescence  separates  it  from  Platanus. 

-  Wood  of  Araucaria. — The  trank  of  the  historic  Araucaria 

imbricata,  referred  to  in  the  “  Kew  Bulletin”  for  January  last,  p.  24,  as 
having  died  during  the  previous  autumn,  has  been  cut  up  and  a  specimen 
deposited  in  the  Museum.  The  trunk  measures  about  30  feet  high  and 
1  foot  4  inches  in  diameter  at  the  base.  A  sample  of  the  wood  of  a  tree 
of  this  species  grown  at  Tortworth  Court,  Gloucestershire,  and  a  walk¬ 
ing  stick  made  of  the  same  wood,  both  presented  by  Earl  of  Ducie, 
F.K.S,,  in  1890,  are  shown  in  Museum  No.  1.  The  wood  is  light,  soft, 
and  open  grained,  and  apparently  of  but  little  value  economically, 
though  in  its  native  country  it  is  said  to  be  strong  and  durable.  The 
best  known  timber-producing  species  of  Araucaria,  however,  are  the 
Moreton  Bay  Pine  (A.  Cunninghami,  Ait,')  and  the  Bunya  Bunya  (A.  Bid- 
willi.  Hook).  The  first  is  a  native  of  Northern  New  South  Wales  and 
Queensland,  and  the  second  grows  only  in  Queensland.  Both  are  trees  of 
some  100  to  150  feet  high,  producing  planks  of  very  large  size  and 
light-coloured  even-grained  woods,  suitable  for  furniture,  flooring,  and 
other  carpentry  work  ;  some  samples  of  the  Moreton  Bay  Pine  are 
prettily  marked  with  small  pale  clouded  knots,  somewhat  resembling 
Birds’-eye  Maple.  It  takes  a  good  polish.  Good  specimens  of  both  these 
woods  are  shown  in  Museum  No.  3. 

-  Fiji  Fruit  Trade. — In  a  report  just  issued  by  the  Colonial 

Office  on  the  Fiji  Island  (No.  72,  1893),  the  following  information  is 
given  respecting  the  fruit  trade  : — The  trade  of  the  colony  has  advanced 
rapidly  during  the  year.  The  green  fruit  trade,  however,  has  not  in¬ 
creased  to  any  great  extent,  and  the  profits  made  from  the  production 
and  export  of  this  staple  have  undoubtedly  fallen  off.  This  is  owing, 
locally,  to  the  presence  of  a  disease  among  Bananas  which  prevents 
their  bearing  (“  Kew  Bulletin,”  1890,  p.  272  ;  1892,  p.  48).  The  Govern¬ 
ment  have  for  some  time  been  endeavouring  to  arrange  for  the  temporary 
services  of  a  pathologist  to  examine  the  causes  of  this  disease,  and  if 
possible  to  provide  a  remedy.  The  trade  has  also  been  affected  by  the 
competition  of  the  Colony  of  Queensland  in  the  markets  of  New  South 
Wales  and  Victoria.  The  export  of  green  fruit  to  New  Zealand  has, 
however,  doubled  within  the  last  four  years,  as  has  also  that  to 
Victoria.  There  will  always  be  a  sale  for  Fijian  green  fruit,  as 
the  quality  of  the  Bananas  produced  in  Fiji  is  admittedly  superior 
to  that  of  those  coming  from  Queensland,  which  are  often  sold  under 
the  name  of  Fijian  Bananas.  A  few  of  the  “  Gros  Michel  ”  Bananas 
suckers  have  been  imported  from  Trinidad,  with  the  view  of  seeing 
whether  they  resist  the  disease  better  than  the  locally  grown  “  China  ” 
Bananas. 

-  Anthracxose  in  Vines. — The  Vine  disease  known  by  the 

name  of  Anthracnose,  caused  by  a  minute  fungus  called  Sphaceloma 
ampelinum,  De  Bary,  is  well  known  on  the  Continent  and  in  North 
America.  As  a  serious  disease,  its  presence  has  only  been  noted  in 
England  during  the  past  year,  and  it  is  probably  widely  diffused,  speci¬ 
mens  have  been  received  at  Kew  for  determination  from  such  distant 
localities  as  Dorking  and  Edinburgh.  Anthracnose  is  an  insidious 
disease,  which  in  its  milder  forms  would  not  be  likely  to  arouse  appre¬ 
hension  on  the  part  of  the  cultivator,  yet  successive  attacks  for  four  or 
five  years  often  kill  the  plant.  The  young  shoots,  leaves,  flowers,  and 
fruit  are  attacked.  The  disease  on  the  young  shoots  appears  at  first 
under  the  form  of  minute  brown  spots.  These  soon  increase  in  size  and 
become  sunk  or  depressed  at  the  centre,  the  epidermis  becomes  broken 
up  into  minute  white  downy  particles,  and  as  the  disease  extends  the 


shoots  become  almost  black,  the  internodes  are  short,  and  the  develop¬ 
ment  of  the  leaves  arrested,  not  expanding,  of  a  harsh,  brittle  texture, 
and  hairy  below.  The  present  disease  is  quite  distinct  from  the  one 
known  as  “  black  rot,’’  although  the  two  have  by  some  authorities  been 
considered  to  be  identical.  The  following  method  of  treatment  has 
generally  proved  effectual  in  eradicating  the  disease  In  the  spring, 
before  the  buds  open,  the  plants  should  be  thoroughly  sponged  with  a 
50  per  cent,  solution  of  sulphate  of  iron  in  water  ;  the  atmosphere  at 
this  time  should  be  kept  damp.  When  the  young  shoots  are  about 
6  inches  long  they  should  be  dusted  with  flowers  of  sulphur,  and  if  the 
disease  makes  headway  the  dusting  should  be  repeated,  the  sulphur 
being  mixed  with  an  equal  quantity  of  powdered  lime.  Very  badly 
diseased  plants  should  be  removed  and  burnt,  as  such  are  not  amenable 
to  the  above  or  any  other  mode  of  treatment.  A  detailed  account  of 
this  disease,  also  preventive  methods  and  treatment,  is  given  by  Viala. 
(“  Les  Maladies  de  la  Vigne.”  Masson  :  Paris.) 

- Stocks  for  Pears. — Mr.  Spencer  King  writes  from  Ipswich  : 

— “  In  my  little  garden  I  am  experimenting  by  budding  Pears  of  good 
quality  on  stocks  which  have  disappointed  me.  Bergamotte  Esperen 
and  Fondante  d’Automne  both  on  the  Quince  are  most  disappointing, 
although  on  the  Pear  stock  in  the  same  garden  they  do  well.  Amongst 
other  kinds  I  budded  Durondeau  on  the  Bergamotte  Esperen  and 
Fondante  d’Automne,  and  it  bears  very  freely,  and  produces  thus 
double  grafted  far  larger  crops  than  the  remaining  original  stocks. 
Durondeau  is  a  magnificent  Pear.  My  original  tree  is  on  the  Quince 
stock  trained  to  a  wall,  but  in  that  case  I  seldom  get  a  crop,  as  frost  cuts 
off  the  blossom.” 

-  The  Weather  in  Hertfordshire. — Mr.  E.  Wallis,  The 

Gardens,  Hamels  Park,  Buntingford,  Herts,  writes  : — The  weather 
during  August  has  been  of  a  tropical  character,  and  quite  unprecedented 
for  the  amount  of  sunshine,  rot  one  full  dull  day  occurring  during  the 
whole  month.  Rain  fell  on  ten  days.  Maximum  in  any  twenty-four 
hours  was  0-32,  on  the  23rd  ;  minimum  in  any  twenty-four  hours  was 
O'Ol,  on  the  20th ;  total  during  the  month  1'74,  against  3'40  of  1892. 
Wasps  have  become  a  plague,  and  notwithstanding  the  destruction  of 
450  nests  they  are  still  masters  of  the  situation,  eating  and  ruining  the 
fruit  before  it  is  ripe.  I  find  nothing  to  equal  cyanide  of  potassium  for 
the  destruction  of  their  nests. 

-  Fruit  Growinu  in  Australia. — Although,  says  an  Austral¬ 
asian  contemporary,  nearly  every  kind  of  fruit  procurable  in  Europe  is 
extensively  grown  in  Australia,  the  two  leading  crops  are  Oranges  and 
Grapes,  both  of  which  are  acclimatised  fruits,  the  Orange  having  been 
introduced  about  1817,  and  the  Grape  about  seven  years  later.  The 
orangeries  in  the  Ryde  and  Parramatta  districts  are  equal,  as  regards  the 
size  of  the  trees  and  the  luxuriance  of  the  fruit,  to  any  in  Southern 
Europe.  In  Tasmania  neither  the  Vine  nor  the  Orange  has  been 
successfully  cultivated,  but  in  portions  of  Western  Australia  both  appear 
destined  to  become  leading  crops.  In  Victoria  various  efforts  have  been 
made  to  cultivate  the  Orange,  but  without  success.  In  estimating  the 
rate  of  production,  considerable  difficulty  is  occasioned  by  the  absence 
of  uniformity  in  the  statistical  returns  furnished  by  the  different 
colonies.  Grapes  being,  for  instance,  estimated  by  the  ton  in  one  and 
by  the  pound  in  another.  This  fact  has  long  been  a  source  of  complaint, 
but  at  present  nothing  has  been  done  towards  placing  the  returns  on  a 
more  uniform  basis. 

-  Apples  and  Cool  Chambers. — A  number  of  experiments 

that  have  been  made  by  fruiterers  of  late  seem  to  point  to  the  fact  that 
when  shipments  of  Apples  from  Australia  to  London  are  found  to  be  in 
bad  condition  on  arriving  at  their  destination,  the  cause  must  be 
attributed  to  something  besides  faulty  packing.  An  Australian  paper 
says  that  another  important  experiment  recently  made  in  Melbourne 
strongly  supports  this  theory.  A  number  of  fruit  merchants  and  others 
witnessed  the  opening  of  a  case  of  Apples.  A  consignment  of  similar 
fruit,  packed  at  the  same  time  and  in  the  same  way,  was  dispatched  to 
England  by  the  steamer  “  Orient,”  and  the  Apples  arrived  in  bad 
condition.  On  the  case  that  was  kept  at  home  being  opened  the  Apples 
were  found  to  be  in  perfect  condition,  showing  no  sign  whatever  of 
decay,  and  possessing  their  full  flavour  and  sweetness.  They  had  been 
kept  where  the  ventilation  was  by  no  means  perfect,  but  where  the 
changes  of  temperature  did  not  affect  them  in  any  way.  The  Apples 
which  comprised  the  Five  Crown,  Sturmer,  and  Jonathan  varieties 
were  packed  in  an  ordinary  fruit  case,  each  Apple  being  wrapped  in 
tissue  paper,  and  paper  shavings  being  used  for  packing.  Some  Pears 
placed  in  the  same  case  with  the  Apples  were  quite  decayed,  but  they 
are  said  to  have  been  overripe  when  packed. 


222 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[.  September  7,  1893. 


_  Steam  versus  Hot  Water  Heating.— Much  has  been  said 

about  the  preference  displayed  by  the  florists  on  the  other  side  of  the 
Atlantic  for  steam  heating,  but  Archibald  Lawson  of  Chestnut  Hill  is, 
says  the  “  American  Florist,”  changing  his  system  of  heating  from  steam 
to  hot  water.  He  says  that  as  he  only  has  about  4000  feet  of  glass  it 
does  not  pay  to  have  a  night  fireman,  and  as  the  old  system  does  not 
require  such  close  attention  as  steam  he  thinks  it  will  be  profitable 
to  make  the  change. 

-  Summary  of  Meteorological  Observations  at  Hodsock 

Priory,  Worksop,  Notts,  for  August. — Mean  temperature  of  month, 
63  2°.  Maximum  on  the  18th,  88-7°;  minimum  on  the  6th,  41-3’. 
Maximum  in  the  sun  on  the  8th,  135-1°  ;  minimum  on  the  grass  on  the 
28th,  32-8°.  Mean  temperature  of  air  at  9  A.M.  65-8°.  Mean  tempera¬ 
ture  of  soil  1  foot  deep,  62-2°.  Sunshine,  total  duration,  199  hours, 
or  44  per  cent,  of  possible  duration.  We  had  no  sunless  days.  Total 
rainfall,  1  34  inch.  Rain  fell  on  thirteen  days.  Average  velocity  of 
wind,  7'6  miles  per  hour  ;  velocity  exceeded  400  miles  on  two 
days,  and  fell  short  of  100  miles  on  twelve  days.  Approximate 
averages  for  August : — Mean  temperature,  59-7°  ;  sunshine,  149  hours  ; 
rainfall,  2-36  inches.  Very  fine  and  warm  month.  The  mean  tempera¬ 
ture  is  higher  than  in  any  of  the  previous  seventeen  years,  and  the 
maximum  is  higher  than  in  any  month  since  1876.  Of  the  previous 
Augusts  only  1883  had  less  rain,  and  of  the  previous  twelve  only  1884 
had  more  sunshine. — J.  Mallender. 

-  Pinks  on  the  Riviera. — From  time  immemorial  perpetual- 

flowering  Pinks  have  been  grown  on  the  Riviera,  as  they  are  in  Italy, 
and  especially  in  Spain ;  but  until  the  last  twenty  years  they  were  only 
considered  as  household  favourites,  kept  in  pots  on  window-sills  or  in 
small  gardens.  Since  the  fast  trains  have  been  established,  which  carry 
the  Riviera  flowers  to  Paris  in  twenty  hours  and  to  London  in  less  than 
two  days,  the  cultivation  of  Pinks,  both  in  the  open  air  and  under  glass* 
has,  according  to  M.  de  Vilmorin  in  a  paper  read  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  some  time  ago,  made  a  wonderful  progress. 
Acres  and  acres  are  now  devoted  to  the  growth  of  Pinks  about  Toulon, 
Hyeres,  Cannes,  Antibes,  Nice,  and  Beaulieu.  Hundreds  of  glass  houses, 
or  temporary  structures  simply  made  of  two  rows  of  glass  frames 
supported  by  wooden  rails,  give  to  the  best  class  of  winter-flowering 
Pinks  the  help  of  some  additional  heat  and  of  some  useful  shelter.  But 
acres  upon  acres  are  grown  without  any  glass  at  all,  straw  mats  or 
canvas  screens  only  being  used  to  protect  the  plants  from  the  effects  of 
radiation,  and  to  afford  them  the  necessary  protection  against  the  bad 
effect  of  rain  or  cold  dew. 

-  Curiosities  in  Classing  and  Judging. — I  do  not  know 

whether  a  very  useful  book  could  be  written  on  this  subject,  but  at  least 
a  very  amusing,  as  well  as  suggestive,  one  could.  I  have  to  thank  an 
exhibitor  for  troubling  my  mind  with  the  topic,  but  it  seems  all  the 
same  to  have  some  attractions.  At  the  recent  Agricultural  Hall  Show 
there  was  a  class  for  a  collection  of  Sunflowers,  “  annual  and  perennial.” 
Note  the  imperative  conjunction  1  Continuing,  the  schedule  said, 
(“  Helianthus,  Helenium,  Harpalium,  and  Heliopsis  only),  to  which 
Rudbeckias  may  be  added.”  Did  this  addition  present  itself  as  a  sort 
of  afterthought  to  the  framers,  and  is  thus  added?  Even  if  it  were, 
why  not  have  included  Rudbeckias  into  the  select  sorts  in  the  paren¬ 
thesis  ?  But  the  real  fun  of  the  thing  lies  in  the  employment  of  the 
word  “  only  ”  after  Heliopsis,  and  then  Rudbeckias  are  added.  What  a 
bull.  So  much  for  the  class,  now  as  to  the  judging.  An  exhibitor 
asked  me  how  I  should  interpret  the  requirement  in  the  schedule 
“  annual  and  perennial,”  and  I  said  as  an  imperative  requirement  that 
both  sections  must  be  included.  But  the  Judges  actually,  of  the  three 
collections  staged,  placed  first  one —admittedly  a  most  beautiful  one — that 
did  not  contain  a  single  annual  variety,  whilst  the  second  and  third  both 
fully  complied  with  the  requirements.  We  need  a  court  of  revision  for 
prize  schedules,  and  a  court  of  appeal  from  improper  judgments. — D. 

-  Wild  Flower  Competitions. — May  I  be  allowed  to  endorse 

Mr.  Alex.  Dean’s  remarks  (page  173)  on  this  subject  ?  I  always  con¬ 
sider  it  one  of  the  most  unsatisfactory  classes  in  country  shows.  In 
many  places  we  get  over  fifty  entries  for  a  bouquet  of  wild  flowers. 
Now,  I  take  it  this  idea  of  making  a  bouquet  or  bunch  is  intended  to 
teach  the  children  how  to  gather  and  arrange  their  flowers  tastefully.  I 
should  like  to  knovv  in  how  many  cases  this  laudable  object  is  attained. 
I  venture  to  suggest  about  5  per  cent.,  the  remainder  are  arranged  by 
their  parents,  and  very  often  by  a  gardening  friend.  This  is  successfully 
defeating  the  object  in  view.  I  often  feel  very  sore  on  this  point  when 
judging,  for  I  see  all  the  prizes  going  to  bouquets  that  have  not  been 


made  by  the  children.  I  think  a  little  reformation  in  this  matter 
should  be  made  by  the  majority  of  committees  when  arranging  their 
schedule  for  the  next  exhibition.  It  is  a  matter  that  can  be 
readily  remedied.  I  am  acquainted  with  one  village  where  they 
have  a  very  good  method  of  arranging  this  matter.  A  rule  is  inserted 
in  the  schedule  stating  that  the  children’s  bouquets  are  to  be  arranged 
at  the  place  of  exhibition,  under  the  supervision  of  a  committee¬ 
man.  Each  child  is  allotted  a  space  on  the  table,  where  there  is- 
ample  room  to  work.  Although  only  a  village,  I  saw  eighty  of  these 
little  workers  busily  engaged  on  the  morning  of  the  show,  the  gentle¬ 
man  in  charge  of  them  sitting  on  the  end  of  the  table.  I  do  not  suggest 
this  is  the  best  method  of  securing  a  good  display,  for  many  of  the 
bunches  came  out  of  the  ordeal  in  a  very  primitive  manner,  while 
others  clearly  indicated  they  had  been  practising  their  work  some  time 
previously.  At  all  events,  the  object  of  educating  the  children  was 
attained.  I  cannot  say  my  experience  of  committees  is  precisely  the 
same  as  Mr.  Dean’s, for  I  know  one  place  where  ten  first,  ten  second,  and 
ten  third  prizes  are  awarded,  making  thirty  in  all ;  at  another  show  the 
judges  were  told  to  place  plenty  of  extra  prizes  on  the  children’s  exhibits. 
At  a  small  village  show,  where  the  bouquets  were  somewhat  numerous  and 
the  secretary  the  local  squire,  the  judges  were  told  to  give  prizes  to  all 
that  were  worth  them.  It  is  very  rare  one  finds  a  class  for  a  collection 
of  wild  flowers.  Where  such  a  class  is  given  it  should  certainly  be 
stipulated,  and  extra  points  would  be  allowed  for  the  correct  names  of 
the  plants  staged. — JAS.  B.  Riding. 


CANKER  IN  PEAR  TREES  AS  CAUSED  BY  MITES. 

“  M.  Scheuten’s  account  of  his  observations  [of  the  Pear-leaf  gall 
mite]  was  published  in  Wiegman’s  ‘Archiv’  for  1857,  and  translated 
into  our  own  ‘  Annals  and  Magazine  of  Natural  History  ’  in  the  same 
year.  The  leaves  of  the  Pear  trees  in  his  garden  were  attacked  by  black 
pustular  inflated  spots,  under  the  epidermis  of  which  he  found  the 
species  of  Phytoptus  which  he  named  Typhlodromus  pyri.  On 
examining  a  large  number  of  spotted  leaves  in  his  garden,  in  which  all 
the  Pear  trees  were  similarly  attacked  (one  tree  having  a  third  of  its 
leaves  affected),  he  always  found  the  same  four-footed  larvm  in  the 
interior  of  the  leaves,  and,  in  most  cases,  on  the  exterior  a  species  of 
eight-legged  mite,  which  he  took  to  be  the  perfect  form  of  the 
Phytoptus.  He  gives  figures  of  these,  and  from  them  it  is  plain  that 
the  so-called  larva  is  a  Phytoptus,  and  the  supposed  perfect  form  a 
Gamasus.  These  are  here  shown.” — (“  Murray’s  Economic  Entomology^ 
Aptera,”  pages  340  and  341.) 

Mr.  Murray  proceeds  to  discuss  all  the  evidence  for  and  against 
M.  A.  Scheuten’s  observations,  and,  reasoning  from  analogy,  arrives  at 
the  conclusion  that  Pbytoptidse  (gall  mites)  are  invariably  four-footed, 
and  this  has  been  accepted  as  authoritative  by  subsequent  writers.  But 
some  leave  a  loop-hole — say,  “  the  Phytopti,  or  gall  mites,  so  far  as 
known,  have  never  more  than  two  pairs  of  very  short  legs  on  the  lower 
surface  of  the  body  in  front.”  This  is  conclusive  that  little  is  known  of 
the  life  history  of  gall  mites  from  experience,  except  an  occasional  and 
distant  observation.  Such  are  practically  worthless,  for  to  prove  any¬ 
thing  the  observations  must  be  frequent  and  consecutive,  embracing  the 
annual  cycle.  From  a  cultural  point  of  view  this  begins  in  spring  or 
early  summer,  and  as  a  gardener  I  prefer  to  commence  a  description  of 
the  Pear-leaf  gall  mite  (Phytoptus  pyri)  from  that  time. 

The  mite  lives  on  the  small  yellow  shining  young  leaves,  and  causes 
red  swollen  places  on  the  upper  surface,  which  later  on  become  dark 
red,  and  ultimately  black.  This  is  a  common  affection  on  the  leaves  of 
the  Pear  tree  in  this  country,  usually  commencing  at  the  end  of  May 
or  early  in  June,  but  this  year  the  attack  began  a  month  earlier.  The 
spots  are  oval  in  form  and  of  different  sizes  (A,  fig.  32),  a  leaf  natural 
size .  On  the  under  side  of  the  leaf  the  spots  are  round  at  first,  with  a  small 
depressed  dot  in  the  centre.  This  is  shown  in  B,  the  under  side  of  the 
leaf,  natural  size.  Very  often  the  blisters  are  close  and  run  together, 
and  are  so  numerous  as  to  cover  almost  the  whole  surface.  This,  as 
almost  every  leaf  on  the  tree  may  be  attacked,  greatly  weakens  the 
trees,  and  renders  them  unprofitable. 

If  a  section  be  made  through  a  gall,  and  it  is  examined  with  a  lens, 
the  cells  in  the  middle  of  the  leaf  are  seen,  as  at  C,  to  be  torn  asunder,  and 
in  the  middle  of  the  blister,  on  its  lower  surface,  is  a  small  opening  (a). 
This  shows  the  condition  of  the  gall  while  red,  and  there  is  neither 
erineum  (hairs)  nor  mites  or  eggs  in  the  interior  or  at  its  mouth,  but 
the  leaf  hairs  stand  out  from  the  leaf  surface  beyond  the  scope  of  the 
magnifying  power  for  measurement.  Not  a  mite  is  to  be  found  on  the 
affected  leaf.  Such  is  the  state  of  affairs  up  to  mid- July  on  the  leaves 
first  attacked,  as  well  as  those  recently  and  still  red.  Where  are  the 
mites  ?  Perhaps  the  answer  may  be  found  in  the  fact  that  while  I  was 
looking  at  some  infested  leaves  overtopping  a  wood  fence  the  owner  of 
the  garden  suggested  that  the  rain  had  washed  them  all  away  1 

But  the  infection  spreads  from  leaf  to  leaf,  and  shoot  to  shoot. 
Summer  pruning  is  of  no  use  in  getting  rid  of  mites,  for  they  pass  from 
the  leaves  first  assailed  to  those  of  the  young  shoots  springing  from  the 
axils  of  the  attacked  leaves.  One  such  shoot  is  represented  in  D,  the 
leaves  being  conspicuous  by  the  bright  red  galls,  and  the  central  leaves 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


223 


or  growing  point  are  galled  all  over.  The  mites  also  have  galled  the 
shoot  at  h  ;  that  is  how  and  where  canker  in  Pear  trees  caused  by  mites 
begins.  Examine  the  galls  as  we  may,  and  search  every  particle  of  leaf, 
not  a  mite  is  to  be  found.  But  the  givlls  swell  rapidly,  assume  a  darker 
hue,  and  a  section  through  a  gall  early  in  August  reveals  mites  browsing 
in  erineum  and  laying  eggs.  This  is  shown  at  c,  in  E,  section  through 
a  developed  gall  ;  and  examining  a  similar  gall  later,  say  early  in 
September,  we  find  the  erineum  gone,  and  the  mites  full  fed,  as  shown 
at  d.  The  mites  go  in  and  out  by  the  opening,  and  may  be  seen  on  the 
leaf  surface,  only  disturb  the  upper  side  of  the  gall.  They  are  invisible 
to  the  naked  eye,  and  only  just  made  visible  by  a  good  pocket  lens. 
Under  a  powerful  microscope  the  mite  is  seen  to  have  a  lily-white  body, 
two  pairs  of  legs  near  the  head,  which  has  a  pale  flesh  tint,  and  ends  in 
a  conical  projection,  containing  the  fine  sword-shaped  jaws  and  other 
mouth  apparatus.  This,  shown  in  the  figure  at  F,  is  less  than  1-200  inch 
in  length,  and  about  1-800  inch  in  breadth. 

If  examined  microscopically  later  on  in  the  summer  only  old  mites 
are  found  in  the  galls.  There  are  plenty  of  skins,  and  some  long  lumps, 
mite-like  but  shorter,  without  legs  or  bristles,  and  soon  afterwards 
empty  (and  much  shorter  than  the  bodies  of  the  mites)  receptacles  are 


formation  of  the  galls  lurking  in  Pear-tree  leaves  in  early  summer  ?  Why 
do  they  not  deposit  eggs  in  the  first  formed  galls  ?  What  apparatus  are 
they  provided  with  to  pierce  through  the  lower  cuticle  of  a  leaf  ?  and  how 
can  they  deposit  an  egg  in  a  hole  four  times  less  than  its  diameter  1 
Why  is  a  four-legged  mite  egg  or  bud  never  seen  in  a  gall  but  where  there 
are  already  the  mites  ?  On  what  do  the  four-legged  mites  subsist  from  the 
fall  of  until  the  appearance  of  the  leaves  in  spring?  The  questions  are 
the  objections  to  the  mites  being  always  four-legged,  and  the  only 
one  met  is  that  the  mites  live  on  the  buds  during  the  winter.  If  so, 
why  are  the  mites  never  found  in  the  buds? 

2,  Assuming  the  mite  to  be  always  four-footed,  do  the  mites  ever 

mate  ?  Are  not  they  strictly  confined  to  parthenogenesis  ?  Will  par¬ 
thenogenesis  endure  indefinitely  ?  f-r"A 

3,  Granted  the  mites  pass  the  winter  in  the  six  or  eight-legged  state 
in  the  fallen  leaves,  how  does  it  happen  that  if  a  tree  is  cut  down  or  pol¬ 
larded  that  the  mites  do  not  attack  the  leaves  of  the  sprouts  springing 
from  the  trunk  ? 

4,  If  the  mites  are  six  or  eight  legged,  why  do  they  not  deposit  eggs 
in  the  holes  first  pierced  ?  This,  of  course,  tells  against  them,  and  is  the 
grand  secret,  that  is,  they  do,  but  they  are  not  seen,  for  they  are 


found  in  the  galls.  Do  not  get  alarmed  if  cut  off  legs  as  large  almost  as 
the  fingers  move  up  and  down,  for  they  are  only  the  belongings  of  enemies 
to  the  mites,  which  they  devour  and  clear  out  of  the  galls,  except  such 
as  escape.  If  the  section  be  rather  a  thick  one,  say  one-sixteenth  inch, 
it  is  possible  that  one  of  these  creatures  may  be  seen  in  perfect  con¬ 
dition,  and  it  is  very  unsightly.  A  four-legged  mite  can  parade  on  a 
joint  of  one  of  its  legs  easily  ;  but  keep  a  steady  gaze,  then  sooner  or  later 
an  active  creature  with  six  or  perhaps  eight  legs  will  flit  over  the  section 
— in  and  out,  everywhere  in  no  time,  so  that  it  is  difficult  to  get  a  good 
examination  of  these  interesting  creatures.  The  best  way  is  to  immerse 
the  section  of  a  gall  in  alcohol  for  about  a  minute,  but  the  mite  is  very 
difficult  to  find  after  the  emersion.  The  best  I  have  yet  been  able  to 
sketch  is  seen  at  G.  This  is  the  male;  the  female  is  larger,  has  also 
eight  legs,  the  two  hinder  divided  into  two  hair-like  extremities, 
each  for  steadying  her  when  depositing  eggs,  and  in  spring  a  long 
ovipositor,  very  singular  and  not  depictable.  These  mites  are  the 
last  occupants  of  the  galls,  except  the  animal  that  clears  out  the 
four-legged  mites,  and  may  be  a  Cheyletus.  The  six  and  eight-legged 
mites  are  seen  on  the  leaf  at  the  mouth  of  the  galls,  then  they  are  found 
on  the  trees  before  the  leaves  fall,  and  they  are  seen  on  the  trees  in 
spring  lurking  in  the  cracks  and  crevices  of  the  bark,  their  favourite 
haunts  being  the  cankerous  places  their  parthenogenetic  progenitors  have 
caused,  as/ in  H.  Now  we  have  to  face  a  few  difficult  questions. 

1,  The  mite  (Phytoptus  pyri)  and  all  the  sub-family  Phytoptidae 
are  four-legged.  Where  are  they  from  the  fall  of  the  leaf  until  the 


enwrapped  in  the  substance  of  the  gall,  and  are  not  visible  because 
opaque. 

Concluding,  H  shows  a  twig  of  a  Pear  tree  cankered  by  the 
Pear-leaf  gall  mite.  It  is  distorted  at  /,  and  the  spurs  g  have  been 
killed  by  the  parasites.  Such  trees  can  only  be  cured  by  killing  the 
mites.  There  is  nothing  better  for  all  mites  than  syringing  the  infested 
trees  with  a  sulphur  solution,  for  all  Arachnoidea  succumb  to  it.  It 
may  be  made  as  follows  :  Slake  3  lbs.  of  quicklime  in  an  iron  copper, 
adding  2  lbs.  of  flowers  of  sulphur  and  3  gallons  of  water,  besides  that 
used  in  slaking  the  lime.  Mix  and  boil  for  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  keeping 
stirred  all  the  time.  Allow  the  mixture  to  settle,  and  when  cool  pour 
off  the  clear  liquid,  place  in  stone  bottles,  and  keep  well  corked  in 
a  dark  place.  Use  a  pint  of  the  bisulphide  of  calcium,  as  the  liquor 
is  called,  to  4  gallons  of  water,  applying  with  a  syringe  or  engine.  It 
may  be  used  in  winter  to  kill  ihe  mites  in  the  lurking  places  on  the 
trees  when  the  buds  commence  swelling,  or  as  a  preventive  in  spring 
when  the  shoots  are  about  2  inches  long  or  the  first  leaves  about  half 
developed,  using  1  pint  to  12  gallons  of  water,  repeating  occasionally. 
At  the  strength  first  named  it  must  only  be  employed  over  mature 
foliage,  say  in  September.  .....  t. 

The  Apple  tree  gall  mite  (Phytoptus  mali)  is  similar  to  P.  pyri  m 
its  effects  on  Apple  trees  in  producing  canker,  but  differs  in  several 
essential  points  entomologically,  especially  in  the  gall  formation,  which 
is  the  only  part  about  mites  which  has  been  well  worked  out. — 
G.  Abbey. 


224 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


Chrysanthemums  in  the  Parks. 

Chrysanthemums  are  somewhat  extensively  used  for  bedding 
purposes  in  many  of  the  public  parks  in  London,  and  with  good  effect. 
At  Regent’s  Park  I  recently  noticed  several  beds  filled  with  the  early 
flowering  varieties,  and  these  on  a  dull  day  are  very  striking  at  this  time 
of  the  year.  In  Hyde  Park,  too,  summer  Chrysanthemums  form  a 
feature,  and  are  usually  much  admired,  the  same  applying  to  those  in 
other  public  places  around  the  metropolis. — C. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

A  MEETiNGt  of  the  General  Committee  of  this  Society  was  held  on 
Monday  evening  at  Anderton’s  Hotel.  Fleet  Street,  Mr.  Harman  Payne 
occupying  the  chair.  The  minutes  of  the  meeting  of  April  12th,  and  of 
the  special  meeting  of  July  2l8t,  were  read  and  confirmed,  after  which 
the  Chairman  read  a  suggestion  from  New  Zealand  that  inasmuch  as 
certain  colonial  growers  were  of  opinion  that  their  cultivation  of 
Japanese  varieties  was  little,  if  at  all,  behind  the  home  growers,  the 
N.C.S.  should  offer  a  medal  or  other  prize  open  to  all  growers  or  societies 
in  the  Australian  Colonies,  these  exhibits  to  be  sent  over  at  the  exhi¬ 
bitor’s  expense,  and  staged  at  one  of  the  Society’s  exhibitions.  It  was 
resolved  that  the  matter  be  referred  to  the  Schedule  Sub-Committee. 
The  Gosport,  Crediton,  and  Tenby  societies  withdrew  from  afSliation. 
The  Secretary  announced  that  the  receipts  up  to  the  present  amounted 
to  more  than  £150,  and  that  the  promises  to  the  reserve  fund  had  nearly 
all  been  fulfilled.  An  election  of  a  member  to  the  Floral  Committee  in 
place  of  Mr.  E.  Sanderson,  deceased,  was  then  proceeded  with,  resulting 
in  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Edwin  Molyneux  by  a  substantial  majority. 
The  unsuccessful  candidates  were  Mr.  D.  B.  Crane  and  Mr.  Witty. 

Mr.  Pearson  of  Chilwell  and  Mr.  Shea  being  desirous  of  laying  their 
views  before  the  Committee  in  regard  to  certain  matters  concerning  the 
working  of  the  Society,  it  was,  after  some  discussion,  resolved  that  the 
former  be  invited  to  attend  one  of  the  meetings  in  October,  and  the 
latter  a  meeting  in  December  to  do  so.  Eleven  new  members  were 
elected,  and  the  Port  Elizabeth  Chrysanthemum  Society  (Cape  of  Good 
Hope)  received  in  affiliation.  A  vote  of  condolence  to  one  of  the 
Society’s  Vice-Presidents,  Sir  John  D.  Llewelyn,  was  passed  on  the 
occasion  of  the  melancholy  fatal  accident  to  his  son. 


COMMENTS  AND  OBSERVATIONS. 

Some  weeks  ago  a  writer  in  this  Journal  remarked  that  a  note-book 
was  “  a  record  of  impressions  which  pass  away  as  rapidly  as  they  come, 
leaving  behind  them  nothing  but  a  memory.”  Such  is  not  exactly  the 
case,  for  “  impressions  ”  occasionally  leave  something  more  than  “  a 
memory ;  ”  but  it  frequently  happens,  as  your  correspondent  observed, 
that  many  useful  hints  are  hidden  away  between  the  pages  of  a  note¬ 
book,  long  forgotten  it  may  be  by  the  owner.  There  are  exceptions,  but 
these  only  go  to  prove  the  rule,  and  how  much  important  matter  is  thus 
kept  hermetically  sealed  from  the  world  it  would  be  difficult  to  say. 
One  thing,  however,  is  certain,  and  that  is  if  readers  were  to  turn  over 
the  pages  of  their  records,  sifting  the  corn  from  the  chaff,  and  let  the 
bright  light  of  publicity  shine  upon  anything  that  might  be  useful  to 
the  gardening  community,  they  would  be  benefactors. 


In  this  matter  1  am  not  altogether  blameless,  for  it  is  my  custom  to 
fill  many  note-books.  Some  of  my  observations  are  recorded  for  the 
benefit  of  the  public,  others  sink  into  oblivion.  For  the  purpose  of 
adding  to  my  store  1,  in  common  with  others  interested  in  horticulture, 
wended  my  way  to  the  great  Show  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  at  the  Agricultural  Hall  last  week,  and  there 
made  a  few  notes,  but  observed  more.  Some  of  my  impressions,  I 
concluded,  would  be  worth  “  putting  into  print,”  but  after  reading  the 
detailed  report  of  the  Show  which  appeared  in  the  Journal  of  Horti¬ 
culture  last  week,  second  thoughts  suggested  themselves,  and  the  old 
German  proverb,  “  Speech  is  silver  and  silence  is  gold,”  came  uppermost 
in  my  mind.  However,  the  pleasure  of  writing  conquered,  and  there 
can  be  no  harm  in  referring  to  a  few  points  that  to  me  were  specially 
interesting.  _ 


The  first  question  that  suggested  itself  to  me  was.  Is  the  Show  a 
success  ?  From  an  artistic  point  of  view  it  undoubtedly  was,  for,  not 
even  excepting  the  display  in  the  Temple  Gardens,  it  was  one  of  the 
finest  fruit,  flower,  and  vegetable  exhibitions  ever  seen  in  London.  The 
exhibits  as  a  whole  were  of  a  high-class  character,  and  the  arranging  of 
them  perfect.  There  were,  it  is  true,  one  or  two  hitches  in  regard  to 
the  staging,  but  these  were  alluded  to  last  week,  so  let  them  pass.  Yes, 
the  Council  of  the  R.H.S.  did  their  part  well  so  far  as  getting  together 
a  niagnificent  collection  of  garden  produce  was  concerned ;  but  were 
their  efforts  appreciated  ?  In  other  words,  was  the  Show  financially 
speaking  a  success?  Judging  by  the  number  of  visitors  present  on 
most  days  a  negative  reply  might  safely  be  given.  On  the  opening  day 


the  attendance  was  decidedly  poor,  and  on  Thursday  afternoon — from 
3  o’clock  to  7  in  the  evening — it  was  miserably  thin.  There  were  on  the 
latter  occasion  perhaps  not  more  than  200  people — truly  a  sorry  number 
for  such  a  grand  Show.  It  is  reported  that  only  £40  were  taken  at  the 
barriers  on  the  opening  day.  How  does  this  compare  with  £535  taken 
at  Shrewsbury  on  their  opening  day,  and  on  a  subsequent  day  £1400  ? 


Some  persons  present  were  puzzled  to  know  why  the  exhibition  was 
so  poorly  attended,  and  were  busily  suggesting  various  causes.  “The 
Show  has  not  been  advertised  enough,”  mournfully  observed  a  stand- 
holder,  who  parenthetically  informed  me  that  he  had  paid  a  sovereign 
per  foot  of  floor  for  his  stall ;  but  a  champion  of  the  Agricultural  Hall 
Company  close  by  remarked  that  it  was  the  people  who  did  not  respond. 
That  is  so,  and  as  we  all  knew  it  was  the  true  cause  of  the  thin  attend¬ 
ance.  The  Agricultural  Hall  is  a  grand  place  in  which  to  hold  a  large 
flower  show,  but  for  this  purpose  the  hall  itself  is  in  the  wrong  position. 
Everyone  who  knows  the  north-east  of  London  as  well  as  I  do  will 
agree  with  me  that  flower  shows  are  not  consistent  with  the  tastes  of 
the  inhabitants  of  ”  Merrie  Islington.”  The  Islingtonians  will  flock  in 
thousands  to  see  a  Military  Tournament  or  a  “  World’s  Fair  ”  with  all  its 
monstrosities ;  but  they  will  not  pay  a  shilling  or  sixpence  to  see  a 
magnificent  display  of  fruit,  flowers  and  vegetables.  That  I  predicted 
long  ago,  and,  now  it  is  too  late,  perhaps  those  responsible  for  the  affair 
will  agree  with  me.  Had  it  been  possible  to  have  induced  a  member  of 
the  Royal  Family  or  some  other  notability  to  open  the  exhibition 
formally,  it  might  have  proved  some  impetus  to  the  attendance,  but  as  it 
is  from  that  point  of  view  a  failure  must  be  recorded. 


At  the  risk  of  being  set  down  as  an  incurable  pessimist  there  is 
another  point  to  which  I  should  like  to  refer — namely,  the  difficulty 
exhibitors  had  to  obtain  passes.  Whether  this  was  so  in  every  case  I 
am  not  prepared  to  say,  but  a  report  reaches  me  that  a  representative  of 
one  of  the  largest  exhibitors  had  some  trouble  in  this  respect.  More 
than  one  unlucky  attendant  with  exhibits  had  to  remain  in  the  hall 
the  whole  day,  for  his  ticket  only  permitted  him  to  enter  once.  Surely 
this  is  short-sighted  policy  on  someone’s  behalf,  and  can  do  no  good.  I 
could  not  ascertain  what  arrangements  were  made  between  the  R.H.S. 
and  the  Agricultural  Hall  Company,  and  am  therefore  at  a  loss  to  know 
whom  to  blame.  That  matters  but  little,  however,  for  the  error  is 
equally  as  apparent,  and  should  not  have  been  committed. 


But  while  pointing  out  these  little  failings  one  must  not  forget  the 
many  good  things  that  were  observable.  As  already  mentioned,  it  was 
a  grand  show,  and  worthy  of  a  better  attendance.  Fruit  formed  a 
notable  feature,  the  long  tables  of  gigantic  Apples  of  perfect  shape  and 
colouring  reminded  one  of  the  splendid  exhibition  in  the  Guildhall  a 
few  years  ago.  The  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  and  Peaches  exhibited  by 
Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Son  were  magnificent,  and  had  such  a  splendidly 
finished  appearance  about  them  as  to  “  make  one’s  mouth  water.” 
Growers  no  doubt  made  a  note  of  the  valuable  Monarch  Plum,  which 
was  conspicuous  in  this  exhibit,  as  being  one  of  the  best  late  varieties  in 
cultivation.  Messrs.  Bunyard,  Veitch,  Cheal,  and  Paul  likewise,  in 
putting  forth  their  best  efforts,  gave  visitors  a  proof  of  what  they  are 
capable  of  doing  in  growing  fruit.  The  majority  of  the  Apples  staged 
were  remarkable  for  their  colouring  ;  in  a  few  cases  the  fruits  were  as 
rich-looking  as  Pineapple  Nectarines.  Some  of  the  Apples  were  not 
quite  so  large  as  I  have  seen  them,  perhaps  owing  to  the  prolonged 
drought,  but  Mr.  Woodward,  Barham  Court  Gardens,  Maidstone,  staged 
a  fruit  of  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  which,  according  to  a  notice  on  the 
exhibition  card,  weighed  23  ozs. 


Grapes  were  beautifully  coloured,  and  as  a  whole  shown  in  splendid 
condition.  This  was  the  general  verdict  of  many  experts  present.  One 
curious  fact,  however,  appeared  to  have  escaped  the  notice  of  many 
observers,  and  it  may  be  worth  recording.  As  reported  in  your  last 
issue,  Mr.  S.  T.  Wright,  gardener  to  C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  Glewstone 
Court,  Ross,  exhibited  some  magnificent  6  lb.  bunches  of  Black  Alicante 
Grapes,  which  for  perfect  finish  could  not  be  excelled.  So  far  so  good, 
and,  as  they  should  be,  the  Grapes  were  much  admired.  But  when 
visitors  read  printed  in  bold  type  on  a  placard  placed  in  front  of  the 
Grapes,  “  These  Vines  were  winter-dressed  with  ‘  Killmright,’  4  ozs.  to  the 
gallon,”  it  appears  as  if  something  was  wrong.  “Would  it  not  have 
been  better  to  have  substituted  ‘Feedmright’  for  ‘Killmright?’” 
sensibly  remarked  a  bystander.  Perhaps  it  would,  for  if  Mr.  Wright 
had  dressed  his  Vines  with  the  “  Killmright  ”  insecticide,  it  was 
obvious  that  he  had  also  “  fed  ’em  right !  ” 


In  glancing  over  the  numerous  cut  flowers  one  class  in  the  competitive 
section  struck  me  as  being  somewhat  out  of  the  common.  I  refer  to 
“  a  collection  of  Dahlias  arranged  for  effect.”  There  were  two  exhibitors 
in  this  class — Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  and  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams 
and  Co.  As  already  reported,  the  first-mentioned  firm  secured  the 
premier  award  for  a  really  meritorious  exhibit.  The  Dahlias  com¬ 
prising  the  various  sections  were  arranged  in  sprays,  and  being  fresh 
and  clean  on  the  opening  day  made  an  imposing  display.  But  was  it 
not  a  little  out  of  place  to  use  Maidenhair  Ferns  and  small  Palms  in 
pots  among  these  flowers  ?  Asparagus  sprays  were  also  employed  which 
would  pass  muster,  these  being  grown  out  of  doors,  as  the  flowers  were  ; 
but  I  cannot  help  thinking  that  the  Palms  and  Ferns  looked  a  little 
ambiguous.  True,  nothing  definite  was  stated  in  the  schedule,  and 
under  these  circumstances  exhibitors  were  at  liberty  to  use  what  they 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


226 


like.  This  is  written  impartially,  my  object  being  to  discourage  the  use 
of  stove  plants  with  outdoor  flowers  rather  than  that  of  fault-finding  ; 
for,  as  before  said,  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons’  Dahlias  were  deserving  of  the 
honour  bestowed  upon  them.  _ 

Those  persons  who  went  to  the  Show  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  the 
Orchids,  as  some  did,  must  have  been  disappointed,  for  these  were  not 
well  represented.  There  was  but  one  small  group  arranged  on  a  table, 
and  the  few  visitors  present  made  a  close  inspection  of  them.  The 
plants  were  from  the  rich  stores  of  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.  of  St.  Albans 
and  Messrs.  W.  L.  Lewis  &  Co.  of  Southgate,  and  comprised  some  choice 
species.  A  hybrid  Cypripedium  named  C.  Sander-superbiens,  shown  by 
that  well-known  amateur  grower,  Mr.  Norman  N.  Cookson  of 
Wylam-on-Tyne,  Northumberland,  struck  me  as  being  exceptionally 
beautiful.  This  Cypripedium,  moreover,  is  interesting  from  the  fact 
that  it  is  the  first  Sanderianum  hybrid  yet  produced.  Mr.  T.  Statter  of 
Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  I  noticed,  also  had  a  good  hybrid  under 
the  name  of  Cypripedium  Edwardi,  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
C.  Farrieanum  and  C.  Veitchi.  _ 

Agaves,  like  most  succulents,  are  not  everybody’s  plants,  but  the 
seedling  exhibited  as  A.  Leopold  II.  by  W.  B.  Kellock,  Esq.,  of  Stamford 
Hill,  appeared  to  attract  more  than  ordinary  attention.  It  is,  as  you 
remarked  last  week,  “  a  magnificent  plant  with  an  interesting  history,” 
the  details  of  which  the  raiser  was  good  enough  to  describe  to  me  as 
well  as  to  others.  The  gist  of  the  matter  being  given,  however,  on 
page  195  of  last  week’s  issue  of  the  Journal  it  is  needless  to  reiterate 
here.  It  occurred  to  me,  though,  that  a  great  amount  of  patience  is 
needed  in  hybridising  Agaves  and  raising  them  from  seed.  Fifteen 
years  it  has  taken  to  produce  the  plant  which  gained  a  first-class 
certificate,  and  obviously  it  has  had  every  attention.  Mr.  Kellock 
informed  me  that  he  had  another  plant  of  a  similar  kind  and  from  the 
same  sowing  at  his  home,  and  which  he  thought  was  the  better  of  the  two. 
Experts,  including  Mr.  T.  Baines,  have  also  expressed  the  same  opinion. 
When  will  Mr.  Kellock  bring  it  before  the  eyes  of  an  admiring  public  ? 


So  far  as  I  could  see  your  lengthy  report  appeared  accurate  in  the 
main,  but  no  mention  is  made  of  the  two  specimens  of  Dracssna  lineata 
shown  by  Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams,  and  for  which  a  silver  Eanksian  medal 
was  recommended.  A  similar  honour  was  adjudged  the  same  firm  for 
four  specimen  Tree  Ferns  of  a  particularly  healthy  appearance.  Whilst 
on  this  subject  it  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  ask  whether  an  award  was 
made  to  Mr.  W.  Cooper  for  the  large  number  of  greenhouses  and  heating 
appliances  ?  No  mention  of  such  appears  in  any  report  that  I  have 
perused,  and  upon  asking  an  R.H.S.  official  I  was  informed  that  “they 
had  nothing  to  do  with  that  division.” 


The  competition  in  the  plant  and  cut  flower  classes  was  not  so  keen 
as  might  have  been  expected.  It  was  noticeable  that  in  some  instances 
there  was  only  one  exhibitor,  and  in  others  none  were  forthcoming. 
What  was  the  cause  of  this  ?  Where  were  our  leading  Begonia  growers  ? 
A  class  for  a  group  of  Tuberous  Begonias  arranged  with  foliage  plants 
was  provided,  and  good  prizes  offered — namely,  £7,  £5,  and  £3,  but  not 
a  single  exhibitor  was  forthcoming.  The  same  occurred  in  the  classes 
for  groups  of  Gannas,  Liliums,  Early  Chrysanthemums,  and  Asters, 
whilst  of  Zonal  and  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums  none  were  shown  other 
than  in  miscellaneous  collections.  These  would  have  added  interest  to 
what  everyone  must  admit  was  really  a  grand  exhibition,  and  moreover, 
imparted  a  brightness  amongst  the  rather  dull  groups  of  plants. 

One  more  note  and  I  have  done  with  my  observations  this  week. 
Who  did  not  notice  the  beautiful  Exacum  macranthum  shown  by  Sir 
Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  and  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  was 
awarded  ?  That  it  deserved  this  distinction  no  one  can  doubt,  but  it 
seems  curious  no  one  ha?  hitherto  exhibited  a  plant  of  it  before  the 
R.H.S.  Perhaps  it  has  been  shown  ;  then  why  not  certificated  ere 
this  ?  It  is  by  no  means  a  new  plant,  having  been  figured  some  time 
ago  in  these  pages,  and  I  believe  it  was  introduced  from  Ceylon  in  1853. 
Better  late  than  never. — Obseever. 


NATIONAL  DAHLIA  SOCIETY. 

SHOW  AT  THE  CRYSTAL  PAL  ACE.— Sept.  1st  axd  2xd. 

The  combined  effects  of  the  weather  and  the  great  Show  at  the 
Agricultural  Hall  thinned  the  Exhibition  of  the  National  Dahlia  Society 
somewhat,  the  tabling  being  in  excess  of  the  demands  upon  it.  The 
Islington  fixture  doubtless  kept  a  number  of  miscellaneous  exhibits 
away,  but  notwithstanding  this  there  was  an  excellent  display.  The 
drought  has  told  against  the  blooms  somewhat,  yet  the  majority  were  in 
excellent  character.  Mr.  John  Walker  came  out  in  splendid  style, 
scoring  a  sequence  of  victories  in  the  smaller  classes.  Why  does  he  not 
throw  down  the  gauntlet  in  the  largest  ones  ?  The  premier  class  brought 
some  excellent  stands,  and  Mr.  Turner’s  victory  was  thoroughly  deserved. 

Novelties  continue  to  pour  in.  On  this  occasion  no  less  than  eighteen 
certificates  were  awarded.  We  are  not  going  to  say  that  any  one  of  the 
dozen  and  a  half  did  not  deserve  to  be  honoured,  but  buyers  will  begin 
to  despair  of  keeping  pace  with  the  new  varieties  if  they  continue  to  be 
turned  out  at  this  rate. 

Show  and  Fancy  Classes. 

The  principal  class  was  that  for  sixty  blooms.  Show  and  Fancy 
intermixed,  and  there  were  three  competitors.  Mr.  Turner  won  with 


a  very  even  and  excellent  collection.  The  flowers  were  not  exception¬ 
ally  large,  but  they  were  as  neat,  even,  and  fresh  as  could  be  wished. 
The  back  row  blooms  were  George  Gordon,  Miss  Cannell,  Jas.  Vick, 
Maud  Fellowes,  Imperial,  John  Walker,  Clara,  John  Hickling, 
W.  Keith,  Seraph,  Jas.  O’Brien  (Fancy),  Wm.  Rawlings,  Rev.  J.  B.  M, 
Camm,  Gloire  de  Lyon,  Hy.  Walton,  Professor  Fawcett  (self),  a  yellow, 
rose-tipped  seedling,  Jas.  O’Brien  (self),  Duchess  of  Albany,  and  a 
crimson  seedling.  Middle  row  :  R.  T.  Rawlings,  Hugh  Austin,  Wm. 
Powell,  John  Standish,  Professor  Fawcett  (Fancy),  Matthew  Campbell, 
Geo.  Rawlings,  Grand  Sultan,  Comedian,  Agnes,  Shirley  Hibberd, 
Primrose  Dame,  Mr.  W.  Slack,  Crimson  King,  Julia  Wyatt,  Richard 
Dean,  Mrs.  Langtry,  John  Bennett,  Burgundy,  and  Alice  Emily.  Front 
row  ;  Willie  Garrett,  Purple  Prince,  Sunbeam,  Dazzle,  Mrs.  Gladstone, 
Ruby  Gem,  John  Keynes,  a  buff  seedling ;  Herbert  Turner,  Mr.  Harris, 
Mrs.  S.  Hibberd,  Nellie  Cramond,  Flag  of  Truce,  Comedian,  Diadem, 
Goldfinder,  a  seedling,  Kathleen,  Mrs.  Hodson,  and  Colonist.  A  heavy 
and  fine  lot  of  flowers  from  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams,  &  Co.  secured  the 
second  prize,  Arthur  Ocock,  T.  W.  Girdlestone,  Eclipse,  Richard  Dean, 
Gloire  de  Lyon,  Henry  Bond,  and  Rebecca  being  a  few  of  the  best  of 
them.  Mr.  M.  V.  Seale  was  third. 

Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  «fe  Co.  did  better  with  forty-eight,  defeating 
the  Slough  grower  in  this  class.  Probably  there  were  not  many  points 
between  them  in  either  case,  and  it  was  the  better  finish  of  the  flowers 
which  gave  them  the  award.  In  their  back  row  the  Salisbury  florists 
had  Geo.  Gordon,  J.  T.  West,  Miss  Cannell,  Colonist,  Harry  Keith, 
Jas.  O’Brien,  Henry  Bond,  Mrs.  Glasscock,  Dandy,  Arthur  Ocock,  Gloire 
de  Lyon,  J.  T.  Girdlestone,  Buffalo  Bill,  Dandy  (sport),  Jas.  O’Brien  and 
Rebecca  (sport).  The  first  named  was  a  splendid  bloom.  In  the  middle 
row  they  had  Mrs.  Gladstone,  Mrs.  Foreman,  R.  Dean,  Mrs.  Stancomhe, 
Mrs.  J.  Downie  (sport),  Thos.  Hobbs,  Mrs.  Langtry,  Wm.  Powell,  Thos. 
Goodwin,  Gaiety,  Jas.  Cocker,  Duchess  of  Albany,  Rev.  J.  B.  M.  Camm, 
Wm.  Rawlings,  Peacock  and  Majestic.  In  the  front  row  were  John 
Hickling,  Joseph  Ashby,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh,  Nellie  Cramond,  Robina, 
Harrison  Weir,  Willie  Garrett,  Wm.  Jackson,  M.  Campbell  (sport),  Ethel 
Britton,  Crimson  Globe,  Frank  Pearce,  Mr.  Harris,  Mrs.  W.  Slack,  a 
crimson  seedling ;  and  Hy.  Walton.  Mr.  Turner’s  best  flowers  were 
Geo.  Gordon,  Miss  Cannell  Shirley  Hibberd,  R.  Dean,  Crimson  King  and 
Wm.  Keith.  Mr.  Seale  was  again  third,  showing,  as  before,  much 
smaller  flowers  than  his  rivals.  There  were  five  stands  of  thirty-six,  and 
that  from  Mr.  John  Walker,  which  was  first,  was  without  doubt  one  of 
the  very  best  in  the  Show.  The  well  known  Thame  grower  has  rarely 
put  together  so  heavy,  even  and  well-finished  a  collection,  His  back 
row  flowers.  Seraph,  Prince  Bismarck,  Majestic,  Crimson  King,  J,  T; 
West,  Harry  Keith,  Mrs.  D.  Saunders,  W.  Rawlings,  Hercules,  Arthur 
Ocock,  Maud,  and  Jas.  Cocker  were  all  splendid  flowers,  and  most  of 
the  others  were  very  good,  notably  T.  J.  Saltmarsh,  Duke  of  Fife  and 
Purple  Prince.  Mr.  Humphries  was  second  with  a  stand  quite  good 
enough  to  win  in  ordinary  competition,  but  for  all  that  he  was  well 
beaten  by  Mr.  Walker.  He  had  no  exceptional  flowers,  but  all  were 
fresh,  even,  well  coloured,  and  finely  finished.  Mr.  S.  Mortimer  was 
third  with  heavy  blooms,  and  Messrs.  Saltmarsh  &  Sons  fourth. 
Mr,  Walker  won  again  with  twenty-four,  this  time  defeating  four  strong 
opponents.  He  had  a  splendid  stand,  though  relatively  hardly  so  good 
as  his  other.  W.  Rawlings,  Geo.  Rawlings,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh  and 
A.  Rawlings  were  four  of  the  best  examples.  Mr.  Humphries  was 
second  with  smaller  but  good  flowers,  Messrs.  Saltmarsh,  &  Son  third 
and  Mr.  Mortimer  fourth.  The  best  stand  of  twelve  came  from  Mr.  A. 
Rawlings,  who  had  W.  Rawlings,  J.  T.  West,  Geo.  Rawlings,  Rev.  J.  B.  M. 
Camm,  Maud  Fellowes,  Willie  Garrett,  Mrs.  Langtry,  Harry  Keith,  Mr. 
Glasscock,  R.  T.  Rawlings,  Professor  Fawcett  (self)  and  Mrs.  Gladstone 
in  excellent  order.  Mr.  H.  Harris  was  second  with  much_  smaller 
blooms,  but  even  and  fresh,  Messrs,  Cheal  &  Son  third,  and 
Mr.  Tranter  fourth. 

The  amateurs  came  out  bravely  in  the  class  for  twenty-four,  no  less 
than  six  competing.  Mr.  West,  gardener  to  W.  Keith,  Esq.,  Corn  walls, 
Brentwood,  was  as  usual  to  the  fore,  and  he  was  placed  first  for  a  very 
fine  stand,  the  flowers  being  well  developed,  clean,  fresh,  and  excellently 
finished.  The  back  row  flowers  were  Willie  Garrett  (very  good),  Mrs. 
Gladstone,  W.  Keith,  J.  T.  West,  G.  Rawlings,  Maud  Fellowes,  John 
Standish  (very  fine),  and  Majestic.  Middle  row  :  Matthew  Campbell, 
Harry  Keith,  Frank  Pearce,  Arthur  Rawlings,  John  Britton,  W.  Raw¬ 
lings,  Clara,  and  Sunbeam.  Front  row  :  Victor,  Wm.  Powell,  E.  Sheer- 
man,  John  Walker.  Shirley  Hibberd,  Ethel  Britton,  Hy.  Glasscock,  and 
J.  C.  Vaughan.  Mr.  Arthur  Ocock,  gardener  to  Mrs.  McIntosh,  Haver¬ 
ing  Park,  Romford,  also  had  an  excellent  stand,  though  his  flowers  were 
hardly  so  smooth  and  well  finished  as  Mr.  West’s.  He  was  placed 
second,  and  his  best  examples  were  Geo.  Rawlings,  Mr.  Glasscock,  Arthur 
Ocock,  and  the  Rev.  J.  B.  M.  Camm.  Mr.  Thos.  Hobbs,  Easton,  Bristol, 
was  third  with  very  neat  flowers  ;  and  Mr.  W.  Mist,  Colling  wood, 
Ightham,  fourth.  Six  also  competed  with  twelve  blooms,  the  first  prize 
going  to  Mr.  Vagg,  gardener  to  J.  Theobald,  E8q.,_M.P.,  Havering,  Rom¬ 
ford,  who  had  excellent  examples  of  Geo.  Rawlings,  Maud  Fellowes, 
W.  Rawlings,  Arthur  Ocock,  J.  Rawlings,  Duke  of  Fife,  Mrs.  W.  Slack, 
T.  J  Saltmarsh,  W.  Garrett,  R.  T.  Rawlings,  Prince  of  Denmark,  and 
Mrs.  Gladstone.  Mr.  T.  Anstiss,  Brill,  Bucks,  was  a  very  good  second  ; 
Mr.  Hopkins,  New  Passage,  Bristol,  third  ;  and  Mr.  S.  Cooper,  Hamlet, 
Chippenham,  fourth.  Mr.  G.  Boothroyd,  17,  Orchard^  Place,  Chichester, 
had  fair  flowers  of  Jas.  Cocker,  Duke  of  Fife,  Ethel  Britton,  John  Walker, 
Mrs.  Gladstone,  and  W.  Rawlings  in  the  class  for  six,  and  won  from 
Messrs.  Wheeler,  53,  Bell  Street,  Henley-on-Thames ;  J.  Gilbert,  Brook- 
lands,  Freshwater,  Isle  of  Wight ;  and  J.  Cousens,  Langley  Burrell. 


226 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


The  single  variety  classes  were  about  the  average  as  to  quantity  and 
quality.  The  best  six  of  any  dark  variety  came  from  Mr.  J.  Walker, 
who  had  Prince  of  Denmark  in  beautiful  order.  Messrs.  Keynes, 
Williams  k  Co.  were  second  with  Niobe,  and  Mr.  Humphries  third 
with  Wm.  Rawlings.  There  were  nine  stands  in  all.  Mr.  West  showed 
Mrs.  Gladstone  finely  in  the  light  class,  and  was  placed  first,  Mr. 
Humphries  being  second,  and  Messrs.  Saltmarsh  third  with  the  same 
variety,  one  other  competing.  Mr.  Walker  had  a  good  stand  of  yellows, 
being  easily  first  with  a  splendid  box  of  John  Hickling.  Mr.  Humphries 
was  second  with  R.  T.  Rawlings ;  and  Mr.  Mortimer  third  with  John 
Hickling  ;  two  others  competed.  There  were  only  two  stands  of  tipped 
flowers,  Mr.  Mortimer  being  first  with  Mrs.  N.  Halls,  and  Mr.  Seale 
second  with  Mrs.  Saunders.  A  neat  box  of  Frank  Pearce  secured  Mr. 
Humphries  the  first  prize  for  striped  varieties.  Mr.  Walker  was  second 
with  Matthew  Campbell,  and  Mr.  Seale  third  with  Hy.  Eckford.  Mr. 
Turner  had  a  lovely  box  of  Miss  Canncll  in  the  class  for  edged  flowers, 
and  was  placed  first.  Mr.  West  was  second  with  J.  T.  West,  and  Mr. 
J.  R.  Tranter  third  with  Florence  Tranter.  There  were  four  other  boxes. 
Mr.  Mortimer  had  the  best  six  of  John  Walker,  Messrs.  Humphries  and 
Such  following  ;  six  competed. 

Cactus  and  Decorative. 

There  were  three  very  good  stands  of  eighteen  Cactus  and  decorative 
varieties,  the  flowers  being  very  good  all  through.  Messrs.  Cheal  and 
Sons  were  placed  first,  having  the  following  varieties  in  very  fine  condi¬ 
tion— Beauty  of  Arundel,  St.  Catherine,  Black  Prince,  Professor  Baldwin, 
Honoria,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Mr.  Tait,  Christine  Cheal,  Ernest  Cheal, 
Delicata,  Lancelot,  Countess  of  Radnor,  Sir  Roger,  Josephine,  Countess 
of  Gosford,  Bertha  Mawley,  Duchess  of  York,  and  Robert  Cannell. 
Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  were  second  with  a  fresh,  well-coloured 
stand,  in  which  Apollo,  Countess  of  Pembroke,  Dawn,  and  Lady 
Penzance  were  conspicuously  good.  Mr.  Chas.  Turner  was  third.  There 
were  six  stands  of  twelve,  and  they  made  a  brilliant  display.  The  best 
of  them  was  that  from  Mr.  Geo.  Humphries,  who  had  Juarezi,  Amphion, 
Sidney  Hollings,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Bertha  Mawley,  Baron  Schroder, 
St.  Catherine,  Robert  Cannell,  May  Pictor,  Kynerith,  Countess  of 
Radnor,  and  Professor  Baldwin,  in  splendid  order,  the  flowers  being  fine 
and  admirably  coloured.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  the  Old  Nurseries, 
Cheshunt,  were  a  good  second,  but  their  flowers  were  somewhat  lumpily 
arranged,  and  would  have  shown  to  much  greater  advantage  if  they 
had  been  better  displayed.  Mr.  J.  Stredwick  was  third  with  a  very 
neat  stand,  and  Mr.  E.  F.  Such  fourth.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  and 
Co.  won  from  two  competitors  with  twelve  true  Cactus  varieties,  and 
their  stand  was  a  delightful  one.  It  was  composed  of  a  fine  crimson 
seedling  named  Gloriosa,  albeit  with  a  leaning  to  the  decorative  group, 
Kaiserin,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Countess  of  Radnor,  Miss  Violet  Morgan, 
Robert  Cannell,  Delicata,  Apollo,  Bertha  Mawley,  Countess  of  Gosford, 
Chancellor,  and  Lady  Penzance.  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons  were  second 
with  Robert  Cannell,  Delicata,  and  Professor  Baldwin  very  good,  and 
Mr.  M.  V.  Seale  a  close  third. 

In  the  amateurs’  class  for  twelve  varieties  of  Cactus,  six  blooms  each, 
Mr.  J.  West  was  placed  first  for  splendid  flowers  of  Joseph  Chamber- 
lain,  Glory  of  Brentwood,  Blanche  Keith,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Charles  Rolfe, 
Marchioness  of  Bute,  Bertha  Mawley,  Mrs.  Keith,  and  four  promising 
seedlings.  Mr.  Stredwick  received  the  second  prize  with  six  varieties, 
three  blooms  of  each  :  there  were  eight  competitors.  Edward  Mawley,  Esq., 
was  awarded  the  first  prize  in  another  class  for  large  and  bright  blooms 
of  Duke  of  Clarence, _  Bertha  Mawley,  St.  Catherine,  Juarezi,  Delicata, 
and  Professor  Baldwin.  Mr.  W.  Hopkins,  New  Passage,  near  Bristol, 
took  the  second  prize,  and  Messrs.  Cooper  and  Fowler  the  third  and  fourth. 


Pompons. 

For  twenty-four  varieties  in  bunches  of  ten  blooms  each,  Messrs.  J 
Cheal  &  Sons  were  deservedly  awarded  the  first  prize  for  well  formed 
flowers  ofBouled’Or,  Grace,  E.  F.  Jungker,  Darkness,  Ringdove,  Georgf 
Brinckman,  Arthur  West,  Fairy  Tales,  Admiration,  Lady  Blanche,  Sun¬ 
shine,  Rosalie,  Martial,  Tommy  Keith,  Marion,  Isabel,  Favourite,  Whisper 
Eurydice,  lolanthe,  Eva  Goldfinch,  Phoebe,  and  Cecil.  Mr.  Charles 
Turner  was  a  good  second.  Little  Lady,  Captain  Boyton,  Isabel,  Irene 
and  Janet  being  particularly  prominent  in  his  stand.  Messrs.  Keynes 
Williams  &  Co.  were  placed  third,  and  an  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr 
M.  V.  Seale,  both  staging  excellent  examples.  With  twelve  varieties  ir 
bunches  of  ten  blooms  each  three  competed,  the  premier  award  falling 
to  Mr.  George  Humphries  for  a  most  even  and  brilliant  stand,  consisting 
of  Little  Duchess,  Darkness,  George  Brinckman,  Arthur  West,  E.  F 
Jungker,  Red  Indian,  Mabel,  Lilian,  Phoebe,  Lorna  Doone,  and  Whisper 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  received  the  second  award.  Mars,  Ladj 
Jane,  and  Red  Indian  being  the  most  prominent.  Mr.  E.  F.  Such  was 
placed  third  for  a  very  fair  collection. 

In  the  amateurs  class  for  six  varieties  of  Pompons  in  bunches  oi 
ten  blooms  each,  there  were  three  collections  staged.  Mr.  J.  T.  Wes! 
received  first  honours  for  Arthur  West,  Mary  Kirk,  a  seedling  (brilliani 
red),  Winifred,  Eva,  and  Tommy  Keith.  Messrs.  J.  Stredwick,  Silvei 
Hill,  St.  Leonard’s  on  Sea,  and  Mr.  William  Mist,  Seveuoaks,  received 
the  other  awards  in  the  order  of  their  names.  In  the  class  for  a  similai 
number  of  varieties,  but  six  instead  of  ten  blooms  to  form  a  bunch,  there 
were  again  only  three  exhibits,  the  prizes  falling  to  Mrs.  S.  Cooper 
Hamlet,  Chippenham,  Mr.  C.  Osman,  South  Metropolitan  Distrid 
Schools,  and  Mr.  W .  C.  Pagram,  Weybridge,  Surrey,  who  were  placec 
first,  second,  and  third  respectively. 


Singles. 

Ihe  singles  made,  as  they  invariably  do,  a  very  attractive  feature. 
In  the  nurserymen  s  class  for  twenty-four  varieties,  twelve  blooms  each 


there  were  only  two  collections  staged,  these  coming  from  Messrs. 
Cheal  &  Sons  and  Mr.  M.  V.  Seale.  They  ran  each  other  very  close  for 
premier  honours,  which  were  finally  awarded  to  the  first  named  firm, 
who  staged  bright  and  fine  blooms  of  Evelyn,  Lowfield  Beauty,  The 
Bride,  Yellow  Satin,  Miss  Linnaker,  James  Scobie,  Annie  Hughes, 
Duchess  of  Fife,  Gulielma,  Amos  Perry,  W.  C.  Harvey,  Eclipse,  Kitty, 
Lady  Whitehead,  Miss  Roberts,  Cleopatra,  Ruth,  Miss  Glasscock,  Duchess 
of  Anhault,  Northern  Star,  Formosa,  Duchess  of  Albany,  Marion  Hood, 
and  Victoria.  Mr.  Seale’s  collection  was  well  deserving  of  the  second 
place,  as  the  form  in  many  varieties  was  most  perfect  ;  the  varieties 
were  Annie  Hughes,  Miss  Henshaw,  Huntsman,  James  Scobie,  Amos 
Perry,  Mrs.  J.  Coninck,  Florrie  Fisher,  Alfonso,  W.  C.  Harvey,  Miss 
Linnaker,  Lady  Whitehead,  Duchess  of  Westminster,  Miss  Jefferies, 
Duchess  of  Fife,  Mrs.  Gordon,  Duchess  of  Albany,  Alice  Seale, 
Northern  Star,  Duchess  of  Anhault,  Victoria,  Cleopatra,  Gulielma,  and 
Miss  Ramsbottom.  There  was  a  falling  off  in  one  or  two  bunches  in 
the  front,  otherwise  the  collection  might  have  taken  higher  honours. 
Three  collections  of  twelve  varieties  were  staged,  and  Mr.  George  Hum¬ 
phries  was  well  ahead  with  the  following  collection — Florrie  Fisher, 
James  Scobie,  Amos  Perry,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Harvey,  Gulielma,  Cleopatra, 
Miss  Henshaw,  Eclipse,  Miss  Roberts,  Miss  Gordon,  Duchess  of  Albany, 
and  Duchess  of  Fife.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  and  Mr.  E.  F.  Such  took  the 
other  awards  in  the  order  of  their  names. 

In  Class  23,  six  varieties  in  bunches  of  ten  blooms  of  each  (amateurs), 
T.  W.  Girdlestone,  Esq.,  was  the  only  exhibitor,  and  received  the  first 
prize  for  Demon,  Yellow  Satin,  Kitty,  Ruth,  Gris  de  lin,  and  Daisy. 
Mr.  Mawley  was  the  only  exhibitor  in  the  corresponding  class  for  six 
blooms  to  form  a  bunch.  He  had  Duke  of  York,  Amos  Perry,  Rosebank 
Cardinal,  Miss  Roberts,  Enchantment,  and  Yellow  Satin,  to  which  was 
awarded  the  first  prize.  With  twelve  varieties  of  six  blooms  Mr.  T.  W. 
Girdlestone  was  the  only  competitor,  and  received  the  premier  award  for 
Mikado,  Maize,  Demon,  Cinderella,  Little  Frank,  Sunningdale  Scarlet, 
Dearest,  Prince  of  Orange,  The  Yellow  Dwarf,  and  Awdry. 

A  class  was  provided  for  fancy  singles,  six  varieties  in  bunches  of 
ten.  Mr.  Girdlestone  was  first  with  M.C.C.,  Tommy,  Phyllis,  Splash, 
Irene,  and  Houri,  all  striped,  splashed,  or  flaked  flowers,  and  decidedly 
attractive.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  were  second  with  Jas.  Scobie,  Stars 
and  Stripes,  Gulielma,  May  Sharp,  Miss  Glasscock  and  Victoria,  also  a 
good  stand.  Mr.  Seale  was  third  with  Jas.  Scobie,  Mr.  Rose,  Mrs. 
Barker,  Duchess  of  Albany,  Victoria,  and  Gulielma. 

Certificated  Varieties. 

The  following  novelties  received  certificates  : — May  Sharpe  (Cheal), 
a  Fancy  single,  buff  with  crimson  centre,  splashed  and  flaked  with  the 
same  colour  ;  Mrs.  Harris  (Cheal),  a  small  Fancy  single,  very  pale  lilac, 
the  margins  deep  carmine  ;  M.C.C.  (Girdlestone),  a  Fancy  single, 
yellow,  flaked  with  vermilion  ;  Tommy  (Girdlestone),  a  very  large 
Fancy  single,  yellow,  with  broad  crimson  flakes  and  splashes  ;  Phyllis 
(Girdlestone),  a  Fancy  single,  white,  suffused  and  splashed  with  rosy 
magenta;  Mrs.  A.  Peart  (Ware),  a  fine  white  Cactus,  which  should 
turn  out  an  acquisition  ;  Matchless  (Perkins),  a  very  fine  dark  purple 
Cactus  ;  Scarlet  Perfection  (Perkins),  a  beautiful  round-flowered  single, 
very  rich  in  colour  ;  Purple  Prince  (Perkins),  a  ruby-purple  Cactus  of 
the  true  type  ;  Beauty  of  Wilts  (Pictor),  a  beautiful  and  very  distinct 
Cactus,  the  upper  florets  broad  and  flat,  the  lower  tubular  and  pointed, 
colour  brilliant  orange  vermilion,  one  of  the  greatest  acquisitions  of 
recent  years  so  far  as  the  flower  is  concerned  ;  Lady  H.  Grosvenor 
(Keynes),  a  pale  yellow  Cactus,  lower  florets  blush  ;  Lady  Penzance 
(Keynes)  a  beautiful  pale  yellow  Cactus  of  great  size  ;  Chancellor 
(Keynes),  magenta  Cactus  ;  Lilacina  (Cannell),  rich  mauve  decorative  ; 
Rowena  (Turner),  a  charming  Pompon,  with  yellow  flowers,  heavily 
tipped  with  brownish  red  ;  Captain  Boyton  (Turner),  a  Pompon,  very 
dark  blackish  purple,  perfect  shape  ;  and  May  Hillier  (West),  an  orange 
salmon  Cactus,  very  large  fine  flowers. 

Miscellaneous, 

Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  had  a  table  of  cut  Roses  in 
stands  and  baskets,  admirably  arranged,  as  is  usual  with  them.  Messrs. 
Laing  «&  Sons  sent  a  stand  of  hardy  flowers,  well  representing  the 
extent  of  their  resources,  being  extremely  diversified  ;  and  they  also 
had  a  large  group  of  their  splendid  Tuberous  Begonias,  which  was 
greatly  admired.  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Son  had  three  very  attractive 
tables,  two  being  filled  with  hardy  flowers  and  Dahlias,  and  the  other 
with  stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  The  latter  was  particularly  pleasing, 
the  centre  consisting  of  a  harmonious  combination  of  Odontoglossum 
grande,  Eulalia  japonica  zebrina.  Crotons  Countess,  Aigburthensis, 
volutus,  and  Sceptre.  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons  occupied  their  old 
position,  and  were  represented  by  some  beautiful  Cannas,  such  as 
Progression,  Alphonse  Bouvier,  C.  Jacob,  and  J.  D.  Cabos,  also  by  the 
charming  bronzy  orange  coloured  Begonia  Fashion,  and  an  extensive 
display  of  Cactus  Dahlias,  amongst  which  Cannell’s  Gem  (a  distinct  and 
beautiful  terra-cotta  coloured  sort),  Lilacina  (a  decorative  variety,  with 
rich  mauve  flowers),  W.  H.  Cullingford  (a  light  salmon  scarlet),  Robt. 
Cannell,  Ernest  Cannell,  and  Mr.  J.  Budde  were  very  prominent.  Mr. 
T.  S.  Ware  had  a  very  large  and  fine  group  of  Dahlias,  the  centre  being 
raised  in  the  form  of  a  large  shield  of  blooms,  and  long  lines  of  others 
stretching  away  right  and  left.  Cactus  and  Pompon  varieties  formed 
the  greater  part  of  it,  but  singles  were  also  well  represented.  Amongst  the 
Pompons  was  a  new  variety  named  Florence  Woodland,  bright  yellovz 
tipped  with  rose,  very  pretty  and  distinct.  There  were  also  several 
new  Cactus  and  decorative  sorts,  amongst  them  being  Mrs.  Peart, 
claimed  to  be  the  long-expected  white  Juarezi ;  John  Melville,  orange- 
scarlet  ;  and  J.  T.  Barber,  rich  crimson. 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


227 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

MOSELEY  BOTANICAL  GARDENS,  BIRMINGHAM. 

August  29th,  30th,  and  31st. 

Prizes  were  offered  for  collections  of  Apples  and  Pears,  and  three 
collections  of  120  dishes  each  were  staged.  Messrs.  Bunyard  &  Co., 
Maidstone,  Kent,  were  first  with  a  splendid  collection  of  first-class 
quality.  Mr.  J.  Watkins,  Pomona  Farm,  Withington,  Hereford,  was  a 
good  second  with  fruits  not  quite  so  large,  but  very  bright  in  colour. 
Messrs.  Lane  &  Son,  The  Nurseries,  Great  Berkhamstead,  were  third  with 
also  fine  fruit,  but  not  so  well  up  in  colour  as  the  two  former.  In 
the  class  for  six  dishes  of  Apples,  eight  fruits  of  each,  Messrs.  Bunyard 
and  Co.  were  first  with  Stone  or  Loddington,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch, 
Potts’  Seedling,  Warner’s  King,  Lord  Suffield,  and  Cox’s  Pomona.  This 
firm  was  also  first  for  six  dishes  of  Pears,  with  grand  specimens  of 
Dr.  Jules  Guyot,  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Grosse  Calabasse,  Marie  Louise 
d’Uccle,  Beurr^  Clairgeau,  and  Williams’  Bon  Chretien.  Other  classes 
were  also  well  filled.  It  was  freely  acknowledged  to  be  the  finest  display 
by  far  ever  seen  in  the  midlands,  and  will  give  a  considerable  impetus  to 
hardy  fruit  culture  in  the  district. 

The  next  feature  of  the  Exhibition  were  Dahlias,  which  made  a 
fine  display.  Four  collections  in  competition  were  staged,  each  15  by 
i  feet,  and  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  were  first ;  Messrs. 
Harkness  &  Sons,  Bedale,  second  ;  Mr.  G.  Maylett,  Worcester,  third ; 
and  Mr.  Wm.  Shaw,  Kidderminster,  fourth.  These  exhibits  made  up  a 
most  attractive  bank  of  Dahlia  blooms  of  all  kinds,  which  were  greatly 
admired.  In  the  class  for  thirty-six  blooms  of  Dahlias  Messrs.  Heath 
and  Son,  Cheltenham,  were  first  with  Mrs.  W.  Slack,  Prince  of  Denmark, 
Constancy,  Harry  Keith,  Miss  Cannell,  Mrs.  Saunders,  George  Rawlings, 
Maud  Fellowes,  W.  Jackson,  Vice-President,  R.  Dean,  Mrs.  Wyndham, 
Rev.  J.  B.  Camm,  Majestic,  Wm.  Keith,  Mrs.  George  Rawlings, 
Crimson  King,  Mrs.  D.  Saunders,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh,  Henry  Walton, 
R.  T.  Rawlings,  Eclipse,  Harrison  Weir,  J.  T.  West,  William  Rawlings, 
Mrs.  Langtry,  Colonist,  Mr.  Harris,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  Miss  L.  Large,  Flag 
of  Truce,  Willie  Garratt,  Mrs.  J.  Downie,  Lustrous,  and  Henry  Bond — 
fine,  even,  well  finished  blooms.  Mr.  John  Walker,  Thame,  was  second  ; 
Mr.  George  Maylett,  Worcester,  third  ;  Messrs.  Kimberley  &  Son, 
Coventry,  fourth  ;  and  to  Mr.  W.  Shaw,  Kidderminster,  an  extra  prize 
was  awarded.  For  twenty-four  blooms  Mr.  John  Walker  was  first ; 
Messrs.  Heath  &  Son  second  ;  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  Bedale,  third  ; 
Messrs.  Kimberley  fourth  ;  and  an  extra  to  Mr.  Shaw.  Stove  and 
greenhouse  flowers  in  collections,  some  excellent  Roses  from  Messrs. 
Harkness  and  Son,  Townsend  of  Worcester,  and  Perkins  of  Coventry, 
and  various  other  exhibits  in  competition  were  staged.  Mr.  John  White, 
nurseryman,  Worcester,  staged  a  large  non-competitive  group  of  Cactus 
Dahlias,  Begonias,  Gladioli,  and  herbaceous  and  annual  flowers  and  some 
fruit — a  bright  and  effective  display,  to  which  a  large  silver  medal 
was  awarded. 

There  was  also  a  fine  display  of  vegetables,  special  prizes  having 
been  offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  (seven  exhibits),  Mr.  T.  Wilkins, 
gardener  to  Lady  Theodore  Guest,  taking  the  first  prize  with  one  of 
his  customary  superb  collections,  and  for  twelve  massive  Onions,  in 
twelve  varieties,  a  handsome  large  silver  medal  was  awarded. 

BATH. — August  30th,  31st. 

This  popular  autumn  fixture  was  favoured  with  better  weather  than 
usual,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  the  Committee  had  good  reasons  to  congratu¬ 
late  themselves  upon  the  attendance  of  visitors  on  both  days.  The 
arrangements  at  Bath  are  always  worthy  of  high  commendation,  and  left 
nothing  to  be  desired  on  this  oecasion.  Messrs.  Pearson  and  Jeffery  are 
the  Secretaries,  and  these  gentlemen  did  their  work  well. 

Fuchsias  come  first  in  the  prize  list,  but  better  displays  of  these  have 
been  seen  at  Bath  in  former  years.  Mr.  J.  Lye,  gardener  to  the  Hon. 
Mrs.  Hays,  Market  Lavington,  the  veteran  grower  and  raiser  of  Fuchsias, 
was  well  first  for  nine  grand  specimens,  averaging  about  9  feet  in  height, 
and  perfect  pyramids.  The  varieties  consisted  of  Novelty,  Louisa, 
Balfour,  Duchess  of  Fife,  Elegance,  Pink  Perfection,  Charming,  Lye’s 
Favourite,  Abundance,  and  Mrs.  Rundle,  all  raised  by  Mr.  Lye.  Mr. 
G.  Tucker,  gardener  to  Major  Clarke,  Trowbridge,  was  second,  his 
collection  comprising  an  extra  good  pyramid  of  Doel’s  Favourite.  The 
third  prize  went  to  Mr.  F.  A.  Lewis,  gardener  to  W.  March,  Esq.,  Bath, 
who  had  neat  well  flowered  plants.  The  first  prize  for  six  Fuchsias  was 
well  won  by  Mr.  W.  Marchant,  gardener  to  Jerome  Murch,  Esq.,  Bath,  who 
had  highly  creditable  specimens  of  Charming,  Bountiful,  Lye’s  Favourite, 
Finale,  Arabella,  and  Doel’s  Favourite.  Mr.  J.  H.  Wilcox  was  second. 
For  four  Fuchsias  Mr.  G.  Snell,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Counsell,  Bath,  was  a 
good  first  ;  the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  H.  Marchant,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Doherty,  Bath  ;  and  the  third  to  Mr.  W.  A.  Burford.  The  best 
single  plant  of  any  light  variety  was  shown  by  Mr,  G.  Tucker, 
who  had  Arabella  in  good  condition.  Mr.  J.  Lye  was  second  in 
this  class,  and  first  for  a  dark  variety,  showing  in  the  latter  instance 
a  grand  pyramid  of  Charming. 

Fairly  good  prizes  were  offered  for  stove  and  greenhouse  plants, 
and  with  these  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  Cheltenham,  was  most  successful.  His 
first  prize  collection  of  flowering  and  ornamental  foliaged  plants  com¬ 
prised  a  fine  Bougainvillea,  a  good  Ixora  Williamsi,  noble  Kentias  and 
other  Palms,  and  richly  coloured  Crotons.  Mr.  J.  F.  Mould,  Pewsey,  was 
the  other  prizewinner  in  this  class.  Mr.  Cypher  exhibited  in  the  class 
for  fine-foliaged  plants  and  won.  Mr.  J.  Deacon,  gardener  to  Herbert 
Harris,  Esq.,  Chippenham,  also  staged  good  finc-foliaged  plants,  and 
was  second,  Messrs.  E.  Cole  k  Son,  Bath,  being  a  good  third.  Mr,  G. 


Tucker  had  the  good  fortune  to  be  bracketed  equal  first  with  Mr.  Cypher 
for  six  flowering  plants,  but  this  decision  was  not  generally  approved  of. 
Mr.  Cypher  had  a  very  fine  specimen  of  Bougainvillea  glabra,  Cleroien- 
dron  Balfourianum  and  Statice  profusa  being  also  fresh  and  good. 
Mr.  Tucker’s  best  were  Ixora  Morsei  and  Stephanotis  floribwnda. 
Messrs.  Cypher  and  J.  F.  Mould  were  respectively  first  and  second  in 
both  classes  for  Ericas,  the  plants  shown  being  fresher  than  might  have 
been  expected  so  late  in  a  forward  season. 

Exotic  Ferns  are  always  remarkably  well  shown  at  Bath.  The  first 
prize  for  twelve  varieties  was  won  by  Mr.  G.  Tucker,  who  had  Gymno- 
gramma  sulphurata,  Gymnogramma  argyrophylla,  Cheilanthes  hirta, 
Dicksonia  antarctica,  Asplenium  nidus  avis,  Lomaria  gigantea,  and 
Adiantums  Farleyense,  gracillimum,  and  concinnum.  Mr.  J.  Deacon 
was  a  good  second,  and  Messrs.  E .  Cole  &  Son  third.  The  best  six 
Ferns  were  shown  by  Mr.  W.  Marchant,  who  had  moderately  large  and 
very  fresh  specimens  of  Polypodium  effusum,  Pteris  tremula  Smithiana, 
and  Adiantums  Farleyense,  gracillimum,  cuneatum,  and  decussatum. 
Mr.  T.  Truckle  was  second  and  Mr.  H.  Marchant  third.  Mr.  Truckle 
was  first  in  the  class  for  one  Fern  with  a  grand  plant  of  Davallia 
Mooreana,  Mr.  G.  Tucker  being  second  with  a  good  Gymnogramma 
argyrophylla.  Z^nal  and  other  Pelargoniums  were  very  well  shown,  as 
also  were  Tuberous  Begonias,  Cockscombs,  Liliums  and  Petunias.  Mr. 
Cypher  was  the  only  exhibitor  of  six  Orchids,  and  received  a  first  prize 
for  Calanthe  veratrifolia,  Cattleya  aurea,  Vanda  cserulea,  Cypripedium 
insigne,Oncidium  incurvum,and  Dendrobium  Phalaenopsis  Schroederiana, 

There  has  been  a  very  marked  improvement  in  the  style  of  groups  of 
plants  arranged  for  effect  on  a  space  not  less  than  100  square  feet, 
though  Mr.  J.  Cypher  was  easily  first.  No  attempt  was  made  to  form  a 
formal  background,  or  such  as  some  judges  consider  absolutely  necessary  ; 
but  instead  of  this  there  were  three  fairly  large  groups  with  elegant 
central  Palms  and  a  series  of  smaller  groups  or  mounds  in  front,  all 
being  lightly  connected  with  small  Ferns,  Mosses,  and  similar  plants. 
The  groundwork  of  the  mounds  consisted  largely  of  Maidenhair  Fern, 
springing  out  from  which  were  Orchids,  Francoas,  elegant  Crotons,  and 
other  plants.  Altogether  this  was  a  very  charming  arrangement. 
Messrs.  Cooling  &  Son  were  a  good  second,  a  series  of  groups  in  front 
of  an  undulated  background  being  the  style  adopted  in  this  case. 
Rather  too  many  plants  were  used,  but  on  the  whole  the  effect  was  very 
pleasing.  Mr.  J.  Deacon  was  placed  third  for  a  good  lot  of  plants  lightly 
arranged. 

Cut  flowers  occupied  a  good  portion  of  a  large  tent  and  made  a  very 
beautiful  show.  Gladioli  were  finely  shown  by  Mr.  A.  A.  Walters,  Bath, 
who  was  first,  Mr.  T.  S.  Tottle,  Taunton,  being  second,  and  Messrs.  G. 
Cooling  &  Son  third.  With  twenty-four  Dahlias,  Mr.  G.  Humphries, 
Chippenham,  was  well  ahead,  the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  J.  Newman, 
jun.,  Bath,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  S.  Cooper.  For  twelve  Dahlias,  Mr.  F. 
Lindsay,  Frome,  was  easily  first,  and  Mr.  T.  Haskins  second.  Mr. 
Humphries  was  first  for  Fancies,  Mr.  T.  Haskins  second,  and  Mr.  W. 
Smith,  Kingswood,  third.  Single  Dahlias  were  very  showy,  and  with 
these  the  prizewinners  were  Messrs.  Humphries,  T.  Truckle,  and  A.  A. 
Walters  in  the  order  named.  Remarkably  good  were  the  Roses,  though 
the  judges  had  no  difficulty  in  awarding  the  first  prize  for  twenty-four 
varieties  to  Dr.  Budd,  Bath.  This  capital  exhibit  consisted  of  Mrs.  J. 
Laing,  Alfred  Colomb,  Paul  Neyron,  Prince  Arthur,  La  Franco,  Louis 
Van  Houtte,  Franqois  Michelon,  Mrs.  Baker,  Harriet  Schultheis,  Camille 
Bernardin,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  Madame  Victor  Verdier,  Queen  of 
Queens,  Star  of  Waltham,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Catherine 
Mermet,  Duchesse  de  Morny,  Edith  Gifford,  Marie  Margot,  Mar^chal 
Niel,  Duchess  of  Bedford,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  and  E.  Y.  Teas.  Mr. 
T.  Hobbs,  Bristol,  was  a  good  second,  A.  Hill  Gray,  Esq.,  Bath,  was 
third.  Another  excellent  stand  of  blooms  was  staged  by  Dr.  Budd  in 
the  class  for  twelve  ;  Messrs.  G.  Cooling  &  Son  were  a  good  second. 
With  twelve  Teas,  A.  Hill  Gray,  Esq.,  was  first,  having  splendid  blooms. 
Dr.  Budd  was  second,  and  Mr.  T.  Hobbs  third.  Zonal  Pelargoniums 
made  a  fine  display,  and  with  twenty-four  bunches  of  these  Mr.  G. 
Humphries  was  first.  Messrs.  Cooling  &  Sons  were  second,  and  Mr.  E. 
Hall  third.  Asters  were  numerous  and  good,  and  with  these  the  principal 
prizewinners  were  Messrs.  W.  J.  Jones,  H.  Hooper,  A.  A.  Walters,  and 
S.  Every.  Mr.  F.  Hooper,  Bath,  was  first  for  Hollyhocks,  and  Mr.  W. 
Smith  second.  Herbaceous  flowers  in  bunches  were  grandly  shown. 
With  these  Mr.  M.  Pritchard,  Christchurch,  was  first,  Mr.  A.  A.  Walters 
second,  and  Messrs.  Cooling  &  Sons  third.  The  first  prize  for  twenty-four 
bunches  of  annuals  was  well  won  by  Mr.  A.  H.  Newman,  Bath,  Mr.  F. 
Hooper  being  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Garraway,  Bath,  third.  Mr.  Kitley, 
gardener  to  E.  Hall,  Esq.,  \eovil,  was  first  for  twenty-four  bunches 
stove  and  greenhouse  flowers,  Mr.  H.  Marchant  being  second,  and  Messrs. 
E.  Cole  &  Son  third.  Mr.  F.  Case  took  a  first  prize  for  a  hand  bouquet, 
Mr.  G.  Hallett  being  second.  Very  well  arranged  was  the  first  prize 
vase  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  R.  B.  Cater,  Esq.,  being  a  very  creditable 
second. 

Fruit  was  shown  in  splendid  condition.  Three  remarkably  good 
collections  of  twelve  dishes  were  staged,  only  a  very  few  points  separating 
them.  Mr.  W.  Nash,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Beaufort,  Badminton, 
was  rightly  placed  first,  having  extra  fine  Alicante  and  fairly  good 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  pretty  Golden  Gem  and  Hero  of  Lockinge 
Melons,  good  Dyraond  and  Violette  Hative  Peaches,  Humboldt  and 
Victoria  Nectarines,  large  Williams’  Bon  ChiGtien  Pears,  Brown  Turkey 
Figs,  and  Worcester  Pearmain  Apples,  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  C. 
Warden,  gardener  to  Sir  F.  R.  Bathurst,  Salisbury,  whose  best  dishes 
were  Alicante  Grapes,  Lord  Palmerston  and  Sea  Eagle  Peaches,  and 
Flemish  Beauty  Pears.  Mr.  W.  Strugnell,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Long,  Esq., 


228 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


M.P.,  Rood  Ashton,  followed  very  closely.  Five  competed  with  eight 
bunches  of  Grapes  in  four  varieties,  and  it  was  no  easy  matter  to  decide 
which  were  best  out  of  the  three  leading  collections,  Mr.  W.  Taylor, 
gardener  to  Alderman  ChafEyn,  Bath,  was  placed  first,  his  Gros  Maroc 
and  Alnwick  Seedling  being  very  fine,  but  the  Black  Hamburghs  were 
not  so  good  in  colour,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  not  fully  ripe.  Mr.  C. 
Warden  was  lucky  in  being  placed  second,  for  good  as  his  Grapes  were 
the  most  even  and  really  the  smartest  exhibit  was  staged  by  Mr.  W. 
Nash,  who  came  third.  The  Alicantes  staged  by  both  Mr.  Warden  and 
Mr,  Nash  were  very  good  in  every  way.  Mr.  T.  Jones,  Bath,  was  well 
first  for  three  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh,  Mr.  Nash  being  second,  and 
Mr.  J.  Atwell,  gardener  to  J.  B.  Brain,  Esq.,  Clifton,  third.  In  the  any 
other  class  for  black  Grapes,  Mr.  Marsh,  gardener  to  Miss  Marriott, 
Bath,  had  grand  bunches  of  Alicante,  Mr.  Nash  being  a  good  second 
with  the  same  variety,  and  Mr.  J.  B.  Payne,  gardener  to  the  Lord  Bishop 
of  Bath  and  Wells,  who  also  showed  really  good  Alicante,  third.  With 
the  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Mr.  W.  Iggulden,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Cork,  Frome,  had  the  honour  of  beating  the  redoubtable  Mr.  W.  Taylor, 
Mr.  T.  Jones  being  third.  Mr.  Taylor’s  bunches  and  berries  were  very 
fine,  but  Mr.  Iggulden’s  fairly  large  bunches  were  much  the  ripest.  In 
the  any  other  class  for  white  Grapes,  Mr.  Marshall,  gardener  to  J,  Dale, 
Esq.,  Clifton,  was  first  with  grand  Buckland  Sweetwater,  and  Mr.  J. 
Atwell  second  with  the  same  variety,  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr. 
Warden  for  pretty  bunches  of  Mrs.  Pearson.  In  the  local  class  for 
Grapes  many  good  bunches  were  shown,  Mr.  Marsh  being  first  with 
Alicante  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Tickell,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Stoddart,  second  with 
good  Muscat  of  Alexandria. 

Melons  were  not  particularly  well  shown,  and  with  these  the  principal 
prizetakers  were  Mr.  R.  Hill,  Chippenham  ;  Mr.  S.  Hodges,  gardener 
to  J.  Fortt,  Esq.,  Bath  ;  and  Mr.  C.  Gliddon,  gardener  to  Mr.  Waller. 
Peaches  were  both  numerous  and  good,  Messrs.  T.  Jones,  H.  Hopkins 
(gardener  to  H.  Prodgers,  Esq.),  and  J.  Ricketts  taking  the  principal  prizes. 
Few  Nectarines  were  shown,  Mr.  Strugneli  taking  the  first  prize,  this 
exhibitor  also  being  successful  in  three  different  classes  for  Plums. 
Filberts  and  Cobnuts  were  remarkably  good,  and  so  also  were  the  Apples 
and  Pears.  In  these  classes  the  judges  acted  very  inconsistently,  some¬ 
times  going  for  quality  and  sometimes  for  great  size.  A  grand  dish  of 
Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  staged  by  Mr.  J.  B.  Payne,  caused  quite  a  sensation. 
The  heaviest  fruit  weighed  22  ozs.  and  the  rest  were  nearly  as  heavy, 
all  being  of  good  form  and  beautifully  coloured.  In  addition  to  taking 
a  first  prize  a  silver  medal  was  also  awarded  this  exhibit.  Special  prizes 
were  offered  for  Melons  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  and  good  fruits  were 
staged.  The  principal  prizewinners  were  Messrs.  Adlam,  Allen,  Pymm, 
and  C.  Gliddon. 

Vegetables  were  never  before  so  extensively  shown  at  the  Bath 
autumn  show,  several  seedsmen  offering  prizes  for  collections  and  single 
dishes.  Mr.  G.  H.  Copp,  gardener  to  W.  B.  B.  Erie  Drax,  Esq.,  Sherborne  ; 
Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Theodore  Guest ;  Mr.  F.  Williams, 
Mr.  G.  Garraway,  and  Mr.  J.  Hall  divided  honours  very  evenly,  all 
showing  remarkably  well. 

Non-competitive  exhibits  included  an  excellent  display  of  hardy 
trees  and  shrubs.  Gladioli,  herbaceous  flowers.  Dahlias,  Liliums,  and 
Alpines  staged  by  Messrs.  Robert  Veitch  k.  Son,  Exeter;  a  fine  exhibit 
of  single  and  double  Tuberous  Begonias  by  Mr.  B.  R.  Davis,  Yeovil ;  two 
large  stands  of  garden  Roses,  and  some  fine  Apples  by  Messrs,  G.  Cooling 
and  Sons. 

SANDY. — August  31st. 

In  the  park  of  Sandy  Place,  by  kind  permission  of  Mrs.  Foster,  the 
Sandy  and  District  Floral  and  Horticultural  Society  held  its  twenty-fifth 
annual  Exhibition  on  the  above  date.  For  many  years  past  this  Show 
has  been  held  on  the  last  Friday  in  August,  but  this  season  the  day  was 
changed  to  the  last  Thursday,  with  the  consequence  of  losing  several  of 
its  most  valuable  exhibitors,  more  especially  in  the  classes  for  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants.  Notwithstanding  this,  however,  the  Show  was  an 
excellent  one,  some  splendid  produce  being  staged.  About  two  o’clock 
in  the  afternoon — the  time  at  which  the  visitors  from  some  distance 
away  usually  arrived — the  rain  commenced  to  descend  in  torrents,  and 
continued  to  do  so  for  some  considerable  time,  completely  spoiling  the 
grass  for  walking,  as  it  was  thoroughly  soddened  by  the  downpour. 
This,  on  the  first  occasion  of  the  change  of  day,  was  most  unfortunate, 
as  instead  of  getting  an  increased  number  of  visitors,  as  the  Committee 
hoped  and  expected,  there  was  doubtless  a  large  falling  off  in  the 
attendance.  The  arrangements  of  the  Show  were  complete  and  good, 
much  credit  being  due  to  E.  T.  Leeds-Smith,  Esq.,  the  Hon.  Secretary  ; 
Mr.  William  Green,  Secretary,  and  the  Committee  of  Management  for 
the  zeal  and  energy  they  had  displayed  in  bringing  together  such  an 
excellent  and  thoroughly  representative  exhibition.  Let  us  hope  that 
the  Show  was  as  great  a  success  from  a  financial  point  of  view  as  it  most 
undoubtedly  was  from  the  horticultural  standpoint.  We  append  a  list 
of  prizewinners  in  the  principal  classes,  the  awards  being  made  by  the 
following  gentlemen  : — Mr.  J.  Myers,  gardener  to  Earl  of  Sandwich, 
Hinchingbrook  House  ;  Mr.  Kipling,  gardener  to  Lord  Lyttou,  Knebworth. 
Cut  flowers,  Mr.  W,  Finch,  gardener  to  Mr.  Marriott,  Coventry;  Mr.  R. 
Carter,  gardener  to  Capt.  Duncombe,  Waresley  Park.  Fruit,  Mr.  G. 
Norman,  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of  Salisbury,  Hatfield  House  ; 
Mr.  Maycock,  gardener,  Luton  Hoo.  Vegetables,  Mr.  Landers,  gar¬ 
dener  to  Mr.  S.  Whitbread,  Southill  Park  ;  Mr.  W.  Ratchelous,  the 
Nurseries,  St.  Neot’s.  Cottagers’  tent,  Mr.  G.  R.  Allis,  gardener  to 
Major  Shuttleworth,  Old  Warden  ;  Mr.  W.  J.  Empson,  gardener  to 
Mr.  A.  H.  Wingfield,  Ampthill  House. 

In  the  class  for  ten  distinct  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  flower 


there  were  two  competitors,  Mr.  Finch,  gardener  to  J.  Marriott,  Esq., 
Coventry,  who  was  placed  first  with  fine  specimens,  and  Mr.  George 
Redman,  Bynesbury,  to  whom  the  judges  awarded  the  third  prize. 
The  winner’s  exhibit  was  composed  of  Clerodendron  Balfourianum, 
Statice  imbricata,  Ixora  Duffi,  I.  Williamsi,  I.  javanicus  floribundus, 
Dipladenia  amabilis.  Erica  Marnockiana,  E.  Aitoniana  Turnbulli, 
Allamanda  grandiflora,  and  Rondeletia  speciosa  major,  all  of  which  were 
grand  examples  of  good  culture  and  thorough  training.  Mr.  Dale, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Foster,  Sandy  Place,  was  accorded  the  first  position 
for  twelve  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  showing  clean,  well  flowered  plants  of 
the  following  varieties  : — Gambetta,  Mrs.  Robertson,  Hermia,  Queen  of 
the  Belgians,  Laura  Strachan,  Thetis,  Henry  Jacoby,  Madame  Thibaut, 
lanthe,  Lucy  Bosworth,  Rev.  F.  Atkinson,  and  Lord  Chesterfield.  The 
second  and  third  prizes  were  awarded  to  Mr.  Empson,  gardener  to  Mr. 
A.  H.  Wingfield,  Ampthill,  and  Mr.  Redman  in  the  order  of  their  names. 
Though  only  three  exhibits  were  staged  in  this  class  the  competition 
was  most  keen,  the  plants  in  each  case  being  highly  creditable.  Mr. 
Empson  was  awarded  the  first  prize  fora  group  of  plants,  which  included 
Palms,  Crotons,  Achimenes,  Liliums,  Ferns,  and  Tricolor  Pelargoniums. 
Mr.  Claydon,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Astell,  Woodbury  Hall,  Sandy,  was 
a  good  second,  and  Mr.  Redman  third.  In  the  class  for  six  foliage 
plants,  distinct,  Messrs.  Empson,  Claydon,  and  Redman  were  again 
awarded  the  prizes  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  named. 

The  second  prize  only  was  accorded  in  the  class  for  six  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants  in  flower,  and  it  was  given  to  Mr.  Claydon,  who 
staged  Stephanotis  floribunda,  Anthurium  Andreanum,  Allamanda 
cathartica,  Dipladenia  amabilis,  and  Plumbago  capensis  alba.  In  the 
class  for  six  Coleuses  in  distinct  varieties  Mr.  Redman  was  first  and 
Mr.  Empson  second.  The  winner’s  plants  were  small,  but  of  excellent 
shape  and  fine  colour.  Mr.  Claydon  was  a  worthy  first  for  six 
stove  and  greenhouse  Ferns,  his  plants  being  magnificent  examples, 
which  reflected  high  credit  on  the  grower.  The  exhibit  comprised 
Adiantum  grandiceps,  A.  farleyense,  A.  formosum,  A.  gracillimum, 
A.  cuneatum,  and  Dicksonia  antarctica.  The  second  prize  was  taken 
by  Mr.  Empson  with  fine  plants,  and  the  third  by  Mr.  Redman. 
E.  T.  Leeds-Smith,  Esq.,  Sandy,  was  placed  first  for  six  hardy  Ferns, 
the  third  prize  being  taken  by  Mr.  Redman.  Mr.  Claydon  gained  the 
premier  award  for  six  pots  of  Achimenes,  staging  healthy  and  profusely 
flowered  examples.  The  third  prize  was  won  by  Mr.  Redman.  For  four 
Cockscombs  Mr.  Claydon  was  again  first  with  beautiful  examples,  Mr. 
Redman  being  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Burgess,  Wimpole,  third.  In  the 
class  for  six  Begonias  in  flower,  distinct,  Mr.  Claydon  was  a  good  first, 
and  Mr.  Addington,  St.  Neot’s,  second.  Mr.  Finch  was  first  for  a 
specimen  stove  or  greenhouse  plant  in  flower  with  Erica  Marnockiana 
in  grand  condition.  Mr.  Finch  was  also  first  for  a  specimen  foliage 
plant,  staging  Dracaena  indivisa  lobata  in  very  fine  form. 

The  cut  flower  classes  were  not  as  a  rule  keenly  contested,  though 
soms  very  handsome  blooms  were  shown,  particularly  amongst  the 
Gladioli  from  Messrs.  Burreil  &  Co.,  and  the  Roses  from  Mr.  George 
Monies,  Hitchin.  In  the  class  for  twenty-four  bunches  of  herbaceous  plants, 
Messrs.  Laxton  Bros.,  Bedford,  were  an  excellent  first.  Amongst  the 
flowers  in  this  stand  were  Anemone  japonica,  Helianthus  multiflorus 
plenus.  Lychnis  chalcedonica  plena,  and  Chrysanthemum  maximum. 
Mr.  Hunt,  Sandy,  was  awarded  the  second  prize  for  a  highly  creditable 
exhibit.  For  twelve  bunches  of  Pompon  Dahlias,  six  blooms  in  each 
bunch,  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  &  Co.,  Howe  House  Nurseries,  Cambridge,  were 
placed  first  with  a  fine  stand,  which  was  composed  of  Cupid,  White 
Aster,  Mabel,  Favourite,  Whisper,  Isabel,  Fairy  Tales,  Admiration, 
Phoebe,  Red  Indian,  Darkness,  and  E.  F.  Junker.  Mr.  R.  Burgin, 
Bynesbury,  was  placed  second  with  a  creditable  exhibit.  Messrs.  J. 
Burrell  &  Co.  were  again  awarded  the  first  prize  in  the  class  for  twelve 
bunches  of  Cactrrs  Dahlias,  six  blooms  in  each  bunch.  The  following 
were  the  varieties  staged  : — Kynerith,  Marchioness  of  Bute,  Robert 
Maher,  Baron  Schroder,  Juarezi,  Baldwin,  Amphion,  Delicata,  H.  Free¬ 
man,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Bertha  Mawley,  and  Black  Prince.  In  the  class 
for  twenty-four  spikes  of  Gladioli,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  distinct 
varieties,  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  «Sc  Co.  were  placed  first,  their  stand  including 
some  magnificent  spikes  of  beautifully  coloured  blooms.  Amongst  the 
best  may  be  mentioned  Le  Vesuve,  Rosalind,  Baroness  Burdett  Coutts, 
Delicata,  Madeline,  Glow,  Hilda,  Formosa,  and  Letitia.  Mr.  S.  Wilkin¬ 
son,  was  placed  third.  Mr.  George  Monies,  Hitchin,  easily  carried  off 
the  highest  award  for  six  Roses  in  distinct  varieties,  staging  some 
beautiful  blooms. 

Fruit  was  finely  staged,  though  it  was  not  very  extensive  ;  but 
this  may  perhaps  be  accounted  for  by  the  fact  of  the  great  Show  at  the 
Agricultural  Hall  being  open  at  the  same  time,  and  thus  drawing  many 
of  the  exhibitors  southwards  as  far  as  London.  Mr.  G.  R.  Allis,  gardener 
to  Major  Shuttleworth,  Old  Warden  Park,  Biggleswade,  was  awarded 
the  first  prize  and  a  silver  medal  for  a  collection  of  fruit  of  eight  distinct 
kinds.  Dishes  of  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Grapes 
Black  Alicante  and  Foster’s  Seedling  comprised  the  exhibit,  which  was 
a  meritorious  one,  the  value  of  which  would  have  been  much  enhanced 
had  Mr.  Allis  troubled  to  give  the  specific  names  in  each  case.  Mr.  L. 
James,  Stevenage,  was  a  good  second  ;  Mr.  Empson  a  close  third,  and 
Mr.  Burgess  fourth.  In  the  class  for  six  distinct  kinds  of  fruits  Mr.  G. 
Cranfield,  Cambridge,  was  deservedly  accorded  the  first  place,  showing 
black  and  white  Grapes,  Melon,  Peaches,  Apples,  and  Figs.  Mr.  C. 
Forbes  was  a  fairly  good  second,  and  Mr.  R.  Carter  third.  Mr.  Allis 
was  first  in  the  class  for  any  black  Grape  other  than  Hamburgh  with 
two  bunches  of  Black  Alicante,  Mr.  Empson  being  second  with  Madres- 
field  Court,  and  Mr.  Moore  third.  In  the  class  for  two  bunches  of  Black 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


229 


Hamburgh  Grapes  Mr.  Moore,  St.  Neots,  was  lirst  with  splendid  examples  ; 
Mr.  G.  R.  Allis  second  with  good  bunches,  and  Mr.  Cranfleld  third. 
Mr.  Empson  was  first  for  two  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes, 
staging  a  highly  creditable  pair  ;  Messrs.  Forbes  and  Cranfield  being 
second  and  third  in  the  order  of  their  names.  Mr.  James  was  awarded 
the  first  prize  for  a  dish  of  Figs  grown  out  of  doors  with  fine  fruits  of 
Black  Ischia.  Mr.  James  was  again  first  in  the  class  for  a  dish  of  dessert 
Plums,  staging  highly  creditable  fruits  of  Lawrence’s  Gage,  the  second, 
third,  and  fourth  prizes  going  to  Messrs.  Burgess,  Claydon,  and  Maudlin. 
The  competition  was  remarkably  keen  in  this  class,  fifteen  dishes  of 
Plums  being  staged.  Mr.  Claydon,  with  beautiful  fruits  of  Pond’s 
Seedling,  took  the  premier  award  in  the  class  for  a  dish  of  culinary 
Plums  ;  Mr.  Wilkinson  being  second,  Mr.  Allis  third,  and  Mr.  Wade 
fourth.  The  exhibits  in  this  class  numbered  ten,  so  that  competition 
again  ran  very  keen.  The  class,  however,  which  brought  the  highest 
number  of  exhibits  was  for  a  dish  of  eight  dessert  Pears,  seventeen  com¬ 
petitors  being  represented.  Mr.  James  was  awarded  the  first  prize,  Mr. 
Empson  being  second,  and  Mr.  Hobbs,  St.  Ives,  third.  Mr.  Empson  was 
first  in  the  class  for  five  culinary  Pears,  Mr.  James  second.  Dr.  Swain, 
Three  Counties  Asylum,  third,  and  Mr.  Wade  fourth. 

Vegetables,  as  may  have  been  expected,  were  not  largely  shown,  but 
those  staged  were  most  of  a  very  high  order  of  merit.  This  was 
particularly  the  case  with  the  Onions,  Carrots,  and  Turnips.  Celery 
was  exceptionally  good,  and  some  of  the  Red  Cabbages  staged  were 
enormous.  In  the  c’ass  for  a  basket  of  vegetables  in  twelve  kinds,  Mr. 
Empson  was  first  with  a  clean  well-grown  collection,  which  included 
Potatoes,  Onions,  Turnips,  Tomatoes,  Celery,  Globe  Artichokes,  Cauli¬ 
flowers,  Carrots,  Marrows,  and  Cucumbers.  Mr.  Burgess  was  a  very 
good  second,  Mr.  G.  Wood  being  third,  and  Mr.  F.  Faints,  Hertford, 
fourth.  Mr.  Carter  was  accorded  the  first  prize  for  a  basket  of  six  kinds 
of  vegetables.  This  exhibit  was  composed  of  Potatoes,  Onions,  Turnips, 
Tomatoes,  Peas,  and  Cauliflowers.  The  second  prize  was  won  by  Mr. 
Andrews  with  a  good  basket.  For  a  collection  of  Potatoes,  to  include 
three  round  and  three  kidney  varieties,  named,  six  tubers  of  each,  Mr. 
T.  Clark,  Huntingdon,  was  first  with  The  Queen,  Suttons’  Satisfaction, 
Uncle  John,  Lord  Tennyson,  Reading  Russet,  and  Reading  Ruby,  all  of 
which  were  in  excellent  condition.  Mr.  Hemmants,  Peterborough,  was 
deservedly  accorded  the  second  prize, 

Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Son,  nurserymen,  Highgate,  arranged  a 
very  effective  group  of  greenhouse  and  stove  plants,  in  which 
Crotons  Queen  Victoria,  Disraeli,  Majesticus,  Mrs.  Dorman,  Dracmna 
Doucetti,  Abutilon  Souvenir  de  Bonne,  and  Palms  were  very 
striking  and  effective.  Messrs.  Laxton  Brothers,  Bedford,  staged  a 
collection  of  blue  Sweet  Peas  and  a  magnificent  cross  of  white 
flowers.  Mr.  Willcock,  nurseryman,  Bedford  Road,  Sandy,  exhibited 
a  group  of  foliage  plants,  in  the  arrangement  of  which  much  taste  was 
displayed ;  the  clean  healthy  Palms  were  a  particularly  noticeable 
feature  in  this  group.  The  three  last-named  exhibits  were  not  for 
competition. 

BRIGHTON. — September  5th  and  6th. 

The  autumn  Exhibition,  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Brighton 
and  Sussex  “  New  ”  Horticultural  Society,  took  place  on  Tuesday  and 
Wednesday  last,  when  an  exceptional  display  of  produce  was  staged. 
The  Show,  which  was  held  in  the  Corn  Exchange  and  the  Dome,  was  of 
unusual  dimensions  ;  so  numerous  in  fact  were  the  exhibits  that  it  was 
found  necessary  to  erect  three  tents  to  provide  adequate  space  in  which 
to  place  them.  As  has  been  said,  the  display  was  in  every  way  a 
grand  one,  and  when  it  is  mentioned  that  six  exhibits  were  arranged 
in  the  class  for  a  group  to  be  arranged  for  effect  in  a  space  not 
exceeding  150  square  feet,  and  twenty-nine  dishes  in  the  class  for 
dessert  Pears,  some  idea  will  be  conveyed  of  the  magnitude  of  the 
Show.  The  Judges  had  a  very  hard  task  in  adjudicating  on  the  stands, 
but  their  awards  appear  to  have  given  every  satisfaction.  Great  credit 
is  due  to  Mr.  Mark  Longhurst,  the  Secretary,  Mr.  Lewis,  and  other 
members  of  the  Committee  for  the  industry  they  must  have  displayed  in 
the  arrangements  of  the  Show,  which  were  in  every  way  complete. 

In  the  class  for  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  bloom  the  first 
prize  went  to  Mr.  T.  Portnell,  gardener  to  Sir  A.  Lamb,  Bart.,  Beau  port. 
Battle,  who  staged  good  specimens  of  Bougainvillea  glabra,  Allamanda 
magnifica,  Lapageria  rosea,  Erica  Irbyana,  Dipladenia  Brearleyana, 
and  Erica  Aitoniana  Turnbulli.  The  second  prize  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  A.  Offer,  gardener  to  J.  Warren,  Esq.,  Handcross  Park,  Crawley  ; 
Mr.  E.  Meachen,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Armstrong,  Woodslee,  Withdeane, 
being  a  close  third.  The  competition  in  the  class  for  six  stove  and 
greenhouse  foliage  plants  was  keen,  Mr.  Offer  was  accorded  the  premier 
position  ;  the  second  and  third  prizes  were  awarded  to  Mr.  E.  Meachen 
and  Mr.  W.  Peel,  gardener  to  Miss  Todd,  Sidford  Lodge,  Shirley, 
Southampton,  in  the  order  named.  For  six  stove  and  greenhouse  Ferns 
Mr.  Offer  was  deservedly  accorded  the  first  prize  with  splendid  examples, 
the  second  prize  going  to  Messrs.  W.  Miles  &  Co.,  nurserymen,  Hove  ; 
third,  Mr.  W.  Peel.  For  a  specimen  foliage  plant  Mr.  Offer  was  first 
with  fine  plant  of  Croton  Warreni,  Mr.  W.  Peel  being  second,  and  Mr. 
Portnell  third.  Mr.  Offer  was  again  first  for  a  specimen  flowering 
plant,  showing  Lapageria  rosea  in  grand  condition,  Mr.  L.  Budworth, 
gardener  to  C.  Hill,  Esq.,  Rockhurst,  West  Hoathley,  second  with  a 
good  Dipladenia  hybrida  ;  third  going  to  Mr.  W.  Peel. 

In  the  class  for  six  Tuberous-rooted  Begonias  the  competition  was 
very  keen,  Mr.  Head,  The  Drive  Nursery,  West  Brighton,  being  a  good 
first  with  finely  flowered  plants  ;  the  second  prize  being  won  by  Mr.  Jas. 
Dawson,  Silverhill,  St.  Leonards,  and  the  third  by  Mr.  E.  Meachen.  Mr. 
E.  Meachen  was  first  for  six  Fuchsias,  showing  Grand  Duchess  Maria, 


Mrs.  Rundle,  and  Mrs.  Burroughs  ;  Mr.  J.  Hill,  gardener  to  M.  Wallis, 
Esq.,  Withdean,  being  a  good  second.  Mr.  Murrell,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Macdonald,  Manor  House,  Preston,  was  first  for  six  Zonal  Pelargoniums 
with  excellently  bloomed  plants  ;  Mr.  Meachen  was  second,  and  Mr. 
H.  Head  third.  Groups  were  well  shown,  six  competitors  staging 
exhibits  in  the  leading  class.  Mr.  Wills  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for 
a  beautiful  arrangement.  Amongst  the  best  of  the  plants  were  Palms, 
Francoa  ramosa.  Tuberoses,  Celosias,  Carnations,  Crotons,  Eucharises, 
with  a  groundwork  of  Ferns.  Mr.  W.  Peel  was  a  very  close  second. 
Tuberoses,  Liliums,  Crotons,  Palms,  and  Amaryllises  were  noticeable  in 
this  exhibit.  Mr.  E.  Meachen  was  a  very  close  third.  In  the  class 
for  a  group  arranged  in  a  space  not  exceeding  80  square  feet,  Mr.  G. 
Sims,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Inwood,  Esq.,  Dyke  Road,  Brighton,  was  placed 
first  for  a  beautiful  group.  Palms,  Liliums,  and  Begonias  being  parti¬ 
cularly  prominent  ;  Mr.  Budworth  was  second  with  a  somewhat  heavy 
arrangement,  and  C.  W.  Catt,  Esq.,  Middle  Street,  Brighton,  being 
third.  For  a  group  of  Ferns,  Rev.  Sir  G.  C.  Sheffner,  Lewes,  was  first, 
Messrs.  W.  Miles  &  Co.  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Miles  third. 

Cut  flowers  were  very  largely  shown,  especially  Dahlias,  which  were 
exceptionally  fine.  In  the  class  for  a  box  of  stove  and  greenhouse 
flowers  Mr.  Portnell  was  first.  This  exhibit  included  Vallota  major, 
Statice  Gilbert!,  and  Anthurium  Scherzerianum  amongst  others. 
Mr.  Horscroft,  gardener  to  T.  Potter,  Esq.,  Hapstead  House, 
Ardingly,  was  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Garnett,  gardener  to  R.  G. 
Fletcher,  Esq.,  Preston  Park,  third.  Mr.  Archer,  gardener  to  Miss 
Gibson,  Hill  House,  Saffron  Walden,  was  first  in  the  class 
for  a  box  of  cut  blooms  in  twenty-four  distinct  varieties.  Amongst 
the  most  prominent  in  this  stand  were  Allamanda  Hendersoni, 
Eucharis  amazonica,  Dipladenia  amabilis,  Lapageria  alba,  and  Ixora 
Williamsi.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son,  Crawley,  were  successful  in  the 
classes  for  single,  Pompon,  Cactus,  and  double  Dahlias.  In  the 
class  for  twenty-four  single  Dahlias  they  staged  a  grand  collection, 
amongst  which  The  Bride,  Amos  Perry,  Miss  Henshaw,  Formosa, 
Cetewayo,  and  May  Thorpe  were  conspicuous.  Mr.  E.  Such,  nurseryman. 
Maidenhead,  was  second.  In  the  class  for  Pompon  Dahlias  Messrs. 
Cheal  staged  Sunshine,  Admiration,  Isabel,  Favourite,  and  Arthur 
West  in  exceptionally  good  form.  Mr.  Humphries,  nurseryman,  Chip¬ 
penham,  was  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Such  third.  Amongst  the  best  of 
Messrs.  Cheat’s  Cactus  blooms  must  be  mentioned  Robert  Cannell,  Black 
Prince,  Delicata,  Duchess  of  York,  Sir  Roger,  and  Josephine.  Mr.  Hum¬ 
phries  was  second,  and  Mr.  Such  third.  In  the  class  for  twenty-four 
Show  and  Fancy  varieties  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Son  showed,  amongst  others, 
Wm.  Rawlings,  J.  T.  West,  Goldfinder,  Mrs.  Jefford,  Mrs.  Kendal,  and 
Crimson  King.  Mr.  Mitchell,  gardener  to  Sir  Jas.  Colquhown, 
Bart.,  Hastings,  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  Jas.  Dawson  third.  The 
classes  for  herbaceous  flowers  were  very  keenly  contested.  Messrs.  Gar- 
roway,  Bath  ;  Goldsmith,  gardener  to  Sir  E,  Loder,  Horsham  ;  Manton, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Clifford  Bonner,  Bolney  ;  and  E.  Such  being  amongst 
the  most  successful  competitors.  Roses  were  fairly  well  shown  by 
Messrs.  Garroway,  T.  Durrant ;  Young,  Eastbourne  ;  Geo.  Piper,  Uckfield, 
and  Woollard,  Lewes  The  table  decorations  were  very  beautiful,  and 
highly  creditable  to  the  various  exhibitors. 

The  display  of  fruit  was  a  grand  one,  the  entries  being  large  in 
almost  every  class.  The  Grapes  were  fine,  the  bunches  as  a  rule  being 
of  good  size,  symmetrical  in  shape,  and  of  perfect  finish.  Peaches  were 
also  good,  the  colouration  in  some  of  the  fruits  being  quite  exceptional. 
Melons  were  shown  in  excellent  condition,  as  also  were  Plums  and 
Green  Gages.  In  the  four  classes  devoted  to  Apples  the  entries  reached 
the  good  total  of  sixty-four,  and  the  fruit  being  of  superb  quality  the 
competition  ran  very  high  and  close.  But  it  was  in  the  class  for  a 
dish  of  dessert  Pears  that  the  exhibits  reached  the  highest  total,  there 
being  twenty-nine  dishes  staged.  Some  fruits  of  Souvenir  du  Gongres, 
shown  by  Mr.  Spottiswood,  The  Gardens,  Queen’s  Park,  Brighton,  were 
deservedly  awarded  the  premier  position.  They  were  in  excellent  con¬ 
dition  and  beautifully  finished.  The  second  prize  was  accorded  to  Mr. 
Goldsmith,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  J.  Collins.  In  addition  to  these  prizes 
some  of  the  exhibits  were  of  such  merit  that  the  judges  strongly 
recommended  that  extra  prizes  should  be  given.  The  number  of  fruits 
to  compose  a  dish  in  the  above  class  was  six,  so  that  the  exhibits  took 
up  a  very  large  amount  of  tabling. 

Vegetables  were  not  staged  in  such  great  numbers  as  fruit,  but  the 
quality  throughout  left  little  to  be  desired.  This  was  particularly  the 
case  in  the  classes  for  French  and  Runner  Beans,  these  being  shown  in 
strong  force  and  first  rate  quality.  Beet  was  grand,  clean  shapely  roots 
being  staged.  There  were  five  collections  staged  in  the  class  for  nine  distinct 
kinds  of  vegetables,  some  good  produce  being  exhibited.  The  first  prize  went 
to  Mr.  Garroway,  Bath,  who  staged  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflowers,  the  Lyon 
Leeks,  White  Plume  Celery,  Webb’s  Giant  Runner  Beans,  Oxonian  Toma¬ 
toes,  Abundance  Potatoes,  Duke  of  Albany  Peas  (perhaps  the  only  weak 
point),  and  Pragnell’s  Exhibition  Beet.  Mr.  A.Ward,Muntham,  Horsham, 
was  placed  first  for  a  collection  of  vegetables  in  six  kinds.  This  exhibit 
consisted  of  Vicar  of  Laleham  Potatoes,  Perfection  Tomatoes,  Sutton’s 
A1  Onions,  Snowball  Turnips,  Mammoth  Cauliflowers,  and  Intermediate 
Carrots,  which  together  formed  a  highly  creditable  exhibit.  The  special 
prize  offered  by  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son  for  a  collection  of  vegetables 
brought  only  one  competitor,  Mr.  Sands,  gardener  to  T.  Bannister,  Esq., 
Hayward’s  Heath,  being  successful.  In  the  class  for  a  collection  of 
Potatoes  in  six  distinct  varieties  Mr.  Kemp,  gardener  to  R.  S.  C. 
Dickens,  Esq.,  Horsham,  was  placed  first  out  of  the  nine  com¬ 
petitors,  the  exhibit  being  an  excellent  one  in  every  way.  The 
following  varieties  were  staged  by  the  winner  :  Sutton’s  Best  of  All 


230 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893, 


Satisfaction,  Beauty  of  Hebron,  Early  Puritan,  Schoolmaster  and  Snow¬ 
ball. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits,  although  not  very  numerous,  were  good, 
Messrs.  J,  Cheal  &  Sons  arranged  a  large  table  with  Apples,  Pears^  and 
Dahlias.  Amongst  the  best  of  the  Pears  were  Williams’  Bon  Chretien, 
King  Edward,  and  Belle  de  Bruxelles  ;  and  of  Apples  Queen,  Cox’s 
Orange  Pippin,  Yorkshire  Beauty,  King  of  the  Pippins,  and  Mere  de 
Manage.  Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Son,  Peckham  Rye,  and  Fleet, 
Hants,  showed  a  charming  table  of  plants,  prominent  amongst  which 
were  Crotons,  Carnations,  Liliums,  and  Ferns.  Messrs.  Balchin  and 
Son,  Hassocks  Nurseries,  had  a  stand  devoted  to  bulbous  roots,  which 
produced  an  excellent  effect ;  and  Messrs.  Tilley  Bros,,  Brighton,  one  of 
bulbs  and  horticultural  sundries. 

ROYAL  AQUARIUM.— September  6th,  7th,  and  8th. 

An  exhibition  of  early  Chrysanthemums,  Dahlias,  and  Gladioli 
was  held  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  on  the  above  dates. 
The  principal  class  for  Chrysanthemums  was  for  twenty-four  bunches, 
not  less  than  three  flowers  in  each  bunch.  There  were  two  competitors, 
and  the  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  E.  F.  Such,  Maidenhead,  for  a  charming 
collection  of  fresh  blooms.  Mr.  Davis  was  second.  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith, 
gardener  to  W.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Shirley  Cottage,  Croydon,  was  first  with 
twelve  blooms  of  Madame  C.  Desgranges,  showing  fairly  developed 
flowers  for  the  season.  Mr.  W.  C.  Pagram,  gardener  to  A.  F.  Hobhouse, 
Esq.,  The  Whin,  Weybridge,  was  awarded  the  second  prize.  Mr.  Shoe- 
smith  was  given  the  third  prize  for  a  dozen  blooms  of  Mrs.  Burrell. 
For  twelve  blooms  of  any  large  flowering  variety  except  Madame 

C.  Desgranges,  Mr.  J.  Agate,  Havant,  was  first.  The  second  prize  went  to 
Mr.  A.  McMillan,  gardener  to  Jas.  Curie,  Esq.,  Trinity  Cottage,  Edinburgh. 

Mr.  D.  B.  Crane,  Archway  Road,  Highgate,  secured  the  premier  prize 
for  twelve  Pompons,  three  flowers  of  each,  Miss  Debenham,  St.  Peter’s, 
St.  Albans,  being  second.  Mr.  W.  C.  Pagram  was  first  with  six  bunches 
of  Madame  C.  Desgrange,  and  Mr.  Shoesmith  second.  The  same 
exhibitors  secured  the  prizes  for  six  bunches  of  any  yellow  variety  of 
Madame  C.  Desgrange.  There  were  also  only  two  competitors  in  the 
class  for  six  blooms,  distinct,  these  being  Mr.  McMillan  and  Mr.  Agate. 
The  prizes  were  awarded  as  their  names  are  given.  Mrs.  Walter  Mole, 
High  Street,  Hemel  Hempsted,  was  first  for  a  stand  of  Chrysanthemums 
for  table  decoration  ;  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Romford,  second  ;  and  Mr. 

D.  B.  Crane  third.  A  silver  medal  was  also  awarded  the  last-named 
exhibitor  for  twelve  bunches  of  Chrysanthemums. 

Dahlias  formed  the  bulk  of  the  exhibits.  There  were  two  competitors 
in  the  class  for  twenty-four  bunches  of  single  Dahlias,  these  being 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  and  Mr.  F.  W.  Seale,  Sevenoaks.  Mr.  G. 
Humphries  won  the  first  prize  for  twelve  bunches  of  single  Dahlias, 
Mr.  E.  F.  Such  being  second.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury, 
secured  the  first  prize  for  twelve  bunches  of  Cactus  Dahlias,  showing  fine 
blooms.  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  &  Co.,  Cambridge,  followed  closely  with  a 
stand  of  fresh  flowers,  the  third  prize  going  to  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons. 

Pompon  Dahlias  were  very  good  in  all  classes.  For  twenty-four 
bunches  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  were  placed  first  for  a  splendid  stand  of 
flowers.  The  most  conspicuous  in  this  collection  were  Marion,  Cecil, 
Whisper,  Eva,  Sunshine,  Admiration,  and  Ariel.  Mr.  C.  Turner,  Royal 
Nurseries,  Slough,  was  a  close  second  with  very  fine  flowers,  the  third 
prize  going  to  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  Messrs.  J.  Burrell  &  Co. 
had  the  best  stand  of  twelve  bunches,  Mr.  G.  Humphries  following.  In 
the  amateurs’  and  gardener’s  classes  Mr.  J.  J.  West,  gardener  to  W.  Keith, 
Esq.,  Brentwood,  was  first  with  six  bunches  of  Pompon  Dahlias,  the 
second  prize  going  to  Mr.  Richard  Burgin,  Eynesbury,  St.  Neots.  The 
last-named  exhibitor  had  the  best  six  bunches  of  singles  in  this  section, 
Mr.  E.  Mawley,  Rosebank,  Berkhamstead,  following  ;  the  third  prize 
going  to  W.  Mist,  Esq.,  Ightham,  Sevenoaks.  Mr.  West  was  first  with 
six  bunches  of  Cactus  Dahlias  in  this  division,  Mr.  Mawley  being  second, 
and  Mr.  William  Hopkins,  New  Passage,  Bristol,  third. 

The  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias  were  remarkably  fine  and  even.  For 
sixty  blooms  of  not  less  than  thirty  varieties  Mr.  C.  Turner  was 
placed  first  with  an  excellent  stand.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co. 
followed  closely,  showing  splendid  flowers,  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr. 
J.  Walker,  Thame.  There  were  five  competitors  in  this  class.  Messrs. 
Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  were,  however,  first  for  thirty-six  blooms, 
distinct,  amongst  which  William  Powell,  Pelican,  James  Cocker,  T.  W. 
Girdlestone,  Rebecca,  and  William  Rawlings  were  conspicuous.  There 
were  two  blooms  of  Arthur  Ocock,  and  labelled  thus,  in  this  collection, 
but  this  matter  appears  to  have  been  overlooked  by  the  Judges.  Mr.  J. 
Walker,  Thame,  was  second,  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr.  C.  Turner. 

Messrs.  Saltmarsh  &  Son,  Chelmsford,  secured  the  first  prize  for 
twenty-four  Dahlias,  Messrs.  Humphries  and  Rawlings  following.  Mr. 
West  was  placed  first  with  twenty-four  blooms  in  the  gardeners’  and 
amateurs’ division,  Messrs.  A.  Ocock  and  Burgin  following  in  order  of 
their  names.  Mr.  Ocock  was  first  with  eighteen  blooms,  the  second 
prize  going  to  Mr.  West,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  W.  Mist.  Mr.  Thomas 
Vagg,  gardener  to  J.  Theobald,  Esq.,  M.P,,  Bedfords,  Havering,  near 
Romford,  was  first  with  twelve  blooms,  distinct  ;  Messrs.  J.  Gurney 
Fowler,  South  Woodford,  and  W.  Hopkins  being  second  and  third. 
Messrs.  Gurney  Fowler,  T.  Vagg,  and  W.  Hopkins  secured  the  prizes 
for  six  blooms. 

Messrs.  J.  Burrell  &  Co.,  Howe  House  Nurseries,  Cambridge,  were 
the  only  exhibitors  of  a  collection  ot  Gladioli,  but  for  which  the  first 
prize  was  awarded.  The  spikes  were,  on  the  whole,  very  fine.  Mr. 
C.  J.  Waite,  gardener  to  Col.  the  Hon.  W.  P.  Talbot,  Glenhurst,  Esher  ; 
and  Mr.  C.  Osman,  South  Metropolitan  District  Schools,  Sutton,  Surrey, 


secured  the  special  prizes  offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  for  a  collec¬ 
tion  of  vegetables. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  not  so  numerous  as  we  have  seen  them 
at  the  Aquarium.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Son  had  a  large  collection  of 
hardy  flowers,  for  which  a  silver  medal  was  awarded.  The  same  firm 
also  sent  a  very  fine  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears,  comprising  about 
ten  dishes  (silver  medal).  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale  Farm  Nurseries, 
Tottenham,  staged  a  splendid  collection  of  Dahlias  of  various  kinds, 
arranged  in  a  most  effective  manner.  A  silver-gilt  medal  was  awarded. 
Mr.  W.  Piercy,  West  Road,  Forest  Hill,  S.E.,  sent  some  early  flowering 
Chrysanthemums.  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  staged  Show  and 
Fancy  Dahlias,  as  also  did  Messrs.  Saltmarsh  &  Son.  Mr.  J.  B.  Payne, 
gardener  to  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  The  Palace,  M  ells, 
Somerset,  was  awarded  a  silver  medal  for  a  dish  of  remarkably  fine  and 
well  coloured  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  Apples,  the  heaviest  of  which  weighed 
22  ozs.  Mr.  A.  Rawlings,  Romford,  Essex,  had  a  number  of  Dahlias, 
and  a  silver  medal  was  awarded.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  S.  Mortimer, 
T.  S.  Ware,  and  other  growers  sent  some  new  Dahlias  to  be  inspected 
by  the  Floral  Committee  ;  but  when  our  reporter  left  no  certificates  had 
been  awarded.  _  . 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Peacbes  and  ITectarlnes. — Earliest  Forced  Trees. — These  are 
assumed  to  consist  of  very  early  varieties  which  were  started  from 
December  1st  to  the  new  year.  The  trees  have  now  shed  their  leaves, 
and,  if  infested  with  red  spider  or  brown  scale,  they  may  be  syringed 
with  water  at  a  temperature  of  140°.  It  must  not,  however,  be  used 
injudiciously  ;  if  too  hot  it  will  injure  the  young  wood  and  buds,  and  if 
lower  in  temperature  it  is  innocuous  as  regards  scale  and  red  spider 
about  to  hybernate.  The  trees  should  be  loosened  from  the  trellis  and 
tied  in  bundles  for  facilitating  cleansing  operations,  then  wash  the 
woodwork  with  soap  and  a  brush,  also  the  ironwork,  reaching  every  angle 
and  crevice.  Limewash  the  walls,  and  if  required  paint  the  wood  and 
ironwork.  Pruning  will  consist  of  thinning  the  shoots  where  crowded 
or  too  weak  for  carrying  fine  fruits,  no  shortening  being  necessary, 
except  for  shoots  unduly  long  or  for  the  production  of  growths  for 
extension.  The  trees  may  be  washed  with  a  softsoap  solution,  3  ozs.  to 
a  gallon  of  water,  or  dressed  with  an  approved  insecticide,  being  careful 
not  to  dislocate  the  buds.  Tie  the  trees  to  the  trellis  loosely,  leaving 
gufiicient  room  for  the  swelling  of  the  branches  and  shoots  ; 
remove  the  loose  surface  soil  down  to  the  roots,  and  supply  a 
top-dressing  of  rather  strong  turfy  loam  with  a  fourth  of  well  decayed 
manure  admixed,  and  afterwards  sprinkle  a  handful  (about  4  ozs.) 
over  a  square  yard  of  the  following  mixture  :  bonemeal  three  parts,  and 
kainit  one  part,  leaving  it  there.  Avoid  heavy  surface  dressings,  they 
only  exclude  air  and  render  mulchings  of  little  value  by  burying  the 
roots  too  deeply.  If  the  lights  have  been  removed  they  need  not  be 
replaced  until  the  weather  become  colder  and  the  borders  have  been 
thoroughly  moistened  by  the  autumnal  rains. 

Second  Early-forced  House. — The  trees  are  shedding  the  leaves,  but 
there  must  not  be  any  attempt  at  their  forcible  remoyal.  When  the 
leaves  have  fallen  treat  the  house  and  trees  the  same  in  every  respect  as 
detailed  in  the  preceding  paragraph. 

Succession  Houses. — Any  trees  that  have  a  tendency  to  over¬ 
luxuriance  should,  as  soon  as  the  wood  gets  suflSciently  matured,  have 
a  trench  taken  out  about  one-third  the  distance  from  the  stem  the  trees 
cover  in  extent  of  trellis  and  quite  down  to  the  drainage,  so  as  to 
detach  all  roots,  and  this  may  be  left  open  for  a  fortnight  and  then 
be  filled  in  firmly ;  or  when  the  leaves  give  indications  of  falling  the 
soil  may  be  removed  down  to  the  roots  with  a  fork  and  picked  from 
amongst  them,  laying  in  the  roots  in  fresh  compost,  and  making  quite 
firm.  Good  loam,  rather  stiff,  with  about  a  sixth  of  old  mortar  rubbish, 
form  a  suitable  compost.  A  watering  being  given  the  roots  will  soon 
work  freely  in  the  fresh  material,  and  the  fruits  invariably  set  and 
stone  well  afterwards.  The  above  plan  is  more  especially  necessary 
with  young  trees,  the  taking  out  of  the  trench  being  very  effectual  in 
assisting  them  to  ripen  the  wood  thoroughly.  Lifting  and  root-pruning 
generally  should  be  deferred  until  the  leaves  give  indication  of  falling, 
for  if  practised  too  early  there  is  danger  of  causing  the  sudden  collapse 
of  the  foliage  and  the  shrivelling  of  the  wood. 

Late  Houses. — The  bright  weather  has  greatly  assisted  late  Peaches 
and  Nectarines,  which  are  not  only  much  earlier  in  ripening  than  usual, 
but  something  wonderful  in  size  and  beauty,  and  where  proper  supplies 
of  water  and  nutriment  have  been  provided  during  growth  the  fruits 
are  singularly  juicy  and  high  flavoured.  Gladstone  is  unquestionably 
one  of  the  finest  late  Peaches,  and  though  not  high  coloured  has  a 
rather  firm  flesh  and  travels  well.  Late  Peaches  will,  no  doubt,  be 
scarce  this  year  through  their  ripening  being  accelerated  by  the  hot 
summer,  and  the  wood  is  more  advanced  in  ripening  than  in  ordinary 
reasons.  A  free  circulation  of  air  and  the  necessary  supplies  of  water 
are  necessary,  but  a  rather  drier  condition  at  the  roots  is  desiia'^le  when 
the  fruit  is  ripening.  Keep  the  growths  thin,  stop  any  growing  shoots 
to  about  15  inches  and  all  laterals  closely  to  one  joint  as  growth  is  male. 


September  7,  183?,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


231 


Pines. — Young  Pine  plants  always  present  a  luxuriant  appearance  at 
this  season  under  proper  treatment,  this  arising  from  the  beneficial 
effects  of  natural  causes  so  important  in  cultivation.  Those  influences 
being  now  on  the  wane,  greater  care  will  be  necessary  in  the  manage¬ 
ment  to  prevent  the  growth  becoming  soft,  and  measures  should  be 
taken  to  consolidate  it  by  a  drier  atmosphere,  and,  if  necessary,  artificial 
heat.  Syringing  will  only  be  needed  occasionally,  and  it  should  be  done 
early  in  the  afternoon  of  bright  days.  Water  must  only  be  given  when 
absolutely  necessary,  then  afford  a  plentiful  supply  of  weak  liquid 
manure  in  a  tepid  state.  The  bottom  heat  should  be  kept  steady  at  85°, 
or  between  80°  and  90°.  Particular  attention  must  be  paid  to  the 
ventilation,  which  is  very  important  at  this  period  of  the  year.  Plants 
in  a  luxuriant  condition  should  have  air  at  80°,  above  which  ventilate 
liberally,  especially  on  warm  sunny  days,  and  close  the  house  for  the 
day  at  80°.  The  night  temperature  ought  to  be  maintained  at  65°, 
allowing  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially. 

Fruiting  plants  must  not  further  be  detained  in  structures  indis¬ 
criminately,  but  should  be  brought  together  in  a  house  suitable  for 
finishing  the  fruit  well.  Plants  that  are  intended  for  starting  into  fruit 
early  in  the  year  should  be  selected  from  those  that  were  started  last 
spring,  and  be  arranged,  not  later  than  the  end  of  this  month,  where 
they  can  rest  for  six  weeks.  Those  on  which  the  fruit  is  swelling  must 
be  encouraged  with  a  liberal  amount  of  heat  and  moisture,  keeping  the 
night  temperature  from  70°  to  75°,  and  that  in  the  daytime  from  80°  to 
90°,  closing  the  house  at  85°  with  sun  heat. 

THE  KITCEEEN  GARDEN. 

Kidney  Beans. — Frosts  have  already  injured  Runner  Beans  growing 
in  rather  low  positions,  and  if  this  important  crop  comes  to  grief  soon 
then  the  late  Kidney  Beans  will  be  aril  the  more  appreciated.  Water 
has  been  needed  by  the  latter  lately,  and  a  light  moulding  up  helps  to 
keep  the  plants  upright  and  steady.  In  many  cases  it  would  pay  well 
to  board  round  the  breadth  of  plants  and  to  cover  with  either  spare  pit 
lights  or  with  mats  during  cold  nights.  More  Beans  should  also  be  sown 
in  9-inch  pots,  these  being  filled  with  rich  loamy  soil.  Place  nine  seeds 
in  each  pot,  and  put  the  latter  either  in  a  cold  pit  or  in  the  open  for  a 
time,  transferring  to  shelves  in  forcing  houses  before  cold  weather  sets 
in.  Sion  House  is  still  one  of  the  best  for  pot  culture,  but  Ne  Plus 
Ultra  and  Canadian  Wonder  are  also  suitable. 

Cabbage. — Plants  obtained  by  sowing  seed  about  the  middle  of 
July  are  plentiful  and  strong,  and  unless  thinned  out  will  soon  spoil 
each  other  in  the  seed  beds.  They  may  not  be  much  too  early,  and  the 
first  favourable  opportunity  should  be  taken  to  plant  out  a  good  breath. 
The  best  sites  for  spring  Cabbage  are  quarters  newly  cleared  of  spring- 
sown  Onions.  When  the  latter  are  harvested,  remove  the  rubbish  and 
weeds  and  draw  drills  20  inches  asunder  for  the  stronger  growing 
varieties  of  Cabbage,  from  15  inches  to  18  inches  apart  being  ample 
for  the  less  vigorous  kinds.  Water  the  seed  beds  and  drills  a  short  time 
prior  to  planting  if  necessary.  The  plants  will  then  draw  readily,  and 
may  be  quickly  planted  with  a  dibber.  Make  the  soil  firm  about  the 
roots,  and  give  a  watering.  If  the  ground  is  ready  for  the  plants  prick 
them  out  4  inches  asunder  each  way,  and  when  they  touch  each  other 
transplant  with  a  trowel  to  their  winter  quarters.  Club-root,  or  ambury, 
is  very  troublesome  in  some  gardens,  and  if  the  plants  when  drawn  are 
found  to  have  a  swelling  on  the  root  growths,  cut  it  cleanly  off,  and  then 
dip  in  a  puddle  of  clayey  soil,  soot,  lime  and  water,  so  as  to  well  coat 
the  root. 

Cauliflowers. — Plants  from  seed  sown  on  a  warm  border  about  the 
middle  of  August  are  likely  to  attain  too  large  a  size  to  winter  readily. 
Pricking  them  in  beds  where  they  can  be  eventually  covered  with  frames 
of  some  kind  will  check  them  ;  but  it  will  be  a  good  plan  to  sow  more 
seed  on  shallow  beds  surmounted  by  a  frame,  the  lights  not  being  put  on 
much  before  cold  frosty  weather  prevails.  Seed  may  also  be  sown  on  a 
warm  border,  the  strongest  of  the  plants  thus  obtained  being  eventually 
placed  singly  in  3-inch  pots  and  wintered  in  pits  and  frames.  Early 
Snowball,  Early  Dwarf  Erfurt,  Early  London  and  Veitch’s  Autumn 
Giant  are  useful  varieties. 

Endive. — This  succeeds  best  on  warm,  light,  and  not  too  poor 
ground.  Plants  put  out  now  should  be  located  where  they  can  be 
protected  with  boards  and  mats  during  frosty  weather,  and  should  we 
have  a  favourable  autumn  they  may  yet  attain  a  good  size.  Leave  some 
plants  rather  thickly,  or  from  4  inches  to  6  inches  asunder  each  way  in 
the  seed  beds,  and  according  as  they  progress  self  blanching  will  take  place. 

Bettuce. — Strong  plants  of  Black-seeded  Brown  Cos  are  very 
serviceable  in  the  autumn.  A  few  at  a  time  should  be  tied  up  moderately 
tightly,  and  the  hearts  will  then  blanch.  Where  there  are  breadths  of 
nearly  full  grown  Lettuce  plants  of  any  variety,  make  some  provision 
for  protecting  them  when  frosts  prevail.  Quite  young  plants  are  very 
much  hardier  than  those  nearly  full  grown.  Now  is  a  good  time  to  sow 
seed  of  Black-seeded  Brown  Cos,  Hick’s  Hardy  Cos,  Hammersmith  Green, 
All  the  Year  Round,  and  other  well  known  hardy  Lettuces  on  a  border 
where  the  plants  can  remain  all  the  winter. 

Parsley. — A  scarcity  of  Parsley  proves  a  source  of  much  worry  to 
a  gardener,  and  every  precaution  should  be  taken  to  guard  against 
failures.  The  commoner  or  least  curled  strains  are  the  hardiest,  but 
these  have  been  largely  superseded  by  more  delicate  though  superior 
kinds.  Strong  plants  can  be  rendered  hardier  and  better  by  being 
cut  over  at  once,  and  the  crop  of  young  leaves  that  follow  will  prove 
serviceable.  Any  plants  that  have  not  been  raised  long  enough  to 
develop  great  heads  may  well  be  left  alone.  Before  frosts  cripple  the 
plants  enough  should  be  lifted  and  either  replanted  in  a  frame  or  pit  in 
good  soil,  or  else  in  deep  boxes  or  pots  filled  with  good  loamy  soil. 


Select  strong  plants,  pull  off  the  strong  outer  leaves,  and  replant  some¬ 
what  thickly.  For  a  time  longer  they  may  be  kept  in  the  open,  or  if  in 
pits  or  frames  uncovered,  as  it  is  only  during  the  most  severe  weather 
that  protection  is  needed.  Branches  of  fruit  trees  sometimes  afford 
sufficient  protection  to  save  the  Parsley  underneath  when  all  the  rest 
has  been  killed.  It  is  advisable,  therefore,  to  form  beds  or  a  few  circles 
under  some  of  the  moderately  low  trees  by  the  side  of  garden  walks. 


HE  BEE-KEEPER. 


t  ,  ,  .  ,  .  \-ZT-. 


■  rri .  I .  rrT«  i  .  t  « i  ■  i  "t « i  ■»  i »  rvn 


M 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Notes  from  the  Moors. 

We  are  now  enjoying  beautiful  weather,  and  although  most  of 
the  Heather  is  past,  there  is  still  much  for  the  bees  to  add  a  little 
more  weight  to  their  already  abundant  store.  Two  months  have 
elapsed  since  the  bees  were  brought  here,  an  enormous  amount  of 
Heather  and  Thyme  being  in  bloom  ;  but  for  the  first  month  the 
weather  was  so  stormy  and  of  a  wintry  character  that  the  hives 
declined  in  weight,  the  bees  in  a  great  measure  getting  no  more 
honey  than  was  sufficient  to  carry  on  breeding.  From  the  time 
they  were  set  down  until  September  4th  scarcely  a  day  passed 
without  one  or  more  swarms  issuing,  and  queens  are  still  piping 
yet.  I  have  proven  much,  but  learned  little,  although  matters 
are  widely  different  from  what  is  generally  taught.  These,  with 
other  things  connected  with  bees,  including  Punics,  I  shall 
refer  to  at  an  early  date,  which  will  be  both  instructive  and 
interesting  to  bee-keepers.  I  am  anxious  to  get  home  with  the 
bees,  but  the  great  heat  in  the  hives,  and  honey  being  still  carried 
in  in  considerable  quantity,  preclude  the  possibility  of  doing  so  for 
some  time.  The  present  is  the  longest  Heather  season  on  record. 

Bee-keepers  will  be  looking  to  their  own  interest  if  they  during 
this  month  make  sure  that  queens  are  all  youthful  and  fertile. 
Remove  all  superfluous  drone  comb,  substitute  full  sheets  of 
foundation,  and  feed  with  sugar  till  the  hive  is  filled  with  worker 
comb.  Bees  winter  better  on  sugar  than  honey,  so  bee-keepers 
have  the  option  of  securing  more  honey  and  healthier  hives. 

Pollen — Bees  Flying. 

I  have  been  much  interested  at  seeing  the  bees  break  the  rule 
of  gathering  pollen  from  one  sort  of  flower  or  grass  only,  I  have 
witnessed  them  frequently  work  alternately  on  different  species  of 
both  flowers  and  Grasses. 

Some  years  since  I  gave  my  observations  and  opinion  upon  this 
subject  to  the  effect  that  bees  were  guided  to  their  hive  by  possess¬ 
ing  a  knowledge  of  the  points  of  the  compass,  and  not  that  of  any 
land  or  other  mark.  I  have  for  some  time  past  been  giving  the 
subject  more  thought  and  attention,  and  my  opinion  is  that 
magnetic  influence  is  the  principal  guide  of  the  bee,  both  outside 
and  inside  the  hive,  and  that  the  eyes  are  of  most  use  to  the  insect 
in  her  flights  in  the  field,  and  that  their  antennae  regulate  every 
movement. 

The  Age  of  the  Bee. 

We  have  had  this  subject  so  often  under  consideration  that  it 
is  almost  useless  to  say  a  word  more  upon  it  to  refute  the  erroneous 
impression  that  bees  live  about  six  weeks  only,  were  it  not  to  point 
out  to  bee-keepers  that  these  strong  colonies  are  the  result  of 
having  two  queens’  progeny  living  at  one  time,  not  by  art,  but  by 
a  natural  act  of  the  bees  changing  their  queens  without  swarming 
about  midsummer.  The  bees  are  still  further  preserved  by  being 
kept  much  within  doors  through  stress  of  weather,  and  being  well 
found  in  stores  the  season  throughout,  being  exactly  in  a  similar 
condition  to  that  which  we  have  so  long  advised  to  be  done  by 
careful  manipulations,  and  introducing  young  fertile  queens  at  the 
proper  time. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

P.  Barr  &  Son,  King  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London.  —  Daffodils, 
Hyacinths,  and  other  Bulbs. 

F.  Besuard,  a  Paris,  28,  Rue  Geoffroy  L’Asnier.  —  Catalogue  of 
Sjyraying  Apparatus,  and  Garden  Appliances. 

R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate,  N. — Bulbous  Flowering  Roots. 

L.  Delaville,  2,  Quai  de  la  Megisserie,  2,  Paris. — Bulbs,  Plants,  t^'c. 

E.  P,  Dixon  &  Sons,  The  Yorkshire  Seed  Establishment,  Hull.— 
Bulb  Catalogue, 

W.  J.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  Devon. — Spring  Flowers. 

Harrison  &  Son,  Leicester,  Flowering  Bulbs  and  Roots. 

W.  E.  Martin,  Hull. — Dutch,  French,  and  Cape  Bulbs. 

Benjamin  Soddy,  243,  Walworth  Road,  S.E. —  Winter  and  Spring 
Flowering  Bulbs. 

E.  Webb  &  Sons,  Wordsley,  Stourbridge.— Catalogue. 


292 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


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

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

violas  (6*.  B.'). — We  are  glad  to  hear  that  Violas  prove  so  satis¬ 
factory  in  your  garden  in  a  large  manufacturing  town.  With  deep  rich 
soil  and  early  planting  they  succeed  almost  anywhere  where  flowers  can 
grow.  Your  letter  shall  be  forwarded  to  Mr.  William  Dean. 

Exhibiting  Celery  (Cymru').  —  You  ask  if  in  a  collection  of 
vegetables,  no  “  roots  ”  admissible,  Celery  would  be  disqualified.  We 
see  so  many  curiosities  in  schedules  and  judging  that  we  cannot  foresee 
what  strange  things  may  happen,  but  we  know  that  Celery  is  not  a  root 
crop,  and  would  consequently  be  ineligible  for  the  class  described. 

Stocks  for  Fruit  Trees  (iZ.  Smith) — The  sentence  you  quote 
appears  incomplete.  We  understand  by  it  that  maiden  Apple  trees  may 
be  had  and  grown  on  both  the  Paradise  or  Crab  stocks,  Cherries  on  the 
Mahaleb.  Paradise  stocks,  as  you  probably  know,  have  a  tendency  to 
subdue  vigour  in  Apple  trees,  and  the  Mahaleb  is  supposed  to  have  a 
similar  effect  on  Cherries.  The  Crab  is  promotive  of  free  growth  in 
Apples. 

Spraying  IVIachlne  (J.  C.  C.). — The  knapsack  pump  Eclair  with 
a  Yermorel  spraying  nozzle  is  an  excellent  apparatus  for  distributing 
the  copper  solution  and  Paris  green  mixture,  and  is  sold  by  Messrs. 
Charles  Clark  &  Co.,  Windsor  Chambers,  Great  St.  Helen’s,  London, 
E.C.,  who  have  advertised  the  Eclair  in  our  columns.  Spraying  fruit 
trees  for  the  prevention  and  destruction  of  fungal  and  insect  pests  is 
far  less  practised  in  this  country  than  on  the  continent  and  other 
countries,  and  several  crops  suffer  in  consequence. 

Transplanting  Dlcksonla  antarctlca  (J.  C.  C.). — The  plant  may 
safely  be  moved,  just  as  growth  starts  in  the  spring  being  a  good  time  ; 
but  with  care  they  may  be  successfully  transplanted  now.  Plants  in 
rockwork  usually  move  with  a  compact  mass  of  roots.  With  these 
placed  in  firm  soil,  kept  duly  moist,  and  the  stem  syringed,  the  plant 
will  suffer  little  from  the  removal.  We  have  found  such  plants  improve 
after  removal  because  of  new  roots  having  fresh  compost  to  ramify 
in.  We  have  also  known  plants  cut  off  at  any  desired  point  above 
ground,  and  the  stems  well  and  firmly  inserted  in  good  soil  grow  freely 
and  satisfactorily. 

Sweet  Peas  and  Asters  (A.  B.). — It  is  only  in  the  deepest  and 
best  soil  coupled  with  early  sowing  that  Sweet  Peas  have  proved  even 
moderately  good  this  year  in  the  South  of  England.  Asters  also  need  rich 
moist  soil  for  full  development,  and,  considering  the  season,  the  blooms 
you  send  are  quite  as  good  as  could  be  expected  from  plants  in  “  cloddy 
soil.”  Under  more  favourable  conditions  you  may  expect  to  have 
blooms  quite  up  to  the  market  average,  but  you  should  endeavour  to 
have  them  above  the  average,  in  fact  as  good  as  it  is  possible  to  produce 
them.  There  is  always  a  demand  for  the  “  best  ”  of  everything  when 
relatively  inferior  produce  is  a  drug  in  the  market.  Your  soil  must  be 
brought  into  a  good  state  of  mechanical  division,  then  when  it  is  also 
enriched  it  will  grow  Sweet  Peas  and  Asters  well. 

Chrysanthemum  Eeaves  Infested  with  IVllldew  and  Thrlps 

{Amateur).  —  The  leaves  not  only  have  been  but  are  infested  with 
mildew,  the  brownish  spots  being  due  to  this  cause  where  the  fungus  has 
been  arrested  in  growth  but  not  destroyed  by  the  bisulphide  of  calcium 
solution.  This  has  probably  been  too  weak,  or  the  leaves  may  have 
been  damp  when  it  was  applied,  otherwise  it  is  a  specific  for  the  oidium 
stage  of  the  fungus.  It  would  be  desirable  to  repeat  the  application  for 
the  destruction  of  the  mildew.  The  only  insects  we  can  find  on  the 
leaves  are  the  larvm  of  thrips,  and  they  are  not  red  but  yellow.  The 
perfect  insects  are  not  present.  They  have,  however,  been  on  the  leaves, 
for  there  are  several  pupa  cases,  from  which  they  have  emerged  at  no 
distant  date.  There  is  no  trace  of  eggs,  so  that  the  present  generation 
being  destroyed  the  plants  may  remain  clean.  Dusting  with  tobacco 
powder  is  a  good  means  of  keeping  Chrysanthemums  free  from  insects 
and  mildew,  the  tobacco  being  fatal  to  aphides  and  thrips,  and  the 
sulphur  it  contains  to  mildew  and  red  spider.  Anti-blight  powder  has 
also  been  found  to  keep  the  plants  clean.  It  would  be  better  known 
and  more  largely  used  if  more  generally  advertised. 


Roses  and  lilllums  {F.  J.). — The  Rose  leaves  are  infested  with 
the  black  fungus.  Burn  all  the  leaves  and  prunings,  and  apply  a 
fungicide  early  in  the  season.  Roses  in  poor  dry  soil,  or  exhausted 
with  age,  are  more  liable  to  fungoid  infestation  than  are  healthy  and 
well-grown  plants  or  bushes.  Liliums  are  usually  repotted  annually, 
after  the  stems  have  died  down  in  the  autumn,  removing  the  old  soil 
and  dead  fibres,  but  not  the  white  fleshy  roots,  the  pots  being  plunged 
over  the  rims  in  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse.  Many  are  plunged  in  cold 
frames,  but  more  in  the  open  on  a  thick  bed  of  ashes,  provision  of  some 
kind  being  afforded  for  throwing  off  heavy  rains.  We  have  seen  fine 
Liliums,  however,  grown  without  repotting,  but  simply  removing  some 
of  the  old  and  adding  fresh  soil,  following  with  rich  top-dressings  and 
liquid  support  in  summer.  Under  this  treatment  the  drainage  must 
be  in  an  efficient  state.  Why  not  try  both  methods,  and  thus  gain 
information  of  the  most  practical  kind  ?  but  we  should  repot  the 
majority  of  the  Liliums. 

Apple  Benonl  (Z).  E.). — Though  you  have  not  seen  any  mention 
of  this  Apple  in  our  columns  previous  to  last  week,  it  has  been  mentioned 
all  the  same  and  figured.  Perhaps  you  are  a  comparatively  new  reader. 
We  reproduce  the  illustration.  The  fruit  was  grown  at  Chiswick,  and 
the  following  remarks  accompanied  the  figure  : — “  The  crop  was  one  of 
the  best,  and  the  tree  is  one  of  the  healthiest  growers  in  the  collection, 
being  upright  in  habit,  and  hence  well  suited  to  borders  in  gardens. 
Mr.  Barron  regarded  it  as  one  of  the  best  varieties  for  following  the 
summer  Apples  such  as  Mr.  Gladstone,  Red  Astrachan,  and  others,  and 
preceding  the  regular  autumn  Apples.  The  quality  of  the  Chiswick 


FIG.  33. — APPLE  BENONI. 


fruit  was  good,  pleasant,  and  refreshing,  but  we  have  tasted  fruits 
richer  from  Sawbridgeworth,  while  in  Kent  we  have  heard  the  variety 
is  not  regarded  as  superior.  Soils  and  circumstances  have  their  influence 
on  fruits ;  but,  generally  speaking,  Benoni  may  be  regarded  as  a 
September  Apple  well  worth  growing.”  It  is  an  American  variety,  and 
was  introduced  to  this  country  by  Mr.  T.  Francis  Rivers. 

Amateurs’  Classes  {Bicliard  Powell). — According  to  this  de¬ 
finition  of  an  amateur — “  A  person  who  cultivates  a  garden  for  pleasure 
and  not  for  gain  ” — neither  of  the  men  to  whom  you  allude  was 
eligible  to  compete  in  the  amateur  classes,  as  both  of  them  worked  for 
wages.  There  is  another  broad  distinction  in  the  schedules  of  some  very 
large  shows — namely,  that  all  persons  who  are  not  nurserymen  are  re¬ 
garded  as  amateurs,  but  this  is  rarely  if  ever  the  case  in  connection  with 
local  exhibitions.  Why  one  of  the  men  whose  occupation  you  describe 
was  admitted  and  the  other  excluded  is  a  question  beyond  the  power  of 
ordinary  intelligence  to  explain,  and  we  can  only  refer  you  to  the 
extraordinary  intellects  in  your  locality. 

Timber  IVIeasurement  (IT.).  —  Procure  “  Hoppus’s  Measurer,” 
F.  Warne  &  Co.,  Bedford  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London,  it  costs  two  or 
three  shillings,  and  you  would  probably  find  “  Nesbit’s  Practical  Mensura¬ 
tion,”  3s.  6d.,  “Key,”  5s.,  useful;  it  is  published  by  Longmans,  39, 
Paternoster  Row,  London,  E.C.  You  ought  by  aid  of  the  Hoppus  to 
readily  master  the  measurement  of  timber.  In  measuring  for  sale  do  it 
yourself  ;  we  have  more  than  once  detected  buyers  of  timber  making 
mistakes  in  the  girth.  The  value  of  timber  is  very  much  a  local  matter, 
and  you  will  do  well  first  of  all  to  thoroughly  master  its  measurement 
and  then  attend  a  few  timber  sales  to  acquire  some  knowledge  of  its 
value.  Coppice  or  underwood  also  vary  according  to  locality.  We 
have  sold  Ash  and  Chestnut  in  Kent  for  hop  poles  for  £40  an  acre,  but 
the  price  has  fallen  of  late  years.  We  have  also  in  Sussex  sold  Oak 
and  Hazel  copse  wood  for  £3  and  £4  an  acre.  So  you  see  the  range  is 
a  wide  one.  This  is  a  matter  requiring  full  knowledge  of  local  require¬ 
ments,  of  markets,  and  of  the  purposes  for  which  different  sorts  of 
wood  may  be  used.  No  book  would  give  you  such  information. 


September  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


233 


Orape  and  Rhubarb  "Wine  (J.  M.  L.'). — A  very  good  wine  can  be 
made  from  Grapes  which  do  not  attain  their  perfect  maturity  in  the 
open  air  in  this  country.  The  fruit  should  be  allowed  to  hang  as  long  as 
it  is  likely  to  derive  any  benefit  in  the  way  of  ripening,  and  when  it  is 
ready  the  bunches  are  to  be  gathered  and  laid  carefully,  so  as  not  to 
bruise  the  berries.  The  berries  are  to  be  picked  separately  from  the 
stalks,  discarding  all  that  are  in  any  way  decayed.  Measure  the  fruit 
as  it  is  put  into  the  fermenting  tub,  and  to  every  15  gallons  of  fruit  add 
1  gallon  of  soft  w'ater.  Stir  and  bruise  the  fruit,  and  after  standing  for 
twenty-four  hours,  strain  and  press  the  fruit  through  a  hair  cloth  or 
coarse  canvas  bag,  subjected  to  pressure.  Now  test  the  liquor  by  the 
Siccharometer  and  bring  up  the  gravity  to  120  by  the  addition  of  sugar, 
every  pound  of  sugar  raising  the  density  35  or  36.  Let  the  whole  be 
W’ell  stirred,  and  add  1  oz.  of  argol  to  every  3  gallons  of  must.  Stir  the 
must  every  day,  morning  and  evening,  and  when  the  density  falls  to  80, 
and  the  fermentation  becomes  languid,  the  cask  is  to  be  bunged  up,  and 
the  wine  bottled  off  in  the  month  of  March  following.  Ehubarb  wine  is 
very  palatable,  but  as  it  contains  oxalate  of  lime  it  is  injurious  to  some 
constitutions,  and  should  not  be  regularly  used  without  consulting  a 
medical  man.  To  make  10  gallons  of  wine  take  60  lbs.  of  the  stalks  of 
the  leaves  of  Ehubarb  unpeeled.  Cut  these  in  pieces  and  bruise  them 
with  a  mallet,  or  pass  them  between  rollers  such  as  a  wringing  machine 
without  cutting  them.  Put  them  in  a  fermenting  tub,  and  pour 
5  gallons  of  cold  water  over  them,  leaving  them  to  macerate  for  twelve 
or  sixteen  hours;  then  press  the  whole,  returning  the  juice  which  has 
been  expressed  to  the  fermenting  tub.  Add  30  lbs.  of  sugar,  or  as  much 
as  is  necessary  to  raise  the  gravity  to  110  if  a  sparkling  wine  is  desirable, 
and  to  120  if  a  still  wine ;  also  4  ozs.  of  powdered  argol,  and  enough 
water  to  make  the  quantity  of  liquor  up  to  10^  gallons.  Cover  the  tub 
with  a  blanket  and  place  it  in  a  temperature  of  55°  or  60°,  Siir  it 
occasionally  for  three  days  to  encourage  the  fermentation,  and  then 
strain  it  through  flannel  into  a  cask,  which  must  be  kept  full  to  the 
bung  till  fermentation  ceases.  As  soon  as  the  gravity  of  the  wine  is 
reduced  to  40  the  cask  may  be  removed  to  the  cellar  and  the  bung  fixed 
firmly  in.  In  a  month  or  six  weeks  the  wine  may  be  fined,  and  drawn 
off  into  a  clean  cask  or  returned  to  the  same  one  after  being  properly 
cleaned.  The  cask  may  now  be  finally  stopped  close  and  left  till  the 
time  of  bottling.  If  a  sparkling  wine  is  desired  it  must  be  bottled  in 
March  following  with  the  corks  safely  wired  ;  but  if  a  still  wine  it 
should  remain  in  the  cask  at  least  a  twelvemonth  before  being  bottled. 
In  the  absence  of  a  saccharometer  you  must  be  guided  by  your  judgment 
in  the  procedure,  but  an  instrument  can  be  had  for  about  33.  6d.  from 
Messrs,  Cetti,  Opticians,  Brook  Street,  Holborn,  London. 

Names  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  consequence 
of  the  large  nuinher  of  worthless  Apples  and  Pears  sent  to  this  office  to 
he  named.,  it  has  heen  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  which  are  not  worth  sending 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  {J.  Smithj. — A,  Brockworth  Park.  The  others  not  ready 
for  naming.  You  should  attach  the  number  more  securely,  or  wrap 
each  specimen  in  paper,  with  the  number,  not  a  letter,  marked  inside, 
(i^.  J.  Gray). — 1,  Gloria  Mundi ;  2,  King  of  the  Pippins  ;  3,  Northern 
Greening ;  4,  Winter  Greening ;  5,  Sturmer  Pippin ;  6,  Blenheim 
Pippin.  (^Richard  C.  Long). — 1,  Gloria  Mundi  ;  3,  Striped  Beefing  ; 
6,  Greenup’s  Pippin.  The  others  too  imperfect  for  naming.  {W.  Strug- 
nell). — 1,  Mar^chal  de  Cour  ;  2,  Althorp  Crasanne?  3,  Easter  Beurrb  ; 
4,  Beurrh  Sterckmanns  ;  5,  Beurre  Capiaumont ;  6,  Beurr6  A.  Lucas. 
Graft  the  trees  of  all  those  of  which  you  have  sent  a  list ;  they  are 
worthless.  Pears  cannot  be  named  with  certainty  when  they  are  quite 
green  and  hard.  {A.  II.  L.). — 1,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  ;  2,  Marhchal 
de  Cour  ;  3,  Gravenstein  ;  4,  Duchesse  d’Angouleme  ;  5,  Margil  ;  6, 
New  Northern  Greening.  Pinning  numbers  in  the  eyes  of  fruits  is  a 
very  bad  practice.  (P.  Morris). — 1,  Emperor  Alexander  ;  2,  quite 
decayed  ;  3,  Yorkshire  Greening.  (P.  Jellico). — Lord  Suffield  ;  very 
fine,  (IK.  Spencer  Payne).  —  69,  Keswick  Codlin ;  70,  Baldwin. 
(^Janies  Smartf — 1,  Court  Pendu  Plat ;  4,  Small’s  Admirable  ;  6  and  9, 
Tower  of  Glamis  ;  7,  Blenheim  Pippin  ;  14,  Coe’s  Golden  Drop, 
(Ji  S.  B.). — 1,  Nouvelle  Fulvie ;  2,  Allen’s  Everlasting ;  3,  Gloria 
Mundi  ;  5,  Josephine  de  Malines ;  6,  Tower  of  Glamis.  Most  of  the 
numbers  were  displaced  ;  never  use  pins  for  affixing  the  numbers. 

Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(IF.  M.  B.). — Cratsegus  coccineus.  (IF.  G.  S.). — Eanunculus  parvi- 
florus,  a  British  plant.  We  have  pleasure  in  naming  plants  for  regular 
subscribers.  QCymru). — 1,  Asplenium  flaccidum;  2,  Thunbergia  alata; 
3,  Lonicera  brachypodaaurea reticulata;  4,  Berberis  vulgaris;  5,  Begonia 
Evansiana  ;  6,  Summer  Savory  (Satureia  hortensis).  (^Somerset). — Pro¬ 
bably  a  Solanum,  but  specimen  had  only  one  withered  flower ;  2,  a 
Pentstemon,  but  flowers  too  withered  to  identify  species. 


COVENT  GAEDEN  MAEKBT. — September  6th. 

Market  still  heavily  supplied  ;  prices  virtu.ally  unaltered. 

FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

g. 

d. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Apples,  per  bushel  . .  . . 

1 

0  to  6 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

Oto  15 

0 

„  Tasmanian, per  case 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Oranges,  per  100  ..  .. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

„  Nova  Scotia,  brl. 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

6 

8 

0 

Cherries,  half  sieve  . .  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

1 

G 

2 

6 

Cobs  . 

28 

0 

30 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Gooseberries,  half  sieve  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Strawberries,  per  ib . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

1 

6 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

Asparagus,  per  bundle 

0 

0  to  0 

0 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to 

0 

0 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb.  . . 

0 

3 

0 

4 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

6 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Potatoes,  per  owt . 

2 

0 

4 

G 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

8 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . , 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Seakale,  per  basket  . .  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . .  . ,  . . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  Ib . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel  . .  . .  . . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

4 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . .  . . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE 

WHOLESALE 

PRICES.— CUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 

s. 

d. 

S. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Asters  (French),  per  bunch 

0 

9 

1 

3 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  (English)  doz.  bches. 

3 

0 

5 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . , 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

6 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bimches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches  . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

sprays  . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

1 

6 

4 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

0 

3 

0 

„  YeUow,  dozen  . .  . . 

o 

0 

4 

0 

Maidenhair  Pern,  dozen 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS, 

B. 

d. 

S, 

d. 

S. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

Arbor  Vit®  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0  to  7 

6 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Asters,  dozen  pots  , .  , . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Hydrangea,  per  dozen  . . 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  .. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

c 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Ohrysantbemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  •  ♦ 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Dracffina  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Drac®na  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Buonvm us,  var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  . .  . . 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

„  (specimens)  . .  . . 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Perns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Ferns  (small)  pf  r  hundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Rhodanthe,  per  dozen 

4 

0 

6 

0 

WEEDS. 


“  No  one  knows  the  expense  of  cleaning  a  foul  farm  till  they 
have  tried  it,”  said  a  sound  practical  farmer  once,  when  discussing 
ways  and  means  for  cleaning  a  dirty  farm.  Many  such  farms 
will  be  falling  in  hand  this  Michaelmas.  Entirely  are  we  in 
sympathy  with  the  landlord,  agent,  or  home  farmer  who  has 
to  take  and  make  the  best  of  them,  as  has  fallen  to  our  lot 
to  do  many  a  time.  How  any  man,  but  especially  a  tenant 
farmer,  can  suffer  land  for  which  he  pays  rent  to  become  foul 
with  weeds  is  a  matter  beyond  our  comprehension.  It  is  a 
shameful  thing  for  which  there  can  be  no  excuse ;  suicidal  on 
the  part  of  the  tenant,  harmful  to  the  landlord,  and  not  unfre- 
quently  a  nuisance  to  an  entire  parish,  as,  for  example,  in  the 
case  of  the  tenant  of  a  hill  farm,  whose  landlord  held  him  to 
the  conditions  of  a  lease  so  far  as  rent  was  concerned,  while  the 
price  of  corn  became  ruinously  low.  The  rent  was  high,  the 
tenant  was  angry,  he  foolishly  let  his  land  get  so  foul  with 
Thistles  that  in  the  last  year  of  his  tenancy  they  ran  to  seed 
among  the  spring  corn  in  such  quantities  that  in  a  high  wind 
the  seed  was  blown  far  and  wide  over  the  neighbouring  farms. 

That  farm  came  into  our  hands  at  Michaelmas  so  dirty 
that  much  of  it  had  to  be  fallowed  in  the  following  year,  and 
we  were  thought  fortunate  in  being  able  to  re-let  it  after  a  year 


284 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  7,  1893. 


of  persistent  cleaning.  Cropping  in  anything  like  the  regular 
fashion  was  out  of  the  question.  Ploughs,  harrows,  horse  hoes, 
cultiva^^ors,  hand  forks,  and  hand-picking  were  all  brought  into 
action.  Couch  fires  were  set  going  whenever  it  was  possible, 
much  rubbish  was  carted  to  heaps  and  so  burnt ;  by  the  autumn 
we  had  some  fair  crops  of  Mangolds  and  Swedes,  and  the  whole 
of  the  land  was  cleaner  and  more  thoroughly  tilled  than  it  had 
been  for  many  a  day.  No  very  close  computation  of  the  actual 
cost  was  ever  gone  into.  It  had  to  be  done,  we  had  several 
other  farms  in  hand,  and  were  able  to  spare  horses  and 
implements  from  them  occasionally  to  get  through  what  was 
nothing  else  than  estate  improvement. 

It  is  by  no  means  intended  to  infer  that  work  thus  done 
was  at  all  thorough  and  complete.  That  was  impossible. 
Thistles  would  be  coming  from  seed  for  some  time  subsequently. 
Worse  than  Thistles  was  the  Charlock,  of  which  a  fresh  crop 
follows  every  ploughing  for  years  after  land  is  once  infested 
with  it.  Its  seed  appears  to  retain  vitality  for  an  indefinite 
period,  in  all  kinds  of  soil.  A  meadow  which  bad  been  laid  down 
to  grass  for  some  ten  or  twelve  years  was  drained  last  winter ; 
this  summer  hundreds  of  plants  of  Charlock  sprung  up  over  the 
drains.  In  dealing  with  this  pest  the  only  safe  plan  is  to  destroy 
every  young  plant  of  it  upon  its  first  appearance  on  a  farm ; 
once  suffer  it  to  mature  a  crop  of  seed  and  its  eradication  is 
practically  impossible.  Much  may  be  done  to  reduce  it  by 
stirring  the  land  repeatedly  in  autumn  after  harvest,  just 
waiting  long  enough  each  time  for  the  plants  to  appear,  and 
then  shallow  ploughing  or  even  horse-hoeing  at  once.  The 
present  autumn  is  most  favourable  for  this  and  every  form  of 
cleaning  ;  not  a  chance  for  autumn  tillage  should  be  lost,  every¬ 
thing  else  that  can  be  kept  in  abeyance  for  it  should  be.  On 
light  land  much  of  the  Charlock  plant  may  be  destroyed  among 
spring  corn  by  a  light  harrowing  after  the  corn  is  well  up. 
This  is  a  critical  operation,  requiring  care  and  judgment,  or 
the  corn  suffers.  Best  of  all,  for  a  field  foul  with  Charlock,  is 
to  bring  it  under  a  six-years  course,  so  that  five  years  out  of 
the  six  it  is  in  temporary  pasture.  By  using  Grasses  of  vigorous 
growth,  with  Clovers  in  well  balanced  proportion,  and  by 
keeping  soil  fertility  fully  sustained,  the  seeds  are  very  produc¬ 
tive,  and  the  disheartening  and  costly  contest  with  the  Charlock 
is  avoided.  Here  is  the  mixture  which  has  been  found  to 
answer  so  well  in  Essex  for  such  pasture  : — 

Ibp. 

Perennial  Rye  Grass . 13 

Italian  Eye  Grass  .  5 

Cocksfoot  .  .5 

Timothy  .  3 

Meadow  Foxtail  .  2 

Red  Clover  (broad) .  3 

Perennial  Clover  (broad)  .  3 

White  Clover .  2 

Alsike  Clover .  2 

Trefoil  (or  Lucerne) .  2 

Total  quantity  per  acre . 40 

On  the  other  hand,  when  pasture  is  very  foul  with  Knap¬ 
weed,  Ox-eye,  Buttercup,  and  Yellow  Rattle  it  may  become 
necessary  to  pare  and  burn  the  sod  to  get  rid  of  the  pests. 
Under  good  management  there  is  no  reason  why  the  land  may 
not  then  be  broken  up  and  relaid  down  to  pasture  with  a  co'n 
crop.  Cows  will  touch  none  of  such  weeds,  but  they  may  and 
do  eat  unwholesome  plants  which  do  harm  to  the  milk.  Pro¬ 
fessor  McConnell  has  recently,  in  the  “  Agricultural  Gazette,” 
called  attention  to  an  instance  of  this  at  Ta*ny  Hall,  Epping, 
where,  in  skilful  hands,  great  difficulty  has  been  found  all  the 
summer  in  getting  the  butter  to  come.  His  explanation  is  so 
clear  and  withal  so  important  that  we  quote  it : — “  The  excessive 
drought  had  rendered  it  necessary  to  give  the  cows  access  to 
land  which  had  always  hitherto  been  mowed  for  hay,  and  it 
was  noticed  that  a  plant  similar  to  Parsley  or  Dwarf  Hemlock 
was  growing  in  a  portion  of  this.  The  cowman  recalled  to 


mind  that  an  old  herbalist  had  told  him  that  this  plant  would 
prevent  the  butter  from  coming,  and  it  was  resolved  to  try  the 
effec's  of  shutting  the  animals  out  of  the  parts  so  affected. 
The  effect  was  almost  immediate,  as  in  a  week  or  so  the  cream 
had  come  back  to  its  normal  characteristics.  The  plant  proved 
on  examination  to  be  the  Pepper  Saxifrage  (Silaus  pratensis), 
an  umbellifer,  and  in  some  of  the  ‘  Floras  ’  it  is  noted  as 
stopping  the  milk  if  eaten  in  a  large  quantity,  and  of  tainting 
it  if  a  small  quantity  is  consumed.  But  it  is  noticeable  that 
it  is  not  mentioned  in  any  dairy  work  known  ta  me,  while  the 
harm  that  it  d  es  may  be  enormous.  In  this  case  it  affected 
the  milk  of  some  seventeen  cows  all  summer  in  such  a  way  that 
there  was  an  immense  loss  of  butter,  which  would  not  ‘come,’ 
and,  therefore,  was  lost  in  the  buttermilk.  There  was  nothing 
of  the  nature  of  a  smell  or  taint,  for  the  butter  was  first-class- 
af  er  it  was  made;  but  the  p’ant  seemed  to  affect  the  cream 
globules  in  such  a  way  as  to  prevent  them  from  uniting.” 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Poultry  require  special  attention  just  now  in  preparation  for  winter, 
and  next  spring  also.  As  the  egg  supply  falls  off,  and  moulting  is  likely 
to  commence,  old  hens  must  be  got  rid  of.  The  term  is  appropriate,  for 
if  sold  they  bring  about  a  shilling  apiece  ;  exceptionally  good  hens  may 
be  worth  twice  or  three  times  as  much,  but  anything  like  a  profit  on 
them  is  out  of  the  question.  The  best  purpose  the  home  farmer  can 
turn  them  to  is  to  send  them  to  the  stock-pot,  beginning  this  as  they 
cease  laying.  A  word  of  caution  is  necessary  in  this  matter  to  the 
person  in  charge  of  the  poultry,  that  none  but  perfectly  healthy  hens 
are  so  used.  Twice  in  our  experience  has  soup  been  spoiled  by  a  taint 
from  unhealthy  old  hens,  heedlessly  sent  to  the  kitchen  with  the  foolish 
notion  that  anything  does  for  the  stockpot.  A  good  home  farmer  makes 
a  point  of  seeing  that  all  farm  produce  sent  to  the  kitchen  is  sound, 
sweet,  and  wholesome.  But  he  cannot  always  be  on  the  spot,  and  cooks 
will  send  at  all  hours  for  articles  unordered  at  the  proper  time.  So  far 
as  is  possible  let  the  bulk  of  the  household  supply  be  sent  in  early  in 
the  day,  a  second  regular  journey  being  made  after  the  afternoon 
milking.  Send  up  the  order-book  with  the  morning  delivery,  and  while 
quietly  striving  to  enforce  systematic  action,  avoid  friction.  Remember 
before  all  things  to  keep  the  promotion  of  your  employer’s  comfort  and 
convenience  in  view,  and  take  especial  care  always  to  have  a  surplus 
supply  of  everything — no  light  matter  this,  but  entirely  possible.  It 
implies  no  waste,  because  all  surplus  produce  can  be  sold,  dealers  being 
only  too  eager  to  purchase  the  excellent  produce  of  a  well-managed 
home  farm. 

Select  pullets  from  March,  April,  and  May  broods  for  supplying 
winter  eggs,  as  well  as  for  eggs  next  spring  and  summer.  Take  care  to 
have  enough  to  insure  a  full  supply  ;  keep  them  apart  from  the  chickens 
kept  for  killing  for  table,  so  that  no  valuable  birds  are  killed  by  mistake. 
If  other  breeds  or  more  young  birds  of  any  sort  are  to  be  purchased  now 
is  an  excellent  time  to  procure  them.  There  are  always  plenty  offered 
for  sale  in  the  advertisements  in  “  Poultry,”  and  we  have  reason  for 
entire  satisfaction  with  chickens  through  that  agency.  Select  also  stock 
birds  of  other  poultry,  especially  geese  and  turkeys.  As  turkey  poults 
come  in  for  table  they  are  much  in  request,  the  best  birds  being  killed 
first,  hence  the  importance  of  timely  selection. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 


OXMDEN  Square,  London. 

Lat.51°  32'40"  N.:  Loa?.0“8'0"  W.:  Altitude.  HI  feet. 


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

Bain, 

1893. 

August  and 
Septem  ber. 

1  Barometer 

at  32'^,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

I;In, 

Sun. 

Oa 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  , . 

27 

30-144 

60-4 

54-8 

W. 

61-7 

64  9 

47-7 

95-1 

43-2 

0-040 

Monday  . . 

28 

30-279 

58-9 

54-4 

N.E. 

60-6 

71-0 

47-8 

115-9 

43-7 

_ 

Tuesday  . . 

29 

30-386 

60’ 1 

53-2 

K.E. 

69-9 

72-0 

44-8 

115-0 

39-0 

_ 

Wednesday 

30 

30-177 

60-3 

56-4 

S.B. 

60-9 

76-6 

57-1 

119-8 

52-1 

Thursday . . 

31 

-.9-980 

61-1 

58-2 

S.W. 

61-7 

73-7 

55-0 

117-7 

51-2 

0-195 

Friday 

1 

30-044 

58-2 

57-1 

E. 

62-0 

67-2 

55-4 

83-6 

55-8 

_ 

Saturday  . . 

2 

30-112 

63-3 

58-4 

W. 

61-4 

72-4 

58-1 

1.0-8 

54  6 

— 

30-153 

60-3 

56-1 

61-2 

71-1 

52-3 

109-7 

48*5 

0-235 

REMARKS. 

27th.— Fine  and  bright  up  to  4  P.M.,  then  rain  ;  fine  after. 

28th.— Dull  early  with  gleams  of  sun  during  the  morning ;  bright  1.30  to  3  P.M.,  then 
dull  to  5  P.M. ;  rest  of  the  day  fine. 

29th. — Bright  and  sunny  throughout ;  fine  night. 

30th.— Overcast  in  morning ;  sun  at  10.30  to  2  ;  then  overcast,  with  some  sun  at  times 
during  afternoon  ;  fine  night. 

31st. — Spots  of  rain  and  dark  at  9  A.M. ;  bright  sun  at  9.45  and  till  5  P.M. ;  then  over¬ 
cast  and  spots  of  rain  at  5.25  P.M. ;  fine  evening. 

1st. — Rain  early  (2.30  A.M.),  dull  at  9  A.M.,  and  throughout  until  5.15  ;  then  sunny  ; 
fine  night. 

2nd. — Dull  early ;  bright  sun  at  9.45  ;  fine  and  bright  after ;  fine  night. 

Another  generally  fine  week  ;  temperature  falling  slightly,  but  still  a  trifle  above  the 

average.— G.  J.  Symons. 


September  14,  189S.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


235 


AS  we  arrive  at  the  autumn  it  is  well  to  review  the  difficulties 
experienced,  the  successes  noted,  and  the  failures,  in  some 
instances  so  painfully  apparent,  among  vegetable  crops  during  the 
phenomenal  spring  and  summer  of  the  present  year.  In  doing  this 
we  cannot  fail  to  be  impressed  by  many  significant  lessons  which 
must  be  fraught  with  useful  suggestions  for  future  elucidation. 
The  difficulty  of  maintaining  a  constant  supply  of  vegetables  was 
perhaps  never  more  keenly  felt  than  during  June  and  the  early  part 
of  July,  and  although  since  that  time  this  trouble  has  not  been 
entirely  absent  (on  account  of  the  comparative  failure  of  some 
crops  which  are  usually  reliable  ones),  yet  the  greater  variety  of 
Tegetables  in  season  during  late  summer,  together  with  a  timely, 
though  only  moderate  fall  of  rain,  and  the  refreshing  effect  of 
heavy  night  dews,  combined  to  bring  about  a  vastly  improved  state 
of  affairs. 

Vegetable  Marrows  have  been  a  more  abundant  crop  than  I  have 
previously  known  them  to  be.  From  a  very  early  date  they  have 
been  in  evidence  on  all  sides.  I  find  that  plants  set  in  the  ordinary 
garden  soil,  with  no  other  preparation  than  that  of  placing  a  few 
spadefuls  of  rich  manure  underneath,  have  yielded  far  better  than 
others  growing  on  raised  beds  of  manure  or  leaves.  This  is  doubt¬ 
less  accounted  for  by  the  fact  that  much  less  difficulty  is  obtained 
in  keeping  the  former  sufficiently  moist  at  the  roots  during  a  season 
of  tropical  weather,  unless  the  ingenious  practice  of  a  Warwickshire 
amateur  gardener  is  resorted  to — viz.,  that  of  watering  by  means  of 
a  syphon,  which  this  year  has  been  constantly  working  on  his 
Marrow  bed.  Pen-y-byd  is,  I  think,  the  best  variety  to  grow  for 
table  use,  the  quality  being  far  superior  to  that  of  any  other. 

Peas  have  by  no  means  been  so  good  as  usual.  When  mulchings 
and  heavy  waterings  were  resorted  to  well  filled  pods  resulted  ;  but 
under  the  best  cultural  conditions  the  season  was  a  short  one  on 
account  of  th«  arid  atmosphere  which  prevailed  for  a  long  period. 
I  never  remember  seeing  so  few  good  dishes  of  Peas  staged  at 
cottagers’  shows  as  during  the  present  season.  Sharpe’s  Queen  and 
Stratagem  have  proved  the  most  productive  with  me.  Early  in  the 
season  I  had  several  splendid  rows  of  WTlliam  Hurst,  which  is 
an  excellent  variety  to  succeed  American  Wonder  or  Lightning. 
The  great  advantage  of  sowing  Peas  in  shallow  trenches  has 
been  clearly  apparent,  and  wherever  cultivators  have  to  deal  with 
a  light  ground  I  strongly  advocate  the  adoption  of  this  practice, 
because  when  the  work  is  well  done  a  greater  depth  of  soil  is 
obtained  than  in  deep  trenches,  as  well  as  ample  facilities  for 
watering. 

Turning  to  Potatoes,  a  far  more  favourable  condition  of  affairs 
can  be  recorded.  Early  crops  were  somewhat  undersized,  especially 
in  the  case  of  Ashleaf  Kidney.  Sharpe’s  Victor  was,  however,  very 
early  and  good  in  every  way,  the  season  appearing  to  suit  it  exactly, 
as  during  wet  summers  this  variety  is  not  superior  in  quality  unless 
left  in  the  ground  till  the  tubers  are  fully  grown.  Puritan  and 
Snowdrop  afforded  large  clean  tubers  in  succession  to  those  first 
named.  Late  Potatoes,  when  grown  on  deep,  well  cultivated  soils 
are  furnishing  grand  crops.  The  tubers  are  large,  clean,  and  of  the 
highest  quality,  there  being  a  marked  absence  of  blotches  and  other 
disfigurements  so  frequently  noticed  when  heavy  crops  are  lifted. 
It  is  really  a  most  encouraging  sign,  as  the  crops  are  being  lifted, 
to  note  how  easily  they  are  separated  from  the  dust-like  soil,  exhi- 

No.  690.— VOL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


biting  clean,  firm  skins  without  a  trace  of  disease.  Satisfaction, 
Late  Rose,  Best  of  All,  and  Brinkworth’s  Heavyweight  are  particu¬ 
larly  good.  The  latter  variety  will,  I  think,  to  a  great  extent  super¬ 
sede  Magnum  Bonum  on  account  of  its  superior  quality  when 
cooked. 

Where  Onions  escaped  the  ravages  of  maggot  during  the  spring 
months  the  crops  have  been  good,  the  bulbs  having  ripened  splendidly. 
From  an  exhibitor’s  point  of  view  perhaps  we  have  seldom  been 
favoured  with  such  a  fine  Onion  season  ;  deep,  rich  soil,  special 
attention  to  watering,  and  abundance  of  sunshine  being  the  three 
principal  conditions  necessary  for  the  production  of  gigantic  bulbs. 
For  home  use  I  know  of  none  better  than  Veitch’s  Main  Crop  and 
Banbury  Improved  White  Spanish.  These  two  varieties  have  with 
me  been  highly  satisfactory,  although  our  soil  is  by  no  means  an 
ideal  one  for  the  growth  of  this  crop.  It  is  only  by  deep  digging, 
manuring  heavily,  and  giving  frequent  dressings  of  soot  that  good 
results  can  be  obtained. 

The  early  and  main  crops  of  Carrots  must  be  mentioned  as 
particularly  satisfactory.  Early  Gem  proved  well  worthy  of  the 
high  praise  bestowed  upon  it.  Early  Nantes,  which  we  grew  to  give 
a  succession  of  young  roots,  did  not  behave  well,  great  loss  being 
experienced  through  a  bad  attack  of  grub,  which  I  find  is  mcst 
difficult  to  keep  at  bay  when  the  Carrots  are  thinned  as  required  for 
use.  The  holes  thus  left  where  the  roots  are  drawn  afford  a  con¬ 
venient  opportunity  for  the  parent  fly  (Psila  rosm)  to  deposit  its 
eggs.  Where  practicable  it  is,  therefore,  better  to  quite  clear  a 
sufficient  space  at  each  pulling,  even  though  by  so  doing  a  few  small 
roots  have  to  be  sacrificed.  Too  much  praise  can  scarcely  be  given 
to  Matchless  Scarlet.  From  a  sowing  made  on  land  occupied  by 
Celery  last  year  we  have  now  a  bed  which  brings  out  many  flattering 
remarks  from  visiting  gardeners.  A  gritty,  yet  rich  soil  with  a  fine 
deep  tilth  is  evidently  well  adapted  to  the  growth  of  Carrots.  Beet¬ 
root  on  an  adjoining  quarter  has  also,  notwithstanding  the  season, 
made  good  progress,  sound  roots  of  the  right  size  for  table  being 
plentiful. 

The  production  of  really  good  Cauliflowers  has  been  a  matter 
of  great  difficulty.  Hundreds  of  plants  which  during  ordinary 
seasons  might  have  been  depended  upon  to  give  good  heads,  have 
this  year  either  bolted,  gone  blind,  or  provided  the  cultivator  with 
only  puny  heads.  Early  London  was  a  great  offender  in  this 
lespect ;  Walcheren  and  Extra  Early  Autumn  Giant  are,  however, 
now  supplying  good  heads,  and  the  older  type  of  Autumn  Giant 
promises  to  be  fairly  good,  but  rain  is  at  present  much  needed  to 
assist  them.  The  demand  for  good  Turnips  has  been  a  thorn  in  the 
side  of  innumerable  gardeners.  It  is  only  by  watering  a  portion  of 
the  crop  regularly  that  we  have  been  able  at  times  to  secure  pre¬ 
sentable  roots.  Successional  batches  of  Little  Pixie  Cabbage  have 
proved  invaluable  by  planting  them  only  a  foot  asunder,  and 
compact  heads  have  been  obtained  from  a  limited  space  at  a  time 
when  it  was  by  no  means  an  easy  matter  to  induce  the  coarser 
growing  kinds  to  heart.  Thought  and  labour  were,  perhaps,  never 
in  greater  demand  among  British  gardeners  to  enable  them  to 
successfully  cope  with  the  difficulties  of  the  situation  than  during 
the  past  summer,  and  I  believe  thousands  will  join  with  me  in 
expressing  the  hope  that  their  brains  and  physical  energy  will  not 
again  be  so  severely  taxed  for  many  years  to  come. 

Although  the  labour  of  summer  has  been  great,  the  outlook  for 
the  coming  winter,  as  far  as  garden  crops  are  concerned,  is  promis¬ 
ing.  Good  crops  of  roots  are  ready  for  storing  under  conditions 
favourable  to  good  keeping.  Borecoles  and  Broccoli  have  made 
firm  growth,  which  is  not  likely  to  be  easily  injured  by  severe  frosts, 
should  they  come.  We  have  had  opportunities  innumerable  for 
destroying  each  crop  of  weeds  in  a  young  state,  and  our  gardens 
ought  now  to  be  in  a  clean  and  sweetened  condition,  so  that  with 
the  timely  rains  of  the  autumn  and  frosts  of  the  winter  we  may 
look  hopefully  forward  for  brighter  prospects  if  not  lighter  labours 
in  time  to  come. — H.  D. 

No.  2346.— VoL,  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series.  . 


23G 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


AN  EiNTIIUSTASTIC  VETERAN. 

All  who  know  him,  whether  personally  or  only  by  report  and 
through  his  writings,  must  admit  that  he  answers  to  the  descrip¬ 
tion  of  my  title,  not  as  a  mere  fanciful  dreamer  seeing  all  things 
through  rose-coloured  glasses,  but  as  a  downright  hard  worker 
whose  achievements  justify  his  aims,  and  whose  life  work  has  been 
productive  of  results  by  which  the  community  at  large  has  been 
greatly  benefited. 

As  a  teacher  of  horticulture,  Robert  Fenn  was  one  of  that  staff 
of  grand  old  gardeners  who  in  the  Cottage  Gardener  did  such  a 
noble  pioneer  work  for  its  advancement.  It  was  over  the  charac¬ 
teristic  signature  of  “Upwards  and  Onwards”  that  most  of  his 
striking  and  original  contributions  appeared,  and  though  since  he 
retired  from  actual  practice  he  has  not  written  so  frequently,  he 
13  as  active  as  ever,  and  his  occasional  notes,  too,  are  as  welcome  as 
ever  to  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture.  They  may  be  brief, 
but  they  are  very  much  to  the  purpose  ;  so  effective  was  that 
last  one  on  “Anti-blight  Powder”  that  it  brought  to  a  climax 
the  long  pending  intention  of  a  pilgrimage  to  Sulhampstead  (as  our 
leader  has  it)  by  two  other  gardeners  whose  claims  to  be  regarded 
as  veterans  also  are  fairly  admissible. 

The  morning  after  the  publication  of  that  article  we  were  on 
our  way  to  Cottage  Farm  ;  a  hearty  greeting  had  we  from  the 
writer  of  it  on  our  arrival  at  Theale  Station.  We  were  soon  at 
the  cosy  home  of  our  host,  giving  due  admiration  on  our  way  to 
the  transparent  waters  of  unpolluted  Thames  in  such  striking 
contrast  to  the  pea-soup-like  appearance  of  it  that  morning  in 
cockneydom  ;  then  we  enjoyed  the  pleasant  country  lane,  with  its 
overhanging  trees,  and  the  fresh  green  herbage  of  the  rich  pastures 
on  each  side  of  it.  Soon  were  we  among  the  cider  casks  and 
seedling  Potatoes  discussing  a  point  of  practice  at  almost  every 
step,  listening  to  anecdotes  of  bygone  days,  telling  us  of  persistent 
effort  and  of  many  a  triumph  over  difficulties.  The  raising  of 
seedling  Potatoes  by  the  veteran  appears  now  to  be  confined  to  the 
crossing  of^  species,  a  by  no  means  unimportant  matter  in  view  of 
the  possibility  of  an  infusion  of  greater  power  of  disease  resistance. 
In  the  past  it  must  have  been  a  heavy  matter,  involving  much 
labour  and  almost  incessant  attention.  That  it  was  done,  and 
done  well,  we  know  ;  precisely  how  has  yet  to  be  told.  One  thing 
that  is  clear  is  that  Mrs.  Fenn  has  been  no  mere  silent  worshipper 
of  her  clever  husband  ;  she  has  worked  with  him,  doing  her  part 
and  something  more,  for  not  only  has  she  tested  almost  innumer¬ 
able  seedlings,  cooking,  as  she  told  us,  as  many  as  300  of  the  sorts 
on  trial  in  a  season,  but  she  has  evidently  entered  with  her  whole 
heart  into  the  work,  watching  the  progress  of  each  batch  of 
seedlings,  and  cheering  her  husband  with  the  loving  sympathy  of  a 
true  wife.  As  she  came  down  the  garden  to  us,  while  we  were 
among  the  Potatoes,  we  were  listening  to  the  story  of  how  in 
digging  up  a  certain  batch  of  seedlings  one  was  found  apparently 
with  nothing  but  stem  and  roots.  The  roots  had  been  followed  to 
the  depth  of  the  digging-fork,  “handle  and  all,”  quite  in  the 
contrary  direction  to  the  aspirations  of  “  Upwards  and  Onwards,” 
who  was  about  to  give  it  up  as  a  bad  job,  when,  as  he  told  us,  with 
the  cheering  cry  of  “  Dig  away.  Bob  !  ”  from  his  better  half  came 
the  incentive  to  go  a  bit  deeper,  with  the  result  of  the  unearthing 
of  a  cluster  of  Yam-like  tubers  almost  a  foot  in  length. 

In  the  garden  we  saw  among  many  kinds,  all  free  from 
disease,  such  splendid  varieties  as  Eliza  Fenn,  Lady  Truscott, 
Reading  Russet,  Reading  Ruby,  and  others.  There  was  no 
blight  and  no  supertuberation,  the  foliage  supported  by  short 
Pea  boughs,  aud  dressed  with  the  blight-preventing  powders,  was 
perfectly  healthy.  Xot  a  disease  spore  had  laid  hold  of  it,  and  the 
tubers  were  clear-skinned  and  ripe  for  lifting.  For  four  con¬ 
secutive  years  has  Mr.  Fenn  kept  disease  off  the  Potatoes  by  the 
persistent  use  of  the  powder,  puffing  it  over  the  growth  from  the 
earliest  stages  of  growth  onwards  till  the  tubers  are  sufficiently 
mature  for  lifting.  He  evidently  wants  no  dates  for  his  dressings  ; 
he  lives  among  his  crops,  and  anticipates  their  wants.  Hitherto  he 
has  used  the  bellows  for  this  work  ;  but  telling  us  to  wait  a  bit,  he 
ran  off  down  the  garden — yes,  positively  ran — quickly  returning 
with  some  powder  in  a  fine  sieve  to  illustrate  his  remarks  about 
the  ease  of  application  of  the  powder  to  the  surface  of  the  leaves, 
which  he  is  positive  is  the  only  part  in  danger.  Certainly  there 
were  his  Potatoes  without  a  blemish  in  tuber,  stem,  or  leaf.  Has 
he  not  sufficient  reason  to  be  positive  ?  More  than  this,  he  holds 
that  by  the  maintenance  of  the  foliage  in  perfect  health  there  is  a 
more  full  development  of  tubers  and  greater  bulk  of  crop,  and  he 
is  right. 

Surely  it  will  be  admitted  that  Mr.  Fenn  has  devoted  his  life 
to  a  work  of  national  importance  by  the  improvement  he  has 
wrought  in  a  staple  article  of  food  ?  He  has  given  us  Potatoes 
which  are  the  perfection  of  size,  form,  and  quality,  which  are 
literally  flourballs  from  the  present  time  till  the  new  Potatoes 


come  in  again.  He  has  improved  the  old  hollow-eyed  type  out  of 
cultivation,  and  now,  as  a  fitting  crown  and  finish  of  his  work,  he 
is  showing  in  an  easy,  simple,  and  certain  manner  how  to  prevent 
disease  from  attacking  the  foliage.  He  has  kept  his  Tomatoes 
equally  healthy,  the  foliage  being  a  bright  green,  the  _  growth 
vigorous,  and  the  crop  excellent.  To  ordinary  attention  is  added 
an  occasional  puffing  of  powder  over  the  whole  of  the  growth,  as 
being  all  that  is  necessary  to  keep  off  disease. 

Evidently  both  Robert  Fenn  and  his  “Missus”  are  nothing  if 
not  original—that  was  apparent  everywhere,  even  at  table  where  we 
were  regaled  with  most  excellent  fare  consisting  of  home-cured 
bacon,  home-made  bread  and  cider,  his  seedling  Cabbage,  First- 
and-follow-on,  of  singularly  delicate  flavour,  and  above  all  some 
superb  Eliza  Fenn  Potatoes.  After  seeing  the  ample  store  of  jams, 
and  the  barrels  of  various  home-made  liquors,  we  saw  the  fruit 
trees  mostly  laden  with  a  heavy  crop  of  fruit.  Both  young  and 
old  trees  of  “Pay  the  Rent”  had  plenty  of  fiuit  upon  them,  as 
have  several  other  kinds.  The  trees  are  everywhere — in  the  orchard, 
plantation,  garden,  and  along  the  margin  of  the  grass  land.  Some 
had  been  headed  down  and  regrafted,  no  worthless  sort  being  kept, 
every  tree  being  known  and  cared  for  as  an  individual.  Just  so  is 
it  with  the  numerous  ornamental  trees  given  to  Mr.  Fenn  by  his 
numerous  friends  ;  a  watchful  eye  is  kept  upon  every  one  of  them, 
and  needful  attention  paid  to  their  requirements. 

Of  the  grass  and  arable  land  mention  will  be  made  in  another 
article.  Of  fruit  and  vegetables  much  more  might  be  said,  for 
Mr.  Fenn  has  a  marvellous  fund  of  anecdote  and  reminiscence  in 
connection  with  his  life’s  work  most  pleasant  to  hear,  and  much  of 
which  is  worth  recording.  Quite  delightful  was  it  to  listen  to  him, 
as  he  unconsciously  showed  how  he  is  and  has  been  held  in  honour 
by  good  men  and  true.  Perhaps  one  of  the  greatest  compliments 
ever  paid  him  was  when  Mr.  Paterson,  feeling  that  his  end  was  draw¬ 
ing  nigh,  sent  him  all  his  untried  seedlings.  They  were  carefully 
tested,  and  the  produce  of  one  of  them  was  sent,  after  Paterson’s 
death,  to  his  son,  with  a  note  to  the  effect  that  it  was  valuable,  and 
should  be  taken  care  of.  That  Potato  was  the  famous  Paterson’s 
Victoria.  Quaint  old  Chaucer  taught  that  truth  and  honour  were 
the  essential  characteristics  of  a  gentleman.  In  our  friend  these 
high  and  noble  qualities  are  eminently  conspicuous,  combined  with 
kindly  feeling,  earnestness  of  purpose,  energetic  action,  and — well, 
just  a  tinge  of  enthusiasm  ;  they  have  made  Robert  Fenn  to  be 
held  in  general  esteem,  and  a  man  whom  the  three  pilgrims,  in 
common  with  many  others,  are  proud  to  term  their  friend. — 
Edward  Luckhurst. 


There  were  three  of  us.  One  a  gardener  developed  into  a 
farmer  of  a  somewhat  advanced  type,  also  steward,  surveyor, 
farm  and  garden  instructor,  and  I  know  not  what  besides;  one  a 
philosopher  who  would  not  wear  a  collar  to  save  his  head,  and 
whose  cook  I  would  not  be  for  £500  a  year  ;  and  one  a  scribe 
who  was  made  to  feel  rather  small  early  in  the  day.  He  is 
getting  on  in  years,  and  his  beard  is  white,  but  his  head  scarcely 
“turned  a  hair.”  The  philosopher  is  just  the  reverse— beard 
brown,  head  white.  On  his  being  asked  for  an  explanation  of 
the  phenomena  he  came  down  a  crusher,  in  the  words  of  an  old 
Scottish  divine — “  Men  with  white  beards  and  dark  hair  work 
most  with  their  jaws,  while  men  with  white  heads  and  dark  beards 
work  most  with  their  brains.”  It  was  useless  for  the  victim  to 
plead  his  still  tongue  as  against  the  philosopher’s  great  conversa¬ 
tional  power ;  the  farmer  shook  his  sides  like  a  John  Bull  in 
ecstacies,  and  the  poor  scribe  appeared  to  settle  into  a  brown 
study,  not  moving  his  beard  till — well,  till  dinner  time.  The 
philosopher  was  there  too,  very  much  there,  and  made  one  wonder 
why  his  beard  had  not  turned  white  years  ago.  Was  it  dyed? 
Now  the  scribe  has  had  his  little  revenge  he  will  proceed  with  his 
narrative  lightsomely  and  according  to  the  weather. 

“  Why,  the  man’s  writing  nonsense !  ”  someone  says.  Yes,  he  is  ; 
and  the  man  who  says  so  is  reading  it,  though  he  has  plenty  of 
substantial  fare  all  around  him.  “  Oh  !  I  am  so  sorry  you  were  in 
the  village  public  house  the  other  night,”  remarked  a  good  lady  to 
her  butler.  To  which  he  replied,  “  Yes,  my  lady.  I  was,  the  first 
time  for  twelve  months  ;  but  cohere  do  you  think  the  gossip  was 
when  she  saw  me  there?”  If  I  am  told  of  the  shoals  of  faults  in 
this  free  and  easy  communication  I  shall  know  somebody  has  “been 
there,”  as  the  cockney  gossips  say  “  a  reading  of  it,”  for  which 
purpose  it  was  written. 

We  met  at  Westbourne  Park — not  a  lordly  demesne,  but  simply 
the  well-known  ticket  station  of  the  Great  Western  Railway.  It 
was  a  hot  day,  and  the  philosopher  was  found  wrapped  in  wool — 
all  wool — for  he  abhors  cotton,  and  thinks  it  kills  people.  On  his 
white  head  he  had  a  thick  heavy  dark  cloth  cap — to  draw  the  heat, 
most  people  would  have  thought.  Oh,  no  !  “  Woollen  cloth  keeps 

out  the  heat  and  cold  alike,  and  the  body  exactly  at  the  right 
temperature  to  the  fraction  of  a  degree.”  Happy  man !  But  the 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


237 


burly  farmer  takes  his  eye — and  fills  it  ;  the  first  meeting  after 
more  than  twenty  years.  “  Why  it  can’t  be  the  same  young  man 
of  the  old  days  !  yet  it  muit  be.  But  how  you’ve  grown  !  ”  and 
then  it  was  a  comfort  for  a  quiet  man  to  ensconce  himself  behind  a 
newspaper  in  the  most  far  away  corner  possible  to  escape  the  battle 
of  the  tongues  as  they  fought  out  the  claims  of  Potatoes  and  Tulips, 
for  one  of  the  combatants  is  great  on  one,  while  the  other  seemed 
“gone  ”  on  the  other.  This  Tulip  and  ’taty  war  was  continued  till 
the  end  of  the  journey,  and  only  ceased  when  the  scribe  shouted — 
“  There  he  is  !  don’t  you  see  him  on  the  platform,  in  the  cream- 
coloured  hat  ?  that’s  Fenn  !  ”  He  had  come  to  meet  the  pilgrims. 
What  a  change  from  the  man  in  wool  !  Here  was  our  host  in  his 
white  blouse — indeed  white,  almost  from  head  to  foot,  looking  as 
cool  as  a  Cucumber,  while  he  gave  to  his  friends  the  warmest  of 
welcomes,  as  is  his  wont.  “  And  now  we  have  to  get  home,”  quoth 
he.  “  Here  is  the  cart  for  three,  and  the  waggonette  is  coming.” 
The  cart  seemed  to  tempt  the  farmer.  It  was  a  genuine  country 
article  that  had,  no  doubt,  carried  many  a  load  of  Potatoes,  and 
had  a  seat  across  it  for  three.  Away  jogged  Fenn  and  the  farmer, 
as  happy  a  pair  as  the  man  in  charge  had  ever  seen  safely  set  down 
at  Cottage  Farm. 

There  are  two  ways  to  Sulhampstead  from  the  station.  One 
over  the  bridge  to  the  left,  eventually  skirting  the  park — “  Fenn’s 
coach  road  the  other  to  the  right  through  the  village  of  Theale 
along  the  Bath  Road  to  the  “  Three  Kings  and  Jack’s  Booth” — a 
wayside  house  that  marks  the  turning  to  our  rendezvous.  And 
here  was  made  a  discovery.  When  the  farmer  left  London  he  had 
as  much  thought  of  seeing  the  Queen  as  his  sister,  but  here  he 
discovered  her  as  the  happy  landlady  of  “  Jack’s  Booth.”  No,  you 
have  not  caught  us,  Mr.  Watchful  Reader,  as  the  butler  was 
caught — in  the  public  house.  We  did  not  go  in  with  the  farmer, 
but  on  the  return  journey  waited  outside  for  him  like  strict  TT.’s. 

Cottage  Farm  is  a  truly  rural  home  two  miles  from  the  station. 
As  auctioneers  would  say,  “It  stands  in  its  own  grounds  of 
15  acres,”  a  picturesque  and  fertile  little  property,  which  has  been 
greatly  improved  by  Mr.  Fenn  since  he  purchased  it  some  fifteen 
years  ago.  We  enter  the  orchard  gate,  and  find  thrifty  well  fed 
trees  laden  with  excellent  fruit.  By  a  well  contrived  system  farm¬ 
yard  drainage  and  sewage  are  conveyed  to  the  trees  by  channels 
cut  in  the  grass,  the  land  gently  sloping,  and  the  trees  in  turns 
are  given  a  treat.  Of  one  tree  of  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  its  owner 
is  particularly  proud.  He  brought  it  with  him  from  Woodstock, 
but  before  then  exhibited  fruit  from  it  at  one  of  the  Royal  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society’s  Shows.  Mr.  Ingram  of  Frogmore  invariably 
won  with  “  Cox’s,”  but  that  year  Mr.  Fenn  was  told,  prior  to  the 
judging,  he  was  going  to  beat  the  Queen.  “  No,”  he  replied, 
“that  will  never  do  ;  tell  the  Judges  from  me  that  Mr.  Ingram 
must  have  the  first  prize.”  It  was  so  decided,  but  the  money  for 
an  extra  first  was  sent  to  the  parson’s  gardener  who  refused  to 
be  placed  before  the  gardener  to  Her  Majesty  ;  “  and  here,”  he 
says,  holding  up  his  hand,  “is  the  result  of  it” — a  massive  gold 
ring  that  his  then  employer,  Mr.  St.  John,  obtained  for  him.  Then 
the  wearer  of  it  goes  on  to  tell  that  the  raiser  of  the  Apple  was  his 
friend  residing  near  Slough,  and  he  pressed  Mr.  Cox  to  place  it 
in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Charles  Turner  for  distribution — a  scrap  of 
history  relating  to  the  best  dessert  Apple  grown  in  this  country. 

The  barn  is  a  feature  at  Cottage  Farm — a  great  gaunt  old  time 
wooden  structure  with  a  thatched  roof.  It  is  a  museum  of 
curiosities — a  conglomeration  of  bags,  boxes,  and  tubs  with  cider 
and  wine-making  appliances  all  round.  Apples,  Pears,  Plums, 
Brambles,  and  even  the  purple-fruited  Berberries  are  all  turned  to 
account ;  fermentation  is  active  in  tubs  and  barrels,  and  the  brewer 
bustles  about  to  show  us  his  work  and  ways.  As  blithsome  as  a 
boy  and  happy  as  a  prince  is  Robert  Fenn  in  his  rare  old  barn. 

But  I  must  cease.  The  gardener-farmer  said  he  should  write 
something,  and  we  must  not  both  tell  the  same  story,  or  if  we  do 
not  tell  it  in  the  same  way,  on  the  latter  point  of  which  there  is 
little  to  fear.  He  will  no  doubt  tell  about  the  Potatoes  and 
general  crops,  and  perhaps  of  the  home- grown  dinner  which  the 
philosopher  appeared  to  enjoy  as  well  as  his  mundane  friends. 
There  is  perhaps  one  thing  he  (the  Gr.  F.)  will  not  think  about — 
the  early  history  of  our  host  himself.  It  was  a  happy  thought 
that  led  someone  to  ask,  after  a  taste  of  Berberry  port,  “  Where  did 
you  spring  from,  old  fellow,  and  where  were  you  trained  ?  ” 
“Spring  from,  why  I  sprang  from  Bury  St.  Edmunds,  and  I  should 
have  bought  the  jail  there  awhile  ago  if  there  had  been  a  bit  more 
land  with  it.  As  for  training,  I  was  sent  to  a  jeweller’s  shop  in 
Kensington,  and  have  snatched  fruit  from  a  nursery  where  the 
museums  now  stand.  But  the  jewellery  trade  didn’t  suit  me,  and 
I  didn’t  mean  to  have  it,  so  commenced  saving  my  sixpences  to 
run  away,  and  run  away  I  did.  I  spent  a  fortnight  in  the  London 
Docks  looking  for  a  berth  on  board  ship,  but  in  a  weak  moment 
lent  all  my  money,  and  have  not  seen  the  borrower  from  that  day 
to  this.  I  was  sought  after,  caught,  and  carried  home  ;  then 


packed  off  to  Oxfordshire  to  look  after  chickens,  pheasants,  and 
other  pets  belonging  to  a  young  gentleman.  That  was  Mr.  St. 
John,  who  became  Rector  of  Woodstock,  and  I  remained  with 
him  more  than  fifty  years,  rising  from  boy  to  man,  becoming 
gardener,  steward,  and  general  factotum,  doing  everything  for  him 
within  the  rubric.” 

It  seems  our  old  friend  made  himself  as  useful  as  he  possibly 
could  in  every  way  until  he  became  indispensable.  That  is  the 
way  to  get  on  in  the  world.  It  is  said  he  became  more  like 
master  than  man,  engaging  schoolmasters  and  curates.  We  did 
not  ascertain  if  this  were  true ;  but  we  did  ask  if  he  preached. 
“ No,  that  would  have  been  out  of  order:  but  I  read  the  lessons, 
and  I  read  them  nov)  in  church  on  Sundays.”  He  is,  to  speak 
colloquially,  “one  of  the  old  sort” — a  monarchy-man,  church- 
and  state-man,  and  in  all  his  acts  a  gentleman  ;  given  to  hospi¬ 
tality,  ready  to  help  rich  and  poor  alike.  He  has  tried  to  do 
good,  and  has  done  good  in  his  day  and  generation.  Such  is 
Robert  Fenn,  the  pioneer  in  the  improvement  of  the  Potato,  a 
worthy  member  of  the  community,  and  one  of  the  happiest  men 
alive.  He  makes  his  friends  happy  too,  and  his  “missus”  helps 
him.  There  was  just  one  bright  link  missing  from  the  cottage  ; 
rosy-cheeked  Alice  was  not  at  home.  She  had  crowded  the  place 
with  jams  and  jellies,  then  gone  to  London  for  a  change. — The 
Scribe. 


Cattleya  aurea. 


This  magnificent  Cattleya  is  unusually  fine  this  season,  the 
continual  sunshine  suiting  it  admirably.  There  can  be  no  doubt  a 
strong  moist  heat  and  plenty  of  light  and  sun  are  required  to  grow 
this  species  properly,  and  it  well  repays  the  trouble  taken  in  its 
culture  by  the  gorgeous  flowers  so  freely  produced  under  these 
circumstances. 

Cattleya  Gaskelliana. 

This  favourite  species  also  is  now  in  full  beauty,  and  it  is  very 
valuable  on  account  of  its  flowering  after  C.  Mossim  is  over.  There 
are  some  splendid  types  now  in  cultivation,  many  of  them  coming 
near  to  C.  gigas  in  size,  and  very  richly  coloured.  If  the 
plants  are  removed  to  a  cooler  and  drier  atmosphere  while  in  bloom 
it  will  serve  the  double  purpose  of  ripening  the  bulbs  and  con¬ 
serving  the  flowers  over  a  longer  period  than  would  be  the  case  if 
they  remained  in  the  house  where  grown. 

Oncidium  incurvum. 

This  very  distinct  and  pretty  Oncidium  is  now  flowering  freely. 
It  is  one  of  the  best  of  the  small-flowered  species,  not  unlike 
O.  ornithorynchum  in  habit,  but  the  blossoms  are  larger  and  the 
growth  is  rather  more  robust.  The  spikes  on  well-grown  plants 
attain  a  height  of  fully  30  inches,  and  are  much  branched  and  very 
elegantly  arched.  The  flowers  are  white,  freely  spotted  and  barred 
with  purply  rose,  and  remain  a  long  time  in  good  condition.  It  is 
very  easily  grown  in  an  ordinary  compost,  and  a  temperature 
slightly  higher  than  that  usually  given  to  cool  house  Orchids. — 
H.  R.  R. 

Orchids  at  Highbury. 

According  to  a  daily  contemporary,  Mr.  J.  Chamberlain,  M.P., 
unlike  many  amateurs  of  floriculture,  has  ample  means  at  his 
disposal  for  the  gratification  of  his  hobby.  It  is  stated  that  Mr. 
Chamberlain  now  has  about  5000  plants  of  all  kinds,  and  from  all 
parts  of  the  Orchid-producing  world,  and,  of  course,  the  number  is 
being  continually  added  to.  They  fill  thirteen  of  the  eighteen  glass 
houses  ranged  along  the  side  of  the  handsome  yet  unpretentious 
residence.  When  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chamberlain  are  in  London  a 
box  of  beautiful  blooms  is  sent  every  week  for  the  decoration 
of  their  house  in  Prince’s  Gate.  In  addition,  two  flowers  of  the 
kinds  best  adapted  to  the  buttonhole  are  sent  every  day,  and  it  is 
with  one  of  these  that  the  famous  politician  generally  makes  bis 
appearance  in  the  House  of  Commons. 

Disa  lacera. 

This  has  repeatedly  been  described  as  the  “blue  Disa,”  and 
generally  excites  some  interest.  The  flowers  are  small,  of  a  bluish 
purple  hue,  and  are  produced  on  a  slender  scape  without  leaves. 
Alone  it  is  not  a  very  conspicuous  plant,  but  associated  with  others 
the  flowers  have  a  good  appearance,  owing  to  their  distinct  colour, 
though  this  is  by  no  means  the  brilliant  blue  some  might  be  led  to 


^38 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


expect  from  glowing  descriptions  given  in  past  times  of  the  blue 
Disas  at  the  Cape.  It  has,  no  doubt,  been  carefully  determined, 
but  several  reliable  authors  mention  D.  lacera  as  having  white  or 
whitish  jflowers.  A  few  weeks  ago  I  saw  a  plant  of  it  in  full 
flower. — Specialist.  _ _ 

AN  EXPERIMENT  WITH  SHANKING  GRAPES, 

The  above  heading  will  no  doubt  catch  the  eye  of  some  reader^ 
who  have  racked  their  brains  to  find  a  method  for  preventing 
shanking  in  Grapes.  Let  me  at  the  outset  disclaim  any  pretension 
of  having  solved  the  problem,  because  the  same  treatment  applied 
under  different  conditions  might  produce  totally  different  results. 
The  Vines  under  notice  are  probably  about  forty  years  old,  with 
their  roots  in  a  narrow  inside  border  passing  to  an  outside 
border.  The  varieties  are  Black  Hamburgh  except  one  Muscat 
Hamburgh  and  one  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  The  house  a  lean-to 
adjoins  the  hall,  which  makes  the  use  of  strong  natural  manures 
objectionable.  The  outside  border,  originally  a  deep  oblong  space 
filled  with  fairly  good  soil  and  without  any  separating  wall, 
is  joined  to  a  lawn,  the  latter  having  about  a  foot  of  light  soil 
resting  on  a  bed  of  clay.  A  few  years  ago  an  attempt  was  made  to 
bring  the  roots  nearer  the  surface.  The  old  soil  was  taken  out 
down  to  the  clay,  and  a  compost  of  chopped  turf,  half-inch  bones, 
and  old  lime  rubbish  used  in  its  stead,  but  with  no  appreciable 
effect  with  regard  to  the  shanking. 

Last  year  about  a  dozen  bunches  were  left  unthinned,  and  these 
bunches  had  not  a  shanked  berry  in  them.  It  was  at  once  decided 
that  this  year’s  crop  should  be  left  entirely  unthinned.  Anticipating 
the  extra  strain  such  a  proceeding  would  entail  on  the  Vines,  steps 
were  taken  to  meet  it  in  the  following  manner. 

In  the  early  part  of  November  the  borders  were  lightly  forked 
over,  and  a  heavy  dressing  of  fresh  cow  manure  applied.  This  was 
removed  in  February,  and  another  supply  afforded,  which  remained 
till  the  first  week  in  May,  when  it  was  taken  off  and  the  borders 
again  forked  over.  From  that  time  till  the  fruit  began  colouring, 
the  undiluted  drainings  of  a  cowshed  were  regularly  poured  on  the 
borders.  Tuesday  and  Friday  in  each  week  were  the  appointed 
days  for  this  purpose,  and  adhered  to. 

The  result  of  this  treatment  is  a  magnificent  crop  of  good 
bunches  with  medium-sized  berries  (no  puny  stoneless  ones), 
excellent  in  flavour,  but,  as  might  be  expected,  deficient  in  colour. 
Against  this  defect  I  may  add  that  they  are  much  thinner-skinned 
than  any  Grapes  I  ever  tasted.  There  are  a  few  shanked  berries 
here  and  there,  but  there  are  also  dozens  of  bunches  without  a 
shanked  berry  in  them,  whereas  in  previous  years  there  was  not  a 
bunch  but  was  more  or  less  affected  by  the  disease.  That  dispensing 
altogether  with  the  scissors  has  had  something  to  do  with  the  result 
I  have  no  doubt ;  but  my  belief  is  that  poverty  at  the  root  is  the 
chief  cause  of  shanking,  and  after  the  above  experience  I  am  more 
than  ever  inclined  to  agree  with  the  Scotchman’s  sage  remark  that 
“  Muck’s  the  gardener.” — Thos.  Richaedson,  The  Gardens, 
Simonside  Hall,  South  Shields. 

[We  should  like  to  hear  what  some  of  our  Grape-growing  readers 
have  to  say  on  this  subject.  We  are  inclined  to  think  that  Mr. 
Richardson,  who  gives  such  a  clear  account  of  his  experiments, 
may,  if  he  wishes,  have  Grapes  free  from  shanking  on  thinned 
bunches  in  some  not  far  distant  future.] 


HARDY  FLOWER  NOTES. 

It  is  with  mingled  feelings  of  joy  and  of  sadness  that  we  view 
our  own  and  other  gardens  when  September  has  begun  its  brief 
course.  The  sadness  comes  unwillingly,  but  we  cannot  but  fear  that 
frost  may  come  suddenly,  depriving  some  gardens  of  their  beautjL 
We  are  fain,  however,  to  drink  deeply  of  the  cup  of  true  pleasure 
while  we  may.  Roses  have  been  blooming  with  a  freedom  rarely 
seen  ;  Dahlias  of  various  types  have  been  brilliant  in  many  gardens, 
and  a  beautiful  band  of  flowers  of  many  kinds  which  the  florists’ 
art  has  made  almost  perfect  have  come  and  gone.  As  we  look  on 
these  flowers  we  feel  constrained  to  think  with  gratitude  of  the  good 
and  true  florists  who  have  sought  to  give  better  form  and  colour  to 
the  wildlings  of  Nature.  Many  of  our  garden  flowers  have  been 
improved  by  art.  Look  upon  the  old  white  Phloxes,  and  compare 
them  with  such  varieties  as  Panama,  perfect  in  form  and  with  larger 
flowers  of  purest  white  ;  or  compare  the  beauty  of  some  of  the  old 
scarlet  forms  with  such  fine  plants  as  Flambeau  or  Toreador,  and  we 
are  forced  to  admit  the  gain  is  great.  Nor  is  there  any  real  anta¬ 
gonism  between  the  hardy  flowers  fresh  from  Nature’s  hand  and 
those  subjected  to  the  florists’  art  ;  they  dwell  happily  together. 
The  charming  Violetta  and  the  beautiful  Violas  of  the  present  day 
are  vrelcome  here  beside  such  untutored  flowers  as  the  little  Viola 
Zoysi  or  V.  biflora.  The  garden  in  the  autumn  has  much  of  interest 


besides  those  plants  of  improved  form.  All  aglow  with  colour  have 
been  the  golden  composites  which  are,  perhaps,  too  numerous,  but 
whose  beauty  we  cannot  fail  to  recognise.  Sunflowers,  from  the 
great  flowered  annual  forms,  which  one  would  think  were  those  of 
which  Browning  spoke  when  he  said — 

“  Fancy  the  Pampas’  sheen  1 

Miles  and  miles  of  gold  and  green, 

Where  the  Sunflowers  blow 
In  a  solid  glow,” 

to  the  tall,  but  miniature-flowered  Helianthus  giganteus  or  the 
graceful  decapetalus  ;  Heleniums,  with  charming  flowers,  graceful 
Coreopsis,  golden  Coneflowers,  and  those  Silphiums  which  prove  not 
true  to  their  name  of  the  Compass  Plant  ;  these,  with  many  others 
of  similar  hue  and  form,  seem  to  have  revelled  in  the  sunlight  of 
this  brilliant  year,  and  as  the  sun’s  rays  shine  upon  them  they  seem 
to  be  returning  some  of  the  brilliancy  they  have  received. 

Among  the  most  graceful  of  these  Sunflowers  is  one  which  is 
grown  under  the  name  of  Helianthus  Buttaris  (?),  and  which  I  saw  in 
flower  this  year  again.  The  habit  of  the  plant  is  much  like  that  of 
H.  decapetalus,  but  it  is  taller  in  growth,  slightly  more  graceful,  and 
producing  more  flowers,  which  are  barely  3  inches  across.  Looking 
at  the  plant  one  was  forced  to  grieve  at  the  fact  that  unless  it  could 
have  been  shown  as  a  whole  its  beauty  could  never  be  properly  seen 
at  a  flower  show,  and  thus  its  graces  could  not  be  revealed  to  the 
people  at  large.  Another  beautiful  yellow  composite — for,  despite 
some  adverse  criticism,  I  am  still  disposed  to  claim  some  beauty  for 
the  plant  —  is  Chrysogonum  virginianum,  a  flower  not  likely  to 
be  much  seen  at  exhibitions,  and  one  which,  I  fancy,  one  learns  to 
appreciate  from  seeing  day  after  day  in  bloom  for  months  together. 
Here,  in  a  rather  low  and  damp  position,  and  receiving  a  good  supply 
of  water  in  the  dry  season,  a  plant  has,  for  two  or  more  years, 
become  more  and  more  attractive  in  my  eyes.  It  is  neat  and  dwarf 
in  habit ;  in  some  books  the  height  is  given  as  6  inches,  but  here  it 
grows  to  10  or  12  inches.  The  leaves  arc  rather  ovate  and  serrated, 
and  the  flowers,  though  small,  being  barely  H  inch  across,  are  pretty 
in  colour,  being  a  bright  yellow,  approaching  orange.  It  is  a  native 
of  the  United  States,  but  I  can  find  no  record  of  the  date  of  its 
introduction.  The  free  and  continuous  flowering  habit  of  C.  virgini¬ 
anum,  blooming  as  it  does  from  May  onward,  will  always  render  it 
acceptable  in  the  garden  of  hardy  flowers. 

While  the  yellow  composites  are  perhaps  predominant  in  the 
autumn,  we  must  strive  to  give  other  shades  of  colour  and  other 
forms  of  flower  to  adorn  the  borders,  and,  so  far  as  regards  colour, 
the  fine  blooms  of  Rudbeckia  or  Echinacea  purpurea  are  always 
objects  of  admiration.  It  is  gratifying  to  find  that  it  is  being 
increasingly  grown,  and  that  wherever  seen  it  is  much  admired.  The 
flowers,  which  are  about  4  inches  across,  are  what  one  might  call  a 
red  purple,  and  are  tipped  at  the  ends  with  a  greenish  or  grey-green 
colour.  This  is  a  defect,  but  it  is  possible  that  this  might  disappear 
in  the  case  of  some  of  the  plants  raised  from  seed,  and  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  this  improvement  may  be  attained.  The  leaves  are  rather 
rough  and  slightly  toothed,  and  the  plant  grows  in  some  cases  5  or 
6  feet  in  height.  There  seem  to  be  at  least  two  distinct  forms 
grown  under  this  name,  and  the  plant  is  said  to  vary  much  from 
seed.  Any  that  I  have  seen  may  be  divided  into  two  varieties,  one 
with  broader  leaves  and  petals,  and  more  robust  in  growth,  and 
another  considerably  inferior,  although  very  pretty  also.  Some  three 
or  four  Echinaceas  are  in  cultivation,  but  purpurea,  or  what  passes 
as  such,  is  the  one  most  frequently  met  with.  It  thrives  freely  in 
any  good  open  soil,  and  can  be  increased  by  seeds  or  division.  More 
might  be  said  about  these  desirable  plants,  but  others  must  have 
notice  at  the  present  time. 

Exceedingly  useful  in  the  autumn,  and  valuable  from  its  contrast 
in  colour  and  form  with  the  composites,  is  one  of  the  numerous 
varieties  of  the  Veronicas — V.  corymbosa,  which,  with  its  corymbose 
spikes  of  deep  purple-blue  flowers,  is  extremely  attractive  and 
distinct.  The  name  is  given  with  all  reserve,  as  the  Veronicas  are 
in  hopeless  confusion  ;  but  it  came  to  me  from  a  Dumbartonshire 
garden  under  this  name,  which  is  quite  applicable.  I  should,  how¬ 
ever,  be  glad  if  anyone  who  can  recognise  the  plant  from  this  brief 
description  can  give  me  any  further  information  about  it,  and  correct 
the  name  if  erroneous.  It  must  not,  however,  be  confounded  with 
V.  corymbiflora,  a  dwarfer  species  or  variety,  and  one  of  the  most 
valuable  of  our  autumn  flowers  for  the  rock  garden.  V.  corymbosa 
grows  here  rather  less  than  2  feet  in  height,  but  in  strong  soils 
should  grow  rather  taller.  The  leaves,  which  are  of  the  usual 
Veronica  type,  are  bright  green  above  and  slightly  downy  below. 
It  grows  freely  in  ordinary  soil,  and  requires  no  care.  According  to 
Paxton,  V.  corymbosa  is  synonymous  with  V.  polystachia,  which,  it 
appears,  was  introduced  in  1817,  but  whence  no  information  is  given. 
A  note  on  hardy  flowers  at  the  beginning  of  September,  when  this 
is  written,  would  be  incomplete  without  at  least  a  passing  reference 
to  the  simple  beauty  of  the  hardy  Cyclamen  in  full  blossom  on  the 
rockery.  Here  the  marbled  foliage  and  charming  flowers  of 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


239 


C.  hederaefolium  and  C.  grsecum  form  objects  of  the  greatest  beauty. 
They  grow  well  under  the  shade  of  trees  or  at  the  base  of  rockwork, 
and  are  benefited  by  the  addition  of  lime  to  the  soil.  No  one  can 
fail  to  admire  the  grace  of  these  little  flowers,  drooping  their  heads 
from  stems  uplifted  above  the  marbled  leaves.  The  only  depre¬ 
ciating  remark  that  can  be  applied  to  them  is  that  the  flowers  “  are 
small."  This  is  true  when  compared  with  the  greenhouse  varieties 
of  C.  persicum  ;  but  beauty  does  not  exist  only  in  large  flowers,  and 
the  modest  worth  of  these  hardy  “Bleeding  Nuns  ”  will  endear  them 
to  all  who  grow  them. 

It  has  fallen  to  the  writer  more  than  once  to  speak  in  favour  of 
the  Meadow  SafErons,  and  once  again  he  would  plead  for  recognition 
of  their  value.  Early  as  they  have  been  this  season,  coming  when 
other  flowers  were  plentiful,  they  have  yet  been  very  attractive  in 
their  various  forms.  The  rosy  purple  flowers  of  Colchicum 
autumnale  have  been  far  surpassed  in  beauty  by  the  rose-coloured 
C.  byzantinum,  which  is  almost  perfect  in  form,  while  this  again  has 
been  eclipsed  by  the  ruby  flowers  of  C.  speciosum  rubrum  and 
C.  veratrifolium  of  Tulip-like  size  ;  and  these,  in  turn,  have  yielded 
to  the  superior  charms  of  the  magnificent  C.  speciosum  maximum, 
the  gem  perhaps  of  all  with  the  exception  of  C.  Sibthorpi,  which  I 
have  not  as  yet  had  the  good  fortune  to  possess,  but  which  I  hope 
will  adorn  my  garden  another  year.  Very  beautiful,  too,  have  been  the 
double  forms  of  C.  autumnale,  the  rosy  purple  one  forming  a  charming 
tuft  through  a  carpet  of  the  foliage  of  Anemone  coronaria,  and  the 
double  white  flowering  later  and  coming  into  bloom  with  the  beautiful 
Crocus  specioEUS,  the  first  of  the  genus  to  flower  this  autumn  here. 

The  earlier  Michaelmas  Daisies  have  been  for  some  time  in  flower, 
and  with  other  plants  have  softened  the  glare  of  the  yellow  flowers  ; 
while  the  KniphoficS  or  Tritomas,  which  are  flowering  unusually 
well  in  my  garden  this  season,  have  added  variety  to  the  scene. — 
S.  A  KNOTT,  Dumfries. 


SOFT  VERSUS  HARD  COLD  WATER. 

I  AM  sure  many  readers  of  the  Journal  have  been  waiting  anxiously 
to  see  whether  Mr.  Dunn  would  accept  “  W.  P.  W.’s”  invitation,  and 
give  U8  the  benefit  of  his  ideas,  and  I  am  equally  certain  many  must  be 
astounded  to  read  them  in  the  face  of  present  day  facts.  I  would  not 
have  thought  it  possible  to  find  anyone  who  would  dare  to  advance  such 
a  theory  as  Mr.  Dunn’s  in  the  horticultural  press.  I  am  inclined  to 
think  your  correspondent  has  only  put  forth  a  small  skirmishing  party, 
while  his  heavy  guns  are  still  in  the  rear.  I  may  perhaps  be  a  somewhat 
dull  reader,  but  after  going  carefully  over  Mr.  Dunn’s  communication 
twice  I  fail  to  find  a  single  point  which  will  hold  water.  I  am  one  of 
those  cultivators  who  do  believe  cold  hard  water  is  something  more  than 
slow  poison  to  plants,  and  will  now  relate  a  few  stubborn  facts. 

When  I  first  started  on  my  gardening  career  it  was  impressed  upon 
me  very  forcibly  never  to  give  Cucumbers,  Vines,  and  plants  water 
which  had  been  taken  direct  from  the  tap,  but  always  to  make  sure  it 
was  somewhere  near  the  same  temperature  as  the  house,  and  for  that 
purpose  we  used  to  add  hot  water  out  of  the  boiler.  I  came  to  look  upon 
this  addition  of  hot  water  as  absolutely  necessary,  but  was  destined  to 
change  my  ideas.  Having  entered  a  market  growing  concern,  what  did 
I  see  ?  Simply  nothing  else  but  cold  water  being  used,  and  the  crops — 
well,  they  were  far  superior  to  anything  I  had  seen  in  private  gardens. 

I  have  seen  such  results  where  the  plants  and  trees  have  only  received 
cold  hard  water  that  for  a  long  time  past — to  adopt  a  soapy  phrase — I 
have  used  no  other.  I  do  not  mean  to  say  I  drench  my  houses  during 
the  dead  of  winter,  but  after  March  it  is  invariably  applied  to  all  the 
plants  growing  therein.  Our  Cucumbers  are  “  hosed  up  ’’  during  the 
summer  months  every  morning  at  6  A.M.,  the  borders  and  whole  house 
from  roof  to  floor  completely  drenched.  We  are  compelled  to  use  it  at 
this  early  hour  because  it  comes  from  the  main  of  the  water  company, 
and  after  the  carts  commence  watering  the  roads  our  pressure  is  con¬ 
siderably  reduced.  Is  the  water  cold  ?  So  cold  that  one’s  thumb  gets 
quite  numb  with  it.  In  the  afternoon  the  houses  are  drenched  through 
again.  This  is  all  the  “soft”  water  the  Cucumbers  receive.  I  have  never 
grown  better  fruit  or  heavier  crops.  I  have  a  friend  who  is  obliged  to 
rise  at  4  A.M.  to  get  his  houses  “hosed  up”  before  the  water  carts  start. 

The  Palms  grown  for  market  and  nursery  purposes  are  all  treated  to 
a  similar  routine  in  many  of  our  large  establishments.  I  know  one  very 
large  firm  who  use  the  hose  at  the  end  of  March,  and  keep  using  it 
continuously  till  the  following  winter.  Even  Mr.  Dunn  must  admit  the 
Palms  sent  into  Covent  Garden  Market  are  unsurpassed  for  colour  and 
general  appearance.  It  is  very  evident  some  plants  thrive  a  long  while 
on  Mr.  Dunn’s  “  slow  poison.”  I  doubt  very  much  whether  the  Heaths 
so  largely  grown  by  some  firms  ever  have  soft  water  ;  their  engines  pump 
it  into  tanks,  but  the  men  use  it  as  fast  as  it  is  pumped,  so  it  cannot  be 
exposed  to  the  air  for  any  length  of  time. 

I  will  now  quote  an  instance  of  Grape  culture.  At  one  of  the 
largest  Grape  growing  establishments  in  this  country,  where  tons  of 
fruit  are  grown  and  sent  to  various  parts  of  the  country,  and  even  to 
New  York,  hard  cold  water  is  alone  used,  and  there  are  few  Vines 
cropped  so  heavily.  The  houses  have  to  be  strutted  up  owing  to  the 
weight  of  the  crop.  In  this  particular  instance  rain  water  is  not  saved, 
and  absolutely  no  water  is  given  to  the  Vines  but  that  lifted  by  engines. 

I  could  enumerate  many  more  instances  in  different  branches  where 
the  much  despised  cold  hard  water  has  to  be  used,  and  is  used  most  ^ 


successfully.  I  entirely  differ  with  Mr.  Dunn  as  to  plants  treated  with 
hard  water  looking  pale  and  sickly.  I  do  not  find  it  so.  The  majority 
of  my  Chrysanthemums  are  watered  with  the  hose,  and  they  do  not 
present  the  appearance  your  correspondent  would  have  us  believe  they 
do  under  such  treatment.  Mr.  Dunn’s  experience  with  insect  pests  is 
also  somewhat  novel,  especially  when  I  remember  plenty  of  Peach  houses 
where  the  foliage  is  kept  green  and  healthy  by  no  other  means  than  cold 
water.  I  take  it  I  have  proved  by  actual  practice  that  Mr.  Dunn  is 
“  whimsical,”  and  certainly  in  my  opinion  his  ideas  on  the  subjects  of 
which  he  writes  are  out  of  date. — J.  B.  R. 


CAMPANULA  NITIDA  ALBA. 

C.  NITIDA,  or  C.  planiflora  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  has  been  in 
cultivation  for  more  than  a  century.  It  is  a  North  American  species, 


and  differs  considerably  in  habit  and  appearance  from  most  of  the 
European  species.  The  short  stiff  leaves  are  arranged  in  dense  rosettes. 
From  these  rise  the  spikes,  6  to  9  inches  high,  of  large  salver-shaped 
flowers.  The  latter,  which  open  one  at  a  time,  are  about  2  inches  in 
diameter,  and  of  a  flne  violet  colour  with  a  smooth  shining  surface. 
The  plant  is  peculiar  for  the  rigidity  of  all  its  parts.  It  succeeds  well 
as  a  pot  plant  when  grown  in  a  mixture  of  good  loam  and  leaf  soil 
with  a  few  pieces  of  soft  sandstone  intermixed.  In  many  places  it  can 
be  grown  successfully  in  the  open  border  or  rock  garden,  but  some 
growers  have  a  difficulty  in  keeping  it  in  these  positions.  C.  nitida  alba 
differs  only  from  the  type  in  having  white  instead  of  violet  flowers. 
The  illustration  (fig.  34)  has  been  prepared  from  a  plant  that  was 
recently  flowering  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew. — A.  B. 


240 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


National  Eose  Society. 

Every  man  has  a  perfect  right  to  his  own  opinion,  whether  he  be 
Mr.  Grahame,  his  anonymous  friend,  or  “  E.  M.”  Now  my  opinion  on  the 
question  of  Mr.  Grahame’s  circular  is  briefly  this.  That  the  result  of 
the  inquiries  made  in  that  circular  having  been  published  in  one  of  your 
contemporaries  since  I  last  wrote  you  on  the  subject,  no  further 
correspondence  on  my  part  is  needed. — E.  M.,  BerUhampstead, 

[Nor,  we  think,  on  Mr.  Grahame’s  part  either,  and  the  present 
discussion  is  now  closed.] 

Eose  The  Bride. 

According  to  my  experience  The  Bride  is  a  stronger  grower  than 
Niphetos,  and  in  some  respects  a  fuller  and  better  Eose.  In  growth  and 
the  construction  of  its  flowers  it  closely  resembles  its  parent,  Catherine 
Mermet.  The  greater  number  of  petals  in  the  flower  than  Niphetos 
possesses  is  in  favour  of  its  lasting  longer,  but  the  flowers  have  not 
the  pure  whiteness  of  Niphetos.  The  greenish  tint,  however,  is  not 
objectionable  in  either  wreaths  or  bouquets.  We  have  lately  had 
occasion  to  use  it  for  these  purposes,  and  good  full  flowers  are  lovely. 
It  will  never  supersede  Niphetos  in  my  opinion  for  market  purposes,  for 
although  it  is  a  stronger  grower  it  does  not  flower  so  profusely  ;  in  fact, 
it  possesses  the  character  of  its  parent  in  this  respect  in  a  marked  degree. 
— Eosa, 

Eosa  Polyantha  (Fairy  Eoses). 

These  charming  Eoses  should  be  extensively  grown  if  only  for  their 
marvellous  autumn  flowering  qualities,  for  they  are  particularly  bright 
in  appearance  at  this  period  of  the  year.  If  well  treated  they  make 
strong  bushes,  the  ends  of  every  shoot  being  crowned  with  a  profusion 
of  bloom,  embracing  in  their  varieties  shades  of  colour  varying  from 
pure  white  to  yellow,  pink,  and  deep  scarlet.  For  bedding  and  massing 
purposes  they  are  admirably  adapted  ;  yet  up  to  the  present  their 
qualities  in  this  direction  have  been  overlooked.  For  forcing  purposes, 
for  bouquets  or  buttonholes,  they  are  also  useful,  and  should  be  exten¬ 
sively  used  by  persons  interested. 

The  following  are  the  best  varieties,  yet  there  are  many  others  well 
worthy  of  cultivation : — Anna  Marie  de  Montravel,  purest  white,  well 
formed;  Golden  Fairy,  nankeen  yellow,  a  miniature  Wm.  Allen 
Richardson ;  Etoile  d’Or,  canary  yellow ;  Mignonette,  soft  rosy  pink, 
very  beautiful ;  Georges  Pernet,  rosy  peach ;  The  Pet,  pure  white,  very 
large  clusters ;  Blanche  Eebatel,  bright  carmine. — J.  E.Merryweather. 

A  New  Hybrid  Eose. 

A  RECENT  number  of  the  “  Garden  and  Forest  ”  contained  an  illus* 
tration  of  a  “  New  Hybrid  Eose,”  with  which  the  following  particulars 
were  given  “In  the  year  1891  Mr.  Jackson  Dawson  fertilized  a  flower 
of  Eosa  Wichuraiana  with  pollen  of  General  Jacqueminot,  and  in 
December  he  planted  four  seeds  which  resulted  from  this  cross.  The 
seedlings  appeared  in  January,  1892,  were  grown  in  pots  during  the 
summer  and  wintered  in  a  cold  pit.  All  bloomed  in  June  of  this  year, 
which  is  rather  remarkable,  since  few  seedling  Eoses  bloom  before  the 
second  or  third  year.  These  plants  differ  materially,  although  they  all 
show  to  some  degree  the  trailing  habit  of  the  seed  parent.  One  of  them 
has  single  pale  pink  flowers,  borne  in  clusters,  and  is  intermediate  in 
habit  between  the  two  parents.  Another  one  bore  double  flowers  of  a 
pale  flesh  colour,  which  did  not  open  well,  owing  to  damp  weather. 
The  third  one  has  a  prostrate  habit,  with  rosy  pink  flowers  borne  in 
clusters  of  four  or  flve  from  every  joint  of  its  last  year’s  wood.  It 
received  a  first-class  certificate  from  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural 
Society  at  its  Eose  Show  in  June.  The  fourth  plant  (which  is  the  one 
referred  to  as  being  illustrated)  is  not  as  prostrate  in  habit  as  Eosa 
Wichuraiana,  and  its  broader  leaves  have  a  glossy  surface.  The  solitary 
flowers  are  very  double,  and  in  shape  and  colour  resemble  those  of 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  although  they  are  smaller.  The  plant  con¬ 
tinues  in  bloom  a  long  time  and  promises  to  be  very  useful.” 


VEGETABLE  CULTURE  IN  ADVERSE  SEASONS. 

During  the  past  two  seasons  the  cultivation  of  vegetables  has  been 
a  diflScult  task,  and  whilst  the  struggles  with  the  dry  weather  are  fresh 
in  the  minds  of  gardeners  in  their  efforts  to  keep  the  table  well  supplied 
with  tender  produce  a  few  notes  on  some  of  the  most  useful  kinds 
may  be  of  service. 

Evidently  many  gardeners  have  succeeded  in  producing  first-class 
produce,  judging  from  the  excellent  dishes  staged  at  the  shows  during 
the  past  summer,  and  no  doubt  equally  good  vegetables  have  been  grown 
in  various  parts  of  the  country  and  not  taken  to  shows.  Gardens  lying 
in  low  positions  have  had  the  advantage  of  those  on  higher  ground,  and 
in  many  cases  the  latter  slope  as  well.  In  such  the  retention  of  moisture 
is  of  paramount  importance.  Exceptionally  dry  springs,  accompanied 
with  cutting  east  winds,  followed  by  months  of  drought,  are  the  most 
unsuitable  to  the  free  growth  of  vegetables.  What,  then,  does  recent 


experience  teach  us  ?  I  think  two  most  important  lessons — namely,  the 
necessity  of  deep  cultivation  and  mulching. 

By  deep  cultivation  I  do  not  mean  turning  up  the  subsoil  and  placing 
it  on  the  surface,  especially  where  it  is  of  a  cold  retentive  nature,  but 
thoroughly  loosening  and  mixing  with  it  garden  refuse,  if  in  a  charred 
state  so  much  the  better,  and  then  turning  over  the  surface  soil  upon  it. 
This,  if  done  when  the  ground  is  tolerably  dry,  during  the  autumn  or 
winter  months,  and  allowed  to  remain  with  a  rough  surface  so  that  the 
weather  can  act  upon  it,  will  produce  a  good  seed  bed  in  spring.  Never 
work  the  land  while  it  is  in  a  wet  condition,  or  the  evil  effects  will  be 
felt  during  the  whole  of  the  following  season. 

Mulching  during  the  dry  months  of  summer  will  prove  to  be  of  the 
greatest  value.  Mulch  with  manure,  decayed  leaves,  half-decayed  straw, 
or  grass  from  the  lawns  after  mowing  ;  failing  these  form  a  dust  mulch 
by  continually  plying  the  Dutch  hoe  between  the  crops.  This  is  of 
more  value  on  light  soils  than  continued  drenchings  of  cold  water  from 
a  can. 

Potatoes. 

As  Potatoes  are  the  chief  mainstay  of  every  garden  I  will  deal  with 
them  first.  This  is  the  proper  time  to  select  the  seed  tubers  for  next 
year,  and  great  care  should  be  bestowed  upon  them.  Medium-sized  sets 
are  the  best,  and  if  placed  thinly  in  boxes  or  cool  sheds,  and  kept  safe 
from  frost  during  the  winter,  but  given  as  much  light  as  possible,  a  good 
beginning  will  have  been  made  towards  the  next  season’s  work. 

The  ground  will  next  require  attention.  If  stable  manure  is  to  be 
used  apply  it  in  the  autumn  or  early  spring,  thoroughly  mixing  it  with 
the  soil  to  a  good  depth,  whether  it  be  light  or  heavy ;  but,  if  heavy, 
leave  the  surface  as  rough  as  possible.  The  weather  acting  upon  it  will 
pulverise  and  make  it  suitable  for  planting  in  due  time. 

Previously  to  planting  the  seed  tubers  should  be  examined,  and  if 
more  than  one  or  two  shoots  are  prominent  reduce  by  removing  them 
to  that  number.  If  seed  is  scarce  they  may  be  cut  in  two,  leaving  one 
sprout  on  each  section  ;  but  I  prefer  to  plant  medium-sized  whole  tubers 
with  sprouts  on  them  a  quarter  or  half  an  inch  long,  not  pale  in  colour, 
but  dark  green.  If  the  soil  is  heavy  spread  over  the  surface  cinders  and 
leaves  of  any  kind.  If  artificial  manures  are  to  be  used,  sprinkle  them 
in  the  drills  before  planting,  and  a  small  quantity  of  dry  lime  is  of 
service  in  keeping  worms  away  and  the  skin  of  the  Potatoes  clean.  To 
avoid  disease  plant  in  rows  24  inches  apart  for  early  and  30  inches 
for  late  sorts,  the  former  12  inches  asunder  in  the  drills,  and  the  latter 
18  inches.  Close  planting  often  means  the  reverse  of  a  heavy  crop  of 
fine  tubers.  Remove  some  of  the  haulm  in  a  young  state  if  any  of  the 
roots  appear  crowded  with  it.  Well  ply  the  hoe  between  the  rows  early, 
and  keep  the  crop  clean. 

Early  sorts  may  be  planted  in  February  if  protection  can  be  given 
from  frosts  during  the  first  part  of  May  ;  but  the  middle  of  March  is 
soon  enough  in  exposed  situations,  and  not  later  than  the  20th  April 
for  late  sorts.  A  change  of  seed  is  highly  beneficial.  All  should  be 
lifted  and  stored  during  dry  weather  if  possible.  Some  of  the  best 
varieties  are  Ringleader,  Early  Puritan,  Rivers’  Royal  Ashleaf,  and 
Myatt’s  Ashleaf  for  early  use.  Second  early  ;  Windsor  Castle,  Early 
Regent,  Snowdrop,  and  Beauty  of  Hebron  ;  Triumph,  Magnum  Bonum, 
and  Clarke's  Maincrop  Kidney  for  late  use,  with  Vicar  of  Laleham  as 
a  coloured  companion.  It  is  a  good  cropper  and  shapely. 

Peas. 

This  is  a  very  important  crop,  and  a  wise  selection  of  varieties  must 
be  made,  with  good  ground  for  growing  them.  We  sow  early  sorts  on 
warm,  sunny  borders,  midseason  and  late  ones  in  trenches,  not  as 
prepared  for  Celery,  as  I  think  these  are  usually  made  too  deep.  If  the 
trenches  for  Peas  are  8  inches  deep  in  the  first  instance  they  will  do. 
Throw  out  the  soil  on  each  side  evenly,  place  in  a  good  dressing  of  well- 
decayed  manure,  and  well  mix  it  with  the  soil  at  the  bottom  of  the 
trench.  If  left  in  an  undisturbed  mass,  and  a  hot  season  follows,  the 
manure  dries  up,  but  if  well  incorporated  with  the  soil  it  does  not. 
One  inch  of  soil  must  be  placed  in  the  trench  afterwards  and  trod  down 
a  little.  Upon  this  sow  the  seeds  evenly  and  thinly,  covering  with 
2  inches  of  earth ;  thus  an  open  trench  is  left  5  inches  deep.  In  the 
summer  I  prefer  to  cover  the  seeds  deeper.  When  the  Peas  are  2  inches 
high  or  so,  if  they  appear  to  be  at  all  crowded,  thin  them  out  a  little 
before  drawing  the  soil  to  each  side  of  the  rows.  This  will  prove  a  good 
means  of  support.  Staking  ought  not  to  be  delayed.  The  sticks  should 
be  put  in  very  firmly,  according  to  the  height  of  each  variety,  not 
omitting  to  use  a  few  small  branches.  If  any  variety  is  thought  to  be 
behind  the  time  at  which  produce  is  wanted,  topping  the  plants  will 
cause  them  to  pod  more  quickly. 

Avoid  watering  Peas  unless  it  can  be  constantly  attended  to.  Even 
then  I  doubt  its  benefit.  Better  than  watering  is  mulching  after  a  good 
rain.  Leaves,  half-decayed  manure,  or  lawn  grass  should  be  placed  on 
the  surface  of  the  soil  on  each  side  of  the  rows  to  a  depth  of  2  inches. 
There  is  no  question  as  to  the  benefit  the  plants  derive  from  this  opera¬ 
tion,  but  it  should  not  be  too  long  delayed,  or  its  use  will  be  of  little 
avail.  If  the  rows  are  6  to  9  feet  apart,  with  such  crops  as  Potatoes, 
Cauliflowers,  or  Spinach  between,  the  sun  acts  on  both  sides,  and  fuller 
crops  of  Peas  result. 

There  are  so  many  varieties  that  a  good  selection  should  be  made.  Of 
first  earlies  Laxton’s  Earliest  of  All,  Dickson’s  First  and  Best, 
William  I.  ;  of  second  earlies  Champion  of  England,  Duke  of  Albany, 
and  Royal  Jubilee  ;  for  late  use  Veitch’s  Perfection,  Autocrat,  and  Ne 
Plus  Ultra  are  good.  No  garden  should  be  without  the  last  named,  as 
it  withstands  mildew  till  the  crop  is  nearly  all  gathered.  Sowings  may 


September  14,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


241 


be  made  in  the  autumn,  but  I  prefer  to  sow  in  pots  or  turves  in  spring 
and  plant  out  in  favourable  weather  if  early  Peas  are  urgently  required. 
Ashes,  soot,  and  lime  scattered  around  the  rows  in  spring  will  prevent 
slugs  destroying  the  plants.  Mildew  is  often  very  troublesome,  during  a 
dry  summer  especially ;  the  best  preventive  is  to  sow  those  sorts  which 
resist  it  the  best,  and  avoid  the  use  of  cold  water. — G.  Gaexer. 

(To  he  continued.) 


PARAGRAPHS  ABORT  THE  PARKS. 

Eegent’s  Park. 

As  most  people  who  have  a  geographical  knowledge  of  London  and 
its  suburbs  are  aware.  Regent’s  Park  is  situated  in  the  north-western 
portion  of  the  metropolis,  and  is  of  easy  access  from  all  parts.  Visitors 
from  the  north  arriving  at  King’s  Cross,  St.  Pancras,  or  Euston  Stations, 
can  reach  Regent’s  Park  in  a  few  minutes,  either  by  the  Underground 
Railway  to  Portland  Road  Station,  or  by  omnibus  along  the  Euston 
Road.  Similarly  those  who  arrive  in  the  metropolis  from  the  south  side 
will  find  that  many  ’buses  from  Charing  Cross  and  the  Strand  pass  this 
park,  in  which  may  be  found  the  famous  Zoological  Gardens,  and  also 
the  Gardens  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Society,  The  park  is  a  large  one,  and 
is  a  popular  resort  of  many  Londoners. 


The  summer  bedding  in  Regent’s  Park  is  always  well  done,  and  this 
year  proves  no  exception  to  the  rule.  Some  borders  and  occasional  beds 
may,  of  course,  be  found  in  various  parts  of  the  park,  but  the  principal 
bedding  is  to  be  seen  near  the  entrance,  a  few  hundred  yards  from  Portland 
Road  Station,  Immediately  inside  the  gates  the  visitor  comes  upon  a 
series  of  beds  well  filled  with  plants.  Traversing  the  walk  on  the  right 
a  number  of  standard  and  pyramid  Fuchsias  sunk  in  the  turf  in  clumps 
attracts  attention,  the  plants  being  well  grown  and  profusely  flowered. 
These  are  usually  a  feature  here,  and  are  greatly  admired.  Opposite  to 
a  group  of  Fuchsias  is  a  clump  of  foliage  plants  comprising  tall  speci¬ 
mens  of  Dracmna  lineata.  Bamboos,  Cycas  revoluta,  and  Tree  Ferns. 
Being  slightly  shaded  by  trees,  these  have  done  well  during  the  past 
summer,  and  doubtless  imparted  a  cool  appearance,  if  such  were  possible, 
on  the  oppressive  days  of  August.  Last  week  when  I  saw  the  plants 
they  were  as  fresh  looking  as  when  under  glass. 


A  noticeable  feature  in  this  park,  as  it  is  in  others  in  and  around  the 
metropolis,  is  the  excellent  manner  in  which  plants  are  arranged  in  the 
beds.  Now  and  then  some  fastidious  person  takes  exception  to  certain 
combinations,  but  these  instances,  as  they  should  be,  are  rare.  Taken  as 
a  whole  the  bedding  in  the  London  parks  is  exceptionally  well  done, 
and  many  a  gardener  might  glean  a  few  useful  hints  by  paying  an 
annual  visit  to  them.  The  plants,  moreover,  flourish  amazingly  con¬ 
sidering  the  fact  that  the  atmosphere  is  not  always  of  the  purest  kind, 
and  as  regards  the  arrangements  but  little  fault  can  be  found.  These 
remarks  apply  to  the  park  now  under  notice,  and  Mr.  W.  Jordan,  the 
Superintendent,  has  cause  to  be  proud  of  the  result  of  his  labours  this 
year. 

There  are  some  charming  beds  on  each  side  of  the  walk  to  which 
allusion  has  been  made.  One  filled  with  Begonia  semperflorens  rubra 
and  Kbniga  maritima  variegata  and  Dactylis  glomerata  variegata  is  very 
attractive  and  worthy  of  imitation.  A  similar  shaped  bed  filled  with 
Begonia  semperflorens  rosea  and  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium  varie- 
gatum  is  also  good.  The  Begonias  are  covered  with  pink  blossoms, 
which  form  a  pleasing  contrast  to  the  yellowish  foliage  of  the  Mesem¬ 
bryanthemum.  By  the  way,  it  is  noted  that  the  various  forms  of  Begonia 
semperflorens  are  used  extensively  for  bedding  in  all  of  the  metropolitan 
parks,  and  for  which  purpose  they  are  apparently  well  adapted .  These 
Begonias  are  likely  to  prove  dangerous  rivals  to  the  tuberous-rooted 
section. 


At  the  end  of  the  walk  referred  to  a  large  corner  bed  on  the  right  is 
noticeable  for  the  manner  in  which  the  plants  are  arranged.  The  back¬ 
ground  is  filled  with  huge  Palms,  over  the  leaves  of  which  Tropaeolums 
have  grown,  and  are  flowering  profusely;  Near  to  the  front  are  masses 
of  Lilium  tigrinum,  standard  Fuchsias,  Ivy-leaved  Pelargonium  Abel 
Carrier!,  Begonia  semperflorens  rosea,  and  Veronica  Andersoni.  These 
plants  are  placed  in  bold  clumps,  which  show  to  perfection  their 
characteristics  and  adaptability  for  the  purpose.  Those  persons  who 
are  fond  of  neat,  formal  combinations  would  perhaps  find  little  in  this 
bed  to  admire,  but  to  others  who,  like  myself,  prefer  artistic  arrange¬ 
ments,  there  is  much  that  is  worthy  of  admiration. 


Leaving  this  corner  group  and  turning  to  the  left  more  beds  of 
various  shapes  may  be  seen;  They  are  all  well  filled  with  plants 
of  different  kinds,  and  for  the  second  week  in  September  are  most 
effective.  Two  beds  in  particular,  however,  attract  one’s  attention, 
these  being  what  a  lady  would  term  “  lovely.”  One  of  these  beds 
presents  a  fairy-like  appearance.  It  is  round  in  shape,  and  would 
remind  one  of  a  bride’s  bouquet  had  it  been  raised  a  little.  During  the 
whole  of  my  travels  in  gardens  I  have  never  seen  a  similar  arrangement. 
The  centre  is  filled  with  Dactylis  glomerata  variegata  and  Lilium 
lancifolium  album,  amongst  which  were  plants  of  Asparagus  plumosus, 
the  sprays  of  the  latter  giving  the  whole  a  light  graceful  appearance. 
The  bed  is  edged  with  a  row  of  Begonia  Worthiana,  outside  which  is  a 
ring  of  deep  green  Saxifraga.  The  opposite  bed  to  this,  of  a  similar  size 


and  shape,  is  devoted  to  Begonia  semperflorens  rosea  and  Kbniga 
maritima  variegata,  from  which  rise  plants  of  the  charming  Eulalia 
gracillima.  _ 


The  vases  filled  with  flowering  and  ornamental  foliage  plants  are  not 
the  least  striking  feature  in  this  park.  This  year  these  must  have  caused 
much  labour  in  watering,  but  it  has  apparently  been  well  done,  for  the 
plants  have  made  vigorous  growth.  A  huge  clump  in  the  centre  of  the 
“flower  garden”  is  particularly  noticeable.  This  is  perhaps  15  or 
20  feet  high,  there  being  a  very  large  stone  vase  in  the  centre  of  a  raised 
bed,  although  this  is  hidden  from  view.  The  vase  is  filled  with  varie¬ 
gated  Abutilons,  Eucalyptus  globosa,  fine  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and 
(Irevillea  robusta,  the  sides  being  draped  with  Tropjeolums,  Ivy-leaved 
Pelargoniums,  and  other  drooping  plants.  Around  these  come  Palms, 
Abutilons,  huge  Zonal  Pelargoniums  full  of  bloom,  and  various  other 
plants,  the  whole  making  a  striking  effect.  There  are  several  smaUer 
vases,  and  these  likewise  make  an  imposing  display. 


Reference  should  be  made  to  two  clumps  of  succulents,  Saxifragas  and 
Sedums,  which  doubtless  interest  many  visitors.  These  are  formed  near 
two  walks  and  beneath  the  shade  of  trees.  All  the  plants,  moreover,  are 
named,  the  labels  being  well  and  distinctly  written  so  that  anyone 
might  without  difficulty  ascertain  the  appellation  of  any  particular 
plant.  The  ground  in  each  bed  is  covered  w.th  Sedums  and  Saxifragas, 
amongst  which  S.  lactea  and  S.  Aizoides,  are  conspicuous,  and  from  these 
rise  clumps  of  Agave  americana  and  its  variegated  variety,  Echeverias, 
Sempervivums,  and  other  succulent  plants.  All  are  arranged  with 
excellent  taste,  and  if  less  showy  than  some  of  the  other  beds  are  none  the 
less  interesting.  _ 

Much  more  could  be  said  in  regard  to  the  bedding  in  Regent’s  Park, 
but  space  is  limited,  other  parks  have  yet  to  be  mentioned.  A  note 
should  be  made,  however,  of  the  many  charming  beds  of  Celosias,  which 
at  this  period  of  the  year  are  exceptionally  bright  and  attractive. 
Lilium  tigrinum  is  also  used  with  good  effect  in  many  beds,  and  the 
same  may  be  said  of  other  Liliums.  Early  Chrysanthemums,  too, 
must  not  be  overlooked,  and  it  would  be  well  if  these  were  as  extensively 
used  for  bedding  purposes  in  private  gardens  as  they  are  in  the  parks. 
They  also  make  a  splendid  show  on  the  numerous  borders,  and  likewise 
do  huge  clumps  of  Nicotiana  affinis  and  various  autumn  flowering 
plants. 

Finsbury  Park. 

This  is  another  popular  open  space  of  northern  London,  and  is 
situated  close  to  Finsbury  Park  station  on  the  Great  Northern  Railway. 
Tram  cars  and  ’buses  also  pass  the  park  by  the  Seven  Sisters  Road  and 
Green  Lanes,  which  may  be  easily  reached  from  the  centre  of  the 
metropolis.  It  is  much  smaller  than  Regent’s  Park,  but  the  bedding  is 
always  effective,  and  to  Chrysanthemum  growers  Finsbury  Park  has 
long  been  known.  The  culture  of  the  Chrysanthemum  is  encouraged 
here.  A  huge  glass  structure  nearly  100  feet  in  length  is  now  being 
erected  as  a  show  house  for  the  plants  by  the  London  County  Council. 
When  finished  it  will  be  a  very  fine  building,  and  one  in  which  the 
plants,  of  which  more  than  3000  are  grown,  will  be  seen  to  advantage. 
For  the  benefit  of  the  uninitiated  it  may  be  mentioned  that  this 
structure  for  the  Chrysanthemums  is  situated  near  the  Manor  House 
entrance,  which  tram  cars  from  the  city  and  other  points  pass  every  few 
minutes  during  the  day.  _ 

Much  of  the  bedding  in  this  park  is  to  be  found  not  far  from  the 
Manor  House.  On  entering  at  this  point  the  visitor  is  brought  face  to 
face  wdth  an  imposing  bed  of  green  and  purple-leaved  Cannas,  Gladioli 
in  variety,  Eulalia  gracillima,  and  other  plants,  the  edging  being 
composed  of  Chamaepeuce,  Cineraria  maritima,  and  Begonia  semper¬ 
florens  alba.  Near  by  are  several  beds  devoted  to  carpet  bedding,  and 
the  Alternantheras  are  richly  coloured  this  season.  A  series  of  beds  of 
different  shapes  flank  each  side  of  a  walk  which  lead  to  the  right  from 
this  entrance,  and  these  are  filled  in  charming  manner.  Two  beds  de¬ 
voted  to  Begonia  Worthiana,  pink  and  white  Pelargoniums,  with  dot 
plants  of  Acacia  lophantha,  and  edgings  of  blue  Lobelia  are  most  attrac¬ 
tive.  It  is  impossible  to  describe  the  pretty  effect  which  these  beds 
produce,  and  to  realise  the  value  of  the  combinations  they  must  be  seen. 


Cannas  are  well  employed  in  this  park,  and  with  the  addition  of 
Verbena  venosa  make  several  simple  though  attractive  beds.  Begonia 
semperflorens  rubra  is  also  used  with  good  effect,  the  foliage  being  a  rich 
bronzy  colour  in  the  open  air,  which  enhances  its  appearance  consider¬ 
ably.  A  bed  planted  with  B.  semperflorens  atro-purpurea  and  variegated 
Pelargoniums  likewise  commands  attention,  and  the  same  applies^  to 
beds  filled  with  pink  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums,  dark  Tuberous  Begonias, 
and  dot  plants  of  Grevillea  robusta.  Fuchsias  are  freely  used  in  some 
beds,  and  in  others  single  Petunias  are  flowering  most  profusely.  _  These 
are  easily  grown  plants,  and,  as  a  ru  e,  they  are  most  effective  during  the 
end  of  the  summer  and  in  the  autumn. 


In  what  is  known  as  the  “  Surprise  Garden,”  from  the  fact  that 
visitors  not  acquainted  with  its  whereabouts  come  upon  it  somewhat 
suddenly  when  near  the  lake,  some  good  bedding  is  noticeable.  This 
garden  is  on  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  is  surrounded  by  masses  of  shrubs, 
a  broad  wall  passing  through  the  centre.  The  beds  on  each  side  arc 
similar  in  shape  and  size,  and  are  planted  alternately  with  the  same 


242 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


kind  of  plants.  Those  at  the  back  are  chiefly  filled  with  Gannas,  Sweet- 
scented  Tobacco,  and  other  tall  plants,  the  beds  near  the  front  being 
devoted  to  dwarfer  plants  and  carpet  bedding.  The  latter  is  very  fine, 
the  designs  being  well  worked  and  the  foliage  of  the  plants  richly 
coloured.  One  bed  is  so  good  that  it  may  be  individualised.  The  ground 
is  covered  with  Antennaria  tomentosa  and  the  design  made  with 
Alternanthera  versicolor  and  A.  aurea  nana.  The  centres  of  the  division 
are  occupied  with  Dracmnas  and  Grevillea  robusta,  and  there  are  also 
dot  plants  of  Sempervivums  and  Pachyphytums.  An  edging  of  Echeveria 
secunda  glauca  completes  the  arrangement,  which  is  most  effective. 


Other  beds  in  this  portion  of  the  park  are  also  specially  attractive, 
and  are  much  admired  by  visitors.  A  circular  bed  of  Begonias,  Grevillea 
robusta,  and  Ageratum  is  noticeable  as  being  an  excellent  arrange¬ 
ment — simple  though  effective.  The  same  can  be  said  of  a  Begonia 
semperflorens  rubra,  Veronica  Andersoni,  Ageratum,  with  an  edging  of 
blue  Lobelia  and  Mesembryanthemum  cordifolium  variegatum.  Some 
beds  planted  with  Centaurea  candidissima  and  Verbena  venosa  are  also 
pleasing  in  appearance,  and  one  filled  with  pink  Ivy-leaved  Pelar¬ 
goniums  pegged  down,  mixed  with  Acacia  lophantha  and  Begonias,  is 
unusually  showy.  _ 


Dahlias  are  grown  in  huge  clumps,  and  are  flowering  well  this  year, 
the  double  forms  being  particularly  good.  The  borders  are  very  gay 
with  large  masses  of  Portulacas,  Phloxes,  Helianthuses,  Liliums,  and 
other  autumn  flowers,  whilst  during  the  summer  the  annuals  are 
generally  seen  to  advantage  here.  On  the  grass  some  fine  clumps  of  the 
autumn  flowering  Crocuses  are  noticeable,  these  being  in  full  flower. 
Notwithstanding  the  trying  summer  Finsbury  Park  has  well  maintained 
its  reputation  for  bedding  this  year,  and  the  whole  reflects  credit  upon 
Mr.  Melville  the  Superintendent. — Observer. 


ABOUT  APPLES  AND  PEARS. 

As  there  is  nothing  more  important  in  connection  with  hardy  fruit 
growing  than  the  knowledge  of  local  suitability,  it  may  be  well  to  say 
that  we  are  midway  between  Durham  and  Newcastle,  or  between  the 
Tyne  and  Wear.  This  also  might  be  noticed,  that  we  are  some  ten  days 
later  than  are  districts  that  lie  on  the  southern  suburbs  of  Edinburgh. 
The  years  1891  and  1892  being  each  cold  and  wet  makes  the  present 
year’s  results  of  more  than  average  value,  as  it  has  proved  to  us  which 
varieties  of  Apples  and  Pears  require  the  least  sun  to  mature  their  fruit 
Duds.  Hereabouts,  where  there  has  been  failure,  it  has  not  been  owing 
to  heavy  cropping  last  year,  as  we  were  not  so  favoured,  but  solely  due 
to  weakness  in  resisting  frost  or  to  unripe  wood  following  the  previous 
sunless  season. 

The  Cellini,  which  I  consider  the  hardiest  of  all  Apples,  has  once 
again  demonstrated  that  it  knows  nothing  of  bad  years.  With  us  this 
useful  Apple  is  an  unfailing  bearer.  Kegarding  Lord  Suffield,  which  is 
frequently  alluded  to  as  subject  to  canker,  it  is  surprising  to  find  how 
short  a  distance  between  orchards  evidences  this  failing.  On  my  place 
it  does  remarkably  well,  whereas  with  my  neighbour,  who  has  a  thinner 
soil  with  a  dry  gravelly  subsoil.  Lord  Grosvenor  is  his  continuous 
sheet  anchor.  I  prefer  Lord  Suffield,  as  the  fruits  are  more  shapely, 
and  up  to  the  present  on  my  forty  sixteen-year-old  trees  they  remain 
healthy  and  clean.  Stirling  Castle  is  also  a  great  favourite,  but,  being 
a  tree  of  slow  growth,  it  not  only  (like  Lord  Suffield)  requires  a  free 
stock  but  may  be  planted  closer  than  many  others.  Of  course,  both 
these  Apples  also  do  well  on  the  Paradise,  but  for  market  growing  I 
prefer  the  former.  This  year  Potts’  Seedling,  another  sterling  variety, 
has  been  a  failure,  and  I  am  of  the  opinion  the  failure  has  been  solely 
due  to  insufficient  sun  last  season.  The  more  vigorous  trees  have  not 
only  been  quite  barren  but  the  fruit  on  those  more  matured  has  been 
much  short  of  its  true  character.  Here  Warner’s  King  has  failed  through 
the  same  cause,  the  trees  making  far  too  much  growth  for  bearing  after 
such  conditions.  Bramley  Seedling  has  likewise  had  no  chance  this 
year,  but  from  what  I  saw  of  it  at  Mr.  Merryweather’s  Southwell 
nurseries,  this  most  certainly  is  an  Apple  that  I  shall  not  willingly 
discard. 

Following  such  a  summer  as  the  present  these  two  grand  Apples 
will,  I  expect,  next  year  amply  compensate.  After  ten  years’  fair  trial 
I  am  quite  out  of  heart  with  Worcester  Pearmain,  but  I  am  glad  to 
find,  with  a  more  congenial  home  in  the  sunny  south  it  continues  to 
give  satisfaction.  It  crops  far  too  lightly  for  market  purposes  in  this 
neighbourhood.  Just  noticing  that  Beurrd  de  I’Assomption,  Souvenir  du 
Congr^s,  Marie  Louise,  and  Marie  Louise  d’Uccle  Pears  have  done  best 
on  the  wall,  and  that  the  latter  with  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  and  the 
Hessle  have  done  best  in  the  open,  I  shall  at  present  conclude,  leaving 
a  few  further  remarks  on  Apples  to  a  future  occasion. — Joseph 
Witherspoon. 

Scarcity  of  Dessert  Apples — Benoni. 

Amongst  fruiterers  in  the  southern  towns  there  has  been  for  the 
past  few  weeks  a  great  demand  for  good  dessert  Apples.  Quarrendens 
and  Irish  Peach  were  soon  over.  The  last-named  is  not  much  cared  for, 
being  too  soft  and  not  bright  enough  in  appearance.  No  matter  how 
good  in  quality  an  Apple  may  be,  if  it  has  not  colour  as  well  it  does  not 
^^th  favour  in  the  market.  Growers  for  sale  have  not  in  the  past 
paid  nearly  as  much  attention  to  dessert  varieties  as  they  have  to  those 
belonging  to  the  kitchen  section.  The  result  is  that  where  really  good 
cooking  Apples  could  be  bought  for  Is,  6d.  per  bushel,  dessert  sorts  were 


fetching  6s.  for  the  same  quantity.  A  large  grower  and  dealer  had  to 
commence  selling  his  Blenheims  and  King  of  the  Pippins  three  weeks 
ago.  Even  Cellini  has  been  in  great  demand.  All  the  Worcester  Pear- 
mains  and  Lady  Sudeley  were  snapped  up  at  once.  A  variety  named 
Nanny  Apple  meets  with  mqch  favour.  Dr.  Hogg  describes  it  as  being 
found  about  Havant  and  other  districts  in  West  Sussex  and  the  borders 
of  Hampshire.  It  is  an  Apple  deserving  attention ;  it  has  a  bright 
cheek  and  is  really  good  in  flavour.  Dr.  Hogg  says  it  is  in  use  during 
October.  This  year  it  was  used  in  August  —  another  proof  of  the 
peculiarity  of  the  season.  Pineapple  Russet  deserves  more  attention 
than  it  receives  ;  it  has  a  flavour  peculiarly  its  own.  The  tree  is  a 
straggling  grower,  and  does  not  fruit  freely  until  it  attains  some  age. 

There  is  a  splendid  opening  for  an  enterprising  person  to  plant 
dessert  Apples  to  follow  the  earlies  and  be  out  of  the  way  of  the  usual 
autumn  and  winter  kinds,  such  as  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin.  One  of  the 
best  dessert  Apples  that  I  know  [for  filling  the  blank  in  late  summer  is 
Benoni,  the  American  variety  figured  last  week.  With  me  it  carried  an 
extremely  heavy  crop  of  handsome  fruit.  In  shape  it  resembles  well 
grown  fruit  of  King  of  Pippins,  but  is  perhaps  rather  broader  at  the 
base  while  it  is  heavily  striped  with  red  on  a  yellow  ground.  It  was 
ready  to  gather  this  year  early  in  August.  The  fruit  is  crisp  yet  sweet, 
in  fact  it  has  almost  all  the  properties  required  in  a  dessert  Apple. 
The  habit  of  growth  is  of  the  right  kind,  upright,  yet  vigorous.  It  is 
just  the  sort  to  plant  numerously  in  a  limited  space,  and  with  a  prospect 
of  a  good  return  for  capital  and  labour  expended. — E.  Molyneux. 


FERTILISERS  AND  FEEDING  STUFFS  BILL. 

The  following  correspondence  has  been  sent  to  us  on  the  above 
measure,  and  we  place  the  letters  before  our  readers.  There  are 
obviously  two  sides  to  the  question,  and  both  of  them  important  : — 

30,  Wood  Street,  Cheapside,  London,  E.C. 

21st  August,  1893. 

Sir, — As  Solicitor  for  the  Nursery  and  Seed  Trade  Association 
(Limd.),  which  was  formed  for  the  protection  of  their  trades,  I  have 
been  requested  to  inquire  whether  the  “  Fertilisers  and  Feeding  Stuffs 
Bill,”  which  has  been  before  the  Standing  Committee  of  Trade,  is  likely 
to  become  law  this  session,  and  whether  it  applies  to  horticultural 
manures.  If  the  latter  is  the  case,  I  am  instructed  to  point  out  to  you 
that  such  manures  are  sold  by  the  wholesale  and  retail  seedsmen, 
florists,  and  nurserymen  in  packets,  varying  in  price  from  6d.  to  £1,  in 
the  same  condition  as  they  receive  the  same  from  the  manufacturers  of 
such  manures. 

If  the  Bill  does  apply  to  such  horticultural  manures  as  sold  in 
packets,  and  every  retailer  is  bound  to  give  a  certificate  according  to 
the  first  section  of  the  Act,  please  permit  me  to  point  out  that  the 
trouble  in  so  doing  will  be  so  great  that  it  must  put  an  end  to  the 
retail  packet  trade.  I  am  also  instructed  to  inquire  whether  it  is  not 
possible  that  the  Act  can  be  amended  by  providing  that  the  certificate 
by  the  retailer  shall  be  dispensed  with  if  the  packets  are  sold  with  the 
name  and  trade  mark  of  the  manufacturer  thereon. 

It  will  be  impossible  for  a  retailer  of  such  packets  to  have  them 
analysed  at  his  own  cost. 

I  enclose  you  the  names  and  addresses  of  the  President  and  Com¬ 
mittee  of  the  Nursery  and  Seed  Trade  Association  (Limd.),  and  I  am 
requested  to  ask  whether  you  are  willing  to  receive  a  small  deputation 
from  them  upon  the  subject  in  question  if  the  proposed  Act  of  Parlia¬ 
ment  is  intended  to  include  horticultural  manures.  Your  reply  will  be 
esteemed  a  favour. — I  am.  Sir,  Your  Obedt.  Servant,  Charles  Butcher, 

The  President  of  The  Board  of  Agriculture, 

4,  Whitehall  Place,  S.W. 

Board  of  Agriculture,  4,  Whitehall  Place,  London,  S.W 
24th  August,  1893. 

No.  23,877. 

Sir, — I  am  directed  by  the  Board  of  Agriculture  to  advert  to  your 
letter  of  the  2l8t  inst.,  addressed  to  the  President  on  behalf  of  the 
Nursery  and  Seed  Trade  Association,  and  in  reply  I  am  to  say  that  the 
President  was  inclined  to  view  with  favour  a  proposal  to  exclude  sales 
of  very  small  quantities  of  horticultural  manures,  say  not  exceeding  half 
a  hundredweight,  from  operation  of  the  Fertilisers  and  Feeding  Stuffs 
Bill  ;  but  the  general  feeling  of  the  Standing  Committee,  to  which  the 
Bill  was  referred,  was  so  distinctly  adverse  to  any  such  limitation  that 
an  amendment  moved  in  that  direction  was  negatived  without  a 
division. 

The  Board  have  reason  to  think  that  the  matter  will  again  be 
brought  forward  at  a  later  stage  of  the  Bill,  and  in  that  event  the 
matter  will  certainly  command  very  careful  consideration  at  the  Presi¬ 
dent’s  hands.  In  the  circumstance  the  Board  do  not  think  it  is  necessary 
that  the  Association  should  be  put  to  the  trouble  of  personal  attendance. 
They  are  well  aware  of  the  importance  attached  in  many  quarters  to 
secure  such  limitation  of  the  operation  of  the  Bill  as  is  above  suggested, 
and  the  fact  that  the  Association  concur  in  thinking  that  some  such 
arrangement  is  necessary  will  be  kept  fully  in  mind. — I  am,  Sir,  Your 
Obedient  Servant,  T.  H.  Elliott,  Secretary, 

Charles  Butcher,  Esq.,  30,  Wood  Street,  Cheapside,  E.C. 

[This  measure,  brought  forward  by  the  President  of  the  Agricultural 
Department  (Mr.  Gardner),  was  on  Wednesday,  Sept.  6th,  revised  by  the 
Grand  Committee  of  the  House  of  Lords,  Viscount  Cross  in  the  chair. 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


243 


Mr.  Gardner  watched  the  proceedings.  On  the  motion  of  the  Lord 
Chancellor  it  was  agreed  that  the  seller  of  any  artificial  fertiliser  shall 
state  in  the  warranty  he  will  have  to  give  under  the  Bill  that  the  per¬ 
centages  of  nitrogen,  phosphates,  and  potash  contained  in  the  product 
are  “  at  least  ”  what  he  has  promised.  On  behalf  of  the  Agricultural 
Department,  the  Earl  of  Kibblesdale  proposed  a  new  sub-section  giving 
middlemen  the  same  rights  against  wholesale  dealers  as  retail  buyers 
will  have  against  them.  This  was  unanimously  agreed  to,  and  several 
minor  changes  having  been  made,  the  Bill  was  returned  to  the  House.] 


A  DAY  AT  BUNYARDS’. 

Readers  of  Blackmore  in  general,  and  those  connected  with  fruit  in 
particular,  are  well  aware  that  in  the  Medway  Valley  there  are  many 
acres  of  land  whereon  fruit  is  grown  for  the  market.  Times  and  manners 
have  changed  somewhat  since  “  Alice  Lorraine  ”  was  written,  and  it  is 
quite  possible  that  there  are  no  Martin  Lovejoys  now  to  be  found  in 
that  fertile  vale,  but  as  good  fruit  is  grown  as  Martin  grew,  and  there  is 
far  more  of  it.  Close  to  the  particular  portion  of  the  valley  where 
Maidstone  lies  are  the  various  nurseries  of  Messrs.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  and 
they  are  a  very  remarkable  example  of  the  law  of  development  which 
has  affected  fruit  growing  in  England.  The  principal  nursery  adjoins 
Barming  station  on  the  L.C.  and  D.  Railway.  Mention  of  this  line  is 
generally  accompanied  by  a  gird  at  its  directors  ;  but  I  refrain  from 
following  the  example,  not  because  I  have  not  experienced  hard  seats 
and  slow  time,  but  because  it  would  be  a  waste  of  space.  1  can  only  say 
that  if  you  are  going  to  pay  the  Allington  nurseries  a  visit  book  to 
Barming  from  Victoria  or  the  City  on  some  Thursday  morning  when 
there  is  an  extra  attractive  number  of  the  Journal  to  study,  then  perhaps 
the  weary  time  will  be  beguiled  and  the  nurseries  reached  with  the 
natural  sweetness  of  your  disposition  unsoured. 

Barming  is  a  quiet  station,  and  there  is  no  need  for  surprise  if  a 
visitor  finds  that  he  has  the  whole  platform  to  himself  and  the  entire 
staff  to  wish  him  a  cheery  good  morning  (as  though  he  were  in  the  habit 
of  going  to  B unyards’  every  day)  and  take  his  ticket.  If  he  crosses  the 
line  and  passes  through  a  little  swing  gate  he  is  in  the  nursery  and 
amongst  the  fruit  at  once.  I  suppose  I  need  hardly  say  that  this  is  an 
improvement  upon  going  to  Maidstone  and  having  to  work  back  two  or 
three  miles  by  road.  This  has  been  done,  but  never  without  a  profound 
and  comprehensive  disgust  taking  possession  of  the  doer  after  the  truth 
had  come  home  to  him.  Before  the  round  of  the  nursery  is  completed 
most  people  have  had  enough  pedestrianism  for  a  time  without  tacking 
on  the  unnecessary  miles.  There  are  now  about  100  acres,  besides  land 
elsewhere  under  Strawberries  and  shrubs.  Mr.  George  Bunyard  is  an 
able  and  far-seeing  man.  He  has  kept  himself  on  the  front  of  the  wave 
which  has  swept  ignorance  and  prejudice  before  it  and  taught  that  good 
fruit  can  be  grown  in  our  own  country  as  well  as  abroad.  He  has  built 
up  a  huge  and  prosperous  business  by  sound  knowledge,  great  yet  prudent 
enterprise,  good  work,  and  unwearied  perseverance. 

Allington  without  Mr.  Bunyard  can  hardly  be  called  itself,  and  my 
visit  happened  to  be  paid  when  a  temporary  but  distressing  indisposition 
prevented  him  from  doing  the  honours  of  his  nursery.  But  he  has  a 
manager  of  admirable  qualities  in  Mr.  Buss,  who  is  well  fitted  to  take 
command  when  his  chief  is  hors  de  comiat.  Incidentally  I  might 
remark  on  the  good  spirit  prevailing  between  employer  and  employed  in 
the  Bunyard  nurseries.  “  I  have  first-rate  men,”  “  We  have  a  first-rate 
master.”  Such  are  the  expressions  of  mutual  esteem  and  respect  that 
are  heard  ;  and  there  is  little  doubt  that  the  existence  of  these  cordial 
relations  has  much  to  do  with  the  excellent  qualities  of  the  trees  sent 
out.  Mr.  Bunyard  has  set  his  heart  on  supplying  the  best  material,  and 
his  assistants  do  their  best  to  support  his  wishes. 

The  Cordon-Standards. 

In  making  a  few  jottings  of  the  nursery  and  its  contents,  I  will  draw 
attention  first  to  a  class  of  tree  that  has  become  very  popular  and  grows 
yearly  in  favour.  “  Amateurs’  standards  ”  is  the  term  by  which  the 
trees  are  known  at  Allington.  They  might  be  called  cordon-standards, 
in  their  younger  days  at  all  events,  for  then  they  combine  the  two 
systems.  Most  fruit  growers  are  aware  that  the  stems  of  standards  on 
the  Crab  stock  are  feathered  for  a  year  or  two  in  the  nurseries  in  order 
to  thicken  them,  and  that  eventually  the  shoots  are  removed.  The 
amateurs’  standards  here  referred  to  are  budded  on  the  Paradise  stock, 
and  fruit  spurs  form  on  the  stems,  yielding  produce  while  the  head  is 
developing.  It  might  almost  be  said  that  stem  and  head  act  as  a  brake 
on  each  other.  The  branches  have  no  tendency  to  become  luxuriant 
owing  to  the  check  imparted  by  the  fruiting  of  the  stem  spurs.  They 
develop  steadily  and  sturdily  ;  but  when  they  have  gained  strength, 
solidity,  and  maturity,  the  brake  begins  to  act  the  other  way,  the  stem 
shoots  weaken,  and  eventually  they  are  cleared,  leaving  the  standard 
with  a  good  head  of  fruiting  branches.  This  is  the  theory  of  the  matter, 
and  the  practice  well  supports  it.  The  trees  are  never  staked.  There 
are  great  numbers  of  them  standing  up  stiff  and  straight  in  different 
parts  of  the  nursery  lined  with  fruit,  and  it  is  not  surprising  that 
visitors  take  to  them. 

The  “  Gridirons.” 

The  Bunyard  gridirons  are  very  different  articles  to  those  of  the 
ironmonger.  They  are  dwarf  trees  with  two  horizontal  shoots  right  and 
left,  from  which  spring  uprights  a  foot  or  so  apart.  These  are  cordonised, 
to  coin  a  word,  the  side  shoots  being  pinched  and  spurred  so  as  to  keep 


the  trees  thin  and  admit  abundance  of  air.  There  are  plenty  of  these 
fruiting  freely,  the  Apples  on  the  Paradise,  and  the  Pears  on  the  Quince, 
many  varieties  being  represented.  Owners  of  villa  gardens  would  find 
such  trees  admirable  for  forming  a  dividing  line  between  flower  and 
vegetable  quarters,  while  in  larger  places  they  would  play  the  part 
which  espaliers  do  now  in  some  instances,  coming  in  very  useful  for 
the  sides  of  wa'ks,  and  for  filling  up  blanks  on  walls.  This  is  an 
excellent  class  of  tree,  not  taking  up  a  great  amount  of  room,  but  giving 
a  little  freer  play  for  inherent  energy  than  horizontal  cordons. 

Some  Wonderful  Maiden  Peaches. 

Mr.  Bunyard’s  practical  manager  takes  great  interest  and  pride  in 
his  work,  but  I  doubt  if  there  is  anything  which  he  regards  with  greater 
complacency  than  a  large  quarter  of  maiden  Peaches.  These  young 
trees,  budded  last  year,  have  been  stopped  and  have  pushed  about  a 
dozen  shoots  each,  the  whole  framework  covering  a  space  3  to  4  feet  across 
and  high.  They  have  made  wonderful  progress,  and  must  have  enormous 
root  power.  The  shoots  are  very  stout  and  clean,  and  triple  buds  are 
plentiful.  It  is  not  easy  to  credit  that  such  strong  planting  material 
could  be  evolved  so  quickly,  but  the  facts  are  there.  With  good 
management  after  planting  the.e  could  very  quickly  be  developed  into 
well  furnished  fruiting  tr.es,  and  that  at  a  first  cost  almost  absurdly  low. 

Three  Promising  New  Pears. 

There  were  two  new  Pears  fruiting  well  to  which  I  would  call 
special  attention,  because  from  their  seascn  of  maturity,  fine  appearance, 
and  good  flavour  they  should  prove  valuable  in  private,  and  perhaps 
also  in  market  gardens.  One  is  called  Beurre  Mortillet,  and  I  find  it 
referred  to  as  follows  in  the  firm’s  catalogue  of  last  year  : — “Very  large; 
exhibited  very  finely  by  Messrs.  Veitch  at  Crystal  Palace  Show,  1890  ; 
not  yet  proved  ;  very  handsome.”  It  is  proving  to  be  an  acquisition  on 
trial.  It  is  ready  in  September  and  October,  and  has  excellent  quality. 
The  fruit  is  very  large  and  richly  coloured  ;  it  is  peculiar  in  appearance, 
having  very  prominent  fleshy  folds  at  the  stalk.  But  the  second  novelty. 
Marguerite  Marrillat,  is  still  more  promising.  It  is  also,  I  understood,  a 
continental  variety,  introduced  by  the  Chelsea  firm.  It  is  ready  now, 
and  is  very  luscious  and  melting.  It  is  very  large,  heavy,  and  brightly 
coloured,  ridgy,  and  uneven  in  outline.  The  variety  bears  freely,  and 
makes  a  fine  cordon.  It  will  be  surprising  if  this  does  not  become  a 
very  popular  Pear.  It  is  finer  in  appearance  than  Williams’  Bon 
Chretien,  and  does  not  “  go  ”  like  that  favourite  sort.  A  third  Pear 
novelty  worth  mentioning  is  Dr.  Jules  Guyot.  This  has  a  Williams’ 
look  about  it,  but  is  claimed  to  be  an  improvement  on  Bon  ChrStien, 
being  larger,  finer  in  appearance,  and  free  from  spotting. 

The  Newer  Apples. 

I  may  as  well  begin  with  Bismarck,  for  if  I  did  not  I  should  soon 
drift  into  it.  There  is  one  stretch  of  about  2000  which  is  very  impres¬ 
sive,  the  trees  being  vigorous  and  healthy,  merging  naturally,  as  is  the 
way  of  this  grand  variety,  into  a  pyramidal  habit.  The  planting  bushes 
are  very  fine.  There  is  plenty  of  large  and  richly  coloured  fruit,  but  a 
great  deal  of  it  has  been  almost  cooked  by  the  excessive  heat.  Lady 
Sudeley  is  conspicuous  by  its  upright,  stay-at-home  habit,  and  by  its 
peculiarity  of  bearing  towards  the  tips  of  the  shoots,  requiring  hardly 
any  pruning,  merely  thinning.  It  has  borne  its  beautiful  fruit  well  this 
year.  Wealthy  is  grand  both  in  size  and  colour.  A  seedling  of  much 
promise  has  been  raised  by  crossing  Cellini  and  Blenheim.  It  has  large 
fruit  of  the  well-known  Blenheim  form  and  full  of  ruddy  colour. 
Young  bushes  are  cropping  well,  and  the  fruit,  I  was  informed,  keeps 
till  after  Christmas.  Of  another  Apple  which  is  under  trial  much  can¬ 
not  be  said  at  present.  It  is  a  Tasmanian,  sent  over  by  a  brother  of  Mr. 
Mclndoe.  It  resembles  Grenadier  in  growth  and  Bismarck,  so  it  is  said, 
in  fruit.  It  is  so  precocious  that  according  to  report  it  bears  well  on 
wood  of  the  previous  year.  Well,  we  shall  see.  May  it  realise  the 
rosiest  anticipations,  and  prove  to  be  another  Bismarck. 

The  Older  Apples — Trees  and  Fruit. 

The  firm  showed  at  the  Agricultural  Hall  what  splendid  exhibition 
trim  they  are  in  this  year,  and  they  have  some  magnificent  fruit  still 
to  come.  I  am  going  to  say  a  word  about  some  of  the  most  popular  sorts, 
here  referring  to  the  tree,  there  to  the  fruit.  One  batch  of  two-year- 
old  Potts’  Seedling,  6  to  7  feet  high  and  furnished  with  stout  side  shoots, 
numbers  about  a  thousand,  and  there  is  about  the  same  number  in  a 
quarter  of  Gascoyne’s  Seedling,  standards,  with  fine  heads  developing. 
Of  standard  Bramley’s  there  are  about  3000,  all  excellent  trees,  and 
it  is  interesting  to  note  this  grand  orchard  variety  fruiting  very  well  in 
a  young  state  on  the  Paradise,  but  it  will  not  do  this  on  some  heavier 
soils.  Two-years-old  Yellow  Ingestries — or  Summer  Golden  Pippin  as 
it  is  called  in  Kent — is  largely  grown  both  as  a  bush  and  standard. 
There  are  thousands  of  Ecklinvilles  ;  this  is  not  the  great  Irishman’s 
best  year,  the  fruit  being  scabbed  and  specked,  but  our  Kentish  friends 
know  its  great  merits  too  well  to  desert  it.  Pyramidal  Grenadiers  are 
grand  trees,  and  the  fruit  is  enormous  in  size  as  well  as  being  perfectly 
clean.  As  grown  at  Maidstone  it  is  a  high  class  Apple. 

Lane’s  Prince  Albert  only  needs  mention,  for  it  is  invariably  good, 
but  planters  should  notask  for  this  as  a  standard.  It  is  naturally  suited 
for  bush  culture  and  to  get  it  up  is  worked  on  the  Goff.  Colonel  Vaughan 
is  fruiting  finely  as  a  cordon.  The  fruit  is  of  unusual  size,  beautiful  in 
colour,  very  juicy  and  refreshing.  It  is  a  dessert  variety  worth  growing. 
Frogmore  Prolific  is  in  admirable  order,  and  so  are  New  Hawthorndeu 


244 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


and  King  of  Tompkin’a  County.  Mention  of  the  last  two  reminds  me 
how  widely  they  differ  in  their  adaptability  to  cordon  culture.  New 
Hawthornden,  with  Grenadier,  Lord  Suffield,  Stirling  Castle  and  others, 
make  admirable  cordons,  but  the  King  will  not  stoop  to  so  modest  a 
position.  Cox’s  Pomona  and  Baumann’s  Red  Winter  Reinette  display  the 
most  brilliant  of  colours.  Two  high-class  dessert  varieties  which  ought 
to  be  better  known  are  Rosemary  Russet  and  Egremont  Russet.  The 
former  comes  in  with  Sturmer  and  has  delicious  flavour,  while  the  latter 
has  soft  yellow  flesh  of  very  agreeable  quality.  Worcester  Pearmain  is 
in  magnificent  condition.  There  never  seems  to  be  enough  of  this 
variety  to  meet  the  market  demands,  and  8s.  a  bushel  is  the  tempting 
return  which  two  well-known  growers  have  received.  Market  men  are 
taking  this  hint  and  planting  extensively.  Golden  Spire,  Queen  Caroline, 
Lord  Derby,  M^re  de  Manage,  and  Washington  form  an  excellent 
quintette  to  finish  with,  and  all  are  finely  represented.  Of  the  last 
named,  with  its  beautiful  appearance  and  good  flavour,  there  are  some 
splendid  pyramids  and  it  also  succeeds  as  a  standard. 

Stocks — Manure  and  Weeds. 

There  have  been  some  complaints  of  the  stocks  not  doing  well  this 
year,  but,  despite  the  drought,  those  at  the  Allington  Nurseries  are 
in  splendid  condition.  The  Nonesuch  has  done  better  than  the  English 
Paradise.  There  is  a  piece  of  35,000  recently  budded  that  forms  a 
striking  sight.  The  ground  is  well  fed,  A  great  deal  more  value  is 
attached  to  cloth  bits  (not  shoddy)  than  most  people  would  give,  and 
a  far  higher  price  is  paid  for  it  than  the  majority  would  be  inclined 
to  part  with.  It  is  a  sustaining  and  lasting  manure.  As  to  weeds, 
Mr.  Buss’s  proud  claim  that  a  barrowload  could  not  be  found  in  the 
whole  100  acres  was  readily  admitted.  The  land  is  thoroughly  clean, 
and  the  whole  place  in  admirable  order.  Good  soil,  kept  free  from 
weeds  and  judiciously  fed,  is  one  of  the  secrets  of  Mr.  Bunyard’s  extra¬ 
ordinary  success. — W.  P.  W. 

[Mr.  Bunyard  has  sent  us  very  fine  samples  of  Kentish  fruit,  with 
others  of  the  same  varieties  grown  under  less  favourable  conditions. 
The  former  may  be  taken  to  represent  profit  in  fruit  culture,  the  latter 
the  reverse — the  produce  it  may  be  expected  of  exhausted  trees  that 
cumber  the  ground.] 


SUBURBAN  SPARROWS. 

“Davies  Duffryn”  (page  214),  wishes  to  know  how  sparrows  behave 
in  the  suburbs  of  towns.  The  cheeky  birds  in  my  garden  are  quite 
opposite  to  those  in  Mr.  J.  Witherspoon’s.  His  sparrows  appear  to  be 
pets,  but  mine  are  decidedly  pests.  They  eat,  or  pull  in  pieces,  what 
they  ought  to  leave,  and  leave  untouched  what  they  ought  to  eat.  They 
appear  disgusted  with  caterpillars,  and  to  have  no  taste  for  aphides. 
They  attack  yellow  Crocuses  voraciously,  and  either  do  not  like  to  sec 
two  flowers  open  at  the  same  time,  or  prefer  seeing  the  petals  littered 
on  the  path.  It  is  the  same  with  Primroses,  which  the  scavengers  will 
not  let  alone. 

They  play  havoc  with  the  buds  of  fruit  trees  of  all  kinds — “  a  worm 
in  them  1  ’’  say  their  sentimental  friends.  So  far  as  I  am  concerned  it 
might  as  well  stop  there  as  the  buds  be  torn  off  ;  but  I  do  not  believe 
in  this  worm  theory.  It  seems  a  handy  refuge  for  the  destitute  who 
do  not  know  what  else  to  say.  Were  there  worms  in  the  Crocus  petals  ? 

I  bought  four  dozen  young  fruit  bushes  about  ten  years  ago,  and 
have  certainly  not  had  4  lbs.  of  fruit  from  them  during  the  whole  of 
that  time.  If  the  scoundrel  sparrows  do  not  tear  off  all  the  buds  in 
spring  they  take  all  the  fruit  that  appears  long  before  it  is  ready  for  use. 
It  is  wrong  and  cruel  to  shoot  the  birds,  say  their  warm  defenders,  and 
fruit  should  be  netted  against  them.  Then  is  it  not  wrong  to  deprive 
them  of  food  and  starve  them  to  death  ?  I  should  prefer  to  be  shot 
quickly  than  starved  to  death  slowly  ;  but  we  cannot  shoot  in  small 
suburban  gardens,  where  the  sparrows  appear  to  be  alike  masters  and 
scourges. 

They  take  away  filth,  says  their  champion.  Are  flowers  and  fruit 
filth  ?  These  they  assuredly  take  or  destroy,  and  they  do  not  interfere 
with  caterpillars  and  insect  pests.  Mr.  Witherspoon  is  no  doubt  a  very 
clever  man,  but  he  clearly  does  not  understand  suburban  sparrows,  and 
if  he  had  them  to  deal  with  I  suspect  he  would  not  care  in  the  least 
who  diminished  their  numbers. 

There  are  also,  as  I  know,  thousands  of  sparrows  not  of  the  caterpillar¬ 
eating  kind  in  the  country,  but  they  devour  Peas  and  grain  voraciously, 
and  strip  fruit  trees  and  bushes  of  buds.  They  are  an  intolerable  pest 
in  many  places,  and  a  price  has  to  be  put  on  their  heads.  Even  bird 
lovers  and  humanitarians  who  see  this  depredation  of  the  shoals  of 
birds  raise  no  protest  against  the  practice  any  more  than  they  would 
against  killing  rats  and  mice  if  they  did  half  so  much  mischief  as 
the  sparrows. 

If  these  could  be  evenly  distributed  all  over  the  country  there  might 
be  less  to  complain  about,  but  I  am  inclined  even  then  to  imagine  that 
a  number  could  be  disposed  of  with  advantage.  I  have  read  somewhere 
of  a  happy  time  when  every  rood  of  land  maintained  its  man,  and  am 
inclined  to  think  that  one  sparrow  to  the  rood  would  be  ample,  and  that 
one  could  be  very  well  dispensed  with.  My  unfortunate  share  is 
approximately  about  200  to  that  extent  of  land,  and  I  should  be  well 
pleased  for  Mr.  Witherspoon  to  have  the  whole  of  them  if  I  were  sure 
they  would  change  their  tactics  with  the  change  of  scene,  or  under  the 
good  influence  of  his  well-behaved  pets,  for  I  do  not  wish  him  any  harm. 
— An  Afflicted  Suburban  Amateur. 


The  Weather  in  London.— Fine  dry  weather  still  continues  in 
the  metropolis  and  the  south  generally.  Saturday  last,  however,  was 
decidedly  cooler  than  it  had  hitherto  been  for  several  days.  Since  then 
the  nights  have  been  rather  cold.  At  the  time  of  going  to  press  it 
is  bright  and  clear. 

-  Durham,  Northumberland,  and  Newcastle  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society.  —  We  are  informed  that  the  officials  of  this 
Society  sent  a  beautiful  wreath  on  the  occasion  of  the  funeral  of  Lady 
Armstrong,  at  Rothbury,  on  the  6th  inst.  Mr.  Elliot  and  Mr.  Bertrand,. 
Lord  Armstrong’s  head  gardeners  at  Jesmond  and  Cragside  respectively, 
were  among  the  chief  mourners.  Lady  Armstrong  took  great  interest 
in  gardening,  and  possessed  considerable  knowledge  of  plants  and  their 
culture. 

-  Honours  to  a  French  Horticulturist. — We  understand 

that  Mons.  Edouard  Andr6  has  been  appointed  as  Chevalier  of  the 
Order  of  Leopold.  M.  Andrd  is  a  landscape  gardener,  a  traveller, 
a  botanist,  a  Professor  in  the  National  School  of  Horticulture  at 
Versailles,  and  one  of  the  editors  of  the  “  Revue  Horticole.” 

- Rev.  Leonard  Blomefield. — The  death  of  the  Rev.  Leonard! 

Blomefield,  who  was  the  oldest  Fellow  of  the  Linnean  Society,  took 
place  recently.  Mr.  Blomefield  was  in  bygone  days  known  as  Leonard 
Jenyns,  he  having  assumed  the  name  Blomefield  at  a  later  period, 
Mr.  Blomefield,  who  was  elected  a  Fellow  of  the  Linnean  Society  so  far 
back  as  1822,  was  ninety  years  of  ago  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

-  An  International  Exposition,  it  is  stated,  will  be  held 

in  the  city  of  San  Francisco,  State  of  California,  beginning  on  January 
1st,  1894,  and  continuing  for  six  months.  The  classification  will 
include  Department  A — Agriculture,  food  and  its  accessories,  forestry 
and  forest  products,  agricultural  machinery  and  appliances,  horti¬ 
culture,  viticulture,  and  pomology,  Mr.  M.  H.  de  Young  is  the 
Director-General  and  President  of  the  Executive  Committee, 

-  Cheap  Apples. — Fruit  is  said  to  be  so  plentiful  in  Lincoln¬ 
shire  this  year  that  growers  are  experiencing  the  greatest  difficulty  in 
disposing  of  the  produce  of  their  orchards.  The  markets  are  so  glutted, 
especially  with  Apples,  that  the  sales  in  many  cases  have  not  realised 
sufficient  to  pay  the  expenses  of  sending  to  market.  Plums  also  have 
been  a  bad  trade,  and  those  that  were  damaged  at  all  by  wasps  have 
been  practically  rendered  unsaleable.  The  average  price  of  Apples  is 
about  2d.  per  stone.  This,  however,  applies  to  inferior  fruit  ;  the  better 
samples  realising  fair  prices. 

- Pansies. — Is  it  generally  known  how  rapidly  Pansies  repro¬ 
duce  ?  I  broke  up  an  old  bed  a  fortnight  ago,  and  made  a  new  one  with 
the  seedlings  I  found  in  it.  Some  of  these  are  already  in  flower,  and 
the  bed  promises  in  another  fortnight  to  be  a  mass  of  bloom.  Of  course 
they  have  been  having  as  much  water  and  almost  as  much  sun  as  they 
could  possibly  require. — A.  C. 

-  Cheap  Muscat  Grapes. — It  is  stated  on  good  authority  that 

fair  samples  of  Cannon  Hall  Muscat  Grapes  were  sold  in  a  fruiterer’s 
shop  in  the  metropolis  the  other  day  for  8d.  per  pound.  The  Grapes 
had  been  grown  in  Jersey,  and  although  the  bunches  “  were  rather 
small,”  it  is  said  that  the  berries  were  large,  “  the  colour  fairly  good, 
and  the  flavour  well  developed.” 

-  Improving  the  Quality  of  Fruits. — Nothing  is  more 

common,  in  conventions  of  fruit  growers,  than  to  hear  one  man  say 
of  a  certain  variety  that  it  is  tasteless  and  worthless,  while  the  follow¬ 
ing  speaker  may  laud  that  variety  as  one  of  the  highest  flavour  and 
best  quality.  The  truth  is,  says  “  Meehan’s  Monthly,”  that  ripening 
fruit  is  an  art,  which  is  only  to  be  learned  by  intelligent  experience. 
Some  kinds  of  fruit  require  to  be  gathered  a  little  before  ripe,  in  order 
to  produce  the  highest  flavour,  while  others  require  to  be  dead  ripe  on 
the  trees  before  they  are  gathered.  Again,  to  get  the  best  quality  some 
require  to  be  ripened  in  a  dark  and  cool  place,  while  others  require  a 
warmer  and  lighter  situation.  All  this  has  to  be  learnt  by  experience, 
and  one  of  the  pleasures  of  amateur  gardening  is  to  study  these  points, 
with  the  view  of  the  production  of  the  best  class  of  fruit. 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


246 


-  Gardening  Appointment. — Mr.  R.  Griffiths,  from  Glewston 

Court  Gardens,  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  Miss  Bernard,  Over-Ross 
House,  Ross,  Herefordshire. 

-  Plum  Culture  in  California. — Some  people  in  this  country 

have  but  a  very  faint  impression  of  the  immensity  of  the  fruit  interest 
in  California.  Take,  for  instance,  the  Plum,  One  single  grower,  says 
the  “  Hanford  (California)  Journal,”  has  544  acres  planted  with  the 
Prune  variety.  On  this  tract  alone  are  66,000  trees. 

-  Gardening  in  India.— It  is  stated  “that  Mr.  J.  M.  Henry, 

for  the  last  fourteen  years  Superintendent  of  the  Baroda  State  Gardens, 
has  now  been  transferred  wholly  to  the  landscape  department,  and  will 
devote  the  whole  of  his  time  to  that  work,  under  the  direction  of  Mr. 
W.  Goldring,  who  remains  in  England  for  eighteen  months  before 
returning  to  India  to  carry  out  the  many  new  parks  and  pleasure 
grounds  H.H.  the  Gaekwar  contemplates  making  throughout  his  exten- 
jive  territory  for  his  people.” 

-  Potash  and  Peach  Yellows.— Mr.  B.  Von  HerfE,  93, 

Nassau  Street,  N.Y,,  contends  that  a  want  of  potash  in  the  soil  produces 
frequent  and  disastrous  results  to  the  Peach  grower.  All  diseases  or 
any  disease  troubling  the  Peach  grower  can  be  found  in  soils  abounding 
in  potash ;  and,  moreover,  it  is  so  well  known  that  the  manifestation 
known  as  Peach  yellows,  and  similar  manifestations  in  many  other  trees, 
are  produced  by  root  fungus,  that  there  is  no  need  to  call  in  the  lack  of 
any  mineral  ingredient  to  account  for  them.  When  it  comes  to  the 
question  of  a  good  fertiliser  for  the  Peach,  kainit  or  potash  salts  may 
take  a  place  among  valuable  articles.  Anything  that  may  aid  in 
checking  fungus  growth  may  be  useful  aside  from  fertilising  properties, 
Kainit  may  do  this.  Even  boiling  water  poured  freely  around  the  roots 
of  fungus-infested  trees  has  been  found  excellent. 

-  Diseases  of  Gloxinias. — In  France  Gloxinias  have  been 

considerably  injured  by  various  diseases.  The  exact  nature  of  the 
troubles  does  not  seem  to  be  very  well  understood,  as  some  are  sup¬ 
posed  to  be  due  to  fungi,  and  others  to  bacilli.  The  remedies  proposed 
are  not  always  efficient,  but  good  results  appear  to  follow  the  use  of 
some  of  them.  The  presence  of  so  much  disease  can  partially  be 
explained  by  the  fact  that  when  the  young  plants  are  moved  from  the 
propagating  house  to  their  flowering  quarters  the  sudden  change  in 
temperature  weakens  them  and  lowers  their  powers  of  resisting  disease. 
The  change  should  be  made  as  gradual  as  possible.  Another  suggestion, 
according  to  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  is  found  in  the  fact  that 
Gloxinias  which  are  grown  in  new  houses,  or  in  houses  before  un¬ 
occupied  by  them,  are  quite  free  from  disease,  while  their  successful 
cultivation  is  an  utter  impossibility  in  houses  which  have  been  filled 
by  them  year  after  year.  Great  care  in  growing  only  healthy  plants 
will  undoubtedly  soon  become  a  very  important  factor  in  their  culti¬ 
vation,  for  these  plants  now  appear  to  be  the  prey  of  an  ever-increasing 
number  of  enemies. 

-  Sand-binding  Grass. — The  Marram  Grass  (Psamma  arenaria), 

the  seed  of  which  was  first  introduced  into  the  colony  of  Victoria  by  the 
Government  Botanist,  Baron  von  Mueller  in  1883,  has  been  proved  to  be 
the  most  eflEective  sand  stay  ever  planted.  Practical  evidence  can  be 
seen  of  its  value  in  the  miles  of  sandhills  now  reclaimed  by  the  Marram 
plantations,  sown  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  S.  Avery,  the  park  ranger. 
So  complete  has  been  the  reclamation  of  the  lands,  says  a  New  Zealand 
paper,  that,  where  a  few  years  ago  not  a  sign  of  vegetation  was  to  be 
seen,  there  now  exists  a  succulent  Grass,  eagerly  devoured  by  cattle,  and 
growing  to  a  height  of  4  feet.  Marram  Grass  is  practically  indestructible 
— burning,  cutting,  or  eating  off  only  makes  it  thrive — whilst  in  exposed 
shifting  sand  it  propagates  as  surely  as  in  the  most  sheltered  position. 
The  Grass  for  transplanting  has  been  supplied  by  the  Port  Fairy  Borough 
Council  not  only  to  the  Governments  of  Victoria  and  New  South  Wales, 
but  to  numerous  municipal  bodies  and  private  individuals  in  all  the 
Australian  colonies.  New  Zealand,  and  Tasmania,  and  in  no  single 
instanee  has  it  failed  to  thrive.  The  Grass  is  supplied  at  the  actual  cost 
of  digging,  packing,  and  carting  to  the  wharf  or  railway  station.  Port 
Fairy,  which  does  not  exceed  253.  per  ton.  The  following  directions 
how  to  plant  Marram  Grass  have  been  prepared  by  the  park  ranger  : — 
The  Grass  to  be  planted  in  rows  at  a  distance  of  6  feet  apart,  the  space 
between  the  plants  to  be  at  least  2  feet.  The  depth  to  which  each  plant 
is  put  into  the  sand  depends  on  the  nature  of  the  sand.  If  in  sand  not 
likely  to  drift  for  two  or  three  months,  9  inches  will  be  deep  enough  ;  but 
in  very  loose  and  shifting  sand  the  Grass  should  be  placed  from  12  inches 
to  15  inches  deep.  A  “plant”  consists  of  as  much  Grass  as  a  man  can 
conveniently  hold  in  his  hand. 


-  Death  of  Mr.  Charles  Verdier,  —  Rosarians  and  others 

interested  in  horticulture  will  regret  to  hear  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Charles 
F.  Verdier,  which  occurred  a  week  or  two  ago.  A  gentleman  who  knew 
Mr.  Verdier  for  forty  years  writes  that  “  he  has  died  ripe  in  years  and 
honours.” 

-  Species  of  Oaks. — According  to  an  American  contemporary, 

“  Prof.  H.  M.  Ward  states  that  there  are  probably  more  than  300  species 
of  Oaks  (Quercus),  of  which  the  majority  belong  to  North  America, 
Europe,  China,  Japan  and  other  parts  of  Asia,  There  are  none  in 
Africa  south  of  the  Mediterranean  region,  nor  in  South  America  or 
Australia.  Some  remarkable  species  are  found  in  the  Himalayas,  and 
many  in  the  Malayan  Archipelago.” 

-  Destroying  Weeds. — Several  correspondents  have  written 

to  “Meehans’  Monthly”  recently,  as  to  how  to  destroy  noxious  weeds. 
Poison  Ivy,  Dock,  Canada  Thistle,  and  Dandelions  are  the  subjects  of 
these  varied  inquiries.  Intelligent  gardeners  know  that  no  plant  can 
live  long  without  leaves.  If,  therefore,  a  plant  is  cut  off  to  the  ground 
soon  after  making  leaves  in  the  spring,  it  is  generally  destroyed  at  once  ; 
but  sometimes  another  or  second  growth  will  appear,  of  a  more  or  less 
weak  character,  and  if  this  is  again  cut,  the  plant  will  surely  die. 
Nothing  is  easier  than  to  destroy  these  weeds  when  this  principle  is 
kept  in  mind .  The  writer  of  this  paragraph  has  known  a  whole  half  acre  of 
Canada  Thistle  entirely  eradicated  by  having  a  boy  cut  them  beneath 
the  ground  with  a  knife  early  in  spring.  Very  few  produced  leaves  the 
second  time,  but  these  were  again  cut  as  soon  as  perceived,  and  the 
result  was  to  eventually  destroy  every  plant. 

-  English  Carnations  in  America. — Writing  from  Wellesley, 

Massachusetts,  to  an  American  contemporary,  “  T.  D.  H.”  says  : — The 
English  type  of  Carnation  has  failed  in  every  trial  here,  undoubtedly 
owing  to  the  marked  dissimilarity  of  climate  and  also  to  the  fact  that 
in  each  country  varieties  suited  to  a  special  plan  of  culture  have  been 
selected.  In  that  country  the  plants  are  layered  in  the  autumn, 
wintered  in  a  cold  frame,  and  grown  in  pots  the  following  season  for 
the  next  winter’s  bloom.  Here  also  selection  has  been  in  the  line  of  a 
particular  mode  of  cultivation,  but  the  plant  is  different  and  charac¬ 
teristically  American,  Cuttings  are  rooted  in  January,  planted  out  of 
doors  in  May,  and  are  in  bloom  by  the  second  week  in  July.  I  recently 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  a  splendid  collection  of  Miss  Fisher,  white  ; 
Hector,  scarlet ;  and  Nobscot,  scarlet,  in  bloom  and  loaded  with  flower 
buds,  while  along  with  these  were  another  lot  of  imported  varieties 
layered  last  autumn,  which  were  very  much  later  and  did  not  look  at 
all  promising.  There  are  no  good  rose-coloured  varieties  as  yet,  but  two 
on  trial  look  encouraging.  These  are  Ada  Byron  and  Nicholson.  An 
elegant  yellow-flaked  variety  also  promises  to  be  a  good  summer  bloomer. 
If  neatly  staked,  as  these  plants  were,  they  make  a  fine  appearance,  and 
at  the  same  time  the  flowers  are  kept  from  injury  by  heavy  showers  of 
rain. 

-  Apples  in  America. — The  following  extract  from  a  trans¬ 
atlantic  contemporary  will  give  readers  an  idea  as  to  what  the  Apple 
crop  is  in  America  this  year:  —  “The  prospective  crop  of  Apples, 
commercially  considered,  as  indicated  by  returns  of  our  correspondents 
for  July,  will  be  light,  and  in  many  sections  a  complete  failure.  The 
high  returns  in  June  from  districts  then  in  bloom  have  been  materially 
lowered  for  July,  the  set  has  been  poor,  and  the  drop,  still  continuing, 
severe.  Thus  in  Maine  and  New  York  the  percentages  are  lowered 
twenty-two  and  nineteen  points  respectively.  These  States  are  by  far 
the  most  important  of  the  eastern  Apple  district,  and  failure  there  makes 
the  sustained  percentages  of  New  Hampshire,  Rhode  Island,  and  Con¬ 
necticut  of  little  significance  as  regards  surplus  production,  though  it 
means  much  to  successful  growers  in  the  latter  States.  Large  reductions 
are  also  shown  in  Vermont,  Massachusetts,  and  Pennsylvania.  In  New 
Jersey,  Delaware,  and  Maryland  a  fair  to  good  crop  is  expected.  The 
percentage  in  the  latter  State,  however,  has  been  reduced  sixteen  points 
by  the  dropping  of  immature  fruit,  and  is  liable  to  still  further  reduction 
from  the  same  cause.  Virginia  has  sustained  her  percentage,  and  will 
probably  have  half  a  crop.  In  the  Ohio  Valley  and  Missouri  fruit 
belt  things  have  gone  from  bad  to  worse.  The  frequency  of  the  word 
‘  failure  ’  in  the  notes  of  the  correspondents  throughout  these  sections 
ominously  emphasises  the  exceedingly  low  condition,  as  shown  by  the 
percentages.  Michigan  has  declined  twenty  points  since  the  June 
report.  The  high  condition  of  Apples  in  the  Pacific  coast  region  still 
continues,  and  a  good  crop  is  confidently  expected.  The  fruit  is 
dropping  somewhat  in  Oregon,  where  the  decline  since  June,  though 
slight,  has  been  greater  than  in  Washington  and  California.” 


246 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


t  September  14,  1855, 


-  Prices  for  Potatoes. — It  would  appear  that  iu  some  parts 

of  the  country  farmers  are  obtaining  fair  prices  for  their  Potato  crops. 
An  auction  of  150  acres  of  growing  Potatoes  was  recently  held  at  the 
Stewponey  Hotel,  in  the  Stourbridge  district,  when  9  acres  of  Bruce  and 
Magnum  Bonum  Potatoes  realised  £17  5s.  per  acre,  these  being  offered 
by  Mrs.  Giles  of  Ash  wood  ;  and  llj-  acres  of  Magnum  Bonum  and 
kidney  Potatoes,  belonging  to  Mr.  T.  Dorrell  of  Enville,  made  £17  per 
acre;  and  11  acres  of  Magnum  and  Stourbridge  Glory  Potatoes,  belong¬ 
ing  to  Mr.  G.  Elwill,  £15  Ss.  per  acre. 

^ -  The  Evening  Primrose  as  a  Vegetable. — The  “Lyon 

Horticole  ”  has  a  long  and  interesting  chapter  on  the  great  value  as  a 
vegetable  of  the  common  ffinothera  biennis,  the  very  common  weed 
known  as  Evening  Primrose.  Though  introduced,  it  says,  from  America 
as  early  as  1614,  it  has  only  recently  been  known  as  a  kitchen 
vegetable.  It  says  that  it  is  becoming  wild  in  France,  and  is  known  by 
the  common  name  of  Donkey  Flower.  It  questions  the  accepted  origin 
of  the  name,  and  contends  that  the  botanical  name  is  rather  derived 
from  onagra,  and  not,  as  generally  supposed,  because  the  roots  exhale 
the  odour  of  wine.  From  the  shape  of  its  roots  it  is  called  in  France 
the  Leg  of  St.  Anthony.  However,  it  is  as  a  vegetable  that  we  have  to 
ilo  with  it.  If  the  seeds  are  sown  as  soon  as  they  ripen  young  plants 
grow  at  once,  and  the  plant  throws  up  flower  shoots  early  next  year. 
This  is  the  case  with  all  plants  known  as  biennials ;  but  if  we  save  the 
seed  and  sow  it  in  the  spring  at  the  same  time  as  we  do  Salsafy, 
Parsnips,  and  similar  biennials,  the  plants  make  roots  only  that  season 
intjtead  of  flowers.  The  author  of  the  paper  compares  the  roots  with 
t'le  Salsafy  in  value.  It  is  stored  away  for  use  from  November  to  April. 
Under  good  culture,  it  states,  the  roots  develop  to  quite  a  large  size.  It 
also  states  that  it  is  far  superior  as  a  vegetable  to  the  recently  intro¬ 
duced  Stachys  from  Japan. 

-  Boot  Fungus. — Intelligent  raisers  of  trees  and  plants  muse 

be  familiar  with  the  work  of  root  fungus,  and  with  its  effects  on  the 
foliage.  In  most  cases  the  result  is  to  turn  the  leaves  from  deep 
green  to  a  golden  yellow,  as  in  the  Peach,  the  Norway  Spruce,  and 
the  White  Pine.  In  the  Carnation  the  glaucous  grey  green  is  changed 
to  a  sea  green,  and  so  on  with  other  things.  The  rapidity  with  which 
the  mycelium,  or  “  spawn,”  as  gardeners  term  it,  travels  under  ground 
is  wonderful.  In  a  bed  of  Carnations  planted  out  in  early  spring  for 
removal  in  the  fall  to  the  Carnation  house  the  writer  saw  a  circle  con¬ 
taining  a  few  less  than  100  plants  infected,  and  which  had  to  be 
rejected.  This  fungus  had  started  from  some  half -decayed  wood,  and 
then  had  radiated  some  15  feet  to  the  circumference  of  the  circle  infest¬ 
ing  every  Carnation  root  in  its  march,  and  this  15  feet  had  been  all 
developed  in  four  months  certainly,  and  probably  much  less  judging  by 
the  fact  that  the  leaf  tint  had  all  been  completely  changed.  Just  how 
the  change  is  effected  so  as  to  give  the  yellows  to  the  Peach,  Spruce^ 
Pine,  and  other  plants,  is  not  known.  No  trace  of  the  original  fungus 
can  be  found  in  the  woody  structure,  yet  the  wood  impregnated  with 
some  deleterious  substance  is  capable  of  carrying  the  disease  to  other 
plants  by  inoculation.  But  the  fact  remains  that  root  fungus  is  the 
primary  cause. — (“  Meehans’  Monthly.”) 

-  A  Crop  op  Fine  Apples. — Wells  Palace  and  some  part  of 

the  grounds  are  surrounded  by  a  moat  and  high  wall.  Against  a  sunny 
portion  of  the  latter,  and  within  a  few  feet  of  though  well  above  the 
water,  Mr.  J.  B.  Payne,  the  head  gardener  in  charge  of  the  place^ 
some  years  since  planted  several  Apple  and  Pear  trees.  From  the 
first  these  trees  thrived  and  fruited  well,  and  I  have  seen  several  good 
crops  of  fine  fruit  on  them.  Apple  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  has  repeatedly 
been  very  fine,  but  this  year  the  crop  quite  eclipsed  anything  seen 
on  the  tree  before,  and,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  anything  of 
the  kind  ever  seen  elsewhere.  Early  in  August  I  counted  sixty-two 
fruits  on  the  tree,  every  one  of  which  were  quite  equal  to  taking 
prizes  at  leading  shows  in  the  west  of  England.  Becently  Mr.  Payne 
exhibited  twelve  of  the  fruits  at  Bath,  and  it  may  safely  be  asserted, 
nothing  else  in  a  generally  excellent  Show  attracted  so  much  atten¬ 
tion.  At  one  time  I  saw  not  less  than  a  dozen  policemen  discussing 
the  merits  of  this  particular  dish  of  fruit,  and  the  member  of  the 
force  who  happened  to  be  in  charge  of  that  end  of  the  tent  was 
quite  delighted  when  a  medal,  in  addition  to  the  first  prize,  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  Payne.  Those  twelve  fruits  weighed  in  the  aggregate 
15  lbs.,  the  heaviest  being  16  inches  in  circumference,  and  weighing 
22  ozs.  All,  in  addition  to  being  large  and  well  formed,  were  richly 
coloured.  Mr.  Payne  has  good  cause  to  be  proud  of  his  production. 
— W.  iGGULDEN. 


-  School  Gardens. — I  was  much  interested  in  Mr.  Wright’s 

article  on  this  subject  (page  201).  He  correctly  remarks  that  it  is  not  a 
“novel  idea,”  for  I  well  remember  thirty-seven  years  ago  the  school¬ 
master  of  the  national  schools  at  the  village  of  Bocester  in  Staffordshire, 
Mr.  Jenkins,  suggesting  to  some  of  us  lads  that  we  should  make  flower 
borders  round  the  playgrounds.  As  space  was  limited  and  many  wished 
to  take  part  in  the  work  it  was  arranged  that  a  lad  of  the  “  first  class 
(no  “  standards  ”  then)  should  make  and  keep  the  portion  allotted  to  hira,. 
having  his  “  chum  ”  for  assistant.  I  remember  it  gave  some  of  us  a  good 
deal  of  pleasure,  and  brightened  up  the  barren  yards  during  the  summer.. 
Nor  were  the  girls  forgotten,  for  we  made  their  borders  too.  About  a. 
dozen  of  us  each  had  a  plot  of  ground  in  a  field  for  growing  vegetables^ 
but  there  was  not  any  provision  for  instruction^  so  we  were  dependent 
for  this  on  our  respective  “  dads.”  Truly  this  is  very  meagre  compared 
with  the  splendid  facilities  afforded  to  the  present  school  boys  of  Surrey,, 
still  it  was  a  step  in  the  right  direction  ;  and  probably  one  of  the  earliest 
attempts  to  instil  a  love  for  gardening  into  the  minds  of  the  youths  of 
the  working  class,  and  as  such  is,  I  think,  worthy  of  being  placed  on. 
record. — T.  S.,  Ilcthbury  Hill. 


CLERODENDRON  TRICHOTOMUM, 

When  flowers  of  this  fine  hardy  Clerodendron  were  exhibited  by 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  at  the  recent  Agricultural  Hall 
Show  they  attracted  much  attention,  and  the  Floral  Committee  of  the 
Boyal  Horticultural  Society  awarded  a  first-class  certificate.  As  a  rule 
the  blooms  appear  in  September,  and,  as  will  be  seen  by  referring  to  the 
illustration  (fig.  35),  they  are  produced  in  terminal  cymes.  They  are 
white  with  a  reddish  purple  calyx,  and  are  fragrant. 

Clerodendron  trichotomum  is  native  of  Japan,  and  was  introduced 
many  years  ago,  but  it  does  not  appear  to  be  generally  grown.  It  is  a 
vigorous  growing  shrub,  frequently  attaining  a  height  of  8  feet  in 
sheltered  positions.  The  leaves  are  dark  green  and  comparatively  large, 
being  about  6  inches  in  length  and  proportionately  wide.  This  species 
is  sometimes  described  as  a  greenhouse  plant,  but  it  is  quite  hardy,  and 
forms  a  striking  feature  in  a  shrubbery  at  this  period  of  the  year. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

September  12th. 

There  were  comparatively  few  exhibits  at  this  meeting,  and  the 
attendance  was  not  very  large.  Fruit  was,  however,  well  represented, 
and  there  were  some  good  collections  of  Boses  and  Dahlias.  Orchids 
were  likewise  fairly  well  shown. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present :  P.  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  j 
Messrs.  John  Lee,  T.  F.  Bivers,  Harrison  Weir,  G.  Bunyard,  J.  Cheal, 
W.  Warren,  A.  Dean,  H.  Balderson,  J.  Smith,  G.  Norman,  W.  H.  Divers, 
G.  Wythes,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh,  and  J.  Wright. 

Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  The  Gardens,  Ketton  Hall,  Stamford,  sent  a  seed¬ 
ling  Peach  raised  from  the  Byron  Nectarine,  fruits  medium  sized,  round 
and  mottled  like  Grosse  Mignonne,  a  freestone  of  excellent  quality, 
ripening  several  days  later  than  Lord  Palmerston.  The  variety  is 
named  Duchess  of  York.  An  award  of  merit  was  unanimously  awarded, 
another  year’s  trial  being  thought  advisable  before  granting  a  first-class 
certificate.  Messrs.  Bobert  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter,  sent  their  new  Peach 
Late  Devonian,  rather  small  dark  coloured  fruits  grown  in  the  open  air 
and  not  in  the  best  condition,  some  being  distinctly  over-ripe.  No 
award  was  made.  Mr.  J.  Miller,  The  Gardens,  Buxley  Lodge,  sent 
dishes  of  splendid  Peaches  grown  against  an  open  wall,  and  a  cultural 
commendation  was  unanimously  awarded. 

Mr.  Walter  Weir,  Acton  Park  Gardens,  Wrexham,  sent  bunches  of 
his  new  Grape  Cape  Muscat,  berries  black,  ovoid,  of  good  size,  and  well 
coloured.  It  is  a  very  refreshing  Grape  with  a  combination  of  Muscat 
and  Black  Hamburgh  flavour,  and  the  crackling  skin  of  Lady  Downe’s 
Seedling.  The  seed  was  received  by  Mr.  Weir  from  the  Cape,  hence  the 
name  given  to  the  variety.  The  bunch  somewhat  resembles  Alicante. 
An  award  of  merit  was  unanimously  awarded,  and  still  higher  honours 
may  be  in  store  if  better  specimens  should  be  forthcoming. 

Mr.  J.  B.  Payne,  Palace  Gardens,  Wells,  sent  twelve  magnificent 
fruits  of  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  Apple,  gathered  from  a  tree  trained 
against  a  cold,  damp  stone  wall  supporting  a  terrace,  aspect  south-east. 
The  tree  has  been  planted  seven  years,  and  covers  a  space  17  feet  wide 
and  14  feet  high.  The  crop  this  year  was  thinned  to  sixty-two  fruits, 
none  weighing  less  than  1  lb.  The  fruits  sent  would  much  exceed 
that  weight,  and  were  beautifully  coloured.  No  other  kind  of  fruit  had 
been  found  to  succeed  against  the  wall.  A  bronze  Banksian  medal  was 
unanimously  recommended. 

Messrs.  W.  E.  Browne  &  Son,  The  Nursery,  Wells,  sent  a  dish  of  very 
large  Apples  named  Monster  Pippin,  for  a  certificate,  but  it  was 
determined  to  be  Warner’s  King  ;  also  a  dish  of  Bartlett's  Glory 
a  splendid  Apple  resembling  Cellini  in  appearance,  but  much  larger 
and  firmer,  six  fruits  weighing  7  lbs. ;  in  season  from  November  till 
January.  It  was  raised  by  a  market  gardener,  whose  name  it  bears 
(award  of  merit). 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


247 


Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Son  sent  a  box  ot  Golden  Transparent  Plum,  a 
seedling  of  good  size  and  delicious  flavour,  a  freestone,  full  of  honey¬ 
like  juice.  It  was  regarded  as  the  richest  yellow  Plum  ripening  at 
this  season  of  the  year,  and  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded. 

Dr.  P.  H.  Emerson  sent  a  collection  of  Melons  grown  in  the  open 
ground  in  a  sheltered  garden  near  Broadstairs,  Kent.  Belgrade 
(Cantaloup)  was  small,  but  better  in  quality  than  many  that  have  been 
before  the  Committee  as  grown  under  glass.  A  vote  of  thanks  was 
accorded,  also  to  Mr.  W,  H.  Pitcher,  Albury  House,  Surbiton,  for  firm 
fleshed  Tomatoes,  and  to  Mrs.  Crawford,  Gal  ton,  Reigate  (Mr.  W.  Shaw- 
grove,  gardener),  for  ripe  and  good  second  crop  fruits  of  Strawberries 
Black  Prince  and  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury.  Mr.  Shawgrove  also 
sent  seven  Pears,  grand  fruits  of  Doyenn4  Boussoch,  Beurr6  d’Anjou, 
Marie  Louise,  Beurr6  Diel,  Mar(5chal  de  Cour,  Doyenne  du  Comice,  and 


the  ordeal  at  Chiswick  as  good  croppers  with  handsome  tubers  of  high, 
quality  when  cooked. 

A  number  of  coloured  illustrations  of  fruits  by  Mr.  Oster,  draughts¬ 
man  to  Messrs.  J.  &  A.  Cheal,  were  placed  on  the  table.  Some  of  the 
fruits  were  very  well  represented,  and  with  practice  Mr.  Oster  may 
develop  into  an  excellent  fruit  artist. 

Floral  Committee. — Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair) ; 
Messrs.  Chas.  T.  Druery,  H.  B.  May,  R.  Dean,  G.  Stevens,  Frank  Ross, 
J.  D.  Pawle,  J.  T.  Bennett  Poe,  Charles  Noble,  and  the  Rev.  H.  H. 
D’Ombrain. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  sent  a  collection  of  Cactus  and 
decorative  Dahlias  comprising  many  new  varieties  of  merit.  The  best 
amongst  these  were  W.  H.  Myers,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Mrs.  Douglas,. 
Mrs.  Hawkins,  Maid  of  Kent,  Princess  Christian,  Robert  Maher,  Claribel’^ 


Fig.  35.— CLERODENDRON  TRICHOTOMUM. 


Fondante  de  Cuerne.  A  cultural  commendation  was  unanimously 
awarded.  Rev.  J.  H.  Brown,  Bedstone  Rectory,  Shropshire,  had  splendid 
fruits  of  Lane’s  Prince  Albert  Apples,  not  in  the  best  of  colour,  but 
unusually  large,  well  meriting  the  cultural  commendation  recorded. 
Mr.  W.  Bannister,  The  Gardens,  Cote  House,  Westbury-on-Trym,  sent 
twelve  dishes  of  Pears,  well  grown,  but  not  nearly  so  large  as  Mr.  Shaw- 
grove’s  (cultural  commendation). 

Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Son  staged  twenty-five  dishes  of  fruit,  including 
Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  and  Peaches,  very  fine  specimens  indeed,  some 
being  seedlings,  and  a  silver  Knightian  medal  was  unanimously  recom¬ 
mended  ;  also  to  Messrs.  John  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  who  sent 
ninety  dishes  of  Apples  and  Pears,  the  leading  varieties  being  represented 
in  a  bright  and  good  condition. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  sent  splendid  Onions  of  the  variety  Al,  which 
received  the  highest  number  of  marks  of  merit  in  the  Chiswick  trials, 
and  a  first-class  certificate  was  at  once  awarded  ;  also  for  dishes  of  their 
Windsor  Castle  and  Triumph  Potatoes,  after  passing  with  credit  through 


Kentish  Invicta,  and  Cannell’s  Gem.  An  award  of  merit  was  adjudged 
for  the  last  named  variety,  and  a  small  silver  Banksian  medal  was 
recommended  for  the  whole.  Messrs.  W.  Paul  «&  Sons,  Waltham 
Cross,  sent  a  charming  collection  of  Roses,  including  ten  boxes  of 
blooms,  as  well  as  various  miscellaneous  bunches.  The  flowers  were 
delightfully  fresh  for  the  time  of  year,  and  it  is  not  often  that  one  sees 
such  fine  blooms  in  September.  Particularly  good  were  L’Ideal,  La 
France,  Clio,  Pride  of  Waltham,  Mrs.  Jowitt,  Grace  Darling,  Danmark, 
Star  of  Waltham,  W.  A.  Richardson,  White  Lady,  Ella  Gordon,  Eclair, 
Marie  Van  Houtte,  and  Duke  of  York,  the  last  named  being  a  new  China 
Rose.  A  silver  Flora  medal  was  recommended.  Messrs.  T.  H.  Crasp 
and  Co.,  Clyne  Valley  Nurseries,  Swansea,  sent  some  bunches  of  Asters 
and  Celosias,  the  flowers  being  fresh  and  brightly  coloured.  A  bronze 
Banksian  medal  was  recommended.  A  box  of  new  single  Dahlias  came 
from  T.  W.  Girdlestone,  Esq.,  Sunningdale,  and  for  four  of  these  awards 
of  merit  were  adjudged.  They  were  Golden  Locks,  Phyllis,  Demon,  and 
“M.C.C.”;  descriptions  of  these  will  be  found  elsewhere.  The  best  of 


248 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


the  other  varieties  were  Puck,  Cinderella,  Jack  Sheppard,  Yankee,  and 
Splash.  Mr.  May,  gardener  to  Captain  Le  Blanc,  Northaw  House, 
Potter’s  Bar,  sent  a  dozen  blooms  of  Dahlia  Mrs,  Le  Blanc,  a  fine  double 
white,  but  no  award  was  made. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  k.  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  sent  a  box 
of  hybrid  Streptocarpus,  the  blooms,  which  were  rich  and  varied  in 
colour,  having  been  cut  from  plants  grown  from  seed  sown  in  January 
of  this  year.  The  same  firm  had  a  box  of  Rhododendron  javanico- 
jasminiflorum  hybrids,  the  most  conspicuous  of  which  were  Monarch, 
Empress,  Lord  Wolesley,  Aurora,  Ophelia,  Princess  Royal,  and  Souvenir 
de  J.  S.  Mangles,  A  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded  for  these  charming 
flowers.  A  collection  of  Cannas  came  from  the  gardens  of  the  Society 
at  Chiswick,  and  the  flowers  of  these  were  exceedingly  bright.  The 
best  were  Gloire  d’Empel  (Vilmorin),  Alphonse  Bouvier  (Lemoine),  Star 
of  ’91  (Allan),  and  Quasimodo  (Vilmorin).  An  award  of  merit  was 
adjudged  for  the  latter,  which  is  described  elsewhere.  Messrs.  Stuart 
and  Mein,  Kelso,  had  a  few  bunches  of  Pentstemons,  and  Dr,  P.  H. 
Emerson,  Claringfold,  Broadstairs,  sent  some  Tuberoses  that  had  been 
grown  in  the  open  air. 

Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  contributed  a  collection  of  Violas, 
French  Marigolds,  and  single  Dahlias,  and  a  silver  Banksian  medal  was 
recommended.  Amongst  the  Violas  Sunrise,  Rob  Roy,  Lucy  Ashton, 
White  Duchess,  Lemon  Queen,  Dawn  of  Day,  Duchess  of  Fife,  and  J.  B. 
Riding  were  the  most  conspicuous.  The  Dahlias  were  attractive, 
especially  Wiliie  Fyfe,  Marion,  Lucy  Gray,  and  James  Cook.  The 
same  firm  sent  a  collection  of  new  type  of  “Single  Cactus”  Dahlias, 
which  attracted  attention.  These  flowers  are  small  with  narrow  petals, 
and  are  richly  coloured.  Roses  and  hardy  flowers  were  well  shown  by 
Messrs.  G.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  and  a  silver  Flora 
medal  w'as  recommended.  Among  the  Roses  La  France,  E,  Y.  Teas, 
Eclair,  Madame  de  Watteville,  Duchess  of  Albany,  and  G6n^ral 
Jacqueminot  were  most  noticeable,  although  the  whole  of  the  flowers 
were  very  fresh.  An  award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  Noisette  Rose 
Adeline  Viviand  Morel,  which  is  described  below.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son 
also  had  two  boxes  of  Phloxes,  and  an  award  of  merit  was  given  for 
Moliere,  a  very  bright  and  distinct  variety.  The  same  firm  also  sent 
plants  of  Clematis  Davidana,  an  herbaceous  species  that  is  not  seen  so 
frequently  as  it  might  be. 

Orchid  Committee. — Present :  Messrs.  S.  Courtauld  (in  the  chair) ; 
Jas.  O'Brien,  J.  Douglas,  A.  H.  Smee,  W.  H.  White,  E.  Hill,  T.  W.  Bird, 
H.  Ballantyne,  J.  Jacques,  and  Dr.  Masters. 

Messrs.  Sander  «&  Co.  had  one  of  their  familiar  collections — choice, 
bright,  and  interesting.  Habenaria  carnea,  for  which  they  received  a 
certificate  a  fortnight  ago,  was  prominent  in  it ;  and  there  was  also  a 
pan  of  H.  militaris,  affording  an  opportunity  of  a  comparison  between 
the  two  forms  as  to  size.  H.  carnea  is  about  twice  the  size  of  the  other. 
They  also  had  Aerides  Lawrencife,  Warscewicziella  Wailesianum, 
Miltonia  Morelliana,  and  Cypripedium  L’Unique  (Lindleyana  X  Schlimi 
alba).  The  St.  Albans  firm  also  exhibited  Bilbergia  Saundersi  and 
Cucuma  Bakeriana  in  bloom  (silver  Flora  medal).  C.  L.  M.  Ingram, 
Esq.,  Elstead  House,  Godaiming  (gardener,  Mr.  Bond),  sent  Cypripedium 
Adonis  X  (hirsutissimum  x  Curtisi)  and  Cattleya  AlexandrEe,  Linden’s 
var.  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.  had  a  charming  little  group,  in 
which  the  magnificent  Stanhopea  Amesiana  was  very  conspicuous.  Its 
ivory  white  glistening  flowers,  with  their  powerful  and  delicious 
Hyacinth  -  like  perfume,  were  extremely  beautiful.  Cypripedium 
Brayanum,  C.  picturatum,  and  several  other  attractive  forms  were  also 
in  the  collection,  at  the  back  of  which  was  Lilium  nepalense,  the 
chocolate,  green-tipped  species,  for  w’hich  the  firm  received  a  certificate 
four  years  ago  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  contri¬ 
buted  four  Orchids,  for  three  of  which  they  received  honours — an  excel¬ 
lent  record.  They  are  described  below.  N.  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood, 
Wylam-on-Tyne  (gardener,  Mr.  Murray),  sent  Cattleya-Lselia  Clive. 
R.  J.  Measures,  Esq.,  Cambridge  Lodge,  Camberwell  (gardener,  Mr. 
Chapman),  sent  Cypripedium  Schomburgkiana,  C.  Hebe,  and  several 
others  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Man¬ 
chester,  received  a  vote  of  thanks  for  an  interesting  collection  of 
Cattleyas,  including  Leopoldi,  Stand  Hall  var.,  Parthenia  Xj  Victoria 
Regina,  Statteriana,  and  others. 

Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 

Canna  Quasimodo  (Vilmorin). — This  a  grand  Canna  sent  from  the 
gardens  of  the  R.H.S.  at  Chiswick.  The  flowers  are  large,  bright  scarlet 
with  a  well-defined  yellow  margin  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  X  Aphrodite  (Veitch  &  Sons). — A  very  remarkable 
and  beautiful  hybrid,  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Lawrenceanum 
and  C.  niveum,  the  former  being  the  pollen  parent.  The  dorsal  sepal  is 
almost  orbicular,  the  petals  short  and  extremely  broad,  being  about  an 
inch  across,  the  lip  short  and  blunt.  The  colouring  throughout  is  white 
or  ivory,  suffused  with  rose  and  dotted  with  chocolate.  The  form 
exhibits  a  peculiar  combination  of  the  form  and  colour  of  the  parents 
(first-class  certificate). 

Cypripedium  Clotilde  Moens  (L’Horticulture  Internationale). — A 
cross  between  C.  Leeanum  and  C.  Haynaldianum,  distinct,  but  leaning 
to  Leeanum  in  general  expression.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  white  with  a 
central  bar  of  brownish  red,  the  basal  portion  green.  The  twisted  petals 
are  green  towards  the  base  dotted  with  brown,  the  apical  area  light 
purple  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Leonce  (H.  S.  Leon.  Esq.). — A  cross  between  C.  callo¬ 
sum  (pollen  parent)  and  C.  insigne  Chantini.  It  is  noteworthy  for  its 
very  long  broad  lip,  the  central  portion  of  which  is  green  dotted  wuth 


brown,  the  margins  pure  w'hite.  The  petals  are  blunt  and  the  lip 
reddish  brown  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  ceno-superhiens  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart). — This,  a 
cross  between  C.  oenanthum,  and  C.  superbiens,  is  a  very  bright  and 
handsome  form.  The  prevailing  colour  is  a  brownish  red,  this  suffusing 
petals  and  lip.  The  former  are  broad  and  spreading,  the  latter  somewhat 
pointed.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  broad  and  beautiful,  being  heavily  lined 
with  chocolate  dots  and  suffused  with  rose.  Margin  pure  white  (award 
of  merit). 

Dahlia  CannelVs  Gem  (H.  Cannell  &  Sons). — This  is  a  small  flower 
of  the  Cactus  type,  colour  deep  red.  It  is  described  as  a  “  Pompon 
Cactus  ”  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Demon  (T.  'VV.  Girdlestone). — A  handsome  single  Dahlia  of 
a  very  rich  dark  maroon,  with  a  fine  yellow  disc  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Golden  Lochs  (T.  W.  Girdlestone).— A  very  bright  yellow 
single  Dahlia,  with  flowers  of  perfect  form  and  a  good  size  (award  of 
merit). 

Dahlia  AI.C.C.  (T.  'W.  Girdlestone).— A  distinct  single  Dahlia,  and 
one  that  is  likely  to  become  popular.  The  flowers  are  large,  and  the 
colour  a  pretty  mixture  of  gold  and  scarlet  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Phyllis  (T.  "W.  Girdlestone). — This  is  a  pretty  single  variety 
with  flowers  of  good  size  and  form.  The  ground  colour  is  a  dull  white 
flaked  and  spotted  with  magenta  crimson  (award  of  merit). 

Lcelio- Cattleya  Epieasta  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — Another  bigeneric 
hybrid,  and  very  bright.  The  parents  are  Cattleya  Warscewiczi  and 
Lselia  pumila,  the  former  being  the  pollen  parent.  It  has  the  Laelia 
habit.  The  flowers  are  large  and  brilliant,  the  sepals  and  petals  being 
rosy  mauve,  and  the  lip  rich  purplish  carmine  (award  of  merit). 

Lcelio- Cattleya  Nysa  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — The  same  pollen  parent  was 
used  for  this — viz.,  Cattleya  "Warscewiczi,  the  female  being  Lselia  crispa. 
The  sepals  and  petals  are  soft  pinkish  lavender,  the  crisped  lip  purplish 
carmine  (award  of  merit). 

Phlox  Moliere  (G.  Paul  &  Son). — This  is  an  attractive  variety  with 
fine  trusses  of  flowers,  and  a  rich  pink  shade  (award  of  merit.) 

Rose  Adeline  Viviand  Morel  (G.  Paul  &  Son). — This  is  a  charming 
Noisette  Rose  with  miniature  rich  yellow  blooms,  margin  of  petals  tinted 
carmine  (award  of  merit). 

Frdits. — A  first»class  certificate  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  T.  Rivers 
and  Son  for  Golden  Transparent  Plum,  awards  of  merit  to  Mr.  W.  H. 
Divers  for  Duchess  of  Yorh  Peach,  also  to  Mr.  Walter  Weir  for  Cape 
Muscat  Grape,  and  to  Messrs.  W.  E.  Browne  &  Son  for  Bartlett's  Glory 
Apple,  as  described  in  our  report  of  the  Fruit  Committee. 


At  the  afternoon  meeting  Mr.  J.  Douglas  read  a  paper  on  “  Garden 
Phloxes  and  Pentstemons,”  which  was  listened  to  by  rather  a  small 
though  appreciative  audience.  There  were  not  so  many  of  these  flowers 
exhibited  at  the  meeting  as  might  have  been  expected,  and  had  there 
been  more  they  would  have  done  well  to  illustrate  Mr.  Douglas’  remarks, 
which  it  need  hardly  be  said  were  of  a  practical  nature. 


PINKS. 

Thirty  years  ago  the  Pink  was  in  its  zenith  of  glory,  but  since  that 
period  it  has  gradually  declined,  until  at  the  present  time  one  can 
seldom  see  a  good  collection.  It  is  very  difficult  to  account  for  this 
change ;  but  I  am  inclined  to  think  it  has  been  caused  by  the  intro¬ 
duction  of  BO  many  new  plants.  At  the  present  day  many  people  do 
not  know  anything  at  all  about  the  show  or  laced  Pinks.  Most 
gardeners  grow  a  few  border  varieties  to  yield  blooms  for  cutting,  and 
beyond  that  no  special  attention  is  paid  to  the  plants.  There  is  quite 
as  much  enjoyment  to  be  derived  from  growing  a  collection  of  Pinks 
as  from  Carnations.  There  is  a  variety  of  colours  and  markings  to 
obtain  that  will  give  the  true  florist  plenty  of  labour  to  attain. 

September  is  the  proper  season  to  commence  their  culture,  and  to 
be  a  successful  Pink  grower  it  is  necessary  to  start  with  young  plants. 
In  bygone  days  the  old  florists  used  to  carry  out  most  elaborate  direc¬ 
tions  when  preparing  the  soil  for  their  Pink  beds ;  but  I  think  the 
major  part  of  those  directions  can  be  dispensed  with,  for,  given  a  good 
fertile  soil  enriched  with  manure,  there  need  be  no  difficulty  as  far  as 
soil  is  concerned.  At  the  same  time  poor  ground  requires  the  addition  of 
some  rich  manure.  The  latter  should  be  dug  in  some  weeks  previous 
to  planting ;  but  where  this  has  not  already  been  done  it  must  be 
attended  to  before  the  plants  are  obtained.  A  cold  wet  soil  requires  a 
little  more  manipulation  than  a  light  one.  Raised  beds  are  the  best  in 
such  places,  and  if  6  inches  above  the  level  of  the  ground  it  will  be 
ample.  Some  people  plant  their  Pinks  in  October,  others  even  wait 
till  the  spring,  which  is  a  mistake.  I  like  planting  in  September  for 
two  reasons  ;  firstly,  because  the  soil  is  generally  in  good  condition  then, 
and  the  plants  can  make  new  roots  before  severe  frosts  set  in  ;  and 
secondly,  because  most  of  the  plants  obtained  from  nurseries  are 
ready  during  this  month. 

The  plants  may  be  12  inches  asunder  each  way.  Place  each  plant 
a  little  deeper  in  the  soil  than  it  was  before,  and  press  the  latter 
firmly.  A  light  mulching  of  short  m.anure  will  help  the  plants.  Should 
the  frosts  cause  any  of  the  Pinks  to  rise  out  of  the  soil  the  grower 
must  press  them  down  again.  I  append  the  names  of  a  few  reliable 
varieties  : — Boiard,  Beauty  of  Bath,  Beauty,  Emerald,  George  'White, 
Godfrey,  James  Thurston,  Modesty,  Irene,  Ernest,  Mrs.  Campbell, 
Nellie,  Pilot,  Rosy  Morn,  and  William  Paul. — Jas.  B.  Riding. 


September  14,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


249 


National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

I  DO  not  know  who  is  responsible  for  the  wording  of  the  last  paragraph 
re  N.C.S.  on  page  224  of  your  last  issue,  but  the  impression  it  conveys  is 
distinctly  incorrect,  as  my  offer  was  in  response  to  a  personal  invitation 
by  the  Secretary.  Kindly  correct. — Chas.  B.  Pearson. 

Chrysanthemum  Show  at  Bordeaux. 

The  118th  Exhibition  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of  the  Gironde 
will  be  held  on  the  11th  to  the  18th  November  next.  It  will  be  devoted 
to  Chrysanthemums  and  fruit,  in  the  former  of  which  are  classes  provided 
for  plants  in  pots,  seedlings  not  already  in  commerce,  cut  blooms,  &c. 
Entries  must  be  made  by  the  30th  prox.  The  Secretary  is  Mr.  G. 
Michel. 

Early  Flowering  Chrysanthemums. 

Visitors  to  the  recent  Aquarium  Show,  and  especially  such  as  are 
interested  in  the  Chrysanthemum,  must  have  felt  much  disappointment 
at  the  meagre  and  far  from  satisfactory  display  that  the  early  varieties 
made  on  that  occasion .  When  we  think  that  we  have  now  hundreds  of 
varieties  to  choose  from,  is  it  not  strange  that  the  exhibits  were  almost 
wholly  confined  to  old-established  sorts  ?  As  is  usual  at  the  September 
Exhibition,  there  were  a  few  of  the  later  sorts  prematurely  pushed  into 
bloom  to  provide  examples  for  the  Show  board  ;  but  this  is  a  mere  com¬ 
ment  by  the  way. 

In  the  best  collections  novelties  were  scarce,  and  the  competitors 
seemed  to  prefer  to  rely  upon  varieties  of  old  standing,  the  principal 
ones  being  the  Desgranges  family,  Early  Blush,  Mrs.  Jolivart,  St.  Mary, 
Golden  Fleece,  Fiberta,  Mrs.  J.  K.  Pitcher,  Higham,  Mr.  Selby,  Little 
Bob,  Blushing  Bride,  Pynaert  van  Geert,  and  the  like.  The  only  flowers 
of  modern  introduction  were  Arthur  Cr4pey  (a  small  yellow  Japanese), 
Gustave  Grunerwold,  Samuel  Barlow,  and  Mr.  B.  Kowbottom,  the  last 
two  receiving  first-class  certificates. 

Perhaps  the  prize  list  was  not  sufficiently  attractive  to  induce 
exhibitors  to  stage  the  best  new  varieties  of  recent  introduction,  but 
even  if  it  had  been  I  cannot  help  feeling  that  it  is  anything  but 
encouraging  to  arrange  Chrysanthemums  beside  the  glowing  brilliant 
colours  of  the  Dahlia  and  Gladiolus.  It  makes  them  look  tawdry, 
washed  out,  dingy  flowers,  and  out  of  place  with  such  gay  companions 
close  at  hand.  Seen  beneath  a  dull  November  sky  of  the  orthodox  pea- 
soup-coloured  hue  the  Chrysanthemum  is  intensified  in  colour,  or  is 
apparently  so,  and  possesses  a  charm  which  it  never  seems  to  have  at 
any  other  season  of  the  year.  It  is  invaluable  then  ;  but  when  Dahlias, 
Asters,  Gladioli,  and  other  flowers  can  be  had  in  galore,  the  question 
arises.  Are  Chrysanthemums  wanted  1  I  for  one  cannot  help  thinking — 
No  1  and  the  more  strongly  if  the  dull  unattractive  washed-out  blooms 
we  saw  on  the  solitary  table  devoted  to  Chrysanthemums  at  the  Aquarium 
last  week  represent  all  that  is  fairest  to  look  upon  in  the  way  of  early 
flowering  Chrysanthemums. — P. 


THE  ROMANCE  OF  A  GARDEN. 

In  an  iold-fashioned  garden,  sufficiently  modernised  to  prevent  the 
existence  of  too  much  shade  at  the  expense  of  light  and  air,  we  are  at 
once,  as  I  often  feel  myself,  in  the  present  and  in  the  past.  Surrounded, 
not  too  closely,  by  the  venerable  trees  which  our  grandsires  planted 
and  our  fathers  greatly  loved,  each  of  these  perhaps  having  through 
long  associations  with  human  experiences  a  history  of  its  own,  we 
breathe  a  tranquillity  as  if  of  other  days.  To  watch  from  day  to  day, 
as  the  lover  of  Nature  who  possesses  such  a  garden  can  always  do,  the 
development,  so  beautiful  in  its  indefinable  gradations,  of  plants  and 
flowers  ;  to  witness  the  ffinotheras  or  Evening  Primroses  unfolding 
their  beauties  when  they  are  touched  by  the  cool,  freshening,  energising 
twilight,  while  they  kept  folded  by  day  under  the  influence  of  the  sun  ; 
to  behold  in  early  dew-glittering  hours  of  summer  the  fresh  splendours 
of  the  Lily,  the  Carnation,  and  the  Rose  ;  this,  more  than  all  Romeo 
and  Juliet  romances,  constitutes,  to  my  consciousness,  the  purest  poetry 
of  life.  It  is  not  long  since  a  great  general,  to  whom  I  have  often 
spoken,  with  his  perfect  approval,  of  the  mental  elevation  which  horti¬ 
culture  can  confer,  said  that  flowers  were  to  him  the  very  fragrance  of 
an  existence  that  had  seen  much  of  strife,  and  the  conceptions  to 
which  1  have  given  expression  are  the  echo  of  his  words. 

At  no  period  are  our  gardens  more  luxuriant  in  their  aspect  than 
during  the  tranquil  season  of  autumn.  Then  the  dark  Roses,  no  longer 
scorched  by  the  withering  heat  of  summer,  assume  their  exquisite 
velvety  hue,  not  difficult  to  discern,  but  difficult  to  deflne.  Then,  in 
my  own  garden  at  least,  every  aged  tree  is  covered  to  a  height  of 
15  feet  with  the  glorious  blossoms  of  the  great  Tropmolum,  the  Scarlet 
Runner,  and  the  fragrant  Sweet  Pea,  the  last  mentioned  blooming — 
in  consequence  of  the  prevention  of  seed  pods — from  the  end  of  June 
till  the  beginning  of  December,  when  the  frost  comes  suddenly  and  cuts 
it  down.  Here  also,  at  this  season,  border  Carnations,  the  yellow 
Germania,  crimson  Clove,  the  pink-hued  Raby  Castle,  and  the  fragrant 


white  Gloire  de  Nancy,  combine  with  the  autumnal  Roses  by  which 
they  are  surrounded  to  produce  a  splendidly  artistic  effect. 

The  Carnation  has  been  described  by  the  Dean  of  Rochester  as 
“First  Lady-in-Waiting  to  the  Rose;”  but  during  the  last  month, 
notwithstanding  all  her  efforts  to  keep  pace  with  her,  the  queen  of 
flowers  has  been  completely  in  the  shade.  Twice  during  the  seasons  of 
summer  and  autumn  does  the  Rose  assume  the  royal  sway  ;  during  her 
period  of  repose  the  Carnation  reigns  supreme.  But  both  have  powerful 
rivals  in  Lilium  auratum  and  Lilium  speciosum,  which  contribute 
powerfully  to  the  fragrance  and  beauty  of  the  garden  in  their  season.— 
David  R.  Williamson. 


LITTONIA  MODESTA. 

Although  this  Littonia  is  said  to  have  first  flowered  at  Kew  about 
forty  years  ago  it  does  not  appear  to  be  generally  grown  in  gardens, 


inasmuch  as  a  young  gardener  writes  to  say  that  he  has  “  never  seen  a 
specimen,  and  should  like  an  illustration  of  it  to  appear  in  the  Journal” 
We  comply  with  the  request,  and  add  a  few  particulars  concerning  the 
plant. 

Although  nearly  related  to  the  well-known  Gloriosa  superba,  this 
little  plant  is  quite  distinct  enough  to  take  generic  rank,  and  though  of 
an  unassuming  character  as  its  name  indicates,  it  is  of  graceful  habit, 
and  the  freely  produced  flowers  are  brightly  blurred .  Littonia  modesta 
is  a  native  of  Natal,  where  it  was  found  by  Mr.  John  Sanderson  during 
a  journey  in  1851  from  Port  Natal  to  Maritzburg.  In  habit  it  is  much 
like  the  Gloriosa,  having  tapering  leaves  terminating  in  a  tendril- like 
point,  which  aids  it  in  climbing  stems  or  twigs.  The  flowers  are  borne 
in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  are  drooping,  and  bright  orange  coloured.  The 


250 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


tubers  are  of  peculiar  shape,  brownish,  and  have  been  compared  to  a 
Spanish  Chestnut,  and  the  manner  of  growth  is  very  curious.  It  has 
been  grown  in  a  stove  and  in  cooler  quarters,  but  an  intermediate  tem¬ 
perature  and  sandy  soil  seem  to  suit  it  best. 


“ART  OUT  OF  DOORS.” 

This  is  the  title  of  a  work  by  Mrs.  Schuyler  van  Eensslaer,  and 
produced  by  T.  Fisher  Unwin  in  a  form  which  reflects  the  highest 
credit  upon  the  skill  of  the  publishers.  Those  who  have  any  acquaint¬ 
ance  with  New  York  will  at  once  perceive  that  the  authoress  is,  by 
name  at  least,  connected  with  families  of  genealogies  sufficiently 
traceable  to  have  become  historical  in  the  oldest  of  the  United  States. 

The  book  is  written  in  the  spirit  of  an  enthusiast,  and  in  a  style 
which  is  flowing  and  agreeable,  though  here  and  there  are  traces  of 
journalese  that  might  have  been  corrected  with  advantage  before  the 
issue  of  the  collected  articles.  Why,  we  ask,  has  the  good  old-fashioned 
word  “mark”  gone  completely  out  of  use  now-a-days  in  favour  of 
the  words  “emphasize,”  and  “accentuate?”  Nobody  “marks”  or 
“intensifies”  an  idea  or  feature  in  these  advanced  days,  he  always 
^‘emphasizes”  or  “  accentuates ”  it.  There  is  everything  to  be  said  in 
favour  of  enriching  a  language  with  equivalents,  but  in  the  effort  to 
make  the  new  comers  take  root  writers  use  them  with  a  persistency  that 
becomes  monotonous,  and  without  always  a  delicate  sense  of  what  is 
appropriate.  It  may  be  becoming  in  Mr.  Gladstone  when  making  some 
of  his  oratorical  flights  to  vary  his  diction  with  such  high  sounding 
terminology  as  those  words  above  mentioned,  but  in  more  simple  styles 
such  as  this  one  treating  of  gardening  the  older  ones  would  have  been 
as  good  or  better.  So,  too,  with  many  writers  on  gardening  ;  no  oppor¬ 
tunity  is  lost  of  dragging  in  the  word  “  environment  ”  by  way  of 
making  a  small  subject  bigger,  instead  of  being  content  with  the  words 
“  surroundings,”  “  situation,”  “  position,”  or  the  simple  word  “  place.” 

Mrs.  Schuyler  van  Rensslaer,  as  we  said  before,  writes  very  pleasantly 
and  voluminously  upon  the  subject  of  landscape  gardening,  which  is 
clearly  a  favourite  one  with  her.  She  lays  down,  too,  certain  principles, 
but  they  are  usually  of  a  very  broad  and  indefinite  sort,  and  so  variable 
with  the  conditions  of  each  case  as  to  be  scarcely  of  any  service  to  a 
novice.  Indeed,  without  diagrams  it  is  difficult  to  see  how  such  an 
intricate  subject  could  be  made  intelligible  except  to  an  expert.  The 
first  condition  is  that  the  materials  upon  which  the  landscape  artist  has 
to  work  are  known.  In  the  absence  of  this,  the  most  that  can  be  done 
is  to  indicate  the  most  glaring  faults  to  be  avoided.  As  Mrs.  Van 
Rensslaer  says,  the  art  is  a  difficult  one,  being  the  offspring  of  these 
latter  and  more  highly  cultured  days,  and  therefore  still  in  its  infancy. 
There  must  be  much  more  aesthetic  cultivation  of  the  people  before  the 
landscape-gardening  enormities  of  the  present  become  offensive  and 
unpalatable.  In  her  condemnation  of  the  use  of  masses  of  highly 
coloured  plants  everywhere,  she  is  amply  justified,  as  it  is  but  rarely 
that  these  are  sufficiently  subdued.  Her  quotation  of  a  French  artist’s 
definition  of  ordinary  peoples’  idea  of  gardening  is  quite  in  keeping  with 
the  interest  she  shows  in  promoting  the  art.  This  is  “  the  clearing  up 
of  spontaneous  vegetation  followed  by  the  accumulation  of  strange  and 
dissimilar  objects.” 

In  the  chapter  entitled  “A  Word  for  Books,”  Mrs.  Van  Rensslaer 
makes  out  a  very  good  case  in  opposition  to  those  who  attack  the 
scientific  names  of  plants  as  being  unwieldly  and  unpoetical.  In  some 
cases  the  vernacular  names  may  be  superior  to  the  scientific,  but  in 
most  cases  they  are  no  better  or  even  inferior,  and  of  course  are  un¬ 
intelligible  beyond  their  own  frontiers.  It  is  difficult  to  see  why 
“goose  foot,”  or  “fat  hen”  is  more  euphonious  than  Chenopodium, 
or^  “Flower  of  the  West  Wind”  than  Zephyrantbes.  Indeed  the 
scientific  names  being  Latinised  are  better  suited  for  the  sweetness  and 
dignity  of  verse  than  the  local  ones.  Want  of  familiarity,  that  is 
want  of  knowledge,  forms  in  nearly  every  case  the  ground  of  objection 
to  them. 

“Art  Out  of  Doors”  is  written  for  Americans  and  for  the  climatic 
conditions  prevailing  in  the  United  States,  and  therefore  cannot  be 
accepted  by  English  people  except  in  a  qualified  way.  It  is,  however, 
very  agreeable  and  instructive  reading  for  those  who  aie  interested 
in  the  domestic  life  of  our  kinsfolk  across  the  water,  as  we  can  note 
therein  how  the  habits  of  our  ancestors  have  become  modified  by  the 
force  of  altered  circumstances  upon  a  new  continent. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

DERBY. — September  6th  and  7th. 

This  was  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Derbyshire  Agricultural  and 
Horticultural  Society.  The  entire  Show  was  an  improvement  on  former 
meetings,  and  the  horticultural  department  was  50  per  cent,  better  than 
it  was  last  year.  The  display  was  certainly  excellent,  admirably 
arranged  in  three  tents,  so  constructed  that  while  each  tent  contained 
mainly  a  separate  section,  all  three  were  connected,  and  the  entire 
exhibition  could  be  inspected  as  a  whole  under  one  roof,  or  rather, 
connected  series  of  roofs.  This  is  a  first-rate  plan  at  a  combined 
meeting  of  horticulture  and  agriculture  especially,  but  it  is  also  worthy 
•of  adoption  for  any  horticultural  exhibition. 

The  exhibits  in  the  section  for  gentlemen’s  gardeners  were  arranged 
m  a  coinmodious  circular  tent,  the  centre  being  devoted  to  plant  groups, 
tastefully  enclosing  a  bold  mass  of  Palms.  The  effect  as  a  whole  was 


exceptionally  fine,  the  Palms  forming  a  capital  background  to  every 
group,  while  giving  due  importance  and  height  to  the  centre.  Admirably 
was  the  entire  space  filled  in  response  to  a  generous  offer  by  the  Com¬ 
mittee  of  twice  the  amount  hitherto  given.  Class  1,  open  to  all  England, 
brought  five  groups  into  competition,  the  whole  of  them  displaying  much 
skill  both  in  culture  and  grouping.  The  first  prize  was  well  won  by  Mr. 
J.  Ward,  gardener  to  G.  H.  Oakes,  Esq.,  Biddings  House,  with  a  charm¬ 
ing  group,  in  which  lightness,  elegance,  and  tasteful  blending  of 
colour  was  exceedingly  well  done.  There  was  very  little  blossom,  the  rich 
foliage  of  Crotons,  with  the  brighter  hue  of  Grasses,  and  the  greenery  of 
Palms  and  Ferns,  combined  in  perfect  taste  to  form  an  artistic  arrange¬ 
ment  entirely  worthy  of  the  £20  awarded  it.  Mr.  Cypher  of  Chelten¬ 
ham  came  second,  a  really  good  second,  the  veteran  exhibitor  having 
no  reason  to  be  ashamed  of  being  beaten  by  so  able  an  adversary  as 
Mr.  Ward.  Mr.  Webb,  Kelham  Hall,  Newark,  was  third  with  also  a  fine 
group,  having  Palms  and  green  Dracsenas  springing  out  of  a  well 
blended  undergrowth  of  Ferns,  Grasses,  Caladiums,  and  small  highly 
coloured  Crotons,  and  most  remarkable  of  all  was  the  fourth  prize  group 
from  the  fact  of  the  winner  being  Mr.  Shakespere  of  Tibshelf,  a  work¬ 
ing  collier. 

For  twelve  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  Mr.  Finch  of  Coventry  was 
first  with  large,  well-finished  specimens.  Erica  Marnockiana,  Crotons 
Prince  of  Wales  and  Queen  Victoria,  Erica  Atoniana  Turnbulliand  Ixora 
being  the  most  noteworthy  as  noble  specimens  in  perfect  condition. 
Mr.  Vere,  gardener  to  —  Gisbourne,  Esq.,  Allestree  Hall,  was  second. 
He  also  had  a  first  prize  for  grand  specimen  Lycopodiums.  For  a 
collection  of  Ferns  Mr.  Ward  was  first  with  some  magnificent  plants, 
the  perfection  of  high  culture  and  finish  ;  Mr.  Vere  being  second,  a 
Pteris  argyrea  in  his  group  being  very  striking.  There  were  only  two 
entries  for  baskets  of  plants,  both  being  so  good  that  the  merit  was 
almost  equal.  Mr.  Ward  was  first  and  Mr.  Vere  second.  Roses  were 
not  well  represented,  only  six  stands  being  shown.  For  twelve,  Mr. 
Robinson  was  first,  Mr.  Carrington  second,  and  Mr.  Henson  third. 
Most  of  the  blooms  were  inferior,  and  none  call  for  special  mention. 
In  the  class  for  six  blooms  the  same  three  exhibitors  were  in  competition, 
the  first  prize  going  to  Mr.  Henson,  the  second  to  Mr.  Robinson,  third 
Mr.  Carrington.  Dahlias  were  also  in  moderate  numbers,  calling  for  no 
special  mention.  Mr.  Carrington  was  first  with  a  grand  dozen  of  doubles, 
second  for  six,  and  first  with  a  good  stand  of  Cactus  Dahlias.  Mr. 
Henson  won  a  second,  third,  and  fourth  prize  in  this  class,  and 
Mr.  Robinson  two  thirds.  Mr.  Carrington  was  well  to  the  front  for 
twelve  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Mr.  Henson  taking  first  prize  for  double 
Pelargoniums.  Verbenas  and  Gladioli  were  moderately  shown,  and 
with  Asters  Mr.  Robinson’s  first  prize  stand  had  some  perfect  blooms. 
For  hand  bouquets  Mr.  Robinson  took  first  honours,  Mr.  Henson 
second,  Mr.  Carrington  third,  and  Mr.  Bolas  fourth.  Mr.  Bolas  also 
had  first  for  a  tastefully  dressed  epergne. 

In  the  fruit  classes  Grapes  made  a  grand  display,  most  of  the  ’ounches 
being  exceptionally  fine  and  well  finished.  For  two  bunches  of  Black 
Hamburgh  Mr.  Campbell  had  perfect  samples,  large  in  bunch  and 
berry,  of  splendid  colour  and  finish.  Mr.  Woodward  was  second  with 
fine  well  shouldered  bunches,  Mr.  M‘Vinish  a  close  third,  and  Mr.  Evans 
fourth.  Mr.  M‘Vinish  had  two  grand  bunches  of  Muscats,  and  was  an 
easy  first,  Messrs.  Innes  «&  Co.  of  Littleover  being  a  good  second,  Mr. 
Billings  third  with  small  highly  coloured  fruit,  and  Mr.  Campbell 
fourth.  For  black  Grapes  other  than  Hamburghs  Mr.  Campbell’s  two 
bunches  of  Gros  Maroc  were  magnificent,  the  berries  being  enormous. 
The  champion  prize  for  the  finest  two  bunches  of  Grapes  in  the  Show 
was  also  awarded  to  these  splendid  examples  of  skilful  culture.  Mr, 
M'Vinish  was  second  with  his  excellent  Alicante,  and  Messrs.  Innes  &  Co. 
were  third  with  enormous  bunches  of  Gros  Guillaume.  For  white 
Grapes  other  than  Muscats  Mr.  Billings  was  first  and  Mr.  Read  second. 
In  the  competition  for  the  Mayor  of  Derby’s  (W.  H.  Marsden,  Esq.) 
special  prizes  Mr.  M‘Vinish  was  first  with  splendid  bunches  of 
Black  Hamburgh,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  Alicante,  Mr.  Campbell 
being  second,  and  Messrs.  Innes  third. 

Mr.  Ward’s  first  prize  Tomatoes  were  twelve  perfect  specimens,  Mr, 
Webb  was  second,  and  Mr.  M'Vinish  third.  They  are  mentioned  here 
as  they  were  placed  among  the  fruits.  Pears  were  a  small  class.  There 
was  a  fair  display  of  Melons,  Mr.  Billings  taking  first  honours  with  a 
fine  example  of  Reid’s  8carlet-flesh,  Mr.  Evans  being  first  with  a  green- 
fleshed  variety,  Mr.  Ward’s  fine  plate  of  Peaches  easily  won  the  first 
prize;  Mr.  Webb  was  second,  and  Mr.  Woodward  third.  Mr.  Campbell 
had  a  first  prize  for  the  only  plate  of  Nectarines  shown.  Among  other 
fruit  Mr.  Read’s  Pond’s  Seedling  Plums  are  worthy  of  special  mention ; 
they  were  shown  in  his  first  prize  collection  of  fruit. 

Collections  of  vegetables  made  a  good  display,  a  common  fault  being 
in  the  usual  direction  of  excessive  size.  Mr.  Ward  was  first,  Mr.  Read 
second,  and  Mr.  M‘Vinish  third.  Collections  of  eight  dishes  of  Potatoes 
were  a  remarkable  feature,  the  whole  of  the  six  entries  being  splendid 
examples  of  skilful  culture.  The  names  of  the  prizewinners  were  not 
appended,  but  the  first  prize  went  to  eight  grand  plates  of  Reading 
Ruby,  Wormleighton  Seedling,  Prizetaker,  Sutton’s  Seedling,  Reading 
Giant,  Reading  Ruby,  Satisfaction,  and  Windsor  Castle. 

Section  2,  for  persons  not  employing  a  gardener,  contained  some 
produce  of  much  excellence.  Taking  them  as  we  went  round,  the  most 
noteworthy  were  hand  bouquets  decidedly  superior  to  those  in  the  first 
or  gardeners’ section.  Roses  were  more  numerous  in  this  class.  Dahlias 
were  very  fine,  the  first  prize  flowers  of  Mr.  J.  Wood  being  grand 
specimens.  There  was  also  a  creditable  display  of  Asters,  Gladiolus, 
Pansies,  Marigolds,  and  baskets  of  cut  flowers.  Grapes  were  well  shown. 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


261 


so,  too,  were  Apples,  Cucumbers,  and  Tomatoes.  The  vegetables  shown 
in  this  section  were  highly  creditable,  most  of  the  classes  being  well 
filled,  many  of  the  vegetables  being  good  in  quality,  but  the  Cauliflowers 
were  too  large.  Collections  of  herbs  were  excellent. 

In  the  cottagers’  section  there  was  an  imposing  display  of  vegetables, 
upwards  of  fifty  plates  of  Potatoes  being  among  the  more  conspicuous 
features.  Cabbages,  Carrots,  Parsnips,  Turnips,  Vegetable  Marrows, 
and  Onions  all  being  superior  examples  of  high  cultivation,  and  the 
collections  of  vegetables,  of  which  there  were  nine,  were  also  of  remark¬ 
able  excellence. 

BIRKENHEAD  AND  WIRRAL. — Septembee  7th  axd  8th. 

This  Exhibition,  in  connection  with  the  Agricultural  Show,  was 
held  on  the  above  dates  at  the  Bidston  Show  Ground,  and  was  a  decided 
advance  on  previous  years,  both  as  regards  the  entries  and  the  general 
excellence  of  the  exhibits.  Fine  weather  prevailed  on  the  first  day,  and 
in  consequence  the  attendance  was  very  large. 

For  five  foliage  and  five  flowering  plants,  Mr.  A.  Brown,  gardener  to 
Geo.  Webster,  Esq.,  was  first  with  a  very  good  collection,  the  best 
flowering  plant  being  Ixora  coccinea,  and  foliage,  Croton  Rothschild- 
ianum.  Macgregor  Laird,  Esq.,  was  a  good  second.  For  a  group  of 
plants  arranged  for  effect,  Mr.  J.  Bounds,  gardener  to  A.  L.  Jones,  Esq., 
Aigburth,  took  first  honours,  Mr.  E.  Bradshaw  second,  and  Macgregor 
Laird,  Esq.,  third.  They  were  much  after  the  style  of  the  smaller 
groups  which  have  been  from  time  to  time  commented  upon  in  the 
Journal,  For  three  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  in  bloom,  Mr.  A.  Brown 
was  first,  having  a  fine  Ixora  coccinea.  For  a  similar  number  of 
foliage  plants  the  same  exhibitor  was  again  successful,  also  for  one 
greenhouse  plant  in  bloom,  one  stove  plant  in  bloom  with  a  very  fine 
Dipladenia,  one  foliage  plant,  three  Ferns  and  one  Fern,  three  Tuberous 
Begonias,  three  Pelargoniums,  and  one  Fuchsia,  a  most  creditable  per¬ 
formance,  those  competing  against  him  having  plants  of  the  highest 
quality.  The  second  prizes  were  taken  by  Macgregor  Laird,  Esq.,  for 
the  three  foliage  plants,  greenhouse  plant  in  bloom,  three  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants  in  bloom,  and  three  Tuberous  Begonias.  Mr.  J. 
Bounds  was  second  for  three  Ferns,  the  prize  for  one  Palm  going  to 
Mr.  J.  W.  Totty,  gardener  to  W.  Laird,  Esq.  Mr.  A.  J.  Stanley,  gardener 
to  J.  R.  Callander,  Esq.,  took  the  prize  for  three  Coleuses,  and  Mr.  J. 
Bounds  for  table  plants. 

Cut  flowers,  particularly  Dahlias  and  Asters,  were  splendidly  shown, 
and  the  competition  was  keen.  For  the  best  bouquet  the  first  prize  was 
won  by  Mr.  S.  Johnson,  the  second  going  to  Mr.  J.  Williams,  gardener  to 
C.  J.  Procter,  Esq.,  the  latter  winning  in  classes  for  sprays  for  ladies  and 
buttonhole  bouquets  for  gentlemen.  Mr.  R.  Brownbill,  gardener  to 
J.  C.  Sinclair,  Esq.,  was  successful  with  six  Roses  ;  Mr.  C.  Terry, 
gardener  to  C.  H.  Skelsey,  Esq.,  had  the  best  three  blooms.  For  twelve 
Cactus  Dahlias  Mr.  A.  J.  Stanley  was  an  easy  winner,  his  blooms  being 
fresh,  solid,  and  very  fine  in  colour.  Mr.  J.  H.  Bennett  was  second. 
The  same  exhibitor  was  also  first  for  six  Cactus  Dahlias.  The  prizes  for 
twelve  Dahlias  and  six  other  than  Cactus  were  taken  by  Mr.  J.  Lee, 
the  second  going  to  Mr.  J.  Clarke.  The  prizes  for  six  Gladioli,  six 
Asters,  and  six  outdoor  cut  flowers  went  also  to  Mr.  Lee.  For  twelve 
Asters  J.  Howell,  Esq.  (gardener,  F.  Davies),  was  first ;  and  for  six 
Asters  and  twelve  varieties  outdoor  cut  flowers  Macgregor  Laird,  Esq., 
was  successful.  The  prizes  for  Hollyhocks  and  Everlasting  Flowers  went 
to  Messrs.  T.  Brocklebank  and  Williams.  The  awards  for  twelve,  six, 
and  three  varieties  of  cut  flowers  grown  indoors  fell  in  each  instance  to 
Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow  House,  Roby, 
with  a  choice  collection,  the  second  prizes  going  to  Messrs.  Brown  and 
Bounds. 

For  six  dishes  of  fruit  Mr.  M.  Hannagan,  gardener  to  R.  C.  Naylor, 
Esq.,  Hooton  Hall,  Cheshire,  was  first,  the  collection  being  very  fine 
in  every  respect.  The  second  prize  was  won  by  Mr.  G.  McCreadie, 
gardener  to  J.  W.  Haigh,  Esq.  For  a  collection  of  hardy  fruits  the 
first  prize  was  secured  by  Mr.  C.  Worker,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Blomfield. 
Second  Mr.  Hannagan.  Mr.  R.  Brownbill  won  with  two  bunches  Black 
Hamburgh,  small  in  berry,  but  well  coloured.  Mr.  Ferguson,  gardener 
to  Mrs.  Paterson,  Rock  Ferry,  was  second.  For  two  bunches  of  Grapes, 
any  other  black,  Mr.  J.  Richards,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Friend,  was  first 
with  fine  Madresfield  Court,  Mr.  R.  W.  Hudson  being  second  with  same 
variety.  The  first  prize  for  two  bunches  of  Muscats  was  well  won  by 
Mr.  J.  Barker  gardener  to  Alderman  Raynes,  Rock  Ferry,  with  well 
finished  samples,  whilst  Mr.  McCreadie  won  for  any  other  white  with 
Buckland  Sweetwater.  With  six  Nectarines  Mr.  Hannagan  was  the 
only  exhibitor.  In  the  class  for  Peaches  Mr.  R.  Pinnington  won  with  a 
grand  dish  of  Gladstone,  large  in  size  and  fine  colour.  The  prizes  for 
scarlet-flesh  Melons  went  to  Messrs.  Ferguson  and  Pinnington,  and  for 
green-flesh  to  Messrs.  Hannagan  and  Pinnington.  Apples  were  especi¬ 
ally  fine,  the  prizes  for  six  dessert  going  to  Mr.  John  Clarke,  six  Lord 
SuflSelds  to  Mr.  W.  B.  Burnham  ;  whilst  for  six  of  any  other  culinary 
variety  the  first  and  second  exhibits  of  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  staged  by 
Messrs.  Williams  and  Hannagan,  were  much  admired.  Messrs.  Ferguson 
and  Lee  won  with  dessert  Pears,  and  Mr.  T.  Watkinson  with  Plums. 

The  collections  of  vegetables  were  all  of  the  highest  merit  and  made 
a  most  extensive  display.  For  eight  distinct  kinds  Mr.  S.  Salisbury, 
gardener  to  C.  H.  Carson,  Esq.,  secured  the  leading  prize,  the  Cauli¬ 
flowers  and  Carrots  being  particularly  fine.  The  second  prize  went  to 
Mr.  J.  Williams  for  smaller  produce.  In  the  open  Ciass  for  eight  distinct 
kinds,  Mr.  McCreadie  was  successful  also  with  a  fine  exhibit.  Tomatoes 
were  well  shown,  there  being  eighteen  exhibits  entered  in  class  for 
twelve  fruits.  Mr.  McMaster,  gardener  to  Sir  Ughtred  K.  Shuttleworth, 


Ganthorpe  Hall,  Burnley,  was  successful  with  fine,  fresh  and  even  fruits 
of  Perfection.  For  six,  T.  Brocklebank,  Esq.,  was  placed  first.  Potatoes 
made  a  great  display,  being  of  excellent  quality  throughout.  For 
twelve  white  rounds  and  same  number  of  kidneys  the  prizes  went  to 
Mr.  James  Ismay,  and  for  corresponding  classes  for  coloured  Potatoes  to 
Mr.  Thomas  Woolrich.  Onions,  Leeks,  and  Shallots  were  in  abundance, 
the  prizes  going  to  Messrs.  McCreadie,  Richards,  J.  Piggott,  Mrs.  G. 
Cooke,  and  Mr.  Woolrich  in  the  order  named.  Beans,  Peas,  Celery, 
Cucumbers,  Cauliflowers,  Vegetable  Marrows,  Lettuce,  Cabbages, 
Beetroots,  Parsnips,  Turnips  and  Carrots  were  well  shown. 

Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons  of  Stourbridge  were  awarded  a  gold  medal  for 
an  extensive  assortment  of  agricultural  seeds,  vegetable  seeds  and  dried 
specimens  of  various  Grasses,  which  made  an  imposing  stand.  Another 
representative  stand  was  arranged  by  Mr.  H.  Middlehurst,  Manchester 
Street,  Liverpool,  and  a  silver  medal  awarded.  Messrs.  Dickson 
(Limited),  Chester,  also  took  honours  with  a  tent  filled  with  choice 
collections  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  Dahlias  and  herbaceous  cut 
flowers,  which  were  much  appreciated.  Other  exhibitors  were 
McHattie  &  Co.,  Chester,  with  a  display  of  seeds  and  natural  Grassus. — 
R.  P.  R. 

EARL’S  COURT. — September  13th. 

A  VBRY  attractive  display  was  got  together  on  this  occasion,  the 
drawback  being  that  it  was  too  large,  so  much  tabling  being  in  demand 
that  the  marquee  was  too  full  to  afford  much  room  for  promenading, 
and  even  under  this  condition  of  affairs  overflow  space  had  to  be  found 
in  another  part  of  the  building.  Dahlias  were  a  great  feature,  the 
groups  of  them  being  extremely  beautiful.  Asters,  Helianthuses,  and 
hardy  flowers  generally  were  also  in  good  force,  and  the  fruit  exhibits 
were  an  attraction  in  themselves. 

There  were  three  stands  in  the  principal  Dahlia  class — that  for  sixty 
blooms.  Show  and  Fancy,  and  Mr.  C.  Turner  followed  up  his  Palace 
victory  by  scoring  with  an  excellent  stand,  his  flowers  being  in  splendid 
condition.  They  were  very  smooth,  even,  fresh,  and  well  coloured,  the 
best  being  William  Keith,  Mrs.  Saunders,  John  Hickling,  George 
Rawlings,  Grand  Sultan,  Kathleen,  Richard  Dean,  and  Clara.  Messrs. 
Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  had  distinctly  smaller  flowers,  and  they  were 
perhaps  hardly  so  smooth  as  those  of  Mr.  Turner,  but  in  other  respects 
they  were  excellent,  colour  and  cleanliness  being  irreproachable.  They 
were  placed  second,  and  the  third  prize  was  given  to  Mr.  Mortimer,  a 
point  being  strained  in  his  favour,  as  he  had  James  O’Brien  (self)  and 
Duchess  of  Albany  (self),  which  are  duplicates,  in  his  stand.  Messrs. 
Saltmarsh  &  Son  had  a  beautiful  stand  of  twenty-four,  the  flowers  being 
delightfully  fresh,  clean,  and  fine.  Perfection,  Harry  Keith,  Peacock, 
and  Colonist  were  extra  good.  Mr.  Arthur  Rawlings  was  .second,  and 
Mr.  G.  Humphries  third. 

In  the  amateurs’  class  for  twenty-four.  Show  and  Fancy,  Mr.  J.  T. 
West,  gardener  to  W.  Keith,  Esq.,  Cornwalls,  Brentwood,  won  with  an 
admirable  box,  the  flowers  being  very  smooth  and  even.  Mrs.  Gladstone, 
Geo.  Rawlings,  Harry  Keith,  Lustrous,  and  Prince  Bismarck  were  a  few 
of  the  best.  Mr.  Hobbs,  St.  Mark’s  Road,  Euston,  was  seeond,  and 
Mr.  Vagg,  gardener  to  W.  Theobald,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Bedfords,  Romford, 
third.  With  twelve,  J.  G.  Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South  Woodford 
won,  and  he  had  an  admirable  box,  all  the  flowers  being  shapely,  fresh 
clean,  and  bright.  Mrs.  Gladstone  and  Maud  Fellowes  were  perhaps 
the  two  best.  Mr.  W.  Hopkins,  New  Passage,  Bristol,  was  second  with 
smaller  blooms,  and  Mr.  Cooper,  Chippenham,  third. 

Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  had  the  best  of  four  stands  of 
eighteen  Cactus  or  Decorative,  nearly  all  their  varieties  being  of  the 
true  Cactus  type.  Delicata,  Lady  Penzance,  Apollo,  Sir  Roger,  Bertha 
Mawley,  and  Gloriosa  were  particularly  noticeable.  Messrs.  Cheal  and 
Sons  followed,  their  best  being  Robt.  Cannell,  Ernest  Cannell,  Kaiserin, 
Sir  Roger,  and  Bertha  Mawley.  Messrs.  Burrell  &  Co.  were  third.  The 
best  amateur’s  box  of  Cactus  was  that  from  Mr.  Brown,  gardener  to 
M.  W.  Morris,  Esq.,  Oak  Lodge,  Horley,  who  had  very  fine  clusters  of 
Kynerith,  Professor  Baldwin,  and  Delicata  amongst  others.  Mr.  J. 
Stredwick,  Silver  Hill,  St.  Leonards,  was  second,  and  Mr.  West  third. 
The  latter  was  first  with  Pompons,  Messrs.  Cooper  and  Stredwick 
following.  All  were  very  good  stands,  Mr.  West’s  flowers  being 
charming  in  the  extreme.  There  were  four  collections  of  twenty-four 
Pompon  varieties  in  bunches  of  ten  (nurserymen),  the  best  being  that  of 
Mr.  C.  Turner,  whose  flowers  were  in  perfect  condition.  Eric,  Rosalie, 
Mars,  Eurydice,  Rowena,  and  A.  West  were  exceptionally  good.  Messrs. 
Cheat  &  Sons  were  a  close  second  with  delightful  clusters,  and  Messrs. 
Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  were  third.  Only  one  stand  of  twelve  singles 
turned  up  out  of  seven  entries,  and  that  came  from  Mr.  Girdlestone. 
It  was  a  beautiful  box,  and  well  merited  the  first  prize. 

Prizes  were  offered  for  a  collection  of  Dahlias  grouped  for  effect, 
and  they  made  a  magnificent  display,  all  being  arranged  with  taste  and 
informality.  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons  were  placed  first  and  the  award  was 
undoubtedly  correct,  although  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  made  a 
good  fight.  The  Crawley  firm  had  employed  singles  and  Pompons  with 
admirable  taste.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  were  third. 

Mr.  Wythes  appeared  to  have  made  a  special  effort  in  the  class  for  a 
collection  of  stove  and  greenhouse  flowers,  and  won  with  consummate 
ease.  He  had  splendid  clusters  of  Nerine  Fothergilli  major,  a  new  and 
beautiful  blush-coloured  Dipladenia  named  Lady  Louisa  Edgerton, 
Dendrobium  Phalmnopsis  Schroderiana,  Aerides  Lawrenciae,  Hymeno- 
callis  macrostephana,  and  several  Bouvardias.  It  was  a  splendid  box. 
Mr.  J.  Prewitt  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Gibson,  gardener  to  T .  F.  Burnaby 
Atkins,  Esq.,  third.  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son  won  with  a  collection  of 
Michaelmas  Daisies ;  Messrs.  Burrell  &  Co.  being  second,  and  Mr.  Such 


252 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


third.  Messrs.  Burrell  were  first  with  Sunflowers,  being  followed  by 
Messrs.  Paul  and  Such.  Three  out  of  four  stands  of  hardy  annuals 
were  disqualified,  and  to  the  other,  that  of  Mr.  Salmon,  the  third  prize 
was  awarded.  Messrs.  Saltmarsh  &  Son  won  with  Asters  ;  Mr.  Walker 
being  second,  and  Mr.  Humphries  third.  Mr.  Such  won  with  early 
Chrysanthemums,  having  large  and  beautiful  bunches  ;  and  Mr.  Vince, 
Highgate  Cemetery,  was  second. 

There  was  some  excellent  fruit.  Mr.  Woodward,  gardener  to 
R.  Leigh,  Esq.,  Barham  Court,  Maidstone,  won  with  three  dishes  of 
Peaches,  having  splendid  fruit.  Mr.  Carr,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Clarke, 
Croydon  Lodge,  second ;  and  Mr.  Potter,  gardener  to  Sir  Mark 
Collet,  Bart.,  Kemsing,  third.  Mr.  Sanders,  The  Gardens,  Paulton, 
Romsey,  Hants,  had  the  best  single  dish,  a  grand  one  of  Sea  Eagle  ; 
Messrs.  Woodward  and  Wallis  (gardener  to  Ralph  Sneyd,  Esq.),  being 
second  and  third  with  the  same  variety.  There  was  only  one  dish  of 
Nectarines,  this  coming  from  Mr.  R.  Edwards,  Sevenoaks,  and  the 
second  prize  was  awarded.  Mr.  Woodward  won  with  three  dishes  of 
dessert  Apples,  having  Cox’s  Orange  fairly  good,  and  Ribston  and 
Washington  excellent.  Mr.  P.  Cavanagh,  Roehampton,  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Potter  third.  There  were  seven  other  competitors.  Culinary 
varieties  were  still  better.  Mr.  Woodward  won  again,  having  magnifi¬ 
cent  fruit  of  Stone’s,  Peasgood’s,  and  Warner’s  King.  Mr.  Nicholson, 
gardener  to  J.  W.  Melles,  Esq.,  Chingford,  was  second;  and  Mr. 
Cavanagh  third.  Mr.  Woodward  had  some  splendid  Pears,  and  won 
easily  from  Messrs.  Potter  and  West,  gardener  to  H.  J.  Wigram,  Esq., 
Salisbury.  The  Maidstone  grower  had  splendid  fruit  of  Pitmaston, 
Marguerite,  Mairillat,  and  Souvenir  du  Congres.  Mr.  Mclndoe, 
gardener  to  Sir  J.  Pease,  Bart.,  M.P.,  Hutton  Hall,  Guisboro’,  won 
with  a  collection  of  cooking  and  market  Plums  ;  and  Mr.  Potter  was 
second.  Mr.  Mclndoe  scored  two  other  victories  with  Plums,  winning 
with  three  dishes  of  both  dessert  and  cooking  varieties.  He  had 
excellent  fruit  in  both.  The  minor  awards  went  to  Mr.  T.  A.  Hester, 
gardener  to  W.  G.  Dawson,  Esq.,  Plumstead,  and  Woodward. 

The  non-competing  exhibits  were  extensive  and  beautiful.  Mr. 
J.  Walker  of  Thame  had  a  splendid  collection  of  Dahlias  and  Asters,  for 
which  he  received  a  silver-gilt  medal  ;  but  many  would  have  liked  to  see 
him  tackling  Mr.  Turner  in  the  sixty  class.  Mr.  Mortimer  also  had  a 
large  collection  of  Dahlias,  and  received,  as  he  deserved,  a  silver  medal. 
Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons  put  up  one  of  their  best  elforts  in  the  way  of 
Begonia  groups,  the  material  and  the  arrangement  being  of  equal 
excellence  (gold  medal).  Mr.  Turner  supplemented  his  victories  in 
competition  with  a  fine  display  of  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias  (silver 
medal).  Miss  Cole  received  a  silver  medal  for  table  decorations.  Mr. 
T.  S.  Ware  put  together  a  very  fine  collection  of  Dahlias,  Cactus,  single 
and  Pompon,  arranged  in  a  pleasantly  informal  manner,  and  very 
beautiful  (gold  medal).  Mr.  J.  R.  Tranter  showed  Asters  and  Dahlias 
(bronze  medal).  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  had  a  box  of  their  beautiful 
hybrid  Streptocarpus,  and  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  for  the 
excellence  of  the  strains.  Mr.  J.  B.  Payne,  gardener  to  the  Lord  Bishop 
of  Bath  and  Wells,  The  Palace,  Wells,  received  a  silver  medal  for  a  very 
fine  dish  of  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  Apple  grown  on  a  cold  damp  wall. 
Mr.  Maher,  gardener  to  A.  Waterhouse,  Esq ,  reeeived  a  bronze  medal 
for  Crabs. 

Messrs.  Cannel'l  &  Sons  were  represented  by  a  brilliant  collection  of 
dwarf  Cannas  (silver  medal).  Messrs.  Saltmarsh  &  Son  were  awarded 
a  bronze  medal  for  Asters  and  Dahlias.  Mr.  Walter  Salmon,  the  “post¬ 
man  florist,”  had  a  beautiful  collection  of  Dahlias  and  other  flowers 
(silver  medal).  Mr.  T.  A.  Hester  had  a  very  extensive  display,  compris¬ 
ing  ornamental  Gourds  and  forty-five  dishes  of  Apples  (silver-gilt  medal). 
Mr.  Wilkins,  Inwood  House  Gardens,  Henstridge,  had  some  magnificent 
Onions — Somerset  Hero,  Prizewinner,  Ailsa  Craig,  and  Lord  Keeper 
being  very  noteworthy  (silver  medal).  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt, 
were  awarded  a  silver  medal  for  a  large  and  fine  collection  of  Apples 
and  Pears.  Messrs.  S.  Spooner  &  Son  had  an  excellent  display  of 
Apples  and  Pears  (silver-gilt  medal).  Mr.  Such  received  a  silver,  and 
Mr.  Humphries  a  silver-gilt  medal  for  Dahlias,  both  representative 
collections.  Mr.  Poupart,  of  Twickenham,  sent  Apples,  Pears,  and 
Plums,  which  were  very  fine  (silver-gilt  medal). 


WOKK.F0IITHEWEEK..  ^ 

HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Strawberries. — New  plantations  will  require  the  soil  loosening 
between  the  plants  with  the  Dutch  hoe,  not  only  to  destroy  crops  of 
seedling  weeds  that  spring  up  rankly  after  showers,  but  also  to 
encourage  the  growth  of  the  plants  as  much  as  possible  before  winter. 

Late  Planting. — Plants  for  furnishing  a  fair  amount  of  fruit  next 
season  may  still  be  planted,  but  such  should  have  been  specially 
prepared  for  the  purpose,  either  by  being  rooted  and  kept  moist  in  pots 
or  turves,  or  well-rooted  isolated  plants  obtained  from  between  the  rows. 
Such  plants,  carefully  and  quickly  inserted,  will  be  little  if  at  all 
inferior  to  those  planted  earlier.  If  sufficient  plants  are  not  by  these 


means  secured  the  best  of  the  smaller-rooted  Turners  may  be  lifted  and 
replanted  6  inches  or  so  asunder  in  nursery  beds,  where  they  may  remain 
through  the  winter,  planting  permanently  in  rows  in  the  spring.  Small 
plants  placed  out  late  in  open  quarters  or  rows  often  succumb  to 
adverse  weather,  because  they  are  not  established  enough  to  bear  in 
winter  and  spring  sudden  climatic  changes. 

Cleaning  Strawberry  Quarters. — Except  where  fresh  plantations 
have  not  already  been  formed,  and  all  the  plants  required  secured,  it  is 
not  advisable  to  delay  removing  the  runners  and  cleaning  between  the 
rows  to  this  late  period.  Even  when  many  plants  are  wanted  much 
may  be  done  to  relieve  the  stools  by  detaching  the  runners  immediately 
the  young  plants  have  become  rooted.  Remove  all  weak  and  crowded 
plants,  especially  clearing  away  those  from  near  the  old  stools,  so 
that  the  latter  may  receive  a  fair  share  of  light  and  air  to  mature  the 
crowns.  Weeds  often  grow  too  freely  in  Strawberry  beds,  but  they 
should  be  cleared  away. 

Mulching. — To  replenish  the  impoverished  state  of  the  ground 
between  the  oldest  stools  somewhat,  and  assist  the  plumping  up  of 
bold  crowns  during  the  autumn,  it  is  desirable  to  afford  a  light  mulching, 
about  an  inch  thick,  of  partially  decayed  stable  manure.  A  similar 
application  may  also  oe  afforded  new  early-planted  beds. 

Outdoor  Fig'S. — Gather  ripe  Figs  as  they  become  ready,  which  may 
be  known  by  the  fruits  drooping,  the  skins  being  slightly  cracked  and 
juice  exuding  therefrom.  In  this  condition  the  fruits  are  delicious. 
Stop  all  shoots  which  are  extending  too  far  or  for  which  there  is  not 
sufficient  space  to  lay  them  in  without  being  shaded  by  others.  Thin 
crowded  shoots,  removing  weak  spray  and  strong,  gross,  soft  growths. 
Retain  all  short-jointed  shoots  unstopped,  as  these,  well  ripened  by 
exposure  now  to  sun  and  air,  will  prove  to  be  the  most  fruitful  parts  in 
the  succeeding  seasons. 

Outdoor  Vines. — Attend  well  to  the  roots  of  Vines  now  ripening 
fruit  on  walls,  so  that  they  do  not  suffer  from  lack  of  moisture,  occasion¬ 
ally  supplying  liquid  manure  or  soapsuds  as  additional  support.  White 
Grapes  will  need  plenty  of  light  to  assist  them  to  ripen,  black  varieties 
colouring  best  under  the  slight  shade  of  foliage.  Expose  the  current 
year’s  wood  to  light  and  air  in  order  to  ripen  it  and  plump  up  the  buds. 
Reduce  lateral  growths  as  becomes  necessary. 

Stopping  Secondary  Growth  on  Wall  Trees.  —  Summer 
pruning  duly  carried  out  on  Plum,  Apple,  Pear,  Cherry,  and  Apricot 
trees  will  have  resulted  in  many  cases  in  secondary  growth  being  made, 
this  starting  from  the  upper  buds  of  shoots  that  have  been  shortened. 
If  the  summer  pruning  was  dealt  within  an  intelligent  manner  no  harm 
results  from  new  shoots  starting  and  elongating  from  the  upper  buds  at 
this  season,  provided  they  are  stopped  to  one  leaf  when  six  full  sized 
ones  have  been  made.  If  not  checked  such  shoots  go  on  growing,  appro¬ 
priating  an  undue  share  of  sap  which  is  intended  by  the  stopping  to  be 
concentrated  on  the  lower  buds,  those  developed  in  the  axils  of  the 
leaves  left  at  the  first  or  summer  pruning. 

Preparation  of  Ground  for  Planting  Prult  Trees. — A  friable 
condition  of  the  soil  at  the  time  of  planting  will  conduce  much  to  the 
readiness  with  which  trees  can  be  planted.  It  is  important,  therefore, 
to  commence  the  work  of  preparing  the  ground  forthwith.  In  most 
cases  either  deep  digging  or  trenching  will  be  needed  so  as  to  loosen  the 
soil  to  a  depth  of  2  feet,  manure  consisting  of  decayed  stable  manure 
being  added  if  poor  ;  but  none  if  the  ground  is  fairly  rich  and  fertile. 
Early  preparation  permits  of  the  surface  soil  becoming  ameliorated  and 
the  bulk  consolidated  ;  besides,  where  extensive  planting  may  be  con¬ 
templated  there  will  be  considerable  advantage  in  having  the  sites  in 
readiness,  so  that  planting  may  be  expeditiously  performed  when  the 
most  favourable  opportunities  arise  as  the  trees  are  losing  their  leaves. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — Early  Forced  and  Potted  Vines. — There  must  not  be  any 
further  delay  in  the  pruning  of  Vines  intended  to  ripen  their  fruit  by 
the  end  of  April  or  beginning  of  May,  and  in  cleansing  the  house  and 
Vines,  so  as  to  have  all  in  proper  working  order.  Vines  in  pots  should 
have  the  laterals  cut  off  close  to  the  canes,  but  do  not  injure  the  main 
buds.  Shorten  the  canes  to  about  8  feet,  or  lower  according  to  the 
disposal  of  the  plump  eyes  or  the  length  required,  and  dress  the  cuts 
with  Thomson’s  styptic  or  patent  knotting  to  prevent  bleeding. 

Young  Vines. — Every  encouragement  must  be  given  for  ripening  the 
wood  and  plumping  the  buds.  This  can  only  be  properly  effected  when 
the  foliage  is  kept  clean  and  healthy  to  the  last.  Laterals  produced 
after  this  time  tend  to  retard  the  ripening  of  the  wood,  therefore  remove 
or  keep  them  closely  pinched.  Where  laterals  have  been  allowed  to 
extend  considerably  they  should  be  shortened  by  degrees,  so  as  to  remove 
them  altogether  without  starting  the  principal  buds  or  those  on  the  cane. 
Maintain  a  rather  warm  well  ventilated  atmosphere  until  the  canes  are 
ripe,  which  may  be  accelerated  by  having  a  temperature  of  85°  to  90° 
from  sun  heat,  opening  the  ventilators  fully  at  night.  Any  super¬ 
numeraries  intended  to  produce  fruit  next  season  should  have  the 
laterals  cut  away  to  the  principal  buds,  not,  however,  all  at  once,  but 
gradually,  leaving  sufficient  lateral  length  as  an  outlet  for  any  excess 
of  sap. 

Late  Houses  of  Blach  Hamhirghs.  —  The  Grapes  are  now  well 
advanced  in  colouring.  The  ripening  must  be  thorough  or  the  Grapes 
will  not  keep  well,  and  to  effect  this  a  gentle  warmth  in  the  pipes  is 
necessary,  to  admit  a  free  circulation  of  air,  and  to  maintain  the  night 
temperature  at  60°  to  65°.  A  little  artificial  heat  during  the  day  will 
also  be  of  benefit  in  allowing  of  free  ventilation  and  making  the 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


253 


most  of  sun  heat.  Hambur^hs  colcu/  and  finish  best  beneath  a  gooi 
spread*of  foliage,  as  also  does  Madresfield  Court,  but  it  is  as  well  not  to 
encourage  lateral  growth  now  ;  at  the  same  time  it  must  be  borne  in 
mind  that  the  tendency  to  shanking  is  accelerated  by  large  reductions  of 
foliage,  and  equally  so  by  sudden  fluctuations  of  temperature.  A  little 
air  should  be  admitted  through  the  top  and  bottom  ventilators  until  the 
Grapes  are  ripe.  If  there  is  any  deficiency  of  moisture  in  the  borders  it 
will  be  better  to  give  a  supply  now  than  at  a  later  period,  covering  with 
some  dry  material,  so  as  to  prevent  damp  rising.  A  free  circulation  of 
air,  however,  is  the  best  safeguard  against  the  Grapes  damping,  for  the 
fungal  germs  that  produce  spotting  and  decay  require  a  still  and  damp 
air  for  seating  and  germination. 

Outside  borders  will  in  most  instances  be  sufficiently  moist — if  not 
they  must  be  watered,  and  unless  the  weather  set  in  unusually  wet  they 
need  not  be  covered  at  present  ;  but  glazed  lights,  shutters,  or  tarpaulin 
should  be  in  readiness  for  placing  over  them,  so  as  to  throw  off  con¬ 
tinued  heavy  rains.  Where  the  borders  are  well  raised  above  the 
surrounding  level,  have  a  good  slope,  and  are  composed  of  porous 
material  over  thorough  drainage  it  is  not  necessary  to  cover  them  ;  but 
the  Grapes  sometimes  decay  wholesale  when  the  borders  are  very  rich 
and  close  and  soddened  by  heavy  rains. 

Zate  Muscat  Houses. — The  Grapes  are  close  upon  finishing,  but  they 
are  not  by  any  means  matured,  as  they  will  continue  to  acquire  colour 
and  quality  as  long  as  the  leaves  are  green.  There  must  not  be  any 
attempt  at  removing  the  leaves,  but  allow  them  to  remain  until  they 
part  naturally  at  the  base  of  the  footstalks  from  the  shoots.  The  bearing 
shoots  should  be  given  plenty  of  space,  so  that  throughout  their  growth 
every  leaf  will  have  full  exposure  to  light.  Where  the  Grapes  are  not 
now  ripe  the  night  temperature  ought  to  be  kept  at  65°  to  70°,  and  the 
heat  should  be  turned  on  in  good  time  in  the  morning,  so  as  to  allow  of 
an  increase  of  ventilation,  and  the  temperature  be  raised  to  70°  to  75°, 
and  kept  at  80°  to  85°  from  the  sun.  The  heat  should  be  kept  up  by 
reducing  the  ventilation,  with  the  declining  sun,  and  the  temperature 
allowed  to  gradually  decline  at  night,  only  keeping  sufficient  warmth  in 
the  pipes  to  prevent  its  undue  recession,  and  to  allow  the  top  and 
bottom  ventilators  to  be  left  open  to  a  slight  extent.  This  will  insure  a 
circulation  of  air,  and  prevent  the  deposition  of  moisture  on  the  berries 
during  the  night.  If  the  latter  occurs  the  Grapes  must  inevitably  spot. 
The  border  must  not  be  allowed  to  become  dry,  affording  the  needful 
supplies  of  water  on  fine  mornings  when  air  can  be  freely  admitted. 
After  the  Grapes  are  thoroughly  ripe  and  finished,  a  temperature  of 
50°  to  55°  is  necessary  for  the  keeping  of  Muscats  in  good  condition. 

Houses  of  Thich~shi)inc(l  Oraj)es. — Late  Grapes  generally  require 
fire  heat  during  the  ripening  period,  so  as  to  insure  a  circulation  of  air, 
and  this  they  should  have  until  thoroughly  perfected.  This  ought  now 
to  be  quite  complete  to  insure  sound  keeping ;  where  it  is  not  the  house 
should  be  treated  similarly  to  Muscats,  with  the  difference  that  being 
mostly  black  Grapes,  they  must  have  a  good  spread  of  foliage  over  them. 
A  temperature  of  50°  to  55°  is  necessary  after  the  Grapes  are  ripe  for  the 
benefit  of  the  Vines,  and  the  conditioning  quality  so  essential  to  use  in 
such  varieties  as  Gros  Colman  and  Gros  Guillaume. 

Cucumbers. — Autumn  Fruiters. — Afford  these  every  attention, 
supplying  tepid  liquid  manure  copiously.  Eemove  superfluous  laterals, 
guarding  against  an  overcrowded  growth;  also  avoid  overcropping,  not 
allowing  the  fruit  to  hang  on  the  plants  after  it  becomes  fit  for  use,  and 
take  off  staminate  blossoms  and  tendrils.  Maintain  a  genial  condition 
of  the  atmosphere  by  damping  the  floor  and  paths  in  the  morning, 
afternoon,  and  evening,  syringing  the  plants  only  in  the  early  afternoon 
of  bright  days.  Look  over  the  plants  twice  a  week  for  stopping  the 
shoots  one  or  two  joints  beyond  the  show  of  fruit,  removing  bad  leaves, 
and  retain  no  more  foliage  than  can  be  fully  exposed  to  light.  Earth 
up  the  roots  as  the  plants  advance  in  growth,  only  just  covering  them 
each  time  as  they  show  at  the  sides  of  the  hillocks  or  ridges,  the  soil 
being  placed  in  the  house  some  time  previously  to  be  warmed  before 
used.  Supply  water  as  required,  not  allowing  the  plants  to  flag  for  lack 
of  it,  nor  making  the  soil  sodden  by  needless  applications,  always  having 
it  of  the  same  temperature  as  the  house. 

Winter  Fruiters. — Put  the  plants  in  large  pots,  plunging  in  a 
bottom  heat  of  80°  to  90°  until  established ;  then  raise  them  near  the 
glass,  maintaining  a  temperature  of  70°  at  night,  75°  by  day,  with  an 
advance  from  sun  heat  to  85°  or  90°.  Where  fermenting  materials  are 
used  for  bottom  heat,  they  must  be  in  preparation,  throwing  into  a 
heap,  applying  water  if  necessary,  and  turning  over  to  induce  fermenta¬ 
tion  and  dissipate  noxious  gases  before  making  the  beds.  If  plants 
have  not  been  raised  seed  may  be  sown  at  the  beginning  of  next  month, 
and  the  plants  from  this  sowing  will  produce  fruit  in  February  and 
onwards  ;  but  it  is  no  use  attempting  to  winter  such  plants  without  the 
command  of  plenty  of  heat  and  a  light  structure. 

Plants  in  pits  and  frames  must  be  carefully  watered,  and  only 
sprinkled  lightly  on  bright  days.  The  foliage  should  be  kept  thin, 
removing  bad  leaves  and  cutting  out  exhausted  growths  to  give  place 
for  young  bearing  shoots,  and  close  early  with  as  much  sun  heat  as  is 
safe.  The  temperature  may  be  increased  to  95°  or  100°  after  closing, 
and  to  secure  a  suitable  heat  at  night  (65°)  and  on  dull  days  (70°  to  75°) 
renovate  the  linings  as  necessary,  and  employ  night  coverings. 

IMelons. — When  the  latest  plants  are  well  up  the  trellis  and  showing 
fruit  blossoms,  these  should  be  fertilised  daily,  the  atmosphere  being 
kept  rather  dry,  and  a  little  ventilation  given  constantly,  so  as  to  insure 
a  circulation  of  air  and  prevent  the  deposition  of  moisture  on  the  flowers. 
Stop  the  shoots  at  the  time  of  impregnating  the  blossoms  one  joint 
beyond  the  fruit.  When  a  sufficient  number  of  fruits  are  set  on  a  plant, 


remove  all  the  staminate  and  pistillate  flowers,  reducing  the  fruits  to 
three  or  four  on  a  plant,  which  must  not  be  overburdened  with  fruit. 
Earth  up  the  plants  after  the  fruit  is  fairly  swelling,  and  be  careful  in 
syringing  the  foliage,  only  using  it  lightly  on  bright  afternoons,  but 
maintain  a  genial  condition  of  the  atmosphere  by  damping  the  floors 
and  similar  surfaces  in  the  morning  and  afternoon.  Do  not  give 
too  much  water  at  the  roots,  but  encourage  root  action  by  moderate 
moisture  in  the  soil,  with  fresh  additions  of  warm  soil  as  the  roots 
protrude.  Maintain  a  temperature  of  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially,  and 
80°  to  90°  through  the  day  from  sun  heat,  with  a  night  temperature  of 
65°  to  70°. 

In  order  to  advance  the  ripening  and  enhance  the  flavour  of  late 
fruits  maintain  a  brisk  heat  by  day  with  enough  ventilation  to  insure 
a  circulation  of  air  constantly,  keep  water  from  the  house  after  the 
fruit  commences  ripening,  and  do  not  afford  any  at  the  roots,  or  only  to 
prevent  flagging.  The  October  fruiting  plants  will  be  swelling  their 
fruits,,  and  must  be  assisted  with  tepid  liquid  manure  whenever  they 
become  dry.  Keep  the  laterals  well  in  hand,  also  a  sharp  look  out  for 
canker  at  the  collar,  and  rub  quicklime  into  the  affected  parts  until  dry, 
and  repeat  as  necessary.  If  there  be  any  fear  of  cracked  fruit  cut  the 
shoot  or  bine  about  half  way  through,  a  little  below  the  fruit.  This 
will  check  the  flow  of  sap,  but  the  chief  cause  of  cracking  is  a  hard  rind 
acted  on  by  a  close  atmosphere,  causing  the  deposition  of  moisture  on  the 
fruit 'during  the  night.  As  a  preventive  of  both  canker  and  cracking 
ventilate  freely  and  keep  the  air  dry,  and  supply  water  sparingly  at 
the  roots. 

Plants  in  pits  and  frames  will  not  require  further  damping  on  the 
foliage,  and  should  only  have  sufficient  moisture  in  the  soil  to  keep  the 
leaves  from  becoming  limp  or  flagging.  The  growths  should  be  kept 
rather  thin  and  the  fruit  well  elevated  above  it — say  on  reversed  flower 
pots,  each  fruit  being  placed  on  a  piece  of  slate.  Apply  good  linings,  so 
as  to  finish  the  fruits  satisfactorily,  which  requires  a  warm  and  dry 
atmosphere  with  free  ventilation.  After  lining  the  beds  a  little  air 
should  be  admitted  constantly  to  prevent  injury  from  steam. 

PLANT  HOUSES. 

Crotons — Well  furnished  plants  that  are  to  be  increased  in  size 
may  be  placed  into  pots  one  size  larger  than  those  they  now  occupy. 
Plants  that  have  become  leggy  may  have  their  tops  re-rooted,  and  these 
if  properly  treated  during  the  autumn  and  winter  will  make  excellent 
specimens  early  another  season.  All  well  coloured  side  shoots  from 
plants  that  have  been  cut  back  may  be  rooted  in  small  pots.  These 
small  plants  will  be  found  invaluable  for  furnishing  purposes  during  the 
winter.  Plants  that  it  is  necessary  to  increase  in  size  should  have  a 
warm  moist  atmosphere,  while  those  that  are  large  enough  and  highly 
coloured  may  have  a  more  airy  position  to  prevent  them  starting  again 
into  growth.  Those  that  are  subjected  to  this  treatment  last  much 
longer  than  others  that  are  grown  in  a  close  moist  atmosphere.  A  little 
chemical  manure  applied  occasionally  to  the  surface  of  the  soil  will  be 
found  beneficial  to  all  plants  that  have  their  pots  full  of  roots. 

Allamandas. — The  dwarf  A.  Williamsi  will  become  a  popular 
plant.  It  grows  and  fiowers  freely  in  a  small  state,  and  will,  therefore, 
prove  invaluable  for  decorative  purposes.  Well  flowered  plants  can  be 
produced  in  5-inch  pots.  A.  Henderson!  for  supplying  a  large  amount 
of  bloom  is  certainly  unsurpassed.  Plants  that  have  been  growing  and 
flowering  for  the  greater  part  of  the  season  should  have  liquid  manure 
freely  given  them,  or  chemical  manure  applied  to  the  surface  every 
week.’  It  is  a  mistake  to  allow  the  shoots  to  grow  thickly  together 
until  they  become  crowded.  This  prevents  the  thorough  maturation  of 
the  wood,  and  unduly  shades  the  plants  that  are  grown  beneath  them. 
The  flowers  on  the  plants  are  much  smaller  in  consequence,  and  are 
often  deficient  in  colour.  Plants  that  are  to  be  started  early  in  the  year 
should  be  kept  drier  at  their  roots,  and  slightly  cooler  after  this  month 
to  harden  and  mature  the  wood.  An  early  rest  is  essential  if  the  plants 
are  to  start  freely  into  growth  when  introduced  into  heat  and  flower 
early  on  short-jointed  wood. 

Stephanotls  florlbunda. — Plants  that  have  made  good  growth 
and  finished  flowering  should  be  subjected  to  cool  airy  treatment  ;  in 
fact,  the  plants  are  better  grown  for  some  weeks  without  the  aid  of  artificial 
heat.  Give  air  liberally  during  the  day  when  fine,  but  towards  evening 
close  or  partially  close  the  structure  in  which  they  are  grown.  Syringe 
the  plants  once  daily  to  keep  the  foliage  clean,  and  mulch  the  border  or 
surface  of  the  pots  with  manure  to  prevent  evaporation.  All  weak 
growths  may  be  entirely  removed  from  plants  that  display  a  tendency 
to  be  crowded.  Full  light  and  plenty  of  air  amongst  the  shoots  are 
necessary  to  ripen  and  harden  the  wood,  for  upon  its  thorough  matura¬ 
tion  the  number  of  flowers  produced  another  year  will  depend. 

Glorlosa  superba. — Plants  that  were  started  early  into  growth 
will  show  signs  of  going  to  rest.  Keep  plants  in  this  condition  drier  at 
their  roots,  but  do  not  unduly  dry  them.  Water  ought  to  be  gradually 
withheld,  and  more  air  given  until  the  growing  stems  have  died  away 
and  the  tubers  are  thoroughly  matured,  when  they  may  be  stored  away 
in  any  place  where  the  temperature  ranges  from  50°  to  55°  if  kept  dry. 

Adlantum  cuneatum. — Any  plants  that  are  intended  for  yielding 
foliage  for  cutting  as  long  as  possible  should  not  be  grown  in  a  high 
temperature,  and  a  liberal  supply  of  air  must  be  admitted  to  them. 
These' plants  have  done  well  with  us  this  year,  and  they  have  been  grown 
for  sotae  months  past  in  cold  frames  fully  exposed  to  the  sun.  Fronds 
produced  by  this  method  are  of  the  sturdiest  description,  light  in  colour, 
and  last  well  in  a  cut  state.  Seedlings  of  both  this  and  Pteris  established 
in  pahs  and  boxes  should  be  placed  singly  or  two  or  three  together  in 


251 


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[  September  14,  1893. 


small  pota.  If  they  are  shaded  and  grown  in  a  warm  and  moist  atmo¬ 
sphere  for  a  time  they  will  soon  become  established  and  be  very  suitable 
for  many  forms  of  decoration.  It  will  be  necessary  to  harden  them 
gradually  before  they  are  used.  Spores  of  any  kinds  of  Ferns  may  now 
be  sown  in  pans  or  boxes,  the  surface  of  the  soil  need  not  be  made  too 
fine.  After  sowing  cover  with  glass  and  place  the  boxes  in  a  moist 
shady  position. 

Caladlums. — Plants  that  have  been  in  cool  houses  and  are  beginning 
to  fade  may  be  stored  away  to  rest.  Do  not  withhold  water  all  at  once. 
Place  the  pots  containing  the  plants  where  the  temperature  will  not 
range  lower  than  55°  where  they  will  be  perfectly  safe  until  they  are 
required  for  starting  again  into  growth.  When  sent  to  rest  too  rapidly 
and  kept  cool  afterwards  the  tubers  are  almost  certain  to  decay  ;  they 
should  be  well  matured  before  they  are  finally  stored  away. 

Polnsettlas. — If  properly  treated  these  should  be  of  the  sturdiest 
description,  and  some  care  is  needed  not  to  excite  them  again  into 
growth.  Soft  growth  made  after  this  period  is  seldom  sufficiently 
ripened  to  produce  large  bracts  of  the  finest  colour.  Very  frequently 
a  mistake  is  made  when  these  plants  are  removed  from  cold  frames  by 
keeping  them  in  too  close  and  confined  an  atmosphere.  Directly  they 
finish  their  growth  more  heat  may  be  given  to  develop  their  bracts. 
The  same  treatment  applies  to  Euphorbia  jacquiniaeflora. 

Zxoras, — Plants  that  have  but  recently  flowered  should  have  the 
most  careful  treatment.  Their  foliage  must  be  free  from  insects,  and 
the  plants  exposed  to  every  ray  of  light  possible  to  harden  their  wood 
before  the  winter.  Plenty  of  air  ought  to  be  admitted,  and  a  drier 
atmosphere  maintained  ;  but  at  the  same  time  do  not  starve  the  plants, 
or  more  injury  than  good  will  result.  Syringe  thoroughly  once  a  day. 


APIARIAN 


NOTES. 


Useful  Hints, 

At  this  season  it  is  perhaps  desirable  to  warn  bee-keepers 
against  introducing  queens,  or  joining  swarms  having  two  queens, 
rashly.  I  admit  that  alien  queens  can  be,  and  are,  joined  to  a  hive 
safely  without  caging,  and  I  could  cite  many  cases  where  only  a 
second  or  two  expired  between  the  deposing  of  the  queen  regnant 
and  the  introducing  of  an  alien  one  which  was  well  received  ;  but 
the  mishaps  by  reckless  introduction  which  I  am  cognisant  of  are 
by  far  too  numerous  to  warrant  me  in  advising  the  introduction  of 
queens  without  the  use  of  a  cage.  It  is  the  health  and  unmaimed- 
ness  of  the  queen  that  is  conducive  to  profitable  bee-keeping,  and 
in  the  absence  of  these  a  breakdown  in  the  hive  is  sure  to  occur 
sooner  or  later,  and  at  a  time  when  the  loss  is  irreparable.  There¬ 
fore  use  every  precaution  before  introducing  queens  or  joining 
swarms  together. 

The  balling  of  queens  is,  in  my  opinion,  entirely  due  to  stranger 
bees  ;  at  least,  I  have  never  witnessed  a  case  otherwise.  There  are 
different  phases  of  balling,  but  the  most  prominent  one  is  when  the 
bees  favourable  to  the  queen  discover  one  or  more  fractious  bees 
they  immediately  ball  her.  If  the  disloyal  bee  or  bees  are  kept 
outside  the  queen  is  safe,  but  if  one  or  more  get  near  her  she  is 
either  maimed  or  stung  to  death.  Therefore  select  a  young 
queen  and  cage  her  for  twenty-four  hours,  releasing  her  at  dusk. 
Young  bees  at  this  season  are  doubtless  not  to  be  despised, 
neither  are  much  older  ones  ;  both  make  capital  stocks.  It  is  the 
care  and  judicious  management  of  these  that  determine  our  future 
success  with  either — not  their  age.  One  great  thing  with  all 
queens  is  to  take  care  and  not  stimulate  these  to  breed  at  this 
season.  All  their  strength  and  egg-laying  power  is  best  to  be 
conserved  till  spring,  the  season  that  is  most  required  for  profitable 
bee-keeping. 

If  there  is  a  paucity  of  bees  in  the  hive  containing  a  young 
queen,  it  rather  taxes  the  powers  of  an  aged  one  (intended  to  be 
deposed)  to  fill  a  few  frames  with  brood,  and  place  in  the  hive 
containing  young  queen  intended  for  stock.  Hives  that  require 
to  be  fed  now,  and  not  having  a  ventilating  floor,  should,  imme¬ 
diately  the  feeding  is  past,  have  a  clean  dry  board  substituted,  and, 
indeed,  should  be  continued  at  intervals  throughout  the  winter.  A 
ventilating  floor  obviates  all  that,  and  conduces  to  having  healthy 
bees,  and  many  of  them. 

Eobber  Bees. 

Robber  bees  are  now  on  the  alert.  Keep  a  strict  watch  over 
all  weaklings,  and  contract  entrances  according  to  the  strength  of 
the  colony.  Be  careful  neither  to  spill  about  nor  expose  syrup  nor 
feeders.  These  are  the  things  that  decimate  the  bees,  and  those 
who  have  for  years  advised  the  autumnal  stimulative  feeding  of 
hives  must  have,  in  their  ignorance  of  the  proper  management  of 
bees,  practised  some  or  all  of  the  above.  For  many  years  it  has 
surprised  me  why  bees  required  feeding  in  autumn  to  stimulate 


breeding,  when  our  own  hives,  as  well  as  those  in  the  whole  district 
were  overflowing  with  bees.  A  clergyman  of  my  acquaintance 
used  to  say,  “  Instead  of  requiring  to  feed  to  cause  breeding  I 
would  rather  feed  to  reduce  the  population  of  the  hives,  as  they 
are  by  far  too  strong.” — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


•,*A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor  ”  or  to  “  The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Solanaceous  plant  ^Somerset'). — Having  seen  a  fresh  speeimen 
of  the  plant  referred  to  last  week,  we  are  able  to  state  that  its  name  is 
Nicandra  physaloides. 

Cucumber  Classification  (./.  McLeod'). — If  the  disputants  who 
aver  that  the  Cucumber  is  not  a  vegetable  will  exhibit  a  brace  in  a 
collection  of  fruit  they  will  receive  a  lesson  that  they  will  not  be  likely 
to  forget  —  namely,  the  disqualification  of  the  collection.  There  is 
no  time  for  answering  your  other  questions  as  we  are  preparing  for 
press. 

Stationary  Chrysanthemum  Buds  (<?,  B.  A.).  —  Cut  off  and 

burn  all  the  tops  that  contain  buds  such  as  you  have  sent,  and  which 
have  remained  stationary  for  about  six  weeks.  It  is  impossible  they  can 
develop.  They  contain  a  destructive  enemy,  microscopical  drawings 
of  which,  by  Mr.  George  Abbey,  will  shortly  be  published,  and  these, 
with  the  narrative  pertaining  to  the  discovery,  cannot  fail  to  prove  of 
great  interest  to  Chrysanthemum  growers  all  over  the  world. 

Tuberous  Beg-onlas  (IF.  Clihran  Sons). — The  box  arrived  as 
we  are  preparing  for  press.  The  flowers  as  a  whole  are  very  beautiful, 
but  many  of  them  had  separated  from  the  stalks,  the  names  thus 
becoming  detached.  It  was  not  so,  however,  with  the  single  variety 
oculata,  small,  single,  with  a  clear  white  disc,  very  distinct  and 
pleasing.  The  double  Golden  Nugget  is  very  rich  and  good.  The 
names  were  separated  from  the  others,  and  mixed  indiscriminately, 
while  the  flowers  were  bruised  and  shaken  through  insufficiently  close 
packing, 

Plantlngr  Iillles  of  the  Valley  (JEnq^uirer). — The  advice  to 
which  you  refer  is  sound.  We  have  known  them  to  grow  very  well 
when  planted  in  the  autumn,  also  in  winter,  but  the  weather  may  be 
such  as  to  cause  blanks  and  weak  growth.  The  most  extensive  and 
successful  cultivators  take  pains  in  the  preparation  of  the  soil,  and 
plant  when  it  is  in  the  best  planting  condition  in  early  spring.  Flower¬ 
ing  crowns  are  not  the  best  for  establishing  permanent  beds.  The 
Victoria  Lily  is  a  fine  variety  as  grown  by  Mr.  Henry  Hawkins  at 
Twickenham. 

Cider  and  Perry  Refuse  as  Manure  {J.  IF.,  Pevshore). — One  of 
the  best  of  British  gardeners  who  resides  in  a  perry-making  district  says 
“  the  must  or  refuse  from  perry  and  cider  mills  is  useless  as  manure.” 
“  Farmers,”  he  goes  on  to  say,  "  take  care  to  keep  cattle  from  it,  or  they 
would  certainly  eat  it  at  great  risk  to  life.  There  was  a  case  last  year 
of  a  pig  dying  soon  after  eating  a  quantity.  It  very  soon  goes  to 
nothing  on  the  land.  Poultry  are  fond  of  scratching  it  over  for  the 
‘  pips.’  These  germinate  freely  on  the  heaps  the  following  season,  and 
are  planted  out  by  some  farmers  to  form  stocks  for  grafting  and 
budding.  I  have  seen  it  used  for  mulching  newly  planted  fruit  trees, 
but  it  is  not  so  good  as  short  manure.” 

Grapes  Rusted  and  Shrivelled  (^Enquirer). — No  matter  bow 
much  water  you  have  given  the  border,  if  it  still  remain  dry,  as  you 
say  is  the  case,  it  obviously  has  not  had  enough.  It  is  impossible  for 
any  Vines  to  produce  any  other  than  small  ill-coloured  inferior  Grapes 
in  dry  soil.  If  a  thousand  gallons  are  necessary  for  moistening  the 
soil  they  must  be  given,  and  after  the  border  is  moist,  not  before, a 
liberal  application  of  strong  liquid  manure  would  have  a  beneficial 
effect.  We  suspect  also  there  has  been  errors  in  management  other 
than  letting  the  border  get  so  dry,  in  respect  to  ventilation  and  general 
routine.  You  cannot  materially  improve  the  Grapes  this  year,  but  you 
may  improve  the  Vines  for  future  bearing,  and  this  is  necessary. 


September  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


255 


Kalosantbes  cocclnea  (J".  G.'). — Water  should  be  gradually  with¬ 
held  now  and  the  plants  placed  in  the  sunniest  position  you  can  find. 
Flower  buds  will  then  form  in  the  tips  of  those  shoots  that  are  strong 
enough.  The  plants  should  be  kept  dry  rather  than  wet  through  the 
winter.  You  ask  if  the  “  number  of  shoots  should  be  reduced  and  the 
plants  repotted  ”  without  giving  an  idea  of  the  number  and  character 
of  the  growths  or  the  size  of  the  pots.  Do  not,  however,  shift  them  this 
autumn,  and  thin  out  any  growths  that  are  weak  and  crowded.  This 
is  all  we  can  say  in  the  absence  of  a  description  of  the  plants. 

Celery  lieaves  Secaylngr  QJ.  TF.  II.'). — Although  the  green 
leaflets  are  spotted  and  the  spots  extend  so  as  to  destroy  the  tissue  and 
ultimately  the  stalk,  there  are  no  fungal  threads  surrounding  the  brown 
spots  on  the  green  part,  nor  are  there  any  bacterial  germs  between  the 
cell  walls  or  in  the  cells.  The  stem  with  withered  leaves  is  sound  in  the 
centre,  but  the  cells  below  the  skin  or  epidermis  are  quite  empty,  and 
as  the  cell  walls  are  unpierced  we  conclude  that  the  withering  is  due 
solely  to  evaporation .  The  spots  on  the  green  leaflets  appear  to  have 
been  caused  by  particles  of  nitrate  of  soda  or  some  such  substance 
resting  upon  them.  Bust  at  the  roots  is  generally  caused  by  an  excess 
of  organic  acids  or  the  use  of  soapy  manure  at  the  bottom  of  the 
trenches.  Rust  in  the  leaves  and  stalks  is  caused  by  a  fungus,  but  there 
is  neither  the  Uredo  nor  Puccinia  form  of  rust  in  the  specimen  examined. 

Wlthholdlngr  Water  from  Cattleyas  (Y.  J.). — Water  should  be 
withheld  gradually  from  these  plants,  beginning  to  do  so  as  soon  as  the 
pseudo-bulbs  are  fully  developed  and  display  signs  of  ripening,  and 
finally  given  only  suflSciently  often  to  keep  the  pseudo-bulbs  from 
shrivelling.  How  long  water  can  be  withheld  depends  largely  upon  the 
house  in  which  the  plants  are  grown  and  the  atmospheric  con¬ 
ditions  maintained  as  regards  moisture.  Simultaneously  with  a 
diminished  supply  of  water  at  the  roots  and  moisture  in  the  atmosphere 
more  light  and  air  should  be  admitted  to  the  plants.  The  Oncidiums 
you  mention  are  only  of  slow  growth  ;  they  do  not  under  the  best 
systems  of  culture  appear  to  increase  materially  in  size.  We  prefer 
to  grow  them  in  small  baskets  or  pans,  because  they  are  less  liable 
to  suffer  by  an  insufficient  supply  of  water  during  the  season  of  growth. 
If  you  place  the  plants  in  baskets  do  not  take  them  off  the  blocks,  but 
insert  them  into  the  baskets  and  fill  in  with  fibry  peat  and  charcoal  in 
lumps.  A  little  moss  during  the  season  of  growth  is  also  an  advantage. 
We  should  advise  you  to  leave  them  as  they  are  until  the  spring.  By 
no  means  should  too  much  peat  and  moss  be  placed  about  the  roots. 
These  plants  do  best  suspended  moderately  close  to  the  glass. 

American  Baldwin  Apple  Trees  {G.  G.,  South  Wales). — This 
Apple  does  not  usually  succeed  in  this  country,  except  in  warm  soils  and 
sheltered  situations.  It  does  well  on  the  oolite  in  Huntingdonshire  where 
the  soil  is  of  a  warm  silicious  nature  with  gravel  beneath,  and  it  would 
probably  succeed  in  similar  soil  with  a  warm  site  in  South  Wales.  The 
Wshes  are  most  likely  to  thrive,  but  it  would  have  been  better  had  they 
been  on  the  English  Paradise  instead  of  the  Crab  stock.  Trees  on  that 
«tock  do  not  transplant  so  readily  as  those  on  Paradise,  but  there  is  no 
danger  of  safe  removal  whilst  the  trees  are  young.  Unless  they  have 
grown  vigorously  and  do  not  ripen  the  wood  well  it  would  not  be 
desirable  to  transplant  them  this  autumn,  though  it  may  be  done 
another  year  if  you  wish  to  check  growth  and  induce  fruitfulness.  The 
tree  intended  for  a  standard  ought  to  grow  until  it  has  formed  a  stout 
stem  to  the  required  height,  and  then  have  the  top  taken  off  so  as  to 
induce  side  shoots,  keeping  all  but  three  at  the  upper  part  stopped  with 
the  object  of  strengthening  the  stem.  Gut  the  stopped  growths  away  in 
the  autumn  and  shorten  the  three  extension  shoots  to  about  6  inches, 
then  by  taking  two  growths  from  each  the  following  year  the  formation 
of  the  head  will  be  laid. 

DTames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  consequence 
of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Apples  and  Pears  sent  to  this  office  to 
he  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  which  are  not  worth  sendiyig 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  (A’.  Jordan). — 1,  Quite  rotten  ;  2,  Rotten ;  3,  Beurre  Diel ; 
4,  Quite  misshapen ;  5,  Rotten ;  6,  Winter  Greening.  It  is  essential 
that  good  sound  typical  fruits  be  sent,  not  blemished  and  decayed 
specimens.  {C.  J.  F.). — Fearn’s  Pippin.  (TF.i  TF.  TF.). — Warner’s 
King.  (5.  TF.  Fitzherbert). — 1,  Cobham  ;  2,  Blenheim  ;  3,  character 
undeveloped  ;  4,  Gloria  Mundi ;  5,  Alfriston  ;  6,  Trumpington,  perhaps, 
but  an  imperfect  specimen,  the  others  fine.  (A.  H.  L,). — 1,  Golden 
Russet ;  2,  Van  Mons  Leon  Leclerc  ;  3,  Bergamotte  Esperen  ;  5,  Napoleon. 
These  names  are  approximate,  the  character  of  the  fruits  not  being 
developed.  (A.  D.). — 1,  Beurr(^  Clairgeau  ;  2,  Summer  Franc  Real  ; 
3,  Rymer ;  4,  Cellini ;  5,  Greenup’s  Pippin  ;  6,  Fearn’s  Pippin.  (A.  B.). — 
There  is  no  character  about  the  fruits  sent.  Some  if  not  all  are  probably 
local  seedlings,  and  never  had  names.  Nor  are  they  worthy  of  being 
distinguished  and  perpetuated.  {Richard  C.  Long). — We  are  sorry  to 
disappoint  you,  but  it  is  impossible  for  anyone  to  name  fruits  accurately 
when  their  characters  are  quite  undeveloped;  The  specimens  you  send, 
most  of  which  are  inferior,  are  weeks  if  not  months  from  maturity.  If 
the  trees  in  your  orchard  are  old  several  of  the  varieties  will  probably 


not  be  worth  naming.  Those  you  send  are,  as  a  whole,  much  below 
average  merit.  Your  object  is  a  worthy  one.  By  far  the  best  way 
of  improving  the  local  fruit  supply  is  to  urge  the  planting  of  young 
trees  of  approved  varieties  in  the  best  soil  and  positions  available. 
{Andover). — Letter  mislaid,  but  this  reply  will  be  recognised.  The 
very  large  red  Apple  is  Tibbit’s  Incomparable,  and  the  Pear  is  a  splendid 
specimen  of  Souvenir  du  Congr^s.  {J.  U.). — Doyenne  Boussoch. 

{P.  M,). — 1,  Cox’s  Pomona ;  2,  probably  local  and  worthless.  {./.  S.  B.). — 
1,  Pitmaston  Duchess.  The  others  are  quite  hard  and  will  not  be  in 
condition  for  naming  for  some  weeks.  We  have  many  times  stated  that 
Pears  should  be  sent  when  showing  signs  of  ripening,  as  flavour  is  a 
factor  in  determining  their  nomenclature. 

Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
{J.  G.). — Silvery-leaved  plant,  Alchemilla  sericea  ;  berried  shrub,  Pyrus 
(Aronia)  probably  a  variety  of  arbutifolia ;  trailing  plant,  Linaria 
Cymbalaria.  {Tom  Jones). — Gongora  Loddigesi.  (A.  B.). — 1,  Impatiens 
Hawkeri  ;  2,  Abutilon  vexillarium.  {F.  B.). — Allamanda  Hendersoni. 
{L.  P.). — Alschynanthus  cordifolius. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Maidstone,  Kent. — Frxiit 
Trees. 

H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent. — Booh  of  Reference  in  Horti¬ 
culture, 

Hogg  &  Robertson,  22,  Mary  Street,  Dublin. — Bulbs  for  Planting  in 
Autumn  and  Sjyring. 

George  Phippen,  Reading. — Bulb  Catalogue. 

Chas.  R.  Shilling,  Hartley  Nurseries,  Winchfield,  Hants. — Trees, 
Shrubs,  Roses,  Fruit  Trees,  Plants  and  Bulbs, 

Robert  Sydenham,  Tenby  Street,  Birmingham. —  Unique  Bulb  List, 
with  '■' Hoic  I  Came  to  Grow  Bulbs." 

E.  Webb  &  Sons,  Wordsley,  Stourbridge. — Selected  Seed  Corn. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— September  13th. 

Market  still  heavily  supplied ;  prices  virtually  unaltered. 


FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Apples,  per  bushel  ..  .. 

1 

0  to  6 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

6  to 

8 

0 

Cobs  . 

28 

0 

30 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

1 

6 

2 

6 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

1 

6 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  , . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to  0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  .. 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

6 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

6 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . .  . .  . . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

6 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . .  . . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAUE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 
Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 


8. 

d. 

8. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

2 

0 

to  4 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Asters  (English)  doz.  bches. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

6 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

bunches . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

sprays . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

1 

6 

4 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  .. 

4 

0 

6 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

0 

3 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum.perdoz. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

o 

0 

4 

0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms..  .. 

0 

4 

0 

6 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Arbor  Vit®  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0tol2 

0 

Ferns  (small)  pr  r  liundred 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  . . 

1 

0 

7 

6 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Asters,  dozen  pots  ..  .. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  . .  , . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lilian!  lancifolium  per  doz.  12 

0 

18 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harnssi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Dracmna  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Dracffina  viridis,  dozen  , . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Euonymus,  var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

„  (specimens)  . .  . . 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

4 

0 

256 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  14,  1893. 


FARM  HOMESTEADS. 

When  the  Scotch  farmers  came  south  after  Essex  farms, 
one  of  the  first  things  asked  for  was  additional  farm  buildings. 
They,  at  any  rate,  wei’e  fully  alive  to  the  importance  of  an 
ample  provision  of  shelter  for  their  herds  if  not  for  their  flocks  ; 
they  had  it,  and  it  must  have  contributed  greatly  to  the  success 
of  their  venture.  In  making  such  provision  of  outbuildings 
that  are  absolutely  necessary  a  landlord  enables  his  tenant  to 
turn  his  holding  to  full  account — aye,  and  to  turn  his  live 
stock  to  full  account  also.  To  an  able  man  the  concession  is 
positively  more  important  than  a  reduction  of  rent,  because  it 
enables  him  to  do  his  best  with  the  stock — to  afford  it  pro¬ 
tection  from  cold  and  wet  in  winter,  from  extreme  heat  and 
flies  in  summer.  If  it  were  possible  to  obtain  a  return  of  the 
actual  number  of  animals  lost  annually  from  exposure  to  wet 
and  cold  we  have  no  doubt  it  would  astonish  everyone  connected 
with  agriculture.  But  though  it  is  not  possible  the  fact 
remains  that  losses  do  occur  frequently,  the  cause  being  usually 
attributed  either  to  black  leg  or  to  hoose,  and  probably  wi'h 
some  truth,  but  exhaustion  and  low  condition  more  often  than 
not  induce  disease. 

Early  in  the  present  year  we  had  a  complete  set  of  new  out¬ 
buildings  erected  for  a  tenant  in  time  to  be  of  use  to  him  during 
iummer.  On  a  recent  visit  we  were  delighted  to  see  a  number 
of  the  best  calves  in  the  hovels  that  we  had  seen  this  season. 
They  had  never  been  out,  but  had  been  kept  in  and  reai’ed  by 
the  grazier’s  wife,  and  much  credit  are  they  to  her.  Nothing 
could  be  more  satisfactory  than  their  sleek,  healthy  condition. 
Home-hred  and  home-reared  in  the  right  way  they  are  bound 
to  prove  profitable,  such  animals  always  being  in  demand; 
always  commanding  a  price  above,  sometimes  much  above 
ordinary  market  rates.  For  another  tenant  who  milks  thirty 
cows  a  new  house  and  set  of  outbuildings  are  to  be  built  on  a 
holding  of  about  200  acres.  This  farm  is  worthy  of  mention  as 
a  compact  holding,  recently  arranged  with  an  eye  to  general 
utility.  Its  lower  boundary  is  in  the  heart  of  a  valley  by  a 
road  leading  to  a  railway  station,  and  the  land  stretches  right 
up  one  side  of  the  valley  to  the  hill  top,  where  there  is  con¬ 
nection  with  another  public  road.  The  rich  grazing  land  in 
the  valley  is  watered  by  a  br.  ok,  and  there  are  pools  of  sufficient 
capacity  in  the  upland  meadows. 

In  selecting  the  site  of  the  homestead  water  wa8  a  primary 
consideration.  A  boring  tool  failed  to  reach  wa^er  after  several 
trials;  the  brook  was  therefore  turned  to,  the  necessary  levelling 
showing  that  an  hydraulic  ram  was  practicable,  so  that  by 
means  of  it  and  a  filter  bed  the  homestead  will  be  well  supplied 
with  wholesome  wa^er,  a  matter  of  even  more  than  usual 
importance,  as  this  is  a  dairy  farm,  where  cheese-making  will  be 
the  chief  thing.  To  avoid  all  risk  of  taint  the  dairy  and  cheese 
rooms  will  be  on  the  north  side,  and  the  farmyard  and  out¬ 
buildings  on  the  south  side.  On  the  ground  floor  there  will  be 
an  entrance  hall,  having  on  the  north  side  a  sitting-room, 
behind  which  there  will  be  a  cheese-i’oom,  binding-room,  and 
dairy ;  on  the  south  side  will  be  the  kitchen,  connected  by  a 
passage  running  past  the  larder  to  a  back  kitchen  ;  and  at  the 
back  of  the  house  there  will  be  a  broad  covered  way  from  the 
back  kitchen  to  the  dairy.  The  upper  floor  will  have  six  bed¬ 
rooms,  and  will  contain  a  bath-room ;  in  fact  all  necessaries  to 
form  a  comfortable,  convenient  house,  without  any  superfluous 
rooms.  Water  will  be  laid  on,  drainage  well  done,  and  the 


whey  will  go  through  a  pipe  from  the  dairy  to  a  cistern  by  the 
piggeries. 

The  outbuildings  will  consist  of  a  cow  house  for  thirty  cows  ; 
this  will  be  a  span-roofed  building,  with  a  passage  down  the 
centre  between  the  stalls.  There  will  also  be  a  loose  box  for 
calving,  two  calf  hovels,  four  large  piggeries,  stabling  for  three 
horses,  shed  for  store  cattle,  18  feet  wide,  with  the  yard  side 
open,  a  meal-i’oom,  chaff-room,  granary,  fowl  house,  and  open 
shed  for  carts  and  implements.  The  cost  of  such  a  homestead 
depends  mainly  upon  the  building  matei-ials,  which  range  from 
costly  dressed  stone  downwards  to  simple  s'ud  and  plaster, 
representing  two  extremes,  only  desirable  under  stress  of  local 
circumstances.  There  appears  to  be  no  material  equal  to 
corrugated  iron  sheeting  for  cheapness,  utility,  and  durability. 
As  roofing  for  a  granary  it  is  objectionable,  because  it  becomes 
cool  with  such  rapidity  of  an  evening  that  the  moisture  of  the 
warm  interior  air  is  condensed,  and  there  is  often  so  much 
dripping  of  water  from  the  roof  upon  the  stores  as  to  become  a 
nuisance. 

WOKK  ON  THE  HOME  FAKM. 

Frequently  have  we  heard  the  remark  that  this  has  not  been  a 
favourable  season  for  the  use  of  “artificials.”  Our  one  failure  was  upon 
some  pasture  where,  owing  to  the  draining,  the  chemical  manure  could 
not  be  used  till  the  drought  had  set  in.  But  where  it  was  used  early  it 
answered  well  enough  for  pasture,  and  its  beneficial  influence  upon  root 
crops  was  never  more  remarkable.  Swedes,  Mangolds,  and  Potatoes 
have  all  thriven  wonderfully,  and  we  were  not  surprised  to  hear  from  a 
correspondent  to  whom  we  recommended  what  we  term  our  County 
Council  mixture,  that  he  has  a  crop  of  Potatoes  of  remarkable 
abundance,  yielding  a  peck  of  tubers  to  a  plant.  With  land  made 
thoroughly  clean  now  and  ridged  by  double-breasted  ploughs,  we  can 
next  spring  apply  manure  to  the  furrows,  plant  the  Potatoes,  and  split 
the  ridges  over  them,  feeling  assured  that  the  soil  is  well  stored  with 
fertility.  For  Mangolds  and  Swedes  the  mixture  may  be  sown  broadcast 
after  the  muck  is  placed  in  the  furrows,  a  top-dressing  of  nitrate  of  soda 
being  applied  after  the  plant  is  up  and  growing  freely. 

Let  yards,  hovels,  and  all  means  of  shelter  for  cattle  for  winter  be 
now  made  ready  for  use  next  month.  See  that  drains  are  in  order,  that 
the  water  supply  is  ample,  and  that  the  surface  of  all  inner  walls  is 
limewashed.  Litter  is  likely  to  be  so  scarce  next  winter  that  we  advise 
all  home  farmers  to  collect  all  the  tree  leaves  they  can,  to  get  bracken 
from  the  woods,  and  any  sedges,  rushes,  or  coarse  grass  that  can  be  had. 
Reduce  the  head  of  stock  well  within  reasonable  limits ;  keep  no  unsound 
or  delicate  animals  through  the  winter ;  calculate  ways  and  means 
closely,  and  prepare  for  a  long  hard  winter.  If  the  weather  proves 
mild  and  open  so  much  the  better ;  but  a  prudent  man  makes  provision 
for  the  worst,  and  it  is  only  in  doing  so  that  he  can  feel  safe.  We  much 
fear  that  heavy  losses  of  young  stock  are  likely  to  occur  in  the  coming 
winter,  and  so  many  are  now  in  terribly  low  condition.  We  saw  a 
herd  of  thirty  or  forty  calves  a  few  days  ago  that  had  been  bought 
cheap  I  All  of  them  were  “  bags  of  bones,”  and  hardly  any  of  them  are 
likely  to  live  through  the  winter. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamdex  Square,  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

.9 

p:^ 

1893. 

September. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

3 

(^•288 

65-1 

57-2 

E. 

61-0 

72-9 

52-3 

119-8 

46-1 

_ 

Monday  . . 

4 

30-239 

58-8 

56-1 

E. 

61-1 

70-4 

48-9 

102-9 

43  6 

_ 

Tuesday  . . 

5 

30-047 

59  1 

55-4 

E. 

60-2 

78-1 

46-1 

108-4 

40-4 

_ 

Wednesday 

6 

29-860 

64-4 

58-0 

S. 

60-6 

81  6 

52-2 

117-6 

47-0 

0-036 

Thursday . . 

7 

69-7 

64-4 

W. 

62-0 

77-3 

61-9 

123-4 

58-8 

— 

Friday 

8 

29-774 

61-3 

57-1 

s.w. 

62-1 

69-2 

52-9 

1184 

48-3 

0-199 

Saturday  . . 

9 

29-908 

56-6 

51-1 

N. 

60-2 

64-8 

49-9 

112-1 

45  9 

— 

29-983 

62-1 

57-0 

61-0 

73-5 

52-0 

114-7 

47-2 

0-235 

REMARKS. 

3rd. — Pine  and  bright  throughout. 

4th. — Fog  at  8  and  misty  at  9  A.ll.,  bright  sun  9.35  and  up  to  1  r.M.,  then  overcast ; 
bright  again  after  S  p.m.  ;  fine  night. 

5th.— Bright  and  sunny  throughout;  fine  night. 

6th.— Bright  early  and  up  to  5  P.M.,  then  overcast;  fine  evening. 

7th.— Fine  and  bright  at  9  A.M..  and  during  the  morning;  overcast  at  times  in  afternoon, 
but  generally  sunny  ;  fine  night. 

8th.-  Rain  at  9  A.M..  bright  sun  10  A.M.,  rain  and  slight  thunderstorm  at  11.45  to  0.30 ; 
bright  at  0.50,  spots  of  rain  at  intervals  in  afternoon  and  much  sun  ;  fine 
night. 

9th. — Bright  sunny  morning,  but  more  or  less  dull  during  morning,  fine  afternoon  and 
evening. 

Another  generally  fine  week,  with  the  temperature  even  higher  than  in  the  previous 

one,  and  considerably  above  the  average. — G.  J.  SviaoNS. 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


267 


Not  for  many  years  past  has  such  a  favourable  season  for 
growing  Tomatoes  in  the  open  air  been  experienced  as 
during  the  summer  now  drawing  to  a  close ;  and  never  probably 
has  such  a  collection  of  varieties,  or  selections,  been  seen  fruiting 
together  as  in  one  of  the  trial  grounds  of  Messrs.  Sutton  and 
Sons,  Reading.  Nearly  200  reputedly  distinct  sorts,  obtained 
from  various  sources  in  this  country,  also  from  France  and 
America,  have  been  grown  under  absolutely  identical  conditions 
from  beginning  to  end,  the  collection  forming  a  veritable  museum 
of  the  beautiful,  wholesome,  and  popular  esculent.  The  plants 
have  been  thoroughly  well  grown,  too,  throughout  their  career, 
with  the  object  of  developing  to  the  fullest  possible  extent  their 
leading  characteristics  ;  and  it  has  only  to  be  stated  that  twelve 
plants  represented  the  minimum  number  of  any  variety,  while  of 
some  there  were  at  the  least  five  times  that  number,  to  show  that 
there  were  thousands  in  the  aggregate,  the  whole  forming  some¬ 
thing  like  a  forest  of  sturdy  tree-like  plants  laden  with  scarlet, 
crimson,  and  golden  fruit. 

There  were,  it  may  be  truly  said,  Tomatoes  oc  all  colours, 
shapes,  and  sizes  yet  produced,  from  the  miniature  Currant 
varieties,  with  elegant  drooping  racemes  of  coral-like  berries  or 
yellow  beads,  to  the  huge  corrugated  American  monsters,  weighing 
1  lb.  or  more.  Mentioning  these  it  may  be  well  to  dispose  of 
them  at  once.  However  they  may  be  valued  in  the  land  of  big 
things  they  are  clearly  out-distanced  according  to  our  standard  of 
merit  in  Tomatoes  by  varieties  which  have  been  raised  at  home, 
or  at  least  improved  by  rigid  selection.  There  is  not  one  of  the 
newer  Americans  that  is  worthy  of  a  place  by  the  side  of  our 
best  varieties,  while  most  of  the  older  introduced  sorts  which 
did  good  service  in  past  years  are  out  of  date.  However  much 
we  are  indebted  to  our  transatlantic  friends  for  teaching  the 
value  of  Tomatoes,  and  leading  the  way  in  their  popularisation, 
also  furnishing  us  with  improvements  on  the  old  stock,  we  are 
now  undoubtedly  in  advance  in  the  question  of  varieties,  and 
growers  who  want  the  best  obtainable  have  no  occasion  to  go  out 
of  England  for  them.  That  is  a  fact  which  no  one  can  gainsay 
who  has  examined  carefully,  and  without  prejudice,  the  great 
Reading  collection. 

What  there  is  in  store  for  us  from  the  “other  side  ”  time  alone 
can  tell,  but  we  do  not  want  varieties  of  rampant  growth  which 
concentrate  their  resources  on  one  or  two  unwieldy  corrugations, 
leaving  a  residue  of  clustered  deformities  in  the  struggle  for 
existence.  We  rather  covet  plants  of  sturdy  habit  and  prolific  in 
smooth  firm  fruits,  uniform  in  character  from  base  to  summit.  If 
large  fruits  are  wanted  for  exhibition  they  can  be  had  by  a  good 
choice  of  English  varieties,  and  such  cultural  methods  as  successful 
growers  adopt  in  thinning  and  supporting  the  crops.  If  medium¬ 
sized  produce  is  preferred  for  market,  say  averaging  about  half  a 
dozen  fruits  to  a  pound,  there  is  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  them, 
nor  is  there  any  lack  of  small-fruited  varieties  for  ornament  and 
use,  or  both  combined.  Plenty  could  be  found  for  all  purposes 
in  the  great  trial  in  question,  as  good,  it  may  be  safe  to  say,  as 
coull  be  procured  from  any  part  of  the  world,  and  whatever  our 
shortcomings  may  be  in  other  respects,  it  is  at  least  satisfactory 
to  feel  that  England  is  in  the  ascendant  with  Tomatoes. 

Some  catalogue  illustrations  that  are  published  of  plants  bearing 

No.  691. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Thied  Series. 


clusters  of  fruit  close  to  the  ground  are  regarded  by  many  persons 
as  exaggerations,  and  allegations  have  been  heard  of  such  plants 
growing  only  in  the  artist’s  brain.  No  doubt  many  hundreds  of 
persons  have  had  the  pleasure  of  inspecting  the  collection  under 
notice,  and  they  would  have  no  difficulty  in  finding  row  after  row 
in  which  the  plants  were  bearing  huge  clusters  of  fruits  so  low 
down  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  place  the  hand  under  them  with¬ 
out  its  coming  in  contact  with  the  soil.  That  habit  of  bearing  was 
not  the  exception  but  the  rule  with  some  of  the  varieties,  notably 
Earliest  of  All,  which  justifies  its  name,  and  Main  Crop,  the  bulk 
of  the  clusters  of  large  handsome  fruits  on  this  sturdy  grower  being 
produced  on  the  lower  part  of  the  stems  from  just  above  the 
ground  to  a  height  of  2  feet.  An  acre  of  such  plants  and  crop 
would  be  worth  at  least  £100  if  the  produce  were  sold  for  2d.  a 
pound.  Both  those  are  outdoor  varieties  of  sterling  merit  when 
well  grown  during  a  favourable  season,  and  there  are  not  many 
seasons  in  which  the  fruit  of  the  former  especially  would  not  ripen 
outdoors  in  appropriate  positions  if  the  plants  were  rightly  pre¬ 
pared  and  managed.  Errors  in  either  or  both  those  respects  are 
accountable  for  many  breakdowns  with  Tomatoes  outdoors  and 
under  glass  as  well.  Of  that  there  can  be  no  manner  of  doubt, 
but  it  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  things  in  the  world  to  make  many 
of  those  who  fail  believe  it,  and  so  much  the  worse  for  them. 
They  honestly  think  that  everything  which  could  be  done  has  been 
done  when  the  plants  or  crops  have  failed,  and  are  also  thoroughly 
convinced  that  whoever  had  attempted  the  work  in  the  same  house 
or  outside  plot  the  same  season  must  have  failed  also.  They  are 
very  much  mistaken.  Half  the  failures  with  Tomatoes  even  out¬ 
doors  are  the  result  of  mismanagement,  and  a  great  deal  more  than 
half  of  those  under  glass  are  brought  about  by  the  “cultivator.” 
The  sounder  the  methods  of  cultivation  the  less  the  liability  of  the 
plants  to  fungoid,  bacterial,  or  any  other  attacks. 

In  all  the  thousands  of  plants  at  Reading  there  was  scarcely  a 
failure,  except  in  some  inherently  weak  varieties  ;  and  if  a  plant 
here  and  there  of  the  strong  should  have  “  gone  off,”  and  been  found 
full  of  bacteria,  white  those  near  and  all  around  remained  healthy, 
the  victim  would  have  been  probably  planted  with  the  roots  either 
too  dry  or  the  soil  in  the  pot  a  soddened  mass.  Many  a  so-called 
mystery  is  traceable  to  a  simple  cause,  and  so-called  small  mistakes 
often  lead  to  great  losses.  As  with  individual  plants  so  with  a 
houseful.  Make  an  initial  mistake,  and  the  seed  is  sown  of 
ulterior  collapse.  The  plants,  when  microscopically  examined,  are 
found  eaten  up  by  some  parasite  or  micro-organism,  and  the  fiat 
goes  forth  that  these  are  the  cause  of  the  trouble.  No  ;  in  most 
cases  they  were  the  results  of  some  cultural  mistake.  The  plants 
were  brought  into  a  condition  favourable  to  seizure,  and  were 
seized.  Microscopists  who  are  not  cultivators  may  not  admit  this 
dictum,  but  cultivators  who  are  microscopists  take  care  not  to 
condemn  it  ;  on  the  contrary,  they  urge  the  best  of  culture  for  pre¬ 
venting  insidious  attacks.  Why  were  the  Reading  plants  so  healthy 
and  so  heavily  fruited  down  to  the  ground  ?  Because  no  mistake 
was  made  by  the  grower,  and  the  climatic  conditions  were  favour¬ 
able  to  their  prosperity.  Under  glass  the  climate  is  very  much 
what  man  makes  it  when  he  has  the  means  at  command,  and  out¬ 
doors,  though  he  must  take  the  climate  as  it  comes,  he  may  enable 
his  plants  to  withstand  adverse  conditions  by  good  work  in  pre¬ 
paration,  or  render  them  liable  to  failure  through  erroneous  methods. 

The  Reading  practice  is  very  simple  but  very  sound.  If  the 
cultivator  were  asked  to  describe  it  he  would  probably  begin  with  a 
few  negatives  ; — “Do  not  raise  the  plants  too  early  and  grow  them 
tall  and  tender  for  planting  out,  as  if  you  do  you  will  only  at  the 
best  get  a  few  trusses  of  fruit  at  the  top  of  lanky  stems.  Do 
not  add  fresh  manure  to  the  ground  in  spring,  but  give  what  is 
needed  in  the  way  of  enrichment  in  the  autumn,  then  the  soil  will 
be  fertile  yet  sweet  at  planting  time.  Do  not  plant  deeply  to 
make  tall  plants  look  a  little  sturdy  or  to  save  stakes.  Do  not  let 
lateral  growths  extend,  but  pick  them  out  as  soon  as  seen  to 

No.  2347.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


258 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1893. 


concentrate  the  resources  on  the  main  stem-leaves,  and  fruit,  and  do 
not  top  the  plants  till  they  attain  the  required  height.” 

After  telling  you  what  not  to  do,  he  would,  in  his  quiet  firm 
way,  tell  you  what  he  does,  and  what  others  should  do.  “  Sow 
thinly  about  the  middle  of  March,  and  keep  the  plants  growing 
steadily  and  sturdily  close  to  a  glass  roof,  so  that  they  will  have 
short- jointed  stout  stems  and  thick  leaves.  In  due  time  gradually 
inure  them  to  the  full  exposure  for  which  they  are  intended,  and 
which  they  should  endure  without  a  leaf  suffering.  Have  them 
dwarf  when  planted  out  towards  the  end  of  May,  or  when  the 
weather  is  safe,  with  the  leaves  resting  on  the  ground,  and  they 
will  be  ready  for  work  forthwith.  Though  the  plants  are  stout 
enough  to  stand  alone,  yet  as  stakes  will  be  needed  provide  them 
at  once,  and  there  will  be  no  root  disturbance.  See  that  every 
plant  is  in  the  right  condition  as  to  root  moisture,  neither  too  dry 
nor  too  wet,  and  plant  shallow.  The  roots  should  be  in  the 
warmest  soil,  and  the  deeper  they  are  sunk  in  the  ground  the 
colder  is  the  medium  surrounding  them.  We  want  them  to  start 
growing  at  once,  not  stand  as  if  paralysed  for  a  month,  thus  losing 
precious  time  that  can  never  be  regained.  Forcing  the  growth 
under  glass  too  early  in  the  season,  to  be  chilled  and  checked 
later,  is  exactly  the  wrong  way  ;  it  is  a  bad  beginning,  and  we 
have  no  right  to  expect  it  can  lead  to  a  good  ending — healthy 
plants  bearing  full  crops  of  fruit  for  ripening  as  soon  as  the 
weather  will  permit.”  Such  in  effect  is  the  routine,  and  it  will  be 
conceded  that  it  embodies  sound  cultural  principles,  and  it  certainly 
answers  well.  The  plants  are  grown  a  little  more  than  a  foot 
apart,  in  rows  3  feet  asunder,  across  a  series  of  long  narrow  beds. 
Each  plant  is  confined  to  a  single  stem,  and  topped  at  a  height  of 
about  3|  feet,  no  laterals  being  allowed  to  extend,  and,  as  produc¬ 
ing  stem-leaves,  and  fruit  alone,  there  appears  to  be  no  over¬ 
crowding,  though  some  of  the  robust  varieties  were  evidently  not 
amenable  to  such  restricted  culture  in  this  country. 

The  collection  is  grown,  like  collections  of  everything  else  by 
Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  for  testing  varieties  by  comparison,  selec¬ 
tion,  and  elimination.  Those  that  succeed  the  best  are  retained, 
come  from  whence  they  may,  and  endeavours  are  constant  for 
improving  by  selections  from  the  best,  and  not  without  success. 
For  instance,  there  are  several  stocks  or  strains  of  Earliest  of  All, 
but  one  stands  out  clear  as  the  first  and  in  every  way  the  best,  four 
tiers  of  the  huge  clusters  of  fruit  being  completely  ripe,  the  next 
nearest  having  the  fourth  cluster  changed,  but  not  ripe.  Bell’s 
Defiance  appears  to  be  a  good  type  of  the  variety  named,  but  not 
quite  so  early  as  the  best  selection.  Then  we  have  what  seems 
an  absurdity  in  terms — an  improvement  on  Perfection,  the  fruits 
being  deeper  than  those  of  the  type,  and  the  handsomest  for  exhibi¬ 
tion  ;  it  will  simply  supplant  the  old  form,  and  not  presumably  be 
invested  with  a  distinguishing  name.  “  Perfection ”  means  some¬ 
thing  absolutely  complete,  not  open  to  the  smallest  improve¬ 
ment,  and  the  term  “  degrees  of  perfection  ”  too  commonly 
used  ought  to  be  abolished.  Returning  to  the  varieties,  for 
size  and  beauty  of  fruit  with  productiveness  Magnum  Bonum, 
perhaps,  bears  the  palm,  and  it  is  undoubtedly  a  Tomato  of  high 
excellence,  also  early.  Al,  too,  is  a  noble  and  beautiful  fruit,  and 
the  crop  was  a  valuable  one.  The  three  last  named  varieties,  with 
Main  Crop,  form  a  quartette  of  Tomatoes  which  it  would  be  hard 
to  excel  in  size,  symmetry,  and  brightness  of  colour. 

But  there  are  smaller  red  Tomatoes  of  note,  of  what  may  be 
termed  the  Prelude  type,  as  bearing  the  fruit  not  so  much  in 
bunches  as  long  racemes,  but  Prelude  is  too  small.  Abundance 
excels  it  in  being  larger,  and  growers  who  desire  a  groat  abundance 
of  medium-sized  fruits  for  market  may  have  them  in  this  variety. 
Conference  partakes  of  this  type  in  part,  but  the  very  bright  and 
rather  small  fruits  are  borne  more  in  clusters.  Not  so  those  of  the 
comparatively  new  variety,  Sutton’s  Dessert,  for  the  scarlet  Plum¬ 
like  fruits  hang  in  distinct  racemes  a  foot  long.  The  plants  were 
objects  of  beauty,  and  Tomato  connoisseurs  who  enjoy  the  fruit 
in  an  uncooked  state  will  have  a  treat  in  this  distinct  variety. 

Amongst  the  large  fruited  yellow  Tomatoes  the  handsomest  was 


perhaps  Golden  Perfection,  in  size  and  shape  the  fruit  being  exactly 
like  its  scarlet  precursor.  It  is  more  appropriate  for  growing  under 
glass  than  outdoors,  and  for  weight  of  crop  in  the  open  it  did  not 
by  any  means  equal  Golden  Queen,  of  which  handsome  fruits  were 
bountifully  produced.  One  more  yellow  Tomato  must  have 
mention,  the  smallest  of  all,  but  charming  in  appearance  and 
excellent  in  quality.  Golden  Nugget.  No  one  could  see  the  plants 
of  this  variety  without  being  impressed  by  their  beauty.  The 
fruits  are  like  Golden  Gage  Plums,  but  brighter,  and  it  was  not  in 
the  least  difficult  to  find  from  twenty  to  thirty  in  a  branching 
cluster.  The  plants  were  laden  with  them,  those  on  the  fourth 
cluster  being  quite  ripe,  a  sufficient  indication  of  earliness.  A 
nnmber  of  such  plants  in  the  London  or  any  other  parks  or 
gardens  would  create  something  of  a  sensation.  Berry-bearing 
plants  are  grown  for  decorative  purposes  under  glass,  and  certainly 
those  of  this  golden- berried  Tomato  were  strikingly  ornamental  in 
the  open  air.  This  variety  has  received  the  maximum  number  of 
marks  of  merit  at  Chiswick,  and  like  the  scarlet  dessert  sort 
above  noticed,  is  a  distinct  acquisition.  The  collection  included  a 
number  of  other  meritorious  Tomatoes  that  cannot  be  named. 
Such  complete  trials  as  the  one  in  question,  in  which  every  variety 
receives  the  best  possible  attention,  are  decidedly  instructive  and 
worthy  of  recognition. — An  Old  Gkower. 


SUMMER  BEDDING  DURING  TROPICAL 

WEATHER. 

The  summer  of  1893  has  been  an  ideal  one  for  flower  gardening 
in  all  instances  where  good  facilities  for  watering  were  provided 
and  made  use  of,  but  a  disastrous  one  in  those  places  where  water 
could  be  only  sparingly  given.  Where  the  plants  have  been  grown 
under  the  most  favourable  conditions  the  majority  of  them  have 
done  remarkably  web,  and  an  unusually  long  season  of  beauty  has 
been  secured.  Planting  was  accomplished  early,  and  at  the  present 
time  (September  9th)  the  beds  look  brighter  than  I  previously 
remember  them  to  have  done  at  the  same  date. 

This  satisfactory  state  of  affairs  is  doubtless  due,  in  a  great 
measure,  to  the  absence  of  heavy  rains,  which  frequently  start  the 
plants  into  strong  growth  never  remarkable  for  floriferousness. 
This  is  particularly  noticeable  in  the  case  of  Pelargoniums.  At  no 
time  throughout  the  summer  have  they  made  growth  rapidly  ; 
indeed  for  some  time  after  planting  the  weather  was  so  tropical 
that  with  the  best  attention  in  the  way  of  watering  they  were 
longer  than  usual  in  establishing  themselves,  but  from  the  time 
they  began  to  flower  freely  till  now  the  best  varieties  of  Pelar¬ 
goniums  have  provided  a  continual  display  of  attractive  colours. 
Large  trussed  varieties  like  Henry  Jacoby  and  John  Gibbons  have 
exhibited  their  true  form  ;  plenty  of  sunshine  and  an  almost  entire 
absence  of  rain  favoured  the  full  development  of  their  enormous 
trusses,  which  are  undoubtedly  attractive.  Although  I  like  these 
bold  trussed  Pelargoniums,  I  am  also  fully  alive  to  the  great  value 
of  the  older  varieties  which  bear  a  profusion  of  flowers,  though  the 
trusses  are  small,  for  in  dull  or  wet  seasons  these  often  make  the 
best  display.  As  a  bright  scarlet  I  think  there  is  none  to  eclipse 
Vesuvius.  Indian  Yellow  is  another  splendid  bedder  which  for 
years  to  come  will  keep  alive  the  memory  of  Donald  Beaton,  its 
gifted  raiser.  Large  masses  of  this  seen  from  a  distance  have  a 
unique  and  beautiful  appearance,  and  its  attractiveness  is  by  no 
means  diminished  on  closer  inspection.  I  know  of  no  other  bedding 
plant  which  produces  flowers  of  so  peculiar,  yet  pleasing,  a  shade 
of  colour.  This  was  recently  described  to  me  by  an  artist  of 
repute,  as  a  true  Indian  pink. 

Among  Ivy-leaved  varieties  Madame  Crousse  still  holds  the 
foremost  place,  making  as  it  does  good  growth  under  conditions 
not  favourable  to  many  plants,  and  producing  at  all  times 
abundance  of  flowers.  The  past  season  has  suited  it  exactly,  and 
four  large  beds  in  the  flower  garden  are  still  one  mass  of  salmon- 
pink  colour.  I  find  Mrs.  Clibran  Tropasolum,  or  Golden  Harry 
Hieover  Pelargonium,  form  effective  edgings  for  beds  planted 
with  this  variety,  the  slight  lilac  tint  in  the  flowers  is  then 
shown  up  to  advantage.  Two  beds  of  Souvenir  de  Charles  Turner, 
edged  with  a  broad  band  of  Mrs.  Perry  Pelargonium,  were 
attractive  early  in  the  season.  The  bold  trusses  of  deep  rose- 
coloured  flowers  borne  by  the  plants  in  the  centre  of  the  bed 
exhibited  a  marked  contrast  to  the  silver  variegation  of  the  edging. 
There  is,  however,  I  think,  no  comparison  between  Madame 
Crousse  and  Souvenir  de  Charles  Turner  Pelargonium ;  the  former 
flowers  freely  all  through  the  season,  the  latter  grows  strongly  but 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


269 


blooms  only  sparsely  after  the  middle  of  August.  I  have  this  year 
discarded  Mrs.  Pollock  in  favour  of  Black  Douglas  on  account  of 
the  more  distinct  bronze  zone  in  the  leaf  of  the  latter.  If  a  golden 
variety  were  required  I  should  give  the  preference  to  Crystal 
Palace  Gem.  Those  who  have  some  difficulty  in  raising  a  sufficient 
stock  of  Lobelias  from  cuttings  will  do  well  to  obtain  seed  of 
Sutton’s  Dark  Blue,  which  I  have  this  season  tried  with  results 
that  exceeded  my  expectations,  the  plants  being  so  uniform  in 
both  colour  and  habit  as  to  leave  little  to  be  desired. 

After  the  brilliant  sunshine  experienced  throughout  the  summer 
we  might  reasonably  expect  to  hear  of  many  failures  with  Violas, 
but  we  are  happy  to  record  the  fact  that  our  own  have  continued 
to  flower  for  a  longer  period  than  they  did  last  year.  They  have, 
however,  received  enormous  quantities  of  water,  and  unremitting 
attention  in  the  removal  of  faded  flowers.  This,  together  with 
sweet  rich  soil  and  autumn  or  early  spring  planting,  are  the  true 
secrets  of  success  in  Viola  culture.  Two  long  beds  of  Countess  of 
Hopetoun  (white)  edged  with  a  broad  band  of  Lobelia,  have 
throughout  the  summer  been  extremely  effective.  Another 
hexagon  bed  planted  with  Viola  Yellow  Boy,  edged  with  Lobelia 
and  dotted  opposite  the  angles  with  single  plants  of  Heliotrope 
Miss  Nightingale,  the  centre  being  occupied  with  a  Chamaerops 
gracilis,  supplied  a  novel  and  pleasing  combination. 

Among  annuals  the  French  Miniatum  Marigolds  have  been 
unusually  good.  Orange  and  Queen  of  Dwarfs  I  can  strongly 
recommend.  The  colours  are  very  effective,  and  they  flower 
splendidly  until  the  approach  of  frost.  A  fine  pink  variety  of 
Phlox  Drummondi  having  a  white  eye  is  excellent  for  planting  in 
large  masses.  Cornflowers,  Stocks,  Zinnias,  Gaillardias  and  Dian- 
thuses  have  all  rendered  material  assistance  in  keeping  both  beds 
and  borders  gay,  as  well  as  in  supplying  cut  flowers.  Asters  have 
unfortunately  been  to  a  great  extent  a  failure,  the  plants  being 
attacked  by  a  minute  fly  in  the  early  stages  of  growth,  and  where 
insecticides  were  not  speedily  applied  the  subsequent  growth 
was  unusually  weak,  and  the  flowers  as  a  natural  result  small. 
Notwithstanding  a  few  failures,  I  am  inclined  to  the  belief  that  the 
flower  gardens  of  Britain  will  be  long  remembered  for  the  brilliant 
spectacle  they  have  presented  during  the  last  three  months. — 
H.  Dunkin. 


PEARS  VERSUS  PEACHES. 

“  Pears  are  infinitely  better  and  more  profitable  than  Peaches, 
and  we  are  therefore  going  to  substitute  the  former  for  the  latter 
on  all  the  suitable  wall  space  in  the  garden.”  Thus  remarked  a  well- 
known  gardener  to  me  a  few  weeks  ago,  and  judging  by  the  appearance 
of  the  trees  to  which  he  pointed  with  evident  pride  he  would  be 
perfectly  justified  in  carrying  out  the  proposed  change.  The  young 
Pear  trees  planted  three  years  ago  against  a  wall  with  a  south 
aspect  were  in  vigorous  health,  bearing  large  stout  foliage  and  a 
heavy  crop  of  magnificent  fruits.  The  latter  were  swelling  rapidly, 
because  they  had  been  thinned  and  copious  supplies  of  liquid 
manure  with  ample  surface  dressings  administered  during  the 
hot  weather.  Pears  of  this  kind  are  a  credit  to  the  grower,  are 
appreciated  at  the  table  of  his  employer,  and  if  disposed  of  in  the 
market  at  a  suitable  period  when  there  is  no  glut  would  doubtless 
realise  handsome  prices,  and  prove  a  remunerative  investment. 
Such  a  testimony  could  hardly  be  given  the  outdoor  Peaches.  The 
trees  were  old  and  weakly,  having  been  grown  in  their  present 
position  for  perhaps  thirty  years,  and  during  the  greater  portion 
of  that  time  had,  according  to  my  informant,  failed  to  ripen  the 
wood  or  fruit  properly.  This  season,  of  course,  has  been  an 
exceedingly  good  one  for  Peaches  on  walls,  and  in  the  case  men¬ 
tioned  the  fruits  although  small  were  ripening  early  in  August. 
But  this  is  an  exception  to  the  rule,  and  in  all  probability  will  not 
occur  again  for  some  time,  hence  the  gardener  to  whom  I  have 
alluded  still  remains  firm  as  regards  his  decision  to  substitute 
Pears  for  Peaches. 

Opinions  vary,  according  to  experience,  as  to  whether  Peaches 
can  be  profitably  grown  on  walls  without  the  aid  of  glass,  and  it  is 
quite  probable  that  among  the  numerous  readers  of  this  Journal 
there  are  many  persons  who  are  quite  ready  to  take  up  the  cudgels 
on  behalf  of  this  fruit.  That  good  Peaches  can  be,  and  are,  grown 
on  open  walls  in  various  parts  of  the  country  will  be  readily 
admitted,  and  this,  too,  in  spite  of  adverse  seasons.  To  my  know¬ 
ledge  there  are  gardens  where  it  is  a  rare  occurrence  for  the  open 
air  Peach  crop  to  fail,  no  matter  what  the  weather  may  be  ;  but 
these,  it  need  hardly  be  said,  are  situated  in  warm  favoured 
localities.  Much,  no  doubt,  depends  upon  the  treatment  given  to 
the  trees  and  the  soil  in  which  they  are  growing,  but  instances 
could  be  mentioned  where,  under  the  best  management,  failures 
generally  accrue,  primarily  through  local  surroundings  and 
climatic  influences.  In  such  cases,  therefore,  one  might  wisely 
do  away  with  the  Peaches  and  plant  Pear  trees  in  their  stead. 


and  the  results,  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten,  would  be  of  a  satis¬ 
factory  nature. 

To  illustrate  the  various  opinions  regarding  this  subject,  a  few 
cases  in  point  might  advantageously  be  ci^ed.  In  response  to  a 
question  as  to  the  advisability  of  growing  Pears  in  preference  to 
Peaches  on  walls  in  the  open  air,  a  gardener,  who  has  charge  of  one 
of  the  finest  gardens  in  Yorkshire,  wrote  me  as  follows  : — “I  cannot 
understand  anyone  in  the  north  attempting  to  grow  Peaches  on 
open  walls  when  glass  can  be  put  up  so  cheaply.  The  Peaches  on 
the  walls  in  these  gardens  did  not  pay  for  the  labour  of  nailing. 
In  1887  the  Peach  wall  (a  long  one)  was  covered  with  glass — m 
fact,  a  house  11  feet  wide  was  erected,  and  since  then  it  has  been 
heated.  I  have  kept  an  account  of  the  produce  sold,  which  has 
now  more  than  paid  for  the  whole  outlay.  Had  the  Peaches  been 
on  open  walls  the  returns  would  have  been  nil.  I  think  Pears 
would  pay  better  on  south  walls,  but  then  one  must  not  grow  many 
varieties — something  to  please  the  eye  is  necessary.  My  experi¬ 
ence  is  that  nothing  would  pay  better  than  Pitmaston  Duchess. 
This  variety  is  a  good  cropper,  fruit  large,  and  of  excellent  flavour ; 
one  has  no  difficulty  in  making  6d.  each  of  first-rate  fruit.  Clapp’s 
Favourite  is  another  good  showy  Pear  I  can  strongly  recommend 
for  the  purpose.”  From  the  foregoing  it  will  be  seen  that  in  this 
instance  Peaches  are  preferred  so  long  as  they  can  be  grown  under 
glass,  and  then  they  prove  remunerative,  so  much  so  as  to  pay  in 
less  than  five  years  for  the  outlay  of  erecting  a  house  nearly 
100  yards  long.  Against  this  it  will  be  noticed  that  Pears  are 
recommended  as  being  the  more  profitable  on  south  walls,  and 
many  gardeners  who  are  struggling  with  Peaches  in  the  open  air 
in  northern  or  unfavourable  districts  will  do  well  to  bear  this  in 
mind. 

To  go  further  afield,  a  case  in  Northumberland  might  be 
mentioned.  Some  years  ago  perhaps  one  of  the  finest  Peach  walls 
in  the  country  could  have  been  seen  in  the  gardens  at  Howick  Hall, 
about  forty  miles  north  of  Newcastle-on-Tyne,  and  situated  on 
the  coast  line.  The  wall  is,  or  has  been,  heated  by  flues  in  the 
old  fashioned  way,  and  many  years  ago,  I  am  told,  grand  Peaches 
were  grown  there.  For  a  short  period  the  trees  were  partly  under 
my  charge,  and  in  1887,  the  last  season  I  saw  them,  the  fruit 
ripened  fairly  well,  and  the  earlier  varieties  coloured  beautifully. 
These,  however,  were  by  themselves  in  that  respect,  for  although 
the  flues  were  sometimes  slightly  heated  when  dull  weather 
prevailed,  the  later  varieties  failed  in  ordinary  seasons  to  ripen 
the  fruit  properly,  and  the  wood  seldom  finished  as  it  should  have 
done.  In  consequence  of  this  a  change  was  proposed  by  Mr. 
Inglis,  the  gardener,  and  Pears  were  substituted  in  the  place  of 
some  of  the  Peaches.  This  took  place  in  1887,  and  since  then 
no  doubt  more  Pear  trees  have  been  planted  against  the  south 
walls  with  good  results.  In  connection  with  this  it  may  be  men¬ 
tioned  that  whilst  there  I,  acting  under  instructions,  cut  down 
several  old  unfruitful  Pear  trees,  and  in  the  spring  of  1887 
grafted  the  stocks  with  other  varieties.  Writing  me  in  February 
last  year  Mr.  Inglis  said,  “  You  will  remember  grafting  a  Conseiller 
de  la  Cour  (Marechal  de  Cour)  on  the  stocks  against  the  south 
wall.  Last  autumn,  1891,  I  gathered  from  those  same  grafts  fruits 
weighing  15  oz^.  each.  I  also  had  Pitmaston  Duchess  weighing 
18  ozs.,  which  I  consider  good  for  the  far  north.”  Fruits  of  this 
weight  are  unquestionably  good,  and  are,  moreover,  a  credit  to  the 
grower.  There  is  at  Howick  a  remarkably  fine  collection  of  hardy 
fruit,  and,  notwithstanding  the  obstacles  with  which  northerners 
have  to  combat,  Mr.  Inglis  can  always  manage  to  make  a  splendid 
display  with  his  Apples  and  Pears,  Should  this  meet  his  eye,  as  it 
probably  will,  a  few  remarks  from  his  pen  as  to  “  Pears  versm 
Peaches”  would  no  doubt  be  appreciated  by  numerous  readers  of 
the  Journal,  some  of  whom,  perhaps,  are  not  quite  so  successful  in 
hardy  fruit  culture  in  a  northern  county. 

Coming  south  one  might  also  enumerate  numerous  instances 
where  Peaches  on  walls  in  the  open  air  are  by  no  means  a  success,  and 
Pears  are  being  planted  in  their  places.  One  case  in  this  latitude 
will,  however,  be  sufficient  to  prove  that  no  apology  is  necessary  for 
bringing  forward  the  subject.  At  Cadland  Park,  situated  on  the 
shores  of  the  Solent,  aud  where  the  soil  is  light  and  warm,  the 
Peaches  for  the  most  part  on  open  walls  this  year,  as  they  have 
been  apparently  in  previous  seasons,  are  a  failure.  The  trees  a  few 
weeks  ago  when  I  saw  them  were  comparatively  leafless  and  the 
fruit  was  poor  compared  to  that  grown  in  unheated  houses.  This 
I  would  hasten  to  add  was  not  the  fault  of  the  grower  but  rather 
that  of  the  climate  ;  and  as  before  mentioned  in  these  pages, 
Mr.  Garner,  on  taking  charge  in  the  spring  of  the  present  year, 
with  the  tact  of  a  good  gardener,  wisely  decided  “  to  do  away  with 
the  Peaches”  that  were  growing  on  a  wall  facing  south  east  and 
plant  Pears.  The  trees  were  crippled  owing  to  the  fact  that  during 
March  and  April  the  leaves,  being  exposed  rather  to  the  east  winds, 
usually  become  badly  blistered,  and  thus  the  crop  is  annually 
affected.  If  this  occurs  in  a  season  like  the  present  when  there 


260 


[  September  21,  1893. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


were  but  few  cold  easterly  winds,  it  will  be  easily  understood 
what  the  condition  of  the  trees  must  be  under  ordinary  circum¬ 
stances.  Pears  in  such  a  position  would  not  suffer  to  this  extent, 
and  others  who  have  Peaches  under  their  charge  that  do  not 
flourish  so  well  as  is  desirable  owing  to  an  unfavourable  site  might 
also  consider  the  advisability  of  growing  Pears  in  their  stead.  On 
a  wall  facing  due  south  at  Cadland  Park,  Peaches,  it  might  be 
mentioned,  will  thrive,  and  on  such  it  is  proposed  to  grow  them. 
The  surroundings  in  this  pesition  are  exceptionally  favourable  to 
their  growth,  and  as  in  other  southern  gardens  near  the  coast 
success  in  their  culture  generally  accrues  if  the  trees  are  judiciously 
managed,  and  they  are  protected  from  cutting  winds. 

Apart  from  the  value  of  the  fruit  produced  from  Pear  trees 
and  their  adaptability  for  general  cultivation,  there  are  other  points 
which  might  be  taken  into  consideration.  Peaches  are  here  to-day, 
and  to-morrow  they  are  gone.  In  other  words,  the  fruit  cannot  be 
kept,  after  becoming  ripe,  for  much  longer  than  a  week  except  in 
an  ice  house,  and  then  at  the  risk  of  losing  its  flavour.  It  matters 
little  how  large  a  collection  of  Peaches  is  grown  on  the  walls,  the 
season  of  ripe  fruit  cannot  be  prolonged  beyond  September.  With 
Pears  it  is  quite  different.  A  good  wall  devoted  to  Pears  of  early, 
midseason,  and  late  varieties  will  give  a  succession  of  choice  fruit 
from  August  till  May  inclusive — a  period  of  ten  months.  What 
more  could  be  desired  ?  Looking  at  the  matter  from  all  points,  it 
will  thus  be  seen  that  Pears  weigh  heavily  in  the  scales  against 
Peaches  in  more  ways  than  one,  and  those  who  are  responsible  for 
tbe  production  of  fruit  of  the  highest  quality  will  do  well  to 
investigate  the  subject.  Some  readers  may  be  inclined  to  think 
that  I  am  advocating  the  non-culture  of  Peaches  in  the  open  air, 
but  such  is  not  the  case.  What  I  maintain  is  that  in  many  gardens 
a  large  amount  of  wall  space  is  devoted  to  Peaches  that  might 
more  profitably  and  creditably  be  given  up  to  choice  Pears.  The 
former  in  ordinary  seasons  are,  as  a  rule,  a  failure,  or  nearly  so ;  but 
the  latter  would,  under  judicious  management,  invariably  result  in 
producing  an  abundant  crop  of  high-class  fruit.  Where  Peaches 
can  be  successfully  grown  in  the  open  air  by  all  means  continue 
their  culture,  and  if  plenty  of  wall  space  is  forthcoming  Pears  as 
well  may  be  cultivated ;  but  when  the  space  is  limited  and  the 
Peach  crop  uncertain,  I  should  unhesitatingly  advise  the  growth 
of  Pears  on  south  walls.  Much  more  might  be  said  in  support  of 
my  contention,  but  the  experiences  of  others  would  be  interesting 
before  proceeding  further. — C. 


AUTUMN  TINTS  AT  HAMPTON  COURT. 

Histoeically,  peihaps,  Hampton  Court  Palace  is  as  interesting  as 
any  public  place  in  or  near  the  metropolis,  and  for  this  reason  it  is  a 
popular  resort  for  Londoners.  As  is  generally  well  known  the  Palace 
and  its  pleasant  grounds  are  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  River  Thames 
at  a  distance  of  about  fifteen  miles  from  London,  and  during  the  summer 
thousands  of  people  go  there  by  boat  and  rail,  the  latter  starting  from 
Waterloo,  being  the  speediest  method  of  travelling.  If  the  visitor  enters 
from  Teddington  he  has  to  pass  through  a  celebrated  avenue  of  Chestnut 
trees  in  Bushey  Park,  and  these  when  in  bloom  form  a  most  pleasing 
sight.  The  same  applies  to  the  whole  surroundings  in  the  autumn,  for 
at  the  present  time  the  leaves  of  many  trees  are  assuming  tints  of 
various  hues  that  cannot  fail  to  attract  the  attention  of  everyone  who  is 
interested  in  Nature. 


There  are  many  things  to  be  seen  at  Hampton  Court,  and  of  these  the 
horticultural  department  is  by  no  means  the  least  important.  Summer 
is  doubtless  the  best  time  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  beautiful  grounds,  for 
then  the  bedding  is  at  its  best,  and  in  this  respect  Mr.  Graham,  the 
superintendent,  can  hold  his  own.  His  skill  has  for  so  many  years  been 
conspicuous  here  that  no  one  looks  for  other  than  good  taste  in  the 
arrangement  of  flowers  and  plants  at  Hampton  Court,  and  this  fact 
is  known  throughout  the  country.  This  year  there  is  no  exception  to 
the  rule,  and  although  my  visit  this  season  was  inadvertently  delayed 
until  Monday  last,  there  was  then  much  to  note  in  the  way  of  good 
bedding.  The  summer  flowers  are  for  the  most  part  over,  but  the 
numerous  autumn  tints  are  quite  as  interesting  if  not  so  showy,  and 
if  some  of  the  beds  at  the  end  of  September  are  past  their  best  it  can 
easily  be  seen  that  they  were  really  beautiful  earlier  in  the  season. 


The  principal  bedding  is  to  be  seen  in  the  public  pleasure  gardens 
which  are  situated  in  front  of  the  Palace.  These  are  about  seventy 
acres  in  extent,  and  between  them  and  the  building  is  a  magnificent 
terrace  or  gravel  promenade  which  is  at  least  half  a  mile  long  and 
36  feet  wide.  Parallel  with  this  are  two  borders  filled  with  miscellaneous 
plants,  and  on  the  opposite  a  continuation  of  beds  of  various  shapes 
and  sizes.  The  borders  alone  are  worth  a  visit,  for  they  contain  many 
fine  masses  of  plants,  the  arrangement  of  which  is  consistent  with  other 
good  features  about  the  place.  One  of  the  borders  is  devoted  to  hardy 
plants  and  the  other  to  sub-tropical  bedding.  The  former  just  now  is 
very  gay  with  clumps  of  Helianthuses,  Phloxes,  and  Dahlias,  the  front 
part  being  occupied  by  a  row  of  Crystal  Palace  Gem  Pelargoniums  with 
an  edging  of  blue  Violas  and  Dactylis  glomerata  variegata  planted  alter¬ 


nately.  The  blue  flowers  of  the  Violas  form  a  pleasing  contrast  to  the 
variegated  Grass.  The  wall  at  the  back  is  covered  with  Clematises, 
Roses,  the  Canary  Cr«eper  (Tropseolum  canariense)  and  other  climbing 
plants.  The  sub-tropical  plants  in  the  other  border  are  likewise  well 
arranged,  and  form  quite  a  feature  in  themselves. 

Among  the  beds  opposite  the  borders  alluded  to  are  some  very  choice 
arrangements.  Daring  the  present  year  I  have  seen  many  beds  in 
public  and  private  gardens,  but  few  to  surpass  those  under  notice. 
Notwithstanding  the  dry  season  the  plants  have  flourished  well  and 
bloomed  profusely,  the  Pelargoniums  being  especially  fine.  Tuberous 
Begonias  have  apparently  been  ladened  with  bloom,  which  is  rather  an 
exception  to  the  rule  this  year,  and  they  are  yet  yielding  an  abundance 
of  flowers,  bright  and  rich  in  appearance  on  a  dull  autumn  day.  A 
large  oblong  bed  near  the  entrance  from  the  Kingston  Road,  at  the  left 
end  of  the  terrace,  is  particularly  showy.  This  is  filled  with  miscel¬ 
laneous  plants,  which  include  three  large  Abutilons  with  rich  yellow 
foliage,  Zea  japonica  variegata  in  the  centre,  the  remainder  of  the  bed 
being  occupied  by  Marigolds,  Stocks,  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and  Zinnias. 
The  last  named  plants  are  remarkably  good,  the  blooms  being  fine 

and  brightly  coloured.  An  edging  of  Alyssum  maritimum  variegatum  and 

Echeverias  complete  the  arrangement.  Close  by  a  bed  of  Abutilon 
Thompson!,  with  Petunias,  Ageratum,  and  an  edging  of  Gnaphalium 
lanatum  makes  a  good  display ;  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  early  flower¬ 
ing  Chrysanthemums,  which  occupy  a  square  bed,  as  well  as  other  places. 


Some  other  beds  of  different  shapes,  and  borders  are  not  by  any 
means  unattractive  at  this  period.  One  border  filled  with  standard 
Roses,  amongst  which  Cannas,  Dahlias,  and  single  Petunias  are  planted, 
is  specially  pleasing.  Two  beds  of  Roses  with  a  groundwork  of  Lady 
Molesworth  Heliotrope,  a  fine  dark  variety,  are  deserving  of  notice,  not 
for  their  brilliant  appearance,  but  the  delightful  fragrance  they  emit. 
A  bed  composed  of  scarlet  Pelargoniums  (Vesuvius),  with  a  row  of  the 
variegated  Mangles!  next  to  an  edging  of  Cannell’s  Dwarf  Ageratum 
shows  up  conspicuously.  The  Ageratum  is  one  of  the  brightest  blues  I 
have  seen,  and  besides  being  dwarf  is  very  floriferous.  A  small 
collection  of  succulents  tastefully  arranged  commands  attention,  as  also 
do  the  groups  of  foliaged  plants  which  are  placed  in  the  turf. 


Another  bed  that  is  exceptionally  bright  for  the  autumn  is  one 
filled  with  a  variety  of  plants.  The  bed  is  oblong  in  shape,  and  in  the  centre 
are  three  Dracmnas,  around  each  of  which  is  a  ring  of  Coleus  Verschaffelti. 
The  centre  ring  is  filled  with  double  scarlet  Pelargoniums  laden  with 
blooms,  and  the  others  with  Mrs.  Pollcck  Pelargoniums.  Between  the 
rings  are  some  Marguerites,  Fuchsias  and  Begonias,  all  flowering  grandly. 
An  arrangement  of  white  Tuberous  Begonias  and  pale  blue  Violas  with 
an  edging  of  Echeverias  is  noticeable  for  its  chasteness  rather  than 
brilliancy ;  and  several  beds  filled  with  blue  Violas  and  Flower  of  the 
Spring  Pelargoniums,  with  Iresine  Herbsti  for  an  edging,  also  command 
attention.  Begonia  Worthiana  (tuberous)  is  a  favourite  plant  here,  and 
it  is  seen  to  advantage  in  several  beds.  The  centre  of  one  large  bed  is 
filled  with  this  Begonia  covered  with  blooms,  and  these  show  w’ell 
against  a  margin  of  Coleuses  and  yellow-leaved  Pelargoniums.  As  an 
edging  to  some  of  the  borders  Begonia  Worthiana  is  also  used,  and  for 
this  purpose  it  is  admirably  adapted.  Among  the  numerous  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  used,  Tom  Bowling  is  most  conspicuous,  the  large  trusses 
of  this  variety  being  very  showy. 

A  word  must  be  said  in  regard  to  the  carpet  bedding.  This  is  not 
practised  very  extensively,  and  perhaps  wisely,  but  it  is  done  well. 
The  designs  are  excellent  and  clearly  defined,  the  plants  being  kept  well 
within  bounds.  Carpet  bedding  is  usually  seen  to  advantage  in  the 
autumn  when  many  of  the  flowering  plants  are  past  their  best,  and  such 
is  the  case  at  Hampton  Court.  A  long  spell  of  hot  dry  weather  brought 
out  the  colours  of  the  Alternantheras  and  Coleuses  to  perfection,  besides 
being  conducive  to  a  sturdy  growth.  One  huge  bed  is  laid  out  in 
squares,  each  portion  being  occupied  with  a  different  kind  of  plant. 
Alternantheras,  Echeverias,  Mesembryanthemums,  and  other  plants 
generally  employed  in  carpet  bedding  are  used,  and  the  whole  forms  a 
novel  feature.  There  are,  I  believe,  about  sixty  squares  in  the  bed. 
Another  carpet  bed  with  a  Maltese  cross  of  Echeveria  Peacock!  and 
Sempervivum  montanum  in  the  centre  is  particularly  good,  and  the  other 
portion  of  the  design  being  worked  out  by  Alternantheras  in  variety, 
Mesembryanthemum,  and  Echeverias. 

In  addition  to  the  principal  borders,  to  which  allusion  has  already 
been  made,  there  are  others  which  deserve  more  than  a  passing  notice. 
One  filled  with  Dahlias,  early  flowering  Chrysanthemums,  and  Aster 
bessarabicus  is  remarkably  showy  for  the  time  of  year,  and  it  is  worthy 
of  imitation.  The  Dahlias  at  the  back  are  full  of  flower,  the  same 
applying  to  the  white  and  cream  coloured  Chrysanthemums,  whilst  the 
edging  of  A.  bessarabicus  is  literally  one  mass  of  bright  purplish  blue 
blossom.  It  is  almost  impossible  to  form  a  more  attractive  border  in 
the  autumn,  and  such  might  well  he  seen  in  every  garden. 


Much  more  could  be  said  in  regard  to  these  beautiful  grounds,  but 
space  forbids  further  details.  These  notes  would,  however,  be  even 
more  incomplete  than  they  already  are  without  a  reference  to  the 
famous  Black  Hamburgh  Vine.  This  at  the  present  time  is  showing 
signs  of  autumn,  for  more  than  half  of  the  large  number  of  bunches 
which  it  has  borne  this  year  have  been  cut,  and  the  leaves  are  beginning 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  ANT)  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


261 


to  put  on  their  autumnal  tints.  The  bunches  are  medium  in  size  and  very 
even,  whilst  the  berries  are  large  and  well  coloured.  Tbe  noted  Orange 
trees,  too,  which  stand  on  the  terrace  at  one  end  of  the  palace  have  a 
history  which  is  interesting  to  many  visitors.  The  trees  are  in  huge 
tubs,  the  majority  of  them  of  a  healthy  appearance,  and  some  producing 
fragrant  blossom. — Observer, 


ORCHARD  PLANTING  NEAR  DENVER. 

To  your  many  readers  who  are  connected  directly  or  indirectly  with 
horticulture,  the  following  account  of  what  is  now  going  on  around  this 
city  will  doubtless  be  interesting  as  showing  the  large  and  effective  scale 
on  which  fruit  tree  planting  is  conducted  in  Colorado.  I  have 
previously  said  that  so  recently  as  1863,  William  Lee,  a  native  of 
Croydon,  Surrey,  England,  planted  the  first  Apple  trees  in  Colorado,  a 
few  miles  from  the  then  frontier  village  of  Denver,  having  brought  them 
by  waggon  700  miles  across  the  plains  from  Iowa  City,  Iowa,  the  then 
nearest  railroad  point.  To-day  Denver  has  over  150,000  inhabitants, 
and  is  the  centre  from  which  radiates  a  system  of  railroads  aggregating 
26,893  miles,  while  there  are  at  least  12,900  acres  already  planted  with 
fruit  trees  in  Colorado,  and  the  area  is  annually  being  increased.  For 
instance,  about  eight  miles  south-east  of  Dsnver  one  company  in  the 
spring  of  1892  planted  48,000  standard  fruit  trees,  besides  Black¬ 
berries  and  Raspberries,  on  540  acres,  and  this  year  the  same 
company  planted  35,000  standard  fruit  trees,  and  112,000  Black¬ 
berries  and  Raspberries,  on  an  adjoining  450  acres.  The  land  is  laid 
out  in  5  acre  tracts,  each  containing  approximately  421  trees,  viz., 
210  Apples,  135  Pears,  10  Cherries,  50  Plums,  16  Prunes,  10  Apricots, 
besides  10  Grape  Vines,  625  Raspberries,  and  625  Blackberries. 

The  trees  comprise  only  varieties  which  years  of  experience  have 
proved  suitable  and  highly  profitable  in  the  vicinity  of  Denver,  such 
as  : — Summer  Apples,  Yellow  Transparent,  a  Russian  variety.  Autumn 
Apples,  Alexander,  Haas  or  Fall  Queen,  a  variety  which  originated  near 
St.  Louis,  Missouri  ;  Jeffries,  a  splendid  variety  of  Pennsylvania  origin  ; 
Red  Beitingheimer,  a  German  sort,  very  large  and  beautiful  ;  and 
Wealthy,  which  originated  near  St.  Paul,  Minnesota.  Winter  Apples, 
Babbitt,  a  “  coming  Apple,”  originated  in  Illinois  ;  Jonathan,  McIntosh 
Red,  Pewaukee,  originated  in  Wisconsin  (raised  from  tbe  Duchess  of 
Oldenburg),  Shackelford,  which  a  few  years  ago  took  the  first  prize  at 
the  Illinois  State  Horticultural  Society  as  “  the  best  new  Apple,”  and 
is  said  to  be  the  best  market  Apple  produced  in  Colorado  up  to  this  time. 
Tolman’s  Sweet,  Wagener,  Walbridge,  and  Wolf  River. 

Pears. — Bartlett,  Duchesse  d’AngoulSme,  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey, 
Beurre  d’Anjou,  Flemish  Beauty  and  Mount  Vernon,  a  new  American 
Pear,  the  very  best  of  its  season,  a  seedling  of  Winter  Nelis.  Cherries. — 
Early  Richmond,  Ostheimer,  a  late  Cherry  taken  from  Germany  to 
Spain  in  1814,  and  brought  from  there  to  Kansas  ;  small  trees  of  this 
variety  near  Denver  have  borne  two  quarts  of  Cherries  each  in  less  than 
fourteen  months  from  planting  ;  Montmorency  Ordinaire,  Suda  Hardy, 
a  very  late  variety  originated  in  Louisiana.  Plums.  —  Imperial, 
McLaughlin,  Shippers’  Pride,  Early  Red,  and  Lombard.  Apricot. — 
North  American.  Grapes. — Moore’s  Early  and  Worden.  To  the  south 
of  Denver  370  acres  of  land  were  planted  this  spring  with  26,000 
standard  fruit  trees,  30,000  Raspberries,  32,000  Blackberries,  and  1000 
Moore’s  Early  Grape  Vines.  A  few  miles  east  of  Denver,  260  acres 
(reached  by  electric  street  car  line,  and  having  water  mains,  school, 
and  electric  lights)  are  being  planted  in  a  similar  manner,  and  580 
acres  adjoining  will  be  planted  by  the  same  persons  next  spring. 
On  the  same  avenue  another  160  acres  has  been  laid  out  in  5  acre 
tracts  for  suburban  homes,  and  is  being  planted  with  standard  fruit 
trees.  Blackberries  and  Raspberries  as  above,  together  with  2000 
Grape  Vines,  comprising  such  varieties  as  Brighton,  “  the  finest  Red 
Grape  ’’for  the  West ;  Concord,  “  the  popular  market  Grape  ;  ”  Diamond, 
a  very  hardy  Grape,  a  cross  between  Concord  and  Iona  ;  Lindley,  a  Red 
Grape  specially  adapted  for  Colorado  and  Kansas  ;  Martha  (White 
Concord),  Moore’s  Early,  the  best  very  early  Grape  ;  Salem,  a  coppery 
red  Grape ;  and  Worden,  the  best  of  the  Concord  seedlings,  and 
probably  the  best  black  Grape  in  the  United  States. 

One  firm  has  undertaken  for  the  various  owners  the  planting  of 
the  above  mentioned  1240  acres  with  100,000  standard  fruit  trees, 
165,000  Blackberries  and  Raspberries,  and  several  thousand  Grape  Vines. 
The  stock  is  all  obtained  from  the  old  and  reliable  firm  of  Stark  Bros., 
nurserymen,  Louisiana,  Missouri,  about  1000  miles  east  of  Denver,  which 
firm  was  established  in  1835. 

The  special  feature  of  the  above  fruit  planting  enterprises  is  that  the 
6  acre  tracts  are  for  sale  on  easy  instalments  extending  over  five  years, 
the  vendors  caring  for  and  [cultivating  the  trees  for  five  years  without 
charge,  and  guaranteeing  90  per  cent,  of  living  trees  at  the  end  of  that 
time.  In  this  way  the  wear  and  tear  and  worry  of  the  cultivation  is  all 
assumed  and  carried  out  by  the  vendors  and  paid  for  by  them.  Of  course 
if  a  purchaser  wishes  to  pay  cash  down  he  gets  a  discount.  The  land 
between  the  trees  (which  are  planted  30  feet  apart  in  rows  30  feet 
asunder)  will  grow  large  crops  of  Potatoes,  Tomatoes,  Hops,  Cucumbers, 
Squash,  Beans,  Cabbage,  Beets,  Melons,  Celery,  Onions,  and  other 
vegetables,  or  can  be  used  for  poultry  purposes. 

At  first  sight  it  would  appear  that  fruit  growing  near  Denver  is 
likely  to  be  overdone,  but  such  is  not  the  case,  inasmuch  as  the  local 
market  is  unequalled,  for  the  reason  that  less  than  20  per  cent,  of  the 
fruit  consumed  in  Colorado  is  as  yet  grown  in  the  State,  the  balance 
being  shipped  from  California,  Texas,  Missouri,  and  other  distant  points, 
and  sold  at  high  prices.  Denver,  besides  its  own  consumption  of  fresh 


fruit  and  vegetables  and  the  needs  of  the  local  canning  factories,  is  the 
great  distributing  and  supply  point  for  a  large  area,  including  mining 
communities  in  the  mountains  at  from  8000  to  11,000  feet  altitude  ;  and 
the  fruit  and  vegetable  grower  and  poultry  farmer  near  Denver  can  load 
his  produce  into  a  waggon,  drive  into  the  city,  sell  for  cash,  and  thus  save 
the  freight  and  middleman’s  profit,  which  he  would  have  to  pay  were 
he  further  from  the  market. 

Some  of  the  prominent  fruit  and  vegetable  growers  near  Denver  are 
Englishmen  who  have  for  years  past  practically  demonstrated  what  can 
be  done  here,  and  at  no  distant  date  the  vicinity  of  this  city  will  become 
as  famous  for  its  orchards  and  fruit  gardens  as  Kent,  Devonshire, 
Hereford,  or  the  Vale  of  Evesham.— Thomas  Tonge,  formerly  of 
Manchester,  England. 


CYCLOBOTHRA  AMCENA. 

This  is  an  exceedingly  pretty  Cyclobothra,  and  when  exhibited  by 
H.  J.  Elwes,  Esq.,  Colesbourne,  Gloucestershire,  at  the  Drill  Hall,  West¬ 
minster,  on  May  9th  of  this  year,  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Royal 


FIG.  37. — CYCLOBOTHRA  AMCEXA 


Horticultural  Society  deemed  it  worthy  of  a  first-class  certificate.  The 
flowers  are  of  a  pale  rosy  mauve  shade,  with  three  dark  blotches  in  the 
centre  of  each.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  rather  long  and  narrow,  the 
latter  being  twisted,  and  they  are  hirsute.  The  anthers  are  white, 
which  renders  the  flower  more  conspicuous.  Fig.  37  represents  Cyclo¬ 
bothra  amoena. 


THE  WEM  PEAS. 

Wem,  a  quiet  little  town  about  twelve  miles  from  Shrewsbury,  is 
now  fast  becoming  a  familiar  name  with  horticulturists, and  has  become 
celebrated  as  the  scene  of  Mr.  Eckford’s  present  labours  in  the  improve¬ 
ment  of  the  Sweet  Pea,  and  the  culinary  Pea  also.  Some  6  acres  of  land 
has  been  devoted  to  Peas  at  Wem,  for  the  purpose  of  thoroughly  testing 
his  new  varieties  and  securing  a  supply  of  seed  to  be  grown  in  large 


262 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1893. 


quantities  in  Essex,  where  several  acres  are  also  devoted  to  the  culture 
of  his  Sweet  Peas  only,  so  great  is  the  demand  for  seeds  for  home  use 
and  export  to  America  and  other  parts  of  the  world.  The  different 
varieties  are  sown  thinly  in  rows  in  March,  and  when  in  full  bloom  they 
form  a  grand  sight.  Great  care  is  taken  that  any  plant  not  in  its 
character  should  be  allowed  to  remain  mixed  with  the  true  variety. 
The  rows  are  about  6  feet  apart,  so  that  an  abundance  of  air  is  admitted, 
and  there  is  plenty  of  space  for  a  constant  inspection  of  the  plants,  to 
detect  any  sport  or  “  rogue.” 

Mr.  Eckford  is  aiming  at  producing  a  yellow  Sweet  Pea,  as  well 
as  a  blue,  and  I  think  I  may  predict  that  this  wilt  be  obtained  some  day, 
for  in  Primrose  there  is  a  shade  of  yellow,  and  this  is  being  worked  out 
further  ;  and  in  Countess  of  Radnor  and  Emily  Eckford  we  have  a  very 
near  approach  to  a  blue  coloured  Sweet  Pea.  The  following  new 
varieties  not  yet  sent  out  will  be  weleome  acquisitions  to  those  fine  sorts 
already  in  cultivation  : — 

Dnehess  of  York. — White,  deeply  striped  and  barred  with  pink  ;  a 
pleasing  shade  of  colour,  and  a  large  flower  of  perfect  form. 

Du]<€  of  York. — The  standard  is  bright  rosy  pink,  with  a  primrose 
tint  in  it.  The  wings  are  primrose,  tinted  white,  and  it  is  a  distinct, 
fine  variety. 

The  Belle. — The  standard  is  splashed  with  rosy  pink,  and  the  wings 
with  rose  and  blush.  A  charming  variety,  and  will  be  a  favourite. 

3feteor. — Bright  orange  tinted  pink,  flushed  with  scarlet,  and  a 
violet  tint  which  deepens  to  the  centre.  A  bright,  rich  distinct  variety 
of  great  beauty. 

Eliza,  Eckford. — The  standard  pink-tinted  blush,  with  a  rosy  purple 
stripe,  and  splashed  with  pink  towards  the  edges,  varying  in  colour  at 
times  ;  the  wings  are  creamy  white.  A  very  distinct  and  attractive 
variety. 

Excelsior. — The  standard  is  orange  red,  the  wings  a  magenta  red, 
rich  and  bright  in  colour  ;  flower  large  and  stout. 

Frincess  May, — White  striped,  and  flaked  with  delicate  pinkish 
purple  and  fine. 

Countess  of  Aberdeen. — White,  delicately  tinted  towards  the  edge  of 
the  standard  with  soft  pink,  and  with  blush  tinted  wings  ;  a  charming 
var.ety. 

Mrs.  Chamberlain. — White,  striped,  and  flaked  heavily  with  bright 
rose  ;  very  striking  and  pretty. 

Novelty. — Orange,  tinted  rose  standard,  and  the  wings  of  a  delicate 
mauve  colour,  lightly  margined  with  rose,  and  very  bright. 

Blanche  Burpee. — Wings  and  standard  creamy  white,  large  and 
stout  in  texture  ;  a  fine  variety,  named  by  Mr.  Eckford  in  honour  of  an 
American  lady. 

Of  varieties  already  sent  out,  Mrs.  Sankey  is  an  unsurpassed  white 
of  the  finest  quality  ;  Orange  Prince  is  very  distinct ;  Cardinal,  brilliant 
scarlet  crimson  ;  Isa  Eckford,  The  Queen,  and  Apple  Blossom  are  all 
very  pretty.  Imperial  Blue  is  a  fine  blue-tinted  mauve,  and  Splendour 
is  of  the  finest  form  and  rich  in  colour.  Lottie  Eckford  is  as  yet  very 
little  known,  but  is  very  distinct  and  handsome,  resembling  the  old 
variety  Butterfly,  white,  slightly  margined  with  blue.  Countess  of 
Radnor,  Her  Majesty,  and  Dorothy  Tennant  are  three  superb  varieties  ; 
and  Mrs.  Eckford,  a  delicate  primrose  tinted  white,  is  a  charming 
variety.  Lemon  Queen  is  very  distinct,  and  Monarch,  Senator,  Mrs. 
Gladstone,  and  Princess  Victoria  should  be  in  every  collection.  Of  the 
new  varieties  distributed  this  year.  Firefly,  Venus,  Lady  Penzance,  and 
Blushing  Beauty  are  all  beautiful.  Emily  Eckford  is  extra  fine,  and 
very  nearly  a  blue,  Stanley  is  a  very  rich  coloured,  deep  velvety 
maroon  colour,  and  extra  fine.  Ovid  is  a  flower  of  great  beauty,  truly  a 
gem,  and  bright  in  colour.  Royal  Rose  and  Peach  Blossom  are  two  very 
pretty  rosy  pink-tinted  flowers. 

Culinary  Peas. 

The  old  Ne  Plus  Ultra  has  for  a  long  time  been  Mr.  Eckford’s 
standard  variety  for  breeding  from  for  its  excellent  flavour  and  full 
blunt-ended  pod,  and  trying  to  get  very  productive  early  varieties 
of  much  shorter  habit  with  finer  pods,  but  retaining  all  Ne  Plus  Ultra’s 
good  flavour.  An  inspection  of  the  Wem  seedlings  through  the  growing 
season  gives  ample  evidence  of  successful  results,  and  many  seedlings  are 
discarded  because  not  up  to  Mr.  Eckford’s  high  standard  of  excellence, 
and  yet  are  very  excellent  Peas.  These  seedlings  have  to  be  grown  for 
three  or  four  years  to  get  their  true  character  firmly  set  by  hard  “rogue- 
ing”  out  of  every  plant  not  possessing  the  true  characteristics  of  the 
variety,  and  then  t  >  be  grown  in  sufficient  quantity  for  sending  out.  A 
new  variety  named  Aston  Gem  when  sent  out  will  be  a  great  acquisition, 
and  grows  3  feet  high  ;  a  late  blunt-ended  pod  ;  a  wrinkled  Marrow  of 
Ne  Plus  Ultra  breed,  with  long,  large,  handsome  well-filled  pods,  and 
a  heavy  cropper  from  the  root  upwards.  This  is  in  every  way  a  very 
fine  Pea. 

Critic. — This  is  a  thin  strawed  Pea,  the  foliage  not  being  so  heavy  as 
on  many  others,  but  it  is  a  very  fine  market  variety  and  for  general  use  ; 
blunt-ended  pod  ;  a  midseason  Pea,  growing  5  feet  high,  coming  into 
bearing  quickly,  and  of  first-class  flavour. 

i  '%,Colossus. — A  profuse  cropper  ;  a  second  early  wrinkled  Marrow, 
growing  5  feet  high,  and  of  first-class  quality. 

Wem. — A  wonderfully  fine  variety  with  blunt  ended  pods,  which  are 
long  and  well  filled,  a  Ne  Plus  Ultra  seedling  producing  heavily  from 
bottom  to  top  and  from  4  to  5  feet  high. 

Bears  a  close  resemblance  to  Wem,  but  has  a  deeper  green 
pod,  and  is  a  first-class  variety. 

Epicure.— Ysiqxq  were  several  long  rows  of  this  excellent  Pea 
snowing  its  free  bearing  qualities.  It  is  a  green  wrinkled  Marrow  with 


large  deep  green  pointed  pods,  with  an  average  of  ten  peas  in  a  pod,  and 
of  first-class  quality.  Height  about  5  feet. 

Juno. — A  very  dwarf- variety  and  most  prolific.  A  fine  late  Marrow¬ 
fat  Pea. 

Armorial. — This  variety  grows  4  to  5  feet  high,  has  a  very  long 
blunt  ended  pod,  with  peas  of  a  large  size.  A  splendid  exhibition  Pea, 
as  well  as  being  first-class  for  general  use. 

Chieftain. — Long  handsome  slightly  curved  pods,  with  from  ten  to 
twelve  peas  in  a  pod,  of  dwarf  habit  and  a  profuse  bearer,  the  plants 
having  an  abundance  of  pods  from  the  bottom  upwards,  and  the  flavour 
excellent. 

Censor. — This  variety  was  to  have  been  sent  out  last  spring,  but  the 
stock  being  limited  it  was  withheld  until  next  winter.  It  is  a  deep 
green  wrinkled  Marrow,  growing  3  feet  hieh,  very  fine  pods,  and  a 
valuable  main-crop  variety  for  productiveness  and  high  quality. 

Superabundant. — A  dwarf  Pea,  an  immense  cropper  of  the  first 
quality.  A  grand  market  variety,  and  bushy  plants  2  feet  and  more 
through  of  this  kind  showed  up  its  productiveness. 

Consummate.  —  Another  high-class  Pea,  about  2J  feet  high,  with 
large  pods,  most  productive,  and  of  the  best  quality.  Useful  for  market 
gardens. 

Other  first-class  varieties  were  to  be  seen,  but  enough  has  been  said 
to  show  the  kind  of  new  Peas  emanating  from  Wem.  The  seeds  of 
culinary  Peas  are  sown  very  thinly,  and  then  the  true  character  of  each 
variety  is  seen,  and  heavy  crops  of  well  matured  pods  are  secured. 
New  Peas  sent  out  by  other  raisers  are  grown  at  Wem  for  comparison  in 
order  to  fairly  test  them.  Mr.  Eckford  freely  acknowledges  merit  in 
the  productions  of  others,  but  I  may  safely  say  that  by  careful  hybri¬ 
dising  and  judicious  selection  the  Wem  Peas  will  be  only  surpassed  by 
others  of  very  high  class  quality  and  superiority  in  other  respects,  and 
this  will  be  no  easy  matter. — W.  D. 


EXPERIMENTS  WITH  SHANKING  GRAPES. 

Fortunately  I  have  not  had  much  Grape  shanking  to  contend 
with,  but  I  have  seen  the  evil  and  destruction  it  has  caused  in  several 
instances,  and  my  sympathy  was  very  much  with  the  growers  who  had 
charge  of  the  Vines.  Of  all  the  ills  to  which  Vines  are  subject  I  think 
shanking  is  the  worst,  with  the  exception  of  phylloxera.  Each  season  up 
to  a  certain  point  the  Vines  may  appear  in  the  best  of  health,  and  all  goes 
well  until  the  unfortunate  moment  arrives  and  destruction  of  the  crop 
sometimes  follows  in  a  very  short  space  of  time. 

What  produces  shanking,  and  how  can  it  be  cured  ?  I  have  heard 
some  say  the  mischief  proceeds  from  the  roots  being  in  a  cold  and 
unhappy  state,  others  that  sudden  changes  of  temperature  encourage  it, 
and  now  the  question  arises,  does  thinning  the  bunches  have  anything 
to  do  with  it  ? 

The  first  of  these  supposed  causes  I  believe  is  the  principal  one,  or 
this  and  the  second  combined  ;  but  I  should  certainly  think  the  last  has 
nothing  whetever  to  do  with  the  matter.  I  quite  agree  with  the  Editor’s 
footnote  on  page  238,  that  Mr.  Richardson  may  yet  have  Grapes  free  from 
shanking  if  he  follows  the  treatment  he  has  adopted  with  success  so  far 
if  he  thins  the  bunches.  It  would  have  been  more  interesting  to  readers, 
and  I  fancy  a  decided  gain  to  the  grower,  had  Mr.  Richardson  carried 
his  experiments  a  little  farther,  and,  coupled  with  the  generous  treat¬ 
ment  to  which  the  Vines  previously  were  strangers,  carefully  thinned 
the  bunches  on  every  other  Vine  ;  he  would  have  seen  at  a  glance  if  the 
scissors  had  in  any  way  assisted  in  the  wholesale  shanking,  which  I  am 
inclined  to  doubt  very  much. 

Mr.  Richardson  does  not  tell  us  which  border  he  fed,  inside  or 
out ;  and  in  wishing  him  every  success  with  the  work  he  has  in  hand,  I 
cannot  help  thinking  there  may  be  another  cause  which  may  in  a  great 
measure  account  for  less  shanking  this  season  than  formerly — viz  ,  the 
tropical  summer  we  have  had. 

I  think  it  is  pretty  generally  understood  that  anyone  would  expe¬ 
rience  considerable  trouble  in  keeping  a  narrow  inside  border  full  of 
healthy  feeding  roots  without  constant  attention  to  watering  and  feed¬ 
ing  regularly  and  freely,  which  the  Vines  in  question  did  not  receive, 
especially  so  w'hen  the  same  Vines  had  unlimited  root  run  outside.  In 
fact,  I  should  be  a  little  surprised  to  find  any  roots  in  such  a  border 
under  the  conditions  mentioned. 

Now  perhaps  the  excessive  heat  this  summer  has  been  such  as  to  suit 
the  roots  in  the  outside  border  ;  at  least,  I  should  think  they  were  in  a 
happier  state  than  in  ordinary  summers,  or,  in  other  words,  has  not  these 
outside  roots  been  too  deep  and  too  cold  previously  for  the  well  doing 
of  the  Vines,  hence  the  shanking  ?  and  has  not  the  great  heat  coupled 
with  generous  treatment  been  the  cause  of  bringing  the  roots  nearer  the 
surface  with  beneficial  results  ? 

In  many  localities  where  the  subsoil  is  good  and  warm.  Vine  roots 
travel  both  a  great  depth  and  distance,  and  seem  to  revel  in  it  ;  but  I 
doubt  if  that  would  be  the  case  at  South  Shields  or  the  neighbourhood 
by  what  I  can  remember  of  the  locality. 

I  cannot  believe  that  not  thinning  the  bunches  this  season  has  as¬ 
sisted  Mr.  Richardson  much  in  his  improvement  of  the  Grapes  in  his 
charge.  If  thinning  assisted  shanking  in  any  way  we  s’nould  see  a 
great  deal  more  than  we  do,  and  thinning  is  sometimes  done  in  a  rough  » 
and  ready  way. 

A  good  bunch  of  Grapes  can  be  easily  spoilt  with  the  scissors  unless 
the  operator  knows  what  he  is  about,  and  no  doubt  much  harm  is  often 
done  by  delaying  the  work  too  long,  and  if  done  clumsily  or  with  blunt 
or  rusty  scissors  each  berry  taken  off  leaves  a  wound,  which  does  not 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


263 


always  stop  at  the  footstalk.  It  M'ould  be  interesting  to  hear  how  your 
correspondent  succeeds  next  year,  but  my  idea  for  the  prevention  of 
shanking  is  this — induce  the  roots  near  the  surface  or  in  an  inside  border, 
and  keep  them  there  by  constant  feeding  winter  and  summer. — E.  P., 
Impney.  _ 


Anything  that  is  written  on  the  culture  of  Grapes  is  always 
interesting  to  old  and  young  alike.  Shanking  of  the  fruit  is  a  disease 
which  causes  much  trouble,  and  in  my  opinion  the  problem  is  by  no 
means  solved.  Shanking  is  not  caused  by  one  thing  only,  and  Vines 
must  be  treated  according  to  what  is  thought  to  be  the  cause  of  the 
disease,  and  it  becomes  the  gardener  in  charge  to  put  his  head  to  work 
to  find  this  out.  Shanking  of  the  footstalks  first  appears  just  as  the 
berry  is  colouring,  continuing  to  the  time  the  Grapes  are  ripe.  Some 
will  shank  even  then,  but  these  berries  will  be  almost  as  sweet  as  the 
rest  of  the  bunch. 

Absence  of  calcareous  matter  in  the  border,  and  the  roots  in  the  cold 
subsoil,  have  been  attributed  as  the  causes  of  the  evil ;  but  overcropped 
starved  rods  which  have  not  swelled  according  to  their  age  with  long  spurs, 
obstructing  the  sap,  over-richness  of  borders  where  they  are  new,  bad 
ventilation  while  the  Vines  are  in  bloom,  and  hurrying  them  while 
stoning,  have  something  to  do  with  it  in  several  cases. 

With  regard  to  Mr.  Richardson’s  case,  he  has  done  the  right  thing  in 
lifting  the  roots,  but  I  fail  to  see  the  advantage  of  not  thinning  the 
berries.  If  his  rods  have  not  swelled  according  to  their  age,  he  would 
obtain  better  fruit  by  running  up  young  rods,  not  leaving  too  much 
length  of  rod  the  first  year  or  two.  He  should  feed  the  Vines  well, 
fork  the  borders  only  once  so  as  not  to  disturb  the  surface  roots,  and 
give  a  good  coat  of  either  stable  or  cow  litter,  letting  it  remain  until 
the  crop  and  laterals  are  ripe. — F.  G. 


I  PAIL  to  see  in  what  way  the  thinning  of  bunches  of  Grapes  (when 
carefully  done)  should  tend  to  the  shanking  of  the  retained  berries  as 
suggested  by  Mr.  Thomas  Richardson  (page  238).  Under  the  treatment  so 
clearly  described  in  the  third  and  fourth  paragraphs  of  Mr.  Richardson’s 
letter  it  is  only  reasonable  to  assume  that  had  the  number  of  bunches 
this  year  been  reduced  to  seven  or  twelve  on  each  Vine,  according  to  its 
strength,  and  the  berries  thinned  to  about  1  inch  apart,  the  result  would 
be  much  more  satisfactory  than  the  magnificent  (?)  crop  referred  to  by 
your  correspondent. 

The  improvement  in  the  vigour  and  general  condition  of  Mr. 
Richardson’s  Vines  ia  not  to  be  attributed  to  the  fact  of  his  having 
“  dispensed  altogether  with  che  thinning  scissors,”  but  is  traceable  to 
the  good  resulting  from  the  removal  of  the  old  worn  out  soil,  and  adding 
a  more  substantial  and  congenial  admixture  of  “  chopped  turf,  half-inch 
bones,  and  old  lime  rubble,”  and  the  subsequent  top-dressings  of  cow 
manure,  and  applications  of  the  “  undiluted  drainings  of  a  cowshed.” 
The  fact  is  the  Vines  are  now  bearing  evidence  of  the  good  they  have 
derived  from  the  change  of  fare.  There  is  no  reason  why  the  Vines 
should  not  continue  to  yield  good  crops  of  creditable  Grapes  for  several 
years  to  come.  However,  the  Vines  being  very  old  I  would  suggest  to 
Mr.  Richardson  the  advisability  of  taking  a  young  rod  up,  stopping  the 
leading  growths  at  3  feet,  and  pinching  out  the  laterals.  In  this  way 
new  rods  may  be  secured  in  three  or  four  years  without  interfering 
with  the  annual  crop  of  Grapes,  except  by  improving  it,  as  the  lower 
spurs  may  be  cut  clean  away  from  the  old  Vines  up  as  far  as  the 
shortened  back  young  rods  extend,  these  being  allowed  to  bear  a  few 
bunches,  say  two  the  first  year,  four  the  second  year,  six  the  third,  and 
eight  or  nine  the  fourth  year,  the  old  rods  being  then  cut  out  at  the 
fall  of  the  leaf. 

Means  should  also  be  taken  to  confine  the  roots  of  the  Vines  in  a 
strip  of  border  about  6  or  7  feet  wide  at  the  most,  keeping  them  near 
the  surface  by  top-dressing  and  liberal  applications  of  liquid  manure 
during  the  summer  months  to  assist  perfecting  the  crop.  Where 
fermenting  leaves  to  the  thickness  of  about  2  feet  can  be  put  on  the 
border  when  the  house  is  closed  for  forcing  without  being  considered 
objectionable,  the  gentle  heat  thereby  imparted  to  the  top-dressing  will 
attract  the  roots  to  and  keep  them  in  the  compost  prepared  for  their 
special  requirements  and  advantage.  This  is  a  simple  and  sure  means  of 
attaining  an  important  end. — H.  W.  Ward,  Longford  Castle,  Salisbur7j, 


With  the  Editor’s  permission  I  should  like  to  give  my  opinion  on 
Mr.  Richardson’s  experiments  with  shanking  Grapes.  The  method  he 
has  found  beneficial  is  quite  the  reverse  of  mine.  Muscats  I  fancy  would 
be  better  left  unthinned  under  Mr.  Richardson’s  treatment.  I  do  not 
believe  in  cow  manure  in  a  raw  state  for  Vines,  the  liquid  no  doubt 
will  suit  them  to  a  certain  extent.  Has  Mr.  Richardson  examined  the 
drainage  ?  That  would  be  my  first  step.  Lifting  the  roots  near  the 
surface  by  degrees  has  been  successful  with  me.  Take  note  of  the  soil, 
and  water  carefully,  not  twice  a  week,  but  once  every  two  weeks  would 
be  quite  enough  in  most  cases.  In  an  early  vinery  I  have  two  Muscat 
Vines  which  my  employer  previous  to  my  coming  here  a  year  ago 
was  advised  to  chop  down  owing  to  shanking.  I  have  given  them  part 
of  the  above  treatment,  and  the  result  is  a  crop  of  excellent  Grapes.  I 
am  in  hopes  of  having  better  next  year,  after  lifting  the  roots  up  to  the 
front  lights,  as  I  only  half  lifted  them  last  year,  owing  to  it  being  late 
in  the  season  when  I  took  charge. 

Did  ilr.  Richardson  fin'd  any  long  tap  roots  when  lifting?  If  not,  I 
sb:  nil  advise  him  to  look  again,  as  I  fancy  there  must  be  some  straying 
into  the  clay  under  the  lawn.  Long  thick  fibreless  roots  straying 


into  a  cold  soil  is,  in  my  opinion,  the  principal  cause  of  shanking. 
Get  the  roots  near  the  surface,  and  top-dress  with  good  turf,  bones, 
charcoal,  and  lime  rubble,  then  I  think  the  Vines  will  require  no  cow 
manure,  the  liquid  from  it  being  quite  sufficient. — Wm.  Roberts, 
The  Gardens,  Peniarth,  Merioneth, 


With  the  Editor,  I  agree  that  Mr.  Richardson  is  on  the  way  to  have 
Grapes  free  from  shanking  on  thinned  bunches  in  the  not  far  distant 
future.  I  do  not  believe  that  non-thinning  of  the  berries  will  have  much 
effect  in  preventing  shanking,  rather  the  reverse.  It  is  obvious  that  the 
heavy  feeding  has  exercised  a  most  marked  improvement  on  the  Vines 
and  their  fruit,  and  if  Mr.  Richardson  continues  to  feed  with  judgment 
I  feel  sure  that  no  shanking  will  be  the  rule  among  his  Grapes.  At  the 
same  time  I  may  perhaps  advise  caution  in  the  use  of  cow  manure 
applied  several  times  in  the  season,  in  addition  to  undiluted  drainings 
from  the  cowsheds  every  Tue.sday  and  Friday.  It  may  answer  very  well 
for  a  year  or  two,  and  then  I  think  there  is  a  danger  of  the  Vine  border 
becoming  sour.  To  prevent  sourness  a  soaking  of  lime  water  several 
times  in  the  season  would  be  advisable,  and  also  prove  beneficial  to  the 
Vines.  Some  of  the  various  salts  are  also  excellent  if  used  with  dis¬ 
cretion,  but  soils  vary  so  much  in  their  constituents  that  only  a  practical 
knowledge  of  the  elements  therein  can  enable  anyone  to  state  what 
should  and  what  should  not  be  supplied.  The  question  of  manures  and 
their  action  is  somewhat  perplexing,  but  I  think  a  keen  observer  like 
Mr.  Richardson  will  soon  overcome  all  difficulties  that  may  arise. — 
S.  T.  Wright. 


VEGETABLE  CULTCJRE  IN  ADVERSE  SEASONS. 

(^Continued  from  page  241.') 

Cauliflowers. 

The  chief  point  to  aim  at  in  growing  Cauliflowers  for  exhibition  or 
home  use  is  quick  growih  from  beginning  to  end.  If  allowed  to  remain 
too  long  in  the  seed  bed,  or  to  be  dry  at  the  roots  for  a  long  period, 
clubbing  will  often  follow,  and  this  is  vexatious.  Very  early  heads  may 
be  obtained  by  sowing  during  August  and  wintering  the  plants  in  cold 
frames,  or  by  sowing  in  heat  in  spring  and  transp'anting  to  boxes  or 
frames  when  in  rough  leaf,  and  when  planted  out  put  into  shallow  drills 
and  protected  by  inverted  flower  pots  or  Fir  branches.  I  prefer  the  last 
method  of  raising  a  stock  for  early  use.  There  is  not  so  much  labour, 
anxiety,  and  risk  of  loss  as  in  the  case  of  autumn-raised  plants. 

Sow  the  early  varieties  in  January  or  first  week  in  February,  and 
transplant  the  young  seedlings  in  well  prepared  beds  previously  to 
putting  them  in  their  permanent  quarters.  Allow  a  good  distance  from 
plant  to  plant,  according  to  the  variety,  and  on  the  first  appearance  of 
clubbing  earth  up  the  stems,  first  treading  the  soil  firmly  round  each 
plant.  If  the  weather  be  dry  and  hot  copious  waterings  will  be  neces¬ 
sary,  and  a  good  mulch  should  be  applied.  Sometimes  in  hot  weather 
the  fly  is  troublesome.  The  best  remedy  which  I  have  found  is  anthra¬ 
cite  coal  ash  dusted  over  the  plants  while  they  are  damp  with  dew.  Cut 
the  heads  when  at  their  best.  If  allowed  to  remain  long  in  very  hot 
weather  they  soon  become  loose  and  discoloured  and  their  chief  attrac¬ 
tion  and  quality  lost.  The  varieties  Early  London,  Walcheren,  Magnum 
Bonum,  and  Eclipse,  with  Veitch’s  Autumn  Giant  for  late  use,  I  find 
sufficient  for  a  large  garden. 

Carrots. 

Clean,  even,  and  richly  coloured  Carrots  are  not  to  be  obtained  out 
of  poor,  stiff,  and  lumpy  soil,  especially  if  shallow.  Deep  cultivation 
should  be  the  rule  without  exception  for  all  root  crops,  and  labour  spent 
in  this  work  will  not  be  lost.  Soil  of  a  free  and  rather  light  nature  is 
best  suited  for  the  production  of  clean,  even  Carrots.  'Where  it  is  not 
so  deal  with  it  in  early  autumn  ;  if  wireworm  be  found  apply  a  light 
sprinkling  of  soot  and  gas  lime,  and  well  incorporate  with  the  soil  as 
digging  goes  on.  The  ground  ought  to  be  broken  up  two  spits  deep,  and 
if  stable  manure  is  used  let  it  be  decayed,  without  straw  or  litter  of  any 
kind,  but  not  dried.  Well  break  up  the  bottom  spit  of  soil  and  leave  it 
in  position,  turn  over  the  top  spit  and  leave  the  surface  rough,  then  a 
good  seed  bed  will  be  easily  made  in  the  spring.  A  rough  surface  admits 
air  to  the  soil  below,  sweetening  it.  Some  persons  have  great  faith  in 
chemical  manures.  Most  of  these,  if  good  and  properly  used,  are  no 
doubt  beneficial.  They  may  be  sprinkled  on  the  surface  of  the  bed 
early  in  the  spring  while  the  soil  is  dry  and  incorporated  in  it  with  a  fork, 
at  the  same  time  breaking  up  all  lumps  of  earth.  After  a  time,  when 
it  is  desirable  to  sow,  make  the  remaining  ground  smooth,  and  draw  drills 
a  foot  to  15  inches  apart.  Sow  the  seed  thinly,  scattering  a  little  burnt 
earth  and  wood  ashes  in  the  drills  before  closing  them  with  the  rake. 
The  preparation  of  the  ground  for  Carrots  will  answer  well  for  Parsnips 
and  Beetroot. 

Thinning  is  the  next  important  operation,  and  should  be  done  at 
an  early  stage  of  the  plant’s  growth.  It  may  seem  a  trifling  affair,  but 
it  requires  to  be  carefully  carried  out,  and  4  to  G  inches  or  more  should 
be  allowed  for  the  plants  to  develop  properly.  Draw  the  weakest  first, 
then  in  a  few  days  complete  the  thinning,  always  observing  that  the 
plants  left  be  isolated,  so  that  in  taking  away  those  not  wanted  its  roots 
are  but  little  disturbed.  If  it  is  one  of  a  bunch  the  chances  are  that 
deformity  in  the  root  will  result,  though  at  the  time  of  thinning  it 
would  not  be  observable. 

The  bulk  of  these  remarks  apply  with  equal  force  to  the  cultivation 
of  the  Turnip  and  the  Onion,  only  these  crops  require  firm  ground. 


264 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1893. 


Rolling  the  ground  does  not  compress  it  sufficiently,  and  I  rather  prefer 
treading.  It  is  a  little  more  tedious  perhaps,  but  results  justify  the 
practiee.  Rake  over  the  bed  after  sowing,  but  do  not  tread  or  roll  it, 
as  if  that  is  done,  and  rain  follows,  the  surface  cracks  in  drying,  and 
the  seedlings  do  not  grow  freely.  In  very  hot  weather  spread  a  herring 
net  over  the  ground  after  sowing  the  Turnips,  and  leave  it  on  till  the 
rough  leaf  appears.  The  fly  rarely  troubles  while  the  net  is  on,  however 
hot  the  weather  may  be ;  afterwards  use  the  anthracite  coal  ashes  to 
prevent  its  ravages. 

Mildew  is  very  destructive  among  Onions.  On  its  first  appearance 
rub  flowers  of  sulphur  on  the  affected  parts.  It  generally  attacks  the 
Onions  during  the  month  of  August,  and  will  work  much  damage 
among  them  if  not  quickly  checked.  At  first  it  is  not  observable, 
ordinarily,  but  upon  close  inspection  small  patches  of  grey  dust-like 
powder  will  be  found  on  the  stalks,  and  these  if  left  untouched  will 
soon  cause  the  stem  to  turn  yellow  and  decay.  This  premature  loss  of 
foliage  is  detrimental  to  the  sound  keeping  of  the  bulbs  during  winter. 
If  extra  large  Onions  are  desired  the  plants  should  be  raised  in  January, 
and  grown  thinly  in  boxes  before  being  finally  planted  out  in  April, 
and  the  ci  op  treated  generously  throughout. 

Good  varieties  of  Carrots  are  Early  Gem  for  early  use,  and  New  Red 
Intermediate  for  the  main  crop.  Beetroot,  Pragnell’s  Exhibition,  Blood 
Red,  and  Carter’s  Perfection.  Parsnips,  Student  and  Hollow  Crown. 
Turnips,  Jersey  Lily,  Snowball,  and  Golden  Rose.  Onions,  for  autumn 
sowing.  White  Leviathan  ;  for  spring  sowing,  Rousham  Park  Hero, 
Improved  Reading,  James’  Keeping,  and  Ailsa  Craig. — G.  Gaener. 

(To  be  continued.) 


NOTES  BY  THE  WAY. 

An  oblique  line  to  the  left  of  the  main  road  from  East  Grinstead, 
near  which  are  Oakleigh,  Brockhurst,  and  Brambletye,  leads  in  the 
direction  of  Hammer  wood,  the  residence  of  Oswald  Smith,  Esq.  The 
exact  direction  of  the  line  is  more  than  I  was  able  to  grasp,  for  an 
obliging  guide  led  me  by  winding  footpaths  and  zigzag  approaches, 
beguiling  the  long  and  weary  way  by  frequent  references  to  a  mysterious 
“  short  cut  ”  which  was  to  be  found  sooner  or  later.  Hearing  about 
short  routes  when  it  is  only  too  evident  that  you  are  taking  a  long  one  is 
about  as  consoling  as  a  landlady’s  assurance  to  a  hungry  traveller  that 
she  would  have  had  a  splendid  dinner  ready  for  him  if  disappointments 
with  tradesmen  had  not  left  her  with  nothing  but  bread  and  cheese. 
Not  being  found  on  the  outward  journey,  the  guide  decided  that  we 
must  return  by  it.  He  had  forgotten  Mrs.  Glasse’s  preliminary  point  in 
the  recipe  for  jugged  hare,  which  was  to  catch  it  first.  The  only  “  short 
cut  ”  discovered  was  one  which  led  through  a  farmyard,  wherein  a  large, 
gaunt,  and  hungry  looking  dog  was  dragging  round  several  feet  of  broken 
chain,  and  the  settled  conviction  that  we  were  at  last  on  the  straight 
road  which  had  taken  possession  of  the  guide’s  mind  deserted  him  with 
startling  suddenness.  But  we  found  Hammerwood  and  got  back  from 
it,  so  I  take  it  that  a  veil  may  be  drawn  over  the  doubts  and  difficulties 
engendered  by  seeking  for  a  path  that  either  does  not  exist  or  is  too  well 
guarded  for  use. 

Mr.  Oswald  Smith  is,  I  believe,  either  a  brother  or  near  relative  of 
Mr.  Martin  Smith,  but  certainly  he  does  not  seem  to  share  the  fraternal 
enthusiasm  for  Carnations.  I  do  not  know  that  there  is  anything  very 
striking  in  this  fact,  for  as  yet  no  gardening  Ibsen  has  arisen  to  show  us 
that  heredity  has  its  say  in  floral  tastes,  and  we  can  do  very  well  without 
him.  But  Mr.  Martin  Smith  is  such  an  enthusiast,  and  so  convincing  in 
his  championship  of  the  great  summer  flower,  that  there  is  room  for  a 
mild  species  of  wonder  that  Hammerwood  has  not  its  quota  of  white 
grounds,  yellow  grounds,  seifs,  and  the  rest  of  the  Carnation  string. 


“  A  person  of  the  name  of  ’Arris,”  as  Mrs.  Gamp  would  have  said, 
has  charge  of  the  gardens  at  Hammerwood.  He  is  a  broad,  deep  chested, 
hale  and  hearty  looking  gardener,  and  has  earned  quite  a  reputation  in 
the  locality  as  a  vegetaWe  grower.  Perhaps  the  fact  of  his  pleasant 
house  opening  direct  on  to  the  kitchen  garden  may  have  something  to  do 
with  this,  although  it  is  not  easy  to  trace  any  distinct  connection  between 
the  two  facts.  It  may  be  that  as  the  vegetable  quarters  are  also  the 
,  pleasure  grounds,  so  far  as  his  residence  is  concerned,  he  takes  a  special 
pride  in  having  them  well  filled,  and  this  view  I  should  be  the  last  to 
traverse,  apart  altogether  from  fear  of  a  cudgelling  from  our  critical 
friend  “A.  D.”  to  whom,  as  we  all  know,  no  Rose  or  Carnation  has  the 
beautiful  points  of  an  Onion  or  a  Potato.  Be  the  reason  what  it  may, 
it  is  the  exception  to  meet  with  a  kitchen  garden  so  well  stocked  and  so 
admirably  kept  as  that  at  Hammerwood.  It  is  full  of  good  produce, 
clean  and  orderly.  Without  being  hypercritical,  it  may  be  advanced 
that  many  kitchen  gardens  would  be  improved  if  the  “  place-for-every- 
thing-and-evsrything-in-its-place  ”  rule  were  observed  in  them  as  care¬ 
fully  as  it  is  in  this  well-managed  Sussex  garden. 


Hammerwood  may  be  said  to  be  the  centre  of  a  little  kingdom  of 
which  Mr.  Smith  is  the  reigning  monarch.  It  is  far  away  from  a  town 
or  even  village,  being  snugged  away  amongst  the  fields  and  woods.  But 
the  beneficent  potentate  has  built  a  number  of  excellent  dwellings  for  his 
workpeople,  a  fine  school  and  a  handsome  church.  The  little  hamlet  and 
the  neighbouring  mansion  which  fosters  it  lie  calm,  peaceful,  and 
secluded,  typical  of  many  a  pastoral  picture  in  Merrie  England.  The 
hum  of  busy  life,  the  ceaseless  tramp  of  the  “  madding  crowd,”  do  not 
penetrate  there.  There  is  a  restfuluess  and  repose  about  the  place  which 


are  full  of  charm.  The  residence  is  embowered  in  lofty  trees  and  huge 
masses  of  Rhododendrons.  There  are  some  immense  banks  of  the  old 
caucasicum  quite  close  to  the  flower  garden  adjoining  the  house  which 
must  present  noble  effects  when  in  full  bloom,  despite  the  modest  beauty 
of  the  variety  as  compared  with  some  of  the  gorgeous  hybrids.  I  could 
not  help  thinking,  indeed,  that  the  semi-wild  and  natural  aspect  of  the 
grounds  was  much  in  keeping  with  the  surroundings,  and  perhaps 
felt  inclined  to  accuse  Mr.  Harris  of  a  leaning  to  vandalism  when  he 
talked  about  clearing  some  of  them  away  ;  but  superior  varieties  are,  I 
understand,  to  take  their  place. 


The  sight  of  these  wonderful  bushes  suggested  the  reflection  that 
Sussex  must  possess  a  record  hard  to  beat  in  her  examples  of  this  fine 
old  Rhododendron.  I  remember  dropping  unexpectedly  upon  a  huge 
tree — for  it  was  nothing  less — in  a  garden  at  Groombridge  a  few  years 
ago,  not  very  far  from  the  foot  of  the  famous  hill.  It  was  on  a  sunny  after¬ 
noon  late  in  spring,  and  the  gigantic  bush  was  laden  with  blossom.  I 
am  unable  to  recall  my  estimate  of  its  size,  but  it  v/as  larger  than  many 
a  cottage.  Beyond  Crawley,  too,  far  past  Cheal’s,  through  the  old  town, 
up  the  hill  and  so  on  along  the  Brighton  road,  attention  is  attracted  by 
some  very  fine  bushes  on  the  left,  which  when  carrying  their  spring 
burden  of  flowers  are  a  sight  to  linger  in  the  recollection  even  when  the 
manifold  attractions  of  ancient  Brighthelmstone  are  exercising  their 
influences.  This,  however,  is  a  digression. 


A  charitable  and  considerate  pen  must  be  wielded  in  touching  on 
flower  gardens  this  year.  Gardeners  waited  anxiously  for  the  fulfilment 
of  Falb’s  weather  predictions,  and  the  filling  up  of  their  beds  consequent 
on  the  rains  which  he  generously  provided,  but  alas  1  the  professorial 
vaticinations  proved  to  be  a  delusion  and  a  snare.  It  is  not  the  fault  of 
Mr.  Harris  and  his  suffering  brethren  in  other  parts  if  the  beds  were 
only  half  furnished  when  they  ought  to  have  been  amply  filled.  The 
designs  were  right  enough,  and  so  was  the  material  to  begin  with,  but 
the  plants  would  not  grow  as  they  should  have  done,  all  their  time  being 
taken  up  in  keeping  alive  under  the  fierce  and  protracted  heat.  Not 
that  the  bedding  was  bad,  quite  the  reverse.  There  were  some  attractive 
arrangements,  and  quite  a  brave  glow  of  colour  in  some  cases,  but  there 
as  elsewhere  thin  beds  were  the  rule. 


It  will  not  be  in  the  least  surprising  if  there  should  be  a  check  in  the 
triumphant  march  of  Tuberous  Begonias,  as  a  result  of  this  season’s 
experiences.  Their  most  partial  admirer  must  admit  that  the  season  has 
been  somewhat  too  much  for  them  in  a  great  many  places.  They  have 
not  shone  radiant  as  of  yore,  luxuriant  in  leafage  and  brilliant  with 
flowers,  but  have  been  pinched,  starved,  and  melancholy.  It  is  easy  to 
tell  when  plants  are  unhappy,  and  dejection  has  been  written  large  on 
most  of  the  bedding  Begonias  which  I  have  seen  in  this  season  of  sultry 
memory.  But  in  venturing  (spite  of  the  colossal  failure  of  the  luckless 
professor)  on  this  little  prophecy  it  is  not  my  wish  to  suggest  that  the 
Begonias  merit  the  rebuff  which  fate  perhaps  has  in  store  for  them.  That 
would  be  unjust.  All  I  wish  to  do  is  to  point  out  the  probable  result  of 
their  failure  this  year.  It  must  be  remembered  that  thousands  of  people 
act  mainly  on  impulses,  and  the  first  thing  that  they  will  do  in  observing 
the  poor  condition  of  the  plants  will  be  to  decide  on  doing  without 
them  another  year,  forgetful  that  we  have  had  a  season  in  a  hundred, 
and  that  the  Begonias  have  not  had  a  ghost  of  a  chance  of  doing  them¬ 
selves  justice.  ’Twas  ever  thus.  Praise  and  admiration  in  the  hour  of 
success,  disparagement  and  distaste  in  the  moment  of  failure.  But  the 
flowers  will  win  after  all.  _ 


Speaking  of  Begonias  reminds  me  that  I  ought  to  say  how  exceed¬ 
ingly  well  Mr.  Harris  grows  them  in  pots,  for  he  has  a  very  fine 
display.  Another  useful  decorative  plant  that  he  grows  extremely  well 
is  the  Cockscomb.  He  had  a  very  fine  specimen  of  Veitch’s  Dwarf, 
which,  as  grown  at  Hammerwood,  is  distinctly  superior  to  the  Glasgow 
Prize  of  my  novitiate  days,  for,  although  very  dwarf,  the  combs  are  even 
and  finely  developed.  Orchids  are  well  grown  at  Hammerwood,  and  so 
are  many  other  plants  under  glass,  such  as  Clerodendrons,  Bougain¬ 
villeas,  Bouvardias,  Acalyphas,  and  others,  but  I  have  not  space  to 
enumerate  them  all.  _ 


Fruit  comes  in  the  same  stream  of  praise,  especially  Peaches  and 
Nectarines.  The  early  house  is  a  very  wide  and  roomy  structure,  and 
contains  some  very  large  trees  of  Dr.  Hogg,  Princess  of  Wales,  and 
Stanwick  Elruge.  Trees  of  the  latter  which  were  bought  a  few  inches 
high  in  small  pots  of  Mr.  Rivers  twelve  years  ago  now  have  a  spread  of 
20  feet  and  bear  enormous  crops.  I  was  about  to  omit  mention  of  Mr. 
Harris’s  Melon.  What  would  he  think  of  me  if  I  did  1  I  did  not  leave 
Hammerwood  without  tasting  it,  and  I  must  not  quit  it  now  without 
saying  a  word  about  the  fruit.  Please  do  not  understand  me  to  suggest 
that  there  is  anything  astonishing  in  a  gardener  having  a  Melon  of  his 
own  raising.  Almost  every  gardener  has  one.  It  is  a  peculiarity  of  the 
craft  to  get  a  hybrid  which  puts  every  other  Melon  into  the  shade,  and 
which  is  so  precious  that  a  slice  has  to  be  cut  for  you  with  great  care 
lest  you  should  carry  away  a  seed  in  your  mouth,  sow  it,  and  basely  sell 
the  stock  thus  procured  for  a  fabulous  sum.  The  Grinstead  gardeners 
have  this  amiable  little  weakness  strongly  developed.  Each  runs  a 
Melon  of  his  own.  The  neighbourhood  is  positively  overflowing  with 
wonderful  varieties.  Each,  of  course,  is  a  great  deal  better  than  the 
other ;  and  the  other,  equally  as  a  matter  of  course,  is  better  than  each. 
This  may  seem  peculiar,  but,  as  a  proof  of  its  accuracy,  I  may  mention 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


265 


that  I  had  the  information  from  the  raiser  in  every  case.  Mr.  Harris’s 
is  really  a  very  good  Melon,  being  an  even,  well-netted,  handsome, 
orange  fleshed  fruit  of  very  excellent  flavour.  I  have  not  tasted  a  better 
one  this  year,  and  very  few  anything  like  so  good.  He  calls  it  No.  1. 
In  a  season  of  poorly  flavoured  Melons  it  is  a  pleasure  to  come  across  a 
variety  that  possesses  really  high  quality. — W.  P.  W. 


Events  of  the  Week. — As  notified  in  another  paragraph,  the 
■Committees  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  meet  at  the  Drill 
Hall,  Westminster,  on  Tuesday,  September  26th.  On  Wednesday,  the 
2.7th  inst.,  a  Show  of  hardy  fruit  will  be  opened  at  the  Gardening  and 
Forestry  Exhibition,  Earl’s  Court,  and  will  continue  the  two  following 
days.  The  County  of  Gloucester  Show  will  also  take  place  on  the 
27th  and  28th. 

-  The  Weather  in  London.— During  the  past  week  fine 

weather  has  for  the  most  part  prevailed  in  the  metropolis,  although 
several  local  showers  have  occurred.  Sunday  opened  fine,  but  gusty, 
and  Monday  proved  cloudy  with  appearance  of  rain.  On  Tuesday  last 
a  few  showers  fell,  and  Wednesday  morning  was  dull.  At  the  time  of 
going  to  press,  however,  it  is  fine,  and  rain  is  much  wanted. 

- United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. 

— The  seventh  annual  dinner  of  this  Society  will  take  place  on  Tuesday, 
October  10th,  at  6  p.m.,  at  the  Cannon  Street  Hotel,  E.C.,  on  which 
occasion  P.  C.  M.  Veitch,  Esq.,  of  Exeter,  has  kindly  consented  to 
preside.  Tickets,  5s.  each,  can  be  obtained  from  Mr.  W.  Collins,  Secre¬ 
tary,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  S.W. 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  meeting  of  the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  take  place  at  the  Drill  Hall,  James 
Street,  Victoria  Street,  Westminster,  on  Tuesday,  September  26th,  when 
prizes  are  offered  for  Gladioli.  At  three  o’clock  Mr.  W.  Iggulden  of 
Marston  Gardens,  Frome,  will  deliver  a  lecture  on  the  “  Causes  of 
Failure  in  Eucharis  Culture.” 

-  Death  of  Mr.  Hugh  Low.  —  With  great  regret  we  record 

the  death  of  Mr.  Hugh  Low,  of  the  well  known  firm  of  nurserymen  at 
Clapton,  which  took  place  suddenly  on  Sunday,  September  17th,  at  his 
residence  at  Upper  Clapton.  The  deceased  gentleman  was  thirty-two 
years  of  age,  and  his  untimely  death  will  be  regretted  by  a  wide  circle 
of  friends  ;  he  leaves  a  widow  and  two  little  girls.  For  some  time  past 
Mr.  Low  had  been  in  indifferent  health  and  returned  from  a  visit  to 
Cromer  last  week,  but  was  not  taken  seriously  ill  until  Saturday,  after 
which  pneumonia  developed  rapidly  with  unfortunate  fatal  results. 
Mr.  Low  was  in  partnership  under  the  style  of  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  and 
Co.,  with  his  two  younger  brothers,  by  whom,  we  understand,  the 
business  will  be  carried  on.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Committee  of  the 
Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund,  and  a  most  estimable  man.  The  funeral 
took  place  at  12.30  P.M.  yesterday  (Wednesday)  at  Abney  Park  Ceme¬ 
tery,  Stoke  Newington,  and  the  ceremony  was  attended  by  many  sympa¬ 
thising  friends. 

-  Destroying  Weeds. — On  seeing  a  paragraph  on  this  subject 

in  the  last  number  (page  245)  from  Meehan’s  Monthly,”  I  was 
reminded  of  a  conversation  I  recently  had  with  a  gardener  on  the 
eradication  of  the  small  Bindweed,  whose  roots  go  down,  as  is  well 
known,  to  an  incredible  depth.  The  pest  appeared  to  have  quite 
vanished  from  a  formerly  infested  patch,  and  I  asked  how  he  managed 
it.  “  Oh  1  an  old  gardener  told  me  the  secret.  He  said  you  must  hoe 
them  every  Wednesday.  I  did,  and  they  are  quite  done  for.”  It  was 
good  ;  and  I  should  like  to  have  known  that  old  gardener,  who  evidently 
knew  as  much  of  human  as  of  weed  nature.  It  is  pretty  clear  that  if 
he  had  said  “every  week”  they  would  have  been  hoed,  once  on  a 
Monday  perhaps,  and  then  on  the  Saturday  week,  and  so  on,  and  the 
whole  thing  would  have  fallen  through  sooner  or  later  ;  but  by  naming 
his  day  he  gave  a  useful  little  touch  of  a  superstitious  charm  for  an 
ignorant  man,  and  also  made  sure  that  it  would  be  done  every  week. 
Let  those  of  my  friends  who  are  troubled  with  Bindweed,  Coltsfoot^ 
and  Dandelions,  try  the  “  every  Wednesday  ”  plan  for  them,  and  report 
if  it  does  not  answer. — W.  R.  Raillem. 


-  There  are  in  the  United  States  thirty-two  botanical  stations. 

Systematic  botany  and  the  physiology  of  plants  are  studied  more  or  less 
at  all  these  stations,  and  at  every  one  of  them  particular  attention  is 
given  to  the  maladies  of  plants  and  the  disease  causing  fungi. 

- Lilium  japonicum  VAR.  ALEXANDRiE. — We  observe  in  the 

catalogue  of  Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  that  our  illustration  of 
this  new  Lilium  on  page  57,  July  20th,  has  been  copied  without  per¬ 
mission  and  published  without  acknowledgement.  This  is  not  in  accord¬ 
ance  with  the  canons  of  literary  propriety.  Moreover,  the  flower  that 
our  artist  sketched,  and  which  is  accurately  represented  in  the  Colchester 
catalogue,  was  not  grown  by  Messrs.  Wallace  k,  Co.,  but  by  Messrs. 
Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea. 

-  Grapes  for  Wine. — In  some  parts  of  Medoc  the  vintage  began 

as  soon  as  the  20th  of  last  month.  Such  an  early  date  has  not  been  known 
for  generations,  the  usual  period  being  the  first  half  of  September,  some¬ 
times  even  the  last  days  of  the  month.  The  Girondins  all  agree  in 
saying  that  the  crop  this  year  will  be  a  splendid  one  in  spite  of  drought. 
It  is  necessary  to  say  “  will  be,”  for  most  of  the  growers  have  had  to 
suspend  the  gathering  of  the  Grapes  for  want  of  casks,  which  are  so 
scarce  that  they  fetch  unusually  high  prices. 

-  Suburban  Sparrows. — I  should  like  to  confirm  all  “  Davies 

Duffryn  ”  (page  214)  alleges  against  these  mischievous  depredators, 
although  he  omits  from  his  indictment  one  of  their  worst  vices — viz., 
pecking,  and  thereby  destroying  all  ripe  or  unripe  fruit.  But  the 
difficulty  is  how  to  get  rid  of  the  pests.  Cats  seem  quite  useless,  and 
hawks  cannot  be  sufficiently  tamed,  I  fear.  Shooting  is  out  of  the 
question  in  a  garden  ;  consequently  any  inventor  who  devises  a  simple 
and  inexpensive  sparrow  trap  would  very  quickly  make  his  fortune. — 
Country  Amateur. 

-  Perennials  in  Town  Gardens. — A  very  good  word  for 

perennials  as  becoming  and  profitable  inhabitants  of  town  gardens  was 
spoken  by  Mr.  Walter  Child,  F.R.H.S.,  in  a  paper  delivered  before  the 
Birmingham  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association  the  other  day.  Mr.  Child 
is  a  very  successful  exhibitor  of  these  plants,  and  has  contributed  sub¬ 
stantially  to  rescue  many  worthy  perennials  by  a  sedulous  selection  of 
the  best  varieties,  and  by  the  most  suitable  cultivation.  For  a  long 
period  many  of  these  old-fashioned  garden  flowers  have  enjoyed  the 
loyal  regard  of  those  to  whom  gardening  is  a  pleasure. 

-  Gardening  Appointments. — Mr.  William  Carr  has  resigned 

the  post  of  head  gardener  to  Viscount  Hill,  Hawkstone,  near  Shrewsbury, 
in  order  to  fill  a  similar  position  at  Yeatoa-Pevevey,  the  seat  of  Sir  Offley 
Wakeman,  Bart.,  Shrewsbury.  Mr.  Carr  was  foreman  at  Hawkstone 
under  the  late  Mr.  William  Pratt,  whose  successor  he  became  in  the 
management  of  the  gardens  there  when  that  good  all-round  horticul¬ 
turist  left  ten  and  a  half  years  ago  to  become  head  gardener  to  the 
Marquis  of  Bath,  at  Longleat.  Mr.  James  Fawkes,  for  the  past  two  and 
a  half  years  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Mrs.  Douglas  Pennant,  Lillingsfcone 
House,  Buckingham,  and  previously  foreman  with  Mr.  Hope,  Middleton 
Park  Gardens,  Bicester,  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Jersey,  Osterley  Park,  Isleworth,  Middlesex. 

-  The  New  Zealand  Karmahi  Tree. — A  correspondent 

writes  : — “  So  great  has  been  the  demand  tor  Wattle  bark  that  this 
valuable  Australian  tree  is  become  scarce.  But  there  is  a  native  tree 
which  I  think  might  be  found  no  mean  rival  of  the  Australian  Wattle. 
I  refer  to  the  Karmahi,  or  Kamai,  as  it  is  generally  called.  This  tree  is 
known  to  botanists  as  Wienmannia,  and  is  often  called  by  bushmen 
“  Bastard  Birch.”  There  are  two  varieties  of  the  tree.  One  found  in 
the  North  Island  and  northern  portion  of  South  Island,  and  the  other 
peculiar  to  southern  forests.  In  the  great  Tautuku  Forest,  extending 
from  the  Clutha  to  the  Mataura,  the  Kamai  is  one  of  the  most 
abundant  trees.  It  grows  to  a  height  of  30  feet  to  40  feet,  and  often 
attains  a  diameter  of  20  inches  to  30  inches.  It  is  covered  with  a 
tolerably  thick  bark,  which  contains  a  considerable  amount  of  tannic 
acid  and  dye  material.  The  Maoris  use  the  bark  to  dye  flax,  and 
produce  a  fast  black  or  dark  brown  colour.  They  bruise  the  bark  and 
boil  it  along  with  the  flax  to  be  dyed,  which  is  afterwards  steeped  in 
swamp  mud,  where  the  iron  held  in  solution  comes  in  contact  with  the 
tanning  of  the  bark,  and  so  fixes  a  black  dye.  Experiment  is  all  that  is 
wanted,  I  feel  sure,  to  bring  the  Kamai  bark  into  general  use,  both  at 
the  tannery  and  at  the  dyeworks.  From  a  series  of  chemical  experi¬ 
ments  made  myself  a  few  years  ago  on  the  barks  of  our  forest  trees,  I 
proved  the  Kamai  to  be  one  of  the  richest  in  tanning  material.” 


266 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1893, 


-  Mr.  George  Gallaher,  late  gardener  at  Kilkewan  House 

Ayrshire,  informs  us  that  he  is  about  to  commence  business  as  florist  and 
fruit  grower  at  Burnhead,  Liberton,  Edinburgh. 

-  Destroying  Wasps’  Nests.— It  is  reported  that  Mr.  Whit¬ 
bread,  M.P.,  has  caused  the  destruction  of  no  less  than  800  wasps’  nests 
in  his  park  at  Southill.  A  few  weeks  ago  Mr,  Whitbread  offered  6d. 
for  each  wasp’s  nest  destroyed  in  his  park,  with  the  result  that  he  has 
just  paid  on  this  account  over  £20. 

-  A  Potato  Problem. — On  raising  Potatoes  in  several  gardens 

near  Tenhury  many  of  the  tubers  are  found  to  be  quite  flabby,  as  if 
scalded  or  frosted,  though  some  of  them  are  only  affected  at  one  end. 
Have  other  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  experienced  any¬ 
thing  of  the  kind  ?  I  shall  be  glad  if  the  cause  can  be  explained,  and  if 
the  tubers  will  be  good  for  seed.  They  go  black  on  being  cooked. 
— Middledale. 

- A  White  Flowered  Cobcea  scandens.  —  When  potting 

some  seedling  Coboea  scandens  in  the  spring  I  noticed  one  much  lighter 
than  the  others  in  the  foliage  and  stems.  It  was  marked  and  turns  out 
to  be  a  white  flowered  variety.  Can  you  tell  me  if  this  is  unusual,  as  I 
have  never  seen  a  white  one  before? — H.  R.  Richards.  [Light  coloured 
forms  are  not  uncommon,  but  so  far  as  we  know  a  pure  white  one  has 
not  been  exhibited.  Have  you  any  flowers  to  send  for  examination  ?] 

-  Queen  Wasps. — No  delay  should  take  place  in  destroying 

every  nest  known  to  exist,  as  the  queens  for  another  season’s  plague 
are  very  numerous  in  the  nests  now.  I  pointed  out  last  autumn  how 
necessary  it  was  to  hunt  up  all  the  nests,  as  they  were  producing  an 
unusual  number  of  young  queens,  and  the  season  from  the  first  has 
been  highly  favourable  for  their  development.  Some  seasons  I  have 
had  difficulty  in  finding  a  queen  being  developed  for  another  year,  which 
is  to  me  unaccountable,  and  a  few  years  ago  this  occurred  to  such  an 
extent  that  to  see  a  wasp  the  following  summer  was  a  rarity.  — 
J.  Hi  AM. 

-  California  Midwinter  International  Exposition. — 

The  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Hall  of  the  Exhibition  to  be  held  in 
San  Francisco  during  the  winter  of  1893-94  has  an  area  of  300  by 
125  feet.  Agricultural  products,  horticultural  products,  floricultural 
products,  forest  products,  specimens,  botanical,  fossil  and  mineral, 
samples  of  cereals  and  grasses,  when  not  intended  to  be  returned,  may 
be  carried  from  Chicago  and  Common  Points  west  thereof  to  San 
Francisco  at  one-half  the  regular  tariff  rate  for  same.  The  general 
rules  and  regulations  and  information  for  intending  exhibitors  are  now 
ready,  and  may  be  obtained  by  applying  to  the  Department  of  Publicity 
and  Promotion,  California  Midwinter  International  Exposition,  Mills 
Building,  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  U.S.A. 

-  A  Melon  Novelty. — The  remarks  of  a  correspondent  on 

page  218  of  the  Journal  induce  me  to  relate  a  similar  experience 
with  Sutton’s  Triumph  Melon,  a  variety  with  a  thin  skin  and  deep 
scarlet  flesh.  When  the  fruit  was  cut  it  was  found  that  fully  half  the 
seeds  had  germinated,  many  of  the  plants  having  roots  2  inches  long, 
and  what  surprised  us  still  more  the  seed  leaves  were  quite  green. 
Acting  upon  instructions  I  placed  a  few  of  the  seedlings  in  small  pots  on 
July  24th,  and  a  fortnight  later  transferred  them  to  6-inch  pots.  From 
the  first  they  made  healthy  growth,  in  fact  there  is  no  difference 
between  them  and  others  raised  in  the  usual  way.  We  planted  four 
plants  in  the  Cucumber  house  on  the  21st  of  August ;  these  are  now 
flowering,  but  1  fear  the  season  is  too  far  advanced  for  us  to  be  able 
to  ripen  a  crop  of  fruit  upon  them.— P.  Tarry,  The  Gardens,  Holly 
Hill,  Hartfield. 

-  Birds  and  the  Drought. — Mr.  T.  Fox  Simpson  writes  from 

Tunbridge  Wells:— “As  an  illustration  of  the  shifts  to  which  birds 
have  been  driven  for  food  by  ‘the  unexampled  drought,’  I  may  mention 
that  within  the  last  ten  days  the  blackbirds  have  attacked  and  devoured 
dozens  of  some  fine  Blaek  Hamburgh  Grapes  growing  in  my  ‘  curate’s 
vinery.’  Have  any  of  your  numerous  readers  suffered  in  the  same 
way  ?  All  the  scarlet  heps  on  the  Cockspur  Thorns  were  cleared  off 
last  month,  and  this  morning  (Sept.  16th)  I  saw  five  of  my  sable  friends 
making  a  square  meal  off  the  heps  on  a  White  Thorn,  intending,  no 
doubt,  to  lay  my  Grapes  under  contribution  for  dessert.  What  these 
beautiful  birds  are  to  do  for  food  in  the  coming  winter,  if  it  be  a  hard 
one,  is  not  e.aay  to  say.  Those  who  enjoy  their  presence  and  song  in 
spring  and  summer  must  be  careful  to  feed  them  well  through  the 
winter.  Minced  uncooked  beef  will  be  better  for  them  than°  Black 
Hamburgh  Grapes.’’ 


-  WiDCOMBE  Horticultural  Club.  —  There  was  a  large 

attendance  at  the  meeting  of  the  Widcombe  Horticultural  Club  held  on 
September  12th,  when  the  Rev.  E.  Lascelles,  Rector  of  Newton  St.  Loe, 
read  a  paper  on  “  Begonias,”  flowers  he  has  cultivated  with  so  much 
success  for  several  years.  Mr.  W.  Pumphrey,  the  President,  occupied 
the  chair.  Mr.  Lascelles  dealt  with  his  subject  in  an  interesting  and 
able  manner. 

-  The  Sunflower. — Among  neglected  crops  the  Sunflower  is 

one  of  the  most  interesting.  Few  neople  who  grow  it  for  ornament  have 
any  idea  of  its  usefulness.  A  daily  contemporary  asserts  that  birds  of 
nearly  all  kinds  thrive  on  the  seeds,  and  there  is  no  more  fattening  food 
for  poultry.  Cattle  like  them,  too,  either  in  their  natural  state  or 
crushed  and  made  into  cake  ;  while  the  very  stalks  may  be  ground  up 
and  mixed  advantageously  with  other  fodder.  In  one  or  two  places  in 
Scotland  a  few  acres  have  been  devoted  to  Sunflower  cultivation  for  the 
past  few  years  with  very  satisfactory  results. 

-  CovENT  Garden  Fruit. — With  a  view  to  putting  beyond 

doubt  the  little  likelihood  of  spreading  cholera  through  the  medium  of 
Covent  Garden,  as  some  questions  in  the  House  of  Commons  might  lead 
the  public  to  believe,  a  reporter  pursued  inquiries  on  the  subject.  The 
Market  Inspector  told  him  : — “  There  has  been  no  dangerous  fruit  or 
anything  approaching  to  it  within  the  market  area.  It  does  not  pay  to 
send  consignments  of  bad  fruit.  If  it  were  otherwise  buying  would 
stop,  and  the  wide  reputation  of  the  market  would  be  ruined.  We  have 
the  best  name  in  the  world  for  sound  fruit  and  vegetables,  and  it  is 
a  poor  market  indeed  for  bad  stuff.” 

-  Variegated  Aloes.  —  It  not  infrequently  happens  that 

visiting  some  comparatively  remote  and  almost  unknown  garden  one 
meets  with  something  of  more  than  usual  interest,  and  I  found  that  to 
be  so  recently  in  Somersetshire,  for  when  at  Inwood  House,  Mr.  Wilkins 
kindly  drove  me  over  to  Milborne  Port  to  see  Mr.  Bowers  and  the 
quaint  old  gardens  attached  to  Venn  Hall,  the  residence  of  Sir  A. 
Medlycott,  and  there  I  found,  standing  on  a  terrace,  a  number  of 
huge  variegated  Agaves,  some  of  the  finest  and  cleanest  I  have  ever  seen. 
They  seemed  specially  to  be  fitting  in  this  fine  old  garden.  In  one  of 
the  houses  there  is  a  gigantic  Adiantum  farleyense  some  7  feet  through. 
It  is  in  a  large  pot,  and  growing  in  a  shaded  position.  Many  other 
good  plants  show  that  the  cultivation  in  the  highest  perfection  of  this 
grand  Fern  is  well  understood  here. — A.  D. 

-  Fern  Houses  and  Ferneries. — A  block  of  formal  houses, 

close  to  the  mansion  at  Inwood,  is  now  full  of  Ferns,  in  pots  and 
standing  on  shelves  and  stages.  Of  course  the  result  is,  as  is  invari¬ 
ably  the  case  in  similar  Fern  houses,  much  uninteresting  flatness  and 
formality.  Lady  Theodora  Guest,  the  munificent  owner  of  this  fine 
property,  has  resolved  to  convert  these  formal  houses  into  one  artistic 
fernery,  and  to  that  end  the  entire  contents  will  be  removed,  the  stages 
and  shelves  cleared  away,  the  floors  covered  with  substantial  rockwork 
(which  Mr.  Wilkins  will  construct),  good  roomy  alleys  provided,  and 
then  the  whole  [planted  artistically,  so  as  to  produce  a  very  delightful 
effect,  that  can  be  at  all  seasons  enjoyed.  Then  a  Fern  house  becomes  a 
real  fernery.  At  present  the  houses  are  most  unattractive  to  ladies ; 
then  they  will  be  a  favourite  place  of  resort. — A.  D. 

- A  General  Horticultural  Society.— We  learn  from  the 

“  Garden  and  Forest  ”  that  the  birth  of  a  General  Horticultural  Society 
took  place  on  August  25th,  immediately  after  the  Horticultural  Congress 
at  Chicago,  in  Mr.  Samuel’s  office.  The  scheme  provides  for  three  oflScers 
at  large,  a  president,  viee-president,  and  secretary-treasurer.  Each 
country  is  entitled  to  a  vice-president  and  secretary-treasurer.  The 
three  general  officers,  together  with  the  secretary-treasurer  of  the 
country  in  which  the  president  resides,  constitute  a  committee  on  bye¬ 
laws  and  on  finance,  while  all  the  officers  constitute  an  executive  com¬ 
mittee.  The  object  of  a  general  Horticultural  Society  is  the  promotion 
of  correspondence,  the  exchange  of  plants,  seeds,  books,  and  other 
articles,  and  the  general  extension  of  fellowship  among  the  horticultu¬ 
rists  of  the  world.  The  membership  of  the  society  consists  of  horti¬ 
cultural  societies  and  of  individuals,  who  pay  an  initial  fee  of  two 
dollars  and  a  subsequent  annual  fee  of  one  dollar.  Only  three  general 
officers  are  yet  determined.  These  are — T.  J.  Berckmans,  Georgia, 
president ;  Henri  L.  de  Vilmorin,  Paris,  first  vice-president ;  and  George 
Nicholson,  curator  of  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  England,  secretary- 
treasurer.  It  is  expected  that  one-third  of  all  the  money  collected  in 
each  country  is  to  be  retained  in  that  country  for  the  expenses  of  its 
own  branch  of  the  work,  the  remainder  going  into  the  hands  of  the 
secretary-treasurer. 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


267 


-  Ramsg-ATE  Public  Park. — In  the  most  beautiful  weather  a 

•ceremony  in  connection  with  the  Ramsgate  Public  Park  took  place 
recently.  As  far  back  as  September  29[h  of  last  year  a  somewhat 
similar  ceremony  occurred,  marking  the  transfer  of  the  property  from 
the  trustees  of  the  former  owner  to  the  representatives  of  the  ratepayers. 
The  present  occasion,  however,  simply  marked  the  close  of  the  operations 
of  beautifying  and  laying  out  the  grounds,  operations  carried  out  most 
eflSciently  by  Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons  of  Crawley,  Sussex,  Among  the 
main  features  of  the  Park  the  finest  piece  of  constructive  work  is  the 
handsomely  designed  Doulton-ware  terrace,  246  feet  in  length,  25  feet 
wide  at  the  narrowest,  and  75  feet  at  the  widest  part. 

-  The  Botany  op  Tibet. — A  recent  issue  of  the  “  Chemist  and 

Druggist  ”  remarked  that  Dr.  Thorold,  who,  in  1890-91  accompanied 
Captain  Bower’s  expedition  through  Tibet  as  a  scientist,  collected 
specimens  of  all  the  plants  he  saw  during  his  journey  across  the 
country  from  west  to  east.  The  collection  contains  only  115  species, 
all  told,  showing  the  poverty  of  the  Tibetan  flora  in  the  district 
traversed  ;  a  poverty  which,  however,  is  not  astonishing  considering  that 
the  greater  part  of  the  route  lay  over  a  country  as  high  above  sea-level 
as  is  the  top  of  Mont  Blanc.  The  115  species  belonged  to  no  fewer  than 
twenty-eight  natural  orders,  and  only  about  half  a  dozen  species  were 
quite  unknown  at  Kew.  One  flowering  plant  was  collected  at  an  altitude 
of  19,000  feet — probably  the  highest  point  on  record  in  the  history  of 
botany. 

-  Liquorice. — The  inhabitants  of  Elizabethpol  and  Baku  in  the 

Caucasus  derive  considerable  benefit  from  Liquorice  (Glycyrrhiza 
glabra),  which  grows  wild,  needs  no  cultivation,  and  multiplies  spon¬ 
taneously.  In  1878  two  Greeks  turned  their  attention  to  the  large 
quantities  of  Liquorice  in  Caucasia  ;  in  1886  they  erected  a  large  factory 
for  drying  and  pressing  the  Liquorice,  which  they  annually  exported  to 
America.  The  remunerative  trade  soon  attracted  others,  and  to-day 
there  exist  four  prominent  commercial  houses  which  carry  on  a  wholesale 
trade  in  Liquorice,  and  two  of  which  have  erected  extract  factories  in 
this  country.  Annually  there  are  produced  about  108,339,000  pounds  of 
raw  Liquorice,  which,  after  drying,  yields  36,113,000  pounds  of  market¬ 
able  merchandise.  For  raw  Liquorice  the  factories  pay  on  the  average 
fivepence  halfpenny  per  100  pounds. 

-  Reclaimed  Land  in  Holland. — In  the  year  1886  a  society 

was  organised  in  Holland  to  make  plans  for  the  draining  of  the  Zuyder 
Zee.  It  now  officially  reports  that  three-fourths  of  the  soil  covered  by 
these  900,000  acres  of  water  is  as  fertile  as  surrounding  districts,  and 
proposes  a  scheme  of  drainage  which  will  leave  300,000  acres  in  the 
centre  as  a  lake,  while  the  rest  will  be  redeemed  at  a  rate  that  will 
annually  render  from  12,000  to  15,000  acres  habitable.  According  to 
the  “  Garden  and  Forest  ”  the  cost  of  the  entire  work  is  estimated  at 
£15,250,000.  The  largest  enterprise  of  the  same  sort  hitherto  carried 
out  has  been  the  draining  of  the  Haarlem  Lake,  which,  after  thirty-nine 
months  of  labour,  added  46,000  acres  to  the  solid  soil  of  Holland.  When 
the  Zuyder  Zee  was  formed  by  an  inundation,  in  the  thirteenth  century, 
some  80,000  lives  are  believed  to  have  been  lost. 

-  The  Wasp  Plague. — Mr.  J.  Lloyd  Bozward,  Worcester, 

writes  to  the  last  issue  of  “  Nature  ”  as  follows  : — “  Of  late  much  has 
been  written  about  the  seasonal  prevalence  of  wasps,  and  the  mischief, 
in  several  places,  wrought  by  them.  May  not,  however,  their  use  in 
keeping  down  many  forms  of  insect  pests  be  set  off  as  some  sort  of 
palliative?  Wasps  are  exterminators  of  aphides,  and  although  the 
season  has  been  favourable  to  insect  life,  next  to  no  damage  has  been 
done  to  the  Hop  bines  or  the  corn  or  pulse  crops  of  Worcestershire  or 
Herefordshire  by  these  latter  pests — frequent  destroyers  of  crops.  Is  it 
suggestible  that  the  excessive  wasp  prevalence  is  attributable  in  some 
measure  to  the  abundance  of  their  insect  prey,  just  as  has  recently 
happened  in  Scotland,  in  the  instance  of  the  multiplication  of  the 
short-eared  or  ‘  woodcock  ’  owl,  owing  to  the  plague  of  field  voles  ? 
The  owl  is  a  winter  immigrant,  usually  leaving  in  spring.  ‘  Nests  in 
ordinary  seasons  are  of  rare  occurrence  in  Great  Britain,  but  owing  to 
the  vast  increase  of  their  favourite  food — the  field  vole — these  owls 
have  not  only  arrived  in  increased  numbers,  but  have  remained  and 
bred  in  Scotland  all  over  the  affected  districts,  laying  from  eight  to 
thirteen  eggs,  and  rearing  large  broods,’  instead  of  the  few  eggs  these 
owls  have  hitherto  been  accredited  with  laying.  I  am  a  fruit  grower. 
Much  damage  has  this  year  been  done  to  the  fruit ;  not,  however,  by 
the  wasp  tribe,  but  by  hungry  birds,  the  fruit  having  even  been  attacked 
in  an  unripe  state.  According  to  my  experience  wasps  do  not  become 
household  pests  till  the  falling  off  of  insect  prey  towards  autumn.” 


-  Spirits  from  Mulberries. — The  production  of  spirits  from 

Mulberries,  Pears,  Cherries,  and  other  fruits  depends  upon  the  yearly 
result  of  the  vintage,  as  the  producers  seek  to  repair  the  eventual  loss 
in  wine  and  wine-spirits  by  substituting  the  above-named  fruits.  The 
production  from  fruits  grown  in  the  Caucasus  during  the  last  five  years 
averaged  about  65,000  vedros  (211,185,000  gallons)  of  Mulberry  spirits 
free  from  water.  The  other  fruits  are  used  for  this  purpose  only  in 
inconsiderable  quantities. 

- Fruit  Culture  in  New  Zealand. — The  latest  papers  from 

Auckland,  New  Zealand,  describe  the  cultivation  of  the  Orange  on  the 
peninsula  to  the  north  of  that  town  as  taking  a  marked  development, 
and  superseding  the  cultivation  of  the  Apple  and  stone  fruits.  It 
is  not  generally  known  in  England  that  this  northern  portion  of  New 
Zealand,  whilst  being  asi  green  and  well  watered  as  Devonshire,  can 
grow  all  the  fruits  of  Sicily  and  Devonshire  combined.  The  Lemon, 
the  Seville  Orange,  the  Loquat,  together  with  Peaches,  Nectarines, 
Apricots,  and  Apples,  flourish  exceedingly  in  every  garden  about 
Auckland  ;  but  the  Sweet  Orange  requires  the  rather  higher  tempera¬ 
ture  some  seventy  miles  to  the  north  to  bring  it  to  perfection.  Slowly 
the  people  are  becoming  aware  of  the  unbounded  possibilities  of  fruit 
growing  awaiting  them  in  the  future,  and  it  merely  requires  accessi¬ 
bility  to  a  large  market  to  convert  this  part  of  New  Zealand  into  a 
paradise  for  small  fruit  farmers. 

-  Begonias  at  Henbury  Hill.— Mr.  W.  Strugnell  writes : — 

For  some  years  past  the  gardens  at  Henbury  Hill  have  acquired  a  local 
fame  in  respect  to  Tuberous  Begonias,  which  are  well  and  extensively 
grown  both  indoors  and  in  the  open  air.  I  made  a  call  recently,  and  I 
was  agreeably  surprised  to  find  such  a  wealth  of  bloom  and  variety  after 
such  a  prolonged  period  of  drought.  Two  large  semi-circular  beds  are 
filled  with  Begonias  and  subtropical  plants,  having  a  background  of  tall 
evergreen  shrubs.  This  shows  up  the  Begonias  in  splendid  contrast  to 
the  sombre  tints  of  the  evergreens,  and  being  in  direct  view  of  the  house 
must  give  an  immense  amount  of  satisfaction  to  their  owner,  A.  E. 
George,  Esq.,  during  the  summer.  The  site  now  occupied  with  the 
Begonias  was  once  a  portion  of  the  line  of  shrubs  extended  forward  by 
Mr.  Smith  to  suit  the  object  under  notice,  and  being  well  trenched  and 
manured  each  year,  the  plants  grow  with  unusual  vigour.  The  green¬ 
house  and  subtropical  plants  used  include  Ricinus  Gibsoni,  R.  communis, 
Grevillea  robusta,  tall  Acacias,  Wigandias,  Fuchsias,  Brugmansias,  and 
Gannas  in  variety.  These  grow  well,  and  are  interesting  almost  to  the 
same  extent  as  the  Begonias.  Mr.  Smith  devises  a  fresh  plan  for  each 
year,  but  as  this  has  been  carried  on  several  years  the  difficulty  now  is 
to  find  something  original.  Begonias  embrace  many  colours  and  inter¬ 
mediary  shades,  and  a  course  of  crossing  and  intercrossing  produces  a 
strain  of  marked  excellence  both  in  habit  of  plant,  size,  and  shape  of 
blooms.  Some  of  the  flowers  are  massive  and  erect,  others  drooping  and 
of  medium  size,  but  all  are  good.  None  but  singles  are  grown,  double 
flowers  finding  no  favour  at  Henbury  Hill.  The  plants  are  raised  from 
home-saved  seeds  each  year. 

-  Sending  Fruit  to  Covent  Garden  180  Years  Ago.— 

A  correspondent  sends  us  the  following  extract  from  the  “  Spectator  ”  of 
1712.  The  writer  appears  to  have  been  taking  a  holiday  in  August.  He 
gays  : — “  I  lay  one  night  last  week  at  Richmond,  and  being  restless,  not 
out  of  dissatisfaction,  but  a  certain  busy  inclination  one  sometimes  has, 
I  rose  at  four  in  the  morning,  and  took  boat  for  London,  with  a 
resolution  to  rove  by  boat  and  coach  for  the  next  four-and-twenty 
hours.  When  we  first  put  off  from  shore  we  soon  fell  in  with  a 
fleet  of  gardeners  bound  for  the  several  market  ports  of  London  ;  and 
it  was  the  most  pleasing  scene  imaginable  to  see  the  cheerfulness  with 
which  those  industrious  people  ply’d  their  way  to  a  certain  sale  of 
their  goods.  The  banks  on  each  side  are  as  well  peopled,  and  beauti¬ 
fied  with  as  agreeable  plantations  as  any  spot  on  the  earth  ;  but  the 
Thames  itself,  loaded  with  the  product  of  each  shore,  added  very  much 
to  the  landskip.  It  was  very  easy  to  observe  by  their  sailing,  and  the 
countenances  of  the  ruddy  virgins,  who  were  supercargoes,  the  parts 
of  the  town  to  which  they  were  bound.  There  was  an  air  in  the 
purveyors  for  Covent  Garden,  who  frequently  converse  with  morning 
rakes,  very  unlike  the  seemly  sobriety  of  those  bound  for  Stocks’ 
market.  Nothing  remarkable  happened  in  our  voyage  ;  but  I  landed 
with  ten-sail  of  Apricoc  boats  at  Strand  Bridge,  after  having  put  in 
at  Nine  Elms,  and  taken  in  Melons,  consigned  by  Mr.  Cuffe  of  that 
place,  to  Sarah  Sewell  &  Company,  at  their  stall  in  Covent  Garden. 
We  arrived  at  Strand  Bridge  at  six  of  the  clock,  and  were  unloading 
when  the  hackney  coachmen  of  the  foregoing  night  took  their  leave 
of  each  other  at  the  Dark  House  to  go  to  bed  before  the  day  was  too 


268 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1893. 


far  spent.  Chimney-sweepers  passed  by  us  as  we  made  up  to  the 
market,  and  some  rallery  happened  between  one  of  the  fruit-wenches 
and  those  black  men  about  the  devil  and  Eve,  with  allusion  to  their 
several  professions.  I  could  not  believe  any  place  more  entertaining 
than  Covent  Garden,  where  I  strolled  from  one  fruit  shop  to  another, 
with  crowds  of  agreeable  young  women  around  me,  who  were  pur¬ 
chasing  fruit  for  their  respective  families.  It  was  almost  eight  of  the 
clock  before  I  could  leave  that  variety  of  objects.”  [We  think  it  would 
be  difficult  to  find  Apricots  grown  on  the  banks  of  the  Thames  equal 
to  filling  “  ten-sail  of  boats  ”  in  these  modern  days.] 


A  VINE  PROBLEM. 

Having  an  interesting  if  not  an  important  problem  in  reference  to 
variation  in  Grapes  to  solve,  I  should  very  much  like  to  have  the  benefit 
of  the  experience  and  observations  of  readers  of  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture, 

1,  Is  there  such  a  thing  as  a  Vine  with  foliage  and  wood  that  cannot 
in  any  point  or  degree  be  considered  to  differ  from  some  other  Vine,  but 
that  at  the  same  time  continues  to  bear  Grapes  that  are  quite  distinct 
from  that  other  Vine? 

2,  Are  any  instances  known  where  a  seedling  Vine,  the  produce  of  a 
cross  between  two  of  the  most  distinct  Vines,  differs  in  no  degree 
whatever  from  one  of  its  parents  in  either  wood  or  foliage,  but  that 
bears  Grapes  quite  distinct  from  that  borne  by  the  parent  with  the 
leaves  and  wood  of  which  the  seedling  is  identical,  and  that  at  the  same 
time  has  no  likeness  whatever  either  in  colour  or  fiavour  of  fruit,  or  in 
wood  or  foliage  to  the  other  parent,  the  parent  being  one  of  the  most 
striking  and  distinct  Vines  known  ? 

3,  Do  any  readers  know  of  any  sport  from  a  Vine  that  has  borne 
and  continued  to  bear  Grapes  distinct  from  the  original  stock,  and  that 
on  being  propagated  in  the  usual  way  has  perpetuated  the  distinction  ? 
— An  Experimentalist. 

[We  shall  be  obliged  by  replies  to  the  questions  propounded  by  our 
correspondent.] 


NEWNHAM  PADDOX. 


Newnham  Paddox,  the  seat  of  the  Earl  of  Denbigh,  is  very 
pleasantly  situated  on  the  south-eastern  borders  of  Warwickshire,  about 
three  miles  distant  from  Brinklow  Station  on  the  L.  and  N.W.  Eailway. 
After  leaving  the  station  the  road  passes  through  the  small  village  of 
Stretton-under-Fosse,  with  its  quaint-looking  thatched  cottages  and 
wayside  gardens,  where  many  old  fashioned  hardy  herbaceous  plants 
may  be  seen  growing  luxuriantly,  and  evidently  quite  at  home  amid 
their  rustic  surroundings.  Continuing  our  journey  we  shortly  reach  the 
small  hamlet  ot  Street  Ashton,  from  whence  may  be  seen  the  picturesque 
village  of  Monks  Kirkby,  with  its  grand  old  church  tower  looming  up 
far  above  the  housetops,  presenting  an  excellent  picture  for  the  artist’s 
pencil  or  the  photographer’s  camera.  At  the  extreme  end  of  the  village 
we  find  the  entrance  gate  to  Newnham  Paddox.  The  mansion,  which  is 
approached  by  a  carriage  drive  nearly  a  mile  in  length,  winding  through 
a  finely  timbered  park,  a  splendid  avenue  of  English  Elms,  which  have 
withstood  the  storms  and  gales  of  time  immemorial,  being  especially 
noticeable.  As  we  approach  the  mansion  our  attention  is  directed  to 
some  massive  wrought  iron  gates,  separating  the  park  from  the  pleasure 
grounds.  These  gates,  which  were  brought  from  his  Lordship’s  estate 
in  Shropshire,  are  beautifully  designed,  carrying  numerous  monograms 
They  are  24  yards  in  width,  and  from  15  to  20  feet  in  height.  Inside 
these  gates  is  a  short  drive,  about  100  yards  in  length,  leading  to  the 
front  entrance  door,  upon  each  side  of  which,  and  planted  sufficiently 
far  enough  back  to  allow  them  to  develop  into  full  beauty,  are  some 
splendid  specimens  of  Araucaria  imbricata,  from  20  to  30  feet  in  height 
and  branched  to  their  base.  The  gardens  are  situated  about  200  or 
300  yards  from  the  mansion,  and  are  admirably  managed  bv  Mr 
Harman,  &  u  • 


Commencing  at  the  glass  houses  the  first  range  entered  consisted  of 
tnrGG  iGar-to  vineries,  and  a  similar  house  in  which  fruit  trees  are  erown 
in  pots.  The  whole  of  the  Vines  were  planted  by  Mr.  Harman  about 
five  years  ago,  and  the  grand  crop  of  fruit  and  strong  healthy  foliage 
showed  that  he  thoroughly  understands  his  business.  The  Black 
Hamburghs  were  carrying  a  magnificent  crop  of  fruit.  Each  cane  about 
15  feet  long  bearing  fifteen  bunches,  averaging  2^  to  3  lbs.  each. 
Several  leaves  which  I  measured  were  15  inches  across  and  11  inch 
round  at  the  base  of  the  leafstalk.  A  large  Fig  tree  on  the  back  wall 
was  ripening  a  capital  second  crop,  the  variety  being  Brown  Turkey 
The  second  house  contains  Black  Hamburgh  and  Foster’s  Seedling,  the 
crop  being  similar  in  appearance  to  that  described.  A  large  Vine  of 
Fosters  Seedling,  covering  the  whole  of  the  back  wall,  was  laden  with 
grand  bunches,  the  berries  being  large,  and  well  finished.  The  third 
f of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  presents  a  sight  not 
easily  to  be  forgotten.  Several  of  the  bunches  are  20  inches  in  length, 
and  exceedingly  well  shouldered,  many  of  them  would,  I  venturf  to 
assert,  turn  the  balance  at  G  or  7  lbs.  A  shanked  berry  has  never  been 
.e-n  in  the  whole  house.  The  magnificent  bunches  which  secured  the 


first  prize  at  the  Westminster  Aquarium  and  at  Birmingham  last  year 
were  grown  in  this  house.  West’s  St.  Peter’s  on  the  back  wall  was  also 
doing  well.  Mr,  Harman  is  a  strong  advocate  for  plenty  of  light  in 
vineries.  The  laterals  are  allowed  to  extend  till  the  trellis  is  covered ^ 
some  of  them  being  six  or  seven  leaves  beyond  the  bunch  ;  in  fact,  they 
look  more  like  young  canes  than  laterals.  The  sub-laterals  are  pinched 
back  to  one  leaf,  for  the  purpose  of  throwing  as  much  energy  as  possible 
into  the  main  leader,  as  he  avers  there  is  more  support  in  one  primary 
leaf  than  there  is  in  a  dozen  sub-laterals. 

The  trees  in  pots  were  exceptionally  good,  the  varieties  being — PlumSr 
Coe’s  Golden  Drop,  Jefferson’s,  and  Denniston  Superb ;  Peaches^ 
Alexander,  Gros  Mignonne,  and  Crimson  Galande  ;  Nectarines,  Elruge 
and  Lord  Napier ;  Cherries,  May  Duke,  Mammoth,  and  Bigarreau 
Napoleon,  The  Cherries  were  over  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  and  the 
trees  placed  out  of  doors  to  mature  their  growth  for  another  season. 
Alexander  Peach,  which  is  looked  upon  by  many  gardeners  as  being 
subjected  to  bud-dropping,  gives  but  little  trouble  in  that  respect  hercr 
both  the  trees  in  pots  and  on  the  back  wall  being  well  cropped. 
Tomatoes  are  largely  in  demand.  Sutton’s  Earliest  of  All  was  carrying 
an  extraordinary  crop,  in  fact  the  plants  had  to  be  very  carefully  tied 
to  prevent  them  breaking  down.  The  fruit  was  excellent  in  shape  and 
flavour,  and  of  a  beautiful  red  colour. 

In  another  house  a  number  of  Veitch’s  erect  flowered  Gloxinias  were 
in  full  flower,  making  a  grand  show,  a  superb  flower  of  pure  white 
being  especially  noticeable.  Sobralia  macrantba  and  Oncidium. 
flexuosum  were  in  bloom.  Cattleyas,  Vandas,  AeTides,  Cypripediums, 
and  Lselias  were  well  represented.  Coelogynes  and  Calanthes  are  throw¬ 
ing  up  strong  pseudo-bulbs,  bespeaking  a  good  supply  of  bloom  later  on. 
Cut  flowers  and  plants  for  decoration  are  in  great  demand,  but  to  judge 
from  the  excellent  young  plants  of  Crotons,  Dracaenas,  Pandanus,. 
Dieffenbachias,  and  various  others  the  supply  is  ample.  Mr.  Harman 
is  no  novice  in  this  branch  of  his  business.  Ananassa  sativa  variegata 
beautifully  coloured  is  a  most  useful  plant  for  decorative  purposes. 
Eucharises  in  the  pits  were  in  splendid  condition,  the  plants  being  large 
and  full  of  vigour,  as  were  also  Gardenias  growing  in  8-incb  pots.  The 
plant  stove  with  its  Ficus-clad  walls  contains  many  good  specimens, 
including  Dipladenia  amabilis,  Clerodendron  Balfourianum,  and  Anthu- 
rium  crystallinum,  with  its  large  and  shapely  leaves  of  a  velvety  green 
colour  lined  with  crystal  white  veins.  Gioriosa  superba  trained  along 
the  roof,  and  flowering  profusely,  presented  a  striking  appearance.  A 
huge  plant  of  Miantum  concinnum,  by  far  the  largest  I  have  seen,  is 
also  deserving  of  notice.  After  passing  through  a  beautiful  grotto 
planted  with  various  Ferns  and  Lycopodiums,  we  come  to  the  conserva¬ 
tory,  the  centre  bed  planted  with  Camellias  and  Daturas.  An  immense 
plant  of  Habrothamnus  elegans  trained  to  one  of  the  pillars  is  evidently 
quite  at  home,  being  laden  with  flowers.  Luculia  gratissima  planted 
out  and  trained  up  the  back  wall  was  growing  vigorously,  and  bids  fair 
to  supply  a  good  display  of  flowers  later  on.  Zonal  Pelargoniums 
arranged  along  the  front  stage  were  magnificent ;  the  plants  were 
supplied  by  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Son,  and  include  some  of  the  leading 
varieties  of  the  day. 

The  large  kitchen  garden  is  enclosed  by  a  high  brick  wall,  planted 
on  both  sides  with  fruit  trees.  Across  the  centre  of  tbe  garden  and  at 
right  angles  with  each  other  run  two  wide  gravel  walks,  flanked  on  each 
side  by  herbaceous  borders.  The  walks  around  the  garden  are  bordered 
with  bush-trained  fruit  trees,  which  are  probably  as  old  as  the  garden 
itself.  Some  of  these  are  taken  out  every  year  and  replaced  by  young 
ones.  The  trees  forming  a  line  of  espalier  Apples  planted  last  season 
were  making  capital  progress.  One  quarter  of  the  garden  is  devoted  to 
bush  fruit,  and  contains  healthy  young  trees  about  three  years  old,  and 
they  were  laden  with  fruit  of  splendid  quality.  Although  so  much  has 
been  done  in  the  way  of  renovating  the  fruit  plantations  much  more 
has  yet  to  be  accomplished.  Crops  of  vegetables  of  every  description 
were  in  excellent  condition,  but  special  mention  ought  to  be  made  of  a 
grand  bed  of  spring  sown  Onions.  The  varieties  principally  grown  are 
Bedfordshire  Champion,  Brown  Globe,  and  James’s  Keeping.  Border 
Carnations,  of  which  a  large  number  are  grown,  were  showing  well  for 
bloom,  and  from  700  to  800  Gladioli  will  be  most  useful  later  on.  As 
a  successful  exhibitor  of  Chrysanthemums,  Mr.  Harman  needs  very 
little  introduction,  and  judging  from  the  fin'?  condition  of  tbe  plants  he 
bids  fair  to  prove  a  very  dangerous  opponent  at  the  forthcoming 
tournaments. 

Cedars  are  well  represented  in  the  extensive  and  well-kept  pleasure 
grounds.  Stretching  away  to  the  east  are  two  large  ornamental  sheets 
of  water,  surrounded  by  shrubberies  and  woodland  walks.  The  flower 
garden  is  situated  on  the  south-east  side  of  the  house.  The  beds,  which 
are  geometrically  arranged,  were  filled  with  all  sorts  of  summer  flower¬ 
ing  plants.  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Tuberous  Begonias,  Stocks,  and  Asters 
are  largely  grown,  and  several  beds  edged  with  Sedum  acre  aureum 
were  extremely  effective.  On  the  well  kept  lawn  sturdy  Yews  feather 
the  ground,  stately  Oaks  of  noble  dimensions,  splendid  Acacias  of  great 
age,  and  many  other  trees  and  shrubs  attract  attention  on  our  way  to 
the  rosery.  This  is  circular  in  shape,  and  surrounded  by  high  shrub¬ 
beries.  The  beds  were  made  and  planted  by  Mr.  Harman  two  or  three 
years  ago,  and  the  display  produced  must  indeed  be  gratifying  to  him, 
and  a  reward  for  his  labour.  Mrs.  William  Watson,  Pierre  Netting, 
Ulrich  Brunner,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Baroness  Rothschild,  Miss  Jennie 
Dickson,  Mr.  A.  Williams,  and  white  La  France  were  particularlv  effective. 

I  cannot  close  these  remarks  without  thanking  Mr.  Harman  for  the 
hearty  welcome  accorded  me,  and  for  the  ready  manner  in  which  he 
supplied  me  with  any  information  I  required  about  the  estate  — 
G.  Parrant,  Rvghy. 


September  21,  1893.  1 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


269 


Catasettjm  Bungerothi. 


This,  one  of  the  latest  intro¬ 
ductions  amongst  the  Catasetums, 
is  probably  one  of  the  most  showy 
Orchids  at  present  cultivated,  by 
reason  of  its  solid  and  massive 
spikes  of  almost  waxy  whiteness 
which  last  in  good  condition  for 
some  weeks.  A  fine  healthy  plant 
of  the  above  species,  carrying  three 
grand  spikes,  has  been  in  bloom 
at  Cleveley,  Allerton,  and  as  it  is 
one  very  seldom  seen,  a  note  as 
to  the  excellent  system  of  culture 
pursued  by  Mr.  Cromwell  may  be 
interesting  to  some  readers.  The 
plants  are  grown  in  baskets  sus¬ 
pended  from  the  roof  of  the  stove, 
the  compost  used  being  good  peat 
with  the  finer  particles  taken  out. 
When  the  plants  are  in  active 
growth  a  plentiful  supply  of  water 
is  given,  occasionally  applying  very 
weak  liquid  manure.  When  the 
pseudo  -  bulbs  are  matured  only 
sufficient  water  to  keep  them  from 
shrivelling  is  applied.  During  the 
winter  the  plants  are  kept  in  a 
temperature  of  60°.  If  the  pseudo¬ 
bulbs  are  strong  they  fiower  very 
freely. — R.  P.  R. 


The  Blue  Disas. 

Having  seen  in  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture  for  this  week  that 
“  Specialist,”  on  page  237,  describes 
the  blue  Disa  as  being  of  a  bluish 
purple  hue,  “  by  no  means  the 
brilliant  blue  some  might  be  led  to  expect  from  glowing  descrip¬ 
tions  given  in  past  times  of  the  blue  Disas  at  the  Cape,”  I 
would  like  to  say  that  two  years  ago  I  was  out  in  South  Africa 
during  the  month  of  March,  and  was  then  given  a  bunch  of 
Disas  from  Table  Mountain,  amongst  them  several  blue  Disas, 
the  flowers  of  which  were  certainly  not  large,  but  there  was  no 
doubt  as  to  their  hue  ;  they  were  unquestionably  of  a  true  bright 
blue.  I  have  never  seen  the  plant  in  flower  in  England,  but  I 
presume  Disa  lacera  is  the  same  as  the  blue  Disa  I  saw  at  the 
Cape. — A  Plant  Pilgrim. 


INSECTS  OF  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

[Continued  from  page  190.') 

The  snouted  mites  form  a  small  and  singular  family,  one 
member  of  which  Curtis  regards  as  useful  to  the  farmer  and 
gardener.  In  this  little  group  we  have  both  land  and  water  species  ; 
some  have  no  eyes,  and  others  have  them  of  variable  number,  from 


FIG.  38. — CYPRIPEDIUM  CENO-SUPERBIENS. 

of  comparatively  small  consequence,  but  in  warmer  countries  they 
are  larger,  their  puncture  is  more  virulent,  and  they  multiply  speedily  } 
the  rostrum  or  sucker  is  barbed,  so  that  it  cannot  be  retracted  when 
it  is  once  driven  into  the  flesh.  In  habit  most  species  resemble  the 
harvest  bugs  or  mites,  that  is,  they  commence  life  as  feeders  upon 
vegetable  substances,  and  afterwards  transfer  themselves  to  warm¬ 
blooded  animals  or  to  man.  Our  native  species  are  eyeless,  but  this 
does  not  prevent  them  discovering  us  and  gratifying  their  thirst  for 
blood  at  our  expense.  Ixodes  marginatus  is  not  uncommon  in  South 
England  about  flower  gardens,  attaching  itself  to  the  grass  of  lawns 
and  to  low  plants  along  borders.  Like  its  brethren,  being  of  a  greenish 
or  greenish  brown  colour  it  is  not  often  noticed.  Many  persons  have 
been  annoyed  by  this  or  some  kindred  species  during  the  summer  of 
this  year,  probably  owing  to  the  dryness  of  the  season,  and  have 
perhaps  attributed  the  irritation  to  some  other  cause.  The  presence 
of  ticks  in  the  flower  garden  may  seem  singular ;  I  imagine  they  are 
sometimes  introduced  there  by  dogs.  I  hese  quadrupeds  frequently 
swarm  with  ticks,  and  they  are  allowed  by  some  persons  to  range 


two  to  six.  Apparently  the  head  is  lacking;  it  takes  the  form  of  a 
snout  attached  to  the  thorax,  but  it  is  armed  with  long  narrow 
mandibles,  also  there  is  a  sucker  which  is  enclosed  in  a  sheath. 
Our  garden  species  is  called  Scirus  insectorum  ;  it  is  brownish,  has 
a  bristly  body  and  legs,  being  thereby  no  doubt  able  to  cling  firmly 
to  those  insects  upon  which  it  is  parasitic.  This  snouted  mite  is 
sometimes  found  adhering  to  the  legs  of  wandering  spiders,  but  it  is 
more  frequently  noticed  upon  the  wireworm  beetles,  the  Elaters,. 
and  it  also  infests  the  Tipulse  or  craneflies,  so  troublesome  to  us 
in  their  larval  stage.  They  occur  in  parties  upon  many  of  the 
insects  to  which  they  cling,  and  that  by  their  proceedings  they 
must  weaken  these  is  obvious  ;  hence  they  help  to  diminish  the 
number  of  our  foes. 

The  ticks,  which  form  the  family  Ixodidie,  are  in  our  cool  climate 


CYPRIPEDIUM  CENO-SUPEBIENS. 


The  Cypripedium  depicted  in  the  engraving  (fig.  38)  is  a  very 
bright  and  handsome  form.  As  mentioned  last  week  it  is  the 
result  of  a  cross  between  C.  oenanthum  and  C.  superbiens,  and 
when  exhibited  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  at  the  Drill  Hall 
on  September  12th,  the  Orchid 
Committee  of  the  Royal  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society  adjudged  an  award 
of  merit  for  it.  The  prevailing 
colour  is  a  brownish  red,  this 
suffusing  the  petals  and  lip.  The 
former  are  bold  and  spreading, 
the  latter  being  somewhat  pointed. 

As  shown  in  the  illustration  the 
dorsal  sepal  is  broad  and  impos¬ 
ing.  It  is  heavily  lined  with  choco¬ 
late  dots  and  suffused  with  rose 
margined  with  white. 


270 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1893, 


their  gardens;  in  consequence  the  mature  insects  fall  from  the  dogs 
and  deposit  their  eggs,  the  young  mites,  as  already  noted,  subsisting 
upon  sap  at  first  till  they  are  strong  enough  to  fasten  on  animals.  Jt 
is  curious  that  next  to  dogs  the  animals  most  infested  by  them  are 
bats  and  snakes.  On  the  Continent  people  much  plagued  by  ticks 
have  found  advantage  in  applying  to  the  skin  strong  tobacco  water. 

The  beetle  mites  of  the  genus  Oribates  are  little  known  in 
Britain,  having  rather  escaped  observation  so  far,  though  they  may 
be  almost  as  numerous  with  us  as  they  are  in  France.  Individuals 
have  occasionally  been  observed  amongst  Orchids,  or  shaken  from 
the  moss  and  sphagnum  used  in  the  cultivation  of  some  kinds,  and 
companies  have  been  found  under  the  bark  of  fruit  trees,  or  hiding 
amongst  lichens.  Boisduval  considers  these  mites  are  friends  to 
horticulture,  since  he  has  had  proof  that  they  devour  the  eggs  of 
thrips  and  other  insects  detrimental  to  choice  plants.  Their  name 
was  suggested  by  their  beetle-like  aspect  under  a  glass,  the  body 
being  rounded,  black,  and  shining,  with  curious  hairs  or  tubercles ; 
the  legs  have  double  claws,  yet  their  movements  are  slow.  Also  the 
beetle  mites  have  no  eyes,  nor  a  sucker,  but  feed  by  means  of 
mandibles.  One  naturalist  says  these  mites  should  be  “  encouraged  ” 
if  we  knew  how. 

Rather  a  familiar  object  to  us  in  country  gardens  these  autumn 
days  is  the  beetle  Geotrupes  stercorarius,  possessor  of  several  English 
names,  such  as  the  dor,  the  dumble-dor,  and  the  watchman.  We 
notice  it  dragging  itself  laboriously  along  the  paths  during  daylight, 
and  after  dusk  it  careers  clumsily  about,  having  a  habit  of  knocking 
against  our  persons,  thereby  bringing  itself  to  grief.  We  see  the  point 
of  one  of  its  names  when  we  take  one  of  these  useful  beetles  up 
and  find  that  it  is  weighted  with  a  load  of  mites,  which  hold  on 
tightly  to  the  body  and  thighs.  The  humble  bees  that  we  see  visit¬ 
ing  the  later  flowers  of  the  season  may  be  observed  bearing  about 
as  they  fly  undesirable  companions  of  the  same  kind,  and  though 
they  seem  indifferent  such  parasites  cannot  tend  to  the  benefit  of  the 
insects  thus  infested.  A  young  lady  of  my  acquaintance  sometimes 
occupies  herself  in  freeing  this  “shard-borne  beetle”  from  its  encum¬ 
brances  if  she  comes  upon  a  specimen.  It  is  observable  that  the 
mites  seldom  live  long  when  removed,  appearing  to  be  unable  to 
re-attach  themselves  to  another  victim.  These  mites  are  Gamasids, 
some  of  them  having  the  skin  horny  all  over ;  in  others  it  is  soft  and 
pliant.  In  colour  they  are  yellowish  or  brown.  They  have  man¬ 
dibles  with  nippers,  and  a  sort  of  sucker  peculiar  to  themselves  ;  also 
they  are  eyeless.  On  the  supposition  that  in  their  early  stage  of 
life  they  feed  upon  manure  or  amongst  damp  earth,  we  may  under¬ 
stand  how,  when  they  change  their  food,  they  can  soon  transfer 
themselves  to  beetles  and  humble  bees.  Gamasus  marginatus  is  the 
commonest  of  the  group,  being  about  as  large  as  the  head  of  a  good- 
sized  pin.  A  smaller  Gamasid  occurs  upon  some  garden  beetles, 
crowded  together  on  the  under  side  of  the  insect.  The  mites  look 
like  a  number  of  tiny  shining  scales  or  cocci.  Occasionally  they  are 
piled  upon  each  other,  and  if  an  attempt  is  made  to  remove  them  it 
is  discovered  that  every  mite  is  secured  by  a  small  tough  thread. 
Some  species  of  this  family  occur  upon  the  shores  of  the  ocean,  and 
a  too  well-known  very  prolific  species  is  the  so-called  tick  that 
annoys  canaries  and  ether  small  birds,  also  domestic  poultry.  This 
is  Dermanyssus  avium,  and  it  seems  to  be  a  bloodsucker  throughout 
its  history.  It  has  been  found  in  colonies  of  all  ages  upon  birds, 
and  under  some  circumstances  may  doubtless  infest  human  beings. 

The  H3  popidae  are  also  parasitic  upon  other  insects,  specially  on 
many  flies  that  are  common  in  gardens  ;  but  some  attack  beetles 
and  bees.  They  possess  a  sucker,  though  jaws  seem  to  be  wanting. 
The  front  pair  of  legs  are  elongated,  and  the  body  is  smooth  and 
velvety.  They  are  supposed  to  undergo  some  very  singular  trans¬ 
formations  ;  but  these  are  imperfectly  known,  owing  to  the  minute 
size  of  the  mites.  De  Geir  was  the  first  naturalist  who  noticed 
them.  They  were  detected  by  him  in  1735  occurring  upon  house 
flies  and  allied  species  in  such  numbers  that  the  thorax  and  abdomen 
of  the  insects  appeared  to  have  a  sort  of  coating.  When  removed 
the  mites  could  run  rapidly.  Those  that  live  upon  beetles  some¬ 
times  conceal  themselves  in  a  cluster  under  the  wing  cases  ;  and  we 
must  conclude  that  with  these,  and  still  more  with  flies,  the  attacks 
of  such  mites  tend  to  check  their  increase,  and  as  parasites  they 
have  their  utility.  Some  of  the  French  scientists  think  that  the 
Hypopidse  may  be  frequently  feeders  upon  vegetable  matters  when 
young,  since  in  1873  and  1874  the  Mushroom  crops  about  Paris 
sustained  damage  from  a  mite  which  was  presumed  to  be  one  of 
these  species  in  an  early  stage. — Entomologist. 


PLAIN  WORDS  ON  PRUNING  FRUIT  TREES. 

Of  all  the  various  branches  in  the  art  of  gardening  there  is  not  one 
which  requires  more  skill  and  experience  than  the  care  of  fruit  trees. 
To  the  world  in  general  this  may  appear  to  be  one  of  the  easiest  of  a 
gardener  s  duties,  to  the  true  gardener  it  is  a  pleasant  mental  and 


manipulative  occupation.  Few  amateurs  understand  the  subject  of 
pruning,  and  being  afraid  of  making  mistakes  put  oil  the  work  from 
day  to  day,  until  it  is  too  late  to  act  effectively.  Yet  amateurs  should 
learn  something  of  the  art  in  question.  Every  house  should  have  a 
garden  attached  capable  of  producing  enough  fruit  for  home  con¬ 
sumption,  and  what  more  interesting  change  for  a  man  who  has  been 
engaged  in  a  close  office  or  workshop  all  day  than  to  spend  an  hour  or 
so  in  his  fruit  garden  in  the  evening?  The  trees  must  be  trainefl,  and 
useless  shoots  removed  that  would  obstruct  the  light  and  prevent  the  for¬ 
mation  of  fruit  buds.  The  amateur  who  wishes  to  learn  how  to  prune 
should  try  and  make  acquaintance  with  a  practical  gardener  who  will 
give  him  a  few  lessons.  Then  the  gardening  papers  distribute  useful 
information.  Every  person  interested  in  gardening  should  take  in  at 
least  one  of  them  weekly,  and  he  will  find  in  a  few  years  that  he  has 
made  a  good  investment. 

As  there  are  different  kinds  of  trees  so  there  are  different  kinds  of 
pruning — for  instance,  summer  pruning,  winter  pruning,  and  root- 
pruning,  and  I  should  like  to  write  a  few  plain  words  about  them. 

Summer  Pruning. 

This  chiefly  consists  in  pinching  back  side  shoots  to  induce  them  to 
form  fruit  spurs  and  prevent  overcrowding.  It  is  very  important  to 
keep  the  head  of  the  tree  open  to  admit  sun  for  ripening  and  colouring 
the  fruit  and  maturing  the  wood.  A  young  bush  tree  may  have  half  a 
dozen  branches,  and  if  fruit  spurs  are  formed  on  these  there  will  be  very 
little  to  cut  away  ;  but  the  natural  inclination  of  young  trees  is  to 
make  wood. 

The  pruner  must  exercise  judgment  in  determining  the  shoots  to  cut 
away  and  those  he  must  leave.  He  must  keep  well  in  his  mind’s  eye 
the  future  formation  of  his  tree,  and  not  stop  the  growth  of  the  leading 
shoots  required  for  extension.  If  a  tree  were  allowed  to  grow  in  its 
natural  manner  it  would  be  many  years  before  it  would  bear  fruit.  A 
tree  first  devotes  its  energies  to  making  wood,  and  not  until  the  branches 
are  well  developed  and  vigour  subdued  does  it  produce  heavy  crops 
of  fruit ;  but  as  good  land  is  often  scarce  and  dear,  and  life  short. 
Art  must  step  in  and  assist  Nature  to  induce  early  fructification. 

Peach  Trees  in  Summer.  —  These  call  for  more  than  ordinary 
attention.  All  useless  wood  must  be  cut  away,  and  the  shoots  for  the 
next  year’s  crop  neatly  laid  in,  as  the  Peach  bears  its  fruit  on  the  young 
wood.  Snoots  that  start  from  the  old  wood  should  be  encouraged  to 
keep  the  tree  well  clothed  with  foliage  ;  there  are  no  bare  branches  on  a 
Peach  tree  that  has  been  well  looked  after.  The  shoots  for  bearing  next 
season  must  be  selected  as  near  the  base  of  the  fruiting  branch  as 
possible.  Do  not  bruise  or  in  any  way  damage  the  tree,  for  gumming 
would  certainly  occur  in  the  bruised  part,  and  eventually  the  branch 
would  die,  spoiling  the  shape  of  the  tree. 

Fig  Trees. — The  summer  pruning  of  the  Fig  consists  in  thinning  out 
the  young  shoots  similar  to  that  recommended  for  the  Peach,  In  the 
Fig  tree  the  embryo  fruit  is  formed  near  the  apex  of  the  shoot  late  in  the 
summer,  therefore  it  must  not  be  shortened  in  winter.  The  best  plan  to 
adopt  is  to  lay  in  two  shoots,  one  for  bearing  and  the  other  to  be  cut 
back,  as  will  be  explained  in  winter  pruning.  The  fruit  formed  in 
summer  that  obtains  any  size  larger  than  a  pea  would,  if  left,  drop  off 
in  the  following  spring.  If  the  fruit  can  be  seen  in  August  it  will  not 
become  perfect  in  the  following  season.  The  best  plan  to  adopt  is  to 
rub  off  all  small  Figs  that  can  be  seen  in  the  month  named.  Old  trees 
do  not  make  much  wood,  and  in  favourable  situations  produce  good 
crops. 

Cherry  Trees. — These  require  attention  during  the  summer  in  pinch¬ 
ing  young  side  growths  to  four  good  leaves,  for  inducing  the  formation 
of  fruit  buds  to  form.  The  upper  part  of  the  tree  should  be  pruned  a 
week  before  the  remainder  to  strengthen  the  lower  branches  and  check 
the  upper  ones,  so  as  to  have  equality  in  growth  all  over  the  tree.  These 
remarks  apply  to  Sweet  Cherries.  Morellos  require  different  treatment. 
They  make  more  slender  growths,  and  generally  form  fruit  buds  the 
whole  length  of  the  shoots,  oftentimes  with  only  a  terminal  wood  bud. 
The  treatment  should  be  similar  to  that  given  to  the  Peach — namely, 
young  growths  laid  in  to  take  the  place  of  the  fruiting  shoots,  which  are 
to  be  cut  out  in  the  winter.  Standard  trees  do  not  require  much 
summer  pruning  after  the  tree  is  formed.  Plum  trees  should  be  treated 
similarly  to  early  or  dessert  Cherries. 

Rasjyherries. — Suckers  should  be  removed  in  the  summer  with  the 
exception  of  three  or  four,  from  which  the  next  year’s  crop  is  expected, 
and  these  trained  to  a  stake.  Those  tied  to  it  should  also  be  thinned 
and  evenly  disposed  for  producing  stout  canes  for  ripening. 

Bush  Fruits. — These,  whether  Gooseberries  or  Currants,  should  not 
be  allowed  to  grow  into  a  thicket  in  the  summer,  as  that  practice  prevents 
fruit,  whereas  our  object  is  to  produce  it.  This  is  accomplished  by  so 
thinning  and  shortening  the  breastwood  in  summer  that  the  sun  can 
shine  into  the  bushes.  Fruit  generally  follows  the  sun,  barrenness  the 
shade  caused  by  crowding. 

Strawberries. — The  pruning  (if  it  can  be  so  called)  of  these  consist 
in  cutting  away  all  runners  except  those  required  for  layering  to  form 
new  plantations,  and  after  the  fruit  is  gathered  all  old  and  useless 
leaves,  to  admit  light  and  air  to  proper  ripen  the  crowns. 

Apples  and  Pears. — The  summer  pruning  of  these  consists  in  pinch¬ 
ing  the  side  shoots  to  four  or  five  good  leaves,  and  subsequent  growths 
to  one  leaf.  This  leads  to  the  formation  of  fruit  buds,  but  care  must  be 
taken  to  leave  the  leading  shoots  unpinched  ;  also  the  formation  of 
young  trees  must  be  considered.  If  the  tree  was  started  with  four 
branches,  and  these  shortened  in  winter,  the  next  year  it  should  have 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


271 


eight ;  in  the  summer  following  care  must  be  taken  not  to  cut  away 
shoots  that  will  be  wanted  for  the  formation  of  the  tree.  I  will  next 
refer  to  winter  pruning, — A  Working  Gardener. 

(To  be  continued.) 


Early  Flowering  Chrysanthemums. 

The  communication  from  your  able  correspondent  “  P.”  (page  249) 
has  a  tone  of  sadness  about  it  quite  out  of  keeping  with  the  weather. 
It  appears  he  would  fain  see  better  things  than  Chrysanthemums,  but 
does  not  make  it  at  all  clear  as  to  how  that  end  is  to  be  accomplished. 
I  journeyed  to  Westminster  on  the  occasion  mentioned  by  “  P.”  under 
the  impression  we  should  see  a  very  fine  display  of  early  flowering 
Chrysanthemums,  for  there  has  been  no  rain  to  spoil  even  the  outdoor 
flowers.  On  arriving  at  the  Aquarium  I  was  disappointed  to  see  the 
whole  exhibits  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  staged  on  one 
table,  or  perhaps  a  series  of  tables  at  the  end  of  the  building.  When  I 
reflected  on  the  numerical  strength  of  the  Society,  I  felt  surely  there 
must  be  something  wrong.  Where  were  the  collections  of  groups  of 
plants  so  much  admired  in  former  years?  I  was  eventually  told  there 
was  no  class  in  the  schedule  for  groups  this  season  at  the  early  Show. 

The  competition  in  the  cut  flower  classes  was  very  meagre.  Why? 
I  was  informed  because  the  prizes  offered  were  not  enough  to  pay  the 
carriage  of  exhibits  any  distance.  Surely  these  are  not  the  lines  upon 
which  to  conduct  a  National  Society.  I  was  glad  to  see  such  a 
beautiful  collection  of  Dahlias,  otherwise  I  should  have  had  my  journey 
for  nothing.  At  the  same  time,  I  heartily  agree  with  your  correspondent, 
when  Chrysanthemums  are  staged  in  such  company  they  are  not  very 
brilliant.  Again,  where  were  the  numerous  new  varieties  we  have 
imported  during  the  last  few  years  ?  Some,  I  know,  are  acquisitions, 
having  tried  them,  but  why  they  failed  to  put  in  an  appearance  on  such 
an  auspicious  occasion  is  a  mystery  to  me. — J.  B.  R. 


SOFT  versus  hard  COLD  WATER  FOR  PLANTS. 

The  above  heading  does  not  accurately  indicate  the  point  which 
arose  in  conversation  between  Mr.  Dunn  and  myself,  and  which  1 
thought  readers  of  the  Journal  might  like  to  discuss.  The  question  was 
not  the  relative  values  of  soft  and  hard  water,  but  whether  hard  cold 
water  was  positively  injurious  to  plants  or  not.  The  comparison  referred 
to  broadens  the  discussion  somewhat,  and  others  may  like  to  give  their 
opinion  upon  it,  but  I  will  content  myself  with  meeting  Mr.  Dunn’s 
wishes,  and  endeavouring  to  prove  that  hard  cold  water  is  neither  an 
“  obnoxious  drug  ”  nor  “  slow  poison  to  vegetation  in  general.” 

First,  I  should  like  to  correct  any  mistaken  impression  which  may 
have  arisen  through  your  correspondent  referring  to  my  having  “  thought 
right  to  divulge ”  his  “secret  ideas.”  These  words  would  imply  that 
I  have  been  guilty  of  a  breach  of  confidence  in  having  made  public 
what  was  looked  upon  as  private;  but  so  far  from  this  being  the  case  it 
was  an  agreement  between  us,  clearly  understood  on  both  sides,  that 
readers  of  the  Journal  should  have  the  question  placed  before  them  for 
their  experience  and  opinion  to  decide  the  point  at  issue.  I  feel  sure 
that  the  Oakleigh  gardener  would  be  the  last  to  wish  so  unjust  an 
impression  to  be  formed  of  his  words  on  page  214  as  that  I  had 
betrayed  his  confidence. 

There  is  such  a  mass  of  material  and  such  a  flood  of  instances  at  the 
command  of  anyone  who  looks  about  him  to  prove  that  hard  cold  water 
is  the  very  reverse  of  harmful  to  plants  when  judiciously  used  that  only 
a  fraction  of  them  can  be  quoted.  The  first  I  will  refer  to  is  one 
bringing  in  the  twin  points  of  health  and  freedom  from  insects.  One 
of  the  largest  establishments  for  market  plants  and  flowers  (not  fruit 
and  vegetables)  is  in  the  South  of  London,  and  one  of  the  features  of  it 
is  a  very  large  house  filled  with  one  of  the  finest  Stephanotises  in  the 
country.  The  growths  cover  hundreds  of  feet,  and  they  are  a  picture 
of  health,  the  foliage  shining  with  the  rich  deep  hue  of  perfect  con¬ 
dition.  No  trace  of  mealy  bug  can  ever  be  found  in  this  house,  which 
yields  thousands  of  sprays,  but  no  special  preparation  is  employed  for 
cleansing  it.  The  only  insecticide  used  is  water,  syringed  on  constantly 
and  forcibly,  water  from  tanks  fed  by  pipes  connected  with  the  water 
company’s  mains.  It  is  impossible  for  the  insects  to  gain  a  footing  under 
the  drenchings  that  are  applied.  They  do  not  stop  to  ascertain  whether 
the  water  is  hard  or  soft,  they  have  no  time  for  arguing  that  point, 
although  according  to  Mr.  Dunn’s  theory  they  would  simply  indulge  in 
a  disdainful  sniff  at  tap  water,  and  then  treat  it  with  silent  contempt. 
Do  they  do  this?  No,  they  ignominiously  depart.  Evidently  they  are 
craven-hearted  creatures  not  possessing  half  the  determination  of  those 
in  the  East  Grinstead  district.  “  J.  B.  R.”  (page  239) has  spared  me  the 
trouble  of  more  market  references. 

Then  there  are  the  parks.  I  was  admiring  Battersea  Park  a  few 
days  ago.  The  bedding  is  beautiful,  the  Chrysanthemums  sturdy  and 
healthy.  But  they  do  not  get  soft  water.  They  have  been  “  poisoned  ” 


with  hard  all  through  this  rainless  season.  They  ought  to  be  dead,  but 
they  are  alive — very  much  alive.  A  more  vigorous  collection  of  plant- 
corpses  I  never  saw.  I  might  even  say  that,  magnificent  as  are  the 
flowers  and  Chrysanthemums  at  Oakleigh,  those  at  Battersea  Park  are 
equally  creditable  to  the  grower.  If  this  does  not  draw’  an  admission  of 
error  from  Mr.  Dunn  I  do  not  know  what  will.  I  feel  that  it  is  the 
most  subtle  shaft  which  I  can  hurl,  but  still  I  will  make  a  short  reference 
to  the  nurseries  in  order  to  “  pile  conviction  on  conviction’s  head.”  In 
the  trade  establishments  this  year  I  have  seen  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
plants  in  perfect  health  and  cleanliness.  How  does  your  correspondent 
imagine  that  in  a  season  like  this,  when  millions  of  gallons  have  been 
wanted  daily,  nurserymen  have  been  able  to  avoid  using  tap  water  ? 
Their  plants  have  not  succumbed  to  the  “  obnoxious  drug.”  Perhaps 
they  are  tougher  than  his. 

Lastly,  so  far  as  the  present  communication  is  concerned,  there  are 
the  thousands  of  amateurs  before  referred  to.  In  towns  they  use  tap,  in 
the  country  well  water.  Where  it  is  practicable  I  agree  that  they  would 
be  wise  to  expose  their  water  to  the  sun  and  air,  but  my  present  task  is 
to  show  that  without  that  they  achieve  success.  The  best  cultivators 
among  them  have  clean  and  healthy  plants  all  the  year  round,  and  when 
they  fail  it  is  not  because  the  water  is  hard,  but  generally  because  too 
much  or  too  little  is  given.  The  fact  of  others  succeeding  with  the  same 
kind  of  water  is  proof  of  this. 

I  have  said  all  I  have  time  for,  and  perhaps  sufficient  to  meet  the 
case.  If  not  I  will  try  again.  There  are  degrees  of  hardness  in  water 
just  as  there  are  in  temperature.  Water  drawn  from  town  cisterns  is 
neither  so  hard  nor  cold  as  that  pumped  up  from  the  bowels  of  the 
earth,  but  both  are  beneficial  if  properly  used.  In  my  view  hard  cold 
water  is  a  “  slow  poison  ”  of  about  the  same  virulence  as  tobacco  to  the 
old  smoker  who  had  puffed  at  his  pipe  for  sixty  years.  “  Slow,”  said  he. 
“  Yes — very  !  ” — W.  P.  W. 


After  reading  “  J.  B.  R.’s”  article  upon  this  subject  on  page  239 
in  your  last  issue,  I  feel  almost  tempted  to  covet  a  few  gallons  of  the 
“hard  cold  water”  that  has  produced  such  marvellous  results.  I  am 
not  in  the  least  surprised  to  learn  that  “J.  B.  R.”  has  waited 
“  anxiously  ”  for  the  opportunity  of  thoroughly  demolishing  my  “  out 
of  date”  ideas  by  such  “stubborn  facts.”  What  interpretation  are  we 
to  put  upon  this  word  stubborn?  The  true  meaning  of  stubborn  1  take 
is  unreasonably  obstinate  ;  therefore  it  strikes  me  as  rather  singular 
in  glancing  at  the  commencement  and  conclusion  of  his  article  to  find 
that  by  “  unreasonably  obstinate  facts  he  has  proved  that  I  am 
whimsical.” 

Allow  me  for  a  moment  to  look  into  these  “stubborn  facts”  The 
very  first  one  shakes  faith  and  leaves  doubts — namely,  “J.  B.  R.’s” 
assurance  that  in  entering  a  market  garden  “  where  nothing  else  but 
cold  water  was  used  he  found  the  crops  far  superior  to  anything  seen 
in  private  gardens.”  His  opportunities  for  seeing  the  work  of  some  of 
the  best  practical  men  has  evidently  been  limited,  and  he  undoubtedly 
weakens  his  case  by  his  statement,  which  is  really  a  reflection  on  many 
of  the  best  cultivators  in  the  world  ;  but  it  seems  evident  that  he  was 
not  trained  under  them,  hence,  perhaps,  his  sweeping  dogmatism. 

It  is  acknowledged  by  practical  and  scientific  authorities  that  water 
has  a  considerable  effect  in  cooling  soil,  and  also  that  cold  wet  soil  is  far 
from  being  so  fertile  as  soil  that  is  properly  drained.  Why  ?  Because 
the  drainage  of  wet  soil  results  in  a  greater  warmth,  and  consequently 
an  earlier  and  more  vigorous  growth  of  vegetation.  Does  not  this  alone 
prove  how  essential  it  is  to  keep  the  soil  of  growing  plants  reasonably 
warm  according  to  the  seasons?  Will  “  J.  B.  R.”  kindly  explain  why 
crops  and  plants  in  general  grow  so  much  more  freely  after  a  warm 
shower  than  they  do  after  a  eold  shower  ?  We  shall  then  be  a  trifle  nearer 
the  actual  point.  My  experience  is  quite  the  reverse  of  “  J.  B.  R.’s’' 
“  as  to  the  fertilising  properties  of  hard  water.”  Here  is  a  fact  which 
can  be  substantiated  by  one  who  occupies  a  high  position  in  the  garden¬ 
ing  ranks.  A  Rose  house  was  erected  about  twelve  miles  from  Loudon, 
and  water  laid  on  direct  from  the  main.  The  Roses  were  planted  in  good 
substantial  soil,  and  kept  constantly  watered  and  syringed  with  the 
“  hard  cold  water  ;  ”  result,  a  miserable  failure.  The  plants  refused  tO' 
grow,  and  mildew  was  constantly  appearing.  After  repeated  trial*  to 
improve  them,  a  tank  was  fixed  inside  the  house  exposed  to  light  and 
sunshine.  The  plants  when  watered  and  syringed  with  this  “  warm  soft 
water”  changed  in  a  few  weeks,  and  in  twelve  months  the  Roses  were 
growing  vigorously  and  producing  splendid  blooms — the  Marfichal  N  els 
quickly  paying  for  the  tank,  and  leaving  a  weighty  purse  over.  Otaer 
equally  convincing  facts  can  be  supplied  if  space  permits. 

I  have  no  wish  to  dispute  the  point  of  colour  and  appearance 
raised  respecting  Palms  grown  for  market,  but  “  hard  cold  water  ”  is 
not  the  only  stimulant  used  to  produce  luxuriant  growth,  or  why  do  so 
many  turn  a  pale,  sickly  colour  in  a  few  weeks  after  being  bought  ?  Do 
they  miss  the  “  hard  cold  water  ”  or  the  stimulants  used  to  bring  them 
to  perfection  quickly  ?  I  pass  over  the  Grape  question,  having  no  wish 
to  bring  down  the  overladen  houses  upon  my  head,  although  I  must 
confess  to  a  lurking  disposition  to  inspect  the  poorly  built  structure 
and  cast  a  critical  eye  over  the  “finish  ”  of  those  heavily  cropped  Vines 
which  my  “  slow  poison  ”  has  stimulated  to  such  an  alarming  exrent. 
Just  a  word  of  advice  to  “  J.  B.  R.”  Carefully  preserve  ail  articles 
upon  shanking  that  may  appear  for  presentation  to  the  proprietor  of  that 
large  Grape-growing  establishment. 

Lastly,  we  turn  to  Chrysanthemums  watered  with“  hard  cold  water’' 
by  hose,  and  picture  for  a  moment  the  effects  of  this  stimulant  so 
lavishly  used  in  contrast  to  those  carefully  watered  with  “  warm  soft 


272 


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[  September  21,  1893. 


water.”  Watch  those  stern  judges  as  they  wander  along  the  boxes  of 
blooms  produced  by  such  opposite  treatment,  and  I  venture  to  say 
without  fear  of  contradiction,  that  those  nurtured  with  “  warm  soft 
water”  will  be  the  first  to  command  attention. 

I  am  glad  that  “  J.  B.  R.”  finds  one  “  novel  ”  point  in  my  “  out  of 
date”  ideas.  This  is  curious,  and  I  fail  to  reconcile  the  two  statements, 
“  Novel  ”  and  “  out  of  date.”  “  Novel  ”  I  take  to  mean  of  recent  origin, 
"  out  of  date”  a  bygone,  exhausted  error.  Can  “  J.  B.  R.”  explain  these 
somewhat  contradictory  terms  1 

1  still  maintain  that  “  warm  soft  water,”  although  “  novel  ”  to  your 
correspondent,  is  one  of  the  safest  and  cheapest  insecticides  for  ridding 
Peach  and  other  trees  of  red  spider.  Allow  me  to  point  “  J.  B.  R.”  to 
the  concluding  words  of  your  able  and  practical  correspondent  Mr.  G. 
Garner  (page  241) — viz.,  “Avoid  the  use  of  cold  water.”  Is  not  this 
another  convincing  proof  that  my  ideas  are  not  based  upon  imagination 
or  odd  fancies,  but  are  purely  plain  unvarnished  truths  which  no 
stubborn  facts  ”  as  related  can  prove  “  whimsical  ?” — F.  Dunn. 


Jean  Baptiste  Guillot. 

This  distinguished  rosarian  who  has  just  now  passed  away  is  the 
third  of  those  French  raisers  whom  we  have  recently  lost,  and  was 
certainly  the  foremost  of  the  three  in  the  services  which  they  rendered 
to  horticulture.  Margottin  and  Charles  Verdier  have  left  behind  them 
but  one  or  two  Roses  that  are  likely  to  perpetuate  their  names  ;  not  so, 
however,  Guillot,  the  raiser  of  Horace  Vernet  and  La  France  amongst 
Hybrid  Perpetuals,  and  Catherine  Mermet,  Edith  Giffard,  Comtesse  de 
Nadaillac,  Ernest  Metz,  Etoile  de  Lyon  and  Madame  Hoste  varieties, 
which  will  long,  I  bslieve,  perpetuate  his  memory,  and  which  have  won 
him  the  lasting  gratitude  of  all  lovers  of  the  Rose. 

It  is  many  years  since  I  made  his  acquaintance.  His  father  was  then 
alive,  and  we  used  to  call  him  young  Guillot,  though  he  must  at  that 
time  have  been  forty  years  of  age.  He  was  an  amiable  and  much 
respected  honest  man,  and  the  high  position  of  most  of  the  Roses  he 
sent  into  commerce  is  in  itself  an  ample  testimony  to  the  correctness  of 
his  judgment.  He  was  not  actuated  merely  by  the  considerations  of 
pecuniary  gain  that  his  Roses  might  bring  to  him,  as  the  following 
incident  will  illustrate.  When  I  visited  his  garden,  after  showing  me 
his  other  treasures,  he  said,  “  I  have  here  a  Rose  which  I  think  will  be 
the  parent  of  a  new  race,”  and  he  brought  me  over  to  see  the  seedling 
plant  of  La  France.  I  was  so  taken  by  it  that  I  ventured  on  behalf  of 
a  London  nurseryman  to  offer  him  a  sum  of  money  which  would  have 
been  considered  by  many  Frenchmen  as  quite  a  fortune.  “  No,”  was  his 
reply,  “  I  will  not  part  with  it.  I  believe  it  will  perpetuate  my  memory, 
and  so  I  would  rather  it  should  go  out  as  mine.”  I  cannot  but  think 
he  was  right.  In  one  thing,  however,  so  far,  he  was  somewhat  too 
sanguine,  for  La  France  has  up  to  this  time  never  eiveu  a  pod  of  seed, 
although  I  hear  that  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Son  of  Newtownards  have  a 
seedling  from  it. 

Lyons  was  so  far  south,  and  the  journey  is  a  long  and  tedious  one,  that 
English  rosarians  did  not  come  in  contact  with  him  so  often  as  they  did 
with  his  Parisian  confreres.  Thus  while  I  frequently  visited  Margottin 
and  Verdier,  I  paid  only  one  visit  to  Guillot.  But  all  who  did  so  can 
bear  testimony  t)  the  fact  that  he  was  an  intelligent  and  pleasant 
companion  and  an  enthusiast  in  his  love  of  the  flower  for  which  he  had 
done  so  much. — D.,  Deal. 


OSIERS. 

It  has  been  represented  to  the  Board  of  Agriculture  that  it  would  be 
useful  that  they  should  obtain  and  publish  some  information  respecting 
the  cultivation  of  Osiers,  with  a  view  to  direct  the  attention  of  agricul¬ 
turists  and  others  to  a  special  industry  for  which  there  would  appear  to 
be  some  room  for  development  in  certain  parts  of  this  country.  The 
Board  have,  therefore,  collected  certain  particulars,  and  have  obtained  a 
report  by  one  of  their  Inspectors — Mr.  W.  C.  Little  of  Stags  Holt, 
March,  who  was  assisted  in  his  inquiries  by  Mr.  J.  Brown  of  Wisbech — 
as  to  the  conditions  under  which  Osier  growing  is  now  pursued  in  the 
Fen  districts,  from  which  the  following  notes  have  been  compiled. 

There  are  no  official  records  of  the  quantity  of  Osiers  imported  into 
this  country,  but  it  has  been  estimated  that  some  thousands  of  tons  are 
received  from  abroad  annually.  There  is  also  said  to  be  a  large  and 
increasing  importation  of  baskets.  The  number  of  baskets  required  for 
the  fruit  industry  alone  is  considerable,  and  it  must  increase  with  the 
extension  of  fruit  cultivation.  Formerly  the  fruit  was  generally  packed 
in  baskets  made  of  red  or  unpeeled  Osiers,  but  white  Osier  baskets  are 
almost  invariably  used  now. 

Osier  Willows  are  grown  in  nearly  every  country  in  Europe.  Their 
eultivation  has  received  special  attention  in  France,  Belgium,  Holland, 
parts  of  Germany,  and  South  Russia, 


In  France  Osiers  occupy  large  areas  in  the  valleys  of  the  Aisne,  Oise, 
Loire,  Gironde,  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Dordogne  and  Rhone.  The 
basket  Osier  (Salix  viminalis)  is  largely  grown  in  the  departments  of 
Aisne  and  Ardennes. 

The  area  under  Osiers  in  Belgium,  according  to  the  latest  official 
returns,  amounts  to  11,036  acres,  the  larger  portion  of  this  surface  is  in 
the  provinces  of  Antwerp  and  Bast  Flanders,  which  have  3780  and  2811 
acres  respectively. 

In  Bavaria  great  efforts  have  been  made  to  improve  the  cultivation 
of  Osiers,  and  the  area  devoted  to  Osier  holts  in  that  country  is  steadily 
increasing. 

Osier  Growing  in  the  Fen  Country. 

The  term  Osier  is  popularly  used  as  comprehending  all  the  trees  or 
shrubs  of  the  Salix  genus,  which  are  cultivated  as  a  crop  to  be 
converted  by  the  basket  maker  and  similar  craftsmen  into  various 
articles  which  are  known  as  wickerwork.  The  genus  Salix  includes 
Willows,  Sallows,  and  Osiers.  Most  of  the  kinds  grown  for  a  crop  in 
the  Fen  district  are,  it  is  stated,  really  Willows,  and  not  Osiers.  At  any 
rate,  while  growers  use  the  term  in  a  collective  sense  they  limit  the 
term  when  distinguishing  sorts  of  rods  to  a  coarse  growing,  softwooded 
species,  which  peels  indifferently,  and  is  only  grown  in  limited  quantities 
for  a  particular  purpose. 

Osiers  are  grown  in  enclosed  plantations,  which  are  locally  known 
as  holts.  The  produce  of  the  Osier  holt  is  known  commercially  as 
“  rods.” 

Green  rods  are  fresh  cut  and  unpeeled. 

Brown  rods  are  those  which  have  been  left  to  dry  in  their  skins. 

White  rods  are  those  which  have  had  the  bark  removed  or  peeled. 

Buff  rods  are  produced  by  boiling  brown  rods  and  then  peeling  them; 
but  the  colour  thus  produced  is  imitated  by  dyeing. 

In  the  Fen  district  the  growth  of  Osiers  is  chiefly  carried  on  in 
unembanked  river  valleys  which  are  subject  to  flooding.  A  variety  of 
circumstances  contribute  perhaps  to  this  situation  being  almost 
universally  selected.  It  is  not  merely  that  this  is  the  natural  habitat  of 
the  genus,  and  that  the  soil  is  suitable,  but  the  convenience  of  having 
close  at  hand  water  carriage  for  a  bulky  and  heavy  crop,  which  must 
be  for  the  most  part  removed  in  a  green  state,  has  ao  doubt  tended  to 
restrict  the  growth  of  Osiers  almost  entirely  to  the  borders  of  rivers.  An 
additional  reason  for  the  selection  of  such  sites  is,  that  the  periodical 
winter  floods  bring  down  from  the  uplands  a  considerable  quantity  of 
soil,  which  acts  as  a  fertiliser  and  is  obtained  at  a  comparatively  cheap 
rate.  Floods,  however,  are  occasionally  the  cause  of  considerable  injury 
to  the  holts.  An  ice  flood  cuts  the  rods  and  seriously  damages  them. 
Sheet  ice  settling  down  on  the  holt  will  entirely  destroy  a  crop,  and  a 
spring  flood,  which  entirely  covers  the  young  shoots,  will  kill  them  ;  but 
freshets,  which  disappear  quickly  and  which  do  not  rise  above  the  tops 
of  the  rods,  do  no  harm. 

The  area  of  Osier  holts  in  the  district  in  question  has  been  approxi¬ 
mately  estimated  as  follows  : — 

In  the  Ouse  Valley,  between  St.  Ives  (Hunts) 

and  Denver  (Norfolk)  ...  ...  ...  ...  190  acres. 

In  the  Cam  Valley,  near  Cambridge  and  Ely  ...  108  „ 

In  the  Nene  Valley,  in  the  neighbourhood  of 

Peterboro’  .  00  „ 

In  the  Welland  Valley,  around  Spalding  and 

Crowland  .  130  ,, 

But  these  estimates  exclude  considerable  areas  above  St.  Ives,  Peter¬ 
boro’,  and  Cambridge. 

Ely  and  Barith  are  centres  of  a  considerable  growth  of  Osiers,  of  rod 
peeling,  and  of  basket  making. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  extent  of  Osier  holts  in  the  Fen 
district  is  now  much  less  than  it  was  ;  but  at  the  present  moment  there 
is  some  evidence  of  increased  interest  in  the  subject  and  greater  atten¬ 
tion  to  the  business.  The  industry  is  apparently  becoming  more  of  a 
speciality,  and  basket  makers  are  planting  holts  in  some  instances  to 
supply  their  own  requirements. 

The  Cultivation  of  the  Osier. 

The  most  suitable  soil  for  the  growth  of  Osiers  is  a  deep,  rich,  moist, 
alluvial  soil.  Any  good  clay  may  be  planted  if  sufficiently  moist.  Peat 
moor  and  hot  gravels  are  absolutely  unsuitable.  Though  water  is 
requisite,  a  holt  will  not  thrive  in  stagnant  water. 

The  site  of  a  holt  having  been  selected,  the  land  must  be  thoroughly 
cleaned  during  the  summer  before  planting,  and  it  may  be  worth  while 
to  give  it  a  complete  summer  fallow.  Before  the  winter  sets  in  it  must 
be  thoroughly  stirred  either  by  digging  or  ploughing  to  a  depth  of  14  or 
16  inches. 

If  the  soil  is  not  naturally  rich  it  should  be  manured,  and  soot  is 
said  to  be  a  good  preparation  for  the  crop. 

Planting  should  be  done  in  February  or  March.  The  sets  are  cut 
from  wood  of  two  years’  growth — they  should  be  16  or  18  inches  long, 
and  about  10  inches  of  the  set  should  be  in  the  ground.  Daring  the 
spring  and  early  summer  the  spaces  between  the  rows  must  be  kept 
clean  by  hoeing  and  forking.  The  cleaning  must  be  completed  before 
the  middle  of  June,  or  the  Osiers  will  be  injured.  The  cost  of  cleaning 
is  variously  estimated  at  from  £1  to  £2  per  acre  per  annum  for  the  first 
two  years.  After  that  time  the  expense  of  cleaning  is  much  less,  as 
the  dense  and  rapid  growth  of  the  Osiers  stifles  and  smothers  all  other 
vegetation.  It  may  be  mentioned  in  passing  that  the  young  shoots  from 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


273 


an  established  stock  will  make  a  growth  of  18  inches  in  the  course  of  a 
single  week. 

Under  the  most  favourable  circumstances  the  newly  planted  holt  will 
be  at  maturity  in  three  years,  but  as  a  general  rule  four  or  five  years 
must  elapse  before  its  full  development. 

A  holt  properly  planted,  kept  clean,  regularly  filled  up,  and  well 
managed  will  last  from  ten  to  fifteen  years,  the  duration  depending 
upon  the  sorts  planted  and  various  circumstances  which  affect  the 
several  kinds  of  Osiers  in  different  ways. 

The  Willows  and  Osiers  usually  grown  in  the  Fen  district  are  known 
locally  by  names  indicative  either  of  some  characteristic  of  the  tree  or 
of  the  country  from  which  it  has  come.  The  favourite  sorts  are  : — 

Glibskins. — In  some  situations  this  kind  is  particularly  liable  to 
scab,”  a  disease  to  which  reference  is  made  later  on. 

Black  Mauls.  —  Small,  but  hard  and  tough,  and  consequently 
valuable. 

Green  Sucklings, — A  heavy  cropper,  but  not  liked  by  the  basket 
maker. 

Welsh  Osier. — This  has  a  very  bitter  rind,  which  is  disagreeable  to 
all  animals,  and  it  is  planted  on  the  outsides  of  holts. 

Black  Hollanders,  Mottled  Spaniards,  Cane  Osiers,  and  Dutch  Red. 

A  certain  proportion  of  the  coarse-growing  Osiers  may  be  grown,  as 
the  basket  makers  require  some  strong  stout  rods  for  uprights  ;  where 
they  are  not  grown  their  place  is  supplied  by  leaving  a  portion  of  the 
holt  to  grow  for  two  or  three  years. 

The  cost  of  preparing  and  planting  an  Osier  holt  is  variously 
estimated  at  from  £14  to  £23  an  acre — the  amount  depending  upon 
whether  the  land  is  trenched  or  ploughed  and  upon  the  preparatory 
cleaning  which  may  be  necessary. 

Taking  an  outside  estimate,  the  items  of  expenditure  would  be  as 
follows  : — 

Fallowing . £4  0  0  an  acre. 

Trenching .  8  0  0  „ 

Sets,  20,000  at  10s.  per  1000  10  0  0  „ 

Planting  .  ...  10  0  ,, 


£23  0  0 

This  is  without  any  allowance  for  manure. 

On  the  other  hand,  if  fallowing  is  not  required  and  ploughing  is 
resorted  to,  the  cost  would  not  exceed  £14  an  acre. 

The  Osiers  attain  to  their  full  growth  by  the  middle  of  September, 
by  which  time  the  rods  on  established  plants  will  have  made  a 
growth  of  6  to  7  feet.  Osiers  and  Sallows  will  make  an  average  growth 
of  8  or  9  feet,  and  occasionally  as  much  as  13  feet,  in  a  single  season. 

Cutting  the  rods  commences  with  the  new  year  if  the  holts  are 
accessible.  Sometimes,  however,  floods  or  other  circumstances  prevent 
the  early  cutting,  and  the  process  has  to  be  postponed.  It  is,  however, 
considered  very  desirable  to  cut  before  the  sap  rises,  as  the  stocks  bleed, 
and  the  new  growth  is  less  vigorous  if  the  sap  has  risen  before  cutting. 
The  rods  are  cut  with  a  sharp  hook,  somewhat  like  a  strong  reaping 
hook  ;  a  clean  cut  without  splitting  the  rod  is  essentially  necessary.  As 
the  rods  are  cut  they  are  tied  up  by  willow  bands  into  bundles  or 
“  bunches.”  Each  bunch  has  a  girth  of  45  inches  (an  English  ell)  at  a 
distance  of  1  foot  from  the  butt  end  of  the  bunch.  The  “  ell  band  ”  is 
secured  in  its  place  by  attachment  to  another  band,  called  the  “  breech 
band,"  round  the  butt  end.  A  third  band  is  placed  higher  up.  The 
cutting  is  paid  for  by  the  score  bunches,  the  ordinary  rate  being  23.  6d. 
An  average  crop  will  be  about  150  bunches,  and  a  heavy  crop  will  reach 
to  250.  A  green  bunch  will  weigh  6  stones.  The  weight  of  rods  per 
acre  will  range  from  5  to  10  tons. 

It  has  already  been  observed  that  it  is  a  great  advantage  if  this 
bulky  and  heavy  crop  can  be  removed  by  water  carriage. 

If  the  rods  are  to  be  peeled  they  are  conveyed  to  the  peeling  yard 
and  placed  with  their  butt  ends  in  water,  where  they  remain  until  the 
rise  of  sap  makes  the  peel  separate  easily  from  the  stick.  Sometimes 
after  the  rods  are  cut  they  will  dry  from  exposure  to  the  air,  and  in 
that  case  they  are  put  in  a  heap,  watered,  covered  and  sweated,  or 
“  couched  ”  as  it  is  called.  If  the  rods  in  the  pits  get  too  advanced  in 
growth  before  peeling  the  difficulty  of  peeling  is  increased,  and  the  rods 
are  damaged.  The  work  of  peeling  begins  as  soon  as  any  of  the  rods 
are  fit.  It  is  chiefly  done  by  women,  who  draw  the  rods  through  a 
“  break  ”  or  “  cleave,”  which  divides  the  bark  into  strips,  which  are 
removed  by  the  hand.  The  children  of  the  peelers  assist  in  this  latter 
operation. 

As  the  rods  are  peeled  they  are  sorted  into  three  grades — "  large,” 
■“  Middlesboro,”  and  “  small  ”  rods,  according  to  their  size  and  length. 
They  are  then  exposed  to  the  air  for  a  short  time  on  racks,  or  reared 
against  hedges  or  walls.  When  dry  they  are  tied  up  in  bunches  of  the 
same  dimensions  as  before,  and  stored  away  in  sheds. 

Rods  which  are  adapted  for  the  purpose,  and  which  are,  in  conse¬ 
quence,  most  valuable,  are  subjected  to  another  process  known  as 
“  skeining.”  This  is  the  longitudinal  division  of  the  rod  by  splitting  it 
into  equal  parts.  The  thick  end  of  the  rod  is  nicked  with  a  knife, 
dividing  the  circle  into  three  sectors.  A  triple  wedge  is  then  inserted, 
and  the  rod  is  drawn  rapidly  through  the  hand.  The  split  canes  are 
then  drawn  twice  under  a  knife  fixed  to  a  gauge  to  remove  the  outer 
ring  and  inner  angle,  and  the  cane  is  reduced  to  a  flat  thin  strip  of 
equal  thickness.  These  “  skeins  ”  are  used  for  weaving  sieve  and  riddle 
bottoms,  and  for  making  basket  handles  and  similar  articles.  Green  rods 
are  “  skeined  ”  by  the  same  process  for  making  eel  grigs  and  hives, 

(To  be  continue!,) 


CODONOPSIS  (GLOSSOCOMIA)  OVATA. 

The  plant  represented  in  the  engraving  (fig.  39)  was  introduced 
under  the  name  of  Glossocomia,  but  which  has  been  superseded  by 
that  of  Codonopsis  in  the  “Genera  Plantarum.”  It  is  easily  culti¬ 
vated  after  the  seedling  stage  has  been  passed,  a  good  plan  being  to  sow 
the  seed  in  pots  in  a  heated  frame,  pricking  out  the  young  plants  as 
soon  as  they  are  large  enough  in  boxes  or  pans,  planting  them  out  the 
following  spring,  but  guard  against  breaking  the  very  brittle  roots. 

The  choice  of  position  will  be  the  next  consideration  ;  the  sunniest 
and  most  exposed  that  can  be  selected  will  be  the  best,  planting  them 
6  inches  apart,  and  the  roots  must  not  be  disturbed  by  digging.  The 
flowers  are  large,  as  may  be  seen,  but  are  best  viewed  at  a  distance,  the 


■•5  fig.  39.— codonopsis  (glossocomia)  OVATA. 


odour  being  anything  but  "agreeable,  and  resembling  somewhat  that 
of  the  Aristolochia  ;  the  colours  inside  the  flowers  are  very  pretty  and 
curiously  blended.  This  is  one  of  the  few  flowers,  we  believe,  that 
are  self-fertilising,  that  process  being  accomplished  before  the  flower 
opens  by  a  curious  movement 'of  the  anthers.  It  ripens  seeds  freely, 
and  is  readily  increased  by  that  means.  It  is  a  native  of  Northern 
India,  and  flowers  during  the  summer. 


HORTICULTURAL  SHOWS. 

EDINBURGH.— September  13th  and  14th. 

The  autumn  Show  held  annually  in  connection  with  the  Royal 
Caledonian  Horticultural  Society  took  place  on  the  above  dates.  The 
exhibits  were  numerous  though  not  so  much  so  as  in  previous  years, 
this  being  more  especially  noticeable  in  the  classes  for  Grapes.  Apples 
were  as  a  whole  the  best  feature  of  the  exhibition,  though  vegetables 
were  well  shown.  Amongst  these  latter  Onions  were  exceedingly  good. 
The  arrangements  of  the  Show  were  not  praiseworthy  in  any  way,  the 
utmost  confusion  prevailing.  The  judges  had  much  difificulty  in  finding 
the  classes,  and  the  work  of  reporting  was  rendered  arduous  ;  in  fact  it 
was  found  impossible  owing  to  the  manner  in  which  the  exhibits  were 


274 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


t  September  21,  1893. 


arranged  to  give  a  full  account  of  the  prize  winners,  and  those  who  were 
successful  in  the  principal  classes  only  are  named  in  the  appended  list. 
Daring  the  two  days  about  20,000  people  visited  the  exhibition. 

Fruit. 

As  already  stated,  Apples  were  the  chief  feature  of  the  Show.  Grapes, 
on  the  other  hand,  have  nob  for  many  years  been  so  poorly  represented 
at  any  of  the  autumn  meetings  of  this  Society.  Some  of  the  exhibits 
were  of  exceptional  merit ;  but  generally,  the  quality,  like  the  numbers 
shown,  was  below  the  average.  Collections  of  fruit,  again,  were  only 
few  in  number.  Pears  were  staged  in  large  numbers,  but  in  quality 
they  were  generally  inferior  to  Apples,  among  which  were  many 
dishes  of  exceptional  merit.  Few  Peaches  were  shown,  and  fewer 
Nectarines  and  Figs,  though  Plums,  notwithstanding  the  early  nature 
of  the  season  and  the  unremitting  attention  of  wasps,  were  fairly  well 
represented. 

Taking  the  collection  of  fruit  first,  that  of  twelve  dishes,  excluding 
Pine  Apples,  was  the  chief  item,  and  for  the  handsome  prizes  offered 
only  three  competitors  staged.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
Hunter,  Lambton  Castle,  Durham,  who  had  some  very  fine  fruit.  The 
Grapes  comprised  two  very  large  clusters  of  Gros  Guillaume,  each  in 
beautiful  condition,  a  pair  of  large-berried  examples  of  Gros  Colman, 
and  a  couple  of  bunches  of  Raisin  de  Calabria.  Peaches  were  Exquisite 
and  Noblesse,  both  very  fine,  a  dish  of  splendid  Beurrb  Diel  Pears,  fine 
King  of  Pippin  Apples,  Challenger  Lemons,  Hero  of  Lockinge  Melon, 
the  other  dishes  being  rather  poor  examples  of  Nectarines,  Plums,  and 
Figs.  Mr.  A.  Kirk,  gardener  to  —  Paton,  Esq.,  Alloa,  was  a  close 
second.  He  showed  black  Grapes  only,  these  being  extra  fine  Alnwick 
Seedling,  fine  Gros  Maroc  and  Black  Hamburgh.  Among  the  other 
dishes  were  good  examples  of  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pear,  good  Barrington 
and  Wa!  burton  Admirable  Peaches,  Spense’s  Nectarines,  and  Worcester 
Pearmain  Apples.  Mr.  McKelvie,  gardener  to  the  Duchess  of  Roxburgh, 
Broxmouth  Park,  Dunbar,  was  the  other  exhibitor,  and  to  his  collection 
the  third  prize  was  awarded.  Extra  fine  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and 
Souvenir  du  Congr^s  Pears  were  the  outstanding  dishes. 

For  a  collection  of  dishes  of  fruit,  including  Pine  Apples,  there  were 
again  three  entries,  Mr.  Hunter  repeating  his  victory.  The  Grapes  com¬ 
prised  good  Gros  Colmans  and  somewhat  loose  Raisin  de  Calabrias,  fine 
Noblesse  Peaches,  extra  Beurrd  Diel  Pears,  fine  Magnum  Bonum  Plums, 
Hero  of  Lockinge  Melon,  extra  fine  Cox’s  Pomona  Apples,  and  small 
Victoria  Nectarines.  Mr.  McKelvie  was  second  with  good  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  and  Madresfleld  Court  Grapes  as  the  chief  dishes.  Mr. 
Morrison,  Archerfield,  Drew,  third.  Only  two  collections  of  hardy  fruit, 
grown  in  the  open  air,  were  staged.  Of  these  the  best  were  shown  by 
Mr.  Goodfellow,  Kinfauns  Castle,  Perth,  Peaches  Dr.  Hogg  and  Prince 
of  Wales,  and  Souvenir  du  Congres  Pears  being  very  fine,  the  same 
collection  containing  also  dishes  of  good  Magnum  Bonum  Plums  and 
Morello  Cherries.  Mr.  McIntyre,  Darlington,  staged  the  other  collection, 
to  which  the  second  prize  was  awarded.  For  a  collection  of  twelve 
dishes  of  orchard  house  fruit,  again  there  were  only  two  exhibitors, 
Mr.  Hunter  securing  first  prize  with  a  superb  fruit,  comprising  Pears 
Souvenir  du  Congres  and  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Apples  Ribston  Pippin 
and  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  Nectarine  Peach,  Plums,  Figs,  and  Passiflora 
edulis,  Mr.  Bowman,  Pittendreich,  the  other  exhibitor,  securing  the 
second  prize. 

In  the  Grape  classes  the  most  important  was  that  for  six  bunches. 
Five  exhibitors  staged  in  this  class,  the  first  prize  falling  to  Mr.  Kirk 
for  large  and  fine  clusters  of  Gros  Maroc,  Cooper’s  Black,  Madresfield 
Court  (two  bunches),  an  excellent  bunch  of  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  and  a 
less  noteworthy  cluster  of  Black  Hamburgh.  Mr.  Leslie,  Pitcullen, 
Perth,  was  a  very  close  second,  staging  two  extra  fine  examples  of 
Muscat  of  Alexandria,  good  Gros  Maroc,  and  Alicante.  Mr.  Hunter 
third,  with  splendid  Gros  Colman,  Black  Alicante,  and  Gros  Guillaume, 
the  latter  having  berries  very  small  in  size.  Five  staged  in  the  four- 
bunch  class,  Mr.  Leslie  worthily  securing  first  prize  here  with  extra 
Gros  Maroc,  a  cluster  of  well-finished  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  good 
Alicante,  and  Madresfield  Court.  The  second  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
J.  Caldwell,  gardener  to  J.  Scott,  Esq.,  Langholm,  for  good  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  Gros  Colman,  and  Madresfield  Court.  Third  Mr.  McKelvie 
with  bunches  somewhat  loose. 

There  was  a  keen  competition  in  the  class  for  two  bunches  Muscat 
of  Alexandria,  the  first  prize  being  awarded  to  Mr.  McKelvie  for  good 
and  well-finished  clusters.  Mr.  Leslie  was  second  with  bunches  little 
behind  the  first  prize  exhibit.  For  one  bunch  Mr.  Waldie,  gardener  to 
W.  H.  Dobie,  Dollar,  was  first  with  a  well-finished  bunch.  Black 
Hamburgh*  throughout  were  deficient  in  quality,  though  numerously 
(itaged.  Mr.  Dickson,  Alyth,  was  first  for  these  ;  and  Mr.  Murray, 
Polmont,  second.  For  one  bunch  Mr.  Ch.  Blair,  gardener  to  Col. 
Maleolm,  Langholm,  was  first.  Alicantes  were  very  good,  the  bunches 
large  and  well  finished,  Mr.  Leslie  having  the  best,  and  Mr.  Caldwell 
a  good  second.  Mr.  Green  was  first  for  Alnwick  Seedling  with  a  small, 
well-ripened  example.  Mr.  Jeffrey,  gardener  to  Earl  of  Harewood, 
Harewood  Hall,  in  a  well-contested  class,  was  first  with  a  superb  bunch 
of  Gros  Colman,  the  berries  very  large  and  of  high  finish.  Mr.  Murray 
second  with  good  examples.  Lady  Downe’s,  on  the  other  hand,  v^ere 
presented  in  poor  condition,  Mr.  Murray  being  first  in  this  class.  For  a 
bunch  of  any  other  sort  Mr.  Kirk  was  first  with  an  exceedingly  fine 
bunch  of  Madresfield  Court.  Mr.  Lunt  second  with  Mrs.  Pince.  In  the 
corresponding  class  for  white  Grapes  Mr.  Caldwell,  with  a  very  highly 
finished  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  secured  the  first  prize,  and  Mr.  Smith, 
Arundel  House,  second.  Mrs,  Pince  was  the  finest  flavoured  black 


Grape,  the  best  flavoured  white  being  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Mr. 
Leslie  staging  the  former,  and  Mr.  Winter,  Walk  House,  Hull,  the 
latter.  Mr.  McIntyre,  The  Glen,  secured  first  prize  for  the  bunch  of 
Grapes  with  finest  bloom,  showing  Black  Alicante.  Mr.  Crichton, 
Southfield,  second  with  Trentham  Black. 

Mr.  Lunt,  Kier  House,  Dunblane,  staged  twelve  beautifully  coloured 
fruits  of  Late  Admirable  Peaches,  securing  therewith  first  prize,  Mr. 
Melville,  with  equally  good,  though  pale  coloured  Princess  of  Wales, 
being  second.  Plums  were  fairly  good.  Mr.  Cairns,  The  Hirsel,  Cold¬ 
stream,  secured  the  first  prize  for  seven  dishes  of  rather  small  fruits  of 
dessert  sorts,  and  Mr.  Goodfellow,  with  a  like  number  of  varieties,  the 
first  prize  for  a  collection  of  culinary  Plums.  The  latter  comprised 
Goliath,  Magnum  Bonum,  Pond’s  Seedling,  Coe’s  Golden  Drop,  Victoria, 
and  Blue  Impdratrice.  Pears  were  also  good,  much  better  than  usual, 
and  a  very  large  number  of  dishes  were  staeed  in  the  gross  for  the 
several  prizes.  For  a  collection  of  six  sorts  Mr.  Day,  Ga'loway  House, 
Kirkcudbright,  was  first  with  extra  fine  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Souvenir  du 
Congres,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  Beurrd  Diel,  and  Marie  Louise.  Mr. 
Campbell,  gardener  to  Lord  Swansea,  Singleton,  South  Wales,  was 
second  with  fine  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersev,  and  others. 
Mr.  Day  was  again  first  for  six  dessert  Pears  with  good  Williams’  Bon 
Chretien  and  Beurre  d’Amanlis.  The  same  exhibitor  a  so  secur.  d  first 
for  dishes  of  Marie  Louise,  Beurrb  d’Amanlis,  and  Pi’ma-ton  D  i chess. 
Mr.  Paterson,  gardener  to  A.  Fletcher,  Esq.,  Salton  Hall,  was  first  in 
the  class  for  six  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  with  excellent  Souvenir  du 
Congres  (was  this  overlooked  by  the  judges?)  and  also  for  a  dish  of 
Glou  MorQeau.  Mr.  Campbell  had  the  best  Louise  Bonne,  and  Mr. 
Chaplin,  Springwood  Park,  Kelso,  the  best  stewing  Pears  with  fine 
Gros  Calabasse. 

In  the  Apple  classes  the  collection  of  twelve  sorts  was  the  most 
important,  and  brought  together  a  disp’ay  of  fruit  rarely  seen  in 
Scotland.  Mr.  Campbell,  Singleton,  was  first  for  these  w  th  good  well 
coloured  examples  of  Alfriston,  Mfere  de  Manage,  Empen  r  Alexander, 
Blenheim  Orange,  King  of  Pippins,  Peasgord’s  Notusuch,  Worcester 
Pearmain,  Cellini,  and  o^hqrs.  Mr.  Culton,  Castle  Douglas,  was  second 
with  better  fruit  less  highly  coloured.  Ringer,  Bismarck,  Warner’s  King 
and  New  Hawthornden  being  specially  good.  Mr.  Cairns,  The  Hiisel, 
was  third.  Mr.  Fowler,  Merton  House,  St.  Boswells,  secured  first  prize 
both  for  six  dessert  and  six  culinary  Apples  with  Peasgood's  Nonesuch, 
splendid  examples  no  doubt,  but  hardly  in  the  same  matured  condition 
for  dessert  as  many  other  sorts  on  the  tables.  Mr.  Brown,  Abercairney, 
was  second  for  six  dessert  Apples  with  fine  fruits  of  Wor  ester  Pear¬ 
main  and  James  Greive  of  culinary  Apples.  The  sorts  mo  t  numerously, 
and  at  the  same  time  best  represented  by  handsome  sam riles  wore  such 
popular  sorts  as  Ecklinville,  Stirling  Castle,  Warner’s  King,  Tower  of 
Glamis,  Lord  Suffield,  and  Hawthornden,  and  of  dessert  Apples,  King 
of  Pippins.  Cox’s  Orange,  James  Greive,  and  Ribston  Pippin.  Messrs. 
Campbell,  Singleton ;  Culton,  C-istle  Douglas;  Day,  Galloway  House; 
Brown,  Abercairney,  and  Fender,  Autoguhey,  secured  the  chief  prizes 
for  the  several  varieties. 

Plants. 

In  the  class  for  four  Adiantums  Mr.  Farquhar,  gardener  to  R.  Croall, 
Esq.,  Blackball,  was  deservedly  awarded  the  first  prize,  staging  A.  penta- 
dac  ylon,  A.  gracillimum,  A.  cuneatum,  and  A.  Plemirgi  in  good  con¬ 
dition.  The  second  and  third  prizes  were  awarded  to  Mr.  Napier, 
gardener  to  P  Neill  Fraser,  E^q.,  Murrayfield.  and  Mr.  A.  Crichton, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Croall,  Southfield,  Liberton,  in  the  order  of  their  names. 
For  six  Hollies  Messrs.  J.  Dicksons  &  Son,  nurserymen,  Edinburgh,  were 
accorded  the  first  prize  for  handsome  specimens.  Messrs.  R.  B.  Laird 
and  Son,  nurserymen,  Edinburgh,  were  the  only  exhibitors  in  the  class 
for  twenty-four  evergreen  shrubs,  and  were  given  the  first  prize.  There 
were  two  competitors  in  the  class  for  a  table  of  plants,  and  Mr. 
McIntyre,  Darlington,  was  placed  first  with  a  light  graceful  arrange¬ 
ment.  The  table  was  principally  covered  with  Crotons,  Dracaenas, 
Ferns,  Palms,  Lilium  lancifolium  (speciosum),  Bouvardias,  and  a  few 
Orchids.  The  second  prize  was  won  by  Mr.  Wood,  gardener  to 
J.  Buchanan,  Esq.,  Oswald  Road,  Edinburgh,  whose  table  was  composed 
of  very  fine  plants,  better  in  many  cases  than  those  of  Mr.  McIntyre, 
but  lacking  the  taste  in  arrangement  which  was  so  prominent  in  the 
first  prize  stand.  The  premier  prize  in  the  class  for  three  Fuchsias  went 
to  Mr.  Thomson,  gardener  to  G.  Gray,  Esq.,  Dalkeith,  who  staged  highly 
creditable  specimens.  Mr.  Aitken,  Rosebery  Cottage,  Balerno,  was  a 
good  second,  and  Mr.  Fraser,  gardener  to  the  Misses  Horn.  Canaan 
Park,  third.  Mr.  Anderson,  gardener  to  Colonel  Davidson,  Edinburgh, 
was  placed  first  for  one  Fuchsia,  his  plant  being  very  finely  grown  and 
profusely  flowered.  A  very  close  second  was  found  in  Mr.  Sutherland, 
gardener  to  —  Mather,  Esq.,  Edinburgh,  Mr.  J.  Dickson  being  third. 

In  the  class  for  six  dwarf  British  Ferns  Mr.  Anderson  with 
very  beautiful  plants  was  first,  staging  Asplenium  septentrionale, 
Scolopendrium  Kelwayi,  Polypodium  cornubiense,  P.  cambricum, 
Allosorus  crispus,  and  Trichomanes  radicans.  Mr.  J.  Cumming  and 
Mr.  McPherson  were  second  and  third  respectively.  Mr.  Cropper, 
gardener  to  W.  B.  Boyd,  Esq.,  Faldonshire,  was  first  for  twelve  dwarf 
British  Ferns;  prominent  amongst  which  were  Polypodium  cambricum, 
Asplenium  Trichomanes  incisum,  and  Scolopendrium  Robinsonianum, 
the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  Johnstone,  gardener  to  Miss  Fulton, 
Morningside,  who  had  some  very  charming  plants.  Mr.  R.  Muirhead, 
gardener  to  W,  Ivory,  Esq.,  Edinburgh,  was  placed  in  the  premier 
position  for  three  Begonias,  showing  very  beautiful  examples,  all  clean 
and  finely  grown.  Mr.  Thomson  was  placed  second,  and  Mr.  Taylor, 
Musselburgh,  third.  For  six  Begonias  the  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  D. 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


275 


Adamg,  who  showed  highly  creditable  examples.  Mr.  Henderson’ 
gardener  to  W.  Macfie,  Esq.,  Cleominster,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Pearson- 
gardener  to  Lady  Lucy  Dundas,  third.  In  the  class  for  three  bronze 
Pelargoniums  Mr.  Gibb,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Edmondston,  Edinburgh,  was 
a  good  first,  Mr.  Anderson  being  second,  and  Mr.  Cowan,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  McDowall,  Edinburgh,  third. 

Mr,  Bald,  gardener  to  J.  Menzies,  Esq.,  Grangetown,  was  first  for 
four  Pelargoniums  in  flower,  Mr.  Muirhead  taking  the  second  place. 
For  three  Zonal  Pelargoniums  Mr.  McKenna  was  first  with  good  plants, 
Mr.  Gibb  being  second,  and  Mr.  Fraser  third.  In  the  class  for  six 
foliage  plants,  exclusive  of  Palms,  Mr.  Lunt,  gardener  to  A.  Stirling, 
Esq.,  of  Keir  was  first,  his  Dracmna  Youngi  being  particularly  good. 
The  second  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Crichton,  and  the  third  to  Mr. 
W  Bennett.  Mr,  McIntyre,  Darlington,  was  first  for  six  greenhouse 
flowering  plants,  Clerodendron  Balfourianum  and  Eucharis  amazonica 
being  conspicuous.  Mr.  Bennett  was  second,  and  Mr.  Crichton  third. 
Mr.  Wilson  was  accorded  the  premier  position  in  the  class  for  six  foliage 
plants  in  pots  not  exceeding  9  inches,  Crotons  being  noticeable  amongst 
others.  Mr.  McIntyre,  gardener  to  Sir  C.  Tennant,  Bart.,  was  second, 
and  Mr.  McIntyre,  Darlington,  third. 

Cut  Flowers. 

In  the  competitive  classes  cut  flowers  were  not  very  largely  shown, 
especially  stove  and  greenhouse  blooms.  This  was  not,  however,  the  case 
with  regard  to  the  Dahlias  and  the  Roses,  these  being  exhibited  in  great 
numbers  and  in  grand  condition.  In  the  class  for  thirty-six  Roses 
Messrs.  J.  Cocker  &  Sons,  nurserymen,  Aberdeen,  were  a  good  first, 
staging  exceptionally  good  examples  of  Victor  Verdier,  Alfred  Dumesnil, 
Horace  Vernet,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  Souvenir  d’Elise  Vardon, 
Madame  Lambard,  and  Alfred  Colomb  ;  Mr.  Croll,  nurseryman,  Dundee, 
being  second.  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Son  were  again  first  for  eighteen  Roses, 
and  Messrs,  Thos.  Smith  &  Son,  nurserymen,  Stranraer,  second.  In  the 
class  for  twelve  Roses  the  order  was  reversed,  Messrs.  Smith  &  Son  being 
first,  and  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Son  second.  For  twelve  Fancy  Dahlias  Mr. 
M.  Campbell  was  first  with  perfect  blooms  of  Silver  Prince,  Rev.  J.  B.  M. 
Camm,  Dandy,  Gaiety,  Buffalo  Bill,  Mrs.  Saunders,  Prince  Henry, 
M.  Campbell,  Comte  de  la  Saux,  Comedian,  Madame  Soubeyere,  and 
Frank  Pearce,  the  second  prize  going  to  Messrs.  J.  Cocker  &  Son. 
Mr.  M.  Campbell  was  also  first  for  twenty-four  Show  Dahlias,  staging 
Mrs.  Morgan,  Reginald,  Wm.  Powell,  Dandy,  Majestic,  Maud  Fellowes, 
T.  W.  Girdlestonc,  Mrs.  Humphries,  Colonist,  Duke  of  Fife,  R.  T. 
Rawlings,  Jas.  Cocker,  Muriel,  W.  H.  Wil'iams,  Mrs.  Wm.  Slack,  John 
Hickling,  Mrs.  Gladstone,  Nellie  Cramond,  Agnes,  Ethel  Britten,  Queen 
of  the  Belgians,  Mrs.  Langtry,  John  Walker,  and  a  seedling,  Messrs. 
Cocker  &  Son  were  a  highly  creditable  second. 

Vegetables. 

The  classes  for  vegetables  were  as  a  rule  very  keenly  contested,  though 
the  number  of  entries  in  many  of  the  leading  classes  did  not  reach  those 
which  have  been  staged  at  previous  shows.  For  a  collection  of  vegetables 
there  were  eight  competitors,  Mr.  Harper,  gardener  to  J.  R.  S.  Richard¬ 
son,  Esq.,  Perth,  being  first.  This  stand  was  composed  of  Sulham  Prize 
Celery,  VVinningstadt  Cabbage,  Dobbie’s  Champion  Leek,  Autumn 
Mammoth  Cauliflower,  Cranston’s  Excelsior  Onion,  Long  White  Marrow, 
Scarlet  Intermediate  Carrots,  Matchless  Marrowfat  Peas,  Lockie’s 
Perfection  Cucumber,  Canadian  Wonder  Beans,  Satisfaction  Potatoes, 
and  Glenhurst  Favourite  Tomatoes,  all  of  which  were  in  fine  condition. 
Mr.  Johnstone,  gardener  to  T.  Laidlaw,  Esq.,  Hawick,  was  second,  and 
Mr.  Rae,  gardener  to  Captain  Scott  Kerr,  Sunlaws,  a  good  third.  Mr. 
J.  Waldie,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Dobie,  Esq.,  of  Dollarbeg,  was  first  for 
six  Cauliflowers,  showing  grand  heads,  Mr.  Abbott,  gardener  to  C.  M. 
Burns,  Esq.,  Prestonfield  House,  Edinburgh,  being  a  good  second.  There 
were  seventeen  competitors  staged  exhibits  in  this  class.  For  a  dish  of 
twelve  Tomatoes  Mr.  Murray,  gardener  to  T.  L.  Learmouth,  Esq., 
Polmont,  was  first  with  grand  fruits,  Mr.  Jeffrey,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Harewood,  Harewood  Place,  Leeds,  being  second,  and  Mr.  Hunter, 
gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Durham,  Lambton  Castle,  a  good  third,  Mr. 
Waldie  was  first  with  six  Cabbages,  and  Mr,  Thomson  second.  The 
competition  was  very  keen,  there  being  eighteen  exhibits  staged.  For  a 
brace  of  Cucumbers  Mr.  Waldie  was  again  first,  the  second  prize  going 
to  Mr.  P.  Mains,  Polmont.  Mr.  J.  A,  Murie,  Craigmillar  Gardens,  ISdin- 
burgh,  was  a  good  first  for  six  Savoys,  Mr.  Goodfellow,  gardener  to 
E.  A.  Gray,  Esq.,  being  a  close  second. 

Mr.  Ramage,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Hope  Vere,  Esq.,  Blackwood  House, 
Lanarkshire,  was  first  for  twelve  Onions,  Mr.  McKelvie,  gardener  to 
the  Duchess  of  Roxburgh,  Broxmouth  Park,  Dunbar,  being  a  very  close 
second.  There  were  twelve  dishes  staged  in  this  class,  magnificent  pro¬ 
duce  being  displayed  in  each  case.  Mr.  Goiirlay,  gardener  to  G.  Cald¬ 
well,  Esq.,  Loanhead,  was  first  for  four  Beets,  and  Mr.  G.  McKenna 
second.  For  a  collection  of  six  dishes  of  Potatoes  Mr.  J.  Gentleman, 
Armadale,  was  first  with  Reading  Russet,  Jeanie  Deans,  Up  To  Date, 
Colossal,  Fairlie  Castle,  and  Abundance  ;  Mr.  J.  Riddell,  Chapelton, 
being  a  good  second,  Mr.  J.  Gemmell,  Flakefield,  Chapelton,  was  first 
for  twelve  dishes  of  Potatoes,  staging  Fair  Maid,  Post  Master,  Triumph, 
The  Foreman,  The  Herd  Laddie,  Miller’s  Bountiful,  Sutton’s  Matchless, 
Windsor  Castle,  Reading  Russet,  Pink  Perfection,  and  Abundance.  Mr. 
Wilson,  gardener  to  R.  B.  Archibald,  Esq.,  Tillicoultry,  was  second,  and 
Mrs.  Ormiston,  gardener  to  G.  Pott,  Esq  ,  third.  For  six  Turnips  Mr. 
Anthony  was  first,  and  Mr.  Ormiston  second.  Mr.  R.  Moffat,  Melrose, 
was  first  In  the  class  for  six  Parsnips,  Mr.  Logan,  Coldstream,  being  a 
very  good  second.  Mr.  Logan  staged  six  heads  of  Celery,  and  was 
deservedly  accorded  the  first  prize,  Mr.  Waldie  being  a  very  close 


second.  The  Brussels  Sprouts  staged  by  Mr.  Murie,  for  which  he  was 
awarded  the  first  prize,  were  highly  creditable,  as  also  were  those  of  Mr. 
Brown,  who  took  the  second  place.  Mr.  Abbott  was  first  for  six  Lettuces, 
and  Mr.  Lunt  second. 

Miscellaneous  Exhibits. 

Many  of  the  leading  Scotch  nurserymen  staged  exhibits  which 
altogether  formed  a  great  attraction  to  the  Show.  Messrs.  Thos.  Methven 
and  Son,  15,  Princess  Street,  Edinburgh,  arranged  a  macnificent  table 
of  plants,  consisting  of  Lilium  speciosum.  Crotons,  Caladiums,  and 
Draceenas,  all  of  which  were  in  excellent  condition.  A  table  of  Begonias, 
also  staged  by  Messrs.  Methven,  was  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  in 
the  Exhibition.  Another  very  fine  stand  was  that  of  Mr.  M.  Cuthbertson, 
nurseryman,  Rothesay.  Some  grand  Onions  were  shown,  and  the 
Cuthbertson’s  New  Hybrid  Leek  were  by  far  the  best  in  the  Show. 
The  floral  part  of  this  exhibit  was  composed  of  very  fine  Marigolds, 
Gaillardias,  Coreopsis  grandiflora,  perennial  Phloxes,  Helianthus  multi- 
florus  maximus,  and  Pyrethrums.  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Son,  Rothesay, 
had  an  exhibit,  of  which  the  Dahlias — Show,  Fancy,  Pompon,  Cactus, 
and  Single — were  by  far  the  best  features.  Messrs.  Jas.  Cocker  &  Son, 
Aberdeen,  staged  some  very  fine  Mrs.  John  Laing  Roses,  and  Lilium 
auratum  rubro-vittatum  amongst  other  things.  Mr.  John  Downie, 
Murrayfleld,  had  a  highly  creditable  and  tastefully  arranged  table  of 
plants,  amongst  which  the  most  prominent  were  Liliums,  Dracrenas, 
Palms,  Crotons,  and  Begonias.  Messrs.  Cunningham  &  Fraser,  Edin¬ 
burgh,  had  two  tables  of  plants,  one  comprised  of  hardy  plants,  and  the 
other  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  in  variety.  Some  handsome  Hollies 
were  also  staged  by  the  same  firm. 

Ferns  were  staged  by  Messrs.  Birkenhead,  Sale,  Manchester,  in  fine 
condition.  Conspicuous  amongst  them  were  Athyrium  f.-f.  concavum, 
Adiantum  tinctum,  A.  peruvianum,  A.  speciosum,  Gymnogramma 
Pearcei  robusta,  and  Asplenium  australasicum.  Messrs.  J.  Dickson  and 
Co.,  Edinburgh,  arranged  a  striking  collection  of  flowers  and  fruit,  in 
which  Violas,  Chrysanthemums,  Asters,  Liliums,  Apples,  and  Pears  were 
the  best.  Messrs.  Alex.  Kerr  &  Son,  Roxburgh,  showed  some  grand 
Cockscombs,  and  Mr.  John  Forbes,  Hawick,  some  Carnations,  Pentste- 
mons,  Stocks,  and  Phloxes,  which  were  very  beautiful.  Mr.  M.  Campbell, 
High  Blantyre,  staged  Carnations,  Dahlias,  Michaelmas  Daisies,  and 
Pansies,  amongst  which  the  Show  Dahlias  were  perhaps  the  best.  Mr. 
Alexander  Lisier,  Rothesay,  showed  Pansies  in  grand  condition,  good 
French  Marigolds,  Dahlias,  and  Anemone  japonica  alba.  Messrs.  R.  B. 
Laird  &  Son’s  stand  of  Dahlias,  tastefully  arranged  with  Asparagus 
plumosus,  was  one  of  the  most  charming  in  the  Show.  Messrs.  Alex. 
Cross  &  Son,  19,  Hope  Street,  Glasgow,  arranged  a  stand  of  their 
fertiliser,  one,  it  may  be  added,  of  much  merit.  They  also  showed  a 
new  sprayer  they  are  now  offering,  which  appears  to  be  one  of  the  most 
simple  and  at  the  same  time  most  effective  machines  for  this  purpose 
which  has  ever  been  before  the  public. 

BANBURY  ONION  AND  VEGETABLE  SHOW. 

Banbury  has  long  been  celebrated  for  its  magnificent  Onion  compe¬ 
titions,  but  the  display  of  Thursday,  Sept,  llth,  eclipsed  all  previous 
shows  of  Onions  held  at  that  place,  or  probably  elsewhere.  This  is  not 
to  be  wondered  at  when  such  redoubtable  champions  as  Messrs.  Wilkins, 
Pope,  Waite,  Kneller,  Lye,  Doherty,  and  Pease  marshalled  their  fullest 
strength  in  the  struggle  for  supremacy  and  the  extremely  liberal  prizes 
offered. 

The  present  series  of  shows  was  instituted  by  the  late  Mr.  Henry 
Deverill  with  a  view  to  encourage  the  better  cultivation  of  this  most 
wholesome  esculent.  But,  alas  1  the  originator  was  not  spared  to  see 
this  most  interesting  Exhibition  and  the  immense  results  of  his  enter¬ 
prising  handiwork,  and  many  were  the  sympathetic  regrets  expressed 
by  those  present  on  the  occasion.  Fortunately,  the  institution  is  not 
likely  to  suffer,  for  the  enthusiasm  is  still  continued  by  the  widow, 
Mrs.  Deverill,  and  her  enterprising  manager,  Mr.  Crews.  The  com¬ 
petition  was  large  and  very  severe,  but  Mr,  Wilkins,  gardener  to 
Lady  Theodore  Guest,  Inwood  House,  proved  invincible  in  the  principal 
Onion  classes,  although  he  had  to  lower  his  flag  to  Mr.  Pope,  gardener 
to  Earl  Carnarvon,  Highclere,  in  the  class  for  eight  distinct  kinds  of 
vegetables. 

In  class  1,  a  gold  medal  or  timepiece  was  offered  for  the  largest  and 
handsomest  specimen  of  any  one  kind  of  DeverilTs  Pedigree  Onions, 
and  here  Mr.  Wilkins  staged  six  bulbs  of  Lord  Keeper,  perfect  in  shape 
and  quality,  whic'a  turned  the  scale  at  15  lbs.  Mr.  Lye,  gardener  to 
W.  A.  Kingsmill,  Esq.,  Sydmonton  Court,  closely  followed  with  six 
splendid  biilbs  of  Ailsa  Craig  weighing  1.3|  lbs. 

Class  2  was  for  twelve  specimens  of  pedigree  Onions,  and  here  again 
Mr.  Wilkins  was  successful  with  Ailsa  Craig,  scaling  2G|  lbs.  Mr.  Pope 
was  second  with  the  same  variety  weighing  22  lbs. ;  third,  Mr.  Kneller. 
Sixteen  competitors,  all  showing  well. 

Class  3,  for  twelve  specimens,  enumerated  kinds,  Mr.  Wilkins  leading 
with  Anglo-Spanish  weighing  201  lbs.,  perfect  in  every  respect.  Second, 
Mr.  Waite,  gardener  to  Colonel  Talbot,  Glenhurst,  same  kind,  weighing 
18^  lbs.  Third,  Mr,  Pope,  with  Royal  Jubilee  weighing  18|  lbs. 
Thirteen  competitors,  and  the  competition  very  close. 

Class  4  was  for  twelve  specimens  of  that  splendid  keeping  Onion, 
Improved  Wroxtor,  Mr.  Kneller  having  the  best,  weighing  14|  lbs., 
followed  by  Mr.  Wilkins,  whose  bulbs  were  slightly  heavier  (_15  lbs.), 
but  less  perfect  in  finish.  Third,  Mr.  Pease. 

Class  5,  was  for  twenty  specimens  of  any  kind,  open  only  to  cottagers, 


276 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1895. 


mechanics,  and  allotment  holder*.  Weight  of  bulbs  30J  lbs.,  30|  lbs., 
and  29  lbs. 

Class  7. — Eight  distinct  kinds  of  vegetables.  First,  Mr.  Pope,  with 
a  faultless  collection,  containing  grand  samples  of  Exhibition  Carrots, 
Lyon  Leeks,  Glenhurst  Favourite  Tomatoes,  Middleton  Park  Beet, 
Aylesbury  Prize  Celery,  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflower,  Ailsa  Craig  Onions, 
and  Satisfaction  Potatoes.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Wilkins,  who 
had  similar  kinds,  but  a  few  points  short.  Mr.  Waite  was  a  close  third. 
There  were  five  competitors,  all  good. — W.  Ckump. 

MANCHESTER. — September  15th  and  16th. 

In  the  Gardens  at  Old  Trafford  the  Royal  Botanical  and  Horticul¬ 
tural  Society  of  Manchester  held  a  very  fine  Exhibition  of  fruit  and 
other  produce  on  the  above  dates.  The  beautiful  gardens,  containing  so 
many  well  grown  plants,  all  showing  the  touch  of  a  master  hand,  add 
greatly  to  the  interest  of  the  meeting,  which,  combined  with  fine 
weather,  excellent  music,  and  easy  access  to  the  public,  caused  a  crowded 
attendance. 

For  twelve  dishes  of  fruit  the  Earl  of  Harrington,  Elvaston  Castle, 
Derby  (gardener,  Mr.  Goodacre),  was  first  with  fine  Muscat  of  Alexan¬ 
dria,  Black  Alicante,  and  Gros  Guillaume  Grapes,  a  beautiful  Countess 
Melon,  very  fine  Sea  Eagle  and  Golden  Eagle  Peaches,  two  good  Pines, 
well  coloured  Nectarines,  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey  Pears,  Cox’s  Orange 
Apples,  and  fine  Figs  and  Plums.  Sir  J.  M.  Pease,  Hutton  Hall  (gardener, 
Mr.  Mclndoe),  was  second  with  a  fine  collection.  Unfortunately,  some 
of  his  Grapes  were  rubbed  in  transit.  The  Duke  of  Newcastle  (gardener, 
Mr.  Slade),  was  third.  For  twelve  bunches  of  Grapes,  in  not  less  than 
three  varieties,  two  gold  and  one  silver  medal  were  offered,  causing  keen 
competition.  E.  M.  Mundy,  Esq.,  Shipley  Hall,  Derby,  was  first  with 
a  fine  heavy  Gros  Guillaume,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  Gros  Colman, 
all  showing  skilful  treatment  and  good  finish.  The  Earl  of  Harrington 
was  second  with  a  little  smaller  examples  of  high  merit,  having  Gros 
Maroc,  Alnwick  Seedling,  and  Madresfield  Court,  in  addition  to  the 
varieties  staged  in  the  first  prize  collection.  The  Duke  of  Newcastle 
was  third  with  good  heavy  bunches.  For  six  bunches  of  white  Grapes 
E.  M,  Mundy,  Esq.,  was  an  easy  first  with  large,  well  coloured  bunches 
of  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Second,  the  Earl  of  Harrington  with  excel¬ 
lent  Bowood  Muscats,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  Mrs.  Pearson.  The 
prizes  in  this  class  were  given  by  Mr.  W.  Innes  of  Derby.  For  four 
bunches  of  black  Grapes  Mr.  W.  Innes,  Derby,  was  first  with  enormous 
clusters  of  Gros  Guillaume,  which  had  suffered  somewhat  in  travelling. 
C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  Glewston  Court  (gardener,  Mr.  S.  T.  Wright), 
was  second  with  Black  Alicante,  firm  in  bunch  and  in  perfect  condition. 
The  Earl  of  Harrington  was  third. 

With  eight  dishes  of  Apples  the  Earl  of  Harrington  was  first,  showing 
large,  highly  coloured  fruit  of  Loddington,  Flower  of  Kent,  Gloria 
Mundi,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  Ribston  Pippin,  Adams’  Pearmain,  Fearn’s 
Pippin,  and  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin.  Sir  J.  M.  Pease  was  second 
with  fruit  grown  under  glass.  Mrs.  Barlow  was  third,  A  special  prize 
was  awarded  to  C,  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  whose  dessert  Apples  were  very 
fine  indeed.  For  eight  dishes  of  Pears  the  Earl  of  Harrington  was  first 
with  large  fruits  of  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Catillac,  Doyennd  du  Comice, 
Duchesse  d’AngoulSme,  Beacon,  Beurr4  Diel,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  and 
Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey,  Sir  J.  M.  Pease  was  second,  and  Mrs,  Barlow 
third.  With  twelve  Tomatoes  Mr.  James  Mason,  Victoria  Street, 
Manchester,  took  leading  honours,  followed  by  J.  Grant  Morris,  Esq., 
Allerton  Priory,  and  Mrs.  Lord,  Oakleigh,  Ashton-on-Mersey.  In  the 
Apple  and  Pear  classes  open  to  residents  within  twenty  miles  of 
Manchester,  the  competition  was  good,  and  the  fruit  fine  for  the 
district ;  the  most  successful  exhibitors  being  J.  Watts,  Esq.,  R.  R.  Gills, 
Esq.,  J.  J.  Travis,  Esq.,  A.  Hornby  Lewis,  Esq.,  and  the  Earl  of 
Ellesmere. 

Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Norwood,  staged  about  120  dishes  of  Apples 
and  Pears,  also  a  collection  of  Grapes,  altogether  a  fine  collection,  which 
deserved  the  gold  medal  awarded.  Special  prizes  were  awarded  as 
follows  : — To  the  Duke  of  Newcastle  for  six  grand  Pines  ;  to  Mrs. 
Barlow  for  100  dishes  of  Apples,  Pears,  and  Crabs  ;  to  Messrs,  Keynes 
and  Williams,  Salisbury,  for  a  most  imposing  and  beautiful  display  of 
Dahlias,  arranged  in  a  charming  manner  ;  and  to  Messrs.  Harkness  and 
Sons  for  a  magnificent  collection  of  hardy  cut  flowers  in  over  eighty 
varieties.  Mr.  H.  Merryweather,  Southwell,  Notts,  also  had  a  special 
prize  awarded  for  thirty-seven  dishes  of  Bramley’s  Seedling  Apple,  very 
fine.  Other  non-competing  exhibits  were  staged  by  Messrs,  Dickson 
and  Robinson,  Old  Mill  Gate,  Manchester,  who  put  up  fine  Roses 
and  Gladiolus  ;  Messrs.  Dickson,  Brown,  &  Tait  staged  good  Dahlias  and 
Gladiolus  ;  Messrs.  Caldwell  &  Son,  Knutsford,  had  Apples  and 
Dahlias  ;  and  Miss  Hopkins,  Mere  Cottage,  Knutsford,  hardy  flowers 
and  Pansies. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Fred  Horsman  &  Co.,  Colchester. — Orchid  Specialities. 

G,  Mount,  Canterbury. — Roses. 

McRonald,  Chichester. — Dutch  Bulbs  and  Flower  Roots. 

VanZ  inten&Nieuwerf.Boskoop,  Holland,  and  Tottenham, N. — Plants 
for  Pottinq  and  Forcing. 

T.  S,  Ware,  Hale  Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham. — Carnations  and 
Picotees  and  Axitumn  Bulb  Guides, 

Dicksons,  Limited,  The  Nurseries,  Chester. — Select  Roses. 


WOKK.F0R.THEWEEK,. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Flg^s, — Early -forced  Trees  in  Pots. — As  it  is  not  advisable  to  increase 
the  pot  room,  a  few  inches  of  soil  may  he  removed  from  the  base  of  each 
ball,  cutting  back  the  roots,  also  reduce  the  ball  a  little  at  the  side  so  as 
to  provide  room  for  fresh  compost,  and  remove  the  loose  surface  soil, 
cutting  off  any  strong  straggling  roots.  The  drainage  must  be  thorough, 
using  a  compost  of  fibrous  loam  three  parts,  decayel  manure  one  part,  and 
old  mortar  rubbish  pounded  one  part,  thoroughly  incorporated  and  had 
under  cover  a  few  weeks  previous  to  potting  (if  necessary)  to  become 
moderately  dry.  Make  the  whole  very  firm.  Afford  a  good  watering,  and 
place  the  trees  where  they  can  have  plenty  of  air  with  shelter  from 
heavy  rains  and  snow.  This  is  only  available  for  trees  that  are  not  in 
large  pots  or  have  the  roots  mainly  restricted  to  the  pots,  as  those  that 
are  in  18-inch  pots  and  have  been  stood  on  brick  pedestals  to  prevent 
their  sinking  with  the  fermenting  material,  require  different  treatment. 
In  their  case  every  particle  of  the  old  Oak  or  Beech  leaves  should  be 
removed  from  the  bed,  and  the  surface  dressings  also  be  picked  from 
amongst  the  roots  with  a  handfork,  shortening  the  strongest  roots. 
The  drainage  being  attended  to  the  trees  are  to  be  placed  in  position  on 
the  loose  brick  pedestals,  and  the  soil  surface-dressed  with  the  compost 
named  firmly  rammed  into  the  pot.  Supply  water  to  settle  the  soil,  and 
after  this  keep  the  house  cool,  dry,  and  well  ventilated  until  the  time  of 
starting  in  November  or  early  December.  This  method  is  preferable  to 
repotting  annually,  as  the  trees  are  less  likely  to  cast  their  first  crop 
of  fruit,  which  is  the  most  important,  and  it  is  not  advisable  to  disturb 
trees  in  18  or  20-inch  pots  at  the  roots  more  than  can  be  helped.  Trees 
that  are  not  in  as  large  pots  as  desired,  or  when  it  is  thought  desirable 
to  increase  the  root  space,  a  liberal  shift  may  be  given,  the  sides  of  the 
ball  being  loosened  with  a  handfork,  and  any  straggling  roots  cut  back, 
also  the  matted  roots  in  the  drainage.  Provide  good  drainage,  using  the 
same  kind  of  compost  for  potting  as  previously  advised,  and  ram  it  as 
hard  as  the  ball,  this  having  been  moistened  previously,  but  the  soil  used 
in  potting  must  be  rather  dry. 

Succession  Houses.— The  trees  now  ripening  the  second  crop  Figs 
must  be  gradually  kept  drier  as  the  days  shorten,  a  little  fire  heat  being 
necessary  in  dull  weather  to  admit  a  free  circulation  of  air  and  prevent 
damp,  for  moisture  settling  on  the  fruit  causes  it  to  fall  an  easy  prey  to 
fungi,  which  compass  its  decay.  Particular  attention  must  be  given  to 
the  exposure  of  the  wood  to  the  full  influence  of  sun  and  air,  removing 
all  useless  growth,  thinning  where  the  shoots  are  too  close,  and  allow 
the  points  to  stand  well  up  or  out  to  the  glass.  As  already  mentioned, 
the  supplies  of  water  must  be  diminished,  but  not  so  as  to  cause  the 
foliage  to  become  limp,  and  it  may  be  withheld  from  borders  that  have 
been  well  watered  and  mulched  up  to  the  middle  of  this  month.  The 
main  point  is  to  get  the  wood  well  ripened,  especially  at  the  points  of 
the  shoots. 

Lifting  Over-luxuriant  Fig  Trees. — When  in  rich  borders  and  the 
rootage  deep  and  extensive.  Fig  trees  are  apt  to  become  too  strong  for 
fruit  bearing,  and  in  that  case  preparation  should  be  made  for  lifting 
them  as  soon  as  the  leaves  turn  yellow.  If  the  trees  are  fruitless  a 
trench  should  be  taken  out  about  one-third  the  distance  from  the  stem 
the  branches  extend,  cutting  off  all  the  roots.  This  will  check  the 
tendency  to  late  growth  and  concentrate  the  forces  on  the  ripening  of 
the  wood.  In  other  cases  the  trees  should  be  attended  to  as  soon  as  the 
crop  is  gathered,  lifting  them  with  care,  cutting  back  all  long  roots, 
reserving  the  fibres  only.  Good  drainage  with  a  drain  to  carry  off 
superfluous  water  is  necessary.  A  3-inch  drain  with  proper  fall  and 
outlet  will  do  the  last,  and  a  foot  thickness  of  brickbats  with  a  3-inch 
layer  of  old  mortar  rubbish  over  will  provide  the  first.  A  border  of  4  to 
6  feet  width  is  much  better  than  a  wide  one,  and  18  inches  to  2  feet 
depth  of  soil  ample.  What  is  wanted  is  firm,  sweet,  calcareous  soil  that 
will  admit  of  the  percolation  of  water  and  air  through  and  retain  the 
manurial  elements  essential  to  the  production  of  fine  fruit.  Good  turfy 
loam  four  parts,  and  one  part  each  old  mortar  rubbish  and  road  scrap¬ 
ings  forms  a  suitable  and  durable  border,  incorporating  well.  Place  the 
compost  together  firmly  so  as  to  insure  a  sturdy  short-jointed  growth. 
Spread  out  the  tree  roots  evenly,  work  in  the  soil  amongst  them,  and 
make  it  firm,  placing  them  in  layers  as  they  rise,  and  keeping  them  well 
up.  not  covering  the  topmost  more  than  2  or  3  inches.  The  soil  must  be 
moist  when  used,  but  it  ought  not  to  be  wet.  Give  a  moderate  watering,, 
and  keep  cool  and  dry. 

Peaches  and  Tfectarlnes. — Trees  Rijoening  the  Fruit  in  Judy. — 
Tie  trees  will  now  be  approaching  the  resting  period,  indicated  by  some 
of  the  leaves  falling.  They  should  be  kept  somewhat  drier  at  the  roots,, 
but  if  the  lights  have  been  removed  the  trees  will  not  take  any  harm, 
but  be  benefited  by  the  thorough  moistening  of  the  soil,  as  they  will 
have  a  correspondingly  cool  atmosphere  and  not  be  excited  by  fits  and 
starts  as  in  houses  that  are  made  receptacles  for  plants.  If  the  trees, 
however,  are  very  strong,  it  is  not  wise  to  remove  the  roof  lights,  and  if 
the  wood  does  not  ripen  well  a  trench  may  be  made  at  a  distance  of 
about  one-third  the  height  of  the  tree  from  the  stem,  and  detach  all 
roots  down  to  the  drainage,  leaving  the  trench  open  for  a  fortnight,. 


Septemb  r  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


277 


^vhen  it  may  be  filled  again  and  made  firm.  This  will  cause  the  wood 
to  harden,  and  the  sap  will  be  concentrated  on  the  buds  and  help  to 
plump  them.  Young  trees  only  will  require  this  ;  but  older  trees  that 
have  the  wood  very  strong  should  be  root-pruned,  and  have  the  roots 
wholly  or  partially  lifted  before  the  leaves  have  all  fallen.  In  the  case 
of  weakly  trees  remove  the  old  soil  from  over  and  amongst  the  roots, 
supplying  fresh,  rather  strong  calcareous  loam,  making  it  firm,  following 
with  a  good  soaking  of  liquid  manure. 

Trees  Ripening  the  Fruit  in  August  and  Early  Septeinber. — Cut  out 
the  wood  that  has  borne  fruit,  leaving  no  more  successional  shoots  than 
are  necessary  for  next  year’s  crop  and  that  can  be  fully  exposed  to  light. 
Cleanse  the  foliage  of  dust  and  red  spider  by  water  directed  with  force 
from  a  garden  engine  or  syringe,  and  repeat  occasionally.  If  there  is 
scale  promptly  apply  an  insecticide,  petroleum  emulsion  being  one  of 
the  most  effective,  also  against  red  spider,  a  soapy  solution  destroying  it, 
and  for  brown  aphis  use  tobacco  powder  or  juice.  There  must  not  be  any 
lack  of  moisture  at  the  roots,  therefore  apply  water  to  the  inside  borders 
as  necessary  to  keep  them  from  becoming  too  dry.  Afford  abundant 
ventilation,  and  if  the  wood  is  not  ripening  well  keep  the  house  rather 
warm  by  day,  and  throw  the  ventilators  open  at  night,  but  a  warm, 
close,  moist  atmosphere  must  be  avoided,  as  that  would  be  injurious 
than  otherwise. 

Rate  Trees. — As  the  fiuit  is  cleared  from  the  trees  the  shoots  that 
have  borne  fruit  should  be  cut  to  a  successional  one  at  the  base,  and 
where  the  growths  are  too  crowded  they  must  be  thinned.  This  with 
free  ventilation  and  gentle  fire  heat  in  cold  localities  during  dull  weather, 
and  with  the  growth  strong  will  assist  in  ripening  the  wood.  This  is  of 
primary  importance  as  regards  next  year’s  crop.  The  trees  must  not 
lack  moisture,  and  yet  a  drier  condition  is  advisable  whilst  the  fruit  is 
ripening.  Some  s  fft  netting  suspended  beneath  the  trees  will  be  useful 
to  save  any  fallen  fruit,  but  it  must  be  looped  up  in  small  pockets  to 
prevent  the  fruit  bruising  each  other.  With  an  examination  of  the 
fruit  in  the  morning  and  late  afternoon  there  is  no  necessity  for  the  netting. 
The  fruit  is  better  gathered  before  becoming  dead  ripe,  yet  not  before  it 
parts  readily  from  the  branch,  and  kept  in  a  cool,  light,  airy  fruit  room 
until  required. 

Melons. — While  the  fruits  are  swelling  water  must  be  supplied* 
keeping  the  soil  healthfully  moist,  and  feeding  with  tepid  liquid  manure. 
A  moderate  moisture  also  must  be  maintained  by  damping  in  the 
morning  and  in  the  afternoon,  and  at  closing  time  a  light  syringing 
of  the  foliage  may  be  practised  if  the  weather  be  bright.  Remove  all 
superfluous  growths  as  they  appear,  and  admit  air  early  or  at  75°, 
keeping  the  bottom  heat  steady  at  about  80°.  Maintain  a  night  tempera¬ 
ture  of  65°  to  70°,  70°  to  75°  by  day,  and  80°  to  90°  with  sun  heat,  closing 
sufficiently  early  to  increase  to  95°  or  more. 

A  little  fire  heat  so  as  to  insure  a  circulation  of  air  constantly  and 
prevent  the  deposition  of  moisture  on  the  fruit,  and  no  more  water  at 
the  roots  than  is  necessary  to  prevent  flagging,  will  accelerate  the 
ripening  and  do  much  to  improve  the  flavour.  In  manure-heated  pits 
and  frames  no  water  will  be  required  where  the  soil  has  been  kept 
properly  moist  during  the  swelling  of  the  fruit,  but  keep  the  sides  well 
lined,  and  leave  a  little  air  on  at  the  back  at  night.  The  fruit  should 
be  raised  well  above  the  surface  of  the  bed.  Any  fruit  wished  to  be 
kept  for  a  time  should  be  cut  with  a  portion  of  stem  when  it  gives 
indications  of  ripening,  placing  in  a  dry  airy  room  ;  if  wanted  ripe  place 
in  a  warm  house  in  the  full  sun,  where  it  will  ripen  better  than  in  cool 
frames. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Open-air  Musbroom  Beds. — This  has  been  a  rather  trying  season 
for  early  formed  Mushroom  beds,  and  unless  there  is  sufficient  moisture 
in  the  manure  to  insure  its  steady  decay  there  is  no  heat  to  promote  the 
rapid  spread  of  the  spawn  or  to  hasten  the  growth  of  Mushrooms.  Any 
beds  spawned  early  in  August  ought  now  to  be  examined.  If  there  are 
no  signs  of  Mushrooms,  the  manure  also  being  found  very  dry  below  the 
surface,  then  the  attempt  should  be  made  to  moisten  it  by  either  ex¬ 
posing  to  a  soaking  rain  or  else  form  holes  all  over  the  bed,  and  then 
give  two  or  three  waterings  with  a  rose  on  the  pot,  using  tepid  water. 
This  must  not  be  overdone,  though  judging  from  the  present  state  of 
the  beds  there  is  little  likelihood  of  saturation  taking  place.  After  the 
beds  have  been  moistened  cover  heavily  with  strawy  litter.  Those  found 
to  be  in  a  fairly  moist  state  when  first  examined  need  not  be  watered. 
Mushrooms  ought  to  be  forthcoming  in  from  five  weeks  to  six  weeks 
after  spawning. 

Successional  Beds. — Someof  the  most  profitable  beds  are  those  that 
are  formed  and  spawned  during  the  month  of  September.  Open  air 
beds  must  be  ridge-shaped,  but  may  be  of  any  length,  or,  say,  from 
6  feet  upwards.  The  site  should  be  well  drained,  somewhat  sheltered, 
and  if  it  can  be  managed  the  beds  ought  to  be  formed  where  neither 
moles  nor  large  field  mice  are  likely  to  get  at  them.  Horse  droppings 
without  a  portion  of  straw,  to  the  extent,  say,  of  one-third  of  the  bulk, 
are  unsuitable  for  ridge-shaped  beds.  The  heap  must  be  well  prepared  or 
it  will  heat  very  violently,  or  so  much  so  as  to  quite  spoil  the  bed  after  it 
is  put  together.  About  a  fortnight  should  be  taken  up  in  preparing  the 
manure,  the  heap  being  turned  inside  out  every  second  or  at  the 
most  third  day,  and  watered  whenever  found  dry.  Dry  manure  is 
worthless  for  making  into  Mushroom  beds,  and  the  watering  will 
in  many  cases  be  necessary  according  as  the  materials  are  finally 
put  together.  Properly  prepared  manure  must  be  free  from  rank 
smells  and  violent  heat,  but  still  be  capable  of  going  on  heating  and 
-decaying. 


Forming-  and  Spawning-. — Mark  or  stake  out  the  site,  allowing 
a  width  not  exceeding  3  feet,  and  work  just  inside  of  this.  Shake  out  the 
manure  so  as  to  separate  what  flakes  there  may  be  and  distribute  it  in 
layers,  either  trampling  or  heavily  beating  down  each  layer  with  the 
back  of  the  fork.  Gradually  narrow  the  ridge  till  when  from  30  inches 
to  3  feet  high,  it  is  only  6  inches  wide.  Finish  off  neatly,  and  slightly 
round  the  top.  The  manure  must  be  put  together  so  firmly  as  to 
make  it  no  easy  matter  to  thrust  the  necessary  trial  stakes  well  into  the 
bed.  Examine  these  sticks  frequently.  At  first  the  heat  will  most 
likely  increase  considerably,  but  directly  it  is  on  the  decline,  or  as  soon 
as  the  heated  part  of  the  trial  sticks  can  be  comfortably  borne  in  the 
palm  of  the  hand,  the  time  has  arrived  for  spawning. 

Use  fresh  spawn  and  break  the  bricks  up  into  about  eight  pieces. 
Insert  these  lumps  in  holes  formed  with  the  hand,  and  not  a  dibble,  just 
below  the  surface,  and  about  8  inches  apart  each  way,  angling  the 
holes  being  advisable.  The  start  should  be  made  6  inches  or  so  from  the 
ground,  and  there  will  be  no  necessity  to  spawn  quite  up  to  the  top  of 
the  ridge.  Make  all  level  and  firm,  looseness  being  prejudicial  to  the 
spread  of  Mushroom  spawn.  Continue  to  frequently  examine  the 
trial  sticks,  and  if  they  are  found  to  be  very  hot  to  the  hand 
some  of  the  enclosed  vapour  must  be  let  out  by  means  of  a  pointed  iron 
rod  thrust  down  through  the  centre  or  ridge  of  the  bed  at  short  intervals. 
This  will  quickly  lower  the  temperature  and  save  the  manure  from 
becoming  dry  and  musty.  A  little  judgment  must  be  exercised  as  to 
when  to  soil  over  the  beds.  If  the  manure  has  been  well  prepared,  the 
proper  time  to  case  over  is  on  the  fourth  day  after  spawning,  but  it  is 
better  to  defer  this  a  few  days  longer  rather  than  cause  over-heating. 
Fresh  fine  yellow  loam  suits  Mushrooms  well,  nothing  answering  better 
than  that  obtained  from  immediately  under  turf  in  a  meadow.  Failing 
virgin  loam  use  garden  soil  dug  from  between  the  top  spit  and  sub¬ 
soil.  Firmly  cover  the  beds  with  a  layer  2  inches  thick  of  soil,  but  do 
not  wet  and  plaster  it  on,  or  cracking  to  a  most  injurious  extent  will 
inevitably  result.  Protect  open  air  beds  with  strawy  litter,  lightly  at 
first,  and  heavily,  in  the  form  of  a  thatch,  when  either  heavy  rains  or 
frosts  have  to  be  warded  off. 

Mushroom  Beds  under  Cover. — Now  is  a  good  time  to  form 
beds  either  in  Mushroom  houses  proper  or  in  cellars,  sheds,  or  snug  out¬ 
houses  of  any  kind.  These  beds  should  be  nearly  or  quite  flat,  a  gentle 
slope  to  the  front  being  usually  given,  of  any  convenient  width,  and 
from  12  inches  to  15  inches  in  depth.  They  can  be  enclosed  either  by 
walls  or  steut  boards  kept  in  position  by  means  of  strong  uprights,  and 
preferably  be  formed  on  the  floor,  shelves  answering  better  later  on.  In 
these  cases  rather  less  short  stained  straw  ought  to  be  left  with  the 
manure,  though  in  all  other  respects  the  preparation  should  be  the  same. 
This  season  much  green  food  has  been  given  to  horses,  but  it  should  be 
remembered  that  it  is  from  horses  in  hard  work,  and  fed  on  hay  and 
corn,  that  the  droppings  most  suitable  for  making  into  Mushroom  beds 
are  obtained.  If  there  is  no  choice  take  every  care  with  the  best  that 
can  be  had.  No  fire  heat  ought  to  be  turned  on  for  some  time  to  come, 
the  best  crops  very  frequently  being  had  from  the  beds  in  snug  unheated 
sheds  and  cellars.  Prepare  more  manure  for  successional  beds,  supple¬ 
menting  it  with  Oak  leaves  if  the  bulk  is  insufficient.  Old  Cucumber 
and  Melon  beds  in  houses  might  also  be  spawned  with  every  prospect  of 
a  good  crop  of  Mushrooms  following  in  due  course  if  only  the  top  heat 
is  not  too  strong. 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 


Home  from  the  Moors. 

After  two  months  oE  suspense  and  toil,  with  alternate  disap¬ 
pointments  and  successes,  we  have  returned  from  the  moors.  We 
had  a  brief  period  of  fine  weather,  but  this  was  followed  by 
torrents  of  rain  and  a  low  temperature,  and  there  were  few  morn¬ 
ings  without  hoarfrost.  With  all  these  drawbacks,  however,  I 
am  home  with  a  fair  yield  of  Heather  honey,  but  by  no  means  so 
great  as  I  have  frequently  had  from  the  same  place  in  as  few  days. 
My  best  hive,  a  second  cross  Carniolan,  weighs  gross  160  lbs.,  having 
increased  in  weight  70  lbs.  My  next  best,  a  second  cross  Syrian, 
weighs  about  the  same.  Both  these,  along  with  the  others,  lost 
in  weight  the  first  month  from  12  to  20  lbs.,  and  near  the  end 
another  10  to  12  lbs.,  as  is  always  the  case,  so  that  the  actual 
gathering  of  our  best  hives  would  be  100  lbs.  The  average  weight 
made  from  the  setting  down  till  the  lifting  is  about  40  lbs. 

A  dozen  hives  increased  before  going  to  the  Heather  to  thirty-four. 
Although  constantly  attending  my  bees  at  the  Heather,  six  swarms 
left  unseen  and  were  lost,  it  being  impossible  to  detect  them. 
Twenty  seven  of  the  thirty -three  swarms  I  had  were  all  returned. 
Among  the  rest  was  a  Punic  nucleus,  the  pure  and  cross  giving 
alike  satisfaction,  having  made  on  the  whole  as  much,  or  perhaps 
more,  than  any  other  variety.  They  are  no  worse  than  other  bees, 
nor  so  bad  as  the  pure  Italians  for  stinging  or  robbing,  but  are  not 
entirely  innocent  in  that  respect.  They  are  very  prolific,  and  it  is 
this  good  quality  that  our  modernists  do  not  know  how  to  put  to 


278 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  18S3. 


the  best  use  for  large  yields  of  honey.  The  toil  from  excessive 
swarming  this  season  is  due  entirely  to  practising  contrary  to  what 
I  teach,  and,  like  many  more,  have  suffered  accordingly.  Influenced 
by  persuasion  and  past  bad  seasons  I  wrought  my  hives  with  two 
divisions  instead  of  three,  as  I  have  advised  sensible  bee-keepers 
to  do. 

I  am  perhaps  prejudiced  against  the  mild  tempered  pure 
Carniolan  free  from  the  yellow  bands,  but  I  cannot  help  admiring 
the  beautiful  whiteness  of  their  honeycombs.  I  thought  till  early 
in  the  summer  that  I  possessed  the  original  pure  strain  first  sent  me 
by  the  late  Mr.  Alfred  Neighbour  nearly  twenty  years  ago,  but 
somehow,  through  so  much  swarming  and  so  many  queens  about, 
every  one  was  lost,  so  I  have  begun  anew  with  one  that  I  have 
safely  introduced  lately.  Having  taken  some  trouble  to  obtain  the 
pure  strain  free  from  Italian  and  Syrian  blood.  I  shall  if  spared  till 
another  year  take  care  to  increase  and  to  keep  them  pure,  having  a 
good  opportunity  of  doing  so. 

Elvanfoot  has  about  fifty  inhabitants,  snl  it  is  becoming  well 
known  as  a  healthy  locality.  Among  the  inhabitants  is  one  who 
dislikes  bees  and  bee-keepers.  He  says,  “  Bee-keepers  bring  wet 
weather,  and  the  bees  take  the  strength  out  of  the  grass  and  the 
Heather.”  The  person  alluded  to  has  for  years  tried  to  prevent 
bees  being  set  upon  neighbouring  farms,  and  this  year  appealed  to 
the  factor  of  an  adjoining  estate  to  compel  the  bees  to  be  removed. 
This  was,  however,  only  partially  complied  with,  the  owners  of 
the  bees  removing  them  several  hundred  yards. 

As  everything  by  way  of  reading  and  correspondence  are  in 
arrears,  I  will  in  the  next  issue  answer  several  queries,  and  com¬ 
mence  a  series  of  practical  articles  for  beginners  and  the  inex¬ 
perienced.  I  have  omitted  to  say  that  my  best  hive  mentioned 
above  is  an  old  stock  that  swarmed  in  June,  the  prime  swarm  from 
it  being  nearly  as  heavy,  and  gave  a  surplus  of  honey  early  in  the 
season.  Your  readers  can  now  judge  of  the  reliability,  or  unre- 
liabilty,  of  the  saying,  “  When  hives  swarm  there  is  an  end  to 
honey  gathering.”  In  my  future  articles  I  will  give  full  instructions 
how  to  be  as  successful  as — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


GABDENERS'  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS. 

The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  60,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 

United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. — 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 

royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron, 
Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens,  Chiswick,  London,  W. 


•,*A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor  ”  or  to  “  The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Cow  and  Pig:  IVIanure  Water  for  Cbrysanthemums  {MacLeod'). 
— There  is  no  safer  liquid  stimulant  than  that  made  from  cow  manure 
provided  it  is  scalded  with  boiling  water  so  as  to  destroy  destructive 
larvae  before  adding  the  water — say  twenty  gallons  to  one  peck  of  the 
manure,  stirring  well  and  leaving  a  day  or  two.  If  you  mean  the 
drainings  from  the  cow  house  it  is  an  excellent  manure,  and  should  be 
diluted  with  about  a  fourth  of  water  when  neat ;  if  from  the  manure  as 
well  it  should  be  diluted  to  the  colour  of  mild  beer.  Piggery  drainings 
are  much  more  powerful  than  either  stable  or  cow  house  drainings,  and 
could  only  be  safe  when  diluted  with  ten  times  the  bulk  of  water. 
Nitrate  of  soda  may  be  used  occasionally,  but  not  too  often,  at  the  rate 
of  a  ^  oz.  per  gallon  of  water. 


Fliygrellus  capensls  {L., Dundee). — You  ask  whether  thisis  a  shrubby 
or  herbaceous  plant.  According  to  the  “  Botanical  Magazine” it  is  both. 
The  description  in  connection  with  a  beautiful  coloured  illustration, 
tab.  4881,  vol.  xi.,  third  series,  states  the  plant  is  “  shrubby  below  and 
herbaceous  above.”  That  is  its  general  character.  In  the  south  the 
lower  part  assumes  a  shrubby  habit  and  retains  it  through  the  winter, 
the  Pentstemon-like  stems  of  scarlet  flowers  dying  and  cut  back  to 
the  sound  parts.  In  some  colder  localities  we  are  told  the  plants  die 
down  the  same  as  Fuchsias  do  in  the  open  ground  and  produce  young 
growths  from  the  rootstock  annually.  Only  in  such  instance8_could 
the  plant  be  popularly  described  as  herbaceous. 

Storing  Fruit  {F.  J.). — There  is  nothing  better  than  clean  white 
paper  for  the  fruit  to  rest  on,  though  it  is  not  necessary  unless  the  wood 
is  likely  to  taint  the  fruit.  Cocoa-nut  fibre  would  certainly  form  a 
better  “bed”  for  the  fruit ;  but  choice  fruit  should  have  as  much  of 
its  surface  exposed  as  possible,  so  that  it  might  ripen  equally  in  every 
part.  As  this  process  begins  at  the  eye,  that  part  is  generally  placed 
downwards,  in  some  cases  embedded  in  sand  or  other  material  to  secure 
equal  ripeness  all  over.  To  insure  the  fruit  keeping  sound  as  long  as 
possible  it  is  often  packed  in  material  calculated  to  exclude  air,  and 
maintain  a  uniform  temperature  without  tainting  the  fruit.  Peat  moss 
litter  has  been  used  for  storing  Apples  in  with  complete  success,  and  the 
fruit  was  not  in  the  least  tainted.  The  same  variety  kept  longer  in  it 
than  by  any  other  method,  and  fetched  more  money.  The  moss  litter 
was  of  course  sweet.  The  very  soft  wood  wool  referred  to  on  page  220, 
September  7th,  is  excellent  as  a  packing  for  fruit. 

Bones  and  Balnlt  for  Fruit  Trees  {T,  IF.  F.). — If  it  is  desired 
to  get  as  much  value  out  of  the  bones  as  possible  the  first  year,  they 
should  be  dissolved — that  is,  made  into  superphosphate.  Steamed  bone 
meal  is  a  little  more  durable,  but  by  no  means  to  be  considered  a 
permanent  improvement.  Crushed  bones  have  value  extending  over 
several  years,  and  ought  not  to  be  used  where  the  trees  are  in  immediate 
want  of  support,  it  being  better  to  employ  bone  superphosphate,  so  as  to 
secure  the  best  results  in  the  summer  following  its  application.  The 
superphosphate  and  kainit  should  be  in  a  mixture  of  equal  proportions, 
and  spread  over  the  ground  under  the  branches  of  the  bushes  or  trees 
and  for  a  foot  beyond  in  the  autumn,  at  the  rate  of  2  ozs.  per  square  yard, 
or  3f  lbs.  per  rod  (30J  square  yards).  The  ground  may  then  be  lightly 
pointed  over,  but  not  injuring  the  roots,  and  left  until  the  spring.  If 
a  full  crop  of  fruit  needs  support  give  a  supplementary  dressing  of 
powdered  nitrate  of  soda — say  Ij  lb.  per  rod,  a  little  more  if  the  soil 
is  of  a  dry  nature,  or  a  little  less  if  the  ground  be  damp. 

Pear  Tree  Blister  lUoth  {G.  T.  Dd). — The  moth  is  minute 
and  active,  body  satiny  white,  the  wings  having  an  orange  ground 
spotted  with  black  and  other  colours.  It  appears  in  May,  and  after 
pairing  the  female  deposits  her  eggs  at  the  end  of  that  month  or 
beginning  of  June,  or  later,  in  the  tissue  of  the  leaves  on  the  upper 
surface,  and  from  these  issue  the  grubs  or  caterpillars,  which  feed 
beneath  the  epidermis,  and  produce  dark  brown  blisters,  corresponding 
to  the  spread  of  the  caterpillar.  Sometimes  the  blisters  run  together. 
When  the  caterpillar  is  full  fed,  which  usually  takes  place  in  August  or 
September,  it  ea<s  its  way  out,  and  entering  a  crevice  in  the  bark  or  a 
wall,  where  it  will  be  snug  and  dry,  it  spins  a  white  silken  cocoon, 
very  beautiful,  and  becomes  a  chrysalis  inside,  being  quite  small  in 
itself,  but  easily  recognisable  by  the  silvery  coating.  From  this  it 
appears  as  the  moth  at  the  time  before  named.  Those  at  the  back  of 
the  old  plaster  are  the  cocoons — some  empty,  others  contain  chrysalids. 
The  description  to  which  you  allude  is  not  accurate  as  regards  this 
country,  but  it  is  strictly  so  in  respect  of  warmer  and  drier  climes. 

Housing:  Chrysantbemums  {A.  Pitman). — Mr.  Molyneux’s 
references  on  page  73  of  his  work,  which  you  have  found  so  useful, 
apply  to  late  varieties  generally  as  the  first  to  be  placed  under  glass 
with  the  object  of  advancing  the  blooms  so  that  they  may  be  ready 
for  cutting  at  the  same  time  as  the  earlier  varieties,  the  plants  of 
which  are  housed  later.  There  are  only  about  two  in  your  list  that  can 
be  called  late  or  slow  in  opening.  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington  and 
Barbara.  Endeavours  to  have  all  the  varieties  in  condition  at  the  same 
time  are  only  as  a  rule  resorted  to  by  exhibitors,  and  growers  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  for  house  decoration  find  a  prolonged  display  the  most 
satisfactory,  therefore  they  prefer  to  allow  the  different  varieties  to 
open  at  their  natural  time.  Judging  from  the  names  in  your  list  you 
do  not  intend  the  blooms  for  exhibition,  and  therefore  you  will  not  err 
by  housing  all  the  plants  at  the  end  of  the  present  month,  sooner  if  the 
nights  are  clear  and  frost  appears  imminent,  though  if  you  wish  to 
advance  any  particular  varieties  place  the  plants  under  glass  at  once. 
Some  of  the  names  in  your  list  are  not  to  be  found  in  the  National 
Chrysanthemum  Society’s  catalogue,  and  others  are  misspelt.  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  are  often  injured  by  a  keen  frost  at  the  end  of  Septem¬ 
ber  or  early  in  October,  mild  weather  supervening,  and  growers  should 
be  on  the  alert  accordingly. 

Odontog:lossums  Planted  Out  — Orcbids  from  Seed  {J.  Wilson). 
— Odontoglossums  are  planted  in  thousands  by  Mr,  F.  Sander,  in  his 
establishment  at  St.  Albans.  A  layer  of  open  material,  consisting  of 
sphagnum,  fibrous  turf  and  charcoal,  is  spread  over  ample  drainage  on 
side  stages,  and  the  plants  established  in  it.  Under  the  skilful  treat¬ 
ment  to  which  they  are  subjected  they  grow  as  well  as  plants  can  grow, 
and  lift  well  for  establishing  in  pots.  The  thickness  of  the  compost 
varies  according  to  the  size  of  the  plants,  but  the  same  depth  as  that 


September  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


279 


usually  found  in  pots  for  different  sized  plants  is  a  safe  rule  of  guidance. 
Planting  ont  is  a  labour-saving  process  in  watering — a  point  of  greater 
importance  in  extensive  trade  collections  than  in  private  establishments. 
The  atmospheric  conditions  of  the  houses  are  specially  appropriate  for 
the  well-being  of  the  plants.  The  best  way  of  raising  Orchids  from  seed 
is  to  sow  all  that  is  found  in  the  pods  as  resulting  from  careful  fertilisa¬ 
tion.  To  attempt  to  separate  the  weak  from  the  strong  grains,  as 
revealed  by  a  powerful  magnifying  glass,  would  be  somewhat  too 
tedious.  The  seed  is  cast  on  the  sphagnum  round  established  plants, 
and  if  good,  and  the  essential  conditions  of  moisture  and  temperature 
maintained,  germination  follows  in  due  course.  The  most  careful 
skilled  attention  is  needed,  transplanting  and  establishing  the  seedlings 
being  an  extremely  delicate  process.  The  plants  flower  in  from  ten  to 
fifteen  years  after  sowing  the  seed,  the  majority  b  ing  no  better  than 
the  parents,  perhaps  worse.  Raising  Orchids  from  seed  reminds  us 
of  digging  for  diamonds — an  enormous  amount  of  rubbish  has  to  be 
removed,  but  now  and  then  a  gem  of  the  first  water  is  found,  the  lucky 
owner  rejoicing  accordingly  in  the  reward  for  his  enterprize  and  perse¬ 
verance  ;  but  many  diamond  searchers  are  not  lucky,  and  it  is  the  same 
with  Orchid  raisers,  and  experts  have  the  best  chances  of  success. 

Slrex  glgas  (J.  Young  Eutomol^gut). — The  Sirex  gigas  is  found 
in  the  north  of  Europe  ;  it  has  been  taken  in  England,  but  very  rarely  ; 
it  is  a  British  species,  and  is  sometimes  taken  in  Scotland.  It  is  likely 
to  be  met  with  in  Pine  forests,  as  the  female  seems  to  prefer  that  wood 
to  deposit  her  eggs  in.  The  male  is  considerably  smaller  than  the  female, 
and  has  no  sting.  The  sting  of  the  female  consists  of  three  parts — a 
sheath  which  divides  into  two  parts  or  valves,  and  a  fine  instrument 
somewhat  resembling  a  needle  ;  it  is  with  this  instrument  it  wounds  its 
enemies,  and  the  sting  is  said  to  cause  excruciating  pain.  The  microscope 
discovers  this  part  to  be  beset  with  a  number  of  very  minute  teeth,  like  the 
edge  of  a  saw  ;  with  this  sdng  the  creature  can  pierce  the  wood  of  sound 
trees  ;  for  we  suspect  it  does  not  always  deposit  its  eggs  in  such  as  are 
decayed,  but  rather  in  such  as  will  supply  the  larva  with  nourishment 
when  it  is  hatched.  The  eggs  are  laid  in  clusters  of  200  or  300  together; 
they  are  of  a  pale  yellow  colour,  about  the  thirtieth  part  of  an  inch 
in  length,  and  shaped  like  a  weaver’s  shuttle.  The  larva  lives  in  the 
body  of  the  tree,  enlarging  its  habitation  as  it  increases  in  size,  for  it 
never  leaves  the  tree  till  it  becomes  a  winged  creature.  The  larva  when 
full  grown  is  about  inch  in  length,  and  as  thick  as  a  goose  quill.  It 
is  a  heavy  sluggish  creature,  almost  cylindrical,  the  head  very  small,  and 
the  whole  of  an  uniform  pellucid  yellowish  colour.  It  has  a  small  spine 
at  the  end  of  the  body  like  those  by  which  the  larva  of  some  spinges  are 
distinguished  ;  this  spine  is  also  a  striking  character  in  the  perfect 
Sirex.  In  the  pupa  the  form  of  the  winged  creature  is  more  visible 
than  in  the  larva  state ;  it  is  of  a  browner  colour  than  the  larva,  and  the 
rudiment  of  the  sting  and  legs  are  very  visible. 

XTamlngr  Fruits — A  Roundabout  Procedure.  —  A  correspon¬ 
dent  informs  us  that  he  usually  sends  his  Pear  problems  to  a  friend,  and 
if  neither  he  nor  his  man  can  name  the  fruit,  it  is  at  once  sent  by  the 
friend  to  this  office.  Our  correspondent  further  states  that  he  does  not 
wish  to  trouble  his  friend  at  present,  so  sends  fruit  direct  to  us,  with  a 
request  that  we  send  the  names  by  post.  This  is  an  improvement  on 
the  roundabout  way,  but  we  only  name  fruit  through  these  columns  for 
the  convenience  of  regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such 
fruit,  and  not  collectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter 
procedure  is  wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will 
allow  themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules. 

Thames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Special  attention  is  directed  to  the 
following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is  to  discourage  the  growth  of 
inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior  varieties.  In  consequence 
of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Apples  and  Pears  sent  to  this  office  to 
be  named.,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only  specimens  and  varieties  of 
approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior,  which  are  not  worth  sending 
or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of  senders  of  fruit  to  be  named 
must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the  specimens,  whether  letters 
referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or  not.  The  names  are  not 
necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials  sufficing  for  that.  Only  six 
specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  beyond  that  number  cannot 
be  preserved.  They  should  he  sent  on  the  first  indication  of  change 
towards  ripening .  Dessert  Pears  cannot  he  named  in  a  hard  green 
state.  (_E.  M.') — The  clustered  fruits  are  varieties  of  the  Siberian 
Crab,  the  smaller  form  with  narrow  leaves  being  Pyrus  Malus 
prunifolia,  and  the  other  P.  M.  baccata.  You  are  probably  right  in  the 
names  of  the  Apples.  (./.  C.  M!). — We  cannot  name  the  Apples.  The 
larger  ones  are  essentially  faulty,  and  the  others  not  worthy  of  names 
or  cultivation.  {J.  E!). —  1,  Probably  Golden  Reinette,  but  not 
sufficiently  matured  for  positive  identification  ;  2,  Dr.  Harvey.  The 

Pears  were  unripe  and  in  a  condition  which  rendered  naming  them  an 
impossibility.  (Z).  3/.). — 1,  Souvenir  du  Congres  ;  2.  Williams’  Bon 
ChrStien  ;  3,  Immature  ;  4,  Probably  Beurrd  de  Capiaumont,  and 
certainly  not  Van  Mons  Ebon  Leclerc.  The  Apple  is  Five-crowned 
Pippin.  (/Z.  T.  //.). — 1  and  5,  Gathered  before  ready,  consequently 
unrecognisable  ;  2,  Mbre  de  Mbnage  ;  3,  Wyken  Pippin  ;  4,  Small  fruit 
of  Lane’s  Prince  Albert.  (^B.  IF.). — 12,  Cobbam,  a  good  Apple  ;  14, 
Dumelow’s  Crab.  The  others  cannot  be  named  ;  they  are  probably 
local  kinds,  and  we  do  not  wish  to  see  any  more  of  them.  The 
Crab  was  quite  rotten.  If  your  object  is  to  grow  fruit  for  sale 
increase  the  varieties  which  thrive  best  in  your  soil,  whether 
you  can  get  the  names  or  not.  We  should  be  sorry  to  purchase 
trees  of  such  varieties.  {T,  S.j. — 1,  Probably  Beurr6  Superfin, 


but  the  stalk  end  containing  the  most  characteristic  feature  of  the 
variety  was  quite  rotten;  2,  Beurib  d’Amanlis.  (6*.  J.'). — 1,  Cox’s 
Pomona;  2,  Kirke’s  Fame;  3,  Northern  Greening;  4,  Nonesuch;  5, 
Sturmer  Pippin ;  6,  probably  a  small  fruit  of  Court  Pendfi  Plat. 
(/Z.  C.'). — 1,  Bergamotte  Dussart,  a  Belgian  Pear;  2,  Duchesse 
d’Augouleme  ;  3,  Summer  Thorn.  (jF.  B  ). — 1,  2,  and  5,  not  known,  no 
stalks  to  assist  in  the  identification  of  the  fruits;  3,  M^re  de  Mbnage ; 
4,  Cellini;  6,  probably  Loddington  Seedling,  but  no  stalk.  (Ji  E,  S.'), 
— 1,  Cellini.  The  others  cannot  be  named,  not  being  well  grown 
specimens,  and  all  of  them  have  been  dragged  from  the  trees  too  soon. 
(tZ.  G.  P.'). — Winter  Hawthornden.  (ZZ.  //.). — Apple  Ribston  Pippin, 
Pear  Autumn  Bergamot.  (J.  D  j. — 1,  Beauty  of  Kent ;  2,  probably 
local,  resembles  Tower  of  Glamis  ;  3,  Beauty  of  Hants.  (^Knehha'). — 
I,  Hollandbury  ;  2,  the  two  specimens  are  very  unlike,  but  bear  a  general 
resemblance  to  Dutch  Mignonne  ;  3  and  4,  not  known,  probably  local. 
The  Pears  were  hard,  and  not  ready  for  naming.  Hard  Pears. — We 
have  several  boxes  of  Pears  that  it  is  quite  impossible  for  anyone  to 
name  with  any  approach  to  accuracy.  They  have  been  sent  weeks,  and 
some  of  them  months,  too  soon  for  the  purpose  in  question. 

UTames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(ffiames  Boyd'). — We  regret  that  the  plant  which  you  have  taken  such 
creditable  pains  to  describe  cannot  be  identified  from  the  leaves,  though 
special  endeavours  have  been  made  to  determine  its  name.  (^H.  C.  L.). — 
Funkia  grandiflora.  (Zl.  ilZ.  B.). — Odontoglossum  crispum.  (ZZ  J.) — 
Brassia  Lawrenceana.  (Z?.  ZZ.). — 1,  Clematis  coccinea  ;  2,  We  kept  the 
spray  of  this  in  water  to  enable  the  buds  to  open  which  they  failed  to 
do,  without  blooms  it  cannot  be  identified  ;  3,  Oolutea  arborescens ; 
4,  Ceanothns  azureus ;  5,  An  Azalea,  but  must  have  flowers ; 

6,  Tropaeolum  speciosum.  (C.  E.  B.  B.). — Specimen  insufficient,  pro¬ 
bably  Tropaeolum  Ball  of  Fire.  (ZZ.  A.  C.). — 1,  Flowers  shaken  off ;  most 
likely  Pelargonium  Scarlet  Unique  ;  2,  P.  quercifolium  ;  3,  Helenium 
pumilum. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — September  20th. 


Market  quiet ;  prices  remaining  the  same  with  exception  of  Gobs,  which  are  finding 
their  level  at  a  slight  reduction. 

FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d 

s. 

d. 

Apples,  per  bushel  . .  . . 

1 

0  to  6 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

6  to  8 

0 

Cobs  . 

25 

0 

27 

6 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

1 

6 

2 

6 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

1 

6 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

8. 

d, 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb.  . . 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2 

to  0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  ..  .. 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

6 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

6 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  ,,  .. 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . .  . .  . . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

6 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  , .  . . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE 

WHOLESALE 

PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 

s. 

d. 

S. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

2 

0 

to  4 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

to  4 

0 

Asters  (English)  doz.  bches. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  .. 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms  . . 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blooms 

3 

0 

12 

6 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

bunches  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

bunches . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

sprays  • .  .  •  . .  .  • 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Bucharis,  dozen . 

1 

6 

4 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Lilium  lanoifolium,  dozen 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  . . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

0 

3 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

u 

Lilium  longiflorum,perdoz. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

O 

0 

4 

0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  .. 

0 

4 

0 

6 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitie  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Ferns  (smalD  pf  r  hundred 

4 

0  to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  . .  . . 

1 

u 

/ 

6 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each.. 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Asters,  dozen  pots  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  .. 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lilium  lanoifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

4 

0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . , 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Euony m  us ,  var.,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Palms,  in  var..  each  . .  . . 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

„  (specimens)  .,  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

4 

0 

280 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  21,  1895. 


Hitherto  it  has  been  laid  down  by  authorities  that  quality 
in  milk  fluctuates  3  or  4  per  cent. ;  it  is  also  admitted  that  the 
milk  of  a  “stale”  cow  is  less  rich  by  5  per  cent,  than  that  of 
a  “fresh”  cow — a  “stale”  cow  meaning  one  that  has  been  so 
long  in  milk  after  calving  that  there  is  a  falling  off  in  both  milk 
yield  and  richness  ;  a  “  fresh  ”  cow,  one  that  has  recently 
calved.  This  has  formed  a  basis  for  analyses  made  in  the 
interest  of  the  consumer.  It  has  been  regarded  as  a  safe  guide, 
a  higher  per  centage  of  poverty  in  quality  being  invariably 
taken  to  indicate  just  so  much  addedjwater.  Having  regard  to 
the  simplicity  of  milk  adulteration,  and  to  the  temptation  which 
a  farmer  struggling  with  adversity  has  to  indulge  in  it,  it  is  only 
right  that  some  check  in  the  guise  of  a  fair  test  should  be  kept 
upon  it.  It  is  equally  right  that  the  producer  should  have  fair 
play,  and  therefore  it  is  all  important  that  the  scrutiny  should 
be  just  and  thorough. 

A  case  recently  tried  in  the  Marylebone  Police  Court  so 
clearly  points  to  the  possibility  of  erroneous  analyses,  that  it 
is  worthy  of  special  notice.  The  report  says  that  two  sum¬ 
monses  came  before  the  Court,  issued  at  the  instance  of  the 
Hamps*^ead  Vestry,  against  a  dairy  farmer  named  Robert  G. 
Norman  of  Hill  field  Farm  Dairy,  Bushey,  Herts,  for  sending 
milk  to  London  which  on  analysis  was  alleged  to  have  been 
adulterated  by  the  admixture  of  6  and  7  per  cent,  of  water 
respectively.  The  sanitary  inspector  took  samples  of  the  milk 
on  its  arrival  at  the  Kilburn  Railway  Station  on  August  11th 
and  12th.  Professor  Stokes  analysed  the  samples,  and  certified 
them  to  contain  6  and  7  per  cent,  of  added  water.  The  West 
London  Dairy  Company,  to  whom  the  milk  was  consigned,  also 
had  it  tested  by  Mr.  Lloyd,  the  analyst  who  certified  it  to 
contain  as  much  as  9  per  cent,  of  added  water.  Both  certificates 
were  met  by  Mr.  Norman  with  the  plain  answer  that  the  milk 
was  in  the  same  condition  as  taken  from  the  cow,  and  luckily 
for  him  it  was  arranged  that  Mr.  Lloyd  should  see  the  cows 
milked,  and  make  an  analysis  of  that  milk.  He  saw  the 
seventeen  cows  milked  in  the  middle  of  a  field.  All  the  milk 
was  put  into  a  large  churn,  and  he  took  a  sample.  The  result 
of  his  analysis  showed  8  per  cent,  of  added  wa^er. 

Mr.  Lloyd  said  he  believed  the  only  explanation  to  be  given 
was  the  exceptionally  hot  and  dry  season  this  year,  and  its 
effect  upon  the  cows.  The  dry  season  had  so  affected  the  food 
as  to  alter  the  composition  of  the  milk.  The  poorness  of  the 
food  would  affect  the  quality  of  the  milk  and  diminish  the 
solids.  It  was  not  the  dryness  of  the  food  eaten  that  changed 
the  quality  of  the  milk,  but  the  nutriment  obtained  out  of  it 
by  the  cow.  The  quantity  of  water  drank  by  the  cow  was  not 
important.  In  dismissing  the  summonses,  Mr.  Plowden,  the 
magistrate,  said  the  8ubs‘antial  quesMon  underlying  all  such 
summonses  was  whether  or  not  there  had  been  fraud— that 
must  be  proved  by  cogent  evidence,  for  it  was  a  serious  matter 
for  an  honourable  and  respectable  man  to  be  convicted  of  such 
an  offence.  Mr.  Lloyd’s  analysis  must  be  taken  as  a  perfectly 
honest  one,  and  it  showed  that  due  allowance  had  not  been  made 
for  the  very  hot  weather  and  dry  season. 

We  have  quoted  this  important  case  in  sufficient  detail  to 
make  it  quite  clear,  because  it  demanded  something  more  than 
a  mere  passing  notice.  We  have  long  held  that  if  some  such 
scheme  of  Government  supervision  of  dairy  farms  in  force  in 
Denmark  were  possible  wi'h  us,  it  would  be  for  the  mutual 


benefit  of  producer  and  consumer.  “  Honourable  and  respect¬ 
able  ”  men  would  then  not  only  have  the  projection  of  a  skilful 
Government  inspector,  but  they  would  also  receive  invaluable 
advice  and  guidance  in  the  provision  of  food,  and  the  best 
method  of  using  it  for  the  cows.  To  have  a  full  flow  of  rich  milk 
we  must  feed  aright,  under  a  sound  method  of  food  production 
as  well  as  of  its  use.  Had  dairy  farmers  generally  such  a  method 
entering  into  the  economy  of  farm  management,  they  would 
have  come  through  tbe  great  drought  with  comparative  ease. 
There  would  have  been  little  if  any  shortness  of  food  supply  or 
deterioration  of  milk  quality.  It  may  seem  hard — almost  cruel 
— to  say  this  to  men  struggling  with  adversity  ;  but  surely  it 
must  be  granted  that  he  is  their  true  friend  who,  knowing  how 
many  of  them  might  do  so  much  better,  strives  to  assist  them 
in  doing  it. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Couch  fires  are  burning  everywhere  wherever  we  go ;  they  are  a  sign 
and  token  of  the  doing  of  much  good  work,  the  autumn  to  get  the  land 
clean.  Twenty-four  of  them  did  we  see  in  one  field  in  Yorkshire  a  few 
evenings  ago.  The  following  day  we  came  upon  a  long  line  of  them 
on  a  south  country  farm,  and  it  was  delightful  to  see  the  men  doing 
their  utmost  to  keep  the  fires  going  and  to  set  fire  to  other  heaps.  If 
ever  we  are  to  have  clean  land  it  is  surely  now  after  six  months  of 
summer  followed  by  another  month  of  fine  weather.  Autumn  tillage, 
too,  is  being  done  far  more  generally  than  usual ;  we  were  much 
pleased  recently  to  see  furnace  ash  being  carted  upon  a  Midland  farm^  to 
be  ploughed  into  the  heavy  land.  Such  signs  of  sound  energetic  action 
make  us  hopeful  for  the  future  of  farming. 

The  Wheat  sowing  is  in  hand,  also  Rye  and  Winter  Oats.  Wheat 
should  be  sown  only  on  deep  sound  loam  ;  it,  with  the  other  crops 
mentioned,  should  be  got  in  now  without  loss  of  time.  Where  new 
layers  of  mixed  seeds  or  Rye  Grass  are  wanted,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  sow 
now  soon  after  the  Wheat  is  in,  because  a  full  plant  seldom  fails  from 
an  autumn  sowing ;  but  sowing  with  spring  corn  is  always  much  more 
speculative,  as  many  a  farmer  has  found  to  his  cost  this  year.  Vetches 
should  also  be  sown  soon ;  a  second  sowing  early  in  October  is  also 
worth  while  as  a  connecting  link  between  the  first  sowing  and  spring 
crops.  Frosts  in  Derbyshire  dales  have  touched  some  vegetation  ;  they 
are  a  reminder  to  push  on,  using  green  Maize,  holding  in  hand  crops  less 
susceptible  to  frost.  Cows  will  eat  Maize  after  frost  has  turned  the  tops 
of  the  plants  brown,  but  it  is  not  so  nutritious  then.  Mention  is  made 
of  this  because  we  have  already  seen  sheepfolds  on  roots.  The  only 
roots  that  should  be  in  folds  yet  are  early  sown  White  Turnips ;  all 
other  root  crops  should  be  held  over  for  winter.  Dale  farmers  have  no 
occasion  for  early  folds,  plenty  of  herbage  have  they  on  the  pastures, 
many  of  them  have  mown  a  fair  second  crop  of  grass  for  hay. 


The  Royal  Commission  on  Agriculture. — The  second  meeting 
of  this  body  took  place  on  Tuesday  last  at  23,  Great  George  Street, 
Westminster,  Mr.  Shaw  Lefevre,  M.P.,  presiding.  The  other  Commis¬ 
sioners  present  were  Viscount  Cobham,  Sir  Nigel  Kingscote,  Mr.  R. 
Giffen,  Mr.  Everett,  M.P.,  Captain  Owen  Thomas,  Mr.  Lambert,  M.P., 
Mr.  W.  Long,  M.P.,  Mr.  J.  Gilmour,  Mr.  C.  Whitehead,  Mr.  C.  N.  Dalton, 
and  W.  C.  Little,  with  the  Secretary  (Mr.  H.  Lyon),  and  the  Assistant 
Secretaries  (Mr.  C.  Crawford  and  Mr.  F.  Freeman  Thomas).  Five 
Assistant  Commissioners  were  chosen  to  travel,  four  of  them  in  England), 
one  in  Scotland,  and  gather  information  for  the  central  body. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Square.  London. 
Lat.51°32'40"  N. :  Long.  0=^  8' 0"  W.:  Altitude.  Ill  feet. 


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  THE  Day. 

Rain. 

1893. 

September. 

i  Barometer 

at  32°,  and 
Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

luchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

10 

30-010 

54-9 

49  2 

N.E. 

59-0 

65-8 

45-2 

103-9 

41-2 

— 

Monday  . . 

11 

30-226 

59-6 

52-7 

N.E. 

58-1 

68-0 

45-4 

112-1 

39-8 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

12 

30-329 

60-2 

52-9 

B. 

57-9 

69-9 

46-8 

119-1 

40-3 

— 

Wednesday 

13 

30-230 

54-2 

49-9 

S.W. 

57-6 

71-0 

42-1 

U8-0 

37-2 

— 

Thursday . . 

14 

30-246 

65-9 

60-9 

N. 

58-2 

77-4 

54-2 

111-9 

49-7 

— 

Friday  . . 

15 

30-226 

59-6 

65-0 

S.W. 

58-7 

75-9 

50-2 

112-3 

44-8 

— 

Saturday  . . 

16 

29-922 

60-4 

56-3 

N.E. 

69-1 

67-6 

49-2 

84-4 

43-1 

0-164 

30-170 

59-3 

53-8 

58-4 

70-8 

47-6 

107-4 

42-3 

0-164 

REMARKS. 

10th.— Nearly  cloudless  morning,  overcast  at  times  in  afternoon,  and  fine  evening. 

1 1th.—  Dull  early,  and  generally  overcast  till  1.30  P.M. ;  bright  afternoon  and  evening. 
12th. — Clear  and  fresh,  with  warm  sunshine. 

13th.— Sunny,  but  rather  hazy. 

14th. — Almost  cloudless  early  and  in  afternoon,  but  a  good  deal  of  cloud  in  morning. 
15th. — Warm,  with  brilliant  sunshine  almost  throughout. 

16th.— Bright  early,  overcast  after  9  A.M. ;  spots  of  rain  in  afternoon ;  wet  evening  and 
night. 

A  fine  week  with  much  sunshine,  and  rain  on  only  one  day.  Temperature  above  tlie 
average.— G.  J.  Symons. 


September  58,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


281 


TO  many  of  the  younger  generation  the  meeting  of  the  veterans,  so 
pleasantly  recorded  in  the  pages  of  the  Journal  three  weeks 
ago  (page  236),  must  have  been  highly  interesting,  and  if  a  young 
man’s  record  of  a  young  man’s  work  may  be  allowed  to  follow  the 
sketch  of  the  veteran's  longer  experience  I  should  like  to  give  it.  I 
felt  tempted  to  ask  at  first  for  a  special  gathering  of  younger  men  round 
the  council  fire  to  whom  to  address  my  story,  but  after  all  it  may  be 
gratifying  to  the  old  chiefs  of  the  gardening  tribe  to  hear  of  those 
of  the  younger  generation  growing  up  around  them  who  are 
animated  by  the  same  ideals,  and  endowed  with  the  same  sterling 
qualities.  The  time  will  come  when  the  old  workers  must  lay  aside 
the  spade  and  the  pen,  and  it  can  hardly  be  other  than  gratifying 
to  them  to  think  that  when  that  time  comes  their  teaching  will 
live  on,  and  be  developed  to  the  common  good  as  others  have  been 
before  them. 

High  cultivation  has  but  a  vague  meaning  to  many  minds. 
Mention  of  it  is  usually  received  in  a  tolerative  spirit  as  a  something 
which,  although  devoid  of  practical  shape,  still  merits  respect  as  an 
admirable  abstract  jrinciple.  It  is  not  looked  upon  as  actually 
implying  the  production  of  good  crops  of  fruit  on  trees  which 
formerly  yielded  bad  ones,  or  heavy  crops  of  vegetables  where  the 
land  originally  gave  light  and  unsatisfactory  returns.  But  it  is  my 
present  purpose  to  show  that  it  has  a  tangible  force  and  value,  and 
that  far  from  being  an  abstract  theory  it  is  a  principle  pregnant 
with  practical  results.  It  has  been  my  good  fortune  to  enter  many 
■well  managed  gardens  this  season,  and  the  latest  affords  a  splendid 
instance  of  what  high  culture  can  do.  It  is  a  Sussex  garden, 
entered  through  handsome  lodge  gates  about  two  miles  past 
Crawley  on  the  main  Brighton  road.  The  proprietor,  Philip 
Saillard,  Esq.,  is  a  wealthy  merchant,  who  has  made  himself  the 
owner  of  a  vast  estate,  and  has  devoted  time,  money,  and  intelli¬ 
gence  to  improving  it.  The  gardens  are  admirably  laid  out,  the 
houses  handsome  and  substantial,  exhibiting  excellence  of  materia^, 
workmanship,  and  design.  Indeed,  the  whole  place  is  such  as  the 
proprietor  may  well  look  upon  with  pride  and  satisfaction. 

I  turn  now  to  the  gardener’s  part,  and  so  get  at  last  to  my  story. 
The  fruit  at  Buchan  Hill,  for  that  is  the  name  of  Mr,  Saillard's 
splendid  place,  is  a  great  object  lesson  to  those  who  are  unable  to 
form  any  definite  conception  of  the  meaning  of  the  term  “  high 
•ulture.”  The  large,  walled-in  kitchen  garden  contains  a  collection 
of  trees,  which  for  skilful  management,  healthy  condition,  and 
productiveness,  are  not  to  be  excelled  in  any  garden  which  I  have 
yet  seen,  and  are  equalled  by  very  few.  They  are  a  remarkable 
example  of  the  results  which  follow  an  intelligent  prosecution  of  a 
few  leading  principles.  As  models  of  pruning  and  training,  of 
health  and  cleanliness,  and  of  fruitfulness,  they  are  equally  striking, 
and  in  whatever  aspect  they  are  considered  they  constitute  an 
eloquent  testimony  to  the  advantages  of  culture. 

The  gardener,  a  young  man  named  Martin,  went  to  the  place 
as  foreman,  and  took  full  charge  between  four  and  five  years  ago. 
In  that  time  outside  witnesses,  well  capable  of  judging,  tell  me  that 
he  has  effected  an  extraordinary  transformation.  For  my  own  part 
I  can  only  speak  of  the  present,  not  of  the  past.  Peaches  and 
Nectarines  on  a  wall  facing  due  east  are  now  in  magnificent  order, 
whatever  they  may  have  been  a  few  years  ago.  They  are  huge  trees 
splendidly  trained,  with  healthy,  well-developed,  clean  foliage,  and 

No,  692. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


have  carried  good  crops  of  fruit.  Walburton  Admirable,  Eoyal 
George,  Noblesse,  and  Dymond  are  four  of  the  leading  sorts.  The  trees 
were  lifted  last  year,  and  are  now  well  furnished  with  bearing  wood. 
Lifting  is  the  young  gardener’s  prescription  for  barrenness.  He 
practises  it  with  all  kinds.  The  labour  must  be  great,  but  the  results 
are  unmistakeahle. 

A  long  si  retch  of  cordons  on  the  same  wall  as  the  Peaches  have 
been  recently  planted.  The  quality  of  the  material,  as  well  as  the 
nearness  to  Cheal’s,  suggests  their  birthplace.  The  espaliers,  which 
run  nearly  all  round  the  garden,  are  in  first-rate  order.  They  are 
well  established  trees,  and  have  filled  their  allotted  space.  Enormous 
quantities  of  fruit  are  yielded  by  them.  There  is  grand  fruit  of  the 
two  stewers,  Uvedale’s  St.  Germains  and  Catillac.  Beurre 
Capiaumont  is  heavily  laden,  in  fact  the  tree  is  brown  with  fruit,  and 
almost  the  same  might  be  said  of  Brown  Beurre  and  Easter  Beurrd, 
while  Beurre  Sterckmans,  Beurre  Diel,  Beurre  Superfin,  Pitmaston 
Duchess,  and  Beurre  Hardy  are  bearing  exceptional  crops.  So  heavy 
is  the  burden  of  fruit  that  it  is  natural  to  express  a  doubt  if  the  trees 
are  not  overcropped.  But  the  growth,  it  is  observed,  is  of  the  right 
sort,  and  by  no  means  points  to  a  debilitated  condition.  The  secret 
is  in  the  condition  of  the  roots  and  the  soil.  Lifting  and  re-lifting, 
with  the  concomitant  shortening  of  coarse  “  prongs,”  has  resulted  in 
the  production  of  a  network  of  feeding  fibres,  and  the  medium  in 
which  they  ramify  has  been  consistently  enriched. 

Even  more  noteworthy  than  the  espaliers  and  wall  trees  are  the 
pyramids.  It  would  be  difficult  to  produce  a  more  perfectly  healthy 
and  fruitful  type.  Though  termed  pyramids,  they  are  not  so  formal 
as  the  average  tree  of  that  class,  and  might  almost  be  described  as 
intermediate  between  the  pure  pyramid  and  the  open  bush  favoured 
by  many  cultivators.  The  course  of  training  pursued  has  evidently 
been  conducted  with  a  view  to  securing  neatness  and  shapeliness 
without  excessive  formality.  The  bushes  are  open  through  the  thin 
disposal  of  the  main  branches,  which  are  15  to  18  inches  apart,  and 
they  bear  magnificent  fruit,  which  is  of  great  size,  and  as  smooth  and 
clean  as  indoor  Nectarines.  The  moderate  extension  that  is  permitted 
affords  a  natural  outlet  for  the  inherent  energies  of  the  trees,  and 
their  open  character  favours  complete  solidification  and  maturation. 
Root  management  is  again  advanced  as  one  of  the  great  factors  in 
successful  management.  “  Use  the  knife  less  and  the  spade  more  ” 
is  this  young  gardener’s  creed.  Numbers  of  trees  which  never  bore 
a  good  crop,  the  roots  being  in  an  unsatisfactory  state,  the  soil 
exhausted,  and  the  branches  in  a  tangled  mass,  crossing  and 
re-crossing  each  other,  so  that,  as  my  companion  put  it,  “  you 
couldn’t  see  half  through  them,”  are  now  bearing  splendid  crops. 
You  can  see  all  the  way  through  them  now,  and  a  fine  display  of 
fruit  is  included  in  the  survey. 

This  affords  one  side  of  the  practical  aspect  which  I  have  claimed 
for  the  term  “  high  cultivation.”  In  this  garden,  where  the  trees 
once  gave  but  a  poor  return,  they  now  yi  Id  produce  that  would  shine 
prominently  at  any  exhibition.  I  might  pass  for  a  moment  from 
the  type  to  a  variety.  Some  of  the  finest  pyramids  are  Pitmaston 
Duchess,  and  with  these  notes  I  hand  the  Editor  two  Pears  from  one 
of  the  trees.  One  is  a  large,  clean,  shapely  example,  weighing 
15  ozs.  It  was  not  selected,  as  there  were  many  larger,  but 
taken  off  at  random.  The  other  is  a  wrinkled,  distorted,  worthless 
fruit  weighing  5  ozs.  Four  years  ago  the  latter  represented  the 
crop,  for  the  trees  bore  no  other,  now  there  is  only  one  here  and 
there,  an  ugly  duckling  amongst  a  full  crop  of  large,  handsome 
specimens,  such  as  might  have  come  off  one  of  Mr.  Thomas  s  famous 
Sittingbourne  trees.  The  ugly  ducklings  would  bo  laughed  oat  of 
the  market,  the  normal  fruits  would  probably  bring  half  a  crown  a 
dozen.  There  have  been  no  my’^sterious  processes  brought  to  bear  on 
the  trees.  They  are  the  same  specimens,  and  occupy  the  same  places 
as  when  they  were  worthless  ;  cultivation  alone  has  brought  about 
the  change.  They  have  been  thinned,  judiciously  trained,  root- 
pruned,  and  liberally  fed,  nothing  more.  The  plain  truth  is  that 
practical  work  and  common  sense  have  transformed  them  from 

No.  2348.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


282 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  28,  1893. 


cumbsrers  of  the  ground  and  robbers  of  the  soil  into  valuable  and 
fruitful  occupants  of  the  garden.  F. 

There  is  a  fruit  arch  at  Buchan  Hill  about  which  a  few  words 
ought  to  be  said.  It  is  17  feet  high,  15  feet  wide,  and  upwards  of 
300  feet  long.  The  well  known  arch  at  the  Lowfield  nursery  is  a 
babe  beside  this  giant.  It  is  planted  with  cordons  on  both  sides,  and 
\*nust  present  a  magnificent  sight  when  the  trees  are  in  full  blossom. 
It  is  not  less  remarkable  now,  for  many  of  the  trees  have  met  in  the 
•centre  of  the  arch  overhead,  and  are  a  rope — I  had  almost  said  a 
•rainbow — of  fruit.  The  trees  on  one  side  were  lifted  last  year,  and 
next  season  probably  the  other  side  will  be  similarly  treated. 
Amongst  the  Pears  Nouveau  Poiteau,  Marie  Louise,  Duchesse 
d’Angouleme,  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Brockworth  Park,  Doyenne 
Boussocb,  Beurre  Diel,  Beurre  Hardy,  Souvenir  du  Congres,  and 
Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  are  doing  well  ;  amongst  the  Plums  Green 
Gage,  Magnum  Bonum,  Peach,  Jefferson,  Diamond,  and  Victoria  ; 
^amongst  the  Apples  Alexander,  Blenheim  Orange,  Lady  Henniker, 
Cellini,  Lord  Suffidd,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin, 
Worcester  Pearmain,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  Loddington,  and  Lord 
Derby. 

This  wonderful  arch  has  been  established  ten  years,  and  it  is  a 
revelation  to  see  what  magnificent  results  are  yielded  by  the  cordon 
system  when  the  trees  have  scope  for  free  main  extension,  are  well 
fed,  and  have  their  roots  kept  in  good  order.  Every  fruit  grower  in 
'the  kingdom  would  delight  in  seeing  it,  and  indeed  the  whole 
•garden.  The  kitchen  garden  is  full  of  splendid  pyramids,  and  the 
walls  are  packed  on  both  sides  with  fruitful  trees.  All  over  the 
iplace,  amongst  the  vegetable  quarters,  the  fruit  trees,  and  in  the 
.plant  houses,  the  rule  is  heavy  cropping  and  perfect  cleanliness, 
'llie  soil  is  systematically  stored  with  nutriment,  weeds  are  kept  down 
and  insects  prevented,  and  the  result  is  such  full  crops  of  splendid 
produce  as  are  rarely  seen.  I  am  told  that  Mr.  Martin  is  a 
tremendous  worker,  in  the  garden  early  and  late.  My  own  eyes 
‘have  told  me  that  he  is  a  fine  cultivator.  This  young  practitioner  is  a 
credit  to  his  craft,  and  one  whom  time  will  distinguish,  unless  I 
am  much  mistaken,  as  one  of  the  leading  gardeners  of  his 
time.  His  future,  at  all  events,  lies  in  his  own  hands.  His  work 
is  a  worthy  tribute  from  one  of  the  younger  generation  to  the  sound 
teaching  of  the  old,  and  a  proof  that  some  at  least  of  the  rising 
-school  are  prompted  by  high  principles  and  energetic  perseverance. 
— W.  P.  W. 


HARDY  FLOWER  NOTES. 

Though  days  grow  short  and  cool,  and  falling  leaves  from 
drees  and  hedgerows  bespeak  the  coming  of  the  wintry  days,  when 
the  wind  shall  whistle  eerily  through  the  leafless  boughs,  and  the 
flowers  which  bedeck  the  garden  be  few  and  far  between,  as  yet 
there  is  no  want  of  brightness.  The  Sunflowers  still  glow  ;  the 
stately  Gladiolus  still  uprears  its  beautiful  spike  among  the  border 
flowers  ;  the  Pyrethrum  has  endeavoured,  though  faintly,  to 
assume  the  beauty  its  flowers  display  in  June;  the  Michaelmas 
Daisies  have  been  most  beautiful,  with  that  soft  beauty  which 
renders  these  flowers  so  much  in  harmony  with  the  sadder  skies  of 
•these  autumn  days  ;  some  of  the  Campanulas  still  display  on  border 
or  in  the  rock  garden  their  spikes  or  sheets  of  cup  or  bell-like 
form;  the  autumn  -  flowedng  Chrysanthemums,  which  here  are 
treated  practically  as  hardy  herbaceous  plants,  adorn  the  borders 
with  their  brilliant  blooms  of  various  sizes  ;  late-flowering  Poppies, 
such  as  the  charming  scarlet  and  black  Papaver  umbrosum,  are 
bright  and  attractive  still,  and  many  others  lend  gaiety  to  the 
garden. 

The  Meadow  Saffrons  have  well  nigh  passed  away,  leaving 
joyful  memories  of  the  cups  of  the  single  or  the  ribbon-like  petals 
of  the  double  forms.  No  prettier  flower  of  its  kind  exists  than 
the  double  white  variety  of  C.  autumnale.  Scarce  it  still  is,  but  is 
worthy  of  a  place  in  the  garden  of  the  choicest  of  hardy  flowers. 
Their  rivals,  too,  in  the  affection  of  the  lover  of  bulbous  plants — 
the  Crocuses — have  come  or  are  coming  rapidly  into  flower.  They 
are  doubly  welcome  prophet?,  so  to  speak,  as  they  are  of  the  spring 
when  the  Crocus  is  fully  aglow  with  beauty,  and  in  themselves 
choice  as  little  gems  which  sparkle  in  the  fainter  sunlight  of 
cloudier  autumn.  No  one  can  see  a  clump  of  C.  speciosus  ex¬ 
panded  in  the  sun  with  its  blue-purple  flowers  so  deeply  feathered 


without  feeling  delighted  at  the  sight.  Very  fine,  too,  has  been  a 
clump  of  C.  pulchellus  which  has  come  to  me  from  the  Bithynian 
Olympus.  When  they  bloomed  before  it  was  on  Asiatic  soil,  and 
now  in  this  mild  corner  of  Scotland  they  are  blooming  again,  and 
one  would  hope  may  do  so  many  years.  Variable  are  these  collected 
bulbs,  some  flowers  being  darker  in  colour  inside,  some  with  sharper 
petals,  and  others  with  deeper  coloured  feathering  ;  but  all  are 
beautiful  with  their  exquisite  tint  of  blue,  and  when  open  showing 
the  white  anthers,  which  are  a  distinct  feature  of  this  Crocus,  so 
worthy  of  the  specific  term  “pulchellus” — beautiful.  A  charm¬ 
ing  companion  to  this  native  of  the  neighbourhood  of  the  Bos¬ 
phorus  and  the  adjoining  countries  is  the  white  C.  hadriaticus,  in 
flower  here  at  the  same  time.  This  beautiful  little  Crocus  from 
the  Ionian  Islands  and  Albania  is  quite  hardy  here,  and  its  little 
white  flowers  are  most  delightful  either  when  open,  displaying  its 
lemon-coloured  anthers  and  scarlet  stigmas,  or  when  closed  in  in 
cone-like  form.  Other  Crocuses  are  also  in  flower,  but  must  be 
referred  to  again. 

Very  attractive  for  a  long  period,  either  on  the  rockeries  or 
forming  part  of  rockwork  edgings  to  other  borders,  has  been 
Linaria  anticaria,  a  little  alpine  Toadflax  which  I  have  had  in  my 
garden  for  a  number  of  years.  Unfortunately,  like  many  other 
Linarias,  it  cannot  be  said  to  be  perfectly  hardy,  although  for  some 
years,  when  I  first  grew  it,  it  survived  our  winters.  Further  ex¬ 
perience  leads  me  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  not  to  be  depended 
upon  ;  but  it  seeds  so  freely  here,  and  sows  itself  so  readily,  that 
my  first  sowing  years  ago  has  given  me  a  constant  stock  of  plants. 
One  of  the  charms  of  this  little  Toadflax  is  its  variable  character 
from  seed.  We  do  not  admire  inconstancy  in  people,  but  what  is 
a  failing  in  them  becomes  with  some  flowers  an  additional  attrac¬ 
tion,  and  this  Linaria,  like  the  allied  Snapdragon,  varies  much  in 
colour.  The  plant  forms  a  neat  tuft  of  grey  foliage,  with  little 
spikes  of  flowers  well  raised  above  the  plant.  These  are  very 
beautiful,  varying  much  in  colour  and  in  shade,  some  having  a 
white  ground  with  a  yellow  lip,  and  spurs  faintly  lined  with  grey, 
and  others  of  various  shades  of  cream  and  of  purple.  L.  anticaria 
is  more  easily  retained  in  my  garden  than  L.  alpina,  which  I  have 
had  much  greater  difficulty  in  establishing. 

One  of  the  prettiest  in  its  way  of  the  dwarf  Campanulas  still 
in  flower  has  been  C.  soldanellse flora  fl.-pl.,  an  attractive  little 
flower,  now  I  understand  ranked  among  the  forms  of  C.  rotundi- 
folia.  The  flowers  are  blue  and  semi-double,  the  latter  feature  not 
being  apparent  unless  on  rockwork  above  the  level  of  the  eye  or  until 
the  pendant  flower  is  lifted  to  examine  the  interior  of  the  bell. 
This  pretty  Bellflower  should  grow  to  about  1  foot  in  height ;  but 
as  I  prefer  to  keep  it  dwarf  it  is  grown  in  a  sunny  position  in  very 
dry  soil,  where  it  does  not  grow  more  than  9  inches  in  height. 
Seed  of  C.  soldanellseflora  may  be  obtained,  but  only  a  proportion 
can  be  depended  upon  to  come  true,  some  seedlings  showing 
flowers  almost  identical  with  those  of  C.  rotundifolia,  and  others 
having  a  number  of  narrow  petals  loose  to  the  base. 

A  valuable  plant  all  through  the  summer  has  been  Polygonum 
sphgercstachyum,  the  Round-spiked  Knotweed,  which  has  been 
much  admired  by  all  visitors  to  my  garden  who  can  appreciate 
hardy  flowers  (alas  !  that  such  a  saving  clause  is  necessary),  with 
its  spikes  of  blood-red  flowers  on  stems  growing  here  to  about 
18  inches  in  height.  The  spikes  are  about  inch  in  length,  and 
the  brilliance  of  the  flowers  renders  this  perhaps  the  most  attractive 
of  the  dwarf  Knotweeds.  It  is  growing  in  my  garden  in  a  low 
spot  at  the  ba^e  of  a  rockery  in  free  peaty  soil,  and  having,  what  is 
necessary  for  this  plant,  a  copious  supply  of  water.  Without  this 
it  suffers  much  ;  its  allied  species  P.  affine  or  brunonis  being  less 
particular  in  this  respect,  although  the  best  plants  I  have  ever  seen 
had  a  plentiful  supply.  P.  sphmrostacbyum  is  a  native  of  the 
Himalayas,  and  although  I  have  previously  called  attention  to  it 
this  further  note  is  hardly  uncalled  for,  as  so  pleasing  a  plant 
cannot  fail  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  grower.  It  is  quite  hardy  in 
this  neighbourhood. 

Although  I  have  not  flowered  it,  nor  have  I  even  a  plant  at 
present,  I  may  be  pardoned  for  speaking  briefly  of  a  flower  which 
on  its  introduction  we  heard  a  great  deal  of,  but  regarding  which 
there  is  now  an  almost  ominous  silence  in  horticultural  literature. 
This  is  Ostrowskia  magnifica,  introduced  from  Central  Asia  in  1887, 
and  named  in  honour  of  Ostrowski,  the  Russian  botanist.  Those 
who  have  not  seen  an  engraving  of  this  plant  will  find  one  in  the 
Journal  of  Horticulture,  \o\.  xvii.,  1888,  p  53.  There  were  great 
expectations  regarding  this  Bellwort,  but  very  few  have  been 
successful  in  its  cultivation,  and  it  is  as  much  in  the  hope  of 
receiving  as  of  giving  information  that  this  note  is  penned.  I  have 
made  several  inquiries  of  hardy  plant  growers  who  have  had  this 
plant,  and  nearly  all  have,  like  the  writer,  lost  their  plants  through 
causes  variously  reported  as  “severe  winters,”  “slugs,”  or  more 
frequently  what  may  be  called  “sheer  inanition,”  or  “  a  premature 
and  unwelcome  death.”  A  valuable  horticultural  work  gives 


September  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


288 


instructions  that  the  Ostrowskia  requires  the  same  cultivation  as 
the  tall  perennial  Campanulas.  Would  that  this  would  suffice. 
My  own  experience  is  brief  but  typical.  I  had  a  plant  which 
survived  two  winters  in  a  border  of  good  soil  which  would  grow  any 
other  hardy  Campanula  quite  well.  The  first  summer  it  made  a 
growth  of  about  9  inches,  the  second  spring  it  grew  about  4  inches 
and  dwindled  away.  Those  who  are  experimenting  or  hoping  to 
experiment  with  O.  magnifica  would  do  well  to  be  careful  to  protect 
the  plant  in  early  spring.  Like  many  other  Central  Asian  plants 
it  makes  growth  early,  and  its  fleshy  structure  seems  to  be  easily 
injured  by  the  severe  frosts  we  often  experience.  I  am  aware  that 
this  plant  has  been  flowered  in  England,  but  what  we  would  like 
to  know  is,  under  what  conditions  ?  and  was  it  treated  as  a  hardy 
plant  ? 

The  hope  which  is  said  to  spring  “eternal  in  the  human 
breast  ”  has  induced  me  to  hope  for  several  years  that  Zauschneria 
californica  would  flower  in  my  garden,  and  with  a  desire  to  give  it 
every  opportunity  of  displaying  what  beauties  it  may  possess,  I 
removed  my  plant  to  the  warmest  position  I  could  command — the 
top  of  a  rockery  facing  due  south,  and  close  to  a  stone  wall  which 
shielded  it  from  the  north  winds.  Here,  with  a  favourable  season, 
this  Zauschneria  has  deigned  to  yield  a  few  open  flowers ;  but  as  I 
write  it  is  showing  symptoms  of  retiring  to  its  annual  rest  without 
opening  many  of  the  buds  which  have  appeared.  The  few  which 
have  opened  fail  to  exhibit  the  plant  in  its  true  character,  and  with 
great  reluctance  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  it  must  be 
discarded  as  unsuitable  for  our  cool  climate  on  the  Solway.  A 
similar  tale  of  its  behaviour  has  reached  me  from  many  growers, 
and  if  it  has  not  been  satisfactory  in  a  year  like  this  it  is  only 
occupying  the  ground,  which  would  be  better  devoted  to  a  more 
accommodating  plant. 

Possibly  the  same  might  almost  be  said  of  Plumbago  Larpentae, 
which  I  have  had  for  several  years,  but  which  has  only  flowered 
this  season.  There  is  this  very  considerable  difference,  however, 
that  P.  Larpentae  has  flowered  very  profusely,  and  that  its  deep 
blue  flowers  are  particularly  pleasing,  and  where  it  is  grown  here, 
on  the  top  of  a  rockery,  having  a  beautiful  effect.  I  do  not  know 
that  there  is  anything  particularly  required  for  its  successful 
cultivation  beyond  a  warm  soil  and  situation.  It  is  much  admired, 
although  its  blooms  are  not  of  the  same  beautiful  sky  blue  as  the 
delightful  greenhouse  plant  P.  capensis,  but  are  smaller  and  of  a 
deep  purple  blue. — S.  Arnott,  Dumfries. 


Habenaria  carnea. 

The  exhibits  of  Habenaria  militaris  at  the  Drill  Hall  during 
the  last  year  or  two  have  drawn  more  prominent  attention  to  this 
brilliant  Orchid  than  it  had  previously  received.  Partly,  perhaps, 
on  that  account,  but  largely  owing  to  its  intrinsic  beauty,  the  new 
species  carnea,  placed  before  the  Orchid  Committee  of  the  R  H.S. 
on  the  occasion  of  the  great  Show  at  the  Agricultural  Hall,  re¬ 
ceived  a  considerable  share  of  notice  and  criticism,  which,  on  the 
whole,  was  of  a  favourable  character,  and  a  first-class  certificate 
was  subsequently  awarded  to  it.  In  general  character  and  expres¬ 
sion  the  flower  greatly  resembles  H.  militaris,  but  it  is  larger  and  of 
a  tender  rose-tinted  flesh  or  blush  colour.  Considerable  interest 
attaches  to  this  charming  novelty,  and  the  engraving  (fig.  40)  will 
therefore  be  welcomed.  This  Orchid  was  exhibited  by  Messrs, 
r.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans. 

Spathoglottis  Fortunei. 

Several  pans  of  this  terrestrial  Orchid  have  been  a  noteworthy 
feature  in  the  cool  Orchid  house  at  Kew  for  some  time  past. 
Though  the  individual  flowers  may  not  be  so  fine  as  in  some  of  the 
other  species,  well  flowered  plants  of  S.  Fortunei  are  very  showy, 
and  supply  a  welcome  colour  at  a  season  when  the  Orchid 
houses  are  otherwise  rather  bare.  S.  Fortunei  is  a  native  of  Hong 
Kong,  where  it  was  discovered  by  Fortune,  who  sent  home  pseudo¬ 
bulbs,  which  first  flowered  in  this  country  in  the  gardens  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  in  1845.  The  species  is  deciduous, 
and  the  flat,  fleshy,  underground  pseudo-bulbs  remain  dormant  for 
some  months  after  the  foliage  has  disappeared.  During  this 
period  the  plants  require  to  be  kept  quite  dry.  S.  Fortunei  has 
a  considerable  resemblance  to  a  Bletia  (to  which  genus  Spatho¬ 
glottis  is  closely  allied),  and  succeeds  well  under  practically  the 


same  conditions  of  culture.  The  narrowly  lanceolate  plicate 
leaves  are  pale  green,  and  about  a  foot  in  length.  The  flowers  are 
home  six  to  eight  on  a  scape  12  to  18  inches  high.  They  are 
about  li  inch  across,  of  a  fine  clear  yellow.  The  lip  is  three- 
lobed,  and  the  two  side  lobes,  which  curve  inwards,  are  blotched 
with  chocolate. — A.  B. 

Autumn  Treatment  of  Dendrobiums. 

The  growths  of  many  of  these  will  now  be  completed  or  ap¬ 
proaching  completion,  and  every  opportunity  should  be  taken  of 
exposing  them  to  sun  and  air.  Many  of  our  Dendrobiums  have  for 
some  time  been  standing  out  of  doors  in  the  full  sun,  but  as  the 
nights  are  getting  colder  they  will  be  removed  to  the  front  stage  of 
a  vinery,  where  air  is  constantly  admitted  day  and  night.  Here 
they  will  remain  until  they  are  wanted  for  flowering,  as  a  long  rest 


FIG.  40.— habenaria  carnea. 


in  a  cool  dry  atmosphere  is  the  only  means  of  getting  a  full  comple¬ 
ment  of  bloom  in  the  spring. 

There  is  a  difference  in  the  time  taken  by  the  various  species  to 
produce  and  mature  their  pseudo-bulbs.  Some,  like  D.  Dal- 
housianum,  although  started  early  in  the  season,  will  occasionally 
be  still  growing  at  the  end  of  October  or  in  November ;  others, 
such  as  D.  thyrsiflorum,  will  often  make  two  distinct  sets  of 
growths  in  a  season,  the  time  taken  being  usually  about  six  weeks. 
D.  Wardianum  requires  a  long  season  of  growth,  and  should  be 
carefully  watched  and  kept  rather  drier  “  at  the  roots  and  in  the 
atmosphere when  nearing  completion,  as  it  is  very  apt  to  grow 
at  the  bottom  before  the  new  growths  are  matured,  and  may  fre¬ 
quently  he  seen  with  young  shoots  6  or  8  inches  long  in  the  middle^ 
of  the  winter.  This  is  extremely  weakening  to  the  plants,  and 
should  be  avoided  in  all  cases  where  possible.  D.  Cambridgeanum 
and  other  autumn-blooming  species  should  not  be  dried  off  too  rapidly 
after  flowering,  but  the  water  supply  ought  to  be  reduced  gradually 
until  the  foliage  withers  and  falls  off,  when  it  may  be  entirely  with¬ 
held  until  the  plants  show  signs  of  activity  in  the  spring.  D.  for- 
mosum  eburneum,  and  all  spring-flowering  Dendrobiums,  must  be- 


284 


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[  September  28,  189S. 


kept  fully  exposed  to  the  sun,  as  it  loses  its  power,  a  thorough 
hardening  and  ripening  of  the  bulbs  being  most  desirable. 

A  sharp  look  out  must  be  kept  for  woodlice  and  small  snails, 
which  do  much  mischief  at  this  season  by  eating  out  the  flower 
buds  of  such  plants  as  D,  nobilis  just  as  they  are  becoming  visible 
at  the  nodes.  A  few  pieces  of  Potato  placed  on  the  pots  and 
examined  every  morning  make  good  traps  for  the  woodlice,  while 
hand-picking  by  the  aid  of  a  light  in  the  evening  will  be  found 
the  best  remedy  for  the  snails. — H.  R.  Richards. 


OUT  OF  TOWN. 

Country  people  enjoy  a  visit  to  London  during  the  season, 
and  there  is  certainly  plenty  to  see  and  hear  in  it,  while  Londoners 
enjoy  a  run  in  the  country.  My  escape  from  the  City  was  during 
the  time  of  the  great  heat,  and  unfortunately  there  appeared  to  be 
more  flies  than  breezes  in  the  country.  It  was  a  sweltering  run 
one  evening  from  King’s  Cross  to  Peterborough.  A  carriage 
companion  was  going  to  the  far  north— Mr.  Ross  of  the  Scone 
Fruit  Preserves.  He  had  travelled  from  Perthshire  to  Kent  the 
night  before,  and  after  noting  that  the  crop  of  small  fruit  there 
would  by  no  means  equal  the  demands  of  the  jam  makers,  he  was 
rushing  back  to  buy  all  he  could,  and  thus  literally  steal  a  march 
on  the  southerners,  whom  he  knew  would  have  to  go  north  for 
supplies.  That  is  the  way  business  is  done  in  these  days,  and  men 
have  to  be  on  the  alert  to  make  a  living. 

The  first  stop  was  at  Peterborough,  convenient  for  a  call  on 
Mr.  Harding  of  Orton  Hall.  A  great  change  has  taken  place  there 
since  then  in  the  death  of  the  Dowager  Marchioness  of  Huntly. 
The  deceased  lady  was  an  ardent  gardener  and  accomplished  botanist. 
Not  many  persons  had  perhaps  a  better  knowledge  of  British 
plants,  and  she  was  ever  an  assiduous  collector  of  them.  Her 
rockery  aiforded  her  much  solace  during  a  lingering  illness,  and 
gardening  was  one  of  the  pleasures  of  her  life.  The  Orton 
Wellingtonias  with  trees  and  Conifers  are  splendid.  Mr.  Harding’s 
faith  in  the  future  of  Thuia  gigantea  as  a  timber  tree  increases 
with  experience.  There  are  trees  60  to  70  feet  high,  and  he 
expects  they  will  grow  as  high  again.  Seedlings  raised  by  him 
fifteen  years  ago  are  30  feet  high — beautiful  specimens,  and  he 
does  not  know  of  any  other  Conifer,  except  perhaps  the  Larch, 
that  would  make  equal  progress.  The  timber  of  this  Thuia  is  said 
to  be  of  a  very  durable  kind.  Passing  from  the  high  to  the  low 
Mr.  Harding  was  rejoicing  over  the  New  York  Lettuce  obtained 
from  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  as  affording  the  best  of  salads  in  the 
driest  and  hottest  of  summers.  It  seemed  to  partake  of  both  the 
Cos  and  Cabbage  type,  and  was  as  crisp  and  sweet  as  Lettuce  could 
be.  He  says  he  does  not  know  what  he  should  have  done  without 
it,  which  is  a  good  deal  for  a  man  like  him  to  say,  for  it  would 
take  a  good  deal  to  drive  him  into  either  ecstacies  or  despair.  He 
is  a  believer  in  Asparagus,  too,  as  a  paying  crop,  and  of  growing  the 
plants  in  a  single  line  on  2  feet  wide  ridges  with  2  feet  alleys  between. 
The  single  lines  have  grown  into  broad  ones ;  the  ridges  appear  to 
be  full  of  crowns,  and  judging  by  the  growth  of  the  plants  in 
summer  they  may  be  expected  to  afford  fine  produce  in  spring. 
A  profit  of  £50  an  acre  is  Mr.  Harding’s  estimate  of  first-class 
Asparagus  culture,  and  he  speaks  from  experience  in  growing, 
selling,  and  drawing  the  money — as  good  a  test  as  could  be  desired. 
Fruit  crops  were  abundant,  but  a  crop  of  cones  on  Picea  amabilis 
appeared  to  be  as  much  valued  as  any  other  kind  of  fruit.  Chacun 
a  son  gout.  I  have  no  more  to  say  about  Orton,  except  to  express 
appreciation  of  everything  experienced  there  except  the  flies,  and  to 
state  that  Mr.  Harding  remains  there  as  gardener  to  the  Marquis  of 
Huntly. 

The  next  day  the  train  took  me  northward,  and  not  till  passing 
Grantham,  and  swerving  to  the  left,  was  a  tinge  of  green  to  be 
seen  in  the  pastures,  but  the  freshness  deepened  as  we  sped  along, 
and  at  Southwell  all  was  verdant  and  refreshing.  The  entrance  to 
the  town  is  through  an  open  park-like  space,  partly  surrounded  by 
lofty  Elms,  and  beyond  is  the  fine  old  Minster.  It  is  a  treey  place 
is  Southwell,  and  the  land  around  is  fertile.  Just  outside  the 
town  stands  the  pleasant  home  of  Mr.  Merryweather,  and  at  a  time 
when  gardens  were  dried  out  in  the  south  the  nursery  seemed  as 
full  of  flowers  as  if  drought  was  unknown.  But  we  have  only 
time  for  a  glance,  and  have  to  see  “  Bramleys,  and  Roses  ”  on 
our  return  from  the  Dnkeries. 

With  his  proverbial  kindness  Mr.  Henry  Machin,  J.P.,  met  us 
at  ancient  Worksop,  and  drove  us  to  his  charming  home  at  Gate- 
ford  Hill.  A  land  of  plenty  it  seemed,  as  the  heavy  crops  ©f  corn 
in  the  fields  around  swayed  in  the  breeze,  and  the  green  crops  were 
pleasant  to  see,  thriving  as  they  were,  without  a  blank  in  the 
rows.  Good  land,  good  culture,  cleanliness,  and  care  were  stamped 
on  the  face  of  the  compact  estate.  One  of  the  features  to  leave  an 
impress  on  the  visitor  was  the  transformation  of  a  drying  ground, 
®n  the  stable  side  of  the  mansion,  into  a  delightful  rosery.  A  very 


common  sense  arrangement  it  may  be  termed — a  series  of  long  beds 
about  4  feet  wide,  with  glades  of  smooth  lawn  between  them.  All 
the  blooms  could  be  seen  and  reached,  but  the  most  charming 
effect  was  produced  by  the  floriferous  Polyantha  Roses.  Surely  all 
the  varieties  must  be  there — not  in  isolated  plants,  but  sheets  or 
masses,  the  floriferous  trusses  rising  from  a  bed  of  glossy  green 
foliage,  producing  a  delightful  effect.  That  is  the  way  to  grow 
and  show  the  Fairies,  not  dotting  a  plant  here  and  there,  to  bo 
“  lost  ”  among  its  larger  congeners.  Mr.  Machin’s  exhibition 
Roses  are  grown  under,  so  to  say,  field  culture.  He  is  a  true  Rose 
amateur — i.e.^  lover,  for  this  is  the  English  equivalent  of  the  Latin 
mnator,  a  lover.  They  are  grown  in  a  slice  off  a  field,  where  they 
have  plenty  of  air,  and  not  in  a  garden  confined.  The  young 
squire  of  Gateford  has  done  very  well  as  a  beginner  in  showing, 
and  will  do  better  in  the  future.  If  he  will  take  a  hint  from  an 
older  man,  who  commenced  budding  fifty  years  ago,  he  will  give 
his  plants  liquid  manure  in  the  winter,  and  not  be  afraid  to  give  it 
plentifully,  and  of  twice  or  thrice  the  strength  of  a  summer 
application.  The  best  kind  of  all  would  be  stable  drainage,  for 
soil  of  the  texture  displayed  is  seldom  rich  in  potash  ;  and  at  any 
rate  more  could  not  possibly  do  harm,  and  might  be  of  marked 
benefit  to  the  Roses.  Let  him  try  the  experiment,  and  if  it  does 
not  answer  let  him  not  treat  his  visitor  so  well  if  he  should  call 
again  another  year.  He  will  risk  incurring  the  penalty.  After  a 
walk  through  the  enjoyable  old  world  kitchen  garden  there  is  yet 
nearly  two  hours  to  luncheon — just  time  for  a  drive  to  Hodsock 
suggests  our  friend,  forthwith  ordering  another  conveyance. 

Hodsock  Priory,  the  home  of  the  Mellish  family,  is  a  familiar 
name  to  the  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  as  mentioned  in 
connection  with  carefully  compiled  meteorological  notes  by  Mr. 
J.  Mallender,  the  gardener.  The  mansion  is  old,  some  parts  of  it 
very  ancient,  and  the  garden  is  in  keeping  with  it,  while  Mr. 
Mallender  is  no  novice,  as  be  has  been  engaged  at  Hodsock  for 
more  than  thirty  years.  Miss  Mellish  may  be  fairly  described  as  a 
real  garden  lover,  as  indeed  all  the  family  are,  and  with  her  love 
for  plants  is  combined  knowledge.  Garish  show  and  formal  effect 
are  not  sought  for  in  this  old-fashioned  place.  Plants  are  cherished 
for  their  individualities,  and  more  pride  would  be  taken  in 
preserving  some  rarity  and  growing  a  plant  needing  special  care, 
than  in  creating  a  sensation  in  colour  with  thousands  of  familiar 
bedding  plants.  Water  plants,  bog  plants,  hardy  border  plants,  and 
old-fashioned  Roses  prevail  at  Hodsock  ;  the  border  plants 
grouped  in  colours,  such  as  white,  pink,  red,  yellow,  blue,  and  so 
on,  according  to  Miss  Jekyll’s  idea  of  arrangement,  instead  of  the 
orthodox  mixtures.  The  old  time  garden  Roses  are  seen  at  every 
turn,  but  en  masse  in  five  or  six  V-shaped  beds  their  points  con¬ 
verging  at  the  terrace  platform.  These  beds  are  apparently  about 
60  yards  long,  and  must  afford  cartloads  of  fragrant  trusses.  Then 
the  lovely  miniature  or  Polyantha  Roses  are  cherished,  and  a  round 
bed  of  them  with  a  local  novelty  in  the  form  of  a  hardy  Pea 
covered  with  brick-red  flowers,  was  much  admired.  The  pleasant 
reception  accorded  by  the  family  and  Mr.  Mallender  was  highly 
appreciated,  but  half  an  hour  was  all  too  short  for  inspecting  the 
treasures  of  the  garden  at  Hodsock. 

After  luncheon  at  Gateford  and  a  quiet  stroll  among  the  Roses 
through  the  pleasure  grounds  our  untiring  host  thought  there  was 
time  for  a  drive  to  Clumber  to  see  Mr.  Slade,  and  have  a  look 
round  the  gardens  in  the  cool  of  the  evening,  a  happy  thought  well 
carried  out,  ending  in  all  being  satisfied  with  the  visit.  Clumber  is 
a  great  place,  and  Mr.  Slade  is  a  “great”  gardener,  surely  one  of 
the  greatest  (if  scaled)  and  his  work  is  as  good  as  he  is  weighty. 
Owing  to  the  vicissitudes  of  life,  to  which  high  and  low  are  exposed. 
Clumber  was  for  years,  so  to  say,  deserted,  and  “  Time’s  effacing 
fingers  ”  left  their  mark  behind.  But  an  improving  spirit  is 
abroad  now,  and  the  present  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Newcastle,  whose 
goodness  are  on  all  tongues,  evidently  intend  to  make  their 
splendid  heritage  worthy  of  its  ancient  fame.  The  garden 
structures  are  old,  heavy,  and  out  of  date  ;  but  Mr.  Slade,  like  a 
sensible  man,  makes  the  best  of  them,  and  does  more  than  could 
be  expected  with  them.  His  Pines,  Peaches,  and  Grapes  won 
honours  where  it  is  hard  to  win  them — at  Shrewsbury,  and  when 
this  can  be  done  under  present  conditions  what  may  we  expect 
after  the  restoration  that  will  in  due  time  be  accomplished  ?  The 
first  thought  of  the  Duke  appears  to  be  the  comfort  of  workers. 
A  splendid  new  house  has  been  built  for  Mr.  Slade,  one  of  the  best 
gardeners’  homes  in  the  kingdom,  and  new  bothies  are  in  pro¬ 
gress,  which  will  combine  every  requisite  for  the  comfort  of  the 
men.  Fruits,  plants,  flowers,  and  vegetables  are  in  great  demand, 
and  the  supply  is  ample  and  meritorious. 

The  most  commanding  features  of  Clumber  are  the  mansion, 
lake  and  phasure  grounds.  The  noble  building  overlooks  an 
extensive  terrace  flower  garden,  the  fountain  in  the  centre  having  been 
cut  from  a  block  of  mrrble  weighing  50  tons.  The  lake  of  nearly 
90  acres  stretches  away  right  and  left  till  lost  in  the  distance 


September  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


286 


beyond  the  trees.  Beyond  is  forest  scenery.  On  the  mansion  side 
of  the  lake  are  acres  of  lawn,  stretching  far  away,  studded  with 
noble  trees  of  various  kinds,  a  few  crowded,  no  doubt,  but  all  cared 
for  and  everything  in  excellent  keeping.  Contiguous  to  the 
mansion  is  the  new  church,  a  splendid  architectural  ornament  and 
beautiful  within.  A  magnificent  Turkey  Oak  affords  an  effective 
foil  to  the  building,  but  is  spoiling  another  tree,  or  this  spoiling  the 
Oak  which  would  be  a  pity.  When  trees  have  been  allowed  to  grow 
so  long  together  so  as  to  mar  each  other  it  is  often  difficult  to  know 
what  to  do  for  the  best,  but  the  Duke  has  a  gardener  whose 
experience  and  judgment  will  not  lead  astray  in  any  matters 
connected  with  his  charge.  Clumber  is  a  princely  place,  and  Mr. 
Slade  appears  the  right  man  for  the  position  which  he  fills  so  well. 

The  shades  of  evening  fall,  and  Mr.  Machin  drives  us  to  the 
“  Royal,”  at  Worksop  where  we  rest  till  the  morrow,  when  we  have 
to  face  the  flies  in  Sherwood  Forest  en  route  from  Welbeck  to 
Thoresby. — A  City  Man. 


WINTER-FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

The  time  has  now  arrived  when  a  general  re-arrangement  of 
the  inmates  of  glass  structures  becomes  necessary,  so  that  those 
plants  which  have  been  refreshing  themselves  in  the  open  air  may 
again  be  placed  under  glass,  where  they  will  be  safe  from  frost. 
In  carrying  out  this  work  there  is  a  general  tendency  to  overcrowd¬ 
ing,  and  a  most  unwise  policy  it  is  in  the  majority  of  instances,  the 
exceptions  being  those  plants  which  are  only  required  to  give 
cuttings  in  the  spring,  or  others  which  are  passing  through  a 
period  of  partial  or  total  rest,  and  consequently  make  little  or  no 
top  growth  during  the  next  few  months.  These  may,  for  con¬ 
venience  sake,  be  placed  closely  together  whenever  a  scarcity  of 
room  is  experienced,  but  on  no  account  should  the  plants  intended 
for  winter  flowering  be  overcrowded,  otherwise  good  results  will 
not  follow.  Although  with  most  of  us  there  seems  to  be  an 
inborn  aversion  to  consigning  plants  to  the  rubbish  heap,  it  is  never¬ 
theless  sound  policy  to  occasionally  “  weed”  out  with  no  unsparing 
hand  weakly  or  unsightly  plants  in  order  to  secure  room  for  the 
full  development  of  others,  and  thus  prevent  their  drifting  into 
the  same  unsatisfactory  state.  This  practice  may  with  advan¬ 
tage  be  carried  out  at  the  present  time,  so  that  the  large  numbers 
of  plants  intended  for  winter  flowering  which  have  during  the 
summer  months  been  grown  in  the  open  air  or  cold  pits,  may  be 
arranged  thinly  in  positions  favourable  to  their  well-being.  True, 
it  is  not  always  possible  to  place  each  class  of  plants  under  the 
exact  conditions  which  experience  teaches  us  to  be  the  best,  but 
much  may  be  done  by  giving  the  most  important  ones  the  best 
positions. 

Begonias. — Although  these  are  not  so  much  grown  for  winter 
flowering  as  formerly,  several  species  and  varieties  are  extremely 
useful  for  the  purpose.  Insignis,  manicata,  and  nitida  are  three 
of  the  best  that  I  am  acquainted  with.  They  are  also  very 
accommodating  plants,  and  succeed  well  in  old  houses  where  many 
other  plants  cut  but  a  sorry  figure.  Each  of  the  trio  produces 
flowers  either  pink  or  rose  in  colour,  which  are  very  useful  in  a 
cut  state,  and  the  two  first-named  make  handsome  decorative 
specimens  for  use  in  pots.  Plants  which  have  been  growing 
during  the  summer  in  cold  pits  ought  now  to  be  removed  to 
warmer  quarters,  where  a  night  temperature  of  from  50°  to  60°  is 
maintained,  under  which  conditions  they  will  flower  well  during 
the  next  three  months. 

Few  plants  are  more  useful  than  Bouvardias  for  supplying 
choice  cut  flowers  especially  adapted  for  arranging  in  sprays  and 
buttonholes,  provided  they  are  well  grown.  Cold  pits  are  excellent 
positions  for  them  during  the  summer  months,  but  they  should 
receive  daily  syringings  during  bright  weather  to  prevent  attacks 
of  red  spider.  After  the  plants  have  become  established  occasional 
applications  of  soot  water  and  Clay’s  fertiliser  are  beneficial, 
promoting  health,  vigour,  and  cleanliness  ;  indeed,  if  these  matters 
are  not  attended  to  green  fly,  scale,  and  red  spider  will  invariably 
establish  themselves  on  the  foliage.  Should  any  of  these  insects 
be  found  upon  the  plants,  the  latter  ought  to  be  thoroughly 
syringed  with  a  solution  of  Calvert’s  carbolic  soap,  mixed  at  the 
rate  of  2  ozs.  to  a  gallon  of  water.  This  I  find  is  a  safe  and 
efficient  insecticide.  To  flower  Bouvardias  well  during  the  winter 
a  light  house  or  pit  is  necessary,  and  a  night  temperature  of 
55°  to  60°  should  be  maintained,  with  a  rise  of  5°  durimg  the  day. 
If  grown  under  cooler  conditions  a  smaller  number  of  flowers  is 
produced.  When  much  fire  heat  has  to  be  employed  to  maintain 
those  temperatures,  special  attention  must  be  given  to  damping 
the  floor  in  the  house  as  well  as  to  watering  the  plants,  otherwise 
the  insects  above  enumerated  will  give  great  trouble  and  severely 
check  the  formation  of  flower  buds  on  the  side  shoots.  If  the  top 
lights  are  left  open  a  little  way  continually,  except  during  very 


severe  frosts,  the  pipes  kept  slightly  warm  when  the  weather  is  not 
bright,  liberal  ventilation  being  given  when  it  is,  the  plants  will  make 
sturdy  and  floriferous  growth. 

The  following  varieties  of  Bouvardias  give  a  good  variation  of 
colour,  the  majority  of  them  being  very  free  flowering  : — Alfred 
Neuner,  double  white  ;  Candidissima,  white  ;  Vreelandi,  white  ; 
Elegans,  scarlet  ;  Etna,  double  red  ;  Hogarth,  scarlet  ;  Maiden’s 
Blush,  rosy  blush  ;  Mrs.  Robert  Green,  salmcn  pink  ;  President 
Garfield,  double  pink  ;  Purity,  pure  white  ;  and  Vulcan,  scarlet. 
Humboldti  corymbiflora,  with  its  snow  white  and  deliciously  scented 
flowers,  is  always  much  sought  after.  It  seems  a  pity  it  is  not  a 
continuous  bloomer,  like  so  many  of  the  smaller  flowered  type. 
I  find  its  flowering  period  seldom  extends  over  a  month  or  six 
weeks.  This  variety  succeeds  well  if  planted  outdoors  during  the 
summer,  provided  it  is  given  a  warm  sunny  position  and  the  plants 
are  set  far  enough  apart  for  the  air  to  circulate  freely  between 
them.  They  ought  to  be  potted  early  in  September,  and  placed  on 
the  north  side  of  a  wall  to  establish  themselves  before  being  taken 
under  glass.  When  in  the  latter  position  less  heat  and  atmospheric 
moisture  than  the  majority  of  Bouvardias  require  will  suffice  for 
the  one  specified.  Under  such  conditions  the  flowers  produced 
have  much  greater  substance  than  when  given  the  treatment 
recommended  for  other  varieties. 

Where  flowers  of  Calla  lethiopica  are  especially  prized  during 
November  and  December  a  number  of  plants  should  be  kept  in 
pots  throughout  the  year.  If  these  can  be  stood  at  the  back  of  a 
north  wall,  away  from  overhanging  trees,  they  continue  to  increase 
in  strength  throughout  the  summer  months,  and  by  the  present 
time  many  of  them  will  be  showing  flower  spikes.  I  like  to  place 
these  plants  in  their  winter  quarters  by  the  end  of  the  present 
month.  Before  arranging  them  in  the  houses  the  application  of  a 
rich  top-dressing  is  of  immense  benefit  to  the  plants.  Loam  and 
fresh  horse  droppings  in  equal  parts  with  a  5-inch  potful  of 
Clay’s  fertiliser  to  a  peck  of  the  other  ingredients  is  an  excellent 
compost  to  use  for  the  purpose.  Light  span-roofed  or  lean-to 
houses  are  the  best  for  Callas,  but  not  absolutely  necessary,  as  I 
have  frequently  produced  large  numbers  of  flower  spikes  during 
the  autumn  months  from  plants  in  houses  which  were  both  lofty 
and  heavy  in  build,  but  when  grown  under  such  conditions  the 
plants  always  become  more  or  less  drawn,  even  when  kept  near 
the  glass.  The  advantages  of  growing  the  earlier  plants  entirely 
in  pots  may  be  easily  perceived,  as  much  less  artificial  heat  is 
required  to  bring  the  flowers  out  by  a  given  date.  Indeed  good 
clumps  which  have  been  planted  out  are  frequently  weakened  by 
applying  strong  fire  heat  to  hasten  the  fiower  spikes  as  soon  as  they 
are  seen.  These  which  were  planted  in  the  open  air  and  have  not 
yet  been  lifted  should  be  potted  at  once,  and  placed  in  Peach 
houses,  vineries,  or  pits,  till  they  can  be  removed  to  more  favourable 
positions.  These  will  supply  bloom  during  the  early  spring.  They 
are  generally  at  their  best  about  Easter. — Labor  Omnia  Vincit. 


PLAIN  WORDS  ON  PRUNING  FRUIT  TREES. 

(ConcUided  from  joage  271.') 

Winter  Pruning. 

Apple  Trees. — The  operator  should  look  over  all  his  trees  in  the 
autumn  immediately  the  leaves  have  fallen.  If  summer  pruning  has 
been  properly  attended  to  the  winter  work  will  be  light  ;  but  many 
gardeners  have  not  the  time  during  the  summer  to  attend  to  this  matter, 
and  consequently  the  pruning  is  left  until  the  winter.  This  is  not  always 
advisable,  inasmuch  as  the  trees  can  be  kept  in  better  order  by  judicious 
summer  pruning,  and,  moreover,  made  to  produce  better  crops.  In 
pruning  a  young  tree  the  operator  should  consider  the  shape  and  form 
he  wishes  it  to  assume.  Leading  shoots  for  the  formation  of  bush 
pyramids  or  espaliers  should  be  well  looked  after.  In  pruning  cut  back 
to  a  bud  that  is  on  the  outside  of  the  shoot,  which  will  help  to  keep  the 
head  open.  Insert  the  knife  directly  opposite  the  bud,  and  then  make  a 
slanting  cut  upwards  so  as  to  come  out  a  little  over  the  bud.  If  the 
cut  is  made  too  low  down  the  growth  from  the  bud  will  be  weak,  and  in 
some  cases  the  shoot  will  get  broken  up  by  the  wind.  All  dead  branches 
and  spurs  should  be  cut  away,  as  they  give  the  trees  an  unsightly  ap¬ 
pearance.  The  heads  of  the  trees  must  be  kept  open  ;  cross  branches 
should  always  be  cut  away,  also  any  useless  wood.  The  aim  of  the 
pruner  should  be  to  regulate  the  tree  so  as  to  give  every  leaf  and  bud 
sufficient  room  to  develop  ;  then  if  the  roots  have  been  properly  attended 
to  a  good  crop  of  fruit  should  be  the  result.  If  previous  iiistructions 
have  been  carried  out  Apple  trees  will  require  but  little  attention  besides 
shortening  side  shoots  and  to  thinning  the  head  to  induce  fruit  spurs  to 
form.  As  regards  trees  that  have  not  attained  their  full  size  and  the 
leading  shoots  have  been  left  for  extension,  these  should  be  shortened 
back  to  about  18  inches,  pruning  to  an  outer  bud.  This  chiefly  applies 
to  bushes,  which  are  the  best  for  gardens.  A  standard  tree  after  the 
head  is  formed  will  need  little  pruning  besides  the  cutting  out  of  cross 
branches  and  not  allowing  the  shoots  to  become  crowded. 

Pear  Trees. — Pears  on  the  bush  system  should  be  pruned  similarly 
to  the  Apple,  but  trees  that  are  growing  against  walls  require  different 


286 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  28,  1893. 


treatment,  so  as  to  cover  the  allotted  space.  In  pruning  the  young  tree 
leave  the  branches  about  12  inches  asunder.  The  leader  must  be  cut 
back  to  the  proper  distance,  then  three  shoots  will  be  required,  one  for 
leader  and  two  for  side  branches.  The  latter  will  not  require  much 
shortening,  as  it  is  desirable  to  cover  the  wall  as  soon  as  possible.  With 
some  varieties  it  is  possible  to  take  two  or  more  courses  in  one  year.  If 
a  bud  refuses  to  break,  it  is,  in  my  opinion,  a  good  plan  to  make  an 
incision  in  the  bark  over  the  bud,  which  will  check  the  flow  of  sap  and 
■cause  the  bud  to  start  into  growth. 

Peach  Trees. — Assuming  that  a  Peach  tree  haslbeen  properly  attended 
to  during  the  summer,  and  only  sufficient  wood  laid  in  to  replace  that 
wliich  has  borne  fruit,  the  latter  should  be  cut  away  with  a  sharp  knife 
close  to  the  base  of  the  young  shoot  which  is  destined  to  take  its  place 
ior  the  next  year’s  crop.  Shorten  the  young  shoot  to  where  there  is  a 
wood  bud.  On  some  shoots  it  will  be  found  that  there  is  no  wood  bud 
•except  the  terminal  bud,  in  which  case  the  shoot  must  be  left  at  full 
length,  as  the  fruit  cannot  come  to  perfection  unless  leaves  are  produced 
■beyond  it.  To  distinguish  fruit  buds  from  wood  buds  is  a  very  simple 
matter.  The  former  are  full  and  plump,  whereas  the  wood  buds  are  thin 
and  pointed,  and  are  generally  found  between  two  fruit  buds.  When 
this  is  so  the  shoot  can  safely  be  cut  back  to  the  length  required. 
Young  gardeners  and  amateurs  will  avert  much  disappointment  by 
carefully  observing  this  one  particular  point. 

Cherry  and  Plum  Trees. — These  will  not  require  much  winter  pruning 
beyond  cutting  away  dead  wood  or  thinning  spurs,  and  in  the  case  of 
full  grown  trees  spurring  back  leading  shoots  not  pruned  during  the 
summer.  The  Morello  Cherry  should  be  treated  similarly  to  the  Peach, 
cutting  away  all  the  old  wood  that  has  borne  fruit  to  make  room  for  the 
young  shoots.  Standards  are  better  if  left  to  themselves.  Plums 
require  but  little  winter  pruning  if  properly  attended  to  during  the 
summer.  Figs  should  be  treated  like  the  Peach,  as  they  fruit  on  the 
new  wood,  which  must  not  be  shortened  except  to  induce  young  shoots 
for  the  coming  year. 

Push  Fruits. — Red  and  White  Currants  should  be  pruned  hard  back 
after  the  bush  is  formed,  as  the  fruit  buds  form  in  clusters  at  the  base 
of  the  young  shoots.  A  young  plant  should  be  cut  back  to  produce 
vigorous  growth.  Select  four  shoots  to  form  the  base  of  the  bush,  then 
at  the  next  pruning  cut  them  back,  and  from  the  young  growths  choose 
eight  shoots,  which  will  be  found  sufficient  to  form  a  bush.  Keep  the 
centre  open.  A  good  height  will  be  from  4  to  5  feet.  All  shoots  should 
be  spurred  in  to  the  main  stem.  Black  Currants  require  different  treat¬ 
ment,  as  they  fruit  on  the  previous  year’s  wood.  A  good  practice  is  to 
■cut  out  weakly  shoots  and  encourage  vigorous  young  growths,  cutting 
away  the  old  wood.  Raspberries  should  be  kept  to  four  canes  in  a 
•clump  ;  if  more  have  been  allowed  to  grow  they  should  be  cut  away, 
and  the  remaining  four  shortened  back  to  4  or  5  feet. 

Root-pruning . — All  trees  before  they  are  planted  should  be  examined, 
and  all  tap  roots  cut  away  with  sharp  knife.  After  these  are  removed 
•cut  away  the  bruised  parts  of  the  other  roots  to  encourage  the  emission 
of  fibrous  roots.  The  greatest  attention  should  be  paid  to  this  part  of 
pruning.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  train  the  roots  to  grow  straight  from  the 
stem  of  the  tree.  All  the  roots  that  cross  should  be  shortened.  In 
young  plants  the  roots  should  be  shortened  to  about  18  inches  from  the 
stem.  The  root-pruning  of  old  trees  is  rather  a  difficult  operation,  and 
should  not  be  attempted  by  amateurs.  In  the  case  of  an  old  tree  that 
has  never  been  pruned  before,  it  is  better  to  operate  only  on  one  side  for 
the  first  year.  Dig  a  trench  not  less  than  3  feet  wide  and  2  feet  deep, 
the  distance  from  the  stem  and  also  the  depth  must  be  in  proportion  to 
the  size  of  the  tree.  The  trench  being  dug,  examine  the  roots,  and  cut 
the  ends  off  those  which  are  bruised  with  a  sharp  knife.  Thrust  a  spade 
beneath  the  ball  of  soil  around  the  stem  of  the  tree  to  sever  any  tap 
roots.  ^  The  trench  must  then  be  filled  in  with  fresh  soil,  and  a  good 
watering  given.  The  following  year  the  other  side  of  the  tree  may  be 
-treated  in  a  similar  manner. — A  Working  Gardener. 


SOFT  VERSUS  HARD  COLD  WATER  FOR  PLANTS. 

It  would  appear  Mr.  Dunn  (page  271)  has  very  little  to  advance  in 
*the  shape  of  argument  to  further  his  ideas  on  this  matter,  or  he  would 
have  published  them,  instead  of  indulging  in  a  mere  play  upon  words, 
and  suggesting  that  my  training  and  observation  have  been  so  limited 
as  to  render  me  incapable  of  realising  what  can  be  grown  in  large 
gardens.  Such  is  Mr.  Dunn’s  summing-up  of  myself.  It  seems  he  has 
•already  had  sufficient  of  the  real  question,  and  would  fain  turn  the 
•matter  into  other  channels.  But  that  will  not  do.  Your  correspondent 
has  on  page  214,  September  7th,  described  cold  hard  water  as  an 
^‘obnoxious  drug,”  and  little  better  than  “slow  poison”  for  plants.  He 
suggests  that  I  do  not  understand  the  meaning  of  the  word  “  stubborn.” 
He  will  find  if  he  looks  in  his  dictionary  that  it  means  “  firm,”  and 
the  facts  I  adduced  on  page  239  are  as  firm  this  week  as  when  they 
were  recorded.  Now,  let  him  find,  if  he  can,  if  pure  hard  cold  water 
■is  by  any  authority  described  as  an  “  obnoxious  drug,”  and  he  may 
also,  with  advantage  to  himself,  endeavour  to  trace  the  meaning  of 
“  poison.”  Both  those  epithets,  as  applied  by  him,  are,  in  my  view, 
•grossly  incorrect.  He  has  committed  himself  to  dicta,  the  truth  of 
which  he  must  prove  before  what  he  may  say  in  other  respects  can 
have  weight  with  intelligent  readers. 

His  references  to  drained  and  undrained  soil  are  beside  the  question, 
for  plants  fail  in  waterlogged  soil  whether  the  water  is  soft  or  hard,  and 
there  is  more  soft  water  than  hard  in  quagmires.  The  relative  values 
•ot  warm  and  cold  showers  are  not  in  question.  He  made  a  positive 


statement  that  hard  cold  water  is  an  obnoxious  drug  poisonous  to  plants. 
He  must  either  prove,  withdraw,  or  modify  that  statement,  or  stand 
self-convicted  on  its  inaccuracy.  That  is  the  point,  and  all  arguments 
around  it  will  be  mere  word-spinning. 

I  have  given  instances  of  the  water  so  unequivocally  condemned  by 
Mr.  Dunn,  proving  of  enormous  value  in  the  profitable  cultivation  of 
Grapes,  Cucumbers,  and  plants.  Hundreds  of  persons  have  seen  the 
examples,  and  Mr.  Dunn  may  see  similar  results  in  scores  of  establish¬ 
ments,  where  the  best  Covent  Garden  produce  is  grown.  The  question, 
I  repeat,  is  not  of  one  kind  of  water  being  better  than  another,  but  of 
hard  cold  water  being  “  an  obnoxious  drug  poisonous  to  plants.”  That  is 
Mr.  Dunn’s  astounding  allegation.  I  have  rebutted  it  with  a  narration 
of  facts  much  too  stubborn  to  be  dissipated  by  any  person  who  is  so 
loose  in  his  phraseology  as  Mr.  Dunn  has,  to  my  mind,  shown  himself 
to  be. — J.  B.  R. 


Much  experience  with  “  hard  cold  water  ”  is  my  excuse  for  entering 
shortly  in  the  discussion  on  the  subject.  If  hard  cold  water  were  “  slow 
poison”  our  prospects  here  for  the  future  would  be  miserable  indeed. 
During  the  whole  of  this  year  the  rainfall  has  been  so  light  that  “  warm 
soft  water  ”  has  been  quite  out  of  the  question  for  plants  of  any  kind. 
So  dry  has  been  the  weather  that,  instead  of  having  all  our  tanks  full 
of  warmed  water,  they  have  been  quite  dry  when  pumping  day  came 
round,  and  by  the  time  the  water  entered  them  plants  of  various  kinds 
were  quite  ready  to  receive  a  supply.  The  only  source  of  water  here, 
irrespective  of  the  small  amount  of  rainfall,  is  one  well  dug  in  the  chalk 
250  feet  deep.  One  would  imagine  the  water  drawn  from  such  a  depth 
is  as  cold  as  water  can  be  in  summer,  and  I  think  there  is  no  doubt  it 
is  as  hard  as  it  is  possible  to  obtain  any.  Within  five  minutes  of  the 
water  being  pumped  from  this  well  it  has  many  times  this  summer  been 
given  to  plants  of  various  kinds,  including  Chrysanthemums  and 
Calanthes.  Grapes,  Peaches,  and  Melons  have  also  been  refreshed  with 
supplies  of  this  hard  cold  water.  He  would  be  a  bold  person  who  would 
say  any  of  these  are  being  poisoned  ever  so  slowly.  While  perhaps  wishing 
that  I  could  not  only  soften  but  warm  this  water  before  applying  it  to 
the  roots  and  over  the  foliage,  I  find  it  is  impossible  to  do  either,  so 
many  are  the  calls  upon  our  one  well.  We  are  thankful  to  take  it  as 
it  comes,  and  will  wait  and  see  whether  it  proves  to  be  “  slow  poison  ” 
or  not.  So  far,  I  am  bound  to  say,  it  appears  to  have  had  a  distinctly 
nourishing  effect. — E.  Molyneux,  Swanmore,  Hants, 


EARLY  PEARS. 

In  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  Dr.  Jules  Guyot  has  been  recom¬ 
mended  as  a  good  Pear.  I  have  fruited  this  variety  as  a  cordon  on  a 
south  wall  for  the  past  five  or  six  years,  and  I  do  not  think  it  is  ever 
likely  to  be  so  valuable  as  Williams’  Bon  Chretien.  It  is,  indeed,  a 
prettier  fruit,  is  sweet  and  good  ;  but  I  have  never  had  it  so  delicious 
as  the  old  “Williams”  when  in  perfection.  Souvenir  du  Congr^s  has 
become  very  popular,  no  doubt  on  account  of  its  large  size  combined 
with  a  prolific  habit.  Some  wonderfully  fine  examples  of  this  desirable 
Pear  have  been  exhibited  this  year,  and  it  is  sure  to  be  grown  more 
largely  than  ever.  My  opinion  is  that  a  few  cordon  trees  will  yield  a 
sufficient  supply  for  most  establishments.  The  old  Beurr6  d’Amanlis  is, 
I  think,  a  more  useful  variety.  Clapp’s  Favourite  as  a  cordon  has 
yielded  some  delicious  early  fruits  of  good  size.  It  possesses  the 
desirable  property  absent  in  most  early  Pears,  of  ripening  a  few  at  a 
time,  so  that  from  one  tree  a  supply  can  be  gathered  to  bridge  over 
several  weeks.  It  seems  to  make  way  very  slowly,  but  is  bound  to 
become  a  standard  garden  fruit.  I  have  a  cordon  tree  of  a  Bergamot 
named  Dr.  Hogg.  It  is  delicious,  and  follows  Beurr^  d’Amanlis, 
ripening  about  the  same  time  as  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey.  Another 
delicious  autumn  Pear  of  the  same  shape,  but  larger,  is  Fondante 
d’Automne.  This,  with  me,  is  later  than  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey. 

I  have  planted  several  trees  of  Marie  Louise,  the  most  useful  of 
early  winter  kinds.  It  is  seldom  we  have  too  many  tof  this,  as  it  ripens 
slowly  and  its  season  is  easily  extended  by  a  little  care  in  gathering  and 
by  keeping  the  later  fruit  cool.  Moreover,  no  Pear  sells  better,  as  it 
holds  a  high  character  in  the  market.  I  have  a  young  tree  of  Beurr6 
Bachelier,  a  Pear  which  ripens  earlier  than  the  above,  and  is  a  most 
prolific  variety.  The  flavour  is,  however,  rather  poor,  and  it  is  useful 
alone  on  account  of  its  never  failing  to  bear,  and  therefore  of  value  in 
seasons  when  good  Pears  are  scarce.  Pitmaston  Duchess  produces 
enormous  fruits,  but  it  has  the  fault  of  the  last-named  without  the 
redeeming  quality  of  producing  fruit  freely.  Where  space  is  limited  I 
should  personally  be  inclined  to  leave  it  out.  Hacon’s  Incomparable  is 
very  good  in  some  seasons,  and  bears  freely  every  year. 

The  time  will  soon  arrive  when  any  new  trees  that  may  be  wanted 
must  be  purchased.  On  this  point  I  may  be  allowed  to  say  that  it  is 
necessary  to  keep  a  supply  of  young  fruitful  trees.  In  some  soils  no 
doubt  old  Pear  trees  bear  fruit  with  wonderful  regularity  ;  but  in  very 
many  gardens  the  soil  is  so  unsuitable  that  root-pruning  and  the  best 
attention  to  the  branches  combined  fail  to  produce  trees  worth  the 
trouble  they  incur.  I  have  some  magnificent  trees  under  my  charge, 
but  if  I  had  not  from  time  to  time  introduced  young  trees  the  Pear 
crop  of  1893  in  our  case  would  have  been  a  small  one.  With  young 
vigorous  trees,  however,  I  shall  have  no  difficulty  in  meeting  current 
demands.  I  prefer  maiden  trees  to  those  that  are  older.  They  can  be 
purchased  cheaply,  and  the  trees  may  be  grown  in  any  form  it  may  be  found 
necessary  to  train  them.  As  a  last  word,  let  me  advise  intending  planters 
to  order  trees  at  once,  so  that  they  can  be  planted  before  thewinter. — B. 


September  ?8,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


287 


The  Late  M.  Guillot. 

In  common  with  thousands  of  Rose  cultivators,  I  mourn  the  death 
of  M.  Guillot  of  Lyons.  He  has,  as  your  correspondent,  "  D.,  Beal" 
il[page  272),  indicates,  immortalised  himself  by  his  world-famous  pro¬ 
ductions,  such  as  La  France,  Catherine  Mermet,  and  Ernest  Metz,  which 
have  so  many  admirable  attributes,  such  as  those  of  form,  of  fragrance, 
and  floriferousness,  that  they  are  not  likely  to  be  superseded  or  sur¬ 
passed.  He  was  unquestionably  the  greatest  of  modern  French  rosa- 
rians.  As  Mr.  Wm.  I’aul  of  Waltham  has  been  for  a  long  period  the 
intimate  friend  of  these,  I  venture  to  express  the  hope  that  he  will,  ere 
long,  contribute  to  J ournal  his  personal  reminiscences  of  M.  Guillot. 
— David  R.  Williamson. 

A  Large  Mar£chal  Niel  Rose. 

In  paying  a  recent  visit  to  Knowsley  Cottage,  the  residence  of  Thos. 
Pilkington,  Esq.,  I  found  planted  on  the  end  and  trained  along  a  back 
wall  of  a  vinery  a  fine  Mar^chal  Niel  Rose  tree.  The  Rose  under  notice 
was  planted  some  ten  years  ago,  and  is  on  its  own  roots.  Twelve  wires 
9  inches  asunder  cover  the  back  wall,  and  to  each  of  these  a  shoot  of  the 
Rose  has  been  trained,  and  the  growths  have  reached  a  total  length  of 
24J  yards.  The  tree  is  in  perfect  condition  as  regards  foliage,  but  canker 
has  shown  itself  upon  the  older  of  the  two  stems  from  which  the  shoots 
are  taken,  the  other  being  quite  young  and  vigorous.  A  difficulty  to  its 
blooming  freely  was  the  free  access  of  the  roots  into  the  Vine  border. 
This  has  been  overcome  by  a  brick  chamber  built  so  as  to  confine 
the  roots.  After  growth  is  completed  the  plants  can  now  be  given  a 
period  of  rest.  Good  loam  and  liquid  manure  when  in  growth  are  what 
the  plant  feeds  upon,  and  no  mildew  is  to  be  seen.  The  shoots  trained 
across  the  end  of  the  house  yield  blooms  a  fortnight  earlier  than  those 
on  the  back  wall  — R.  P.  R. 


PEARS  VERSUS  PEACHES. 

I  FOR  one  cannot  agree  that  “  Pears  are  infinitely  better  and  more 
profitable  than  Peaches  ”  grown  out  of  doors,  because  here  I  have 
abundant  proof  that  the  latter  are  more  profitable  than  the  former, 
given  equal  conditions  as  to  site  and  culture.  I  am  well  aware  that 
Peaches  on  open  walls  in  several  gardens  are  a  failure,  but  why  is  it  in 
many  cases  ?  Given  a  favourable  locality  I  consider  the  Peach  crop  is 
the  most  certain  of  all  hardy  fruits  when  the  trees  are  reasonably 
managed.  I  am  ready  to  admit  that  in  some  districts  where  the 
situation  is  low  there  may  be  more  difficulty  in  obtaining  a  full  crop  of 
fruit  annually,  but  I  am  also  well  aware  that  in  some  of  these  gardens 
the  trees  are  not  managed  in  the  proper  way  to  secure  the  best  results. 
When  the  soil  is  made  rich  enough  by  heavy  manuring  to  grow  full 
crops  of  vegetables  over  the  roots  of  the  trees,  and  when  the  foliage  is 
permitted  to  be  infested  in  the  spring  with  black  fly,  to  be  followed 
with  red  spider  in  the  summer,  we  may  expect  that  outside  Peach 
culture  will  be  condemned.  But  is  it  fair  ? 

Other  mistakes  besides  those  are  continually  being  made,  such  as 
deferring  the  pruning  of  the  trees  until  the  spring,  thus  depriving  them 
of  a  reasonable  chance  of  maturing  their  wood.  A  lack  of  water  at  the 
roots  is  also  another  cause  of  failure  with  Peaches.  Without  sufficient 
moisture  after  the  crop  is  gathered  trees  cannot  prepare  the  fruit  buds 
for  the  next  year’s  crop  of  fruit.  So  long  as  such  cultural  points 
are  neglected  it  matters  little  what  locality  Peach  trees  are  found,  the 
crop  will  be  light,  and  the  argument  of  “  Pears  being  infinitely  better” 
holds  good.  This,  however,  is  not  the  right  way  to  view  the  matter,  and 
given  equal  conditions  of  situation  I  say  that  open  air  Peaches  are  by  far 
the  more  remunerative  crop. 

I  will  cite  an  example  on  the  remunerative  side  of  the  argument  for 
the  two  sorts  of  fruit.  A  tree  of  Peach  Grosse  Mignonne,  covering 
30  feet  of  an  8  feet  wall,  this  year  ripened  300  good  fruit  early  in  the 
month  of  August.  Every  fruit  could  have  been  sold  at  the  rate  of  Ss. 
per  dozen,  taking  this  as  the  minimum  price.  Growing  against  the  same 
south  wall  are  cordon  Pear  trees  in  really  good  condition.  Fruit  from 
the  varieties  Louise  Bonne  de  Jersey  and  Duchesse  d’Angouleme  of  the 
first  quality  would  not  fetch  more  than  2d.  per  lb.  Now,  who  would  say 
the  same  amount  of  wall  space  occupied  with  Pears  would  give  the 
same  return  as  the  Peaches  ? 

I  do  not  stop  at  Peaches  growing  against  south  walls.  I  have  this 
year  gathered  fruit  of  Late  Admirable,  weighed  10  ozs.  each,  from  a  tree 
facing  east,  and  Royal  George  tree  gave  similar  excellent  fruit.  Both 
these  trees  occupy  a  very  much  exposed  site.  Although  these  same  trees 
seldom  miss  a  crop  of  “  blister,”  their  healthy  character  otherwise 
seems  to  pull  them  through.  We  grow  Peaches  against  west  walls  also, 
and  with  good  results.  Pears,  I  find,  are  much  more  difficult  to  sell 
than  Peaches  owing  to  the  immense  quantity  that  come  from  Jersey  and 
France.  When  eighteen  magnificent  fruit  of  Williams’  Bon  ChrStien 
can  be  bought  in  the  market  for  Is.  9d.,  what  chance  is  there  for 
English  grown  fruit?  My  experience  is  that  fruiterers  care  but  little 
for  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pears  when  they  can  obtain  fine  fruit  of  Duchesse 


d’Angouleme.  So  much  as  gardeners  think  of  Jargonelle  and  Marie 
Louise  Pears,  there  is  a  great  difficulty  to  induce  fruiterers  to  buy  them. 

I  am  well  aware  that  this  has  been  an  exceptional  season  for  outside 
Peaches.  We  gathered  our  first  fruit  from  an  open  wall  June  24th,  and 
have  not  been  without  Peaches  since,  and  have  still  a  few  fruit.  With 
such  sorts  as  Alexander  to  commence  with,  followed  by  Early  Louise, 
Waterloo,  Hale’s  Early,  Bellegarde,  Grosse  Mignonne,  Dymond,  Royal 
George,  Walburton  Admirable,  and  Late  Admirable,  there  need  be  no 
great  difficulty  in  having  an  uninterrupted  succession  of  fruit  from  the 
open  walls.  From  the  remarks  of  “  C,”  (page  259),  he  would  have  us 
believe  that  when  Peach  trees  are  blistered  during  March  and  April  it 
is  useless  to  expect  them  to  recover  that  year.  This  is  not  my  experi¬ 
ence,  and  I  have  to  contend  with  east  winds.  If  the  trees  are  otherwise 
healthy  “  blister  ”  should  not  prevent  their  perfecting  a  full  crop  of 
fruit. 

As  much  as  I  like  Pears  it  would  never  do  to  follow  the  suggestion  of  your 
correspondent  and  substitute  Pears  in  all  cases  for  Peaches.  The  great 
charm  of  a  garden  is  the  variety  which  it  is  made  to  produce,  and  this 
applies  equally  to  hardy  fruit.  We  must  have  proof  positive  that  a  fair 
trial  has  been  given  to  the  Peach  trees  before  we  dispense  with  them, 
especially  when  Pears  will  grow  equally,  or  nearly  as  well,  against  other 
walls.  Except  in  extreme  cases  I  am  hard  to  convince  that  Peaches  are 
so  difficult  to  cultivate  on  south  walls.  I  know  they  have  been  con¬ 
demned  in  many  cases,  but  the  judgment  was  misplaced.  — 
E.  Molyneux,  Sioanmore  Park,  Tlants. 

Salwey  Peaches  Ripe  in  September. 

We  are  now  (September  23rd)  gathering  large,  ripe,  and  beautifully 
coloured  fruits  of  the  Salwey  Peach  from  a  tree  on  a  south  wall,  the 
crops  borne  by  three  trees  of  that  excellent  late  Peach  Sea  Eagle, 
occupying  space  on  the  same  wall  having  been  finished  a  fortnight  ago. 
The  supply,  in  the  meantime,  had  been  maintained  by  Lord  Palmerston 
on  a  west  wall,  and  Violette  Hative  on  a  wall  having  an  east  aspect. 
The  trees  of  the  last  mentioned  variety  produced  equally  fine  fruits 
as  were  gathered  some  weeks  earlier  from  trees  of  the  same  kind  growing 
against  a  south  wall. 

It  is  certainly  an  advantage  to  growers  who  have  to  maintain  a 
regular  supply  of  ripe  Peaches  from  as  early  as  possible  and  as  late  into 
autumn  as  they  can  be  obtained,  to  have  trees  of  early  and  midsummer 
varieties  on  walls  having  respectively  south,  east  and  west  aspects.  By 
planting,  say,  two  trees  of  Alexander,  one  on  a  south  and  the  other  on 
a  west  wall,  Amsden  and  Hale’s  Early  on  a  south  wall,  and  another 
tree  of  the  latter  fine  Peach  on  a  west  wall,  a  better  succession  of  ripe 
Peaches  is  thereby  secured  than  could  otherwise  be  obtained.  The 
succession  to  the  supply  yielded  by  trees  of  the  above  mentioned  Peaches 
planted  as  indicated  may  be  continued  by  such  varieties  as  Dr.  Hogg, 
Early  Grosse  Mignonne,  Dymond,  Royal  George,  Bellegarde,  Violette 
Hdtive,  Princess  of  Wales,  Barrington,  and  Sea  Eagle,  planted  all  against 
south  walls,  or  in  the  manner  described  above,  a  tree  of  Salwey  being 
planted  against  a  south  wall  to  come  in  last,  generally  towards  the 
middle  or  end  of  October.  This  is  the  first  year  in  my  experience  for 
the  fruit  of  the  Salwey  Peach  to  be  ripe  in  September. 

This  being  the  time  for  transplanting  home-grown  trees  and  obtain¬ 
ing  fresh  ones  the  above  remarks  may  prove  as  useful  as  they  are  oppor¬ 
tune  to  intending  planters  generally,  but  more  especially  to  amateurs, 
who  may  modify  the  plan  recommended  above  to  suit  their  own  indi¬ 
vidual  circumstances, — H.  W.  Ward. 


LIVERPOOL  NOTES. 

The  Autumn  Show. 

As  would  be  noticed  by  many  of  your  readers  from  the  advertisement 
in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  last  week  our  autumn  Show  is  to  take 
place  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  November  7th  and  8th,  and  not  on 
the  15th  and  16th,  as  previously  arranged.  According  to  the  season  this 
is  a  step  in  the  right  direction,  for  Chrysanthemums  are  rather  early, 
and  if  bright  frosty  weather  should  come  the  former  date  will  probably 
be  more  suitable  for  many  good  varieties.  It  has  been  a  most  trying 
summer,  but  there  are  certain  to  be  some  fine  blooms.  We  are  all  look¬ 
ing  forward  to  a  wonderful  display  of  fruit,  which  is  of  splendid  quality 
in  Lancashire,  and  the  earlier  date  is  without  a  doubt  more  suitable,  for 
Pears  and  Apples  are  quite  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  earlier  than  on 
former  seasons.  I  may  mention  that  liberal  prizes  are  again  offered. 

Successful  Eucharis  Culture. 

Owing  to  a  breakdown  of  the  heating  apparatus  in  connection  with 
the  glass  houses  at  Parkside,  Huy  ton,  the  residence  of  J.  A.  Willox,  Esq., 
M.P.,  the  magnificent  Eucharis  in  12  and  16-inch  pots  were  completely 
frozen  through  last  winter  and  the  foliage  killed.  To  many  persons  the 
bulbs  appeared  useless,  and,  indeed,  advice  to  that  effect  was  freely 
given,  buD  Mr.  Wattie,  the  gardener,  made  an  effort  to  save  his  plants. 
Some  good  loam  (two  parts)  with  the  finer  particles  taken  out,  charcoal 
refuse,  dried  horse  droppings  passed  through  a  sieve,  and  coarse  silver 
sand  were  selected  and  mixed  well  together.  Three  or  four  hard  bricks 
were  heated  and  transferred  to  the  centre  of  the  compost.  These  heated 
bricks  were  used  as  a  precaution  against  any  danger  from  germs  in  the 
soil.  Eight  and  10-inch  pots  were  scrubbed,  drained,  and  half  filled 
with  the  compost,  on  which  some  silver  sand  was  placed,  leaving  all  thus 
ready  for  the  reception  of  the  bulbs.  The  latter  were  not  washed,  nor 
does  Mr,  Wattie  believe  in  washing  with  any  solution  unless  the  greatest 


288 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  28,  1893. 


care  is  exercised.  The  bulbs  being  dry  the  old  soil  was  removed  with  a 
well  worn  hat  brush,  six  being  placed  in  an  8-inch  and  eight  in  a  10-inch 
pot.  A  little  of  the  compost  was  then  put  in  between  the  bulbs,  and 
the  pots  stood  on  a  boarded  stage,  the  temperature  of  the  house  ranging 
from  65°  to  70°,  rising  with  sun  heat.  A  watering  was  given  at  a  tem¬ 
perature  of  90°,  and  an  occasional  damping  about  the  pots  was  all  the 
moisture  applied  until  growth  had  commenced,  after  which  copious  sup¬ 
plies  were  given.  The  freezing  occurred  at  the  end  of  February.  Now 
the  plants  have  massive  leaves  6  and  7  inches  across,  pots  full  of  thick 
white  roots,  and  have  produced  an  abundance  of  flowers  during  the  past 
six  weeks. 

Tomatoes  in  Shallow  Boxes. 

Is  a  deep  soil  necessary  for  the  growth  of  the  Tomato  ?  was  a 
question  which  occurred  to  me  after  leaving  the  Eucharis  referred  to 
above.  In  the  early  Peach  house  I  noticed  some  grand  well  fruited  plants, 
growing  in  ordinary  cutting  boxes  1^  and  2  inches  deep  and  18  inches 
long,  placed  on  the  narrow  stage  at  the  front  of  the  house.  The  plants 
were  trained  to  upright  stakes,  and  there  were  two  in  each  box.  Good 
loam  had  been  used  in  planting,  with  a  top-dressing  of  horse  manure 
given,  and  Sutton’s  Al,  Hackwood  Park,  Carter’s  Traveller  (a  beautiful 
free  setting,  large  and  solid  red  fruits),  and  Golden  Sunrise  (the  now 
well  known  yellow)  were  carrying  heavy  crops.  They  were  some  sur¬ 
plus  plants  which  had  been  planted  in  the  shallow  boxes  with  the  object 
of  getting  a  few  fruits  from  them.  The  lesson  learnt  is  that  good 
Tomatoes  can  be  well  grown  in  very  little  soil,  provided  the  plants  are 
properly  watered. — K.  P.  R. 


Events  of  the  Week. — But  few  events  of  horticultural  interes 
will  take  place  during  the  ensuing  week.  The  special  Show  of  fruit 
and  vegetables  which  opened  at  the  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition, 
Earl’s  Court,  on  Wednesday  will  remain  open  to-day  (Thursday)  and 
to-morrow.  Several  sales  of  garden  produce,  particulars  of  which  have 
been  advertised,  will  be  held  in  the  various  auction  rooms  in  the 
metropolis. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — Since  publishing  our  last  issue 

the  weather  in  the  Metropolis  has  been  of  a  variable  character.  Until 
Friday  it  was  warm  and  summer-like,  but  on  the  day  mentioned  it 
became  cold,  as  also  was  Saturday,  when  showers  occurred.  Sunday 
opened  bright  and  comparatively  warm,  Monday  proving  colder,  with 
occasional  showers.  Tuesday  was  mild,  and  early  on  Wednesday 
morning  it  rained  heavily.  At  the  time  of  going  to  press,  however,  it  is 
fine.  Slight  frosts  have  occurred  at  night,  but  at  the  time  of  writing 
no  damage  has  been  done  to  tender  plants. 

-  Death  op  Mrs.  Latham. — We  deeply  regret  to  announce  the 

death  of  Mrs.  Latham  of  the  Edgbaston  Botanical  Gardens,  Birmingham, 
which  took]  place  on  the  morning  of  the  24:th  inst.  somewhat  sud¬ 
denly,  ]after  a'  long  and  dangerous  illness,  from  which  it  was  hoped 
she  was  recovering.  A  very  large  circle  of  friends  sincerely  sympathize 
with  Mr.  Latham  in  his  bereavement. 

- Testimonial  to  Mr.  Thomas  Manning. — We  have  pleasure 

in  announcing  that  the  Committee  of  Gardeners  formed  for  the  purpose 
of  offering  to  Mr.  Manning  some  mark  of  respect  on  his  retirement  from 
active  duty,  have  had  gratifying  support  in  the  form  of  contributions 
towards  carrying  out  the  object  in  view.  A  large  number  of  gardeners 
and  others  at  once  sent  subscriptions,  which  are  limited  to  lOs.  6d.,  to 
Mr.  George  Wythes,  Syon  House  Gardens,  Brentford,  Treasurer  of  the 
Fund ;  or  Mr.  James  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House  Gardens,  Acton^ 
London,  W.,  Honorary  Secretary.  The  subscription  list  closes  on 
October  7  th. 

-  Gardening  Appointments.  —  We  learn  that  Mr.  James 

Gibson,  recently  of  The  Oaks,  Carshalton,  a  first-class  vegetable  grower 
and  exhibitor,  as  well  as  an  all-round  horticulturist,  is  about  to  enter 
the  service  of  A.  H.  Watts,  Esq.,  Devonhurst,  Chiswick,  as  head  gardener, 
where  it  is  hoped  he  may  find  ample  scope  for  his  abilities,  Mr.  A. 
Aitkins,  for  the  past  two  years  foreman  under  Mr.  Lewin  at  Drumpellier, 
N.B.,  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  Colonel  King-Harman,  Newcastle, 
Ballymahon,  Ireland.  Mr.  W.  Adams  has  been  appointed  head  gardener 
to  Mrs.  Walker,  Rydinghurst,  Cranleigh,  Surrey.  Mr.  G.  Phillips,  late 
gardener  to  W,  Banon,  Esq.,  Taplow  House,  Maidenhead,  is  appointed 
head  gardener  to  the  Rev.  G.  W.  Corbit,  Sundorne  Castle,  Shrewsbury. 


-  It  is  with  unfeigned  regret  that  we  announce  the  death  of 

Miss  Sarah  Lloyd,  daughter  of  the  late  well-known  florist,  Mr. 
Lloyd  of  Sheet,  near  Petersfield.  Mr.  Lloyd’s  specialty  was  the  Tulip, 
of  which  he  possessed  a  very  choice  collection,  and  which  his  daughter 
has  carefully  tended  since  his  death  in  December  last.  Miss  Lloyd 
was  also  an  ardent  florist.  She  died,  after  a  short  illness,  at  her 
residence  at  Sheet  on  the  evening  of  the  25th  inst.,  deeply  regretted. 

-  The  Grape  Crop  in  America.— Grapes  in  the  Lake  Erie 

region,  according  to  an  American  exchange,  are  looking  fine.  From- 
Dunkirk,  in  Chautauqua  County,  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  the  crop  has  more 
than  a  usually  promising  appearance.  The  vineyardists  of  that  section 
have  long  recognised  the  importance  of  exterminating  weeds  and  of 
cultivating  the  Vines  as  carefully  as  other  crops  are  cultivated.  Some 
of  their  vineyards,  containing  from  25  to  50  acres,  and  laid  out  with 
extreme  regularity,  are  indeed  a  beautiful  sight. 

-  The  Currant  Crop  in  Greece. — While  most  countries  have 

suffered  from  poor  crops  this  year,  Greece  has  been  exceptionally 
favoured.  The  Currant  crop  amounts  to  160,000  tons,  while  last  year 
it  was  only  112,000  tons.  Again,  the  crop  of  Olives  is  reported  to  be 
three  times  as  large  as  it  was  in  1892,  and  the  Wheat  crop  is  also  said 
to  be  good.  The  agricultural  population,  therefore,  of  Greece,  ought,  one 
would  think,  to  be  prosperous.  There  is,  of  course  a  grievance,  on 
account  of  the  low  price  of  Currants.  The  new  crop  is  selling  at 
8s.  a  cwt.  to  London  or  Liverpool,  which  is  a  sad  falling  off  from  last 
year,  when  there  were  buyers  on  the  same  terms  at  198.  a  cwt. 

-  Single  Cactus  Dahlias.— Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay^ 

N.B.,  send  us  blooms  of  a  new  type  of  single  Cactus  Dahlias  that  has 
been  distributed  by  them  this  season.  The  flowers  are  of  medium  size, 
with  reflexed  florets  of  various  colours.  For  decorative  purposes  these 
Dahlias  are  undoubtedly  useful,  but  they  will  not  find  favour  with  every¬ 
one,  no  more  than  the  single  Chrysanthemums  do.  The  flowers  sent, 
however,  are  fresh,  and  among  the  named  varieties  Highland  Mary,  rich 
scarlet  ;  Meg  Merrilies,  lemon  yellow ;  Guy  Mannering,  blush ;  and 
Robert  Burns,  purplish  magenta,  are  specially  good.  Blooms  of  some 
unnamed  seedlings  of  merit  are  also  noticeable  in  the  same  collection. 

-  Shrivelled  Potatoes. — The  case  to  which  “  Middledale 

(page  266)  refers  of  Potatoes  being  found  in  a  flabby  or  soft  condition  is 
not  at  all  novel.  I  have  often  met  with  tubers  in  a  similar  condition,  and 
have  always  attributed  it  to  scald  from  occasional  very  hot  sunshine. 
It  is  usually  found  where  the  tubers  are  very  thinly  covered  with  soil, 
or  has  sometimes  occurred  where  through  some  accident  the  plant  stem 
has  been  injured,  and  soil  partially  removed  from  the  tubers,  thus 
exposing  them  to  undue  heat.  Of  course  it  is  a  case  that  seldom  occurs, 
and  for  that  reason  it  is  of  little  importance.  Still,  whenever  oddities 
in  any  garden  product  are  found  it  is  but  natural  that  anyone  should 
wish  to  know  the  why  and  the  wherefore. — A.  D. 

-  The  Sirex  gigas. — I  was  surprised  to  read  on  page  279  that 

this  beautiful  insect  “  has  been  taken  in  England  but  very  rarely.” 

I  have  at  odd  times  taken  a  few  insects,  and  retained  them  as  objects 
of  interest,  and  now  have  some  fine  specimens.  They  do  not  appear 
rare  in  our  neighbourhood  near  Bath.  I  take  it  that  this  insect 
has  not  an  actual  sting  in  the  ordinary  sense  of  the  word.  I  have 
handled  them  when  alive,  but  have  never  been  stung  ;  this,  of  course, 
does  not  go  for  much.  The  very  wonderful  tail  that  the  female  has, 
often  more  than  half  an  inch  long,  is  not  a  sting,  though  it  is  quite 
possible  it  might  inflict  injury  on  the  skin  ;  but  its  use  is  to  pierce  the 
wood  in  order  to  lay  its  eggs  therein,  and  the  Pine  forests  in  some 
countries  are  often  much  injured  by  this  gigantic  sawfly.  Wood  calls 
this  instrument  a  gimlet. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 

-  The  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — We  learn  that  a 

large  committee  of  gardeners  of  Kingston,  Surbiton,  and  district, 
including  the  leading  members  of  the  fraternity  in  that  locality,  with 
Mr.  T.  Cushon,  Norbiton  Hall  Gardens,  as  Chairman,  Mr.  E.  Bennett, 
Hampton  Court,  Vice-Chairman,  Mr.  W.  Furze,  Roselands,  Teddington, 
and  Mr.  A.  Dean,  Kingston,  Secretary,  has  been  formed  for  the  purpose 
of  promoting  a  grand  concert  in  aid  of  the  above  Fund,  at  the 
Surbiton  Assembly  Rooms,  on  the  evening  of  October  25th.  A  strong 
effort  is  being  made  with  considerable  success  to  secure  an  influential 
list  of  patrons.  The  concert  is  being  furnished  by  Mr.  W.  Furze,  who  is 
himself  an  excellent  amateur  vocalist,  and  who  promises  a  first-class 
programme.  The  effort  is  a  somewhat  ambitious  one,  but  it  is  hoped 
that  with  some  active  canvassers  in  the  district  tickets  will  be  largely 
sold  and  a  great  success  achieved. 


September  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


289 


-  Frost  in  Surrey. — A  Godaiming  correspondent  informs  us 

that  5“  of  frost  occurred  last  Saturday  night  in  that  district  which 
destroyed  all  the  Runner  Beans,  Vegetable  Marrows,  and  plants  of  a 
similar  nature. 

- Cassia,  corymbosa. — Mr.  H.  R.  Richards,  Roche  Court, 

Salisbury,  writes: — This  fine  old  plant  has  been  flowering  here 'con¬ 
tinually  since  J une,  and  seems  likely  to  go  on  for  another  month  at 
least.  There  are  but  few  better  plants  for  standing  out  of  doors  in 
vases,  and  a  great  point  in  its  favour  is  the  comparative  immunity 
which  it  enjoys  from  insect  pests. 

-  A  Sparrow  Trap. — I  want  to  make  a  fortune  (vide  page  265). 

Sparrows  are  easily  tamed  by  feeding  them  regularly  for  a  few  days  near 
the  doorway  of  an  outhouse,  gradually  introducing  the  food  to  the 
interior.  The  sparrows  will  soon  enter  freely  and  confidently.  When 
many  are  inside  close  the  door  by  drawing  a  string  or  other  contrivance 
previously  arranged.  “Country  Amateur”  will  then  have  them,  and 
can  send  the  fortune,  care  of  the  Editor,  to — W.  T.  B. 

-  Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — There  was  a  brilliant  display 

of  Tuberous  Begonias  at  the  rooms  of  this  Society  on  the  occasion 
of  a  recent  meeting,  when  Mr.  Vere,  gardener  to  Mr.  W.  H.  Stewart,  J.P., 
of  Milnthorpe  House,  read  a  practical  paper  upon  their  culture.  In 
the  paper  he  pointed  out  that  under  suitable  conditions  Begonias 
would  prove  formidable  rivals  to  the  Pelargoniums.  It  was,  he  said 
a  novel  and  pleasing  change,  beautiful  alike  in  foliage  and  flower,  and 
produced  a  display  with  which  no  other  class  of  plants  could  vie.  Mr. 
J.  G.  Brown  presided,  and  Mr.  Thomas  was  Vice-Chairman.  There  was 
a  good  attendance. 

-  Microbes  on  Roots. — A  correspondent  sends  us  the  follow¬ 
ing  cutting ; — “  ‘  Symbiosis  ’  is  a  word  used  by  scientists  to  describe 
the  peculiar  relations  which  have  been  found  to  exist  between  various 
microbes  and  the  roots  of  plants  to  obtain  necessary  food.  The  Legu- 
minosae — such  as  Peas  and  Clover — are  well  known  to  be  assisted  very 
considerably  by  a  microbe  which  forms  tubercules  on  the  roots,  and 
multiplying  exceedingly  there  little  colonies  of  microbes  ‘  manufac¬ 
ture  ’  nitrogen  in  large  quantities.  The  fungus  or  microbe  feeds  upon 
organic  matter,  but  does  not  make  it,  whilst  plants  with  green  leaves 
make  organic  matter,  but  do  not  use  it,  so  that  both  green-leaved 
plants  and  fungus  work  or  ‘  manufacture  ’  for  each  other,  but  not  for 
themselves.” 

-  The  Kingston  and  Surbiton  Gardeners’  Association. — 

This  young  Society  means  business,  for  it  wound  up  its  summer  session 
by  holding  a  largely  attended  and  most  enjoyable  soiree  at  the  Albany 
Hall,  Kingston,  on  Wednesday  evening  last,  and  opens  its  autumn 
session  on  Tuesday  evening  next,  October  3rd,  in  their  new  rooms  in 
Eden  Street,  when  Mr.  Jas.  Martin,  the  able  foreman  to  Messrs.  Sutton 
and  Sons,  Reading,  will  have  an  “Evening  with  the  Begonia,”  a  theme 
upon  which  he  is  specially  entitled  to  speak.  J.  P.  Trew,  Esq.,  the 
President,  will  take  the  chair  on  that  occasion.  The  session  will  close 
on  December  12th  with  a  “Chat  about  Chrysanthemums”  by  Mr.  H.  J. 
Jones  of  Lewisham,  when  it  is  hoped  that  the  President  of  the 
Chrysanthemum  Society,  Mr.  Alderman  Sherrard,  will  preside. 

-  Sunderland  Gardeners’  Improvement  Society.  —  On 

Wednesday,  September  20th,  the  members  of  this  society  (upwards 
of  forty)  held  their  excursion  to  Hutton  Hall  Gardens,  the  seat  of  Sir 
J.  W.  Pease,  M.P.  They  were  kindly  met  at  the  station  by  Mr.  Meindoe, 
head  gardener,  and  Mr.  Funnel,  estate  agent.  Mr.  MeIndoe  conducted 
the  party,  and  explained  the  various  fruits,  including  the  cultivation  of 
Vines,  Figs,  Tomatoes,  and  Citrons,  the  houses  of  which  extend  nearly 
three  miles  (/)  The  pleasure  grounds  were  next  visited,  and  the  Coniferse 
were  much  admired,  the  marked  difference  in  the  atmosphere  between 
Sunderland  and  that  district  being  clearly  apparent.  The  company 
then  adjourned  to  the  boathouse  (a  remarkable  structure  of  rusticity), 
situated  at  the  end  of  the  lake,  and  on  the  invitation  of  Mr.  Meindoe 
partook  of  a  substantial  luncheon.  Mr.  Funnel  then  conducted  the 
party  over  the  hills  and  estate,  including  the  stables.  The  party  next 
proceeded  to  Guisborough  and  viewed  the  priory,  abbey,  and  gardens, 
then  dined  at  the  Buck  Hotel,  Mr.  Bolam,  F.R.H.S.,  the  Chairman  of 
the  Society,  presiding.  Mr.  Meindoe  proposed,  “  Success  to  the  Sunder¬ 
land  Gardeners’  Society,”  and  regretted  that  distance  prevented  him 
becoming  a  member,  but  he  promised  to  read  a  paper  on  fruit  growing. 
The  health  of  Sir  J.  W.  Pease,  Mr.  Meindoe,  and  Mr.  Funnel  were 
enthusiastically  drunk,  and  also  the  host  and  hostess.  The  party  arrived 
homo  at  9.30  p.m.,  after  enjoying  a  pleasant  and  harmonious  day. — 
James  Watson,  Hoii.  Sec. 


-  A  New  Hybrid  Clematis. — Monsieur  Andr^  describes  in  a 

recent  issue  of  the  “Revue  Horticole”  a  new  hybrid  Clematis,  produced 
by  a  French  horticulturist  at  Lyons  by  fertilizing  Clematis  Pitcheri 
with  the  pollen  of  C.  coccinea.  This  new  Clematis  is  said  to  have 
preserved  the  vigour  and  the  numerous  stems  of  the  strong-growing 
C.  Pitcheri,  and  the  brilliant  colour  of  the  flowers  of  C.  coccinea. 

-  Destroying  Weeds.— On  page  265  “  W.  R.  Raillem”  con¬ 
tributes  an  interesting  note  on  eradicating  fleshy  rooted  weeds.  Like 
him  I  have  been  very  successful  in  destroying  Bindweed,  Tussilago,  and 
other  fleshy  rooted  kinds,  and  like  his  informant  I  had  my  information 
from  a  grand  old  gardener — viz.,  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  which 
also  exposed  the  folly  of  allowing  weeds  to  seed  before  attempting  to 
root  them  up. — N.  B. 

-  Garden  Guns. — Mr.  E.  P.  Timmins,  Balsall  Heath,  Birming¬ 
ham,  claims  by  the  invention  of  catapult  guns  to  have  overcome  the 
difficulty  of  clearing  cats,  rabbits,  and  similar  destructive  animals  from 
gardens.  These  guns  are  made  in  various  sizes,  are  perfectly  silent,  and 
no  licence  is  required  to  use  them.  Mr.  Timmins  has  also  produced  a 
useful  contrivance  called  the  “  Beak-weeder,”  by  which  Plantains  and 
other  weeds  can  be  easily  removed  from  lawns  and  walks. 

-  Distribution  op  Surplus  Plants  at  the  London 

Parks. — As  winter  is  approaching  it  is  announced  that  the  surplus 
bedding  plants  will  be  distributed  to  the  public  on  application  to  the 
superintendent  at  the  various  parks  on  the  undermentioned  dates  ; — 
Battersea  Park,  21th  October;  Myatt’s  Fields,  2  Ist  October;  Ravens- 
court  Park,  2l8t  October ;  Royal  Victoria  Gardens,  North  Woolwich, 
11th  October  ;  Southwark  Park,  27th  October  ;  Victoria  Embankment 
Gardens,  13th  October  ;  Waterlow  Park,  18th  October.  Many  amateurs 
in  and  around  the  metropolis  will  doubtless  avail  themselves  of  these 
opportunities  to  obtain  plants. 

-  Formosan  Camphor. — One  of  the  chief  staples  of  Formosa  is 

camphor,  but  the  industry  is  carried  on  under  somewhat  unusual 
conditions.  Mr.  Hosie  in  his  late  report  on  Formosa  says  that  the 
Camphor  Laurel  grows  in  the  savage  territory  only,  and  the  hillmen  or 
Hakkas,  who  border  on  that  territory,  have  to  make  arrangements  with 
the  savage  chiefs  to  protect  or  refrain  from  destroying  the  stoves  or 
stills  which  the  former  set  up  in  their  country.  As  soon  as  the  hillmen 
have  settled  all  preliminaries  with  the  savage  chiefs  and  a  suitable  spot 
has  been  fixed  among  the  Camphor  trees  for  the  erection  of  a  still,  the 
former  proceed  to  run  up  a  shed  or  rough  building,  the  size  of  which 
depends  on  the  number  of  stoves  it  is  intended  to  contain.  If  ten  are 
to  be  erected  the  building  would  be  about  20  feet  long  by  12  feet  or 
13  feet  broad.  In  the  centre  of  the  floor  an  oblong  structure,  some 
4  feet  high,  10  feet  long,  and  6  feet  broad  is  built  of  sun-dried  mud 
bricks,  having  five  fireplaces  or  holes  at  each  side  raised  a  foot  or  so 
above  the  floor  of  the  room.  The  two  ends  of  the  structure  are  solid 
and  without  flreplaces.  The  latter  are  so  built  that  an  earthenware  pot 
can  easily  be  inserted  above  the  fire  in  each  hole.  An  earthenware 
cylinder  connects  the  mouth  of  each  pot  with  the  surface  of  the 
structure  or  still ;  between  the  pot  and  the  lower  end  of  the  cylinder 
there  is  a  round  thin  piece  of  wood  fitting  both  the  mouth  of  the  pot 
and  the  lower  end  of  the  cylinder,  and  perforated  so  as  to  allow  the 
steam  from  the  water  in  the  pot  to  pass  into  the  cylinder  during 
distillation.  The  top  of  each  cylinder  is  usually  about  a  foot  in 
diameter  and  is  level  with  the  surface  of  the  still.  Such  a  still  would 
present  to  the  eye  a  mud  structure,  with  ten  round  holes  on  the  top  and 
five  fireplaces  at  each  of  the  two  longest  ends.  To  complete  it,  however, 
ten  large  earthenware  jars  are  required.  These  during  the  process  of 
distillation  are  placed  inverted  on  the  top  of  the  still  immediately  over 
the  upper  ends  of  the  cylinders  so  as  to  form  condensers.  To  prevent 
the  escape  of  steam  from  the  condensers  bands  of  jute  are  fitted  firmly 
between  their  mouths  and  the  top  of  the  still.  The  pots  are  filled  with 
water  and  the  cylinders  with  camphor  wood  chips;  the  jars  are  in 
position  on  the  top  of  the  still,  and  the  firewood  is  lighted  under  the 
pots.  When  the  water  boils  the  steam  passes  up  through  the  perforated 
wood  into  the  cylinders,  heats  and  moistens  the  chips,  and  ascends  to 
the  condensers,  carrying  with  it  the  camphor  fumes  which  the  chips 
have  given  forth.  The  steam  then  condenses  on  the  inside  of  the  jars, 
and  when  the  latter  are  removed  a  layer  of  white  camphor  crystals  is 
found  adhering  to  them.  This  is  brushed  off  by  hand  and  placed  in 
baskets.  The  chips  are  then  withdrawn  from  the  cylinders,  fresh  chips 
take  their  place,  water  is  added  to  the  pots,  the  condensers  are  again 
placed  in  position,  additional  firewood  is  thrown  into  the  fireplaces,  and 
the  work  of  distillation  recommences, 


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[  September  28,  1893. 


-  Sugar  cane  Disease  in  Barbadoes.  —  The  steamship 

"  Atrato,”  which  arrived  at  Plymouth  a  few  days  ago,  brings  informa¬ 
tion  of  a  destructive  cane  disease  that  has  developed  itself  at  Barbadoes 
during  this  season,  and  is  causing  considerable  alarm  among  the  sugar 
planters.  Nearly  every  estate  in  the  island  is  losing  its  sugar  crop. 
The  plants  are  attacked  at  their  roots,  which  rot  and  the  plants  perish. 

-  Copperas  in  Plant  Manures. — “Suburban”  sends  us  the 

following  extract  for  publication.  “  Since  the  successful  application  of 
copperas  or  ferrous  sulphate  in  the  treatment  of  plant  disease  has  become 
known,  manure  manufacturers  have  been  in  the  habit  of  mixing  this 
salt  with  the  other  ingredients  of  a  manure,  more  especially  in  the  case 
of  phosphates.  The  advisability  of  this  practice  has  recently  been 
investigated  by  authorities.  From  a  number  of  experiments  they  have 
drawn  the  conclusion  that  the  addition  of  copperas  has  a  deleterious 
effect  upon  superphosphates,  that  is  to  say,  on  mono-calcium  and 
bi-calcium  phosphates  ;  but  when  tri-calcium  phosphate  is  treated  with 
eopperas,  a  considerable  portion  of  the  phosphoric  acid  is  rendered 
soluble  in  ammonium  citrate,  hence  the  action  is  beneficial.” 

-  Bedding  Begonias. — Some  of  the  prettiest  effects  I  have  seen 

with  bedding  Begonias  were  at  Yeovil,  where  Mr.  B.  K.  Davis  has 
collected  a  remarkably  beautiful  selection  of  plants,  doubles  chiefly,  for  the 
doubles  seem  in  respect  of  massing  effects  to  be  productive  of  more 
pleasing  effects  than  do  the  large-flowered  singles.  The  plants  put  out 
in  large  numbers  range  from  7  inches  to  13  inches  in  height,  the  tallest, 
Clemence  Demeart,  of  a  deep  rose  colour,  giving  a  most  charming  effect, 
and  the  dwarfest.  Dandy,  a  rich  deep  red,  about  7  inches.  Cactus  is  a 
biautiful  reddish  cerise,  8  inches  high  ;  Postboy,  salmon  carmine, 
10  inches,  are  but  a  few  of  many  that  constitute  a  splendid  strain. 
Whilst  some  are  of  continental  origin,  not  a  few  are  of  Mr.  Davis’s  own 
raising,  the  general  collection  of  double  and  single  large-flowered 
varieties  is  of  the  best  grown,  the  new  bedding  forms  may  well  rank  as 
unique  of  their  kind. — D. 

- Wonders  of  the  Cotton  Plant. — The  Cotton  plant,  which 

has  for  so  many  centuries  furnished  a  large  part  of  the  population  of 
the  globe  with  clothing,  seems  to  be  almost  without  limit  in  its  useful¬ 
ness.  From  the  seed  a  valuable  oil  is  expressed,  while  the  husks  form 
an  article  of  food  for  cattle  in  the  shape  of  cakes.  From  the  lint 
which  clings  to  the  seed  after  it  has  passed  through  the  “  gin  ”  felt  is 
made,  while  the  oil  extracted  from  the  seed  is  applied  to  quite  a  large 
number  of  purposes.  But,  according  to  the  British  Consul,  Mr.  Portal 
of  Zanzibar,  Cotton  seed  is  also  capable  of  yielding  sugar.  A  process, 

‘  Public  Opinion  ”  remarked  recently,  has  been  discovered  for  extracting 
sugar  from  Cotton  seed  meal,  and  though  the  details  of  this  process  have 
not  been  disclosed,  it  is  said  that  the  product  obtained  is  of  very  superior 
grade,  being  fifteen  times  sweeter  than  cane  sugar  and  twenty  times 
more  so  than  sugar  made  from  Beet.  This  indicates  that  sweetness  is 
not  due  to  cane  sugar,  but  to  some  chemical. 

-  Snowstorms. — On  Saturday  morning  a  severe  snowstorm  was 

experienced  over  a  great  portion  of  the  north  of  England.  Snow  fell  so 
thickly  that  in  a  few  minutes  everything  was  covered  to  a  depth  of 
3  or  4  inches.  The  weather  in  the  district  up  to  the  present  week  had 
been  unusually  fine,  but  bitterly  cold  during  the  last  day  or  two.  The 
fall  of  snow  lasted  several  hours.  There  has  been  a  snowstorm  in  north 
Westmoreland,  and  the  Pennine  Hills  are  covered  with  snow.  Snow 
fell  in  Annan  early  on  Sunday  morning.  The  flakes  were  unusually 
large,  and  the  ground  was  covered  with  snow  1  inch  deep.  On  Saturday 
soft  snow  fell  heavily  in  Newcastle,  and  at  night  the  weather  was  very 
cold.  There  has  been  no  rain  in  the  neighbourhood  for  many  weeks, 
and  the  danger  of  a  water  famine  has  compelled  the  water  company  to 
cut  off  the  supply  to  households  for  about  fourteen  hours  a  day,  and 
pump  water  from  the  river  for  the  use  of  manufactories.  Dense  hail¬ 
storms  swept  over  parts  of  North  Wales  on  Saturday,  and  the  first  snow 
of  the  season  was  to  be  seen  on  Snowdon.  The  districts  of  Hitchin, 
Luton,  and  St.  Albans  experienced  a  decided  change  in  the  weather  on 
Saturday  morning,  when  a  strong  north-easterly  gale  swept  across  the 
country.  Several  hailstorms  prevailed  at  intervals,  while  between 
Ilitchin  and  Luton  there  were  occasional  slight  falls  of  snow. 


VINE  PROBLEMS. 

Of  the  three  questions  propounded  by  “  Experimentalist  ”  on 
page  268  last  week.  No.  2  is  the  most  interesting  to  me  personally  from 
having  had  considerable  experience  in  raising  Vines  from  seed,  and  I 
will,  therefore,  deal  with  it  first  and  principally.  It  is,  unfortunately. 


not  stated  whether  the  seedling  in  question  (taking  it  for  granted  the 
case  is  fact,  and  not  merely  theoretical)  resembles  in  wood  and  foliage 
the  male  or  female  parent,  as  in  the  latter  case  I  should  be  inclined 
to  draw  the  conclusion  that  no  actual  cross  had  been  made,  and  that 
the  difference  in  fruit  was  merely  the  result  of  seminal  variation.  The 
crossing  of  Grapes  is  a  delicate  operation  requiring  very  great  care  and 
a  certain  amount  of  manual  dexterity,  or  the  flower  is  self-fertilised 
before  the  foreign  pollen  is  applied,  and  in  the  majority  of  cases  which 
I  have  investigated  where  crosses  were  supposed  to  have  been  effected 
the  rough  and  ready  methods  employed  made  it  absolutely  impossible 
to  say  whether  any  real  cross-fertilisation  had  been  accomplished 
or  not. 

Seedlings  from  self-fertilised  flowers  generally  follow  the  parent 
pretty  closely  in  habit,  though  the  fruit  may  differ  considerably  in 
flavour  and  colour ;  but  seedlings  from  a  genuine  cross  will  differ 
immensely,  especially  when  the  parents  are  not  nearly  related,  in 
support  of  which  it  may  be  mentioned  that  a  number  of  seedlings 
raised  by  my  father  from  the  American  Strawberry  Grape  crossed  with 
the  Black  Hamburgh  had  foliage  varying  from  less  than  the  size  of 
one’s  hand  to  one  which  overlapped  a  sheet  of  the  “  Times.” 

I  have  at  the  present  time  an  interesting  study  in  heredity  in  the 
shape  of  seedlings  from  Gros  Colman  and  Black  Hamburgh  crossed  with 
the  Strawberry  Grape,  the  offspring  in  both  cases  resembling  the  male 
parent  closely  in  foliage,  peculiar  perfume,  intense  flavour,  and  diminutive 
bunch  and  berry,  the  last  two  points  of  course  rendering  them  com¬ 
mercially  valueless.  I  ascribe  the  prepotency  of  the  Strawberry  Grape, 
even  when  used  as  a  pollen  parent,  to  the  fact  of  its  having  been  but 
recently  reclaimed  from  the  wild  state,  while  our  older  Eastern  varieties 
have  been  constitutionally  weakened  by  long  generations  of  cutting 
propagation. 

Questions  1  and  3  are  matters  of  history,  and  therefore  better  dealt 
with  by  older  writers  ;  but  it  seems  probable  that  if  an  instance  of  a 
genuine  sport  could  be  produced  it  would  be  found  to  agree  with  the 
description  in  Question  1,  just  as  in  the  case  of  plants  grown  for  their 
flowers  (notably  Chrysanthemums)  ;  the  sport,  while  differing  widely 
from  the  parent  in  colour  of  bloom  cannot  be  distinguished  from  it  in 
habit  and  foliage. — Chas.  E.  Pearson,  CMlwell  Nurseries,  Notts, 


National  Chrysanthemum  Society, 

The  next  meeting  of  the  General  Committee  will  take  place  at 
Anderton’s  Hotel,  Fleet  Street,  E.C.,  on  Monday  evening,  October  9th, 
at  seven  o’clock.  On  the  termination  of  the  ordinary  business  of  the 
Committee  Mr.  Charles  E.  Pearson,  of  the  Chilwell  Nurseries,  Notts, 
will  read  a  paper  on  “  How  to  Improve  our  Chrysanthemum  Shows,” 
and  discussion  will  be  invited. 

Kingston  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

More  than  usual  interest  attaches  to  the  annual  Exhibition  of  this 
Society  on  November  7th,  as  there  will  be  two  champion  vases  competed 
for,  the  first  being  restricted  to  three  previous  winners  only,  the  second  one 
of  course  being  open  to  all  comers.  Chrysanthemums  seem  to  be  grown 
in  the  locality  more  largely  than  ever,  and  in  spite  of  the  season  they 
never  looked  better.  A  severe  competition  in  all  classes  is  expected. 

Big  Bloom  Culture  in  France. 

This  is  a  subject  that  seems  to  have  agitated  the  minds  of  French 
growers  not  a  little.  While  many  appear  to  affect  a  sort  of  contempt 
for  the  method  we  adopt  to  secure  exhibition  blooms  there  are  others 
who  are  undoubtedly  desirous  of  giving  it  a  practical  test.  Most  of  the 
pamphlets  and  articles  published  on  Chrysanthemums  in  France  have 
contained  allusions  to  the  big  bloom  method,  and  one  or  two  cultivators 
like  Mr.  Phatzer  and  Mr.  Calvat  have  successfully  put  it  into  practice. 
A  Mr.  Thibault  of  Nantes  has,  however,  recently  published  a  small 
treatise  on  the  subject,  borrowed  principally  from  Mr.  Edwin  Molyneux’s 
well-known  book  on  “  Chrysanthemums  and  their  Culture.”  It  is 
illustrated  with  several  reproductions  from  Mr.  Molyneux’s  excellent 
little  volume,  which  appears  to  have  formed  the  basis  of  more  than  one 
continental  work  on  the  popular  autumn  flower. 

Chrysanthemum  Bud  Mite. 

Although  the  Chrysanthemum  sprays  dispatched  by  your  corre¬ 
spondent,  “  G.  B.  A.,”  from  Scotland  on  September  8th  did  not  reach 
me  until  the  evening  of  the  11th,  they  were  quite  fresh,  clean,  and  un¬ 
damaged  by  the  post  office  punches.  This  condition  is  absolutely 


September  28,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


291 


essential  for  a  satisfactory  examination  of  specimens.  The  three  sprays 
were  packed  in  damp  clean  moss  in  a  stout  cardboard  box  ;  growth 
sturdy,  leaves  deep  green,  glossy,  thick,  leathery,  and  without  speck  or 
blemish.  The  buds  crowning  the  three  sprays,  one  to  each,  appeared 
small  (for  the  time  of  year),  but  normal,  and  had  apparently  nothing 
the  matter  with  them.  “These  buds  were  taken  early,  and  have 
remained  in  nearly  the  same  state  for  about  six  weeks,”  stated 
“  G.  B.  A.,”  also  that  they  were  taken  from  a  plant  of  Wm.  Holmes. 

Denuding  a  spray  of  its  leaves  it  had  the  appearance  shown  at  A 
(fig.  41),  natural  size.  The  side  buds  (a)  had  been  taken  off  six  weeks 
ago,  leaving  the  crown  bud  (5)  only.  This  bud  was  slightly  tinged  at 
the  apex  (c)  with  brown.  Removing  the  bud  scales,  the  inner  portion 


to  upset  its  equanimity.  It  will  be  noticed  that  there  are  no  “  buds  ”■ 
(or  eggs,  as  they  are  sometimes  called),  nor  were  any  discovered  in  the 
other  parts  of  the  dissected  Chrysanthemum  bud  ;  in  fact,  gemmation 
had  ceased,  evidently  some  time  ago,  and  only  a  few  “  bud  ”  sacs  were 
found.  But  in  the  older  and  unbrowsed  erineum  and  suspended  in  it  I 
found  what  I  take  to  be  the  transformation  stage  of  the  four-legged 
(larva)  mite  into  the  six-legged.  This  is  shown  at  G,  and  the  empty 
case  from  which  the  six-legged  mite  emerges  is  represented  at  H.  The 
six-legged  mite  itself  was  not  found,  but  to  assist  others  to  recognise  it 
it  is  shown  at  I.  It  is  the  female  form — a  most  active  and  interesting 
creature. 

The  mite  is  not  by  any  means  uncommon,  though  hitherto  unnamed 


or  embryonic  flower  was  the  size  shown  in  vertical  section  at  B,  and  in 
transverse  section  in  C.  Nothing  was  manifestly  wrong  with  the  bud 
as  observable  by  the  naked  eye.  Subjecting  the  section  B  to  an  ordinary 
pocket  magnifier  it  had  the  appearance  represented  in  D.  Still  no  trace 
of  any  parasite  was  to  be  found,  but  the  brownness  at  the  apex  pourtrayed 
in  black  («Z)  was  seen  to  extend  down  the  flower  bud  and  to  the  base  of 
the  embryonic  petals  (e).  Taking  this  portion  only  of  the  section  and 
subjecting  it  to  a  lens  of  moderate  magnifying  power  it  appeared  as 
shown  in  E  ;  petals  with  hairs  or  erineum  ;  g,  mite  ;  A,  “  bud  eye  ;  ” 
i  i,  cases  from  which  the  parthenogenetic  mites  emerge.  Cutting  a 
microscopic  section — that  is,  a  thin  slice  with  the  aid  of  a  lens,  and 
placing  it  on  a  glass  slide  and  examining  it  with  a  powerful  lens,  two 
mites  were  seen  as  shown  in  F  at  j  j.  They  are  full  grown — the  last 
of  the  parthenogenetic  series,  nearly  l-200th  of  an  inch  in  length  and 
about  l-900th  of  an  inch  in  breadth  at  the  widest  part.  The  full  scope  of 
the  microscope  on  the  section  is  given  to  show  that  there  is  no 
erineum  on  the  right  hand  side,  where  the  mite  is  full  fed, 
torpid,  and  beginning  to  thicken,  but  that  on  the  left  hand  side  was 
active  amongst  the  erineum,  moving  about  as  if  nothing  had  occurred 


and  undescribed.  I  propose,  therefore,  to  name  it  Phytoptus  chrys- 
anthemi,  the  Chrysanthemum  bud  mite.  It  is  unquestionably  a  native 
species,  found  in  the  buds  of  Chrysanthemum  Leucanthemum  or  Leucan- 
themum  maximum,  the  whole  of  the  flower  buds  of  this  plant  often  being 
what  is  termed  “  deaf.”  In  some  gardens  the  plants  flower  profusely,  in 
others  only  few  flowers  are  produced,  though  the  plants  are  perfectly 
healthy  and  strong  growing.  Some  of  the  flowers  are  deformed,  perhaps* 
the  florets  only  develop  on  one  side,  because  the  mites  destroy  the 
buds. 

It  also  proves  disastrous  sometimes  to  Centaurea  montana  buds,  they 
also  being  occasionally  flowerless ;  but  it  is  chiefly  confined  to  the 
Chrysanthemum  family — in  fact,  it  is  doubtful  if  the  species  are  iden¬ 
tical.  But  there  is  no  question  about  the  Chrysanthemum  mite  of  our 
gardens  and  fields  attacking  the  buds  of  Chrysanthemums.  It  generally 
fastens  on  the  crown  buds,  the  female  pushing  her  ovipositor  into  the 
bud  from  the  apex  and  right  down  to  what  would  be  the  eye  of  tho 
flower,  and  there  deposits  her  eggs.  They  are  imbedded  in  the  living  sub¬ 
stance,  and  erineum  is  produced  on  what  would  be  the  petals  of  the  flower. 
These  eggs  hatch  out  in  a  few  days  ;  but  the  mites  are  enclosed,  and  in 


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[  September  28,  1893. 


wrowin"  they  form  somewhat  large  tubes,  not  unlike  erineum,  but 
stouter,  shorter,  and  blunt-ended,  and  from  these  the  mites  emerge. 
The  tubes  are  easily  seen,  and  being  hairy  on  the  outside  are  readily 
distinguished  from  the  erineum,  which  is  not  hairy  on  the  surfaces. 
The  mites  at  once  commence  depositing  “  buds,”  which  are  almost  as 
much  in  diameter  as  the  four-legged  mites  which  shed  them.  These 
“  buds”  produce  more  four-legged  mites,  and  all,  or  such  as  survive — 
for  they  have  many  enemies  when  they  become  full  fed — pass  from  this 
into  the  six  and  eight-legged  stages,  and  it  is  the  four-legged  mites  that 
do  all  the  mischief  ;  or  rather  they  do  the  work  mapped  out  for  them 
by  the  perfect  mite,  which  deposits  its  eggs  where  the  succeeding  gene¬ 
ration  will  find  the  needful  food  ready  for  its  sustenance. 

What  becomes  of  the  mites  after  they  leave  the  Chrysanthemum  buds 
I  do  not  know,  but  this  I  do  know,  they  will  return  at  the  appointed 
time  of  breeding  and  deposit  eggs  in  the  flower  buds  then  formed.  This 
is  seldom  deferred  beyond  July,  and  as  regards  Chrysanthemums  is 
usually  restricted  to  the  king  or  crown  buds,  though  the  side  buds  are 
occasionally  infected.  There  is  one  peculiarity  about  this  mite  which 
deserves  notice,  it  does  not,  like  other  bud  mites,  cause  the  buds  attacked 
to  become  abnormally  large,  and  their  presence  cannot  be  detected  by 
any  external  sign  until  the  mischief  is  done — that  is  by  the  buds  not 
swelling  as  they  ought. 

The  only  thing  likely  to  be  of  any  use  is  to  syringe  the  plants  with 
bisulphide  of  calcium  (see  page  223),  1  pint  to  12  gallons  of  water, 
immediately  before  or  directly  the  Chrysauthemum  buds  appear,  and 
repeat  occasionally  to  August.  Dusting  with  tobacco  powder  would 
also  act  as  a  preventive.  The  only  remedy  is  to  cut  off  the  early 
crown  buds  and  rely  on  side  buds,  which  is  very  plainly  set  forth  in 
“  Chrysanthemums  and  their  Culture,”  by  Mr.  B.  Molyneux  ;  but  this 
has  no  regard  to  mites,  only  the  practice  cuts  short  their  career,  as  the 
four-legged  mites  must  perish  in  the  decapitated  buds,  and  they  certainly 
cannot  leave  them  and  enter  others.  The  best  thing  is  to  make  sure 
and  burn  every  crown  bud  removed,  also  cut  off  every  “deaf”  bad 
without  delay  and  serve  it  the  same. 

Some  people  like  the  large  white  Daisies,  Chrysanthemum  Leucan- 
themum  maximum.  When  the  plants  have  the  buds  “  deaf  ” — that  is, 
cease  to  swell  and  develop  flowers,  cut  off  all  such  and  burn  them. 
Pursue  this  with  all  the  buds  appearing  in  a  similar  condition,  and  it 
will  be  found  that  the  plants  will  produce  flowers  as  well  as  leaves. — 
G.  Abbey. 

Early  FLOWEEiNa  Chrysanthemums. 

In  my  former  note  I  am  afraid  I  did  not  make  my  meaning  clear, 
for  1  do  not  want  to  see  better  things  than  Chrysanthemums  at  a  show 
where  they  are  supposed  to  form  a  leading  feature.  It  was  solely  for 
the  purpose  of  seeing  the  display  of  early  Chrysanthemums  that  I  went 
to  the  Aquarium,  but  they  were  unquestionably  far  less  attractive  than 
in  previous  years.  The  fault,  if  there  be  one,  scarcely  lies  with  the 
N.C.S.,  but  rather  with  those  who  have  sung  the  praises  of  the  early 
section.  So  much  of  late  years  has  been  said  and  written  about  this 
new  race  and  the  value  of  them  for  outdoor  decoration,  and  I  know  not 
what  else  beside,  that  any  true  lover  of  the  Chrysanthemum  must  have 
shared  my  feelings  of  disappointment  at  the  very  few  varieties  of 
modern  introduction  that  were  staged  on  the  occasion  of  a  show  where 
one  naturally  expects  to  see  a  first-class  assortment  of  the  best  new 
flowers. 

From  what  I  know  of  the  Chrysanthemum  circle  I  should  say  there 
is  a  very  small  percentage  of  the  members  of  the  National  Society  who 
are  ardent  admirers  of  early  varieties,  and  I  question  whether  they  are 
wanted.  The  November  Chrysanthemum  makes  itself  beloved  on  its 
own  merits,  the  early  kinds  appear  to  require  being  subsidized.  If  that 
be  so  they  are  not  wanted,  and  the  sooner  they  cease  to  exist  the  better. 
This  appears  to  me  to  be  the  more  strongly  manifest  when  such  dull, 
colourless  blooms  are  placed  in  striking  contrast  with  Dahlias  and 
Gladioli.  No  flower  can  hope  to  retain  its  hold  on  the  public  if  it  has 
to  be  propped  up  with  pecuniary  assistance ;  it  must  assert  its  own 
inherent  value,  it  must  be  loved  for  itself  alone,  for  its  form,  its  colour, 
its  beauty,  and  usefulness.  Herein  lies  the  difference  between  the 
early  and  the  November  Chrysanthemums,  the  latter  having  all  the 
qualities  that  appeal  to  the  affections  of  the  flower  loving  community, 
chief  of  all  perhaps  being  its  seasonableness.  At  the  time  of  year  when 
it  comes  to  us  in  all  its  fulness  it  is  indeed  a  thing  of  beauty,  if  not  a 
joy  for  ever,  and  has  many  thousands  of  admirers. — P. 


EASTERN  LILIES. 

The  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  who  is  an  earnest  amateur  horticul¬ 
turist,  writes  me  to  say  that  the  Japanese,  Indian,  and  Levantine  Lilies 
which  she  planted  at  my  suggestion  at  Trentham  last  winter  have  proved 
a  gratifying  success,  and  that  Her  Grace  intends  to  give  them  a  trial 
at  Dunrobin  Castle,  Sutherland,  where  she  is  at  present  residing.  Among 
those  which  have  succeeded  admirably  at  Trentham,  where  I  saw  them 
recently,  are  Liliums  auratum,  longiflorum,  speciosum,  Kraetzeri, 
Wallacei,  Kramerianum  or  “  Krameri,”  and  giganteum  cordifolium,  of 
which  the  last  mentioned,  the  emperor  of  Liliums,  is  grown  under  glass, 
though  this  is  not  requisite  to  ensure  its  success.  Lilies  have  been  at 
least  three  weeks  earlier  than  usual  this  year,  but,  though  in  many 
instances  they  flowered  splendidly,  they  did  not  grow  to  their  average 
dimensions  for  want  of  rain. 

In  my  own  garden  L.  davuricum,  also  called  umbellatum,  flowered 


in  May;  the  beautiful  Madonna  Lily,  Lilium  candidum,  in  June; 
longiflorum  and  giganteum  early  in  July,  closely  followed  by  the 
majestic  auratums,  the  later  flowering  varieties  of  which  have  now  the 
harmonious  companionship  of  the  exquisitely  formed  and  delicately 
fragrant  Lilium  speciosum.  The  cultivator  of  Eastern  Lillies  is,  mani¬ 
festly,  to  be  envied  ;  for  if  even  moderately  successful  he  may  have 
from  the  period  of  the  Narcissus  to  that  of  the  latest  autumnal  Chrysan¬ 
themum  one  long,  continuous,  and  infinitely  varied  bloom.  Their 
reign  is,  therefore,  as  impressive  in  its  duration  as  that  of  the  Rose. 
The  infamous  sparrow  has,  in  my  garden,  occasionally  attacked  the 
Gclden-rayed  Japanese  Lily,  and  destroyed  its  noble  buds  when  pre¬ 
paring  to  expand,  but  that  I  may  add  was  before  the  adjoining  corn  fields 
were  ready  for  his  always  unwelcome  incursions,  since  which  period  he 
has  left  my  Liliums  alone. — David  R.  Williamson. 

Liliums  from  Colchester. 

We  send  Lily  blooms  mostly  from  plants  growing  out  of  doors,  viz., 
L.  speciosum  Kraetzeri,  L.  s.  Melpomene,  L.  s.  macrantha,  and  L.  tigri- 
num  Fortune!.  Owing  to  the  drought  Lilies  have  had  a  bad  time,  the 
flow'er  spikes  are  short  and  the  substance  of  the  blooms  thin  where 
grown  out  of  doors ;  but  as  regards  pot  culture  where  moisture  has 
been  freely  given  it  is  quite  different,  and  the  blooms  and  spikes  this 
year  are  very  good.  We  also  have  included  bloom  of  Lilium  neilgherrense 
and  L.  Henryi.  The  former  Lily  has  flowered  with  us  very  freely 
this  year,  but  requires  the  aid  of  glass  both  to  start  it  and  finish 
its  growth.  Imported  bulbs  arriving  in  a  shrivelled,  poor  condition 
late  in  the  spring,  plumped  up  rapidly,  and  to  our  surprise  grew 
to  the  flowering  stage  much  better  than  could  have  been  expected, 
showing  that  it  is  really  a  very  vigorous  Lily  under  proper  treatment ; 
its  scent  is  peculiarly  like  honey.  L.  Henryi  has  been  grown  by 
us  both  in  pots  out  of  doors  and  in  the  open  ground.  It  is  a  grand 
grower.  We  received  our  bulbs  from  China  in  the  middle  of  March 
last ;  they  soon  began  to  stir,  the  growths  appeared  some  six  weeks  later 
than  those  established  at  Kew,  and  are  now  in  full  flower,  those  at  Kew 
being  over  some  six  weeks  since.  It  has  evidently  a  hardy  constitution, 
and  roots  very  freely,  has  dark  green  foliage  and  numerous  flowers.  It 
is  from  these  points  and  from  its  novel  colour  a  grand  Lily  for  the 
hybridiser.  Two  points  about  this  new  form  seem  not  to  have  been 
brought  forward — its  broad  beautiful  dark  green  central  axis,  translucent 
like  deep  sea  water;  second,  the  number  of  large  processes  of  an 
orange  yellow  colour  which  fringe  these  green  axes.  It  is  a  beautiful 
flower  for  ladies  to  wear,  specially  for  those  of  a  dark  complexion,  or  a 
couple  of  blooms  well  backed  by  the  foliage  of  the  scented-leaved 
Pelargoniums  are  very  decorative  in  a  room.  We  feel  convinced  that 
this  Lily  will  become  a  great  favourite  with  the  fair  sex. 

We  are  bound  to  express  our  surprise  on  reading  the  paragraph  on 
page  265  reflecting  on  ourselves  in  copying  your  illustration  without 
permission.  So  far  from  that  being  correct,  we  purchased  the  block 
from  your  office,  and  as  no  stipulation  was  made  as  to  the  use  to  which 
it  might  be  put  we  thought,  and  still  think,  we  had  a  perfect  right  to 
use  the  block  in  our  catalogue. — Wallace  «fc  Co. 

[The  flowers  referred  to  were  beautiful.  Many  of  the  buds 
expanded  on  being  placed  in  water,  and  others  are  still  opening,  showing 
the  great  value  of  Liliums  as  cut  flowers  for  decorative  purposes.  In 
reference  to  the  illustration  Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.  had  the  undoubted 
right,  under  the  circumstances,  to  use  the  block  in  their  catalogue. 
Had  we  known  they  had  purchased  it  the  paragraph  would  not  have 
been  written,  and  it  may  now  be  considered  as  withdrawn.  The  block 
was  sold  in  the  publishing  department  without  the  fact  being  made 
known  to  the  Editor  —  a  purely  accidental  omission  that  occurred 
during  a  moment  of  pressure  in  business.  Our  rule  is  only  to  supply 
blocks  to  the  owners  or  exhibitors  of  the  flowers  illustrated,  and  it  is 
not  departed  from  except  by  special  arrangement  equitable  to  all 
parties  concerned  in  their  reproduction.] 


GRAPES  SHANKING. 

Mr.  Richardson’s  article  on  this  subject  (page  238,  September  14th) 
is  in  some  respects  a  remarkable  one. 

1,  He  says  about  a  dozen  bunches  left  unthinned  in  1892  had  not 
a  shanked  berry  in  them.  Nothing  is  said  about  the  variety  left 
unthinned,  nor  anything  stated  as  to  the  condition  of  the  thinned 
bunches  in  that  year  ;  but  it  is  assumed  that  his  subsequent  statement 
— namely,  “  In  previous  years  there  was  not  a  bunch  but  was  more  or 
less  affected  by  the  disease  ”  applies  to  the  thinned  bunches  in  1892. 
This  being  so,  it  is  clear  that  the  thinning  was  considered  in  1892  to  be 
the  cause  of  the  shanking,  hence  the  decision  to  leave  the  whole  crop 
unthinned  in  1893. 

2,  In  anticipation  of  the  prospective  heavy  erop  in  1893  measures 
were  taken  in  advance  for  its  support.  A  heavy  dressing  of  fresh  cow 
manure  was  given  to  the  borders  in  the  early  part  of  November. 
Inside  it  could  only  benefit  to  the  extent  of  the  washings  from  it 
by  artificial  watering,  Outside  there  would  be  washings  by  rains, 
and  the  consequent  enrichment  of  the  soil.  The  removal  of  the 
November  dressing  of  cow  manure  in  February,  and  the  supply 
of  another  dressing  then,  left  till  the  first  week  in  May,  is  a 
method  of  enriching  the  soil  with  one  of  the  most  soapy,  close, 
and  retentive  of  manures  in  the  winter  season.  It  is  an  old  and 
bad  practice. 

3,  The  feeding  twice  a  week  with  the  undiluted  drainings  of  the 


September  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


293 


cowshed  from  the  first  week  in  May  until  the  Grapes  began  colouring, 
could  not  have  other  than  a  good  effect,  especially  as  the  season  of  1893 
has  been  the  hottest  and  driest  on  record.  Your  correspondent  was  singu¬ 
larly  fortunate  in  having  such  an  abundant  supply  of  cowshed  drainings 
at  a  time  when  most  cows  were  at  grass  and  the  tanks  empty.  The  applica¬ 
tions  appear  to  have  suited  the  Vines  admirably  under  the  conditions 
prevailing  in  1893 — a  broiling  sun,  a  parched  soil,  and  an  arid  atmo¬ 
sphere  ;  for  the  result  was  “  A  magnificent  crop  of  good  bunches 
with  medium  sized  berries  (no  puny  stoneless  ones),  excellent  in  flavour, 
but  as  might  be  expected,  deficient  in  colour.” 

“Poverty,”  says  Mr.  Richardson,  “is  the  cause  of  shanking  in 
Grapes.’'  Mr.  Barron  in  “  Vines  and  Vine  Culture,”  gives  overcropping 
as  the  “  cause  of  shanking  to  a  very  serious  extent,”  and  Mr.  Richardson’s 
Grapes  were  so  plentiful  that  they  were  deficient  in  colour.  With  the 
Grapes  unthinned  there  is  more  danger  of  poverty  than  when  they  are 
thinned.  Of  course  Mr.  Richardson  means  poverty  of  soil,  but 
Mr.  Barron  includes  “  rich  materials  ”  as  one  of  the  causes  of  shanking. 
Though  a  believer  in  “  muck,”  I  am  sorry  to  say  that  where  it  is  most 
used  shanking  is  most  rampant,  and  Mr.  Richarson’s  experiment  only 
proves  the  importance  of  feeding  the  Vines  when  the  greatest  strain  is 
put  upon  them  by  the  crops. 

As  to  the  cause  of  shanking  I  must  say  that  it  has  so  far  baffled  both 
cultivators  and  scientists.  The  alleged  causes  are  as  opposed  to  each 
other  as  the  poles  of  the  earth,  that  is,  shanking  occurs  in  Grapes  under 
conditions  diametrically  opposite  to  the  assumed  cause.  Let  us  notice  a 
few  of  them. 

Overcropping  the  I  ines. — Mr.  Richardson  has  shown  that  Vines  with 
the  Grapes  unthinned,  and  a  crop  so  heavy  as  not  to  colour  well, 
there  was  less  shanking  than  when  the  berries  were  thinned,  and  the 
seeds  much  less  in  number.  In  a  vinery  where  the  Vines  are  seen 
carrying  a  crop  of  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes  an  black  as  jet,  and  a  weight 
of  fruit  equal  to  1  lb.  per  foot  run  of  rod,  scarcely  a  shanked  berry  is  to 
be  found,  but  in  one  adjoining,  and  with  the  Vines  carrying  a  bunch  of 
Grapes  here  and  there,  not  only  small  branchlets,  but  whole  shoulders, 
and  in  some  cases  whole  bunches  have  to  be  cut  away  because  the 
Grapes  are  shanked. 

WeaJinees. — This  must  be  distinguished  from  poorness  of  soil,  for 
Vines  against  houses,  and  with  the  bunches  unthinned,  like  Mr. 
Richardson’s,  often  produce  enormous  crops  of  Currant-like  unshanked 
Grapes,  and  this  is  allowed  to  go  on  until  the  Vines  become  so  exhausted 
as  to  yield  nothing  but  leaves  and  tendrils.  Such  Vines  with  the  shoots 
properly  thinned  and  pruned,  also  fed  at  the  roots  with  house  slops, 
would  bear  excellent  fruit  if  the  bunches  and  berries  were  duly  thinned. 
But  this  is  not  the  weakness  alluded  to  as  conducive  of  shanking,  for 
what  is  meant  is  a  puny  condition  of  the  Vines  resulting  from  early 
forcing  or  heavy  cropping  in  consecutive  years,  even  where  the  borders 
are  rich,  yet  we  have  growths  tendril  like  and  small  bunches  with  a 
large  percentage  of  shanked  berries.  Border  renovation,  a  year’s  restand 
freer  growth  will  generally  insure  better  crops.  But  the  opposite  of 
weakness — that  is,  grossness,  or  Vines  with  soft  long-jointed  shoots, 
leaves  like  Rhubarb,  and  lank  loose  bunches,  is  also  given  as  one  of  the 
causes  of  shanked  berries,  and  the  remedy  propounded  is  border  renova¬ 
tion, 

^Restriction. — Too  close  stopping  or  poverty  of  foliage  and  conse- 
quentry  indiffereot  root  action  is  presumed  to  favour  the  dwindling  of  the 
bunches  and  cause  the  berries  to  shank.  The  remedy  for  this  is  alleged 
to  consist  in  allowing  the  Vines  to  make  more  growth  and  to  prune  less 
closely.  Vines,  however,  on  the  extension  system  often  go  wrong — that 
is,  they  produce  Grapes  that  shank  in  some  cases  to  the  extent  of  one- 
third  of  the  crop.  The  preventive  for  shanking  in  this  case  is  assumed 
to  be  found  in  pinching.  This  shows  the  falsity  of  extremes. 

Checks  to  Groioth. — One  of  these,  prejudged  to  promote  shanking, 
is  to  remove  a  large  quantity  of  foliage  at  a  time  and  at  distant  intervals. 
This,  of  course,  is  a  bad  practice  ;  but  the  fact  remains  that  at  the  oppo¬ 
site  pole  is  seen  Vines  that  have  never  had  removed  from  them  more 
growths  than  can  be  carried  away  at  one  time  from  a  large  vinery  in  the 
attendant’s  apron,  with  a  number  of  red  sour  berries  in  the  otherwise 
well  finished  bunches  when  the  Grapes  are  ripe.  It  is  difficult  to  under¬ 
stand  why  outdoor  Vines  with  the  shoots  cut  back  considerably  just 
before  the  Grapes  commence  ripening  have  few  shanked  berries,  while 
Vines  so  treated  under  glass  have  a  large  number  of  shanked  Grapes. 

Chills. — Allowing  the  temperature  to  rise  considerably  in  a  vinery 
and  then  admit  air  so  as  to  reduce  it  several  degrees  is  said  to  produce 
rust  on  tender  Grapes  and  shanking  when  they  ought  to  ripen.  The 
other  side  of  the  question  is,  that  however  careful  the  cultivator  may  be 
about  ventilation,  the  Grapes  often  shank  badly. 

Itich  Borders. — When  the  carcases  of  animals  were  buried  in  Vine 
borders  the  Grapes  were  said  to  have  been  wonderfully  fine  in  some 
cases  and  in  others  that  the  Vines  absolutely  refused  to  grow.  About 
shanking  under  such  conditions  the  records  are  mute,  and  I  have  no 
experience.  Nevertheless  rich  borders  are  alleged  to  induce  shanking  in 
Grapes,  but  there  is  a  difference  as  regards  richness  in  Vine  borders. 
Some  are  composed  of  material  which  settles  into  a  close  soapy  mass, 
and  the  Grapes  produced  by  the  Vines  planted  therein  sometimes  shank 
in  the  stems  of  the  bunches.  Others  are  formed  of  rich  material,  with 
enough  gritty  and  calcareous  substances  to  render  them  porous  and 
sweet,  yet  the  Grapes  borne  by  healthy  Vines  growing  in  them  are 
shanked  more  or  less.  Mr.  Richardson  tells  us  that  the  cause  of  shank¬ 
ing  is  poverty  of  soil.  Grapes  certainly  shank  when  the  Vines  are 
grown  in  poor  soil,  perhaps  one  berry  in  a  thousand  as  compared  with 
those  growing  in  rich  soil. 


Excessive  Dryness  at  the  Roots. — Mr.  Barron  gives  this  as  paralysing 
to  the  young  roots  and  a  cause  of  shanking,  for  deluging  with  water 
afterwards  destroys  the  roots.  I  presume  every  gardener  has  a  copy'of 
Vines  and  Vine  Culture,  if  not,  he  ought  to  procure  one,  for  the 
illustrations  of  the  Grapts — almost  every  variety — certainly  all  worth 
growing,  with  the  descriptions,  are  worth  double  the  money  (Ss.).  But 
the  fact  remains  that  Vines  receiving  72  inches  of  water  or  equal  to  that 
of  rainfall,  have  the  berries  shanked  ten  times  worse  than  those  of  Vines 
growing  in  a  gravelly  soil  receiving  only  24  inches  of  rain  direct  from 
the  clouds. 

Sodden  and  Sour  Snl. — Whether  the  Vines  are  in  pots  or  planted  in 
borders  this  condition  at  the  roots  results  in  shanking  in  the  Grapes. 
There  is  no  question  about  that,  nor  is  there  any  of  Grapes  also  shanking 
when  the  roots  of  the  Vines  are  in  the  most  favourable  circumstances  as 
regards  soil  sanitation.  It  is  a  matter  of  degree,  for  it  is  not  difficult  to 
find  shanked  berries  in  the  best  examples  of  certain  varieties,  to  wit 
Frontignans,  Black  Muscat,  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  even  in  Black 
Hamburgh. 

Cold  Borders. — Forty  years  ago  there  were  ten  outside  Vice  borders 
to  one  even  partly  within  the  houses.  There  was  no  more  shanking  in 
those  days  than  at  the  present  time.  Mr.  Barron  mentions  cold  sub¬ 
soils,  of  course,  with  the  roots  in  them,  as  a  source  of  shanking,  and  it  is 
quite  true,  nevertheless  he  recommends  outside  borders  (and  I  agree 
with  him)  for  summer  Grapes ;  but  I  have  seen  Grapes  ripe  in  March 
on  Vines  over  Pines  with  the  roots  entirely  in  an  outside  border,  and 
covered  with  a  coating  of  the  soapiest  manure.  It  would  have  delighted 
Mr.  Richardson  to  have  seen  it,  for  there  were  only  “  a  few  shanked 
berries  here  and  there.”  That  is  one  side  of  the  picture,  the  other  is 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes  shanking  badly  when  the  roots  of  the 
Vines  are  confined  to  inside  borders.  Mr.  Richardson  has  only  a  few 
shanked  berries  and  no  puny  stoneless  ones  with  the  roots  of  the  Vines 
partly  in  and  partly  outside  the  house.  The  case  is  a  hopeless  one — 
Grapes  will  shank. 

Bad  Management. — This  includes  errors  in  ventilation,  syringing, 
watering,  temperature,  disbudding,  stopping,  thinning,  cropping,  feeding, 
and  general  routine,  one  and  all  of  which  may  culminate  in  shanking. 
Unfortunately  Grapes  shank  under  the  best  treatment. 

Fungal  and  Insect  Attacks. — Mildew  infesting  the  growths  and 
berries,  and  the  destruction  of  the  foliage  by  red  spider,  also  scale  and 
mealy  bug,  are  said  to  induce  shanking  in  Grapes.  They  may  ;  the 
facts  are  as  positive  in  the  opposite  direction,  for  I  have  seen  outdoor 
Grapes  white  with  mildew  in  June  with  Grapes  as  black  as  jet  and 
covered  with  a  blue  bloom  in  September,  except  where  rusted  by  the 
sulphur  in  destroying  the  mildew.  A  similar  thing  occurred  in  a 
house,  the  Grapes  ripening  but  much  rusted.  There  was  nothing 
remarkable  in  either  case  as  regards  shanking.  Grapes  may  ripen  off 
red,  and  even  shrivel  when  red  spider  has  exhausted  the  foliage;  even 
scorched  Vines  shank  less,  if  anything,  than  Vines  do  in  some  cases  with 
flimsy  foliage,  and  scale  and  mealy  bug  in  no  way  contribute  to  shanking. 
I  have  seen  whole  houses  of  Grapes,  every  bunch  of  which  had  to  be 
syringed  before  sending  the  Grapes  to  table  ;  but  the  scissors  had  not  to 
be  employed  to  cut  out  red,  sour,  shanked  berries. 

Outdoor  Grapes. — These  are  found  to  shank  less  than  the  same 
varieties  indoors  ;  yet  shanked  berries  are  found  both  on  thinned  and 
unthinned  bunches,  on  heavily  cropped  Vines  and  on  those  carrying 
only  a  few  bunches.  It  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  that  shanked  Grapes 
are  common  on  Vines  under  glass. 

Time. — Shanking  is  generally  confined  to  the  period  when  the  Grapes 
begin  changing  colour.  Sometimes  it  is  only  a  berry  or  two,  in  extreme 
cases  it  is  a  whole  bunch  ;  generally  one  or  more  of  the  branchlets  or 
shoulders,  or  parts  of  them  that  shank.  One  Vine  has  few,  its  neighbour 
of  the  same  variety  has  many  shanked  berries  ;  some  are  red  and  sour, 
others  are  black  and  not  ill-flavoured.  It  is  similar  with  white  Grapes. 
Some  of  the  shanked  berries  shrivel,  remain  green,  and  are  ill-favoured, 
while  some  retain  their  plumpness,  attain  a  high  colour,  and  are 
exquisitely  flavoured,  as  found  on  some  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
before  me.  It  is  not  a  question  as  to  when  the  shanking  occurs,  for  it 
does  so  both  before  and  after  the  Grapes  are  ripe,  also  after  they  have 
been  cut,  bottled,  and  placed  in  the  Grape  room. 

Thirteen  causes  of  shanking  have  been  given,  and  still  the  real  cause 
of  the  evil  is  as  great  a  mystery  as  ever.  All  I  know  about  shanking  is 
that,  like  every  other  disease,  it  is  induced  by  certain  favouring  climatic, 
sanitary,  and  cultural  conditions.  This  being  so,  it  follows  that  it  is  to 
a  great  extent  prcventible  by  careful  cultivation.  Some  varieties  being 
more  subject  to  it  than  others  may  be  rejected,  as  is  recommended  in 
the  case  of  Apples  and  Pears  to  avoid  canker  ;  but  this  is  an  admission 
of  being  dead  beat,  and  is  analogous  to  killing  a  whole  herd  of  cattle 
because  one  or  two  are  afflicted  with  anthrax.  Who  can  dispense  with 
Black  Hamburgh  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  ?  Both  are  at  the  head  of 
their  classes  in  quality  and  in  liability  to  shanking,  but  they  have  been 
to  a  great  extent  superseded  by  the  thick-skinned  varieties,  less  subject 
to  the  evil.  Still  the  varieties  first  named  are  grown  in  proper  structures, 
well  provided  with  means  for  ventilation  and  heating,  well  constructed 
borders  of  sound  material,  and  good  cultivation  all  round,  without  many 
shanked  berrie  s. 

Notwithstanding  all  that  has  been  advanced  in  support  of  shanking 
being  a  constitutional  and  heredital  disease,  the  fact  remains  that  it  is 
of  an  organic  nature,  and  as  such  has  its  rise  in  the  morbidity  of  the 
subject.  That,  however,  cannot  give  rise  to  any  living  organism  ;  it  is 
caused  by  and  owes  its  origin  to  a  micro-organism,  which,  like  all  life, 
is  dependent  for  its  existence  on  a  parental  germ. — G.  Abbey. 


291 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  28,  1893, 


THE  ASHFORD  YINERIES,  FORDINGBRIDGE. 

Just  as  the  seeing  of  a  place  that  has  a  reputation,  and  yet  is 
indifferently  cared  for,  brings  the  visitor  disappointment,  so  does  a  visit 
to  a  place  where  little  is  looked  for  and  much  that  is  good  found  afford 
exceeding  satisfaction.  I  have  been  into  many  market-growing  estab¬ 
lishments  about  London,  and  have  usually  found  that  everything  about 
them  was  made  very  secondary  to  tidiness  and  general  excellence  ; 
consequently  when  recently  I  called  at  the  Fordingbridge  Vineries  1 
looked  for  nothing  better,  but  was  exceedingly  pleased  to  find  a  large 
number  of  houses  in  perfect  condition,  the  whole  place  neat  and 
clean,  and  the  culture  of  Vines,  Tomatoes,  and  Chrysanthemums, 
for  these  are  just  now  the  chief  objects  of  culture,  of  the  very  best. 
Perhaps  some  of  this  is  due  to  the  fact  that  Mr.  Stephen  Castle,  who  is 
the  Manager,  and  has  had  full  control  for  several  years,  is  at  once  a 
modest  man,  who  boasts  nothing,  has  some  garden  taste  as  well  as  much 
skill,  and  is  certainly  a  capital  cultivator.  It  may  seem  odd  that  what 
is  a  small  town  of  such  excellent  houses  should  be  dropped  down  in  so 
remote  a  part  of  the  country.  The  vineries  are  the  property  of  a  well 
known  Jersey  firm,  Messrs.  A.  &  J.  Quartier,  who  also  have  an  extensive 
corn  business  at  Fordingbridge.  On  the  other  hand,  it  would  seem  as  if  soil 
and  situation  were  in  these  days  of  far  more  consequence  than  place  and 
distance,  for  the  railways  render  locality  of  small  moment,  and  it  seems 
as  easy,  as  is  found  in  practice,  to  send  products  to  London,  Manchester, 
or  Edinburgh,  as  to  Bournemouth,  Plymouth,  or  Exeter.  The  vineries 
are  close  to  the  railway  station,  and  in  that  respect,  whether  in 
getting  in  coal,  for  Mr.  Castle  believes  only  in  anthracite,  or  for  sending 
away  produce,  is  most  convenient. 

Looked  at  from  the  elevated  railway  a  little  towards  Wimborne  the 
entire  body  of  glass  is  presented  in  the  form  of  a  large  triangle,  the 
acute  angular  point  being  closest  to  the  spectator,  whilst  in  the  remote 
background  are  Mr,  Castle’s  and  some  of  his  assistants’  residences.  Just 
by  these  there  is  yet  space  to  erect  another  long,  broad  span  house, 
and  then  in  a  meadow  below  there  is  reserved  space  for  the  addition  of 
some  ten  or  twelve  more  large  houses,  and  these  no  doubt  will  be 
erected  in  a  few  years.  For  the  purpose  of  examining  the  contents  of 
these  structures  we  start  from  the  manager’s  house,  and  enter  a  huge  lean- 
to  that  fronts  to  the  north-east  of  the  other  houses.  This  is  200  feet  by 
18  feet,  and  is  in  three  equal  divisions.  The  first  two  are  planted  with 
Gros  Colman,  the  end  one  of  which  is  the  latest.  Here  at  the  time  of 
my  visit  the  berries  were  just  showing  a  little  colour,  whilst  in  the 
next  division  the  colouring  was  much  more  advanced.  These  represent 
the  latest  of  the  five  market  Grapes  grown.  The  Vines  are  planted  close 
to  the  front,  and  at  only  2  feet  apart.  There  are  twenty-three  Vines  in 
the  first  division  and  thirty  in  the  second,  a  portion  of  the  first  being 
otherwise  occupied.  Every  Vine  is  carrying  a  tremendously  heavy  crop 
of  good  sized  bunches,  and  the  berries  when  ripe  will  be  fully  up  to  the 
usual  dimensions.  Each  rod  is  expected  to  give  40  lbs.  of  Grapes  ;  whilst 
those  in  the  first  division  will  be  cut  in  January,  those  in  the  other  will 
be  cleared  by  Christmas,  The  third  division  is  planted  with  Black 
Alicante,  and  there  are  twenty-nine  rods.  Here,  too,  there  is  a  great 
crop,  although  not  the  same  weight  as  in  the  other  divisions.  The 
Grapes  are,  however,  nearly  finished,  and  will  be  excellent  in  every 
respect,  the  average  weight  per  rod  being  rather  over  30  lbs. 

It  is  worth  noting  that  for  these  Vines,  as  indeed  all  over  the  place, 
no  very  special  preparation  has  been  made.  The  borders  consist  of  the 
ordinary  soil  deeply  trenched,  and  it’is  naturally  drained.  It  is  very 
firm,  and  seems  to  have  very  enduring  nature — indeed,  it  must  have 
good  natural  properties  to  carry  such  crops  of  Grapes  year  after  year. 
There  is  very  little  of  top-dressing  with  animal  manure,  as  it  does  not 
seem  to  be  too  accessible  ;  about  3  feet  wide,  close  to  the  Vines,  alone 
is  thinly  dressed.  The  chief  reliance  seems  to  be  on  the  patent  silicate 
manure,  which  Mr.  Castle  largely  uses  for  top-dressing,  and  which  he 
regards  as  most  valuable  for  Vines.  I  may  mention  here  that  for  all 
his  Muscat  Vines  he  adds  a  moderate  proportion  of  sand  to  the  borders, 
and  also  gives  occasional  dressings  of  it,  as  well  as  of  the  manure. 

The  next  house,  running  at  a  slight  angle  from  the  one  described,  is 
a  fine  span  210  feet  long  and  30  feet  wide.  This,  too,  is  in  three  divisions 
and  was  planted  with  Vines  so  recently  as  1891.  In  the  first  division 
on  the  north  side  twenty-two  Alicantes  are  planted  3  feet  apart,  each 
one  carrying  from  ten  to  twelve  well-coloured  bunches.  On  the 
south  side  are  the  same  number  of  Gros  Colman,  each  one  heavily 
fruited.  Then  on  either  side  of  the  centre  walk,  and  at  6  teet  apart, 
there  are  planted  on  the  south  side  Alicantes,  and  on  the  other  Gros 
Colman,  so  that  some  of  each  sort  are  on  each  side  of  the  house.  These 
are  trained  as  vertical  cordons,  each  carrying  on  an  average  twelve  to 
fourteen  bunches,  and  not  less  than  20  lbs.  weight.  Tomatoes  in  pots 
are  run  up  between  the  Vines.  The  second  division  is  planted  exclu¬ 
sively  with  Muscats,  but  the  crop  had  been  cut.  Into  the  border  four 
loads  of  sand  had  been  worked.  Mr.  Castle  speaks  very  highly  of  the 
Canon  Hall  Muscat  of  which  there  are  several  Vines,  specially  liking 
its  full  berries,  stout  dark  leafage  and  wood  and  general  productiveness. 

The  third  and  lower  division  is  planted  entirely  with  Gros  Colman, 
twenty-four  on  each  side,  and  twenty-four  down  the  centre  for  erect 
training,  making  seventy-two  in  all.  The  berries  on  the  north  side  have 
much  the  best  colour  because  the  sun  caught  them  obliquely  through 
the  glass  above  the  Vines  on  the  opposite  side.  This  fact  shows  in 
getting  colour  into  this  Grape  the  importance  of  ample  sunlight.  This 
division  was  planted  towards  the  end  of  May,  1891,  each  Vine  now 
carrying  a  heavy  crop  up  some  6  feet  of  rod. 

t Close  to  the  end  of  this  fine  vinery  commences  the  smaller  houses  of 


the  large  triangle  of  glass.  Here  is  a  block  of  three,  each  12  feet  wide 
respectively,  of  30,  40,  and  50  feet  long.  The  Vines  in  the  first  house 
are  Black  Hamburghs,  planted  3  feet  apart,  and  are  two  years  estab¬ 
lished.  They  run  to  the  apex  on  each  side,  and  have  given  a  good 
crop.  The  borders  are  5  feet  wide,  and  only  9  inches  deep,  as  being 
built  for  Cucumbers,  pipes  run  along  beneath.  The  second  house  is 
planted  partly  with  Hamburghs,  partly  Gros  Maroc,  in  the  same  way, 
but  the  crop  has  been  cut.  The  third  house  is  planted  with  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  ;  the  return  pipe  in  the  chamber  beneath  the  border  being 
found  most  helpful  in  finishing  the  berries.  The  Vines  here  are  three 
years  planted,  and  carry  a  fine  crop.  Then  follow  three  span  houses, 
each  18  feet  wide,  and  respectively  70,  80,  and  90  feet  long.  The  centre 
gutters  of  these  rest  on  brick  piers,  so  that  the  houses  are  all,  so  far, 
open  one  to  the  other.  The  plan,  however,  is  productive  of  cold 
draughts,  and  is  not  desirable.  One  range  of  pipes  is  made  partly  to 
heat  two  houses.  The  first  house  is  full  of  Gros  Colman,  chiefly  planted 
four  years,  rods  about  9  feet  long  and  3  feet  apart,  carrying  a  heavy 
crop.  A  few  Muscats  planted  by  mistake  are  to  be  worked  with  Gros 
Maroc,  for  a  few  Vines  of  that  variety  do  remarkably  well  here,  and  in 
all  cases  the  soil  seems  to  impart  excellent  flavour  to  the  fruit,  perhaps 
due  to  some  extent  to  absence  of  gross  feeding.  In  the  second  house 
the  Vines  are  chiefly  Alicantes,  the  rods  laden  with  fine  bunches,  and 
richly  coloured.  In  the  third  house  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Gros 
Colman  are  planted  alternately.  The  greater  part  of  the  crop  here,  also 
a  very  fine  one,  has  been  cut. 

Next  comes  a  block  of  houses  20  feet  wide,  ranging  in  length  from 
120  to  160  feet.  The  first  house  is  planted  on  the  west  side  with  Muscat 
of  Alexandria  and  Gros  Colman  alternately,  all  the  other  side  being 
the  latter  sort  only.  The  Vines  are  four  years  old,  and  the  crop  is  indeed 
a  splendid  one,  presenting  a  grand  sight.  The  Grapes  are  cut  during 
November  and  December.  The  next  house  is  planted  entirely  with  Gros 
Colman,  two  years  old,  fruiting  about  7  feet  lengths,  each  rod  having 
from  nine  to  eleven  bunches.  There  are  in  this  house  100  Vines  at 
3  feet  apart.  In  the  third  house  of  this  group  Black  Hamburgh  Vines 
have  been  planted  recently  for  early  forcing.  Tomatoes  otherwise  fill 
the  house,  these  being  planted  crosswise  in  rows  3  feet  apart  and  are 
vertically  trained.  The  crop  has  been  a  heavy  one,  and  fruit  will  be  fur¬ 
nished  if  desired  till  the  end  of  October.  The  chief  varieties  are  Hack- 
wood  Park,  Sutton’s  Perfection,  Challenger,  and  Webb’s  Regina,  one  of 
the  larger  Apple-shaned  sorts,  of  which  Mr.  Castle  speaks  in  the  highest 
terms.  The  fourth  house  is  also  recently  planted  with  Black  Hamburghs, 
and  in  it  immense  numbers  of  Tomato  plants  have  been  grown. 

Lastly  is  a  huge  house,  34  feet  wide  by  160  feet,  the  first  division 
of  which  was  planted  last  spring  with  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees.  The 
second  and  third  divisions  were  planted  with  Gros  Maroc  last  April, 
and  will  soon  be  in  a  productive  condition.  This  house,  too,  has  been 
planted  with  Tomatoes,  and  amongst  them  are  Conference,  Ham  Green 
Favourite,  and  Vick’s  Criterion.  This  completes  the  record  of  the  glass 
houses  at  the  Ashford  Vineries,  and  presents  a  total  length  of  1530  feet — 
a  goodly  area  of  glass  to  be  met  with  so  far  from  London.  Mr.  Castle 
has  long  been  known  by  his  writings,  and  very  often  by  the  fine 
examples  he  has  shown,  as  an  authority  on  Grape  culture,  and  this 
unbiassed  record  of  what  I  have  seen  of  his  work  will,  I  am  sure,  carry 
conviction  that  he  is  fully  entitled  to  all  the  honour  of  such  a  position. 
—A.  D. 


LONDON  TREES. 

The  following  correspondence  regarding  London  trees  appeared 
recently  in  The  Times  ; —  _ 

Before  parting  with  the  memorable  summertide  of  1893,  it  may  not 
be  profitless  to  observe  its  effect  upon  trees,  so  essential  to  the  beauty 
and  health  of  the  metropolis.  They  afford  the  one  redeeming  feature  to 
an  otherwise  ugly  town.  Some  years  ago  I  brought  upon  myself  a  good 
deal  of  adverse  criticism  by  quoting  Leigh  Hunt’s  saying  that  it  was 
hard  to  find  a  single  street  in  London  from  some  part  of  which  a  tree 
was  not  visible.  I  only  know  of  two — viz.,  Savile  Row  and  a  street 
parallel  with  Berners  Street. 

London  trees  have  two  adverse  influences  to  resist — coal  smoke  and 
heat  reflected  from  miles  of  brick  and  stonework.  The  effect  of  the 
latter  is  so  clearly  marked  upon  several  species  at  the  present  moment 
that  the  lesson  ought  not  to  be  neglected  by  the  Office  of  Works  and  by 
those  in  charge  of  squares  and  gardens,  for,  although  the  heat  has  been 
greatly  excessive  this  year,  trees  in  a  town  are  always  exposed  to  greater 
summer  heat  than  those  in  the  country. 

The  trees  which  have  suffered  most  are  one  native  species — -the  Wych 
Elm,  and  two  exotic  species — the  Horse  Chestnut  and  the  Lime.  The 
condition  in  which  these  are  now  and  have  been  for  some  weeks  past 
ought  to  convince  us  of  their  unsuitability  for  urban  planting.  Many 
of  them  are  entirely  leafless ;  others  retain  but  a  sere  remnant  of  summer 
clothing. 

The  Plane,  for  which  we  shall  soon  have  to  borrow  the  title  of  a 
humbler  green  thing  and  call  it  “  London  Pride,”  has  stood  the  trial 
fairly  well,  for,  although  it  has  shed  half  its  leaves,  the  other  half 
remain  and  are  still  fresh  and  verdant.  By  a  popular  mistake  this  tree 
is  called  the  Western  or  Occidental  Plane.  It  is  not  so,  but  an  Eastern 
European  and  Asiatic  species  (Platanus  acerifolius),  and  may  be  dis¬ 
tinguished  from  the  American  P.  occidentalis  by  bearing  two  or  more 
s.ed  vessels  on  the  fruitstalk  instead  of  one. 

Aspens  and  Poplars  have  suffered  not  at  all,  and  should  be  more 


September  28,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDE  NEIL 


296 


largely  planted  in  London.  By  a  peculiar  formation  of  the  leafstalk, 
which  is  flattened  midway,  they  are  specially  provided  with  a  mechanical 
means  of  protection  against  heat.  The  leaves  hang  vertically,  and 
possess  glands  on  both  surfaces,  whereas  Oak,  Beech,  Chestnut,  &c.,  have 
glands  only  on  the  under  surface. 

Ailantus  glandulosa,  the  Tree  of  the  Gods,  is  in  splendid  foliage,  and, 
if  more  care  were  taken  to  keep  it  in  shape  in  its  early  years,  would  soon 
prove  one  of  the  surest  ornaments  of  our  streets. 

But  the  tree  to  which  I  wish  to  call  special  attention  as  invaluable 
for  towns  is  what  is  commonly  called  the  Acacia.  It  is  not  an  Acacia  at 
all,  being  of  the  Pea  flower  tribe  ;  its  scientific  name  is  Robinia  pseudo- 
Acacia.  Let  anyone  compare  the  fine  specimen  standing  at  the  corner 
of  Lord  Sefton’s  house  in  Belgrave  Square,  or  a  group  of  young  ones  in 
the  Green  Park,  near  the  Wellington  Arch,  with  trees  of  other  kinds 
around,  and  he  cannot  fail  to  recognise  in  this  species  one  which,  for 
beauty  of  form  or  freshness  of  verdure,  cannot  be  excelled  for  planting 
in  towns.  Ulmus  campestris,  called  the  English  Elm  because  it  is  not 
English,  has  kept  its  foliage  fairly  well,  but  it  is  dull  and  discoloured. — 
Heebeet  Maxwell. 


SiE  Heebeet  Maxwell  does  well  in  calling  attention  to  the 
Ailantus  glandulosa  in  his  remarks  on  London  trees.  It  is  one  of  the 
very  best  trees  for  the  soil  and  climate  of  London,  and  will  in  time 
grow  to  the  height  of  40  feet  or  50  feet.  So  vigorous  is  the  growth  in  a 
young  state  that  it  will  often  make  a  shoot  of  6  feet  in  a  single  year. 
The  leaves  are  large  and  handsome,  3  feet  or  more  in  length,  with  a  thick 
midrib,  on  each  side  of  which  are  ranged  in  pairs  some  twenty  or  thirty 
lance-shaped  leaflets.  I  have  a  specimen  of  this  tree  in  my  garden 
nearly  50  feet  high,  which  is  the  admiration  of  everyone  who  sees  it. 
When  the  late  Major  M'Kenzie  was  about  to  plant  the  trees  on  the 
Thames  Embankment  I  remember  discussing  with  him  the  merits  of 
this  tree  for  that  position.  It  was,  however,  decided,  properly  I  think, 
that  the  beautiful  but  massive  foliage  would  be  torn  and  disfigured  by 
the  strong  currents  of  wind  often  prevalent  there.  In  fairly  sheltered 
positions  no  tree  is  handsomer  or  more  appropriate  for  cities  and  large 
towns,  as  it  is  very  hardy  and  will  grow  anywhere.  Many  trees  which 
flourished  in  London  some  thirty  or  more  years  ago  no  longer  thrive 
there,  owing  to  the  increased  volumes  of  smoke  and  various  noxious 
gases  ;  but  there  are  still  many  trees  and  shrubs,  which,  owing  I  believe 
principally  to  the  structure  of  their  leaves,  seem  to  set  these  influences 
at  defiance,  and  the  Ailantus  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  of  them.  Planes, 
Poplars,  and  Robinias  (the  latter  usually  called  Acacias)  are  proved 
London  trees,  and  there  are  many  varieties  of  each  far  preferable  to  the 
old-fashioned  and  beautiful  but  unsuitable  English  and  foreign  trees 
still  injudiciously  planted. — William  Paul,  Waltham  Cross,  Herts. 


May  I  add  a  word  of  caution  to  Sir  Herbert  Maxwell’s  praise  of  the 
Ailantus  as  a  London  tree  ?  The  foliage  has  all  the  beauty  and 
endurance  he  claims  ;  but,  to  use  the  words  of  an  American  authority, 
Mr.  F.  B.  Hough,  “  the  male  flowers  have  a  nauseating  odour  that 
renders  this  tree  undesirable  for  cultivation  near  dwellings.” 

I  think  I  am  right  in  adding  that  not  many  years  since  most  of  the 
Ailantus  trees  in  New  York  were  grubbed  up  on  account  of  this 
offensive  character.  It  is  a  tree  also  to  be  handled  with  care  on  account 
of  the  acrid  juice  of  its  bark,  which  has  been  known  to  caused  poisoned 
hands  among  woodmen  and  gardeners. — J.  L.  P.,  Marlborough, 


TKIDAX  BICOLOR  ROSEA. 

A  NOETHEEN  correspondent  sends  us  a  few  blooms  of  this  pretty 
late  flowering  plant,  and  remarks  that  the  yellow-flowered  Composite 
are  so  numerous  in  late  summer  and  autumn  that  it  is  quite  a  relief  to 
obtain  any  additions  to  the  family  in  which  the  flower  heads  are  of 
some  other  tint.  We  think  so  too,  and  the  plant  to  which  attention  is 
called  is  by  no  means  familiar  in  gardens.  When  in  bloom  it  is  very 
attractive,  and  is  worthy  of  a  place  with  other  border  plants.  As  will 
be  seen  by  referring  to  the  illustration  (fig.  42),  the  flower  heads  are  of 
moderate  size'  and  neat  shape,  white  with  a  strong  suffusion  of  deep 
clear  rose — a  peculiarly  bright  and  pleasing  tint.  They  are  freely 
produced.  The  plant  is  compact,  of  moderate  height,  and  of  easy 
culture. 


APPLES  AND  PEARS  at  WOODHALL,  WEST  NORFOLK. 

“  WoODHALL,”  a  very  ancient  mansion,  is  said  by  Kelly  in  his 
Directory  of  Norfolk  to  have  been  “  formerly  one  of  the  seats  of  the 
Abbots  of  Ramsey,  to  whom  the  estate  belonged  before  the  dissolution 
of  the  Monastery  in  1537.”  It  is  now  the  property  of  Major  Stocks, 
D.L.  and  J.P.,  by  whom  it  has  been  much  enlarged  and  in  every  way 
greatly  improved.  I  do  not  purpose,  however,  now  to  take  up  space  in 
the  Journal  by  a  description  of  this  fine  old  place  other  than  as  it  relates 
to  the  above-named  fruits. 

Mr.  Lewendon,  the  gardener,  is  an  experienced  and  successful  fruit 
cultivator,  both  outdoors  and  under  glass.  Heavy  crops  of  Grapes  ol 
the  finest  quality  and  finish.  Peach  and  Necfarine  trees  in  splendid  con¬ 
dition,  perfectly  clean  with  fine  foliage,  well  ripened  wood  on  triple 
buds  boldly  dereloped  at  nearly  every  leaf,  show  his  skill  in  growing 
fruits  under  glass  ;  but  this  skill  is  perhaps  still  more  strikingly  shown 


outside  by  trained  trees  on  walls,  bush  and  pyramid  trees  in  gardens,  and 
free  standards  in  the  orchard.  All  alike  are,  or  have  been,  carrying  fine 
crops  of  fruit  of  the  largest  size  and  finest  quality. 

Here  may  be  seen  carried  out  most  effectually  the  rational  methods 
of  pruning  advocated  by  many  horticultural  writers  and  lecturers — viz., 
no  lopping  off  of  large  limbs  (mutilating,  not  pruning),  but  judicious 


FIG.  42.— TEIDAX  BICOLOE  EOSEA. 


thinning  out  of  the  smaller  branches  annually  through  all  the  free 
orchard  trees,  so  as  to  admit  a  full  amount  of  light  and  air  freely  through 
all  their  parts.  This  practice,  combined  with  due  attention  to  cleaning  the 
trees  annually  by  lime  dressings  in  the  winter  and  feeding  their  roots  as 
required,  results  in  the  good  supply  of  fruit  of  the  finest  quality.  Some 
horizontal  trained  Pear  trees,  covering  one  side  of  a  long  range  of 
stables  and  carriage  houses,  are  pictures  of  health,  fruitfulness,  and  good 
management.  The  common  error  one  meets  with  in  trees  of  this  class 
is  overcrowding  both  of  the  horizontal  branches  and  of  the  spur  growths 
thereon,  but  here  no  overcrowding  is  permitted  either  in  trained  trees. 


296 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  28,  1893. 


free  standards,  or  pruned  bushes.  In  pruning  pyramids  and  bushes,  Mr. 
Lewendon  says  he  prefers  “  to  give  them  their  head  ” — that  is,  he  leaves 
the  leading  grovs^ths  a  foot  or  more  in  length,  but  keeps  each  branch 
quite  a  foot  distant  from  its  neighbour. 

A  considerable  portion  of  the  fruit  had  been  gathered  on  the  occasion 
of  my  visit,  and  a  peep  into  his  fruit  room  was  a  treat  not  soon  to  be 
forgotten.  A  number  of  Warner’s  King  Apples  covering  a  long  rack, 
were  the  finest  I  have  yet  seen  of  that  variety.  The  fruits  taken 
throughout,  as  gathered,  I  was  told,  averaged  18  ozs.  each,  and  one 
specimen  when  placed  on  the  scales  bumped  them  down  at  IJ  lb. 
Other  varieties  so  large  and  fine  as  to  be  almost  out  of  character  were 
Gloria  Mundi  (averaging  1  lb.  each),  Blenheim  Orange,  Lord  Suffield, 
Eibston  Pippin,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  Kentish 
Fillbasket,  Lady  Henniker  (a  favourite  with  Mr.  Lewendon),  New 
Hawthornden,  Sturmer  Pippin  and  Worcester  Pearmain.  Bismarck, 
Cellini,  Small’s  Admirable,  Lane’s  Prince  Albert  and  Bramley’s 
Seedling  were  also  very  good  indeed. 

Amongst  Pears  his  finest  and  best  are  Marechal  la  Cour  (a  variety 
which  succeeds  remarkably  well  in  the  eastern  counties),  Dorothy 
Eoyal,  Zepherin  Gr^goire,  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Durondeau,  Forelle  (very 
handsome),  Beurr4  Diel,  Beurr6  Clairgeau,  Beurr6  Eance,  Beurrd 
d’Aremberg,  Marie  Louise  and  Winter  Nelis ;  very  good  also  were 
Autumn  Bergamot,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  Glou  Morqeau,  Passe 
Colmar,  Thompson’s  and  Josephine  de  Malines. 

Passing  from  Woodhall,  I  find  in  many  parts  of  Norfolk  grand  old 
trees  of  the  fine  Apple  Ecklinville  Seedling.  Young  and  old  trees  alike 
are  laden  with  fruit  of  large  size,  clear  skins,  and  of  such  colour  as  one 
only  expects  to  see  upon  fruit  grown  under  the  sunny  skies  of  Kent.  As 
a  well  tried  variety  for  the  market  grower  this  is  hard  to  excel  in  the 
county. 

In  many  orchards  I  also  find  large  trees  of  Wyken  Pippin  heavily  laden 
with  fruit.  The  trees  as  a  rule  bear  every  second  year,  the  trees  needing 
a  season  to  recuperate  after  perfecting  such  heavy  crops  as  they  are  now 
carrying.  I  am  surprised  to  find  no  young  trees  planted  of  this  delicious 
Christmastide  Apple.  The  tree  is  a  vigorous  grower  everywhere, 
perfectly  free  from  canker,  and  makes  a  large  spreading  head.  Of  few 
varieties  only  can  it  be  said  they  are  free  from  canker  in  this  generally 
flat,  low-lying,  badly  drained  county,  which  seems  to  produce  forest 
trees  and  pheasants  far  better  than  high  class  fruits. — W.  K.  W.,  Lecturer 
in  Horticulture  to  the  Norfolk  County  Council. 


EOYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

September  26th. 

This  meeting  brought  a  very  effective  display  of  autumn  flowers — 
Dahlias  being  very  prominent,  Orchids,  fruit,  and  vegetables. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present :  Philip  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
with  Eev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr.  Hogg,  and  Messrs.  John  Lee,  G.  Bunyard, 
J.  Cheal,  A.  H.  Pearson,  G.  Goldsmith,  G.  Taber,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh, 
W.  Warren,  J.  Smith,  H.  Balderson,  J.  Hudson,  G.  Wythes,  W.  Iggulden, 
G.  Eeynolds,  G.  Sage,  A.  J.  Laing,  A.  Dean,  and  J.  Wright. 

Mr.  E.  Molyneux,  The  Gardens,  Swanmore  Park,  Bishop’s  Waltham, 
sent  a  magnificent  dish  of  the  American  Apple  Wealthy.  Fruits  very 
large,  round,  inclining  to  ovate  ;  greenish  yellow,  almost  entirely  covered 
with  broken  crimson  stripes.  Very  handsome,  symmetrical,  and  as 
tender  as  a  Pear.  Considerable  discussion  arose  relative  to  the  growth 
and  bearing  habit  of  the  trees,  some  of  the  members  expressing  their 
strong  disapproval  of  the  variety  in  those  respects,  while  others  had 
found  the  trees  quite  satisfactory.  Eventually  an  award  of  merit  was 
granted  by  a  majority  of  three  votes. 

Sir  John  H.  H.  Amory,  Bart.  (Mr.  Grigor,  gardener),  sent  a  new  Melon 
named  Maximus,  cut  from  a  plant  in  a  pot.  Fruit  oval,  very  large 
indeed,  but  like  many  other  large  late  fruits  wanting  in  quality,  and  no 
award  was  made.  Mr.  J.  Lye  sent  from  Clyffe  Hall,  Market  Lavington, 
a  fruit  of  his  new  Melon  Lye’s  Exquisite,  a  medium-sized  green  flesh, 
but  over-ripe.  Probably  a  good  Melon  when  in  condition  early  in  the 
season,  and  the  Committee  desired  to  see  it  next  summer. 

Sir  E.  Loder  (gardener,  Mr.  G.  Goldsmith),  Leonardslee,  Horsham, 
sent  a  dish  of  Pomegranates,  very  large,  3  inches  in  diameter,  grown 
against  a  wall  in  the  open  air.  They  were  not  ripe  (vote  of  thanks). 
Plenty  of  fine  ripe  imported  Pomegranates  can  be  bought  from  barrows 
in  the  London  streets  at  Id.  each.  Mr.  J.  Duncan  sent  ripe  Grapes 
grown  in  the  open  air  at  45,  Amherst  Park,  Stamford  Hill,  London 
(vote  of  thanks).  A  similar  mark  of  recognition  was  accorded  to  Mr. 
Wm.  Palmer,  who  sent  from  Andover  a  dish  of  Duke  of  Albany  Peas 
grown  from  seed  ripened  from  an  early  crop  in  the  summer  and  sown  on 
July  15th. 

The  Earl  of  Cork  and  Orrery,  Marston  House,  Frome  (Mr.  W. 
Iggulden,  gardener),  sent  thirty  dishes  of  splendid  Pears,  mostly  grown 
by  old  trees  on  Pear  stocks  in  clay  soil.  A  silver  Knightian  medal  was 
unanimously  recommended  for  the  collection,  also  a  bronze  medal  for  an 
unusually  fine  dish  of  Doyenn6  de  Comice.  Besides  the  variety  named 
grand  dishes  of  Van  Mons  Leon  le  Clerc,  General  Todtleben,  Glou 
Morqeau,  Easter  Beurre,  Beurrd  Sterckmans,  Pitmaston  Duchess  and 
others  were  staged  by  Mr.  Iggulden,  who  would  like  more  hot  summers 
at  Marston. 

Mr.  Owen  Thomas  sent  from  the  Eoyal  Gardens  eighteen  magnificent 
Pines  and  a  dish  of  fruit  of  Cydonia  japonica.  The  Pines  consisted 
of  twelve  Queens  and  six  Smooth  Cayennes  from  plants  sixteen  months 
old  from  the  sucker.  Fruits  of  the  Queens  would  probably  average 
about  6  lbs.  each,  while  some  of  the  Smooth  Cayennes  were  doubtless 


9  lbs.  in  weight.  .4  silver-gilt  Knightian  medal  was  unanimously 
recommended,  and  some  persons  thought  that  a  still  higher  honour  was 
merited.  A  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded  for  the  Cydonia  fruits. 

A  collection  of  twenty  dishes  of  Apples  and  the  same  of  Pears  were 
sent  from  the  gardens  of  the  Dowager  Lady  Freake,  Fulwell  Park, 
Twickenham  ;  very  good  fruits  of  popular  varieties,  and  a  small  silver 
medal  was  recommended.  A  highly  creditable  exhibit  of  seven  varieties 
of  Onions,  six  of  Apples,  six  of  Plums,  and  a  fine  dish  of  Marie  Louise 
Pears  was  staged  by  Mr.  John  Chinnery,  Downton  Castle  Gardens.  The 
produce  represented  excellent  culture,  and  a  silver  Banksian  medal  was 
recommended.  A  similar  honour  was  voted  to  Mr.  G.  Eeynolds,  Gun- 
nersbury  Park  Gardens,  for  twenty  splendid  Melons,  several  very  large 
indeed,  and  all  indicating  superior  culture.  J.  Nix,  Esq.,  Tilgate  Manor, 
Crawley  (gardener,  Mr.  Dibben),  sent  twenty-seven  dishes  of  Pears, 
several  of  them  very  good  in  Ised — an  excellent  representative  collec¬ 
tion  (small  silver  medal).  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons  bad  a  very  extensive 
exhibit  of  vegetables  and  fruit,  the  whole  comprising  a  hundred  dishes, 
only  some  of  the  vegetable  “  dishes  ”  would  about  fill  a  bushel  basket. 
Earliest  of  All  Cabbage  was  represented  by  neat  compact  heads,  and 
London  Coleworts  were  very  fine.  Leeks  were  blanched  to  the  extent 
of  9  or  10  inches,  and  robust  plants  of  Brussels  Sprouts  were  crowded 
with  firm  knobs.  Potatoes,  Carrots,  Onions,  and  most  other  vegetables 
in  season  were  included  in  this  representative  collection,  and  a  silver- 
gilt  medal  unanimously  recommended. 

Floral  Committee. — Present  :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  H.  Herbst,  E.  Dean,  G.  Stevens,  C.  F.  Bause,  C.  J.  Salter,  J.  D. 
Pawle,  C.  Jeffries,  E.  Mawley,  H.  Cannell,  A.  H.  Williams,  Charles 
Noble,  Peter  Barr,  and  Eev.  H.  H.  D'Ombrain. 

Messrs.  Cheal  &  Sons  set  up  a  very  attractive  stand  of  Dahlias, 
three  bold  shields  of  bloom  being  flanked  by  boxes  and  bunches  of 
flowers.  The  central  and  largest  shield  was  composed  of  Cactus  varieties, 
prominent  amongst  which  were  Dalicata,  Ernest  Cannell,  Eobert 
Cannell,  and  Countess  of  Eadnor.  Duchess  of  York  was  also  noteworthy 
for  its  distinct  colour,  and  a  new  variety  called  Crawley  Gem,  with 
bright  crimson  flowers,  was  much  admired  (silver  Flora  medal).  Messrs. 
Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.  had  a  fine  display  of  Dahlias,  comprising  three 
large  shields  of  Cactus  varieties,  in  which  Kaiserin,  pale  yellow  ;  Dawn, 
golden  bronze  ;  and  Keynerith,  the  grand  scarlet,  were  prominent  ;  and 
stands  of  Show,  Cactus,  Pompon  and  single  varieties  ;  Delicata,  Lady  H. 
Grosvenor,  Bertha  Mawley,  Chancellor,  Lady  Penzance,  and  Gloriosa, 
all  Cactus  varieties  of  great  merit,  were  much  admired  (silver  Flora 
medal). 

Mr.  E.  Dean  exhibited  Venidium  calendulaceum  var.  multiflorum 
(Vilmorin),  but  as  only  a  small  pot  plant  bearing  four  flowers  was  shown 
its  value  as  a  pot  plant  was  not  strikingly  evident.  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones 
sent  Fuchsia  triphylla  carminata  alba,  the  plants  being  6  to  8  inches 
high,  in  5-inch  pots,  bushy  and  freely  flowered.  Mr.  E.  Owen  sent  a 
Canna  named  Comtesse  O.  de  Lestoile  and  Chrysanthemum  Vigilant. 
G.  P.  Pierre  Harris,  Esq.,  Scads  Hill  House,  Orpington,  had  a  stand  of 
double  Dahlias,  containing  neat  bright  blooms.  Messrs.  Pitcher  and 
Manda  aroused  attention  with  the  fine  Datura  cornucopia,  the  flowers  of 
which  are  white  with  a  faint  lilac  shading  ;  the  reverse  of  the  segments 
and  the  tube  rich  bluish  mauve,  and  with  a  powerful  Auricula  fragrance 
(see  below).  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons  contributed  a  pleasing  display  of 
Begonias,  the  most  conspicuous  variety  being  the  golden  amber  single 
Fashion.  The  doubles  possessed  great  quality  (silver  Banksian  medal). 
Mr.  A.  Waterer  showed  seedlings  of  Abies  pungens  glauca,  Andromeda 
japonica,  and  Cedrus  atlantica  glauca  (the  “  Silver  Atlas  Cedar”).  These 
had  been  lifted  and  the  roots  wrapped  in  packing  material  surrounded 
by  mats  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  C.  Turner  had  some  splendid  double 
and  Pompon  Dahlias,  Mrs.  Morgan  and  Norma  being  very  conspicuous 
among  the  former  (both  receiving  awards).  Captain  Boyton,  Irene,  and 
Eric  amongst  the  latter.  They  also  had  a  very  promising  seedling 
Cactus  named  Edith  Turner,  large,  rich  crimson,  with  cerise  suffusion. 
Mr.  T.  S.  Ware  sent  a  choice  collection  of  new  Dahlias,  several  of  which 
received  awards,  and  are  referred  to  below. 

Mr.  Arthur  Eawlings  contributed  a  large  collection  of  Show  and 
Fancy  Dahlias,  many  leading  varieties  being  in  admirable  condition 
(silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons  were  represented  by 
one  of  their  characteristic  displays  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  the 
foliage  plants  being  noteworthy  for  cleanliness  and  good  colour,  and  the 
group  was  tastefully  displayed  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  B.  Ladhams 
contributed  a  large  and  varied  display  of  hardy  plants,  and  he  also 
had  some  beautiful  bunches  of  his  fine  Pink  Ernest  Ladhams.  Cosmos 
bipinnata  was  noteworthy  amongst  the  hardy  flowers,  and  so  was 
Heliopsis  scabra  major,  which  received  an  award  of  merit,  and  is  referred 
to  below  (silver  Flora  medal).  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  staged  several 
new  plants,  and  three — viz..  Nepenthes  mixta,  Veronica  hybrida  Purple 
Queen,  and  Aglaonema  rotundum — were  honoured  by  the  Committee 
(see  below). 

The  Gladiolus  prizes  did  not  bring  satisfactory  competition.  Mr. 
J.  C.  Tandy,  Warkworth,  Northumberland,  was  the  only  exhibitor  in 
both  classes,  one  being  for  twelve  distinct  varieties  and  the  other  for 
twelve  British-raised  Gandavensis  varieties.  He  was  placed  first  for 
both  stands,  and  showed  all  Kelway-raised  varieties.  Atlas,  Corinne, 
Formosa,  Grand  Eouge,  Enchanteresse,  and  Pyramide  were  six  of  the 
best. 

Orchid  Committee  — Present :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ^ 
Messrs.  J.  O’Brien,  T.  W.  Bond,  C.  Pilcher,  E.  Hill,  J.  Douglas, 
E.  Handley,  S.  Courtauld,  T.  B.  Haywood,  and  Dr.  Masters. 

Mr.  P.  McArthur  sent  a  small  collection  tastefully  arranged  with 


September  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


297 


Ferns  and  Palms.  Amongst  these  the  beautiful  Vanda  Sanderiana, 

V.  Sanderiana  pallida,  Oncidium  Jonesianum,  and  Cypripedium  Ash- 
burtoniae  were  conspicuous.  W.  Thompson,  Esq.,  Walton  Grange, 
Stone,  had  some  spikes  of  Cattleya  Alexandra,  for  which  a  vote  of 
thanks  was  accorded.  A  spray  of  Cattleya  Brymeriana  came  from 

W.  E.  Brymer,  Esq.,  Dorchester,  and  Messrs.  W.  L.  Lewis  &  Co.,  South- 
gate,  sent  a  few  plants,  including  Cattleya  Ashtoniana  (C.  Harrisonaex 
C.  gigas  Sanderiana)  Cattleya  X  Johnsoniana,  and  C.  Loddigesi  Puge- 
tiana.  Mr.  J,  O’Brien,  Harrow-on-the-Hill,  send  blooms  of  Satyrium 
eriscarpum,  S.  membranaceum,  and  Brownlea  casrulea  (botanical  certifi¬ 
cate).  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  had  a  small  group  of  choice 
species.  The  most  attractive  of  these  were  Cattleya  aurea,  Miltonia 
Moreliana,  Coelogyne  oculata,  Calanthe  curculigoides,  Cypripedium 
Schlimi,  and  the  pretty  Habenaria  carnea,  which  is  figured  on  page  283. 
E,  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Harefield  Hall,  Wilmslow,  Cheshire,  was  accorded  a 
cultural  commendation  for  a  fine  plant  of  Dendrobium  Phalmnopsis 
Schrbderianum  Beatrice  Ashworth  var.  The  same  exhibitor  had  a  plant 
of  D.  P.  Schrbderianum  Ashworth’s  var.,  a  paler  flower  than  the  last 
named  variety.  A  plant  of  Cypripedium  Beatrice  Ashworth  (C.  Leeanum 
X  venustum)  was  also  shown  by  Mr.  Ashworth,  likewise  were  blooms 
of  other  Orchids.  W.  Cobb,  Esq.,  Dulcote,  Tunbridge  Wells  (gardener, 
Mr.  F.  Howes)  exhibited  a  plant  of  Catasetum  Gnomus,  for  which  a 
botanical  certificate  was  awarded. 

Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  showed  a  few  choice  Orchids,  for  one 
of  which — Cattleya  blesensis — they  received  an  award  of  merit  (see 
below).  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.  had  a  varied  and  bright  collection  of 
Orchids  backed  by  Lilium  nepalense.  The  group  included  Cattleya 
maxima,  Tricosentrum  albo-sanguineum,  Vanda  cserulea,  V.  Kimballiana, 
and  many  good  Cypripediums.  Thos.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Man¬ 
chester,  sent  Cattleya  Alexandra,  C.  Parthenia  hybrid,  and  C.  bicolor 
coerulea.  Messrs.  Charlesworth,  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  had  a  little  group 
of  much  interest,  the  most  noteworthy  feature  of  which  was  a  new 
Cypripedium  named  Charlesworthi,  referred  to  under  certificates  below. 
They  had  Vanda  cserulea  very  richly  coloured,  V.  Sanderiana,  Cattleya 
labiata  autumnalis,  and  a  number  of  Cypripediums.  C.  Ingram,  Esq., 
Elstead  House,  Godaiming  (gardener,  Mr.  Bond),  sent  Lselia  elegans 
Turneri,  Ingram’s  variety  (see  below). 

Certificates  and  Awards  op  Merit. 

Aglaonema  rotundum  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  charming  little  foliage 
plant,  with  broadly  lanceolate  pointed  leaves,  deep  rich  green,  blotched 
with  light  silvery  green.  It  will  make  a  good  companion  to  A.  costatum, 
exhibited  some  time  ago  (first-class  certificate). 

Alocasia  Chantrieri  (J.  Laing  &  Son). — A  variety  with  shield-shaped, 
deep  burnished  green  leaves,  prominently  ribbed  (award  of  merit). 

Begonia  Duchess  of  York  (J.  Laing  «fe  Son). — A  fine  double  flowered 
variety,  blooms  of  medium  size  and  rich  cerise  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Cattleya  blesensis  .  S.  Williams  &  Son). — This  is  a  cross  between 
Cattleya  Loddigesi  and  Ltelia  pumila.  The  flowers  are  of  a  uniform 
mauve  shade,  but  the  lip  is  richly  coloured  with  purplish  magenta 
(award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Charlesworthi  (Charlesworth,  Shuttleworth  &  Co.). — 
A  very  remarkable  introduction  from  the  East  Indies.  It  is  a  distinct 
and  beautiful  species,  very  dwarf,  with  long,  narrow  leaves.  The 
flower  stem  is  only  3  to  4  inches  long.  The  lip  is  short,  green,  heavily 
suffused  with  bronzy  brown  ;  and  the  dorsal  sepal  is  very  noteworthy. 
It  is  broad  and  rounded,  and  the  colouring  is  a  beautiful  soft  rose, 
delicately  veined.  The  staminode  is  pure  white.  A  feature  of  the 
leafage  are  the  rows  of  dots  on  the  reverse  side.  The  species  is  a  great 
acquisition  (first-class  certificate). 

Dahlia  Oetavia  (C.  Turner). — A  fine  yellow  show  jfaintly  tipped 
with  red  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Mrs.  Morgan  (C.  Turner), — A  large  and  handsome  show 
variety,  blush  deepening  to  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Captain  Boyton  (C.  Turner). — A  very  neat  and  pleasing 
Pompon,  colour  blacking  purple,  an  acquisition  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Miranda  (C.  Turner). — A  very  distinct  Pompon,  yellow, 
heavily  tipped  with  chocolate  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Beauty  of  Watford  (Mr.  Darby). — A  pretty  single  variety  of 
an  cld  gold  colour,  suffused  with  carmine,  with  a  distinct  brownish  red 
ring|in  the  centre  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Edith  Turner  (0.  Turner). —  A  fine  Cactus  Dahlia  with 
flowers  of  a  purplish  scarlet  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Florence  Woodland  (T.  S.  Ware). — A  beautiful  Pompon,  very 
smooth  and  neat,  yellow  tipped  with  crimson  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Mrs,  Peart  (T.  S.  Ware). — A  very  promising  white  Cactus 
which  will  meet  a  long-felt  want  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Cherub  (G.  P.  Pierre  Harris,  Esq.). — A  variety  of  the  Show 
type,  with  shapely  flowers  of  a  rich  golden  amber  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Grand  Duke  Alexis  (Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.). — A  very  large 
white  decorative  variety,  with  folded  florets  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Forma  (C.  Turner).  —  A  grand  new  Show  variety,  large, 
shapely,  and  of  a  beautiful  golden  amber  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Duchess  of  York  (Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.). — A  fine  show 
variety  with  neat  blooms,  terra  cotta,  heavily  suffused  and  margined 
magenta  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Ceres  (Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.). — A  pretty  Pompon,  flowers 
neat  and  lemon  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Sovereign  (Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.). — A  bright  yellow 
Pompon  variety  with  neat  blooms  (award  of  merit). 

Datura  cornucopia  (Pitcher  &  Manda). — A  very  handsome  species  ; 
flowers  white,  with  faint  lilac  suffusion,  the  reverse  of  the  segments  and 


tube  having  rich  bluish  mauve  specklings  and  flakings.  It  is  strongly 
scented  (first-class  certificate). 

Heliopsis  scabra  major  (B.  Ladhams). — A  fine  autumn  Composite, 
with  flowers  of  a  very  rich  deep  yellow  (award  of  merit). 

Lailia  elegans  Turneri,  Ingram's  variety  (C.  Ingram,  Esq  ).— A  very 
large  and  richly  coloured  form,  the  lip  being  of  great  size,  and  coloured 
with  glowing  purplish  magenta  (award  of  merit). 

Nepenthes  mixta  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons).  —  An  interesting  and  highly 
coloured  hybrid,  raised  by  crossing  N.  Northiana  (pollen  parent)  and 
N.  Curtisi.  The  pitchers  are  long,  somewhat  narrow,  greenish  red, 
heavily  blotched  with  deep  brownish  red  (first-class  certificate). 

\eronica  hybrida  Purple  Queen  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  very  free- 
flowering,  brightly  coloured,  and  beautiful  variety  (award  of  merit). 

The  Lecture. 

At  the  afternoon  meeting,  Mr.  W.  Iggulden,  The  Gardens,  Marston 
House,  Frome,  gave  a  lecture  on  the  “  Causes  of  Failure  in  Eucharis 
Culture.”  There  was  a  fair  attendance  and  Mr.  Iggulden  dealt  with  his 
subject  in  a  thoroughly  practical  manner,  detailing  the  vaiious  causes  of 
failure  in  the  cultivation  of  this  plant.  A  brief  discussion  followed,  and 
a  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded  the  lecturer. 


EARL’S  COURT  SHOW. 

September  27th,  28th,  and  29th. 

A  splendid  show  of  fruit  and  vegetables  was  opened  at  the  Garden 
and  Forestry  Exhibition  yesterday  (Wednesday).  The  Apples  were 
remarkably  fine  and  well  coloured,  and  the  Pears  were  also  good.  The 
vegetables  were  not  very  numerous,  but  of  excellent  quality,  the  chief 
feature  being  the  fruit. 

The  principal  class  was  for  twenty-four  dishes  of  dessert  Apples,  and 
seven  exhibitors  competed.  The  leading  prize  was  awarded  to  Messrs. 
G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  who  staged  medium  sized,  even,  and  richly 
coloured  fruits.  Wealthy,  Cobham,  Gascoyne’s  Seedling,  Cox’s  Pomona, 
King  of  the  Pippins,  and  Worcester  Pearmain  were  particularly  good. 
Mr.  H.  Berwick,  The  Nurseries,  Sidmouth,  Devon,  was  second  with  fine 
fruit ;  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr.  John  Scott,  Marriott,  Somerset.  For 
a  collection  of  culinary  Apples  comprising  forty-eight  dishes  there  were 
four  competitors,  and  the  first  prize  went  to  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &;  Co., 
who  had  splendid  fruits.  The  best  of  this  collection  were  Cox’s  Pomona, 
Lane’s  Prince  Albert,  The  Queen,  Tyler’s  Kernel,  Emperor  Alexander, 
and  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch.  Mr.  Woodward  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Scott 
followed  closely.  An  extra  prize  was  awarded  the  English  Fruit  and 
Rose  Company  for  a  good  collection.  Mr.  Nicholson,  gardener  to  J.  W. 
Melles.  Esq.,  Sewardstone  Lodge,  Chingford,  was  first  for  three  dishes  of 
culinary  Apples  ;  Mr.  Cotteral,  Oxon  Hoath,  Tonbridge,  second  ;  and 
The  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company,  Hereford,  third.  Messrs.  G. 
Bunyard  &  Co.  were  again  first  for  twelve  dishes  of  dessert  Apples, 
the  best  being  Worcester  Pearmain,  Wealthy,  Washington,  Swedish 
Reinette,  Blenheim  Orange,  King  of  the  Pippins,  and  Cox’s  Orange. 
Mr.  G.  Woodward,  Barham  Court  Gardens,  followed  with  a  fine 
collection. 

Mr.  Woodward  was  awarded  the  first  prize  for  twenty-four  dishes 
of  Apples  in  the  amateurs’ section.  The  fruit  was  fine  and  well  coloured, 
especially  Cox’s  Pomona,  M6re  de  Manage,  and  Worcester  Pearmain. 
Mr.  G.  Goldsmith,  gardener  to  Sir  E.  G.  Loder,  Bart.,  Leonardslee, 
Horsham,  was  second  with  a  good  collection,  the  third  award  going  to 
Mr.  G.  Chambers,  Beech  Farm,  Mereworth,  Maidstone.  Mr.  S.  H. 
Goodwin,  Smartswell,  Mereworth,  secured  first  prize  for  twelve  dishes  of 
Apples,  amongst  which  Cox’s  Pomona,  Worcester  Pearmain,  King  of 
the  Pippins,  and  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  were  particularly  fine,  Mr.  J. 
Austin  T.  Killick,  Weavering,  Maidstone,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Goldsmith 
third.  Five  competed  in  this  class.  Mr.  W.  Minifiie,  Bedlands,  Sid¬ 
mouth,  was  first  for  six  dishes  of  Apples  ;  Mr.  Chambers  being  second  ; 
and  Mr.  James  Hall,  Croscombe,  Wells,  Somerset,  third.  Thirteen  com¬ 
peted  in  the  class  for  six  dishes  of  dessert  Apples,  and  the  produce  was 
good  throughout.  Mr.  Chambers  was  the  winner  with  fine  fruits.  The 
second  prize  went  to  Mr.  R.  Potter,  gardener  to  Sir  M.  Collet,  Bart.,  St. 
Clere,  Kemsing,  Sevenoaks  ;  and  the  third  to  Mr.  J,  Hall.  The  English 
Fruit  and  Rose  Company  were  third.  For  twelve  dishes  of  Apples  Mr. 
G.  Woodward  was  first,  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.  second,  and  Mr,  H. 
Berwick  third.  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.  and  T.  Rivers  &  Son  divided  the 
prizes  for  twelve  dishes  of  Apples  and  Pears  grown  in  an  orchard  house. 

Pears  were  also  shown  in  splendid  condition.  In  the  class  for  twelve 
dishes  there  were  nine  competitors,  and  the  leading  award  went  to  Mr; 

G.  Goldsmith  for  a  magnificent  collection  of  fruit.  Pitmaston  Duchess, 
Marie  Louise,  Doyenne  du  Comice,  and  Beurr6  Clairgeau  were  very  fine. 
Mr.  W.  Allan,  gardener  to  Lord  Suffield,  G unton  Park,  Norwich,  was 
second,  and  Mr.  G.  Woodward  third.  Mr.  W.  Wills,  Unsted  Park, 
Godaiming,  was  first  for  six  dishes  of  Pears  in  one  section,  Mr.  J .  Dean, 
being  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Slogrove,  third.  There  were  six  competitors 
in  the  class  for  twenty-four  dishes  of  Pears,  and  the  prizes  were  keenly 
contested.  Mr.  G.  Woodward  was  aw’arded  the  first  prize,  the  second 
going  to  Mr.  G.  Goldsmith,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  W .  Iggulden,  Marston 
House  Gardens,  S  omerset.  M.  A.  Offer  was  first  for  twelve  dishes  of 
Pears,  Mr.  R.  Smith,  Presdale  Gardens,  Ware,  being  second,  and  Mr. 

H.  Berwick  third. 

Vegetables,  as  already  mentioned,  were  shown  in  good  condition. 
For  a  collect.on  of  twelve  kinds  Mr,  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady 
Theodora  Guest,  Inwood  House,  Blandford,  was  first,  showing  splendid 
produce.  Mr.  G.  J.  Waite,  Glenhurst,  Esher,  was  a  good  second,  the 


298 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  September  28,  1893. 


third  prize  going  to  Mr.  J.  Friend,  Rooksnest  Gardens,  Godstone. 
There  were  seven  competitors.  Mr.  B.  Ryder,  Orpington,  was  first  with 
a  collection  of  Tomatoes,  the  Frome  Flower  and  Fruit  Company  second, 
and  Mr.  J.  Welborn  third.  Messrs.  J.  Strong,  E.  Ryder,  and  J.  Hall 
secured  other  prizes  for  Tomatoes.  Messrs.  T.  Rivers  and  Son,  G.  Gold¬ 
smith,  J.  Friend,  and  J.  Dean  for  Plums,  and  Messrs.  G.  Woodward, 
T.  Rivers  &  Son,  A.  Offer,  D.  Fairweather,  and  H.  Beanes  for  Peaches. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  numerous.  Mr.  G.  Reynolds  had  a 
collection  of  Melons  (silver  medal),  and  Mr.  C.  Terry,  The  Gardens, 
Tatton  Park,  Brentford,  some  Pine  Apples  (silver-gilt  medal).  Mr.  0. 
Turner,  Slough,  exhibited  a  dish  of  very  fine  M^re  de  Manage  Apples, 
the  heaviest  weighing  22J  ozs.  (highly  commended).  Mr.  W.  Mancey, 
Upper  Gatton,  Redhill,  had  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pears,  the  heaviest  of 
which  weighed  2  lbs.  (bronze  medal).  Mr.  Goldsmith  gained  a  bronze 
medal  for  Pomegranates.  Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Son,  Sawbridge worth, 
gained  a  silver  medal  for  a  collection  of  Grapes,  Apples  and  Pears,  and 
was  awarded  the  first  prize  for  a  splendid  table  of  fruit,  including  trees 
of  the  Bijou  Apples.  Mr.  J.  Dibben,  Tilgate  House,  Crawley,  had  a 
collection  of  Pears  (bronze  medal)  ;  Mr.  T.  M.  Le  Pelley,  Rusper, 
Sussex,  Grapes  (bronze  medal),  and  Mr.  W.  Minifie,  Sidmouth,  Peasgood’s 
Nonesuch  Apples  (highly  commended). 

In  the  Exhibition  buildings  many  miscellaneous  exhibits  were  also 
staged.  Mr.  J.  Strong  had  Tomatoes  (bronze  medal),  and  Mr. 
W.  Salmon,  West  Norwood,  a  large  collection  of  vegetables  (silver 
medal).  Mr.  Henry  Merryweather,  The  Nurseries,  Southwell,  Notts, 
had  a  fine  collection  of  Bramley’s  Seedling  Apples.  Mr.  A.  Rawling 
secured  a  bronze  medal  for  Dahlias,  and  Mr.  Deverill,  Banbury,  a  silver- 
gilt  medal  for  a  magnificent  collection  of  Onions.  Messrs.  H.  Cannell 
and  Sons  had  Begonia  blooms,  as  also  did  Mr.  A.  W.  Young,  South 
Norwood.  A  bronze  medal  went  to  Mr.  T.  A.  Hester,  The  Links, 
Plumstead  Common,  for  a  collection  of  Grapes,  Apples,  Pears,  and  Nuts. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitcb  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  gained  a  gold  medal  for  a  group  of 
Nepenthes.  First-class  certificates  were  awarded  for  N.  Northiana, 
N.  mixta,  and  N.  Burkei  excellens.  The  same  firm  sent  a  collection  of 
cut  hardy  shrubs,  and  certificates  were  given  for  Crataegus  pinnatifida 
major  and  Cornus  stolonifera  Spathi.  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  also  gained 
certificates  for  Aglaonema  rotundum,  A.  costatum,  Cypripedium  Niobe, 
C.  Aphrodite,  C.  T.  B.  Haywood,  C.  Drysa,  Catasetum  Darwinianum, 
Pandanus  paciflcus,  Rhododendrons  Princess  Beatrice,  Aphrodite,  and 
Ajax.  Mr.  A.  Waterer,  Knaphill  Nursery,  had  Conifers  (silver  medal), 
and  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  a  grand  collection  of  Dahlias  and  Apples, 
but  no  award  had  been  made  when  our  reporter  left.  Messrs.  W. 
Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  gained  a  silver  medal  for  a  collection 
of  cut  Roses  and  Apples.  A  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  for 
Duke  of  York  Rose,  a  new  China  variety. 

Mr.  J.  Watkins,  Withington,  Hereford,  had  a  very  fine  collection  of 
Apples  (silver  medal),  as  also  did  Mr.  H.  Berwick,  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  and 
Sons,  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.  (silver-gilt  medal),  but  pressure  on  our  space 
prevents  further  reference.  Messrs.  W.  Innes  &  Co.,  Littleover,  Derby, 
staged  some  well-grown  Grapes  (silver-gilt  medal),  and  Messrs.  G. 
Spooner  &  Sons,  Hounslow,  had  Apples  (silver  medal),  Messrs.  J.  Laing 
and  Sons  secured  a  bronze  medal  for  Apples  and  Pears,  as  also  did  Mr. 
A.  H.  Rickwood,  Fulwell  Park,  Twickenham.  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  and 
Sons  secured  a  silver  medal  for  a  collection  of  vegetables  and  fruit,  and 
Messrs,  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury,  a  similar  honour  for  Dahlias. 
Certificates  were  awarded  for  Dahlias  Apollo,  Lady  Penzance,  Gloriosa, 
Sovereign,  and  Phoebe,  shown  by  the  Salisbury  firm. 


HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Wall  Trees. — Branch  Thinning. — At  no  period  of  the  year  can 
the  evil  of  overcrowding  branches  be  better  noticed  than  at  the  present 
time  while  the  foliage  is  still  on  the  trees.  Horizontally  trained  trees 
often  have  double  the  number  of  branches  they  should  have.  The 
results  are  easily  seen  by  the  elongated  spurs  which  are  denuded  of 
foliage  at  the  base.  This  goes  on  continually  when  the  sun  cannot 
shine  between  the  branches  or  spurs.  Clusters  of  strong  wood  buds  and 
weak  fruit  spurs  struggle  with  each  other.  The  lower  branches  usually 
suffer  the  most  in  this  respect.  The  top  tiers  of  branches  and  their 
extremities  are  often  able  to  develop  some  fruitful  spurs  even  when 
crowded,  but  it  is  seldom  such  can  be  found  lower  down  the  trees,  which 
shows  the  great  importance  of  light  and  air.  Trees  should  be  so 
managed  that  equal  conditions  can  be  secured  to  every  part,  then 
general  fruitfulness  will  ensue.  The  main  branches  ought,  as  a  rule,  to 
be  a  foot  asunder,  except  in  the  case  of  some  vai;ieties  of  Pears  which, 
making  slender  wood  and  small  foliage,  will  do  with  the  branches  9  or 
10  inches  apart.  Another  point  to  be  noticed  is  that  branches  with 
spurs  standing  out  a  considerable  distance  from  the  wall  require  more 
room  between  them  than  those  on  which  the  spurs  are  short. 

Spur  Pruning. — Along  with  removing  some  of  the  branches  spur- 
thinning  is  usually  required,  crowded  elongated  spurs  being  also 
conducive  to  unfruitfulness.  Thinning  spurs  is  usually  done  in  the 
winter,  but  greater  advantages  follow  if  the  operation  is  done  while  the 


foliage  remains.  In  the  first  place  it  can  be  effected  more  thoroughly 
while  the  leaves  are  present  on  the  trees  to  guide  the  judgment  in  the 
selection  of  the  best  to  retain ;  while  the  further  advantage  results  with 
autumn  as  against  winter  pruning,  that  the  buds  left  receive  at  once  the 
active  energies  of  the  trees,  helping  them  to  become  transformed  more 
quickly  into  prominent  fruitful  buds. 

Prunlngr  Bush  Apple  Trees. — The  present  is  also  a  suitable 
opportunity  to  thin  out  the  wood  of  bush  Apple  trees.  They  will  be 
fruitful  at  an  earlier  period  if  overcrowding  is  never  allowed,  and  to 
effect  this  a  little  judicious  thinning  is  necessary  every  season.  Remove 
the  badly  placed  shoots  and  those  which  intersect  others,  spoiling  the 
appearance  and  contour  of  the  trees.  Severe  shortening  of  the  main 
shoots  must  not  be  adopted  except  where  it  is  desired  to  originate  more. 
Before  young  trees  come  into  bearing  long  shoots  are  frequently  made 
in  one  season.  Such  as  these  are  backward  in  forming  fruit  buds  if 
some  slight  check  is  not  given.  Therefore  shorten  the  longest  to  half 
their  length,  others  merely  having  their  points  removed,  cutting  to  firmi 
wood,  and  to  a  bud  pointing  in  the  right  direction  for  extension.  Next 
season,  instead  of  the  sap  rushing  straight  to  the  leading  point  it  will 
be  diverted  into  the  lower  buds,  causing  fruit  buds  to  form  or  side  shoots 
to  be  produced,  which  in  the  summer  shorten  to  four  leaves,  thus  aiding 
the  formation  of  fruit  buds  and  preventing  the  interior  being  over¬ 
crowded  with  long  spray. 

Stopplngr  Growths  on  Neglected  Trees. — Scores  of  Apples  and 
Pears  grown  on  walls  and  in  other  restricted  forms  never  receive  any 
summer  pruning,  consequently  the  growth  of  foreright  and  side  shoots 
on  main  branches  is  a  continuation  of  the  first  growth,  increasing  in 
strength  and  length.  Usually  such  shoots  are  shortened  back  at  the 
present  time,  sometimes  left  for  the  winter  pruning,  with  the  idea  that 
this  is  the  correct  method  ;  but  in  neither  case  can  the  formation  of 
fruit  buds  be  relied  on  to  take  place,  owing  to  the  excessive  appropria¬ 
tion  of  sap  by  these  rampant  growths.  It  is,  however,  better  to  shorten 
them  now  to  four  or  five  leaves  than  to  permit  them  to  remain.  Their 
removal  will,  at  least,  admit  light  and  air  to  any  weak  fruit  buds  which 
may  be  clustering  near  the  base,  improving  and  strengthening  them 
whereby  they  can  take  advantage  of  more  rational  treatment  to  be  followed 
another  season.  The  strongest  growers  will  be  benefited  by  root-pruning. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Pines. — Suckers. — These,  started  early  in  September,  or  recently, 
should  be  raised  near  the  glass  as  soon  as  they  have  made  good  roots,  for 
it  is  essential  that  those  intended  to  be  wintered  in  small  pots  be  brought 
forward  very  gradually,  so  as  to  secure  a  sturdy  base.  This  must  not  be 
sought  by  withdrawing  the  plants  from  bottom  heat,  as  that  would 
render  the  growth  stunted.  When  the  suckers  have  well  filled  their 
pots  with  roots  the  strongest  plants  may  be  transferred  to  the  pots  in 
which  they  are  to  fruit. 

Growing  Stock. — Young  plants  will  need  free  ventilation  on  all 
favourable  occasions  to  maintain  them  in  a  healthy  sturdy  condition, 
keeping  the  bottom  heat  about  the  roots  at  80°,  and  maintaining  a 
temperature  from  fire  heat  of  60°  to  65°  at  night,  with  6°  to  10°  rise  by 
day.  Water  the  plants  when  they  require  it,  employing  weak  and  tepid 
liquid  manure,  and  avoid  the  use  of  the  syringe  too  frequently  ;  merely 
sprinkling  the  paths  and  pit  sides  morning  and  evening  will  suffice  in 
all  but  very  bright  weather. 

Fruiting  Plants. — Afford  these  a  night  temperature  of  70°,  80°  to  90°" 
during  the  day,  closing  at  85°.  The  watering  should  only  be  moderate 
at  the  roots,  as  an  excess  is  liable  to  cause  the  fruit  to  become  black  at 
the  centre.  Moderate  moisture  also  must  only  be  accorded,  for  when 
kept  very  close  and  moist  the  crowns  are  apt  to  become  unduly  large, 
and  the  glass  should  be  kept  clean,  with  the  plants  as  near  to  it  a& 
practicable  without  the  crowns  touching. 

Cberrles. — With  plenty  of  air  and  not  too  much  heat  up  to  the 
stoning  period  Cherries  may  be  had  in  April  or  May.  They  can  be 
grown  either  planted  out  or  in  pots.  Inexpensive  houses  with  boarded 
sides  and  a  glass  roof  answer  as  well  as  more  elaborate  structures.  It  ia 
necessary  that  the  house  be  well  ventilated  both  at  top  and  bottom,  and 
efficiently  heated.  Wooden  ventilators  should  be  provided  at  the  front 
or  sides  just  above  the  floor  line,  and  at  the  top  to  open  the  whole  length 
of  the  house.  In  addition  to  this  drain  tiles  may  be  laid  in  the  soil  in 
channels  about  6  feet  asunder  crosswise  of  the  house,  with  the  ends  taken 
outside  and  above  the  surface  by  elbows,  and  the  drains  should  have 
sockets  at  3  feet  within  the  house,  and  then  6  feet  apart,  with  pipes- 
coming  above  the  suiface.  With  caps  for  the  outside  openings  and 
similar  ones  for  the  inside  air  can  be  admitted  by  these  drains  in  the 
severest  weather.  The  trees  may  be  planted  out  in  front  of  a  lean-to 
and  be  trained  to  a  trellis  fixed  12  inches  from  the  glass,  the  trees¬ 
having  stems  reaching  to  within  a  few  inches  of  the  trellis.  The  roof 
lights  for  planted  out  trees  should  be  moveable,  and  it  is  better  to  allow 
the  trees  to  occupy  the  whole  of  tbe  root  than  have  them  partly  so,  and 
others  against  the  back  wall. 

A  lean-to  structure  is  best  for  early  forcing,  and  two  rows  of  4-inch 
pipes  in  front  will  suffice  for  a  house  of  10  to  12  feet  width.  Span-roofed 
houses  will  accommodate  trees  on  both  sides  of  them,  and  for  widths  of 
18  to  24  feet  will  require  two  rows  of  3  and  4-inch  hot-water  pipes 
respectively  on  each  side.  The  border  should  be  wholly  inside  and  not 
made  all  at  once.  A  4  to  6  feet  width  of  border  according  to  the  size  of 
the  trees  is  sufficient  to  commence  with.  It  should  be  drained  9  inches- 
to  a  foot  deep,  having  a  drain  to  carry  off  superfluous  water,  placing 
the  roughest  at  the  bottom  and  least  coarse  on  top,  coveiing  with  a 
3  inch  thickness  of  old  mortar  rubbish.  From  21  to  24  inches  depth  of 
soil  is  ample.  Good  turfy  loam  four  parts,  lime  rubbish  from  an  old 


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JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


299 


building  one  part,  and  road  scrapings  one  part,  chopping  the  turfy  loam 
moderately  small,  and  mixing  well  together  forms  a  suitable  compost. 
If  the  top  3  or  4  inches  of  a  pasture  can  be  had  where  the  soil  is  a  rather 
strong  loam  interspersed  with  calcareous  gravel  and  flints,  it  could  not 
possibly  be  better  for  this  or  any  stone  fruit,  and  needs  no  admixture. 
Treesjthat  have  been  trained  two  or  three  years  to  walls  are  best,  as 
they  come  into  bearing  at  once,  and  will  move  safely  provided  they  have 
been  recently  lifted.  The  borders  being  Arm  plant  at  once,  or  as  soon 
as  the  leaves  have  mainly  fallen,  and  give  a  good  watering.  Mulch 
withia  couple  of  inches  thickness  of  short  stable  litter,  and  take  off  the 
roof  lights,  not  replacing  them  until  the  new  year,  when  the  trees  may 
be  started.  Early  Rivers,  Black  Tartarian,  and  Governor  Wood  are  the 
best  for  trellises. 

I  I  Cherries  in  Pots, — These  are  very  accommodating,  and  may  be 
grown  in  any  light,  airy,  well  heated  houses.  The  trees  may  be  pro¬ 
cured  at  once.  They  ought  to  be  in  pots,  if  not  they  will  require  a 
year  to  become  thoroughly  established.  Repot  at  once  if  necessary, 
disentangling  the  roots  at  the  sides  of  the  ball,  removing  the  drainage, 
and  shortening  any  thick  or  straggling  roots.  Provide  good  drainage 
and  make  the  soil  firm,  adding  a  fourth  of  well  decayed  manure  to  the 
compost  for  potting.  Trees  that  are  in  as  large  pots  as  desired  need  only 
have  the  drainage  rectifled  and  be  surface  dressed,  or  the  old  drainage 
may  be  cleared  away,  a  few  inches  from  the  base  of  the  ball  removsd, 
the  roots  shortened  back,  removing  all  the  loose  surface  soil  and  supply¬ 
ing  fresh  material,  made  firm  under,  around,  and  over  the  ball.  The 
trees  should  be  placed  on  a  hard  bottom  impervious  to  worms,  and  sur¬ 
rounded  with  ashes  to  the  rim,  covering  the  pots  with  litter  upon  the 
approach  of  frost.  AflEord  a  good  watering  after  potting  or  having  the 
roots  interfered  with.  Guigne  Annonay,  Early  Rivers,  Empress  Bugdnie, 
Early  Red  Guigne,  Early  Jaboulay,  Early  Red  Bigarreau,  May  Duke,  Black 
Tartarian,  Governor  Wood,  and  Elton  are  excellent  varieties,  and  afford 
fruit  in  succession.  The  trees  may  be  in  pyramidal  form,  but  low  standards, 
€0  that  the  heads  will  be  well  up  to  the  glass,  are  most  desirable. 

Cucumbers. — The  plants  for  winter  fruiting  should  be  planted  as 
soon  as  they  are  ready  if  not  already  done.  A  good  bottom  heat  is 
essential  to  success,  whether  it  be  obtained  by  the  aid  of  fermenting 
materials  or  hot-water  pipes,  but  the  latter  is  the  most  desirable  means, 
and  if  the  former  are  used  there  should  be  hot-water  pipes  in  the 
bed  to  maintain  the  heat  when  that  of  the  fermenting  material 
declines.  The  soil  may  consist  of  light  turfy  loam  with  a  third  of 
fibrous  peat,  a  sixth  of  old  mortar  rubbish,  and  a  tenth  of  charcoal,  the 
whole  well  incorporated.  Reliance  should  be  placed  on  liquid  manure 
and  surface  dressings  for  imparting  vigour  later  in  preference  to  employ¬ 
ing  manure  in  the  compost. 

Autumn  Fruiters. — A  healthy  and  vigorous  growth  must  be  main¬ 
tained,  and  do  not  overcrop  the  plants.  Afford  weak  tepid  liquid 
manure  once  or  twice  a  week  as  may  be  necessary.  Add  a  little  fresh 
warmed  soil  about  once  a  fortnight  to  the  hillocks  or  ridges.  Main¬ 
tain  a  night  temperature  of  65°,  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially,  and  80° 
to  90°  from  sun  heat.  Avoid  a  close  atmosphere  by  careful  and 
moderate  ventilation,  but  cold  drying  currents  must  be  prevented,  for 
they  are  very  injurious.  Be  sparing  in  the  use  of  water,  especially  on 
the  foliage,  keeping  a  genial  condition  of  the  atmosphere  by  damping 
the  surface  in  the  morning  and  afternoon,  but  gradually  reduce  the 
atmospheric  moisture  as  the  days  shorten  and  the  natural  heat  declines. 
If  aphides  attack  the  plants  fumigate  on  two  or  three  consecutive 
evenings  ;  for  mildew  dust  with  flowers  of  sulphur. 

Strawberries  In  Pots.  —  A  selection  should  now  be  made  of  the 
plants  for  early  forcing,  taking  those  which  are  in  the  forwardest 
condition  as  regards  completing  their  growth  and  plumping  the  crowns. 
La  Grosse  Sucree  and  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury  are,  all  points 
considered,  the  best.  They  may  remain  outdoors  until  the  approach  of 
frost,  and  should  then  be  placed  well  up  to  the  glass  in  frames,  only 
affording  protection  from  heavy  rains  and  frost,  otherwise  exposing 
fully  or  ventilating  freely.  The  plants  must  not  lack  water,  yet 
needless  applications  cause  the  soil  to  become  sodden  and  sour.  Any 
plants  that  appear  in  the  latter  condition  should  have  the  drainage 
examined.  Expel  worms  from  the  pots  with  lime  water,  and  rectify 
the  drainage  where  defective.  Where  the  crowns  are  numerous, 
the  small  ones  should  be  removed  with  a  wedge-like  piece  of  hard 
wood  without  injuring  the  leaves  or  central  crown.  This  will 
concentrate  all  the  vigour  of  the  plants  on  the  chief  crown,  and  though 
there  will  be  fewer  trusses  of  bloom  there  is  no  need  to  fear  a  deficiency 
of  crop,  but  it  must  not  be  carried  too  far,  and  in  the  case  of  split 
crowns,  that  is,  the  central  one  divided  into  two  or  three,  these  must  be 
left,  removing  the  small  side  ones  only.  The  plants  must  have  plenty  of 
space  for  the  full  exposure  of  the  foliage,  which  is  essential  to  a  sturdy 
growth  and  plump  well-developed  crowns.  Remove  all  runners  and 
weeds  as  they  appear. 

TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

W.  &  J.  Birkenhead,  Fern  N  ursery. — Ferns  and  Selaginellas. 

J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Lowfield  Nurseries,  Crawley,  Sussex. — Fruit  Trees 
und  Shrubs, 

W.  Clibran  k  Son,  Oldfield  Nurseries,  Altrincham. — Shrubs,  Fruit 
Trees,  Spring  Flowering  and  other  Plants. 

Laing  k  Mather,  Kelso-on-Tweed. — Carnations, 

Ketten,  Fr^res,  Luxembourg. — Catalogue  of  Roses. 

W.  Paul  k  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  Herts. — Catalogue  of  Roses. 

AV.  Rumsey,  Joyning’s  Nurseries,  Waltham  Cross. — Roses. 

L.  Spath,  Baumschall,  Rixdorf,  Berlin. — Fruit  Trees,  Roses,  Shrubs, 

Wallace  k  Co  ,  Colchester. — List  of  Lilies,  Irises  and  other  Plants, 


i 


HE  BEE-KEEPER. 


.  I  ,  I  .  1  ■ 


»  ■  ■  «  -  .1  r-L  T.J.--1  -.J  >|  ■  1  .  <  ■  1 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Practical  Hints  for  Beginners. 

The  reader  must  bear  in  mind  as  he  peruses  these  notes,  that 
the  writer  has  had  a  wide  experience  in  bees  and  bee-keeping, 
sufficient  to  enable  him  to  answer  almost  any  query  concerning 
bees,  and  to  affirm  positively  that  the  Lanarkshire  divisional  hive 
is  the  only  one  adapted  for  moving  bees  with  safety  from  place  to 
place,  as  from  the  home  apiary  to  the  orchard,  thence  to  the 
Clover,  and  eventually  to  the  Heather.  It  is  the  only  hive  in 
which  we  can  say  in  the  autumn,  when  all  is  arranged,  the  bees  are 
safe  till  May  or  longer.  It  will  therefore  be  the  only  hive 
alluded  to  in  these  notes. 

But  bee-keepers  are  their  own  masters,  and  beginners  are  at 
liberty  to  make  experiments,  and  trials  of  different  things  and 
on  different  lines  from  what  I  teach  ;  at  the  same  time  it  must  be 
understood  that  the  many  mishaps  in  wintering  and  moving  bees 
in  summer,  together  with  unnecessary  expenses  connected  with 
large  and  double  cased  hives,  warrant  me  giving  the  foregoing 
warning.  Read  the  book  of  Nature,  then  the  singular  and  often 
mysterious  movements  occurring  in  the  hive  will  become  plain 
and  easily  understood.  Learn  the  “  hows  and  the  whys,”  and  bee¬ 
keeping  will  become  an  easy,  profitable,  and  interesting  pursuit. 


Tenants  of  the  Hive. 

The.se  are  the  queen,  workers,  and  drones  during  the  summer, 
and  not  unfrequently  fertile  workers,  drone-producing  queens, 
and  hermaphrodites.  As  every  text  book  gives  illustrations  of  the 
former,  it  is  needless  to  enlarge  on  them  here  further  than  is 
necessary  to  make  plain  to  the  novice  their  mission  in  the  hive. 

“  It  is  difficult  to  catch  the  queen,”  or  “  I  have  never  seen  one  ”  are 
expressions  not  unseldom  used  by  beginners.  Experienced  bee¬ 
keepers  have  not  unfrequently  from  the  smallness  of  some  queens 
great  difficulty  in  spotting  or  catching  them,  but  it  is  often 
undesirable  to  waste  time  hunting  for  them,  as  there  are  ways  of 
disposing  of  them,  as  will  be  hereafter  explained.  Meanwhile  the 
best  illustration  of  a  queen  beginners  can  get  is,  when  queens  are 
heard  piping  in  the  hive  to  open  it  and  secure  a  ripe  cell.  It  is 
known  by  its  dark  brown  appearance  over  the  seal  and  its  edge,  as 
the  seal  sometimes  falls  back  after  the  queen  has  left  and  is  again 
sealed  by  the  bees.  Make  sure  the  cell  contains  a  queen.  Vibrations 
by  its  movements  are  distinctly  felt,  and  it  can  be  seen  in  the  cell 
when  held  between  the  eye  and  the  light.  Now  place  the  cell  with 
a  few  workers  on  a  piece  of  comb  under  a  glass,  where  you  can 
watch  the  exit  and  other  movements,  and  have  a  full  view  of  a  live 
queen  bee  and  all  her  movements  better  than  pen  or  pencil  can 
describe. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 

(To  be  continued.) 


Lanarkshire  Divisional  Hive. 

I  OBTAINED  two  hives  and  like  them,  only  I  am  somewhat  in 
difficulties  about  the  management.  You  kindly  told  me  how  to 
pack  them  for  winter,  but  I  want  to  know  about  sufficiency  of 
room.  I  drove  and  put  a  stock  in  three  weeks  since,  placing 
with  it  other  two  stocks ;  they  were  not  very  strong.  I  put 
them  on  worked  out  combs,  so  there  is  no  building  for  them, 
and  I  have  fed  them  slowly  with  syrup ;  but  I  fancy  the  one  box 
will  hardly  be  large  enough.  Perhaps  you  might  kindly  tell  me  in 
the  Journal  of  Horticulture.  The  “  B.  B.  J.”  says  we  should 
replace  old  queens  with  young  ones,  but  I  cannot  find  the  queens. 
I  suppose  it  is  a  difficulty  for  novices,  so  I  must  leave  them  alone 
and  trust  they  will  be  all  right. — S.  M.  H. 

[In  reply  to  “  S.  M.  H.,”  it  depends  greatly  upon  whether  the 
hive  is  intended  as  a  swarmer  or  non-swarmer,  and  on  the  locality 
producing  flowers  that  yield  the  principal  supply  of  honey  whether 
the  bees  should  occupy  two  or  three  divisions.  One  at  any  time  is 
too  small.  If  the  bees  swarm  several  weeks  before  the  honey- 
yielding  flowers  are  in  bloom,  then  two  divisions  are  suitable  ;  but 
if  the  flora  of  the  district  comes  before  the  bees  are  ready  for 
swarming,  prepare  the  hive  now  in  three  divisions  full  combed, 
having  a  youthful  queen.  If  the  hive  is  well  supplied  with  stores 
it  will  attain  a  good  strength,  and  the  bees  will  be  able  to  gather 
much  honey  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  before  attempting  to 
swarm. 

It  is  not  very  long  since  the  “B.  B.  J.”  taught  that  queens 
were  at  their  best  when  three  years  old,  and  perhaps  took  the  hint 
about  youthful  queens  from  the  pages  of  the  Jourml  of  Horti¬ 
culture.  As  you  have  joined  two  old  stocks  to  the  original 


300 


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t  September  28,  1893. 


probably  one  of  their  queens  is  saved ;  usually  old  or  swarmed 
stocks  have  young  queens. 

There  have  been  many  mishaps  in  feeding  bees  with  syrup 
made  after  a  recipe  in  the  “  B.  B.  J. ;  ”  it  is  by  far  too  thick.  The 
proportions  of  the  best  cane  sugar  and  water  should  be  equal  in 
weight.  For  various  reasons  I  neither  spend  time  nor  money  on 
the  paper  mentioned,  so  cannot  help  inquirers  outside  of  the 
columns  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture. — A.  L.  B,  K.] 

Carniolan  Bees. 

An  error  has  occurred  on  page  278.  The  matter  should  read, 
I  am  perhaps  prejudiced  in  favour  (not  against)  of  the  pure 
Carniolans  free  from  the  yellow  bands,  but  cannot  help  admiring 
their  good  qualities  in  honey  gathering,  purity  of  comb,  and  mild 
temper,  or,  in  other  words,  after  disproving  by  actual  trial  and 
experiment  nearly  all  that  has  been  written  elsewhere  against 
Punics,  I  prefer  Carniolans. — A.  L.  B.  K, 

The  Ingenuity  of  Bees. 

Can  bees  learn  to  tell  the  time  of  day  as  well  as  a  clock  ?  A 
correspondent  of  ‘‘  Science  Siftings  ”  lately  noticed  that  a  large 
number  of  bees  were  frequenting  the  flowers  on  his  lawn,  and 
every  day  when  he  came  home  to  lunch  he  put  a  lump  of  sugar  on 
a  brick  in  the  garden  for  them.  They  soon  learned  the  time  when 
they  might  expect  the  sugar,  and  now,  when  he  goes  out  at  noon, 
he  finds  about  100  bees  sitting  around  waiting  for  their  lunch. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor”  or  to  “The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  stafE  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Calla  aethloplca  Seedlings  (71  W.  W.'). — Calla  asthiopica  is 
popularly  known  as  the  Arum  Lily,  but  seedlings  vary  somewhat  in 
foliage  as  well  as  in  form  of  spathes,  and  you  can  only  ascertain  the 
character  of  your  plants  by  flowering  them. 

Cobeea  scandens  alba  (77.  R.  Richards'). —  We  have  not  seen 
flowers  so  nearly  approaching  pure  white  as  those  you  have  sent,  nor 
does  Mr.  G.  Nicholson,  of  Kew,  remember  seeing  any  quite  so  white  as 
these  specimens  of  yours  which  he  has  examined. 

Insecticides  (71  A.). — We  have  not  a  doubt  that  what  you  say  is 
correct,  but  your  letter  is  written  in  a  form  that  brings  it  distinctly 
within  the  category  of  advertisements,  and  could  only  appear  by  an 
arrangement  with  the  publisher  on  the  usual  business  lines. 

Culture  of  Erythrlnas  {Ymmg  Gardener). — The  following  hintS) 
written  by  a  most  successful  cultivator  of  these  plants,  exactly  answer 
your  question  : — “  Erythrinas  are  very  handsome  easily  grown  plants, 
and  we  strongly  recommend  them  to  those  whose  accommodation  for 
growing  plants  is  limited,  because  they  may  be  kept  all  the  winter 
in  any  kind  of  place  where  frost  does  not  penetrate  ;  after  they  are 
started  in  spring  may  be  wholly  grown  outside,  and  only  removed  to  the 
greenhouse  as  they  come  into  flower.  They  are  remarkably  profuse 
flowering  plants,  and  their  wants  are  few.  A  mixture  of  loam  and  leaf 
soil,  with  a  good  dash  of  sand  and  a  few  pieces  of  charcoal,  suits 
them  admirably.  An  annual  potting  just  as  they  start  will  be 
BufScient  for  ordinarily  large  plants,  and  an  annual  pruning — which 
consists  in  cutting  ofi  all  the  summer’s  growth  down  to  the  rim  of 
the  pot — coupled  with  such  treatment  as  we  have  hinted  at,  will 
insure  success.  We  advise  a  little  heat  for  starting  them  in,  though, 
because  they  start  more  regularly  than  if  left  outside.  If  put  in  a 
warm  temperature  we  advise  careful  hardening-off  and  placing  outside 
early  in  June;  their  removal  inside  when  the  first  flowers  show  them¬ 
selves.  After  they  are  cut  down  they  should  be  kept  rather  dry  and 
away  from  frost.  E.  crista-galli  is  the  best  known,  and  a  fine  plant  it 
is.  It  is  hardy  in  the  warmer  districts  of  England  and  Ireland,  but  must 
rank  as  an  easily  grown  greenhouse  plant  in  the  less  favoured  districts 
of  these  islands.” 


Thin  Runner  Beans  {T.  W.). — The  variety  sent  is  of  a  different 
type  to  the  ordinary  Scarlet  Runner,  the  pods  being,  as  a  rule,  less  fleshy, 
but  more  delicate  in  flavour.  Those  you  send  are  too  old  for  cooking, 
and  the  older  they  are  the  more  “skinny”  they  become.  The  season 
has  been  very  unfavourable  for  Runner  Beans,  and  the  produce  has,  in 
consequence,  not  been  so  good  as  usual,  though  dearer  in  the  markets, 
and  we  suspect  that  ripe  seed  will  be  much  above  the  average  price  in 
bulk.  We  think  you  should  send  samples  of  the  Bean  to  the  introducers 
of  the  variety  and  the  vendors  of  seed,  and  hear  what  they  have  to  say 
on  the  subject. 

Destroying-  Ants  (7) ). — As  you  have  fruit  about  and  the  ant^ 
visit  it,  it  would  not  be  safe  to  use  poison.  There  is  no  better  plan  than 
to  procure  some  partially  picked  meat  bones  and  place  them  near  their 
haunts.  In  a  short  time  the  ants  will  cover  the  bones,  which  can  be 
placed  in  a  bucket  of  boiling  water.  Another  set  of  bones  should  then 
be  laid,  and  more  ants  will  visit  them,  often  covering  them  in  their 
eagerness  to  appropriate  the  flesh.  In  the  meantime  the  bones  first 
used  should  be  placed  in  a  sieve  to  dry,  and  then  may  be  used  again  as 
baits.  This  simple  plan  will  soon  clear  off  thousands  of  ants  provided  it 
is  persistently  practised. 

Euphorbia  splendens  QR.  P.  S.).  —  The  plant  of  which  you 
sent  a  specimen  is  Euphorbia  splendens.  It  is  of  easy  culture,  requiring 
a  stove  temperature  and  a  soil  of  fibrous  loam  and  sand,  with  a  small 
proportion  of  lime  rubbish.  The  pots  should  be  well  drained,  as  any 
stagnant  moisture  is  especially  injurious  to  the  plants,  as  their  stems 
are  very  succulent.  When  the  plants  are  growing  freely  water  may  be 
liberally  supplied,  liquid  manure  being  also  beneficial  occasionally. 
Although  succeeding  well  in  pots  this  Euphorbia  is  more  useful  if 
planted  out  in  a  border  against  a  wall  in  the  stove,  where  flowers  will 
be  freely  produced,  during  a  considerable  portion  of  the  year. 

Sambucus  nigra  aurea  (^Elder). — You  are  right,  this  is  more 
golden  than  the  old  Gold-variegated  Elder  (Sambucus  nigra  variegata), 
being  quite  yellow  in  the  matured  growths,  and  which  it  retains  to  the 
close  of  the  season.  It  is  of  very  free  growth,  and  though  Elder  may  be 
common  it  is  fit  to  take  rank  with  the  choicest  of  variegated  shrubs,  not 
the  least  |of  the  merits  of  Elders  being  that  of  their  thriving  in  the 
vitiated  atmosphere  of  manufacturing  localities,  and  they  do  well  near 
the  sea  ;  in  fact,  screens  of  Elder  are  the  best  as  screens  or  shelter 
from  sea  breezes  for  choicer  plants — choicer  simply  because  less  free- 
growing  and  less  common.  The  Silver-variegated  Elder  (Sambucus 
nigra  argentea)  is  not  nearly  so  effective  as  this  ;  still  it  is  a  desirable 
shrub  or  small  tree,  and  especially  as  it  will  grow  anywhere. 

Tbe  Eady  Apple  (IF.  31.). — The  Apple  to  which  you  refer  is  the 
Api  of  pomologists,  and  the  following  description  and  history  from  the 
“  Fruit  Manual  ”  may  be  of  interest  to  you  : — “  A  beautiful  little  dessert 
Apple  ;  in  use  from  October  to  April.  It  should  be  eaten  with  the  skin 
on,  as  it  is  there  that  the  perfume  is  contained.  The  skin  is  very  sen¬ 
sitive  of  shade,  and  any  device  may  be  formed  upon  it  by  causing  pieces 
of  paper,  in  the  form  of  the  design  required,  to  adhere  on  the  side  ex¬ 
posed  to  the  sun  before  it  has  attained  its  deep  red  colour.  The  tree  is 
of  a  pyramidal  habit  of  growth,  healthy,  and  an  abundant  bearer.  It 
succeeds  well  in  almost  any  situation  provided  the  soil  is  rich,  loamy, 
and  not  too  light  or  dry,  and  may  be  grown  with  equal  success  either 
on  the  Doucin  or  Crab  stock.  When  worked  on  the  French  Paradise  it 
is  well  adapted  for  pot  culture.  The  fruit  is  firmly  attached  to  the 
spurs,  and  forcibly  resists  the  effects  of  high  winds.  According  to 
Merlet  the  Api  was  first  discovered  as  a  wilding  in  the  Forest  of  Api,  in 
Brittany.  It  has  been  asserted  that  this  Apple  was  brought  from 
Peloponessus  to  Rome  by  Appius  Claudius.  Whether  this  be  true  or  not 
there  can  be  no  doubt  it  is  of  great  antiquity,  as  all  the  oldest  authors 
regard  it  as  the  production  of  an  age  prior  to  their  own.  Although 
mentioned  by  most  of  the  early  continental  writers,  the  Api  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  known  in  this  country  till  towards  the  end  of  the 
seventeenth  century.  It  is  first  mentioned  by  Worlidge,  who  calls  it 
‘  Pomme  Appease,  a  curious  Apple,  lately  propagated  ;  the  fruit  is  small 
and  pleasant,  which  the  Madams  of  France  carry  in  their  pockets,  by 
reason  they  yield  no  unpleasant  scent.’  Lister,  in  his  ‘Journey  to  Paris, 
1698,’  speaking  of  this  as  being  one  of  the  Apples  served  up  in  the 
dessert,  says,  ‘  Also  the  Pome  d’Apis,  which  is  served  here  more  for  show 
than  for  use  ;  being  a  small  flat  Apple,  very  beautiful,  and  very  red  on 
one  side  and  pale  or  white  on  the  other,  and  may  serve  the  ladies  at 
their  toilets  as  a  pattern  to  paint  by.’  De  Quintinye  calls  it  ‘  Une 
Pomme  des  damoiselles  et  de  bonne  compagnie.’  Under  the  name  of 
Lady  Apple  large  quantities  of  the  Api  are  annually  imported  to  this 
country  from  the  United  States,  where  it  is  grown  to  a  great  extent,  and 
produces  a  considerable  return  to  the  growers,  as  it  always  commands 
the  highest  price  of  any  other  fancy  Apple  in  the  market.  In  the  winter 
months  they  may  be  seen  encircled  with  various  coloured  tissue  papers 
adorning  the  windows  of  the  fruiterers  in  Covent  Garden  Market.” 

/  M'axnes  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  numher  of  worthless  Apples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  ie  named.,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 


O.to’  fr  5,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


803 


The  Exhibition  of  the  National  Rose  Society,  held  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  on  the  Ist  of  July  last,  as  regards  both  the  number 
and  quality  of  the  flowers  staged  fell  far  short  of  what  we  expect 
to  see  at  “  the  National.”  In  fact,  we  liive  to  go  back  nine  years 
in  order  to  find  so  small  a  display  of  Rose  blooms.  This  year’s 
display  has  been  likened  to  that  of  1879,  when  instead  of  the 
season  being  a  singularly  dry,  hot,  and  early  one  it  was  nearly 
as  abnormally  cold,  wet,  and  backward.  On  that  occasion,  how¬ 
ever,  instead  of  4660  Hybrid  Perpetual  and  Tea  and  Noisette 
Roses  being  staged,  as  was  the  case  in  1893,  there  were  then 
only  1880,  or  less  than  half  the  number.  It  was  also  in  other 
respects  much  inferior,  so  that  exhibitors  as  well  as  visitors  will  see 
what  they  have  to  expect  should  our  fickle  climate  treat  us  to  a 
Rose  season  as  unprecedentedly  late  as  that  of  1893  was  forward. 

It  is  the  proud  boast  of  the  National  Rose  Society  that  on 
whatever  date  their  metropolitan  exhibition  be  held,  or  whatever 
the  character  of  the  season,  they  never  fail  to  attract  to  their 
leading  show  the  cream  of  all  the  Roses  throughout  the  country 
which  happen  at  that  particular  period  to  be  in  flower.  This 
year  our  English  rosarians  have  had  to  contend  against  conditions 
of  weather,  at  all  events  as  regards  heat,  dryness,  and  continued 
sunshine,  without  precedent  during  the  seventeen  years  that  the 
Society  has  been  established  ;  and  taking  all  three  adverse  con¬ 
ditions  together,  as  far  as  I  can  gather  unequalled  during  the 
present  century.  So  that  regarded  from  another  and  I  think  a 
more  reasonable  standpoint  their  Crystal  Palace  Show  of  1893 
must  be  looked  upon  as  having  been  a  highly  creditable  one 
considering  the  very  exceptional  character  of  the  spring  and 
summer.  The  only  wonder  to  me  is  that  anyone  could  expect 
to  see  anything  like  an  average  exhibition  after  such  a  long  and 
trying  spell  of  drought  and  heat  and  in  such  a  remarkably  forward 
year.  In  fact,  the  calendar  had  become  so  utterly  deranged  that 
throughout  the  Rose  season  instead  of  May  we  had  to  read  June  ; 
instead  of  June,  July  ;  and  instead  of  July,  August. 

Notwithstanding  all  these  drawbacks  there  were  to  be  seen 
scattered  hero  and  there  throughout  the  Show  a  fair  sprinkling 
of  choice  blooms  —  blooms  sufiiciently  fine  to  satisfy  even  the 
most  exacting  of  critics,  and  which  any  ardent  Rose  lover  would 
travel  many  miles  to  feast  his  eyes  upon.  And  this  is  an 
advantage  “  the  National  ”  possesses  over  all  other  Rose  shows  in 
that,  drawing  its  supply  of  Roses  from  a  much  more  extended 
area,  there  are  sure  to  be  certain  favoured  localities  from  which 
choice  specimens  may  always  be  expected.  In  fact,  there  was 
even  in  the  poor  and  scanty  display  of  1879  one  grand  bloom  of 
Niphetos  which,  if  my  memory  serves  me  rightly,  I  have  never 
since  seen  equalled.  At  all  events,  such  an  impression  did  this 
flower  leave  on  my  mind  at  the  time  that  I  thought  it  worth 
while  making  a  special  pilgrimage  to  Hereford  in  order  to  worship 
the  plant  from  which  it  had  been  gathered. 

The  total  number  of  Rose  blooms  tabulated  for  the  purpose 
of  this  analysis  has  been  about  15,000,  the  number  of  names  taken 
down  from  the  prize  stands  at  each  of  the  eight  exhibitions  being 

as  follows  .  ^ggg  ^gg^  ^g^^  ^gg^  ^ggg 

Hybrid  Perpetuals...  10,33  1130  1247  1176  1396  1184  1121  1067 

Teas  and  Noisettes...  509  642  854  778  631  662  554  635 

1547  1772  2101  1954  2027  1846  1675  1702 

No,  693. — VoL,  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


The  effect  of  the  abnormal  character  of  the  seasons  upon  our 
analysis  will  be  at  once  seen  on  glancing  down  the  tables  and 
noticing  the  number  of  times  the  different  varieties  were  set  up 
in  the  winning  boxes  this  year  as  compared  with  their  average 
performances  at  the  eight  exhibitions.  I  may  here  explain  that 
in  order  to  bring  these  averages  (which  govern  the  relative  posi¬ 
tions  of  the  Roses  in  the  tables)  up  to  date  and  make  them  of 
more  practical  value,  they  have  this  year  been  recalculated  on 
similar  lines  to  those  followed  in  my  last  Dahlia  analysis. 

The  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  which  at  none  of  the  previous  seven 
shows  had  been  as  numerously  staged,  were  the  following : — 
Alfred  Colomb,  Dupuy  Jamain,  Horace  Vernet,  Duke  of  Welling¬ 
ton,  Camille  Bernardin,  Fisher  Holmes,  Earl  of  Dufferin,  Duchess 
of  Bedford,  Reynolds  Hole,  and  J.  S.  Mill.  On  the  other  hand, 
Madame  G.  Luizet,  La  France,  A.  K.  Williams,  F.  Michelon, 
Captain  Christy,  Lady  Mary  Fitzvilliam,  Marie  Finger,  Marquise 
de  Castellane,  Duchesse  de  Vallombrosa,  and  Star  of  Waltham 
were  never  before  so  scantily  shown.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that 
for  once  the  late-flowering  varieties  were  specially  favoured,  while 
those  which  bloom  early  in  the  season  were  as  a  rule  but 
indifferently  represented. 

Mrs.  John  Laing,  an  English  variety  raised  by  the  late  Mr. 
Henry  Bennett  and  first  sent  out  by  him  in  1887,  now  heads 
the  list  of  Hybrid  Perpetuals.  It  is  a  grand  all-round  Rose,  and 
well  deserves  the  position  it  has  for  the  first  time  gained.  Both 
last  year  and  this  it  was  staged  more  frequently  than  any  other 
H.P.  in  the  Show.  The  fact  is,  that  although  distributed  six 
years  ago  it  is  only  during  the  last  two  seasons  that  plants  of  it 
have  been  grown  in  sufficiently  large  numbers  by  exhibitors 
generally  to  enable  it  to  take  the  place  in  the  table  to  which  it 
was  entitled,  Alfred  Colomb,  a  rather  late-flowering  sort,  was 
almost  as  frequently  staged  this  year  as  the  premier  flower, 
Camille  Bernardin,  Horace  Yernet,  Duke  of  Wellington,  and 
Fisher  Holmes  were  also  to  be  found  in  an  unusually  large 
number  of  winning  stands. 

Last  year  there  were  only  four  Roses  on  the  list  of  Hybrid 
Perpetuals  which  were  less  than  six  years  old.  This  year,  how¬ 
ever,  we  have  six— Gustave  Piganeau,  Sir  R.  Hill,  Jeannie 
Dickson,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  Duke  of  Fife,  and  Margaret 
Dickson.  Only  one  of  these  new  sorts  comes  to  us  from  France, 
the  remaining  five  being  all  of  British  origin.  Sir  Rowland  Hill 
(No.  36),  a  plum-coloured  sport  from  Charles  Lefebvre,  and  the 
sole  representative  of  the  year  1888,  was  staged  twice  as  often  as  at 
any  of  the  three  previous  exhibitions.  Next  in  order  of  age  comes 
Gustave  Piganeau,  an  1889  variety,  which  I  ventured  to  predict 
last  year  would  at  no  distant  date  occupy  one  of  the  leading 
places  in  the  analysis,  I,  however,  never  anticipated  that  it  would 
rise  in  the  list  as  rapidly  as  it  has  done— at  one  bound  leaping  from 
No.  46  to  No.  8.  It  is  by  no  means  a  strong  grower,  but  like 
Mrs.  J.  Laing  is  free  flowering  and  dependable.  I  am  rather 
surprised  to  find  that  Jeannie  Dickson  still  remains  very  much  in 
the  same  position  as  last  year,  but  as  likely  as  not  this  may  be 
entirely  due  to  the  peculiar  character  of  the  season.  It  was  sent 
out  in  1890,  and  will  be  found  at  No.  47.  Both  of  the  1891 
varieties,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin  (No.  53)  and  Margaret  Dickson 
(No.  59),  find  places  in  the  table  for  the  first  time.  The  past 
season  seems  to  have  suited  the  former  admirably,  but  cooler 
conditions  of  climate  are  evidently  required  to  bring  the  latter  to 
perfection.  The  remaining  new  Rose,  Duke  of  Fife  (No,  59),  a 
bright  crimson  sport  from  Etienne  Levet,  only  came  out  last  year, 
but  should  it  prove  constant  is  sure  to  become  a  general  favourite 
when  better  known. 

That  beautiful  Tea  Rose  Catherine  Mermet  still  heads  the  list 
of  Teas  and  Noisettes.  There  is  no  other  variety  which  can  show 
anything  like  as  steady  a  record  or  which  appears  less  at  the  mercy 
of  the  seasons.  Indeed,  at  the  last  seven  exhibitions  the  number 
of  blooms  tabulated  has  varied  only  from  thirty-nine  to  forty-six. 

No.  2349.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


804 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  5,  1893. 


Comf©3se  de  Nadaillac  appeared  this  year  in  no  fewer  than  fifty- 
one  different  prize  stands,  or  in  a  greater  number  than  any  Rose 
whatever  in  the  exhibition,  and  is  the  only  Tea  which  distinguished 
itself  by  being  staged  more  frequently  than  at  any  of  the  seven 
previous  exhibitions.  There  were,  however,  eight  varieties  which 


at  none  of  those  shows  had  been  as  poorly  represented  as  this  year 
viz.,  Niphetos,  Caroline  Kuster,  Madame  de  Watteville,  Jean 
Ducher,  Madame  Bravy,  Princess  of  Wales,  Souvenir  de  Paul 
Neyron,  and  Madame  Willermoz, 

The  newer  sorts  in  this  section,  for  some  reason  or  other,  appear 


HYBRID  PERPETUALS. 


4^ 

d 

<4-4 

O 

cc 

<D  . 

V  ci 

g  CO 

•S 

-a 

S  2 

o 

«4-(  ‘rj 

o 

Raiser’s 

cl  cl 

xn 

^  CO 
(D  a> 

o.a 

S  g 

Name. 

<D  JS 

or 

Introducer’s 

Name. 

Colour, 

*s 

o 

oj  H 
t> 

< 

l-H 

1 

43-7 

47 

Mrs.  John  Laing  . 

1887 

Bennett . 

Rosy  pink 

2 

39-4 

11 

Madame  Gabriel  Luizet  . 

1877 

Liabaud  . 

Light  silvery  pink 

3 

38-3 

14 

La  France  (h.t.)  . 

1867 

Guillot  . 

Silvery  rose,  shaded  lilac 

4 

34-5 

25 

A.  K.  Williams . 

1877 

Schwartz  . 

Bright  carmine  red 

5 

33-7 

31 

Ulrich  Brunner . 

1881 

Levet  . 

Cherry  red 

6 

29  3 

31 

Marie  Baumann  . 

1863 

Baumann  . 

Soft  carmine  red 

7 

25-7 

24 

Charles  Lefebvre  . 

1861 

Lacharme  . 

Purplish  crimson 

8 

24-0 

24 

Gustave  Piganeau . ' 

1889 

Pernet  &  Ducher  . 

Shaded  carmine 

9 

23-9 

42 

Alfred  Colomb  . 

1865 

Lacharme  . 

Bright  carmine  red 

10 

22-6 

25 

Her  Majesty  . 

1885 

Bennett  . 

Pale  rose 

11 

21'9 

20 

Merveilie  de  Lyon  . 

1882 

Pernet  . 

White 

12 

.  210 

11 

Etienne  Level  . 

1871 

Levet  . 

Carmine  rose 

13 

20-2 

11 

Francois  Michelon  . 

1871 

Levet  . 

Deep  rose,  reverse  silvery 

14 

20  0 

24 

Dupuy  Jamain  . 

1868 

Jamain  . 

Bright  cerise 

15 

18  4 

16 

Louis  Van  Houtte  . 

1869 

Lacharme  . 

Deep  crimson,  shaded  maroon 

15 

18-4 

3 

Marquise  de  Castellane  . 

1869 

Pernet . 

Clear  cherry  rose 

16 

18  3 

20 

Baroness  Kothschild . 

1867 

Pernet . 

Light  pink 

17 

18  0 

17 

Ferdinand  de  Lesseps . . 

1869 

E.  Verdier . 

Shaded  crimson 

18 

17-6 

16 

Prince  Arthur  . 

1875 

B.  R.  Cant . 

Bright  crimson 

19 

17-5 

15 

Gdndral  Jacqueminot  . 

1853 

Rousselet  . 

Bright  scarlet  crimson 

20 

16'9 

28 

Camille  Bernardin  . 

1865 

Gautreau  . 

Light  crimson 

21 

16  5 

19 

E.  Y.  Teas  . 

1874 

E.  Verdier . 

Bright  red 

21 

16  5 

26 

Horace  Vernet  . . . . . 

1866 

Guillot  . 

Scarlet  crimson,  dark  shaded 

22 

16  4 

24 

Duke  of  Wellington . 

1864 

Granger . 

Bright  shaded  crimson 

23 

16  0 

12 

Comtesse  d’Oxford  . 

1869 

Guillot  . 

Carmine  violet 

23 

160 

5 

Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam  (h.t.)  . 

1882 

Bennett  . 

Rosy  flesh 

24 

15-7 

11 

Duke  of  Edinburgh . . . . 

1868 

Paul  &  Son  . 

Scarlet  crimson 

25 

15 '5 

11 

Dr.  Andry  . 

1864 

E.  Verdier . 

Bright  crimson 

26 

15  0 

19 

Suzanne  M.  Rodocanachi  . 

1883 

Ldveque . 

Glowing  rose 

27 

14  7 

4 

Marie  Finger . 

1873 

Raimbaud  . 

Light  salmon  rose 

27 

147 

16 

Marie  Verdier  . . . 

1877 

E.  Verdier . 

Pure  rose 

28 

14-6 

28 

Earl  of  Dufferin  . . . 

1887 

A.  Dickson  &  Sons  ... 

Dark  crimson,  shaded  maroon 

29 

14-0 

11 

Le  Havre  . 

1871 

Eude  . 

Vermilion  red 

30 

13-4 

9 

Heinrich  Schultheis . ' . . . 

1882 

Bennett . 

Pinkish  rose 

31 

13  3 

24 

Fisher  Holmes  . . . 

1865 

E.  Verdier . 

Shaded  crimson  scarlet 

32 

12'8 

15 

Marie  Rady  . 

1865 

Fontaine  . 

Brilliant  red 

33 

12-5 

2 

Captain  Christy  (H.T.) . '. . 

1873 

Lacharme  . 

Delicate  flesh 

34 

12'4 

12 

Prince  Camille  de  Rohan  . 

1861 

E.  Verdier . 

Crimson  maroon 

35 

12  3 

12 

Duke  of  Teck  . 

1880 

Paul  &  Son  . 

Light  crimson  scarlet 

36 

12  0 

12 

Sir  Rowland  Hill . 

1888 

Mack  . 

Deep  velvety  plum 

37 

11-5 

11 

Abel  Carriere . 

1875 

E.  Verdier . 

Crimson  maroon,  shaded  purple 

37 

115 

7 

Pride  of  Waltham . 

1881 

W.  Paul  &  Son . 

Light  salmon  pink,  shaded  violet 

38 

10  8 

10 

Xavier  Olibo . 

1864 

Lacharme  . 

Dark  velvety  crimson 

39 

10-5 

16 

Victor  Hugo  . 

1884 

Schwartz  . 

Dazzling  crimson,  shaded 

40 

10-4 

14 

Madame  V.  Verdier . 

1863 

E.  Verdier . 

Clear  light  crimson 

41 

10  2 

15 

Beauty  of  Waltham . 

1862 

W.  Paul  &  Son . 

Rosy  crimson 

42 

9-9 

17 

Madame  Eugene  Verdier  . . . 

1878 

E.  Verdier . 

Silvery  rose 

43 

9-5 

12 

Duchess  of  Bedford . 1 . 

1879 

Postans  . 

Light  scarlet  crimson 

44 

9-3 

10 

Countess  of  Rosebery  . 

1879 

Postans  . 

Cherry  carmine  rose 

45 

9  1 

19 

Reynolds  Hole  . 

1873 

Paul  &  Son  . 

Deep  scarlet  maroon 

45 

8  8 

14 

Comte  Raimbaud  . 

1867 

Rolland  . 

Clear  crimson,  tinted  red 

46 

8'8 

2 

Duchesse  de  Vallambrosa  . 

1875 

Schwartz  . 

Flesh,  changing  to  white 

47 

8-5 

8 

Jeannie  Dickson  . 

1890 

1875 

A.  Dickson  &  Sons  ... 
W.  Paul  &  Son . 

Soft  silvery  rose 

Carmine,  shaded  violet 

48 

8-3 

1 

Star  of  Waltham  . 

48 

8-3 

4 

Viscountess  Folkestone  (h.t.)  . 

1886 

Bennett . 

Creamy  white,  shaded  flesh 

49 

8-1 

12 

Charles  Darwin . 

1879 

Laxton  . 

Crimson 

50 

8  0 

3 

Violette  Bouyer . 

1881 

Lacharme  . 

Tinted  white 

51 

7-5 

7 

Auguste  Rigotard . 

1871 

Schwartz  . 

Light  carmine 

52 

7  3 

5 

Madame  Isaac  Periere  (B.) . 

1882 

Margottin  . 

Light  carmine 

53 

70 

7 

Marchioness  of  Dufferin . 

1891 

A.  Dickson  &  Sons  ... 

Pink 

53 

7-0 

7 

Senateur  Vaisse . 

1859 

Bright  crimson 

Silvery  rose 

54 

6-9 

9 

Duchesse  de  Morny . . 

1863 

E.  Verdier . 

55 

5 '5 

0 

Monsieur  Noman . 

1866 

fTmllrif, 

Pale  rosy  pink 

Violet  crimson 

56 

5-4 

7 

Dr.  Sewell . 

1879 

1864 

57 

5  3 

1 

Marguerite  de  St.  Amand  . 

Clear  rosy  flesh 

Clear  cherry  rose 

58 

5-2 

0 

Victor  Verdier  . 

1859 

Lacharme  . 

59 

5*0 

5 

Duke  of  Fife . 

1892 

J.  Cocker  &  Sons  . 

Bright  crimson 

59 

5  0 

0 

Magna  Charta  . 

1876 

W.  Paul  &  Son  . 

Bright  pink  carmine 

59 

59 

50 

5*0 

5 

0 

Margaret  Dickson . 

Queen  of  Queens  . 

1891 

1883 

A.  Dickson  &:  Sons  ... 

W^.  Panl  Ar.  Son  . 

Ivory  white 

Pale  blush  pink 

October  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEIL 


805 


as  a  rnle  to  take  a  longer  time  than  the  new  H.P.’s  in  coming 
into  general  caltivation.  For  instance,  taking  the  two  varieties 
sent  out  in  1887,  Madame  Hoste  (No.  15),  and  Ethel  Brownlow 
(No.  20),  it  is  only  at  this  year’s  show  that  either  of  these  fine  Teas 
has  reached  double  figures.  Ernest  Metz  (No.  7),  first  distributed 
in  1888,  is,  however,  an  honourable  exception  to  this  rule,  having 
been  staged  twelve  times  at  the  1892  exhibition,  and  as  many  as 
thirty  times  in  1893.  In  fact,  there  were  this  year  only  seven 
other  varieties  more  frequently  shown  in  the  prize  stands.  The 
year  1889  finds  two  representatives  ;  of  these  Souvenir  de  S.  A. 
Prince,  a  pure  white  sport  from  Souvenir  d’un  Ami,  takes  for  the 
first  time  a  good  place  in  the  analysis,  standing  now  at  No.  10, 
between  Mar^chal  Niel  and  Madame  de  Watteville.  Cleopatra  of 
the  same  year  does  not  seem  to  have  been  at  all  favoured  by  the 
past  season,  having  fallen  since  last  year  from  No.  17  to  No.  24. 
So  fine  and  certain  a  flower  is,  however,  pretty  sure  to  makes  its 
mark  sooner  or  later,  notwithstanding  the  slender  habit  of  growth 
of  the  plant. 

Although  such  a  bad  year  for  Roses  generally,  the  summer 
of  1893  seems  to  have  suited  admirably  both  of  the  varieties 
which,  in  my  opinion,  are  the  choicest  gems  of  the  two  sections 
into  which  this  analysis  is  divided.  I  refer  to  Horace  Yernet, 
the  finest  of  the  dark  H.P.’s,  and  to  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  the 
most  exquisitely  tinted  of  all  the  Teas.  This  is  certainly 
remarkable,  as  neither  Rose  can  be  regarded  as  by  any  means  a 
strong  grower. 

The  sad  loss  the  Rose  world  has  recently  sustained  in  the  death 
of  that  champion  raiser  of  Tea  Roses,  Monsieur  J.  B.  Guillot, 
causes  us  to  look  down  the  two  lists  and  note  the  many  priceless 
treasures  for  which  we  are  indebted  to  the  Guillot  family.  Among 
the  Hybrid  Perpetuals  we  find  La  France,  Horace  Yernet,  Comtesse 
d’Oxford,  Senateur  Yaisse,  and  Monsieur  Noman  ;  and  in  the  table 
of  Tea  Roses  Catherine  Mermet,  the  premier  flower  ;  Comtesse  de 
Nadaillac,  only  second  on  the  list,  and  when  at  its  best  second  to 
none  ;  Ernest  Metz,  the  rapidly  rising  favourite  ;  Madame  de 
Watteville,  the  lovely  “  butterfly  Tea  ;  ”  Madame  Cusin,  the  most 
distinct  and  charming  of  the  red  Teas  ;  Madame  Hoste,  the  most 
reliable  of  the  yellows  ;  Hon.  Edith  Gifford,  the  best  all-round 
Tea  ;  Madame  Bravy,  the  oldest  of  the  Guillot  series  ;  Etoile  de 


Lyon,  and  Madame  H.  Jamain.  Surely  a  matchless  record  this  ! 
At  the  end  of  this  paper  will  also  be  found  the  names  of  six 
beautiful  “  garden  Roses,”  sent  out  by  Guillot  during  the  last  ten 
years.  Before  closing  the  analysis  it  is  once  more  my  pleasing 
duty  to  express  my  best  thanks  to  those  kind  friends  who  assisted 
me  in  taking  down  the  names  of  the  Roses  in  the  winning 
stands. 

To  those  who  have  but  little  experience  in  Rose  culture  the 
following  se’ect  lists  may,  I  trust,  prove  of  service,  as  I  have 
endeavoured  to  include  in  them  only  choice  varieties  of  good 
growth  and  constitution. 

Hybrid  Perpetuals. — Light  coloured  varieties. — Mrs.  John 
Laing,  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet,  Merveille  de  Lyon,  Baroness 
Rothschild,  Marie  Finger,  and  Jeannie  Dickson.  Medium  Reds. — 
Ulrich  Brunner,  Fran9ois  Michelon,  Marquise  de  Castellane,  Dupny 
Jamain,  Camille  Bernardin,  Comtesse  d’Oxford,  Heinrich  Schul- 
theis.  Reds. — A.  K.  Williams,  Marie  Baumann,  Alfred  Colomb, 
Ferdinand  de  Lesseps,  E.  Y.  Teas,  Duke  of  Edinburgh,  Dr.  Andry, 
Fisher  Holmes,  Yictor  Hugo,  Secateur  Yaisse,  and  Earl  of 
Pembroke.  Dark  varieties.  —  Charles  Lefebvre,  Louis  Yan 
Houtte,  Prince  Arthur,  Duke  of  Wellington,  Earl  of  Dufferin, 
Prince  Camille  de  Rohan,  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  and  Duke  of 
Connaught. 

Hybrid  Teas. — La  France,  Captain  Christy,  Grace  Darling, 
Augustine  Guinoisseau,  and  Yiscountess  Folkestone. 

Teas  and  Noisettes. — Innocente  Pirola,  Souvenir  d’un  Ami, 
Marie  Yan  Houtte,  Ernest  Metz,  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince,  Caroline 
Kuster  (N.),  Francisca  Kruger,  Anna  Ollivier,  Madame  Hoste, 
Hon.  Edith  Gifford,  Madame  Lambard,  Rubens,  and  Jules  Finger. 

Bourbon. — Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  and  Mrs.  Paul. 

Garden  Roses. — The  following  are  a  few  non-exhibition 
Roses  of  comparatively  recent  introduction  which  I  have  grown 
and  can  recommend.  Hybrid  Perpetual :  Gloire  de  Margottin*. 
Hybrid  Teas :  Bardou  job,  Gloire  Lyonnaise’^*,  Gustave  Regis, 
China  :  Laurette  Messimy*.  Teas  and  Noisettes :  Dr.  Grill, 
L’Ideal  (N.),  Luciole*,  Princesse  de  Sagan*.  Polyantha  :  Gloire 
des  Polyanthes*.  Of  the  above  ten  varieties,  those  marked 
by  an  asterisk,  six  in  number,  were  raised  by  Guillot. — E.  M,, 
Berkham  sted. 


TEAS  OR  NOISETTES. 


Position  in  Present 
Analysis. 

Average  Number  of 
Times  Shown. 

Number  of  Times 
Shown  in  1893. 

Name. 

Date  of 
Introduction. 

Kaiser’s 

or 

Introducer’s 

Name. 

Colour. 

1 

41  9 

43 

Catherine  Mermet  . 

1869 

Guillot  . 

Light  rosy  flesh 

2 

38-0 

51 

Comtesse  de  Nadaillac . 

1871 

Guillot  . 

Rosy  flesh  and  apricot 

3 

37-3 

35 

The  Bride  . 

1885 

May . 

White,  tinged  lemon 

4 

37-1 

35 

Innocente  Pirola  . 

1878 

Madame  Ducher  . 

Creamy  white 

5 

31-6 

31 

Souvenir  d’un  Ami  . 

1846 

Belot-Defoug^re  . 

Pale  rose 

6 

30-3 

39 

Marie  Van  Houtte  . 

1871 

Ducher  . 

Lemon  yellow,  edged  rose 

6 

30-3 

15 

Niphetos . 

1844 

Boueere  . 

White 

7 

30-0 

30 

Ernest  Metz  . 

1888 

Guillot  . 

Salmon,  tinted  rose 

8 

29-9 

30 

Souvenir  d’Elise  Vardon . 

1854 

Marest . 

Cream,  tinted  rose 

9 

27-7 

26 

1864 

Pradel  . 

Deep  bright  golden  yellow 

10 

25-0 

25 

SnnvGTiir  Hh  ft  A.  Prinop  . 

1889 

Prince  . 

Pure  white 

11 

24  8 

11 

Madame  de  Watteville . 

1883 

Guillot  . 

Cream,  bordered  rose 

12 

24-7 

17 

Caroline  Kuster  (N.)  . 

1872 

Pernet . 

Lemon  yellow 

13 

23-9 

27 

Madame  Cusin  . 

1881 

Guillot  . 

Violet  rose,  yellow  base 

14 

220 

21 

Francisca  Kruger . 

1879 

Nabonnand  . 

Coppery  yellow,  shaded  peach 

15 

21-0 

21 

Madame  Hoste  . 

1887 

Guillot  . 

Pale  lemon  yellow 

16 

20  6 

13 

Jean  Ducher  . 

1874 

Madame  Ducher  . 

Salmon  yellow,  shaded  peach 

17 

20-4 

14 

Honourable  Edith  Gifford  . 

1882 

Guillot  . 

White,  centre  flesh 

18 

17  8 

12 

Madame  Bravy . 

1848 

Guillot  . 

White,  flushed  pale  pink 

19 

17-1 

10 

Anna  Ollivier . 

1872 

Ducher  . 

Pale  buff,  flushed 

20 

17-0 

17 

Ethel  Brownlow  . 

1887 

A.  Dickson  &  Sons  ... 

Rosy  flesh,  shaded  yellow 

21 

140 

6 

Princess  of  Wales  . 

1882 

Bennett  . 

Rosy  yellow 

22 

13-9 

14 

Madame  Lambard  . 

1877 

Lacharme  . 

Salmon,  shaded  rose 

23 

13-8 

9 

Bnbens  . 

1859 

Robert  . 

White,  shaded  creamy  rose 

24 

11-5 

8 

Cleopatra  . 

1889 

Bennett  . 

Creamy  flesh,  shaded  rose 

25 

11-3 

10 

Etoile  de  Lyon . 

1881 

Guillot  . 

Deep  lemon 

26 

8-4 

4 

Souvenir  de  Paul  Neyron  . 

1871 

Levet  . 

Creamy  white,  tinted  rose 

27 

66 

3 

Devoniensis  . 

1838 

Foster . 

Creamy  white,  blush  centre 

28 

60 

3 

Jules  Finger  . 

1879 

Veuve  Ducher  . 

Bronzy  rose 

29 

5-7 

9 

La  Boule  d’Or  . 

1860 

Margottin  . 

Golden  yellow,  outer  petals  paler 

30 

5-5 

9 

1869 

Guillot  . 

White,  shaded  yellow 

31 

50 

8 

Comtesse  de  Panisse . 

1877 

Nabonnand  . 

Flesh,  tinted  coppery  rose 

31 

5-0 

1 

Madame  Willermoz  . ‘ . 

1845 

Lacharme  . 

Creamy  white 

806 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  5,  1893 


HERBACEOUS  PLANTS. 

I  AM  afraid  that  all  growers  of  these  will  find  at  the  end  of  the 
season  that  they  will  have  a  heavy  death-roll  to  enumerate,  especi¬ 
ally  in  those  parts  of  the  country  where  water  has  been  scarce. 
They  may  not  at  present  have  altogether  perished,  but  I  imagine 
that  many  of  them  will  be  in  so  weakly  a  condition  that  they  will 
hardly  be  able  to  contend  with  the  attacks  of  frost  should  we  have 
anything  like  a  severe  winter.  In  the  observations  which  I  now 
venture  to  offer  I  do  not  lay  claim  to  any  special  advantage  or 
success,  and  the  plants  about  which  I  have  to  speak  are  not  of  those 
difficult  and  trying  kinds  whose  habits  and  wants  seem  to  perplex 
us,  and  yet  afford  to  some  persons  the  opportunities  they  seek  for 
in  combating  difficulties  and  triumphing  over  many  obstacles.  It 
is  no  doubt  a  delightful  thing  to  be  able  to  point  to  some  plant 
which  has  baffled  cultivators,  and  with  laudable  pride  to  be  able  to 
say,  “  I  have  mastered  it.” 

Bearing  in  mind  the  controversy  that  arose  some  time  ago  with 
regard  to  the  definition  of  these  plants  I  venture  to  include  Lilies 
amongst  them  ;  they  are  ever  to  me  and  to  many  others  one  of  the 
most  interesting  classes  of  plants  that  we  grow,  and  perhaps  the 
season  through  which  we  have  passed  has  been  one  of  the  most 
trying  that  we  have  experienced  of  late  years.  To  some  of  them  such 
as  L.  superbum  (the  Swamp  Lily  as  it  is  called)  the  weather  has  been 
especially  trying.  My  plants  have  grown  about  18  inches  or  2  feet, 
and  have  not  flowered  at  all ;  while  others  such  as  Hansoni  and 
Humbolti  have  thrown  up  stems  and  then  withered  away  without 
the  slightest  attempt  to  flower  ;  others  it  is  true,  such  as  Browni 
and  dalmaticum,  have  done  fairly  well. 

While  mentioning  this  beautiful  class  of  plants  I  may  draw 
attention  to  some  blooms  which  were  sent  me  the  other  day  by 
Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.,  amongst  them  was  a  bloom  of  that  very 
beautiful  novelty  Lilium  Henryi,  which  has  been  frequently  ex¬ 
hibited  lately  and  attracted  considerable  attention,  but  will  it  retain 
that  position  ?  It  is  said  that  it  may  be  fitly  described  as  an  orange 
speciosum,  but  it  bears  so  close  a  resemblance  to  some  of  the  forms 
of  the  Turk’s  Cap  that  it  looks  more  as  if  it  were  related  to  them  ; 
however,  as  its  price  will  leave  it  for  some  time  in  only  a  few 
hands  I  must  be  contented  to  admire  it  at  a  distance,  and  should 
I  say  anything  disparagingly  it  might  be  set  down  to  the  old 
adage  “  that  Grapes  are  sour.”  At  the  same  time  they  sent  me 
some  blooms  of  fine  forms  of  Lilium  speciosum,  all  of  which  with 
one  exception  I  have  grown,  this  was  Album  novum,  a  fine  form  of 
the  white  speciosum.  It,  however,  bears  a  very  strong  resemblance 
to  one  which  I  received  from  Holland  under  the  name  of  Vestal  ; 
another  was  Melpomene  which  I  have  grown  for  some  years  but 
which  now  seems  to  be  becoming  more  plentiful.  It  was,  I  believe, 
raised  by  the  late  Mr.  Hovey  of  Boston,  U.S.,  and  is  certainly  the 
richest  in  colour  of  all  varieties  of  speciosum. 

It  is  remarkable  how  little  has  been  done  in  the  way  of 
hybridising  these  Lilies.  Some  years  ago  a  very  fine  variety  called 
Parkmanni  was  figured  in  the  “  Florist  and  Pomologist.”  It  was 
said  to  have  been  raised  in  America,  and  the  stock  came  into  the  pos¬ 
session  of  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer ;  but  like  one  of  its  parents,  auratum, 
it  seems  to  be  a  difficult  bulb  to  grow,  and  although  many  years 
have  passed  he  appears  to  have  been  unable  to  get  up  a  stock  of  it. 
His  want  of  success  in  hybridising  seems  to  be  the  more  strange  if, 
as  is  stated  by  some  botanists,  auratum  itself  is  a  natural  hybrid 
between  speciosum  and  longiflorum,  and  is  catalogued  by  some  bulb 
growers  as  speciosum  imperialis.  The  others  were  cruentum  and 
macranthum,  the  former  a  rich  colour  variety  approaching  Melpo¬ 
mene.  Amongst  other  Lilies,  Browni  succeeded  well  with  me,  but 
have  not  been  able  to  do  anything  with  Krameri  either  in  pots  or 
the  open  ground.  I  have  tried  it  in  various  ways,  even  in  pure 
cow  manure  and  sand  as  recommended  by  Max  Leitchlin,  but  in  all 
cases  I  have  failed, 

Verbascum  olympicum. — I  draw  attention  to  this  grand  herba¬ 
ceous  plant  for  two  reasons.  I  do  not  think  that  it  is  grown  as 
much  as  it  ought  to  be,  for  it  is  a  noble-looking  plant,  its 
large  leaves  3  feet  long,  and  its  grand  branching  flowering 
stem  from  8  to  10  feet  high,  with  its  bright  yellow  flowers 
produced  in  great  profusion,  make  it  a  conspicuous  object  and 
peculiarly  adapting  it  for  large  places  ;  besides  when  the  centre 
stem  is  cut  down  from  eighteen  to  twenty  smaller  branches  are 
filled  with  flowers  though  not  quite  so  large  as  those  produced  on 
the  main  stalk.  The  other  reason  I  have  for  mentioning  it  is  that 
although  considered  as  a  biennial  it  is  not  always  so.  Out  of  the 
three  or  four  plants  that  I  had  there  is  one  which  flowered  last 
year,  and  has  thrown  up  a  large  shoot  from  the  root  with  fine 
vigorous  leaves,  which  will  form  a  good  flowering  plant  for  next 
year. 

ScABiosA  OCHROLEUCA. — A  plant  which  I  have  received  under 
this  name  is  said  not  to  be  a  Scabious  at  all,  but  a  Cephalaria  ;  how¬ 
ever  that  may  be  it  is  very  Scabious  like  in  appearance,  and  is  an 


effective  plant  ;  the  flowering  stems  are  3  feet  high,  and  the  colour 
of  the  flowers  a  soft  shade  of  primrose.  Of  so  well  known  a  flower 
as  Scabiosa  caucasica  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  say  a  favourable 
word,  but  its  long  flowering  habit,  continuing  as  it  does  in  bloom 
for  three  months,  and  its  pleasing  shade  of  colour,  ought  to  secure 
it  a  place  everywhere. 

COLCHICUM  SPECIOSUM.  —  Among  the  various  varieties  of 
Colchicum  (or  as  they  are  called  in  Kent  Naked  Boys),  there  is  none 
that  I  have  seen  equals  this  for  the  size  and  substance  of  its  petals. 
I  received  my  bulb  a  couple  of  years  ago  from  my  friend,  Mr. 
Ewbank,  and  it  has  now  established  itself,  and  is  doing  well. 

CEnothera  marginata. — This,  to  my  mind,  the  most  beautiful 
of  the  dwarf  varieties  of  Evening  Primroses,  has  made  itself  most 
thoroughly  at  home  with  me,  though  I  have  heard  of  persons  who 
have  found  it  difficult  to  manage.  The  worst  point  about  it  is  its 
rambling  habit.  I  planted  it  on  one  side  of  the  walk,  and  under 
which  said  walk  it  has  found  its  way  and  has  come  up  on  the  other 
side,  having  left  its  original  location,  and  now  forms  a  compact 
mass  about  4  feet  square.  Oenothera  taraxacifolia  is  I  believe 
very  similar  to  this,  but  keeps  more  at  home. 

Eremuri. — I  mention  these,  not  because  I  have  had  any  success 
with  them,  for  my  attempts  have  proved  failures.  Twice  I  tried 
E.  robustus,  and  I  have  altogether  lost  it ;  and  once  I  received 
a  root  from  Holland  under  the  name  of  Olgac,  which  flourished, 
but  turned  out  to  be  a  worthless  Asphodel.  I  grieved  for  these 
failures,  especially  when  last  year  1  saw  a  grand  spike  exhibited  by 
my  friend  Mr.  Page  Roberts  at  Chester.  There  are  four  species 
under  cultivation,  but  they  are  somewhat  difficult  to  procure,  for 
though  they  seed  freely  it  requires  five  or  six  years  to  bring  them 
to  the  condition  of  flowering  plants.  Eremurus  robustus  is  a 
magnificent  stately  plant,  in  colour  soft  rosy  pink  with  yellow 
centre,  a  spike  being  about  2  feet  in  length.  I  have  heard  the 
foliage  described  as  handsome,  but  I  cannot  say  as  far  as  my 
experience  goes  that  I  consider  it  so.  The  leaves  are  long  but  very 
brittle,  and  were  constantly  broken  by  high  winds.  A  grand  spike 
of  this  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Pritchard  of  Christchurch,  Hants,  at 
the  Temple  Show.  E.  himalaicus  was  exhibited  in  good  form  last 
year  by  Mr.  Smith  of  Newry,  spikes  of  pure  white  flowers,  which 
is  said  to  be  not  difficult  to  grow.  E.  Olgse  is  the  latest  flowering. 
I  have  seen  it  once  exhibited  by  Mr.  Ware  at  the  Aquarium  in 
September,  and  was  much  struck  by  its  singular  beauty. 
E.  Bungei,  another  beautiful  species  not  quite  so  tall.  There  is, 
of  course,  a  difficulty  about  exhibiting,  an  amateur  hardly  likes  to 
deprive  his  garden  of  so  grand  an  ornament  for  the  sake  of  the 
exhibition  table. 

Gypsophiea  paniculata. — I  have  before  now  spoken  of  this  as  so 
valuable  for  cutting  for  bouquets,  and  my  object  is  mentioning  it 
now  is  that  my  plant  is  finer  this  year  than  I  have  ever  had  it 
before.  Supposing,  from  its  name,  that  it  was  a  lime-loving  plant, 
I  put  a  considerable  quantity  of  chalk  among  the  roots,  but  whether 
its  vigour  is  to  be  attributed  to  this  or  to  the  hot  dry  season  I 
cannot  tell. 

Arnebia  echioides. — Whether  it  is  to  be  attributed  to  the  dry 
season  or  not  I  do  not  know,  but  this  plant  has  flowered  well  with 
me  a  second  time,  and  its  bright  yellow  flowers  with  brown  spots 
render  it  a  pretty  object  either  in  the  rockery  or  border. 

Eryngium  amethystinum. — There  are  few  more  striking 
objects  in  a  border  than  this  Sea  Holly  with  its  beautiful  metallic 
blue  lustre  on  leaves,  stems  and  flowers  ;  but  one  must  be  very  care¬ 
ful  in  handling  it,  for  the  Noli  me  tangere  is  much  more  applicable 
to  it  than  to  the  Thistle  which  Scotland  has  taken  as  her  emblem. 
There  seems  to  be  some  confusion  about  plants  of  this  genus.  Are 
they  biennial  or  perennial  ?  I  have  a  plant  under  the  name  of 
giganteum  which,  however,  is  not  nearly  so  tall  as  amethystinum  and 
has  whitish  flowers,  but  on  turning  to  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son’s  catalogue 
I  find  that  variety  described  as  blue.  This,  however,  seems  to  me 
at  any  rate,  to  be  a  biennial  ;  then  there  is  alpinum,  which  I  have  not 
grown,  but  which  is  said  to  be  very  pretty.  It  is  difficult  to  arrive 
at  the  names  of  plants  by  the  colour  of  their  flowers,  for  botanists 
seem  to  have  a  contempt  for  this  portion  of  the  description,  and  I 
have  seen  plants  very  accurately  described  so  that  they  were  easily 
recognisable,  but,  alas  !  when  the  colour  was  spoken  of  it  was  entirely 
different. 

Aster  bessarabicgs. — I  give  this  name  with  some  hesitation  to 
a  very  beautiful  variety  of  Michaelmas  Daisy,  which  has  been  in 
flower  in  my  garden  for  some  time.  I  say  with  hesitation,  because  it 
seems  almost  impossible  to  arrive  at  a  correct  nomenclature.  The 
variety  which  I  have  under  this  name  grows  to  a  height  of  2  feet 
to  2j  feet ;  the  flowers  are  large,  and  very  freely  produced,  of  a 
bright  purplish  blue,  with  a  yellow  centre.  There  are  many  others 
of  the  family  now  coming  in,  but  I  think  it  hardly  necessary  to 
note  them,  for  it  might  happen  that  the  names  by  which  I  have 
received  them  may  not  be  correct  ;  but  most  of  them  are 
desirable  plants  at  this  time  of  the  year. 


October  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


307 


Amaryllis  Belladonna. — However  trying  this  past  summer 
may  have  been  for  herbaceous  plants  and  many  Lilies,  it  has 
unquestionably  suited  this  autumn  flowering  member  of  the  group. 
My  own  bulbs,  planted  in  the  front  of  a  greenhouse  facing  south, 
are  flowering  more  freely  than  I  ever  had  them  before  ;  1,  how¬ 
ever,  saw  the  other  day  in  a  friend’s  garden  near  here  some  grand 
clumps  in  full  flower,  reminding  me  somewhat  of  a  long  border  in 
a  garden  at  Bray,  in  Ireland,  which  at  this  time  of  the 
year  used  to  be  one  mass  of  bloom.  Like  some  other  of  the  family, 
it  requires  a  warm  sheltered  border,  and  also  prefers  to  be  let 
alone.  Any  ordinary  garden  soil  seems  to  suit  it. 

Zephyranthes  CANDIDA. — The  dry  summer  also  seems  to  have 
suited  this  delightful  little  bulbous  plant,  which  is  not  so  often 
seen  in  gardens  as  it  ought  to  be.  Its  habit  is  dwarf,  the  foliage 
small,  and  the  pure  white  flowers  freely  produced.  Light  and  rich 
soil  seems  to  suit  it. — D.,  Deal. 


Cypripedium  Charlesworthi. 

One  of  the  most  distinct  Cypripediums  of  recent  introduction 
was  exhibited  under  the  above  name  at  the  last  meeting  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  by  Messrs.  Charlesworth,  Shuttle  worth 
and  Co.,  Heaton,  Bradford,  and  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded 
for  it.  C.  Charlesworthi  (fig.  43)  is  a  new  and  beautiful  species 
introduced  by  the  above  mentioned  firm  from  the  East  Indies.  It 
is  very  dwarf,  with  long  narrow  leaves.  The  flower  stem  is  only 
3  to  4  inches  long.  The  lip  is  short,  green,  heavily  suffused  with 
bronzy  brown,  and  the  dorsal  sepal  is  very  noteworthy.  It  is  broad 
and  rounded,  and  the  colouring  is  a  beautiful  soft  rose,  delicately 
veined.  The  staminode  is  pure  white.  A  feature  of  the  leafage 
are  the  rows  of  dots  on  the  reverse  side.  The  species  is  a  great 
acquisition,  and  will  become  popular  with  Oichid  growers. 

Repotting  and  Surfacing  Cool  House  Orchids. 

The  present  is  perhaps  the  most  suitable  month  in  the  year  for 
a  thorough  overhauling,  cleaning  and  repotting,  or  surfacing  as  the 
case  demands,  of  the  plants  in  the  cool  house.  There  is  a  time 
when  all  healthy  Orchids  put  forth  a  flush  of  young  roots,  and  in 
the  case  of  Odontoglossums  and  kindred  plants  it  is  usually  at  this 
season  when  the  growths  are  approaching  completion.  This  is  the 
time  that  Orchid  growers  should  give  fresh  sweet  compost  for  the 
new  roots  to  take  to  at  once.  It  will  give  the  plants  a  hold  on 
their  pots  that  will  stand  them  in  good  stead  during  a  long  dull 
winter,  and  will  also  assist  them  materially  in  swelling  up  fine 
healthy  pseudo-bulbs. 

Masdevallias  of  the  Harryana,  amabilis,  and  Veitchi  types, 
though  many  prefer  to  repot  in  the  spring,  would  often  be  more 
easily  wintered  if  given  new  compost  early  in  the  autumn.  The 
soil  is  frequently  in  such  a  fine  and  close  condition  after  the 
repeated  and  copious  waterings  necessary  to  their  well-being  in  the 
summer  months,  that  unless  watering  is  judiciously  performed  the 
plants  lose  the  greater  portion  of  their  roots  in  the  winter.  This 
is  a  serious  check  to  the  plants,  and  can  only  be  avoided  by  keeping 
the  compost  in  a  sweet  and  open  condition,  and  providing  good 
drainage. 

The  mode  of  potting  these  useful  Orchids  has  often  been 
referred  to  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  so  that  it  is  only 
necessary  to  say  that  clean  pots  of  as  small  size  as  possible  should 
be  used,  in  no  case  allowing  for  more  than  about  an  inch  of 
compost  around  the  old  material.  Fill  two-thirds  of  the  depth  with 
drainage,  use  some  clean  moss  as  a  film,  and  plenty  of  finely  broken 
potsherds  mixed  with  the  compost.  Plants  that  have  the  drainage 
in  thorough  order  and  do  not  require  larger  pots  should  have  a 
little  of  the  surface  soil  removed  and  fresh  compost  dibbled  in 
where  necessary.  After  the  plants  have  been  thoroughly  cleaned, 
and  before  they  are  returned  to  the  house,  the  stages,  glass,  and 
walls  should  be  well  cleansed  as  advised  by  “  Specialist  ”  on 
page  215. — H.  R.  R. 


OUT  OF  TOWN. 

Worksop  in  the  summer  is  made  lively  by  ever  arriving  excur¬ 
sionists.  They  come  from  all  parts  of  the  coun'ry,  but  the 
manufacturing  districts  chiefly,  for  a  visit  to  the  Dukeries.  Convey¬ 
ances  of  all  kinds  are  crowded,  and  choral  parties  sing  happily  on 
the  way.  Glad  enough  are  Sheffield  and  Manchester  workers  to  get 


out  of  town,  and  they  are  out  of  it  very  decidedly  in  the  glades  of 
historic  Sherwood.  The  freedom  that  is  granted  is  a  boon  to  the 
thousands  who  avail  themselves  of  the  privilege  afforded.  There 
are  only  two  Dukes  in  the  district  now,  but  there  once  were  four — 
the  Duke  of  Norfolk,  Worksop  Manor,  now  belonging  to  John 
Rohinson,  Esq.  ;  the  Duke  of  Kingston,  Thoresby,  now  the  seat  of 
Earl  Manvers,  with  the  Duke  of  Newcastle,  Clumber  ;  and  the  Duke 
of  Portland,  Welbeck.  Of  the  two  latter  estates  the  ducal  owners 
are  still  young,  kindly  disposed  to  all  and  more  than  popular  ;  yet 
not  more  respected  than  is  our  guide,  and  surely  no  better  guide 
there  could  be,  for  Mr.  Machin  can  go  anywhere  and  is  everywhere 
welcomed  in  the  district. 

We  have  a  “  long  day”  before  us,  for  Welbeck,  Thoresby,  and 
Rufford  have  to  be  visited,  and  then  there  is  a  drive  of  several  miles 
to  Southwell.  The  squire  brought  a  good  horse  and  comfortable 
wagonette,  with  something  in  it,  and  away  we  sped  on  our  journey. 
We  skirted  the  ancient  manor  of  Worksop,  embowered  in  trees,  the 
estate  being  richly  wooded,  and  in  the  course  of  half  an  hour  drove 
right  into  the  kitchen  garden  at  Welbeck,  for  the  garden  “walks” 


are  carriage  drives,  in  fact  everything,  seems  great  about  it.  The 
kitchen  garden  certainly  is,  for  enclosed  are  thirty  acres,  and  the 
glass  structures  are  in  keeping  ;  then  if  we  look  beyond  to  the  huge 
stone  buildings,  riding  school,  and  others,  with  dozens  of  detached 
villa-like  residences,  we  have  to  feel  that  Welbeck  is  not  as  other 
places  are.  It  is  distinct  from  all  above  ground  and  still  more  so 
beneath  it,  and  though  it  cannot  be  said  to  be  beautiful  it  must  be 
regarded  as  wonderful.  But  we  cannot  explore,  and  only  a  quick 
rush  through  some  of  the  houses  is  practicable  while  the  wagonette 
is  waiting.  Mr.  Horton  was  luckily  at  hand,  and  we  were  at  ease 
wi  h  him  in  a  moment.  He  has  been  nineteen  years  in  the  gardens, 
and  has  a  clear  firm  grip  of  his  great  charge.  The  demands  of  the 
establishment  are  enormous,  and  a  cart  is  always  at  work  taking 
produce  from  the  gardens  to  the  Abbey,  but  very  unlike  an  Abbey  is 
the  huge  square  pile  which  stands  out  bleak  and  bare  with  never  a 
tree  on  the  wide  expanse  of  lawn  in  front  of  it. 

We  race  through  a  large  vegetable  house,  onwards  through 
figgeries,  peacheries,  vineries,  and  planteries,  tropical  and  otherwise  ; 
now  we  are  under  a  rich  canopy  of  Bougainvilleas  and  Allamandas, 
with  beautiful  decorative  plants  all  around,  and  anon  in  one  house  or 
another  amongst  apparently  all  kinds  of  fruit  grown  in  this  country, 
but  not  in  all  places  so  well  as  at  Welbeck.  Glass  ranges  100  yards 
long  appear  to  be  plentiful,  and,  large  as  they  are,  look  small  when 
we  enter  others  twice  or  nearly'  thrice  that  length,  and  all  well  and 
profitably  occupied,  while  cleanliness  and  good  order  are  prevalent 
everywhere.  The  pink  “  Malmaison  ”  is  the  favourite  flower  of  the 
Duchess,  and  great  provision  is  made  to  meet  the  daily  demand  all 
the  year.  We  entered  not  the  famous  underground  tunnels,  but  were 
content  to  peep  into  one  above  ground,  an  arcade  of  Apples  and 
Pears,  probably  nearly  300  yards  long,  and  then  after  keeping  our 


808 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  5,  1893. 


distinguished  coachman  waiting  too  long,  and  doing  no  sort  of  justice 
to  the  work  of  a  genuine  gardener  who  knows  his  business  and  does 
his  duty,  we  sped  away  to  the  forest. 

Soon  were  we  among  the  Oaks,  on  some  of  which  the  sun  has 
shone  for  centuries,  the  Greendale  Oak  having  stood  its  ground  for 
more  than  a  thousand  years,  so,  no  doubt  have  other  of  the  giants  of  a 
far  past  time,  but  now  mere  shells  dwindling  to  decay,  yet  some  of 
these  ancients  still  fruitful.  As  we  pass  along  the  broad  green  glades, 
dodging  the  flies  as  beet  we  can,  it  was  pleasing  to  note  the  young 
plantations  duly  “labelled”  with  the  date  of  sowing,  and  the  names 
of  the  historic  trees  from  which  the  seeds  were  gathered  ;  and  what 
striplings  were  these  trees  of  thirty  of  forty  years  old  in  comparison 
with  their  ancient  progenitors  !  Vast  as  is  this  expanse  of  wood¬ 
land,  yet  all  around  we  see  evidences  of  care,  of  love,  and  of  labour 
in  keeping  everything  in  order,  j^et  retaining  the  characteristics  of 
the  sylvan  scene. 

Eventually,  after  sundry  turnings,  as  if  tracing  our  way  through 
a  gigantic  maze,  we  emerge  into  the  open  country  and  are  soon 
passing  through  the  pretty  village  of  Edwinstowe,  a  village  of 
refreshments  it  would  seem  to  be  judging  by  the  invitations  to  tea, 
luncheon,  or  modest  hot  water  in  windows  or  garden  tablets  all 
along  the  line,  saying  nothing  about  everything  else  you  may  want 
and  are  ready  to  pay  for,  from  bread  and  cheese  to  a  champagne 
dinner,  from  a  saddled  donkey  to  a  four-in-hand  coach.  Having 
good  reason  to  be  proof  against  all  such  blandishments  we  enter  the 
forest  again  and  meet  a  stream  of  tourists  wending  their  way  to  the 
general  commissariat.  We  are  soon  driving  round  and  admiring  the 
Major  Oak  under  which  “parties ’’are  resting,  enjoying  the  shade 
and  mid-day  meal.  This  noble  tree  will  shelter  many,  for  the  circum¬ 
ference  of  its  spreading  branches  exceeds  700  feet.  It  stands  alone 
on  an  open  plateau  of  grass,  a  truly  majestic  specimen  of  its  kind, 
and  though  its  huge  trunk  is  said  to  be  hollow  the  branches  appear 
to  be  as  healthy  and  the  leaves  as  green  as  those  of  young  trees  not 
over  a  century  or  two  old,  these  in  turn  being  as  fresh  as  thousands 
not  long  since  out  of  their  teens.  The  soil,  at  least  on  the  surface, 
is  sandy  and  poor,  but  there  must  be  something  better  below  to 
support  the  magnificent  arboreal  vegetation  through  which  we  pass 
to  Thoresby,  which  is  not  very  far  from  the  “  Major.” 

The  drive  after  entering  the  demesne  is  grand  almost  beyond 
description,  at  least  to  those  who  admire  gigantic  Oaks  rising  from 
an  undergrowth  of  bracken,  the  trees  standing  far  enough  apart, 
probably  50  or  60  yards,  for  showing  their  individuality,  massive 
trunks,  and  noble  heads.  There  is  no  formal  avenue  of  them,  or 
anything  approaching  thereto,  but  they  stretch  away  on  each  side  in 
picturesque  irregularity.  Thoresby  has  been  described  as  the  “  Queen 
of  the  Forest,’’ and  certainly  the  view  from  the  comparatively  new, 
large,  and  ornate  mansion,  of  boldly  undulating  park,  with  distant 
tree-clad  hills  and  pastoral  dales,  of  river  and  lake,  and  herds  of 
deer,  is  in  its  scope  and  diversity  a  scene  to  be  enjoyed  and 
remembered.  Yes,  it  is  a  queenly  place  is  Thoresby  :  but  we  arrive 
at  the  gardens,  long  behind  time,  and  almost  “  given  up  ”  by  the 
genial  gardener,  whose  name  is  familiar  in  the  horticultural  world 
through  long  and  excellent  work  in  gardening,  for  who  has  not  heard 
of  “  Henderson  of  Thoresby  ?  ’’ 

“  Come  in  and  have  some  dinner  ;  it  has  been  a  long  time  ready, 
and  not  now  as  we  should  like  it,  yet  there  it  is  and  a  good  welcome.” 
Such  was  the  greeting.  “No,  no,  Mr.  Henderson,  many  thanks,  we 
are  foresters  to-day,  and  our  repast  must  be  on  the  green  sward,  and 
our  canopy  the  greenwood  tree.”  He  could  see  we  were  well 
provided  for  when  it  took  two  men  to  carry  the  luncheon  basket  for 
three,  and  our  friend  stepped  aside  with  a  quiet  smile.  We  feasted 
as  Robin  Hood  never  did  on  venison  pie  with  the  sparkling  accom¬ 
paniment  of  Moses  and  Aaron — the  old  waiter’s  phonetic  rendering  of 
some  such  sound  he  had  heard  as  Moet  and  Chandon.  No,  the  mystic 
Robin  had  none  of  this,  though  he  is  credited  with  a  liking  for  nut- 
brown  ale.  But  as  all  things  come  to  an  end  so  did  our  little  pic-nic, 
and  one  man  could  then  easily  carry  the  basket  into  the  boot  of  the 
carriage. 

Now  to  the  gardens.  As  at  Welbeck,  so  here,  we  could  only  have 
a  quick  march  past  much  that  was  good  to  see,  and  not  an  inspection. 
Outside,  the  crops  were  suffering  from  drought  more  than  any  others 
in  the  Hukeries,  as  the  soil  is  light  and  sandy.  It  is  this  light  soil 
which  renders  fruit  grov/ing  no  easy  task  in  the  houses,  but  with  the 
best  cultural  attention  a  full  and  good  supply  is  provided.  The  glass 
ranges  are  extensive,  and  in  them  Grapes  are  produced  of  excellent 
quality.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  extensively  and  admirably 
grown,  while  of  Figs  the  supply  is  bountiful.  As  showing  the 
influence  of  soil  on  Vines  Mr.  Henderson  had  by  special  effort  pro¬ 
cured  enough  of  a  substantial  kind  for  one  small  vinery  border,  and 
the  e£E'  ct  was  most  telling,  displayed  by  growth,  foliage  and  fruit, 
but  sufficient  for  all  the  long  ranges  is  out  of  the  question  and  not 
really  needed,  for  the  fruit  is  as  good  as  is  desired  for  table,  and  Mr. 
Henderson  would  not  increase  his  fame  as  a  gardener  by  growing 
for  and  winning  more  prizes  at  shows.  Plants  are  extensively  and 


well  grown  for  decorative  purposes  ;  the  terrace  flower  garden  was 
highly  attractive,  young  Conifers  flourishing,  indeed  almost  grow¬ 
ing  too  fast  for  each  other,  and  everywhere  cleanliness  and  good 
order  added  to  the  enjoyment  of  this  well  appointed  and  well 
managed  garden. 

After  a  short  rest  in  the  pleasant  home  of  the  gardener,  who 
has  worked  so  well  for  thirty  years  in  his  fine  charge,  and  kind 
attention  from  Mrs.  Henderson,  we  had  to  leave  Thoresby  all  too 
soon,  knowing  that  at  a  village  inn  another  carriage  was  waiting. 
We  had  there  to  part  company  with  the  generous  friend  who  had 
done  so  much  for  us  and  whose  name  will  be  held  in  grateful  remem¬ 
brance,  Mr.  Henry  V.  Machin  of  Gateford  Hill. 

Mr.  Henry  Merry  weather  now  takes  the  reins,  and  we  make  a 
dash  before  dark  for  Ruftord  Abbey,  the  seat  of  Lord  Savile,  whose 
gardens  are  so  admirably  managed  by  Mr.  R.  Doe.  Here  we  found 
the  finest  collection  of  hardy  fruit  seen  during  the  midland  explora¬ 
tions — hundreds  of  dwarf  open  bush  Apple  and  Pear  trees,  models  in 
their  way.  The  varieties  had  been  allowed  to  assume  their  natural 
character,  but  the  branches  wide  apart  standing  quite  clear  of  each 
other,  the  best  of  all  ways  for  having  them  studded  with  blossom 
buds  their  whole  length,  to  be  followed  by  ropes  of  fruit  from  base 
to  extremity.  Many  of  the  trees  had  grown  too  freely  and  had 
wisely  been  lifted,  a  great  work  with  so  many  from  8  to  10  feet  in 
diameter,  and  the  work  of  watering  during  the  roasting  summer  had 
been  the  reverse  of  light.  But  there  is  plenty  of  water  at  RufEord, 
for  a  beautiful  stream  runs  through  the  gardens  and  is  made  to 
form  an  ornamental  feature.  It  was  from  here  that  the  very 
symmetrical  Beauty  of  Stoke  Apple  came  that  was  certificated  at 
Westminster  two  or  three  years  ago.  The  tree  is  excellent  in  habit, 
a  good  bearer,  and  Mr.  Doe  has  kept  fruits  till  June. 

We  run  hastily  through  the  houses,  for  daylight  is  departing,  and 
notice  Vines  in  admirable  condition  bearing  valuable  crops,  Gros 
Colman  established  on  the  Muscat  gaining  in  flavour  by  the 
connection.  The  Vines  in  one  house  were  lifted,  the  border  cleared 
out,  a  new  one  made,  and  replanting  done  after  they  had  started 
growing  and  were  showing  bunches  in  the  spring.  This  was 
occasioned  by  a  horde  of  rats  taking  possession  of  the  border,  and 
they  could  not  be  extirpated  in  any  other  way.  Notwithstanding  the 
ordeal  through  which  those  Vines  had  passed  they  were  ripening  an 
excellent  crop  of  fruit,  good  proof  of  the  capacity  of  the  cultivator. 
Peaches  are  extensively,  and  it  must  be  added  splendidly,  grown  at 
Rufford,  and  it  would  be  hard  to  find  trees  in  a  better  state  for  bear¬ 
ing  full  crops  of  fine  fruit.  Mr.  Doe  is  also  famed  as  a  Tomato 
grower,  The  plants  are  grown  in  boxes  about  3  feet  long,  made 
with  11  inch  deals,  five  or  six  plants  in  each  box,  and  trained  up  the 
roof  of  a  span-roof  house.  They  bear  enormous  crops  and  seem 
proof  against  disease,  though  many  varieties  are  grown  for  testing 
with  the  standard  sorts — Hackwood  Park  and  Ham  Green.  It 
would  be  instructive  if  Mr.  Doe  could  find  time  to  record  his 
experience,  but  he  is  a  busy  man — always  at  work  whatever  the 
hour  may  be  when  work  needs  doing.  Near  the  mansion,  a  huge 
pile,  a  large  lofty  winter  garden  and  museum  has  been  erected.  It 
contains  splendid  Palms,  which  could  only  have  been  obtained  at 
great  cost,  but  no  man  is  to  be  envied  in  having  to  grow  them 
in  a  structure  so  unfavourable  to  their  well  being,  and  if  Mr.  Doe 
cannot  succeed  with  them  the  case  will  be  hopeless.  Near  the  winter 
garden  is  a  huge  Walnut  tree  which  “some  folk  say  ”  is  the  finest  in 
England.  Its  trunk  girths  28  feet,  so  now  if  any  reader  can  find  a 
finer  he  may  send  the  dimensions  to  the  Editor.  The  pleasure  grounds 
are  extensive,  but  the  lawns  were  “  burnt  up,”  and  flowers  in  the 
beds  struegling  agaiust  the  heat.  Yet,  great  as  this  was,  beds  of  a 
white  seedling  Pansy  in  the  kitchen  garden  were  a  sheet  of  flowers. 
The  pure  white  Princess  Alice  Stock  was  also  fresh  and  extremely 
beautiful,  far  eclipsing  all  others  and  worthy  of  being  tried  in  many 
gardens. 

That  is  all  that  can  be  said  about  RufEord  and  the  work  of  its 
undoubtedly  able  gardener  Mr.  Doe.  The  darkness  deepens,  the 
clouds  thicken,  and  the  hoped  for  rain  comes  down  ;  we  have  a  ten 
miles  treat  through  it,  are  distinctly  “  out  of  town  ”  and  go  on  our 
way  dripping  yet  rejoicing  to  verdant  Southwell. — A  City  Mak. 


PEARS  VERSUS  PEACHES. 

The  article  on  this  subject  (page  259)  was  interesting,  and  the 
reasoning  in  everyway  much  to  the  point.  The  question  which  “  C.” 
there  brings  forward  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  and  the  remarks  of 
your  correspondent  should  be  carefully  perused  by  all  who  want  to  make 
the  most  of  the  space  at  command.  At  one  time  there  were  many 
gardens  in  which  Peaches  used  to  be  well  grown  out  of  doors,  but  at 
present  such  are  exceptions  to  the  rule.  Seldom  does  the  crop 
prove  a  profitable  one,  and  taking  the  seasons  together  hardly  pays 
for  the  labour  expended. 

The  times  seem  to  have  changed  considerably,  and  a  wall  of  outdoor 
Peaches  would  in  the  long  run  fall  far  short  of  one  filled  with  cordon 


October  6,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


309 


Pears  of  such  varieties  as  Jargonelle,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  Souvenir 
du  Congr^s,  Pitmaston  Duchess,  Doyenn^  du  Comice,  Marie  Louise, 
Beurr6  Diel,  Thompson’s,  Prince  Consort,  Glou  Mor9eau,  Easter 
Beurr6,  and  other  good  sorts.  Against  the  few  gardens  where  Peaches 
do  well  outdoors,  how  many  have  walls  with  trees  trained  to  them  just 
merely  languishing  out  an  existence,  and  which  no  amount  of  skill  and 
intelligence  on  the  part  of  the  gardener  can  ever  make  them  bring  forth 
satisfactory  results  ?  Instead  of  devoting  a  whole  wall  with  Peaches  it 
would  be  better  to  build  either  a  case  or  a  lean-to  house  on  a  part  of  the 
wall,  and  fill  the  remainder  with  cordon  Pears.  I  mention  cordons 
because  they  are  admirably  adapted  for  walls,  and  much  variety  may 
be  grown  in  a  limited  space.  Many  more  and  finer  fruits  of  Peaches 
could  be  obtained  from  an  unheated  house,  although  probably  not 
taking  more  than  a  quarter  of  the  wall  space,  in  a  few  years  than  would 
be  gathered  from  an  outdoor  Peach  wall  in  a  lifetime. 

An  instance  might  be  cited.  A  south  wall  120  yards  long  at  one 
time  used  to  be  occupied  with  Peach  trees,  a  fair  crop  being  the  result 
about  every  three  or  four  years,  and  this  with  every  care  being  taken  in 
their  cultivation.  My  late  employer  not  being  satisfied  with  the  results 
the  wall  was  made  3  feet  higher,  and  a  three-quarcer  span-roofed  house 
130  feet  long  erected.  The  best  of  the  old  trees  from  the  wall  were 
selected,  and  planted  alternately  with  young  ones.  From  the  old  trees 
we  had  a  fine  crop  the  first  season,  and  when  the  young  ones  wanted 
more  room  the  former  were  moved.  My  employer  remarked  that  in  the 
first  four  years  he  had  had  more  Peaches  and  Nectarines  than  from  trees 
grown  out  of  doors  in  twenty  years.  The  remainder  of  the  wall  is  now 
planted  with  espalier  trained  Pear  trees — it  being  too  low  for  cordons — 
and  these  add  very  materially  to  our  supply  of  fruit.  I  have  no  desire 
to  say  that  good  Peaches  cannot  be  grown  outdoors,  but  in  this  district 
(Liverpool)  they  may  be  nearly  counted  on  the  fingers  of  one’s  hand. 
Good  Pears  would  appear  to  find  a  ready  sale,  for  the  finer  samples  of 
Williams’  and  Pitmaston  Duchess  have  been  selling  in  the  leading 
Liverpool  fruiterers’  shops  at  3d.  and  6d.  each. — K.  P.  R. 


The  subject  discussed  by  “  C.”  (page  259)  as  to  whether  south  walls 
may  be  the  more  profitably  utilised  for  the  production  of  Pears  or  of 
Peaches  admits  of  some  divergence  of  opinion.  A  few  days  previous  to 
the  appearance  of  the  article  alluded  to  I  happened  to  call  on  a  gardener 
who  has  under  his  management  south  walls  planted  respectively  with 
Pears  and  with  Peaches.  The  former  were  so  much  in  evidence  that  I 
remarked  in  passing  they  would  surely  net  a  larger  sum  than  the  latter. 
But,  no  1  good  Peaches  at  this  season  bring  fair  prices,  and  fine  as  many 
Pears  are,  there  are  still  Peach  trees  in  existence  which  produce  year  by 
year  good  crops  of  fruit. 

With  the  general  tone  of  the  article  in  question  one  is  only  too 
pleased  to  agree.  I  am  hampered  with  old  trees  which  have  changed 
proprietors  so  often  that  they  are  veritable  heirlooms.  They  are  too  old 
to  be  depended  on,  are  only  intermittently  fruitful,  and  never  produce 
fruit  of  the  best  quality.  For  my  own  part,  I  should  be  only  too  pleased 
to  burn,  not  all,  but  nearly  every  old  tree  in  the  garden,  root  and  branch, 
to  be  in  three  to  five  years  in  a  position  to  produce  with  certainty  more 
and  better  fruit  than  it  is  possible  to  get  from  our  present  stock.  That 
is,  I  believe  the  one  reason  why  Peach  growing  in  the  open  has  declined 
so  much — viz.,  old  trees  which  proprietors  will  not  allow  to  be  destroyed 
and  replaced  by  young  ones.  I  know  trees  that  are  now  doing  duty 
which  thirty  years  ago  were  aged.  Is  it  reasonable  to  expect  the  best 
or  even  average  results  from  these  1  I  think  not. 

It  is,  however,  a  point  worth  considering,  whether  too  much  space  is 
set  apart  to  Peaches  to  the  exclusion  altogether  of  Pears  from  south  walls. 
In  an  ordinary  family  the  requirements  of  fruit  at  one  time  are,  as  a 
rule,  not  difficult  to  meet.  In  my  own  case  I  have  kept  an  uninter¬ 
rupted  supply  of  Pears  for  over  two  months  almost  entirely  from  a  few 
small  trees,  and  some  of  these  single  cordons.  The  larger  of  the  trees 
have  yielded  so  much  fruit  that  some  had  to  be  sold.  In  the  same 
way  for  some  time  back  I  have  been  getting  occasional  dishes  of 
Nectarines  and  Peaches  from  a  few  trees  growing  on  the  low  front 
wall  of  a  plant  house.  So  convinced  am  I  of  the  utility  of  a  number  of 
small  trees  that  for  a  few  years  back  I  have  been  planting  cordons  and 
other  trees  on  vacant  places  on  walls.  Even  with  Peaches  I  do  not 
consider  it  necessary  to  go  to  the  trouble  and  waste  of  time 
necessary  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  huge  fan-shape  tree.  If  the 
situation,  climate  it  may  be  called  if  that  seems  a  better  term,  does 
not  suit,  it  is  easy  to  keep  a  supply  of  young  trees  to  take  the  places  of 
those  stricken  down.  If  they  never  get  very  large  one  has  less  com¬ 
punction  at  being  under  the  necessity  of  removing  them. 

With  Pears  it  is  somewhat  different,  for  on  a  south  wall  a  tree  can 
be  grown  to  a  large  size  and  continue  fruitful  for  many  years.  But 
here  again  the  question  crops  up  whether  it  is  desirable  that  a  large 
tree  of  one  sort  ought  to  be  grown,  or,  in  its  place,  several  small  ones  ? 
Many  varieties  of  Pears  should  be  cultivated  provided  the  sorts  grown 
are  of  good  quality.  It  is,  however,  not  uncommon  to  find  choice 
varieties  limited.  A  few  large  trees  cover  the  wall  space  and  there  the 
matter  ends.  I  am  referring  to  the  northern  parts  of  the  island.  But 
we  have  now  so  many  Pears  really  worthy  of  cultivation  that  instead 
of  extending  the  size  of  large  trees  we  ought  rather  to  increase  as  much 
as  possible  the  number  of  varieties  and  limit  the  size  of  the  trees.  At 
present  one  has  a  choice  of  such  good  sorts  as  Williams’  Bon  ChrStien, 
Souvenir  du  Congres,  Beurrh  d’Amanlis,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  Dr. 
Hogg,  Fondante  d’Automne,  Flemish  Beauty,  and  Belle  Julie.  Each 
of  these  is  in  flavour  distinct  from  the  other,  and  one  might  go  on 
enumerating  a  long  list  of  sorts  to  which  the  same  remark  would  apply. 


Therefore  it  can  be  no  loss  to  limit  the  space  devoted  to  Peaches,  to 
growing  fewer  of  these,  or  rather,  I  should  say,  to  producing  smaller 
trees  ;  and  where  it  is  not  already  done  substituting  for  them  medium¬ 
sized  Pear  trees  in  as  many  good  varieties  as  it  is  possible  to  find  room 
for. — B. 


Having  returned  after  a  quarter  of  a  century  to  the  same  neighbour¬ 
hood  in  Somersetshire  that  I  formerly  occupied,  I  looked  forward  to 
repeating  my  pleasant  successes  of  the  past  in  growing  Peaches.  Accord¬ 
ingly  last  autumn  I  filled  some  empty  places  in  the  wall  with 
Noblesse  and  Sea  Eagle,  my  landlord,  “distance  lending  enchantment 
to  the  view,’’  dilating  on  the  size  of  the  Peaches  that  used  to  flourish  on 
that  wall  when  he  was  a  lad,  where  now  other  tenants  had  filled 
vacant  places  with  Pear  trees  and  Plums.  Having  then  planted  the 
Peach  trees  and  taken  them  under  my  own  special  protection,  and  into 
the  bargain  being  considerably  proud  of  their  appearance,  picture  my 
feelings  on  reading  a  fortnight  ago  that  my  work  was  all  “  Love’s  labour 
lost,’’  and  that  I  had  much  better  have  put  in  some  Pears  1  Such  a 
dictum  did  not  at  all  agree  with  my  own  feelings.  Certainly  the  memories 
of  the  past  painted  the  Peach  trees  as  more  prolific,  fruit  for  fruit,  than 
the  Pears.  Then  I  had  Noblesse,  Grosse  Mignonne,  and  Barrington, 
and  the  two  former  were  certainly  more  fruitful  than  the  Pears 
Forelle,  Beurr^  Ranee,  Napoleon,  although  Williams’  Bon  ChrStien, 
Jargonelle,  and  Beurrh  Diel  generally  equalled  in  number  the  stone 
fruit,  the  latter  a  very  handsome  Pear  to  look  at;  but  “handsome  is 
that  handsome  does  ”  applies  to  it  in  my  opinion,  for  I  consider  it  in  the 
raw  state  a  worthless  fruit,  and  one  that  I  should  never  burden  my  walls 
with  unless  I  possessed  some  hundred  yards  of  the  same.  I  cannot 
understand  its  being  styled  “  melting.”  Of  the  many  fruits  that  I  have 
tasted  I  have  never  met  with  one  that  deserved  the  title  of  Beurr^.  All 
were  disappointing. 

I  have  every  regard  for  a  really  good  Pear,  it  is  a  splendid  fruit ;  but 
in  my  estimation  it  never  could  equal  a  good  Peach,  although  1  grant  I 
have  heard  not  a  few  persons  maintain  the  contrary.  Well,  as  our 
neighbours  say,  “  Cliagun  a  son  gout ;  ’’  but  even  this  does  not  entitle  us 
to  advise  setting  Pear  trees  in  the  place  of  the  Peach,  or  to  writing 
almost  as  if  the  latter  was  of  little  value.  I  have  little  doubt,  then, 
that  friends  of  the  Peach  will,  like  myself,  feel  relieved  at  the  timely 
words  of  such  an  authority  as  Mr.  E.  Molyneux  (page  287),  and  so  I 
gaze  at  my  young  trees  and  urge  them  to  go  on  and  prosper. 

My  small  experience  as  to  “  blister  ”  agrees  with  that  of  Mr. 
Molyneux  ;  it  does  not  prevent  a  fair  crop  of  fruit,  but  doubtless  this 
would  be  altogether  better  without  the  infliction.  I  used  to  set  to  work 
and  pick  off  these  bloated  specimens  of  foliage  and  get  rid  of  them.  I 
know  that  it  is  often  attributed  to  east  winds,  but  I  have  always  felt 
that  this  was  somewhat  mythical.  Is  east  wind  really  the  cause?  I 
wonder  what  Mr.  G.  Abbey  may  say  to  this.  I  have  always  fancied  that 
there  is  something  of  the  mildew  character  about  it,  and  that  there  are 
spores.  If  this  be  so  there  would  be  more  reason  for  destroying  it  as 
soon  as  detected.  Under  a  fairly  strong  pocket  magnifier  ic  looks  like 
some  sort  of  efflorescense  over  the  swollen  and  distorted  leaf. — Y.  B.  A.  Z, 


I  AM  quite  sure  Mr.  Molyneux  (page  287)  will  find  many  readers 
who  will  agree  with  him  in  his  opinion  as  to  the  relative  value  of  Pears 
and  Peaches.  Those  who  have  gained  experience  in  the  marketing  of 
such  fruits  are  best  able  to  judge  which  may  pay  the  better  price,  and 
as  Pears  may  be  grown  quite  as  well  on  other  aspects  it  seems  a  pity  to 
utilise  south  walls  for  these  at  the  expense  of  Peaches  or  Nectarines. 
Either  for  market  or  private  use  Peaches  are  a  summer  and  autumn 
crop,  and  for  a  just  comparison  Pears  that  ripen  at  the  same  time  should 
be  reckoned  with  as  occupying  the  position  in  question — namely,  south 
walls.  Early  summer  Pears  certainly  cannot  claim  a  very  great  value 
because  of  the  short  period  under  which  they  may  be  kept  sound  ;  and  in 
the  autumn  there  are  plenty  to  be  had  from  garden  and  orchard  bush 
and  standard  trees  which  will  reduce  the  value  of  wall-grown  fruit  how¬ 
ever  good  it  may  be.  In  the  autumn,  too,  there  are,  as  Mr.  Molyneux 
points  oat,  the  French  and  Jersey  Pears  to  be  reckoned  with,  and  it 
must  be  indeed  good  English  fruits  that  can  compare  with  these  both 
for  colour  and  size. 

The  unpopular  opinion  that  has  obtained  in  so  many  gardens  as 
regards  outdoor  Peaches  is  due  more  largely  to  want  of  proper  attention 
in  the  matter  of  spring  protection,  pruning,  and  thin  training  of  the 
branches  than  any  other  cause,  although  it  must  be  admitted  that  every 
garden  is  not  absolutely  suited  to  their  requirements.  Late  sorts  are 
not  always  remunerative,  and  should  be  replaced  by  those  which  ripen 
their  crop  in  time  to  do  some  pruning  before  the  sunny  days  are  entirely 
gone.  If  early  and  midseason  sorts  of  good  repute  were  chosen  more 
freely  for  growing  outdoors  I  am  inclined  to  think  there  would  be  less 
cause  for  complaining  about  Peaches.  Very  late  sorts,  such  as  Salwey, 
Golden  Eagle,  and  Lord  Palmerston,  may  help  to  form  variety  ;  but  my 
experience  of  them  is  that  they  are  treated  more  as  an  ornament  to  the 
table  than  as  a  dessert  fruit  by  those  who  know  them.  It  is  useless  for 
me  to  send  them  to  table  in  a  raw  condition  here  ;  they  must  be  cooked 
before  they  are  considered  acceptable  at  the  table.  I  am  referring,  of 
course,  to  these  Peaches  in  their  proper  season — October. 

Although  I  have  seen  several  excellent  walls  of  Peaches  outdoors,  I 
think  the  best  was  under  Mr.  Robinson’s  charge  at  Heywood.  There 
were  plenty  of  fruits  there  of  Walburton  Admirable,  Princess  of  Wales, 
and  Dymond,  weighing  10  ozs.  each,  the  colour  and  quality  being  superb. 
I  am  quite  sure  there  would  be  no  comparison  in  the  value  of  a  Pear 
crop  occupying  the  same  amount  of  space  as  these  Peach  trees,  even  if 


810 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  5,  1893. 


they  were  valued  at  a  lower  rate  than  that  quoted  by  Mr.  Molyneux  ; 
and  I  am  convinced  that  more  than  one  adverse  season  must  occur 
before  Pears  will  be  accepted  and  adopted  as  a  more  appreciative  and 
paying  crop.  At  Marston  a  failure  in  outdoor  Peaches  is  almost  an 
unknown  thing,  and  this  year  Mr.  Iggulden  gathered  several  dishes  of 
fruit  in  June,  and  a  heavy  crop  was  borne  by  every  tree  under  his 
charge.  Strong  as  he  has  frequently  proved  himself  in  Pears,  he  would 
not  be  guilty  of  filling  his  warm  south  walls  with  these.  I  have  found 
that  an  east  aspect  is  better  suited  than  a  wall  facing  west  for  growing 
Peaches  outdoors.  They  do  not  obtain  the  same  amount  of  sunshine 
in  the  latter  position,  and  consequently  their  wood  does  not  ripen  so 
perfectly,  particularly  where  the  walls  are  lofty.  Nor  do  the  leaves 
blister  so  badly  as  a  rule  in  the  spring,  sometimes  not  so  much  so  as 
they  do  on  a  southern  exposure. — W.  S.,  Rood  Ashton, 


WEMBLEY  PARK. 

Wembley  Pakk,  the  most  important  of  the  latest  additions  to  the 
lungs  of  London,  is  situated  on  the  north-western  side  of  the  metropolis 
midway  between  Neasden  and  Harrow-on-the-Hill.  A  new  station  has 
recently  been  opened  there,  it  is  thus  within  easy  access  of  the  city,  and 
can  be  reached  in  twenty  minutes  from  Baker  Street  on  the  Metropolitan 
Railway,  travelling  by  the  Aylesbury  line.  Although  comparatively 
close  to  London  the  whole  district  at  present  has  a  rural  aspect,  which 
adds  a  charm  to  the  surroundings  of  a  picturesque  park.  At  one  time 
Wembley  Park  formed  the  grounds  to  a  private  residence,  but  the  whole 
of  it  was  purchased  a  few  years  ago  by  the  Metropolitan  Tower  Con¬ 
struction  Company  to  provide  a  pleasure  resort,  including  a  feature  of  a 
unique  eharacter.  The  latter  will  be  known  as  the  Wembley  Park 
Tower,  which  will  doubtless  prove  a  powerful  attraction.  It  is  not 
within  the  province  of  a  gardening  paper  to  go  into  details  regarding 
this  wonderful  example  of  engineering,  but  when  a  Journal  representa¬ 
tive  gazed  upon  it  a  few  days  ago  he  came  to  the  conclusion  that  when 
completed  it  would  be  a  stupendous  erection.  It  will  exceed  in  altitude 
by  175  feet  the  famous  Eiffel  Tower  in  Paris,  the  latter  being  955  feet 
in  height,  whilst  the  tower  at  Wembley  Park  will  be  1150  feet  high.  It 
stands  on  a  hill,  so  that  when  completed  the  summit  of  the  erection  will 
be  1300  feet  above  the  sea  level.  Already  the  four  huge  buttresses 
covering  over  2  acres  of  ground  have  reached  a  height  of  100  feet,  and 
it  is  anticipated  that  the  tower  will  be  completed  in  eighteen  months. 
It  will  weigh  about  7500  tons,  and  on  the  three  platforms  there  will  be 
a  concert  hall  and  numerous  other  attractions. 

The  grounds,  however,  concern  us  most  here,  and,  attractive  as  the 
Tower  is,  a  brief  description  of  the  manner  in  which  these  have  been 
laid  out  by  Mr.  H.  B.  Milner  will  perhaps  be  more  interesting  to 
readers  of  this  paper.  The  Park  is  about  130  acres  in  extent,  has  an 
undulating  surface,  and  is  remarkably  well  wooded.  There  are  some 
fine  Oak  trees  standing  in  clumps  and  singly  in  various  parts,  and  these 
have  been  preserved  and  shown  to  great  advantage  by  Mr.  Milner.  On 
entering  from  the  railway  station  the  visitor’s  attention  is  first  attracted 
to  a  picturesque  lake  which  covers  8  acres  and  has  an  uniform  depth  of 
3  feet.  This  is  fed  by  the  river  Brent,  and  the  scene  has  been  enhanced 
by  the  erection  of  pretty  bridges  and  the  formation  of  islands.  One  of 
the  latter  is  planted  with  Bamboos,  which  will  form  a  striking  feature 
when  established,  as  also  will  the  splendid  clumps  of  Golden  Elders  and 
other  shrubs  on  the  banks.  On  the  north  side  of  the  Park  there  is  a 
wood  which  will  be  a  charming  retreat,  and  a  main  road  is  carried 
round  the  grounds  until  it  reaches  the  Tower.  The  walks  and  roadways 
are  laid  out  in  a  manner  that  gives  evidence  of  a  masterly  hand,  the 
grand  sweeps  and  curves  being  most  conspicuous.  Fine  groups  of 
shrubs  of  different  kinds  have  been  planted  in  suitable  places,  and  these 
have  already  made  good  growth.  In  front  of  the  principal  refreshment 
pavilion  a  splendid  terrace  has  been  formed.  This  has  a  bold  walk 
through  the  centre,  leading  from  the  building  mentioned  to  a  band 
stand  and  then  sweeping  on  each  side  to  other  walks.  Flower  beds  are 
being  laid  out  on  the  terrace,  and  these  will  in  due  course  be  devoted  to 
the  latest  phase  of  bedding.  The  principal  pathways  are  bordered  with 
shrubberies  in  places,  and  amongst  other  plants  some  clumps  of 
Hydrangea  paniculata  are  noticeable.  It  is  obvious  that  the  most  has 
b^n  made  of  everything.  There  is  nothing  petty  discernible,  but 
everything  is  of  a  bold  and  sweeping  nature  which  always  characterises 
the  work  of  a  good  landscape  gardener. 

Apart  from  the  features  mentioned  there  are  others  of  a  more 
important  nature  perhaps  in  the  athletic  world.  Cricketers  and  football 
players  will  be  glad  to  learn  that  Mr.  Milner  has  formed  a  splendid 
ground,  which  is  already  in  request,  as  the  Old  Westminsters,  one  of  the 
leading  amateur  clubs  of  the  south,  have  arranged  to  make  Wembley 
Park  their  headquarters  this  season,  the  first  match  probably  taking 
place  on  October  14th,  A  magnificent  running  track,  having  only  two 
laps  to  the  mile,  encircles  the  cricket  ground,  which  is  also  bordered  with 
groups  of  shrubs  tastefully  planted.  Many  other  similar  things  are 
provided,  and  al  fresco  entertainments  of  various  kinds  will  be  given 
when  the  Park  is  opened  to  the  public,  as  it  will  be  shortly. 


TUBEROUS  BEGONIAS  AS  BEDDING  PLANTS. 

I  READ  with  some  surprise  the  sort  of  half  prophecy  that  “  W.  P.  W.” 
(page  264)  is  inclined  to  make  anent  the  future  of  Tuberous  Begonias 
as  bedders.  With  me  they  have  this  year  done  even  better  than  in  other 
easons.  Perhaps  it  may  be  the  situation  that  is  in  favour  of  a  free 


growth  and  abundant  blossom.  Our  best  display  of  these  plants  is  in  a 
bed  occupying  about  a  hundred  tubers,  some  of  them  six  years  old  at 
least.  Dotted  here  and  there  amongst  the  Begonias  are  Eucalyptus 
globulus,  Eicinus  cambodgensis,  and  Abutilon  Thompson!,  with  the 
object  of  giving  relief  to  the  otherwise  formal  surface.  No  doubt  the 
latter  plants  have  provided  an  agreeable  shade  to  the  Begonias,  as  the 
Eucalyptus  and  Castor  Oil  plants  are  now  6  feet  in  height.  The 
Begonias  have  grown  fully  2  feet  high,  have  flowered  profusely,  and  are 
doing  so  at  the  present  time  (September  25th). 

In  spite  of  the  popularity  of  Tuberous  Begonias  as  summer  bedders, 
and  the  ease  with  which  they  can  be  grown,  I  fear  many  persons  do 
not  manage  them  as  well  as  they  might.  Too  often  growers  neglect  to 
provide  some  slight  shade  for  a  week  or  two  after  they  are  planted,  if 
the  weather  be  h^ot  and  dry.  Some  plants  receive  a  check  at  that  time 
from  which  they  do  not  recover  during  the  summer.  As  planting  pro¬ 
ceeds  I  provide  a  slight  shade  by  thrusting  in  a  few  green  Sycamore  or 
Chestnut  boughs  amongst  the  plants.  The  soil  is  then  kept  cool,  and 
plants  under  such  conditions  quickly  become  established.  The  covering 
of  the  soil  between  the  Begonias  with  some  low  growing  plants  such  as 
Sedum  Lydium,  S.  glaucum,  or  Herniaria  glabra  is  too  often  neglected, 
and  in  a  hot  season  as  that  just  experienced  the  advantage  of  so 
doing  has  been  demonstrated.  Not  only  do  they  provide  an  agreeable 
contrast  between  the  various  colours  of  the  Begonias  and  themselves, 
but  they  arrest  the  evaporation  of  moisture  from  the  soil  by  the  sun  and 
keep  the  roots  comparatively  cool.  I  have  at  the  present  time  a  very 
fine  display  of  these  Begonias  from  plants  that  were  raised  from  seed 
sown  early  in  February  of  this  year. — E.  Molyneux. 

Begonias  at  Forest  Hill. 

To  see  Begonias  in  beds  everyone  should  at  once  pay  a  visit  to  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Stanstead  Nursery,  Forest  Hill.  Catford  Bridge,  on  the 
South-Eastern,  and  London,  Chatham,  and  Dover  Railways  is  the  nearest 
station.  Those  who  go  will  be  astonished  at  the  magnitude  of  the  under¬ 
taking,  a  plot  of  ground  over  two  acres  in  extent  being  entirely 
filled  with  double  and  single  varieties.  The  number  of  plants  required 
for  this  purpose  reaches  almost  to  the  stupendous  total  of  350,000,  and 
it  cannot  easily  be  imagined  what  a  spectacle  is  presented  to  the  eyes  of 
visitors.  The  plants  have  this  season,  as  everyone  well  knows,  been 
terribly  handicapped  by  the  dry  weather  of  the  past  summer,  so  that 
now  the  number  of  flowers  expanded  amount  to  about  that  which  one 
might  naturally  expect  to  see  during  July.  The  plants,  too,  have  not 
made  the  growths  which  usually  characterise  well  managed  Begonias, 
nevertheless  they  are  strong,  dwarf,  and  carrying  large  numbers  of 
excellently  coloured,  perfectly  formed  blooms.  Bright  and  beautiful,  a 
picture  of  health,  and  an  example  of  untiring  intelligence  and  energy,  is 
this  wonderful  sight.  When  we  have  a  bed  of  Begonias  consisting  of 
say  200  plants,  we  think  we  have  a  brave  show  indeed,  and  if  the 
plants  are  healthy  and  well  flowered  we  are  proportionately  proud  of 
them,  but  when  we  see  them  by  the  acre  we  are  able  to  appreciate  them 
in  a  larger  degree. 

The  plants  have  been  placed  in  beds,  each  containing  one  distinct 
colour,  and  considering  that  the  plants  are  seedlings  it  is  surprising  how 
tew  rogues  there  are  to  be  found.  Here  and  there  amongst  the  scarlets 
one  sees  a  pink  or  a  white,  but  so  far  from  detracting  from  the  beauty  of 
the  display  they  but  accentuate  the  good  points  by  their  minority.  First 
comes  five  beds  of  dark  crimson  sturdy  little  plants,  having  numberless 
faultlessly  shaped  blooms  on  them.  Next  came  five  beds  of  a  very 
bright  scarlet-coloured  variety,  and  which  formed,  in  my  opinion,  one  of 
the  brightest  spots  in  the  whole  collection.  Some  beds  of  a  soft  pink- 
bloomed  kind  attracted  me  next,  then  crimson  again,  after  which  came 
a  rose-coloured  variety  of  a  high  order  of  merit.  The  yellows  were 
showy,  and  the  whites  looked  charming  in  their  chaste  purity.  Those 
already  mentioned  belong  wholly  to  the  single  section,  and  occupied 
about  half  of  the  space  allotted  to  the  Begonias,  the  other  half  being 
devoted  to  the  double  varieties,  which  had  been  planted  in  the  same 
manner,  but  did  not  present  such  a  show  of  bloom  as  did  the 
others,  as  many  of  the  best  had  been  lifted  in  order  to  preserve  them 
from  the  frosts,  which  may  now  be  expected  at  any  time.  Notwith¬ 
standing  the  fact  that  many  had  gone,  some  grand  plants  are  yet  to  be 
seen,  and  foremost  amongst  which  were  some  whites  of  exceptional 
quality.  They  carried  their  blooms  in  an  upright  fashion,  allowing  the 
pureness  of  the  white  and  the  perfect  contour  of  the  flowers  to  be  seen 
at  a  glance.  No  fault  could  be  found  when  they  were  closely  examined  ; 
on  the  contrary,  the  more  one  looked  the  better  the  flowers  appeared  to 
become.  Then,  too,  were  noticed  some  scarlets,  crimsons,  and  grand 
yellows,  forming  a  perfect  galaxy  of  beauty. 

Conspicuous  amongst  those  that  had  been  placed  in  pots  were  some 
plants  having  blooms  of  pleasing  colours.  As  is  well  known  the  Tea 
Roses  of  the  L’Ideal  type  afford  some  of  the  most  beautiful  combi¬ 
nations  of  shades  one  can  wish  for,  and  which  are  practically  inde¬ 
scribable.  Such  is  now  the  case  with  the  Begonias.  Yellows  can  be 
clearly  seen,  as  also  can  rose,  pink,  scarlet,  and  crimson,  and  occa¬ 
sionally  other  shades,  so  that  I  may  he  forgiven  for  not  putting 
the  colour  down  concisely  in  one  word.  However,  the  flowers  in 
those  shades  alone  are  worth  a  run  down  to  Forest  Hill,  for  they 
are  really  exquisite  in  their  delicate  colouration.  Those  who  are 
wishing  to  see  these  beds  this  season  will  do  well  to  make  their 
pilgrimage  at  once ;  they  will  be  cordially  received  I  do  not  doubt, 
and  will  be  amply  rewarded  by  the  veritable  feast  of  Begonias  which 
will  greet  them  as  brightly,  if  not  as  heartily,  as  will  either  of  the 
Messrs.  Lainga, 


October  5,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


811 


A  brief  reference  to  the  Begonias  in  the  housea  must  be  made.  I  can 
but  repeat  what  has  been  said  so  many  times  before,  and  that  is  that  they 
are  “  perfection.”  What  more  can  be  said  1  What  more  can  indeed  be 
necessary?  and  I  must  let  it  suiBce  ;  let  those  who  are  sceptical  take  the 
advice  given  above,  and  go  to  see  and  judge  for  themselves. — H.  J. 


INWOOD  HOUSE  GARDENS,  BLANDFORD. 

Through  Mr.  Wilkins’  untiring  energy,  Inwood  House  Gardens, 
Blandford,  have  obtained  very  high  reputation.  It  is  not  a  place  of 
one  thing,  a  garden  of  one  variety.  Everything  is  well  done  here,  and 
whilst  vegetables  have  created  the  greatest  interest,  plants  and  fruit  are 
finely  grown  also.  I  do  not  know  whether  it  is  just  to  class  Mr.  Wilkins 
as  the  champion  vegetable  grower  of  the  kingdom.  Some  may  take 
exception  to  that  high  estimate.  But  all  the  same,  as  an  average 
grower  and  exhibitor  of  vegetables,  I  do  not  know  of  his  superior,  and 
certainly  very  few  are  his  equals.  However,  his  record  of  successes  tells 
its  own  tale.  It  is  proof  that  is  incontroveriible.  Even  the  best  of 
growers,  the  most  successful  of  exhibitors,  has  to  take  a  back  seat  some¬ 
times  ;  but  that  is  not  due  to  want  of  ability,  but  rather  to  the  accident 
that  just  then  products  are  not  at  their  best.  When,  however,  a  grower 
exhibits,  and  takes  the  highest  aggregate  of  prizes  for  vegetables  all  over 
the  kingdom  from  June  to  November,  it  is  evident  that  such  a  grower  is 
entitled  to  the  designation  of  champion.  But  Mr.  Wilkins  is  not  at  all 
a  proud  man.  He  is  very  human  so  far,  that  nothing  makes  him 
egotistic  or  elate.  He  bears  honours  and  reverses  with  simple  ease,  and 
still  remains  what  we  rejoice  to  find  is  so  largely  the  characteristic  of 
the  British  gardener,  even  when  on  the  competitive  war  path — a  plain, 
homely,  intelligent,  and  most  amiable  man. 

Inwood  House  gardens  are  not  old,  indeed  have  all  been  made  during 
the  past  ten  years,  and  entirely  under  the  present  gardener,  who  came 
expressly  from  Motcombe  to  undertake  charge.  The  situation  is  an 
elevated  mound  or  hill,  on  a  base  of  limestone  or  sandrock,  with  a  very 
shallow  surface  soil.  Of  course  it  would  have  been  useless  to  expect  to 
construct  a  good  garden  out  of  such  material,  and  therefore  the  upper 
crust  or  layer  of  this  rock  had  to  be  excavated  ;  a  heavy  work  that  was 
well  done,  and  the  bottom  made  up  with  soil  brought  in  from  anywhere, 
hence  the  present  depth,  the  luxuriant  growth  seen  in  all  directions,  and 
the  magnificent  produce  which  has  made  Inwood  so  famous.  The 
gardener’s  house  is  reached  by  a  ride  of  some  two  miles  from  Temple- 
combe  Junction,  but  that  hospitable  place  is  still  fully  one-third  of 
a  mile  from  the  gardens,  a  distance  that  has  some  disadvantages 
and  some  advantages.  Trees  are  not  on  such  a  shallow  soil  of  the 
most  robust  order,  and  that  is  largely  the  chief  weakness  of  the  place. 
Get  in  the  kitchen  garden,  however,  and  then  everything  is  almost 
luxuriant. 

The  plant  houses  are  numerous,  and  include  in  their  contents  a  very 
large  number  of  grand  show  specimens,  foliage  and  flowering.  The 
collection  is  remarkably  extensive,  and  the  bulk  of  these  is  found  in  a 
long  span-house  of  horseshoe  shape,  some  200  feet  round,  literally 
crammed  with  plants,  above  and  below,  for  beautiful  climbers  here  grow 
as  if  in  their  native  habitats.  Of  specimens  there  is  a  gigantic  Latania 
borbonica,  with  huge  leafage  spreading  to  an  area  of  30  feet.  This 
stands  on  a  pedestal  in  the  centre  of  a  large  basin  of  water.  There  are 
many  other  Palms,  Ferns  in  great  variety,  and  fine  plants — Allamandas, 
Clerodendrons,  Bougainvilleas,  Stephanotis,  Lapagerias,  Ixoras,  Crotons, 
Chorozemas,  Statices,  Eucharis,  Alocasias,  Cycads,  and  Kalosanthes, 
showing  that  it  would  be  easy  to  make  up  a  collection  of  100  fine 
samples,  or  of  200  if  needed.  Distributed  through  various  houses  is  a 
most  interesting  collection  of  tropical  fruiting  or  economic  plants,  such 
as  Musas,  carrying  grand  bunches  of  fruit  ;  Mangosteen,  Monstera 
deliciosa,  the  Custard  Apple,  Anona  reticulata,  the  Papaw  tree,  showing 
six  fine  fruits  like  large  Pears  ;  the  Guava  tiee,  which  has  freely  fruited  ; 
Vanilla,  the  Nutmeg,  Rose  Apple  or  Eugenia  Jambos,  Stapelia  Litchni, 
the  Coffee  tree,  which  has  fruited  ;  the  Camphor  tree,  Camphora 
oflficinalis,  and  others.  These  show,  apart  from  myriads  of  plants  of  all 
descriptions,  that  Inwood  Gardens  is  something  more  than  a  manufac¬ 
tory  for  prize  vegetables. 

I  will  not  refer  to  the  fruit  houses  because  there  is  not  time  and 
space  to  do  so.  It  is  enough  to  say  that  vineries  and  Peach  houses  are  ail 
excellent.  Outdoors  Pears  on  bush  and  pyramid  trees  chiefly  on  the 
Pear  stock  are  truly  grand.  What  a  pity  some  of  these  specimens  could 
not  have  been  photographed,  they  would  have  made  almost  sensational 
pictures,  especially  could  the  size  of  the  fruit  on  them  have  been  fully 
pourtrayed.  These  trees  are  situated  on  each  side  of  the  kitchen  garden 
walks,  and  have  been  planted  from  seven  to  eight  years.  Hitherto,  the 
soil  having  been  too  good,  and  the  growth  so  robust,  it  has  been  difficult 
to  induce  them  to  fruit  freely,  but  this  year  they  have  been  at  their  best. 
It  was  mentioned  that  whilst  Pears  on  the  walls  suffered  very  much 
from  the  spring  frosts,  the  open  trees,  being  later  in  bloom,  escaped,  and 
set  fruit  freely.  I  noted  but  a  few  out  of  the  many,  though  some 
had  had  their  crops  already  gathered  —  Calebasse,  Duchesse 
d’AngoulSme,  Louise  Bonne,  Thompson’s,  Zephirin  Gr^goire,  Mar^chal 
de  Cour,  Vicar  of  Winkfield,  Soldat  Esperen,  Beurr6  Clairgeau, 
Pitmaston  Duchess,  Durondeau,  Bereamotte  Eiperen,  and  Seckle,  these 
sufficing  to  show  that  the  collection  is  a  large  one.  Mr.  Wilkins  is  an 
enthusiastic  mulcher,  indeed  he  says  that  this  dry  season  he  owes  so 
much  of  the  size  of  his  Pears,  as  of  all  other  crops,  to  heavy  mulchings  of 
stable  manure.  However,  as  some  fifty  horses  are  kept,  and  the  stables 


are  close  by,  manure  in  plenty  may  be  had  for  the  fetching.  A  some¬ 
what  unique  arrangement  is  that  of  the  walled-in  bush  fruit  garden, 
over  the  whole  of  which  in  the  fruit  season  strong  netting  may  be 
stretched,  to  the  confusion  of  the  birds,  great  and  small,  whilst  from  below 
everything  is  readily  accessible.  Here,  too,  as  elsewhere.  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums  are  in  very  strong  evidence,  some  600,  all  in  splendid  condition, 
being  grown,  so  that  there  will  be  plenty  of  show  flowers  if  needed,  and 
plenty  to  furnish  houses  and  indoor  decoration. 

Vegetables  here  are  so  fine  that  it  is  difficult  indeed  to  do  them  full 
justice.  Onions  alone  merit  a  page,  so  grand  are  the  samples  and  so 
plentiful  are  they.  Mr.  Wilkins  has  finished  his  bulbs  perfectly,  and 
giant  Ailsa  Craig,  a  dozen  of  which  average  36  lbs.,  the  heaviest  weight 
ever  reached,  are  as  mature  and  as  handsome  as  bulbs  only  3  ozs.  instead 
of  3  lbs.  Although  not  so  fine,  yet  most  wonderful  are  the  selected 
samples  of  Rousham  Park  Hero,  Lord  Keeper,  Anglo-Spanish,  and 
Inwood  Favourite,  a  redder  variety,  product  of  a  cross  between  Red 
Globe  and  Anglo-Spanish,  of  the  flatter  bulbs  ;  and  of  Cocoanut,  very 
deep  globe  shaped;  Wroxton,  a  grand  keeper;  Excelsior,  hard  and 
handsome  ;  Advancer,  yellowish  globe  ;  Sutton’s  Al,  very  fine  ;  Jarman’s 
International,  Pinesfield,  and  Somerset  Hero,  all  globe  shaped,  in  almost 
bewildering  profusion.  These  bulbs  are  all  of  the  new  order,  of  product 
transplanted  from  boxes,  the  seed  being  sown  under  glass  in  January, 
Now  they  are  fully  ripe  and  stored  on  broad  trellis  shelves  in  an  ancient 
round  tower  standing  in  the  gardens,  and  the  Onions  are  probably  the  finest 
in  the  kingdom.  Leeks  are  yet  all  agrowing;.  These  comprise  the  Lyon, 
Prizetaker,  and  Champion  ;  but  Mr.  Wilkins  holds  that  he  can  have 


FIG.  41. — MUSHROOMS  AT  INWOOD  HOUSE. 


stems  long  and  white,  short  and  stout  from  any  variety,  just  as  they  are 
blanched  or  otherwise.  Some  superb  Tomatoes  of  the  Perfection  type 
are  shown  grown  on  pot  plants  in  a  lean-to  house  that  balance  other 
vegetables.  Carrots  are  chiefly  now  of  the  Intermediate  forms,  although 
Early  Gem  and  Champion  or  Nantes  are  grown  and  largely  used  for 
exhibition  earlier  in  the  season,  when  also  Asparagus,  Sea  Kale,  and 
Dwarf  French  Beans,  such  as  Canadian  Wonder  and  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  are 
largely  grown.  Runner  Beans  are  marvellous,  several  rows  of  the 
Inwood  selection  of  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  a  beautiful  strain,  have  grown 
from  16  to  18  feet  in  height.  Cauliflowers  are  very  fine.  This  most 
useful  vegetable  begins  with  Early  Forcing  or  Snowball,  follows  with  a 
perfect  variety,  Sutton’s  Magnum  Bonum,  then  Autumn  Giant 
and  Mammoth,  and  so  the  supply  extends  over  a  long  season. 

Parsnips  are  represented  by  the  Student  and  Hollow  Crown,  a  large  bed 
being  in  fine  growth  ;  Potatoes  by  Satisfaction,  Sutton’s  Seedling,  London 
Hero,  Snowdrop,  Windsor  Castle,  and  International  out  of  many  ;  Peas 
by  Prodigy,  Autocrat — this  being  excellent  for  dry  soils  or  seasons  ;  and 
Duke  of  Albany.  Celery  for  early  work  and  exhibition  is  chiefly  blanched 
by  paper  bands  and  round  drain  pipes.  Veitch’s  Early  Rose,  Standard 
Bearer,  and  Aylesbury  Red  of  coloured,  and  Wright’s  Giant  White  and 
Solid  White  for  pale  vaiieties.  Stems  weighing  15  lbs.  each  of  Standard 
Bearer  have  been  produced  here  after  being  cleaned  and  trimmed.  Beet 
is  represented  by  Middleton  Park,  Pragnell’s  Exhibition,  Cheltenham, 
Greentop,  Sutton’s  Blood  Red  ;  and  Brussels  Sprouts  by  Ne  Plus  Ultra 
and  Exhibition  ;  Cucumbers  by  Model  ;  Turnips  by  Dobbie’s  Selected 
Model  and  Snowball.  Thus  it  is  seen  that  the  variety  is  con¬ 
siderable,  the  cultivation  of  the  best,  and  the  product  superb.  The  keep 
of  the  place  also  is  good.  Anyone  visiting  In  wood  will  go  away 
satisfied  that  Mr.  Wilkins  must  grow  all  his  produce,  for  the  simple  reason 
that  no  one  else  can  equal  him  in  production.  I  might  write  much  more 
about  this  place,  but  the  foregoing  must  satisfy  curiosity  now  ;  whilst 
it  is  a  delightful  place,  the  practical  gardening  in  every  branch  is  of  the 
best,  and  much  of  it  as  shown  cannot  be  excelled. — A.  D. 

[It  will  be  seen  by  the  photographic  illustration  (fig.  44),  which 
represents  a  portion  of  a  bed  of  Mushrooms  at  Inwood  House,  that 
Mr,  Wilkins  is  also  an  adept  in  this  phase  of  gardening.] 


812 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  October  5,  1893. 


Events  of  the  Week. — The  Committees  of  the  Royal  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society  will  meet  at  the  Drill  Hall,  James  Street,  S.W.,  on 
Tuesday,  10th,  particulars  of  which  are  given  in  a  paragraph  below. 
On  the  11th  inst.  a  three-days  exhibition  will  be  opened  at  the  Royal 
Aquarium,  Westminster,  under  the  auspices  of  the  National  Chrysan¬ 
themum  Society, 

- The  Weather  in  London. — Changeable  weather  has  again 

characterised  the  past  week.  Sunday  was  comparatively  mild  with 
occasional  slight  showers.  On  Monday  similar  weather  occurred,  and 
rain  fell  heavily  during  the  night.  Tuesday  was  fine  and  colder,  as  also 
was  Wednesday  morning.  At  the  time  of  going  to  press  it  is  bright 
with  rather  a  keen  wind  prevailing. 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  meeting  of  the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  take  place  in  the  Drill  Hall,  James 
Street,  Victoria  Street,  Westminster,  on  Tuesday  10th  October,  when 
prizes  are  offered  for  hardy  herbaceous  perennials.  At  three  o’clock 
Mr.  W.  Crump  will  deliver  a  lecture  on  Pears.” 

-  The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — As 

has  been  notified  in  our  advertisement  pages  an  election  of  pensioners 
on  the  funds  of  this  Institution  will  take  place  in  January  next. 
Intending  candidates  must  send  in  their  applications  on  or  before 
October  14th,  to  Mr.  George  J.  Ingram,  50,  Parliament  Street 
London,  S.W. 

-  Fruit  Culture  in  Villa  Gardens. — Mr.  G.  Bunyard  of 

Maidstone  gave  an  excellent  lecture  on  this  subject  at  the  meeting  of 
the  National  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association  on  Tuesday  evening  last, 
at  the  Memorial  Hall,  Farringdon  Street,  E.C.  There  was  a  fair 
attendance,  and  Mr.  T.  W,  Sanders  presided.  Mr.  Bunyard  detailed  the 
best  methods  to  adopt,  and  specially  recommended  the  bush,  pyramid, 
and  cordon  systems. 

-  A  NEvy  Wood. —  According  to  the Manchester  Courier”  a 

new  wood  has  been  discovered  in  Borneo,  which  promises  to  supplant 
oak  as  a  building  material.  It  is  familiarly  known  as  “  bilian,”  very 
close  in  grain,  having  a  breaking  strain  greater  than  that  of  oak,  and 
with  a  specific  gravity  to  that  of  box  wood  as  3  is  to  4,  or  one- 
quarter  lighter.  It  is  not  unlike  ebony  in  appearance,  especially  after 
exposure  to  the  air. 

- Awards  to  British  Exhibitors  at  Chicago. — We  are 

informed  that  the  Committee  of  the  floricultural  section  at  the  World’s 
Fair  have  made  awards  to  Messrs.  John  Laiug  &  Sons,  for  Chinese 
Primulas ;  to  Messrs.  James  Carter  &  Co.,  for  Chinese  Primulas, 
Cyclamens  and  other  flowers  ;  to  Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son,  for  Chinese 
Primulas  (model  crimson)  ;  to  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  for  Chinese 
Primulas ;  to  Messrs.  Waterer  &  Sons,  for  Pseonies  and  Phloxes  ;  to 
Messrs.  Dickson  &  Sons,  for  collections  of  Azalea  mollis  and  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons  ;  and  to  Miss  Margaret  Dickson,  for  collections  of  Roses.  The 
awards  to  foreign  exhibitors  are  as  follows : — Germany,  forty-six  ; 
France,  twelve  ;  Holland,  six ;  Austria,  one  ;  and  Italy,  one. 

- Complimentary  Dinners  at  Earl’s  Court. — In  recognition 

of  his  services,  a  complimentary  dinner  was  given  on  the  evening  of 
the  28th  ult.  to  Mr.  H.  E.  Milner,  Chairman  of  the  Executive  Committee 
of  the  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition.  Professor  Stewart,  President 
of  the  Linnean  Society,  occupied  the  chair,  the  company  numbering 
about  100.  The  Chairman,  in  proposing  the  toast  of  the  evening,  said 
they  might  congratulate  Mr.  Milner  on  the  success  which  had  attended 
his  efforts  to  diffuse  a  knowledge  of  gardening  and  forestry,  and  to 
foster  and  encourage  those  two  sciences.  By  means  of  this  Exhibition 
employment  had  not  only  been  given  to  a  large  number  of  persons,  but 
pleasure  had  been  afforded  to  many  thousands.  In  conclusion,  the 
Chairman  presented  Mr.  Milner  with  an  antique  silver  bowl  as  a 
souvenir  of  his  connection  with  the  Exhibition,  which  had  been  sub¬ 
scribed  for  by  a  number  of  personal  friends  and  members  of  the  staff. 
Mr,  Milner,  in  returning  thanks,  acknowledged  the  hearty  co-operation 
of  his  fellow  directors  and  of  the  staff,  who  had  worked  so  hard  to  make 
the  Exhibition  a  success.  On  Monday  evening  next,  the  9th  inst.,  a 


dinner  will  be  given  to  Mr.  H.  Turner,  Vice-President  of  the  Horti¬ 
cultural  Department.  -  Tickets  can  be  obtained  from  Messrs.  H.  B. 
Skinner  and  R.  Dean,  Secretaries,  Earl’s  Court  Exhibition,  S.W. 

- VeNIDIUM  CALENDULACEUM  VAR.  MULTIFLORUM. — When  I 

exhibited  this  plant  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
it  was  not  as  an  object  for  pot  culture,  but  simply  as  a  much-neglected 
autumn  flowering  annual  for  the  open  ground  that  is  very  valuable  at 
this  season  of  the  year.  The  plant  was  placed  in  a  pot  simply  for  the 
convenience  of  transit  to  the  Drill  Hall. — R.  Dean,  JE,aling,  W. 

-  Cydonia  japonica  Fruiting. — Mr.  E.  Molyneux  observes  : — 

“For  the  last  three  years  our  bushes  of  this  showy  spring  flowering  shrub 
have  borne  fruit,  but  this  year  the  crop  is  much  heavier.  I  note  Mr.. 
Thomas  staged  a  dish  of  fruit  of  it  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  when  a  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded.  Hanging 
on  the  trees  the  fruit  is  pretty  when  it  assumes  the  deep  yellow 
characteristic  of  its  ripened  state.  Is  it  possible  to  make  any  use  of 
the  fruit  ?  ” 

-  Tomatoes. — The  Rev,  J.  E.  Symns  writes  from  Woodford 

Wells  to  the  “  Times  :  ” — ”  I  am  sending  some  Tomatoes  grown  under 
remarkable  circumstances.  They  are  quite  ripe,  and  the  largest  weighs 
just  9  OZ3,  The  seeds  were  self-sown  ;  they  must  have  fallen  from  the 
fruit  of  last  year.  When  the  plants  were  strong  enough  they  were 
removed  and  put  in  the  open  ground  under  a  south  wall.  They  were 
never  under  glass,  nor  protected  in  any  way.  I  shall  be  glad  to  learn 
if  there  is  a  similar  instance  on  record  in  any  part  of  England.” 

-  Stray  Tomatoes. — A  Bedminster  correspondent  writes  : — 

“Your  readers  may  be  interested  in  knowing  that  more  than  a  dozen 
Tomato  plants  may  be  seen  growing  in  a  field  leading  to  Ashton  Hill,  a 
few  score  yards  from  the  pond.  The  plants  vary  in  size,  some  being 
remarkably  vigorous  and  loaded  with  fruit ;  4  or  5  lbs.  having  been 
gathered  during  the  past  week,  consisting  of  the  smooth  as  well  as  a 
wrinkled  variety.  A  couple  of  small  plants  (though  not  in  flower  or 
fruit)  may  also  be  seen  near  the  lower  gate  of  the  churchyard.  Have 
any  of  your  readers  observed  any  similar  strays  from  cultivation 
growing  apparently  wild  in  any  other  locality  1  ” 

-  Gardening  Appointments.  —  Mr.  James  Hill,  for  nearly 

four  years  forman  at  Hopwood  Hall,  has  been  appointed  head  gardener 
to  Sigismund  C.  de  Trafford,  Esq.,  Croston  Hall,  Preston,  Lancashire. 
We  learn  that  Mr.  T.  Kent  has  been  appointed  gardener  to  Captain  Van 
Koughuet,  R.N..  of  Tyttenhanger  Park,  St.  Albans,  in  succession  to  his 
father,  Mr.  H.  Kent,  who  had  forty-three  years’  service  as  gardener  at 
Tyttenhanger  Park,  to  the  late  Dowager  Countess  of  Hardwick,  the  late 
Dowager  Countess  of  Caledon,  the  late  Jane,  Countess  of  Caledon,  and 
the  present  Earl  of  Caledon. 

- The  members  of  the  WARE  Horticultural  Mutual  Im¬ 
provement  Society  on  the  afternoon  of  28th  ult,  responded  to  an 
invitation  of  their  President,  Mr.  Hanbury  of  Poles  Park,  Ware,  to  visit 
his  gardens  and  grounds.  Seventy  of  the  members  attended  and  spent  an 
enjoyable  afternoon  inspecting  the  many  noticeable  features,  and  were 
afterwards  regaled  to  a  substantial  tea.  The  gathering  was  instructive 
alike  to  all,  as  everything  is  grown  in  the  most  creditable  manner  by 
Mr.  W.  M.  Alexander  the  gardener.  The  improvements  made  in  the 
gardens  of  the  four  or  five  years  by  the  present  owner  show  considerable 
taste  and  add  immensely  to  the  beauty  of  the  place.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hanbury  take  great  interest  in  the  Society,  and  have  invited  the 
members  on  seven  similar  occasions. — E.  Wallis. 

-  Emigrants’  Information  Office,  31,  Broadway,  West¬ 
minster,  S.W. — The  October  circulars  of  the  Emigrants’  Information 
Office,  and  the  pi-nny  and  other  handbooks,  with  maps,  show  the  present 
prospects  of  emigration.  A  new  pamphlet  on  California  is  also  issued. 

J  New  branch  offices  have  been  opened  at  the  public  libraries  at  Peter¬ 
borough  and  Swansea.  It  is  too  late  in  the  year  for  emigrants  without 
money — other  than  female  servants — to  seek  work  in  Canada,  unless 
they  go  to  join  friends.  Work  in  New  South  Wales,  especially  in  towns, 
continues  to  be  very  scarce.  In  Victoria  good  farm  hands  can  get 
employment  throughout  the  year  at  about  15s,  a  week,  and  all  found  ; 
but  in  the  towns,  and  especially  in  Melbourne,  there  is  no  opening  for 
men  without  capital  at  the  present  time.  There  ia  an  excellent  opening 
in  the  south  of  Australia  for  Vine  growers  with  a  little  capital.  The 
recent  arrivals  in  New  Zealand  have  been  so  numerous  that  there  is  no 
pressing  demand  for  more  ;  but  the  country  is  so  full  of  resources,  and 
the  population  is  still  so  small,  that  anyone  arriving  there  with  know¬ 
ledge  of  a  trade,  and  with  a  little  money,  should  do  well. 


October  5,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


313 


-  A  Laeoe  Pear. — A  correspondent  writing  from  Henfield, 

Sassex,  says  : — “  This  week  I  gathered  from  a  tree  on  a  wall,  with  an 
east  aspect,  in  my  garden  here,  a  Grosse  Calebasse  Pear  of  the  following 
remarkable  dimensions  and  weight.  It  has  at  the  thick  end  a  circum¬ 
ference  of  12f  inches  and  one  of  18  inches  lengthways.  Its  weight  is 
rather  more  than  If  lb.  There  are  a  few  more  on  the  tree,  these  are 
very  large  though  not  equal  to  the  one  to  which  I  refer.” 

-  The  Total  Eainfall  at  Abbot’s  Leigh,  Hayward’s 

Heath,  Sussex,  for  the  past  month  was  3’05  inches,  being  0'08  inches 
below  the  average ;  2  inches  of  this  fell  during  the  last  week.  The 
heaviest  fall  was  0  88  inch  on  the  28th.  Rain  fell  on  sixteen  days. 
Total  fall  for  the  nine  months  16  08  inches,  as  against  20'27  inches.  The 
average  maximum  temperature  in  the  shade  was  75°  on  6th  and  14th. 
Minimum  temperature  33°  on  24th ;  mean  maximum  66‘05°  ;  mean 
minimum  46-17?  ;  mean  temperature  5611°,  being  1-05°  above  the 
average. — R.  I. 

-  Michaelmas  Strawberries. — As  an  instance  of  the  remark¬ 
able  character  of  the  season,  a  correspondent  informs  ns  that  a  dish 
of  ripe,  good-sized  Strawberries  of  excellent  flavour  were  picked  this 
week  in  the  open  garden  at  the  residence  of  the  Mayor  of  Newbury. 
Strawberries  have  also  been  picked  in  the  open  garden  ot  the  Dundas 
Arms  Hotel,  at  the  neighbouring  village  of  Kintbury,  within  the  last 
few  days.  “  L.  M.”  writes  from  Hawkhurst  : — “I  have  just  picked  a 
small  dish  of  ripe  Strawberries  of  good  size  and  colour,  the  first  time 
I  ever  had  a  second  crop  ripen.  There  are,  too,  many  on  the  plants 
nearly  ripe.” 

-  The  Weather  in  Hertfordshire.  —  Mr.  B.  Wallis,  The 

Gardens,  Hamels  Park,  Buntingford,  Herts,  writes  : — The  weather 
during  the  past  month  has  been  of  a  dry  character  with  an  abundance 
of  sunshine.  Wasps  during  the  early  part  of  the  month  were  very 
abundant,  doing  much  damage ;  but  I  was  never  less  troubled  with 
caterpillars.  Rain  fell  upon  nine  days  during  the  month.  Maximum 
in  any  twenty-four  hours  was  0-54  on  the  1st ;  minimum  in  any  twenty- 
four  hours  was  0  03  on  the  16th.  Total  during  the  past  month  was 
1-46  against  2  62  of  1892.  By  the  end  of  September,  1892, 1  had  registered 
18-90  of  rainfall  ;  end  of  September,  1893,  I  have  only  registered  13-38. 
In  spite  of  the  very  dry  season  garden  crops  on  the  whole  have  done 
remarkable  well. 

-  Death  op  Mr.  Frederick  Lothrop  Ames. — We  regret  to 

learn  from  the  “Garden  and  Forest”  of  the  death  of  Mr.  Frederick 
Lothrop  Ames,  one  of  the  founders  and  owners  of  that  journal,  who 
recently  died  suddenly  during  a  journey  from  his  home  in  Massachusetts 
to  New  York.  Mr.  Ames  was  one  of  the  most  liberal  patrons  of  horti¬ 
culture  America  has  produced,  and  his  collection  of  Orchids  was  a  great 
source  of  pride  to  everyone  interested  in  the  progress  of  the  art  in  which 
he  found  his  principal  pleasure.  Mr.  Ames’  love  of  Nature  was  real 
and  profound,  and  his  exact  and  comprehensive  knowledge  of  the  plants 
in  which  he  was  particularly  interested  has  given  him  an  international 
reputation  among  orchidologists.  Through  his  liberality  the  Arnold 
Arboretum,  to  which  he  has  always  given  generous  support,  and  the 
Botanical  Department  of  Harvard  College,  in  which  he  was  specially 
interested,  have  been  able  to  extend  their  usefulness.  For  nearly  thirty 
years  Mr.  Ames  was  an  active  member  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural 
Society  ;  he  has  long  been  one  of  its  Vice-Presidents,  and  as  a  member 
of  the  Finance  Committee  has  rendered  it  invaluable  service. 

-  A  Remarkable  Bouquet. — A  correspondent  at  Cork  writes  : 

— “  The  composition  of  a  small  nosegay  of  fresh  flowers  gathered  in 
County  Cork  will  seem  incredible  even  to  those  who  have  watched  the 
progress  of  this  remarkable  summer.  The  bouquet  consists  of  Bramble 
leaves  dyed  with  the  most  gorgeous  autumn  tints — nothing  unseason¬ 
able  in  that ! — surrounding  Apple  blossom  developed  from  buds  which 
should  have  lain  dormant  until  the  awakening  breath  of  next  spring 
aroused  them.  The  flowers  are  as  dainty  and  perfect  as  the  usual 
spring  bloom,  but  appear  strange  in  their  setting  of  old  leaves  instead 
of  the  soft  delicacy  of  the  undeveloped  foliage  usually  attending  these 
precocious  blossoms.  Then  there  are  wild  Roses  and  buds  gathered  from  a 
bush  which  bore  similar  blossoms  on  April  26th  of  the  present  year,  and 
lastly  groups  of  Strawberry  blossom  as  jaunty  and  fresh  as  those  of  the 
early  summer,  and  apparently  unconscious  at  present  of  the  rapid 
approach  of  cold  frosts  which  have  already  spread  their  icy  fingers  over 
counties  to  the  north  of  County  Cork.  Reports,  too,  from  Killarney 
and  other  places  tell  of  Laburnum  trees  in  full  bloom,  while  adjacent 
are  bushes  laden  with  fruits  of  deepening  hues,  and  close  by  the 
Arbutus  displays  its  richest  of  crimson-red  berries.” 


-  Veitch’s  Autocrat  Pea. —  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward  writes:  “This 

grand  midseason  Pea  I  have  grown  somewhat  largely  during  the  present 
year  with  most  satisfactory  results.  It  is  an  excellent  grower  and 
prodigious  cropper,  producing  with  great  freedom  large,  straight,  hand¬ 
some,  dark  green,  well-filled  pods,  which  contain  on  an  average  ten  large 
deep  green  coloured  Peas  of  excellent  quality.  I  exhibited  two  dishes 
of  Autocrat  Pea  early  in  August  last  at  Southampton  and  Taunton 
Shows,  which  easily  secured  a  first  prize.  I  am  still  gathering  Peas  of 
this  variety  from  sowings  which  were  made  the  Ist  of  June.  Sowings 
of  Ne  Plus  Ultra  and  British  Queen  were  made  the  same  time  in  the 
same  plot  of  ground,  the  rows  beiag  10  feet  asunder,  running  north  and 
south,  and  heavily  mulched  on  each  side,  the  same  as  all  my  rows  of 
Peas  and  Beans  are  served,  but  the  yield  from  Autocrat  as  well  as  the 
quality  of  the  produce  is  far  in  advance  of  that  of  those  two  well-tested 
varieties.” 

-  The  “  Kew  Bulletin  ”  for  September,  a  copy  of  which  has 

come  to  hand,  is  wholly  devoted  to  a  description  of  the  Flora  of  St. 
Vincent  and  adjacent  islets.  “  St.  Vincent  is  one  of  the  group  of 
islands  known  in  the  West  Indies  as  the  Colony  of  the  Windward 
Islands.  The  other  members  of  this  gioup  are  St.  Lucia,  twenty-one 
miles  to  the  north,  and  Grenada,  sixty-eight  miles  to  the  south-west. 
Barbadoes,  under  a  separate  Government,  is  100  miles  due  east.  St. 
Vincent  was  discovered  by  Columbus  on  the  22nd  January,  1498.  It  is 
situated  in  13°  10'  north  latitude  and  60°  57'  west  longitude.  It  is 
eighteen  miles  in  length  and  eleven  in  breadth,  and  contains,  according 
to  the  Colonial  Office  List,  nearly  85,000  acres  of  land,  about  half  the 
area  of  Middlesex,  with  only  13,000  acres  under  permanent  cultivation. 
The  population  in  1891  was  41,054.  The  majority  of  the  adjoining 
islets,  known  as  the  Grenadines,  are  dependencies  of  St.  Vincent.” 

-  From  the  same  source  we  learn  that  in  the  last  century  St. 

Vincent  was  remarkable  for  possessing  the  FIRST  BOTANIC  Garden 
(founded  1765),  certainly  in  the  West  Indies,  and  perhaps  in  any 
tropical  part  of  the  world.  An  account  of  this  garden  is  given  in  the 
“  Kew  Bulletin  ”  for  1»92,  pp.  92-100.  It  lingered  on  with  a  precarious 
existence  till  the  end  of  the  first  quarter  of  the  present  century.  In 
1890  it  was  revived  as  one  of  the  system  of  botanical  stations  established 
in  the  West  Indies.  The  scientific  knowledge  of  the  flora  of  St.  Vincent 
-jvas  limited  to  the  present  time  to  the  species  enumerated  in  Grisebach’s 
“  Flora  of  the  British  West  India  Islands”  (1864).  He  relied  upon  a 
collection  made  by  the  Rev.  Landsdown  Guilding  preserved  in  the 
Kew  Herbarium.  As  will  be  seen  the  fact  that  these  specimens  were 
in  every  case  actually  derived  from  the  island  ia  not  free  from  doubt. 
Besides  these  Grisebach  also  worked  up  some  other  plants  in  the  Kew 
Herbarium  collected  by  Alexander  Anderson,  the  second  Superin¬ 
tendent  of  the  old  Botanic  Garden,  of  whom  some  particulars  are 
given  in  the  “  Kew  Bulletin  ”  for  1892  (pp.  94-5),  also  by  George 
Caley,  one  of  Anderson’s  successors  (AT.  B.  1.  c.  p.  97).  These  data 
supplied  at  first  a  very  imperfect  idea  of  the  total  flora.  It  was 
obviously  therefore  desirable  to  take  advantage  of  any  opportunity 
for  completing  the  botanical  exploration  of  the  island.  In  1889  Mr.  F. 
Ducane  Godman,  F.R.S.,  to  whom  the  scientific  world  is  indebted  for 
the  munificent  investigation  of  the  natural  history  of  Central  America, 
determined  to  send  a  zoological  collector  to  St.  Vincent.  Mr.  H.  H. 
Smith,  a  native  of  the  United  States,  and  an  expert  of  known  skill  and 
experience,  was  engaged.  He  was  accompanied  by  his  wife,  and  Mr. 
Godman,  thinking  that  they  might  also  do  some  useful  work,  for  botany, 
persuaded  them  after  a  visit  to  Kew  to  undertake  the  task.  On  arriving 
at  St.  Vincent  they  ultimately  engaged  as  assistant  in  botanical  collect¬ 
ing,  Mr.  G.  W.  Smith  (now  Curator  of  the  Botanical  Garden,  Grenada), 
a  native  of  the  Windward  Islands. 

-  The  total  number  of  SPECIES  OF  FLOWERING  RlANTS  col¬ 
lected  in  St.  Vincent  and  the  four  adjacent  islets — Bequia,  Cannouan, 
Mustique,  and  Union — including  naturalised  plants  and  those  inserted 
on  the  authority  of  the  early  collectors  is  about  1150.  Of  these  Mr. 
Smith  collected  977,  whereof  at  least  131  are  almost  certainly  colonists, 
leaving  846  indigenous  species,  belonging  to  490  genera  and  109  natural 
orders.  The  number  of  species  of  flowering  plants  collected  in  the  small 
islands  was  respectively  : — Bequia,  375  ;  Mustique,  160  ;  Union,  49  ;  and 
Cannouan,  30.  With  regard  to  the  general  distribution  of  the  indigenous 
plants,  the  principal  points  are  the  wide  geographical  range  of  the 
majority  and  the  smallness  of  the  endemic  element,  conditions  that 
obtain  throughout  the  whole  chain  of  islands  from  Tobago  to  the 
Virgin  group,  which  are  in  striking  contrast  to  the  proportions  of  the 
endemic  element  in  Cuba  and  Jamaica. 


314 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1893- 


-  Fine  Tomatoes. — I  am  sending  you  a  box  containing  some 

clusters  of  Tomatoes  (Perfection),  and  shall  be  glad  of  your  opinion  of 
the  same.  I  gave  a  note  of  the  culture  as  carried  out  here  when  sending 
you  some  individual  specimens  (vide  page  294,  October  2ad,  1890),  and 
there  it  will  be  seen  that  the  root  space  for  our  plants  is  very  limited.  I 
think  the  clusters  now  sent,  and  of  which  we  could  gather  many,  show 
the  value  of  artificially  assisting  fertilisation. —  Thomas  Crosswell, 
Homewood,  Eden  Park,  Becltenliam.  [The  cluster  referred  to  by  our 
correspondent  was  very  fine,  eight  highly  coloured  fruits  of  perfect 
form  weighing  4  lbs.  4  ozs.  On  the  previous  occasion  referred  to  Mr. 
Crosswell  sent  us  some  of  the  finest  Tomatoes  we  have  ever  seen,  the 
largest  fruit  in  that  case  weighing  19  ozs."] 

-  The  Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — There  was  an  unusually 

good  attendance  at  the  ordinary  weekly  meeting  of  the  members  of  the 
Wakefield  Paxton  Society  on  Saturday  evening.  Lieutenant  H.  S. 
Goodyear  occupied  the  chair,  and  Mr.  G,  Gill  officiated  as  Vice-Chair¬ 
man.  The  essayist  was  Mr.  George  Parkin,  a  well-known  photographer, 
naturalist,  and  botanist,  and  one  of  the  oldest,  most  active,  and  useful 
members  of  the  Society.  His  subject  was  “  Autumn  Foliage,”  and  there 
was  a  large  and  beautiful  collection  of  foliage  from  plants,  shrubs, 
trees,  together  with  a  good  display  of  wild  fruits  and  berries.  Mr. 
Parkin  read  a  most  interesting  paper,  which  clearly  showed  that  when 
taking  his  country  rambles  he  is  a  close  observer  of  Nature.  A 
discussion  was  opened  by  Mr.  W.  L.  Skinner  of  the  Silcoates 
Nurseries,  who  was  one  of  the  principal  exhibitors  of  specimens.  Several 
of  the  other  members  took  part  in  the  discussion,  including  Mr.  Mear 
of  the  Woolley  Park  Gardens,  who  has  obtained  an  appointment  on  a 
fruit  farm  in  Australia. 

-  The  Oldest  Trees  in  the  World. — This  subject  has  again 

cropped  up,  and  is  being  discussed  in  “  Notes  and  Queries.”  The 
following  list  of  ages  known  to  have  been  reached  by  patriarchs  of  the 
respective  kinds  is  given  by  Mr.  J.  Collinson : — “Elm,  300  years;  Ivy, 
336  years;  Maple,  516  years;  Larch,  576  years;  Orange,  630  years; 
Cypress,  800  years  ;  Olive,  800  years  ;  Walnut,  900  years  ;  Oriental 
Plane,  1000  years ;  Lime,  1100  years ;  Spruce,  1200  years  ;  Oak,  1500 
years  ;  Cedar,  2000  years  ;  Yew,  3200  years.  The  way  in  which  the 
ages  of  these  trees  have  been  ascertained  leaves  no  doubt  of  its  correct¬ 
ness.  In  some  few  cases  the  data  has  been  furnished  by  historical 
records  and  by  traditions,  but  the  botanical  archseulogists  have  a 
resource  independent  of  either,  and  when  carefully  used  infallible.  Of 
all  the  forms  of  Nature  trees  alone  disclose  their  ages  candidly  and 
freely.  In  the  stems  of  trees  which  have  branches  and  leaves  with 
netted  veins — in  all  exogens,  as  the  botanist  would  say — the  increase 
takes  place  by  means  of  an  annual  deposit  of  wood,  spread  in  an  even 
layer  upon  the  surface  of  the  preceding  one.” 

-  The  Jasmine  Harvest.  —  Writing  from  Grasse,  a  corre¬ 
spondent  of  a  daily  contemporary  says  : — “  The  Jasmine  harvest  here 
is  in  full  swing.  Grasse  is  permeated  by  an  overwhelming  perfume 
of  flowers.  In  the  factories  they  are  working  day  and  night  to 
extract  the  valuable  essence  of  the  flowers  as  quickly  as  possible. 
There  are  three  ways  of  doing  this.  The  first  and  coarsest  method, 
which  is  used  for  Lavender,  Thyme,  Peppermint,  and  Geranium,  is  by 
boiling  down  the  flowers.  The  second,  which  is  used  for  Eoses, 
Heliotrope,  Lilac,  and  ordinary  Violets,  is  the  old  plan  of  distillation. 
And  the  third,  which  is  reserved  for  Parma  Violets,  Jasmine,  Tuberoses, 
and  such  expensive  essences,  is  the  so-called  cold  method,  the  slowest 
and  therefore  the  dearest,  but  the  most  effective  of  all.  For  this  last 
the  flowers,  which  are  first  carefully  weighed,  are  heaped  upon  a  table 
round  which  are  seated  about  twenty  girls,  each  with  a  frame  before 
her,  like  a  good  sized  window  pane.  The  glass  of  this  frame  is,  so  to 
speak,  buttered  on  both  sides  with  a  mixture  of  veal  fat  and  a  little 
oil.  On  the  glass  the  girl  strews  as  many  flowers  as  will  lightly  cover 
it,  and  covers  them  with  another  glass  similarly  treated.  Then  comes 
another  layer  of  flowers  and  another  glass,  till  there  are  ten  glasses 
in  a  heap.  The  next  day  the  flowers,  which  are  by  that  time  quite 
faded  and  have  given  out  all  their  scent  into  the  grease  above  them, 
are  removed,  and  fresh  flowers  are  strewn  in  their  place.  This  pro¬ 
ceeding  is  repeated  eight  or  ten  times.  The  perfumed  grease  is  then 
put  into  large,  closed,  copper  vats,  with  an  equal  quantity  of  spirit. 
In  the  vats  are  wheels  which  are  turned  by  machinery.  The  rapid 
revolutions  of  the  wheels  beats  out  of  the  grease  most  of  the  perfume 
it  has  soaked  in  ;  the  grease  sinks  to  the  bottom,  and  is  used  to  make 
soap,  pomade,  &c.,  and  the  spirit  which  contains  the  true  essence  of 
the  flowers  is  bottled,  and  fetches  the  highest  prices  given  for  scent.” 


-  Plumbago  Larpent^e. — What  the  Gentians  are  to  the 

embellishment  of  the  rockery  in  the  spring  this  Plumbago  is  in  tha 
autumn  in  the  matter  of  colour.  It  is  flowering  finely  in  spite  of  the 
dry  season  we  have  experienced.  No  hardy  plant  that  I  know  gives 
the  same  tint  of  colouring  at  this  time  of  the  year  without  it  be- 
Lithospermum  prostratum,  and  that  is  not  now  in  bloom,  its  season 
having  passed.  This  Plumbago  is  an  easy  plant  to  grow.  Any  ordinary 
garden  soil  seems  to  suit  it,  but  a  freer  growth  is  secured  by  the  addition 
of  a  small  amount  of  manure. — E.  M. 

- Woods  and  Trees  in  Scotland. — The  Board  of  Agriculture 

desire  to  direct  attention  to  the  increased  facilities  for  the  planting  of 
woods  and  trees  in  Scotland  afforded  by  the  Improvement  of  Land 
(Scotland)  Act,  1893,  which  received  the  Royal  assent  on  August  24th 
last.  Hitherto  owners  of  land  in  Scotland  have  been  able,  with  the 
sanction  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture,  to  charge  their  estates  for  the 
planting  of  woods  and  trees  only  in  cases  where  the  planting  is  for  the 
purpose  of  providing  shelter.  By  the  Act  in  question  this  limitation 
has  been  removed,  and  applications  may  now  be  made  to  the  Board  for 
sanction  to  charge  estates,  under  the  provisions  of  the  Improvement 
of  Land  Act,  1864,  with  the  cost  of  planting  whether  for  shelter  or 
otherwise. 

-  Aralia  Sieboldi. — Mr,  J.  G.  Pettenger,  Strawberry  Dale 

Nursery,  Harrogate,  writes  : — “  It  is  not  uncommon  to  find  this  beautiful 
plant  grown  in  the  stove  or  intermediate  house,  thus  subjecting  it  to 
attacks  of  insects  or  disease,  which  very  soon  stops  all  growth.  This 
plant  thrives  splendidly  in  a  cold  frame,  partially  shaded  from  direct 
sun.  The  plants  are  raised  in  heat  in  April  or  May,  and  after  the  first 
potting  in  60’s  are  placed  in  a  cold  frame.  They  are  in  due  time  shifted 
into  5-inch  pots,  in  which  they  make  beautiful  plants  totally  different  to 
any  that  can  be  grown  in  heat.  In  the  winter  a  house  from  which  frost 
is  just  excluded  suits  them  admirably.  If  signs  of  thrips  appear  the 
leaves  are  sponged  with  softsoap  and  warm  water.  Aralia  Sieboldi 
enjoys  liberal  supplies  of  water  in  well  drained  pots.  The  most  suitable 
soil  is  good  sandy  loam.” 

-  Chinese  Bean  Oil. — More  oil  is  extracted  from  the  bean  than 

from  any  one  of  the  other  oil-yielding  plants  of  China.  The  two  kinds 
of  bean  treated  for  oil  are  small  in  size  and  oval  in  shape,  one  having 
a  whitish  yellow  epidermis  and  interior,  the  other  being  green 
throughout.  They  are  probably  sub-varieties  of  the  Soja  bean.  The 
process  of  extraction  in  Formosa  is  described  by  Mr.  Hosie  in  a  recent 
report  on  that  island.  The  beans  yield  about  10  per  cent,  weight  of  oil, 
and  the  cakes  when  removed  from  the  press  weigh  some  64  lbs.  and  are 
worth  about  2s.  9d.  each.  They  constitute  a  very  valuable  manure,  and 
are  carefully  macerated  before  being  applied  to  the  soil.  The  com¬ 
mercial  value  of  this  industry  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  60,000  tons  of 
bean  cakes  were  exported  from  Chefoo  during  1890,  and  Newchang  sent 
over  150,000  tons  in  the  same  year.  The  oil  is  used  both  for  cooking  and 
lighting  purposes. 

-  Formosan  Tea. — The  cultivation  of  the  Tea,  known  in  trade 

as  Formosa  Oolongs,  is  referred  to  by  Mr.  Hosie  in  his  late  report  on  that 
island.  The  Tea  >  ^ant  was  imported  from  the  Fuhkien  province,  and 
proved  a  great  success.  Since  its  introduction  the  cultivation  has  spread 
rapidly,  with  the  clearing  of  the  hillsides  in  Northern  Formosa.  When 
a  slope  has  been  cleared  of  jungle  a  crop,  such  as  Sweet  Potatoes,  is 
planted,  and  in  the  following  year  young  Tea  plants  are  set  out  in  rows 
2  feet  or  3  feet  apart,  with  a  like  distance  between  each  plant.  In  this 
virgin  soil  no  manure  is  required,  and  all  the  cultivator  has  to  do  is  to 
keep  the  ground  clear  of  weeds  and  undergrowth.  In  three  years  from 
the  date  of  planting  out  the  shrubs  have  attained  their  maximum  height 
of  2  feet  to  3  feet,  and  the  time  has  arrived  for  picking  the  leaves.  This 
operation,  which  is  carried  out  by  women  and  girls  for  the  most  part, 
takes  place  in  the  end  of  April  or  beginning  of  May,  in  July,  and  in 
September,  for  three  crops  are  harvested  during  the  season.  The  Tea 
manufactured  in  Formosa  is  generally,  but  erroneously,  classed  as  a 
green  Tea.  It  is  in  reality  a  black  Tea,  prepared  without  the  usual 
fermentation,  but  it  possesses  a  decided  flavour  of  the  green  variety. 
The  leaf  is  “  fired  ”  when  green,  and  this,  taken  with  the  flavour,  may 
account  for  the  popular  belief.  But  between  the  exposure  in  the  open 
air  and  the  firing  the  edges  of  the  leaves  are  rendered  quite  soft  by 
being  thrown  against  Bamboos  in  a  revolving  machine  —  a  process 
unknown  elsewhere  in  China.  It  is  said  that  if  the  leaves,  after  being 
picked  and  exposed  for  a  short  time,  were  placed  in  the  firing  pans  they 
would  split  up — the  Tea  leaf  is  thick  and  brittle — and  lose  all  semblance 
to  the  whole  leaf  which  is  so  much  desired. 


October  5,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


816 


CAUSES  OF  SHANKING  IN  GRAPES. 

In  addition  to  the  various  theories  propounded  by  your  correspondents 
(page  262)  as  to  the  causes  of  shanking  in  Grapes,  I  will  venture  to  add 
another  one,  and  that  the  application  of  too  much  water,  especially  if 
the  Vines  should  be  rooting  in  a  retentive  soil.  This  I  proved  to  my 
own  satisfaction  some  years  ago,  although  it  may  not  concur  with  the 
experience  of  those  advocates  who  advise  the  application  of  water  to 
growing  Vines  in  unlimited  quantities  at  weekly  or  bi-weekly  intervals. 
According  to  these  practitioners  it  is  impossible  to  overwater  Vines, 
irrespective  of  the  size  of  the  border  or  the  nature  of  the  soil  they 
are  rooting  in,  and  is  supposed  to  be  the  panacea  for  recuperating  their 
energies  if  any  ill  should  befall  them.  There  are,  however,  many  cases 
where  not  nearly  sufficient  water  is  given. 

Some  time  ago  I  was,  like  many  other  gardeners,  imbued  with  the 
idea  that  there  was  nothing  like  plenty  of  water  for  Vines  if  Grapes  of 
the  highest  quality  were  desired,  and  of  this  element  the  borders  had  a 
surfeit,  and  the  Vines,  too,  as  I  had  about  as  bad  an  attack  of  shanking 
to  contend  with  as  there  could  possibly  be.  Upon  examining  the  border 
it  seemed  cold  and  inert,  with  the  ends  of  the  young  roots  decaying 
away.  This  was  a  lesson  to  me  that  I  shall  ever  remember.  The  roots 
were  completely  paralysed,  consequently  they  were  quite  unable  to 
afford  adequate  support  to  the  Vines  at  a  critical  period.  Since  that 
time  I  have  always  been  more  sparing  in  the  application  of  water,  never 
applying  it  until  the  border  was  in  condition  to  receive  it.  When  to 
apply  water  depends  upon  the  size  and  also  formation  of  the  rooting 
medium. 

I  do  not  dispute  in  the  least  the  causes  propounded  on  the  page 
mentioned,  as  if  good  Grapes  are  to  be  secured  all  are  shoals,  of  which 
everyone  should  steer  clear.  The  benefit  of  a  covering  of  warm  leaves 
as  explained  by  Mr.  Ward  I  can  fully  endorse,  as  the  beneficial 
properties  of  which  for  forced  Vines  I  have  proved  repeatedly.  This, 
as  many  readers  are  aware,  is  no  new  idea,  but  an  old  method.  There 
is  one  error,  however,  that  many  cultivators  who  adopt  the  practice 
often  fall  into,  and  this  of  removing  the  covering  too  early.  Probably  a 
suitable  warm  covering  was  placed  on  the  border  at  the  commencement 
of  forcing,  this  period  being  either  December,  January,  or  even  well  into 
February,  and  kept  up  till  the  weather  becomes  warmer.  At  this  time 
the  covering  is  removed,  and  the  Grapes  are  at  a  critical  stage,  the 
colouring  process  only  commencing.  This  sudden  removal  of  the 
material  undoubtedly  gives  the  Vines  a  check,  the  roots  becoming  quite 
disorganised,  with  the  result  of  colouring  being  arrested  and  also  an 
attack  of  shanking.  This  past  season,  although  the  weather  was  fine 
and  warm,  I  did  not  remove  the  covering  from  our  early  Vine  border 
until  the  Grapes  were  almost  perfectly  coloured,  and  looking  back  over 
a  series  of  years  I  never  had  early  Grapes  better  or  more  free  of 
shanking.  The  Vines  are  very  old,  with  rods  and  spurs  of  an  antiquated 
appearance.  Covering  with  cold  manure  or  exposed  to  the  weather 
after  being  put  on  is  of  little  benefit,  as  if  open  to  rains  and  snow 
the  material  soon  loses  heat  and  becomes  a  cold  inert  mass,  making  the 
border  cold  also,  consequently  it  is  impossible  for  the  roots  to  remain 
active.  After  placing  on  a  layer  of  leaves  the  whole  should  be  covered 
with  properly  constructed  boards  or  sheets  of  corrugated  zinc. 

The  benefit  which  accrues  to  Vines  from  lifting  the  roots  out  of  deep 
and  cold  borders,  and  relaying  them  nearer  the  surface  in  suitable 
compost,  is  only  too  well  known  to  those  gardeners  who  have  adopted 
the  practice.  It  is  a  never  failing  remedy  of  rejuvenating  the  most 
decrepit  of  Vines,  and  where  shanking  is  due,  or  can  be  traced  to  the 
Vines  rooting  deeply  in  a  cold  and  inert  soil,  this  process,  with  other 
cultural  details  well  attended  to,  will  arrest  it  completely. — A.  Young. 


Shanking  may  be  caused  by  overcropping,  neglect  in  growth,  tops 
running  wild,  and  then  shortened  back  wholesale.  It  is  also  caused  by 
the  Vines  growing  in  an  imperfect  border,  combined  with  bad  drainage. 
All  Grapes  have  a  tendency  to  thus  shank  more  or  less.  Shanking  in  a 
green  state  is  no  doubt  caused  by  defective  root-action,  the  top  growth 
being  in  advance  of  roots.  Possibly  it  is  caused  by  the  loss  of  fibrous 
roots  during  the  winter.  In  this  case  it  plainly  shows  a  weakness,  and 
can  he  remedied  for  the  next  season  by  draining  and  renovating  the 
border,  top-dressing,  and  applying  less  water. 

Whatever  may  be  said  to  the  contrary,  I  have  proved  that  chemical 
manures  are  far  in  advance  of  that  from  the  farmyard.  True,  the 
immediate  gross  growth  does  not  follow  the  application  of  chemicals,  but, 
on  the  other  hand,  we  have  sounder  fruit  of  higher  fiavour,  with  hard 
close  grained  wood  for  our  next  season’s  crop.  Vines  that  are  over¬ 
cropped  are  most  liable  to  shanking,  though  it  may  also  be  caused  by 
want  of  water  at  the  roots  in  hot  dry  weather,  combined  with  a  low 
temperature  at  night  or  early  mornings.  In  Gros  Colman  it  is  a  shoulder 
that  is  generally  affected.  This  can  be  removed  without  any  great  detri¬ 
ment  to  the  bunch  beyond  the  actual  loss  of  weight.  Black  Alicante 
will  go  at  the  bottom,  the  first  symptoms  being  slow  colouring.  Lady 
Downe’s  is  often  affected  on  the  top  where  we  can  least  spare  berries. 
Cold  sour  borders  will  also  produce  this  disease,  but  growers  can  by 
careful  attention  reduce  it  to  a  minimum.  Some  persons  profess  not  to 
have  shanking,  yet  I  question  if  any  vinery  is  faultless  for  one  year. 

Should  shanking  arise  from  any  accidental  cause,  as  overcropping  or 
neglect  of  attention  in  the  due  stopping  of  the  growths  in  proper  season, 
this  will  not  necessarily  follow  the  following  year  if  attended  to.  If, 
however,  the  fault  be  at  the  roots  or  border  it  will  be  more  diflScult 
to  cope  with.  In  wet  sunless  seasons  with  outside  borders  shanking 
is  generally  prevalent.  The  remedy  will  be  in  lifting  the  Vines  or 


protecting  the  borders.  No  doubt  there  is  a  form  of  shanking  that  arises 
from  unripened  wood  of  the  previous  year.  Damage  to  the  roots  will 
also  cause  shanking.  Some  four  years  since  I  had  several  Vines,  the 
roots  of  which  were  mutilated  by  moles,  the  result  being  red  sour  berries. 
Now  they  are  not  quite  perfect,  but  improve  every  year. — Stephen 
Castle. 


NEPENTHES  MIXTA. 

This  Nepenthes,  which  is  depicted  in  the  accompanying  illustration 
(fig.  45),  is  an  interesting  and  highly  coloured  hybrid,  being  the  result 


FIG.  45.-— nepenthes  mixta. 


of  a  cross  between  N.  Curtisi  and  N.  Northiana.  It  was  raised  by  Messrs. 
J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  and  was  exhibited  by  them  at  the  Drill  Hall, 
James  Street,  S.W.,  on  Tuesday,  September  2Gth,  when  the  Floral  Com¬ 
mittee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  awarded  a  first-class  certificate 
for  it.  The  pitchers  are  about  9  or  10  inches  in  length,  somewhat 
narrow,  of  a  greenish  red  heavily  blotched  with  brownish  red.  The  ribs 
which  surround  the  mouth  of  the  pitcher  are  dark  crimson,  which 
enhances  its  appearance.  The  plant  shown  on  the  occasion  mentioned 
bore  six  fine  pitchers. 


316 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1893. 


National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

At  the  Floral  Committee  meeting  held  at  the  Aquarium  on  the  27th 
ult.  the  following  varieties  were  awarded  first-class  certificates. 

Oudave  Grunerwald. — An  early  flowering  decorative  Japanese  of  a 
light  mauve  colour  passing  to  white.  Exhibited  by  Mr.  N.  Davis. 

Mrs.  C.  B.  Myers. — A  large  exhibition  Japanese,  solid  and  well 
built,  colour  white  shaded  yellow.  Sent  by  Mr.  R.  Owen  of 
Maidenhead. 

President  Borrel. — A  variety  with  long  petals  of  the  Japanese  type, 
with  a  striking  purple  colour  and  golden  reverse.  A  massive  flower, 
staged  by  Mr.  Rowbottom. 

Madame  Desgranges  Chrysanthemum. 

The  well-known  Chrysanthemum  Madame  Desgranges  and  its 
yellow  sports  are  valuable  for  decorative  purposes,  and  are  somewhat 
extensively  cultivated.  To  grow  these  Chrysanthemums  into  good 
bushes  strong  cuttings  should  be  secured  about  the  middle  of  October, 
preference  being  given  to  those  springing  from  the  roots,  and  place 
them  singly  into  small  thumb  pots,  using  loam,  leaf  mould,  and  sand  in 
equal  parts.  Plunge  them  in  a  half-spent  hotbed,  and  keep  them  close 
until  rooted,  only  admitting  sufficient  air  to  dispel  superabundant 
moisture,  and  thus  prevent  damping.  When  rooted  they  should  have 
abundance  of  ventilation  during  favourable  weather,  and  keep  them 
near  to  the  glass,  so  as  to  induce  a  short-jointed  stocky  growth,  nothing 
being  so  detrimental  to  Chrysanthemums  as  “  coddling  ”  at  any  stage. 
Grown  under  airy,  bracing  conditions,  they  will  bear  a  few  degrees  of 
frost  without  injury,  and  although  the  growth  will  be  slower,  yet  in 
the  spring  the  plants  will  possess  far  more  stamina  than  those  grown 
under  close,  warm  conditions,  and  may,  moreover,  be  placed  out  of  doors 
a  month  earlier  in  spring. 

When  the  plants  are  6  inches  high,  pinch  off  2  inches  of  growth  ; 
this  will  induce  them  to  throw  out  a  number  of  side  shoots.  Select 
three  of  the  strongest,  and  rub  ofl  all  the  others.  At  this  stage,  which 
will  be  the  end  of  November,  they  will  require  placing  into  5-inch  pots, 
using  a  compost  of  three  parts  fibry  loam  and  one  part  each  of  well 
decayed  manure,  leaf  mould,  and  sand,  adding  1  quart  of  bone- 
meal  and  soot  to  each  bushel  of  compost.  They  should  be  potted  firmly 
and  returned  to  a  cold  frame  with  a  south  aspect  if  possible,  and  as  the 
days  are  short  and  damp  they  will  not  require  keeping  close,  neither 
will  they  need  watering  for  at  least  a  fortnight,  and  every  oppor¬ 
tunity  should  be  taken  to  give  air,  and  on  mild  days  to  remove  the 
lights  entirely.  During  very  severe  weather  the  lights  may  be  covered 
in  the  usual  way,  but  a  little  frost  will  not  hurt  the  plants.  Damp, 
however,  must  be  expected  during  the  dull  days  of  winter,  but  this  can 
be  largely  obviated  by  making  a  wooden  slatted  stage  for  the  frame,  and 
arranging  the  plants  on  it  near  to  the  glass,  giving  them  plenty  of  room. 
Watering  also  should  be  attended  to  during  the  early  part  of  the  day. 
Early  in  February  the  shoots  should  again  be  pinched  back  and  two 
growths  selected  which  will  give  six  shoots  to  each  plant.  Early  in 
March  place  the  plants  into  their  largest  pots,  using  those  8  and 
9  inches  in  diameter. — Specialist. 


A  GLANCE  AT  SCOTTISH  GARDENS; 

Dalkeith. 

My  initial  visit  to  Scotland  took  place  a  week  or  two  since,  and  as  I 
chose  Edinburgh  as  my  headquarters  I  saw  much  to  interest  me  in  as 
well  as  outside  the  city.  My  first  visit  was  made  to  Dalkeith,  and  a 
most  enjoyable  and  at  the  same  time  instructive  one  it  proved.  I  was 
unfortunate  enough  to  find  Mr.  Dunn,  the  well-known  gardener,  on  the 
sick  list,  and  unable  to  leave  his  house,  which  latter  fact  I  believe 
caused  him  more  worry  than  ail  the  pain,  as  he  is,  as  many  people 
know,  one  of  the  most  energetic  of  men.  He  did,  however,  everything 
he  could  for  me  by  deputing  one  of  his  foremen  to  show  me  round  the 
gardens.  What  struck  me  particularly  at  this,  as  well  as  at  the  other 
places  I  visited,  was  the  exceptional  cleanliness  which  pervaded  the 
whole — houses,  flower,  kitchen,  and  fruit  gardens  were  alike  in  that 
respect.  This  was  I  think  more  noticeable  here  than  in  many  English 
gardens  that  I  have  seen,  where  the  minor  details  seem  to  be  ignored.  In 
so  doing  a  great  mistake  is  made,  for  not  only  is  the  appearance  of  a  garden 
much  enhanced  by  this  freedom  from  weeds,  but  the  erops  that  are 
planted  thrive  best  on  clean,  sweet  ground.  Almost  all  the  fruit 
from  the  trees  indoors  had  been  gathered,  but  I  was  informed  there 
had  been  very  fine  crops.  A  few  Grapes  were  still  hanging,  and 
taking  those  as  a  criterion  the  bunches  must  have  been  exceptionally 
fine.  Bananas  are  finely  grown,  and  several  splendid  clusters  of  the 
luscious  fruits  were  to  be  seen  in  various  stages  of  ripeness.  Monstera 
deliciosa  was  also  carrying  numbers  of  fruits. 

Out  of  doors,  however,  there  was  still  a  wealth  of  bloom  and  an 
abundance  of  hardy  fruits.  Apples  have  been  exceptionally  abundant, 
as  also  have  Pears,  and  the  trees  here,  as  well  as  those  indoors,  bear  the 


impress  of  excellent  management.  Signs  of  the  drought  which  has 
played  such  havoc  in  many  gardens  throughout  the  kingdom  this  year 
were  noticeable.  The  Plums  were  practically  all  gone  at  what  is  in 
ordinary  seasons  the  height  of  their  perfection.  Amongst  the  flowers 
Dahlias  were  very  prominent  and  remarkably  beautiful,  most  all  of 
the  various  types  being  strongly  represented.  The  Stocks  were  a  wealth 
of  bloom,  pure  white  and  red,  and  of  delightful  fragrance.  They  grow 
well  at  Dalkeith,  and  evidently  they  are  highly  appreciated,  for  there 
seems  to  be  an  almost  endless  supply  of  them.  But  how  useful  they  are 
for  cutting  1  They  afford  innumerable  flowers,  which  stand  well  in 
water,  and  the  perfume  is,  I  believe,  almost  universally  liked.  Sun¬ 
flowers  reared  their  gigantic  heads  here  and  there  in  the  borders,  whilst 
the  Lobelias  in  all  their  dwarf  beauty  formed  the  groundwork  of  some 
charming  beds.  Zinnias,  too,  were  noticed  in  great  numbers,  providing 
a  diversity  of  colouration  which  entitles  them  to  more  general  culti¬ 
vation.  Their  culture  is  of  the  simplest,  and  their  beauty  cannot 
be  questioned.  A  walk  across  the  park  brought  us  to  the  place  where 
the  gardens  were  in  bygone  days,  and  of  which  but  one  relic  remains  in 
the  shape  of  a  large  stone-built  conservatory  of  much  beauty  filled  with 
Palms  and  other  plants  which  have  grown  too  large  for  the  accommo¬ 
dation  which  the  structures  in  the  gardens  afford.  There  were  numberless 
other  things  seen,  but  I  must  leave  the  good  work  at  Dalkeith  and  allude 
to  other  gardens. 

Newbattle  Abbey. 

This,  the  seat  of  the  Marquis  of  Lothian,  is  renowed  in  history, 
and  though  there  remains  little  of  the  old  Abbey,  yet  its  style  of  archi¬ 
tecture  remains  unaltered,  as  the  additions  which  have  been  have 
followed  closely  the  ancient  pile.  The  grounds  here  are  under  the 
charge  of  Mr.  Macdonald,  who,  though  but  a  short  while  there,  has 
made  his  presence  and  personality  felt  in  the  gardens,  which  are  in  an 
excellent  condition.  Chrysanthemums  are  a  great  feature,  some 
hundreds  of  plants  being  grown,  and  if  appearances  deceive  not,  will 
afford  some  grand  blooms.  They  are  clothed  almost  to  the  pots  with 
foliage  of  a  rich  dark  green  colour  and  of  exceptional  substance.  Truly 
they  are  splendid  plants.  The  flower  garden  was  bright  with  brilliant 
hued  Pelargoniums  and  Calceolarias,  between  them  being  turf,  better 
than  which  one  seldom  sees.  No  signs  are  displayed  of  dry  weather, 
everything  betokens  good  culture,  which  signifies  nothing  less  than 
unremitting  and  untiring  attention.  A  proof  of  the  exceptional  season 
— if  proof  is  required — is  found  here  in  a  large  Rhododendron  which 
has  made  a  second  growth,  and  was,  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  carrying  an 
abundance  of  medium-sized  trusses  of  well-coloured  perfectly  developed 
blooms. 

Indoors  neatness  prevails.  “  A  place  for  everything,  and  everything 
in  its  place,”  appears  to  be  one  of  Mr.  Macdonald’s  mottoes.  The 
collection  of  Masdevallias  is  a  justly  celebrated  one,  and  contains  every 
known  species  and  variety  of  merit.  Unfortunately  for  me  I  had  come 
at  the  wrong  time  to  see  them  in  flower,  but  one  can  readily  imagine 
that  when  at  the  summit  of  their  beauty  they  present  a  spectacle  which 
could  not  fail  to  gladden  the  eyes,  and  mayhap  the  heart,  of  everyone, 
whether  he  be  an  orchidist  or  not.  They  would  assuredly  be  worth 
going  many  miles  to  see.  These  Masdevallias  are,  I  understand,  the  pet 
hobby  of  the  Marquis,  who  is  at  present  engaged  upon  an  exhaustive 
work  on  this  genus.  Another  plant  worthy  of  special  mention  is  a 
grand  specimen  of  Bougainvillea  glabra  trained  to  the  roof  of  a  cool 
greenhouse,  a  position  which  is  evidently  well  suited  to  it,  as  it  is  carry¬ 
ing  an  enormous  number  of  flowers.  This  is  a  plant  often  found  in  a 
stove,  but  such  a  high  temperature  is  evidently  not  an  essential  to 
success  in  its  culture,  for  a  finer  plant  could  not  be  wished  for  than  that 
at  Newbattle.  There  is  here,  too,  a  delightful  fernery,  where  Adiantums, 
Pterises,  Aspleniums,  and  numerous  other  Ferns  grow  and  thrive  to 
perfection.  Huge  boulders  have  been  procured,  with  the  idea  of  carry¬ 
ing  the  fernery  underground,  to  come  out  into  the  gardens  by  a  flight 
of  steps  of  a  gentle  incline.  This  project  if  carried  out,  and  good  Ferns 
planted  therein,  would  greatly  enhance  the  charms  of  a  home  which 
is  already  beautiful,  and  would  be  such  a  place  as  Mr.  Schneider,  of 
Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons’,  would  revel  in. 

I  cannot  leave  Newbattle  without  a  word  in  praise  of  the  fruit. 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  had  all  gone,  but  Grapes  indoors,  and  Pears  and 
Apples  out,  were  magnificent,  and  a  great  credit  to  the  gardener.  There 
were  some  grand  bunches  of  Black  Hamburgh  hanging  on  the  Vines, 
the  berries  of  which  were  perfectly  finished  in  every  way.  Many  other 
varieties  are  grown  of  course,  but  these  remarks  may  safely  be  applied 
to  them. 

Melville  Castle. 

Still  following  Mr.  Dunn’s  advice,  I  next  walked  to  Melville,  one 
of  the  homes  of  Lord  Melville,  and  here,  standing  out  pre-eminently 
above  everything  else,  is  a  long  border  devoted  to  herbaceous  plants. 
Bushels  of  blooms  might  be  cut  and  not  one  missed,  they  are  so  plen¬ 
tiful.  To  select  one  plant  from  the  whole  as  the  most  beautiful  may 
appear  presumptuous  ;  nevertheless,  for  profusion  of  flowers,  good  effect, 
and  general  utility,  I  should  certainly  give  the  palm  to  Anemone 
japonica  alba.  I  do  not  remember  ever  seeing  finer  clumps.  Michael¬ 
mas  Daisies,  too,  made  a  brave  show,  many  varieties  being  grown. 
Second  only  to  the  Anemones  in  floriferousness  were  the  Phloxes,  these 
forming  a  most  brilliant  feature.  Dahlias  were  also  very  attrac¬ 
tive,  the  Cactus  varieties  being  particularly  showy.  Other  plants 
were  there  in  endless  numbers,  but  those  I  have  named  must  suffice. 
Dotted  here  and  there  in  the  borders,  and  forming  in  places  large  masses, 
were  some  plants  of  scarlet  Verbenas  which  looked  very  beautiful,  and 
though  said  to  be  shy  growers  in  some  places,  are  certainly  worth  a  trial 


October  5,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


817 


where  such  has  not  already  been  given  them,  for  where  the  plants  grow 
well  they  are  admired  and  appreciated  by  nearly  everyone. 

The  glass  houses  are  not  very  extensive,  and  are  devoted  principally 
to  fruit,  Grapes  being  a  good  feature.  Some  large  bunches  were  noticed 
of  the  renowned  Raisin  de  Oalabre  used  mainly  for  decorative  parposes. 
Black  Hamburghs  were  well  represented,  the  berries  being  very  fine. 
In  the  structures  devoted  to  plants,  Ferns  were  exceptionally  good,  as 
also  were  Palms  and  Crotons. 

The  kitchen  and  fruit  gardens  both  looked  well,  the  latter  having 
been  very  heavily  cropped.  Apple  trees  were  in  a  few  cases  blooming 
for  the  second  time,  and  this  after  carrying  exceptionally  fine  crops  of 
fruit.  Mr.  Mackinnon  is  to  be  congratulated  on  the  excellent  state  of 
the  gardens  which  he  has  under  his  control. 

Tynninghame. 

There  are  many  things  worthy  of  mention  at  this,  one  of  the 
residences  of  the  Earl  of  Haddington.  The  gardens  are  and  have  been 
for  many  years  past  in  the  charge  of  Mr.  R.  P.  Brotherston,  well  known 
as  an  excellent  gardener,  and  as  a  contributor  to  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture.  The  gardens  are  a  credit  to  any  gardener,  and  though 
the  glass  structures  have  mostly  seen  their  best  days  they  yet 
contain  some  fine  plants  and  fruit.  Plants  are  very  largely  grown  for 
affording  cut  flowers  here,  and  foremost  amongst  these  come  the 
Carnations,  of  which  a  very  choice  collection  has  been  brought  together. 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  in  various  shades  are  grown  in  large  numbers, 
and  appear  to  be  in  the  best  of  health,  though  showing,  owing  doubtless 
to  the  extraordinary  season,  a  tendency  to  premature  flowering,  which 
may  detract  somewhat  from  the  value  of  the  plants  next  season.  The 
beautiful  Germania  is  also  extensively  cultivated,  many  hundreds  of 
layers  having  been  rooted  this  year.  Sweet  Peas,  too,  are  a  great 
feature,  most  of  Mr.  Eckford’s  best  varieties  being  grown.  Amongst 
these  are  some  very  beautiful  colours,  one  of  the  best  being  Countess  of 
Radnor.  Affording  as  they  do  an  abundance  of  flowers  these  Sweet 
Peas  must  be  invaluable.  The  Blue  Pea  (Lathyrus  sativus)  is  also 
grown,  and  a  small  clump  of  it  is  a  very  beautiful  sight,  and  is  moreover 
useful  for  decorative  purposes.  Mignonette  thrives  admirably,  producing 
huge  spikes  of  its  deliciously  scented  blossoms,  the  variety  Machet 
being  perhaps  the  largest. 

The  flower  garden  is  furnished  with  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Calceolarias, 
Tritoma  Uvaria,  and  other  plants,  and  was  looking  very  gay  when  I 
was  there.  The  crop  of  Apples  has  been  a  wonderfully  heavy  one,  as  also 
has  the  Pears,  many  of  both  having  been  gathered  and  yet  leaving 
bushels  on  the  trees.  Pears  on  the  walls  were  looking  grand,  many  of 
the  very  best  varieties  being  planted,  notably  Clapp’s  Favourite, 
Souvenir  du  Congr^s,  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  and  Louise  Bonne  of 
Jersey.  Plums  too  were  hanging  here  and  there,  but  the  majority  had 
of  course  been  gathered.  Indoors  the  Vines  were  looking  splendidly, 
and  some  very  serviceable  bunches  were  hanging.  Tomatoes  too  were 
fine.  The  plants  indoors  were  in  excellent  health,  and  Crotons 
especially  were  very  highly  coloured.  Ferns  are  grown  in  large  numbers, 
and  some  highly  creditable  specimens  were  noticed.  On  the  shore  of 
the  Firth  of  Forth,  upon  which  the  estate  is  situated,  the  Sea  Buckthorn 
was  looking  beautiful  and  carrying  a  huge  crop  of  its  brightly  coloured 
berries.  There  were  many  other  plants  and  fruits  worthy  of  note,  but 
I  must  leave  those  to  be  dealt  with  by  others  at  some  future  time.  A 
visit  to  Tynninghame  will  be  conducive  to  thorough  enjoyment,  and 
much  valuable  information  may  be  gained  in  walking  through  the 
gardens  with  Mr.  Brotherston. — Nomad. 


EXPERIENCE  WITH  APPLES. 

At  the  time  when  the  characteristics  of  Apples  and  the  value  of  the 
crops  can  be  best  judged,  a  few  notes  from  cultivators  would  be  oppor¬ 
tune  and  instructive.  I  send  three  which  may  perhaps  lead  to  others 
from  cultivators  in  different  parts  of  the  country. 

Wealthy, 

In  your  report  of  the  discussion  that  took  place  at  the  last  meeting 
of  the  R.H.S.  Fruit  Committee,  I  notice  that  some  members  expressed 
their  strong  disapproval  of  the  growth  and  bearing  habit  of  this  Apple. 
With  me  the  growth  is  moderately  strong,  with  a  slight  symptom  of 
canker  showing  on  one  or  two  shoots  of  last  year’s  growth.  There  is, 
however,  nothing  to  give  cause  for  alarm  in  that  respect,  as  the  cold, 
heavy  soil  here  is  certain  to  develop  canker  if  the  variety  is  addicted  to 
it  in  any  way.  The  tree  from  which  the  fruit  was  gathered  was  a  maiden 
in  1891,  and  this  year  bore  eight  Apples,  all  equal  to  those  before  the 
Committee.  Many  were  removed  by  thinning  when  quite  small  to  give 
size  to  those  retained.  One  of  the  Apples  measured  12  inches  round. 
In  the  Journal  of  September  21st  I  note  it  is  being  largely  grown  at 
Denver,  an  Apple-growing  district  in  America.  Here  Wealthy  is 
thought  highly  of  ;  so  much  that  I  hope  to  increase  our  stock  very 
considerably  in  the  coming  planting  season. 

Ecklinville. 

No  Apple  that  I  know  will  grow  better  and  give  a  larger  return  of 
fruit  in  a  short  time  than  this,  but  what  is  the  use  of  the  quantity  if 
there  is  difficulty  in  disposing  of  the  produce?  As  is  well  known  this 
is  a  “  soft”  Apple,  easily  bruised,  and  fruiterers  with  whom  I  have  done 
business  refuse  to  buy  Ecklinville  at  any  price.  If  this  is  the  case  in 
one  town,  is  it  not  likely  to  be  the  same  in  others  ?  How,  then,  is  it 
possible  to  dispose  of  the  fruit  ?  Much  as  I  appreciate  this  Apple  for 


its  growth,  cropping,  and  cooking  qualities,  I  am  compelled  to  warn 
others  of  the  risk  they  run  in  planting  it  extensively. 

Duchess  of  Oldenburg. 

Anyone  requiring  a  good  early  cooking  Apple  to  be  grown  as  an 
espalier  could  not  do  much  better  than  plant  this  Russian  Apple.  The 
finest  crop  I  have  seen  of  it  was  produced  by  an  espalier-trained  tree  in 
the  garden  at  Hill  Place,  near  Bishop’s  Waltham.  The  fruit  was  packed 
as  close  as  it  could  be  on  all  the  branches,  was  of  large  size  and  magnifi¬ 
cently  coloured.  I  was  much  impressed  with  the  variety  after  seeing^it 
so  successfully  grown. — E.  Molyneux. 

Peasgood’s  Nonesuch. 

This  Apple  has  done  well  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bristol,  PWe 
recently  saw  fruit  grown  in  the  gardens  of  Cote  House  (Mr.  Bannister, 
gardener),  on  a  bush  tree,  one  fruit  weighing  1  lb.  12  ozs.  ;  two  weighing 
3  lbs.  7f  ozs.  ;  six  weighing  8  lbs.  13^  ozs.  ;  twelve  weighing  15  lbs.  13  ozs. 
— jAs.  Gar  AWAY  &  Co. 


DEATH  OF  MR.  G.  ROGUE. 

Many  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  as  well  as  ourselves, 
will  hear  with  deep  regret  of  the  death  of  Mr.  George  Bogue,  of  10,  Hill 
Street,  St.  Albans,  which  took  place  just  before  midnight  on  Tuesday, 
September  19th.  The  deceased,  who  reached  his  eighty-sixth  birthday 
only  on  the  previous  Wednesday,  was  familiarly  known  throughout  the 
city,  owing  to  his  long  connection  with  it.  He  had  been  in  failing 
health  for  some  time,  yet  he  was  out  a  fortnight  before  his  death.  It 
was  then  that  he  took  a  cold,  and  it  seemed  doubtful  if  he  would  recover, 
his  constitution  having  been  impaired  by  a  serious  illness  in  the 
spring.  Mr.  Bogue  was  a  native  of  Lanarkshire,  and  came  to  St.  Albans 
as  head  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Verulam,  at  Gorhambury,  about  forty- 
six  years  ago,  and  remained  in  his  Lordship’s  service  for  twenty-eight 
years. 

Many  years  ago  Mr.  Bogue  used  frequently  to  contribute  articles  to  this 
Journal,  which  were  of  a  sound  practical  character.  Mr.  Bogue  also  for 
many  years  supplied  annually  to  the  “  Herts  Advertiser  ”  a  rainfall  table. 
As  showing  the  interest  Mr.  Bogue  always  took  in  this  kind  of  work,  it 
might  be  mentioned  that  only  a  few  weeks  back,  when  showing  the 
apparatus  to  a  friend,  he  expressed  his  wish  to  have  it  fitted  up,  and 
thought  he  should  begin  again.  The  deceased,  during  his  connec¬ 
tion  with  Gorhambury,  was  a  member  of  the  Committee  of  the  Royal 
Horticulcural  Society,  and  seldom  failed  to  attend  the  meetings  in 
London,  and  in  the  last  few  years  of  his  life  the  deceased  often 
referred  with  pride  to  this,  and  would  speak  in  glowing  terms  of  the 
times  when  he  had  sat  at  a  Committee  meeting  with  the  late  Prince 
Consort.  During  the  last  eighteen  years  Mr.  Bogue  had  lived  a  life  of 
retirement,  and  filled  the  office  of  churchwarden  at  Christ  Church  for 
a  long  period.  He,  however,  gave  up  his  position  some  five  years 
ago  owing  to  increasing  age,  and  on  that  occasion  he  was  presented  with 
a  valuable  inkstand  as  a  mark  of  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held. 
There  are  only  a  few  distant  relatives  of  the  deceased  in  England  at 
the  present  time,  most  of  his  nearer  relations  having  emigrated  and 
attained  to  very  good  positions  abroad.  The  funeral  took  place  in  the 
St.  Michael’s  Churchyard,  St.  Albans,  on  Saturday  afternoon,  Sep¬ 
tember  23rd.  (St.  Michael’s  Church  is  within  the  precincts  of  the 
ancient  Roman  city  of  Verulam,  and  contains  a  fine  marble  monument 
of  the  famous  Lord  Bacon).  The  service  was  conducted  by  the  Rev. 
W.  Horne,  and  among  those  who  followed  to  pay  a  last  tribute  of 
respect  to  the  deceased  were  Miss  Henley  and  Miss  Allard  (sisters-in- 
law),  Mr.  Horsfield  (steward  to  Earl  Cowper),  who  is  a  nephew  of  the 
deceased’s  late  wife ;  Mr.  Garner,  Mr.  J.  Child,  Mr.  W.  Dunham,  Mr. 
W.  Bowes,  and  Mr.  Whitelaw  (gardener  to  Lord  Grimthorpe  at  Batch- 
wood). 

The  “  Herts  Advertiser,”  from  which  the  foregoing  record  was 
mainly  taken,  did  not  reach  us  till  after  the  publication  of  our  last  issue. 
It  was  while  our  late  contributor,  coadjutor,  and  friend,  who  has  passed 
away  so  full  of  years  and  honour,  was  gardener  at  Gorhambury  that 
articles  from  his  pen  appeared  in  the  Cottage  Gardener  and  Journal  oj 
Horticulture.  These  were  stamped  by  the  teachings  of  experience,  and 
were  proof  of  cultural  attainments  of  a  high  order. 


SOFT  VERSUS  HARD  COLD  WATER. 

My  first  remarks  upon  this  subject  may,  I  admit,  be  open  to  mis¬ 
construction,  but  were  certainly  not  written  with  the  object  of  implying 
“  W.  P.  W .”  had  betrayed  confidence  in  any  way,  the  reverse  being  the 
case.  I  hope  in  future  to  strictly  avoid  touching  the  very  sensitive 
feelings  which  “  W.  P.  W.”  appears  to  possess,  and  will  now  content 
myself  by  taking  a  careful  survey  of  the  articles  written,  and  endeavour 
to  explain  a  few  facts,  prove  a  few  statements,  and  accept  without 
hesitation  the  challenge  thrown  out  by  “  J.  B.  R.”  (page  286),  therefore 
I  can  only  touch  lightly  upon  the  first-mentioned  correspondent’s 
article  to  save  repetition.  The  “subtle  shaft”  which  “  W.  P.  W.”  has 
hurled  with  such  mighty  force  falls  harmless  to  the  ground,  and  leaves 
me  still  free  to  concentrate  time  and  attention  to  “  J.  B.  R.’s”  article, 
in  which  he  distinctly  implies  that  I  wish  to  turn  the  matter  into 
other  channels.  This  is  decidedly  wrong  ;  my  conviction  strengthens 
rather  than  diminishes.  I  have  no  intention  to  “  play  upon  words  ”  in 
this  communication,  my  duty  being  to  accept  the  challenge  to  quote 


818 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Oetober  5,  1891. 


an  authority  where  “  hard  cold  water  ”  is  described  in  words  equal  to 
“  obnoxious  drug.”  ""tj* 

First,  What  is  the  meaning  of  “  obnoxious?  ”  Anything  in  disfavour  ; 
and  I  take  that  “  hard  cold  water  ”  is  distinctly  in  disfavour  with  me  ; 
“drug,”  anything  used  which  proves  hurtful  to  the  constitution  of 
animals  or  vegetation.  This  is  my  explanation  of  “  obnoxious  drug.” 
Now  turn  to  “slow  poison,”  and  the  meaning  reads,  anything  which  is 
injurious  to  life,  animal  or  vegetable.  Will  this  explanation  satisfy  your 
correspondent?  The  first  authority  I  quote  is  “Johnson’s  Gardeners’ 
Dictionary”  (page  818),  which  reads,  “  That  known  as  hard  water,  con¬ 
taining  au  excess  of  salts  of  lime  or  magnesia,  is  invariably  prejudicial,” 
in  other  words  injurious.  To  subject  the  roots  to  an  excess  of  this 
element  which  “  hard  cold  water  ”  contains,  acts  as  a  “  poison  ”  instead 
of  a  nutriment  to  the  plants.  In  support  of  this  statement  allow  me  to 
point  “  J.  B.  R.”  to  the  experiments  recorded  in  “  Thompson’s  Gardeners’ 
Assistant”  (page  57),  it  will  then  be  for  him  to  prove  my  statements  are 
“  grossly  incorrect.” 

I  will  advance  another  step  and  quote  the  experience  of  men  whose 
authority  is  recognised  throughout  the  gardening  world.  First,  we  read 
in  that  valuable  work  the  “Fruit  Growers’  Guide,”  by  J.  Wright 
(page  291),  “  Water  should  never  be  less  in  temperature  than  the  mean 
temperature  of  the  house,  and  it  is  better  if  5°  warmer.”  Now  turn  to 
“  Fruit  Culture,”  by  J.  Cheal  (page  128)  and  read,  “  Be  careful  not  to 
use  cold  spring  water  or  the  chill  will  be  too  great.”  Would  these 
warnings,  I  ask,  be  necessary  if  “  bard  cold  water  ”  was  beneficial  ? 
No  1  they  distinctly  point  out  that  it  is  the  reverse  of  beneficial.  “  Hard 
cold  water,”  I  repeat,  prevents  heat  being  carried  down  to  the  roots, 
and  when  these  are  chilled  they  cannot  produce  healthy  vegetation. 
Knowing  this  what  possible  deduction  can  be  drawn  from  “  J.  B.  R.’s” 
assurance  that  “  hard  cold  water  ”  is  highly  beneficial  to  vegetation  ? 
He  commits  himself  to  "dicta,”  and  it  is  for  him  to  prove  that  our 
practical  and  scientific  authorities  are  wrong.  Allow  me  to  return 
the  challenge  and  ask  “J.  B.  R.”  to  quote  an  authority  outside  this 
discussion  where  “  hard  cold  water”  is  described  as  highly  beneficial 
to  vegetation. 

I  was  surprised  to  see  Mr.  Molyneux’s  communication  (page  286)  in 
which  he  states  that  “  hard  cold  water  ”  has  a  distinctly  nourishing 
effect  upon  Chrysanthemums  and  other  plants,  for  in  his  book  on 
“  Chrysanthemums  and  their  Culture  ”  (pages  54  and  55)  we  find, 
“  Where  water  comes  direct  from  wells  or  water  companies’  pipes  in 
a  cold  state  means  should  be  taken  to  expose  it  to  the  sun’s  rays  and 
air  some  time  previous  to  using.”  Now  that  his  ideas  have  advanced 
in  such  a  remarkable  manner,  he  ought,  in  all  fairness,  to  rectify  the 
statement  in  his  book,  because  advice  which  is  bought  ought  to  be 
of  the  best  and  not  subject  in  any  way  to  contradiction  by  the  same 
author  in  other  channels. — F.  Dunk. 


MADAME  PATTI’S  LOVE  OF  FLOWERS. 

Madame  Adelina  Patti  has  contributed  a  characteristic  “  Page 
of  Confessions”  to  a  London  magazine.  In  answer  to  the  question, 
“What  flowers  do  you  most  admire?”  she  replies,  as  I  think  very 
sincerely,  “  I  love  them  all.”  Nevertheless,  like  most  amateur  horticul¬ 
turists,  the  prima  donna  has  her  special  favourites.  She  said  to  me 
some  years  ago,  during  the  interval  at  one  of  her  memorable  Irish 
concerts,  “  If  ever  you  wish  me  to  wear  any  special  flowers  when  I  am 
singing  do  not  send  me  Lilies,  whose  fragrance  is  so  powerful  as  to  have 
a  sickening  influence;  I  would  infinitely  prefer  either  Roses  or  Carna¬ 
tions.  I,  however,  admire  greatly  the  Lilies  which  you  send  to  me,  and 
though  for  this  special  reason  I  cannot  wear  them  I  have  them  beside 
me  here.”  I  observe  on  page  292  it  is  predicted  in  an  interesting 
article  that  Lilium  Henryi  will  soon  become  a  favourite  with  the  ladies. 
Another  Lily  which  might  safely  be  worn  by  them  is  L.  speciosum 
Kraetzeri,  the  fragrance  of  which  is  much  more  delicate  that  that  of 
L.  auratum  or  L.  longiflorum. 

Madame  Adelina  Patti  is  net  only  a  lover,  but  also  a  great  cultivator 
of  flowers,  and  her  famous  conservatories  at  Craig-y-Nos  Castle,  in 
which  grow  luxuriantly  the  rarest  exotics,  are  among  the  finest  in  the 
kingdom.  All  of  these  are  lighted  throughout  with  electricity,  and 
present,  when  thus  illuminated  in  the  evening,  a  fascinating  scene, 
especially  when  the  subdued  radiance  from  the  electric  lamps,  falling  on 
the  river  Tawe,  transfigures  the  rushing  waters  of  that  mountain 
stream.— David  R.  Williamson. 


LONDON  TREES. 

It  is  quite  true,  as  stated  in  “  The  Times  ”  of  the  20th  ult.,  and 
reproduced  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture^  page  295,  that  the 
flowers  of  the  Ailantus  have  an  unpleasant  smell.  But  this,  in  my 
judgment,  does  not  militate  against  its  value  as  a  London  tree.  The 
scent  is  scarcely  perceptible  in  the  open  air  in  England,  and  the  flowers 
pass  quickly  away.  The  huge  tree  in  my  garden  is  nearly  50  feet  high 
close  to  the  house,  so  close  that  the  extreme  branches  overlap  the 
windows.  An  average  of  twelve  persons,  exclusive  of  visitors,  has  lived 
in  the  house  for  more  than  twenty  years,  and  during  the  whole  of  that 
period  I  have  heard  but  one  allusion  made  to  the  scent  of  the  flowers. 
A  grove  of  it  might  prove  objectionable,  but  there  is  no  fear  of  annoyance 
from  a  short  line  or  lines  of  trees.  I  have  often  admired  this  tree  in  the 
streets  in  France,  notably  in  the  west,  and  recently  saw  an  advertise¬ 
ment  for  trees  in  a  German  periodical.  Flowering  in  the  hottest  time 


of  New  York  it  may  be  objectionable  there,  probably  is  so  ;  of  this  I 
have  had  no  experience. — Wm.  Paul,  F.L.S. 


The  following  correspondence  also  appeared  in  “  The  Times  ”  in  support 
of  Mr.  Paul’s  contention  : — “  The  scent  from  the  Ailantus  tree  flowers 
is  quite  innocuous  and  by  no  means  powerful.  Just  outside  the  windows 
of  the  Palace  at  Wells  may  be  seen  the  finest  specimen  in  England,  and 
as  his  Lordship  daily  takes  a  walk  beneath  its  shade,  and  as  he  is  in  his 
eighty-sixth  year,  obviously  he  has  not  suffered  from  the  proximity  of 
his  giant  neighbour.”  Another  writer  says  : — “  Referring  to  recent 
correspondence  on  this  subject  in  your  paper,  I  may  mention  there  are  three 
varieties  of  the  Ailantus,  or  Tree  of  Heaven.  Two  of  these  bear  evil 
smelling  flowers,  while  the  scent  of  the  third  is,  as  Mr.  Paul  describes  it, 
scarcely  perceptible.” 


THE  “MARTIN”  FLOWER  RACK. 

The  accompanying  illustrations  represent  the  “  Martin  ”  Flower 
Rack,  a  sample  of  which  has  been  sent  us  by  Messrs.  Corry  &  Co. 
(Limited),  13,  15,  and  16,  Finsbury  Street,  London,  E.C.  This  useful 
contrivance  was  invented  by  Mr.  J.  Martin,  of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons, 
Reading,  and  it  will  doubtless  prove  valuable  for  exhibiting  cut  flowers, 
also  for  arranging  blooms  in  vases  or  glasses.  The  rack  depicted  in  the 
small  sketch  can  be  easily  filled  with  flowers  before  placing  it  in  the 
vase,  as  shown  in  the  larger  engraving.  It  can  also  be  utilised,  if 


suspended  by  wire,  for  displaying  dried  flowers  and  grasses,  the  sides  of 
the  rack  being  covered  with  green  moss.  The  rack  is  made  in  various 
sizes,  from  1|^  to  2|  inches  in  diameter. 


THE  ROSELANDS,  SOUTHAMPTON. 

During  a  recent  holiday  I  took  the  opportunity  of  visiting  the 
flourishing  seaport  town  of  Southampton,  and  after  viewing  the  new 
pier  and  docks  I  went  across  the  ferry  to  the  pleasant  village  of 
Woolston,  with  the  intention  of  seeing  the  grounds  and  conservatories 
at  The  Roselands,  the  seat  of  W.  Garton,  Esq. 

Mr.  F.  Jennings,  the  head  gardener,  welcomed  me,  and  by  him  I  was 
shown  a  fine  range  of  Peach  houses.  The  trees  at  the  time  of  my  visit 
were  carrying  a  splendid  crop  of  fruit.  Some  of  the  trees  were  moved 
last  year,  but  they  are  making  fine  wood  for  next  season.  We  next  entered 
the  early  vinery,  in  which  the  Vines  are  being  prepared  for  forcing. 
Near  the  last  named  structure  is  a  fine  span  house,  filled  with  Mar^chal 
Niel  Roses.  In  the  next  house  a  grand  crop  of  Tomatoes  was  notice¬ 
able.  The  frames  are  now  filled  with  Bouvardias,  Primulas,  Cinerarias, 
Freesias,  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums.  About  1000  Chrysanthemums  are 
grown  on  the  cut-back  system.  The  plants  are  dwarf,  and  the  foliage 
is  good.  We  next  visited  the  conservatory,  which  is  a  very  long  span- 
roofed  structure,  filled  with  choice  plants.  From  thence  we  entered  the 
large  fernery,  which  was  designed  by  Mr.  Jennings.  There  are  two  fine 
specimen  Palms  in  the  centre,  and  a  host  of  other  plants,  that  deserve 
more  than  a  passing  reference.  A  house  filled  with  Crotons,  possessing 
well  coloured  foliage,  is  especially  interesting.  The  conservatory, 
fernery,  and  Croton  house  are  lit  by  the  electric  light,  which  at  night  add 
considerably  to  their  attractions.  A  large  stove,  containing  the  fine 
specimen  plants  which  Mr.  Jennings  has  exhibited  at  Southampton 
the  last  two  seasons,  also  forms  a  feature  at  The  Roselands,  as  does  the 
propagating  house,  where  hundreds  of  seedling  Palms  and  young 
Crotons  are  grown  for  decorative  purposes. 

Besides  the  early  house  mentioned,  there  is  a  fine  range  of  vineries, 
containing  well  finished  Lady  Downe’s,  Black  Alicante,  and  Muscats. 
We  next  passed  through  a  long  archway  covered  with  Pears  and  climbing 
plants,  the  whole  presenting  an  attractive  appearance.  The  lawn  is 


October  5,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


319 


well  kept,  and  the  carpet  bedding  and  an  avenue  of  half-standard 
Acacias  were  most  noticeable.  The  same  may  be  said  of  a  fine  tennis 
court  and  bowling  green.  The  grounds  are  not  extensive,  but  afford 
many  beautiful  views,  and  being  well  kept  reflect  much  credit  upon 
Mr.  Jennings. — A  Gardener. 


COUNTY  OF  GLOUCESTER  AND  CHELTENHAM  ROYAL 

HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY’S  SHOW.— Sept.  27th,  28th. 

The  annual  autumn  Exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  in  the 
Winter  Gardens,  which  is  admirably  adapted  for  the  purpose,  being 
a  fine,  spacious,  well  lighted,  and  central  building,  on  the  above 
dates.  Taken  altogether  the  Show  was  a  good  one.  In  the  plant  and 
cut  flower  classes  there  was  a  falling  off  both  in  quantity  and  quality, 
but  the  fruit  section  was  a  decided  advance,  some  remarkably  fine 
exhibits  being  staged.  Vegetables  were  very  good  for  the  season. 

For  six  stove  and  greenhouse  plants  Mr.  J.  Cypher,  Cheltenham, 
secured,  as  usual,  first  honours  with  large  well-bloomed  plants,  the  best 
being  Ixora  Pilgrimi  and  I.  Williamsi.  Messrs.  Heath  &  Son,  Chelten¬ 
ham,  came  second  with  some  excellent  plants.  With  thirty  plants,  in 
or  out  of  bloom,  grouped  for  effect,  Mr.  J.  Cypher  and  Messrs.  Heath  and 
Son  took  the  honours  as  named,  both  staging  gigantic  plants  in  prime 
health  and  condition.  For  twenty-four  Dahlia  blooms,  distinct,  Mr. 
Thos.  Hobbs,  Bristol,  was  first,  Messrs.  Heath  &  Son  a  very  close  second, 
and  Mr.  Humphries,  Chippenham,  third.  With  twelve  Dahlia  blooms, 
distinct,  Mr.  Hobbs  was  again  first,  Mr.  T.  Haskins,  Bristol,  second. 
For  twenty-four  German  Aster  blooms  Messrs.  John  Price  &  Son,  Stone- 
house,  were  first.  Mr.  G.  Garraway,  Bath,  occupied  a  similar  position 
for  twenty-four  French  Asters.  For  thirty-six  Rose  blooms  Messrs. 
T.  J.  Townsend  &  Son  were  first,  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Son,  Coventry, 
being  second.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Son  were  an  easy  first  for  the  best 
bouquet,  made  up  in  their  usual  faultless  style.  Mr.  J.  Cypher  was  first 
for  twelve  varieties  of  herbaceous  flowers,  Messrs.  Heath  &  Son  second. 
The  same  exhibitors  were  placed  as  named  for  twelve  exotic  Ferns,  both 
staging  massive  well  grown  plants. 

For  six  bunches  of  black  Grapes  in  two  varieties,  the  Rev.  G.  Coventry 
was  first,  Gros  Colman  and  Gros  Maroc  very  fine  ;  Canon  Coventry, 
Severn,  Stoke,  second,  with  fine  bunches  of  Gros  Colman  and  Alicante. 
For  three  bunches  of  black  Grapes,  Mr.  George  E.  Cox  was  first ;  Lieut.- 
Colonel  Rogers  second,  both  showing  well  finished  Alicante.  With  six 
bunches  of  white  Grapes,  two  varieties,  Mr.  D.  Sheppard  was  first  with 
Bowood  Muscat  and  Muscat  of  .Alexandria  ;  Rev.  G.  Coventry  second. 
For  one  dish  of  white  Grapes  Mr.  G.  E.  Cox  was  first.  Canon  Coventry 
second,  both  staging  Muscats,  For  two  bunches  of  black  Grapes  the  Rev. 
G.  Coventry  was  first  and  C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  was  second,  both 
putting  up  fine,  well  coloured  bunches.  With  eight  dishes  of  fruit,  the 
Earl  of  Coventry  secured  premier  honours  with  good  Gros  Colman  and 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  a  fine  Smooth  Cayenne  Pine,  a  large 
Melon,  and  good  dishes  of  Pears,  Peaches,  Figs,  and  Plums.  C.  Lee 
Campbell,  Esq.,  second,  with  large  bunches  of  Black  Alicante  and  well 
coloured  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes,  a  fine  Melon,  and  good  dishes  of 
Pears,  Apples,  and  Plums.  Mr.  E.  Hall,  Batb,was  third.  For  four  dishes 
Mr.  D.  Sheppard  was  first  with  good  Muscat  Grapes,  fine  Pitmaston 
Duchess  Pears,  Figs,  and  Peaches.  J.  P.  W.  Butt,  E-q.,  a  very  good  second. 
Lieut.-Colonel  Rogers  had  the  best  Peaches  ;  and  C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq., 
and  J.  P.  W.  Butt,  Esq.,  were  the  most  successful  in  the  Melon  classes. 
The  Earl  of  Coventry  had  the  best  dessert  Apples,  showing  King  of  the 
Pippins  ;  and  Mr.  H.  Shurmer  had  the  finest  dish  of  culinary  Apples, 
with  magnificent  examples  of  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch.  The  same  exhibitor 
was  also  first  for  twelve  dishes  of  Apples.  In  the  vegetable  classes  Mr. 
G.  Garraway,  Mr.  H.  Shurmer,  and  Mr.  A.  Be  van  took  leading  positions 
for  collections.  In  the  single  dish  classes  the  competition  was  keen,  but 
it  would  take  up  much  space  to  name  them. 

Mr,  B.  Ladhams,  Shirley  Nurseries,  Southampton,  was  awarded  a 
silver  Flora  medal  for  a  fine  collection  of  herbaceous  flowers,  also  a  first- 
class  certificate  for  a  perpetual-flowering  Pink  named  Ernest  Ladhams, 
which  promises  to  be  an  acquisition.  First-class  certificates  were 
awarded  to  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Son  for  two  beautiful  Cactus  Dahlias — 
viz,.  Purple  Prince  and  Matchless.  Messrs.  W.  Edwards  &  Son,  Sher¬ 
wood,  Notts,  exhibited  their  new  bronze-like  receptacles  for  Ferns 
or  other  plants.  Mr.  C.  Phillips  staged  a  miscellaneous  collection 
of  flowering  and  foliage  plants.  Mr.  G.  Humphries  and  Messrs. 
Heath  &  Son  staged  Dahlias  in  variety  ;  and  Mr.  J,  Townsend, 
Worcester,  Dahlias  and  Roses,  not  for  competition. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

E.  P.  Dixon  &  Sons,  Hull. — Forest  and  Ornamental  Trees,  Shrubs, 
Fruit  Trees,  Sfc. 

Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  N.B. — ITyaeinths,  Tulips,  Roses,  Carna¬ 
tions,  c^'C. 

Henry  Norton,  Louth,  Lincolnshire. — Dwarf  Roses. 


GARDENERS’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 

INSTITUTIONS. 

The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  60,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 

United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. — 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 

Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron, 
Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens,  Chiswick,  London,  W, 


WOKK.Foil'rHEWEEK.. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — Early-forced  Vines  in  Rots. — Those  to  be  forced  to  furnish 
ripe  Grapes  in  March  or  April  should  be  started  not  later  than  the  first 
or  second  week  in  November.  Early  and  free  fruiting  varieties  must  be 
chosen.  There  are  few  that  are  in  all  points  so  satisfactory  as  White 
Frontignan,  Foster’s  Seedling,  Black  Hamburgh,  and  Madresfield  Court. 
If  bottom  heat  can  be  given  to  start  them  they  will  break  well.  Pro¬ 
vided  there  is  a  pit  of  3  feet  depth  and  4  feet  width,  the  pots  may  be 
raised  upon  bricks  in  pillar  fashion,  so  that  their  rims  are  slightly  higher 
than  the  pit  edge,  and  so  that  the  pots  will  be  in  the  centre  of  the  bed. 
Leaves  being  placed  in  to  fill  the  pit  a  gentle  warmth  will  be  afforded 
the  Vines,  and  the  roots  will  pass  from  the  pots  into  the  leaves,  deriving 
support  beneficial  to  the  growth  of  the  Vines  and  Grapes.  The  tempera¬ 
ture  at  the  roots  must  be  moderate  at  all  times,  especially  at  the  com¬ 
mencement,  60°  to  65°  being  sufficient  about  the  pots  and  70°  to  75°  at 
their  base.  When  in  growth  the  temperature  about  the  pots  ought  to 
be  between  70°  and  76°.  The  house  must  be  light,  properly  ventilated, 
and  well  heated.  It  should  face  the  south,  a  lean-to  or  three-quarters 
span-roof  being  most  suitable. 

Early -forced  Houses. — It  is  not  desirable  to  start  permanently 
planted  Vines  early  in  November  to  afford  a  supply  of  ripe  Grapes  in 
late  March  or  April  where  there  is  convenience  for  growing  them  in 
pots,  as  it  is  a  great  strain  on  their  energies  through  having  to  make 
growth  at  the  dullest  period  of  the  year,  and  to  rest  at  the  hottest.  The 
Vines  ought  now  to  be  pruned,  and  rest  assured  by  keeping  them  cool  and 
dry.  If  the  roots  are  partly  outside  that  part  of  the  border  should  have  a 
covering  of  moderately  dry  leaves  with  a  little  litter  to  prevent  them 
blowing  about.  This  is  an  effective  protection,  and  need  not  be  used 
until  the  soil  has  been  well  moistened  by  the  autumn  rains,  yet  before 
the  ground  has  become  soddened  and  much  reduced  in  temperature. 
Where  the  border  is  entirely  outside  and  early  forcing  is  practised  it  will 
be  necessary  to  cover  it  with  fermenting  materials  about  the  time  of 
starling  the  Vines.  Three  parts  of  Oak  or  Beech  leaves  to  one  of  stable 
litter  will  give  a  more  suitable  and  durable  warmth  than  all  manure. 
The  material  need  not  be  thrown  into  a  heap  until  the  house  is  closed, 
then  mix  well  together,  damping  if  dry,  and  when  getting  warm  it  is  fit 
to  place  on  the  b  rder.  But  Vines  in  outside  borders  are  not  desirable 
for  early  forcing,  though  it  is  sometimes  necessary  to  make  the  most  of 
them  for  the  purpose,  and  in  that  case  a  supply  of  fermenting  material 
must  be  held  in  readiness  so  as  to  renew  the  heat  as  required.  Ferment¬ 
ing  materials  are  also  a  great  aid  in  forcing  operations  where  the  roots 
of  the  Vines  are  partly  or  entirely  inside,  as  they  generate  and  maintain 
a  genial  condition  of  the  atmosphere,  without  recourse  to  so  much  fire 
heat  or  sprinklings  from  the  syringe.  In  that  case  the  material  should 
be  placed  in  the  house  when  it  is  closed,  turning  the  heap  a  time  or  two 
more  than  is  advised  for  outside  borders,  so  as  to  become  well  sweetened 
before  being  used. 

Second  Early  Houses. — Vines  to  be  started  at  the  new  year  to  afford 
ripe  Grapes  in  late  May  or  early  in  June  ought  now  to  be  pruned  and 
dressed,  removing  the  loose  bark  only,  and  washing  them  with  a  tepid 
solution  of  Eoftsoap,  2  ozs.  to  a  gallon  of  water.  The  house  also  must 
be  thoroughly  cleansed,  whitewashing  the  walls,  and  painting  the  wood 
and  iron  if  necessary.  Unless  the  Vines  have  been  infested  with  insects 
it  will  not  be  necessary  to  apply  an  insecticide.  If  they  have  been 
attacked,  it  would  be  advisable  to  dress  them  carefully  with  an  approved 
solution.  The  loose  surface  soil  should  be  removed  and  a  couple  of 
inches  thickness  of  fresh  loam  be  supplied,  sprinkling  about  4  ozs.  of  the 
following  mixture  over  each  square  yard — steamed  bonemeal  two 
parts,  and  kainit  one  part,  mixed,  and  leave  it  on  the  surface,  unless  it 
is  necessary  to  apply  water  to  render  the  soil  moderately  moist,  then  of 
course  it  will  be  washed  in,  and  the  soil  will  hold  its  manorial  elements. 
The  house  should  be  kept  cool  and  dry,  ventilating  fully  except  when 
frost  prevails,  and  only  use  fire  heat  to  exclude  it  or  prevent  the  hot- 
water  pipes  becoming  frozen  and  burst. 

Midseason  Houses. — Where  the  Grapes  are  hanging  it  will  be 
neces^ary  to  employ  a  little  fire  heat  so  as  to  insure  a  circulation  of  air 
and  prevent  the  deposition  of  moisture  on  the  berries,  which  is  almost 
sure  to  be  followed  by  decay.  Air  should  be  admitted  constantly  unless 
the  weather  is  very  damp  or  foggy,  when  it  will  be  best  to  maintain  a  gentle 
warmth  in  the  pipes  and  keep  the  house  closed,  not  employing  more  heat 
than  sufficient  to  keep  the  temperature  at  45°  to  50°.  If  the  roof  is  a 
leaky  one  or  plants  have  to  be  accommodated  in  the  house,  it  is  advisable 
to  cut  the  Grapes  with  as  much  wood  as  can  be  spared,  and,  removing 
the  leaves,  place  the  shoots  in  bottles  of  clear  rain  water  placed  in  an 
inclined  position  in  a  cool  dry  room,  so  that  the  bunches  will  hang  clear 
of  the  bottles.  Grapes  in  this  way  will  often  keep  plump  and  sound  up 
to  Christmas,  whereas  left  on  the  Vines  they  often  decay  long  before 
that  time,  and  the  shortening  of  the  bearing  shoots  to  two  or  three 
buds  above  the  pruning  buds  is  often  beneficial  by  plumping  the 
latter,  also  by  affording  freer  access  of  light  and  air.  It  is  also 
a  good  plan  to  remove  some  of  the  laterals  where  they  are  crowded,  but 


320 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


t  October  5,  1893. 


this  must  not  be  carried  too  far  where  black  Grapes  are  hanging  or  they 
will  lose  colour  through  exposure  to  the  sun. 

Young  Vines. — These  often  have  a  disposition  to  keep  growing  to  a 
late  period,  and  it  should  be  checked  by  stopping  the  shoots  moderately, 
but  not  so  much  so  as  to  start  the  principal  buds,  as  would  be  likely  by 
large  reductions  at  one  time  and  too  closely.  It  will  also  accelerate  the 
ripening  of  the  wood,  which  may  be  farther  facilitated  by  a  somewhat 
high  temperature  and  rather  dry  atmosphere  by  day,  shutting  off  the 
heat  and  keeping  the  ventilators  open  by  night  except  when  frost 
prevails,  for  the  Vines  must  not  become  frozen  whilst  they  are  full 
of  sap. 

Late  Grapes. — These  are  now  thoroughly  ripe  except  where  the 
Vines  are  in  bad  condition,  or  where  started  late.  In  the  latter  case 
little  benefit  is  derived  from  fire  heat  at  this  season  in  ripening  the 
Grapes,  but  it  should  be  used  where  the  wood  is  not  thoroughly  ripened 
for  the  next  year’s  prospects,  maintaining  a  temperature  of  70°  to  75° 
by  day  and  65°  at  night,  falling  5°  through  the  night,  allowing  an 
advance  to  80°  or  85°  from  sun  heat,  continuing  this  until  the  Grapes 
are  ripe,  at  least  until  the  wood  is  brown  and  hard.  Where  the  fruit 
is  thoroughly  ripe— as  it  should  be,  for  in  that  condition  only  can  Grapes 
be  expected  to  winter  satisfactorily — and  the  wood  thoroughly  matured, 
all  spray  or  laterals  may  be  removed  down  to  the  main  buds,  ventilating 
freely  on  all  favourable  occasions.  Fire  heat  will  only  be  necessary  to 
prevent  the  temperature  falling  below  50°.  To  prevent  dust  settling 
upon  the  berries  raking  or  sweeping  must  not  be  practised.  Mats  or 
clean  dry  straw  laid  over  inside  borders  will  to  some  extent  prevent 
evaporation,  assist  in  keeping  the  atmosphere  dry,  and  prevent  the  soil 
cracking.  The  outside  borders  must  be  covered  if  the  fruit  is  to  keep 
satisfactorily.  Glass  lights  are  best,  wooden  shutters  good,  and  tarpaulin 
over  dry  bracken  or  straw  answers  well.  About  6  inches  thickness  of 
dry  leaves,  and  a  little  litter  over  them,  is  all  that  is  given  in  many 
cases,  and  when  the  borders  are  well  drained  the  Grapes  keep  plump 
and  sound  to  a  late  period. 

IVXelons. — Water  must  now  be  applied  carefully  to  plants  with  the 
fruit  advanced  towards  ripening,  but  those  with  fruit  swelling  must  not 
be  allowed  to  become  dry  at  the  roots.  Keep  up  moderate  moisture  by 
damping  for  such  plants,  available  surfaces  being  sprinkled  in  the 
morning  and  afternoon.  Add  a  little  soil  to  the  hillocks  of  the  latest 
plants  as  the  roots  protrude.  Kemove  all  superfluous  growths  as  they 
appear,  and  maintain  a  temperature  of  65°  to  70°  at  night,  70°  to  75°  by 
day,  up  to  85°  or  90°  with  sun.  Keep  the  bottom  heat  steady  at  about 
80°.  Fruit  ripening  will  be  the  better  of  a  little  extra  fire  heat  and 
air  constantly,  which  will  do  much  to  impart  flavour.  Any  fruit  it  is 
desirable  to  keep  for  a  time  should  be  cut  with  a  portion  of  stem,  and  be 
kept  in  a  dry  airy  room.  Fruits  that  are  nearly  ripe  in  frames  may  also 
be  cut  with  a  goodly  portion  of  stem  and  be  placed  in  a  warm  airy  house 
in  the  full  sun,  and  they  will  ripen  better  than  in  a  moist  atmosphere 
or  where  there  is  a  deficiency  of  warmth. 

THE  KITCHEN  GABDEN. 

Celery. — All  things  considered  Celery  looks  remarkably  strong  this 
season,  and  the  quality  and  keeping  properties  ought  also  to  be  satis¬ 
factory,  Where  there  are  partial  failures  this,  in  many  cases,  is  largely 
due  to  want  of  moisture  at  the  root.  Ordinary  rainfall  has  little  or 
no  effect  upon  Celery  in  trenches.  What  the  plants  want  are  occa¬ 
sional  thorough  soakings  of  water  or  liquid  manure,  and  that  not  merely 
prior  to  commencing  to  mould  up,  but  also  for  some  time  afterwards. 
Before  either  the  first,  second,  or  even  third  addition  of  soil  is  banked 
up  against  the  rows  the  soil  about  the  roots  should  be  tested  with  a 
pointed  stick.  If  found,  as  it  most  probably  will  be,  dry,  or  approaching 
that  condition,  give  a  heavy  watering,  and  delay  moulding  up  for  another 
day.  Unless  these  precautions  are  taken  the  Celery  will  be  worthless 
before  the  season  is  very  far  advanced,  and  will  seed  prematurely. 

Eartlilngr  up  Celery. — The  latest  rows  ought  now  to  be  partly 
moulded  up.  Pull  away  the  small  lower  leaves  and  any  suckers  there 
may  be,  and  either  tie  or  hold  the  outer  stalks  well  up  together  prior  to 
placing  about  3  inches  of  fine  soil  about  them,  re-loosening  the  stalks  so 
as  not  to  unduly  confine  the  hearts.  If  slugs  are  troublesome,  soot,  or 
soot  and  lime,  should  be  freely  dusted  among  the  plants  before  the  first 
and  subsequent  additions  of  soil  are  made.  In  extreme  cases  it  is  a 
good  plan  to  wholly  surround  the  stalks  with  either  fine  dry  ashes  or 
burnt  earth.  Celery  also  keeping  well  when  thus  enclosed.  A  very  large 
amount  of  these  materials  is  not  required  if  boards  are  placed  well  up 
to  the  rows  when  each  addition  is  made,  and  soil  being  banked  against 
to  the  boards  ;  the  latter  can  be  withdrawn  and  shifted  along  to  the 
next  length.  The  moulding  up  of  the  earlier  and  successional  rows 
should  also  be  proceeded  with,  this  being  completed  at  about  three 
times.  Not  till  the  hearts  are  well  advanced,  or  say  from  a  fortnight  to 
three  weeks  after  the  previous  moulding  up,  should  more  soil  be  placed 
against  the  plants.  This  should  be  made  fine,  and  not  pressed  hard 
against  the  stalks,  the  latter  being  disposed  so  as  to  exclude  the  soil  from 
the  hearts.  At  the  final  moulding  enclose  about  one-half  of  the  leaves, 
making  the  soil  rather  firm  about  these  with  the  hand,  and  round  off 
the  ridge  so  as  to  throw  off  heavy  rains  and  snow  water. 

Cardoons. — These  also  absorb  much  moisture  at  the  roots,  and  the 
stalks  will  be  dry  and  tough  if  the  plants  suffer  from  want  of  water. 
Therefore  give  more  water  if  necessary.  In  order  to  blanch  and  keep 
Cardoons  effectually  the  best  of  the  leafstalks  ought  to  be  gathered  well 
up  together,  and  kept  so  by  means  of  hay  bands  wound  closely  around 
them.  It  is  rather  rough  work,  but  if  the  men  are  furnished  with 
gloves  and  canvas  jackets  it  can  be  easily  accomplished.  Bank  the  soil 


well  up  to  the  plants  gradually,  or  much  as  Celery  is  finally 
moulded  up. 

laeeks. — When  the  plants  are  dropped  into  deep  fairly  wide  holes, 
formed  with  a  dibber,  the  blanching  will  be  effected  without  any  further 
trouble.  Should  the  Leeks  be  planted  in  trenches  or  it  may  be  nearly 
on  the  level  then  moulding  up  must  be  done.  A  bandage  of  strong 
brown  paper  or  a  common  drain  pipe  split  in  halves  placed  round  the 
stems  would  prevent  the  soil  from  finding  its  way  down  the  leaves,  but 
for  ordinary  purposes  there  is  no  necessity  to  take  this  precaution. 
Leeks  are  perfectly  hardj,  and  need  not  be  heavily  moulded  up,  as  in  the 
case  of  Celery  by  way  of  a  protective  measure. 

Onions. — Those  which  were  either  sown  late  last  spring,  or  else 
failed  to  come  up  till  very  late  in  the  season,  have  in  many  cases  failed  to 
“  bulb  ”  properly.  When  this  happens,  the  necks  are  thick  and  the  tops 
erect  and  green.  Instead  of  pulling  all  up  and  attempting  to  ripen 
them  sufficiently  to  store  for  winter  use,  the  better  plan  is  to  pull  those 
that  have  formed  bulbs,  the  tops  also  being  limp,  and  to  finish  the 
ripening  of  these,  either  in  an  old-fashioned  oven  after  the  bread  is 
drawn,  or  else  in  a  dry  warm  place  under  glass.  Let  the  green  Onions, 
or  all  that  are  still  erect  and  growing,  remain  where  they  are,  these 
being  drawn  according  as  they  are  wanted  for  use.  They  will 
survive  an  ordinarily  severe  frost,  and  in  any  case  leaving  them  alone  is 
the  only  way  in  very  many  instances  of  being  sure  of  a  supply  of  Onions. 

Otber  Hoot  Crops. — Beet,  Carrots,  Salsafy,  and  such  like  were 
restarted  into  active  growth  by  the  August  rains,  and  are  still  growing 
strongly.  Having  plenty  of  strong  leaves  there  is  little  likelihood  of 
frosts  injuring  the  first-named,  and  all  will  most  probably  keep  better  if 
left  where  they  are  for  a  fortnight  longer. 

Spinach. — Winter  Spinach  is  in  a  very  promising  condition.  In 
many  cases  the  seed  germinated  well,  and  unless  the  plants  are  freely 
thinned  out  directly  the  leaves  are  large  enough  to  use  premature  seed¬ 
ing  will  take  place.  Stirring  among  the  plants  with  a  pointed  stick  and 
between  the  rows  with  a  Dutch  hoe  are  good  preventives  of  grub  attacks 
and  the  increase  of  slugs. 

Protecting  Vegetables.  —  Globe  Artichokes  are  stronger  and 
more  plentiful  than  at  any  time  previous  this  season.  Seeing  that  they 
afford  a  good  and  well  appreciated  change  it  would  pay  well  to  protect 
some  of  the  best  of  them  whenever  severe  frosts  are  imminent.  A  single 
row  or  small  breadth  of  plants  could  be  easily  protected  by  means  of 
a  few  stout  upright  and  cross  stakes,  these  supporting  mats  or  canvas 
covering.  Odd  plants  throughout  a  large  breadth  might  be  roughly 
protected  with  large  branches  of  evergreens  securely  fixed  over  them. 
Some  of  the  more  forward  heads  could  be  cut,  and  kept  for  a  few  days 
with  their  stalks  placed  in  water.  Autumn  Cauliflowers  and  the  earliest 
Broccoli  are  spoilt  by  a  moderately  severe  frost ;  but  it  is  rather  too 
early  to  lift  and  store  these  under  cover  of  some  kind.  All  ought  to  be 
gone  over  frequently,  strong  leaves  being  gathered  from  old  stumps  and 
carefully  tucked  over  the  more  forward  hearts.  Rows  of  medium 
height  late  Peas  might  be  protected  with  blinds  and  such  like,  branches 
of  evergreens  also  affording  sufficient  protection  in  some  cases.  Have 
sideboards  fixed  round  breadths  of  late  Lettuce  and  the  more 
forward  Endive,  with  sufficient  cross  bars  to  support  light  mats  or  other 
protective  material  whenever  frosts  are  anticipated.  Tomatoes  against 
walls  have  formed  extra  good  late  clusters  of  fruit,  and  seeing  that 
these  will  ripen  better  on  the  plants  than  off  if  properly  protected. 
The  leaves  being  healthy,  and  not  cut  back  unduly,  afford  a  certain 
amount  of  protection  ;  but  these  ought  to  be  supplemented  by  mats, 
blinds,  or  spare  frame  and  pit  lights.  Should  there  be  any  signs  of  the 
disease  commencing  to  spread,  then  ought  the  clusters  of  green  and 
ripening  fruit  to  be  cut  at  once,  and  suspended  in  warm,  dry  quarters  to 
colour.  The  larger  green  fruit  will  colour  in  due  course,  and  be  avail¬ 
able  for  cooking  purposes,  but  the  small  green  fruit  is  only  fit  for 
pickling. 

PLANT  HOUSES. 

Zonal  Pelargoniums. — Plants  that  have  been  standing  outside 
would  now  be  better  if  they  could  be  placed  under  cover.  Avoid  starting 
them  into  soft  growth  if  the  plants  are  to  flower  profusely  and  continue 
to  do  so  for  a  lengthened  period.  Shallow  cold  frames  will  suit  these 
plants  for  some  weeks,  so  that  the  lights  can  be  tilted  or  closed  at  night 
to  protect  them  from  frosts  that  may  occur  at  any  time.  Protect  the 
plants  also  from  heavy  rains,  but  on  all  flne  occasions  throw  off  the 
lights.  If  some  plants  are  needed  in  flower  arrange  the  forwardest  in  a 
light  airy  structure  fairly  close  to  the  glass.  Admit  plenty  of  air  to  the 
plants,  also  give  a  little  artificial  manure  to  the  surface  of  the  soil.  Do 
not  overwater,  for  this  proves  as  detrimental  to  the  plants  as  heavy 
rains.  Remove  from  all  plants  that  are  placed  in  frames  early  flowers 
that  are  already  showing,  also  bad  leaves.  Late  propagated  plants  now 
in  3-inch  pots  that  have  been  kept  in  frames  may  be  placed  into  slightly 
larger  pots,  and  if  kept  in  frames,  or  in  a  light  airy  house  where  they 
can  be  given  a  little  warmth,  they  will  produce  flowers  for  a  long  time. 

Ivy-leaved  Varieties. — These  are  most  useful,  and  if  they  are  well 
ripened  by  standing  outside  and  are  housed  at  once  they  will  yield 
flowers  for  some  time.  However  useful  the  Zonals  may  be  the  flowers 
of  Ivy  varieties  are  very  effective  in  a  cut  state,  especially  the  delicate 
shades  of  pink. 

rrencli  and  Taney  Pelargoniums. — These  may  he  placed  in  their 
winter  quarters,  such  as  on  shelves  close  to  the  glass  in  cool,  airy  houses. 
In  these  positions  with  careful  watering  the  plants  winter  well.  The 
earliest  plants  should  have  the  points  of  the  shoots  removed  before  they 
are  placed  on  shelves,  and  if  in  3-inch  pots  they  can  be  placed  into 
5-inch  pots.  In  potting  firmly  press  the  soil,  which  should  consist  of 


October  8,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


321 


good  6bry  loam,  one-seventh  of  sand,  and  the  same  amount  of  manure. 
Careful  watering  is  necessary,  for  if  kept  too  wet  the  foliage  is  certain 
to  spot.  Later  plants  should  be  treated  the  same  as  regards  air  and 
water.  Young  plants  that  are  established  in  3-inch  pots  may  have  the 
points  of  any  weak  shoots  removed  ;  pinching  will  induce  them  to  start 
strongly  again  into  growth,  provided  they  are  kept  cool.  Cuttings  that 
are  still  in  outside  borders  should  be  lifted  and  potted  without  delay. 
All  that  are  rooted  should  be  placed  into  3-inch  pots,  and  stood  on 
shelves  in  a  cool  house.  Heat  ruins  these  plants  by  causing  them  to 
grow  weakly. 

Heliotropes. — If  the  plants  are  placed  in  a  light,  airy  structure, 
where  the  night  temperature  can  be  gradually  increased  to  55°  in  a 
month’s  time,  the  plants  will  commence  growth,  and  flower  profusely 
for  a  very  long  time.  A  little  artificial  manure  applied  to  the  surface 
will  prove  beneficial. 

Bouvardlas. — These  plants  must  not  be  starved.  Any  that  have 
been  planted  outside  and  are  only  needed  for  providing  flowers  may  be 
lifted  with  good  balls  and  put  in  a  warm  frame  or  low  house.  Those 
grown  in  pots  will  be  showing  flower,  and  if  stood  in  a  house  where 
gentle  warmth  can  be  given  in  the  course  of  a  few  weeks  they  will  soon 
yield  useful  flowers  for  cutting.  If  placed  on  ashes  the  plants  invariably 
root  through,  and  this  proves  a  great  assistance  to  them.  Soot  water,  or 
artificial  manure  that  acts  quickly,  proves  invaluable  to  these  plants. 

Justlcla  flavlcoma. — The  growth  of  these  plants  is  earlier  than 
usual,  and  already  the  flower  truss  in  many  cases  is  just  visible.  A 
temperature  of  50°  will  suit  them,  plenty  of  air  being  admitted  during  fine 
warm  days.  Soot  water  and  artificial  manure  may  be  given.  The 
plants  if  raised  from  cuttings  should  be  clean,  but  if  scale  exists  upon 
them  it  ought  to  be  eradicated. 

Fuchsias. — Plants  that  have  flowered  and  have  thoroughly  ripened 
wood  may  be  stood  outside  for  a  time.  Younger  plants  that  have  not 
the  wood  well  ripened  may  be  stored  for  a  time  in  frames.  Do  not 
hurry  them  to  rest  by  keeping  them  unduly  dry.  Young  plants  that 
are  just  rooted  may  be  placed  into  3-inch  pots  and  arranged  on  a  shelf, 
where  they  can  be  kept  growing  during  the  winter. 

Bulbs. — Various  kinds  of  bulbs  should  be  potted  according  to  the 
demand  until  the  end  of  this  month.  When  placed  in  ashes  they  should 
be  marked,  and  the  date  of  potting  placed  on  the  label.  This  saves 
trouble  and  disturbing  the  plants  before  they  are  ready  for  removal. 
Place  all  the  later  potted  ones  where  they  can  be  covered  with  litter  if 
not  ready  for  removal  before  we  experience  severe  weather. 

Freeslas. — All  the  earliest  of  these  should  be  growing  in  frames, 
where  they  can  remain  for  some  weeks  longer.  If  the  frames  are  needed 
place  the  plants  on  shelves  where  they  can  enjoy  full  sunshine  and 
plenty  of  air.  Freesias  are  frequently  spoiled  by  a  too  close  confined 
atmosphere.  Later  plants  must  not  be  allowed  to  become  drawn. 


if 

9^ 

m 

HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Practical  Hints  for  Beginners, 

( Continued  from  ]}age  299.) 

With  the  exception  of  depositing  the  eggs  in  the  cells,  which 
is  done  solely  by  the  queen,  one  in  each  cell,  and  at  the  rate  of 
from  one  to  four  thousand  or  more  daily,  all  the  other  economy  of 
the  hive  is  performed  by  the  workers  gathering  pollen  and  honey 
from  the  flowers  and  other  sources. 

They  secrete  wax  in  the  form  of  irregular  roundish  white 
scales,  which  when  ready  for  use  project  from  the  segments  of 
their  stomachs  in  pairs.  This  they  utilize  for  building  and  sealing 
their  honeycombs,  and  with  a  mixture  of  it  and  pollen  and 
propolis,  they  cement  crevices  of  the  hive,  and  seal  their  brood 
cells.  While  they  perform  this  work  with  ardent  care  and  zeal 
for  the  future  generations  of  bees,  their  work  in  the  field  is 
perhaps  of  greater  importance.  Entering  blooms  for  honey  and 
pollen  ostensibly  for  their  own  use,  they  fertilize  and  cross  flowers, 
perpetuating  them  with  greater  vigour  and  beauty.  Probably 
some  buds  would  never  expand  did  the  bees  not  remove  the 
superabundant  propolis  from  them  ;  everywhere  and  in  everything 
the  bee  is  engaged. 

The  drones  are  the  male  bees,  which  are  sometimes  too 
numerous  in  hives  ;  advice  to  their  restriction  will  be  given  further 
on.  They  are  of  no  use  in  the  hive,  unless  it  be  in  the  case  of 
swarmed  hives,  where  there  are  a  paucity  of  workers  to  keep  up  a 
proper  degree  of  temperature  for  the  successful  hatching  of  the 
young  bees.  In  the  season  of  mating  they  fly  out  during  the 
warmest  part  of  the  day,  from  one  till  three  being  the  busiest 
time.  They  remain  out  from  fifteen  to  thirty  minutes,  fljing  long 
distances  in  hopes  of  meeting  and  mating  with  a  queen.  During 
the  present  summer,  while  I  held  a  queen,  a  drone,  probably 
attracted  by  her  odour,  flew  right  into  my  hanl.  The  speed  drones 
fly  at  probably  exceeds  greatly  that  of  the  worker,  which  has  never 
been  properly  estimated.  While  standing  in  an  open  truck  this 


year,  the  engine  going  upwards  of  fifty  miles  an  hour,  the  bees 
flew  from  front  to  rear,  evidently  with  the  greatest  ease. 

Fertile  workers  are  so  called  because  externally  they  cannot  be 
distinguished  from  a  worker  bee,  but  in  the  proper  sense  are 
imperfected  queens.  They  cannot  mate,  and  were  until  recently 
considered  utterly  worthless,  producing,  like  unfertilised  queens, 
drones  only  ;  but  these  are  as  perfect  as  are  the  drones  of  fertilised 
queens.  So  far  back  as  1862  the  late  Mr.  T.  W.  Woodbury  proved 
this  by  one  of  them  mating  with  an  Italian  queen,  and  I  have  had 
experience  of  many  cases  since.  Their  existence  seems  to  be  a 
wise  provision  in  nature,  the  drones  produced  from  them  serving 
queens  at  times  when  no  other  drones  exist.  I  am  not  certain,  but 
it  appears  to  me  that  a  queen  may  be  the  mother  of  drones,  to  be 
fertilised  by  one  of  them,  and  then  be  the  parent  of  strong 
colonies.  Several  cases  in  my  experience  point  to  that  being  the 
case ;  but  why  workers  rear  many  of  these  sumptuously  in  queen 
cells  is  a  mystery  to  me.  I  have  never  been  led  into  the  erroneous 
opinion,  as  have  been  many  others,  that  they  were  eggs  moved  by 
the  bees  which  do  not  carry  eggs  from  cell  to  cell.  The 
hermaphrodite  is  part  bee  and  part  drone.  The  beginner  studying 
these  brief  but  necessary  hints  will  have  less  difficulty  in  under¬ 
standing  the  proper  condition  of  his  hives  than  if  he  had  allowed 
ignorance  to  hold  its  sway. 

Beginning  Bee-keeping. 

There  is  perhaps  no  better  period  to  begin  than  at  the  present 
time  of  the  year,  because  by  proper  management  and  paying 
attention  to  advice  given  in  these  pages,  most  of  the  after  success 
depends.  Beginners  should  select  a  good  site  and  locality  to  keep 
bees.  Size  of  hives  is  of  great  importance.  Those  of  less 
dimensions  than  3500  cubic  inches  are  too  small.  One  prominent 
bee-keeper  told  me  recently,  “  I  have  kept  to  the  three  divisions 
since  you  at  first  advised  me,  when  I  abandoned  the  ‘  Standard  ’ 
hive,  and  I  have  always  had  more  honey,  and  better  of  quality.” 
“R.  A.  C.,  Kent,"  writes  that  his  Lanarkshire  hives  have  given 
him  in  every  case  20  lbs.  more  honey,  and  I  could  quote  scores  of 
similar  cases. 

Youthful  queens  are  what  beginners  ought  to  tolerate  only, 
unless  where  there  may  be  a  valuable  imported  or  pure  bred  one 
kept  for  the  sole  purpose  of  breeding  from.  The  best  time  to  do 
this  is  from  the  end  of  May  till  the  end  of  July,  and  there  is  no 
better  way,  failing  a  swarmed  stock,  than  to  deprive  a  strong  one 
of  its  queen.  In  ten  or  twelve  days  queens  are  hatched,  and  then 
it  may  be  formed  into  nuclei  ;  twelve  from  a  strong  stock  may 
thus  be  formed.  The  frames  with  bees  having  a  queen  cell  to  each 
lot  may  be  put  into  roughly  made  light  boxes  of  a  suitable  size  to 
hold  from  three  to  four  or  more  frames.  What  is  not  occupied 
with  combs  should  have  frames  filled  with  foundation.  A  light 
cover  screwed  on  the  top  completes  the  arrangement,  when  they 
may  be  set  on  their  site  in  the  apiary,  or  isolated  five  to  seven  miles 
from  other  bees  for  select  fertilisation.  Put  a  piece  of  waterproof 
over  them,  and  await  development. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


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

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

Exhibiting-  Tomatoes  (A.  CreeTi). — In  the  absence  of  any  special 
intimation  in  the  schedule  that  Tomatoes  may  be  included  in  a  class  for 
fruit,  a  collection  containing  them  would  be  open  to  disqualification. 
Like  Cucumbers  and  Vegetable  Marrows,  Tomatoes  are  exhibited  in 
vegetable,  and  not  in  fruit  classes. 

Blinds  In  Fruit  Room  (JF.  J). — The  blinds  suspended  along  the 
front  of  the  shelves  for  excluding  light  from  the  fruit  would  not 
exclude  air  to  the  prejudice  of  Apples  and  Pears  in  a  reasonably  venti¬ 
lated  room,  but  it  might  be  necessary  to  block  up  the  window  during 
severe  frost  if  such  occur  in  your  locality. 


322 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  5,  1893. 


Soft  versus  Hard  Water  ( Jl  — We  regret  your  communication, 

arriving  rather  late,  cannot  be  inserted  this  week  because  written  on 
both  sides  of  the  paper.  When  the  writing  is  on  one  side  only  the 
sheets  can  be  cut  into  a  number  of  strips  for  distributing  among 
compositors,  and  the  whole  matter  is  set  in  type  quickly,  otherwise,  as  in 
this  case  of  yours,  the  process  is  of  necessity  slow.  All  matter 
intended  for  publication  should  be  in  accordance  with  our  standing 
request  at  the  head  of  this  column. 

Turfy  Xioamfor  Peacb  and  Vine  Borders  (Z/.  O.  TF.). — No.  1  is 
probably  the  richer  soil  of  the  samples,  being  of  a  darker  colour  through 
the  vegetable  matter,  and  contains  less  grit  than  the  others.  It  would 
no  doubt  answer  for  the  Alicante,  Lady  Downe’s  and  similar  varieties 
with  an  admixture  of  one  cartload  of  old  mortar  rubbish,  one  cartload 
of  dry  wood  ashes,  and  4  cwt.  of  crushed  bones  (J  inch  to  1  inch)  to  ten 
cartloads  of  the  loam.  No.  2  is  an  excellent  brown  or  hazel  loam,  but 
deficient  of  gritty  matter,  yet  it  may  be  made  available  for  Peaches  by 
adding  to  it  one-sixth  of  clayey  marl  and  a  similar  proportion  of 
calcareous  gravel,  with  J  cwt.  of  kainit  and  I5  cwt.  of  basic  slag 
(Thomas’  phosphate)  to  ten  cartloads  of  loam.  The  clayey  marl  should 
be  dried  and  pounded,  incorporating  all  well  together,  and  making  very 
firm.  No.  3  would  answer  for  the  Muscats,  as  it  contains  more  grit  than 
the  other  samples,  yet  not  enough  ;  therefore  to  ten  cartloads  of  the 
loam  add  two  of  old  mortar  or  lime  rubbish,  one  of  dry  wood  ashes,  one 
of  fresh  horse  droppings,  and  4  cwt.  of  crushed  ^  to  1  inch  bones,  mixing 
well.  The  proportion  of  Thomas’  phosphate  named  above  may  be  added 
with  advantage. 

Apples  and  Pears  from  Seed  QAn  Old  Suhscriher'). — The  seeds 
or  pips  which  have  been  selected  from  first-class  fruit  during  a  recent 
visit  to  Normandy  should  be  sown  now  in  an  open  situation,  preferably 
in  drills  about  an  inch  deep  and  about  6  inches  asunder,  or  the  seed 
may  be  kept  in  sand  and  sown  early  in  the  spring.  Some  persons  sow  the 
pips  in  pans,  and  cover  them  with  small-meshed  wire  netting  to  exclude 
mice.  In  the  autumn  after  sowing  the  seedlings  may  be  placed  in 
nursery  rows  about  1  foot  asunder,  and  the  plants  6  inches  apart  in  the 
rows  after  shortening  the  tap  root  and  assorting  the  plants  into  sizes. 
The  autumn  following  they  may  again  be  transplanted  if  they  require 
more  room,  planting  in  rows  42  inches  apart  and  2  feet  asunder  in  the 
rows.  Further  transplanting  will  be  necessary  as  the  trees  require  more 
room,  always  allowing  sufficient  space  for  the  sun  to  reach  the  ground, 
and  for  light  and  air  to  have  free  access  to  the  growths.  The  trans- 
plantings  will  accelerate  fruiting,  or  it  may  be  furthered  by  grafting 
the  seedling  Apples  on  Paradise  and  the  Pears  on  Quince  stocks.  The 
age  at  which  seedlings  commence  bearing  varies  from  five  to  twelve 
years,  the  period  depending  on  the  variety  ;  but  the  time  is  greatly 
influenced  by  soil,  situation,  and  mode  of  culture.  Probably  one  seedling 
in  a  hundred  will  not  afiEord  fruit  equal  to  the  parent,  but  it  is  possible 
that  something  good  may  be  secured. 

Artificial  IVIanure  as  a  Substitute  for  natural  (F.  Ji). — 
There  is  really  no  substitute  for  animal  manures,  simply  because  they 
contain  matter  which,  as  humus,  adds  to  the  staple  and  improvement 
of  soils.  To  keep  the  soil  in  a  fertile  condition  is  another  thing,  and 
may  be  eflEected  by  the  judicious  use  of  the  substances  containing  the 
needful  elements  as  food  for  plants.  These  are  mainly  phosphoric  acid, 
potash,  and  nitrogen.  Superphosphate  supplies  the  first,  also  lime,  and 
some  nitrogen  ;  kainit  furnishes  potash,  soda,  and  magnesia,  but  is 
mainly  useful  for  its  potash  ;  and  nitrate  of  soda  contains  the  essential 
nitrogen.  The  phosphoric  acid  and  potash  must  be  in  the  soil  for  the 
nitrate  of  soda  to  act  beneficially,  for  in  their  absence  the  nitrate  may 
be  worse  than  useless.  Two  parts  superphosphate  and  one  part  kainit, 
mixed,  may  be  applied  very  early  in  the  spring  at  the  rate  of  4  ozs.  per 
square  yard,  and  when  the  crops  are  fairly  above  ground,  or  have  taken 
to  the  soil,  supply  nitrate  of  soda,  finely  powdered,  at  the  rate  of  half 
to  three-quarters  of  an  ounce  per  square  yard.  For  fruit  trees  the  super¬ 
phosphate  and  kainit  mixture  may  be  applied  in  the  autumn,  when  the 
leaves  have  fallen,  the  trees  pruned,  and  just  before  pointing  the 
ground  over  lightly.  This  will  be  in  November  or  December,  but  it 
must  not  be  given  later  than  February,  then  in  the  spring  sprinkle  on  the 
nitrate  of  soda.  All  the  manure  should  be  spread  from  the  stem  out¬ 
wards  to  1  foot  beyond  the  extension  of  the  branches. 

Pinus  Inslgnls  Shoots  and  Buds  Destroyed  {E.  B!). — The 
caterpillar  is  that  of  the  Pine-bud  moth  (Retinia  turionana),  which 
feeds  in  the  buds  and  of  course  destroys  them.  The  only  remedy  is  to 
cut  off  all  the  infested  parts  and  burn  them.  The  earlier  this  is  done 
in  the  season  the  better,  so  as  to  give  chance  of  the  formation  of  new 
buds,  which  sometimes  occur  on  the  shoots  that  lose  their  growing 
points.  We  find  the  best  preventive  is  to  coat  the  trees  subject  to 
the  attacks  of  the  pests  early  in  July  with  a  petroleum  mixture,  so 
as  to  render  them  obnoxious  to  the  moths,  and  thus  prevent  them 
depositing  their  eggs.  The  beetle  is  Hylurgus  piniperda,  which  emerges 
from  the  tunnel  or  pupa  state  from  June  to  September  (for  there  may 
be  two  broods)  and  bore  into  a  young  shoot  and  eat  out  the  pith  in  the 
centre,  from  the  base  towards  the  tip.  The  shoot  dies,  dries  up,  and 
falls  oflf.  When  a  number  of  shoots  are  affected  the  consequences  are 
very  disastrous.  There  is  no  better  remedy  than  to  cut  off  the  affected 
shoots  just  below  the  holes  and  burn  them,  or  a  petroleum  emulsion  may 
be  ejected  into  the  holes,  but  unless  this  is  done  before  the  beetles  reach 
the  pith  the  benefit  beyond  destroying  the  beetles  is  not  material  as 
regards  the  attacked  parts.  It  is  also  advised  to  syringe  the  trees  with 
a  petroleum  mixture  so  as  to  render  them  distasteful  to  the  beetles.  A 
fluid  ounce  of  petroleum  to  3  gallons  of  water  is  sufficient,  and  it  is  more 
efficient  when  6  ozs.  of  softsoap  have  been  dissolved  in  that  quantity  of 


water,  keeping  the  mixture  well  agitated  whilst  being  applied,  which 
should  be  on  a  dry  day,  and  through  a  flne  syringe. 

Applying  Dissolved  Bones  and  Xalnlt  (T.  TF.  F.'), — It  is 
necessary  to  take  all  the  circumstances  into  consideration,  and  supply 
the  manures  so  as  to  meet  the  needs  of  the  crops.  This  was  taken  into 
account  in  your  case  consistently  with  the  information  supplied,  which 
practically  amounted  to  the  soil  being  deficient  in  phosphoric  acid  and 
potash.  It  was  because  we  thought  it  desirable  to  supply  these 
essentials,  so  that  they  would  be  available  for  appropriation  as  early 
as  possible  in  the  spring,  that  we  advised  the  autumn  dressing  when 
the  ground  is  being  pointed  over  or  lightly  dug  before  the  winter.  We 
did  not  mention  September.  What  all  practical  fruit  growers  know  as 
autumn  digging  among  fruit  trees  is  not  done  then,  but  after  all  the 
leaves  are  fallen  from  the  trees.  This  is  in  November  or  early  December. 
Applied  then,  the  loss  from  the  mixture  would  be  trifling — a  modicum 
of  nitrogen  perhaps,  the  phosphoric  acid  and  potash  being  retained  and 
ready  for  use  on  the  first  opportunity.  When  spring  dressings  are 
advised,  some  fruit  growers  have  such  a  dread  of  losing  anything  that 
they  apply  the  mixture  too  late  for  benefiting  the  season’s  crop,  and  at 
the  same  time  prejudice  the  succeeding  year’s  prospects  by  inducing 
late  growth.  Generally  speaking  February  is  a  very  good  time  for 
applying  chemical  manures  to  fruit  trees  that  need  them,  and  the  advice 
given  in  the  work  you  name  is  perfectly  sound.  Tour  case  was  regarded 
as  special,  but  if  you  prefer  to  apply  the  manure  in  February  to  avoid  a 
possible  trifling  loss  in  the  winter  by  all  means  do  so,  but  we  should  then 
use  two  parts  of  bone  superphosphate  and  one  part  kainit.  Late  autumn 
dressings  of  mineral  ingredients  are  much  more  effectual  than  late 
spring  applications,  and  those  used  in  March  and  April  this  year  did 
not  do  half  so  much  good  as  did  those  applied  in  the  preceding  autumn, 
the  possible  loss  of  a  modicum  of  these  notwithstanding.  Nitrate  of 
soda  need  not  be  given  unless  a  heavy  crop  of  fruit  sets,  when  it  should 
be  supplied  without  delay,  for  without  nitrogen  in  adequate  quantities 
maximum  values  cannot  be  had  from  the  other  elements,  and  nitrate 
of  soda  is  simply  wasted  unless  the  soil  contains  sufficient  phosphoric 
acid  and  potash.  Kainit  contains  about  23’43  per  cent,  of  potassium 
sulphate,  and  a  good  quality  kainit  should  contain  from  12  to  14  per 
cent,  of  potash. 

Hames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  conseq  uence  of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Apples  and- 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (/.  W.,  Pershorej.  —  Herefordshire 
Beefing.  (C'.  D.,  Wales'). — Cox’s  Orange  Pippin.  (5.  J.). — Beurr6 
d’Aremberg.  {C.  J.). — Cornish  Gilliflower.  (^W.  S.  Payne). — Dumelow’s 
Seedling.  (77.  Neal,  Stapenhill) — 1,  Marbchal  de  Cour ;  2,  Doyenn6 
du  Comice  ;  3,  Marie  Louise  ;  4,  Comte  de  Lamy.  Please  do  not  use 
needles  to  affix  the  numbers  ;  they  are  dangerous,  and  some  of  your 
numbers  were  displaced,  therefore  the  fruits  cannot  be  named. 
(IF.  Carr). — 1  and  6,  Van  Mons  Leon  Leclerc  ;  2,  Quite  hard  and 
unripe  ;  3,  Doyenn4  Boussoch  ;  4,  Duchesse  d’AngoulSme.  (T.  S.  Inch). — 

1,  Souvenir  du  Congres  ;  2,  Nouveau  Poiteau  ;  3,  Josephine  de  Malines  ; 

4,  Mar6chal  de  Cour  ?  decayed  ;  5,  Fondante  d’Automne  ;  6,  Quite 

hard,  and  not  known,  (j’.  II.  B.).  —  1,  Beurr^  Beauchamp  ;  2, 
Beurrb  Capiaumont ;  3,  Comte  de  Lamy  ;  4,  Marie  Louise.  (IF.  B.  B.). 
— 1,  Ribston  Pippin  ?  not  a  typical  specimen  ;  2,  Certainly  not 
Ribston  —  graft  the  tree;  3,  Beauty  of  Kent.  (0.  E.).  —  1, 
Dumelow’s  Seedling  ;  2,  Greenup’s  Pippin  ;  3,  Gravenstein  ;  4, 

Lewis’  Incomparable;  6,  Winter  Majetin ;  6,  Kentish  Fillbasket.  By 
driving  nails  into  the  eyes  of  Apples  for  fixing  the  numbers,  you  destroy 
one  of  our  aids  to  identification.  (7.  Stephens). — The  large  fruit  is 
Kentish  Fillbasket ;  the  small  one  Winter  Queening.  (TF.  J.  G.). — All 
the  specimens  are  inferior.  1,  Golden  Reinette ;  4,  Swan’s  Egg ; 

5,  Possibly  Bergamotte  Esperen.  (6^.  Orpen). — 1,  General  Todtleben 

2,  Flemish  Beauty  ;  3,  Susette  de  Bavay  ;  4,  Swan’s  Egg ;  5,  Fearn’s 
Pippin  ;  6,  Ross  Nonpareil.  (.7.  S.  Bailey). — 1,  Court  Pendu  Plat ; 
2,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  ;  4,  Franklin’s  Golden  Pippin  ;  5,  Beurr4  Bose. 
(6*.  (7.)  — Sorry  we  cannot  identify  the  Apple,  especially  as  it  is  a  good 
one.  (TF.  P.). — We  suspect  these  to  be  local  seedlings,  of  greater 
promise  than  the  majority  and  have  no  recognised  names.  fiF.  J.  Gray). 
— 1,  Dumelow’s  Seedling  ;  20,  Melrose  ;  21,  Wyken  Pippin ;  25,  Blenheim 
Pippin;  31,  Annie  Eizabeth.  (jET.  Hunter). — 1,  Not  recognisable; 
2,  Blenheim,  a  grand  specimen  ;  the  Pear  is  Beurr^  Hardy,  (f.  Bussell). 
— 1,  Reinette  de  Canada  ;  2,  Ditto  ;  3,  Probably  a  small  Hollandbury  ; 
4,  Not  recognisable ;  5,  Greenup’s  Pippin ;  6,  Small’s  Admirable. 
(J1  H.  C.). — 1,  Duchesse  d’Angouffime,  the  others  quite  hard,  and  not  in 
condition  to  be  named.  Pears  should  be  sent  on  the  change  towards 
ripening.  The  above  are  all  the  fruits  we  received  up  to  midday  on 
Wednesday. 


October  5,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


323 


Itrames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  Arm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difiScult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
{William  SmitJi).  —  Scabiosa  caucasica.  {H.  M.').  —  Aster  amellus. 
{L.  B.').  —  Colutea  arborescens.  {Amateur'). — 1,  Hoya  carnosa  ;  2, 
Plumbago  capensis.  {F.  D.). — Habrotbamnus  elegans.  {W.  D.  II.). 
— The  Powdery  Mullein  (Verbascum  pulverulentum).  {James  Carolaii). 
— The  letter  to  which  you  refer  as  having  been  posted  on  the  18th  ult. 
has  not  reached  our  hands,  nor  have  we  received  any  specimens 
from  you.  {J.  J.). — Dendrobium  album  ;  Ehododendron  Javanico- 
Jasminiflorum  var.  Duchess  of  , Connaught.  {J,  W.  B). — Lathyrus 
sativus.  {G.  C.). — Florist  flower  ;  can  only  be  named  by  comparison. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. —  October  Ith. 

Market  steady,  with  good  supplies  generally,  and  readily  cleared  at  last  week’s 
quotations. 

FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

Apples,  per  bushel  . .  . . 

1 

0  to  6 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

1 

6  to 

8 

(: 

Cobs  . 

25 

0 

30 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

1 

6 

2 

6 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

1 

6 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Lemons,  case  . ,  . .  . . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

9. 

d 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to 

0 

C 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

6 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

fc 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  .. 

1 

6 

0 

0 

EndiTe^  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb.  .. 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel,*  **  •• 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

5 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  ..  ., 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE 

WHOLESALE 

PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 

s. 

d. 

S. 

d 

S. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ., 

6 

0  to  9 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0  to  4 

0 

Asters  (English)  doz.  bches. 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Mignonette.  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  .,  ,. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Myosotis,  dozen  bunches  .. 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

0 

Carnations,  dozen  bunches 

4 

0 

8 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

bunches . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Cornflower,  dozen  bunches. 

1 

0 

2 

0 

sprays  . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Lilium  lanciloiium,  dozen 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  .. 

4 

0 

6 

0 

blooms  . 

1 

0 

3 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

C 

Lilium  longiflorum,pordoz. 

6 

0 

10 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

o 

0 

4 

0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

S. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitae  (golden)  dozen 

6 

Oto  12 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

Oto  18 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Ferns  (small'i  pf  r  hundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Ficus  elastica,  each  .. 

1 

0 

7 

6 

Asters,  dozen  pots  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Foliage  plant?,  var.,  each.. 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Balsams,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Fuchsia,  per  dozen  ..  .. 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Begonias,  per  dozen  . .  , . 

9 

0 

12 

1 

Ivy  Geraniums . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Campanula,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Lilium  lancifolium  per  doz. 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Coleus,  per  dozen 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

4 

0 

6 

4 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Palms,  in  var..  each  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Ericas,  per  dozen  . , 

9 

0 

12 

0 

„  (specimens)  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Euonvmus,  var.,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

0 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Solanums,  per  dozen.. 

12 

0 

15 

0 

A  WHEAT  STKAW. 

Only  a  Wheat  straw,  pulled  in  an  idle  moment  from  a 
■waggon  load  of  it  which  we  passed  on  the  top  of  a  ’bus  in  a 
busy  London  street !  Yet  a  mere  g’ance  at  it  was  sufficient  to 
arrest  the  attention  entirely,  so  strikingly  did  it  serve  to  illus¬ 
trate  the  lamentable  condition  of  corn  crops  this  year  on  many 
a  farm.  It  did  more.  The  very  fact  of  its  having  been  sent 
into  market  so  soon  after  harvest  told  of  straitened  means, 


of  the  urgent  need  for  money  that  farmers  have  ;  and  its  miser¬ 
able  appearance  showed  also  how  small  an  amount  the  entire 
crop  both  of  corn  and  straw  would  realise.  Yery  little  over  a 
foot  in  length,  not  broken,  but  clean  cut  by  the  reaper  at  the 
bottom,  and  as  slender  as  short,  it  showed  how  poverty  of  soil 
had  rendered  it  unable  to  withstand  the  sevex’ity  of  a  drought 
through  which  corn  on  land  rich  in  fertility  has  passed  com¬ 
paratively  unscathed.  It  is  quite  possible  that  late  sowing  in 
badly  worked  soil  also  contributed  to  its  meagre  appearance. 
Wha'^ever  may  be  the  causes  affecting  its  growth  from  seed 
germination  to  crop  maturity,  the  lesson  taught  by  it  deserves 
our  serious  attention. 

Is  the  production  of  so  trashy  a  crop  worth  while  under  any 
circumstances  in  this  country  ?  No  ;  it  is  not  worth  while. 
Nothing  can  make  it  so  ;  not  even  the  exigencies  of  the  present 
season,  when  every  scrap  of  fodder  has  been  collected  so  eagerly, 
and  the  bulk  of  it  on  many  a  farm  falls  so  short  of  the  farmer’s 
requirements  even  for  home  use.  However  regarded,  the  matter 
resolves  itself  into  a  question  of  profi"  and  loss.  It  is  just  a 
business  transaction  and  nothing  else ;  nothing  can  be  more 
simple.  Profitable  farming  has  nothing  sentimental  about  it. 
It  means  a  clear  gain  upon  expenditure,  a  fair  interest  upon 
capital  invested  in  the  tillage,  cropping,  and  stocking  of  the 
land,  for  which  a  rent  of  so  much  per  acre  is  paid.  Every  acre 
must  therefore  yield  enough  produce  to  pay  sufficient  interest 
to  keep  things  going — a  fair  margin  of  profit.  For  this  to  be 
possible  under  stress  of  falling  prices  and  foreign  competition 
there  must  be  judicious  cropping,  as  well  as  thorough  culti- 
vation.  It  is  questionable  whether  our  Wheat  straw  had  either 
advantage.  No  doubt  it  would  have  been  of  much  more  robust 
proportions  had  soil  fertility  been  well  sustained  on  the  farm 
where  it  was  grown.  But  it  has  come  to  this  with  us  in  Wheat 
growing,  that  it  is  only  profitable  under  every  advantage  of 
seed  selection,  the  best  mixed  soil,  thorough  timely  cultivation, 
and  the  possibility  of  selling  both  the  straw  and  corn.  The 
straw  is  now  almost  as  valuable  as  the  corn,  a  ton  of  straw 
being  equivalent  on  the  market  to  24  bushels  of  Wheat. 

Do  we  quite  realize  wbat  foreign  competition  means  ? 
Surely  not,  or  the  wild,  hopeless  endeavour  to  grow  Wheat  on 
poor  half  cultivated  land  here  would  cease.  Take  one  example 
out  of  many,  that  of  Manitoba;  there  Wheat-growing  continues 
to  be  remunei-ative  under  the  present  cash  price  of  50  cents., 
or  2s.  per  bushel,  because  it  is  grown  at  an  average  cost  of 
Is.  per  bushel.  Something  considerably  beyond  the  average 
is  realised  on  the  best  land  where  the  yield  rises  to  thirty  or 
even  thirty-five  bushels  an  acre  in  favourable  seasons.  There 
are  thousands  of  acres  of  virgin  soil  as  good  as  the  best  of  this 
country  not  yet  brought  into  cultivation.  Nor  is  Wheat¬ 
growing  in  the  Far  West  nearly  so  speculative  as  is  commonly 
supposed.  From  1882  to  1892  there  were  six  good  crops,  and 
four  inferior  ones  owing  to  drought  and  frost. 

It  is  estimated  that  this  year  Manitoba  will  export  24,000,000 
bushels  of  Wheat,  which  certainly  implies  a  very  comfortable 
sum  being  paid  to  the  settlers.  Another  thing  to  be  remembered 
is,  that  in  all  good  seasons,  Manitoba  Wheat  is  superior  in 
quality  to  our  home  grown  produce.  On  that  vast  continent, 
summer  heat,  though  brief  in  duration,  has  an  intensity  hardly 
realised  by  us.  There,  growth  advances  so  fast  in  June  and 
July  that  Wheat  sown  in  May  may  be  ready  for  the  reaper  in 
August  Heavy  rainfall  alternating  with  long  hot  days  in  May 
and  June  induces  growth  of  such  extraordinary  vigour,  that  crops 
are  up  and  fully  grown  in  a  wonderfully  short  time.  Then  in 
July  comes  more  settled  dry  and  very  hot  weather,  with  many 
brief  thunderstorms,  accompanied  by  heavy  rain,  then  Wheat 
ears  develop  and  mature  in  a  manner  which  would  be  thought 
marvellous  in  this  country,  and  in  all  good  seasons  the  reaper  is 
at  work  by  the  third  week  in  August.  Clearly  then  our  Wheat 
straw  with  the  grain  it  carries  must  be  of  the  best  for  the 


324 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  6,  1893. 


grain  to  retain  a  place  on  market  in  competition  witt  that 
grown  in  the  Western  States  as  well  as  in  India  and  other 
countries. 

WOEK  ON  THE  HOME  FAEM. 

Glad  were  we  to  hear  from  an  energetic  correspondent  farming 
2000  acres  of  land  that  by  bringing  his  steam  cultivator  into  full  action 
immediately  after  harvest,  and  keeping  it  going  daily,  he  had  got  the 
whole  of  his  arable  land  clean,  and  either  ready  for  sowing  with  winter 
corn  (v/hich  was  being  done  when  he  wrote  to  us),  or  thrown  up  for 
the  winter.  He  also  said  that  he  had  fed,  sold,  and  got  the  money  for 
upwards  of  4000  pigs  already  during  the  current  year.  We  told  long 
ago  of  a  tenant  of  our  own  who  paid  all  the  labour  of  his  three  farms 
with  his  “  pig  money.”  With  cheap  corn  and  dear  pork  every  sensible 
farmer  has  largely  increased  the  number  of  his  store  sows.  It  is  men 
who  meet  the  times  promptly,  making  judicious  changes,  and  throwing 
their  whole  energy  into  the  work,  that  continue  fairly  prosperous. 

Well,  now,  a  set  of  steam  tackles  is  only  to  be  met  with  occasionally, 
but  much  may  be  done,  much  has  been  done  this  autumn  by  keeping 
horses  and  men  going  at  full  pressure.  Some  extra  corn,  extra  pay, 
the  master’s  eye  and  hand  guiding  and  leading  has  told  so  well  that  the 
on-coming  of  winter  will  be  welcomed.  Severe  weather  will  probably 
set  in  early  (3  inches  of  snow  fell  in  Cumberland  on  the  24th  of  Sep¬ 
tember),  and  it  will  be  well  to  clear  roots  off  the  land  tolerably  early 
in  October,  Mangolds  ought  certainly  to  be  in  clamps  before  the  end 
of  the  month.  To  all  who  resolve  to  increase  their  swine  stock  we  say, 
Eesolve  to  keep  them  and  their  surroundings  thoroughly  clean.  It  pays. 
Filth  retards  growth,  engenders  disease,  and  eventually  leads  to  those 
disastrous  outbreaks  of  swine  fever  which  are  so  ruinous  and  altogether 
deplorable.  Breed  well,  keeping  only  young  compact  sows,  paying 
especial  attention  to  the  selection  of  a  pure-bred  male  parent ;  a  Middle 
White  answers  best  for  porkers,  and  porkers  really  well  bred  and  well 
fed,  weighing  about  50  lbs,  when  dressed,  have  proved  more  profitable 
with  us  than  any  other  class  of  swine. 


NEW  ZEALAND-A  WARNING  TO  FARMERS. 

Since  1874  the  profits  from  farming  land  in  Great  Britain  have 
diminished  so  steadily  and  surely,  that  few  men  can  now  obtain  a 
commercial  return  on  the  capital  in  the  occupation  therein,  and  many 
are  not  able  to  make  ends  meet,  even  with  such  assistance  as  owners  are 
able  or  willing  to  render.  The  home  papers,  which  I  read  as  eagerly  as 
when  living  in  England,  show  that  numerous  panaceas  are  offered  to  the 
farming  public  by  those  of  their  own  craft  and  by  city  tailors.  Some 
might  be  useful,  but  I  cannot  see  how  the  farmer  can  live  as  in  the  past 
now  that  British  enterprise  has  brought  to  his  own  market  the  produce 
of  the  virgin  lands  of  the  whole  earth. 

During  my  twelve  years’  experience  as  a  successful  New  Zealand 
farmer  I  have  had  wide  opportunities  of  forming  an  opinion  of  my  fellow 
colonists’  abilities  in  that  direction.  My  sole  object  in  writing  this  is  to 
warn  farmers  not  to  be  misled  by  the  colonising  agents,  who,  in  professing 
to  be  the  friends  of  the  poor  farmer,  are  far  more  interested  in  disposing 
of  the  large  areas  of  land  which  now  lie  as  an  incubus  on  the  banks  and 
loan  companies,  greatly  aggravated  by  the  crushing  graduated  land  tax. 
A  British  farmer  landing  in  New  Zealand  with  his  family  and  a  few 
hundred  pounds,  but  without  the  necessary  colonial  experience,  will 
most  surely  live  to  regret  leaving  the  old  country.  Suppose  he  lands  in 
Auckland.  He  will  have  to  find  a  house,  food,  and  fuel,  at  a  cost  of 
£2  to  £3  a  week,  until  he  can  look  over  the  offered  land,  perhaps 
150  miles  away,  and  by  the  time  he  has  satisfied  himself  his  capital  has 
considerably  diminished  ere  disappointment  and  failure  begin.  The 
only  men  whom  I  advise  to  emigrate  are  farmers’  sons  who  can  bring 
money,  powerful  limbs,  and  a  stout  heart.  These  alone  are  the  men  who 
have  a  chance  of  success.  Let  them  place  their  money  in  the  Post  Office 
Savings  Bank  and  go  to  work  at  the  lowest  rung  of  the  ladder. 

Many  of  my  fellow  colonists  would  strongly  object  to  my  showing 
the  intending  emigrant  farmers  the  rocks  ahead.  They  would  say  “  Let 
them  come  and  find  it  out  for  themselves,  as  others  have  ;  we  require 
money  and  population.”  I  am  first  an  English  farmer,  the  only  son  of 
a  long  line  of  octogenarian  tenant  farmers,  and  I  feel  that  it  is  my  duty  to 
warn  men  who  have  some  years’  experience  of  the  dear  old  country,  and 
probably  families  ef  young  children,  not  to  leave  home  unless  they  have 
brothers  here  to  care  for  and  direct  them. 

Thousands  of  men  during  the  land  boom,  the  offspring  of  the  huge 
borrowing  and  squandering  policy  of  Sir  Julius  Vogel’s  Ministry,  bought 
up  far  more  land  than  they  could  profitably  occupy,  much  of  which 
would  be  dear  at  a  gift.  These  broad  acres  must  be  got  rid  of  by  hook 
or  crook,  and  many  hooks  and  crooks  have  been  invented  to  secure  the 
unwary.  I  think  I  know  most  of  them.  One  only  need  here  be 
mentioned  as  a  sample.  A  land  agent  took  me  over  an  estate  which 
was  for  sale  in  the  North  Island.  There  were  on  it  a  few  hungry- 
looking  calves  roaming  at  will,  the  only  cultivated  land  being  a  small 
field,  in  which  grass  was  just  coming  up.  This  was  shown  to  me  as  a 
fair  sample  of  what  the  soil  could  produce  when  improved  by  cultiva¬ 
tion.  Finding  a  Government  engineer  laying  out  roads  close  by,  I  stole 
a  private  interview,  and  gathered  from  him  that,  along  with  the  grass 
seeds,  half  a  ton  of  finely  powdered  bones  had  been  sown  per  acre.  I 
escaped  ;  but  the  next  man  was  hooked, 

I  rejoice  to  say  that  very  many  farmers  are  prosperous  and  contented  ; 
but  they  are,  for  the  chief  part,  such  as  I  have  previously  described, 
having  bought  up  land  at  from  5s.  to  40s.  per  acre,  and,  by  years  of 
unremitting  toil,  fenced,  cultivated,  and  built  homesteads.  When 


Wheat  was  worth  twice  as  much  as  it  is  at  present,  they  were  able  to 
pay  off  the  whole  or  part  of  the  mortgages,  and  now  wool  and  the 
frozen  meat  trade  enables  them  to  live  in  ease  and  plenty.  At  present 
selling  prices  of  that  land  the  purchaser  would  have  as  hard  a  time  of  it 
as  the  British  farmer,  and  moreover,  would  have  to  reckon  with  the 
moneylenders,  who  are  a  different  race  of  beings  to  the  average  English 
and  Scotch  landlord.  Good  farms  within  easy  distance  of  a  shipping 
port  are  realising  from  £20  to  £40  an  acre.  If  your  climate  were  equal 
to  this,  I  believe  that  many  colonial  farmers  would  emigrate  and  take 
up  land  at  home. — Sentinel  (in  the  “Field”). 


ACORN  POISONING. 

The  following  circular  has  been  sent  to  us  by  the  Board  of  Agricul¬ 
ture,  4,  Whitehall  Idace,  S.W.  : — 

The  attention  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture  has  been  called  to  the 
unusual  abundance  of  the  crop  of  Acorns  this  season,  and  it  is  considered 
desirable  to  warn  stockowners  who  are  accustomed  to  turn  cattle  into 
parks,  on  to  commons,  or  other  places  where  Acorns  are  plentiful,  that 
there  is  considerable  risk  of  injurious  effects  arising  from  the  con¬ 
sumption  of  large  quantities  of  Acorns,  which  in  the  present  dearth 
of  herbage,  owing  to  the  long  drought,  are  certain  to  be  eaten  with 
avidity. 

In  the  years  1868,  1870,  and  1884,  which  were  remarkable  for  a 
large  yield  of  Acorns  after  a  long  dry  and  hot  summer,  serious  losses 
among  young  cattle  occurred  from  outbreaks  of  what  is  known  as  the 
Acorn  disease,  or  Acorn  poisoning.  In  many  districts,  notably  in 
Middlesex,  Kent,  Hertfordshire,  Warwickshire,  Lincolnshire,  North¬ 
amptonshire,  Wiltshire,  Gloucestershire,  Devonshire,  the  New  Forest, 
Sussex,  Surrey,  Suffolk,  Norfolk,  and  Derbyshire,  extensive  outbreaks 
of  the  disease  occurred.  Young  cattle  up  to  two  years  old  suffered 
most  severely.  Milch  cows  and  cattle  over  three  years  old  were  seldom 
affected.  Sheep  and  pigs  appeared  to  be  unsusceptible  to  the  poisonous 
action  of  the  seeds,  and  only  two  or  three  cases  of  the  disease  were 
reported  in  these  animals,  while  entire  herds  of  young  cattle  were 
attacked  and  a  large  proportion  of  them  succumbed. 

Acorn  poisoning  is  quite  distinct  from  indigestion  due  to  eating  an 
excessive  quantity  of  Acorns.  This  accidental  disorder  may  occur  in 
ordinary  seasons  when  animals  are  first  allowed  access  to  pasture  where 
Acorns  abound.  But  the  true  Acorn  disease  is  distinguished  by  progres¬ 
sive  wasting,  entire  loss  of  appetite,  diarrhoea,  discharge  of  an  excessive 
quantity  of  pale  urine,  sore  places  inside  the  mouth,  discharge  from  the 
nostrils  and  also  from  the  eyes,  which  are  always  sunken,  giving  to  the 
animal  a  peculiar  haggard  expression.  No  fever  is  present  from  first  to 
last,  but,  on  the  contrary,  the  temperature  is  commonly  below  the 
normal  standard. 

On  post-mortem  examination  it  is  frequently  noticed  that  all  traces 
of  the  Acorns  have  disappeared.  The  morbid  changes  are  such  as  are 
seen  when  an  irritant  poison  has  been  given. 

Remedies  of  various  kinds  were  tried  in  the  great  outbreaks  of  the 
disease,  but  no  cure  was  discovered.  Prevention  is  comparatively  easy 
when  the  risk  is  realised.  It  is  only  necessary  for  absolute  security  to 
keep  cattle  from  the  pastures  while  Acorns  are  falling.  The  danger  will 
be  materially  lessened  by  collecting  the  Acorns  from  the  pastures,  but 
this  device  does  not  prevent  a  considerable  consumption  of  the  nuts 
which  fall  during  the  night.  It  has  also  been  suggested  that  when 
cattle  are  only  allowed  access  to  Acorns  during  the  daytime  they 
should  be  supplied  with  a  liberal  allowance  of  food  before  they  are 
turned  out.  It  cannot  be  affirmed  that  these  plans  have  always  proved 
successful  in  practice. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Square,  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  THE  Day. 

d 

‘3 

1893. 

September. 

1  Barometer 

j  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

24 

29-979 

48-6 

44-2 

N.W. 

52-5 

60-3 

35-3 

104-9 

30-9 

— 

Monday  . . 

25 

30-004 

53-9 

49-3 

S.W. 

51-9 

61-9 

39-3 

103-1 

35-4 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

26 

30-002 

52-1 

49-9 

S.W. 

52-6 

65-0 

45-7 

106-4 

40-6 

0-220 

Wednesday 

27 

29-800 

59-1 

56-4 

W. 

53-9 

67-8 

52-1 

107-8 

49  9 

— 

Thursday . . 

28 

29  854 

56-9 

53-1 

S.W. 

54-9 

62-6 

48-3 

79-9 

45-2 

0-122 

Friday 

29 

29-366 

57-9 

53-9 

S.W. 

55-2 

65-9 

53-9 

105-3 

50-2 

0-074 

Saturday  . . 

30 

29-290 

55-0 

52-4 

S.W. 

55-0 

63-2 

51-4 

1C4'2 

48-4 

0.010 

29-756 

54-8 

51-3 

53-7 

63-8 

46-6 

101-7 

42-9 

0-426 

REMAKES. 

24th. — Almost  unbroken  sunshine  by  day  ;  brilliant  moonlight  night. 

25th.— Frequently  sunny  in  morning  ;  generally  overcast  in  afternoon  ;  spots  of  rain 
from  4.30  to  6  P.M. ;  moonlight  night. 

26th. — Overcast  early  ;  generally  sunny  after  11  A.M. ;  spots  of  rain  about  6  P.il. 

27th. — Rain  from  1  A.M.  to  4  A.M.,  and  showers  after  ;  generally  sunny  during  day,  and 
bright  night ;  lunar  halo. 

28th. — Sunshine  early  and  solar  halo  from  8.30  to  9.30  A.M.  ;  overcast  from  10  A.M.,  with 
frequent  spots  of  rain,  and  showers  in  afternoon. 

29th.— Bright  sunshine  and  high  wind  almost  throughout ;  spots  of  rain  once  or  twice 
in  the  afternoon,  and  rain  at  night. 

30th.— Overcast  till  10.30  A.M.,  bright  and  breezy  after ;  sharp  shower  at  1.5  P.M.,  but 
uninterrupted  sunshine. 

A  touch  of  frost  on  grass  on  the  morning  of  the  24th,  but  on  the  whole  a  mild  fine 

week.— G,  J.  STMONS. 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


826 


SPECIAL  interest  attaches  to  Tomatoes  this  season,  for  it  has  been 
an  altogther  exceptional  one  in  respect  to  natural  advantages, 
and  consequently  the  crops  have  been  abundant.  Remunerative 
returns  have  been  secured  throughout  the  season,  these  varying,  as 
they  always  will  do,  according  to  the  market  and  the  quality.  At 
the  middle  of  July  a  capable  grower  in  the  midlands  told  me  that 
he  had  been  securing  Is.  a  pound  up  till  that  time,  and  although 
the  majority  of  the  cultivators  in  the  south  who  supply  the 
principal  London  markets  have  not  realised  so  much,  their  returns 
have  been  consistently  good,  and  they  will  have  cause  to  look  back 
upon  1893  without  the  sadness  and  regret  which  tinge  their  recol 
lections  of  some  previous  seasons. 

It  is  disappointing,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  that  when  the  Eden 
of  the  Tomato  growers  was  at  its  fairest  a  new  serpent  should  have 
entered.  Phytophthora  infestans  and  the  Gladosporium  have  often 
proved  their  capacity  for  giving  quite  as  much  trouble  and 
embarrassment  as  most  growers  are  able  to  cope  with,  and  the 
advent  of  a  fresh  enemy  in  the  Bacterium  Halstedi,  so  graphically 
described  by  Mr.  Abbey  a  few  weeks  ago,  is  something  approaching 
the  nature  of  the  proverbial  last  straw.  In  all  likelihood  this 
bacterial  affection  of  the  Tomato  is  quite  unknown  to  the  majority 
of  the  growers,  and  especially  to  such  of  them  as  consider  them¬ 
selves  quite  above  the  necessity  for  reading  the  papers  ;  but  it  is 
quite  likely  to  spread  widely  unless  something  of  its  cause  and 
origin  are  known.  All  cultivators  are  not  open  to  knowledge  when 
it  is  imparted  as  the  result  of  microscopical  investigation.  For 
one  reason  or  another  they  connect  such  inquiry  with  abstruse  and 
devious  scientific  calculation  that  has  not,  and  never  can  have,  any 
practical  bearing.  There  is  certainly  justification  for  such  a  view 
in  some  cases,  but  I  venture  to  think  that  where  the  investigator 
is  not  only  a  scientist,  but  a  thoroughly  practical  gardener,  what  he 
has  to  tell  us  is  deserving  of  the  most  careful  consideration.  Some 
of  the  market  growers,  as  well  as  a  number  of  private  cultivators; 
are  of  the  same  opinion,  and  I  happen  to  know  that  the  success  of 
Mr.  Abbey’s  able  inquiries  into  the  Tomato  disease  and  the  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  mite  have  attracted  the  attention  of  some  of  the  best 
and  most  enlightened  of  our  cultivators. 

About  the  middle  of  August  Mr.  Wood,  foreman  to  the 
energetic  Kentish  market  grower,  Mr.  E,  Vinson,  wrote — “I  have 
been  reading  the  correspondence  on  Tomatoes  dying  in  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture,  and  if  you  could  give  me  a  call  you  would  see  for 
yourself  what  the  disease  is  capable  of  doing.  We  have  8000 
plants  in  one  block  of  houses,  three  parts  of  them  dead  ;  in  another 
block  over  8000  plants  carrying  a  grand  crop,  and  we  have  not  lost 
fifty  plants  out  of  the  latter.  If  you  will  come  I  will  give  you 
my  views  of  the  cause.”  I  took  an  early  opportunity  of  going; 
and  saw  what  I  can  only  characterise  as  a  very  remarkable  sight. 
First  let  me  say  that  Mr.  Vinson  is  not  a  Tomato  man  merely. 
He  is  a  large  Hop  grower,  and  has  numbers  of  acres  of  Strawberries, 
Raspberries,  Potatoes,  Scarlet  Runners,  Cauliflowers  and  others. 
Probably  there  is  no  more  enlightened  and  energetic  man  in  the 
whole  trade.  He  grows  many  things  and  does  them  all  well.  In 
the  case  of  Tomatoes  it  would  be  very  difficult  indeed  to  find 
better  grown  plants  than  his.  Those  in  the  fruiting  batch  were 
splendid  examples  of  culture,  being  stout,  sturdy,  short-jointed 
examples,  bearing  almost  from  the  ground  to  the  ridge  of  the 

No.  694. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Thibd  Sebies. 


house.  There  were  about  twenty-five  houses  of  Cucumbers  and 
Tomatoes,  but  the  latter  were  the  most  strongly  represented.  The 
variety  chiefly  grown  is  Earliest  of  All,  which  is  well  known  to  be 
a  very  free  setter,  but  has  more  or  less  corrugated  fruit.  In  this 
case  it  is,  however,  found  to  sell  well  so  long  as  good  and  well 
coloured  fruit  is  sent  to  market,  but  it  may  be  noted  that  there  is 
a  great  deal  of  variation  exhibited  by  the  fruits,  some  being  very 
much  smoother  than  others. 

I  draw  attention  to  the  good  quality  of  the  fruiting  plants, 
because  I  want  to  make  it  clear  that  Tomato  growing  is  well 
understood  by  Mr.  Vinson’s  foreman,  and  that  the  loss  of  so  many 
plants  from  the  disease  which  Mr.  Abbey  has  told  us  about  is  not 
due  to  ignorance  of  the  wants  of  the  plant.  That  the  disease  is 
Bacterium  Halstedi  there  can  be  little  doubt,  and  Mr.  Wood  was 
of  that  opinion  from  the  moment  of  reading  the  article  on  page 
471,  June  15lh,  1893.  The  plants  went  off  exactly  as  there 
indicated,  beginning  to  droop  as  a  rule  just  when  the  first  bunch  of 
fruit  was  swelling,  as  though  they  were  too  feeble  to  undergo  the 
strain.  There  was  the  browning  of  the  wood  under  the  skin 
at  the  base  of  the  plant,  which  gradually  spread  upward,  and  soon 
the  whole  of  the  foliage  was  wilted  and  drooping.  The  spectacle 
they  presented  as  they  hung  withered  and  lifeless  was  a  most 
melancholy  one,  and  the  wholesale  manner  in  which  they  had 
gone  off  was  a  striking  testimony  to  the  potency  of  the  minute 
enemy. 

The  questions  now  arise  :  What  causes  the  attack,  and  can  it  be 
averted  in  any  way  ?  These  queries  are  of  the  greatest  moment 
to  all  classes  of  cultivators,  and  particularly  to  those  who  grow 
Tomatoes  as  a  means  of  livelihood.  If  the  disease  is  capable  of 
carrying  off  thousands  of  plants  in  the  hands  of  a  really  capable 
man,  what  guarantee  is  there  that  it  will  not  deal  out  similar 
destruction  to  those  of  others,  and  so  become  a  most  formidable 
enemy  ?  I  might  go  even  further,  and  without  wishing  to  pose 
as  an  alarmist,  ask  what  security  we  have  against  the  disease 
becoming  as  terrible  an  enemy  to  Tomatoes  as  the  Puccinia  was 
to  Hollyhocks,  rendering  their  successful  cultivation  almost  an 
impossibility.  Fortunately  Mr.  Wood  is  not  a  rule  of  thumb 
grower,  but  one  who  uses  his  brains,  and  he  has  paid  the  closest 
possible  attention  and  given  the  utmost  consideration  to  the  task  of 
finding  out  the  true  cause  of  the  attack  which  has  rendered  a  large 
proportion  of  his  work  futile  and  entailed  no  inconsiderable  loss 
on  his  employer.  And  he  has  been  rewarded  by  what  he  thinks 
to  be  a  complete  solution  of  the  problem.  The  explanation  turns 
on  a  purely  cultural  point,  and  may  perhaps  be  too  simple  for 
Mr.  Abbey  to  accept,  but  such  as  it  is  I  draw  attention  to  it  for  the 
benefit  of  others. 

Excess  of  moisture  is  at  the  root  of  many  fungoid  attacks,  but 
it  is  the  opposite  condition  which  the  Kentish  grower  holds  re¬ 
sponsible  for  the  bacterial  attack  in  his  Tomatoes.  He  holds 
strongly  that  drought  is  as  much  the  predisposing  cause  as  sodden- 
ing  is  of  the  Phytophthora,  and  in  support  of  his  argument  he 
points  lo  the  differing  condition  of  two  sets  of  plants.  One  was 
put  out  after  Cucumbers  had  occupied  the  space  last  season.  The 
soakings  the  latter  received  resulted  in  the  ground  becoming 
thoroughly  saturated.  Here  the  Tomatoes  have  done  splendidly, 
bearing  heavy  crops  of  fine  fruit,  and  very  few  plants  have  been 
lost.  The  other  set,  where  such  havoc  has  been  wrought,  were 
planted  in  compost  placed  cn  a  dry  subsoil.  They  have  been 
watered,  but  owing  to  the  terribly  parching  season  the  lower  soil 
has  never  been  completely  soaked,  and  here  the  Tomatoes  have 
gone  off  wholesale.  These  facts  are  very  significant,  and  even  if 
everybody  does  not  accept  them  as  a  solution  at  once  they  will 
doubtless  admit  that  “  there  is  something  in  it.”  As  affording 
further  evidence  of  the  great  benefits  of  an  adequate  supply  of 
water  Mr.  Wood  pointed  out  how  much  better  and  more  fruitful 
the  Tomatoes  which  are  near  the  tanks,  or  near  a  leaky  tap,  or 
where  the  hose  has  been  thrown  down,  are  than  those  in  other 

No.  2360.— VOL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Seeieb. 


326 


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[  October  12,  1393. 


parts  of  the  houses.  Not  only  have  the  plants  grown  better,  but 
they  have  given  much  finer  clusters.  Perhaps  others  who  have 
been  so  unfortunate  as  to  experience  the  disease  will  be  able  to  say 
if  they  have  made  any  observations  with  respect  to  water,  whether 
for  or  against  the  theory  here  suggested.  And  if  the  explanation 
is  wrong  perhaps  Mr.  Abbey  is  capable  of  putting  us  right. 

The  point  is  a  cultural  one,  as  I  have  said,  and  it  opens  up  the 
question  whether  the  great  majority  of  attacks,  both  of  this  and 
other  diseases,  may  not  be  classed  in  the  same  category.  When  in 
Mr.  Bunyard’s  nursery  a  few  weeks  ago  I  saw  one  of  the  best  houses 
of  Tomatoes  I  have  ever  seen,  and  his  manager,  Mr.  Bass,  expressed 
a  strong  opinion  that  good  culture  was  equal  to  keeping  away  these 
insidious  enemies.  He  maintains  that  diseases  may  be  controlled 
with  the  watering  pot  and  the  ventilator,  and  fears  none  of  them. 
Hiving  or  withholding  water  rnd  air  are,  he  holds,  at  the  bottom 
of  them  all,  and  with  judicious  management  they  may  be  circum¬ 
vented.  This  is  saying  a  great  deal,  and  may  perhaps  be  going  too 
far  for  many  people  ;  but  those  who  look  below  the  surface  will 
not  be  too  hasty  or  too  loud  in  their  denunciations.  Why  does 
one  person  resist,  and  another  succumb  to,  an  infectious  disease  ; 
or  why,  in  one  system,  does  a  cancerous  growth  form  and  spread, 
while  in  another  it  is  absent  ?  It  is  in  all  probability  from  the 
same  cause  that  some  plants  escape  ravishing  diseases  while  others 
fall  a  prey  to  them — -namely,  from  the  blood  or  sap,  as  the  case 
may  be,  becoming  morbid  or  impure.  With  pure  air,  adequate 
but  not  excessive  moisture,  and  wholesome  food,  the  stream  of  life 
flows  with  vitalising  force,  and  the  system  is  fortified  against  the 
mysterious  agencies  that  hover  unseen  around  and  open  to  the 
unprotected  the  gate  of  death. — Hygienist. 


HARDY  FLOWER  NOTES. 

Still,  as  Allingham  says,  “  Autumn’s  fire  burns  slowly  through 
the  woods,”  and  they  are  aglow  with  the  delightful  tints  of  the 
dying  leaves  fast  falling  to  join  the  bracken  below,  which,  too,  is 
bright  with  the  colours  with  which  it  adorns  itself  ere  its  season  is 
over.  Yet  to  the  gardener  it  seems  as  if  he  were  standing  betwixt 
the  autumn  and  winter,  and  that  the  weeping  clouds  are  mourning 
the  bright  days,  and  in  their  grief  are  striving  to  quench  the 
thoughts  with  which  the  remaining  flowers  would  cheer  us.  It  is 
hard  when  drenching  showers  and  chilly  night  air  are  our  usual  fare 
to  drive  away  the  pessimistic  feelings  all  too  surely  pressing  upon 
us.  To  the  lover  of  flowers,  however,  pessimism  is  not  a  fitting 
mood.  Passing  clouds  of  sadness  may  dim  the  brightness  of  the 
sunny  thoughts  which  find  their  way  to  his  heart,  but  they  are  but 
fleeting,  and  ere  long  the  visions  of  beauty  which  are  ever  present 
to  his  mind  will  exorcise  the  gloom,  and  he  is  free  once  more  to 
feel,  as  Longfellow  says,  that 

“  For  him  the  wind,  ay,  and  the  yellow  leaves, 

Shall  have  a  voice,  and  give  him  eloquent  teachings.” 

While,  as  he  commits  to  the  soil  the  bulbs  which  another  year 
will  fill  him  with  delight  as  he  gazes  upon  their  hues  and  forms,  he 
has  cause  to  look  forward  with  hope.  The  present,  too,  affords  much 
joy.  The  autumn  Crocuses  are  full  of  chastest  beauty  as  we  look 
upon  them  in  clumps  in  the  borders  or  rockeries,  or  even  when, 
as  with  the  rarer  kinds,  only  a  few  court  the  faint  sunshine  of 
October.  The  Michaelmas  Daisies  are  beautiful  as  before,  nay, 
shall  we  not  say  more  delightful  now,  than  when  in  the  eai’lier 
months  they  had  to  rival  the  more  gorgeous  flowers  of  summer. 
The  late  sown  annuals  are  still  bright,  and  seem  to  say  that  they, 
too,  are  well  entitled  to  at  least  a  modicum  of  praise  from  our  pen. 
The  Godetias  are  still  beautiful  with  their  cups  of  ruby,  of  pink, 
or  of  delicate  white,  thouah  they  are  dripping  with  wet,  and 
thongh  the  welcome  sun  shines  so  faintly  upon  them.  Sweetly 
comes  the  odour  of  the  fragrant  Mignonette  from  the  borders, 
and  the  Asters  with  massive  yet  perfect  blooms  are  beautiful. 
The  Cornflowers  of  various  colours,  from  brilliant  blue  to  the  soft 
white  or  the  purple  hued,  have  been  of  greatest  value.  But  of 
these  one  might  speak  for  long,  and  other  flowers  perhaps  more 
seasonable  would  pass  unnoticed. 

Yery  charming  is  a  clump  of  Crocus  longiflorus,  which  has  been 
striving  unsheltered  to  face  the  furious  showers  which  have  come 
upon  us  of  late.  It  cannot  be  said  that  it  has  escaped  unhurt,  hut 
when  planted  thickly  together  these  little  Crocuses  are  better  able 
to  withstand  the  gales  and  rains  of  the  autumn.  Few  there  are  who 


fail  to  admire  this,  exquisite  plant  with  lilac  flowers,  with  yellow 
throat  and  scarlet  stigmas,  and  possessing  the  merit  of  being  some¬ 
what  irregular  in  its  flowering,  some  clumps  giving  flowers  much 
later  than  others.  Although  a  native  of  South  Italy,  Sicily  and 
other  parts  in  the  same  region,  this  Crocus  appears  to  have  proved 
perfectly  hardy  since  its  introduction  in  1843.  It  is  low  in  price, 
and  is  one  which  should  be  in  every  garden  of  hardy  flowers. 
According  to  Mr.  Maw’s  arrangement  of  the  Croci,  C.  longiflorus 
belongs  to  Division  I.  or  Involucrati — i.e.,  species  with  a  basal 
spathe  from  the  summit  of  the  corm,  and  to  Section  II.,  Reticulati, 

“  with  a  corm  tunic  of  distinctly  reticulated  fibres.”  Very  pretty 
also  is  C.  medius,  belonging  to  the  same  division  and  section,  but 
having  bright  purple  flowers  veined  in  the  inside  with  deeper 
purple,  and  with  yellow  anthers  and  scarlet  stigmas.  Not  so  showy 
as  the  Long-flowered  Crocus,  its  colour  is  distinct,  and  its  inclusion 
in  the  garden  is  to  be  desired. 

Among  the  most  graceful  of  the  Coreopsis  is  the  beautiful 
C.  verticillata,  the  Whorled  Tickseed,  which  has  been  in  full  beauty 
for  a  long  time,  and  is  extremely  attractive  with  its  finely  divided 
leaves  arranged  in  whorls,  its  furrowed  stems,  and  its  rich  golden 
yellow  flowers,  not  so  large  as  those  of  some  of  the  family,  but 
still  about  inc’n  across.  It  generally  grows  2  feet  in  height,  but 
varies  according  to  the  soil  and  treatment  it  receives.  Introduced 
from  the  United  States  so  long  ago  as  1780,  it  is  somewhat 
surprising  that  it  is  still  so  seldom  seen.  C.  verticillata  appears  to 
be  synonymous  with  C.  tenuifolia,  although  they  are  frequently 
catalogued  as  distinct. 

From  the  fact  of  its  having  received  a  first-class  certificate 
when  exhibited  at  the  Fern  and  Begonia  Conference  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  in  1892,  and  having  thus  received  what  may 
be  called  the  “hall-mark”  among  flowers,  the  flowering  of 
Helenium  autuinnale  striatum  has  been  looked  for  with  considerable 
interest  in  many  gardens  this  year.  There  would  appear  to  have 
been  a  great  demand  for  this  plant,  and  in  all  likelihood  it  has  been 
extensively  propagated,  and  the  plants  thus  rendered  temporarily 
weak.  This,  with  the  dry  season,  will  account  for  the  comparative 
disappointment  felt  at  the  appearance  of  the  blooms  when  fully 
expanded.  A  well  grown  specimen  planted  in  1892,  which  I  saw 
recently,  was  so  good  that  one  can  fully  recognise  the  merits  of 
this  addition  to  our  autumn  flowers,  its  orange  and  red  flowers 
produced  in  great  numbers  rendering  it  very  fine  indeed.  There 
appeals,  however,  to  be  some  confusion  as  to  its  nomenclature 
which  it  would  be  well  to  have  corrected  at  as  early  a  period  as 
possible.  When  exhibited  by  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware  it  was  certificated 
under  the  name  of  H,  grandicephalum  striatum.  In  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture  for  September  22nd,  1892  (page  267)  an  excellent 
woodcut  appeared,  and  in  the  notice  of  the  plant  the  name  is  given 
as  H.  autumnale  striatum.  From  a  careful  examination  of  the 
plant  and  comparison  with  a  flower  of  H.  grandicephalum  which 
has  reached  me,  I  believe  H.  autumnale  striatum  to  be  the  correct 
name. 

Of  Michaelmas  Daisies  there  is  no  end,  and  from  seed  there 
is  so  much  variation  that  to  endeavour  to  clear  up  the  nomenclature 
of  the  genus,  or  to  speak  correctly  of  them  under  name,  would  be 
a  difficult  and  hopeless  task.  This,  at  all  events,  may  be  safely 
said,  that  we  have  too  many  to  choose  from,  and  that  it 
would  be  well  to  see  the  plants  in  flower  and  select  those  which 
commended  themselves  to  the  intending  purchaser.  There  are  few 
which  can  well  surpass  the  beautiful  Aster  amellus  bessarabicus, 
of  taller  growth  than  the  typical  amellus,  which,  it  may  be,  is  the 
plant  whose  root  Virgil  in  his  fourth  Georgic  prescribes  for  sickly 
bees.  Though  we  would  gladly  have  this  association  wedded  to 
the  Bessarabian  variety,  its  beauty  in  itself  is  a  claim  which  admits 
of  no  denial,  the  fine  large  heads  of  deep  purple  flowers  command¬ 
ing  admiration  everywhere.  Very  fine  also  is  one  grown  as 
A.,  spectabilis,  which  grows  to  about  2  feet  in  height,  and  has 
extremely  deep  coloured  purple  blue  flowers,  more  starry,  per¬ 
haps,  than  A.  bessarabicus,  but  of  much  deeper  colour.  I  must 
say,  also,  that  I  prefer  the  habit  of  A.  bessarabicus,  but  A.  specta- 
biiis,  which  comes  from  North  America,  is  good  enough  to  be 
included  in  any  garden.  Of  A.  ericoides,  the  Heath-like  Michaelmas 
Daisy,  it  may  be  said  that  few  more  pretty  flowers  adorn  our 
gardens  in  September  and  October  with  its  graceful  foliage  and 
white  flowers  in  endless  profusion.  These  and  many  other 
Michaelmas  Daisies  are  of  the  greatest  value  in  the  garden  of 
hardy  flowers,  and  afford  the  highest  pleasure  to  their  owner. 

The  hardy  Cyclamen  still  in  flower  reminds  me  that,  having 
mentioned  in  some  recent  notes  that  C.  gr^cum  was  in  flower  in 
my  garden,  an  eminent  authority  on  hardy  flowers  has  in  the 
kindest  possible  manner  brought  to  my  notice  that  what  I  had 
under  this  name  was  only  a  variety  of  0.  bedersefolium,  which  is 
now  recognised  by  botanists  as  C.  neapolitanum.  The  latter  species 
varies  so  much  in  foliage  that  it  is  difficult  to  recognise  the  various 
deviations  as  belonging  to  the  same  species,  and  as  I  had  several 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


327 


plants  o£  the  same  character  bearing  the  name  of  graecum  and 
differing  from  all  of  a  large  number  of  C.  hederaefolium  or 
neapolitanum,  I  did  not  feel  at  liberty  at  the  time  to  reject  the 
name,  especially  in  a  genus  so  confused  in  nomenclature  as  the 
Cyclamens.  It  appears,  however,  that  the  true  C.  graecum  is  not 
known  to  be  quite  hardy  in  this  country,  and  I  am  glad  to  have 
the  opportunity  of  correcting  an  error  easily  made  in  connection 
with  this  difficult  genus. — S.  Arnott. 


WINTER  TREATMENT  OF  CANKER. 

Improving  Old  Fruit  Trees. 

Would  Mr.  Abbey  kindly  give  some  advice  respecting  the 
above  ? 

I  have  recently  succeeded  to  a  garden  where  the  fruit  trees  are 
all  more  or  less  cankered,  and  am  very  anxious  to  deal  with  the 
pest  as  promptly  as  possible.  What  means  would  he  advise  me  to 
adopt  between  now  and  next  spring?  Obviously,  these  old  trees 
cannot  be  cut  down  and  thrown  away,  as  young  ones  take  time 
coming  into  bearing.  Consequently  it  is  of  pressing  necessity  to 
attempt  to  deal  with  the  canker,  and  if  possible  exterminate  it.  Of 
course  I  shall  immediately  cut  out  and  burn  all  diseased  branches  that 
can  be  spared,  but  as  many  of  the  main  srems  and  large  limbs  are 
affected  remedial  measures  must  be  attempted. 

Would,  therefore,  Mr.  Abbey  recommend  paring  and  cutting 
away  all  diseased  bark  and  wood,  afterwards  painting  the  wounds 
with  neat  petroleum,  or,  if  that  fungicide  be  too  potent,  with  warm 
gas  tar  ?  So  far  as  my  experience  goes,  canker  has  a  great  dislike  to 
an  application  of  hot  gas  tar. — Inquirer. 

[Although  it  is  hardly  possible  to  cure  old  trees  of  canker,  much 
may  be  efEected  towards  rendering  them  more  satisfactory  in  their 
growth  and  crops  by  judiciously  operating  on  their  heads  and  supply¬ 
ing  nourishment  to  their  roots.  The  results  in  many  cases  exceed  the 
expectations,  so  that  trees  that  were  doomed  to  be  destroyed  as  soon 
as  others  could  be  grown  to  afford  an  adequate  supply  of  fruit  have 
become  so  profitable  that  their  uprooting  has  been  postponed  indefi¬ 
nitely.  Besides,  the  retention  of  old  trees  is  in  some  cases  an 
absolute  necessity  in  order  to  have  a  supply  of  fruit,  which,  if  not  so 
good  in  quality  or  large  in  quantitj'^  as  desired,  is  yet  useful,  and  saves 
buying.  The  resolve,  therefore,  of  ‘‘Inquirer'’  to  make  the  most  of 
his  old  frees,  afflicted  though  they  be  with  canker,  until  young  ones 
planted  in  properly  prepared  ground  arrive  at  a  productive  age,  is  a 
wise  one,  and  worthy  of  adoption  by  others  similarly  circumstanced. 

The  mode  of  procedure  suggested  by  “Inquirer’'  is  the  correct 
one — that  is,  cut  away  all  the  dead  and  as  much  of  the  cankered 
parts  as  can  be  spared  consistently  with  the  prospects  of  [iroductive- 
ness.  All  such  parts  must  be  burned,  not  on  ground  occupied  by  the 
roots  of  the  trees,  but  where  the  tire  will  do  no  harm,  and  the  ashes 
resulting  should  be  at  once  spread  on  the  ground  beneath  the  trees, 
and  a  foot  further  from  the  stem  than  the  branches  extend.  This  is 
one  of  the  best  possible  manures  for  fruit  trees,  and  restores  to  the 
soil,  a  small  part  it  may  be,  yet  some  portion  of  the  elements 
abstracted  from  it  by  the  roots.  Leached  ashes — those  washed  by 
rain — have  little  manurial  value  ;  fresh  ashes  are  a  powerful 
fertiliser. 

“  Inquirer  ’'  may  then,  as  he  proposes,  cut  away  all  the  diseased 
bark,  or  such  portions  of  it  that  is  brown  and  dead,  but  it  is  not 
advisable  to  cut  the  wounds  of  old  trees  into  the  quick  or  live  bark 
with  the  object  of  removing  the  mycelium  of  the  fungus,  if  any,  for 
the  swellings  in  some  cases  almost  encircle  the  limbs,  and  to  cut  these 
away  entirely  would  be  tantamount  to  ringing  and  killing  the  parts 
above  them.  The  wood  must  not  be  interfered  with,  for  it  is  un¬ 
affected  by  the  fungus,  and  is  necessary  for  the  stability  of  the  limb. 
After  cutting  away  the  diseased  and  dead  bark,  or  so  much  of  it 
as  can  be  removed  without  damage  to  the  live  bark,  dress  the  wounds 
with  a  solution  of  sulphate  of  copper,  4  ozs.  dissolved  in  6;f  gallons  of 
water,  applying  with  a  brush,  and  well  washing  out  the  wounds,  but 
without  the  liquid  running  down  the  stem.  '1  he  wounds  should  be 
dry,  and  if  fine  weather  follows,  so  much  the  better,  as  more  copper 
will  be  absorbed  by  the  bark  and  wood  than  if  rains  prevail. 
This  will  do  much  to  arrest  the  growth  of  the  mycelium  of  the  fungus, 
and  the  tree  will  take  advantage  of  it  in  the  coming  season  to  throw 
out  more  callus  around  the  wounds,  striving  its  utmost  to  cover  them 
with  new  bark,  which  may  be  further  accelerated  by  plastering  the 
wounds  with  a  mixture  of  clay  and  fresh  cow  manure. 

In  addition  to  the  pruning,  trimming,  and  dressing  the  wounds 
and  cankerous  parts,  “Inquirer’'  may  uproot  perennial  weeds  and 
burn  them,  turn  the  ground  over  without  disturtuug  the  roots  more 
than  can  be  helped,  yet  burying  soft  weeds  that  will  decay.  This 
should  be  done  as  soon  as  the  leaves  fall,  and  the  pruning,  trimming, 
and  dressing  of  the  trees  completed.  Then  apply  the  following 
mixture  ; — ISteamed  bonemeal  and  kainit  in  equal  parts,  mixed, 
spreading  it  evenly  from  the  stem  outwards  to  a  foot  beyond  the 


spread  of  the  branches,  at  the  rate  of  3^  lbs.  per  rod,  and  as  the 
surface  is  loose  it  may  be  left  for  the  rains  to  wash  in.  But  if  the 
soil  and  subsoil  be  dry,  make  holes  with  a  crowbar,  and  fill  them 
with  water  time  after  time,  following  with  liquid  manure,  then  fill 
the  holes  with  fresh  soil  pressed  firmly  down. 

Before  the  buds  commence  swelling  in  the  spring,  spray  the  trees 
when  they  are  dry  with  a  solution  of  sulphate  of  copper,  1  lb.  to 
25  gallons  of  water,  using  the  knapsack  pump  “Eclair.”  This 
should  be  followed  by  a  dressing  of  nitrate  of  soda  to  the  soil 
when  the  trees  are  starting  into  growth,  using  IJ  lb.  per  rod  if  the 
ground  be  naturally  moist,  or  2  lbs.  if  inclined  towards  dryness, 
applying  it  from  the  stems  to  a  foot  beyond  the  spread  of  the 
branches. 

This  is  the  whole  of  the  prescriptions  i  advise  “  Inquirer  ”  to- 
follow,  except  if  the  soil  requires  draining  it  must  be  attended  to 
first  thing,  for  no  fruit  tree  can  thrive  in  a  badly  sanitated  soil. 
7  he  prescriptions  will  be  as  useful  in  subsequent  years  as  at  present, 
only  they  must  be  used  according  to  circumstances,  and  in  a  less 
drastic  manner. 

I  strongly  advise  “Inquirer”  to  have  nothing  to  do  with  petroleum, 
and  still  more  so  as  regards  gas  tar.  Both  are  strong,  yet  dangerous 
medicines,  for  though  they  destroy  many  insectal  and  fungal  germs 
and  pests,  they  may  also  kill  the  patients,  if  n-  t  cripple  them  for  life. 
I  have  a  strong  objection  to  all  oils  and  fats  for  applying  to  the 
stems  and  branches  of  fruit  trees  on  account  of  their  slow  but 
certain  reactions,  and  even  when  saponified,  as  in  soft  and  hard 
soap,  there  is  danger  in  using  them  at  great  strength,  say  8  ozs.^  of 
softsoap  to  a  gallon  of  water,  as  is  often  recommended  for  dressing 
Vines,  and  the  result  is  they  break  badly  in  consequence.  Gas  tar  is 
si  ill  worse,  and  often  enters  into  the  composition  of  cart  grease  to 
such  an  extent  as  to  kill  the  stems  of  trees  to  which  it  is  a()plied  to 
prevent  the  ascent  of  wingless  moths  and  beetles. — G.  Abbey  ] 


When  exhibited  on  the  occasion  of  the  meeting  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  at  the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  on  September 
26th,  by  Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  this  prettv  Orchid  attracted 
attention.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  Cattleya  Loddigesi 
and  Laelia  pumila.  The  flowers  are  of  a  mauve  shade,  but  the  lip 
is  richly  coloured  with  purplish  magenta.  J udging  by  the  plant 
exhibited  the  pseudo-bulbs  are  of  a  slender  growth,  nearly  a  foot 
in  length,  and  each  bears  two  bright  green  leaves.  As  already, 
reported  in  this  Journal  an  award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  this 
interesting  hybrid. — C. 

Stenoglottis  longifolia. 

This  is  a  comparatively  recent  introduction,  and  as  yet  is  scarcely 
known  in  gardens.  It  was  sent  to  Kew  by  Mr.  Medley  Wood, 
Curator  of  the  Durban  Botanic  Gardens,  Natal,  and  flowered  for 
the  first  time  in  England  in  1889.  Previous  to  this  Stenoglottis 
was  regarded  as  a  monotypic  genus  consisting  solely  of  S.  fimbriata, 
a  pretty  little  terrestrial  Orchid  not  uncommon  in  gardens.  S.  longi¬ 
folia  does  not  differ  very  materially  from  S.  fimbriata  in  general* 
appearance,  but  is  a  much  larger  and  finer  plant.  The  chief  dis¬ 
tinction  between  them,  apart  from  the  difference  in  size,  is  in  the- 
leavea.  S.  fimbriata  has  short  oblong  leaves,  freely  blotched  with 
black,  while  the  leaves  of  S.  longifolia  are  longer,  ensiform,  and 
lack  the  blotches.  The  flower-scape  is  erect,  about  15  to  18  inches 
high,  and  the  upper  half  is  densely  clothed  with  small,  deep  mauve 
flowers  with  fimbriated  lip. 

S.  longifolia  and  S.  fimbriata  are  both  natives  of  S.  Africa. 
They  require  a  cool  or  intermediate  temperature,  and  should  be 
potted  in  a  mixture  of  loam,  leaf  soil,  and  sand.  Abundance  of 
water  during  the  growing  season  is  essential. — A.  B. 

Cypripedium  Euryandrum. 

This  is  a  handsome  and  distinct  hybrid  Orchid  that  has 
been  in  cultivation  for  many  years.  It  was  raised  by  Mr. 
Seden,  of  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  I  believe,  from  crossing  the 
free-flowering  and  useful  species  Cypripedium  barbatum  with 
pollen  from  the  beautiful  C.  Stonei.  The  result  was  a  foim  quite 
intermediate  in  character  between  the  two  species,  and  possessing  a 
large  share  of  the  attractions  of  each.  The  hybridity  is  especially 


328 


[  October  12,  1893. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


noticeable  in  the  petals,  which,  though  considerably  longer  than  those 
of  C.  barbatu  m,  are  yet  proportionately  shorter  than  those  of  0.  Stonei, 
and  the  colouring  is  shared  in  an  equal  degree.  The  labellum  has 
a  near  resemblance  to  that  of  C.  barbatum,  but  difEers  in  the  greater 
size  it  attains.  The  obtuse  upper  sepal — tinged  with  crimson,  striped 
with  green  and  black — also  imparts  a  very  distinct  attractive 
appearance  to  the  flower.  The  petals  are  fringed  with  hairs,  and 
bear  on  the  upper  surface  numerous  peculiar  wart-like  protuber¬ 
ances,  while  the  labellum  is  dark-coloured,  crimson  and  brown 
shades  being  combined.  The  foliage  is  also  handsome,  being  of 
rich  deep  green,  in  which  an  approach  to  tessellating  is  faintly 
visible,  and  the  plant  is  of  vigorous  habit,  flowering  freely,  with 
similar  treatment  to  that  required  by  other  Cypripediums. — 
Specialist. 


THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  HEATING: 

INCLUDING  THB  ARRANGEMENT  OP  HOT-WATER  PIPES  FOR  (a)  FRUIT  HOUSES  I 
(6)  FORCI  G  houses  WiTH  BOTTOM  HEAT  ;  (c)  BEST  KINDS  OF  FUEL,  WITH 
THB  MANAGEMENT  OF  FIRES,  AND  THB  REGULATION  OP  TEMPERATURES. 

Silver  Medal  Essay  hy  Mr.  Harry  Corlett,  Foreman,,  Woolton 
Wood  Gardens,  Liverpool, 

Introduction. — This  subject  covers  a  very  large  area,  and  it  is  one 
which,  I  am  sorry  to  say,  that  many  gardeners  know  too  little  about. 
It  seems  quite  sufficient  for  some  of  them  to  know  that  a  house,  or  a  range 
of  houses,  has  been  erected  and  fitted  with  hot-water  apparatus  by  a 
horticultural  builder  ;  and,  although  the  work  done  may  be  satisfactory 
to  the  builder,  yet  it  does  not  always  meet  with  the  requirements  of  the 
gardener,  and  as  he  is  the  person  who,  very  often,  has  to  earn  his  liveli¬ 
hood  by  the  products  grown  in  the  houses,  the  necessity  of  having  some 
knowledge  of  the  principles  of  heating  at  once  presents  itself  to  him. 
I  trust  the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  young  gardeners  will  be  taught 
a  thorough  knowledge  of  heating,  in  a  similar  manner  to  what  they  are 
now  taught  when  they  should  water  a  plant,  because  I  consider  one 
quite  as  necessary  as  the  other  from  a  practical  point  of  view.  When 
this  becomes  part  of  their  education  we  shall  then  hear  of  less  damage 
being  done  to  boilers,  pipes,  and  plants.  I  will  treat  the  subject  from  a 
scientific  point,  yet  making  it  plain  and  practical,  with  tables  and 
diagrams  attached,  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  may  require  its  assist¬ 
ance,  making  link  by  link,  as  it  were,  thus  forming  a  chain  of  infor¬ 
mation  which  should  be  in  the  possession  of  everyone  who  works  in,  or 
receives  any  benefit  from,  an  horticultural  structure  heated  by  hot 
water. 

This  paper  must  be  divided  into  eight  distinct  parts  —  viz., 
(1)  Principles  of  heat,  because  we  must  first  learn  how,  and  why,  hot 
water  heats  a  house  ;  (2)  Houses  with  their  various  positions,  plants, 
and  temperatures  ;  (3)  The  thermometer,  to  ascertain  the  different  tem¬ 
peratures  ;  (4)  Pipes  to  secure  the  various  temperatures ;  (5)  Boiler 
to  heat  the  water  in  the  pipes  ;  (6)  Fuel  to  heat  the  water  in  the 

boiler  ;  (7)  The  stoker  to  work  the  fuel ;  (8) 
The  duties  of  the  stoker.  Each  part  being 
individually  treated,  and,  as  one  is,  practically 
speaking,  of  no  use  without  the  other,  they 
must  be  all  linked  together  to  obtain  a  final 
and  satisfactory  result. 

(1),  Heat  and  its  Transmission. 

A  body  or  substance  becomes  heated  when 
brought  in  contact  with  or  placed  under  the 
influence  of  any  other  body  or  substance  hotter 
than  itself,  the  colder  body  receiving  the  heat 
by  either  of  three  modes,  viz.,  convection, 
radiation,  or  conduction. 

In  the  “convection"  mode  the  smallest 
parts  of  the  body  nearest  the  heat  are  the  first 
warmed,  and  these  when  heated  begin  to  move 
throughout  the  body,  their  place  always  being  taken  by  the  colder 
parts,  and  the  motions  thus  started  are  called  convection  currents.  A 
very  simple  and  interesting  example  of  this  is  to  take  an  ordinary 
glass  (fig.  47),  nearly  fill  with  clean  cold  water,  place  a  spirit  lamp 
under  the  bottom  of  the  glass,  and  then  watch  the  results.  The 
particles  of  water  first  heated  begin  to  rise  in  a  direct  line  from  the 
lamp  flame  to  the  top  of  the  water.  The  colder  particles  of  water 
from  around  the  sides  of  the  glass,  being  heavier  than  the  heated 
particles,  at  once  begin  to  descend,  and  thus  two  currents  are  formed, 
the  direction  of  which  can  be  made  more  apparent  by  adding  a 
little  fine  sawdust  to  the  water  previous  to  putting  the  lamp  under 
the  glass.  This  example  shows  that  convection  currents  carry  the 


heated  parts  of  a  body  away  from  and  bring  the  colder  parts  nearer 
to  the  source  of  heat. 

In  the  case  of  “  radiation  ”  the  mode  of  transmission  is  different  to 
either  of  the  others,  the  heat  being  carried  through  a  material  medium. 
Take  an  example.  Expose  a  piece  of  steel  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun  ; 
its  temperature  soon  begins  to  rise  from  its  original  point,  whilst  the 
atmosphere  around  it  is  scarcely  changed,  thus  showing  that  one  body 
may  be  heated  by  another  body,  yet  the  space  between  the  two  will  not 
be  noticeably  changed  in  temperature.* 

By  “  conduction  ”  we  have  yet  another  mode  of  transmitting  the  heat 
from  one  body  to  another,  for  a  body  heated  by  conduction  always 
moves  in  the  direction  where  the  temperature  is  colder,  and  each 
particle  of  the  body,  as  it  moves  through  the  mass,  is  slightly  robbed  of 
its  heat  by  neighbouring  particles.  The  heat  by  which  the  water  in  a 
kettle  is  boiled  is  transmitted  from  the  coals  through  the  bottom  of  the 
kettle  by  conduction. 

The  three  examples  given  will  show  the  principles  by  which  our 
houses  are  heated.  First  the  heat  passes  from  the  furnace  through  the 
boiler  plates  to  the  water  in  the  boiler  by  conduction.  It  is  then  trans¬ 
mitted  through  the  mass  of  water  into  the  pipes  by  convection,  and 
from  the  pipes  to  the  air  in  the  houses  by  radiation,  and  the  atmosphere 
thus  warmed  is  then  at  our  disposal.* 

(2),  Houses,  their  Positions,  Plants,  and  Temperatures. 

Assuming  there  is  a  particular  piece  of  ground  allotted,  upon  which 
a  certain  number  of  houses  have  to  be  erected,  I  have  drawn  a  ground 
plan  as  a  guide,  this,  I  think,  being  the  most  systematic  way  of  laying 
a  foundation  to  work  upon.  The  dimensions  are  given  in  each  case, 
which  can  either  be  enlarged  or  reduced  to  suit  various  circumstances. 

As  will  be  seen  by  the  plan  (fig.  48)  there  is  a  wall  running  north  to 
south  on  one  side,  and  a  wall  running  east  to  west  on  the  other  side. 
The  two  remaining  sides  are  hedges.  Along  the  wall  running  east  to  west 
are  placed  the  early,  medium,  and  late  vineries,  early  Peach  house,  and 
propagating  Pine  house,  all  of  which  are  three-quarter  span-roofed. 
The  wall  running  north  to  south  is  occupied  by  a  late  lean-to  Peach 
house,  while  the  remainder  of  the  ground  between  the  late  Peach  house 
and  the  opposite  hedge  is  utilised  by  three  Melon  houses,  one  Cucumber 
house,  two  forcing  houses,  and  one  fruiting  Pine  stove,  all  of  which 
are  span-roofed.  If  two  forcing  houses  are  not  required  then  J  can  be 
substituted  by  L,  and  an  orchard  house  M  would  occupy  the  position 
of  L.  On  the  plan  will  be  found  the  exact  position  of  the  houses, 
boiler,  sheds.  Mushroom  house,  office,  the  direction  of  the  hot-water 
pipes  ;  also  showing  how,  by  the  assistance  of  valves,  each  house  can 
be  individually  heated  without  affecting  any  of  its  neighbours.  The 
pipes  will  perhaps  he  shown  more  clearly  in  the  section  (to  follow). 

Vineries. — The  early  house  should  be  started  in  December  at  a 
temperature  of  45°  at  night,  allowing  a  rise  of  5°  during  the  day.  The 
heat  should  be  gradually  raised  until  it  reaches  a  night  temperature  of 
G5°,  and  by  this  time  the  Vines  will  be  in  flower,  when  the  heat  must  be 
decreased  to  60°  until  the  stoning  period  is  over  ;  then  further  increase 
it  to  65°  night.  This  temperature  may  be  continued  until  the  Grapes 
are  ripe,  which  will  be  about  the  middle  of  May.  After  the  fruit  is  cut 
admit  abundance  of  air  to  ripen  the  wood. 

The  second,  or  medium  vinery,  must  be  started  about  the  end  of 
February  at  a  night  temperature  of  45°.  The  various  temperatures  of 
the  early  house  will  answer  admirably  for  this  structure  excepting  when 
occupied  by  Muscats  ;  then  an  addition  of  5°  throughout  will  be 
necessary.  The  fruit  in  this  house  will  be  ready  to  cut  about  the  middle 
of  July, 

The  Vines  in  the  late  house  will  start  about  the  beginning  of  April, 
when  the  night  temperature  must  be  kept  about  50°,  and  as  the  season 
advances  and  the  growth  makes  headway  the  night  temperature  should 
be  raised  to  60°,  with  70°  during  the  day,  allowing  a  rise  of  10°  by  sun 
heat.  The  fruit  in  this  house  will  be  ripe  by  September,  thus  main¬ 
taining  a  supply  of  Grapes  from  May  until  January. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines. — The  early  Peach  house  may  be  started 
in  January  at  a  night  temperature  of  45°  to  50°,  gradually  raising  the 
temperature  to  55°  about  this  time,  when  the  trees  will  be  in  flower. 
After  the  flowers  have  set  again  increase  the  heat  until  it  finally  reaches 
a  night  temperature  of  60°,  always  taking  advantage  of  sun  heat  by 
closing  the  house  early,  and  by  so  doing  raising  the  temperature  to  75°, 
which  will  be  found  very  beneficial  to  both  growth  and  fruit.  Under 
such  conditions  the  latter  will  be  fit  for  the  table  by  the  middle  of  May. 

The  late  house  will  naturally  start  of  itself  about  the  end  of 


*  R.  W.  Stewart,  B.Sc.,.  Loud.,  “  Text  Book  of  Heat,”  chap,  x.,  pp.  191, 192.  Published 
by  W.  B.  Olive  &  Co.,  13,  Booksellers’  Bow,  Strand,  W.O. 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


329 


February,  when  a  night  temperature  of  45°  will  be  required.  This 
temperature  should  be  gradually  raised  as  the  season  advances  ;  the 
night  temperature  never  exceeding  that  of  60°,  so  that  very  little  fire 
heat  will  be  necessary  to  produce  ripe  fruit  by  the  end  of  June,  when 
the  trees  in  the  orchard  house  or  those  grown  on  a  south  wall  will 
afford  a  succession. 

Melons. — The  first  Melon  seed  should  be  sown  early  in  January  in 
a  temperature  of  60°  at  night  and  65°  by  day.  This  wdll  be  found 
high  enough  for  seedlings  at  that  time  of  the  year.  After  they  are 
finally  planted  raise  the  temperature  to  70°  at  night,  while  that  of  the 
bed  must  not  exceed  80°.  In  this  temperature  the  fruit  should  reach 
maturity  by  the  erd  of  April. 

For  the  second  house  crop  the  seed  must  be  sown  in  the  middle  of 
February  in  a  temperature  of  65°  night.  After  the  young  plants  are 
transferred  to  the  bed  afford  a  rise  of  5°,  allowing  the  temperature  to 
increase  to  80°,  or  85°  sun  heat.  This  crop  will  be  ripe  early  in  June. 

Seed  for  the  third  house  should  be  sown  by  the  end  of  March  in  a 
heat  of  70°  night.  The  temperatures  given  for  the  second  house  will 


of  75°  to  80°,  with  a  night  temperature  of  65°,  that  of  the  bed  being  a 
steady  heat  of  85°.  In  this  temperature  the  young  suckers  or  crowns  will 
readily  root,  and  as  they  grow  and  the  winter  approaches  the  tempe 
rature  may  be  reduced  to  55°  night,  60°  day,  and  that  of  the  bed  75°. 
The  largest  plants  in  the  bed  should  be  grown  at  one  end  so  that  they 
may  be  used  as  succession  plants.  The  fruiting  house  will  be  occupied 
by  a  selection  from  the  succession  plants,  and  they  will  require  a  night 
temperature  of  60°  to  65°  for  winter.  As  the  flowering  period  arrives 
increase  the  night  heat  to  70°,  and  the  day  temperature  75°  to  80°,  a 
dry  atmosphere  being  necessary  at  this  time,  and  again  when  the  fruits 
show  colour  a  similar  atmosphere  will  be  essential,  including  the 
admission  of  a  little  air  night  and  day. 

Okchaed  House. — Here  we  have  a  structure  which  can  be  used  for 
the  purpose  of  securing  early  fruits  of  Plums,  Apples,  Pears,  Apricots, 
Cherries,  &c. ;  also  late  crops  of  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Strawberries, 
the  Strawberries  having  been  forced  on  shelves  in  the  early  vineries  or 
Pine  stove.  The  two  great  essentials  in  an  orchard  house  are  abundance 
of  light  and  air.  Artificial  heat  will  not  be  in  much  demand,  as  a  night 


SCALE 

0  S  R3  15  to 

■  <  I  t 1 


Fig.  48. — GROUND  PLAN.  Scale — lialf-moh,  eq^ial  to  15  feet. 

(JB)  Propagating  Pine  Stove.  (O')  Early  Vinery.  (X))  Early  Peach  House.  (H)  Medium  Vinery. 
{F)  Late  Vinery.  (G)  Late  Peach  House.  (ZT)  Melon  Houses.  (Z)  Forcing  House.  (J)  Forcing 
House.  {K)  Melon  and  Cucumber  Houses.  (L)  Fruiting  Pine  Stove.  (M)  Orchard  House. 


Flow  Pipes. 
Return  „ 
Valves. 


also  suit  this  house,  and  the  fruit  will  ripen  about  the  middle  of  July. 
After  this  house  is  cleared  of  its  fruit  it  may  be  utilised  by  having 
late  Tomatoes,  which  would  yield  a  good  crop  if  grown  in  a  dry,  cool 
atmosphere,  and  as  the  winter  approaches,  the  minimum  temperature 
being  55°. 

Cucumbers. — This  one  house  will  be  found  ample,  by  alternately 
planting  each  side  of  the  house.  By  sowing  seed  in  September,  and 
keeping  a  moist  atmosphere  of  65°  night,  while  that  of  the  bed  is  75°, 
Cucumbers  will  be  ready  for  cutting  by  Christmas.  If  seed  be  sown  at 
intervals  of  six  weeks  there  will  always  be  a  number  of  young  plants 
ready  to  take  the  place  of  the  older  ones,  thus  ensuring  a  regular  supply 
throughout  the  year. 

Forcing. — These  houses  are  used  for  compelling  plants  to  bloom  at 
unnatural  seasons.  If  there  are  two  houses  at  our  command,  one  should 
be  kept  from  60°  to  65°,  and  the  other  70°  to  75°  night,  because  the 
majority  of  plants  yield  the  best  results  when  placed  in  a  mild 
temperature  until  the  buds  have  swollen,  and  then  placed  in  the  stronger 
heat  of  the  warmer  house.  As  a  general  rule,  plants  subjected  to  too 
much  heat  at  first  often  drop  their  buds,  and  thereby  frustrate  the 
object  in  view.  Although  the  plants  will  be  forced  principally  by 
artificial  heat,  yet  advantage  should  be  taken  of  all  sunshine  procurable, 
when  the  temperature  may  be  allowed  to  rise  10°  or  15°,  which  will 
greatly  benefit  the  occupants  of  the  houses.  One  end  of  the  coolest 
house  may  be  used  for  the  cultivation  of  Figs. 

Pines. — The  propagating  house  will  require  a  summer  temperature 


temperature  of  45°  will  be  all  that  is  needed,  and  even  this  can  be 
dispensed  with  when  the  weather  is  not  severe  ;  but  should  the  weather 
prove  dull  and  wet  during  the  flowering  period,  a  little  fire  heat  would 
be  advisable  to  insure  a  good  setting  of  fruit. 

(To  be  continued.) 


OUT  OF  TOWN. 

Wet  and  shivering,  with  almost  a  chattering  of  teeth,  was  the 
condition  of  the  quixotic  “  foresters  ”  on  arriving  at  the  longed  for 
destination  on  one  of  the  rare,  cold,  rainy  nights  of  the  passing  away 
summer  ;  hut  all  temporary  discomforts  quickly  vanished  on  entering 
the  cheery  home  of  Mr.  Merryweather — a  home  of  sweet  flowers, 
warm  welcomes,  good  fare,  and  bright  music.  Even  such  white- 
bearded  and  silvery  headed  ancients  that  hobbled  about  after  frisky 
Fenn  at  Sulhampstead  not  long  ago  must  soon  forget  past  shiverings 
under  a  change  so  pleasant.  What  wonder,  then,  that  the  younger 
and  buoyant  spirits  which  emerged  from  the  wild  forest  should 
resume  their  wonted  gaiety  at  once  when  brought  back  to  the 
luxuries  of  civilisation  ?  What !  Mr.  Merryweather  young  ;  ^  who 
has  grown-up  sons  who  stage  Roses  so  w^-ll  at  the  shows  .  Surely 
his  locks  must  be  “  silvered  with  past  years.”  No,  he  is  as 
and  active  as  they,  and  can  share  in  the  refined  pleasures  of  life  with 
equal  zest,  and  is  just  as  quickly,  keenly,  critical  as  they  are  oyer 
the  merits  and  defects  of  the  last  new  Rose.  They  are 
brothers,  are  these  two  generations  of  Merryweathers,  in  their 


330 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


12,  1893. 


pleasant  home  at  verdant  Southwell ;  and  to  hear  them  talk  about 
Roses  as  if  no  one  was  there  is  a  treat. 

“  We  could  have  staged  grandly  to-day,  couldn’t  we,  Harry  ? 
Did  you  ever  see  such  a  Pig  ?  and  then  that  Duff,  it  was 
wonderful,  wasn’t  it  ?  Yes  ;  and  Dick  was  lovely,  wasn’t  she  ?  ” 
and  so  on  through  an  ideal  forty-eight  that  “  Ned  ”  was  enumerat¬ 
ing  to  his  brother,  but  all  for  the  ear  of  Henry,  the  head,  who  would 
keep  suggesting  faults  in  this  Rose  and  that.  “  Ah,  but  you 
should  have  seen  the  blooms,”  rejoined  the  youngster.  “You 
don’t  know  what  you  have  missed.  We  could  have  run  Cant  hard 
to-day  ;  pity  there  wasn’t  a  show  before  the  rain  spoilt  ’em,”  and 
so  on.  'This  perversity  of  Roses  in  opening  between  the  shows 
appears  to  be  chronic  and  incurable.  It  seems  to  display  itself 
everywhere  ;  and  the  references  to  varieties  by  workers  among 
them,  and  who  become  familiar  with  them,  are  somewhat  puzzling 
to  an  outsider.  Fancy  the  bold  liberty  in  calling  the  Marchioness 
of  Dufferin,  “Duff;”  Margaret  Dickson,  “  Dick  ;  ”  and  Gustave 
Piganeau,  “  Pig,”  and  all  in  the  way  of  endearment,  too !  Is  it 
liot  peculiar  ?  But  they  will  do  it  will  these  earnest  men,  who 
spend  their  lives  among  Roses,  and  talk  to  each  other  about 
them. 

“  You  have  done  pretty  well  at  the  shows  this  year — blooms 
rather  small  perhaps,  but  fresh  and  bright,”  observed  he  of  the 
city ;  “  but  don’t  you  think  you  want  a  little  more  size  ?  ” 
“  Well,”  said  the  youthful  senior,  “we  can  get  colour  here,  there 
is  no  doubt  about  that  ;  and  give  me  good  form,  brilliancy,  and 
freshness,  and  they  can  take  the  dingy  big  ’uns.  But  all  the  same, 
we  mean  to  have  more  size  ;  bought  a  fine  piece  of  land  4  or 
5  feet  deep  of  sound  loam.  You  must  see  it.”  “  Another  piece  ! 
Then  how  much  land  have  you  now  ?  ”  “  Sixty-five  acres.”  Thus 

has  the  once  little  nursery  grown,  the  result  of  sound  knowledge, 
good  judgment,  cultural  skill,  diligent  work,  and  business  enter¬ 
prise  —  just  the  qualities  that  have  made  many  a  once-small 
local  nursery  famed  throughout  the  land,  in  the  case  under 
notice  the  growth  being  mainly  stimulated  by  “Bramley’s  and 
Roses.” 

“  And  how  are  the  Bramley’s  this  year  ?  ”  “  Oh,  they  are  all 

right.  You  must  see  them.”  “  And  what  do  you  think  of  the 
newer  Roses?’'  “Well,  some  are  good;  we  must  look  at  them 
in  the  morning.  The  host  appeared  to  be  getting  uneasy  ;  in  fact, 
he  was  under  “  influence,”  for  his  clever  daughter  was  presiding  at 
the  piano  in  the  drawing-room,  and  sundry  friends  were  singing. 
He  could  endure  our  prosy  talk  no  longer,  and  cut  it  short  with  a 
“  Come,  now,  let  us  stop  this,  and  have  some  music.”  “  What, 
music  after  midnight !  It’s  bedtime.”  “  Bed  or  no  bed,  we  must 
have  music.  I  have  a  few  friends  in  the  house,  one  or  two  local 
celebrities,  and  we  have  to  hear  them.”  Open  flew  the  doors,  and 
there  was  a  general  movement  of  happy  humanity.  “  Ah,  Herr 
Jumpi,  allow  me  to  introduce  you,  also  Signor  Ponderoso,  to 
my  friend,  Mr.  Cityman.”  Then  the  concert  began,  and  after 
it  ended  we  had  not  long  to  wait  before  it  was  time  to  be  out  and 
among  the  Roses. 

No  doubt  the  rain  had  done  something  to  freshen  vegetation, 
but  it  could  not  have  transformed  the  burnt  up  pastures  of  the 
south  into  a  mass  of  green  verdure  in  a  night.  Refreshing  green 
was  everywhere  around — on  banks,  lawns,  hedges,  and  fields. 
"Flowers  were  flourishing  as  if  there  had  been  no  drought.  Masses 
of  Delphinums  8  feet  high,  golden  pillars  of  the  stately  Verbascum 
olympicum  still  higher,  the  pure  white  bell-shaped  Campanula 
persicifolia  grandiflora,  one  of  the  finest  of  the  family,  with  most 
of  the  best  hardy  border  fiowers  in  season.  On  the  rockery 
glittering  golden  sheets  of  Genista  tinctoria  flora-pleno,  in  contrast 
with  dwarf  Campanulas  of  the  beautiful  turbinata  group  in  various 
tints,  and  Tropteolum  polyphyllum  trailing  over  the  ground  densely 
laden  with  its  yellow  flowers — all  these  and  others  told  us  there 
had  been  no  such  drought  exhaustion  as  had  to  be  endured  by 
flowers  and  their  cultivators  in  the  south.  No  doubt  the  soil  in 
the  valley  of  this  fertile  district  of  Nottinghamshire  is  naturally 
rich,  deep,  and  retentive  ;  but  it  was  hard  to  think  there  had  been 
“  no  rain  worth  mentioning  ”  for  several  weeks.  Yet  go  where 
one  might  an  idea  seemed  to  prevail  that  the  brunt  of  the  heat 
and  drought  was  borne  by  that  self-same  place,  no  matter  how 
green  the  fields  and  bright  and  fresh  the  gardens.  True,  the  sun 
brought  out  the  Roses  too  quickly — did  not  give  them  time  to 
“  fill  up,”  but  all  the  same,  broadly  and  generally  speaking, 
the  land  has  been  a  veritable  Land  of  Goshen  in  the  north  this 
year  in  comparison  with  the  Sahara-like  aspect  of  country 
along  the  south-east  coast,  though  rich  soil  and  deep  culture 
have  told  there  like  oases  in  the  desert ;  but  we  are  scanning 
the_  Roses  at  Southwell,  noting  more  particularly  the  newer 
varieties  that  had  fiourished  the  best  under  the  burning  sun 
of  1893. 

Amongst  Hybrid  Perpetuals  the  following  were  giving  satis¬ 
faction  : — Bruce  Findlay,  regarded  as  a  valuable  addition  to  the 


very  bright  red  Roses,  particularly  free  and  attractive  in  colour  ; 
Danmark,  very  fine  indeed,  after  the  style  of  La  France,  bnt  more 
globular,  the  petals  thicker  and  thus  more  lasting  than  the  old 
favourite  named  ;  Duchess  of  Albany,  another  of  the  La  France 
family,  but  deeper  in  colour,  in  other  respects  identical  with  its 
parent  ;  Gustave  Piganeau,  one  of  the  finest  of  the  newer  Roses, 
has  flowered  as  well  this  dry  season  as  during  the  wet  period  of 
last  year,  plants  dwarf  in  habit,  hardy,  and  floriferous  ;  Germaine 
Caillot,  a  flesh-coloured  variety,  flowered  well  this  season  ;  Jeannie 
Dickson,  rosy  pink  with  paler  margins,  one  of  the  most  useful  of 
the  Irish  raised  Roses  ;  La  France  de  1889,  a  fine  large-petalled 
Rose  of  pleasing  red  colour  ;  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  a  very  full 
Rose  of  a  peculiar  shade  of  pink,  attractive  when  yonng,  but 
inclined  to  coarseness  ;  Margaret  Dickson,  a  beautiful  fleshy  white 
Rose,  evidently  liking  a  hot  season,  being  so  much  better  than  last 
year,  and  very  vigorous. 

Amongst  Teas  Ernest  Metz  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  best  pink 
varieties  of  recent  years,  the  stiff  flowerstalk  holding  the  blooms 
erect ;  ani  Waban  is  looked  upon  as  a  distinct  form  of  Catherine 
Mermet,  being  darker  in  colour.  The  Hybrid  Tea  Gustave  Regis 
is  charming  when  the  swelling  buds  show  their  clear  canary  yellow 
colour,  tinted  darker  on  the  edge,  and  the  variety  is  expected  to  he 
a  favourite  for  buttonholes,  sprays,  and  allied  forms  of  decoration  ; 
and  the  Bourbon  Mrs.  Paul  is  a  great  favourite,  flowers  a  pleasing 
blush  white,  and  plants  robust  in  growth.  Those  were  the  most 
prominent  moderns  ;  but  no  one  could  see  the  floriferous  masses 
of  the  charming  Polyantha  Roses  without  admiring  them,  Madame 
A.  M.  de  Mnntravel,  Etoile  d’Or,  Golden  Fairy,  George  Pernet, 
Little  Dot,  Perle  d’Or,  and  The  Pet  appearing  as  if  each  were 
trying  to  outrival  the  other  in  productiveness  and  chaste  beauty. 
Southwell  has  evidently  a  good  Rose  soil,  and  the  collection  of 
varieties  is  very  complete.  We  must,  however,  leave  the  Roses 
and  glance  at  the  fruits. 

Every  Apple-loving  visitor  to  Southwell  is  bound  to  notice 
Bramley’s  Seedling,  for  the  simple  reason  that  he  cannot  help  it. 
Large  old  standard  trees  here  and  there  excelling  all  others  in  their 
loads  of  fine  fiuit  ;  young  orchards  in  fine  bearing  condition — trees 
which,  if  practically  let  alone,  open  themselves  out  naturally  and 
prevent  overcrowding,  and  a  forest  of  young  stock  standards  and 
dwarfs,  distinct  by  their  sturdy  vigour  and  robust  leafage.  “Merry- 
weather  has  Bramley  on  the  brain”  once  observed  a  brother  in  the 
craft.  Yes,  he  has  ;  and  will  keep  it  there.  It  makes  no  difference 
to  him  whether  he  sells  20,000  trees  of  it  or  of  other  varieties,  but 
he  likes  to  see  his  favourite  go,  as  he  is  convinced  that  it  will  do 
him  more  credit  than  will  several  others,  against  which  he  has 
nothing  to  say  ;  but  his  faith  is  unshaken  in  his  protegee,  indeed  it 
seems  to  increase  with  experience.  “Look  at  the  trees,”  he  will 
say,  as  he  points  to  their  dark  green  heads  and  fine  fruit  shining  on 
the  branches  ;  “  then  look  at  others  around  them.  Doesn’t  it 
speak  for  itself  ?  I  tell  you  Bramley’s  is  a  topper — never  anything 
the  matter  with  it  ;  fights  his  way  through  everything — frost  or 
heat  or  canker,  and  the  fruit  is  always  wanted  in  March.”  Then 
he  goes  on  to  say,  “  And  I  will  tell  you  another  good  Apple — Lane’s. 
Yes,  if  I  were  planting  for  money-making  my  two  chief  Apples 
would  be  Lane’s  Prince  Albert  as  dwarfs,  with  Bramley’s  in  that 
form,  and  as  standards.  Lane’s  will  bear  tremendously  and  soon  pay, 
but  cannot  wear  like  Bramley’s.  Find  a  better  pair  if  you  can  ; 
for  planting  by  the  dozen  or  the  hundred.  I  cannot,  and  I  think  I 
have  all  the  best  sorts  in  cultivation.”  As  early  Apples  the  two 
Southwell  favourites  are  Domino,  one  of  the  best  of  growers  and 
bearers,  in  demand  not  only  foi  new  plantations  but  for  filling 
vacancies  in  existing  orchards  ;  and  Russian  (Duchess  of  Olden¬ 
burg)  hardy,  early,  a  free  grower  and  bearer  of  attractive  and 
refreshing  fruit. 

For  grafting  old  trees — putting  new  and  fruitful  heads  on  old 
trunks— Bramley’s,  by  its  inherent  vigour,  excels  all  others,  but 
Mr.  Merry  weather’s  method  of  grafting  old  trees  differs  from 
the  usual  procedure  of  cutting  the  main  branches  down  to  within 
6  or  8  inches  of  the  trunk.  He  simply  saws  through  the  stem 
helow  the  branches,  pares  the  top  smooth,  and  inserts  scions  an 
inch  or  two  apart  all  round  between  the  bark  and  the  wood.  Even 
if  the  trunk  is  cankered  new  matter  is  deposited  by  the  young  and 
vigorous  growth,  and  thus  the  faulty  old  stem  is  encased  in  new 
wood.  The  strong  growths  also,  as  must  bo  the  case,  promote  corre¬ 
sponding  root  extension,  and  previously  worthless  old  trees  are 
transformed  into  bearers  of  excellent  fruit. 

I  cannot  go  into  other  kinds  of  fruits,  except  to  say  that  Plums 
are  grown  extensively  in  Nottinghamshire,  Victoria  being  the 
favourite,  a  purple  local  variety  known  as  Johnny  Raw  being  also 
in  demand.  As  an  early  dessert  Plum  of  the  first  quality 
Mr.  Merry  weather  says  Early  Transparent  Gage  should  be  grown  in 
every  garden  in  the  land,  and  perhaps  its  raiser,  Mr.  Rivers,  will 
agree  with  him.  But  there  must  be  an  end  of  writing,  and  so,  as 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


831 


our  American  cousins  say,  I  stop  “light  here,”  and  begin  to  pack 
up  for  home. 

“  No  you  don’t,”  sounded  an  imperative  voice,  “  there  is  to  be  a 
meeting  to-night  of  the  Gardeners’  Society,  and  all  the  best  men 
will  be  there.”  This  implied  that  in  the  opinion  of  the  speaker 
gardeners  are  the  best  men  around  Southwell.  Well,  the  meeting 
was  a  good  meeting  of  good  men,  and  Mr.  Merryweather  delivered 
a  good  lecture  on  fruit  growing  generally,  and  the  capacity  of  the 
district  for  sharing  more  largely  in  the  general  supply  of  high 
class  produce.  Your  correspondent  ventured  modestly  to  suggest 
that  the  lecturer  was  right,  then  hastened  away,  as  he  began  to 
feel  his  “  out  of  town  ”  exercise  rather  trying,  and  was  glad  to  get 
to  London  for  quietness  and  rest. — A  City  Man. 


National  Rose  Society — Mr.  Mawley’s  Analysis. 

The  analysis  of  the  Rose  seasons  of  1886-1893  by  Mr.  Mawley 
(page  303)  is  very  interesting  and  of  great  service  to  exhibitors  ;  but  I 
should  liie  to  call  attention  to  some  of  his  deductions,  which,  I  think,  are 
partly  based  on  erroneous  premises  and  incorrect  arithmetical  calculations. 
Mr.  Mawley  compares  the  Crystal  Palace  Rose  Show  of  the  N,  R  S.  in  1893 
with  that  of  the  same  Society  in  1879.  Although  a  member  of  the 
National  at  the  time  I  have  no  recollection  of  the  Show  of  1879,  but  I 
think  f  )r  a  fair  comparison  of  the  two  years  it  would  be  also  desirable 
and  necessary  to  have  the  comparative  number  of  members  and  the 
number  of  classes  open  to  exhibitors  in  each  year.  These  I  cannot  give, 
not  having  a  report  for  1879  ;  but  the  members’  subscriptions  to  the 
Society  in  that  year  were  £217,  and  for  the  current  year  should  be  at 
least  £380.  Last  year  they  were  £368,  and  1  am  aware  of  a  consider¬ 
able  addition  to  the  roll  of  subscribers  since  the  last  balance-sheet  was 
published.  Another  point  also  to  be  fully  con-idered  is  the  enormous 
strides  taken  in  horticultural  affairs  and  increased  interest  in  Rose  grow¬ 
ing  since  1879.  If,  for  instance,  one  only  went  back  even  five  years  and 
compared  the  position  of  the  R.H  S.  (the  leafing  Society  of  horticul¬ 
ture)  and  its  list  of  members  in  1887  with  its  roil  now,  it  would  show 
how  this  interest  has  increased.  These  facts  all  taken  together  prove 
that  a  bad  Show  in  1893  is  a  much  more  important  item  than  an  in¬ 
different  one  in  1879,  a  date  at  which  the  strong  revival  in  flower  culture 
was  really  only  in  its  initial  stage,  and  I  therefore  take  exception  to  the 
statement  that  visitors  and  exhibitors  should  as  a  matter  of  course 
expect  bad  Shows  in  a  season — a  glorious  season,  too,  in  many  respects  1 
— like  that  of  1893.  The  remedies  are  numerous  and  obvious,  and  there 
were  splendid  R  ses  seen  this  year  at  other  places,  notably  on  the 
24th  June  at  Reigate,  although  there  were  not  many  instances  of  good 
flowers  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on  the  Ist  July  ;  but  as  long  as  our  Society 
is  bound  down  by  hard  and  fast  rules,  and,  so  to  speak,  tied  to  the 
Crystal  Palace,  so  long  shall  we  be  subject  to  the  caprice  of  fortune  in 
regard  to  the  weather  at  the  date  to  which  we  are  fixed  six  months  in 
advance. 

In  going  into  the  analysis,  of  the  average  number  of  times  certain 
Roses  have  been  shown,  Mr.  Mawley  has  made  a  serious  error  in  regard 
to  Gustave  Piganeau.  Last  year,  as  he  himself  states,  it  was  forty-sixth 
and  shown  eight  times  ;  he  now  says,  “  at  one  bound  ”  it  has  leaped  to 
No.  8.  But  it  has  done  nothing  of  the  kind.  It  was  as  I  say  shown  in  eight 
boxes  last  year  and  in  twenty-four  boxes  this  year,  so  that  according  to 
arithmetical  average  it  has  been  shown  sixteen  times,  and  should  be 
bracketed  as  twenty-third  and  not  eighth.  I  should  also  like  to  know  in 
how  many  of  the  professional  and  big  amateur  boxes  it  was  shown,  as  I 
should  think  that  the  twenty-four  exhibits  came  almost  entirely  from 
these  sections. 

I  also  find  that  Ernest  Metz  should  not  come  in  the  Tea  Rose 
analysis  at  No.  7,  but  bracketed  at  No.  15  with  “  Madame  Hoste,”  as  the 
average  for  1892-3  is  21 — viz.,  12  -p  30.  My  view  of  Ernest  Metz  is 
quite  in  agreement  with  that  recently  expressed  in  your  Journal  by 
Mr.  D'Ombrain  (page  201).  The  Rose  is  app<rently  a  great  pet  of 
some  of  the  professionals,  although,  strange  to  say,  they  have  not 
hitherto  shown  it  to  great  advantage  or  to  any  extent  in  the  N.R.S. 
class  specially  set  apart  for  it  at  our  metropolitan  meeting. 

There  is  no  doubt,  and  in  this  1  entirely  agree  with  Mr.  Mawley,  and 
have  elsewhere  stated  so,  that  Horace  Vernet  and  Mrs  John  Laing  have 
been  most  satisfactory  Roses  to  many  exhibitors  this  year.  I  do  not 
suppose  Horace  Vernet  has  ever  been  so  frequently  and  so  splendidly 
staged  as  it  has  been  in  1893,  and  the  flower  which  won  the  N.R.S. 
medal  at  the  Crystal  Palace  for  Messrs.  Harkness  was  probably  the 
finest  specimen  shown  during  the  year. 

I  am  surprised  that  Mr.  Mawley  has  not  named  Mr.  B.  R.  Cant’s 
Prince  Arthur  amongst  the  H.P.’s  which  have  been  a  great  success  this 
season.  It  has  seldom  been  seen  to  greater  advantage,  and  with  Roses 
such  as  Duchess  of  Bedford  and  Earl  of  Dufferm  as  well  as  Horace 


Vernet  (which  three  are  difficult  of  culture)  shared  the  honours  amongst 
the  deep  reds. 

In  reference  to  what  Mr.  Mawley  says  about  the  peculiarity  of  the 
season  in  certain  varieties  and  his  deductions  therefrom,  I  should  not 
describe  Dupuy  Jamain  or  Duke  of  Wellington  as  late-flowering 
varieties  in  any  year,  nor  would  I  class  La  France  merely  as  an  early 
bloomer,  but  as  a  true  perpetual,  flowering  early  and  late  ;  and  as  to 
A.  K.  Williams,  I  may  mention  that  in  the  N.R.S.  new  catalogue  that 
Rose  is  specially  described  (why,  I  cannot  tell)  as  “good  in  autumn.” 
A.  K.  Williams  is  always  good,  but  it  is  better  in  the  summer  than 
autumn  with  most  people. 

I  am  very  pleased  to  see  that  Mr.  Mawley  has  at  last  brought  the 
beautiful  Rose  Ethel  Brownlow  into  his  analvsis,  and  literally  and 
truly  “  at  a  bound  ”  it  takes  the  position  of  No.  20.  If  that  position 
were  on  the  year’s  exhibits  Ethel  Brownlow  would  be  No.  14.  There  is 
no  Rose  which  excels  it  in  beauty  of  form  and  colour,  and  its  rival  in 
these  qualities  I  consider  to  be  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  which  in  1893 
has  been  the  Tea  Rose  most  frequenily  shown,  the  hot  weather  suiting  it 
to  perfection. — Charles  J.  Graham e,  Croydon, 


Every  Rose  lover  will  unite  in  tendering  hearty  thanks  to  “  E.  M.” 
and  those  who  assisted  him  for  the  interesting  analysis  of  our  favourite 
flower  in  the  last  issue.  Personally  I  have  never  felt  that  this  was  the 
best  way  of  arriving  at,  say  the  best  twenty  or  thirty  Roses  for  an 
intending  aspirant  for  Rose  fame  to  select ;  but  it  is  none  the  less 
interesting  on  that  account.  I  have  always  thought  that  it  showed 
rather  the  Roses  that  stood  best  the  test  of  certain  seasons  ;  this  has 
been  particularly  brought  out  in  the  present  analysis.  I  fancy  that  any 
exhibitor  would  prefer  Ulrich  Brunner  to  Marie  Baumann,  and  yet  the 
average  is  nearly  four  higher  in  the  former.  Only  our  old  departed 
friend  “Rushton”  Radcliffe,  I  think,  would  agree  with  this,  and  he 
never  could  forgive  her  modest  behaviour  in  hanging  down  her 
head,  and  on  this  account  would  never  place  her  amongst  the  first 
forty-eight ! 

Then  a  season  that  is  inimical  to  a  certain  Rose  has  an  effect  of  a 
very  damaging  character  on  its  position  for  many  years.  La  France,  fo  • 
instance,  has  disagreed  with  this  dry  season,  or  vice  versa.  Although  it 
often  refuses  to  unfold  in  wet  weather,  certain  it  is  that  in  the  early 
and  in  the  thickest  portion  of  the  exhibition  season  the  specimens  of 
La  France  were  not  only  few  and  far  between,  but  they  were  also 
mediocre  in  character.  Marquise  de  Castellane  being  one  of  the 
earliest  in  bloom,  I  suppose  had  retired  from  the  fray  before  the 
National ;  whilst  Marie  Finger  with  me  declined  to  exhibit  her  charms 
till  late,  but  then  I  thought  her  finer  than  usual.  Gustave  Piganeau  is 
a  great  acquisition.  It  may  not  be  a  very  good  grower,  yet  it  gives 
many  blooms  and  these  decidedly  large,  and  it  is  in  my  experience  one 
of  the  very  best  autumn  bloomers.  I  should  think  this  will  be 
considered  the  Mrs.  John  Lainir  year,  and  it  is  one  of  the  brightest  gems 
in  the  Rose  crown  of  my  old  friend  who  was  too  early  taken  from  us, 
the  late  Mr.  Henry  Bennett.  A  curious  circumstance  connected  with 
this  Rose  and  showing  how  much  it  enj  lyed  the  past  season  was  the  fact 
that  at  one  of  the  West  of  England  Exhibitions  (Bath,  I  think)  in  the 
class  for  any  variety  of  Rose,  twelve  blooms,  there  were  five  stands,  and 
every  one  of  them  was  Mrs.  J.  Laing.  I  looked  down  the  list  to  find 
Augustine  Guinosseau.  Though  so  similar  except  in  its  colour  to  La 
France,  with  me  it  has  this  season  given  more  beautiful  flowers  than 
La  France,  and  yet  my  plants  of  the  larter  are  as  four  to  one.  I  am 
disappointed  to  see  her  only  conspicuous  by  her  absence. 

In  the  Tea  classes  Catherine  Mermet  will  always  be  hard  to  beat. 
Her  sports  will  probably  be  her  most  dangerous  competitors,  but  it 
must  not  be  forgotten  that  by  the  date  of  the  National  Exhibition  the 
great  beauty  of  its  most  dangerous  rival,  Mardchal  Niel,  is  a  glory  of 
the  past.  I  apprehend  very  few  exhibitors  would  place  Mar6chal  Niel 
at  its  best  at  No.  9.  In  form,  substance,  and  eolour  it  is  the  equal  of 
Catherine  Mermet,  whilst  in  size  it  surpasses  her  without  the  shade  of 
coarseness  which  size  sometimes  brings  with  it.  Mardchal  Niel  requires 
a  sort  of  protection  when  grown  in  the  open  ;  its  weight  makes  it  a 
hanging  flower,  and  the  peculiar  formation  of  the  seed  vessel  is  provo¬ 
cative  of  decay  in  wet  weather.  The  stem  is  inserted  into  a  hollow  as 
it  were,  and  in  dripping  times  this  hollow  is  generally  full  of  water,  and 
this  proves,  in  my  experience,  a  fertile  source  of  decaying  blooms.  Hence, 
were  I  growing  iviarbchal  Niel  against  an  outside  wall  I  should  always 
endeavour  to  give  a  foot  of  shading  at  the  least  overhead.  The  sports 
of  Catherine  Mermet  seem  to  follow  the  good  example  set  by  the  parent. 
The  Bride  and  now  Ernest  Metz  are  splendid  Roses.  Will  Waban, 
another  of  the  tribe  add  to  the  eclat  of  the  parent?  I  have  only  seen 
it  on  starved  plants,  and  therefore  hard  to  judge  ;  but  form,  substance, 
and  colour  are  there,  and  I  think  it  must  soon  be  found  in  the 
analysis. 

“  E.  M.”  (page  303)  will  forgive  my  suggesting  the  date  of  Cleopatra 
as  too  recent.  This  must  be  the  case  unless  my  friend  Mr.  II.  Bennett 
sent  me  a  plant  before  he  put  it  into  commerce,  as,  unless  I  make  a 
great  mist..ke,  it  was  in  1888  when  be  stmt  it  to  me.  It  is  certain  to 
rise  above  its  present  position.  “  E.  M.”  has  this  year,  I  think,  added 
very  much  to  the  value  of  the  analysis  by  giving,  for  the  benefit  of 
beginners,  a  select  list  of  good  varieties.  I’o  this  list  few  will  take 
exception  ;  but  they  may  wonder  with  me  why,  in  the  face  of  the 
analysis,  Catheiine  Mermet,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  and  The  Bride  are 
omitted  from  the  Tea  list!  Still,  thanks  many  to  “E.  M.”  and  his 
^  helpers. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


832 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  12,  1893, 


The  Weather  ih  London.  —  Since  publishing  our  last  issue 
much  rain  has  fallen  in  the  metropolis.  On  Friday  evening  it  rained 
heavily  for  several  hours,  as  it  likewise  did  late  on  Saturday.  Sunday 
was  fine,  the  same  applying  to  Monday,  but  an  inch  of  rain  fell  on 
the  evening  of  the  latter  day  in  some  localities.  Tuesday  night  was 
wet,  and  Wednesday  opened  similarly,  the  rain  continuing  throughout 
the  day. 

-  The  Weather  in  Scotland,— Mr.  G.  McDougall,  Ravenna 

Cottage,  Stirling,  writes  Rain  fell  here  in  September  on  twenty-two 
days.  The  greatest  amount  in  any  one  day  was  0'385  inch,  on  the  29th. 
Total  for  the  month,  1-447  inch.  Warmest  day  the  2nd,  with  79  3° 
maximum  and  55°  minimum.  Coldest  day  the  2l8t,  with  49-1°  maximum 
and  33°  minimum.  Frost  occurred  on  three  nights,  10th,  12th,  11th 
severest,  30-8°.  Mean  maxima  63-2°,  mean  minima  43-6, 

-  Complimentary  Dinner  to  Mr.  H.  Turner. — On  Monday 

evening  last  Mr.  Harry  Turner,  of  Slough,  was  entertained  at  dinner 
by  a  number  of  friends  at  the  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition, 
Earl’s  Court,  in  recognition  of  his  services  as  president  of  the  horti¬ 
cultural  section  of  the  Exhibition,  Mr.  Milner,  F.L.S,,  C.E,,  presided, 
and  warmly  eulogised  Mr.  Turner’s  services  in  organising  the  numerous 
floral  exhibitions  that  have  been  held  during  the  season  and  in  the 
decoration  of  the  gardens,  A  handsome  epergne  was  presented  to 
Mr.  Turner  as  a  memento  of  the  occasion. 

— —  The  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — Intending  sub¬ 
scribers  are  respectfully  reminded  that  the  collecting  cards  recently 
issued  amongst  the  gardeners  and  general  nursery  trade  throughout  the 
country  should  be  returned  during  the  course  of  the  ensuing  month. 
It  may  be  stated  again  that  every  5s.  collected  will  secure  a  vote  for 
the  next  election,  and  every  £5  a  vote  for  life.  It  is  earnestly  hoped 
a  very  liberal  response  may  be  made  to  this  appeal  in  order  to  meet 
the  requirements  of  the  present  year.  Collecting  cards  may  still  be 
obtained  on  application  to  the  Secretary  or  any  member  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee. — A,  F,  Barron,  Hon.  Sec.,  Royal  Horticultural  Gardens, 
Chisivick. 

-  Help  for  Gardeners’  Orphans. — A  grand  evening  concert 

will  be  given  at  the  Assembly  Rooms,  Surbiton,  on  Wednesday  evening, 
October  25th,  1893,  in  aid  of  the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. 
Among  other  distinguished  patrons  of  the  concert  are  the  Mayor 
and  Mayoress  of  Kingston,  the  Recorder  (C.  W.  Bardswell,  Esq.,  J.P.), 
Sir  Douglas  Fox,  J.P.,  and  Lady  Fox,  J,  P.  Trew,  Esq.,  Mrs.  Shrubsole, 
W.  A.  Bevan,  Esq.,  and  Mrs.  Bevan,  H.  K.  Studd,  Esq.,  Mrs.  Nops, 
G.  C.  Sherrard,  Esq.,  J.P.,  and  Mrs.  Sherrard,  H,  C.  Paice,  Esq.,  and 
Mrs.  Paice,  E.  T,  Coppinger,  Esq.,  and  Mrs.  Coppinger,  W.  Furze,  Esq., 
and  Mrs.  Furze,  and  Ernest  V.  Douet,  Esq.  The  concert  will  commence 
at  8  P.M.  Carriages  at  10.15,  The  prices  for  admission  are — Stalls,  5s.  ; 
numbered  reserved  seats,  3s,;  centre  seats,  23.;  back  seats,  Is.  An 
excellent  programme  has  been  arranged,  and  tickets  may  be  obtained 
of  Messrs.  Bull  &  Son,  Victoria,Road,  Surbiton  ;  Mr.  W.  Drewett,  Market 
Place,  Kingston  ;  of  any  member  of  the  Committee  ;  and  of  the  Secretary, 
Mr.  A.  Dean,  62,  Richmond  Road,  Kingston. 

- Potatoes  at  Chiswick.— The  late  Potatoes  grown  in  the 

trials  at  Chiswick  this  year  were  examined  on  the  5th  inst.,  and  the 
cooking  qualities  of  some  of  the  best  cropping  varieties  tested.  Three 
marks  of  merit  were  recorded  for  the  following  varieties  -.—Major 
T.  Neve,  large  white  round,  clean,  heavy  crop,  and  tubers  of  good 
quality.  Success  (Alpen),  large,  oval-shaped  white,  very  good  crop  and 
quality.  Crawley  Prizetaher,  flattish  round,  great  crop,  uniform  good 
sized  tubers  of  satisfactory  quality.  Similar  marks  were  recorded  for 
Boston  Q.  Q.  (Quantity  and  Quality)  and  Conference,  thus  confirming 
their  excellence  of  last  year,  and  the  certificates  subsequently  awarded. 

- Floral  Decorations  for  Royalty  in  South  London. — 

The  Prince  of  Wales  and  the  Duke  and  Duchess  of  York  paid  a  visit  to 
Camberwell  in  order  to  open  the  new  South  London  Art  Gallery, 
Reading  Room,  and  Lecture  Hall  on  Monday  last,  and  then  the  Prince 
proceeded  to  open  the  Central  Library  and  Public  Garden,  which  are 


situated  a  short  distance  away  in  the  Peckham  Road.  The  floral 
decorations  on  these  occasions  were  done  by  Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth 
and  Co.,  Albert  Nurseries,  Peckham  Rye,  S.E. 

-  A  SUBTROPICAL  BOTANICAL  laboratory  has  been  established 

at  Eustis,  Florida,  under  the  direction  of  Prof.  Swingle.  According  to 
“  Nature,”  the  diseases  of  fruits  belonging  to  the  “  Aurantiaceae  ”  are  a 
special  subject  of  investigation. 

-  Stray  Tomatoes. — In  reference  to  this  subject  (page  312)  I 

always  find  many  plants  come  up  about  midsummer  on  the  plot  of  land  in 
my  garden  that  was  cropped  with  Tomatoes  the  previous  year ;  I  have  never 
moved  them  into  a  suitable  position  and  given  them  proper  attention. 
Would  a  strain  selected  in  this  manner  be  likely  to  prove  more 
hardy  ? — Y. 

-  Siren  GIGAS  (page  288). — This  insect  is  far  from  rare,  but 

is  often  confounded  with  the  hornet.  I  have  from  time  to  time  had 
several  specimens  in  my  possession.  It  has  no  sting,  hence  in  this  regard 
it  is  wholly  harmless.  It  is  or  used  to  be  classed  as  a  Tenthredo,  and 
belongs  to  the  tribe  of  the  saw-fly,  so  greatly  abhorred  by  farmers  and 
gardeners.  It  has  merely  an  ovipositor  and  accessories.  It  is  these 
which  are  mistaken  for  the  sting. — J.  E.  Rogward. 

-  Gardening  Appointments. — Mr.  Charles  Puddiphatt,  for  six 

years  second  in  the  gardens  with  Mr.  G.  Garner,  late  of  Amberwood, 
Christchurch,  has  been  appointed  head  gardener  to  Sir  Anthony  Cope^ 
Bramshill  House,  Winchfield,  Hants.  Mr.  J.  Bennett,  late  gardener  to 
the  Hon.  C.  H.  Wynn,  Rfig,  Corwen,  N.  Wales,  has  been  appointed 
by  Mr.  Wynn  to  the  position  of  steward  and  bailiff  on  the  same 
estate.  It  is  pleasing  to  note  this  recognition  of  merit,  and  Mr. 
Bennett  may  well  be  trusted  to  give  a  good  account  of  his  stewardship 
in  his  new  position.  We  presume  that  Mr.  Bennett  will  now  terminate 
his  exhibiting  career.  It  is,  however,  very  fitting  that  he  should 
finish  by  securing  the  chief  fruit  prize  at  Shrewsbury,  which  he  did 
two  years  in  succession.  Mr.  W.  Coleman,  for  many  years  the  skilful 
head  gardener  at  Eastnor  Castle,  Ledbury,  is  now  appointed  estate 
agent,  and  is  succeeded  as  gardener  by  Mr.  Frank  Harris. 

-  The  Use  of  Allotments. — In  Lincolnshire,  where  there  is  an 

enormous  number  of  allotments  under  cultivation,  the  reports  from  the 
different  villages  show  that  in  spite  of  the  hot  season  the  occupiers  have 
had  a  very  successful  harvest.  In  numerous  instances  the  men  have 
secured  two  quarters  from  a  rood  of  Barley,  and  as  much  as  2  tons  of 
tubers  have  been  raised  from  a  rood  of  Potatoes.  The  latter,  especially, 
have  paid  remarkably  well,  and  some  labourers  have  made  as  much  as 
£5  of  their  surplus  produce  after  providing  for  their  domestic  require¬ 
ments.  The  demand  for  additional  allotments  and  small  holdings  still 
continues. 

-  The  Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — At  a  recent  meeting  of 

this  Society,  Mr.  Campbell,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Micklethwaite  of  Pain- 
thorpe,  read  an  essay  on  ”  The  Apple.”  For  flavour,  the  essayist 
considered  the  English  Apple  was  second  to  none,  and  if  cultivated 
with  care  it  would  hold  its  own  against  the  American  and  Australian 
Apples  that  were  being  so  largely  imported.  During  an  in' cresting 
discussion  Mr.  Hudson  strongly  recommended  Potts’  Seedling  to 
amateurs,  as  better  even  than  Lord  Suffield,  being  firmer,  good  bearing, 
and  keeping  longer.  Mr.  Skinner,  Silcoates  Nursery,  offered  some 
valuable  remarks  on  Apple  culture,  and  in  reply  to  questions  said  that 
if  he  were  planting  an  orchard  for  posterity  he  would  use  the  Crab 
stock,  but  if  for  quick  and  heavy  bearing  for  a  few  years  the  Paradise 
stock  was  preferable.  He  also  commended  judicious  branch  and  root 
pruning,  and  condemned  ringing  as  unnecessary. 

-  Gardening  versus  Farming. — A  daily  contemporary  remarks : 

— “  What  the  shrewder  sort  of  country  people  are  doing  in  face  of  the 
agricultural  depression  is  very  well  shown  by  the  tabulated  census 
returns.  The  farm  servants,  it  appears,  have  decreased  to  the  extent  of 
about  10  per  cent.,  but  counterbalancing  that  there  is  a  very  large 
increase  of  gardeners,  seedsmen,  and  nurserymen.  In  other  words,  the 
rural  population,  for  good  or  ill,  are  acting  on  the  belief  that  it  does 
not  pay  to  be  connected  with  farming  while  there  is  still  a  living  to 
be  made  in  gardening  and  the  various  industries  dependent  on  it. 
Never  in  history  was  gardening  more  popular  than  it  is  just  now.  Some 
take  it  up  for  profit,  but  many  more  for  pleasure  or  convenience.  It 
has  become  the  countryman’s  source  of  livelihood  and  the  citizen’s 
recreation.  The  poor  man  has  found  out  how  advantageous  it  is  to 
cultivate  vegetables  for  the  table,  and  the  rich  middle  classes  have 
tasted  the  delight  of  growing  flowers.” 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


383 


-  Proposed  Park  for  Manchester, — It  is  reported  that  the 

Manchester  Corporation  are  negotiating  with  the  owners  with  the  view 
to  purchasing  134  acres  of  the  Booth  Hall  Estate,  including  the 
picturesque  Boggart  Hall  Clough,  for  the  purposes  of  a  cemetery  and 
an  open  space. 

-  Dr.  0.  Loew,  op  Munich,  well  known  for  his  investigations 

of  the  nature  of  protoplasm  in  connection  with  Dr.  T.  Bokorny,  has,  we 
understand,  been  appointed  Professor  of  Agricultural  Chemistry  in  the 
University  of  Tokio,  Japan ;  and  Dr.  D.  Brandis,  Professor  of  Forestry 
in  the  University  of  Bonn.  , 

-  Ecklinville  Apple. — I  agree  with  Mr.  Molyneux  (page  317) 

as  to  the  tenderness  of  this  Apple  when  ripe,  but  would  point  out 
the  fact  that  it  is  of  a  sufBcient  size  and  good  appearance  in  a 
green  state  to  “  market  ”  early  in  the  season,  when  it  would  not  bruise 
more  than  other  Apples. — Y. 

-  Earthing  up  Winter  Greens. — Mr.  G.  Garner,  Cadland 

Park,  Southampton,  writes — “A  few  weeks  since  I  advised  in  this 
Journal  those  who  were  troubled  (as  we  were  at  that  time)  with 
clubbing  in  winter  Broccoli  to  thoroughly  tread  the  ground  around 
each  plant  and  then  draw  some  soil  up  to  the  stems.  At  the  present 
time  the  advantage  of  doing  this  is  plainly  to  be  seen  here  in  the  mass  of 
small  white  roots  which  have  emanated  from  the  stems  and  taken  full 
possession  of  the  soil.” 

-  Pipe  Raspberries  in  October.— The  same  correspondent 

observes  :  “  On  October  4th  I  gathered  a  small  dish  of  ripe  Raspberries 
in  these  gardens.  It  is  not  a  very  uncommon  occurrence  I  know  to  be 
able  to  gather  the  above  fruit  so  late  as  this  month,  but  the  Raspberries 
referred  to  grew  upon  summer  fruiting  sorts,  and  were  of  excellent 
flavour.” 

-  Potato  Experiments  in  America. — We  learn  from  the 

“  Garden  and  Forest  ”  that  some  Potato  experiments  have  been  con¬ 
ducted  at  the  Michigan  Agricultural  College  for  two  or  three  years 
past,  with  a  view  to  show  the  results  of  growing  Potatoes  under  a 
mulch  as  compared  with  the  ordinary  method  of  cultivation.  In  a  dry 
season  it  was  considered  that  mulching  may  be  profitable.  The  Potatoes 
grown  under  the  mulch  were  of  excellent  quality  and  almost  entirely 
free  from  scab.  The  unmulched  Potatoes  were  badly  affected  with  scab, 
and  although  the  yield  was  heavier,  the  quality  was  inferior. 

-  Distribution  op  Plants.  —  In  addition  to  the  previous 

announcement  regarding  this  subject  (vide  Journal  of  Horticulture, 
September  28t.h,  page  289),  it  is  stated  that  the  Commissioners  of  Her 
Majesty’s  Works  and  Public  Buildings  intend  to  distribute  this  autumn 
among  the  working  classes  and  the  poor  inhabitants  of  London  the 
surplus  bedding-out  plants  in  Hyde  and  the  Regent’s  Park  and  in  the 
Pleasure  Gardens,  Hampton  Court.  If  the  clergy,  school  committees, 
and  others  interested  will  make  application  to  the  Superintendent  of 
the  Park  nearest  to  their  respective  parishes,  or  to  the  Superintendent  of 
Hampton  Court  Gardens,  they  will  receive  early  intimation  of  the 
number  of  plants  that  can  be  allotted  to  each  applicant,  and  of  the 
time  and  manner  of  their  distribution.  Any  costs  of  carriage  must  be 
borne  by  the  recipients, 

-  Tea  Cultivation  in  Ceylon. — An  Indian  paper  observes 

“  We  have  more  than  once  lately  pressed  upon  the  attention  of  our 
planting  readers  that  their  lands  cannot  go  on  producing  Tea  crops  from 
year  to  year  from  the  same  soil  without  eventual  exhaustion  sooner  or 
later  of  some  one  or  more  of  those  ingredients  which  are  essential  to  the 
quality  of  the  Tea  that  the  land  produced  when  it  was  first  cultivated 
It  may  be,  and  we  believe  it  is  true,  that  there  are  comparatively  few 
Tea  estates  where  the  restorative  process  has  become  imperative  ;  but 
what  we  contend  for  is  timely  help  to  those  which  have  not  yet  begun 
perceptibly  to  suffer  for  the  want  of  it.  Tea  is  a  much  more  critical 
product  for  the  cultivator  than  Coffee  ever  was.  Though  the  bush  is 
hardy  in  growth,  and  in  same  senses  easy  to  grow,  the  leaf  when  grown 
cannot  in  the  course  of  Nature  remain  permanent  in  quality  while  the 
soil  that  produces  it  is  being  drawn  upon  year  by  year  for  the  same 
essential  ingredients.  One  by  one,  as  each  in  turn  becomes  scarcer,  the 
leaf  will  feel  more  and  more  the  deficiency.  Tea  planting  in  Ceylon  is 
as  yet  a  young  enterprise.  Estates  that  were  old  before  they  were  planted 
with  Tea.  become  more  quickly  exhausted  than  younger  ones  ;  but  as 
yet  they  do  not  form  a  large  proportion  of  the  whole,  and  they  would 
benefit  by  an  early  application  of  restorative  ingredients  and  conditions 
such  as  are  not  of  merely  stimulating  nature.” 


-  The  Brussels  Botanic  Garden.— It  would  appear  that  the 

King  of  the  Belgians  takes  an  interest  in  horticulture,  for  on  Saturday, 
September  23rd,  His  Majesty  paid  a  visit  to  the  Botanic  Garden. 
M.  Louis  Lubbers,  the  Director,  conducted  the  royal  visitor  through  the 
various  departments  of  the  garden,  and  into  the  principal  houses. 

-  The  Natural  History  Society  of  Danzig  has  offered  a 

prize  of  1000  marks  for  the  best  essay  on  the  best  means  of  producing 
and  spreading  fungus  epidemics  for  the  destruction  of  insects  injurious 
to  the  forests  in  Western  Prussia.  The  essays,  says  ”  Nature,”  must  be 
written  in  German  or  French,  and  are  to  be  sent  in  before  the  end  of 
the  year  1898. 

-  Greek  and  Persian  Flora. — Some  interesting  reports  of 

the  botanical  excursion  of  Dr.  E.  von  Halficsy  in  the  Pindus  range  in 
Greece,  and  of  that  of  Dr.  J.  Bornmilller  in  Persia,  were  recently  given 
in  a  foreign  contemporary.  Dr.  Bornmiillef  describes  the  flora  of  the 
neighbourhood  of  Bushire  in  March  as  being  especially  rich  and 
beautiful. 

-  Su  MMARY  OF  METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS  AT  HODSOCK 

Priory,  Worksop,  Notts,  for  September. — Mean  temperature  of 
month,  55'3°.  Maximum  on  the  4th,  75’5° ;  minimum  on  the  12th,  30  2°. 
Maximum  in  the  sun  on  the  3rd,  128'5°  ;  minimum  on  the  grass  on  the 
12th,  221®.  Mean  temperature  of  air  at  9  A.M.,  571°  ;  mean  temperature 
of  soil  1  foot  deep,  56-7°.  Nights  below  32°,  in  shade  one  ;  on  grass  ten. 
Total  duration  of  sunshine  in  month,  134  hours,  or  36  per  cent,  of 
possible  duration.  We  had  one  sunless  day.  Total  rainfall,  0‘85  inch. 
Rain  fell  on  twelve  days.  Approximate  averages  for  September:  Mean 
temperature,  65'5°  ;  sunshine,  110  hours;  rainfall,  2'26  inches.  Another 
fine  and  dry  month  of  average  temperature.  The  rainfall  is  less  than  in 
any  previous  September,  except  1884. — J.  Mallender. 

- The  Weather  Last  Month. — September  was  chiefly  bright 

and  dry  until  the  22nd,  but  more  changeable  and  showery  afterwards.  We 
had  nineteen  bright  days,  three  of  which  were  clear.  Wind  was  in  a 
westerly  direction  nineteen  days.  The  total  rainfall  was  1'20  inch, 
which  fell  on  thirteen  days,  the  greatest  daily  fall  being  O' 40  inch  on 
the  8th  ;  the  total  is  1'81  inch  below  the  average  for  the  month. 
Temperature  was  higher  than  usual.  We  had  not  enough  frost  to  injure 
the  Dahlias  and  other  tender  plants,  which  is  quite  unusual  for  this 
locality.  Highest  shade  temperature  was  79°  on  6th,  lowest  34°  on  12th  ; 
lowest  on  grass  29°  on  24th.  Mean  daily  maximum,  66  23°  ;  mean  daily 
minimum,  45  93°.  Mean  temperature  of  the  month,  54'26°.  Barometer, 
highest,  30'34  inches  at  9  A.M.  on  12th  ;  lowest,  29'28  inches  at  noon  on 
30th.  The  garden  spring  ran  11  gallons  per  minute  on  30th. — 
W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  Stamford. 

-  Jaffa  Oranges,  —  The  British  Consul  at  Jerusalem  has 

recently  sent  to  the  Foreign  Office  a  translation  of  a  report  by  an 
engineer  of  the  Turkish  Government  on  a  scheme  for  irrigating  the 
plains  and  Orange  gardens  of  Jaffa,  in  which,  incidentally,  some 
interesting  information  is  given  in  regard  to  the  famous  Jaffa  Oranges. 
The  town,  it  is  said,  owes  its  importance  to  its  climate,  which  is 
extremely  favourable  for  Orange  growing.  In  consequence  the  port 
is  surrounded  on  the  land  side  by  Orange  groves,  covering  an  area  of 
about  1780  acres.  Jaffa  Oranges,  on  account  of  their  excellent  flavour, 
have  of  late  years  acquired  a  world-wide  reputation,  and  while  some 
eighteen  years  ago  they  were  known  only  at  Beyrout,  Alexandria,  and 
Constantinople,  enormous  consignments  are  now  exported  to  Europe, 
America,  and  even  to  India,  and  the  cultivation  has  consequently 
increased  to  a  very  considerable  extent.  A  special  feature  of  Jaffa 
Oranges  is  that  they  will  keep  from  thirty  to  forty  days,  and,  if  properly 
packed,  for  two  or  even  three  months.  New  Orange  groves  are  continu¬ 
ally  being  laid  out,  and  the  total  number  is  now  about  400,  against  200 
fifteen  years  ago.  The  exports  for  the  last  few  years  have  averaged 
36,000  boxes  per  annum,  and  owing  chiefly  to  this  trade  Jaffi  ranks 
next  to  Beyrout  in  importance  among  Syrian  coast  towns.  Orange 
growing  in  Syria  is  conducted  exclusively  by  natives.  Each  Orange 
garden  contains  about  2000  square  feet  of  planted  area,  equal  to  about 
1300  trees  to  2J  acres.  The  trees  begin  to  bear  the  fourth  year  after 
planting,  but  it  is  estimated  that  it  takes  seven  and  sometimes  eight 
years  before  an  Orange  orchard  yields  a  remunerative  crop.  During  all 
this  time,  and  even  afterwards,  the  orchards  have  to  be  watered 
continually,  and  this  irrigation  is  the  most  difficult  and  laborious  part 
of  the  work,  inasmuch  as  the  water  has  to  be  drawn  by  means  of 
primitive  water-wheels  from  wells  dug  in  the  gardens  90  feet  and  even 
100  feet  deep. 


834 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  12,  18Mi 


_  The  Weather  in  West  Yorkshire. — The  weather  in  the 

Bingley  district  still  continues  of  an  open  character,  no  frost  having 
been  experienced  of  any  consequence.  Borders  and  beds  are  still 
gay  with  Dahlias,  Sunflowers,  Chryganthemums,  and  other  flowering 
plants. — T.  H.  B. 

_  Hampton  Court  Gardens. — About  4  acres  of  private  gardens 

at  Hampton  Court  Palace,  which  have  hitherto  been  maintained  out  of 
the  privy  purse,  but  to  which  the  public  have  for  many  years  had  free 
access,  are  about  to  be  transferred  to  the  management  of  the  Board  of 
Works,  and  the  expense  borne  by  the  Parliamentary  vote. 

-  WooLTON  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improvement  Society. — 

The  members  of  this  Society  will  open  their  winter  season  by  giving 
a  concert  in  aid  of  their  library  and  the  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent 
Institution.  The  Chairman  of  the  evening  will  be  Holbrook  Gaskell, 
Esq.,  T.P.  The  Committee  have  also  arranged  an  excellent  series  of 
papers  for  the  winter  meetings. — R.  P.  R. 

-  The  Potato  Problem  (pp.  266-288). — The  solution  of  this 

is  that  owing  to  the  weather  the  crop  of  late  Potatoes  is  growing 
again  generally  and  well,  as  I  experience  to  my  cost,  some  becoming 
flabby,  others  watery  at  the  end  and  uneatable.  In  many  instances 
people  took  up  their  early  Potatoes  safely,  and  at  once  replanted,  the 
result  being  now  a  good  crop  of  sound  young  Potatoes.  On  one  occasion 
when  the  tubers  began  growing  again  I  let  them  remain  till  late  in  the 
season,  using  for  the  table  the  young  ones  which  came,  and  bestowing 
the  others  in  the  piggery. — J.  B.  Rogward. 

-  Sophora  japonica. — As  an  ornamental  tree  this  Sophora, 

says  an  American  contemporary,  is  hardly  appreciated.  It  is  very  hardy, 
of  good  habit,  free  from  the  attacks  of  insects  and  fungal  diseases,  and 
the  leaves  are  of  a  beautiful  dark  glossy  green.  The  yellowish  white 
pea-shaped  flowers  are  produced  in  great  terminal  clusters,  and  well- 
established  trees  flower  freely  during  two  or  three  weeks.  This  Sophora 
is  certainly  one  of  the  beat  of  the  medium-sized  exotic  trees  which  we 
can  plant.  Large  specimens  are  not  common  in  America,  although 
S.  japonica  was  one  of  the  first  of  the  eastern  Asiatic  trees  introduced 
into  European  gardens,  where  it  was  sent  by  Thunberg,  who  found  it 
cultivated  in  Japan  more  than  a  century  ago,  and  who  mistook  it  for  a 
Japanese  tree. 

-  The  Origin  op  the  Peach, — It  has  never  been  clearly 

ascertained  what  was  the  original  parent  of  the  Peach.  It  is,  however, 
well  known  that  the  Peach,  the  Almond,  and  the  Nectarine  can  all  be 
developed,  the  one  from  the  other  ;  and  it  is,  therefore,  reasonable  that 
all  had  the  same  origin.  It  has  been  supposed  that  the  Almond  was 
really  the  antecedent  of  the  other  two.  Recently,  however,  there  has 
been  found  a  wild  plant  in  the  north  of  China,  which  is  considered  a 
good  species,  and  has  been  named  Amygdalus  Davidiana,  and  it  fs 
believed  that  this  is  really  the  parent  of  the  Peach  and  its  allies. 
According  to  “  Meehan’s  Monthly,”  all  that  is  known  of  the  Peach  and 
Almond  is  that  they  were  in  cultivation  as  garden  plants  as  far  back  as 
written  history  goes. 

-  A  Cocoa  Palm  Weevil. — A  Jaffna  correspondent  writes : — 

“  About  here  Cocoa  Nut  trees  in  full  bearing,  and  generally  the  best 
bearing  trees,  are  attacked  by  the  red  weevil.  The  presence  of  the  larvaj 
is  detected  by  a  black  spot,  from  which  there  flows  a  reddish  liquid,  sap 
or  otherwise.  It  is  asserted  that  a  Cocoa  Nut  tree  attacked  by  the 
red  weevil  can  be  saved  by  cutting  a  hole  in  it,  extracting  all  the  weevil 
grubs  that  can  be  found,  and  fumigating  the  hole  with  the  smoke  of 
burned  Chilis  to  kill  any  grubs  that  may  remain  in  the  tree  ;  but  we  do 
not  think  there  is  any  experienced  Cocoa  Nut  planter  who  believes  in 
this  remedy.  We  have  tried  it  without  success  ;  and  we  have  also  tried 
injecting  turpentine  into  the  tree  with  a  syringe,  but  this  also  did  no 
good.  Of  the  alleged  remedy  of  driving  nails  into  the  tree  we  have  not 
previously  heard,  and  it  would  not  be  safe  to  try  it  without  being  sure 
of  its  efficacy,  because  if  it  should  fail  the  larvae  would  mature  into 
beetles,  and  the  beetles  would  in  turn  breed  progeny  to  destroy  more 
trees.  We  believe  the  best  thing  to  be  done  with  a  tree  attacked 
by  the  red  weevil  is  to  chop  it  in  pieces,  feed  the  fowls  with  all 
the  grubs  that  can  be  found,  and  burn  the  remains  of  the  tree  so 
as  to  destroy  any  weevils  or  weevil  grubs  that  may  be  concealed  in 
the  pieces.  Our  opinion  is,  that  a  tree  attacked  by  the  red  weevil  is 
doomed  any  way,  and  that  all  that  can  be  done  is  to  prevent  more  trees 
from  being  destroyed  by  the  progeny  of  the  weevil  and  weevil  grubs 
which  it  contains.” 


-  Mr.  George  Cannon. — Mr.  Cannon,  who  has  been  for  a 

number  of  years  manager  in  Messrs.  C.  Lee  &  Sons’  nursery  at 
Ealing,  is  about  leaving  their  service,  as  he  has  taken  to  the  business 
carried  on  for  so  many  years  by  Mr.  George  Weeden,  St.  John’s  Nursery, 
Matlock  Lane,  Ealing.  Educated  at  Osborn’s  Nursery,  Fulham,  and 
then  four  years  with  Messrs.  R.  Smith  &  Co.  at  Worcester,  he  twenty- 
nine  years  since  entered  the  service  of  Messrs.  C.  Lee  &  Son,  taking 
charge  of  the  Ealing  nursery,  the  business  of  which  he  developed  to  a 
considerable  extent,  and  made  a  reputation  as  a  successful  cultivator  of 
fruit  trees,  shrubs  and  trees  of  all  kinds,  and  especially  as  a  landscape 
gardener,  having  with  marked  ability  laid  out  many  gardens  and 
pleasure  grounds  at  Baling  and  elsewhere,  and  planted  open  spaces. 
Mr.  Cannon  is  so  deservedly  popular  in  the  trade,  and  especially  so  at 
Ealing,  where  he  is  widely  known,  that  a  host  of  good  wishes  will 
follow  him  as  he  enters  upon  business  on  his  own  account. 

- The  Kingston  and  Surbiton  Gardeners’  Association. — 

The  new  quarters  of  this  Society,  the  hall  adjoining  the  Y.M.C.A.,  Eden 
Street,  was  occupied  for  the  first  time  by  the  gardeners  on  Tuesday 
evening,  October  3rd,  when,  as  previously  announced,  Mr.  James  Martin, 
from  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  gave  a  most  interesting  address 
on  the  Begonia.  There  was  a  large  attendance  of  members,  and 
Mr.  J.  P.  Trew  presided.  Some  new  members  were  also  admitted.  The 
lecture  was  illustrated  oy  a  number  of  plants  showing  diverse  forms  and 
species  of  the  Begonia,  both  tuberous  and  fibrous  rooted,  also  very 
fine  double  and  single  flowers.  The  President,  says  the  “  Surrey 
Comet,”  expressed  the  exceeding  pleasure  he  felt  in  being  present, 
honoured  the  gardeners  for  their  evident  desire  to  increase  their  pro¬ 
fessional  knowledge,  and  said  that  life  without  beautiful  flowers  would 
be  almost  unbearable.  At  the  close  of  the  lecture,  listened  to  with 
deep  interest,  a  very  hearty  vote  of  thanks  was  proposed  to  Mr.  Martin 
and  to  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  and  unanimously  carried,  as  was  also 
a  similar  compliment  to  Mr.  J.  P.  Trew. 

-  Allotments. — So  customary  is  it  the  case  now  that  allot¬ 
ments  for  working  people  are  found  in  rural  districts,  that  I  was  greatly 
surprised  when  recently  in  a  somewhat  pretentious  parish  in  Surrey, 
where  there  is  a  railway  station  and  a  large  population,  with  soil  for 
garden  purposes  of  the  very  best,  to  find  that  there  were  no  allotments. 
Possibly  the  local  authorities  have  not  yet  begun  to  realise  that  to  have 
made  no  provision  for  allotments  is  becoming  a  matter  of  reprehension. 
Why,  in  myriads  of  thinly  populated,  indeed  almost  poor  parishes,  one 
meets  with  them,  and  it  is  one  of  the  most  pleasing  aspects  of  the 
subject  that  workers  manifest  such  desire  to  possess  allotments,  that 
tenants  can  be  found  in  abundance  provided  the  conditions  of  letting 
are  such  as  can  be  agreed  to  by  workers.  There  is  a  considerable 
number  of  workers  of  various  sorts  in  the  parish  I  have  referred  to,  and 
it  would  be  interesting  to  learn  whether  these  have  made  a  request  for 
a  supply.  Sometimes  landowners  offer  ground  ere  application  is  made, 
frequently  after,  and  occasionally  failing  any  supply  of  allotments  in 
that  way  the  local  authorities  have  to  intervene.  That  is  the  case  here 
in  Kingston-on-Thames,  where,  the  land  being  largely  in  request  for 
building,  it  has  been  found  needful  to  invoke  the  aid  of  the  Corporation, 
and  as  ground  for  the  erection  of  an  isolation  hospital  seems  to  be  abso¬ 
lutely  essential,  the  local  authority  have  agreed  to  purchase  11  acres  of 
land  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  town,  on  a  small  portion  of  which  to 
locate  the  hospital,  and  the  remainder  will  be  available  for  allotments. 
The  ground  is  to  be  purchased  for  £140  per  acre,  not  too  high  a  price 
for  the  locality  provided  it  proves  suitable  for  the  purpose.  No  doubt 
by  far  the  best  site  for  allotments  on  the  north  side  of  the  town, 
where  some  5000  of  the  working  class  reside,  is  the  open  or  Lammas 
land  on  the  Dysart  estate,  and  which  is  at  present  let  for  six  months  of 
the  year  only  for  market  garden  crops.  This,  if  it  eould  be  secured, 
would  enable  some  200  good  allotment  to  be  provided  easily. — A.  D. 


AGAYE  LEOPOLD  II. 

The  Agave  shown  in  the  illustration  (fig.  49)  is  one  of  the  best  of  its 
class  in  cultivation,  and  when  exhibited  by  the  raiser,  W.  B.  Kellock, 
Esq.,  of  Stamford  Hill,  at  the  recent  Agricultural  Hall  Show,  the  Floral 
Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  awarded  a  first-class 
certificate  for  it.  As  before  remarked  in  this  Journal,  the  plant  has  an 
interesting  history.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  A.  Schidigera 
princeps  and  A.  filifera,  the  latter  being  the  pollen  parent.  The  plant 
from  which  the  seed  was  obtained  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Kellock  about 
fifteen  years  ago  at  South  Kensington,  and  was  much  admired  by  Her 
Majesty  the  Queen  whilst  on  a  visit  to  the  gardens  of  the  R.H.S.  at  that 


October  12,  1898.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


835 


time.  The  Agave  depicted  likewise  gained  the  admiration  of  the  King 
of  the  Belgians  a  short  time  ago,  hence  its  designation,  the  plant  having 
been  named  by  permission  of  Leopold  II.  It  is  an  effective  Agave,  the 
spines  being  narrow,  and  from  18  inches  to  2  feet  in  length,  covered 
with  white  woolly  filaments. 


NATURE’S  HELPS  TO  GARDENERS. 

Every  one  heartily  in  love  with  the  world  of  flowers,  especially  when 
he  or  she  takes  up  with  one  or  more  of  them  as  pets  to  be  thought  over, 
and  cared  for  by  day  and  often  dreamt  of  at  night,  frequently  suffers 
from  heartache.  I  was  lately  in  the  greenhouse  of  a  lady  who  has  only 
the  last  year  or  two  acquired  this  love,  and  as  I  admired  the  glories  of 
her  Begonias,  Tuberoses,  Carnations,  and  Tomatoes,  for  which  she  took 
first  prize  at  our  local  show,  I  congratulated  her  warmly.  “  Yes,”  said 
she,  “  but  you  cannot  think  how  much  time  it  takes,  for  I  do  it  almost  all 


Earwigs  in  confinement  will  eat  the  smaller  fry,  but  I  fear  that  in 
the  open  they  care  far  more  for  the  petals  of  our  flowers,  and  must  be 
counted  as  decided  enemies.  They  are  very  difficult  to  catch  at  their 
evil  deeds  ;  they  prefer  the  dark  like  other  evil  doers,  and  by  the  light 
of  a  candle  at  night  in  the  greenhouse  and  a  pair  of  forceps  the  rascals 
may  be  caught ;  but  it  needs  a  sharp  eye  and  quick  and  steady  hand,  or 
the  enemy  will  soon  hide  himself  amongst  the  petals  and  be  no  more 
seen.  There  are  many  other  ways  of  trapping  these  gentry — dry  Bean 
stalks,  a  bit  of  Apple  rind  in  a  long  piece  of  paper  folded  up  several 
times  laid  on  the  pot,  or  some  dry  moss  are  all  useful  helps.  Wood- 
lice,  too,  prefer  darkness,  and  whilst  in  search  of  earwigs  may  often  be 
found  creeping  from  their  haunts. 

But  perhaps  there  is  no  insect  so  troublesome  to  the  gardener  as  the 
aphis ;  diminutive  it  may  be,  but  its  wonderful  powers  of  reproduction 
make  up  for  its  lack  of  size.  I  have  heard  some  persons  declare  that 
they  only  attack  unhealthy  plants  ;  that  is  not  at  all  my  idea.  Roses 
with  splendid  succulent  shoots,  Liliums  in  robust  growth,  Chrysan- 


J 

Fig.  49.— agave  LEOPOLD  II. 


myself.”  My  reply  was,  “  Indeed  I  can ;  I  see  the  time  or  its  results  there, 
and,  it  is  a  great  pleasure  to  look  at  them.”  This  she  thoroughly  allowed. 
From  the  greenhouse  1  went  to  the  Chrysanthemums  looking  fairly 
well.  She  enlarged  on  the  horrors  of  green  fly  and  the  other  trials  to 
which  the  temper  of  a  gardener  often  falls  a  prey,  and  I  then  tried  to 
initiate  her  into  some  of  the  helps  that  Nature,  or  rather  the  beneficent 
Creator,  has  provided  as  helps  to  us. 

It  seems  to  me  that  all  gardeners  should  be  taught  to  distinguish  in 
the  insect  world  their  helpers  from  their  foes.  Probably  the  natural 
inclination  of  every  gardener  is  to  apply  finger  and  thumb  with  a  more 
or  less  forcible  pressure  to  every  insect  that  he  sees  travelling  over  his 
pets.  It  needs  a  closer  application  and  a  greater  expenditure  of  time 
than  a  gardener  when  in  full  work  has  at  his  command  to  watch  the  habits 
of  some  insects,  and  there  is  little  doubt  that  many  a  friend  is  sacrificed 
which  would  have  done  him  service  if  he  had  left  it  alone.  Many 
years  ago,  I  recollect  reading  somewhere  that  the  large  yellow  slug  fed 
on  smaller  specimens  of  the  slug  tribe,  and  that  therefore  he  might  be 
looked  upon  as  a  friend.  I  believe  then  that  slugs  may  feed  on  their 
fallen  relatives,  but  only  after  these  are  dead  If  this  be  the  case 
cannot  see  that  they  are  any  helps  to  those  who  love  their  flowers. 


themums  in  full  vigour,  and  almost  every  plant  may  be  rapidly 
covered  by  them  and  soon  be  made  to  look  sickly  if  these  pests  are  left 
to  feast  on  it.  Of  course  they  are  not  lovers  of  the  weed,  but  tobacco 
smoking  is  not  always  so  harmless  as  it  is  supposed  to  be,  and  I  have 
never  known  it  succeed  in  killing  aphides  inside  the  sheath  of  a  Lilium 
for  instance,  and  whilst  our  Chrysanthemums  are  out  of  doors  they  are 
continually  pestered  by  these  little  wretches  in  the  heart  of  the  shoots, 
where  it  is  most  difficult  to  dislodge  them  without  injury  to  the  plant. 

It  seems  to  me,  then,  that  our  aids  in  Nature  against  these  little 
pests  should  be  known  to  every  gardener.  There  are  several  that  for 
safety  and  certainty  in  executing  their  work  are  not  to  be  equalled  by 
any  human  fingers,  and  yet  I  feel  that  nine  out  of  every  ten  gardeners, 
would  kill  most  of  them  the  moment  they  saw  them.  Of  these  I  will 
write  later ;  but  ere  I  close,  having  never  been  able  to  say  a  good  word 
for  the  sparrow,  let  me  now  give  him  absolution  thus  far.  I  think  the 
last  two  or  three  years  I  have  noticed  that  at  times  he  takes  an  aphis 
meal — at  least,  I  have  seen  him  pitch  on  a  Rose  shoot  covered  with 
green  fly  and  appear  to  be  enjoying  a  feast,  and  this,  if  it  be  true,  is 
about  the  only  honest  labour  for  our  good  that  I  have  ever  seen  him. 
accomplish. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


836 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  12,  1803. 


A  CALL  AT  SAWBRIDGEWORTH. 

A  VISIT  to  the  famed  fruit  nursery  of  Messrs,  T.  Rivers  &  Son  is  at 
all  times  interesting,  but  at  none  more  so  than  in  the  autumn.  At  this 
period  the  trees  are  laden  vvith  luscious  fruit  until  the  end  of  September, 
and  once  seen  the  sight  is  not  readily  forgotten.  October  finds  the  bulk 
of  the  crops  gathered  and  safely  housed,  but  the  trees,  although  deprived 
of  their  rich  appearance,  are  by  no  means  devoid  of  interest  from  a 
planter’s  point  of  view.  Now  is  the  time  when  persons  contemplating 
planting  should  make  their  selections,  and  a  visit  to  the  nursery  in 
question,  amongst  others,  could  be  made  with  advantage.  This  is  the 
conclusion  the  writer  came  to  whilst  taking  a  hasty  run  through  the 
extensive  grounds  devoted  to  fruit  growing.  Although  harassing  in 
many  respects,  the  past  summer  has  been  a  grand  one  for  fruit  taken  as 
a  whole,  and  the  trees  are  now  in  prime  condition,  auguring  well  for  the 
future.  For  many  years  trees  of  various  kinds  have  been  raised  in 
immense  numbers  at  Sawbridgeworth,  and  it  would  appear  that  the 
impetus  given  to  fruit  cultivation  throughout  the  country  is  being  felt 
there.  The  demand  for  trees  suitable  for  planting  orchards  is  now 
enormous,  but  fortunately  the  supply  has  grown  correspondingly.  In 
the  neighbourhood  referred  to  the  soil,  being  a  deep  loam  full  of  stamina, 
is  peculiarly  adapted  for  the  production  of  good  trees,  and  as  the 
plantations  are  situated  on  sunny  slopes  the  wood  becomes  well  ripened, 
which,  as  all  fruit  growers  know,  is  of  the  greatest  importance. 

Apples  and  Peaks. 

All  kinds  of  fruit  trees  are  grown  at  Sawbridgeworth,  upwards  of 
160  acres  of  land  being  devoted  to  this  purpose.  Apples  and  Pears,  as 
may  be  expected,  come  in  for  their  share  of  attention,  these  being  well 
represented.  Of  the  former  no  less  than  nearly  600  varieties  are 
grown,  but  Mr.  T.  P.  Rivers  is  of  the  opinion  that  fifty  of  these  would 
be  sufficient,  and  in  many  cases  the  list  might  be  further  condensed. 
Still  there  are  persons  who  will  grow  both  Apples  and  Pears  of  a 
common  character,  and  so  long  as  a  demand  exists  for  such  varieties  the 
supply  will  be  furnished.  Notwithstanding,  as  before  remarked,  Mr. 
Rivers  considers  that  too  many  varieties  are  planted,  and  when  such  is 
done  the  results  are  not  always  of  a  satisfactory  nature.  “Upright 
growing  trees  of  choice  reliable  sorts  should  be  planted,”  observed  our 
guide,  and  to  illustrate  his  remark  he  pointed  out  a  plantation  of 
Cox’s  Orange  Pippin.  The  trees  in  this  case  are  planted  in  rows  12  feet 
asunder  and  6  feet  apart  in  the  rows,  but  will  eventually  be  thinned 
out  to  double  that  distance.  All  are  half-standards,  with  well  trained 
heads,  and  the  ground  beneath  is  planted  with  Strawberries.  An  orchard 
of  this  kind  cannot  be  other  than  profitable,  and  it  is  worthy  of 
imitation.  The  foregoing  is  but  a  case  in  point,  for  many  similar  instances 
are  to  be  seen  bere.  In  addition  to  these,  however,  there  are  acres  of 
young  trees,  two,  three,  and  four  years  old,  all  now  in  excellent  con¬ 
dition  for  planting.  The  Apples  are  represented  by  bushes,  pyramids, 
and  standards,  on  the  Nonesuch,  Paradise,  and  Crab  stocks,  and  all  are 
characterised  by  remarkably  fine  growth.  The  young  shoots  are  long, 
and  in  many  cases  as  thick  as  a  man’s  finger,  and,  as  may  be  expected 
after  a  prolonged  period  of  sunshine,  have  ripened  wonderfully  well. 
They  are,  moreover,  bristling  with  fruit  buds  in  a  manner  that  one  does 
not  always  find.  Bismarck  is  largely  grown,  and  so  are  Bramley’s 
Seedling,  Duchess  of  Oldenburg,  Cox’s  Pomona,  Betty  Geeson,  Lane’s 
Prince  Albert,  Blenheim  Orange,  Nancy  Jackson,  King  of  the  Tomkins 
County,  and  many  other  choice  varieties.  Enormous  brightly  coloured 
samples  of  the  above  mentioned  Apples  were  displayed  in  the  fruit 
room,  but  Mr.  Rivers  is  not  a  believer  in  huge  Apples.  Firm,  well 
coloured,  medium-sized  fruits  are  preferred  by  the  Sawbridgeworth 
principal. 

What  has  been  said  in  regard  to  Apples  applies  with  equal  force  to 
Pears.  Of  these  there  are  plenty  to  select  from,  and  intending  planters 
will  find  trained  trees  for  walls  and  espaliers  as  abundant  as  cordon?, 
and  bushes  as  numerous  as  pyramids.  These  are  worked  on  the  Quince 
and  Pear  stock,  and  in  certain  cases  are  double  grafted,  which  in  some 
varieties  is  a  gieat  advantage.  All  the  select  kinds  are  grown,  and  the 
trees  being  dwarf  and  well  trained  are  under  control.  They  have,  not¬ 
withstanding  the  drought,  made  fine  growth  this  season,  and  the  wood 
is  so  well  covered  with  fruit  buds  that  trees  transplanted  now  would,  if 
allowed,  carry  a  good  crop  of  fruit  next  season.  Like  the  Apples,  large 
Pears  are  not  appreciated  here,  and  although  some  wonderfully  fine 
samples  are  grown,  Mr.  Rivera,  for  private  use,  pins  his  faith  on  a 
seedling  Bergamot  of  his  own  raising.  This  is  rather  a  small  Pear,  sweet 
and  juicy,  and  of  a  delicious  flavour.  Conference  is  a  new  seedling  Pear 
that  is  likely  to  prove  a  valuable  market  variety,  the  tree  being  most 
prolific.  The  fruit  is  large,  flesh  melting,  juicy,  and  rich.  It  is  doubtless 
a  Pear  of  the  future. 

Plums  and  Cherries. 

Plums  form  a  special  feature,  and  thanks  to  the  efforts  of  the  Saw¬ 
bridgeworth  firm  in  raising  new  varieties  some  delicious  fruits  are  now 
forthcoming.  Thousands  of  standard,  pyramid,  dwarf,  and  trained 
trees  are  grown  in  a  similar  manner  to  the  other  fruits,  and  by  making 
a  choice  selection  it  is  possible  to  have  ripe  Plums  from  open-air  trees 
from  early  in  J uly  till  October.  All  the  leading  varieties  are  represented, 
but  a  large  breadth  of  Rivers’  Early  Prolific  arrests  attention.  This  is 
a  grand  culinary  variety,  and  one  that  should  be  found  in  every  orchard 
or  garden.  Although  but  medium  in  size,  it  is  one  of  the  heaviest 
Plums  in  cultivation,  and  is  a  prodigious  cropper.  For  making  pre¬ 
serves  this  is  a  valuable  fruit,  and  for  that  purpose  it  is  being  extensively 
cultivated.  As  an  early  dessert  Plum  The  Czar  is  very  popular,  and 
consequently  the  supply  is  maintained  according  to  the  demand.  As 


is  generally  well  known,  the  fruit  is  large,  rich,  and  good  flavoured, 
usually  ripening  the  end  of  July.  Another  valuable  market  Plum 
raised  at  Sawbridgeworth  is  the  Monarch,  and  anticipating  a  brilliant 
future  for  this  variety  Mr.  Rivers  has  grown  it  extensively.  Trees  of 
various  sizes,  suitable  for  orchard  and  garden  planting,  have  been  pro¬ 
duced,  and  those  three  years  from  the  graft  have  this  year  borne  heavy 
crops  of  fruit.  It  is  a  late  variety,  ripening  in  ordinary  seasons  at  the 
end  of  September,  although  this  year  the  fruit  was  fit  to  gather  several 
weeks  earlier.  The  fruit  is  very  large,  of  excellent  quality,  and  the 
tree  is  an  abundant  bearer.  Grand  Duke  is  another  splendid  late  Plum 
that  might  be  individualised  out  of  the  many  grown  here,  this  variety 
being  sometimes  in  prime  condition  as  late  as  October. 

Regarding  Cherries  a  few  words  will  suffice,  for  the  firm  has  long 
since  gained  a  reputation  for  these.  Visitors  to  the  summer  shows  in 
and  around  the  metropolis  have  often  been  charmed  with  the  delicious 
looking  fruits  sent  by  Messrs.  Rivers,  and  no  doubt  will  be  again. 
Trained  trees  on  the  Mahaleb  are  a  feature  here,  cordons  also  receiving 
special  attention.  The  Morello  is  now  grafted  on  this  stock,  and  has 
been  found  useful  to  be  grown  as  pyramids  in  gardens.  Apricots  are 
likewise  looking  well,  the  trees  being  vigorous  in  growth,  which  has 
become  exceptionally  well  ripened. 

Fruit  Trees  in  Pots. 

This  perhaps  is  the  most  interesting  phase  of  fruit  culture,  and  to  see 
it  well  carried  out  a  visit  to  Sawbridgeworth  is  desirable.  Here  we 
find  Apricots,  Apples,  Cherries,  Pears,  Plums,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Figs, 
Oranges  and  other  fruit  trees  in  pots  grown  very  extensively.  Numerous 
houses  are  devoted  to  their  culture  and  apparently  with  great  success. 
Last  week  trees  of  the  Apple  Bijou  from  2  to  3  feet  high  and  in  8  and 
9-inch  pots  were  carrying  two  or  three  dozen  fruits  of  excellent  quality. 
Other  choice  kinds  are  similarly  cultivated,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of 
Pears.  The  latter  are  very  fine,  and  it  is  surprising  that  they  are  not 
more  generally  grown  in  pots.  Trees  about  4  feet  in  height  and 
bearing  from  one  to  two  dozen  fruits  of  a  large  size  are  very  plentiful. 
The  following  varieties  are  recommended  by  Mr.  Rivers  as  being  suitable 
for  growing  in  pots. — August;  Jargonelle,  Beurr6  Giffard  and  Clapp’s 
Favourite  ;  September :  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  Beurr6  d’Amanlis, 
Madame  Treyve,  Beurr6  Superfin  and  Souvenir  du  Congr^s  ;  October  : 
Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  Fondante  d’Automne,  Beurr4  Hardy,  Gansel’s 
Bergamot,  Marie  Louise,  Mar^chal  de  Cour,  Glou  Morgeau  and 
Pitmaston  Duchess ;  November :  Durondeau,  Beurr6  Bachelier  and 
Beurr4  Diel  ;  December  :  Winter  Nelis,  Josephine  de  Malines  and  Berga- 
motte  d’Esperen  ;  January  :  Nouvelle  Fulvie.  After  fruiting,  the  trees 
are  stood  outdoors  in  sunny  positions  to  ripen  the  wood  properly. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines  too  are  exceedingly  good,  and  the  trees  are  now 
being  repotted.  They  vary  in  height  from  3  to  12  feet,  many  of  the  latter 
being  remarkable  specimens  of  cultural  skill.  Trees  of  this  kind  in  suitable 
size  pots  bear  five  dozen  fruits  of  superior  quality  and  could  be  induced 
to  carry  more.  They  are  grown  in  a  compost  of  loam,  decayed  manure 
and  chalk,  and  during  the  season  are  top-dressed  with  a  mixture  of  horse 
droppings,  night  soil,  and  kiln  dust.  In  this  the  roots  ramify,  and  by  the 
autumn  form  a  matted  mass.  Trees  of  a  smaller  size  are  plentiful,  and 
these  produce  one  to  two  dozen  fruits.  Such  trees  as  these  might 
advantageously  be  given  a  place  in  every  garden  where  a  suitable  glass 
house  exists  for  their  reception.  Plums  in  pots  are  likewise  given  special 
attention,  and  the  same  can  be  said  of  Figs  and  other  fruits, 
although  the  majority  of  the  trees  are  now  maturing  their  wood  in  the 
open  air. 

Grape  Vines  and  Oranges. 

A  brief  reference  must  be  made  to  the  pot  Vines.  A  close  inspection 
of  these  was  not  made,  but  it  could  be  easily  seen  in  passing  that  they 
bear  the  impress  of  good  cultivation.  There  are  hundreds  of  well 
ripened  stout  canes  that  will  produce  good  fruit  next  year  if  properly 
treated.  These  are  for  the  most  part  under  glass,  but  where  an 
abundance  of  ventilation  is  given.  The  orangery  is  an  interesting 
feature  here,  inasmuch  as  about  fifty  varieties  of  Oranges,  Lemons,  and 
Citrons  are  grown.  The  trees  are  in  pots,  ready  for  transit,  and  most  of 
them  are  now  carrying  a  good  crop  of  fruit,  which  is  commencing  to 
ripen.  Generally  home-grown  Oranges  as  seen  in  private  gardens  are 
not  of  an  excellent  quality,  but  matters  are  entirely  different  at  Saw¬ 
bridgeworth.  An  opportunity  of  tasting  a  fruit  convinced  the  writer 
that,  given  a  good  variety  and  grown  under  proper  conditions,  Oranges 
cultivated  at  home  are  superior  to  the  majority  of  those  imported  from 
abroad.  The  chief  essentials  in  the  successful  cultivation  of  Oranges 
are  obviously  moderate  heat  and  a  well  ventilated  house,  so  as  to  main¬ 
tain  rather  a  dry  atmosphere,  which  imparts  flavour  to  the  fruit.  There 
are  many  other  features  at  this  nursery,  but  pressure  on  our  space 
forbids  further  details.  It  may  be  mentioned  that  despite  the  extreme 
drought  the  young  grafted  trees  of  all  kinds  of  fruit  are  looking  remark¬ 
ably  well,  the  scions  having  taken  well,  this  being  partly  the  result  of 
deep  and  judicious  cultivation,  which  assisted  much  in  reserving  moisture 
in  the  soil. 

Although  the  fruit  trees  above  referred  to  are  so  largely  grown  by 
Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Son,  it  must  not  be  thought  that  they  constitute 
the  whole  of  the  Sawbridgeworth  stock.  Raspberries  are  well  repre¬ 
sented,  there  being  thousands  of  canes  of  such  standard  sorts  as  Hornet, 
Fillbasket,  Baumforth  Seedling,  and  Lord  Beaconsfield,  the  last  named  a 
comparatively  new  variety  of  great  excellence.  The  autumnal  Rasp¬ 
berries  are  also  extensively  cultivated,  the  best  of  these  being  the 
October  Red  and  October  Yellow,  both  reliable  varieties.  All  the  most 
popular  Strawberries  are  likewise  grown,  the  young  plants  being  strong 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


887 


and  vigorous.  Crabs  of  various  kinds  suitable  for  decorative  purposes 
receive  attention,  as  also  do  ConiferEe,  evergreens,  and  other  ornamental 
shrubs.  Nor  are  Roses  forgotten,  for  in  addition  to  the  hundreds  of  plants 
growing  outdoors  several  houses  are  devoted  to  their  culture.  Some 
remarkably  fine  vigorous  young  plants  of  Marechal  Niel  are  noticeable, 
and  these  would  under  ordinary  circumstances  produce  an  abundance 
of  bloom  next  spring.  The  stems  are  thick,  upwards  of  12  feet  in 
length,  and  well  ripened. — C. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

October  10th, 

Contrary  to  general  expectation,  there  was  a  fine  display  at  the 
Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  on  this  occasion,  fruit  being  particularly  good. 
Orchids  were  only  moderately  represented,  the  same  applying  to  the 
other  floral  exhibits. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present  :  Phillip  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  J.  Lee,  H.  Pearson,  T.  Francis  Rivers,  J.  Cheal,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh, 
P.  C.  M.  Veitch,  G.  Bunyard,  Alex.  Dean,  Harrison  Weir,  J.  A.  Laing, 
W.  Bates,  G.  Mills,  Chas.  Ross,  G.  H.  Sage,  Jas.  Hudson,  Geo.  Wythes, 
H.  Balderson,  F.  Q.  Lane,  G.  Norman,  A.  Moss,  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  and 
Dr.  Hogg. 

Messrs.  J,  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  sent  a  splendid  collection  of 
Apples  and  Pears,  comprising  upwards  of  200  dishes.  The  Apples 
were  large  and  handsome,  as  well  as  being  richly  coloured.  Lane’s 
Prince  Albert,  Watson’s  Dumpling,  Lord  Derby,  Mere  de  Menage, 
Beauty  of  Stoke,  Mrs.  Barron,  Sandringham,  and  Bismarck  were  among 
the  best.  The  Pears  were  also  fine  for  having  been  grown  on  pyramid 
trees,  especially  the  new  variety  Beurre,  Tonqxieray,  a  splendid  hardy 
Pear,  in  season  during  October,  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  was 
awarded.  A  gold  Knightian  medal  was  recommended.  Messrs.  G. 
Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  also  sent  a  large  collection  of  Apples  and 
Pears,  about  160  dishes  of  fruit  being  staged.  The  Apples  in  this  contri¬ 
bution  were  very  richly  coloured.  Noticeable  amongst  others  were 
Fearn’s  Pippin,  Woodstock  Pippin,  Cellini,  Wealthy,  King  of  Tompkins 
County,  Worcester  Pearmain,  Mabbott’s  Pearmain,  Gascoyne’s  Scarlet 
Seedling,  Cobham,  and  Pearson’s  Plate.  The  best  of  the  Pears  comprised 
Marie  Louise,  Beurrd  Bachelier,  General  Todtleben,  Beurrd  Diel,  Grosse 
Calabasse,  Pitmaston  Duchess,  and  Beurr^  Bose.  A  gold  Knightian 
medal  was  recommended. 

P.  Saillard,  Esq.,  Buchan  Hill,  Crawley  (gardener,  Mr,  John  Martin), 
sent  a  fine  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears,  and  a  silver  Knightian  medal 
was  recommended.  The  best  of  the  Apples  were  Warner’s  King, 
Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,i  Cox’s  Pomona,  and  Fearn’s  Pippin.  The  Pears 
also  were  exceedingly  good.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  sent  ten 
varieties  of  Pears  and  a  dish  of  the  recently  introduced  Atalanta  Apple. 
Among  the  Pears  were  Princess,  Duchesse  de  Nemours,  Duchesse  de 
Mouchy,  Kieffer’s  Seedling,  Magnate,  Bon  Vicar,  Belle  William,  Beurre 
Alexander  Lucas,  and  Belle  de  Bruxelles.  A  dish  of  Crawley  Prize- 
taker  Potato  was  also  shown  by  the  same  firm. 

Messrs.  H.  Lane  &  Son,  The  Nurseries,  Berkhampstead,  had  a  dish  of 
splendid  Lane’s  Prince  Albert  Apple.  Major  Hambling,  Dunstable, 
sent  two  dishes  of  an  Apple  named  Hamhling's  Seedling,  This  is  a 
large  Apple,  greenish-yellow  skin,  and  a  first  class  certificate  was 
awarded.  Mr.  Sidney  Ford,  Cowfold,  Horsham,  Sussex,  sent  three 
dishes  of  Marie  Louise  Pears,  and  Mr.  E,  Molyneux,  Swanmore  Park, 
Bishop’s  Waltham,  had  some  fineBramley’s  Seedling  Apples,  the  produce 
of  maiden  trees  planted  in  1891.  A  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded  for  this 
exhibit.  Messrs.  Laxton  Brothers,  Bedford,  sent  a  dish  of  Apple 
Mr.  Hooper,  a  well  coloured  variety,  C.  C.  Tudway,  Esq.,  Wells, 
Somerset,  staged  twelve  Doyenn6  du  Comice  Pears,  the  total  weight 
being  13  lbs,  A  bronze  Banksian  medal  was  recommended.  Mr.  J. 
Lane,  Palgrove,  Diss,  sent  a  seedling  Apple,  but  no  award  was  made.  The 
same  exhibitor  had  two  dishes  of  Grosse  Calabasse  Pears,  and  a  vote  of 
thanks  was  accorded.  A.  W.  Druce,  Esq.,  Upper  Gatton,  Merstham 
(gardener,  Mr.  W.  Mancey),  sent  two  dishes  of  very  large  Pitmaston 
Duchess  Pears,  for  which  a  bronze  Banksia,n  medal  was  recommended. 
It  was  stated  that  twenty-seven  fruits,  weighing  38  lbs.  2  ozs.,  were 
taken  from  one  cordon  tree.  Mr.  J.  Masterson,  Weeston  House  Gardens, 
Shipston-on-Stour,  sent  two  dishes  of  Pears  (cultural  commendation). 
A  grand  Smooth  Cayenne  Pine,  weighing  9  lbs.,  was  exhibited  by 
Mr.  O.  Thomas,  Royal  Gardens,  Windsor.  A  cultural  commendation 
was  awarded.  A  similar  honour  went  to  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Swiss 
Nursery,  Farnham,  for  a  box  of  Jones’  Perfection  Tomatoes. 

A  magnificent  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears  was  shown  by  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Son,  Forest  Hill,  prominent  amongst  which  were  Apples 
King  of  the  Pippins,  Royal  Russet,  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  Beauty  of 
Kent,  Alfriston,  Golden  Reinette,  Grenadier,  Hollandbury,  and  Blenheim 
Orange,  all  well  coloured.  Noticeable  amongst  the  Pears  were  Souvenir 
du  Congrfes,  Beurr^  Clairgeau,  Glou  Mor9eau,  Duchesse  d’AngoulSme, 
and  Marechal  de  Cour  (silver  Knightian  medal).  Mr.  W.  Crump, 
Madresfield  Court  Gardens,  sent  an  admirable  collection  of  Pears, 
amongst  which  were  some  grand  examples,  notably  Pitmaston  Duchess, 
Beurr^  Diel,  Marie  Louise,  Doyenn^  du  Comice,  Beurr^  Bose,  Van  Mons 
Leon  Leclerc,  and  Beurr6  Capiaumont  (silver  Knightian  medal).  Mr. 
Owen  Thomas,  Royal  Gardens,  Windsor,  arranged  a  creditable  collec¬ 
tion  of  Pears,  which  was  comprised  of  sixty  dishes  of  the  leading 
varieties  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  John  Watkins,  Withington, 
Hereford,  staged  a  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears,  cider  varieties  being 
very  prominent  amongst  the  Apples.  A  silver  Knightian  medal  was 
recommended.  Mr.  Jas.  Day,  Galloway  House,  Wigtonshire,  was 


recommended  a  bronze  Banksian  medal  for  a  collection  of  Pears,  which 
consisted  of  some  excellent  fruits.  Mr.  J.  Miller,  gardener  , to  Lord 
Foley,  Esher,  staged  a  Gourd  weighing  151  lbs.,  for  which  he  was 
awarded  a  cultural  commendation. 

In  addition  to  the  Potatoes  mentioned  on  page  332,  first-class 
certificates  were  awarded  for  the  following  varieties : — Jeanie  Beans, 
shown  by  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn ;  Conference,  Mr.  Dean, 
Ealing ;  Early  Regent,  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea ;  Nelly 
Langley,  Mr.  H.  Fletcher,  Annerley ;  Radoliffe  Kidney,  Mr.  Jelley. 
Awards  of  merit  went  to  Onions— Yellow  Globe,  Southport 
Red  Globe,  and  BeverilVs  Cocoanut,  Mr.  H.  Deverill,  Banbury  ;  Globe 
Madeira,  Italian  Tripoli,  and  Prizetaher,  Messrs.  Vilmurin,  Andrieux 
and  Co.,  Paris. 

Floral  Committee.— Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  Owen  Thomas,  Robert  Owen,  H.  Herbst,  R.  Dean,  G.  Stevens, 
H.  B.  May,  C.  J.  Salter,  J,  Jennings,  R.  B.  Lowe,  Chas.  E.  Pearson,  J.  D. 
Pawle,  W.  Watson,  Henry  Cannell,  Chas.  E,  Shea,  T.  Baines,  Chas. 
Jeffries,  J.  T.  Bennett- Poe,  Geo.  Gordon,  Edward  Mawley,  and  the  Rev, 
H.  H.  D’Ombrain. 

Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  nurseryman,  Rowledge,  Farnham,  arranged  a 
group  of  Show  and  Fancy  Dahlias,  amongst  which  were  some  excellent 
blooms  (bronze  Banksian  medal),  and  also  three  boxes  of  Stephanotis 
floribunda,  the  flowers  being  of  much  merit.  Mr.  A.  H.  Rickwood, 
gardener  to  Dowager  Lady  Freake,  Fulwell  Park,  Twickenham,  staged 
a  fine  group  of  seedling  Begonias.  The  blooms  being  arranged  with  Fern 
and  Asparagus  fronds  produced  a  fine  effect.  A  highly  creditable 
collection  of  Chrysanthemums,  prominent  amongst  which  were  La 
Cherine,  Coronet,  Duchess  of  York,  Cesara  Costa,  and  Comte  de 
Germiny  were  exhibited  by  Mr.  Wells,  Earlswood.  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware, 
Hale  Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham,  staged  a  basket  of  Aster  grandi- 
flora,  the  plants  in  which  were  profusely  flowered.  The  same 
exhibitor  also  had  a  small  collection  of  Dahlias  and  Nerines. 

Mr.  Ware  received  a  first  class  certificate  for  Nerine  elegans  alba,  and 

an  award  of  merit  for  Pompon  Dahlia  Emily  Hopper,  and  single 

Dahlia  Ettie  Swan,  for  descriptions  of  which  see  below.  Messrs. 

Pitcher  &  Manda,  United  States  Nurseries,  Hextable,  put  up  some 
magnificent  Chrysanthemums.  Noticeable  in  this  exhibit  were  Mrs. 
F.  L.  Ames,  Bouquet  des  Dames,  Wm.  Seward,  Golden  Wreath,  and  many 
promising  seedlings.  A  group  of  Adiantums  was  staged  by  Mr.  H.  B. 
May,  Dysons  Lane  Nurseries,  Upper  Edmonton.  The  plants  were  clean 
and  well  grown,  and  A.  farleyense,  A.  formosum,  A.  tetraphyllum 
acuminatum,  A.  Lathomi,  and  A.  peruvianum  were  amongst  the  best 
(silver  gilt  Flora  medal). 

Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Maidenhead,  showed  some  very  fine  Chrysanthemum 
blooms.  Rose  Wynne,  Mrs.  P.  Blair,  and  Edith  Owen  were  very  pro¬ 
minent.  A  box  of  seedling  Begonias  was  staged  by  G.  A.  Farini,  Esq., 
Dartmouth  Lodge,  Forest  Hill,  S.E.  From  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew, 
came  some  fine  seedling  Streptocarpus,  and  also  Tecoma  Smithi, 
Kniphofia  modesta,  Ptychoraphia  angusta  (first-class  certificate), 
Bolanum  Wendlandi  (first-class  certificate),  Disa  Premier  (first-class 
certificate),  Bomarea  patacsensis  (first-class  certificate),  Messrs.  Jas. 
Veitch  &  Sons  staged  beautiful  hybrid  Rhododendrons  of  the  Javaaico- 
jasminoides  section,  amongst  the  best  of  which  were  luceo-roseum, 
Maiden’s  Blush,  amabile,  and  Lord  Wolseley.  A  box  of  hybrid  Strepto- 
carpus  were  also  staged,  and  also  a  basket  of  Caryopteris  mastacanthus. 
The  same  firm  also  showed  plants  of  Carnation  Mdlle.  Therese  Franco, 
for  which  they  were  accorded  an  award  of  merit  (see  below),  and  also  a 
basket  of  Amasonia  punicea,  which,  arranged  with  Pteris  Victoria,  pro¬ 
duced  a  very  striking  effect.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  received 
an  award  of  merit  (see  below)  for  Cactus  Dahlia  Purple  Prince.  Mr. 
H.  J.  Jones,  Ryecroft  Nurseries,  Lewisham,  showed  a  basket  of  Pompon 
Dahlia  Ryecroft  Gem.  Mr.  R.  Sanders,  gardener  to  Alfred  de  Roth¬ 
schild,  Esq.,  Halton,  Tring,  exhibited  nine  baskets  of  fibrous-rooted 
Begonias,  amongst  which  B,  semperfiorens  atropurpurea,  B.  s.  La  France, 
B.  Afterglow,  and  B.  floribunda  rosea  were  particularly  noticeable 
(silver  Flora  medal),  Messrs.  Henry  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  showed 
Chrysanthemums  in  excellent  condition,  also  some  Dahlias,  amongst 
which  were  Old  Gold,  to  which  an  award  of  merit  was  accorded  (see 
below).  Messrs.  Cannell  also  arranged  a  box  of  their  celebrated  Zonal 
Pelargoniums,  amongst  which  were  Madame  de  Bondeville,  Etoile  de 
Lyon,  Souvenir  de  Mirande,  Jacques  Callot,  M.  Duterail,  and  a  charming 
seedling  (bronze  medal). 

Messrs.  R.  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter,  showed  Plumbago  Larpentm, 
Zauschneria  californica.  Pink  Ernest  Ladhams,  and  Colutea  arborescens 
purpurea.  Cactus  Dahlia  George  Phippen  was  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Phippen, 
Reading  ;  and  Dahlia  Miss  Arnold  by  Mr.  J.  Arnold,  Stoke,  Devonport. 
Mr.  A.  Waterer,  Woking,  sent  foliage  of  Quercus  americana  splendens 
(first-class  certificate,  see  below).  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.  had  a 
collection  of  ornamental  foliage  (bronze  medal). 

In  the  class  for  twelve  bunches  of  hardy  herbaceous  flowers,  Mr,  G.  H. 
Sage,  The  Gardens,  Ham  House,  Richmond,  was  deservedly  awarded  the 
first  prize.  The  exhibit  was  composed  of  Aster  multiflorus,  A.  sibericus. 
Anemone  japonica  alba,  Erigeron  speciosum,  and  Solidago  rigidus 
amongst  others.  Miss  Debenham,  St.  Peters,  St.  Albans,  was  placed 
second  with  a  fair  collection. 

Orchid  Committee. — Present :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair) ; 
Messrs  O’Brien,  De  B.  Crawshay,  H.  M.  Pollett,  Thomas  Statter, 
H.  Ballantine,  E.  Hill,  H.  Williams,  W.  H.  White,  T.  B.  Haywood,  and 
S.  Courtauld. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  sent  a  small  group  of  Orchids 
comprising  some  choice  species  and  varieties.  Amongst  others  Vanda 


888 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  12,  1893. 


Kitnballiana  delicata,  Cattleya  maxima,  Cypripedium  raiioium  super¬ 
bum.  Some  plants  of  Lilium  nepalense  made  a  good  background 
(silver  Banksian  medal).  A  J.  Hollington,  Esq  ,  Forty  Hill,  Enfield, 
sent  a  plant  each  of  Cattleya  Davisi,  Cypripedium  Smithi,  and  C. 
Sichardsoni.  A  very  fine  form  ot  Odontoglossum  grande  was  shown  by 
J.  Foster  Alcock,  Esq.,  Northchurch,  Berkhamstead,  Herts,  who  also  had 
a  good  form  of  Cattleya  labiata.  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal 
Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  showed  Cattleya  X  Chloris  (first-class  certifi¬ 
cate)  ;  Cypripedium  x  Arthurianum  pulchellum  and  Cattleya  X 
Pherdona  (award  of  merit).  A  hybrid  between  C.  maxima  and  C. 
intermedia.  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  contribute  I  a  small 
group  of  Cattleyas  and  Cypripediums,  also  plants  of  Pescatorea 
Klabrochorum  and  Phalsenopsis  Lowi  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Sir 
Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Burford,  Dorking,  sent  a  plant  of  Cypripedium 
conco-Lawre  having  a  neatly  formed  flower  with  two  lips,  also 
Dendrobinum  Mir  lellianum.  A  basket  of  the  bright  flowered  Habenaria 
militaris  came  from  the  same  source  (silver  Flora  medal).  Messrs. 
B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway,  had  a  small  group  tastefully 
arranged  with  Ferns  (silver  Banksian  medal). 

The  L’Horticulture  Internationale,  Brussels,  sent  some  choice  species. 
Amongst  these  were  Cattleya  Warsqueana  fascinator  (award  of  merit) 
Cypripedium  Spicerio  Lowianum  (award  of  merit),  Cattleya  Eldorado 
Oweni,  Laelia  elegans  Lucani  (award  of  merit),  and  a  grand  form  of 
Cypripedium  Rothschildianum.  A  first-class  certificate  was  also  awarded 
for  Cattleya  Eldorado  Lindeni.  The  same  firm  also  staged  a  fine  plant 
of  Haemanthus  Lindeni  (first-class  certificate),  and  Anthurium  Wam- 
beckianum,  a  white  form  (silver  Flora  medal).  S.  G.  Lutwyche,  Esq., 
Eden  Park,  Beckenham,  staged  a  collection  of  Cypripediums,  Odonto- 
glossums,  and  a  fine  plant  of  Zygope'alum  Mack-iyi  amongst  other 
Orchids  (bronze  medal).  Messrs.  W.  L.  Lewis  &  Co..  Southgate,  sent  a 
plant  of  Habenaria  cinnabarina,  for  which  a  botanical  certificate  was 
awarded.  Major-General  Berkeley,  Bitterne,  secured  an  award  of  merit 
for  a  plant  of  Odontoglossum  Uro-Skinneri  album. 

Certificates  and  Awards  op  Merit. 

Anthurium  Wambechianum  (L’Horticulture  Internationale).  —  A 
strong  growing  form,  with  a  pure  white  spathe  (first-class  certificate). 

Bomarea  lyatacoensis  (Kew  Gardens). — A  beautiful  species,  with 
orange  red  flowers  (first-class  certificate). 

Cattleya  Chlons  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons).  —  This  is  a  splendid  hybrid, 
being  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  maxima  and  C.  Bowringiana. 
The  sepals  and  petals  are  dark  mauve,  and  very  distinct.  The  lip 
is  large,  heavily  suffused  with  rich  purplish  crimson  (first-class  cer¬ 
tificate). 

Cattleya  Eldorado  Lindeni  (L’Horticulture  Internationale,  Brussels). 
— This  is  a  good  form  with  medium  sized  flowers.  Sepals  and  petals 
rosy  mauve,  lip  fringed  deep  purplish  crimson,  throat  orange  yellow 
(first-class  certificate). 

Cattleya  Pheidince  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is  a  hybrid,  being  the 
result  of  a  cross  between  C.  maxima  and  C.  intermedia.  The  sepals  and 
petals  are  white  faintly  tinged  with  pink.  The  lip  is  exceedingly  pretty, 
being  white,  veined  crimson  and  rich  yellow  in  the  throat  (award  of 
merit). 

Cattleya  War seq^uana  fascinator  (L’Horticulture  Internationale). — A 
magnificent  form  that  attracted  much  attention.  The  sepals  and  petals 
are  large,  and  of  a  rosy  mauve  shade,  the  lip  being  richly  coloured  with 
a  white  margin  (award  of  merit). 

Carnation  Mary  Godfrey  (W.  J.  Godfrey). — A  pure  white  flower 
with  fringed  petals.  Clove-scented  (award  of  merit). 

Carnation  Reginald  Godfrey  (VV.  J.  Godfrey). — A  delicate  pink 
Clove-scented  variety,  good  form,  fringed  petals  (award  of  merit). 

Carnation  Mdlle.  TMrese  Franco  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  fine 
variety,  with  large  salmon-pink  blooms,  faintly  Clove-scented  (award  of 
merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Mrs.  P.  Blair  (R.  Owen). — An  incurved  Japanese, 
silvery  pink,  suffused  carmine  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Spicerio  Lowianum  (L’Horticulture  Internationale). — 
A  beautiful  Cypripedium.  The  petals  are  narrow  and  twisted,  green 
heavily  spotted  with  chocolate,  bronzy  tips.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  white, 
with  a  green  base,  tinged  crimson,  the  lips  being  a  dull  green  (award  of 
merit). 

Dahlia  Emily  Hopper  (T.  S.  Ware). — A  Pompon  yellow  variety  of 
good  forth  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Ettie  Swan  (T.  S.  Ware). — A  single  variety,  with  terra  cotta 
coloured  flowers,  the  lower  part  of  the  petals  being  red  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Purple  Prince  (Perkins  &  Sons). — A  rich  purplish  magenta 
Cactus  variety  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Miss  Arnold  (J.  Arnold). — A  decorative  variety,  rosy  pink 
flaked  with  purple  in  the  centre  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  Old  Gold  (H.  Canned  &  Sons). —A  beautiful  Cactus  variety 
of  a  shade  that  is  indicated  by  the  name  (award  of  merit). 

Disa  Premier  (Kew  Gardens). — This  is  a  hybrid,  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  D.  Veitchi  and  D.  tripetaloides.  The  plant  shown  had  one 
spike  which  bore  six  flowers.  The  latter  are  very  attractive,  being  deep 
Tose  pink  (first-class  certificate). 

Hcemanthxhs  Lindeni  (L’Horticulture  Internationale). — The  plant 
exhibited  bore  three  large  spikes  of  flowers  of  a  salmon  pink  colour 
(first-class  certificate). 

Lwlia  elegans  Luciana  (L’Horticulture  Internationale). — The  plant 
of  this  that  was  exhibited  had  one  spike  which  bore  six  flowers.  The 
sepals  and  petals  are  greenish  white,  tinged  with  rose.  The  lip  is  dull 
white,  margined  rich  purple  crimson  (award  of  merit). 


Nerine  eiegans  alba  (T.  S.  Ware). — This  is  a  pure  white  variety. 
The  plaa\.  shown  was  about  9  inches  high,  and  bore  one  spike  of  flowers 
(first-class  certificate). ' 

Odontoglossum  tfro-Skinneri  alba  (Major-General  Berkeley). — A 
pretty  variety,  with  greenish  yellow  sepals  and  petals,  and  a  pure  white 
lip  (award  of  merit). 

Ptychoraphis  angusta  (Kew  Gardens). — A  graceful  Palm  with  finely 
cut  foliasje  (first-class  certificate). 

Solanum  Wendlayidi  (Kew  Gardens). — A  handsome  plant,  with  large 
pale  blue  flowers  (first-class  certificate). 

Tecoma  Smithi  (Kew  Gardens)  — This  is  a  hybrid  from  T.  capensis 
aud  T.  velutina.  Three  plants  were  shown,  and  they  bore  rich  yellow 
flowers  tinged  with  brownish  red  (first-class  certificate). 

Qnercus  americana  splendens  (A.  Wa»erer). — A  variety  with  large 
richly  coloured  foliage  (first-class  certificate). 


At  the  afternoon  meeting  Mr.  W.  Crump,  Madresfield  Court  Gardens, 
Malvern,  read  an  essay  on  “  Pears.”  Being  an  experienced  grower 
Mr.  Crump  dealt  with  his  subject  in  a  practical  and  interesting  manner, 
and  was  attentively  listened  to  by  an  appreciative  audience. 


Chrysanthemums  at  Battersea  Park. 

The  Exhibition  of  Chrysanthemums  by  the  London  County  Council 
will  be  open  to  the  public  in  the  Frame  Ground  of  this  park  on 
Saturday,  14th  October. 

A  Chrysanthemum  Book. 

We  understand  that  Mr.  John  Newton  of  Temple  Gardens  intends  to 
bring  out  the  nineteenth  edition  of  his  work  on  the  Chrysanthemum, 
the  first  edition  ot  which  appeared  in  1871. 

Hiuhoate  and  District  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

We  have  received  the  annual  report  of  this  Society,  whose  Exhibition 
this  year  will  be  held  at  the  Northfield  Hall,  Highgate,  on  November 
2nd  and  3rd.  The  report  states  that  the  £10  challens^e  cup  last 
November  was  won  by  Mr.  Rowbottom,  gardener  to  H.  R.  Williams,  Esq.; 
he  having  won  it  twice  in  succession,  it  now  becomes  his  own  property. 
Some  moderate  prizes  are  offered,  and  there  should  be  a  good  display 
at  the  Exhibition.  Mr.  E.  Vince,  Highgate  Cemetery,  is  the  Secretary. 

An  East  End  Chrysanthemum  Show. 

The  East  London  Amateur  Chrysanthemum  and  Floricultural 
Society  will,  we  are  informed,  hold  their  third  annual  Exhibition  on 
November  6th,  7th,  and  8th  in  the  Queen’s  Hall  and  Winter  Garden 
ot  the  People’s  Palace,  Mile  End  Road,  E.  The  rates  of  admission  to 
the  Show  will  be  fixed  at  such  a  price  as  to  allow  the  poorest  inhabitants 
of  that  thickly  populated  locality  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  a  bright 
display  of  flowers.  The  Secretary  is  Mr.  W.  F.  Clarke,  23,  Parmiter 
Street,  Cambridge  Heath,  N.E. 

Sheffield  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

The  annual  Show  of  the  above  Society  will  be  held  in  the  Corn 
Exchange,  Sheffield,  on  November  17Dh  and  18th.  A  comprehensive 
schedule  has  been  prepared,  and  liberal  prizes  are  offered,  the  leading 
classes  in  the  cut  flower  section  being  for  twenty-four  incurved  blooms, 
and  a  similar  number  of  Japanese,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties  in 
each  case.  The  prizes  in  both  classes  are  £8,  £5,  £3,  and  £2,  which 
should  bring  a  good  competition.  According  to  the  annual  report,  the 
Society,  financially,  is  in  a  strong  position.  Mr.  W.  Houseley, 
177,  Cemetery  Road,  is  the  Secretary. 

Chrysanthemums  in  Ireland. 

As  show  days  loom  in  the  near  distance  with  all  their  attendant 
hopes  and  fears,  it  is  somewhat  disappointing  to  find  so  few  recording 
their  experience  of  an  exceptional  season  in  this  department.  I  would 
venture  to  supplement  the  short  notes  previously  sent  of  prospects  of 
Chrysanthemums  this  side  of  the  Channel,  with  one  brief  note  of 
thanksgiving  that  “  All  are  safely  gathered  in  ere  the  winter  storms 
begin.”  There  is  another  side  of  the  question  on  which  I  could  wish  an 
abler  pen  than  mine  to  touch,  viz.,  the  valuable  recent  article  on  the 
bud  mite  (page  291).  It  is  a  matter  of  vital  importance  to  know  our 
enemies  and  how  to  fight  them,  and  I  take  on  myself  to  return  thanks  of 
growers  generally,  and  particularly  from — E.  K.,  Dublin. 

Hull  And  East  Riding  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

Mr.  Edw.  Harland,  one  of  the  Honorary  Secretaries  of  this 
important  provincial  Society,  favours  us  with  the  illustration  (fig.  50) 
of  the  “  Hull  cups,”  of  which  it  will  be  admitted  there  is  an  imposing 
display. 

The  challenge  vase  (central  figure  on  pedestal),  value  20  guineas,  is 
presented  by  James  Reckitt,  Esq.,  in  the  100  square  feet  group  class. 

The  upright  silver  cups  on  each  side  of  the  central  vase,  value  £5 


October  12.  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


839 


each,  are  offered  for  twenty-four  incurved  blooms,  and  twenty-four 
Japanese,  in  separate  classes,  a  money  prize  of  £10  to  the  winner 

in  each  case.  Are  not  these  the  best  prizes  of  the  year  for  twenty-four 
blooms  1 

The  two  end  silver  cups  on  pedestals,  value  £2,  are  given  by  Messrs. 
E.  P.  Dixon  &  Son  for  twelve  blooms  incurved,  and  twelve  blooms 
Japanese,  respectively,  in  addition  to  the  money  prize.  The  class  is 
confined  to  growers  twenty  miles  round  Hull.  The  two  silver  cups  on 
the  table,  value  £2  each,  are  given  by  the  Society  for  twelve  incurved 
blooms,  and  twelve  Japanese  blooms  in  the  amateurs’  class. 

The  challenge  plate,  in  a  case,  value  £5  Ss.,  is  for  the  dessert  table 
decorations,  ladies’  class. 

I  t  The  encouragement  thus  afforded  by  the  Hull  Society  and  its 
generous  friend  ought  to  insure  a  high  class  and  spirited  competition. 
The  illustration  is  reproduced  from  a  photograph  by  Messrs.  Kirk  &  Co., 
Limited,  Hull,  Leeds,  and  Liverpool.  The  exhibition  will  be  held  on 
November  15th  and  16th. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

On  Monday  evening  last,  the  9th  inst.,  a  meeting  of  the  General 
Committee  of  this  Society  was  held  at  Anderton’s  Hotel,  when  Mr.  R. 


ultimately  be  placed  before  the  schedule  sub-committee.  The  principal 
speakers  were  Mr.  Beavan,  Mr.  Rowbottom,  Mr.  Gibson,  Mr.  Geo. 
Srevens,  Mr.  G.  Gordon,  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Harman  Payne,  Mr.  Witty, 
Mr.  Wynne,  and  one  or  two  representatives  of  affiliated  Societies.  Mr. 
Pearson  replied  and  received  a  vote  of  thanks  for  his  paper,  which  it  is 
intended  shall  be  ultimately  printed  in  the  schedule  for  the  coming 
year,  together  with  the  remarks  of  those  who  took  part  in  the  discussion. 


SOFT  VERSUS  HARD  COLD  WATER  FOR  PLANTS. 

I  HAVE  been  deeply  interested  in  the  correspondence  which  has  been 
carried  on  for  several  weeks  in  the  Journal  under  the  above  title.  But 
what  is  meant  by  the  words,  “hard  water?”  I  have  read  every  word 
which  has  appeared  in  the  Journal,  but  fail  to  find  a  definition  of  the 
word  “  hard.”  If  I  may  be  allowed  to  give  my  opinion  on  what  I  take 
to  be  the  meaning  generally  understood  by  gardeners  of  “  hard  water,” 
I  should  say  it  is  nothing  more  or  less  than  water  which  contains  a  large 
per-centage  of  lime. 

Your  correspondent  “  J.  B.  R.”  (pages  239  and  286)  has  made 
mention,  to  serve  as  illustrations,  of  the  market  growers,  but  I  cannot 


Fig.  50.— hull  AND  EAST  RIDING  CHRYSANTHEMUM  SOCIETY’S  CUPS. 


Ballantine  took  the  chair.  The  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting  having 
been  confirmed,  and  various  letters  read  resulting  from  new  nomina¬ 
tions  and  elec' ions,  the  Secretary  reported  that  prize  money  to  the 
amount  of  £17  178.  6d.  was  awarded  at  the  recent  September  Show,  of 
which  £3  was  contributed  by  Messrs.  Sutton  as  special  prizes  for 
vegetables.  There  were  also  three  medals  awarded  to  exhibitors  on  that 
occasion.  A  rough  financial  statement  was  submitted,  showing  the 
receipt  of  £201  Is.  lOd.,  a  much'larger  sum  than  was  received  last  year 
up  to  the  same  date.  The  Secretary  also  announced  that  since  the 
month  of  February  last  ninety  new  members  had  been  elected  and  eight 
societies  affiliated.  A  further  addition  was  then  made  to  the  list  by  the 
nomination  and  election  of  eighteen  new  members  and  Fellows.  The 
reserve  fund  now  amounts  to  nearly  £40.  and  it  was  hoped  the  fund 
would  be  largely  increased  by  the  close  of  the  year. 

The  chief  interest  of  the  meeting  was  the  reading  by  Mr.  C.  E. 
Pearson  of  Chilwell  of  a  paper  entitled  “  How  to  Improve  our  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Shows,”  which  was  listened  to  with  very  great  interest 
and  attention.  Mr.  Pearson  dealt  with  the  whole  subject,  from  the 
staging  of  the  cut  blooms  in  long  monotonous  lines  upon  the  show 
board,  and  instanced  the  improved  American  method  of  setting 
up  the  blooms  in  vases  with  long  stems,  to  the  formal  method  of 
arranging  the  groups,  and  the  questionable  utility  of  the  rigidly  trained 
specimens. 

An  interesting  discussion  thereupon  ensued,  in  which  a  large  number 
of  members  took  part.  Many  of  the  remarks  were  favoura  le  to 
Mr.  Pearson’s  suggestions,  and  the  subjects  upon  which  he  touched  will  I 


see  how  this  has  strengthened  his  argument,  unless  he  can  also  prove 
that  the  water  these  growers  use  contains  a  large  per-centage  of  lime  ; 
because,  in  my  opinion,  it  is  the  lime  that  does  the  mischief,  or  at  least 
the  greater  part  of  it,  and  not  the  low  temperature.  “  J.  B.  R.”  must 
bear  in  mind  that  the  lime,  where  it  is  contained  in  water  to  the  extent 
of  4  or  5  per  cent.,  as  is  the  case  in  the  neighbourhood  from  where  I 
write,  has  a  very  injurious  effect  on  plants  when  used  in  a  cold  raw 
state.  Why  ?  Because  it,  so  to  speak,  burns  the  small  hair-like  roots 
or  spongioles,  hence  the  action  of  chill  on  them.  Your  correspondent 
has  asked  why  it  is  that  the  market  growers  who  have  to  depend  on 
water  drawn  directly  from  the  companies’  mains  succeed  in  growing 
such  fine  plants  if  cold  hard  water  is  “  slow  poison.”  I  think  that 
most  of  the  water  which  is  used  in  London  and  neighbourhood  is  drawn 
from  the  Thames  and  New  River.  This  being  so,  if  “  J.  B.  R.”  will 
analyse  it,  he  will  probably  find  that  it  contains  very  little  lime  indeed  ; 
moreover,  it  cannot  be  said  that  it  is  cold  to  the  extent  of  chilling  the 
roots  of  plants  after  being  exposed  to  the  sun  and  air  so  long,  even  if  it 
is  confined,  and  undergoes  the  various  processes  to  which  it  is  subjected. 
At  any  rate,  1  venture  to  say  that  the  difference  in  temperature  between 
the  London  water,  which  has  to  be  pumped  up  from  a  depth  of  over 
200  feet,  and  that  of  the  town  from  whence  I  write,  is  very  considerable. 
Herein,  then,  I  think,  lies  the  whole  question  at  issue  between  your 
several  correspondents. 

Would  it  not  be  useful  as  well  as  interesting  if  each  of  those  gentle¬ 
men  who  have  taken  part  in  this  question  of  hard  and  soft  water  would 
send  to  the  Journal  office  a  statement  as  to  the  depth  from  which  the 


840 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  12,  1893. 


water  they  have  to  use  is  drawn,  its  temperature,  and  the  amount  of 
lime  it  contains  ?  I  shall  be  pleased  to  do  so,  and  I  cannot  but  think 
that  this  would  help  to  convince  the  readers  of  this  paper  that  it  is  not 
the  low  temperature  merely,  but  the  combination  of  that  and  lime.  I 
am  led  to  this  conclusion  from  the  fact  that  the  water  I  have  for  using 
in  the  kitchen  garden  is  drawn  from  a  lake  fully  exposed  to  the  air  and 
sun,  but  which  contains  very  little  lime.  Rhododendrons,  Azaleas, 
Heaths,  Kalmias,  and  similar  plants  flourish  when  watered  with  it 
and  no  other  water  while  in  the  garden  ;  but  immediately  they  are  re¬ 
moved  to  the  conservatory,  where  the  water  is  drawn  from  the  com¬ 
panies’  mains,  these  plants  very  quickly  turn  a  yellow  sickly  colour. 
Frequently  they  have  to  be  shaken  out  of  the  old  soil  and  repotted 
before  they  can  be  restored  to  their  former  health. 

The  water  from  the  pond  is  surface  water,  as  there  are  no  natural 
springs  to  feed  it,  and  in  the  winter,  while  many  hundreds  of  people  are 
skating  on  it  (for  it  is  some  9  acres  in  extent),  it  is  used  in  its  cold 
state  ;  yet  the  plants  flourish.  Does  not  this  point  to  the  absence  of 
lime,  and  substantiate  what  I  have  suggested  above  1  I  am  speaking  of 
stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  but  the  same  applies  to  Chrysanthemums 
and  other  plants  outside.  My  neighbours  have  been  complaining  this 
summer  about  the  pale  yellow  colour  of  their  Chrysanthemums  ;  all  of 
them  attribute  it  to  being  compelled  to  use  the  water  from  the  mains 
after  exhausting  their  store  of  soft  rain  water. — T.  A. 


Your  correspondent  Mr.  Dunn  (page  317)  is  certainly  to  be  con¬ 
gratulated  on  the  ingenious  manner  in  which  he  conducts  his  case  in 
this  discussion,  but  I  fear  his  ingenuity  will  avail  him  very  little.  In 
his  first  communication  he  modestly  sweeps  the  entire  field  of  practical 
horticulturists  out  of  existence  by  declaring  in  bold  tones — any  person 
who  watered  his  plants  with  water  from  the  tap  or  pump  were  verily 
killing  them  ;  again,  that  it  was  quite  impossible  to  keep  plants  clear  of 
insect  pests  by  the  use  of  the  “  obnoxious  drug  ;  ”  finally  winding  up 
his  remarks  by  challenging  anybody  to  prove  by  practical  demonstra¬ 
tion  that  his  ideas  were  other  than  correct. 

Judging  from  his  last  communication  he  has  obviously  been  reduced 
to  his  last  shot,  and  that  a  harmless  one.  Mr.  Dunn  has  evidently  been 
hunting  through  his  library  for  instances  bearing  on  the  point,  and 
comes  forward  with  a  few  brief  sentences,  selected  most  judiciously 
from  the  works  of  three  well-known  men,  but  unfortunately  they  do  not 
assist  him  in  the  least  degree,  as  neither  of  those  authors  would  venture 
to  make  such  a  sweeping  assertion  as  your  correspondent  has  done. 

When  I  look  round  me  and  see  the  splendid  results  achieved  by 
practical  men  in  every  branch  of  gardening,  who  use  water  such  as  I 
have  described  for  eight  months  in  the  year,  I  require  no  further  proofs, 
from  authorities  great  or  small.  When  I  can  see  better  produce  grown 
by  the  advocates  of  soft  water,  then,  and  only  then,  shall  I  be  ready  to 
change  my  line  of  front.  This  question  is  one  of  the  small  number  of 
“  old-fashioned  ideas  ”  dying  a  hard  death  in  the  ranks  of  the  garden¬ 
ing  community. 

It  would  be  interesting  to  know  how  many  gardeners  have  had  to 
rely  on  tap  or  well  water  throughout  the  past  summer,  and  equally 
valuable  to  know  how  their  plants  are  looking  in  consequence.  Mr. 
Molyneux  has  evidently  been  using  it  with  good  results,  like  hundreds 
of  other  growers.  Where  a  man’s  living  depends  on  the  value  of  the 
crop  he  produces  he  is  bound  to  look  about  him  pretty  smartly  in  these 
days  for  the  means  of  achieving  the  best  results.  As  a  body  the 
market-growing  community  produce  as  good  crops  with  tap  or  well 
water  as,  I  think,  Mr.  Dunn  has  seen.  In  his  zeal  to  make  a  showy  case 
for  his  hobby  he  has  allowed  himself  to  be  carried  past  the  post  of 
modern  teaching  and  practice. — J.  B .  R. 


ON  AN  EXPERIMENT  WITH  SHANKING  GRAPES. 

My  communication  (page  238)  coupled  with  the  Editor’s  footnote 
appended  thereto,  has  had  precisely  the  efifect  I  most  desired  to  see — 
namely,  the  commencement  of  a  controversy  that  must  be  both  interest¬ 
ing  and  profitable  to  Grape-growers,  successful  or  otherwise.  Con¬ 
troversies  of  any  kind  are  not  much  in  my  line,  but  I  will  endeavour  to 
reply  to  your  correspondents  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  merely  premising 
that  what  1  have  to  say  is  intended  to  apply  to  summer  or  midseason 
Grapes  only. 

“  R.  P.’s  ”  (page  262)  idea  of  thinning  the  bunches  on  every  other 
Vine  is  identical  with  my  own,  but  I  was  over-ruled  in  the  matter,  and 
in  this  instance  I  do  not  regret  it.  The  fiat  went  forth  that  by  this 
experiment  the  Vines  were  to  be  “  mended  or  ended.”  If  “  R.  P.”  refers 
to  my  notes  he  will  see  I  used  the  word  “  borders  ”  in  connection  with 
the  use  of  liquid  manure. 

I  do  not  agree  with  “  F.  G.”  (page  263)  in  excluding  the  sun’s  rays 
from  the  Vine  border  during  the  summer  months.  Mr.  H.  W.  Ward’s  note 
of  interrogation  attached  to  the  word  “  magnificent  ”  on  the  same  page 
is  not  surprising,  but  to  judge  by  the  sturdy  nut-brown  canes  and  large 
stout  leaves,  the  Vines  have  to  all  appearance  been  equal  to  the  occasion. 
I  have  all  along  practised  the  system  Mr.  Ward  advocates  of  bringing 
up  new  rods  in  place  of  the  old  ones  with  their  long  barren  spurs. 

In  reply  to  Mr.  Roberts  (page  263),  the  drainage  was  rectified  at  the 
time  the  roots  were  lifted.  Mr.  S.  T.  Wright’s  views  on  the  same  page 
coincide  with  my  own  as  to  the  use  of  manures. 

Mr.  Abbey’s  exhaustive  article  on  page  292  is  in  some  respects  a 
revelation  to  me,  but  beyond  stating  that  the  variety  left  unthinned 
last  year  was  Black  Hamburgh,  I  will  only  say  that  I  am  a  gainer  by 


its  perusal.  Mr.  Young’s  and  Mr.  Stephen  Castle’s  notes  (page  315) 
afford  additional  proof  of  the  complexity  of  this  subject. 

Your  correspondents  seem  to  be  unanimously  agreed  that  lam  putting 
forth  the  theory  of  non-thinning  as  a  universal  remedy  for  shanking  in 
Grapes.  Nothing  could  be  further  from  my  mind.  What  I  said  was, 
that  I  had  no  doubt  that  “  dispensing  altogether  with  the  scissors  had 
somethmg  to  do  with  the  result.”  My  meaning  was  this.  I  took  into 
consideration  the  enfeebled  state  of  the  Vine  roots  through  want  of 
proper  nourishment,  and  it  occurred  to  me  that  if  I  spared  them  the 
innumerable  wounds  caused  by  thinning  the  bunches  it  might  perhaps 
afford  them  some  relief.  This  idea  may  appear  to  some  readers  rather 
far-fetched,  but  I  think  this  year’s  crop  proves  to  demonstration  that 
my  surmise  was  a  correct  one. 

To  sum  up,  it  has  been  abundantly  shown  in  these  columns  that 
shanking  exists  from  a  variety  of  causes,  from  impoverished  borders  as 
well  as  those  in  which  the  roots  are  overfed.  Knowing  as  I  do  the  past 
history  of  the  Vines  under  my  charge,  and  knowing  also  that  they  have 
not  had  to  contend  with  such  contributory  causes  as  injudicious  summer 
pruning,  bad  ventilating,  and  other  evils,  I  can  only  reiterate  my  previously 
expressed  opinion  that  in  this  case  “  poverty  at  the  root  is  the  chief 
cause  of  shanking.”  —  Thus.  Richardson,  Y/te  Gardens,  Simonside 
Ball,  South  Shields. 


NEPENTHES  AT  CHELSEA. 

Perhaps  in  no  other  nursery  in  England  is  there  such  an  excellent 
and  complete  collection  of  Pitcher  plants  as  at  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons’, 
Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea.  As  with  other  things  of  which  this 
firm  make  a  speciality,  the  plants  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Tivey  are 
admirably  grown.  They  always  look  clean  and  healthy,  and  the  struc¬ 
ture  devoted  to  them  is  one  of  the  most  attractive  in  the  nursery.  It 
has  always  been  strange  to  me  that  Nepenthes  are  not  more  largely 
grown  in  private  places,  where  they  would  unquestionably  enhance  the 
beauty  of  a  stove.  True,  some  cultivators  experience  a  difficulty  in  in¬ 
ducing  the  plants  to  pitcher,  but  this  is  often  the  fault  of  the  growers. 
If  the  plants  are  allowed  to  grow  rampant  they  will  not  form  the 
pitchers,  but  if  they  are  carefully  attended  and  the  luxuriant  leaders 
judiciously  pinched,  pitchers  will  be  formed  in  abundance,  always  pro¬ 
viding  the  plants  have  had  proper  treatment  in  other  ways. 

They  are  very  easily  grown,  the  temperature  maintained  in  the 
generality  of  plant  stoves  being  exactly  suited  to  the  requirements 
of  Nepenthes.  Sphagnum  moss  and  good  fibrous  peat  form  the  neces¬ 
sary  compost,  and  these  with  water  rationally  applied  are  all  that  is 
required  in  the  cultivation  of  Pitcher  plants,  and  the  popular  name  will 
no  longer  appear  a  misnomer,  as  it  at  present  does,  when  one  sees  the 
miserable  specimens,  destitute  of  pitchers,  growing,  or  rather  existing, 
in  many  stoves  throughout  the  country.  It  is,  I  should  say,  practically 
certain  that  if  Nepenthes  can  be  cultivated  so  well  at  Chelsea,  where  the 
densest  and  blackest  of  the  London  fogs  are  experienced,  and  which  it 
is  acknowledged  have  such  an  enervating  effect  on  most  plants,  that 
they  could  be  grown  at  least  equally  as  well  in  the  country,  where  they 
would  have  the  manifold  advantages  found  in  pure  air,  and  to  which  all 
plants  are,  like  human  beings,  so  thoroughly  partial. 

It  will  doubtless  be  interesting  to  many  readers  to  know  what  species 
and  varieties  are  now  looking  their  best,  I  will  therefore  enumerate 
a  few  of  those  which  I  considered  most  worthy  of  mention.  The  one 
figured  so  excellently  on  page  315  of  the  last  issue  of  the  Journal, 
N.  mixta,  is  a  beautiful  hybrid  with  large  striking  pitchers,  several  of 
which  measured  10  inches  in  length.  The  grand  N.  Mastersiana  must  still 
be  placed  in  any  collection,  for  with  scarcely  an  exception  it  is  the 
freest  growing  variety  known.  The  pitchers  are  also  of  good  size  and 
of  a  rich  deep  red  colour.  N.  Hookeriana  carries  pitchers  of  an  entirely 
different  shape  to  the  two  previously  mentioned  varieties,  they  being 
short  and  very  broad.  This  variety,  besides  having  fine  bold  pitchers, 
has  the  merit  of  retaining  them  longer  than  any  other,  the  pitchers 
frequently  hanging  for  twelve  months,  and  being  at  the  end  of  that  time 
still  in  good  condition,  though  deficient  in  colouration.  N.  Northiana 
is  a  handsome  variety  with  bold  and  effective  pitchers  measuring  8  inches 
long  and  9  inches  in  circumference.  The  ground  colour  of  this  hybrid  is 
a  greenish  red,  which  is  spotted  and  streaked  with  crimson.  A  plant  of 
N.  Chelsoni  presented  an  extraordinary  appearance.  This  example  was  in 
an  8-inch  basket,  and  was  carrying  no  less  than  twenty-five  fully 
developed  pitchers,  amongst  which  were  several  7  inches  long,  and  as 
many  or  more  in  girth.  This  was  the  only  variety  I  could  see  which 
rivalled  N.  Masteriana  in  freedom  of  pitchering.  To  N.  Rafflesiana 
belongs  the  honour  of  bearing  the  largest  pitchers,  many  of  which  are 
capable  of  holding  nearly  a  pint  of  water.  This  kind  also  is  free, 
and  the  plants  present  a  really  imposing  sight,  as  I  am  confident 
everyone  would  admit  on  seeing  them. 

N.  Amesiana  is  a  variety  of  much  merit,  with  chocolate  red  pitchers 
of  great  substance,  many  being  8  inches  long  and  11  round.  N.  Burkei 
excellens  is  a  handsome  species  which  was  figured  at  page  161  of  the 
Journal  for  August  21st,  1890.  The  pitchers,  in  many  instances, 
measured  from  8  to  10  inches  in  length.  A  charming  hybrid  is  found 
in  N.  Dicksoniana.  Tne  predominating  colour  is  light  green,  which  is 
profusely  spotted  with  bright  reddish  crimson.  The  average  length  of 
the  pitchers  measured  on  plants  of  N.  Dicksoniana  was  9  inches,  by 
which  an  idea  may  readily  ne  gained  as  to  the  striking  nature  of  the 
plant.  The  blood-red  pitchers  of  N.  Curtisi  superba  are  very  beautiful, 
and  are  streaked  with  greenish  yellow  markings,  which  produce  a  unique 
and  at  the  same  time  pleasing  effect. 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


3il 


Those  mentioned  are  well  worthy  of  cultivation,  but  let  me  recommend 
admirers  of  these  plants  to  go  and  judge  for  themselves.  They  will  then 
be  better  able  to  form  an  idea  of  what  they  can  do  in  their  own  stoves 
with  the  aid  of  perseverance,  and  a  little  of  that  intelligence  which  they 
lavish  so  freely  on  such  plants  as  Chrysanthemums  and  Eoses. — H. 


UNITED  HORTICULTURAL  BENEFIT  AND  PROVIDENT 

SOCIETY. 

Annual  Dinner. 

The  members  of  the  above  Society  held  their  seventh  anniversary 
dinner  at  the  Cannon  Street  Hotel,  E.C.,  on  Tuesday  evening,  Oct.  10th. 
P.  C.  M.  Veitch,  Esq.,  occupied  the  chair,  and  there  was  a  large  attend¬ 
ance,  upwards  of  a  hundred  gentlemen  sitting  down  to  the  tables. 
Amongst  others  present  were  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.,  N.  N.  Sherwood,  Esq., 
Clarence  Smith,  Esq.,  M.P.,  H.  Rivers,  Esq.,  Messrs.  Arnold  Moss,  G.  J. 
Ingram,  W.  Marshall,  P.  Barr,  H.  Cannell,  J.  Cheal,  J.  Hudson,  B.  Wynne, 
G.  W.  Cummins,  N,  Cole,  J.  R.  Chard,  W.  Collins,  Secretary,  and 
numerous  other  horticulturists  and  their  friends. 

Mr.  P.  C.  M.  Veitch,  after  the  customary  loyal  toasts,  gave  that  of 
“The  United  Horticultural  Benevolent  and  Provident  Society,”  coupled 
with  the  name  of  N.  N.  Sherwood,  Esq.  In  his  opening  remarks  the 
Chairman  said  he  looked  upon  it  as  a  great  honour  in  being  asked  to 
preside  that  night.  He  had  been  brought  up  amongst  horticulturists, 
and  took  great  interest  in  gardening,  and  especially  in  this  Society.  One 
always  admired  the  benevolent  institutions,  but  there  was  something 
particularly  attractive  in  this,  as  a  man  might  not  only  provide  for  him¬ 
self  in  case  of  sickness,  but  for  his  wife  and  family.  (Hear,  hear).  A 
great  deal  had  been  said  of  late  about  old  age  pensions,  and  many  would 
agree  with  such  a  scheme  if  nearly  all  the  money  invested  was  not  eaten 
up  by  the  management.  This  Society  was  the  right  and  true  system  of 
old  age  pension.  (Hear,  hear).  He  would  ask  all  gardeners  present,  and 
others,  to  bring  the  Society  and  its  good  work  before  their  young  men. 
It  was  the  proper  thing  for  gardeners  to  join  whilst  they  were  young. 
As  regards  the  progress  they  had  made,  it  was  gratifying  to  know  that 
whilst  in  1877  there  were  only  109  members,  there  were  now  500  on  the 
books.  This  was  largely  due  to  the  annual  dinners.  There  were  now 
more  than  £8000  invested,  and  these  figures  would  show  that  the 
Society  was  in  a  very  satisfactory  condition.  After  referring  to  the 
small  expenses  connected  with  the  Society,  the  Chairman  observed  that 
the  Convalescent  Fund,  which  was  started  about  two  years  ago  by  Mr. 
Sherwood,  was  not,  he  was  sorry  to  say,  in  a  very  strong  condition. 
Every  member  should  subscribe  as  much  as  possible  to  it.  The  Benevolent 
Fund  was  satisfactory,  but  he  hoped  it  would  not  entrench  upon  the 
older  institutions.  The  motto  of  the  Society  was,  “  Union  is  strength,” 
and  he  would  conclude  by  wishing  them  more  power,  (Cheers.) 

Mr.  N.  N.  Sherwood  in  responding,  observed  that  he  thoroughly 
agreed  with  all  that  the  Chairman  had  said.  He  thought  that  if  the 
objects  of  this  Society  were  better  known  they  would  have  three  times 
as  many  members.  The  Society  filled  a  most  important  link  between 
the  other  two  gardening  charities.  It  teaches  men  to  be  thrifty,  and  it 
was  the  duty  of  every  man  to  save  something.  As  regards  the  Conva¬ 
lescent  Fund  he  might  ask  could  not  gardeners  put  the  matter  before 
their  employers,  and  urge  them  to  do  something  towards  it  ?  In  order  to 
celebrate  the  jubilee  of  the  firm  with  which  he  was  connected  (Messrs. 
Hurst  &  Co  )  he  would  add  £50  to  the  Convalescent  Fund,  and  he  hoped 
it  would  not  be  allowed  to  dwindle  out  (applause.) 

Mr.  J.  Hudson  proposed  the  “Honorary  and  Life  Members,”  and 
briefly  remarked  that  on  the  previous  evening  they  had  opened  a  new 
departure  in  this  re.spect  by  electing  a  lady  as  an  honorary  member. 

Clarence  Smith,  Esq.,  M.P.,  and  W.  Marshall,  Esq.,  responded,  the 
first  named  gentleman  remarking  that  although  there  as  a  visitor  on 
that  occasion,  he  hoped  to  be  elected  an  honorary  member  before  next 
year. 

Mr.  H.  J.  Veitch  briefly  gave  “The  Officers  of  the  Society,”  coupled 
with  the  names  of  Messrs.  J.  Wheeler,  W.  Collins,  and  J.  Hudson, 
who  subsequently  responded.  Mr.  Veitch  remarked  that  he  should 
have  pleasure  in  subscribing  5  guineas  to  the  convalescent,  and  a 
similar  sum  to  the  management  fund. 

Mr.  Arnold  Moss  proposed  “  The  Chairman,”  to  which  Mr.  P.  C.  M. 
Veitch  briefly  responded. 

The  tables  were  tastefully  decorated  with  flowers  by  Mr.  J.  R.  Chard 
and  others,  and  some  excellent  fruit  was  kindly  given  by  various  friends. 
The  surplus  fruit  was  presented  to  the  inmates  of  Guy’s  Hospital.  The 
musical  arrangements  were  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Herbert  Schartau. 


THE  SALISBURY  DAHLIAS  AT  HOME. 

Having  seen  blooms  of  the  various  sections  of  the  Dahlias  in 
Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.’s  first  prize  stands  at  horticultural 
exhibitions  in  various  parts  of  the  country  within  the  last  few 
weeks,  a  natural  wish  to  see  these  flowers  “  at  home  ”  was  realised 
on  the  11th  ult.,  when  I  was  fortunate  enough  to  find  Mr.  W.  H, 
Williams  “at  home”  also.  Under  his  courteous  and  able  guidance  a 
move  was  at  once  made  in  the  direction  of  the  Dahlia  ground.  Here 
we  found  the  veteran  grower  and  able  manager  of  the  Castle  Street 
Nurseries  (Mr.  John  Wyatt),  undone  of  his  skilled  assistants,  creating 
havoc  in  a  plantation  of  seedling  Dahlias,  only  here  and  there  a  “  plant 
of  promise”  being  left  standing  for  growing  another  year. 

But  in  allowing  the  eye  to  wander  from  this  somewhat  desolating 


scene  in  another  direction  what  a  floral  picture  presented  itself  I  Here 
1600  large  plants,  including  all  sections  of  the  Dahlia,  and  in  grand 
flower,  met  the  gaze  and  made  a  display  impression  on  the  mind  that 
will  not  easily  be  forgotten.  In  front  were  rows  of  the  show  and  fancy 
kinds,  the  blooms  being  of  great  depth  and  breadth  and  fine  in  form. 
Conspicuous  among  the  show  varieties  were  the  white-tipped,  crimsoned- 
petalled  Maid  of  Kent,  the  pure  white  Gloire  de  Lyon,  and  the  bright, 
scarlet  coloured  Walter  H.  Williams.  Prominent  among  the  Pompons 
was  Leila,  reddish  buff  tipped  with  white,  and  further  on  row  after 
row  of  the  Cactus  Dahlia,  comprising  pretty  well  every  shade  of  colour 
between  white  and  crimson,  many  of  the  blooms  of  individual  varieties 
being  a  combination  of  pleasing  hues.  The  most  striking  blooms 
observed  among  this  section  of  the  Dahlia  were  Lady  Penzance,  soft 
yellow  (not  yet  in  commerce)  ;  Dawn,  lemon,  deepening  to  orange  ; 
Countess  of  Radnor ;  Kaiserin,  sulphur  yellow,  the  outer  florets  being 
tinged  with  lemon ;  Gloriosa,  an  improvement  on  Juarezi  in  size, 
colour  (rich  crimson)  and  form  of  flower  ;  Countess  of  Pembroke, 
delicate  lilac,  a  very  attractive  variety  ;  Kynerith,  rich  vermilion  ; 
Dr.  Masters,  blush  white  tinted  with  lilac  ;  Bertha  Mawley,  cochineal 
colour,  a  grand  flower  ;  Duke  of  Clarence,  deep  crimson  with  scarlet 
shading  towards  the  top  of  the  petals  ;  Black  Prince,  flowers  very 
large  and  velvety  blackish  maroon  in  colour ;  Delicata,  light  salmon 
at  base  of  florets  gradually  shading  off  to  a  delicate  pink  ;  and  St. 
Katherine,  soft  reddish  amber,  a  fine  variety. 

I  may  be  permitted  to  say,  by  way  of  showing  the  amount  of  labour 
that  was  involved  in  watering  the  Dahlias  at  Messrs.  Keynes’  during  the 
past  four  or  five  months,  that  each  of  the  1600  plants  grown  received 
20  gallons  of  water  every  week — equal  32,000  gallons  per  week  ;  the 
ground  between  the  rows  and  plants  being  also  heavily  mulched  with 
substantial  manure. — W.  H.  W. 


ROYAL  AQUARIUM. 

October  11th, 12th,  and  13th. 

An  Exhibition  of  Chrysanthemums,  Begonias,  and  other  flowers 
opened  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  on  the  11th  inst.,  and 
will  continue  the  two  following  days.  Chrysanthemums  were  not  so 
extensively  shown  as  many  expected,  but  the  flowers  were  fairly  good. 
Fruit  was  excellent,  and  some  vegetables  were  staged. 

The  leading  class  in  the  cut  bloom  section  was  for  twenty-four 
Japanese,  and  there  were  five  competitors.  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith,  gardener 
to  M.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Shirley  Cottage,  Croydon,  was  first  with  a  stand 
of  grand  blooms.  The  best  flowers  were  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  John 
Shrimpton,  W.  Tricker,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  President  Borel,  Sunflower, 
Mons.  Bernard,  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr,  C.  Cox,  gardener  to 
John  Trotter,  Esq.,  Brickendon  Grange,  Hertford  ;  and  Mr.  W.  Higgs, 
gardener  to  J,  B.  Hankey,  Esq.,  Fetcham  Park,  Leatherhead,  was  third. 
There  were  six  competitors  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese  blooms,  and 
after  a  close  fight  Mr.  W.  Collins,  Ponsbourne  Park,  Hertford,  secured 
the  first  prize.  The  flowers  were  fresh  and  even,  the  best  being  R.  C. 
Kingston,  Sunflower,  Avalanche,  William  Holmes,  and  Stanstead  White. 
Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  Inwood  House,  Blandford,  was  second  ;  and  Mr. 
E.  Rowbottom,  The  Gardens,  The  Priory,  Hornsey,  N.,  third.  Mr.  Row- 
bottom,  however,  was  first  with  a  dozen  incurved  blooms,  the  best  of 
which  were  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Mrs.  Dixon,  Baron  Hirsch,  and  Eefulgens, 
The  second  prize  was  secured  by  Mr.  J,  Agate,  Havant,  Hants. 
Messrs.  W,  Collins  and  J.  Agate  divided  the  prizes  for  six  incurved 
blooms. 

Mr.  E.  Tickner,  gardener  to  J.  Watney,  Esq.,  Reigate,  was  given  the 
first  prize  for  twelve  Japanese  blooms.  There  was  no  other  competitor 
in  this  class.  The  same  exhibitor  secured  the  leading  prize  for  six 
blooms  of  Japanese.  For  six  blooms  of  new  varieties,  Mr.  F.  Agate  was 
awarded  a  silver  medal.  The  varieties  shown  were  Princess  May,  Mrs, 
Fowler,  Miss  Watson,  Charles  Davis,  Duchess  of  Devonshire,  and  Beauty 
of  Exmouth.  Miss  Debenham  was  first  for  twelve  bunches  of  Pompons 
in  the  amateurs’  class  ;  and  Mr.  D.  B.  Crane,  Highgate,  secured  prizes 
for  these  Chrysanthemums.  Mr.  T.  Osman,  Ottershaw  Park,  was  first 
for  twelve  Japanese  blooms.  The  prizes  for  groups  of  Chrysanthemums 
went  to  Messrs.  Davis  and  H.  J.  Jones.  Mr.  Jones  also  had  a  collection 
of  cut  blooms,  not  for  competition. 

For  a  table  of  bouquets,  wreaths,  and  sprays  composed  of  Chrysan¬ 
themums,  Mr.  J.  R.  Chard,  Stoke  Newington,  was  first  with  a  charming 
arrangement.  Mr.  Chard  also  secured  the  first  prize  for  three  vases 
arranged  with  foliage  and  flowers  in  a  graceful  manner.  Mr.  F.  W. 
Seale,  Vine  Nurseries,  Sevenoaks,  was  second,  and  Mr.  D.  B.  Crane, 
Highgate,  third.  Extra  prizes  went  to  Mr.  A.  Minden,  gardener  to 
Dr.  Paul,  Camberwell,  S.E.,  and  Mr.  W.  Mole,  Hemel  Hempstead,  Herts. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  numerous.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons, 
Forest  Hill,  S.E.,  arranged  a  charming  group  of  Tuberous  Begonias 
with  a  background  of  Palms.  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Tottenham,  sent  a 
hamper  of  Aster  grandiflora,  blooms  of  new  Dahlias,  and  the  pretty 
Nerine  elegans  alba  which  was  certificated  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  the 
previous  day.  Mr.  W.  J.  Godfrey,  The  Nurseries,  Exmouth,  staged  a 
dozen  splendid  blooms  of  Beauty  of  Exmouth  Chrysanthemum,  proving, 
as  remarked  last  year,  that  it  is  one  of  the  finest  varieties  in  cultivation. 
The  same  exhibitor  had  blooms  of  several  new  varieties,  including  Charles 
Davis,  Duchess  of  Devonshire,  Eda  Brass,  and  Madame  E.  Rey.  These 
with  others  were  placed  before  the  Floral  Committee  for  certificates, 
but  when  our  reporter  left  no  awards  other  than  in  the  competitive 
classes  had  been  made.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  had  blooms 
of  Dahlias  Matchless,  Purple  Prince,  and  Mr.  F.  W.  Seale  sent  Dahlias 


342 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  ANB  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  12,  1893. 


Daisy  Seale  and  Roy  Douglas  Seale.  Mr.  W.  Cross,  Green  Cottage, 
Sidmouth,  staged  two  plants  of  a  dwarf  growing  dark  coloured  seedling 
Japanese  Chrysanthemum,  and  Mr.  J.  Haws,  Clapton,  N.E  ,  had  water¬ 
ing  cans  in  variety,  Mr.  J.  H.  Witty,  Nunhead  Cemetery,  had  a 
group  of  Chrysanthemums,  and  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Barlswood  Nursery, 
sent  some  cut  blooms.  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Swiss  Nursery,  Farnham, 
showed  Dahlias,  Stephanotis,  and  Tomatoes.  Messrs.  Pitcher  and 
Manda  sent  a  stand  of  new  Chrysanthemums,  as  also  did  Mr.  R.  Owen, 
Maidenhead.  Messrs.  W.  Edwards  &  Son,  Sherwood,  Nottingham, 
exhibited  examples  of  their  new  “  Edwardian  ”  vases,  which  are 
admirably  adapted  for  all  kinds  of  floral  decoration  when  filled  with 
Ferns. 

As  before  mentioned,  fruit  was  largely  shown.  Mr.  J.  Watkins, 
Withington,  Hereford,  had  a  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears  ;  and  Mr. 
C.  C.  Tudway,  The  Cedars,  Wells,  sent  a  dish  of  splendid  Doyenn4  du 
Comice  Pears.  Mr.  J.  Masterson,  Shipston-on-Stonr,  sent  two  dishes  of 
Pitmaston  Duchess  Pears ;  Mr.  T.  Perkins,  Thornham  Hall,  Suffolk, 
Hero  of  Lockinge  Melon  ;  and  Mrs.  Barret,  Renfrew  Villa,  South 
Ealing,  some  stewing  Pears.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  had 
a  fine  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears.  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons, 
Swanley,  staged  Apples  and  a  splendid  collection  of  vegetables,  also 
some  Begonia  blooms.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  sent  Apples 
and  Pears,  and  some  very  fine  Dahlias  tastefully  arranged. 

The  prizes  offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  for  vegetables  brought 
forth  a  fair  competition,  Mr.  T.  Wilkins  secured  the  leading  prizes  for 
Cauliflower  and  Beet ;  Mr.  C.  Osman,  Sutton,  being  second  in  each  case. 
Mr.  C.  Waite  was  first  for  Carrots,  Leeks,  Onions,  Celery,  and  Tomatoes. 
The  other  prizewinners  in  various  classes  were  Messrs.  T.  Wilkins,  S.  T. 
Cook,  and  D.  M.  Hoy  let. 


WOKK.f’oil™EWEEK..  '{S 

HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN, 

Xlftlngr  Fruit  Trees. — One  of  the  surest  methods  of  inducing 
fruitfulness  in  young  trees  is  to  lift  and  replant.  This  checks  strong 
growth  and  keeps  the  roots  of  a  fibrous  character,  which  favours  sturdy, 
short-jointed  growth.  In  some  places  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Apricots, 
and  Plums  make  late  growth  which  does  not  ripen  well.  Lifting,  when 
the  trees  are  not  too  large,  will  check  the  late  growth,  and  benefit  the 
wood  already  made  by  encouraging  it  to  ripen  earlier,  also  preventing 
strong  growth  the  following  season.  With  the  fruits  mentioned  the 
work  of  lifting  may  be  proceeded  with  early  in  October.  It  should  be 
done  quickly,  not  on  any  account  exposing  the  roots  for  a  lengthened 
period  to  dry  air.  Do  not  commence  too  close  to  the  stems,  as  it  is 
important  that  all  the  fibrous  roots  be  preserved  and  kept  moist.  Sever 
the  long  and  strong  roots  found,  trimming  them  smoothly  and  leaving 
no  jagged  ends.  Replant  a  little  higher  than  formerly,  and  bring  some 
of  the  fibrous  roots  nearer  the  surface,  affording  all  good  soil  to  ramify 
in,  compressing  it  firmly  about  them.  Mulch  the  surface  and  a  foot 
beyond  the  space  the  roots  extend  with  half-decayed  manure.  Previously 
to  this  water  the  trees  to  maintain  the  foliage  fresh,  applying  shade  also 
for  a  time  if  the  leaves  flag,  and  syringe  regularly  every  dry  day.  With 
these  precautions  lifted  trees  with  a  large  proportion  of  foliage  will  soon 
make  fresh  roots  and  be  much  improved  by  the  slight  check  given. 

Stations  for  Planting  Fruit  Trees. — Where  it  is  not  possible 
to  prepare  a  large  extent  of  ground  by  digging  or  trenching  it  all  over, 
prepared  stations  may  be  formed  at  the  required  distances.  They  should 
be  6  feet  square,  and  hold  2  feet  of  good  soil,  resting  on  a  gravelly, 
chalky,  or  stony  subsoil,  which  insures  perfect  drainage.  Land  with  a 
clayey,  wet,  and  retentive  subsoil  will,*in  order  to  prevent  the  roots 
striking  into  an  undesirable  medium,  causing  strong  unfruitful  growth, 
require  an  artificial  foundation  of  concrete,  across  which  may  be  laid 
drain  pipes  connected  with  a  main  drain  and  outlet.  The  depth  of  the 
concrete  should  be  4  inches,  over  which  and  the  drain  pipes  must  be 
laid  6  to  9  inches  of  rubble  made  secure  from  being  choked  with  soil  by  a 
layer  of  turf  grass  side  downwards, 

Dutances  Between  Stations. — The  distances  between  stations  must 
be  guided  chiefly  by  the  fact  whether  the  trees  are  on  the  free  or 
restricted  stocks,  this  being  mostly  important  with  Apples  and  Pears, 
which,  in  the  esse  of  large  orchard  standards  grown  on  free  stocks, 
should  be  24  to  30  feet  apart.  Plums  and  Cherries  may  be  planted  in 
stations  formed  at  similar  distances.  Dwarf  and  standard-trained  trees 
for  walls  may  be  for  Apricots,  Plums,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Cherries 
15  to  20  feet  asunder  ;  while  Pears  on  Pear  stocks  should  be  20  feet,  and 
on  Quince  stocks  12  feet  apart.  Horizontally  trained  trees  for  espaliers 
and  walls  ought  to  be  Apples  on  Crab  stocks.  Pears  on  Pear  stocks,  and 
Plums  20  feet  apart  ;  for  Apples  on  the  Paradise,  and  Pears  on  Quince 
stocks  12  feet  suffices.  Bushes  and  pyramids  on  free  stocks  should  be 
8  to  10  feet  apart,  2  feet  less  when  root-pruned.  Apples  on  Paradise 
stocks.  Pears  on  the  Quince  6  feet  apart. 

Root-pruning. — .When  fruit  trees  grown  on  the  various  restrictive 
systems  assume  year  after  year  a  chronic  state  of  unfruitfulness  there 
18  something  wrong  either  with  the  roots  or  the  methods  of  managing 


the  branches.  Making  too  much  wood  in  summer,  before  any  attempt 
is  made  by  the  cultivator  to  restrain  the  natural  vigour  within  proper 
bounds,  is  usually  the  cause  of  destroying  the  necessary  balance  between 
root  and  branch.  Summer  pruning  does  much  to  restrain  the  growth  of 
wood  and  concentrate  the  sap  in  the  fruit-bearing  spurs,  as  well  as  in  the 
formation  of  buds  that  will  eventually  be  fruiting  spurs.  But  some¬ 
times,  owing  to  the  excessive  vigour  of  strong  roots,  correct  pruning  and 
branch  management  are  not  sufficiently  capable  of  sustaining  trees  in  a 
permanent  bearing  condition.  Root-pruning  then  becomes  absolutely 
necessary.  The  production  of  a  large  amount  of  gross  wood  and  corre¬ 
spondingly  ample  arfa  of  leafage  has  a  powerful  effect  on  the  roots, 
which,  as  a  rule,  when  receiving  extraordinary  stimulus,  descend 
perpendicularly.  In  doing  so,  especially  in  rich  ground,  they  become 
very  strong.  The  same  result  also  occurs  in  a  moist  subsoil.  The  results 
then  are  coarse,  thick  roots  followed  naturally  in  the  growing  season  by 
gross  watery  wood. 

Mulctalng-  Fruit  Trees.  —  While  the  ground  is  comparatively 
warm  and  the  roots  unusually  active  there  is  no  better  time  than  the 
present  to  assist  weakly  trees.  The  benefits  in  some  cases  may  not  be 
apparent  until  next  season,  when  it  will  be  visible  in  stronger  growth. 
Trees  with  abundance  of  fruit  buds  require  some  assistance,  in  order 
that  the  bulk  of  these  may  become  plump  and  prominent  before  active 
movement  of  the  sap  ceases.  A  mulch  of  rich  manure  over  the  roots  is 
of  material  assistance  now,  the  virtues  contained  in  it  being  washed 
down  to  the  roots  and  stored  in  the  soil  for  future  use ;  the  residue  left 
can  be  raked  off  in  the  spring  for  the  sun  to  warm  the  soil. 

Top-dresslngr  Peacbes  and  ITectarlnes. — Old  trees  will  he 
greatly  benefited  by  having  the  loose  surface  soil  pared  off  down  to  the 
roots,  being  careful  not  to  injure  the  fibres,  and  a  dressing  of  fresh 
compost  supplied  chiefly  composed  of  turfy  loam,  mixed  with  some 
calcareous  matter,  such  as  pulverised  lime  rubble,  a  little  manure,  and 
charcoal,  spreading  it  over  the  roots  as  far  as  the  latter  extend,  com¬ 
pressing  it  firm,  and  finishing  with  a  light  mulch  of  short  manure. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Pines. — Young  Plants. — Arrange  these  so  that  they  will  obtain  the 
fullest  benefit  of  light  and  air.  Make  an  inspection  of  the  plants  about 
once  a  week,  and  when  water  is  needed  apply  it  copiously  at  about  the 
same  temperature  as  the  bed.  Ventilate  freely  when  the  external  con¬ 
ditions  are  favourable,  paying  particular  attention  to  this  in  the  early 
part  of  the  day.  As  the  sun  heat  declines  a  corresponding  diminution 
of  temperature  must  take  place  at  night  until  it  reaches  the  winter 
standard  of  65°  to  60°,  and  65°  in  the  daytime  by  artificial  means. 

Plants  to  Fruit  Early. — Queens  are  the  best  for  this  purpose,  but  to 
insure  their  starting  into  fruit  with  certainty  they  should  be  given  a 
period  of  comparative  rest  after  making  a  good  growth.  Plants  intended 
to  show  fruit  early  in  the  year  ought  to  be  kept  in  a  temperature  of 
about  65°  in  the  daytime  by  artificial  means,  60°  at  night,  ventilating  at 
70°,  closing  at  that  temperature,  and  allowing  the  bottom  heat  to  fall 
to  70°.  Water  the  plants  only  when  necessary,  not,  however,  permitting 
them  to  become  so  dry  at  the  roots  as  to  cause  limpness  of  the  foliage. 

Plants  Showing  Fruit. — Any  plants  now  showing  fruit  will  be 
valuable,  as  it  will  come  in  when  it  is  scarce,  therefore  afford  such 
plants  the  best  position  in  the  house.  Maintain  a  temperature  in  this 
department  of  70°  at  night,  76°  artificially  by  day,  up  to  85°  or  90°  with 
sun,  closing  at  85°,  sprinkling  the  pathways  when  their  surfaces  become 
dry,  and  sprinkle  the  plants  occasionally  on  fine  afternoons.  The 
bottom  heat  should  be  kept  steady  at  85°  to  90°.  Examine  the  plants 
about  once  a  week  for  watering,  and  if  any  require  it  afford  a  copious 
supply  of  clear  liquid  manure  at  about  the  same  temperature  as  the 
beds.  Particular  care  must  be  taken  not  to  over-water,  as  that  has  a 
tendency  to  cause  the  fruit  to  become  black  at  the  centre,  which  affects 
its  keeping. 

Peaches  and  XTectarlnes. — Earliest  House.  —  The  trees  in  the 
earliest  house  must  now  be  pruned,  and  everything  put  in  proper  order 
for  a  fresh  start.  If  the  growths  have  been  kept  rather  thin,  and  care 
taken  to  equalise  the  vigour,  there  will  be  little  need  for  the  knife.  Any 
weak  wood  may  be  cut  out  in  favour  of  sturdy  and  well  ripened^ 
shortening  leading  growths,  so  as  to  originate  shoots  for  furnishing  the 
trees.  Where  too  crowded  the  bearing  shoots  may  be  thinned.  Severe 
winter  pruning  is  undesirable,  as  it  generally  results  in  spasmodic  and. 
sappy  growth  the  following  year.  Untie  the  branches  from  the  trellis, 
cleanse  the  house  thoroughly,  and  dress  the  trees  with  an  approved 
insecticide  before  securing  them  to  the  trellis.  Allow  plenty  of  space 
in  the  ligatures  for  the  swelling  of  the  branches.  Remove  the  surface 
soil  down  to  tbe  roots,  and  supply  a  dressing  2  inches  thick  of  fresh 
turfy  loam,  with  an  8-inch  potful  of  steamed  bonemeal  and  a  similar 
quantity  of  wood  ashes  to  every  large  barrowload  of  loam.  If  wood 
ashes  cannot  be  had  use  half  the  quantity  of  kainit.  Make  firm,  and 
follow  with  a  good  watering  if  the  lights  are  fixed.  The  outside  border 
should  be  dressed  in  a  similar  manner.  The  roof  lights  if  removed  may 
remain  off  until  bad  weather  sets  in,  otherwise  ventilate  to  the  fullest 
extent. 

Second  Early  House. — The  trees  to  be  started  at  the  new  year  or 
soon  afterwards  will  now  have  all  the  foliage  down,  and  it  is  best  to 
prune  and  dress  them,  also  cleanse  the  house  without  delay.  If  the  trees 
have  been  properly  managed  there  will  be  little  wood  to  cut  out.  But 
it  will  be  necessary  to  look  them  over  and  remove  any  useless  parts 
having  escaped  attention.  Any  shoots  too  long  may  be  cut  back  to  a 
triple  bud  or  a  wood  bud,  making  sure  of  the  latter  whether  the  bud  be 
a  double  or  triple  or  single  one,  leaving  sufficient  wood  for  securing  a 


October  12,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


343 


crop.  Shoots  12  inches  length  or  under  must  not  be  shortened,  nor  need 
those  that  are  vQry  much  longer.  Leaving  too  much  wood  weakens  the 
trees  in  flowering,  and  there  is  not  space  for  training-in  the  necessary 
growths  for  futu"e  bearing  to  insure  their  thorough  exposure  to  light  and 
air.  Admit  all  the  air  possible  at  all  times.  If  the  roof  lights  are  off 
do  not  replace  them  until  the  time  arrives  for  closing  the  house. 
Where  the  lights  are  fixed  avoid  permitting  the  borders  to  become  too 
dry,  which  is  more  pernicious  than  a  wet  soil  at  any  time. 

Midseason  Houses.  —  The  foliage  in  these  will  be  approaching 
maturity,  but  there  must  not  be  any  attempt  at  its  forcible  removal, 
though  the  falling  of  the  leaves  may  be  assisted  by  lightly  brushing 
the  trees  with  a  broom.  The  lights  should  be  kept  open  day  and  night, 
except  when  frost  prevails,  for  it  is  not  desirable  to  cause  the  sudden 
collapse  of  the  foliage  through  freezing.  When  the  leaves  are  all  down 
the  roof  lights  may  be  removed.  Tnis  will  ensure  conplete  rest  and  the 
even  and  well  moistening  of  the  soil.  If  any  lifting  or  root-pruning  is 
intended  these  operations  should  be  attended  to  as  soon  as  the  wood 
becomes  firm  and  the  buds  developed,  but  before  the  leaves  have  all 
fallen,  as  there  is  then  a  better  chance  of  fresh  roots  being  formed  than 
at  a  later  period. 

Late  Houses. — The  fruit  in  these  structures  has  ripened  quite  a  fort¬ 
night  to  three  weeks  earlier  than  usual,  and  there  is  now  a  scarcity  of 
fruit  in  many  places,  though  some  still  have  good  fruit  through  ven¬ 
tilating  freely  in  the  summer,  even  taking  off  the  roof  lights  in  broiling 
weather.  The  wood  that  has  borne  fruit  should  be  cut  out  to  the  suc- 
cessional  growths  at  the  base,  unless  they  are  extensions.  Trees  growing 
too  luxuriantly  and  late  should  have  a  trench  taken  out  at  such  distance 
from  the  stem  as  will  check  their  vigour  and  cause  the  buds  to  become 
plump.  Such  trees  should  be  lifted  as  soon  as  the  wood  is  sufficiently 
ripened.  It  should  be  done  with  dispatch,  all  the  materials  being  in 
readiness.  See  to  the  drainage  ;  if  defective  make  it  thoroughly 
eflicient.  Shorten  back  any  strong  roots,  and  bring  any  that  are  deep 
nearer  the  surface,  making  the  compost  firm.  Good  loam,  rather  strong, 
with  an  admixtuie  of  one-sixth  of  old  mortar  rubbish  forms  a  suitable 
compost.  If  the  soil  be  light  add  a  fourth  of  clayey  marl,  and  if  very 
strong  a  similar  proportion  of  road  scrapings.  Manure  is  preferably 
given  at  the  surface.  Give  a  good  watering  after  lifting  and  completing 
the  operations,  and  the  roots  will  soon  become  established  in  the  fresh 
material.  Trees  judiciously  treated  at  the  roots  whilst  they  have  some 
foliage  seldom  fail  to  set  and  stone  the  fruit  satisfactorily  the  succeed- 
ing  year.  Any  borders  in  a  sodden  and  sour  state  at  the  surface  may 
have  a  dressing  of  quicklime  quite  an  inch  thick,  mixing  it  with  the 
soil  as  deeply  as  the  roots  allow  without  much  disturbance,  and  this  will 
effect  some  improvement. 

Cucumbers. — Plants  in  bearing  require  looking  over  not  less  than 
once  a  weeu,  removing  any  bad  leaves  and  exhausted  growths,  training- 
in  young  shoots,  pinching  out  their  points  one  or  two  joints  beyond  the 
show  for  fruit,  avoiding  crowding  and  overcronping.  Maintain  a  night 
temperature  of  65°  to  70°,  70°  to  75°  by  dav.  ad Vancing  to  80°  or  85°  with 
sun,  closing  early,  so  as  to  rise  5°  to  10°,  advantage  being  taken  of 
favourable  opportunities  to  admit  a  little  air,  yet  avoid  drying  currents 
and  cold  draughts.  The  floors  should  be  sprinkled  with  water  about  8  A.M. 
and  4  pm.  respectively,  dispensing  syringing  the  plants  except  on  fine 
days,  when  a  light  bedewing  may  be  given  at  closing  time.  Reduce  the 
supply  of  water  at  the  roots,  but  not  to  cause  flagging,  and  encourage 
surface  roots  by  an  occasional  light  dressing  of  loam  and  sweetened 
horse  droppings.  Keep  the  glass  clean  and  the  foliage  rather  thin,  so  as 
to  secure  thoroughly  solidified  growth. 

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Carnations  and  Plcotees. — Layering  has  been  a  very  successful 
operation  in  spite  of  the  dryness  of  the  season,  and  since  a  showery  period 
has  set  in  the  roots  have  increased  rapidly.  No  time  should  be  lost  in 
detaching  these  rooted  layers  from  the  parent  plants,  all  being  lifted 
with  a  small  ball  of  soil  about  the  roofs.  In  some  districts  it  is  a  good 
plan  to  place  some  of  these  young  plants  in  3-inch  or  slightly  larger 
pots,  using  fresh  fibrous  loam,  with  a  li  tie  old  Mushroom  bed  manure 
and  sharp  sand  added.  If  these  are  kept  near  the  glass  in  dry  frames  or 
pits,  given  air  freely  when  the  weather  permits,  and  further  protected 
from  severe  frosts,  very  sturdy  plants  will  be  available  for  planting  out 
next  spring.  Some  of  the  strongest  layered  plants  are  flowering  freely, 
and  these  might  well  be  lifted  and  placed  in  pots  that  will  hold  them 
comfortably,  a  good  succession  of  flowers  being  had  under  glass  accord¬ 
ingly.  The  early  raised  plants  of  Marguerite  Carnations  are  also 
flowering  exceptionally  well  in  the  open  borders,  and  something  should 
be  done  to  protect  them.  Span-roofed  or  other  deep  frames  freely 
ventilated  would  prolong  their  beauty  considerably,  or  if  plants  have 
not  been  kept  in  6-inch  pots,  the  best  of  those  in  beds  might  well  be 
lifted,  potted,  and  placed  in  a  greenhouse  to  finish  flowering. 

Forming  Fresh  Beds. — Seedlings  ought  ere  this  to  have  been  planted 
out,  but  the  layered  plants  have  not  suffered  trom  their  long  connection 
with  the  parent  plants.  No  time,  however,  should  be  lost  in  completing 
the  planting  of  all  not  placed  in  small  pots.  Let  them  have  the  benefit 
of  some  fresh  loamy  soil,  old  Mushro  m  bed  or  other  short  manure, 
and  road  grit.  They  thrive  best  in  slightly  raised  beds,  the  latter  being 
about  6  feet  wide,  with  1-foot  alleys  between.  Make  the  soil  rather  firm 
about  the  roots.  Slugs  must  be  trapped,  as  these  quickly  spoil  the  plants. 
A  mulching  of  old  Mushroom  bed  manure,  leaf  soil,  or  tanners’  decayed 
bark  acts  beneficially,  and  in  particular  prevents  frosts  upheaving  the 
ground  and  loosening  the  plants  to  an  injurious  extent. 


Finks. — Cuttings  of  Pinks  are  slow  in  rooting,  especially  where  no 
bottom  heat  is  afforded.  At  the  present  time  they  may  present  a 
sickly  appearance,  but  will  yet  develop  into  neat  plants  by  next  spring. 
Any  that  are  strongly  rooted  and  hardened  may  be  at  once  put  out  into 
raised  beds,  much  as  advised  in  the  case  of  Carnations,  only  less  room 
should  be  allowed — a  distance  of  9  inches  apart  each  way  suiting  them 
well.  The  finest  flowers  are  had  from  young  plants,  and  a  fresh  bed 
ought  to  be  formed  every  year.  No  cuttings  having  been  rooted,  the  old 
fashioned  plan  of  pulling  healthy  plants  to  pieces  and  replanting  these 
should  be  adopted.  These  divisions  will  have  rather  long  stems,  some 
being  furnished  with  roots  and  others  not.  All  should  be  planted  rather 
deeply  or  well  up  to  the  tops. 

Pansies  and  Violas. — If  neat  plants  raised  from  seed  are  trans¬ 
planted  to  raised  beds  a  good  early  display  of  flowers  will  most  probably 
be  forthcoming  next  spring.  Autumn-raised  plants  should  be  kept 
under  glass,  and  quite  cool  till  the  spring.  Both  Pansies  and  Violas 
have  stood  the  dry  season  rather  better  than  anticipated,  and  are  now 
forming  young  shoots  freely.  It  is  these  latter  that  make  the  best 
cuttings,  though  the  flowerless  tops  will  also  root  readily,  and  push  up 
fresh  growths  from  the  r  base.  No  bottom  heat  is  needed  for  either. 
Place  a  frame  or  frames  on  bricks,  half  fill  with  old  beating  material, 
making  it  quite  solid,  and  on  this  dispose  a  layer  4  inches  deep  of  soil, 
finishing  off  with  a  good  surfacing  of  fine  sandy  compost,  a  little  sand 
being  sprinkled  over  this.  Shorten  the  cuttings  to  about  3  inches  in 
length,  and  insert  them  3  inches  apart  all  over  the  bed.  Give  a  gentle 
watering,  and  keep  the  frame  close  and  shaded  from  bright  sunshine 
till  the  cuttings  are  rooted,  after  which  abundance  of  air  should  be 
admitted. 

Calceolarias. — Cuttings  are  late  this  season,  but  where  the  old 
plants  were  kept  alive  are  becoming  fairly  plentiful.  Now  is  a  good 
time  to  attend  to  the  propagation  of  these.  If  many  plants  are  required 
next  summer,  prepare  a  suitable  frame  for  the  cuttings.  Mulch  as 
advised  in  the  case  of  Violas,  while  hand-lights  or  shallow  boxes  may  be 
used  for  smaller  numbers.  Give  the  preference  to  short-jointed 
moderately  firm  shoots,  cutting  these  just  below  the  third  joint  and 
trimming  off  the  lower  pair  of  leaves.  Do  not  allow  them  to  flag  badly, 
but  dibble  them  out  quickly  just  clear  of  each  other.  See  that  the  base 
of  the  cuttings  rest  on  the  bottom  of  the  holes  made  with  the  dibber  and 
fix  them  well,  as  otherwise  they  will  not  strike  roots.  Water,  put  on 
the  lights,  and  shade  from  bright  sunshine.  They  will  require  more 
protection  during  the  winter  than  Violas,  but  if  not  unduly  coddled 
will  not  be  injured  by  an  ordinarily  severe  frost. 


w 

HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Practical  Hints  for  Beginners. 

{Continued  from  page  321.') 

Beyond  raising  queens  at  the  proper  season  from  full  strength 
hives,  and  discarding  very  small  queens,  the  bee-keeper  has  no 
control  of  improving  or  selecting  the  best.  Medium-sized  queens 
are  often  the  most  prolific  and  the  longest  lived,  and  as  a  rule  are 
fertilised  at  an  earlier  date  than  extra  large  queens,  the  latter 
very  often  coming  to  grief  through  failing  to  mate,  which  some¬ 
times  takes  place  within  twenty  days  from  the  deposition  of  the 
egg  that  produced  her,  and  occasionally  as  late  as  fifteen  weeks. 
I  have  had  several  cases  of  the  latter.  As  previously  stated, 
queens  sometimes  deposit  eggs  almost  immediately  after  birth. 
Imperfect  queens  do  that,  but  in  every  case  of  the  kind  the  pro¬ 
geny  are  drones,  and  the  mother  remains  a  confirmed  drone 
breeder.  In  the  other  cases,  the  queen  in  an  unfertilised  state 
produces  drones  only  ;  but  when  mated,  and  then  becomes  a  fertile 
queen,  she  breeds  both  workers  and  drones. 

Swarming  and  the  control  of  it  depends  very  much  upon  the  state, 
fertility  and  non-fertility  of  the  queen.  During  the  early  spring  a 
hive  having  a  fertilised  but  non-egg-prod ucing  queen,  swarms  out 
entirely,  leaving  behind  it  an  otherwise  well-stocked  hive.  Incipient 
disease  has  apparently  the  same  effect,  as  well  as  under-fed  hives. 
Premature  swarming  takes  place  when  a  duality  of  queens  are  in 
a  hive,  either  fromastrangerenteringthatbelongingtoanother  hive, 
or  when  one  or  more  has  been  reared  by  the  bees  at  too  early  a 
date.  Sometimesasimilar  result  occurs  when  the  queen  regnant  shows 
signs  of  collapsing,  but  at  others  when  no  reason  can  be  assigned 
a  queen  caged  contiguous  to  the  bees  on  the  top  cf  a  hive  causes 
swarming,  and  this  is  the  reason  we  destroyed  one  (the  old  one) 
of  the  two  queens  in  the  one  hive  system.  When  near  the 
honey  flow  there  is  no  advantage  gained  by  allowing  both  to 
live.  A  very  prolific  queen  having  too  little  breeding  space, 
and  a  much  less  prolific  one  having  too  much,  are  both  causes  of 
swarming. 

The  prevention  of  swarming  is  best  effected  by  deposing  the 
queen  regnant,  introducing  a  youthful  fertilised  one,  giving 


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[  October  12,  189 


additional  breeding  space  equal  to  receiving  5000  eggs  daily  ;  but 
this  will  also  have  its  limit.  A  lengthened  period  of  honey 
gathering  as  occurs  on  the  moors  may  upset  all  calculations.  Super 
room  will  not  tend  to  prevent  swarming  ;  it  must  be  breeding 
room,  while  after  queen  cells  with  eggs  or  larvae  are  being  raised, 
nothing  short  of  winter  will  prevent  it.  Bees  always  prepare  for 
swarming  eight  to  ten  days  beforehand.  Destroying  queen  cells 
will  not  prevent  it,  especially  during  a  honey  flow,  for  immediately 
after  their  destruction  the  bees  will  raise  others,  even  although 
a  youthful  and  fertile  or  unfertilised  one  be  safely  introduced, 
which  fully  exposes  the  fallacy  of  “  direct  introduction  of 
queens.” 

As  a  rule,  the  mother  queen  leaves  with  the  first  swarm,  but 
there  are  many  exceptions.  If  the  prime  swarm  leaves  before  the 
tenth  day  after  the  commencement  of  the  first  queen  cell,  then 
the  old  queen  is  sure  to  be  with  the  swarm.  If  delayed  longer 
the  old  queen  may  be  destroyed,  and  one  or  several  young  ones 
may  accompany  the  swarm.  In  such  cases  the  whole  of  the 
swarm,  after  being  hived,  may  abscond.  Whenever  the  bees  are 
secured  a  piece  of  queen-excluder  zinc  should  cover  the  entrance, 
which  will,  in  some  cases,  prevent  the  loss  of  the  bees  and  after 
swarming.  The  surest  of  all  methods  is  to  destroy  all  surplus 
queens  and  queen  cells  eight  days  after  the  issue  of  the  first 
swarm,  and  at  the  same  time  remove  or  transfer  to  another  hive 
all  unsealed  brood.  I  had  several  cases  this  year  at  the  moors, 
where  swarming  was  repeated  five  times  in  all  its  phases,  and  yet 
the  old  queen  remained  regnant  during  three  of  the  times,  which 
in  all  occupied  seven  weeks.  In  some  instances  the  old  fertile 
queen  remained  in  the  hive,  and  left  with  the  third  and  fourth 
swarm  respectively.  In  others,  the  young  queens  being  fertilised 
at  an  early  date,  when  there  was,  comparatively  speaking,  little 
breeding  space,  they  soon  filled  it,  and  the  raising  of  queens 
followed,  then  swarming.  The  most  tantalising  of  all  phases  of 
swarming  is  when  queens  are  preserved  for  weeks  long  after  the 
expected  time  of  the  deposition  of  surplus  queens.  This  year  I 
experienced,  in  several  cases,  queens  piping  from  three  to  six 
weeks  after  they  had  commenced  to  pipe.  These  are,  no  doubt, 
exceptional  instances,  but  they  occur  oftener  than  most  bee-keepers 
suspect. 

Introducing  alien  queens  sometimes  bothers  the  beginner.  To 
accomplish  this  safely  the  hive  must  be  deprived  of  its  queen 
regnant,  making  sure  there  is  no  other  perfect  or  imperfect  ones, 
known  by  the  bees  raising  queen  cells.  After  there  are  no  unsealed 
brood  the  queen  cells  ought  to  be  destroyed,  leaving  the  bees  with¬ 
out  a  chance  of  rearing  one  perfect  or  otherwise,  when  they  will 
make  a  commotion  towards  evening.  This  is  a  sure  indication  that 
they  are  queenless  and  will  accept  a  queen.  Introduce  her  by 
caging  first  in  a  safety  cage,  which  consists  of  two  apartments,  one 
for  the  queen  and  the  other  for  the  bees,  separated  from  each  other 
by  a  piece  of  wire  cloth  or  perforated  zinc,  and  covered  with  glass 
sliding  in  grooves.  When  the  bees  are  willing  to  accept  the  alien 
queen  they  cluster  loosely  against  and  under  her,  and  she  will  be 
active  or  adhering  firmly  to  the  zinc  anxious  to  join  the  bees. 
The  little  slide  in  the  end  of  the  cage  may  then  be  drawn  up  and  the 
work  is  done.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  bees  show  a  great  desire  to 
get  to  the  queen  they  are  not  in  a  pacified  state  to  receive  her.  A 
little  experience  soon  teaches  the  beginner  when  to  admit  the 
union,  fc’o  long  as  the  bees  show  white  necks  they  are  too  frenzied, 
and  would  in  all  probability  kill  the  queen. 

As  a  substitute  for  the  safety  cage,  remove  the  lid,  admit  the 
bees  to  the  crown  of  the  hive,  place  the  cage  upon  its  edge,  and 
cover  with  a  beU-glass.  Watch  their  proceedings,  and  when  favour¬ 
able  remove  the  glass,  lifting  the  wire  cloth  a  little  so  that  the  bees 
can  get  at  the  candy.  They  will  eat  it  and  join  peaceably  with  her, 
when  in  a  day  or  so  the  encumbrances  may  be  removed  and  the 
covering  of  the  hive  adjusted. 

Hiving  is  sometimes  as  provoking  to  the  beginner  as  it  is 
interesting,  as  the  bees  when  leaving  the  hive  are  not  known  by 
the  bee-keeper  where  they  will  settle.  I  will  in  another  chapter 
give  some  particulars  forming  the  guidance  of  beginners. — 
A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 

(To  be  continued.) 


GARDENEES’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS. 

The  Gardeners’  Kotal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G,  J.  Ingram,  60,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 

United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. — 
Secretary,  Mr.  \V.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 

n  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F  Barron, 
Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens,  Chiswick,  London,  W. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent. — Carnations,  Picotees,  PinJiS, 
and  New  Chrysanthemums. 

P.  J.  Loozmanse  &  Sons,  Ondenbosch,  Holland. — Ornamental  and 
Forest  Trees,  ^-c. 

M.  Vigneron,  A.  Olivet,  Orleans. — Roses. 

W,  Wells,  The  Earlswood  Nurseries. — Clirysanthe^mms. 


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

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

Poetry  (^Planta'). —  We  do  not  know  the  book  from  which  the 
laboured  verse  is  taken,  and  if  we  did  should  decline  giving  it  an 
advertisement  in  the  form  you  appear  to  desire.  Why  did  you  not  send 
your  name  and  address?  We  do  not  desire  any  more  anonymous 
inquiries  of  this  nature. 

Beet  Seed  (6^.  Craig'). — The  wholesale  price  of  this,  like  other 
seeds,  is  governed  by  the  supply,  and  it  is  not  unlikely  that  the  prices 
for  many  kinds  will  rule  higher  than  usual  this  season.  We  cannot  give 
the  “average”  prices  of  any  kind  of  seeds.  The  information  can  only 
be  had  by  consulting  wholesale  price  lists  over  as  many  years  as  you 
wish  the  “  average  ”  to  be  based — three,  five,  ten,  or  twenty  as  may  be 
thought  desirable  for  your  object. 

Pansy  Celtic  Gem  {Alex.  Lister). — The  yellow  self  Fancy  Pansy 
bloom  sent  is  of  large  size,  rich  gold  colour,  with  an  immense  bronzy 
maroon  blotch  in  the  three  lower  petals,  which  are  much  rayed  in  the 
margin.  It  is  a  grand  decorative  variety,  and  if  the  blotch  had  been 
cleaner  cut  on  the  margin  and  the  lower  petal  a  little  wider  it  would 
have  been  a  very  fine  exhibition  flower.  We  find  that  with  the  cooler 
autumnal  weather  some  very  fine  Pansy  blooms  are  now  to  be  seen, 
and  many  such  come  under  our  notice.  The  fiower  in  question  of  Celtic 
Gem  is  3  inches  in  diameter. 

Crlnum  capense  (.7.  G.). — Presumably  you  did  not  see  our  reply 
in  the  issue  for  July  20tb,  page  66.  The  plant  should  have  completed 
its  growth  now,  and  be  fully  exposed  to  every  ray  of  sunshine  possible, 
and  have  abundance  of  air.  The  supply  of  water  should  be  gradually 
diminished  until  the  plant  can  be  kept  dry,  but  not  sufficiently  dry  to 
cause  the  thick  fleshy  roots  to  perish.  By  this  treatment  the  plant  will 
not  be  quite  deciduous,  but  when  grown  in  a  warm  position  outside  the 
whole  of  the  foliage  is  invariably  destroyed  by  frost.  The  Japanese 
Honeysuckle  to  which  you  refer  ic  perfectly  hardy,  and  may  be  planted 
in  a  sheltered  place  outside,  where  we  have  no  doubt  it  will  do  better 
than  in  your  conservatory.  We  have  known  this  plant  fail  under  glass 
by  being  kept  more  or  less  constantly  growing.  A  season  [of  rest  is 
important  to  secure  good  growth  and  perfect  health. 

Original  Testimonials  (X.  Y.  Z.). — We  conceive  that  while  an 
employer  receiving  “  generally  addressed  ”  testimonials  would  not  be 
liable  for  their  accidental  loss  or  destruction  (seeing  that  the  holder 
should  carefully  guard  his  interest  in  them  by  sending  copies),  that 
employer  cannot  retain  possession  of  originals  after  notice  to  return 
them  to  the  owner.  The  entrusting  of  their  carriage  to  the  care  of  the 
post  office  is  no  evidence  that  the  owner  intended  to  part  with  them. 
So  long  as  the  original  testimonials  are  in  transmission  within  the  un¬ 
broken  envelope,  the  envelope  and  its  contents  belong  to  the  addressee. 
After  reading  the  testimonials  he  has  a  qualified  right  of  possession  as 
against  everybody  but  the  owner,  to  whom  he  must  yield  them  on 
demand.  The  position  is  more  clearly  seen  by  supposing  that  the 
testimonials  have  been  stolen  from  their  rightful  owner  and  sent  to  the 
addressee  by  an  impostor.  The  mere  fact  of  the  impostor  sending  them 
through  the  post  cannot  confer  an  absolute  right  of  possession  to  them 
on  the  addressee.  He  is  then  in  the  position  of  a  holder  of  stolen  or  lost 
property,  who  has  a  mere  qualified  right  of  possession  to  the  property, 
and  which  yields  to  the  absolute  right  of  the  owner  when  he  appears. 
The  sender  of  original  testimonials,  by  transmitting  them  through  the 
post,  no  more  parts  with  his  ownership  than  by  losing  them,  though  he 
takes  the  risk  of  their  becoming  irrevocably  lost  or  destroyed  upon 
himself. 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


347 


“  A  NALYSE  the  plants  you  require,  see  what  they  are  composed 
of,  and  then  analyse  your  soil  and  see  if  these  things  are  in 
it ;  if  not,  put  them  in.  How  simple,  refreshingly  simple,  is  it  not  ? 
What  a  glorious  discovery  !  Why,  we  can  grow  what  we  like,  and 
where  we  like,  and  very  nearly  when  we  like.  Why  did  not  some¬ 
body  think  of  this  before  ?  ”  These  were  something  like  my 
thoughts  once  upon  a  time.  I  was  younger  then  and  youth  has 
its  enthusiasm,  its  illusions,  and  afterwards  its  awakening.  Since 
then  I  have  found  that  matters  do  not  always  turn  out  as  we  think 
they  ought.  There  is  usually  a  hitch  somewhere,  sometimes  two 
or  three,  and  not  seldom  you  begin  to  think  there  is  nothing 
but  hitches.  Then  a  kink  comes  out,  one  of  the  hitches  unravels, 
and  you  recommence  with  renewed  energy  ;  the  next  hitch 
straightens  out,  and  the  fever  of  enthusiasm  once  more  possesses  you, 
but  you  again  find  something  has  gone  wrong,  and  sit  down  dis¬ 
couraged.  There  was  a  time  when  I  thought  I  held  the  science  of 
agriculture  in  the  palm  of  my  hand.  A  few  attempts  to  put  theory 
into  practice  convinced  me  that  some  of  it  was  oozing  out  between 
my  fingers,  then  I  began  to  wonder  if  I  had  not  a  handful  of 
disconnected  facts  to  play  with,  and  to-day  I  see  that  scientific 
farming  only  looms  hazily  and  lazily  in  the  distance. 

Oh  !  these  visions  of  the  young  enthusiast,  how  they  mock  our 
eager  souls !  I  was  going  to  analyse  every  field  and  register  the 
composition  of  its  soils,  and  would  henceforth  know  exactly  what 
it  wanted,  and  this  is  how  it  worked,  or  rather  did  not  work.  I  put 
my  views  earnestly  before  a  typical  farmer,  who  listened  to  them 
all  with  a  patience  I  have  often  since  wondered  at.  Then  he  said, 
“Umph;  so  you  are  another  of  ’em,  are  you?  You’re  a  clever 
young  fellow,  I  daresay  ;  but  you  see,  I  am  an  old  farmer — so  was 
my  father,  so  was  my  grandfather,  and  so  was  his  for  anything  I 
know.  They  learnt  summat,  lad,  by  a  lifetime’s  work,  and  left  their 
experiences  to  their  sons,  and  I’ve  got  the  benefit  of  it  all  and  added 
my  own,  and  you’ll  excuse  me  if  I  think  I  know  more  about  farming 
than  you  do.”  He  thought  he  was  crushing  me,  but  I  said,  “  Do 
you  admit  that  many  great  improvements  have  been  made  in  agri¬ 
culture,  and  especially  in  agricultural  implements  of  late  years?” 
“  Oh  yes  !  ”  said  he,  “  that’s  right  enough,  we’ve  made  wonderful 
progress,  lad.”  “Oh!”  said  I,  “have  you?  Is  there  a  single 
farmer,  born  such,  that  has  not  opposed  every  new  thing  with  all 
his  might  ?  Has  there  ever  been  an  improved  implement  brought 
out  by  a  farmer  ?  Has  any  one  of  these  improvements  been 
brought  about  by  the  farmers  themselves  ?  Have  not  every  one 
of  them  been  suggested  and  planned  by  outsiders — people  not  to 
the  manner  born?”  This  rather  startled  him,  I  think,  but,  of 
course,  did  not  convince  him.  Eventually  I  induced  an  amateur 
farmer  to  let  me  experiment,  and  the  success  was  encouraging ;  but 
a  knock-down  blow  was  in  store  for  me.  I  had  as  I  thought  an  ex¬ 
ceedingly  clever  way  of  getting  at  the  nature  of  the  soil  of  a  large 
field.  I  procured  16  or  32  half  ounces  of  soil  from  as  many  parts  of 
the  field,  and  so  obtained  (I  imagined)  a  fair  sample  of  the  whole. 
One  day  I  had  a  sample  of  soil  thus  selected,  and  found  it  so  full  of 
iron  that  I  said,  “  This  soil  will  grow  nothing  at  all,”  and  was  met 
with  the  reply,  “  Why,  it  is  the  best  land  we  have.”  Still,  I  was 
right  ;  I  could  only  judge  by  the  sample  I  had  in  hand,  and  it  was 

*  Read  byMR.  W.  PICKARD  at  the  Monthly  Meeting  of  the  Sheffield  Chrysan¬ 
themum  Society,  held  in  the  Society’s  meeting-roim,  Oct.  11th,  1893. 

No,  695. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


full  of  iron.  A  number  of  iron  hoops  had  been  left  to  fall  to 
pieces  on  one  part  of  the  field,  and  from  thence  a  good  portion  of 
my  sample  had  been  taken.  I  had  already  found  out  that  to 
analyse  soil  for  potash,  lime,  magnesia,  phosphates,  sulphates, 
nitrates,  and  chlorides  involved  eight  different  processes,  and  that 
to  be  fairly  sure  of  the  result  each  experiment  had  to  be  repeated 
twice  or  thrice,  and  that  the  farmer  thought  all  this  analysing  could 
be  paid  for  by  “  thanks  ”  (I  did  not  always  get  that),  and  when 
these  iron  hoops  trundled  up  I  just  resigned  that  part  of  the 
business,  and  informed  the  farmers  that  if  they  wanted  their  soils 
analysing  any  more  they  must  let  their  sons  learn  chemistry,  or  do 
it  themselves,  or  pay  from  £5  to  £10  for  the  work. 

The  foregoing  indicates  some  of  the  difficulties  of  soil  analysis. 
An  accidental  spill  of  some  material  in  one  part  of  the  field  may 
totally  deceive  the  chemist.  He  can  but  report  what  he  obtains 
from  the  sample  sent  him.  That  sample  may  give  a  fairly  correct 
idea  of  the  bulk,  but  there  is  at  least  an  equal  chance  that  it  may 
not,  and  till  our  farmers  are  also  chemists,  and  can  spend  their 
evenings  and  rainy  days  in  slowly  ascertaining  the  nature  of  their 
soil,  it  will  be  best  and  cheapest  to  analyse  crops,  see  what  they 
are  built  up  of,  and  put  those  materials  into  the  soil  as  manure  in 
the  proportions  found  in  the  crops,  and  take  no  care  for  what  may 
or  may  not  be  in  the  soil  already.  Of  course  where  large  quanti¬ 
ties  of  certain  materials  are  known  to  be  in  the  soil,  such  as  lime 
or  magnesia,  those  may  be  kept  out  of  the  manure  ;  but  where 
there  is  a  doubt  it  is  best  to  add  all. 

Nearly  all  plants  and  roots  of  plants  contain  phosphates,  nitrates, 
sulphates,  as  well  as  soda,  magnesia,  potash  and  lime,  and  hence 
it  may  be  argued  (and  fairly)  that  these  materials  must  be  available. 
Wheat,  broadly  speaking,  analyses  into  32  per  cent,  potash,  3  per 
cent,  soda,  12  per  cent,  magnesia,  3  per  cent,  lime,  47  per  cent, 
phosphates,  1  per  cent,  sulphates,  and  a  little  iron  and  silica. 
The  straw  of  Wheat  is  more  than  half  silica,  that  is  flint,  so  that 
without  silica  you  would  get  no  Wheat  at  all,  at  least  in  its  present 
state.  As  a  creeping  plant  it  might  still  flourish,  and  perhaps  do 
better  so.  The  things  we  do  not  know  are  vastly  more  numerous 
than  those  we  do.  It  may  be  that  the  superabundance  of  silica  alone 
causes  the  Wheat  to  rise  upright,  and  that  this  is  an  interference  with 
Nature’s  first  intention.  Wheat,  Oats,  and  Barley  are  all  evidently 
the  same  plant  modified  by  circumstances  and  environment.  What 
they  may  eventually  modify  into  no  one  can  guess.  A  crab  is  a 
lobster  with  its  tail  curved  in  and  set  fast,  and  Indian  Corn  as  a  varia¬ 
tion  of  Wheat  is  less  astonishing.  We  know  not  what  anything 
may  develop  into.  Chrysanthemum  growers  should  see  something 
of  the  vast  latent  power  yet  unused  in  Nature’s  storehouse.  Who 
can  say  what  a  simple  Buttercup  could  be  made  into  by  constant 
attention  and  abundant  supplies  of  all  plant  food?  Food  can  make 
a  worker  into  a  queen  bee.  What  could  it  not  do  if  we  knew  how 
to  utilise  it  to  best  advantage  ?  Environment  is  everything,  the 
vast  potentialities  concealed  in  every  speck  of  protoplasm  are  not 
to  be  measured  by  our  stunted  yard  sticks.  Potatoes  analyse  into 
about  60  per  cent,  potash,  1  per  cent,  soda,  3  per  cent,  lime,  5  per 
cent,  magnesia,  1  per  cent,  iron,  17  per  cent,  phosphates,  6  per  cent, 
sulphates  ;  Mangel  Wurzels  into  about  30  per  cent,  potash,  30  per 
cent,  soda,  6  per  cent,  phosphates,  and  other  things.  It  is  clear 
enough  from  this  that  Potato  manure  does  not  want  soda,  and 
Mangel  Wurzel  manure  wants  large  quantities  of  it.  The  compo¬ 
sition  of  Strawberries  is  very  like  that  of  Mangel  Wurzels,  and  I 
am  not  at  all  sure  that  if  you  were  to  try  very  hard  and  patiently 
you  could  not  succeed  in  making  a  Mangel  Wurzel  into  something 
very  like  a  huge  Strawberry.  I  am  far  from  sure  even  now  that 
Mangel  Wurzel  is  not  made  into  Strawberry  jam. 

By  this  time  you  have  begun  to  see  that  the  question  is  not 
one  of  remarkable  simplicity.  The  secrets  of  Nature  have  to 
be  wrung  from  her  by  force  of  patient  investigation,  experi¬ 
ments  long  continued  and  often  repeated.  We  have  learned  that 
all  vegetable  products  are  composed  of  various  chemicals.  Most 

No.  2351.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


848 


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[  Ootobcr  19,  1893 


people  associate  chemicals  with  some  sort  of  inferior  goods  made 
to  represent,  or  as  substitutes  or  adulterants  for  the  proper  article. 
It  does  not  occur  to  them  that  there  is  not  one  thing  in  Nature, 
from  the  central  grain  of  matter  in  the  heart  of  this  solid  earth  to 
(he  uttermost  depths  of  the  starlit  universe,  that  is  not  a  chemical, 
and  subject  to  all  the  laws  of  chemistry.  Every  speck  of  dust  is 
a  mass  of  chemicals  ;  the  air  you  breathe  is  76  parts  nitrogen, 
23  parts  o'^yg&n,  and  a  little  carbon.  The  air  of  Sheffield  contains 
a  grea/''  deal  of  carbon,  but  it  is  in  the  shape  of  a  gas — carbonic 
acid.  The  carbon  in  smoke  is  carbon  only — particles  of  charcoal, 
not  carbonic  acid.  The  water  you  drink  is  a  chemical,  hydrogen 
and  oxygen.  Table  salt  is  chloride  of  sodium  ;  the  table,  tablecloth, 
knives  and  forks,  plates,  and  all  you  can  put  upon  them,  yourself, 
are  all  chemicals.  It’s  no  use  saying,  “  No  chemicals  in  mine,” 
You  must  either  live  entirely  on  chemicals  or  die  of  hunger  ;  there 
is  nothing  else  in  the  whole  universe.  When  you  despise 
chemicals  you  despise  your  parents  in  more  senses  than  one,  and 
yourself  also. 

Let  us  get  back.  I  said  that  we  had  learned  that  all  vegetation 
was  formed  of  various  chemicals.  These  are  mainly  potash,  soda, 
lime,  magnesia,  and  iron,  and  their  salts,  nitrates,  sulphates, 
chlorides,  and  phosphates,  but  we  have  yet  to  learn  what  or  which 
of  these  salts  are  best  for  particular  crops.  When  we  have  learned 
these  facts  we  have  to  go  deeper  still,  and  find  out  if  we  can  how 
the  plants  get  hold  of  them.  We  say  (as  an  easy  way  out  of  it) 
that  these  chemicals  have  to  be  dissolved  in  the  water  in  the  soil, 
and  then  the  rootlets — the  fine  fibrillse  of  the  roots — absorb  the 
liquid — drink  them  if  you  like  ;  but  we  are  only  guessing.  We 
cannot  get  down  there  with  our  microscope.  Nature  is  too  much 
for  us.  With  all  our  skill  and  perseverance  of  inquiry  and  search 
we  do  not  know  with  any  sort  of  certainty  whether  plants  absorb 
nitrogen  (the  nitrate  maker)  as  nitrogen,  as  nitrates,  or  ammonia^ 
You  will  perhaps  have  wondered  why  I  have  so  far  said  nothing 
about  ammonia,  which  we  all  know  to  be  a  good  fertiliser.  The 
reason  is,  I  have  included  it  in  the  term  “  nitrates.”  Ammonia  is 
a  nitrate  of  hydrogen.  Every  chemist  who  makes  a  discovery  of  a 
new  compound,  is  or  has  been  allowed  to  christen  his  invention 
by  some  name  of  his  own  choosing,  so  that  we  have  many 
names  for  the  same  thing,  which  is  confusing  to  the  ordinary 
reader.  Chemists  are  often  made  fun  of  in  those  omniscient 
newspapers,  who  know  so  much  and  so  little  of  everything,  for 
using  such  long  words.  I  am  sorry  any  other  kind  were  ever  used, 
they  simplify  matters  amazingly,  in  spite  of  the  battalions  of 
letters,  Di,  Nitro,  Polyl,  Amido,  Phenyl,  Amine  look  ferocious 
enough,  but  a  chemist  glancing  at  it  knows  pretty  nearly  how  it  is 
made,  but  if  it  had  been  called  Manchester  Blue  or  Sheffield 
Scarlet  it  would  have  conveyed  no  information. 

I  do  not  know  what  a  Chrysanthemum  analyses  into,  but  I 
should  say  about  32  per  cent,  potash,  2  per  cent,  soda,  12  per  cent, 
magnesia,  10  to  20  per  cent,  lime,  9  per  cent,  phosphates,  3  per  cent, 
sulphates,  6  per  cent,  silica.  This  is  the  analysis  of  red  Clover, 
which  is  such  a  lover  of  lime  that  if  you  apply  this  material  heavily 
on  almost  any  field  you  will  get  a  crop  of  Clover,  even  if  you  have 
not  put  a  single  Clover  seed  into  the  soil.  This  brings  on  the 
tapis  another  of  Nature’s  economies,  or  if  you  like  it  better  we 
can  (and  without  being  paradoxical  at  all)  call  it  one  of  Nature’s 
extravagances.  The  soil  is  full  of  seeds.  Nature  has  provided  a 
thousand  ways  of  transporting  seeds  of  all  kinds  to  all  places.  A 
whole  series  of  very  interesting  papers  might  be  written  on  the 
infinite  variety  of  Nature’s  methods  in  this  respect.  Suffice  for 
the  present  to  say  that  all  soils  are  more  or  less  full  of  all 
kinds  of  seeds.  Which  of  them  comes  up  depends  on  the  soil. 
Many  kinds  are  there  waiting  opportunity — waiting,  one  may 
say,  for  the  suitable  partner  ;  when  that  partner  turns  up, 
the  orchestra  strikes  up  the  music  of  the  spheres,  and  the 
waltz  begins.  When  lime  is  used  plenteously  it  destroys  some 
seeds,  paralyses  others,  but  wakens  the  dormant  Clover  seed  into 
joyous  life.  When  the  Black  Forest  in  Germany  was  on  fire  years 


ago  the  Fir  trees  vyere  burnt  to  the  ground,  and  the  seeds  and  roots 
destroyed  also.  Beneath  these  lay  the  waiting  Beech  seeds,  and  up 
sprang  a  forest  of  Beech  trees  where  formerly  had  been  Fir  trees, 

(To  be  continued.) 


MICHAELMAS  DAISIES  AT  CHISWICK. 

Notwithstanding  that  the  perennial  Asters,  or  Michaelmas 
Daisies,  as  they  are  popularly  termed,  have  for  many  years  been 
grown  in  gardens,  their  merits  for  a  lengthy  period  were  unrecog¬ 
nised,  They  were  formerly  cultivated,  moreover,  in  a  very  haphazard 
manner,  hybridised,  and  named  perhaps  indiscriminately,  with  the 
inevitable  result  that  much  confusion  has  existed  regarding  the 
nomenclature  of  the  numerous  species  and  varieties.  To  a  certain 
extent  this  difficulty  still  remains,  and  it  is  the  opinion  of  some 
authorities  that  it  cannot  be  entirely  overcome,  but  much  good  work 
in  this  direction  was  accomplished  last  year  by  the  Sub-Committee 
appointed  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  for  the  purpose  of 
revising  the  nomenclature  of  this  extensive  genus.  The  gentlemen 
comprising  this  Committee  found  the  species  (of  which  there  are 
something  like  250  known  to  botanists),  varieties,  and  hybrids,  with 
their  synonyms  in  a  confused  mass,  but,  thanks  to  their  efforts,  more 
order  has  been  maintained,  and  when  a  choice  collection  of  the  best 
kinds  is  grown,  as  at  Chiswick,  it  is  possible  to  recognise  the  better 
forms  and  identify  them  with  accuracy.  Improvements,  however, 
might  still  be  effected  in  this  matter,  and  the  work  of  elimination  so 
well  begun  could  be  carried  on  with  advantage  in  trade  circles. 
Were  this  accomplished  systematically  there  would  be  less  cause  for 
complaint,  now  often  heard,  as  to  the  “  weediness  ”  of  Michaelmas 
Daisies,  and  instead  of  this  they  would  occupy  a  foremost  place 
amongst  autumn-blooming  plants. 

Regarding  the  collection  of  Michaelmas  Daisies  in  the  gardens  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  it  is  perhaps  the  finest  that  may  be 
found  in  any  one  garden.  All  the  best  cultivated  forms  have  been 
gathered  from  the  various  sources  in  Britain,  and  being  planted  on 
a  long  border  by  themselves,  an  excellent  opportunity  for  observing 
the  distinctive  characteristics  of  the  respective  species  and  varieties 
is  thus  afforded.  A  glance  at  these  during  the  autumn  will  convince 
the  most  sceptical  that  the  better  perennial  Asters  are  deserving  of 
all  that  can  be  said  in  their  favour.  Here  can  be  seen  the  type  of 
any  one  particular  species,  and  by  its  side  the  varieties  or  improved 
forms  may  be  noticed.  The  most  conspicuous  improvements  that  have 
thus  been  effected  are  apparent  to  all,  and  those  who  observe  keenly 
will  see  a  distinction  between  the  varieties  that  are  grown.  Some  may 
be  distinguished  by  the  colour  of  their  stems,  and  others  it  is  possible 
to  recognise  by  a  broad  or  narrow,  or  squarrose  or  ad pressed  involucre, 
as  well  as  the  height,  habit,  and  time  of  flowering.  These  character¬ 
istics  are  detailed  in  the  descriptions  of  the  best  species  and  varieties 
drawn  up  by  the  Committee  referred  to,  and  published  in  the  Journal 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  vol.  xv.,  parts  2  and  3.  In  some 
parts  of  the  border  we  find  clumps  of  the  taller  growing  species, 
some  loose  and  graceful,  others  compact  in  habit,  and  close  by  are 
plants  of  the  dwarf  forms  covered  like  the  former  with  blossoms 
that  sparkle  brilliantly  in  the  sinking  sun  of  an  auUimn  day.  This 
year  many  of  the  perennial  Asters  flowered  prematurely,  as  did 
numerous  other  plants,  and  on  visiting  the  collection  at  Chiswick 
last  week  the  writer  found  the  majority  of  the  earlier  kinds  past  their 
best,  but  sufficient  remained  to  afford  an  additional  proof  (if  such 
were  needed)  as  to  their  adaptability  for  garden  decoration.  The 
later  plants  were  loaded  with  blossoms,  and  the  names  of  the  species 
and  varieties  that  were  in  blossom  may  be  acceptable  to  readers  who 
take  an  interest  in  this  genus. 

It  has  been  pointed  out  by  an  authority  on  Michaelmas  Daisies 
that  the  “weakest  point  about  them  is  their  colour,  or  rather  want  of 
colour.”  There  may  be  some  truth  in  this  assertion  if  applied  to  the 
ordinary  types  generally  seen  in  gardens,  but  it  is  scarcely  applicable 
to  the  better  forms  as  grown  at  Chiswick.  Here  we  find  a 
harmonious  blending  of  colour,  beautiful  if  not  brilliant,  and 
sufficient  to  brighten  a  garden  at  this  late  period.  Various  shades  of 
purple  predominate  in  the  blooms  it  is  true,  but  these  only  render 
more  conspicuous  the  blue  forms  and  those  that  have  white  flowers. 
Amongst  others  now  in  bloom  at  Chiswick  are  some  very  fine  varie¬ 
ties  of  Aster  novse  belgii,  and  these  alone  comprise  a  choice  selection. 
A.  n.-b.  Robert  Parker  is  a  free-flowering  form  about  5  feet  in 
height,  but  rather  a  straggling  grower.  Another  good  variety  with 
deep  rosy  lilac  blossoms  is  A.  n.-b.  Minerva.  The  well-known 
A.  n -b.  Harper  Crewe  is  also  seen  to  advantage  at  Chiswick,  and 
this  still  remains  one  of  the  best  white  Michaelmas  Daisies  in 
cultivation.  A  form  named  Pluto,  belonging  it  would  appear  to 
A.  Isevis,  but  labelled  as  a  variety  of  A.  novse-belgii,  is  exception¬ 
ally  fine,  growing  from  3  to  4  feet  in  height,  and  covered  with  large 
light  coloured  flowers.  For  making  a  display  late  in  the  autumn 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


349 


A.  Isevis  floribundus  is  well  adapted,  the  flowers  being  of  dark  rosy 
purple  shade,  and  the  plant  compact  in  growth.  A.  n.-b.  Archer  Hind 
is  apparently  a  valuable  late-flowering  variety,  attaining  a  height  of 
4  feet,  with  rosy  lilac  flowers  ;  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  A.  n.-b. 
Leda,  which  has  rather  small  dark  coloured  flowers.  A.  n.-b.  Juno 
(given  as  a  variety  of  A.  laevis  in  the  list  mentioned)  is  one  of  the 
brightest  varieties  now  in  flower  in  the  collection,  the  flowers  being 
moderately  large  and  of  a  rich  purplish  blue  shade.  An  unnamed 
seedling  from  A.  novae-belgii  x  A.  laevis  was  also  noticeable,  this 
being  dwarf  in  habit,  with  a  profusion  of  white  medium-sized  flowers. 
Another  dwarf  variety  worthy  of  extensive  cultivation  is  A.  n.-b. 
densus,  which  is  very  compact  in  growth  and  the  flowers  lilac 
purple.  Other  good  forms  of  A.  novae-belgii  in  flower  last  week 
included  Albion,  Fortuna,  and  Calliope.  That  confusion  in  the 
nomenclature  of  these  plants  still  exists  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that 
whilst  several  kinds  at  Chiswick  are  labelled  distinctly  as  varieties  of 
A.  novae-belgii  they  are  given  in  the  Journal  referred  to  as  forms  of 
A.  laevis.  This  probably  is  because  a  large  number  of  the  perennial 
Asters  grown  in  gardens  are  hybrids  between  A.  laevis  and  A.  novae- 
belgii  ;  but  notwithstanding  it  would  prevent  further  confusion  if 
the  varieties  were  labelled  correspondingly  with  the  list  to  which 
allusion  has  been  made. 

Late-flowering  varieties  of  A.  novae-angliae  do  not  appear  to  be 
quite  so  plentiful  as  those  of  the  species  above  mentioned.  The 
type  is  an  attractive  plant  when  well  grown,  being  nearly  5  feet  in 
height,  and  as  a  rule  laden  with  fine  rose-coloured  flowers  in  October. 
Beautiful  as  the  species  is,  however,  the  form  known  as  A.  n.-a. 
rubra  is  even  better.  At  Chiswick  this  is  about  3  or  4  feet  in 
height,  and  bears  an  abundance  of  bright  rosy  red  flowers.  A.  n.-a. 
pulchella  is  another  very  fine  variety,  rather  dwarf  in  growth,  with 
large  deep  violet  flowers.  Like  A.  n.-a.  rubra  this  is  very  distinct, 
and  should  be  given  a  place  in  every  garden.  Although  rather  straggling 
in  growth  and  bearing  medium-sized  rose-coloured  flowers,  A.  n.-a. 
roseus  forms  a  pleasing  feature  when  grown  in  a  mass.  A.  n.-a. 
praecox  is  another  desirable  variety,  which  attains  a  height  of  3  feet 
or  so,  and  yields  a  profusion  of  light  purplish  flowers.  The  well- 
known  A.  acris  is  a  remarkably  showy  plant  when  seen  at  its  best; 
but  A.  acris  nanus  is  a  decided  improvement  on  the  type  fiom  a 
decorative  point  of  view.  The  plant  is  more  dwarf  and  compact  in 
growth,  and  the  beautiful  star-like  purplish  flowers  harmonise 
splendidly  with  the  graceful  foliage.  It  is  a  grand  variety  for 
growing  on  rockeries.  Those  who  favour  the  gmall  flowered  forms, 
many  of  which  are  exquisitely  graceful  if  not  particularly  showy,  will 
find  A.  cordifolius  Diana  worthy  of  at  ention.  This  had  white 
blooms  and  finely  cut  leaves.  A.  cordifolius  elegans,  as  its  name 
implies,  is  another  good  form,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  a  variety 
labelled  A.  cordifolius  albula.  The  varieties  of  A.  Drummondi 
have  their  good  qualities,  especially  A.  D.  cora,  which  is  rather  tall 
in  growth,  and  a  fine  late-flowering  plant.  A.  versicolor  Antigone 
(syn.  discolor  major)  is  a  charming  form,  as  also  is  A.  v.  Themis 
(syn.  discolor),  the  latter  being  about  2  feet  high,  and  of  a  compact 
habit.  A.  paniculata  (syn.  carnea)  W.  G.  Grant,  too,  is  deserving 
of  more  than  a  passing  notice,  and  the  same  applies  to  A.  laevis  Virgil, 
which  is  a  very  fine  form.  Among  the  dwarf  -  growing  kinds 
A.  A  melius  stands  pre-eminent,  but  it  is  not  so  good  as  A.  Amellus 
majus,  which  is,  according  to  the  plants  grown  at  Chiswick,  later 
flowering  than  the  popular  A.  a.  bessarabicus.  It  has  large  rich 
violet  purple  flowers.  There  are  many  more  species  and  varieties 
grown  in  the  collection  referred  to,  but  as  before  said,  they  were  for 
the  most  part  past  their  best  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  hence  a  reference 
to  the  late-blooming  kinds  must  suffice  for  the  present.  These  are 
exceptionally  valuable  for  the  embellishment  of  gardens  during  October 
and  November,  and  they  are  deserving  of  extensive  cultivation. 

Relative  to  the  culture  of  the  Michaelmas  Daisies,  that  cannot 
be  said  to  be  a  very  difficult  matter.  With  few  exceptions  they 
will  flourish  in  any  ordinary  garden  soil  provided  it  is  of  a  fertile 
character,  but  they  repay  any  extra  attention  that  may  be  given  them 
bv  producing  flowers  more  abundantly.  This  should  not  bo  over¬ 
looked  by  those  who  grow  the  perennial  Asters,  and  a  top-dressing 
of  decayed  manure  in  the  spring  is  by  no  means  a  waste  of  labour. 
In  some  cases  annual  division  when  commencing  growth  in  the 
spring  is  desirable,  this  treatment  suiting  many  varieties  of  A.  novae- 
belgii  and  A.  laevis.  The  dwarf  forms, such  as  the  beautiful  A.  Stracheyi, 
alpinus,  Amellus  majus,  and  others  might  advantageously  be  employed 
for  bedding,  inasmuch  as  apart  from  their  freedom  in  flowering 
many  of  them  possess  a  graceful  growth  which  well  merits  attention. 
— C. 


NERINE  ELEGANS  ALBA. 

This  charming  Nerine  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale  Farm 
Nurseries,  Tottenham,  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  and  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  for  it.  The  plant  shown 
was  a  small  one,  and  bore  one  spike,  about  G  aches  high,  carrying  nearly 


a  dozen  pure  white  flowers,  as  shown  in  the  illustration  (fig.  51).  The 
exhibitor  informed  us  that  Nerine  elegans  alba  “  is  a  native  of  South 
Africa,  probably  Natal.  It  is  not  a  garden  form,  but  a  wild  species,  and 
has  been  in  his  possession  for  two  years  only.  It  is  almost  hardy  in  this 
country,  but  he  would  recommend  the  protection  of  a  cold  frame  during 
the  winter  in  order  to  protect  the  leaves  from  injury,  which  would  spoil 
the  plant  for  a  whole  year.  Of  course,  it  requires  its  proper  season  of 
rest.”  Although  less  showy  than  the  scarlet-flowered  types,  a  white 
Nerine  is  somewhat  of  a  novelty,  and  usually  arrests  attention. 


FEEDING  TREES  and  PLANTS  and  ENRICHING 
THE  SOIL  IN  THE  AUTUMN. 

It  has  frequently  occurred  to  me  when  advocating  the  adoption 
of  definite  cultural  practices,  that  were  we  always  to  do  it 
with  the  full  force  of  our  conviction  we  might  unconsciously  lead 


FIG.  51.— JfEEINE  ELEGAKS  ALBA. 


others  to  believe  that  the  very  existence  of  the  plant  or  crop 
under  notic3  depended  upon  carrying  out  to  the  letter  the 
precise  method  of  culture  advanced,  whereas  we  know  well  that 
equally  good  results  may  sometimes  be  obtained  by  pursuing  a 
course  which  differs  considerably  in  its  cultural  details.  In  the 
majority  of  instances,  however,  there  are  local  circumstances,  or 
the  attainment  a  different  object  attempted,  which  fully  account 
for  the  ultimate  success  of  practices  apparently  at  variance  with 
each  other.  If  these  considerations  are  steadfastly  borne  in  mind 
by  gardeners  of  all  grades  many  valuable  lessons  will  be  adduced 
which  will  help  them  to  determine  the  best  course  to  pursue  at 
times  when  cultural  problems  present  themselves,  and  which  must 


850 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  19,  1893, 


be  overcome  before  cultivation  of  the  highest  order  can  be 
achieved. 

Intimately  connected  with  this  subject  of  high  culture  is  that 
of  feeding  plants  and  crops,  indeed  it  is  the  very  foundation  of  it, 
but  the  essential  conditions  to  ensure  success  are  that  whatever 
fertilisers  be  given  must  be  applied  at  the  right  time  and  in  the 
proper  way.  Much  injury  may  be  done  by  over-feeding  or  by 
giving  stimulants  at  the  wrong  time,  and  I  have  repeatedly  pointed 
out  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  the  disastrous  effects  of  applying 
liquid  manure  in  too  strong  a  condition,  or  before  root  action  is 
sufficiently  advanced  to  require  it.  The  whole  question  hinges 
upon  the  exercise  of  sound  judgment  in  determining  when  this 
stage  is  reached,  and  the  knowledge  requisite  for  the  purpose  can 
only  be  gained  by  observation  and  experience.  Let  this  point  once 
be  mastered  and  there  is  no  comparison  between  the  results 
achieved  by  those  cultivators  who  feed  their  plants  and  crops 
continuously  and  those  of  others  who  follow  only  haphazard  or 
irregular  methods  of  doing  it.  The  former  keeps  innumerable 
diseases  and  insects  at  bay,  which  are  a  continual  source  of  trouble 
to  the  latter,  for  it  is  an  undoubted  fact  that  vegetation  of  all 
descriptions  speedily  become  a  prey  to  their  attacks  when  weakened 
through  want  of  nourishment,  or  get  out  of  health  from  other 
causes,  while,  on  the  other  hand,  when  health  and  vigour  are  main¬ 
tained  insect  pests  are  generally  conspicuous  by  their  absence. 

The  foregoing  will  show  I  hold  the  opinion  that  many  of  the 
ills  from  which  plants  suffer  are  brought  about  directly  or  indirectly 
through  lack  of  a  sufficient  supply  of  nourishment ;  but  let  it  be 
distinctly  understood  I  add  the  saving  clause,  that  this  nourishment 
must  be  given  under  the  right  conditions  if  the  best  results  are  to 
be  obtained.  In  the  spring  and  early  summer  our  thoughts 
naturally  turn  to  the  practice  of  enriching  the  soil  with  manure,  or 
feeding  crops  by  means  of  natural  liquid  manure  or  chemical 
fertilisers.  This  has  become  so  much  a  matter  of  routine  that  in 
many  instances  feeding  is  carried  on  with  a  lavish  hand  during  the 
period  above  named,  and  singularly  neglected  or  only  indulged  in 
spasmodically  during  the  greater  part  of  the  year. 

The  question  arises  in  my  mind,  Do  we  pay  sufficient  attention 
to  feeding  (especially  in  the  case  of  fruit  trees  and  plants  in  pots) 
during  the  late  summer  and  autumn  ?  I  think  not.  The  roots  of 
the  former  are  known  to  be  extremely  active  during  that  period, 
and  trees  which  have  borne  heavy  crops  of  fruit  derive  immense 
benefit  if  liberal  applications  of  liquid  manure  are  given,  either 
before  or  after  the  leaves  have  fallen,  preferably  before,  as  the 
buds  are  then  enabled  to  develop  to  their  fullest  extent ;  the 
leaves  being  kept  healthy  and  robust  continue  to  perform  their 
functions  till  the  gradually  lowering  temperature  diminishes  the 
flow  of  sap  and  causes  them  to  turn  yellow  and  drop  very  slowly, 
hanging  with  great  tenacity  to  the  branches  till  the  last  vestige  of 
green  has  left  them.  The  buds  are  thus  nourished  to  their  fullest 
development,  and  the  trees  begin  the  rest  of  winter  in  a  sound 
healthy  condition.  With  hard  prominent  buds  and  a  natural  fall 
of  foliage  the  prospect  for  the  succeeding  year  is  always  good. 
Contrast  the  condition  of  such  trees  with  that  of  others  which  may 
have  been  equally  healthy  during  the  previous  summer,  but  having 
borne  heavy  crops  of  fruits  were,  by  the  beginning  of  the  autumn, 
in  a  partially  exhausted  state,  and  no  special  means  being  taken  to 
enable  them  to  recoup  their  energies,  the  leaves  fall  early  and 
quickly,  while  the  buds  are  neither  so  hard  nor  prominent  as  they 
should  be.  Trees  which  go  to  rest  in  this  enfeebled  state  can 
scarcely  be  expected  to  produce  vigorous  flowers  in  spring,  neither 
do  they.  Blossom  there  may  be  in  abundance,  but  it  either  fails 
to  set  properly,  or  the  greater  part  of  the  fruit  drops  in  its  early 
stages.  Thus  the  loss  of  a  crop  of  fruit  may  be  distinctly  traced 
to  the  neglect  of  feeding  at  a  critical  time.  I  am  convinced  there 
are  thousands  of  fruit  trees  which  would  give  infinitely  better 
results  if  this  matter  received  greater  attention,  though,  unfor¬ 
tunately,  in  many  instances,  through  pressure  of  other  work,  it  is 
impossible  for  gardeners  to  give  it,  except  in  the  case  of  choicer 
fruits,  such  as  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Pears  on  walls.  Numbers 
of  o‘ber  fruit  trees  of  various  descriptions  which  have  gradually 
drifted  into  a  sterile  state  through  neglect  and  continual  starvation 
may  often  be  met  with.  It  is  surprising  how  greatly  old  trees  in 
this  condition  may  be  improved  provided  the  branches  are  sound  and 
free  from  canker,  but  too  much  must  not  be  expected  in  one  season. 

In  the  case  of  old  wall  trees  which  have  covered  their 
allotted  space,  a  regular  thinning  of  both  spurs  and  branches  and 
the  laying  in  of  young  shoots,  if  carried  out  in  conjunction  with 
judicious  feeding  at  the  roots,  will  in  the  course  of  a  few  seasons 
convert  them  into  vigorous  fruitful  trees.  No  better  time  than  the 
present  could  be  found  to  give  them  the  attention  they  need  at 
the  roots.  The  surface  soil  should  be  removed,  starting  at  a 
distance  of  from  4  to  6  feet  from  the  main  stem,  and  gradually 
working  to  it.  Occasionally  roots  will  be  found  near  the  surface, 
but  generally  they  are  fully  a  foot  beneath  it,  except  near  the  main 


stem.  Strong  roots  destitute  of  fibre  may  be  frequently  noticed 
striking  deeply  into  the  soil,  or  extending  a  great  distance  from  the 
wall.  Trees  in  the  condition  above  indicated  derive  their  prin¬ 
cipal  support  from  these  ;  it  is  therefore  unwise  to  disturb  many 
of  them  until  new  roots  have  been  formed  nearer  the  stem  ;  some, 
however,  should,  if  possible,  be  traced  to  a  point  where  they  branch 
into  numerous  smaller  ones,  there  be  cut  asunder,  trimmed  at  the 
points  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  afterwards  notched  at  intervals  of  a 
foot  throughout  their  entire  length.  A  compost  consisting  of  good 
loam  six  parts,  fresh  horse  droppings  one,  wood  ashes  half  a  part, 
with  a  little  soot,  and  should  the  loam  be  heavy  lime  rubble  added, 
is  an  excellent  one  with  which  to  replace  the  worn  out  soil  removed. 
First  place  a  layer  of  this  underneath  the  bared  roots,  so  as  to  bring 
them  to  within  6  inches  of  the  ground  line.  Next  draw  the  points 
of  the  long  roots  which  have  been  severed  and  notched  toward  the 
main  stem  so  as  to  confine  them  if  possible  to  within  a  radius  of 
5  feet,  secure  them  in  position  by  means  of  strong  wooden  pegs, 
then  cover  them  with  the  prepared  compost,  which  should  be 
trodden  moderately  firm.  The  surface  when  finished  ought  to  be 
slightly  above  the  ground  level  to  allow  for  sinking.  Over  this  a 
layer  of  short  manure  should  be  placed.  In  order  to  keep  the  roots 
of  younger  trees  within  bounds,  a  trench  should  be  dug  out  every 
three  years,  at  about  4  feet  from  the  stem,  the  points  of  the  roots 
cut  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  the  trench  filled  in  with  the  compost 
above  described,  a  few  inches  of  the  surface  soil  between  the  trench 
and  the  stem  being  also  removed  and  replaced  with  fresh  soil, 
always  finishing  off  with  a  layer  of  short  manure,  unless  the  trees 
have  a  tendency  to  grow  too  strongly. 

A  certain  position  of  this  work  should  be  carried  out  periodi¬ 
cally,  otherwise  it  will  assuredly  get  in  arrears.  In  all  instances  in 
which  trees  must  perforce  stand  over  for  another  season  before 
they  receive  this  necessary  attention,  much  help  may  be  rendered 
them  by  applying  liquid  manure  during  the  autumn  and  winter 
months.  Every  drop  of  this  valuable  fertiliser  obtainable  may  be 
turned  to  good  account  in  this  way,  by  storing  in  the  soil  the  food, 
which  the  roots  of  trees  and  crops  will  not  be  slow  to  appropriate 
during  their  season  of  need. — H.  Dunkin. 

(To  be  continued.) 


ARE  TOMATO  DISEASES  CONTROLLABLE? 

Bacterial  and  Eelworm  Troubles  —  Specimens  Wanted. 

“  Hygienist”  (page  325)  may  be  congratulated  on  his  endeavour 
to  reconcile  theory  with  practice — scientists  with  cultivators.  This 
cannot  too  soon  be  effected,  for  there  is  really  no  difference  between 
sound  theory  and  successful  practice.  The  one  is  of  no  value  without 
the  other,  and  I  have  come  to  regard  them  as  sjnonymous  for  all 
useful  cultural  purposes. 

As  regards  bacteria  it  may  safely  be  concluded  that  these  bodies 
generate  heat,  inasmuch  as  they  act  on  the  principles  of  a  ferment, 
and  are  most  active  under  droughty  conditions  of  the  atmosphere  or 
surrounding  medium  and  in  high  temperatures.  In  this  way  only  can 
we  account  for  the  deposits  of  nitrate  of  soda  in  Chili  and  nitrate  of 
potash  in  India.  It  is  also  well  known  that  the  micro-organisms  which 
render  soils  fertile  are  active  in  the  summer  when  the  soil  is  driest 
and  warmest,  and  are  passive  in  the  winter  when  the  soil  is  wettest  and 
coldest.  But  we  must  bear  in  mind  that  bacteria,  like  other  forms  of 
life,  may— nay,  must — be  separated  into  the  useful  and  malignant, 
and  it  is  important  that  the  one  be  known  from  the  other,  else  the 
first  cannot  be  encouraged  and  the  latter  discouraged.  When  a  soil 
is  excessively  manured  year  after  year  or  cropped  with  the  same 
plant  in  consecutive  years,  we  know  that  something  will  sooner  or 
later  befall  the  crop.  It  may  be  that  the  ground  of  a  kitchen  garden 
becomes  sodden  and  sour,  but  we  rarely  consider  that  we  have 
encouraged  the  micro-organisms  whose  office  is  to  convert  matter 
into  elements  poisonous  to  the  crops  we  desire  to  grow.  Now, 
instead  of  pursuing  this  disastrous  course,  manure  is  withheld  and  we 
give  a  dressing  of  lime.  What  happens?  The  chemist  will  tell  us 
that  it  effects  certain  changes,  liberates  ammonia,  and  does  many 
other  things.  He  will  only  tell  us  what  he  knows.  There  is  no 
theory  about ;  it  has  all  been  found  out  by  scientific  inquiry  and  hard- 
headed  practice.  I  know  what  the  result  is  from  a  cultivator’s  point 
of  view ;  but  I  also  want  to  know  how,  therefore  must  acquire 
chemical  knowledge,  and  when  I  can  ascertain  whether  the  chemist’s 
theory  is  correct  and  my  practice  sound.  Many  cultivators  acquire  this 
intuitively  or  glean  it  by  a  round-about  system  of  empirical  practice 
and  repeated  experiments,  which  are  characterised  by  more  losses 
than  gains,  and  the  outcome  is  that  as  little  is  known  of  the  why  and 
how  at  the  close  as  at  the  commencement. 

The  chemist  can  only  tell  us  so  much  and  no  more.  The 
ammonia  liberated  by  the  lime  is  not  a  particle  of  use  as  food  for  the 
crop  until  it  is  converted  by  one  organism  into  nitrite,  and  by  another 
into  nitrate.  Therefore  by  the  action  of  the  lime  we  set  machinery 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


861 


at  work,  which  converts  the  ammonia  into  nitrate  of  lime  and  potash, 
and  the  result  is  that  instead  of  the  crop,  say  Potatoes,  being  all  top, 
there  are  abundance  of  tubers.  The  fact  is  we  have  checked  or 
destroyed  the  malignant  organisms,  and  brought  into  activity  the 
useful.  That  is  the  way  to  come  at  facts,  and  it  is  only  by  so  doing 
that  we  are  able  to  give  a  satisfactory  account  of  our  practice. 

Bacterium  Halstedi  is  a  malignant  micro-organism.  Its  business 
is  to  live  and  perpetuate  its  species.  It  requires  plants— Tomatoes, 
Cucumbers,  Melons,  Vegetable  Marrows,  and  perhaps  Potatoes  to 
live  upon,  and  in  no  instance  has  it  been  found  upon  native  plants. 
This  by  no  means  points  to  the  necessity  of  its  being  introduced,  for 
it  may  after  all  prove  to  be  a  native  of  this  country,  just  the  same  as 
Oidium  Tuckeri  has  been  proved  to  be  our  very  common  Erisyphe 
communis,  and  the  Potato  fungus  traced  to  Solanum  Dulcamara.  The 
worst  part  of  the  matter  is  that  Bacterium  Halstedi  thrives  under  the 
same  conditions  as  the  useful  bacteria  do  potentially  in  behoof  of 
the  cultivator  ;  but  in  the  present  state  of  our  knowledge  of  these 
micro-organisms  it  is  hardly  possible  to  arrive  at  any  satisfactory 
deduction,  nevertheless  the  malignant  forms  are  certainly  as  food- 
requiring  as  the  useful,  and  it  may  safely  be  conceded  that  they  are 
incapable  of  manufacturing  that  upon  which  they  subsist,  for  all  life 
is  dependant  upon  that  of  another,  or  all  life  is  parasitic,  each  and 
all  doing  its  best  to  maintain  place  in  the  “  struggle  for  existence.” 

“  Hygienist  ”  attributes  fungal  diseases  to  wet  and  bacterial 
attacks  to  drought,  and  from  a  hygienic  standpoint  considers  all  to 
be  due  to  some  predisposing  causes.  Hygienists  are  all  very  well 
upon  general  grounds,  but  when  anything  special  or  particular  occurs 
no  one  thinks  of  appealing  to  them,  but  wisely  seeks  aid  from  duly 
qualified  specialists,  and  we  may  take  it  for  granted  that  every  culti¬ 
vator  of  Tomatoes  knows  what  suits  his  cultures.  If  we  raise  a 
number  of  plants  from  seed  there  is  a  difference  in  the  individuals, 
both  as  regards  health  and  fruitfulness,  yet  all  are  treated  precisely 
alike.  What  is  the  predisposing  cause  ?  Why  is  one  strong  and 
the  other  weak  ?  Predisposing  cause  forsooth  !  heterodoxy,  any  and 
everything  intangible,  immaterial,  may  or  may  not  exist,  always 
subject  of  argument !  But  Bacterium  Halstedi  can  be  seen,  examined, 
made  sure  of.  It  cannot  be  overlooked,  it  is  past  the  region  of 
hypothesis  or  metaphysical  subtlety,  is  a  substantial  fact,  which  all 
may  comprehend.  If  water  will  render  it  latent,  for  it  can  hardly 
kill  a  parasite  living  in  liquid,  all  the  better. 

What  I,  however,  particularly  desire  at  the  present  time  is  a  few 
inches  of  the  stem  and  a  similar  portion  of  the  root  part  attached  of 
a  Tomato  plant  infested  with  eelworm.  If  it  has  growth  springing 
from  the  collar  all  the  better,  and  to  satisfy  my  requirements  the 
part  sent  must  be  alive,  for  I  want  to  ascertain  if  the  nostrum  I  wish 
to  subject  it  to  is  as  safe  to  use  as  it  is  sure  to  kill  the  eelworm.  If 
the  result  is  satisfactory,  anyone  may  make  sure  of  the  recipe  by 
expending  Sjd.  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  in  which  it  may 
appear. — G.  Abbey. 

[Any  specimens  that  may  arrive  at  this  office  for  Mr.  Abbey  will 
be  forwarded  to  him.]  _ 

In  reply  to  “Hygienist”  on  page  325,  I  should  not  like  to  say 
hastily  that  the  Tomato  disease  is  absolutely  controllable,  but  I  am 
convinced  it  is  favoured  by  too  close  planting,  and  too  much 
moisture  both  at  the  roots  and  in  the  atmosphere.  As  preventives, 
experience  leads  me  to  recommend — 

1,  Never  plant  closer  than  2  feet  between  the  rows,  and  15  to 
18  inches  in  them. 

2,  If  disease  appears  pull  oat  the  plant  first  attacked  at  once. 

3,  Let  a  current  of  air  pass  right  through  the  house,  which  will 
bring  firm  and  short-jointed  wood,  so  essential  to  good  Tomato 
growing. — J.  G.  Bellinger,  Harrogate. 


A  LARGE  HOLLY  TREE. 

May  I  venture  through  your  columns  to  describe  a  Holly  tree 
which  may  be  the  largest  in  Great  Britain,  situated  within  ten  paces  of 
my  house,  which  is  1040  feet  above  the  sea  ? 

I  have  in  my  possession  a  report  which  was  made  on  it  in  January 
1836,  and  at  that  time  the  tree  “measured  in  circumference  above  the 
roots  thereof  27  feet  G  inches,  and  estimated  to  be  60  feet  in  height,  and 
is  very  branchy,  and  the  general  opinion  is  that  it  is  400  years  old.” 

The  circumference  of  the  tree  now  is  30  feet,  and  its  height  43  feet, 
and  has  sixteen  main  branches,  two  measuring  in  circumference  11  feet 
7  inches,  and  8  feet  2  inches.  It  covers  a  circle,  the  diameter  of  which 
is  54  feet,  and  its  branches  have  numerous  initials  and  dates  cut  on 
them,  those  which  can  be  still  deciphered  ranging  from  1700  to  1864. 
The  most  legible  is  that  of  J.  Broughton,  22nd  August,  1756,  which  is 
almost  as  clear  as  the  day  on  which  it  was  cut.  Many  of  the  branches 
are  half  eaten  through  with  rot,  and  I  have  had  all  the  sixteen  supported 
by  iron  rods.  The  tree  still  shows  great  vitality,  each  year  bringing 
forth  numerous  young  shoots.  It  is  rather  curious  that  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  valley  is  another  large  Holly  tree,  which  measures  17  feet 
Ginches  in  circumference. — GEO.  W.  Lloyd-Verney,  Colonel,  Clochfaen, 
Llanidloes,  N.  Wales. 


L.elia  grandis  tenebrosa. 

This  is  quite  distinct  from  the  type,  and  greatly  superior  to 
the  latter.  A  plant  I  have  in  bloom  now  has  flowers  6  inches 
across.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  wavy  chestnut  red,  the  lip  is 
rose  colour,  elegantly  fringed,  and  with  darker  lines  leading  to  a 
blotch  of  dark  rich  purple  in  the  throat,  a  really  superb  variety. 

Cattleya  bicolor. 

Although  this  species  is  not  so  showy  as  some  others,  yet  its 
distinct  appearance  should  ensure  it  a  place  in  every  collection. 
The  side  lobes  of  the  lip,  which  in  most  Caltleyas  enfold  the 
column,  are  entirely  absent  in  C.  bicolor,  leaving  the  column 
exposed.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  brown  ;  the  lip  is  crimson,  in 
some  types  with  a  distinct  white  margin,  in  others  the  colour  gets 
fainter  towards  the  edge.  The  flowers  are  produced  on  upright 
peduncles,  which  bear  from  five  to  twelve  blooms  each.  It  is  a 
Brazilian  Orchid,  and  grows  and  flowers  freely  with  ordinary  care. — 
H.  R.  R. 

Orchids  at  Cliffe  House,  Hessle. 

Whilst  paying  a  hurried  visit  to  Hessle  last  week  I  was  in¬ 
vited  to  see  the  collection  of  Orchids  in  which  B.  Whitaker,  Esq., 
of  Cliffe  House,  is  so  deeply  interested.  I  found  some  exceedingly 
fine  plants  of  the  better  species  present.  Mr.  Jarvis  first  took  me 
to  where  two  fine  specimens  of  Cattleya  Dowiana  aurea  and  Cat¬ 
tleya  chrysotoxa  were  in  full  bloom.  The  blooms  were  in  excel¬ 
lent  condition,  very  fine  and  well  constituted.  Some  good  flowers 
of  Laelia  purpurata  were  in  the  same  house.  A  spike  of  Oncidium 
crispum  had  sixty-four  flower  buds  on  it,  looking  remarkably  fresh. 
Several  other  good  plants  were  in  bloom.  The  Cypripediums,  I 
thought,  were  especially  healthy,  and  included  Curtisi,  Morgania, 
grande,  Alice,  callosum  and  Chamberlainianum. — W.  Clayton. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

October  10th. 

Scientific  Committee. — Present :  Mr.  McLachlan  (in  the  chair). 
Prof.  Church,  Dr.  Muller,  Mr.  Blandford,  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr.  Bonavia, 
and  Rev.  G.  Henslow,  Hon.  Sec. 

Peach  Disease. — With  reference  to  the  diseased  Peaches  brought  to 
the  last  meeting  by  Dr.  Mliller,  Mr.  G.  Massee  of  Kew  reports  as 
follows  : — “  The  Peach  disease  is  caused  by  the  fungus  Gloeosporium 
fructigerum,  Berh.,  or  rather  by  G.  lacticolor,  Berh.,  w’hich  is  in  reality 
only  the  former  species  modified  by  the  host,  as  proved  by  cultures. 
In  America,  where  the  disease  is  too  well  known,  and  has  also  attacked 
Grapes  during  the  last  two  or  three  years,  it  has  been  found  that  the 
fungus  can  be  kept  well  under  control  by  two  or  three  sprayings  of 
potassic  sulphide  (J  oz.  to  a  gallon  of  water)  applied  in  June  or  July. 
Of  course,  it  is  too  late  to  attempt  spraying  this  year,  but  all  diseased 
fruit  should  be  removed  and  destroyed  to  prevent  the  diffusion  of  the 
spores.”  Dr.  Muller  observed  that  he  had  seen  the  disease  twice  soon 
after  the  setting  of  the  fruit.  This  appeared  to  be  locally  arrested  in 
growth  where  the  fungus  occurred,  the  rest  of  the  Peach  growing 
normally. 

Pyrus  japonica  Fruiting. — Mr.  Blandford  exhibited  specimens,  and 
commented  on  the  very  large  size  to  which  the  fruit  had  attained  this 
year.  They  do  not  appear  to  be  capable  of  being  put  to  any  use 
as  yet. 

Oranges  from  Australia. — Dr.  Bonavia  communicated  the  follow¬ 
ing  remarks  on  a  curious  phenomenon  connected  with  Oranges 
“  On  the  12th  July,  1893,  a  box  of  Oranges  was  shipped  to  me  by  a 
friend  in  South  Australia.  It  contained  four  varieties  of  the  so-called 
‘  Portugal  ’  Orange,  viz.,  the  ‘  Navel  ’  Orange,  a  large  and  a  small  Blood 
Orange,  and  the  Egg  Orange.  Bach  Orange  was  wrapped  in  tissue 
paper,  and  the  whole  were  packed  tightly  in  hay.  They  reached  me 
after  having  been  about  five  weeks  on  the  sea  in  very  sound  condition, 
with  the  exception  of  one  which  was  spoilt.  Probably  this  had  been 
bruised  before  it  was  packed. 

“  On  the  voyage  the  Oranges  sweated  and  the  hay  became  damp,  for 
when  I  opened  the  box  a  musty  smell  of  damp  hay  pervaded  the  whole 
box  ;  and  now  comes  an  interesting  point. 

“  I  unpacked  all  the  Oranges  and  freed  them  from  paper  and  hay. 
They  all  had  a  musty  smell.  I  washed  some  of  them  and  dried  them. 
Apparently  the  musty  smell  was  completely  removed  from  the  outside  ; 
but  on  cutting  open  the  Oranges  every  one  of  them  had  not  only  a 
musty  smell  in  the  juice  carpels,  but  also  a  peculiar  musty  flavour. 

“  It  would  appear  that  the  mustiness  of  the  damp  hay  penetrated 
through  the  peel  and  pervaded  the  whole  interior  of  the  Orange,  giving 
a  peculiar  and  unpleasant  flavour  to  the  juice. 


862 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  19,  1893. 


“  There  was  no  difference  in  the  four  varieties.  They  were  all 
equally  contaminated  by  the  musty  smell  and  flavour,  although  other¬ 
wise  quite  sound,  and  when  washed  the  mustiness  could  not  be  detected 
in  the  rind. 

“  I  ate  some  of  them  every  day,  and  by  keeping  the  mustiness  of  the 
juice  became  less,  till  about  the  fourth  week  after  unpacking  the 
mustiness  in  the  juice  was  scarcely  perceptible. 

“  All  the  varieties  were  rather  thick-skinned  and  were  very  juicy, 
and  all  kept  very  well.  Probably  the  soft  hay  packing  may  have  had 
something  to  do  with  their  not  getting  bruised  on  the  way.  The  ‘  Navel  ’ 
Oranges  were  more  juicy  than  the  same  variety  we  get  in  London  from 
California. 

“  I  hardly  know  how  to  explain  the  contamination  of  the  juice  by 
the  musty  air  in  the  box.  The  peel  contains  a  large  quantity  of  essential 
oil.  This  may  have  absorbed  the  musty  aroma,  and  then,  when  saturated, 
passed  it  on  to  the  juice  vesicles  which  also  contain  a  considerable 
proportion  of  essential  oil.  By  keeping  and  exposure  to  the  air,  this 
process  may  have  been  reversed.” 

With  regard  to  the  cause  of  the  flavour  of  the  Oranges  Prof.  Church 
explained  it  by  the  fermentation  of  the  hay  and  osmose  causing  the 
scent  to  enter  ;  then  transpiration  would  subsequently  bring  about  the 
odour  externally.  It  was  remarked  by  Mr.  McLachlan  that  certain 
Oranges  were  eaten  green  in  Java  and  Ceylon.  Dr.  Bonavia  added  that 
such  became  yellow  subsequently,  though  they  were  edible  in  the  green 
state.  They  have  been  illustrated  by  Miss  North  among  her  paintings 
at  Kew. 

Pears  Diseased.  —  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  «&  Sons  forwarded  samples  of 
Pitmastun  Duchess  Pears  affected  apparently  by  a  fungus,  giving  the 
fruit  a  warty  appearance.  They  were  referred  to  Kew  for  examination. 

Salisburia,  Diseased. — A  branch  of  this  tree  was  received  from  South 
Dorset,  evidently  in  a  very  enfeebled  condition.  It  was  the  general 
opinion  that  the  mild,  damp,  maritime  climate  of  the  situation  was 
unfavourable  to  it,  and  the  probable  cause  of  its  unhealthiness. 

Wasps  and  Pears. — Mr.  Blandford  observed  on  the  habit  of  tomtits, 
which  he  had  seen  pecking  holes  in  Pears,  which  gave  wasps  access  to 
attack  the  juicy  tissues.  Application  of  nicotine  to  the  wound  kept 
them  at  bay  for  six  hours.  Mr.  Henslow  added  that  he  had  noticed 
wasps  attacking  mealy  bugs  in  a  vinery  before  the  Grapes  were  ripe. 
Mr.  McLachlan  added  that  he  had  noticed  tomtits  attacking  Cob  Nuts 
for  the  purpose  of  extracting  the  grubs  within  them. 

Cypripedinm,  Synanthy.  —  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  exhibited  a  plant 
having  two  flowers  welded  into  one.  It  possessed  one  lower  smaller 
sepal,  two  large  ones  above,  three  nearly  equal  sized  petals,  two  perfect 
labella,  and  two  staminodia  ;  the  ovary  showed  the  fusion  by  a  longi¬ 
tudinal  groove. 

Rhododendron  Hybrid, — Mr.  Henslow  exhibited  a  specimen  received 
from  Mr.  Veitch,  the  result  of  crossing  “Lord  Wolseley”  by  the 
bigener  “  Indico  javanicum,”  this  having  been  the  result  of  crossing 
“Lord  Wolseley”  with  Azalea  indica  Stella.  The  flowers  were  more  or 
less  malformed,  having  a  strong  tendency  to  be  polypetalous ;  the 
stamens  were  occasionally  epipetalous  or  sub-petaloid.  The  form  of  the 
flower  showed  no  improvement  on  that  of  Indico  javanicum,  though  it 
was  a  little  brighter  in  colour  (orange). 

Oah  Galls. — Some  curious  many-pointed  galls  on  the  acorns  of  Oaks 
at  Versailles  were  sent  by  Mr.  Belt  of  Ealing.  Mr.  McLachlan  reports 
that  they  are  the  product  of  Cynips  Calycis,  and  that  this  species  of 
gall  has  never  been  found  in  this  country. 

Matricaria  Cliamomilla  Rayless. — Mr.  Henslow  exhibited  specimens 
found  by  road  sides  in  Baling.  They  appeared  to  be  particularly 
abundant  last  year.  Seed  obtained  failed  to  germinate  in  the  present 
dry  season. 


The  Battersea  Park  Chrysanthemums. 


We  are  informed  that  upwards  of  4000  persons  passed  through  the 
Chrysanthemum  house  in  Battersea  Park  on  Saturday,  Sunday,  and 
Monday  last,  the  number  of  visitors  on  Sunday  being  3080.  The  plants  are 
in  admirable  condition,  and  the  display  is  increasing  in  beauty  every  day. 

Chrysanthemums  at  Waterlow  Park. 

The  large  conservatory  and  vineries  at  this  park  were  opened  to  the 
public  for  two  months  on  Saturday  the  14th  inst.,  from  ten  till  four 
each  day,  for  the  Chrysanthemum  Show.  There  are  over  2000  plants 
coming  in  flower,  and  these  will  make  a  better  display  than  last  year. 
There  is  also  a  collection  of  other  flowering  plants. 

Crystal  Palace  Show. 

The  Chrysanthemum  Exhibition  at  the  Crystal  Palace  this  year  will 
take  place  on  November  3rd  and  4th.  Cut  blooms,  as  usual,  will  form 
a  feature,  the  principal  class  being  for  “  forty-eight  blooms,  twenty-four 
Japanese  and  twenty-four  incurved,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties 
of  each  or  more  than  two  of  one  variety.”  The  prizes  offered  are  good, 
those  in  the  class  mentioned  being  £10,  £7,  £5,  and  £3,  which  should 
bring  forth  a  keen  competition.  Mr.  W.G.  Head,  Superintendent,  Garden 
Department,  Crystal  Palace,  S.E.,  will  supply  schedules  and  entry  forms. 


West  of  Encland  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

As  announced  in'  our  advertisement  columns  the  annual  Exhibition 
of  this  Society  will  be  held  in  the  Guildhall,  Plymouth,  on  November 
14th  and  15th.  A  comprehensive  schedule  has  been  prepared  and 
liberal  prizes  are  offered.  The  leading  class  is  for  forty-eight  blooms, 
to  consist  of  twenty-four  Japanese  and  a  similar  number  of  Incurved 
in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties  of  each,  the  five  prizes  being 
£15,  £10,  £5,  £2  and  £1  respectively.  Messrs.  Wilson  and  Damerell, 
4,  North  Hill,  Plymouth,  are  the  Honorary  Secretaries. 

Charles  Davis. 

Lovers  of  Chrysanthemums  generally,  and  especially  cultivators  of 
cut  blooms  for  exhibition,  are  no  doubt  anxiously  looking  forward  for 
the  first  appearance  or  report  of  this  novelty.  To  many  it  is  known  that 
it  is  a  yellow  sport  from  that  deservedly  popular  Japanese  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Viviand  Morel. 

I  lately  saw  the  variety  under  notice  in  bloom  in  the  nursery  of  Mr.  J. 
Agate,  Havant,  and  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  it  quite  comes  up 
to  expectation.  Like  all  sports  it  retains  the  habit  of  its  parent,  and 
splendid  flowers  are  produced  on  plants  3  feet  high.  The  first  buds 
produce  blooms  pale  primrose  in  colour  decidedly  pleasing.  The  blooms 
from  the  second  buds  are  deep  yellow  in  the  centre,  fading  with  age  to 
a  lighter  tint  towards  the  extremity  of  the  petals,  having  here  and  there 
a  tinge  of  colour.  The  later  blooms  develop  as  the  published  description 
gives  them — canary  yellow,  beautifully  tinted  rosy  bronze.  The  blooms 
upon  Mr.  Agate’s  plants  measured  8  inches  in  diameter,  and  gave  promise 
of  proportionate  depth. — E.  Molyneux. 

National  Chrysakthemum  Society. 

We  are  requested  by  the  Honorary  Secretary  to  state  that  on  the 
occasion  of  the  great  Exhibition  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  on  Nov.  7th, 
8th,  and  9  th,  the  flowers  competing  in  class  27  of  the  amateurs’  division 
will  be  considered  when  the  special  medals  are  awarded.  This  class  was 
unfortunately  omitted  from  those  mentioned  on  page  64  of  the  schedule 
of  prizes.  Also  that  the  awards  in  class  48,  being  special  prizes  offered 
by  Mr.  E.  C.  Jukes,  will  be  the  silver-gilt,  silver,  and  bronze  medals  of 
the  Society.  The  Floral  Committee  will  meet  on  the  second  day  of  the 
Show,  Wednesday,  November  8th,  at  two  o’clock,  and  not  on  the  first 
day  as  heretofore. 

Certificated  Chrysanthemums. 

The  following  new  Chrysanthemums  were  awarded  first-class  certi¬ 
ficates  at  the  Floral  Committee  meeting  at  the  Aquarium  on  the 
11th  inst. : — 

Charles  Davis  (Mr.  H.  J.  Jones). — A  deep  bronzy  yellow  sport  from 
the  well-known  Japanese  variety  Viviand  Morel. 

Eda  Prass  (Mr.  Godfrey). — An  American  seedling  of  the  Japanese 
type  ;  colour,  soft  salmon  rose. 

Madame  Edouard  Rey  (Mr.  B.  Beckett). — A  large  Japanese  incurved 
flower,  light  purple  amaranth,  with  rosy  reverse. 

Louise  (Mr.  N.  Davis). — A  fine  large  white  Japanese  incurved  variety, 
with  deeply  grooved  florets,  tinted  blush. 

Mdlle.  Therese  Rey  (Mr.  H.  Shoesmith). — A  large  Japanese,  with 
long  drooping  florets.  This  and  the  two  preceding  were  raised  by  Mr. 
Ernest  Cal  vat. 

Edith  Rowbottom  (Mr.  E.  Rowbottom). — A  Japanese  bloom,  colour 
lilac  amaranth,  petals  rather  narrow ;  a  seedling  raised  by  the 
exhibitor. 

Among  other  interesting  flowers,  of  which  more  may  be  heard  later 
on,  were  L’Ami  Etienne,  Vice-President  Jules  Barigny,  Lizzie  Seward, 
Violetta,  Mrs.  P.  Blair,  and  G.  W.  Childs. 

Chrysanthemums  Around  Liverpool. 

Once  more  the  season  is  at  hand  when  notes  relating  to  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  are  of  special  interest.  On  all  sides  the  opinion  expressed  is 
that  the  early  blooms  will  be  somewhat  coarse,  yet,  notwithstanding,  a 
very  fine  display  is  anticipated.  To  Liverpool  people  the  great  event  of 
the  forthcoming  Show  is  the  prize  given  by  Messrs.  R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons 
for  twelve  incurved,  twelve  Japanese,  and  twelve  reflexed  blooms. 
The  prize  consists  of  a  magnificent  challenge  vase,  value  20  guineas, 
with  10  guineas  in  cash  each  year  until  finally  won,  to  be  won  twice 
consecutively  or  three  times  in  all,  open  to  growers  within  twelve  miles 
radius  of  the  Liverpool  Exchange.  In  1891  it  was  won  by  the  late 
Mr.  A.  R.  Cox,  and  last  year  by  Mr.  Jellicoe,  gardener  to  F.  H.  Gossage, 
Esq.,  who  will  do  his  utmost  to  secure  the  trophy  this  year.  Another 
event  is  at  the  neighbouring  Grassendale  Show,  where  Mr.  Donald 
Forbes,  gardener  to  Alfred  Holt,  Esq.,  Crofton,  Aigburth,  the  winner  of 
the  10  guinea  cup  presented  by  A.  L.  Jones,  Esq.,  and  also  last  year’s 
winner  of  the  10  guinea  prize  at  Liverpool,  means  to  make  a  bold  bid 
for  the  retention  of  the  cup  as  his  own  property.  As  in  former  years  I 
can  only  note  the  more  important  of  the  growers,  at  the  same  time 
bearing  in  mind  the  fact  that  good  work  is  being  done  by  smaller 
growers,  although  not  figuring  on  the  exhibition  boards.  The  remainder 
of  my  notes  will  be  completed  next  week. 

Lingdale  Lodge,  Oxton,  Cheshire. 

A  GENUINE  lover  of  the  Chrysanthemum  was  the  late  Mr.  George 
Cockburn,  who  has  passed  away  since  my  notes  of  last  season,  but  it  is 
gratifying  to  find  that  their  cultivation  is  being  continued  by  the  family, 
who  all  share  the  same  interest.  Mr.  George  Burden,  now  well  known, 
has  this  season  400  plants,  his  Japanese  varieties  being  very  good.  The 
most  noticeable  are  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Puritan,  Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  F. 
Jameson,  Btoile  de  Lyon,  Viviand  Morel,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Mons. 


■October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDEN  EH 


853 


Bernard,  Mrs.  Wheeler,  Edwin  Molyneux,  G.  C.  Scwabe,  Sunflower,  Mrs. 
Irving  Clarke,  W.  Tricker,  and  Avalanche.  Of  newer  kinds  the  most 
promising  are  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Lord  Brooke,  William  Shrimpton,  and 
Princess  May.  Amongst  incurved  the  Queen  family  is  represented  by 
fine  plants  and  stout  foliage,  but  Mr.  Burden  is  afraid  that  the  buds  are 
not  so  kind  in  opening  as  in  other  seasons,  but  he  will  have  fine  blooms 
nevertheless.  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Heale,  and  their  sports  are  fine, 
as  are  also  Prince  Alfred,  Lord  Wolseley,  John  Salter,  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Refulgence,  and  Lady  Harding.  Of  the  newer  kinds  Mons.  R.  Bahuant 
is  grand,  but  inclined  to  be  early,  whilst  Madame  Harrier  is  superb. 

Boscobel,  Noctoeum,  Cheshire, 

The  residence  of  C.  J.  Proctor,  Esq.,  the  esteemed  President  of  the 
Birkenhead  Chrysanthemum  Society,  is  well  worthy  of  mention,  by 
reason  of  the  excellent  blooms  which  Mr.  J.  Williams,  Mr,  Proctor’s 
gardener,  exhibited  last  season.  They  grow  over  200  plants  which  are 
this  season  most  promising.  The  best  of  the  Japanese  are  W.  H.  Lincoln, 
Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Vi  viand  Morel, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Mons.  Bernard,  Avalanche,  Mrs.  Wheeler,  W.  Tricker, 
Sunflower,  G.  C.  Scwabe,  and  E.  Molyneux,  The  incurved  are  very  fine, 
and  particular  mention  should  be  made  of  Princess  of  Wales  types  and 
those  sometimes  “  miffy  ”  ones,  John  Salter  and  Refulgence,  Madame 
Harrier  is  excellent. 

Ceofton,  Aigbueth. 

Here  Mr.  Honald  Forbes  has  some  grand  plants,  fully  equal  to 
former  years.  The  fine  summer  seems  to  have  suited  especially  such  kinds 
as  E.  Molyneux,  Mrs.  C.  Wheeler,  Beauty  of  Castlewood,  G,  C.  Schwabe, 
W.  Tricker,  Mrs.  F,  Jameson,  Viviand  Morel,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Colonel 
W.  B.  Smith,  W.  H,  Lincoln,  Avalanche,  W.  Lane,  Aida,  Coronet, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  and  Stanstead  White.  Of  newer  kinds,  those 
which  at  present  stand  out  prominently  are  Wm.  Seward,  Horothy 
Shea,  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne,  Mrs.  E.  H.  Adams,  L’Ami  Etienne,  Chas. 
Bavis,  Brookleigh  Gem,  Lucy  Kendal,  Henry  Perkins,  and  Baron  Hirsch. 
The  Queen  and  Princess  types  are  most  promising.  The  open  weather 
has  been  most  favourable  since  the  plants  were  housed,  and  should  it 
continue  the  prospect  is  good  for  our  early  Show. 

Aigbueth  Hall, 

The  residence  of  Mrs.  Arthur  Cooke,  is  a  fresh  addition  to  these 
notes,  but  as  the  gardens  are  presided  over  by  Mr.  Charles  Osborne,  who 
made  his  name  famous  when  at  Aymestrey  Court,  Woolton,  all  readers 
will  be  glad  to  hear  something  of  his  doings  in  his  new  charge.  Though 
rather  late  on  entering  his  duties  here,  he  has  a  good  collection  of  fine 
healthy  plants,  the  best  Japanese  being  Bouquet  de  Bame,  Anna  Hartz- 
horn,  two  varieties  ;  Sunflower,  E.  Molyneux,  W.  Tricker,  Puritan,  Stan- 
stead  White,  Boule  d’Or,  W.  W.  Coles,  and  Mrs.  F.  Jameson.  These  are 
excellent,  and  rightly  timed.  Newer  varieties  very  good  in  bud  are 
R.  C.  Kingston,  Florence  Bavis,  Col.  Smith,  and  W.  Lane.  Of  incurved, 
the  Queen  family  on  early  buds  are  inclined  to  be  rough.  Plants 
stopped  the  first  week  in  June  are  very  promising.  All  the  Princess 
family  are  just  unfolding  ;  these  were  stopped  the  second  week  in  June. 
Mons.  R.  Bahuant  is  very  fine,  and  Lord  Wolseley  and  Madame  Carrier, 
as  elsewhere,  are  excellent.  Viviand  Morel  on  the  early  bud  is  exactly 
similar  to  Meg  Merrilies  without  a  tinge  of  pink  in  it. 

About  fifty  plants  in  6-inch  pots  for  conservatory  decoration  are 
worth  mentioning.  The  main  plants  were  run  on  to  four  shoots  after 
the  break,  and  the  second  week  in  July  one  top  shoot  was  taken  from 
each  plant,  placed  in  thumb  pots  and  put  under  handlights  in  the 
greenhouse.  As  soon  as  rooted  they  were  transferred  to  6-inch  pots. 
Now  they  are  from  3  to  22  inches  high,  with  grand  buds  and  every 
promise  of  proving  a  welcome  change  from  all  those  grown  on  the 
orthodox  system. 

Clevelby,  Allerton. 

Never  on  any  previous  occasion  has  Mr.  Cromwell  had  such  a 
promise  of  fine  flowers,  the  700  plants  being  perfect.  The  Princess 
family  have  fine  shapely  buds.  Those  of  the  Queen  types,  which  are 
excellent,  are  Queen  of  England,  Mrs.  Robinson  King,  Lord  Alcester, 
Empress  of  India  and  others.  The  Japanese  are  very  good,  and  the 
following  are  now  developing  into  substantial  blooms,  viz..  Beauty  of 
Castlewood,  W.  Tricker,  Florence  Bavis,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Sunflower, 
Viviand  Morel,  Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson  and  others.  Of  the 
newer  ones,  Wm.  Seward  is  very  fine,  and  we  must  bid  adieu  to  Jeanne 
Belaux  to  make  way  for  the  new  comer,  which  besides  its  colour,  has 
such  a  robust  constitution.  G.  W.  Child,  John  Shrimpton  and  Colonel 
W.  B.  Smith  are  developing  into  fine  flowers.  Baron  Hirsch  is  very 
promising  as  a  new  incurved,  and  one  of  the  best  of  its  colour. 

To  the  above  I  may  append  a  note  which  should  not  be  overlooked 
by  gardeners  who  grow  Chrysanthemums  for  decoration  as  to  the 
usefulness  at  the  present  time  of  the  three  varieties — Bouquet  de  Came, 
Mons.  Wm.  Holmes  and  Gorgeous,  white,  red  and  yellow,  which  flowers 
in  advance  of  the  general  collection.  The  corridor  at  Cleveley  at  the 
present  time  contains  120  plants  of  these  varieties,  each  plant  carrying 
three  fully  developed  blooms,  and  I  need  hardly  say  that  the  effect  is 
grand. — R.  P.  R. 


LESSONS  OF  THE  DRY  SEASON. 

[Read  by  Mr.  George  Bunyard  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Horticultural  Club.] 
The  year  1893  will  stand  out  in  the  memories  of  all  connected  with 
gardening  and  agriculture  as  an  unprecedented  one,  the  absence  of 
rain  for  such  long  periods  and  the  extreme  heat  having  in  some  cases 
had  disastrous  effects  alike  on  garden,  arable  field,  and  pasture.  In 


opening  a  discussion  on  this  question  one  is  struck  by  the  many-sided 
phases  of  the  subject,  and  it  will  be  only  possible  to  take  up  that 
embraced  by  the  word  Horticulture.  Starting  in  February,  we  had  a 
month  of  almost  continued  wet.  The  land  was  happily  saturated,  and 
lucky  were  those  whose  soil  permitted  them  to  get  in  the  main  garden 
crops  early  while  the  moisture  was  able  to  assist  germination.  In  the 
vegetable  garden  the  crops  most  affected  were  Peas,  Broad  Beans,  Beet, 
Turnips,  and  Onions.  Some  of  the  seeds  of  these  never  germinated,  and 
until  the  May  rains  came  there  seemed  little  chance  of  crop,  but  when  the 
plants  began  to  grow  they  made  quick  progress,  and  from  the  evidence 
of  many  vegetable  shows  most  excellent  examples  were  produced. 

Never  has  there  been  a  year  in  which  the  cultivators  have  so  beaten 
the  mere  “  growers,”  for  where  deep  cultivation  and  frequent  loosening 
of  the  surface  soil  by  hoeing  was  carried  out  the  crops  did  not  suffer  to 
the  same  extent  as  where  the  land  was  left  alone  ;  and  on  the  farm  it 
was  the  same,  grand  crops  being  secured  where  high-class  farming  was 
carried  out. 

Naturally  the  vegetables  liking  warmth,  or  native  to  warmer  climes, 
have  done  well.  Tomatoes  ripening  thoroughly  outside  ;  Bwarf  French 
Beans  grew  rapidly,  but  soon  became  too  old  for  the  kitchen  ;  Runners 
grew,  but  the  blossom  fell  off  wholesale,  and  there  was  one  crop  near 
the  ground  and  another  at  the  top.  Marrows  grew  finely  where  they 
had  any  food  to  live  on,  but  outdoor  Cucumbers  were  nil.  At  one  time  ic 
looked  as  if  Winter  Greens  and  Sprouts  would  be  altogether  lost,  but 
they  have  pulled  round.  These  results  emphasise  the  fact  that  all  the  hard 
work  of  a  kitchen  garden  should  be  done  in  the  winter — i.e.,  trenching, 
manuring,  and  preparation  of  the  seed  beds.  So  far  for  vegetables. 

In  the  fruit  crops  the  summer  has  done  wonders.  Starting  with 
Strawberries,  where  these  were  planted  on  deeply  trenched  and  enriched 
land  they  gave  splendid  results,  and  many  second-rated  kinds  came  to 
best  quality,  as  Noble,  Competitor,  John  Ruskin,  and  others.  The 
Queen  race  did  not  do  so  well,  the  late  ones  were  unable  to  hold  out  till 
the  crop  set.  Strawberries  from  Hampshire  were  in  the  London 
markets  on  the  4th  May,  and  extraordinary  prices  ruled  for  the  early 
pickings.  Paxtons  made  10s.  6d.  per  gallon.  The  lesson  we  have  in  these 
useful  fruits  is  evident  where  growers  had  left  beds  over  two  years  old. 
They  failed  to  get  a  crop  worth  the  trouble  of  picking,  and  it  was  the 
same  in  gardens.  I  am  more  than  ever  convinced  that  two  years  is  the 
full  limit  of  a  paying  Strawberry  crop.  We  have  had  several  pounds  of 
fruit  in  October  from  Vicomtesse  H^ricart  de  Thury,  Gooseberry  and 
Currant  crops  were  in  many  cases  quite  dried  up,  and  in  July  put  on 
their  September  garb,  but  what  fruit  was  saved  was  of  fine  flavour ;  and 
Raspberries  were  almost  a  failure.  These  again  are  left  too  long  on  the 
same  land.  If  planted  on  well  prepared  ground  and  thoroughly  surface 
dug  they  will  last  good  for  six  years,  but  new  beds  are  better  then  made, 
and  the  manure  should  be  put  on  the  surface. 

As  may  be  supposed,  extra  fine  Peaches  and  Nectarines  have  been 
grown  on  open  walls  this  year  where  care  has  been  taken  to  water 
the  trees  freely  and  to  keep  them  syringed.  Apricots  have  borne  the 
best  crop  for  many  years,  and  no  doubt  the  well  ripened  wood  in  these 
stone  fruits  will  remain  a  witness  to  the  grand  time  they  have  had. 
Nectarines  from  their  more  tender  skins  were  sadly  spoiled  and 
shrivelled  by  the  scorching  sun,  and  the  lesson  we  may  learn  from  this 
is  that  they  will  in  such  times  pay  for  a  partial  shade,  and  more  foliage 
should  be  left  on  them  than  we  usually  leave  on  Peaches.  The  flavour 
of  both  has  been  exceptionally  fine,  and  the  crop  from  two  to  four 
weeks  earlier  than  usual  where  these  fruits  were  grown  in  an  orchard 
house.  They  have  needed  great  care,  and  some  shade  was  necessary  to 
reduce  the  excessive  evaporation. 

Pears  were  literally  scorched  off  the  trees  by  the  heat  and  sun  in 
April.  The  few  remaining  on  some  trees  naturally  came  to  an  abnormal 
size,  and  the  fruit  shows  have  given  us  notable  and  record  examples. 
On  walls  the  crop  has  been  good  generally  except  where  very  hot,  as 
stated  above.  We  had  a  long  line  of  cordons  quite  fruitless  because  we 
put  them  on  a  tarred  fence  and  omitted  to  whiten  it  over.  Many  kinds 
which  only  come  to  perfection  in  such  seasons  as  the  past  have  been 
extra  fine  and  clear  in  the  skin,  I  allude  to  such  as  Glou  Mor^eau, 
Bergamotte  Esperen,  Easter  Beurr6,  Madame  Millet,  Beurr^  Ranee, 
Chaumontel,  Bachesse  d’Angouleme,  Beurrd  d’Anjou,  being  grand  in 
size  and  without  a  crack  or  spot.  The  palpable  lesson  here  is  that  we 
ought  to  place  all  such  good,  but  “  difficult-to-grow  ”  sorts,  on  south  or 
south-west  walls,  where  they  would  in  many  cases  do  better  than 
Peaches  and  Nectarines,  especially  in  those  old  gardens  where  the  nail- 
holes  in  walls  form  a  happy  hunting  ground  for  aphides,  red  spider,  and 
that  evil  family.  Many  sorts  have  taken  on  grand  co’our,  and  the  open 
cordon  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  have  been  equal  to  the  imported  fruit  in 
point  of  colour  and  clearness  of  skin.  Never  before  have  we  seen  such 
grand  crops  of  this  Pear  on  standards,  in  which  form  many  others 
came  large  and  fine  in  colour  and  quality.  I  anticipate  the  late  and 
fine  sorts,  such  as  Beurre  Ranee.  Boyennd  d’Alen^on,  Buchesse  de  Bor¬ 
deaux,  and  Olivier  des  Serres,  will,  beyond  the  above,  be  of  fine  quality, 
while  healthy  wood  fully  ripened  will,  in  a  great  measure,  prevent  canker. 
Pears,  usually  ranked  second-rate,  has  been  grand;  General  Todtleben, 
Beurrd  Clairgeau,  and  Grosse  Calebasse  quite  fine. 

Apples,  the  great  Biitish  crop,  have  been  a  grand  exhibition.  All 
kinds  have  developed  not  only  size  but  splendiil  colour  and  clear 
skin.  There  is  only  one  that  has  failed  to  reach  its  maximum — i  e., 
Ecklinville.  It  may  be  that  it  misses  the  frequent  showers  of  its  native 
Emerald  Isle.  Calviile  Blanc,  Rvinette  de  Caux,  and  even  Newtown 
Pippin  have  been  quite  good  outside,  and  no  kind  has  shown  any  spot  or 
crack  where  cultivation  has  been  carried  out  liberally.  The  so-called 
growers  of  fruit  in  neglected  orc’uards  have  had  a  reverse,  which  it  is 


854 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  19,  1893. 


hoped  will  open  their  eyes  to  see  that  unless  they  thin  out  their  trees 
and  give  them  some  root  assistance  by  liquid  manure  or  mulching, 
they  can  never  get  a  profitable  crop  in  face  of  the  fine  examples  now  put 
on  our  market  from  well-managed  trees  on  cultivated  land.  More  and 
more  it  is  evident  that  if  fruit  culture  in  this  land  is  to  succeed  we 
must  bring  into  it  all  the  gardener’s  thought,  care,  and  attention.  In 
passing,  a  word  as  to  the  marvellous  colour  in  Apples  this  season.  A 
preacher  said  recently,  that  after  he  had  seen  the  vineyards  of  the  south, 
and  the  flowers  and  fruits  of  that  region,  he  should  readily  give  the 
palm  to  an  Apple  orchard  in  its  wreath  of  September  coloured  fruit. 
The  Winter  Queenings,  Colonel  Vaughan,  and  others  were  scarlet  in 
colour.  As  an  expert  I  have  fruit  sent  from  all  parts  for  naming,  and  it 
has  been  a  “  lesson  of  the  season”  to  see  the  same  kinds  from  different 
people,  in  some  cases  four  times  as  large  as  that  from  trees  not  properly 
cared  for. 

I  am  of  opinion  that  we  should  grow  some  of  our  Apples  on  walls, 
the  beauty  of  the  fruit  and  the  fulness  of  flavour  then  obtained  seems 
to  indicate  they  ought  to  have  some  such  warm  position.  Calville 
Rouge,  Sturmer  Pippin,  Washington,  and  other  fruits,  which  have  not 
always  time  to  finish  in  our  short  summers,  are  very  fine  this  year. 
Many  kinds  have  been  so  large  as  to  suggest  a  doubt  as  to  their 
authenticity,  Kerry  Pippin,  several  Pearmains,  Duchess  of  Oldenburg, 
being  twice  or  three  times  their  usual  size  ;  other  Apples  passing  as 
kitchen  sorts  are  sweet  table  fruit.  I  am  inclined  to  think  the  far 
travelling  and  deep  rooting  nature  of  the  Apple  has  been  much  in  their 
favour.  Canker  in  such  sorts  as  Lord  Suffield  has  been  quite  wanting, 
and  the  trees  are  wonderfully  strengthened  for  future  crops  by  an 
abundance  of  hard  well  ripened  wood.  It  is  remarkable  that  the  surface 
rooting  Paradise  stock  has  given  such  fine  fruit  in  a  dry  season,  as  even 
where  mulehed  early  there  has  not  been  rain  enough  to  set  free  the 
stimulating  properties  of  the  material  used. 

I  anticipate  in  lifting  time  we  shall  find  they  have  made  more  tap 
roots  than  usual.  Where  land  is  full, of  porous  and  water-absorbing  stones 
the  drought  has  been  little  apparent,  and  it  may  be  well  to  add  this  to 
our  other  lessons,  and  introduce  stone  of  the  nature  of  our  Kentish 
surface  ragstone  where  these  do  not  exist  on  one  of  the  most  stony  spots 
in  our  nurseries.  The  maiden  Apples  are  grand  and  sturdy,  and  close 
to  6  feet  tall.  On  flinty  or  gravelly  lands  they  have  suffered  severely. 
Naturally,  as  a  pomologist,  I  dwell  much  on  this  subject ;  but  I  trust 
not  more  than  its  importance  deserves.  It  is  quite  evident  we  try  to 
grow  many  sorts  of  fruits  which  our  capricious  climate  does  not  as  a 
general  rule  suit,  and  from  the  knowledge  thus  gained  we  may  learn 
much.  Where  the  land  has  been  kept  clean  by  constant  moving  of  the 
surface  soil  no  doubt  a  store  of  good  has  been  laid  up  for  many  years  to 
come,  and  as  far  as  fruit  is  concerned  I  look  upon  the  Indian  summer 
just  passed  as  an  untold  blessing. 

Passing  now  to  the  flower  garden,  what  a  trying  time  we  have  had  1 
Herbaceous  plants  completely  dried  up,  with  us  no  flower  on  Pfeonies  or 
the  tall  growing  Campanulas,  Alpines  gone  never  to  return,  Roses  over 
in  a  “  flash  in  the  pan,”  and  only  here  and  there  in  the  season  a  glimpse 
of  what  they  might  have  been,  until  the  autumn  when  they  have,  so  to 
speak,  made  up  for  lost  time,  and  given  us  a  grand  display.  The  Teas 
have  naturally  done  best,  and  those  who  have  cultivated  deeply  will 
have  reaped  a  reward  ;  but  most  will  have,  like  myself,  to  find  comfort 
in  the  fact  that  if  the  trees  have  made  little  wood  that  it  is  well  ripened, 
and  may  resist  a  strong  frost  successfully.  The  worshippers  (and  they 
increase  fast)  of  the  Daffodils  have  been  seriously  curtailed  in  their 
devotions,  for  the  flowers  literally  rushed  out  and  then  withered,  several 
not  even  showing  their  beauty.  Possibly  they  look  to  more  highly 
developed  bulbs  for  a  grand  display  in  1891. 

Bedding  out  was  a  serious  matter,  yet  the  display  has  been  bright, 
because  there  has  been  an  absence  of  coarse  leafage,  telling  us  to  keep 
these  beds  a  little  less  rich.  Begonias  with  me  have  failed  when  they 
did  show  flower  ;  a  gale  generally  scattered  the  half-opened  blossoms, 
and  never  have  the  beds  been  gay.  They  seem  to  like  a  partial  shade  ; 
in  this  position  I  have  seen  good  beds.  Cactus  Dahlias  have  been  extra 
fine,  and  the  Pompons  very  chaste.  A  dry  time  evidently  suits  these  ; 
it  says  we  should  start  them  early  and  grow  into  size,  so  as  to  make 
the  most  of  our  summer.  I  must  not  touch  Lilies,  Chrysanthemums, 
and  the  like. 

I  now  pass  to  Conifers  and  forest  trees.  The  early  leafage  of  these 
was  grand,  and  seldom  was  it  seen  to  such  advantage.  Many  trees  have, 
however,  died  outright  from  want  of  food,  and  here  we  may  learn  to 
persevere  in  Philip  Frost’s  system  of  surface  feeding  for  choice  examples. 
Flowering  shrubs  have  been  very  short-lived,  and  Lilacs  were  burnt  up 
while  half  opened  ;  on  the  other  hand,  the  double  kinds  were  grand. 
I  would  here  put  in  a  plea  for  all  these  striking  shrubs,  and  ask  if  we 
treat  them  fairly  by  relegating  flowering  shrubs  to  crowded  shrubberies 
and  plantations.  How  seldom  we  see  a  fully  developed  example  of  any 
of  them  on  our  lawns,  and  when  we  do,  how  grand  is  their  proportions, 
and  what  a  glorious  sight  they  are  in  flower  1  I  refer  to  such  as  Guelder 
Roses,  Lilacs,  Syringas,  and  the  Sumach.  I  have  not  alluded  to  the  trying 
time  for  plants  under  glass  demanding  extra  care  on  the  gardener’s 
part.  It  is,  however,  evident  that  the  lesson  here  is — provide  more 
shading  that  can  be  used  at  short  notice,  and  remedy  defects  in  the 
want  of  more  ample  ventilation. 

The  utmost  care  has  had  to  be  exorcised  in  keeping  down  aphides, 
and  all  garden  pests  and  wasps  have  never  before  been  so  numerous. 
Lay  in  a  store  of  materials  ready  to  begin  battle  should  they  appear 
in  1894.  I  have  wandered  in  my  subject,  and  have  rather  outlined  a 
map,  and  will  leave  others  to  fill  in  the  details  and  point  out  the 
omissions  and  defects  of  my  paper. 


Eveitts  of  the  Week. — But  few  events  of  horticultural  interest 
will  take  place  in  the  metropolis  during  the  ensuing  week.  The  Com¬ 
mittees  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  meet  at  the  Drill  Hall, 
James  Street,  Westminster,  S.W.,  on  Tuesday,  the  24th  inst.,  when,  as- 
mentioned  elsewhere,  a  special  display  of  vegetables  and  fruit  is  antici¬ 
pated.  A  meeting  of  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  National  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  will  take  place  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster, 
on  Wednesday,  the  25th  inst. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — As  mentioned  in  another  para¬ 
graph,  the  weather  has  been  unusually  mild  in  the  metropolis  during^ 
the  past  week.  Much  rain  has  also  fallen  at  intervals.  Sunday  proved 
fine,  as  likewise  did  Monday,  but  it  rained  more  or  less  all  Tuesday.. 
Wednesday  opened  fine  and  bright,  similar  weather  continuing  at  the 
time  of  going  to  press. 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  meeting  will  be 

held  on  Tuesday,  October  24th,  in  the  Drill  Hall,  James  Street,  Victoria 
Street,  Westminster.  The  Council  of  the  Society  have  offered  special 
prizes  for  Apples  and  Pears  grown  in  the  open  air,  and  also  for  Grapes. 
At  3  P.M.  Mr.  A.  Dean,  F.R.H.S.,  will  deliver  a  lecture  on  the 
cultivation  of  Onions,  examples  of  which  would  be  welcomed  at  the 
meeting. 

-  Death  op  Mr.  H.  B.  0.  Beale. — We  regret  to  hear  of  the 

death,  on  the  12th  inst.,  of  Mr.  Herbert  Edward  Child  Beale,  eldest 
son  of  Mr.  E.  J.  Beale,  of  the  firm  of  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High 
Hoi  born.  The  deceased,  who  was  a  very  amiable  and  promising  young 
gentleman  about  thirty  years  of  age,  was  educated  at  King’s  College,, 
and  then  took  a  prominent  position  at  Hoi  born,  but  his  health  broke 
down,  and  we  understand  he  has  spent  most  of  the  last  two  or  three 
years  in  California,  Jersey,  and  the  south  of  France. 

- Horticultural  Literature. — A  gold  medal  and  10,000 

FRANCS  (£400)  prize.  At  a  meeting  of  the  National  Society  of  Horti¬ 
culture  of  France  on  the  10th  of  August,  1893,  the  President  called 
attention  to  the  paper  of  M.  Charles  Baltet  on  the  Comparative  Study 
of  French  and  of  Foreign  Horticulture.  The  subject  was  one  of  sis 
which  had  been  proposed  for  treatment  at  the  Horticultural  Congress 
in  May,  1893,  and  for  it  M.  Baltet  had  been  awarded  the  gold  medal 
which  the  National  Society  of  Horticulture  had  placed  at  the  disposal 
of  the  Congress.  Also  that  in  consideration  of  the  same  work  the 
National  Society  of  Horticulture  had  seen  fit  to  award  to  M.  Charles 
Baltet  the  prize  of  10,000  francs  bequeathed  by  the  late  Dr.  Joubert  de 
I’Hyberderie  for  the  purpose  of  encouraging  literature  conducing  to  the 
advancement  of  horticulture.  We  are  informed  that  this  is  the  most 
distinguished  honour  of  its  kind  hitherto  conferred  in  France,  and  con¬ 
gratulate  the  distinguished  pomologist  on  its  acquisition. 

-  The  Fruiterbrs’  Company.  —  A  dinner  was  given  on 

Wednesday  evening  the  11th  inst.,  at  the  Mansion  House,  by  the  Lord 
Mayor  and  the  Lady  Mayoress,  “  to  meet  the  court  of  the  Fruiterers’ 
Company.”  It  was  preceded  by  the  presentation  by  the  Company,  in 
accordance  with  ancient  annual  custom,  of  a  choice  collection  of 
English-grown  fruit,  the  ceremony  taking  place  in  the  drawing-room. 
After  dinner  the  Dean  of  Rochester  (chaplain  to  the  Fruiterers’ 
Company),  in  proposing  the  health  of  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Lady 
Mayoress,  remarked  that  there  were  times  when  fruit  had  become  a 
most  important  factor  in  the  prosperity  of  the  country.  As  regarded 
the  owners,  the  occupiers,  and  the  labourers  on  the  soil,  he  regretted  to 
say  that  there  was  most  profound  ignorance  with  respect  to  fruit,  in 
connection  with  which  he  thought  we  had  rather  retrograded  than 
progressed.  Leaving  out  Herefordshire,  Worcester,  and  Devon,  the 
orchards  of  England  were  generally  a  disgrace,  hut  there  was  really  a 
grand  future  open  for  fruit.  The  farmer  had  been  standing  still, 
while  the  manufacturer  had  been  making  immense  progress.  Every 
landlord  ought  to  try  and  get  his  tenant  to  make  a  profit  from  all 
sources  on  his  farm.  There  were  great  possibilities  in  the  advancement 
of  the  culture  of  fruit,  and  he  was  proud  to  belong  to  a  society  which 
had  done  much  in  this  direction. 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


855 


-  Death  of  Mr.  W.  Y.  Draper. — We  regret  to  hear  of  the 

death,  on  the  7th  inst.,  at  14,  Addison  Crescent,  Kensington,  aged  sixty, 
of  Mr.  William  Yates  Draper,  the  head  of  the  firm  of  Messrs.  J.  W. 
Draper  &  Son,  the  well-known  salesmen  of  Covent  Garden.  The  funeral 
took  place  at  Brompton  Cemetery  on  the  11th  inst, 

- WooLTOK  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improvement  Society. — 

The  concert  in  aid  of  the  Library  and  Gardeners’  Benevolent  Institu¬ 
tion  which  had  been  promoted  by  members  of  the  above  Society  was  held 
last  Thursday,  and  was  a  great  success  artistically,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped 
financially.  The  gardeners  decorated  the  room  in  a  manner  worthy  of 
all  praise.  The  chair  was  occupied  by  Holbrook  Gaskell,  Esq.,  J.P., 
Woolton  Wood,  who  made  a  few  appropriate  remarks  during  the  interval. 

-  A  New  Solanageous  Plant.— It  is  stated  that  M.  de  St. 

Quentin,  in  the  course  of  a  voyage  of  exploration  in  Uruguay,  has  dis¬ 
covered  upon  the  banks  of  several  rivers  a  Solanaceous  plant  giving 
edible  tubers  in  abundance,  analogous  to  those  of  the  Potato.  Accord¬ 
ing  to  the  Illiostration  Horticole,  the  Horticultural  Society  of  Marseilles 
has  decided  to  offer  a  gold  medal  to  the  importer  who  shall  introduce 
this  new  plant  into  Europe  in  a  living  state.  Another  gold  medal  will 
be  decreed  to  him  who  shall  obtain  the  first  return  or  produce  of  the 
new  plant  in  question. 

-  Ripe  Strawberries  in  October. — Mr,  G.  Freeman,  Akeley 

Wood,  Buckingham,  writes  —  “In  last  week’s  issue  (page  333)  your 
correspondent  Mr.  Garner  gives  an  instance  of  having  gathered  a  dish 
of  ripe  Raspberries  on  the  4th  inst.  On  going  over  my  Strawberry  plot 
on  the  9th  inst.  I  discovered  several  clusters  of  fruit,  some  of  the  berries 
showing  colour  ;  trusses  of  flowers  are  also  noticeable.  The  Strawberries 
were  produced  by  plants  that  have  already  fruited  in  the  open,  and 
not  by  those  that  have  been  forced  and  planted  out.  It  would  be 
interesting  to  learn  if  other  gardeners  have  experienced  similar  results.” 

-  Mild  October  Weather, — A  great  rise  of  temperature 

was  experienced  over  our  islands  on  Friday  last,  and  the  following  two 
days  the  air  has  been  singularly  mild  and  humid.  On  Saturday  the 
shade  temperature  rose  to  between  60°  and  65°  in  most  parts  of  England, 
and  in  the  course  of  that  night  scarcely  any  change  took  place,  the 
minimum  readings  being  in  many  cases  as  high  as  58°  and  59°.  In 
London,  where  the  thermometer  did  not  sink  below  58°,  the  night  was, 
with  one  exception,  the  warmest  experienced  in  the  month  of  October 
for  more  than  twenty  years  past.  The  only  warmer  night  was  in  1876, 
when  the  minimum  on  the  9th  was  as  high  as  61°.  On  Saturday  last 
the  maximum  day  and  the  minimum  night  temperature  were  identical — 
57°  in  Battersea  Park,  a  circumstance  that  has  not  been  previously 
observed  by  Mr.  Coppin,  the  Superintendent. 

-  OSTROWSKIA  MAGNIFICA. — Apropos  of  the  remarks  of  Mr. 

S.  Arnott  (page  282)  regarding  this  plant  the  following,  written  by  a 
correspondent  in  “Garden  and  Forest,”  may  interest  readers.  “Herr 
Max  Leichtlin  states  that  this  plant  was  flowered  at  Baden-Baden  in 
1877,  where  it  is  as  hardy  as  a  weed.  It  prefers  a  sandy,  deeply  worked 
soil,  as  it  has  thick  brittle  roots  some  2  feet  long.  It  was  first  dis¬ 
covered  by  Dr.  A.  Regel  in  Eastern  Bokhara,  and  described  in  1884.  My 
plant  has  passed  two  winters  safely,  and  has  not  appeared  above  ground 
until  all  dangers  from  spring  frosts  are  over.  It  is  four  years  old,  now 
flowering  for  the  first  time.  As  it  dies  down  to  the  roots  soon  after 
flowering  it  should  have  a  position  where  it  is  not  likely  to  be  disturbed 
by  careless  digging,  for  though  it  is  propagated  by  division  of  the  roots 
it  is  not  a  plant  which  should  be  disturbed.  My  plant  is  in  a  position 
where  it  receives  litttle  moisture  in  late  summer,  but  I  do  not  know  that 
this  precaution  is  necessary.” 

-  Large  Soft  Apples.  —  Having  one  of  the  best  private 

collections  of  Apples  nearly  all  on  bush  trees,  at  Maiden  Erleigh,  the 
samples  cannot  be  excelled  anywhere  on  trees  of  similar  growth, 
Mr.  Turton  is  in  a  good  position  to  judge  of  the  keeping  merits  of  the 
diverse  sorts  this  season,  and  he  told  me  the  other  day  when  looking 
through  his  fruit  room  that  all  the  large  samples  were  keeping  badly, 
and  would  soon  be  over.  Thus  it  would  seem  that  having  had  one  of 
the  finest  Apple  seasons  of  the  century  (Pears  included)  we  should  have 
to  pay  the  penalty  of  finding  all  our  largest  fruits  to  be  very  fugitive  in 
quality.  This  bears  out  what  I  have  learnt  in  other  directions.  One 
famous  Pear  grower  told  me  that  he  had  found  very  fine  Pitmaston 
Duchess  Pears  to  waste  5  ozs.  weight  in  a  fortnight.  Practically 
these  large  fruits  are  some  60  per  cent,  of  water.  That  is  what  so 
rapidly  wastes.  Solid  fleshed  Apples,  especially  the  small  firm  section, 
will  keep  very  well.  So  also  will  Pears,  but  generally  we  shall  see  all 
varieties  spoiling  earlier  than  usual. — A. 


-  Vegetables  at  the  Drill  Hall. — Hardy  fruit  having 

had  such  a  good  innings  at  the  late  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  we  are  pleased  to  learn  that  on  Tuesday  next  vegetables  are 
expected  to  be  seen  in  fine  form.  Amongst  others  Messrs.  Sutton  and 
Sons  will,  we  learn,  exhibit  a  very  large  collection  of  Onions  and  other 
roots,  and  other  kinds  of  interest.  Vegetables  are  seen  too  seldom  at 
these  meetings,  but  few  exhibits  create  more  interest,  or  are  of  greater 
usefulness. 

-  Belladonna  Lily. — The  bed  of  the  above  Lily  mentioned  in 

the  description  of  Grimston  Park,  Tadcaster,  a  short  time  ago  (^viile 
Journal  of  Horticulture,  July  20th)  was,  when  I  visited  that  place  a 
little  over  a  week  since,  in  the  height  of  its  beauty.  This  bed  is  35  yards 
long  by  18  inches  wide,  faces  the  south,  and  is  backed  by  the  plant 
stoves  and  fernery.  I  counted  375  spikes,  all  in  bloom,  some  with  five, 
and  one  or  two  with  six  flowers  on  a  spike.  Only  those  who  have  seen 
such  a  sight  can  realise  the  grandeur  of  this  flower,  which,  having  no 
foliage  as  a  background,  has  to  rely  entirely  upon  its  own  natural 
beauty  to  prove  its  claim  to  a  place  in  gardens. — W.  Clayton. 

-  Runner  Beans  at  Maiden  Erleigh. — Calling  upon  Mr. 

Turton  at  these  gardens  the  other  day,  I  could  but  notice  in  walking 
round  the  truly  wonderful  crop  of  long  handsome  pods  he  had  hanging 
upon  very  tall  lines  of  Runner  Beans  in  two  diverse  gardens.  Asking  if 
they  were  novelties,  1  was  told  that  whilst  one  variety  was  Sutton’s  Selected 
Scarlet  Runner,  certainly  a  splendid  selection,  the  other  was  Sutton’s 
Prizewinner.  Mr.  Turton  said,  “  We  have  had  a  wonderful  crop,  having 
been  gathering  by  bushels,  and  of  either  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a 
handsomer,  cleaner  sample.”  The  Prizewinner  had  been  sown  at  the 
usual  time,  middle  of  April,  being  employed  to  enclose  an  area  usually 
occupied  with  hardwooded  plants  in  the  summer,  and  had  gone  up 
12  feet  in  height.  The  others  had  been  sown  a  month  later,  and  of  the 
two  were  then  the  heavier  cropped.  Still  on  October  14th  there  were 
very  heavy  crops  hanging  on  the  row  sown  just  six  months  pre¬ 
viously. — A. 

-  CovENT  Garden  Supplies. — The  exceptional  summer  we 

have  been  getting  seems  to  have  had  hardly  so  great  an  influence  on 
Covent  Garden  supplies  as  might  have  been  expected.  Through  the 
drought  supplies  of  green  stuff  fell  off  enormously  so  far  as  our  own 
market  gardens  within  a  short  distance  of  London  were  concerned. 
The  Superintendent  of  Covent  Garden  tells  us  (“  Daily  News”)  it 
frequently  happened  that  the  supplies  from  the  grounds  around  London 
were  fifty  waggon-loads  short  of  what  they  would  have  been  with  a 
normal  amount  of  rain.  But  the  falling-off  in  Fulham  and  Kent  was 
to  a  large  extent  compensated  for  by  an  inflow  from  the  Fens  and  from 
Yorkshire.  The  recent  rains  have,  of  course,  rapidly  brought  on  crops  nearer 
home.  The  effect  of  this  was  manifest  in  last  Saturday’s  market,  and 
prices  will  soon  drop  to  a  point  at  which  it  will  no  longer  pay  to  send 
produce  to  London  all  the  way  from  Yorkshire. 

-  Very  large  consignments  of  Apples  have  come  to  London 

from  our  own  orchards  this  autumn,  and  foreign  supplies  have  been 
quite  out  of  it.  In  scarce  years  we  get  large  consignments  of  Apples  from 
Germany,  Belgium,  Holland,  and  Denmark,  as  well  as  France.  French 
growers  send  us  some  very  fine  fruit,  and  we  can  always  do  with  some 
of  their  Apples  ;  but  the  other  countries  named  grow  chiefly  very 
inferior  fruit,  and  have  no  chance  at  all  when  our  own  orchards  are 
fairly  fruitful.  We  are  getting  some  from  France,  but  Worcestershire 
and  Devonshire  growers  have  of  late  years  recognised  the  importance 
of  growing  only  the  finest  kinds,  and  they  are  able  to  hold  their  own 
against  all  comers,  and  this  year  their  consignments  are  very  fine  indeed. 
We  obtain  our  late  supplies  from  America  ordinarily,  and  many 
Apples  of  very  fine  quality  have  been  coming  to  us  from  Australia. 
Both  have  imported  some  of  our  best  kinds,  and  have  been  successful  in 
their  cultivation,  but  English  growers  who  have  been  careful  and  enter¬ 
prising  are  now  holding  their  own  against  all  comers. 

- The  wisdom  of  the  Bengal  Peasant  Cultivators  finds 

expression  in  proverbs,  of  which  a  collection  has  been  made  by  a  Babu 
in  the  Agricultural  Department  of  that  province.  His  appreciation  of 
the  outwardly  revered  Brahmin  betrays  itself  incidentally  in  the  maxim, 
“  Rain  and  inundation  disappear  when  south  winds  blow,  like  the 
Brahman  as  soon  as  he  has  received  his  fee.”  Other  Bengal  rural 
aphorisms  are  :  “  Have  the  land  which  receives  the  washings  of  the 
village,  and  the  bullock  which  walks  fast,  and  marry  the  girl  whose 
mother  is  good.”  “  He  who  works  in  the  field  himself  with  the  labourers 
gets  the  full  profit ;  he  who,  being  unable  to  work  himself,  supervises 
the  workings  of  the  labourers,  gets  half  the  profit ;  he  who  orders  the 
labourers  from  his  house  does  not  get  enough  to  eat.” 


866 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  19,  1893. 


-  Gardening  Appointments. — Mr.  J.  Brooks,  for  over  four 

years  foreman  in  the  gardens,  Cringle  House,  Cheadle,  Cheshire,  has  been 
appointed  gardener  to  J.  Johnson  Houghton,  Esq.,  Westwood,  Neston, 
Chester.  Mr.  G.  Stones,  for  the  past  two  years  with  T.  D.  Grimke- 
Drayton,  Esq.,  Golborne  Park,  Newton-le-Willows,  as  head  gardener 
to  R.  Hey  wood  Thompson,  Esq.,  Nun  wick  Hall,  Penrith,  Cumberland. 

-  Exhibition  at  Lyons. — We  are  informed  that  arrangements 

have  been  made  to  hold  a  universal,  international,  and  colonial  Exhi¬ 
bition  at  Lyons  in  1894,  and  to  include  a  section  devoted  to  horticulture. 
There  will  be  a  permanent  horticultural  Exhibition  open  from  April  to 
October,  divided  into  sections,  including  exhibits  relating  to  all  branches 
of  horticulture,  arboriculture,  and  market  gardening,  as  well  as  various 
temporary  shows,  which  are  to  be  held  every  month,  and  to  last  for  a 
week.  Applications  for  space  in  the  horticultural  section  should  be 
directed  to  M.  J.  Claret,  Palais  Saint  Pierre. 

- Stray  Tomatoes. — Many  thousands  of  Tomato  plants  are 

growing  on  the  extensive  sewerage  farm  at  Beaumont  Lees  belonging  to 
the  Leicester  Corporation.  They  appear  to  attain  the  greatest  vigour  on 
the  one-year-old  sediment,  which  is  pumped  from  the  tanks  into  large 
beds  surrounded  with  turf  tanks,  in  which  the  sediment  ^is  about 
2  feet  in  depth.  There  is  no  doubt  these  plants  would  have  ripened 
very  fair  crops  this  season  if  they  had  been  thinned  in  good  time,  as 
is  proved  by  many  isolated  plants  which  have  done  so.  Seeds  of  Apples, 
Pears,  Oranges,  Grapes,  and  a  host  of  exotic  Grasses  and  other  plants, 
also  germinate  and  flourish  for  the  time  being,  especially  in  the  neigh¬ 
bourhood  of  the  tanks,  with  great  vigour.  Many  fields  of  Rye  Grass 
have  yielded  four  full  crops  this  season  on  this  sewerage  farm. — 
J.  H.  W. 

-  Hybridisation  and  Cross-Fertilisation. — This  was  the 

subject  of  a  lecture  given  by  Mr.  C.  E.  Pearson  of  Chilwell  Nurseries, 
Nottingham,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Wakefield  Paxton  Society  on  the 
7th  inst.  Mr.  Pearson  spoke  for  about  an  hour,  and  his  practical  and 
valuable  observations  were  listened  to  with  the  closest  attention.  At 
the  outset  he  particularly  impressed  upon  his  hearers  who  desired  to 
hybridise  and  cross-fertilise  plants,  the  great  importance  of  selecting 
good  parents  for  their  stock.  Speaking  as  one  who  had  been  exten¬ 
sively  engaged  in  the  work  for  twenty  years,  he  explained  the  most 
successful  mode  of  fertilising  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Primulas,  Begonias, 
Chrysanthemums,  and  other  flowering  plants,  and  also  fruits,  more 
particularly  Grapes.  He  recommended  that  plants  which  were  being 
experimented  upon  should  be  isolated  from  other  plants,  and  the 
hybridiser  must  not  be  a  lazy  person,  but  should  be  in  operation  at  an 
early  hour  in  the  morning.  If  they  intended  to  be  successful  they  must 
also  be  methodical,  and  take  notes  and  keep  records  just  the  same  as  is 
done  by  breeders  of  horses  and  shorthorns.  In  concluding  his  excellent 
lecture,  Mr,  Pearson  referred  to  the  pride  and  pleasure  it  afforded  a 
fertiliser  to  raise  any  new  plant,  flower,  or  fruit,  and  said  that  the 
names  of  such  men  were  never  forgotten. 

- Horticultural  Club. — The  first  dinner  and  conversazione 

for  the  session  of  1893-94  took  place  on  Tuesday  in  last  week.  There 
was  a  good  attendance,  although  several  members  of  the  Club  were 
engaged  at  the  United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society’s 
dinner  at  the  Cannon  Street  Hotel.  There  were  present  the  Rev.  W, 
Wilks,  Rev.  F.  H.  Gall,  Messrs.  John  Lee,  J.  S.  Cousens,  Geo.  Monro, 
J.  Webber,  W.  Assbee,  A.  Watkins,  A.  H.  Pearson,  Geo.  Bunyard, 
T.  Francis  Rivers,  H,  Selfe  Leonard,  and  others.  The  discourse  was 
opened  by  Mr.  Geo.  Bunyard  with  an  interesting  paper  “  On  the  Effects 
of  the  Drought  as  affecting  Horticulture,  more  especially  in  its  Relation 
to  Fruit.”  An  interesting  discussion  in  which  nearly  all  the  members 
took  part  followed,  and  from  which  much  valuable  information  was 
obtained.  Much  stress  was  laid  by  Messrs.  Webber  and  Monro  of 
Covent  Garden  on  the  imperfect  way  in  which  fruit  was  packed  for 
market,  inferior  fruits  being  put  in  and  the  samples  not  properly 
sorted.  It  was  also  stated  the  extreme  earliness  of  the  season  had 
completely  disorganised  the  foreign  fruit  market.  As  a  proof  of  the 
extreme  fertility  of  the  crop  it  was  stated  that  in  one  orchard  in  Kent 
8  tons  of  Goffs  (a  second-rate  Apple)  have  been  gathered  off  nine  trees. 
Mr.  Bunyard  also  placed  upon  the  table  a  large  dish  of  Vicomteise 
H^ricart  de  Thury  Strawberries  gathered  from  the  open  air  of  good  size 
and  excellent  flavour.  He  also  contributed  some  dishes  of  Beurr6  Bose 
and  Beurr4  Fouqueray  and  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pears,  the  two  first  of 
which  were  pronounced  excellent,  though  preference  was  given  to 
Beurr^  Bose  ;  Pitmaston  Duchess  is  universally  condemned  as  worthless 
in  quality.  A  cordial  vote  of  thanks  was  given  to  Mr.  Bunyard  for  his 
excellent  paper,  which  will  be  found  in  another  part  of  our  present  issue. 


-  Exeter  Gardeners’  Association. — Ati  Exeter  Guildhall 

last  week,  Mr.  D.  C.  Powell,  of  Powderham  Gardens,  read  a  most 
interesting  and  instructive  paper  on  “  Pears  and  their  Culture,”  in 
connection  with  the  Devon  and  Exeter  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improve¬ 
ment  Association.  Since  the  establishment  of  the  Association  the 
gardeners  of  the  district  have  shown  the  utmost  interest  in  its  affairs, 
and  have  greatly  benefited  by  the  practical  and  comprehensive  manner 
in  which  a  variety  of  subjects,  especially  relating  to  gardening,  have 
been  dealt  with.  The  paper  read  by  Mr.  Powell  was  the  first  of  a  series 
of  essays  which  will  be  discussed  during  the  winter  session.  Mr.  G.  B. 
Carlile  presided  over  a  large  attendance. 

-  Sweet  Scabious. — Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall  Gardens, 

Stamford,  writes  : — “I  noticed  a  fine  row  of  this  in  full  fiower  recently 
at  Orton  Hall  Gardens,  Peterborough.  Mr.  Harding  had  planted  it 
along  the  front  of  a  Vine  border  near  the  walk,  where  it  had  a  very  fine 
effect,  and  the  plants  were  carrying  a  large  number  of  fiowers.  It  has 
also  proved  very  useful  with  me  this  summer  for  cutting.  Most  ladies 
are  very  fond  of  it,  as  the  colours  blend  well  together,  and  if  a  few  of  the 
bunches  of  seeds  are  judiciously  used  with  them,  it  enhances  the  effect 
of  the  flowers.  The  culture  is  simplicity  itself.  All  that  is  required  is 
merely  to  sow  the  seeds  thinly  on  a  mild  hotbed  early  in  April,  and 
plant  out  in  the  open  borders  in  May  as  is  done  with  other  annuals.” 

-  Oxford  Botanic  Gardens, — Mr.  W.  R,  Guilfoyle,  Director 

of  the  Melbourne  Botanic  Gardens,  recently  gave  a  lecture  entitled 
“  Glimpses  of  Some  British  Botanical  Gardens  and  Their  Conservatories,”' 
from  notes  taken  during  his  visit  to  Europe.  He  said,  “  I  saw  much 
during  my  travels  in  the  way  of  gardening  and  horticulture  that  was 
really  interesting  and  useful  to  me.”  Of  the  Botanic  Garden  at  Oxford, 
of  which  he  speaks  highly,  though  only  a  few  acres  in  extent,  he  considers 
it  contains  some  wonderfully  fine  specimens  of  rare  and  beautiful  trees. 
It  is  the  oldest  of  British  Botanic  Gardens,  having  been  founded  in  1632. 
A  tree  of  Sophora  japonica  measures  11  feet  3  inches  in  circumference 
of  stem  at  5  feet  from  the  ground.  There  are  also  some  noble  examples 
of  different  kinds  of  Ash.  A  Copper  Beech  measured  11  feet  6  inches 
in  girth.  Near  the  college  are  two  Elms,  one  26  feet  8  inches  in  girth, 
and  the  other  is  21  feet  6  inches  in  girth. 


TECOMA  SMITHI. 

At  the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  on  the  10th  inst.  three  plants  of 
Tecoma  Smithi,  from  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  were  exhibited,  and  by 
reason  of  their  attractiveness  much  interest  was  centred  upon  them. 
The  plants  shown  were  about  2  feet  in  height,  and  each  bore  a  large 
terminal  cyme  of  yellow  blooms  tinted  with  brownish  red.  An  idea  as 
to  the  character  of  the  flowers  may  be  gathered  by  referring  to  the 
illustration  (fig.  52),  and  it  will  be  readily  conceded  that  this  Tecoma  is 
likely  to  prove  useful  for  decorative  purposes,  meriting  the  first-class 
certificate  awarded  by  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society.  Tecoma  Smithi  is  a  new  hybrid,  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
T.  capensis  and  T.  velutina. 


FLORAL  NOMENCLATURE. 

In  la-st  week’s  “  Saturday  Review,”  in  an  article  on  flower  names,  I 
came  across  the  following :  —  “  Gladiolus  (Gladiolus,  ma’am,  not 
Gladiolus,  as  some  use,  or  Gladiolus,  as  others)  is  perfect,”  &c.  I 
presume  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  this  (with  the  four  vowels  all  short) 
is  the  correct  form,  notwithstanding  the  use  of  the  others.  Granting 
that  the  pronunciation  of  a  Latin  word  used  as  a  plant  name  may  be 
occasionally  altered  by  custom,  that  does  not  affect  the  case,  as  the 
controlling  custom  must  be  consistent ;  here  we  have  two  conflicting 
customs.  Personally,  I  find  it  rather  goes  against  the  grain  to  call  the 
plant  either  Gladiolus  or  Gladiolus,  though  I  am  content  to  do  so  if  the 
world  at  large  will  only  consent  to  adopt  one  or  the  other.  Of  course  I 
should  prefer  the  world  adopting  the  correct  form,  but  I  fear  the  four- 
short  vowels  are  a  feeble  minority  and  must  submit  to  be  driven  in  the 
way  in  which  they  should  not  go.  Will  you  kindly  exert  your  influence 
to  obtain  an  authoritative  declaration  of  the  mode  of  pronunciation  to  be 
hereafter  adopted,  with  a  proviso  that  such  declaration  shall  be  not  open 
to  change  1 

As  I  am  on  the  subject  of  plant  names  I  will  ask  permission  to  go  on 
and  protest  against  the  use  of  Latin  plurals  that  has  grown  up  of  late. 
It  began  with  names  ending  in  us ;  I  have  seen  it  extended  to  others 
ending  in  a,  and  there  seems  no  reason  why  it  should  not  creep  on  to 
MOT,  and  so  to  the  Greek  derivatives  in  is,  via,  and  ops  or  opsis,  &c.,  if  it 
has  not  already  done  so.  There  are  nurserymen’s  catalogues  that  may 
give  a  hint  of  the  glorious  confusion  into  which  plant  nomenclature 
may  fall.  The  pages  of  your  own  Journal  (please  do  not  suppose  I  am 
attacking  the  Editor)  will  furnish  an  illustration.  It  is  not  many 
months  since  I  noticed  in  it  a  report  of  a  Narcissi  Show.  I  can  point  to 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


867 


other  rather  conspicuous  instances,  but  shall  not  do  so.  There  is  one, 
however,  that  is  not  horticultural,  so  there  is  little  danger  of  offending 
any  of  your  readers.  Some  five  or  six  years  ago  I  picked  up  a  novel  in 
which  the  author  wrote  of  Omnibi  I  It  shall  be  nameless,  if  for  no  other 
than  for  the  very  sufficient  reason  that  I  have  forgotten  its  name. 


ever  their  origin,  when  adopted  for  everyday  use]  without  alteration 
are  to  be  taken  as  incorporated  in  the  English  language,  and  to  be 
treated  for  all  purposes  as  English  words,  and  that  they  must  there¬ 
fore  be  subject  to  the  same  modifications  as  other  words  of  similar 
terminations. 


Fig.  52.— TECOMA  SMITH  I. 


It  is  clear  to  me  that  in  these  cases  we  should  have  bad  Narcissus 
and  Omnibuses  but  for  the  bad  example  of  a  few  men  with  a  prejudice 
against  the  agglomeration  of  sibilants  in  a  plural  of  the  latter  form 
(though  how  they  would  get  out  of  the  difficulty  in  the  case  of  the 
“  buses  ”  I  cannot  conceive  ;  their  knowledge  of  Latin  would  hardly 
admit  of  a  resort  to  “  bi  ”). 

With  all  due  deference  to  them,  I  submit  that  names  of  plants,  what- 


In  a  few  instances  the  sibilant  plural  may  be  somewhat  cacophonous, 
but  do  you  really  think  such  a  word  as  “Croci”  is  more  euphonious  than 
Crocuses,  leaving  alone  the  trap  for  the  unwary  you  set  in  the  second 
“  c  ”  of  the  former  ?  I  do  not.  We  have  reached  Nemophilse.  I  saw  it 
in  the  Journal.  We  have  not  yet  had  Rosfe  shows,  but  we  shall  do  so 
if  somebody  does  not  interfere.  Do  support  my  protest,  and  enable  me 
to  sign  myself — A  Grateful  Old  Subscriber. 


858 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  19,  1893. 


Hot  Season  Koses. 

The  past  season  has  offered  a  good  opportunity  for  taking  notes  of 
such  Roses  as  may  fairly  be  called  by  the  above  title,  and  I  think  the 
general  opinion  would  be  that  while  some  have  fairly  lived  up  to  or 
even  beyond  their  reputation,  others  have  given  disappointment. 
Though  it  certainly  has  been  a  hot  and  very  dry  year,  it  seems  to  me, 
from  general  impression  and  not  from  observation  of  the  thermometer, 
that  hot  nights  have  not  been  many  compared  with  those  of  some  past 
years.  The  general  idea  is,  I  think,  that  a  hot  and  dry  year  is  favour¬ 
able  to  the  light  H.P.’s,  but  causes  the  dark  ones  to  “  burn,”  and  that  a 
cooler  and  duller  year  is  therefore  best  for  these  latter.  I  am  not  at  all 
sure  that  the  “burning”  or  browning  of  the  petals  of  dark  H.P.’s  is 
caused  by  bright  hot  sun,  or  at  least  by  this  alone.  At  all  events,  it  is 
worthy  of  notice  that  I  have  in  other  years,  at  times  when  “  burning  ” 
has  been  prevalent,  seen  buds  which  opened  with  some  brown  petals 
even  in  dull  weather,  and  that  during  the  past  season  I  had  not,  to  my 
remembrance,  a  single  brown  petal  among  all  my  dark  H.P.’s.  1  should 

like  to  hear  what  others  may  have  to  say  on  this  subject.  If  caused 
merely  by  the  sun,  why  should  one  or  two  petals  alone  turn  brown  in  a 
Rose,  while  others  remain  of  the  normal  colour  ?  With  me  the  dark 
H.P.’s  were  quite  good  this  year,  and  some  of  the  old  fashioned  light 
coloured  ones  were  not  successful. 

Of  generally  reputed  hot-season  Roses,  Marie  Rady  was  most  disap¬ 
pointing  ;  the  blooms  “  came  ”  badly  altogether.  It  is  quite  a  different 
Rose  with  me  now,  being  not  nearly  so  reliable  or  good  in  colour  as  it 
was  ten  or  a  dozen  years  ago.  Monsieur  Noman  was  good,  but  all  over 
long  before  show  time,  as  it  is  quite  one  of  the  earliest.  Pierre  Netting 
was  decidedly  better  than  usual  ;  it  opened  freely,  but  was  as  late  as 
ever.  Reynolds  Hole  was  magnificent,  better  I  think  than  I  have  ever 
had  it  ;  it  often  “  burns  ”  badly,  but  I  did  not  see  a  discoloured  petal. 
It  is  generally  late,  but  this  year  was  quite  early,  before  many  others, 
and  even  on  maidens  was  all  over  before  the  shows  began.  Star  of 
Waltham  was  disappointing,  and  came  to  no  good  in  the  first  crop,  but 
produced  unusually  fine  blooms,  good  enough  for  any  show,  in 
September. 

Duchesse  de  Yallambrosa  and  Madame  Lacharme  are  two  fine- 
weather  Roses,  which  used  to  give  us  a  good  deal  of  anxiety  ;  but 
neither  of  them  with  me  is  worth  growing  for  show  now,  except  in  quite 
large  collections.  The  latter  was  simply  extinguished  by  Merveille  de 
Lyon,  which  at  once  surpassed  it  on  all  points,  and  superseded  it 
altogether.  Good  old  G6n4ral  Jacqueminot  is  a  thin-petalled  Rose,  but 
with  me  it  is  decidedly  better  in  hot  seasons,  being  better  formed  and 
even  more  lasting  at  such  times.  Some  extra  full  or  even  coarse  Roses 
were,  as  might  be  expected,  better  than  usual.  Paul  Neron  and  Mr. 
James  Brownlow  were  well  shown,  and  I  had  some  presentable  blooms 
of  Madame  Hippolyte  Jamain.  Mrs.  Paul  delighted  me  in  the  early 
part  of  the  season  with  perfect  show  flowers,  but  a  little  later,  when 
there  were  some  shows  at  which  to  exhibit  them,  the  blooms  were 
quite  shapeless.  This  seems  to  be  absolutely  a  summer  Rose.  I  have 
not,  this  year  or  last,  on  maidens  or  cut-backs,  seen  a  single  autumnal 
bud.  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet  had  more  autumn  blooms  than  usual,  but 
Francois  Michelon  showed  no  improvement  in  this  respect. 

For  Teas  it  has  been  an  ideal  season,  as  these  Roses  require  drought 
even  more  than  heat.  Unfortunately  of  late  years  thrips  have  become 
a  most  serious  pest  in  my  neighbourhood,  and  in  a  really  dry  season 
they  spoil  an  immense  number  of  blooms.  I  consider  they  do  more 
injury  than  mildew,  and  are  very  much  more  hurtful  than  aphides  or 
orange  fungus.  The  end  of  September  and  beginning  of  October  my 
Teas  (though  of  course  rather  small)  are,  I  think,  in  some  varieties 
distinctly  better  than  they  were  in  the  height  of  the  season,  the  thrips 
have  disappeared,  each  bloom  is  clean  and  well  shaped,  and  the  colour 
is  extraordinary.  I  have  had  Marie  Van  Houtte  with  the  yellow  as 
deep  as  Perle  des  Jardins,  and  the  pink  charming  ;  and  The  Bride  with 
splendid  pink  outer  petals  as  decided  as  in  Mrs.  James  Wilson.  I  take 
this  to  be  the  result  of  cooler  and  duller  weather  without  rain  following 
close  after  dry  heat,  which  seems  to  be  ideal  weather  for  the  perfection 
of  all  Roses.  I  do  not  know  whether  those  who  grow  Roses  in  pots 
under  glass  move  them  into  a  dry  and  cooler  house  for  the  actual 
blooming,  but  such  a  course  seems  to  be  indicated. 

Of  reputed  hot-weather  Teas,  Comtesse  Panisse  was  very  large,  but 
much  wanting  in  colour  at  midsummer  ;  it  is  very  different  now,  Jean 
Ducher  at  least  reminded  us  of  what  it  might  be  under  favourable 
circumstances  ;  but  I  was  unfortunate  with  my  few  plants,  which  gave 
me  nothing  really  good.  I  have  one  in  my  memory  which  gained  the 
amateur  medal  at  a  national  show  at  South  Kensington  several  years 
ago,  but  I  have  seen  nothing  like  it  since.  La  Bouled’Or  was  very  good, 
and  opened  well,  too  well  on  a  south  wall.  Madame  Margottin  was  a 
hopeless  victim  to  thrips,  but  gave  some  fair  blooms  later, 

_  Eroile  de  Lyon  is  a  poor  Rose  with  me  at  the  best  of  times  ;  if  any¬ 
thing,  it  was  worse  than  usual  with  me  this  year.  My  dwindled  stock 
of  it  will  be  still  further  lessened.  Madame  Willermoz  certainly  comes 
but  rarely  of  good  shape  ;  but  I  had  one  grand  bloom,  very  large  and 


fine,  with  a  perfect  point  in  the  centre.  This  Rose,  and  Mrs.  Paul, 
remind  me  of  the  little  girl  in  the  nursery  rhyme — 

“  Who  had  a  small  curl  on  her  forehead  : — • 

When  she  was  good  she  was  very  very  good. 

But  when  she  was  bad  she  was  horrid.” 

— W.  R.  Raillem. 

Rose  Analysis,  1886-1893. 

The  friendly  criticisms  of  Mr.  Grahame  and  “  Y.  B.  A.  Z.”  (page  331) 
are  very  welcome,  as  they  enable  me  to  offer  a  few  explanations  as  to 
the  considerations  which  have  guided  me  in  framing  the  two  tables  in 
my  last  analysis.  I  must  also  thank  them  for  the  kind  words  of 
encouragement  they  have  given  me.  There  is  one  sentence  in  my 
analysis  which  both  my  critics  appear  to  have  overlooked,  and  it  is  a 
most  important  one.  It  is  that  in  which  I  explain  that  all  the  averages 
“  have  this  year  been  recalculated  on  similar  lines  to  those  followed  in 
my  last  Dahlia  analysis.”  I  therefore  refer  them  to  page  247  of  the  last 
half-yearly  volume  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  where  it  is  stated, 
among  other  things,  “  that  the  claims  of  each  variety,  whether  new  or 
old,  have  been  decided  entirely  on  its  merits.” 

When  I  first  began  this  kind  of  work  and  for  some  years  afterwards, 
there  was  nothing  left  for  me  to  do  but  to  take  the  number  of  times  the 
different  varieties  had  been  staged  in  the  prize  stands,  and  to  calculate 
from  them  the  averages  which  govern  their  respective  positions  in  the 
tables.  But  as  years  went  on  I  began  to  see  that  a  purely  arithmetical 
process  was  in  many  cases  very  misleading. 

1,  In  the  first  place  I  found  that  certain  old  favourites  were  being 
more  or  less  superseded  by  better  and  newer  sorts  of  a  similar  colour. 
As  to  this  diflBculty  the  plan  now  adopted  will  be  found  explained,  and 
examples  given  in  the  Dahlia  analysis  just  referred  to. 

2,  Exceptional  seasons  also  often  play  havoc  with  certain  varieties 
while  unduly  favouring  others.  Consequently,  when  calculating  the 
averages  for  varieties  seriously  affected  in  this  way  the  number  of  times 
they  were  staged  under  such  exceptional  conditions  has  to  be  omitted. 
Otherwise,  as“Y,  B.A.  Z.”  has  pointed  out,  they  would  stand  either 
higher  or  lower  in  the  lists  than  they  are  entitled  to. 

3,  Then  the  newer  sorts  gave  me  some  trouble  at  first,  but  a  little 
consideration  soon  showed  that  if  they  were  to  appear  at  all  in  the  tables, 
and  they  can  never  for  some  years  hope  to  compete  on  anything  like 
equal  terms  with  their  more  largely  grown  brethren — the  established 
kinds — they  must  find  places  in  accordance  with  their  doings  at  the  most 
recent  exhibition  alone. 

4,  Then,  again,  the  varying  number  of  Roses  tabulated  each  year 
was  found  to  have  a  more  or  less  disturbing  influence.  But  this  diflBculty 
has  been  easily  got  over  by  calculating  all  the  averages  as  for  a  show, 
or  rather  analysis,  of  average  extent,  I  say  easily  got  over,  but  of  course 
all  these  recalculations  each  year  involve  a  considerable  amount  of  extra 
labour. 

As  suitable  corrections  for  all  the  above-mentioned  inequalities  have 
been  most  carefully  and  impartially  made  throughout  the  analyses 
under  consideration,  I  cannot  but  regard  it  as  the  most  practical  and 
reliable  of  the  series.  However  complicated  and  unreal  the  system  I 
have  adopted  and  endeavoured  to  explain  may  appear  on  paper,  it  is  in 
reality  simplicity  itself,  and,  after  all,  only  a  common-sense  way  of 
treating  the  statistics  at  my  disposal. 

In  noticing  more  in  detail  the  apparent  flaws  and  inconsistencies  in 
the  analyses  mentioned  in  your  last  issue,  I  propose  referring  my  critics 
in  each  case  to  the  foregoing  numbered  paragraphs. 

Mr.  Grahame  says  that  I  have  made  a  serious  error  in  regard  to 
Gustave  Piganeau  (1889),  also  as  regards  Ernest  Metz  (1888).  If  this 
be  so  he  must  be  equally  wrong  in  making  Ethel  Brownlow  (1887)  spring 
at  once,  “  literally  and  truly  ”  as  he  puts  it,  into  the  position  at  No.  20, 
because  this  variety  was  only  staged  four  times  in  1892,  and  consequently 
would  come  out,  although  the  earliest  introduction  of  the  three,  with  an 
average  of  10,5,  and  therefore  only  be  entitled  to  a  place  at  No.  26,  or 
not  far  from  the  bottom  of  the  table.  But  in  my  opinion  Mr.  Grahame 
is  in  this  instance,  as  he  says,  “  literally  and  truly  ”  right,  and  if  so  we 
must  also  leave  Gustave  Piganeau  and  Ernest  Metz  where  I  have  placed 
them  in  the  tables  (see  paragraph  3).  Another  year  or  two  will,  how¬ 
ever,  show  whether  these  positions  have  been  as  correctly  accorded  to 
these  youthful  aspirants  as  their  performances  will  allow.  In  reply  to 
his  inquiries  I  may  here  state  that  Gustave  Piganeau  was  shown  this 
year  in  twelve  prize  stands  by  amateurs  and  in  the  same  number  by 
nurserymen,  and  Ernest  Metz  in  sixteen  by  amateurs  and  in  fourteen 
by  nurserymen,  Ethel  Brownlow  seven  times  by  amateurs,  and  ten  by 
nurserymen. 

Mr.  Grahame  takes  exception  to  A.  K.  Williams  being  described  in 
the  N.R  S.  catalogue  as  “good  in  autumn.”  He  says  “  it  is  better  in 
the  summer  than  autumn  with  most  people,”  and  so  I  fancy  are  most 
other  Roses,  ilf,  however,  he  will  refer  to  page  5  of  the  catalogue  in 
question  he  will  find  the  following  necessary  explanation  at  the  head 
of  the  list*  of  Hybrid  Perpetuals  : — “  Where  varieties  are  described  as 
‘  good  in  autumn  ’  they  flower  freely  a  second  time.”  Unfortunately 
this  is  more  than  can  be  said  of  many  so-called  Perpetuals. 

As  to  Mr.  Grahame’s  criticisms  on  some  incidental  remarks  I  made 
respecting  the  poor  Rose  exhibition  held  by  the  National  Rose  Society 
in  1879,  there  are  undoubtedly,  as  he  says,  many  more  exhibitors  now 
than  there  were  fourteen  years  ago,  and  I  hope  the  National  Rose  Society 
may  justly  claim  some  share  in  their  conversion.  But  the  question  is, 
Had  there  then  existed  twice  as  many  Rose  exhibitors  as  at  present 
would  there  have  been  a  much  better  show  ?  I  am  afraid  not,  for  unfor- 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


369 


tunately  no  amount  of  anxious  watching  on  the  part  of  an  enthusiastic 
Kose  grower  will  induce  his  plants  to  come  into  flower  if  they  have  not 
sufficient  warmth  at  the  roots  to  enable  them  to  do  so,  besides  which 
a  very  late  Rose  season  generally  means  late  spring  frosts  and  other 
evils  which  check  the  growth  of  the  plants  and  consequently  disfigure 
the  first  cut  of  blooms — the  only  one  available  in  most  districts  at 
anything  like  an  early  show,  in  fact  it  would  have  been  just  like 
holding  our  metropolitan  show  in  a  backward  season  during  the  second 
week  in  June.  We  all  know,  for  instance,  what  the  Drill  Hall  Show 
(held  June  2l8t)  was  like  in  the  late  summer  of  1891.  Therefore,  I 
repeat,  sooner  or  later  this  must  prove  our  doleful  experience  at  ‘‘  the 
National,”  particularly  if  an  early  fixture  and  a  terribly  backward 
season  happen  to  unite  their  destructive  forces  in  order  to  ruin  it.  This 
is  not  a  matter  of  opinion  at  all  but  of  temperature. 

Turning  now  to  the  friendly  remarks  of  “  Y.  B.  A.  Z.,”  he  says,  “  I 
have  always  thought  this  analysis  showed  rather  the  Roses  that  stood 
best  the  test  of  certain  seasons  ;  this  has  been  particularly  brought  out 
in  the  present  analysis.”  Had  he  made  this  charge  against  any  of  my 
previous  Rose  analyses,  and  it  is,  I  confess,  a  most  natural  conclusion  to 
have  come  to,  there  might  have  been  some  grounds  for  this  statement. 
He  goes  on  to  say,  “  a  season  that  is  inimical  to  a  certain  Rose  has  an 
effect  of  a  very  damaging  character  on  its  position  for  many  years.” 
Now  this  would  undoubtedly  be  the  case  but  for  the  precautions  I  have 
mentioned  (paragraph  2).  He  quotes  as  an  example  La  France,  let 
me  therefore  give  him  the  figures  from  which  the  average  for  this 
popular  variety  was  obtained — 35,  27,  33,  38,  38,  48,  and  49 — average  38'3. 
Had,  however,  the  values  for  the  full  eight  years  been  taken,  instead  of 
those  for  the  first  seven,  its  average  would  have  been  reduced  to  35' 3, 
still  allowing  it  to  retain  its  present  position  in  the  table.  But  Marquise 
de  Castellane,  the  other  Rose  he  names,  if  similarly  treated,  would  at 
once  fall  from  No.  15,  the  place  now  accorded  to  it,  to  No.  23. 

Is  not  “  Y.  B.  A.  Z.”  in  error  in  classing  Ernest  Metz  as  a  sport  from 
Catherine  Mermet?  The  plants  do  not  seem  to  me  alike  in  their  habit 
of  growth,  the  former  being  a  much  more  sturdy  grower.  I  obtained 
the  date  of  Cleopatra  from  that  handy  little  book  of  reference  before 
referred  to  (the  new  catalogue  of  the  N.R.S.),  and  therefore  conclude  it 
is  correct.  Catherine  Mermet,  Comtesse  de  Nadaillac,  and  The  Bride 
were  omitted  from  the  select  lists  at  the  end  of  the  analysis  as  not 
being,  in  my  opinion,  sufficiently  good  growers  to  recommend  for  general 
cultivation. — B.  M.,  Berlihamsted. 


In  my  remarks  on  this  in  your  last  issue  (page  331)  there  is  a 
printer’s  error.  In  the  eighth  line  it  ought  to  read,  “  I  cannot  fancy 
that  any  exhibitor  would  prefer  Ulrich  Brunner  to  Marie  Baumann.” — 

Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


MESSRS.  VEITCH  &  SONS’  LANGLEY  NURSERIES. 

It  is  not  so  many  years  ago  since  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  established 
themselves  at  Langley  near  Slough,  in  order  to  extend  their  fruit 
ground  and  go  in  extensively  for  home-grown  seeds.  They  commenced 
with  about  30  acres  and  now  have  70,  and  judging  by  the  half-worked 
brickfields  all  around,  the  time  will  come  when  the  land  will  be  worth  a 
great  deal  more  than  the  astute  Chelsea  firm  paid  for  it,  though  it  is 
quite  possible  that  as  it  is  first  rate  fruit  soil  and  answers  its  purpose 
well,  the  brick  speculators  will  have  to  do  without  it  when  the  time 
comes  for  them  to  attempt  its  acquisition.  Land  that  makes  good  bricks 
generally  grows  good  fruit,  and  one  has  only  to  glance  over  the  nursery 
stock  to  see  that  the  present  case  is  no  exception  to  the  rule. 

The  Langley  Nurseries  are  easily  reached.  Fast  trains  from 
Paddington  run  to  Slough  in  a  little  over  half  an  hour,  and  the  grounds 
are  seen  from  the  line  not  long  before  the  station  is  reached.  Perhaps 
they  are  a  mile  away  on  the  line  side,  and  about  double  the  distance 
round  by  the  road.  Travellers  up  and  down  the  Great  Western  must 
find  much  to  admire  when  the  broad  stretches  of  trees  are  in  blossom, 
as  well  as  later  on  when  the  herbaceous  plants  and  annuals  come  into 
bloom.  Probably  also  they  note  the  handsome  and  substantial  dwellings 
dotted  here  and  there,  and  think,  which  is  undoubtedly  the  case,  that 
the  Veitchian  nursery  is  a  model  one  and  in  every  respect  worthy  of  the 
great  firm. 

SEED-GROWINa  AND  SEED-CLEANING. 

Many  acres  of  the  Langley  Nurseries  are  devoted  to  seed-raising,  choice 
stocks  of  both  vegetables  and  flowers  being  grown  there.  At  the  present 
season  cleaning  is  in  full  swing,  and  a  good  many  hands  were  employed 
in  thrashing  Peas,  cleaning  Beet,  and  picking  over  flower  seeds.  The 
samples  are  just  such  as  a  seedsman  would  delight  in,  and  the  quantities 
are  surprisingly  great  when  it  is  considered  that  they  are  sold  retail  by 
the  packet  and  ounce,  and  not  wholesale  by  the  pound  and  hundred¬ 
weight.  There  are,  for  instance,  about  20  bushels  of  Crawford’s  Beet,  an 
excellent  sample  of  seed,  and  still  more  of  the  popular  Dell’s,  which  is 
the  most  in  demand  of  all.  Then  there  are  large  quantities  of  Veitch’s 
Mammoth  Runner  Bean,  and  amongst  flowers  miniature  Sunflowers, 
Tagetes.  Marigolds,  Tropasolums,  and  hosts  of  others.  Seed-growing 
and  cleaning  has  grown  to  be  quite  a  large  business  there,  and  the 
policy  of  securing  home-grown  stocks  is  found  good,  not  only  because 
of  excellent  samples  being  secured,  but  also  in  respect  to  accuracy  of 
nomenclature. 

Roses. 

The  Langley  Nurseries  are,  as  hinted,  extensive,  and  the  departments 
are  many.  The  Roses  form  a  great  feature.  As  many  as  24,000 


Manettis  and  Briars  have  been  budded  this  year,  and  that  does  not 
represent  all  the  propagating,  for  other  stocks,  notably  the  De  la 
Grifferaie,  are  also  employed.  The  last  named  ia  found  to  be  better 
than  the  Briars  for  many  Teas  and  Noisettes,  and  is  being  used  more 
and  more  every  season.  The  quarters  look  wonderfully  well  consi¬ 
dering  the  dry  season,  and  it  may  be  noted  that  the  nurseries  have  had 
to  bear  the  brunt  of  the  drought,  the  hills  and  woods  not  far  away 
splitting  many  storms  that  promised  to  moisten  the  thirsty  soil.  There 
was  hardly  rain  enough  to  lay  the  dust  from  February  to  the  end  of 
September,  so  that  it  can  be  easily  understood  how  trying  the  season 
has  been,  and  what  great  efforts  have  had  to  be  made  to  keep  the  stock 
“  up  to  the  mark.”  It  has  been  done,  as  anyone  can  see  who  cares 
to  go. 

Orchids  and  Plants. 

Here  enters  Mr.  Seden.  The  fogs  got  to  be  too  much  for  his 
hybrids  at  Chelsea,  and  so  structures  have  been  put  up  for  him  at 
Langley,  together  with  a  commodious  residence  near  by.  At  home 
amongst  his  millions  of  seedlings  he  ought  to  be  happy,  aud  if  appear¬ 
ances  go  for  anything  he  is.  So  are  the  plants.  Of  seedling  Cattleyas, 
Lselias,  and  Cypripediums,  together  with  bi-generic  hybrids,  there  are 
immense  numbers,  modest-looking  now  in  the  early  stages  of  seedling- 
hood,  but  destined  to  occupy  proud  positions  later  on  no  doubt.  One 
beautiful  hybrid,  a  cross  between  Cattleya  Bowringiana  and  C.  maxima, 
named  Chloris,  was  in  bloom,  and  has  since  been  certificated  by  the 
R.H.S.  It  was  sown  in  1886,  and  flowered  last  year,  promising  to  be  a 
remarkably  free  bloomer.  The  rich  magenta  carmine  lip  and  the  golden 
veining  in  the  throat  are  very  noteworthy.  Another  Cattleya  named 
Phiedona,  a  cross  between  C.  intermedia  (pollen  parent)  and  C.  maxima, 
was  also  flowering,  and  has  since  received  an  award  of  merit.  It  is^ 
ivory  white  veined  with  pink,  the  lip  narrow  and  flattened  at  the  base 
ivory  with  magenta  veins,  and  the  throat  tinged  with  gold.  Its  pleasing 
appearance,  its  period  of  flowering,  and  its  delicious  Honeysuckle-like 
fragrance,  combine  to  make  it  a  valuable  form.  An  ivory-like  Cypri- 
pedium  named  Cleola,  a  cross  between  C.  Schlimi  alba  and  C.  reticulatum, 
is  also  a  gem.  It  is  a  near  approach  to  white,  and  flowers  up  the  stem 
like  the  valuable  Sedeni  candidulum.  There  are  other  novelties,  which 
will  doubtless  be  produced  anon.  Phalmnopsia  are  splendidly  grown, 
and  so  are  Disas. 

A  word  must  be  said  about  the  new  Veronica  Purple  Queen,  which  was 
certificated  not  long  ago.  There  is  a  fine  stock,  and  judging  by  its 
bushy  free-flowering  habit  it  should  prove  a  great  acquisition  for  market 
work. 

Strawberries. 

Exit  Mr.  Seden,  enter  Mr.  Morle.  The  chief  of  the  fruit  department, 
who  acted  as  guide  from  London,  lives  at  Southfielda,  Fulham,  where 
the  great  bulk  of  the  trained  trees  are  grown,  and  he  is  a  master  in  their 
management.  He  has  a  good  lieutenant  at  Slough,  and  the  stock  there 
bears  the  same  impress  of  quality  and  skilful  management  as  the  magni¬ 
ficent  material  in  the  London  nursery,  which  is  the  highest  praise  any¬ 
one  could  bestow.  There  are  some  Strawberries  left  yet,  for  many  buy  and 
plant  at  bulb-ordering  time  instead  of  earlier  in  the  season.  Mr.  Allan’s 
trio  are  very  highly  thought  of.  Empress  of  India  is  a  fine  grower 
with  British  Queen  flavour,  and  ready  several  days  before  the  royal  sort. 
Lord  Suffield  and  Gunton  Park  are  also  good  growers  of  high  flavour 
and  force  well,  besides  being  firm  enough  for  travelling.  These  should 
be  tried.  Dr.  Hogg,  another  Strawberry  much  esteemed,  is  well  repre¬ 
sented,  and  BO  is  King  of  the  Earlies,  as  well  as  all  the  older  sorts. 
Waterloo  is  strongly  recommended  as  a  late  variety  that  stands  the  sun 
well.  It  should  not  be  picked  when  red,  but  left  till  it  assumes  the 
rich  purplish  hue  which  denotes  perfect  ripeness  and  rich  flavour. 

Large  Fruits. 

There  are  many  acres  of  Apples,  Pears  and  Plums,  all  the  leading 
sorts  being  largely  grown,  and  they  are  in  the  best  condition.  A  large 
quarter  of  four-year-old  standard  Plums  is  very  striking,  and  so  are 
standard  Apples  on  straight,  clean,  healthy  stems,  wanting  no  stakes  to 
support  them.  These  are  as  fine  a  collection  of  trees  as  any  planter 
need  wish  to  buy,  and  so  are  the  three-year-old  bush  Apples,  with 
Frogmore  Prolific  prominent  amongst  them.  There  is  a  quarter  of 
pyramids  budded  on  the  Crab  conspicuous  for  clean  and  vigorous 
growth.  Two-year-old  standards  of  Bramley’s  Seedling  are  excellent 
material,  and  another  Apple  very  noteworthy  for  its  clean,  healthy 
growth  and  good  habit  is  Beauty  of  Stoke.  This  is  unquestionably  a 
fine  variety,  and  one  that  ought  to  be  tried.  Apart  from  its  qualities  as 
a  grower  it  bears  freely  and  the  fruit  keeps  well.  Two-year-old 
Bismarcks  are  ahead  of  almost  everything  of  their  age.  Lord  Grosvenor, 
a  valuable  early  Codlin,  does  spendidly  at  Langley,  its  growth  being  as 
clean  as  a  well  managed  Croton  and  its  foliage  quite  leathery.  Young 
pyramid  Pears  of  the  principal  sorts  with  a  cordon  tree  planted 
between  each  pair  form  another  impressive  quarter. 

Trained  Trees. 

Trained  trees  comprise  Mr.  Morle’s  great  forte.  Every  grower 
should  go  to  Southfields,  to  see  the  stock  there,  and  then  arrange  for 
another  day  at  Langley.  Popular  Plums  like  Coe’s  Golden  Drop, 
Jefferson,  Green  Gage,  Kirke’s,  and  Victoria  are  represented  in  hundreds, 
every  tree  a  model  of  good  management  and  cleanliness.  Then  there 
are  Cherries,  such  as  Bigarreau  Napoleon,  Governor  Wood,  Elton,  Early 
Rivers,  Black  Tartarian,  and  Archduke,  almost  as  numerous  and  equally 
good.  High  quality  Pears  like  Doyenn^  du  Comice  and  Marie  Louise 
are  grown  in  enormous  numbers.  There  are  more  of  these  at  South- 


860 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  10,  1893. 


fields,  and  it  is  there  that  the  great  majority  of  the  trained  Peaches 
and  Nectarines  for  which  the  firm  is  famous  are  grown,  so  that  a  visit 
to  both  places  should  always  be  paid  if  possible. 

I  might  add,  although  it  hardly  comes  under  the  heading  of  “  trained 
trees,”  a  note  about  Superlative  Raspberry.  It  is  very  highly  thought  of, 
and  is  unquestionably  a  splendid  sort,  producing  abundance  of  large, 
richly  coloured  fruit.  There  was  a  large  quarter  of  it,  canes  put  out  in 
spring  bearing  large  clusters  of  fruit. 

Floral  Aspects. 

There  is  a  very  fine  herbaceous  border  running  through  the  centre  of 
the  Langley  Nurseries  at  right  angles  with  the  railway  which  well  merits 
mention,  for  it  has  been  magnificent  this  year.  The  Delphiniums  in 
particular  have  been  superb.  Michaelmas  Daisies  in  great  variety, 
Pyrethrum  uliginosum.  Dahlias,  Sunflowers,  and  Sedum  spectabile  were 
prominent  amongst  its  autumnal  attractions.  Near  by,  and  running 
parallel  with  the  line,  was  a  dazzling  bed  which,  as  being  at  its  best  in 
October,  was  very  noteworthy.  It  was  composed  of  Papaver  glaucum,  a 
dwarf  sort  with  flowers  much  resembling  those  of  umbrosum.  They 
were  of  a  rich  and  very  glowing  crimson,  with  black  interior  basal 
blotches,  and  glistened  brilliantly  in  the  autumn  sunshine.  The  seed 
was  sown  in  May,  and  in  a  little  over  four  months  has  produced  one  of 
the  most  striking  beds  imaginable.  On  the  walls  of  one  of  the  houses 
Crataegus  Lelandi,  so  much  superior  to  Pyracantha  from  its  bearing  far 
more  freely  in  a  small  state,  and  Lonicera  japonica  (brachypoda),  a 


sand,  or  charcoal.  Wherever  the  pipe  is  under  ground,  and  not  in  a 
trench,  it  should  be  covered  with  felt  or  pipe  cement,  made  from  hay  or 
hair  one  part,  horse  droppings  one  part,  and  clay  two  parts.  The  hay 
or  hair  must  be  well  worked  with  horse  droppings  into  the  clay,  and 
the  mixture  thus  formed  should  be  placed  IJ  inch  thick  around  the 
pipes.  This  cement  will  keep  in  the  heat,  also  prevent  the  pipes  from 
rusting,  which  they  will  surely  do  when  simply  buried  in  the  earth.  A 
portion  of  the  radiating  pipes  should  be  placed  in  such  a  position  that 
the  air  on  entering  the  houses  is  warmed  before  it  reaches  the  plants. 
“  Dips  in  the  pipes  at  any  point  should  be  specially  avoided,  as  they 
often  impede  free  circulation.”*  “  In  each  house  on  the  highest  points 
of  the  pipes  must  be  placed  air-vents.  This  is  an  important  point, 
because  air  being  lighter  than  water  it  will  certainly  rise  to  the  highest 
point ;  and  as  air  in  the  pipes  can  never  be  made  to  pass  downwards,  no 
matter  how  small  the  extent,  the  reason  for  having  air-vents  at  the 
highest  points  is  at  once  demonstrated.”!  (The  quantity  of  4-inch  pipe 
required  for  a  house  is  easily  ascertained  by  referring  to  a  method  of 
rapid  calculation  by  F.  Dye,j;  the  writer  of  “  Hood’s  work.”  He  bases 
the  figures  on  the  quantity  of  glass  per  1000  cubic  feet  internal  space* 
The  figures,  which  are  approximate  only,  conditions  and  positions 
varying,  are  intended  for  lean-to  houses,  with  one  side  of  brickwork.  If 


0 

K 

o 

o 

BED 

BED 

O  0 

O  O 

Piping  under  stage  376  ft. 
Bed . 100  ft. 


Piping  180  ft. Both 
Bed  . .  120  ft.  f  houses. 


Piping  under  stage  308  ft. 
Bed . 100  ft. 


Bed  . .  120  ft. 

Each  house  would  have  one  third  of  its  pipe  surface  occupied  by  vapour  troughs  to  secure  sufficient  moisture. 


o 

Piping  180  ft.  )  Both 
Bed  . .  120  ft.  j  houses. 


Fig.  53.— sections. 


delicious  Honeysuckle  blooming  nearly  all  the  year,  produced  welcome 
fragrance  and  colour,  and  served  as  pleasant  reminders  of  the  past  glories 
of  this  wonderful  season. 

Past  and  Present  Work. 

The  fifteen  years  or  thereabouts  which  have  elapsed  since  the 
Langley  Nurseries  were  established  have  seen  great  changes.  Then 
under  the  charge  of  the  veteran  Newby,  who  has  long  since  passed 
away,  30  acres  of  land  were  gradually  cultivated  and  filled.  Now  40  acres 
more  have  been  added,  and  the  whole  of  the  ground  is  closely  planted. 
A  fresh  piece  of  4  acres  is  being  broken  up  for  seed  trials,  chiefly 
vegetable,  to  take  the  place  of  the  ground  at  Chiswick,  which  has  now 
fallen  into  the  builder’s  hands.  Thus  the  order  of  events  is  progress  and 
development.  For  the  general  order  and  cleanliness  observable  credit 
must  be  paid  to  Mr.  Scott,  the  general  manager  of  the  nursery. 
Probably  much  of  Messrs.  Veitch’s  colossal  success  is  due  to  their  wise 
and  judicious  choice  of  departmental  heads,  all  of  whom  are  courteous, 
capable,  and  energetic. — Nomad. 


THE  PRINCIPLES  OF  HEATING: 

iNCLtJDINO  THE  ARRANGEMENT  OF  HOT-WATER  PIPES  FOR  (a)  FRUIT  HOUSES; 
(6)  foroisg  Houses  with  bottom  heat  ;  (c)  best  kinds  op  fuel,  with 
THE  management  OF  FIRES,  AND  THE  REGULATION  OF  TEMPERATURES. 

Silver  Medal  Essay  by  Mr.  Harry  Corlett,  Foreman,  Woolton  Wood 

Gardens,  Liverpool, 

(^Concluded  from  page  329.) 

(3),  Thermometer. 

This  is  a  necessary  instrument  in  every  garden,  and  it  is  the  only 
unfailing  guide  for  the  gardener  in  regulating  the  heat  of  his  houses. 
The  self-registering  thermometer  is  the  best,  as  it  gives  the  maxima 
and  minima  temperature  of  the  atmosphere  outside,  or  the  tempera¬ 
ture  inside  our  houses  during  a  given  number  of  hours.  There  is  also 
the  bed  thermometer,  which  is  enclosed  in  a  wooden  or  metal  tube 
pointed  at  the  bottom,  so  that  it  can  easily  be  inserted  in  the  bed  to 
ascertain  the  heat  therein. 

(4),  Pipes. 

The  main  pipe,  which  is  under  ground,  should  be  laid  in  a  brickwork 
trench,  and  covered  with  a  non-conductor  of  heat,  such  as  sawdust. 


span-roofed,  position  not  much  exposed,  add  one-fifth  to  the  length  of 
pipe  given.  Heat  of  pipe  being  180°.)  It  is  always  wise  to  provide 
for  emergencies  by  having  a  suflucient  quantity  of  pipes  in  each  house, 
fitted  with  valves  in  the  flow  and  return  pipes. 


Temperature  required. 


t  F.  DYE’S  TABLE. 

Quantity  of  pipe  to  each 
lOCO  cubic  feet. 


90°  Fahr . 

85°  „  . 

.  75  „ 

8 . 

.  70  ” 

75°  „  . 

70°  ”  . 

.  60  ” 

65°  „  . 

60°  . 

.  50  „ 

55°  "  . 

.  45 

50°  ”  . 

.  40  „ 

45°  ,;  . 

.  37  „ 

Outside  temperature  10° 


Purpose  for  which  the 
house  is  intended. 

-  Forcing  houses. 

Melon  pits. 

■  Grapes  &  Stawberries. 

■  Fruit  trees. 


(5),  Boiler. 

The  forms  of  some  of  the  newly  patented  boilers  are  so  very  com¬ 
plicated  that  they  are  sometimes  not  so  effective  as  those  of  a  simpler 
character.  The  principal  thing  in  selecting  a  boiler  is  to  choose  one  with 
the  greatest  surface  of  exposure  to  the  direct  action  of  the  fire,  combined 
with  the  tested  heating  capacity,  at  a  given  cost.  For  our  purpose  a 
terminal  end  saddle  boiler  would  suit  admirably.  In  choosing  a  boiler, 
no  matter  what  size,  the  one  selected  should  be  about  40  per  cent,  more 
powerful  than  is  actually  required,  as  such  will  last  much  longer  and 
work  better.  After  the  boiler  has  been  put  in  its  position,  it  should  be 
covered  with  the  best  available  non-conductor  of  heat,  such  as  charcoal 
or  sand  ;  a  case  of  brickwork  with  sand  or  pulverised  charcoal  between 
this  and  the  boiler  is  to  be  preferred. 

(6),  Fuel. 

What  is  the  best  fuel  to  use  for  horticultural  purposes  ?  is  a  question 
often  discussed.  Undoubtedly  I  would  recommend  anthracite  coal 
because  of  its  many  good  qualities  ;  failing  to  procure  this  I  would  advise 
coke  before  ordinary  coal.  The  reason  I  claim  anthracite  to  be  the  best 


*  Hood  on  Warming  Buildings,  6th  edition,  page  69.  f  Hood.  6th  edition,  page  47. 
i  Hood,  6th  edition,  page  245.  Published  by  E.  &  F.  N.  Spou,  125,  Strand,  London. 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


861 


can  easily  be  ascertained  by  comparing  the  different  qualities  of 
anthracite,  coke,  and  coal.  For  instance,  ordinary  coal  can  only  be  used 
extensively  where  the  gardens  happen  to  be  in  close  proximity  to  a 
colliery,  it  being  cheaper  then  than  having  to  send  away  for  coke  or 
anthracite.  This  is  the  only  really  good  point  in  its  favour.  Now  look 
at  its  disadvantages.  It  is  almost  unequalled  for  throwing  off  a  dense 
smoke,  highly  charged  with  gases  detrimental  to  vegetation,  also  produc¬ 
ing  much  soot,  which  generally  drops  on  the  roofs  of  glass  structures,  or 
alighting  on  the  leaves  and  flowers  of  plants  in  the  houses  as  soon  as 
the  ventilators  are  opened,  thus  giving  them  an  undesirable  appearance. 
Then  look  at  the  filthy  state  of  the  flues  and  chimney  ;  notice  how  often 
the  flues  are  choked,  thus  costing  considerably  more  labouri  in  cleaning 
than  is  required  by  either  coke  or  anthracite. 

The  next  to  be  considered  is  coke.  As  a  heat  producer  I  put  it  on 
a  level  with  anthracite,  but  its  great  disadvantage  is  the  amount  of  labour 
entailed  in  stoking  compared  with  that  of  anthracite.  Coke,  moreover, 
is  so  very  porous  that  it  will  absorb  a  very  large  quantity  of  moisture 
if  kept  in  the  open  air,  and  this  moisture  must  first  be  dried  before  it 
can  give  any  chance  for  the  coke  to  become  ignited.  Some  people  have 
an  idea  that  coke  burns  much  better  if  watered.  This  to  my  mind  is  a 
serious  mistake,  for  watering  the  coke  decreases  its  heating  power.  If 
water  was  put  into  the  ash  pit  it  would  not  only  cause  the  fire  to  burn 
clearer  and  brighter,  but  also  utilise  the  heat  that  is  radiated  downwards 
from  the  firebars.  There  are  also  the  sulphur  fumes,  the  continual  visits 
to  the  stokehole,  attended  by  the  necessary  clinkering  and  poking,  this 
meaning  more  waste,  viz.,  clinkers  and  ashes.  Then  look  at  the  short 
time  a  coke  fire  will  last  compared  with  one  of  anthracite,  thus  wasting 
valuable  time. 

The  points  by  which  anthracite  predominates  over  other  fuels  for 
horticultural  purposes  are  greater  durability,  less  labour  in  stoking, 
perfectly  smokeless,  and  less  sulphur  fumes.  A  fire  may  be  banked  up 
at  6  P.M.,  and  it  will  not  require  touching  until  noon  the  next  day ; 
this  proves  its  durability.  There  is  less  of  that  continual  poking 
required,  therefore  less  labour  in  stoking.  Scientists  assert  that  the 
heating  power  of  any  fuel  is  approximately  proportionate  to  the  per¬ 
centage  by  weight  of  the  carbon  it  contains,  therefore  anthracite 
containing  90  per  cent,  of  carbon  heads  the  list.  Of  course  there  are 
disadvantages,  but  they  are  not  so  great  as  those  attending  coke  or  coal. 
There  is  the  price  to  be  considered  ;  certainly  it  is  dearer  than  coke  or 
coal,  but  2  tons  of  anthracite  are  of  more  value  than  3  tons  of  coke  or 
coal.  Then  some  persons  dislike  the  working  of  it,  but  this  very  often 
is  the  fault  of  the  stoker  and  not  the  fuel.  All  that  is  required  in 
stoking  with  anthracite  is  described  under  stoking. 

(7),  Stoking. 

Having  the  desired  fuel  at  our  command  the  system  of  stoking  must 
be  considered.  How  many  failures  have  there  been  ?  How  much 
damage  has  been  done  1  through  the  total  absence  of  any  desire  to 
become  a  stoker  in  the  true  sense  of  the  word.  Why  this  ambition  is 
so  seldom  met  with  is  to  me  an  unsolved  problem.  According  to  my 
experience  only  two  gardeners  out  of  every  twelve  have  any  real  heart 
in  this  part  of  their  work. 

As  I  advocate  the  use  of  anthracite  I  will  give  a  simple  method  of 
stoking  with  it,  which  may  be  brought  into  daily  use.  The  first  thing 
required  is  a  thorough  draught,  and  therefore  the  firebars,  flues,  and 
chimney  must  be  kept  clean.  At  midday  allow  the  fire  to  burn  very 
low,  and  after  removing  the  clinkers  thoroughly  clean  the  back  of  the 
boiler  and  firebars,  then  push  the  clean  fire  towards  the  back  of  the 
boiler ;  put  on  a  little  fresh  fuel,  which  should  be  broken  to  the 
size  of  a  teacup,  and  not  placed  on  the  bars  in  too  thick  a  layer.  After 
opening  the  ashpit  door,  and  carefully  working  the  damper,  allow  the 
fresh  fuel  to  be  thoroughly  burnt  through  before  any  more  is  added  to 
it,  and  if  by  this  time  the  desired  heat  has  not  been  obtained  add  more 
fuel,  keeping  the  poker  out  of  the  fire,  except  it  be  to  remove  the  dust 
on  the  bars.  When  the  required  heat  has  been  secured  regulate  the 
draught  according  to  the  weather.  At  banking  up  time  push  the 
majority  of  the  fire  to  the  back  of  the  boiler,  and  fill  the  front  portion 
with  fresh  fuel.  By  pushing  the  fire  to  the  back  the  heat  is  regulated, 
while  the  fresh  fuel  is  getting  ignited.  The  fire  may  then  be  left  with 
safety  until  the  morning,  and  if  there  has  been  no  marked  change  in 
the  weather  it  may  be  checked  until  afternoon.  Of  course  the  discretion 
of  the  stoker  will  allow  him  to  know  whether  the  fire  should  be  started 
in  the  morning  or  not,  but  the  chief  point  for  him  to  watch  is  to  keep 
a  clean  fire  without  the  continual  use  of  the  poker.  What  little  ash 
there  is  in  the  ash-box  should  be  removed  every  afternoon  when  the 
fire  is  started,  and  water  to  the  depth  of  a  couple  of  inches  be  put  in 
its  place,  the  advantage  of  this  being  already  pointed  out. 


(8),  Stokers. 

The  task  of  a  stoker  is  truly  momentous,  and  a  few  remarks  on  his 
duties  may  not  be  out  of  place.  Let  the  student  observe  these  rules— 
(1)  Cleanliness,  (2)  use  discretion,  (3)  study  the  weather.  No  stoker 
should  visit  his  fire  without  knowing  the  temperature  of  the  houses  ; 
the  temperature  of  outside  air ;  the  direction  of  the  wind,  noticing  of 
course  which  houses  suffer  most  ;  the  changes  that  have  taken  place  in 
the  weather  during  a  certain  number  of  hours  ;  and  then  calculate 
what  will  be  most  likely  to  happen  next,  and  work  his  fire  accordingly. 
He  must  be  careful  that  the  flees  and  chimney  are  kept  clean,  also  that 
the  feed  cistern  always  contains  clean  water.  One  very  important  point 
for  him  to  watch  is,  he  must  not  have  too  much  fire  heat  in  the  houses, 
as  more  than  sufficient  heat  is  not  only  waste,  but  the  plants  get  drawn 
and  dried.  He  must  keep  his  valves  in  good  working  order,  so  as  to  be 
in  readiness  in  case  of  any  unforeseen  occurrence.  As  a  general  rule 
the  above  will  prove  the  qualities  of  a  person  wishing  to  become  a  stoker, 
and  it  is  here,  in  the  stokehole,  where  the  character  of  a  man,  no  matter 


FIG.  5-t.— MR.  H.  CORLETT. 


whether  he  be  young  or  old,  is  unconsciously,  but  truly,  displayed,  for 
should  he  have  an  untidy  stokehole  he  is  bound  to  be  the  same  at  his 
work  ;  but  if,  on  the  other  hand,  he  keeps  a  clean  stokehole,  then  he  will 
be  quite  as  neat  and  clean  in  any  other  work  he  has  to  perform.  This 
latter  qualifying  point  is  one  of  great  importance  if  he  be  employed  in 
a  private  garden. 

[We  have  pleasure  in  publishing  a  portrait  of  Mr.  H.  Corlett,  and 
congratulate  him  on  the  general  excellence  of  his  essay.] 


HARD  COLD  WATER  FOR  PLANTS. 

I  AM  afraid  my  young  friend  and  former  pupil  Mr.  Dunn  (page  317) 
is  going  to  get  the  worst  of  the  cold  water  argument,  as  weighty 
evidence  seems  to  be  forthcoming  against  him.  Soft  water,  or  that 
which  has  been  exposed  to  atmospheric  influences  for  some  time,  not 
being  available  in  ninety-nine  gardens  out  of  every  hundred,  the  best 
must  be  made  of  the  cold  water  at  our  disposal  ;  but  that  is  no  argument 
of  its  being  better,  or  even  so  good,  for  plants  in  general,  as  is  water  that 
has  been  softened  and  warmed  by  exposure.  Which  of  the  two  is  best  I 
Which  would  cultivators  prefer  if  they  had  the  choice  ? 

The  use  of  tap  and  well  water  during  the  hottest  months  of  the  year 
does  not,  as  a  rule,  show  any  evil  results  ;  but  we  must  draw  a  line,  or 
the  use  of  cold  hard  water,  recommended  as  it  is  being  done,  may  end 
in  the  ruin  of  many  plants,  Would  those  who  are  advocating  the  use  of 
cold  hard  water  use  it  direct  from  taps  and  wells  during  the  winter  and 
early  spring  months,  when  the  temperature  of  the  water  would  be 
20°  lower,  more  or  less,  than  the  house  in  which  plants  or  fruits  may  be 
growing  ?  If  the  advocates  of  hard  cold  water  do  this,  then  I  must  join 
with  Mr.  Dunn  and  condemn  the  practice. 

I  cannot  bring  my  mind  to  believe  that  Mr.  Molyneux,  or  the  other 
able  cultivator  taking  part  in  this  discussion,  would  think  of  using 
water  direct  from  taps  and  wells  for  Crotons  growing  from  October  to 


862 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  19,  1893. 


the  end  of  March  in  a  temperature  of  from  60  to  65°.  What  would  be 
the  result  ?  I  am  afraid  the  plants  would  not  long  remain  satisfactory. 
Who  would  be  mad  enough  to  supply  winter  Cucumbers  with  water  30° 
lower  than  the  soil  ?  The  subject  is  a  wide  one,  and  appears  to  me  to 
need  more  thought  and  consideration  than  your  correspondents  are 
bestowing  upon  it.  Cold  water  used  in  a  reckless  manner  would  be  a 
barbarous  system  of  treatment  that  would  soon  bring  about  a  condition 
of  growth  that  would  be  miserable  in  the  extreme. 

Force  Roses  early  in  the  season,  and  try  this  cold  water  business. 
Mildew  will  soon  appear  ;  continue  the  practice,  and  it  will  spread  like 
magic. — W.  Bardney. _ 

I  HAVE  no  wish  to  pose  as  an  authority  upon  this  subject,  yet  I  claim 
the  right  to  question  any  evidence  that  is  brought  against  my  own 
opinion,  and  if  after  a  thorough  investigation  that  evidence  is  strong 
and  convincing,  I  am  ready  to  submit,  withdraw,  or  retract.  In  this 
case  the  evidence  is  without  any  recognised  authority,  and  “  J.  B.  R.” 
quietly  surmises  that  the  authorities  I  quote  would  not  venture  to 
support  their  own  assertions.  Does  he  call  this  argument  ? 

Whilst  in  conversation  with  one  of  our  leading  nurserymen  a  few 
days  ago  the  question  of  the  past  summer’s  water  supply  naturally  arose, 
and  his  experience  of  “hard  cold  water”  was  limited  to  one  word — 
“  bad.” 

I  fully  appreciate  the  support  which  your  correspondent  “  T.  A.” 
(page  340)  accords  me  in  this  discussion,  yet  I  cannot  altogether  agree 
with  him  as  to  “hard  water”  minus  cold  being  only  injurious;  it  is 
the  chilling  effects  upon  the  young  hair-like  roots  which  in  my  opinion 
causes  injury  to  the  plants,  and  this  combined  with  the  salts  of  lime 
contained  in  “hard  water”  is  the  more  disastrous.  Upon  the  estate 
where  I  reside  there  are  three  separate  supplies  from  wells  situated 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  apart,  and  the  water  drawn  from  each  one 
differs  materially  in  hardness.  This  is  not  the  only  neighbourhood  or 
county  in  which  I  have  watched  carefully  the  effect  of  “  hard  cold 
water  ”  (drawn  direct  from  springs)  upon  vegetation.  Therefore  I 
claim  that  it  is  not  in  one  particular  county  more  than  another  that 
“  hard  cold  water  ”  proves  injurious,  although  I  admit  it  may  in  some 
districts  act  more  quickly  than  others  ;  but  taking  the  country  through¬ 
out  vegetation  in  my  opinion  cannot  flourish  (in  the  true  meaning  of 
the  word)  when  constantly  watered  with  spring  water  in  a  cold  raw 
state. — F.  Duhn. 


NEW  CARNATIONS  AND  PICOTEES. 

In  the  Birmingham  districts  there  are  several  excellent  cultivators 
of  the  Carnation,  and  in  no  other  locality  can  more  select  collections  be 
found.  During  the  past  summer  I  have  had  repeated  opportunities  of 
seeing  some  of  these  collections,  notably  those  of  Messrs.  Thomson, 
Sydenham,  and  Brown,  and  as  a  large  number  of  Carnation  growers 
are  readers  of  the  Journal  I  send  you  notes  of  the  opinion  formed  of 
these  flowers. 

Carnations. 

Lovely  Mary  (Lakin). — Very  bright  rose  flake,  pure  in  the  ground 
colour  and  well  marked.  A  flower  of  fine  form  and  first-class  quality. 

Claudian,  s.F.  (Thomson). — This  has  great  breadth  of  petal,  clear 
ground,  the  colour  very  bright,  and  is  of  the  finest  form. 

John  Payne  (Chaundy). — Good  in  form,  but  the  ground  colour  is  not 
clear,  and  the  marking  is  not  good. 

Mrs.  Douglas,  P.F. — Has  broad,  regular,  rosy  purple  flakes  and  pure 
ground  colour,  good  petal  and  fine  form. 

William  Dean  (Chaundy). — A  very  promising  scarlet  flake,  and  finer 
than  Guardsman  sent  out  at  the  same  time  by  the  raiser.  It  is  rich  in 
colour,  has  a  fine  petal,  is  perfect  in  form  and  is  an  excellent  grower.  It 
was  first  also  in  the  scarlet  flake  class  at  Oxford. 

Agricola  (Douglas),  p.f. — Clear  ground  colour,  ,with  broad  bright 
purple  flakes,  and  a  first-class  flower. 

Plato  (Thomson). — A  bright  p.  and  p.  bizarre.  A  full-sized  flower 
in  the  style  of  Rifleman,  but  of  a  different  shade  of  pink  colour.  A  very 
fine  flower  in  breadth  of  petal,  form,  and  substance. 

E.  G.  Wrigley,  P.  and  p.b, — Beautifully  marked,  pure  ground  colour, 
broad  petal,  large  size,  and  of  fine  form. 

Guardsman  (Chaundy). — This  was  a  fine  scarlet  flake  as  shown  at 
Oxford  as  a  seedling,  when  it  received  a  certificate  ;  but  in  the  midlands 
has  been  very  disappointing  this  year,  coming  too  much  coloured  and 
rough  in  form.  Occasionally  it  has  been  seen  good,  as  in  Mr.  Edwards’s 
stand  at  Oxford,  It  will,  however,  be  grown  again. 

Mrs.  May  (Dodwell). — Pale  rose  flake,  pure  ground  colour,  good 
petal  and  form  ;  a  free  grower,  and  a  fine  flower. 

Harmony  (Douglas),  p.  and  P.B. — A  fine  flower  in  the  style  of 
Sarah  Payne,  but  paler  in  colour,  also  a  good  grower. 

Lord  Salisitiry. — A  seedling  raised  by  Mr.  J.  P.  Sharp,  the  veteran 
raiser  of  Picotees  Mrs.  Sharp,  Campanini,  Scarlet  Queen,  Rosie  Syden¬ 
ham,  and  others.  A  very  fine  crimson  bizarre  of  large  size  and  excellent 
quality,  very  bright  in  colour. 

J.  P.  Sharp,  S.F.  (Thomson). — This  was  exhibited  for  the  first  time 
at  the  London  Exhibition  of  Carnations  and  Picotees,  and  was  awarded 
a  first-class  certificate.  It  is  a  fine  flower,  but  cannot  be  sent  out  until 
1894. 

Mils  Crossley  (Geggie),  P.  and  p.b, — Bright,  clear,  and  well  marked. 
With  fine  broad  petal  of  good  substance,  and  a  grand  all-round  flower, 

Mrs.  Smith  (Geggie),  p,  and  p.b. — A  light  coloured  flower  of  good 
quality  and  size. 


Mr,  Yeadon  (Geggie),  S.F. — A  large  flower  with  very  broad  petal, 
bright  in  colour,  and  a  rnost  promising  new  variety. 

Tom  McCreath  (Geggie),  S.F. — A  flower  of  good  size  with  medium¬ 
sized  petal,  which  is  well  marked  with  dark  scarlet. 

Foxhunter  (Geggie). — A  very  good  flower,  much  like  Sports¬ 
man,  and  a  stronger  grower. 

Flamingo  (Barlow),  s.F. — Of  medium  size  and  bright,  with  a  good 
white  ground. 

Billy  Henderson  (Geggie),  P.F. — A  large  full  flower,  clear  ground 
colour,  and  well  marked  with  deep  purple  ;  a  decided  acquisition. 

Mrs.  George  Cooling  (Hooper),  R.F. — A  grand  flower,  large,  smooth, 
well-formed  petal,  and  a  variety  which  will  be  in  the  foremost  rank  of 
rose  flakes. 

Rosy  Morn  (Geggie),  R.F. — A  large  flower,  very  bright  in  colour,  but 
with  an  impure  ground  colour. 

Tom  Wood  (Geggie),  R.F.— A  superb  flower,  broad  petal,  clear  white 
ground  colour,  and  resembling  Sybil. 

Lady  Mary  Currie  (Douglas),  R.F. — A  very  large  and  full  bloom,  not  so 
bright  in  colour  as  some,  but  it  is  of  a  very  pleasing  soft  rose  shade  of 
colour,  and  fine  in  petal  and  form. 

'lorn  Pinley  (Geggie),  s.F. — This  flower  was  dull  in  colour  about 
Birmingham,  but  as  shown  at  Manchester  was  very  bright  and  fine,  and 
excellent  in  form  and  petal. 

Charles  Henioood  (Douglas),  P.F. — A  grand  well  marked  large 
flower,  with  smooth  broad  petal  and  pure  white  ground  colour. 

Virgil  (Douglas),  C.B. — A  richly  marked  flower,  the  white  ground 
pure,  of  fine  form  and  very  promising. 

Mr.  Tom  Lord  is  sending  out  four  new  varieties — Duke  of  York, 
Bruce  Findlay,  Thaddeus,  and  Arline.  The  latter  is  a  most  promising 
flower,  and  I  give  the  following  opinion  by  a  good  judge  who  has  seen 
them.  He  says,  “I  consider  Arline  (p.  and  P.B.)  the  best  1  have  ever 
seen,  broad  smooth  petals,  very  clear  white  and  rich  in  the  marking, 
very  much  like  Sarah  Payne  at  her  best,  but  an  improvement  on  it, 
which  is  saying  a  great  deal.  Bruce  Findlay  (C.B.),  is  one  of  the  largest 
flowers  in  cultivation,  and  has  not  a  small  petal  in  it,  very  pure  in  the 
ground  colour  and  richly  coloured  marking ;  a  splendid  flower.  Duke 
of  York  (s.B.)  is  a  large  well-built  flower  of  fine  form  and  petal,  but  the 
colour  struck  me  as  too  pale  for  a  good  scarlet  bizarre.  Thaddeus  (C.B.) 
is  another  large  flower,  very  much  like  Master  Fred  in  colour  and  style, 
but  as  shown  at  Manchester  was  rather  rough  on  the  edge  and  some¬ 
what  spotted  ;  but  Mr.  Lord  explained  that  an  accident  had  caused  the 
roughness,  and  that  it  came  quite  smooth,  in  which  case  it  will  be  a  fine 
flower.”  Mr.  George  Chaundy  of  Oxford,  who  is  coming  well  to  the 
front  as  a  raiser,  received  a  certificate  at  Oxford  for  Feron  (p.f.),  a  very 
fine  variety  of  good  size,  excellent  form  and  well  flaked,  with  dark 
purple  on  a  white  ground. 

The  opinion  I  have  expressed  as  to  the  flowers  named  is  not  given  in 
a  dictatorial  spirit,  but  more  to  draw  the  attention  of  amateurs  to  the 
newer  kinds  of  Carnations.  The  season  of  1893  was,  too,  a  very  trying 
one  for  this  flower,  and  every  grower  could  give  various  opinions  of 
older  varieties.  On  turning  to  Mr.  Dodwell’s  new  list  just  issued  I  note 
that  he  also  introduces  some  new  varieties  for  the  first  time  ;  but  I  have 
unfortunately  not  seen  them  all.  Mrs.  Rowan  is  an  excellent  rose 
flake,  and  Othello  should  be  a  very  fine  S.B.  from  the  description. 
Mr.  Chaundy  has  also  five  new  Carnations. 

Those  florists  who  are  verging  upon  the  threescore  and  ten  years 
cannot  but  be  struck  with  the  large  number  of  new  varieties  now  annu¬ 
ally  introduced,  compared  with  what  raisers  did  years  ago.  I  recently 
turned  to  a  volume  of  “  The  Florists’  Guide  ”  for  1827  to  29,  to  have  a 
look  again  at  an  admirable  coloured  illustration  of  Cartwright’s  Rainbow 
(C.B.),  a  flower  which  had  a  great  popularity  for  a  long  number  of  years, 
and  in  the  same  volume  is  a  well  preserved  plate  of  Strong’s  Princess 
of  Denmark,  which  many  will  remember.  Our  florists  of  the  present 
day  are  careful  hybridisers,  and  such  desirable  crosses  are  effected  that 
excellent  results  must  follow. — W.  D. 

(To  be  continued.) 


ONIONS  AT  READING. 

I  WAS  specially  privileged  the  other  day  to  see  the  very  fine  Onion 
bulbs  which  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  have  at  Reading,  as  representing 
the  qualities  of  their  newer  stocks.  That  of  late  years  there  has  been 
a  remarkable  increase  in  the  average  size  of  Onions,  due  both  to 
superior  cultivation  and  to  selection  as  well  as  of  inter-crossing  for 
the  production  of  fine  sorts  there  can  be  no  doubt,  and  although 
there  may  be  differences  of  opinion  as  to  the  value  or  usefulness  of 
these  huge  bulbs  when  obtained,  yet  there  they  are  and  as  such  they 
command  admiration.  Whilst  most  of  the  sorts — and  some  have  bulbs 
of  more  moderate  size,  simply  because  no  form  of  cultivation  can 
make  them  unduly  large — are  represented  by  fine  samples,  all  very 
clean  and  handsome,  there  is  about  the  collection  a  feature  of 
unusual  interest,  and  one  too  much  kept  out  of  sight  by  many  Onion 
growers ;  good  examples  also  of  the  produce  of  the  varieties  as  found 
under  what  is  so  well  known  as  ordinary  cultivation.  It  seems  to  be 
proper  and  honest  to  show  the  public  what  sort  of  bulbs  these  newer 
varieties  will  produce  under  what  may  be  termed  extraordinary 
cultivation,  and  also  what  is  the  average  product  of  ordinary  culture,  as 
then  no  one  is  misled. 

It  is  very  doubtful  whether  we  should  ever  have  heard  of  the  large 
show  bulbs  of  to-day  but  for  the  offering  of  prizes  for  them.  I  could 
not  but  be  struck  with  the  exceeding  beauty  with  moderate  size  found 


October  19,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


SG3 


in  such  splendid  stocks  as  Sutton’s  Globe,  one  of  the  firmest,  handsomest, 
and  most  perfect  brownish  yellow  skinned  Onions  in  commerce,  and  in 
the  slightly  smaller,  but  if  possible,  more  even  and  handsomer  Crimson 
Globe.  To  my  mind  these  seem  to  be  the  perfection  of  show  Onions, 
hard  as  bullets,  keeping  for  many  months  without  waste,  and  large 
enough  for  anything.  A  very  superior  Onion  of  a  broad  flatter  character, 
but  with  a  deep  base  that  makes  it  weighty,  is  Sutton’s  A1  ;  and  there 
are  of  the  brown  or  almost  reddish  brown  Spanish  type  some  seedlings 
from  a  famous  Hampshire  Onion  grower  that  bid  fair  to  make  some  of 
the  very  finest  Onions  in  commerce.  Ailsa  Craig  is  here  from  the 
original  stock  sent  out  years  ago  by  a  well  known  Scotch  house,  and 
which  growers  generally  admit  to  be  a  remarkably  pure  and  perfect 
stock.  That  result,  however,  is  but  the  product  of  that  close,  keen, 
capable,  and  incessant  [supervision  which  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  give  to 
everything  they  grow,  and  which  only  firms  of  such  position  can  give. 

Onions  are  very  erratic,  and  can  be  kept  true  to  form  only  when  the 
stocks  are  most  rigidly  selected  and  rogued.  It  is  because  of  lacking 
this  supervision  that  so  many  complaints  have  come  to  my  knowledge 
of  stocks  sent  out  to  customers  at  abnormal  prices  have  proved  to  be 
so  disappointing.  Sutton’s  Exhibition  is  another  very  fine  broad 
variety,  looking  like  a  vastly  improved  form  of  the  Reading,  for  from 
all  the  old  and  once  popular  Onion  stocks  we  are  now  a  long  way 
ahead.  One  great  gain  arising  from  them,  apart  from  their  capacity  to 
win  prizes,  the  which  is,  after  all,  but  a  poor  matter,  is  that  under 
ordinary  culture  the  weight  of  crop  is  about  30  per  cent,  increase  over 
that  of  the  Onions  of  twenty  years  since,  and  when  really  good  stocks 
are  obtained,  the  ground  is  good  and  free  from  maggot,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  but  that  even  at  Ss.  per  bushel  Onion  crops  may  be  obtained  worth 
from  £80  to  £100  per  acre,  and  what  other  crop  can  excel  that  in 
value  ?  There  were  also  in  this  collection  of  Onions  two  that  are  of 
especial  beauty  and  quality  for  summer  bulbing — that  is,  of  course,  from 
autumn-sown  seed.  These  are  the  handsome  tapering  Lemon  Rocca 
and  Sutton’s  White  Globe.  Although  in  this  case  these  have  been 
grown  from  spring  sowings,  yet  these,  as  is  the  case  with  all  the  Tripoli 
or  Italian  section,  are  best  for  autumn  sowing.  The  White  Globe,  being 
80  much  deeper  and  rounder  than  the  Lisbon  or  Leviathan,  should  make 
a  most  attractive  variety  for  summer  exhibitions. 

I  have  dwelt  thus  largely  upon  these  Reading  Onions  because  it  is 
right  the  public  should  understand  that  Onion  stocks,  and  especially 
those  of  exceptionally  fine  quality,  are  of  no  one  person’s  or  firm’s 
inheritance.  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  have  been  labouring  to  produce 
the  very  finest  stocks  of  Onions,  as,  indeed,  all  other  things,  ever  since 
established  as  a  firm,  and  what  is  now  being  done  is  simply  a  part  of 
that  great  work  of  continuity  in  selection  and  improvement  to  which 
there  has  been  no  break.  It  is,  perhaps,  the  case  that  in  regard  to 
Onions  the  firm  has  been  over-modest.  In  any  case,  their  present 
splendid  stocks  show  that  if  modest,  there  has  been  no  slacking  in 
enterprise. — Allium. 


UNITED  HORTICULTURAL  BENEFIT  AND 

PROVIDENT  SOCIETY. 

As  a  member  of  the  Committee  of  the  above  Society  I  should  like  to 
be  allowed  to  express  my  gratitude  to  those  gentlemen  who  all  spoke  in 
such  an  admirable  manner  at  the  annual  dinner  last  week,  a  report  of 
which  appeared  in  your  last  issue,  and  with  your  permission  I  will 
make  a  few  remarks. 

The  Chairman  made  an  excellent  speech,  clearly  demonstrating  the 
advantages  to  be  derived  by  gardeners  joining  our  Society.  I  could 
hardly  agree  with  him  when  referring  to  the  rules  of  the  Society.  He 
suggested  a  graduated  scale  of  payment  similar  to  that  adopted  by  other 
friendly  and  insurance  societies,  so  that  a  member  joining  at  an  early 
age  would  not  have  to  pay  so  large  a  contribution  as  an  older  one, 
because  under  the  existing  rules  if  a  young  man  joins  at  the  age  of 
twenty  years,  and  lives  until  he  reaches  the  age  of  seventy,  he  can 
then  draw  his  money  with  the  accumulated  interest,  which  would 
amount  to  considerably  more  than  double  the  sum  due  to  another 
member  who  joins  at  the  age  of  forty.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  some 
of  our  older  members  are  having  interest  added  to  their  deposit  account 
amounting  to  more  than  their  annual  contributions. 

Mr.  Sherwood,  who  has  done  such  noble  work  in  starting  and  adding 
capital  to  the  convalescent  fund,  made  a  very  practical  suggestion  when 
he  said  gardeners  should  endeavour  to  get  their  employers  to  subscribe 
to  this  fund.  I  consider  it  would  be  to  their  advantage  to  support  it, 
because  should  a  gardener  unfortunately  have  a  serious  illness,  when 
getting  better  again  a  change  of  air  might  benefit  him  to  such  an 
extent  that  he  would  be  able  to  resume  his  duties  weeks  sooner  than 
he  could  without  that  change. 

The  work  of  the  officers  and  the  soundness  of  the  Society  was  highly 
spoken  of  by  gentlemen  competent  to  speak  on  those  matters,  but  Mr. 
Marshall  touched  on  the  weakest  point  when  he  spoke  of  the  manage¬ 
ment  fund.  The  Committee  does  not  feel  justified  in  recommending  a 
further  taxon  members  beyond  the  payment  of  their  annual  subscription 
of  2s.  6d.  to  that  fund  ;  but  if  we  had  5000  members  instead  of  500  the 
annual  income  to  the  management  fund  would  be  £625  derived  from 
the  23.  6d.  payments,  we  should  then  be  in  a  position  to  provide  our 
excellent  Secretary  with  paid  assistance,  and  adopt  other  methods  of 
making  the  Society  known  throughout  the  country.  The  work  at 
present  is  done  in  a  most  economical  manner,  and  the  Committee  have 
no  power  to  spend  a  penny  more  than  is  received  for  the  management. 

Could  not  the  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improvement  Societies  do  some¬ 


thing  to  help  by  discussing  the  objects  at  their  meetings  ?  It  is  for 
mutual  benefit.  The  editors  of  the  gardening  papers  do  all  they 
possibly  can  to  make  the  Society  known.  No  doubt  every  good  gardener 
reads  one  or  more  of  those  papers  week  by  week,  and  yet  some  men  say 
they  have  never  heard  of  the  existence  of  such  a  Society.  When 
gardeners  join  in  large  numbers  and  contribute  voluntary  Is.  per  year  to 
the  convalescent  fund  there  should  then  be  no  cause  to  make  any 
further  appeal  either  for  that  or  the  management  fund,  and  we  could 
look  at  our  motto,  “  Unity  is  strength,”  with  much  more  pride.  At 
present  \ye  have  in  round  figures  500  members,  and  a  capital  of  £8000 
invested,  or  an  average  of  £16  per  member. — G.  W.  Cummins,  Ike 
Grange  Gardens,  Wallington. 


A  WALK  THROUGH  A  DUTCH  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

You  dreamt  of  flower-bells  sending  clouds  of  incense  up  into  the 
sky  and  over  the  misty  dunes  to  the  turquoise  blue  ocean.  And  now 
the  cathedral  bells  drop  their  music  from  mid-air  down  upon  you  as  you 
enter  the  old  town.  The  flower  bells  fade  and  vanish  when  spring  and 
summer  are  gone  ;  the  cathedral  bells  remain,  chanting  their  hymns 
summer  and  winter,  day  and  night.  As  once  again  you  come  to  the  old 
town  of  Northern  Holland,  it  is  the  song  of  the  bells  that  greets  you 
first.  And  listening  to  it  you  feel  at  home. 

Dear  old  Haarlem  1  not  sufficiently  fashionable  to  be  oppressive  in 
the  autumnal  tourist  days,  but  brimful  of  healthy  still-life — what  a  boon 
it  is  to  come,  in  one’s  manifold  wanderings,  upon  this  soothing. spot  I  So 
easy,  too,  to  reach  it  from  the  world’s  highways  in  England,  and,  above 
all,  in  London.  Truly,  it  is  far  more  troublesome  to  go  from  one  side  of 
greater  London  to  the  other  than  it  is  to  go  from  Liverpool  Street  to 
Holland. 

From  your  breakfast-room  on  board  your  ship  into  your  drawing¬ 
room  again,  in  a  train,  and  look,  as  you  glide  along,  at  pictures  of  the 
Dutch  school.  Ancient  and  modern  they  are,  at  the  same  time  ; 
Rembrandt,  the  Cuyps  and  Hals  themselves  could  not  have 
given  you  them  in  such  perfection  as  you  see  them  through  your 
carriage  windows.  Presently,  almost  too  soon  you  think,  you  are 
at  the  Hague,  the  delightful  Hague  with  its  white  streets  and 
palaces,  its  clear  waters,  its  heroic  past,  and  its  unique  suburb,  sweet 
old-world  Schveningen.  Next  comes  Haarlem,  the  old  town  whose 
history  was  made  300  years  ago.  You  mean  to  listen  to  the  voices  of 
the  past,  as  told  by  the  very  stones  of  the  Groote  Kirk,  and  by  the 
singing  of  the  bells.  But  first  you  must  go  and  see  the  flower  gardens 
in  the  midst  of  which  the  town  is  planted. 

The  Hyacinths  have  been  in  their  graves  these  five  long  months  ; 
the  vast  tracts  of  flat  sandy  soil  which  they,  blooming,  caused  to  look 
as  if  the  sunset  sky  had  fallen  upon  the  earth,  know  them  no  more. 
The  Tulips  followed,  with  their  tints  of  fire;  the  Pmonies  have  come  and 
gone  ;  the  Amaryllis  and  all  its  proud  relations  are  of  the  past,  and 
now  the  last  of  the  Lilies  are  in  bloom.  The  end  is  near.  The  stork, 
the  guardian  of  the  bulb  field,  is  on  the  wing;  you  look  upon  it  all, 
and  scarce  suppress  a  sigh.  Clear  water  in  straight,  long  canals  ;  grey 
sand  beds,  and  wafts  of  pure  sun-warmed  sea  air  seem  all,  at  first,  in 
this  flower  garden  at  Overveen,  just  outside  Haarlem,  owned  by  Messrs. 
Ant.  Roozen  &  Son,  one  of  the  largest  firms  of  bulb  growers  in  the 
district.  The  bulbs  are  housed  during  the  short  period  of  summer  when 
the  Hyacinth  and  Tulip  have  been  unearthed  and  shelved  in  a  store¬ 
house  which,  in  its  way,  is  a  palace.  And  when  the  autumn  comes,  and 
the  burial  of  the  bulb  must  be  undertaken,  the  graves  in  which  they 
sleep  are  in  the  loveliest  gardens  of  the  Dutch  bulb  district. 

A  boat  is  moored  on  the  canal  in  Messrs,  Roozen’s  gardens.  It  is 
filled  with  large  baskets  of  bulbs,  purple  and  red  and  white.  Not  far 
off  on  the  sandy  beds,  the  sunburnt  gardeners  are  at  work.  So,  after 
all,  the  gardens  are  not  dead.  The  bulbs  are  being  buried  ;  their  most 
active  time  begins,  for  they  have  to  prepare,  as  soon  as  the  soil  covers 
them,  for  the  great  resurrection  morning  in  early  April,  when  their 
blossoms  transform  the  sandy  fiats  into  one  of  earth’s  loveliest  sights. 

“  There  is  a  special  art  in  bulb  planting,  Mr.  Roozen,  will  you  tell 
me  how  to  grow  Hyacinths  successfully?”  “Certainly,!  will.  It  is 
not  difficult  nor  a  long  process.  Get  good  bulbs,  even  though  they 
are  a  little  more  expensive  than  inferior  ones.  It  pays  best  in  the 
end,  and  twenty  first-rate  flower  spikes  on  a  garden  bed  make  a  better 
show  than  twice  that  number  of  second  or  third-rate  flowers.  Plant 
your  bulbs  in  good  ordinary  garden  soil,  dug  up  with  some  inches  of 
well-decayed  manure.  Then  put  your  bulbs  3  inches  under  ground, 
leaving  a  distance  of  5  or  6  inches  between  them.  Put  a  little  sand 
round  each  bulb,  and  cover  with  soil.  That  is  all,  and  if  you  cover 
your  Hyacinth  bed  during  the  winter  with  leaves,  straw,  or  pulverised 
manure,  you  will  find  in  March  that  you  have  Hyacinths  which,  for 
beauty  ai^d  fragrance,  are  superior  to  any  other  spring  flowers.” 

“  Are  there  any  special  Hyacinths  which  are  better  than  others  for 
outdoor  cultivation  ?  ”  “  No  ;  we  put  all  the  different  kinds  into  one 

parcel  of  mixed  bulbs,  and  they  are  all  equally  good.  But  of  course 
some  of  our  customers  prefer  special  kinds.  There  are  a  few  leading 
varieties.  For  instance,  if  you  want  a  bed  of  blue  Hyacinths  in  various 
shades,  I  should  suggest  the  King  of  the  Blues,  Czar  Peter,  Grand  Maitre, 
Lord  Derby  and  Prince  of  Wales.  In  red  and  rose  colours,  Lord  Macaulay, 
Von  Schiller,  Gertrude,  Norma,  Fabiola,  and  General  Pelissier,  are  great 
favourites  ;  and  the  best  white  varieties  are  La  Grandessc,  I’Innocence, 
Madame  Van  der  Hoop,  Mont  Blanc,  and  La  Candeur.  Then  there 
are  a  few  very  fine  yellow  Hyacinths,  such  as  Ida,  Obelisque,  and  King 
of  the  Yellows.” 


864 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  19,  1893. 


“  About  the  Tulips,  Mr.  Roozen.  I  hear  there  is  a  craze  for  Tulips.” 
“  I  don’t  know  about  a  craze,  but  sure  it  is  that  the  Tulip  trade  is 
greatly  improving.  Especially  the  rarer  and  newer  varieties  are  much 
in  request,  and  single  bulbs  are  sold  among  growers  for  2s.  and  2s.  6d. 
I  wili  write  down  a  few  of  the  names  for  your  guidance,  should  you 
care  to  try  Tulips  in  your  garden.  The  Queen  of  Holland  is  of  a  rose 
tint,  touched  with  silver,  a  charming  flower  ;  Pottebakker  is  true  scarlet, 
and  the  largest  Tulip  grown.  Jenny  and  Pink  Beauty  are  rich  pink, 
Joost  Van  der  Vondel  pure  white,  and  Golden  Queen  is  the  largest  of 
the  yellow  Tulips.  Then  there  are  all  the  early  double  Tulips  in  infinite 
varieties.  They  are  grown  in  the  garden  just  like  Hyacinths,  and  I 
need  not  tell  you  what  the  effect  is  of  a  fine  Tulip  bed  or  a  clump  of 
Tulips  among  shrubberry  in  April  and  May.  These  flowers  require  no 
recommendation .” 

“  But  you  must  have  Hyacinths  indoors,  in  glasses  and  pots.  You 
want  to  watch  them  day  by  day  as  they  unfold.  It  is  an  interesting 
process.  First,  then,  about  those  in  glasses.  If  you  want  them  to 
flower  about  Christmas  put  them  in  at  once  ;  the  rest  later  on.  Fill  a 
Hyacinth  glass  with  pure  pond  or  rain  water,  and  put  a  few  grains  of 
salt  in  each  glass  to  keep  the  water  clear.  Let  the  bulb  just  touch  the 
water  with  its  lower  surface.  Put  the  glasses  away  in  a  cool  dark  place 
for  four  or  five  weeks,  by  which  time  the  roots  have  grown  strong. 
Then  bring  them  into  the  light  in  a  living  room,  but  do  not  let  them 
stand  over  the  fire  or  in  a  dry  atmosphere.  Add  a  little  water  as  the 
first  supply  evaporates,  otherwise  don’t  touch  the  bulb  ;  and  if  the  water 
becomes  muddy  it  must  be  changed.  This  is  all  ;  for  the  rest  the  bulb 
takes  care  of  itself.” 

“  To  grow  Hyacinths,  or  indeed  any  other  bulbous  plants  for  spring 
flowers  in  pots,  you  want  good  light  soil ;  loam,  with  a  liberal  mixture 
of  old  cow  manure,  a  little  leaf  mould  and  sand,  is  best.  Provide 
drainage,  and  keep  worms  out.  Then  fill  with  soil,  putting  the  bulb  in 
the  centre,  so  as  to  allow  the  point  to  be  on  a  level  with  the  surface. 
Press  the  soil  firmly  down,  water  well,  and  cover  the  pots  in  an  out-of- 
the-way  corner  of  the  garden  for  a  few  weeks.  Then,  when  the  roots 
are  well  advanced,  put  the  plants  in  a  greenhouse  or  a  room  in  the 
house  where  they  are  to  flower.  Place  them  near  the  light,  keep  well 
watered,  and  by  February  and  March  you  will  have  Hyacinths  in 
perfection,” — (“  Westminster  Gazette.”) 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — Late  Grapes. — Although  the  principal  winter  supply  con¬ 
sists  of  what  are  termed  thick-skinned  varieties,  no  one  knowing  any¬ 
thing  of  the  quality  of  Grapes  will  take  to  them  so  long  as  Black 
Hamburghs,  Madresfield  Court,  Foster’s  Seedling,  and  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  are  forthcoming.  It  is  difficult,  however,  to  keep  these  thin- 
skinned  Grapes  in  good  condition.  Black  Hamburgh  and  Madresfield 
Court  become  red  when  exposed  to  strong  light  or  sun  after  being  ripe, 
while  Foster’s  Seedling  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  acquire  an  undesirable 
brown  colour  by  hanging  for  a  considerable  time  after  they  are  ripe. 
This  is  due  to  the  changes  effected  in  the  berries  by  the  atmospheric 
conditions.  The  thin-skinned  Grapes  must  be  kept  in  a  well  ventilated 
atmosphere  to  protect  them  from  shrivelling  by  too  little  or  of  damping 
by  too  much  moisture.  They  can  be  kept  on  the  Vines  until  the  new 
year,  or  later  where  the  houses  are  constructed  upon  sound  principles 
for  the  insuring  of  a  regular  temperature  and  uniformity  of  moisture. 
But  where  the  houses  are  not  drip-proof  or  the  panes  of  glass  have  large 
and  bad  fitting  laps  so  that  the  water  hangs  in  them,  and  is  driven  in  by 
wind  over  the  bunches  of  Grapes,  causing  them  to  spot  and  decay,  it  is 
evident  that  the  bottling  system  must  be  practised  if  the  thin-skinned 
Grapes  are  to  be  kept  sound  till  Christmas  or  later. 

Of  late  or  thick-skinned  Grapes  Lady  Downe’s  is  the  best  keeper, 
retaining  its  colour  better  than  any  other,  unless  it  be  Alnwick  Seedling, 
which  certainly  is  an  excellent  vinous  Grape,  but  it  is  neither  so 
free  bearing  or  of  such  high  quality  as  Lady  Downe’s.  Mrs.  Pince 
Grape  will  shrivel  in  an  atmosphere  where  Lady  Downe’s  keeps  plump  and 
the  berries  turn  an  undesirable  red  colour.  Its  quality  is  unimpeachable 
even  when  red  and  shrivelled,  and  both  Lady  Downe’s  and  Mrs.  Pince 
have  quality  which  no  other  late  Grapes  possess  in  the  remotest  degree. 
Alicante  is  free  from  the  disagreeable  earthy  taste  of  such  varieties  as 
Gros  Maroc  and  Gros  Colman,  and  invariably  sets  freely,  finishes  well, 
and  is  an  excellent  keeper.  It,  however,  has  not  the  quality  of  West’s 
St.  Peter’s,  which  is  not  so  imposing  in  bunch  or  berry,  but  the  colour 
and  bloom  amply  compensates  for  any  lack  of  size.  It  is  one  of  the 
best  late  Grapes  for  quality,  and  keeping  up  to  February.  Gros  Guil¬ 
laume  is  the  most  imposing  in  bunch  of  black  Grapes,  and  the  berries 
are  small,  inferior  in  size  to  those  of  Gros  Colman,  while  the  quality 
is  better.  It  requires  time  in  ripening,  needing  to  be  started 
early  in  spring,  and  must  not  be  overcropped,  or  the  berries  will  not 
colour  nor  even  ripen.  Gros  Colman  is  the  most  magnificent  in  appear¬ 
ance  of  all  black  Grapes.  In  bunches  of  4  lbs.  weight  and  berries 
4  inches  or  more  in  circumference,  well  finished  in  every  respect,  it  is 


really  enough  to  tempt  anyone  to  purchase  it  if  they  can  for  its  superb 
appearance.  Well  ripened,  and  allowed  time  to  mature  before  cutting, 
it  loses  the  earthy  taste  so  characteristic  of  this  variety  when  fresh  ripe 
or  coloured.  It  requires  to  be  started  early,  so  as  to  finish  thoroughly  by 
September. 

Of  late  white  Grapes  Trebbiano  is  unquestionably  the  best  when  well 
ripened.  It  is  certainly  coarse  in  flesh,  yet  firm,  crisp,  sweet,  and 
requires  thorough  ripening.  Syrian  also  needs  plenty  of  time  and 
heat,  artificial  fertilisation,  well  thinning,  and  ripening  up  to  an  amber 
colour,  then  its  large  bunches  are  very  effective,  and  the  flavour  not  bad. 
Calabrian  Raisin  has  fine  bunches,  berries  of  good  size  when  well 
thinned,  and  the  Grapes  are  sweet  when  well  ripened.  With  the  above 
or  other  varieties  a  supply  of  Grapes  may  be  had  from  November  to 
May  inclusive  at  a  great  advantage  to  the  Vines  and  to  the  grower  from 
an  economic  point  of  view  ;  but  it  is  still  necessary  to  start  Vines  of  the 
thin-skinned  varieties  early,  in  order  to  meet  the  demand  for  such  fruit. 
It  is  not  desirable,  however,  to  start  permanently  planted-out  Vines  in 
the  autumn  or  early  winter,  as  this  is  a  great  strain  upon  them  through 
their  having  to  make  their  growth  and  ripen  their  crops  under  dis¬ 
advantageous  circumstances,  which  soon  wears  them  out. 

Earliest  Vines  in  Pots. — Where  thin-skinned  Grapes  are  required  in 
late  March  and  April,  the  Vines  must  now  be  started,  or  placed  in 
position  so  that  forcing  in  earnest  may  commence  with  November. 
Some  persons  have  a  prejudice  to  Vines  in  pots,  but  they  produce  fruit 
little  inferior  in  size  of  bunch  or  berry  to  that  borne  by  early  forced, 
planted-out  Vines,  and  it  is  generally  better  in  quality  through  the 
conditions  of  cultivation  being  more  favourable.  Especially  is  this  the 
case  where  there  is  the  convenience  of  affording  bottom  heat.  Success 
is  then  certain,  the  canes  being  sufficiently  strong,  thoroughly  ripened, 
duly  rested,  and  of  suitable  varieties.  Of  sweet  Grapes  none  excel  Black 
Hamburgh  and  Foster’s  Seedling,  of  Musk  Grapes  Madresfield  Court  and 
White  Frontignan.  The  materials  for  affording  bottom  heat — that  is, 
tree  leaves  and  stable  litter,  should  be  in  due  course  of  preparation.  To 
begin  with,  the  heat  about  the  pots  should  not  exceed  65°,  augmenting 
it  by  bringing  up  the  fermenting  materials  to  the  level  of  the  pots,  so  as 
to  raise  it  to  70°  or  75°  when  the  Vines  are  in  leaf.  Only  supply  enough 
water  to  keep  the  soil  moist  in  the  early  stages,  as  excess  of  water  tends 
to  render  the  soil  sodden  and  sour,  hindering  root  action.  Vines  in  pots 
not  intended  for  early  forcing  should  be  placed  under  cover,  an  open 
shed  with  a  north  aspect  being  suitable,  and  the  pots  protected  with  hay 
or  straw. 

Renovating  Vine  Borders. — Where  the  Vines  are  unsatisfactory  no 
time  should  be  lost  as  soon  as  the  leaves  have  effected  their  functions  to 
the  extent  of  perfecting  the  buds  and  wood,  and  whilst  they  are  still 
upon  the  Vine,  in  removing  the  soil  down  to  the  roots  and  picking  it 
from  amongst  them,  so  as  to  displace  as  much  of  it  as  possible  with 
fresh.  Where  the  border  is  very  unsatisfactory,  and  the  roots  few  and 
deep,  it  will  be  necessary  to  remove  all  the  soil  and  renew  the  whole 
border,  commencing  with  the  drainage,  which  should  be  clear  1  foot 
thick,  having  a  layer  of  fine  material  at  the  top,  nothing  answering 
better  than  old  mortar  rubbish,  a  3-inch  thickness  over  9  inches  of 
brickbats  or  rubble.  The  drainage  must  have  a  3-inch  tile  drain  under, 
with  proper  fall  and  outlet,  to  carry  off  superfluous  water.  Two  feet 
depth  of  soil  is  ample.  Turfy  loam,  containing  a  good  per-centage  of 
small  stones  and  grit,  is  unquestionably  the  best.  It  should  be  of 
medium  texture,  that  overlying  clay  being  better  than  that  overlying 
sand  ;  but  red  sandstone  formations  give  most  lasting  results.  Strong 
loam  interspersed  with  flints  or  calcareous  gravel  is  excellent.  To  ten 
cartloads  of  turf,  cut  about  3  inches  thick,  add  two  cartloads  of  old 
mortar  rubbish,  one  each  of  horse  droppings  and  wood  ashes,  and  4  cwts. 
of  crushed  ^  to  1-inch  bones,  mixing  well  together.  The  roots  should  be 
laid  out  evenly  in  the  top  foot,  encouraging  those  from  the  collar  by 
laying  any  that  proceed  therefrom  only  just  beneath  the  surface.  The 
whole  should  be  made  Arm,  and  the  compost  be  moderately  dry.  Where 
the  roots  are  inside  and  outside,  one  part  may  be  done  one  year,  and  the 
other  the  next,  without  any  danger  of  loss  of  crop,  by  preserving 
all  the  roots  possible,  and  keeping  them  as  much  as  practicable 
from  the  drying  influences  of  the  atmosphere  whilst  the  work  is  in 
progress.  Mulch  the  surface  with  a  little  short,  rather  fresh,  manure, 
preferably  horse  droppings  ;  outside  borders  may  be  covered  with  suffi¬ 
cient  leaves  and  a  little  litter  over  them  so  as  to  exclude  frost.  The 
work  should  not  be  delayed  beyond  change  of  colour  in  the  foliage  of 
the  Vines  for  falling.  Any  Grapes  then  remaining  may  be  cut  and 
bottled. 

Melons. — The  season  as  regards  manure-heated  pits  and  frames  is  at 
an  end.  Any  fruit  yet  remaining  may  be  cut,  they  being  full  grown, 
and  placed  on  shelves  in  a  warm  airy  house.  The  latest  plants  in  houses 
will  require  a  night  temper..ture  of  65°  to  70°,  and  70°  to  75°  artificially, 
advancing  to  85°  with  sun  heat.  Sprinkle  the  paths  and  other  available 
surface  about  8  A.M.  and  3  p.m.  until  the  fruit  is  full  sized,  when  a  drier 
atmosphere  will  be  more  suitable.  Cut  out  all  superfluous  growth  or 
laterals,  well  thinning  the  old  foliage,  so  that  the  fruit  may  have  the 
full  benefit  of  the  autumn  sun.  Do  not  allow  flagging  through  want  of 
water,  but  keep  the  foliage  healthy  until  the  fruit  is  ripe,  as  the  quality 
is  in  proportion  to  the  health  of  the  plants.  Maintain  a  rather  high, 
well  ventilated  and  dry  atmosphere  when  the  fruit  is  ripening. 

PLANT  HOUSES. 

Palms. — All  these  plants  should  be  carefully  examine?,  and  if 
thrips  exist  upon  them  they  ought  to  be  eradicated  at  once.  If  not 
destroyed  now  they  will  spread  rapidly  and  do  much  damage  to  the 


WOKK.fo^theWEEK.. 


October  19.  1893  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


865 


foliage.  Do  not  allow  the  atmosphere  to  become  dry,  or  else  these  pests 
will  spread  rapidly,  and  apply  sufficient  water  at  the  roots  to  keep  the 
•oil  moist.  The  temperature  for  the  majority  of  these  plants  may  be 
about  60°.  Seedlings  that  are  large  enough  can  be  placed  singly  into 
small  pots.  These  should  be  kept  in  brisk  heat  and  the  pots  plunged 
where  practicable  amongst  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse  where  they  can  enjoy 
gentle  bottom  heat.  This  will  keep  the  plants  steadily  moving  and 
prevent  having  to  water  them  too  frequently. 

Begronlaa. — Those  that  have  been  prepared  for  autumn  and  winter 
flowering  and  have  been  in  a  cold  frame  up  to  the  present  time  should 
be  placed  where  they  will  enjoy  a  night  temperature  of  65°. 
B.  Knowsleyana  will  soon  come  into  flower  and  be  useful  for  the 
conservatory,  while  B.  Ingram!  will  continue  to  blossom  for  a  long  time. 
Young  plants  of  this  variety  that  are  just  rooted  should  be  pinched  and 
placed  into  2-inch  pots.  These  when  repotted  early  in  the  spring  will 
be  useful  for  various  forms  of  decoration.  The  varieties  of  B.  nitida 
may  be  placed  into  larger  pots,  and  if  kept  steadily  moving  will  flower 
freely  during  the  early  spring  months.  B.  semperflorens  and  its 
varieties  will,  if  given  a  temperature  of  50°,  come  quickly  into  flower  and 
continue  to  grow  and  yield  their  large  useful  trusses  for  several  months. 
Such  kinds  as  Weltoniensis  that  are  past  their  best  should  have  less 
water  supplied  to  them,  and  then  be  stored  away  in  a  cool  dry  place  for 
the  winter. 

Amaryllis. — Where  these  are  properly  grown,  and  have  been  fully 
exposed  to  the  sun,  the  bulbs  should  be  well  ripened.  The  pots  con¬ 
taining  the  bulbs  may  now  be  stored  under  the  stage  of  any  cool  airy 
house.  Plants  that  are  not  thoroughly  matured  should  have  every  ray 
of  sunshine  and  a  free  circulation  of  air.  Do  not  withhold  water  from 
them  too  suddenly,  for  nothing  is  gained  by  unduly  hurrying  them  to 
rest.  They  must,  if  they  are  to  flower  well,  be  properly  matured,  and 
given  every  chance  to  store  up  food  in  their  bulbs  before  they  are 
completely  dried. 

Eplptayllums. — Where  these  have  been  well  ripened  by  exposure  to 
the  sun  and  have  enjoyed  free  ventilation  they  would  soon  come  into 
flower  if  placed  in  a  temperature  of  50°.  These  plants  are  particularly 
effective  when  arranged  so  as  to  stand  out  of  a  groundwork  of  Adiantum 
cuneatum.  Less  water  will  be  needed  at  their  roots,  but  by  no  means 
keep  them  dust  dry,  such  treatment  will  soon  ruin  them. 

Eucharls  amazonlca. — It  is  a  mistake  to  allow  many  plants  of 
this  to  come  into  flower  at  one  time,  because  very  frequently  some  of 
the  blooms  are  wasted.  Those  plants  that  have  finished  their  growth 
should  be  removed  from  the  stove  to  a  temperature  of  60°.  Cold 
draughts  should  be  avoided,  and  the  plants  must  receive  less  water  at 
their  roots  ;  but  on  no  account  allow  them  to  suffer  by  an  insufficient 
supply.  They  will  rest  under  these  conditions,  and  in  a  short  time, 
if  again  introduced  into  brisk  heat,  will  push  itp  their  flower  spikes 
freely.  A  long  succession  can  be  maintained  by  resting  a  few  plants 
at  a  time, 

Panoratlums. — Give  these  plants  less  water  at  their  roots,  but  do 
not  unduly  dry  them  so  that  they  lose  their  foliage.  If  placed  in  a 
temperature  of  55°  they  will  be  safe  until  it  is  necessary  to  start  them 
again  into  growth  during  the  early  months  of  the  year.  When  kept  in 
too  much  heat  during  the  winter  the  plants  are  very  liable  to  the  attacks 
of  thrips. 

Anthurlum  Schertzerlanum. — Plants  that  have  matured  their 
growth  and  are  required  to  flower  early  may  be  removed  to  a  house  in 
which  a  temperature  of  50°  is  maintained.  If  cold  draughts  are  avoided 
and  less  water  given  they  will  rest  perfectly  under  these  conditions,  and 
flower  profusely  when  replaced  in  a  higher  temperature. 


When  bees  gather  on  a  low  bough  or  bush  they  may  be  at  once 
shaken  into  the  swarm  catcher,  or  if  they  are  on  the  ground  it  may 
be  placed  over  them,  when  in  a  short  time  they  will  ascend  into  it, 
accelerated  by  a  free  use  of  a  carbolised  feather  tied  to  the  end  of 
a  long  rod.  These  carbolised  feathers  will  dislodge  bees  from 
thickets,  crevices,  roofs,  and  other  inaccessible  places  ;  in  fact,  by 
judicious  management  they  may  be  almost  made  to  swarm  in  the 
very  place  wanted.  Bees  sometimes  settle  on  trees  at  a  great  height, 
and  on  branches  that  cannot  be  cut.  Wherever  the  swarm  catcher 
can  be  applied,  from  the  ground  or  by  the  aid  of  ladders,  it  ought 
to  be  adjusted  to  the  proper  height,  held  over  or  under  the  bees  as 
is  most  suitable.  In  the  latter  case  they  must  be  shaken  into  it 
by  a  helper  or  by  the  aid  of  a  shaker,  a  hook  fastened  to  a  polo 
or  wire.  In  the  former  instance  the  carbolised  feather  hastens 
the  ascent  of  the  bees,  and  when  all  or  most  of  them  are  in  and 
covered  with  a  cloth  the  hive  may  be  lowered  to  the  ground.  On 
reaching  the  ground  the  hive  is  at  once  inverted,  and  after  standing 
a  few  seconds  to  allow  the  bees  time  to  settle,  raised  a  little  to 
allow  the  flying  bees  to  enter. 

When  bees  settle  in  inaccessible  places  on  trees,  whether  the 
branches  may  be  cut  or  not,  the  hiver  may  be  applied  succt'ssfully 
by  being  provided  with  cords,  a  piece  of  hooping  or  other  material 
having  a  hook  on  one  end,  and  provision  at  different  heights  for 
fastening  a  pulley,  which  is  suspended  so  that  it  comes  under  or 
over  where  the  bee-keeper  wants  it.  For  example,  if  a  swarm  is 
settled  a  long  way  out  from  our  reach,  the  hook  with  the  pulley  and 
cord  is  hung  directly  where  it  is  most  convenient,  the  swarm- 
catcher  is  then  drawn  up  right  under  or  over  the  bees,  and  is  held 
or  placed  in  proper  position  by  the  aid  of  a  forked  and  pointed 
hook,  when  the  bees  may  be  either  shaken  or  driven  into  the  swarm 
catcher.  When  the  branch  may  be  cut  with  the  last-named  hook, 
push  the  cord  forward  with  it  till  the  loop  hangs  free.  Then  take 
hold  of  the  loop  with  it,  pull  it  towards  you,  pass  the  end  of  the 
cord  through  the  loop,  and  draw  tight.  Now  pass  the  other  end  of 
the  cord  through  the  suspended  pulley  and  hang  it  in  position, 
when  the  bee-keeper  may  venture  from  his  safe  standing  near  the 
bole  of  the  tree  to  the  point  where  the  branch  has  to  be  cut,  after 
which,  by  the  aid  of  the  hooks,  the  bees  may  be  guided  to  an  open¬ 
ing  where  they  can  be  lowered  to  the  ground  with  safety.  The 
above  plan  is  a  good  one,  and  is  far  more  easily  performed  than  it 
appears  to  be  on  paper. 

On  page  344  a  slight  omission  occurs  in  the  last  paragraph.  It 
should  read,  “  As  a  substitute  for  the  safety  cages  those  sent  from 
Austria  cannot  be  surpassed,”  and  then  follow  on  as  printed. — 
A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 

(To  be  continued.) 


1 

HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Practical  Hints  for  Beginners. 

(^Continued  from  page  334.') 

Bees  sometimes  complete  swarming  in  little  more  than  a 
minute  from  the  commencement,  and  at  others  are  so  tardy  that  ten 
to  fifteen  minutes  may  be  occupied,  so  few  bees  leaving  that  a  tyro 
might  not  suspect  they  were  going  to  swarm.  Sometimes,  too,  they 
cluster  and  settle  in  five  minutes  from  the  time  they  commenced  to 
leave  the  hive,  while  at  others  they  will  fly  about  for  hours,  often 
gathering  in  many  small  clusters.  If  the  weather  is  fine,  they  will 
in  the  latter  case  come  all  right,  but  should  it  rain  there  is  a  great 
risk  of  most  of  the  bees  being  destroyed.  A  few  oilcloths  at  hand 
to  cover  the  largest  clusters  (which  the  queen,  if  not  present,  soon 
joins)  often  saves  a  swarm.  The  beginner  must  also  learn  that 
many  swarms  leave  without  the  queen  accompanying  them.  In 
that  case  they  sometimes  join  other  hives,  or  return  to  the  parent 
one.  The  appearances  of  bees  on  these  occasions  must  be  learned 
by  experience.  To  describe  the  matter  properly  on  paper  is 
scarcely  possible. 


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

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

Insects  on  Vine  (6*.  G.  K.). — The  insect  is  a  species  of  Tetrix, 
closely  allied  to  the  grasshopper  proper,  the  section  Gryllina,  and  is  an 
undescribed  (if  British)  species.  It  no  doubt  lives  on  the  leaves  of  the 
trees  it  is  found  on,  for  it  belongs  to  the  same  family  as  the  locusts  ; 
but  it  may  only  be  on  the  Vine  now  tor  the  purpose  of  depositing  its 
eggs  in  the  crevices  of  the  bark.  Whether  it  is  injurious  to  the  Vine 
or  not  we  are  unable  to  say.  This,  however,  can  easily  be  ascertained 
by  careful  observation.  If  you  find  such  to  be  the  case  we  should  be 
obliged  by  specimens  of  the  leaves  eaten,  also  fresh  ones  of  the  insect. 

Flowerlngr  Plants  for  Orowlngr  Under  Beecb  Trees  (iL  C.). 

— We  have  had  very  little  success  with  Winter  Aconite,  Snowdrops, 
Daffodils,  and  similar  bulbous  plants  that  do  fairly  well  under  trees,  for 
the  roots  of  the  Beech  trees  form  so  complete  a  network  and  run  so  near 
the  surface,  combined  with  the  dense  foliage,  as  to  prevent  the  growth  of 


866 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  15,  1893, 


plants  beneath.  It  is  even  very  difficult  to  keep  the  ground  covered 
with  grass,  and  still  more  so  to  find  thriving  Ivy  on  the  trunks  of 
Beech  trees.  The  Clematis  belongs  to  the  Jackmanni  type.  It  is  not  a 
species,  but  a  florist’s  variety,  and  can  only  be  named  by  comparison  in 
a  large  trade  collection  of  the  flowers. 

Poetry  (^Planta), — We  meant  exactly  what  we  said  in  our  reply, 
and  if  you  cannot  understand  it  we  cannot  help  that.  We  fail  to  observe 
your  name  and  address,  even  in  the  letter  written  after  our  special  inti¬ 
mation.  We  exist  to  give  information  on  gardening  subjects,  and  not 
for  hunting  up  books  and  authors  of  certain  “  lines  ”  that  are  sent  to  us 
from  time  to  time  anonymously. 

IVIlna  lobata  (J..  F.  Grace). — The  flower  sent  is  Mina  lobata.  This 
plant  was  originally  introduced  from  Mexico  in  1841,  but  it  either  died 
out  or  for  a  long  period  was  so  exceedingly  scarce  as  to  be  practically 
unknown  to  the  majority  of  cultivators.  A  few  years  since,  however,  it 
was  re-introduced,  and  has  since  become  generally  grown.  It  is  a  half- 
hardy  annual  plant,  and  therefore  dies  on  the  approach  of  frost.  Pro¬ 
pagation  is  effected  by  sowing  seeds  in  February  or  March,  placing 
them  in  a  pot  or  pan  filled  with  light  sandy  soil,  and  put  in  a  W'arm 
greenhouse,  stove,  or  frame  on  a  hotbed.  When  the  young  seedlings  are 
about  3  inches  high  transfer  them  singly  to  small  pots  and  grow  in  an 
ordinary  greenhouse  until  the  first  week  in  June,  when  plant  them  out 
against  a  south  wall  as  you  did  last  spring. 

Galls  on  Oak  Twigs  (  W.  E.). — The  fresh  growths  of  young  Oak 
trees  are  frequently  tipped  with  galls  (so  called)  of  a  gall  midge 
(Cecidomyia  querci),  the  female  laying  her  eggs  in  the  terminal  bud  of 
a  twig,  the  larvte  hatch,  and  the  result  of  their  operations  is  the  forma¬ 
tion  of  a  gall,  which  bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  a  cone  in  its  form 
and  in  the  overlapping  of  the  leaves  of  which  it  is  composed.  Among 
the  leaves  of  the  cone  the  larvre  of  the  midge  may  be  found.  The  galls 
are  usually  solitary,  though  two,  or  even  three,  may  be  found  side  by 
side  at  the  tips  of  the  twigs,  the  terminal  buds  of  which  they  destroy. 
There  were  no  larvce  in  the  cone,  therefore  we  are  unable  to  say  positively 
whether  the  cone  was  due  to  the  gall  midge  or  not,  but  it  differs  from 
the  Artichoke  gall  in  having  a  solid  centre.  The  Artichoke  gall,  formed 
by  Aphilothrix  gemmfe,  very  much  resembles  a  diminutive  Globe  Arti¬ 
choke,  and  is  about  1  inch  long,  formed  of  scales,  with  a  central  chamber 
like  a  small  acorn.  This  is  a  true  gall,  but  we  failed  to  find  the 
chamber  mentioned,  therefore  we  name  the  two  forms  to  enable  you 
to  arrive  at  a  satisfactory  conclusion  by  the  examination  of  other 
specimens. 

Exuberant  Voung  Fruit  Trees  (^Eiqtiirer). — The  trenching  and 
heavy  manuring  two  years  ago  is  no  doubt  the  cause  of  the  trees  grow¬ 
ing  so  rampantly,  and  not  bearing  fruit  satisfactorily.  You  may  root- 
prune  the  Apple  and  Pear  trees  more  freely  than  the  Cherry  and  the 
Plum.  We  should  not  shorten  the  roots  of  any  of  the  trees  nearer  than 
two-thirds  the  distance  from  the  stem  all  round  vhat  the  branches 
extend,  cutting  off  some  of  the  thickest  roots  there,  while  all  may  be 
detached  by  taking  out  a  trench  at  the  point  the  branches  cover.  It  is 
probable  that  the  trees  have  straight  down  roots  ;  these  must  be  sought 
for  and  severed  at  15  to  18  inches  beneath  the  surface.  The  trees  also 
should  have  the  heads  thinned,  leaving  the  main  branches  near  the  stem 
so  that  a  man  can  get  his  body  between  them  after  they  have  grown  out 
3  or  4  feet,  and  nowhere  nearer  than  a  foot  apart,  cutting  any  side 
growths,  but  not  spurs,  to  about  an  inch  of  their  base.  The  branch- 
pruning  should  precede  or  immediately  follow  the  root-pruning.  It  will 
be  useless,  however,  doing  any  of  these  things  unless  the  ground  is  kept 
firm  and  not  more  than  hoed  or  pointed  over  as  far  as  the  branches 
extend,  nor  ought  the  ground  to  be  cropped  with  vegetables  to  a  similar 
distance. 

Xiyclum  europseum  (P.  IF.). — This  is  the  name  of  the  plant  of 
which  you  send  a  fruiting  spray.  The  hedge,  which  you  say  is  full  of 
it,  must  be  highly  ornamental.  The  glistening  scarlet  fruits,  three- 
quarters  of  an  inch  long,  and  three  eighths  of  an  inch  thick,  are  pro¬ 
duced  in  pairs  almost  close  together  all  along  the  spray.  The  shrub  is 
a  native  of  the  South  of  Europe,  but  appears  to  have  become  naturalised 
in  some  parts  of  this  country.  Loudon  in  his  “  Encyclopaedia  of  Trees  and 
Shrubs  ”  describes  it  as  “  valuable  for  covering  naked  walls,  as  it  grows 
with  extreme  rapidity,  and  flowers  and  fruits  freely  in  almost  any  soil  or 
situation.  Established  plants  in  good  soil  will  make  shoots  10  or  12  feet  in 
length  in  one  season,  and  the  plant  when  trained  against  a  house  or  high 
wall  will  reach  the  height  of  30  or  40  feet,  as  may  be  seen  in  some  courts 
in  Paris.  Trained  to  a  strong  iron  rod  to  the  height  of  20  or  30  feet,  and 
then  allowed  to  spread  over  an  umbrella  head,  it  would  make  a  splendid 
bower.  Its  shoots  would  hang  down  to  the  ground  and  form  a 
complete  screen  on  every  side,  ornamented  from  top  to  bottom  with 
ripe  fruit,  which  is  bright  scarlet  or  yellow,  and  very  showy ;  with 
unripe  fruit,  which  is  of  a  lurid  purple  ;  or  with  blossoms,  which  are 
purple  and  white.” 

Cucumber  Plant  Diseased  (P.  L.). — The  portion  of  stem  and  root 
is  badly  infested  with  root-knot  eelworm  (Anguillula  radicola,  or 
Heterodera  radicicola  of  Miiller).  It  was  first  discovered  by  the  late 
Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  in  this  country,  and  was  figured  by  Mr.  W.  G.  Smith 
in  the  Journal  of  Eorticultur e  of  July  26th,  1877  ;  but  it  was  known  to 
gardeners  as  the  “  sudden  collapse  ”  disease  many  years  previously,  and 
was  treated  of  by  the  late  Mr.  R.  Fish  from  a  practical  point  of  view. 


The  eelworms  in  yoUr  specimen  are  mainly  confined  to  the  root  portion 
— deformities  and  nodules,  and  are  quite  beyond  calculation  in  number. 
A  few  only  were  found  in  the  stem,  and  those  in  the  portion  which  had 
been  buried  in  the  soil.  The  eelworms  are  in  all  stages,  from  the  egg  or 
cyst  onwards,  and  are  remarkably  fine  specimens.  They  are  able  to 
subsist  on  decaying  tissues,  and  perhaps  find  enough  decomposing  matter 
in  the  soil  to  live  upon  and  even  multiply  in  after  the  destruction  of  the 
host  plants.  This  is  mentioned  because  the  eelworms  are  said  to  live 
several  years  in  a  passive  state,  and  become  resuscitated  on  the  crop 
they  thrive  upon  being  again  grown  on  the  same  ground.  We  find, 
however,  that  the  eelworms  soon  collapse  on  a  dry  glass  slide,  even 
whilst  under  microscopic  examination,  and  we  cannot  accept  the  dictum 
that  they  have  the  power  of  resuscitation.  Besides  the  eelworms  we 
found  an  innumerable  host  of  other  bodies  in  the  stem  portion.  They 
are  bacterial,  and  in  a  fully  active  state  ;  but  what  part  they  play  in 
the  disease  we  are  unable  to  say  on  account  of  the  decayed  condition  of 
the  tissues  of  the  plant.  There  is  no  remedy  for  either  the  eelworms  or 
the  bacteria  known  at  the  present  time,  though  there  are  many  sub¬ 
stances  which  will  kill  both,  but  they  are  fatal  to  the  hosts  as  well  as 
the  parasites.  The  only  thing  we  can  suggest  is  to  burn  every  part  of 
the  plants,  clear  out  the  soil  and  fermenting  material,  if  any,  and  coni- 
mence  again  with  fresh  soil  and  plants.  If  you  use  turfy  loam  char  it 
slightly  over  a  wood  fire  before  use,  or  in  other  words,  heat  the  sods  so 
that  the  outer  surface  while  they  are  on  the  fire  is  hotter  than  the  hand 
can  bear.  The  eelworms  have  been  introduced  with  the  soil,  the 
manure,  or  water,  generally  the  two  first. 

Diseased  and  Scabbed  Potato  (Ji  J.). — The  tuber  is  in  a  very 
deformed,  diseased  condition,  a  veritable  hotbed  of  disease-producing 
micro-organisms.  The  Potato  proper  is  infested  by  the  mycelium  of  the 
Potato  fungus  (Phytopthora  infestans),  the  spiral  threads  enclosing  the 
resting  spores  being  well  pronounced,  and  also  the  threads  or  mycelium 
of  Fusisporium  Solani,  and  is  the  early  condition,  Periola  tomentosa, 
from  which  the  Fusisporium  at  length  arises,  for  there  is  neither  the 
outgrowths  (spores)  nor  resting  spores.  The  latter  fungus  F.  (Hypomyces) 
Solani  is  considered  to  be  the  cause  of  “  dry  rot  ”  in  Potatoes.  The 
other  parts  of  the  tuber  are  badly  scabbed,  and  some  parts  in  a  state  of 
decay  bordering  on  putrefaction  and  swarm  with  Bacterium  navicula 
and  Baccillus  amylobactor,  whilst  the  exciting  cause  of  the  worts  is 
due  to  the  mycelium  of  the  scab  fungus  (Tubercinia  scabies),  and  the 
“  fruits  ”  are  distinctly  visible  (under  the  microscope)  emerging  through 
the  stratum  above  the  mycelium.  There  is  also  the  spawn  of  some 
fungus  outside  the  scabbed  portion  of  the  tuber,  visible  to  the  naked 
eye,  but  we  failed  to  discover  with  a  powerful  lens  the  insects  you  found 
with  a  pocket  lens,  yet  we  have  no  doubt  of  your  having  seen  them. 
They  are  probably  Lipeira  femetaria.  It  is  very  common  and  may  be 
found  in  damp  earth  throughout  the  year,  feeding  upon  Potatoes, 
Carrots,  or  other  roots,  especially  where  distorted  or  scabbed.  The  pre¬ 
ceding  is  not  all,  for  the  tuber  had  been  eaten  by  some  grub,  and,  strange 
as  it  may  seem,  that  part  bad  not  been  molested  by  any  of  the  micro¬ 
organisms.  The  gnawing  had  manifestly  been  done  by  the  grubs  known 
as  “leather  jackets”  or  larvas  of  Tipula  oleracea  or  daddy  longlegs. 
You  ask  what  we  recommend  to  p^-event  a  recurrence  of  the  trouble 
next  year.  First  of  all  a  change  of  ground  for  the  Potatoes,  or  if  that  is 
inconvenient  dress  the  land  now  with  fresh  gas  lime,  using  28  lbs.  per 
rod  (30j  square  yards),  spread  it  evenly  on  the  surface  and  leaving  it 
there  for  a  month  or  six  weeks,  then  you  may  manure  the  ground  if 
necessary,  dig  and  throw  it  up  roughly  for  the  winter.  In  March,  or 
earlier  if  the  ground  is  in  good  working  order,  level  it  with  a  fork,  apply¬ 
ing  a  dressing  of  quicklime  at  the  rate  of  a  peck  per  rod,  and  point  in 
lightly.  At  the  time  of  planting  use  the  following  chemical  manure  : 
Mineral  superphosphate,  2  cwt. ;  kainit,  1  cwt.  ;  sulphate  of  iron,  J  cwt.  ; 
mixed,  sprinkling  it  all  over  the  ground  at  the  rate  of  2^  lbs.  per  rod, 
before  covering  up  the  sets.  If  the  ground  is  not  manured  in  autumn, 
add  1  cwt.  of  nitrate  of  soda  powdered  to  the  above  mixture,  and  employ 
3}  lbs.  per  rod  of  the  full  mixture.  A  change  of  seed  is  imperative. 

Chemical  IVXanures  (A1  J.). — What  is  the  use  of  our  advising 
you  if  you  do  not  test  the  advice,  but  instead  suggest  some  other 
formula  as  better  than  the  good  and  simple  one  we  recommended  of 
ingredients  easily  procurable  ?  If  you  wish  to  have  a  mixture  adapted 
with  scientific  exactitude  to  your  soil  you  must  send  a  sample  of  the  soil 
to  an  agricultural  chemist,  and  ask  him  for  a  quantitative  analysis. 
He  will  then  tell  you,  as  we  could,  the  proportions  of  lacking  ingredients 
to  add  for  rendering  the  soil  fertile.  This  you  will  find  a  costly  process, 
and  in  our  opinion  it  would  be  of  no  practical  use  in  your  case  ;  still 
there  are  persons  who  like  to  indulge  in  the  luxury  of  scientific  investi¬ 
gation,  and  are  willing  to  pay  for  it,  and  in  this  reference  we  have  no 
objection  to  others  doing  what  we  should  not  do  ourselves.  If  you  like 
to  use  costly  potassic  nitrate,  or  in  other  words  nitrate  of  potash,  or,  as 
you  request  it  in  “  plain  English,”  saltpetre,  as  a  manure,  you  can 
substitute  it  for  kainit ;  but  as  you  seem  particular  about  “  plain 
English,”  it  will  save  you  and  ourselves  some  trouble  if  you  will  try  and 
make  your  questions  plain  and  your  object  comprehensible.  You  did 
not  mention  the  subject  of  fruit  trees  cankering  in  your  former  letter, 
but  simply  asked  for  a  general  manure  for  “  crops,  fruit  trees,  &c.” 
How  could  we  know  the  “  &c.”  meant  canker  ?  The  convenient  symbol 
may  mean  anything  or  nothing,  and  is  far  too  glibly  used.  The  most 
careful  men  and  best  writers  never  use  it,  and  you  do  not  often  see  it 
in  the  letterpress  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture.  It  appears  you  had 
the  canker  of  fruit  trees  in  your  mind  when  writing,  and  signified  the 
same  by  an  “  &c.”  We  gave  an  answer  to  the  question  that  you  really 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


369 


I  RE  MEMBER  being  almost  bewildered  by  a  sentence  in  one  of 
Darwin’s  books.  “  Few  plants,”  said  be,  “  grow  on  the  soil  or 
in  the  locality  best  suited  for  their  requirements.”  This  seemed 
for  the  moment  contradictory  to  his  whole  hypothesis,  but  carefully 
thought  out  it  is  only  a  seeming  paradox,  not  a  real  one.  Its 
parallel  in  human  sociology  is,  “  Few  men  live  and  work  under 
circumstances  they  are  best  adapted  for.”  We  should  all  be  much 
better  than  we  are  if  our  environment  were  better.  We  can  all  of 
us  imagine  a  set  of  circumstances  under  which  our  natural  virtues 
would  flourish  exceedingly,  and  our  no  less  natural  vices  diminish. 
We,  like  the  plants  Darwin  spoke  of,  grow  and  flourish  as  we  best 
can,  where  we  are  allowed  to  do  so.  We  are  where  we  have  drifted 
to  by  the  exigencies  of  the  struggle  for  existence.  Plants  grow 
where  they  can.  Heather  grows  on  the  moors,  not  because  it 
could  not  grow  on  better  soil,  but  because,  on  better  soil,  plants 
that  could  not  grow  on  the  moors  can  grow  there,  and  do  so, 
choking  the  Heather  at  its  starting  point.  I  do  not  know  if 
Heather  is  the  best  illustration  I  could  have  given,  but  it  will 
serve.  What  do  you  think  Heather  would  develop  into  if  tended 
and  nursed  under  the  circumstances  which,  if  we  knew  them, 
were  best  fitted  to  it  ?  Rhododendrons  grow  in  the  Himalayan 
districts  into  huge  trees — lurid  masses  of  blazing  glory,  as  large  as 
the  Major  Oak  at  Clumber  ;  and  who  shall  say  our  humble 
Heather  might  not  develop  into  beauty  as  great  ?  Mignonette,  an 
annual  plant,  can,  by  care  and  culture,  be  made  to  grow  a  bark, 
and  be  developed  into  a  tree  strong  enough  to  brave  an  English 
winter  in  the  open.  Nay,  of  what  can  be  done  we  know  nothing. 
Our  wildest  dreams,  of  necessity,  must  fall  far  short  of  realising 
the  fathomless  stores  of  energy  and  inherent  power  of  development 
in  organic  life.  The  great  chemist  Nature  had  behind  her  the  infinite 
power  of  infinite  wisdom,  and  that  which  these  thought  fit  to  start 
cannot  but  be  worthy  of  the  starter  ;  to  say  otherwise  is  to  make 
a  statement  not  logically  thinkable.  With  infinite  potentiality, 
then,  in  all  organic  life  there  is  ever-abundant  room  for  greater 
and  still  greater  amplification  of  result.  Every  step  upwards  points^ 
with  increasing  certitude,  to  another  still  higher,  the  way  to  which 
lies  through  patient  study  of  Nature.  All  study  of  Nature  is 
ennobling,  lifting  our  sordid  souls  from  the  grovelling  selfishness 
of  life  as  it  is  to  the  altitude  of  life  as  it  should  be. 

I  know  nothing  of  Chrysanthemums.  I  know  that  “  chrysos  ” 
is  the  Greek  word  for  golden,  and  “  anthemon  ”  is  the  Greek 
word  for  flower,  so  I  presume  the  original  flower  was  yellow, 
but  I  think  they  are  now  all  the  colours  of  the  rainbow,  and 
might  very  well  be  rechristened  “  Irisanthemum.”  This  is  all  I  do 
know  about  them,  and  am  not  at  all  sure  that  I  know  this  much 
with  certainty.  The  Chinese  get  Roses  as  large  as  a  dinner  plate 
by  resolutely  nipping  oflE  every  bud  but  one,  and  I  know  the 
Japanese  can  get  a  whole  forest  of  trees  in  full  leaf  and  form  on 
the  same  dinner  plate  by  as  resolutely  pinching  off  every  tendril 
as  fast  as  it  forms,  and  I  do  not  know  any  reason  why  you  should 
not  grow  a  Chrysanthemum  as  large  as  an  umbrella,  or  as  small  as 
a  Forget-me-not  if  you  wish  to  do  so. 

But  what  is  soil  composed  of  ?  This  is  a  question  oftener  and 
much  easier  asked  than  answered.  It  is  broken  down,  storm  rent. 


rock,  and  broken  up  clays,  the  debris  of  sandstone  and  limestone, 
the  sediment  of  rivers,  the  forces  of  flood  and  fire,  earthquake,  and 
thunderstorm,  the  wear  and  tear  of  traffic,  meteoric  showers,  the 
dust  of  broken  up  worlds  wandering  in  space,  all  contribute  their 
quota  to  the  soil.  Newspaper  correspondents  tried  to  make  merry 
over  the  non-arrival  of  a  comet  not  long  ago.  It  does  not  strike 
these  would-be  humourists  that  the  comet  is  very  largely  composed 
of  dust,  and  if  one  struck  us  we  should  only  consider  it  an  unusu¬ 
ally  dusty  day.  Whence  comes  the  sand  and  dust  that  buries 
cities  such  as  Carthage,  Troy,  Babylon,  and  Nineveh,  Palenque, 
and  Copan  ?  Years  ago  Russia,  with  her  usual  honesty,  bought 
territory  from  the  Kirghiz  chiefs  at  a  price  the  Russians  fixed, 
and  collected  “  voluntary  ”  signatures  by  the  playful  flourishing 
of  rifle  and  sword,  and  allowed  the  sellers  to  build  RussiaB 
forts  on  the  territory  so  sold,  finding  the  bricks  free  of  cost  to 
the  buyers.  A  bargain  you  will  admit  ;  a  trifle  one-sided,  perhaps, 
but  distinctly  sweet  to  the  Russian  palate,  if  not  to  the  Kirghiz 
taste,  and  you  know  it  is  difficult  to  please  both  sides  when  a  good 
bargain  is  made.  How  was  it  these  perspiring  Kirghiz  brought 
better  bricks  than  they  or  the  Russians  knew  how  to  make  ?  The 
Russians,  very  scientific  and  inquiring  people,  wanted  to  know,  and 
the  unscientific  Kirghiz  did  not  want  to  tell,  but  the  Russians  know 
several  sciences,  one  of  them  relating  to  the  conversion  of  silence 
into  eloquence  by  the  application  of  stout  sticks  to  the  soles  of 
tender  feet.  By  these  means  they  got  into  conversation  with  their 
brickmakers,  and  discovered  that  the  particularly  good  bricks  had 
been  found  in  the  soil,  and  were  the  top  of  a  cupola.  Well  now 
cupolas  mean  cities  not  very  far  away,  and  there  are  no  doubt 
buried  cities  in  abundance  in  Siberia.  The  Kirghiz  steppes  are  full 
of  tombs,  evidently  tombs  of  chiefs  buried  in  their  war  trappings, 
and  their  trinkets  of  gold  and  silver  beside  them,  and  thousands  of 
such  tombs  mean  many  cities  ;  they  are  not  on  the  surface,  and 
are  therefore  probably  beneath  it,  as  the  cupola  was,  and  the  blow¬ 
ing  about  of  dust  from  place  to  place  does  not  quite  account  for 
buried  cities.  There  must  be  continuous  showers  of  meteoric  dust, 
which  our  earth  receives  in  her  rush  through  space. 

We  must  then  consider  soil  partly,  and  in  large  part  the  ruins  of 
former  worlds.  Liebig,  the  father  of  agricultural  science,  as  he  is 
very  rightly  named,  makes  much  of  humus  and  humic  acid  in  the 
soil,  but  these  are  but  the  relics  of  decaying  vegetation,  and  their 
fermentations.  To  the  kindly  embrace  of  Mother  Earth  go  back 
all  vegetable  and  all  animal  life  ;  and  it  may  be  taken  as  an  axiom, 
that  anything  that  has  come  out  of  the  soil  acts  the  part  of  good 
manure  on  being  put  back  into  it.  Cabbage  or  cow,  mast  or  man, 
duckweed  or  dude  all  alike  spring  from  the  soil,  and  returned 
thither  revivify  and  renew  the  face  of  the  earth.  Nature  is 
restless,  incessant  change  is  the  one  persistent  law  of  all  life.  A 
generation  rises,  flourishes  and  decays,  and  in  its  decay  nourishes 
the  following  generation.  Herbert  Spencer  thinks  Nature  seeks 
stable  equilibrium,  and  it  may  be  so.  It  is  nothing  paradoxical  to 
say  she  seeks  it  by  non-stability,  and  if  she  seeks  at  all  it  can  only 
be  by  non-stability.  Rest  is  brought  about  by  unrest,  peace  is 
sought  by  means  of  war.  It  is  inevitable  that  if  Nature  is  seeking 
aught,  it  is  perfection.  As  the  working  power  of  All  Good,  can  she 
seek  aught  else  ?  As  the  agent  of  All  Wise,  can  she  seek  anything  ? 
Granting  that  she  seeks  perfection,  can  perfection  be  reached? 
Our  mental  fingers  fail  to  grasp  the  idea  of  a  time  when  nothing 
can  be  improved.  Should  that  time  arrive,  it  will  be  the  Nirvana 
of  Buddhism.  Mental  effort  must  then  cease,  and  a  dull  conscious¬ 
ness  be  all  and  in  all  to  all  the  sons  of  men.  But  we  are  getting 
away  from  the  soil  to  the  cloud,  let  us  get  back  to  the  earth  ;  but 
we  shall  land  in  the  clouds  again  and  again,  for  all  the  paths 
human  thought  can  travel  lead  thitherwards,  and  lose  themselves 
and  us  also  in  the  impenetrable  folds  of  Nescience. 

To  analyse  soil  is  at  present  impracticable.  We  can  analyse 
flowers,  tubers,  plants  and  roots,  but  to  do  so  we  must  first  get 
rid  of  the  water.  Water  plays  a  strangely  important  role  in  this 

No.  2352.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  OLD  Seeies. 


*  Read  by  Mr.  W.  Pickard  at  Sheffield.  {Concluded  from  page  ZiS.) 

No.  696. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


370 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  1893. 


planet  of  ours.  An  1 1  stone  man  is  8  stones  water  ;  a  Chrysanthe¬ 
mum  is  rather  more  watery  still,  a  Potato  is  75  per  cent,  water,  a 
Turnip  is  nearer  90  per  cent.  Is  it  not  surprising  what  water  can 
do — whether  with  whiskey  or  without  it?  I  think  it  was  Dr. 
Frankland  who  took  the  trouble  to  analyse  a  jelly  fish  in  an  oven. 
It  weighed  6  lbs.  to  begin  with,  and  when  all  the  water  was 
gone  there  was  just  16  grains  of  something  left.  This  water  is 
not  usually  considered  a  sensient  thing,  but  it  gets  very  near  it. 
That  16  grains  of  something,  phosphorus  and  sulphur  and  carbon 
a  ad  some  other  elements,  had  managed,  somehow,  to  make  more 
than  half  a  gallon  of  water  sensient  for  the  time  being.  A  tree  is 
from  30  to  40  per  cent,  water  at  full  growth.  When  you  get  a 
10  oz.  Chrysanthemum  you  will  find  nearly  9  ozs.  of  it  water. 

When  you  have  reduced  your  plant  to  ash  you  have  dispersed 
its  water  ;  some  carbonic  acid,  a  little  sulphur  has  perhaps  been 
sublimed,  but  these  are  of  no  importance  to  the  analyst.  The 
future  plant  can  get  those  items  from  the  atmosphere.  What  is 
left  is  the  potash,  soda,  iron,  magnesia,  and  lime,  phosphates, 
sulphates,  and  nitrates,  and  it  is  these  you  have  to  add  as  manure 
in  the  same  proportions  as  you  find  them  in  the  ash .  If  the  ash 
contains  9  parts  potash  to  3  parts  soda  you  gain  nothing  (but  the 
loss  of  the  soda)  by  adding  more  than  3  parts.  The  coming  plant 
cannot  take  up  more  than  3  parts  of  soda  to  every  9  parts  of 
potash  it  can  find.  If  you  forget  to  put  the  9  parts  of  potash  in, 
and  there  happens  to  be  none  in  the  soil,  you  cannot  get  the  plant 
at  all,  no  more  than  you  can  build  without  building  materials.  It 
is  the  same  with  all  the  other  constituents.  They  will  make  a 
plant  in  the  proportion  specified,  and  no  other.  If  suppose  of 
seven  of  the  constituents  you  give  enough  for  a  thousand  blooms, 
and  of  the  eighth  only  enough  for  one,  you  will  only  get  one.  The 
other  constituents  are  idle,  waiting  for  their  absent  comrade  ;  they 
can  do  nothing  without  him.  It  is  not  at  all  surprising  ;  it  cannot 
be  otherwise. 

It  would  be  useless  to  tell  you  how  to  ascertain  what  amount 
of  each  chemical  there  is  in  the  ash.  It  would  take  hours  to  do 
that,  and  it  would  not  interest  you.  If  you  wish  to  learn  how  to 
do  it  obtain  some  text  book  on  chemistry,  and  plod  away  at  it  till 
you  master  the  subject.  There  is  no  royal  road  to  chemistry. 
Hard  study  and  long  practice  is  the  only  way,  and  you  will  find 
disappointment  thicker  than  you  ever  found  Blackberries.  The 
facility  with  which  you  can  make  a  mistake  is  surprising. 

On  the  suitability  of  a  soil  for  Chrysanthemums  I  had  better 
not  enter.  If  you  do  not  know  more  than  I  do  on  that  subject 
you  will  find  I  should  say  breaking  stones  as  an  industry  consider¬ 
ably  the  better  of  the  two  occupations.  As  a  manure  for  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  I  should  say  phosphate  of  soda  and  saltpetre  (with  a 
little  sulphate  of  iron  in  it  if  you  want  colour)  is  as  useful  as 
anything,  but  I  am  rather  inclined  to  think  horse  manure  is  good. 

In  conclusion  let  me  say  this.  If  the  love  of  flowers  and  the 
love  of  Nature  in  her  beauty  be  not  worthy  of  man,  then  flowers 
were  not  worthy  of  creation.  If  the  gratification  of  the  human 
eye,  on  which  Nature  has  expended  so  much  ingenuity  and 
furnishes  with  such  complex  and  marvellous  machinery  for  the 
detection  of  beauty  be  not  thought  worthy  of  study,  then  Nature 
herself  has  been  and  still  is  working  on  the  wrong  lines. 

If  our  sense  of  the  beautiful  is  not  to  be  gratified  why  have  we 
such  a  sense  within  us  ?  The  lover  of  flowers  is  usually  a  kindly 
man,  a  man  with  a  good,  sound,  reasonable  sort  of  a  soul  in  him, 
he  cannot  well  be  wholly  base  and  vile.  In  his  leisure  hours  his 
plot  of  land  would  not  entice  him  away  from  plotting  evil  against 
his  fellows.  Amid  his  flowers,  emblems  of  innocence  and  purity, 
he  cannot  be  altogether  unmindful  and  unthoughtful  of  the  lessons 
and  sermons  they  hourly  preach.  They  must  appeal  to  some 
cognate,  moral  beauty  of  character,  concealed  somewhere  within 
him.  The  orderly  and  symmetrical  development  of  bud  and 
petal  must  convey  some  lesson  to  heart  and  brain,  and  in  some 
sense  sways  his  steps  through  life.  Love  of  Nature  argues  at 
least  one  soft  and  tender  spot  in  the  human  heart,  the  sordid  and 


mean  have  not  absorbed  all  its  facultie  s,  or  closed  mental  eyes  to 
all  that  is  sweet  and  pure.  His  thoughts  must,  at  times,  rise  above 
and  soar  away  from  the  dissonant  clash  of  contending  interest,  and 
now  and  then,  at  the  least,  lift  him  from  the  contemplation  of  his 
flowers  to  that  of  the  Great  Flower  Grower,  the  Original  Gardener, 
the  source  and  fountain  of  their  being,  and  of  ours  and  our 
respective  places  and  duties  in  the  drama  of  life,  and  to  the  still 
greater  question,  as  to  whether  we  fill  our  part  half  so  well  as  they 
fill  theirs. 


THE  TREATMENT  OF  OVERCROPPED  FRUIT 

TREES. 

If  people  would  follow  the  commendable  practice  of  pruning 
every  year,  be  it  ever  so  little,  we  should  not  see  orchard  and 
garden  trees,  as  we  do  this  year,  subjected  to  the  bearing  of 
weights  in  excess  of  their  strength  and  crushed  under  a  pre¬ 
posterous  mass  of  fruit,  which  by  its  very  superabundance  loses 
both  in  appearance  and  in  quality.  The  trees  thus  maltreated 
cannot  fail  to  exhibit  symptoms  of  it  for  many  a  day  in  their 
health  as  well  as  in  the  matter  of  their  product.  There  is,  how¬ 
ever,  an  antidote  for  every  ill,  a  recuperative  for  all  exhaustion. 
On  this  occasion,  therefore,  it  becomes  us  to  resolve  and  act 
promptly.  We  accordingly  prescribe  a  combined  treatment  con¬ 
sisting  of  pruning,  dressing,  and  feeding. 

Pruning. — In  September  or  October,  before  the  fall  of  the 
leaf,  administer  a  severe  but  judicious  pruning  to  the  branches  and 
boughs  which  have  borne  an  excessive  amount  of  fruit.  If  the 
pruning  is  too  short  it  will  have  the  effect  of  dangerously  mutilating 
the  old  wood  and  depriving  the  head  of  the  tree  of  the  sap 
furnished  by  the  last  shoots.  If,  on  the  contrary,  it  is  too  long,  it 
will  be  inefficacious.  The  happy  medium  can  be  estimated  according 
to  the  age  and  vigour  of  the  tree,  a  young  and  vigorous  tree  being 
able  to  bear  more  drastic  treatment,  though  we  may  remark  that  it 
is  not  common  to  meet  with  an  excess  of  production  under  such 
circumstances.  For  the  rejuvenating  or  renewing  of  the  crown  it 
will  be  sufficient  to  preserve  in  the  frame-work  of  the  tree  its 
pyramidal,  spherical,  or  diffused  aspect  following  its  first  direction 
should  this  be  considered  desirable.  The  main  branches  should  be 
taken  off  with  the  saw, pared  smooth,  trimmed, and  daubed  with  clay. 
The  pruning-knife  or  caterpillar-cleaner  will  do  to  clear  off  the 
flower-bearing  shoots,  spurs,  and  other  elements  of  fructification. 
Here  the  more  crowded  ramifications  should  be  relieved  with 
the  pruning-knife  ;  elsewhere  they  should  be  shortened  upon  a 
live  bud,  while  none  need  be  lopped  off  unless  they  be  completely 
worthless.  It  would  be  a  wise  precaution  also  to  look  over  the 
shoots  of  the  year  which  might  spring  up  from  the  midst  of  the 
general  lassitude,  pruning  the  longer  but  leaving  untouched  those 
shorter  ones  which  are  likely  to  be  the  first  to  vegetate. 

The  Apricot,  the  Plum,  and  the  Pear  are  the  fruit  trees  which 
present  the  most  striking  examples  of  over-production.  In  the 
case  of  the  Cherry  the  traces  are  not  so  marked.  Its  fruit,  though 
plentiful,  was  not  so  excessive  as  to  seriously  exhaust  the  tree,  and 
the  two  or  three  months  of  summer  remaining  sufficed  for  its 
recuperation  before  the  winter  time.  The  Apricot  easily  develops 
buds  on  the  old  wood,  but  this  is  no  reason  for  mutilating  the 
large  branches  too  low  down,  as  the  new  shoots  would  appear  in  an 
irregular  manner,  and  might  be  killed  in  their  first  season  by  gum 
or  by  heat. 

This  pruning  of  the  principal  organs  of  the  head  ought  to  be 
done  above  a  certain  number  of  wood  or  fruit  branches.  The 
former  of  these  should  be  shortened  on  the  shoots,  and  the  latter 
on  the  living  bud.  It  is  almost  only  in  the  region  of  Southern 
France  that  we  can  safely  allow  a  more  energetic  yield  of  the 
Apricot,  the  Almond,  and  the  Peach,  in  the  open  air.  We  are 
speaking  especially  of  the  out-of-doors  tree  trained  as  standard, 
half-standard,  and  dwarf.  The  Plum  will  keep  the  most  of  its 
fruiting  shoots,  whether  pruned  or  unpruned  ;  but  it  should  not 
be  forgotten  in  diminishing  and  reducing  the  substance  of  its  frame¬ 
work  in  length  that  the  latent  buds  are  less  numerous  upon  this  sort 
of  fruit  tree.  The  Plum  presents  an  advantage  which  we  also  find  in 
the  Pear  and  the  Apple,  namely,  the  grafting  of  the  main  branches 
which  may  have  been  injured  by  accident.  For  the  Plum  we  advise 
cleft  grafting  in  autumn  before  the  stagnation  of  the  sap.  This 
will  give  an  opportunity  of  modifying  the  variety  of  the  tree  by 
the  grafting  of  a  more  agreeable  sort  (of  scion).  If  the  graft 
should  fail  it  can  be  repeated  in  spring  time  either  in  the  cleft  or 
at  the  crown.  The  pruning  of  the  original  branch  work  will  then 
be  deferred  until  the  rising  of  the  sap,  and  practised  gradually 
as  the  grafts  develop.  Pippin  fruits,  such  as  Apples  and  Pears, 
should  be  severely  pruned,  always  in  the  autumn. 

Dressing. — This  consists  in  cleaning  with  a  brush  and  washing 


October  2G,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


£71 


the  aerial  parts  of  the  tree.  Furnished  with  a  rough  brush  or  a 
scraper  rub  oif  the  moss,  lichen,  scales,  and  old  bark  which  impede 
the  regular  action  of  the  organs,  and  serve  as  a  shelter  for  insects  ; 
give  also  a  good  cleaning  to  all  cracks,  cavities,  and  canker  spots. 
The  stem  and  branchage  being  thus  refreshed,  a  general  bathing 
should  complete  the  hygienic  process.  The  whole  should  then 
receive  a  coating  of  lime  mixed  with  sulphate  of  iron  and  a  slight 
admixture  of  ochre  and  clay. 

Feeding. — In  addition  to  the  above  we  would  recommend  the 
following  measures  : — Clear  away  the  earth  around  the  tree  to  a 
distance  of  about  a  yard  and  a  half,  and  excavate  the  soil  to  a 
sufficient  depth,  so  as  to  expose  the  chief  roots  without  injuring 
them.  Fill  in  the  trench  with  a  compost  taken  from  the  kitchen 
garden  or  field,  mixing  with  it  decomposed  night  soil,  river  sand, 
sweepings,  leaves,  scraps,  rags,  pond  or  stable  slops,  and  other 
animal  and  vegetable  debris  well  reduced.  Lastly,  water  copiously 
with  liquid  manure.  This  triple  operation  should  be  performed  at 
one  time — before  the  end  of  winter.  When  the  sap  has  begun  to 
rise  in  the  spring  it  will  be  beneficial  to  work  the  soil,  so  as  to 
admit  the  air,  and  trim  up  any  little  irregularities  of  growth. — 
Charles  Baltet,  Troyes. 


HELIOPSIS  SCABRA  MAJOR. 

This  is  a  beautiful  autumn-flowering  composite,  and  one  that  will 
doubtless  become  a  favourite  in  many  gardens.  Several  bunches  of 
blooms  of  Heliopsis  scabra  major  were  exhibited  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  September  26th  by  Mr.  B.  Ladhams, 
High  Street,  Shirley,  near  Southampton,  and  for  which  the  Floral 
Committee  adjudged  an  award  of  merit.  The  deep  yellow  flowers  are 
from  2  to  3  inches  in  diameter,  and  have  a  slightly  conical  disc.  For  the 
embellishment  of  gardens  this  is  a  most  desirable  plant,  which  requires 
similar  treatment  to  the  perennial  Sunflower.  Fig.  55  represents  the 
flowers. 


SUCCESSFUL  LEEK  CULTURE. 

Leeks  are  favourite  vegetables  in  many  British  gardens,  but 
their  culture  does  not  generally  receive  the  attention  it  merits  in 
the  South  of  England,  for  of  all  the  Onion  family  a  well  grown 
Leek  is  one  of  the  most  wholesome  and  delicious  we  can  have  upon 
the  table.  In  Scotland  Leeks  are  cultivated  with  a  considerable 
share  of  success,  in  fact  their  importance  is  recognised  in  gardens 
of  all  sizes,  and  either  there  or  in  the  northern  counties  of  England 
can  this  vegetable  be  seen  in  perfection.  With  the  counties  of 
Durham  and  Northumberland  we  are  most  concerned  in  the  present 
article,  because  in  few  districts  is  so  much  interest  taken  in  Leek 
culture  as  there,  especially  in  the  Valley  of  the  Tyne  and  the 
immediate  neighbourhood  of  Newcastle  and  Gateshead.  During 
the  concluding  weeks  of  September  and  throughout  October  scores 
of  shows  are  held  there  entirely  devoted  to  displays  of  this 
vegetable,  where  hundreds  of  growers  meet  in  friendly  rivalry  to 
test  the  respective  merits  of  their  products.  For  a  period  of 
several  weeks  considerable  excitement  reigns,  the  successes  of  well- 
known  growers  form  the  chief  subject  of  conversation,  and  the 
qualities  of  the  winning  exhibits  are  most  keenly  criticised. 

Much  interest  is  imparted  to  these  shows  by  the  fact  that  the 
prizes  almost  invariably  consist  of  articles  useful  for  the  homes  of 
the  competitors,  and  as  on  the  day  of  the  show  all  the  prizes  are 
displayed  in  the  room  they  alone  furnish  an  exhibition  of  an 
exceptional  character.  They  comprise  elaborately  ornamented 
clocks,  tea  and  dinner  services,  silver  teapots,  copper  kettles  (in 
great  abundance,  as  this  is  a  favourite  prize),  blankets,  silver 
spoons  and  pipes.  Sometimes  a  money  prize  is  offered  as  the  first 
award,  or  it  may  appear  in  the  notices  very  temptingly  but 
indefinitely  as  “  a  purse  of  money.”  Every  exhibit  receives  a 
prize,  and  sometimes  as  many  as  130  are  thus  awarded. 

It  may  be  imagined  that  the  task  of  the  judges  is  not  exactly  a 
sinecure,  when  it  is  stated  that  the  exhibits  have  all  to  be  arranged 
in  strict  order  of  merit  from  1  to_  130,  the  value  of  the  prizes 
being  graduated  in  proportion.  The  work  must  be  performed 
with  the  greatest  possible  care,  as  every  one  of  the  competitors  is 
no  mean  judge  of  what  a  good  exhibition  Leek  should  be,  and 
requires  ocular  evidence  why  No.  99  is  placed  before  No.  100.  If 
the  necessary  difference  cannot  be  discerned  the  discussion  amongst 
these  hardy  north  countrymen  becomes  rather  lively,  and  the  judges 
would  find  it  more  convenient  ^o  be  out  of  the  way.  In  the  south 
of  England  judges  of  great  experience  frequently  complain  of  the 
difficulty  they  find  in  selecting  five  or  six  prizewinners  from  twenty 
exhibitors,  but  what  would  they  say  if  they  had  to  award 
100  prizes  in  order  of  merit  ?  The  task  seems  to  be  almost 
impossible,  and  no  doubt  there  are  sometimes  cases  open  to 
question,  but  these  are  rare,  and  as  a  rule  when  competent  Leek 


judges  are  employed,  and  they  have  plenty  of  time  for  their  work 
(they  sometimes  take  three  or  four  hours),  there  is  little  cause  for 
complaint. 

Three  Leeks  are  invariably  required  from  each  exhibitor,  and 
the  utmost  endeavour  is  made  to  obtain  these  exactly  alike  in 
appearance,  length  of  blanching,  and  diameter.  It  is  common  to 
see  specimens  as  much  alike  as  if  they  had  been  cast  in  one  mould, 
pure  white,  12  to  15  inches  long,  and  2  to  3  inches  in  diameter. 
The  principal  show  is  held  in  Bensham  during  October,  and  for  the 
three  days  the  place  is  visited  by  thousands  of  men,  some  of  whom 
come  a  considerable  distance,  and  at  night  the  crowd  is  so  great 


that  they  have  to  be  let  in  by  batches,  the  approaches  are  blocked 
with  visitors,  and  constables  are  especially  appointed  to  regulate 
the  traffic. 

The  majority  of  men  engaged  in  this  work  are  cottagers, 
pitmen,  mechanics  and  other  workers  in  the  district.  The  method 
of  culture  is  especially  interesting  as  showing  what  can  be 
accomplished  by  close  care  and  attention  by  men  who  had  no 
training  in  gardening,  and  who  often  know  little  respecting  it 
beyond  this  matter.  They  make  it  a  hobby,  however,  like  the 
Gooseberry  growers  of  Lancashire,  and  with  more  useful  results,  for 
one  of  these  prize  Leeks,  or  indeed  any  of  them,  is  an  important 
article  of  food  where  good  vegetables  are  never  too  abundant. 

All  the  principal  growers  save  seed  from  their  best  selections, 
and  each  therefore  has  a  special  strain  of  his  own  with  which  he 
will  not  readily  part,  and  which  he  considers  to  surpass  all  others 
in  some  characters  that  he  can  readily  point  out. 

The  seed  is  sown  early  in  the  year,  usually  at  the  end  of  January, 
during  February,  or  a  little  later.  It  is  only  from  the  earliest 


372 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  1893. 


sowings  that  the  best  results  are  expected.  Light  soil  is  employed 
for  filling  the  pots  rather  firmly,  and  the  sowing  is  made  in  a  frame, 
or  where  that  luxury  is  possessed,  in  a  small  greenhouse.  As  soon 
as  the  seedlings  appear,  and  are  large  enough  for  the  operation, 
they  are  placed  singly  into  small  pots  and  afterwards  very  carefully 
transferred  into  large — sometimes  12-inch — pots,  in  which  they 
remain  until  planted  out.  While  under  cover  they  are  watered  when 
necessary,  and  ventilation  is  freely  provided  in  fine  weather,  but  at 
the  same  time  every  care  is  taken  to  avoid  any  kind  of  check.  It 
Js  the  same  in  the  shifting  or  repotting,  as  the  Leek  is  very  sensitive 
to  root  injury,  as  all  who  are  engaged  in  the  ordinary  outdoor 
cultivation  know  quite  well. 

Trenches  are  prepared  by  taking  out  the  soil  feet  deep  and 
wide.  The  lower  part  is  filled  with  stable  manure,  and  over  this 
is  placed  the  well-prepared  fine  rich  soil  in  which  the  Leeks  are 
planted  during  May.  The  sides  of  the  trenches  are  boarded,  and 
fine  soil  is  added  as  the  plants  advance  to  insure  the  due  lengthening 
and  blanching  of  the  stems. 

Two  rows  of  Leeks  are  placed  in  each  bed,  1  foot  between  the 
plants,  and  in  the  centre  are  inserted  several  small  earthenware 
drain-pipes  reaching  to  near  the  base  of  the  soil  just  above  the 
manure.  To  a  novice  the  object  of  these  pipes  is  rather  puzzling, 
but  their  use  soon  becomes  apparent.  When  the  Leeks  are  advanc¬ 
ing  in  growth  they  are  encouraged  by  liberal  applications  of  liquid 
manure,  sheep’s  manure  being  preferred  when  procurable.  To 
avoid  saturating  the  soil  around  the  delicate  stems,  and  thus 
causing  discolouration,  the  liquid  is  poured  into  these  pipes  so  as 
to  reach  the  roots  direct. 

As  the  exhibition  season  approaches  the  plants  are  carefully 
examined,  and  the  most  promising  receive  special  attention.  The 
soil  is  raised  round  their  “  necks,”  and  cotton  wool  is  placed  in  the 
axils  of  the  lower  leaves  to  prevent  moisture  accumulating  and 
causing  decay.  Then  when  lifting  time  arrives  the  stems  are  well 
washed  and  bad  leaves  removed,  but  after  the  cultural  period  is 
passed  Leeks  undergo  comparatively  little  dressing  to  fit  them  for 
the  show's,  and  if  it  is  evident  that  much  manipulation  has  been 
practised  it  tells  against  them  for  the  better  prizes. 

The  men  engaged  in  this  work  derive  much  pleasure  from  it, 
and  also  some  advantage,  for  they  all  grow  many  more  than  are 
needed  for  showing,  as  they  are  greatly  appreciated  in  their  homes, 
and  some  gain  far  more  than  they  expend  by  the  sale  of  surplus 
plants. — Wanderer. 


A  Warning  to  Orchid  Hunters. 

In  consequence  of  the  depredations  of  Orchid  hunters  and  other 
collectors.  Rajah  Brooke  of  Sarawak  has,  it  is  said,  decided  to 
prohibit  the  collecting  of  natural  history  specimens  within  the 
territory.  He  has,  moreover,  taken  stringent  measures  with  a 
view  to  preserving  the  fauna  and  flora  of  the  country,  many  species 
of  which  were  in  danger  of  becoming  extinct  owing  to  the  ruthless 
manner  in  which  they  were  being  destroyed. 

Oncidium  Sanderianum, 

According  to  the  “Garden  and  Forest”  this  is  an  introduc¬ 
tion  from  Venezuela,  where  it  is  found  growing  at  a  great  altitude, 
and  at  a  very  low  temperature.  It  is  said  to  be  a  free-flowering 
species,  producing  thickly  branched  spikes,  which  are  covered  with 
rosy-red  blossoms  ;  in  form  somewhat  reminding  one  of  Odonto- 
glossum  Pescatorei.  Several  plants  of  this  Oncidium  have  lately 
been  sold  at  auction.  It  is  in  the  way  of  0,  zebrinum  in  habit,  but 
the  pseudo-bulbs  are  more  wrinkled  and  distinctly  egg  shaped. 
Apparently  it  is  new  to  cultivation,  and  from  the  collector’s 
description  it  ought  to  prove  a  good  garden  plant. 

Cypripedium  H.  Ballantine. 

Those  persons  who  have  seen  this  beautiful  Cypripedium  will 
agree  with  me  that  it  is  one  of  the  best  hybrids  in  cultivation.  It 
was  raised  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  and  is  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  C.  purpuratum  and  C.  Fairieanum,  the  latter  being  the 
pollen  parent.  In  habit  the  plant  is  dwarf,  but  the  flowers  are 
^ceptionally  noticeable.  The  dorsal  sepal  resembles  that  of 
C,  purpuratum,  but  also  possesses  characteristics  of  the  other 

distinct.  So  far  as  I  have  seen 
this  hybrid  nas  not  yet  found  its  way  into  collections  generally,  but 
iOis  it  Will  doubtless  do  in  due  course, — C. 


Orchids  at  Woolton  Wood. 

There  is  at  present  in  flower  at  Woolton  Wood  a  curiosity 
amongst  the  Orchid  family,  viz.,  Lissochilus  giganteus,  a  native  of 
the  Congo,  and  one  which  has  been  flowered  only  a  few  times  in 
England.  It  is  growing  in  an  8-inch  pot,  the  pseudo-bulb  and 
leaves  having  a  striking  resemblance  to  a  half  perfected  growth  of 
Peristeria  elata.  From  this  pseudo-bulb  there  is  a  spike  which  has 
reached  the  extraordinary  length  of  9  feet  3  inches,  at  the  top  of 
which  are  thirty-six  of  its  peculiarly  shaped  flowers.  Although  not 
beautiful,  it  is  a  great  curiosity  and  worthy  of  being  grown  on  that 
account.  The  culture  the  Lissochilus  receives  is  as  follows  :  It  is 
potted  in  a  mixture  of  rough  peat,  decayed  cow  manure,  crocks, 
charcoal  and  sand.  Whilst  growing  it  is  supplied  with  abundance 
of  water.  As  soon  as  the  flowering  is  over  it  is  kept  dust  dry.  The 
plant  is  growing  in  a  stove  temperature. 

A  choice  collection  of  Cypripediums  is  also  grown,  the  following 
being  in  flower,  viz ,  Ashburtonae,  (Enanthum  superbum,  Crossi- 
anum,  Domini,  expansum,  caudatum,  Spicerianum,  Niobe,  and 
Morganae  Burfordensis,  Other  well  flowered  plants  are  Cattleyas 
Bowringiana  and  Alexandra,  Odontoglossum  grande,  and  a  very 
fine  variety  of  Vanda  Sanderiana.  Mr.  Todd,  the  head  gardener,  is 
to  be  complimented  on  so  choice  and  healthy  a  collection. — 
R.P.  R. 


ARE  TOMATO  DISEASES  CONTROLLABLE  ? 

The  lucid  argument  contained  in  the  communication  from 
“  Hygienist”  (page  325)  contains  much  matter  for  reflection.  The 
graphic  description  of  Bacterium  Halstedi,b3'  Mr.  Abbey  (page  350), 
is  preserved  most  carefully  by  me  in  case  of  future  emergencies. 
Had  he  desired  specimens  of  Chrysanthemum  buds  I  could  have 
supplied  him  ;  his  information  is  most  valuable,  and  his  future 
communications  on  the  diseases  of  the  Tomato  will  be  looked 
forward  to  with  great  interest. 

While  I  am  decidedly  of  opinion  the  Cladiosporum  and 
Phytophthora  can  be  to  a  large  extent  controlled,  I  should  be 
sorry  to  claim,  with  Mr.  Buss,  that  these  diseases  can  be  prevented 
by  the  ventilator  or  watering  pot.  It  is  an  easy  matter  for  culti¬ 
vators  to  “  talk  big  ”  after  such  a  season  of  phenomenal  weather. 
I  know  several  cases  where  Tomatoes  have  grown  naturally  from 
seeds  in  the  soil,  and  developed  three  trusses  of  fruit  during  the 
past  season.  In  an  ordinary  season,  unless  a  cultivator  has 
vigorous  plants  in  5-inch  pots,  he  is  unable  to  secure  a  crop.  Wait 
till  we  have  another  1888  or  1889,  when  the  crops  were  practically 
failures,  and  see  how  many  persons  we  can  find  who  will  assert 
they  have  mastered  their  enemies  with  the  ventilator  and  watering 
pot.  At  the  same  time  I  wish  it  to  be  distinctly  understood  I  am 
precisely  of  the  same  opinion  as  “  Hygienist  ”  and  Mr,  Abbey — 
that  the  method  of  culture  accorded  has  much  to  do  with  the 
development  or  otherwise  of  plant  diseases,  and  I  trust  that  at 
some  future  date  Mr.  Abbey’s  investigations  may  enable  him  to 
point  out  a  preventive  or  remedy  for  this  and  other  kindred 
diseases.  It  appears  to  me,  it  is  only  when  we  get  a  combination 
of  the  practical  and  scientific  man  the  investigations  are  likely  to 
prove  valuable  to  the  general  body  of  cultivators. — J.  B.  R. 


PEARS  VERSUS  PEACHES. 

Since  the  publication  of  my  article  on  this  subject  (page  259)  much 
useful  information  has  been  disseminated  by  various  correspondents, 
bat  several  of  them  have  failed  to  grasp  the  purport  of  my  remarks. 
Mr.  Molyneux,  for  example,  on  page  287  appears  to  have  overlooked  the 
fact-  that  I  was  merely  suggesting  the  culture  of  Pears  on  walls  in 
preference  to  Peaches,  where  the  latter  generally  failed,  and  cited  a  few 
cases  in  support  of  my  suggestion.  I  do  not  doubt  your  correspondent’s 
assertion  that  in  bis  case  Peaches  are  more  remunerative  than  Pears, 
because  I  happen  to  know  they  are  usually  so  in  that  locality  ;  but  it 
does  not  alter  the  facts  mentioned  in  my  notes.  There  are  two 
sides  to  the  question,  and  w’nilst  Peaches  fail  to  thrive  satisfactorily  in 
certain  gardens,  it  does  not  necessarily  follow  that  “  the  trees  are  not 
managed  in  the  proper  way,”  or  the  “judgment  misplaced.”  Much 
could  be  said  on  this  point,  but  space  is  valuable  at  Chrysanthemum 
time,  and  I  will  merely  say  that  the  trees  in  the  gardens  mentioned  in 
my  previous  article  were  “  properly  managed  ”  in  every  detail,  and 
were  not  dispensed  with  until  after  years  of  experience,  and  careful 
consideration  had  been  given  the  matter.  As  before  stated,  choice 
Pears  have  since  been  planted  in  their  stead  and  have  proved  “  infinitely 
better.” 

In  corroboration  of  my  remark  that  “opinions  vary  according  to 
experience  ”  on  this  matter,  I  need  but  refer  to  a  few  instances.  Mr, 
Molyneux  on  page  287  makes  the  assertion  that  “As  much  as  gardeners 
think  of  Marie  Louise  Pears,  there  is  great  difficulty  in  inducing  fruiterers 
to  buy  them.”  Curious  to  say  on  the  preceding  page  (286)  another 
correspondent,  “  B.,”  in  referring  to  early  Pears  says,  “  I  have  planted 
several  trees  of  Marie  Louise,  the  most  useful  of  early  winter  Pears.  It 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


878 


is  seldom  we  have  too  many  of  this,  as  it  ripens  slowly  ;  and  its  season  is 
easily  extended  by  a  little  care  in  gathering,  and  by  keeping  the  later 
fruit  cool.  Moreover,  no  Pear  sells  better,  as  it  holds  a  high  character 
in  the  market.”  The  latter  sentence  is  obviously  in  conflict  with  Mr. 
Molyneux’s  experience,  and  it  would  be  interesting  to  have  the  opinion 
of  others  on  this  point. 

Presumably  the  same  correspondent,  “  B.,”  deals  with  the  question  at 
ssue  on  page  309,  and  in  the  main  agrees  with  my  suggestion,  as  will,  I 
venture  to  say,  many  northern  gardeners.  In  the  same  issue  “  R.  P.  R.,” 
writing  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Iiiverpool,  points  out  clearly  the 
advant..ge  of  Pears  over  Peaches  on  walls  ;  and  while  that  is  but  a  single 
case  in  point,  it  will  add  weight  to  the  discussion.  Mr.  Molyneux  I 
believe  has,  like  myself,  had  some  gardening  experience  north  of  the 
Trent,  and  he  wilt  perhaps  say  whether  he  has  grown  Peaches,  or  seen 
them  cultivated,  on  walls  outdoors  as  well  in  the  northern  counties  as 
he  can  manage  to  produce  them  in  Hampshire.  “  Y.  B.  A.  Z.”  and 
“  W.  S.,”  on  page  309,  are  in  favour  of  Peaches,  as  will  doubtless  be 
other  correspondents  who  reside  in  such  favoured  counties  as  Somerset 
and  Wiltshire,  but  even  these  may  have  found,  and  doubtless  will  find, 
that  all  seasons  are  not  so  conducive  to  successful  open-air  Peach  culture 
as  has  been  1893. 

Another  case  in  support  of  my  contention  might  be  mentioned.  In 
the  Journal  of  Horticulture  last  week  (page  353)  a  paper  which  Mr. 
G.  Bunyard  of  Maidstone  read  before  the  Horticultural  Club  is  printed. 
In  this  Mr.  Bunyard  refers  to  certain  varieties  of  Pears  as  being  excep¬ 
tionally  fine  this  season,  and  remarks,  The  palpable  lesson  here  is  that 
we  ought  to  place  all  such  good  but  ‘  difficult-to-grow  ’  sorts  on  south  or 
south-west  walls,  where  they  would  in  many  cases  do  better  than  Peaches 
and  Nectarines.”  When  we  find  such  an  authority  on  fruit  culture,  and 
a  resident  in  “  sunny  ”  Kent,  advocating  the  culture  of  choice  Pears  on 
south  walls  in  preference  to  Peaches  it  is  not  at  all  surprising  that 
northerners  have  found  it  to  their  advantage  to  do  likewise. — C. 


“  R.  P.  R.”  (page  309),  in  his  closing  remark  anent  the  sale  of 
Williams’  Bon  Chretien  and  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pears  in  the  leading 
Liverpool  fruiterers’  shops,  is  not  quite  clear  on  the  point.  Does  he 
mean  that  the  fruiterer  has  been  receiving  3d.  and  6d.  each  for  these 
Pears?  I  take  it  that  is  what  is  meant;  but  how  about  the  grower? 
The  prices  quoted  do  not  give  any  information  how  that  individual 
fared.  He  is  the  person  whom  the  subject  of  “  Pears  versus  Peaches  ” 
most  concerns.  If  the  prices  quoted  are  those  received  by  the  grower, 
then  there  is  just  reason  to  say  that  Pears  are  more  worthy  of  attention 
from  a  market  point  of  view  than  Peaches.  I  saw  but  a  few  weeks 
since  some  fine  Duchesse  d’Angouldme  Pears  being  sold  for  Id.  each. 
This  was  what  the  grower  received,  and  from  one  of  the  best  fruiterers 
on  the  south  coast.  What  the  latter  sold  them  at  is  another  question. 
My  business  is  with  the  grower,  and  I  suspect  this  individual  was  solely 
in  the  mind  of  “  C.”  (page  259)  when  he  started  this  interesting  con¬ 
troversy, 

I,  like  “  Y.  B.  A.  Z.”  (page  309),  regard  Beurre  Diel  as  worthless  as 
a  dessert  Pear.  Even  in  the  most  favoured  soil  for  Pear  culture  it  is 
inferior  to  such  varieties  as  Doyennh  du  Comice  or  Marie  Louise, 
but  in  soil  that  is  unsuited  to  its  constitution  it  is  not  worth  the  room  it 
occupies. 

In  my  opinion  “  blister  ”  on  the  Peach  leaves  is  caused  mainly,  if 
not  quite,  by  east  winds.  Some  two  or  three  years  since  we  had  no  east 
winds  one  season  at  the  critical  period,  and  we  experienced  little  or  no 
“  blister.”  My  plan  when  disbudding  trees  addicted  to  “  blistering”  is 
to  leave  an  extra  number  of  shoots  for  a  few  weeks  until  the  trees  have 
passed  that  stage.  We  can  then  afford  to  remove  entirely  the  worst  of 
the  “blistered”  shoots.  In  cases  where  the  leaves  only  are  affected, 
these  are  picked  off  directly  they  are  injured.  Upon  the  advent  of 
more  genial  weather  the  shoots  grow  out  of  the  “  blister.”  The  practice 
of  leaving  an  extra  number  of  shoots  at  disbudding  time  is  decidedly 
advantageous,  and  one  that  cultivators  troubled  with  blister  would  do 
well  to  adopt. — E.  Molyneux. 


Peach-leaf  Blister. 

I  HAVE  pleasure  in  responding  to  the  Invitation  of  “  Y.  B.  A.  Z.” 
(page  309)  to  give  my  views  on  the  cause  of  Peach-leaf  blister,  prompted, 
as  he  evidently  is,  by  a  desire  to  arrive  at  the  truth.  “  What  is  Peach 
blister?”  asks  Mr.  Edward  Luckhurst  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
of  June  22nd,  1870,  page  181,  then  proceeds  to  answer  his  own  question 
as  follows  : — “  It  is  a  disease  affecting  the  foliage  only  when  young  and 
tender,  appearing  in  the  form  of  blotches  or  blisters  irregular  in  form  and 
size,  being  sometimes  as  small  as  a  pea,  and  occasionally  spreading  over 
an  entire  leaf.  The  affected  part,  having  a  pale  sickly  appearance, 
becomes  much  thicker  in  substance  than  the  healthy  part,  and  rises  into 
a  convex  form  precisely  similar  to  other  blisters.  It  is  distinct  from  all 
other  forms  of  blight,  and  cannot  be  mistaken.”  Mr.  Luckhurst  next 
asks,  “What  is  the  cause  of  Peach  blister?”  and  again  answers,  “  It  is 
caused  by  the  exposure  of  the  expanding  foliage  to  the  influence  of 
frost  or  cold  cutting  winds.”  Evidence  in  proof  of  this  conclusion  is 
then  given.  1,  Trees  on  a  west  wall  had  “  fine  foliage,  perfectly  clear, 
and  quite  free  from  blister  or  blemish  of  any  kind,”  2,  Trees  against 
an  outer  south  wall,  “  along  which  the  cold  east  wind  swept  unchecked,” 
had  the  leaves  much  blistered.  3,  Trees  on  a  south  inner  wall  had  the 
leaves  quite  sound  near  the  east  end,  “  but  further  on  where  the  trees 
were  more  exposed  they  were  affected  precisely  in  proportion  to  the 
extent  of  such  exposure  ” — that  is,  to  the  cold  east  wind. 


Whether  “Y.  B.  A.  Z.”  had  Mr.  Luckhurst’s  article  in  mind  at  the 
time  of  writing  on  page  309,  matters  little  ;  but  I  consider  it  important 
that  all  evidence  bearing  on  the  subject  be  given  due  consideration. 
Therefore  a  few  brief  notes  on  Mr,  Luckhurst’s  article  may  be  made 
with  profit.  From  a  cultural  point  of  view  there  is  nothing  in  the 
article  referred  to  to  which  exception  can  be  taken.  Mr.  Luckhurst 
tells  us  to  “  watch  the  development  of  an  organ  [foliage]  upon  the 
condition  of  which  everything  depends — the  crop,  the  growth,  the  very 
existence  of  the  tree  itself,  to  cherish  it  by  every  means  in  our  power,  to 
cleanse  it  from  insects  with  a  prompt  and  ready  hand,  and  to  screen  it 
from  frost  and  cold  cutting  winds.”  That  is  good  cultural  advice,  but 
all  the  same  Mr.  W.  G.  Smith  had  proved  that  fungus  was  the  cause  of 
Peach  leaf  blister,  and  exploded  the  opinion  that  had  prevailed  up  to 
that  time — namely,  “the  blistering  being  caused  by  spring  frosty 
rupturing  the  sap  vessels  and  the  fungus  living  upon  the  extravasated 
sap.”  Mr.  Smith’s  explanation  and  illustration  of  Peach  blister  with 
accompanying  fungus  (Ascomyces  deformans)  will  be  found  in  the 
Journal  of  Horticulture  ot  July  8th,  1875,  and  he,  following  De  Bary 
and  Berkeley,  practically  settled  the  question  on  a  sound  basis. 

1  think  it  necessary  to  make  the  foregoing  observations  in  justice 
alike  to  Mr,  Smith  and  Mr,  Luckhurst,  for  it  is  not  right  that  we  should 
profit  by  the  teachings  of  others  without  giving  expression  of  our  in¬ 
debtedness.  This  gives  me  an  opportunity  of  saying  that  the  little  I  know 
about  fungi  and  the  diseases  caused  by  this  class  of  parasites  is  mainly 
due  to  studying  the  works  of  the  late  Rev.  M,  J.  Berkeley,  Dr.  Cooke, 
and  Mr.  W.  G.  Smith.  Information  has  also  been  derived  from  articles 
appearing  from  time  to  time  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  and  in  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle.  Most  of  the  subjects  treated  by  the  specialists  I 
have  endeavoured  to  study  on  the  plants  the  parasites  infest,  and  pro- 
duce  disease  on  or  in,  and  the  result  in  all  cases  has  been  a  verification 
of  their  teaching,  and  conclusive  proof  of  the  desirability  of  acquiring 
scientific  knowledge  as  well  as  cultural  practice. 

Mr.  Smith  has  given  decisive  proof  that  all  the  exposure  of  the 
expanding  foliage  of  the  Peach  to  the  influence  of  frost  or  cold  cutting 
winds  was  capable  of  producing  a  favourable  medium  for  the  growth  of 
the  fungus.  This  may  seem  to  confirm  Mr.  Luckhurst’s  contention  that 
the  fungus  was  consequential  and  not  initiatory  of  the  disease.  But  it 
is  at  this  point  where  the  great  gulf  exists  between  cultural  conjecture 
and  scientific  fact.  Who  has  ever  seen  the  young  growths  of  any  tree 
blistered  and  distorted  without  a  cause?  The  east  wind  never  produces 
anything  beyond  a  stunted  and  crippled  growth.  There  is  no  blister 
without  its  cause,  the  growth  of  the  mycelium  of  the  fungus  within 
the  leaf  and  shoot  tissues  ;  no  curled  leaves  and  distorted  growths  without 
the  causing  parasites  or  insect  pests.  While  approving  of  the  cultural 
advice  given  by  successful  Peach  growers  I  have  to  say  that  the  Peach 
tree  leaf  blister  is  not  caused  by  cold  or  east  winds,  but  by  a  fungus. 
This  enemy  is  not  confined  to  this  country,  but  is  found  on  Peach  trees 
on  the  continent  under  the  name  of  Esoascus  deformans,  and  in  America 
under  that  of  Taphrina  deformans.  The  continental  trees  against  walls 
receive  similar  protection  to  that  given  in  this  country  ;  in  America  the 
trees  are  grown  as  low  standards,  and  have  no  protection  whatever.  In 
all  regions  of  the  earth  where  the  Peach  is  grown  it  is  subject  to  attack 
by  the  parasite,  because  the  leaves  afford  it  its  peculiar  food.  Surely 
that  is  simple  enough  to  be  comprehended.  The  fungus  is  a  plant, 
endowed  with  the  power  of  growth  and  reproduction.  It  springs  into 
existence  from  a  spore.  There  is  nothing  mythical  about  it.  True  it 
belongs  to  a  very  lowly  group  of  the  Ascomycetes  family  of  fungi,  but  it 
has  great  power  in  producing  distortion  or  deformities  in  the  leaves  of 
Peaches  and  other  trees.  We  can  see  the  parasite  in  all  the  stages  of 
growth  as  plainly  revealed  by  the  microscope.  We  cannot  see  the  east 
wind  ;  it  is  said  that  pigs  can,  but  as  they  cannot  tell  us  what  there  is 
in  it,  we  will  believe  what  we  see — namely,  the  fungus  growing  in  the 
leaves  of  Peach  trees  and  the  blistering  that  follows. 

The  Peach  leaf  blister  fungus,  Exoascus  (Ascomyces,  Taphrina) 
deformans,  makes  its  presence  manifest  by  the  red  blisters  on  the  leaves. 
These  are  due  to  the  previous  action  of  the  mycelium  within  the  leaf 
tissues,  enlarging  and  multiplying  the  cells,  giving  rise  to  the  thickening 
and  swollen  condition  of  the  leaves.  The  first  indication,  however,  of  an 
attack  by  the  fungus  is  an  abnormal  growth,  a  thickening  and  deepening 
of  colour  in  the  leaves.  There  is  no  pale  sickly  hue  such  as  results  from 
exposure  to  cold  or  the  presence  of  aphides,  for  sickly  leaves  are  of  no 
use  to  the  fungus,  as  it  lives  upon  the  chlorophyll.  This  the  mycelium 
destroys,  and  red  colouring  matter  takes  its  place,  as  seen  in  the 
blisters.  Ultimately,  the  mycelium  or  outgrowths  from  it  burst  through 
the  cuticle  or  skin  of  the  leaf,  and  appears  as  a  fine  pale  bloom,  visible 
chiefly  on  the  lower  surface.  This  consists  of  a  stratum  of  fine 
threads,  from  which  spring  innumerable  erect,  slender  flask-shaped 
bodies  (asci),  each  supported  on  a  shorter  cell.  Each  ascus  contains 
eight  minute  oblong  spores  ;  these,  escaping  by  an  orifice  at  the  apex,  go 
forth  to  reproduce  the  fungus.  In  addition  to  asci,  other  necklace-like 
growths  spring  from  the  threads,  and  consist  of  simple  cells  or  spores, 
which  are  considered  by  Mr,  Smith  to  be  capable  of  reproducing  the 
fungus.  Excellent  illustrations  of  the  attack  on  the  leaves  and  of  the 
fungus  will  be  found  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  vol,  xxviii.,  new 
series,  page  31,  by  Mr.  W,  G,  Smith. 

The  leaves  covered  or  attacked  with  Exoascus  deformans  wither  an  I 
fall  off  prematurely.  The  period  of  attack  is  confined  to  the  spring  or 
early  summer,  for  when  the  weather  becomes  warm  and  settled  the 
growths  start  freely  and  the  leaves  are  not  attacked  by  Exoascus 
deformans.  This  has  led  to  the  erroneous  conclusion  that  the  fungus 
spores  are  only  able  to  act  on  tissues  impaired  by  cold  weather.  Frost 


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[  October  26,  1893. 


either  kills  tender  growths,  or  causes  the  leaves  and  fruits  to  sicken  and 
drop.  Cold  contracts — stunts  shoots  and  cripples  leaves.  How  the 
spores  of  Exoascus  deformans  can  push  their  germinal  tubes  through  the 
cuticle  of  a  leaf  when  it  is  contracted — drawn  tight  to  resist  the  cold — 
or  enter  the  leaf  tissues  by  the  stomata  when  these  are  closed,  ia  more 
than  I  am  able  to  understand.  But  this  is  wholly  outside  the  subject,  for 
cold  weather  has  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  the  fungus  any  more  than 
it  haa  with  certain  species  of  Crocus  flowering  in  the  spring  and  others 
in  the  autumn.  Yet  there  is  said  to  be  a  predisposing  cause.  What  is  it  ? 
I  do  not  know.  Who  does  1  But  I  do  know  that  there  is  a  fungus — a 
plant — named  Exoascus  deformans  by  botanists,  which  is  raised  from 
seed  (spores),  requires  a  Peach  tree  to  grow  in,  lives  on  chlorophyll,  and 
produces  its  blossoms  and  fruits  during  the  early  summer  months.  It  is 
a  perennial — the  mycelium  lives  in  the  tissues,  and  the  disease  reappears 
year  after  year  on  the  same  branch  or  tree. 

Now  I  should  like  a  little  information.  Whence  come  the  spores  ? 
From  sunny  France  ?  The  balmy  East  1  Where  does  the  east  wind  pick 
up  the  spores  ?  It  is  no  use  appealing  to  the  wind  1  What  about  the 
trees  on  walls  in  this  country  ?  Are  there  not  any  decrepit — half  dead 
in  branch,  distorted  in  shoot,  and  blistered  in  leaf  1  Is  it  from  these 
that  the  spores  are  wafted  by  the  east  wind  and  disease  set  up  in  trees 
situated  westward  ?  Why,  then,  do  not  west  winds  convey  the  seeds  of 
disease  eastwards  1  The  spores  must  come  from  somewhere,  and  it  is 
certain  they  cannot  bear  the  drought  of  summer  nor  the  cold  of  winter, 
for  they  are  naked  cells,  and  must  soon  do  or  die.  That  is  one  reason 
the  fungus  does  not  raise  blisters  on  the  leaves  of  Peach  trees  grown 
against  walls  in  the  summer.  It  is  also  completely  foiled  by  a  glass  roof 
with  careful  ventilation  in  the  spring,  and  it  can  make  nothing  of  leaves 
with  a  stout  epidermis.  Yet  it  lives  from  year  to  year  in  the  same 
garden  on  the  identical  trees  first  infested. 

There  is  only  this  preventive  and  remedy — cut  off  and  burn  the 
blistered  leaves  before  the  bloom  appears  on  the  red  warts,  also  cut  off 
and  destroy  the  diseased  shoots  or  branches.  By  one  the  spores  are  got 
rid  of,  and  by  the  other  the  perennial  mycelium.  As  for  dressings, 
winter  applications  can  be  of  no  use,  and  as  Peach  foliage  is  very  tender 
in  spring  it  would  not  be  safe  to  employ  a  Bordeaux  mixture  at  greater 
strength  than  the  following  :  Sulphate  of  copper,  4  ozs. ;  quicklime, 
4  ozs. ;  water,  15  gallons,  using  as  a  spray. — G.  Abbev. 


SUMMER  AND  WINTER  BEGONIAS. 

I  AM  very  glad  that  Mr.  Molyneux  (page  310)  is  able  to  report  satis¬ 
factorily  of  his  Tuberous  Begonias.  It  is  a  great  deal  more  than  could 
be  done  in  most  gardens  out  of  Hampshire  I  am  afraid.  True,  the  very 
favourable  autumn  with  its  warmth  and  heavy  rains  has  greatly 
improved  the  beds,  and  like  the  field  Mushrooms  Begonias  have  been 
having  a  better  chance  lately  than  they  have  had  all  the  season.  Some 
tubers  lifted  a  few  days  ago  in  a  garden  I  was  in  illustrated  in  a  very 
remarkable  degree  the  evil  influences  of  the  drought.  The  only  growths 
they  had  been  equal  to  pushing  were  3  to  4  inches  long,  doing  little 
more,  in  fact,  than  getting  fairly  through  the  ground,  and  about  as 
thick  as  my  pencil.  Fortunately  they  were  not  all  like  that,  otherwise 
the  beds  would  have  been  eompletely  bare. 

I  can  only  hope  that  the  improved  aspect  wh ich  Begonias  have  assumed 
late  in  the  season  will  do  something  to  redeem  the  bad  impression 
which  many  must  have  formed  of  them  in  the  full  flare  of  this  searching 
summer.  There  has  by  no  means  been  a  universal  failure.  Not  far 
from  where  I  am  now  writing  there  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  front 
gardens  which  I  have  seen  attached  to  a  small  villa,  and  its  chief 
occupants  are  Begonias,  and  if  an  exception  on  a  larger  scale  be  required 
it  may  be  found  in  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons’  Nursery  at  Swanley.  They 
have  thousands  of  plants  blooming  in  the  beds,  presenting  both  to  those 
on  the  adjoining  railway,  and  to  those  in  the  nursery  itself,  a  very  rich 
and  warm  glow  of  colour. 

It  is  to  be  particularly  noted  how  much  better  the  doubles  have  done 
than  the  singles.  Where  many  of  the  latter  are  stunted  and  ill-clothed 
with  foliage  and  bloom  the  former  are  fully  furnished  with  both  leaves 
and  flowers.  It  is  well  worth  while  to  give  this  fact  due  consideration, 
for  the  plants  have  had  the  same  chance  in  every  way.  This  would 
point  to  the  advisability  of  giving  special  attention  to  the  doubles  for 
bedding,  and  also  to  the  necessity  for  selecting  some  of  the  best  and 
most  distinct  types  of  them.  The  Swanley  growers  have  risen  to  the 
occasion,  as  they  generally  do,  and  have  chosen  some  varieties  of 
vigorous  but  even,  compact  growth  and  of  pronounced  free-flowering 
qualities  from  the  mass  of  material  in  the  beds  with  a  view  to  giving 
them  special  recommendation  for  outdoor  growth.  Their  action  may  be 
cordially  endorsed,  for  there  is  no  question  of  the  superior  effectiveness 
of  beds  furnished  with  floriferous  and  well  balanced  plants,  bright  and 
decided  in  colour,  toothers  filled  with  a  heterogeneous  mixture  (if  such  a 
phrase  be  permitted)  of  seedlings,  some  of  which  are  strong  growers, 
others  w’eak,  some  tall,  and  some  short. 

As  instances,  four  new  selections,  all  doubles,  to  which  varietal 
names  have  been  given  may  be  mentioned.  One  is  Freedom,  a  salmon- 
pink  free-flowering  dwarf  sort,  with  a  growth  as  even  and  level  as  a 
Tom  Thumb  Tropreolura  ;  a  second  is  Attraction,  brilliant  orange,  also 
dwarf,  bushy,  and  floriferous  ;  a  third  is  Erecta,  a  rose-coloured  form,  of 
taller  and  more  upright  growth  than  the  others,  but  very  even  and 
^  fourth.  Red  Shirt,  a  scarlet  semi-double,  covering  itself 
with  flowers.  These  are  very  conspicuous  in  the  beds,  being  as  regular 
in  growth  as  a  number  of  market  Genistas  or  Pelargoniums,  and  easily 


to  be  picked  out  in  their  lines.  Messrs.  Cannell  &c  Sons  are  doing  good 
work  with  these  special  selections  of  bedders. 

Their  collection  under  glass  is  also  a  very  extensive  one.  They  have 
five  of  their  long  houses  full — or  rather  had,  for  the  structures  are  now 
being  rapidly  cleared — besides  several  more  at  Eynsford,  where,  the 
head  of  the.  firm  tells  me,  his  son  has  fairly  beaten  bim  with  the  quality 
of  his  plants.  Paterfamilias  seems  rather  proud  of  his  defeat.  The 
Eynsford  plants  must  be  good,  for  those  at  Swanley,  or  such  as  are  left 
of  them,  are  a  very  beautiful  colleetion.  The  great  majority  are  grown 
in  5  and  6-inch  pots,  no  special  culture  being  attempted,  but  preference 
given  to  smaller  plants,  in  order  that  their  true  qualities  under  ordinary 
cultivation  may  be  estimated.  A  few  of  the  best  of  the  doubles  are 
R.  B.  Parsons,  bright  pink  ;  Miss  Cochrane,  peach,  very  large  ;  Lady 
Osborne,  rosy  salmon,  a  very  distinct  shade  ;  Lord  Haddo,  bright  rose 
with  creamy  flakes,  one  of  the  Carnation-flowered  breaks  ;  Rosebud, 
pale  pink,  a  familiar  variety  ;  Miss  E.  Wynne,  white,  crimped  flowers, 
a  very  beautiful  sort  of  drooping  habit,  well  suited  for  a  basket  ;  Miss 
Lilian  Maud,  rosy  salmon,  very  large  and  full ;  Lady  Alice,  light  yellow, 
very  free ;  Hon.  Mrs.  Goschen,  creamy,  very  large  and  free  ;  Mrs. 
Lynch,  soft  pink,  crimped  ;  Rev.  Mr.  Lascelles,  clear  yellow  ;  Frank 
Bibby,  rich  glowing  crimson  ;  Octavie,  double  white,  now  thoroughly 
well  known  ;  Mr.  G.  Paul,  cream,  very  large  and  full  ;  J.  Lyon,  glowing 
crimson,  very  large,  full,  and  fine  ;  and  Safrano,  light  apricot,  semi¬ 
double.  The  best  of  the  singles  were  over,  but  Albert  George  (rich 
orange,  very  large,  and  consistently  good)  and  Fashion  (a  charming 
orange-amber  sort)  were  conspicuously  beautiful.  The  plants  are  all 
from  this  year’s  cuttings,  so  that  their  fine  appearance  represents 
inherent  quality,  not  special  cultivation. 

Let  no  visitor  to  the  Swanley  Nurseries  leave  without  inspecting  the 
house  of  winter-flowering  varieties,  for  it  is  already  a  beautiful  sight, 
and  will  improve  as  time  goes  on.  This  valuable  class  is  growing 
steadily  in  popular  esteem,  and  if  anything  were  wanted  to  prove  their 
usefulness  and  charm  the  house  referred  to  will  supply  it.  The  collection 
is  one  of  the  best  in  the  country  without  any  doubt.  As  might  be 
expected  Gloire  de  Sceaux  plays  a  prominent  part.  Those  who  have  had 
opportunities  of  estimating  the  effectiveness  of  this  grand  Begonia 
naturally  look  for  it  wherever  they  go,  forgetful  that  all  gardeners  have 
not  had  the  same  chances,  but  it  is  only  a  question  of  time  for  it  to 
become  a  universal  favourite.  Carrierei  is  a  totally  different  type  of 
plant,  the  foliage  being  smaller,  and  the  habit  more  bushy.  Plants  in 
5-inch  pots  are  a  foot  high  and  15  inches  across,  being,  like  well-managed 
Cyclamens,  broader  than  they  are  high,  and,  moreover,  quite  clothed 
with  bloom.  It  is  a  very  valuable  sort.  Weltoniensis  is  too  well  known 
to  need  comment,  and  so  is  nit'da  ;  but  there  are  two  of  the  semper- 
florens  type  less  familiar  ;  one  is  S.  gigantea  rosea,  which  has  very  large 
bright  green  leaves,  and  abundance  of  rosy  flDwers  ;  the  other  is  a  sort 
named  Laura,  the  foliage  of  which  approaches  heart-shape,  and  the 
flowers  are  pink.  It  is  a  true  winter  b'oomer.  These  are  six  of  the 
best,  but  that  there  are  many  others  in  every  respect  well  worthy  of 
culture  a  call  will  at  once  suffice  to  prove. — W.  P.  W. 


COLD  HARD  WATER  FOR  PLANTS. 

Mr.  Dunn’s  last  communication  (page  361)  on  the  subject  clearly 
shows  that  a  little  more  reflection  on  the  matter  may  prove  of  consider¬ 
able  service  to  him.  He  has  not  proved  a  single  idea  he  set  forth,  but, 
on  the  other  hand,  it  has  been  conclusively  proved  that  many  practical 
growers,  well  known  and  respected  in  these  pages,  do  cultivate  their 
plants  and  crops  successfully,  using  water  such  as  he  condemned. 

Mr.  Bardney  (page  361),  with  his  usual  judgment,  now  appears  on 
the  scene  in  a  very  conciliatory  mood,  but  I  should  like  to  remind  your 
able  contributor  that  I  have  never  suggested  the  use  of  cold  hard  water 
during  the  winter  months.  My  contention  was  that  it  can  be,  and  is, 
used  between  the  months  of  March  and  November  successfully.  My 
object  in  writing  was  to  prove  that  Mr.  Dunn’s  pet  idea  had  led  him 
beyond  the  bounds  of  prudence  and  modern  practice. 

In  reply  to  “  T.  A.”  (page  340),  I  am  able  to  state  practically  that 
the  water  of  the  New  River  Company  does  contain  a  large  per-centage 
of  lime,  in  fact  the  river  has  its  origin  at  the  foot  of  a  chalk  hill.  This 
water  when  used  in  Hertfordshire  will  leave  a  white  deposit  on  the 
leaves  of  plants,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  it  is  very  hard.  The  water 
of  the  East  London  Company  never  sees  the  light  tdl  it  is  applied  to 
our  plants,  and  is,  as  I  stated  in  a  previous  communication,  very  cold. 
It  is  also  very  hard  to  the  touch,  but  it  does  not  leave  the  white  limy 
deposit  on  the  leaves  like  the  New  River  water. — J.  B.  R. 


One  of  your  correspondents  mentioned  that  water  impregnated  with 
lime  “  burned  the  rootlets  of  plants.”  Does  lime  in  water  burn  the 
rootlets  of  plants  ?  I  hardly  think  so,  or  it  would  not  be  recommended 
as  harmless  as  a  “  slugicide,”  doing  no  injury  to  plants.  Some  plants 
thrive  amongst  lime,  while  it  kills  others.  Heaths,  for  example ; 
instead  of  lime  in  water  “  burning,”  is  it  not  rather  a  case  of  petrification  ? 

I  have  always  been  of  opnion  that  in  watering  artificially  the 
temperature  of  the  water  should  never  be  less  than  that  of  the  soil 
the  roots  are  in.  For  syringing,  I  think  the  water  should  be  a  little 
warmer  than  the  temperature  of  the  air  either  inside  or  outside.  I  have 
watered  with  cold  spring  water  during  a  drought,  but  failed  to  see  any 
good  arising.  I  know  of  several  springs  differing  in  temperature  to  the 
extent  of  20°.  Is  “pure”  water  proper  food  for  plants?  Very  few 
waters  are  pure  ;  they  soon  contract  impurities  or  foreign  matter  when 
formed  into  rain  drops  or  pass  into  streams. — T.  N.  B. 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


375 


Events  op  the  Week. — The  principal  events  of  horticultural 
interest  during  the  ensuing  week  will  include  several  Chrysanthemum 
shows.  The  first  one,  Havant,  will  be  opened  on  Friday,  the  28th  inst., 
and  others  will  follow  in  quick  rotation.  A  list  of  some  of  the  most 
important  exhibitions,  and  those  that  have  been  advertised  in  our 
columns,  is  given  on  page  380  of  the  present  issue. 

-  The  Weather  ik  London.— The  weather  has  been  mild 

during  the  greater  part  of  the  past  week,  and  much  rain  has  fallen  in 
the  metropolis.  On  Sunday  it  rained  more  or  less  nearly  all  day,  but 
was  fine  on  Monday.  Tuesday  proved  colder,  and  Wednesday  opened 
^milarly,  it  being  also  dull  as  we  are  preparing  for  press. 

-  La  Societe  Royale  d’Agrichlture  et  de  Botanique 

DE  Gand. — At  a  meeting  of  this  Society,  held  on  the  16th  inst.,  Mr. 
H.  J.  Veitch,  of  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  was  unanimously 
elected  a  Membre  d'Honneur,  in  recognition  of  his  services  to  botany 
and  to  horticulture. 

-  Amaryllis  Belladonna.— Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall 

Gardens,  Stamford,  writes  A  narrow  border  of  this  plant  at  the 
Mote  Park,  near  Maidstone,  formed  a  very  pretty,  as  well  as  an  unusual 
sight,  last  month  when  the  plants  were  in  flower.  Mr.  Fielder  grows  it 
on  a  south  aspect  close  to  some  warm  Orchid  houses,  which  no  doubt 
assists  it  to  a  certain  extent  during  the  cold  weather,  and  also  helps  to 
ripen  the  bulbs  in  the  summer.  The  plant  has  one  bad  point,  as  it 
flowers  at  a  time  when  it  has  no  foliage,  but  this  may  be  assisted  in 
various  ways  so  as  to  give  full  effect  to  the  flowers.” 

-  New  Zealand  Plants. — According  to  a  New  Zealand  paper, 

Mr.  James  Veitch,  of  the  well-known  firm  of  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons 
of  Chelsea,  who  has  been  travelling  in  search  of  plants  all  over  the 
world  for  some  years,  has  collected  plants  from  that  part  of  the  globe. 
They  were  packed  in  twelve  large  Wardian  cases,  weighing  over  half  a 
ton  each.  The  dimensions  of  each  case  are  4  feet  by  2  feet  6  inches, 
and  2  feet  6  inches  high.  The  twelve  Wardian  cases  mentioned 
were  shipped  by  the  “  Ruahine,”  from  Lyttelton,  for  London,  by 
which  vessel  Mr.  Veitch  was  also  a  passenger.  [We  learn  with  pleasure 
that  Mr.  James  Veitch  has  arrived  home  safely,  also  the  plants,  to 
which  a  further  reference  will  be  made.] 

-  The  First  International  Botanical  Congress  ever 

convened  on  American  soil  was  held  at  Madison,  Wis.,  immediately  after 
the  adjournment  of  the  American  Association  for  the  Advancement  of 
Science,  August  23rd  and  24th.  The  foreign  representation,  however, 
was  so  small  that  the  title  of  the  meeting  was  changed  to  the  “  Madison 
Botanical  Congress.”  The  meeting  was  an  outgrowth  of  that  at  Genoa 
last  year.  Professor  E.  L.  Greene  of  California  was  elected  President. 
All  the  subjects  discussed  at  the  meeting  referred  to  terminology,  the 
following  being  the  topics  : — 1,  Plant  Diseases  ;  2,  Anatomy  and 
Morphology  ;  3,  Physiology  ;  4,  Horticultural  Forms  ;  5,  Bibliography. 
It  is  expected,  says  “Nature,”  that  the  next  meeting  will  be  held  in 
Europe  in  1894,  but  the  precise  time  and  place  was  not  announced. 

-  The  Best  Country  for  Apples. — It  is  said  that  California 

will  never  get  the  fame  in  Apple  culture  which  has  followed  its 
experience  with  other  fruits.  This  is  natural ;  the  Apple  is  a  native  of 
cool  and  comparatively  northern  regions.  It  has  never  been  able  to 
adapt  itself  to  warm  countries.  Even  in  the  Eastern  States  the  Apple 
is  not  a  particularly  successful  fruit  south  of  the  Potomac  river,  except 
in  the  mountains  and  cool  regions.  All  along  the  Allegheny  range  they 
thrive  admirably,  quite  as  well  as  in  the  famous  Apple  regions  of 
western  New  York  ;  but  when  we  get  into  the  lower  lands,  where  a 
long  and  comparatively  high  summer  temperature  prevails,  the  Apple 
would  never  be  looked  upon  as  a  desirable  orchard  fruit  by  those  who 
were  looking  to  profit  from  fruit  culture.  Thus  remarks  “  Meehans’ 
Monthly,”  and  by  way  of  a  supplement  we  might  put  in  a  claim  that 
England  is  at  least  one  of  the  best  countries  in  the  world  for  Apples. 
This  year  they  have  in  most  localities  been  exceptionally  fine. 


-  Gardening  Appointment.— Mr.  William  Seal,  five  years 

foreman  for  Earl  Stanhope,  Chevening  Park,  Kent,  has  been  appointed 
head  gardener  to  S.  W.  Waller,  Esq.,  Baynard’s  Park,  Surrey. 

-  Curious  Spelling  op  the  Names  op  Pears.  —  In  a 

fruiterer’s  shop  in  a  Suffolk  town  I  noticed  the  following  three  Pears 
very  well  represented  —  Chaumontel,  Beurr6  Diel,  and  Bergamotte 
d’Automne,  but  curiously  labelled  “  Sharman’s  Tell,”  “  Bure’s  Dale,” 
and  “Burgoyne”  respectively. — East  Anglia. 

-  Gaillardias  and  Antirrhinums. — These  are  still  in  flower 

and  have  been  so  since  the  spring.  They  appear  to  have  almost 
enjoyed  the  very  dry  season,  and  have  proved  most  useful  for  cutting 
when  nearly  everything  else  was  burnt  up.  A  bed  of  Yellow  Prince 
dwarf  Antirrhinums  has  been  much  admired. — East  Anglia. 

-  Self-sown  Tomatoes. — Mr.  G.  F.  Ash,  The  Gardens,  Swan- 

bourne  House,  Winslow,  Bucks,  informs  us  that  he  had  self-sown 
Tomatoes  which  came  up  in  the  open  garden,  and  one  plant  was  simply 
staked  and  in  no  other  way  protected.  This  produced  130  very  large 
fruit  of  the  old  wrinkled  red  type,  and  many  of  them  ripened. 

-  According  to  the  “  Lancet,”  the  Apothecaries’  Society  are 

about  to  apply  to  the  Courts  lor  powers  to  sell  their  Botanical  Gardens 
at  Chelsea,  the  money  value  of  which  has  been  fixed  at  about  £30,000. 
The  removal  of  this  historic  garden  would  be  a  source  of  keen  regret 
to  the  many  who  have  profited  by  the  instruction  conveyed  by  its  means. 

-  Belladonna  Lily. — “T.  A.,  Bristol,"  writes: — A  few  seeds 

of  this  plant  have  ripened  here  this  season.  I  should  be  glad  to  know  if 
it  is  unusual,  as  I  do  not  remember  to  have  seen  in  previous  years  any 
capsules  attempting  to  swell  much  less  to  perfect  their  seeds.  These 
are  about  the  size  and  form  of  the  small  round  grained  Maize,  and 
when  first  gathered  are  of  an  ivory  white  colour. 

-  Johnson’s  Gardeners’  Dictionary.— A  copy  of  part  vii.  of 

the  new  edition  of  the  above  work  has  come  to  hand,  and  like  its 
predecessors,  it  has  been  carefully  prepared.  It  opens  with  the  genus 
Pleandra  and  finishes  with  a  description  of  Sesbanias,  the  intervening 
genera  being  described  in  alphabetical  order.  One  more  instalment,  we 
believe,  remains  to  be  published,  which  completes  the  edition.  As 
before  remarked,  Messrs.  G.  Bell  &  Sons,  Covent  Garden,  W.C.,  are  the 
publishers. 

-  Ripe  Strawberries  in  October. — Mr.  C.  Bellwood,  The 

Gardens,  East  Horsley  Towers,  near  Leatherhead,  writes  : — In  answer  to 
Mr.  G.  Freeman’s  remarks  (page  355)  of  discovering  several  clusters  of 
Strawberries  showing  colour  on  the  9th  inst.,  I  discovered  October  19th 
several  clusters  of  fruit  also  in  looking  over  a  plot.  Some  are  quite  ripe, 
others  not  so  forward,  but  I  think  they  will  ripen.  I  may  add,  the 
Strawberries  were  produced  from  plants  that  have  already  fruited  in  the 
open,  and  had  not  been  forced.  Mr.  John  Short,  Darlington,  also 
observes  : — “  I  gathered  some  Strawberries  on  the  6th,  and  nearly  every 
day  since  we  have  had  a  few  ripe  fruits,  and  there  are  still  quite  a 
number  ripening.  These  are  from  plants  that  have  been  planted  out 
two  years.  There  are  other  persons  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood 
whose  experience  is  similar.  This  is  the  first  time  we  have  had  any 
ripe  in  October  for  fifteen  years.”  Another  correspondent  from  Bristol 
says,  “  My  two-year-old  plants  of  Vicomtesse  H4ricart  de  Thury  have 
ripened  several  fruits  during  the  present  month,  and  there  are  still 
some  to  be  found  in  various  stages  of  development ;  they  are  rather 
small,  however,  and  not  worth  protecting.  Neither  Noble  nor  any  other 
variety  has  given  a  second  crop  of  fruit  with  me.”  In  addition  to  the 
foregoing,  other  instances  of  Strawberries  fruiting  this  autumn  have 
come  under  our  notice. 

_  Potatoes  in  Lincolnshire. — We  learn  from  a  northern 

contemporary  tba*'  fie  Potato  harvest  in  the  Fen  district  of  Lincoln¬ 
shire  is  now  completed  “  Generally  speaking,  it  has  been  one  of  the 
best  experienced  for  several  years,  and  those  who  risked  planting  a 
large  acreage  with  the  tuber  have  had  no  cause  to  regret  having  done 
so.  The  early  varieties  especially  made  some  very  high  prices,  and 
several  growers  made  as  much  as  £20  per  acre,  exclusive  of  the  cost  of 
digging  the  crop.  The  season  has  been  an  exceptionably  favourable 
one,  and  owing  to  the  absence  of  rain  very  little  disease  has  been 
noticed,  and  consequently  less  labour  has  been  required  for  picking  and 
sorting.  Magnum  Bonum,  which  is  a  variety  much  grown  in  the  Fen 
district,  has  yielded  heavily,  and  there  are  numerous  instances- notably 
amongst  allotment  occupiers — where  the  crops  have  yielded  at  the  rate 
of  7  and  8  tons  to  the  acre.” 


876 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  im 


-  Flowers  at  Dulwich  Park. — Ta  this  park  are  to  be  found 

numerous  remarkable  evidences  of  the  abnormal  season.  The  Dahlias 
are  still  blooming  profusely  ;  .^onal  Pelargoniums  are  almost  as  bright 
as  ever;  Weigela  rosea  is  ilo^vering  here  and  there,  as  also  are  the 
Guelder  Eoses.  The  beautiful  Gentiana  acaulis  is  blooming  in  different 
places  on  the  rockeries  ;  whilst  Eoses,  especially  of  the  Monthly  types, 
are  numerous. — W.  J.  K. 

-  Horticulture  in  Germany.— A  continental  contemporary 

says  that  Dr.  L.  Wittmack  has  been  charged  to  furnish  for  the  exposition 
at  Chicago  statistical  instructions  upon  horticulture  in  the  German 
empire.  His  highly  remarkable  work  comprehends  all  branches  of 
horticulture.  Amongst  other  things,  it  is  stated  that  Germany  con¬ 
tained  in  1892, 17,699  horticultural  establishments  and  nurseries,  employ¬ 
ing  about  45,000  employes. 

-  Dahlias  from  Tottenham. — Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale  Farm 

Nurseries,  Tottenham,  N.,  sent  us  last  week  a  box  of  Dahlia  blooms, 
comprising  those  of  the  decorative.  Cactus,  and  Pompon  types.  The 
flowers  were  exceedingly  fresh  and  beautiful  for  the  late  period.  Among 
the  Cactus  and  decorative  varieties  were  Mrs.  F.  Vince,  purplish  pink  ; 
Mary  Picton,  lemon  yellow  ;  Baron  Schroder,  bright  magenta  ;  St. 
Catherine,  yellow  suffused  red  ;  Beauty  of  Arundel,  magenta,  deep 
centre  ;  and  Mrs.  Keith,  salmon  pink,  lemon  yellow  centre.  Of  the  fine 
selection  of  Pompons,  Eevenge,  Eva,  Marion,  and  Little  Sweetheart 
were  the  best. 

-  Ligustrum  Ibota. — Our  transatlantic  contemporary,  the 

“  Garden  and  Forest,”  has  an  excellent  illustration  of  this  plant  in  the 
issue  for  October  11th,  and  remarks  that  the  North  China  and  Japanese 
Ligustrum  Ibota  is  certainly  one  of  the  best  exotic  shrubs  introduced 
into  our  gardens  for  many  years.  The  long,  slender,  arching  branches 
give  to  it  a  light  and  graceful  habit  in  marked  contrast  with  that  of 
the  other  species  of  this  genus,  which  are  usually  stiff  and  rigid  in 
habit.  Late  in  the  month  of  June,  from  the  end  of  short  lateral 
branches,  the  clusters  of  white  flowers  hang  in  great  profusion,  giving 
to  the  plants  a  charming  effect  of  grace  and  lightness.  The  flowers  are 
followed  by  abundant  blue-black  berries,  which  remain  on  the  branches 
until  the  beginning  of  winter,  and  make  the  plant  interesting  during 
several  of  the  autumn  months.  Ic  America  Ligustrum  Ibota  promises 
to  grow  to  a  height  of  8  or  10  feet,  although,  as  it  appears  in  the  moun¬ 
tains  of  Japan,  where  it  is  by  no  means  a  common  plant,  it  rarely  rises 
to  half  that  height.  Ligustrum  Ibota  will,  perhaps,  become  as  com¬ 
pletely  naturalised  in  some  parts  as  Ligustrum  vulgare  and  Berberis 
vulgaris  have  become  naturalised  in  eastern  New  England,  for  when 
they  are  planted  in  semi-wild  situations  numerous  seedlings  spring  up, 
and  are  able  to  hold  their  own  against  the  encroachments  of  native 
plants.  This  Japanese  Ligustrum  may  be  safely  used  whenever  large, 
hardy,  fast-growing  shrubs  are  needed. 

-  The  Ehine  Tineyarus. — A  German  official  return  relating 

to  the  value  of  the  Government  vineyards  in  what  was  formerly  the 
Duchy  of  Nassau,  now  a  part  of  the  Prussian  district  of  Wiesbaden,  is 
summarised  in  a  recent  report  from  the  United  States  Consul  at 
ilayence.  The  total  net  profit  from  all  the  crown  vineyards  during  the 
last  twenty-four  years  amounted  to  £94,225,  or  £3,926  per  year  in  round 
numbers.  These  vineyards  have  an  aggregate  area  of  about  192  acres, 
which  would  make  the  average  net  profit  annually  per  acre  about  £20. 
Taking  the  estimated  value  of  the  vineyards  to  be  approximately  £628 
an  acre,  3j  per  cent,  would  be  the  average  annual  rate  of  income  derived 
from  them.  But  these  vineyards  are  amongst  the  very  best  in  the 
country,  and  their  produce  commands  commensurately  high  prices. 
The  expenses  connected  with  the  management  of  them  are  great,  and 
the  capital  they  represent  is  considerable,  but  their  wines  are  of  the 
finest,  and  are  in  great  demand.  These  wines  bring  the  highest  prices 
in  the  market,  being  sold  for  the  most  part  directly  to  the  consumer, 
thus  giving  the  coffers  of  the  crown  the  benefit  that  would  otherwise 
accrue  to  the  wine-dealer.  The  ordinary  wine-grower  is  not  so  favour¬ 
ably  situated  as  the  Government,  and  cannot  as  a  rule  make  so  much 
out  of  his  property.  His  wine  is  much  inferior,  and  his  ability  to  fix  his 
own  prices  feeble  in  comparison.  It  cannot,  therefore,  be  supposed  that 
he  makes  as  much  as  3|  per  cent,  a  year  on  the  average  out  of  his  vine¬ 
yards.  The  vineyards,  in  fact,  are  not  paying,  as  only  from  2  to 
3  per  cent,  per  annum  can  be  made  out  of  them  on  the  average.  Many 
are  worked  at  a  loss,  as  the  yield  had  been  inferior  in  quality  or  in 
quantity  for  some  years.  The  difficulty  is  that  they  have  been  bought 
at  such  high  valuations  that  there  is  no  money  in  them  for  their  owners. 
The  dealer  it  is  who  makes  the  profit. 


- WooLTON  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improvement  Society. — 

The  second  meeting  of  the  above  Society  was  held  on  Thursday  last, 
Mr.  E.  G.  Waterman  reading  a  very  able  paper  on  “  Soils  and  Eotation 
of  Crops.”  As  showing  the  mildness  of  the  season,  Mr.  Stoney  stated 
that  he  had  that  day  gathered  fine  ripe  Strawberries  outdoors,  the 
variety  being  Due  de  Malakoff.  Prizes  will  be  given  for  essays  on 
various  subjects  during  the  ensuing  season.  The  concert  recently  held 
in  the  Parochial  Hall,  after  all  expenses — which  were  heavy — ^had  been 
paid,  left  a  balance  of  over  £5.  A  vote  of  thanks  to  Chairman  and 
Lecturer  closed  the  meeting. 

-  Autumn  Easpberries. — Mr.  W.  H.  Godden,  Ledgers,  War- 

lingham,  Surrey,  writes  : — “  In  last  week’s  issue  (page  355)  Mr.  Free¬ 
man  gives  an  instance  of  gathering  ripe  Strawberries  in  the  open.  I 
gathered  a  dish  of  ripe  Easpberries  on  the  18th  inst.  weighing  If  lb., 
very  fine  fruit  and  well  coloured,  and  the  flavour  was  fairly  good.  I 
consider  this  wonderful,  considering  I  am  nearly  600  feet  above  sea  level, 
and  clay  subsoil.”  Mr.  W.  Stanton,  The  Gardens,  Billington  Manor, 
Leighton  Buzzard,  also  writes  :  “  On  October  19th  I  found  a  large 
cluster  of  Easpberries  quite  ripe,  and  of  fair  size.  We  have  had  only 
two  slight  frosts  here.  We  have  had  an  abundant  supply  of  Eunner 
Beans  up  till  the  present.” 

-  Lime  Salts  in  Plants. — At  a  meeting  of  the  biological 

section  of  the  British  Association  Dr.  J.  Clark  gave  the  result  of 
investigations  on  the  action  of  lime  on  germination  in  plants,  and  the 
existence  of  lime  salts  in  plant  tissue.  He  had  experimented  with  a 
number  of  seeds  of  Alpine  plants  with  the  object  of  germinating  them, 
and  he  found  that  the  presence  of  carbonate  of  lime  in  the  soil  greatly 
assisted  the  germination  of  the  seeds  of  these  plants.  According  to  his 
conclusions  upon  the  question  one  must  in  many  cases  either  have  a 
high  temperature,  to  enable  the  plant  to  utilise  the  reserve  food  supply 
in  the  seed,  or  introduce  lime  into  the  soil,  which  lime  helped  the 
transference  of  food  from  the  seed  to  the  growing  parts  of  the 
seedling. 

-  Uraria  crinita. — This,  remarks  Mr.  G.  Nicholson  in  a  recent 

issue  of  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  is  a  striking  plant  with  pinnate 
leaves,  not  unlike  those  of  the  Wistaria,  and  tall  dense  racemes  of  small 
rose-purple  flowers  ;  seeds  of  this  species  sown  early  in  the  present 
year  have  produced  stocky,  handsome  plants  with  racemes  more  than 
a  foot  in  length  and  about  1^  inch  in  thickness.  The  flowers 
themselves  are  small  and  last  but  a  short  time,  but  the  very  numerous 
rosy-pink  bracts  are  as  attractive,  or  even  more  so,  before  the  flowers 
open,  than  the  latter  are  when  at  their  best.  The  species  occurs  in  a 
wild  state  from  Ceylon,  the  Himalaya  to  China.  A  figure  has  been  pre¬ 
pared  for  the  “  Botanical  Magazine.”  The  specific  name  has  been  given, 
owing  to  the  long  bristles  which  clothe  the  pedicels  and  sepals.  The 
plant  is  of  easy  cultivation  in  a  light,  warm  house. 

-  Large  Soft  Apples. — My  experience  with  regard  to  large 

Apples  is  in  accord  with  that  of  your  correspondent  “  A.”  (page  355). 
Very  soon  after  gathering  all  my  largest  specimens,  of  several  varieties, 
began  to  decay,  the  worst  being  Winter  Hawthornden  and  Nelson’s 
Glory.  Some  became  quite  mealy  and  cracked,  others  were  spotted  with 
dard  coloured  spots.  On  the  rind  being  removed  these  spots  were  of  a 
brown  colour,  and  penetrated  the  flesh  to  a  considerable  depth.  Pears, 
too,  are  ripening  very  rapidly,  owing,  I  suppose,  to  the  warm  weather  we 
are  having.  Marie  Louise  Pears  are  all  ripe  and  gone,  the  quality  having 
been  excellent.  I  have  to-day  (October  21st)  a  dish  of  Huyshe’s  Prince 
of  Wales  quite  ripe,  which  is  too  early  for  that  variety  ;  and  I  regret  to 
find  Huyshe’s  Victoria,  which  usually  stands  me  in  good  stead  about 
Christmas,  much  further  advanced  in  ripening  than  is  desirable. — T.  S,, 
Bristol. 

-  Sternbergia  lutea  is  a  plant  of  the  season  which  seems  to 

be  much  neglected,  yet  the  bulbs  are  easily  secured.  They  increase 
rapidly,  and  a  clump  in  flower  is  as  effective,  and  not  less  pleasing,  than 
the  Crocus  in  the  spring.  The  bulbs  start  into  growth  in  early  September, 
making  about  6  inches  of  leaf  growth,  the  flowers  appear  in  late 
September.  These  are  something  over  2  inches  in  diameter,  are  borne 
on  6-inch  scapes,  are  of  a  clear  deep  yellow,  and  Crocus-like  in  effect. 
The  leaves  are  persistent  during  the  winter,  and  complete  their  growth 
in  the  spring,  when  the  bulbs  ripen  and  become  dormant.  It  is  needless 
to  say  that  bulbs  of  this  kind  should  be  protected  from  the  careless 
spader.  The  autumn-flowering  hardy  bulbs,  says  a  correspondent  in  an 
American  contemporary,  have  an  unexpectedness  in  coming  into  evidence 
which  we  are  apt  to  associate  with  the  flowers  of  spring,  and  some  of 
them  are  scarcely  less  pleasing  than  those  always  favourite  flowers. 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


877 


- Michaelmas  Daisies. — As  with  the  border  devoted  entirely 

to  these  plants  at  Chiswick  we  planted  one  here  with  them  last  autumn, 
and  undoubtedly  this  ii  the  correct  manner  to  cultivate  and  appreciate 
them  at  the  same  time.  Owing  to  the  extremely  dry  weather 
experienced  this  summer  some  of  the  plants  made  but  moderate 
progress,  especially  the  larger  flowered  sorts  ;  these  do  not  appear  to 
be  able  to  withstand  drought  so  well  as  the  small  flowering  kinds,  of 
which  Elegans  is  an  example.  Next  year  we  hope  for  a  good  display. 
The  roots  will  by  then  have  become  thoroughly  established.  In  addition 
to  those  named  by  “  C.”  (page  349)  the  following  varieties  of  the 
A.  novae-belgi  type  are  worthy  of  a  place  in  any  collection — versicolor 
densus,  lilac  ;  formosissimus,  deep  blue,  free  and  good.  Snowflake  is 
especially  worthy  a  place,  the  pure  white  blooms  are  useful  in  a  cut 
state.  Chapmani,  pale  blue,  of  loose  growth,  yet  free  flowering  and 
good.  Elegans,  deep  lilac,  small  flowers,  wonderfully  profuse  in  its 
blossoms.  Ericoides  is  one  of  the  best  of  the  late-flowered  kinds  with 
pure  white  flowers,  the  foliage  of  this  assumes  quite  a  coppery  hue, 
which  enhances  the  beauty  of  the  variety.  The  best  of  all,  in  my 
opinion,  is  A.  ericoides  elegans,  pure  white  and  wonderfully  free, 
dwarf  in  growth.  A.  alpinus,  1  foot  high,  is  a  gem  for  the  rockery. 
— E.  M. 

-  Plant  Industries  in  the  Caucasus.  —  The  following 

interesting  particulars  respecting  the  wine  industry  carried  on  in  the 
Caucasus  are  taken  from  the  report  of  the  Statistician  of  the  United 
States  Department  of  Agriculture  for  J une,  1893  : — Of  highest  importance 
for  the  present  and  the  future  of  the  country  is  wine  growing.  The 
production  does  not  only  suffice  for  home  consumption,  but  supplies  to  a 
large  extent  the  wants  of  Russia,  and  besides,  furnishes  a  considerable 
quantity  for  export.  The  efforts  of  Russia  for  the  advancement  of  this 
branch  of  rural  industry  are  praiseworthy.  Under  Ottoman  rule  viti¬ 
culture  could  not  flourish,  as  its  object  was  confined  to  the  production 
of  table  Grapes,  and  thus  it  remained  on  a  level  with  the  culture  of 
other  fruits.  A  changed  political  situation,  introduction  of  new  customs, 
and  the  effectual  assistance  of  the  Russian  Government,  have  shown  the 
rural  population  a  rich  source  of  income  in  wine  growing.  Prince 
Michael  Waronzow,  the  Governor  of  Caucasia,  procured  in  the  year  1848 
120,000  Vines  from  his  own  vineyards  in  the  Crimea  and  from  the  most 
celebrated  vineyards  of  Europe,  in  order  to  distribute  them  among  the 
inhabitants  of  sections  adapted  to  viticulture.  Not  all  of  them  did  well ; 
the  varieties  have  been  crossed  ;  but  a  beginning  had  been  made,  an 
impulse  given,  and  this  profitable  branch  of  rural  industry  has  developed 
gradually  to  its  present  flourishing  condition.  There  are  still  a  few 
drawbacks,  otherwise  the  results  of  this  industry  would  have  been 
enormous.  There  is,  above  all,  the  Phylloxera,  which  has  made  consider¬ 
able  progress  during  the  last  few  years.  The  war  upon  this  plague  is 
waged  only  on  the  large  estates  of  rich  landowners,  while  the  majority 
of  small  vineyards  is  open  to  the  disease.  The  damage  is  largest  in  the 
governments  of  Tiflis  and  Elizabethpol.  In  Erivan  the  winter  frosts 
damage  the  Vines  materially.  The  vineyards  of  the  Caucasus  cover  an 
area  of  86,000  desatines  (232,174  acres),  and  their  annual  production  is 
estimated  at  13.000,000  vedros  (42,237,000  gallons).  The  average  price 
of  Caucasian  wine  is  generally  about  25  cents  per  gallon,  and  goes  up  to 
30  cents  only  in  years  of  crop  failure.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  a 
desatine  of  land  adapted  to  viticulture  costs  1000  roubles  (182  dollars 
per  acre),  this  industry  proves  to  be  highly  profitable,  as  the  net  profit 
averages  from  380  to  400  roubles  per  desatine  (70  dollars  to  75  dollars 
per  acre). 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

October  24th. 

There  was  a  very  fine  display  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  this  occasion, 
the  building  being  well  filled.  Orchids  were  exceptionally  well  repre¬ 
sented,  as  were  Dahlias  and  Chrysanthemums.  Fruit  and  vegetables 
were  also  exhibited  in  excellent  condition. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present :  Philip  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair), 
with  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr.  Hogg,  and  Messrs.  H.  F.  Pearson,  T.  F.  Rivers, 
Arthur  W.  Sutton,  Harrison  Weir,  G.  W,  Cummins,  J.  Cheal,  G.  Bun- 
yard,  G.  Woodward,  W.  Warren,  J.  Hudson,  G,  Sage,  J,  Smith, 
G.  Norman,  H.  Balderson,  A.  Dean,  J.  Wright,  and  others  whose  names 
were  not  obtained, 

Mr.  J.  Perkins,  The  Gardens,  Thornham  Hall,  Eye,  sent  a  seedling 
Melon  Thornham  Hero,  apparently  a  scarlet-fleshed  Hero  of  Lockinge. 
The  season  being  too  late  for  judging  Melons  satisfactorily,  the  Com¬ 
mittee  desired  that  this  promising  variety  be  sent  in  the  summer.  Mr. 
Owen  Thomas  sent  a  seedling  Melon  Frogmore  Late,  white  fleshed, 
sweet,  and  very  juicy.  The  fruit  had  passed  its  best  condition,  though 
the  rind  was  firm,  and  no  award  was  made.  Mr.  A,  G.  White,  Bow 


Hill,  near  Maidstone,  sent  a  dish  of  his  seedling  Apple  Bow  Hill 
Pippin,  fine  fruits,  resembling  a  Blenheim,  but  with  a  deep  yellow 
ground,  and  a  little  of  the  character  of  King  of  the  Pippins  ;  an  Apple 
of  promise,  and  an  award  of  merit  was  adjudged.  Mr.  R.  Weller, 
Glenstal  Gardens,  Murroe,  Co.  Limerick,  sent  a  very  good  dish  of 
Ribston  Pippin  Apples,  and  a  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded.  Mr.  G.  Paul 
sent  a  seedling  Apple  Captain  Sandars,  raised  from  Dumelow’s  Seedling, 
fruits  large  but  soft,  incipient  decay  having  set  in  with  some  of  them. 
No  award.  Mr.  W.  Crump  sent  dishes  of  a  local  Herefordshire  Apple  of 
the  Codlin  character,  with  the  red  flush  of  Hollandbury,  known  as 
“  Captain  Tom.”  Though  good,  it  was  not  considered  better  than  exist¬ 
ing  varieties. 

Mr.  G.  R.  Allis,  Old  Warden  Gardens,  Biggleswade,  sent  small 
bunches  of  ripe  Gros  Colman  Grapes,  grown  against  an  open  wall 
without  protection,  also  a  dish  of  ripe  Tomatoes  from  self-sown  seed, 
as  indicative  of  the  tropical  character  of  the  summer  (vote  of  thanks.) 
Mr.  John  Basham,  Fair  Oak  Gardens,  Bassaleg,  Monmouth,  sent 
specimens  of  large  green  curled  Savoy  and  a  dwarf  early  Ctbbage. 
Though  good  samples  they  were  not  considered  sufficiently  distinct  to 
merit  an  award.  Mr.  Barron  sent  from  Chiswick  splendidly  blanched 
samples  of  the  white  Batavian  Endive,  the  true  compact  form;  also 
samples  of  Vilmorin’s  Queen  of  Winter,  taller,  but  not  better,  and  a 
cultural  commendation  was  accorded. 

Extensive  displays  of  produce,  both  fruit  and  vegetables,  were 
arranged  on  the  side  tables.  A  considerable  number  of  Apples  were 
sent  by  the  Government  of  Nova  Scotia,  and  though  some  of  the  fruits 
were  fine,  and  the  whole  bright  and  tender-looking,  as  if  grown  under 
glass,  yet  many  were  small  and  affected  with  fungus.  The  samples,  as 
a  whole,  were  not  by  any  means  equal  to  those  exhibited  by  Mr.  J.  H. 
Goodacre  as  grown  at  Elvaston  in  Derbyshire— a  feather  in  the  good 
gardener’s  cap,  who  has  now  defeated  a  government.  His  collection 
comprised  about  eighty  dishes  of  Apples,  some  of  them  very  fine  indeed, 
and  nearly  all  highly  coloured,  several  appearing  as  if  polished  arti¬ 
ficially.  There  were  also  about  sixty  dishes  of  excellent  Pears,  and  a 
silver-gilt  Banksian  medal  was  recommended.  A  similar  honour  was 
granted  for  a  remarkably  fine  display  of  forty-eight  bunches  of  Alicante 
and  Gros  Colman  Grapes,  and  about  sixty  dishes  of  Apples  and  Pears, 
staged  by  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Rowledge,  Farnham,  Messrs.  T.  Rivers  and 
Son  exhibited  several  dishes  of  magnificent  Pears,  and  very  fine  Apples 
of  leading  varieties,  and  a  silver  Banksian  medal  was  unanimously 
recommended. 

An  extraordinary  display  of  Onions  was  made  by  Mr.  H.  Deverill, 
Banbury,  in  all  the  leading  exhibition  varieties  that  are  associated  with 
the  name  of  the  exhibitor.  There  must  have  been  about  a  ton  of  bulbs, 
several  of  them  of  gigantic  proportions,  and  weighing  2  lbs.  to  3  lbs.  each. 
They  afforded  striking  evidence  of  what  can  be  accomplished  by  high 
culture  and  well  selected  stocks.  A  silver-gilt  Knightian  medal  was 
recommended  for  this  remarkable  collection. 

Not  less  imposing,  more  varied,  and  altogether  excellent  was  an 
exhibit  of  produce  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  which  extended 
along  one  side  of  the  Hall.  The  collection  included  an  imposing  pile  of 
Sutton’s  Early  Gem  Carrot,  fine  well  coloured  clean  roots  all  of  the 
same  size ;  plants  of  the  Arctic  Green  and  the  Arctic  Purple  Kale, 
dwarf,  sturdy,  and  hardy  looking,  and  we  are  told  they  are  as  hardy  as 
they  look  ;  wonderfully  fine  Sutton’s  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflower,  some 
of  immense  size,  yet  several  as  close  and  white  as  could  be  desired ; 
superb  heads  of  Sutton’s  Magnum  Bonum  Cauliflower,  not  so  large  as 
the  preceding  but  of  the  first  quality  ;  thick  fleshy  green  pods  of  the 
Prizewinner  Runner  Bean  with  slate-coloured  dark  mottled  seeds  to 
show  the  distinctness  of  the  variety ;  a  pile  of  Sutton’s  Snowball 
Turnips,  models  of  their  kind  ;  also  a  highly  meritorious  collection  of 
Onions  of  the  varieties  so  clearly  described  on  page  362  last  week.  Very 
large,  clean  symmetrical  bulbs  were  shown  as  grown  for  exhibition  ; 
also  not  less  shapely  samples  produced  under  ordinary  culture  and 
selected  for  planting  for  seed  production.  For  this  extensive  display 
a  silver-gilt  Knightian  medal  was  unanimously  recommended. 

Floral  Committee. — Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chairj; 
the  Rev.  H.  H.  D’Ombrain,  Messrs.  J.  Laing,  R.  Owen,  H.  Herbst, 
R.  Dean,  H.  B.  May,  G.  Stevens,  R.  B.  Lowe,  C.  F,  Bause,  J.  Jennings, 
C.  J.  Salter,  J.  D.  Pawle,  \V.  Bain,  W.  Furze,  T.  Baines,  C.  E.  Pearson, 
W.  H.  Williams,  J.  Walker,  J.  T.  Bennett  Poe,  H.  Cannell,  C.  E.  Shea 
and  G.  Paul. 

A  grand  collection  of  Chrysanthemums  was  arranged  by  Messrs, 
Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  amongst  the  best  of  which  were  Col,  W.  B. 
Smith,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson,  Bouquet  des  Dames, 
Viviand  Morel,  Louis  Boehmer,  and  Miss  Anna  Hartzhorn  (silver  Flora 
medal).  Mr.  Jennings,  gardener  to  L.  de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  Ascot,  sent  a 
basket  of  grandly  flowered  plants  of  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  (first- 
class  certificate).  Mr.  C.  Holden,  61,  Warwick  Road,  Ealing,  showed  a 
large  plant  of  Chrysanthemum  Soeur  Mdlanie,  upon  which  there  were 
said  to  be  2000  buds  and  blooms  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  A  fine  col¬ 
lection  of  Crotons  was  exhibited  by  Messrs.  B.  S,  Williams  &  Son, 
Upper  Holloway,  amongst  which  Warreni,  Queen  Victoria,  Williamsi, 
mutabilis,  and  Princess  of  Wales  were  noticeable  (silver  Flora  medal). 
Mr.  Bain,  gardener  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Burford  Lodge, 
Dorking,  showed  blooms  of  Anthuriums,  including  Laingi,  Leodense, 
Andreanum  sanguineum,  Lindeni  flora  carmine  (flrst-claos  certificate), 
Andreanum,  and  two  white  seedlings.  Pentstemon  antirrhoides  was 
also  staged  by  the  same  exhibitor.  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Lowfield 


878 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  1893 


Nursery,  Crawley,  arranged  a  fine  stand  of  Dahlias.  The  Cactus  section 
were  finely  represented,  amongst  the  best  being  Professor  Baldwin, 
Crawley  Gem,  Duchess  of  York,  Amphion,  and  Sir  F.  Montefiore  (award 
of  merit,  see  below).  Single  varieties  were  also  well  exhibited,  especially 
Lady  Whitehead,  The  Bride,  Florrie  Fisher,  and  Mrs.  Parrott  (award  of 
merit,  see  below).  The  show  and  fancy  section  were  also  shown,  some 
fine  blooms  being  staged  (silver-gilt  Flora  medal).  Mr.  Wm.  Pearce, 
gardener  to  G.  Loder,  Esq.,  Floore  House,  Weedon,  showed  five  very 
beautiful  specimens  of  DavalLa  fijiensis  plumosus.  Messrs.  H.  Cannell 
and  Sons,  Swanley,  were  w'ell  represented  by  magnificent  single  Begonias 
and  Chrysanthemums.  The  latter  included  Wm.  Seward,  Mdme.  Le 
Blanc,  Mdme.  Edouard  Key,  International,  and  Eda  Brass  amongst  others. 
For  Cactus  Dahlia  Cannell’s  Brilliant  an  award  of  merit  was  accorded 
(see  below).  A  bronze  medal  was  recommended  for  the  collection. 
Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co.,  Salisbury,  staged  blooms  of  the  single 
Cactus  Dahlias.  C.  E.  Shea,  Esq.,  The  Elms,  Foots  Cray,  showed  a 
small  but  highly  creditable  stand  of  Chrysanthemums,  which  included 
Sylphide,  Miss  Dulcie  Schroeter,  The  Tribune  (award  of  merit,  see 
below),  and  Bouquet  des  Dames. 

Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  exhibited  an  attractive  collection 
of  Pernettyas,  amongst  the  best  of  which  were  rosea,  atro-sanguinea, 
alba,  and  macrocarpa  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale 
Farm  Nurseries,  Tottenham,  N.,  arranged  a  charming  group  of 
Cactus  Dahlias,  in  which  Mrs.  Vince,  Duke  of  Clarence,  Mrs.  Hawkins, 
Baron  Schroder,  and  Delicata  were  conspicuous  (silver  Flora  medal). 
Mr.  E.  Owen,  Maidenhead,  showed  some  grand  Chrysanthemums, 
amongst  the  most  noteworthy  of  which  were  Herbert  Fowler  (award  of 
merit,  see  below),  Kose  Wynne,  Eichard  Dean,  and  Miss  M.  Simpkins 
(award  of  merit,  see  below).  The  same  exhibitor  also  staged  a  collec¬ 
tion  of  small-flowered  Chrysanthemums.  Mr.  Geo.  Stevens,  St,  John’s 
Nurseries,  Putney,  S.W.,  received  an  award  of  merit  for  Chrysanthemum 
Madame  M.  Eicaud  (see  below).  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Earlswood  Nurseries, 
Eed  Hill,  staged  a  creditable  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  amongst  the 
best  of  which  were  Wm.  Seward,  Majestic,  Sunflower,  Avalanche, 
Puritan,  Prince  Alfred,  and  Cmsare  Costa.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Son, 
Forest  Hill,  S.E.,  staged  a  grand  group  of  miscellaneous  plants,  for 
which  a  silver  Flora  medal  was  recommended.  Begonias,  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  Palms,  Crotons,  and  a  few  Orchids  were  particularly  prominent 
(silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  Anthony  Waterer,  Knaphill,  Woking,  had  a 
collection  of  hardy  shrubs  (silver  Flora  medal). 

Oechid  Committee.— Present  :  Harry  J,  Veitcb,  Esq.  (in  the 
chair)  ;  Messrs.  Jas.  O’Brien,  H.  M.  Pollett,  A.  H.  Smee,  Thos.  Statter, 
Jas.  Douglas,  Henry  Williams,  J.  Jacques,  S.  Courtauld,  T.  B.  Haywood, 
Ed.  Hill,  C.  J.  Lucas,  and  F.  Sander. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Eoyal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  sent  a  large 
collection,  comprising  some  very  choice  forms.  Cattleyas  were  con¬ 
spicuous  in  this  contribution,  especially  C.  labiata,  C.  Bowringiana,  and 
the  beautiful  C.  Harris!.  Some  charming  bigeneric  hybrids,  including 
Lmlio-cattleya  Eumrea,  L.-c.  Cassiope,  L.-c.  pisandra  (first-class  certi¬ 
ficate)  were  also  shown  by  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons,  as  were  several 
excellent  hybrid  Cypripediums,  including  C.  Clonius,  for  which  a  first- 
class  certificate  was  awarded  (silver-gilt  Flora  medal).  Messrs.  Hugh 
Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  had  a  well  arranged  group  of  Cattleyas,  Odonto- 
glossums,  and  Cypripediums,  which  made  a  fine  display  (silver 
Banksian  medal).  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  large  collection 
of  Cattleya  labiata  in  variety  staged  by  Messrs.  Charlesworth,  Shuttle- 
worth  &  Co.,  Heaton,  Bradford.  These  plants  were  large  and  remark¬ 
ably  well  flowered.  The  same  Arm  exhibited  the  new  Cypripedium 
Charlesworthi,  which  was  certificated  a  few  weeks  ago  (silver-gilt 
Banksian  medal).  G.  F.  Poston,  Esq.,  Bishopsford,  Mitcham,  sent  two 
Cattleyas  ;  and  W.  M.  Appleton,  Esq.,  Weston-super-Mare,  had  some 
fine  Cattleyas,  O  lontoglossums,  and  Cypripediums.  Awards  of  merit 
were  adjudged  for  Cattleya  labiata  and  Dendrobium  Phalaenopsis 
Appleton’s  var. 

Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St  Albans,  had  a  bright  group  of  Cattleyas 
and  other  Orchids,  including  a  splendid  form  of  Dendrobium  Phalte- 
nopsis  Schrbderianum.  First-class  certificates  were  awarded  for 
Cattleya  labiata  var.  Sanderiana,  and  C.  Lord  Eothschild,  magnificent 
varieties,  which  are  described  elsewhere  (a  silver  Flora  medal  was 
recommended  for  the  group.)  G.  D.  Oven,  Esq.,  Selwood,  Eotherham 
(gardener,  Mr.  Mark  Watts),  secured  an  award  of  merit  for  Cattleya 
Hardyana,  Selwood  var.  This  is  described  elsewhere.  The  same 
exhibitor  had  Cattleya  labiata  alba.  Messrs.  Heath  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
sent  some  Cypripediums,  including:  a  good  form  named  C.  insigne  albens 
(award  of  merit.)  W.  C.  Clarke,  Esq.,  Sefton  Park,  Liverpool  (gardener, 
Mr.  T.  Jones),  secured  an  award  of  merit  for  Cypripedium  insigne 
Clarkei,  a  description  of  which  will  be  found  below. 

Messrs.  Linden,  L’Horticulture  Internationale,  Brussels,  sent  a 
number  of  choice  species  and  varieties,  and  awards  of  merit  were 
adjudged  for  Cattleya  Warocqueana  Imschootiana  and  Paphinia  grandis 
var.  gigas.  Description  of  these  will  be  found  below.  Botanical  certifi¬ 
cates  were  also  awarded  for  Dendrobium  lamellatum  and  Pholidota 
convallarioides.  Mr.  H.  Little,  The  Barons,  Twickenham,  sent  a  number 
of  .Cypripediums,  and  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  had  Cypripedium 
conco-Lawre  and  Cirropetalum  amatissimum,  for  which  a  first-class 
certificate  was  awarded,  Messrs.  Lewis  &  Co.,  Southgate,  N.,  sent  a 
brightly  coloured  group,  composed  principally  of  Cattleyas  and  Lfelias, 
and  for  which  a  silver  Banksian  medal  was  recommended.  Mr.  T.  Statter, 
Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  secured  a  first-class  certificate  for  Cypripedium 
btatterianum,  which  is  described  elsewhere. 


Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 

Anthtirium  Lindeni  flora  carmine  (Sir  T.  Lawrence). — This  has  very 
large  spathes  of  a  carmine  colour  (first-class  certificate). 

Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  (L.  de  Eothschild,  Esq.). — A  beautiful 
variety  of  compact  habit,  and  bearing  masses  of  biight  pink  flowers 
(first-class  certificate). 

Cattleya  labiata  (W.  M.  Appleton,  Esq.). — A  sp’endid  form  of  this 
favourite  Orchid.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  of  a  rosy  hue,  the  lip 
purplish  crimson  with  a  well  defined  white  margin  (award  of  merit). 

Cattleya  labiata  var.  Sanderiana  (F.  Sander  &  Co.). — This  is  a 
very  fine  form,  being  much  darker  than  C.  labiata  Sanderas.  The  sepals 
and  petals  are  deep  rosy  mauve,  the  lip  purplish  crimson  with  a  distinct 
white  margin  (first-class  certificate). 

Cattleya  Hardyana  Selwood  var.(G.  D.  Owen,  Esq.) — A  fine  variety 
with  large  flowers  of  an  attractive  character.  The  sepals  and  petals  are 
rosy  mauve  veined  white,  the  lip  being  rich  maroon  with  a  yellow 
blotch  on  each  side  of  the  throat  (award  of  merit). 

Cattleya  Lord  Rothschild  (F.  Sander  &  Co.) — This  is  a  magnificent 
new  hybrid.  It  is  a  cross  between  C.  Gaskelliana  and  C.  aurea.  The 
sepals  and  petals  are  pale  rosy  mauve,  the  lip  being  the  most  striking 
feature  in  the  flower.  This  is  large,  of  a  rich  purplish  crimson,  with  a 
crimped  white  margin,  the  throat  and  basal  portion  being  orange  yellow 
veined  white  and  rosy  magenta  (first-class  certificate). 

Cattleya  Warocqueana  Imschootiana  (Linden,  Brussels), — A  beau- 
tiful  flower,  with  large  petals  and  sepals  of  a  blight  purplish  rose 
shade.  The  centre  of  the  lip  is  rich  crimson,  the  edging  being  fimbrated, 
pale  margin  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Ryecroft  Glory  (H.  Cannell  k  Sons). — A  charming 
reflexed  variety,  with  medium  sized  flowers  of  a  rich  yellow  colour.  A 
useful  decorative  Chrysanthemum  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  W.  H.  Foioler  (E.  Owen). — This  is  a  Jajanese  with 
straight  yellow  coloured  petals  of  perfect  form  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Miss  31.  Simphins  (E.  Owen). — A  pure  white  in¬ 
curved  Japanese  of  great  substance  and  superb  shape  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Madame  31.  Ricaud  (G.  Stevens). — A  meHum  sized 
flower  of  a  deep  rose  pink  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  The  Tribune  (C,  E,  Shea  and  H.  J.  Jones). — A  broad 
petalled,  lemon-yellow  coloured  Japanese  variety  of  grand  form  (award 
of  merit). 

Cirropetalum  amatissmum  (Sir  T.  Lawrence). — A  curious  looking 
flower  of  a  dull  brownish  colour,  the  lip  being  reddish  brown  (first-class 
certificate). 

Cypripedium  Clonius  (J.  Yeitch  &  Sons). — This  is  an  exceedingly 
interesting  hybrid  of  a  chaste  colour.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
C.  caudatum  Lindeni  and  C.  conchiferum.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  long  and 
pointed,  as  are  the  petals,  with  tail-like  appendages  ;  both  sepal  and 
petals  are  white,  veined  green,  the  lip  also  being  white,  spotted  brown 
(first-class  certificate). 

Cypripedium  Statterianum  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — This  is  a  richly 
coloured  Cypripedium.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Spicer- 
ianum  magnificum  and  C.  vexillarium  superbum.  The  dorsal  sepal  is 
rose  coloured  with  a  white  margin,  the  petals  and  lip  being  brown 
(first-class  certificate). 

Cypripedium  insigne  albens  (Heath  &  Son). — A  distinct  form  with 
a  well  defined  white  tip  on  the  dorsal  sepal.  The  lip  and  petals  resemble 
those  of  the  type  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  insigne  Clarhei  (W.  C.  Clarke). — This  is  a  good  form  of 
the  w'ell  known  type.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  very  distinct,  having  a  broad 
white  margin.  The  lip  and  petals  are  similar  to  those  of  C.  insigne 
(award  of  merit). 

Dahlia,  CannelVs  Brilliant  (H.  Cannell  k  Sons). — A  rich  velvety 
crimson  coloured  Cactus  variety  with  a  deeper  centre  (award'of  merit). 

Dahlia  Sir  F.  3Ionteflore  (J.  Cheal  k  Son). — This  is  a  very  grandly 
formed  Cactus  flower  of  a  rich  velvety  maroon  shade  (award  of  merit). 

Dahlia  3Irs.  Parrott  (J.  Cheal  k  Son). — A  small  single  flowered 
variety  having  white  and  red  petals  (award  of  merit). 

Dendrobium  Phadwnopsis,  Appleton's  var.  (W.  M.  Appleton,  Esq.). 
— The  lower  part  of  the  sepals  and  petals  are  white,  the  lips  being  rosy 
magenta,  the  lip  similarly  coloured  (award  of  merit). 

Loelio- Cattleya  Pisandra  (J.  Veitch  k  Sons). — The  sepals  and  petals 
of  this  charming  begeneric  hybrid  are  pale  rosy  mauve,  the  lip  being  a 
very  rich  maroon  with  yellow  in  the  throat  (first-class  certificate). 

Paphinia  grandis  var.  gigas  (Linden,  Brussels). — The  flower  of  this  is 
larger  than  the  type.  It  is  tipped  and  spotted  with  reddish  brown,  the 
centre  being  white  (award  of  merit). 

Lecture  on  Onions. 

Mr.  A.  Dean,  after  tendering  to  the  exhibitors  of  Onions  at  the 
meeting  grateful  thanks  for  the  effective  illustration  of  the  subject  of 
his  paper  that  day,  dealt  with  the  various  forms  or  species 
of  Alliums  in  cultivation,  including  Onions  proper.  Leeks,  Shallots, 
Potato  Onions,  and  Tree  Onions,  and  then  referred  to  the  Onion  trial 
conducted  at  Chiswick,  describing  its  character,  and  the  reasons  for  the 
awards  made  by  the  Fruit  Committee  in  connection  with  the  trial, 
defending  the  action  as  against  some  criticism  in  the  press  and  else¬ 
where.  Then  came  descriptions  of  the  diverse  forms  into  which  Onions 
are  divided,  white,  yellow,  brown,  and  red  of  colour,  and  of  flat,  round, 
and  globular  in  shape.  Special  emphasis  was  laid  on  the  fact  that 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


879 


keeping  properties  in  the  Onion  seem  to  be  least  in  the  white-skinned 
section,  and  best  in  the  red  Onions,  also  that  the  deep  globular  forms 
invariably  kept  better  than  did  the  flat  bulbs,  and  asked  what  were 
the  causes  that  led  to  such  results.  The  present  size  to  which 
exhibition  Onions  are  grown  came  in  for  strong  and  adverse  criticism, 
the  lecturer  holding  that  they  served  no  good  purpose,  did  not  keep 
well,  and  were  not  profitable  to  grow. 

The  method  of  growing  them  was  also  described,  and  the  names  of 
the  chief  bulb  producers  mentioned.  Some  stress  was  laid  on  the  profit- 


AGLAONEMA  ROTUNDUM. 

As  will  be  seen  by  referring  to  the  illustration  (fig.  56)  this'is  a 
charming  ornamental  foliage  plant.  It  is  of  a  dwarf  habit,' and  is 
suitable  for  growing  in  pots  or  pans  in  a  stove.  The  leaves  are  oblong 
ovate,  from  4  to  5  inches  in  length,  and  about  3  inches  in  breadth.  On 
the  upper  surface  they  are  rich  green  blotched  with  silvery  grey,  w’hich 
deepens  as  the  foliage  matures.  The  under  surface  is  pale  green.  The 


Fia.  56.— AGLAONEMA  EOTUNDUM. 


able  nature  of  the  Onion  as  an  ordinary  crop,  and  one  instance  was 
given  showing  that  from  600  to  800  bushels  of  fine  bulbs  per  acre  had 
resulted.  Mention  was  also  made  as  to  the  nature  of  the  Onion  as  an 
edible  vegetable,  some  quotations  in  respect  to  best  forms  of  cooking 
being  made  from  the  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons’  valuable  little  book,  the 
“  Art  of  Preparing  Vegetables  for  the  Table,”  and  it  was  pointed  out 
that  diverse  as  were  the  uses  of  the  Onion,  under  no  circumstances  were 
bulbs  more  valuable  as  food  than  when  properly  boiled  or  baked. 


plant,  from  a  sketch  of  which  the  engraving  has  been  prepared,  was 
exhibited  at  the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  on  Tuesday,  September  26th, 
by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Eoyal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  when  the 
Floral  Committee  of  the  Eoyal  Horticultural  Society  awarded  a  first- 
class  certificate  for  it.  .  This  Aglaonema  will  form  a  fitting  companion 
to  A.  costatum,  which  -was  illustrated  and  described  in  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture  for  August  18th,  1892. 


680 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Oatober  26,  1893, 


Chkysanthemum  Shows, 


**■'  We  have  received  numerous  intimations  of  Chrysanthemum  shows 
which  are  to  be  held  during  the  next  few  weeks,  but  space  can  only  be 
found  for  the  enumeration  of  those  that  have  been  advertised  in  our 
columns  up  to  date,  of  which  the  following  is  a  list  : — 

Oct.  Slat  and  Nov.  Ist  and  2ad. — Portsmouth. 

Nov.  1st  and  2ad. — Kent  County  (Blackheath). 

,,  3rd  and  4th. — Crystal  Palace. 

„  7th  and  8th. — National  Chrysanthemum  Society  (Royal  Aquarium), 
Kingston, Liverpool,  Leeds  Paxton,  Brighton,  Watford. 

„  8th  and  9th. — Northampton,  Bournemouth. 

„  9th. — Birkenhead  and  Wirrall. 

„  10th  and  11th. — Bradford. 

,,  11th  and  12th. — Ascot. 

„  14th  and  15th. — Twickenham,  West  of  England  (Plymouth). 

„  15th  and  16th. — Birmingham,  Hull,  Bristol,  South  Shields,  Rugby. 

„  15th,  16 ih,  and  17th. — Herefordshire. 

„  10th,  17th,  and  18tb. — Scotland  (Edinburgh). 

„  24th  and  25th. — Eccles  and  Patricroft. 

IttNER  Temple  Gardens. 

The  annual  Exhibition  of  Chrysanthemums  grown  in  the  Temple 
Gardens  is  now  open  and  the  plants  on  the  whole  make  a  good  display. 
They  are  arranged  in  the  glass  house  that  was  erected  last  year  in  the 
eastern  corner  of  the  gardens,  Mr.  John  Newton,  who  for  twenty-four 
years  has  filled  the  post  of  head  gardener  to  the  Benchers  of  the  Inner 
Temple,  has  brought  together  an  excellent  show,  equal  in  all  respects  to 
its  predecessors.  The  plants,  which  are  vigorous  and  healthy,  represent 
all  the  best  known  varieties  and  include  many  new  acquisitions.  Among 
the  latter  is  noticeable  Enfant  des  Deux  Mondes,  a  white  Louis  Boehmer, 
a  large  and  finely  developed  descendant  of  this  striking  specimen  of  the 
so-called  hairy  section.  Another  charming  variety  is  Charles  Davis,  a 
grand  yellow  flower  of  Viviand  Morel  parentage.  Miss  Minnie  Newton 
is  a  bloom  of  beautiful  shape,  golden  bronze  colour.  Another  successful 
sport  is  the  Mr,  Charles  E.  Shea. 

Among  the  other  novelties  are  Colonel  W,  B.  Smith,  an  old  gold 
colour,  and  the  Papa  Toussaint,  a  golden  red  and  dark  ochre  yellow 
both  of  which  are  in  early  stages  yet,  but  promise  to  be  fine  specimens. 
Caesare  Costa  is  also  well  represented,  and  the  Sylphide,  a  light  chrome 
yellow,  is  deepening  its  tint  almost  to  orange.  Among  the  older 
varieties  F.  R.  Davis,  with  its  long,  delicate  crimson  petals,  Sunflower, 
E.  Molyneux,  Gloire  de  Rocher,  Louis  Boehmer,  J.  Stanborough  Dibbens, 
and  others  are  showing  remarkably  well.  Comparatively  few  incurved 
varieties  are  as  yet  expanded,  and,  therefore,  intending  visitors  who  take 
the  most  interest  in  this  section,  may  advantageously  defer  their  visit 
for  a  week  or  ten  days,  by  which  time  the  flowers  will  be  at  their  best. 
The  exhibition  remains  open  for  six  weeks. 

Battersea  Park. 

The  Show  of  Chrysanthemums  arranged  at  this  Park  is  in  every 
way  a  praiseworthy  one.  The  plants  are  admirably  grown,  and  are 
palpable  evidences  of  skilful  management  and  unremitting  attention. 
There  are  upwards  of  2000  plants  on  show,  and  they  make  a  grand  dis¬ 
play.  Not  only  is  improvement  manifested  in  the  plants,  but  likewise  in 
the  structure  and  the  arrangement.  Last  season  the  house  was  divided 
by  a  partition  in  the  centre,  which  detracted  greatly  from  the  general 
effect.  This  partition  Mr.  Coppin,  the  Superintendent,  has  now  removed, 
and  the  plants  are  arranged  on  each  side  of  the  house  with  a  path  in  the 
centre.  Notwithstanding  the  manifest  improvements  in  the  existing 
house,  and  that  better  advantage  has  been  taken  of  the  space  at  dis¬ 
posal,  the  accommodation  is  still  inadequate,  and  we  can  but  surmise 
what  a  magnificent  display  would  be  provided  if  Mr.  Coppin  had  such  a 
place  as  the  Albert  Palace  at  his  disposal.  We  can  readily  imagine  what 
the  results  would  be  if  the  Palace  could  be  added  to  the  Park  and  put 
in  the  charge  of  the  present  Superintendent.  In  connection  with  the 
Chrysanthemums  the  name  of  Mr.  Tilbury  must  be  mentioned,  for  the 
Exhibition  is  to  a  large  extent  the  result  of  his  industry. 

Regarding  the  individual  plants  we  can  find  nothing  for  them  but 
praise,  and  they  are  in  every  way  worthy  of  it,  for  they  are  thoroughly 
grown,  and  carry  grand  flowers.  It  is  yet  early  to  form  a  final  idea  of 
what  the  exhibition  will  be,  as  many  hundreds  of  blooms  have  yet  to 
open.  In  another  ten  days  the  Show  will  be  at  its  best.  At  the  present 
time  the  finest  varieties  in  flower  include  Edwin  Molyneux,  of  which 
there  are  some  superb  examples  ;  Florence  Davis,  Avalanche,  Lady 
Selborne,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  William  Seward,  very  fine;  Mdlle.  Elise 
Dordan,  Charlotte  de  Montcabrier,  Gloire  Rayonnante,  Stanstead  Sur¬ 
prise,  Edouard  Audiguier,  Mons.  William  Holmes,  Sunflower,  Mr.  Bunn, 
Golden  George  Glenny,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Georgeous  amongst  numerous 
others.  We  are  glad  to  know  that  the  Show  gains  yearly  in  popularity, 
and  have  no  doubt  that  during  the  weeks  that  it  remains  open  it  will 
be  patronised  by  many  thousands  of  people  who  take  an  interest  in  the 
plants  under  their  notice. 


Dulwich  Park. 

Although  Mr.  Moorman,  the  able  Superintendent  of  this  beautiful 
park,  had  no  structure  in  which  to  show  Chrysanthemums  during  the 
autumn  months,  he  has  grown  upwards  of  600  plants  ;  these  are  now 
coming  into  bloom,  and  they  are  a  credit  both  to  the  grower  and 
to  the  County  Council.  Mr.  Moorman  is  evidently  a  man  of  resource, 
and  as  he  had  no  proper  house  he  has  succeeded  with  the  aid  of  pit- 
lights,  mats,  strong  cord,  and  stout  quartering  in  erecting  a  makeshift 
structure.  Let  us  hope  that  such  determination  to  give  the  inhabitants 
of  the  surrounding  district  a  look  at  the  “  Autumn  Queen  ”  will  not 
pass  unrewarded,  and  that  ere  another  season  the  authorities,  who  are 
ever  ready  to  cater  for  the  wants  of  the  public,  will  have  erected  a  good 
house,  and  such  being  done  we  should  expect  to  find  as  excellent  a 
display  at  Dulwich  as  is  now  to  be  found  at  many  of  the  other  metro¬ 
politan  parks. 

That  they  can  be  grown  as  well  there  is  ample  evidence  by  those  now 
coming  into  bloom.  Large  flowers  have  not  been  the  aim,  but  a  goodly 
number,  and  the  plants  are  now  carrying  clean  buds  and  a  few  blooms 
on  strong  healthy  plants  which  have  grand  foliage,  and  that  almost  to 
the  pots.  Amongst  the  varieties  now  in  bloom  are  Bouquet  des  Dames, 
very  good ;  Florence  Davis  promises  well,  as  do  Viviand  Morel, 
Avalanche,  and  many  others. 

Out  of  doors  the  summer  flowering  section  is  grandly  represented, 
the  plants  forming  bright  and  beautiful  masses  of  colour.  The  well 
known  Piercy’s  Seedling  is  magnificent,  Flora  is  one  of  the  most  con¬ 
spicuous,  Mrs.  Hawkins  is  a  pleasing  yellow  coloured  variety,  Mdlle. 
Leoni  Lassali  is  a  grand  white,  and  Mignon  is  a  useful  bright  yellow 
coloured  dwarf  variety.  These  plants  are  deserving  of  more  atten¬ 
tion  than  is  at  present  accorded  to  them,  and  they  will  doubtless  grow  in 
favour  as  some  of  the  improved  kinds  become  known. 

Southwark  Park. 

An  improvement  since  last  year  is  manifest  in  the  structure  for  the 
Chrysanthemums  at  this  park,  a  large  wing  having  been  built  on  to 
the  existing  house,  and  well  has  Mr.  Bailey  taken  advantage  of  the 
additional  space  placed  at  his  disposal.  The  plants  shown  number 
upwards  of  2500,  and  all  are  in  an  excellent  condition.  The  foliage  is 
stout,  deep  green  in  colour,  and  the  blooms  substantial  and  decidedly 
above  the  medium  size.  The  arrangement,  too,  is  admirable,  the  plants 
being  staged  in  such  a  manner  as  to  allow  the  best  points  of  the  flowers 
to  be  seen  at  a  glance.  The  colours  are  well  diversified,  and  great  care 
has  evidently  been  given  to  placing  the  plants  so  that  the  colours 
should  not  clash.  The  collection  is  a  highly  creditable  one,  and  great 
credit  is  due  to  Mr.  Bailey  for  his  success  in  growing  such  a  grand 
display.  Thousands  of  people  are  visiting  the  Show,  and  many  are  the 
expressions  of  admiration  accorded,  and  very  deservedly  so,  to  the  beauty 
of  the  flowers.  In  the  densely  populated  district  in  which  this  park  is 
situated  there  are  many  who  delight  in  such  a  display  of  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  and  all  praise  is  due  to  the  County  Council  for  the  manner  which 
they  look  to  the  wants  and  desires  of  the  people  of  London. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  name  all  the  varieties  staged,  they  are  far 
too  numerous,  and  as  all  are  good  the  task  of  making  a  selection  is 
somewhat  difficult,  as  so  much  depends  on  individual  taste  ;  however, 
all  will  doubtless  appreciate  the  magnificent  blooms  of  Condor  and  the 
brightly  coloured  Gloire  du  Rocher.  Not  less  beautiful  are  James  Salter, 
of  which  there  are  many  exceptionally  fine  blooms  ;  Refulgens,  Jeanne 
d’Arc,  both  very  fine,  as  also  is  the  popular  H.  Shoesmith.  Here,  as 
appears  to  be  the  case  in  many  collections  this  season,  Edwin  Molyneux 
is  grand,  the  blooms  being  massive,  and  the  colouration  perfect.  Amongst 
the  yellows  Peter  the  Great  must  be  accorded  a  prominent  place,  closely 
followed  by  Gorgeous  and  Gloria  Mundi.  The  chaste  Elaine  is  admirably 
represented,  many  of  the  blooms  being  of  a  high  order  of  merit ;  and 
the  same  may  safely  be  said  of  Puritan.  Hairy  petalled  varieties  are  in 
a  minority,  Louis  Boehmer  being  the  only  one  noticeable,  but  this  was 
fine,  quality  amply  filling  the  place  of  quantity.  Several  plants  of 
Lady  Selborne  are  carrying  grand  examples.  Val  d’Andorre  promises 
well,  as  (also  does  Caesar  Costa.  The  blooms  of  Charlotte  de  Montcabrier 
are  very  perfect  on  many  of  the  plants,  and  Mons.  Wm.  Holmes  must  be 
included  amongst  the  best.  Stanstead  Surprise,  George  Gordon, 
C.  Orchard,  Mons.  Astorg,  Leopard  amongst  numerous  others  were  very 
fine,  and  with  these  we  must  close  our  list. 

Waterlow  Park, 

The  Chrysanthemums  in  Waterlow  Park,  Highgate,  are  decidedly 
better  than  they  were  last  year,  and  Mr.  R.  Curie,  the  Superintendent, 
may  be  congratulated  on  the  collection  he  has  brought  together.  The 
plants  are  well  grown  and  the  buds  are  now  fast  expanding,  the  earlier 
Japanese  varieties  being  this  week  at  their  best.  Most  of  the  plants  are 
arranged  in  a  small  conservatory,  a  circular  group  occupying  the  centre, 
whilst  others  are  placed  on  each  side.  Amongst  these  are  some 
excellent  blooms  of  the  choicer  sorts,  which  cannot  fail  to  interest  the 
numerous  visitors.  Some  new  varieties  are  grown,  the  best  of  these 
being  William  Seward,  J.  Shrimpton,  and  Beauty  of  Exmouth.  The 
last  named  is  developing  some  magnificent  blooms,  which  will  justify 
all  that  has  been  said  in  favour  of  this  variety.  Bouquet  des  Dames  is 
showing  remarkably  well,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  Viviand  Morel. 
Mons.  W.  Holmes  is  in  excellent  character,  the  brilliant  blooms  showing 
up  conspicuously  amongst  others  less  brightly  coloured.  Some  grand 
buds  of  William  Tricker  are  noticeable,  and  Stanstead  White  will  be 
seen  in  splendid  condition  shortly.  Margot  is  carrying  some  fine 
blooms,  and  the  same  applies  to  Miss  A.  Hartshorn.  Such  well-known 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


881 


and  useful  varieties  as  Madame  de  Seven,  La  Triomphant,  Mons. 
Tarin,  and  Sunflower  are  also  well  represented  and  make  a  conspicuous 
display.  That  charming  white  variety  Avalanche  is  expanding  some 
excellent  blooms  of  great  substance,  and  the  striking  yellow  Japanese 
Gorgeus  is  making  a  fine  show. 

The  incurved  varieties  are  not  yet  very  conspicuous,  but  some  are 
grown.  A  few  good  blooms  of  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  were  noticeable,  and 
some  plants  of  Mrs.  G.  Bundle  were  developing  fine  flowers.  In  addition 
to  the  Chrysanthemums  arranged  in  the  conservatory  there  are  others  in 
three  vineries,  there  being  about  2000  plants  grown.  Grapes  are  hang¬ 
ing  on  the  Vines,  and  on  the  front  stages  flowering  and  foliaged  plants 
are  arranged,  these  adding  further  interest  to  the  collection.  On  the 
whole  the  display  is  a  good  one,  and  well  worthy  of  a  visit  during  the 
next  few  weeks. 

Finsbury  Park. 

For  producing  a  display  of  Chrysanthemums  Finsbury  Park  has 
long  been  famous,  but  since  the  erection  of  a  commodious  structure  for 
this  purpose  by  the  London  County  Council,  a  few  months  ago,  it  is 
likely  to  become  even  more  noted  in  that  respect.  At  all  events  this 
fine  building,  which  is  lofty  and  upwards  of  80  feet  in  length  by  about 
25  feet  wide,  is  a  decide*  improvement  on  the  low  house  in  which  the 
plants  were  formerly  staged.  The  Chrysanthemums  may  now  be 
viewed  with  pleasure,  and  the  thousands  of  visitors  who  will  pass  through 
the  house  daily  during  the  next  few  weeks  may  do  so  without  any  dis¬ 
comfort.  The  provision  of  this  splendid  structure  is  a  commendable 
act,  and,  it  is  hoped,  one  which  will  be  extended  to  the  other  parks. 

The  house  in  question  is  situated  near  the  Manor  House  entrance  to 
the  park.  There  being  plenty  of  room  the  plants  are  not  so  crowded  as 
are  necessary  in  many  instances,  and  this  is  an  advantage  so  far  as 
displaying  the  habit  of  each  plant  is  concerned.  There  are,  of  course, 
some  rather  tall  plants  at  Finsbury  Park,  but  the  majority  of  them  are 
comparatively  dwarf,  which  enhances  their  appearance.  All  the 
standard  varieties  are  grown,  and  are  now  rapidly  developing  some  fine 
blooms.  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  one  of  the  finest  whites  in  cultivation,  is 
promising  well,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  Bouquet  des  Dames.  The 
old  Elaine  is  good  and  some  fine  blooms  ol  Viviand  Morel  and  Mons. 
Tarin  are  noticeable.  Edwin  Molyneux  shows  up  conspicuously,  as  also 
do  Criterion,  Mons.  Freeman,  Caesar  Coste  and  Mr.  C.  E.  Shea,  the  last 
named  being  very  fine.  An  Anemone  flowered  variety  named  Deleware 
is  obviously  well  grown  here,  as  are  some  of  the  Pompon  type.  The 
incurved  varieties  are  not  yet  at  their  best,  but  some  fine  buds  of  Mons. 
R.  Bahuant,  Golden  Beverley  and  Comte  de  Germiny  are  developing. 
These  varieties  and  others  will  have  grand  flowers  on  them  a  week  or 
ten  days  hence. 

As  before  remarked  the  plants  are  well  grown,  and  the  collection 
as  a  whole  reflects  credit  upon  Mr.  Melville,  the  Superintendent, 
whose  efforts  in  this  direction  are  much  appreciated  by  the  residents  of 
northern  suburbs  of  London, 

The  Priory,  Hornsey. 

In  no  private  garden  in  the  suburbs  of  the  metropolis  are  Chrysan- 
anthemums  better  grown  than  they  are  at  The  Priory,  Hornsey.  Here 
Mr.  E.  Rowbottom,  gardener  to  H.  R.  Williams,  Esq.,  a  gentleman  well 
known  in  horticultural  circles  on  account  of  the  interest  he  has  dis¬ 
played  in  helping  forward  the  fruit-growing  industry,  has  for  the  past 
three  or  four  years  produced  some  of  the  finest  blooms  that  have  ever 
been  exhibited,  and  this  year  apparently  will  prove  no  exception  to  the 
rule  now  established.  Skilful  culture  has  left  its  mark,  and  it  is  safe 
to  prognosticate  that  Mr.  Rowbottom  will  be  well  represented  at  the 
leading  exhibitions  during  the  next  few  weeks.  Last  year  he  secured 
a  10-guinea  cup  as  his  own,  in  addition  to  silver  medals,  and  it  is  very 
probable  that  this  Hor^-sey  grower  will  this  season  take  a  place  amongst 
the  first  rank  of  exhibitors. 

When  a  Joiornal  representative  made  a  call  last  week  he  found  Mr. 
Rowbottom  busily  engaged  amongst  his  favourite  plants.  These  are 
exceedingly  well  grown,  and  are  now  fast  developing  remarkably  fine 
blooms,  especially  the  Japanese  type.  All  the  newer  varieties  are  grown, 
and  many  of  these  are  likely  to  prove  charming  acquisitions.  Mdlle. 
Thdrise  Rey,  which  is,  perhaps,  one  of  the  finest  creamy  white  varieties 
now  in  cultivation,  is  showing  splendidly,  and  no  doubt  will  be  seen  on 
the  exhibition  boards  shortly.  A  certificate  was  granted  for  the  variety 
recently.  A  new  Japanese  variety  named  Edith  Rowbottom  is  likewise 
very  fine,  the  blooms  being  large,  well  built,  and  of  great  substance. 
This  is  a  seedling  raised  by  Mr.  Rowbottom,  and  a  certificate  was 
awarded  for  it  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  the  other  week.  President  Borel. 
for  which  Mr.  Rowbottom  has  also  gained  a  certificate  this  year,  is 
remarkable  for  its  size  and  striking  appearance.  It  has  long  purple  florets 
with  a  golden  reverse.  Kentish  Yellow  is  grand,  being  massive  in  build, 
and  yet  of  a  graceful  appearance.  Golden  Dragon  is  in  prime  condition, 
and  the  same  applies  to  Primrose  League,  a  pale  yellow  variety.  Eda 
Prass,  an  American  seedling  of  the  Japanese  type,  and  for  which  a 
certificate  was  granted  recently,  is  also  well  represented  at  The  Priory, 
and  apparently  Mr.  Rowbottom  will  repeat  his  success  of  last  year  with 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  inasmuch  as  some  enormous  blooms  of  that  charming 
variety  are  fast  developing.  The  white  Louis  Boehmer  is  excellent,  and 
G.  W.  Childs  will  prove  good.  The  favourite  Col.  W.  B.  Smith  is  in 
grand  condition,  as  also  are  numerous  other  choice  varieties.  Mr.  Row- 
bottom  is  likewise  growing  many  seedlings  of  merit,  about  which 
something  will  be  heard  later  on. 

The  incurved  varieties  form  a  feature  at  The  Priory,  although 
another  week  must  elapse  before  these  are  seen  at  their  best.  The  buds, 


however,  have  been  well  timed,  and  at  the  forthcoming  exhibitions 
many  grand  flowers  will  be  seen.  Some  splendid  flowers  of  Madame 
Darrier  are  noticeable,  and  Mrs.  Brunlees  is  very  fine.  Mrs.  Robinson 
King,  Lord  Alcester,  and  John  Lambert  are  likely  to  develop  blooms  of 
extraordinary  size  and  substance,  and  a  good  character  is  given  the  new 
Vice-President  Jules  Barigney.  Although  rather  a  tall  grower,  th's  is 
likely  to  prove  a  useful  incurved  variety  for  exhibition.  The  flower  is 
large,  similar  to  Lord  Wolseley  in  build,  and  pale  buff  in  colour. 
Another  new  incurved,  named  Miss  Bella  Wilson,  is  splendid,  and  Mrs. 
G.  Bundle  is  exceedingly  well  grown  at  The  Priory  Gardens.  Other 
good  incurves  are  Baron  Hirch,  Violet  Tomlin,  Mrs.  Shipman,  and  Miss 
Haggas.  Many  more  varieties  are  deserving  of  mention  as  being 
particularly  fine,  but  space  is  limited,  and  for  the  present  a  brief 
reference  must  suffice. 

Chrysanthemums  around  Bournemouth. 

Having  spare  time,  and  being  much  interested  in  Chrysanthemums, 
I  made  a  trip  to  Bournemouth  to  see  how  the  plants  were  looking  in 
that  locality,  and  thinking  that  remarks  on  our  favourite  autumn 
flower  will  interest  your  readers,  I  send  you  a  short  account  of  my 
excursion. 

Cranmoor  Lodge. 

I  paid  my  first  visit  to  Cranmoor  Lodge,  the  seat  of  Mrs.  S.  Elphinstone, 
where  I  was  courteously  received  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Taylor,  the  head  gar¬ 
dener.  The  Chrysanthemums  are  arranged  in  sections  in  the  Peach 
houses  and  vineries.  The  plants  range  from  about  4i  feet  to  7  feet  in 
height,  and  carry  excellent  foliage  from  the  bottom.  The  more  notable 
blooms  now  showing  are  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  A.  Salter,  Golden  Empress, 
Mrs.  R.  King,  J.  Salter,  Mr.  Brunlees,  J.  Lambert,  aud  the  Teck  family. 
Most  noticeable  amongst  the  Japanese  were  Beauty  of  Exmouth  (the 
coming  flower  of  the  season).  Golden  Dragon,  Louise  Boehmer,  Mrs.  C. 
Wheeler,  Mr.s.  F.  Jameson,  J.  S.  Dibbins,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams,  W.  Seward, 
the  new  Golden  Viviand  Morel  (Beauty  of  Castlehill),  which  should 
develop  into  a  magnificent  bloom.  Mr.  Taylor  has  several  new  varieties 
with  promising  buds.  There  are  about  350  plants  for  exhibition  blooms 
and  the  same  number  of  cut-back  plants  for  conservatory  decoration. 
Mr.  Taylor  won  the  cup  in  the  cut  bloom  competition  at  the  Bourne¬ 
mouth  Chrysanthemum  Show  last  season,  and  if  the  plants  go  on  as 
they  promise  he  will  be  a  formidable  competitor  this  season.  The 
gardens  are  admirably  managed  throughout. 

The  New  Royal  Nurseries. 

I  next  called  upon  Mr.  Ratsch  at  the  new  Royal  Nurseries,  where  he 
has  erected  sixteen  houses  each  50  feet  in  length.  Some  are  filled  with 
Chrysanthemums,  mostly  cut-backs.  I  noticed  Lady  Selborne,  Source 
d’Or,  Buttercup,  Ethel,  and  Lady  Lawrence  are  extensively  grown. 
There  are  altogether  about  5000  plants  in  excellent  condition.  Other 
houses  are  filled  with  Carnations  and  winter-flowering  plants,  and  there 
are  two  houses  of  the  Cbemin  Rouge  Tomato  which  are  showing  a  fine 
crop.  Both  houses  and  grounds  show  signs  of  good  attention,  and 
visitors  to  Bournemouth  will  do  well  to  call  at  these  nurseries. 

Palace  Nursery. 

Messrs.  Watts  &  Sons  have  now  about  7000  Chrysanthemums 
arranged  in  their  fine  conservatory.  The  plants  are  grown  in  10-inch 
pots,  and  include  all  the  leading  varieties.  Decorative  plants  are  grown 
in  large  numbers,  in  one  house  there  are  1500  Tea  Roses,  Messrs.  Watts 
have  given  up  growing  Chrysanthemums  for  exhibition.  They  have 
been  very  successful,  winning  four  silver  cups  in  the  open  class  for 
groups  at  the  Bournemouth  Show.  The  nurseries  at  Heath  Farm  and 
Ensbury  cover  about  60  acres,  and  are  well  stocked.  I  recommend  any 
gardener  or  other  person  interested  in  horticulture  of  paying  a  visit  to 
Bournemouth  to  avail  themselves  of  the  opportunity  of  calling  on  the 
gentlemen  named. — A  Gardener. 

Chrysanthemums  around  Liverpool, 

At  The  Hollies,  Woolton,  Mr,  Vaughan  has  this  year  over  250  plants, 
the  greater  portion  of  them  being  in  excellent  condition.  In  the 
Japanese  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Florence  Davis,  W.  Tricker,  Bouquet  des 
Dames,  Stanstead  White,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  F. 
Jameson,  Mons.  Bernard,  E.  Molyneux,  and  Col.  W.  B.  Smith  are 
amongst  the  best.  In  the  incurved  the  Queens,  John  Salter,  Empress 
of  India,  Lord  Wolseley,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Ami  Hoste,  and  Madame  Darrier 
are  all  good.  Mr.  Vaughan  has  lost  a  great  number  of  buds  owing  to 
the  plague  of  caterpillars. 

Highfield,  Woolton, 

Mr.  Haigh,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Tate,  Esq.,  grows  about  600  plants, 
and  I  never  saw  them  look  so  promising.  His  best  incurved  are 
Empress  of  India,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Madame  Darrier, 
all  the  Princess  family,  and  new  Baron  Hirsch.  The  Japanese  are 
particularly  fine,  the  best  Lilian  B.  Bird,  Florence  Davis,  Gloire  du 
Rocher,  Puritan,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson  (grand),  W.  Tricker,  A.  H.  Neve, 
Stanstead  White,  Sunflower,  and  in  the  new  section  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne, 
Lord  Brooke,  J.  Shrimpton,  W,  Seward,  Col.  W.  B,  Smith,  Mrs.  Nisbet, 
and  Chas.  Davis,  the  grand  bronzy  yellow  sport  from  Viviand  Morel. 

Allerton  House,  Allerton. 

Mr.  George  Eaton  ought  this  year  to  be  heard  of  if  his  collection  of 
plants  is  a  criterion.  The  Japanese  opening  very  freely  include  Boule 
d’Or,  Viviand  Morrel,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  G.  C.  Schwabe, 


382 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  1893. 


W.  Tricker,  Florence  Davis,  and  of  new  ones  Chas.  Blick,  Col.  Smith, 
\V.  Seward,  J.  Shrimpton,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Lord  Brooke,  Mrs. 
C.  H.  Payne,  and  Chas.  Davis.  The  incurved  are  also  most  promising, 
and  include  Queens,  Princess,  and  sports,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Jeanne 
d’Arc,  Madame  Darrier,  Baron  Hirsch,  Ami  Hoste,  and  Madame 
F.  Mistral. 

Alleeton  Beeches, 

There  are  about  340  plants  grown  here,  and  Mr.  Edwards  will  doubtle.ss 
give  a  good  account  of  himself  this  season.  The  plants  are  dwarf  and 
healthy.  The  incurved  are  likely  to  produce  good  dowers,  the  Princess 
family,  Baron  Hirsch  (grand),  Lucy  Kendall,  and  Vice-President  Jules 
Barigny  being  very  good.  The  Japanese  are  splendid,  the  best  being 
Stanstead  White  (superb),  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Mrs,  Irving  Clarke, 
E.  Molyneux,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  the  newer  ones  being  Chas.  Davis  (grand), 
Lord  Brooke,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Alcazar,  Majestic,  W.  Seward,  John 
Shrimpton,  Kentish  Yellow,  Miss  Watson,  Mrs.  Hubback,  Viscountess 
Hambledon,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  aad  Primrose  League. 

Dove  Paek,  Woolton. 

Mr.  Carling  has  300  or  400  plants,  the  finest  being  Viviand  Morel, 
Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  La  Verseau,  E.  Molyneux,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Florence 
Davis,  W,  Tricker,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  and  Mons.  Bernard  :  and  in  the 
newer  section  Charles  Davis,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Princess  May,  Princess 
Victoria,  G.  W.  Childs,  Ruth  Cleveland,  W,  Seward,  J.  Shrimpton,  Lord 
Brooke,  and  Beauty  of  Castlewood.  Incurved  varieties  include  Princess 
and  Queen  families,  also  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Lord  Wolseley,  Baron 
Hirsch,  Alfred  Lyne,  a  useful  sport  from  Novelty  ;  and  Madame  Frederic 
Mistral. 

Camp  Hill,  Woolton. 

Mr.  Jellicoe  has  grown  about  600  plants.  The  Japanese  are 
strong,  and  give  great  ])romise  of  superb  flowers.  The  best  are  Bouquet 
des  Dames,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  W.  Tricker,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Gloire  du 
Rocher,  Viviand  Morel,  Puritan,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Florence  Davis, 
W.  K.  Woodcock  ;  and  of  the  newer  ones  Robert  Owen,  Ruth  Cleveland, 
Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Princess  May,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Lily  Measures,  Mr.  G. 
Herring,  J.  Shrimpton,  Mrs.  E.  D,  Adams,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  William 
Seward,  and  Charles  Hubback.  Amongst  the  incurved  thirty  plants 
of  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  in  different  stages  are  conspicuous.  Baron  Hirsch 
is  also  well  grown,  the  blooms  being  large  and  massive.  The  Queen  and 
Princess  types  are  all  with  good  clean  buds.  Amie  Hoste,  Madame 
Darrier,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Madame  F.  Mistral  are  fine. 

Mr.  Jellicoe  had  pieces  of  clean  white  tiffany  stretched  about  1  foot 
from  the  roof  over  all  his  best  blooms.  He  fully  believes  that  damping 
is  prevented  by  doing  this,  and  I  can  fully  bear  him  out,  for  there  was 
not  a  decayed  pe’al.  Those  not  covered  damp  badly. 

Hillside,  Alleeton. 

Three  hundred  plants  are  grown  here,  and  very  promising  they  look 
but  are  rather  late.  Queens  and  Princess  types  are  fine,  particularly  the 
latter.  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington  is  very  good.  The  best  Japanese  are 
W.  Tricker,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Puritan,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Mdlle.  Marie 
Hoste,  Felix  Cassogneau,  J.  T.  Kendall,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  and  Le 
Verseau.  If  Mr.  Healey  can  get  h’s  best  blooms  out  he  will  be  hard  to 
beat.  I  noticed  here  a  fine  reflexed  variety  named  Mr.  M.  Sullivan. 

Elm  Hall,  Waveeteee. 

Mr.  J.  Bracegirdle  grows  350  plants.  The  best  incurved  are  Princess 
of  Wales,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Mrs.  Heale,  and  Miss  Haggas  all  rightly 
timed  ;  Alf.  Salter,  John  Lambert,  and  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  are  cer¬ 
tain  to  turn  out  well.  I  fear  he  will  be  a  little  weak  in  the 
Japanese  as  regards  numbers,  but  substantial  buds  unfolding  were 
Lilian  B.  Bird,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Boule  d’Or,  Florence  Davis,  Puritan, 
G.  C.  Schwabe  (extra),  W.  Tricker,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Viviand  Morel,  Mrs. 
J.  Clarke,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Dibben,  E.  Molyneux,  and  Col.  VV.  B.  Smith. 
Reflexed  were  the  most  likely  to  pull  him  up  a  great  deal,  being  extia 
good, 

Mossley  House,  Mossley  Hill. 

Mr.  Heaney  here  grows  300  plants,  most  of  them  being  dwarf,  and 
carrying  grand  massive  buds.  The  Japanese  particularly  fine  are  Mrs. 
F.  Jameson,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne  (splendid),  Miss 
Anna  Hartshorn,  Florence  Davis,  Boule  d’Or,  W.  Tricker,  G.  C.  Schwabe, 
Viviand  Morel,  W.  Seward,  J.  Shrimpton,  La  Verseau,  Harry  May, 
Princess  May,  Chas.  Blick,  Puritan,  Louis  Boehmer,  Col.  W.  B,  Smith, 
Chas.  Davis,  J.  Stanborough  Dibben  (extra  good),  Silver  King,  and 
Robert  Owen.  The  incurved  are  just  as  good  ;  Queens  and  Princess 
types  fine,  as  also  were  Madame  F.  Mistral,  Madame  Darrier,  Mons. 
R.  Bahuant,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Baron  Hirch. 

Caldeestones. 

Although  not  an  exhibitor  now,  Mr.  Tunnington’s  w'ork  is  always 
worthy  of  a  note.  This  year  he  has  the  finest  of  plants  and  not  so  early  as 
many  supposed  they  would  be.  He  is  the  same  opinion  as  others,  that  the 
early  buds  of  the  Queen  family  will  be  very  coarse,  and  it  will  be  from 
terminal  buds  that  the  best  exhibition  flowers  will  be  produced.  The 
older  varieties  of  incurved  and  Japanese  are  looking  well.  Baron 
Hirsch  is  splendid,  and  praised  by  all  who  see  it.  He  thinks  it  will 
have  to  be  grown  on  terminal  buds  for  show  purposes,  owing  to  its  being 
inclined  to  come  early.  Lucy  Kendall  is  a  good  yellow  sport  from  Mrs. 
Heale,  but  he  fears  confusion  with  it  and  Miss  Haggas.  In  Japanese 
Eda  Prass  is  proving  a  good  variety.  Waban  on  early  buds  forms  “  hen 
and  chicken  ”  flowers  ;  but  late  buds  are  opening  well,  as  is  also  Beauty 


of  Exmouth,  the  same  remark  applying  to  William  Seward.  C.  B. 
Withnal  is  very  promising.  J.  T.  Kendall  and  R.  C.  Kingston  are 
showing  remarkably  fine  flowers  ;  and  Mrs.  A.  Jacobs,  a  yellow  sport 
from  Madame  Baco,  promises  well.  Mr.  Tunnington  shares  exactly  the 
same  opinion  as  Mr.  Jellicoe  regarding  the  vexed  question  of  damping, 
believing  that  tiffany  spread  over  the  opening  buds  will  prevent  it,  for 
on  a  damp  morning  the  tiffany  may  be  seen  hanging  with  beads  of  damp, 
which  would  otherwise  fall  upon  the  flowers. — R.  P.  R. 

Notes  on  Peize  Schedules. 

At  the  time  of  writing  I  have  before  me  a  list  of  ninety  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Exhibitions  to  be  held  within  the  space  of  exactly  four 
weeks,  commencing  with  Havant,  October  27th,  and  finishing  with  Eccles 
November  24th.  As  some  readers  have  not  an  opportunity  of  inspecting 
the  schedules  of  prizes  of  the  various  meetings  I  purpose  making  a  brief 
reference  to  the  manner  of  offering  the  principal  awards  at  what  are 
termed  the  leading  Shows. 

As  before  remarked,  Havant  opens  the  Exhibition  season  on 
October  27th.  Portsmouth  follows  next  on  the  31st.  this  Exhibition 
being  held  in  one  of  the  finest  halls  in  the  kingdom.  The  prizes  offered 
for  competition  are  excellent,  and  some  magnificent  blooms  are  usually 
seen  at  Portsmouth.  The  principal  class  is  that  for  forty-eight  cut 
blooms,  half  Japanese  and  the  remainder  incurved,  eighteen  varieties 
being  required  in  each  section.  Prizes  of  £10,  £7,  £5,  and  £3  are 
offered.  As  much  as  £5  for  first  is  offered  for  twenty-four  blooms  in 
another  class.  Chrysanthemums  in  pots,  both  trained  and  in  groups, 
receive  liberal  encouragement  also. 

Kent  County  Show,  held  in  the  Rink  at  Blackheath  on  November  1st, 
is  considered  one  of  the  best  of  the  London  Exhibitions.  £10  are  offered 
as  first  prize  for  best  thirty-six  blooms,  half  incurved  and  the  remainder 
Japanese.  Amateur  classes  are  provided  liberally,  the  prizes  being  quite 
adequate  in  every  respect.  On  the  same  date  the  annual  Exhibition  is 
held  in  the  Grand  Stand  at  Ascot.  In  addition  to  cut  blooms  section  groups 
of  Chrysanthemums  are  here  seen  at  their  best.  The  cultivators  in  the 
neighbourhood  make  a  special  study  of  this  system.  On  Friday, 
November  3rd,  the  Crystal  Palace  Show  opens.  As  it  does  not  clash 
with  any  other  important  meeting  in  the  south  it  is  certain  to  be  well 
attended  by  southern  exhibitors.  As  is  usual,  the  prizes  are  substantial 
and  the  classes  easily  filled. 

The  succeeding  week  is  a  busy  one  ;  no  less  than  eleven  shows  are 
held  on  Tuesday,  November  7th,  and  the  same  number  on  the  following 
day.  Foremost  comes  the  Exhibition  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum 
Society  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster.  No  less  than  forty-four 
classes  are  provided  for  cut  blooms  alone.  As  first  prize  the  challenge 
trophy  and  £10  are  offered  as  usual  to  horticultural  societies  for 
competition,  and  is  certain  to  induce  a  spirited  contest.  The  “  Holmes  ” 
Memorial  challenge  cups  are  for  incurved  and  Japanese  blooms  in  separate 
classes.  In  addition  £7  are  added  in  each  case  for  the  premier  award. 
No  doubt  the  finest  blooms  available  will  be  staged  in  these  classes. 
Extremely  handsome  prizes  are  offered  in  many  other  classes.  A  silver 
cup  and  £4  for  twenty-four  distinct  blooms  in  the  Japanese  section  as 
first  prize  should  induce  a  keen  competition.  The  Exhibition  at 
Kingston  also  opens  on  the  same  day.  The  interest  here  is  increased  by 
the  fact  of  its  being  the  final  year  for  competition  of  the  challenge  vase 
offered  in  1890,  it  having  been  won  by  three  separate  persons  during 
that  time.  In  addition  a  new  vase  is  offered  of  the  same  value,  25 
guineas,  as  the  older  one,  which  will  provide  attraction  to  visitors  and 
exhibitors  alike.  For  twenty-four  varieties  of  incurved  blooms  a  silver 
cup,  value  5  guineas,  along  with  the  cash  prize  of  £3,  is  offered.  The 
conditions  binding  the  competitors  in  the  challenge  vase  classes  are 
deserving  of  note.  The  whole  forty-eight  blooms  are  confined  to  the 
incurved  and  Japanese  sections,  but  they  must  be  distinct.  Many 
societies  allow  duplicates  to  be  employed  in  halt-a-dozen  instances,  but 
with  such  a  rapidly  increasing  list  of  varieties  these  large  classes  ought 
to  be  distinct.  The  interest  is  carried  northwards  on  the  9th  to 
Birkenhead,  on  the  10th  to  Bradford  and  Derby,  all  of  which  can  boast 
of  successful  meetings. 

Exeter,  on  November  10th,  deserves  a  mention.  Some  of  the  finest 
Japanese  blooms  in  the  south  of  England  invariably  find  their  way  here. 
Batley,  Bacup,  and  Crewe  prefer  Saturday  exhibitions.  In  all  of  these 
districts  Chrysanthemums  are  really  well  grown.  Plymouth  opens  its 
Show  for  the  second  season  on  the  14th,  and  £33  are  offered  in  one 
class  for  forty-eight  blooms,  £15  going  to  the  first  prizewinner.  No 
less  than  fifteen  shews  are  set  down  for  the  following  day,  November  15th, 
including  Bristol,  Birmingham,  Hull,  Reading,  York,  and  Winchester. 
The  first-named  place  has  long  been  famed  for  the  trained  plants. 
Birmingham  is  an  important  meeting.  The  prizes  for  incurved  blooms 
are  good  ;  £10  is  the  sum  for  the  premier  award  in  tw'enty-four  distinct 
varieties.  Six  prizes  are  offered  in  this  particular  class.  The  same  con¬ 
ditions  apply  to  the  Japanese  section.  In  other  classes  £3  is  offered 
for  the  best  eighteen  incurved  blooms,  and  the  same  for  Japanese. 

At  Hull  the  prizes  are  of  the  usual  liberal  character.  For  twenty- 
four  incurved  blooms  £10  and  a  silver  cup  as  well  is  offered  for  first 
prize  Qcide  Journal  of  Jlorticiolture,  October  12tb,  page  339).  In  the 
premier  Japanese  class  the  prizes  are  the  same  as  in  the  former.  A  new 
class  is  provided,  with  a  view  to  introducing  a  fresh  method  of  arrang¬ 
ing  Japanese  blooms.  A  table  space  of  6  feet  by  2  feet  6  inches  is 
allowed  to  each  competitor  for  the  twenty-four  Japanese  blooms  stipu¬ 
lated  for.  Plants  have  their  share  of  patronage. 

The  Scottish  Exhibition  opens  at  Edinburgh  on  November  IGth,  and 
handsome  prizes  are  offered  in  the  leading  classes.  Bolton,  Stockport, 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


383 


and  Sheffield  hold  their  meetings  on  November  17th,  and  liberal  prizes 
are  offered.  Dundee  and  Ayr  are  set  down  for  November  22nd.  At  the 
latter  place  a  silver  cup,  value  £20,  is  offered  in  addition  to  the  money 
prize  for  eighteen  Japanese  blooms. — E.  Molyneux. 


NEW  SELF  CARNATIONS. 

{Continued,  from  page  362.') 

This  section,  although  recognised  by  florists  as  exhibition  flowers, 
having  all  the  good  qualities  of  the  “  Show  ”  Carnation  in  exquisite 
form,  size,  breadth,  and  smoothness  of  petal  and  evenness  of  the  edge, 
and  are  quite  unlike  to  ordinary  serrated-edged  kinds  one  so  often 
meets  with,  is  always  very  much  admired,  for  we  have  now  many 
charming  shades  of  colour,  from  pure  white  to  the  deepest  crimson 
maroon,  almost  black.  The  exquisite  shades  of  rosy  pink  and  salmon, 
light  carmine,  rosy  purple  and  deeper  purple,  and  numerous  other 
charming  blending  of  shades,  makes  this  a  most  interesting  class,  and 
many  of  them  are  as  richly  perfumed  as  the  old  Clove  Carnation.  Rich 
as  we  had  become  in  varieties,  the  season  of  1893  added  several  more 
gems,  and  the  following  are  amongst  them. 

Amur  (Denary). — Bright  rosy  carmine,  slightly  flaked,  a  brilliant 
handsome  flower  of  fine  quality. 

Attraction  (Chaundy). — Delicate  soft  pink,  a  large,  bold  flower, 
valuable  for  its  exquisite  colour  ;  but  it  often  comes  with  a  split  pod. 

Albino  (Chaundy). — A  large  white  self  with  broad  petals,  and  the 
next  best  to  Mrs.  Fred,  the  latter  being  the  finest  white  self  Carnation 
in  cultivation. 

Countess  of  Salisbury  (Simonite). — An  orange  tinted  yellow.  This 
flower  was  reported  to  beat  Germania,  but  as  seen  about  Birmingham 
is  very  inferior  to  it. 

Charmisso  (Denary). — A  distinct  and  very  fine  sort ;  bright  pink, 
tinted  maroon,  with  fine  broad  petal,  and  of  fine  form. 

Circe  (Dodwell). — Blush  white,  of  fine  form  and  quality. 

Eunice  (Chaundy). — Rosy  pink  of  good  form  and  substance. 

Gustave  Ereitag  (Denary). — Much  brighter  in  colour  than  Mrs. 
Reynolds  Hole,  and  with  a  broad  petal,  good  form  and  excellent  pod. 

Gillert  (Denary). — This  is  oHen  called  Gilbert.  Bright  carmine 
pink  colour  of  large  size  and  fine  form. 

Ilebe  (Chaundy). — Blush,  tinted  with  salmon  and  of  excellent  form 
and  substance. 

John  Benary. — Blush  pink  ground  colour  striped  with  carmine  and 
purple.  A  very  distinct  fine  flower. 

Julia  Basserman  (Benary). — This  is  of  the  colour  of  Souvenir  de  la 
Malmaison,  but  brighter ;  it  is  of  fine  form,  with  large  broad  petal  and 
good  pod  which  does  not  split.  A  variety  which  will  be  very  popular 
for  decorative  work. 

Korner  (Benary). — A  distinct  and  novel  colour,  a  pale  pink  shaded 
with  a  brighter  tint  of  colour  at  the  base  of  each  petal  and  of  fine  form. 
A  great  acquisition. 

Mrs.  Joseph  Chamberlain  (Thomsons). —  A  charming  shade  of 
salmon  pink,  good  form,  stout  pod,  erect  habit,  and  a  most  desirable 
variety. 

Negress  (Thomsons). — Very  rich  shaded  dark  crimson  maroon, 
possessing  a  satiny  surface,  large  smooth  petal.  A  fine  flower. 

Queen  of  Crimsons  (Dodwell). — An  excellent  variety.  The  name 
indicates  the  colour. 

Santuzza  (Benary). — Bright  salmon-tinted  rose,  a  grand  flower  with 
large  petal  of  great  substance  and  quite  distinct. 

Topsy  (Herbert). — A  Negress  style  of  flower,  but  with  a  brighter 
shade  of  crimson  in  it.  Extra  fine  in  every  way,  and  with  a  strong 
Clove  perfume. 

Uncle  Tom  (Dodwell). — This  is  an  almost  black,  and  extra  fine 
variety. 

Vivid  (Herbert). — Brilliant  deep  scarlet.  A  grand  flower  with 
broad  smooth  petals  and  of  great  substance. 

Wicland  (Benary). — A  distinct  and  very  fine  self,  bright  pink-tinted 
mauve,  broad  petal  and  of  the  finest  form. — W.  D. 

(To  be  continued.) 


NATURE’S  HELPS  TO  GARDENERS. 

We  often  hear  persons  talking  about  “the  balance  of  power  ’’  among 
nations,  and  I  do  not  doubt  that  most  nations  are  anxious  that  their 
side  of  the  scales  should  be  the  weightiest.  Well,  we  gardening  folk  in 
our  battles  against  insect  enemies  would  like  to  have  the  balance  on  our 
side.  Unfortunately,  through  ignorance,  we  often  throw  our  weight 
against  ourselves.  Once,  at  a  local  show,  I  afterwards  took  the  judges 
into  my  garden,  and  they  were  by  no  means  ordinary  men  in  their 
stations,  and  picking  out  the  larva  of  one  of  the  Syrphidse,  or  smaller 
balance  flies,  I  asked  them  what  they  would  do  with  it  if  they  met  with 
it.  The  verdict  was  death.  They  were  much  surprised  when  I  told  them 
that  I  had  often  paid  my  children  so  much  a  dozen  for  finding  them. 
Where  they  are  often  found  I  will  tell  later  on. 

I  will  allow  that  to  any  casual  observer  this  larva,  or  grub,  does  not 
at  first  sight  appear  to  be  different  from  the  many  mischievous  grubs 
and  small  caterpillars  that  find  food  and  shelter  in  the  leaves,  and,  alas  ! 
often  among  the  blooms  of  our  pets,  but  a  little  ordinary  care,  especially 
if  aided  by  a  pocket  lens,  ought  to  save  the  life  of  one  of  the  most  hard¬ 
working  helpers  that  a  gardener  possesses. 

All  the  ordinary  grubs  have  a  perceptible  head,  generally  rounded, 


and  that  looks  smoother  than  the  rest  of  the  creature.  These  larvm  of 
several  kinds  of  Syrphidfe  or  balance  flies  has  apparently  a  pointed  head, 
but  if  examined  by  a  lens  is  seen  to  be  made  up  of  three  points  ;  still, 
as  it  moves,  the  distinguishing  mark  is  the  pointed  head  ;  its  colour  is 
generally  green  with  some  white  markings  on  the  back  ;  but  if  living  on 
the  black  aphis  the  green  portion  is  much  darker.  If  at  rest  it  re¬ 
sembles  the  dogs,  whose  heads  and  tails  are  alike,  but  if  made  to  move 
then  the  pointed  head  shows  itself.  They  vary  in  size  from  the  eighth 
of  an  inch  to  perhaps  an  inch  in  very  fine  specimens.  In  walking  there 
is  a  much  deeper  wave  of  the  body  than  in  a  caterpillar  of  the  same 
size.  Its  legs  are  rudimentary.  It  is  blind,  but  when  in  search  of  food 
the  pointed  half  of  the  body  searches  all  round,  and  if  meeting  with  an 
aphis  it  is  seized,  held  up  in  the  air,  speedily  sucked,  and  thrown  aside. 
Their  appetite  is  enormous,  and  the  way  in  which  one  of  these  larvae 
will  clean  a  shoot  that  was  covered  with  aphides  is  simply  incredible  to 
those  who  have  not  watched  the  process.  When  full  grown  it  fastens 
itself  firmly  to  a  leaf,  and,  the  body  contracting,  it  changes  into  a  smooth 
body,  pointed  at  one  end,  rounded  at  the  other,  and  often  looks  like  a 
drop  of  frozen  greenish  water.  In  due  course  it  changes  into  one  of  the 
balancing  flies  with  wasp-like  markings,  the  abdomen  of  which  is  flat¬ 
tened,  not  round  as  the  wasp.  They  are  beautiful  as  well  as  useful,  and 


ou  the  move.  0,  One  at  rest.  D,  One  holding  aloft  an  aphis,  whilst  sucking  the 
body.  E,  The  pupa  or  chrysalis,  fl.xed  ou  the  leaf ;  the  head  of  the  fly  is  now  at  the 
thicker  end. 

could  we  increase  them  at  will  aphides  would  cease  to  be  the  pests  they 
now  are  to  gardeners. 

Every  observant  gardener  knows,  when  the  leaves  at  the  tops  of  his 
Red  Currant  shoots  are  curled  and  apparently  blistered,  that  the  under 
surface  of  these  leaves  is  covered  with  aphides,  and  that  this  unhealthy 
change  in  the  leaves  is  the  handiwork  of  the  aphis.  But  the  instinct  of 
the  fly  also  teaches  it  that  here  she  may  safely  deposit  one  or  more  eggs. 
Here  my  children  have,  in  days  gone  by,  secured  dozens  for  me,  which 
transferred  to  my  Morello  trees  have  helped  to  save  my  crop  from 
destruction  by  the  black  aphis,  or  they  have  been  placed  on  Rose  trees  or 
Chrysanthemums. 

This  year,  being  very  occupied,  I  did  not  notice  the  beginning  of 
mischief  on  my  Morello  Cherries,  and  I  was  reduced  to  removing  the 
affected  leaves,  something  like  half  a  bucketful,  intending  to  cover 
these  with  boiling  water  and  so  rid  myself  of  the  pest.  But  on  looking 
at  some  of  the  leaves,  literally  black  with  aphides,  I  noticed  some  red 
lines.  On  taking  out  my  pocket  lens,  I  found  these  to  be  very  small 
larvm  of  some  of  the  Syrphidm.  I  had  never  seen  them  so  small  be ‘'ore, 
and  never  almost  blood  red  ;  these  were  carefully  removed  with  a 
camel’s-hair  brush  and  placed  elsewhere,  before  the  blacks  were 
destroyed.  Our  “  helps  ’’  are  represented  on  the  Chrysanthemum  leaf 
(fig.  57).— T.  B.  A.  Z. 

FLORAL  NOMENCLATURE. 

While  I  thoroughly  sympathise  with  "  Old  Subscriber ’’ (page  356) 
in  his  plaint  regarding  the  eccentricity  and  variability  of  pronunciation 
displayed  when  using  the  scientific  names  of  plants,  I  must  nevertheless 
twit  him  with  inconsistency.  It  is  strange  that  a  gentleman  who  would, 
if  he  could,  convert  every  Philistine  to  the  use  of  the  academic  and 
undoubtedly  correct  “Gladiolus,”  should  contend  so  strongly  for  recog¬ 
nition  of  the  Anglicised  plurals  of  Greek  and  Latin  botanical  names. 
I  should  have  thought  that,  on  such  liberal  principles,  he  would  have 
been  content  with  the  vulgarly  erroneous  “  Gladiolus”  or  Gladiolus. 

The  disorder  of  pronunciation  in  floral  nomenclature  is  not  an  easy 

*  Several  varieties  of  the  Syrphiil®  prey  on  the  aphis  tribe;  most  of  them  belong  to 
the  balance  fly  tribe,  that  hover  over  a  flower,  and  often  appear  almost  stationary  in 
the  air. 


884 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  1893, 


one  to  reduce,  and  tliough  journals  have  some  influence,  unanimity  in 
the  matter  of  accent  and  plurals  is  never  likely  to  be  absolutely  estab¬ 
lished.  The  more  popular  horticulture  becomes,  and  the  more  the 
knowledge  of  the  ever-increasing  number  of  new  plants  extends,  the 
greater  does  the  difficulty  of  agreement  grow.  The  question  is.  How 
much  use  constitutes  naturalisation  in  a  language  ?  Botanical  names 
are  purely  artificial,  and  constructed  for  the  convenience  of  international 
communication  between  scientific  men.  Those  plants  that  possess  local 
names  have  the  plural  of  these  names  formed  according  to  the  usage  of 
the  vernacular.  But  seeing  that  the  scientific  names  form  a  kind  of 
lingua  franca.^  ought  they  to  be  subjected  to  distortion  according  as  the 
person  using  them  in  the  plural  happens  to  be  French,  German,  English, 
or  Russian  ?  Of  course  the  question  is  fraught  with  difficulties,  espe¬ 
cially  when  we  come  to  consider  those  names  with  the  Greek  endings 
(instanced  by  “Old  Subscriber") — ’Viz.,  is,  m a,  ojhs,  3.ni  ojjsis.  Surely 
many  of  us  would  hesitate,  on  the  score  of  euphony,  before  uttering 
such  pluralised  forms  as  Acises,  Ganymedeses,  Phalrenopsises,  which 
suggest  the  old  nursery  rhyme,  “  three  ghosteses  sitting  on  three  posteses 
eating  bread  and  cheeseses.’’ 

Those  who  know  anything  of  Greek  must  regret  the  substitution  of 
such  atrocious  sibillations  for  the  beautifully  soft  Greek  plurals  in  mata 
and  ides.  What  havoc  the  writers  of  the  Restoration  wrought  with  our 
mother  tongue  when  they  took  to  using  “  thinks,”  “  walks,”  “  listens,” 
and  “  freezes  ”  for  “  thinketh,”  “  walketh,”  “  listeneth,"  and  “  freezeth,” 
making  it  (as  Frederick  the  Great  said)  like  the  language  in  which  the 
serpent  tempted  Eve  I  But  for  this  English  might  be  positively  agree¬ 
able  for  foreigners  to  hear.  However,  it  has  never  been  the  practice  of 
our  race  to  sacrifice  expediency  to  sentiment,  and  I  am  ready  to  admit 
that  as  nine-tenths  of  the  scientific  names  of  plants  end  with  a  vowel 
they  suffer  little  by  being  given  the  ordinary  English  plural  termination. 

“  Old  Subscriber”  is  right  in  poking  fun  at  the  expression  “  Narcissi 
show,”  but  he  misses  the  mark  when  he  apprehends  the  advent  of  “  Rosm 
shows.”  The  word  “  rose”  is  as  much  English  as  “  violet,”  and  hence  it 
could  never  be  a  question  of  thus  pluralising  it,  as  there  might  be  were  it 
still  the  Latin  “rosa.”  It  would  be  equally  absurd  to  talk  of  a  “  Roses 
shows.” — “  Ribeses.” 


Most  people  will  agree  with  the  sentiments  of  “  A  Grateful  Old 
Subscriber  ”  (page  fl.56)  on  this  subject.  No  doubt  Gladiolus  is  both 
right  and  impossible,  therefore  we  must  have  an  English  pronunciation 
which  is  classically  incorrect.  I  would  strongly  support  the  claims  of 
Gladioais  rather  than  Gladiolus — first,  because  if  the  pronunciation  is 
to  be  English,  we  should  follow  the  good  old  rule  that  “  the  tendency 
of  the  English  language  is  to  throw  the  accent  as  far  back  as  possible,” 
and  Gladiolus  is  hardly  possible  ;  second,  because  to  my  ears  when  I 
was  young  there  was  no  other  pronunciation,  and  Gladiolus  is  quite 
modern.  But  if  “  A  Grateful  Old  Subscriber”  is  going  to  try  to  induce 
people  to  change  their  pronunciation  of  even  a  single  word,  he  has  my 
sympathy,  and  he  will  want  it  before  he  has  done. — W.  R.  Raillem. 


Hybeid  Briar  Roses. 

Lord  Penzance  has  written  me  to  say  that  his  Hybrid  Briars  are 
at  present  being  propagated  by  a  firm  of  rosarians,  and  will  be  ready 
for  distribution  by  the  autumn  of  next  year.  They  are  beautiful  hybrids, 
betw'een  the  wild  Roses  of  the  woodlands  and  the  Hybrid  Perpetuals 
of  our  gardens  ;  and  partaking  as  they  do  of  the  characteristics  of  both, 
will  doubtless  prove  distinct  and  splendid  acquisitions.  I  think  that 
Briar  Roses  should  be  more  widely  cultivated.  Their  reign,  indeed,  is 
short,  but  it  is  exquisite  while  it  lasts.  Such  brilliant  varieties  as  the 
Persian  Yellow,  the  Austrian  Copper,  and  the  semi-double  Rosa  Harrisoni 
should  be  found  in  every  garden. — David  R.  Williamson. 

Hot  Season  Roses. 

In  reply  to  your  correspondent,  “  W.  R.  Raillem  ”  (page  358),  re  the 
behaviour  of  dark  Roses  during  the  past  summer,  I  am  able  to  state  my 
experience  differs  somewhat  from  his  own.  I  never  remember  having 
such  a  number  of  “  burnt  ”  flowers.  I  do  not  grow  many  varieties,  but 
have  about  fifty  dwarfs  of  Prince  Camille  de  Rohan,  and  a  like  number 
of  Abel  Carri^re,  which  are  grown  on  a  really  good  Rose  soil,  but  which 
requires  enriching  at  the  present  time.  I  can  safely  say  I  did  not  cut 
twelve  Roses  off  them  that  were  up  to  exhibition  form,  the  majority 
were  very  thin  in  petal,  and  those  burnt  badly  ;  in  fact  I  might  say 
scores  were  never  picked  for  this  simple  reason.  While  I  am  of  opinion 
the  hot  sun  tends  to  this  burning,  I  think  with  your  correspondent  it  is 
not  the  only  cause.  Had  the  bushes  been  supplied  with  an  adequate 
quantity  of  water  or  liquid  manure  I  feel  sure  the  results  would  have 
been  different.  I  am  of  the  opinion  that  poverty  has  something  to  do  with 
burning,  in  some  cases  at  all  events.  Ghnhral  Jacqueminot  has  never 
been  better  with  me  ;  in  spite  of  the  thin  petals  every  bloom  developed, 
and  their  colour  left  nothing  to  be  desired,  at  the  same  time  their  lasting 
properties  were  very  brief.  Ib  was  a  case  of  “  here  to-day  and  gone  to¬ 
morrow.”  Most  of  the  light-coloured  Hybrid  Perpetuals  were  satisfactory. 


especially  these  varieties  that  object  to  a  wet  season.  I  was  surprised 
to  find  John  Hopper  so  poor  ;  it  was  far  below  the  standard  in  every 
respect,  while  the  preceding  season  it  was  grand.  I  might  add, 
the  majority  of  my  Roses  are  grown  for  cutting  purposes,  and  not  for  the 
production  of  exhibition  blooms. — Essex  Rose  Grower. 

Mr.  Mawley’s  “Analysis”  of  1893. 

I  confess  to  a  sense  of  disappointment  on  reading  Mr.  Mawley’s 
explanation  {Journal  of  Horticulture,  page  358)  of  his  method  of 
arriving  at  the  various  positions  the  best  exhibition  Roses  hold  each 
season,  more  especially  in  respect  to  their  status  at  the  N.R  S.  Metro¬ 
politan  Show.  I  have  been  under  the  impression  while  reading  his 
analysis  for  some  years  that  his  figures  represented  real  facts,  whereas 
now  I  find  that  he  practically  uses  the  figures  according  to  his  own 
fancies.  There  is  no  doubt  that  the  analysis  must  be  in  any  case  an 
arbitrary  way  of  deciding  the  position  of  certain  varieties,  as  they  are 
taken  only  from  winning  boxes.  This  year  it  was  of  small  consequence  ; 
but  last  year,  when  the  competition  was  so  great,  as  many  as  twenty-one 
competing  in  one  class,  and  many  other  classes  having  from  eight  to 
thirteen  competitors,  it  would  have  been  a  fair  criterion  of  a  good 
exhibition,  and  very  useful  and  interesting  to  have  obtained  the  varieties 
shown  by  all  competitors. 

Mr.  Mawley  says  of  his  method  of  calculation,  “  However  complicated 
and  unreal  the  system  ”  (his  system)  “  may  appear,”  it  is  in  reality  “a 
commonsense  ”  way  of  treating  the  statistics  at  his  disposal.  My  view 
is  that  when  people  are  dealing  with  statistics  they  should  deal  with  the 
hard  facts  alone,  and  not  alter  such  facts  to  suit  any  theories  they  may 
hold.  It  is  action  of  this  latter  kind  which  gives  people  the  handle  to 
use  the  saying  that  figures  can  prove  anything.  I  prefer  a  grain  of 
truth  and  fact  to  a  ton  of  theory,  and  I  never  like  to  see  figures  altered. 
Being  a  business  man  it  may  be  rather  a  hard  and  dry  way  of  looking  at 
the  matter  ;  but  such  is  my  way  of  thinking.  Mr.  Mawley  practically 
arranges  what  in  sporting  language  is  called  a  handicap,  according  to 
his  own  views  of  the  merits  of  the  various  flowers,  but  without 
much  regard  to  their  previous  performances.  Of  course  Gustave 
Piganeau,  Ernest  Metz,  Ethel  Brownlow,  and  other  Roses,  may  next 
year  be  anywhere  in  an  analysis  of  this  kind,  and  very  naturally  in 
future  their  position  will  have  little  interest  for  me  ;  but  it  would  be 
well  for  the  guidance  of  others  that  some  clear  explanation  should  be 
given  to  show  that  the  figures  are  evolved  out  of  fancy  more  than 
fact.  In  regard  to  my  query  as  to  the  number  of  prize  boxes  Gustave 
Piganeau  and  Ernest  Metz  were  shown  in,  I  used  the  words  “big 
amateurs,”  by  which  I  mean  those  growing  at  least  over  1000  plants  of 
exhiniiion  varieties.  I  acknowledge  that  both  the  above  named  varieties 
are  indispensable  to  a  big  exhibitor  ;  but  from  the  experience  of  several 
leading  rosarians,  growing  many  more  and  better  Roses  than  I  do,  I 
find  t  at  other  opinions  are  in  agreement  with  mine. 

In  regard  to  seasons  in  general,  and  more  especially  as  regards  their 
effects  on  the  Rose  Shows  of  1893  and  of  1879,  1  may  say  that,  bad  as 
the  Crystal  Palace  Show  was  this  year,  it  would  have  been  infinitely 
worse  if  it  had  been  held  on  the  8th  July,  and  no  doubt  Mr.  Mawley 
will  recollect  that  he  and  others  were  very  strong  advocates  for  that 
date,  and  were  very  sore  at  our  defeating  their  motion  to  alter  it. 

Mr.  Mawley  says  “  VVe  all  know  what  the  Drill  Hall  Show  was  in 
June  1891.”  I  merely  say  we  all  know  what  the  Drill  Hall  Rose 
Show  always  is — rather  a  failure?  I  should  be  glad  to  know  how 
many  classes  there  were  in  the  metropolitan  schedule  of  1879,  and  how 
many  members  the  N.R.S.  then  had.  With  these  figures,  which  are 
facts  of  the  past,  we  could  fairly  compare  1879  and  1893. — Charles  J. 
Grahame,  Croydon. 


WALTHAM  CROSS  REVISITED. 

Many  years  ago,  in  the  Hollyhock  days,  when  that  noble  flower 
gave  to  gardens  a  “  character  ”  they  have  never  possessed  since,  I,  as 
one  of  its  votaries,  remember  well  deriving  both  pleasure  and  knowledge 
in  reading  an  entertaining  and  instructive  pamphlet  entitled  “  An  Hour 
with  the  Hollyhock,”  little  thinking  I  should  ever  be  privileged  to  spend 
an  hour  with  its  author,  Mr.  William  Paul  of  Waltham  Cross.  Time, 
however,  brings  about  changes  frequently  such  as  are  not  anticipated, 
and  one  of  these  eventually  brought  me  into  contact  with  one  of  the 
most  experienced  and  accomplished  horticulturists  in  the  world.  That, 
too,  is  several  years  ago,  yet  subsequent  to  the  dread  Puccinia  invasion 
which  practically  swept  the  Hollyhock  out  of  the  country.  True  we  see 
the  stately  flower  again  in  gardens  here  and  there,  and  occasionally  a  few 
blooms  exhibited  at  southern  shows,  but  they  are  very  poor  apologies 
for  the  grand  varieties  of  past  days  when  our  author  spent  his  “  hour  ” 
with  them.  The  nlants  of  the  present  are  chiefly  raised  from  seed  and 
treated  as  biennials,  and  it  would  be  well  if  many  more  were  so  grown  ; 
but  anterior  to  the  fungoid  scourge  they  were  mainly  increased  by 
cuttings  or  root-grafting  and  treated  as  perennials.  This  is  a 
reminiscence,  a  passing  reference  to  days  on  which  the  minds  of  many 
love  to  dwell,  and  to  which,  and  the  “  manners  and  customs”  of  the 
period,  many  more  of  a  later  generation  are  of  necessity  strangers. 

Since  the  first  visit  alluded  to,  and  the  last,  to  be  described,  all 
things  are  not  as  they  once  were.  For  instance,  on  looking  for  the 
path  from  the  platform  of  the  railway  station  into  the  nursery,  as  in  the 
old  days,  it  was  not  to  be  found.  “  Here,  porter,  I  want  to  go  into  Mr. 
Paul’s  nurseries  ;  there  used  to  be  a  gate  opening  to  them  from  here,  but 
I  can’t  find  it.”  “No,  sir  ;  there  was  never  no  gate  from  here.”  “  But 
I  once  passed  through  it  from  the  platform  into  the  grounds.”  “  No, 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


885 


sir,  begging  your  pardon,  I  think  not.”  “What,  then,  has  Mr.  Paul 
moved  his  nursery  to  another  place?”  “No,  sir;  it’s  just  exactly 
where  it  was,  but,”  with  a  peculiar  look,  “  we’ve  moved  the  station.” 
“  Ah  !  ”  That  means  a  collapse,  and  acknowledgment  that  the  porter 
was  master  of  the  position.  The  station  is  100  yards  or  so  nearer 
London  now,  and  instead  of  walking  through  it  along  the  pleasant  glade 
to  the  office  at  the  opposite  end,  we  pass  along  the  side  of  the  nursery, 
buildings  intervening,  to  the  main  street  of  Waltham,  turn  to  the  right, 
and  reach  the  office  entrance  in  practically  the  same  time  as  before — a 
steady  ten  minutes’  walk,  though  there  is  a  side  entrance  only  four  or 
five  minutes  from  the  station. 

As  most  persons  know,  or  may  learn  by  a  glance  at  a  railway  map, 
Waltham  Cross  is  reached  from  Liverpool  Street  station,  the  city 
terminus  of  the  Great  Eastern  Railway  —  perhaps,  at  certain  times, 
morning  and  evening,  the  busiest  station  in  London,  if  not  in  the  world. 
No  wonder  many  a  stranger  whose  life  has  been  spent  in  the  country, 
the  leisurely  ways  of  which  have  become  part  of  his  nature,  is  not  a 
little  bewildered  when  he  finds  himself  jutted  here  and  there,  and 
hustled  about  by  a  mass  of  humanity  rushing  for  egress  or  ingress. 
He  may,  as  many  do,  as  is  apparent  enough,  experience  some  difficulty 
in  learning  where  to  “  take  his  ticket,”  and  then  in  finding  his  train. 
Let  him  keep  cool  and  not  rush  about  in  a  search  on  the  platform,  but 
quietly  pass  upstairs  and  book  to  Waltham.  Oa  coming  down  again  he 
will  see  right  before  him  a  number  of  clock  faces  with  the  hands  point¬ 
ing  to  the  names  of  stations  and  number  of  platforms  from  which  the 
next  outgoing  trains  start.  Amidst  all  the  confusion,  the  arrangements 
at  these  great  stations  are  clear  enough,  and  a  person  arriving  in 
reasonable  time  need  not  miss  his  train  if  he  does  not  loss  his  head, 
as  many  do  daily. 

Not  through  pleasant  suburbs  does  the  train  pass  on  its  way  to 
Waltham.  We  are  in  the  thickly  populated  busy  East.  Dwellings,  not 
artistic,  are  packed  together,  and  “works”  of  various  kinds  appear  to 
show  their  worst  sides  to  the  railway.  Eventually  we  come  to  an 
opening  between  the  buildings,  but  much  more  likely  to  be  occupied 
with  barrels,  rubbish,  and  general  lumber  than  by  trees  or  other  forms 
of  vegetation.  Yet  anon  we  come  to  the  fields  mainly  cropped  with 
vegetables,  but  in  no  sense  representative  of  the  splendid  market 
gardens  more  distant  and  westward  of  the  City.  Of  shaky  patched-up 
greenhouses  there  is  no  lack,  but  they  have  a  depressing  rather  than  an 
inspiring  effect,  indeed  the  whole  surroundings  are  suggestive  of  a 
struggle  against  adverse  influences — of  marshy  soil  below  and  a  hazy 
soot-laden  atmosphere  above.  The  outlook  improves  as  we  go  along, 
especially  as  we  see  the  rising  ground  of  Epping  Forest  in  the  distance 
on  the  right ;  but  it  is  not  until  historic  Waltham  is  reached  that  we 
feel  fairly  in  the  country,  and  the  first  really  bright  and  refreshing 
scene  is  afforded  by  the  nurseries  which  skirt  the  line  on  the  left,  but 
just  beyond  the  station — Rhododendrons  in  the  spring,  Roses  in  the 
summer,  and  Dahlias,  with  the  rich  tints  of  various  trees  during  the 
evening  of  the  year. 

Fortunate  was  Mr.  Paul  in  his  purchase  of  this  valuable  tract  of  land 
between  thirty  and  forty  years  ago  for  a  nursery.  He  had  it  in  mind 
to  establish  himself  nearer  the  metropolis,  but  London  has  spread  out 
since  then,  carrying  with  it  atmospheric  impurities  inimical  to  vegetation, 
but  Waltham  Cross  is  outside  the  smoke  radius  and  everything  is  clean. 
The  site  is  open  to  all  the  sun  that  shines,  and  the  soil  is  an  ideal  one 
for  trees  ornamental  and  useful.  It  is  sound  loam  just  above  medium 
in  texture,  or  sufficiently  retentive  for  holding  food  ingredients,  yet 
free  in  texture  for  inducing  a  fibrous  rooting  system.  It  is  .3  to  4  feet 
deep,  resting  on  gravel,  and  a  little  below  that  is  the  water  table.  In  a 
wet  season  superfluous  water  passes  freely  away,  in  a  dry  one  it  sustains 
the  trees,  as  drawn  upwards  by  the  sun  in  the  process  of  capillary 
attraction.  If  this  were  not  so,  and  if  fibrous  roots  were  not  abundant, 
specimen  shrubs  and  Conifers  transplanted  last  May  could  not  have 
lived  through  the  exhausting  summer.  They  have  not  only  “lived” 
but  grown  admirably,  though  of  course  they  had  the  needful  attention 
as  dictated  by  long  experience.  Firm,  matured  wood  in  fruit  and  orna¬ 
mental  trees,  Roses  and  various  shrubs  is  the  natural  growth  charac¬ 
teristics  of  what  may  be  termed  the  concrete  or  governing  conditions 
indicated.  This  is  apparent  all  over  the  nursery,  and  such  sturdiness 
above  ground  can  only  have  its  counterpart  below — not  a  few  strong 
fibreless  roots  which  are  never  produced  by  such  trees,  indeed  cannot 
be,  but  a  multiplication  of  fibres  as  the  necessary  collorary  of  such 
growth.  Excessively  rampant  growth  always  did,  will,  and  must  mean 
deep  strong  root  penetration,  just  as  sturdy  short-jointed  wood  ripening 
to  the  tips  means  a  free  fibrous  ramification  in  the  upper  stratum  of 
soil.  This  is  so  because  it  cannot  be  otherwise,  and  people  who  are  not 
other  than  wise  attach  primary  importance  to  the  roots  of  plants  and 
trees  as  the  precursors  of  thrifty  growth. 

To  the  mere  sightseer,  who  is  not  a  cultivator,  the  month  of  October 
is  not  the  best  time  for  a  nursery  stroll,  though  an  artist  could  not  fail 
to  admire  and  long  to  reproduce  the  exquisite  colour  tints  assumed  by 
many  trees  ;  but  the  visitor  who  has  some  knowledge  of  the  gardener’s 
art,  though  it  may  be  much  less  than  his  more  learned  guide  can  teach 
him,  is  at  no  time  more  interested  by  an  inspection  than  when  Nature 
is  completing  the  work  of  the  year  in  the  process  of  maturation.  He 
likes  to  see  fruit  trees  when  the  foliage  is  being  scattered  at  the  proper 
time,  the  Roses  when  they  are  preparing  for  rest,  and  trees  and  shrubs 
generally  when  the  “  leaves  are  changing  yellow  and  kindling  into  red,” 
because  he  can  then  appreciate  the  nature  and  value  of  the  wood  better 
than  at  any  other  period  of  the  year.  There  is  plenty  to  see  at  Waltham 
Cross  in  all  those  references,  much  more,  in  fact,  than  can  be  narrated  here. 


Let  US  look  for  a  moment  at  the  fruit  trees.  These  we  fiul  represented 
in  all  kinds  and  forms,  also  of  various  sizes,  from  thrifty  maidens  to 
abundant  fruit  producers  nearly  thirty  years  old,  with  any  number  of 
moveable  specimens  for  immediate  bearing,  these  latter  being  in  demand 
for  furnishing  new  gardens  quickly  and  filling  blanks  which  are  ever 
occurring  in  old  ones. 

Running  through  the  nursery  from  south  to  north  is  an  avenue  of 
fruit  trees,  400  yards  long,  in  which  is  planted  single  tress  of  nearly- 
500  different  kinds  of  Apples,  Pears,  Cherries  and  Plums,  which  are 
much  visited  during  the  fruiting  season  by  connoisseurs  of  fruits,  both 
amateur  and  professional.  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Apricots,  Figs  and 
Grapes,  are  grown  and  fruited  under  glass.  By  these  means  not 
only  are  the  different  soils  constantly  under  the  eye  for  observation  and 
study,  but  buds,  grafts  and  eyes  are,  when  propagating,  taken  from 
fruiting  specimens,  thus  reducing  to  a  minimum  the  chances  of  error  in 
nomenclature.  Fruit  trees,  it  has  been  said,  are  grown  in  almost  every 
form.  There  are  standards,  young  and  old,  short  and  tall,  feathered 
trees,  pyramids  and  bushes  on  various  stocks,  standard  and  dwarf 
trained,  fan-shaped  and  horizontal,  cordons  upright  and  horizontal  in 
almost  unlimited  numbers.  The  fruiting  trees,  especially  Apples  and 
Pears,  were  the  most  striking,  many  being  of  large  size,  very  symmetrical 
and  thickly  studded  with  fruit  buds.  Similar  trees  to  those  which  were 
removed  last  winter  and  bore  fruit  this  summer  (1893)  large  enough  to 
appear  at  the  fruit  shows.  Of  smaller  fruits,  Strawb  jrries.  Raspberries, 
Gooseberries  and  Currants  abound,  the  Strawberries  being  prevented 
from  straying  and  intermixing  by  divisional  lines  of  Raspberries,  ample 
space  being  afforded  for  both.  Many  varieties  of  the  different  kinds  of 
fruit  are  grown  for  meeting  garden  needs  and  forming  collections.  For 
extensive  plantations  of  a  limited  number  of  popular  kinds,  trees  are 
raised  and  grown  on  Mr.  Paul’s  fruit  farm  in  Sussex.  The  gathered 
crops  of  the  season  were  stored  in  a  fruit  room  recently  built  on  the  most 
approved  principles,  special  features  of  which  are  a  double  roof,  double 
windows  and  door  and  thatched  sides.  It  is  expected  that  no  heating 
apparatus  will  ever  be  required  here.  In  this  nursery  the  Crab  stock  is 
preferred  to  the  Apple,  and  the  Paradise  is  recommended  for  private 
gardens  only  where  the  soil  is  a  good  medium  loam.  The  Quince  stock 
is  used  for  some  sorts  of  Pears,  but  the  Pear  stock  is  more  largely  used. 
The  Mahaleb  is  a  favourite  stock  for  Cherries  of  the  Morello  kind  ;  an 
instance  of  the  value  of  this  stock  was  given.  No  Cherries  could  be 
obtained  in  a  large  well  cultivated  garden  until  this  stock  was  tried, 
when  the  crop  proved  abundant.  Although  the  summer  just  past  has 
been  more  than  usually  favourable  to  the  spread  of  various  insect  pests, 
the  trees  here  were  perfectly  clean,  and  'oore  no  marks  of  depreciation 
from  these  enemies. 

The  celebrity  of  this  nursery  for  Roses  is  well  known,  and  although 
the  flowers  were  somewhat  despoiled  by  the  rain  there  were  several 
attractive  blooms  in  the  masses  of  Tea-scented  and  other  kinds.  The 
charming  Polyanthus  were  represented  by  Gloire  des  Polyantha, 
Mignonette,  Perle  d’Or,  and  the  newer  and  larger  Princess  Elizabeth 
Lancellotte.  To  these  may  be  added  the  dainty  Chinese  Little  Pet.  A 
fine  collection  of  blooms  could  be  cut  of  such  well  proved  or  promising 
H.P.’s  as  Augustine  Guinoisseau,  Bardou  Job,  Caroline  Testout,  Charles 
Lamb,  Climbing  Queen  of  Queens,  Clio  (a  wonderful  grower),  Danmark, 
Duchess  of  Albany,  Ella  Gordon,  Garden  Favourite,  Gloire  de  Margottin, 
Grand  Mogul,  Gustave  Piganeau,  Madame  Bois,  Mme.  Isaac  Pereiere, 
Marchioness  of  Lome,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Pierre  Netting,  Pride  of  Waltham, 
Silver  Queen,  Spencer,  Star  of  Waltham,  Ulrich  Brunner  Fils,  and 
Victor  Hugo.  Lorna  Doone,  Kronprinzessin  Victoria,  and  Souvenir 
de  la  Malmaison  were  flowering  among  the  Bourbons,  and  Adelina, 
Viviand  Morel,  L’Ideal,  Madame  Pierre  Cochet,  and  William  Allen 
Richardson  were  the  most  floriferous  Noisettes.  La  Soleil  was  shining 
among  its  congeners  the  Teas  and  their  hybrids,  and  blooms  could  be 
cut  of  Madame  Chauvray,  Madame  Moreau,  Pink  Rover,  Princess  May, 
Waltham  Climber  No.  3,  all  vigorous  growers  ;  also  of  Camoens,  Christine 
de  None,  Corinna,  Ernest  Metz,  Grace  Darling,  Gustave  Regis,  La  Boule 
d’Or,  Madame  de  Watteville,  Madame  Hoste,  Madame  Lambard,  Madame 
Pernet,  Ducher,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Perle  des  Jardins,  Safrano  and  its 
red  variety  Sunset,  The  Bride,  Waban,  and  White  Lady.  This  reads 
like  a  summer  list,  and  is  worth  giving  as  indicating  both  the  mildness 
of  the  weather  and  some  of  the  best  autumnal  Roses,  Plants  of  appro¬ 
priate  varieties  are  also  extensively  and  admirably  grown  in  pots  for 
early  forcing. 

The  collection  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs  it  is  impossible  to  pass,  as 
many  of  them  shine  as  brightly  in  their  glowing  garb  of  brown,  purple, 
crimson  and  gold.  Among  the  Acers  circinatum,  eriocarpum,  ginnala, 
Schwedleri,  and  saccharinum  were  conspicuous.  Berberis  Thunbergi 
(dwarf)  was  a  mass  of  rich  red,  as  were  some  of  the  Cornuses.  Two 
Thorns  also  compelled  notice — Crataegus  Carrieri,  a  nearly  evergreen 
with  dark  glossy  leaves,  3  to  4  inches  long,  bearing  clusters  of  scarlet 
fruits,  nearly  as  large  as  Cherries,  and  C,  prunifolia,  leaves  dying  off 
scarlet.  Euonymus  atropurpureus,  Gleditschia  tricanthos,  Kolreuteria 
paniculata,  Liquidamber,  various  forms  of  Pyrus,  Prunus,  and  Quercus, 
with  Rhus  toxicodendron,  Salisburia  adiantifolia.  Spiraeas,  and  Vibur¬ 
nums  glistened  in  the  sunlight. 

Clematises  in  pots,  a  fine  collection,  sparkled  with  flowers,  as 
plunged  with  other  hardy  climbing  plants  for  the  winter.  The  Camellia 
house  is  one  of  the  features  of  the  nursery.  It  will  be  a  sight  to  see  in 
February  and  March,  the  plants,  young  and  old,  being  splendidly 
“  budded  ;  ”  and  the  Vines  in  pots,  wherever  they  may  be  well  grown,  will 
be  well  worth  looking  at  next  year,  for  more  substantial  and  better 
ripened  canes  cannot  very  well  be  imagined.  The  houses  generally  are 


886 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  1893. 


filled  with  a  collection  of  the  most  useful  spring  flowering  and  other 
plants  most  in  demand  in  gardens,  and  on  each  side  of  the  long  nursery 
glade  are  specimens  of  Hollies  and  other  evergreens,  including 
Osmanthus  illicifolius,  flowering  freely  and  dispersing  Hawthorn-like 
perfume  ;  also  a  choice  collection  of  Coniferae  associated  with  herbaceous 
plants. 

Passing  through  the  town  we  come  to  an  hostelry,  Ye  Olde  Foure 
Swans,  bearing  date  1260,  and  near  it  the  splendid  memorial  cross,  the 
finest  existing  of  the  series  commemorative  of  an  historic  event  in  the 
long  past  centuries.  Not  far  distant  is  Mr.  Paul’s  capacious  residence, 
once  the  home  of  the  late  Mr.  Anthony  Trollope,  with  well-wooded 
pleasure  grounds  and  park-like  surroundings.  Near  it  is  the  stately 
Ailantus  tree,  with  its  three  main  stems,  recently  alluded  to  in  “  The 
Times,”  and  the  alleged  unpleasantness  of  the  flowers  is  regarded  by  Mr. 
Arthur  W.  Paul,  the  diligent  junior  member  of  the  Arm,  as  mythical,  as 
the  spreading  branches  are  close  to  the  windows  of  his  bedroom,  and 
without  causing  the  slightest  inconvenience.  The  Ailantus  glandulosa 
is  a  beautiful  tree  for  town  or  country,  and  it  is  a  wonder  it  is  not  more 
freely  planted. 

One  is  tempted  to  dwell  on  Mr.  Paul’s  library,  said  to  contain  the 
finest  assortment  of  horticultural  works  in  possession  of  any  individual 
except  Dr.  Hogg.  It  is  a  rieh  collection,  ancient  and  modern,  including, 
of  course,  the  various  works  of  the  author,  prominent  among  them  being 
his  magnum  opus,  the  “  Rose  Garden,”  the  most  compendious  and 
exhaustive  work  on  the  subject  on  which  it  treats.  An  hour  with  Mr. 
Paul  in  his  sanctum,  as  in  his  nursery,  is  time  well  spent,  and  a  man 
must  know  a  very  great  deal  if  he  does  not  learn  a  little  more  after 
spending  two  hours  with  the  senior  bearer  of  an  honourable  name, 
writ  large  in  the  annals  of  horticulture — a  privilege  the  second  time 
enjoyed  by — Lindum. 


WOl 

^K.F01 

ItheWEE 

K.Q 

fW 

l&i'S 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Peacbes  and  "NectATines.- Earliest  House. — The  trees  in  this 
structure  have  been  at  rest  for  some  time,  the  roof  lights  having  been 
removed  when  the  wood  was  sufficiently  firm  and  the  buds  formed,  but 
not  over-developed.  The  house  was  thoroughly  cleansed  when  the 
leaves  were  all  down,  the  trees  untied,  pruned,  dressed  with  an  approved 
insecticide,  re-arranged  and  tied  on  the  trellis,  the  border  surface  dressed, 
all  put  in  complete  order  ready  for  a  start  at  the  proper  time,  and  they 
are  now  in  a  promising  condition.  The  roof  lights  will  not  be  replaced 
until  early  in  December. _  Where  the  roof  lights  have  not  been  removed 
strenuously  avoid  allowing  the  soil  to  become  dry  at  the  roots  of 
the  trees,  as  this  is  sufficient  to  cause  the  buds  to  fall.  If  the  trees  are 
weakly  and  the  buds  plenteous  a  supply  of  liquid  manure  will  be  of 
great  benefit.  It  is  also  advisable  to  remove  the  surface  soil  down  to 
the  roots,  removing  some  of  the  old  from  amongst  them,  and  supply 
fresh  loam,  not  covering  the  roots  near  the  collar  more  than  2  or  3  inches. 
If  the  loam  be  of  a  light  nature  add  a  fourth  of  clay  marl,  dried  and 
pounded,  and  a  barrowload  of  wood  ashes  to  every  cartload  of  loam, 
thoroughly  incorporated,  making  it  firm  about  and  over  the  roots,  and 
giving  a  good  watering.  Borders  that  have  a  close  moist  surface,  and 
are  rich  in  humus  through  heavy  dressings  of  manure,  may  be  dressed 
with  freshly  slaked  lime,  using  about  a  bushel  per  rod,  and  mixing  it 
with  the  soil  as  deeply  as  practicable  without  disturbing  the  roots  to 
any  great  extent,  omitting  the  top-dressing  before  mentioned.  If  the 
soil  is  very  close  and  deficient  of  grit  and  calcareous  matter,  a  dressing 
of  calcareous  gravel  about  an  inch  thick,  mixed  with  the  soil  as  deeply 
as  the  roots  allow,  would  improve  its  staple  and  component  elements. 
It  should  be  practised  on  both  the  inside  and  outside  borders.  Com¬ 
plete  the  pruning  and  dressing  of  the  trees,  cleansing  the  house,  and 
admitting  all  the  air  possible. 

Second  Early  House. — The  trees  that  were  started  at  the  new  eary 
or  soon  afterwards  have  been  at  rest  a  month,  and  those  started  in 
February  are  now  leafless  ;  they  should  be  pruned,  after  untying, 
dressed,  and  re-arrangei  on  the  trellis.  This,  with  a  thorough  cleansing 
of  the  house,  makes  an  end  of  adult  insects  and  larvEe  before  they  have 
time  to  hibernate  in  the  crevices  of  the  bark  and  chinks  of  the  wood¬ 
work  and  walls.  In  pruning  early  forced  trees  it  is  not  desirable  to  cut 
away  too  much  wood,  nor  proceed  on  any  hard-and-fast  lines,  but  confine 
it  to  removing  any  useless  parts  that  have  escaped  removal  at  thinning 
after  the  fruit  was  gathered,  and  shortening  any  long  shoots  to  a  double 
or  triple  bud,  making  sure  that  one  of  them  is  a  wood  bud.  This  will 
mainly  be  necessary  to  originate  growths  at  the  required  place  for 
furnishing  the  trees,  for  shoots  that  are  well  ripened  need  not  be 
shortened^and  those  of  8  to  12  inches  length  should  be  left  entire,  as 
they  usually  have  a  few  wood  buds  at  the  base  and  one  at  the  extremity, 
those  beiween  those  points  being  usually  blossom  buds.  It  is,  however, 
^  retain  much  wood,  which  weakens  the  trees  in  flowering, 

and  there  is  not  space  to  train-in  the  young  growths  without  crowding, 
ire^  the  trees  in  other  respects  as  advised  for  the  earliest  forced,  also 
he  house  and  borders. 


Third  Succession  House. — This  being  started  in  February,  the  trees 
will  now  be  leafless,  or'  nearly  so,  and  should  be  subjected  to  similar 
treatment  to  the  earlier  ones,  losing  no  opportunity  of  pushing  forward 
the  pruning,  dressing  the  trees,  and  having  all  needful  work  done.  If 
the  wood  is  thoroughly  ripened,  the  roof  lights  may  be  removed  with 
advantage.  Where  the  roof  lights  are  not  moveable  do  not  allow  the 
soil  to  become  too  dry,  and  admit  air  to  the  fullest  extent,  securing  as 
complete  rest  as  possible.  Any  trees  growing  too  luxuriantly  or  not 
setting  and  stoning  the  fruit  well  should  be  root-pruned  or  lifted. 

Late  Houses. — The  late  varieties  are  over  this  season  sooner  than 
usual,  and  the  trees  are  shedding  their  leaves.  It  will  be  advisable  to 
remove  the  roof  lights  as  soon  as  the  foliage  is  sufficiently  advanced,  but 
where  green  leaves  hang  long  it  is  an  indication  of  unripe  wood,  and 
the  roof  lights  must  not  be  removed  for  some  time  longer.  If  this 
condition  prevails  generally  in  the  trees  they  should  be  lifted  carefully 
and  be  root-pruned.  When  this  is  performed  judiciously  it  will  not 
prejudice  next  year’s  crop,  but  it  must  be  done  when  most  of  the  leaves 
are  down  and  the  wood  firm,  keeping  the  house  rather  close,  the  trees 
syringed,  and  shaded  if  the  weather  be  bright.  Under  ordinary 
circumstances  as  to  the  weather  these  precautions  are  not  necessary.  It 
is  only  when  the  trees  are  gross  and  the  wood  unripe  that  the  careful 
treatment  is  requisite. 

In  the  case  of  young  trees  it  will  suffice  to  take  out  a  trench  one-third 
the  distance  from  the  stem  the  trees  cover  of  trellis,  and  down,  so  as  to 
cut  off  all  roots  to  the  drainage,  leaving  the  trench  open  for  a  fortnight, 
not  allowing  the  soil  in  the  radius  to  become  so  dry  as  to  distress  the 
foliage  to  a  severe  degree  of  flagging,  but  not  giving  any  water  so  long 
as  the  leaves  maintain  their  persistence,  and  then  the  trench  may  be 
filled  in,  making  the  soil  firm.  This  will  check  the  tendency  to 
exuberance  and  late  growth,  and  ripen  the  wood  and  plump  the  buds. 
Luxuriant  trees  which  may  not  safely  be  bodily  lifted  on  account  of 
their  long,  strong  and  few  roots,  may  be  treated  in  a  similar  manner, 
and  a  year  afterwards  they  may  be  lifted. 

Unheatcd  Houses  or  Wall  Cases. — With  a  proper  selection  of  varieties 
Peaches  and  Nectarines  may  be  had  from  these  structures  from  the 
middle  of  July  to  the  middle  of  October.  The  structures  should  have 
south  or  south-west  aspects,  but  they  may  have  a  west  aspect  in  the 
southern  parts  of  the  country.  Peaches  : — *  Alexander,  Early  Louise, 
*Hale’s  Early,  Dr.  Hogg,  Crimson  Galande,  “"Dymond,  *Royal  George, 
Grosse  Mignonne,  Goshawk,  Alexandra  Noblesse,  *Bellegarde,  Barrington, 
Princess  of  Wales,  *Gladstone,  Sea  Eagle,  Walburton  Admirable,  and 
*Golden  Eagle.  Nectarines : — Early  Rivers,  *Lord  Napier,  Goldoni, 
Darwin,  *Stanwick  Elruge,  Rivers’  Orange,  Milton,  *Pine  Apple,  Dryden, 
Newton,  Spencer,  and  *Victoria.  Those  requiring  only  a  few  may  select 
those  distinguished  by  a  star.  The  chief  thing  with  trees  in  unheated 
houses  is  to  train  the  shoots  thin  so  as  to  secure  stout  short-jointed, 
thoroughly  solidified  growth,  to  allow  unobstructed  light,  and  provide 
efficient  ventilation.  Proper  attention  must,  of  course,  be  given  to 
cleanliness  and  due  supplies  of  nourishment,  but  the  most  important 
point  of  all  is  retarding  the  blossom  in  the  spring  as  far  as  practicable. 
This  is  best  effected  by  removing  the  roof  lights,  and  allowing  them  to 
remain  off  until  the  blossoms  are  swelling  and  showing  colour.  It 
has  a  good  effect  on  the  trees  by  the  cleansing  influence  of  rain,  also  in 
securing  the  thorough  moistening  of  the  border.  Such  trees  can  be 
kept  perfectly  under  control  by  occasional  lifting  and  root-pruning  as 
may  be  considered  expedient.  Over-luxuriance  or  a  tendency  to  late 
growth  is  overcome  by  judicious  root-pruning  and  careful  lifting,  which 
should  be  done  after  the  wood  becomes  firm,  and  whilst  the  foliage  is 
still  upon  the  trees.  When  intelligently  practised  lifting  and  laying  of 
the  roots  near  the  surface  and  firming  the  soil  well,  is  the  surest  remedy 
for  trees  that  fail  to  set  and  stone  full  crops  of  fruit. 

Pines. — Liberal  ventilation  should  be  afforded  to  pits  or  houses 
containing  young  plants  when  the  weather  is  favourable,  and  avoid 
too  much  moisture,  as  over-damping,  keeping  the  surfaces  of  the  house 
constantly  saturated,  is  more  injurious  than  otherwise.  Water  will  not 
now  be  often  required,  yet  the  plants  must  not  be  neglected,  looking 
them  over  every  week  or  ten  days,  watering  such  as  require  it,  as  too 
great  dryness  at  the  roots  causes  a  stunted  growth  and  it  is  not  easy 
afterwards  made  free. 

In  the  fruiting  department  lose  no  opportunity  of  admitting  a  little 
air  early,  closing  the  house  at  85°,  keeping  the  night  temperature  at  70°, 
or  a  few  degrees  less  in  cold  weather.  Remove  all  gills  and  superfluous 
suckers,  retaining  one  only,  the  best  to  each  plant.  Suckers  on  suc- 
cessional  plants  that  appear  before  the  fruit  should  be  removed,  except 
an  increase  of  stock  is  urgent,  and  then  the  fruit  is  more  or  less  sacrificed 
to  the  nuckers. 

At  this  time  of  the  year  it  is  usual  to  make  new  beds  of  fermenting 
material  and  prepare  them  for  the  young  plants.  Tan  is  the  best  for  the 
purpose,  retaining  its  heat  longer  than  any  other,  and  subsiding  least. 
In  forming  beds  of  it  place  lightly  together.  Oak  or  Beech  leaves  are  a 
good  substitute  for  tan,  which  should  now  be  collected,  and  as  dry  as 
possible.  The  leaves  should  be  firmly  pressed  so  that  they  may  not  sink 
much,  and  also  to  regulate  the  heat  and  prevent  it  from  becoming  too 
violent  and  soon  spent. 

Cucumbers. — The  temperature  should  be  maintained  at  70°  at  night, 
falling  6°  when  cold,  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially,  advancing  to  80°  or 
85°  with  sun  heat.  Admit  little  air  at  the  top  of  the  house  whenever 
the  weather  is  favourable,  but  it  must  be  done  without  lowering  the 
temperature,  it  being  better  to  shut  off  the  top  heat  for  an  hour  or  two 
when  the  sun  is  powerful  than  to  ventilate  when  the  wind  is  very  cold. 


October  26,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


887 


Except  on  very  fine  days  the  syringe  should  be  laid  aside,  using  it 
chiefly  for  damping  the  paths,  walls,  and  other  surfaces  in  the  morning 
and  afternoon  in  warm  bright  weather.  Supply  water  or  liquid  manure 
to  the  roots  as  required,  and  always  of  the  same  temperature  as  the 
house.  Cover  the  roots  with  warmed  soil  as  they  protrude,  and  sprinkle 
a  little  superphosphate  over  it  occasionally  as  an  incentive  of  root 
aetion. 

The  autumn  fruiters  being  now  in  full  bearing  must  not  be  over¬ 
cropped,  therefore  remove  the  fruit  when  it  attains  a  useable  size,  also 
all  deformed  fruit.  Examine  the  plants  at  least  once  a  week  for  the 
removal  of  bad  leaves,  and  for  stopping  the  shoots  a  joint  beyond  the 
show  for  fruit,  and  cutting  away  all  superfluous  growths.  Let  the 
winter  fruiters  advance  well  up  the  trellis  before  stopping  them,  training 
the  side  growths  right  and  left  of  the  stem,  and  not  too  closely,  so  as  to 
secure  well  developed  growth  and  foliage.  Allow  few  or  no  staminate 
flowers,  but  remove  them  with  tendrils  as  they  appear,  and  add  fresh 
warmed  soil  to  the  hillock  or  ridges  as  the  roots  show  at  the  sides. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Asparagus. — Not  till  the  tops  turn  to  a  yellow  colour  should 
these  be  cut  down,  and  then  only  to  within  about  4  inches  of  the  ground, 
the  stumps  being  left  by  way  of  an  indication  of  the  whereabouts  of 
the  crowns.  Seed  is  very  abundant  this  season,  and  if  strong  growths, 
heavily  furnished  with  berries,  are  suspended  in  a  cool,  dry  shed  the 
cleaning  will  be  a  very  simple  matter  next  spring.  The  custom  of 
heavily  dressing  the  beds  with  solid  manure,  the  soil  from  the 
alleys  being  deposited  on  this,  is  not  recommended.  It  keeps  the  beds 
cold  and  wet  during  the  winter,  and  destroys  good  roots  that  ought  to 
be  preserved.  If  Asparagus  beds  must  have  a  surfacing  of  rich  manure, 
defer  applying  it  till  next  February  or  March. 

Beet. — Whilst  the  mild  weather  lasts  the  roots  will  continue  to 
grow,  but  the  first  sharp  frost  will  check  further  progress.  If  a  little 
soil  could  be  drawn  up  to  the  plants  so  as  to  quite  cover  the  roots  they 
may  remain  where  they  are  for  some  time  longer,  but  if  left  exposed 
to  a  severe  frod  they  might  be  spoilt.  The  roots  are  safe  under  cover 
of  some  kind.  All  should  be  forked  out  of  the  ground  carefully,  snap¬ 
ping  the  thick  roots  meaning  a  loss  of  colour  throughout  by  bleeding, 
and  the  tops  ought  not  to  be  trimmed  off  too  close  to  the  crown.  If 
there  is  space  in  a  cool  shed  that  is  the  place  to  store  Beet,  all  being 
packed  crown  outwards  in  either  fine  soil  or  sand.  The  roots  may  also 
be  stored  in  a  cone-shaped  “  clamp,”  and  covered  with  straw  and  soil 
after  the  manner  of  Potatoes.  The  Turnip-rooted  forms  are  the  worst 
to  keep,  and  these  ought,  therefore,  to  be  used  first. 

Carrots. — Fully  grown  roots  of  these  are  also  best  out  of  the 
ground  before  severe  frosts  can  reach  them.  All  should  be  lightly 
cleaned,  and  the  tops  cut  off  nearly  close  to  the  crown,  being  then 
packed  in  sand  or  fine  soil,  much  as  advised  in  the  case  of  Beet.  Late 
Carrots  should  be  left  undisturbed.  They  will  continue  to  grow  when 
the  weather  is  mild,  and  are  much  more  tender  and  sweeter  when  pulled 
just  before  being  wanted  for  use.  Sowing  in  frames  on  gentle  hotbed 
should  commence  now,  especially  where  there  is  a  constant  demand 
for  quite  small  roots.  The  French  Forcing  is  the  best  for  autumn 
sowing. 

Otber  Boot  Crops. — Salsafy  and  Scorzonera  keep  the  best  in  the 
ground,  a  few  roots  being  lifted  and  stored  for  use  whenever  severe 
frosts  are  anticipated.  Treat  a  portion  of  the  crop  of  Turnips  similarly 
to  Carrots.  Chicory  may  either  be  lifted  and  stored  in  cool  quarters, 
the  tops  not  being  severely  shortened,  or  the  roots  can  be  left  in  the 
ground  and  be  lifted  according  as  a  few  are  wanted  for  placing  in  a 
Mushroom  house  or  cellar  to  produce  the  requisite  supplies  of  well 
blanched  leaves.  Parsnips  not  only  keep  better  in  the  ground  than  they 
do  when  lifted  and  stored  in  sheds,  but  the  quality  also  is  superior. 
Jerusalem  Artichokes  are  still  growing  strongly,  and  the  roots  will  be  of 
even  worse  shape  than  usual,  the  quality  also  suffering  from  this  second 
top  and  tuber  growth.  These  should  not  be  interfered  with  at  present. 
Later  on,  or  after  frosts  have  crippled  the  tops,  these  may  be  cut  down 
and  a  portion  of  the  beds  stiawed  over  so  as  to  admit  of  roots  being  dug 
if  wanted  at  any  time.  Onions  keep  the  longest  when  hung  up  in  cool 
dry  sheds  where  they  can  be  lightly  protected  if  need  be  during  the 
coldest  weather.  Binding  them  closely  and  neatly  to  stout  string  or 
short  sticks  is  good  wet  weather  work  for  the  men,  and  the  sooner  the 
bulk  of  the  roots  are  hung  up  the  better. 

Potatoes. — Much  of  the  work  of  Potato  lifting  has  been  already 
completed  in  the  majority  of  private  gardens,  and  during  dry  days 
should  be  persevered  with  in  the  open  fields  also.  The  sorting  over  and 
storing  ought  to  keep  pace  with  the  lifting.  All  the  “  ware  ”  tubers,  or 
those  intended  for  marketing  or  home  consumption,  should  be  placed  in 
one  heap,  good  medium-sized  tubers  being  selected  for  planting  next 
season,  quite  the  smallest,  and  any  found  slightly  diseased,  going  to  the 
pigs.  Large  numbers  of  “  ware  ”  Potatoes  are  best  stored  in  clamps,  or 
conical  heaps  not  more  than  4  feet  wide  at  the  base  and  of  any  length. 
These  should  be  formed  on  the  top  of  the  ground,  a  well-drained  site 
being  chosen  and  only  covered  with  straw  for  the  first  fortnight.  The 
whole  heap  should  then  be  turned,  beginning  at  one  end  and  re-forming 
the  heap  as  the  work  goes  on,  this  being  done  with  a  view  to  getting  rid 
of  all  that  have  thus  had  a  good  chance  of  showing  that  they  are  diseased. 
Re-cover  heavily  with  straw  or  strawy  litter,  and  then  bank  over  with 
soil  dug  from  round  and  about  I  foot  away  from  the  heap.  Potatoes 
will  keep  well  undug,  always  providing  the  rows  were  heavily  moulded 
up,  and  few  or  no  tubers  are  near  the  surface. 


Seed  Potatoes. — It  is  during  mild  autumns  when  so  many  seed  or 
planting  tubers  are  greatly  weakened,  and  in  many  cases  quite  spoilt  by 
premature  sprouting.  When  those  that  have  been  dug  earlier  in  the 
season  are  left  in  heaps  for  several  weeks  sprouting  inevitably  commences  ; 
long  weak  shoots  resulting,  unless  this  is  prevented  by  thinner  storing. 
The  Ashleafs  ought,  particularly,  to  be  set  up  on  ends  closely  together  in 
shallow  trays,  these  being  blocked  up  one  above  another  in  a  cool  light 
shed.  Thus  treated,  and  duly  protected  from  frosts,  they  will  not  lose 
their  first  strong  sprout,  and  heavier  and  earlier  crops  of  Potatoes  be  had 
next  season  accordingly.  It  is  scarcely  possible,  in  most  gardens,  to  treat 
the  tubers  of  main  crop  varieties  similarly  to  the  Ashleafs,  nor  is  this 
particularly  necessary  ;  but  these  ought,  however,  to  be  stored  as  thinly 
as  space  will  permit,  and  be  kept  cool.  Light  is  a  good  preventive  of 
premature  sprouting,  and  should  only  be  excluded  whenever  it  is  necessary 
to  afford  additional  protection  from  frosts.  The  best  results  invariably 
attend  the  practice  of  planting  well-kept,  medium-sized  tubers  whole,  it 
being  false  economy  to  reserve  the  small  Potatoes  for  planting  purposes . 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Hints  for  Beginners. 

(^Continued  from  page  365.) 

The  swarm-catcher  I  use  is  perhaps  the  first  of  the  kind  ever 
made,  and,  in  my  opinion,  is  still  superior  to  any  other.  It  consists 
of  a  light  box  of  wood  about  one- eighth  of  an  inch  thick,  or  of  wire 
cloth  lined  with  stout  calico,  but  fastened  at  the  bottom  edge  only, 
the  top  being  supplied  with  loops  and  cords  so  that  it  can  be  held 
up  or  lowered  when  the  bees  are  transferred  from  it  to  the  per¬ 
manent  hive  by  simply  loosing  the  cords.  The  weight  of  the  bees 
causes  the  bag  to  drop  to  the  top  of  the  hive,  and  the  bees  on  find¬ 
ing  the  slight  pressure  retreat  to  the  hive  beneath  in  a  few  seconds, 
thus  obviating  all  risks  of  them  or  the  queen  taking  a  second  flight, 
or  of  stranger  bees  joining  and  killing  the  queen.  The  poles 
generally  used  are  joined  by  ferrols  to  any  length,  and  have  on  the 
top  a  swivelled  arm  on  which  are  fitted  the  two  pulleys,  over  which 
the  cord  works  to  lower  the  swarm-catcher.  I  hope  the  foregoing 
may  be  sufficient  to  enable  the  beginner  to  make  one  for  his  own 
use.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  swarm-catcher  is  made  to 
go  inside  the  super-protector,  without  which  it  would  be  of  less 
value. 

SUPERING. 

After  hiving  comes  supering.  When  should  the  supers  be  put  on  ? 
is  a  question  oftener  asked  than  can  be  answered  satisfactorily. 
Supering  newly  hived  swarms,  and  the  size  of  hive  to  be  employed, 
are  matters  which  no  one  can  say  positively  what,  when  or  how 
everything  should  be  done.  Experience  alone  must  be  the  sure 
guide  to  beginners,  locality  and  season  being  potent  factors.  In 
order  to  assist  those  commencing  bee-keeping,  however,  we  shall 
suppose  a  prime  swarm  has  issued  and  is  safely  hived.  When  the 
honey  flow  is  great  the  hive  should  not  have  more  than  two 
divisions  ;  in  fact  in  one  division  having  full  sheets  of  foundation,  or 
some  wrought  out  combs  with  supers  added,  the  bees  will  take  to 
them  at  once,  and  when  comb  building  has  been  well  forward  in 
them,  say  in  two  days  after,  add  a  second  division  also  full  sheeted 
or  combed.  If  the  swarm  is  before  the  honey  flow  give  it  two 
or  the  three  divisions  according  to  the  time  ahead  and  strength  of 
swarm.  Generally  speaking,  a  prime  swarm  comes  to  full  strength 
and  swarming  point  again  in  from  five  to  six  weeks  after  being 
hived. 

If  a  prime  swarm  in  two  divisions  at  first  be  deprived  of  its 
queen  and  a  young  fertilised  one  introducsd,  and  at  the  same  time  a 
third  division  added,  swarming  for  some  time  will  be  delayed  if  not 
altogether  stopped.  The  same  treatment  applies  to  stocks  un¬ 
swarmed,  but  the  bee-keeper  must  determine  according  to  his  locality 
the  best  time  to  strengthen  hives  by  superseding  old  queens,  by 
introducing  young  ones,  or  the  joining  of  swarms.  These  should 
all  be  done  so  that  the  hives  may  be  in  full  strength  at  the  time 
of  the  greatest  honey  flow.  Thirty  days  elapse  from  the  time  the 
eggs  are  laid  till  the  bees  work  in  the  field,  but  inside  the  hive 
they  act  as  nurses,  and  others  work  shortly  after  birth. 

To  catch  the  flowers  at  the  proper  season  by  full  sf  ength 
hives  is  of  the  greatest  importance.  Sometimes  the  bee-keeper  is 
greatly  taxed  how  best  to  accomplish  that,  and  manipulations  have 
occasionally  to  be  resorted  to  to  accomplish  that  in  some  localities 
that  are  quite  unnecessary  in  others.  —  A  Lanarkshire 
Bee-keeper. 

(To  be  continued.) 


868 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  October  26,  1893. 


Bee-keeping— Teaching  Beginners. 

Can  you  tell  me  of  a  useful  little  work  on  bees,  very  sirnple 
and  suited  to  a  beginner  ?  We  have  about  eight  hives,  and  since 
the  sudden  death  of  a  brother  in  the  summer  no  one  understands 
how  to  manage  them.  A  bee-master  took  the  honey  for  us  about 
the  beginning  of  August,  and  reported  the  swarms  strong  and 
healthy  ;  but  as  he  does  not  come  again  till  the  spring,  I  wished  to 
ask  if  there  is  anything  to  be  done  in  the  meantime.  We  have 
“  Modern  Bee-keeping,”  a  handbook  for  cottagers,  but  perhaps  you 
can  recommend  me  something  better  ? — W .  H.  B. 

[As  there  is  no  royal  road  to  learning,  so  there  is  no  book  which 
alone  can  teach  beginners  sufficiently,  and  guide  them  in  all  matters 
connected  with  bees.  Nature’s  book,  and  with  it  experience,  form 
the  best  groundwork  for  the  young  apiarist.  Neighbour’s  “  Apiary, 
and  the  “  A.  B.  C.  Book,”  by  A.  T.  Root,  are  perhaps  as  good  as 
any,  the  latter  touching  upon  many  things  not  otherwise  found  in 
bee  boooks. 

The  bee-master  who  took  the  honey  in  August,  and  reported 
the  swarms  strong  and  healthy,  should  have  told  you  whether  there 
was  sufficient  food  in  the  hive  to  last  till  late  in  the  spring  ;  it 
ought  then  to  have  been  not  less  than  35  lbs.,  and  at  the  present 
date  20  to  30  lbs.  He  should  also  have  shown  you  how 
to  feed  and  protect  the  hives  against  the  frost  and  storms  of 


Grubs  in  Cyclamen  Pots  (A.). — The  grubs  are  the  larvse  of  a 
destructive  weevil  (Otiorhynchus),  a  brownish  beetle-like  creature 
which  feeds  chiefly  at  night  on  various  kinds  of  plants,  and  may  be 
found  with  the  aid  of  a  lantern  and  destroyed.  The  grubs  are  difficult 
to  destroy — a  decoction  of  hellebore  made  by  dissolving  2  ozs.  of  the 
powder  in  a  gallon  of  hot  water  and  applied  at  a  temperature  of  over 
100°  might  be  tried.  It  would  not  injure  the  plants. 

IVIarechal  Nlel  Roses  (<9.  A). — We  should  not  have  adopted 
your  practice,  though  we  hope  no  material  harm  will  result.  The  roots 
would  no  doubt  strike  downwards  and  find  the  moisture  you  have 
denied  them  near  the  surface.  Root-drying  does  not  always  mean  wood¬ 
ripening,  as  has  been  over  and  over  again  indicated  in  our  columns,  but 
often  means  wood-starving.  We  advise  you  to  make  the  border  moist 
right  through  in  the  best  way  you  can,  using  pure  water,  then  a  week 
afterwards  follow  with  good  liquid  manure. 

Prices  of  Brick  and  Concrete  Garden  Walls  (TF.  J/.  B.'). 

— The  prices  vary  with  the  material,  distance  of  carriage,  and  labour. 
A  9-inch  thickness  will  do  for, a  wall  of  6  feet  height,  and  with  bricks  of 
good  quality,  cost  about  3s.  9d.  per  superficial  yard,  including  footings 
and  copings.  Concrete  walls  generally  “  batter  ”  upwards  to  9  inches 
from  a  base  of  15  inches,  and  equally  on  both  sides.  If  the  materials 
have  to  be  bought  and  cement  is  used  the  cost  is  about  the  same  as 
a  brick  wall,  generally  4s.  per  superficial  yard.  Where  the  materials 
are  handy  and  the  work  done  by  skilled  labourers  the  cost  is  consider¬ 
ably  less. 


■winter.  _  i  j. 

If  the  hives  are  not  provided  with  sufficient  food  supply  it  at 
once  until  they  have  at  last  20  lbs.  each  stored.  If  single-cased 
(by  far  the  best)  wrap  several  plies  of  woollen  or  other  material 
around  them,  then  over  that  an  oilcloth  or  an  archangel  mat, 
covering  the  top  of  the  frames  with  a  porous  quilt  of  some  sort, 
then  over  that  some  dried  grass  or  several  inches  of  soft  woollen 
material. 

A  ventilating  floor  is  the  safety  valve  of  every  hive.  As  a 
makeshift  a  rim  3  or  4  inches  deep  covered  with  perforated  zinc, 
seven  holes  to  the  inch  laid  on  the  top,  not  nailed,  keeping  the 
original  floor  beneath  all.  Be  sure  the  top  is  defended  by  a  water¬ 
proof  covering  of  cloth  or  iron  so  placed  as  to  leave  a  free  current 
of  air  between  it  and  the  covering.  "The  Journal  of  Horticulture  is  the 
best  instructor.  The  articles  appearing  weekly  for  the  guidance  of 
beginners,  if  read  and  thought  over,  will  enable  anyone  to  become 
proficient  in  a  year.  Some  of  the  greatest  achievements  in  modern 
bee-keeping  were  learned  first  from  its  pages. — A  Lanarkshire 
Bee-keeper.] 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Little  &  Ballantyne,  Carlisle. — Trees,  Roses,  Herbaceous,  Stove  and 
Greenhouse  Plants. 

The  Surrey  Orchard  Co.,  Redhill. — Bulbs. 

Charles  Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough. — Roses,  Fruit  Irees,  and 
Nursery  Stoch. 


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

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

Covering  Glass  Structures  In  Winter  (Ji  Everaerts). — You  act 
wisely  in  drawing  down  your  lattice  and  other  blinds  over  the  roofs  of 
your  houses  in  winter  to  prevent  loss  of  heat  by  radiation  and  consequent 
waste  in  fuel.  We  do  not  understand  why  the  custom  is  not  more 
general,  but  we  know  that  in  many  instances  it  would  be  advantageous 
to  use  blinds  less  in  summer  and  more  in  winter.  If  growers  of 
Chrysanthemums  were  to  use  blinds  over  the  plants  on  clear  cold  nights, 
the  damping  and  premature  decay  of  many  blooms  would  be  prevented. 
The  use  of  good  blinds  in  winter  would  considerably  lessen  the 
onsumption  of  fuel, 
c 


Dressing  the  Wounds  of  Apple  Tree  (^Inquirer'). — It  was  not 
intended  to  deprecate  the  use  of  pigments  for  dressing  the  wounds 
caused  by  cutting  oil  large  limbs,  but  we  have  seen  disastrous  con¬ 
sequences  follow  the  use  of  gas  tar  on  fruit  trees,  and  do  not  advocate 
its  use  on  any  tree  with  a  smooth  bark,  as  Apple  trees  ought  to  have 
to  be  healthy  and  fruitful.  It  is  usual  to  dress  the  wounds  of  forest 
trees  with  gas  tar  (or  preferably  lead-coloured  paint),  and  no  injurious 
results  follow,  in  consequence  of  the  thickness  of  the  bark,  whilst 
the  pores  of  the  wood  are  closed  by  the  pigment.  For  any  cuts  such 
as  you  allude  to  we  should  prefer  lead-coloured  paint  to  gas  tar,  but 
for  the  cankered  wounds  proceed  as  advised  with  the  sulphate  of  copper 
solution,  washing  them  well  out,  and  then  apply  a  plaster  of  cow 
manure  and  clay  to  encourage  the  growth  of  the  bark  over  the  wound. 
The  sulphate  of  copper  solution  is  in  nowise  a  preserver  of  the  wood 
from  wet,  but  it  acts  fatally  on  fungi  and  their  germs. 

Transparent  Patches  In  Apple  Fiesta  (i2.  I.  Z.). — The  hard 
wax-like  patches  on  the  Apple  consist  of  pulp  of  greater  density  than 
the  other  parts  of  the  fruit,  the  cell  walls  having  been  ruptured, 
probably  on  account  of  their  thinness,  and  the  extravasated  juices  are 
retained,  giving  the  blotches  a  firm  transparent  appearance.  There  are, 
of  course,  no  air  spaces  in  this  part  of  the  fruit,  but  there  is  a  certain 
amount  of  air,  as  air  bubbles  form  on  the  microscopic  section,  and  a  few 
perfect  cells  exist  amid  the  gelatinous-like  flesh  forming  the  blotches. 
In  the  other  parts  of  the  fruit  the  cells  are  unusually  large,  and  the 
flesh  is  much  softer  and  lighter.  The  substance  proceeds  directly  from 
the  internal  parts  of  the  fruit,  and  is  intimately  connected  with  the 
carpel  or  core.  Its  extravasation  is  most  pronounced  in  hot  soils 
and  seasons,  and  is  restricted  to  certain  races,  such  as  the  Muscovy  or 
White  Astrachan  (Transparent  Apple),  which  is  remarkable  for  its 
gelatinous- like  blotches  in  the  flesh,  and  sometimes  the  whole  fruit  is 
transparent,  with  a  texture  of  flesh  resembling  a  stone  fruit,  and  very 
crisp,  juicy,  and  richly  flavoured.  The  transparent  blotches  sometimes 
occur  in  Gravenstein  and  in  some  of  the  Calvilles.  It  is  not  a  disease, 
but  a  peculiaiity  of  type,  transmittible  from  the  parent  and  inherent 
in  the  progeny.  The  threads  pervading  the  gelatinous-like  substance 
are  not  fungal,  but  belong  to  the  cells  which  have  had  their  juices 
extravasated. 

IMCaklng  a  Vine  Border  (^George'). — As  there  is  about  to  3  feet 
of  good  soil  resting  on  rather  sandy  gravel,  we  should  not  for  marketing 
purposes  indulge  in  a  costly  border,  for  if  profits  are  to  be  realised  in 
these  days  of  keen  competition,  it  must  be  by  strict  economy  both  as 
regards  capital  and  labour.  If  the  soil  is  naturally  well  drained,  water 
not  lodging  in  the  sandy  gravel,  nor  at  any  time  rising  to  within  4  feet 
of  the  surface,  but  percolating  away  to  lower  ground  as  it  falls  and 
passes  through  the  soil,  there  will  not  be  any  necessity  for  tile  drains  to 
carry  off  the  otherwise  superfluous  water.  Rubble  for  drainage  will  not 
be  necessary,  and  all  you  need  do  is  to  chop  the  turf  up  rather  roughly, 
mix  with  it  the  lime  rubbish  and  a  quarter  of  the  fowl  manure,  place  on 
the  border  evenly,  and  mix  the  whole  with  the  good  soil  by  trenching, 
so  as  to  form  a  staple  2J  feet  deep,  loosening  the  soil  at  the  bottom,  and 
leaving  it  there.  This  border  will  grow  as  good  Grapes  as  need  be  with 
d  ue  attention  to  surface  dressings  and  supplies  of  water  or  liquid  manure. 
Where  water  lodges  in  the  subsoil,  an  excavation  should  be  made  3  feet 
deep  down  to  the  sandy  gravel,  with  the  bottom  sloping  to  a  drain  at 
the  front  and  longitudinally  of  the  proposed  house,  having  the  drain 
about  1  foot  below  the  bottom  of  the  border,  with  proper  fall  and  outlet, 
placing  rubble  on  the  4-lnch  drain  level  with  the  bottom  of  the  border. 
The  front  wall  of  the  house  should  be  arched  so  that  the  roots  may  pass 
from  the  inside  to  the  outside  border,  9-inch  pillars  sufficing,  with  skew- 
back  arches,  the  under  side  of  their  crowns  being  level  with  the  proposed 
level  of  the  border,  and  about  a  foot  of  brickwork  above  the  crown  of 
the  arches  will  be  sufficient  height  of  wall  in  front  and  at  the  ends. 
About  3  feet  height  of  front  lights  opening  the  entire  length  of  the  house, 
or  every  other  light  at  least,  will  be  necessary.  Top  lights  will  also  be 
necessary  in  the  sloping  roof,  about  2\  feet  wide,  and  preferably  opening 


November  2,  1893.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


391 


Perhaps  at  no  season  of  the  year  do  the  eyes  of  those  who 
revel  in  exquisite  tints  and  infinite  gradations  of  colour  find 
so  much  to  admire  as  during  the  autumn,  when  the  surface  of  every 
woodland,  and  that  of  numerous  groups  or  belts  of  trees,  exhibit 
the  unapproachable  beauty  of  Nature’s  colour  blending.  The 
spring,  with  its  tender  green  leaves  and  blossoms  of  pristine 
beauty  ;  the  summer,  with  its  sunny  skies,  waving  crops,  gorgeous 
flowers,  and  deep  green  leaves  have  each  a  beauty  of  their  own  ; 
but  to  the  leaves  of  autumn  must  be  awarded  the  prim  for 
the  display  of  the  greatest  diversity  of  rich  tints,  which  each 
year  teach  us  useful  lessons  in  the  boundless  art  of  colour 
blending. 

The  enjoyment  to  be  obtained  from  a  studied  survey  of  autumn 
foliage  and  berries  is  not  confined  to  the  views  noticed  in  the 
open  air,  for  with  such  a  wealth  of  materials  before  us  we 
have  learned  to  utilise  them  for  artistic  adornment  in  many  ways. 
At  the  harvest  festivals  in  our  churches  they,  in  combination  with 
fruit  and  flowers,  are  befittingly  employed  to  show  the  varied 
bounty  of  Heaven’s  gifts,  and  add  a  higher  touch  of  beauty  to  the 
buildings  wrought  by  human  hands.  In  the  embellishment  of  the 
homes  of  the  affluent  they  also  play  an  important  part,  and  those 
who  carry  out  this  kind  of  work  look  with  pleasure  on  the  autumn 
season,  when,  by  the  aid  of  the  rich  materials  at  their  command, 
artistic  arrangements  and  unique  effects  are  easily  produced.  Few 
receptacles  are  better  adapted  to  displaying  branches  and  shoots  of 
autumn  foliage  than  tall  trumpet-shaped  glasses.  We  have  recently 
been  filling  such  with  branches  of  Beech  covered  with  bright  brown 
leaves,  long  shoots  of  Dogwood  carrying  bold  crimson  foliage, 
graceful  plumes  of  Asparagus  dotted  with  red  berries,  Ampelopsis 
sprays,  and  drooping  Larch  shoots  arranged  so  as  to  hang  in 
thinly  disposed  festoons  of  waving  lengths  over  the  sides  of  the 
glass.  Specimen  blooms  of  that  fine  Chrysanthemum  Mons. 
R.  Bahuant,  cut  with  long  stems,  and  arranged  with  shoots  of 
Dogwood  and  Berberis  aquifolium  bearing  well  coloured  leaves, 
have  been  greatly  admired.  White  Chrysanthemums,  or  others 
having  bronze  shades  of  colour,  look  exceedingly  effective  when 
given  a  background  formed  of  shoots  of  this  Berberis.  Indeed, 
the  leaves  of  this  useful  shrub,  obtained  from  plants  growing  in 
different  positions,  exhibit  such  a  great  variety  of  colour  that  they 
are  invaluable  for  arranging  with  many  flowers  of  bold  type. 
Leaves  on  the  same  shoot  sometimes  vary  from  a  dull  bronze  to 
bright  red. 

Few  things  are  more  striking  when  employed  as  tracing  for 
dinner-table  decoration  than  these  coloured  leaves,  as  they  are 
bold  and  distinct  in  outline  as  well  as  beautiful  in  colour.  Shoots 
of  the  common  Plane  tree  about  the  middle  of  October  we  find 
very  useful  for  mingling  with  other  foliage,  the  pale  green  in  the 
centre  of  the  leaves,  shaded  to  light  yellow  at  the  edges,  supply 
shades  of  colour  which  harmonise  so  well  with  the  richer  tints  of 
other  leaves.  I  do  not  remember  to  have  previously  seen  autumn 
foliage  so  generally  good  as  it  has  been  this  year  ;  the  recent  rains 
acting  on  a  warm  parched  soil  seem  to  have  had  the  effect  of 
infusing  a  glow  of  colour  into  leaves  which  at  one  time  were  turn¬ 
ing  a  rusty  brown,  quite  unattractive  when  compared  with  their 
appearance  now.  A  large  Horse  Chestnut  overhanging  a  lake  in 
the  park  here  has  during  the  last  fortnight  been  a  picture  of 

No.  697. — VoL,  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


surpassing  beauty.  The  groundwork  of  the  leaves  is  of  a  bright 
yellow  colour.  On  each  side  of  the  ribs  streaks  of  bronzy  rod  show 
up  distinctly  ;  these  streaks  are  gradually  shaded  and  suffused  with 
dull  rose  and  pale  pink.  The  effect  produced  by  this  large  surface 
of  bright,  yet  exquisitely  shaded  colours,  rivets  the  attention  of 
every  beholder. 

The  Deciduous  Cypress  (Taxodium  distichum)  also  contributes 
telling  autumn  foliage,  and  is  well  worthy  of  planting  on  that 
account,  especially  in  the  vicinity  of  masses  of  large  specimens  of 
the  various  kinds  of  Laurels ;  the  bright  brown  colour  of  this 
Taxodium  is  then  shown  up  to  the  best  advantage.  For  arranging 
with  other  foliage  in  a  cut  state  it  is  also  excellent,  as  its  Fern-like 
branches  supply  the  light  feathery  material  needed  for  mixing  with 
bolder  foliage.  Many  other  trees  and  shrubs  might  be  enumerated 
which  supply  foliage  of  rich  colour  to  brighten  the  landscape  or 
adorn  the  interior  of  “  England’s  stately  homes.”  There  is,  how¬ 
ever,  one  member  of  the  vegetable  kingdom  whose  usual  place  is 
in  the  precinct  of  the  kitchen  garden,  which  must  be  mentioned  in 
connection  with  this  subject.  I  refer  to  the  shapely  Carrot,  the 
coloured  tops  of  which  can  vie  in  beauty  at  the  present  season  with 
the  fronds  or  leaves  of  the  choicest  exotic.  The  great  diversity  of 
colour  to  be  found  in  Carrot  tops  renders  them  especially  suitable 
for  mixing  with  flowers  of  all  shades.  We  frequently  place  a 
groundwork  of  them  in  large  bowls  of  low  glasses,  and  then  dot 
among  them  trusses  of  Madame  Crousse  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums, 
which  combination  is  both  novel  and  pleasing.  The  rose-coloured 
flowers  of  Anemone  japonica,  and  others  of  similar  shades,  as  well 
as  all  white  ones,  are  also  exceedingly  effective  when  loosely 
arranged  with  these  beautifully  coloured  Fern-like  leaves.  I  ought 
previously  to  have  mentioned  that  shoots  of  the  various  varieties 
of  Ghent  Azaleas  have  now  some  of  the  most  brilliantly  coloured 
leaves  to  be  met  with,  which  render  the  beds  occupied  with  them 
almost  as  showy  as  when  in  flower.  When  shoots  are  employed 
for  decorative  purposes  in  a  cut  state  I  find  the  leaves  adhere  to 
them  until  quite  withered,  and  last  a  long  time  in  good  condition. 
Cut  only  those  shoots  which  have  no  central  flower  bud,  otherwise 
the  beauty  of  blossoming  time  will  be  much  curtailed. 

Turning  to  the  many  forms  of  autumn  berries  we  find  the 
various  species  and  varieties  of  Crataegus  produce  them  in 
abundance.  Perhaps  the  most  showy  among  them  are  the  clusters 
of  bright  scarlet  ones  borne  on  the  branches  of  C.  pyracantha. 
These  are  well  adapted  for  arranging  with  the  paler- tinted  leaves, 
judiciously  intermixed  with  others  of  deep  green,  a  few  Grasses 
afterwards  being  added  to  give  lightness  and  finish.  The  common 
Hawthorn,  C.  oxyacantha,  is  this  year  loaded  with  “  haws.”  Large 
branches  may  frequently  be  cut  from  trees  and  hedgerows  without 
injury  to  either.  These  look  particularly  well  if  placed  in  tall 
trumpet-shaped  glasses.  They  should  be  thinly  disposed,  and 
allowed  to  hang  well  over  the  sides  ;  the  arched  branches  then 
exhibit  their  natural  grace,  and  do  not  require  associating  with  other 
materials  to  display  them  to  the  best  advantage.  The  rich  purple 
berries  of  the  common  Privet,  bright  scarlet  “  hips '’  of  the  Dog 
Rose,  large  dark  coloured  clusters  of  Elder  berries,  each  in  turn 
prove  welcome  for  indoor  adornment.  Euonymus  europmus  (the 
Spindle  Tree),  with  its  long  elegant  branches  on  which  rose-scarlet 
berries  are  freely  produced,  yields  the  palm  to  none  in  its  appro¬ 
priateness  for  basket  and  vase  decoration.  It  is  deserving  of  more 
extended  cultivation,  for  it  thrives  in  dry  stony  places  where  many 
other  things  do  not.  In  some  parts  of  the  country  the  Spindle 
Tree  grows  abundantly  in  the  hedgerows,  and  is  very  beautiful. 

With  the  materials  already  alluded  to  dwelling  rooms  may  be 
made  bright  and  attractive  without  employing  a  single  flower,  though 
when  foliage,  berries,  and  flowers  are  each  used  the  highest  artistic 
effects  are  produced,  but  at  the  present  season  I  always  like  to 
arrange  one  basket  or  vase  in  each  room  entirely  with  foliage  and 
berries,  as  they  seem  to  mark  the  progress  of  the  waning  year. — 
H.  D UNKIN,  Castle  Gardens,  Warwick. 

No.  236.S. — VOL.  LXXXIX.,  OLD  Series. 


332 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893. 


TOMATOES  m  1893. 

The  past  season,  so  far  as  my  recollection  goes,  has  been  about 
the  best  I  have  ever  known  for  outdoor  Tomatoes.  Plants  that 
were  turned  out  of  6-inch  pots  the  end  of  May  and  with  the  first 
trusses  of  bloom  showing  had  some  ripe  fruits  before  June  was  out, 
and  throughout  July  and  August  fruited  abundantly.  They  were 
planted  against  a  south  wall  in  vacant  places  between  the  fruit 
trees,  and  supplied  with  water  about  twice  a  week.  These  plants 
were  raised  from  seed  sown  the  end  of  March,  but  the  general 
sowing  for  outdoors  I  made  about  the  middle  of  April.  The  varie¬ 
ties  grown  here  this  year  were  Ham  Green  Favourite,  Conference, 
Challenger,  Ladybird,  and  also  a  good  local  sort,  but  other  kinds, 
such  as  Perfection,  Sutton’s  Maincrop,  and  Sutton’s  Al,  grown 
in  neighbouring  gardens,  have  done  remarkably  well.  The  weather 
was  so  dry  throughout  the  summer  that  more  water  than  is  usually 
necessary  was  required. 

Some  seedlings  of  Challenger  and  Ham  Green  Favourite  that 
were  left  in  the  seed  pots,  and  about  2  inches  high,  were  potted  the 
beginning  of  June,  grown  quickly  on  a  shelf  in  a  Cucumber  house 
for  a  fortnight,  then  hardened  off  for  a  week,  and  planted  against 
a  south  border  a  yard  asunder.  A  strong  stake  3  to  4  feet  high 
was  thrust  in  at  the  same  time  for  each  plant  to  be  tied  to.  There 
were  two  dozen  plants  of  each  of  these  varieties,  and  they  have 
given  less  trouble  and  produced  finer  bunches  and  more  weight  of 
fruit  than  any  forty-eight  plants  against  the  wall.  The  ground  had 
been  newly  dug,  and  although  the  weather  was  so  dry  in  May, 
the  soil  was  moderately  moist,  also  warm,  so  the  Tomatoes  grew 
quickly,  and  reached  the  top  of  the  stakes  in  a  much  shorter  time 
than  I  had  ever  seen  before.  When  the  fourth  truss  of  flower  on 
each  plant  was  seen  the  point  was  pinched  out  and  all  further 
growth  was  suppressed.  As  they  grew,  all  side  laterals  were 
pinched  out,  and  when  the  fruit  was  fairly  set  some  of  the  large 
robust  leaves  were  reduced  one-half.  Some  of  the  clusters  weighed 
more  than  2  lbs.,  none  less  than  1^-  lb.,  and  the  fruits  were  even 
and  finely  shaped. 

I  believe,  and  I  have  often  done  it  myself,  that  Tomato  seeds  to 
produce  plants  for  the  open  air  are  sown  much  too  soon.  The 
plants  become  root-bound  before  the  weather  is  such  that  they  can  be 
safely  turned  outdoors.  The  middle  of  April  is  quite  soon  enough 
to  sow  the  seed  in  heat,  and  when  the  plants  appear  they  should, 
as  soon  as  possible,  be  moved  to  a  shelf  in  a  sunny  greenhouse  to 
keep  them  sturdy.  After  potting  an  intermediate  temperature  is 
best  for  a  fortnight,  and  then  another  fortnight  in  a  greenhouse  or 
frame,  with  plenty  of  air  if  the  weather  permits.  One  point  of 
importance  is  not  to  plant  in  open  quarters  till  the  ground  gets 
fairly  warm.  It  may  be  warm  enough  under  a  south  wall  the  end 
of  May,  but  in  the  open  the  middle  of  June  is  better.  Too  much 
stripping  of  the  leaves  I  do  not  believe  in,  but  keeping  the  ground 
very  clean  with  a  Dutch  hoe  between  the  plants  is  good  for  them  ; 
the  frequent  stirring  and  clean  surface  of  the  soil  acts  like  a  wall 
in  radiating  the  sun  heat  about  the  plants.  A  yard  each  way  from 
plant  to  plant  is  not  too  much  space.  If  only  four  bunches  of  a 
pound  each  be  obtained  from  each  plant  it  will  well  repay  the 
cultivator,  but  the  past  season  has  given  more. — A.  Harding, 
Orton  IlalL 


SOILS  AND  CLIMATIC  CONDITIONS  IN  RELA¬ 

TION  TO  HARDY  FRUIT  CULTURE. 

According  to  the  theory  of  the  author  of  a  paper  I  perused  some 
time  since,  which  treated  conjointly  on  geology  and  horticultural 
chemistry,  certain  of  the  constituents  of  good  soils  required  the 
agency  of  favourable  climatic  conditions  to  liberate  them  which 
otherwise  would  be  held  in  suspension.  Such  a  theoiy  is,  of  course, 
endorsed  by  recognised  authorities  on  the  latter  of  the  two  sciences 
referred  to,  and  the  writer  further  indicated  that  such  favourable 
climatic  conditions  formed  one  of  the  chief  reasons  why  most  foreign 
products  were  so  perfectly  developed  and  matured.  On  looking  back  at 
garden  crops  in  general,  and  hardy  fruits  in  particular,  of  the  past  season, 
it  is  seldom  indeed  that  northern  cultivators  are  enabled  to  record  a 
counterpart  in  experience  approaching  so  nearly  to  the  standard  of 
perfection  set  forth  in  the  text  just  quoted.  In  the  latter  depart¬ 
ment  especially  Apples  in  this  county  (Ayrshire),  taking  size,  quality, 
and  finish  into  calculation,  have  been  pronounced  an  unprecedented 
display  at  least  at  one  of  the  two  principal  county  exhibitions.  Seme 
of  the  most  conspicuous  examples  of  high  culture  among  culinary 
sorts  included  Ecklinville  Seedling,  Warner’s  King,  Emperor 
Alexander,  Cellini,  and  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch.  The  latter  variety 
heads  the  list  for  weight,  a  first  prize  stand  containing  six  superb 
specimens,  which  were  said  to  average  within  a  fraction  of  1  lb. 
each.  These  were  grown  at  Trochrague  Gardens  in  the  valley  of  the 
Girvan  River.  The  mean  temperature  in  that  locality  is  somewhat 


higher  and  the  atmosphere  more  humid  than  in  most  other  parts  of 
the  county,  the  soil  in  the  gardens  being  heavy.  Mr.  Goldie,  the 
gardener,  informed  me  that  his  stand  of  Apples  was  selected  from 
a  tree  bearing  an  aggregate  number  of  200  fruits  or  thereby. 

Referring  to  Ap])le8  from  wall  trees  growing  in  soil  having 
a  tendency  to  a  light  texture,  I  have  noted  that  the  fruits  of  some 
varieties  on  a  south  aspect,  although  better  coloured  and  flavoured, 
are  not  up  to  the  size  they  attained  in  wetter  seasons,  of  which  may 
be  instanced  Early  Harvest  and  Lord  Suflreld.  On  the  other  hand 
Ribston  Pippin  and  Greenup’s  Pippin  are  of  full  size  and  well 
finished,  which  is  unusual  for  the  latter  at  the  middle  of  September 
so  far  north.  A  few  fruits  of  Grange’s  Pippin  ripened  a  few  days 
latter  on  a  west  aspect.  These  were  also  of  fair  size,  and  in  common 
with  the  two  last  named  varieties  were  from  a  young  tree.  An  old 
tree  of  Ribston  Pippin  on  a  south  aspect  yielded  a  gathering  of 
very  fine  specimens,  although  taken  as  a  whole  they  were  not  so 
evenly  in  size  as  from  the  younger  tree  on  the  same  exposure,  but 
decidedly  a  better  crop  in  every  respect  than  for  many  years  past. 
A  young  tree  of  Cellini,  a  choice  culinary  sort,  on  a  west  aspect, 
produced  a  crop  of  good  size  and  extra  colour.  Another  useful  and 
handsome  looking  culinary  variety  is  Saltmarsh’s  Queen,  but  the 
only  tree  we  had  was  necessarily  allocated  to  an  eastern  aspect 
where  the  solar  conditions  are  less  favourable  for  the  full  develop¬ 
ment  of  most  Apples.  Here  it  carried  a  good  crop  of  medium  but 
evenly  sized  fruits  though  lacking  in  finish.  Among  a  number  of 
old  trees  in  an  orchard  'we  have  a  few  of  the  Gravenstein  Pippin 
These,  which  for  several  years  past  have  steadily  deteriorated  in  size 
and  quality,  have  this  season  produced  abundant  crops  of  greatly 
improved  fruits  in  the  above  respects,  many  of  them  being  extra  well 
coloured.  Occasional  applications  of  sewage  water  diluted  no 
doubt  contributed  considerably  to  the  combined  conditions  necessary 
for  the  swelling  of  the  fruit. 

Taken  in  the  aggregate.  Pears  grown  in  the  same  description  of 
soil  as  Apples  have  been  more  uniform,  this  result  being  probably  due 
to  some  extent  to  the  general  condition  of  the  trees  with  regard  to 
vigour.  Among  early  varieties  on  south  and  west  aspects  Beurre 
d’Amanlis,  Jargonelle,  Williams'  Bon  Chretien,  and  Hessle  have 
been  especially  good.  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  occupying  a  position 
facing  south-west,  has  ripened  much  earlier  than  was  expected,  even 
making  allowance  for  the  extra  warmth  that  has  prevailed,  but  being 
an  old  tree  about  half  of  the  fruits  were  only  of  medium  size,  but 
highly  coloured.  Marie  Louise,  Beurre  Diel,  and  Durondeau,  the  two 
former  on  a  south  and  the  latter  on  a  west  aspect,  have  all  attained 
an  unusually  uniform  and  handsome  size.  Muirfowl’s  Egg,  a  sure 
bearer  in  all  sorts  of  seasons,  although  not  small  in  size  of  fruits, 
is  hardly  up  to  the  average  of  moister  seasons.  Beurre  Capiaumont, 
on  a  young  tree  and  also  on  a  south  aspect,  has  borne  a  rather  heavy 
crop  of  good  and  evenly  sized  fruits.  As  many  of  the  fruits  on 
standards  were  blown  off  during  the  great  gale  of  the  21st  of 
August,  I  am  unable  to  give  further  notes  on  Pears  approaching  to 
accuracy. 

In  summing  up  it  is  unmistakeably  evident  that  as  results  of 
the  almost  entire  absence  of  frost  last  spring,  together  with  the  higher 
average  temperature  of  the  past  summer  as  compared  with  most 
seasons.  Apples  and  Pears  on  comparatively  young  trees  have  been 
extra  large,  well  coloured,  and  the  flavour  excellent,  also  that  the 
produce  of  vigorous  old  trees  have  shown  an  appreciable  improve¬ 
ment  in  similar  respects.  The  crops  of  Plums  of  most  varieties 
grown  in  the  gardens  from  which  I  write  and  also  in  the  surrounding 
districts  have  been  above  the  average  in  total  weight,  while  the 
quality  marks  a  high  order.  Soils,  situation,  and  cultural  treatment, 
however,  affect  the  merits  of  fruits  in  a  greater  or  lesser  degree,  and 
a  series  of  reports  only  from  different  localities  and  cultivators 
would  convey  an  approximately  correct  estimate  of  the  fruit  crops 
throughout  the  country,  and  of  the  cultural  and  climatic  conditions 
upon  which  they  depend.  Such  reports  would  no  doubt  be  welcomed 
by  all  interested  in  pomology,  including  your  correspondent. — 
D.  M.,  Ayrshire. 


INSECTS  OF  THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

(^Concluded  from  2}age  270.) 

It  may  seem  odd  that  in  the  cheese-mite  group,  so  called,  there 
should  be  several  species  which  live  in  the  garden,  and  are 
mischievous  to  flowers  ;  yet  such  is  the  case,  while  others  of  the 
group  are  either  of  predatory  habit  or  they  resort  to  decaying 
animal  substances.  Cheese  being  an  artificial  compound  it  is 
evident  that  before  man  made  it  even  the  veritable  cheese-mites 
must  have  found  some  other  animal  or  vegetable  food.  As  we 
know  that  one  section  of  these  mites  feed  upon  bulbs,  tubers,  or 
fleshy  roots,  it  is  possible  these  may  be  the  natural  food  of  most, 
but  the  possession  of  a  sucker  by  some  species,  and  not  by  others, 
indicates  differences  of  habit  amongst  them.  It  does  not  seem  that 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


893 


•m 


the  cheese-mites  change  their  diet,  however,  after  the  manner  of 
their  brethren,  the  harvest-mites,  though  some  of  them  differ  so 
much  in  appearance  when  they  are  adult  that  it  has  been  suggested 
they  may  be  frequently  the  victims  of  a  parasitic  mite  of  equal 
size.  A  good  deal  of  attention  of  late  years  has  been  drawn  to 
one  which  has  received  the  name  of  the  Eucharis  mite,  owing  to 
the  frequency  of  its  attacks  upon  this  plant  ;  but  it  does  not  con¬ 
fine  itself  to  that  bulb,  nor  indeed  to  others,  for  I  believe  there  is 
proof  that  though  seldom  noticed,  the  mite  also  visits  a  variety 
of  roots. 

If  we  examine  a  specimen  of  what  was  at  first  named  Acarus 
Hyacinthi,  now  known  as  Rhizoglyphus  echinopus,  we  see  a  smooth, 
whitish  mite,  having  a  rounded  body  ;  both  this  and  the  legs  are 
studded  with  hairs,  but  those  on  the  back  are  simple,  and  those  on 
the  legs  bristly.  The  mandibles  or  jaws  are  in  shape  very  much 
like  the  claws  of  a  crab,  and  by  these  they  injure  bulbs  and  roots  ; 
the  head  is  small,  and  in  walking  the  mite  lowers  it  between  the 
fore  legs.  Living,  as  this  insect  does,  between  the  scales  of  bulbs, 
it  remains  undetected,  often,  till  the  plant  is  beyond  recovery. 
Boisduval  first  observed  it  on  the  Hyacinth,  but  many  Liliaceous 
species  have  been  found  to  be  subject  to  its  attacks,  and  especially 
in  spring  and  autumn.  Probably  specimens,  young  or  mature, 
sometimes  lurk  in  bulbs  that  are  kept  in  stock  ready  for  planting, 
or  that  are  transferred  in  commerce.  A  peculiar  form  of  skin 
irritation,  which  has  affected  persons  who  have  had  to  handle 
quantities  of  Hyacinth  or  other  bulbs  has  been  attributed  to  the 
Eucharis  mite.  Its  occurrence  upon  roots  of  the  Vine  swarming 
with  the  phylloxera  led  to  the  supposition  that  this  Rhizoglyphus 
might  be  a  devourer  of  its  relatives  under  some  circumstances,  but 
recent  investigation  shows  it  is  really  a  vegetable  feeder.  Very 
likely  it  often  follows  in  the  track  of  larger  insects,  and  when 
living  underground  seeks  out  roots  which  have  already  been  bitten, 
and  so  obtains  their  juices  more  easily.  It  has  been  argued  that 
R.  echinopus  selects  for  attack  bulbs  that  are  already  in  a  condition 
of  incipient  disease,  and  such  alone.  There  appears  to  be  a  doubt 
about  this,  but  either  bulbs  or  roots  that  are  unsound  have  little 
chance  of  recovery  when  this  mite  has  once  assailed  them.  A 
variety  of  applications  have  been  tried  ;  salt  is  fatal  to  the  insect, 
but  if  the  solution  is  of  adequate  strength  it  may  injure  the  plants. 
Watering  with  a  solution  containing  an  ounce  of  coal  tar  soap  to  a 
gallon  of  water  has  been  found  serviceable,  and,  as  a  dry  applica¬ 
tion  to  the  soil  some  recommend  a  mixture  of  soot,  limej  and 
sulphur. 

In  conclusion,  I  have  to  refer  briefly  to  a  large  group  of  mites 
which  have  as  yet  been  imperfectly  investigated,  the  exceedingly 
minute  size  of  many  being  a  difficulty,  also  their  peculiar  methods 
of  concealing  themselves.  We  call  them  the  gall-mites,  or 
Phytopti,  and  one  of  them,  P.  Ribis,  has  attained  notoriety  by  its 
extensive  attacks  upon  the  Black  Currant  the  last  few  years,  and 
though  so  tiny  an  insect  it  has  greatly  diminished  the  crop  of  fruit 
in  some  places.  It  seems  strange  that  insects  so  tiny  should  be 
capable  of  mischief  to  such  an  extent,  but  when  some  hundreds  of 
them  are  browsing  amid  the  tender  leaflets  of  a  bud  the  result 
is  that  the  irritation  and  exhaustion  they  cause  prove  fatal  to 
its  life. 

Less  harm  is  done  by  those  of  the  Phytopti  that  live  upon  leaves  ; 
they  produce  a  great  variety  of  galls  and  swellings,  or  what  looks 
like  a  fungoid  growth  in  other  instances  ;  and,  indeed,  skilled 
botanists  and  entomologists  have  both  been  perplexed  by  the  ap¬ 
pearances  of  some  leaves  which  have  peculiar  growths,  that  might 
pass  as  cryptogamic,  yet  are  probably  due  to  the  agency  of  a  mite. 
Even  with  a  good  microscope  the  Phytopti  are  difficult  to  detect, 
since  they  have,  though  not  very  active,  a  peculiar  way  of  shuffling 
about  ;  also  they  are  transparent  or  nearly,  and  soon  dry  up.  It 
remains  a  mystery  how  they  manage  to  distribute  themselves  over 
a  tree  or  pass  from  one  tree  to  another,  nor  do  we  know  as  yet  what 
becomes  of  the  leaf-eating  species  during  the  months  when  trees 
are  bare  of  leaves.  The  mites  that  live  in  buds  can  continue  their 
operations  in  the  winter  unfortunately,  and  are  probably  the  cause 
of  more  damage  than  we  have  yet  ascertained. 

In  their  earliest  stage  many  of  the  Phytopti  appear  to  possess 
only  two  legs  ;  observations  on  the  Black  Currant  and  other  species 
have  proved  they  afterwards  own  six  or  even  eight.  With  regard 
to  the  mouth,  their  mandibles  have  been  noticed,  minute  as  they 
are  ;  but  authorities  are  not  agreed  whether  these  mites  possess  a 
sucker  in  addition  to  the  biting  apparatus.  A  few  entomologists 
think  the  Phytopti  may  be  the  young  of  mites  of  a  larger  sort. 
There  is  every  probability  that  the  Phytopti  or  gall  mites,  now  that 
they  are  being  looked  after,  will  be  detected  upon  some  herbaceous 
or  shrubby  plants  in  the  flower  garden  ;  at  present  they  have  been 
chiefly  noticed  upon  trees  and  bushes.  Against  those  that  live 
upon  leaves  the  only  charge  is  that  they  act  as  disfigurers  ;  they  do 
not  seem  to  occur  in  sufficient  numbers  to  check  growth.  They 
are  not  always  found  within  the  galls  and  swellings  they  cause  ; 


sometimes  they  may  be  seen  wandering  about  the  exterior  or 
absent  altogether  ;  very  often  the  deserted  gall  is  filled  with 
tiny  hairs.  It  is  impossible  they  should  infest  buds  without  killing 
or  seriously  damaging  them,  especially  when  they  have  commenced 
operations  in  October  or  November.  Reaumur,  the  great  French 
entomologist,  who  first  observed  these  gall-mites,  records  his  re¬ 
searches  after  the  tenants  of  the  familiar  nail-galls  of  the  Lime. 
These  are  green  while  young,  then  yellow,  next  red,  and  afterwards 
brown.  This  species  is  P.  Tiliaa  ;  and  another  very  conspicuous 
species  is  P.  Aceris,  the  cause  of  crimson  or  purple  galls  which 
cluster  upon  the  leaves  of  the  Maple  and  Sycamore.  Upon  Willows 
occur  a  variety  of  galls,  sometimes  globular,  sometimes  flattened  ; 
also  we  have  rollings  of  the  leaf  edges,  evidently  the  work  of  mites. 
The  Turkey  Oak  (Quercus  cerris)  is  apt  to  be  much  disfigured  by 
them,  so  is  the  Alder  ;  in  the  Birch  the  galls  take  the  form  of  small 
white  knobs  on  the  leaves  and  stalks.  To  another  species  is  at¬ 
tributable  the  curiously  deformed  clusters  of  flowers  the  Ash  not 
unfrequently  exhibits.  Upon  some  papilionaceous  plants  a  very 
tiny  species  has  been  detected  ;  the  mites  live  between  the  unfolded 
pinnate  leaves.  It  is  satisfactory  to  know  these  gall-mites  are 
kept  in  check  by  larger  mites  and  other  insects,  which  devour 
them. — Entomologist. 


PEACH  GROWING  FOR  MARKET. 

{Continued  from  page  117.) 

There  are  several  methods  of  culture  open  to  market  growers, 
but  it  is  doubtful  if  any  pay  better  than  that  of  planting  in  the 
cheap  span-roofed  houses  already  alluded  to.  A  14  feet  wide 
house  would  hold  two  rows  of  trees,  one  on  each  side,  these  being 
trained  up  the  roof  by  means  of  wires  10  inches  apart  and  strained 
through  galvanised  wire  eyes  screwed  into  the  woodwork,  so  as  to 
bring  the  wires  not  less  than  9  inches  from  the  glass.  Peaches  and 
Nectarines  will  not  stand  being  planted  thickly  with  a  view  to 
having  a  full  crop  in  a  very  short  short  space  of  time.  In  a  young 
state  they  grow  rather  vigorously,  and  if  hard  pruned  or  much 
restricted  will  continue  to  grow  strongly  and  fail  to  set  or  swell 
good  crops  of  fruit.  The  best  antidote  for  this  evil  is  to  allow 
plenty  of  room,  a  distance  of  15  feet  asunder  being  not  too  much. 
Maidens  are  the  cheapest,  and  these  not  unfrequently  quickly  over¬ 
take  and  surpass  the  much  pruned  and  trained  trees  that  may  have 
been  planted  at  the  same  time.  Order  or  select  those  moderately 
strong  and  well  ripened,  paying  another  3d.  each  or  rather  more  if 
need  be,  for  the  privilege.  Some  of  the  best  trees  I  have  were, 
when  first  received,  the  smallest  maidens  I  ever  planted,  but  they 
started  strong  enough  the  following  spring  and  never  became 
unduly  gross. 

If  the  houses  can  be  utilised  in  other  ways  the  planting  might  be 
delayed  till  just  before  active  growth  commences,  or  even  till  the 
buds  are  bursting,  the  precaution,  however,  having  been  taken  of 
procuring  the  trees  in  the  autumn  and  laying  them  in  thinly  in 
good  soil  ;  otherwise  the  planting  may  be  done  any  time  during 
the  late  autumn  or  winter  months. 

The  position  being  drained  sufficiently  to  suit  ordinary  crops, 
there  is  no  necessity  for  going  to  any  further  expense  in  the 
matter.  Nor  ought  a  very  rich  border  to  be  prepared  It  should 
be  good  enough  to  start  them  well  and  to  support  Tomatoes  for  at 
least  one  season,  further  assistance  being  afforded  from  the  surface 
and  added  to  the  soil  in  front  of  the  trees  according  as  it  is 
needed.  If  there  is  a  clear  course  the  whole  of  the  ground  inside 
the  house  ought  to  be  bastard  trenched,  only  a  very  little,  if  any, 
of  the  subsoil  being  brought  to  the  surface,  and  a  fairly  liberal 
dressing  of  half-decayed  stable  manure,  or  any  other  partly  decom¬ 
posed  material,  including  weeds,  vegetable  refuse,  leaves,  and  such 
like  be  forked  into  the  subsoil.  To  the  surface  soil,  if  this  is  of  a 
clayey  nature,  may  well  be  added  a  dressing  of  fine  mortar  rubbish, 
charred  soil  and  refuse,  wood  ashes  and  sand,  this  being  well 
mixed  with  it.  Very  light  soils  would  be  rendered  more  suitable 
for  Peach  culture  by  the  addition  of  clayey  loam  or  marl,  this  being 
pulverised  by  being  first  thoroughly  dried  or  baked,  and  watered 
prior  to  forking  it  into  the  surface.  Some  loamy  soils  are  naturally 
very  poor,  or  more  so  than  they  appear  to  be,  and  to  these  I  would 
add  a  good  surfacing  of  native  guano — that  is  to  say,  dried  and 
pulverised  sludge  obtained  from  the  nearest  sewage  works.  If 
trenching  cannot  be  resorted  to  then  prepare  holes  for  each  tree, 
these  being  not  less  than  4  feet  from  the  front  to  the  back.  In 
either  case  prepare  the  sites  or  the  border,  if  possible,  some  time 
in  advance  of  the  planting,  in  order  that  the  soil  may  settle  down 
considerably.  Before  planting  examine  the  roots,  cutting  away 
any  badly  bruised  and  also  broken  ends,  clean  cuts  healing  the 
most  quickly  and  surely.  Do  not  open  small  holes  for  these, 
setting  them  in  and  covering  straight  ahead  with  two  or  three 
spits  of  soil,  but  set  the  roots  on  a  smooth  level  surface,  covering 


894 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893, 


with  some  of  the  best  soil  each  tier  of  roots  according  as  they 
spring  from  the  stem,  keeping  them  up  rather  than  driving  them 
downwards.  The  roots  are  only  too  ready  to  strike  downwards, 
whereas  it  is  near  to  the  surface  where  they  are  most  wanted. 
Keep  the  collar  of  the  trees,  or  that  part  of  the  stem  from  which 
the  top-most  roots  spring,  well  above  the  ordinary  level  of  the 
border,  or  otherwise  the  time  will  soon  come  when  they  will  be 
found  considerably  below  the  surface.  It  is  the  deep  root  action 
that  most  frequently  ends  in  an  attack  of  “yellows,”  and  preven- 
t'o  j  u  certainly  better  than  cure  in  this  as  well  as  very  many  other 
oases.  If  the  soil  is  dry  when  the  planting  is  done  give  a  water¬ 
ing  at  the  time,  but  if  fairly  moist  do  not  water  for  a  few  days. 
During  the  first  year,  and  till  the  trees  cover  the  whole  of  the 
roof.  Tomatoes  may  be  grown  extensively  in  the  same  house, 
but  their  roots  ought  not  to  compete  with  the  Peach  roots  for  all 
the  moisture  and  food  going,  or  the  latter  will  get  the  worst  of  it. 
Tomatoes  succeed  admirably  in  12-inch  pots,  and  this  method  of 
culture  should  be  preferred  after  the  first  year  at  any  rate. 

Lean-to  and  three-quarter  span-roofed  houses  are  mostly  erected 
for  Peach  and  Nectarine  culture  in  private  gardens,  the  trees  being 
trained  over  semicircular  trellises  along  the  front,  and  up  the  back 
walls.  These  forms  of  structures,  however,  are  far  too  expensive 
for  market  gardeners  to  adopt.  Thanks  to  the  introduction  of  very 
early  ripening  varieties,  neither  very  snug  houses  nor  the  expendi¬ 
ture  of  much  fire  heat  is  necessary  in  order  to  have  ripe  fruit  in 
April  or  May  ;  but  those  who  have  either  lean-to,  three-quarter 
span,  or  span-roofed  houses  at  their  disposal  may  turn  these  to 
account  for  Peach  culture.  If  the  fronts  are  not  less  than  6  feet 
high,  7  feet  is  a  better  height,  one-half  say  being  of  brickwork  and 
the  rest  glazed,  the  plan  of  training  the  trees  to  cross  trellises  as 
well  as  up  the  back  walls  if  any,  may  be  adopted  with  advantage. 
By  no  other  method  of  arranging  the  trellises  can  so  many  trees 
be  grown  to  a  large  size  in  one  house.  These  cross  trellises  should 
be  arranged  at  right  angles  with  the  front  of  the  house,  and  be 
from  4  feet  to  5  feet  apart.  The  framework  may  be  constructed 
of  gas-piping,  to  this  being  fastened  coarse  wire  diamond  mesh 
netting,  4-inch  mesh  answers  well,  this  being  continued  over  the 
pathway  along  the  back  and  fastened  to  the  wall.  Supposing  the 
borders  are  formed  of  good  holding  loam  and  other  materials  added 
as  suggested,  a  few  hundredweight  of  ground  bones  not  being 
wasted,  there  is  no  reason  why  the  trees  should  not  be  planted 
two  to  each  trellis  and  back  to  back  instead  of  only  one  to  each. 
In  this  case  the  wire  netting  should  also  be  doubled  or  disposed  on 
each  side  of  the  uprights.  Once  the  trellises  and  back  walls  are 
well  covered  with  trees,  or,  say,  in  the  course  of  three  or  four 
years,  extraordinary  numbers  of  fruit  can  be  had  from  a  house  in 
which  this  plan  of  arranging  the  trees  is  practised.  If  it  fails  it 
will  most  probably  be  because  sufficient  head  room  is  not  given, 
cross  trellises  being  altogether  out  of  place  in  comparatively  low 
houses. 

Standard  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  planted  in  span-roofed 
houses  will  produce  enormous  crops,  but  only  a  small  portion  of 
the  fruit  is  sufficiently  exposed  to  the  sun  to  colour  properly,  and 
badly  coloured  fruits,  as  I  have  previously  pointed  out,  are  not 
wanted.  Pot  culture  is  preferable  to  growing  standards,  as  trees 
in  pots  can  be  frequently  turned  and  shifted  about,  the  fruit 
colouring  well  accordingly.  All  the  same  I  do  not  strongly  recom¬ 
mend  pot  culture.  That  capital  crops  of  showy  fruit  can  be  had 
from  trees  in  pots  I  do  not  dispute,  but  it  means  far  more  time 
and  labour  than  most  market  growers  can  afford  to  devote  to  them. 
Trees  well  established  in  pots  and  carrying  a  heavy  crop  of  fruit 
require  a  great  quantity  of  water  and  liquid  manure,  two  and  some¬ 
times  three  waterings  in  a  day  being  required  during  very  hot 
weather.  A  few  hours’  neglect  spoils  the  prospect  for  a  whole  year. 
At  the  same  time  if  a  fairly  large  span-roof  or  other  form  of  high 
fronted  house  is  devoted  to  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  in  pots, 
these  latter  after  tbe  fruit  is  gathered  can  be  placed  and  kept 
outside,  while  a  paying  crop  of  late  autumn  and  early  winter 
Tomatoes  is  grown.  Chrysanthemums  also  do  well  in  such 
structures. 

If  pot  culture  is  decided  upon  the  cheapest  way  to  work  up 
a  stock  of  trees  is  to  buy  maidens  and  place  these  in  pots  just 
large  enough  to  hold  the  roots  comfortably,  a  fairly  rich  loamy 
compost,  not  forgetting  to  add  an  8-inch  potful  of  bonemeal  to 
every  two  bushels  of  soil,  being  used.  Drain  the  pots  lightly  and 
well  and  pot  firmly.  Supposing  this  is  done  as  early  in  the 
autumn  as  the  trees  can  be  obtained,  they  need  not  be  housed,  but 
rnay  be  kept  in  the  open,  the  pots  being  well  protected  with  strawy 
litter  till  next  spring.  They  need  not  really  be  grown  under  glass 
during  the  following  season,  but  would  be  all  the  better  for  being 
forwarded  with  the  assistance  of  a  little  artificial  heat,  and  might 
well,  therefore,  share  a  house  with  Tomatoes. — Makket  Grower. 

(To  be  continued.) 


Cypripeditjm  Clonius. 


A  PLANT  of  this  exceedingly  interesting  hybrid  was  exhibited  by 
Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  at 
the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  on  Tuesday,  October  24th,  when  the 
Orchid  Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  awarded  a 
first-class  certificate  for  it.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
C.  caudatum  Lindeni  and  C.  conchiferum,  and  as  will  be  seen  by 
referring  to  the  illustration  (fig.  58),  is  a  very  fine  flower.  The 
dorsal  sepal  is  long  and  pointed,  white  veined  with  pale  green, 
as  also  are  the  petals,  which  have  tail-like  appendages  9  inches  in 
length.  The  lip  is  ivory  white  faintly  spotted  with  reddish  brown, 
and  is  of  a  unique  character. 

L^lio-Cattleya  Pisandra. 

During  the  past  few  years  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  of 
Chelsea  have  raised  many  charming  bigeneric  Orchids,  and  when 
exhibited  these  have  usually  attracted  more  than  ordinary  attention. 
The  same  occurred  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  Tuesday,  October  24th, 
when  the  above  mentioned  firm  staged  a  plant  of  Lselio-Cattleya 
Pisandra.  This  is  a  pretty  flower,  and  worthy  of  the  first-class 
certificate  which  was  awarded  on  that  occasion.  It  is  the  re«ult  of 
a  cross  between  Lselia  crispa  and  Cattleya  Eldorado.  As  depicted 
in  the  illustration  (fig.  60)  on  page  407  the  bloom  is  medium  in 
size,  but  exceedingly  beautiful.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  of  a 
pale  rosy  mauve  shade,  the  front  lobe  of  lip  being  a  very  rich 
maroon ;  and  the  golden  yellow  in  the  throat  is  a  conspicuous 
feature  in  the  flower, 

Cattleya  marginata. 

Amongst  the  smaller  Cattleyas  this  species  is  most  conspicuous, 
and  its  beauty  has  rendered  it  a  favourite  with  Orchid  growers 
generally.  It  is  also  one  of  the  few  Cattleyas  that  succeed  best 
on  blocks,  and  in  this  respect  it  forms  a  charming  companion  for 
the  fragrant  C.  citrina,  C.  Walkeriana,  and  others.  These,  unlike 
many  other  species,  do  not  produce  good  results  when  in  pots, 
and  the  peculiar  downward-growing  habit  of  C.  citrina  especially 
unfits  it  for  that  mode  of  culture.  C .  marginata  is  a  Brazilian 
Orchid,  and  was  introduced  many  years  ago.  It  is  now  included  in 
most  large  collections  of  Orchids,  and  fairly  good  plants  can  be 
purchased  for  half  a  guinea.  One  reason  why  it  is  a  favourite  is 
because  it  thrives  in  a  cooler  temperature  than  the  majority  of  the 
Cattleyas,  a  recommendation  of  great  value  where  highly  heated 
houses  are  objected  to,  as  they  are  in  many  establishments.  The 
cool  end  of  an  ordinary  plant  stove  or  an  intermediate  house  will 
suit  it,  and  if  attention  be  particularly  paid  to  the  supplying  water 
frequently  little  difficulty  will  be  experienced  with  the  plant. 

The  flowers  are  of  moderate  size  ;  the  petals  much  broader  than 
the  sepals,  but,  like  them  in  colour,  usually  a  soft  rosy  purple,  the 
lip  being  intensely  rich  crimson,  with  a  narrow  margin  of  white, 
and  a  white  throat,  which  contrasts  very  markedly  with  the  rich 
coloured  portion.  These  tints,  however,  vary  considerably  in 
depth,  brightness,  and  clearness,  and  the  value  of  the  plant  varies 
proportionally  to  its  merits  in  these  respects.  The  flowers  are 
usually  borne  singly  from  the  top  of  the  small  bulbs,  but  occa¬ 
sionally  two  may  be  produced,  though  this  is  comparatively  rare. 
In  many  collections  it  is  now  flowering  freely,  and  a  quality  of 
inestimable  value  at  this  time  of  year  when  Orchid  flowers  are  so 
scarce  is  the  great  time  they  last  in  beauty.  Under  favourable 
conditions  flowers  will  remain  upon  the  plants  for  six  weeks, 
continuing  attractive  from  September  till  the  middle  of 
November. — Specialist. 


NEW  PICOTEES. 

(^Concluded  from  page  383.) 

Although  an  effort  has  recently  been  made  to  abolish  this  namefor 
a  section  of  the  Carnations,  old  growers,  and  indeed  young  ones  too, 
have  shown  very  little  inclination  to  do  so.  The  designation  “  Picotee,” 
as  a  distinctive  name  for  the  edged  or  margined  section,  has  been  in  use 
for  a  great  portion  of  this  century,  and  so  let  it  remain,  for  it  is  thoroughly 
understood.  Of  the  extreme  beauty  and  refinement  of  this  section  there 
cannot  be  any  doubt,  and  blooms  of  some  of  the  very  best  kinds  in 
cultivation,  when  the  dresser’s  art  is  not  too  heavily  pushed,  are  really 
beautiful.  But  it  is  to  write  of  the  newer  sorts  of  Picotees  that  I  have 
set  myself,  and  to  the  uninitiated  I  may  say  that  all  in  this  section 
have  a  body  of  colour  of  white,  ivory  white,  as  pure  in  colour  as  possible, 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


896 


and  free  from  small  spots  of  colour  or  minute  bars  or  elongated  spots 
and  the  margin,  whether  light,  medium,  or  heavy,  of  one  shade  only. 

New  Varieties. 

Boadicea  (Thomson). — Heavy  purple  edge.  A  very  good  flower,  of 
medium  size,  with  broad  petal,  and  clear  ground  colour. 

Dr.  Huxley  (Thomson). — Medium  rose  edge.  A  refined  flower  of 
excellent  form. 

Esther  (Geggie). — Light  purple  edge,  good  size,  broad  petal,  clear 
white  ground,  with  bright  edging.  One  of  the  best  of  its  class. 

Heroine  (Sharp). — A  heavy  bright  cherry  rose  edge,  very  distinct  in 
colour.  A  handsome  flower,  with  pure  white  ground  colour. 

Lady  Alfrida. — A  Clara  Penson  style  of  flower  but  finer,  with  an 
excellent  petal,  pure  ground  colour,  and  bright  wire  edging. 

Lady  Gordon  Cathcart  (Turner). — A  light  red  edge,  pure  in  the 
ground  colour,  fine  broad  petals,  and  of  good  substance. 

Lady  Emily  Van  de  Weyer  (Turner). — Light  rose  edge,  with  very 
broad  smooth  petal  well  continued  to  the  crown,  good  size  and  of  fine 
form. 

Miriam  (Bacon). — Medium,  purple  edge.  A  splendid  flower,  clear 
white  with  fine  broad  petals  of  good  substance. 

Miss  Laliin  (Lakin). — Light  purple  edge,  the  white  pure,  of  fine 
form. 

Mrs.  Beal  (Beal). — Medium  rose  edge,  a  very  beautiful  flower, 
excellent  petal  with  clear  white  ground.  An  improvement 
on  Fellowes’  Ethel,  good  grower. 

Mrs,  Burnetts  (Chaundy). — Medium,  rose  edging  in¬ 
clining  to  heavy.  A  large  flower  and  of  fine  quality. 

Mrs.  Openshaw  (Geggie). — Heavy  purple  edge,  fine 
broad  petal,  clear  lustrous  white  ground  with  bright  edging. 

A  flower  which  gives  a  promise  of  a  high  position  in  its 
class. 

Madeline. — Eose  edged,  very  fine  broad  petal  and  good 
form,  but  rather  thin  as  seen  about  Birmingham. 

Me  Plus  Ultra  (Lakin). — Pure  white  ground  colour 
with  a  very  heavy  red  edge,  fine  form,  good  substance, 
the  darkest  heavy  red  edge.  An  extra  fine  flower. 

Polly  Brazil. — A  splendid  flower,  pure  white  with 
bright  heavy  purple  edge.  One  of  the  best  in  class. 

Pride  of  Ley\on  (Headlands). — Light  distinct  purple 
edge  ;  a  flower  of  good  size,  broad  petal,  and  lustrous  clear 
white  ground  colour. 

Rosie  Sydenham  (Sharp). — Pure  ground  colour,  with  a 
superb  broad  petal  of  great  substance,  and  a  flower  of 
very  fine  quality  ;  medium  light  rose  edge. 

Souvenir  de  Headland  (Headland). — Light  rose  edge  ; 
a  large  bloom,  clear  white  ground  colour,  but  a  feather 
edge  flower. 

Scarlet  Queen  (Sharp). — This  charming  flower  is  best 
described  as  a  bright  scarlet  edge  Mrs.  Sharp,  but  un¬ 
fortunately  the  stock  is  very  limited  at  present. 

Mrs.  Herbert  (Thomson). — This  variety  has  maintained 
its  character  for  refinement  ;  a  beautiful  flower,  but  not 
large. 

Other  new  sorts  which  I  have  not  seen  are  being  sent 
out  by  Mr.  Dodwell,  who  speaks  highly  of  Mrs.  Lovatt 
especially,  by  Mr.  George  Chaundy  and  others.  Informa¬ 
tion  regarding  these  can  be  found  in  their  catalogues. 


Crayon  d'Or. — A  distinct  flower,  primrose,  distinctly  lined  with 
pale  scarlet,  and  remarkable  for  its  strong  clove  perfume. 

Elmis. — Pale  primrose  barred  with  lilac  and  orange.  A  very  dis¬ 
tinct  flower  of  good  quality. 

Fri  drich  Wagner  (Benary), — Lemon,  barred  with  light  brownish 
lilac.  A  distinct  fine  flower.  M?, 

Fanny  Trommsdorff. — Blush  tinted,  white  ground,  striped  halfjway 
down  the  petal  with  lilac  purple.  A  grand  bloom  with  fine  petals. 

F.  A.  Haage  (Benary). — A  very  novel  flower,  creamy  buff  ground 
distinctly  flaked  with  carmine  and  slate  and  of  good  form. 

Golden  Bain  (Douglas). — A  large  full  flower  of  excellent  form,  buff 
ground  colour  suffused  with  bright  red.  Very  distinct  and  pleasing. 

Lohengrin  (Benary). — Primrose,  barred  with  rosy  carmine.  Aifinq 
flower  of  good  quality  and  large  size. 


Yellow  Ground  and  Fancy  Varieties. 


What  a  wonderful  improvement  in  these  during  the 
last  few  years.  Mr.  James  Douglas  has  introduced  many 
fine  varieties  of  his  own  raising,  and  Mr.  Dodwell  has 
also  contributed  a  large  number,  and  other  English 
raisers  are  at  work.  Then  Mr.  Benary,  and  other  eminent 
German  florists,  have  been  devoting  much  attention  to  the  Carnation, 
and  have  introduced  varieties  of  sterling  merit  and  distinctness,  and 
these  glorious  fancy  varieties  are  becoming  very  popular.  In  the 
“  Florists’ Guide  ”  for  1827-1829  there  is  a  coloured  plate  of  what  in 
those  days  must  have  been  a  fine  yellow-ground  fancy  variety  named 
Erasmus,  and  it  is  described  as  having  been  previously  imported  from 
Germany  by  the  celebrated  old  florist,  Thomas  Hogg  of  Paddington  Green, 
London.  It  is  referred  to  as  one  of  the  finest  varieties  on  account  of 
its  rich  colours  and  its  broad,  Eose-shaped  petals,  so  that  the  German 
florists  are  not  novices  in  the  raising  of  fine  yellow-ground  varieties.  I 
may  say  that  in  fancies  Carnations  and  Picotees  are  getting  very 
much  mixed,  as  flakes  and  stripes  run  down  the  petals  in  some  kinds, 
and  the  distinctive  fine  edging  of  the  florists’  Picotee  is  so  little  met 
with  in  some  varieties,  the  Continental  ones  especially. 

Brand  von  Hamburg, — A  medium-sized  flower,  orange  ground  colour, 
with  bright  orange  scarlet  mai  kings,  smooth  petal,  and  an  acquisition. 

Calypso  (Benary). — Of  dwarf  habit,  rich  coloured  clouded  crimson 
and  maroon,  with  a  lighter  colour  at  the  base  of  each  petal.  A  very 
distinct,  rich  coloured  flower,  of  good  form  and  substance. 

Celsius  (Benary). — Old  gold  colour,  flaked  with  scarlet,  fine  and 
distinct. 

Duchess  of  Portland  (Simonite). — A  large  flower  with  broad  petals, 
pale  yellow  ground  colour  with  mauve  edge,  and  a  free  bloomer. 

Eclipse  (Simonite). — Large  size,  good  form,  and  petal,  rich  creamy 
yellow  ground  with  bright  scarlet  edge,  and  slightly  striped  with  the 
same  colour. 


fig.  58. — CYPRIPEDIDM  CLONIUS. 
{See  page  394.) 


Mrs.  Henwood  (^Doug\&^'). — A  beautiful  light  yellow-ground  flower 
with  bright  scarlet  edge  and  good  broad  petal.  A  decided  acquisition. 

Molthe  (Benary). — Deep  yellow  with  heavy  red  edge.  Quite  an 
acquisition  and  distinct. 

Miss  Gilmore  (Simonite). — Pale  cream  ground  with  rosy  mauve 
edging. 

Mrs,  Rolert  Sydenham  (Douglas). — The  finest  of  all  the  yellow 
ground  varieties.  The  colour  is  a  rich  creamy  yellow  with  bright 
rose  edging,  with  fine  petal  and  of  great  substance.  A  superbly  brilliant 
flower  of  the  finest  quality. 

Mrs.  William  Spencer. — A  seedling  of  Mr.  Herbert’s,  best  described 
as  a  fine  companion  variety  to  Mrs.  Eobert  Sydenham.  Primrose  yellow 


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[  November  2,  1893 


ground  with  a  Picotee  edging  of  mauve  purple,  and  in  every  way  an 
extra  fine  flower. 

Parsifid. — A  German  variety  of  a  rich  rose  tinted  chocolate  colour 
with  a  lemon  base  in  each  petal,  of  large  size  and  very  fine  quality  ;  a 
great  acquisition  and  quite  distinct. 

Queen  Boadicea  (Simonite). — Bright  light  yellow  ground  with  wire 
edge  of  bri.eht  scarlet,  slightly  barred  ;  a  pretty  flower. 

Itosalinde  (Denary). — Beautiful  deep  yellow  ground  colour  with  a 
medium  Picotee  edging  of  rosy  purple,  a  very  attractive  flower,  and  has 
been  greatly  admired. 

Undine  (Denary). — White  ground,  barred  half  way  down  the  petals 
with  greyish  rose  ;  a  large  and  very  distinct  flower. 

Von  Benningsen  (Denary). — Although  not  quite  new  it  is  as  yet  very 
little  known  ;  brilliant  in  colour,  orange  ground  marked  with  brightest 
scarlet. 

William  Breer. — Very  bright  rich  salmon  tinted  ground  colour  with 
carmine  markings. 

It  will  thus  be  seen  by  the  list  I  have  given  that  there  is  almost  a 
plethora  of  new  varieties,  although  several  of  the  German  varieties  of 
1893  are  passed  over.  I  have  seen  all  those  described  above,  but  there  are 
still  several  other  fine  kinds  being  introduced.  Mr.  Dodwell  has  some, 
and  Mr,  Douglas,  Mr.  Turner,  Mr.  Chaundy  and  others  have  new  kinds 
which  I  have  not  seen.  It  is  quite  evident  that  our  English  florists  are 
well  ahead  in  hybridising  and  raising,  and  that  other  very  fine  varieties 
are  forthcoming.  Some  varieties,  both  old  and  new,  will  have  to  be 
thrown  out  of  collections,  for  not  one  cultivator  in  a  hundred  could 
give  time  and  room  to  so  many  new  sorts  as  I  have  named,  in  addition 
to  the  best  older  favourite  varieties.  In  Mr.  Turner’s  stand  at  Birming¬ 
ham  there  was  a  fine  yellow-ground  variety  named  Adeld,  pale  cream 
edged  with  scarlet ;  and  Miss  Proctor,  creamy  buff  striped  with  bright 
scarlet,  both  fine. 

In  seifs  Rose  Wynne  has  fine  petal  and  form  ;  Rose  Unique,  bright 
light  rose,  fine  broad  smooth  petal  and  of  very  fine  form  ;  King  of 
Scarlets  is  an  extra  fine  bright  scarlet ;  and  Justinian,  a  lively  light  pink 
self,  is  pretty,  but  is  not  turning  out  to  be  an  acquisition. — W.  D. 


Hybrid  Briar  Roses. 

Is  Mr.  David  K.  Williamson  as  accurate  as  he  usually  is  in  his 
statement  (page  384)  that  Lord  Penzance’s  hybrids  are  from  “  the  wild 
Roses  of  the  woodlands  ?  ”  I  do  not  know  whether  the  Sweet  Briar  comes 
under  this  poetical  description,  but  I  believe  Lord  Penzance’s  hybridisa¬ 
tion  experiments  have  been  mostly,  if  not  entirely,  in  connection  with 
the  scented  variety  of  the  Briar.  I  understand  these  hybrid  Sweet  Briars 
will  not  be  distributed  till  the  autumn  of  1894,  so  it  will  be  some  time 
before  rosarians  will  be  in  the  possession  and  enjoyment  of  them.  Their 
names  will  please  the  Scotsmen,  as  they  comprise  such  celebrities 
as  Amy  Robsart,  Anne  of  Gierstein,  Lucy  Ashton,  and  other  well  known 
heroines  of  the  Wizard  of  the  North. — Charles  J.  Grahame, 
Croydon. 

Autumnal  Roses, 

Every  Hybrid  Perpetual  Rose  should  bloom  well  in  the  autumn  to  be 
worthy  of  its  name.  Nevertheless  it  cannot  be  denied  that  there  are 
many  admirable  varieties,  supposed  to  be  perpetual,  which,  during  the 
months  of  September  and  October,  produce  an  insignificant  number  of 
remarkably  small-sized  blooms.  In  the  summer  they  are  exceedingly 
prolific  ;  probably  at  that  period,  inspired  by  the  strong  sunlight,  they 
attempt  too  much  ;  in  the  autumn  they  have  the  aspect  of  having  been 
utterly  exhausted  by  their  previous  exertions,  Charles  Lefebvre,  for 
example,  which  produced  in  July  a  succession  of  truly  magnificent  Roses, 
bloomed  during  the  autumn  with  manifest  difficulty  ;  his  Lilliputian 
productions  could  only  be  regarded  as  lamentable  miscarriages  by  those 
who  had  witnessed  his  earlier  achievements.  The  cool  season,  so 
eminently  favourable  to  the  preservation  of  his  complexion,  deprives 
him  of  half  his  normal  strength.  On  the  other  hand,  such  varieties  as 
the  Pride  of  Waltham,  Crown  Prince,  Ella  Gordon,  Magna  Charta, 
which  is,  like  its  namesake,  a  “perpetual”  possession;  Prince  Arthur, 
and  his  venerable  parent  G^nfiral  Jacqueminot,  Mr.  Cranston’s  Crimson 
Bedder,  likewise  La  France,  Victor  Hugo,  and  Augustine  Guinoisseau, 
have  been  of  late  in  my  own  garden  remarkably  fine. 

The  largest  individual  Rose  I  have  seen  this  year  I  found  blooming 
yesterday  (October  20th)  on  Baroness  Rothschild.  Had  it  only  been 
fragrant  I  would  have  attached  more  importance  to  its  splendour  of 
colouring  and  marvellous  dimensions  ;  but  the  imperial  Rose  in  question 
is  scentless.  The  same  applies  to  the  White  Baroness  and  the 
stately  Merveille  de  Lyon.  Magna  Charta,  described  by  the  Dean  of 
Rochester  as  almost  a  summer  variety,  is,  nevertheless,  according  to  my 
own  experience,  a  splendid  autumn  Rose,  and  as  much  may  be  asserted 
of  that  veritable  Queen  of  the  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  Mrs.  John  Laing, 
But  from  this  special  point  of  view  by  far  the  most  valuable  Roses  are 
XT  j  ps^rticularly  such  specimens  as  Ernest  Metz,  Comtesse  de 

p  1  Gifford,  Marie  Van  Houtte,  Etoile  de  Lyon, 

Perle  des  Jardins,  and  Belle  Lyonaisse.  In  power  of  productiveness 


even  the  most  prolific  of  the  Hybrid  Perpetuals  must  suffer  considerably 
when  compared  with  these.  How  beautiful,  beyond  all  artistic  deline¬ 
ation,’  are  their  infinitely  varied,  yet  marvellously  harmonising  hues  ! 
In  them  the  evanescent  colours  of  the  rainbow,  of  the  sunrise  and  the 
sunset,  are  gloriously  combined. — David  R.  Williamson. 

Rose  Analysis,  1886—1893. 

Mr.  Grahame  says  that  he  is  a  “  business  man.”  But  surely  it  is 
a  very  unbusinesslike  proceeding  for  one  man  to  condemn  the  work  of 
another  in  such  a  high-handed  and  reckless  fashion  as  he  has  mine 
(page  384)  without  adducing  a  single  particle  of  evidence  in  support  of 
the  theory  he  has  advanced  against  it.  Mr.  Grahame  asserts  that  the 
crude  figures  should  rule  the  analysis  throughout.  But  this  only  shows 
how  little  knowledge  he  has  of  even  the  elementary  principles  which 
should  guide  anyone  dealing  with  facts  such  as  those  I  had  at  my 
disposal  for  the  purposes  of  my  last  Rose  analysis.  For  instance,  I  take 
up  the  first  work  of  reference  that  comes  to  hand,  “  Chambers’  Encyclo¬ 
pedia,”  and  at  the  end  of  a  short  article  on  “  Statistics  ”  I  find  the 
following  appropriate  words  of  caution,  “  The  frequent  connection  of 
statistics  with  political  theories  renders  it  important  to  guard  against 
premature  statistical  conclusions,  of  which  two  very  fertile  sources 
are  calculations  from  an  insufficient  number  of  data,  and  neglect  to 
make  allowance  for  disturbing  causes." 

Had  Mr.  Grahame  been  specially  trained,  as  years  of  meteorological 
w'ork  have  trained  me,  for  this  particular  kind  of  investigation,  he 
would  know  that  there  is  a  very  great  difference  indeed  between 
making  due  and  proper  allowances  for  such  disturbing  causes,  and 
altering  facts  to  suit  preconceived  theories  as  Mr.  Grahame  clearly 
infers  I  have  done.  It  is,  I  conclude,  owing  to  his  inability  to  appre¬ 
ciate  the  wide  distinction  between  these  two  methods  that  he  fails  to 
understand  the  serious  nature  of  the  charge  he  has  made  against  me. 

The  fact  is,  what  is  wanted  above  everything  else  in  all  investigations 
of  this  character,  is  not  so  much  the  actual  figures  themselves  as  that 
the  results  given  should  be  made  as  comparable  as  circumstances  will 
allow.  Now  I  have  no  theories  whatever  of  my  own  which  I  wish  to 
thrust  upon  the  readers  of  the  Jouryial  of  Ilortieulture  in  framing  these 
analyses,  my  only  object  being  to  make  the  materials  at  my  disposal 
tell  their  own  tale.  This  they  would  fail  to  tell  truly  in  many 
cases  owing  to  the  disturbing  causes  mentioned  on  page  358, 
but  fair  and  impartial  allowances  having  been  .made  for  them, 
the  averages  when  calculated  are  considered  ready  for  insertion  in  the 
printed  analysis.  If  I  were  to  give  in  every  case  the  crude  results  I 
should  not  be  guiding,  but  on  the  contrary  be  often  misleading  your 
readers. 

Mr.  Grahame  considers  that  had  I  more  data  each  year  to  go  upon 
the  results  would  come  out  differently.  Possibly  this  might  be  the 
case  to  a  certain  extent,  but  so  consistent  are  the  records  from  year  to 
year  that  1  cannot  think  the  relative  positions  of  the  different  varieties 
in  the  tables  would  be  in  any  way  seriously  affected.  Moreover,  there 
are  several  grave  objections  to  adopting  such  a  course  now.  In  the  first 
place  the  data  would  not  be  obtained  entirely  from  the  same  unexcep¬ 
tional  sources — only  prize  stand  blooms  being  now  admissible.  Then, 
again,  the  records  would  not  be  strictly  comparable  with  those 
secured  under  the  system  adopted  during  the  past  eight  years.  Besides 
which  I  am  afraid  I  should  have  to  give  up  the  work  altogether  through 
want  of  adequate  leisure  to  carry  it  on  satisfactorily.  Looking  as 
impartially  as  it  is  possible  for  a  compiler  to  do  upon  one  of  his  own 
bantlings,  I  must  say  I  cannot  help  feeling  proud  of  this  last  Rose 
analysis  of  mine.  1,  The  sources  from  which  the  data  are  obtained  are 
beyond  question,  being  the  unconscious  contributions  of  all  our  leading 
rosarians  throughout  the  country.  2,  Now  that  I  have  comparable 
results  for  eight  years  before  me  I  begin  to  see  how  the  figures  obtained 
each  year  support  and  confirm  one  another.  This,  indeed,  is  my 
greatest  source  of  satisfaction,  for  had  my  method  of  analysis  been 
unsound  this  could  not  possibly  have  been  the  case,  considering  the 
different  dates  at  which  our  National  Show  is  held,  and  the  varying 
nature  of  Rose  seasons. — E.  M.,  Berlihamsted. 

[Mr.  Mawley’s  records,  on  which  the  results  as  representing  the 
actual  relative  differences  in  value  of  the  varieties  enumerated,  have 
been  submitted  to  us,  and  we  are  able  to  say  that  the  conclusions 
arrived  at  are  not  founded  on  individual  fancy,  but  on  actual  figures, 
these  figures  representing  accomplished  facts  ;  the  final  issue,  there¬ 
fore,  though  it  may  appear  arbitrary,  is  mathematically  correct  as 
deduced  from  the  compilations  over  a  series  of  years.  One  of  the 
leading  statisticians  in  London  has  also  examined  the  records,  and  he 
finds  the  deductions  from  them  are  true  according  to  the  elaborate 
and,  we  must  add,  laborious  system  adopted  in  their  preparation.  We 
have  no  hesitation  in  expressing  our  appreciation  of  the  painstaking 
manner  which  Mr.  Mawley  adopts  in  the  preparation  of  his  valuable 
analyses  as  applied  to  Roses,  Chrysanthemums,  and  Dahlias.] 

Roses  and  Oysters. 

It  may  seem  a  far  cry  from  Roses  to  oysters — from  the  choicest 
gems  of  earth  to  the  most  valued  treasures  of  the  ocean.  Certainly 
some  Roses  are  said  to  have  shell  petals,  and  both  Roses  and  oysters 
require  a  well  regulated  supply  of  water,  although  neither  may  care  to 
drink  the  special  beverage  of  the  other  one,  otherwise  they  would  appear 
to  have  no  resemblance  or  tastes  in  common.  However,  when  attend¬ 
ing  the  Mayor’s  oyster  feast  which  was  held  with  all  due  pomp  and 
ceremony  in  the  Corn  Exchange,  Colchester,  I  had  an  opportunity  of 
judging  bow  under  certain  favourable  circumstances  it  was  possible  for 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


397 


them  to  become  almost  inseparably  connected,  for  on  that  occasion  the 
guests  were  said  to  have  consumed  about  10,000  oysters,  while  the  tables 
had  been  most  tastefully  decorated  by  the  ladies  of  the  district  with  no 
fewer  than  4000  Roses,  As  the  President  of  the  National  Rose  Society, 
the  Dean  of  Rochester,  remarked  in  the  course  of  a  most  entertaining 
after-luncheon  speech,  “  He  supposed  there  never  was  an  occasion  in 
which  there  was  such  a  combination  of  things  pleasant  to  the  eye  and 
good  for  food  as  there  was  that  day — a  combination  of  Roses  and  oysters.” 
He  said,  “  Well  might  the  early  Britons  turn  their  backs  on  their  acorns 
and  flock  to  Colchester.  Well  might  the  judicious  Roman  bring  his 
camp  and  plant  it  by  the  side  of  the  Colne.  Well  might  the  Saxon, 
the  Dane,  and  the  Norman  come  and  settle  down  at  Colchester.  Kings 
and  great  generals  had  fought  battles  for  Colchester. 

“‘Why,  then,  the  world’s  mine  oyster, 

Which  I  with  sword  will  open.  ’ 

“  Well,  too,  might  those  great  ecclesiastics,  the  Abbot  of  St.  John’s  and 
the  Prior  of  St.  Botolph,  alleviate  their  days  of  abstinence  as  they 
alleviated  them  that  day.” 

I  only  arrived  at  eleven  o’clock  in  the  morning,  and  the  feast  was 
fixed  for  two  o’clock  in  the  afternoon,  but  I  determined  to  make  the 
best  use  of  the  three  hours  at  my  disposal,  for  I  thought  I  could  not 
well  come  to  Colchester  without  giving  myself  the  treat  of  visiting  the 
nurseries  of  the  two  Cants.  As  these  are  both  about  a  mile  from  the 
station,  and  more  than  two  miles  apart  by  road,  and  also  about  two 
miles  distant  from  the  Corn  Exchange,  I  had  little  time  to  spare  for 
either  nursery.  However,  I  did  manage  to  see  and  learn  something, 
and  had  the  still  greater  pleasure  of  a  chat  about  Roses  with 
representatives  of  each  firm. 

The  plants  I  saw,  both  dwarfs  and  standards,  notwithstanding  the 
dry  summer,  had  made  excellent  growth  ;  but  it  was  piteous  to  behold 
the  gaps  in  the  rows  of  the  latter,  so  many  stocks  having  been  killed 
during  the  trying  winter  of  1892-1893,  owing  to  the  frost  setting  in  so 
early  in  the  season,  and  the  dry  spring  which  followed.  There  were  no 
flowers  to  be  seen,  as  every  bloom  worth  looking  at  had  been  cut  off  and 
carried  away  hours  before  to  decorate  the  Corn  Exchange.  But  there 
were  the  plants  by  thousands  with  splendidly  ripened  shoots  looking  as 
if  ready  for  removal  to  their  new  homes  at  a  moment’s  notice. 

I  was  always  under  the  impression  that  all  the  soil  round  Colchester 
was  of  a  heavy  retentive  nature,  but  much  that  I  saw  in  these  nurseries 
was  a  comparatively  light  loam  with  a  certain  amount  of  sandstone  grit 
in  it.  It  is  in  such  soils  that  fibrous  roots  are  encouraged,  and  I  was 
told  that  the  plants  become  more  quickly  established  in  these  quarters 
than  where  the  soil  is  heavier.  I  happened  recently  to  find  this  out  in 
my  own  garden  at  Berkhamsted,  where  the  soil  is  composed  of  yellow 
clay  and  flints,  and  where  Rose  plants  take  a  long  time  to  get  hold  of 
the  ground,  but  when  once  established  make  great  growth.  Last  autumn 
I  had  occasion  to  move  about  a  hundred  dwarf  H.P.’s,  and  thought  I 
would  try  the  plan  of  using  when  replanting  them  some  gritty  soil — 
turfy  edgings  cut  from  the  roadsides — to  place  about  their  roots.  This 
plan  has  answered  so  well  that  the  plants  in  question  have  already  in 
less  than  a  twelvemonth  become  as  strong  as  I  could  wish  to  see  them. 
When  amateurs  receive  plants  which  have  not  extra  strong  shoots  from 
the  nurseries,  they  are,  I  find,  invariably  disappointed.  This  is,  however, 
a  great  mistake,  for  it  is  the  plants  of  moderate  growth,  1  do  not  mean 
“  starvelings,”  which  have  well  ripened  shoots  and  fibrous  roots,  like  those 
I  saw  the  other  day  at  Colchester,  which  will  become  established  most 
readily,  and  therefore  thrive  best  in  their  gardens  the  following 
season.  On  receipt  of  such  plants  do  not  expose  their  roots  to 
the  drying  action  of  the  atmosphere  a  moment  longer  than  is 
absolutely  necessary.  This  is  an  oft-repeated  injunction,  but  how 
seldom  in  practice  is  it  followed  !  Place  some  light  fibrous  soil,  if 
obtainable,  above  and  below  their  roots,  and  plant  firmly.  By  using 
such  soil  as  I  have  recommended  they  may  be  put  in  the  ground 
satisfactorily,  even  when  the  rest  of  the  bed  is  too  wet  for  the  operation. 
Afterwards  secure  the  shoots  to  a  firm  stake,  so  that  they  may  not  be 
shaken  by  high  winds.  How  often  do  I  hear  Rose  nurserymen  blamed  for 
sending  out  bad  plants  when  after  all  the  fault  rests  entirely  with  the 
bad  planting  of  the  purchaser. 

Another  thing  I  learnt  at  Colchester  was  that  the  demand  for  what 
the  N.R.S.  catalogue  calls  “  garden  Roses”  is  on  the  increase.  The 
individual  flowers  may  not  be  so  perfect  as  those  of  the  exhibition 
varieties,  but  their  colours  are  often  most  enchanting,  and  many  of  them 
are  extremely  free-flowering.  I  asked  why  standards  were  always  in 
such  request  for  suburban  and  other  small  gardens  when  dwarf  plants 
were  so  much  cheaper  and  more  lasting?  I  was  told  that  the  owners  of 
these  gardens  invariably  replied  that  when  they  had  a  few  standard 
Rose  trees  there  was  something  to  look  at  when  they  come  into  flower,-but 
as  to  the  dwarfs  they  become  hidden  away  among  other  plants  in  the 
summer,  and  so  were  never  seen.  These  suburban  and  other  gardeners 
should  learn  once  for  all  that  the  queen  of  flowers  will  brook  no  rival, 
and  that,  therefore,  it  becomes  imperative  to  provide  a  special  bed 
however  small  for  these  bush  Roses.  Both  nurseries  are  situated  on 
rising  ground,  and  this  accounts  for  their  comparative  freedom  from 
spring  frosts.  Coming  from  a  colder  and  harsher  climate  I  was 
particularly  struck  with  the  even  blankless  rows  of  dwarf  Teas  the  result 
of  last  year’s  budding.  There  were  two  Teas,  however,  which  I  noticed 
had  suffered  considerably  at  all  events  on  the  standards,  and  these  were 
Perle  des  Jardins  and  that  charming  sport  from  it  Sunset,  the  latter 
a  most  delightful  variety,  as  I  well  know  under  glass. 

I  had  not  time  to  see  the  Roses  in  pots  at  Mr.  Benjamin  Cant’s  nursery, 
but  I  did  manage  to  glance  through  the  new  Rose  house  at  Braiswick. 


I  can  only  say  that  better  plants  I  have  never  seen.  No  wonder 
Mr.  Frank  Cant  was  able  to  set  up  such  charming  boxes  of  cut  blooms 
at  the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  last  spring.  I  noticed  that  on  these 
occasions  the  visitors,  more  especially  the  ladies,  invariably  deserted 
the  beautiful  Orchids  and  other  exhibits  in  order  to  crowd  round  these 
Rose  boxes.  After  all  there  is  no  flower  like  the  Rose.  I  do  hope 
Dr.  Wallace,  the  champion  of  the  Lily,  whose  acquaintance  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  making  at  Colchester,  will  not  notice  this  last  hackneyed 
remark  of  mine.  Should  he  happen  to  do  so,  perhaps  he  will  be  good 
enough  to  understand  that  I  only  meant  that  there  was  no  other 
flower  precisely  similar  to  the  Rose.  The  two  most  vivid  impressions 
left  on  my  mind  by  my  hasty  scramble  over  the  Colchester  hills  were 
the  fine  pot  Roses  at  Braiswick  and  a  quarter  of  grand  standard  Teas  at 
the  nursery  of  that  veteran  Rose  grower  Mr.  Benjamin  Cant.  The 
Colchester  people  are  justly  proud  of  their  oysters,  but  after  all  the 
real  “  natives  ”  of  the  district  are  to  my  mind  the  Roses.  Nowhere  else, 
considering  how  limited  is  the  area  covered  by  the  three  leading 
Colchester  nurseries  (for  that  of  Messrs.  Prior  &  8ons,  which  I  should 
much  like  also  to  have  visited,  must  of  course  be  included)  are  Roses  so 
largely  grown.  The  only  wonder  is  that  there  are  not  more  amateur 
exhibitors  in  this  fertile  district.  I  only  know  of  one  (Mr.  0.  G.  Orpen 
of  West  Bergholt),  who  from  his  small  garden  shows  Tea  Roses  so 
brilliantly  as  to  excite  the  envy  and  jealousy  of  all  competing  against 
him,  including  the  writer  of  this  somewhat  rambling  contribution. — 
E.  M. 


VEGETABLE  CULTURE  IN  ADVERSE  SEASONS. 

{Conelvded  from  page  263.') 

Celery. 

This  vegetable  must  not  be  neglected  when  in  the  seed  bed  by 
allowing  the  soil  to  become  too  dry,  or  the  plants  will  late  in  the 
season  have  hollow  stalks,  or  seed  prematurely.  Sow  the  seeds  in 
shallow  boxes,  with  decayed  manure  placed  upon  the  drainage.  Raise 
the  seedlings  without  bottom  heat  if  possible,  and  when  the  plants  have 
produced  a  second  rough  leaf,  prick  them  in  good  soil  in  boxes  or  frames 
with  drainage  similar  to  that  provided  for  the  seed  boxes.  Never  allow  the 
plants  to  flag,  but  grow  them  steadily  without  undue  forcing.  Have  the 
trenches  ready  long  before  the  plants  are  to  occupy  them.  Previously 
to  planting  in  their  permanent  quarters  another  transplanting  must 
take  place.  Select  a  position  with  a  hard  bottom,  put  manure  in  first, 
then  3  inches  of  rich  soil,  make  it  firm  and  plant  therein.  They  will 
remove  from  this  position  to  the  trenches  with  good  balls  of  soil  adher¬ 
ing  to  the  roots  and  the  growth  will  not  be  checked. 

Trenches  in  the  ordinary  sense  I  do  not  believe  in,  for  such  often 
means  starvation  to  the  plants  during  the  remainder  of  the  season. 
How  can  the  plants  be  expected  to  flourish  when  all  the  best  soil  is 
taken  out,  and  they  are  put  into  the  cold  subsoil  ?  The  trenches  ought 
not  to  be  more  than  6  or  9  inches  deep,  and  if  the  soil  be  not  of  a  good 
general  depth  I  prefer  to  plant  on  the  surface.  Some  decayed  manure 
should  be  dug  into  the  trench  and  well  mixed  with  the  ground,  a  little 
loose  soil  afterwards  placed  over  it.  When  it  is  dry  tread  all  down 
firmly.  The  trenches  may  be  made  wide  enough  to  hold  two  rows  of 
plants  if  so  needed,  but  one  row  is  preferable.  Attention  to  watering  is 
necessary,  and  a  light  mulching  may  be  given  them.  Those  who  have 
not  yet  tried  the  plan  of  growing  Celery  on  the  level  ground  would  do 
well  to  test  it.  I  have  done  so  for  several  seasons,  and  always  in  the 
same  place.  The  ground  was  made  very  firm,  then  planted,  and  the 
plants  watered  regularly,  liquid  manure  being  applied  every  week,  and 
a  mulching  of  manure  placed  on  early  in  the  season,  the  plants 
soon  required  staking,  but  the  growth  was  solid.  For  exhibition  pur¬ 
poses  a  few  plants  treated  in  this  way  will  give  pleasure  to  the 
cultivator. 

Earthing  up  is  often  begun  when  the  plants  are  9  inches  or  1  foot 
high,  and  from  that  time  they  suffer  through  want  of  water,  because  it 
cannot  get  at  the  roots.  Earthing  does  not  make  the  plants  grow.  It  is 
done  to  blanch  the  stalks,  and  from  six  to  eight  weeks  before  they  are 
required  for  use  is  soon  enough  for  the  first  earthing  to  be  done, 
previously  giving  a  copious  supply  of  water.  Some  growers  use  paper, 
but  slugs  get  under  this  and  eat  the  stems,  making  them  unsightly.  A 
few  ashes  and  sand  mixed  placed  next  to  the  plants,  following  with  the 
ordinary  soil,  is  all  that  is  required.  All  suckers  and  split  leaves  must 
be  taken  off.  Sutton’s  White  Gem  and  Sandringham  White  for  early 
use,  with  Sulham  Prize  Pink,  Major  Clarke’s  Red,  and  Standard  Bearer 
for  late  use,  are  the  best  varieties  in  my  opinion,  and  I  can  strongly 
recommend  them. 

Dwarf  and  Runner  Beans. 

Runner  Beans  require  much  the  same  treatment  as  do  Peas,  but 
avoid  sowing  too  soon.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  in  an  irregular  line  in 
the  drill  quite  9  inches  asunder.  This  is  not  too  far  apart,  as  the  plants 
fill  out  very  quickly  when  well  grown.  Dwarf  varieties  ought  to  have 
the  same  space  allowed  them,  crowding  of  the  plants  being  not  conducive 
to  a  full  crop.  An  amateur  once  saw  some  I  had  planted  after  the 
manner  described,  and  wondered  at  the  waste  of  ground,  but  when  he 
afterwards  saw  the  crop  he  was  more  surprised,  and  said  he  should  not 
in  future  sow'  so  thickly  as  he  had  done.  If  the  ground  is  rich,  and  the 
plants  grow  freely,  it  is  advisable  to  place  a  few  short  branching  sticks 
to  Dwarf  Bean  plants,  as  by  so  doing  straight  even  pods  are  produced, 
which  could  not  be  if  the  plants  were  lying  on  the  ground.  No  doubt 
some  of  the  newer  varieties  of  Runner  Beans  are  acquisitions,  and 


898 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893, 


decided  improvements  upon  most  of  the  old  kinds  during  some  seasons  ; 
but  such  sorts  as  Neal’s  Ne  Plus  Ultra  and  Scarlet  Champion  are  to  be 
depended  upon.  Of  Dwarf  varieties  few  are  better  than  Canadian 
Wonder  and  Ne  Plus  Ultra. 

Leeks. 

March  is  the  best  month  in  which  to  sow  seeds  to  produce  Leeks  for 
ordinary  uses,  but  for  exhibition  the  first  week  in  February  is  the  most 
suitable  time.  Sow  the  seed  in  boxes,  and  treat  the  plants  similarly  to 
Celery.  In  light  soil  it  is  advisable  to  plant  in  well  manured  trenches, 
but  on  very  stiff  soil  plant  on  the  level  ground.  Treat  this  crop 
generously,  give  copious  waterings  of  liquid  manure  during  the  summer. 
Plant  deeply,  earth  up  to  blanch  like  Celery,  giving  a  good  drenching 
of  water  first.  Sutton’s  Prizetaker  is  a  good  variety,  mild  in  flavour, 
but,  according  to  my  experience,  sometimes  liable  to  soft  growth ; 
perhaps  the  fault  lies  in  the  soil  only.  The  Lyon  is  not  surpassed. 

Vegetable  Marrows. 

These  have  certainly  been  very  plentiful  this  year.  Our  plants 
have  been  grown  in  mounds  of  soil  surrounded  with  plenty  of  old  leaves 
upon  which  the  shoots  have  lain.  They  were  poor  plants  when  first  put 
out,  but  by  shading  from  the  sun  for  a  short  time  they  soon  began  to  fruit, 
and  a  constant  supply  has  been  forthcoming.  The  seeds  should  be  sown 
in  April,  plants  duly  potted  as  required,  and  planted  out  the  end  of 
May  or  beginning  of  June  on  beds  which  contain  plenty  of  rich  soil. 
During  dull  weather  it  is  advisable  to  fertilise  the  flowers.  Moore’s 
Vegetable  Cream  is  the  best  Marrow  that  I  have  grown. 

Before  concluding,  I  would  like  to  say  a  few  words  about  these  vege¬ 
tables  for  preparing  and  exhibition  and  staging  them.  Good  produce 
may  be  almost  spoilt  by  slovenly  staging.  Selection  of  the  different 
varieties  is  the  first  consideration,  and  mere  size  is  not  always  to  be 
relied  upon.  If  possible,  everything  should  be  had  when  at  its  best. 
Do  not  forget  to  use  the  fork  when  lifting  roots.  Do  not  scrub  them 
with  a  hard  brush,  but  soak  them  in  water,  and  use  the  sponge  only 
to  remove  the  dirt.  Select  Cauliflowers  before  their  heads  open,  or 
they  will  be  partially  spoilt.  Cucumbers  and  Vegetable  Marrows  should 
be  as  even  in  size  and  as  faultless  as  possible.  Carrots  ought  to  be  a 
good  colour,  and  Turnips  not  too  old  or  stringy  inside.  Peas  must  be 
young  and  tender,  and  Potatoes  even  in  size,  as  nearly  eyeless  as  pos¬ 
sible,  and  clear  in  the  skin.  Use  plenty  of  Parsley  in  staging.  Stage 
in  such  a  way  as  will  show  up  each  dish  separately,  and  to  the 
very  best  advantage.  This  applies  in  the  case  of  a  collection  being 
arranged.  There  is  some  art  to  be  displayed  in  arranging  a  fine  collec¬ 
tion  of  vegetables.  Separate  dishes  call  for  the  same  care  and  attention. 
I  should  like  to  take  this  opportunity  of  advocating  that  space  be  liberally 
given,  as  is  generally  done  by  societies,  on  the  bare  tables,  and  the 
entire  abolition  of  trays  in  the  case  of  collections  of  vegetables. — 
Geo.  Garner. 


PRACTICAL  DINNER  TABLE  DECORATIONS. 

[By  Mr.  H-  Dunkix.  Read  at  a  meeting  of  the  Ealing  Gardeners’  Improvement 

Society.] 

I  HAVE  prefixed  the  title  of  this  paper  by  the  word  “  practical,” 
because  many  styles  of  dinner  table  decorations  in  vogue  at  the  present 
time,  such  as  one  sees  at  exhibitions,  are  not  practicable  as  far  as  the 
majority  of  gardeners  are  coneerned.  This  statement  I  feel  sure  will 
-not  easily  pass  unchallenged  unless  I  am  able  to  advance  sound  reasons 
to  justify  so  emphatic  an  assertion.  I  will  therefore  attempt  to  do  so 
before  proceeding  further. 

The  reason  why  we  see  so  great  a  disparity  between  the  styles  and 
arrangement  of  dinner  table  embellishments  at  public  exhibitions  and 
those  carried  out  in  the  homes  of  the  wealthy,  is  to  a  great  extent  due 
to  the  fact  that  those  who  carry  out  the  former  select  with  great  care 
the  glasses  and  stands  employed  for  arranging  the  flowers  in,  and  in 
some  instances  have  them  specially  made  for  the  purpose,  while 
gardeners  in  the  majority  of  private  places  have  to  adapt  their  floral 
arrangements  to  the  incongruous  and  generally  far  too  massive  epergnes, 
stands,  bowls,  and  baskets  which  are  provided.  These  are  in  many 
instances  ancient  and  costly  ornaments  of  gold  and  silver,  works  of  high 
art  in  themselves,  but  not  well  fitted  to  enable  the  decorator  to  show 
his  ability  in  devising  and  carrying  out  artistic  arrangements  which  are 
in  accord  with  the  advanced  and  refined  taste  of  present  times.  These 
■elaborate  ornaments  are  frequently  heirlooms  which  have  been  handed 
down  through  many  successive  generations,  and  are  in  consequence 
highly  prized  by  those  ancient  families  who  still  retain  them,  and  who 
are  as  proud  on  befitting  occasions  to  display  them  before  their  guests 
as  they  are  to  show  the  floral  gems  of  their  garden  or  the  artistic 
ability  of  their  gardeners,  who,  in  reality,  only  reflect  the  good  taste  of 
their  employers.  I  maintain,  therefore,  that  real  ability  in  this  kind  of 
work  is  best  shown  by  choosing  the  most  suitable  materials  at  command 
for  each  individual  set  of  ornaments,  and  arranging  them  so  as  to  obtain 
a  good  effect  without  paying  too  much  regard  to  conventional  style, 
always  making  a  point  to  have  some  special  feature  in  each  attempt, 
some  feature  which  will  strike  at  once  each  beholder,  and  by  it  be  after¬ 
wards  remembered.  It  is,  I  think,  scarcely  necessary  for  me  to  add 
the  prominent  feature  should  be  one  which  does  not  offend  eyes  well 
trained  to  a  due  balance  between  accurately  proportioned  forms  and 
well  blended  colours. 

The  old  method  of  using  a  considerable  variety  of  colour  at  each 
attempt  is  now  almost  extinct,  and  in  many  of  the  best  decorations 
now  carried  out  only  one  colour  is  used  in  addition  to  that  supplied  by 


the  greenery.  Speaking  generally,  white  may  with  advantage  be  added 
to  almost  any  combination.  When,  however,  a  series  of  dinner  parties 
are  held  which  necessitate  extensive  decorations,  it  is  policy,  on  several 
occasions,  to  keep  to  one  colour  only,  without  even  the  addition  of 
white.  A  more  varied  effect  may  in  this  way  be  produced  with  a  given 
amount  of  materials  than  can  be  secured  by  any  other  means  which  I 
am  aware  of. 

In  selecting  flowers  for  the  purpose  care  should  be  taken  to  use 
only  those  which  look  well  when  seen  under  the  influence  of  arti¬ 
ficial  light,  unless,  as  is  rarely  the  case,  dinner  is  partaken  of  by 
daylight.  The  various  shades  of  pink,  rose,  and  scarlet  are,  I 
think,  more  telling  under  artificial  light  than  any  other  colours 
or  shades  of  colour;  certain  it  is  that  when  well  executed  designs 
in  which  either  of  these  colours — especially  the  two  first-named — 
are  employed,  they  command  universal  and,  in  some  instances, 
enthusiastic  admiration.  Dark  blue  and  purple  flowers  should 
invariably  be  avoided,  but  pale  blue  ones  often  look  exceedingly  pretty 
when  arranged  with  soft  yellow  flowers  or  foliage,  or  when  yellow 
coloured  silk  is  laid  upon  the  cloth.  I  have  frequently  heard  and  read 
that  yellow  flowers  are  not  effective  when  seen  under  artificial  light. 
Some  shades  may  not  be,  but  I  can  scarcely  imagine  how  we  could  well 
dispense  with  the  fine  clear  j^ellow  and  bronzy  yellow  shades  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  which  have  a  peculiar  and  delightful  beauty  of  their  own, 
and  are,  moreover,  especially  adapted  for  dinner-table  embellishments. 
Simple  rules  as  to  which  colours  harmonise  with  each  other  are  useful 
to  beginners  ;  but  those  who  have  a  correct  eye  for  colour  should  rely 
solely  on  that  gift  to  guide  them  in  the  art  of  colour-blending.  They 
will  then  be  able  to  work  out  many  exquisite  combinations  of  colour, 
which  those  who  rely  principally  upon  a  dogmatic  code  of  rules  can 
never  imitate  without  running  great  risk  of  offending  the  more  correct 
and  sensitive  optical  organs  of  tbose  with  a  good  eye  for  colour.  When 
there  is  any  doubt  as  to  the  appearance  the  colours  intended  for  use 
will  present  under  artificial  light,  the  point  may  easily  be  settled  by 
taking  the  various  flowers  into  a  darkened  room  to  examine  by  the  light 
— ^gas  or  lamp. 

Every  gardener  who  has  had  a  fair  amount  of  experience  in  the 
arrangement  of  flowers  for  whatever  purpose,  is  aware  that  a  light 
feathery  outline  must  be  obtained  to  produce  a  good  effect.  It  is 
therefore  essential  that  crowding  should  at  all  times  be  avoided.  Some 
fail  in  securing  this  lightness  of  arrangement,  because  they  experience 
considerable  difficulty  in  fixing  the  flowers  in  the  exact  positions  they 
require  them  to  occupy.  This  is,  however,  easily  accomplished  by 
inserting  pieces  of  box  a  few  inches  in  length  between  the  stems,  so  as 
to  keep  each  flower  held  firmly  in  position.  When  each  glass  or  stand 
is  filled  I  like  to  look  it  carefully  over,  and  should  there  be  any  appear¬ 
ance  of  overcrowding  remove  a  few  flowers  by  cutting  the  stems  asunder 
at  the  water  level  ;  this  is  far  better  than  pulling  them  out,  as  there  is 
no  danger  of  loosening  and  disarranging  the  others.  Simple  though  this 
matter  may  appear  it  is  well  worthy  of  attention.  In  almost  all 
arrangements  it  is  important  to  have  a  good  proportion  of  small  light 
flowers  cut  with  long  stems,  such  as  Spiraeas,  Oncidium  flexuosum, 
Masdevallias,  Epacrises,  Cornflowers,  Gypsophila  paniculata,  and  a  host 
of  others  possessing  similar  characteristics.  When  only  medium  sized 
glasses  are  used  flowers  of  a  heavy  nature  are  quite  out  of  piaee  except  in 
the  case  of  those  which  have  a  dish-like  base.  Where,  however,  mas¬ 
sive  stands  or  epergnes  are  used,  flowers  of  a  bold  type,  so  long  as  they 
are  thinly  arranged,  should  be  used. 

Styles  of  Arrangement. 

Fashion  in  this,  as  in  all  other  kinds  of  decorative  work,  is  con¬ 
tinually  changing  ;  but  whatever  the  prevailing  method  of  the  day  may 
be  various  other  styles  also  must  be  frequently  brought  into  use  when¬ 
ever  a  series  of  dinner  parties  take  place,  otherwise  monotony  is  pain¬ 
fully  apparent.  I  have  sometimes  noticed  on  such  occasions  that  a 
method  of  arrangement  practised  twenty  years  ago  will,  if  worked  out 
in  the  lightness  and  finish  which  commends  itself  to  modern  taste,  and 
secure  enthusiastic  admiration.  Tracing,  for  instance,  is  not  nearly  so 
much  in  vogue  as  it  was  ten  years  ago,  yet  if  well  done  it  is  extremely 
effective ;  but  then  we  use  things  which  I  consider  are  far  better 
adapted  for  the  purpose  now,  which  may  have  much  to  do  with  its 
continued  popularity.  Coleus  leaves  laid  so  as  to  overlap  each  other 
were  at  one  time  freely  employed,  but  to  my  mind  they  are  much  too 
flat  and  formal  looking.  Sprays  of  Honeysuckle,  Weigela  rosea,  or  small 
pieces  of  the  feathery  Retinosporas,  represent  aifar  more  effective  type  of 
material. 

At  this  season  of  the  year,  when  there  is  plenty  of  coloured  foliage  to 
be  had,  a  simple  but  unique  arrangement  may  be  made  by  covering  the 
whole  space  available  on  the  cloth  with  autumn  foliage  of  several  tints. 
Berberis  aquifolium  answers  the  purpose  well.  The  points  of  shoots  as 
well  as  single  leaves  should  be  used,  because  they  will  take  off  the 
flatness.  A  glass  or  epergne  dressed  with  flowers  and  Fern  should  then 
be  placed  in  the  centre,  and  two  smaller  ones  on  each  side  if  the  size  of 
the  table  requires  them.  White  flowers  arranged  in  little  irregular 
groups  wherever  room  can  be  found  for  them,  with  a  Fern  frond  added 
here  and  there  complete  the  arrangement,  and  if  the  work  has  been 
well  carried  out  the  effect  produced  is  strikingly  effective.  Tins  made 
1  inch  deep,  IJ  inch  wide,  and  fitted  in  a  continuous  design  round  the 
table,  if  filled  with  sand  and  arranged  with  Maidenhair  Fern,  small 
trusses  of  Pelargoniums,  Chrysanthemums,  or  other  flowers,  look  very 
pretty.  The  effect  is  still  better  if  sockets  are  made  in  the  tin  at 
intervals  of  2  or  3  feet,  so  that  small  glass  trumpets  may  be  fitted  into 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


399 


the  sockets  and  arranged  with  flowers.  A  dressed  stand  in  the  centre 
with  a  Cocos  Weddelliana  on  each  side,  will  render  the  whole  light  and 
quite  imposing. 

Very  pretty  plated  glass  ornaments  set  in  silver  are  now  made  in  the 
form  of  baskets.  Some  of  these  have  glass  pendants,  and  glass  chains 
to  connect  one  basket  with  another.  Some  of  the  most  beautiful  dinner 
tables  I  have  ever  seen  have  been  made  so  by  using  these  baskets.  A 
table  to  seat  about  fifteen  is  a  suitable  size  to  secure  good  balance.  The 
largest  basket  dressed  with  flowers  should  be  placed  in  the  centre,  having 
a  few  long  pieces  of  Smilax  (Myrsiphyllnm  asparagoides)  trailing  over 
the  sides  and  along  the  table.  Next  will  come  two  candelabra,  then 
two  smaller  baskets  filled  with  flowers  ;  eight  still  smaller  ones  are  then 
placed  around  the  sides  of  the  table,  the  four  corner  ones  being 
arranged  with  small  Ferns  of  various  sorts  knocked  out  of  60-sized  pots  ; 
the  other  four  having  a  small  Cocos  Weddelliana  in  the  centre,  viith 
flowers  and  Fern  fronds  arranged  at  their  base. 

Various  other  methods  of  arrangement  might  be  given,  but  I  think 
enough  has  been  adduced  to  serve  as  a  foundation,  upon  which  an 
infinite  variety  of  combinations  may  be  worked  out  by  those  of  an 
ingenious  turn  of  mind.  I  will  therefore  conclude  by  giving  the  outline 
of  a  design  which  is  especially  adapted  for  use  during  the  Chrysan¬ 
themum  season.  In  this  case  no  stands,  glasses,  or  epergnes  of  any 
description  will  be  required.  First  cover  the  centre  of  the  table  with 
thick  brown  paper,  then  cut  the  outer  edges  of  it  into  a  series  of  serpen¬ 
tine  sweeps,  so  as  to  avoid  formality  in  outline.  In  the  centre,  on  an 
inverted  pot,  place  a  plant  of  Pandanus  Veitchi  or  one  of  Phoenix 
rupicola.  Next  will  come  two  candelabra,  these  to  be  followed  by  two 
graceful  plants  of  Cocos  Weddelliana,  and  two  smaller  plants  of 
Pandanus  will  be  suitable  for  the  two  ends.  Now  cover  the  whole  of 
the  brown  paper  with  fresh  green  moss,  and  raised  mounds  of  it  to 
cover  the  pots  used.  If  the  table  is  a  rather  wide  one  very  small 
Palms  of  more  graceful  kind  may  be  dotted  about  here  and  there  in 
each  case,  making  a  tiny  mound  to  cover  each  pot.  Next  trace  round 
the  outer  edge  of  the  moss  with  some  kind  of  coloured  foliage,  and  the 
most  troublesome  part  of  the  work  is  completed.  The  remainder 
consists  in  dotting  Chrysanthemums,  both  large  and  small,  at  irregular 
intervals  all  over  the  moss,  of  course  avoiding  anything  approaching 
crowding.  Some  of  the  Japanese  kinds  which  have  drooping  petals 
should  stand  well  above  the  moss,  so  as  to  display  their  fantastic  beauty 
to  the  best  advantage  ;  this  can  easily  be  done  if  the  stems  are  sharpened 
and  thrust  into  the  moss,  an  extra  depth  of  which  may  be  given  at  such 
points.  Fronds  of  Maidenhair  and  Pteris  Ferns  and  a  few  small 
whorls  of  Cyperus  alternifolius  inserted  here  and  there  give  a  finishing 
touch  to  the  whole.  Anyone  who  has  the  opportunity  to  carry  out  this 
arrangement  will,  I  am  sure,  be  delighted  with  it,  and  the  guests  when 
seated  round  the  table  will  find  their  eyes  resting  upon  a  scene  which, 
for  a  moment,  might  take  them  in  flights  of  fancy  to  the  realms  of 
fairyland. 


FLORAL  NOMENCLATURE. 

OBSERViNa  a  remark  on  page  381,  about  the  much-discussed  pro¬ 
nunciation  of  the  word  Gladiolus,  may  I  briefly  sum  up  all  that  ever 
has  been  or  can  be  said  about  it  ?  It  is  a  general  law  of  pronunciation 
that  you  cannot  speak  a  word  in  which  three  short  syllables  occur 
together  without  accenting  one  of  them.  Hence  a  word  of  six  short 
syllables  must  have  two  of  them  accented,  as  Mesopotamia  ;  but  a  word 
of  five  short  syllables  only  requires  one  to  be  accented,  provided  it  is  in 
the  middle,  as  Macedonia.  In  words  of  four  short  syllables  such  a 
pronunciation  is,  as  “  W.  R.  Raillem  ”  (page  381)  says,  practically 
impossible.  A  classical  scholar  from  Oxford  or  Cambridge  would 
naturally  say  Gladiolus,  modiolus,  following  the  ordinary  habit  of 
pronouncing  the  words  in  Latin.  There  has  been,  however,  an  attempt 
in  English  to  turn  these  words  into  trisyllabic  words,  by  pronouncing 
“i”  as  “j,”  and  saying  Gladjolus  and  moijolus  ;  this,  however,  is  a 
modern  conceit,  which  I  hope  will  not  prevail. — C.  Wolley  Dod, 

Hall,  Half  as. 

P.S. — The  suggested  compromise  between  “  i  ”  and  “  j  ”  leaves  us  a 
host  of  words,  like  medeola,  medicia,  and  polygala,  which  cannot  be 
dealt  with  in  the  same  way. 

Curious  Spelling  of  the  Names  op  Fruits  and  Flowers  at 

Shows. 

The  note  by  “  East  Anglia”  (page  373)  reminds  me  that  I  too  have 
some  memoranda  on  the  above-named  subject,  and  now  that  the  autumn 
shows  are  coming  on  perhaps  a  few  friendly  remarks  will  not  be  out  of 
place,  and  may  help  towards  an  improvement  in  the  spelling  of  the 
names  of  fruits,  plants,  and  flowers.  That  it  does  not  receive  the 
attention  it  deserves  is  only  too  evident,  as  anyone  may  easily  learn  if 
he  will  take  the  trouble  to  look  along  the  tables  at  a  flower  show.  I 
have  often  been  surprised  that  some  exhibitors  are  so  careless  on  this 
point.  It  seems  to  me  a  pity  that  a  meritorious  exhibit  should  be  marred 
by  a  mis-spelt  name.  “Ahl”  says  someone,  “I  hav’n’t  had  much 
schooling,  and  my  memory  isn’t  good  either.”  Well  I  do  not  blame  him 
on  these  accounts,  but  what  I  do  blame  him  for  is  that  he  did  not  obtain 
and  consult  a  reliable  catalogue,  and  so  insure  the  correct  spelling  of 
names.  A  good  catalogue  may  usually  be  begged  or  borrowed,  or,  if  not, 
can  be  bought  for  a  trifle  any  day  ;  therefore  there  is  no  excuse. 

Here  are  a  few  specimens  copied  at  one  of  the  principal  shows  in  the 
West  of  England.  1  have  more,  but  these  are  enough  to  show  that  there 


is  room  for  improvement.  “lAdmiral  Warburton”  and  “  Wall  burton 
Admirial”  for  Walburton  Admirable  Peach;  “Fontail”  for  Fonthill 
Plum;  “  Merella  ”  for  Morello  Cherry;  “Adiantium  capilis,”  “  Gaa- 
cllium,’  and  “  Gresseliam”  for  gracillimum  ;  “  Nephrelepsis ’’for  Nephro- 
lepis  ;  “  Elligants  ”  for  elegans. 

I  would  ask  those  whom  it  may  concern  if  it  is  not  worth  while  to 
give  the  matter  a  little  more  attention  ?  It  is  not  pleasant  to  stand  by 
and  hear  young  ladies  and  schoolboys  making  fun  of  gardeners’ 
spelling.  Nor  is  there  any  reason  why  they  should  have  the  opportunity. 
— West  Anglia. 

[A  reform  in  the  direction  indicated  is  urgently  needed  at  many  if 
not  most  exhibitions.] 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

October  I 24th. 

Scientific  Committee. — Present  :  Dr.  Russell  (in  the  chair), 
Mr.  Blandford,  Rev,  W.  Wilks,  Prof.  Farmer,  and  Rev.  G.  Henslow, 
Hon.  Sec. 

Galls  on  With  reference  to  the  galls  exhibited  at  the  last 

meeting  and  recognised  as  those  of  Cynips  calycis,  Mr.  Blandford  observed 
that  they  are  used  for  tannic  acid  on  the  continent,  as  well  as  the  more 
common  form,  on  Quercus  infectoria,  which  contain  50  per  cent. 

Daffodils  and  Mice. — Rev.  W.  Wilks  exhibited  several  bulbs  which 
had  been  attacked  by  Merodon  ;  but  subsequently  mice  had  eaten  into 
the  bulbs,  apparently  in  order  to  extract  the  grub,  as  no  perfect  bulb  was 
ever  touched.  Mr.  Wilks  intends,  and  suggests  as  a  means  of  selection, 
to  spread  out  bulbs  supposed  to  be  affected  where  mice  can  have  access 
to  them,  as  the  sound  bulbs  will  be  left  untouched. 

Daffodil  Decaying.— He  also  showed  a  bulb  which  had  decayed  up 
the  middle,  while  the  base  of  the  stem  was  detached  together  with  the 
roots.  It  was  referred  to  Kew  for  examination. 

Onions  Diseased. — Some  large  flattish  Onions  were  exhibited,  which 
had  become  completely  rotten  in  the  middle  at  the  base  of  the  stem. 
Two-thirds  of  a  crop  were  said  to  have  been  lost.  They  were  also 
referred  to  Kew. 

Dijured  Timber,  Photograph. — Prof.  Farmer  showed  photographs  of 
sections  of  an  ancient  Elm,  lately  cut  down  at  Oxford.  They  showed  a 
separation,  for  three  parts  of  a  circle,  deeply  seated  within  the  stem. 
As  the  subsequent  annual  rings  were  at  first  discontinuous  over  the 
middle  point,  but  gradually  closed  over  it,  the  interpretation  seemed  to 
be  that  the  tree  had  been  partially  decorticated,  the  wound  being 
subsequently  completely  concealed. 

Proliferous  Fern.  —  Mr.  Veitch  forwarded  a  plant  of  Adiantum 
(which  appeared  among  A.  Capillus-Veneris,  but  had  broader  pinnules), 
having  minute  fronds  starting  from  the  situation  of  the  sori,  apparently 
being  aposporous,  and  developing  new  fronds  in  the  place  of  sporangia. 
Mr.  Veitch  remarks  that  this  is  the  first  time  that  he  had  seen  this 
occurrence  on  an  Adiantum. 

Diseased  Pears.— With  reference  to  the  Pears  sent  to  the  last  meet¬ 
ing,  Mr.  Massee  reports  that  “  the  fungus  is  Gloeosporium  fructigerum, 
Berh.  There  is  no  possibility  of  arresting  the  disease  in  the  mature 
state  of  the  fruit,  but  this  can  be  done  by  using  the  proper  remedy 
during  the  development  of  the  fruit.”  The  remedy  suggested  for  the 
same  fungus  in  Peaches  was  ”  two  or  three  sprayings  of  potassic  sulphide 
(one-half  ounce  to  a  gallon  of  water).” 


OCTOBER  RASPBERRIES  AND  STRAWBERRIES. 

I  HAVE  picked  several  small  dishes  of  Raspberries  this  month,  finer 
and  quite  as  good  fiavoured  as  they  were  in  the  summer  and  very 
highly  coloured.  I  also  gathered  some  on  October  27th.  —  JAS. 
Wicketts,  Whitcroft,  Pershore,  Worcestershire. 


On  the  18th  ult.  I  gathered  a  good  dish  of  ripe  Raspberries,  left  others 
some  just  colouring,  but  whether  they  will  ripen  is  a  question.  The 
fruit  is  from  the  summer  fruiting  varieties,  but  the  crop  was  a  very 
light  one,  the  hot  dry  season  having  a  great  effect  upon  this  particular 
fruit. — G.  R.  Hemmings,  Ilollingbourne  House,  near  Maidstone. 


Messrs.  S.  Chivers  &  Sons,  Cambridge,  writing  under  date 
October  24th  to  the  daily  press,  say  : — “  As  an  illustration  of  the  very 
exceptional  character  of  the  season  we  have  taken  the  liberty  to  forward 
you  some  fresh  gathered  Strawberries,  being  now  busy  picking  and 
preserving  our  second  crop  this  year.  We  have  already,  during  October, 
gathered  1  ton  5  cwt.,  and  as  the  plants  have  still  a  large  quantity  of 
blossom  anl  green  fruit  we  expect  to  be  able  to  pick  double  the  weight 
if  this  mild  weather  continues.” 


Referring  to  Mr.  G.  Freeman’s  note  (page  35.3)  regarding  ripe 
Strawberries,  I  may  mention  during  the  last  week  in  September  and  up 
to  the  present  time  I  have  gathered  about  four  and  half  dozen  of  ripe 
Strawberries  from  plants  grown  outdoors.  I  have  only  notice  two 
sorts  fruiting — viz..  Black  Prince  and  Vicomtesse  Hhricart  de  Thury, 
although  one  plant  of  Latest  of  All  bore  two  or  three  fruit.  Some  of 
the  fruit  were  quite  equal  in  flavour  and  size  to  those  of  the  summer. 
To-day  (October  25th)  I  find  there  are  about  one  and  half  dozen  of  good 
sized  fruits,  but  many  have  decayed  during  the  wet  weather. — G.  WALLIS, 
The  Gardens,  Brockley  Hall,  Brochley. 


400 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Noyember  2,  1893. 


Events  of  the  Week. — During  the  ensuing  week  many  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Shows  will  he  held,  but  as  a  list  of  those  which  have  been 
advertised  in  our  columns  is  given  on  page  402  further  reference  is 
unnecessary.  Attention  may  be  called  to  Messrs.  Harrison  &  Sons’ 
vegetable  and  root  show,  which  will  be  held  at  Leicester  on  November 
8th  and  9th.  Particulars  of  this  will  be  found  in  the  advertisement 
pages. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — A  change  in  the  weather  has 

taken  place  since  publishing  our  last  issue.  For  the  first  time  this 
season  frost  was  apparent  on  Monday  night,  1°  having  been  registered 
in  Hyde  Park.  A  frost  also  occurred  on  Tuesday  night,  destroying 
Dahlias  in  many  gardens.  The  barometer  has  risen,  and  at  the  time  of 
going  to  press  the  weather  remains  cold. 

-  Weather  in  the  North. — A  great  deal  of  rain  has  fallen 

during  the  month  in  this  district,  the  really  fine  days  were  few.  We 
have  now  every  appearance  of  an  early  winter.  Snow  appeared  on  the 
higher  hills  as  early  as  the  23rd  September,  and  they  have  since  been 
white  to  their  bases  more  than  once.  They  are  again  covered,  and  frosts 
of  8°  and  9°  have  been  recorded  on  the  last  two  mornings.  Trees  have 
generally  lost  their  foliage,  and  flowers  are  virtually  over. — B.  D., 
/S'.  Perthshire. 

- Chrysanthemums  and  Gardeners’  Orphans. — By  kind 

permission  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hopwood  the  gardens  and  hothouses  at 
Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  near  Stamford,  will  be  opened  to  the  public  on 
Thursdays,  November  9th  and  16th,  from  2  to  5  p.m.  in  aid  of  the 
Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund.  The  fine  collection  of  Chrysanthemums 
is  now  in  flower,  and  contains  over  1000  large  blooms  in  various  stages. 
Admission  6d.  each.  Gardener,  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers. 

-  Metropolitan  Public  Gardens  Association. — We  learn 

that  the  Prince  of  Wales  has  been  pleased  to  signify  to  the  Earl  of 
Meath  that  it  will  afford  him  much  pleasure  to  accord  his  patronage  to 
the  Metropolitan  Public  Gardens  Association,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
send  a  contribution  of  10  guineas  to  its  funds. 

-  Corrected  Nomenclature. — Aglacnema  not 

A.  “  rotundum,”  is  the  name  of  the  plant  that  was  figured  on  page  379 
last  week,  the  wrong  name  having  been  inadvertently  given  to  the 
plant  when  first  exhibited.  Through  a  mis-transcription  the  name  of 
Cirrhopetalum  (the  proper  name)  was  printed  C.  “ama- 

tissimum  ”  on  page  378. 

-  Magnum  Bonum  Potato. — Mr.  A.  Harding,  Orton  Hall 

Gardens,  Peterborough,  writes ; — “  On  October  26th  I  lifted  one  of  the 
best  crops  of  Magnum  Potatoes  I  ever  saw.  The  Potatoes  were  planted 
the  beginning  of  June,  after  Ashleafs  and  Hebrons  were  earthed  up. 
The  tubers  are  clean,  large  and  fine  shaped  ;  being  planted  late  they 
made  no  second  growth  like  those  planted  earlier — a  peculiarity  of 
season,  I  suppose.” 

-  A  New  Thames  Embankment. — It  is  reported  that  a  new 

Thames  Embankment  is  to  be  formed  at  Battersea.  It  is  decided  now 
to  claim  the  foreshore  by  the  side  of  the  Thames  near  Old  Battersea 
Church,  and  by  building  a  concrete  embankment  enclose  an  open  space 
of  2800  square  yards.  This  space  when  railed  in  and  planted  with 
shrubs  and  trees  will  make  an  open  and  delightful  promenade  with  a 
river  frontage.  The  cost  is  estimated  to  be  £2400,  towards  which  the 
Metropolitan  Public  Gardens  Association  will  contribute  £1000. 

-  Wakefield  Paxton  Society. — At  a  meeting  of  this  Society 

last  week,  Mr.  J,  Haigh,  of  Sheffield,  read  a  very  interesting  paper  on 
“  Plants  in  Dwelling  Houses.”  Nothing,  he  said,  could  be  more 
beautiful  than  floral  or  foliage  embellishments  in  a  house  ;  pictures, 
statuary,  or  other  ornaments  were  inanimate,  and  could  not  compare 
with  them  in  effectiveness.  It  was  difficult  to  choose  suitable  plants 
for  the  varied  conditions  of  heat  and  cold,  light  and  darkness,  dampness 
and  dryness  of  different  rooms  in  a  house,  but  with  care  and  observa¬ 
tion  the  many  difficulties  in  keeping  plants  in  a  state  of  health  and 
beauty  could  be  overcome. 


-  Gardening  Appointment. — Mr.  Maurice  Jones,  late  gar¬ 
dener  to  Miss  C.  Denton,  Flemingate  House,  Beverley,  East  Yorks,  has 
been  appointed  gardener  to  C.  C.  Arkcoll,  Esq.,  Lime  Park,  Hurst- 
monceux,  Sussex. 

-  Dahlia  Brilliant. — At  the  meeting  of  the  Floral  Committee 

of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  held  on  the  25th  ult.,  a  first- 
class  certificate  was  awarded  to  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons  for  Dahlia 
Brilliant,  a  rich  deep  crimson  flower  of  the  true  Cactus  type. 

-  Preston  and  Fulwood  Horticultural  Society,  — 

Mr,  Charles  Parker,  11,  Cannon  Street,  Preston,  has  been  appointed 
Secretary  of  the  above  Society  in  place  of  Mr,  John  Atherton,  who 
resigned.  The  spring  show  of  the  Society  is  fixed  for  March  14th  and 
15th,  1894. 

-  The  Devon  and  Exeter  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improve¬ 
ment  Association.' — At  the  meeting  of  the  above  Association,  held 
on  the  25th  ult.,  in  the  Guildhall,  Exeter,  Mr.  Andrew  Hope,  of 
Messrs.  R.  Veitch  &  Son,  read  an  able  and  interesting  paper  on  “  Plant 
Names  and  Their  Association.”  The  chair  was  occupied  by  Mr.  G.  B. 
Langsdale,  and  there  was  a  large  attendance  of  members. 

-  Mr.  C.  Orchard,  we  learn,  has  given  up  the  management  of 

the  Bembridge  Hotel,  I.W,,  and  taken  over  the  Gardens  on  the  reclaimed 
land  from  the  Brading  Harbour  Co.,  with  a  view  of  developing  a  florist’s 
business,  as  well  as  supplying  the  hotels  belonging  to  the  Company  with 
cut  flowers,  vegetables,  and  other  produce.  Mr.  Orchard’s  present 
address  is  2,  Harbour  Mount,  Bembridge,  Isle  of  Wight. 

-  Gustavia  pterocarpa. — In  a  recent  issue  of  the  “  Garden 

and  Forest,”  Mr.  G.  Nicholson  remarks  that  this  plant  has  been  flower¬ 
ing  in  the  Palm  house  at  Kew  ;  all  the  species  of  the  genus  are  hand¬ 
some  plants,  well  worth  growing.  The  present  species  has  large  flowers 
— about  4  inches  or  more  across — somewhat  like  those  of  a  Magnolia  in 
shape  ;  the  petals  are  white  inside  and  rose-tinted  externally.  The 
inflorescence  consists  of  about  ten  flowers  ;  the  stalked,  leathery  leaves 
measure  from  12  to  20  inches  in  length  and  from  4  to  6  inches  in  width. 

-  Large  Vegetables. — We  learn  from  a  Cumberland  con¬ 
temporary  that  there  was  a  unique  collection  of  fine  vegetables  filling 
the  front  windows  of  Messrs.  Little  &  Ballantyne’s  establishment  on 
Saturday  last.  The  specimens  were  all  sent  to  the  firm  from  growers 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Carlisle.  There  were  white  Cabbages  20  lbs. 
weight.  Red  Cabbages  16  or  17  lbs.  ;  Brussels  Sprouts  nearly  3  feet 
high,  “  buttoned  ”  to  the  very  top  ;  pink  and  white  Celery,  which  had 
displaced  a  depth  of  2|  feet  of  soil  ;  Leeks,  of  the  Musselburgh  variety, 
8  or  9  inches  in  circumference  ;  large  round  Onions  from  1  lb,  to  1^  lb. 
in  weight  ;  Marrows  of  extraordinary  dimensions,  and  a  Gourd 
weighing  30  lbs. 

-  Pot  Marigolds. — These  plants  are  the  hardiest  of  annuals 

and  give  a  fine  show  of  flowers  during  the  summer.  If  sown, 
however,  in  May  a  display  of  bloom  is  seen  all  the  autumn, 
and  that  is  very  important.  Amongst  the  very  latest  to  flower 
outdoors  is  Orange  King,  one  of  the  most  effective  of  all,  because 
the  rich  hue  is  particularly  striking  at  this  dull  season.  The 
old  form  of  pot  Marigold,  a  poor  and  uncertain  flower,  is  quite  elbowed 
out  by  such  beautiful  varieties  as  those  named ;  Prince  of  Orange 
partially  flaked  with  white  ;  Meteor,  the  petals  striped  white  and  yellow. 
Some  varieties  are  self,  lemon,  or  occasionally  tinted  with  a  dark 
hue  on  the  tops  of  the  petals.  All  these  are  excellent  in  gardens,  all  are 
beautiful,  bloom  freely,  and  endure  longer  than  other  hardy  annuals. — A. 

-  Colouring  Fruit.  —  Have  you  ever  noticed  what  a  fine 

colour  most  of  the  fruit  offered  for  sale  in  the  street  generally 
possesses  ?  It  is  all  a  question  of  dyes,  remarks  a  “  Society  ”  journal. 
Ordinary  Oranges  are  dyed  a  deep  red,  which  enables  them  to  be  passed 
off  as  fine  Blood  Oranges  at  an  enhanced  price,  especially  when  they 
have  been  made  half  as  large  again  by  boiling.  Pine  Apples  are  also 
tinted  to  make  them  look  more  attractive,  and  hard,  unripe  Straw¬ 
berries  are  dyed  so  as  to  look  a  deep,  luscious  red.  Melons  are  coloured 
a  deep  orange,  and  essence  of  Melon  is  injected  to  increase  their  flavour 
The  latest  development  of  the  business  of  colouring  fruit  in  France  is  in 
connection  with  Pears,  which  are  dyed  blue  for  a  third  of  their  size  and 
red  below,  so  that  they  present  the  national  tricolour  when  peeled 
They  are  said  to  be  in  great  demand  for  dessert  fruit  on  account  of  their 
novelty,  just  as  the  green  Carnations  were  over  here  with  certain 
persons. 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


401 


-  The  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — What  was  most 

fitly  termed  a  grand  concert  was  given  at  the  Surbiton  Assembly  Rooms 
on  Wednesday  evening  of  last  week.  The  programme  furnished  by 
Mr.  W.  Furze  of  Teddington,  was  a  first-class  one,  the  company  large 
and  fashionable,  and  the  entire  programme,  every  item  of  which  was 
capitally  rendered,  gave  the  highest  satisfaction.  We  learn  that  H.R.H. 
the  Duchess  of  Albany  kindly  sent  a  donation  of  20s.  to  the  Concert 
Fund  through  Mr.  A.  Dean,  the  Secretary.  Also  through  him  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Sons,  the  well-known  Begonia  growers  of  Forest  Hill,  sent  a 
very  handsome  bouquet  for  presentation  to  the  Mayoress  of  Kingston, 
in  recognition  of  the  Mayor  and  Mayoress’s  patronage.  The  Committee 
met  on  Saturday  evening  last  to  oalance  accounts,  everything  being 
conducted  with  great  economy,  Mr.  Furze  and  Mr.  Dean  even  finding 
all  refreshments  for  the  artistes.  The  result  is  a  balance  of  21  guineas, 
which  will  be  duly  forwarded  to  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron. 

-  .iEchmea  Mari^  Regina.  —  A  writer  in  the  “American 

Florist  ”  thinks  that  this  plant  is  the  handsomest  Bromeliad  ever  intro¬ 
duced.  It  is  strong  in  habit,  having  large  leaves  12  to  18  inches  in 
length,  armed  at  the  edges  with  sharp  spines.  The  flower  scape  is  erect 
and  covered  about  half  its  length  with  large  boat-shaped  bracts  of  a  rich 
magenta  shaded  with  rose,  which  remains  a  long  time  in  perfection  ;  the 
upper  portion  is  thickly  covered  with  flowers,  which  are  tipped  dark 
blue,  changing  with  age  to  rose.  It  blooms  during  June  and  July.  It 
is  one  of  the  most  gorgeous  and  striking  plants  in  cultivation,  and 
never  fails  to  attract  attention. 

-  Caryopteris  Mastacanthus. — Regarding  this  plant  a  writer 

in  the  “  Garden  and  Forest  ”  says  :  “Although  long  since  it  was  first 
introduced  into  cultivation  this  is  rarely  found  in  gardens.  It  is  a 
smooth,  branchy  little  shrub,  having  much  the  habit  of  a  Ceanothus  or 
Callicarpa,  to  which  latter  family  it  is  allied.  C.  Mastacanthus  does  not 
appear  to  be  truly  hardy  in  some  parts  of  America,  although  it  has  not 
been  fairly  tested  out  of  doors  with  a  proper  winter  covering.  But  it 
blossoms  so  late  and  so  profusely,  and  is  altogether  so  attractive,  that  it 
is  well  worth  the  trouble  to  lift  it  in  autumn  and  place  it  in  a  pit  or  cold 
frame  and  to  replant  it  again  in  the  spring.  There  are  dry,  sunny, 
sheltered  spots  even  about  Boston  where  it  might  possibly  live  and 
thrive  without  removal  in  winter.  The  flowers,  which  are  individually 
small,  are  borne  in  close  corymb  or  umbel-like  clusters  in  the  axils  of 
the  opposite  leaves  and  on  all  the  branches.  Blossoming  begins  in 
September,  and  as  the  twigs  continue  to  grow  new  flower  buds  are 
produced  with  each  new  pair  of  leaves  until  further  growth  is  checked 
by  cold  weather  and  frosts.  The  blooms  are  of  a  rich  violet  or  lavender- 
blue  colour,  and  have  a  slight  aromatic  fragrance.  The  foliage,  green 
above,  is  soft,  downy  and  hoary  white  beneath,  and  when  bruised  it 
gives  out  a  very  powerful,  pungent,  aromatic  odour  strongly  suggestive 
of  some  plants  of  the  Mint  family,  although  this  plant  is  generally 
classed  in  the  Verbena  family.  It  may  be  readily  propagated  by 
cuttings.” 

-  Surrey  Apples.  —  Talking  the  other  day  about  Apples 

and  Pears  at  Cranleigh,  I  was  greatly  pleased  to  And  a  couple  of 
local  growers  (Mr.  Knight,  an  old  Chiswick  man,  and  gardener  to 
Mr.  Cassilla,  Cranleigh  ;  and  Mr.  Donkin,  who  has  embarked  in  fruit 
culture  in  a  small  way  for  market)  could  bring  and  exhibit  such 
excellent  samples  of  fruit,  especially  the  former.  His  Apples  were 
gathered  from  young  standard  trees  in  an  orchard,  and  were  most  clean 
and  handsome.  His  Quinces  were  some  of  the  finest  fruits  I  ever  saw. 
Blenheim  Pippins  large  and  richly  coloured  ;  Hereford  Queening,  a  fine 
late  variety  ;  King  of  the  Pippins  and  Wyken  Pippin,  all  perfect 
samples.  Mr.  Knight  stated  that  on  the  sand  in  that  district  Blenheim 
trees  began  to  fruit  much  earlier  than  is  the  case  on  stiff  soils.  The 
exhibit  showed  what  could  be  done  with  hardy  fruit  in  that  part  of 
the  county  of  Surrey,  and  indeed  it  is  a  grand  fruit-growing  district, 
with  few  exceptions  unhappily  devoid  of  fruit.  When  it  is  known  that 
for  its  area,  its  superb  aspects,  varied  soils,  and  many  suitable  surround¬ 
ings  Surrey  is  credited  in  the  returns  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture  with 
having  only  3000  acres  under  market  fruit  culture,  such  evidence  as 
was  afforded  at  Cranleigh  of  the  capacity  of  the  district  to  produce  fine 
hardy  fruits  should  have  good  effect.  Mr.  Knight  had  exhibited  his 
samples  at  the  local  agricultural  show  there  the  previous  day,  and  it  is 
hoped  that  all  classes,  especially  landowners  and  farmers,  took  note  of 
them.  It  is  so  very  obvious  that  what  can  be  done  by  Mr.  Casilla, 
who  has  planted  largely,  could  be  done  by  many  others,  and  it  is  hoped 
that  very  soon  the  reproach  to  Surrey  of  being  such  a  poor  fruit-growing 
county  may  be  removed, — A,  D. 


-  Birmingham  amateur  Gardeners’  Association.  —  Mr. 

Arthur  Roe  read  an  interesting  and  instructive  paper  on  “  Our  Her¬ 
baceous  Border”  before  the  members  of  the  Amateur  Gardeners’ 
Association,  at  the  Temperance  Institute,  last  week.  He  contended 
that  herbaceous  piants  were  rightly  taking  a  foremost  place  among  the 
popular  plants  of  the  day.  Beds  of  Pelargoniums,  Lobelia,  Asters,  and 
Stocks  produced  an  admirable  display  of  colour,  but  there  was  always 
a  certain  sameness  about  such  plants.  A  well-selected  collection  of 
herbaceous  plants  could  be  grown  easily  in  a  town  garden,  and  would 
provide  us  with  flowers  from  the  early  dawn  of  spring  till  the  closing 
days  of  autumn.  Amateurs,  he  said,  had  overlooked  the  beauty  and 
variety  of  these  plants  in  the  past,  and  had  neglected  their  cultiva¬ 
tion. 

-  Winter  Radishes. — I  have  a  vivid  recollection  of  the  ancient 

black  Spanish  Radish,  at  one  time  commonly  grown  in  gardens  for 
winter  salading.  It  was  sometimes  round  and  oval  and  long,  but  always 
had  a  nearly  rough  black  coat,  the  flesh  white,  rather  hard  and  exceed¬ 
ingly  hot.  We  have  better  winter  Ra  Jishes  now,  and  very  mild  pleasant 
ones  too  in  flavour,  like  the  fleshy  young  fresh  Turnip  Radishes.  I  saw 
a  couple  of  these  winter  varieties  in  the  seed  farm  at  Reading  the  other 
day,  one  a  long  white,  large,  but  very  soft  pleasant  flesh,  exceedingly 
agreeable,  from  Japan,  and  a  pretty  long  tapering-rooted  variety  called 
Chinese  Rose.  These  Radishes  if  pulled  just  when  at  their  best  and 
preserved  as  other  tap  roots  are  for  the  winter,  then  when  used  are 
washed,  peeled  and  sliced,  are  most  valuable  additions  to  mixed  salads 
during  the  winter. — A. 

-  The  Great  Yorkshire  Gala,  York.  —  The  balance-sheet 

for  the  current  year  has  just  been  issued,  and  is  a  most  satisfactory 
statement,  with  a  reserve  fund  of  £2000,  and  other  assets  amounting  to 
£256.  During  this  year  £250  was  given  to  the  York  charities,  £614  12?. 
in  prizes  and  judges’  fees,  £115  12s.  for  music,  £340  for  tents  and  other 
fittings,  and  over  £300  in  other  amusements  incidental  to  the  annual 
Gala.  The  receipts  at  the  gates  on  the  three  days  amounted  to  £1850, 
and  from  other  sources  to  £524  10s.  Whilst  offering  our  congratulations 
to  the  energetic  Committee  and  Secretary,  we  venture  to  suggest  that  in 
the  coming  year  the  claims  of  the  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent 
Institution  and  the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund  may  have  favourable 
consideration,  for  both  urgently  need  help,  and  horticultural  societies 
may  do  so  much — if  they  will — in  helping  both  institutions. 

- National  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society  (Southern 

Section). — The  annual  general  meeting  of  the  above  Society  was  held 
at  the  Hotel  Windsor,  in  the  rooms  of  the  Horticultural  Club,  by  kind 
permission  of  the  members,  on  Saturday,  October  28  ih.  Martin  R.  Smith, 
Esq.,  President  of  che  Society,  presided  over  the  meeting.  The  President, 
Vice-Presidents,  Committee,  and  oflSce  bearer.s  were  re-elected.  It  was 
decided  to  hold  the  Exhibition  for  1894  under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  on  July  24th.  The  following  alterations  were 
made  in  the  schedule  : — Two  new  classes  were  added  of  twelve  blooms 
and  six  blooms  respectively,  with  a  growth  of  the  plant  to  each  bloom, 
and  without  dressing.  It  was  also  proposed  and  unanimously  adopted 
that  the  class  for  yellow  ground  Picotees  be  judged  on  the  same 
principle  as  the  white  ground  varieties — that  is,  a  pure  yellow  with  a 
margin  the  same  as  the  white  ground  class  ;  fancies  not  to  be  admitted. 
A  distribution  of  seed  has  been  made  to  the  members,  saved  from  choice 
fertilised  flowers,  grown  in  the  garden,  of  the  best  seedlings  raised  from 
the  seed  so  distributed  on  a  previous  occasion.  The  statement  by  the 
Treasurer  showed  that  the  Society  was  very  prosperous  as  regards 
finance.  The  subscriptions,  as  per  list,  amounted  to  £154  9s.  6d.  ; 
amount  for  special  prizes,  £18  17s,  6d.;  prize  money  distributed, 
£99  15s.  6d,  The  balance  from  last  year  was  £65  lOs.  5d.,  and  the 
balance  in  hand  is  £118  53.  4d. — J.  DOUGLAS,  Hon,  See. 

-  The  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Auricula  and  Primula 

Society  was  held  at  the  same  time  and  place.  Mr.  Henry  Cannell  of 
Swanley  presided.  The  President,  Vice-Presidents,  Committee,  and  office 
bearers  were  re-elected,  the  name  of  Mr.  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe  being 
added  to  list  of  Vice-Presidents.  The  Exhibition  for  1894  is  to  be  held 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  as  usual,  and  it 
was  decided  to  offer  the  same  prizes  as  last  year.  The  subscriptions  as 
per  list  amounted  to  £63,  prizes  paid  £60  16s.,  other  expenses  brought 
the  expenditure  up  to  £74  Is.  6d.,  leaving  a  deficit  on  this  and  last  year’s 
working  of  £8  16s.  6d.  due  to  the  Treasurer.  If  all  the  members  would 
pay  up  their  subscriptions,  this  amount  would  be  materially  reduced, 
and  with  a  very  little  effort  on  the  part  of  the  members  the  deficiency 
might  be  made  a  handsome  surplus. 


402 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  NoTember  2,  1893. 


-  The  Weather  in  West  Yorkshire. — Round  this  district 

(Bingley)  the  weather  during  October  up  to  the  25th  has  been  excep¬ 
tionally  mild.  Since  then  we  have  had  cold  north-west  winds, 
accompanied  on  the  26th  and  28th  by  heavy  showers  of  rain.  This 
morning,  the  30th  ult.,  we  registered  7°  of  frost,  which  has  put  an  end 
to  the  Dahlias  and  other  flowers. — T.  H.  Bolton. 

-  Amaryllis  Belladonna. — Mr.  Divers  (page  375)  is  correct 

in  stating  that  the  warm  wall  of  a  heated  house  has  a  beneficial  effect 
on  the  bulbs  of  this  plant.  I  have  had  ample  proof  that  they  are 
assisted  by  the  extra  heat  to  a  very  great  extent.  Some  years  since  I 
frequently  visited  a  garden  in  which  was  a  range  of  glass  divided  into 
two  houses — a  stove  and  a  greenhouse.  Between  the  front  wall  and  the 
path  outside  was  a  narrow  bed  of  Belladonna  Lilies  the  whole  length 
of  the  range.  When  the  plants  were  growing  the  difference  in  their 
appearance  was  remarkable,  and  even  more  so  when  in  flower.  Those 
near  the  wall  of  the  stove  grew  taller,  and  produced  a  much  larger 
number  of  finer  scapes  than  did  the  remaining  portion  of  the  bed  by  the 
cooler  wall  of  the  greenhouse,  this  being  the  case  year  after  year.  Had 
the  bulbs  been  lifted  no  doubt  as  great  a  difference  in  their  sizes  would 
have  been  apparent. — T.  S.,  Bristol. 

-  Earwigs.  —  During  the  summer  and  autumn  the  earwig 

was  particularly  abundant  —  i.e.,  the  familiar  Forficula  auriculare, 
the  smaller  dermopterous  species  of  the  genus  Lebia,  did  not  appear 
to  be  more  numerous  than  usual.  It  would  be  of  interest  if  gardeners 
who  had  observed  any  facts  concerning  this  insect  in  the  past  season 
would  kindly  report  them.  For  instance,  it  would  be  very  desirable 
to  know  what  plants  or  shrubs  it  chiefly  infested.  Here,  in  Graves¬ 
end,  I  have  been  told  the  species  was  caught  repeatedly  in  the  act 
of  biting  the  young  shoots  of  Chrysanthemums.  Also  it  is  important 
to  have  further  evidence  as  to  its  flying,  and  whether  it  uses  the 
forceps  at  the  tail  to  inflict  a  pinch  should  it  be  assailed.  There  is 
some  doubt  amongst  entomologists  as  to  its  habits,  and  its  early 
history  is  still  very  obscure.  I  imagine  the  eggs  are  laid  in  or  on 
the  ground  during  the  autumn,  and  the  young  brood  lead  a  subterranean 
life,  or  almost  so.  Many  of  the  mature  earwigs  seem  to  survive  till 
the  next  spring,  however,  hiding  in  nooks  and  under  bark. — J.  E.  S. 
Clifford. 


Chrysanthemum  Shows. 


We  have  received  numerous  intimations  of  Chrysanthemum  shows 
which  are  to  be  held  during  the  current  month,  but  space  can  only  be 
found  for  the  enumeration  of  those  that  have  been  advertised  in  our 
columns  up  to  date,  of  which  the  following  is  a  list  : — 

Nov.  3rd  and  4th. — Crystal  Palace. 

„  7th  and  8th. — National  Chrysanthemum  Society  (Royal  Aquarium), 
Kingston, Liverpool,  Leeds  Paxton,  Brighton,  Watford. 

„  8th  and  9th. — Northampton,  Bournemouth, 

„  9th. — Birkenhead  and  Wirra),^ 

,,  10th  and  11th. — Bradford, 

,,  14th  and  15th. — Twickenham,  West  of  England  (Plymouth). 

,,  15th  and  16th. — Birmingham,  Hull,  Bristol,  South  Shields,  Rugby, 

,,  15th,  16th,  and  17th. — Herefordshire. 

„  16th,  17th,  and  18tb, — Edinburgh,  York. 

„  17th  and  18th. — Bolton. 

„  24th  and  25th. — Eccles  and  Patricroft. 

Shouting  of  the  Showmen. 

If  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Show  must  be  held  at  the  Aquarium 
could  not  a  two-shilling  door  be  arranged  for  the  admission  of  ladies 
and  others  before  pipes  are  lighted  and  the  shouting  of  the  showmen 
begin  ? — Small  Garden  Owner. 

Chrysanthemums  at  Calderstone— A  Correction. 

In  my  report  on  Chrysanthemums  at  Calderstone  in  last  week’s 
issue  (page  382),  I  stated  that  Lucy  Kendall  was  a  good  yellow  sport 
from  Mrs.  Heale,  but  that  Mr.  Tunnington  feared  confusion  with  it  and 
Miss  Haggas.  For  Lucy  Kendall  it  should  read  Richard  Parker. — 
R.  P.  R. 

Out  of  Date  Chrysanthemums. 

It  has  often’  occurred  to  many  that  it  would  be  a  good  plan  to 
publish  a  list  of  the  Japanese  varieties  which  are  superseded.  As  a 
trade  grower  I  am  frequently  asked  to  send  the  “very  best,  regardless 

f  cost,”  and  only  this  spring  such  varieties  as  the  following  were  asked 


for,  all  of  which,  as  exhibition  flowers,  I  have  discarded  from  my 
collection  : — Madame  C.  Audiguier,  Peter  the  Great,  Meg  Merrilies,  and 
others.  Of  those  of  more  recent  introduction  I  have  discarded  as  being 
superseded  are  Mr.  Beckett,  Mrs.  Beckett,  Sarah  Owen,  Jeanne  Delaux, 
Mons.  Freeman,  W.  W.  Cole,  Coronet,  Pelican,  Louis  Boehmer,  Alberic- 
Lunden,  Mr.  H.  Cannell,  and  Mrs.  C.  W.  Clark. — Progress. 

The  White  Viviand  Morel. 

Would  some  correspondent  of  the  Journal  of  Hoi-ticulture  WndlY 
inform  me  if  Viviand  Morel,  the  true  variety,  and  Viviand  Morel  on  an 
early  bud,  coming  pure  white,  and  named  Mr.  W.  Wells,  would  be  dis¬ 
qualified  under  the  rules  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  if  they 
were  both  shown  in  one  stand  of  twelve  distinct  Japanese  varieties  ?  As 
a  beginner,  I  fail  to  see  how  a  judge  could  disqualify  them  if  one  was  a 
true  pink,  the  other  a  pure  white,  although  I  do  not  think  the  latter  has 
been  certificated. — A  Young  Beginner. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

A  MEETING  of  the  General  Committee  of  this  Society  was  held  on 
Monday  last  at  Anderton’s  Hotel,  Fleet  Street,  when  Mr.  R.  Ballantyne 
occupied  the  chair.  Most  of  the  business  was  of  a  purely  formal  or 
routine  nature  consequent  upon  the  approaching  exhibition.  The  Secre¬ 
tary  stated  that  prize  money  amounting  to  £37  10s.  had  been  awarded 
at  the  Society’s  Show  last  month  independent  of  the  cost  of  medals  and 
special  prizes,  £6  11?.  for  vegetables,  which  amount  was  given  by  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Sons  of  Reading.  The  Committee  then  confirmed  the  award 
of  medals  made  by  the  Arbitration  Committee  at  the  October  Show.  The 
financial  statement  up  to  date  being  submitted  showed  that  the  sum  of 
£235  11s.  4d.  had  already  been  received  by  the  Secretary,  of  which 
amount  £113  193.  6d.  was  for  subscriptions  and  £36  143.  6d.  for  fees- 
from  affiliated  So?ieties.  The  annual  dinner,  at  which  the  President, 
Sir  Edwin  Saunders,  is  expected  to  preside,  will  take  place  at  Anderton’s 
Hotel  on  Thursday  the  30th  November.  The  Sub-Committee  for  the, 
1894  schedule  was  then  appointed,  its  members  consisting  of  Messrs. 
G.  S.  Addison,  Boyce,  Davey,  G.  Gordon,  G.  Stevens,  Bevan,  Crane, 
C.  Gibson,  H.  J.  Jones,  B.  Wynne,  and  W.  H.  Fowler,  with  the  officeroi 
as  ex-officio  members.  New  members  numbering  altogether  twenty-eight 
were  elected,  and  the  Beckenham  Horticultural  Society  admitted  in 
affiliation. 

Mr.  D.  B.  Crane  called  attention  to  the  inconvenience  experienced 
after  the  last  Floral  Committee  meeting,  when  exhibits  were  cleared 
away  almost  immediately  after  the  sitting  was  over,  giving  members  no 
opportunity  of  seeing  the  awards  made.  It  was  explained  that  this 
was  a  contravention  of  the  rules  on  the  part  of  exhibitors,  and  that 
in  future  the  exhibits  would  remain  on  view  until  4  p.m,  as  usual. 

A  vote  of  thanks  to  the  Chairman  brought  the  meeting  to  a  close  at 
an  early  hour. 

New  Chrysanthemums. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Floral  Committee,  held  at  the  Royal 
Aquarium  on  the  25th  ult.,  there  was  an  excellent  display  of  novelties, 
the  principal  of  which  were  Mr.  Charles  Cox,  a  crimson  sport  from 
M.  Bernard,  which  the  Committee  desired  to  see  again  ;  Duchess  of 
Devonshire,  a  Japanese  medium-sized  flat  flower  of  deep  rosy  colour 
with  golden  reverse ;  Belle  Jaune,  a  very  attractive  deep  yellow 
Japanese,  which  was  commended ;  Richard  Dean,  a  large  crimson 
Japanese  with  golden  reverse  ;  W.  H.  Fowler,  a  finely  formed  Japanese 
with  deep  spreading  florets,  colour  bright  yellow  ;  Miss  M.  Simpkins,  a 
large  globular  incurving  Japanese  with  sharp-pointed  florets,  colour 
creamy  white.  In  Anemones,  Ada  Strickland,  a  self-coloured  bloom  of 
deep  cinnamon  yellow,  was  effective,  but  the  disk  was  not  fully  up. 
Madame  M,  Ricaud,  a  deep  rosy  blush-coloured  Japanese  with  golden 
centre,  was  commended.  G.  \V,  Childs,  a  Japanese  of  rich  velvety 
bright  crimson,  was  staged  in  good  condition,  as  also  was  Snow,  a  large 
white  Japanese  with  long  petals  which  the  Committee  wished  to  see 
again. 

First-class  cettiflSales  were  granted  to — 

Thas.  WilUins  (Mr.  R.  Owen). — A  bright  chrome  yellow  Japanese ; 
petals  flat  and  spreading. 

Mrs.  P.  Blair  (Mr.  R.  Owen).— A  large  bloom  of  the  incurved 
Japanese  type,  pale  purple  with  silvery  reverse. 

Violetta  (Mr.  E.  Beckett).— A  deeply  built  flower,  colour  soft  rosy- 
violet  ;  an  excellent  Japanese  seedling,  raised  in  England. 

Mdlle.  Nathalie  Brun  (Mr.  Rowbottom).— A  large  Anemone  variety,, 
centre  pale  yellow  and  high  up,  ray  florets  white  and  quilly. 

Tribune  (Mr.  H.  J.  Jones). — A  first-class  Japanese  of  pale  yellow 
lemon,  rather  deeper  towards  the  centre  ;  a  bold,  globular  bloom  This 
variety  is  figured  on  page  403. 

Yellow  Lady  Selborne  (Messrs.  Rochford  &  Son).— A  yellow  sporfc 
from  a  well-known  useful  old  favourite. 

Madame  Cambon  (Mr.  C.  Gibson). — An  unusually  massive  incurved 
Japanese  ;  colour  pale  straw,  petals  long,  curly,  and  intermingling. 

How  TO  Prevent  Damping  in  Chrysanthemum  Flowers. 

Few  things  are  more  calculated  to  suppress  the  enthusiasm  which 
Chrysanthemum  growers  usually  exhibit  at  the  present  time  of  tbe 
year  than  to  notice  their  finest  and  choicest  blooms  being  gradually 
ruined  through  damp  before  their  beauty  has  fully  developed.  Y’'et  this, 
alas  I  is  the  annual  experience  of  many  throughout  the  country.  Even 
this  year,  though  the  weather  has  apparently  been  favourable  for 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


403 


ensuring  rapid  and  perfect  development  of  the  flowers,  we  hear  many 
complaints  of  heavy  losses  through  damp.  Few  growers  perhaps  alto¬ 
gether  escape  its  damaging  effect  upon  some  of  their  flowers,  but 
wholesale  damping,  such  as  we  sometimes  hear  of,  may,  in  my  opinion, 
be  prevented  if  sound  judgment  as  well  as  assiduous  attention  are 
bestowed  upon  the  management  of  both  the  plants  and  the  houses  in 


interests  of  all  to  be  thoroughly  thrashedi  out,  seeing  ^how  many  grand 
blooms  are  each  year  lost  through  the  inroads  of  this  dread  enemy 

Observation  has  taught  me  that  there  are  three  distinct  kinds  of 
damping  ;  the  most  common  form  is  for  the  lower  florets  of  the  flowers 
to  become  discoloured  at  the  points,  and  if  not  removed  promptly  to 
decay  the  entire  length,  and  probably  convey  the  germs  of  decay  to  the 


Fig.  59.— chrysanthemum  THE  TRIBUNE.  (^See  page  406.) 


which  they  are  arranged.  Although  I  have  no  wish  to  pose  as  an  egotist 
I  feel  some  satisfaction  in  the  fact  that  during  the  ten  years  in  which  I 
have  grown  Chrysanthemums  on  the  “large  bloom”  principle  very  few 
losses  have  been  experienced  through  damping.  If  the  causes  and 
prevention  of  it,  which  I  am  about  to  advance,  do  not  agree  with  the 
teachings  of  the  giants  in  Chrysanthemum  culture,  they  will  be  doing 
both  me  and  many  other  readers  of  the  Journal  good  service  by  setting 
us  right  in  the  matter,  for  I  consider  it  a  subject  which  lought  in  [the 


centre  of  the  flower.  This  is  frequently  brought  about  by  great 
fluctuations  in  the  condition  and  the  soil  in  regard  to  moisture.  Plants 
which  do  not  retain  their  foliage  well  till  the  opening  of^  the  flowers  is 
well  advanced  are  invariably  extremely  sluggish  in  their  root  action  ; 
under  such  circumstances,  if  water  is  given  before  the  soil  is  dry  enough 
to  admit  of  the  pots  ringing  sharply  when  rapped,  daniping  inevitably 
follows  sooner  or  later.  It  may  be  noticed  the  following  day  if  damp 
or  foggy  weather  prevails.  Sometimes  strong  healthy  plants  carrying 


404 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893. 


the  finest  buds  are  incautiously  given  an  overdose  of  stimulants,  which 
causes  many  of  the  surface  roots  to  be  destroyed,  and  a  corresponding 
loss  of  foliage.  The  florets  then  for  a  time  expand  so  slowly  that  with 
the  best  of  attention  it  is  seldom  possible  for  the  flower  to  become  fully 
developed  before  the  lower  petals  begin  to  decay  through  age,  conse¬ 
quent  upon  impeded  root  action  having  prevented  the  flower  from 
opening  in  its  usual  time.  In  such  instances  it  is  a  good  plan  to  remove 
as  much  of  the  centre  of  the  flower  as  is  thought  will  not  expand  while 
the  lower  petals  keep  fresh  ;  although  this  kind  of  damping  is  usually 
caused  through  over-watering,  combined  with  a  damp  and  stagnant 
atmosphere,  it  is  sometimes  brought  about  by  the  opposite  extreme. 
Knowing  the  evils  which  arise  from  over-watering,  some  cultivators 
nervously  avoid  the  medium  course,  and  allow  the  plants  to  become  too 
dry  at  the  roots,  especially  during  bright  weather.  When  in  this 
condition,  if  the  flowers  are  examined  before  water  is  given,  the  florets 
will  be  found  to  have  temporarily  lost  their  crispness,  and  feel  soft  and 
flabby  to  the  touch.  The  application  of  water  renders  the  stem  crisp 
and  firm  again,  but  the  following  day  a  slight  discolouration  of  the 
lower  fiorets  may  be  noticed,  the  whites  and  yellows  frequently  become 
tinted  with  pale  pink,  which  most  of  us  know  is  a  sure  indication  that 
their  freshness  is  on  the  wane. 

Perhaps  the  most  destructive  form  of  damping  is  that  which  shows 
itself  in  spots  or  blotches  over  the  whole  or  only  certain  parts  of  a 
flower.  Almost  every  flower  in  a  house  is  sometimes  more  or  less 
affected  in  this  way.  This  wholesale  damping,  which  is  indeed  calami¬ 
tous,  may,  I  believe,  be  almost  entirely  prevented  if  no  mistakes  are 
made  in  the  management  of  ventilation  and  artificial  heat,  and  a  little 
shade  is  judiciously  given.  The  condensation  of  moisture  upon  the 
flowers  is  the  cause  of  this  damping.  If  the  moisture  is  allowed  to 
remain  upon  them  for  any  length  of  time  they  become  much  discoloured. 
On  the  other  hand,  should  evaporation  take  place  very  quickly  many  of 
the  flore  s  shrivel  as  if  they  had  been  scalded,  and  indeed  the  disaster  is 
brought  about  in  much  the  same  way  as  that  which  induces  scalding 
in  Grapes.  Oar  remedy,  therefore,  is  to  prevent  the  condensation  of 
moisture  upon  the  flowers.  This  may  undoubtedly  be  accomplished  by 
keeping  a  little  heat  in  the  hot-water  pipes  whenever  the  weather  is 
dull  or  damp,  and  at  all  times  leaving  the  top  ventilators  slightly  open 
wherever  they  are  so  arranged  as  to  prevent  rain  entering  the  house. 
So  long  as  the  heat  remains  in  the  pipes  I  have  never  found  any  harm¬ 
ful  effects  from  leaving  air  on  at  all  times,  and  it  proves  as  if  even  the 
safety  valve  through  which  superfluous  moisture  is  dispelled.  If  on 
entering  the  house  early  in  the  morning  moisture  is  seen  hanging  in 
drops  upon  the  glass  and  sashbars,  it  may  be  taken  for  granted  that 
the  heat  has  not  been  kept  regular.  Should  the  hot-water  pipes  be 
found  quite  cold  the  first  thing  in  the  morning  it  is  a  mistake  to  push 
the  fire  on  sharply  and  get  them  very  hot.  This  should  be  done 
gradually,  otherwise  a  great  amount  of  drip  will  take  place. 

Those  who  have  houses  with  iron  sashbars  will  find  the  greatest 
difficulty  in  preventing  the  condensation  of  moisture  on  the  roof,  and 
consequent  drip,  but  with  continual  ventilation  and  steady  heat  it  may 
in  all  instances  be  reduced  to  a  minimum  if  the  more  air  is  admitted  in 
the  morning  before  the  temperature  begins  to  rise.  This  is  important, 
as  I  find  many  are  inclined  to  delay  the  admission  of  more  air  till 
too  late.  Whenever  the  day  promises  to  be  bright  it  is  advisable 
to  have  the  pipes  cool  by  the  time  the  sun  strikes  the  house,  otherwise 
the  rapid  evaporation  caused  by  the  action  of  sun,  air,  and  fire  heat 
combined  will  assuredly  cause  the  florets  to  scald,  and  although  shading 
plays  an  important  part  in  preventing  this  it  will  not  do  so  entirely. 
There  is  one  other  form  of  damping  which  is  happily  not  very  frequent. 
Sometimes  a  flower  may  open  in  a  satisfactory  way  up  to  a  certain  stage, 
when  it  ceases  to  make  further  progress,  but  to  all  appearance  is  quite 
sound ;  closer  inspection  will,  however,  reveal  the  fact  the  centre  at  the 
base  of  each  floret  is  quite  decayed,  and  the  flower  useless.  Drip  falling 
into  the  centre  of  the  flower  would,  I  have  no  doubt,  produce  a  similar 
effect,  but  I  think  it  is  seldom  caused  in  that  way,  because  I  have  never 
noticed  this  happen  in  the  case  of  a  plant  which  was  quite  healthy  and 
vigorous  up  to  the  time  of  the  occurrence.  Its  advent  is  usually  marked 
by  the  soil  not  drying  so  quickly  as  formerly.  This  I  think  is  cause! 
by  overfeeding  to  the  extent  of  bringing  about  a  complete  breakdown  in 
the  constitution  of  the  plant,  or  by  persistent  over- watering,  which  in 
time  kills  many  of  the  young  roots. 

At  all  times  the  plants  should  be  arranged  as  thinly  as  the  space  at 
command  will  allow.  Packing  them  closely  together,  so  that  after 
watering  the  soil  is  so  long  in  getting  dry  again  renders  the  work  of 
preventing  (lamping  all  the  more  difficult.  I  am  firmly  convinced  that 
if  many  cultivators  would  grow  fewer  plants,  and  thus  avoid  crowding 
when  the  time  arrives  for  housing,  they  would  produce  a  proportionately 
greater  number  of  really  good  flowers. — D.  H. 

Chrysanthemum  Prospects  around  Bolton. 

Once  again  has  the  season  come  round  to  record  the  prospects  of  the 
Chrysanthemums,  and  from  a  visit  that  has  been  made  to  the  many 
excellent  collections  grown  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Bolton,  it  is  gratify¬ 
ing  to  note  that  there  is  no  abatement  in  the  enthusiasm  in  the  cultiva¬ 
tion  of  the  “  Autumn  Queen.”  The  plants  are  the  finest  ever  grown  in 
the  locality,  showing  that  whatever  may  have  been  the  effect  of  the 
excessively  hot  summer  in  other  parts,  it  has  been  conducive  to  the 
well-being  of  Chrysanthemums  in  this  rather  uncongenial  climate. 

It  is  not  my  intention  to  enumerate  what  I  found  in  each  collection 
separately,  further  than  saying  on  all  sides,  both  where  they  are 
grown  for  home  decoration  as  well  as  where  cultivated  for  exhibition, 


very  fine  displays  are  anticipated.  Foremost  amongst  the  Japanese  are 
Viviand  Morel,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson, 
W.  Tricker,  Florence  Davis,  Stanstead  White,  W.  W.  Coles,  Puritan, 
Gloire  du  Rocher,  Edward  Molyneux,  Avalanche,  and  J.  Stanborough 
Dibben.  Of  the  new  kinds  the  most  promising  are  William  Seward, 
John  Shrimpton,  Lord  Brooke,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  G.  W.  Childs,  and  Mrs. 

E.  D.  Adams. 

Amongst  the  incurved  those  of  the  Queen  family  are  remarkably 
fine,  so  also  are  the  Princess  of  Wales  and  all  its  sports.  The  same 
applies  to  John  Salter,  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Jeanne  d’Arc.  Of  the  new 
kinds  Mrs.  Robinson  King,  Madame  Barrier,  Mrs.  Clibran,  Ami  Hoste 
are  the  most  promising,  and  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  is  grand. 

In  many  cases  I  fear  the  bloom  will  be  too  early  for  our  forthcoming 
Show,  November  17th  and  18th,  for  which  a  very  comprehensive  sehedule 
has  been  prepared  and  liberal  prizes  are  offered.  The  great  event  to 
Bolton  people  is  the  President’s  (R.  K.  Cross,  Esq.)  prize,  a  handsome 
silver  cup  for  twelve  incurved  and  twelve  Japanese  eut  blooms.  This 
class  is  confined  to  growers  residing  within  eight  miles  of  Bolton.  The 
leading  class  in  the  open  section  is  for  twelve  incurved  and  twelve 
Japanese  cut  blooms,  and  the  prizes  are  £5,  £3,  £2.  For  a  similar  class 
of  twenty-four  cut  blooms,  miscellaneous,  the  prizes  are  £3,  £2,  £1.  We 
hope  the  Show  this  year  will  be  the  best  we  have  ever  had,  for  in 
addition  to  our  ordinary  prizes  we  are  giving  two  medals  of  the  Rojal 
Horticultural  Society,  and  every  endeavour  is  being  made  to  make  it  a 
success  by  the  Committee  and  its  Secretary,  Mr.  Hicks,  Markland  Hill, 
Bolton.— Visitor. 

Chrysanthemums  in  the  South. 

Now  that  the  exhibition  season  is  close  at  hand  a  few  notes  on  the 
prospects  of  the  leading  growers  and  exhibitors  from  any  neighbourhood 
are  interesting,  and  being  lately  in  the  Portsmouth  district  I  had  a 
glance  over  a  few  collections  of  plants. 

Rooksbury  Park. 

This,  the  seat  of  J.  Carpenter  Gamier,  Esq.,  produced  the  winning 
blooms  at  the  exhibition  held  at  Portsmouth  last  year.  Mr.  N.  Molyneux 
has  some  promising  plants,  not  too  robust  in  growth,  but  with  wood  fully 
matured  and  likely  to  give  blooms  of  high  quality,  it  not  of  exceptional 
size.  The  Japanese  varieties  are  more  advanced  than  their  compeers — 
the  incurved — and  include  all  the  novelties  of  last  year  as  well  as  some 
promising  kinds  for  this  season.  Such  varieties  as  G.  Savage,  Princess 
May,  L’Ami  Etienne,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Mrs.  C.  H,  Payne,  W.  K.  Wood¬ 
cock,  Princess  Victoria,  John  Shrimpton,  W.  Seward,  President  Borel, 
Le  Verseau,  Lord  Brooke,  Le  Prince  du  Bois  and  Charles  Davis  are 
worthily  represented.  The  incurved  section  are  later.  All  the  time 
available  will  be  needed  to  develop  the  blooms  fully  by  the  early  shows. 
The  second  week  in  November  should  see  here  a  fine  display. 

Leigh  Park. 

This,  the  country  residence  of  Sir  F.  Fitzwygram,  is  a  few  miles 
from  Portsmouth  and  close  to  Havant,  another  centre  of  Chrysanthemum 
interest.  Mr.  Penford  has  for  some  years  past  been  a  leading  exhibitor 
at  the  shows  in  the  district,  as  well  as  at  Brighton  and  Southampton. 
He  has  excellent  plants  this  year — in  number  about  500.  The  Japanese 
section  promised  to  afford  some  grand  blooms.  Florence  Davis  was 
remarkably  fine  ;  the  same  remark  applies  to  Edwin  Molyneux  which 
was  especially  rich  in  colour.  Excelsior,  Anna  Hartshorn,  Marquise 
de  Paris,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne  of  huge  size,  Stanstead  White,  Beauty  of 
Castle  Hill,  W.  Seward,  and  Sunflower.  The  leading  kinds  in  the 
incurved  section  were  naturally  later  but  most  promising  in  appearance. 
Nowhere  in  the  south  have  I  seen  the  Anemone  sections  better  shown 
than  from  here.  This  year  bids  fair  to  be  no  exception  to  the  rule  from 
the  present  appearance  of  the  plants. 

Havant. 

Mr.  Agate’s  Chrysanthemum  nursery  is  well  known,  not  only  for  the 
quality  of  the  blooms  produced,  but  for  the  number  of  new  sorts  yearly 
on  trial.  Prominent  amongst  these  carrying  good  blooms  were  Charles 
Davis,  the  new  sport  from  that  now  universal  favourite  Viviand  Morel, 
Madame  Octavie  Mirbeau,  Duke  of  York,  Golden  Wedding,  Miss  Watson, 
Lord  Brooke,  G.  Savage,  The  Tribune,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  G.  W.  Childs, 
Robert  Owen,  Mrs.  Hu bbuck,  and  Beauty  of  Exmouth.  The  incurved 
section  were  later,  but  promised  well.  Several  new  sorts  are  on  trial, 
of  which  more  may  be  heard  later. 

Stanstead  Park. 

Mr.  Hoskins,  the  gardener  here,  although  not  an  exhibitor,  grows 
not  less  than  700  plants,  producing  blooms  of  show  quality.  The  Queen 
family  are  very  late,  many  of  them  being  run  on  to  terminal  buds. 
Prince  Alfred,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Nil  Desperandum,  Refulgens,  and  Novelty 
are  very  good.  Bouquet  des  Dames  is  here  a  great  favourite  in  the 
Japanese  section,  and  so  are  Avalanche,  Sunflower,  Viviand  Morel, 
and  Edwin  Molyneux.  It  seems  a  pity  that  with  such  fine  plants  Mr. 
Hoskins  does  not  exhibit  the  produce  at  some  of  the  neighbouring 
shows. 

SwANMORE  Park. 

Although  not  at  the  present  time  an  exhibitor,  Mr.  Molyneux  culti¬ 
vates  quite  as  many  plants  as  when  he  tried  to  win  prizes.  The 
majority  of  the  new  sorts  are  grown  with  a  view  of  testing  their 
capabilities.  Owing  to  structural  alterations  the  plants  are  later  than 
usual,  but  judging  from  the  moderately  strong  yet  firm  wood  and  stout 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


405 


leaves  good  blooms  may  be  expected  later  on.  Amongst  the  newer 
varieties  the  following  were  promising,  beside  a  number  of  seedlings 
under  trial  — C.  Davis,  C.  Blick,  W.  Seward,  Princess  May,  Comte  de 
Paris,  G.  W.  Childs,  Excelsior,  L’Enfant  des  Deux  Mondes,  Mrs.  C.  H. 
Payne,  Le  Verseau,  Madame  Octavie  Mirbeau,  Mrs.  W.  H.  Fowler,  and 
Potter  Palmer.  All  the  old  and  tried  favourites  are  here  grown,  as 
well  as  the  best  of  the  incurved  varieties.  Several  plants  of  all  sections 
are  grown  without  any  disbudding  or  thinning  of  the  shoots  after 
being  once  topped  when  a  few  inches  high.  This  is  for  testing  their 
floriferousness,  and  an  interesting  display  may  be  expected  from  these 
plants. — Visitor, 

CORNSTILES. 

This  is  the  residence  of  W.  F.  Flight,  Esq.,  who  is  well  known  as  a 
patron  of  the  Chrysanthemum.  His  gardener,  Mr.  Neville,  has  a  collec¬ 
tion  of  dwarf  well  ripened  plants  that  should  produce  fine  exhibition 
blooms.  Most  noticeable  amongst  the  incurved  are  the  Princess  family, 
which  are  well  timed.  The  Japanese  varieties  are  grand,  comprising 
many  new  novelties.  I  noticed  that  J.  Shrimpton  and  Beauts  de 
Toulousaine  were  specially  good.  Mr.  Neville,  I  think,  will  take  some 
beating  this  year. 

Messrs,  W.  &  G.  Drover,  Fareham. 

The  blooms  staged  at  the  Centenary  Exhibition  by  these  growers 
brought  their  name  to  the  front.  They  are  now  growing  about  400 
plants  for  producing  exhibition  blooms.  These  are  arranged  in  two  long 
lean-to  houses,  one  for  Japanese,  one  for  incurved  varieties.  The  plants 
are  taller  this  season,  but  are  fine  in  stems,  and  the  foliage  is  stout  and 
green.  The  wood  is  also  well  ripened.  I  noticed  Baron  Hirsch,  Brockley 
Gem,  and  the  Queen  family  are  showing  good  colour  and  depth.  The 
varieties  of  the  Princess  family  will  not  be  up  to  their  usual  form  this 
year.  The  Japanese  are  most  promising,  especially  W.  Seward,  Colonel 
W.  B.  Smith,  Lord  Brooke,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Golden  Wedding,  Charles 
Davis,  Mrs.  C.  H,  Payne,  Mrs,  Alpheus  Hardy,  and  a  few  good  promising 
seedlings. 

The  Victoria  Park,  Portsmouth. 

The  plants  grown  by  Mr.  Hatch  for  exhibition  blooms  number  about 
250,  and  about  150  plants  are  cultivated  for  groups.  These  are  showing 
well.  Pompons  and  singles  are  also  well  grown.  Mr.  Hatch  has  taken 
many  prizes  for  cut  blooms,  also  for  groups. — A  Gardener. 

Chrysanthemums  in  the  Isle  of  Wight — New  Varieties. 

In  spite  of  the  extra  amount  of  heat  and  sunshine  during  the  past 
summer.  Chrysanthemums  in  the  south  are  a  little  late  on  the  w'hole. 
Nevertheless,  by  the  time  the  exhibitions  come  on  I  shall  indeed  be 
surprised  if  the  season  does  not  prove  to  be  one  of  the  best  of  the  past 
decade  as  regards  the  improvement  in  the  varieties  of  the  Japanese 
section.  New  life  has  been  instilled  into  the  cultivation  of  the  flower 
by  the  interest  taken  in  the  hybridising  and  raising  of  English  seedlings, 
the  character  of  which  can  be  fairly  well  proven  the  first  season. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  the  fine  hit  made  by  Mr.  J.  Shrimpton, 
gardener  to  W.  Seward,  Esq.,  by  the  raising  of  the  brilliant  varieties 
named  after  the  raisers  and  introduced  last  season  will  be  in  evidence 
this  year  at  most  of  the  exhibitions,  and  there  are  others  to  follow 
that  will  leave  their  mark.  How  the  name  of  Shrimpton  revives  old 
memories  of  the  past,  in  the  minds  of  some  of  the  old  Stoke  Newington 
school,  and  others  of  more  recent  date,  when  the  Kingston  and  Wimble¬ 
don  gardeners  used  to  flock  in  scores  across  Wimbledon  Common  to  visit 
our  old  friend  of  that  name  that  lived  at  Roehampton,  and  grew 
such  flowers  as  no  one  else  could  at  that  time,  twenty  to  twenty-five 
years  ago  1  The  sight  of  his  flowers  gave  the  fever  to  many  young 
gardeners  that  have  since  made  their  mark  in  the  Chrysanthemum 
world,  and  by  the  zeal  displayed  in  the  neighbourhood  resulted  in  the 
establishment  of  the  Kingston  and  other  neighbouring  Chrysanthemum 
Societies.  In  the  history  of  the  Chrysanthemum  I  am  glad  to  lay  my 
tribute  to  our  late  friend,  and  many  of  my  Kingston  and  Wimbledon 
associates  can,  I  am  sure,  bear  testimony  to  the  wonderful  influence 
“  Shrimpton’s  ”  Chrysanthemums  had  on  the  gardeners  and  others  at 
that  time.  This  season  will  prove  that  history  repeats  itself,  although 
the  bearer  of  the  honoured  name,  the  raiser  of  the  new  varieties  under 
notice,  told  the  writer  of  this  personally  last  season  he  could  not  claim 
any  relationship  to  oui  old  friend  of  Roehampton. 

The  above  thoughts  suggested  themselves  on  a  visit  to  the  unique 
gardens  at  Yarborough  House,  Bradiug,  the  residence  of  J.  Darley,  Esq  , 
whose  gardener,  Mr.  George  Burt,  has  "  taken  on”  wonderfully,  and  grows 
the  Chrysanthemums,  as  he  does  anything  else  he  takes  in  hand,  with 
very  great  success.  Favoured  by  a  delightful  sheltered  situation,  and  a 
maximum  amount  of  sunlight,  the  colours  are  highly  developed,  the 
collection  consisting  of  nearly  all  new  varieties.  Last  season  Mr.  Burt 
crossed  a  late  bloom  of  Mrs.  E.  Beckett  with  J.  Stanborough  Dibben, 
and  have  now  about  thirty  plants  showing  colour  in  different  stages  and 
of  different  cbaricters,  one  of  which,  not  yet  named,  is  a  beautiful 
distinct  reflexed  Japanese  about  2  feet  G  inches  high,  carrying  three 
fine  flowers  about  6  inches  across,  of  a  deep  primrose,  with  shades  of 
bronze  and  red  in  the  centre  of  the  flower  ;  a  variety  of  great  promise. 
The  following  are  some  of  the  best,  all  of  which  are  good,  produced  on 
plants  carrying  clean  fully  developed  flowers  fit  for  any  exhibition. 
The  high  coloured  varieties  are  very  telling.  Wrn.  Seward,  deep 
crimson,  with  long  florets,  is  prominent  on  the  three  or  four  plants  ;  all 
are  fine,  one  carrying  eleven  flowers  of  good  substance  ;  like  all  dark 
coloured  varieties,  they  require  to  be  shaded  from  the  hot  sun  to  prevent 


burning.  J.  Shrimpton  is  a  grand  crimson  with  a  golden  turnover  on 
the  tips  of  the  reflexed  florets  ;  both  these  varieties  show  unmistakeably 
the  blood  of  Cullingfordi  in  the  wood  and  foliage.  C.  Shrimpton  is  another 
high  coloured  variety,  but  the  flowers  are  not  so  promising  as  the  pre¬ 
ceding,  having  come  single  on  the  terminals.  Alice  Seward  is  a  very 
pretty  variety  with  incurved  florets,  purple  rose  splashed  with  white, 
with  a  silvery  turnover,  reminding  one  of  Don  Quixote,  but  very  much 
better.  Charles  Davis,  the  bronze  yellow  Viviand  Morel,  is  represented 
by  three  plants,  each  carrying  finely  developed  blooms  of  a  beautiful  tint, 
reminding  one  of  Criterion,  but  much  larger.  L’isere  is  a  splendid 
variety  with  large  spreading  stout  florets,  white,  with  a  cream  shade, 
turning  up  at  the  points  like  Stanstead  White  or  Mdlle.  B.  Pigny,  of 
which  it  is  a  much  improved  variety,  both  in  the  flower  and  the  habit  of 
the  plant.  I  predict  a  good  run  on  this  variety. 

Louise  is  a  very  fine  incurved  Japanese  of  extraordinary  substance, 
like  a  huge  Queen  of  England,  a  soft  peach  colour.  Lord  Brooke  is  a 
grand  acquisition  in  colour ;  the  flower  here  is  of  great  substance,  and 
the  plant  very  showy.  White  Louis  Boehmer,  a  small  plant  carrying 
three  fine  blooms,  pure  white,  and  very  hairy  ;  better  than  Mrs.  Alpheus 
Hardy.  Madame  Appin,  light  rose,  reminding  one  of  a  pale  Viviand  Morel ; 
a  fine  exhibition  flower.  Col.  W.  B.  Smith  on  all  plants  is  very  good,  one 
plant  carrying  fourteen  blooms  ;  this  is  a  great  acquisition.  Mrs.  A.  G. 
Ilubbuck,  deep  purple  amaranth,  very  full  flower  with  drooping  florets. 
Excelsior,  showing  a  good  colour,  deep  rose,  with  silvery  turnover. 
Waban,  large,  not  yet  fully  developed.  Chas.  Blick,  deep  yellow,  is  very 
good.  Elma  de  Smith,  deep  chestnut  red,  is  very  promising.  Miss 
Dorothy  Shea,  large  flower,  with  drooping  florets  of  a  dull  brick  red, 
reminds  one  of  Margaret  Marrouch,  but  as  coming  here,  not  quite  so 
full ;  when  good  it  would  cover  the  board.  Princess  May  has  long  droop¬ 
ing  white  narrow  florets,  and  Le  Prince  du  Bois  is  a  very  pretty  flower, 
soft  yellow  drooping  florets  like  Sunflower.  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne, 
rose,  is  a  very  strong  variety  carrying  twelve  fine  blooms.  Others  very 
good  are  John  Farwell,  deep  crimson  red ;  L’Ami  Etienne,  full  round 
incurved  Japanese,  colour  of  Madame  C.  Audiguier,  but  broader  florets  ; 
and  President  Borel,  deep  rose,  drooping  florets.  Queen  of  the  Hirsutes 
is  chestnut  red,  and  F.  Vv'.  Flight  is  rather  late,  but  coming  good. 

Some  older  varieties,  such  as  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  M.  E.  Carriere, 
Louis  Boehmer,  Edwin  Molyneux,  and  Felix  Cassagneau  are  grown,  but 
Mr.  Burt  is  very  severe  in  his  selection,  a  collection  of  which  any  man 
might  w'ell  be  proud. — C.  Orchard,  Bemiridge, 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea. 

The  nursery  of  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  k  Sons  at  Chelsea  is,  as  everyone 
connected  with  horticulture  well  knows,  always  worth  a  visit,  and  now, 
when  the  Chrysanthemums  are  in  bloom,  perhaps  more  so  than  ever. 
The  house  in  which  the  plants  are  shown  is  a  large  span-roofed  one,  the 
same  as  was  utilised  last  season  ;  the  arrangement  being  also  similar, 
a  central  bank,  with  narrow  borders  on  each  side.  Most,  if  not  the 
whole,  of  last  season’s  novelties  are  to  be  seen,  every  endeavour  having 
been  made  to  keep  the  collection  well  abreast  of  the  times.  It  is  the 
general  opinion  of  those  who  have  seen  the  flowers  that  they  surpass  those 
of  last  season.  This  will  doubtless  be  considered  high  praise  by  those 
who  saw  the  magnificent  examples  last  year,  and  who  have  not  yet 
paid  a  visit  this  season;  but,  nevertheless,  it  is  well  merited,  as  all 
must  acknowledge  when  they  see  the  flowers.  The  plants  are  models  of 
good  management,  and  much  credit  is  due  both  to  the  firm  and  the  able 
grower,  Mr.  Weeks.  The  Japanese  varieties  are  in  full  bloom,  the 
incurved  being  a  few  days  later.  Careful  attention  has  been  devoted  in 
placing  the  plants  so  that  the  colours  would  blend  harmoniously,  and  the 
effect  from  the  door  of  the  structure  is  consequently  striking,  which 
attracts  the  attention  of  those  who  are  passing  down  the  walk  through 
the  nursery. 

Immediately  on  entering  the  house  a  flower  of  Colonel  W.  B. 
Smith  is  prominent,  measuring,  with  the  florets  hanging  down,  22  inches 
in  circumference.  Not  so  large  but  equally  as  striking  are  blooms  of 
Miss  Anna  Hartshorn  and  the  dark  coloured  Wm.  Seward,  one  of  the 
latest  introductions,  and  decidedly  an  acquisition  amongst  the  very  deep 
crimson  varieties.  Bouquet  des  Dames  is  seen  in  superb  form,  the 
blooms  being  exceptionally  deep  and  handsome.  Edwin  Molyneux 
here,  as  at  many  other  places  this  season,  is  good,  as  also  is  Baron 
Hirsch,  a  bronzy  yellow  incurved.  There  are  several  plants  of  Viviand 
Morel,  almost  all  of  which  are  carrying  large  shapely  flowers.  Mons. 
R.  Bahuant  is  admirably  represented,  the  same  remark  being  applicable 
to  Mrs.  C.  E.  Shea  and  L’Automne.  Amongst  the  hairy  petalled  varie¬ 
ties  Louise  Boehmer  and  W.  A.  Manda  are  carrying  by  far  the  best 
blooms,  this  being  more  especially  the  case  with  the  former.  The  now 
popular  Beauty  ot  Exmouth  is  to  be  seen  in  grand  shape  and  fine  sub¬ 
stance,  and  is  certainly  one  of  the  best  whites  extant. 

A  superb  deep  rosy  pink  is  found  in  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne, 
additional  beauty  being  given  to  the  plant  by  the  white-tipped  florets. 
One  of  the  newest  introductions  is  J.  Shrimpton,  Japanese,  which, 
besides  having  fine  deep  velvety  crimson  petals,  is  of  a  dwarf  habit, 
which  will  doubtless  be  a  great  recommendation  to  some  growers.  An 
ivory  white  variety  of  a  high  order  of  merit  is  Mdlle.  Thdi^se  Rey,  the 
blooms  of  which  are  of  almost  perfect  shape.  G.  C.  Schwabe  carries 
highly  creditable  flowers  of  a  pleasing  rosy  carmine  colour.  Miss 
Dorothy  Shea  will  not  readily  be  superseded  amongst  the  charming  terra 
cotta  shades,  as  the  substance  is  all  that  could  be  wished,  and  the  shape 
practically  faultless.  Chas.  Davis  is  a  fine  bronze  yellow  variety  of 
the  true  Viviand  Morel  type.  The  blooms  of  the  grand  yellow  W.  H. 


406 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893. 


Lincoln  are  magnificent,  as  also  are  those  of  Florence  Davis  and  Mons. 
W.  Holmes.  Amongst  the  many  varieties  which  promise  to  be  of 
exceptional  merit  are  J.  Stanborough  Dibben,  the  superb  Lord  Brooke, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  and  Robt.  Owen,  a  very  fine  incurved  Japanese  of 
a  deep  bronzy  yellow  shade.  With  these  the  list  must  be  closed,  but  it 
should  be  borne  in  mind  that  only  a  few  out  of  the  many  excellent 
varieties  have  been  mentioned,  and  those  persons  who  will  come  to 
London  to  see  the  various  Chrysanthemum  shows  cannot  do  better 
than  devote  an  hour  amongst  the  Chelsea  plants  ;  it  will,  as  everyone 
who  goes  will  afterwards  say,  be  an  hour  well  spent,  and  well  worth 
any  little  inconvenience  or  trouble  it  may  cause. 

Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons. 

The  great  Swanley  growers  have  a  very  fine  display  this  year,  their 
large  house,  which  is  150  feet  long  and  25  wide,  presenting  a  very 
beautiful  appearance.  The  plants  form  a  broad  central  and  two 
narrower  side  banks,  and  the  principal  one  is  broken  up  by  handsome 
Musas  and  other  foliage  plants  which  throw  the  colours  into  bold  relief. 
The  Chrysanthemums  are  admirably  grown,  good  culture  setting  its 
mark  on  them,  as  well  as  on  everything  else  at  the  Home  for  Flowers, 
and  all  the  most  noteworthy  of  the  newer  varieties  are  represented, 
together  with  a  large  number  of  seedlings. 

The  increasingly  popular  incurved  Japanese  section  is  materially 
strengthened  by  Duke  of  York,  a  large  deep  flower  showing  a  pink 
reverse.  The  white  Japanese,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  is  chaste  and 
pleasing,  and  only  lacks  depth  to  make  a  grand  sort.  Wm.  Seward  is 
one  of  the  features  of  the  collection,  this  grand  Japanese  being  in 
splendid  condition.  The  difference  between  flowers  on  the  crown  and 
terminal  buds  is  very  marked,  those  on  the  latter  being  deeper  in  colour 
and  with  more  slender  florets  than  the  others.  Without  question  it  is  a 
great  acquisition.  A  very  large  Japanese  named  M.  Fernard  Bertin, 
tinted  with  rosy  lilac,  is  highly  promising.  The  beautiful  bronzy 
Japanese,  Colonel  Smith,  is  too  well  known  now  to  need  description. 
Messrs.  Cannell  have  grafted  it  on  Chrysanthemum  Halleri  maximum, 
as  suggested  by  the  accomplished  Belgian  horticulturist,  Mr.  Everaerts, 
in  the  Journal  last  spring.  Good  bushes  have  been  secured  by  grafting 
in  March,  and  it  is  noteworthy  that  the  flowers  on  the  grafted  plants  do 
not  damp  like  many  of  the  others,  owing  perhaps  to  the  smaller  amount 
of  water  required  by  the  stock.  There  are  several  excellent  decorative 
varieties,  such  as  Miss  Watson,  a  yellow  Japanese ;  the  old,  but  still 
useful  Elsie,  Eynsford  White,  Gold  Mine,  and  Golden  Ball. 

International,  a  rosy  lilac  Jap  fading  to  creamy  white,  is  noteworthy 
for  its  great  size  ;  Madame  Edouard  Eey,  a  soft  pink  with  very  broad 
florets,  incurving  on  the  second  bud,  is  a  very  promising  Jap  ;  and  so  is 
Eda  Brass,  soft  blush,  very  large  and  full.  A  good  incurved  does  not 
turn  up  so  frequently  as  a  good  Jap,  but  there  is  one  in  Globe  d’Or,  a 
bronzy  yellow  with  very  broad  petals,  and  another  in  the  bronze  Baron 
Hirsch.  A  white  of  this  section  named  Madame  Chataing,  raised  by 
Calvat,  is  very  promising.  A  new  white  Japanese  seedling  named  Amy 
Chantler,  which  has  extremely  long  florets,  may  fill  up  into  a  good 
flower.  Commandant  Blasset  has  done  so  already,  being  full,  well 
formed,  and  fine,  colour  rosy  crimson  ;  Lord  Brooke,  the  incurved  Jap 
which  aroused  so  much  attention  last  year,  is  coming  well,  and  with 
very  deep  colour,  showing  deep  reddish  bronze  ;  Primrose  League,  a 
light  yellow  Jap,  is  extremely  good  ;  and  so  is  G.  W.  Childs,  its  colour 
being  very  rich.  Such  old  favourites  as  W.  Tricker  and  Vi  viand  Morel, 
for  such  they  now  are,  hardly  need  mention,  for  their  qualities  are 
familiar.  The  yellow  Viviand,  Chas.  Davis,  is  represented,  and  is  vary¬ 
ing  curiously  in  colour,  some  flowers  being  clear  yellow,  others  fawn, 
and  others  again  suffused  with  lilac.  But  what  promises  to  be  a  still 
greater  acquisition  is  Mdlle.  Th^r^se  Rey,  a  Japanese  with  florets  as 
broad  and  substantial  as  those  of  Marie  Hoste  ;  it  is  white,  save  for  a 
yellow  shading  in  the  centre.  Another  grand  novelty  is  J.  Shrimpton,  a 
Japanese  with  wonderfully  rich  crimson  flowers,  and  a  thoroughly  good 
grower  ;  Striped  Odorata,  a  sport  from  La  Triomphante,  lilac  striped,  is 
pleasing  ;  and  last  may  be  mentioned  a  Jap  named  Vice-President 
Calvat,  a  bronzy  very  deep  flower,  and  carrying  splendid  foliage. 

It  is  noteworthy  that" the  collection  is  much  dwarfer  this  year,  a 
result  brought  about  no  doubt  by  the  effects  of  the  weather,  combined 
with  the  multiplication  of  dwarfer  sorts  than  those  which  used  to  rule. 
It  is  a  very  gratifying  fact.  A  visit  to  Swanley  is  well  repaid  just  now, 
for  in  addition  to  this  grand  display  of  Chrysanthemums,  the  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  and  winter  Begonias  are  in  splendid  bloom. 

Messes.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill. 

Chrysanthemums  are  well  represented  at  the  nurseries  of  Messrs. 
J.  Laing  &  Sons  this  year,  and  the  firm  justly  maintains  the  good  reputa¬ 
tion  they  have  long  had  in  this  respect.  Whilst  many  of  the  better 
varieties  are  staged  in  a  large  span-roofed  structure  at  the  Stanstead 
Road  Nurseries,  it  must  not  be  supposed  that  these  constitute  the  whole 
of  the  stock.  At  the  Vineyards,  Catford,  there  are  several  long  houses 
filled  with  Chrysanthemums  in  excellent  condition.  All  the  best  varie¬ 
ties  are  grown,  and  these  now  make  a  grand  display.  The  plants  are 
noticeable  for  their  robust  appearance,  and  the  flowers  are  obviously  of 
no  ordinary  character.  Whilst  keeping  abreast  of  the  times,  the 
principal  point  in  view  here  is  to  grow  only  the  best  of  the  numerous 
varieties  that  are  now  in  existence,  and  to  do  these  well.  That  this 
object  has  been  attained  no  one  who  pays  a  visit  to  Messrs.  Laing’s 
nurseries  can  doubt. 

When  a  call  was  made  last  week  many  of  the  Japanese  varieties 
were  expanding  some  splendid  blooms,  and  by  the  present  time  they  will 


be  in  prime  condition.  The  pretty  salmon  pink  reflexed  Japanese 
variety  Eda  Brass  is  exceptionally  good,  and  so  is  Charles  Davis,  the  new 
sport  from  Viviand  Morel.  Some  splendid  examples  of  Col.  W.  B. 
Smith  are  grown,  and  the  white  Louis  Boehmer,  known  also  as  Enfant 
des  Deux  Mondes,  is  a  worthy  representative  of  the  hirsute  family. 
Golden  Wedding  is  seen  in  fine  order  here.  This  is  a  splendid  Japanese 
variety  with  large  blooms  of  a  rich  golden  yellow.  Miss  Dorothy  Shea 
(J)  is  a  flower  of  good  form  and  colour,  and  Miss  Muriel  Scott  may  be 
described  as  a  really  good  light  yellow,  similar  in  build  to  Etoile  de 
Lyon.  Primrose  League  is  very  fine  with  its  large  creamy  white  grace¬ 
ful  flowers,  and  Princess  May,  a  Japanese  variety  of  merit,  is  well  grown. 
William  Seward  is  in  excellent  condition  with  its  magnificent  richly 
coloured  blooms,  and  the  exquisite  form  of  Vicomtesse  Hambledon  is 
noticeable.  The  last  named  is  an  incurved  Japanese  of  a  large  size  and 
silvery  pink  colour.  Rose  Laing  still  retains  a  prominent  position  on 
account  of  its  usefulness,  and  F.  W.  Flight  is  deserving  of  notice.  The 
last  named  is  a  reflexed  Japanese  variety,  crimson  florets  and  a  golden 
reverse,  Eugene  Farez  is  another  of  the  same  type  with  crimson  red 
flowers,  and  Duke  of  York  is  an  incurved  Jap  of  a  deep  pink  shade. 
This  is  a  dwarf  grower  but  possesses  a  strong  constitution.  The  popular 
Stanstead  White  still  retains  a  first  position,  and  amongst  others  such  as 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  Middleton  Clarke,  and  Miss  Maggie 
Newton  are  conspicuous. 

Although  less  extensively  grown,  perhaps,  than  the  Japanese  the  best 
of  the  incurved  varieties  command  attention,  and  fine  blooms  of  these 
will  be  now  developing.  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  we  noted  as  being  particu¬ 
larly  fine,  and  the  same  applies  to  Baron  Hirsch,  considered  by  some  to 
be  the  finest  incurved  in  cultivation.  Mrs.  J.  Mitchell,  a  sport  from 
Empress  Eug6nie,  is  a  splendid  variety  of  a  golden  amber  tint.  Mrs. 
Robinson  King  is  likewise  good,  the  same  applying  to  other  standard 
varieties. 

Mr.  H.  j.  Jones,  Ryecroft  Nursery,  Lewisham. 

Although  but  three  or  four  years  have  elapsed  since  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones 
established  himself  at  Ryecroft  Nursery,  Hithergreen,  Lewisham,  he  has 
by  characteristic  perseverance  built  up  a  business  that,  so  far  as  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  are  concerned,  is  practically  unsurpassed.  This  enviable 
position  in  the  Chrysanthemum  world  is  due  solely  to  the  exceptional 
capacities  displayed  by  Mr.  Jones,  his  extensive  knowledge  of  the 
“  Autumn  Queen,”  and  the  unceasing  manner  in  which  he  has  striven. 
From  early  morning  till  late  at  night  this  enthusiastic  grower,  aided  by 
his  estimable  partner  in  life  and  assistants,  may  be  seen  busily  engaged 
amongst  his  plants,  and  thus  a  Journal  representative  found  him  last 
week.  The  result  of  this  continuous  labour,  as  before  hinted,  is  a 
magnificent  collection  of  the  best  varieties,  including  the  latest  novelties 
and  numerous  new  seedlings  of  merit  not  yet  in  commerce. 

The  plants  make  an  imposing  display,  even  at  this  early  period,  and 
by  the  middle  of  November  the  spectacle  will  be  well  nigh  beyond 
description.  It  is  not  an  easy  matter,  however,  for  anyone  to  form  an 
adequate  idea  as  to  the  magnitude  of  the  Ryecroft  collection  without 
paying  a  visit,  but  a  few  facts  will  show  that  it  is  of  no  ordinary 
dimensions.  Nearly  10,000  Chrysanthemums  for  providing  large  blooms 
are  grown,  and  in  addition  to  these  there  are  18,000  plants  in  6-inch 
pots.  Then  we  find  2000  plants  of  the  early  flowering  varieties,  of 
which  a  speciality  is  made.  These,  however,  were  not  sufficient,  and 
ever  on  the  alert  for  making  further  progress,  Mr.  Jones  last  week 
purchased  by  private  contract  the  whole  of  Messrs.  Pitcher  and 
Manda’s  European  stock  of  Chrysanthemums,  comprising  some  3000 
plants,  including  many  choice  American  seedlings.  These  have  been 
removed  from  Swanley  to  Ryecroft  Nursery  at  a  cost  of  £40, 
and  the  two  collections  make  a  display  of  a  unique  character.  The  prin¬ 
cipal  show  house  is  104  feet  long  by  24  feet  wide,  a  splendid  span-roof 
structure,  lofty,  and  well  ventilated.  In  this  no  less  than  4000  well 
grown  plants  are  most  admirably  arranged.  Instead  of  the  customary 
straight  path  and  formal  crowded  masses  of  blooms,  the  plants  are 
placed  so  that  a  winding  walk  is  made  through  the  centre  of  the 
structure,  the  Chrysanthemums  on  each  side  forming  a  charming  undu¬ 
lating  surface  of  varied  colouration.  Apart  from  the  house  mentioned 
there  is  another  huge  structure  of  similar  dimensions  filled  to  the 
utmost  with  well  grown  plants  of  choice  varieties.  Thousands  of  home- 
raised  and  foreign  seedlings  are  on  trial  in  pits  and  frames,  and  it  is 
obvious  that  from  these  some  magnificent  varieties  will  be  forthcoming. 

Regarded  individually  the  blooms  on  the  plants  in  the  exhibition 
houses  are  remarkable  for  their  size  and  colour,  comprising  all  the 
latest  novelties.  The  Japanese  forms  are  especially  good,  and  the 
incurved  varieties  are  showing  wonderfully  well.  Space  will  not 
permit  us  to  enumerate  other  than  some  of  the  new  varieties,  but  whilst 
these  are  so  much  in  evidence  it  may  be  taken  for  granted  that  the 
standard  choice  kinds  are  similarly  well  grown.  Amongst  the  novelties 
of  this  year  The  Tribune  takes  a  prominent  place.  Mr.  Jones  has 
already  secured  two  certificates  for  this  charming  Japanese  variety,  and 
from  a  bloom  grown  by  him  the  illustration  (fig.  59)  on  page  403  has 
been  prepared.  The  flower  is  very  large,  of  good  build,  with  broad  and 
long  florets  of  a  soft  primrose  colour.  For  exhibition  purposes  this  is 
likely  to  prove  a  useful  variety,  the  plant  being  also  dwarf  in  growth. 
Pearl  Beauty  is  a  beautiful  incurved  Jap,  with  long  pearly  white  florets, 
and  Primrose  League  is  destined  to  take  a  foremost  position.  The  last 
named  is  very  large  and  of  graceful  appearance.  Charles  Blick,  which 
was  raised  at  Lewisham,  is  grand  golden  yellow  Japanese,  and  another 
of  Mr.  Jones’  seedling,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  is  in  splendid  condition.  G.  W. 
Childs  is  the  best  scarlet  crimson  of  the  year,  and  a  decided  improve- 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


407 


ment  on  J.  Shrimpton.  President  Borel,  which  has  been  certificated 
this  season,  is  a  handsome  Japanese  variety,  striking  purple  colour  and 
golden  reverse.  C.  Shrimpton,  as  seen  at  Lewisham,  is  a  magnificent 
bloom  of  E,  Molyneux  type,  and  one  that  is  sure  to  find  favour,  and  the 
same  applies  to  Madame  Charles  Molin.  The  last  named  will  prove 
better  than  the  so-called  white  Viviand  Morel.  Beauty  of  Exmouth  is 
splendidly  grown,  and  so  is  Kyecroft  Glory,  a  rich  yellow  reflexed  variety, 
useful  for  decorative  purposes.  Mrs.  Dreer  is  an  American  seedling  of 
the  old  Bouquet  Fait  type,  but  much  better,  and  J.  H.  Taylor  is  a 
beautiful  bloom  of  large  size,  pale  pink  with  a  white  centre.  Pre¬ 
sident  W.  R.  Smith  is  one  of  the  best  Japanese  varieties  of  the  season, 
being  massive  in  build  and  of  a  fine  pink  colour.  It  is  thought  that 
this  variety  will,  for  exhibition  purposes,  displace  many  other  pink 
kinds  which  are  now  grown.  Numerous  others  are  strongly  represented, 
especially  such  popular  varieties  as  Charles  Davis,  Mrs.  Harman  Payne, 
Madame  E.  Rey,  Miss  Dorothy  Shea,  Baron  Hirsch,  Lord  Brooke,  and 
Colonel  W.  B.  Smith. 

As  before  mentioned,  Mr.  Jones  is  exceptionally  strong  in  seedlings, 
and  is  in  the  possession  of  many  grand  varieties,  about  which  something 
will  be  heard  later  on.  Mrs.  Charles  Collins,  he  considers,  is  a  variety 
of  the  future.  This  is  an  incurved  Japanese  of  a  large  size,  full  flower, 
long  florets,  colour  flesh  passing  to  white  and  slightly  tinted  pink. 
Seedling  242  is  a  very  fine  Japanese,  and  so  is  H.  H.  Spencer.  Seed¬ 
ling  401  is  a  splendid  incurved  Jap,  white  with  a  pale  yellow  centre, 
and  amongst  the  one  thousand  seedlings  raised  by  Mr.  Jones  are  many 
others  that  deserve  more  than  a  passing  reference.  The  hirsute-petalled 
types  are  now  plentiful,  there  being  several  new  varieties.  One  named 
Hairy  Wonder,  a  carious  flower  of  a  bronzy  yellow  shade,  is  very 
striking,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  “  Sautel  1893,”  an  incurved 
Japanese,  florets  very  hairy,  colour  rosy  ama¬ 
ranth  with  silvery  pink  reverse.  Mr.  Wm. 

Trealease  is  a  decided  improvement  of  Louis 
Boehmer.  Mrs.  Dr.  Ward  is  perhaps  one  of 
the  finest  hairy-petalled  varieties  now  in 
cultivation.  This  is  a  full  and  deep  flower 
of  bronze  yellow  shade,  tips  and  outer  florets 
shaded  red.  Other  hirsute  varieties  include 
W.  A.  Manda  and  the  white  Louis  Boehmer. 

All  the  latest  novelties  of  merit  in  the  other 
sections  are  likewise  grown,  and  it  may  be  of 
interest  to  add  that  plants  of  some  of  the 
New  Zealand  varieties  that  were  exhibited 
in  ice  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  last  year,  may 
now  be  seen  carrying  blooms  at  Ryecroft 
N  ursery. 

Cheysanthemttms  at  Exmouth. 

The  headquarters  for  Chrysanthemums 
in  the  West  of  England  is  the  Claremont 
Nursery.  Japanese  varieties  have  most 
attention,  and  some  hundreds  of  novelties 
are  on  trial.  As  the  birthplace  of  the 
celebrated  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  this  variety 
is  naturally  very  much  in  evidence,  being 
represented  by  about  a  hundred  well-grown 
plants  carrying  handsome  blooms.  The 
largest  bloom  in  the  whole  collection  is  Prim¬ 
rose  League.  This  variety  is  of  good  habit  and  produces  large  blooms  of 
a  delicate  straw  colour.  Duchess  of  Devonshire  varies  in  tint  of 
colour  the  same  as  Viviand  Morel  and  other  of  this  class  ;  many  blooms 
are  almost  white  and  others  of  a  rosy  magenta.  Col.  Smith  is  represented 
by  some  handsome  blooms.  Eda  Prass,  for  which  Mr.  Godfrey  was 
recently  awarded  a  first-class  certificate,  is  of  delicate  salmon  pink,  the 
blooms  being  very  deep  and  solid.  The  immense  blooms  of  Mrs.  Harman 
Payne  are  very  striking  in  colour,  whijh  is  rosy  magenta  with  a  light 
reverse.  Incendie  is  a  fine  addition  to  the  Japanese  incurves  ;  the  blooms 
are  light  red  with  a  rich  golden  reverse,  very  deep  in  build.  Robert 
Owen  is  a  very  good  bronzy  yellow,  but  apparently  would  expand  in 
better  form  with  a  little  more  heat.  Charles  Blick  is  a  decided  advance 
on  Boule  d’Or  and  others  of  this  class.  Chas.  Davis,  the  “  yellow  ”  sport 
from  Viviand  Morel,  is  represented  by  rich  bronze  bloom.  Miss  Dorothy 
Shea  is  a  very  fine  drooping  flower  of  a  deep  mahogany  colour.  Golden 
Wedding  will  also  And  a  place  among  the  first  twenty-four.  The  blooms 
are  of  large  size,  good  in  form,  of  a  rich  buttery  yellow. 

Wm.  Seward,  the  dark  blooms  of  which  contrast  well  with  the  light 
varieties,  is  here  well  grown.  G.  W.  Child  is  giving  good  solid  blooms 
a  shade  or  two  lighter  than  Wm.  Seward,  but  with  a  buff  reverse. 
The  white  Louis  Boehmer  is  similar  to  its  parent,  except  the  colour, 
which  is  of  a  milky  white.  Lord  Brooke  is  not  of  the  first  size,  but  the 
bronzy  incurved  blooms  are  very  striking.  Miss  Libbie  Allen  is  almost 
identical  in  shape,  but  is  a  clear  lemon  yellow,  and  of  more  sturdy 
growth.  Robert  Flowerday  is  very  distinct,  the  blooms  are  of  a  rich 
purplish  lake  with  a  silvery  reverse  ;  habit  of  plant  robust  and  sturdy. 

The  foregoing  list  does  not  by  any  means  exhaust  all  the  good 
varieties  to  be  found  in  the  Claremont  Nursery,  but,  whilst  bearing  in 
mind  the  great  advance  that  has  recently  been  made  in  Japanese,  yet 
those  mentioned  are  likely  to  come  to  the  front  as  sterling  varieties. 

Among  the  curious  or  novel  kinds  is  Novelty,  deep  rosy  purple,  in 
form  very  similar  to  an  Endive  ;  also  D61aux  Pilars,  in  colour  a  rich 
brown  ;  in  fact,  the  tint  now  so  very  fashionable.  This  is  one  of  the 
hirsute  section,  and  is  certainly  the  most  hairy  up  to  date. 

Several  seedlings  raised  in  the  nursery  are  being  tested  by  Mr. 


Godfrey.  The  most  promising  is  a  very  large  and  handsome  pink  named 
Devoniensis.  This  in  form  is  very  striking,  the  florets  are  long  and 
drooping,  gracefully  recurving  at  the  tips.  Another  is  Exmouth 
White,  something  after  Beauty  of  Exmouth  in  form,  but  of  the  purest 
white. — A  N.C.S.  Man. 


CHRYSANTHEMUM  SHOWS. 

HAVANT. — October  27th  and  28th. 

The  tenth  annual  Exhibition  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the  dates 
named.  Cut  bloom  classes  occupied  the  most  important»ipart  of  the 
schedule,  the  principal  class  being  that  for  thirty-six  distinct  varieties, 
half  Japanese  and  the  remainder  incurved.  Mr.  Penford,  gardener  to 
Sir  F.  Fitzwygram,  Bart.,  M.P.,  Leigh  Park,  Havant,  managed  to  win 

premier  honours.  The  Japanese  blooms 
were  very  fine,  being  large,  full,  and  fresh. 
The  incurved  were  undersized,  but  neatly 
staged.  Especially  good  were  the  blooms 
of  W.  Tricker,  Condor,  E.  Molyneux,  Stan- 
stead  White,  Viviand  Morel,  Florence  Davis, 
Col,  W.  B.  Smith,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Excelsior, 
and  Val  d’Andorre  in  the  Japanese  section  ; 
Madame  Darrier,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Ami  Hoste, 
Novelty,  Prince  Alfred,  and  Princess  Beatrice 
were  the  most  noticeable  blooms  in  the 
incurved  section.  Mr.  J.  Agate,  Havant, 
was  a  close  second,  the  incurved  being 
superior,  the  Japanese  lacking  a  few  points. 


FIG.  60. — L^LIO-CATTLEYA  PISANDEA.  {See  page  i.) 


Charles  Davis,  Madame  Octavie  Mirbeau,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Amos 
Perry,  and  George  Savage,  with  Mrs.  Heale,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  and 
Prince  Alfred  were  the  best  blooms. 

For  eighteen  blooms,  distinct,  nine  to  be  Japanese  and  the  remainder 
incurved,  there  was  a  spirited  competition.  Mr.  C.  J.  Steptoe,  gardener 
to  G.  A.  Gale,  Esq.,  Horndean,  was  an  easy  first.  E.  W.  Clark, 
Marquise  de  Paris,  Excelsior,  Viviand  Morel,  Lord  Wolseley,  Miss 
M.  A.  Haggas,  and  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  were  the  best  blooms.  Mr.  J. 
Suter,  gardener  to  J.  Lascelles,  Esq.,  Havant,  was  second.  Mr.  Pen- 
ford  was  first  for  twelve  Japanese  with  large,  richly  coloured  examples 
of  the  leading  kinds  ;  Excelsior,  Marquise  de  Paris,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith 
deserve  a  special  mention.  Mr.  Agate  was  a  good  second,  Mr.  A.  W. 
Howard,  gardener  to  E.  G.  Boucher,  Esq  ,  Sennicotts,  Havant,  was  third. 
Mr.  Penford  was  again  successful,  this  time  in  the  class  for  twelve 
incurved,  with  medium-sized,  neat  blooms.  Mr.  Agate  was  second. 

Three  splendid  stands  of  twenty-four  Anemone  blooms  were  staged, 
Mr.  Penford  gaining  premier  award  with  an  even,  fully  developed 
collection,  Soeur  Doroth^e  Souille,  M.  C.  Lebocqz,  Jeanne  Marty, 
Sabine,  and  Duchess  of  Westminster  were  especially  well  represented. 
Mr.  Agate  was  a  close  second,  and  Mr.  Steptoe  third.  Mr.  Penford  was 
again  successful  for  twelve  blooms  of  reflexed  varieties,  staging  large 
and  solid  examples  of  leading  kinds.  Felicity,  Phidias,  King  of  Crimsons, 
Emperor  of  China,  and  Chevalier  Domage  were  especially  noteworthy. 
Messrs.  Steptoe  and  Agate  followed  in  the  order  named. 

Pompons  made  a  bright  display.  For  twelve  sprays  Mr.  Agate  was 
an  easy  first,  staging  well-developed  blooms  of  leading  varieties.  Mr. 
H.  Brown,  gardener  to  J.  Taplin,  Esq.,  Havant,  was  second.  Single- 
flowered  varieties  are  always  well  shown  at  Havant,  and  this  year  they 
were  better  than  usual.  For  twelve  the  last-named  exhibitor  won  with 
fully  developed  blooms  of  telling  sorts  most  excellently  arranged.  Mr. 
Agate  was  a  good  second.  In  this  stand  a  new  variety  named  Pattie 
Penford  was  staged  ;  the  florets  are  deeply  reflexed,  pure  white,  with  a 
pale  green  disc.  Mr.  Penford  secured  the  prizes  for  premier  blooms — 
incurved  and  Japanese — Madame  Darrier  and  Col.  W.  B.  Smith.  In 
the  class  confined  to  amateurs  and  single-handed  gardeners  Mr.  Holmes, 


408 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893. 


Gosport,  won  first  prize  for  twelve  Japanese  with  a  splendid  stand  of 
blooms,  almost  equal  to  the  best  in  the  Show.  Groups  of  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums  were  not  numerous,  but  that  from  Mr.  J.  Agate  contained  fine 
blooms,  lightly  arranged,  and  the  premier  prize  was  awarded.  Mr. 
J.  Suter  was  second. 

Primulas,  Solanums,  and  table  plants  were  well  shown,  and  fruit 
and  vegetables  were  of  commendable  quality.  Table  decorations  by 
ladies  only  was  a  distinct  feature  of  the  Show,  the  prizes  falling  to  Miss 
Newman,  Mrs.  A.  Stubbs,  and  Mrs.  Conway  in  the  order  named,  all 
having  effective  arrangements. 

LOUGHBOKOUGH.— October  28th. 

The  nineteenth  annual  Chrysanthemum  Show  was  held  in  the 
Town  Hall  on  October  23th.  The  Exhibition  was  up  to  the  standard 
of  former  years  in  everything  but  the  incurved  blooms.  These  were 
poorly  represented,  being  very  rough.  Japanese  blooms  were  well  shown. 

Messrs.  Biddles  &  Co.  took  first  prize  in  the  group  of  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  most  of  the  plants  having  flowers  fit  for  staging  in  the  cut 
bloom  section.  The  same  firm  took  first  prize  for  a  group  of  foliage 
and  flowering  plants  ;  but  all  the  groups  were  too  formally  arranged. 
Primulas  and  dinner  table  plants  were  in  good  condition.  Grapes 
were  well  shown,  as  also  were  Apples  and  Pears.  Collections  of 
vegetables  shown  by  cottagers  were  excellent,  and  finer  Celery  has 
scarcely  ever  been  seen. 

There  was  a  very  good  collection  of  vegetables  not  for  competition, 
also  a  display  of  Orchids,  both  of  which  received  certificates. 

There  were  also  prizes  given  for  the  best  specimens  of  writing,  free¬ 
hand  drawing,  and  needlework,  open  to  the  scholars  of  the  Loughborough 
school. — J.  L.  B. 

PORTSMOUTH. — October  31st,^November  1st  and  2nd. 

This  great  southern  exhibition  was  one  of  the  best  yet  held.  The 
Drill  Hall  in  which  the  show  took  place  affords  ample  space  for  the 
exhibits  and  for  the  numerous  company  which  attend  this  Exhibition. 
The  arrangements,  as  usual,  were  perfect  in  the  hands  of  an  efficient 
Committee,  guided  by  the  Hon.  Secretary,  Mr.  F.  Power,  and  his  assistant, 
Mr.  B.  Miller. 

Cut  blooms  formed  the  most  attractive  part  of  the  Exhibition.  The 
principal  class  was  that  for  forty-eight  blooms,  half  to  be  Japanese  and 
the  remainder  incurved,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties  of  each 
section,  and  not  more  than  two  of  one  variety.  No  less  than  seven  com¬ 
peted,  making  a  very  fine  display.  Messrs.  W.  &  G.  Drover,  The 
Nurseries,  Fareham,  won  the  premier  position  with  large,  well  developed 
Japanese,  well  staged.  The  incurved  were  of  medium  size,  but  neatly 
finished.  The  names  were — Japanese:  Col.W.  B.  Smith  (2),  Charles  Davis, 
W.  Seward  (2),  Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Spaulding  (2),  Gloire  de 
Rocher,  Viviand  Morel  (2),  E.  Molyneux  (2),  Sunflower  (2),  Mrs.  C. 
Wheeler,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Excelsior,  Amos  Perry,  Puritan, 
Alberic  Lunden,  W.  Tricker,  and  Lord  Brooke.  Incurved:  Empress  of 
India,  Madame  Darrier  (2),  Queen  of  England  (2),  Baron  Hirscb,  Lord 
Alcester,  Lord  Wolseley  (2),  Jeanne  d'Arc  (2),  M.  Jules  Barigney,  Prince 
Alfred,  Alfred  Lyne,  Alfred  Salter,  Princess  Beatrice,  Lady  Hardinge 
(2),  Nil  Desperandum,  John  Doughty,  Novelty,  Refulgens,  Brookleigh 
Gem,  and  a  seedling.  Mr.  N.  Molyneux,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Gamier,  Esq., 
Rooksbury  Park,  Wickham,  was  a  good  second.  The  incurved  were 
more  regular  in  size,  but  the  Japanese  were  a  trifle  smaller.  Especially 
good  were  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Charles  Davis,  Sunflower, 
and  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  while  Princess  Beatrice,  Violet  Tomlin,  Ami 
Hoste,  Golden  Empress,  and  Lord  Alcester  were  noticeable  in  the 
incurved  section.  Mr.  G.  Inglefield,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  Kelk,  Bart., 
Tedworth,  Marlborough,  third ;  and  Mr.  Penford,  gardener  to  Sir  F. 
Fitzwygram,  Leigh  Park,  Havant,  fourth. 

The  next  important  class  was  that  for  twenty-four,  distinct,  half 
incurved  and  the  remainder  Japanese.  Mr.  Inglefield  here  secured 
the  premier  award  with  a  very  fine  stand.  The  incurved  blooms  were 
perhaps  the  best  in  the  Show.  The  names  were  Lord  Wolseley,  Golden 
Empress,  Madame  Darrier,  Emily  Dale,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Baron  Hirsch, 
Princess  of  Wales,  Empress  of  India,  Prince  Alfred,  Lord  Alcester,  Lucy 
Kendall,  and  Miss  M.  A.  Haggis.  The  Japanese  were  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Viviand  Morel,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  E.  Molyneux,  Sunflower, 
W,  Seward,  Gloire  de  Rocher,  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson,  W.  Tricker,  and 
F.  Davis.  Mr.  H.  J.  Parrott,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Kincaid  Smith,  Wood 
End,  Chichester,  was  a  good  second  ;  and  Mr.  N.  Molyneux  third.  Six 
competed  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  and  Mr.  C.  H. 
Holloway,  gardener  to  F.  W.  C.  Read,  Esq.,  The  Wakes,  Selborne,  won 
the  premier  award  with  a  stand  of  heavy  blooms.  Mr.  H.  Parrott 
was  second,  and  Mr.  Penford  third,  both  staging  creditably.  Four 
competed  in  the  class  for  twelve  distinct  incurved.  Mr.  Penford  won 
with  medium-sized  examples  of  leading  varieties.  Mr.  J.  Hughes, 
gardener  to  W.  Baring,  Esq.,  Norman  Court,  Salisbury,  second  ;  and 
Mr.  C.  J.  Steptoe,  gardener  to  G.  Gale,  Esq.,  Horndean,  third. 

The  class  for  reflexed  in  twelve  blooms,  not  less  than  eight  varieties, 
showed  a  falling  off  as  compared  to  past  years,  six  only  competing.  The 
best  blooms  came  from  Mr.  Penford,  who  had  well-developed  flowers  of 
King  of  Crimsons,  Phidias,  and  Felicity.  Mr.  Steptoe  was  second,  and 
Mr.  S.  Dee,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Mills,  Kingston,  third.  The  Anemone 
section  produced  a  keen  competition,  the  flowers  being  good  in  all  the 
six  stands  of  twelve  blooms.  Messrs.  Agate  and  Hatch,  the  latter 
gardener  to  the  Victoria  Park’s  Committee,  Portsmouth,  won  first  and 
second  honours  ;  and  Mr.  Penford  was  third. 

Pompons  made  a  bright  and  varied  display.  Mr.  H.  Lee,  Moreland’s 


Road,  Gosport,  won  with  twelve  bunches.  Mr.  Hatch  second,  and  Mr. 
Agate  third.  A  class  was  provided  for  the  fimbriated  section,  in  bunches 
of  three  blooms  to  a  bunch,  and  they  made  a  fine  display,  cut  with 
from  9  to  12  inches  of  stem  and  leaves.  Mr.  Hatch  was  a  distinct  first 
prize  winner,  Chardoneret,  Croesus,  Scapin,  and  Massange  were  really 
fine.  Mr.  Adams,  gardener  to  T.  S.  Edgecombe,  Esq.,  Hinton  House, 
Southsea,  was  second.  Single  flowered  kinds  were  also  well  staged  in 
bunches  of  three  blooms  each.  Of  six  exhibits  that  from  Mr.  Brown, 
gardener  to  J.  Taplin,  Esq.,  Havant,  was  first ;  Mr.  Agate  second,  and 
Mr.  H.  Lee  third. 

For  six  Japanese,  any  one  variety,  Mr.  C.  Holloway  staged  Edwin 
Molyneux,  very  fine,  and  easily  won  the  first  prize  amongst  seven  competi¬ 
tors  ;  Mr.  Hughes  with  Avalanche  coming  next,  while  Sunflower  from 
Mr.  T.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Lady  Theodora  Guest,  Inwood  House, 
Blandford,  secured  a  third  place.  In  a  similar  class  for  incurved  Mr. 
Inglefield  staged  Jeanne  d’Arc  in  fine  condition,  and  won  the  premier 
award.  Mr.  Hughes  was  second  with  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Mr.  Agate 
third  with  Madame  Darrier. 

Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  with  one  of  their  usual  arrange¬ 
ments,  won  first  prize  for  a  bouquet  of  Chrysanthemums  and  Ferns; 
Mrs.  F.  Mills,  13,  Florence  Road,  Southsea,  was  second.  For  the  best 
dressed  glass  stand  with  Chrysanthemums  and  other  flowers  there  was  a 
brisk  competition,  no  less  than  ten  competing.  Mrs.  Conway,  Havant, 
won  the  premier  award  with  a  light  arrangement  of  suitable  flowers. 
Miss  Kate  Golding,  24,  Winchester  Road,  Southampton,  was  second.  An 
arrangement  of  autumn  foliage  and  berries  in  an  epergne  brought  out 
five  competitions.  Mrs.  Conway  was  again  successful ;  Miss  C.  Winch, 
Gosport,  second.  On  a  table  space  of  3  feet  each  way  prizes  were 
offered  for  the  best  arrangement  of  Chrysanthemums  with  any  kind  of 
Kliage.  Here  Mrs.  Conway  again  asserted  her  superior  taste  by  winning 
first  place  with  a  charming  arrangement.  Miss  Kate  Golding  second. 

Plants  made  a  good  display  down  the  centre  of  the  Hall  and  across 
one  end.  For  six  trained  specimens,  Mr.  Penford  won  ;  Mr.  G.  Lam¬ 
bert,  Bognor  Road,  Chichester,  was  second.  For  twelve  plants  in  9-inch 
pots  Mr.  Lambert  won,  as  also  he  did  for  a  single  specimen  of  any  variety, 
staging  Mr.  G.  Rundle  fully  4  feet  in  diameter  and  freely  flowered.  Mr. 
Penford  followed  with  Elsie.  Mr.  Lambert  also  had  the  best  Pompons 
in  eight  varieties,  freely  flowered  examples  of  popular  kinds. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  only  and  those  interspersed  with  foliage 
plants  made  a  bright  display  across  one  end  of  the  hall.  In  the 
former  class  Mr.  Hatch  won,  showing  well  grown  examples, 
not  too  formally  arranged.  Mr.  Lambert  was  second.  In  the  latter 
class  Mr.  W.  Rooke,  gardener  to  Messrs.  Brickwood  &  Co.,  Southsea,  was 
first.  Mr.  E.  R.  Harvey,  Portsea,  was  second. 

Table  plants  made  a  fine  display.  Mr.  A.  Payne,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Ewald  Smith,  The  Oaks,  Emsworth,  won  with  twelve  plants.  Primulas 
and  Solanums  were  well  exhibited. 

Fruit  was  surprisingly  well  shown.  For  three  bunches  of  BlacTs 
Grapes  Mr.  Hall,  gardener  to  S.  Montagu,  Esq.,  South  Stoneham,  won 
first  prize,  staging  Alicante,  good  in  every  respect.  Mr.  J.  Knight, 
gardener  to  H.  Harding,  Esq.,  The  Retreat,  Southsea,  was  second,  and 
Mr.  Warden,  gardener  to  Sir  F.  Bathurst,  Clarendon  Park,  Salisbury, 
third.  The  last  named  won  for  three  bunches  of  any  white  variety 
with  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Mr.  J.  Parrott,  with  Alicante  in  prime 
condition,  won  with  two  bunches  any  black  Grape,  Mr.  Agate  second. 
The  class  for  thirty  dishes  of  Apples,  distinct  varieties,  produced  a  fine 
display.  Mr.  J.  Watkin,  Pomona  Farm  Nursery,  Withington,  Hereford, 
was  placed  first  with  a  splendid  collection.  Mr.  G.  Goldsmith,  gardener 
to  Sir  E.  G.  Loder,  Bart.,  Horsham,  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Scott  third. 
Mr.  Watkin  followed  up  his  previous  success  in  the  class  for  twenty 
dishes  of  Pears  with  fine  fruit.  Mr.  Goldsmith  was  second,  and  Mr. 
Goodacre,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Harrington,  Elvaston,  Derby,  third. 
Mr.  Goldsmith  won  with  sixteen  dishes  of  Apples  and  eight  dishes  of 
Pears  with  splendid  fruit.  Many  other  excellent  dishes  were  staged  ; 
but  limited  space  forbids  a  mention  of  them  individually.  Vegetables 
also  made  a  great  display. 

Mr.  H.  J.  Jones,  Ryecroft  Nursery,  London,  had  eleven  dozen  cut 
blooms  of  Japanese  Chrysanthemums  “  not  for  competition,”  including 
the  many  choice  novelties  he  now  has  ;  this  stand  attracted  the 
attention  of  many  visitors.  Messrs.  Edwards  &  Son,  Sherwood, 
Nottingham,  had  a  display  of  their  vases,  stands,  baskets  and  epergnes 
filled  with  Ferns. 

KENT  COUNTY.— November  1st  and  2nd. 

The  sixth  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Kent  County  Chrysanthemum 
Society  was  held  in  the  Rink,  Blackheath,  on  the  above  dates.  Taken 
as  a  whole,  the  Show  compared  favourably  with  those  held  on  previous 
occasions,  the  cut  blooms  being  particularly  good. 

For  eighteen  Japanese  and  the  same  number  of  incurved  blooms, 
distinct,  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith,  gardener  to  M.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Shirley, 
Croydon,  was  first.  The  Japanese  varieties  staged  were  fresh  and  clean, 
and  were  as  follows — Mdlle.  Th^r^se  Rey,  W.  Seward,  Anna  Hartshorn, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  W.  Tricker,  E.  Molyneux,  Florence 
Davis,  J.  Shrimpton,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  President  Borel,  Mrs.  F. 
Jameson,  Viviand  Morel  (grand),  Eda  Prass,  Sunflower,  Mrs.  G.  W. 
Adams,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  and  Avalanche.  The  incurves  comprised 
Queen  of  England,  Vice-President  Jules  Barigney,  Hero  of  Stoke 
Newington,  Madame  Darrier,  M.  Martegnac,  Refulgens,  Empress  of 
India,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Heale,  Prince  Alfred,  Baron  Hirsch, 
Novelty,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Lord  Alcester,  Madame  F.  Mistral,  Lord 
Wolseley,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Violet  Tomlin.  Mr.  Leadbetter,  gardener 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


409 


to  A.  G.  Hubbuck,  Esq.,  Elmstead  Lodge,  Chislehurst,  was  second,  and 
Mr.  P.  Waterer,  Fawkham,  Kent,  third,  both  exhibitors  staging  well- 
grown  blooms, 

Mr.  Wheadon,  gardener  to  R.  S.  Collier,  Esq.,  Hawthorns,  Bickley, 
secured  the  leading  prize  for  twenty-four  Japanese  varieties,  staging 
well  finished  blooms.  The  best  of  these  were  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Beauty 
of  Exmouth.  Viviand  Morel,  J.  Shrimpton,  F.  W.  Flight,  Mdlle.  Marie 
Hoste,  and  W.  Tricker.  Mr.  A.  Tomalin,  gardener  to  S,  Whyte,  Esq., 
Crayford,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Leadbetter  followed.  There  were  four 
competitors  in  this  class,  and  the  competition  was  keen.  Mr.  Wheadon 
repeated  his  success  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese  varieties  with  a 
stand  of  fine  blooms,  comprising  the  leading  varieties.  Mr.  Thos, 
Osman,  The  Gardens,  Ottershaw  Park,  Chertsey,  was  second,  the  third 
prize  going  to  Mr.  A.  Tomalin.  There  was  only  one  competitor  in  the 
class  for  twelve  incurved  blooms,  this  being  Mr.  J.  Lyne,  gardener  to 
F.  Tiarks,  Esq.,  Foxbury,  Chislehurst,  to  whom  the  first  prize  was 
awarded.  Mr.  Leadbetter  secured  the  leading  award  for  twelve  reflexed 
blooms,  staging  fine  examples  ;  Mr.  T.  Couldrey,  gardener  to  J.  Levy, 
Esq.,  The  Shrubbery,  Grove  Park,  being  second.  Anemone-flowered 
Chrysanthemums  were  best  shown  by  Messrs.  Leadbetter  and  Lyne,  and 
A.  Tomalin,  to  whom  the  prizes  were  awarded  as  their  names  are  given. 
Messrs.  A.  Tomalin  and  J.  Lyne  also  won  the  prizes  for  twelve  bunches 
of  Pompons.  Mr.  Osman  gained  the  first  prize  for  six  Japanese,  one 
variety  only,  with  grand  blooms  of  Sunflower.  Mr.  P.  Waterer  was 
second  with  E.  Molyneux,  and  Mr.  Rhoden,  Blackheath  Park,  third  with 
Stanstead  Surprise.  Mr.  W.  Ames,  South  Ashford,  was  first  with  six 
incurved  blooms,  showing  small  but  neat  examples  of  Mrs.  G.  Rundle. 

Amateur  growers  were  well  represented,  and  the  same  may  be  said 
of  gardeners  who  resided  within  a  radius  of  three  miles  of  the  Rink. 
Mr.  J.  Rhoden  in  the  latter  instance  was  placed  first  for  six  incurved 
blooms,  which  were  neat  in  appearance.  Mr.  T.  Couldrey  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Wainwright,  Lee,  third.  The  prizes  for  six  Japanese  went  to 
Messrs.  J.  Rhoden,  T,  Couldrey,  and  C.  Bayer,  Forest  Hill.  Dr.  Walker, 
Wimbledon,  was  placed  first  in  the  amateurs’  section  for  twelve  incurved 
blooms,  showing  neat  examples  of  Violet  Tomlin,  Princess  of  Wales,  and 
Madame  Barrier  amongst  others.  Mr,  A,  J,  Parker,  172,  New  Kent 
Road,  was  second.  Dr,  Walker  was  also  successful  in  gaining  the  first 
prize  for  twelve  Japanese,  showing  a  stand  of  fine  blooms  of  the  leading 
varieties.  Mr.  A.  J.  Parker  was  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Ames  third.  For 
six  Japanese  blooms  Messrs.  Rose,  G.  Saunders,  and  A.  J.  Parker  won  ; 
and  for  the  same  number  of  incurves  Dr.  Walker,  A.  J.  Parker,  and 
W.  Ames  secured  the  prizes  in  order  given.  Mr.  Saunders  had  the  best 
six  blooms  of  one  Japanese  variety,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  and  Mr.  W.  Ames 
was  second  with  Avalanche.  Mr.  Bertenshaw,  East  Dulwich,  was  first 
for  twelve  Japanese  blooms  in  this  section,  the  second  prize  going  to 
Mr.  H.  W.  Percy,  Fairmont,  Brockley.  In  other  amateur  classes  blooms 
were  well  shown. 

For  the  President’s  special  prize  for  eight  Japanese  and  eight 
incurved  blooms  there  were  three  competitors,  these  being  Mr.  A. 
Tomalin,  C.  Payne,  and  Leadbetter,  to  whom  the  prizes  were  awarded 
as  their  names  appear.  The  competition  was  keen,  fine  blooms  being 
staged  in  each  class.  Mr.  T.  Osman  had  the  best  six  blooms  of  Avalanche, 
the  second  going  to  Mr.  J.  Lyne,  who  also  secured  the  first  award 
for  six  blooms  of  Mdlle.  Lacroix  family.  Mr.  Percy  won  with  six 
blooms  of  the  Rundle  family,  and  Mr.  A.  Tomalin  had  the  best  twelve 
flowers  of  the  same  section.  Mr.  Filkins,  Oakbank,  Chislehurst,  staged 
the  best  single  bloom  of  W.  Seward,  a  fine  specimen. 

The  premier  Japanese  bloom  in  the  Show  was  a  splendid  flower  of 
E.  Molyneux,  shown  by  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith.  Mr.  Leadbetter  had  the 
best  incurved  variety,  this  being  a  beautiful  bloom  of  Prince  Alfred. 

Groups  of  plants  formed  a  feature  in  the  Exhibition.  For  one 
composed  principally  of  Chrysanthemums,  Mr.  Rhoden,  The  Gardens, 
Blackheath  Park,  was  placed  first ;  Mr.  F.  Fox,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Penn,  The  Cedars,  Lee,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Williams,  College  Park, 
Lewisham,  third.  There  were  twenty-four  competitors  in  this  class. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  plentiful.  Messrs.  B.  S,  Williams  and 
Son,  Upper  Holloway,  arranged  a  group  of  foliage  plants  and  Orchids, 
and  Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Peckham  Rye,  sent  a  collection 
of  Ferns,  Crotons,  Palms,  and  Heaths.  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Earlswood,  had 
some  Chrysanthemum  blooms,  as  likewise  did  Mr.  R.  Owen,  Maiden¬ 
head.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  S.E.,  contributed  a  splendid 
group  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants.  Messrs.  A.  Tomalin,  J.  Lyme, 
and  Filkin,  had  groups  of  flowering  and  foliage  plants  in  the  competitive 
classes.  Primulas  and  table  plants  were  well  shown.  Baskets  and 
bouquets  of  Chrysanthemums  were  exhibited  by  ladies. 

Fruit  formed  an  interesting  feature  in  the  show.  Messrs.  G. 
Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  sent  a  very  fine  collection  of  Apples  and 
Pears  in  splendid  condition.  Grapes,  Apples,  and  Pears  were  exhibited  in 
the  competitive  classes  provided  for  fruit,  but  pressure  on  our  spaces 
prevents  further  reference. 

ASCOT. — November  1st  and  2nd. 

The  annual  autumn  Show  in  connection  with  the  Ascot  and  District 
Horticultural  Society  was  opened  on  Wednesday  last,  when  a  grand 
display  of  plants,  flowers,  and  fruit  was  staged.  Groups  of  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums  and  also  of  miscellaneous  plants  were  of  exceptional  merit,  the 
competition  in  the  various  classes  being  keen.  The  incurved  blooms 
were  not,  perhaps,  quite  up  to  the  usual  high  standard,  the  Japanese  on 
the  other  hand  being  better  than  is  customary.  The  exhibits  of  vege¬ 
tables  and  fruit  were  numerous  and  fine,  but  space  will  not  permit  of 
our  referring  to  them  at  length.  The  same  may  be  said  of  plants,  of 
which  Primulas,  Bouvardias,  and  Violets  were  prominent.  We  append 


a  list  of  the  prizewinners  in  the  principal  classes  devoted  to  Chrys¬ 
anthemums. 

In  the  class  for  forty-eight,  to  include  not  less  than  eighteen 
Japanese  and  eighteen  incurved  blooms,  Mr.  Thorne,  gardener  to  Major 
Joicey,  Sunningdale  Park,  was  a  good  first.  The  flowers  staged  were 
grand,  especially  the  Japanese,  The  exhibit  comprised  W.  Tricker, 
E.  Molyneux,  W,  H.  Lincoln,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Viviand  Morel,  Colonel 
W.  B.  Smith,  Lord  Wolseley,  Queen  of  England,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs. 
Heale,  Camille  Flammarion,  Queen  of  England,  Madame  F,  Mistral, 
and  Lord  Wolseley,  back  row  ;  Mrs.  Heale,  Madame  Barrier,  Miss 
M.  A.  Haggis,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Violet  Tomlin,  Madame  Barrier,  Madame 
Mistral,  John  Lambert,  J.  Shrimpton,  Majestic,  Viviand  Morel,  Mons. 

E.  A.  Carrier,  Excelsior,  Mrs.  G.  Herring,  Count  F.  Lurani,  and  Mdlle. 
Marie  Hoste,  middle  row ;  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Stanstead  Surprise, 
Avalanche,  Sunflower,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  G.  W.  Childs,  Mdlle.  Lacroix, 
Boule  d’Or,  Ami  Hoste,  Mr.  Bunn,  Brookleigh  Gem,  Robert  Cannell, 
Willie,  Barbara,  Princess  Beatrice,  and  Princess  Teck,  front  row.  The 
second  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Maxim,  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Miss 
Shaw  Lefevre,  Winchfield,  who  staged  a  highly  creditable  exhibit. 
Mr.  W.  Lane,  gardener  to  Miss  J.  Burning  Smith,  Ascot,  third,  and  Mr. 
J.  Tomlin,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Goldenham,  Chertsey,  fourth. 

Mr.  Lane  was  a  good  first  for  thirty-six  blooms,  distinct,  eighteen 
Japanese  and  eighteen  incurved.  Mr.  G.  Barker,  gardener  to  H.  P, 
Leschallas,  Esq.,  Windlesham,  was  a  very  close  second  ;  and  Mr.  P. 
Harpley,  gardener  to  F.  Morrison,  Esq.,  Sunninghill,  a  creditable  third. 
Mr.  Cole,  gardener  to  E.  W.  Hamilton,  Esq.,  Charters,  Sunningdale, 
was  a  good  first  for  twelve  incurved  blooms,  distinct.  This  stand  was 
composed  of  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Lord  Wolseley,  Princess 
of  Wales  ;  back  row  :  Madame  Barrier,  Princess  Teck,  Prince  Alfred, 
Mrs.  S.  Coleman  ;  middle  row  :  Alfred  Lyon,  Violet  Tomlin,  Beauty, 
and  an  unnamed  pale  pink  variety.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr. 

F.  Heereman,  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Lady  Isabella  Keane,  Rose  Mount, 
Sunningdale  ;  and  the  third  to  Mr.  Joy,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Entwhistle, 
The  Oaks,  Sunninghill,  Mr.  H.  Popple,  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Lady 
Cowell  Stepney,  Wood  End,  Sunninghill,  was  an  excellent  first 
for  six  distinct  incurved  blooms,  showing  Princess  of  Wales, 
Violet  Tomlin,  Princess  Teck,  Prince  Alfred,  Jeanne  d’Arc  and  Madame 
Barrier.  Mr.  R.  Bird,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Barnett,  Esq.,  Kings  Beeches, 
Sunninghill,  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Hawthorn,  The  Gardens,  St.  George’s 
School,  Ascot,  a  fair  third.  For  twelve  distinct  Japanese,  Mr.  A.  Sturt, 
gardener  to  N.  L.  Cohen,  Esq.,  Englefield  Green,  was  a  capital  first,  staging 
magnificent  blooms  ;  Mr.  Heereman  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Cole 
third.  For  six  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  H.  Popple  was  first.  The  second 
prize  went  to  Mr.  Joy,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  R.  Bird.  Mr.  J.  Woodhouse, 
gardener  to  Miss  Belcher,  Spring  Grove,  Sunningdale,  was  awarded  the 
first  prize  and  the  silver  cup  for  twelve  reflexed  flowers.  Mr.  J.  Cole, 
was  a  close  second  and  Mr.  Thorne  third.  Mr.  H.  Popple  was  first  for 
six  reflexed.  Mr.  Wm.  Neate,  gardener  to  Miss  Thacker,  Queen’s  Hill, 
Ascot,  was  second ;  and  Mr.  E.  Smee,  gardener  to  Captain  Hanbury, 
Holmwood  Lodge,  Ascot,  third.  Mr.  Joy,  the  only  competitor,  was  placed 
first  in  the  class  for  six  incurved  blooms  of  the  Queea  family  with 
superb  examples  of  Empress  of  India.  Mr.  G.  Barker  was  first  for  six 
incurved.  Queen  type  excluded,  with  large  clean  blooms  of  Mons.  R. 
Bahuant  ;  Mr.  J.  Cole  being  second  with  Violet  Tomlin,  and 
Mr.  Hawthorn  third  with  Prince  Alfred. 

In  the  class  for  six  white  Japanese,  one  variety,  Mr.  H.  Popple  was 
first  with  magnificent  flowers  of  Avalanche.  Messrs.  G.  Barker  and 
R.  Bird  being  second  and  third  in  the  order  named  with  the  same 
variety.  For  six  coloured  Japanese,  one  variety,  Mr.  Thorne  was  an 
easy  first  with  Wm.  Tricker,  Mr.  Barker  second  with  the  same  variety, 
and  Mr.  Joy  third  with  E.  Molyneux.  Mr,  A.  Sturt  was  a  good  first 
for  six  Anemone  flowered  varieties,  Mr.  Hawthorn  being  second. 

Mr.  J.  Cowie,  gardener  to  V.  L.  Oliver,  Esq.,  Whitmore  Lodge, 
Sunningdale,  took  the  first  prize  for  a  large  group  of  Chrysanthemums. 
The  arrangement  was  admirable,  and  the  plants  dwarf  and  well  grown. 
Mr.  Attfield  was  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Lane  third,  Mr.  F.  Heereman  w'as 
first  for  a  smaller  group,  Mr.  White  being  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Edge  third. 

For  four  trained  specimens,  exclusive  of  standards,  the  first  prize 
was  deservedly  accorded  to  Mr.  White,  gardener  to  the  Dowager 
Marchioness  of  Conyngham,  The  Mount,  Ascot  ;  the  third  prize  going 
to  Mr.  W,  Lane.  Mr.  W.  Neate  was  first  for  six  specimen  plants  with 
a  good  exhibit,  Mr.  White  being  second,  and  Mr.  Attfield,  gardener  to 
Sir  W.  Farmer,  third.  Mr.  Neate  was  first  for  four  Pompons  in  pots 
with  well  flowered  plants,  Mr.  B,  Harpley  second,  and  Mr,  Hawthorn 
third. 

Mr.  Thorne  was  first  for  a  splendid  group  of  miscellaneous  plants, 
taste  in  arrangement  and  excellent  culture  being  striking  features  of 
the  exhibit.  The  Crotons  were  clean  and  splendidly  coloured,  as  also 
were  the  Palms  and  Ferns.  Orchids,  \vhich  were  represented  ^  by 
Oncidium  tigrinum,  Cattleya  labiata,  superb  varieties  ;  Cypripedium 
insigne  and  two  grand  seedlings  were  magnificent  examples.  Mr. 
J.  Edge,  gardener  to  Lord  Harlech,  Tetworth,  was  second  ;  Mr.  E.  Smee 
third  ;  and  Mr.  Hawthorn  fourth. 

The  National  Chrysanthemum  Society’s  certificate  for  the  best 
incurved  bloom  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Lane  for  a  grand  Baron  Hirsch, 
and  for  the  best  Japanese  to  Mr.  Popple  for  a  superb  example  of  Sun¬ 
flower. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits,  not  for  competition,  were  not  numerous,  that 
of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Son,  comprised  of  Potatoes  of  their  own  introduc¬ 
tion,  being  prominent.  Messrs.  J.  Standish  &  Co.,  Royal  Nurseries, 
Ascot,  arranged  a  fine  group  of  plants,  including  Ferns,  Palms,  and 
Chrysanthemums. 


410 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893. 


WOKK.Fo^™  WEEK.. 


Km 


HAEDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Planting-  Fruit  Trees. — Early  in  November  is  a  good  time  for 
carrying  out  this  important  -work.  Advantage  can  thus  be  taken  of  the 
activity  of  the  roots,  which  it  is  well  known  are  disposed  to  freely  produce 
fibres  at  this  season,  and  to  quickly  repair  any  damage  done  to  them  in 
the  process  of  lifting.  Under  favourable  circumstances  trees  planted 
early  become  well  established  before  the  winter,  with  the  result  that 
they  start  freely  into  growth  the  following  year. 

Tlie  Best  Soil. — Good  loam  of  a  holding  character,  rich  enough  to 
encourage  a  firm  vigorous  growth  without  inducing  grossness,  consti¬ 
tutes  a  typical  fruit  soil  generally.  It  should  be  clean,  not  tainted  from 
the  effects  of  powerful  manures,  friable  to  work,  and  well  drained, 
either  naturally  or  artificially.  Stone  fruits  like  calcareous  soil  best. 
If  deficient  in  this  matter  add  pulverised  mortar  rubbish  or  fresh  lime. 

Beptli  of  Soil. — An  average  depth  of  2  feet  will  usually  meet  the 
needs  of  most  fruit  trees.  In  light  and  dry  soils  an  additional  depth  of 
(5  to  12  inches  will  be  of  advantage.  In  wet  soils  a  rather  less  ’depth 
than  2  feet  will  be  beneficial  in  keeping  the  roots  in  a  warmer  medium  ; 
indeed,  in  some  cases  it  may  be  desirable  to  plant  in  mounds  raised 
above  the  surface,  so  that  warmth  and  comparative  dryness  of  the  soil 
may  be  secured,  fruit  trees  never  thriving  with  stagnation  at  the  roots. 

Manure.— In  preparing  soil  just  previous  to  planting  fruit  trees  it 
is  not  desirable  to  add  manure  unless  the  ground  is  very  poor.  The  best 
time  to  give  it  is  in  the  spring  or  winter  previously,  heavily  if  necessary 
then,  working  the  ground  deeply,  and  taking  off  a  crop  of  Potatoes  or 
something  which  will  sweeten  the  soil  by  abstracting  from  it  some  of 
the  stimulating  elements  which  cause  rank  gross  growth  in  fruit  trees. 

Obtaining-  Trees. — Order  fruit  trees  from  nurserymen  as  early  as 
possible,  first  comers  being  the  best  served.  Personal  selection  is  pre¬ 
ferable,  though  those  who  cannot  do  this  may  depend  on  good  firms 
doing  that  business  for  them  as  well  or  better  than  themselves  if  supplied 
with  particulars  as  to  soil,  position,  form  of  trees  desired,  and  varieties 
required.  In  the  case  of  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  and  Cherries,  it  must  be 
stated  whether  the  varieties  are  wanted  for  cooking  or  dessert  purposes. 
It  should  also  be  noted  when  ordering  whether  they  are  desired  to  be 
productive  at  an  early  period,  or  develop  into  large  trees  before  heavy 
crops  are  expected.  Trees  of  the  former  class  will  be  on  dwarfing  stocks, 
which  cause  early  productiveness,  and  such  examples  may  be  planted 
closer  together.  The  latter  are  on  free  stocks,  consequently  ought  to  be 
planted  at  maximum  distances. 

The  Best  Trees. — Trees  adapted  for  ready  removal  and  furnished 
with  abundance  of  healthy,  fibrous  roots  are  usually  on  hand  in 
nurseries.  They  have  been  brought  to  this  desirable  condition  with  a 
view  to  being  quickly  moved  without  feeling  the  effects  to  an  injurious 
extent,  and  when  packed  round  with  moist  material  to  keep  the  roots 
from  drying,  then  forwarded  promptly  to  their  destination,  they  are  sure 
to  do  well  if  properly  planted.  The  shoots  should  be  clean  and  vigorous, 
medium  in  length  and  thickness.  Avoid  strong  trees  with  very  gross 
shoots,  which  will  have  correspondingly  thick  roots,  lifting  badly,  and 
failing  under  the  best  circumstances  to  become  established  quickly. 
Another  important  point  is  to  choose  medium  sized  or  small  trees.  It  is 
better  to  plant  small  trees  than  to  depend  on  large  specimens  if  they 
come  from  a  distance.  Moving  larger  trees  from  one  part  of  a  garden 
to  another,  however,  can  be  effected  readily  without  suffering  if  they 
have  been  previously  prepared  for  the  process. 

Boot  Treatment. — Having  already  pointed  out  how  important  a 
good  supply  of  fibrous  roots  are  to  the  speedy  re-eatablishment  of  newly 
planted  trees,  it  is  equally  important  that  roots,  whatever  their  character, 
be  kept  moist  from  the  time  they  are  lifted  until  spread  out  in  fresh 
soil.  Cut  smoothly  all  wounded,  jagged  and  broken  ends.  Mutilated 
roots  do  not  readily  push  fibres  forth,  indeed  they  often  fail  to  do  so  at 
all,  but  gradually  decay  and  die  back.  Any  rambling  roots  may  be 
shortened  back  within  reasonable  bounds,  the  whole  being  left  so  disposed 
that  they  can  be  spread  evenly  throughout  the  soil  when  planting. 

Planting. — The  holes  for  the  reception  of  the  trees  should  be  dug 
wide  enough  so  that  the  roots  can  be  laid  out  horizontally  from  the  stem 
outwards  without  being  turned  upwards  at  the  ends.  No  great  depth 
is  necessary  ;  it  will  suffice  if  the  upper  layers  of  roots  are  within  3  or 
4  inches  of  the  surface  when  planting  is  finished.  See  that  the  stems 
are  not  sunk  lower  than  they  previously  were.  This  is  an  infallible 
guide  in  forming  the  proper  depth  of  the  holes  and  in  disposing  the 
roots.  To  plant  below  the  earth  mark  causes  the  roots  to  be  placed 
deeper  than  needful,  with  the  result  that  trees  do  not  thrive  properly. 
Arrange  the  roots  in  layers,  stretching  them  out  to  their  full  extent  and 
having  fine  loamy  soil  in  readiness  mixed  with  a  little  burnt  refuse, 
sprinkle  the  mixture  upon  them  from  the  stem  outwards.  By  this 
means  the  fibres  are  fixed  in  position  and  in  the  right  direction.  Treat 
each  layer  the  same,  making  the  soil  firm  by  gentle  pressure,  not  roughly 
treading,  which  often  ruthlessly  breaks  the  roots  near  their  origin  with 
the  stem.  After  the  fibres  of  each  layer  have  been  fixed  and  covered  less 


care  will  be  necessary  in  throwing  on  the  soil  for  forming  a  base  for  the 
next  layer,  but  the  roots  should  be  evenly  covered. 

Staking.— All  trees  must  be  securely  staked  to  prevent  movement 
by  the  wind,  and  consequent  dislocation  of  the  roots  out  of  their  proper 
position.  Standards  may  have  a  strong  support  down  each  side  of  the 
stem,  round  which  some  soft  material  should  be  wound  to  prevent  the 
ligatures  employed  injuiing  the  bark.  The  best  tying  materials  are  soft 
yielding  copper  wire  and  stout  flexible  cord. 

Watering. — As  dry  weather  is  the  best  period  for  planting,  it  may 
occur  that  the  ground  is  more  than  ordinarily  free  from  moisture.  Under 
such  conditions  water  immediately  after  planting  may  be  applied.  It 
will  fill  up  the  interstices  between  the  soil  and  roots,  and  help  to  con¬ 
solidate  the  soil  about  them. 

Mulcblng. — The  last  detail  in  connection  with  planting  consists  in 
mulching  the  surface  over  the  roots  with  short  strawy  manure  3  inches 
thick.  The  mulch  prevents  frost  entering  the  soil  and  injuring  the  roots, 
retards  the  escape  of  moisture,  and  serves  to  retain  the  natural  heat  in 
the  soil  longer  than  would  otherwise  be  the  case. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — Early-forced.  —  The  Vines  for  affording  ripe  Grapes  ha 
April  must  now  be  started,  whether  they  be  in  pots  or  planted  out. 
Those  in  pots  are  much  the  best,  especially  where  bottom  heat  is  provided, 
which,  however,  is  in  either  case  indispensable,  yet  in  early  forcing 
operations  it  is  desirable.  Place,  therefore,  fermenting  materials  in  the 
pits  in  which  those  in  pots  are  stood  on  pedestals  formed  with  bricks. 
Do  not  allow  the  heat  about  the  pots  to  exceed  70°  to  75° — say,  that 
at  the  base  of  the  pots,  and  65°  higher  up  at  the  commencement. 
Suspend  the  canes  in  a  horizontal  position  over  the  fermenting  materials 
to  insure  a  regular  break.  Syringe  three  times  a  day  in  bright  weather, 
and  when  dull  omit  the  late  syringing,  keeping  every  part  of  the  house 
moist  by  sprinkling  as  the  surfaces  become  dry.  A  temperature  of  50° 
to  55°  at  night,  and  60°  to  65°  by  day  will  not  be  too  much  to  begin 
with,  as  Vines  started  at  this  season  require  a  higher  temperature  to 
excite  the  buds  than  those  started  later.  Apply  water  judiciously  in  the 
early  stages  of  growth,  only  keeping  the  soil  moderately  moist  until  the 
buds  break,  and  afterwards  increase  the  supply,  corresponding  with  the 
advancing  growth,  but  avoid  making  the  soil  too  wet  or  the  roots  will 
decay. 

Planted-out  Vines  should  have  the  inside  border  brought  into  a  moist 
condition  by  supplying  water  at  a  temperature  of  about  75°,  or  if  the 
border  is  of  an  open  nature,  well  drained,  and  the  area  comparatively 
small  to  the  extent  of  rod,  liquid  manure  may  be  advantageously 
supplied  in  a  tepid  state.  The  border  or  floor  of  the  house  may,  if 
convenient,  be  covered  with  leaves  and  stable  litter  in  a  state  of  fer¬ 
mentation  about  18  inches  to  2  feet  deep,  turning  the  material  over 
occasionally  to  prevent  over-heating  and  liberate  the  ammonia,  which  is 
beneficial  to  the  Vines  and  inimical  to  insects.  The  outside  border  also 
must  be  attended  to  ;  if  fermenting  materials  are  not  obtainable  cover 
with  a  good  thickness  of  leaves,  with  a  little  litter  over  to  prevent  their 
blowing  about.  If  the  border  slopes,  and  the  litter  is  put  on  similar  to 
thatch,  much  of  the  rain  falling  will  pass  off. 

Vines  for  Starting  in  December. — Prepare  the  Vines  and  house  for 
another  start  without  delay,  as  early  pruning  contributes  much  to  com¬ 
plete  rest.  In  pruning  two  eyes  suffice  for  affording  useful  bunches  ; 
but  if  large  bunches  are  required  the  Vines  should  be  pruned  less 
closely,  as  it  is  necessary  to  have  plump  buds  on  stout,  well-ripened 
wood  if  fine  bunches  are  expected  to  follow.  Longer  pruning  is  also 
necessary  when  the  buds  at  the  base  of  the  shoots  are  very  small  and 
pointed,  instead  of  round  and  plump.  But  compact  bunches  are  much 
the  best  for  general  purposes,  as  the  berries  swell  to  a  good  size,  colour, 
and  finish  well.  Large  loose  bunches  are  usually  defective,  espe¬ 
cially  in  the  case  of  early  forced  Vines.  After  pruning  the 
Vine  should  be  stripped  of  the  loose  bark  only  and  be  washed 
with  softsoap  and  warm  water.  A  solution  of  4  ozs.  to  the 
gallon  of  water  is  strong  enough,  and  if  there  is  not  any  mealy  bug  or 
scale  it  will  be  all  that  is  necessary.  If,  however,  there  has  been  any 
scale  or  mealy  bug  a  dressing  of  some  insecticide  must  follow,  and  it 
should  be  repeated  before  the  Vines  are  started.  Thoroughly  cleanse 
the  woodwork  of  the  house,  and  lime  wash  the  walls.  The  surface  soil 
should  be  removed  down  to  the  roots,  and  fresh  lumpy  loam  supplied. 
Keep  the  house  cool,  admitting  air  freely  when  frost  prevails. 

Houses  of  Ripe  Grapes. — Remove  dead  foliage  where  Grapes  are 
hanging,  and  look  over  the  bunches  frequently  for  the  removal  of  decayed 
berries.  Maintain  a  temperature  of  about  50°,  losing  no  opportunity  of 
admitting  air  when  the  days  are  fine,  turning  on  the  heat  so  as  to  cause 
a  gentle  warmth  in  the  pipes,  and  so  insure  a  circulation  of  air  and  the 
expelling  of  damp,  turning  off  the  heat  at  midday  or  soon  after,  so  as  to 
allow  the  pipes  to  cool,  and  the  temperature  not  kept  above  50°  at  night, 
and  5®  or  even  10°  less  on  cold  nights,  except  for  Muscats  or  where  the 
foliage  has  not  matured.  In  dull  weather  it  will  be  necessary  to  keep  a 
little  warmth  in  the  pipes,  but  the  house  closed,  and  in  that  case  the 
moisture  will  be  condensed  on  the  glass  instead  of  the  Grapes. 

Ripening  the  Wood. — Any  Vines  not  yet  hard  and  brown  in  the 
wood  should  be  kept  closely  s  opped,  fire  heat  being  still  applied  with 
free  ventilation.  The  laterals  should  be  brought  down  by  degrees  to  the 
principal  buds,  which  will  have  a  tendency  to  cause  rest,  especially  if 
air  is  freely  admitted  at  night  (but  the  temperature  must  not  fall  to 
freezing  point)  the  house  being  kept  rather  warm,  yet  not  close,  by  day, 
as  that  would  have  a  tendency  to  induce  growth.  If  the  basal  buds 


Kovember  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


411 


are  small,  the  shoots  may  he  cut  back  to  two  or  three  leaves  above 
the  pruning  buds,  and  this  tends  to  plump  them  and  induce  rest  in  the 
Tines. 

Flgrs. — Early  Forced  Trees  in  Pots. — IE  these  have  been  placed  in 
the  open  air  they  should  be  taken  under  cover  to  protect  them  from  the 
cold  autumn  rains.  Trees  that  are  forced  for  affording  fruit  at  the  close 
of  April  or  early  in  May  will  now  need  to  have  the  wood  brushed  over, 
using  softsoap,  4  ozs.  to  a  gallon  of  water,  brought  to  the  consistency  of 
cream  by  adding  flowers  of  sulphur  ;  but  when  using  the  mixture  do 
not  rub  off  the  young  fruit.  Very  little  pruning  will  be  necessary,  the 
trees  having  been  regularly  stopped  during  the  growing  season,  but  if 
the  growths  are  too  crowded  or  irregular  they  must  be  thinned  to 
render  the  trees  open  and  symmetrical.  Wash  the  woodwork  and  walls 
with  hot  water,  and  the  walls  afterwards  with  quicklime  and  sulphur 
formed  into  a  rather  thin  wash,  reaching  well  into  every  crevice. 
A  mild  bottom  heat  is  essential  to  a  successful  swelling  and  perfecting 
of  the  earliest  crops  ;  the  pots  therefore  must  be  raised  on  loose  bricks  in 
pedestal  fashion  to  the  position  they  are  to  occupy,  and  the  pit  be  filled 
with  Oak  or  Beech  leaves  firmly  pressed.  If  the  pit  be  not  more  than 
3  feet  deep  a  third  of  stable  litter  may  be  added.  Avoid  overheating, 
not  allowing  the  heat  about  the  pots  to  exceed  65°  until  growth  takes 
place.  The  house  should  be  kept  close  and  moist  by  sprinkling  twice 
a  day  in  bright  weather,  employing  fire  heat  to  maintain  a  temperature 
of  50°  at  night,  55°  by  day,  and  with  sun  60°  to  65°.  If  the  soil  in  the 
pots  be  dry,  a  thorough  soaking  of  water  must  be  given.  Forcing 
operations  need  not  begin  until  the  middle  of  the  month.  St.  John’s, 
Early  Violet,  White  Marseilles,  and  Brown  Turkey  are  excellent  varieties, 
and  come  in  successionally  ;  but  the  two  first  have  small,  and  the  two 
last  large  fruit. 

Early  Forced  Planted-out  Irees. — Trees  in  borders  intended  for 
early  forcing  should  now  be  untied  from  the  trellis  and  pruned.  Those 
with  the  roots  restricted  to  small  borders,  as  Fig  trees  should  be,  will 
require  little  more  pruning  than  thinning  out  the  shoots  where  too 
crowded,  but  those  not  having  the  roots  restricted  will  require  a  hard 
pruning  at  the  upper  part  of  the  trellis,  so  as  to  allow  for  the  growth  of 
the  branches,  yet  leaving  a  sufficient  number  of  succeasional  shoots  for 
bearing.  Fork  the  surface  of  the  border  lightly,  remove  the  loose 
material,  and  apply  a  surface  dressing  of  fresh  loam  not  more  than 
2  inches  thick.  The  roots  will  ramify  through  this,  and  they  can  be  fed 
to  any  extent  by  mulchings,  top-dressings,  or  liquid  manure  when  the 
trees  are  swelling  their  crops.  Ventilate  fully  at  all  times,  except  when 
frost  prevails,  and  at  such  times  heat  should  be  used  to  exclude  it  or 
nearly  so. 

Succession  Houses. — Prune  the  trees,  cleanse  the  house,  and  put 
everything  into  thorough  order.  Dress  the  trees  with  a  warm  soapy 
solution,  using  a  brush,  which  will  do  much  to  dislodge  scale  and  render 
more  potent  the  insecticide,  which  should  be  applied  after  the  trees 
become  dry  after  washing  with  the  soapy  solution.  Complete  any  root- 
pruning  and  lifting.  Any  unfruitful  trees  must  be  severely  root- pruned, 
and  the  roots  restricted  to  moderate  sized  borders,  depending  more  upon 
active  feeders  near  the  surface  encouraged  by  mulching  than  a  large 
extension  of  roots.  Make  the  soil  firm,  employing  one-sixth  of  old 
mortar  rubbish  and  a  similar  proportion  of  road  scrapings  where  the  soil 
is  deficient  of  calcareous  matter  and  grit.  To  succeed  with  planted-out 
Fig  trees  it  is  necessary  to  restrict  the  roots  to  a  limited  area,  and  keep 
the  growths  well  exposed  to  light. 

Late  Houses. — The  trees  in  these  showing  a  tendency  to  over^ 
luxuriance  should  be  lifted  and  root-pruned,  providing  good  calcareou^ 
gritty  loam  over  thorough  drainage  and  firming  the  soil  well.  This  i® 
an  excellent  remedy  for  trees  casting  their  fruit  in  an  unaccountabl® 
manner.  Too  rich  soil  and  too  large  borders  cause  the  trees  to  becom® 
exuberant  and  cast  their  first  and  only  crop  Figs,  except  in  seasons  lik® 
the  present,  when  the  second  crop  fruit  ripened  in  many  cases,  and  has 
not  done  any  harm  to  next  year’s  first  crop  where  the  second  crop  was 
only  allowed  on  the  bases  of  the  current  year’s  wood.  When  the  leaves 
fall  the  trees  must  be  unloosed  from  the  trellis,  and  the  branches  being 
tied  together  in  convenient  bundles  they  should  be  made  secure  with 
some  dry  straw  or  fern  amongst  and  over  them  or  matting.  The  collar 
of  the  trees  and  for  a  little  distance  from  the  stem  should  also  be 
protected  with  dry  litter.  This  is  only  necessary  in  unheated  houses, 
but  frost  must  be  excluded  in  heated  houses  or  nearly  so,  otherwise  the 
trees  may  suffer  from  severe  frost,  they  sometimes  being  killed  to  the 
ground  against  walls  when  unprotected. 

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

Clearing  Beds  and  Borders. — If  possible  all  the  beds  should  now 
be  cleared,  the  work  of  refilling  being  best  done  before  cold  wet  weather 
sets  in.  When  there  are  no  attempts  mads  to  fill  the  beds  with  either 
spring  flowering  plants,  bulbs,  nor  any  ornamental  shrubs  and  Conifers 
put  out,  the  beds  or  borders  ought  to  be  simply  cleared  of  plants  and 
rubbish  now,  digging  being  completed  after  all  the  leaves  from  deciduous 
trees  near  at  hand  have  fallen.  In  many  cases  it  is  scarcely  necessary 
to  dig  the  beds  prior  to  refilling  with  a  variety  of  bulbs  and  plants, 
moderately  firm  ground  suiting  these  better  in  every  way. 

Refilling  the  Beds.  —  Those  who  have  prepared  abundance  of 
Wallflowers,  Polyanthuses,  Primroses,  Daisies,  Silenes,  Saponaria,  Forget- 
me-nots,  Limnanthes,  and  similar  plants,  and  can  therefore  afford  to 
plant  these  rather  thickly  in  masses  with  suitable  edgings,  will  most 
probably  be  rewarded  with  a  fine  display  next  spring.  The  strains  of 
Polyanthus  are  now  particularly  fine,  and  if  strong  plants  can  be  given 


the  benefit  of  a  little  fresh  loamy  soil  their  effect  will  be  considerably 
enhanced.  See  that  the  plants  are  in  a  moist  state  when  lifted,  and 
move  with  a  moderately  large  ball  of  soil  about  the  roots.  Violas 
suffered  greatly  from  the  drought,  and  young  plants  are  scarce.  These 
latter  may,  however,  be  supplemented  by  the  old  ones  duly  shortened 
back  and  replanted.  Old  plants  of  Golden  Pyrethrum  that  have  not 
been  allowed  to  flower  can  be  worked  in  again  effectively,  Stachys 
lanata  being  also  quite  hardy,  and  may  be  pulled  to  pieces  and  replanted 
now.  Euonymus  edgings  can  likewise  be  retained. 

Small  neat  plants  of  Retinosporas,  Cupressuses,  Thujas,  Tew, 
Junipers,  and  other  Conifers  are  very  suitable  for  flower  garden 
decoration,  these  being  planted  in  panels  or  masses  according  to  their 
height  and  shades  of  colour,  while  taller  well  formed  specimens  are 
particularly  well  adapted  for  central  and  dot  plants.  With  the  Conifers 
may  be  associated  neat  plants  of  Hollies,  Box,  Euonymuses,  Berberises, 
Ivies,  Osmanthuses,  Aucubas,  Laurels,  and  berried  plants  of  Pernettyas, 
Skimmia  japonica,  and  Cotoneasters.  Dwarf  Rhododendrons  well  set 
with  buds  move  readily,  and  would  flower  grandly  next  April  or  May. 
Single  pieces  of  Yuccas  are  very  effective  as  dot  plants,  a  groundwork 
of  Saxifraga  crassifolia  being  very  suitable.  Nor  should  the  value  of 
Iris  foetidissima  variegata  be  overlooked,  large  clumps  of  this  dividing 
readily.  Neat  branches  of  evergreens,  notably  Mahonias,  Aucubas, 
Tree  Ivy,  Hollies,  and  Box  thrust  firmly  into  the  soil  in  masses  will 
keep  fresh  for  several  months,  and  are  fairly  good  substitutes  for 
plants. 

Spring-flowering  Bulbs. — Early  in  November  is  a  good  time  to 
plant  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Narcissi,  Daffodils,  Leucojums,  Crocuses, 
Scillas,  and  Snowdrops,  a  moderate  outlay  on  new  bulbs  being  all  that 
is  necessary  to  insure  a  charming  display  next  spring.  They  may  either 
supplement  the  other  plants  and  shrubs  already  alluded  to,  or  be  chiefly 
depended  upon  to  brighten  up  the  beds  in  the  spring.  Indiscriminate 
mixtures  should  be  avoided.  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  and  Narcissi  being  most 
effective  when  separately  occupying  the  centres  of  the  beds  ;  while 
Crocuses,  Scillas,  and  Snowdrops  are  most  suitable  for  edging.  Mixtures 
of  one  kind,  or  say  of  Hyacinths,  are  attractive  enough,  and  so  are 
masses  of  one  colour.  The  bulbs  of  most  of  these  may  be  planted  9  inches 
asunder  each  way,  the  miniature  varieties  being  disposed  somewhat 
closer,  and  should  be  covered  by  4  inches  of  soil,  a  little  sand  under  and 
about  each  bulb  being  used  where  the  ground  is  of  a  heavy  nature. 
Narcissi  should  be  in  every  way  treated  similarly  to  Hyacinths,  Daffodils 
being  best  planted  in  borders  where  they  can  remain  undisturbed,  while 
the  neat  growing  Van  Thol  Tulips  may  well  be  planted  4  inches 
asunder  each  way  and  3  inches  deep,  stronger  varieties  being  disposed 
6  inches  apart.  Snowdrops,  Crocuses,  Winter  Aconite,  and  Scillas  may 
either  quite  fill  very  small  beds  or  be  planted  near  the  margin  of  the 
larger  beds.  Single  lines  look  lost,  and  these  small  kinds  should  be 
planted  in  double  lines  or  circles  3  inches  apart  and  4  inches  deep. 

Storing  Summer  Bedding  Plants. — The  best  results  attend  the 
practice  of  putting  out  strong  spring-rooted  Dahlias,  but  in  order  to  be 
certain  of  plenty  of  strong  cuttings  a  good  proportion  of  the  old  roots 
should  be  stored  where  either  drip  or  frosts  cannot  reach  them.  Cut 
down  the  old  stems  to  within  9  inches  of  the  ground,  fork  out  the  roots  so 
as  to  preserve  most  of  the  tubers,  leaving  a  little  soil,  lay  them  on  their 
sides  for  water  or  sap  to  run  out  from  the  stems,  and  dry  before  storing. 
They  keep  well  in  a  dry  cool  shed,  the  roots  being  surrounded  with  sand 
or  fine  dry  soil,  and  protected  when  severe  frosts  are  anticipated. 
Gladioli  also  should  be  cut  down  after  the  tops  are  either  ripened  or 
damaged  by  frosts,  and  after  the  corms  have  been  dug  up,  and  well  dried 
all,  large  and  small  alike,  should  be  surrounded  by  sand  in  shallow  boxes. 
Cannas  should  have  rather  more  soil  left  on  them  than  is  neces¬ 
sary  in  the  case  of  Dahlias,  and  after  being  dried  somewhat  should  be 
stored  in  a  warm  dry  cellar  or  greenhouse  where  drip  will  not  reach 
them.  Salvia  patens  is  tuberous-rooted,  and  should  be  treated 
very  similarly  to  Dahlias,  while  a  few  boxes  may  well  be  filled 
with  the  long  fleshy  roots  of  Verbena  venosa.  When  frosts  have 
blackened  the  tops  of  Tuberous  Begonias  lift  the  roots,  leaving  a  little 
soil  about  the  bulbs,  and  dry  thoroughly  in  a  vinery  or  other  structure. 
When  the  stalks  are  quite  decayed  remove  them  cleanly  from  the  bulbs, 
and  store  the  latter  closely  together  on  boards  or  in  boxes  in  a  dry  cellar 
or  shed  where  frosts  cannot  reach  them. 

Acacia  lophantha,  Grevilleas,  Abutilons,  Cyperus  natalensis,  and 
Marguerites  can  usually  be  lifted  and  placed  in  pots.  If  it  is  intended 
to  store  many  of  the  old  Zonal  and  variegated  Pelargoniums  pick  off 
most  of  the  leaves  and  shorten  the  roots,  this  admitting  of  their  being 
packed  closely  together  in  either  large  or  small  pots.  Given  the  benefit 
of  a  little  dry  heat  they  will  not  shrivel  or  damp  off  badly,  and  yield 
good  cuttings  in  the  spring.  If  Fuchsias  are  still  green  gradually  dry 
them  off  with  a  view  to  hardening  the  wood  prior  to  storing. 


GARDENERS’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUnONS. 

The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution.— 

Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  50,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 

United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society.— 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 

Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  ¥vst).— Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F,  Barron, 
Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens,  Chiswick,  London,  W. 


412 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893. 


^  (5 

.  .  — 7—. — .r.-i-.-T.  T .  t  .  1  .  .  •  .  -  1  .  .  •  .  -  l-r-J 

I 

HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Hive  Making. 

In  answer  to  a  question  on  the  subject,  I  know  of  no  bee 
book  that  gives  “  instructions  in  frame  hive  building  on  the  latest 
and  best  principles.”  The  standard  hive  is  not  now  what  it  was 
when  introduced  with  one-sized  frames,  but  has  two  sizes,  deep 
and  shallow  ones — an  undesirable  arrangement — and  is,  in  fact,  a 
combination  of  different  kinds  of  hives. 

The  Lanarkshire  storifying  hive  is  undoubtedly  the  most 
suitable  for  bee-keeping  in  all  its  phases,  no  other  being  equally 
adapted  for  moving  from  one  place  to  another,  or  wintering  with 
equal  safety  to  the  bees.  Instructions  were  given  in  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture  some  years  since  for  making  these  hives,  but  as  the 
numbers  are  not  obtainable  now  I  will,  in  the  serial  articles  for 
beginners,  repeat  the  instructions  at  an  early  date,  from  which  any 
amateur  can  readily  make  his  own  hives. 

Hives  and  Honey. 

There  are  few  newspapers  or  other  periodicals  that  do  not  con¬ 
tain  some  paragraph  on  the  extraordinary  fine  season  and  large 
honey  yield  of  a  superior  quality  rarely  experienced  by  the  oldest 
bee-keeper  living.  The  facts  are,  while  the  season  has  been  a  good 
one,  it  has  been  by  no  means  more  productive  than  many  past 
ones  that  yielded  double  the  quantities  in  half  the  time.  Within 
the  past  few  weeks  I  have  examined  many  tons  of  honeycomb. 
The  difference  between  that  built  in  the  so-called  standard  hives 
and  those  on  the  Lanarkshire  and  Stewarton  principle  is  so  great 
that  the  wonder  is  why  bee-keepers  persist  in  using  hives  like  the 
former,  that  produce  such  inferior  honeycomb  to  what  the  latter  does. 
It  may  seem  like  boasting,  but  it  is  a  fact,  I  have  not  seen  a  fine 
example  of  Heather  supers  from  any  hive  but  from  the  two  last- 
named  ones,  and  this  is  granted  by  all  who  have  examined  it. 

Honey  and  Heather. 

Lately  there  has  been  going  the  rounds  of  the  press  an  article 
giving  a  description  of  the  “  honey  harvest  ”  in  the  south  of  Scot¬ 
land,  but  it  is  so  meagre  that  no  one  reading  it  can  discover  the 
slightest  evidence  of  what  the  yield  has  been  there,  the  writer 
appearing  more  anxious  to  take  in  other  localities,  and  to  depreciate 
the  county  of  Lanark  as  a  honey  yielding  district,  save  in  the  upper 
reaches  of  the  Clyde  ;  but  in  almost  one  breath  he  contradicts  the 
statement,  descanting  upon  the  Leadhills  district.  He  terms  it  an 
arid  place,  and  that  the  arid  ness  destroyed  the  Heather.  Such  is 
the  statement  we  read. 

As  a  fact  I  can  say  Heather  was  never  known  to  be  finer  ;  much 
of  it  had  yearling  growths  upwards  of  a  foot  long,  with  many 
lateral  shoots,  which  formed  dense  spikes  of  flowers  instead  of 
sprays,  the  dry  and  hot  season  being  the  sole  cause,  rain  at  all  times 
being  inimical  to  its  growth. 

Eain  in  the  North. 

It  is  singular  that  for  many  years  the  rain  began  to  fall  in 
Lanarkshire  on  the  7th  of  July.  This  year  has  been  no  exception, 
and  from  that  date  till  the  13th  of  August  there  were  only  two 
days  without  rain,  and  after  that  for  a  considerable  time  the  sky 
was  overcast,  so  that  for  upwards  of  five  weeks  the  sun  was  not  seen 
for  more  than  eighteen  hours,  the  hay  crop  being  dried  with  wind, 
and  not  sunshine. 

Brimstoning  Bees. 

Many  hives  have  been  brimstoned  by  the  owners  who  had  no 
use  for  them,  this  too  despite  all  the  sensational  talk  that  has  been 
raised  against  the  practice.  I  am  against  it,  but  what  are  bee¬ 
keepers  to  do  with  surplus  bees  when  they  are  of  no  use  ?  This  I 
have  partly  answered  before,  and  will  endeavour  to  do  so  again,  at 
least  to  some  extent. 

Hive  Experiments. 

I  have  been  an  eye  witness  to  several  manipulations  lately.  At 
one  place  there  were  various  kinds  of  hives  from  the  Stewarton  to 
Abbott’s  “  Combination  ”  hive.  The  former  had  beautiful  supers, 
and  no  difficulty  was  experienced  in  removing  them,  while  the 
operator  was  not  much  exposed  to  infuriated  bees,  the  crown  of 
the  hive  being  as  it  ought  nearly  all  closed.  There  were  supers  on 
the  combination  hives  placed  close  up  to  the  outer  casing  which  is 
raised  some  5  or  6  inches  above  the  crown.  The  supers  were  fixed 
combs  built  from  the  top  of  the  bars  to  the  top  of  supers,  they 
could  not  be  separated  by  cutting,  but  had  to  be  forced  off. 


Result  : — One  half  of  the  combs  were  left  adhering  to  the  top  of 
hive,  and  the  other  in  the  super.  A  blackened  mass  of  combs  and  a 
great  contrast  to  the  supers  from  Stewarton  hives,  while  the 
exposure  of  the  whole  of  the  hive  subjected  the  operator  to  the 
fury  of  the  enraged  insects,  which  with  properly  constructed 
frames,  and  entrances  to  the  supers  at  the  sides  only,  would  have 
been  avoided.  Nor  was  that  the  least  of  it,  the  enormity  of  their 
size  precludes  the  possibility  of  them  being  profitably  and  expedi¬ 
tiously  moved  about,  while  so  much  exposed  surface  makes  them 
expensive  hives  to  keep  up. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor  ”  or  to  “  The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Reflexed  Chrysanthemums  (^Reader').  — You  ask  for  twelve 
varieties,  but  as  a  rule  not  more  than  six  or  eight  are  asked  for  in  stands 
of  twelve  blooms,  and  they  can  be  chosen  from  the  following  varieties. 
Cullingfordi,  Cloth  of  Gold,  King  of  Crimsons,  Pink  Christine,  Golden 
Christine,  White  Christine,  Peach  Christine,  Chevalier  Domage,  Dr. 
Sharpe,  Phidias,  Putney  George,  and  Annie  Salter. 

House  for  Tomatoes  and  Cueumbers  (i?.  —  For  summer 

work  the  ends  of  a  span-roof  house  are  best  running  north  and  south, 
and  for  winter  a  three-quarter  span-roof  house  facing  south  is  much  the 
best.  A  span-roof  with  the  ends  facing  the  east  and  west  is  better  for 
winter  work  than  one  with  the  ends  north  and  south,  but  the  plants  do 
much  better  on  the  south  than  on  the  north  side  of  the  house. 

Redrafting  Apple  Tree  (iZ.  S."). — For  an  espalier  it  would  be 
much  best  to  regraft  the  tret  in  the  stem  at  A  B  in  your  sketch, 
putting  in  four  grafts  if  this  can  be  done  without  parting  the  bark 
from  the  woodall  round,  as  there  must  be  unraised  bark  between 
the  grafts.  You  can  take  two  growths  up  to  form  the  branches 
you  show  us,  C  D,  and  reserve  two  for  forming  the  lower  limbs  A  B, 
or  the  two  upper  branches  can  be  originated  from  two  grafts  inserted 
at  the  lower  point,  taking  the  strongest  growths  to  form  the  limbs 
A  B,  and  the  weaker  lower  ones  on  the  grafts  to  form  the  branches 
C  D. 

Clay  for  Cricket  Field  (67ay). — Perhaps  the  “  Professional 
Player”  thinks  the  ground  is  not  firm  enough,  and  he  would  like  the 
turf  removed  and  some  clay  mixed  with  the  soil  under  it,  the  whole 
made  firm  and  the  turf  relaid.  If  he  thinks  clay  spread  on  the  surface 
would  do  good,  and  your  employer  accepts  his  opinion,  the  best  way  of 
adding  the  clay  would  be  in  the  form  of  small  particles  after  drying 
and  crushing.  Burnt  or  charred  clay  would  be  the  best.  Without 
knowledge  on  the  nature,  and  texture  of  the  soil  we  cannot  advise 
on  the  matter,  but  simply  answer  your  question.  If  clay  is  mixed 
with  the  soil  under  the  turf,  it  should  be  in  pulverised  form,  not  raw 
lumps. 

IVXarechal  Hlel  Perplexities  (<S.  S.'). — The  advice  you  quote  is 
very  good,  and  we  have  no  doubt  if  the  writer  had  a  case  brought  before 
him  of  starved  Roses  in  summer  he  would  add  to  his  advice,  “  Give  liquid 
assistance  without  delay,  no  matter  what  the  season  of  the  year,  if  the 
soil  is  in  a  proper  condition  to  receive  it.”  The  conditions  of  growth 
must  always  be  considered  in  connection  with  the  question  of  stimulants 
of  any  kind  for  any  plants  at  any  time.  Your  plants  continue  growing 
though  you  have  given  no  water  since  the  third  week  in  August  because 
the  roots  have  found  their  way  into  moist  soil,  dry  as  the  border  may  be 
near  the  surface.  They  often  grow  more  freely  but  less  substantially 
than  when  a  mass  of  fibrous  roots  are  imbibing  better  food  from  near 
the  surface  of  the  soil.  Growths  supported  by  such  roots  are  usually 
short-jointed,  and  we  have  never  known  them  fail  to  ripen  under  proper 
cultural  conditions — full  exposure  to  sun  and  air  with  freedom  from 
insects.  If  your  Rose  border  was  mulched  it  may  not  have  been  very 
dry  after  all,  but  we  do  not  like  driving  the  roots  of  Roses,  Vines,  or 
anything  else  deep  down  into  the  earth  by  withholding  them  the  needful 
moisture  in  the  upper  stratum  of  more  fertile  soil. 


November  2,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


413 


Grafting:  iviedlar  Tree  (^Constant  Reader').  —  We  have  no  ex¬ 
perience  of  grafting  a  Medlar  tree  with  another  kind  of  fruit,  which 
we  presume  is  what  you  desire  to  do,  as  you  say  you  “could  put  eight 
or  nine  grafts  upon  it  if  anything  would  do  upon  it.”  As  the  Medlar 
succeeds  when  grafted  on  Whitethorn  (Hawthorn),  seedling  Pear,  and 
Quince  stocks,  upon  which  also  the  Pear  succeeds,  you  can  regraft  the 
Medlar,  which  you  find  is  grafted  on  the  Hawthorn,  with  some  hardy 
variety  of  Pear,  as  the  Hessle,  Comte  de  Lamy,  or  Althorp  Crasanne, 
with  a  probability  of  success.  By  this  procedure  you  may  secure  a 
profitable  tree  in  two  or  three  years,  and  it  is  likely  the  fruit  would  be 
fine.  If  the  Pear  grafts  do  not  take  on  the  Medlar,  graft  with  Hawthorn 
and  then  insert  buds  or  grafts  in  the  Hawthorn  of  some  approved 
Pear. 

Soils  at  Waltham  Cross  (^Reader). — You  do  not  know  what  is 
meant  by  the  “  different  ‘soils  ’  being  constantly  under  observation,”  as 
stated  on  page  385  last  week.  We  do  not  wonder  at  this.  The  word 
“soils”  was  written  sorts,  in  reference  to  the  antecedent  fruits,  but  was 
altered  by  the  compositor,  and  his  little  error  ought  to  have  been 
corrected,  but  escaped  notice  by  the  proof  reader.  Compositors  often 
have  peculiar  caligraphy  to  decipher,  and  but  for  lynx-eyed  correctors 
some  curious  renderings  would  appear  in  the  press.  The  other  day  we 
observed  a  reference  to  “  the  well-known  firm  of  Messrs.  Batten  and 
Sons,”  and  another  to  “  seneseniadeans.”  Only  a  moment’s  reflection 
was  needed  to  transform  the  “  Batten  ”  into  “  Sutton,”  and  the  other 
problem  was  eventually  solved  as  meaning  Jeanie  Deans  Potato. 
Printers  like  the  names  of  persons  and  varieties  to  be  made  as  clear  as 
possible  by  correspondents,  however  hurriedly  the  general  “copy  ”  may 
be  written. 

rorcing  lillles  of  the  Valley  (iZ.  B.). — Any  particular  kind  of 
soil  is  not  material  in  the  early  forcing  of  these  flowers,  thousands  of 
them  being  raised  by  packing  the  crowns  or  clumps  in  pots  or  boxes  of 
cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse,  and  forced  in  pits  having  bottom  heat  of  85°  to 
fiO°,  and  top  heat  ranging  from  70°  to  80°.  The  crowns  are  either 
covered  2  or  3  inches  deep  with  fibre,  or  otherwise  kept  dark  and  con¬ 
stantly  moist.  When  forced  into  flower  early  or  before  Christmas  the 
crowns  are  of  little  or  no  further  use.  For  spring  flowering  the 
crowns  or  clumps  may  be  firmly  potted  now  in  a  mixture  of  loam, 
leaf  mould,  and  sand,  the  former  preponderating,  and  buried  in  fibre 
or  ashes  in  a  frame  like  Hyacinths.  The  requisite  number  of  pots  can 
then  be  withdrawn  at  intervals  and  placed  in  a  warm  house  so  as  to 
maintain  a  prolonged  supply  of  flowers.  If  the  pots  can  be  plunged  in 
a  warm  bed  growth  will  be  accelerated,  and  it  is  well  to  cover  the 
crowns  an  inch  or  two  deep  with  fibre  or  leaves.  They  will  grow  very 
well  in  a  temperature  ranging  between  55°  and  70°,  or  even  less,  but 
the  lower  the  temperature  the  slower  is  the  growth,  and  usually  the 
sturdier  the  plants.  If  good  foliage  is  developed,  and  this  is  well  sup¬ 
ported  and  matured  under  the  full  influence  of  light  and  air,  late-forced 
plants  will  flower  again  another  year. 

Crataegus  azarolus  (ZZ.  P.) — As  you  wish  to  know  whether  the 
above  Cratmgus  “is  worth  planting”  we  cannot  do  better,  in  answering 
your  question,  than  to  publish  the  following  remarks  of  a  competent 
gardener: — “  Unquestionably  this  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  Thorns 
we  have,  and  it  richly  deserves  the  attention  of  those  whose  time  and 
minds  will  be  occupied  during  the  next  two  or  three  months  in  planting 
and  replanting  various  kinds  of  evergreens  and  deciduous  trees  and 
shrubs.  At  this  time  of  the  year  it  certainly  has  a  very  attractive  and 
charming  appearance,  and  cannot  fail  to  elicit  admiration  from  many 
who  are  not  habitually  close  observers  of  the  beauties  of  Nature,  but 
whose  innate  love  of  bold  and  striking  objects  compels  them,  uncon¬ 
sciously  as  it  were,  to  notice  anything  above  mediocrity.  For  planting 
on  lawns  or  in  parks  as  single  specimens  it  is  admirably  adapted, 
and  where  it  does  not  already  exist  a  few  trees  would  add  much  to  the 
scenery,  and  greatly  improve  the  surroundings  of  any  country  or 
suburban  residence.  Its  blossoms  are  probably  less  showy  than  any  of 
the  scarlet  or  common  white  Thorns,  but  the  haws  which  the  trees  are 
still  bearing  are  exceedingly  pretty,  being  of  a  beautiful  bright  orange- 
scarlet  in  colour,  almost  as  large  as  Cherries,  and  borne  in  clusters  of 
from  three  to  ten,  render  it  very  conspicuous  from  a  considerable 
distance.  Although  the  character  of  the  tree  is  seen  to  the  best 
advantage  when  growing  singly,  we  do  not  doubt  but  that  clumps  or 
rows  along  the  outskirts  of  woods  and  plantations  would  be  equally 
effective.  If  it  were  desired  to  heighten  the  effect  a  few  clumps  of 
Pampas  Grass  planted  in  front  would  form  a  very  pleasing  and  striking 
contrast.” 

N'ames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  woi'thless  Aqtples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  7iamed,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior., 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any  1 


beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (Z?.  Waft). — 1,  Golden  Pearmain ;  2, 
Ribston  Pippin  ;  3,  Yorkshire  Greening.  (J7.  Barfoot). — 1,  Beurre 
Diel  ;  2,  Bergamotte  Esperen  ;  3,  Duchesse  d’Angouleme  ;  4,  Beurr6 

d’Amanlis  ;  7,  Van  Mons  Leon  Leclerc  ;  8,  Perhaps  Glou  Morqeau,  good 
fruit  and  well  packed.  (U.).— 1,  Beurre  Diel  (from  the  Quince  stock 
probably,  the  fruit  sent  last  week  being  from  a  Pear  stock)  ;  2,  Worthless, 
graft  the  tree  ;  3,  Susette  de  Bavay  ;  4,  Minchull  Crab  ;  6,  Adam’s 
Pearmain  (fine).  (IF.  J.  .5.).— -1, Gloria  Mundi ;  2,  Reinette  de  Canade  ; 
3,  Reinette  de  Caux ;  4,  Mabbott’s  Pearmain  ;  5,  Royal  Russet ;  6, 
Franklin’s  Golden  Pippin.  {J.  M.). — We  think  the  names  we  gave  are 
correct,  but  if  you  have  a  doubt  and  will  send  more  than  one  specimen 
of  each  variety  we  will  go  into  the  matter  again.  {J.  Ramskill), — 
Marie  Louise.  (ZZ.  0,  S.). — 3,  Waltham  Abbey  Seedling ;  4,  M^re  de 
Manage,  we  have  no  other  Apples  from  you.  (P.  K.). — New  Bess 
Pool,  (IF.  A.  Je?ikins). — 1,  American  Mother;  2,  Cellini;  3,  Not 
known,  worthless;  4,  Dumelow’s  Seedling.  (P.  31.  Al).—  !,  Large 
Cockpit ;  2,  Queen  Caroline  ;  3,  Dumelow’s  Seedling ;  5,  Winter 
Colman  ;  6,  Maltster  ;  7,  London  Pippin.  (A.). — We  are  very  sorry 

to  say  that  owing  to  defective  packing  there  was  not  one  whole  berry 
on  the  bunch  of  black  Grapes,  and  the  white  berries  were  little  better — 
a  bruised  broken  mass,  rendering  the  naming  of  the  varieties  impossible. 
If  you  send  again  you  must  pack  more  firmly,  and  we  should  also  like 
to  know  whether  the  Grapes  were  ripened  with  the  aid  of  fire  heat 
or  not.  (A.  D.). — 2,  Red  Doyenn^  ;  36,  Marie  Louise  ;  38,  Cobham. 

TTames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp, 
(Zl.  31.). — Pothos  argenteus,  (ZZ.  D.  P.). — 1,  Thunbergia  affinis ; 
2,  Hibiscus  pedunculatus.  (A.  B.f — Dracaena  australis.  (^Amateur), — 
Lapageria  rosea,  (dZ.  P.). — Solanum  corymbosum,  the  Corymbose 
Nightshade. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — November  1st. 


Market  steady,  supplies  being  regular  with  no  alteration  in  values. 

FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

s. 

d 

Apples,  per  bushel  ..  ,, 

2 

0  to  7 

6 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0  to 

0 

0 

Cobs  . 

0 

0 

30 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

5 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to 

0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

6 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

6 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle  . .  . .  . . 

1 

0 

1 

5 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  .. 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel  ..  ..  .. 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . .  . .  . . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

7 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . .  . . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRIDES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 


Orchid  Blooms  in  variety.  Chrysanthemum  bloomsvery  plentiful  this  season,  hence 
the  price  is  very  low. 


s.  d.  s.  d 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .,  3  0  to  5  0 

Azalea,  dozen  sprays. .  ..10  16 

Bouvardias,  bunch  .,  ,.0  6  10 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  ..10  30 

Carnations,  12  blooms  ..  0  6  2  0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches . 3  0  6  0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis.  0  6  3  0 

Daisies,  Michaelmas,  dozen 

bunches .  30  6  0 

Bucharis,  dozen .  4  0  6  0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen  ..2  0  4  0 

Lilac  (French)  per  bunch  3  6  6  0 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

blooms  . 10  30 

Lilium  longiflorum,perdoz.  6  0  9  0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches .  40  60 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  ..2  0  4  0 


8. 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  ..  2 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms  3 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches  6 
Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

bunches . 4 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

sprays  .  0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches  2 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen  ..  0 

„  Red,  doz.  bunches  .,  6 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . .  1 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  ..  2 

Tuberoses.  12  blooms. .  ..  0 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 


per  bunch . 2 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

bunch  . 2 

Violets  (English),  dozen 
bunches  .  1 


d.  s.  d. 

0  to  4  0 

0  12  0 

0  9  0 

0  6 

6  10 

0  4  0 

6  16 

0  12  0 

0  2  0 

0  4  0 

4  0  6 

6  3  0 

0  2  6 

6  2  0 


PLANTS 

s.  d.  s.  d. 

Arbor  Vitse  (golden)  dozen  6  0  to  12  0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen  ..  18  0  36  0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant  5  0  10  6 

Asters,  dozen  pots  ....  3  0  6  0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz.  4  0  9  0 

„  large  plants,  each  10  2  0 

Coleus,  per  dozen  . .  ..4  0  0  0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

dozen .  18  0  42  0 

Dracmna  viridis,  dozen  ..  9  0  24  0 

Ericas,  per  dozen  ..  ..9  0  18  0 

Euonymus,  var.,  dozen  ..6  0  18  0 

gyergreens,  in  var.,  dozen  6  0  24  0 


IN  POTS. 

s. 

Perns,  in  variety,  dozen  ..  4 

Ferns  (small',  per  hundred  4 
Ficus  elastica,  each  ..  ..  1 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. .  2 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 
Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  ..  3 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . ,  6 

Mignonette,  per  doz .  4 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 6 

Pahhs,  in  var..  each  ..  ..  1 

„  (specimens)  ..  ..21 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz.  2 
Solanums,  pec  dozen..  ..  9 


d.  s.  d. 

0tol8  0 
0  6  0 

0  7  6 

0  10  0 

0  24  0 

0  4  0 

0  12  0 

0  6  0 

0  9  0 

0  15  0 

0  63  0 

0  0  0 

0  12  0 


414 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  2,  1893. 


FARM  PROFITS. 

Applications  from  eight  farmers  for  a  small  dairy  farm 
which  becomes  vacant  next  Lady  Day,  and  the  hire  of  that 
farm  by  one  of  them  at  a  rent  of  £2  an  acre  (others  were 
willing  to  give  as  much),  show  that  farmers  do  not  despair 
even  after  such  a  disastrous  summer  as  that  which  is  just  ended 
has  proved  to  so  many  of  them.  It  tends  also  to  show  that 
while  many  a  corn  farmer  is  unable  to  pay  a  penny  of  his 
Michaelmas  rent  others  continue  to  meet  their  engagements, 
and  at  any  rate  to  make  a  '•  living  profit  ”  out  of  the  land. 
Or,  in  other  words,  they  are,  by  judicious  practice,  able  to 
obtain  sufficient  interest  upon  capital  invested  to  pay  rent, 
rates,  and  household  expenses.  Taxes  under  Schedule  A  are 
the  landlord’s  affair  ;  if  a  tenant’s  income  continues  sufficiently 
good  to  render  him  liable  under  Schedule  B  it  is  surely  matter  for 
congratulation  rather  than  complaint ;  only  let  the  tenant  see 
in  his  own  interest  that  he  is  really  liable  for  income  tax. 
Surveyors  of  taxes  are  wont  to  make  fanciful  demands,  which 
show  powers  of  imagination,  of  which  farmers  are  frequently 
the  victims.  Those  very  important  collectors  of  Imperial 
revenue  simply  make  their  demand  ;  it  rests  with  the  farmer  to 
prove  them  in  the  wrong. 

What  we  desire  to  see  in  the  farmer  is  more  business 
aptitude  in  the  conduct  of  his  affairs.  Practice  that  is  tenta¬ 
tive,  flexible,  influenced  by  demands  which  are  sound  and 
sufficiently  stable  to  justify  change  and  concessions  on  his  part. 
To  enable  him  so  to  act  that  his  landlord  must  deal  fairly  by 
him  in  removing  all  restrictions  from  covenants  of  agreement 
that  are  at  all  calculated  to  hinder  him.  For  example,  a 
matter  under  discussion  va.  ih.Q  Agricultural  Gazette  just  now  is 
the  profit  still  possible  upon  an  acre  of  Wheat.  The  cost  of 
production  is  stated  to  be  £6  7s.,  the  value  of  produce 

£  s.  d . 

34  bushels  of  Wheat  at  3s.  9d.,  or  30s.  per  quarter  ...  G  7  6 

1  ton  straw  . 4  0  0 

10  7  6 

Cost  . 6  7  0 

Profit  . 4  0  6 

By  this  statement  it  is  obvious  that  a  restriction  in  the  sale 
of  straw  would  render  a  living  profit  impossible.  Under  high 
culture  in  good  deep  rich  mixed  soil,  it  is  possible  to  bring  the 
Wheat  yield  up  to  at  least  40  bushels  an  acre  with  a  pro¬ 
portionate  increase  in  bulk  of  straw.  Plenty  of  such  corn  land 
has  come  down  in  rent  to  15s.  an  acre,  and  in  these  cases  a  really 
competent  man  is  still  prosperous.  We  refrain  from  giving 
details  of  cost,  because  such  statements  are  always  open  to 
question,  and  it  could  serve  no  useful  purpose  to  argue  whether 
any  item  of  expenditure  should  be  less  or  more.  The  main 
question  is  all  that  is  really  important,  and  that  appears  to  be 
clear  enough. 

It  has  come  to  this  in  farming,  that  a  f.'.rmer  must  cultivate 
the  right  produce,  and  do  it  in  the  right  way.  The  old  easy¬ 
going  times  have  departed  never  to  return.  The  large  farmer 
must  now  be  his  own  steward  or  bailiff,  sticking  closely  to 
business,  giving  his  personal  superintendence  to  every  detail 
of  crop  or  stock,  working  in  point  of  fact  in  downright  earnest, 
just  like  any  other  man  of  business.  Why  not,  indeed  ?  Where 


is  the  hardship  ?  We  know  a  gentleman  in  trade,  who  five  days 
out  of  six  is  off  to  business  by  8.30  a.m.,  only  returning  of  an 
evening  in  time  for  his  dinner  at  seven.  He  has  thousands  of 
artizans  in  his  employment,  and  probably  works  harder  than  any 
of  them.  Yery  different  to  this  was  the  life  of  the  large  farmer 
of  twenty  years  ago.  One  of  them  well  known  to  us  used  to 
hunt  three  days  a  week.  An  off-hand  farm  of  some  400  acres 
in  charge  of  a  competent  bailiff  was  visited  by  the  farmer  for 
an  hour  or  two  once  a  week  or  so.  Yet  profits  poured  into  his 
hands  from  it  in  such  abundance  as  now  seems  like  a  fairy  tale. 
To  such  a  man  the  loss  of  hunting,  the  having  to  devote  the 
whole  of  his  time  and  strength  to  actual  business,  is  undoubtedly 
hard,  but  under  stress  of  progress  and  competition  the  change 
was  bound  to  come.  He  is  a  wise  man  who  resolves  to  make 
the  best  of  it,  who  is  up  and  doing,  resolutely  setting  himself  to 
combat  and  overcome  difficulties  to  which  a  weaker  man 
succumbs,  if  necessary  holding  the  plough  himself,  and  thus 
command  the  respect  which  all  good  men  and  true  accord  to 
earnest  effort  and  moral  courage. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Custom  tells  even  in  the  matter  of  sowing  our  layers  of  mixed  seeds. 
In  some  localities  they  are  never  sown  with  winter  corn,  but  always, 
without  exception,  with  spring  corn.  No  good  reason  that  we  have  ever 
heard  of  has  been  advanced  for  this  custom,  and  from  the  extensive 
failure  of  plant  in  spring-sown  layers  this  year,  it  would  appear  that 
there  is  considerable  risk  of  failure  when  a  spring  drought  sets  in — not 
necessarily  a  long  drought,  April  showers  fail  us  quite  often  enough  to 
render  the  matter  worthy  of  serious  attention,  and  it  will  be  well  if 
more  of  such  layers  are  sown  upon  winter  corn  fields  than  has  been 
done  in  the  past.  Mention  is  made  of  this  now  while  so  much  winter 
corn  is  in  precisely  the  best  possible  condition  for  such  sowings  to  be 
done — that  is  to  say,  the  corn  plant  is  nicely  visible  above  ground,  and 
the  seeds  may  ba^own  at  once. 

Acorns  abound  this  year.  They  w'ell  repay  one  for  collection.  _  By 
doing  so  all  risk  of  injury  to  cows  or  cattle  from  eating  them  is  avoided, 
and  they  can  be  stored  for  use  both  for  pigs  and  sheep,  for  both  of 
which  they  are  really  invaluable.  Sheep  fatten  upon  them  quite  as  fast 
as  they  do  upon  Oats,  and  we  have  never  heard  any  complaints  of  the 
flavour  or  quality  of  the  mutton  being  hurtfully  affected  in  any  way. 
In  a  season  of  scarcity  of  food  they  are  a  great  boon,  as  indeed  they  are 
in  any  season. 

Look  now  carefully  to  all  drain  outlets,  to  the  ends  of  water  furrows 
in  corn  fields,  so  as  to  get  water  from  drain  and  furrow  quickly.  Any 
stoppage  of  the  drains  soon  tells  upon  the  corn  plant,  checking  its 
growth  and  causing  it  to  lose  colour.  Land  much  infested  with  insect 
larvEe  may  now  advantageously  be  dressed  with  salt.  We  may  mention 
how  highly  beneficial  salt  has  proved  as  a  manure  for  all  the  Cabbage 
tribe  in  the  Essex  experiments.  The  amount  used  was  3  cwt.  of  salt 
and  2  cwt.  nitrate  of  soda.  The  addition  of  the  salt  dressing  to  the 
nitrate  added  greatly  to  bulk  of  crop. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Square,  Loxdox, 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  THE  Day. 

Rain. 

1893. 

October. 

j  Barometer 
at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  22 

30-218 

53-5 

52-9 

S.W. 

53-1 

55-6 

52-5 

59-2 

51-0 

0138 

Monday  . .  23 

30-450 

44-1 

43-3 

S.W. 

51-8 

57-lj 

37-7 

89-9 

35-4 

— 

Tuesday  . .  24 

30-440 

48-6 

44-7 

S.W. 

50-9 

54-7 

43-6 

75-1 

41-1 

— 

Wednesday  25 

30-107 

52-1 

48-0 

S. 

50-3 

56-0 

46-9 

61-5 

42  6 

0-053 

Thursday . .  26 

29-852 

48-3 

45-3 

w. 

50-8 

54-6 

44-9 

96-9 

41-6 

— 

Friday  . .  27 

29-986 

42-2 

39-7 

w. 

49-1 

54-3 

37-3 

91-6 

34-6 

— 

Saturday  . ,  28 

29-966 

52-5 

49-6 

S.W. 

48-1 

57-8 

40-6 

72-3 

36-3 

— 

30-146 

48-8 

46-2 

50-6 

55-7 

43-4 

78-1 

40-4 

0191 

REMARKS. 

22nd. — Almost  continuous  rain  from  6  A.ii.  to  2  P.M. ;  overcast  till  about  7  P.M.;  and 
cloudless  from  8  p.m. 

23rd.— Misty  early,  with  sunshine ;  brilliant  from  9.30  to  noon ;  overcast  after  1  P  .M. 
24th. — Overcast  almost  throughout,  but  one  gleam  of  sun  at  4  P.M. ;  fine  night. 

25th.— Overcast  all  day;  rain  from  10  P.M.  to  midnight. 

26th.— Almost  cloudless  morning,  and  the  sun  only  occasionally  obscured  in  afternoon. 
27th. — Almost  cloudless  morning,  cloudy  at  times  in  afternoon,  bright  night. 

28th. — A  little  sun  early ;  overcast  with  occasional  drizzle  from  9  A.M. ;  fair  aftemoou 
and  evening. 

A  fine  autumnal  week.— G.  J,  Symons. 


November  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


416 


A  GREAT  deal  ha?  been  written  for  and  against — chiefly  against 
— Shakespeare’s  assertion  that  the  sufferings  of  a  crushed 
beetle  may  be  equal  to  the  pangs  of  an  expiring  giant.  Recent 
investigations  in  insect  anatomy  tend  to  prove  that  insects  possess 
a  nervous  system,  and  that  allowing  for  their  size  and  the  general 
structure  of  their  bodies,  they  must  have  much  more  sensibility 
to  pleasure  or  pain  than  the  majority  of  naturalists  have  hitherto 
supposed.  However  that  may  be,  I  think  all  gardeners  will  agree 
that  the  destruction  of  their  insect  enemies,  which  has  from  time 
to  time  to  be  effected,  ought  to  be  managed  so  as  to  give  no 
needless  pain.  Our  fruit  trees  are  attacked  by  a  variety  of  species 
in  different  orders,  but  some  of  our  very  troublesome  foes  are  the 
caterpillars  of  moths  which  damage  the  buds,  the  leaves,  and  even 
the  flowers  or  immature  fruit.  Catering  for  their  own  benefit, 
they  fulfil  their  name  by  “  pilling  ”  or  peeling  whatever  they 
attack,  and  some  of  the  smaller  species  do  most  harm  by  their 
numbers  and  persistency.  It  is  to  be  regretted,  I  may  note,  that 
certain  authors,  either  for  the  sake  of  swelling  the  list,  or  from 
ignorance,  have  given  a  bad  name  to  species  that  are  comparatively 
harmless. 

That  handsome  moth,  known  as  the  Eyed  Hawk  (Smerinthus 
ocellatus)  is  mentioned  as  an  enemy  of  the  Apple,  and  it  is  true 
that  its  striped  and  horned  caterpillar  may  be  found  on  that  tree, 
but  it  prefers  Willow  or  Poplar,  and  is  never  abundant  enough  to 
do  serious  damage.  An  accusation  has  also  been  lodged  against 
the  green  and  gold  caterpillar  of  the  Emperor  (Saturnia  Carpini), 
but  it  is  very  seldom  indeed  discovered  upon  the  Apple,  as  it 
prefers  Heath  and  the  Thorns.  With  all  deductions,  there  remain 
far  too  many  caterpillars  against  which  precautions  must  be  taken 
to  check  their  increase,  and  it  is  desirable  to  kill  our  enemies  while 
they  are  in  a  state  of  quiescence,  whether  as  torpid,  hybernating 
caterpillars,  or  as  unconscious  chrysalids,  or  in  the  earliest  or  egg 
stage.  Hence  the  closing  months  of  the  year  affords  good  oppor¬ 
tunity  for  efforts  that  will  be  rewarded  next  season  by  a  healthy, 
satisfactory  growth  of  shoots,  leaves,  and  fruit.  The  eggs  of  some 
species  may  be  washed  off  trees  by  the  simple  application  of  warm 
water,  others  are  removed  by  the  operation  of  pruning.  The  use 
of  the  wash,  which  has  been  often  recommended,  made  from 
petroleum  and  softsoap,  will  dispose  of  some  hybernating  cater¬ 
pillars  from  the  trunks  and  branches,  also  chrysalids  which  may  be 
lodged  in  angles  or  in  crannies. 

Where  we  have  reason  to  suspect  that  buds  may  contain  larvae  of 
insects,  it  is  advantageous  to  dredge  them  with  soot  and  lime  mixed 
in  equal  proportions.  It  is  probable  a  strong  solution  of  Gishurst 
compound  will  prove  not  only  fatal  to  insects,  but  will  destroy  the 
vitality  of  eggs  it  touches.  At  various  periods  during  the  autumn 
numerous  caterpillars  descend  from  the  trees  and  bushes  to  undergo 
pupation  in  or  upon  the  earth,  and  the  winter  should  not  be  allowed 
to  slip  away  without  some  measures  being  taken  to  kill  such 
chrysalids  as  can  be  reached.  Many  are  on  the  surface  of  the  soil, 
or  just  beneath  it,  and  they  can  be  extirpated  by  the  removal  and 
burning  of  an  inch  or  two  of  the  soil  round  trees,  with  any  growth 
of  grass  or  weeds  that  may  be  upon  it.  This  is  one  means  of 
checking  the  troublesome  winter  moth  caterpillar,  Cheimatobia 
brumata.  Those  that  lie  deeper  in  the  earth  may  be  reached  by 
forking,  and  then  applying  quicklime  or  gas  lime  which  has  been 

No.  698.— VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


spread  out  and  exposed  for  a  month  to  the  air,  and  will  not  then 
injure  the  roots  of  the  trees  or  the  underground  stems.  Quassia 
tea,  made  strong,  is  said  to  kill  most  chrysalids  ;  I  am  not  sure  of 
this  ;  a  soapy  solution  might  also,  by  obstructing  the  pores  through 
which  they  obtain  air,  even  underground. 

Considerable  attention  has  been  called  of  late  to  the  species 
just  mentioned,  and  especially  to  the  fact  that  the  plan  of  placing 
a  ring  of  some  sticky  substance  round  the  trunks  of  the  trees,  to 
impede  the  ascent  of  the  female  moths,  is  not  the  effectual  remedy 
once  supposed,  because  some  of  them,  though  themselves  wingless, 
are  carried  upwards  to  the  stems  and  branches  by  their  male  com¬ 
panions.  Still,  many  may  be  stopped  by  this  preventive  measure, 
and  I  think  Miss  Ormerod  is  right  in  her  opinion  that  a  better  method 
than  daubing  the  tree  itself  is  to  place  a  hayband  or  rope,  well 
saturated  with  Stockholm  tar  mixed  with  grease,  all  round  it, 
quite  close,  but  not  touching.  Owing  to  the  warmth  and  long 
continuance  of  the  summer  the  winter  moths  were  unusually 
forward  this  year,  emerging  at  the  end  of  October  and  early  in 
November.  It  would  be  advisable,  therefore,  besides  other  pre¬ 
cautions,  to  shake  the  boughs,  as  the  moths  fall  readily,  and  their 
eggs  should  bo  looked  for  in  crevices  of  the  bark  and  angles 
amongst  the  branches.  They  have  been  detected  on  buds  also.  As 
each  female  can  deposit  about  two  hundred,  it  is  not  surprising 
that  the  caterpillars  are  abundant,  and  they  do  not  seem  to  have 
any  notable  parasitic  foe.  But  some  birds  seek  them  out,  the  star¬ 
ling  especially.  In  Germany  and  France  the  caterpillar  of  the 
mottled  umber  (Hybernia  defoliaria)  is  apt  to  defoliate  the  Apple. 
It  is,  however,  solitary,  though  the  eggs  are  laid  in  patches  by  the 
wingless  females  towards  the  end  of  the  year  ;  it  is  very  common 
with  us  some  seasons  on  Whitethorn  and  various  trees,  but  is 
seldom  seen  on  the  Apple.  It  would  have  to  be  dealt  with  in  the 
same  way  as  the  winter  moth  caterpillar  should  it  visit  the  Apple 
or  Pear. 

Upon  these  I  have  sometimes  found  caterpillars  of  the  figure- 
of-eight  moth  (Diloba  cmruleo-cephala),  but  it  is  more  frequent 
on  Whitethorn.  Abroad  they  complain  of  the  species  as  an 
early  enemy  of  the  Apricot  and  Peach,  for  it  is  rather  a  hearty 
eater.  The  eggs  are  laid  at  the  base  of  lateral  shoots  by  the  end 
of  September  usually,  four  or  six  together.  Vigorous  spraying 
would  probably  remove  them.  No  washes,  however,  will  operate 
upon  those  of  the  lackey  moth  (Bombyx  neustria),  which  are  not 
uncommon  upon  the  twigs  of  the  Apple  every  season,  and  are 
placed  in  rings,  protected  by  a  sort  of  varnish.  The  caterpillars 
being  exceptionally  abundant  during  last  May  and  Juno,  it  is  likely 
there  was  a  larger  deposit  of  eggs  than  usual  subsequently,  hence 
the  spirals  of  eggs  should  be  sought  and  removed.  The  newly 
hatched  broods  of  caterpillars  are  often  overlooked  by  the  English 
grower  of  fruit.  In  France  the  proprietor  of  an  orchard  is  very 
careful  to  inspect  the  twigs  early  in  the  season,  and  cut  away  the 
webs  enclosing  the  young  colonies. 

With  regard  to  those  caterpillars  that  live  through  the  winter 
socially,  there  is  no  excuse  for  the  fruit  grower  if  he  neglects  to 
hunt  up  their  nests  ;  fortunately  for  us  the  brown  tail  moth,  so 
injurious  abroad,  and  the  black-veined  white  butterfly  have  at 
present  ceased  to  trouble  us.  Last  spring  the  small  ermine  (Hypono- 
meuta  padella)  had  numerous  broods  on  the  Apple,  but  owing  to 
the  drought  some  of  these  perished  ;  still  it  is  advisable  to  examine 
the  twigs  for  any  of  the  new  brood  that  may  be  waiting  for  next 
spring.  The  eggs  are  laid  during  the  autumn  under  a  patch  of 
brownish  green,  which  is  much  the  colour  of  the  tree,  and  the 
young  caterpillars  remain  under  this  without  eating  from  October 
to  April.  Amongst  the  chrysalids  that  may  be  destroyed  now  are 
those  of  the  codling  moth  (Carpocapse  pomonana),  for  in  our 
country  the  greater  number  of  these  Apple  pests  quit  the  fruit 
when  it  falls  as  soon  as  possible,  and  ascend  the  tree  nearest  at 
hand,  where  they  spin  a  little  cocoon  under  the  loose  bark. 
— Entomologist. 

No.  2351.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


416 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  NoTember  9,  1893. 


FEEDING  PLANTS  AND  ENRICHING  THE  SOIL 

IN  THE  AUTUMN. 

CoxTiNUiNG  my  remarks  on  this  subject  from  page  350  I  will 
in  the  present  article  deal  principally  with  that  portion  of  it  which 
treats  of  the  feeding  of  plants  growing  in  pots  or  tubs.  I  think 
few  will  deny  that  much  of  the  success  achieved  in  the  growth  of 
such  depends  to  a  great  extent  upon  the  manner  in  which  this 
phase  of  culture  is  conducted.  Given  equal  conditions  in  other 
respect,  the  gardener  who  feeds  his  plants  the  most  liberally  and 
regularly  on  rational  principles  produces  the  best  results.  I  say 
rational  principles  advisedly,  because  it  is  quite  possible — nay,  easy 
— to  do  irreparable  mischief  by  applying  liquid  manures  before  the 
soil  is  sufficiently  permeated  with  roots  to  be  benefited  by  them  ; 
or  to  give  the  liquid  in  too  strong  a  state,  and  thus  destroy  the 
medium  through  which  nourishment  is  principally  supplied  to 
plant  life.  When,  however,  roots  are  plentiful  and  active  they 
revel  in  a  constant  supply  of  fertilising  food,  under  the  influence 
of  which  health  and  vigour  is  increased  and  maintained  ;  but 
should  the  matter  be  neglected  between  the  stages  of  growth 
which  intervene  between  the  time  when  feeding  begins  and  the 
crop  of  flowers  or  fruit  approach  maturity  a  corresponding  degree 
of  vigour  is  lost.  Observant  cultivators  know  well  that  the  higher 
the  level  of  culture  aimed  at  the  more  clearly  is  the  slightest 
neglect  apparent. 

The  rapid  strides  towards  perfection  which  have  in  recent  years 
been  made  in  the  growTh  of  plants  in  pots  renders  it  necessary  for 
all  who  wish  to  maintain  a  position  among  the  front  rank  of 
cultivators  to  pay  especial  attention  to  feeding  more  or  less 
throughout  the  year.  So  long  as  the  plants  are  not  in  a  state  of 
comparative  rest,  do  not  show  signs  of  excessive  growth,  or  have 
been  recently  repotted,  few  mistakes  can  be  made  by  giving  weak 
applications  of  liquid  manure.  It  is  scarcely  possible  to  say  too 
much  in  favour  of  the  best  chemical  manures  now  freely  advertised, 
containing  as  they  do  the  most  important  elements  of  plant  food. 
Thousands  of  grand  plants  are  annually  grown  in  small  pots, 
which,  without  the  aid  of  such  manures,  I  believe,  it  would  be 
impossible  to  produce  in  the  same  bulk  of  soil.  Then  there  are 
other  instances  in  which  large  plants  have  to  be  kept  in  pots  or 
tubs  for  years  without  repotting  ;  with  the  help  of  these  patent 
manures,  and  occasional  waterings  with  soot  water  or  natural 
liquid  manures,  they  may  be  kept  in  excellent  condition.  I  will 
now  endeavour  to  show  how  these  general  principles  may  be  put 
into  practice  in  the  growth  of  various  plants. 

Camellias  and  Azaleas  do  not,  in  my  opinion,  receive  so  much 
assistance  from  chemical  manures  as  they  should  do.  The  practice 
of  feeding  well  during  the  time  growth  is  being  made,  and  then 
giving  only  clear  water  through  the  rest  of  the  year,  is  even  now 
practised  by  many,  and  the  result  is  that  to  keep  the  plants 
so  treated  in  a  thriving  condition  much  larger  pots  than  are  really 
necessary  have  to  be  employed.  Bud-dropping  in  Camellias,  and 
weak,  thrip-infested  growths  on  Azaleas,  are  often  brought  about 
by  starvation  pure  and  simple,  especially  when  the  plants  are  grown 
entirely  in  peat,  in  which  they  have  a  tendency  to  grow  strongly 
and  rapidly  exhaust  the  soil  ;  then,  unless  regular  feeding  is  given, 
slowly  but  surely  they  drift  into  an  unsatisfactory  state.  Chemical 
manures  here  come  to  the  rescue.  If  given  once  a  fortnight  during 
the  summer,  and  once  a  manth  during  the  winter,  the  best  results 
follow,  even  when  the  roots  are  much  confined.  Provided  the 
drainage  is  good,  and  the  soil  porous  and  sweet,  these  plants  do  not 
require  repotting  nearly  so  often  as  they  receive  it  if  instead  they 
are  fed  regularly  in  the  way  indicated.  Anyone  who  is  sceptical  on 
this  point  can  easily  prove  it  for  themselves  by  setting  apart  two 
plants  in  an  equally  healthy  condition,  both  having  also  plenty  of 
active  roots.  Let  one  be  given  a  monthly  application  of  chemical 
manure,  and  an  occasional  dose  of  soot  water,  while  the  other 
receives  clear  water  only,  or  perhaps  a  few  waterings  with  liquid 
manure  given  at  irregular  times.  If  they  will  follow  this  course 
from  the  time  growth  is  completed  till  the  flowering  period  I  am 
convinced  they  will  entertain  no  doubt  as  to  which  is  the  better 
plan  to  follow. 

Again,  note  the  difference  between  the  massive  trusses  and  vivid 
colour  of  the  flowers  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums  when  chemical 
manures  are  given  and  when  they  are  not  applied.  Under  some 
circumstances,  to  give  such  manure  in  the  autumn  and  winter 
would  result  in  strong  growth  and  but  little  flower.  When,  how¬ 
ever,  the  plants  have  been  properly  prepared  for  winter  work  the 
results  speak  for  themselves.  Given  plants  with  short-jointed 
growths,  growing  in  small  pots  crammed  with  roots,  place  them  in 
light  houses  close  to  the  glass,  give  abundance  of  air,  and  keep  a 
little  heat  in  the  hot-water  pipes  constantly,  then  even  in  winter 
the  plants  rnay  be  kept  well  laden  with  bloom  colour. 

Bouvardias,  Cyclamen,  Primulas,  Carnations,  Euphorbias  must 
be  well  fed  even  at  the  dark  season  of  the  year  if  strong  plants  and 


flowers  are  wanted.  The  amount  of  growth  made  will  always 
be,  to  a  great  extent,  regulated  by  the  heat,  light,  and  water 
which  vegetation  receives  ;  but  the  full  benefit  of  such  essentials 
can  only  be  obtained  by  plants  which  have  within  their  reach  the 
chemical  constituents  needed  to  build  up  their  growth.  In  dull 
weather  fewer  applications  of  water  are  required.  This  shows 
that  the  amount  of  nourishment  drawn  from  the  soil  is  small 
indeed  compared  with  that  taken  up  during  the  prevalence  of  sun¬ 
shine,  and  seems  to  be  Nature’s  mode  of  balancing  the  amount  of 
growth  made  with  that  which  the  light  and  air  are  capable  of 
solidifying.  Bearing  these  facts  in  mind,  it  is  easy  to  see  that  our 
cultural  practices  often  err  in  the  direction  of  neglecting  to  feed 
plants  during  the  dull  season  of  the  year  for  fear  of  inducing 
sappy  unripened  growths.  In  bygone  days,  with  old  and  dark 
houses,  and  primitive  methods  of  heating  them,  there  may  have 
been  good  reasons  for  adopting  what  I  term  the  starvation  system  ; 
but  with  plants  thinly  disposed  near  the  glass  in  the  light  airy 
structures  which  fortunately  are  now  the  rule,  a  more  liberal 
system  of  winter-feeding  is  attended  by  vastly  improved  results. — 
H.  Dunkin.  (To  be  continued.) 


VINE  CULTURE— A  RETROSPECT. 

Looking  back  to  the  days  of  Meredith  of  Garston,  Hill  of  Keele, 
and  Henderson  of  Trentham,  a  trio  of  growers  who  doubtless 
did  a  great  deal  in  the  matter  of  Grape  culture,  it  seems  to  me  that 
with  all  the  extended  appliances  we  ought  to  have  a  better 
knowledge  of  Vine  growing.  Those  readers  who  can  remember 
even  a  quarter  of  a  century  back,  and  look  now  at  the  advantages 
for  Grape  culture  of  the  present  day,  must  admit  that  we  make 
bad  use  of  them  if  we  do  not  have  a  more  intimate  knowledge  of 
the  subject  in  question,  and  produce  results  in  proportion.  The 
young  men  of  former  days  never  had  an  opportunity  of  seeing 
Vines  grown  so  extensively  as  they  now  are.  I  do  not  say  that  the 
practice  is  much  improved  in  private  gardens,  though  even  here 
vineries  have  increased,  the  produce  being  sometimes  sold  to  meet 
expenses.  But  it  is  the  extensive  market  growing  establishments 
that  should  send  forth  a  number  of  expert  hands 

I  have  to  credit  the  northern  growers  with  producing  the 
largest  berries  in  Grapes  ;  but  I  think  southerners  excel  in  weight 
of  crop,  and  possibly  finish.  If  we  could,  as  growers,  increase  the 
size  of  individual  berries  at  the  same  rate  as  we  do  the  crop,  what 
a  sight  we  should  present  to  the  public  !  But  it  is  not  so,  the  fact 
being  no  matter  how  correct  are  the  conditions  of  the  Vines 
from  which  we  obtain  extra  large  berries,  even  when  we  crop 
lightly,  the  results  to  the  enthusiastic  grower  are  disappointing. 
True  a  perfect  finish  combined  with  full  sized  berries  is  a  pleasing 
sight,  yet  on  estimating  the  weight  of  crop  we  still  think  we  ought  to 
have  better.  I  take  it  that  in  cropping  we  have  made  rapid  strides, 
and  yet  the  Vines  are  kept  in  good  bearing  condition.  Probably 
the  market  man  is  always  more  or  less  disappointed  at  the  selling 
price  of  his  best  Grapes,  the  price  not  being  in  proportion  to  the 
quality,  inferior  though  still  good  fruit  paying  far  better.  There 
seems  to  be  a  limit  for  shop  trade  as  regard  prices,  thus  at  anything 
under  2s.  per  lb  ,  say  Is.  9d.,  I  can  sell  cwts.  of  fruit,  whereas  Ido  not 
sell  pounds  above  ;  this  is  in  bulk  say  up  to  end  of  November.  Then 
Muscats  are  always  wanted  when  not  above  2s.  fid.  per  lb.  ;  but  as 
one  of  my  largest  customers  says,  he  fears  now  I  have  put  up  to 
2s.  9d  and  Ss.  per  lb.  it  will  be  too  much  for  him.  High  prices  are 
tempting,  but  though  I  treble  the  prices  I  have  quoted  before  the 
end  of  spring,  it  is  in  limited  amounts,  and  the  real  trade  is  in  good 
Grapes  at  medium  prices.  Inferior,  faulty  Grapes  are  more  than 
ever  a  drug  in  the  market,  shops  of  any  pretension  not  caring  to 
have  them.  With  a  more  extended  cultivation  of  the  Vine  and  an 
increased  practical  knowledge  we  can  do  what  we  should  have 
been  afraid  of  in  our  early  days. 

I  have  refrained  from  dealing  with  the  large  bunches,  as  they 
are  of  no  practical  use  for  the  market  man.  Accidentally  such 
bunches  do  come,  and  I  have  them  now  hanging,  Gros  Colman  up 
to  fi  lbs.,  but  I  have  not  grown  these  specially,  the  Vine  having  its 
full  complement  of  bunches.  To  devote  a  Vine  to  special  bunch 
growing  is  always  a  failure.  Take  a  gcod  Vine,  reduce  to  a  few, 
say  three,  four,  or  six  bunches,  and  the  weight  in  them  would  not 
equal  the  ordinary  number  of  bunches  had  they  been  left.  Though 
such  bunches  do  finish  well  the  money  is  wanting  when  they 
come  to  be  sold.  I  shall  always  credit  the  growing  trade  with 
raising  the  standard  of  finish  in  shop  Grapes,  and  those  who  have 
any  common  goods  have  only  to  send  to  a  market  and  the  salesman 
will  quickly  give  him  a  very  low  price,  and  even  then  he  does  not 
care  for  them.  The  aim  of  all  Grape  growers,  be  they  large  or 
small,  should  be  first  to  study  the  Vine  itself,  both  root  and  rod, 
and  crop  according  as  it  will  bear  it.  Varieties,  of  course,  differ, 
and  these  have  to  be  noted.  One  season’s  experience  will  not  do  all 
this,  it  is  a  question  of  years. — Stephen  Castle,  F.R.H.S. 


November  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


417 


S 


Cypripsdium  Statterianum. 

This  is  a  richly  coloured  and  very  distinct  Cypripedium.  It  is 
the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Spicerianum  magnificum  and  C .  vexil- 
larium  superbum,  and  when  exhibited  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  Tuesday, 
October  24tb,  the  Orchid  Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  awarded  a  first-class  certificate  for  it.  From  a  sketch  of 
the  one  flower  which  the  plant  bore  the  illustration  (fig.  61)  has 
been  engraved.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  principally  rosy  purple  and  has 
a  distinct  white  tip  and  margin,  the  petals  and  lip  being  greenish 
brown. 

Cattleya  Lord  Rothschild. 

Much  interest  was  centred  on  a  plant  of  Cattleya  Lord 
Rothschild  which  was  exhibited  at  the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster, 
on  Tuesday,  October  4th,  by  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans. 
The  plant  in  question  bore  magnificent  flowers,  and  from  one  of 
these  the  illustration  (fig.  62,  see  page  425)  has  been  prepared. 
This  Cattleya  is  a  new  hybrid,  being  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
C.  Gaskelliana  and  C.  aurea.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  large  and 
of  a  faint  rosy  mauve  shade,  but  the  lip  is  the  most  striking  feature 
in  the  flower.  This  is  very  large,  of  a  rich  purplish  crimson  shade, 
with  a  crimped  white  margin,  the  throat  and  basal  portion  being 
orange  yellow  veined  white  and  magenta  crimson.  The  flower  is 
sweet  scented. 

Odontoglossums. 

Many  plants  that  have  made  strong  well-ripened  growths  will 
be  producing  flower  spikes.  A  watch  must  be  kept  for  slugs  at  the 
present  time,  for  if  they  are  allowed  to  exist  a  large  number  of 
spikes  may  be  ruined  in  a  night.  A  little  cotton  wool  placed 
round  the  spike  is  an  admirable  plan,  but  the  safest  is  to  suspend 
the  plants  from  the  roof  until  the  spikes  are  firm  and  thus  safe 
from  the  ravages  of  these  most  troublesome  pests.  Keep  a  sharp 
look  oat  for  aphides,  and  eradicate  them  at  once,  for  when  they 
are  allowed  to  establish  themselves  upon  the  flower  spikes  they 
soon  injure  and  deform  the  blooms.  I  am  no  advocate  for  fumigat¬ 
ing  these  plants,  but  remove  these  insects  by  means  of  a  soft  brush 
and  a  little  weak  tobacco  watsr.  Shading  is  often  practised  late  in 
the  autumn  by  many  growers,  but  ours  was  removed  early  this 
year  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  those  growths  to  become 
thoroughly  matured.  The  plants  must  not  be  allowed  to  suffer 
by  the  want  of  water  either  at  the  roots  or  in  the  atmosphere. 
Keep  them  close  to  the  glass  and  admit  air  freely  when 
favourable,  and  the  flower  spikes  will  be  stout  and  compact  instead 
of  weak  and  slender. — Specialist. 


WINTER  CUCUMBERS. 

In  some  gardens  it  is  found  to  be  a  difficult  matter  to  produce  a 
regular  supply  of  good  Cucumbers  during  the  winter,  and  especially  if 
the  necessary  heat  is  not  to  be  obtained  from  hot-water  pipes.  Where 
all  requirements  are  at  hand,  however,  partial  failure  sometimes  results. 
There  are  several  causes  of  failure — namely,  sowing  the  seeds  too  late, 
or  rooting  cuttings  late  if  they  are  preferred,  after  treatment  as  regards 
the  growth  of  the  plants,  and  attention  to  their  roots. 

If  the  plants  are  raised  from  seeds  or  cuttings  they  should  be  strong 
and  in  good  condition  for  planting  by  the  middle  of  October  at  the 
latest.  If  possible  they  ought  to  be  grown  in  a  house  which  affords 
plenty  of  light.  The  soil  must  consist  of  one-half  leaf  mould  and  one- 
half  good  sound  loam  well  mixed  together.  Whether  pipes  be  placed 
under  the  bed  or  not,  a  hotbed  composed  of  strawy  litter  and  leaves 
ought  to  be  made  up  if  room  will  permit.  The  soil  when  placed  upon 
the  bed  need  only  be  so  thick  as  to  cover  the  manure,  but  where  the 
plants  are  to  be  planted  mounds  of  soil  must  be  formed,  allowing  one 
barrowload  to  each  plant.  Avoid  planting  too  closely,  5  or  6  feet 
asunder  will  answer  better  than  3  feet.  The  plants  should  not  be  unduly 
excited  in  the  autumn.  A  sturdy  short-jointed  growth  must  be  the  aim 
of  the  cultivator. 

In  dealing  with  the  training  of  the  shoots  of  Cucumber  plants  during 
the  summer  I  always  like  to  pinch  the  side  shoots  at  every  joint,  but  in 
the  winter  I  prefer  to  leave  three  joints  before  pinching.  The  advantage 
of  planting  a  good  distance  asunder  will  be  here  apparent.  The  shoots 
ought  to  be  allowed  plenty  of  room  to  grow  in,  affording  light,  and 
giving  solidity  to  them.  Constant  attention  must  be  given  to  pinching 
and  tying  the  young  growths.  The  prunings  should  be  no  more  than 
may  be  carried  out  in  the  attendant’s  apron  each  week  from  a  large-sized 
house.  If  crowding  of  shoots  occur,  and  wholesale  thinning  follows, 
three  weeks  or  a  month’s  dearth  of  Cucumbers  results.  Only  a  few 


fruits  may  be  left  on  the  plants  at  one  time  ;  each  fruit  as  it  becomes  fit 
must  be  cut  off  forthwith. 

Additions  of  soil  mixed  the  same  as  that  recommended  for  planting 
in  may  be  placed,  after  being  warmed,  on  each  mound  once  a  fortnight 
as  atop-dressing,  and  pressed  down  firmly.  If  this  practice  be  regularly 
carried  out  no  feeding  with  liquid  manure  will  be  necessary  till  after 
Christmas.  The  temperature  of  the  house  must  be  regulated  according 
to  the  state  of  the  weather  outside.  A  genial  temperature  should  be 
maintained,  not  too  much  moisture,  especially  in  frosty  weather,  but 
sufficient  to  keep  the  plants  in  good  health  and  free  from  red  spider. 
Syringe  the  foliage  well  on  fine  days,  not  later  than  2  P.M.  Model  and 
Telegraph  are  good  varieties  for  winter  culture. — Geo.  Garner. 


WINTER  TREATMENT  OF  VIOLETS. 

Here  the  culture  of  Violets  in  the  winter  is  made  a  speciality,  two 
pits,  each  64  feet  long,  facing  due  south,  and  adjoining  the  outside 
borders  of  the  principal  range  of  vineries,  and  three  three-light  frames 


FIG.  61. — cypripedidm  statterianum. 


being  devoted  to  their  culture.  In  addition  to  these  two  or  three 
hundred  plants  are  grown  in  6-inch  pots  for  standing  on  the  side  stages 
in  the  conservatory  and  for  intermixing  with  decorative  plants  in  the 
Castle.  For  some  weeks  after  planting  out  our  plants  (single  crowns) 
early  in  May,  in  rows  from  12  to  15  inches  asunder,  and  the  same 
distance  apart  in  the  row,  they  made  very  little,  if  any,  growth,  notwith¬ 
standing  the  fact  that  they  were  watered  every  afternoon,  and  the 
soil  between  the  rows  stirred  from  time  to  time  with  the  Dutch  hoe.  By 
continuing  the  above  operations  energetically,  however,  and  keeping 
the  runners  well  pinched  after  free  growth  commenced,  we  have 
been  rewarded  with  fine  “  many-crowned  ”  plants,  every  one  of  which 
have  been  transferred  to  their  winter  quarters. 

Prior  to  planting  additional  leaves  were  put  into  the  pits  and  •well 
trodden,  following  with  a  coating  of  short  manure  to  the  thickness  of 
about  2  inches,  and  over  this  about  9  inches  of  a  mixture  consisting  of 
five  parts  fairly  good  soil  and  one  of  short  manure,  the  whole  having 
been  passed  through  a  half-inch  sieve  before  being  placed  in  the  pits  and 
frames.  The  plants  were  taken  up  with  good  sized  balls,  the  straggling 
roots  being  cut  back  to  the  soil  through  which  they  pushed,  and  then 
planted  in  rows  about  1  foot  asunder  and  at  the  same  distance  in  the 
rows.  The  plants  in  each  succeeding  row  were  set  triangular,  which 
manner  of  planting  affords  more  room  for  light  and  air  to  play  amongst 
them  than  if  they  were  planted  squarely — opposite  each  other — the  soil 
being  preised  firmly  about  the  individual  plants  in  planting.  The 
plants  must  not  be  put  any  deeper  in  the  soil  than  they  were  before, 
and  keep  them  close  to  the  glass  without  touching  it.  After  planting  we 


418 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  NoTember  9,  1893. 


afforded  sufficient  water  to  settle  the  soil,  shadine:  the  plants  for  a  few 
days  from  sunshine,  and  damping  them  at  closing  time  in  the  afternoon 
daring  the  same  period.  Then  the  shading  was  dispensed  with  as 
well  as  the  syringing,  and  the  sashes  drawn  off  during  favourable 
weather  and  replaced  at  night,  tilting  them  up  a  little  in  the  absence  of 
frost. 

The  after  treatment  will  consist  in  giving  plenty  of  air  on  every 
favourable  opportunity  that  presents  itself,  guarding  against  excessive 
damp,  as  the  greatest  evil  which  the  cultivator  of  the  Violet  in  unheated 
pits  has  to  contend  with  during  the  winter  months,  keeping  the 
runners  persistently  pinched,  bad  and  damped  off  leaves  being  removed 
at  ithe  same  time,  the  soil  scratched  over  with  a  pointed  stick,  and 
giving  tepid  water  at  the  roots  when  the  condition  of  the  soil  renders 
its  application  necessary.  An  occasional  top-dressing  of  Thomson’s  Vine 
and  plant  manure  before  giving  water  will  prove  beneficial  during  the 
next  five  months,  being  careful  not  to  let  it  come  in  contact  with  the 
leaves  in  strewing  it  lightly  over  the  soil  between  the  plants.  As  a 
means  of  protecting  the  plants  from  injury  by  frost  we  cover  the  sashes 
at  night  with  Eddy’s  “  dressed  canvas,”  to  which  cords  are  attached  for 
securing  them  in  position,  and  small  staples  driven  into  the  wall-posts  at 
intervals  of  about  5  feet.  When  severe  frost  is  expected  a  few  inches 
thick  of  dry  bracken  are  laid  on  between  the  glass  and  the  canvas 
covers. 

The  varieties  we  grow  are  Marie  Louise,  Patria,  blue  (very  much  like 
the  former,  but  of  a  deeper  colour)  ;  De  Parme,  pale  lavender  colour  ; 
Comte  de  Brazza,  large  double  white  flowers  ;  Victoria  Regina,  deep 
blue  double  flowers  ;  the  two  last  mentioned  being  for  spring  flowering. 
We  also  grow  a  few  plants  of  The  Czar,  large  blue  flowers.  In  a  fort¬ 
night  we  have  gathered  200  large  bunches  of  Marie  Louise  and  Patria, 
which  varieties  we  find  the  best  for  autumn  and  winter  flowering. — 
H.  W.  Ward,  Longford  Castle. 


PELARGONIUMS  AT  WINDSOR. 


It  would  be  a  difficult  matter  to  find  a  class  of  plants  so  universally 
popular,  or  more  deservedly  so,  than  are  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  The 
amateur  with  his  little  greenhouse,  and  may  be  a  frame,  can  have 
them  in  bloom  all  the  year  round  by  a  judicious  insertion  of  cuttings 
and  assiduous  attention  to  other  details  of  their  culture.  But  it  is  to 
Zonal  Pelargoniums  under  the  guise  of  winter  blooming  plants  as  grown 
by  Mr.  Thomas  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Windsor,  to  which  these  notes  are 
intended  to  call  particular  attention.  The  plants  are  now,  when 
beautiful  flowers  to  brighten  our  homes  are  all  too  scarce,  com¬ 
mencing  to  bloom.  In  floriferousness,  brightness,  and  general  utility 
they  are  unrivalled,  the  “  Autumn  Queen  ”  being  unable  to  cope  with  the 
brilliant  hues  of  these  flowers.  The  collection  at  Windsor  is  an  extensive 
one,  and  includes  many,  if  not  all,  the  finest  varieties  in  cultivation.  The 
plants  are  flowered  in  6-inch  pots,  and  form  at  the  present  time  a 
dazzling  display.  One  is  liable  when  so  much  is  heard  of  Cannell’s  Pelar¬ 
goniums  to  think  that  it  is  at  Swanley  alone  that  they  may  be  seen  to 
perfection.  Such,  however,  is  not  the  case,  for  the  plants  grown  by  Mr. 
Thomas  are  equally  healthy,  and  carry  as  many  flowers  as  those  of  the 
justly  celebrated  grower  above  mentioned.  This  will  certainly  be 
acknowledged  by  all  who  are  privileged  to  see  those  now  under  notice. 
It  will  doubtless  be  interesting  to  many  readers  of  the  Journal  to  know 
what  varieties  are  the  best  in  this  collection,  both  for  habit  and 
distinctiveness. 


The  selection  cannot  be  opened  with  a  better  or  more  useful  kind 
than  Miss  Gordon,  which  is  purplish  red  in  colour  with  a  clearly  defined 
white  eye.  The  pips  are  large  and  of  perfect  shape.  A  free  blooming 
semi-double  scarlet  is  found  in  La  Bruant,  the  habit  of  which  is  very 
fine.  Only  one  single  white  variety  appears  to  be  grown,  and  by  the 
way  this  is  blooming  none  other  is  required.  Queen  of  the  Whites 
justifies  its  name,  for  the  colour  is  of  the  purest,  the  shape  of  the  best, 
and  the  trusses  amongst  the  largest.  The  habit,  too,  is  excellent,  dwarf 
and  sturdy,  and  carrying  its  chaste  flo  vers  just  clear  of  the  healthy  green 
leafage.  A  very  beautiful  deep  rose  is  Kate  Turner,  and  Freiza  may  be 
considered  one  of  the  very  best  of  the  scarlets.  The  pips  are  of  exceed¬ 
ingly  rich  colour,  and  contour  of  the  truss  leaves  nothing  to  be  desired. 
Gloire  Lyonnaise  is  a  very  beautiful  deep  rose-coloured  flower,  and  for 
a  pure  salmon  nothing  more  beautiful  or  more  useful  could  be  desired 
than  Mrs.  F.  G.  Hill,  The  truss  is  exceptionally  large  and  perfect  in 
form.  Eiffel  Tower  is  a  double  rose-hued  variety  of  much  merit. 
La  Cygne  is  a  splendid  double  white,  and  Madame  Thibaut  a  grand 
double  pink.  One  of  the  very  best  in  the  collection  is  A.  Grisau.  The 
pips,  which  are  rather  over  the  medium  size,  are  deep  pink  in  the  centre, 
and  have  a  broad  white  margin,  which,  whilst  greatly  enhancing  its 
beauty ,  renders  it  remarkably  showy  and  attractive.  A  delicate  rose- 
tinted  variety  of  great  beauty  is  Luther  de  Medluc,  and  John  Fellowes 
is  a  grand  scarlet. 


Lady  Russell  is  a  variety  which  attracts  universal  opinion,  the  color 
being  of  a  beautiful  rose  with  a  prominent  white  eye.  Another  pink  < 
a  high  order  of  merit  is  Leather  Bell.  The  pips  are  rather  small! 
size  but  of  perfect  shape,  as  also  is  the  truss.  In  colour  it  is  a  shac 
deeper  than  Lady  Russell,  and  is  totally  distinct  in  habit.  Both  ai 
worthy  a  place  in  any  collection.  Lady  Reed  is  one  of  the  most  charn 
mg.  The  petals  are  white  at  the  upper  parts  whilst  the  lower  is  a  cler 
rose,  which  produces  a  striking  effect.  The  truss  is  of  medium  size  bv 
perfect  in  contour.  The  dwarf  habit  of  Louisa  Penith  is  a  great  recon 
mendation  to  an  already  good  variety.  The  rosy  red  coloured  trussi 


stand  sturdily  out  from  the  foliage  of  the  plants,  which  are  of  excep¬ 
tional  dwarfness.  F.  V.  Raspail  stands  unrivalled  amongst  the  doubles. 
The  pips  are  large,  and  the  colour  of  the  most  vivid  scarlet.  A  good 
double  rose  is  found  in  Dr.  Thousent,  the  flowers  of  which  are  of  medium 
size  and  the  trusses  large.  The  silver  variegated  foliage  of  Chelsea  Gem 
is  very  striking  amongst  the  other  varieties,  the  flowers,  too,  being 
attractive.  Amongst  the  dwarfest  is  Heroine,  a  double  scarlet,  and,  as  a 
good  companion  for  the  two  previous  named,  Madame  Thibaut  might  be 
named.  The  growth  of  the  plants  is  singularly  alike,  and  the  trio  is 
unquestionably  a  good  one.  The  list  cannot  be  closed  without  reference 
being  made  to  a  very  handsome  flesh-coloured  seedling,  of  which  Mr. 
Thomas  is  wisely  taking  much  care,  for  it  will  undoubtedly  be  an  ac¬ 
quisition  in  a  class  of  plants  which  is  already  rich  in  grand  varieties 
and  superb  colours. — H.  J. 


Mr.  Mawley’s  Analysis  of  1893. 

In  support  of  my  statement  (page  384)  that  the  analysis  cannot  be 
said  throughout  to  be  mathematically  correct,  I  should  like  to  give 
two  typical  instances.  Viewing  the  fact  that  the  analysis  is  said  to 
be  deduced  from  the  experience  of  several  years,  they  are  fair  instances 
in  support  of  my  argument.  In  the  few  remarks  I  add  I  have  the 
agreement  of  others,  who  are  fully  as  experienced  as  either  Mr.  Mawley 
or  myself. 

Madame  Hoste  is  a  beautiful  Rose,  which  has  been  well  known  to  all 
of  us  for  some  years.  It  is  in  Mr.  Mawley’s  analysis  of  1890.  It  is 
there  given  as  No.  25,  and  placed  in  analysis  as  exhibited  an  average  of 
seven  times.  Last  year  it  was  shown  eight  times,  and  Mr.  Mawley  has 
it  still  low  down.  No.  26  and  7’9,  working  on  its  actual  exhibits.  This 
year,  although  the  Rose  has  been  in  the  analysis  since  1890,  all  these 
previous  facts  and  figures  are  ignored,  and  the  figure  of  twenty-one 
exhibits  in  1893  is  taken  as  the  correct  average  for  a  series  of  years. 
Can  this  be  called  mathematically  correct?  I  have  not  one  word  to  say 
against  the  Rose,  but  I  take  exception  to  this  fresh  start  and  unreal 
position  given  to  it,  as  1893  was  not  a  typical  year  for  it.  The 
Rose  being  one  with  light  petals,  the  heat  of  this  year  was  not 
really  favourable  to  it.  How  it  only  appeared  in  eight  winning  boxes 
last  year  is  surprising,  as  1892  was  eminently  favourable  to  its  growth. 
That  it  happened  to  be  shown  in  twenty-one  winning  boxes  in  1893  I 
look  on  simply  as  mere  chance. 

In  the  same  way  Ernest  Metz  has  been  exhibited  in  winning  boxes 
for  some  years  ;  it  has  been  in  the  N.R.S.  schedule  in  a  special  class 
since  1891.  I  cannot  tell  how  long  previous  to  this  Mr.  Mawley  has  had 
his  eye  on  it,  but  the  Rose  is  not  in  his  analysis  of  1890.  Last  year  it 
was  placed  in  the  analysis  as  an  average  of  12  (on  previous  per¬ 
formances,  I  suppose),  but  this  year  previous  performances  are  ignored, 
and  30  is  given  as  its  “average,”  but  apparently  solely  on  the  exhibits 
of  1893.  Is  this  mathematically  correct  ?  It  is  well  here  to  recall  the 
fact  that  Mr.  Mawley  has  altered  his  system  of  working  his  analysis  I 
think  more  than  once  ;  that  which  he  now  thinks  infallible  he  may 
hereafter  find  a  flaw  in.  It  is  also  worth  mentioning  that  an  analysis 
which  may  work  satisfactorily  in  regard  to  Dahlias  and  Chrysan¬ 
themums,  of  which  apparently  hundreds  of  new  varieties  are  produced 
annually,  need  not  necessarily  be  of  equal  value  in  regard  to  Roses, 
of  which  very  few  new  varieties  are  thought  worthy  of  attention. 
Finally,  although  Mr.  Mawley  may  think  “crude  figures”  to  be  matters 
of  trifling  importance,  we  in  the  City  have  a  theory  which  hitherto  has 
been  found  to  work  out  mathematically  correct,  and  it  is  that  we  like  to 
have  our  accounts  and  analysis  worked  by  crude  figures  in  preference  to 
having  them  changed  in  any  way. — Charles  J.  Grahame,  Croydon. 

[We  stated  that  in  our  opinion  the  results  as  given  by  Mr.  Mawley 
were  mathematically  correct  as  deduced  from  the  elaborate  and  pains¬ 
taking  system  adopted  in  their  preparation,  and  we  were  confirmed  in 
this  opinion  by  a  gentleman  of  world-wide  fame,  whose  life  has  been 
spent  in  elaborating  deductions  as  true  as  he  can  represent  them  from 
ponderous  masses  of  crude  figures.  Mr.  Mawley  can  have  no  objection 
to  a  fair  examination  of  his  work,  but  he  very  properly  objects  to  being 
charged  with  “  cooking,”  a  rough  city  method  of  expression  in  this 
reference  that  is  not  merited,  and  which  does  not  meet  with  general 
approbation.] 

Lord  Penzance’s  Hybrid  Briars. 

I  HAVE  to  acknowledge  Mr.  Charles  J.  Grahame’s  allusion  to  a 
previous  paragraph  of  mine  on  page  396.  If  he  reads  attentively  Sir 
Walter  Scott’s  “  Lady  of  the  Lake”  he  will  find  that  the  Eglantine  is 
a  native  of  the  Trossachs  Woods,  which  I  recently  saw  in  all  the  glory 
of  their  autumnal  hues.  It  also  grows  wild  in  the  woods  of  Galloway, 
as  I  can  testify  from  personal  observation.  I  have  a  vigorous  specimen 
of  the  Sweet  Briar  Rose  growing  in  front  of  my  manse  which,  during 
the  months  of  July  and  August,  is  a  mass  of  pink  blossoms,  and  is  at 
present  perfectly  covered  with  its  beautiful  berries.  It  was,  many  years 
ago,  transplanted  from  a  wood  in  the  parish,  which  overhangs  the  sea. 


November  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


419 


and  where  wild  Roses  and  Honeysuckle  grow  most  luxuriantly,  the 
latter  climbiag  up  the  trees  to  a  height  of  20  feet, 

I  am  much  obliged  to  Mr.  Grahame  for  the  additional  information 
he  gives  me  regarding  the  Hybrid  Briar  Roses  of  Lord  Penzance.  It 
is  interesting  to  learn  that  the  names  of  those  Roses  have  been  taken  for 
the  most  part,  as  Mr.  Grahame  indicates,  from  the  immortal  romances 
of  the  “  Wizard  of  the  North.”  I  recently  had  the  pleasure  of  meeting 
with  a  venerable  daughter  of  his  much-loved  amanuensis,  Mrs.  Laidlaw, 
and  talking  to  her  in  Edinburgh  on  horticultural  subjects,  in  which  she 
is  much  interested.  She  had  come  all  the  way  from  Inverness  to  the 
Scottish  capital  in  order  to  be  present  (at  the  age  of  eighty-four)  at  the 
Patti  concert.  My  kind  hostess  on  that  occasion  was  a  daughter  of  the 
late  Rev.  Dr,  Nathaniel  Paterson,  of  Glasgow,  author  of  “The  Manse 
Garden,”  an  interesting  and  instructive  work  of  the  last  age,  written  by 
an  intimate  friend  and  associate  of  Sir  Walter  Scott. 

The  names  which  Lord  Penzance  has  selected  for  his  Roses  are  com¬ 
plimentary  to  Scotland,  and  indicate  his  reverence  for  the  genius  of  our 
greatest  novelist,  who  was,  like  all  men  of  poetic  tendency  and  artistic 
nature,  a  great  lover  of  flowers. — David  R.  Williamson. 


PLANTS  IN  SEASON. 

Salvia  Gk^hami. 

Among  the  many  beautiful  varieties  of  Salvias  that  flower  at  this 
period  of  the  year,  I  think  none  are  more  worthy  of  recognition  than 
S.  Grahami.  Though  not  so  showy  as  the  brilliant  scarlet  of  S.  splendens, 
or  the  soft  rose  of  S.  Bethelli,  it  is  nevertheless  one  of  the  most  useful 
of  the  whole  genus.  Being  very  dwarf  and  compact  in  habit,  it  is 
admirably  adapted  for  arranging  amongst  various  other  greenhouse 
plants.  It  has  an  extraordinarily  free-flowering  character,  producing  its 
long  racemes  of  flowers  all  through  the  autumn  and  winter.  Abundance 
of  manure  water  should  be  supplied  whilst  it  is  flowering. 

Ruellia  macrantha. 

Although  one  of  the  best  and  most  beautiful  winter  flowering  plants 
in  cultivation,  this  Ruellia  has  unfortunately  been  so  very  much  neg¬ 
lected  as  to  be  scarcely  ever  met  with.  In  habit  and  character  it  is 
very  similar  to  Thrysacanthus  rutilans  and  Centropogon  Lucyanus. 
The  beautiful  trumpet-shaped  flowers,  which  are  produced  in  great 
profusion  from  the  axils  of  the  leaf,  are  of  a  rosy  purple  colour,  and  last 
a  long  time  in  perfection.  Propagation  may  be  effected  by  cuttings,  which 
should  be  inserted  in  sandy  soil,  and  placed  under  a  hand-glass.  When 
well  rooted  they  should  be  placed  in  small  pots,  using  a  mixture  of 
good  turfy  loam  and  leaf  soil  in  equal  proportions,  with  a  small  amount 
of  fibry  peat  and  sharp  sand.  The  plants  ought  then  be  grown  in  a 
stove,  and  potted  as  occasion  requires.  I  trust  these  few  timely  remarks 
may  be  the  means  of  reinstating  this  most  useful  and  showy  Ruellia 
into  every  establishment  where  winter  flowering  plants  are  in  demand, 
as  no  collection  can  be  considered  complete  without  it. 

Begonia  John  Heal. 

This  charming  plant  possesses  sufficient  attractions  to  warrant  its 
admission  into  every  garden.  For  arranging  with  the  various  occu¬ 
pants  of  the  intermediate  house  at  this  season  I  know  of  nothing  to 
compete  with  it,  owing  to  its  dwarf  habit  and  floriferous  character.  To 
grow  these  plants  successfully  the  tubers  should  not  be  started  too 
early.  This  is  a  very  important  point  to  bear  in  mind.  The  best  plan 
is  to  let  them  grow  gradually  and  without  much  forcing.  After  they 
are  fairly  started  the  plants  should  be  placed  into  small  pots  and  put  in 
an  intermediate  temperature.  Apply  water  judiciously  till  after 
the  roots  have  taken  full  possession  of  the  soil,  when  it  may  be  supplied 
with  greater  freedom. 

Good  peaty  loam,  leaf  soil,  and  sharp  sand  will  form  an  excellent 
compost  for  the  plants.  Green  fly  and  mealy  bug  are  particularly 
troublesome,  more  especially  the  latter,  consequently  a  sharp  watch 
should  be  kept,  and  immediately  the  least  signs  of  it  are  detected  means 
must  be  taken  to  exterminate  it,  for  if  it  is  once  allowed  to  become 
fairly  established  it  is  useless  to  expect  satisfactory  results.  The  best 
method  of  destroying  mealy  bug  is  to  pick  it  off  with  a  fine  pointed 
stick,  as  the  plants  are  very  impatient  of  any  insecticide  being  used  on 
them.  I  feel  sure  where  once  this  Begonia  has  a  fair  trial  it  will  not  fail 
to  give  satisfaction, — G,  Paerant,  AsKly  Lodge  Gardens,  Ruglij. 


PARTICULARS  ABOUT  PEARS, 

Would  Mr.  Molyneux,  Mr.  Luckhurst,  or  others  of  your  corre¬ 
spondents,  kindly  state  their  experience  of  the  following  Pears — 
Doyenn^  du  Comice,  Fondante  d’Automne,  Beurr6  Superfin,  Madame 
Treyve,  Durondeau — as  regards  the  particulars  given  below,  the 
locality  of  cultivation  being  fairly  favourable  for  their  growth  1 

1,  Are  they  of  good  hardy  constitution  ? 

2,  Are  they  good,  fertile,  and  tolerably  reliable  as  bearers  ? 

3,  Do  they  succeed  well  in  the  “  bush  ”  form  1 

As  regards  flavour  and  high  quality  I  do  not  think  either  of  them 
has  been  surpassed.  For  richness  of  flavour  and  honied  juiciness  I 
have  always  regarded  the  Gratiola  Pear  as  being  unequalled  ;  but  this, 
of  course,  is  a  matter  of  individual  taste. — W.  M.  B. 


Events  of  the  Week. — As  mentioned  below,  the  Committees  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  meet  at  the  Drill  Hall,  West¬ 
minster,  on  Tuesday,  November  llth.  Numerous  Chrysanthemum 
Shows  will  also  be  held  during  the  ensuing  week,  and  a  list  of  some  of 
these  will  be  found  on  another  page. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — The  weather  in  the  metropolis 

continues  cold  but  dry.  Frosts  have  occurred  on  several  nights  recently, 
although  not  very  severe.  At  the  time  of  going  to  press  it  is  rather 
cold,  the  wind  being  in  a  north-easterly  direction. 

-  Hailstorms,  but  of  short  duration,  were  prevalent  on  Tues¬ 
day  in  the  South  of  England,  and  we  hear  of  considerable  damage 
being  done  at  Dover. 

-  The  Weather  in  the  North.  —  The  weather  during  the 

past  week  has  been  very  changeable,  dry  and  wet  days  alternating 
Friday  was  very  especially  wet  and  cold  throughout.  Frosts  of  from 
2°  to  8°  have  been  recorded  every  morning,  and  there  seem  indications 
of  a  spell  of  cold  weather. — B.  D.,  N.  Perthshire, 

-  Testimonial  to  Me.  Manning. — After  consulting  Mr. 

Manning’s  wishes  it  has  been  decided  that  the  presentation  shall  take 
the  form  of  an  illuminated  address  and  a  dining-room  suite  with  clock 
and  ornaments  to  match.  The  presentation  waits  Mr.  Manning’s  con¬ 
venience  for  a  few  weeks,  he  being  at  present  away  from  London. 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  meeting  of  the 

Committees  will  be  held  in  the  Drill  Hall,  James  Street,  Victoria  Street, 
Westminster,  on  Tuesday,  November  llth,  when  special  prizes  for 
Chrysanthemums  will  be  offered.  At  three  o’clock  Mr.  R.  Parker, 
F.R.H.S.,  will  deliver  a  lecture  on  Chrysanthemums. 

-  Prizes  at  the  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition.— 

Many  gardeners  will  be  glad  if,  through  your  medium,  a  request  may  be 
made  that  the  prizes  won  by  the  successful  exhibitors  be  paid  without 
delay.  Many  gardeners  were  put  to  a  considerable  expense  in  getting 
fruit  and  flowers  to  London  to  help  to  make  up  the  Exhibition.  In  the 
schedule  it  states  “  that  all  prize  money  will  be  paid  within  a  month 
of  the  exhibitions,”  and  now  that  the  officials  have  had  their  banquets  I 
think  it  time  that  the  prizewinners  were  paid  what  is  due  to  them. — 
Exhibitor. 

_ Gardening  Appointments.  —  Mr.  S.  Clarke,  for  the  last 

three  years  head  gardener  at  Airfield,  Dundrum,  Co.  Dublin,  has  been 
appointed  head  gardener  to  T.  R.  Bolitho,  Esq.,  Trengwainton,  Penzance, 
Cornwall.  We  understand  Mr.  Arthur  Pope  succeeds  Mr.  G.  Bartle  as 
head  gardener  at  Allington  Hall,  Grantham,  Lincolnshire,  the  seat 
of  J.  E.  Welby,  Esq. 

-  Browallia  macrantha.— Mr.  Elsey,  gardener  to  Mrs. 

Carlisle,  showed  in  a  group  of  plants  at  Ewell  last  week  several  specimens 
of  this  Browallia.  They  were  from  15  to  16  inches  in  height,  well 
foliaged  and  flowered.  The  blooms  are  large,  open,  five-lobed,  and  very 
much  the  colour  of  the  bracts  of  Bougainvillea  spectabile.  It  is  easily 
raised  from  cuttings  put  in  during  the  spring,  and  makes  an  excellent 
autumn  and  winter  house  plant. — A. 

-  Primula  Chelsea  Rose.— Mr.  Buss,  gardener  to  A.  W. 

Aston,  Esq .,  also  showed  at  E  well  a  dozen  plants  of  a  four-leaf  single 
and  lovely  flesh  pink  Primula  under  the  above  name.  The  plants  were 
well  done,  the  flowers  large  and  well  fringed,  the  foliage  of  the  pale 
green  colour,  and  in  all  presents  a  very  beautiful  variety.  A. 

_  The  Scilly  Isles  Daffodils. — A  Western  contemporary 

says  that  the  exceptionally  dry  and  fine  weather  at  the  Isles  of  Scilly 
threatens  to  seriously  disarrange  the  coming  flower  season.  ihe 
weather  is  still  so  fine  and  mild  that  the  crops  in  t  e  open  are 
coming  on  rapidly,  and  unless  cold  weather  sets  in  to  check  t  em  e 
flowers  will  be  in  the  market  considerably  before  those  from  the 
foreing  houses  are  usually  ready.  The  first  small  consignment  of 
yellow  Narcissus  (Soleil  d’Or)  from  the  open  field  was  forwarded  last 
week,  while  very  few  of  the  bulbs  intended  for  forcing  are  yet  put  in 
the  houses. 


420 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Korember  9,  1893. 


- Bullfinches  and  Buds. — Mr.  J.  Hiam  writes  : — “  It  may  be  as 

well  to  remind  fruit  growers,  in  districts  where  these  birds  are  numerous, 
that  for  about  six  weeks  they  are  very  easily  taken  in  trap  cages  or  with 
birdlime,  and  turned  to  account  as  pets  for  cage  birds  or  in  aviaries, 
instead  of  shooting  them  in  the  spring.” 

-  Eucharis  amazonica. — Lovers  of  this  beautiful  flower  will 

be  pleased  to  know  that  the  Eucharis  is  admirably  grown  by  Mr.  George 
Ward,  London  Road,  Bishop’s  Stortford.  In  looking  over  his  houses  of 
Eucharis  the  other  day  I  was  amazed  to  find  the  plants  in  such  health 
and  carrying  large  numbers  of  flowers,  which  it  would  be  useless  for  me 
to  describe. — Eucharis. 

-  Property  in  Mushrooms. — At  the  instance  of  the  West¬ 
moreland  County  Council,  all  the  County  Councils  in  England  are 
having  brought  before  them  a  resolution  in  favour  of  the  law  being 
so  altered  that  persons  who  trespass  upon  land  in  search  of  Mushrooms 
and  other  spontaneous  growths  will  be  liable  to  conviction,  as  in  the 
case  of  stealing  cultivated  roots.  Great  annoyance  and  indirect  damage 
to  farmers  is  caused  by  such  trespasses  at  present,  and  there  is  nothing 
in  the  criminal  law  to  prevent  it. 

-  The  International  Horticultural  Society  which  was 

founded  at  the  recent  Congress  of  horticulturists  held  at  Chicago  has 
made  further  progress.  The  chief  object  of  the  Society  is  to  facilitate 
the  exchange  of  plants,  seeds,  and  books.  The  following  officers  have  been 
nominated  : — President,  Mr.  P.  J.  Berchmans  ;  Vice-President,  Mr.  Henry 
L.  de  Vilmorin ;  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  Mr.  George  Nicholson,  the 
Curator  of  Kew  Gardens.  We  learn,  however,  that  Mr.  Nicholson  is 
unable  to  undertake  the  work  that  this  office  would  impose  upon  him. 

-  A  New  Rose-coloured  Calla.  — A  correspondent  sends  us 

the  following  extract,  written  by  a  Dutch  bulb  firm,  referring  to  the 
new  Calla  with  rose-coloured  spathes  which  appears  to  be  now  attract¬ 
ing  attention  : — “  This  Calla,  received  from  Africa,  represents  an 
entirely  new  type  of  Richardias,  the  leaves  being  lanceolate  instead  of 
sagittate,  as  in  all  species  hitherto  known.  The  spathe  is  of  a  very 
elegant  shape,  and  the  colour  is  white  tinted  with  rose,  especially  well 
marked  on  the  outside.  The  bud  shows  a  rose  colour,  which  after¬ 
wards  changes  into  white  with  a  rose  tint.”  The  provisional  name  of 
De  Waal’s  Richardia  has  been  adopted  until  botanists  decide  its  Latin 
designation. 

-  Summary  of  Meteorological  Observations  at  Hodsock 

Priory,  Worksop,  Notts,  October. — Mean  temperature  of  month, 
50'2°.  Maximum  on  the  16th,  67’0°;  minimum  on  the  30th,  27  2°. 
Maximum  in  the  sun  on  the  1st,  120'5°  ;  minimum  on  the  grass  on  the 
31st,  19'2°.  Mean  temperature  of  air  at  9  A.m,,  50’5°  ;  mean  temperature 
of  soil  1  foot  deep,  50-6°,  Nights  below  32°,  in  shade  two,  on  grass  six¬ 
teen.  Total  duration  of  sunshine  in  the  month,  120  hours,  or  37  per 
cent,  of  possible  duration.  We  had  three  sunless  days.  Total  rainfall, 
1’69  inch.  Rain  fell  on  thirteen  days.  Average  velocity  of  wind, 
81  miles  per  hour.  Velocity  exceeded  400  miles  on  one  day,  and  fell 
short  of  100  miles  on  seven  days.  Approximate  averages  for  October  : — 
Mean  temperature,  48 ’1°  ;  sunshine,  eighty-three  hours  ;  rainfall, 
2‘73  inches.  Another  warm,  bright,  and  dry  month.  None  of  the  last 
twelve  Octobers  had  as  much  sunshine,  and  only  two  out  of  the  last 
seventeen  had  a  higher  mean  temperature,  and  none  of  them  had  as 
high  a  mean  daily  maximum. — J,  Mallender. 

-  Technical  Education  in  Horticulture. — The  Council 

of  the  Scottish  Horticultural  Association  having  been  again  allocated  a 
portion  of  the  residue  grant  by  the  Town  Council  of  the  City  of  Edin¬ 
burgh  has  arranged  a  course  of  lectures  on  the  “  Vegetable  Garden,” 
to  be  delivered  during  the  ensuing  winter  and  spring.  The  scientific 
and  practical  aspects  of  the  subjects  chosen  will  be  treated  of  by 
eminent  authorities,  and  the  lectures  will  be  free  to  all  interested  in  the 
advancement  of  horticulture.  The  introductory  lecture  will  be  given 
by  Mr.  M.  Dunn,  Dalkeith,  “  The  Chemistry  of  the  Vegetable  Garden  ” 
will  be  treated  in  six  lectures  by  Mr.  W.  Ivison  Macadam,  F.R.S.E., 
F.I.C.,  F.C.S.  “  Physics  as  Applied  to  the  Vegetable  Garden,”  in  three 
lectures,  by  Mr.  A.  N.  Macalpine,  consulting  botanist  to  the  Highland 
and  Agricultural  Society,  “  The  Chemistry  of  the  Soils  :  The  old  and 
new  Doctrines,”  in  two  lectures,  by  Dr.  Hunter,  Minto  House.  Mr.  A,  H. 
Scott,  The  Gardens,  Cambusdoon,  Ayr  ;  Mr.  Williamson,  Tarvit,  Cupar- 
bife;  Mr.  Loney,  Marchmont,  Duns;  Mr.  P.  W.  Fairgrave,  Dunkeld, 
and  Mr.  Temple,  Carron  House,  Falkirk,  will  lecture  on  the  practical 
cultivation  of  different  crops.  Mr.  Robert  Laird,  17,  South  Frederick 
Street,  Edinburgh,  is  the  Honorary  Secretary, 


-  Large  Gourds. — Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  write:— “We  note 

in  a  paragraph  appearing  on  page  400  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
reference  is  made  to  a  Gourd  weighing  30  lbs.  It  may  interest  your 
readers  to  know  that  we  have  one  grown  by  a  customer  of  ours  (Lieut.- 
Col.  E.  Morrell,  Mistley  Hall,  Manningtree)  weighing  142  lbs.,  and 
from  the  same  plant  others  were  cut  weighing  112  lbs.,  100  lbs,,  85  lbs., 
besides  others  of  smaller  weight.  The  variety  is  our  Mammoth  Gourd.” 

_  Weather  in  Scotland. — The  total  rainfall  for  October  was 

4  239  inches,  which  fell  on  twenty-eight  days  ;  greatest  fall  on  any 
one  day  0  887  inches,  on  the  24th.  Drains  were  first  observed  running 
for  the  season  on  the  25th.  Frost  was  registered  on  two  nights — the 
30th,  24-8°  ;  and  the  Slst,  22-6°.  The  warmest  day  was  the  15th,  when 
63°  were  registered ;  and  the  16th  was  the  warmest  night,  with  54'9°. 
Mean  maximum,  55  6°;  mean  minimum,  39-3°. —  G.  McDouGALL, 
Stirling. 

-  The  Floral  Sketch  Book. — The  Council  of  the  Royal 

Horticultural  Society  have  granted  special  permission  to  Mr.  John 
Weathers,  Assistant-Secretary,  to  publish  his  plant  sketches.  Mr. 
Weathers  informs  us  that  he  proposes  to  publish  under  the  above  title 
five  large  drawings  each  month  of  as  many  new,  rare,  or  interesting 
plants.  Each  plant  figured  will  be  fully  described,  and  historical  and 
cultural  notes  will  also  be  given.  The  first  number  will  be  ready  by 
January  6th,  1894,  and  the  price  will  be  Is. 

- Royal  Meteorological  Society, — The  meetings  of  the 

Society,  which  will  be  held  by  kind  permission  of  the  Council  of  the 
Institute  of  Civil  Engineers,  at  25,  Great  George  Street,  Westminster, 
will  for  the  future  commence  at  8  p.m.  At  the  ordinary  meeting  on 
Wednesday,  the  15th  inst.,  the  following  papers  will  be  read: — “The 
Great  Drought  of  1893,  and  Its  Attendant  Meteorological  Phenomena,” 
by  Frederick  J.  Brodie,  F.R.Met.Soc.  “  Thunder  and  Hail  Storms  over 
England  and  t’ne  South  of  Scotland,  July  8th,  1893,”  by  William 
Marriott,  F.R.Met.Soc. 

-  Potato  Growing  Experiments  in  Scotland, —  The 

Dalkeith  Agricultural  Society  has,  so  we  learn  from  an  agricultural 
contemporary,  carried  out  some  interesting  experiments  by  means  of 
prizes  offered  to  growers  to  ascertain  the  heaviest  cropping  sorts  of 
Potatoes,  and  what  manures  are  best  to  be  employed  to  obtain  largest 
results.  The  first  prize  was  awarded  to  a  crop  of  12  tons  7  cwts.  3  qrs. 
of  sound  Bruce  to  the  acre,  grown  with  20  tons  of  manure,  4  cwts.  kainite, 
4  cwts.  supers  in  drill,  1^  cwt.  nitre  when  through,  and  IJ  cwt.  when 
earthed  up.  The  second  prize  went  to  an  acre  of  Regents  weighing  12  tons 
6  cwts.  3  qrs.,  of  which  10  tons  7  cwts,  were  good,  1  ton  12  cwts.  1  qr. 
small,  and  7  cwts.  diseased.  This  crop  received  24  tons  of  farmyard 
ma  jure  to  the  acre,  besides  1  cwt.  of  dissolved  bones  and  1  cwt.  of  nitre 
in  the  drill, 

-  A  FEW  Pretty  Plants. — At  the  little  Show  at  Ewell  last 

week  I  noted  some  plants  of  more  than  usual  interest  at  this  season 
of  the  year.  Mr,  Whiteman  had  Salvia  splendens  Bruanti  in  fine  form, 
large  bushes  3^  feet  through,  beautifully  flowered,  and  in  9-inch  pots. 
Then  he  also  had  several  plants  of  Salvia  Pitcheri,  each  carrying  good 
spikes  at  about  3  feet  in  height  of  intensely  rich  blue  flowers.  It  is  a 
most  effective  plant  at  this  time  of  the  year.  The  roots  are  tuberous, 
and  require  the  same  treatment  as  does  Salvia  patens.  Aralia  Chabrieri 
is  a  Croton-like  plant.  This  was  represented  by  a  specimen  3  feet  in 
height,  very  handsome  indeed,  and  because  of  its  long  narrow  pendant 
leafage  it  makes  a  peculiarly  charming  table  plant.  The  same  grower 
had  Giant  Red  Capsicum  in  fine  form,  plants  some  2  feet  in  height  and 
heavily  fruited.  It  is  for  exhibition  or  for  sideboards  a  most  effective 
variety. — A.  D. 

-  Carex  japonica. — This  beautiful  perennial  Rush-like  plant 

is  one  which  should  be  grown  extensively  by  all  who  have  to  carry  out 
dinner-table  decorations.  Its  slender  variegated  leaves,  which  attain  a 
length  of  from  1  to  2  feet,  are  extremely  light  and  graceful  in  appearance  ; 
in  fact  I  know  of  no  cultivated  plant  to  equal  it  in  this  respect,  which 
renders  it  an  ideal  plant  for  the  above  purpose,  and  thus  enables  the 
decorator  to  produce  a  light  wavy  surface  without  impeding  the  view 
across  the  table.  The  cultural  requirements  of  this  Carex  are  extremely 
simple,  as  it  thrives  well  in  almost  any  soil,  succeeds  in  either  a  cool  or 
warm  structure,  and  requires  but  little  root  room,  excellent  examples  being 
produced  in  3-inch  pots.  Propagation  is  easily  effected  by  root  division, 
by  which  means  a  good  stock  may  quickly  be  worked  up.  Those  who 
are  unacquainted  with  this  plant  should  lose  no  time  in  obtaining  it, 
and  I  feel  sure  they  will  consider  I  have  not  over-estimated  its  intrinsic 
merit. — H.  D. 


November  3,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


421 


- The  Eoyal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — At  the  recent 

meeting  of  the  Committee  of  the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund, 
W.  Marshall,  Esq.,  in  the  chair,  the  following  special  receipts  were 
announced  : — Mr.  W.  Elphinstone,  The  Gardens,  Shepley  Hall,  Derby, 
opening  the  gardens  during  the  summer,  £11  Is.  6d. ;  Mr.  J.  H. 
Vallance,  local  Secretary,  Bristol,  legacy,  £3  Ss. ;  Mrs.  Bowerman, 
Hackwood  Park,  sale  of  flowers,  £1  6s.  ;  Mr.  J.  Plowman,  Woodstock 
Gardens,  Long  Sutton,  box,  10s.  ;  Mr.  G.  Tubb,  Minley  Manor,  Farn- 
borough,  box.  £1  2s.  2d. ;  Miss  Barron,  Chiswick,  box,  £1  lls.  ;  Mr.  F.  A. 
Burbury,  Highbury,  Birmingham,  box,  £1  IGs. ;  Mr.  J.  B.  Stevenson, 
Chine  Cottage,  Bournemouth,  box,  Gs.  5d.  ;  and  Mr.  C.  Sutton,  The 
Gardens,  Chevening  Park,  Sevenoaks,  Gs.  5d.  The  Secretary  reported 
the  receipt  of  £100  from  Mr.  N.  Sherwood  (Messrs.  Hurst  &  Sons)  as  a 
jubilee  celebration  gift,  and  a  hearty  vote  of  thanks  was  passed  to  this 
generous  supporter  of  the  fund.  The  death  of  Mr.  Hugh  Low  of  Clapton, 
a  member  of  the  Committee,  was  alluded  to,  and  a  resolution  of  condolence 
with  Mrs.  Low  on  the  great  loss  she  and  the  Committee  has  sustained, 
was  passed. 

-  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition.  —  Among  the 

awards  made  at  the  recent  Gardening  and  Forestry  Exhibition,  Earl’s 
Court,  for  permanent  exhibits,  we  noted  the  following  names  : — Garden¬ 
ing  section. — Gold  medal  :  Messrs.  J.  M.  Bennett  &  Sons,  Ardwick, 
Manchester.  Silver-gilt  medals  :  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading  ; 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  Sussex  ;  Messrs.  Ransomes,  Sims,  and 
Jefferies  (Limited),  Orwell  Works,  Ipswich  ;  Messrs.  Joseph  Owen 
and  Sons,  67,  St.  Anne  Street,  Liverpool ;  Messrs.  Conway  G.  Warne 
(Limited),  Weston-super-Mare  ;  Messrs.  F.  Rosher  &  Co.,  King’s  Road, 
Chelsea;  Mr.  G.  W.  Riley,  81,  Dnlwich  Road,  Herne  Hill,  S.E.  ;  Miss 
Sarah  Sprules,  Wallington,  Surrey  ;  and  Messrs.  Chaffey  Bros.  (Limited) 
35,  Queen  Victoria  Street,  E.C.  The  forestry  section  included — silver 
medals  :  His  Royal  Highness  Prince  Christian,  K.G.  ;  Mr.  John  Mickie, 
Her  Majesty’s  Forester;  and  Colonel  Beddome,  F.R.H.S. 

- The  Winter  Moth. — Mr,  J.  Hiam,  The  Wren’s  Nest,  Astwood 

Bank,  near  Eedditch,  observes,  “  This  pest  is  making  its  appearance  in 
strong  force,  as  was  to  be  expected  after  such  an  exceptionally  favour¬ 
able  season  for  developing,  and  if  grease-banding  is  to  be  resorted  to 
instead  of  Paris  green  spraying  in  the  spring  no  time  should  be  lost.  It 
may  be  well  to  call  to  memory  that  it  was  after  the  dry  season  of  1887, 
that  1888  and  1889  were  so  disastrous  from  the  ravages  of  these  cater¬ 
pillars,  and  the  orchards  and  plantations  were  stripped  of  truit  and 
foliage.  We  have  obtained  much  intimate  knowledge  since  then  of  the 
habits  of  our  common  enemy,  and  we  know  that  the  female  moths  may 
be  stopped  if  grease-banding  is  properly  done.  Egg-laying  is  chiefly 
carried  out  from  the  middle  to  the  end  of  November,  and  if  this  month 
and  December  are  mild  a  great  increase  in  numbers  next  year  will 
inevitably  follow.  We  read  in  the  summer  that  in  Devonshire  much 
damage  was  done  from  caterpillars,  and  it  would  be  interesting  to  know 
if  they  were  Cheimatobias  or  what  kind  ?  ” 

-  Open  Spaces. — At  the  monthly  meeting  of  the  Metropolitan 

Public  Gardens  Association,  83,  Lancaster  Gate,  W.,  the  Earl  of  Meath, 
the  Chairman,  presiding,  it  was  announced  by  him,  as  reported  in  the 
Journal  of  Horticulture  last  week,  page  400,  that  the  Prince  of  Wales  had 
consented  to  become  the  patron  of  the  Association  and  had  contributed 
ten  guineas  to  its  funds.  The  Secretary  also  mentioned  that  a  donation 
of  £50  had  been  received  from  a  member  for  the  erection  of  a  handsome 
drinking  fountain  in  St.  Thomas’s  Square  Garden,  Hackney  ;  that  the 
necessary  consents  had  been  obtained  for  the  daily  opening  to  the  public 
of  the  Tower  Wharf,  instead  of  twice  a  week  ;  that  the  Battersea  Vestry 
had  agreed  to  form  a  riverside  recreation  ground  at  a  cost  of  over  £2000, 
towards  which  the  Association  had  offered  to  subscribe  £1000  ;  and  that 
the  laying  out  of  Victoria  Park  Cemetery  and  the  Pern  Road  Triangle 
was  being  satisfactorily  carried  on.  It  was  agreed  to  offer  to  lay  out  the 
churchyards  of  St.  Matthew  and  St.  James’s,  Bethnal  Green  and  Ion 
Square,  Hackney  Road,  if  their  maintenance  were  secured,  and  if 
money  for  the  payment  of  wages  to  those  in  want  of  work  were  forth¬ 
coming,  the  Association  providing  the  balance,  about  one-half,  of  the 
total  cost.  It  was  also  decided  to  offer  to  lay  out  Albion  Square^ 
Dalston,  Bessborough  Gardens,  S.W.,  and  Guy’s  Hospital  disused 
burial  ground,  S.E.,  if  transferred  to  the  local  authorities  for  mainte¬ 
nance  ;  to  offer  trees  for  the  Albert  Embankment  and  other  thorough¬ 
fares  ;  to  once  more  endeavour  to  prevent  the  Physic  Garden,  Chelsea, 
from  being  sold  for  building  purposes ;  to  promote  the  acquisition  of 
five  acres  of  land  once  forming  part  of  Wandsworth  Common  ;  and  to 
offer  to  bear  the  expenses  of  opening  to  the  public  a  playground 
in  Clerkenwell,  when  not  used  by  the  scholars. 


- Raspberries  in  October. — Mr.  W.  Gabbitas,  Harrogate, 

writes  : — “  I  noticed  several  correspondents  in  the  Journal  of  Horti¬ 
culture  (page  399)  mention  gathering  Raspberries  and  Strawberries  in 
the  south,  but  I  have  not  heard  of  anyone  securing  a  second  crop  so 
far  north  as  Harrogate.  It  might,  therefore,  be  of  interest  to  some 
readers  to  know  that  1  have  to-day  (November  4th)  gathered  several 
ripe  Raspberries  and  more  are  about  half  matured.  They  are  on  the  new 
canes  of  this  summer’s  growth.  We  have  also  been  gathering  Scarlet 
Runner  Beans  until  a  week  since.” 

-  The  Total  Rainfall  for  October  at  Abbots  Leigh, 

Haywards  Heath,  Sussex,  was  4  26  inches,  being  0  31  inch  above 
the  average.  The  heaviest  fall  was  1'45  inch,  on  the  11th.  Rain  fell 
on  nineteen  days.  The  maximum  temperature  was  64°,  on  the  2l8t  ; 
the  minimum  27°,  on  the  31st.  Mean  maximum  in  the  shade,  57  29°  ; 
mean  minimum,  42  26°  ;  mean  temperature,  49  74°,  about  4°  above  the 
average.  The  frost  on  the  morning  of  the  31st  is  the  first  we  have  had 
to  injure  tender  plants,  and  up  till  then  Runner  Beans  and  Dahlia 
blooms  have  been  as  fine  as  they  have  been  this  year.  Some  good  Roses 
were  gathered  that  morning,  and  Chrysanthemums  on  south  front  of 
house  are  still  uninjured,  showing  their  usefulness. — R.  I. 

-  The  Weather  Last  Month.  —  Mr.  W,  H.  Divers,  Ketton 

Hall  Gardens,  Stamford,  remarks : — “  October  was  changeable,  but 
chiefly  fine  after  the  7th  with  a  fair  amount  of  sunshine.  We  had  seven¬ 
teen  bright  days,  two  of  which  were  clear.  The  wind  was  in  a  westerly 
direction  twenty-nine  days.  Total  rainfall  was  2-48  inches,  which  fell 
on  fifteen  days,  the  greatest  daily  fall  being  0'69  inch  on  the  7th  ;  the 
total  is  0'46  inch  below  the  average  for  the  month.  Barometer — highest, 
30  45  at  9  P.M.  on  23rd  ;  lowest,  2916  at  1  p.m.  on  4th.  Temperature 
milder  than  usual — highest  in  shade,  67°  on  16th  and  21st ;  lowest, 
29°  on  31st ;  lowest  on  grass,  21°  on  31st.  Mean  daily  maximum,  58-54°; 
mean  daily  minimum,  42  54°  ;  mean  temperature  of  the  month,  50  58°. 
Tender  flowers,  such  as  Dahlias  and  Heliotrope  were  not  killed  by  frost 
until  the  3l8t.  It  has  been  a  very  fine  autumn  for  Wheat  sowing.  The 
garden  spring  ran  8|  gallons  per  minute  on  31st.” 

-  The  Weather  in  Hertfordshire. — Mr.  E.  Wallis,  The 

Gardens,  Hamels  Park,  Buntingford,  Herts,  writes: — “The  weather 
during  the  past  month  has  been  all  that  the  horticulturist  could  possibly 
desire.  There  has  been  an  abundance  of  rain,  which  has  not  in  the  least 
been  a  hindrance  to  outdoor  work.  The  weather  has  also  been  of  a 
very  mild  and  open  character.  Taking  the  month  all  through,  it  has 
doubtless  been  one  of  the  best  Octobers  ever  known,  and  not  until  the 
morning  of  31st  was  there  sufficient  frost  to  destroy  such  tender  plants 
as  Coleus  and  Iresine,  when  7°  were  registered.  Taking  the  year  up  to 
the  present  doubtless  few  gardeners  have  had  such  good  all-round  crops 
during  any  other  season.  Rainfall  on  fourteen  days  during  the  past 
month. — Maximum  in  any  twenty-four  hours  was  1-06  on  the  8th  ; 
minimum,  0  02  on  the  22nd.  Total  during  the  month,  3  06,  against  3-90 
of  1892.” 


PE  AES  VERSUS  PEACHES. 

In  answer  to  Mr.  Molyneuxonpage  373,  the  figures  previously  quoted 
were  those  affixed  to  the  fruit  in  the  shop  windows,  and  I  considered 
that  the  grower  could  not  be  so  badly  treated  when  such  a  price  was 
asked  by  the  fruiterer.  I  could  mention  several  instances  around  me 
where  small  growers  have  realised  handsome  prices  for  Pears,  owing  to 
their  taking  their  produce  round  to  the  villa  residences  and  so  doing 
away  with  the  middleman.  Was  it  altogether  a  question  of  money 
which  “C.”  had  in  his  mind  when  he  wrote  the  article  on  page  259  ?  If 
so,  I  did  not  quite  look  at  it  in  that  light  alone,  but  thought  he  referred 
to  those  persons  who  have  private  establishments. 

Even  if  the  market  grower  only  was  to  be  studied,  I  maintain  that 
a  wall  covered  with  cordon  Pears,  well  selected,  and  liberally  fed  with 
manure  water  during  the  summer,  the  result  being  magnificent  fruits, 
would  eventually  prove  far  more  profitable  than  Peaches  in  many  parts 
of  Lancashire.  It  is  useless  to  expect  to  realise  the  best  prices  for 
unthinned  fruit.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  where  Peaches  are  known 
not  to  succeed  that  they  might  wisely  be  done  away  with,  planting 
Pears  in  their  stead.  “C.’s”  article  is  so  carefully  worded,  persuasive, 
and  so  full  of  sound  reasoning,  that  very  little  exception  can  be  taken 
to  it.  Referring  to  Marie  Louise  Pear,  I  may  say  that  it  does  splendidly 
here,  and  we  have  no  Pear  which  gives  us  such  a  succession  of  fruit. 
Beurrd  Diel  crops  well  also.  From  a  wall  we  get  large  fruit  and  by  no 
means  badly  flavoured.  The  worst  flavoured  fruit  comes  from  the 
pyramids,  at  least  so  we  find  it  here.— R.  P.  R. 

Peach  Leaf  Blister. 

I  TAKE  this  opportunity  of  thanking  Mr.  Abhey  (page  373)  for 
giving  us  the  benefit  of  his  scientific  studies  of  the  diseases  of  plants. 
He  has  brought  to  light  many  things  which  have  been  hidden  from  our 


422 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  N  ovember  9,  1893. 


view,  and  I  have  no  doubt  he  will  further  enlighten  us  on  many  more 
diseases  of  which  we  are  ignorant  of  at  the  present  time. 

About  ten  years  ago  we  bought  a  dozen  Peach  trees,  and  planted 
them  against  a  south  wall.  In  the  following  spring  one  of  them,  about 
in  the  middle,  had  several  blistered  leaves,  but  none  of  the  others  had 
any  on  them.  The  next  spring  the  same  tree  was  worse  affected,  and  a 
few  odd  leaves  were  blistered  on  the  tree  nearest  to  it.  I  could  not 
understand  how  cold  winds  could  cause  blister  to  come  in  such  a  peculiar 
way,  and  as  I  thought  it  might  be  either  an  insect  or  fungus,  I  gave  the 
tree  which  was  first  (and  the  worst)  affected  a  thorough  syringing  with 
softsoap,  2  ozs.  to  the  gallon  of  water,  which  I  repeated  after  a  week’s 
interval.  The  following  spring  the  tree  which  was  washed  had  very 
little  blister,  but  it  had  considerably  increased  on  all  (or  nearly  all)  the 
other  trees.  1  then  gave  all  the  trees  two  good  washings  with  the 
same  admixture,  which  I  follow  up  every  spring,  with  the  result  that 
only  slight  traces  of  blister  were  visible  this  spring. — B.  L.  J. 


Chrysanthemum  Shows. 

We  have  received  numerous  intimations  of  Chrysanthemum  shows 
which  are  to  be  held  during  the  current  month,  but  space  can  only  be 
found  for  the  enumeration  of  those  that  have  been  advertised  in  our 
columns  up  to  date,  of  which  the  following  is  a  list  ; — 

Nov.  10th  and  11th. — Bradford. 

„  14th  and  15th. — Twickenham,  West  of  England  (Plymouth). 

„  15th  and  16th. — Birmingham,  Hull,  Bristol,  South  Shields,  Rugby. 

„  15th,  16th,  and  17th. — Herefordshire. 

„  16th,  17th,  and  18th. — Edinburgh,  York. 

„  17th  and  18th. — Bolton,  SheflBeld. 

„  24th  and  25th. — Eccles  and  Patricroft. 

Mr.  Smee’s  Chrysanthemums. 

We  are  informed  that  Mr.  Smee’s  Chrysanthemums  at  The  Grange, 
Hackbridge,  Carshalton,  Surrey,  are  open  to  public  inspection  every 
afternoon  this  week,  also  on  Sunday  next.  The  display  is  described  as 
an  excellent  one,  and  no  doubt  numbers  of  persons  will  avail  themselves 
of  the  privilege  kindly  afforded,  and  enjoy  the  floral  treat  provided  by 
the  skill  of  Mr.  Cummins,  Mr.  Smee’s  most  competent  gardener. 

Chrysanthemum  Lucy  Kendall. 

Perhaps  a  note  on  this  variety  may  not  be  inopportune  now 
that  it  has  been  named  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  and  may,  if  it 
were  necessary,  set  aside  any  doubt  as  to  the  distinctness  of  this  variety. 
Lucy  Kendall  is  a  direct  sport  from  Violet  Tomlin,  possessing  all  the 
characteristics  of  Princess  of  Wales.  In  colour  it  is  pleasing, 
the  middle  part  of  each  petal  is  deep  purple  violet,  shading  to 
a  lighter  tint  near  the  edge.  When  unfolding  the  tip  of  each  petal  is 
gold  colour,  which  passes  away  with  age. — E.  M. 

A  Large  Viviand  Morel. 

I  HAVE  a  Viviand  Morel  Chrj’'3anthemum  that  I  think  is  an  extra¬ 
ordinary  size.  1  put  a  piece  of  string  round  the  bloom  and  it  measured 
24  inches,  and  if  raised  and  the  petals  spread  out  over  36  inches. 
Placing  a  piece  of  string  over  it  extending  to  the  bottom  of  the  petals, 
it  was  16^  inches.  What  do  your  readers  think  about  it?  It  is  perfect 
as  regards  the  colour. — F.  J.,  Olton. 

White  Viviand  Morel. 

Although  there  may  be  a  pure  white  variety  in  existence  as  a 
sport  from  Viviand  Morel,  it  would  be  wise  for  “  A  Young  Beginner  ” 
(page  402)  not  to  exhibit  what  is  apparently  a  new  variety  until  the 
white  is  produced  direct  from  cuttings  in  a  general  way,  and  especially 
developed  from  terminal  buds,  or,  what  is  better  still,  grow  a  plant 
of  it  as  a  bush.  If  the  whole  of  the  blooms  retained  their  purity  of 
colour  then,  there  could  possibly  be  no  doubt  about  the  genuineness  of 
the  sport.  Viviand  Morel  is  so  fond  of  sporting  in  the  various  stages 
of  development,  that  it  is  hard  to  say  what  colour  we  shall  obtain 
next  from  this  grand  Japanese  variety. — E.  Molyneux. 


I  FEAR  your  correspondent,  “  A  Young  Beginner  ”  (page  402),  would 
not  be  allowed  to  show  a  white  flower  on  the  same  board  with  Viviand 
Morel  as  a  distinct  variety,  I  had  one,  as  I  thought,  thoroughly  flxed 
last  year,  and  sent  it  out  as  Mrs.  W.  R.  Wells.  I  am  sorry  to  say  it  has 
reverted  to  the  parent  variety.  This  I  much  regret,  as  I  felt  so  con¬ 
fident  of  its  constancy.  If  your  correspondent  had  these  plants  through 
me  I  shall  only  be  too  pleased  to  substitute  any  other  varieties  as  I 
guaranteed  when  I  sent  out  plants  of  Mrs.  W.  R.  Wells  last  spring. — 
W.  Wells,  Earlsioood  Nurseries,  Redhill,  Surrey. 

[We  suspect  that  any  exhibitor  is  fully  justified  in  staging  a  pure 
white  form  of  Viviand  Morel  in  the  same  stand  with  its  deep  pink 
prototype,  as  the  two  blooms,  pure  white  and  deep  pink,  would  be 


absolutely  distinct.  The  two  forms  were  staged  in  a  prize  stand  at  the 
Crystal  Palace  Show,  and  we  suspect  the  judges  did  not  entertain  a 
thought  of  disqualification,  nor  are  we  aware  that  a  protest  was  made 
by  any  exhibitor.  The  judges  at  the  Crystal  Palace  were  Messrs.  T. 
Bevan,  W.  Coomber,  R.  Dean,  J.  Douglas,  W.  Earley,  G.  Gordon, 
J.  Hudson,  J.  Laing,  J,  Willard,  J,  Wright,  B.  Wynne,  and  G.  Wythes.] 

Chrysanthemums  at  Jesmond  Towers. 

I  AM  glad  to  see  you  are  making  a  striking  feature  of  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums  in  your  Journal.  On  Friday  last  I  went  to  see  one  of  our  best 
growers  in  the  north,  Mr.  T.  J.  Wheeler,  gardener  to  C.  Mitchell,  Esq., 
Jesmond  Towers,  Newcastle,  who  cultivates  nearly  500  plants,  which  are 
in  excellent  health  and  are  carrying  grand  flowers.  The  best  flowers  of 
older  varieties  are  Viviand  Morel,  Boule  d’Or,  Florence  Davis,  W.  Tricker, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Bouquet  des  Dames,  Etoile  deLyon,  Coronet,  Stanstead 
Surprise,  Gloire  du  Rocher, La  Triomphant,  Cleopatra,  Sunflower,  Edwin 
Molyneux,  Avalanche,  Stanstead  White,  and  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste. 
The  best  new  ones  include  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne  (grand),  Mdme.  Edouard 
Rey,  Elma  D.  Smith,  G.  W.  Childs,  Le  Verseau,  Miss  Dorothy  Shea, 
William  Seward,  John  Shrimpton,  Princess  Victoria,  Mrs.  Neville, 
President  Borel,  Robert  Owen,  Excelsior,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Mrs. 
W.  H.  Fowler,  Lord  Brooke,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Lucy  Kendall,  and 
Charles  Davis  (grand).  Incurved  blooms  are  rather  later,  but  the  best 
are  the  Princess  and  Queea  family,  Mrs.  Shipman,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant, 
Baron  Hirscb,  Mrs.  Clibran,  Jardin  des  Plants,  Refulgens,  Madame 
Darrier,  and  Lord  Wolseley.  The  Anemone  varieties  look  well,  the  best 
new  ones  being  Duchess  of  Westminster,  Beauty  of  Eynsford,  Gladys, 
and  Sabine. — Bernard  Cowan. 

Chrysanthemums  at  the  Crystal  Palace. 

It  may  not  be  so  generally  known  as  it  ought  to  be  that  one  of  the 
finest  displays  of  Chrysanthemums  now  to  be  seen  in  or  near  the 
metropolis  is  at  the  Crystal  Palace.  As  effective  as  the  cut  blooms 
and  trained  plants  were  at  the  Show  there  last  week,  they  failed  to  make 
such  a  fine  display  as  did  the  plants  which  had  been  grown  at  the 
Crystal  Palace  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  W.  G.  Head,  the  Garden 
Superintendent.  We  are  linformed  that  7000  plants  are  cultivated  here, 
and  so  it  may  be  imagined  that  these  now  form  an  attraction  of  no 
ordinary  character. 

The  majority  of  the  plants  are  arranged  in  a  large  group  at  one  end 
of  the  central  transept  near  the  fountain,  and  here  attract  consider¬ 
able  notice.  They  are  well  grown  and  carrying  flowers  of  a  good  size 
and  substance.  Whilst  all  the  standard  varieties  are  cultivated  the 
novelties  of  the  current  year  receive  attention,  and  these  are  in 
excellent  condition.  In  addition  to  the  group  mentioned  there  are 
many  other  smaller  collections  placed  in  various  parts  of  the  Palace, 
these  imparting  a  bright  appearance  to  the  huge  building.  Much 
more  could  be  said  in  regard  to  the  excellence  of  the  Crystal  Palace 
Chrysanthemums,  but  space  is  valuable,  and  although  brief,  this  notice 
will  be  sufficient  to  indicate  that  the  plants  are  deserving  of  more  than 
a  passing  glance. 

Chrysanthemums  in  South  Westmoreland. 

During  the  last  few  years  Chrysanthemums  have  been  extensively 
cultivated  for  the  production  of  large  blooms  in  many  private  places  in 
Westmoreland.  The  past  season  has  been  very  favourable  to  many  of 
the  Japanese,  but  the  incurved  lack  the  refinement  of  last  year. 

At  Dalton  Hall,  near  Burton,  Mr.  Moorhouse  has  been  a  grower  more 
than  a  dozen  years,  and  his  collection  of  about  300  plants  does  him 
great  credit.  New  ones  are  tested  each  year.  Among  the  best  are 
Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  John  Dyer,  and  Felix  Cassagneux,  Florence 
Davis,  R.  C.  Kingston,  Alberic  Lunden,  and  Sunflower.  Among  the 
incurved  are,  Robert  Owen  (which  here  resembles  a  poor  Chevalier 
Domage),  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  (very  fine),  Madame  Darrier,  small  but 
smooth. 

At  Dalton  Tower  Mr.  Sarple  has  over  300  dwarf  plants  in  one  house. 
Gloire  du  Rocher,  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn,  W.  Tricker,  Viviand  Morel 
(both  pure  white  and  deep  mauve),  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Sunflower, 
W.  Tricker,  and  J.  Stanborough  Dibben,  are  very  fine,  the  same  apply¬ 
ing  to  Gloire  du  Rocher,  which  has  long  spreading  florets  resembling 
Sunflower  in  build.  Among  incurved  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  the  Queen 
family  and  Tecks  are  prominent. 

Mr.  McGregor  of  Brettorgh  Holt,  near  Kendal,  has  some  excellent 
flowers  on  the  350  plants  grown.  These  included  thirty  plants  of 
Bouquet  des  Dames,  which  made  a  fine  show,  Viviand  Morel,  W.  H. 
Lincoln,  Pelican,  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn,  W.  Tricker,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clark, 
Jeanne  Delaux,  are  carrying  exceptionally  fine  blooms  ;  while  of  the 
incurved  John  Lambert,  Lord  Alcester,  and  Empress  of  India  are  fine. 
Mr.  McGregor  is  of  opinion  that  there  are  too  many  varieties  grown 
generally,  and  maintains  that  if  twenty  or  thirty  plants  of  each  of  the 
very  best  varieties  were  grown  a  better  display  might  be  made. 

At  Sedgwick  House  many  new  varieties  are  grown,  the  most  pro¬ 
mising  being  Le  Verseux,  a  refined  Etoile  de  Lyon  ;  Eda  Prass,  very 
fine ;  John  Farwell,  dark  crimson  maroon ;  Mrs.  Nesbit,  fine  deep 
reflexed  Japanese  magenta  with  silvery  reverse  ;  Excelsior,  incurved 
Jap.  ;  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  very  fine  flowers ;  and  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne, 
the  largest  of  all.  Among  older  varieties.  Sunflower,  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  E.  Molyneux,  and  J.  Stanborough 
Dibben  are  good.  Incurved  varieties  are  rough  generally,  but  Madame 
Darrier  and  Mons.  R.  Bahuant  are  very  fine.  Many  other  new  ones 
have  promising  buds,  but  this  collection  is  later  by  a  week  or  ten  days 


NoTember  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


423 


than  any  of  the  others,  owing  no  doubt  to  the  low-lying  situation  where 
the  plants  have  been  grown.  About  400  plants  are  grown  here  for  the 
production  of  large  flowers,  also  a  good  number  of  bush  plants. — W.  S. 

Chrysanthemums  at  Maidenhead. 

A  FEW  days  since  I  paid  a  visit  to  Mr.  R.  Owen’s  nursery  at  Castle 
Hill,  Maidenhead,  to  look  over  his  collection  of  Chrysanthemums,  and 
note  a  few  of  his  most  promising  varieties.  Several  houses  are  filled 
with  seedlings,  and  others  with  older  and  established  named  kinds.  The 
whole  stock  is  in  a  very  flourishing  condition  ;  good  culture,  together 
with  the  healthy  and  open  position  of  the  nursery,  having  much  to  do 
with  the  sturdy  and  robust  state  of  the  plants. 

Japanese  varieties  predominate,  but  a  fair  proportion  of  incurved, 
Anemones,  and  Pompons  are  also  grown.  On  entering  the  first  house 
Golden  Avalanche  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  to  catch  the  eye,  a 
seedling  from  the  well-known  white,  having  the  dwarf  and  sturdy  habit 
of  the  parent.  A  very  fine  seedling  white,  named  Beauty  of  Maiden¬ 
head,  is  of  large  dimensions,  long,  waxy  petals,  the  points  incurved. 
James  Myers  is  of  a  distinct  rosy  fawn  colour,  difficult  to  describe,  and 
very  good.  W.  H.  Fowler  is  a  good  yellow,  already  exhibited. 
Viscountess  Hambledon  I  noted  was  carrying  some  large  blooms,  and 
Mrs.  Dene  is  another  fine  Japanese,  colour  silvery  pink.  Beauty  of 
Exmouth  is  strongly  in  evidence,  beautiful  flowers  on  dwarf  plants. 
Thomas  Hewitt  is  another  new  variety,  and  in  an  adjoining  house  I 
observed  a  promising  hirsute  variety  of  a  bronzy  yellow  colour,  not  fully 
open.  It  is  impossible  to  mention  all,  and  many  seedlings  have  not  yet 
received  names.  Many  plants  of  Charles  Davis,  the  sport  from  Vi  viand 
Morel,  were  in  bloom,  but  corresponding  in  colour  or  petal  with  those 
certificated  on  October  11th,  the  flowers  apparently  being  from  terminal 
buds,  and  all  of  a  bronzy  red  colour,  and  very  little  of  yellow  in  it. 
Presumably  the  crown  bud  of  strong  plants  produces  the  yellow  flower, 
and  one  may  still  ask.  Where  is  the  real  yellow  Viviand  Morel  1  The 
same  remark  applies  to  the  so-called  white  sport  Mrs.  Wells  ;  the 
terminal  flowers  are  not  pure  white. 

Of  incurved  varieties  Brookleigh  Gem  was  conspicuous  ;  it  is  a  lilac 
sport  from  Jeanne  d’Arc,  the  flowers  equalling  that  variety  in  size.  Baron 
Hirsch  is  decidedly  the  greatest  acquisition  in  this  class,  and  will  be  sure 
to  find  a  place  in  most  prizewinning  stands.  Robert  Petfield,  a  seedling 
from  Princess  of  Wales,  certificated,  but  not  sent  out  yet,  is  of  a  silvery 
lilac  colour,  the  type  of  its  parent.  Several  exhibition  blooms  are  now 
open.  Lord  Rosebery  is  an  incurved  of  a  dark  plum  colour,  and  a 
seedling  partly  expanded  promised  to  equal  in  colour  the  well-known 
Jardin  des  Plants. 

Growing  outside  was  an  interesting  display  of  October  and  early 
flowering  kinds,  an  unusual  show  for  the  end  of  the  mouth,  several  of 
the  Japanese  being  worthy  of  mention  —  namely.  Lord  Hawke,  rich 
claret ;  Harvest  Home,  chestnut  red  and  gold  ;  Golden  Shower,  very  free  ; 
Snowflake,  white  ;  Gold-mine,  bronze  and  gold  ;  Profusion,  these  were 
all  raised  at  Castle  Hill.  Others  very  good  wmre  the  Pompons,  ineluding 
Inimitable,  Pomponium,  Madame  Edouard  Lefort,  Viscount  Clicquot, 
Souvenir  de  Louis  Ferie,  M.  A.  Herlaut,  and  La  Vierge. — Visitor. 

At  THE  Royal  Gardens,  Windsor. 

The  collection  of  Chrysanthemums  at  the  Royal  Gardens,  Windsor, 
may  be  truly  termed  a  royal  one,  comprising,  as  it  does,  all  the  latest 
introductions,  and  many  of  the  best  of  the  older  varieties.  There  are 
in  all  upwards  of  4000  plants  grown,  and  Mr.  Thomas,  the  well  known 
gardener,  estimates  that  he  will  have  almost  equally  as  fine  a  display  at 
Christmas  as  he  has  now.  The  display  is  a  magnificent  one,  rich  in 
colour,  and  splendid  flowers.  The  plants  are  not  arranged  in  one 
structure,  but  are  placed  in  almost  all  the  cooler  houses  in  the  gardens. 
Some  are  in  full  bloom,  while  others  are  only  just  showing  their  buds. 
Amongst  these  latter  must  be  mentioned  a  number  of  small  plants  in 
6-inch  pots  grown  from  cuttings  rooted  in  strong  heat  during  the  month 
of  June,  and  which  are  now  sturdy  little  specimens.  They  will  come 
in  admirably  for  decorative  purposes  and  for  supplying  cut  blooms,  though 
for  this  latter  purpose  Mr.  Thomas  has  a  large  number  of  plants  planted 
out  in  a  border.  All  the  plants  are  well  grown  and  carrying  stout 
foliage,  in  almost  all  cases  right  down  to  the  pots.  Flowers  are  nume¬ 
rous,  and  as  has  been  said  before,  highly  coloured,  there  being  an 
average  of  half  a  dozen  blooms  to  each  plant.  This  remark  applies  of 
course  to  the  large  flowered  sections,  and  not  to  those  grown  for  purposes 
of  decoration  or  for  affording  a  supply  of  cut  flowers. 

From  amongst  the  varieties  in  bloom  at  the  present  time  a  few  of  the 
very  best  have  been  selected  and  are  mentioned  here.  Immediately  on 
entering  the  structure  in  which  the  earliest  plants  are  shown  is  a 
superb  bloom  of  Wm.  Seward  of  exceptional  size  and  perfect  form. 
Avalanche,  though  an  old  variety,  holds  its  own  well  with  some  of  the 
later  introductions  as  also  does  the  bright  yellow  Sunflower.  Colonel 
W.  B.  Smith  is  represented  by  several  grand  flowers,  the  colour  in  many 
being  a  rich  old  gold.  A  beautiful  variety  is  found  in  Brocklebank 
Improved,  the  colour  of  which  is  a  charmingly  delicate  straw.  J.  W. 
Penny  is  a  chaste  flower  with  narrow  pure  white  florets  which  render  it 
most  attractive  amongst  its  more  substantial  looking  neighbours.  Some 
grand  flowers  of  the  well  known  Baron  Hirsch  are  prominent,  and  the 
game  may  be  said  of  the  claret-coloured  R.  0.  Kingston.  Puritan  is  a 
very  beautiful  variety  which  is  deservedly  popular,  as  also  is  Gloire  du 
Rocher,  of  which  there  are  some  exceptionally  good  examples.  Chas. 
E.  Shea  is  a  refined  looking  flower  of  a  pale  lemon  yellow  tint,  and  Annie 
Clibran  may  be  placed  amongst  the  first  of  the  pinks.  Hairy  petalled 


varieties  are  not  numerous  but  of  unusual  quality,  more  especially  of 
the  Louis  Boehmer  type,  of  which  the  white  variety  is  decidedly  the 
best.  Excelsior  is  a  pleasing  variety  with  bright  magenta  florets, 
having  a  silvery  reflex.  Bouquet  des  Dames  appears  to  be  unusually 
good  everywhere  this  season,  some  blooms  at  Windsor  being  perfect 
in  their  symmetry. 

Miss  Anna  Hartzhorn  is  represented  by  some  superb  flowers,  as  also 
is  Comte  de  Germiny,  which  is,  however,  rather  paler  in  colour  than  it 
is  generally  seen.  Duchess  of  Devonshire  is  a  really  fine  flower,  which 
should  become  popular,  the  blooms  having  a  delicately  refined  appear¬ 
ance  which  is  most  pleasing.  The  colour  is  a  charming  shade  of  pink. 
Primrose  League  is  a  superb  variety,  the  outer  florets  being  nearly 
white,  a  centre  of  pale  primrose  ;  the  flowers  are  large  in  size,  and 
of  a  handsome  shape.  Condor,  with  its  broad  pure  white  florets,  is 
deservedly  popular,  as  also  is  Edwin  Molyneux.  A  pale  lemon-coloured 
variety,  named  Emily  Dale  Improved,  is  very  beautiful  ;  and  W.  A. 
Manda,  with  its  bright  yellow  hairy  petals,  is  amongst  the  most  showy. 
Wm.  Tricker  is  to  be  seen  in  perfect  form,  as  also  are  Gloriosum,  G.  W. 
Childs,  and  Richard  Parker.  An  attractive  variety  is  to  be  seen  in 
Moonlight,  which  is  white,  tinged  with  sulphur  in  colour.  Madame 
J.  Laing  is  a  bright  rose  coloured  flower  of  splendid  shape,  and  the 
bronze  blooms  of  the  well-known  Lord  Brooke  were  very  fine.  A  good 
salmon-tinted  kind  is  Lilian  B.  Bird,  and  for  a  brick  red  Masterpiece 
will  be  difficult  to  supersede.  A  curious  flower  is  seen  on  a  plant  of 
Madame  R.  Owen,  one  half  being  pure  white,  and  the  remainder  deep 
lilac.  The  bloom  was  perfect  in  shape,  and  others  on  the  plant  had 
retained  their  normal  eolour.  Amongst  the  numerous  others  noticed 
were  Ada  Spaulding,  Mr.  A,  H.  Neve,  Edwin  Lonsdale,  Mdlle.  Mari  : 
Hoste,  Mrs.  Heale,  Madame  Cabriol,  Eynsford  White,  F.  A.  Davis,  and 
Robt,  Cannell.  A  large  flower  of  Viviand  Morel  measured  13  inches 
diameter,  which  will  serve  to  illustrate  the  admirable  manner  in  which 
the  plants  have  been  grown.  It  must  not  be  thought  that  those  above 
mentioned  represent  the  varieties  eultivated  at  Windsor,  for  such  is 
not  the  case.  There  are  dozens  of  others  perhaps  equally  as  good,  but 
of  which  special  mention  cannot  be  made. — Nomad. 

Early  and  Semi-Early  Flowering  Chrysanthemums. 

Notwithstanding  the  admitted  general  depression  in  trade,  the 
progress  of  the  Chrysanthemum  is  great,  and  the  early  and  semi-early 
varieties  enjoy  their  full  share  in  this  advance.  The  summer  of  1893  has 
been  one  of  such  exceptional  length  and  sunshine  that  it  is  a  chance  if 
many  persons  will  see  the  like  in  England  again.  Its  effects  on  all 
vegetation  has  been  most  marked,  not  only  due  to  its  length  and  bright¬ 
ness,  but  by  its  long  period  of  absence  of  rain.  Where  Chrysanthemums 
have  been  planted  in  the  open  gardens  or  fields  where  they  could  not  be 
sufficiently  watered,  their  flowers,  even  after  the  rain  did  come,  have 
frequently  proved  abortive,  and  even  in  many  cases  where  they  were 
grown  in  pots  and  sufficiently  watered  and  manured  the  blooms  have 
come  with  what  growers  call  a  “  weedy  eye.”  I  have  noticed  this 
particularly  in  the  two  crimson  sorts — viz  ,  Roi  des  Prbcoces  and  Ruby 
King,  which  latter,  in  most  seasons,  quite  fills  up  and  covers  any  slight 
weedy  eye  that  does  exist.  It  seems,  like  many  other  cases  in  which 
Nature  appears  to  fear  for  the  existence  of  the  race,  that  extra  effort  is 
made  for  its  perpetuation,  though,  as  far  as  I  can  see,  this  has  not 
been  a  good  season  for  the  growth  of  seed  in  this  country  of  the 
Chrysanthemum. 

Another  curious  result  of  the  season  has  been  that  in  July  many 
varieties  came  into  bloom  that  should  in  usual  seasons  have  been  a  month 
later.  Thus  at  the  end  of  July  I  had  twenty-two  sorts  in  bloom,  and 
at  the  end  of  October  some  were  only  then  in  flower  that  in  ordinary 
years  would  have  done  so  a  month  before,  so  that  in  J uly  the  season  was 
a  month  in  advance  of  usual  summers,  and  at  the  end  of  October  it  was 
in  some  cases  a  month  behind.  Then  some  varieties  have  bloomed  twice 
in  the  season.  White  Lady,  Strathmeath,  and  Dodo  did  so,  and  Blushing 
Bride  has  even  bloomed  three  times.  Of  course  in  all  these  cases  I  am 
speaking  of  plants  grown  naturally,  not  disbudded  or  cut  down  in  any 
way.  Many  plants  through  their  thorough  ripening  and  maturity  have 
produced  vast  masses  of  flowers,  even  more  than  they  usually  do. 

At  the  first  Show  at  the  Aquarium  at  Westminster  on  September  6th 
the  most  striking  feature  as  regards  early  flowering  Chrysanthemums 
were  two  exhibits  of  twenty-four  bunches  in  twenty-four  varieties. 
These  exhibits  were  quite  typical  of  two  different  modes  of  growing, 
and  equally  meritorious  in  their  way.  The  blooms  in  one  stand  were 
probably  grown  entirely  in  the  open  air  and  naturally,  while  those  in 
the  other  exemplified  disbudding  and  finish  under  glass.  Certifieates 
were  awarded  on  that  day  for  a  variety  named  Mr.  Barlow,  and  for  a 
new  yellow  kind  named  Edwin  Rowbottom.  I  do  not  mention  here 
the  many  other  varieties  exhibited  at  this  and  the  second  Show,  because 
many  were  merely  late  varieties,  grown  early  by  taking  the  first  bud  or 
other  means.  At  the  second  Show  at  the  Aquarium  on  October  the  11th 
a  plant  of  Lady  Fitzwygram,  the  new  white  early  sort,  was  exhibited, 
also  several  plants  of  Ryecroft  Glory,  the  new  yellow.  A  group,  mostly 
composed  of  Piercy’s  Seedling,  was  likewise  exhibited. 

It  may  perhaps  be  well  here  to  mention  that  the  splendid  early 
October  variety  Comtessse  Foucher  de  Careil  has  become  one  of  the 
greatest  market  varieties  sold  in  various  forms.  Fine  plants  have  been 
exposed  for  sale  in  48-size  pots.  It  has  been  called  Source  d’Or,  but 
the  latter  variety  c.annot  be  had  nearly  so  early,  neither  is  it  so 
manageable  a  plant,  being  very  tall  and  much  less  profuse  in  flowping. 
Gustave  Grunerwald,  not  Grundelwald  as  I  have  seen  it  spelt,  is  the 
name  of  the  Emperor  of  Russia’s  gardener  at  the  Gatschine  Palace  in 


424 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Kovember  9,  1895. 


Kussia.  This  plant  is  already  in  the  hands  of  one  or  more  large  market 
growers,  but  perhaps  will  not  be  a  common  flower  for  some  time, 
as  it  rather  more  delicate  than  some,  and  not  so  profuse  a  bloomer  as 
many,  but  for  high-class  trade  it  must  take  a  place,  because  it  is  the  most 
beautiful  very  early  variety.  It  was  figured  in  the  Journal  of  Ilortioidticre 
for  August  18th,  1392. 

Of  new  sorts  I  must  put  first  Ryecroft  Glory,  to  which  allusion  has 
already  been  made.  It  is  the  very  finest  semi-early  yellow,  as  it  does 
not  really  fully  bloom  till  the  middle  of  October.  It  has  nearly  every 
good  quality  for  a  plant  in  its  line.  It  is  stout  and  dwarf,  2^  to  3  feet 
high,  and  if  disbudded  will  give  flowers  to  4  inches  across,  of  a  rich 
golden  yellow  colour.  If  grown  naturally  it  produces  a  mass  of  bloom. 
It  is  good  for  propagation,  and  if  cuttings  are  rooted  in  the  middle  of 
May  the  plants  will  bloom  at  the  end  of  October,  doing  well  in  small 
pots.  It  is  a  real  advance  on  any  we  have  had  before  of  its  colour,  and 
is  useful  not  only  as  a  decorative  plant  but  for  providing  cut  flowers. 
Another  variety  which  deserves  mention  is  Gloire  de  Mezin.  This  was 
raised  in  France,  and  sent  over  here  in  1891,  but  although  1  grew  it  last 
yerr  I  did  not  discover  its  great  merits.  It  is  called  a  red  crimson,  but 
it  seems  more  appropriately  to  be  considered  a  red  bronze.  It  is  a 
reflexed  flower,  and  grows  without  disbudding  4  inches  across.  The 
plant  grows  3  feet  6  inches  high,  with  dark  massive  foliage,  and 
it  also  bears  fine  massive  tufts  of  flowers  which  are  a  wonder  to  see.  It 
is  very  good  for  propagation,  and  is  an  excellent  variety  in  every  respect. 
It  blooms  in  the  middle  of  October,  and  can  be  had  up  to  the  end  of  that 
month,  making  it  in  most  seasons  a  fine  open  garden  plant. 

Madame  Marie  Mass6  is  another  sent  over  from  France  in  1891,  It 
is  an  excellent  variety,  very  early,  and  will  bloom  from  a  cutting 
put  in  at  the  beginning  of  May  at  the  end  of  August.  It  starts  with 
three  or  four  blooms,  after  which  it  shoots  out  from  below  these,  and 
blooms  right  on  into  October,  It  grows  rather  over  2  feet  high  with  a 
stout  habit.  The  flowers  are  reflexed  Japanese,  in  colour  of  a  pale 
magenta  to  mauve  ;  very  good  for  propagation.  Orange  Child  was 
raised  herein  1891  from  seed  said  to  be  of  Source  d’Or,  grown  in  America. 
It  is  an  excellent  variety,  somewhat  resembling  the  yellow  sports  of 
Madame  Desgrange,  but  of  better  habit,  inasmuch  as  the  separate  flower 
stalks  are  longer,  thus  enabling  the  flowers  to  come  out  without  dis¬ 
budding.  It  is  a  profuse  blooming  Japanese  with  orange  yellow  flowers 
3|  inches  across.  Grows  2^  feet  high  and  stout,  requiring  no  sticks  to 
support  it.  Blooms  in  September,  and  has  a  moderate  foliage.  It  has 
the  advantage  that  all  the  flowers  can  be  cut  at  one  time,  and  the  plant 
put  out  of  the  way, 

Montague  is  a  seedling  of  my  own,  raised  from  American  seed.  It 
grows  4  feet  high  with  a  fine  open  habit,  spare  foliage,  and  stout  wood. 
The  flowers  are  4  inches  across,  reflexed  Japanese  ;  rich  purple  crimson 
in  colour.  It  does  well  without  disbudding.  Blooms  at  the  beginning 
of  October,  and  is  one  of  the  best  of  its  colour  that  flowers  at  that  period. 
Another  seedling  of  my  own  raising  is  American  Star.  This  is  a  model 
for  stoutness  of  habit  and  profuseness  of  blooming.  It  grows  only 
2  feet  high,  being  so  stout  that  it  requires  no  sticks,  but  covers  itself 
with  a  perfect  mass  of  white  flowers  2  to  8  inches  across,  slightly 
flushed  and  pinkish  colour.  This  is  grown  from  American  seed. 

Another  seedling  named  Maria  grows  a  little  over  3  feet  high  with 
flowers  21  inches  across,  colour  mauve,  which  come  in  a  solid  mass  of 
profusion  all  over  the  top  of  the  plant.  They  are  of  Japanese  form, 
stand  well,  and  are  borne  on  stalks  which  make  them  most  convenient 
for  cutting.  A  great  number  of  flowers  can  be  produced  on  a  small 
space  of  ground.  They  come  to  full  perfection  in  September.  Early 
Beauty  is  a  seedling  from  American  seed.  Flowers  mauve,  rather 
reflexed,  3  inches  across.  The  plant  has  a  bushy  habit,  and  keeps  on 
blooming  from  September  to  October.  Mrs.  Gifford  is  a  beautiful 
silvery  white  Japanese  seedling.  The  plant  grows  3  to  4  feet  high  with 
a  thin  habit.  The  flowers  are  3  inches  across,  and  produced  in  October. 
Florie  Parsons  is  a  mauve  reflexed  Pompon  18  inches  to  2  feet  high, 
flowers  3  inches  across.  A  continuous  bloomer  during  September  and 
October.  Mdlle.  Marguerite  Puisaye  was  sent  from  France  in  1891,  but 
is  very  little  known.  It  is  a  remarkably  dwarf  plant,  requiring  no 
sticks,  growing  only  2  to  2J  feet  high,  with  fine  Japanese  flowers  3  to 
4  inches  across.  It  is  termed  a  red  brown,  but  we  may  set  it  down  as  a 
bronze.  It  is  an  admirable  plant,  can  be  had  in  bloom  from  September 
to  October,  at  which  latter  time  it  will  flower  if  rooted  at  the  beginning 
of  May.  It  is  a  profuse  bloomer,  covering  itself  with  flowers,  and  a 
plant  of  very  handsome  form. 

Lady  Fitzwygram  has  not  come  up  to  my  expectations  of  it  last 
season.  Like  so  many  others,  when  all  the  buds  but  some  five  or  six 
are  taken  off,  it  is  good,  but  disappointing  when  they  are  all  left  on  ; 
then  the  flowers  are  certainly  most  numerous  but  small,  and  weak  in 
the  stalks,  which  are  too  short  to  make  the  flowers  generally  available 
for  cutting.  To  grow  the  flowers  a  fair  size  the  plant  requires  vigorous 
cutting  and  thinning-out,  as  well  as  disbudding.  Another  way  to 
manage^  it  is  to  root  cuttings  late,  say  1st  of  May  ;  then  grow  the 
plants  in  small  pots,  the  produce  moderate  sized  blooms.  In  con¬ 
clusion  I  may  mention  that  Mdlle.  Renee  Cohn  has  quite  come  up  fo  my 
good  opinion  of  it  last  season.  It  is  excellent  as  a  decorative  plant  or 
for  cut  flowers.  As  a  pink  Japanese  it  comes  before  pink  Mdlle. 
Lacroix,  but  not  to  be  confounded  with  Madame  Leon  Cohn,  which  I 
have  found  to  be  inferior  to  the  above.  Ocher  growers  and  myself 
have  many  good  seedlings  and  we  can  hope  the  time  is  not  far 
distant  that  the  early  varieties  may  receive  the  addition  of  one  equal  in 
habit  to  the  unsurpassed  crimson  late  one,  William  Seward 
—  W.  PIERCY,  Beadnell  Road,  Forest  Uill,  London,  S.E. 


CHRYSANTHEMUM  SHOWS. 

HORSHAM.— October  31st  and  November  1st. 

The  fourth  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Horsham  Chrysanthemum 
Society  was  held  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  October  31st  and  Novem¬ 
ber  Ist,  at  the  Assembly  Rooms,  and  proved  to  be  equal  to  any  of  its 
predecessors.  Five  good  groups  were  arranged,  the  chief  honour  being 
won  by  Mr.  A.  Haskell,  Slinfold.  Mr.  G.  Marshall  was  a  good  second, 
Mr.  E.  Daniels  third,  Mr.  J.  Salter  fourth,  and  Mr.  S.  Charman  fifth. 

In  the  open  class  for  cut  blooms  some  spirited  competition  resulted. 
For  twenty-four  Japanese  blooms,  distinct,  Mr.  G.  Duncan  of  Warnham 
Court  won  with  splendid  flowers,  massive  and  bright.  The  best  were 
Viviand  Morel,  John  Dyer,  Miss  A.  Hartshorn,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  W.  Seward,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Lilian  B.  Bird,  Wm. 
Tricker,  and  Etoile  de  Lyon.  Mr.  W.  Wallis,  HartSeld,  was  second  ;  his 
best  blooms  were  John  Shrimpton,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  and  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke. 
Mr.  T.  Sparks,  Wimblehurst,  was  third  with  fine  and  even  blooms.  For 
twelve  Japanese  Mr.  E.  Lawrence  was  first,  Mr.  J.  W.  Harris  second, 
and  Mr.  E.  Daniels  third.  With  six  Japanese,  one  variety,  Mr. 
T.  Dauncey  staged  six  faultless  Viviand  Morel ;  Mr.  Duncan  followed 
with  Avalanche,  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Harris  third.  For  one  bloom  of  any 
Japanese  Mr.  J.  Coles  put  up  a  grand  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Mr.  Sparks 
followed  with  Mons.  E.  A.  Carriere,  and  Mr.  H.  Harris  with  Mdlle.  Marie 
Hoste. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  incurved  blooms  of  not  less  than  eigh¬ 
teen  varieties  Mr.  T.  Sparkes  had  a  grand  even  box  of  all  the  leading- 
varieties,  and  was  a  good  first.  Mr.  Goldsmith,  Leonardslee,  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Wallis  third.  For  twelve  incurved,  distinct,  Mr.  E.  Daniels 
was  first,  Mr.  H.  Harris  second,  and  Mr.  J.  W.  Harris  third.  With  six 
incurved,  Mr,  E.  Lawrence,  G.  Duncan,  and  G.  Goldsmith  scored  ;  and 
in  the  single  bloom,  incurved,  the  winners  were  Messrs.  Goldsmith, 
Sparkes,  and  Wallis. 

For  six  Anemones  Mr.  H.  Harris  won  with  a  good  box  of  Jean 
Marty,  Delaware,  Mrs.  Judge  Benedict,  Lady  Margaret,  Grand  Alveole, 
and  Mrs.  Leven.  Mr.  T.  Sparkes  was  second,  and  Mr.  Dauncey  third. 
With  six  reflexed  Mr.  H.  Harris  again  scored  first,  Messrs.  Sparkes  and 
Lawrence  following.  Mr.  T.  Sparkes  led  with  twelve  Pompons,  a  fine 
box.  Messrs.  H.  Harris  and  E.  Lawrence  followed.  In  a  mixed  class 
for  twelve  Japs  and  twelve  incurved  Mr.  G.  Goldsmith  was  first,  Mr. 
G,  Duncan  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Sparkes  third,  all  showing  well  the 
leading  varieties  of  both  sections.  Classes  were  provided  for  the  ladies 
for  baskets,  sprays,  and  bouquets.  Miss  Willison,  Mrs.  A.  Aldridge, 
Mrs.  Stott,  and  Mrs.  Champion  secured  the  prizes  amongst  them  for 
some  very  pretty  arrangements.  A  few  classes  were  provided  for 
amateurs,  and  the  prizes  were  won  by  Messrs.  Charman,  Stott,  Cham¬ 
pion,  and  others. 

Fruit  was  well  shown,  and  prizes  won  by  the  following  :  Black 
Grape.3,  Messrs,  Duncan,  Laurence  and  Le  Pelley ;  White  Grapes  r 
Messrs.  Dauncey,  Duncan  and  A.  Kemp ;  Pears,  Dessert :  Messrs. 
Goldsmith,  Duncan  and  Webb;  Pears,  Stewing:  Messrs.  Goldsmith, 
Kemp  and  Daniels ;  Apples,  Cooking :  Messrs.  Goldsmith,  H.  Harris 
and  Webb  ;  Apples,  Dessert ;  Messrs.  Kemp,  Coles  and  H,  Harris.  Six 
varieties  of  vegetables,  the  prizes  given  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons, 
brought  five  fine  collections  ;  Messrs.  Lawrence,  Sparkes  and  H.  Harris 
winning  in  the  order  named. 

Mr.  T.  Sparkes  sent  some  beautifully  trained  plants  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  not  for  competition,  these  were  much  admired  and  were  one 
of  the  features  of  the  Show. 

The  Secretaries,  Mr.  S.  Mitchell  and  Mr.  G.  W.  Taylor,  and  the 
Committee  deserve  a  word  of  praise  for  the  excellent  arrangements  made 
and  for  the  results  achieved . 

EWELL. — November  2nd. 

To  recoup  a  loss  on  the  late  summer  Exhibition  of  some  £10,  the 
local  Horticultural  Society  resolved  to  hold  a  first  Chrysanthemum 
Show  this  season,  and  it  took  place  at  the  Public  Hall  on  November  2nd. 
All  exhibits  were  honorary  so  far  that  whilst  a  schedule  was  issued  and 
classes  formed,  the  competition  was  restricted  to  certificates  of  three 
classes,  and  these,  of  a  very  handsome  character  in  three  colours,  were 
much  prized.  The  Show,  though  small,  was  so  good  that  it  merits  very 
high  praise,  especially  that  the  exhibitors  could  not  have  any  pecuniary 
reward. 

Three  fine  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  staged,  the  best  coming 
from  Mr.  Ewinton,  gardener  to  Sir  David  Evans,  whose  arrangement 
and  flowers  were  both  excellent.  The  second  best,  showing  many  good 
cub  bunches  for  the  front  rows,  was  shown  by  Mr.  Whiteman,  gardener 
to  A.  W.  Gaddesden,  Esq. ;  Mr.  Elsey,  gardener  to  Miss  Carlisle,  being 
third.  Then  in  the  mixed  group  class  Mr.  Whiteman  was  first  with  a 
charming  collection,  Mr.  Elsey  being  second,  Mr.  Ewinton  and  Mr. 
Worsfold,  gardener  to  Lady  Glynn,  being  equal  third. 

Mr.  Whiteman  had  the  best  six  Bouvardias,  really  fine  well  bloomed 
plants  ;  also  six  best  berried  plants,  the  Giant  Red  Capsicum  being 
very  finely  fruited.  The  finest  six  double  Primulas  in  four  large 
flowered  sorts  came  from  Mr.  Ewinton,  all  well  grown,  also  the  best 
sinales.  Mr.  Whiteman  had  handsome  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and  showed 
a  fine  collection  of  winter  flowering  plants,  including  Salvias,  blue 
and  scarlet  Cypripediums,  Chrysantbemums,  Eupatoriums,  Heaths, 
and  Begonias.  Cut  flowers  were  few  and  only  fairly  good.  Fruit  was 
very  good,  Mr.  Ewinton  having  the  best  Grapes,  Mr.  Whiteman  the  best 
six  dishes  of  fruit,  Mr.  Elsey  the  finest  three  dishes  of  Pears,  and  Mr, 


November  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


426 


Ewinton  the  best  of  Apples.  There  were  good  Tomatoes,  flowers  in 
baskets,  epergnes,  and  numerous  other  exhibits,  all  helping  to  make  a 
very  pretty  show. 

HIGHGATE. — November  2nd  and  3ed. 

The  ninth  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Highgate  and  District  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  was  held  in  the  Northfield  Hall,  Highgate,  on  the 
above  dates.  As  a  local  Exhibition  this  has  for  many  years  been  regarded 
as  a  very  good  one,  and  the  present  year’s  Show  proved  no  exception  to 
the  rule.  The  cut  blooms  formed  the  principal  feature,  although  groups 


Mr.  J.  Brookes,  gardener  to  W.  Reynolds,  Esq  ,  J.P.,  The  Grove,  High¬ 
gate,  was  second  with  larger  but  rather  coarse  flowers,  Mr,  S.  J.  Cook, 
Hendon,  was  third.  Mr.  Turk,  gardener  to  T.  Boney,  Esq.,  Cholmondeley 
Lodge,  was  first  with  twelve  incurved  blooms  in  a  special  class  ;  Mr. 
A.  Page,  Priory  House,  New  Southgate,  being  second.  For  six  blooms 
of  any  one  incurved  variety  Mr.  J.  Brooks  secured  the  leading  prize  with 
a  stand  of  Madame  Barrier  in  fine  condition.  Mr.  Rowbottom  followed 
closely,  and  Mr.  H.  A.  Page  was  third.  The  last-named  exhibitor,  how¬ 
ever,  won  the  special  prize,  given  by  Mrs.  H.  R.  Williams,  for  twelve 
incurved  blooms.  Mr.  Rowbottom  was  a  close  second  with  well-grown 


Fig,  62.— CATTLEYA  LORD  ROTHSCHILD.  (.See  page  417.) 


and  plants  were  fairly  well  represented.  Fruit  and  vegetables  were 
also  staged,  but  further  reference  to  these  cannot  be  made.  The 
exhibits  were  very  much  crowded,  which  detracted  considerably  from 
the  show  as  a  whole.  We  append  the  names  of  the  leading  prizewinners 
in  the  classes  provided  for  Chrysanthemums. 

One  of  the  principal  classes  in  the  cut  bloom  section  was  for  twenty- 
four  Japanese  varieties,  distinct.  Mr.  E.  Rowbottom,  gardener  to 
H.  R.  Williams,  Esq  ,  The  Priory,  Hornsey,  succeeded  in  winning  the  first 
prize.  His  blooms  were  in  splendid  condition,  being  large  and  well 
finished.  The  varieties  were  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  E.  Molyneux,  Kentish  Yellow,  Alberic  Lunden, 
W.  Tricker,  Avalanche,  W,  H.  Atkinson,  Gloire  de  Rocher,  Golden 
Dragon,  Utopia,  Excelsior,  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith, 
Ada  Prass,  Chas.  Davis,  Edith  Rowbottom,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  President 
Borel,  Sunflower,  Viviand  Morel,  Miss  Dorothy  Shea,  and  Madame 
Therese  Rey,  Mr.  J.  Sandford,  gardener  to  G.  W.  Wright-Ingle,  Esq., 
Woodhouse,  Finchley,  was  second  with  smaller  flowers. 

The  incurved  blooms  were  very  good.  Mr.  J,  Burch,  gardener  to 
J.  Smith,  Esq.,  The  Priory,  Mill  Hill,  was  placed  first  for  twelve  blooms, 
comprising  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  Violet  Tomlin,  Princess  of  Teck, 
Princess  of  Wales,  Novelty,  Refulgens,  Prince  Alfred,  Lady  Dorothy, 
Madame  Barrier,  Alfred  Lynn,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Camille  Flammarion. 


specimens ;  and  Mr.  H,  W.  Hawker,  Westerham,  Kent,  was  third. 
A  special  prize  was  offered  for  thirty-six  blooms,  distinct,  half  to  be 
incurved  and  the  rest  Japanese.  There  were  three  exhibitors  in  this 
class,  and  the  competition  was  keen.  Mr.  J.  H.  Walker,  gardener  to 
J.  Marshall,  Esq.,  Goldbeater,  Mill  Mill,  was  placed  first  with  a  stand 
of  grand  blooms.  The  incurves  were  well  finished,  especially  Mrs.  Heale, 
Prince  Alfred,  Violet  Tomlin,  Madame  Barrier,  and  Golden  Empress. 
The  best  of  the  Japanese  varieties  were  J.  Stanborough  Dibbens, 
Puritan,  W.  Tricker,  Gloire  de  Rocher,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Sarah  Owen, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  and  Col.  W.  B.  Smith.  Mr.  B.  Rowbottom  was  a 
very  close  second,  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr.  J.  Burch.  Mr.  Row- 
bottom  secured  the  leading  award  for  six  blooms  of  one  Japanese  variety 
with  a  stand  of  magnificent  examples  of  Col.  W.  B.  Smith.  These  were 
the  finest  blooms  we  have  seen  this  season.  Mr.  W.  Hawker  was  second 
with  blooms  of  W.  Tricker. 

A  feature  of  the  Show  was  a  standard  of  twelve  bunches  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  arranged  with  foliage  for  effect.  Mr.  B.  Rowbottom  w'on 
the  first  prize  with  a  charming;  arrangement.  Mr.  D.  M.  Hayter, 
gardener  to  W.  Hannsford,  Esq.,  Hendon,  was  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Qaelch, 
Shepherd’s  Hill,  was  third.  Mr.  Sandford  was  placed  first  for  six 
Japanese  blooms,  distinct,  in  a  special  class,  Mr.  A.  Page  being  second. 
Mr.  E.  Lin  field  had  the  best  six  white  Japanese  in  the  amateurs'  class, 


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[  November  9,  1893 


Mr.  Eowbottom  gaining  a  similar  position  in  the  open  class,  both  showing 
well  grown  blooms.  The  last  named  exhibitor  was  first  for  twelve  Japanese 
blooms  in  a  special  class,  Mr,  Brooks  occupying  a  similar  position  in 
another  class.  As  before  remarked,  groups  and  specimen  plants  were  fairly 
good,  but  the  exhibits  were  so  arranged  as  to  render  it  impossible  to  dis¬ 
tinguish  the  names  of  the  prizewinners.  For  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums 
Mr.  J.  Brookes  was  awarded  the  first  prize. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  included  a  group  of  plants  from  Messrs.  B.  S. 
Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway  ;  a  collection  of  fruit  and  vegetables 
from  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate ;  cut  Chrysanthemum 
blooms  from  Mr.  W.  E.  Boyce,  Archway  Road,  Highgate ;  and  some 
boilers  from  Messrs.  Pearce  &  Heatley,  Holloway  Road,  N.  The 
amateurs’  and  cottagers’  classes  were  well  filled,  and  there  were 
numerous  baskets  and  epergnes  filled  with  Chrysanthemums. 

CRYSTAL  PALACE.— November  3rd  and  4th. 

An  Exhibition  of  Chrysanthemums  was  held  at  the  Crystal  Palace 
on  the  above  dates,  and  as  is  usual  on  such  occasions  the  produce  staged 
was  of  excellent  quality.  Some  of  the  classes  were  well  filled,  and  the 
competition  generally  keen,  the  leading  southern  growers  been  repre¬ 
sented.  The  Japanese  blooms  were  splendid,  being  large,  but  not  coarse, 
and  well  coloured.  There  were  perhaps  a  few  exceptions,  but  the 
foregoing  remarks  may  be  applied  to  the  blooms  in  the  leading  stands. 
Taken  as  a  whole  the  incurved  blooms  were  also  exhibited  in  excellent 
condition,  especially  in  the  principal  stands  ;  but  in  a  few  instances 
some  rather  rough  ones  were  noticeable.  The  Anemone  flowered 
varieties  were  exceedingly  good,  although  not  very  extensively  shown, 
the  same  applying  to  the  Pompons.  In  two  or  three  classes  there  were 
but  few  entries,  and  consequently  some  spare  tabling  was  conspicuous. 
Trained  plants  were  well  shown,  as  also  were  the  groups,  some  blooms 
on  the  plants  being  remarkably  fine. 

The  principal  class  was  for  forty-eight  blooms,  twenty-four  incurved 
twenty-four  Japanese,  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties  of  each,  or  more 
than  two  of  one  variety,  for  which  the  following  prizes  were  offered  : 
£10  first,  £7  second,  £5  third,  £3  fourth.  There  were  seven  exhi¬ 
bitors,  and  the  competition  was  very  keen.  As  an  example  of  this 
those  veteran  growers  who  have  so  many  times  in  past  years  held  the 
first  prizes,  Messrs.  Drover,  Fareham,  were  in  this  case  placed  fourth. 
The  coveted  award  fell  to  Mr.  C.  Ritchings,  gardener  to  Dr.  Frank- 
land.  The  Yews,  Reigate  Hill,  for  an  exquisite  collection,  the  Japanese 
being  massive,  bright,  and  as  fresh  as  it  is  possible  to  stage  them.  The 
incurved  blooms  were  models  of  neatness,  and  seldom  have  we  seen  such  fine 
flowers  of  the  Rundle  family  as  were  staged  in  the  front  rowof  this  exhibit. 
His  Japanese  blooms  were  staged  as  follows : — Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Edwin 
Molyneux,  Viviand  Morel  (fine  colour),  W.  H.  Lincoln  (good)  ;  Mrs. 
Harman  Payne,  John  Shrimpton  (fine),  and  the  acme  of  brightness  ; 
Viviand  Morel,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Puritan,  President  Borel,  Gloire 
du  Rocher,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Edwin  Molyneux, 
W.  Seward,  Sunflower,  W.  Tricker,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  Florence  Davis, 
Excelsior,  W.  Seward,  and  Avalanche.  Incurved  :  Baron  Hirsch, 
Empress  of  India,  Violet  Tomlin,  Madame  Darrier,  Empress  of  India, 
Prince  Alfred,  Baron  Hirsch,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Queen  of  England,  Madame 
Darrier  (good),  Princess  of  Wales,  Violet  Tomlin,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas, 
Lord  Wolseley,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Lady  Hardinge  (fine).  Nil  Desperandum, 
Mrs.  G.  Bundle,  Mrs.  Dixon,  George  Cockburn,  Princess  Beatrice, 
Cherub,  and  Mrs.  G.  Rundle.  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith,  gardener  to 
M.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Shirley  Cottage,  Croydon,  was  awarded  the  second 
prize  for  a  very  good  collection.  The  Japanese  were  brighter  than  the 
rest  and  so  keen  did  the  third  prize  run  him  that  it  was  not  until  con¬ 
siderable  amount  of  minute  examination  and  pointing  had  been  resorted 
to  by  the  judges  that  the  awards  were  made,  only  two  points  separating 
the  second  and  third  prize  collections.  Mr.  Shoesmith’s  best  Japanese  were 
Edwin  Molyneux,  Viviand  Morel,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Eda  Brass,  Charles 
Davis,  Mdlle.  Th^r^se  Rey,  and  a  white  Viviand  Morel,  which,  as 
exhibited,  is  a  distinct  and  appreciative  variety.  Mr.  J.  C,  Salter, 
gardener  to  T.  B.  Haywood,  Esq ,  Woodhatch  Lodge,  Reigate,  was  third. 
Excelsior,  Charles  Davis,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste  and  Colonel  W,  B. 
Smith  were  amongst  the  best  Japanese.  Princess  of  Wales  and  Baron 
Hirsch  were  fine  amongst  the  incurved  in  this  stand.  Messrs. 
W.  G,  Drover,  Fareham,  Hants,  as  before  remarked,  were  placed 
fourth.  The  Japanese  were  somewhat  weaker  than  the  others  and 
scarcely  up  to  their  usual  brightness  in  colour  ;  their  incurved  varieties 
were  on  the  whole  neat  but  a  little  flat. 

In  the  class  for  eighteen  incurved  varieties,  distinct,  there  were  ten 
competitors,  and  Mr.  W.  H.  Lees,  gardener  to  F.  A.  Bevan,  Esq.,  Trent 
Park  Gardens,  New  Barnet,  outdistanced  the  others  with  one  of  best 
and  most  even  stands  that  could  be  staged.  The  blooms  in  the  front 
row  were  as  perfect  both  in  size  and  form  as  those  at  the  back. 
The  varieties  comprised  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Queen  of  England,  Alfred 
Salter,  Lord  Alcester  (magnificent),  Lord  Wolseley,  Empress  of  India, 
Mrs.  Coleman  (good),  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  Princess  of  Wales,  John 
Doughty,  Violet  Tomlin,  Jeanne  d’Arc  (grand),  Madame  Darrier,  Alfred 
Lyne  (good),  Golden  Empress  of  India,  Princess  Beatrice,  and  Miss 
Haggas.  Mr.  George  Carpenter,  gardener  to  Major  Collis  Browne, 
Byfleet,  was  awarded  the  second  place,  Jeanne  d’Arc  and  Madame 
Darrier  being  his  finest  blooms.  Messrs.  W.  &  G.  Drover  were  third, 
and  Mr.  C.  W.  Knowles,  gardener  to  Mrs.  C.  Egerton,  Roehampton, 
fourth.  For  twelve  incurved  varieties,  distinct,  Mr.  A.  Felgate,  gardener 
to  Her  Grace  (Elizabeth)  the  Duchess  of  Wellington,  Burhill,  Walton- 
on-Thames,  was  placed  first  in  the  eight  collections  staged.  The  varie¬ 
ties  were  Mrs.  Heale,  Madame  Darrier,  Queen  of  England,  Mons.  R. 


Bahuant,  Princess  of  Wales,  Noel  Pragnell,  Lord  Wolseley,  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Violet  Tomlin,  Eve,  and  Mrs.  Coleman.  Mr.  W. 
Jupp,  gardener  to  G.  Boulton,  Esq.,  Torfield,  Eastbourne,  was  placed 
second,  Mr.  A.  Turner,  gardener  to  C.  F.  Murray,  Esq.,  Woodcote 
Hall,  Epsom,  third,  and  Mr.  T.  Robinson,  gardener  to  W.  Lawrence,  Esq., 
Elsfield  Gardens,  Maidstone,  fourth.  For  six  incurved,  one  variety,  nine 
collections  were  staged,  and  Mr.  Brown,  gardener  to  A.  B.  Welch-Thorn- 
ton.  Esq.,  Beaupaire  Park,  Basingstoke,  was  placed  first  with  six  good 
blooms  of  Mons.  R.  Bahuant.  Mr.  W.  Jupp  was  second  with  Princess 
of  Wales.  Mr.  George  Goldsmith,  gardener  to  Sir  E.  Loder,  Bart., 
Horsham,  third  with  Madame  Darrier ;  and  Mr.  George  Carpenter 
fourth  with  Prince  Alfred. 

No  less  than  fifteen  competed  in  the  class  for  eighteen  Japanese, 
distinct,  the  premier  award  falling  to  Mr.  Lees  with  Viviand  Morel, 
Stanstead  White,  Mr.  C.  Bryceson,  Florence  Davis,  Edwin  Molyneux, 
Condor,  Sunflower,  Charles  Davis,  Mr.  F.  Jameson,  Madame  B.  Carri^re 
(a  magnificent  flower).  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Avalanche, 
Gloire  du  Rocher,  W.  Tricker,  H.  W.  Lincoln,  and  Puritan.  Messrs. 
W.  &  G.  Drover  were  second  ;  Mr.  Charles  Cox,  gardener  to  J.  Trotter, 
Esq.,  Brickenden  Grange,  Hertford,  third  ;  and  Mr.  Carpenter  fourth. 
For  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  there  were  twelve  competitors,  and  Mr. 
E.  Tickner,  gardener  to  J.  Watney,  Esq.,  Shermanbury  House,  Reigate, 
won  the  premier  position  with  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Violet  Rose,  W.  H. 
Lincoln,  Viviand  Morel,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Presi¬ 
dent  Borel,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  W.  Tricker,  Puritan,  Lord  Brooke,  and 
Avalanche.  Mr.  A.  Felgate  ;  Mr.  J.  Harwood,  gardener  to  A.  J.  Jack, 
Esq.,  Brightlands,  Reigate;  and  Mr.  W.  Howe,  gardener  to  H.  Tate, 
Efq.,  Park  Hill,  Streatham  Common,  were  placed  second,  third,  and 
fourth  respectively  in  the  order  of  their  names. 

There  were  eleven  exhibitors  in  the  class  for  six  blooms  of  one 
Japanese  variety,  and  the  competition  was  naturally  very  keen.  The 
premier  award,  how’ever,  went  to  Mr.  J.  MacDonald,  gardener  to 
Captain  Manling,  Clanna,  Sydney,  Gloucester,  who  staged  half  a  dozen 
splendid  blooms  of  Edwin  Molyneux.  Mr.  A.  Felgate  was  second  with 
exceedingly  good  Col.  W.  B.  Smith.  Mr.  W.  J.  Owden,  gardener  to 
A.  Morris,  Esq.,  Court  Green,  Streatham,  was  third  with  Viviand  Morel, 
and  Mr.  Chas.  Cox,  gardener  to  J.  Trotter,  Esq.,  Brickenden  Grange,  Hert¬ 
ford,  was  fourth  with  Stanstead  White.  In  the  class  for  eighteen  reflexed 
and  Japanese  reflexed  blooms  there  were  three  competitors.  Mr.  C.  J. 
Salter  secured  the  first  prize  for  a  stand  of  fine  even  flowers.  These 
varieties  were  Wm.  Sew^ard,  Eynsford  White,  Phidias,  Elaine,  Rosy 
Morn,  J.  Shrimpton,  Edwin  Becket,  Mrs.  Sullivan,  Criterion,  Gloire  de 
Rocher,  Maiden’s  Blush,  Madame  Prunal,  La  Triomphante,  Ernest 
Asinils,  Mons.  Jules  Chretien,  Jeanne  Delaux,  and  Emperor  of  China. 
The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  A.  Felgate,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  C. 
Ritchings,  Reigate  Hill. 

With  eighteen  blooms  of  Anemone  and  Japanese  Anemone-flowered 
varieties  there  were  seven  exhibitors,  and  the  competition  was  keen. 
Mr.  C.  J.  Salter  was  first  with  Delaware,  Ruche  Toulous.dne,  Mrs.  Judge 
Benedict,  Grand  Alveole,  Nouvelle  Alveole,  Annie  Lowe,  Minnie  Chate, 
Lady  Margaret,  Acqui.sition,  Cincinnati,  Mons.  Lebosqz,  Duchess  of 
Westminster,  Sabine,  Soeur  Doroth6e  Souille,  La  Marguerite,  Thorpe 
Junior,  George  Sands,  and  Gluck.  Mr.  J.  Milner,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
W.  A.  Higgs,  Barnet,  Herts,  was  second;  Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt,  Ipswich, 
third,  and  Mr.  H.  Harris  fourth.  Only  one  exhibitor  was  forthcoming 
in  the  class  for  twelve  blooms  of  Japanese  Anemone  flowered 
varieties,  but  no  award  was  made,  as  the  stand  contained  two  large 
flowered  Anemones. 

Four  exhibitors  competed  in  the  class  for  twelve  Pompons,  distinct, 
three  blooms  of  each.  Mr.  J.  Knapp,  gardener  to  F.  W.  Amsden,  Esq., 
22,  Chichester  Road,  Croydon,  secured  the  premier  award  for  a  stand  of 
neat  blooms.  The  best  varieties  were  Perle  des  Beautes,  Prince 
of  Orange,  Golden  Madame  Martha,  Black  Douglas,  Florence  Carr,  and 
Mdlle.  Blise  Dordan.  Mr.  C.  J.  Salter,  gardener  to  T.  B.  Haywood,  Esq., 
Woodhatch  Lodge,  Reigate,  was  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Harris,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Eversfield,  Deene  Park,  Horsham,  third.  For  twelve  bunches  of 
Anemone  Pompons  Mr.  Salter  was  first,  showing  Aglaia,  Antonins, 
Brightness,  Madame  Montel,  Perle,  Emily  Rowbottom,  Breolus,  Madame 
Senter,  Regulus,  Mr.  Astie,  Bessie  Flight,  and  Marguerite  de  Coi.  Mr. 
Harris  followed,  and  Mr.  Knapp  was  third.  There  was  only  one  exhi¬ 
bitor  of  twelve  bunches  of  single  Chrysanthemums,  this  being  Mr.  Geo. 
Carpenter,  gardener  to  Major  Collis  Browne,  Broad  Oaks,  Byfleet,  but 
to  whom  the  first  prize  was  deservedly  awarded.  The  flowers  staged 
were  delightfully  fresh  and  formed  a  pleasing  contrast  to  the  other 
varieties.  It  is  a  pity  these  graceful  Chrysanthemums  are  not  more 
generally  grown.  The  varieties  staged  by  Mr.  Carpenter  were  Bessie 
Conway,  Miss  Cripsly,  Mrs.  D.  B.  Crane,  Sir  T.  Symons,  Miss  M.  Wilde, 
Miss  Mary  Anderson,  Rev.  Rewfrey,  Purity,  Yellow  Jane,  Oceana,  Lady 
Churchill,  and  Jane. 

For  a  collection  of  Chrysanthemums  in  pots  arranged  for  effect  in  a 
group  not  less  than  50  feet  square,  and  open  to  amateurs  only,  Mr.  T.  W. 
Wells,  gardener  to  C.  Ralph,  Esq.,  Cranbrook  Villa,  Fox  Lane,  Upper 
Norwood,  was  placed  first.  This  group  was  well  arranged  as  regards 
colour,  the  plants  also  being  dwarf  and  the  blooms  of  a  fair  size. 
Mr.  D.  Baker,  gardener  to  C.  J.  W.  Rabbits,  Esq.,  Westwood  House, 
Sydenham,  was  a  close  second,  the  plants  in  this  case  being  rather  more 
crowded  than  in  the  first  prize  exhibit.  They  were  nevertheless  well 
arranged  otherwise,  and  carried  fine  blooms.  Mr.  James  Fry,  gardener 
to  W.  Aste,  Esq.,  Hill  House,  Sydenham,  was  third.  There  were  two 
competitors  in  the  open  class  for  a  collection  of  Japanese  varieties  only 
arranged  for  effect  in  a  group  of  not  less  than  100  square  feet.  The  firs 


November  9,  1893.  3 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


427 


prize  went  to  Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  for  a  splendid 
group,  comprising  the  leading  varieties  in  excellent  condition.  Messrs. 
J.  Mobsby  &  Son,  147,  Moffat  Road,  Thornton  Heath,  were  second. 
There  was  apparently  only  one  exhibitor  in  the  class  for  a  group  of 
incurved  varieties,  to  be  faced  with  Pompons  and  ornamental  foliage 
plants.  This  was  Mr.  A.  W.  Young,  1.57,  Holmesdale  Road,  South 
Norwood,  to  whom  the  fourth  prize  was  awarded. 

Mr.  J.  Hughes,  gardener  to  G.  R.  Higgins,  Esq.,  Eastlands,  Dulwich 
Village,  was  first  for  six  trained  specimens  of  Pompon  varieties,  showing 
Golden,  Lilac  and  White  Cedo  Nullis,  Saint  Justin,  Mabel  (a  yellow  sport 
from  Saint  Justin),  and  Maroon  Model  in  good  condition.  Mr. 
W.  Wesker,  gardener  to  A.  Heaver,  Esq.,  Upper  Tooting,  was  second, 
and  Mr.  W.  Carr,  Croydon,  third.  Mr.  Hughes  was  also  first  for  six 
trained  specimens  of  incurved  varieties.  The  best  of  these  were  Mrs. 
G.  Glenny,  Mrs.  Dixon,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs.  G.  Rundle,  and  Lord 
Wolseley,  in  grand  condition.  Mr.  E.  Cherry,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Gabriel, 
Norfolk  House,  Streatham,  was  second.  Mr.  Hughes  repeated  his  success 
with  six  trained  Japanese  varieties,  the  finest  of  these  being 
Margot,  Stanstead  Surprise,  Cleopatra,  and  Viviand  Morel. 
Mr.  Wesker  was  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Cherry  third.  Mr.  W.  Carr  secured 
the  first  prize  for  nine  standard  trained  specimens  with  Mrs.  G.  Rundle, 
Alberic  Lunden,  Golden  Madame  Martha,  Mrs.  Dixon,  Black  Douglas, 
Elaine,  Margot,  Source  d’Or,  Mrs.  G.  Glenny,  White  Cedo  Nulli,  and 
Novelty.  Mr.  G.  H.  Cooper  was  second,  and  Mr.  Carpenter  third. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  not  so  plentiful  as  we  have  seen  them 
at  the  Crystal  Palace.  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Earlswood  Nursery,  Redhill, 
staged  a  fine  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  also  some  splendid  cut  blooms 
of  all  the  leading  varieties.  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate, 
sen  la  box  of  blooms  of  Mrs.  Leopold  de  Rothschild  Carnation,  a 
useful  variety,  which  produces  its  charming  pink  flowers  in  the  winter 
as  well  as  in  the  summer.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  «fe  Sons  staged  a  group  of 
flowering  and  ornamental  foliaged  plants  not  for  competition,  and  some 
well  grown  blooms  of  Chrysanthemums,  including  the  latest  novelties. 
Mr.  W.  J.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  sent  blooms  of  Beauty  of  Exmouth  Chrys¬ 
anthemum,  for  which  a  certificate  was  awarded.  Mr.  Godfrey  likewise 
secured  a  certificate  for  a  white  Carnation  named  Mary,  and  staged  a 
pink  variety  designated  Reginald  Godfrey.  Both  varieties  are  very 
fragrant.  Mr.  A.  Ambrose,  Bristol,  also  staged  blooms  of  a  white  Car¬ 
nation  named  Blagdon  Surprise.  The  flowers  were  large,  and  of  good 
form.  Messrs.  Benham  &  Froud,  Ltd.,  Chandos  Street,  W.C., 
showed  the  simplex  syringe  fumigator,  which  appears  to  be  a  useful 
contrivance.  Dr.  Walker  had  some  of  his  patent  tubes  and  cups.  Mr. 
C.  E.  Shea,  Foot’s  Cray,  staged  splendid  blooms  of  Chrysanthemums 
Miss  Dorothea  Shea  and  Mdlle.  Therese  Rey,  and  secured  a  certificate 
for  the  last  named  variety,  which  is  one  of  the  best  acquisitions  of 
the  year. 

NATIONAL  CHRYSANTHEMUM  SOCIETY. 

November  7th,  8th,  and  9th. 

Many  persons  who  were  present  at  the  great  autumn  exhibition  held 
under  the  auspices  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society,  at  the 
Royal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  on  the  above  dates,  expressed  the  opinion 
that  it  was  one  of  the  finest  ever  seen  there.  This  doubtless  was  the  case,  for 
taken  on  the  whole  the  blooms  w'ere  excellent,  and  the  same  may  be  said 
of  the  trained  plants.  In  most  classes  the  entries  were  very  numerous, 
and  the  competition  exceedingly  keen.  It  is  to  be  regretted,  however, 
that  space  there  does  not  permit  the  exhibits  to  be  better  arranged, 
inasmuch  as  a  little  irregularity  on  this  point  causes  confusion  amongst 
exhibitors  who  are  desirous  of  finding  any  special  class. 

Open  Classes. 

The  principal  class  in  the  cut  bloom  section  was  for  forty-eight 
flowers,  to  consist  of  twenty-four  incurved  and  twenty-four  Japanese, 
distinct,  the  prizes  being  the  challenge  trophy  and  £10  as  first,  £6  as 
second,  and  £4  as  third.  This  class  is  open  to  Chrysanthemum  and 
horticultural  societies  on  conditions  as  stipulated  in  the  National  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society’s  schedule.  There  were  three  entries,  and  the  first 
prize  fell  to  the  St.  Neot’s  Amateur  and  Cottage  Horticultural  Society. 
The  member  who  contributed  the  blooms  was  Mr.  R,  Petfield,  gardener 
to  A.  G.  Thornhill,  Esq.,  Widdington,  Huntingdon.  The  Japanese  were 
not  particularly  large,  but  wonderfully  bright  and  fresh,  and  comprised 
the  following  varieties  : — Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne,  Violet  Rose,  Lord 
Brooke,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Gloire  de  Rocher,  Mrs.  Hubbuck,  W.  Trickner, 
J.  Dyer,  Pelican,  E.  Molyneux,  Waban,  Chas.  Davis,  Eda  Prass  (grand), 
Alberic  Lunden  (very  fine),  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Sun¬ 
flower,  W.  W.  Coles,  Viviand  Morel  (fine),  Mrs.  Briscoe  Ironside, 
Primrose  League,  Mr.  E.  C.  Clarke,  Avalanche,  and  Mr.  C.  W. 
Wheeler.  The  incurved  blooms  were  neat  and  clean,  but  some  of  them 
were  rather  flat.  The  varieties  were  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Empress  of 
India,  C.  W.  Whitnal,  Princess  of  Wales,  Lord  Wolesley,  J.  Lambert, 
Violet  Tomlin,  Mrs.  Robinson  King  (fine).  Ami  Hoste  (good).  Queen  of 
England,  Alfred  Lyne,  Novelty,  Baron  Hirsch,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Alfred 
Salter,  Tohn  Doughty,  Madame  Darrier  (excellent).  Golden  Empress, 
Robert  Petfield,  Mrs.  Heale,  Prince  Alfred,  Lord  Alcester,  Brookleigh 
Gem,  and  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas.  After  due  consideration  the  second  prize 
went  to  the  Havant  Chrysanthemum  Society,  the  flowers  in  this  case 
being  contributed  by  Mr.  J.  Agate.  They  were  well  grown,  particularly 
the  Japanese,  of  which  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  W.  W.  Coles,  Viviand 
Morel,  Lord  Brooke,  Princess  May,  and  Chas.  Davis  may  be  mentioned 
as  being  especially  good.  The  incurved  blooms  were  rather  small  and 
flat  but  neat,  the  best  being  Lord  Wolseley,  Baron  Hirsch,  and  Madame 
Darrier.  The  Sittingbourne  and  Milton  Gardeners’  and  Amateurs’ 


Association  came  third  wdth  creditable  blooms,  the  incurved  in  this 
stand  being  the  best. 

Incurved  Blooms. — In  the  class  for  thirty-six  incurved  blooms, 
distinct,  there  wefe  six  competitors,  and  the  fight  for  the  Holmes 
Memorial  challenge  cup  of  £10  as  first  prize  was  very  keen.  The 
Judges  were  a  considerable  time  in  adjudicating,  but  eventually  it  was 
decided  that  Mr,  W.  H.  Lees,  gardener  to  F.  A.  Bevan,  Esq.,  Trent  Park, 
New  Barnet,  was  first  with  a  few  points  only.  The  blooms  shown 
were  grand,  and  comprised  the  following  varieties  : — Lord  Alcester, 
R.  Cannell,  Mr.  N.  Davis,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Cherub, 
Princess  of  Wales  (grand),  John  Salter,  Lord  Eversley,  Alfred  Salter, 
Miss  M.  A,  Haggas,  Chas.  Gibson,  Lord  Wolseley,  Princess  of  Teck  (fine), 
Mrs.  Heale,  Mrs.  Robinson  King,  Ami  Hoste,  Princess  Beatrice,  Mons. 
R.  Bahuant,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Nil  Desperandum,  Queen  of  England,  Lady 
Dorothy,  Empress  Eugenie,  Violet  Tomlin,  Golden  Empress  of  India, 
Mrs.  Haliburton,  John  Lambert,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  Refulgens, 
Alfred  Lyne,  John  Doughty,  White  Venus,  Empress  of  India,  Barbara, 
and  Madame  Darrier.  Messrs.  W.  &  G.  Drover,  Fareham,  were  awarded 
the  second  prize  for  a  stand  of  fine  blooms.  The  best  of  these  were 
Empress  of  India,  John  Doughty,  Lord  Alcester,  and  Alfred  Salter. 
Messrs.  W.  Ray  &  Co.,  Mount  Pleasant  Nursery,  Teynham,  secured  the 
third  prize  ;  and  Mr.  H.  Shoosmith,  gardener  to  M  Hodgson,  Esq., 
Shirley,  Croydon,  the  fourth,  both  staging  fine  blooms. 

There  were  five  exhibitors  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  incurved 
blooms,  and  here  again  the  competition  was  keen.  Mr.  W.  H.  Lees 
repeated  his  former  success,  showing  a  stand  of  splendid  blooms,  which 
justifies  him  to  a  foremost  position  in  the  Chrysanthemum  world.  The 
varieties  staged  were  Lord  Alcester,  Lady  Dorothy,  Princess  Teck,  John 
Doughty,  John  Salter,  Madame  Darrier  (grand).  Prince  Alfred,  Princess 
of  Wales,  Nil  Desperandum,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington, 
Miss  M,  A.  Haggas,  Lord  Wolseley,  Queen  of  England,  Princess 
Beatrice,  John  Lambert,  Alfred  Lyne,  Empress  Eugenie,  Violet  Tomlin, 
Empress  of  India,  Barbara,  Golden  Empress,  Robert  Cannell,  and  Jeanne 
d’Arc.  Mr.  C.  W.  Knowles,  gardener  to  Chas.  Egerton,  Esq.,  Roehampton, 
was  second  ;  Messrs.  W.  Ray  &  Sons  third  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Myers,  gardener 
to  the  Earl  of  Sandwich,  Hinchingbrooke  Gardens,  Huntingdon,  fourth. 

The  class  for  twelve  incurved  blooms  brought  forth  a  very  keen 
competition,  there  being  no  less  than  ten  exhibitors.  Mr.  W.  Collins, 
gardener  to  J.  W.  Carlile,  Esq.,  Ponsbourne  Park,  Hertford,  secured  the 
leading  award  with  a  stand  of  neat  blooms,  deep  in  build.  The  varieties 
were  Empress  of  India,  Golden  Empress,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Robin¬ 
son  King,  John  Doughty,  Mrs.  S.  Coleman,  Alfred  Salter,  Mrs.  Heale, 
Violet  Tomlin,  Queen  of  England,  Madame  Darrier,  and  Lord  Alcester, 
Mr.  A.  Felgate,  Burchill,  Walton-on-Thames,  was  second;  Mr.  B.  Calvert 
Bishop  Stortford,  third  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Garpenter,  Broad  Oak,  Byfleet, 
fourth.  There  were  two  competitors  with  six  blooms  of  incurved  varieties 
put  into  commerce  in  1891  or  1892,  but  both  were  disqualified  for  staging 
flowers  not  in  accordance  with  the  schedule.  With  six  incurved  blooms 
of  any  one  variety,  there  were  seven  competitors,  and  Mr.  W.  Collins 
was  placed  first  with  six  grand  specimens  of  Mrs.  Heale.  Mr.  J.  Hewett, 
Hillside  House,  Hythe,  was  second  with  Lord  Alcester,  and  Mr.  Calvert 
third  with  Violet  Tomlin. 

Japanese  Blooms. — An  exhibitor,  who  has  been  improving  rapidly 
with  florists’  flowers  during  the  past  few  years — W.  Herbert  Fowler,  Esq., 
Claremont,  Taunton — secured  the  first  prize  and  the  Holmes’  Memorial 
challenge  cup  in  the  class  for  forty-eight  Japanese,  and  his  victory  was 
the  more  creditable  owing  to  the  strength  of  the  competition.  His  stand 
was  not  striking  for  weight,  but  it  was  wonderfully  even,  the  flowers  all 
being  good  and  fresh.  The  varieties  in  the  back  row  were  J.  S.  Dibben, 
Etoile  de  Lyon,  E.  Molyneux,  Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke, 
Thos.  Hewitt,  Van  den  Heede,  Thos.  Selwood,  Viviand  Morel,  W.  K.  Wood¬ 
cock,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams,  R.  C.  Kingston,  Col.  Smith,  Julius  Roehrs, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Duke  of  York.  Middle  row  :  Violet  Rose,  Sunflower, 
Potter  Palmer,  Miss  Dorothea  Shea,  a  blush  seedling,  G.  C.  Schwabe, 
Florence  Davis,  W.  W.  Coles,  Madame  J,  Laing,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson, 
G.  W.  Wheeler,  Marie  Hoste,  W.  Tricker,  Miss  Muriel  Scott,  Puritan, 
and  Chas.  Davis.  Front  row  :  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn,  Beautd  Toulousaine, 
E.  G,  Hill,  W.  Falconer,  C.  Shrimpton,  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy,  Rufacto 
Marshaletta,  Mdlle.  Th4rese  Rey,  Robt.  Owen,  Louis  Boehmer,  Beauty 
of  Exmouth,  Vice-President  Calvat,  Autumn  Tints,  Gloire  du  Rocher, 
J.  Shrimnton,  and  Chas.  Blick.  Mr.  Fowler  had  very  sensible  labels  for 
his  varieties.  Mr.  Chas.  Cox,  gardener  to  J.  Trotter,  Esq.,  Brickenden, 
Hertford,  also  bad  a  very  fine  stand,  some  of  his  blooms,  notably 
E.  Molyneux,  Viviand  Morel,  Boule  d’Or,  Chas.  Davis,  Wm.  Seward,  and 
Stanstead  White,  being  grand  examples.  The  old  champion,  Mr. 
C.  Gibson,  gardener  to  J.  Wormald,  Esq.,  Morden  Park,  was  third.  He 
had  lighter  flowers  than  the  others,  but  they  were  otherwise  admirable. 
Messrs.  W.  &  G.  Drover,  Fareham,  were  fourth. 

The  stands  in  class  8  for  twenty-four  Japanese  blooms  made  a  show 
in  themselves,  for  there  were  many  fine  exhibits.  The  best  was  that  from 
Mr.  W.  Higgs,  gardener  to  J.  B.  Hankey,  Esq.,  Fetcham  Park,  Leather- 
head,  who  had  a  very  heavy  and  beautiful  box,  in  which  Colonel  Smith 
(magnificent).  Beauty  of  Castle  Hill,  Stanstead  White,  Violet  Rose, 
W.  Seward,  J.  S.  Dibben,  Puritan,  and  E.  Molyneux  were  splendid 
examples.  It  was  one  of  the  best  twenty-fours  ever  shown.  Mr.  W.  H. 
Lees,  gardener  to  F.  A.  Bevan,  Esq.,  Trent  Park,  New  Barnet,  also  had 
an  excellent  stand,  and  was  placed  second,  his  Viviand  Morel.  Charles 
Davis,  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy,  Sunflower,  Colonel  Smith,  and  Mrs.  Jameson 
being  very  fine.  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith,  gardener  to  M.  Hodgson,  Esq  , 
Shirley  Cottage,  Croydon,  was  third,  his  Colonel  Smith,  Viviand  Morel, 
E.  Molyneux,  and  Madame  Calvat  being  excellent  flowers.  Mr.  W. 


428 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  9,  1893. 


Collins,  gardener  to  \V.  Carlile,  Esq.,  Hertford,  was  fourth.  There  were 
seventeen  entries, 

Mr.  W.  Allan,  gardener  to  Lord  Suffield,  Gunton  Park,  proved  that 
he  can  grow  Chrysanthemums  as  well  as  Strawberries  by  staging  a 
splendid  stand  of  twelve  blooms.  It  was  composed  of  a  magnificent 
Viviand  Morel,  very  fine  Coronet,  Stanstead  White,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and 
Miss  A,  Hartshorn,  and  excellent  Mrs.  Payne,  Avalanche,  Stanstead 
Surprise,  Comte  de  Germiny,  J.  Dyer,  Sunfiower,  and  W.  Tricker — 
altogether  a  very  fine  display.  Mr.  Felgate,  gardener  to  the  Duchess  of 
Wellington,  Burhill,  Walton-on-Thames,  had  a  very  fresh  stand.  Col, 
Smith,  Viviand  Morel,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  W.  Tricker  being  exception¬ 
ally  good.  Mr.  Thorne,  gardener  to  Major  Joicey,  Sunningdale,  was 
third,  and  Mr.  Sturt,  gardener  to  N.  L.  Cohen,  Esq.,  fourth,  both 
showing  well.  In  the  class  for  six  white  Japanese  Mr.  W.  Collins  was 
first  with  fine  Avalanche  ;  Mr.  Calvert,  gardener  to  Col.  Archer  Houlton, 
second  with  the  same  variety  ;  and  Mr.  R,  Jones,  gardener  to  C,  A. 
Smith-Ryland,  Esq.,  third  with  Florence  Davis.  With  six  of  any  other 
colour  Mr,  W.  Collins  won  again,  having  a  grand  box  of  E,  Molyneux  ; 
Mr.  Shoesmith  was  second  with  Colonel  Smith,  and  Mr.  Telgate  third 
with  the  same  variety.  Mr.  W.  H.  Lees  was  first  with  Japanese 
incurved,  staging  Col.  Smith,  E.  Molyneux,  W.  Tricker,  W.  H.  Lincoln, 
Mdlle.  Carriere,  and  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy  in  beautiful  order.  Mr. 
Calvert  was  a  very  good  second,  and  Mr.  W.  H.  Fowler  third.  Much 
interest  attached  to  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese  of  1891  and  1892. 
Mr.  W.  J.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  won  with  Miss  Dorothea  Shea,  Lizzie 
Cartledge,  Primrose  League,  Mrs.  Harman  Payne  (very  fine),  Chas. 
Blick,  Aureole  Virginale,  Van  den  Heede,  Princess  May,  Ducbess  of 
Devonshire,  J.  Farwell,  Pearl  Beauty,  and  Lilian  Russell.  Mr.  H, 
Shoesmith  was  second,  and  Mr.  Fowler  third. 

Reflexed,  Ayiemone,  and  RomjJons. — With  twelve  large  reflexed 
blooms,  there  were  twelve  competitors,  and  Mr.  J,  F.  Thorne,  gardener  to 
Major  Joicey,  Sunningdale  Park,  was  awarded  the  first  prize.  This 
exhibitor  had  Cloth  of  Gold,  Pink  Christine,  Cullingfordi,  King  of  the 
Crimsons,  Distinction,  James  Carter,  Cloth  of  Gold,  Phidias,  White 
Christine,  Golden  Christine,  and  Putney  George.  Mr.  A.  Sturt,  Round 
Oak,  Englefield  Green,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Chas.  Brown,  gardener  to 
R.  Henty,  Esq.,  Langley  House.  Abbots  Langley,  third. 

Mr.  A.  Ivies,  gardener  to  C .  E.  J ukes.  Esq.,  Hadley  Lodge,  High  Barnet, 
was  placed  first  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  large-flowered  Anemones, 
showing  fine  blooms.  The  best  of  these  were  Empress,  Annie  Lowe, 
Madame  Lawton,  Delaware,  Nelson,  George  Hawkins,  Sabine  and 
Minnie  Chate.  Mr.  W.  Skeggs,  gardener  to  A.  Moseley,  Esq.,  West 
Lodge,  Barnet,  was  second,  and  Mr.  John  Milner,  Willenhall  Park, 
Barnet,  third.  Mr.  Ivies  had  the  best  twelve  Japanese  Anemones  ;  Mr. 
R.  C.  Notcutt  being  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Milner  third.  Mr.  Ivies  also 
secured  the  first  prize  for  twelve  large  Anemone  blooms  (Japanese 
excluded),  showing  amongst  others  Lady  Margaret,  Annie  Lowe, 
Empress,  and  Mrs.  Judge  Benedict  in  grand  condition.  Mr.  A.  Sturt 
was  second,  and  Mr.  C.  Brown  third. 

For  twelve  Anemone  Pompons,  three  blooms  of  each  variety,  Mr. 
J.  Myers  secured  the  leading  award  for  a  stand  of  fine  blooms.  Mr. 
N.  Aldridge,  Palmers  Green,  was  second,  and  Mr.  C.  Browne  third. 
Pompons  were  best  shown  by  Mr.  C.  Brown,  who  had  an  excellent  stand 
of  blooms,  amongst  which  Brilliant,  Cinderella,  and  Black  Douglas 
were  very  good.  Mr.  Turk  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Myers  third. 

Special  Prizes. — In  the  class  for  twelve  incurved  blooms  for  the 
special  prizes  offered  by  Mr.  E.  C.  Jukes,  Mr.  Robert  Petfield,  Diddington, 
Hunts,  was  first  with  neat  blooms,  amongst  which  Baron  Beust,  Eve, 
Mabel  Ward,  Mrs.  Shipman,  Lady  Dorothy,  Mrs.  Rundle,  and  Venus 
were  conspicuous.  Mr.  W.  H.  Lees  was  second,  and  Mr.  C.  W.  Knowles 
third.  Mr.  E.  Rowbottom,  gardener  to  R.  Williams,  Esq.,  The  Priory, 
Hornsey,  secured  the  first  award  for  six  blooms  of  seedling  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  the  prizes  being  offered  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones.  The  varieties 
staged  were  A.  G.  Hubbuck,  Autumn  Tints,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  Mr. 
Chas.  Blick,  H.  F,  Tiarks,  and  Miss  Muriel  Scott.  Mr.  Herbert  Fowler, 
Taunton,  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Agate  third.  Mr.  W.  G.  Godfrey,  The 
Nurseries,  Exmouth,  secured  the  silver  medal  given  by  Mr.  Jones  for 
six  seedlings  sent  out  last  year,  and  this  with  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Miss 
Dorothea  Shea,  Mrs.  H,  Payne,  Van  der  Heede,  Golden  Wedding,  and 
Pearle  Beauty. 

Mr.  Agate  secured  the  first  prize  given  by  Mr.  R.  Owen,  Maidenhead, 
for  twelve  blooms  of  six  new  incurved  varieties,  and  Mr.  C.  Ritchings, 
Reigate,  gained  Mr.  Godfrey’s  special  prize  for  six  blooms  of  Beauty  of 
Exmouth. 

Amateues’  Classes. 

The  amateurs  came  out  in  strong  force  with  twenty-four  Japanese. 
J.  R.  Wildman,  Esq.,  9,  Grove  Road,  Clapham  Park,  had  an  excellent 
stand  ;  albeit  the  blooms,  with  the  exception  of  Viviand  Morel,  Mrs. 
Jameson,  and  one  or  two  others,  ran  rather  small.  Mr.  J.  Horril,  West 
Street,  Havant,  was  second  with  bright  smooth  flowers,  and  Mr.  A.  J. 
Parker,  172,  New  Kent  Road,  was  third. 

For  twelve  incurved  blooms  in  this  section,  Mr.  J.  Horril,  West 
Street,  Havant,  was  placed  first,  showing  good  blooms  of  Lord  Wolseley, 
Golden  Emperor,  Mrs.  Heale  and  Prince  Alfred  ;  amongst  others  J.  R. 
Wildman,  Esq.,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Lansley,  Watford,  third, 
Mr.  Alfred  Holmes,  The  Grange,  Gosport,  was  first  for  six  incurved 
blooms,  Mr.  T.  Brown,  South  Wimbledon,  being  second,  and  Mr.  C.  E. 
Wilkins,  Woodside,  Surrey,  third. 

With  twelve,  Mr.  Alfred  Holmes,  Fort  George,  Gosport,  won,  and  he 
had  an  excellent  stand.  Mr.  Thos.  Lansley,  155,  Pinner  Road,  Watford, 
was  a  very  close  second,  his  blooms  being  good  in  every  way.  Mr, 


Tullett,  gardener  to  G,  Alexander,  Esq.,  was  third,  under  protest.  There 
was  very  close  competition  in  the  sixes.  Mr.  F.  Durrant,  4,  New  Road, 
Ware,  was  first,  having  a  splendid  Viviand  Morel  in  his  stand.  Mr,  J. 
Brown  was  second,  Mr.  Alfred  Holmes  third,  and  iMr,  F.  W.  Bucking¬ 
ham,  Tonbridge,  was  awarded  an  extra  prize. 

Mr.  W.  C.  Pagram,  gardener  to  A.  F.  Hobhouse,  Esq.,  The  Whim, 
Weybridge,  won  with  twelve  single  Chrysanthemums,  and  he  had  a 
charming  stand.  Yellow  Jane,  Bessie  Conway,  Mary  Anderson,  Jane, 
Millie  Agate,  and  Rev,  W.  E.  Remfrey  being  very  fine  indeed.  Mr.  J, 
Agate,  Havant  Nurseries,  was  second,  some  points  in  the  rear,  his  Golden 
Star  being,  perhaps,  the  best.  Mr.  Carpenter,  gardener  to  Major  Collis 
Browne,  Broad  Oak,  Byfleet,  was  a  good  third.  Mr.  John  Little,  Rom¬ 
ford,  had  the  best  stand  of  twelve  in  the  amateurs’  and  single-handed 
gardeners’  classes,  and  a  very  good  one  it  was  ;  Mr.  E.  Tickner,  gardener 
to  J.  Watney,  Esq.,  Reigate,  being  second,  and  Mr.  W.  C.  Pagram  third. 
Mr.  Tickner  won  with  six,  Messrs.  E.  Mawley,  Rosebank,  Berkhampsted, 
and  W.  Jones,  gardener  to  W.  Hooper,  Esq.,  Sutton,  being  second  and 
third.  Mr.  Little,  Romford,  secured  the  first  prize  for  twelve  incurved 
blooms  in  this  section,  showing  neat  examples.  Mr.  J.  G.  Turk,  High- 
gate,  was  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Trickner,  Reigate,  third.  Mr.  Pagram, 
Weybridge,  staged  the  best  six  incurved  blooms,  Messrs.  W.  H.  Davis 
and  C.  E.  Wilkins  following. 

The  metropolitan  classes  were  open  to  growers  who  reside  within  the 
limits  of  the  London  County  Council,  and  the  whole  of  them  were  well 
filled.  For  twelve  incurved  blooms,  Mr.  F.  Bingham,  Stoke  Newington, 
was  first ;  Mr.  W.  Davey,  Stamford  Hill,  being  second,  and  Mr.  F.  W. 
Wraight  third.  Mr.  J.  Bury,  Tewkesbury  Lodge,  Forest  Hill,  had  the 
best  six  incurved  blooms  in  this  section  ;  Messrs.  J.  Brookes,  Highgate, 
and  F.  Bingham  following.  Mr.  Brookes  was  first  in  the  class  for  twelve 
Japanese,  distinct ;  Mr.  W.  Beech,  Hereford  House,  South  Kensington, 
second,  and  Mr.  Bingham,  third.  The  last  named  exhibitor  had  the  best 
six  Japanese  blooms,  Messrs.  Vince  and  Bury  being  second  and  third. 

Groups  and  Trained  Plants. 

Only  two  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  entered  for  competition, 
these  being  arranged  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones  and  Mr.  Davis,  to  whom  the 
first  and  second  prizes  were  awarded.  Mr.  W.  Davey,  gardener  to  C.  C. 
Paine,  Esq.,  won  with  six  standard  trained  large-flowered  varieties ;  Mr.  W. 
Donald,  gardener  to  J.  G.  Barclay,  Esq.,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  W.  Wesker 
third.  Mr.  G.  W.  Hendon  won  with  standards  of  any  varieties,  Mr. 
Silks  being  second,  and  Mr.  Hughes  third.  Mr.  Donald  had  some  of  the 
finest  trained  specimens  ever  exhibited  at  these  Shows.  His  six  were 
magnificent  examples,  both  as  to  health,  training,  and  flowers.  Margot 
and  Gloriosum  were  superb.  Mr.  J.  Hughes  was  second,  and  Mr.  Wesker 
third.  Mr.  Hendon  won  with  four,  these  being  about  half  the  size  of  Mr. 
Donald’s  plants.  Messrs.  W.  Davey  and  Gilks  were  second  and  third. 
Mr.  J.  Hughes  was  first  for  six  trained  specimens  of  Pompons,  and  Mr. 
F.  Gilks,  Forest  Road,  Walthamstow,  had  the  best  “naturally  trained” 
plant.  Mr.  D.  Donald,  Leyton,  secured  the  leading  award  for  a  single 
specimen,  showing  Margot  in  grand  condition. 

Miscellaneous. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  numerous.  Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Maiden¬ 
head,  staged  a  splendid  collection  of  Chrysanthemum  blooms,  com¬ 
prising  all  the  latest  novelties.  Mr.  W.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  also  had 
som  e  grand  flowers  of  the  newest  varieties,  which  attracted  notice.  Mr. 
H.  J.  Jones,  Ryecroft  Nurseries,  Lewisham,  made  a  special  feature,  in 
the  Exhibition  by  staging  fine  blooms  in  large  vases,  and  these  created 
quite  a  sensation.  It  would  be  well  if  this  method  of  staging  were 
more  generally  adopted.  Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Limited, 
had  a  neat  stand  of  table  and  greenhouse  plants,  healthy  and  well- 
grown.  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons  had  a  table  of  large  and  richly 
coloured  Apples.  Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  contributed  a  stand  of 
Orchids  and  Heaths,  which  was  very  much  admired.  Messrs.  Cannell 
and  Sons  were  represented  by  a  splendid  display  of  Chrysanthemums 
and  Zonal  Pelargoniums  interspersed  with  Ferns,  which  created  a  most 
brilliant  effect.  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  filled  a  long  table  with  heaps  of 
their  fine  Potatoes,  Supreme,  Windsor  Castle,  Triumph,  Abundance,  and 
Satisfaction,  the  tubers  being  of  splendid  quality.  Mr.  J.  George, 
Putney,  had  horticultural  sundries  ;  Mr.  J.  Myers,  Hinchingbrooke,  the 
“  Acme  ”  self-clipping  double  risingitube  for  Chrysanthemums  ;  G.  W. 
Davis,  tins  of  fertiliser  ;  and  Williams,  lies  «fe  Co.,  pottery. 

Mr.  J.  R.  Chard,  Stoke  Newington,  and  Mr.  F.  W.  Seale,  Sevenoaks, 
divided  the  prizes  for  three  vases  or  epergnes  of  Chrysanthemums, 
while  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Sons,  Coventry,  and  Gilbert  Davidson,  Annan- 
ford,  South  Wales,  won  the  awards  for  a  table  of  bouquets  and  wreaths. 

The  special  prizes  offered  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  for  a  collection 
of  vegetables  brought  forth  a  good  competition.  Mr.  W.  Pope,  High 
Clere  Castle  Gardens,  was  first  for  a  grand  collection.  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite 
was  second,  Mr.  Richards,  Sydmonton  Court,  Newbury,  third,  and 
Mr.  G.  Best,  Basingstoke,  fourth.  Mr.  Turton,  Maiden  Erleigh, 
Reading,  was  first  for  six  dishes  of  culinary  Apples,  and  also  for  a 
similar  number  of  dessert  Apples.  Muscat  and  black  Grapes  were  well 
shown  by  Mr.  C.  Giffen,  Kingston-on-Thames,  and  Mr.  Brown,  Forest 
Hill,  also  had  two  good  bunches  of  Gros  Colman  Grape,  for  which  the 
first  prize  was  awarded.  Mr.  W.  Allan,  Gunton  Park,  was  first  with 
six  dishes  of  dessert  Pears,  Mr.  W.  Benwick  being  second.  The  last 
named  exhibitor  also  staged  a  large  number  of  Apples,  and  Messrs. 
W.  Cutbush  &  Sons  had  Apples  and  bunches  of  Chasselas  Napoleon 
Grapes.  Amongst  other  things  Potatoes  were  extensively  shown  in  the 
competitive  classes,  and  in  addition  to  Messrs.  Sutton’s  exhibits, 
Mr.  C.  Fidler  staged  Potatoes  in  fine  condition,  as  did  Messrs. 
H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley. 


November  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


429 


Numerous  new  Chrysanthemums  were  exhibited  by  some  of  the 
leading  growers,  including  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  H.  J.  Jones, 
R.  Owen,  W.  J.  Godfrey,  T.  S.  Ware  and  others,  but  no  certificates  had 
been  awarded  when  our  reporter  left  the  building.  These  will  be 
mentioned  in  our  next  issue. 

KINGSTON  AND  SURBITON.— November  7th  and  8th. 

The  seventeenth  annual  Exhibition  of  this  far-famed  Society  must 
be  recorded  as  among  the  very  best  that  have  been  held  this  season,  and 
Kingston  again  maintains  the  prestige  it  has  won  so  well.  Not  a 
bad  exhibit  was  to  be  found  in  the  whole  Exhibition,  composed  of  over 
seventy  classes.  Marked  excellence  characterised  the  Show  throughout, 
and  Mr.  G.  Woodgate,  the  Hon.  Secretary,  Mr.  John  Drewett,  the  Hon. 
Treasurer,  who  has  been  connected  with  it  from  the  first,  and  the 
executive  may  justly  be  proud  of  the  success  achieved. 

More  than  usual  interest  centered  in  the  Exhibition  owing  to  there 
being  two  silver  challenge  cups  awarded,  one  competition  being  for  final 
possession.  This  was  the  sixth  champion  challenge  vase,  value  25  guineas, 
for  forty-eight  Chrysanthemum  blooms,  distinct,  twenty-four  incurved 
and  twenty-four  Japanese,  arranged  on  separate  boards.  This  having 
been  won  successively  by  T.  H.  Bryant,  Esq.,  Juniper  Hill,  Dorking; 
Major  Collis  Browne,  Broad  Oaks,  Byfleet  ;  and  Alfred  Tate,  Esq.,  of 
Downside,  Leatherhead,  the  final  competition  this  year  was  confined  to 
those  three  gentlemen,  as  represented  by  their  gardeners,  Messrs.  Beckett, 
Mease,  and  Carpenter  respectively.  Mr.  W.  Mease,  who  won  the  coveted 
honour  last  year,  wrested  it  from  the  previous  holders,  and  the  vase  now 
becomes  Mr.  Tate’s  property.  The  whole  collection  was  massive,  the 
blooms  being  of  great  depth,  especially  his  twenty-four  incurved.  The 
collection  consisted  of  the  following  varieties  : — Japanese  :  Viviand 
Morel,  George  Daniels,  Boule  d’Or,  Mrs.  Harman  Payne,  Eda  Prass, 
Edwin  Molyneux,  Condor,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Robert  Owen  (magnificent). 
Excelsior,  W.  Tricker  (fine),  G.  C.  Schwabe,  J.  S.  Dibbin,  Etoile  de 
Lyon,  W.  Seward,  V.  P.  Darquier,  Mdlle.  Th^r^se  Rey,  Mrs.  Falconer 
Jameson,W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  Cannell,Vice- President  Cal  vat.  Lord  Brooke, 
Miss  Anna  Hartshorn,  Chas.  Davis.  Incurved  :  John  Lambert,  John 
Doughty,  Jeanne  d’Arc  (fine),  C.  B.  Withnal,  Robert  Cannell,  Mons.  R. 
Bahuant,  Marquise  de  Paris,  Queen  of  England,  Lord  Alcester,  Violet 
Tomlin,  Golden  Empress,  Princess  of  Wales,  Madame  Carrier,  Empress 
Eugbnie,  Mrs.  S.  Coleman,  Empress  of  India,  Princess  Beatrice,  Mrs.  W. 
Shipman,  Mrs.  Heale,  Nil  Desperandum,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Princess 
Teck,  John  Salter,  and  Novelty. 

Mr.  C.  Beckett,  gardener  to  T.  H.  Bryant,  Esq.,  Juniper  Hill,  Dork¬ 
ing,  was  placed  second.  Most  of  his  Japanese  were  of  good  build  and 
possessed  both  finish  and  colour,  but  several  of  his  incurves  were  lack¬ 
ing  in  depth.  Sunflower,  G.  W.  Childs,  Beauty  of  Castle  Hill,  Excelsior, 
and  Vice-President  Darquier  were  amongst  his  best  Japs  ;  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Baron  Hirsch,  Princess  of  Wales,  and  Madame  Carrier  were  the  finest 
in  finish  of  his  incurves.  Mr.  G.  Carpenter,  gardener  to  Major  Collis 
Browne,  Broad  Oaks,  Byfleet,  was  a  very  close  third,  and  he  would 
probably  have  been  in  a  stronger  position  had  the  Show  been  a  few 
days  earlier. 

The  seventh  champion  challenge  vase,  value  twenty-five  guineas,  is 
open  to  subscribers  of  one  guinea,  for  forty-eight  Chrysanthemum  blooms, 
distinct,  twenty-four  incurved  and  twenty-four  Japanese,  the  winner  to 
hold  the  vase  till  the  next  Exhibition.  Should  the  same  exhibitor  win 
the  vase  twice  (not  necessarily  consecutively)  it  shall  become  his 
property ;  but  should  it  be  won  by  three  different  exhibitors  in  the  first 
three  years,  then  the  competition  in  the  fourth  year  shall  be  confined  to 
the  three  winners.  Winners  of  the  challenge  vases  : — 1882,  T.  D.  Galpin, 
Esq.,  Bristol  House,  Putney  ;  gardener,  G.  Harding.  1883,  W.  H.  Myers, 
Esq.,  Swanmore  Park,  Bishop’s  Waltham,  Hants  ;  gardener,  E.  Molyneux. 
1885,  W.  H.  Myers,  Esq.,  Swanmore  Park,  Bishop’s  Waltham,  Hants; 
gardener,  E.  Molyneux.  1887,  J.  Wormald,  Esq.,  Morden  Park ; 
gardener,  C.  Gibson.  1888-9,  W.  Furze,  Esq.,  Roselands,  Teddington  ; 
gardener,  E.  Coombs.  1893,  Alfred  Tate,  Esq.,  Downside,  Leatherhead. 

There  were  five  collections  staged  for  the  new  vase,  the  premier 
award  being  made  to  Mr.  W.  Neville,  gardener  to  F.  W.  Flight,  Esq., 
Cornstiles,  Twyford,  Winchester,  who  is  now  the  holder  for  the  first  year 
of  what  in  Chrysanthemum  phrase  is  considered  the  blue  ribbon  of  the 
show  if  not  of  the  nation.  This  collection  comprised  of  Japanese, 
Viviand  Morel,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Thomas  Hewitt,  E.  Linsdale,  Puritan, 
Beaute  de  Toulousaine,  W.  Tricker,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Florence  Davis, 
Stanstead  Surprise,  W.  R.  Woodcock,  Marquise  de  Paris,  R.  Brockle- 
bank.  Condor,  Lord  Brooke,  Stanstead  White,  Boule  d’Or,  Miss 
A.  Hartshorn,  Golden  Dragon,  Madame  J.  Laing,  Comte  de  Germiny, 
Glorie  du  Rocher,  J.  Shrimpton,  and  Sunflower.  Incurved  :  Lord 
Wolseley,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Lord  Alcester.  Prince  of  Wales  (fine),  Mons. 
Bahuant,  Golden  Empress,  Baron  Hirsch,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Miss  Haggas, 
Queen  of  England,  John  Doughty,  Violet  Tomlin,  Empress  of  India, 
Prince  Alfred,  Mrs.  Heale,  Ami  Hoste,  Golden  Queen  of  England,  Mr. 
Brunlees,  Alfred  Lyne,  and  Mr.  Bunn.  Mr.  G.  J.  Hunt,  gardener  to 
Pantia  Ralli,  Esq.,  Ashtead  Park,  Epsom,  was  a  very  good  second. 
Robert  Owen,  a  beautiful  incurved  Japanese,  stood  out  most  prominent 
in  this  collection  ;  he  had  also  good  finished  flowers  of  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Princess  of  Wales,  and  Nil  Desperandum.  Mr.  J.  Quarterman,  gardener 
to  C.  E.  Smith,  Esq.,  Silvermore,  Cobham,  was  placed  third  for  an  even 
and  neat  collection,  and  Mr.  G.  Woodgate,  Warren  House  Gardens, 
Kingston,  fourth. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  incurved,  distinct,  seven  collections  were 
staged.  Mr.  W.  Higgs,  gardener  to  J.  B.  Hankey,  Esq.,  Fetcham  Park, 


Leatherhead,  was  well  ahead  with  a  magnificent  collection  throughout ; 
probably  he  staged  as  fine  blooms  of  the  Queen  family  as  has  been 
exhibited  this  season.  Golden  Empress  was  grand,  also  John  Doughty, 
John  Lambert,  Queen  of  England,  John  Salter,  Lord  Alcester,  Empress 
of  India,  Alfred  Salter,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Lord  Wolseley,  Miss  Haggas, 
Violet  Tomlin,  Princess  of  Wales,  Prince  Alfred,  Baron  Hirsch,  Lady 
Dorothy,  Nil  Desperandun,  Alfred  Lyne,  Madame  Darrier,  Mrs.  Heale, 
Ami  Hoste,  Empress  Eugenie,  and  Mabel  Ward.  Second  honours  fell  to 
Mr.  W.  Jinks,  gardener  to  W.  Grant,  Esq.,  Fair  Lawn,  Cobham  ;  and 
the  third  and  fourth  to  Mr.  W.  Mease  and  Mr.  W.  Neville  in  the  order 
of  their  names. 

For  twelve  blooms,  incurved,  distinct,  Mr.  W.  Hopkins,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Wodderspoon,  The  Chestnuts,  Walton,  was  placed  first  with  Mrs. 
Heale,  Violet  Tomlin,  Miss  Haggas,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Empress 
of  India,  Princess  of  Wales,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Queen  of  England,  Madame 
Darrier,  Golden  Empress,  and  Ami  Hoste.  Messrs.  C.  Beckett  and  Mr. 
A.  Felgate  were  placed  second  and  third  respectively.  In  the  class  for 
six  incurved  blooms  six  collections  were  staged,  first  honours  falling  to  Mr. 
J.  Thorne,  gardener  to  A.  E.  Flood,  Esq  ,  The  Bush,  Walton  ;  second  to 
Mr.  G.  Mileham,  gardener  to  A.  T.  Miller,  Esq.,  Emlyn  House,  Leather¬ 
head  ;  and  third  to  Mr.  G.  Holden,  gardener  to  Mrs.  C.  W.  Izod,  The 
Lammas,  Esher.  For  six  of  one  kind  Mr.  Hopkins  was  first  with  Violet 
Tomlin  ;  Mr.  Neville  second  with  Princess  of  Wales  ;  and  Mr.  E. 
Coombs  third  with  Baron  Hirsch  out  of  nine  collections  set  up,  and  all 
meritorious. 

There  were  six  competitors  for  twenty-four  Japanese,  distinct,  and 
the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  W.  Higgs  for  solid  blooms  of  Eda 
Prass,  Mrs.  Nisbet,  Boule  d’Or,  Condor,  W.  Seward,  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
Sunflower,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Col.  Smith,  Vice-President  AudiguierfEdwin 
Molyneux,  Sarah  Owen,  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste, 
Alberic  Lunden,  Puritan,  Stanstead  White,  J.  S.  Dibben,  W.  Tricker,  Miss 
Anna  Hartshorn,  Violet  Rose,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  and  Viviand  Morel. 
Second  honours  fell  to  Mr.  W.  Mease,  and  third  to  Mr.  G.  Trinder, 
gardener  to  Sir  H.  Mildmay,  Bt.,  Dogmersfield,  Winchfield. 

In  the  corresponding  class  for  twelve  Japs,  distinct,  there  were  eight 
competitors,  and  Mr.  G.  Hunt  was  first  with  Viviand  Morel,  Miss  Anna 
Hartshorn  (fine),  W.  Tricker,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Mons.  A.  Carri^re,  Mrs. 
F.  Jameson,  Boule  d’Or,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Robert  Owen,  Eda  Prass, 
Florence  Davis,  and  Vice-President  Darquet.  Mr.  G.  Holden  was  a 
very  good  second  ;  and  Messrs.  Hopkins  and  Ridge  third  and  fourth  in 
the  order  of  their  names. 

For  six  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  F.  King,  gardener  to  A.  F.  Perkins, 
Esq.,  Oakdene,  Holmwood,  Surrey,  was  well  to  the  front ;  Mr.  H.  Head, 
gardener  to  W.  Daniels,  Esq.,  Inglewood,  Kew,  was  placed 
second  ;  and  Mr.  C.  Slade,  gardener  to  General  Gardiner,  third.  Mr. 
R.  Ridge,  gardener  to  Swifton  Eady,  Esq.,  Weybridge,  secured  the  first 
prize  for  six  of  a  sort  with  Viviand  Morel ;  Mr.  A.  Felgate  the  second 
award  with  grand  blooms  of  Sunflower  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Hunt  third  with 
Marie  Hoste.  The  competition  was  splendid  in  these  classes. 

Messrs.  Meases,  Felgate,  and  Pitcher  shared  the  honours  for  twelve 
reflexed.  Anemones  made  a  fine  display,  and  Messrs.  Jinks,  Woodgate, 
and  Turner  secured  the  prizes  in  order  of  their  names.  Singles,  Pompons, 
and  Anemone  Pompons  were  all  well  represented,  collections  of  three 
blooms  each  in  six  bunches  of  the  Rundle  family  had  a  beautiful  effect. 
Messrs.  Wells,  Redhill  ;  Plowman,  Long  Ditton  ;  and  Dorsett  were 
placed  first,  second,  and  third  respectively.  The  blooms  were  shown  on 
leafy  stems. 

The  best  incurved  bloom  in  the  Show  was  Mrs.  Coleman  in  Mr. 
Flight’s  stand,  and  the  best  Japanese,  Edwin  Molyneux,  was  shown  by 
Mr.  Hunt. 

Groups  are  always  good  at  Kingston,  and  this  year  they  were  better 
than  ever.  Mr.  Mileham  was  deservedly  awarded  first  honours  for  a 
collection  that  not  only  excelled  in  dwarfnesi  ot  t  ablt,  quality  of  flower, 
and  above  all  in  arrangement.  Mr.  T.  Bead,  gardener  to  li.  S.  Bond, 
Esq.,  was  a  very  good  second  ;  Mr.  G.  Springthorpe,  gardener  to  W.  A. 
Bevan,  Esq..  Coombe  Court,  Kingston,  third  ;  and  Mr.  W.  H.  Pitcher, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Dunnage,  Albanes  House,  Surbiton,  fourth.  Mr.  G.  J. 
Cook,  gardener  to  J.  S.  Sassoon,  Esq  ,  Ashby  Park,  Walton,  deservedly 
secured  first  prize  for  a  miscellaneous  collection  of  flowering  and  foliage 
plants.  Mr.  Swan,  gardener  to  Muriy  Smith,  Esq.,  Brockley  Lodge, 
Weybridge,  secured  the  first  prize  with  six  beautiful  trained  plants  of 
Mrs.  Forsyth,  George  Glenny,  Golden  Christine,  Mrs.  Rundle,  Peter  the 
Great,  and  Pink  Christine.  Mr.  F.  King  was  placed  second.  Mr. 
Swan  also  secured  first  honours  for  trained  Pompons,  staging  good 
examples  of  Golden  Mdlle.  Marthe,  Mdlle.  Marthe,  Mr.  Astie,  and  Marie 
Stuart ;  Mr.  Atkins  was  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Cusbon  third. 

Fruit  was  well  represented.  Mr.  Waite  secured  the  first  prize  for  a 
collection  of  four  dishes,  and  Mr.  Griffin,  gardener  to  Alex.  Christy,  Esq., 
Coombe  Bank,  secured  the  special  prize  given  by  Mr.  W.  Lane  for  three 
bunches  of  black  Grapes  with  Alicante.  Mr.  Griffin  was  also  first  in  a 
white  variety  with  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Primulas  were  seldom  shown 
in  such  excellent  condition,  more  especially  those  exhibited  by  Mr. 
Mease,  which  not  only  secured  first  honours  but  the  silver  medal  for 
high  culture.  Several  bouquets  were  exhibited,  but  some  too  formal,  and 
the  prizes  seemed  to  be  awarded  to  the  more  free  and  pleasing  arrange¬ 
ments.  Epergnes  were  tastefully  furnished,  Mrs.  Nuttall,  a  daughter  of 
Mr.  Flight,  who  used  to  win  honours  at  Winchester,  being  the  most 
successful  exhibitor.  Mr.  Waite  had  a  grand  collection  of  vegetables,  in 
fact  many  exhibits  were  worthy  of  notice  if  time  and  space  permitted, 
at  this  the  last  and  best  show  that  has  ever  been  seen  in  the  ancient 
town  of  Kingston-on-Thames. 


480 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  9,  1893. 


BKIGHTON.— November  7th  and  8th. 

The  annual  Chrysanthemutn  Show  of  the  Brighton  and  Sussex 
“New”  Horticultural  Society  was  held  in  the  Pavilion  on  the  above 
dates,  when  a  magnificent  display  was  brought  together.  The  Japanese 
blooms  were  of  exceptional  merit,  the  incurved  ranging  rather  smaller 
than  is  customary,  but  making  up  in  quality  for  what  they  lacked  in 
size.  Fruit,  including  Apples,  Pears  and  Grapes,  were  staged  in  good 
numbers  and  splendid  condition,  as  also  were  vegetables  in  various 
kinds.  The  arrangements  of  the  Show  under  the  superintendence  of 
Mr.  M.  Longhurst,  Secretary,  and  a  committee  of  management  were 
perfectly  carried  out,  and  reflected  much  credit  on  these  gentlemen. 
Groups  and  specimen  plants  were  seen  in  exceptionally  good  form  and 
in  great  numbers.  The  exhibition  was  such  an  extensive  one  and  so 
highly  meritorious  that  we  are  unable  to  give  a  full  list  of  the  prize¬ 
winners,  and  append  the  names  of  those  in  the  principal  classes  only. 

Mr.  H.  Head,  The  Drive  Nursery,  Hove,  was  awarded  the  first  prize 
for  a  group,  arranged  in  a  space  of  14  feet  by  8  feet,  in  which  some 
grand  examples  were  staged.  Mr.  J.  Hill,  gardener  to  M.  Wallis,  Esq., 
J.P.,  Springfield,  Withdeane,  was  a  good  second  ;  and  Mr.  F.  Meachen, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Armstrong,  Woodslee,  Withdeane,  third.  For  a  semi¬ 
circular  group  in  a  space  of  11  feet  6  inches  by  6  feet,  Mr.  Fairs, 
gardener  to  R.  Clowes,  Esq.,  Clayton,  Wickham,  Hassocks,  was  placed 
first  for  an  admirable  arrangement.  Mr.  Sims,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Inwood, 
Esq.,  The  Retreat,  Dyke  Road,  Brighton,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Lister, 
gardener  to  E.  A.  Wallis,  Esq.,  Lewes  Road,  Brighton,  third.  Mr.  C. 
Ritchings,  gardener  to  Dr.  Frankland  was  an  excellent  first,  securing 
a  silver  medal  for  thirty-six  Japanese,  in  not  less  than  twenty-four 
varieties,  staging  —  back  row:  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  E.  Molyneux, 
Viviand  Morel,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Puritan,  E.  Molyneux,  Puritan,  Mrs.  C. 
Harman  Payne,  J.  Shrimpton,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Viviand  Morel,  Col. 
W.  B.  Smith.  Middle  row  :  Charles  Shrimpton,  Professor  Whitmack, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  President  Borel,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Condor, 
J.  Shrimpton,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  E.  D.  Adams,  President  Borel,  Beauty  of 
Exmouth,  Mrs.  A.  G.  Ramsey.  Front  row  :  Florence  Davis,  Sunflower, 
William  Seward,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  Florence  Davis,  Excelsior,  William 
Tricker,  Lord  Brooke,  Prince  du  Bois,  William  Seward,  and  Etoile  de 
Lyon.  Mr.  Slaughter  was  a  good  second  ;  Mr.  Hart  was  third  ;  and 
Mr.  Penford  fourth. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  Japanese,  distinct,  there  were  flve  stands 
staged,  Mr.  Slaughter,  Jarvis  Villa,  Steyning,  being  first.  His  stand 
was  comprised  of — Back  row  :  Vice-President  Audiguier,  Gloire  du 
Rocher,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoite,  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams, 
E.  Molyneux,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  a  pale  sport  from  Viviand  Morel. 
Middle  row  :  Alberic  Lunden,  Puritan,  Val  d’Andorre,  Condor,  Mrs. 
C.  H.  Wheeler,  Florence  Davis,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  John  Dyer.  Front  row  : 
Sunflower,  Madame  Baco,  Sarah  Oiven,  Excelsior,  Avalanche,  Lord 
Brooke,  Amos  Perry,  Madame  J.  Laing.  The  blooms  in  this  stand  were 
splendid,  being  uniformly  of  good  shape  and  colour.  Mr.  G.  Goldsmith, 
gardener  to  Sir  E.  G.  Loder,  Leonardslee,  Horsham,  was  second  ;  Mr. 
Duncan,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Lucas,  Esq.,  Warnham  Court,  Horsham, 
third,  and  Mr.  Wallis,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Mews,  Hartwell,  Hartfleld, 
fourth.  For  twenty-four  incurved,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties, 
Mr.  Ritchings,  gardener  to  Dr.  Frankland,  Reigate,  was  first  with 
compact  blooms  of  fine  form.  They  consisted  of — Back  row :  Baron 
Hirsch,  Lord  Alcester,  Violet  Tomlin,  Golden  Empress,  Empress  of 
India,  N.  Davis,  Golden  Emoress,  Baron  Hirsch.  Middle  row:  Jeanne 
d’Arc,  Prince  Alfred,  Princess  of  Wales,  Miss  M.  A.  Ilaggas,  Violet 
Tomlin,  Lord  Wolseley,  Jeanne  d’Arc.  Front  row  :  Lady  Hardinge, 
Nil  Desperandum,  Mrs.  G.  Bundle,  Mrs.  Dixon,  Cherub,  G.  Glenny, 
Mrs.  G.  Bundle,  and  Jardin  des  Plantes.  Mr.  Goldsmith  was  second 
with  larger  blooms,  which,  however,  were  not  so  well  finished,  and  Mr. 
Penford,  gardener  to  Sir  F.  Fitzwygram,  Leigh  Park,  Havant,  third. 
Equal  fourth  prizes  were  accorded  to  Messrs.  Heasman  and  Standing. 
There  were  ten  competitors  in  the  class  for  twelve  incurved,  distinct, 
Mr.  Fowler,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Hall,  Barrow  Hill,  Henfield,  being  first. 
The  flowers  were  of  fair  size  and  substance.  The  blooms  in  the  back 
row  were  Camille  Flammarion,  John  Lambert,  Ami  Hoste,  Prince 
Alfred.  Middle  row  :  Miss  Haggas,  Lord  Wolseley,  Mrs.  Heale,  Madame 
Darrier.  Front  row:  Alfred  Lyne,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Violet  Tomlin,  and 
Novelty.  Mr.  Horscroft,  gardener  to  T.  Potter,  Esq.,  Ardingly,  was  a 
fair  second  ;  Mr.  Tourle,  gardener  to  F.  Barchard,  Esq.,  Uckfield,  and 
Mr.  Baker,  gardener  to  F.  H.  Brady,  Esq.,  Burgess  Hill,  fourth. 

Mr.  Horscroft  was  a  good  first  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  staging 
— back  row  :  Viviand  Morel,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Florence  Davis,  Colonel 
W.  B.  Smith.  Middle  row  :  Avalanche,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Madame  J. 
Laing,  Puritan.  Front  row  :  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Louise  Leroy,  C.  Becket, 
and  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Fowler  ;  the 
third  to  Mr.  Emery,  gardener  to  M.  G.  Megaw,  Esq  ,  Avoca,  Eastbourne  ; 
and  the  fourth  to  Mr.  Sayers,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Cook,  The  Hall,  Nutley, 
Uckfield.  Mr.  Emery  was  first  for  six  Japanese,  distinct,  with  Mrs.  C. 
Harman  Payne,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Florence  Davis,  Viviand  Morel, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  E.  A.  Carri^re.  Mr.  Baker  was  second,  Messrs.  W. 
Miles  &  Co.,  West  Brighton  Nurseries,  being  third.  Mr.  Heasman  was 
first  for  six  Anemones,  staging  Jean  Marty,  Margouluie,  Empress,  Mens. 
Chas.  Lebocqz,  Mrs.  Judge  Benedict,  and  Grand  Alveole.  Mr.  Penford 
was  second,  Mr.  Tourle  third,  and  Mr.  H.  Harris  fourth.  Mr.  Heasman 
was  first  for  six  reflexed,  showing  Cloth  of  Gold,  King  of  Crimsons,  Dr. 
Sharp,  Golden  Christine,  Mrs.  Forsyth,  and  Pink  Christine.  Mr. 
Ritchings  was  a  good  second,  Mr.  Penford  third,  and  Mr.  Hart,  Shore- 
ham,  fourth.  Mr.  Duncan  was  first  for  six  incurved,  one  variety, 
with  Jeanne  d’Arc  ;  Mr.  Jupp  second  with  Princess  of  Wales  ;  Mr. 


Fowler  third  with  Madame  Darrier  ;  and  Mr.  Baker  fourth  with 
Jeanne  d’Arc. 

Mr.  Duncan  was  first  for  six  Japanese,  one  variety,  with  handsome 
examples  of  E.  Molyneux  ;  Mr.  Horscroft  second  with  Viviand  Morel ; 
Mr.  H.  Head,  The  Drive  Nursery,  Hove,  third,  with  the  same  variety  ; 
and  Mr.  Slaughter,  fourth,  also  with  Viviand  Morel.  Mr.  Duncan  was 
first  for  six  Japanese,  white,  staging  Ava'aache  in  good  form  ;  Mr. 
Slaughter  being  second,  Mr.  Tourle  third  ;  and  Mr.  Heasman  fourth. 
Mr.  Baker  was  first  for  six  yellow  Japanese  with  fine  Sunflowers  ;  Mr. 
Duncan  sec3nd  with  the  same  kind  ;  Mr.  Slaughter  third  with  W.  H. 
Lincoln,  and  Mr.  Baker  fourth.  Mrs,  S.  Coleman,  West  End,  Henfield, 
was  first  for  twelve  Pompons  with  charming  flowers ;  Mr.  Harris 
second ;  Mr.  Blake,  gardener  to  P.  C.  G.  Roper,  Esq  ,  Polegate, 
third  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Hart  fourth.  Specimen  plants  were  shown  in  grand 
condition,  Messrs.  G.  Hart,  E.  Meachen,  A.  Scutt,  and  Jas.  Hill  being 
amongst  the  most  successful  exhibitors  in  these  classes. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  numerous,  and  included  a  collection  of 
fruit  from  Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Son,  Lowfield  Nursery,  Crawley  ;  bulbs 
from  Messrs.  Tilley  Bros.,  Brighton  ;  Orchids  and  Palms  from  Mr.  H. 
Garnett,  gardener  to  R.  G.  Fletcher,  Esq.,  Patcham  ;  Chrysanthemums 
from  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Red  Hill ;  and  fruit,  bulbs  and  Orchids  from  Messrs. 
W.  Balchin  &  Son,  Hassocks  Nursery,  Sussex. 

SOUTHAMPTON. — November  7th  and  8th. 

After  a  lapse  of  several  years,  through  want  of  support  financially, 
the  Royal  Southampton  Horticultural  Society  ventured  upon  holding 
an  autumn  Exhibition  this  year  on  the  dates  named,  in  the 
Victoria  Hall.  Prom  a  horticultural  point  of  view  it  was  a  success. 
The  exhibits,  if  not  numerous,  possessed  quality.  The  arrangements 
were,  as  they  always  are  here,  quite  perfect,  under  the  guidance  of  Mr. 

S.  Fuidge,  the  Secretary. 

Cut  blooms  formed  the  principal  part  of  the  Exhibition.  The 
leading  class  was  that  for  twenty-four,  twelve  Japanese  and  twelve 
incurved,  the  first  prize  going  to  Mr.  G.  Inglefield,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  W. 
Kelk,  Bart.  His  best  blooms  were — Japanese  :  Col.  W.  B.  Smith, 

E.  Molyneux,  Mdlle.  M.  Hoste,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  W.  H. 
Tricker,  Avalanche,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Le  Verseau  (good),  Alberic 
Lunden,  and  Sunflower.  Incurved  :  Golden  Empress,  Empress  of 
India,  Emily  Dale,  Prince  Alfred,  Miss  Haggas,  Lord  Alcester,  Lord 
Wolseley,  Princess  of  Wales,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Empress  Eugfiuie,  Queen  of 
England,  and  Mrs.  N.  Davis.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  G.  Hughes, 
gardener  to  W.  Baring,  E^q.,  Norman  Court,  Salisbury,  with  equally  good 
incurved,  but  falling  away  in  Japanese.  Mr.  Penford,  gardener  to  Sir 

F.  Fitzwygram,  Bart.,  M.P.,  Leigh  Park,  Havant,  was  third. 

The  next  important  class  was  for  twenty-four  blooms,  not  more  than 
two  of  one  variety.  Mr.  Inglefield  again  led  the  way,  closely  followed 
by  Mr.  Hughes  and  Mr.  Penford  in  the  order  named.  Mr.  Inglefield 
was  also  first  for  twelve  Japanese  and  twelve  incurved,  the  second 
prizes  in  both  cases  going  to  Mr.  Hughes.  For  twelve  blooms,  not  more 
than  two  of  any  one  variety,  Mr.  Hughes  was  first.  Mr.  Budd,  gardener 
to  F.  G.  Dalgety,  Esq.,  Lockerby  Hall,  Romsey,  was  second  ;  and  Mr. 
Penford  third. 

Plants  were  well  shown.  For  the  best  collection,  arranged  in  a  space 
60  feet  square,  Mr.  G.  Busby,  gardener  to  Colonel  F.  Willan,  Thorn  Hill, 
Bitterns,  was  an  easy  first,  his  plants  being  dwarf  and  carrying 
good  blooms.  Second,  Mr.  F.  Rossman,  florist,  Shirley.  For  four 
Japanese,  Mr.  E.  Rose,  gardener  to  Dr.  Allden,  The  Firs,  Bassett,  was 
first  with  fine  specimens  of  Lady  Selborne  and  Mdlle.  Lacroix,  closely 
followed  by  Mr.  E.  Carr,  gardener  to  W.  A.  Gillett,  Esq.,  Fair  Oak, 
Bishopstoke.  For  a  single  specimen  Japanese,  Mr.  E.  Carr  was  easily 
first  with  Madame  Bertie  Rendatler,  5  feet  through  ;  and  Mr.  Rose 
second.  For  a  group  of  miscellaneous  plants  arranged  for  effect,  Mr.  W. 
Peel  was  first  with  a  very  light  arrangement,  closely  followed  by  Mr. 
E.  Wills,  nurseryman,  Shirley. 

Fruit  was  good  throughout.  In  the  class  for  three  distinct  varieties 
Mr.  W.  Saunders,  Junction  Road,  Andover,  was  first  ;  and  Mr.  W. 
Mitchell,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Flemming,  Esq.,  Chilworth  Manor,  second. 
For  two  bunches  of  black  Grapes  Mr.  T.  Hall,  gardener  to  S.  Montagu, 
Esq.,  M.P.,  South  Stoneham,  was  first  with  fine  Alicante.  Mr.  Mitchell 
was  second.  Apples  and  Pears  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  G.  Bushby,  Mr. 

T.  Hall,  Mr.  S.  H.  Goodwin,  Meredith,  Maidstone  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Miles, 
gardener  to  W.  Perkins,  Esq.,  Portswood.  Vegetables  were  best  staged 
by  Mr.  Inglefield  and  Mr.  Bushby. 

Messrs.  George  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  Kent,  sent  100  dishes  of 
Apples,  which  were  greatly  admired.  Collections  of  plants  not  for 
competition  also  came  from  Mr.  Wills  ;  Major  Montagu  Day,  Terrace 
House ;  Messrs.  Toogood  &  Sons,  Southampton  ;  W.  H.  Rogers,  Red 
Lodge  Nursery,  Southampton ;  and  Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  which  helped  to 
make  the  Show  attractive. 

WATFORD. — November  7th  and  8th. 

As  anticipated,  the  Watford  Chrysanthemum  Show  has  proved  a 
great  success,  there  being  really  a  gay  Exhibition  in  the  Clarendon  Hall 
on  the  above  dates.  The  number  of  entries  were  about  the  same  as 
last  year,  but  the  blooms  in  colour  and  excellence  generally  were 
certainly  in  advance  of  any  previous  season. 

The  President  of  the  Society,  the  Earl  of  Clarendon,  gives  it  most 
substantial  support,  not  only  by  the  interest  he  takes  therein,  but  by 
the  magnificent  group  that  year  after  year  he  contributes  for  decoration. 
On  this  occasion  Mr.  Myers,  his  head  gardener,  exceeded  his  previous 
efforts  by  placing  in  the  centre  of  the  hall  the  finest  group  ever  seen 


November  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


431 


here.  The  Chrysanthemuma  were  very  fine,  and  the  foliage  plants 
choice.  Many  plants  of  Clerodendron  fallax  brightened  the  front  of  the 
group. 

The  competing  groups  were  well  worthy  of  admiration,  and  of  the 
first  in  the  miscellaneous  class  was  one  tastefully  arranged  and  finished. 
The  credit  of  the  arrangement  goes  to  Mr.  Neve,  gardener  to  C.  Van 
Raalto,  Esq.,  Aldenham  Abbey,  whose  skill  was  conspicuously  shown 
this  year  in  other  parts  of  the  Exhibition.  The  second  prize,  which  fell 
to  Lord  Esher  (gardener,  Mr.  Brown),  was  also  worthy  of  mention. 

The  classes  in  Division  1  were  open  to  any  growers,  but  the 
competitors  were  practically  all  local,  and  we  fancy  their  merits  could 
not  well  be  exceeded.  The  competition  between  the  groups  which  took 
the  first  and  second  prizes  was  very  close,  but  to  Mr.  C.  E.  Keyser, 
Warren  House,  Stanmore,  was  awarded  the  premier  honour,  and  he  also 
took  the  silver  cup  (value  5  guineas)  for  the  best  group  of  Chrysan¬ 
themums  in  the  Show,  and  the  silver  medal  for  the  best  exhibit.  The 
second  prize  fell  to  the  energetic  Hon.  Secretary,  Mr.  C.  R.  Humbert 
(gardener,  Mr.  Ashdown).  The  flowers  and  foliage  of  both  exhibits 
were  exceptionally  good,  and  the  colours  well  harmonised  in  arrange¬ 
ment.  The  groups  in  the  other  divisions  sent  by  H.  H.  Gibbs, 
Esq.,  W.  Gillilan,  Esq.,  R.  T.  Browse,  Esq.,  Mrs.  Robins,  G.  J.  Beer, 
Esq.,  and  W.  B.  Hawkins,  Esq.,  also  attracted  considerable  attention. 

The  cut  blooms  were  of  great  excellence,  and  the  judges  were  more 
than  surprised  at  the  number  of  good  blooms  shown.  Mr.  C.  Van  Raalte 
was  again  prominent,  and  in  the  open  classes  was  first  for  twenty, 
four  incurved  varieties,  twenty-four  Japanese  varieties,  and  six  incurved 
blooms,  in  addition  to  which  he  took  the  prize  for  the  best  incurved 
bloom  in  the  Show,  the  specimen  being  Madame  Barrier.  Similar 
honours  were  taken  by  Mr.  Beckett,  gardener  to  H.  H.  Gibbs,  Esq.  Mr. 
C.  E.  Keyser  secured  the  prize  for  the  best  Japanese  bloom  with  a  grand 
specimen  of  Viviand  Morel.  The  exhibits  by  Mr.  T.  F.  Blackwell  dis¬ 
played  some  good  standard  blooms,  and  there  was  very  strong  competi¬ 
tion  in  the  class  for  white  Japanese  blooms  of  one  variety.  In  the  open 
class  for  twelve  Japanese  some  superb  flowers  were  shown  by  Mr. 
Fortnum.  These  are  a  few  of  the  principal  exhibits  among  the  many 
that  were  staged.  In  the  other  divisions  there  were  also  some  very 
fine  flowers,  prizes  being  taken  by  Mr.  K.  D’Arcy,  the  Earl  of  Essex, 
A.  G.  Lucas,  Esq.,  R.  Henty,  Esq.,  and  numerous  other  gentlemen. 
Mr.  Fox  had  some  excellent  blooms  in  the  classes  open  to  amateurs  who 
do  not  employ  a  gardener.  It  was  gratifying  also  to  see  the  cottagers’ 
classes  so  well  filled. 

The  table  decorations  and  bouquets  were  a  distinct  and  beautiful 
feature  of  the  Show,  and  the  whole  of  the  exhibits  were  good.  From 
the  body  of  the  hall  visitors  proceeded  to  the  gallery,  where,  it  is  said, 
was  set  out  the  most  magnificent  show  of  vegetables  ever  seen  anywhere. 
The  exhibits  were  so  excellent  throughout  that  it  would  be  extremely 
difficult  to  go  into  detail. 

The  exhibition  of  fruit  was  also  splendid  ;  in  fact,  taking  the  Show 
all  through,  we  question  whether  the  Society  has  ever  been  so  successful 
as  in  their  present  venture. 

LEEDS  PAXTON. — November  7th  and  8th. 

The  fifth  annual  Show  of  the  Leeds  Paxton  Chrysanthemum  Society 
was  held  in  the  City  Hall  on  November  7th  and  8th.  The  numerous 
classes  were  not  only  well  filled  but  the  competition  in  most  cases  was 
close.  The  cut  blooms  were  the  leading  feature  of  the  Show. 

For  the  eighteen  incurved,  not  less  than  fourteen  varieties,  the  first  prize 
£5  and  a  7-guineas  challenge  cup,  were  won  by  G.  B.  Cockburn,  Esq., 
Lingdale  Lodge,  Claughton,  Birkenhead.  His  flowers,  reading  from 
left  to  right,  were  Lord  Alce.ster,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Queen  of 
England,  Lord  Alcester,  Miss  Violet  Tomlin,  Queen  of  England, 
Miss  Violet  Tomlin,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Golden  Empress  of  India,  Ami 
Hoste,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  John  Lambert,  Miss  M.  Haggas,  Madame  Barrier, 
John  Salter,  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Mr.  Coleman,  and  Princess  of  Wales. 
The  second  prize  fell  to  Mr.  Jacobs,  Cragge  Road,  Rawdon. 

The  class  for  eighteen  Japanese,  for  similar  prize  money  and  cup 
of  above  value,  fell  to  the  same  exhibitor,  Mr.  Cockburn.  The  blooms 
in  the  winning  stand  were  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Princess 
May,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clark,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Stanstead  White,  Mons. 
E.  Bunard,  Stanstead  White,  E.  Molyneux,  Florence  Davis,  W.  Tricker, 
Gloire  de  Rocher,  Viviand  Morel,  W.  Tricker,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith, 
Boule  d’Or,  Avalanche,  Viviand  Morel.  The  blooms  of  Japanese,  both  in 
this  and  other  classes,  were  excellent,  far  above  the  average  shown  in 
other  years,  in  size,  depth,  and  quality.  The  second  prize  went 
to  Rev.  W.  B.  Thatcher  of  Cleat  Hall,  Stourbridge.  This  class  drew  no 
less  than  twelve  exhibitors.  In  the  class  for  twelve  incurved,  the  Earl 
of  Harrington  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  H.  Goodacre)  carried  off  the  first  prize. 
For  the  same  number  of  Japanese  C.  J.  Ormerod,  Esq.,  of  Brighouse 
(gardener,  Mr.  A.  Barber),  was  first.  In  the  remaining  open  class 
the  winners  were  Sir  Jas.  Kitson  (gardener,  Mr.  Grix),  Mr.  Bowling 
(gardener,  Mr.  Moore),  and  Mrs.  Tetley  (gardener,  Mr.  Eastwood). 

The  local  class,  confined  to  a  radius  of  seven  miles  from  the  City 
Hall,  for  a  cup  value  £10  lOs.  and  a  prize  of  £5,  brought  four  entries. 
A.  Jacobs,  Esq.,  gained  first  honours,  by  this  means  securing  the  cup, 
he  having  won  it  twice  in  succession.  Sir  James  Kitson  (gardener,  Mr. 
Grix)  was  a  very  close  second,  Mr.  Jacobs  gaining  the  winning  point 
with  his  Japs.  Mr.  Grix’s  incurved  were  both  larger  and  better  flowers. 

The  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  not  up  to  the  usual  standard, 
only  one  group,  shown  by  Mrs.  Tetley  (gardener,  Mr.  Eastwood),  was  at 
all  worthy  of  note,  he  very  easily  securing  the  first  prize,  Judges  with¬ 
holding  the  second  prize.  The  specimen  plants  of  Chrysanthemums 


were  very  well  shown,  Mrs.  Tetley  and  C.  F.  Firth,  Esq.,  of  Adel  (gar¬ 
dener,  Mr.  J.  Linfoot),  taking  the  principal  prizes  in  the  different  classes. 
Groups  arranged  for  effect  were  poor,  only  two  exhibitors  staging. 
E.  B.  Faber,  Esq.,  Harrogate  (gardener,  Mr.  Townsend),  secured  first 
prize ;  Mr.  Sunley  of  Monk  Fryston  getting  second.  In  the  local 
class  for  a  group  Mr.  P.  Bowering  easily  secured  first  prize. 

Table  plants  were  very  well  shown.  Sir  J.  Kitson  securing  prizes 
in  two  classes.  Fruit  and  vegetables  were  also  staged  in  excellent  con¬ 
dition. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth,  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  of  Bradford,  staged  a 
magnificent  display  of  Orchids  ;  Mr.  W.  Crossley  had  a  fine  collection 
of  Palms  for  decorative  purposes  ;  and  Mr.  Taylor  also  showed  a  stand 
of  plants.  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard,  of  Maidstone,  sent  a  fine  collection  of 
150  varieties  of  Apples  and  Pears  ;  and  Mr.  Green  staged  a  fine  collec¬ 
tion  of  Yorkshire-grown  fruit,  about  sixty  varieties. 

NORTHAMPTON. — November  8th  and  9th. 

The  twenty-second  annual  Show  of  the  Northamptonshire  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  was  held  in  the  Corn  Exchange  of  the  town  on  the 
above  dates.  The  Exhibition  was  excellent  in  every  way,  the  entries 
being  large  in  many  of  the  principal  classes,  and  the  competition 
remarkably  keen.  The  cut  blooms,  mere  especially  in  the  Japanese 
section,  were  of  a  high  order  of  merit,  the  specimen  plants  and  groups 
also  being  very  noteworthy.  Fruit,  Vegetables,  Primulas,  and  table 
plants  were  extensively  and  admirably  shown,  table  decorations  being 
also  very  fine.  Space  will  not  permit  of  a  detailed  report  being  given, 
the  prizewinners  in  the  principal  classes  only  are  therefore  mentioned. 

Mr.  Reeve,  The  Gardens,  Cliftonville,  was  first  in  the  class  for  a 
group  of  Chrysanthemums  arranged  in  a  space  not  exceeding  8  feet  by 
7  feet  6  inches.  The  plants  were  dwarf,  well  flowered,  and  the  arrange¬ 
ment  excellent.  For  six  Japanese,  distinct  varieties,  not  dwarf  trained, 
Mr.  Gwillam,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Shepard,  was  a  good  first,  showing 
Margot,  Source  d’Or,  Miss  Gordon,  Mdlle.  Lacroix,  Val  d’Andorre, 
and  \V.  H.  Lincoln.  Mr.  Manning,  Kingsley  Park,  was  second  ;  and 
Mr.  Reeve  third.  Mr.  Gwillam  was  first  for  four  Japanese  in  distinct 
varieties,  Mr.  Reeve  being  second.  For  one' Japanese  Mr.  Gwillam  was 
again  first  with  a  fine  plant  of  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Mr.  Reeve  second 
with  Wm.  Tricker.  Mr.  Gwillam  was  also  first  for  six  specimen 
plants  of  large  flowering  varieties  with  finely  flowered  plants  of  Mrs. 
Dixon,  White  Venus,  John  Salter,  Mr.  G.  Glenny,  Guernsey  Nugget,  and 
Mrs.  Bundle.  Mr.  Manning  was  a  good  second.  For  four  Pompons, 
distinct,  Mr.  Gwillam  again  took  the  premier  position,  showing  Elsie 
Dordan,  Nellie  Rainford,  Fremy,  and  Soeur  Melanie.  Mr.  Copson, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Phipps,  Collingtree,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Manning 
third.  For  one  specimen  Pompon  Mr.  Gwillam  was  first  with  White 
Cedo  Nulli  ;  Mr.  Copson  second  with  the  same  variety  ;  and  Mr. 
Manning  third  with  Mdlle.  Maither. 

For  a  group  arranged  in  a  space  of  6  feet  by  6  feet,  open  to  amateur 
growers  only,  Mr.  Hemmings,  43,  Hood  Street,  Northampton,  was  first 
with  a  splendid  arrangement ;  Mr.  Kirby,  29,  Milton  Street,  Kingsley, 
being  second  ;  and  Mr.  C.  Richardson,  10,  Artizan  Street,  Northampton, 
third.  Mr.  J.  Barkaway,  71,  Long  Thruft  Street,  Northampton,  was 
first  in  the  amateurs’  class  for  three  Japanese,  not  dwarf  trained.  The 
plants,  which  included  Val  d’Andorre,  L’ Adorable,  and  Mdlle.  Lacroix, 
were  well  grown  and  flowered.  Mr.  C.  Seaton,  Great  Houghton,  was 
second  ;  and  Mr.  H.  Law,  38,  Hood  Street,  Northampton,  third.  The 
chief  prizewinners  in  the  remainder  of  the  amateurs’  classes  for  plants 
in  pots  were  Messrs.  W.  Kirby,  E.  Bellham,  H.  Law,  J.  Barkaway, 
C.  Seaton,  H.  G.  Dunkley,  and  W.  F.  Henman. 

Mr.  Copson  was  first  for  eighteen  incurved  distinct,  showing  clean, 
shapely  blooms  of — back  row  :  Lord  Alcester,  Lord  Wolseley,  Empress 
of  India,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Queen  of  England,  Alfred  Salter.  Middle 
row  :  John  Doughty,  Princess  of  Wales,  Ami  Hoste,  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Camille  Flammarion,  John  Lambert,  Front  row  :  Hero  of  Stoke 
Newington,  Madame  Barrier,  Empress  Eugenie,  Mr.  Brunlees,  Princess 
Teck,  and  Lady  Dorothy.  Mr.  Cole,  gardener  to  Earl  Spencer,  was 
second,  and  Mr.  Pearce,  gardener  to  S.  Loder,  Esq.,  third.  For  twelve 
incurved,  distinct,  Mr.  Copson  was  a  splendid  first  with — back  row  : 
Lord  Alcester,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Empress  of  India,  Lord  Wolseley. 
Middle  row  ;  Alfred  Salter,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  John  Doughty,  Queen  of 
England.  Front  row:  Mr.  Brunlees,  Prince  Alfred,  Lady  Dorothy, and 
Hero  of  Stoke  Newington.  Mr.  Cole  was  second,  and  Mr.  Tipler,  gar¬ 
dener  to  M,  M.  Smith,  Esq.,  Aylesbury,  third.  Mr.  Copson  was  first  for 
six  incurved,  showing  Lord  Alcester,  John  Doughty,  Alfred  Salter,  Queen 
of  England,  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Empress  of  India  in  excellent  form. 
Mr.  Coles  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Kightley,  gardener  to  Sir  H.  Wake, 
third.  Mr.  Kightley  was  first  for  six  incurved,  one  variety,  with  beauti¬ 
ful  examples  of  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Mr.  Copson  second  with  Lord  Alcester. 

Mr.  W.  Pearce  was  first  for  eighteen  distinct  Japanese.  There  were 
six  stands,  the  first  being  composed  of  handsome  clean  blooms  of — back 
row:  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Viviand  Morel,  Stanstead 
White,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Etoile  de  Lyon.  Middle  row  :  Avalanche, 
Comte  de  Germiny,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Florence 
Davis,  Boule  d’Or.  Front  row  :  Mons.  Bernard,  Puritan,  Mrs.  C.  W. 
Wheeler,  Bouquet  des  Dames,  J.  Stanborough  Dibben,  and  Wm.  Tricker. 
Mr.  J.  Copson  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  J-  Cole  third.  There  were 
six  competitors  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  the  competition 
being  remarkably  keen,  Mr.  W.  Pearce  being  eventually  placed  first. 
The  stand  consisted  of — back  row  ;  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Viviand  Morel, 
Florence  Davis,  Beauty  of  Castle  Hill.  Middle  row  :  Louis  Boehmer, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Wm.  Tricker.  Front  row  :  Mr. 


482 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  9,  1893, 


A.  H.  Neve,  W.  K.  Woodcock,  J.  Stanborough  Dibben,  and  Bouquet  des 
Dames.  Mr,  J.  Copson  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  Cole  third.  Mr. 
Cole  was  first  for  six  Japanese,  staging  grand  flowers  of  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
E.  Molyneux,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Sunflower,  and 
Viviand  Morel.  Mr.  J.  Copson  was  a  close  second,  and  Mr.  Alexander, 
gardener  to  Messrs.  Westley  &  Sons,  Blisworth,  third.  For  six  Japanese, 
one  variety,  Mr.  J.  Kightley  was  first  with  grand  blooms  of  Sunflower, 
Mr.  Tipler  being  second  with  the  same  variety,  and  Mr.  Alexander  third 
with  Viviand  Morel. 

In  the  amateurs’ class  for  eighteen  incurved  in  not  less  than  twelve 
varieties  Mr.  W.  Issitt,  84,  Princess  Street,  Kettering,  was  a  good  first, 
Mr.  Hemmings  second,  and  Mr.  Dunkley  third.  For  twelve  incurved, 
distinct,  Mr.  Hemmings  was  a  good  first,  Mr.  Issitt  second,  and  Mr. 
Dunkley  third.  Mr.  Issitt  was  first  for  twelve  Japanese  with  very 
handsome  blooms,  Mr.  Kirby  being  second,  and  Mr.  Dunkley  third. 
For  six  Japanese  Mr.  Issitt  was  first,  Mr.  Dunkley  second,  and  Mr. 
Kirby  third. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  not  numerous,  that  of  Messrs.  T.  Perkins 
and  Sons,  Drapery,  Northampton,  consisting  of  grandly  coloured 
Apples  and  fine  Pears,  being  by  far  the  most  prominent.  The  same 
firm  also  decorated  the  bandstand  and  platform  with  Chrysanthemums 
and  other  plants  in  an  artistic  and  highly  creditable  manner.  Mr.  Cole, 
Althoip  Gardens,  showed  six  handsome  blooms  of  Mrs,  Alpheus 
Hardy  ;  and  Mr.  Colchester,  Ipswich,  arranged  a  stand  of  his  Ichthemic 
guano. 

PUTNEY. — November  8th  and  9th, 

The  sixteenth  Exhibition  of  the  Putney  and  Wandsworth  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  was  held  in  the  Cromwell  Hall,  Putney,  on  the 
dates  named.  Five  excellent  groups  were  placed  in  competition,  the 
first  prize  (silver  cup)  arrangement  of  Mr.  S.  Mynett,  gardener  to  Col. 
Poe,  C.B.,  Ashburton,  Putney  Heath,  being  remarkable  for  the  superior 
quality  of  the  blooms  as  well  as  tasteful  association — one  of  the  best 
groups  of  the  season  up  to  date.  Mr.  John  French,  Ambleside,  Wimbledon 
Park,  was  a  very  strong  second  ;  G.  Allen,  Esq  ,  St.  John’s,  Putney  Hill, 
a  most  creditable  third  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Williamson,  gardener  to  Thos.  Jay, 
Esq.,  Holmwood,  Putney  Hill,  fourth  ;  an  extra  prize  being  awarded  to 
Mr.  W.  Tew,  gardener  to  Mrs.  E.  Gordon,  Westcombe  Lodge,  Wimbledon 
Common. 

Altogether  creditable  groups  of  eighteen  plants  were  staged  by 
amateurs,  the  silver  cup  collection,  exhibited  by  W.  B.  Rogers,  Esq., 
19,  Carlton  Road,  Putney,  being  of  great  excellence,  as  were  the  second 
prize  plants  of  Alfred  Lass,  Esq.,  Sandown  Lodge,  Upper  Richmond 
Road,  Putney ;  G.  W.  Lambert,  Esq.,  6,  Northumberland  Avenue, 
Putney,  being  a  most  creditable  third. 

The  most  successful  exhibitors  of  specimen  plants  were  Mr.  J.  Port- 
bury,  gardener  to  W.  N.  Froy,  Esq.,  Ripon  House,  Putney  Heath  ;  and 
Mr.  C.  Bentley,  gardener  to  Capt.  V’’  J.  Bos  worth.  Cedar  Court, 
Roehampton,  whose  specimens  displayed  ’derable  cultural  skill. 

The  incurved  cut  blooms  were  fresh  ana  neat,  the  Japanese  full  and 
bright.  Mr.  J.  Dark,  gardener  to  Jas.  Hooker,  Esq.,  Lomond  House, 
Putney,  was  first  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  incurved,  and  Mr. 
Portbury  second.  Mr.  S.  Mynett  was  first  with  twelve  good  blooms, 
and  Mr.  W.  J.  Wright,  Th  Jrove,  Wimbledon  Park,  third.  Mr.  Port¬ 
bury  won  the  first  position  with  twenty-four,  and  also  twelve  Japanese, 
Messrs.  Wright  and  Mynett  being  second  respectively  in  those  classes. 
Mr.  Wright  was  first  with  reflexed  and  second  with  Pompons,  Mr. 
Bentley  being  first  with  the  latter  ;  all  very  good . 

The  prizes  for  miscellaneous  groups  of  plants  were  won,  first  by  Mr. 
J.  Portbury  with  a  charming  arrangement,  and  second  by  Mr. 
Macgregor,  gardener  to  the  Dowager  Lady  Hay,  North  House,  Putney 
Heath. 

Mr.  J.  F.  McLeo\  gardener  to  J.  P.  Morgan,  Esq.,  Dover  House, 
Roehampton,  exhibited  a  large  and  highly  meritorious  group  of  plants 
not  for  competition,  which  added  materially  to  the  interest  of  a  bright 
and  beautiful  show.  Fruit  and  vegetables  were  well  represented,  and 
the  Show  was  admirably  managed  by  Mr.  J.  Moore,  Hon.  Secretary  and 
G,  H.  Pitt,  Esq.,  the  much  respected  Treasurer  of  the  Society. 


Peaches  and  N'ectarlnes. — Earliest  Houses, — These  may  be  of 
two  descriptions,  according  to  the  varieties  they  are  planted  with,  and 
the  time  the  fruit  is  required  to  be  ripe.  1.  Very  early  house,  planted 
with  Alexander,  Waterloo,  Early  Louise,  and  Early  Leopold  Peaches, 
and  Advance  (Early  Rivers  is  a  better  variety).  Nectarine  to  have  fruit 
ripe  in  April.  2,  Earliest  house  on  the  old  system,  or  with  second-early 
and  midseason  high  flavoured  varieties,  as  Hale’s  Early,  Early  Alfred, 
Dymond,  Stirling  Castle,  and  Royal  George  Peaches,  with  Lord  Napier 
and  Elruge  (sorne  prefer  Stanwick  Elruge,  but  it  casts  its  fruit  in  ripen¬ 
ing  in  light  soils),  Nectarines,  to  have  ripe  fruit  in  May.  Alexander 
and  Waterloo  Peaches  are  very  much  alike  ;  some  growers  prefer  one  and 
some  the  other,  but  both  are  high  coloured  fruits  of  good  size  and  fair 
quality.  Their  flowers  are  medium-sized,  and  set  well  on  spurs  or  on 


the  annual  growths  at  their  points  and  base,  the  intermediate  buds 
between  those  parts  being  frequently  cast.  Early  Louise  and  Early 
Leopold  Peaches  have  small  flowers,  and  laden  with  pollen  are  excellent 
for  fertilizing  other  varieties.  Early  Leopold  is,  perhaps,  the  best  setter 
of  the  early  Peaches,  and  its  fruits,  also  Early  Louise’s,  are  better 
flavoured  than  either  Alexander  or  Waterloo,  both  of  which  are  cling¬ 
stones,  but  the  other  two  are  freestones.  Colour,  of  course,  is  every¬ 
thing  in  a  marketing  early-forced  Peach,  but  the  distinction  must  be 
made  between  the  fruits  for  safe  guidance.  All  the  others  named  are 
of  superior  quality,  high  colour,  and  good  size. 

To  have  fruit  ripe  at  the  times  named  the  houses  maybe  closed  about 
the  middle  of  this  month,  fire  heat  not  being  applied  until  the  beginning 
of  December.  This  will  allow  the  trees  plenty  of  time,  and  express 
forcing — having  the  fruit  ripe  in  three  months  from  starting — is  not 
safe,  and  only  possible  with  potted  trees.  The  house  may  be  kept  close, 
but  admitting  air  freely  above  50°,  employing  fire  heat  only  to  prevent 
the  temperature  falling  below  35°.  Trees  that  have  not  been  started 
before  will  grow  gently  and  safely  under  this  treatment,  whilst  those 
forced  before  will  start  freely  at  the  usual  time  without  any  preliminary 
excitement.  The  more  slowly  the  trees  are  excited  the  stronger  will  be 
blossoms  and  chances  of  a  good  set  of  fruit.  The  outside  border  should 
be  protected  with  a  few  inches  thickness  of  leaves,  and  a  little  litter  over 
them  to  prevent  their  blowing  about,  so  as  to  exclude  frost.  Inside 
borders  should  have  a  thorough  soaking  of  water,  but  if  the  lights  have 
been  off  and  the  soil  has  been  well  moistened  through  to  the  drainage 
water  will  not  be  required  for  several  weeks.  Where  the  roof  lights 
have  remained  on  it  may  be  necessary  to  repeat  the  watering,  and  if  the 
trees  are  weakly,  the  soil  friable,  and  the  drainage  good  a  soaking  of 
liquid  manure  not  too  strong  will  tend  to  a  more  vigorous  start  and 
growth  afterwards.  Sprinkle  the  trees  occasionally  in  the  morning  and 
afternoon  of  bright  days,  but  do  not  keep  them  dripping  with  water, 
damping  the  borders  and  floors  being  sufficient  in  dull  weather,  and 
only  then  when  the  surfaces  become  dry. 

Succession  Houses. — All  the  leaves  are  off,  except  in  the  latest  house, 
where  they  should  not  be  forcibly  removed,  though  the  trellis  may  be 
sharply  rapped  or  the  trees  brushed  over  with  a  light  broom  when  they 
part  readily  from  the  trees.  When  they  are  all  off  unfasten  the  trees 
from  the  trellis,  prune  them,  thoroughly  cleanse  them  and  the  house, 
lime-washing  the  walls,  and  if  need  be  paint  the  woodwork  and  trellis. 
Tie  the  trees  to  the  trellis,  leaving  room  for  the  branches  to  swell,  tight 
tying  being  conducive  of  gum.  Remove  the  surface  soil  without  much 
disturbance  of  the  roots,  and  supply  fresh  loam,  sprinkling  over  it 
4  ozs.  of  the  following  mixture  per  square  yard  :  Three  parts  steamed 
bonemeal  and  one  part  kainit,  following  with  a  good  watering.  The 
manorial  elements  will  be  held  by  the  soil  and  be  in  a  suitable  form  for 
taking  up  by  the  roots  when  the  trees  start  into  growth.  The  roof  lights 
may  be  removed,  and  be  kept  off  until  the  buds  commence  swelling  and 
are  showing  colour  in  spring.  This  is  the  best  practice  with  late  houses, 
especially  unheated,  so  as  to  retard  the  blossoms  ;  otherwise  keep  the 
houses  as  cool  as  possible. 

Fresh  Trees,  Lifting,  and  Root-pruning. — Trees  for  planting  in 
houses  are  best  two,  three  or  four  years  trained  to  walls  outdoors  or 
trellises  in  cool  houses,  and  prepared  for  lifting  by  digging  round  them 
a  year  previously.  Such  trees  can  be  lifted  with  an  abundance  of  fibres, 
and  being  carefully  planted  they  force  well  the  first  season,  not  bring¬ 
ing  them  on  too  rapidly,  and  taking  a  moderate  crop.  This  is  better 
than  selecting  young  trees  unfurnished  with  bearing  wood,  as  these 
cannot  bear  any  fruit  until  the  second  year,  and  not  much  the  first 
three  years  to  do  them  justice,  hence  the  advantage  of  planting  trees  in 
an  already  bearing  state.  Any  lifting  or  root-pruning  should  be  per¬ 
formed  at  once,  as  the  trees  will  often  push  adventitious  roots  freely 
into  the  fresh  or  moved  soil,  and  the  roots  cut  form  a  callus  and  push 
new  fibres  quickly  in  spring.  Lifting  and  root-pruning  is  unquestion¬ 
ably  one  of  the  best  preventives  of  gumming,  and  bringing  trees  not 
setting  and  stoning  their  fruits  properly  into  a  satisfactory  condition 
in  those  respects.  Done  carefully  and  early  (as  soon  as  the  leaves  have 
fallen  or  before)  it  does  not  interfere  with  the  following  season’s  crop  of 
fruit. 

Strawberries  In  Pots. — All  plants  intended  for  early  forcing 
should  now  be  in  frames,  with  a  view  to  protect  them  from  heavy  rains, 
snow  and  severe  frosts  only.  They  should  be  well  raised  up  to  the  glass 
and  have  the  pots  plunged  in  ashes,  from  whence  they  can  be 
drafted  into  the  houses  as  required.  It  is  a  bad  practice  to  stack  the 
plants  in  sawdust  or  earth  in  a  cone-like  manner  against  walls  or  place 
them  in  Peach  houses  with  open  ventilators,  where,  from  the  passing 
currents  of  air,  evaporation  is  constant  and  excessive,  which  only 
waste  the  energies  of  the  plants  and  not  unfrequently  destroys  the 
roots  at  the  sides  of  the  pots.  Drought  at  the  roots  is  the  great  bane 
of  the  Strawberry,  therefore  those  in  frames  must  never  be  neglected, 
the  soil  always  being  kept  moist  but  not  excessively  wet.  Plants  for 

midseason  and  late  forcing  may  be  plunged  in  ashes  in  a  sheltered 

situation,  affording  a  light  covering  of  bracken  or  straw  in  severe 
weather. 

Plants  of  La  Grosse  Sucree  and  Vicomtesse  H6ricart  de  Thury  must 
be  started  early  in  next  month  to  afford  ripe  fruit  in  March  either  in 
the  Peach  house  started  then  or  in  the  Strawberry  house.  Some  start 
the  earliest  plants  in  bottom  heat,  making  up  a  bed  of  leaves  about 
2  feet  in  height  and  place  the  plants  in  a  frame  upon  it,  packing  the 

spaces  between  the  pots  with  damp  leaves.  The  bottom  heat  at  the 

base  of  the  pots  is  not  allowed  to  exceed  65°,  the  top  heat  being  kept 
cool,  50°  not  being  exceeded,  and  when  the  weather  is  mild  drawing  off 


November  9,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


483 


the  lights.  This  tends  to  promote  activity  at  the  roots  and  to  steadily 
push  the  crowns  without  their  developing  leaves.  After  three  weeks  of 
this  treatment  the  pots  are  gradually  withdrawn  from  the  bed,  raising 
them  so  that  the  plants  will  bear  the  temperature  of  the  Peach  or 
Strawberry  house  without  a  check,  as  they  would  receive  one  if  they  were 
taken  from  a  warm  bed  direct  to  the  shelves.  This  practice  is  good 
where  the  plants  are  late,  but  in  the  case  of  those  with  well  developed 
crowns  and  abundant  roots  the  slight  bottom  heat  is  not  necessary. 
Nevertheless  bottom  heat  is  one  of  the  best  aids  in  early  forcing. 

Those  having  the  convenience  of  low  pits,  with  a  pathway  inside,  for 
forcing  Strawberries,  find  it  a  considerable  advantage  to  start  the  earliest 
plants  in  bottom  heat,  raising  the  bed  well  up  so  that  the  plants  are  near 
the  glass,  and  not  allowing  the  heat  at  the  base  of  the  pots  to  exceed 
65°,  nor  the  top  heat  to  rise  above  50°  without  full  ventilation,  and  only 
using  fire  heat  to  maintain  it  at  50°  by  day  and  45°  at  night  in  severe 
weather.  Under  these  conditions  the  plants  push  the  trusses  strongly, 
and  by  the  time  they  are  clear  of  the  crowns,  the  bottom  heat  will  have 
declined  so  that  the  plants  can  be  removed  to  their  fruiting  quarters 
without  giving  them  any  check,  or  it  must  be  effected  by  withdrawing 
the  pots  gradually.  Time  is  gained  and  the  setting  is  generally  satis¬ 
factory  under  such  conditions.  Watering  must  be  judiciously  performed, 
and  if  worms  have  gained  an  entrance  into  the  pots  dislodge  them  with 
lime  water,  rectifying  any  defects  of  drainage. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Tomatoes. — Strong  young  plants  in  11-inch  or  slightly  smaller 
pots  give  the  best  late  autumn  and  winter  crops,  and  pay  well  for  close 
attention.  If  there  is  head  room  do  not  stop  the  leading  growths,  as  by 
allowing  these  to  extend  it  will  be  possible  to  set  good  clusters  of  fruit 
for  ripening  early  next  spring.  Pinch  out  all  side  shoots  that  form,  and 
if  the  plants  are  all  heavily  furnished  with  leaves,  reduce  the  latter  to 
about  half  of  their  present  size  with  a  view  to  giving  the  lower  clusters 
of  fruit  a  better  chance  to  ripen.  According  as  the  soil  becomes  crowded 
with  roots  give  rich  top-dressings,  liquid  manure  also  being  applied 
occasionally.  Under  this  liberal  treatment  each  plant  ought  to  give  not 
less  than  8  lbs.  of  fruit,  this  ripening  at  a  time  when  Tomatoes  are 
somewhat  scarce.  An  occasional  rich  top-dressing  is  also  needed  by  old 
plants  that  have  set,  or  are  setting  fruit  freely,  and  all  superfluous 
growth  should  be  closely  removed  from  them.  Now  that  the  colder 
weather  has  set  in  Tomatoes  must  have  plenty  of  fire  heat,  accompanied 
by  a  circulation  of  dry  air,  fungoid  diseases  being  inevitable 
in  a  moist  atmosphere.  The  fruit  will  set  freely  at  this  late 
date  under  such  conditions  if  only  the  stems  are  smartly  tapped  by  a 
padded  stick  every  morning  towards  twelve  o’clock.  If  the  “  white  fly  ” 
is  troublesome  dress  the  hot-water  pipes  with  flowers  of  sulphur  mixed 
with  milk,  and  make  them  as  hot  as  possible  occasionally.  The  fumes 
thus  generated  will  gradually,  but  surely,  exterminate  the  fly,  and  prove 
a  good  preventive  of  disease. 

Mushrooms.— High  temperature,  especially  when  brought  about 
by  fire  heat,  is  very  prejudicial  to  Mushrooms.  Only  enough  should  be 
turned  on  to  keep  the  temperature  of  a  house  in  which  beds  are  required 
to  produce  Mushrooms  constantly  from  falling  much  below  50°,  an 
increase  of  5°  being  the  maximum  with  fire  heat.  When  subjected  to 
higher  temperatures  the  produce  is  thin  and  not  nearly  so  succulent  as 
Mushrooms  grown  without  the  aid  of  fire  heat,  the  beds  also  becoming 
more  quickly  exhausted.  Only  when  fire  heat  is  used  is  there  any  need 
to  damp  the  walls  and  floors  daily.  An  occasional  sprinkling  will  not 
be  harmful,  but  beware  of  saturating  the  beds  by  a  too  free  use  of  the 
syringe.  The  loss  of  moisture  to  an  injurious  extent  ought  to  be  pre¬ 
vented  by  means  of  a  thick  covering  of  soft  strawy  litter,  and  when  it 
is  necessary  to  water  owing  to  the  beds  being  too  dry  to  commence 
cropping,  or  wants  moistening  after  a  first  crop  has  been  taken,  give 
enough  warm  water  at  once  or  at  the  most  twice  to  well  moisten  both 
the  soil  and  manure  to  a  good  depth,  merely  wetting  the  surface  being 
of  no  avail.  If  there  is  room  form  other  beds,  these,  if  properly 
managed,  yielding  extra  heavy  crops  next  February  or  March,  if  not 
earlier. 

Beds  either  in  the  open  or  in  unheated  sheds  should  be  heavily 
covered  with  a  strawy  litter,  and  the  drier  this  is  the  warmer  the  beds 
underneath  will  keep.  When  the  litter  next  to  the  soil  becomes  damp 
and  musty  remove  it,  and  substitute  some  that  is  fresh  and  dry.  If  any 
of  the  later  formed  beds  fail  to  produce  Mushrooms  during  November 
they  may  not  do  so  till  next  spring,  and  none  should  be  too  hurriedly 
condemned  and  broken  up, 

Asparagus. — This  choice  vegetable  is  very  easily  forced,  but  unless 
a  supply  can  be  maintained  throughout  the  winter  at  not  very  wide 
intervals,  it  is  scarcely  advisable  to  start  forcing  so  early  as  this.  It 
most  also  be  remembered  that  roots  once  forced  are  of  no  further  value, 
and  well  established  beds  ought  not  lightly  to  be  broken  up  unless  there 
are  others  to  meet  the  demand  for  naturally  grown  shoots  next  spring. 
Hard  forcing  ought  in  any  case  to  be  practised,  an  excess  of  fire  heat  being 
certain  to  force  out  nothing  but  poor  weakly  shoots.  If  deep  hea'ed 
pits  are  available  fill  two  lights  at  a  lime  with  a  gentle  hotbed  largely 
composed  of  leaves,  a  layer  of  rich  soil  being  placed  on  the  top  of  these. 
Pack  the  carefully  lifted  roots  somewhat  closely  on  the  soil  and  cover 
with  about  4  inches  of  rich  moist  soil.  Then  if  the  top  heat  does  not 
exceed  55°  to  60°,  strong  succulent  shoots  of  a  good  length  will  be  forth¬ 
coming  in  from  three  weeks  to  a  month  of  the  time  the  start  was  made. 
Asparagus  can  also  be  forced  without  the  aid  of  fire  heat,  frames  set  on 
hotbeds  being  used,  that  is  if  no  brick  pits  are  available.  In  the 
course  of  another  three  weeks  start  more  roots  in  the  same  manner,  and 


never  let  the  soil  about  any  of  them  become  dry,  also  do  not  subject  the 
roots  to  a  dangerously  strong  bottom  heat. 

Seakale. — The  roots  of  Seakale  have  now  experienced  the  desired 
check  by  being  frosted  somewhat,  and  without  which  they  do  not  force 
so  readily  as  desirable.  Forming  hotbeds  over  the  crowns  where  they 
are  established  in  the  ground  is  a  slow,  laborious  process,  the  better  plan 
being  to  lift  two  or  three  dozen  strong  young  roots  at  a  time,  or  better 
still,  enough  for  two  or  three  batches  at  one  time,  and  to  sink  these  up 
to  the  crowns  in  large  pots  or  deep  boxes  filled  with  rich  moist  soil.  At 
this  early  date,  if  the  pots  are  set  in  a  heated  Mushroom  house,  progress 
is  slow,  a  dark  corner  not  far  from  the  hot-water  pipes  in  a  forcing 
house  being  a  more  suitable  position.  In  order  to  be  certain  of  w’ell 
blanched  succulent  tops,  complete  darkness,  as  well  as  a  sufficiency  of 
heat  and  moisture,  is  necessary,  and  the  crowns  should  therefore  be 
heavily  banked  over  with  either  leaf  soil  or  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse,  a 
depth  of  5  inches  being  none  too  much.  Start  more  crowns  every  ten 
days  or  a  fortnight.  Lily  White  is  the  best  variety  for  forcing,  but  is 
not  so  hardy  as  the  old  form.  When  severe  frosts  are  anticipated,  either 
lift  the  bulk  of  the  roots  that  are  to  be  eventually  forced,  laying  them 
in  closely  in  good  soil  where  they  can  be  covered  with  litter  or  mats, 
or  else  bank  over  the  crowns  with  fine  soil,  this  being  drawn  up  to 
them  much  as  Potatoes  are  moulded  up. 

Rhubarb. — The  early  Rhubarb  has  now  had  a  fairly  good  rest,  the 
severe  frost  of  October  31st  also  being  of  service  in  preparing  the  clumps 
for  forcing.  Any  variety  can  be  forced,  though  Early  Albert,  Hawkes’ 
Champagne,  and  Johnstone’s  St.  Martin’s  are  the  best  for  the  purpose, 
earliness,  colour  of  stalk,  and  good  flavour  beiuij  characteristics  of  these 
excellent  forms.  Comparatively  young  roots  could  'oe  lifted,  placed  in 
large  pots,  and  forced  very  much  the  same  as  advised  in  the  case  of  Sea¬ 
kale,  while  large  old  clumps  could  be  shifted  to  either  a  forcing  house, 
warm  corner  over  boiler.  Mushroom  house,  or  warm  cellar,  only  enough 
soil  either  left  on  or  placed  over  the  roots  to  keep  them  moist  being 
needed.  A  gentle  heat  is  preferable,  and  soil  about  the  roots  should 
not  be  allowed  to  become  at  all  dry.  Rhubarb  may  also  be  had  by 
Christmas  by  forcing  in  the  old-fashioned  way,  the  clumps  having  the 
soil  about  them  loosened  prior  to  being  covered  by  either  regular 
Rhubarb  pots,  tins  discarded  by  sugar  refiners,  old  flour  tubs,  or  deep 
boxes.  There  should  be  lids  on  the  tops  of  these  coverings  to  admit  of 
ready  access  to  the  Rhubarb,  and  they  ought  to  be  heavily  banked  over 
with  enough  leaves  and  stable  manure  to  generate  a  fairly  brisk  bottom 
heat,  or  say  from  75°  to  80°,  a  close  look-out  being  kept  for  any  sudden 
and  dangerous  rise  that  might  take  place  after  a  change  from  cold  to 
mild  weather. 


If 

:  hE  Hi^E-K^EPER. 

1 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Hints  for  Beginners. 

{^Continued  from  page.  387.) 

What  the  bee-keeper  has  to  consider  in  order  to  make  the  most 
of  bees  at  his  command  is,  how  long  will  the  honey  flow  continue  ? 
If  for  five  or  six  weeks,  make  an  increase  of  stock  up  till  the 
beginning  of  that  time,  as  then  more  hives  with  fertile  and  prolific 
queens  are  placed  into  the  field,  and  swarms  alwiys  work  better, 
while  by  the  renewal  of  queens  and  combs  all  risks  of  losing  hives 
through  effete  queens  are  gone,  and  finer  honey  and  healthier  hives 
are  secured.  But  on  the  other  hand,  if  the  honey  flow  at  the  best 
can  last  only  two  or  three  weeks  the  stock  should  be  limited,  and 
if  desirable  an  increase  postponed  until  the  great  honey  flow  is 
past.  Arrange  to  have  the  greatest  number  of  workers  in  the  field 
at  the  proper  time.  Try  to  have  them  swarm  a  month  at  least 
before  the  flow  begins,  and  if  the  hives  then  are  not  in  strength  to 
your  mind  join  several  together.  Prevent  stocks  having  young 
fertile  queens  from  swarming  by  providing  ample  breeding  space. 

In  my  own  case  the  Clover  is  not  usually  profuse,  although  I 
have  taken  from  one  hive  130  lbs.  at  a  time,  and  nearly  7  cwt.  from 
six,  which  were  exhibited  at  Glasgow  in  187G.  The  present  year 
from  several  stocks  (spring  count)  200  lbs.  have  been  taken  from  a 
hive.  The  Wild  Thyme  and  Heather  are  what  I  prepare  my  hives  to 
catch,  and  they  are  so  manipulated  that  every  one  of  them  is  equal 
in  strength  to  a  full  sized  non-swarmed  stock.  In  most  cases  these 
Heather  stocks  come  up  of  their  own  accord  to  that  strength,  but 
if  the  spring  and  early  summer  have  been  backward  I  sometimes 
transfer  brood  combs  to  nuclei  formed  early  in  the  season,  as  they 
are  at  all  times  most  reliable.  In  late  Heather  seasons  it  is  almost 
futile  to  keep  stocks  under  full  strength,  as  such  will  not  be 
profitable,  neither  are  hives  with  prolific  queens,  unless  they  are 
ahead  of  the  fertility  of  the  queen.  This  is  the  rock  on  which 
many  bee-keepers  wreck  themselves,  and  keeping  bees  in  too  small 
hives  while  bees  and  queen  are  determined  on  breeding  is  a  wrong 
policy. 

I  do  not  want  to  sulphur  my  bees,  but  they  must  not  be  allowed 
to  increase  at  a  time  when  they  can  be  more  profitably  employed. 


434 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  9,  1893. 


The  number  of  stocks  for  wintering  should  be  regulated  before  the 
close  of  the  Heather  season,  and  by  having  the  hives  properly 
arranged  when  set  down  this  is  sometimes  easily  accomplis^hed. 
Occasionally  it  is  better  to  do  this  before  we  move  them,  at  the 
end  of  the  Clover  season,  when  the  Heather  is  likely  to  be  of  short 
duration.  But  at  Leadhills  the  Heather  lasts  so  long  that  many 
hives  are  more  reliable  than  few,  but  in  all  cases  they  should  be 
strong.  At  “midheather,”  if  practicable,  remove  surplus  honey  and 
join  stocks.  In  cases  where  there  is  not  much  honey  nor  brood 
remove  all  empty  combs  from  both,  transfer  to  one  of  them  all 
combs  having  honey,  and  brood  along  with  the  bees.  Preserve  the 
empty  combs  for  future  use  if  white,  but  if  blackened  with  age 
melt  them  and  take  what  wax  they  yield.  It  ought  to  be  a  rule  to 
have  no  combs  older  than  twelve  months  in  any  hive,  as  the  honey 
from  white  combs  is  superior,  while  supers  above  them  are  magnifi¬ 
cent  and  more  pure  than  those  above  blackened  with  age. 

Sometimes  the  bees  may  miss  the  Heather  till  after  it  is  half 
gone,  but  it  is  a  fact  that  it  yields  more  honey  then  than  in  its 
earlier  stages,  and  one  week’s  fine  weather  then  with  double  strength 
hives  will  enable  them  to  store  100  lbs.  each.  As  I  have  stated, 
the  bee-keeper  must  study  the  best  and  proper  time  to  perform 
the  various  manipulations  according  to  circumstances  and  the  best 
of  his  judgment,  but  even  then  it  may  sometimes  happen  that  the 
best  has  not  always  been  done.  Still,  work  at  all  times  for  the 
best  and  in  hopes  of  favourable  results. — A  Lanaekshire  Bee¬ 
keeper,  jjg  continued.) 

The  Season  of  1893. 

As  regards  East  Yorkshire,  the  past  season  has  been  a  good  one  ; 
never  have  I  had  honey  of  such  quality  before.  From  early  spring 
to  the  present  time  the  weather  has  been  favourable  for  the  bees. 
They  were  at  work  soon  after  7  a  m.  on  October  19th  on  our 
Michaelmas  Daisies,  and  at  four  in  the  afternoon  were  busy  still. 
Our  take  of  honey  has  been  a  good  one,  and  very  few  swarms 
have  been  the  result.  My  hives  were  well  tired  up,  and  having 
plenty  of  room,  not  one  of  my  bar-frame  hives  swarmed,  and  been 
strong  in  bees,  gave  a  good  surplus.  Large  hives  are  far  the  best. 
The  standard  hive,  with  a  capacity  for  holding  ten  frames  and  a 
crate  of  twenty-one  sections,  is  a  mere  toy  and  a  source  of  trouble. 
Where  the  honey  season  is  over  by  the  end  of  July  the  non-swarm¬ 
ing  hives  give  the  best  results.  Large  hives,  with  plenty  of  bees 
and  young  queens,  are  necessary  if  a  good  surplus  is  to  be  taken. 

The  Lanarkshire  hive  has  again  done  well  with  me,  one  of  mine 
occupying  six  divisions  ;  it  was  a  pleasure  to  see  the  busy  toilers 
pouring  in  and  out  in  crowds.  This  hive  was  worked  for  extracted 
honey.  From  another  I  took  some  good  sections,  for  which  I 
secured  a  first  prize  for  twelve  at  our  local  show. — G.  B. 


PKESENTATION  OF  HONEY  TO  THE  LORD  MAYOR. 

An  interesting  ceremony  took  place  in  the  Mansion  House  on 
November  1st,  when  a  number  of  gentlemen,  representing  the  British 
Bee-keepers’  Association,  offered  the  Lord  Mayor  of  London  a  collection 
of  British  honey  to  the  amount  of  1  cwt.  The  presentation  was 
made  in  the  State  drawing-room  by  Sir  J.  Whitehead,  M.P.,  in  the 
absence  of  the  President  of  the  Association,  Baroness  Burdett-Coutts. 

Sir  J.  Whitehead  said  that  the  honey  had  come  from  all  parts  of  the 
United  Kingdom — England,  Scotland,  Ireland,  and  Wales.  His  connec¬ 
tion  with  the  Association  arose  from  the  fact  that  he,  as  Pastmaster  of 
the  Fruiterers'  Company,  had  taken  a  very  great  interest  in  the  cultiva¬ 
tion  of  fruit  in  this  country,  and  all  experts  in  fruit  culture  seemed  to 
think  that  bees  were  essential  for  the  fertilisation  of  the  flowers.  The 
net  profit  to  be  derived  from  the  cultivation  of  honey  depended  on  the 
successful  treatment  of  bees,  anl  the  object  of  the  Association  was  to 
impart  the  knowledge  of  the  cultivation  of  bees,  and  possibly  to  recreate 
the  industry.  He  had  in  his  own  knowledge  a  case  in  his  native  county 
of  Westmoreland,  where  a  small  tradesman  had  eighty  hives.  During 
the  spring  and  summer,  when  the  flowers  in  the  fields  were  in  bloom, 
and  up  to  the  time  the  bees  had  swarmed  and  made  their  casts  he  kept 
them  in  the  valleys,  and  afterwards  took  them  on  to  the  moors  where 
they  could  gather  honey  from  the  Heather,  and  the  result  of  the  eighty 
hives,  after  paying  all  expenses,  was  a  net  profit  of  55s.  per  hive,  or 
£100.  The  county  of  Kent  had  in  some  respect  been  taken  as  a  typical 
county  of  what  might  be  done  with  regard  to  bee  culture,  and  it  was 
estimated  that  there  alone  no  less  than  400  tons  of  honey  could  be 
grown,  provided  that  those  who  had  hives  were  sufficiently  skilled  in  the 
art  of  cultivation.  That  400  tons,  sold  at  9d.  a  pound,  would  give  to 
that  county  alone  no  less  than  £33,600. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Dicksons  &  Co.,  1,  Waterloo  Place,  Edinburgh. — Forest  Trees,  Shrubs 
and  Coniferce. 

W.  L.  Lewis  &  Co.,  Southgate,  London,  N. — Special  Catalogue  of 
Orchids. 

Fotheringham  &  King,  Dumfries,  N.B. — Forest  and  Ornamental 
Trees,  It  oses,  and  Fruit  Trees. 


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

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

Blood  IVEanure  (J.  If.  IF.). — Your  letter  arrived  too  late  to  enable 
us  to  deal  with  the  question  in  this  issue,  but  it  shall  be  referred  to 
next  week. 

Chrysanthemum  Bloom  (A.  If.  E."). — The  distinctness  or  merits 
of  a  Chrysanthemum  can  only  be  determined  from  well  developed 
blooms,  and  not  from  the  small  specimen  you  have  forwarded.  The 
other  matter  shall  have  attention  in  our  next  issue. 

Scale  on  Kentla  Beaf  (IF.  Z).  J/.).— The  small  brown  scale  can 
now  be  attacked  effectively  with  an  insecticide.  Fir  tree  oil  is  very 
efficacious  and  harmless  to  plants,  so  also  is  Lemon  oil,  petroleum 
emulsion,  Kilmright,  Chelsea  blight  composition,  carbolic  and  nicotine 
soaps,  and  other  advertised  insecticides,  provided  each  is  used  at  the 
strength  advised  in  the  instructions  accompanying  the  several  prepara¬ 
tions.  The  insecticide  should  be  applied  with  a  brush,  and  the  insects 
dislodged,  and  afterwards  cleanse  the  plants  with  clear  tepid  water. 
Spirit  of  wine,  diluted  with  about  half  its  quantity  of  water,  and  applied 
with  a  small  brush,  so  as  to  dislodge  the  pest,  is  a  cleanly  method  of 
removing  the  scale.  Methylated  spirit  may  also  be  used  very  effectively, 
just  moistening  a  brush  with  it  and  then  wetting  the  scale  insects  with 
it.  If  the  fronds  are  young  the  methylated  spirit  should  be  diluted 
similar  to  the  spirit  of  wine  ;  on  mature  fronds  it  either  may  be  used 
neat,  or  only  employing  enough  to  wet  the  insects. 

Fuchsias  from  Seed  (^Amateur'). — Raising  Fuchsias  from  seed  is 
certainly,  as  you  suggest,  “interesting  to  amateurs,”  but  it  is  very 
probable  that  only  a  few  of  the  seedlings  will  on  flowering  prove  equal 
to  existing  varieties.  The  pods  should  be  carefully  gathered  when  ripe. 
As  the  seeds  are  enveloped  in  a  pulp  it  is  necessary,  in  order  to  preserve 
them,  to  cleanse  them  effectually.  This  is  done  by  washing  ;  bruise  the 
berries  with  the  hand,  and  mix  them  with  water  ;  as  soon  as  the  pulp  is 
all  washed  off  pass  the  liquor  through  a  hair-sieve  fine  enough  to  catch 
the  seed,  wash  it  repeatedly  till  it  is  quite  clean,  then  dry  it  gradually  ; 
put  it  up  in  brown  paper,  and  keep  it  in  a  dry  room  till  spring.  Sow 
then  in  a  mixture  of  light  sandy  loam  and  peat,  cover  slightly,  and  place 
the  pots  in  a  gentle  hotbed.  When  the  seedlings  are  half  an  inch  high 
transplant  them  in  rows  across  pots  5  inches  wide — these  will  hold 
about  twenty  or  thirty  plants  each — and  then  replace  them  in  the  hot¬ 
bed.  In  these  pots  they  may  remain  for  a  month  or  six  weeks,  and  then 
they  will  require  placing  singly  into  3-inch  pots.  Place  them  for  a  few 
days  in  a  cold  frame,  and  keep  rather  close  and  shaded  till  fresh  roots 
are  formed,  and  then  they  are  then  able  to  bear  the  full  light  and  a 
moderate  admission  of  air.  Give  plenty  of  the  latter  as  they  acquire 
strength,  and  when  the  pots  are  full  of  roots  give  another  shift  into 
4-incb  pots,  and  let  them  remain  in  these  till  they  flower.  Many  of 
them  will  flower  the  first  year,  and  then  is  the  time  to  make  a  selection. 
The  selected  ones  should  be  repotted,  and  grown  to  the  end  of  the 
season  to  prove  them.  Cuttings  of  the  best  may  be  inserted,  and  the 
whole  kept  in  the  coolest  part  of  the  greenhouse  during  the  following 
winter. 

Rooting  IMCarguerlte  Cuttings  (^Reader'). — The  cuttings  should 
be  of  the  growing  shoots,  and  about  3  inches  in  length,  severing  each 
transversely  below  a  joint,  and  removing  the  leaves  about  half  way  up. 
The  cuttings  may  be  inserted  singly  in  small  pots  (2  J  inches  in  diameter), 
or  five  or  six  cuttings  round  the  edge  of  a  4-inch  pot.  One  crock  is 
sufficient  for  drainage,  with  a  little  rough  material  over  it,  for  the  small 
pot ;  but  an  inch  or  more  of  material  should  be  provided  for  the  larger 
size.  Fill  the  pots  firmly  with  soil,  composed  of  equal  parts  lea?  mould 
and  light  loam  passed  through  a  half-inch  sieve,  adding  a  sixth  of 
sharp  sand,  thoroughly  mixed.  Sprinkle  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  of 
sand  on  the  top,  and  insert  the  cuttings  with  a  blunt  dibber,  just  deep 
enough  to  allow  the  base  of  each  to  rest  on  the  sand  carried  down  by 
the  dibber,  and  about  half  the  length  of  the  cutting,  or  down  to  the 
leaves.  Press  the  soil  round  the  cuttings,  particularly  their  base,  and 
afford  a  gentle  watering  through  a  fine-rosed  waterpot.  Stand  the  pots 
on  ashes  or  similar  material  in  a  house  having  a  temperature  of  40°  to 
50°,  and  cover  with  a  bellglass  or  handlight,  and  keep  close  until  rooted. 
The  glass  or  handlight  may  be  taken  off  each  dull  morning  for  about  an 
hour  for  the  dissipation  of  excessive  moisture,  and  in  the  evening  the 


November  9,  189?.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


435 


glass  should  be  wiped  dry.  The  cuttings  will  be  rooted  well  in  about  a 
month,  when  they  should  be  gradually  hardened  off.  This  plan  is 
better  than  rooting  the  cuttings  in  bottom  heat,  for  the  latter  receive  a 
check  more  or  less  when  they  are  removed  from  it,  unless  care  is  taken 
to  harden  them  off  well  beforehand.  The  large-flowered  variety  with 
green  leaves  is  Chrysanthemum  Halleri  ;  the  small  one  with  glaucous 
leaves  is  C.  frutescens. 

Banksla  Integrrlfolla  QB.  21.'). — This  plant,  to  which  you  allude,  has 
been  figured  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  but  as  you  desire  “  to  see  it 
again,”  we  reproduce  the  woodcut  (fig  63)  with  the  description.  Banksias 
are  a  peculiar  genus  of  plants,  the  species  forming  which  contribute 
largely  to  the  native  vegetation  of  New  South  Wales  and  other  districts 
in  the  great  Australian  continent.  These  plants  with  their  relatives  the 
Proteas  were  at  one  time  much  grown  in  large  establishments  in 
England,  but  of  late  years  they  have  been  almost  lost,  and  are  now 
seldom  seen  except  in  botanic  gardens.  Some  are  perhaps  more  strange 
than  beautiful,  but  there  are  several  which  are  by  no  means  devoid  of 
attractions,  and  would  add  to  the  interest  of  many  gardens.  Of  these 
the  Australian  Honeysuckle  (Banksia  integrifolia)  is  especially  note¬ 
worthy  as  a  free-growing  and  floriferous  plant,  which  recommendations 
are  not  possessed  by  all  its  allies.  The  popular  name  appears  somewhat 
far-fetched,  as  are  many  other  popular  names  ;  but  it  does  not  refer  to 
the  habit  of  the  plant  as  might  be  supposed,  but  to  the  quantity  of 


FIG.  63. — BANKSIA  INTEGRIFOLIA.  {Reduced.) 


nectar  secreted  in  the  flowers.  Banksia  integrifolia  is  a  shrubby  plant, 
usually  of  moderate  size  in  cultivation,  but  attaining  much  greater 
dimensions  in  its  native  land,  where  some  of  its  near  relatives  rise  to  a 
height  of  50  feet.  The  flowers  are  yellowish  in  a  cylindrical  head  at  the 
ends  of  the  branches.  The  leaves  are  narrow  and  undivided,  dark 
green,  and  firm  in  texture.  The  plant  succeeds  in  light  turfy  loam  and 
peat,  and  requires  only  the  temperature  of  a  greenhouse  or  conservatory, 
supplying  water  carefully  when  not  in  flower. 

Bose  Heps  (W,  //.)  —These  are  not  in  any  way  injured  by 
remaining  on  the  trees  to  be  frozen  to  some  extent ;  indeed,  it  is 
questionable  if  severe  frosts  are  detrimental  to  their  germination. 
Gather  them  when  ripe,  open  them,  and  store  the  seeds  in  damp  cocoa- 
nut  fibre  refuse  or  leaf  mould  till  the  spring.  They  may  be  sown  either 
in  pots  or  boxes  in  a  frame  on  a  mild  hotbed,  or  in  drills  in  the 
open  ground  in  March.  Artificial  heat  accelerates  germination,  but 
as  the  first  essential  of  the  Rose  is  hardiness  some  raisers  sow  in  the 
open  on  the  assumption  that  only  seedlings  that  prove  their  undoubted 
hardiness  are  reliable  for  propagation.  Some  of  the  seeds  are  often 
slow  in  germinating,  therefore  there  must  be  no  undue  haste  in  dis¬ 
turbing  the  beds,  or  withholding  water  from  pots  or  boxes  in  which  the 
seeds  have  been  sown.  Cover  the  seeds  an  inch  deep,  and  keep  the 
soil  uniformly  moist  by  shading  to  arrest  evaporation,  and  watering 
to  supply  moisture  as  it  may  be  required. 

Hames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 


to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  loorthless  Apples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
sjiecimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
ivhich  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (/.  W.  Allen). —  1,  Cox’s  Orange 
Pippin  ;  2,  Tower  of  Glamis  ;  3,  Spanish  Bon  Chretien  ;  4,  Besi  Vaet  ; 
5,  probably  Lemon  Pippin.  (II.  0.  S.). — 2,  Golden  Noble  ;  3,  Lewis’ 
Incomparable  ;  4,  Margil,  (J.  21  A'.  C). — 1,  Cox’s  Pomona  ;  2,  Golden 
Spire  ;  3,  Wadhurst  Pippin  ;  4,  Marie  Louise  ;  5,  Golden  Winter  Pear- 
main ;  6,  Urbaniste.  (Colvile  Broivne). — 1,  Waltham  Abbey  Seedling  ; 
2,  Aromatic  Russet.  (F.  J.  Gray). — Pear  not  known.  It  has  nothing 
to  recommend  it.  You  had  better  graft  the  tree.  (E.  R.). — 1,  Uvedale’s 
St.  Germain;  2,  Beurrb  d’Amanlis  ;  3,  Ne  Plus  Meuris  ;  4,  Vicar  of 
Winkfield.  (TP.  Strugnell).  —  Apparently  a  small  wrinkled  Seville 
Orange  ;  large  fruit,  Diospyros  Kaki,  a  native  of  Japan,  sometimes 
imported  into  this  country  as  a  dried  sweetmeat  ;  small  rosy  seeds, 
probably  the  fruit  of  Magnolia  acuminata,  but  in  the  absence  of  leaves 
and  other  characteristics  it  is  impossible  to  identify  with  accuracy  ; 
black  fruit,  Juglans  nigra  or  Black  Walnut,  not  edible.  (A.  D.). — 
Cox’s  Orange  Pippin. 

Hames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(TT’’.  Strugnell). — Prickly  Plant,  Colletiaspinoi5a.  (21.  B.,  Betteshanger). 
— Florists’  flowers,  varieties  of  Dahlia  glabrata.  (L.  B.). —  Laslia 
anceps.  (11,  L.  21.). — Cypripedium  caudatum.  (A.  D.). — Jasminum 
Sambac  flore-pleno.  (H,  W.  C.). — Impatiens  Hookeri. 


OOVBNT  GARDEN  MARKET. — November  8th. 


Market  quiet,  well  supplied. 


Apples,  per  bushel 

Cobs  . 

Grapes  per  lb. 
Lemons,  case  . . 


FRUIT, 


Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

Beet,  Red,  dozen  . .  . 

Carrots,  bunch .  0  4  0  6 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  ....  2  0  3  0 

Celery,  bundle  . 10  13 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches  2  0  4  0 

Cucumbers,  dozen  ,,.,10  36 

Endive,  dozen  . 13  16 

Herbs,  bunch  .  0  3  0  0 

Leeks,  bunch  .  0  2  0  0 

Lettuce,  dozen . 0  9  10 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . .  ..09  10 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

9. 

d 

..  2 

0  to  7 

6 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0  to 

0 

0 

0 

32 

6 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

0 

0 

0 

0 

..  0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

..  10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

9. 

d 

..  0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to 

0 

0 

..  1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches 
Parsnips,  dozen  .. 
Potatoes,  per  cwt. 
Salsafy,  bundle  . . 
Scorzonera,  bundle 
Shallots,  per  lb.  .. 
Spinach,  bushel  .. 
Tomatoes,  per  lb. 
Turnips,  bunch  .. 


1  6 
0  3 


0  0 
0  0 
0  0 
0  7 
0  6 


AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— CUT  FLOWERS. 


Orchid  Blooms  in  variety, 
the  price  is  very  low. 

s. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ..  3 
Azalea,  dozen  sprays..  ..  1 

Bouvardias,  bunch  .,  ..  0 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  . .  1 

Carnations,  12  blooms  . .  0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 


bunches . 3 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis.  0 

Eucharis,  dozen . 4 

Gardenias,  per  dozen  . .  2 

Lilac  (French)  per  bunch  3 
Lilium  laneifolium,  dozen 

blooms  . 1 

Lilium  longiflorum,perdoz.  6 
Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches . 4 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . .  2 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  . .  2 


s. 

Arbor  Vitse  (golden)  dozen  6 
Aspidistra,  per  dozen  . .  18 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant  5 
Chrysanthemums,  per  doz.  4 
„  large  plants,  each  1 
Dracaena  terminalis,  per 


dozen . 18 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . .  9 

Ericas,  per  dozen  . .  . .  9 

Euonymns,var.,  dozen  ..  6 


Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen  6 
Perns,  in  variety,  dozen  ..  4 


Chrysanthemum  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season,  hence 


d. 

9. 

d 

8. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

0  to  5 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

Oto  12 

0 

0 

1 

6 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

0 

3 

0 

buuches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Sprays . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

0 

6 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

6 

3 

0 

Roses  (iudoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

0 

6 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

0 

4 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

o 

0 

4 

0 

6 

6 

0 

Tuberoses.  12  blooms. . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

0 

3 

0 

per  bunch . 

2 

6 

3 

0 

0 

9 

0 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

bunch  . 

2 

0 

2 

6 

0 

6 

0 

Violets  (English),  dozen 

0 

4 

0 

buuches  . 

1 

6 

2 

0 

0 

4 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

3. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

0  to  12 

0 

Ferns  (smalli  per  hundred 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

0 

36 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  .. 

1 

0 

7 

6 

0 

10 

6 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each.. 

2 

0 

10 

0 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 

0 

24 

0 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . , 

6 

0 

12 

0 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

0 

18 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

0 

24 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

0 

0 

0 

18 

0 

Solanums,  per  dozen. .  .. 

9 

0 

12 

0 

436 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  9,  1893. 


PROFITABLE  LIVE  STOCK. 


Many  a  grazier,  struggling  under  stress  of  difficulties 
intensified  and  rendered  almost  insurmountable  by  the  long 
liot  dry  summer,  would  be  inclined  to  question  if  there  is  such 
a  thing  as  profitable  live  stock  at  the  present  time.  If  so,  it  is 
certain  that  he  has  none  of  it.  It  is  pi'ecisely  because  of  the 
scarcity  of  stock  in  this  country  upon  which  any  profit  is 
possible  that  attention  is  called  to  the  matter  now.  Inferior 
stock  is  plentiful  enough,  because  of  the  general  carelessness 
both  in  breeding  and  feeding,  and  we  might  add  in  selection. 
In  most  instances  the  fault  dates  from  the  very  beginning  of  a 
tenancy,  when  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  really  useful  animals 
is  considered  so  great  that  recourse  is  had  to  the  Michaelmas 
auction  sales,  where  so-called  “  bargains  ”  are  plentiful. 
Numbers  of  inferior  animals  are  got  together,  costing  just  as 
much — often  a  great  deal  more — to  keep,  even  in  healthy  con¬ 
dition,  as  really  well-bred  stock.  Yet  a  little  inquiry  would 
enable  any  farmer  to  ascertain  where  better  stock  could  be 
had.  In  this,  as  in  other  matter’s,  demand  brings  supply,  and 
it  is  surely  worth  while  to  purchase  animals  upon  which,  under 
good  management,  some  profit  is  a  certainty. 

Taking  cattle  first,  we  know  that  while  prices  for  ordinary 
beasts  have  fallen  below  any  possibility  of  profit,  ripe  compact 
animals  of  moderate  size  have  always  had  a  prompt  sale  at 
remunerative  prices.  Said  a  recent  market  report,  “  The  trade 
is  overdone  with  meaty  stores,”  or  beasts  about  half  ripe  for 
the  butcher.  Not  only  is  the  metropolitan  market  g'utted  with 
this  class  of  stock  (much  of  it  imported),  but  it  is  always 
largely  in  evidence  at  every  provincial  market.  It  is  true 
enough  that  there  is  money  to  be  made  out  of  “  meaty  stores,” 
but  it  does  not  go  into  the  pockets  of  the  poor  grazier.  He 
sells  them  at  a  loss  ;  it  is  the  keen  dealer  who  buys  cheaply, 
fattens,  and  sells  at  a  profit.  The  beasts  come  into  his  hands 
tolerably  forward  in  condition,  so  that  the  fattening  process  is 
as  speedy  as  it  is  certain.  If  only  the  grazier  had  a  little  more 
staying  power  he  might  do  so  much  better  than  part  with  his 
stores  just  when  they  are  ready  to  “pay”  for  high  feeding. 
That  the  general  practice  in  this  matter  is  radically  wrong  is 
certain,  yet  there  is  no  mystery  about  the  right  way  ;  it  is 
summed  up  in  very  few  words.  Have  only  well-bred  cattle; 
either  a  pure  breed  or  a  good  ci’oss  breed.  Keep  on  the  calf 
flesh,  keep  up  condition  always,  but  avoid  the  rash  and  ex¬ 
travagant  forcing  which  involves  the  risk  of  heavy  losses  from 
apoplexy.  Give  equal  attention  to  shelter  and  to  a  sound 
wholesome  dietary.  Let  there  be  no  exposure  to  heavy  rain 
or  cold  cutting  wind,  no  lying  down  on  sodden  litter,  no 
inhaling  foul  air.  Let  the  dietary  be  mixed  wholesome,  a  wise 
combination  of  bulk  with  nutriment,  preferably  of  home-grown 
produce— hay,  silage,  straw,  corn,  roots,  green  fodder,  afford  a 
sufficient  range  for  a  most  nourishing  dietary.  Have  no  feeding 
by  line  and  lule,  know  your  cat'le  individually,  be  much  among 
them,  understand  the  requirements  and  temperament  of  every 
one  of  them,  and  then  wise  discretion  and  sound  judgment  will 
guide  weight  and  measure  in  the  feeding.  See  that  the  water 
is  pure,  that  crib  and  manger  are  clean.  Allow  no  brutality ; 
hindly.  gentle  treatment  is  all  important  apart  from  any  mere 
sentimental  feelings.  When  the  autumnal  growth  of  herbage 
on  pastures  is  consumed,  get  the  beasts  settled  for  the  winter  in 
yards  with  broad  commodious  hovels.  In  doing  this  place  the 
more  forward  larger  animals  together  separate  from  the  others  ; 
if  large  and  small,  weak  and  strong,  are  turned  in  together,  the 


weaker  literally  go  to  the  wall.  We  have  seen  them  driven  out 
of  the  hovels  into  the  open  yard,  where  they  remain  afraid  to 
venture  inside  again.  This  often  happens  at  nights  with  fatal 
results  if  rough  weather  prevails.  The  frightened  animals  will 
get  what  shelter  is  possible  from  the  yard  enclosures,  but  the 
standing  there  for  hours,  very  likely  in  several  inches  of  water, 
with  rain  or  snow  falling  upon  them,  and  gusts  of  wind  sweeping 
round  the  yard,  has  led  to  colds,  husk,  consumption,  and  eventu¬ 
ally  the  loss  of  many  a  valuable  beast. 

Worse  than  this  is  the  battle  for  life  going  on  every  winter 
among  cattle  in  open  pastures,  without  shelter  of  any  sort  but 
the  hedgerows,  and  with  very  short  commons  indeed.  They 
have  in  the  way  of  food  to  clear  up  the  fog,  which  at  best  is 
a  mixture  of  brown,  dry,  or  decayed  herbage  and  green  growth,  all 
sadly  innutritions.  A  little  hay  is  thrown  about  the  pasture, 
forming  a  dietary  barely  sufficient  to  sustain  vital  heat.  The 
famished  beasts  lose  flesh  so  fast,  and  the  strain  upon  them  is 
so  severe  and  prolonged,  that  it  is  wonderful  to  find  so  many 
of  them  surviving  an  ordeal  which  is  alike  cruel  to  them  and 
ruinous  to  their  owners. 

WOEK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

With  Mangolds  already  up  to  303.  a  ton,  a  full  root  crop  is  some¬ 
thing  to  be  proud  of  this  autumn.  Let  there  be  no  more  delay  in 
getting  them  off  the  land  into  clamps,  made  by  a  road  at  points  easy  of 
access  ;  a  long  ridge  10  or  12  feet  wide  at  base,  and  6  or  8  feet 
in  height,  answers  best.  Cover  thickly  with  litter,  over  which  place 
soil  sufficiently  thick  to  keep  out  frost,  leaving  air  vents  made  with 
2-inch  drain  pipes  along  the  ridge.  Treat  early  sown  Swedes  in  a 
similar  manner,  or  place  them  in  small  circular  heaps  in  fields  where 
sheep  folding  is  to  be  done.  Such  folds  on  upland  pasture  are  now  in 
full  action,  and  we  have  seen  some  good  practice  this  month  in  folding 
a  late  growth  on  Clover  layers,  with  the  ploughs  and  drills  following 
closely  for  Wheat. 

Never  was  there  better  weather  for  winter  corn  sowing,  and  all  other 
autumn  sown  crops.  Glad  were  we  recently  to  hear  a  keen  discussion 
in  a  provincial  market  train,  of  the  respective  merits  of  Vetches,  Rye, 
Coleseed,  and  Cabbage.  Plenty  of  such  and  other  green  fodder  crops 
to  use  with  corn  and  relieve  the  pasture,  are  wanted  everywhere.  The 
dictum  of  Professor  Wrightson  that  the  great  secret  of  successful  farm¬ 
ing  is  to  make  stock  pay,  and  the  corn  will  then  take  care  of  itself,  is 
sound  enough.  Let  work  on  the  home  farm  at  this  season  of  the  year 
tend  that  way,  by  judicious  sheep  folding,  by  careful  tending  of  stock 
in  cow,  cattle  yard,  stable,  and  piggery.  At  farms  generally  the 
judicious  production  of  milk,  butter,  cheese,  pork,  poultry,  eggs,  should 
all  tend  to  profit  now.  Pullets  selected  from  several  broods  in  spring 
are  giving  a  supply  of  eggs  now  that  is  invaluable.  In  this  highly 
important  manner  it  is  just  a  question  of  timely  selection,  of  number  and 
also  of  breeds.  We  have  had  an  excellent  supply  of  winter  eggs  from 
white  and  coloured  Dorkings,  from  cross-bred  fowls  and  others,  but 
never  from  those  misnamed  everlasting  layers,  the  Hamburghs.  It 
should  not  be  forgotten  that  a  warm  poultry  house  must  be  had  for 
winter  layers,  and  they  must  be  well  fed.  Let  them  also  have  a  cosy 
dusting  place,  shut  in  from  cold  winds,  but  so  placed  as  to  catch  every 
ray  of  winter  sunshine.  Warmth,  shelter,  and  good  food  tell,  and  are 
indispensable.  _ 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Square.  London. 

Lat.51°  32'40''  N.  :  Loa?.  0'^  8' 0"  W.;  Altitude.  Ill  feet 


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

1  Bain. 

1893. 

October 

and 

November. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32'^,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

luchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

29 

29-806 

50-6 

46-0 

S.W. 

49-6 

56-7 

46-8 

88-9 

42-5 

0  010 

Monday  . . 

30 

29-898 

41-9 

39-2 

N. 

48-9 

48-7 

37-1 

84-9 

34-0 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

31 

30-126 

34-4 

32-2 

N. 

46-2 

44-2 

30-9 

77-8 

27-2 

— 

W  ednesday 

1 

30-009 

38-4 

33-3 

S.W. 

44-1 

49-6 

27-8 

60-1 

26  0 

0-254 

Thursday . . 

2 

29-687 

47-3 

47-1 

S.W. 

45-1 

52-2 

41-9 

63-0 

35-8 

0-012 

Friday 

3 

29-941 

48-7 

47-4 

S.W. 

46-0 

59-8 

42-8 

83-0 

38-4 

— 

Saturday  . . 

4 

29^881 

53-8 

51-9 

S.W. 

47-9 

55-8 

48-3 

64-2 

47-2 

C-020 

29-907 

45-0 

42-4 

46-8 

52-4 

39-4 

74-6 

35-9 

0  296 

REMARKS. 

29th. — Brilliant  morning;  occasional  cloud  in  afternoon;  overcast  evening. 

30th. — Almost  cloudless  throughout. 

31st. — Cloudless  almost  throughout  but  some  detached  cumulus  at  midday. 

1st. — Overcast  till  3.45  r.M. ;  slight  rain  at  intervals  after. 

2nd. — Continuous  rain  from  3.30  a.m.  to  9  A.M. ;  occasional  drizzle  in  morning ;  over¬ 
cast  afternoon  and  night. 

3rd. — Pine  about  sunrise;  overcast  and  dull  from  8  A.M.  to  noon;  frequent  bright 
sunshine  after  1.30  1>.M. 

4th. — Bright  early ;  overcast  from  9  A.M.,  frequent  drizzle  from  10.30  A.M  ,  and  rain 
from  0.30  to  1.30  p.m.  ;  and  overcast  after. 

At  last  we  have  a  slightly  cool  week,  not  a  cold  one,  but  one  slightly  below  the 

average,  of  which  there  have  been  very  few  since  January.— G.  J.  SYMONS 


Norember  16,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


437 


IT  is  many  years  since  we  have  seen  such  heavy  crops  of 
Apples  as  were  grown  this  season,  yet  there  is  every  likelihood 
of  the  supply  falling  off  very  rapidly.  As  yet  not  a  single  early 
or  midseason  variety  that  has  come  under  my  notice  is  keeping 
really  well,  and,  to  all  appearance,  good  Apples  will  be  even  scarcer 
at  midwinter  than  they  often  are  after  what  may  be  termed  a  very 
bad  year  for  Apples.  Duchess  of  Oldenburg  was  one  of  the  first 
to  indicate  what  we  were  to  expect.  Finer,  cleaner-looking  fruit 
of  this  variety  I  never  gathered,  yet  within  a  fortnight  of  their 
being  ripe  not  one  was  fit  to  use.  Black  spots  first  showed  on  the 
surface,  and  shortly  after  the  disease,  if  such  it  may  be  termed) 
spread  to  the  core,  the  fruit  eventually  either  bursting  or  turning 
black.  Irish  Peach  and  Beauty  of  Bath  among  early  dessert 
varieties,  and  Lord  Suffield,  Keswick  Codlin,  and  Ecklinville  of 
culinary  sorts,  all  behaved  very  similarly,  not  a  sound  fruit  being 
left  at  a  time  when  they  ought  to  be  on  the  point  of  ripening. 
Manks  Codlin  being  somewhat  firmer  kept  rather  better,  but  was 
past  its  best  early  in  October,  or  more  than  a  month  earlier  than 
usual.  Warner’s  King  I  have  known  keep  well  till  the  middle  of 
December,  but  hereabouts  it  is  doubtful  if  there  were  any  sound 
fruit  by  October  7th.  It  was  quite  distressing  to  see  the  large, 
clean-looking  fruit  of  this  variety  becoming  first  spotted  and  then 
black  all  over,  but  the  tale  of  woe  does  not  stop  there.  Tower  of 
Glamis  is  over,  while  Hollandbury,  Lemon  Pippin  and  Reinette  de 
Canada  are  giving  signs  of  failing.  Our  sheet  anchor,  the  Beauty 
of  Kent,  of  which  we  have  several  large  trees,  gave  us  heavy 
crops  as  usual,  but  fully  one-half  of  the  fruits  are  spotted, 
and  instead  of  being  good  till  February,  there  will  be  none 
loft  bv  the  middle  of  November.  It  is  very  doubtful  if  either 
Lane’s  Prince  Albert,  Bramley’s  Seedling,  or  Lady  Henniker 
will  keep  at  all  well,  though  Wellington  seems  sound  enough  at 
present. 

Some  of  the  dessert  varieties  are  behaving  better.  King  of  the 
Pippins,  Adams’  Pearmain,  Ross  Nonpareil,  and  Court  Pendft  P14t, 
though  ripening  somewhat  out  of  season,  being  as  yet  quite  sound 
and  good.  Of  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  we  gathered  heavier  crops  of 
fine  well-coloured  fruits  than  usual,  but  these  are  keeping  badly. 
At  least  one-third  of  the  fruits  are  already  spotted,  and  I  am  much 
afraid  the  rest  will  not  keep  long.  When  an  Essex  friend  informed 
me,  late  in  September,  that  he  had  then  sent  large  quantities  of 
this  superior  dessert  Apple  to  the  London  markets,  only  getting 
about  2s.  6d.  per  bushel  for  them,  I  blamed  him  for  his  pre¬ 
cipitancy,  but  probably  he  did  the  right  thing  after  all.  Since 
then,  or  about  a  fortnight  later,  another  large  grower  of  hardy 
fruit  intimated  that  he  also  had  sold  some  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin, 
but  either  his  samples  were  remarkably  good  or  he  found  a  better 
market,  as  his  returns  were  at  the  rate  of  7s.  6d.  per  bushel.  In 
Somersetshire  3  peck  baskets  of  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  only  fetched 
Is.  6d.,  and  did  not  go  off  very  readily  at  that  price.  Blenheim 
Pippin  being  better  known  in  country  districts  always  sold  well  till 
this  season,  but  those  fruiterers  who  store  for  winter  sales  are  very 
shy  of  their  best  paying  Apple,  and  prices  are  very  low  indeed. 
Blenheim  Pippin  has  also  been  consigned  to  Covent  Garden  in 
large  numbers,  and  those  who  have  sold  the  bulk  of  this  variety 
at  fairly  good  prices  will  get  the  best  of  the  bargain,  as  it  is  very 
certain  that  few  Blenheim  Pippins  will  be  found  in  a  sound  state 

No.  699. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


in  December — at  any  rate,  not  if  they  were  grown  in  the  south¬ 
western  counties. 

Nothing  could  well  be  more  disheartening  than  the  outcome  of 
this  great  season  of  plenty.  Luckily  the  glutted  state  of  the 
markets  quickly  had  the  effect  of  making  the  owners  of  heavy 
crops  of  Apples  decide  to  at  once  convert  these  into  cider.  Persons 
who  had  not  the  proper  appliances  for  making  cider  sent  their  fruit 
to  those  who  were  in  a  position  to  undertake  the  work  at  a  fixed 
charge,  and  at  one  time  the  latter  were  greatly  overworked.  Had 
the  bulk  of  orchard  grown  Apples  been  stored,  there  would,  ere 
this,  have  been  so  many  heaps  of  rotten  fruit  to  deplore  the  loss  of, 
and  in  any  case  this  year’s  experience  must,  to  say  the  least,  have 
a  very  disheartening  effect  upon  numerous  fruit  growers  who  have 
been  led  to  believe  there  are  fortunes  to  be  made  in  growing  hardy 
fruit. 

It  may  be  that  it  is  only  in  certain  districts  that  Apples  are 
keeping  so  badly,  though  the  complaint  of  early  ripening  is  general 
enough.  That  they  would  ripen  abnormally  early  was  to  be 
expected,  but  surely  it  was  not  the  excessive  heat  that  is  responsible 
for  the  premature  decay  of  the  fruit.  Presumably  the  American 
summers  are  always  hotter  than  ours,  yet  their  Apples  keep  well, 
and  doubtless  will  not  be  long  before  they  arrive  in  large 
consignments.  It  may  be  that  their  selections  of  varieties  suit 
their  climate  in  the  same  way  that  ours  are  the  best,  as  a  rule,  for 
this  country.  Some  of  our  great  fruit  growers  and  exhibitors, 
such  as  Messrs.  Bunyard,  Cheal,  Pearson,  Rivers,  Watkins,  Yeitch, 
and  others  who  have  very  complete  collections  of  Apples,  in¬ 
cluding,  doubtless,  the  best  of  the  American  varieties,  ought  to 
be  able  to  supply  some  reliable  information  on  this  subject, 
and  will  greatly  oblige  by  doing  so.  Are  any  of  the  Newtown 
Pippins,  Baldwins,  King  of  Tomkins  County,  and  other  American 
Apples  grown  in  this  country  in  a  superior  condition  ?  I  have 
no  doubt  they  will  be  finer  in  every  way,  but  the  question  is 
do  they  promise  to  keep  better  than  our  own  popular  varieties  ? 
If  they  do  then  ought  more  of  them  to  be  grown.  Excep¬ 
tionally  hot  summers  will  doubtless  be  as  few  and  far  between 
in  the  future  as  in  the  past,  but  all  tbe  same  it  is  well  to  be 
prepared  for  them.  Already  there  are  unmisCakeable  signs  that 
the  selections  of  late  years,  especially  in  the  case  of  market 
growers,  have  been  too  limited,  those  who  formed  them  having 
probably  erred  in  going  too  much  to  the  extreme  in  the  opposite 
direction  of  what  our  forefathers  did.  Apples  pay  best  when 
growers  are  fortunate  enough  to  have  good  crops  in  years  of 
comparative  scarcity,  and  this  is  more  likely  to  happen  when 
twenty-four  instead  of  about  twelve  varieties  are  grown  in 
quantity.  Private  growers  are  more  given  to  plant  a  greater 
number  of  varieties,  and  may  perhaps  overdo  it  occasionally,  yet 
may,  occasionally,  have  good  cause  to  be  satisfied  with  what  they 
have  done  in  the  matter. 

As  yet  I  have  not  seen  nor  heard  any  attempt  at  explaining 
the  cause  or  causes  of  this  premature  decay  of  Apples.  In  several 
cases  the  black  spots  under  the  skin  were  showing  some  time  before 
the  fruit  was  gathered  ;  in  others  they  developed  very  quickly 
after  storing.  Either  these  unwelcome  changes  were  brought 
about  by  the  excessive  heat,  or  what  is  more  likely,  they  would  not 
have  occurred  had  there  been  no  rainfall  before  the  fruit  was  fit 
to  gather.  That  Apples,  as  a  rule,  would  have  been  undersized 
had  the  rain  not  fallen  when  it  did  was  evident  enough  at  one 
time,  but  I  cannot  help  thinking  chemical  changes  had  already 
taken  place,  that  is  to  say  the  starch  and  acids  contained  in  them 
were  fast  being  converted  into  sugar  when  the  change  in  the 
weather  came.  Very  premature  ripening  was  prevented  by  a 
better  supply  of  sap,  but  can  any  scientific  observer  state  what 
would  be  the  effect  of  the  late  addition  of  so  much  more  watery 
matter  to  fruit  on  the  point  of  ripening  ?  Was  it  or  was  it  not  the 
cause  of  our  trouble  ?  Perhaps  Mr.  Abbey  may  be  good  enough  to 
express  his  views  on  this  subject. — W.  Iggulden,  Somerset. 

No.  2355. — VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


438 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  16,  1893. 


FORCING  BULBS. 

Chrysanthemums,  -wliich  are  now  so  infinite  in  variety  and 
attractive  in  appearance,  supply  our  gardens  with  such  a  wealth  of 
flowers  during  the  dullest  months  of  the  year,  that  the  forcing  of 
bulbs  may  with  advantage  be  delayed  to  a  later  period  than  was 
formerly  desirable.  Although  it  is  wise,  even  if  not  absolutely 
necessary  in  many  instances,  to  have  a  few  Roman  Hyacinths  and 
Narcissi  in  flower  early  in  November,  it  is  not  till  the  middle  of 
December,  or  about  Christmas-time,  that  forced  flowers  are  in 
great  demand.  Even  then  the  late  varieties  of  Chrysanthemums 
supply  an  abundance  of  bloom  ;  still  the  bulk  of  them  are  over,  and 
variety  among  them  being  less,  a  change  in  floral  fare  is  welcomed, 
if  for  no  other  reason  than  to  divert  our  thoughts  from  holding  in 
too  light  esteem  the  charms  and  usefulness  of  the  “  Autumn 
Queen,”  an  error  which  too  long  familiarity  with  things  and  beauty 
sometimes  begets. 

The  present  is  a  good  time  to  place  in  heat  bulbs  for  flowering 
at  the  time  indicated.  Roman  Hyacinths  rank  among  the  most 
useful  for  this  purpose,  as  they  may  be  brought  into  flower  quickly 
with  but  little  risk  of  failure  if  good  bulbs  are  obtained.  It  is 
surprising  what  hard  forcing  they  will  bear  with  impunity,  pro¬ 
vided  suitable  treatment  is  given  them.  If  necessary  it  is  quite 
possible  to  have  them  in  flower  ten  days  after  their  introduction 
in  heat,  if  they  have  previously  made  a  little  more  than  an 
inch  of  growth  before  being  removed  from  the  plunging  material. 
It  is  not  often  advisable  to  force  them  so  rapidly,  but  whenever 
the  imperious  demands  of  special  occasions  renders  the  practice 
necessary  it  is  well  to  be  prepared  with  a  safe  plan  of  action. 

Those  which  I  brought  into  flower  so  quickly  were  managed  in 
the  following  way.  Shallow  boxes  were  placed  over  the  hot-water 
pipes  in  front  of  a  pit  ;  the  pots  of  Hyacinths  being  stood  in  these, 
and  a  little  cocoa-nut  fibre  packed  around  the  base  of  the  pots  to 
keep  the  soil  in  them  from  drying  too  quickly  at  that  point  by 
reason  of  their  close  contact  with  the  heated  pipes.  When  the 
requisite  number  of  pots  were  placed  in  position  they  received  a 
thorough  soaking  with  warm  water,  and  were  afterwards  watered 
almost  every  day,  only  failing  to  do  so  should  the  soil  appear  quite 
wet  when  the  usual  time  for  watering  arrived.  No  regular 
temperatures  were  kept  up,  but  a  strong  heat  was  maintained  in 
the  pipes  throughout,  a  little  air  being  also  left  on  the  back  of  the 
pit.  This  treatment,  with  a  couple  of  syringings  daily,  resulted  in 
even  potfuls  of  these  useful  flowers  ten  days  after  being  placed 
in  heat.  For  a  couple  of  days  before  their  removal  from  the 
pit  they  were  put  on  pots  near  the  glass,  away  from  the  hot- 
water  pipes,  to  accustom  them  to  the  loss  of  bottom  heat  before 
being  transferred  to  a  much  cooler  temperature. 

Tulips  of  the  Due  Yan  Thol  type  bear  hard  forcing  extremely 
well,  and  if  they  are  allowed  to  make  fully  1^  inch  of  growth 
before  being  taken  from  the  plunging  material,  and  then  gradually 
inured  to  light  in  cold  pits,  they  are  then  in  the  right  condition  to 
bring  into  flower  quickly  whenever  there  is  a  demand  for  them. 
The  Double  Roman  Narcissus  is  excelleijt  for  early  forcing  ;  but 
as  soon  as  the  improved  form  of  Paper  White  (Snowflake)  comes 
in  in  bulk  the  first-named  is  not  wanted.  If  the  flowers  are 
required  for  cutting  only  the  majority  of  Narcissi  bear  sharp 
forcing  well.  I  find,  however,  that  pots  of  various  sizes,  containing 
from  five  to  nine  bulbs,  are  extremely  useful  and  effective  for 
arranging  singly  in  vases  ;  those,  therefore,  that  are  required  for 
this  purpose  should  be  kept  quite  close  to  the  glass  in  a  rather 
cooler  temperature,  otherwise  the  leaves  become  drawn  and  weedy 
looking. 

Whenever  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  force  potfuls  intended 
for  vases  on  quickly  they  may  be  placed  on  a  shelf  near  the  glass 
in  a  Cucumber  house,  or  forcing  house  having  a  similar  tempera¬ 
ture,  till  the  flowers  begin  to  show  colour.  If  the  pots  are  then 
removed  to  a  cooler  structure  both  leaves  and  flower  stems  will 
become  considerably  strengthened  by  the  time  the  flowers  are  fully 
expanded.  Poeticus  ornatus  is  a  grand  Narcissus  for  bringing  on 
in  a  gentle  heat.  If  forced  too  sharply  a  large  percentage  of 
flower  buds  which  never  open  are  produced.  Sir  Watkin,  which  is 
now  considerably  reduced  in  price,  is,  I  think,  the  variety  of  the 
future.  Hitherto  it  has  been  too  choice  to  subject  to  sharp  forcing, 
but  this  season  I  hope  to  try  its  capabilities  in  that  direction. 

Freesias  seem  to  become  more  popular  each  year,  as  their 
culture  is  better  understood.  If  the  bulbs  are  potted  in  light  rich 
soil,  the  pots  plunged  in  cocoa-nut  fibre  till  an  inch  of  growth  has 
been  made,  and  are  then  removed  to  a  shelf  in  a  cool  house,  they 
will  succeed  admirably.  The  earliest  plants  thrive  well  it  grown 
in  an  intermediate  temperature.  Allium  neapolitanum  is  also  an 
extremely  useful  bulbous  plant,  which  requires  exactly  the  same 
treatment  as  Freesias.  It  ought,  I  think,  to  be  more  generally 
grown.  ^ 

Much  of  the  success  or  failure  experienced  in  bulb  forcing  is 


due  to  the  manner  in  which  this  operation  is  performed.  I  find 
there  is  a  general  tendency  among  young  men  to  allow  the  soil  to 
get  into  about  the  same  state  of  dryness  before  W'ater  is  given,  no 
matter  what  position  the  pots  occupy,  or  what  temperature  they 
are  grown  in.  The  effect  of  this  is  sometimes  ruinous  to  the  plants. 
When  growing  in  a  strong  heat,  especially  if  the  pots  are  near  the 
hot-water  pipes,  the  soil  ought  to  be  kept  constantly  moist,  for  if 
it  becomes  thoroughly  dry  many  of  the  roots  are  destroyed.  On 
the  other  hand,  when  grown  in  cool  houses  where  but  little  fire 
heat  is  employed,  the  pots  should  ring  sharply  when  rapped,  before 
water  is  given. 

Notwithstanding  much  which  has  been  said  to  the  contrary,  I 
consider  frequent  applications  of  liquid  manure  to  be  of  great 
benefit  in  helping  to  swell  the  individual  flowers  up  to  their 
fullest  size  ;  for  although  each  bulb  already  contains  the  embryo 
flower  spike,  strong  healthy  roots  are  required  to  feed  and  develop 
it,  and  in  liquid  manure  these  roots  find  stimulating  food,  in  a  form 
most  easily  assimulated. — W. 


SOME  NEW  VIOLAS. 

On  looking  through  my  notes  of  new  Violas  for  this  year  I  find  over  a 
hundred  varieties  altogether  have  come  under  my  notice.  In  these 
notes,  however,  I  will  deal  principally  with  those  sent  out  in  1893,  and 
include  a  few  varieties  of  1892  because  of  their  great  beauty,  I  will 
refer  to  the  new  kinds  yet  to  be  introduced  in  another  paper. 

The  early  part  of  1893  was  all  that  could  be  wished  for  the  Viola, 
mild  and  genial,  and  with  such  a  wealth  of  bloom  everywhere.  In  the 
south  and  the  midlands,  however,  we  had  a  very  long  spell  of  tropical 
heat  and  drought,  with  a  pitiless  downpour  of  brilliant  sun  heat,  which 
drove  vegetation  into  a  state  of  misery,  and  Violas  were  in  so  many 
instances  during  the  summer  scorched  up,  and  they  had  to  bear  a 
terrible  infliction  of  brown  aphis. 

For  bedding  out  many  of  the  varieties  in  cultivation  are  very 
suitable,  but  I  have  no  intention  of  touching  upon  these  exclusively.  I 
wish  to  draw  attention  to  some  of  the  best  of  the  newer  sorts. 

Blue  Bonnet  (J.  D.  Stuart). — White  with  a  broad  edging  or  margin 
of  bright  purple,  and  distinct. 

Bridesmaid,  (Dean). — Pale  primrose  and  quite  rayless  and  fine. 

Comet  (McKie). — Rich  rosy  purple  with  a  darker  centre,  fine. 

Blue  Gown  (Dr.  Stuart). — Blue  self,  dwarf  and  very  free  blooming. 

Blush  Queen  (Dr.  Stuart). — White  tinted  with  blush. 

Bridal  Wreath  (Dr.  Stuart). — Pure  white,  very  like  Sylvia. 

3Irs.  B.  Fergusson  (Irvine). — Pure  snow  white,  good  form,  very  fine. 

Mrs.  McDonald  (Irvine). — Violet  purple  clouded  with  blue  tinted 
lilac,  fine  form. 

Countess  (McKie). — Shaded  rosy  plum  and  purple,  fine. 

Duchess  (McKie). — Shaded  lilac  pink  with  lighter  top  petals,  fine. 

Edina  (Dobbie  &  Co.). — A  grand  variety  and  so  distinct ;  rich  dark 
violet  centre  with  a  bright  blue  lilac  margin,  very  handsome. 

Favourite  (Dobbie  &  Co.). — Light  blue  ;  an  excellent  bedder. 

Golden  Ilahe  (J.  D.  Stuart). — Deep  yellow,  good  habit,  a  valuable 
variety. 

Hyacinth  (Baxter). — Shaded  white  and  lavender,  blue  centre,  and 
quite  distinct. 

Laveroch  (J.  D.  Stuart), — A  “skylark”  style  of  flower,  but  an 
improvement,  and  fine. 

Lemon  Queen  (Dobbie  &  Co.). — A  little  deeper  in  colour  than  Brides¬ 
maid  ;  fine. 

Magnet  (McKie). — A  rich  coloured  flower,  and  extra  fine  ;  a  very 
handsome  variety. 

Mrs.  Hay. — A  very  distinct  striped  flower,  violet  purple  stripes  and 
white  ground  ;  fine. 

Peter  Barr  (Barr). — Yellow,  bordered  with  pale  pink ;  a  peculiar 
flower,  and  really  a  miniature  Pansy. 

Picotee  (Dr.  Stuart), — White  with  a  wire  margin  of  blue  lilac  on 
each  petal,  and  small  flowers,  very  pretty  and  distinct. 

Roh  Roy  (Dobbie  &  Co.). — An  improved  “  Vernon  Lee,”  yellow,  with 
with  the  top  petals  chocolate  coloured  with  small  gold  band  on  each. 

Sylvia  (Dr.  Stuart). — Creamy  white  self,  type  of  Countess  of  Hope- 
toun. 

White  Flag  (Baxter). — White,  of  great  substance,  and  with  long 
footstalks. 

White  Duchess  (Baxter). — This  is  the  “Duchess  of  Fife”  with  a 
white  instead  of  yellow  ground  colour,  a  charming  variety  which  will 
become  popular. 

The  foregoing  1  have  seen,  and  they  are  of  the  ordinary  large  flower 
section  of  Violas,  but  there  are  many  others  which  were  sent  out  last 
year  for  the  first  time,  some  of  which  I  have  not  seen,  and  of  others  the 
plants  came  to  harwi  late  in  the  spring  and  had  no  chance  of  doing  well 
owing  to  the  very  hot  weather. 

The  pretty  miniature  section  of  the  Violetta  type  has  an  earnest 
champion  in  Mr.  George  Steel,  late  of  Heatherslaw  and  now  of  Etal  in 
Dumfriesshire,  who  has  discarded  all  Violas  not  of  the  Violetta  type,  so 
as  to  devote  attention  entirely  to  the  latter.  Dr.  Stuart  of  Chirnside 
originated  them,  and  is  the  raiser  of  Violetta  and  other  pretty  varieties. 

The  Violetta  section  is  distinct  in  the  smaller  growth,  w’hich  is  of 
more  procumbent  habit,  and  in  giving  a  profusion  of  small,  well 
shaped  flowers,  all  remarkable  for  their  strong  violet  fragrance  and 


NoYember  16,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


489 


dwarf  bedding  habit.  Violetta  itself  is  a  white,  and  other  pretty  varie¬ 
ties  are  Marginata,  Lady  in  White,  Old  Gold,  Summer  Cloud,  Jeannie 
Turnbull,  Mrs.  Joseph  Oliver,  Maggie  Steel,  Mrs.  George  Finlay,  and 
others,  and  some  charming  new  varieties  to  be  sent  out  in  the  spring  by 
Mr.  Steel.  I  have  seen  almost  all,  and  there  are  many  gems  amongst 
the  newcomers. 

Of  the  more  recently  introduced  Violas  the  following  are  all  fine — 
viz.,  Annie  King,  Accushla,  Colleen  Bawn,  Dorothy  Tennant,  Duchess  of 
Fife,  Golden  Gem,  H.  M.  Stanley,  H.  W.  Stuart,  Mrs.  Frater,  Mary  Gray, 
Kothes,  and  Wonder.  These  are  all  acquisition  to  collections. — W.  D. 


DeNDROBIUM  NOBILE. 

Plants  that  have  well  ripened  pseudo-bulbs,  and  have  been 
resting  for  some  time,  may  be  introduced  again  into  heat,  when 
they  will  be  induced  to  flower.  The  flowers  are  always  useful,  and 
may  with  care  and  judgment  be  had  over  a  lengthened  period  by 
starting  plants  into  growth  at  different  times.  Plants  that  have 
completed  their  growth  should  be  placed  into  a  cool,  dry,  airy 
position  after  they  have  been  properly  hardened.  A  late  vinery 
in  which  Grapes  are  hanging  will  be  a  good  place  for  them.  Even 
in  this  position  expose  them  to  the  sun,  and  give  sufficient  water 
only  to  prevent  their  pseudo-bulbs  shrivelling. — Specialist. 

Orchids  at  Forest  Hill. 

Whilst  passing  hastily  through  the  Stanstead  Road  Nurseries 
of  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  last  week,  I  noticed  that 
the  Orchids  made  a  good  display.  Several  forms  of  Cattleya  labiata 
were  specially  good,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  the  numerous  Cypri- 
pediums.  Amongst  the  latter  the  beautiful  0.  Spicerianura  was 
most  conspicuous,  the  flowers  of  this  popular  species  always  showing 
up  well.  A  few  Odontoglossums  were  flowering,  and  the  whole  of 
the  plants,  of  which  many  are  grown,  presented  a  remarkably 
healthy  appearance. — C. 

Disa  Veitciii  X  tripetaloides. 

This  is  a  new  hybrid  raised  at  Kew,  where,  according  to  a 
correspondent  in  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  it  recently  flowered 
for  the  first  time.  As  will  be  seen  from  its  parentage,  it  combines 
three  distinct  species,  D.  Veitchi  being  the  result  of  crossing 
D.  grandiflora  with  D.  racemosa.  These  hybrids  are  much  easier 
to  cultivate  than  most  Orchids,  and  they  increase  rapidly.  The 
new  hybrid  has  a  crowded  rosette  of  sturdy  green  leaves,  from  the 
centre  of  which  springs  a  scape  as  thick  as  a  swan’s  quill,  and 

foot  high.  The  flowers  are  as  numerous  as  on  D.  racemosa, 
nearly  2  inches  across,  and  coloured  deep  rose.  These  tufted  Disas 
can  be  recommended  to  anyone  in  search  of  promising  material  to 
breed  from,  as  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  make  a  mistake  in  crossing 
and  raising  them  from  seed. 


FLORAL  NOMENCLATURE. 

As  to  the  proper  pronuuciation  of  “  Gladiolus,”  1  may  mention  that 
more  than  twenty  years  ago  I  asked  a  distinguished  classical  scholar,  of 
world-wide  renown,  for  the  correct  pronunciation  of  that  word.  He 
replied,  “  The  accent  should  be  on  the  first  syllable,  as  in  Gladius ; 
neither  the  i  nor  the  o  should  be  emphasised.”  Since  then  I  have 
been  content  to  follow  such  authority.  The  word,  so  rendered,  may 
not  run  off  the  tongue  so  trippingly  as  Gladiolus  or  Gladiolus,  but  that 
it  is  correct  I  have,  from  that  day,  had  no  doubt.  I  have  never  heard, 
as  Mr.  Woliey  Dod  states  on  page  399,  the  word  in  question  pronounced 
Gladjolus,  but  I  have  often  heard  great  stress  laid  on  the  first  syllable 
and  the  following  i  (pronounced  e)  given  very  short,  which  might  give 
the  effect  of  a  j. 

As  to  “  West  Anglian’s  ”  letter  (page  399),  it  would  indeed  be  a  con¬ 
summation  devoutly  to  be  wished,  though  scarcely  to  be  hoped,  even  in 
these  days  of  County  Council  education,  that  every  gardener  should 
possess  a  thorough  knowledge  of  Latin,  Greek,  and  French.  Until  that 
event  occurs  there  will  be  many  mistakes  in  spelling  and  still  more  in 
pronunciation  ;  but  from  perusing  “  W.  A.’s  ”  list  of  errors  it  seems  very 
probable  that  many  of  them  arose  from  the  endeavour  to  copy  almost 
illegible  labels.  As  for  myself  I  have  always  considered  that  the  mastery 
of  long  Latin,  Greek,  and  French  names,  without  a  glimpse  of  their 
meaning,  is  one  of  the  gardener’s  hardest  tasks,  and  the  more  letter- 
perfect  he  becomes  in  his  self-imposed  lesson  the  more  I  respect  him  for 
his  application.  It  is  an  easy  thing  for  a  man  who  is  a  fair  classic  and 
modern  linguist  to  remember  these  names,  for  each  word  has  for  him  its 


meaning  ;  not  so  for  him  who  has  no  knowledge  of  any  tongue  butihis 
own  ;  with  him  it  has  to  be  parrot-learning,  infinitely  more  difficult.* 
Then  when  a  name  is  learnt  it  has  often  to  be  re-learnt,  for  land 
folium  becomes  speciosum ;  Spirma,  Hoteia.  Tritoma  changes  to 
Kniphofia  ;  Hyacinthus  to  Galtonia  ;  while  Clivia  takes  the  place  of 
Himantophyllum.  Gardeners  may  well  afford  to  ignore  the  jibes  of 
thoughtless  youth,  in  the  knowledge  that  those  of  maturer  judgment 
fully  recognise  both  the  difficulties  under  which  they  labour  and  the 
commendation  they  merit  in  successfully  overcoming  the  same. — 
S.  W.  F. 


CULTURE  OF  FRANCOAS. 

Francoas  are  exceedingly  useful  for  the  embellishment  of  the 
greenhouse  or  conservatory  or  for  house  decoration,  their  elegant 
appearance  and  floriferous  character  eminently  suiting  them  for  this 
purpose.  When  associated  with  other  plants  the  long  white  spikes  of 
F.  ramosa,  together  with  the  beautiful  pale  red  F.  appendiculata,  cannot 
fail  to  evoke  the  admiration  of  everyone,  and  1  feel  sure  that  the  more 
they  are  known  the  more  they  will  be  appreciated.  They  are  com¬ 
paratively  easy  of  cultivation,  and,  although  the  usual  time  of  flowering 
is  from  July  to  September,  may  by  a  little  judicious  arrangement  be 
had  in  bloom  nearly  all  the  year  round.  A  compost  of  good  fibry  loam, 
leaf  soil,  and  sharp  sand  will  be  found  an  excellent  mixture  for  them. 
For  general  decorative  purposes  plants  in  7-inch  or  8-inch  pots  are 
large  enough,  but  where  large  specimens  are  required  10-inch  and 
12-inch  pots  should  be  used. 

Young  plants  may  be  raised  either  from  seed,  cuttings,  or  by  division  ; 
all  of  which  methods  should  be  resorted  to  in  order  to  procure  a  long 
succession  of  bloom.  Old  plants  that  have  been  flowering  throughout 
the  summer  will  now  be  making  new  growth,  therefore  no  time  should 
be  lost  in  dividing  them.  After  the  plants  are  turned  out  of  the  pots 
divide  them  in  two  or  three  parts,  and  place  in  similar  sized  pots 
to  those  in  which  they  were  previously  grown.  After  repotting  water 
must  be  sparingly  administered  until  the  roots  have  taken  full  possession 
of  the  new  soil.  During  the  winter  a  temperature  of  from  45°  to  50° 
should  be  maintained,  and  if  attended  to  they  will  commence  throwing 
up  their  flower  spike  about  the  beginning  of  April.  For  propagating 
by  cuttings  the  offsets,  which  are  freely  produced  from  the  base  of  the 
old  plants,  should  be  procured.  The  cuttings  should  be  inserted  singly 
in  small  pots  filled  with  a  similar  compost  to  that  recommended  above. 
Give  water  through  a  fine  rose  after  insertion,  to  settle  the  soil,  and  stand 
the  cuttings  in  a  temperature  of  from  50°  to  55°.  When  well  rooted  they 
should  be  placed  in  5-inch  pots,  and  grown  in  the  temperature  advised 
for  old  plants.  Immediately  the  roots  reach  the  sides  of  the  pots  the 
plants  should  be  placed  in  others  7  inches  or  8  inches  in  diameter. 

Where  the  earliest  flower  spikes  were  not  removed  abundance  of 
seeds  may  now  be  procured,  and  these  should  be  sown  as  soon  as 
gathered.  In  preparing  the  seed  pan  it  is  essential  that  good  drainage 
be  obtained,  after  which  fill  with  a  mixture  of  light  sandy  soil.  Scatter 
the  seeds  thinly  and  evenly  over  the  surface,  slightly  covering  with 
soil.  Most  growers  recommend  raising  these  plants  in  heat,  but  I  prefer 
growing  them  under  cool  treatment.  It  is  of  great  importance  that 
the  young  plants  be  pricked  into  pots  or  pans  when  large  enough  where 
they  can  have  plenty  of  space  and  light,  otherwise  they  will  quickly 
become  drawn,  and  failure  must  be  the  result.  Before  the  plants 
become  crowded  they  should  be  placed  in  5-inch  pots  and  stood  on 
a  shelf  in  a  cool  house,  giving  subsequent  repottings  as  may  be  necessary. 
When  the  pots  are  full  of  roots  liquid  manure  may  be  applied  every 
other  watering  with  great  advantage.  In  the  spring,  when  all  danger 
of  frost  is  over,  the  plants  may  be  placed  in  a  cold  frame,  letting  them 
remain  there  till  the  last  week  in  August,  when  remove  to  the  green¬ 
house.  If  the  foregoing  instructions  are  properly  carried  out  a  good 
supply  of  flowers  may  be  obtained.  Some  cuttings  I  inserted  last  autumn 
are  now  flowering  profusely,  as  also  are  many  seedlings  which  were 
raised  at  the  same  time. — G.  Parrant, 


THE  CARNATION  AS  AN  ANNUAL. 

The  first  introduction  of  the  Mirguerite  Carnation  was  from  the 
Continent,  and  for  usefulness  as  a  decorative  flower  it  is  now  grovvn 
extensively.  Mr.  C.  H.  Herbert  has  been  inspired  to  work  on  this  strain 
by  cross-fertilisation,  using  a  grand  scarlet  bizarre  as  a  pollen  parent 
with  very  satisfactory  results.  The  variety  in  colour,  form,  and  marking 
is  greatly  diversified.  Some  of  the  blooms  are  clean  cut  at  the  edge 
approaching  the  petal  of  the  stage  varieties  ;  others  are  freely  serrated 
and  beautifully  fringed,  whilst  the  colours  are  as  varied  as  can  be 
conceived.  Then  the  flaking,  splashing,  spotting,  anl  the  feathering 
adds  greatly  to  their  value.  Blooms  sent  me  by  the  raiser  have  stood 
in  water  for  more  than  a  week,  and  they  figured  as  a  novelty  and 
excited  a  considerable  amount  of  admiration  at  our  Chrysanthemum 
Show.  The  perfume  is  delightful,  and  the  colours  in  the  chaste  green 
setting  are  beautiful.  .  j  . 

For  mixed  beds  and  borders  they  will  equal  our  old  friend  the 
Verbena,  and  for  window  and  conservatory  decoration  I  can  conceive 
their  rivalling  the  Cineraria,  the  Calceolaria,  the  Primula,  and  the 
Cyclamen,  as  the  warm  tones  during  the  cold  months  will  be  so  cheering. 
Mr.  Herbert  tells  me  that  he  is  this  season  working  on  the  same  stock  with 
the  yellow  grounds  and  fancies,  so  that  the  possibilities  as  to  the  future 
of  the  Carnation  as  an  annual  we  may  only  imagine. — W.  Wardile. 


440 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  16,  1893. 


Mr.  Mawley’s  Analysis. 

With  great  respect  for  Mr.  Mawley’s  analysis,  I  yet  think  there  is 
something  in  Mr.  Grahame’s  reasoning.  I  have  no  doubt  that  Mr. 
Mawley’s  results  are  as  near  perfection  as  possible,  but  as  these  results 
are  expressed  in  “  crude  figures,”  it  seems  to  me  fair  to  state  that  the 
new  Roses  present  an  insuperable  difficulty  to  that  mathematical 
accuracy  which  should  be  expressed  by  figures.  They  do  not  afford  the 
same  data  for  calculation  as  the  other  Roses,  and  therefore  the  results 
founded  on  their  data  do  not  stand  upon  the  same  footing  as  the  other 
figures  in  the  list.  This  is  only  an  outside  view.  Mr.  Mawley  has 
probably  forgotten  more  about  statistics  than  I  ever  knew,  but  it  is  well 
sometimes  to  take  outside  views  into  consideration. 

In  the  old  “  Rose  elections  ”  the  opinions  of  rosarians  were  the  only 
data,  and  the  result,  of  course,  was  only  the  general  opinion  ;  but  this 
was,  if  the  electors  were  numerous  and  representative  enough,  fairly 
without  cavil. — W.  R.  Raillem. 


A  GOOD  Rose,  like  good  wine,  requires  no  special  commendation  or 
assistance  by  the  principle  of  selection,  and  as  certain  vintages  year  by 
year  work  to  the  front  in  the  estimation  of  connoisseurs,  so  a  good  Rose 
as  it  becomes  known  is  more  and  more  cultivated,  and  therefore 
exhibited  by  the  best  rosarians.  Time  therefore  would  do  all  that  was 
requisite  in  placing  a  good  Rose  in  its  proper  position.  Impostors  soon 
disappear,  effete  ones  die  out,  and  genuine  good  varieties  work  to  the 
front.  If  Mr.  Mawley  is,  by  an  elaborate  system,  mathematically 
correct,  I  think  it  would  be  satisfactory  for  him  to  clearly  explain  this 
method. 

To  show  that  other  authorities  of  high  standing  think  ordinary 
figures  (the  analysed  results  of  the  experience  reported  by  a  large 
number  of  rosarians)  to  be  sufficient  to  establish  the  position  and 
habits  of  all  our  greatest  Roses,  I  would  instance  and  recommend  the 
perusal  of  the  R.H.S.  report  on  the  Rose  Conference  held  at  Chiswick 
in  1889.  This,  in  my  opinion,  is  the  most  valuable  digest  on  the  cul¬ 
tivation  of  Roses,  and  the  results  thereof,  which  has  yet  been  published. 
Nothing  but  actual  figures  are  there  used  or  discussed,  and  the  results 
arrived  at  are  given  with  clearness  and  mathematical  precision. — 
Charles  J.  Geahame,  Croydon. 


As  Mr.  Grahame  (page  418)  claims  that  he  has  friends  who  adopt 
his  views  on  the  above  matter,  perhaps  it  would  be  well  if  they  would 
say  so  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture.  In  the  meantime  allow  me  to 
express  my  feeling  that  the  attack  he  has  made  upon  Mr.  Mawley 
is  entirely  unwarrantable. 

Mr.  Mawley’s  analysis  I  have  for  many  years  looked  forward  to  as 
the  crowning  of  the  Rose  season,  and  I  fully  endorse  your  remarks  of 
appreciation  thereof.  Painstaking  care  and  thoroughness  have  dis¬ 
tinguished  all  of  them,  and  these  characteristics  I  would  commend  to 
the  notice  of  your  correspondent.  Long  years  before  Mr.  Grahame 
became  a  member  of  the  N.R.S.  Mr.  Mawley  was  doing  valuable  work 
for  it,  to  which  work  the  Society  owes  much  of  its  position  to-day.  If, 
therefore,  his  work  was  now  to  be  attacked  it  would  have  been  more 
becoming  if  the  attack  had  proceeded  from  someone  who  could  claim  to 
have  done  something  for  the  Rose  at  least  approaching  in  value  to  what 
Mr.  Mawley  has  done. 

As  you  are  aware,  I  have  usually  signed  the  notes  I  have  sent  to 
your  columns,  but  remembering  the  tremendous  onslaught  which  a 
gentleman  had  to  endure,  who  ventured  to  differ  from  Mr.  Grahame 
last  year,  I  take  refuge  on  this  occasion  in  the  name  of  my  county — 
Bucks. 


POMONA  FARM  NURSERIES,  WITHINGTON, 

HEREFORD. 

The  above  is  the  largest  fruit  tree  nursery  in  the  fertile  county  of 
Hereford,  and  very  easy  to  reach,  as  it  adjoins  Withington  Station  on 
the  Great  Western  and  London  and  North-Western  railways,  also  about 
four  miles  from  the  ancient  city.  Having  arranged  a  convenient  day 
with  Mr.  J.  Watkins,  the  well-known  proprietor,  to  see  his  famous  fruit 
grounds,  he  met  the  writer  at  Hereford  Station,  with  a  sharp  trotting 
horse  and  conveyance,  driving  direct  to  his  Whitecross  Nursery,  out  of 
the  city.  There  was  a  magnificent  collection  of  fruit  trees  of  all  kinds 
and  forms,  clean,  and  in  the  best  of  health,  very  small  trees  being  well 
supplied  with  fruit  buds.  The  planting  season  being  an  early  and 
favourable  one,  great  activity  was  exercised  in  lifting  trees  and  execut¬ 
ing  orders.  In  one  instance  500  standard  Apple  trees  were  being 
packed  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  and  better  rooted  trees  could  not  be 
desired. 

Like  all  nurserymen  Mr.  Watkins  has  trees  to  suit  all  classes  of  buyers, 
and  standards,  half-standards,  trained  pyramid  and  bush  trees  are  in 
vast  numbers.  Dumelow’s  Seedling  is  very  much  to  the  fore  here,  and 
H  this  excellent  Apple  would  answer  everywhere  the  same  as  with  Mr. 
Watkins,  nothing  would  pay  better  to  plant.  All  the  trees  ranging  from 
small  maidens  to  tall  standards  are  covered  with  large  fruit  buds,  and 


entirely  free  from  canker.  Ecklinville  Seedling  is  in  great  demand,  and 
a  large  quarter  is  occupied  b^t.  Annie  Elizabeth,  Cellini,  and  King  of 
the  Pippins  cover  a  large  space.  Beauty  of  Bath  and  Bramley’s  Seedling 
Mr.  Watkins  considers  to  have  a  great  future  as  Apples  suitable  for  both 
market  and  private  establishments,  consequently  many  are  grown  to 
meet  any  requirements.  Potts’  {Seedling  is  another  favourite,  and  the 
same  remark  applies  to  Worcester  Pearmain,  Stirling  Castle,  Yorkshire 
Beauty,  and  Warner’s  King  ;  in  fact,  all  the  leading  market  varieties  are 
grown  extensively  in  the  Whitecross  Nursery.  Hereford  Beefing  is  in 
much  favour  by  farmers,  and  many  trees  are  sold  to  them.  I  think  they 
are  wise  to  plant  such  a  variety  that  is  valuable  for  market,  owing  to 
its  high  colour  ;  and  if  prices  rule  low  it  is  equally  valuable  for  cider 
making.  Many  other  varieties  of  cider  Apples  are  grown  in  great 
numbers,  for  which  a  good  demand  is  found.  Some  of  the  choicer 
Apples  are  worked  in  a  lesser  degree,  such  as  Ribston  Pippin  and  Mr. 
Gladstone  ;  but  though  these  are  only  produced  by  hundreds  instead  of 
thousands,  they  are  equally  healthy  and  vigorous,  and  free  from  canker. 
There  are  many  other  sorts  of  Apples,  too  numerous  to  name,  that  are 
grown  in  very  large  numbers.  Pears  are  also  grown  here,  but  to  a  less 
extent  than  at  the  Pomona  Nurseries,  the  principal  kinds  consisting  of 
Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  Marie  Louise,  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey,  and 
others,  all  being  clean  and  admirably  grown,  and  of  all  forms. 

A  large  plot  is  filled  with  all  the  best  and  most  famed  Lancashire 
prize  Gooseberries,  each  plant  having  a  clean  stem  of  about  1  foot  from 
the  soil  to  the  branches.  Winham’s  Industry,  Whitesmith,  and  Keep¬ 
sake  are  very  largely  grown.  Keepsake  is  a  favourite  with  Mr.  Watkins, 
as  he  finds  it  one  of  the  best  market  varieties,  producing  heavy  crops  of 
large  berries  almost  from  its  infancy.  Crown  Bob  is  another  good  kind, 
and  represented  by  a  large  stock,  also  many  others.  Currants,  especially 
Black,  are  in  great  force,  and  finer  well  rooted  plants  could  not  be 
desired.  Black  Naples,  Ogden’s  Black,  Lee’s  Prolific,  and  Black 
Champion  (Carter’s)  are  grown  by  thousands.  Amongst  White 
Currants,  White  Champion  is  praised  highly,  as  it  produces  the  finest 
berries  and  clusters  in  great  profusion,  and  is  here  considered  by  far  the 
best  in  its  class,  while  similar  honours  are  awarded  to  Le  Conde  amona 
the  Red,  being  an  improvement  on  the  well-known  Raby  Castle 
Currant, 

Plums  are  only  grown  on  a  limited  scale  at  the  Whitecross  Nursery, 
so  we  pass  on  to  the  Pomona  Nurseries.  About  a  mile  before  reaching 
there  we  come  to  some  of  Mr.  Watkins’  fruit  plantations,  in  which  fruit 
is  grown  for  market  purposes.  Standard  fruit  trees  are  planted  in  long 
lines  with  bush  trees  between  in  the  lines,  and  between  these  lines  are 
Gooseberries,  Raspberries,  Strawberries,  and  Currants.  When  it  is  stated 
that  Mr.  Watkins  has  about  100  acres  of  orcharding,  independent  of 
his  nursery  grounds  of  60  acres,  it  will  be  at  once  apparent  that  his 
opinion  is  valuable  as  to  the  varieties  of  each  kind  of  fruit  most  suitable 
to  plant  for  profit,  and  a  conversation  with  him  on  these  matters  is  not 
only  interesting  but  extremely  educational. 

On  leaving  these  fruit  plantations  we  arrive  at  the  top  of  a  hill  over¬ 
looking  the  nurseries.  Hop  yards,  residences,  cider  mills,  packing  sheds, 
and  offices.  After  a  short  drive  through  the  nurseries  we  adjourn  to 
Mr.  Watkins’  house,  where  we  rest  for  a  little  time,  and  again  sally 
forth.  I  should  mention  here  that  Mr.  Watkins  has  adopted  an  excellent 
plan  on  his  house  worthy  of  imitation.  Instead  of  planting  the  usual 
ornamental  climbers,  cordon  Pears  have  been  planted  on  the  favourable 
aspects.  The  trees  have  grown  splendidly,  and  produce  magnificent  fruit. 
Not  only  are  the  trees  highly  attractive  when  in  bloom  but  very  useful 
in  supplying  first-class  fruit,  much  of  which  finds  its  way  to  the 
exhibition  table.  Leaving  the  house  we  pass  to  a  field  filled  with  stocks 
for  working  next  spring,  and  about  to  be  added  to  the  nurseries.  Thence 
we  proceed  to  view  the  cider  fruit. 

Imagine  a  large  grass  field  covered  with  bright  red  and  golden  fruit, 
varying  from  2  feet  to  feet  deep,  weighing  hundreds  of  tons,  and 
then  some  idea  may  be  formed  of  the  quantity  of  cider  manufactured. 
Bach  variety  is  kept  separate  and  carted  away  to  the  mill,  and  here  a 
few  remarks  on  the  mill  itself  may  not  be  out  of  place.  As  the  fruit 
is  brought  into  this  department  it  is  shot  into  a  large  room,  in 
which  is  a  huge  hopper  for  filling  a  crushing  or  pulping  machine,  the 
revolutions  of  which  are  2000  per  minute,  keeping  a  man  busy  with  a 
large  shovel  supplying  this  hungry  monster  with  fruit.  After  passing 
through  this  process  it  is  conveyed  by  machinery  to  another  part  to 
have  the  liquid  extracted,  which  runs  through  a  large  2-inch  hose  full 
hore  into  great  vessels.  All  this  work  is  done  by  steam  power,  and  on 
the  most  approved  principles,  and  as  the  work  is  completed  the  cider  is 
bottled  or  put  in  casks,  according  to  quality  or  demand.  One  note¬ 
worthy  point  was  the  extreme  cleanliness  prevailing  in  every  portion  of 
the  manufactory.  For  this  reason  alone  Mr.  Watkins  well  deserves  the 
large  orders  he  obtains  for  his  cider  and  perry.  The  making  of  the 
latter  was  over  at  the  time  of  my  visit,  and  except  that  Pears  are  used 
instead  of  Apples  the  process  is  much  the  same. 

Opposite  the  cider  factory  is  the  fruit  room  containing  at  least  300 
varieties  of  Apples  of  large  size,  and  mostly  of  exquisite  colour.  It 
would  take  up  too  much  space  to  name  even  the  most  striking  in  detail, 
but  the  following  are  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  exhibitor’s  collection — 
Belle  de  Boskoop,  Atkins’  Seedling,  Flanders  Pippin,  Devon  Red  (very 
high  colour).  Lady  Waldron,  Crimson  Costard,  Warner’s  Seedling,  similar 
to  Washington  but  heavier,  Backley’s  Seedling,  Scarlet  Tiffing,  and 
Roundway  Magnum  Bonum,  very  fine  ;  some  of  the  fruit  must  weigh  a 
pound  each.  Many  other  comparatively  unknown  varieties  deserved 
noting,  but  time  would  not  permit.  Leaving  the  fruit  we  pass  to  the 
trees  in  the  nursery,  which  are  in  far  greater  numbers  and  variety  than 


November  16,  1893, 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENEIL 


441 


at  Whitecross.  Something  like  60  acres  are  filled  with  Apples,  Pears, 
Plums,  Cherries,  Apricots,  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Damsons,  which  are 
planted  in  long  rows  containing  2000  trees  per  row.  All  the  trees  are  in 
admirable  health  and  condition,  and  not  a  trace  of  American  blight  to 
be  seen.  To  give  some  idea  of  the  number,  I  may  state  that  in  one 
portion  of  the  fruit  plantation  over  600  distinct  varieties  of  Apples 
are  grown,  besides  a  great  number  of  British,  Continental,  and  American 
sorts  on  trial.  Plenty  of  room  is  allowed  the  trees,  which  are  in  bush 
form  and  lightly  pruned,  merely  thinning  out  the  shoots  where  too 
thick  or  crossing.  Many  varieties  of  Apples  not  much  grown  are  to  be 
seen  in  these  nurseries,  some  of  which  deserve  extended  culture.  One 
of  these  not  much  known  outside  the  county  is  Stoke  Edith  Pippin, 
somewhat  resembling  King  of  the  Pippins,  but  larger,  with  a  higher 
colour  and  longer  keeping  qualities,  also  excellent  for  dessert. 

A  collection  of  native  Japanese  and  American  Plums  are  on  trial, 
but  it  is  doubtful  if  they  will  prove  profitable  in  this  country.  What 
appears  to  be  an  acquisition  in  the  trial  department  is  an  American 
Kaspberry  named  Cuthbert ;  it  is  a  free  fruiting  summer  variety,  and 
has  this  season  produced  a  fair  autumn  crop.  At  the  time  of  my  visit 
(November  2nd)  the  fruit  was  in  large  clusters  and  of  exquisite  flavour. 
Another  Kaspberry  that  promises  well  is  the  Black  Raspberry  ;  the 
canes  are  black  in  colour,  strong,  short-jointed,  and  look  as  if  they 
would  be  self-supporting.  Superlative  and  other  kinds  are  grown 
extensively  ;  also  Currants,  Gooseberries,  and  Nuts  in  great  variety  and 
in  admirable  condition.  Strawberries  are  represented  by  immense 
stocks  of  all  the  known  varieties,  including  Alpines.  All  the  best  kinds 
are  grown  by  thousands  in  small  pots,  as  well  as  numbers  in  beds. 
Contrary  to  my  expectation,  John  Ruskin  has  been  in  great  demand 
this  season.  It  seems  to  revel  in  the  Withington  soil — in  fact,  all  the 
varieties  are  exceptionally  strong  and  healthy. 

Not  only  fruit  and  fruit-producing  plants  are  grown  at  these  nurseries, 
but  adjoining  are  fields  devoted  to  Potato  culture,  principally  for  seed 
purposes,  in  which  Mr.  Watkins  does  a  large  trade.  Several  varieties  of 
fine  quality  have  originated  here,  and  no  doubt  many  readers  will  have 
seen  the  grand  samples  staged  by  Mr.  Watkins  at  some  of  the  large 
agricultural  and  horticultural  shows.  Hops  are  also  an  important  crop. 
A  large  Hop  yard  faces  the  cider  factory,  and  thousands  are  grown  for 
sale  annually.  The  demand  has  been  very  heavy  this  season  for  Hop 
roots  at  high  prices,  still  a  good  supply  is  left. 

Leaving  this  part,  we  make  our  way  to  the  station,  and  having  a  few 
minutes  to  spare  we  inspect  some  more  fruit  hurriedly  in  buildings 
near  the  station.  Here  were  magnificent  Pears  in  great  variety  which 
have  done  excellent  service  at  shows.  Tons  of  Blenheim  Orange  and 
other  Apples  were  stored,  to  be  sold  later  on  as  prices  advanced.  At 
the  back  of  these  store  rooms  are  other  packing  sheds  in  which 
men  were  busy  packing  and  conveying  trees  to  the  station  only  a  few 
yards  away.  A  line  of  rails  runs  right  through  a  portion  of  the  nursery 
and  up  to  the  cider  factory,  enabling  the  proprietor  to  execute  heavy  orders 
of  each  in  the  least  possible  time.  Time  expiring,  I  have  to  leave  after 
a  very  interesting  visit,  and  greatly  obliged  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Watkins  for 
their  kindness  and  hospitality,  my  only  regret  being  that  I  did  not  see  Mr. 
Vaughan,  the  able  foreman,  who  was  winning  premier  honours  for  Mr. 
Watkins  at  Portsmouth  for  collections  of  Apples  and  Pears.  — 
S.  T.  Weight. 


FRITILLARIA  BREVIOAULIS. 

This  Fritillaria  is  a  dwarf-growing  plant,  rarely  exceeding  a  height  of 
9  inches.  The  flowers,  as  will  be  seen  by  referring  to  the  illustration 
(fig.  64),  are  rather  small  and  produced  singly  as  well  as  in  pairs.  They 
are  of  a  tawny  colour,  and  although  not  particularly  attractive,  the 
species  is  well  worth  growing.  Our  engraving  was  prepared  from  a  sketch 
of  a  plant  growing  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  last  spring.  Like  other 
choice  Fritillarias  the  species  under  notice  requires  a  sunny  and  sheltered 
position,  a  deep  sandy  loam  suiting  it  admirably.  It  can  also  be  grown 
in  pots  for  the  embellishment  of  the  greenhouse  in  spring. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

November  14th. 

There  was  a  good  display  of  Orchids  and  Chrysanthemums  at  this 
meeting,  and  many  novelties  were  shown,  but  it  was  impossible  to  see 
the  true  colours  of  the  flowers,  owing  to  the  bad  light  in  the  Drill  Hall. 
Fruit  was  not  so  well  represented  as  usual,  but  some  fine  Potatoes  were 
shown. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present :  Philip  Crowley.  Eiq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  J.  Lee,  T.  F.  Rivers,  G.  Taber,  T.  J.  Saltmarsh,  W.  Warren, 
.J.  A.  Leing,  W.  Balderson,  F.  Q.  Lane,  James  Smith,  H.  J.  Pearson, 
J.  Willard,  and  Dr.  Hogg. 

As  before  mentioned  fruit  was  not  extensively  shown.  Mr.  W.  J. 
Godfrey,  Rolle  Street,  Exmouth,  sent  a  dozen  clusters  of  Apples  of 
a  second  growth.  The  fruit  of  such  varieties  as  Grenadier,  Lord 
Grosvenor,  and  Domino  were  about  half  grown,  whilst  others  were 
larger  than  Walnuts.  A  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded  for  this  interesting 
exhibit.  Mr.  J.  Edmeads,  Bevingford,  Uckfield,  sent  a  dish  of 
Edmeads’  Seedling  Apple,  a  fine  well-coloured  variety,  but  no  award 
was  made.  Mr.  W.  Jenkins,  The  Willows,  Abergavenny,  had  a  dish  of 
Monmouthshire  Beauty  Apples,  and  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall 
Gardens,  sent  samples  of  Barnack  Beauty  in  ripe  condition.  A  vote 


of  thanks  was  accorded  in  each  case.  Mr.  J.  Crook,  Forde  Abbey, 
Chard,  had  a  dish  of  Coe’s  Late  Red  Plum,  and  Mr.  W.  Roupell, 
Harvey  Lodge,  Roupell  Park,  staged  a  basket  of  splendid  Newton 
Wonder  Apples  (vote  of  thanks),  and  Mr.  J.  Fitt,  had  Bananas  in  good 
condition. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons  sent  a  large  collection  of  Potatoes,  clean 
well-grown  tubers  that  deserved  the  silver  Banksian  medal  recom¬ 
mended.  They  exhibited  a  tuber  of  The  Bruce  that  weighed  2^  lbs, 
Mr.  Leach,  Albury  Park  Gardens,  Guildford,  sent  Leach’s  All  the  Year 
Round  Parsley,  and  an  extensive  collection  of  Celery  came  from  the 
Society’s  gardens  at  Cbiswick, 

Floral  Committee. — Present  :  W,  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  R.  Owen,  H.  Herbst,  C.  T.  Druery,  G.  Stevens,  W.  C.  Leach, 
F.  Ross,  J.  Jennings,  W.  Bain,  C,  Jeffries,  W.  Furze,  C.  E,  Pearson, 


T.  Baines,  H.  Cannell,  J.  D.  Pawle,  J.  T.  Bennett  Poe,  E.  Mawley,  G.  Paul, 
J.  H.  Fitt,  Owen  Thomas,  C.  E.  Shea,  Peter  Barr,  and  Rev.  H.  H. 
D'Ombrain, 

Chrysanthemums  were  the  principal  exhibits  brought  before  this 
Commictee.  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  sent  a  large  group 
tastefully  arranged,  comprising  all  the  leading  varieties  (silver  Flora 
medal).  Amongst  others  were  some  exceptionally  fine  blooms  of  Lord 
Brooke,  Viscountess  Hambledon,  Robert  Owen,  and  Charles  Blick.  A 
plant  of  Mdlle.  Th^ibse  Rey  was  also  shown  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  and  an 
award  of  merit  was  adjudged.  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Earlswood  Nurseries, 
Surrey,  had  a  splendid  collection  of  cut  blooms  of  all  the  latest  novelties 
in  the  Japanese,  single  and  Anemone-flowered  forms  (bronze  Banksian 
medal).  Mr.  W.  Salmon,  West  Norwood,  sent  some  bouquets  and 
baskets  of  Chrysanthemums  (bronze  Banksian  medal),  and  Mr.  G. 
Wythes,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Syon  House, 
Brentford,  had  a  collection  of  blooms  charmingly  arranged  with  small 
Palms  and  Ferns  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  C.  E.  Shea,  The  Elms, 
Foots  Cray,  Kent,  had  a  collection  of  Japanese  varieties  arranged  in  a 
manner  that  he  offered  as  a  suggestion  for  staging  cut  Chrysanthemums. 
The  stands  wmre  in  sections  of  about  6  inches  in  width,  three  blooms 
being  staged  in  each  section  (bronze  Banksian  medal).  An  award  of 
merit  was  adjudged  for  a  bloom  of  Mdlle.  Th^iese  Rey,  shown  by 
Mr.  Shea. 

In  a  competitive  class  for  a  collection  of  cut  Chrysanthemums  there 
were  several  exhibitors,  Mr.  J.  McLeod,  Dover  House  Gardens,  Roe- 
hampton,  had  a  fine  collection  of  Japanese  incurved  and  the  smaller 
flowered  types,  but  was  disqualified  for  non-compliance  with  the 
schedule.  Mr.  G.  Wythes  was  then  placed  first,  Mr.  Thomas  Osman, 


442 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Koyember  IS,  1893 


Ottershaw  Park,  Chertsey,  second,  and  Miss  Debenham,  St.  Albans, 
third.  Mr.  W.  Slogrove,  Gatton,  Kergate,  was  first  for  eight  new  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  showing  varieties  now  in  commerce.  Mr.  G.  Wythes  was 
second  also  in  this  class  with  smaller  flowers  of  similar  varieties. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent,  sent  a  very  fine  collec¬ 
tion  of  Chrysanthemums  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums  (silver  Flora  medal). 
The  former  comprised  all  the  novelties  of  the  day  in  splendid  condition. 
The  Pelargoniums  were  also  excellent,  and  made  a  grand  display.  Mr. 
E.  Parker,  The  Gardens,  Impney  Hall,  Droitwich,  sent  a  collection  of 
cut  Chrysanthemums,  arranged  with  Ferns  and  small  plants  of  Ficus 
repens  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Maidenhead,  sent 
six  boxes  of  new  Chrysanthemums,  and  awards  of  merit  were  adjudged 
for  the  following  varieties  : — John  Bunyan,  Lord  Rosebery,  Niveus, 
Golden  Wedding,  Rose  Wynne,  and  Wilfred  Marshall.  These  are 
described  below.  Mr.  Crawford,  Reigate,  showed  Chrysanthemums,  and 
a  bronze  Banksian  medal  was  recommended. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  sent  a  box  of  Begonias  John  Heal  and  Mrs. 
John  Heal,  the  last  named  a  large  flowered  variety.  The  same  firm 
secured  a  first-class  certificate  for  Dracmna  Jamesi,  which  is  described 
elsewhere.  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart,,  sent  a  basket  of  Primula 
Forbesi,  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded. 

Orchid  Committee. — Present  :  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair); 
Dr.  Masters,  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien,  E.  Hill,  Thomas  Statter,  T.  W.  Bond, 
C.  J.  Lucas,  H.  Williams,  and  H.  Ballantine. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  sent  a  small  group  of  Orchids 
tastefully  arranged  with  Crotons  and  other  foliage  plants  (silver 
Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  F,  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  were  re¬ 
presented  by  a  group  of  Orchids,  comprising  Calanthes,  Cattleyas,  and 
some  charming  Cypripediums  (silver  Flora  medal).  R.  J.  Measures, 
Esq.,  Cambridge  Lodge,  Camberwell,  sent  a  charming  collection, 
amongst  which  were  the  beautiful  Cypripedium  insigne  Sanderse, 
C.  Exul,  C.  X  Bellona,  C.  insigne  Ernesti,  some  varieties  of  Cattleya 
labiata,  and  the  brightly  flowered  Sophronitis  grandiflora  (silver  Flora 
medal).  Mr.  T.  Statter,  Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  sent  various 
Cypripediums,  amongst  which  C.  Southgatense  superbiens  (first  class 
certificate),  and  C.  Ariadne  were  conspicuous.  Mr.  Joseph  Fitt 
Panshanger,  Hertford,  sent  a  variety  of  Cypripedium  Leeanum,  distinct 
from  and  smaller  than  the  type.  F.  S.  Moseley,  Esq.,  448,  West  Strand, 
had  a  seedling  Cypripedium. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  had 
Lselio-Cattleya  Statteriana  (first-class  certificate),  Lselis- Cattleya  pallas 
superba,  and  several  distinct'Cypripediums,  including  C.  x  Euryades, 
and  C.  (Enone.  Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son  staged  a  very  fine  collection 
of  Cypripediums,  Cattleyas,  and  Odontoglossums  tastefully  arranged 
(silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  E.  H.  Woodall,  Nicholas  House,  Scarborough, 
sent  a  plant  of  Cypripedium  insigne  var.  albo-purpureum.  Messrs.  W.  L. 
Lewis  &  Co.,  Southgate,  N.,  staged  a  collection  of  Cypripediums, 
Cattleyas  and  Odontoglossums,  which  made  a  bright  display  (silver 
Banksian  medal).  Several  Orchids  that  have  not  been  mentioned  were 
certificated,  but  these  are  described  below. 

Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 

Chrysanthemum  Chas.  Davis  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons  and  G.  Stevens). — 
The  well-known  bronzy  yellow  sport  from  Viviand  Morel  (award  of 
merit). 

Chrysanthemum  C.  J.  Salter  (W.  Wells).  —  A  pretty  Anemone- 
flowered  variety  raised  by  Mr.  Wells.  The  flowers  are  medium  in  size 
and  of  a  terra  cotta  shade  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Dule  of  Yorh  (H.  Cannell  &  Sons). — A  massive 
incurved  Japanese  variety,  broad  purplish  crimson  florets  with  a  silvery 
pink  reverse  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Golden  Wedding  (R.  Owen,  G.  Stevens,  J.  Veitch 
and  Sons,  and  H.  Cannell). — A  fine  Japanese  variety,  rich  golden  yellow 
(award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Mdlle,  Therese  Dey  (C.  E.  Shea  and  J.  Veitch  and 
Sons). — A  charming  creamy  white  Japanese  variety  which  is  figured  on 
page  449  of  this  issue. 

Chrysanthemum  Wilfred  Marshall  (R.  Owen). — An  English-raised 
incurved  Japanese  variety  of  a  bright  yellow  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Rose  Wynne  (R.  Owen). — An  incurved  Japanese 
variety,  bloom  large,  white  heavily  tinted  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Niveus  Owen). — An  American  reflexed  Japanese 

variety,  of  good  build,  white  tinted  pink  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Robert  Petfield  (R.  Owen). — A  fine  incurved  variety, 
blooms  of  great  depth  and  substance  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Lord  Rosebery  (R.  Owen).  —  An  English-raised 
incurved  variety  ;  blooms  large,  deep,  and  in  colour  a  shade  lighter  than 
Lucy  Kendall  (award  of  merit). 

'  Chrysanthemum  John  Bunyan  (R.  Owen). — A  charming  Anemone- 
flowered  variety  of  a  striking  yellow  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Croton  Russdli  (H.  Low  &;  Co.). — A  broad-leaved  showy  kind,  the 
foliage  being  green,  richly  spotted  and  veined  with  yellow  and  red 
(first-class  certificate). 

Cypripedium  Ashworthoc  (E.  Ashworth,  Esq.). — This  hybrid  is  the 
result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Leeanum  superbum  and  C.  selligerum 
majus.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  very  fine,  chiefly  white,  with  a  green  base 
^°4^^^potted  purple.  The  sepal  and  lip  are  bronze  purple  (award  of 

Cypripedium  Leeanum  var.  James  Ilamilton  (F.  Sander  &  Co.). — A 
beautiful  variety  of  C.  Leeanum,  the  chief  feature  being  the  fine  white 
dorsal  sepal  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  soutligateense  superbum  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — This  is 


apparently  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  bellatulum  and  C, 
Harrisianum.  The  sepal  and  petals  are  heavily  spotted  purplish 
crimson,  and  likewise  is  the  lip  (first-class  certificate). 

Cypripedium  Swinburnei  Stand  Hall  var.  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — A 
pretty  form,  with  sepals  and  petals  densely  covered  with  browish  spots, 
the  lip  being  shiny  brown  (award  of  merit). 

Dracana  Jamesi  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — A  narrow-leaved  Dracmna  of 
an  ornamental  character.  The  centre  of  each  leaf  is  dark  brownish  red, 
the  margins  being  bright  red  (first-class  certificate). 

Latlio- Cattleya  Statteriana  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — An  exceedingly 
pretty  bigeneric  hybrid,  being  the  result  of  a  cross  between  Cattleya 
labiata  and  Laslia  Perini.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  of  a  rosy  mauve 
shade,  and  the  lobe  of  the  lip  is  a  rich  purplish  crimson  (first-class 
certificate). 

Pleione  maculata  alba  (G.  W.  Law,  Esq.). — A  chaste  variety,  with 
small  white  flowers,  a  tinge  of  lemon  yellow  being  noticeable  in  the 
throat  (award  of  merit). 

Primula  Forbesi  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence). — A  small-flowering  species 
from  China.  The  flowers  are  rosy  lilac  colour,  and  obviously  very  freely 
produced  (first  class  certificate). 

Stanhopea  Lowi  (H.  Low  &  Co.).— A  very  fine  species  with  large 
creamy  white  flowers,  faintly  spotted  with  crimson  (award  of  merit). 

The  Lecture. 

At  the  afternoon  meeting,  Mr.  R.  Parker,  The  Gardens,  Impney  Hall, 
Droitwich,  read  an  excellent  paper  on  the  culture  of  Chrysanthemums. 
As  a  successful  grower,  Mr.  Parker  dealt  with  his  subject  in  a  practical 
manner,  detailing  the  most  salient  points  connected  with  the  cultivation 
of  these  popular  flowers.  The  essayist  illustrated  his  remarks  with 
some  well  grown  plants  and  very  fine  blooms.  A  vote  of  thanks  to 
Mr.  Parker  was  unanimously  accorded. 


Events  of  the  Week. — Apart  from  the  Chrysanthemum  Exhibi¬ 
tions,  some  of  which  are  mentioned  on  another  page,  nothing  of  special 
interest  to  horticulturists  will  take  place  during  the  ensuing  week. 
Several  auction  sales  are  announced,  and  particulars  of  these  can  be 
found  in  the  advertisement  pages. 

-  At  the  monthly  meeting  of  the  United  Horticultural 

Benefit  and  Provident  Society  held  on  Monday  last  five  new 
members  were  elected.  The  Secretary  announced  that  out  of  the  500 
members  not  one  was  on  the  sick  fund. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — During  the  past  week  the 

w'eather  in  the  metropolis  has  been  of  a  changeable  character.  Sunday 
was  fine,  and  a  sharp  frost  occurred  at  night.  Monday  was  also  dry  and 
cold,  freezing  during  the  night ;  but  Tuesday  proved  a  typical  November 
day,  being  damp  and  foggy.  During  the  evening  it  rained  heavily,  and 
Wednesday  opened  dismally.  At  the  time  of  going  to  press  it  is  raining 
slightly. 

-  Weather  in  the  North. — We  have  had  a  week  of  seasonable 

weather.  In  the  beginning  frosts  of  from  5°  to  8°  occurred.  There 
was  heavy  hoar  frost  on  the  morning  of  the  9th,  and  slighter  on  that 
on  the  13  th.  There  has  been  little  sunshine,  and  cold  north-easterly 
winds  have  generally  prevailed. — B.  D.,  S.  Perthshire. 

-  The  York  Gala. — As  announced  in  our  advertisement  pages 

the  great  Floral  Fete  at  York  next  year  will  be  held  on  June  13th,  14th, 
and  15th.  A  sum  of  £650  will  be  offerei  in  prizes.  Mr.  Chas.  W. 
Simmons,  13,  New  Street,  York,  is  the  Secretary,  and  schedules  will  be 
ready  in  January  next. 

-  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  inform  us  that  they  have 

this  week  received  a  Royal  Warrant  appointing  them  seed  growers  and 
florists  to  the  Queen.  They  also  announce  that  Mr.  Archibald  M. 
Burnie,  a  prominent  member  of  the  Institute  of  Bankers  in  Scotland, 
becomes  a  partner  in  the  firm,  taking  charge  of  the  counting  house. 

-  Carnations  for  winter  flowering,  a  correspondent 

observes,  were  in  splendid  condition  at  Ketton  Hall  last  week,  and 
several  plants  of  Urceolina  aurea  were  in  full  bloom.  Some  good 
Orchids,  including  Cypripedium  insigne  Maulei,  and  bushes  of  Salvia 
Pitcheri  were  very  attractive.  On  the  roof  of  a  warm  house  large 
numbers  of  flowers  of  Allamanda  Henderson!  and  Bougainvillea  glabra 
were  hanging.  A  plant  of  Aristolochia  and  a  Bignonia  in  flower  were 
also  conspicuous. 


November  16,  1833.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


443 


-  Gardening  Appointment. — Mr.  Harry  May,  late  of  Rose- 

mount,  Sunningdale,  has  been  appiinted  as  head  gardener  to  Mrs. 
McIntosh,  Havering  Park,  Romford. 

-  Pyrus  japonica  Fruiting. — “  G.  H.,  Gosport,"  writes,  “  1 

enclose  a  fruit  of  the  well-known  Pyrus  japonica  for  your  inspection.  Is 
it  not  a  very  unusual  thing  for  it  to  fruit  ?  I  have  not  heard  that  a  fruit 
has  ever  before  been  seen  in  this  part.  It  is  growing  on  a  south  wall.” 
[Pyrus  japonica  has  fruited  abundantly  this  year  in  many  gardens.] 

-  Potato  Picking  in  South  Lincolnshire. — At  Holbeach 

and  Long  Sutton  (large  Potato  growing  districts),  there  has  been  a  great 
demand  for  labour,  in  order  to  get  up  the  tubers.  The  Potatoes  are 
turning  out  well,  and  in  the  marshes  so  great  is  the  demand  for  hands 
that  the  farmers  are  outbidding  one  another  to  obtain  pickers.  Boys  and 
girls  are  getting  as  much  as  2s.  and  2s.  3d.  per  day,  and  labourers  with 
large  families  are  reaping  quite  a  harvest,  In  Hertfordshire  the  other 
day  we  noticed  there  were  many  fields  of  Potatoes  undug, 

-  Peaches  and  Nectarines  at  Ketton  Hall.  —  Mr. 

A.  Harding,  Orton  Hall,  writes:— “It  is  not  only  Chrysanthemums 
that  are  to  be  seen  at  Ketton  Hall,  for  the  most  commanding  feature 
is  undoubtedly  the  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  under  glass,  and  Mr, 
Divers,  the  courteous  and  talented  gardener  there,  has  made  himself 
famous  as  an  exhibitor  of  these  fruits,  as  the  columns  of  the  Journal 
has  often  testified.  The  Peach  trees  alone  are  worth  a  journey  to  see, 
and  although  the  fruit  is  over  for  this  season,  the  growths  for  bearing 
next  year  are  splendid,  and  show  good  culture.” 

-  A  New  Calla. — Messrs.  E.  H.  Krelage,  Haarlem,  Holland, 

write  : — “  I  beg  to  inform  you  that  the  rose-coloured  Calla,  imported 
by  our  firm  and  mentioned  in  your  columns  (page  420),  has  proved  to 
be  identical  with  Richardia  Rehmanni,  which  was  first  described  by 
Engler  in  his  ‘  Botanische  Jahibiicher,’  1883,  under  the  name  of 
‘  Fantedeschia  Rehmanni.’  We  exhibited  a  flowering  plant  at  the  last 
Floral  Committee  meeting  of  the  Royal  Netherlands  Horticultural  and 
Botanical  Society,  where  it  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate,” 

-  Royal  Botanic  Society, — A  meeting  of  this  Society  was 

held  on  Saturday  last,  Mr.  T.  H.  Burroughes  in  the  chair.  On  the 
proposition  of  the  Duke  of  Teck,  President,  the  Duke  of  York  was 
nominated  for  the  fellowship  of  the  Society.  The  following  also  were 
elected,  and  the  nominations  of  many  others  read  for  ballot  at  the  next 
meeting : — Mrs.  Haslam,  Mr.  J.  Hutchinson,  jun.,  and  Mr.  W.  E.  Whad- 
coat,  The  donations  received  since  the  last  meeting  included  many 
uncommon  and  seldom  seen  fruits,  both  home-grown  and  from  the 
continent,  illustracing  the  special  fruitfulness  of  the  year  just  closing. 

-  Several  Methods  of  Preserving  Apples  through  the 

Winter  were  discussed  at  a  Conference  in  Somersetshire.  The  boiling 
of  fruit  and  filling  sulphurised  casks  with  them  was  recommended,  also 
burying  Apples  in  pits  and  thatching  them  in,  and  laying  them  in  clamps, 
all  of  which  methods  were  said  to  have  proved  successful.  One  farmer 
has  adopted  the  plan  of  drying  his  Apples  by  evaporation.  It  was  not 
mentioned  at  the  aforesaid  temperance  meeting,  but  our  contemporary 
states  that  the  pomace  of  the  Apples — that  is,  the  residue  after  they 
have  been  ground  and  the  juice  pressed  out — is  almost  as  good  for  stock 
as  the  Apples  themselves,  and  it  can  be  easily  preserved  by  clamping  it 
like  Potatoes  and  thatching  it  over. 

-  Vegetable  and  Root  Show  at  Leicester.  —  Messrs 

Harrison  &  Sons  have  again  held  their  annual  vegetable  and  root  Show, 
and,  says  a  local  contemporary,  another  success  has  been  scored.  The 
Exhibition  was  opened  at  the  Market  Hall  on  Wednesday,  November  8th. 
Liberal  prizes  had  been  offered  by  the  firm  for  the  roots  and  vegetables 
grown  from  seed  supplied  by  them,  and,  judging  from  the  excellent 
quality  of  the  exhibits,  the  judges  must  have  had  no  easy  task  in 
awarding  the  prizes.  A  better  exhibition  of  Celery  has  very  rarely  been 
seen.  Some  fine  heads  of  Harrison’s  Leicester  Red  Celery  and  the  Early 
Rose  variety  were  staged.  The  competition  was  strong  in  the  Carrots, 
and  of  the  Early  Market  and  the  Selected  Intermediate  Carrots  it  would 
be  impossible  to  speak  too  highly.  There  were  also  some  good  specimens 
of  the  Autumn  Giant  Cauliflower,  but  the  competition  was  not  quite  so 
marked  in  this  class.  Savoys  were  very  strongly  represented,  and  some 
exceedingly  large  ones  were  on  view.  The  quality  of  the  Brussels 
Sprouts  was  very  good,  whilst  the  same  remarks  would  apply  to  the 
Onions  and  Beets.  Perhaps  the  Cheltenham  Greentops  were  the  most 
conspicuous  in  the  Beet  line.  Messrs.  Harrison  usually  excel  in 
Potatoes,  and  the  exhibits  this  season  did  not  prove  an  exception, 
here  were  some  very  fine  tubers  on  exhibit. 


-  Forests  op  Apple  Trees.  —  According  to  “  Meehans’ 

Monthly,”  the  Apple  has  become  wild  in  the  Sandwich  Islands,  and 
forests  of  trees  of  many  acres  aie  found  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  They  extend  from  the  level  of  the  sea  far  up  into  the 
mountain  sides.  It  is  said  that  miles  of  these  Apple  forests  can 
occasionally  be  seen.  One  traveller  gives  the  extent  of  one  of  them 
as  between  five  and  ten  miles  in  width  and  about  twenty  miles  long. 

-  Growing  Filberts  and  Hazel  Nuts. — Inquiries  are 

frequent  in  regard  to  the  probability  of  profitable  culture  of 
the  Hazel  and  Filbert  Nuts.  Trees  growing  by  themselves  seldom 
produce  large  crops,  on  account  of  the  different  periods  at  which 
the  catkins  mature  and  the  bearing  flower  opens.  In  order  to  get  them 
successful,  therefore,  they  have  to  be  grown  in  large  quantities  together. 
Of  all  trees  Filberts  are  the  most  gregarious.  When  numbers  are  planted 
in  an  orchard  by  themselves  they  bear  remarkably  well.  The  best 
situation  is  one  exposed  to  the  north,  as  the  southern  exposures  might 
induce  a  still  greater  period  between  the  openings  of  the  two  classes  of 
flowers.— (“  Meehans’  Monthly.”) 

- British  Fungus  Flora. — Some  three  months  ago  we  published 

a  notice  of  two  volumes  of  Mr.  George  Massee’s  “  British  Fungus  Flora.” 
The  third  volume  of  the  series  has  now  come  to  hand,  and  within  we 
perceive  an  intimation  that  in  order  to  complete  the  subject  the  issue  of 
a  supplementary  volume  is  contemplated.  The  present  volume  is  even 
more  comprehensive  than  those  which  preceded  it,  and  presents 
the  same  excellent  appearance  in  respect  of  binding  and  typography. 
The  Basiomycetes  occupy  more  than  half  the  book,  and  the  remaining 
two  hundred  pages  comprises  the  Hyphomycetes  and  other  funguses. 
The  exhaustive  and  analytical  character  of  the  work  is  well  preserved, 
and  those  who  are  interested  in  this  recondite  subject  will  find  many  of 
the  old  obscurities  and  uncertainties  peculiar  to  fungology  cleared 
away. 

-  Pentstemon  antirrhinoides. — Mr.  W.  Watson  of  Kew,  in 

referring  to  this  plant  in  a  recent  issue  of  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,” 
says  : — “  This  interesting  shrubby  species  of  Pentstemon  was  introduced 
to  Kew  from  California  about  twenty  years  ago,  and  flowered  in  the 
open  ground  in  September.  It  is  not,  however,  hardy,  and  consequently 
it  had  disappeared  from  cultivation  here  until  it  was  shown  in  flower 
at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  meeting  recently  by  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence.  It  is  a  much-branched,  glabrous,  subcinerous  shrub 
with  slender  leafy  shoots,  suggesting  those  of  Myrtle  or  Leptospermum, 
and  bearing  numerous  lemon-yellow  flowers  an  inch  across,  short  in 
the  tube,  with  the  lower  divisions  of  the  limb  incurved.  It  might 
prove  a  good  plant  to  cross  with  the  popular  herbaceous  species  of 
the  genus.” 

-  How  Plants  Sicken  and  Die  was  the  subject  of  an  exceed¬ 
ingly  interesting  and  most  instructive  lecture  delivered  before  the 
members  of  the  Paxton  Society  at  their  rooms  at  the  Saw  Hotel  last 
week  by  Mr.  H.  Crowther,  F.R.M.S.,  Curator  of  the  Philosophical  Hall, 
Leeds,  and  late  of  Truro,  Cornwall.  Mr.  W.  Tunnicliffe  presided,  and 
Mr.  G.  Gill  occupied  the  vice  chair.  The  lecture  was  illustrated  by 
a  large  number  of  very  beautiful  photographs,  and  shown  by 
means  of  the  lime-light.  The  lecturer  dealt  with  his  subject  in  a 
very  masterly  manner,  and  his  remarks  were  most  attentively  listened 
to.  He  showed  in  the  first  place  the  great  similarity  in  many  respects 
between  human  beings  and  plants  and  trees,  and  after  clearly  demon¬ 
strating  the  form  of  the  various  parts,  and  the  work  they  carry  on,  he 
explained  how  plants  are  attacked  and  destroyed  by  various  insects  and 
also  by  means  of  foul  gases. 

-  Flora  of  New  Zealand.— Mr.  George  Thomson  of  Dunedin 

calls  attention  to  some  suggestive  facts  about  the  flora  of  New  Zealand. 
As  everyone  knows.  New  Zealand  when  discovered  did  not  possess  any 
mammals,  with  the  doubtful  exception  of  a  species  of  rat.  Accordingly, 
we  find  that  those  plants,  which  have  defensive  structures  such  as 
spines,  prickles,  and  those  whose  seeds  or  fruits  are  fitted  for  adhering 
to  the  coats  of  passing  animals,  and  thus  obtaining  dissemination, 
belong  in  almost  every  instance  to  species  having  a  wide  range  outside 
of  the  islands.  The  inference,  therefore,  is  that  the  characters  referred 
to  have  been  developed  outside  the  New  Zealand  region,  and  that  such 
species  have  been  introduced  into  that  country  at  a  comparatively 
recent  period.  The  general  absence  of  conspicuous  flowers  is  attributed 
to  the  corresponding  absence  of  insects  necessary  for  their  fertilisation. 
Previous  to  the  arrival  of  European  bees  the  Clover  did  not  set  seeds, 
and  if  the  native  birds  mentioned  are  destroyed  a  similar  fats  may  befall 
the  plants  to  which  they  are  co-related. 


444 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Korember  16,  1893. 


_  The  Apple  Crop  in  the  cider  districts  of  the  west  is  exceed¬ 
ingly  abundant  this  year.  The  orchards  of  Herefordshire,  says  a  daily 
contemporary,  have  been  heavily  laden  with  fruit,  and  in  Somersetshire 
cider  Apples  are  so  plentiful  that  the  farmers  in  many  cases  are  giving 
them  to  stock  instead  of  grinding  them  for  cider.  The  Mid-Somerset 
Temperance  Village  Mission,  objecting  to  cider,  held  a  conference  lately, 
in  which  speeches  were  delivered  and  letters  read  showing  the  value  of 
Apples  for  stock,  and  discouraging  the  manufacture  of  cider.  A  gentle¬ 
man  writes :  “  Our  worst  Apples  are  given  to  the  cows,  who  are  more 
eager  for  them  than  for  meal  or  cake.”  A  lady  made  the  following 
statement :  “  We  give  our  Apples  to  the  cows  every  day,  about  12  lbs.  to 
each  cow,  and  find  it  increases  the  butter  and  improves  the  condition  of 
the  cows.  The  very  small  Apples  we  shall  boil  for  the  pigs.”  She 
declared  that  Apples  suit  young  pigs  better  than  any  roots  that  can  be 
mentioned.  One  informant  states  that  Apples  at  28s.  a  ton — the  present 
price — were  much  cheaper  as  food  for  milch  cows  and  other  kinds  of 
stock  than  Mangels  at  12s.  a  ton. 

- Girdlino  Branches  to  Promote  Fruitfulness. — It  has 

long  been  known  that  if  a  ring  of  bark  be  taken  from  a  branch  it 
will  cause  that  branch  to  prematurely  bear  fruit.  But  that  branch 
usually  dies  soon.  The  ring  may  not  be  taken  completely  around, 
that  is  to  say,  a  connection  between  the  bark  above  the  ringed 
portion  and  below  the  ringed  portion  remains.  In  this  case,  the  part 
above  the  girdled  portion  does  not  die,  but  is  brought  into  fruitfulness, 
which  continues  for  several  years.  This,  says  “  Meehan’s  Monthly,” 
has  only  been  employed  as  a  matter  of  curiosity,  as  it  is  usually  con¬ 
sidered  that  the  quality  of  the  fruit  is  impaired  by  this  procedure. 
Certainly  in  Grapes,  the  fru’t  produced  after  girdling  is  not  nearly  as 
sweet  or  in  any  way  as  much  appreciated,  with  the  single  exception 
of  size,  as  in  cases  where  the  girdling  process  has  not  been  attempted ; 
but  in  the  Orange  culture  in  Florida,  it  is  stated  that  this  girdling  is 
becoming  a  part  of  general  practice,  and  perhaps  this  may  account  for 
the  enormously  large  increase  of  sour  instead  of  sweet  Oranges,  which 
is  being  poured  into  markets  from  that  State. 

-  Improvement  of  the  Carnation. — For  many  years  when 

Carnations  were  grown  simply  for  their  beauty  as  cut  flowers,  little 
attention  was  given  to  any  other  point  except  to  their  fragrance,  tints 
and  colour,  or  size  of  bloom.  When  they  were  cut  for  florists’  purposes, 
artificial  stems  had  to  be  given  to  each  flower.  This  made  it  very 
troublesome  to  florists,  and  besides  prevented  the  general  use  of  the 
Carnation  in  boutoni^res,  because  for  want  of  stems  there  was  no 
opportunity  to  put  articles  retaining  moisture  around  the  stalks  by 
which  withering  could  be  prevented  ;  they  were  soon,  therefore,  useless. 
American  florists,  however,  have  turned  their  attention  to  developing 
Carnations  which  produce  flowers  singly  on  long  stems,  and  yet  will 
stool  up  so  as  to  give  bushy,  stocky  plants,  producing  these  long-stalked 
flowers  in  the  greatest  abundance.  So  successful  has  the  improvement 
of  the  Carnation  been  in  this  way,  that  no  one  ever  thinks  now  of 
buying  Carnations  except  with  stalks  often  5  or  6  inches  in  length.  It 
is  interesting  to  note  that  this  particular  kind  of  improvement  does  not 
eeem  to  have  been  appreciated  by  improvers  in  the  Old  World,  as  the 
popular  Carnation  for  florists’  work  is  still  one  which  was  raised  in 
France  nearly  twenty  years  ago,  known  as  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison. 
This  produces  one  enormous  flower,  oftentimes  IJ  inch  in  diameter  at 
the  top  of  the  stalk,  with  numerous  short-stalked  buds  along  the  main 
stem.  No  florist  here  could  make  his  salt  out  of  the  cultivation  of  such 
a  Carnation.  Little  instances,  says  “  Meehans’  Monthly,”  like  these 
show  the  immense  advance  made  by  American  florists  in  certain  lines  of 
improvement  over  the  progress  which  the  same  thing  has  made  in  the 
Old  World. 


PRIZES  AT  THE  GARDENING  AND  FORESTRY 

EXHIBITION. 

I  WAS  pleased  to  see  this  matter  noticed  on  page  419  of  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture.  I  fear  that  ”  Exhibitor  ”  will  require  a  considerable 
amount  of  patience  before  he  can  get  those  in  authority  at  Earl’s  Court 
to  do  what  is  just  and  what  should  have  been  done  long  ago.  They  not 
only  refuse  to  pay,  but  add  insult  to  injury  by  refusing  to  answer 
letters  respecting  payment  of  piizes  ;  and  when,  after  much  pressure, 
a  reply  is  obtained  it  is  evasive,  prolonging  the  exhibitor’s  agony,  and 
adding  to  expenses.  I  was  heartily  glad  to  see  “  Exhibitor’s”  letter,  and 
1  trust  that  its  publication  and  these  notes  will  assist  those  who  have 
given  much  time  at  considerable  cost  in  endeavouring  to  make  the 
exhibitions  attractive  and  won  the  prizes  that  were  offered. 

I  would  suggest  that  the  exhibitors  meet  together  as  soon  as  possible 
and  subscribe  to  take  a  test  case  into  Court,  and  compel  payment  of 
e  prize  money.  This  will  be  an  easy  matter  for  a  number,  whereas 
one  person  could  ill  afford  it.  I  will  gladly  contribute  my  share  towards 


the  object  in  view,  and  in  future  I  would  beg  those  interested  in  horti¬ 
culture  to  give  Earl’s  Court  exhibitions  a  wide  berth.  Though  we  were 
misled  by  the  respected  names  of  Messrs.  Milner  and  Turner  as  manag¬ 
ing  this  section,  we  shall  in  future  know  that  the  syndicate  are 
unworthy  of  support.  Last  year  they  failed  to  give  the  charities  con¬ 
nected  with  horticulture  the  donation  promised  with  such  a  loud  flourish 
of  trumpets,  and  undoubtedly  that  promise  led  gardeners  and  others  to 
exhibit  the  more  cheerfully,  in  the  assurance  that  institutions  estab¬ 
lished  for  the  support  of  the  aged  and  orphans  would  be  in  some  measure 
assisted. 

If  any  exhibitors  have  been  paid  the  prize  money  to  which  they  are 
justly  entitled,  it  would  be  well  if  they  would  state  the  fact.  I  know 
several  gardeners  who  have  received  no  prize  money  after  spending,  to 
them,  considerable  amounts  in  the  necessary  expenses  connected  with 
exhibiting.— Another  Exhibitor. 


Chrysanthemum  Shows. 


The  following  Chrysanthemum  shows,  which  have  been  advertised 
in  our  columns,  remain  to  be  held  during  the  current  month  : — 

Nov.  16th,  17th,  and  18tb. — Edinburgh,  York. 

„  17th  and  18th. — Bolton,  Sheffield. 

„  24th  and  25th. — Bccles  and  Patricroft. 

Reports  op  Chrysanthemum  Shows. 

We  are  very  much  obliged  to  our  friends  who  favour  with  reports 
of  Chrysanthemum  shows  in  the  provinces,  but  those  which  come  to 
hand  so  late  that  they  cannot  be  published  till  a  fortnight  after  date 
have  perforce  to  be  put  aside  for  more  recent  matter. 

Exhibitors’  Cards. 

Will  you  kindly  allow  me  space  in  your  valuable  paper  to  make  a 
suggestion  now  the  Chrysanthemum  exhibitions  are  prevalent  ?  I  think 
it  would  be  better  both  for  judges  and  exhibitors  alike  if  the  cards  with 
names  and  addresses  on  were  not  placed  till  after  the  judging,  but  each 
exhibitor  could  have  a  private  mark  to  avoid  any  mistake.  It  would,  I 
think,  save  the  judges  from  being  accused  of  partiality  in  any  points, 
and  would  also  satisfy  exhibitors  as  to  the  justice  of  the  awards. — 
Observer. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society, 

A  meeting  of  the  General  Committee  of  the  National  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  will  be  held  on  Monday  evening,  November  20th,  at 
Anderton’s  Hotel,  Fleet  Street,  E.C.,  and  at  the  termination  of  the 
regular  business  Mr.  Charles  E.  Shea,  The  Elms,  Foots  Cray,  Kent,  will 
read  a  paper  on  “Judging  Chrysanthemums.”  The  annual  dinner  will 
take  place  at  the  same  place  on  Thursday,  November  30th,  when  the 
President,  Sir  Edwin  Saunders,  will  occupy  the  chair. 

The  N.C.S.  and  Its  Certificates. 

I  AM  glad  to  see  the  Floral  Committee  are  exercising  a  tight  hand 
in  respect  to  the  awarding  of  certificates.  The  standard  of  merit  is  now' 
a  high  one,  and  unless  a  variety  is  really  good  and  distinct  it  is  passed 
over.  This  is  how  it  should  be,  and  the  certificates  will  be  much  more 
valuable.  I  cannot  help  thinking  the  Floral  Committee  should  adjudi¬ 
cate  on  the  blooms  in  a  place  where  something  like  fair  daylight  can  be 
obtained.  I  believe  one  or  two  really  good  varieties  were  passed  over 
because  the  light  was  insufficient  to  distinguish  the  colours. 

Whilst  writing  of  certificates,  I  think  it  would  be  a  good  plan  to 
follow  out  the  system  adopted  by  the  R.H.S. — viz.,  that  the  names  of  the 
members  of  the  Floral  Committee  present  be  published,  and  also  that 
the  list  of  varieti  s  certificated  should  be  published  in  the  schedule  or 
report,  with  the  date  of  the  award  and  the  number  of  votes  each  variety 
obtained. — A  Mummer. 

A  Fracas  at  the  Aquarium  Show. 

At  the  recent  Exhibition  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  I, 
with  some  scores  of  other  persons,  witnessed  a  most  unseemly  and 
unpleasant  scene.  It  appears  two  Fellows  of  the  N.C.S.  —  aye, 
and  members  of  its  Floral  Committee  —  were  in  competition  in  a 
certain  class.  A  wins  first,  B  second.  The  award  upset  B  con¬ 
siderably.  He  shouted  and  made  a  great  disturbance — not  for  a  short 
time,  but  for  hours,  ultimately  tearing  his  prize  card  in  pieces.  It  was 
certainly  a  very  bad  example  for  any  exhibitor  to  make,  especially  one 
in  the  position  of  B.  If  every  man  who  thought  he  was  going  to 
get  the  prize  and  did  not  get  it  acted  in  such  a  manner,  what  melees 
our  exhibitions  would  be  I 

I  never  heard  anyone  complain  of  the  awards  but  this  particular 
member,  and  for  his  sake  I  think  it  would  be  well  for  the  Society  to 
adopt  the  rule  in  existence  among  provincial  Societies — viz.,  “  Any 
person  finding  fault  with  the  decision  of  the  Judges  in  any  other  way 
than  by  a  written  protest,  or  otherwise  creating  a  disturbance  in  the 
place  of  exhibition,  shall  forfeit  the  amount  of  his  prizes  for  the  day.” 
—A,  B.  C. 


NoT«inber  IS,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


415 


Chrysanthemum  Mdlle,  Therese  Rey. 

The  above  mentioned  Chrysanthemum  is  unquestionably  one  of  the 
finest  novelties  of  the  year.  It  is  a  magnificent  Japanese  variety  of 
continental  origin,  being  raised  by  Mr.  Ernest  Cal  vat.  The  flower  is 
large,  with  long,  drooping,  broad  creamy  white  florets.  Already  two 
certificates  have  been  awarded  for  this  splendid  variety,  one  to  Mr.  H. 
Shoesmith  by  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  on  October  11th, 
and  another  to  Mr.  C.  E.  Shea  at  the  Crystal  Palace  Show  on 
November  3rd  and  4th.  The  illustration  (fig.  65),  which  indicates  the 
character  of  the  flower,  has  been  prepared  from  a  bloom  grown  and 
exhibited  by  Mr.  Shoesmith  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on  the  occasion 
mentioned. 

Judges  and  Judging. 

Being  an  exhibitor  in  the  Japanese  class  at  the  recent  Chrysanthe¬ 
mum  Show  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  I  had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  the 
judges  deciding  on  the  merits  of  the  blooms,  and  venture  to  express  my 
opinion  that  suflficient  time  was  not  given  to  the  work  to  enable 
absolutely  correct  awards  to  be  made.  I  think  every  bloom  should  be 
taken  independently  and  allowed  the  number  of  points  to  which  it  may  be 
entitled.  Neither  do  I  think  that  a  judge  should  be  an  exhibitor  at  the 
same  show,  nor  do  I  think  it  quite  right  for  a  man  in  business  to  judge 
his  customer’s  exhibits. — AN  Exhibitor. 

A  Large  Viviand  Morel. 

In  answer  to“F.  J.,  ”  (page  422),  regarding  a  large  Viviand 

Morel,  I  may  mention  that  at  Leeds  Chrysanthemum  Show  last  year  a 
bloom  of  the  above  variety  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Hayes  of  Woodville, 
Keighley,  which  measured  20  inches  over,  which  was  deservedly  awarded 
a  certificate  for  cultural  skill, — T.  H,  B. 

White  Viviand  Morel, 

VOUR  note  on  page  422  referring  to  the  white  Viviand  Morel,  shown 
by  Mr.  Shoesmith  at  Crystal  Palace,  will  I  am  afraid  be  misleading. 
The  class  in  which  it  was  shown  required  twenty-four  Japanese  and 
twenty-four  incurved,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties  of  each  and  not 
more  than  two  of  one  variety.  As  Mr.  Shoesmith  had  only  one  pink 
Viviand  Morel  in  his  stand  he  evidently  did  not  intend  it  to  be 
recognised  as  distinct,  and  I  feel  sure  that  until  a  true  white  sport  has 
been  certificated  by  the  N.C.S.  it  will  not  be  wise  to  exhibit  it  as  a 
distinct  variety  on  the  same  stand  with  a  pink  one. — W'.  H.  Lees, 
Trent  Park  Gardens,  Neio  Barnet, 

[Whether  Mr.  Shoesmith  intended  the  pure  white  sport  from  Viviand 
Morel  to  be  recognised  as  distinct  or  not,  it  was  all  the  same  absolutely 
distinct  from  the  type — quite  as  distinct  as  Mrs.  Heale  from  Princess  of 
Wales,  and  blooms  of  both  these  varieties  have  often  been  cut  from  the 
same  plant.  Since  the  publication  of  our  note  the  Secretary  of  the 
National  Chrysanthemum  Society  has  been  consulted  on  the  point  in  its 
bearing  on  the  Hull  Show,  and  his  view  is  this.  “  If  a  bloom  of  Mrs. 
W.  R.  Wells  is  pure  white  it  can  be  staged  with  the  deep  pink  Viviand 
Morel  without  risk  of  disqualification,  but  it  must  be  free  from  the  pink 
tinge.”  The  other  Judges  appointed  to  officiate  at  Hull,  Messrs.  G. 
Gordon  and  J.  Wright,  concur,  as  do  both  Mr.  J.  Douglas  and  Mr.  J. 
Laing,  both  of  whom  have  been  specially  consulted,  but  not  one  of 
these  gentlemen  would  vote  a  certificate  for  the  white  sport  because 
of  its  instability.  Mr.  James  Hudson,  who  judges  at  Hull  in  the 
unavoidable  absence  of  Mr.  Wright,  is  in  complete  accord  with  the 
opinions  expressed.  Intending  exhibitors  at  shows  generally  must  decide 
for  themselves  whether  it  will  be  wise  in  each  particular  case  to  stage  the 
white  sport  and  its  pink  prototype  in  the  same  stand,  and  we  shall  be 
quite  content  for  them  to  be  on  the  safe  side,  as  suggested  by  the  accom¬ 
plished  grower  and  successful  exhibitor  Mr.  W.  H.  Lees.] 

Experiments  in  Chrysanthemum  Culture, 

At  the  meeting  of  the  National  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association  held 
in  the  Memorial  Hall,  Farringdon  Street,  E.C.,  last  week,  Mr.  D.  B. 
Crane  of  Highgate  read  an  excellent  paper  on  the  above  subject.  There 
were  considerably  more  than  100  members  present,  and  the  crowded 
audience  listened  most  attentively  to  the  discourse.  As  an  authority  on 
Chrysanthemums  and  a  winner  of  many  prizes  in  open  competition,  Mr. 
Crane,  although  an  amateur,  dealt  with  the  matter  in  a  thoroughly 
practical  manner.  During  the  past  season  he  had,  it  was  remarked, 
made  many  experiments,  but  owing  to  the  abnormal  season  the  majority 
of  them  had  proved  valueless.  The  essayist  strongly  urged  his  hearers 
to  grow  the  best  varieties  only,  and  where  space  was  limited  it  would, 
he  said,  be  better  to  cultivate  half  the  number  of  plants  that  could 
otherwise  be  had.  Many  beginners  made  the  mistake  in  endeavouring 
to  grow  too  many  plants.  In  such  cases  the  Chrysanthemums  were 
crowded,  and  the  results  were  not  of  a  satisfactory  nature. 

Cultural  details  were  described  at  length,  and  amongst  other  hints 
Mr.  Crane  remarked  that  whilst  some  growers  advised  the  cuttings, 
after  insertion,  to  be  placed  in  a  cold  frame,  he  had  found  it  advan¬ 
tageous  to  place  the  pots  containing  them  in  a  small  frame  in  a  green¬ 
house.  The  pots  were,  in  his  case,  plunged  in  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse, 
which  to  a  great  extent  prevented  damping.  Oyster  shells  he  could 
recommend  as  drainage,  and  whilst  some  half-inch  bones  used  by  him 
this  year  had  answered  admirably  for  the  purpose,  others,  through  not 
having  been  properly  prepared,  became  putrefied  and  killed  several 


plants  of  choice  varieties.  It  is  impossible  in  this  brief  reference  to 
mention  all  the  useful  hints  put  forth  by  Mr.  Crane  in  his  paper,  but 
it  may  be  said  that,  after  remarking  on  soils,  manures,  and  repotting, 
he  detailed  the  methods  of  securing  the  buds,  dressing  the  blooms, 
staging  them  for  exhibition,  and  various  other  essential  points  in  a 
masterly  manner. 

Chrysanthemum  Charles  Davis. 

I  SHALL  be  glad  to  learn  which  tint  of  colour  is  considered  the  correct 
one  for  this  variety.  It  was  introduced  as  a  rosy  bronze,  but  when  it 
was  certificated,  two  blooms,  perfect  in  shape,  fresh,  and  of  a  rich 
bronze,  were  passed  over  for  two  of  the  same  size  but  pale  yellow  with 
a  darker  edge.  At  the  late  meeting  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum 
Society  the  various  exhibitors  vied  with  each  other  as  to  who  had  the 
darkest  blooms.  In  its  parent  Viviand  Morel,  a  blush  or  pale  bloom 
would  not  count  as  much  as  one  of  a  deeper  tint,  and  the  same  system 
prevails  in  judging  Etoile  de  Lyon  and  many  others.  If  such  be  the 
case,  will  anyone  say  which  is  correct  for  Chas.  Davis  ?  If  richness 
of  colour  is  required,  why  did  the  certificate  go  to  blooms  of  a  most 
undecided  yellow? — Querist, 

Novelties  at  the  Aquarium  Show. 

Without  taking  into  account  such  recent  introductions  of  high  merit 
as  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  W.  Tricker,  William  Seward,  Charles  Davis, 
G.  W.  Childs,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Lord  Brooke, 
Florence  Da  via,  and  others  of  the  past  season  or  two,  all  of  which  were 
very  well  represented  at  the  Aquarium  Show  last  week,  there  was  a  large 
number  of  novelties  presented  for  public  inspection  at  the  Floral  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  also  in  one  or  two  of  the  trade  stands.  As  some  of  these  are 
likely  to  occupy  a  prominent  position  in  a  short  time  to  come  it  may  be 
useful  to  record  the  names,  and  give  a  brief  description  of  some  of  the 
best. 

In  addition  to  those  which  received  first-class  certificates,  and 
described  below,  a  few  others  merit  notice — namely,  Mrs.  Cox,  a  crimson 
sport  from  M.  Bernard,  closely  resembling  its  parent  in  form,  seemed  to 
be  a  promising  variety  for  those  who  care  for  that  type  of  Japanese 
flower.  Ernest  Caille,  a  seedling  Anemone,  raised  by  Simon  Delaux, 
colour  rosy  straw  with  yellow  disc,  will  be  sure  to  become  a  favourite 
in  that  section.  Sautel  1893  is  a  bold  Japanese  incurved  hairy  variety, 
a  valuable  addition  to  the  ostrich  plume  class,  the  colour  is  rosy  purple 
with  silver  pink  reverse.  Lady  Saunders  is  a  Japanese  variety  with  long 
drooping  florets,  and  of  a  peculiarly  pleasing  shade  of  pale  yellow. 
W.  Mease  is  a  large  incurved  Japanese,  of  a  type  somewhat  resembling 
Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne. 

Bride  of  Maidenhead  unfortunately  too  closely  approaches  Avalanche, 
or  it  would  unquestionably  become  a  leading  exhibition  flower,  the 
colour  seemed  to  be  a  shade  or  two  whiter  than  the  variety  it  resembles. 
Hibernia,  a  large  Anemone  of  an  ochre  yellow  shade  with  a  rosy  buff 
disk,  and  Caledonia  a  large  Japanese  Anemone  with  long  white 
incurving  guard  florets,  and  a  rosy  disk  tipped  yellow,  will  both  be 
welcome  additions  to  the  Anemone  section  in  which  so  few  additions  of 
merit  seem  to  be  made.  Pearl  of  Maidenhead  is  an  enormous  tubulated 
curly  petalled  Japanese,  rather  ragged,  colour  white,  and  as  shown  by 
Mr.  Owen,  seemed  almost  to  require  a  board  to  itself.  W.  H.  Fowler  is 
a  perfectly  formed  Japanese,  a  most  effective  flower  with  long  petals 
of  a  deep  rich  golden  yellow.  A  heavy  built  massive  flower  is  Thomas 
Hewitt,  the  colour  is  white  but  the  outer  florets  are  shaded  blush. 
E.  L.  Jamieson  is  a  fine  colour,  the  petals  are  rather  short,  but  they  are 
of  a  bright  crimson  hue,  having  a  bronzy  gold  reverse.  Gettysburgh  is 
another  of  the  G.  W.  Child’s  stamp,  but  rather  darker  in  colour.  A 
thorough  Japanese  is  James  Myers  with  thin  fluted  delicate  petals  of 
deep  rosy  salmon.  There  is  no  doubt  that  some  of  the  above  will  be 
favourably  received  next  season  although  passed  over  now. 

Certificated  Chrysanthemums. 

The  following  new  Chrysanthemums  were  awarded  first-class  certi¬ 
ficates  by  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society 
at  their  meeting  on  November  8th. 

Golden  Wedding  (Mr.  Godfrey). — A  fine  golden  yellow  Japanese 
with  rather  thin  incurved  florets. 

Elsie  Neville  (Mr.  W.  Seward). — A  single  flowered  Japanese  with 
long  crimson  florets  of  a  pleasing  and  effective  shade. 

Mrs.  C.  J.  Salter  (Mr.  W.  Wells). — A  golden  buff-coloured  self 
Anemone  of  medium  size. 

G.  W  Childs  (yir,  H.  J.  Jones). — A  bright  chestnut  crimson  Japanese 
with  golden  reverse,  rather  broad  pointed  petals. 

Colonel  Chase  (Mr.  E.  Beckett). — Long  fluted  drooping  florets ;  a  large 
Japanese  show  bloom  ;  colour  pale  blush  with  centre  shaded  yellow. 

Rose  Wynne  (Mr.  R.  Owen). — This  is  a  heavily  built  Japanese 
incurved  with  long  florets  of  a  delicate  pale  blush  colour. 

W.  W.  Astor  (Mr.  K.  Owen). — A  large  Japanese  Anemone  with  ray 
florets  light  salmon  blush,  and  a  high  disk  of  golden  rose. 

John  Bunyan  (Mr.  R.  Owen). — Another  excellent  Japanese  Anemone 
of  light  lemon  yellow,  good  disk  and  thin  pointed  ray  florets. 

Several  other  good  varieties  were  staged  which  the  Committee  desired 
to  see  again.  Mr.  Calvat  sent  over  some  new  seedlings  which  were 
hardly  up  to  his  usual  standard.  Messrs.  Cannell,  Mr.  Jones,  Mr.  Owen, 
Mr.  Godfrey,  and  Mr.  W.  Seward  were  the  principal  exhibitors  on  this 
occasion.  Among  noteworthy  flowers  mention  should  be  made  of  Miss 
Sturgis,  a  large  white  Japanese  ;  Pearl  Beauty,  a  fine  white  incurved 
Japanese  ;  and  Florence  Carr,  a  pretty  orange  bronze  Pompon  (com¬ 
mended). — C.  H.  P. 


446 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  16,  1893. 


Cheysanthemums  at  Woodville,  Keighley. 

One  of  the  best  grown  collections  of  Chrysanthemums  in  this  neigh¬ 
bourhood  is  to  be  found  at  Woodville,  the  residence  of  C.  A.  Haggas, 
Esq.,  where  his  gardener,  Mr.  Hayes  (raiser  of  the  now  well  known  in¬ 
curved  variety.  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas)  grows  about  200  plants  of  the  leading 
varieties  for  the  production  of  large  blooms.  Amongst  Japanese  the 
following  are  especially  fine  : — W.  Tricker,  Sunflower,  Bouquet  des 
Dames,  Louis  Boehmer,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Lord  Brooke,  R,  C.  Kingston, 
Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Viviand  Morel,  and  Edwin  Lonsdale.  Mr.  Hayes 
speaks  highly  of  an  improved  W.  H.  Lincoln  as  a  promising  variety,  and 
quite  distinct  from  the  original  type. 

A  fair  proportion  of  incurved  are  also  grown,  his  best  being  Alfred 
Lynne,  Golden  Empress,  Mons.  E.  Bahuant,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Queen  of 
England,  and  Lord  Wolseley.  In  another  house  a  number  of  bush 
plants  are  grown  for  cut  blooms.  Mr.  Hayes  is  also  a  successful  culti¬ 
vator  of  the  Primula.  His  papers  and  lectures  given  at  the  different 
gardening  associations  in  the  district  are  much  appreciated. — T.  H.  B, 

Chrysanthemums  at  Ketton  Hall. 

By  the  kind  permission  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hop  wood  the  gardens 
and  greenhouses  of  Ketton  Hall  were  thrown  open  to  the  public  on 
November  the  2nd  and  9th,  and  will  be  opened  again  on  November 
16th.  The  gate  is  opened  at  two  o’clock  and  closed  at  five.  Sixpence 
is  charged  for  admission,  and  the  proceeds  are  to  be  devoted  to  the 
Royal  Gardeners’  Orphanage  Fund .  The  chief  attraction  at  the  present 
time  are  the  Chrysanthemums,  of  which  many  hundreds  are  grown  and 
tastefully  arranged  in  the  Peach  houses. 

With  a  friend  I  paid  a  visit  to  Ketton  Hall  on  November  9th, 
arriving  soon  after  the  gates  were  open.  We  soon  found  the  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  and  a  fine  display  they  made,  a  large  number  of  the  blooms 
being  of  good  quality  and  size.  Most  noticeable  amongst  them  were 
Col.  W,  B.  Smith,  Florence  Davies,  Mdlle.  Lacroix,  Avalanche,  Gloire  de 
Rocher,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Thunberg,  Mr.  A.  H.  Neve,W.  H.  Lincoln,  Lord 
Wolseley,  Lilian  B.  Bird,  Louis  Boehmer,  Viviand  Morel,  W.  W.  Coles, 
Mrs.  E.  Clarke,  Mrs.  Robinson  King,  Comte  de  Germiny,  and  older 
kinds. 

I  also  noticed  some  useful  plants  in  6-inch  pots,  several  cuttings 
having  been  put  in  each  pot  the  end  of  August,  rooted,  and  allowed  to 
remain  there.  These  are  now  bushy,  and  about  1  foot  in  height,  carrying 
plenty  of  flowers.  About  600  more  plants  in  9-inch  pots  of  such  varieties 
as  Fair  Maid  of  Guernsey,  Madame  C.  Audiguier,  and  Peter  the  Great 
looked  very  promising  for  a  fine  display  throughout  December  and 
onwards.  There  are  many  other  good  features  at  Ketton  Hall,  but  only 
Chrysanthemums  can  be  mentioned  here. — A.  Harding,  Orton  Hall. 

At  Woodhatch  Lodge. 

This,  the  residence  of  T.  B.  Haywood,  Esq.,  has  become  known  as 
a  T)lace  where  horticulture  is  thoroughly  carried  out.  Everything  is 
done  well  and  cleanliness  prevails.  Not  by  any  means  the  most 
insignificant  feature  of  the  gardens  are  the  Chrysanthemums,  in  which, 
as,  in  fact,  in  all  horticultural  matters,  Mr.  Haywood  takes  such  an 
interest,  and  supported  as  he  is  by  the  gardener,  Mr.  C.  J.  Salter,  the 
display  is  a  magnificent  one.  Though  at  the  time  of  my  visit  the  blooms 
were  on  the  wane,  probably  the  very  best  of  them  had  gone,  but  those 
remaining  were  ample  proof  of  the  skill  with  which  they  had  been 
grown.  The  J^anese  section,  taken  as  a  whole,  was  perhaps  the 
richest  in  fine  flowers,  both  as  regards  form  and  colour,  though  the 
incurved  varieties  were  handsomely  represented.  The  Anemone  flowered 
kinds,  too,  were  in  fine  form,  many  superb  flowers  being  still  on  the 
plants.  The  collection  is  one  of  the  most  complete  that  could  be 
desired,  all  the  novelties  of  last  season  being  grown, 'as  well  as  others  not 
yet  in  commerce.  Though  the  new  kinds  are  procured  the  older  ones 
are  by  no  means  discarded,  every  one  of  real  merit  being  grown. 

From  amongst  the  best  of  those  still  in  flower,  I  have  selected  a  few 
of  those  which  were  possessed  of  exceptional  merit  either  in  form, 
substance,  or  colouration.  Than  Lord  Brooke  it  would  be  difficult  to  find 
a  better  with  which  to  open  any  list,  for  the  fiowers  seen  were  mag¬ 
nificent.  The  colour  was  of  the  greatest  richness,  and  the  flowers 
massive  and  shapely.  Wm.  Seward  was  grand,  being  particularly  fine  in 
colour.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  brightly  hued  W.  H.  Lincoln,  than 
which  there  is  yet  no  yellow  superior  in  its  own  particular  style  of 
flower.  One  of  the  most  chaste  and  beautiful  was  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn, 
which  has  been  seen  in  such  good  character  this  season.  Mdlle.  Marie 
Hoste  is  represented  by  some  of  the  grandest  flowers  one  could  wish  to 
see,  as  also  was  the  popular  Col.  W.  B.  Smith.  Of  the  pinks  Vice-President 
Audiguier,  Mrs.  Harman  Payne,  and  Wm.  Tricker  form  a  grand  trio. 
The  flowers  of  each  of  these  are  perfect  as  regards  colouring,  and 
Mrs.  Harman  Payne  carried  blooms  which  were  of  an  enormous  size  and 
substance.  Many  blooms  of  the  grand  Edwin  Molyneux  were  to  be 
seen  amongst  the  others,  as  also  were  several  Chas.  Davis  of  a  high 
order  of  merit  as  regards  colour  and  form  ^of  flower.  Elmer  D.  Smith 
is  a  velvety,  maroon  coloured,  ragged  bloom  which  promises  to  be  an 
acquisition,  as  also  does  the  exquisite  Viscountess  Hambledon.  Excelsior 
was  one  of  the  most  distinct,  and  Robert  Flowerday,  purplish  maroon 
with  a  silvery  reverse,  one  of  the  most  pleasing.  Beauty  of  Exmouth  was 
of  grand  shape  but  lacking  size  and  substance  ;  the  green  centred 
Florence  Davis  on  the  other  hand  left  nothing  to  be  desired.  Ruche 
Toulouaise  amongst  the  Anemones  was  magnificent,  as  also  were  Mrs. 
A.  Lowe,  Lady  Margeret,  and  Delaware.  Many  others  might  be  men¬ 
tioned,  but  these  must  now  suffice.  Both  Mr.  Haywood  and  his  gardener 
are  to  be  congratulated  on  the  success  they  have  achieved  in  bringing 


plants  and  flowers  to  such  a  high  state  of  perfection,  and  this  through  a 
season  that  has  been  most  trying  for  Chrysanthemum  growers  in  more 
ways  than  one. — H. 

At  Syon  House. 

Chrysanthemums,  amongst  innumerable  other  things, are  splendidly 
grown  by  Mr.  G.  Wythes  at  these  gardens.  Upwards  of  1500  plants  are 
included  in  the  collection,  which  comprises  many  of  the  new  varieties  of 
the  last  season.  The  object  has  not  been  entirely  to  obtain  large  flowers, 
many  of  the  plants  being  kept  exclusively  for  affording  an  abundance 
of  cut  flowers.  The  plants  are  dwarf  in  habit  and  clothed  with  healthy 
foliage. 

Amongst  the  varieties  now  in  flower,  Excelsior  must  be  accorded  a 
foremost  place,  its  distinct  blooms  being  very  striking.  Lady  Selborne 
is  admirably  represented  as  also  is  Jeanne  d’Arc,  W.  W.  Coles  is  in 
magnificent  form,  and  the  same  may  safely  be  said  of  Mr.  C.  Orchard. 
The  flowers  of  Viviand  Morel  are  of  exceptional  substance  and  grandly 
coloured.  The  bright  yellow  flowers  of  Sunflower  are  amongst  the  most 
showy,  and  Puritan  is  one  of  the  very  finest  in  every  way.  The  blooms 
of  Stanstead  Surprise  are  superb,  the  same  remark  applying  to  Baron 
Hirsch.  Alberic  Lunden  is  a  very  beautiful  variety,  which  may  be  seen 
in  almost  all  collections.  Well  named  is  Curiosity,  pale  yellow  in  colour. 
Lord  Alcester  is  fine,  and  Baronne  de  Prailly  is  one  which  should  be 
more  grown.  Monsieur  William  Holmes  is  carrying  superb  flowers,  and 
makes  one  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  display.  Mr.  A.  H.  Neve, 
Sarah  Owen,  William  Tricker,  Lady  Margaret,  Lord  Brooke,  Miss  M. 
Wheeler,  Roseum  superbum  and  Grandiflorum  were  noticeable  amongst 
others,  of  which  many  excellent  ones  must  be  missed.  The  plants  are  a 
credit  to  Mr.  Wythes,  as  everyone  who  sees  them  will  readily  admit. — 
Nomad. 

The  Grange,  Hackbridge. 

The  display  of  Chrysanthemums  at  these  gardens  has  come  to  be 
an  annual  event,  and  through  the  goodness  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smee  the 
grounds  are  thrown  open  to  the  public,  who  come  in  great  numbers  to 
see  the  flowers.  When  at  Hackbridge  I  asked  Mr.  Cummins,  the  genial 
gardener,  if  he  could  say  how  many  people  had  visited  the  gardens.  He 
replied,  “  1  cannot  tell,  but  all  the  ahernoon  on  Sunday  last  the  usually 
quiet  road  from  Hackbridge  to  Wallington  was  lined  with  people.  The 
carriage  drive  and  garden  walks  were  crow'ded,  and  the  large  orchard 
house,  where  the  Chrysanthemums  are  arranged,  was  packed  all  the 
time.”  The  Cattleya  house,  containing  some  fine  forms  of  the  beautiful 
autumn-flowering  C.  labiata,  and  the  Fern  house  were  admired  by  many. 
That  Mr.  Smee’s  kindness  in  providing  a  free  annual  Show  is  appreciated 
by  the  inhabitants  of  Wallington  and  the  neighbourhood  is  proved  by 
the  thousands  of  people  who  have  passed  through  the  lodge  gates. 

Among  the  most  prominent  varieties  of  Chrysanthemums  Mr. 
A.  H.  Neve  is  in  grand  style,  and  the  deliciously  scented  Progne  is 
one  of  the  most  popular  and  attractive.  The  handsome  examples  of 
Viviand  Morel  call  for  continuous  bursts  of  admiration.  Mons.  E. 
Bahuant  is  splendid,  as  also  is  Sunflower,  the  colour  of  which  is  un¬ 
usually  bright.  The  showy  and  floriferous  Roi  des  Pr6coc6s  is  deservedly 
a  favourite,  and  the  chastely  pure  flowers  of  Lady  Selborne  leave 
nothing  to  be  desired.  Amongst  the  darks  Edouard  Audiguier  is 
perhaps  the  best,  though  it  has  a  worthy  companion  in  R.  C.  Kingston. 
The  hairy-petalled  W.  A.  Manda  and  Louis  Boehmer  are  both  particu¬ 
larly  prominent,  and  Gloriosum  may  be  regarded  as  a  variety  of  very 
much  merit. 

At  Earlswood. 

During  the  past  few  years  Mr.  Wells  of  the  Earlswood  Nurseries 
has  come  very  prominently  before  the  public  as  a  grower  and  exhibitor 
of  Chrysanthemums,  and  late  though  it  was  I  thought  when  the  oppor¬ 
tunity  arose  that  I  could  not  do  better  than  to  spend  an  hour  amongst 
his  plants.  I  was  amply  compensated,  for  the  collection  is  certainly  a 
good  one.  Upwards  of  3500  plants  are  grown,  and  they  now  show  the 
mark  of  unremitting  and  skilful  attention.  All  these  plants  are  not 
grown  for  large  blooms  exclusively,  many  being  required  to  furnish  cut 
flowers  in  great  numbers.  Perhaps  a  thousand  plants  are  grown  for 
providing  exhibition  fiowers,  the  remainder  being  for  the  purpose  above 
mentioned.  Innumerable  single  and  seedling  varieties  are  grown,  and 
amongst  the  latter  were  some  of  great  promise.  As  may  very  readily  be 
imagined,  with  such  an  extensive  exhibitor  as  Mr,  Wells,  most  of  the 
finest  flowers  had  long  been  gathered,  but  amongst  those  remaining  were 
many  of  such  sterling  merit  that  we  have  deemed  them  worthy  of 
special  mention. 

Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams,  with  slightly  tinged  florets,  was  one  of  the  most 
charming,  and  the  old  Peter  the  Great  was  in  splendid  form.  Beauty 
of  Hull  is  too  much  after  the  style  of  Mr,  Shoesmith  to  become 
universally  popular,  though  it  carries  some  good  and  shapely  blooms, 
Mrs.  Governor  Fife  is  a  most  pleasing  variety,  the  outer  petals  of  which 
are  pure  white,  with  a  centre  of  the  most  delicate  cream.  Ada  Spauld¬ 
ing  and  Sunflower  were  both  seen  in  fine  condition,  as  also  was  the 
Baronne  de  Prailly.  The  white  blooms  of  Mons.  J.  M.  Pigny  were  very 
beautiful,  as  also  were  those  of  Florence  Davis.  A  charming  creamy 
white  variety  was  found  in  Cognac,  and  Lord  Alcester  was  of  exceptional 
form.  Mrs.  G.  W.  Clarke  was  grand,  as  also  was  Vice-President 
Audiguier.  The  colour  of  Viviand  Morel  was  magnificent,  and  the 
blooms  left  little  to  be  desired  as  regards  shape.  Stanstead  White 
may  be  numbered  amongst  the  purest  of  whites,  and  Crimson  King  one 
of  the  best  of  its  class.  J.  Stanborough  Dibben,  Lord  Alcester,  Empress, 
and  numerous  others  might  be  mentioned,  but  these  may  be  taken  as  a 
criterion  of  a  collection  which  represented  by  some  of  the  best  flowers 
one  could  wish. to  see. — R.  H.  E. 


Kovember  16,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


447 


CHRYSANTHEMUM  SHOWS. 

HULL  AND  EAST  RIDING. — November  15th  and  16th, 

The  tenth  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Hull  and  East  Riding  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  opened  yesterday  (Wednesday)  in  the  Artillery 
Barracks,  Park  Street,  Hull.  The  Hull  Shows  are  famed  for  their 
magnitude  and  excellence.  As  was  generally  anticipated  the  liberal 
prizes,  including  a  challenge  vase  worth  20  guineas,  several  silver 
cups,  and  pieces  of  plate  of  considerable  value,  brought  forth  many  of 
the  principal  growers,  Our  reporter  telegraphs  the  names  of  the  prize¬ 
winners  in  the  leading  open  classes,  and  says  the  high  reputation  the 
Society  has  long  enjoyed  is  fully  maintained.  In  most  of  the  classes 
the  entries  were  numerous,  and  the  competition  was  keen.  The  tables 
of  bouquets  and  floral  decorations  were  not  quite  so  numerous  as  usual, 
but  good  ;  while  the  groups  of  plants  were  magniflcent.  Incurved 
blooms  were  some  of  the  best  seen  this  season,  and  the  Japanese  superb, 
being  large  and  well  coloured. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  incurved  blooms,  in  not  less  than 
eighteen  varieties,  and  no  more  than  two  blooms  of  one  variety,  Mr.  W. 
Lees,  The  Gardens,  Trent  Park,  New  Barnet,  secured  the  coveted  first 
prize  of  £10  and  a  silver  cup  valued  5  guineas.  His  blooms  were 
grand,  being  splendidly  finished.  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith,  gardener  to  M. 
Hodgson,  Esq,,  Shirley,  Croydon,  was  a  close  second,  winning  the  £5 
prize  ;  and  Mr.  Peter  Blair,  Trentham,  third. 

For  twenty-four  Japanese  blooms,  distinct  varieties,  Mr.  Shoesmith 
secured  the  premier  award  of  £10  and  a  silver  cup  valued  5  guineas  with 
a  stand  of  excellent  blooms.  Mr.  Heany,  the  Gardens,  Mossley  House, 
Liverpool,  was  second ;  and  Mr.  Musk,  Haveringland  Hall,  Norwich, 
gained  a  third  position.  In  the  class  for  twenty-four  blooms,  Japanese, 
^distinct,  arranged  for  effect,  and  set  up  in  any  manner  the  exhibitor 
desires,  with  or  without  Chrysanthemums  or  other  foliage,  on  a  table 
space  not  exceeding  6  feet  in  length  by  2  feet  6  inches  in  width,  the 
competition  was  good.  The  object  of  this  class  is  to  introduce  a  more 
tasteful  system  of  staging  highly  developed  flowers.  Mr.  Musk  here 
repeated  his  success  with  a  charming  arrangement,  securing  the  5-guinea 
prize,  given  by  Harold  J.  Reckitt,  Esq.,  J.P.,  M.P.,  Winestead  Hall.  Mr. 
Wilson,  Swanland  Manor,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Jarvis,  Ciffe  House 
Gardens,  Hessle,  third. 

The  class  for  a  table  of  bouquets,  wreaths,  sprays,  buttonholes,  or 
other  floral  arrangements,  illustrating  the  decorative  value  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  with  any  kind  of  foliage  or  Grasses,  was  interesting.  Each 
exhibitor  was  restricted  to  a  table  space  of  12  feet  by  3  feet,  but  less 
space  could  have  been  occupied  if  desired.  Mr.  Taylor,  Newland,  was 
first,  gaining  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society’s  silver  medal  and 
3  guineas,  with  a  beautiful  arrangement. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  incurved  blooms,  open  to  exhibitors  residing 
in  Lincolnshire,  within  twenty  miles  of  Hull  or  anywhere  within  the 
East  Riding  of  Yorkshire,  Mr.  Burrows,  gardener,  Westlands,  Grimsby, 
was  first,  winning  the  silver  cup  given  by  Messrs.  E.  P.  Dixon  &  Sons, 
Queen  Street,  Hull.  His  blooms  were  very  fine.  Mr.  Jarvis  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Pike,  Warter  Priory  Gardens,  third.  Mr.  Burrows  also  secured 
another  silver  cup  given  by  the  same  firm  for  twelve  Japanese  blooms  ; 
Mr.  Walker,  Hotham  ,Hall,  being  second,  and  ^Mr.  Richard  Willey, 
Cottingham  Gardens,  third. 

As  already  mentioned  the  groups  were  exceedingly  fine.  For  a 
group  of  Chrysanthemums,  interspersed  with  foliage  plants,  arranged 
for  effect  in  a  space  of  100  square  feet,  the  first  prize  being  a  silver 
challenge  cup,  value  20  guineas,  presented  by  James  Reckitt,  Esq.,  of 
Swanland  Manor,  Vice-President  of  the  Society,  and  £6,  on  the  con¬ 
dition  that  the  winner  hold  the  cup  until  the  next  Exhibition, 
Mr.  Coates,  gardener,  Milton  Terrace,  Hull,  was  first  with  a  beautiful 
group.  Mr.  Cottam,  Cottingham,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Marchison 
Hessle,  third. 

The  other  features  of  this  grand  Exhibition  will  be  detailed  in  our 
next  issue. 

GRIMSBY  AND  DISTRICT. — November  3rd  and  4th. 

The  fourth  annual  Show  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the  dates 
given,  and  it  was  without  doubt  the  best  exhibition  ever  seen  in 
Grimsby.  The  large  hall  was  filled  with  groups  of  Chrysanthemums, 
choice  foliage  and  flowering  plants.  The  orchestra  was  beautifully 
decorated  with  flowers  and  foliage  plants  from  the  nurseries  of  Mr. 
Jno.  Clark,  Cromwell  Road,  Grimsby.  Adjoining  the  large  room  was 
another  of  rather  less  dimensions,  filled  with  cut  flowers  and  fruit. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  blooms  Japanese,  in  not  less  than 
eighteen  varieties,  the  first  prize  went  to  the  Rev.  W.  D.  Thatcher, 
Clent  Hall,  Stourbridge,  who  had  good  flowers.  The  second  prize  was 
secured  by  Sir  Hy.  Bennett,  Westlands,  Grimsby  (gardener,  G.  B. 
Burrows),  who  only  lost  by  two  points.  Mr.  G.  A.  Carr,  Waltham 
Grove,  Grimsby  (gardener,  Jno.  Walker),  was  third  with  neat  blooms. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  nine  varieties,  the  first  prize  went 
to  Mr.  G.  B.  Burrows  for  excellent  blooms  in  good  condition.  For  twelve 
blooms  Japanese  in  six  varieties  Mr.  S.  J.  Grange,  The  Cedars,  Laceby 
(gardener,  Mr.  Fred.  Isle),  was  first. 

For  twenty-four  incurved  blooms  G.  A.  Carr,  Esq.,  Waltham 
Grove  (gardener,  Mr.  Jno.  Walker),  was  a  good  first.  Second,  Rev. 
W.  D.  Thatcher,  Clent  Hall,  Stourbridge ;  third.  Sir  Hy.  Bennett, 
Westlands.  With  twelve  incurved  or  nine  varieties,  Mr.  John  Clark, 
nurseryman,  Cromwell  Road,  was  first ;  G.  A.  Carr,  Waltham  Grove, 
second.  Sir  H.  Bennet  gained  the  special  prize  for  the  premier  Japanese, 
and  the  Rev.  W.  D.  Thatcher  for  the  best  incurved  bloom. 


LIVERPOOL. — November  7th  and  Sth. 

The  fourteenth  autumn  Show  was  held  in  St.  George’s  Hall  on  the 
above  dates,  and  compared  favourably  with  those  of  former  years.  The 
centre  of  attraction  was  the  splendid  challenge  vase  presented  by  Messrs. 
R.  P.  Ker  &  Sons,  Aigburth  Nursery,  and  which  was  won  last  year  by 
Mr.  Jellicoe,  gardener  to  F.  H.  Gossage,  Esq.,  Camp  Hill,  Woolton,  he 
being  required  to  win  it  two  years  in  succession  to  become  the  owner 
of  the  vase.  This  has  been  done,  the  Association  being  the  poorer  by 
the  loss  of  such  a  fine  trophy,  and  Mr.  Jellicoe  the  richer  by  winning 
it  in  such  a  short  space  of  time.  The  following  is  the  prize  list,  regret 
being  expressed  that  only  the  larger  classes  can  be  dealt  with  owing  to 
lack  of  space. 

For  twenty-four  incurved  and  twenty-four  Japanese,  not  less  than 
thirty-six  varieties,  Mr.  Donald  Forbes,  gardener  to  Alfred  Holt,  Esq  , 
Crofton,  Aigburth,  was  placed  first  with  a  very  heavy  stand  containing 
in  the  back  row— Japanese  :  Col.  W.  B .  Smith,  E  toile  de  Lyon,  E .  Molyneux, 
Col.  Smith,  Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Florence  Davis,  and  .a 
grand  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne.  Second  row :  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams,  Mrs.  F. 
Jameson,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  W.  Tricker,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  E.  Molyneux, 
Viviand  Morel,  and  Sunflower.  Front  row  :  Viviand  Morel,  Sunflower, 
Violet  Rose,  Marie  Hoste,  Mr.  C.  H.  Payne,  Avalanche,  Chas.  Davis,  and 
W.  Tricker.  The  incurved,  although  rather  early,  were  marked  by  well 
built  substantial  blooms,  the  best  being  Queen  of  England,  Mons.  R. 
Bahuant,  John  Doughty,  John  Lambert,  and  Baron  Hirsct.  A  very  good 
second  was  Mr.  T.  Carling,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Cope,  Dove  Park,  Woolton, 
who  had  some  fine  blooms,  the  best  being  Mrs.C.  H.  Payne,  Viviand  Morel, 
Princess  May,  Wm.  Seward,  Puritan,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Marie  Hoste. 
Incurved  i  Baron  Hirsch,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Madame  Darrier,  Alfd.  Lyne, 
Lady  Dorothy  (grand),  and  Lucy  Kendall.  Mr.  G.  Eaton,  gardener  to 
W.  H.  Shirley,  Esq.,  Allerton  House,  Allerton,  was  a  close  third  with  very 
fresh  blooms.  The  fourth  position  was  occupied  by  Mr.  Sydney  Bremmell, 
gardener  to  W.  H.  France  Hayhurst,  Esq.,  Overly,  Wellington,  Salop. 
This  exhibitor  would  probably  have  been  placed  higher  had  his  flowers 
been  set  up  properly,  for  his  Japanese  were  the  heaviest  and  brightest 
coloured  in  the  Show. 

As  before  remarked  the  Ker’s  challenge  vase  was  won  by  Mr.  Jellicoe, 
there  being  four  entries  for  it,  and  the  competition  was  keen.  Mr. 
Jellicoe  won  by  the  superiority  of  his  incurved  blooms  alone.  The 
varieties  were — Japanese  :  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Mrs,  C.  H.  Payne,  Gloire  du 
Rocher,  Mdlle,  Marie  Hoste,  Princess  May,  Wm.  Seward,  Chas.  Davis, 
E.  Molyneux,  Sunflower,  Stanstead  White,  W.  W.  Cole,  and  Viviand 
Morel.  Incurved  :  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Queen  of  England,  Alfred  Salter, 
Lord  Alcester,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Baron  Hirsch,  Emily  Dale,  Empress  of 
India,  Madame  Darrier,  Violet  Tomlin,  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Prince  Alfred. 
Reflexed,  two  of  each  :  King  of  Crimsons,  Chevalier  Domage,  Golden 
Christine,  Cullingfordi,  Mrs.  Forsyth,  and  James  Carter.  Mr.  J.  Edwards, 
gardener  to  H.  Tate,  jun..  Esq  ,  Allerton  Beeches,  was  second  with 
splendid  blooms.  Mr.  D.  Heany,  gardener  to  H.  G.  Schintz,  Esq., 
Mossley  House,  was  placed  third,  his  stand  of  Japanese  being  admirable. 
The  fourth  prize  went  to  Mr.  R.  Foster,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Thompson, 
Thingwall  Hall,  near  Liverpool. 

For  eighteen  incurved  Mr.  Jellicoe  was  again  first,  showing  Mons. 
R.  Bahuant,  Madame  F.  Mistral,  Madame  Darrier,  Lord  Wolseley,  Baron 
Hirsch,  and  Mrs.  Coleman  in  fine  form.  Mr.  C.  Osborne,  gardener  to 
Arthur  Cook,  Esq.,  Aigburth  Hall,  was  second  ;  the  third  prize  going  to 
Mr.  J.  Hayne.«,  gardener  to  Mrs.  B.  C.  Nicholson,  Oswaldcroft,  Woolton, 
a  fine  exhibit.  In  the  class  for  twelve  incurved  Mr.  Jellicoe  again  took 
first  honours,  Mr.  T.  Healey,  gardener  to  Colonel  Wilson,  Hillside, 
Allerton,  being  second.  The  prizes  in  another  class  for  a  similar  number 
went  to  Mr.  H.  Howard,  gardener  to  A.  S.  Mather,  Esq.,  Beechwood, 
Woolton,  and  Mr.  W.  Wilson,  gardener  to  H.  Cunningham,  Esq.,  Gorsey 
Cop,  Gateacre.  For  six  incurved  Mr.  W.  Hignett,  gardener  to  C.  W. 
Carver,  Esq.,  Woodbourne,  West  Derby,  was  successful. 

In  the  class  for  eighteen  Japanese  Mr.  C.  Osborne  eame  out  in  strong 
force, having  grand  blooms  of  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Sunflower, 
Florence  Davis,  Viviand  Morel,  Marie  Hoste,  and  Mrs.  F.  Jameson.  Mr. 
T.  Healey  staged  well  for  a  second  place.  Mr.  Jellicoe  was  third.  For 
twelve  Japanese  Mr.  Sydney  Bremmell  was  an  easy  first,  having  very 
fine  Viviand  Morel,  Excelsior,  William  Seward,  William  Lincoln, 
and  Beauty  of  Exmouth.  Mr.  J.  Edwards  was  second.  In  the  class 
for  twelve  Japanese  the  honours  went  to  Mr.  Hignett,  gardener 
to  C.  W.  Carver,  Esq.  ;  the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  P.  Greene, 
gardener  to  L.  H.  Macintyre,  Esq.,  Greenheys,  Aigburth.  For  six 
Japanese  Mr.  E.  Wharton,  gardener  to  J.  Findlay,  Esq.,  Mavis  Court, 
Sefton  Park,  was  first.  The  same  exhibitor  was  also  first  for  six  reflexed 
and  twelve  Pompons,  in  bunches  of  three  flowers,  with  fresh  examples. 
Mr.  J.  Broome,  gardener  to  Thos.  Harrison,  Esq.,  Belle  Vale,  Gateacre, 
was  first  with  Anemone  flowered  beautiful  blooms.  In  the  class  for  si.x 
incurved  and  six  Japanese  for  those  who  have  never  won  a  prize  at 
the  Show,  Mr.  J.  Grant,  gardener  to  W.  S.  Gladstone,  Esq.,  Thornlea , 
Aigburth,  was  successful  out  of  several  very  fair  stands. 

Rarely  have  such  grand  trained  plants  been  seen  at  Liverpool  as  they 
were  on  this  occasion.  Mr.  W.  Wilson,  gardener  to  H.  Cunningham,  Esq,, 
who  was  first  in  the  classes  for  three  large  flowering,  one  large  flower¬ 
ing,  one  Pompon,  and  second  for  one  pyramid.  The  second  prizes  going 
in  the  two  former  to  Mr.  J.  Harrison,  gardener  to  Mr.  W.  G.  Bateson, 
Esq.,  Aigburth,  who  was  also  first  for  three  Pompons  and  a  highly  effective 
group  of  Chrysanthemums  arranged  for  effect  not  to  exceed  60  square 
feet.  The  second  places  for  three  Pompons  and  one  Pompon  falling  to  Mr. 
J.  Rose,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Kitchen,  Esq.,  Huyton.  For  one  pyramid 


448 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  NoTcmber  16,  1898. 


one  standard,  six  untrained  and  one  untrained  Mr.  T.  Gower,  gardener 
to  J.  A.  Bartlett,  Esq.,  Mossley  Hill,  was  the  most  successful  exhibitor. 

Miscellaneous  plants  have  seldom  been  seen  to  greater  advantage, 
particularly  the  splendid  examples  of  Crotons  Montfontainensis  and 
Countess  which  secured  Mr.  Jellicoe  the  first  prize  for  six  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants.  Mr.  T.  Healey  was  second,  having  a  good  Erica  and 
Croton  Williamsi,  Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow 
House,  Roby,  being  third,  in  which  a  choice  Daphne  indica  rubra  was 
conspicuous.  The  class  for  Orchids  attracted  much  attention  by  a 
charming  plant  in  the  first  prize  collection  of  Mr.  Cromwell,  Oncidium 
crispum,  with  over  200  fully  developed  flowers.  Palms,  Ferns,  Mig¬ 
nonette,  Primulas,  Cyclamen,  table  plants,  and  Poinsettia  were  ad¬ 
mirably  represented,  the  winners  being  Messrs.  Gower,  Cromwell, 
McFall,  P.  Greene,  J.  Kelly,  and  A.  Lewis. 

As  was  anticipated,  the  fruit  made  one  of  the  finest  displays  ever 
seen  in  St.  George’s  Hall.  For  six  dishes  Mr.  J.  Wallis,  gardener  to 
R.  Sneyd,  Esq.,  Keele  Hall,  Staffordshire,  was  placed  first.  Mr.  T. 
Elsworthy  second  ;  Mr.  J.  Barker,  Rock  Ferry,  being  a  good  third. 
Messrs.  Glover,  T.  Ferguson,  W.  Wilson,  G.  Middleton,  and  J.  Wallis 
were  winners  in  the  Grape  classes.  The  chief  prizes  for  Apples  were  won 
by  Messrs.  Davis,  Hannagan,  Cromwell,  R.  Pinnington,  Large,  and 
Owen.  The  arrangements  were  excellent,  and  the  Show  was  a  credit  to 
all  concerned. — R.  P.  R. 

WELLS. — November  7th  and  8th. 

The  very  cold  weather  which  prevailed  on  the  first  day  of  the  Show 
rendered  the  staging  of  tender  plants  diflBcult  and  risky.  In  spite  of 
this  disadvantage  the  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  and  miscellaneous 
plants,  arranged  in  the  Council  Chamber  of  the  Town  Hall,  were  quite 
up  to  the  usual  high  standard  of  excellence.  One  of  the  Judges 
characterised  the  premier  group  the  prettiest  and  most  perfect  he  had 
yet  seen. 

In  the  class  for  large  groups,  open  to  all,  Mr.  Williams,  gardener  to 
J.  F.  Hall,  Esq.,  Sharcombe,  led  with  a  light  arrangement.  Orchids  in 
variety,  and  Crotons,  brightly  coloured  plants  of  Croton  Warreni,  being 
effectively  employed  as  a  draping  for  the  Cyclamen,  Cattleyas,  and 
other  plants  which  faced  the  group  to  the  boundary  lines.  Mr.  Fewtrell, 
gardener  to  C.  C.  Tudway,  Esq.,  secured  the  second  prize,  Mr.  Payne, 
gardener  to  the  Lord  Bishop  being  third.  The  smaller  group  were  also 
of  great  merit,  Mr.  Jas.  Gardner  securing  the  first  prize. 

Cut  blooms  were  numerous  and  good,  the  Japanese  being  excep¬ 
tionally  fine,  but  the  incurved  flowers  have  been  seen  in  better  condition 
at  Wells.  For  twenty-four  blooms,  distinct,  twelve  incurved  and  twelve 
Japanese,  Mr.  Williams  was  first,  showing — Japanese,  back  row  :  Edwin 
Molyneux,  Puritan,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  W.  Tricker.  Middle  row  :  Miss 
Florence  Davis,  Sunflower,  Viviand  Morel  (extra  good),  W.  H.  Lincoln. 
Front  row  :  Mons.  Bernard,  Madame  John  Laing,  Avalanche,  and  Edwin 
Lonsdale.  Incurved,  back  row  ;  M.  R.  Bahuant,  Golden  Empress,  John 
Doughty,  Jeanne  d’Arc.  Middle  row  :  Lord  Alcester,  Alfred  Salter,  Queen 
of  England,  Lord  Wolseley.  Front  row  :  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Coleman, 
Mrs.  Heale,  and  Miss  Haggas.  Mr.  Fewtrell  was  second,  Mr.  Payne 
third.  Mr.  Fewtrell  had  the  best  board  of  incurved,  Mr.  Williams 
second,  Mr.  Payne  third. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  Payne  led,  followed  by 
Mr.  Currey  and  Mr.  Williams  in  the  order  of  their  names.  Anemone- 
flowered  Chrysanthemums  were  sparingly  staged  ;  Mr.  Fewtrell  being 
first  in  the  class  for  twelve  blooms. 

Mr.  Williams  was  first  with  two  specimen  plants ;  Mr.  Currey 
securing  a  similar  award  for  four  table  plants.  Trained  plants  were 
well  shown  by  Mr.  Porter,  gardener  to  A.  Colson,  Esq.,  who  secured  the 
priricipal  prizes  in  that  section.  The  National  Chrysanthemum 
Society’s  certificates  were  awarded  to  Mr.  Payne  for  a  bloom  of  Queen  of 
England,  and  Mr.  Porter  for  a  plant  of  Lord  Wolseley. 

Fruit  was  not  quite  equal  to  last  year’s  display,  Messrs.  Payne,  King, 
Isgar,  Fewtrell  and  Mackenzie,  being  the  principal  prizewinners. 
Messrs.  Jarman  &  Co.  showed  a  large  table  of  fruit  and  vegetables  ; 
Messrs.  Brown  &  Sons  having  a  similar  exhibit.  Messrs.  Mogford  &  Son 
exhibited  a  magnificent  bouquet  of  Violets  which  was  greatly  admired. 
Messrs.  Payne  and  Currey  obtained  awards  for  floral  decorations ; 
numerous  awards  were  also  made  for  windows,  baskets,  &c.,  decorated 
with  autumn  foliage  and  berries.  About  800  school  children  of  the 
neighbourhood  visited  the  Show  on  the  morning  of  the  second  day — a 
feature  for  which  the  officers  and  Committee  are  to  be  congratulated. 

TORQUAY. — November  8th. 

As  usual  the  annual  autumn  Exhibition  was  held  in  the  Bath 
Saloon.  The  groups  were  artistically  arranged  about  the  room,  some 
in  circular  form,  others  square,  so  that  a  full  view  of  them  was 
obtained. 

The  entries  in  the  cut  bloom  classes  were  not  quite  so  numerous  as  in 
some  former  years,  yet  sufficient  were  contributed  to  make  an  excellent 
display.  The  groups  lacked  nothing,  either  in  numbers  cr  individual 
quality.  Several  classes  were  provided  for  groups  of  Chrysanthemums 
apanged  for  effect,  the  principal  one  being  for  an  arrangement  in  a 
circle,  8  feet  in  diameter,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties.  Mr.  J. 
Hunt,  gardener  to  P.  B.  Drinkwater,  Esq.,  Lyncombe,  Torquay,  won  the 
premier  position,  having  dwarf  plants  of  mixed  sections,  carrying  well 
developed  blooms  and  furnished  with  good  foliage,  not  too  much 
crowded.  Mr.  J.  Hill,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  H.  Rutherford,  Red  Cliffe, 
iorqu^,  was  a  good  second.  Mr.  F.  Ferris,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Kimber, 
Esq.,  Tracey,  Cockington,  third.  In  a  smaller  class,  Mr.  W.  Satterly, 


gardener  to  Mrs.  Matthews,  Braddon  Villa,  Torquay,  won  the  first  prize 
with  a  most  creditable  display.  In  the  class  for  a  group  of  miscellaneous 
plants  arranged  for  effect,  the  tallest  plant  not  to  exceed  10  feet  high. 
Mr.  Satterley  was  an  easy  first  with  a  bright  arrangement ;  Mr.  H. 
Dammerell,  gardener  to  Lady  Macgregor,  Glencarnock,  Torquay,  second. 
Orchids  were  most  creditably  shown  by  Mr.  G.  Medland,  gardener  to 
Morton  Sparke,  Esq.,  Rooklands,  Torquay,  and  Mr.  J.  Slowman,  gardener 
to  Captain  Fane  Tucker,  Braddon  Tor,  Torquay.  Mr.  Satterley  had  the 
best  table  plants,  compact  plants  of  suitable  kinds,  well  coloured. 

Cut  blooms  were  good  in  quality  if  not  numerous.  The  principal 
class  was  for  thirty-six,  half  incurved  and  the  remainder  Japanese. 
There  was  but  one  exhibitor,  however,  in  this  class — Mr.  Foster,. 
gardener  to  H.  H.  Spencer,  Esq.,  Teignmouth,  who  was  worthily  awarded 
the  first  prize.  The  Japanese  were  heavy  fresh,  and  well  arranged. 
Col.  B.  Smith,  E.  Molyneux,  Viviand  Morel,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Spalding,  A.  H. 
Lincoln,  Vice-President  Audiguier,  and  Princess  May  were  the  most 
noteworthy.  The  incurved  were  large  and  neatly  set  up.  For  twelve 
incurved  several  good  stands  of  blooms  were  staged.  Mr.  H.  Veale, 
gardener  to  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Simms,  Wolborough  Rectory,  Newton  Abbott,, 
was  first  with  heavy  fresh  blooms.  Princess  of  Wales,  Lord  Alcester, 
Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Madame  Darrier  were  prominent.  Mr.  Foster  second. 
The  last  two  exhibitors  changed  places  in  the  next  class,  that  for  twelve 
Japanese.  Viviand  Morel,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Violet  Rose,  Mdlle.  M. 
Hoste,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Col.  W,  B.  Smith,  and  Alberic  Lunden  were 
exceedingly  meritorious.  Mr.  Veale  also  staged  well. 

Anemone  blooms  were  thoroughly  well  represented.  Mr.  Veale  was 
an  easy  first  with  six  varieties ;  Gluck,  Grand  d’ Alveole,  Mrs.  Judge  Bene¬ 
dict,  Miss  A.  Lowe,  and  Delaware  were  the  best.  For  six  reflexed,  any 
one  variety,  Mr.  J.  Slowman  showed  Cloth  of  Gold  in  really  good  con¬ 
dition,  and  took  first  prize.  Mr.  Veale  staged  Mrs.  J.  Benedict  in  the 
class  for  six  of  any  one  Anemone  variety  for  first  prize  ;  he  also  won 
first  prize  for  six  incurved,  any  one  variety,  with  compact  examples  of 
Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  for  the  same  number  Japanese,  in  one  variety,  with 
Viviand  Morel.  Mr.  Foster  was  second. 

In  the  class  for  six  single-flowered  blooms,  Mr.  Wilkinson  staged 
well  developed  blooms  of  Admiral  T.  Symonds,  Mr.  Satterley  was 
second.  Mr.  Foster  had  the  premier  Japanese  bloom,  an  almost  perfect 
one  of  Viviand  Morel,  a  similar  honour  falling  to  Mr.  Veale  in  the 
incurved  section  for  Jeanne  d’Arc.  For  distinct  for  twelve  incurved 
and  twelve  Japanese,  confined  to  the  district,  there  was  strong  competi¬ 
tion,  Messrs.  Satterley  and  Wilkinson  being  first  and  second  in  the 
order  of  their  names. 

Fruit  made  a  good  display.  Mr.  Foster  won  premier  honours  for 
black  Grapes  with  Alicante  good  in  every  respect.  Apples  and  Pears 
were  admirably  shown . 

Non-competitive  groups  were  numerous,  Messrs.  R.  Veitch  &  Son, 
Exeter,  had  a  collection  of  Orchids.  Mr.  W.  B.  Small,  Torquay,  had 
a  large  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  representing  many  of  the  newer 
kinds.  Messrs.  Curtis  &  [Sanford,  Torquay,  had  a  similar  group. 
Messrs.  W.  H.  Burridge  &  Sons  staged  a  very  attractive  group  of 
miscellaneous  flowering  and  foliage  plants  from  the  South  Devon  Fruit 
Farm,  Torquay.  Mr.  Pender  brought  excellent  Tomatoes,  Mushrooms, 
and  Gros  Colman  Grapes. 

CIRENCESTER.— November  8th  and  9th. 

This  Society  under  the  able  direction  of  the  Honorary  Secretary, 
Mr.  Frank  Sare,  assisted  by  a  good  working  Committee,  continues  to 
make  progress,  the  gardeners  well  backed  up  by  amateurs  and  cottagers, 
arranging  a  really  fine  all-round  Exhibition. 

There  w'ere  two  classes  for  groups  of  Chrysanthemums,  those 
occupying  a  space  of  63  square  feet  being  allowed  to  use  Ferns  and 
fine-foliaged  plants.  In  this  instance  Mr.  T.  Arnold,  gardener  to  Earl 
Bathurst,  Cirencester,  was  first.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr. 
W.  Lamer,  gardener  to  J.  Hyde,  Esq.  With  smaller  groups  four 
competed,  Mr.  T.  Painter,  gardener  to  C.  Green,  Esq.,  being  a  good  first  ,* 
Mr.  J.  Young,  gardener  to  W.  Warne,  Esq.,  second  ;  Mr.  J.  Rouse, 
gardener  to  J.  Mullings,  Esq.,  third  ;  and  Mr.  W.  Kirby,  gardener  to 
F.  Sare,  Esq.,  highly  commended.  Specimen  plants  were  fairly  good, 
and  with  these  the  most  successful  were  Mr.  0.  Orpet,  gardener  to 
the  Misses  Brown  ;  Mr.  G.  Bignell,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Brewin  ;  Mr. 
H.  R.  Saunders,  gardener  to  James  Taylor,  Esq.  ;  and  Mr.  W.  Ezzle, 
gardener  to  the  Rev.  G.  A.  C.  Kempson.  Cottagers  also  exhibited  quite 
a  large  number  of  well-grown  plants.  Three  gardeners  competed  with 
groups  of  miscellaneous  plants,  but  Mr.  T.  Arnold  was  very  easily  first 
Mr.  D.  Elkins  was  a  creditable  second  ;  and  Mr.  0.  Orpet  third.  Bouvardias, 
Poinsettias,  Cyclamens,  Mignonette,  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  and  table  plants 
were  all  remarkably  well  shown,  principally  by  the  gardeners  already 
named. 

Cut  blooms  were  more  numerous  and  of  superior  quality  generally 
to  what  have  previously  been  seen  at  Cirencester.  In  the  class  for 
eighteen  each  of  Japanese  and  incurved  varieties,  the  first  prize  went  to 
Mr.  G.  Price,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Bulley,  who  had  W.  H.  Lincoln,  E.  Moly¬ 
neux,  Florence  Davis,  W.  Tricker,  Miss  A.  Hartshorn,  Viviand  Morel, 
Alberic  Lunden,  Stanstead  White,  A.  H.  Neve,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Sarah 
Owen,  Sunflower,  Boule  d’Or,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Avalanche,  Golden 
Wedding,  Elaine,  and  J.  Delaux  of  Japanese  varieties,  and  large  solid 
blooms  of  incurved  Empress  of  India,  Lord  Wolseley,  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Prince  Alfred,  Lord  Alcester,  Mons.  Bahuant,  Miss  Haggas,  Princess  of 
Wales,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Violet  Tomlin,  Empress  Eugenie,  John  Salter, 
Pink  Venus,  Queen  of  England,  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Princess  Beatrice, 
Madame  Darrier,  and  Refulgens.  Mr.  D.  Elkins  was  second,  his  blooms 


November  16,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


449 


being  also  very  good.  Mr.  Price  was  again  well  first  with  twenty-four 
blooms,  twelve  each  of  Japanese  and  incurved.  Mr.  Elkins  was  second. 
For  twelve  Japanese  Mr.  Price  was  again  first,  Mr.  F.  Bxell,  gardener 
to  E.  A.  Leatham,  Misarden  Park,  being  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  Elkins 


Mr.  Elkins  was  first.  Mr.  Price  was  second  in  this  class  and  first  with 
twelve  reflexed  blooms.  The  classes  for  vases  of  Chrysanthemums  with 
Fern  fronds  was  particularly  well  filled,  several  ladies  competing. 

The  silver  medal  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  was 


third.  The  competition  in  the  class  for  six  blooms  of  any  one  Japanese 
variety  was  very  keen,  Mr.  F.  Exell  winning  the  first  prize  with  Viviand 
Morel  ;  Mr.  Price  being  second  with  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste ;  and  Mr. 
W.  Taylor  third  with  Avalanche.  With  Anemone-flowered  varieties 


awarded  to  Mr.  Arnold  for  his  admirable  group  of  Chrysanthemums, 
and  the  certificates  went  respectively  to  Mr.  G.  Bignell  for  a  fine 
specimen  plant  of  Viviand  Morel,  and  Mr.  Price  for  collection  of  cut 
blooms. 


450 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  November  16,  1893. 


Fruit  and  vegetables  were  shown,  the  prizes  being  principally  won 
by  Messrs.  Exell,  Arnold,  Price,  and  others,  whose  names  have  repeatedly 
appeared  in  this  report.  Mention  must  also  be  made  of  the  grand  bank 
of  Chrysanthemums,  and  a  variety  of  other  flowering  and  fine-foliage 
plants,  arranged,  not  for  competition,  by  Messrs.  John  Jeffries  &  Son, 
Cirencester, 

KIDDERMINSTER.— November  8th  and  9th. 

This,  the  first  annual  Exhibition  of  the  recently  formed  Kidder¬ 
minster  Chrysanthemum  Society,  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the 
above  dates  under  very  favourable  auspicies,  and  it  is  hoped,  considering 
the  patronage  afforded,  that  it  will  prove  an  annual  event.  Considering 
the  first  attempt,  the  arrangements  were  admirable,  and  well  carried  out 
by  the  very  efficient  and  hard-working  Committee. 

Not  the  least  praiseworthy  exhibits  were  the  non-competitive  groups 
of  plants  and  stands  of  blooms  which  were  set  up  by  neighbouring 
gentlemen.  Particular  mention  must  be  made  of  the  magnificent  group 
arranged  by  Mr,  T.  Poole,  gardener  to  W.  Hatton,  Esq.,  Hill  Grove  ;  also 
Mr.  W.  Farrant,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Brown-Westhead,  Lea  Castle  ;  Mr. 
J.  Kemp,  gardeaer  to  Sir  Thos.  Lea,  Bart.,  M.P.  ;  and  Mr.  C.  Lee, 
gardener  to  F.  Elkington,  Esq.  ;  likewise  the  stands  of  blooms  by  Mr. 
R,  Parker,  gardener  to  J.  Corbett,  Esq.,  Impney  Hall,  Droitwich  ; 
G.  W.  Grosvenor,  Esq.  (gardener,  Mr.  Gold)  ;  R.  B,  Martin,  Esq.,  M.P., 
and  A.  F.  Godson,  Esq.,  M.P.  Another  very  praiseworthy  non-competi¬ 
tive  exhibit  was  nine  fine  bunches  of  Grapes  set  up  by  Mr.  T.  Poole. 
These  comprised  equal  numbers  of  Mrs.  Pince,  Gros  Colman,  and  Lady 
Downe’s  ;  all  beautifully  finished. 

For  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  F.  Walters,  gardener  to  A.  Baldwin,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Wilden  House, 
Stourport.  Second,  Mr.  H.  J.  Dines,  gardener  to  W.  F.  Spencer,  Esq., 
Spring  Grove,  Bewdley.  Third,  Mr.  T.  Hooper,  gardener  to  Major 
Goodwin,  J  P.  The  next  class  was  for  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums, 
flowering  and  foliage  plants,  arranged  for  effect,  and  here  Mr.  J.  Wood- 
berry,  gardener  to  E.  C.  Newmarch,  Esq.,  The  Lakes,  was  awarded  the 
first  prize,  Mr.  W.  F.  Spencer  second,  and  Mr.  T.  Hooper  third.  One 
specimen  plant  (Japanese). — First,  Mr.  T.  Hooper  and  second  Mr.  G. 
Whikeman,  gardener  to  the  Bishop  of  Worcester. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  cut  blooms,  half  to  be  Japanese  and  half 
incurved,  Mr.  S.  Wallis,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Nash,  Severn  House,  Bewd¬ 
ley,  was  well  ahead,  he  having,  amongst  others,  good  blooms  of  Japanese, 
Sunflower,  Mdme.  E.  A.  Carriere,  Viviand  Morel,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste, 
and  Avalanche.  Second,  Mr.  T.  Hooper.  With  twelve  blooms  of  Japanese 
Mr.  D.  Thomas,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  J.  L.  Chesshire,  gained  the  premier 
award  for  a  really  beautiful  stand,  Mr.  F.  Walters  and  Mr.  T. 
Hooper  having  the  remaining  prizes.  For  twelve  blooms  of  Japanese, 
the  same  number  of  incurved,  and  also  for  six  of  each  section,  the 
prizes  were  divided  between  Mr.  J.  Smith,  Mr.  D.  Thomas,  Mr.  G. 
Whikeman,  Mr.  H.  J.  Dines,  and  F.  Walter. 

The  remaining  sections  of  the  exhibition  were  devoted  to  Primulas, 
Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Ferns  and  fruit,  this  latter  section  comprising 
good  stands  of  Grapes,  Apples,  and  Pears,  besides  honorary  exhibits  of 
fruit  and  vegetables: 

HORNSEY.— November  8th  and  9th. 

On  each  occasion  during  the  past  four  years  the  annual  Exhibition 
of  the  Hornsey  and  District  Chrysanthemum  Society  has  proved  a 
success  from  an  horticultural  point  of  view,  if  not  always  financially. 
The  same  may  be  said  of  the  Show  this  year,  which  was  held  in  the 
National  Hall,  Hornsey,  on  the  above  dates,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that 
the  returns  were  such  as  to  relieve  the  Society  from  the  slight  financial 
embarrassment  with  which  the  current  year  was  started.  Much  credit 
is  due  to  Mr.  Courtney  Page,  the  Honorary  Secretary,  and  to  Mr. 
Newman,  the  Secretary,  for  the  admirable  manner  in  which  the  exhibits 
were  arranged.  The  cut  blooms  were  remarkably  good,  as  also  were  the 
groups  and  trained  plants.  In  addition  to  these  there  were  flowers  and 
plants  from  the  gardens  of  the  President  of  the  Society,  H.  R.  Williams, 
Esq.,  J.P.,  which  assisted  much  in  forming  one  of  the  best  autumn  shows 
ever  held  in  the  district. 

The  Japanese  blooms  in  most  of  the  open  classes  were  exceptionally 
fine,  especially  those  shown  by  Mr.  E.  Rowbottom,  gardener  to  H.  R. 
Williams,  Esq.,  The  Priory,  Hornsey.  This  well-known  exhibitor  was 
in  his  best  form,  and  secured  the  first  prize  in  the  class  for  twenty-four 
Japanese.  The  flowers  staged  were  large  and  well  finished,  and  included 
Golden  Dragon,  Excelsior,  Mdlle.  Thfirese  Rey  (grand).  President  Borel, 
Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson,  Vice-President  Audiguier,  a  seedling  named 
Hoar  Frost,  Van  der  Heede,  Kentish  Yellow,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Primrose 
League,  W.  Seward,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Viviand 
Morel,  C.  Shrimpton,  Mr.  E.  Whittle,  Lord  Brooke,  Florence  Davis, 
Gloire  du  Rocher,  Alberic  Lunden,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  and  Sunflower.  A 
certificate  was  granted  to  Mr.  Rowbottom  in  addition  to  the  first  prize. 
Mr.  J.  Brookes,  Highgate,  was  second  with  a  stand  of  good  blooms. 
Mr.  A.  Bonyard,  85,  Fairfax  Road,  Hornsey,  secured  the  special  prize 
open  to  amateurs  for  eighteen  blooms  of  Japanese,  incurved,  and  reflexed 
varieties.  Mr.  W.  Lester  was  second,  and  Mr.  B.  R.  Durrant  third.  Mr. 
Sears,  Gordon  Road,  Hornsey,  won  another  prize  given  by  the  President. 
Mr.  W.  Northormer,  23,  Wolsely  Road,  Crouch  End,  secured  the  silver 
cup  given  by  Messrs.  VV.  Wood  &  Sons,  of  Wood  Green,  for  eighteen 
Japanese  blooms,  showing  these  in  splendid  condition. 

The  class  for  twelve  incurved  blooms  brought  forth  a  good  competi¬ 
tion.  Mr.  J.  C.  Turk,  gardener  to  F.  Boney,  Esq.,  Cholmelly  Lodge, 
Highgate,  secured  the  first  prize  with  a  stand  of  neat  blooms.  The 


varieties  shown  were  Lord  Wolseley,  Princess  of  Wales,  Madame 
F.  Mistral,  Mrs.  Heale,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Violet  Tomlin, 
Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Refulgens,  Baron  Hirsch,  White  Beverley,  and 
Madame  Darrier.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Rowbottom,  who  had 
much  larger  flowers  than  those  in  the  leading  stand,  but  they  were 
rather  rough.  There  were,  however,  fine  examples  of  Baron  Hirsch, 
Madame  Darrier,  and  Jeanne  d’Arc  included  in  the  stand.  Mr.  G.  Amos, 
gardener  to  W.  Lister,  Esq.,  Ladywell,  Hornsey,  was  third.  Mr.  Row- 
bottom  had  the  best  six  blooms  of  one  incurved  variety,  showing 
Madame  Darrier.  Mr.  J.  Brooks  followed  with  the  same  variety,  and 
Mr.  E.  Jones  was  third  with  neat  examples  of  Mrs.  Geo.  Rundle. 

Mr.  Turk  was  placed  first  for  a  stand  of  thirty-six  Pompons,  twelve 
varieties,  three  blooms  of  each.  The  flowers  staged  were  remarkably  good, 
especially  Black  Douglas,  Comte  de  Morny,  and  Nellie  Rainford.  Mr, 
E.  Rowbottom  was  a  good  second  with  fine  blooms.  Mr.  Rowbottom  was 
first  with  six  Japs,  showing  magnificent  blooms  of  Col.  W.  B.  Smith. 
Mr.  J.  Brookes  was  second  with  good  blooms  of  Avalanche,  Mr.  E.  Jones 
following  with  Viviand  Morel.  The  class  for  twelve  Japanese  brought 
forth  a  good  competition,  the  first  prize,  however,  falling  to  Mr.  Row- 
bottom,  who  was  followed  by  Messrs.  T.  L.  Turk  and  W.  Northover,  all 
staging  fine  blooms.  The  same  exhibitors  were  placed  first,  second,  and 
third  respectively  in  the  class  for  eighteen  blooms,  the  prizes  being  given 
by  Mrs.  Williams.  Mr.  Rowbottom  also  gained  the  first  prize  in  a 
special  class  for  twelve  large  Anemone  flowered  varieties,  staging  these 
in  fine  condition.  Mr.  G.  Amos  was  second.  In  the  amateurs’  and 
cottagers’  sections  the  cut  blooms  were  very  good,  and  reflected  credit 
upon  the  growers,  Mr.  J.  Newman,  28,  St.  Joseph’s  Road,  Hornsey, 
secured  several  prizes,  including  a  first  for  Pompons,  and  for  which  also 
a  certificate  was  awarded. 

Groups  and  trained  plants  were  well  represented.  For  the  best 
group  ol  Chrysanthemums  arranged  for  effect,  Mr.  E.  Rowbottom  was 
placed  first  with  an  excellent  collection  of  well  grown  plants. 
Mr.  G.  Amos  was  second  with  a  creditable  arrangement.  In  another 
class  for  a  group,  Messrs.  Sears,  Durrant,  and  Courtney  Page  secured 
the  prizes.  Mr.  J.  Brookes  had  the  best  four  trained  plants,  these  being 
fine  specimens  and  well  flowered.  A  certificate  was  also  awarded  for 
this  exhibit.  Mr.  B.  R.  Durrant  was  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Amos  third. 
Mr.  Brookes  likewise  succeeded  in  gaining  the  special  prize  given  by 
Mr.  C.  W.  Cousins  of  Wood  Green  for  two  trained  specimens.  Table 
plants.  Primulas,  and  bouquets  of  Chrysanthemums  were  well  shown 
by  Messrs.  E.  Rowbottom,  J.  Brookes,  G.  Amos,  and  W.  Wilkinson. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  included  a  group  of  plants  from  Mr.  A. 
M  Gregor,  Prospect  Nursery,  Turnpike  Lane,  Hornsey,  who  also  had  a 
number  of  tastefully  made  bouquets  and  wreaths,  which  formed  quite 
a  feature  in  the  Show, 

Fruit  and  vegetables  were  extensively  shown  in  various  classes,  as 
also  were  bouquets  and  floral  decorations,  but  want  of  space  precludes 
further  mention. 

BATH. — November  8th  and  9th. 

This  Show  was  held  under  rather  more  favourable  circumstances  as 
regards  the  weather  than  usual,  and  was  better  attended  accordingly. 
With  the  exception  of  trained  specimens  the  display  was  well  up  to  the 
high  standard  always  maintained  at  Bath, 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  a  great  feature,  the  competition 
being  very  keen  and  close.  Mr,  W.  Davis,  gardener  to  S.  P.  Budd,  Esq., 
Bath,  was  placed  first,  his  group  being  remarkably  well  finished.  There 
were  also  fine  flowers  in  the  banks  formed  by  Mr,  Kerslake,  gardener  to 
the  Rev.  E.  Handley,  and  Mr.  Southard,  gardener  to  W.  J.  Brown,  Esq., 
who  were  respectively  second  and  third.  This  year,  for  the  first  time, 
prizes  were  offered  for  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  with  foliage  plants 
and  Ferns,  and  in  this  instance  Mr.  T.  J.  Tate,  gardener  to  W.  Pumphrey, 
Esq.,  was  first,  his  arrangement  being  less  formal  and  more  attractive 
than  that  which  gained  R.  B.  Cater,  Esq.,  the  second  prize.  Messrs.  J. 
Southard,  Charles  Lee,  T.  J.  Tate,  and  J.  West  were  among  the  most 
successful  with  trained  plants,  but  these,  as  before  stated,  were  not  good. 
Miscellaneous  plants  were  well  shown  by  R.  B.  Cater,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  W. 
Bergren,  and  ornamental  foliaged  plants  by  Messrs.  E.  S.  Cole  &  Sons 
and  J.  T.  Holmes,  Esq.  Orchids  were  remarkably  good  for  the  time  of 
year,  the  first  prize  for  a  group  shown  by  J.  T.  Holmes,  Esq.  Mr.  R.  B, 
Cater  was  a  good  second.  Table  plants  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  W, 
Strugnell,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Long,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Rood  Ashton,  and  Mr. 
T.  J.  Tate.  There  was  a  good  display  of  Primulas,  Cyclamens,  and 
Bouvardias. 

Cut  blooms  may  fairly  be  said  to  have  well  saved  the  reputation  of 
the  Show.  In  every  class  the  competition  was  very  close  and  good,  the 
Judges  having  a  most  difficult  matter  to  decide  which  should  have  the 
prizes.  In  the  premier  class,  that  for  twenty-four  Japanese  varieties, 
distinct,  Mr.  J.  Aplin,  gardener  to  W.  M.  Baker,  Esq.,  Gloucester,  was 
first,  having  massive  and  fresh  blooms  of  Alberic  Lunden,  Avalanche, 
D.  B.  Crane,  Sunflower,  Excelsior,  E.  Molyneux,  Ruth  Cleveland, 
Primrose  League,  Charles  Davis,  Mons.  Henri  Robert,  White  Louis 
Boehmer,  W.  Seward,  Viviand  Morel,  Edward  Beckett,  Mrs.  C.  W. 
Wheeler,  Robert  Owen,  A.  H.  Lincoln,  A.  H.  Neve,  Kate  Mursell,  Prefect 
Robert,  Gloire  de  Rocher,  and  W.  Tricker.  Mr.  P.  Mann,  gardener  to 
W.  H.  Laverton,  Esq.,  Westbury,  was  awarded  the  second  prize.  Mr. 
Robinson,  gardener  to  Lord  Justice  Lopes,  Westbury,  took  the  third 
prize.  In  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese  varieties  Mr.  P.  Mann  was  first, 
having  fine  blooms  of  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  F.  W.  Flight, 
M.  E.  A.  Carriere,  A.  H.  Lincoln,  Condor,  Excelsior,  Princess  May, 
Sunflower,  Mrs.  C.  W.  Wheeler,  Viviand  Morel,  and  Col.  Smith.  Mr. 


NoTember  16,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


461 


Kobinson  wa8  a  good  second,  and  Mr,  W.  Strugnell  a  creditable 
third.  The  best  six  varieties  were  shown  by  Mr.  W.  Follen,  gardener  to 
J.  D.  Willis,  Esq. ;  Mr.  Tucker,  gardener  to  Major  Clarke,  being  second, 
and  Mr.  Tickle,  gardener  to  T.  Carr,  Esq.,  third. 

The  competition  with  large  flowering  Chrysanthemums  was  not  quite 
so  strong  as  in  the  foregoing  classes,  though  better  than  at  one  time 
anticipated.  Mr.  J.  Aplin  was  well  first  for  twenty-four  varieties, 
staging  fresh  and  fairly  massive  blooms  of  Lord  Alcester,  Mons.  Bahuant, 
Mrs.  Robinson  King,  Empress  of  India,  John  Lambert,  Princess  of 
Teck,  Camille  Flammarion,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Clibran,  Matthew 
Russell,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  John  Salter,  Miss  B.  Wilson,  Queen 
of  England,  Lord  Wolseley,  Golden  Empress,  Miss  Haggas,  Madame 
Harrier,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Lady  Dorothy,  Mrs.  N.  Davis,  Empress  Eugenie, 
Florence  McDonald,  and  Nil  Desperandum.  The  second  prize  was  well 
won  by  Mr.  G.  H.  Copp,  gardener  to  W.  G.  S.  Erie  Drax,  Esq., 
Sherborne,  and  Mr.  Robinson  was  third .  For  twelve  varieties  Mr.  J.  H. 
Copp  was  first,  John  Salter,  Mons.  Bahuant,  Nil  Desperandum,  and  Mrs. 
Robinson  King  being  the  best  in  his  stand.  Mr.  P.  Mann  followed 
closely,  while  the  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  W.  Marsh,  gardener  to 
T.  P.  W.  Butt,  Esq.  Mr.  W.  Follen  was  first,  Mr.  Tucker  second,  and 
Mr.  G.  Pymm,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Gouldsmith,  third,  for  six  varieties. 

The  best  Anemone-flowered  varieties  were  shown  by  Mr.  Robinson, 
the  second  prize  going  to  Mr.  Aplin.  The  former  was  also  awarded  a 
first  prize  for  six  new  varieties  sent  out  since  1889,  winning  with 
W.  K.  Woodcock,  J.  S.  Dibben,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Viviand  Morel, 
and  Mrs.  Nisbet,  Mr.  P.  Mann  was  second.  Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Maiden¬ 
head,  staged  twelve  new  Japanese  varieties  that  have  been  duly  certifi¬ 
cated,  but  were  not  shown  at  their  best  or  sufficiently  large  to  judge  of 
their  merits.  They  consisted  of  Thomas  Hewett,  R.  Dean,  Mr.  G.  B. 
Darby,  Thomas  Wilkins,  Rose  Wynne,  W.  H.  Fowler,  Duke  of  York, 
Charles  Davis,  Viscountess  Hambledon,and  Etna.  The  champion  bloom 
in  the  Show  was  found  in  a  perfect  flower  of  incurved  Mrs.  Robinson 
King,  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Aplin. 

Fruit,  as  usual,  was  extensively  shown,  and  of  excellent  quality. 
For  a  collection  of  six  dishes,  Mr.  W.  Nash,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of 
Beaufort,  Badminton,  was  well  first,  Mr.  Pymm  was  second  ;  and  Mr. 
J.  Gibson,  gardener  to  Earl  Cowley,  Chippenham,  third.  Mr.  W.  Taylor 
was  first  for  four  bunches  of  Grapes  in  two  varieties.  Other  Grapes  of 
high  finish  were  well  shown  by  Miss  Marriott,  Mr.  Taylor,  and  Mr. 
Nash.  Apples  were  remarkable  for  their  size  and  rich  colouring,  and 
Pears  were  also  good.  Among  the  prizewinners  were  Messrs.  Hall, 
Strugnell,  Garraway,  Dunn,  Leeson,  and  H.  Taylor. 

BOURNEMOUTH. — November  8th  and  9th. 

The  seventh  Exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  in  the  Winter  Gar¬ 
dens,  and  a  more  suitable  place  for  the  purpose  could  scarcely  be  found. 
The  space  was  again  taxed  severely,  several  good  groups  being  arranged 
around  the  sides,  while  the  cut  flowers  were  plentiful.  Fruit  and 
vegetables  were  also  there  in  abundance.  In  the  cut  bloom  section  the 
principal  attraction  was  in  the  class  for  thirty-six  (eighteen  Japanese 
and  eighteen  incurved) ;  first  prize  a  silver  challenge  cup,  value 
£10  10s.,  to  become  the  absolute  property  of  any  exhibitor  winning  it 
twice,  with  money  prizes  added.  Mr.  N.  Molyneux,  gardener  to  J.  Car¬ 
penter,  Esq.,  Rooksbury  Park,  Wiltshire,  was  well  ahead  of  the  other 
competitors  with  the  following  collection.' — Viviand  Morel,  G.  C. 
Schwabe,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  President  Borel,  Lord 
Brooke,  Viviand  Morel,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Charles  Davis  (the  finest  bloom 
we  have  seen  exhibited  this  season),  Alberic  Lunden,  Etoile  de  Lyon 
and  Gloire  du  Rocher.  Incurved  included  Queen  of  England,  Lord 
Alcester,  Golden  Empress,  Empress  of  India,  Beauty,  Mrs.  Robinson 
King,  John  Lambert,  John  Lambert  and  Miss  Haggas.  His  collection 
was  in  splendid  condition,  being  large  and  well  finished.  Mr.  Thos. 
Wilkins  .gardener  to  Lady  Theodora  Guest,  Henstridge,  was  placed 
second,  and  Mr.  G.  W.  Taylor,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Elphinstone,  third. 

For  twelve  Japanese  Mr.  Wilkins  was  awarded  first  honours  with 
Viviand  Morel,  Colonel  W.  B,  Smith,  H.  H.  Neve,  Gloire  du  Rocher, 
Edwin  Molyneux,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Fogg,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Florence  Davis, 
Excelsior,  Sunflower,  Val  d’Andorre,  and  Condor.  Mr.  Taylor  was  second, 
and  Mr.  Grace,  gardener  to  W.  R.  Neave,  Esq.,  third,  all  showing  well. 
In  the  corresponding  class  for  twelve  incurved  blooms  Messrs.  Molyneux, 
Taylor,  and  Grace  shared  the  honours  in  the  order  of  their  names. 
Anemones  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  Grace,  who  secured  the  first  position  ; 
and  Mr.  Phillips,  gardener  to  T.  J.  Hamkinson,  Esq.,  the  second. 

Reflexed  blooms  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  Woolford,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Trevor  Goff,  Lymington,  and  Mr.  T.  Head,  gardener  to  Mrs.  C.  Stuart, 
Christchurch,  who  were  placed  first  and  second  respectively.  Mr.  Wood¬ 
ford’s  collection  consisted  of  Amy  Furze,  Christine  in  all  the  varieties 
(Golden,  White,  Pink,  and  Peach),  King  of  the  Crimsons,  Chevalier 
Homage,  and  Cullingfordi ;  these  were  all  well  finished.  The  finest 
Japanese  bloom  was  shown  by  Mr.  Ingram,  and  it  was  a  glorious  flower 
of  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy.  The  now  well  known  Viviand  Morel  secured 
the  second  and  third  positions. 

In  one  class  for  groups  of  60  feet,  Mr.  T.  K.  Ingram,  Parkstone,  was  a 
splendid  first,  well  arranged,  bright,  and  dwarf.  In  another  class  for 
50  square  feet,  Mr.  Eldridge,  gardener  to  G.  W.  Young,  Esq.,  obtained  the 
premier  position.  Mr.  G.  Scretch,  gardener  to  the  Misses  Evans,  was 
awarded  the  second  prize.  Mr.  G.  J.  Fenwick  was  a  good  third.  For 
a  40  square  feet  group  Mr.  Charles  Brampton,  the  Rev.  J.  Rodgers,  and 
Mrs.  Squires  were  placed  in  the  order  of  their  names  ;  and  for  one 
30  square  feet  the  awards  fell  to  Mr.  T.  W.  Tharle,  Mr.  Frank  Hardy, 


and  W.  H.  Mate,  who  were  placed  first,  second,  and  third  respectively, 
all  exhibiting  grandly. 

Fruit,  vegetables,  dinner-table  plants,  epergnes,  bouquets,  shoulder 
sprays,  buttonholes,  and  honey,  all  in  their  separate  classes,  well 
contested,  and  made  a  large  and  attractive  display.  The  Show  was 
patronised  by  a  large  and  fashionable  assembly.  Mr.  Spong,  the  zealous 
Secretary,  Mr.  Swaffield,  the  Treasurer,  and  Dr.  Hitchcock,  the  Referee, 
and  others  of  the  Executive  laboured  hard  to  make  it  a  success,  and 
their  efforts  were  rewarded. 

WEYBRIDGE. — November  9th. 

The  nineteenth  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Weybridge  and  District 
Chrysanthemum  Society  was  held  on  the  above  date.  Though  not  large 
the  Show  was  a  highly  meritorious  one,  the  cut  blooms  especially  being 
of  splendid  quality.  Taken  as  a  whole  the  Show  was  a  slight  improve¬ 
ment  on  its  predecessors,  due  probably  to  the  energetic  action  of  Mr. 
G.  Masters,  the  Secretary,  and  to  the  Show  Committee,  by  whom  the 
arrangements  were  carried  out  in  a  praiseworthy  manner. 

The  principal  class  was  for  forty-eight  blooms,  to  include  twenty-four 
Japanese  and  twenty-four  incurved,  in  not  less  than  thirty-six  distinct 
varieties.  There  were  three  competitors,  Mr.  Carpenter,  gardener  to 
Major  Collis  Browne,  Byfleet,  proving  an  excellent  first.  The  blooms 
staged  were  fresh,  clean,  and  weighty,  amongst  the  best  being  Mrs. 
Harman  Payne,  Viviand  Morel,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith, 
William  Seward,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Sunflower,  Excelsior,  Lord  Brooke, 
John  Doughty,  Queen  of  England,  Baron  Hirsch,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Madame  Darrier,  Alfred  Salter,  Mrs.  G.  Coleman,  Lord  Alcester,  and 
Alfred  Lyne,  Mr.  J.  Quartermain,  gardener  to  C.  E.  Smith,  Esq., 
Cobham,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Cook,  gardener  to  J.  S.  Sassoon,  Esq., 
Walton,  third.  In  the  class  for  thirty-six  flowers,  eighteen  Japanese  and 
eighteen  incurved,  Mr.  J.  Hopkins,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Woodderman, 
Walton,  was  placed  first,  thereby  winning  the  silver  cup.  The  blooms 
shown  were  magnificent,  amongst  the  best  being  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Col. 
W.  B.  Smith,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Sunflower,  Viviand  Morel,  John  Doughty, 
Baron  Hirsch,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Empress  of  India.  Mr.  Quartermain 
was  a  close  second  with  handsome  examples  ;  Mr.  Caryer,  gardener  to 
A.  G.  Meissuer,  Weybridge,  being  third. 

Mr.  Felgate,  gardener  to  the  Duchess  of  Wellington,  Hersham,  was 
first  for  twelve  incurved  blooms,  distinct,  showing  fine  examples  of 
Queen  of  England,  Empress  of  India,  Alfred  Salter,  Princess  of  Wales, 
and  Violet  Tomlin  (superb)  amongst  others.  Messrs.  Caryer  and  Hopkins 
were  second  and  third  in  the  order  of  their  names.  There  were  six 
competitors  for  twelve  Japs,  distinct,  the  stands  staged  being  very 
fine  throughout.  Mr.  R.  Ridge,  gardener  to  Swifton  Eady,  Esq., 
Weybridge,  was  a  splendid  first,  Mr.  Caryer  being  a  close  second,  and 
Mr.  Hopkins  third.  For  six  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  Swan,  gardener  to 
G.  Murray  Smith,  Esq.,  Weybridge,  was  first,  closely  followed  by  Mr. 
Pagran,  gardener  to  A.  F.  Hobhouse,  Esq.,  Weybridge,  second,  and  Mr. 
Cheesman,  gardener  to  — Riddell,  Esq.,  Walton,  third.  Mr.  Thorne, 
gardener  to  A.  E.  Flood,  Esq.,  Walton,  took  the  premier  position  for  six 
incurved,  distinct ;  Mr.  Cawte,  gardener  to  H.  Preston  Thomas,  Esq., 
Weybridge,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Cheesman  third.  For  six  incurved, 
one  variety,  Mr.  Hopkins  was  first  with  Violet  Tomlin  in  magnificent 
form,  Mr.  Felgate  being  second  with  the  same  variety,  Mr.  Ridge  being 
third  with  M.  P.  Martignat.  Mr.  Stedman  was  first  with  Sunflower  in 
the  class  for  six  Japs,  one  variety,  Mr.  Felgate  being  second,  and  Mr. 
Ridge  third .  For  twelve  reflexed  blooms  Mr.  Pagran  was  accorded  the 
premier  position,  Messrs.  Caryer  and  Felgate  being  second  and  third 
as  named,  Mr.  Cawte,  the  only  competitor  in  the  class  for  twelve 
Anemone  Pompons,  and  was  deservedly  awarded  the  first  prize.  There 
were  two  competitors  for  six  specimen  plants,  dwarf  trained,  Mr. 
Cawte  being  placed  first,  closely  followed  by  Mr.  Swan. 

Bouquets  were  shown  in  great  numbers,  and  in  the  one  to  which 
the  premier  award  was  given  the  arrangement  was  charming,  perfect 
taste  having  been  shown  in  the  placing  of  the  flowers  by  Mrs.  Flood. 
Fruit  was  largely  shown.  Apples  and  Pears  being  splendid.  Mr.  Davies, 
gardener  to  G.  Churchill,  Esq.,  Weybridge,  arranged  a  stand  of  forty- 
eight  grand  blooms  not  for  competition. 

WESTON-SUPER-MARE. — November  9th. 

All  things  considered  this  Show  was  the  best  of  the  series  of  nine 
exhibitions  that  have  been  hell  in  the  above  mentioned  town.  Mr. 
Vanes  is  the  Hon.  Secretary,  and  no  fault  could  well  be  found  with 
the  way  in  which  he  and  the  Committee  do  their  work. 

Specimen  plants  are  particularly  well  grown  in  this  neighbourhood. 
The  first  prize  for  four  large  flowering  varieties  was  won  by  Messrs. 
Brooks  &  Son,  Weston-super-Mare.  Mr.  W.  Daffurn,  gardener  to 
Donald  Cox,  was  second  with  somewhat  smaller  but  remarkably  well 
grown  plants  ;  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr.  C.  Holland,  gardener  to 
W.  Ash,  Esq.,  who  also  had  fine  plants.  In  the  corresponding  class  for 
Japanese  varieties  Mr.  C.  Holland  was  first,  Messrs.  W.  Brooks  &  Son 
were  a  very  close  second,  and  Mr.  Daffurn  third.  For  a  single  specimen 
Mr.  Holland  was  first  for  a  grand  plant  of  Mrs.  Rundle,  6  feet  through, 
and  well  flowered  ;  Messrs.  Brooks  &  Son  being  second,  and  Mr.  Daffurn 
third.  The  last  named  took  a  first  prize  for  standards,  Mr.  Holland 
following  with  plants  only  slightly  inferior.  There  were  several  other 
classes  for  trained  plants,  but  mention  can  only  be  made  of  the  very 
fine  Pompons  shown  by  Messrs,  Brooks  &  Son.  Mr.  C.  Holland  also 
had  remarkably  good  Pompons,  his  plants  being  only  a  little  smaller. 
Prizes  were  also  provided  for  untrained  plants  of  Japanese,  incurved,  and 
I  large  flowered  varieties,  but  the  results  were  not  altogether  satisfactory. 


452 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Noyember  16,  1893. 


Messrs.  H.  Lambert,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  W.  W.  Aldridge,  W.  Treble, 
gardener  to  T.  Mullins,  Esq.  ;  and  F.  Blackmore,  were  among  the  most 
successful  exhibitors  of  these. 

The  groups  were  very  much  better  than  usual,  and  were  quite  a 
feature.  Mr.  H.  \V.  Whitehead,  gardener  to  R.  W.  Gibbs,  Esq.,  arranged  an 
admirable  group.  Mr.  Summerhayes,  gardener  to  H.  Pethick,  Esq.,  was 
second,  Mr.  F.  Williams,  gardener  to  R.  Cox,  Esq.,  being  third  with  a 
group  that  would  have  been  well  first  in  previous  years.  Three  good 
groups  of  miscellaneous  plants  were  shown,  Messrs.  Brooks  &  Son  being 
first,  Mr.  Daffurn  second,  and  Mr.  Summerhayes  third.  Table  plants. 
Primulas,  and  such  like  were  also  shown  in  good  style. 

Cut  blooms  occupied  the  best  part  of  two  long  tables,  and  but  few 
inferior  fiowers  were  seen.  The  first  prize  for  twenty-four  incurved 
blooms,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties,  was  well  won  by  Mr.  J.  Lloyd, 
gardener  to  Vincent  Stuckey,  Esq.,  Langport,  who  had  Lord  Alcester, 
Alfred  Salter,  Empress  of  India,  Golden  Empress,  Mons.  Bahuant, 
Jeanne  d’Arc,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs.  Heale,  Lord  Wolseley, 
Jardin  des  Plantes,  Miss  Haggas,  Mrs.  N.  Davis,  Violet  Tomlin,  Lady 
Dorothy,  Cherub,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  and  Princess  Beatrice,  all 
in  good  condition.  Messrs.  W.  Brooks  &  Son  were  second.  With  twelve 
incurved  varieties  Mr.  J.  Atwell,  gardener  to  J.  B.  Bain,  Esq.,  Clifton, 
was  first,  some  of  his  best  being  Mr.  Brunlees,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Baron 
Hirsch,  Novelty,  Violet  Tomlin,  and  Lord  Wolseley.  Mr,  G.  W.  Deake, 
Cardiff,  was  second  ;  while  for  six  varieties  Mr.  A,  Currey,  gardener  to 
C.  Bailey,  Esq.,  Frome,  was  first,  and  Mr.  G.  Sutton,  gardener  to  W.  A. 
Todd,  Esq.,  second.  The  best  twenty-four  Japanese  varieties  were 
shown  by  Mr.  J.  Lloyd,  who  had  fine  fresh  blooms  of  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
E.  Molyneux,  R.  George,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Vice- 
President  Audiguier,  W.  W,  Coles,  W,  H.  Lincoln,  Excelsior,  Florence 
Davis,  R.  Owen,  Madame  Appuis,  G.  Daniels,  Madame  Picard,  Prefect 
Roberts,  C.  Davis,  Viviand  Morel,  Ralph  Brocklebank,  J.  S.  Schwabe, 
President  Borel,  Beauty  of  Castlewood,Miss  A.  Hartshorn, Louis  Boehmer, 
Sunflower.  Mr,  Deake  was  second,  and  Messrs.  Brooks  &  Son  third. 
Mr.  Daffurn  was  first  for  twelve  varieties.  Mr.  A.  Curry  and  Mr.  J. 
Atwell  were  placed  equal  second.  The  first  prize  for  six  varieties  went 
to  Mr.  J.  Marshall,  gardener  to  J.  Dole,  Esq,,  Clifton,  Mr  G.  Sutton, 
gardener  to  W.  A.  Todd,  Esq.,  being  a  close  second.  Mr.  Daffurn  had 
the  best  reflexed  varieties,  and  Mr.  Atwell  took  the  second  prize. 

The  bouquets  of  Chrysanthemums  and  Fern  fronds  were  particularly 
attractive,  that  which  gained  Messrs.  Brooks  &  Son  the  premier  prize 
being  really  beautiful,  Mr.  J.  H.  Deaske  was  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Curry 
third.  Messrs.  Brooks  &  Son  were  also  the  most  successful  with  other 
bouquets,  vases,  and  baskets  of  flowers ;  this  firm  also  showing  a 
magnificent  cross  not  for  competition. 

The  show  of  fruit  was  good.  Mr.  J.  Marshall  was  first  for  excellent 
Alicante  Grapes,  Mr.  Daffurn  being  second ;  while  in  the  any  other 
Black  class  Mr.  Daffurn  was  first  for  grand  bunches  of  Gros  Guillaume, 
Mr.  Curry  being  second  with  Mrs.  Pince’s  Muscat  in  good  condition. 
The  best  Muscats  were  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Marshall,  Mr.  J.  Atwell  being  a 
close  second.  Messrs,  Daffurn,  F.  Williams,  and  W.  Summerhayes  were 
among  the  most  successful  in  the  Apple  and  Pear  classes. 

BIRKENHEAD  AND  WIRRAL. — November  9th. 

The  seventh  annual  Exhibition  of  the  above  Society  was  held  on  the 
above  date,  and  although  the  competition  in  some  of  the  larger  classes 
was  not  so  good  as  one  would  have  liked,  yet  everything  staged  was  of 
high  quality.  The  arrangements  were  admirable,  and  every  exhibit  could 
be  seen  to  proper  advantage. 

In  the  class  for  eighteen  Japanese  blcoms  Mr.  T.  Ransom,  gardener 
to  H.  R.  Rodger,  Esq.,  Spital,  was  first,  staging  in  the  back  row  magni¬ 
ficent  blooms  of  Mrs,  C.  H.  Payne,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  W.  H.  Lincoln, 
E.  Molyneux,  Marie  Hoste,  Viviand  Morel.  Second  row:  Wm.  Seward, 
Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Louis  Boehmer  (very  fine),  Beauty 
of  Castle  Hill,  Col.  W.  B,  Smith.  Front  row  :  Florence  Davis,  Sunflower, 
J.  Shrimpton,  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn,  Chas.  Davis,  and  L’Enfant  des 
Mondes  (splendid).  The  second  honours  went  to  Mr.  J.  Trelford,  gardener 
toC.  Gatehouse,  Esq.,  Noctorum.  Mr,  J.  Williams,  gardener  to  C.  J. 
Proctor,  Esq.,  Noctorum,  was  third  with  a  stand  of  bright  coloured  smaller 
flowers.  For  twelve  Japanese  Mr.  H.  Howard,  gardener  to  A.  S, 
Mather,  Esq.,  Beechwood,  Woolton,  put  up  a  splendid  stand,  the  best 
being  Chas,  Davis,  Marie  Hoste,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Col.  Smith. 
Mr.  J.  Pink,  gardener  to  J.  T  Sealby,  Esq.,  was  a  very  fair  second. 

For  eighteen  incurved  Mr.  T.  Ransom  was  the  only  exhibitor,  but 
his  stand  was  well  worthy  the  first  prize  awarded.  Very  fine  indeed 
were  his  blooms  of  Robert  Cannell,  Emily  Dale,  Mons.  R,  Bahuant, 
Jeanne  d’Arc,  Prince  Alfred,  Mrs.  Coleman,  and  Princess  Beatrice. 
For  twelve  incurved  Mr.  H.  Howard  showed  in  fine  form  Mens.  R. 
Bahuant,  Emily  Dale,  Baron  Hirsch,  Violet  Tomlin,  Mrs.  Coleman,  and 
Jeanne  d’Arc.  Mr.  J.  Trelford  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Williams  third. 
In  the  local  class  for  twelve  Japanese  Mr.  Ransom  repeated  his  successes  ; 
Mr.  J.  Pink  was  second,  Mr.  J.  Williams  third.  The  same  exhibitor  was 
again  first  in  the  class  for  twelve  incurved.  For  six  Japanese  Mr. 
J.  Bradshaw,  gardener  to  C,  W.  Pitt  Taylor,  Rock  Ferry,  put  up  special 
stand.  Mr.  W.  Thomas,  gardener  to  G.  E.  Grayson,  Esq.,  was  first  for 
six  incurved  Lord  Wolseley.  For  six  incurved  and  six  Japanese,  open 
to  those  who  employ  one  gardener,  the  prizes  were  taken  respectively 
by  Messrs.  Jos.  Hay,  gardener  to  E.  C.  Thin,  Esq.,  Oxton,  and  Mrs.  Leete, 
Oxton,  Messrs.  R.  R.  and  J.  H.  Anderson  taking  honours  for  six  blooms  in 
the  class  for  those  who  do  not  employ  a  gardener.  In  the  class  for  those 
who  have  never  won  a  prize  at  the  show  Mr.  J.  Cubbon,  gardener  to 


G.  E.  Moses,  Esq.,  Higher  Bebington,  had  a  good  stand,  and  Mr.  H. 
Holford,  gardener  to  C.  Maciver,  Esq.,  Heswall,  coming  in  second. 

The  groups  were  much  superior  to  those  seen  at  Liverpool  on  the 
previous  Tuesday.  The  leading  honours  went  to  Mr.  A.  Price,  gardener 
to  F.  Jevons,  Esq.,  Claughton  ;  Mr.  A.  Brown,  gardener  to  Geo.  Webster, 
Esq.,  Upton,  being  placed  second.  For  three  vases  of  Chrysanthemums 
arranged  for  effect  Mr.  J.  Williams  had  no  difficulty  in  securing  the 
award.  Primulas  and  Cyclamen  were  good,  as  were  also  Mignonette 
and  table  plants,  the  prizes  going  respectively  to  Mr.  J.  W.  Totty, 
gardener  to  W.  Laird,  Esq.,  Birkenhead  ;  Mr.  W.  Thomas,  Mr.  A.  Price, 
Rev.  Canon  Robin,  and  Mr.  A.  Brown.  Bouquets  did  not  call  for  special 
comment,  being  much  under  the  average  in  every  instance  as  regards 
arrangement  and  colouring. 

Fruit  and  vegetables  were  grand,  the  black  Grapes  being  in  every 
way  superior  to  those  at  Liverpool.  Awards  of  merit  were  granted  to 
Messrs.  Dickson,  Limited,  Chester,  who  had  a  table  containing  a  general 
collection  of  fruit  gathered  from  young  trees  in  the  nurseries,  very 
attractive.  Also  to  Mr.  Henderson,  Oxton  Hill,  Birkenhead,  for  plants 
and  blooms  ;  and  to  Mr.  Bradshaw  for  miscellaneous  plants. 

GLOUCESTER.— November  9th  and  10th. 

This  annual  Show  was  again  held  in  the  Corn  Exchange,  and  was  a 
decided  improvement  on  the  past  few  years.  Mr  J.  Aplin,  gardener  to 
W.  M.  Baker,  Esq.,  was  the  most  successful  exhibitor  of  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  taking  first  honours  for  a  well-arranged  group  of  healthy  well 
bloomed  plants,  and  also  premier  honours  for  forty-eight  cut  blooms, 
thirty-six  Japanese  and  twelve  incurved,  thus  repeating  his  Bath  suc¬ 
cesses  of  the  previous  day.  The  back  row  was  composed  as  follows  : — 
W.  Tricker,  W.  H. Lincoln,  W.  Seward,  Gloriosum,  Mdlle.  M.  Hoste,  Viviand 
Morel,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Avalanche,  Perfet  Robert,  Stanstead  White, 
W.  G.  Drover,  W.  Woodcock.  Second  row  :  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Ex¬ 
celsior,  Geo.  Atkinson,  Charles  Davis,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Sunflower,  White 
Louis  Boehmer,  Baronne  de  Frailly,  Mrs.  C.  Wheeler,  Amos  Perry, 
Gambetta,  Mrs.  A.  H.  Neve.  Front  row  :  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Comte  de  Ger- 
miny,  John  Dyer,  Ruth  Cleveland,  Fimbriatum  Japona'se,  Thunberg, 
Stanstead  Surprise,  Mrs.  W.  Clarke,  Eynsford  White,  Florence  Davis, 
B.  D.  Crane.  Incurved  :  Lord  Wolseley,  Queen  of  England,  Lady 
Dorothy,  Empress  of  India,  Miss  Haggas,  Prince  Alfred,  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Violet  Tomlin,  Beauty,  Mr.  Bunn,  and  Flora  Macdonald.  Mr. 
Wheeler,  Blackmore  Park,  was  a  fair  second. 

Fruit  is  always  well  shown  at  Gloucester,  and  this  year  the  entries 
were  extra  numerous.  Mr.  J.  Watkins,  Pomona  Nurseries,  Hereford, 
practically  swept  the  deck  with  Apples  and  Pears,  taking  first  position 
in  the  following  classes.  Collection  of  culinary  Apples,  seventy  dishes  ; 
collection  of  desert  Apples,  sixty  dishes  ;  collection  of  Pears,  and  in  the 
following  single-dish  classes  :  Ribston  Pippin,  Blenheim  Orange,  immense 
fruits,  and  Dumelow’s  Seedling.  The  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company, 
King’s  Acre,  Hereford,  were  very  close  to  Mr.  Watkins  in  collections  of 
dessert  and  culinary  Apples,  taking  second  honours  in  each  case.  The 
same  Company  took  first  position  for  any  variety  of  desert  Apple  with 
Scarlet  Nonpareil,  first  for  Ashmead’s  Kernel  Improved,  and  first  for  the 
best  dish  of  culinary  Apples  with  a  grand  dish  named  Byford  Wonder. 
The  first  staged  by  the  above  exhibitor  was  very  fine  indeed. 

For  the  best  collection  of  dessert  and  culinary  Apples,  twenty-four 
dishes,  prize  given  by  Mr.  J.  Watkins,  C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.  (gardener, 
Mr.  S.  T.  Wright),  was  a  good  first  with  a  large,  highly  coloured  fruit. 
Mr.  J.  R.  Bennett,  Chaxhill  House,  Newnham,  was  second,  who  also 
staged  well.  Mr.  Watkins  was  an  easy  first  for  a  collection  of  cider 
Apples  with  fruit  of  a  lovely  colour.  With  white  Grapes  Mrs.  Gambier 
Parry,  Highnam  Court  (gardener,  Mr.  Sowray),  was  first  with  good 
bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  and  a  similar  position  for  black  with 
beautiful  Alicante.  Mr.  J.  H.  Jones,  Churchdown,  was  second  with 
the  same  variety,  badly  coloured,  while  some  well-finished  Gros  Guillame 
and  West’s  St.  Peter’s  were  left  out,  a  decision  which  caused  a  good  deal 
of  comment.  The  same  applies  to  the  first  prize  awarded  in  the  Cox’s 
Orange  Apple  class,  in  this  case  the  dish  taking  premier  honours  was 
not  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin  at  all.  Vegetables,  grain,  and  roots  (agri¬ 
cultural)  were  largely  exhibited,  and  generally  of  high  quality.— 
Visitor. 

LEATHERHEAD. — November  10th. 

The  ninth  annual  Chrysanthemum  Show  of  the  Leatherhead  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society  was  held  in  the  Institute  of  that  town  on  the  above 
date,  when  a  bright  and  beautiful  display  of  flowers  was  brought 
together.  The  quality  of  the  flowers  and  plants  was  as  a  rule  high, 
more  especially  in  the  classes  devoted  to  the  Japanese  section.  The 
incurved  blooms,  too,  were  fine,  and  reflected  high  credit  on  the  growers. 
The  arrangements  of  the  Show,  under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Pen¬ 
nington,  the  Secretary,  and  a  Show  Committee,  were  admirably 
carried  out. 

For  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums  to  be  arranged  in  a  space  not 
exceeding  40  square  feet,  Mr.  G.  Mileham,  gardener  to  A.  T.  Miller, 
Esq.,  was  a  very  good  first.  The  plants  were  carrying  clean,  shapely 
flowers,  and  were  effectively  arranged.  Mr.  Buck,  gardener  to  W.  Maples, 
Esq.,  Ashtead,  was  second.  The  blooms  in  this  exhibit  were  of  high 
quality,  but  the  plants  were  not  so  well  arranged  as  those  of  the  first 
group.  The  third  prize  was  accorded  to  Mr.  F.  Hodgson,  gardener  to 

H.  White,  Esq.  Mr.  Mileham  was  first  for  six  distinct  large-flowering 
varieties  in  pots  with  good  plants.  Mr.  Long,  gardener  to  J.  F.  Chance, 
E>q.,  was  placed  second.  For  three  plants  Mr.  Mileham  was  again 
first  with  finely  flowered  plants.  The  same  exhibitor  was  also  awarded 


November  16,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


463 


the  first  prize  for  a  specimen  Pompon,  Mr.  Mease,  gardener  to  A.  Tate, 
Esq.,  being  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  Buck,  gardener  to  W.  Maples,  Esq., 
third.  Mr.  Mileham  won  easily  with  three  grandly  flowered  specimen 
Pompons.  In  the  class  for  twenty-four  blooms,  twelve  Japanese  and 
twelve  incurved,  distinct,  Mr.  Mease  was  a  splendid  first,  staging — back 
row  :  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne,  Stanstead  White,  Bda  Prasse,  Col. 
W.  B.  Smith,  John  Lambert,  Queen  of  England,  E,  B.  Hithnall,  Jeanne 
d’Arc.  Middle  row  ;  Robert  Owen,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Excelsior,  Charles 
Davis,  Empress  of  India,  John  Doughty,  Robinson  King,  Lord  Alcester. 
Front  row  :  Viviand  Morel,  J.  Hanborough  Dibben,  Mdlle.  Th4r^se 
Rey,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Mrs.  S.  Coleman,  Empress  Eugenie,  Violet  Tomlin, 
and  Princess  of  Wales.  The  Japanese  in  this  stand  were  heavy,  superbly 
formed  flowers,  and  the  incurved  were  of  fine  size  and  perfect  finish. 
Mr.  Beckett,  gardener  to  T.  H.  Bryant,  Esq.,  Mickleham,  was  a  good 
second,  his  Japs  being  especially  noteworthy.  The  best  were  Viviand 
Morel,  Jean  Delaux,  Marie  Hoste,  and  Sunflower. 

Mr.  C.  Beckett  was  first  for  twelve  incurved,  distinct,  staging — back 
row  :  Marquis  du  Bois,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  John  Lambert. 
Middle  row  :  Lord  Wolseley,  Princess  of  Wales,  Lord  Alcester,  Ami 
Hoste.  Front  row  :  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Madame  Darrier,  Baron  Hirsch,  and 
Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  all  the  blooms  being  very  fine.  Mr.  Mease  was  a 
very  close  second.  For  twelve  Japanese  Mr.  Mease  was  first  with  a 
magnificent  stand,  consisting  of — back  row  :  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Etoile 
de  Lyon,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne.  Middle  row  : 
H.  Seward,  V.  P.  Darquet,  Mrs.  Canned,  J.  Stan  borough  Dibben.  Front 
row  :  Mdlle.  Th6rese  Rey,  Lord  Brook,  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson,  and 
Viviand  Morel.  Mr.  C.  Beckett  was  second  with  a  highly  creditable 
exhibit,  amongst  the  best  blooms  in  which  were  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Marie 
Hoste,  and  Sunflower.  For  six  Japanese  Mr.  G.  Rowes,  gardener  to 
R.  H.  M.  Praed,  Esq.,  Mickleham  Downs,  who  showed  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Violet  Rose,  Viviand  Morel,  Lizzie  Cartledge,  and 
Condor,  all  in  fine  condition  ;  Mr.  Mileham  being  second  ;  and  Mr. 
Peter,  gardener  to  H.  P.  Sturgis,  Esq.,  Leatherhead,  third.  For  six 
incurved  Mr.  Peter  was  first  with  Robt.  Cannell,  John  Lambert,  Princess 
Teck,  Lord  Alcester,  Camille  Flammarion,  and  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas. 
Mr.  Mileham  was  a  good  second.  Mr.  Peter  was  first  for  six  reflexed 
with  charming  blooms,  Mr.  Mease  being  second. 

Mr.  Higgs,  gardener  to  J.  B.  Hankey,  Esq.,  Fetcham  Park,  staged  a 
stand  of  Japanese  and  incurved  not  for  competition.  Both  sections 
were  represented  by  some  beautiful  examples.  Mr.  Page,  gardener  to  A. 
Dixon,  Esq.,  Cherkley  Court,  also  showed  a  highly  creditable  stand.  The 
double  Primulas  with  which  Mr.  Mease  gained  the  premier  award  were 
splendid  examples  of  high  culture,  and  proved  conclusively  to  what 
perfection  these  plants  may  be  brought  in  the  hands  of  an  intelligent 
man.  Fruit  and  table  plants  were  also  largely  shown,  as  also  were 
Cyclamens  and  Bouvardias.  The  amateurs’  classes  were  strongly 
contested,  many  fine  blooms  and  plants  being  staged. 

HITCHIN. — November  10th. 

The  third  annual  autumn  Exhibition  of  the  Hitchin  and  District 
Horticultural  Society  was  held  in  the  Corn  Exchange,  Hitchin,  on  Friday 
last.  As  was  general  anticipated,  the  out  blooms  formed  a  prominent 
feature  of  the  Show,  these  being  staged  in  excellent  condition.  Most  of 
the  classes  were  well  filled,  and  in  some  of  them  the  competition  was 
very  keen.  Groups  and  trained  plants,  although  not  numerous,  were 
fairly  good,  and,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  remarks  that  follow,  fruit  and 
vegetables  were  well  represented. 

One  of  the  principal  classes  in  the  cut  bloom  section  was  for  eighteen 
incurved.  In  this  there  were  three  entries,  and  the  competition  was 
exceedingly  close.  The  first  prize  went  to  Mr.  W.  Collins,  gardener  to 
J.  W.  Carille,  Esq.,  Ponsbourne  Park,  Hertford,  who  has  a  stand  of  neat 
and  well  finished  blooms.  These  comprized  Lord  Alcester  (grand), 
Robert  Cannell,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Alfred  Salter,  Queen  of  England 
(magnificent),  Violet  Tomlin,  White  Empress  (good),  Madame  Darrier 
(fine),  Mrs.  Heale,  Mrs.  Robinson  King,  Alfred  Salter,  and  Miss  M.  A. 
Haggas.  Mr.  J.  Turk,  gardener  to  P.  Bosanquet,  Esq.,  Poufield,  Little 
Berkhampsted,  was  a  good  second.  The  best  flowers  in  this  stand  were 
Lord  Wolseley,  John  Doughty,  Alfred  Salter,  Mrs.  Coleman,  and  Jeanne 
d’Arc.  Mr.  E.  Beckett,  gardener  to  H.  H.  Gibbs,  Esq.,  Aldenham 
House,  Elstree,  was  third  with  a  stand  of  neat  blooms. 

Mr.  Ernest  Cotton,  gardener  to  A.  W.  Lines,  Esq.,  Hitchin,  secured 
the  leading  award  for  twelve  incurved  blooms,  showing  Violet  Tomlin, 
John  Lambert,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Madame  Darrier,  Novelty,  Miss  M.  A. 
Haggas,  Queen  of  England,  Lord  Wolseley,  Barbara,  Lord  Alcester,  John 
Salter,  and  Empress  Eugdnie.  Mr.  G.  R.  Allis,  gardener  to  Major 
Shuttleworth,  Old  Warden  Park,  Biggleswade,  was  second,  this  exhibitor’s 
best  blooms  being  Prince  of  Wales,  Pink  Venus,  John  Salter,  and  Lord 
Wolseley.  Mr.  W.  Collins  gained  the  leading  award  in  a  class  for  six 
incurved  blooms  of  one  variety,  showing  Madame  Darrier.  The  second 
prize  went  to  Mr.  E.  Beckett  for  six  fine  blooms  of  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas. 
Mr.  E.  Cotton  was  third  with  Jeanne  d’Arc. 

The  Japanese  blooms  were  very  good  and  formed  quite  a  feature. 
Mr.  E.  Cotton  won  with  twelve  blooms,  showing  fine  examples  of 
Edwin  Molyneux,  A.  H.  Neve,  W.  Tricker,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  W.  H. 
Lincoln,  Eynesford  White,  Fair  Maid  of  Guernsey,  W.  W.  Coles,  Louis 
Boehmer,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Viviand  Morel,  and  Sunflower.  Mr.  B. 
Orsemau,  gardener  to  G.  Lucas,  Esq.,  Hitchin,  was  second,  W.  H.  Lincoln, 
Sunflower,  and  Val  d’Andorre  being  especially  good  in  this  stand.  Mr. 
J.  R.  Allis  was  third. 

There  were  five  exhibitors  of  stands  of  twenty-four  Japanese  blooms 
and  the  fight  for  supremacy  was  very  keen.  Mr.  E.  Beckett,  however. 


gained  the  first  prize  with  a  stand  of  well  finished  blooms.  The 
varieties  staged  were  Viviand  Morel,  J.  P.  Kendal,  Violetta,  Edwin 
Molyneux,  Golden  Wedding  (grand).  Excelsior,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Lord 
Brooke,  Mrs.  Watt’s  Cutting,  G,  W.  Childs,  Mdlle.  Thdrese  Rey, 
(splendid),  Waban,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Le  Verseux,  Mdlle.  Marie 
Hoste,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Val  d’Andorre,  Puritan, 
Beauty  of  Castlewood,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Silver  King,  Charles  Davis  (fine), 
and  W.  Tricker.  Mr.  W.  Collins  was  a  good  second,  the  best  flowers 
in  this  stand  being  Edwin  Molyneux,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Pearl  Beauty, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  and  Robert  Owen,  the  last  named  being  exceptionally 
good.  Mr.  J.  Turk  was  third  with  a  stand  of  excellent  blooms.  Mr. 
George  Saunders,  Gas  House,  Hitchin,  secured  first  prizes  for  six 
Japanese  blooms  distinct,  and  for  three  Japs,  and  the  same  number  of 
incurved  blooms,  also  for  six  bunches  of  Chrysanthemums.  Mr.  W, 
Collins  won  in  the  class  for  six  blooms  of  one  coloured  Japanese  variety, 
staging  fine  blooms  of  Edwin  Molyneux.  Mr.  E.  Cotton  was  second 
with  well  grown  Viviand  Morel,  and  Mr.  J.  Kipling,  gardener  to  J.  C. 
Osgood,  Esq.,  Knebworth  House,  Stevenage,  third,  with  the  same 
variety.  Mr.  Collins  repeated  his  success  with  six  blooms  of  any  white 
variety,  staging  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste.  Mr.  W.  Millard,  gardener  to 
W.  Ramson,  Esq.,  Fairfield,  Hitchin,  was  second  with  six  neat  blooms 
of  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy.  Mr.  J.  Kipling  third.  Mr.  E.  Beckett  was 
placed  first  with  six  Pompons,  distinct,  staging  Cendrillon,  Perles  des 
Beaut^s,  Black  Douglas,  Scapion,  William  Westlake,  and  Eynesford  Gem. 
Mr.  J.  Turk  was  second,  and  Mr.  E.  Cotton  third. 

Trained  plants  were  shown  in  good  condition,  if  not  very  numerously. 
For  six  plants  Mr.  W.  Springham,  gardener  to  J.  H.  Tukes,  Esq.,  was 
placed  first.  This  exhibitor  showed  fine  specimens  of  J.  M.  Pigny,  Edwin 
Molyneux,  Madame  Bertie  Rendatler,  Margot,  Elaine,  and  Sarah  Owen. 
The  plants  were  remarkably  well  flowered.  Mr.  E.  Osman  was  second. 
Mr.  Springham  also  had  the  best  three  plants  in  pots,  showing  Madame 
Baco,  Cullingfordi,  and  W.  H.  Lincoln.  Mr.  W.  Millard  was  second, 
and  Mr.  A.  Wilson,  gardener  to  A.  Ransom,  Esq.,  Benslow,  Hitchin,  third. 
Mr.  E.  Osman  won  with  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  the  plants  being 
well  grown  and  admirably  arranged.  Mr.  W.  P.  Clark,  10,  Fishpond 
Road,  Hitchin,  the  Assistant  Secretary  of  the  Society,  was  second  with  a 
group  that  reflected  great  credit  on  the  grower.  Mr.  J.  Upchurch, 
gardener  to  F.  Lucas,  Esq.,  Hitchin,  was  third  ;  and  Mr.  R.  Sharp  fourth. 

The  table  decorations  open  to  ladies  were  very  good,  Mrs.  R.  Shillitoe, 
Bancroft,  Hitchin,  was  placed  first,  Mr.  E.  C.  Foster,  Bancroft,  Hitchin, 
Miss  Tindall  Lucas,  Foxholes,  Hitchin,  third,  and  Miss  Mary  Ransome 
fourth.  Miss  Tuke  secured  the  leading  award  for  a  bouquet  of  autumn 
foliage.  Miss  Ellen  Pollard  second,  and  Miss  A.  Foster  third.  The  same 
exhibitors  secured  prizes  for  bunches  of  Chrysanthemums. 

Amongst  the  miscellaneous  exhibits  a  group  of  Violets  in  pots  and 
bunches  of  flowers  shown  by  Mr.  C.  E.  Martin,  gardener  to  Viscount 
Hambledon,  The  Hoo,  Welwyn,  Herts.  These  were  admirably  grown  and 
loaded  with  bloom. 

Fruit  and  vegetables  were  well  shown.  Mr.  Beckett  won  with  two 
bunches  of  white  Grapes,  staging  good  clusters  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria. 
Mr.  R.  Allis  was  second.  Mr.  A.  Burgess,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Harkwicke,  Wimpole  Hall,  Royston,  was  first  with  two  bunches  of  black 
Grapes,  staging  well  finished  Alicante.  Messrs.  E.  Beckett,  G.  R.  Allis, 
and  W.  Millard  followed.  Culinary  Apples  were  best  staged  by  Mr. 
John  Buckingham,  Ickleford,  Hitchin,  who  also  won  the  first  prize  for 
one  dish  of  Pears.  Mr.  C.  E.  Martin  gained  the  first  prize  for  five  dishes 
of  culinary  Apples;  and  Mr.  C.  Welch,  gardener  to  J.  H.  Tukes,  Esq., 
Hitchin,  was  first  with  five  dishes  of  dessert  varieties.  Mr.  Burgess  was 
first  with  three  dishes  of^dessert  Apples,  Mr.  Kipling  following.  Mr.  J. 
Brandon  was  first  with  six  Cyclamens  ;  and  Mr.  E.  Beckett  followed. 
Mr.  Springham  had  the  best  six  Primulas ;  and  Messrs.  Brandon  and  W. 
Millard  were  second  and  third  respectively. 

WINDSOR. — November  10th. 

The  second  annual  Exhibition  of  this  Society  was  held  in  the 
Albert  Institute  and  showed  a  marked  improvement  on  the  initial 
attempt  last  year,  there  being  a  great  increase  of  exhibits. 

The  principal  class  was  that  for  a  group  arranged  in  semicircular 
form,  quality  and  general  effect  to  be  the  leading  feature.  No  less 
than  six  competed,  making  a  good  display.  Mr.  J.  Edge,  gardener  to 
Lord  Harlech,  Ascot,  was  an  easy  first  with  dwarf  plants  carrying 
good  blooms,  not  too  much  crowded.  Mr.  H.  Wood,  gardener  to  Lord 
Boston,  second,  and  Mr.  F.  H.  Berry,  gardener  to  Lady  Mary  Currie, 
third.  Mr.  W.  Skeet,  gardener  to  Sir  H.  D.  Gooch,  Bart.,  Windsor, 
was  the  only  exhibitor  of  four  specimens,  but  they  were  magnificent 
examples.  Amateurs  staged  some  well  grown  plants,  T.  Wyborr, 
Esq.,  Clifton  House,  Windsor,  winning  for  twelve. 

Cut  blooms  were  the  most  important  part  of  the  Exhibition,  so 
numerously  and  well  were  they  shown.  The  principal  class  in  this 
section  was  for  thirty-six  distinct  varieties,  half  to  be  incurved  and 
the  remainder  Japanese,  seven  competed  Mr.  Thorne,  gardener  to  Major 
Joicev,  Sunningdale  Park,  Ascot,  won  the  premier  award  by  the 
superiority  of  his  Japanese.  The  Japanese  were  Viviand  Morel, 
E.  Molyneux,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  W.  H.  Woodcock,  M.  E.  A.  Carriere, 
G.  C.  Schwabe,  John  Dyer  (good).  Excelsior,  John  Shrimpton  (grand), 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Mdlle.  M.  Hoste,  Florence  Davis, 
Gloriosum,  Mdlle.  Th^rese  Rey,  M.  Baco,  G.  W.  Childs,  and  Col.  B. 
Smith.  Incurved— Queen  of  England,  Camille  Flammarion,  Golden 
Queen  of  England,  Lord  Alcester,  Brookleigh  Gem,  Empress  of 
India,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Madame  Darrier,  Willie,  Prince  Alfred,  Lord 
Wolseley,  Golden  Empress,  Princess  Teck,  Flora  Macdonald,  Lady 


45i 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  16,  1893. 


Dorothy,  Princess  Beatrice,  Nil  Desperandum,  and  Barbara.  Mr.  G. 
Lane,  gardener  to  Miss  A.  S.  Kidge,  Ascot,  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Popple, 
gardener  to  The  Hon.  Lady  Cowell,  Stepney,  Ascot,  third. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  incurved  in  not  less  than  eighteen 
varieties  Mr.  J.  Williams,  gardener  to  F.  Ricardo,  Esq.,  Ascot,  won  the 
first  prize  with  medium  sized,  neat  blooms  of  leading  varieties.  Mr. 
Sheet  was  second.  Mr.  G.  Lane  won  for  twelve  incurved  with  well 
finished  examples  ;  especially  good  were  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Violet 
Tomlin,  Lucy  Kendall,  and  Princess  of  Wales,  Mr.  G.  Woodhouse, 
gardener  to  Miss  Belcher,  Windsor,  was  second.  For  six  incurved,  any 
one  variety,  Mr.  Sheet  with  Mrs.  Heales  secured  the  premier  award, 
Mr.  J.  Williams  was  second  with  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Mr.  Lane  third  with 
Prince  Alfred. 

Japanese  varieties  were  very  good.  For  twenty-four  in  not  less  than 
eighteen  varieties  Mr.  A.  Sturt,  gardener  to  N.  L.  Cohen,  Esq.,  Ascot, 
secured  the  premier  position  with  heavy,  fresh  blooms,  admirably 
arranged.  Mr.  J.  Williams  was  second,  Mr.  Sheet  third,  both  staging 
well.  For  twelve  varieties  Mr.  E.  Johnson,  gardener  to  A.  Gilliat,  Esq., 
Windsor,  was  an  easy  first  with  remarhably  fine  flowers ;  Mr.  G. 
Lane  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Cowie,  gardener  to  B.  L.  Oliver,  Esq.,  Ascot, 
third. 

Anemone  varieties  were  really  well  shown  by  Messrs.  Sturt  and 
Williams,  the  prizes  going  in  the  order  here  given.  The  same  remarh 
applies  to  the  reflexed  section,  no  less  than  six  lots  of  twelve  being  staged. 
Mr.  Popple  was  first  with  blooms  not  extra  large,  but  full  and  highly 
coloured  ;  Mr.  Thorne  second,  and  Mr.  Woodhouse  third. 

EXETER. — November  10th. 

The  Devon  and  Exeter  Horticultural  Society’s  Chrysanthemum 
Show  was  held  in  the  Victoria  Hall,  of  the  above  named  city,  on  Friday 
last,  and  in  every  way  proved  a  decided  success.  The  exhibits  were  so 
numerous  that  an  extra  room  had  to  be  requisitioned  to  accommodate 
much  of  the  fruit  and  some  trade  displays.  Groups  of  Chrysanthemums, 
arranged  with  Palms  and  other  foliage  plants,  had  a  most  pleasing 
effect,  and  the  cut  blooms,  especially  of  Japanese,  were  remarkably  good, 
and  the  competition  in  most  instances  very  keen.  The  Show  was  the 
best  the  Society  has  yet  held,  and,  favoured  by  beautiful  weather,  was 
largely  patronised. 

In  the  cut  bloom  section  the  leading  class  was  that  for  thirty-six 
Japanese  ;  six  good  stands  were  staged  in  competition,  a  silver  cup, 
value  5  guineas,  being  offered  as  the  first  prize.  The  collections  staged 
by  Mr.  G.  Foster,  gardener  to  H.  Hammond  Spencer,  Esq.,  Torquay, 
and  Mr.  Hawkins,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Fowler,  Esq.,  Taunton,  were  very 
close  in  merit.  The  blooms  of  the  latter,  although  good,  lacked  fresh¬ 
ness,  and  had  to  take  second  place.  The  first  prize  stand  consisted  of 
the  following,  reading  from  left  to  right  : — Back  row  :  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
Golden  Wedding,  Viviand  Morel,  Sunflower,  Dorothea  Shea,  Princess 
May,  Silver  King,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Boule  d’Or,  Mrs. 
C.  H.  Wheeler,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams.  Middle  row:  Col.  W.  B.  Smith, 

E.  Molyneux,  Robt.  Owen  (good),  Alberic  Lunden,  Stanstead  White, 
Vice-President  Audiguier,  Wm.  Lane,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Lizzie 
Cartledge,  Florence  Davis,  Ruth  Cleveland,  Gloire  du  Rocher.  Front 
row  :  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Beauty  of  Exmouth,  Excelsior,  Mr.  Broomhead, 
W.  K.  Woodcock,  Charles  Blick,  Violet  Rose,  Mrs.  L.  Allen,  Mr.  A.  H. 
Neve,  Puritan,  J.  Stanborough  Dibben,  and  Madame  Baco.  Mr.  Fowler 
had  some  magnificent  blooms  in  his  second  prize  stand.  Third,  Mr. 
J.  Lloyd,  gardener  to  Vincent  Stuckey,  Esq.  With  eighteen  varieties, 
distinct,  the  latter  exhibitor  was  placed  first,  having  good  blooms ;  Mr. 
Foster  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  Thomas,  gardener  to  Wilfred  Marshall, 
Esq.,  Taunton,  third. 

For  twelve  Japanese  eight  competitors  staged,  the  best  coming  from 
Mr.  W.  H .  Veale,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Sims.  They  comprised 
Viviand  Morel,  E.  Molyneux,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  H.  Payne,  Madame 
Baco,  Sarah  Owen,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Lord  Brooke  (good),  W.  Tricker, 
Miss  A.Hartzhorn,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  and  Etoile  de  Lyon.  Second,  Mr. 

F.  Dark,  gardener  to  T.  S.  Philpot,  Esq.  In  his  stand  was  a  magnificent 
bloom  of  Robert  Owen,  which  was  unanimously  selected  as  the  best  Jap 
bloom  in  the  Show.  Mr.  Mairs,  gardener  to  Sir  John  Shelley,  was 
third.  Three  classes  were  devoted  to  sixes  of  Japanese,  one  variety, 
white,  yellow,  and  any  other  variety,  a  grand  lot  of  flowers  being  staged. 
With  white  Mr.  Fowler  was  first  with  Beauty  of  Exmouth  ;  second,  Mr. 
Veale  with  Florence  Davis,  larger  flowers,  but  scarcely  at  their  best.  Six 
yellow. — First,  Mr.  Veale  with  extra  fine  W.  H.  Lincoln.  Second,  Mr, 
Foster  with  Golden  Wedding,  also  good.  For  six  of  any  other  colour, 
Mr.  Fowler  came  first  with  finely  coloured  E.  Molyneux.  Second,  Mr. 
Stiles,  gardener  to  Miss  Fripp,  Teignmouth,  with  monstrous  blooms  of 
Viviand  Morel,  but  rather  pale. 

The  incurved  blooms  were  not  quite  so  numerous  as  the  above.  For 
twenty-four,  distinct,  Mr.  Foster  gained  another  first,  having — back  row: 
Alfred  Salter,  Golden  Empress,  J.  Lambert,  Miss  Belle  Wilson,  Queen  of 
England,  Violet  Tomlin,‘Lord  Alcester,  Middle  row:  Jardin  des  Plantes, 
Madame  Darrier,  Empress  of  India,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  Mrs. 
Robinson  King,  Lord  Wolseley,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Mitchell.  Front 
row  :  Camille  Flammarion,  Empress  Eugenie,  Lady  Hardinge,  Jeanne 
d’Arc,  Prince  Alfred,  Miss  Haggas,  Baron  Beust,  and  Princess  Alice. 
Second,  Mr.  Lloyd.  The  competition  was  stronger  in  the  class  for 
twelve  blooms.  Mr.  F.  Prothero,  gardener  to  W.  McKenzie  Bradley, 
Esq.,  coming  in  first.  Second,  Mr.  Heath,  gardener  to  Sir  W.  Walrond, 
in  whose  stand  was  a  fine  Jeanne  d’Arc.  Third,  Mr.  Veale,  The  best 
incurved  bloom  in  the  Show  was  a  large  and  finely  built  Baron  Hirsch 
in  Mr.  Stiles’  third  prize  stand_  of  twenty-four.  The  reflexed  and 


Pompons  were  not  strongly  represented,  and  call  for  no  special  com 
ment.  Two  exceedingly  pretty  stands  of  six  varieties  of  single  were  shown 
in  bunches  of  three.  First,  Mr.  Prothero,  with  Souvenir  de  Londres, 
Admiral  Symonds,  Calliope,  Mrs.  Killock,  Tisiphone,  and  Snowflake. 
Second,  Mr.  Emmett. 

At  Exeter  the  schedule  stipulates  that  a  Palm  shall  be  used  for  the 
centre  of  each  group  (the  groups  are  all  circular),  and  Ferns  may  be  used 
to  finish  off  the  base,  which  has  a  good  effect.  A  class  is  also  provided  in 
which  Chrysanthemums  and  foliage  plants  intermixed  shall  form  the 
groups.  Four  competitors  entered  in  each  class,  Mr.  Rowland,  gardener 
to  W.  Brock,  Esq.,  Exeter,  winning  easily  in  each  instance.  Second, 
Mr.  Rogers,  gardener  to  G.  Randall  Johnson,  Esq.  Third,  Mr.  Higginson, 
gardener  to  Mark  Farrant,  Esq,  Mr.  Rowlands’  other  group  was  a  very 
elegant  arrangement.  Second,  Mr,  A.  Williams,  gardener  to  W.  C. 
Sim,  Esq.  Mr.  Rowland  was  also  first  for  a  miscellaneous  group  of 
plants,  Chrysanthemums  excluded  ;  second,  Mr.  Williams. 

There  was  a  wonderful  display  of  Apples  and  Pears,  the  colour  of  the 
former  being  remarkably  bright.  Forty  classes  were  provided  for  these, 
the  competitors  in  most  instances  being  numerous.  The  principal 
prizetakers  were  the  gardeners  (whose  names  we  failed  to  obtain)  to 
the  following  gentlemen — Sir  J.  Amory,  Sir'J.  D.  Ferguson  Davie,  Lord 
Poltimore,  Sir  J.  Copp,  Major  Tracey,  Sir  T.  Acland,  Sir  W.  Walrond, 
W.  C.  Sim,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  Whitehead. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  largely  contributed  by  Messrs.  Robt. 
Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter  ;  the  Exeter  Nursery  Co.,  Exeter  ;  Mr.  Jarman, 
Chard  ;  Mr.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  ten  stands  of  Chrysanthemum  blooms  ; 
and  Mr.  G.  C.  Sclater,  Heavitree  Nursery,  Exeter. 

TADCASTER  PAXTON  SOCIETY.— November  10th. 

On  Friday  last  the  above  Society  held  its  second  annual  Chrysanthe¬ 
mum  Show,  which  was  opened  by  H,  H.  Riley-Smith,  Esq.,  in  the  Town 
Hall,  and  was  largely  attended.  The  Show  was  a  decided  improvement 
on  last  year,  especially  in  the  cottagers’  classes,  where  some  fine  col¬ 
lections  of  vegetables  were  staged.  The  entries  in  the  gardeners’ class 
were  very  poor.  Three  groups  were  arranged,  not  for  competition,  by 
T.  Fielden,  Esq,  Grimston  Park  ;  H.  Bromet,  Esq.,  Tadcaster,  and  Miss 
Bethell,  Newton  Kyme.  The  Chrysanthemums  in  the  amateurs’  classes 
were  highly  creditable.  An  award  of  merit  was  given  to  Mr.  Grix, 
gardener  to  J.  M.  Dawson,  Esq.,  Wighill,  for  a  handsome  “sport” 
from  Mrs.  Shipman,  also  to  Mr.  William  Green  of  Garforth  Nurseries, 
near  Leeds,  for  a  fine  display  of  home  grown  fruit. 

BRADFORD  AND  DISTRICT.— November  10th  and  11th. 

The  seventh  annual  Exhibition  of  Chrysanthemums  under  the 
auspices  of  the  above  Society  was  held  in  the  Technical  College,  Brad¬ 
ford.  The  entries  numbered  nearly  300,  against  about  200  last  year. 

A  splendid  group  (not  for  competition)  of  very  choice  Orchids  was 
arranged  in  front  of  the  orchestra  by  Messrs.  Charlesworth,  Shuttle- 
worth,  &  Co.,  of  Heaton,  which  was  one  of  the  main  features  of  the 
Exhibition,  and  a  certificate  of  merit  was  awarded.  Mr.  Bell,  gardener 
to  J.  H.  Rand,  Esq.,  Baildon,  exhibited  a  small  but  very  neat  group  of 
Palms  and  other  plants,  for  which  a  certificate  was  also  awarded. 

In  the  cut  flower  department,  open  class  for  twenty-four  Japanese 
in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties,  Mr.  C.  J.  Ormerod  was  placed  first, 
the  Earl  of  Harrington  second,  and  Mr.  John  Edwards  third.  For 
twenty-four  incurved  blooms,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties,  Mrs. 
Cope,  Dove  Park,  Woolton,  was  first,  the  Earl  of  Harrington  second 
and  Mr.  Adolph  Jacobs,  Cragg  Royd,  Rawdon,  third. 

In  the  amateur  classes  Mr.  Ben  Baxter,  Lidget  Green,  Great  Horton, 
took  nine  first  prizes,  five  second  prizes,  and  one  third  prize,  as  well  as  a 
silver  medal.  Mr.  Jesse  Hall,  Shipley,  and  Mr.  John  Whittingham, 
Shipley,  also  secured  many  prizes.  In  the  open  and  local  classes,  Mr. 
T.  Newbould,  gardener  to  Adolph  Jacobs,  Esq.,  Cragg  Royd,  Rawdon, 
was  very  successful,  taking  six  firsts,  three  seconds,  and  one  third  prizes. 
In  the  local  classes  Messrs.  H.  Clark  &  Son,  Rodley,  did  very  well, 
taking  three  firsts,  four  seconds,  and  two  third  prizes.  Mr.  Lindsay, 
Stockfield-on-Tyne,  and  Mr.  Jellicoe,  Liverpool,  officiated  as  Judges. 

The  silver  cup,  valued  £5  5s.,  given  by  the  Mayor  of  Bradford  for 
the  best  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  was  won  by  Mr.  Sam  Dean,  Great 
Horton. 

PONTEFRACT. — November  10th  and  11th. 

The  seventh  annual  Show  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall,  and  although 
the  exhibits  were  of  good  quality  generally  the  classes  were  not  so  well 
filled  as  in  previous  years.  Cut  flowers  were  well  shown,  the  principal 
class  being  for  twenty-four  blooms,  twelve  incurved  and  twelve  Japanese, 
the  first  place  being,  secured  by  Mr.  Ketchell,  gardener  to  C.  H. 
Simpson,  Esq.,  Moor  Top,  Ackworth.  His  incurved  were  rather  small 
but  of  high  finish  ;  they  included  Jeanne  d’Arc  (2),  Mons.  Bahuant  (2), 
Lord  Wolseley,  Camille  Flammarion,  Mr.  Bunn,  Madame  Darrier,  and 
Hero  of  Stoke  Newington  (premier  bloom).  The  Japanese  were  very 
fine,  particularly  Eva  Knowles  (new,  and  for  which  a  first-class  certifi¬ 
cate  was  awarded),  Viviand  Morel,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Gloire  du 
Rocher,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  W.  Tricker,  Alberic  Lunden,  and  E.  Molyneux. 
Mr.  Groom,  gardener  to  T.  Tew,  Esq.,  Carlton  Grange,  was  a  good 
second.  His  Japanese  were  better  than  in  the  winning  stand,  but  the 
incurved  were  rougher.  lie  had  grand  blooms  of  J.  Shrimpton, 
W.  Seward,  W.  Tricker,  and  G.  C.  Schwabe.  Mr.  Dunn,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  D.  L.  Jones,  Elmsall  Lodge,  Pontefract,  was  third.  The  premier 
Japanese  bloom  was  a  splendid  Viviand  Morel,  in  Mr.  Findlay’s  stand. 

For  twelve  incurved  blooms  Mr.  Ketchell  was  again  first  for  neat 


November  16,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


455 


flowers  similar  to  his  other  stand.  Second,  Mr.  Groom.  Third,  Mr. 
Pearson,  Knottingley.  For  twelve  Japanese  Mr.  Groom  was  first  with 
fine  hlooms.  Second,  Mr,  Ketchell ;  and  third,  Mr,  Findley,  gardener 
to  E.  H.  Jones,  Esq.,  Badsworth  Hall,  Pontefract, 

The  only  group  which  was  highly  creditable  was  from  Mr.  Bell, 
gardener  to  Jno,  Rhodes,  Esq.,  Snydale  Hall,  Pontefract,  who  was  given 
first  place.  Trained  plants  were  not  well  represented,  but  table  plants 
and  Primulas  were  fine. 

Fruit  was  well  shown,  notably  Apples  and  Pears,  also  excellent  Grapes, 
the  principal  winners  being  Messrs,  Ketchell,  Findley,  Hirst,  and  Shaw. 
Vegetables  made  a  fine  display  both  in  the  local  and  cottagers’  classes. 
Nurserymen’s  classes  were  represented  by  two  fine  tables  from  Mr. 
J.  Sunley,  Monk  Fryston  Nursery,  and  Mr.  Lamprey  of  Ackworth. 

LEICESTER. — November  10th  and  11th. 

The  seventh  annual  Show  of  the  Leicester  and  Midland  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  was  held  in  the  Floral  Hall,  Leicester,  on  the  above 
dates.  The  cut  flowers  were  very  good  indeed. 

In  the  class  for  eighteen  incurves,  in  not  less  than  fifteen  varieties, 
Mr.  J.  Underwood,  gardener  to  R.  Walker,  Esq.,  was  well  first  with 
Empress  of  India,  Alfred  Salter,  J.  Lambert,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Lord 
Alcester,  Queen  of  England,  Lord  Wolseley  (2),  Miss  Haggas,  Princess 
of  Wales,  Madame  Barrier,  Prince  Alfred,  Alfred  Lyne,  F.  McDonald, 
Refulgens,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and  Madame  Barrier,  The 
same  exhibitor  was  also  first  for  eighteen  Japanese,  distinct,  with, 
amongst  others,  very  fine  blooms  of  Condor,  W.  W.  Coles,  Mrs.  W.  E. 
Clarke,  Florence  Davis,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  and  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Mr, 
Underwood  was  likewise  first  in  each  of  the  classes  for  twelve  incurved 
and  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  W.  Bolton,  gardener  to  —  Billson,  Esq., 
was  second  for  eighteen  incurves,  for  eighteen  Japanese,  and  for  twelve 
Japanese.  For  twelve  incurved  the  second  prize  was  taken  by 
H.  Dunkley,  gardener  to  S.  Symington,  Esq,,  Market  Harborough,  For 
six  Japanese,  of  one  variety,  Mr.  Underwood  was  first  with  superb 
Sunflowers,  Mr.  H,  Rogers  coming  very  close  to  him  with  six  very  fine 
Viviand  Morels. 

Four  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  and  foliage  plants  were  shown. 
Mr.  H.  Rogers,  Gipsy  Lane  Nurseries,  Leicester,  was  first  with  a  charm¬ 
ing  arrangement.  Mr.  J.  Smith,  Vicarage  Lane  Nurseries,  Belgrave, 
also  had  a  very  pleasing  group,  not  for  competition. 

Fruit  was  extensively  shown,  and  in  splendid  condition.  Mr.  G. 
Boyes,  florist  and  fruiterer,  filled  two  large  tables  with  collections  of 
about  seventy  varieties  Leicestershire  grown  Apples.  The  other  ex¬ 
hibitors  of  collections  of  very  fine  home  grown  fruit  were  Mrs.  G.  H. 
Ellis,  Knighton  Hayes,  and  Jas.  Ellis,  Esq.,  The  Gynsils,  Leicester. 

The  classes  for  bouquets  of  dried  flowers  brought  a  remarkable  dis¬ 
play,  which  proved  one  of  the  most  attractive  features  of  the  Show. 
Some  beautiful  wreaths  were  also  shown,  not  for  competition,  by  Mr.  H. 
Rogers  and  Mr.  W.  K.  Woodcock,  Barkley  Road  Nurseries.  Messrs, 
T.  Harrison  &  Sons,  the  Midland  Seed  Warehouses,  were  also  well 
represented. 

GODALMING. — November  10th  and  11th. 

The  tenth  Exhibition  of  the  Godaiming  and  District  Chrysanthe¬ 
mum  Society  was  held  in  the  Public  Hall  on  the  10th  and  11th  inst. 
and  must  be  classed  as  one  of  the  best  the  Society  has  yet  held.  Taken 
as  a  whole  the  exhibits  were  of  a  high  order,  especially  the  large  trained 
specimens,  Mr.  H.  Paddon  carrying  all  before  him  in  this  class. 

In  the  class  for  a  group  quality  and  efiect  being  the  leading  feature, 
Mr.  Tyler,  gardener  to  —  Hitchings,  Esq.,  Monk’s  Hatch,  won  with  a 
high  class  exhibit  admirably  arranged.  Mr.  Neal,  gardener  to  H.  Wyatt, 
Shackleford  House,  was  a  close  second.  Mr.  King,  gardener  to  Grahame 
Cooper,  Esq.,  was  third  with  very  dwarf  plants,  good  quality,  but 
arranged  somewhat  too  flat  for  effect.  For  three  plants  not  disbudded 
the  prize  went  to  Mr.  F.  Jordan,  gardener  to  Birket  Foster,  Esq.,  The  Hill, 
Witley. 

For  eighteen  cut  blooms  (incurved)  Mr.  Paddon,  gardener  to 
—  Ricardo,  Esq.,  Bramley,  was  again  to  the  front.  For  twelve 
incurved  the  awards  were  : — First,  Mr.  Neal ;  second,  Mr.  Clarke ; 
third,  Mr.  R.  Jordan.  Mr.  Baker,  gardener  to  W.  Webb,  Esq.,  was  a 
good  first  for  eighteen  Japanese,  closely  followed  by  Mr.  Paddon  and 
Mr.  Clarke.  Mr.  Neal  had  a  very  fine  board  of  the  Bundle  family, 
Mr.  Jordan  being  second,  and  Mr.  Jordan  third. 

In  the  class  for  six  table  plants  Mr.  F.  Jordan  was  first  with  clean 
handsome  specimens,  Mr.  Jordan  second,  Mr.  Lampard  third.  For  six 
distinct  dishes  of  fruit  Mr.  R.  Jordan  led  the  way  ;  for  two  bunches  of 
white  Grapes,  Mr.  Baker  was  first  with  well  finished  Muscat  of 
Alexandra,  Mr.  R.  Jordan  being  second  with  the  same  variety.  In  the 
other  fruit  classes  Messrs.  Paddon,  Jordon,  Tyler,  Burfoot,  Clarke,  and 
Sutton  secured  the  prizes. 

In  the  class  for  miscellaneous  groups  a  good  competition  resulted  in 
Mr.  Mitchell,  of  the  Mead  Row  Nurseries,  Godaiming,  being  first  with 
a  very  fine  arrangement.  Mr.  Burfoot  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr. 
Butler  was  third.  Table  decorations  and  cottagers’  exhibits  were  good. 

IPSWICH. — November  14th  and  15th. 

The  growing  popularity  of  the  autumn  queen  in  East  Anglia  was 
clearly  evinced  on  the  occasion  of  the  annual  autumn  Show,  which 
opened  on  Tuesday  in  the  Public  Hall.  The  varieties  were  more 
numerous  than  ever,  while  the  excellent  quality  displayed  was  sufficient 
evidence  the  eastern  men  know  how  to  grow  Chrysanthemums  as  well  as 
Roses.  The  halls  were  filled  to  overflowing,  and  the  vegetable  exhibits 


had  to  be  accommodated  in  the  corridors.  The  Executive  Committee 
are  to  be  congratulated  on  the  excellent  arrangement  of  the  Hall.  The 
groups  were  numerous  and  meritorious,  Mr.  W.  Pooley,  gardener  to 
G.  R.  Turner,  Esq.,  gaining  the  first  position  with  well  grown  plants. 
Mr.  G.  Howlett,  gardener  to  Dr.  Casley,  was  second ;  and  Mr.  Rolfe, 
gardener  to  P.  S.  Bruff,  Esq.,  third.  The  groups  of  miscellaneous  plants 
arranged  for  effect  added  considerably  to  the  beauty  of  the  Show.  Mr. 
Chenery,  gardener  to  Dr.  Adams,  had  a  very  light  arrangement,  the 
Poinsettias,  Crotons,  and  Ericas  being  the  chief  feature.  Mr.  G.  Gilbert, 
nurseryman,  was  second  with  a  bright  display.  Third,  Mr.  A.  Soman, 
gardener  to  General  Hessey,  Melton. 

The  competition  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  Japs,  distinct,  was  very 
keenly  contested.  Finally  Mr.  A.  Bishop,  gardener  to  R.  Burrel,  Esq., 
Westley  House,  was  placed  first  ;  his  best  flowers  were  Viviand  Morel, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Lilian  B.  Bird,  Sunflower,  and  Volunteer.  Second 
honours  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Saltmarsh  &  Son,  Chelmsford.  Third, 
Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt,  Broughton  Road  Nursery.  In  the  class  for  twelve 
Japs  Messrs.  Notcutt,  Saltmarsh,  and  Bishop  divided  the  honours  in  the 
order  named.  In  the  class  for  twelve  incurves  Messrs.  Saltmarsh  were 
first  with  good  even  flowers  of  Violet  Tomlin,  Barbara,  Golden  Empress, 
Lady  Dorothy,  and  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington.  Mr.  Notcutt  was  a  good 
second,  showing  good  heavy  flowers  of  Lord  Wolseley,  Prince  Alfred, 
and  Empress  Eugbnie. 

The  leading  prize  offered  consisted  of  a  silver  cup,  value  £5  5s.,  for 
eighteen  Japs  and  a  like  number  of  incurves.  The  contest  was  a  keen 
one,  and  gave  the  Judges  some  difficulty  to  decide ;  ultimately  it  was 
secured  by  Mr.  J.  C.  Sheddick,  gardener  to  Hon.  A.  C.  Fellows,  M.P. 
The  stand  was  strongest  in  incurves.  His  flowers  were — Back  row  : 
Viviand  Morel  (2),  Florence  Davis,  E.  Molyneux,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste, 
Edwin  Molyneux.  Middle  row  :  Gloriosum,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Etoile  de 
Lyon,  Gloire  de  Rocher,  J.  S.  Dibben,  and  W.  K.  Woodcock.  Front 
row:  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Avalanche,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  A.  H.  Neve,  G.  C. 
Schwabe,  and  Florence  Davis.  Incurves — Back  row :  Lord  Alcester 
(grand),  Queen  of  England,  Lord  Wolseley  (2),  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Alfred 
Salter.  Second  row:  Princess  Teck,  Madame  Barrier,  Jeanne  d’Arc, 
Novelty,  Mrs.  Robinson  King  (guod),  and  Empress  Bugbnie.  Front 
row  :  Miss  Haggas,  Princess  Teck,  Madame  Barrier,  Mrs.  Heale,  Princess 
of  Wales,  and  Lady  Dorothy.  The  Rev.  H.  Berners  was  second 
(gardener,  Mr.  Jordan)  with  fine  Japanese,  but  weak  in  the  other 
section.  Stanstead  White,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Boule  d’Or,  E.  Molyneux, 
and  Lord  Brooke  were  the  most  notable  flowers.  Mr.  G.  Rogers, 
gardener  to  Lord  Rendlesham,  was  third,  showing  in  good  form  Viviand 
Morel,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Colonel  Smith,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  and  Lord  Brooke, 

Six  blooms  of  Japanese,  one  variety,  made  a  fine  display,  Messrs. 
Saltmarsh  proving  invincible  with  Viviand  Morel,  Mr.  Light  following 
with  E.  Molyneux,  while  Mr.  Bishop  staged  the  third  winner  in  Lilian 
B.  Bird.  The  class  for  six  incurved,  one  variety,  contained  Lord  Alcester 
from  Rev.  Berners,  Mrs.  Dixon  from  Mr.  Bishop,  third  Empress  of  India 
from  Messrs.  Saltmarsh. 

The  display  of  fruit  was  excellent,  Mr.  G.  Rogers  securing  first 
honours  for  six  dishes ;  second,  Mr.  Andrews,  gardener  to  Hon.  W. 
Lowther  ;  third,  Mr.  Messenger,  gardener  to  C.  H.  Berners,  Esq.  For 
three  bunches  of  Alicante,  Mr.  Thos.  King  was  placed  first,  followed  by 
Messrs.  Andrews  and  Messenger.  Other  black  Grapes,  Mr.  Messenger 
was  first  with  Gros  Colman,  Mr.  Jordan  with  Gros  Maroc,  and  Mr. 
Andrews  with  Mrs.  Pince.  The  classes  for  Apples  and  Pears  formed 
quite  an  exhibition  in  themselves,  but  space  forbids  entering  their 
good  qualities  here.  The  vegetables  were  also  very  numerous  and 
meritorious. 

TWICKENHAM.— Nov.  14th  AND  15th. 

The  annual  autumn  Show  of  the  Twickenham  Horticultural  Society 
was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the  above  dates.  The  display  was  a 
handsome  one,  somewhat  marred,  however,  hy  a  thick  fog  which  hung 
persistently  over  the  town.  Groups  were  very  fine  indeed,  but  the 
Japanese  section  in  the  cut  hlooms  was  by  far  the  best  represented. 
Incurved  flowers  here,  as  elsewhere,  lacked  substance  and  finish.  Fruit  was 
finely  staged,  as  also  were  vegetables.  Orchids,  Palms,  and  other  plants. 
The  greatest  credit  is  due  to  Mr.  J.  J.  G.  Pugh,  Hon.  Secretary,  and  the 
Show  Committee,  for  the  excellent  manner  in  which  all  arrangements 
were  carried  out. 

In  the  class  for  a  group  arranged  in  a  space  not  exceeding  50  square 
feet,  Mr.  J.  Parsons,  gardener  to  T.  Twining,  Esq.,  was  placed  first  for 
an  admirable  collection.  Both  flowers  and  plants  were  splendid. 
Mr.  Rick  wood,  gardener  to  Lady  Freake,  was  a  good  second,  lacking 
taste  in  arrangement ;  Mr.  J.  Simmons,  gardener  to  W.  Cunard,  Esq., 
third  ;  and  Mr.  Weaton,  gardener  to  J.  B.  Hilditch,  Esq.,  being  third. 
In  the  class  for  six  untrained  plants,  distinct,  open  to  amateurs  only, 
Mr.  J.  T.  Attwood  was  a  good  first,  Mr.  J.  Brill  being  second,  and  Mr. 
J.  T.  Hoar  third.  For  twelve  blooms  in  not  less  than  three  varieties, 
Mr.  J.  Brill  was  first,  Mr.  J.  T.  Hoar  second,  and  Mr.  J.  H.  Gilbert  third. 
In  the  class  for  twenty-four  blooms,  twelve  incurved  and  the  remainder 
Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  E.  Coombes,  gardener  to  W.  Furze,  Esq.,  was 
first.  Amongst  the  best  of  those  staged  were  Sunflower,  G.  C.  Schwabe, 
Viviand  Morel,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Violet  Tomlin, 
Robert  Cannell,  and  Empress  Eugbnie.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr. 
Woodgate,  gardener  to  Lady  Wolverton,  with  a  superb  exhibit ;  and  the 
third  to  Mr.  Waite,  gardener  to  Hon.  W.  P.  Talbot.  There  were  five 
competitors  for  twelve  incurved,  distinct.  Mr.  E.  Coombs  was  an  ex¬ 
cellent  first,  staging  Emily  Dale,  Violet  Tomlin,  Princess  Teck,  and 
others  in  grand  form.  Mr.  Woodgate  was  a  very  close  second,  and  Mr. 


456 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  November  16,  1893. 


Waite  third.  The  prizes  in  the  class  for  twelve  distinct  Japanese  were 
very  keenly  contested,  Mr.  Coombs  again  taking  the  premier  position. 
Amongst  the  best  of  his  flowers  were  Viviand  Morel,  William  Seward, 
G.  C.  Schwabe,  and  W.  H.  Lincoln.  Mr  J.  Osman  was  a  good  second, 
and  Mr.  J.  Wilkins,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Pearson,  third. 

Mr.  Waite  was  first  in  the  class  for  twelve  Anemone  varieties  with  a 
fine  stand.  The  best  were  Lady  Margaret  Jeanne  Mantz,  Fleur  de  Marie, 
and  J.  Thorp,  jun.  Mr.  Woodgate,  was  accorded  the  second  prize. 
Mr.  Woodgate  was  a  good  first  for  twelve  bunches  ot  Pompons,  staging 
highly  creditable  examples  of  Bob,  Rosinante,  Mrs.  Bateman,  and  Mdlle. 
Elise  Dordan  amongst  others.  For  six  Japanese,  one  variety,  Mr.  T. 
Osman  was  first  with  magnificent  examples  of  Sunflower.  Mr.  Waite 
second  with  Viviand  Morel,  and  Mr.  Woodgate  third  with  Etoile  de 
Lyon.  In  the  class  for  six  incurved,  one  variety,  Mr.  Waite  was  first 
with  superb  examples  of  Queen  of  England,  Mr.  Coombs  second  with 
John  Salter,  and  Mr.  T.  Osman  third  with  Jeanne  d’Arc.  In  the  class  for 
six  bunches  of  singles,  in  not  less  than  three  varieties,  Mr.  J.  Parsons 
was  a  good  first,  Mr.  J.  Wilkins  being  second,  and  BIr.  G.  Woodgate 
third.  For  twelve  incurved,  distinct,  Mr.  W.  Ludbrook  was  first,  Mr. 
J.  Parsons  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Simmons  third.  In  the  class  for  twelve 
Japanese  varieties,  distinct,  Mr.  J.  Simmons  was  a  good  first,  Mr.  W.  Lud¬ 
brook  second,  and  Mr.  J.  E.  Burton,  gardener  to  Sir  E,  J.  D.  Paul,  third. 
Mr.  H.  G.  Fordham,  nurseryman,  Twickenham,  staged  a  charming  group 
of  plants,  not  for  competition. 

CROYDON.— November  14th  and  15th. 

A  VERY  fine  show  was  held  in  the  Public  Hall  on  the  above  dates. 
The  groups,  trained  plants,  and  the  cut  blooms  were  arranged  in  the 
large  hall,  and  the  fruit  and  vegetables  in  the  smaller  one. 

In  the  open  class  for  eighteen  Japanese  and  eighteen  incurved, 
distinct  varieties,  Mr.  Shoesmith,  gardener  to  M.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Shirley, 
was  first  with  grand  blooms.  Back  row :  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Mrs, 
E.  D.  Adams,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Stanstead  White,  Viviand  Morel,  B.  Moly- 
neux,  John  Lambert,  Empress  of  India  (the  finest  incurved  in  the  Show), 
Alfred  Salter,  Golden  Empress,  Queen  of  England,  and  Jeanne  d’Arc. 
Second  row  ;  Mrs.  Harman  Payne,  Coronet,  Florence  Davis,  C.  Shrimp- 
ton,  Mdlle.  Blarie  Hoste,  Waban,  Miss  Haggas,  Violet  Tomlin,  Princess 
of  Wales,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Mrs.  Heale.  Front  row  : 
Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  Madame  Baco,  Charles  Blick,  Lord  Brooke,  Madame 
J.  Laing,  Sunflower,  Lady  Dorothy,  Empress  Eugenie,  Madame  Darrier, 
Blons.  Davis,  Princess  Teck,  and  J.  Salter.  BIr.  Wyatt,  gardener  to 
James  Perry,  Esq.,  Caterham,  was  a  good  second.  Mr.  H.  Alderman, 
gardener  to  G.  Hatfield,  Esq.,  Morden,  third.  In  this  stand  was  the 
best  Japanese  bloom,  a  grand  one  of  Viviand  Morel. 

Mr.  Shoesmith  was  first  for  six  Japanese,  one  variety,  showing  Viviand 
Morel  ;  Mr.  Wyatt  second.  In  the  corresponding  class  for  incurved  the 
same  exhibitors  changed  positions,  Mr.  Wyatt  being  first  with  Queen  of 
England.  Mr.  Shoesmith  was  defeated  by  T.  Wickham  Jones,  Esq., 
South  Norwood.  In  the  class  for  eighteen  Japanese  Mr.  J.  Knapp, 
gardener  to  F.  W.  Anderson,  Esq.,  obtained  first  for  twelve  bunches  of 
Pompons. 

There  were  several  good  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  edged  with 
foliage  plants.  BIr.  Carr,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Clarke,  Croydon  Lodge,  was 
awarded  first ;  his  blooms  were  of  fine  quality,  but  the  arrangement  was 
scarcely  so  good  as  BIr.  Padley’s,  Bramley  Hill  Nursery,  who  came  in 
second,  Mr.  Carr  was  also  first  for  six  trained  plants,  large  flowering, 
also  for  six  trained  Pompons.  Mr.  Cooper,  Sydenham  Road  Nursery,  was 
second  in  both  classes. 

In  the  local  classes  Messrs.  D.  Love,  C.  Perret,  and  F.  J.  Strover  were 
awarded  the  prizes  for  groups.  BIr.  H.  Shoesmith  was  first  for  twelve 
Japanese,  also  for  the  same  number  of  incurved  varieties.  Mr.  Wickham 
Jones  was  awarded  first  for  six  Japanese,  distinct,  also  six  of  one 
variety,  showing  Viviand  Morel  in  fine  style.  Mr.  Carr  had  the  best 
six  large  flowering  Anemones,  and  Mr.  J.  Knapp  the  best  Pompon 
Anemones.  Amateurs  and  cottagers  exhibited  well  in  the  classes 
provided  for  them. 

In  the  special  class  for  eighteen  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  Shoesmith 
was  first,  and  also  for  the  best  Japanese  bloom  with  foliage  as  grown, 
showing  a  grand  E,  Molyneux,  and  for  incurved  with  Empress  of  India. 
Fruit,  vegetables,  and  table  plants  were  well  shown. 

Among  the  exhibits  not  for  competition  was  a  fine  collection  of 
Apples  from  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  all  highly  coloured. 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  had  Apples  and  Pears.  Messrs. 
Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  exhibited  a  collection  of  Apples,  also  a  group 
of  Chrysanthemums  and  miscellaneous  plants.  BIr.  W.  Wells,  Earls- 
wood,  had  several  stands  of  cut  blooms  ;  and  the  Secretary,  Mr,  W.  B. 
Beckett,  contributed  a  creditable  stand  of  blooms. 

PLYBIOUTH. — November  14th  and  15th. 

The  second  autumn  Exhibition  held  by  the  BVest  of  England  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  took  place  in  the  Guildhall,  and  was  a  decided 
advance  upon  that  of  last  year — not  only  in  the  quality  of  the  cut 
blooms,  but  in  the  classes  for  groups.  The  Executive  deserve  every 
praise  for  the  spirited  policy  adopted  in  offering  such  handsome  prizes. 
BIr.  C.  Wilson  and  BIr.  Damerell  managed  the  Exhibition  in  a  com¬ 
mendable  manner. 

The  principal  class  was  that  for  forty-eight  in  not  less  than  thirty-six 
varieties,  half  to  be  incurved  and  the  remainder  Japanese.  Prizes  of 
£15,  £10,  £5,  £2,  and  £1  were  offered.  There  were  four  competitors  so 
close  in  point  of  merit  that  considerable  time  was  spent  by  the  Judges 
in  making  their  awards.  The  honours  eventually  fell  to  Mr.  N. 


Molyneux,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Gamier,  Esq.,  Rooksbury  Park,  Fareham, 
and  Messrs.  W.  k,  G.  Drover,  Fareham.  Mr.  Molyneux  beat  his  strong 
opponents  by  a  very  few  points  in  both  sections.  The  incurved  were 
not  large,  but  very  solid  and  perfectly  finished.  The  Japanese  were 
particularly  bright  and  well  staged.  The  names  were — Incurved  :  Lord 
Alcester  (2),  Queen  of  England  (2),  Golden  Queen  of  England  (2), 
Empress  India  (2),  Princess  Teck  (2),  Robert  Cannell,  Beauty  (2), 
Mrs.  R.  King,  C.  B.  Whitnail,  Miss  BI.  A.  Haggas,  Nonpareil,  Lord 
Eversley,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington,  Mrs.  Mitchell,  W.  P.  Louis 
Blancard,  Barbara,  Lady  Dorothy  and  Princess  of  Wales.  Japanese  : 
Etoile  de  Lyon  (2),  Princess  May  (2),  Vice-President  Calvat  (2),  Charles 
Davis  (2),  Viviand  Morel,  G.  C.  Schwabe  (2),  Mrs.  F.  A.  Spaulding, 
Florence  Davis,  Blrs.  C.  Wheeler,  Lord  Brooke,  C.  Shrimpton,  Duchess 
of  York,  Mdlle.  Bl.  Hoste  (2),  P  C.  Kingston,  Vice-President  Audiguier, 
Pelican,  Lizzie  Cartledge  and  Lilian  Bird.  The  best  blooms  in 
BIr.  Drover’s  stand  were  Lord  Alcester,  Emily  Dale,  Lord  Dorothy 
(grand),  Mrs.  N.  Davis,  J.  Doughty,  Golden  Emperor  and  Nil 
Desperandum  in  the  incurved.  Japanese  Charles  Davis,  Mdl  e. 
Thbrbse  Day,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams,  and  Lord  Brooke.  Mr.  Foster,  gardener 
to  H.  H.  Spencer,  Esq.,  Teignmouth,  third,  with  perhaps  some  of  the 
finest  Japanese  blooms  in  the  Show,  the  incurved  somewhat  stale. 
Mr,  Stiles,  gardener  to  Miss  Fripp,  Teignmouth,  fourth. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  incurved,  Messrs.  Drover  turned  the 
tables  on  Mr.  N.  Molyneux,  winning  by  the  small  margin  of  one  point. 
The  blooms  in  both  stands  were  not  large,  but  remarkable  for  high  finish 
and  freshness.  The  best  blooms  in  the  winning  stand  were  Golden 
Empress,  Lord  Alcester,  Emily  Dale,  Lady  Dorothy,  Princess  Teck,  Mrs. 
Coleman,  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Alfred  Salter.  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington 
and  Beauty  were  especially  noteworthy  in  the  second  prize  stand. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  Japanese  Mr.  Stiles  was  distinctly  ahead 
of  Mr.  Foster  with  full  heavy  blooms,  capitally  staged,  of  Viviand  Morel, 
Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Spaulding,  M.  Bernard,  M,  Baco,  Violet 
Rose,  Beauty  of  Castlewood,  and  C.  Shrimpton.  For  twelve  Japanese 
Mr.  N.  Molyneux  won  with  full  blooms  ;  Princess  May  and  Mdlle.  M. 
Hoste  were  especially  good.  Mr.  Veale,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  A.  H. 
Simms,  Newton  Abbott,  second.  Florence  Davis  won  for  Mr.  Veale  the 
premier  award  in  the  class  for  six  white,  any  one  variety,  Messrs.  Drover 
second.  For  six  Japanese,  any  one  variety,  Mr.  Stiles  won  with  Viviand 
Morel  in  faultless  style  ;  Etoile  de  Lyon  second,  belonging  to  Mr.  Foster. 
For  six  Japanese,  any  two  varieties,  Mr.  N.  Molyneux  won  with  Mdlle. 
M.  Hoste  and  Etoile  de  Lyon  ;  Messrs.  Drover  second,  Mr.  Stiles  third. 
Anemone  and  reflexed  varieties  were  fairly  well  shown. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  a  distinct  feature  of  the  Show, 
no  less  than  nine  competing;  The  best  came  from  Mr.  T.  F.  Ussher, 
Connaught  Avenue,  Plymouth,  an  excellent  display.  Admiral  Parker, 
Plymouth,  a  good  second.  His  gardener  also  won  the  premier  award 
for  six  specimens  with  fairly  good  plants.  For  a  group  of  miscellaneous 
plants  Mr.  Amos  Groombridge,  Tothill  Nurseries,  Plymouth,  was  first  ; 
Mr.  C.  Watts  second.  Mr.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  staged  new  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  not  for  competition,  and  so  did  Messrs.  Smaile,  Torquay. 

DEVIZES. — November  7th. 

A  BAZAAR  was  held  in  conjunction  with  the  Chrysanthemum  Show 
and  a  very  pretty  and  effective  display  resulted.  What  also  proves 
most  satisfactory  is  the  fact  that  a  very  handsome  balance  invariably 
accrues,  this  being  distributed  in  the  way  of  charity  to  the  poor  during 
the  ensuing  winter.  Mr.  T.  King  has  the  sole  management  of  the 
Chrysanthemum  Show  proper,  and  arrangements  are  very  good. 

Cut  blooms  are  the  great  feature  of  the  display,  valuable  prizes 
attracting  noted  growers  from  various  parts  of  the  country.  For 
twenty-four  incurved  varieties,  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties,  the 
premier  award  went  to  Mr.  J.  Inglefield,  gardener  to  Sir  J.  Kelk,  who 
had  Emily  Dale  (3),  Lord  Wolseley,  Lord  Alcester,  Golden  Empress 
(3),  Queen  of  England,  Empress  of  India  (2),  John  Doughty, 
Princess  of  Wales,  Lucy  Kendall,  Prince  Alfred,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Miss 
Haggas,  Madame  Darrier,  Mrs.  N.  Davis,  Nil  Desperandum,  Empress 
Eugbnie,  Blrs.  Heale  and  Brookleigh  Gem,  all  in  excellent  condition. 
Messrs.  BVard,  G.  Drover,  Fareham,  were  a  close  second,  being  only 
about  four  points  behind.  Mr.  C.  J.  Salter,  gardener  to  T.  B.  Hay¬ 
wood,  Esq.,  Reigate,  was  a  creditable  third,  four  others  also  competing. 
The  last  named  took  the  lead  with  twelve  incurved  varieties,  staging 
fairly  good  blooms  of  John  Lambert,  Empress  of  India,  John  Salter, 
Lord  Alcester,  Violet  Tomlin,  Mrs.  Heale,  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Prince 
Alfred,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Lord  “Wolseley,  Golden  Eagle,  and  Miss  Haggas. 
Mr.  W.  Robinson,  gardener  to  Lord  Justice  Lopes,  Hey  wood  Park, 
Westbury,  was  a  close  second,  the  third  prize  going  to  the  veteran  Mr. 
J.  Baylis,  Winterbourne.  In  another  class  for  incurved  varieties  to  be 
shown  with  4  inches  of  clear  stem  and  Chrysanthemum  foliage 
allowed,  BIr.  Robinson  was  well  first. 

For  twelve  Japanese  varieties  the  first  prize  was  a  silver  cup,  value 
5  guineas,  this  being  presented  by  the  Mayor  of  Devizes,  and  was  well 
won  by  Mr.  C.  J.  Salter,  who  staged  grand  blooms  of  Edwin  Molyneux, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Viviard  Morel, 
J.  S.  Schwabe,  Condor,  C.  Shrimpton,  Chas.  Davis,  Excelsior,  Mdlle. 
Marie  Hoste,  and  Lord  Brooke.  BIr.  P.  Mann,  gardener  to  W.  H. 
Laverton,  Esq.,  Westbury,  lost  by  two  poinis.  Mr.  J.  Inglefield  was 
a  highly  creditable  third,  his  blooms,  th '  Ugh  of  great  depth,  lacking  in 
breadth.  Eight  others  competed.  There  was  also  good  competition 
with  Anemone-flowered  varieties,  and  with  these  Mr.  Salter  was  again 
first.  Mr.  BV.  Robinson  was  second,  the  third  prize  going  to  Mr.  W.  H. 
Clack.  For  reflexed  varieties  Mr.  Robinson  was  first,  having  good 
massive  blooms.  Mr.  C.  J.  Salter  was  second,  and  Mr.  Clack  third. 


Kovcmber  16,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


457 


No  less  than  five  competed  with  a  group  of  Chrysanthemum  plants 
to  occupy  a  space  10  feet  by  60  feet,  and  a  very  grand  display  was  made, 
all  being  deemed  worthy  of  prizes,  and  received  them  accordingly.  Mr. 
\V.  H.  Clack,  gardener  to  Col.  C.  E.  Colton,  M.P.,  Roundvvay  Park, 
Devizes,  was  first.  Mr.  W.  Mantell,  gardener  to  W.  Brown,  Esq., 
Pottering,  was  second  with  a  very  imposing  group.  The  third  prize 
went  to  Mr.  G.  Pymm,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Gouldsmith,  Trowbridge  ;  an 
extra  prize  going  to  Mr.  Smart,  gardener  to  T.  Chandler,  Esq.  ;  and  a 
fifth  to  Dr.  Eayment,  Pewsey.  Other  plants  were  shown  well. 

[We  have  been  compelled  to  abridge  the  reports  of  many  shows,  and 
to  omit  some  of  which  no  notification  was  received  either  by  advertise¬ 
ment  or  in  the  form  of  reporters’  tickets.  ] 


WOKK.fo^ItheWEEK.. 


HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 


Strawberries. — Clear  away  all  surplus  plants  from  between  the 
rows,  at  the  same  time  forking  up  strong  weeds,  or,  if  the  latter  are 
only  small,  hoeing  them  down  in  dry  weather  will  suffice.  Runners 
attached  either  to  old  or  young  plants  ought  to  be  cut,  and  the  largest 
of  the  old. leaves  if  at  all  withered  or  shabby  may  with  advantage  be 
removed.  Weedy,  untidy,  and  crowded  Strawberry  beds  are  at  this 
season  very  unsightly,  besides  being  detrimental  to  the  well-being  of 
the  future  crop.  A  mulching  of  manure  may  advantageously  be  applied 
between  the  rows  of  old  plants,  but  recently  planted  Strawberries  on 
fairly  rich  ground  will  not  need  at  present  any  stimulation  from  the 
surface. 

Raspberries. — If  not  previously  cut  away  the  old  bearing  canes 
must  now  be  removed,  disposing  the  stout  current  year’s  canes  evenly 
along  the  trellis  if  such  be  employed.  Shorten  them  to  about  5  feet  in 
length.  When  grown  in  stools  or  clumps  divide  the  canes  equally  into 
three  portions.  Shorten  one  portion  to  the  height  of  the  stake  used, 
which  may  be  5  feet,  the  next  to  3|-  feet,  and  the  remaining  one  to 
2  feet,  so  that  a  pyramidal  form  of  growth  may  be  obtained  and  the 
fruiting  portions  disposed  more  regularly  than  is  usually  the  case  when 
all  the  canes  are  pruned  to  one  uniform  height. 

Planting  Raspberries. — Raspberries  may  now  be  planted,  digging 
or  trenching  the  ground  well  to  a  depth  of  2  feet,  adding  some  partially 
decayed  manure,  which  must  be  well  incorporated  with  the  soil.  Rasp¬ 
berries  enjoy  a  rich,  deep,  loamy  soil,  as  may  be  evidenced  in  a  few  years 
by  the  length  and  strength  of  the  canes  produced.  When  planting  in 
clumps  the  canes  from  eaeh  being  tied  to  a  single  stake,  8  feet  apart  is  a 
proper  distance,  but  in  lines,  the  canes  being  secured  to  wires  2  feet  will 
suffice.  Plant  strong  roots  with  stout  canes  and  plenty  of  fibres. 
After  planting  mulch  with  manure,  and  shorten  the  canes  to  within 
a  foot  of  the  ground.  Strong  growths  will  issue  next  year,  but  no  fruit 
will  be  had.  It  is  better  to  sacrifice  the  first  year’s  crop  in  order  to 
obtain  extra  vigorous  growth  and  establish  the  plants.  This  once 
obtained  in  rich  soil  will  continue  with  annual  mulchings  in  the  autumn 
for  the  purpose  of  feeding,  and  a  similar  application  of  manure  in  the 
surface  soil  where  abundance  of  active  fibres  are  always  found . 

Blackberries. — The  cultivated  forms  of  Blackberries  produce  fruit 
which  is  exceedingly  useful  in  the  autumn.  They  succeed  well  in 
gardens  possessing  a  strong  rich  soil  in  a  sheltered  but  open  position. 
The  Parsley -leaved  and  Wilson,  jun.,  Blackberries  are  two  of  the  best, 
the  former  doing  well  in  cold  late  districts.  The  fruit  is  large,  juicy, 
and  black  in  colour.  Their  cultivation  is  simple,  being  chiefly  on  the 
same  lines  as  Raspberries.  They  take  rather  longer  to  establish  them¬ 
selves,  seldom  being  strong  enough  to  fruit  before  the  third  season  after 
planting,  inasmuch  as  it  is  imperative  for  strong  canes  to  be  produced 
before  the  plants  are  allowed  to  bear. 

Planting-  Blackberries. — Young  plants,  which  are  better  than  old 
ones,  obtained  and  planted  now,  cutting  them  down  close  to  the  soil 
immediately  after,  or  before  growth  commences  in  the  spring,  will 
grow  freely  next  season.  Select  an  open  position  sheltered  from 
northerly  or  easterly  winds.  Trench  the  ground  to  a  depth  of  2^  feet, 
thoroughly  breaking  up  the  subsoil,  but  not  bringing  it  to  the  top. 
Enrich  the  whole  bulk  of  soil  with  manure  of  a  suitable  character.  If 
rather  light,  cow  manure  may  be  employed,  but  light  shallow  soils  are 
not  suitable  for  producing  superior  growth  and  abundant  fruit.  Heavy 
soil  may  be  dressed  with  partially  decayed  horse  manure,  working  it  as 
well  in  through  the  bulk  of  material  as  possible. 

Blackberry  canes  grow  to  a  great  length,  therefore  plant  at  a  distance 
of  5  feet  from  each  other  in  rows  8  to  10  feet  asunder.  A  stout  stake 
should  be  driven  down  opposite  each  plant,  and  another  midway  between 
the  two,  making  them  2J  feet  apart.  To  strengthen  them  and  hold 
them  together  cross  and  diagonal  pieces  may  be  secured  upon  them,  and 
a  trellis  formed  6  to  8  feet  high,  to  which  the  canes  may  be  trained. 
Laterals  issue  from  the  canes  in  summer,  flower,  and  produce  fruit  in 
immense  clusters,  which  ripen  at  a  time  of  the  year  when  they  prove 
especially  welcome. 

Pruning  and  Feeding. — As  before  mentioned  the  plants  should  be 
cut  down  closely  immediately  after  planting,  or  at  the  latest  before 


growth  commences  in  the  spring.  Shorten  again  the  following  autumn, 
encouraging  the  subsequent  season’s  canes  to  grow  vigorously,  thinning 
them  out  early  to  four  or  five  of  the  strongest.  Thorough  ripening  will 
ensure  fruitfulness,  A  good  mulching  of  rich  manure  must  be  applied 
every  autumn  to  enrich  the  soil.  Liquid  manure  in  the  summer  and 
at  other  times  proves  most  beneficial  to  well  established  plants. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Pines. —  Young  StocJi. — Small  houses,  span  or  three-quarter  span- 
roofed,  are  the  moat  suitable  for  young  plants,  where,  with  proper 
attention  to  ventilation  and  close  proximity  to  the  glass  without  touch¬ 
ing  it,  they  will  make  steady  progress  without  being  drawn  and  weakly, 
as  occurs  when  they  are  kept  too  close  and  warm,  and  a  considerable 
distance  from  the  light.  A  temperature  of  65°  at  night  should  not  be 
exceeded,  and  a  mean  between  that  and  55°  at  night,  with  65°  in  the 
daytime,  will  keep  young  stock  in  a  healthy  progressive  condition, 
admitting  a  little  air  at  the  top  of  the  house  at  65°,  leaving  it  on  all 
day,  but  not  to  lower  the  temperature  below  that  point.  Keep  the 
bottom  heat  steady  at  80°,  avoiding  anything  approaching  to  a  damp 
atmosphere,  but  moderate  humidity  is  necessary.  Apply  water  only  at 
the  roots  when  the  plants  become  dry,  and  then  give  tepid  weak  liquid 
manure.  Allow  the  plants  plenty  of  room.  Suckers  ready  for  starting 
now  may  be  kept  until  March,  and  if  there  is  likely  to  be  a  scarcity  of 
these  for  starting  at  that  time,  any  recently  potted  may  be  afforded 
a  light  position  in  a  moderately  moist  pit,  with  slight  bottom  heat,  and 
a  temperature  of  55°  at  night,  keeping  them  rather  dry  at  the  roots. 

In  the  fruiting  department  65°  will  be  ample  at  night,  5°  lower  in 
the  morning  in  cold  weather,  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially,  and  10°  to  15° 
rise  from  sun  heat.  Take  every  opportunity  of  collecting  leaves  whilst 
dry.  Oak  and  Beech  being  the  best,  and  whenever  a  favourable  oppor¬ 
tunity  offers  push  forward  whatever  may  be  necessary  in  the  renewing 
or  augmenting  the  fermenting  beds. 

Vines. — Earliest  forced  in  Pots. — Those  started  early  in  the  month 
will  respond  promptly  to  the  call  made  upon  them  by  the  warmth  at  the 
roots  and  the  moist  genial  atmosphere,  and  will  soon  be  showing  signs  of 
grow'th,  when  the  temperature  may  be  slightly  increased — 55°  minimum 
and  65°  maximum  from  fire  heat,  with  10°  more  from  sun  heat, 
proportionately  increasing  the  atmospheric  moisture  and  keeping  the 
soil  healthfully  moist.  Ventilation  will  only  require  to  be  moderate, 
affording  what  is  needed  at  the  top  of  the  house,  or  if  side  air  be  given 
it  should  be  made  to  pass  over  the  heated  surface  so  as  to  become 
warmed,  for  cold  currents  of  air  are  very  pernicious. 

Houses  of  Tliin-sTiinned  Grapes. — November  weather,  as  a  rule,  is 
not  favourable  to  hanging  Grapes,  often  causing  them  to  damp  consider¬ 
ably,  Grapes  have  ripened  well  this  season,  the  skins  being  thicker  and 
the  flesh  firmer  than  usual,  whilst  the  juices  are  particularly  rich  and 
sugary.  Black  Hamburgh  and  Foster’s  Seedling,  ripe  in  August,  are 
keeping  wonderfully  well,  also  Madresfield  Court  which  keeps  better 
than  Hamburghs,  but  loses  colour  seriously.  Black  Hamburghs  with  the 
roots  of  the  Vine  entirely  inside  are  shrivelling,  whilst  those  with  the 
roots  outside  are  quite  fresh.  Vines  ripening  their  crops  in  September 
are  still  in  foliage,  and  will  bear  more  moisture  at  the  roots  and  in  the 
atmosphere  than  those  that  have  had  the  Grapes  ripe  since  August. 
Slight  heat  in  the  pipes  will  be  required  almost  constantly  to  maintain 
an  equable  temperature,  but  this  must  not  be  high  or  it  will  cause  the 
berries  to  shrivel  prematurely,  ventilating  freely  and  early  in  bright 
weather  so  as  to  prevent  moisture  being  condensed  on  the  berries. 
The  outside  borders  are  best  protected  from  rains,  as  excessively  moist 
borders  affect  the  Grapes  prejudicially,  and  inside  borders  should  have 
sufficient  moisture  to  prevent  the  soil  cracking,  and  if  covered  with  a 
little  clean  sweet  straw  the  Grapes  will  keep  better.  Covering  the 
border  prevents  its  cracking,  and  keeps  down  moisture  likely  to  arise 
and  prove  injurious  to  the  Grapes. 

Hoiises  Cleared  of  Grapes. — Where  the  Vines  are  leafless  and  the 
Grapes  cut,  attend  to  the  pruning  and  cleansing  of  the  house.  If  the 
Vines  have  stout,  short-jointed  well-ripened  wood,  the  bearing  shoots 
(side  growths  or  laterals  as  they  are  frequently  termed)  may  be  pruned 
to  a  couple  of  eyes.  If,  however,  the  base  buds  are  small,  and  the  Vines 
from  similar  buds  in  previous  years  have  not  given  as  large  bunches  as 
desired,  the  shoots  may  be  left  a  little  longer,  taking  care  to  secure  a 
plump,  round  (not  flat),  well  developed  bud  on  stout,  hard,  thoroughly 
ripened  wood  for  pruning  to,  as  this  class  of  buds  are  necessary  to  give 
close  compact  bunches  of  well  set  berries,  with  a  stoutness  of  footstalk 
that  does  not  fall  an  easy  prey  to  shanking.  Large  flat  buds  on  long- 
jointed  pithy  wood  generally  throw  out  large  uneven  badly  set  bunches, 
with  thin  large  flabby  leaves  on  long-jointed  wood,  and  these  are 
incapable  of  elaborating  the  food  and  concentrating  it  in  the  buds  at 
their  base.  Also  avoid  pointed  buds,  as  they  are  not  always  productive 
of  bunches,  and  those  produced  are  often  so  small  and  tendril-like, 
as  to  be  scareely  w'orth  allowing  to  remain  for  a  crop.  Wash  the  glass 
with  clear  water,  the  wood  and  ironwork  with  softsoap,  water,  and  a 
brush.  Remove  the  loose  bark  from  the  rods  and  spurs,  but  avoid  close 
peeling  and  hard  scraping.  Wash  the  Vines  with  tepid  softsoap  water 
3  ozs.  to  a  gallon,  using  a  brush  with  care  and  judgment,  and  follow  if 
necessary  with  an  insecticide.  Clear  away  the  mulching  or  loose  surface 
soil  down  to  the  roots,  and  place  on  a  couple  of  inches  thickness  of 
fresh  turfy  loam.  Afterwards  sprinkle  over  it  4  ozs.  per  square  yard  of 
a  mixture  composed  of  three  parts  bonemeal  and  two  parts  kainit,  and 
this  will  be  dissolved  and  washed  down  to  the  roots  by  the  early 
watering.  If  the  houses  must  be  used  for  plants  they  should  be  kept 
cool,  admitting  air  freely,  and  not  exceeding  40°  to  45°  by  artificial 


458 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  NoTember  16,  1893. 


means.  Otherwise  admit  air  freely  in  all  but  very  frosty  weather,  a  few 
degrees  of  frost  not  injuring  the  Vines,  but  insuring  more  complete  rest. 

IVIelons.— Where  the  latest  fruit  is  beginning  to  net,  and  will  be 
ripe  some  time  next  month,  the  plants  need  a  genial  atmosphere  to 
secure  the  swelling  of  the  fruit.  Damp  the  paths  in  the  morning  and 
early  afternoon,  admitting  a  little  air  in  the  early  part  of  the  forenoon 
to  insure  the  dissipation  of  moisture,  and  induce  evaporation  from  the 
foliage  and  fruit.  Keep  the  growths  thin,  yet  allow  a  fair  amount  of 
foliage.  Maintain  the  night  temperature  at  65°,  70°  to  75°  by  day, 
advancing  as  much  as  possible  by  closing  at  midday  from  sun  heat. 
Afford  liquid  manure  about  twice  a  week.  The  plants  that  set  their 
fruit  early  in  September  from  the  July  sowings  should  have  all  the 
air  possibly  admitable  with  maintaining  a  temperature  of  70°  to  75°, 
yet  husbanding  the  sun  heat  without  closing  the  house,  withholding 
moisture  from  the  atmosphere  and  water  from  the  roots. 


1-1- _ _  ' . . 1  .  1  .  .  : _ 1  ■  1  .  1  -  1  ,  1 _ 1  -  i  ■  1  1 

HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Hints  for  the  Season — Repairing  Hives. 

All  empty  hives  should  be  stored  in  a  thoroughly  dry  place, 
and  when  in  condition,  overhaul,  clean,  and  repair  all  defects. 
Paint  or  tar,  the  latter  being  the  most  durable,  but  if  it  cannot  be 
tolerated,  creosote  the  wood,  then  varnish  with  stain  according 
to  the  taste  of  the  bee-keeper.  After  this  is  done  fill  the  frames 
with  foundation.  When  full  sheets  cannot  be  afforded  use  narrow 
guides  1  inch  broad.  If  half  sheets  are  employed  the  bees  are 
liable  to  work  out  the  space  with  drone  comb.  When  thus  finished 
close  the  hives,  and  then  they  are  in  readiness  for  swarms  when 
the  time  of  swarming  comes. 

Storms  and  Wrappings. 

All  hives  should  be  stood  level  on  a  small  piece  of  slate.  If  a 
daub  of  tar  is  placed  under  each  foot  it  will  prevent  decay.  When 
not  loaded  with  weights  to  prevent  storms  overturning  them,  an  iron 
rod  or  wooden  stake  driven  into  the  ground  close  to  the  hive,  a 
cord  or  wire  round  the  hive  and  tied  to  the  stake,  will  prevent  them 
being  turned  over  by  any  gale.  Wrappings  should  not  be  stored 
away  damp.  When  the  hives  are  thoroughly  protected  there  is  no 
better  place  to  keep  them  than  on  the  tenanted  stocks.  Crates 
and  supers  are  also  kept  upon  the  hive  during  the  whole 
year.  All  our  hives  being  made  to  accommodate  three  stories, 
with  sufficient  space  for  crown  packing  for  the  winter,  are  replete, 
and  in  readiness  at  all  times  for  immediate  use. 

Melting  Combs. 

After  the  honey  has  been  taken  from  the  combs,  then  the  latter 
steeped  in  water,  they  should  be  melted  at  once,  as  when  left 
lying  about  moths  attack  them,  and  soon  render  the  whole 
waxless.  I  find  no  be!;ter  plan  than  to  put  the  combs  in  bags  of 
cheese  cloth  and  place  them  in  a  tin  or  copper  of  water  one  at  a 
time  ;  boil  slowly  for  a  few  minutes,  then  press  the  bag  with  a 
piece  of  wood,  and  as  the  wax  oozes  out  and  rises  skim  it  off,  as  too 
much  boiling  spoils  it.  When  the  wax  is  thoroughly  softened  and 
melted  remove  the  bag  to  a  wide  cylinder  of  fine  perforations 
connected  with  the  honey  presser,  then  bring  the  screw  to  bear  upon 
it.  Meanwhile,  the  boiler  must  have  a  fresh  bag  of  combs,  so  that 
the  work  is  constantly  and  expeditiously  performed.  As  the  wax 
is  prevented  from  squirting  by  an  outer  tin  cylinder,  it  runs  into  a 
spouted  tin,  connected  with  another  vessel.  The  above  plan  is  the 
most  effectual  of  any  I  have  ever  tried  in  separating  the  wax 
from  the  dross.  When  it  is  all  formed  into  cakes  it  is  put  in 
tin,  and  this  placed  inside  another.  When  melted  it  is 
lifted  from  the  fire  and  allowed  to  cool  slowly,  and  then  all  sedi¬ 
ment  may  be  removed  by  scraping.  The  foregoing  methol  is 
applicable  to  large  or  small  quantities. 

Bees  Quiescent. 

Although  pollen  was  carried  in  by  our  bees  up  till  the  last  day 
of  October,  they  will  not  try  to  fly  much  during  the  coming  two 
months,  so  ought  not  to  be  disturbed  in  the  slightest  degree.  At 
the  end  of  that  period  they  get  more  restless,  and  will  fly  out  at  a 
temperature  which  in  November  and  December  would  not  induce 
them  to  do,  the  reason  being  that  at  that  time  many  young  bees 
are  being  brought  forward. 

Foul  Brood. 

A  correspondent  signing  himself  George  ”  wishes  to  know  how 
to  cure  foul  brood,  and  to  disinfect  the  hives.  Foul  brood  is 
practically  incurable  for  several  reasons.  By  the  time  foul  brood 
is  detected  it  would  not  pay  to  put  off  time  and  be  at  any  expense 
in  attempting  a  cure,  and  even  if  arrested  for  the  time  being,  it 


would  be  sure  to  re-appear  whenever  warm  weather  came.  I  wish 
to  emphasise  this  last  statement  because  certain  persons  have 
asserted  over  and  over  again  that  warm  weather  is  favourable  for 
the  suppression  of  foul  brood,  whereas  it  is  the  very  opposite, 
as  frequently  proven  by  well  managed  experiments.  Every  bee¬ 
keeper  should  endeavour  to  keep  away  foul  brood  by  preventing 
all  accumulation  of  moisture  inside  the  hive.  Hives  painted  outside 
causes  the  moisture  to  condense  on  the  inside  of  single-cased  hives 
absorbing  much  of  it,  and  as  the  temperature  rises  it  passes  off  in  the 
form  of  vapour  and  condenses  upon  bees  and  combs,  while  the  honey 
absorbs  it,  all  which  tends  to  cause  disease.  It  is  even  worse  in  the 
case  of  double-cased  hives,  inasmuch  as  it  causes  them  to  decay  in 
addition  to  the  other  injury.  It  is  much  safer  to  have  the  inside 
of  hives  painted,  even  with  the  outside  done,  as  then  the  moisture 
runs  down  and  out  of  the  hive,  at  least  all  that  is  not  absorbed  by 
the  floor,  the  most  death-dealing  thing  to  bees  during  the 
winter.  A  ventilating  floor,  whether  the  hive  is  painted  or 
not,  is  a  safety  valve  during  the  whole  year.  As  foul  brood  is  as 
easily  incited  by  overheating  as  by  dampness,  both  evils  are 
overcome  by  employing  a  ventilated  floor. 

When  foul  brood  is  suspected  make  an  examination,  and  if 
present  it  may  be  known  by  the  clammy  feel  of  the  combs,  offen¬ 
sive  smell,  and  the  sunken  or  concave  perforated  sealings  of  the 
brood  cells,  these  last  containing  a  tough,  gluey,  putrid  mass  of 
dead  larvae.  Do  not  tamper  with  foul  brood.  The  moment  it 
is  detected  place  the  bees  in  an  empty  hive.  Disinfect 
every  hive  or  appliance  each  time  the  hees  have  been  in  contact 
with  them.  Subjecting  these  things  to  the  fumes  of  sulphur  or 
charcoal,  then  washing  thoroughly  with  lime  and  carbolic  acid 
perhaps  cannot  be  excelled,  but  as  prevention  is  better  than  cure, 
use  the  hives  I  have  advised. 

Earwigs  and  Bees. 

On  page  402  Mr.  J.  R.  S.  Clifford  asks  gardeners  to  report  on 
what  they  know  about  earwigs.  I  am  not  a  naturalist  enough  to 
give  a  full  and  reliable  description  on  the  habits  of  earwigs,  but  I 
can  in  some  measure  answer  the  questions  put. 

Earwigs  are  gregarious,  congregating  in  great  numbers  in 
sheltered  places  such  as  under  bark  of  trees,  whether  on  living  trees 
or  when  in  heaps.  During  the  winter  they  take  up  their  quarters 
under  different  material  near  the  ground.  In  the  spring  and  early 
summer  I  have  frequently  observed  amongst  colonies  of  these  large 
white  ones.  What  are  they  ?  Many  years  since,  thinking  they 
robbed  bees  of  their  honey,  I  had  my  bee  house  made  clear  of  the 
ground,  supported  at  the  corners  by  blocks,  which  stood  in  basins 
of  tar.  Imagine  my  surprise  when  I  went  out  after  dark  with  a 
lantern  to  see  the  outside  of  the  house  swarming  with  them,  where 
they  could  not  reach  unless  they  had  flown. 

Several  times  I  have  observed  earwigs  killing  bees  by  catching 
them  in  their  forceps ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  I  have  as  often 
observed  bees  kill  earwigs.  I  am  inclined  to  think  earwigs 
congregate  about  hives  for  warmth,  that  they  naturally  are  afraid 
of  bees,  although  they  eat  dead  ones  and  the  larvae  of  moths  and 
other  enemies  of  the  garden,  being  more  the  friends  of  the  gardener 
than  his  enemy. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


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

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

Crowing'  Strawberries  on  a  Small  Scale  for  Profit 

(A.  U.  A.).  —  By  hiring  a  little  ground,  growing,  and  sending  the 
fruit  to  a  London  salesman  you  would  only  be  able  to  do  so  profitably 
by  getting  the  fruit  early  or  late,  as  in  the  height  of  the  season  small 
consignments,  unless  of  great  excellence,  hardly  pay  expenses  of  gather¬ 
ing,  packing,  carriage,  toll,  and  salesman’s  commission.  Large,  high- 


November  16,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


459 


coloured,  even-sampled,  fiist-cUss  fruits  only  command  remunerative 
prices,  and  these  you  are  more  likely  to  obtain  in  your  immediate 
locality  than  by  sending  the  produce  to  the  London  markets. 

Cunlla  Mariana  (J..  F.  &.)■ — The  term  Dittany  is  applied  to 
several  different  plants.  For  example,  the  Dictamnus  Fraxinella  is  so 
named,  as  also  are  two  species  of  Origanum,  while  Cunila  Mariana 
is  known  in  North  America  as  the  common  Dittany.  Possibly  these 
names  have  arisen  from  some  fancied  resemblance  between  the  plants  so 
designated ;  but  to  say  the  least  the  similarity  of  the  Cunila  to  the 


Dictamnus  is  by  no  means  strongly  marked.  Cunila  Mariana,  of  which 
an  illustration  is  given  in  fig.  66,  is  a  tufted  dwarf  hardy  perennial 
plant  included  in  the  Mint  family,  and  related  to  the  Monardas  and 
Salvias,  though  differing  materially  in  general  appearance.  The  plant 
rarely  exceeds  a  foot  in  height,  and  produces  its  small  rosy  purple  two¬ 
lipped  flowers  in  great  profusion,  in  dense  corymbose  or  cymose  clusters. 
According  to  Gray  this  Cunila  is  found  in  the  dry  hills  south  of  New 
York  ;  in  England  it  thrives  in  any  ordinary  soil  not  too  wet,  and 
flowers  in  late  summer. 

Making  Blood  Manure  (/.  II.  TF.). — It  is  useless  attempting 
to  dissolve  the  protosulphate  of  iron  in  muriatic  acid  in  the  proportion 
given  in  the  recipe,  and  it  is  quite  unnecessary  to  do  so.  The  proto¬ 
sulphate  ought  to  be  in  powder  and  mixed  with  the  muriatic  acid 
before  the  liquid  is  poured  on  the  blood,  which  must  be  rancid  or 
smell  strongly,  and  then  it  will  be  converted  into  a  paste  and  ultimately 
powder.  In  that  state  it  is  a  handy  manure.  As  to  its  value  as  a 
fertiliser  compared  with  blood  manure  formed  by  mixing  wood  ashes 
with  blood  we  prefer  the  latter  on  account  of  the  potash  and  other  salts 
the  wood  ashes  contain,  and  as  a  general  fertiliser  it  is  perhaps  unex¬ 
celled.  The  other  method  may  be  handier  for  those  requiring  small 
quantities  of  manure  for  their  potted  and  other  plants.  But  there  is 
nothing  better  for  encouraging  growth  and  sustaining  crops  of  flowers 
or  fruit  than  blood  formed  into  a  paste  with  dry  ashes  from  twigs,  dried, 
and  reduced  to  a  fine  powder. 

Diseased  Pears  (,/,  F,  E.  and  Amateur'). — The  skin  of  the  fruit 
in  each  case  is  disfigured  by  several  depressed  spots  or  scabs,  and  around 
these  there  is  a  whitish  margin  with  a  dark  border  permeated  by 
mycelium,  from  which  a  few  narrowly  ovate  bodies  spring  (stroma) 
contracted  in  places,  and  these  cells  breaking  off  act  as  conidia  or  spores. 
It  is  the  condition  of  the  fungus,  Cladosporium  dendriticum  pyrinum, 
called  Spilocoea  pomi,  Fries.  The  fruit  seems  to  have  been  attacked  by 
the  fungus  and  then  arrested,  probably  by  the  unusual  hot  weather,  so 
that  the  growth  of  the  Pears  was  irregular  and  swollen  in  places.  The 
fungus  develops  on  the  fruit  (even  after  it  is  gathered  and  stored)  when 
the  conditions  are  favourable,  and  greatly  diminishes  its  using  value.  All 
affected  fruit  should  be  destroyed  by  burning,  as  it  is  unsightly  and  not 
perhaps  wholesome.  It  is  advised  to  lift  the  trees  if  not  too  large  and 
give  them  some  good  fresh  loam,  or  otherwise  afford  support.  This 
tends  to  a  better  growth  in  the  trees  and  assists  them  to  resist  the 


disease.  The  trees  should  also  be  sprayed  with  sulphate  of  copper,  1  lb. 
to  25  gallons  of  water,  when  the  buds  commence  swelling  with  a  view 
to  destroying  the  spores  of  the  fungus,  and  they  should  be  sprayed  again 
as  soon  as  the  fruit  is  set  with  Bordeaux  mixture,  made  as  follows  : — 
dissolve  4  oz.  of  sulphate  of  copper  in  a  vessel  by  itself  in  2  or  3 
gallons  of  water,  slake  4  ozs.  quicklime  (light  lump.s)  in  another  vessel 
and  form  into  a  thin  whitewash,  then  pour  this  through  a  hair  sieve 
slowly  into  the  vessel  containing  the  sulphate  of  copper  solution,  stir 
well  and  add  enough  water  to  make  gallons,  and  use  this  at  once 
as  a  spray,  coating  every  part  of  the  trees  with  the  finest  possible  dew  or 
film.  If  necessary,  repeat  in  about  three  weeks,  A  third  application 
may  be  necessary  if  the  attack  is  a  bad  one  at  a  similar  interval. 

N'ames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — Wc  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  mimher  of  worthless  Apples  and 
Fears  sent  to  this  office  to  he  named.,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
tohich  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  he  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Bessert  Pears  cannot  he 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (II.  B.  D.).  —  Marbchal  de  Cour. 
(P.  K.). — Beurre  Superfin.  (Mrs.  J.  H,  Fanning). — Calebasse  Grosse. 
(G.  II.). — Pear  Josephine  des  Malines.  (J.B.). — 1,  Margil ;  2,  Winter 
Calville  ;  3,  Cockle’s  Pippin  ;  4,  Pearson’s  Plate.  (T.  S.  N.  P.) — 1,  General 
Todleben  ;  2,  Beurrb  Diel  ;  3,  Glou  Morpeau  ;  4,  Doyennb  du  Comice. 

Xirames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(R.  M). — 1,  Pteris  serrulata  cristata  ;  2,  P.  cretica  albo-lineata.  (A.  B.). 
— Woodwardia  radicans.  (Somerset^). — Ltelia  autumnalis.  (L.  B.). — 
Hoya  carnosa.  (E.  F.). — Centropogon  Lucyanus. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

W.  Cooper,  755,  Old  Kent  Road,  S.E. — Illustrated  Catalogue  of 
Horticultural  S^indries. 

W.  Clibran  &  Son,  Oldfield  Nurseries,  Altrincham. — Chrysantheimms . 
Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay. — Catalogue  of  Chrysanthemums. 


OOVBNT  GARDEN  MARKET.— Novbmbek  15th. 
Maeket  quiet,  well  supplied. 


FRUIT. 


Apples,  per  bushel 
Cobs  . 


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


Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . 

Celery,  bundle  . 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 
Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . 

Endive,  dozen  . 

Herbs,  bunch  . .  . .  . 


Lettuce,  dozen  . . 
Mushrooms,  punnet  ,. 


he  price  is  very  low. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

s. 

d 

2 

0  to  7 

6 

Peaches,  per  doz . 0 

0  to 

0 

0 

30 

0 

32 

6 

Plums,  per  half  sieve  . .  0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . .  2 

0 

3 

0 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet  0 

2  to 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . .  2 

0 

3 

0 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 1 

0 

0 

6 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  owt . 2 

0 

4 

8 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 1 

0 

1 

5 

1 

0 

3 

6 

Scorzouera,  bundle  . .  . .  1 

6 

0 

0 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 8 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 0 

3 

0 

7 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 0 

4 

0 

6 

0 

9 

1 

0 

WHOLESALE 

PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

ty. 

Chrysanthemum  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season,  hence 

.rum  Lilies,  12  blooms  . . 
.zalea,  dozen  sprays . .  . . 

Jouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

lamellias,  dozen  blooms  . . 
larnations,  12  blooms 
Ihrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches . 3 

ihrysanthemums,  doz.  bis.  0 

iucharis,  dozen . 4 

lardenias,  per  dozen  . .  2 

jilac  (French)  per  bunch  3 
jilium  lanoifolium,  dozen 

blooms  . 1 

, ilium  longiflorum,pordoz.  0 
laidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches . 4 

larguerites,  12  bunches  . .  2 

lignonette,  12  bunches  . .  2 


d.  8.  d 
0  to  5  0 


1  6 
1  0 
3  0 
2  0 

6  0 


Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 
Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

bunches . 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

sprays  . 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 
Roses  (indoor),  dozen  .. 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . , 

„  YeUow,  dozen  ..  ..  2 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms. .  ..  0 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

per  bunch . 2 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

bunch  . 2 

Violets  (English),  dozen 
bunches  .  1 


8.  d.  3.  d. 

3  0tol2  0 
6  0  9 


U 


4  0  6  0 


0  6 
2  0 
0  6 
1  0 


1  0 


3  0 
2  6 
2  0 


460 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  16,  1893. 


PLANTS 


8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitae  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

Dracaena  terminalis,  x)er 

1 

0 

2 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Ericas,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Euonvmus,  var.,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

18 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

24 

0 

4 

0 

18 

0 

IN  POTS. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Ferns  (small'i  per  hundred 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Ficus  eiastica,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

7 

6 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Palmis,  in  var.,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

0 

0 

Solanums,  per  dozen..  .. 

9 

0 

12 

0 

PROFITABLE  LIVE  STOCK. 


In  a  herd  of  cows  selection  and  judicious  breeding  are  the 
chief  factors  in  obtaining  really  superior  animals.  See  what 
they  have  done  among  the  Shorthorns,  Herefords,  Devons,  and 
Black-polled  breeds  for  the  production  of  beef,  and  among  Channel 
Island  cattle,  Ayrshires,  Red  Polls,  the  Kerries,  the  cross  breds — 
aye  and  also  among  the  Shorthorns,  for  the  production  of  milk, 
butter,  and  cheese.  Given  careful  selection,  it  really  becomes 
very  much  a  local  matter  of  ways  and  means.  It  is  not  every 
man  that  can  afford  to  indulge  in  the  purchase  of  pedigree  stock 
from  a  herd  of  high  repute,  but  by  being  on  the  alert  to 
purchase  really  good  stock  as  opportunity  offers  the  herd 
improves  slowly  but  surely,  becoming  increasingly  valuable  and 
profitable  year  by  year.  Twice  recently  have  we  been  shown 
the  cow  of  its  particular  locality,  one  of  them  in  Leicestershire, 
the  other  in  Derbyshire.  Both  were  remarkable  for  their 
regular  yield  of  an  exceptionally  large  quantity  of  rich  milk. 
Such  cows  but  too  often  are  regarded  as  curiosities,  without  any 
thought  being  given  to  the  possibility  of  herds  of  them  being 
got  together  by  selection  and  breeding.  It  is  in  this  matter  that 
a  few  thoughtful  men  of  more  than  average  intelligence 
combined  with  energy  and  steady  perseverance  excel.  They 
never  let  any  chance  of  obtaining  such  cows  pass  by,  are  will¬ 
ing  to  pay  something  extra  for  their  fancy,  and  then  take 
good  care  to  turn  them  to  full  account. 

In  the  report  of  a  “Typical  Farm  in  Cheshire  and  North 
Wales  ”  in  the  last  number  of  the  Royal  Journal,  there  are  some 
interesting  facts  about  the  herds  of  cows  kept  by  the  Cheshire 
dairy  farmers.  Most  of  them  evidently  give  preference  to  a 
cross  between  Shorthorns  and  Welsh,  due  attention  being  given 
in  the  crossing  to  the  selection  of  the  progeny  of  deep  milkers. 
In  only  one  instance  is  there  mention  of  a  cross  between  Ayr¬ 
shires  and  Shorthorns  carefully  selected  for  the  last  twenty-one 
years.  This  was  at  Spurstow  Hall,  Tarporley,  the  farm  of 
Messrs.  David  Byrd  &  Son,  whose  herd  of  109  milking  cows 
is  a  fine  one,  well  fed,  well  cared  for,  and  deep  milkers.  This 
herd  is  so  well  managed  that  we  give  some  further  particulars 
of  it  taken  from  the  report.  The  practice  of  the  farm  is  to 
sell  the  milk  from  the  whole  of  the  cows  during  the  six  or 
seven  autumn  and  winter  months  of  the  year,  and  to  convert 
it  into  cheese  the  remainder  of  the  time.  About  eight  cows  go 
to  each  milker.  Each  cow’s  milk  is  weighed  once  a  week.  The 
milk  is  strained  outside  the  dairy  and  conducted  by  an  open 
trough  into  the  milk  vat,  thus  preventing  any  ingress  by  the 
milkers  into  the  dairy.  After  cheese-making  the  whey  stands 
for  two  days ;  the  cream  is  then  skimmed  off  by  hand  and 
churned  into  whey  butter.  The  whey  is  afterwards  carried  by 
a  pipe  to  a  cistern  in  the  piggeries  and  pumped  therefrom  into 
the  pig  troughs.  The  dairy,  although  adjoining,  is  distinct 
from  the  house. 


The  account  kept  by  Messrs.  Byrd  is  equally  instructive. 
Here  is  part  of  it  for  last  year. 


DAIRY  PRODUCE  1892  FROM  104  COWS. 


475  lbs.  butter  at  lljd . 

37  calves  sold . 

30  „  reared  . 

26,175f  galls,  of  milk  sold  . 

Less  freight . 

31,353  galls,  ot  milk  made  into  459  cheeses 
=  12  tons  3  cwt.  0  qr.  29  lbs.  (121  lbs. 
to  cwt )  =  553J  galls,  per  cow,  2  cwt. 

1  qr.  22^  lbs.  cheese . 

Whey,  17s.  per  cow . 

Total . 


Average 

per  cow.  Total. 


£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d. 

0 

4 

4 

22 

15 

H 

24 

45 

14 

0 

J! 

0 

13 

9| 

69 

14 

4 

938 

18 

10 

135 

1 

1 

7 

14 

n 

803 

;  17 

9 

7  12 

li 

794  16 

9 

0  17 

0 

88  8 

0 

£17  1  10^ 

£1779  12 

OJ 

The  average  for  the  thirteen  years,  1880  to  1892,  was 
£18  17s.  lOd.  per  cow,  and  the  falling  off  in  1892  was  attributed 
to  the  unfavourable  season.  It  would  be  curious  to  see  how 
the  average  of  the  current  year  is  affected  by  the  drought.  The 
'  bulls  appear  to  be  especially  well  selected,  and  seem  likely  to 
perpetuate  the  good  dairying  qualities  of  the  herd.  Numbers 
are  kept  up  and  increased  by  rearing  the  heifer  calves.  This  is 
carefully  done,  and  the  heifers  go  into  the  herd  with  their  first 
calf  at  an  age  of  about  two  to  two  and  a  quarter  years. 


WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Sorry  indeed  were  we  to  see  sheepfolds  on  Swedes  since  writing  our 
last  farm  notes.  The  only  thing  in  sound  practice  to  justify  such  a  thing 
would  be  the  bringing  of  more  land  into  course  for  winter  corn.  If 
Swedes  are  used  in  this  way  so  long  before  Christmas  what  is  to  be  done 
for  the  sheep  later  on  in  midwinter  ?  There  should  now  be  for  early 
folding  Mustard,  Coleseed,  early  Cabbage,  and  Thousand-headed  Kale, 
some  late  growth  of  Clover,  and  mixed  layers,  with  a  run  on  pasture 
by  day.  Do  not  keep  sheep  of  any  sort  confined  altogether  in  the  folds, 
a  change  is  healthful,  and  a  frequent  turn  on  a  hard  road  is  good  for 
them.  Look  regularly  to  the  feet ;  allow  no  creeping  in  of  bad  cases  of 
foot  rot,  but  let  the  hoofs  be  pared  whenever  it  is  necessary,  and  any 
difficult  case  be  at  once  isolated.  Ewes  forward  in  lamb  must  have 
quiet  comfortable  quarters,  and  be  under  very  frequent  observation  by 
day  and  night.  Do  not  disturb  them  at  night,  but  approach  them  quietly 
just  to  see  all  is  well  and  there  is  no  disturbance,  or  worrying  by  dogs. 
This  is  entirely  worth  while.  A  friend  of  ours  going  to  his  ewefold  one 
night  found  the  fold  empty,  and  evidence  of  a  rush  in  several  broken 
hurdles.  The  barking  of  dogs  in  the  distance  heard  by  him  through  the 
hush  of  night  told  the  sad  tale  but  too  well.  Two  large  lurcher  dogs 
had  driven  them  out  of  the  fold  to  a  considerable  distance,  and  the  loss 
both  of  ewes  and  lambs  was  most  serious. 

Home  farmers  having  the  advantage  of  a  park  with  its  lofty 
enclosures  do  well  to  have  the  ewes  in  there  for  a  month  or  two  before 
lambing  time ;  they  are  then  safe  from  nocturnal  disturbance.  Keep 
all  ewes  in  lamb  off  the  Turnips  for  every  reason.  We  cannot  too  often 
repeat  this  note  of  warning.  To  allow  them  to  consume  large  numbers 
of  half-frozen  roots  tends  seriously  to  lower  vital  heat,  and  so  taxes  the 
system  seriously  ;  to  keep  them  in  muddy  folds  causes  so  great  a  strain 
upon  their  frames  as  also  to  prove  a  severe  trial  just  when  they  require 
extra  care.  Both  things  cause  abortion  largely  in  a  flock,  and  foot  rot 
often  runs  riot  at  the  same  time. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Square.  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  THE  DAY. 

Bain. 

1893. 

November. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

5 

29-951 

37-4 

35-1 

N. 

47-1 

43-6 

34-4 

51-1 

33-0 

— 

Monday  . . 

6 

30-017 

35-8 

34-1 

N. 

44-9 

46  9 

32-1 

77-9 

28-4 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

7 

30-254 

36-1 

35-0 

N.E. 

43-3 

46-2 

32-0 

75-3 

29-0 

OOlO 

Wednesday 

8 

30-314 

38-9 

35-9 

N.E. 

42-3 

45-0 

32-4 

66-3 

27-9 

— 

Thursday . . 

9 

30-288 

39-7 

36-3 

N.E. 

42-7 

45-9 

36-1 

80-7 

33-0 

— 

Friday 

10 

30-251 

42-8 

39-0 

N.E. 

42-1 

46-4 

34-4 

52-1 

31-0 

— 

Saturday  . . 

11 

30-334 

46-2 

44-1 

N.E. 

42-9 

50-1 

41-5 

59-8 

38-4 

— 

30-201 

39-6 

37-1 

43-6 

46-3 

34-7 

66-2 

31-5 

0010 

REMARKS. 

5tli. — Fair  early ;  drizzly  from  10  to  11  A.M.,  then  occasional  sunshine  till  noon,  and 
bright  afternoon  and  night. 

6th. — Almost  cloudless  from  sunrise  to  midnight. 

7th. — Almost  cloudless  morning,  and  bright  sun  till  3  P.M.,  when  there  was  a  shower 
of  rain  and  hail,  the  sun  shining  meanwhile  ;  generally  cloudy  after  3.15  P.ll. 

8th. — Cloudy  morning;  bright  sunshine  from  1.30  p.M.  to  3.30  P.M.,  and  generally 
cloudy  after. 

9th. — Bright  sunshine  almost  throughout,  with  brisk  N.E.  wind. 

10th. — Overcast  throughout,  and  high  wind  in  the  morning. 

11th. — Overcast  till  noon ;  much  bright  sunshine  in  afternoon. 

A  cool  dry  week  with  northerly  wind  and  very  little  cloud. — G-.  J.  Symons. 


November  23,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


461 


PERSEVERANCE  WITH 

POTATOES. 

- X 


During  the  year  1885  we  had  the  pleasure  of  inspecting  the 
results  of  crossing  one  of  the  species  of  Potatoes  described 
as  Solanum  Maglia  with  three  good  English  varieties.  This  was 
at  Reading,  in  the  grounds  of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  and  in  the 
same  grounds  we  have  had  the  pleasure  of  inspecting  a  no  less 
remarkable  and  decidedly  more  promising  output  this  autumn 
from  a  similarly  conducted  series  of  experiments.  S.  Maglia  as 
the  seed  bearer  and  a  seedling  from  Victoria  as  pollen  parent 
crossed  in  1887  produced  two  “hybrids,”  one  having  reddish, 
pebble-shaped  tubers  with  no  particularly  attractive  character  to 
recommend  them,  the  other  wholly  different,  the  tubers  being 
round,  of  full  size,  white,  with  a  rough  skin  like  Schoolmaster  ; 
yet  entirely  distinct,  unquestionably  an  interesting,  and  may  prove 
a  decidedly  valuable  acquisition. 

In  the  summer  of  1891  the  well-known  variety  Imperator,  also 
another  unnamed  cultivated  Potato,  were  pollenised  from  the 
small  reddish  tubered  No.  1  hybrid  ;  also  a  commercial  variety 
was  pollenised  from  it  as  well.  In  the  following  year  (1892)  these 
hybrid  Potato  seedlings  were  remarkable  for  the  number  and  size 
of  the  tubers  they  produced,  and  the  present  year’s  crops  were 
looked  forward  to  with  no  ordinary  degree  of  interest.  Though 
the  impress  of  the  pollen  parent  was  very  apparent  in  the  growth, 
which  to  coin  a  word  was  decidedly  magliaised,  yet  the  tubers 
from  the  red  polleniser  were  white  with  one  exception,  a  mottled 
round,  five  of  the  other  varieties  being  white  rounds,  and  six  white 
kidneys.  The  yield  from  some  of  these  was  remarkable.  For 
instance,  though  the  tubers  planted  were  of  necessity  small,  yet 
eight  of  them  (No.  5),  a  lemon  fleshed  kidney,  produced 
33  lbs.  9  ozs.  of  extremely  fine  Potatoes  ;  six  tubers  of  No.  8 
gave  17  lbs.  7  ozs.  of  mottled  roundish  tubers  packed  closely 
round  the  stem  ;  eight  small  seed  tubers  of  No.  11  gave 
32  lbs.  2  ozs.  of  large  white  fleshed  kidney  Potatoes ;  and  eight 
of  No.  12  yielded  24  lbs.  3  ozs.  of  lemon  fleshed  full  sized 
kidney-shaped  tubers.  Those  four  varieties  appeared  to  stand 
out  as  the  greatest  producers  from  the  twelve  raised  from  the 
Imperator  cross  indicated — the  red  tubered  variety  as  tbe  pollen 
parent. 

From  the  other  cross — an  unnamed  commercial  variety — 
pollenised  as  above,  twenty-nine  seedlings  were  raised,  nine  of 
them  producing  kidney-shaped,  and  the  remaining  twenty  round 
tubers — all,  both  round  and  kidney,  being  white.  The  diversity 
in  yield  was  very  great,  some  giving  poor  returns,  several  fair  to 
good  crops,  and  others  again  large  yields,  the  heaviest,  No.  11, 
white  round,  being  25  lbs.  14  ozs.,  from  eight  small  tubers.  As 
a  rule  the  round  varieties  were  the  best  in  this  cross,  the  kidneys 
in  the  other.  ‘Also,  as  a  rule,  the  crops  possessed  the  characteristic 
strikingly  apparent,  of  the  tubers  being  thickly  clustered,  almost 
densely  packed,  close  round  the  stems,  and  in  this  respect  pre¬ 
sented  an  appearance  wholly  dissimilar  from  Potatoes  generally  as 
the  seedlings  were  lifted  and  “  stood,”  for  it  cannot  be  said  they 
were  “  spread,”  on  the  ground.  Most  of  them  were  of  medium 
size,  but  to  have  obtained  this  size  so  quickly  and  the  bulk  of 
many  so  great  augurs  well  for  the  future,  for  if  the  bountiful 
character  of  the  best  of  them  can  be  combined  with  the  almost 
faultless  form  and  superior  quality  of  the  best  of  our  cultivated 
varieties,  there  will  be  added  to  existing  good  properties  an 


No.  700. — Voii.  XXVII.,  Third  Seuies. 


abundance  in  yield  to  which  they  at  present  have  no  claim. 
Whether  this  combination  can  be  effected  and  fixed  time  alone 
can  tell.  The  vagaries  of  Potatoes  produced  by  intercrossing 
cannot  be  foreseen,  they  have  a  habit  of  sliding  back,  quickly  or 
slowly,  also  intermittently,  and  often  provokingly,  to  nature  so 
to  say.  Some  appear  to  attain  constancy  in  a  comparatively  short 
time,  while  others  “sport  about”  for  years.  They  may  be  to  all 
appearance  “  true  ”  one  season,  axd  the  next  as  uncertain  as  the 
weather — as  “shifty,”  as  it  has  been  humorously  described,  “as  a 
waggonload  of  monkeys.”  Tke  one  strong  character  of  these 
seedlings,  so  strong  that  it  ought  to  be  retained,  and  exert  a 
dominating  influence  on  others,  is  the  heaps  of  tubers  packed  and 
piled  on  each  other,  as  if  clinging  together  closely  around,  above, 
and  below  the  parent  set. 

This  is  a  character  not,  we  think,  possessed  by  Solanum  tube¬ 
rosum,  the  supposed  progenitor  of  our  present  race  of  cultivated 
Potatoes.  It  may  be  so.  Mr.  Baker  of  Kew  has  no  doubt  about  it, 
and  he  is  a  very  great  authority.  At  the  same  time,  Heriot’s  report 
of  the  country  visited  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  describes  the  Potato 
as  growing  there  in  “  damp  places  tubers  as  large  as  Walnuts, 
some  much  larger,  and  good  for  food  either  boiled  or  baked.  This 
description  would  appear  to  apply  more  nearly  to  the  coast  plant 
Solanum  Maglia  than  to  the  hill  plant  S.  tuberosum,  and  Heriot 
was  in  the  Raleigh  Expedition  when  tubers  were  collected  and 
brought  to  Ireland.  It  is  certain,  too,  that  anterior  to  the  outbreak 
of  the  Potato  disease  in  1845  and  in  subsequent  years,  before 
endeavours  were  made  to  raise  new  varieties,  that  Potatoes  were 
grown  in  fields  and  gardens  in  the  north-eastern  counties  that  had 
far  greater  resemblance  to  S.  Maglia  than  S  tuberosum  ;  also  it  is 
certain  that  during  the  years  of  failure  of  English  crops  that  large 
cargoes  of  Potatoes  from  Belgium,  Holland,  and  Germany  to  our 
eastern  ports  had  the  Maglia  characters  of  peculiar  rugged  (con¬ 
tracted  in  places)  shape,  as  well  as  the  purplish  red  colour  ;  in 
fact,  many  of  the  tubers  were  so  like  Maglias  that  it  would  have 
taxed  an  expert  to  distinguish  them  from  each  other.  But 
whether  or  not  S.  Maglia  was  once  grown  in  England,  and  had  a 
share  in  the  production  of  English  varieties,  it  is  not  to  be 
found  now  among  cultivators,  and  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  have 
done  well  to  obtain  tubers  from  Kew  for  purposes  of  ferti¬ 
lisation  in  the  hope  of  giving  a  more  vigorous  and  consequently 
greater  disease-resisting  nature  to  stocks  that  may  be  raised  from 
them,  and  possessing  also  the  other  good  properties  that  invest  the 
Potato  with  value  as  a  commercial  product  and  necessary  article 
of  diet. 

But  why,  it  will  naturally  be  asked,  these  Reading  experiments 
de  novo,  since  an  elaborate  series  was  conducted  not  many  years  ago  ? 
Because  there  was  a  doubt  as  to  identity  of  the  species  chosen,  as  we 
indicated  at  the  time,  pointing  out  that  the  variation  in  the  tubers 
was  clear  enough  for  them  to  be  separated  into  two  sections  differing 
in  colour.  In  fact  one  of  the  plants  sported  and  gave  white  tubers, 
while  those  of  S.  Maglia  are  as  far  from  white  as  any  tubers  can  be. 
The  Reading  firm,  accurate  and  thorough  in  its  undertakings, 
could  not  have  the  experiments  rest  on  a  doubt,  and  therefore  set 
aside  all  the  painstaking  and  time-consuming  work,  gaining 
nothing  but — and  this  must  be  very  valuable — information.  Hence 
the  new  series  and  going  back  to  the  beginning,  the  experiments 
founded  on  fact  and  conducted  with  the  same  extreme  care  as  it 
is  possible  to  exercise  in  such  work.  Slow  and  delicate  work  it  is, 
as  may  be  understood  by  an  example  in  routine. 

Three  seeds  obtained  from  the  first  1887  cross  were  sown  on 
March  5th,  1888,  and  the  first  plant  appeared  on  April  2nd.  On 
May  30th,  one  cutting  was  taken  from  a  side  shoot,  and  three 
rooted  suckers  removed,  all  potted  singly.  In  August  seven 
cuttings  were  taken,  and  the  plants  grown  in  pots.  In  May,  1889, 
there  were  established  in  pots  from  tubers,  cuttings,  and  offshoots 
twenty-five  plants,  four  being  sent  to  Mr.  Baker,  Kew,  the  rest 
planted  outdoors,  and  so  increased  from  year  to  year,  the  hybrid 

No.  2356.— VoL.  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


462 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  23,  1893. 


remaining  the  same  in  every  respect  as  the  first  year,  except  that 
the  tubers  are  rather  larger. 

The  No.  2  seedling  was  giovn  in  pots  for  three  years  on 
account  of  its  weakness,  bul  last  year  (1892)  was  planted  outdoors, 
which  much  improved  it  in  size  of  tubers.  Although  a  most  trying 
season,  there  was  no  trace  of  disease.  Three  tubers  were  planted, 
but  one  failed.  Upon  lifting  the  two  plants  on  October  11th, 
1892,  the  crop  consisted  of  twelve  tubers — a  very  handsome  white 
round,  of  excellent  shape,  and  crackled  skin,  such  as  cultivators 
like  to  see.  Six  tubers  were  planted  this  year  (1893),  and 
upon  examination  when  lifted  four  roots  were  found  to  be 
of  the  same  type  as  the  previous  year,  and  these  produced 
an  extraordinarily  large  crop,  but  not  quite  so  round  in  shape  as 
last  year,  owing  to  a  second  swelling  after  the  rain.  The  other 
two  plants  ran  back  to  very  small  tubers  and  a  large  quantity  of 
delicate  fibrous  roots,  but  the  haulm  was  the  same  in  every  respect 
as  the  four  plants  just  described,  being  very  strong  ;  leaves  rough, 
like  Victoria,  but  the  points  of  the  shoots  resembling  those  of  the 
first  cross. 

Such  is  the  routine.  The  results  obtained  no  one  could  see 
without  being  interested  and  without  wondering  what  will  be  the 
outcome  of  this  most  carefully  conducted  aeries  of  experiments. 
If  perseverance  has  its  reward  it  will  in  this  case  be  well  won 
after  so  many  years  of  persistent  work  in  endeavouring  to  increase 
the  yield  and  improve  the  character  of  the  most  important  of  our 
root  crops,  and  with  such  a  foundation  to  rest  on  as  has  now 
b?en  laid  the  conductors  of  the  work  are  looking  hopefully  onward 
to  the  future. 


AUTUMN  AND  WINTER  HARDY  FLOWERS. 

The  appearance  above  the  ground  of  two  autumn  Snowdrops — 
Galanthus  octobrensis  and  G.  corcyrensis,  gives  us  no  ordinary  degree 
of  pleasure.  Thvir  own  beauty  will  be  great  in  a  week  or  two,  and  with 
a  protective  sheet  of  glass  we  may  enjoy  them  until  their  delicately 
beautiful  sisters  of  January  and  February  appear.  One  may  well 
ask,  Why  should  the  garden  of  hardy  flowers  remain  desolate  so 
long?  Why,  with  so  many  winter  flowering  plants  should  a  walk 
along  its  paths  show  nothing  of  brightness,  and  little  but  a  melancholy 
array  of  dead  stems  and  tallies  ? 

Looking  along  one  of  my  rockeries  the  other  day  I  paused  before 
a  good  plant  of  Saxifraga  Fortunei,  and  admired  its  thick  and  succu¬ 
lent  looking  leaves  and  its  curiously  beautiful  flowers.  They  are 
alike  curious  and  beautiful  with  their  green  sepals  and  unequally 
sized  petals  of  white,  which  are  described  as  “saw-edged,”  a  term 
which  may  be  botanically  correct,  but  which  fails  to  express  the 
form  in  which  they  are  shaped  so  as  to  add  greater  attractions  to  the 
flower,  and  which  one  cannot  properly  describe.  The  lower  one  is 
longer  than  any  of  the  others,  while  the  two  upper  ones  again  are 
shorter  than  the  two  which  come  between.  The  golden  boss  in  the 
centre  of  the  flower  adds  to  its  charms  also,  and  a  good  plant  with 
many  of  these  flowers  in  panicles  on  thick,  fleshy  stems,  fails  not  to 
please.  Pity  it  is  that  the  inevitable  failing  must  be  disclosed  that 
early  frosts  at  times  play  sad  havoc  with  the  plant,  and  that  one 
night  will  destroy  the  hope  cherished  of  the  usual  blooms.  I  find 
Fortune’s  Saxifrage,  which  was  introduced  from  Japan  in  1863,  to 
be  most  satisfactory  on  rockwork  facing  almost  due  south,  and 
planted  in  sandy  peat  with  the  addition  of  a  quantity  of  gritty 
matter.  It  is  increased  hy  division,  and  a  small  piece  1  received  a 
few  years  ago  has  now  assumed  quite  respectable  proportions. 

Extremely  beautiful  for  a  long  period  has  been  Androsace  lanugi¬ 
nosa,  A  fine  plant  on  the  same  rockery  as  Fortune’s  Saxifrage  is 
still  in  bloom,  and  its  spreading  stems  of  silvery  leaves  and  rose 
coloured  flowers  with  yellow  eye,  are  very  charming,  I  am  referring 
to  this  plant  at  this  time  principally  for  the  purpose  of  advising  its 
covering  with  a  sheet  of  glass  or  slate  raised  a  few  inches  above  the 
foliage,  so  as  to  throw  off  wet,  and  at  the  same  time  admit  of  the 
free  circulation  of  air.  When  a  slate  is  used  I  generally  remove  it 
during  the  day  in  fine  weather,  and,  even  with  this  trouble,  I  con¬ 
sider  the  slate  preferable  to  glass,  which  in  the  spring  sometimes  over¬ 
stimulates  the  growth.  All  my  Androsaces  are  thus  covered  from 
October  until  March  or  April,  and  the  little  trouble  is  more  than 
repaid  by  the  wealth  and  beauty  of  these  charming  alpines, 

.  “spring”  Heath,  Erica  carnea  alba,  has  been  so  long 

in  bud  that  I  was  not  surprised  to  see  it  in  flower  a  few  days  ago,  and 
thus  coming  in  long  ere  the  Cornish  Heath,  E.  vagans,  has  passed 


away.  One  is  at  a  loss  to  know  why  more  use  is  not  made  of  this 
pretty  Heather  which,  on  sunny  rockeries,  will  yield  its  bloom 
through  some  of  the  darkest  and  dullest  months  of  the  year.  In  my 
garden  it  is  thoroughly  at  home,  the  white  form  which  is  sometimes 
known  as  E.  herbacea,  being  always  earlier  than  the  flesh-coloured 
one. 

The  time  is  rapidly  coming  when  the  claims  of  the  autumn  and 
winter  Crocuses  to  inclusion  in  our  gardens  will  need  little  advocacy, 
I  may,  perhaps,  be  allowed  to  mention  two  as  indicative  of  the 
variety  of  beauty  we  may  have.  One  of  these  is  C.  cancellatus,  of 
which  the  type  has  pretty  little  white  flowers  veined  with  purple  at 
the  base,  the  flowers  appearing  before  the  leaves.  This  species, 
which  is  a  native  of  Asia  from  North  Palestine  to  Armenia,  varies  in 
colour,  however,  from  lilac  to  white,  and  thus  a  considerable  variety 
may  be  obtained.  Very  charming,  too,  is  C.  ochroleucus,  which  I 
had  previously  but  unfortunately  lost,  and  received  this  year  through 
the  kindness  of  a  reader  of  the  Journal.  This  is  a  beautiful  little 
Crocus  of  a  pretty  creamy  white  with  orange  base.  It  is  a  native  of 
Syria  and  North  Palestine,  and  appears  to  be  rather  tender.  It  is, 
however,  worthy  of  all  care,  and  a  little  protection  will  be  well 
repaid. 

The  value  and  beauty  of  the  Michaelmas  Daisies  become  more 
and  more  apparent,  and  bushes  of  blue,  purple  blue,  pink,  lilac,  and 
almost  pure  white  in  the  borders  fill  us  with  pleasure.  Nor  are  the 
flowers  less  beautiful  or  valuable  when  cut  for  house  decoration,  A 
little  favourite  with  me,  not  so  much  from  the  size  or  beauty  of  the 
individual  flowers,  but  from  the  habit  of  growth  of  the  plant  and  the 
charming  appearance  it  presents  when  in  full  flower,  is  Aster 
diffusus  horizontalis.  It  smothers  itself  with  small  white  starry- 
looking  flowers  with  raised  pink  centres.  The  plant  is  so  sturdy  in 
habit  that  in  a  position  where  it  is  slightly  sheltered  from  our  severe 
gales  from  the  Solway  it  requires  no  staking  or  tying,  a  great 
addition  to  its  beauty  being  gained  by  the  absence  of  the  comparative 
stiffness  inseparable  from  such  supports.  This  season  it  has  reached 
rather  over  2j  feet  in  height,  and  its  spray-like  branches  add  much  to 
the  beauty  of  the  garden.  It  has  also  the  merit  of  being  extremely 
hardy,  and  with  moderate  weather  should  bloom  on  until  Christmas 
Day.  Indeed,  in  former  years  I  have  cut  flowers  from  it  within  a 
day  or  two  of  the  New  Year. — S.  Arnott. 


The  Orchid  Growers’  Manual. 


Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway,  inform  us 
that  they  have  a  new  (the  seventh)  and  much  enlarged  edition 
of  “  The  Orchid  Growers’  Manual  ”  in  the  press,  with  numerous 
additional  illustrations,  which  will  be  issued  early  in  the  new  year. 

L.elio- Cattle YA  Statteriana. 

This  is  another  of  the  many  beautiful  bigeneric  hybrids  which 
have  been  raised  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic 
Nursery,  Chelsea.  It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  Lselia 
Perrini  and  Cattleya  labiata,  and  is  a  charming  novelty,  meriting 
the  first-class  certificate  awarded  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
on  November  14th.  The  flower,  as  depicted  in  the  illustration 
(fig.  67),  is  large,  the  sepals  and  petals  resembling  those  of  Cattleya 
labiata  in  form  and  colour.  A  trace  of  Laelia  Perrini  is  noticeable 
in  the  lip,  the  front  lobe  of  which  is  a  rich  purplish  crimson. 
The  base  of  the  lip  is  white  faintly  marked  with  crimson. 

Orchids  for  Flowering  at  Christmas. 

Orchids  are  always  valued  highly  during  the  winter  months, 
but  at  no  period  are  they  so  much  appreciated  as  at  Christmas  time, 
because  most  of  those  then  obtainable  furnish  bright  or  distinct 
shades  of  colour,  that  are  especially  welcome  when  flowers  are 
never  too  numerous  or  diversified.  Many  beautiful  groups  can  be 
formed  with  the  best  of  the  winter-flowering  Orchids,  associated 
with  Roman  Hyacinths,  a  few  early  Lilies  of  the  Valley,  Ferns, 
and  light  Palms,  as  such  arrangements  are  adapted  for  situations 
where  bolder  groups  of  the  late  Corysanthemums  are  out  of  place. 
Some  also  are  useful  for  cutting  when  flowers  for  buttonholes, 
sprays,  or  choice  bouquets  are  not  very  abundant.  As  the  present 
is  a  critical  and  important  time  in  the  preparation  of  Orchids  for 
Christmas,  the  opportunity  has  been  chosen  to  give  a  few  practical 
hints  on  the  general  management  needed  to  ensure  a  prospect  of 


November  23,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


463 


success,  also  to  name  some  of  the  species  or  varieties  which  have 
been  proved  by  many  years’  experience  to  be  the  most  reliable  and 
satisfactory  for  the  purpose.  _ 


The  Orchids  that  may  be  had  in  flower  at  the  particular  season 
now  under  consideration  can  be  classed  under  three  heads  ; — 
Firstly,  Those  which  flower  naturally  in  late  December,  or  that 
require  little  assistance  to  induce  them  to  do  so.  Secondly, 
Those  which  usually  flower  in  November  or  January,  and  that 
may  be  retarded  or  hastened  sufficiently  to  cause  the  production 
of  the  flowers  when  desired,  or  to  prolong  the  usual  period. 
Thirdly,  There  are  some  Orchids  almost  continuously  in  flower, 
or  which  blossom  at  ditferent  seasons  and  occasionally  yield  their 
attractions  in  midwinter.  Upon  the  first  group  we 
must  chiefly  depend  for  our  Christmas  display,  and 
to  them  the  principal  attention  will  be  devoted  in 
these  notes.  With  regard  to  the  second  group  there 
is  more  uncertainty  and  risk,  as  the  majority  of 
Orchids  do  not  readily  submit  to  the  ordinary  pro¬ 
cesses  of  hastening  or  delaying  the  flowering  period. 

In  either  there  is  often  much  danger  of  losing  the 
blooms,  and  even  the  plants  themselves,  unless  of 
naturally  vigorous  habit,  will  frequently  suffer  to  a 
serious  extent.  Forcing,  as  commonly  understood  and 
practised,  can  be  safely  adopted  with  very  few,  and 


temperatures  and  the  due  but  not  excessive  supply  of  moisture, 
while  near  large  towns  a  still  greater  difficulty  is  found  in  the 
poisonous  fogs  that  too  frequently  spoil  all  our  hopes  just  as  they 
are  on  the  point  of  being  realised.  One  essential  must  be  kept  in 
view  in  the  preparation  of  such  plants  for  winter  flowering,  and 
that  is  to  have  them  as  sturdy  as  possible  with  firm,  well-developed, 
and  matured  leaves,  or  in  the  case  of  the  partially  deciduous  kinds 
to  ensure  plump,  thoroughly  ripened  stems  or  pseudo-bulbs  by  a 
previous  season’s  careful  culture.  The  avoidance  of  excessively 
high  temperatures,  with  great  quantities  of  moisture  and  insufficient 
ventilation,  or  exposure  to  light,  is  absolutely  necessary  to  ensure 
the  required  condition,  and  happily  the  present  season  has  been  in 
many  respects  most  favourable  to  the  maturation  needed.  The 
hot  bright  weather  has  imposed  a  severe  tax  upon 
growers  in  many  ways,  but  it  has  permitted  a  free 
and  continuous  ventilation  which  with  attention  to 
supplying  sufficient  water  to  prevent  the  ill  effects  of  a 
parched  atmosphere  on  delicate  foliage,  has  ensured  a 
ripening  that  will  enable  the  plants  to  endure  their 
winter’s  trials  with  less  danger. 


It  is  a  common  mistake  with  beginners  in  Orchid 
culture  to  fancy  that  their  success  must  largely 
depend  upon  the  accuracy  with  which  they  maintain 
certain  temperatures  for  each  month  as  given  in  the 


Fig.  G7.— LJiLIO-CATTLEYA  STATTERIANA. 


these  chiefly  the  deciduous  kinds  bearing  large  pseudo-bulbs  as 
storehouses  of  nourishment,  such  as  the  Dendrobiums  of  the  nobile 
and  Wardianum  types,  the  Calanthes  and  a  few  others.  Even  with 
them  the  truth  of  the  old  adage,  “  The  more  haste  the  less  speed,”  is 
often  exemplifled,  and  “hasten  slowly”  may  serve  as  a  useful 
motto  for  Orchid  growers  who  wish  to  secure  plants  in  flower 
before  their  usual  season.  In  the  third  group  a  long  list  could 
be  given  of  Orchids  that  have  been  had  in  flower  during  December, 
for  in  large  collections  some  will  produce  occasional  flowers  at  all 
seasons  ;  but  these  may  be  termed  the  accidents,  and  the  only  sorts 
to  be  relied  upon  in  this  group  are  those  which  flower  almost  con¬ 
tinuously  throughout  the  year,  some  of  the  hybrids  being  remark¬ 
able  examples  of  this  character,  especially  Cypripedium  or  Seleni- 
pedium  Sedeni,  for  I  have  had  vigorous  plants  of  this  which  have 
not  been  without  flowers  expanded  or  showing  for  nearly  three 
years.  _ _ 

As  regards  the  winter  treatment  of  Orchids  to  yield  flowers 
freely  and  retain  them  as  long  as  possible,  the  difficulties  that 
cultivators  have  to  contend  with  are  chiefly  in  the  regulation  of 


guide  books  and  calendars.  In  this  they  misunderstand  the 
object  of  the  writers,  who,  if  they  are  practical  men,  usually 
try  to  furnish  some  indication  of  what  is  required  to  be  varied 
according  to  circumstances  by  the  judgment  of  individual  culti¬ 
vators.  Nothing  leads  to  more  disastrous  results  in  the  winter 
culture  of  Orchids  than  endeavouring  to  keep  up  a  fixed  tempe¬ 
rature  by  hard  firing  when  outside  the  thermometer  may  be  down 
extremely  low.  Fuel  is  consumed  wastefully,  and  the  air  in  the 
houses  is  dried  to  such  an  extent  that  water  has  to  be  distributed 
liberally,  ventilation  is  impossible,  and  the  plants  are  exposed  to 
a  “stewing”  atmosphere,  effectually  weakening  the  growth  and 
foliage  already  made,  and  frequently  encouraging  the  production, 
of  unseasonable  growths  at  the  expense  of  the  plants  themselves, 
the  flimsy  leaves  seldom  properly  mature,  and  a  good  period  of 
flowering  can  never  be  reasonably  expected  under  such  conditions^ 
It  is  far  better  to  allow  a  fall  in  the  warm  houses  of  5  or  even  10 
in  exceptionally  severe  weather,  reducing  the  supply  of  moisture 
proportionately,  without  permitting  the  plants  to  suffer  in  any 
way,  than  to  parboil  them  for  the  delusive  satisfaction  of  preserving 
a  regulation  temperature. 


461 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Norember  23,  1893. 


There  are  always  some  plants  more  delicate  than  others  and 
more  impatient  of  variations  in  the  heat  provided,  and  whether 
these  are  grown  in  an  Orchid  house  proper  or  in  a  structure  con¬ 
taining  other  plants,  they  should  be  assigned  positions  where  the 
conditions  are  more  in  accordance  with  their  requirements.  Obser¬ 
vation  will  soon  acquaint  a  man  with  peculiarities  of  this  character, 
and  I  have  had  in  my  own  experience  many  striking  examples  of 
how  much  attention  to  this  matter  will  contribute  to  success.  There 
are,  indeed,  few  plant  growers  who  could  not  bear  witness  to  the 
strange  partiality  displayed  by  some  plants  for  particular  positions 
in  houses,  and  how  they  will  thrive  just  where  they  are  suited  and 
not  succeed  so  well  in  another  part  of  the  same  house.  In  the 
winter,  when  all  circumstances  are  more  trying  to  plants  and 
cultivators,  these  apparently  simple  matters  become  very  important. 


In  providing  ventilation  at  the  present  time  and  onwards 
much  caution  must  be  exercised,  as  though  the  day  may  be  ex¬ 
tremely  bright,  yet  a  cold  cutting  wind  admitted  direct  to  the 
foliage  is  a  prolific  source  of  injury.  For  winter  the  openings  of 
the  ventilators  should  be  covered  with  perforated  zinc  or  some 
woven  material  that  will  prevent  a  sudden  inrush  of  cold  air,  and 
the  method  of  admitting  air  from  the  outside  by  means  of  pipes 
under  the  paths,  gratings  or  hot-water  pipes  is  very  convenient,  as 
it  can  be  stopped  at  any  time  and  does  not  admit  too  great  a  body  of 
air  at  once.  In  unusually  severe  weather  it  is  better  not  to  attempt 
ventilation  at  all;  in  fact,  whenever  the  temperature  is  near  freezing 
point  it  is  not  safe  or  necessary  if  care  is  exercised  in  regulating 
the  heat  as  already  suggested. _ 

With  one  more  hint  we  will  close  these  notes  on  general 
management.  This  is  in  regard  to  the  application  of  water,  which 
should  always  be  employed  of  the  same  temperature  as  the  house, 
for  supplies  of  cold  water  to  the  tender  roots  are  even  more 
dangerous  than  draughts  of  cold  air  on  the  foliage.  When  tanks 
are  inside  houses  which  catch  the  rain  falling  upon  the  house,  it 
often  happens  after  heavy  autumn  or  winter  storms  that  the  large 
quantities  of  water  admitted  remnin  of  a  low  temperature  for  a 
much  longer  time  than  is  supposed  unless  pipes  pass  through  the 
tank.  It  is  preferable  to  keep  a  can  or  two  full  of  water  standing 
near  the  pipes  to  be  used  only  for  watering  the  plants,  the  other 
being  employed  for  damping  the  paths  or  shelves.  Syringing  the 
plants  is  better  dispensed  with  altogether  unless  the  weather  be 
warm  and  bright,  when  one  occasional  dewing  will  refresh  the  foliage 
greatly.  _ 

Most  gladly  would  we  give  an  antidote  for  the  ill  effects  of- fogs 
were  such  a  one  known.  Unfortunately,  though,  the  chief  diffi¬ 
culties  Orchid  growers  have  to  encounter  in  the  Metropolitan 
district  in  the  winter  are  caused  by  the  fogs,  and  many  a  promising 
Christmas  display  has  been  cut  off  prematurely  by  a  day  or  two's 
dense  fog  in  December,  yet  little  can  be  done  to  prevent  or  nullify 
the  injuries.  It  is  advisable  to  keep  the  house  as  securely  closed 
as  possible,  avoiding  opening  the  doors  unnecessarily  ;  and  some 
advantage  has  even  been  found  from  pulling  down  the  blinds 
where  these  are  still  attached.  Yery  little  moisture  should  be 
distributed  about  the  house,  and  none  on  the  foliage.  This  is  all 
that  can  be  done,  and  with  the  greatest  care  it  must  often  result  in 
the  loss  of  many  flowers,  and  can  only  be  regarded  as  in  great 
degree  an  unavoidable  evil,  though  it  must  be  observed  that  the 
conditions  of  sturdy  growth  already  advocated  assist  considerably 
in  enabling  the  plants  to  withstand  the  evil  influences.  Selections 
of  Orchids  for  flowering  at  Christmas  will  be  given  in  a  future 
issue. — Orchidist. 


NOTES  BY  THE  WAY. 

Some  Fine  Conifers. 

Garden  wanderings  lose  their  charm  to  a  large  extent  when  the 
thermometer  registers  several  degrees  of  frost  and  the  snow  and  sleet  are 
being  driven  wildly  about  by  a  biting  wind.  And  even  when  these 
conditions  are  varied  by  thick  fogs  or  soaking  rains  the  conditions  are 
little  more  tempting.  It  is  easy  enough  to  find  inspiration  when  the 
spring  sunshine  illuminates  the  garden  or  the  mellow  breath  of 
summer  is  upon  it,  but  in  autumn  it  is  impossible,  We  must  live  now 
on  memory  and  hope — on  recollections  of  the  past  and  anticipations  of 
the  future. 


In  a  retrospective  survey  of  gardens  visited  during  the  past  summer 
my  thoughts  rest  on  one  where  a  noble  collection  of  Conifers  graces 
the  surroundings  of  a  pleasant  Sussex  residence.  It  is  near  East 
Grinstead,  on  the  road  running  from  Purley  Corner  through  the  beautiful 
valley  between  the  Caterham  hills,  past  Riddlesdown,  Godstone,  and 
Blindley  Heath,  and  so  on  to  Felbridge.  In  the  years  that  are  past  the 
road  was  frequently  traversed  by  gentlemen  driving  down  from  town, 
but  it  is  left  now  to  the  holiday  seekers  and  the  cyclists.  The  latter 


revel  in  its  easy  gradients  and  smooth  surface  more  than  in  its  richness 
of  wayside  gardens  and  the  charming  views  which  open  out  from  it, 
for  even  if  they  have  nowhere  in  particular  to  go  they  are  always  in  a 
desperate  hurry  to  get  there,  and  have  no  time  to  waste  on  trifles. 


Felbridge  Place  lies  on  the  right  hand,  a  mile  or  two  on  the  London 
side  of  Bast  Grinstead.  The  house  commands  delightful  views,  and  gives 
one  fresh  impressions  even  after  he  has  seen,  as  he  may  have  thought, 
every  variety  of  scenery  which  this  beautiful  corner  of  England 
possesses.  Truly  Grinstead  has  a  charm  all  its  own.  The  town  itself 
presents  attractions  foreign  to  most  country  places  of  its  size,  and  it 
would  be  easy  for  any  fortunate  individual  who  had  nothing  to  do  but 
rove  during  the  golden  days  to  pass  more  than  one  pleasant  week  in  its 
gardens  and  byeways.  _ 

Mr.  Gatty,  the  owner  of  Felbridge  Place,  has  strong  scientific  leanings. 
This,  of  course,  is  vague  for  those  to  whom  science  represents  more  than 
some  formidable  abstract  thing,  and  who  ask  for  details,  but  it  is  all  I 
know.  Let  it  suffice  to  say  that  his  studies,  whatever  they  may  be,  are 
not  so  absorbing  as  to  prevent  him  appreciating  the  merits  and  beauties 
of  the  very  fine  collection  of  Conifers  which  surround  his  house.  I 
understand  that  his  knowledge  of  the  tribe  is  no  limited  one,  but  that 
he  is  fully  capable  of  judging  whether  there  is  anything  of  special  value 
amongst  his  trees.  To  give  general  readers  an  opportunity  of  forming 
an  opinion  I  will  proceed  to  name  some  of  the  specimens  and  to  indicate 
their  altitudes. 


One  of  the  first  trees  to  be  observed  and  admired  is  a  noble  specimen 
of  the  Silver  Fir,  about  90  feet  high  and  9  feet  In  girth.  Unfortunately 
I  have  to  give  approximate  figures,  and  cannot  say  with  certainty  how 
this  specimen  would  compare  with  the  one  at  Dropmore.  In  Mr.  Cecil 
Bartlett’s  paper  on  the  Dropmore  Conifers,  published  in  the  Journal  on 
April  20th  this  year,  he  gives  the  height  of  a  Silver  Fir  as  94  feet, 
and  the  girth  as  8  feet  6  inches.  I  should  say  that  these  trees  must  be 
as  near  twin  specimens  as  it  is  possible  to  find,  and  a  splendid  pair  they 
are.  Dr.  Gatty’s  tree  is  perfect  in  every  way,  and  measured  by  the 
simple  system  adopted  by  Mr.  Harding  at  Orton  seems  to  excel  the 
Dropmore  tree  in  girth  if  not  in  height. 


A  Wellingtonia,  70  feet  high,  also  attracts  attention.  This  is  a  source 
of  special  pride  to  the  gardener,  Mr.  Jupp,  for  he  planted  it  himself,  a 
bantling  inches  high,  in  a  thumb  pot  thirty  years  ago.  While  the 
planter  has  been  growing  grey  the  tree  has  been  gaining  rapidly  in 
vigour  and  beauty.  It  is  an  almost  faultless  specimen  as  to  shape,' and 
is  a  great  ornament  to  the  grounds.  Mr.  Bartlett  describes  one  of  the 
Dropmore  Wellingtonias,  which  was  planted  about  six  years  before  the 
Felbridge  one,  as  being  67  feet  high  and  11  feet  3  inches  in  girth,  and  a 
second,  planted  in  1862  or  just  about  the  same  time  as  Mr.  Gatty’s  tree, 
as  62  feet  high  and  12  feet  in  girth.  So  far  as  an  estimate  tells  us  the 
Sussex  tree  is  taller  than  either,  and  has  certainly  made  more  rapid 
growth.  _ 

Another  very  fine  tree  is  Taxodium  sempervirens,  60  to  65  feet  high, 
29  feet  in  girth,  and  it  would  have  been  more  remarkable  but  for  losing 
14  or  15  feet  of  its  top  in  a  gale  of  wind.  Abies  Douglasi  is  a  handsome 
specimen,  but  it  would  appear  to  be  but  a  babe  beside  the  marvellous 
Dropmore  tree,  which  is  said  to  be  upwards  of  120  feet  high,  the 
branches  sweeping  the  ground  at  a  diameter  of  64  feet.  There  is 
obviously  no  comparison  here,  so  I  must  pass  on  to  Cedrus  deodara. 
The  height  of  this  is  put  down  at  75  feet,  while  one  at  Dropmore  is 
given  as  72  feet  high,  wdiich  means  another  wonderfully  close  struggle 
for  supremacy.  The  Felbridge  specimen  is  in  every  respect  a  note¬ 
worthy  one,  and  it  would  be  interesting  to  have  its  height  carefully  taken 
and  supplied.  _ 

This  point  of  exact  measurement  is  emphasized  when  w'e  come  to 
Tinus  insignis,  for  in  my  notebook  I  have  the  altitude  jotted  down  as 
90  feet,  and  on  turning  to  Mr.  Bartlett’s  paper  I  find,  curiously  enough, 
that  he  quotes  a  tree  as  being  exactly  the  same  height  at  Dropmore. 
Which  of  the  two  is  the  finer  is  doubtful  ;  they  are  both  splendid 
specimens.  That  at  Felbridge  Place  spreads  like  a  huge  forest  tree. 
Another  noble  giant  is  Abies  Noidmanniana,  which  is  80  feet  hi„h,  of 
perfect  shape,  being  even  from  top  to  bottom,  and  it  was  full  of  cones. 
In  the  notes  on  the  Dropmore  collection  this  is  classed  with  others  as 
“  good  and  healthy,”  but  the  altitude  is  not  stated.  Other  fine  Pines 
are  P.  nobilis,  85  feet  high,  and  Monticola,  50  to  55  feet  and  full  of 
cones.  P.  cembra,  P.  Bentbamiana,  and  P.  Pinsapo  run  from  30  to 
35  feet,  P.  Bentbamiana  is  therefore  well  beaten  by  the  Dropmore 
tree,  which  is  quoted  at  56  feet,  and  must  be  a  wonderful  object. 


There  is  no  such  Araucaria  imbricata  at  Felbridge  as  the  gigantic 
70  feet  tree  at  Dropmore,  the  largest  hardly  exceeding  40  feet,  but  it  is 
a  very  beautiful  specimen,  its  contour  being  perfect.  Nor  is  Abits 
Albertiana  so  fine,  its  altitude  being  about  40  feet  as  against  60  feet  in 
the  case  of  the  tree  under  Mr.  Herrin’s  charge.  A.  Hookeriana,  though 
a  small  tree,  is  extremely  beautiful,  its  glaucous  foliage  being  very 
distinct  and  prominent.  A.  grandis  again  is  not  more  than  40  feet,  and 
A.  concolor  will  not  grow  at  all,  but  A.  nobilis  glauca  towers  up  75  feet 
or  more,  and  is  a  truly  noble  tree. 


November  23,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


465 


Mr.  Bartlett  contents  himself  with  saying  in  reference  to  Cryptomeria 
japonica  that  there  are  some  fine  specimens  of  good  shape  and  with 
branches  to  the  ground,  Mr.  Gatty  boasts  a  tree  45  feet  high.  The 
branches  are  rooting  and  young  shoots  springing  up.  Cupressus 
Lawsoniana  erecta  viridis,  30  feet  high  and  in  splendid  colour,  is  also 
noteworthy.  _ 

Laurels  and  Rhododendrons  thrive  with  wonderful  luxuriance  at 
Felbridge  Place,  and  there  are  many  splendid  Beeches'and  Oaks  in  the 
park.  It  is  without  doubt  one  of  the  most  interesting  of  what  I  may 
term  the  tree  places  in  the  country.  The  gardens  are  well  managed 
throughout,  but  my  object  when  commencing  these  notes  was  to  refer 
only  to  the  Conifers.  What  I  have  said  will  enable  skilled  readers  to 
see  for  themselves  that  Mr.  Gatty’s  Conifers  are  capable  of  providing  a 
rich  source  of  pleasure  for  every  tree  lover. — W.  P.  Weight. 


National  Rose  Society. 

We  are  informed  that  the  annual  meeting  of  the  National  Rose 
Society  will  be  held  at  the  Horticultural  Club  Rooms,  Hotel  Windsor, 
Victoria  Street,  Westminster,  on  Thursday,  December  7th,  at  three 
o’clock ;  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Secretary  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society, 
will  take  the  chair.  The  annual  dinner  will  be  held  at  the  same  place 
on  the  same  day  at  6  p.m.  The  dates  fixed  for  the  Exhibitions  in  1894 
are  : — The  Southern  Exhibition,  June  27th,  at  Windsor  ;  Metropolitan 
Exhibition,  Crystal  Palace,  July  7th;  Northern  Exhibition  at  Halifax, 
July  19th, 

Mr.  Mawley’s  Analysis. 

“Bucks”  (page  440)  reminds  me  of  the  little  street  boys  who  tie 
crackers  to  my  hall  door  and  then  run  away — they  amuse  themselves, 
don’t  hurt  me,  and  remain  in  the  obscurity  they  prefer,  and  to  which 
their  methods  are  best  suited  !  I  am  sure  Mr.  Mawley  will  feel  as  proud 
of  his  champion  as  I  feel  deeply  injured  by  tnis  anonymous  gentleman’s 
“  tremendous  onslaught  ”  on  me. 

Without  wishing  to  detract  one  iota  from  Mr.  Mawley’s  services  to 
the  N.R.S.,  which  in  fact  I  have  never  brought  into  question,  I  must 
notice  the  last  paragraph  of  “  Bucks’  ”  communication  ;  and  in  comment 
thereon,  say  that  the  N.R.S.  was  formed  in  1876,  and  1  joined  the  Society 
in  1878,  so  that  the  words  subsequent  to  “long  years”  are  nonsense. 

Very  evidently  not  to  be  known  by  “  Bucks”  is  to  be  unknown  ! — 
Charles  J,  Grahame,  Croydon. 

[We  suspect  that  Mr.  Mawley  could  give  a  different  version  of 
Mr.  Grahame’s  work  in  conneetion  with  the  N.R.S.  to  that  which  seems 
to  be  entertained  by  “  Bucks.”] 

The  Rose  in  1893. 

I  HAVE  now  grown  Roses  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century.  I 
have  visited  most  of  the  Rose  gardens  in  the  kingdom,  and  have  had  as 
Secretary  of  the  National  Rose  Society  from  year  to  year  much  inter¬ 
course  with  the  principal  Rose  growers  both  amateur  and  professional. 
I  have  heard  various  and  contradictory  reports  as  to  the  eondition  of  the 
plants  and  flowers,  but  never  during  all  that  time  have  I  heard  from 
growers  so  general  a  condemnation  of  the  season  (if  I  except  the  northern 
men)  as  in  the  present  year  of  1893.  This  was  all  the  more  regretahle, 
as  early  in  the  year  the  prospects  were  bright,  and  the  hopes  of 
exhibitors  proportionately  elated. 

The  wood  had  been  fairly  well  ripened  in  the  autumn,  the  winter 
had  not  been  very  severe  ;  January  and  February  preserved  their  normal 
character,  and  at  the  time  of  pruning  wood  was  strong  and  the  buds 
promising  ;  but  from  that  time  all  was  changed.  We  had  no  April 
showers,  and  a  period  of  droughtiunexampled  I  believe  in  our  climate  set 
in.  From  March  to  July,  a  period  of  four  months,  we  had  not  in  this 
locality  1  inch  of  rain,  and  consequently  no  good  Rose  season  could  be 
anticipated  :  the  result  of  the  shows  proved  this  to  be  true.  The  southern 
grower  was  handicapped,  the  sub-tropical  character  of  the  season  had 
driven  the  flowers  into  bloom  long  before  their  proper  time,  and  con¬ 
sequently  those  varieties  which  bloom  early  were  pretty  well  out  of  the 
field  ;  while  from  the  earlier  districts  nothing  was  to  be  seen.  There 
can  be  no  question  that  it  was  a  hard  time  for  amateurs  especially.  The 
nurseryman  has  perhaps  many  places  differing  in  soil  and  situation,  and 
as  Roses  are  worked  on  various  kinds  of  stocks,  in  a  season  like  the 
present  if  he  cannot  cut  from  one  portion  of  his  grounds  he  can  from 
another.  The  amateur  on  the  other  hand  is  confined  to  one  small  piece 
of  ground  on  which  he  is  obliged  to  grow  his  Roses  year  after  year,  and 
I  often  wonder  that  under  such  circumstances  he  is  able  to  show  as  well 
as  he  does.  In  a  season  like  the  past  one  the  small  amateur  fared 
especially  badly.  The  characteristics  of  the  year  were  drought,  abund¬ 
ance  of  sunshine  and  heat  ;  day  after  day  as  the  Rose  exhibition 
season  approached  the  skies  were  absolutely  cloudless,  and  a  brilliant 
semi-tropical  sun  shed  its  influence  all  around.  What  could,  then,  the 
small  amateur  with  his  few  plants  hope  to  do  ?  It  was  no  wonder  that 
his  exhibits  generally  were  below  the  average,  and  that  even  the  larger 


amateurs  had  to  confess  that  most  of  their  flowers  were  not  worthy  of 
their  reputation.  There  were,  of  course,  the  usual  differences  of  opinion 
as  to  the  effects  of  the  season.  While  some  suffered  severely  from 
aphides  and  orange  fungus  others  were  comparatively  free.  I  did  not  see 
one  of  the  former  in  my  Rose  garden,  while  others  said  their  plants  were 
smothered  with  them.  Orange  fungus,  which  has  in  some  years  almost 
denuded  my  trees  in  July,  was  but  little  seen,  while  mildew,  which  so 
disfigures  the  Rose  garden  if  it  does  nothing  else,  did  not  appear  until 
late,  when  its  ill  effects  were  comparatively  trifling. 

It  was  a  year,  however,  in  which  the  northern  part  of  the  kingdom 
had  it  all  its  own  way.  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Son  of  Bedale,  Yorkshire, 
again  achieved  what  no  other  firm  has  ever  done,  namely  the  winning  of 
the  two  challenge  trophies  in  the  same  year.  To  the  north,  too,  went 
the  amateurs’  challenge  trophy,  and  it  was  won  by  a  young  amateur, 
Mr.  A.  Whitton,  a  near  neighbour  of  Messrs.  Harkness.  Messrs.  Mack 
of  Catterick,  Croll  of  Dundee,  and  Cocker  &  Sons  of  Aberdeen  were 
also  forward  in  the  race,  the  fact  being  that  while  in  the  south  we 
were  pretty  well  frizzled,  the  north  and  Scotland  had  been  enjoying 
refreshing  rains  and  cooler  weather.  Although  the  Messrs.  Harkness 
suceeededin  carrying  off  the  jubilee  trophy  at  Worksop,  they  were  run 
very  hard  by  Messrs.  Alex,  Dickson  &  Sons  of  Newtownards,  a  remark¬ 
able  feat  when  we  recollect  they  had  to  bring  their  flowers  some  miles 
the  other  side  of  Belfast,  across  the  Channel,  and  to  take  them  a  long 
railway  cross  country  journey  to  Worksop — a  striking  example  for 
those  who  think  it  necessary  to  postpone  the  cutting  of  their  flowers 
to  the  very  last  moment.  There  was  one  very  remarkable  feature 
which  has  been  already  commented  upon  by  my  good  friend 
“  W.  R.  Raillem,”  who  always  writes  instructively,  and  that  was 
the  behaviour  of  the  darker  Roses  in  such  a  season.  We 
have  always  been  accustomed  to  regard  continuous  sunshine 
as  seriously  injurious  to  their  beauty.  The  edges  of  the  petals  become 
disfigured,  the  colour  is  taken  out  of  them,  and  they  look  as  if  scorched  ; 
indeed,  we  generally  speak  of  them  when  in  this  condition  as  being 
burned.  How  came  it,  then,  that  when  weeks  of  bright  sunny  days 
prevailed  this  calamity  did  not  take  place  ?  Such  flowers  as  Louis  Van 
Houtte,  Reynolds  Hole,  and  Camille  de  Rohan,  Prince  Arthur,  Duke  of 
Edinburgh,  Horace  Vernet,  and  others  were  never  cleaner  or  brighter 
than  in  the  past  season — I  speak  not  of  those  which  were  carefully 
covered  over,  but  of  those  growing  in  the  open  unshaded.  There  must 
be  something  else  than  sunlight  to  account  for  this  !  It  may,  indeed, 
have  been  said  to  have  been  a  Horace  Vernet  year,  for  never  was  this 
grand  flower  more  generally  exhibited  in  good  form  than  in  this  year, 
when  its  raiser  was  taken  away  from  us.  Neither,  on  the  other  hand, 
as  we  might  have  supposed,  were  the  light  Roses  remarkably  good.  Her 
Majesty,  for  instance,  which  had  been  so  well  shown  in  1892 ;  Mrs.  John 
Laing,  the  best  of  the  late  Mr.  Henry  Bennett’s  Roses  ;  Mods.  Noman, 
La  France,  and  others  were  not  conspicuous  for  their  superior  form, 
while  the  earlier  flowering  varieties  were  all  over  before  the  exhibition 
time  came  on. 

Although  three  gold  medals  were  awarded  by  the  N.R.S.  for  new 
Roses,  there  never  was  a  greater  scarcity  in  this  class ;  the  foreign 
raisers  seem  to  have  expended  all  their  energies  in  the  varieties  they 
have  already  given  us,  and  neither  in  the  class  of  Hybrid  Perpetuals  or 
Teas  does  there  seem  to  be  anything  amongst  the  Roses  of  1891  worth 
reeording.  Two  Hybrid  Teas  have  made  their  appearance,  and  one  of 
them  is  highly  spoken  of  as  an  exhibition  Rose,  and  one  (Caroline 
Testout)  has  been  praised  by  such  good  authorities  as  the  Rev.  J.  H. 
Pemberton  and  Mr.  Ben  Cant.  The  other  (Gustave  Resris)  is  a  charming 
buttonhole  Rose,  in  which  its  chief  value  consists.  The  two  exhibition 
Roses  to  which  the  gold  medals  were  awarded  came  from  the  North  of 
Ireland,  and  there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  Marchioness  of 
Londonderry  (white)  and  Mrs.  Sharman  Craw'ford  (bright  pink,  some¬ 
thing  of  the  shade  of  colour  of  Madame  Gabriel  Luizet)  will  keep  up 
the  reputation  of  the  raisers,  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  &  Son  of  New¬ 
townards,  who  have  already  given  to  us  such  fine  Roses  as  Earl  of 
Dufferin,  Margaret  Dickson,  Marchioness  of  Dufferin,  and  Ethel 
Brownlow.  The  other  certificated  Rose  was  Turner’s  Crimson  Rambler, 
a  garden  Rose  from  Japan,  and  likely  to  be  most  valuable  for  decorative 
purposes.  Charles  Gater  (Paul  &  Sons)  is  a  red  Rose  of  great  brightness, 
but  somewhat  small  to  suit  present  tastes.  Harkness’  Merrie  England, 
the  best  of  all  striped  H.P.’s,  was  not  shown  in  as  good  form  as  in  1892. 
It  seems,  however,  to  be  tolerably  constant,  and  if  so  will  be  a  very 
great  addition  to  our  gardens.— D.,  Deal. 

(To  be  continued.) 


THE  KEEPING  OF  APPLES. 

With  the  exception  of  the  real  late  keepers,  Bramley’s  Seedling, 
Northern  Greening,  French  Crab,  and  others  of  a  hard  nature,  it  seems 
doubtful  whether  any  of  our  best  varieties  of  Apples  could  this  winter 
be  induced  to  keep  long.  If  the  fruits,  because  of  the  long  drought, 
have  so  marked  a  deficiency  of  juiciness  or  sap  in  them  that  they  so 
soon  become  dry  and  woody  it  would  be  impossible  by  any  method  of 
keeping  almost  to  replace  what  Nature  has  not  furnished.  But  that 
our  ordinary  methods  of  keeping  Apples  ihrough  the  winter  are  far 
from  being  the  best  there  can  be  no  doubt.  We  exhaust  our  fruits  far 
too  much  by  keeping  them  in  a  comparatively  dry  atmosphere,  where 
all  the  surroundings  are  absorbent,  and  not  infrequently  the  tempera¬ 
ture  varies  from  week  to  week  fully  several  degrees.  The  practice  of 
burying  Apples  in  tubs  in  the  earth  is  doubtless  a  good  one,  but  then 
fruit  in  such  case  is  so  difficult  of  access.  On  the  other  hand,  the 


466 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  23,  1893, 


amount  of  exposure  to  moisture  that  Apples  will  beneficially  endure  is 
astonishing.  Who  that  has  been  raking  leaves  beneath  Apple  trees 
some  two  months  perhaps  after  the  crop  has  been  gathered  has  not 
found  some  fruit  buried  in  the  leafage  that  are  as  plump  and  fresh  as 
if  just  gathered  i  How  admirable  do  the  surroundings  seem  to  suit 
Apples  in  such  a  case. 

Has  anyone  ever  tried  the  stacking  of  Apples  in  leaves  outdoors  ?  A 
hard  floor  beneath  trees  is  selected,  a  bed  made  up  10  inches  high  with 
solid  pieces  of  turf,  the  floor  thinly  littered  with  clean  Elm  leaves,  then 
on  that  a  layer  of  Apples,  then  a  layer  of  leaves  very  thin,  further  layers 
of  fruit  and  leaves,  keeping  the  top  into  ridge  fashion,  covering  ail  with 
6  inches  of  leaves,  and  over  all  some  straw  mats  to  throw  off  the  rain. 
Into  such  a  pit  no  ordinary  frost  could  enter,  and  during  very  severe 
weather  a  thick  coating  of  litter  laid  over  all  would  exclude  the  hardest 
frost.  Can  anyone  doubt  but  that  from  out  of  such  a  stack  Apples 
would  come  as  fresh  as  possible,  even  at  the  end  of  the  winter,  whilst 
the  plan  would  cost  next  to  nothing  ?  Of  course  only  picked  fruits  of 
good  medium  size  should  be  so  preserved. — A,  D, 


I  HAVE  read  with  interest  Mr.  Iggulden’s  article  (page  437)  as  to  the 
results  of  Apple  culture  this  season,  and  I  endorse  most  of  what  he 
says  respecting  the  non-keeping  of  the  fruit.  Most  varieties  are  over 
fully  a  month  before  their  time,  but  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that 
they  were  ripe  for  quite  that  period  before  their  usual  time. 

Our  experience  as  to  varieties  seems  to  have  been  very  similar  to 
Mr.  Iggulden’s.  Beauty  of  Kent,  however,  we  do  not  expect  to  keep 
after  the  end  of  November  in  ordinary  seasons,  but  Manks  Codlin  is 
still  in  good  condition  with  us,  and  this  variety  I  have  noticed  usually 
keeps  longer  from  our  heavy  soil  than  from  others.  Welington  (Dume- 
low’s  Seedling),  Alfriston,  and  Lane’s  Prince  Albert  are  also  keeping 
well  at  present,  as  also  are  most  of  the  late  desserts.  Amongst  the 
midseason  varieties  King  of  Pippins  is  keeping  well. 

It  was  quite  expected  that  fruit  would  not  keep  well  owing  to  the 
great  heat,  and  there  were  many  cases  of  actual  sunburn,  the  same  as 
they  experience  in  California.  The  dry  hot  period,  being  followed  by 
a  spell  of  wet  immediately  before  the  ripening,  was  undoubtedly  the 
cause  of  the  spots  and  the  rapid  decay  of  the  fruit.  I  should  think 
it  probable  that  the  sudden  flow  of  sap  when  the  fruit  was  almost 
rips  caused  the  rupture  of  some  of  the  cellular  tissues,  thus  setting 
up  fermentation  and  decay  in  the  parts  affected. 

As  to  the  American  varieties,  these  have  with  us  done  better  than 
ever  we  have  known  them  before.  Washington,  Melon,  Mother,  and 
King  of  Tomkins  County,  have  all  done  remarkably  well.  I  cannot, 
however,  speak  of  Newtown  Pippin,  as  we  long  since  gave  up  growing 
it  as  worthless  in  this  country.  It  does  not,  however,  at  all  follow 
that  it  would  be  wise  to  plant  these  varieties  extensively  ;  in  fact  I 
consider  that  it  would  be  the  greatest  folly  to  do  so,  as  probably  another 
generation  will  pass  before  we  experience  a  similar  season.  Therefore, 
let  us  not  be  alarmed  by  the  exceptional  circumstances  of  the  past 
extraordinary  summer,  but  continue  to  plant  those  varieties  which 
experience  of  years  has  taught  us  to  be  the  most  reliable  for  giving  an 
average  crop. 

I  quite  agree  with  Mr.  Iggulden  that  we  are  now  in  some  danger  of 
running  to  the  extreme  of  planting  too  few  varieties.  Unfavourable  as 
the  season  has  been,  and  probably  disastrous  to  some  growers,  yet  there 
are  many  others  who  have  done  well.  I  was  looking  over  some  planta¬ 
tions  in  our  county  (Sussex)  the  other  day  where  bush  Apples  are  grown 
in  large  numbers,  and  principally  of  early  varieties,  and  the  proprietor 
spoke  of  being  well  satisfied  with  the  result  of  this  year’s  operations. 
He  sent  his  fruit  to  market  early  and  realised  good  prices. — Joseph 
Cheal.J  _ 


Newtown  Pippin,  Sutton  Beauty,  Peck’s  Pleasant,  Mother,  Meloa, 
Washington,  King  of  Tomkins  County,  Buckingham,  Monmouth  Pippin, 
Winter  Peach,  Wagener  are  all  in  good  condition,  and  seem  likely  to 
keep.  English  Apples  are  in  very  bad  condition. — T.  Francis  Rivers. 


FLORAL  NOMENCLATURE  —  CURIOUS  SPELLING  OF 

NAMES. 

I  CANNOT  quite  understand  on  what  grounds  “  S.  W.  F.”  (page  439) 
bases  his  criticism  of  my  remarks  on  this  subject  (page  399).  hIs  first 
sentence  implies  that  I  had  recommended  gardeners  to  make  themselves 
acquainted  with  Latin,  Greek,  and  French,  whereas  I  never  even  hinted 
at  such  a  thing,  knowing  how  utterly  impossible  the  task  would  be. 
The  greater  number  of  the  youths  who  take  to  gardening  know  little  or 
nothing  of  these  languages  at  the  time  of  their  leaving  school,  and 
when  they  get  to  work  there  is  not  much  time  left  to  devote  to  them 
after  the  more  urgent  studies  have  received  attention,  even  had  they 
inclination  and  capacity  for  acquiring  them.  This  being  so,  pronuncia¬ 
tion  and  spelling  will,  no  doubt,  remain  faulty,  as  your  correspondent 
remarks,  and  certainly  will  this  be  the  case  when  either  are  required 
on  the  “  spur  of  the  moment but  as  writing  labels  for  home  use  or 
to  place  on  exhibits  is,  or  ought  to  be,  undertaken  deliberately,  I  repeat 
there  is  no  necessity  whatever  that  the  least  mistake  in  spelling  should 
occur,  for  the  simple  reason  that  the  reliable  guides  named  in  my  letter 
are  easily  procured. 

,  With  regard  to  my  “  list  of  errors,”  which  it  appears  to  “  S.  W.  F.” 
that  most  have  arisen  “  from  an  endeavour  to  copy  illegible  labels,”  it 
IS  not  quite  clear  whether  he  means  that  I  or  the  exhibitors  had 


“  endeavoured  to  copy.”  1,  however,  carefully  copied  the  card  or  paper 
labels  attached  to  the  exhibits,  which  labels  had  doubtless  been  written 
for  the  occasion.  The  exhibitors  ought  to  have  copied  a  good  cata¬ 
logue. 

I  quite  agree  with  your  correspondent  that  the  mastery  of  these 
long  names  is  one  of  the  gardener’s  hardest  tasks,  and  being  one  of 
them,  and  not  a  classical  scholar,  I  can  speak  from  experience.  1  also 
join  with  him  in  respecting  those  who  have  overcome  the  attendant 
difficulties  ;  but  the  gardener  who  exhibits  such  spelling  as  the  speci¬ 
mens  I  gave  at  page  399  deserves — well,  to  have  his  attention  drawn 
to  it,  for  I  am  convinced  that  It  arises  from  nothing  else  than  negli¬ 
gence.  The  careful  man  who  has  a  doubt  will  find  ways  and  means  to 
satisfy  himself  about  it. — West  Anglia. 


FEEDING  FRUIT  TREES  DURING  AUTUMN  AND 

WINTER. 

I  quite  agree  with  Mr.  Dunkin,  page  349,  that  not  nearly  enough 
attention  is  paid  to  the  roots  of  trees  after  the  fruit  has  been  gathered. 
Very  often  we  experience  a  long  spell  of  dry  weather  during  September 
and  October.  How  can  the  buds  for  next  year’s  supply  of  fruit  be  in 
a  fit  condition  to  give  a  full  crop  of  the  finest  fruit  if  the  roots  are  not 
supplied  with  the  proper  nutriment  ? 

Directly  the  fruit  is  gathered  from  any  kind  of  wall  tree  I  have  the 
soil  for  several  feet  away  from  the  wall  thoroughly  soaked  with  clear 
water.  All  kinds  of  hardy  fruit  except  Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  Cherries 
receive  much  benefit  from  a  copious  supply  of  liquid  manure  during  the 
winter.  Several  Apple  trees  fifteen  years  planted  produce  good  crops 
of  fruit  now  that  hardly  bore  at  all  previous  to  the  stimulant  being 
given  them.  To  no  other  cause  do  I  attribute  the  improvement  in  these 
trees,  but  it  is  right  also  to  record  a  failure. 

The  soil  here  is  heavy  and  retentive.  The  application  of  liquid 
manure  to  the  roots  of  Warner’s  King  Apple  during  the  winter  caused 
the  fruit  the  following  season  to  be  hollow  in  the  centre.  Since  we 
ceased  giving  the  winter  stimulant  we  have  had  no  hollow  fruit,  though 
it  is  smaller.  The  fruit  perhaps  does  not  attain  the  same  size  as  previously, 
but  it  is  sound,  and  that  is  of  more  consequence.  I  do  not  say  the  same 
defect  would  be  visible  in  light  soil.  If  the  weather  of  February  is  dry 
I  usually  well  soak  the  soil  about  the  trees  then.  To  a  tree  of  the  age 
stated  we  give  not  less  than  80  gallons  of  liquid  manure  direct  from  the 
farmyard  tank.  A  mere  surface  watering  does  little  if  any  good. — 
E.  Molyneux,  Swanmore  Park,  HaMs. 


ROYAL  METEOROLOGICAL  SOCIETY^ 

The  first  meeting  of  this  Society  for  the  present  session  was  held  on 
Wednesday  evening  the  15th  inst.,  at  the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers, 
Great  George  Street,  Westminster,  Dr,  C.  Theodore  Williams,  President, 
in  the  chair.  Twenty-three  new  Fellows  were  elected. 

Mr,  F.  J.  Brodie,  F.R.Met.Soc.,  read  a  paper  on  “The  Great 
Drought  of  1893,  and  its  Attendant  Meteorological  Phenomena.”  The 
author  confined  his  investigation  to  the  weather  of  the  four  months 
March  to  J une,  during  which  period  the  absence  of  rain  was  phenomenal  ; 
barometric  pressure  was  greatly  in  excess  of  the  average,  temperature 
was  high,  with  a  large  diurnal  range,  and  the  duration  of  sunshine  was 
in  many  places  the  longest  on  record.  The  mean  temperature  over 
England  was  about  4°  above  the  average.  Along  the  south  and  south¬ 
west  coasts  the  sunshine  was  between  50  and  60  per  cent,  of  the  possible 
duration.  The  rainfall  was  less  than  half  the  average  amount  over  the 
southern  and  eastern  parts  of  England,  the  extreme  south  of  Ireland 
and  a  portion  of  Durham  and  Northumberland,  while  over  the  southern 
counties  of  England  generally  the  fall  amounted  to  less  than  one-third 
of  the  average.  The  smallest  number  of  days  with  rain  was  at  the  North 
Foreland,  where  there  were  only  eighteen. 

Mr.  W.  Marriott,  F.R.Met.Soc,,  gave  an  account  of  the  “  Thunder 
and  Hailstorms  ”  which  occurred  over  England  and  the  south  of  Scot¬ 
land  on  July  8th,  1893,  Thunderstorms  were  very  numerous  on  that 
day,  and  in  many  instances  were  accompanied  by  terrific  hailstorms  and 
squalls  of  wind.  It  was  during  one  of  these  squalls  that  a  pleasure  boat 
was  capsized  off  Skegness,  twenty-nine  persons  being  drowned.  About 
noon  a  thunderstorm,  accompanied  by  heavy  hail  and  a  violent  squall  of 
wind  passed  over  Dumfries  and  along  the  valley  of  the  Nith.  Many  of 
the  hailstones  measured  from  1  inch  to  U  inch  in  length.  At  the  same 
hour  a  similar  storm  occurred  at  Peterborough,  From  about  2  until 
10  P.M.  there  was  a  succession  of  thunderstorms  over  the  north-east  of 
England  and  south-east  of  Scotland,  and  at  many  places  it  was  reported 
that  the  thunderstorms  were  continuous  for  nine  hours.  Two  storms 
were  remarkable  for  the  immense  hailstones  which  fell  during  their 
prevalence  over  Harrogate  and  Richmond  in  Yorkshire.  The  hailstones 
were  4  and  5  inches  in  circumference,  and  some  as  much  as  3  inches  in 
diameter.  Great  damage  was  done  by  these  storms,  all  windows  and 
glass  facing  the  direction  from  which  the  storm  came  being  broken.  It  is 
computed  that  within  a  radius  of  five  miles  of  Harrogate  not  less  than 
100,000  panes  of  glass  were  broken,  the  extent  of  the  damage  being 
estimated  at  about  £3000,  The  thunderstorms  in  the  northern  part  of 
the  country  travelled  generally  in  a  north-north-westerly  direction  at 
the  rate  of  about  twenty  miles  an  hour.  They  appear  to  have  taken  the 
path  of  least  resistance,  and  consequently  passed  over  low  ground  and 
along  river  valleys  and  the  seacoast.  Several  storms  seem  to  have 
followed  each  other  along  the  same  track. 


Norember  23,  1833.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


467 


Events  of  the  Week. — Apart  from  the  meeting  of  the  Com¬ 
mittees  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  the  Drill  Hall,  James 
Street,  S.W.,  on  Tuesday,  the  28th,  but  few  events  of  horticultural 
interest  will  take  place  in  the  metropolis  during  the  ensuing  week. 
The  Royal  Botanic  Society  will  hold  a  meeting  at  the  Gardens,  Regent’s 
Park,  on  the  25th  inst.,  and  the  annual  dinner  of  the  National  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  is  announced  to  take  place  at  Anderton’s  Hotel,  Fleet 
Street,  on  the  30th  inst. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — Since  publishing  our  last  issue 

some  stormy  weather  has  been  experienced  in  the  metropolitan  area, 
as  in  other  parts  of  the  country.  A  gale  of  wind,  accompanied  with 
rain  and  snow,  occurred  on  Saturday  night,  snow  continuing  to  fall 
more  or  less  the  greater  part  of  Sunday.  It  soon  disappeared, 
however,  but  much  damage  has  been  done  in  some  localities.  Monday 
was  fine,  and  the  same  may  be  said  of  Tuesday.  Wednesday  opened 
dull  but  dry,  and  at  the  time  of  going  to  press  it  is  rather  cold. 

-  Weather  in  the  North. — The  beginning  of  the  past  week 

from  the  llth  was  dull,  with  rain  on  the  evening  of  the  16th  and  the 
following  morning.  The  violent  northerly  gale  of  Saturday  morning 
reached  its  height  about  2  a.m.  Roads  and  railway  lines  were  blocked 
with  fallen  wood,  and  damage  was  done  to  buildings  and  farmyards. 
In  the  woods  the  havoc  is  terrific.  The  past  two  days  have  been  cold 
and  bright,  and  9°  of  frost  are  registered  this  morning  (2l8t),  with  dense 
hoar  frost.  In  the  Blair  Drummond  Policies  the  wreckage  is  almost 
indescribable.  Grand  old  trees,  which  have  more  than  a  local  name, 
lie  in  hundreds  uprooted,  or  with  their  great  stems  snapped  at  various 
heights.  Oaks,  Beeches,  Larch,  and  Spruce  Firs  seems  to  have  suffered 
most,  and  the  state  of  the  fine  old  grounds  is  most  lamentable.  On 
the  adjoining  estate  of  Lanrick  half  the  woods  are  said  to  be  down. 
— B.  D.,  Perthshire . 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next  fruit  and  floral 

meeting  of  the  Society  will  take  place  in  the  Drill  Hall,  James  Street, 
V'’ictoria  Street,  Westminster,  on  Tuesday,  November  28th,  when  special 
prizes  will  be  offered  for  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  naturally  grown. 
At  three  o’clock  Mr.  T.  Grasp,  F.R.H.S.,iwill  deliver  a  lecture  on  “  Date¬ 
keeping  Grapes,” 

-  Horticultural  Club. — The  usual  monthly  dinner  and 

conversazione  took  place  last  week.  There  were  present  Messrs.  John 
Lee,  Harry  J.  Veitch,  J.  S.  Cousen,  C,  T.  Druery,  George  Paul,  T.  W. 
Girdleston,  and  others.  The  discussion  was  on  Gannas,  and  was  opened 
with  a  very  able  and  instructive  paper  by  Mr.  George  Paul,  in  which 
the  history  and  the  mode  of  culture  were  exhaustively  stated.  An 
animated  and  interesting  discussion,  in  which  most  of  the  members 
present  took  part,  followed,  and  a  cordial  vote  of  thanks  was  awarded 
to  Mr.  Paul.  Mr.  Charles  Turner  contributed  some  fine  dishes  of  Apples 
and  the  Chrysanthemum  blooms  for  the  decoration  of  the  table, 

-  Ranunculus  Lyalli. — This  is  the  beautiful  New  Zealand 

white-flowered  Buttercup  which  has  tantalised  English  horticulturists 
for  the  last  twenty  years  at  least.  Those  who  have  seen  it  growing 
wild  on  the  mountains  in  New  Zealand,  and  have  cultivated  it  in  the 
gardens  there,  are  unable  to  understand  how  it  can  fail  to  thrive  in 
English  gardens.  Roughly  described,  remarks  Mr.  W,  Watson  of  Kew, 
in  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  R.  Lyalli  is  as  effective  and  beautiful  in 
flower  as  the  white  Anemone  japonica,  growing  as  high,  flowering  as 
freely,  and  behaving  in  the  same  satisfactory  manner  in  New  Zealand 
as  that  species  does  with  us.  In  foliage  it  is  even  more  effective  than 
the  Anemone,  the  leaves  being  peltate,  rich  deep  green,  and  from  8  to 
12  inches  in  diameter.  The  roots  are  tuberous.  Failure  with  this  plant 
in  England  is  not  due  to  cold,  nor  do  I  think  excessive  heat  in  summer 
hurts  it.  There  is,  however,  some  condition,  some  peculiar  hitch  which 
we  cannot  get  over  if  we  attempt  to  grow  the  plant  out  of  doors.  We 
have  flowered  it  in  pots  in  a  cool  Orchid  house  at  Kew,  but  it  was  weak, 
and  Mr.  Moore  of  Glasnevin  can  grow  it  and  flower  it  in  a  cold  frame 
facing  north,  the  plants  being  in  pots,  stood  in  shallow  pans  of  water. 
At  Reading,  Mr.  Bartholomew  has  grown  it  fairly  well  in  an  open 
border. 


-  Stephanotis  floribunda  FRUiTiNet. — Mr.  Robt.  Wastling, 

market  gardener,  Beverley,  has  a  young  plant  of  Stephanotis  floribunda 
bearing  a  fine  fruit.  Should  any  persons  in  the  neighbourhood  be 
sufficiently  interested  to  give  a  call,  Mr.  Wastling  would,  I  am  sure,  be 
very  pleased  to  allow  them  to  see  it. — George  Swailes,  Beverley, 
East  Yorhs. 

- -  Maize  Maturing  in  Wales. — Mr.  F.  C.  S.  Brenton,  Rose 

Cottage,  Llantwit  Vardre,  Pontypridd,  writes: — “It  may  be  worthy  of 
your  notice  that  I  have  this  year  grown  several  stalks  of  Indian  Corn 
with  fully  developed  cobs.  Some  of  the  stalks  were  8  feet,  9  feet,  and 
10  feet  high.  I  am  told  that  no  similar  growth  of  Indian  Corn  has  ever 
been  seen  in  this  neighbourhood.” 

- The  National  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association. — We 

understand  that  the  annual  dinner  of  this  Association  has  been  fixed 
to  take  place  on  Thursday,  December  14th,  1893,  in  the  Queen’s  Salon, 
Holborn  Restaurant,  at  seven  o’clock  p.m.  The  medals,  prizes,  and 
certificates  won  during  the  year  will  be  presented  on  this  occasion. 
Mr.  D. B.  Crane,  4,  Woodview  Terrace,  Archway  Road,  Highgate,  N.,  is 
the  Hon.  Secretary. 

-  Gardening  Appointments.  —  Mr.  Walter  Gibson  leaves 

Steventon  Manor  Gardens,  Whitc’aurch,  Hants,  on  the  30th  inst.  for 
Sandown,  Isle  of  Wight,  as  a  grower  of  produce  for  market.  Mr. 
W.  Frost,  gardener  to  W.  Palmer,  Esq  ,  Westfield,  Reading,  has  been 
appointed  Mr.  Gibson’s  successor  at  Steventon.  Mr.  J.  C.  Anderson, 
formerly  of  Metham  Hall,  Howden.  has  been  appointed  to  the  charge  of 
the  gardens  at  Saltmarshe  Hall,  Howden, 

-  Publications  Received.  —  We  have  to  acknowledge  the 

receipt  of  the  following  publications  : — The  second  part  of  the  “  Transac¬ 
tions  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  ”  for  the  year  1892, 
from  the  press  of  the  Society  at  Boston,  U.S.A.  The  report  of  the 
Canadian  Department  of  Agriculture  regarding  experiments  on  Grasses, 
conducted  at  their  farm  at  Ottawa.  The  November  number  of  the 
“  Botanical  Magazine,”  published  by  L.  Reeve  &  Co.,  Henrietta  Street 
Covent  Garden. 

-  Tadcaster  Paxton  Society. — At  the  weekly  meeting,  held 

last  Thursday  evening,  November  16th,  a  most  excellent  paper  was 
read  by  Mr.  Callum,  B.A.  The  subject  taken  was  “  Efforts  of  Plants 
for  Self-Preservation,”  illustrated  by  blackboard  drawings.  The  essayist 
pourtrayed  the  hard  battle  many  plants  had  to  fight  for  existence  ;  also 
described  some  of  the  peculiarities  attending  such  plants  as  Sarra- 
cenias,  Nepenthes,  Venus’  Flytrap,  Sundew  and  others.  A  discussion 
followed  in  which  many  of  the  members  took  part.  A  hearty  vote  of 
thanks  was  passed  to  Mr.  Callum  for  his  most  instructive  paper.  Mr. 
H.  J.  Clayton  of  Grimston  Park  will  read  a  paper  on  “  Hardy  Fruit,”  this 
evening  (Thursday),  November  23rd. 

- Canker  in  Fruit  Trees. — This  question  now  appears  to  be 

within  measurable  distance  of  solution.  Is  Nectria  ditissima  the  cause 
or  starting  point  of  canker  spots  on  the  buds  or  spurs  where  it  invariably 
commences  ?  Or  is  it  mites  or  insect  life  which  cause  the  first  rupture. 
This  is  the  only  point  left  in  the  discussion  of  interest  to  me.  I  have 
proved  so  far  as  my  trees  are  concerned  that  I  can  cure  canker  by 
dressings  of  insecticides  and  lime,  and  so  far  as  practical  use  is  con¬ 
cerned  that  is  all  I  care  for,  and  leaveothers  to  enjoy  their  own  opinions. 
I  have  now  devoted  about  ten  or  twelve  years  to  the  subject,  examining 
trees  in  all  localities  available,  and  my  firm  belief  is  still  that  insects 
start  canker  spots,  and  that  fungus  follows  on  the  decaying  wood. — 
J.  Hiam, 

-  Greenhouse  Winter  Flowers. — In  a  discussion  that  took 

place  last  week  between  members  of  the  Kingston  Gardeners’  Association, 
it  was  pleaded  by  a  member  that  numerous  descriptions  of  what  are  very 
beautiful  as  well  as  most  useful  winter  blooming  plants',  get  very 
much  put  in  the  background,  and  are  indeed  comparatively  neglected  in 
some  gardens,  because  so  much  of  room  and  time  is  occupied  with  Chrys¬ 
anthemums,  the  which  are  so  easily  grown.  Double  and  single  Chinese 
Primroses,  Cyclamen,  Bouvardias,  Roman  Hyacinths,  Spirmas,  Azaleas, 
Poinsettias,  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Heaths,  Salvias,  Deuizias,  and  Carna¬ 
tions,  are  but  a  few  of  the  many  plants  which  should  he 
furnished  in  proper  numbers  in  every  good  garden,  whilst  those  more 
highly  favoured  should  always  have  some  Cypripediums  and  other 
easily  grown  Orchids.  Even  where  there  are  no  Chrysanthemums  grown 
it  was  shown  that  with  due  attention  to  the  needs  of  plants  for  forcing 
purposes  a  remarkable  wealth  of  Dc.iterial  was  open  to  all. — D. 


468 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  23,  1893. 


- The  Koyal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society.— It  is 

announced  that  the  above  Society  will  hold  the  shows  for  1894  on 
April  4th  and  5th,  July  11th  and  12th,  and  September  12th  and  13th, 
Mr.  Chas.  Stewart  is  the  Hon.  Secretary. 

-  The  Weather  in  the  Isle  op  Wioht. — Mr.  C.  Orchard, 

Bembridge,  I. W.,  writes  : — “Winter  has  set  in  here  early.  Saturday, 
the  18th  inst.,  opened  with  a  very  cold  north-west  wind  and  a 
drizzling  rain.  Towards  evening  it  increased  to  a  gale  of  wind  and  a 
drifting  snowstorm.  The  thermometer  registered  32°,  and  on  the  morn¬ 
ing  of  Sunday,  the  19th,  the  whole  island  was  covered  with  snow,  some 
of  the  drifts  being  3  and  4  feet  deep.  The  strong  wind  continued  all 
Sunday,  but  the  temperature  rose  a  little,  causing  the  snow  to  disappear 
by  Monday  morning.  With  the  temperature  so  low,  and  the  strong 
wind  blowing,  played  sad  havoc  with  such  plants  as  Veronicas, 
Laurustinus,  Fuchsias,  Hydrangeas,  and  others  that  usually  keep  green 
and  gay  with  flowers  here  up  till  Christmas,  to  say  nothing  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  and  other  border  flowers  which  are  quite  destroyed.” 

-  Our  Country’s  Charms. — A  lady  tourist  sends  the  follow¬ 
ing  note.  “We  had  a  delightful  outing  in  September — Leamington, 
Warwick,  Kenilworth,  Oxford,  and  Blenheim.  Of  all  the  sights  that 
struck  me  most  was  Ampelopsis  Veitchi  on  everything  and  everywhere. 
Warwick  Castle  is  a  marvel  of  loveliness,  and  the  peacocks  make  such 
a  gleam  of  colour  against  and  on  the  branches  of  the  old  trees.  Blen¬ 
heim  is  overpowering  in  size  ;  the  forest  and  ornamental  trees  and  the 
pleasant  head  gardener,  Mr.  Whillans,  struck  me  most  there,  also  the 
extreme  neatness  of  everything  and  the  small  force  of  men — we  saw 
just  a  few.  A  large  house  of  tree  Carnations,  pink,  white  and  Winter 
Cheer  charmed  us.  There  are  thirty-f  our  houses  all  full,  yet  last  December 
over  £7000  worth  of  plants  were  sold  out.  We  had  Blenheim  Orange 
Apples  in  perfection.  Those  who  have  not  seen  Warwick,  Blenheim, 
and  the  old  college  gardens  of  Oxford  should  see  them.  I  had  no  idea 
there  was  such  wealth  of  loveliness  in  England.  Kenilworth  is  only 
a  ruin,  but  such  a  ruin  that  ‘Brother  Jonathans’  come  over  in 
swarms  to  see  it.” 

-  The  Queen’s  Cottage,  Kew. — Our  excellent  transatlantic 

contemporary  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  in  the  issue  for  November  8th, 
contains  a  well  executed  illustration  of  the  Queen’s  Cottage  at  Kew, 
which  stands  in  the  centre  of  some  forty  acres  of  enclosed  land,  and  is 
thickly  planted  with  trees,  and  from  which  the  public  are  excluded.  It 
stands  on  the  south-west  side  of  the  Koyal  Gardens,  between  them  and 
the  Old  Deer  Park,  Richmond,  also  Royal  property.  Portions  of  the 
cottage  grounds  have  evidently  been  tastefully  laid  out  many  years  ago 
and  planted  with  choice  shrubs  and  trees  by  some  competent  landscape 
gardener.  Even  now,  although  the  trees  and  shrubs  were  until  recently 
left  entirely  to  themselves,  the  grounds  are  full  of  pretty  effects  and 
delightful  glimpses  such  as  please  the  artist  and  lover  of  Nature.  The 
wilder  part  is  crowded  with  Beech,  Chestnut,  Oak,  Lime,  and  other 
trees  which,  in  places,  rise  straight  out  of  a  turf  formed  entirely  of 
Bluebells,  a  glorious  picture  in  the  springtime,  while  other  parts 
show,  in  tangled  profusion,  masses  of  Blackberry  bushes.  Brake  and 
other  Ferns,  Daffodils,  Ragged  Robin,  and  other  dwellers  in  English 
woods.  The  cottage  was  supposed  to  have  been  built  for  Queen  Caroline, 
wife  of  George  III.,  “  who  resided  at  Kew  during  at  least  three  months 
in  every  year,  and  made  besides  a  stay  of  three  days  in  every  fortnight 
at  this  his  favourite  spot.”  The  Queen,  it  appears,  was  an  ardent 
gardener. 

-  Planting. — Although  it  does  but  seem  |to  be  reiterating  oft- 

told  warnings,  yet  it  ie  frequently  needful  just  as  much  as  ever  to 
protest  against  the  too  common  practice  of  planting  everything  too 
deep.  Use  seems  to  be  so  much  overlooked  that  whilst  the  natural 
tendency  of  rooters  to  strike  downwards,  the  essentials  of  good  culture 
render  the  keeping  of  them  so  near  the  surface  as  possible  generally 
desirable.  This  is  specially  the  case  with  fruit  trees  and  bushes,  but  it 
applies  to  most  things  because  we  want,  under  modern  conditions  of 
culture,  to  feed  roots  from  the  surface,  whilst  naturally  they  are  induced 
to  strike  deep  down  into  the  soil.  There  can  be  no  greater  error  in 
planting  under  any  conditions  than  in  burying  the  roots  too  deeply, 
whilst  the  nearer  the  surface,  relative  to  the  capacity,  to  have  the  roots 
covered  with  fine  soil,  the  sooner  do  they  become  attached  to  the  ground, 
and  the  more  healthful  is  the  resultant  growth.  There  are  some  cases, 
especially  where  the  soil  is  shallow  or  on  stiff  clay,  practically  to  plant 
on  ^e  surface,  but  it  is  difiScult  always  to  make  our  practice  fit  in  with 
our  knowledge  of  what  is  best. — A.  D. 


-  WOOLTON  Gardeners’  Society.— A  meeting  of  the  mem¬ 
bers  of  the  above  Society  was  held  in  the  Mechanics’  Institute  on 
Thursday  last,  Mr.  Carling  presiding.  Mr.  J.  Storey,  Allerton  Tower, 
read  an  instructive  paper  on  “  The  Culture  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and 
Madresfield  Court  Grapes.”  The  propagation,  pruning,  training,  dis¬ 
budding,  thinning  the  fruit,  temperature  and  ventilation  at  the  different 
periods  of  growth,  watering,  together  with  the  formation  of  borders 
and  the  most  suitable  structures  in  which  they  ought  to  be  grown,  are 
fully  dealt  with.  At  the  close  an  interesting  discussion  took  place. — 
R.  P.  R. 

-  AGATH.®A  Ccelestis. — Blue  flowers  are  proverbially  scarce, 

and  as  Agathma  ccelestis  yields  these  in  large  numbers,  it  is,  remarks  an 
American  contemporary,  well  worth  cultivation  for  this  reason  alone. 
It  is  sometimes  called  the  Blue  Marguerite,  and  the  name  is  apt,  for  in 
shape  the  flowers  bear  a  strong  resemblance  to  those  of  the  common 
Marguerite,  or  Parisian  Daisy.  But  here  the  likeness  ends,  for  the  plants 
are  quite  distinct  in  other  particulars.  The  Agathrea  is  dwarf  and 
shrubby,  seldom  more  than  12  inches  high,  and  very  neat  and  compact 
in  growth.  The  numerous  leaves  are  small,  rough  to  the  touch,  and  of 
a  deep  rich  green.  The  flowers,  proceeding  singly  from  the  base  of  the 
leaves,  are  held  erect  above  the  foliage  on  slender  naked  stalks,  the  outer 
florets  bright  blue,  and  the  disc  an  intense  yellow.  The  plant  is  almost 
constantly  in  bloom  out  of  doors  in  summer  and  under  glass  in  winter. 
Even  when  its  flowers  are  not  wanted  in  winter  it  still  requires  gentle 
greenhouse  warmth,  since  3°  or  4°  of  frost  will  kill  it.  Cuttings  from 
young  branches  root  readily  in  spring,  and  when  grown  on  in  small 
pots  until  mild  weather  they  may  be  successfully  used  for  bedding  ; 
and,  again,  if  taken  up  carefully  and  potted  early  in  autumn  the  same 
plants  will,  as  before  remarked,  continue  to  bloom  all  through  the 
winter  and  spring  in  the  greenhouse. 

-  Birmingham  and  District  Amateur  Gardeners’  Asso¬ 
ciation. — On  Wednesday,  the  15th  inst.,  Mr.  Herbert  Stone,  F.L.S., 
delivered  an  illustrated  paper,  on  “  Roots  and  their  Functions,”  before 
the  members  of  the  above  Association,  assembled  at  the  Temperance 
Institute,  Corporation  Street.  The  chair  was  occupied  by  Mr.  Leonard 
Brierley,  J.P.  (one  of  the  Vice-Presidents),  who  heartily  congratulated 
the  Society  on  the  exceptional  progress  it  had  made  during  the  short 
course  of  its  existence.  Mr.  Stone  described  the  parts  of  various  roots, 
their  methods  of  pushing  themselves  through  the  soil,  and  of  absorbing 
nourishment  from  it ;  and  of  the  extraordinary  property  of  the  roots 
to  exude  an  acid  which  had  the  effect  of  rendering  soluble  inorganic 
matter  not  usually  soluble  in  water.  He  gave  by  means  of  the  lime¬ 
light  lantern  specimens  of  the  different  classes  of  roots,  and  gave 
figures  to  show  the  extraordinary  amount  of  moisture  that  the  plants 
absorb  in  the  course  of  their  growing  period.  A  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr. 
Stone  for  his  excellent  paper,  and  to  Mr.  Leonard  Brierley  for  presiding, 
terminated  the  proceedings.  Messrs.  E.  D.  Clarke,  Gosling,  Chapman, 
W.  B.  GriflSn,  Rees,  and  W,  H.  Wilks  exhibited  Chrysanthemum  blooms, 
and  awards  were  made  accordingly.  Those  of  the  two  former  were 
exceptionally  fine.  The  next  meeting  will  be  held  on  December  6th, 
when  the  President  (Alderman  Wm.  White,  J.P.)  will  deliver  his 
address. 

-  Cacao  in  Trinidad. — 'Mr.  J.  H.  Hart,  the  Superintendent  of 

the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Trinidad,  has  recently  been  successful  in 
transporting  to  Nicaragua  a  selection  of  the  best  varieties  of  Trinidad 
“Cacao.”  Cacao  seed  soon  loses  its  vitality,  and  can  only  be  safely 
transported  long  distances  by  placing  it  in  a  suitable  position  to 
germinate  and  grow  on  the  voyage.  On  April  25th  of  this  year,  we 
learn  from  “Nature,”  Mr.  Hart  left  Trinidad  with  a  number  of 
specially  prepared  cases  containing  plants,  and  seeds  planted  on  the  day 
of  departure.  The  boxes  in  which  the  seeds  were  sown  had  not  glass 
roofs,  but  were  strongly  latticed  and  covered  with  a  moveable  sail-cloth 
cover,  which  could  be  easily  and  rapidly  fastened  or  unfastened,  to  give 
light  or  to  protect  from  wind,  rain,  and  sun.  A  frame  covered  with 
wire  netting  was  fastened  inside  each  case,  so  as  to  press  upon  the 
surface  of  the  soil  to  prevent  it  shifting  and  causing  the  seeds  to  be 
disturbed.  The  seeds  germinated  ten  days  after  planting,  and  on  June 
10th  Mr.  Hart  reached  his  destination  with  more  than  26,000  healthy 
plants,  which  were  successfully  put  out  in  nurseries.  A  number  of 
Cacao  seeds  were  sown  at  Nicaragua  to  develop  during  the  return 
voyage,  and  upon  arriving  at  Trinidad  good  healthy  plants  were  obtained 
from  98  per  cent,  of  the  seeds  planted.  These  plants  included  two 
species  entirely  new  to  Trinidad,  and  their  introduction  may  eventually 
prove  of  great  benefit  to  the  colony. 


November  23,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


469 


—  We  regret  to  have  to  announce  the  death  of  Monsieur  Antoine 
Besson,  of  Marseilles,  on  the  15th  of  this  month.  Monsieur  Besson  was 
sixty-eight  years  of  age.  He  was  a  Knight  of  the  Legion  of  Honour, 
and  Vice-President  of  the  Society  of  Horticulture  and  Botany, 

-  The  Gale  in  Scotland. — Writing  under  date  November  18th 

Mr.  K.  P.  Brotberston,  Tynninghame,  Prestonkirk,  N.B.,  says  : — “  We 
have  a  fearful  gale  raging  here,  and  great  damage  done  to  trees,  both 
deciduous  and  coniferous.” 

-  The  East  London  Floeicultural  Society,  that  has  up 

to  now  had  to  seek  hither  and  thither  for  halls  in  which  to  make 
displays,  has  at  last  found  a  habitat  at  the  People’s  Palace,  which  ought 
to  be  permanent.  The  large  establishment  in  the  Mile  End  Road  ought  to 
make  itself  the  natural  centre  for  all  the  amenities  as  well  as  the 
realities  of  East  London  life.  The  flower  shows  are  a  move  in  the  right 
direction. 


THE  ORIGINAL  HESSLE  PEAR  TREE. 

I  PROMISED  to  send  you  an  account  of  the  old  original  Hessle  Pear 
tree.  As  there  has  been  so  much  dispute  about  the  name  of  the  Pear, 
whether  it  should  be  Hessle  or  Hazel,  I  think  when  you  have  read  this 
note  you  will  agree  with  me  it  should  be  the  “  Hessle.” 

The  tree  is  situated  close  to  my  house,  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Ripling- 
ham,  the  owner.  Mr.  Riplingham’s  father  and  I  have  had  many  a  talk 
about  the  tree.  The  family  has  been  in  the  village  for  several  genera¬ 
tions,  some  300  years.  From  what  I  could  gather  from  him  it  seems  to 
be  supposed  that  the  tree  in  its  young  state  was  brought  over  here  by 
the  Flemings,  people  who  came  up  the  Humber  for  the  purpose  of 
trading  some  300  or  400  years  ago.  I  have  always  said  the  tree  could 
not  be  less  than  300  years  old. 

The  old  trunk,  which  was  some  3  or  4  feet  in  diameter,  blew  down,  or 
at  least  the  greater  part  of  it,  on  the  1st  day  of  August,  1890,  It  was 
quite  hollow  and  decayed,  with  a  large  wasp’s  nest  inside  ;  but  about 
16  inches  from  the  old  trunk  there  is  a  young  tree  which  has  sprung  up, 
no  doubt  a  sucker  from  the  original  This  young  tree,  3  feet  from  the 
ground,  is  37  inches  in  circumference  ;  6  feet  from  the  ground  it  is 
34J  inches.  When  the  old  tree  bore  fruit  as  well  as  the  young  one  I 
compared  the  two,  and  could  not  tell  one  from  the  other.  This  proves 
that  the  old  tree  must  have  been  a  seedling. 

Some  time  ago  I  had  a  conversation  with  one  of  the  oldest  men  in  the 
village.  I  said  to  him,  “  Robert,  do  you  know  the  old  Pear  tree  ?  ” 
“Old  Pear  tree?”  he  repeated;  “I  should  thmk  I  do.  Why,  I  was 
born  close  to  it.  I  worked  ior  Mr.  Riplingham’s  grandfather.  I  can 
remember  the  top  of  the  tree  blowing  off  one  stormy  night,  and  that 
will  be  nearly  eighty  years  ago.  Why,  it  was  an  old  tree  then.  Old 
tree  !  I  should  think  I  do,”  and  the  poor  old  man’s  eyes  fairly  glistened 
with  delight. 

I  have  been  trying  to  find  out  the  period  when  the  Flemings  traded 
in  this  neighbourhood.  I  wrote  to  Alderman  Symon,  the  antiquarian 
of  Hull,  and  he  says  that  in  1290,  the  eighteenth  year  of  Edward  L, 
Toricius,  a  Fleming  of  York,  was  appointed  to  price  the  wine  imported 
into  Hull  and  to  gauge  the  same.  I  find  the  same  also  stated  in  the 
History  of  Hull.  So  the  Flemings  must  have  been  here  at  that  time. 
In  the  year  1300  King  Edward  1.  crossed  over  the  Humber  from  Barton 
in  Lincolnshire  to  Hessle  on  his  way  to  the  north,  there  being  no  ferry 
to  Hull  at  that  time.  The  first  ferry  from  Lincolnshire  to  Hull  was 
begun  in  1316.  From  these  facts  I  should  say  that  the  Flemings  would 
often  land  at  Hessle,  and  it  is  quite  feasible,  that  they  might  have 
brought  the  Hessle  Pear,  I  cannot  find  out  any  more  about  the  old  tree. 
— Edwin  Lord,  Hessle. 

[We  are  obliged  by  this  communication,  Hessle  is  the  name  to  which 
this  useful  hardy  Pear  is  entitled.  M.  Decaisne,  a  French  authority, 
thought  the  Pear  was  of  German  origin,  and  says  he  preferred  using  the 
German  name  Haselnuss  (hazelnut)  to  the  French  translation — Noisette. 
The  tree  as  a  seedling  fruited  at  Hessle  is  the  Hetsle  Pear.] 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

November  14th. 

Scientific  Committee. — Present:  Dr.  M.  T.  Masters  (in  the 
chair)  ;  Mr.  McLachlan,  Dr.  Bonavia,  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Prof.  Church, 
Mr.  Veitch,  Prof.  Muller,  Prof.  Green,  Mr.  Michael,  and  Rev.  G, 
Henslow,  Hon.  Sec. 

Onions  Diseased. — Mr,  Massee  reported  as  follows  upon  the  samples 
brought  to  the  last  meeting  : — “  The  Onions  are  attacked  by  a  Botrytis, 
the  same  species  as  the  one  described  by  Prof.  Marshall  H.  Ward  in 
‘A  Lily  Disease’  (Ann.  of  Bot.,  vol.  ii.).  The  bulbs  cannot  possibly  be 
saved  now,  the  fungus  having  spent  its  active  period  on  the  leaves  ;  while 
the  hypbae  are  now  passing  into  the  bulb  to  form  sclerotia.  If  the 
foliage  had  been  sprayed  with  a  fungicide  the  mischief  would  have  been 
kept  within  bounds.  The  diseased  Onions  should  be  bvrnt  and  not 
thrown  on  to  the  manure  heap.” 

Daffodil  Bulb  Diseased. — He  also  reported  upon  the  specimen 
brought  by  Mr.  Wilks,  that  a  saprophytic  fungus  was  now  present, 
which  had  followed  a  disease  induced  by  some  other  unascertainable 
cause. 

Pears  Diseased. — Mr.  Massee  sent  the  following  additional  remarks 


upon  the  fruit  reported  upon  at  the  last  meeting  : — “  The  fungus 
attacking  the  Pears  first  appears  upon  the  leaves,  and  from  thence  it 
passes  on  to  the  fruit.  The  tree  should  have  been  sprayed  with  a  fungi¬ 
cide  previous  to  the  appearance  of  bloom,  and  once  or  twice  after 
the  fruit  had  set,  Bordeaux  mixture  has  been  proved  effective.”  A 
unanimous  vote  of  thanks  was  given  to  Mr.  Massee  for  his  interesting 
and  valuable  reports. 

Job's  Tears  (^Coix  lachryma,  L.'). — Mr,  McLachlan  exhibited  a 
specimen  of  this  Grass,  grown  in  Devonshire  in  the  open  air.  It  is 
remarkable  for  the  stony  involucres,  often  used  as  beads.  Prof.  Churchdrew 
attention  to  another  species,  C.  gigantea,  Boxb.,  which  is  cultivated  in 
the  Khasia  hills,  and  elsewhere  in  Bengal.  C.  lachryma  is  not  cultivated, 
though  the  grain  of  wild  plants  is  eaten.  Prof.  Church’s  analysis  of  the 
grain  of  C,  gigantea  shows  that  it  contains  16-8  albuminoids,  and  59'9 
starch,  &c.,  so  that  its  “  nutrient  value”  is  very  high,  being  90  per  cent. 
(“  Kew  BuL,”  1888.  p.  267.) 

Sjjhceria  Itobertsii. — Mr,  James  Veitch  exhibited  specimens  of  this 
well  known  parasitic  fungus  of  New  Zealand  issuing  from  the  neck  of  a 
large  caterpillar  (Hipialis  virescens).  It  is  called  aweto  or  “  vegetable 
caterpillar.”  The  latter  frequents  particularly,  if  not  quite  exclusively, 
the  Rata  tree  (Metrosideros  robusta),  and  when  the  pupa  burrows  into 
the  ground  at  the  foot  of  the  tree,  the  spores  of  the  fungus  attack  it, 
the  mycelium  ramifying  through  the  body,  while  the  stem  bearing  the 
sporiferous  asci  issues  erect  from  between  the  folds  in  the  neck  of  the 
caterpillar. 

Planorbis  Shells  Sjolit. — Mr.  Wilson  sent  specimens  split  trans¬ 
versely,  with  the  following  observations  : — “  The  shells  are  deposited  in 
large  numbers  on  the  bent-down  rushes  at  the  water’s  edge  of  one  of 
our  ponds  at  Oakwood,  Wisley.  There  are  no  signs  of  rats  near.  I 
much  wish  to  know  what  cuts  them,  whether  beast  or  bird.”  It  was 
suggested  by  Mr.  Michael  that  if  the  shell  lay  half  in  water  a  severe 
frost  might  possibly  have  effected  it  ;  but  they  appeared  to  be  quite 
fresh  shells  Mr.  M‘Lachlan  suggested  herons  as  having  perhaps  done 
it.  The  cause  of  the  peculiarity,  however,  was  recognised  generally  as 
obscure. 

Winter  Moth. — Mr.  Wilson  sent  the  following  observations  on  this 
insect  : — “  On  tbe  3rd  of  this  month  there  were  fifty-four  females  on 
the  greased  bands  on  our  fruit  trees  at  Oakwood.  They  do  not  usually 
appear  so  early  with  us.  Great  quantities  of  both  females  and  males 
have  been  caught  since  the  above  date.  Perhaps  the  wood  and  ponds 
are  attractive  to  them.  We  have  so  few  at  Weybridge  that  it  is  not 
worth  while  to  band  the  trees.” 

Clitoria  Ternatea,  peloric, — Dr.  Bonavia  showed  photographs  and  a 
coloured  drawing  (by  a  native)  of  this  plant  from  India,  illustrating 
transitions  from  the  normal  “  Pea-like  ”  blossom  to  the  regular  or  peloric 
condition,  much  resembling  a  Periwinkle.  The  colour  is  a  bright  blue. 
It  appears  to  be  not  uncommon  in  this  species. 

Casuarina  dimorphic. — Dr.  Masters  exhibited  a  specimen  received 
from  Baron  Von  Muller,  in  which  a  portion  had  developed  sharp-pointed 
leaves  exactly  similar  to  the  pointed-leaved  form  of  Juniperus,  which  is 
often  dimorphic  in  the  same  way.  Mr.  Henslow  mentioned  that  these 
changes  are  paralleled  by  the  Thuja-leaved  forms  of  Veronica,  which 
grow  at  great  altitudes  in  New  Zealand,  and  observed  that  analogies 
seemed  to  suggest  varying  degrees  of  drought  or  moisture  as  likely  to 
be  the  direct  cause  of  the  different  kinds,  respectively. 

Wheat-eared  Sweet  William. — Dr.  Masters  also  showed  a  specimen 
of  this  well-known  malformation,  in  which  while  the  flowers  are  sup¬ 
pressed,  the  small  bracts  at  the  base  become  multiplied  excessively. 
Mr.  Veitch  observed  that  it  is  very  common  and  difficult  to  eradicate. 
No  cause  could  be  suggested  for  its  occurrence. 

Canna,  Madame  Crozy. — Dr.  Masters  observed  that  it  has  been  stated 
that  this  variety  of  Ganna  was  really  a  very  old  form,  having  been 
figured  in  Loddiges’  Cabinet,  No.  449  ;  but,  as  he  pointed  out,  though  the 
colours  were  similar,  the  petals  having  a  yellow  rim,  the  size  was  very 
different,  the  modern  form  very  probably  having  originated  from  that 
older  variety. 

Germinating  Cocoa-nut. — Dr.  Masters  showed  a  drawing  of  the 
globular  cotyledon  developed  within  the  cavity  and  applied  against  the 
edible  endosperm.  With  reference  to  its  power  of  secreting  a  ferment 
to  digest  the  food.  Prof.  Green  remarked  that  he  had  not  succeeded  in 
isolating  the  ferment :  but  the  epidermis  of  the  cotyledon  was  quite  of 
the  character  suggesting  the  presence  of  one.  He  noticed  a  fatty  acid 
present,  apparently  indicating  reactions  produced  by  some  ferment. 


Protests  at  Shows. 

I  THINK  exhibitors  in  many  cases  do  not  properly  understand 
on  what  grounds  a  protest  can  be  successful.  It  is  not  intended  as  a 
means  of  securing  a  revision  of  the  Judge’s  award  in  matters  of  mere 
opinion  or  pointing,  but  merely  as  a  safeguard  against  fraud,  non-com¬ 
pliance  with  the  terms  of  the  schedule,  questions  as  to  distinctness  or 
otherwise  of  varieties,  or  anything  of  an  unexpected  nature  not  within 
the  knowledge  of  the  Judge. — Secretary. 


470 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Noyember  23,  1893. 


Chrysanthemum  Lord  Rosebery. 

New  incurved  Chrysanthemums  are  not  so  numerous  as  those  of  the 
Japanese  type,  and  therefore  when  a  variety  of  merit  is  brought  forward 
it  is  generally  welcomed.  Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Castle  Hill  Nursery, 
Maidenhead,  has  on  many  occasions  raised  and  introduced  some  good 
incurved  varieties,  as  well  as  others,  and  one  of  his  latest  is  Lord  Rose¬ 
bery,  figured  in  the  illustration  (fig.  68).  It  is  an  English-raised 
seedling.  An  award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  it  when  exhibited  by 
Mr,  Owen  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  Novem¬ 
ber  14th.  It  has  also  been  certificated  at  Birmingham.  In  colour  the 
flower  somewhat  resembles  Miss  Violet  Tomlin,  being  bright  violet 
purple,  passing  to  purplish  rose  with  lilac  tips  ;  but  it  is  much  larger 
than  the  variety  mentioned,  and  when  well  grown  will  prove  a  decided 
acquisition  for  exhibition  purposes.  The  plant  is  a  moderately  vigorous 
grower,  and  has  very  distinct  foliage.  The  bloom  from  which  the 
engraving  has  been  prepared  was  grown  by  Mr.  Owen,  who  informs 
us  that  the  variety  will  be  distributed  next  year. 

Grassendale  Show. 

The  handsome  silver  cup,  valued  at  10  guineas,  and  presented  by  the 
President  (A.  L.  Jones,  Esq.,  Oatlands,  Aigburth),  to  be  won  twice  in 
succession  or  .three  times  in  all,  has  been  secured,  as  last  year,  by  Mr. 
Donald  Forbes,  gardener  to  Alfred  Holt.  Esq.,  Crofton,  Aigburth.  with 
twelve  Japanese  and  twelve  incurved.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Mr. 
Forbes  won  with  forty-eight  cut  blooms  a  week  ago,  and  singular  to 
relate,  was  first  in  the  same  class  last  year. — R.  P.  R. 

The  N.C.S.  and  Its  Certificates. 

Although  up  to  the  date  of  the  Aquarium  Show  the  Floral  Com¬ 
mittee  of  the  N.C.S.  had  awarded  twenty-six  first-class  certificates  to 
exhibitors  of  Chrysanthemums,  “A  Mummer”  (page  444)  may  rest 
assured  that  a  very  much  larger  number  have  narrowly  escaped  the 
distinction.  Having  been  intimately  connected  with  the  Society  from 
its  commencement  as  a  National  one,  and  a  frequent  attendant  at  the 
meetings  of  the  Floral  Committee,  I  can  confidently  say  that  never 
has  there  been  such  a  rigid  system  of  selection  as  during  the  past  year 
or  two,  and  it  really  seems  as  if  the  standard  now  required  could 
not  be  anyhow  raised  higher.  The  light  anywhere  in  November,  of 
course,  is  a  disadvantage,  but  it  is  consoling  to  find  in  the  R.H.S. 
report  in  last  week’s  Journal  that  the  Floral  Committee  of  that  vener¬ 
able  S  jc-'ety  are  also  sometimes  placed  under  a  similar  disadvantage  at 
the  Drill  Hall.  ^ 

Chrysanthemum  Charles  Davis, 

As  “Querist”  (page  445)  appears  to  know  there  are  but  few  Chrysan¬ 
themums  in  which  the  colour  can  be  termed  fixed.  A  great  deal  depends 
upon  the  bud  selected,  the  age  of  the  bloom,  and  in  many  cases  whether 
the  plant  is  flowered  in  town  or  country.  I  have  seen  large  numbers  of 
this  variety  during  the  past  few  weeks  in  almost  every  shade  of  yellow, 
but  its  proper  chromatic  description  is  canary  yellow  suffused  with  a 
warm  rosy  bronze.  It  is  the  variety  that  should  be  certificated,  not  any 
particular  tone  of  colour  that  the  variety  may  assume  ;  and  therefore  if 
presented  by  two  different  growers,  one  having  small  undeveloped 
blooms  of  orthodox  hue,  and  the  other  large  well  grown  examples  in 
which  the  colour  is  less  pronounced,  the  award  must  justly  go  to  him 
whose  flowers  exhibit  the  greatest  skill  in  cultivation. — P. 

Chrysanthemum  Beauty  op  Exmouth. 

This  variety  has  not  been  seen  this  season  in  such  magnificent  form 
as  shown  last  year.  The  cause  is  not  far  to  seek.  Beauty  of  Exmouth 
is  a  “  wet  season”  variety,  and  the  past  hot  weather  ripened  the  wood 
too  much.  Most  growers  have  overdone  this  variety  by  giving  it  the 
same  treatment  accorded  to  the  majority  of  the  exhibition  kinds.  The 
best  blooms  are  produced  from  strong  cuttings  rooted  in  March  and 
plants  topped  in  May,  and  giving  at  least  10-inch  pois  (inside  diameter). 
The  object  is  to  reduce  the  number  of  petals.  The  plants  should  be  fed 
well,  especially  soon  after  the  buds  are  taken.  Every  effort  should  be 
made  to  get  what  must  be  avoided  in  Mrs.  Harman  Payne  and  many 
others — viz.,  coarseness. — W.  J.  G. 


White  Viviand  Morel. 

I  MUCH  regret  having  to  differ  from  those  eminent  authorities  men 
tinned  in  last^  week’s  Journal  (page  445),  who  considered  it  would  b 
safe  to  exhibit  blooms  of  white  and  pink  Viviand  Morel  as  distinc 
varieties.  Last  spring  I  obtained  plants  of  Mrs.  W.  R.  Wells  rather  late 
and  everyone  gave  fine,  deep  pink  blooms.  My  ordinary  stock  gav 
pure  white  blooms  from  the  earliest  crown  buds  and  pink  blooms  frou 
terminals.  If  white  and  pink  Viviand  Morel  can  be  exhibited  as  dis 
tinct  varieties,  then  the  yellow  Chas.  Davis  could  be  exhibited  as  “  Mrs 
Brown  ’  and  the  bronze  as  Chas.  D.avis.  When  a  white  sport  frou 

f  “  Mr.  C.  E.  Shea.”  the  yellow  spor 

trom  Mdlle  Lacroix,  or  Chas.  Davis  from  V.  Morel,  then,  and  not  unti 
tuen,  should  It  be  safe  to  show  white  and  pink  Viviand  Morel  as  distinc 

pink  varieties  give  (not  invariably)  pure  whiti 
dH  prominent  examples  I  mention  Etoili 

nu-P  whitP  fl  Devonshire.  The  early  buds  of  Louise  produo 

pu.e  white  flowers,  the  later  being  pink.  Mrs.  E.  G.  Hill  from^  crowi 


buds  ia  crimson  bronze,  from  terminal  a  beautiful  clear  yellow.  Again, 
many  of  the  Japanese  vary  not  only  in  colour  but  in  shape  or  form  as 
well.  It  simply  depends  on  the  different  times  the  buds  are  “  taken,” — 
W.  J.  Godfrey, 

Next  Year’s  Chrysanthemum  Shows. 

The  Committee  of  the  Kingston  and  Surbiton  Chrysanthemum 
Society  announce  that  tbeir  next  year’s  Show  will  take  place  on 
November  13th  and  14th.  What  is  determined  by  the  few  larger 
Shows  such  as  Kingston  and  the  National  of  course  materially  governs 
the  dates  of  the  smaller  Shows,  of  which  there  are  so  many  within 
twenty  miles  of  London,  and  none  of  whom  wish,  if  it  can  be  avoided, 
to  conflict  with  the  giants.  If  the  National  fixes  upon  the  same  dates 
as  Kingston,  and  it  will  probably  be  so,  it  will  at  least  leave  ten  days- 
in  November  that  may  largely  be  utilised  by  the  smaller  Shows  prior  to- 
the  13th,  whilst  very  many  may  perhaps  think  that  a  week  later — the 
20th  and  following  days — rather  too  late. 

The  fixing  of  dates  is  very  much  of  a  lottery  so  far  as  securing  the 
best  flowers  is  concerned  ;  but  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  a  little 
early  gives  better  displays  than  a  little  late.  The  present  year  demon¬ 
strated  that  the  Japs  were  never  better  than  just  at  the  time  of  the 
leading  shows,  and  that  was  fully  six  days  earlier  than  next  year’s 
chief  exhibitions  may  be  fixed  for.  Six  days  is  almost  an  age  in  the 
keeping  of  fine  blooms,  especially  if  the  weather  be  at  all  damp.  Every 
grower  knows  that  retarding  flowers  that  have  reached  the  maximum 
of  development  is  far  more  difficult  than  is  the  pushing  them  on 
in  gentle  warmth,  if  found  needful.  Of  course  the  coming  year’s  dates 
will  be  exceptionally  late  if  the  Kingston  selection  be  generally  fol¬ 
lowed,  but  they  will  gradually  come  a  date  forward  again  for  several 
years.  Without  doubt  the  9th  and  lOtb,  literally  the  middle  of  the 
second  week  in  November,  seems  to  be  about  the  best  average  dates. 
As  the  6th  and  7th  would  be  too  early,  and  the  13th  and  14th 
rather  late,  the  choice  seems  in  favour  of  the  former,  We  shall  watch 
the  results  next  year  with  exceeding  interest,  but  still  so  much  of 
these  results  must  be  contingent  upon  the  nature  of  the  next  growing 
season. — D. 

At  Chilwell. 

For  a  number  of  years  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson  k  Sons  have  been 
celebrated  for  their  annual  show  of  Chrysanthemums,  and  this  is  no 
exception.  Upwards  of  2000  plants  are  arranged  in  a  lofty  structure 
about  90  feet  long  and  30  feet  wide,  and  the  plants  look  splendid.  They 
are  placed  in  one  broad  central  bank  with  a  narrow  border  round  next 
the  sides  of  the  house.  The  collection  is  kept  well  up  to  date  by  Mr. 
C,  E.  Pearson  who  has  this  department  under  his  control,  all  the  latest 
introductions  being  represented.  Owing  to  the  eailiness  of  the  season 
the  flowers  at  the  time  of  my  visit  were  commencing  to  fade,  whereas 
in  an  ordinary  year  they  would  have  been  at  the  summit  of  their  beauty. 
Though  some  few  may  have  passed  away  there  still  remains  a  display 
rich  in  colour  and  grand  flowers  well  worthy  a  long  journey  to  see. 
Messrs.  Pearson  are  to  be  congratulated  on  having  such  a  fine  house  in 
which  to  show  their  plants,  one  in  which  the  visitors  can  walk  round 
in  comfort  and  see  every  plant  and  every  flower  to  the  fullest  advan¬ 
tage.  I  noted  a  few  of  the  varieties  which  appeared  to  be  the  most 
praiseworthy,  but  doubtless  several  were  missed,  as  my  visit  was  unfo-r- 
tunately  a  hurried  one. 

Particularly  striking,  immediately  on  entering,  is  a  grand  bright 
yellow  Japanese,  named  Mons.  Pankcoucke,  the  flower  of  which  is  of 
fine  shape  and  build.  Henri  Jacotot  fils  is  a  chestnut-red- colon  red 
variety,  the  florets  of  which  have  a  yellow  reverse,  which  is  extremely 
attractive.  An  excellent  hairy  petalled  kind  is  found  in  Vancauson 
Testout,  This  is  a  well-formed  flower,  and  is  of  a  bright  pink  colour, 
which  should  make  it  popular.  A  grand  bloom  is  Mons.  Auguste 
Perrin,  somewhat  after  the  style  of  Viscountess  Hambleden,  but  of  a 
delicate  pink  shade.  The  flower  is  massive,  and  almost  faultless  in 
shape.  Sarah  Hill  is  a  clear  yellow,  the  broad  florets  of  which  are 
flushed  slightly  with  lilac  at  their  tips.  The  beautiful  blooms  of  Prim¬ 
rose  League  are  now  too  well  known  to  readers  of  the  Journal  to  need 
any  description  from  me,  as  also  are  Lord  Brooke,  Mrs.  Falconer 
Jameson,  Puritan,  and  Charles  Davis,  each  of  which  was  seen  in  superb 
condition.  Two  bright  yellow  coloured  kinds  of  merit  are  Charles 
Blick  and  Golden  Ball,  the  latter  of  which  is  grand  for  affording  cut 
blooms.  Growing  only  2  feet  high,  it  might  with  advantage  be  used 
for  decorative  purposes.  For  this  latter  purpose  Ryecroft  Glory,  clear 
yellow,  is  perhaps  unsurpassed  ;  and  Sydenham  Terra  Cotta  is  a  kind 
which  might  be  grown  with  advantage.  Both  are  free  blooming,  and 
the  former  especially  is  one  of  the  most  useful  for  October  flowering. 

A  charming  variety  is  found  in  Mrs.  Libbio  Allen,  and  the  enormous 
blooms  of  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne  attract  universal  attention  and 
admiration.  Many  superb  flowers  of  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn  are  to  be 
seen,  and  also  of  Florence  Davis,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Viviand  Morel. 
The  dwarf  habit  and  brilliant  colouration  of  G.  W.  Childs  render  it  a 
variety  of  the  utmost  utility.  Mrs.  Robt.  Craig  is  a  good  incurved  of  a 
delicate  rose  colour.  The  bloom  is  deep  with  somewhat  pointed  florets. 
A  substantial  flower  is  Miss  Ada  MacVicar,  and  the  primrose  yellow 
flowers  of  The  Tribune  last  in  good  condition  for  an  unusually  long 
time.  A  kind  which  promises  well  is  Miss  Maud  Pearson,  delicate  pink 
in  colour,  as  also  does  The  Queen,  a  white  variety,  the  petals  of  which 
are  splashed  with  purple.  Amongst  the  numerous  other  varieties 
noticed  were  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  White  Louis  Boehmer,  and  Baron 
Hirsch. — Nomad. 


November  23,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


471 


National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 


The  General  Committee  of  this  Society  held  a  meeting  on  Monday 
last  at  Anderton’s  Hotel,  when  Mr.  R.  Ballantine  occupied  the  chair. 
Most  of  the  business  was  of  a  purely  formal  nature,  and  the  corre¬ 
spondence  read  related  to  proposed  alterations  in  various  classes,  all  of 
which  were  referred  to  the  Schedule  sub-Committee  for  consideration. 
The  awards  made  by  the  Arbitration  Committee  at  the  November  Show 
were  then  submitted  for  confirmation,  and  comprised  silver-gilt  medals 
to  Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones,  Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  and 
B.  S.  Williajns  and 


CHRYSANTHEMUM  SHOWS. 


HULL. — November  15th  and  16th. 


Son  ;  silver  medals 
to  Messrs.  Shuttle- 
worth  &  Co.,  Mr. 
H.  Berwick,  Mr. 
Godfrey,  Messrs. 
H.  Cannell  &  Sons, 
and  Messrs.  J. 
Laing  and  Sons ; 
bronze  medals  to 
Messrs.Cannell  and 
Mr.  W.  E.  Boyce 
for  their  exhibits  of 
flowers  and  vege¬ 
tables.  The  Chair¬ 
man  announced 
that  the  Show  was 
quite  a  success 
both  as  regards  the 
attendance  of  the 
public  and  the 
quality  of  the  ex¬ 
hibits. 

The  Secretary  re¬ 
ported  that  income 
to  the  amount  of 
£525  11s.  8d.  had 
been  received  up  to 


As  briefly  mentioned  in  our  last  issue,  the  annual  Chrysanthemum 
Show  of  the  Hull  and  Bast  Riding  Society  was  held  in  the  Artillery 
Barracks  at  that  town  on  the  above  dates.  The  Society  is  one  of  the 
most  enterprising  and  at  the  same  time  one  of  the  most  successful  in  the 
country,  and  as  regards  quality  no  belter  exhibits  can  be  seen  anywhere. 
The  advance  which  has  been  manifest  every  year  since  the  formation 

of  the  Society  ten 


date,  the  principal 


items  being  £142 
19s.  6d.  for  annual 
subscriptions,  £13 
13s.  6d.  donations, 

£39  7s.  afSliated 
societies’  fees,  £31 
12s.  6d.  for  medals, 
and  £4  43.  for  sale 
of  catalogues.  On 
the  subject  of  the 
shows  for  1894  it 
was  intimated  that 
they  will  probably 
be  the  same  as 
those  for  the  pre¬ 
sent  year,  viz.,  one 
in  September,  held 
by  the  Aquarium 
Company,  towards 
which  the  Society 
will  c  ojn  t  r  i  b  u  t  e 
money  prizes  for 
Chrysanthemums  ; 
one  in  October, 

November,  and  De¬ 
cember.  Some  dis¬ 
cussion  thereupon 
ensued  as  to  the 
advisability  of  find¬ 
ing  a  fresh  place 
for  the  Society’s 
shows,  but  the  pro¬ 
position  was  nega¬ 
tived. 

The  annual  din¬ 
ner,  as  already 
announced,  will  be 
held  at  Anderton’s 
Hotel  on  the  30th 
inst.,  and  all  ar¬ 
rangements  for  it 
have  now  been  completed. 

Twenty-four  new  members 
for  the  year  of  150. 

Mr.  C.  E.  Shea  was  prevented  by  indisposition  from  reading  his 
promised  paper  on  “Judging,”  but  had  sent  it  for  the  Secretary  to  read 
if  agreeable  to  the  members.  Mr.  Beavan  moved  that  the  reading  of  it 


Fig.  68.— CHRYSANTHEMUM  LORD  ROSEBERY. 


years  ago  has  been 
well  maintained, 
the  entries  in  al¬ 
most  all  classes 
and  divisions  hav¬ 
ing  increased  in 
number,  totalling 
430  —  the  highest 
yet  attained.  The 
classes  for  lady 
competitors  showed 
a  slight  deprecia¬ 
tion,  but  the  qua¬ 
lity  was  grandly 
upheld.  The  in¬ 
crease  was  most 
noticeable  in  the 
division  for  plants, 
once  the  weakest 
part  of  the  show. 
The  groups,  for 
which  the  Hull 
Show  has  long  been 
celebrated,  were 
quite  up  to  the 
usual  standard,  and 
that  is  a  high  one. 
An  innovation,  in 
the  shape  of  a 
class  for  a  group 
of  foliage  plants, 
arranged  for  effect, 
brought  but  two  ex¬ 
hibits,  both  these 
oeing  magnificent 
examples.  The 
Japanese  section 
contained  many 
superb  blooms,  and 
the  incurved  were 
amongst  the  very 
finest  that  have 
been  staged  at  any 
show  this  season. 
As  evidence  of  the 
advance  made  by 
this  Society  we 
give  the  number 
of  entries  in  the 
classes  for  cut 
blooms  this  and 
last  season  : — Ex¬ 
hibits  in  1892,151  ^ 
1893,  194,  an 


in 


Sir  Edwin  Saunders  will  occupy  the  chair, 
and  Fellows  were  elected,  making  a  total 


be  deferred  until  Mr.  Shea  was  well  enough  to  attend  personally,  as  he 
thought  any  discussion  arising  upon  the  subject  would  not  be  fair  to  the 
author,  and  this  view  received  the  support  of  the  members  present. 

Questions  were  raised  as  to  the  advisability  of  ladies  being  invited  to 
be  present  at  the  annual  dinner,  the  extension  of  the  radius  in  the 
metropolitan  classes,  and  the  meeting  closed  at  a  rather  earlier  hour 
than  usual. 


increase  of  43, 
Number  of  blooms 
staged  in  1892, 
1947;  in  1893,2728, 
an  advance  of  781. 
In  the  plant  sec¬ 
tion,  exclusive  of 
groups,  the  ex¬ 
hibits  in  1892  were 
55  ;  in  1893,  88,  an 
increase  of  33  ;  and 
the  plants  staged 
were,  in  1892,  188, 
and  in  1893,  293, 
an  advance  of  105. 
class  for  twenty-four 


Another  novelty  introduced  this  year  was 
blooms  Japanese,  distinct,  to  be  arranged  with  or  without  foliage  of  any 
kind  as  the  exhibitors  chose.  The  object  of  this  class  was  to  mtroduce 
a  less  formal  system  of  arrangement  than  that  now  in  vogue,  the  merits 
of  the  flowers  being  primarily  considered,  but  artistic  staging  was  a 
necessary  adjunct.  The  competitors  numbered  three,  and  the  first  prize 
stand  left  little  to  be  desired  either  in  quality  of  the  flowers  or  itithe 
exquisite  taste  displayed  in  arrangement.  The  prizes,  which  included 
several  handsome  vases  and  cups  figured  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
for  October  12th  (page  339).  amounted  in  value  to  upwards  of  £2UU,_in 
consideration  of  which  it  is  by  no  means  surprising  that  the  entries 
should  be  so  large,  the  quality  so  high  and  the  competition  so  keen. 
ThP.  Tnanncrement  of  the  Exhibition,  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  R.  halconer 


472 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  23,  1893. 


Jameson,  Chairman  of  the  Society,  Messrs.  El.  Harland  and  J.  Dixon,  the 
Honorary  Secretaries,  and  the  Committee  were  thorouGjhly  carried  out,  and 
reflected  much  credit  on  all  those  concerned.  Especially  praiseworthy 
was  the  promptitude  with  which  the  Judges  commenced  their  duties,  an 
example  which  might  well  be  followed  by  numerous  other  societies 
throughout  the  kingdom.  We  append  a  list  of  the  prizewinners  in  the 
principal  classes,  space  not  allowing  of  the  whole  being  mentioned. 

Groups  and  Trained  Plants. — In  the  class  for  a  group  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  interspersed  with  foliage  plants,  arranged  in  a  space  not 
exceeding  100  square  feet,  and  with  the  first  prize  of  which  went  a 
silver  challenge  cup,  which  must  be  won  three  times  before  becoming 
the  absolute  property  of  anyone,  there  were  four  competitors,  the 
premier  award  going  to  Mr.  Coates,  gardener  to  W.  Wheatley,  Esq , 

7,  Milton  Terrace,  Anlaby  Road,  Hull,  for  a  charming  arrangement. 
The  Chrysanthemums  were  magnificent  examples  of  high  culture,  and 
the  foliage  plants  were  intermingled  in  a  highly  artistic  manner.  Mr. 
G.  Cottam,  jun.,  Alma  Gardens,  Cottingham,  was  a  good  second,  his 
blooms  being  scarcely  so  well  finished  as  those  of  the  above  named. 
The  third  prize  went  to  Mr.  Murchison,  gardener  to  F.  B.  Grotrian, 
Esq.,  J.  P.,  West  Hill  House,  Hessle,  and  the  fourth  to  Douglas  C.  Joy, 
Esq.,  Wetton  Hill,  Brough.  For  a  group  of  miscellaneous  plants 
arranged  for  effect  in  a  space  of  100  square  feet,  Mr.  J.  Wilson,  gardener 
to  J.  Reckitt,  Esq  ,  Swanland  Manor,  was  deservedly  placed  first.  The 
plants,  which  included  amongst  others  Crotons,  Calanthes,  Cypripediums, 
Asparagus  and  Dracaenas,  were  perfectly  grown  specimens,  in  the  placing 
of  which  really  exquisite  taste  had  been  displayed,  the  group  producing 
a  light  and  graceful  effect  which  left  nothing  to  be  desired.  In  Mr. 
Cottam’s  exhibit,  which  took  the  second  prize.  Chrysanthemums,  Liliums, 
and  Palms  were  most  prominent,  all  being  well  grown,  clean,  healthy 
looking  plants. 

Mr.  Hemming,  gardener  to  E.  Leetham,  Esq.,  Beech  Holme,  Newland, 
was  placed  first  for  three  trained  specimen  plants,  exclusive  of  standards, 
with  highly  creditable  examples  of  Mrs.  G.  Glenny,  Mrs.  Rundle,  and 
Mrs.  Dixon,  each  of  which  carried  handsome  blooms.  Mr.  Coates  was  a 
good  second,  and  Mr.  H.  H.  Taylor,  Newiand,  third.  For  three  standard 
trained  plants  Mr.  Hemming  was  again  first,  staging  precisely  the  same 
varieties  as  in  the  class  previously  named.  Mr.  Mason,  gardener  to 
Colonel  A.  K.  Dibb,  Kirk  Ella,  being  second,  and  Mr.  H.  H.  Taylor 
third.  For  three  pyramid  trained  specimens  the  same  exhibitor  who  took 
the  premier  position  in  the  two  classes  above  mentioned  was  first  with 
good  examples,  the  second  position  being  again  taken  by  Mr.  Mason. 

In  the  class  for  six  plants,  bush  grown,  not  formally  trained,  Mr.  W. 
Goodhill,  32,  Stanley  Street,  Hull,  was  first  with  excellent  examples  of 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Val  d’Andorre,  Mons.  Bernard,  Viviand  Morel, 
Avalanche,  and  Margot.  Mr.  H.  H.  Taylor  was  an  excellent  second  ; 
and  Mr.  T.  Smith,  Norwood  Nursery,  Beverley,  a  fair  third.  Mr. 
W.  Goodhill  was  also  first  for  three  bush-grown  plants  with  Val 
d’Andorre,  Mons.  Bernard,  and  Avalanche,  all  in  very  fine  condition. 
The  second  and  third  prizes  were  accorded  to  Messrs.  Hemming  and 
H.  H.  Taylor  in  the  order  of  their  names.  There  were  ten  competitors 
in  the  class  for  six  “cut-backs,”  any  varieties,  and  the  competition  was 
close.  Mr.  H.  H.  Taylor  gained  the  premier  award,  staging  grand  plants 
of  Viviand  Morel,  Florence  Davis,  Sunflower,  and  Gloire  du  Rocher. 
Mr.  Coates  was  second.  Mr.  Willey,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Ringrose,  Esq., 
Cottingham  Grange,  third. 

The  three  classes  next  following  were  restricted  to  amateurs  or  those 
employing  only  one  gardener,  and  the  competition  ran  high.  For  three 
bush-grown  plants,  Mr.  F.  Pape,  Butcher  Row,  Beverley,  was  first ;  Mr. 
Coates  second  ;  and  A.  Mayfield,  Esq.,  Beverley  Road,  Hull,  third.  Mr. 
Coates  was  first  for  three  trained  specimens,  A.  Mayfield  Esq,,  being 
second,  and  Mr.  R.  Thirsk,  Grovehill  Road,  Beverley,  third.  In  the 
class  for  one  trained  specimen,  Mr.  Thirsk  took  the  premier  position, 
A.  Mayfield,  Esq.,  being  second,  and  Mr.  Coates  third. 

In  the  class  for  twelve  table  plants  in  pots  not  exceeding  6  inches 
in  diameter,  Mr.  J.  Wilson  was  a  splendid  first,  Mr.  Leadbetter,  gardener 
to  A.  Wilson,  Esq.,  Tranby  Croft,  Hull,  being  second,  and  Mr. 
Hemming  third.  Mr.  Hemming  was  first  with  six  plants  suitable  for 
table  decoration  ;  Mr.  Lawton,  gardener  to  Colonel  W.  H.  Harrison 
Broadby,  Welton  House,  was  a  very  close  second  ;  and  Mr.  Cottam 
third. 

Cu  Blooms. — As  has  been  said  this  section  of  the  Exhibition  was 
represented  by  numerous  superb  examples.  One  of  the  principal  classes 
was  for  twenty-four  incurved  in  not  less  than  eighteen  varieties,  and  not 
more  than  two  of  any  one  kind.  To  the  first  prize  a  silver  cup  was 
added,  and  the  competition  between  the  seven  stands  staged  was  close, 
the  premier  position  eventually  being  assigned  to  Mr.  Lees,  gardener  to 
F.  A.  Bevan,  Esq.,  Trent  Park,  New  Barnet,  who  staged — back  row  ; 
Golden  Empress  of  India,  Lord  Alcester,  Hero  of  Stoke  Newington, 
Golden  Empress,  Lord  Wolseley,  Princess  of  Wales,  Hero  of  Stoke 
Newington,  Lord  Alcester.  Middle  row  :  Princess  Teck,  Violet  Tomlin, 
Mrs  Coleman,  Lady  Dorothy,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Lord  Wolseley,  Mrs. 
Coleman,  and  Lady  Dorothy.  Front  row  :  Prince  Alfred,  Empress  of 
India,  Nil  Desperandum,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Robt.  Cannell,  John  Lambert, 
John  Salter,  and  John  Doughty.  All  these  blooms  were  grand  and 
perfectly  finished.  Mr.  Shoesmith, gardener  to  M.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Shirley, 
Croydon,  was  second  with  fine  though  somewhat  flatter  flowers.  Mr. 
P.  Blair,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Sutherland,  Trentham,  was  third  with 
flowers  which  lacked  the  finish  so  noticeable  in  the  two  previously 
named.  There  were  five  stands  competing  in  the  class  for  twehe 
incurved,  distinct,  the  quality  of  the  blooms  being  first  rate  throughout. 
Mr.  Mask,  gardener  to  Lord  de  Ramsey,  Haveringland  Hall,  Norwich, 
was  placed  first  with — back  row  ;  Princess  of  Wales,  Violet  Tomlin, 


Guernsey  Nugget,  Camille  Flammarion.  Middle  row :  Miss  M.  A. 
Haggas,  Novelty,  John  Salter,  Alfred  Lyne.  Front  row:  Mrs.  Heale, 
Jeanne  d’Arc,  Empress  of  India,  and  Princess  Teck,  This  was  a  superb 
exhibit  in  every  way  worthy  of  the  high  position  accorded  it.  The 
second  prize  went  to  Mr.  Leadbetter,  gardener  to  A.  Wilson,  Esq., 
Tranby  Croft,  Hull,  whose  stand  was  but  few  points  behind  that  of 
Mr.  Musk,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  Blair  with  creditable  blooms.  For 
twenty-four  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  Shoesmith  was  accorded  the  highest 
position  and  took  the  silver  cup  given  with  the  first  prize.  The  flowers 
exhibited  were  perfect  in  finish  and  weighty.  The  following  varieties 
were  represented — back  row  :  Viviand  Morel,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Edwin 
Molyneux,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams,  Mrs,  C.  Harman  Payne,  Madame  Calvat, 
Charles  Shrimpton,  Etoile  de  Lyon.  Middle  row  :  W.  W.  Coles,  Golden 
Wedding,  Ruth  Cleveland,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  Mrs.  Wheeler,  G.  C. 
Schwabe,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Mons.  Bernard.  Front  row:  Mdlle. 
Th^sese  Rey,  J.  Shrimpton,  Lord  Brooke,  W.  H.  Atkinson,  W.  H. 
Lincoln,  Le  Verseau,  Wm.  Seward,  and  Sunflower.  Mr.  Heany, 
gardener  to  H.  G.  Sebintz,  Esq.,  Mossley  House,  Liverpool,  was  second 
with  a  heavy  stand,  Mr.  Musk  being  a  good  third.  Mr.  Lees  was 
first  for  twelve  Japanese,  staging  splendid  blooms.  A  fine  second  was 
found  in  Mr.  Musk,  the  third  position  going  to  Mr.  Shoesmith, 

One  of  the  novelties  to  which  brief  reference  was  made  in  the  intro¬ 
duction  was  for  twenty-four  Japanese,  arranged  with  any  foliage,  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  taste  of  the  exhibitor,  on  a  table  space  not  exceeding  6  feet 
in  length  by  2  feet  6  inches  in  width.  The  object  of  this  class  says  the 
schedule  was  to  introduce  a  more  tasteful  manner  of  staging  highly 
developed  blooms,  therefore  first  quality  blooms  were  indispensable. 
At  the  same  time  artistic  arrangement  was  an  essential,  and  was  duly 
considered  by  the  adjudicators.  The  first  prizewinner  (Mr.  Musk)  had 
grasped  the  full  meaning  of  the  schedule,  and  arranged  a  superb  exhibit. 
From  a  groundwork  of  beautifully  green  Fern  arose  the  splendid  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  interspersed  in  a  highly  artistic  manner  with  light  and 
elegant  foliaged  Palms.  Amongst  the  best  of  the  varieties  utilised  were 
Sunflower,  Viviand  Morel,  Florence  Davis,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Edwin 
Molyneux,  and  Avalanche.  The  second  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
Wilson  with  a  highly  creditable  arrangement,  and  the  third  to  Mr. 
Jarvis,  gardener  to  B.  Whitaker,  Esq.,  Cliff  House,  Hessle.  In  the  class 
for  six  bunches  of  incurved,  Mrs.  George  Rundle,  Mrs.  Dixon,  and 
George  Glenny,  two  bunches  of  each,  three  blooms  to  constitute  a  bunch, 
Mr.  Goodhill  was  a  good  first  with  clean,  shapely  examples;  Mr. 
Waterhouse,  gardener  to  H.  Witty,  Esq.,  The  Wellingtonias,  Cottingham, 
being  second  ;  and  Mr.  Wells,  Earlswood  Nurseries,  Redhill,  third.  Mr. 
Blair  was  an  excellent  first  in  the  class  for  six  incurved,  one  variety, 
with  handsome  blooms  of  John  Salter  ;  Mr.  Musk  being  second  with 
Madame  Darrier  ;  and  Mr.  Pike,  gardener  to  C.  H.  Wilson,  Esq  ,  M.P., 
Warter  Priory,  third  with  John  Salter.  There  were  ten  competitors  in 
the  class  for  six  Japanese,  one  variety,  some  magnificent  flowers  being 
staged.  Mr.  Shoesmith,  with  superb  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  was 
first ;  closely  followed  by  Mr.  Leadbetter,  with  charming,  refined 
examples  of  Madame  Baco  ;  the  third  prize  being  awarded  to  Mr. 
J.  W.  Backhouse,  Beverley,  with  highly  creditable  blooms  of  Avalanche. 
Mr.  Mason,  gardener  to  A.  Smith,  Esq.,  Woodleigh,  Hessle,  was  first  for 
twelve  large  Anemones,  in  not  less  than  six  varieties;  Mr.  Davidson, 
gardener  to  R.  Jameson,  Esq.,  J.P.,  East  Ella,  was  a  good  second;  and 
Mr.  Burrows,  gardener  to  Sir  Henry  Bennett,  Westlands,  Grimsby, 
third.  Mr.  Mason  was  again  first  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese 
Anemones.  Mr.  Burrows  was  second.  For  twelve  reflexed,  in  not  less 
than  six  varieties,  Mr.  Davidson  was  first  with  excellent  blooms.  The 
second  and  third  prizes  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Heany  and  Burrows  in 
the  order  of  their  names. 

Mr.  Walker,  gardener  to  Colonel  Stracey  Clitherow,  Hotham  Hall, 
Brough,  was  accorded  the  premier  position  in  the  class  for  twelve  sweet 
scented  Chrysanthemums,  Mr.  Drewery,  gardener  to  Edward  Harland, 
Esq.,  The  Sycamores,  Cottingham,  being  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Wells 
third.  For  twelve  hairy  flowered  varieties  Mr.  G.  E.  Smith,  Floral 
Cottage,  Pauli,  was  first  with  charming  blooms,  and  Mr.  W.  Wells  second. 
Mr.  Drewery  was  a  good  first  for  twelve  bunches  of  Pompons, 
Mr.  Hemming  being  second,  and  Mr.  G.  B.  Smith  third.  For  twelve 
bunches  of  singles  with  foliage  as  grown  Mr.  Drewery  was  first,  Messrs. 
Walker  and  G.  E.  Smith  being  second  and  third  respectively. 
Mr.  Crook,  gardener  to  the  Dowager  Lady  Hindlip,  Hadsor  House, 
Droitwich,  was  first  in  the  class  for  three  blooms  of  Beauty  of  Exmouth, 
showing  creditable  examples,  Mr.  Walker  being  second. 

The  only  competitor  in  the  class  for  a  table  of  bouquets,  wreaths, 
sprays  and  buttonholes,  to  be  composed  of  Chrysanthemums  and  any 
kind  of  foliage,  was  Mr.  H.  H.  Taylor,  Newiand,  who  was  deservedly 
awarded  the  premier  position  for  a  charming  and  highly  artistic  exhibit. 
The  same  exhibitor  was  first  for  a  hand  bouquet  with  a  beautiful  example 
of  taste  and  skill,  Mr.  Cottam  being  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  Backhouse 
third. 

The  class  for  twelve  incurved,  distinct,  for  growers  residing  in 
Lincolnshire  within  twenty  miles  of  Hull  or  anywhere  in  the  East 
Riding  of  Yorkshire,  brought  seven  stands,  and  the  first  prize  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  Burrows.  Messrs.  Jarvis  and  Pike  were  placed  second 
and  third  as  mentioned.  In  the  class  for  twelve  incurved,  in  not  less 
than  nine  varieties  or  more  than  two  bh  oms  of  one  kind,  subject  to  the 
same  residential  qualifications  as  the  previous  class,  Mr.  Davidson  was 
first,  Mr.  J.  Clark,  Cromwell  Road  Nurseries,  Grimsby,  second,  and  Mr. 
Lawton  third.  For  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  with  the  first  prize  of 
which  went  a  silver  cup,  there  were  ten  competitors,  Mr.  Burrows  being 
eventually  accorded  the  premier  position.  The  second  prize  went  to 
Mr.  Walker  with  small  refined  flowers,  and  the  third  to  Mr.  Willey, 


November  23,  1893. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


473 


gardener  to  C.  J.  Ringrose,  Esq.,  Cottingham  Grange.  In  the  class  for 
twelve  Japanese,  in  not  less  than  nine  varietiesor  more  than  two  blooms 
of  any  one  kind,  Mr.  Willey  was  first,  Mr.  Walker  second,  and  Mr. 
Jarvis  third.  The  two  following  classes  were  only  open  to  amateurs 
and  those  employing  one  gardener  with  no  casual  assistance  whatever. 
For  twelve  incurved,  in  not  less  than  six  varieties,  Miss  Veal,  Westland 
Corner,  Bargate,  Grimsby,  was  placed  first,  J.  A.  Hudson,  Esq.,  Long- 
croft,  Beverley,  second,  and  Mr.  Waterhouse  third.  Miss  Veal  was 
again  first  for  twelve  Japanese  in  not  less  than  six  varieties,  Mr. 
Waterhouse  being  second,  and  J.  A.  Hudson,  Esq.,  third. 

The  leading  incurved  bloom  in  the  open  classes  was  a  superb  example 
of  Lord  Alcester  shown  by  Mr.  Lees,  and  the  premier  Japanese  a  perfect 
flower  of  Chas.  Davis,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Heany.  In  the  amateurs’ division 
the  leading  incurved  was  Jeanne  d’Arc,  in  fine  form,  staged  by  Mr. 
Stanley,  and  the  best  Japanese  a  magnificent  Stanstead  White,  shown 
by  Mr.  Backhouse. 

In  the  amateurs’  classes  for  cut  blooms  the  competition  was  remark¬ 
ably  keen,  the  blooms  staged  being  highly  creditable  to  their  respective 
growers.  For  twelve  incurved  in  six  varieties,  with  the  first  prize  of 
which  was  given  a  silver  cup,  Mr.  A.  W.  Stanley,  De-la-Pole  Estate, 
Newington,  Hull,  was  awarded  the  premier  position.  A  silver  cup  also 
went  with  the  first  prize  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese  in  nine 
varieties,  Mr.  W.  H.  Clarke  taking  the  leading  position.  Plants  in  pots 
were  also  extensively  shown  in  this  section,  and  the  greatest  credit  is 
due  to  the  growers  for  the  good  quality  of  their  exhibits.  The  number 
of  exhibits  in  the  classes  for  table  decorations,  bouquets,  and  sprays,  open 
to  ladies  only,  showed  a  slight  decrease  from  those  of  last  year  ;  the 
quality,  however,  was  excellent. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  not  ivery  numerous,  but  the  quality 
throughout  was  exceptional.  The  Hull  Corporation  arranged  a  grand 
group  which  would  have  gained  a  position  had  it  been  staged  for 
competition,  the  Chrysanthemums  being  fine  and  the  foliage  plants  clean 
and  healthy.  Table  plants,  in  magnificent  condition,  were  also  staged 
by  the  Corporation.  Messrs.  B.  P.  Dixon,  seed  merchants,  Hull,  had  a 
prominent  stand  of  foliage  plants  and  fruits.  Mr.  R.  J.  Woolton,  New- 
land  Toft  Nursery,  Hull,  one  of  Chrysanthemums  and  Ferns  ;  Mr.  J.  W. 
Wilson,  F.R.H.S.,  South  Cave,  one  of  Orchids,  Ferns,  and  Palms  ;  the 
Rev.  W.  M.  Bennett,  M.A.,  Elloughton,  one  of  Pompons,  and  Mr.  Wm. 
Martin,  seedsman.  Market  Place,  Hull,  one  of  bulbous  roots. 

BIRMINGHAM. — November  15th  and  16th. 

A  MAGNIFICENT  exhibition  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the 
dates  named.  Birmingham  has  long  been  noted  for  its  splendid  autumn 
shows,  but  taking  all  the  exhibits  into  consideration — Chrysanthemums, 
miscellaneous  plants,  fruit  and  vegetables — no  finer  exhibition  has  ever 
been  held  than  the  present  one.  Nowhere  can  keener  competition  be 
found  in  the  cut  bloom  classes.  The  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  in  pots 
and  the  specimens  made  a  fine  display.  Primulas  were  magnificent,  and 
so  were  the  Grapes  as  well  as  the  hardy  fruit.  The  arrangements  were 
perfect,  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Hughes,  ably  assisted  by  an  efiicient 
Committee. 

Plants  were  numerously  shown  and  in  grand  condition.  For  nine 
large  flowered,  Japanese  excluded,  £5  was  offered  as  first  prize.  Mr. 
Dyer,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Marigold,  Edgbaston,  was  an  easy  first  with 
specimens  not  too  formally  trained,  carrying  about  forty  blooms  each 
and  splendid  foliage  ;  John  Salter,  Barbara,  and  Prince  Alfred  were 
especially  noticeable.  Mr.  J.  Maldrum,  gardener  to  G.  Cadbury,  Esq  , 
Selly  Oak,  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  A.  Cryer,  gardener  to  J.  A.  Ken¬ 
drick,  Esq.,  Edgbaston,  third.  Messrs.  Dyer  and  Maldrum  were  placed 
in  the  same  position  for  six  large  flowered  with  meritorious  examples. 

For  three  Japanese  Mr.  Dyer  was  again  successful,  having  Florence 
Davis,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Viviand  Morel  in  admirable  condition.  Mr. 
Maldrum  was  second.  Messrs.  Dyer,  Maldrum  and  Cryer  were  placed 
in  the  order  named  for  a  single  specimen,  incurved  variety.  Mr.  Dyer, 
with  a  grand  plant  of  Florence  Davis,  won  the  premier  award  for  single 
specimen  Japanese,  Mr.  Maldrum  following  with  Val  d’Andorre. 
Mr.  J.  Maldrum  won  with  three  Pompons,  showing  freely  flowered 
examples  of  Golden  and  White  Cedo  Nulli  and  Soeur  Melanie.  Mr. 
Cryer  was  second. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  largely  contributed.  In  the  class 
for  a  group  of  100  square  feet  area  there  were  seven  competitors  ;  £10 
was  offered  for  first  prizes  with  others  of  handsome  proportion.  Mr.  W. 
Earp,  gardener  to  the  Right  Hon.  Joseph  Chamberlain,  M.P.,  Birming¬ 
ham,  was  an  easy  first  with  a  magnificent  group,  mainly  composed  of 
Japanese  varieties,  the  blooms  being  quite  up  to  exhibition  form.  The 
plants  were  not  too  crowded,  as  is  the  case  in  many  groups,  but  they 
displayed  their  individuality.  A  few  well  grown  plants  of  Cocos 
Weidelliana  were  effectively  arranged  among  the  Chrysanthemums,  thus 
relieving  the  surface  of  bloom.  A  neat  edging  of  Ferns  and  Crotons 
completed  an  excellent  group.  Mr.  Dyer  was  second  with  an  admirable 
arrangement.  Mr.  P.  H.  Jones,  gardener  to  F.  Jenkins,  Esq.,  Olton, 
was  third  with  dwarfer  plants,  beautifully  fresh,  but  they  were  a 
trifle  crowded.  In  a  smaller  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  Ferns,  and 
foliage  plants  there  were  seven  competitors.  Mr.  J.  Maldrum  won 
premier  honours  rather  easily  with  plants  carrying  grand  flowers,  well 
grown  Cocos  Weddelliana,  with  highly  coloured  Croton^,  Eulalias,  and 
Ferns,  all  lightly  arranged.  Mr.  W.  Clements,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Horton, 
Moseley,  was  second  ;  and  Mr.  S.  Gibbs,  gardener  to  J.  B.  Manley,  Esq., 
Harborne,  third,  both  showing  well. 

Cut  blooms  were  staged  in  sufficient  numbers  to  make  a  show  in 
themselves.  Prizes  of  £10,  £7  lOs.,  £5,  £2  10s.,  £1  10s.,  and  £1  were 


offered  for  twenty-four  incurved  blooms,  distinct,  which  produced  twelve 
competitors.  Mr.  Neve,  gardener  to  C.  Van  Raalte,  Esq.,  Aldenham 
Abbey,  Redleet,  Herts,  just  managed  to  secure  leading  honours  by  the 
superior  quality  of  his  blooms,  which  were  rather  undersized  but 
beautifully  fresh  and  well  finished.  The  varieties  were — Back  row: 
Golden  Empress,  Empress  of  India,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Lord  Alcester, 
Alfred  Salter,  Emily  Dale,  Robert  Cannell,  and  Queen  of  England. 
Middle  row  :  Madame  Darrier,  Camille  Flammarion,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Lord  Wolseley,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Prince  Alfred,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  and 
Violet  Tomlin.  Front  row  :  Princess  Beatrice,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Hero  of 
Stoke  Newington,  Princess  Teck.  Lady  Dorothy,  White  Venus,  Madame 
F.  Mistral,  and  Golden  Eagle.  Mr.  A.  Haggart,  gardener  to  Mr.  J.  J. 
Foster,  Ludlow,  was  second.  His  blooms  were  heavier,  but  lacked  the 
finish  and  quality  of  the  first  prize  stand,  Messrs.  Ray  &Co.,  Teynham, 
was  third  ;  Mr.  C.  Smith,  gardener  to  W.  Showell,  Esq.,  Bellbroughton, 
fourth. 

For  eighteen  incurved,  distinct,  five  competed,  Mr.  C.  Smith  winning 
■with  medium-sized  neat  blooms.  Mr,  C.  Crookes,  gardener  to  Lady 
Hindlip,  Droitwich,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Haggart  third.  Mr.  Crookes 
won  with  twelve  incurved,  distinct  ;  Mr.  Haggart  second,  and  Mr. 
S.  Bremmell,  gardener  to  H,  H.  F.  Hayhurst,  Wellington,  third,  ten 
competing. 

Japanese  blooms  made  a  magnificent  display,  no  less  than  twenty 
competing  in  the  class  for  twenty-four,  distinct,  similar  prizes  being 
offered  as  for  incurved.  Mr.  R.  Parker,  gardener  to  J.  Corbett,  Esq., 
Impney  Hall,  Droitwich,  succeeded  in  winning  the  coveted  award 
with  a  stand  of  heavy  blooms,  well  displayed.  The  varieties  were — 
Back  row  :  Btoile  de  Lyon  (grand).  Van  den  Heede,  Florence  Davis, 
Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith  (fine),  Madame  Octavie 
Mirbeau  (charming),  Boule  d’Or,  and  Viviand  Morel.  Middle  row  : 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  B.  Molyneux,  Lady  Lawrence,  G.  C.  Schwabe  (good), 
Mdlle.  Th^r^se  Rey,  W.  Seward,  and  Sunflower.  Front  row:  Madame 
Isaac,  President  Borel,  Le  Verseau,  C.  Blick,  G.  Herrin,  M.  E.  A.  Carr'fere, 
and  Mrs.  F.  Jameson.  Mr.  Haggart  was  a  good  second  ;  Mr.  W.  Earp 
third  ;  and  Mr.  Neve  fourth. 

Mr.  Haggart  won  premier  position  in  the  class  for  eighteen,  distinct, 
with  grand  blooms.  Mr.  C.  Smith  was  second,  and  Mr.  R.  Parker  a  very 
close  third.  The  competition  in  the  class  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct, 
was  keen,  but  Mr.  J.  Austin,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Dudley,  Witley 
Court,  was  ahead  with  grand  blooms.  Mr.  Haggart  was  second,  and 
Mr.  Bremmell  third.  Mr.  Hewitt,  Solihull,  staged  the  best  Anemones,  a 
fairly  good  stand.  Mr.  J.  Justice,  gardener  to  Sir  G.  Temple,  Bart., 
Kempsey,  was  second.  Miscellaneous  plants  were  largely  contributed, 
though  space  forbids  full  details  being  given. 

Birmingham  has  always  been  notable  for  its  Primulas.  This  year 
was  no  exception.  For  twelve  singles,  Mr.  F.  Denning,  Hall  Green, 
Moseley,  won  with  fine  plants  ;  Messrs,  Thomson,  Spark  Hill  Nurseries, 
second  ;  and  Messrs.  Pope  &  Sons  third.  For  six  doubles  Mr.  Denning 
again  won,  Messrs.  Thomson  following.  Six  Fern-leaved,  Messrs.  Pope 
first,  Messrs.  Thomson  second.  In  the  classes  set  apart  for  gentlemen’s 
gardeners  only,  Mr.  P.  H.  Jones,  gardener  to  F.  Jenkins,  Esq.,  Olton, 
won  first  honour  for  twelve,  and  also  for  six  with  magnificent  examples, 
also  securing  the  silver  medal  for  excellence  of  culture.  Mr.  Coldecott, 
gardener  to  W.  Matthews,  Esq.,  Edgbaston,  was  second  in  the  former 
class.  Cyclamens  were  grandly  shown  by  Mr.  Earp  in  the  classes  for  both 
twelve  and  six  plants.  Bouquets  were  a  feature  of  the  Show,  Messrs. 
Perkins  winning  with  a  magnificent  arrangement,  mainly  of  Orchids,  in 
shower  form. 

Fruit  can  only  briefly  be  noticed .  Mr.  Goodacre  won  the  premier  award 
for  six  bunches  of  Grapes  with  grand  examples  of  Gros  Colman,  Muscat 
of  Alexandria,  Alicante,  White  Tokay,  and  Gros  Maroc.  Mr.  Banner- 
man,  gardener  to  Lord  Bagot,  Rugeley,  second.  Mr.  J.  Bates,  gardener 
to  T.  T.  Harris,  Esq.,  Stone,  won  for  three  bunches  black  Grapes  with 
Gros  Colman,  among  nine  good  exhibits  ;  and  also  for  one  bunch  black. 
For  two  bunches  any  white  variety,  Muscats  excluded,  Mr.  J.  Waldron 
won  with  White  Nice.  For  three  bunches  of  Muscats,  Mr.  W.  Earp 
was  first.  A  magnificent  collection  of  eight  dishes  of  Pears  won  for  Mr. 
Austin  the  first  prize.  They  were  grand  fruits  of  B4urre  Diel,  Marie 
Louise,  Durondeau,  Bergamot  Bsperen,  Josephine  Gregoire,  Glou 
Mor^eau,  Easter  Beurrd,  and  Beurr6  Ranee.  Mr.  Austin  also  won  first 
honours  for  one  Pine,  staging  a  good  example  of  Smooth  Cayenne. 

RUGBY. — November  15th  and  16th. 

The  seventh  annual  Show  of  the  Rugby  Chrysanthemum  Society 
was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the  above  dates.  The  arrangements,  under 
the  superintendance  of  the  able  Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Bryant,  were  excellent 
in  every  way.  There  was  a  considerable  increase  in  the  number  of 
entries  this  year,  the  total  being  300,  against  217  of  the  previous  show. 

The  leading  class  was  for  thirty-six  blooms,  eighteen  incurved  and 
eighteen  Japanese,  distinct,  the  first  prize  being  £5  and  a  special  prize 
value  £1  Is.,  together  with  a  certificate  of  the  N.C.S.  Mr.  W.  Pearce, 
gardener  to  S.  Loder,  Esq.,  Floore  House,  Weedon,  secured  the  premier 
position,  having  a  grand  stand  of  blooms,  the  Japanese  being  especially 
good  in  form  and  colour.  The  following  were  the  varieties  most  worthy 
of  recognition.  Beauty  of  Castle  Hill,  Puritan,  Bouquet  des  Dames, 
Edwin  Molyneux,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Louis  Boehmer,  J.  Stanborough 
Dibben,  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Viviand  Morel, 
Florence  Davis,  Comte  de  Germiny,  Stanstead  White,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke, 
Avalanche,  Btoile  de  Lyon,  Boule  d’Or,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Wheeler,  Golden 
Empress  of  India,  Robert  Cannell,  John  Lambert,  Refulgens,  Alfred 
Lyne,  Mrs.  N.  Davis,  Lord  Alcester,  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Lady  Dorothy, 


474 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Norember  23,  1893. 


Queen  of  England,  Prince  Alfred,  and  Lord  Eversley.  Mr.  W.  Tustin, 
gardener  to  Arthur  James.  Esq.,  Coton  House,  Kugby,  was  a  good 
second,  his  best  blooms  being  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Empress  of  India,  Lord 
Alcester,  Ralph  Brocklebank,  and  Condor.  Mr.  Harman,  gardener  to 
the  Right  Hon.  Earl  of  Denbigh,  was  a  creditable  third  with  a  stand  of 
neat  blooms.  For  the  premier  incurved  bloom  in  the  Show,  Mr.  Tustin 
was  to  the  front,  having  a  splendid  example  of  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  and 
with  a  grand  flower  of  Viviand  Morel,  Mr.  Pearce  secured  the  award  for 
the  premier  Japanese. 

In  the  class  for  twenty-four  blooms  (Japanese),  Mr.  Pearce  was  again 
■first,  his  best  varieties  in  this  class  being  Viviand  Morel,  Mrs.  C.  W. 
Wheeler,  Madame  Clemence  Audiguier,  Thunberg,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clark, 
Stanstead  White,  Florence  Davi.s,  Miss  Lilian  Bird,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste, 
Mr.  A.  H.  Neve.  As  in  the  previous  class  Mr.  Tustin  was  a  good  second, 
the  third  prize  going  to  Mr.  Harman.  For  twenty-four  incurved  Mr. 
Harman  succeeded  in  securing  first  honours  with  medium-sized  but  well- 
finished  blooms.  For  twelve  blooms,  incurved,  the  first  and  second 
prizes  fell  to  Mr.  Pearce  and  Mr.  Tustin  in  the  order  named,  the  third 
being  awarded  to  Mr.  Dunkley,  gardener  to  S.  Symington,  Esq.,  J.P. 
Brooklands  House,  Market  Harborough.  For  twelve  Japanese  Mr. 
Tustin  was  first,  the  second  prize  in  this  class  going  to  Mr.  F.  J.  Blake, 
gardener  to  G.  Singer,  Esq.,  Counden  Court,  Coventry.  Mr.  Tustin  was 
again  first  for  six  incurved  and  six  Japanese,  distinct.  Mr.  J.  Blakeway, 
gardener  to  P.  A.  Muntz,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Dunsmore,  Rugby,  was  a  close 
second  ;  and  Mr.  J.  Newman,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Morgan,  Moulsworth, 
Bilton  Road,  Rugby,  third.  For  twelve  blooms,  incurved,  Mr.  Tustin 
was  again  to  the  front,  Mr.  J.  Blakeway  and  Mr.  J.  Newman  following 
in  the  order  named.  For  twelve  Japanese  Mr.  Blakeway  was  an  easy 
first,  Mr.  Tustin  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Newman  third. 

For  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums  arranged  in  a  space  equal  to 
GO  square  feet,  the  number  of  varieties,  quality  of  blooms,  and  general 
effect  to  be  the  leading  feature,  Mr.  J.  Blakeway  was  an  easy  first. 
Mr.  A.  J.  Kilbourne,  gardener  to  Miss  Bridgman  Simpson,  Bilton  Hall, 
Rugby,  was  second.  For  a  special  group,  arranged  in  a  space  equal  to 
40  square  feet,  the  leading  honour  went  to  Mr.  J.  Frost,  James  Street, 
Rugby  ;  Mr.  J.  W.  Morris,  gardener  to  A.  E.  Donkin,  Esq  ,  Rugby, 
being  placed  second.  Mr.  J.  Newman  gained  the  first  prize  in  the 
class  for  four  trained  specimen  Chrysanthemums,  Mr.  J.  Blakeway  being 
second. 

Fruit  was  extensively  shown,  and  was  of  excellent  quality.  Two 
magnificent  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandra  Grapes  secured  for  Mr. 
Harman  the  premier  award,  Mr.  J.  Blakeway  being  second  with  some 
well  finished  bunches  of  Black  Alicante.  Apples  were  remarkable  for 
their  size  and  colour.  Pears  being  also  of  an  excellent  quality.  Amongst 
the  chief  prize  winners  may  be  mentioned  Messrs.  Pearce,  Blakeway, 
Morris,  and  Newman.  The  display  of  vegetables  exhibited  this  year 
totally  eclipsed  that  of  any  previous  occasion,  but  space  precludes 
entering  their  good  qualities  here. 

SOUTH  SHIELDS. — November  15th  and  16th. 

*•'  A  SPLENDID  Show  ”  was  the  verdict  pronounced  by  everyone  who 
saw  the  South  Shields  and  Northern  Counties’  Exhibition  held  in  the 
Royal  Assembly  Hall  of  that  town.  The  competition  in  nearly  all  the 
fifty-two  classes  was  keen,  and  while  the  productions  in  the  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  classes  were  of  the  very  highest  merit,  the  produce  in  both 
the  Grape  and  vegetable  classes  were  very  superior. 

For  twenty-four  Japanese,  not  less  than  twelve  varieties,  Mr.  P. 
Blair,  Trentham  Gardens,  Stoke-on-Trent,  gained  first  honours  with 
Puritan,  Beauty  of  Castlewood,  Viviand  Morel,  R.  C.  Kingston,  M.  Rivon, 
Sunflower,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Beauty  of  Castlewood,  Chas.  Blick  (very 
good),  W.  Shrimpton,  Mrs.  A.  H.  Neve,  Viviand  Morel,  G.  C.  Schwabe, 
J.  S.  Dibben,  Vice-President  Audiguier,  C.  Blick,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clark, 
Dorothea  Shea,  G.  Atkinson,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Puritan,  Excelsior,  Vice- 
President  Audiguier,  and  John  Dj?er.  Mr.  Thos.  Wheeler,  gardener  to 
C.  Mitchell,  Esq.,  Jesmond  Towers,  Newcastle,  was  second  with  fresh 
and  massive  blooms.  Mr.  James  Coultas,  gardener  to  Alderman 
Harding,  J.P.,  Darlington,  was  placed  third,  and  Mr.  G.  E.  Smith 
Floral  Cottage,  Pauli,  near  Hull,  fourth.  Eight  collections  were  staged] 

In  a  corresponding  class  for  twenty-four  incurved,  Mr.  Blair  was 
again  to  the  front  with  a  good  collection,  consisting  of  Lord  Alcester, 
Violet  Tomlin,  Queen  of  England,  Empress  of  India,  Novelty,  Lord 
Wolseley,  lAlfred  Salter,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mrs.  Heale,  John  Salter, 
John  Doughty,  Alfred  Lyne,  Baron  Hirsch,  Golden  Empress,  Prince  of 
V^ales,  Camille  Flammarion,  Alfred  Salter,  Empress  of  India,  John 
Lambert,  and  Madame  Darrier.  Mr.  James  Coultas  was  placed  second, 
staging  large  but  somewhat  flat  blooms,  Queen  of  England,  Jeanne 
d’Arc,  and  Nil  Desperandum  being  his  best  flowers.  Mr.  Smith  gained 
the  third  place,  and  Mr.  G.  W.  Pinkney  the  fourth. 

For  eighteen  Japanese,  twelve  varieties,  there  were  seven  com¬ 
petitors,  first  honours  being  secured  by  Mr.  George  Craig,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Barclay,  Richmond.  Mr.  Wheeler  was  close  second,  and  Mr.  George 
Smith  a  good  third.  There  were  the  same  number  of  exhibits  in  the 
corresponding  class  for  eighteen  incurved,  and  Mr.  Blair  was  well  to  the 
front,  Messrs.  Smith  &  Pinkney  sharing  the  other  prizes  in  the  order  of 
their  names.  There  were  nine  collections  of  twelve  Japanese,  distinct, 
the  best  coming  from  Mr.  Wheeler,  Mr.  Blair,  and  Mr.  Craig,  being 
placed  second  and  third  respectively.  Mr.  J.  Corbett,  gardener  to  the 
Marquis  of  Normanby,  Mulgrave  Castle,  Whitby,  was  awarded  the  first 
position  for  twelve  incurved  distinct,  while  Mr.  Coultas  and  Mr.  Richard¬ 
son  shared  the^  other  awards  as  here  given.  Anemones  were 
represented  by  six  collections,  the  best  coming  from  Mr.  Wheeler, 


Messrs.  Smith  Blair  being  second  and  third  respectively  ;  reflexed 
and  Pompons  .were  also  well  represented,  and  shown  in  high  order  of 
cultivation.  Hand  bouquets,  bridal  bouquets,  epergnes,  lady’s  sprays 
and  buttonholes  were  staged  in  profusion,  and  added  immensely  to  the 
attractions  of  the  Exhibition. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  and  other  flowering  and  foliage  plants 
were  pleasingly  arranged,  and  the  class  found  nine  competitors, 
Mr.  J.  Wood,  Riverside  Gardens,  Morpeth,  was  a  good  first ;  Mr.  H. 
Brown,  gardener  to  Alderman  Redhead,  second  ;  Mr.  Richardson,  third, 
and  Mr.  G.  Burton,  fourth.  Table  plants  and  Primulas  are  seldom  seen 
better  exhibited  and  in  greater  numbers  than  was  staged  here. 
Mr.  Alex.  Purvis  was  a  strong  exhibitor  in  the  local  plant  class,  and 
gained  several  prizes,  while  Mr.  W.  Partridge  figured  prominently  in 
the  local  cut  bloom  classes. 

Mr.  Bernard  Cowan  and  others  laboured  hard  to  further  the  interest 
of  the  Society’s  work,  and  their  efforts  were  well  rewarded  by  the 
excellence  of  the  display  and  the  large  company  of  visitors  who 
patronised  the  exhibition. 

BRISTOL. — November  15th  and  16th. 

A  GRAND  display  of  all  kinds  of  flowers  in  season  as  well  as  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  generally  was  made  at  Bristol  on  this  occasion.  A  delay 
occurred  in  getting  the  prize  cards  in  position,  and  if  prizewinners 
names  are  omitted  in  this  report  it  is  owing  to  these  not  being  forth¬ 
coming  in  time  to  be  taken  down. 

With  six  specimen  plants  of  incurved  varieties  Mr.  Ayres,  gardener  to 
Mr.  Gibson,  was  well  first.  Mr.  J.  West,  Clifton,  was  a  good  second, 
and  Mr.  G.  Sutton,  gardener  to  Mr.  Todd,  third.  The  first  prize  for  six 
reflexed  varieties  also  went  to  Mr.  J.  Ayres,  Mr.  H.  Spry,  gardener  to 
Mr.  D.  Bain  being  second,  and  Mr.  M.  S.  Blacker,  gardener  to  Miss  Charlet, 
third.  The  best  three  specimens  of  Japanese  varieties  were  shown  by 
Mr.  J.  Ayres,  Mr.  G.  Sutton  being  second.  Mr.  J.  Southard  received  a 
first  prize  and  silver  medal  for  a  single  specimen  of  incurved  variety, 
showing  a  very  fine  plant  of  Mr.  G.  Bundle.  The  first  prize  for  a 
Japanese  variety  went  to  Mr.  J.  Ayres.  A  first  prize  for  a  group  of 
Chrysanthemums  went  to  Mr.  J.  Marshall,  who  made  a  very  imposing 
display.  In  another  class  for  a  group  consisting  of  Chrysanthemums 
and  fine  foliaged  plants  Mr.  G.  Newbury,  gardener  to  Mr.  Joshua 
Saunders,  was  first.  Mr.  W.  Bannister,  gardener  to  Mr.  H.  St.  Vincent 
Ames,  was  second,  and  Mr.  J.  Atwell,  gardener  Mr.  D.  Brain,  third. 
Groups  of  miscellaneous  plants  were  also  good,  and  in  this  instance  Mr. 
G.  Newbury  was  first,  and  Mr.  G.  Shelton  second.  The  principal  winners 
in  the  other  plant  classes  were  Messrs.  J.  Kent,  W.  Bannister,  A.  Han¬ 
cock,  G.  Shelton,  W.  Baston,  G.  Price,  E.  S.  Cole  &  Son,  F.  Edwards, 
W.  Marshall,  and  J.  Ayres. 

Cut  blooms  were  grand,  all  the  thirteen  classes  provided  for  them 
being  well  filled.  The  best  twenty-four  incurved  varieties  were  shown 
by  Mr.  Aplin,  gardener  to  Mr.  W.  Meath  Baker,  Gloucester,  who  had 
Lord  Alcester,  Princess  of  Teck,  Mrs.  Norman  Davis,  Richard  Parker, 
Alfred  Salter,  Empress  of  India  (2),  Princess  of  Walesi(2),  John  Lambert, 
Empress  Eugbnie,  Isabella  Bett,  Miss  Haggas,  Lady  Dorothy,  Jeanne 
d’Arc,  Lord  Eversley,  Mrs.  R.  King,  Lord  Wolseley,  Hero  of  Stoke 
Newington,  and  Barbara.  Messrs.  W.  and  G.  Drover,  Fareham,  were 
second  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Runnacles  third.  In  the  corresponding  class  for 
Japanese  varieties  Messrs.  W.  and  G.  Drover  were  first,  having  massive 
well-coloured  blooms  of  G.  S.  Schwabe,  Viviand  Morel,  Miss  A.  Harts¬ 
horn,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Mons.  Bernard,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  Sunflower, 
Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Mons.  Pigny,  Sarah  Owen,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Wheeler,  Vice- 
President  Audiguier,  William  Seward,  Gloriosum,  Bessie  Drover,  Charles 
Davis,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Stanstead  White,  Florence  Davis,  W.  H.  Lincoln, 
Lilian  S.  Bird,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Mrs.  E.  D.  Adams,  and  John  Shrimpton. 

The  best  eighteen  Japanese  varieties  were  shown  by  Mr,  W.  Robinson, 
gardener  to  Lord  Justice  Lopes,  Westbury.  With  twelve  .Japanese 
varieties  Mr.  Robinson  was  again  first,  showing  fine  blooms.  The  best 
eighteen  incurved  varieties  were  shown  by  Mr,  Bishop,  gardener  to  the 
Rev.  F.  C.  Drake.  The  first  prize  for  twelve  incurved  varieties  was  well 
won  by  Mr.  G.  Runnacles.  For  twelve  blooms  of  Anemone-flowered 
Chrysanthemums,  in  not  less  than  six  varieties,  Mr.  W.  Robinson  was  a 
good  first.  The  same  exhibitor  took  the  lead  with  reflexed  varieties. 

Special  prizes  were  offered  for  six  new  Japanese  varieties,  and  once 
more  Mr.  Robinson  was  first,  having  good  blooms  of  Mrs.C.  H.  Payne,  Mrs. 

E.  D.  Adams,  J.  S.  Dibben,  Duke  of  York,  Colonel  W.  B.  Smith,  and 
Robert  Owen.  A  prize  was  also  offered  for  a  single  bloom  of  any 
Japanese  variety  sent  out  in  1892  or  1893,  and  this  was  well  won  by  Mr. 
W.  Wells,  Redhili,  who  had  a  perfect  bloom  of  Lord  Brooke.  Bouquets, 
vases,  and  flora!  decorations  generally  were  as  they  always  are  at  the 
Bristol  Shows  numerous  and  good,  Mr.  C.  Winstone,  Clifton,  being  among 
the  most  successful  of  the  exhibitors. 

Fruit  was  extensively  shown,  and  merits  a  fuller  report  than  can  be 
given  of  it.  For  a  collection  of  six  dishes,  Mr.  Nash,  Badminton,  was  an 
easy  first,  Mr.  Bannister  being  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Perkins,  gardener  to  Mr. 
Drucker,  third.  Mr.  Marshall  was  awarded  a  first  for  Black  Hamburgh 
and  also  for  Mrs.  Piece’s  Muscat  Grapes.  Mr.  Nash  had  a  first  for 
grand  Gros  Colman  ;  while  the  premier  award  for  Alicante  went  to  Mr. 

F.  Lewis.  Very  good  also  were  the  first  prize  Muscats,  shown  by  Mr.  J. 
Gibson,  Draycot  Manor  ;  White  Tokay,  shown  by  Mr.  E.  Silk  ;  and 
Lady  Downe’s  and  Gros  Maroc,  shown  by  Mr.  Jones,  Bath,  the  first 
prize  being  awarded  in  each  instance.  Apples  and  Pears  were  also 
remarkably  good.  Mr.  W.  Bannister  was  the  winner  of  first  prizes  for 
both  collections  of  the  former,  and  also  for  six  varieties  of  Pears.  Mr. 
W.  Nash  gained  the  first  prize  for  four  varieties.  Other  successful 


November  23,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


475 


exhibitors  ia  these  and  the  single  dish  classes  were  Messrs.  Virgo, 
E.  Hall,  Mogford,  H.  Dunn,  W.  March,  R.  Carver,  and  A.  Drucker. 

Non-competitive  exhibits  were  fairly  numerous  and  exceptionally 
good.  Mr.  J,  Crispin,  Bristol,  had  a  charming  bank  of  Orchids  ;  Messrs. 
Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  a  really  beautiful  display  of  new  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums  and  Zonal  Pelargoniums  with  Ferns ;  while  Messrs.  Garraway 
and  Co.,  Durdham  Downs  Nursery,  Clifton,  exhibited  a  grand  collection 
of  Apples. 

WINCHESTER. — Novejiber  15th  and  16th. 

A  COMPACT  Exhibition  was  that  held  in  the  Guildhall  in  this  city  on 
the  dates  named.  If  the  exhibits  were  not  numerous  they  possessed 
quality,  which  is  encouraging  to  all  concerned. 

The  principal  interest  was  centred  in  the  cut  bloom  classes.  The 
most  important  being  that  for  forty-eight  half  Japanese,  and  the 
remainder  incurved.  The  first  prize  was  a  silver  cup  value  £15, 
presented  by  the  ladies  of  Winchester  in  addition  to  a  cash  prize  of  £5. 
Mr.  Neville,  gardener  toF.  W.  Flight,  Esq.,  Twyford,  Winchester,  secured 
the  premier  award  with  even,  neat  blooms,  tastefully  arranged.  The 
varieties  were  Col.  Smith  (2),  Thomas  Hewitt  (2),  Viviand  Morel  (2), 
W.  H.  Lincoln  (2),  Waban,  Primrose  League,  Ruth  Cleveland, 
Mr.  B.  Findlay  (2),  Lord  Brooke,  Mdlle.  Marie  lloste,  Mrs.  Nesbit, 
Stanstead  White,  Golden  Wedding,  F.  Davis,  Paul  Marguerite, 
R.  Brocklebank,  Miss  A.  Hartshorn,  Vice-President  Audiguier,  and 
Le  Verseau.  Incurved  ;  Lord  Alcester  (2),  Alfred  Salter  (2),  Baron 
Hirsch,  Queen  of  England  (2),  J.  Doughty,  Mons.  Bahuant,  Miss 
M.  A.  Haggas,  Prince  Alfred,  Princess  of  Wales  (2),  Empress  of  India, 
Lord  Wolseley,  Mrs.  Heales,  Pr  lude,  Mrs.  Coleman,  Hero  of  Stoke 
Newington,  Golden  Empress  (2),  Lady  Dorothy,  and  Violet  Tomlin. 
Mr.  H.  W.  Brown,  gardener  to  A.  B.  Welch  Thornton.  Esq.,  Beaurepaire 
Park,  Basingstoke,  was  a  close  second.  Mr.  Agate,  Havant,  was  a  good 
third. 

^Mr.  G.  Trinder,  'gardener  to  .Sir  H.  Mildmay,  Dogmersfield  Park, 
Winchfield,  won  for  twenty-four  Japanese  with  a  good  stand  of  blooms. 
Messrs.  Brown  &  Agate  followed  in  the  order  named.  Mr.  J.  Hughes, 
gardener  to  W.  Baring,  Esq.,  Norman  Court,  Salisbury,  won  for  twelve 
incurved  ;  Mr.  Neville,  second  ;  Mr.  Broivn,  third.  Mr.  Hughes  also 
won  for  twelve  Japanese.  For  six  blooms  incurved,  any  one  variety  of 
the  “Queen’’  family,  Mr.  Agate  secured  leading  position  with  Lord 
Alcester  in  good  form.  F<ir  six  blooms  incurved,  any  variety  excluding 
the  “Queen”  family  Mr.  Neville  won  with  Princess  of  Wales.  Mr.  Brown 
with  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste  won  for  six  any  white  Japanese,  Mr.  Hughes 
second  with  Florence  Davis.  Mr.  F.  Smith,  gardener  to  Lady  E.  Wood- 
house,  Mayfield,  Winchester,  won  for  six,  any  one  coloured  variety  with 
Viviand  Morel.  For  twelve  Japanese,  not  less  than  eight  varieties, 
Mr.  G.  Street,  gardener  to  Dr.  Fearon,  The  College,  Winchester,  was 
easily  first. 

Chrysanthemums  in  pots  made  a  good  display.  For  eight  trained 
specimens,  Mr.  Carr,  gardener  to  W.  A.  Gillett,  Esq.,  Fair  Oak  Lodge, 
Bishopstoke,  won  easily.  Mr.  E.  Astridge  was  second.  Mr.  Carr  had 
the  best  specimen  in  both  the  incurved  and  Japanese  sections.  In  the 
latter  he  showed  Madame  B.  Rendatler,  having  fully  300  expanded 
blooms.  For  the  best  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  Mr.  F.  Broomer, 
Tower  Street  Nursery,  Winchester,  was  ahead  of  Mr.  G.  Street  for  the 
premier  position  with  dwarf  plants,  lightly  arranged.  A  class  was 
provided  for  plants  in  pots  not  larger  than  9  inches,  suitable  for  con¬ 
servatory  decoration,  which  produced  good  results.  Mr.  G.  Adams, 
gardener  to  Col.  F.  A.  Dickens,  Blackbridge,  Winchester,  was  first.  Mr. 
Carr  had  the  best  group  of  miscellaneous  plants  arranged  for  effect — 
a  charming  arrangement.  Mr.  T.  Munt,  gardener  to  Mrs.  C.  Warner, 
Northlands,  Winchester,  second.  The  Misses  Flight,  Webb,  and  Golding 
were  the  principal  exhibitors  in  the  classes  for  the  best  arranged  stand 
of  Chrysanthemums,  and  also  that  arranged  with  hardy  shrubs.  Ferns, 
and  Grasses. 

Fruit  was  well  shown.  Mr.  E.  Hillier,  nurseryman, ^Winchester, 
had  a  group  of  miscellaneous  plants,  “  not  for  competition.”  Mr.  Moly- 
neux,  gardener  to  W.  H.  Myers,  Esq.,  M.P.,  Swanmore  Park,  Bishop’s 
Waltham,  staged  some  splendid  cut  blooms,  representing  the  incurved, 
Japanese,  and  single- flowered  sections,  and  also  two  dozen  bunches  of 
freely  flowered  varieties,  all  of  which  tended  to  improve  the  Exhibition, 

PARKSTONE. — November  15Tfl  and  16ih. 

The  newly  formed  Parkstone  Chrysanthemum  and  Horticultural 
Society  held  its  first  Exhibition  of  plants,  cut  blooms,  fruits,  and 
vegetables  in  St.  Peter’s  School  Rooms,  on  the  above  dates,  proved  a 
success. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  made  a  very  good  show,  the  plants  being 
well  grown,  the  flowers  large  and  fresh,  and  the  colours  judiciously 
intermixed.  Those  arranged  by  Mr.  W.  Weeks,  gardener  to 
E.  N.  Blanchard,  Esq.,  and  Mr.  T.  Gould,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Dawson 
Damar,  were  decidedly  the  best.  Good  groups  were  arranged  in  the 
local  classes  by  Messrs.  J.  Jackson  and  Bodger,  both  of  Parkstone. 

Mr.  W.  Taylor,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Elphinstone,  Christchurch  (the 
winner  of  the  ten-guinea  cup  at  Bournemouth  last  year),  had  the  best 
stand  of  twelve  Japanese,  including  excellent  blooms  of  Viviand  Morel, 
Mrs.  Wheeler,  and  Florence  Davis  ;  Mr.  G.  Shave,  gardener  to 
W.  W.  Moore,  Esq.,  Bournemouth,  had  the  second  best  stand,  and 
Mr.  T.  Gould  the  third  best.  In  the  corresponding  class  for  incurved, 
Mr.  Taylor  was  to  the  front  again,  Mr.  Gould  being  second,  both 
showing  good  all  round  blooms.  Mr.  G.  Shave  had  the  best  stand  of 
Anemone?,  also  of  reflexed;  Mr.  Bason,  gardener  to  Mrs.  D.  M.  Fox, 
being  second  in  both  classes. 


Vegetables  were  shown  in  excellent  condition.  Mr.  Taylor  had  the 
best  collection  of  eight  kinds.  Mr.  T.  Gould  was  a  creditable  second. 

Mr.  Taylor  was  also  first  in  the  open  class  for  two  bunches  of  Grapes. 
In  the  local  class,  Mr.  Gould,  and  Mr.  House,  gardener  to  J.  Jackson,  Esq., 
were  respectively  first  and  second  fora  like  number  of  bunches,  showing 
Lady  Dovvne’s.  Mr.  Hillier,  gardener  to  Mr.  Kilner,  showed  the  besttwo 
dishes  of  dessert  Apples,  and  was  also  first  for  culinary  Apples,  and  for 
Pears. 

Mr.  T.  K.  Ingram  contributed  a  fine  bank  of  grandly  flowered 
Chrysanthemums,  which,  being  effectively  arranged  commanded  a  good 
deal  of  attention,  as  also  did  an  arrangement  of  choice  cut  flowers. 

HEREFORD.— November  15th,  16th,  and  17th. 

The  Exhibition  was  held  in  the  spacious  Shire  Hall,  which  was  filled 
to  overflowing,  passages  and  corridors  having  to  be  utilised  to  stage  the 
exhibits  as  the  large  halls  would  not  contain  them.  The  fruit  was  well 
worthy  of  the  county,  being  large,  splendidly  coloured,  and  in  great 
quantities.  The  improvement  in  the  farmers’  and  cottagers’  exhibits 
prove  the  increased  interest  they  now  take  in  fruit  culture. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  more  numerous  than  last  year,  and 
of  much  better  quality.  Withs’  Plant  Food  Co.,  Hereford,  won  the  cup 
with  well-grown  plants  and  large  blooms,  edged  with  small  Palms, 
Ferns,  and  Roman  Hyacin  hs.  Sir  J.  Pulley  came  second  with  a  fine 
group,  but  lost  the  first  position  through  a  fault  in  arrangement.  For 
twelve  ml  for  six  plants  C.  Loder  Gilbert,  E?q  ,  took  chief  honours  in 
each  case  for  plants  profusely  bloomed.  For  thirty-six  cut  blooms, 
eighteen  incurved  and  eighteen  Japanese,  R.  W.  D.  Harby,  Esq.,  was 
first  with  massive  blooms.  Sir  J.  Pulley  second  with  much  smaller 
flowers.  Mr.  Harby  was  the  most  successful  for  twelve  Japanese  and 
for  twelve  incurved.  In  the  classes  open  to  Herefordshire  only  Withs’ 
Plant  Food  Co.  was  first  for  thirty-six  cut  blooms,  C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq., 
second,  and  J.  Parkin,  Esq.,  M.P.,  third,  all  staging  good  blooms. 
In  the  smaller  classes  Messrs.  Greathead,  Whitfield,  and  Sir  J.  Pulley 
took  leading  honours. 

For  100  dishes  of  Apples,  Messrs.  Geo.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone, 
were  first  with  a  magnificent  collection,  the  fruit  fresh,  large,  and  highly 
coloured.  Mr.  J.  Watkins  came  second  with  fruit  little  if  at  all  inferior 
to  Messrs.  Bunyard’s,  and  the  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company,  Hereford, 
third  with  clean  fruit  of  good  size.  For  twenty-four  dishes  of  Pears, 
Mr.  J.  Watkins  was  an  easy  first  with  fruit  of  immense  size  and  fine 
colour.  This  exhibitor  was  awarded  first  honours  for  the  finest  dish  of 
Apples  (Peasgood’s  Nonesuch),  and  the  best  dish  of  Pears  (Glou  Morgeau) 
in  the  Show  out  of  the  above  collections  ;  J.  Rankin,  Esq.,  M.P.,  took 
second  position  in  the  above  Pear  class.  With  thirty  dishes  of  Apples 
C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  Glewston  Court,  Ross,  was  first  with  a  collection 
remarkable  for  size  and  colour,  Mr.  Evans,  Moreton  Court,  Hereford, 
came  second,  and  Lady  Emily  Foley,  Stoke  Edith  Park,  Hereford,  third  ; 
the  points  in  this  class  were  very  close.  In  the  single  dish  classes,  the 
English  Fruit  and  Rose  Company,  Rev.  Sir  G.  H.  Cornewall,  Rev. 
G.  H.  Davenport,  Geo.  Pewtress,  Esq.,  Mrs.  Evans,  H.  Hamer,  Esq., 
C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  and  Rev.  W.  H.  Lambert  were  the  most 
successful  competitors. 

Amongst  amateur  growers  W.  E,  King-King,  Esq.,  was  first  with 
twenty-four  dishes  of  Apples,  Sir  J.  Pulley  second.  For  twelve  dishes 
of  Apples,  Mrs.  Watkins,  Wilcroft,  secured  first  honours,  and  Mrs. 
Woodhouse,  Burghhill  Court,  second.  With  nine  dishes  of  dessert 
Apples,  distinct,  Mr.  W.  J.  Grant,  Bassaleg,  Newporl,  Monmouthshire, 
was  a  very  good  first.  The  same  exhibitor  was  also  first  for  one  dish  of 
dessert  Apples,  and  for  six  dishes  of  dessert  Pears,  all  very  fine. 

For  six  dishes  of  dessert  fruits,  C.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  took  leading 
honours  with  beautifully  finished  Muscat  of  Alexandria  and  Alicante 
Grapes,  fine  Blenheim  Orange  Apples,  Beurie  Diel  Pears,  Imperial 
Green  Melon,  and  fine  Medlars.  Sir  J.  Pulley,  was  a  good  second,  and 
J.  Rankin,  Esq,,  M.P.,  third;  the  same  exhibitor  taking  most  of  the 
Grape  prizes.  Mrs.  Evans  and  Sir  J.  Pulley  took  the  Tomato  prizes  in 
the  order  named.  For  a  collection  of  hardy  fruits  and  nuts,  Mr.  J, 
Watkins  was  first  with  a  highly  interesting  exhibit. 

Special  prizes  were  given  for  collections  of  Apples  and  Pears  by 
Mr.  J.  Watkins  and  the  English  Fruit  and  Rose  Co.,  which  were  won  by 
Mr.  W.  J.  Grant,  Mrs.  Evans,  and  Sir  J,  Pulley.  It  would  occupy  too 
much  space  to  name  the  exhibitors  in  all  the  classes,  but  in  every  case 
the  fruit  was  highly  creditable,  and  proved  conclusively  what  Hereford¬ 
shire  can  do  as  a  fruit-growing  county.  The  Society  are  also  extremely 
fortunate  in  having  an  excellent  Secretary — viz.,  Mr.  John  Ough,  who 
has  worked  hard  to  make  the  Show  a  success. 

On  the  closing  day  of  the  Show  a  fruit  conference  was  held  in  the 
Shire  Hall,  which  was  filled  with  a  highly  interested  audience,  and  much 
information  circulated  on  fruit  culture.  Papers  were  read  on  “  Fruit 
Growing  as  a  Commercial  Industry,”  by  Mr.  J.  Cranston.  “  The 
Gathering,  Storing,  and  Marketing  of  Apples  and  Pears,”  by  Mr.  J. 
Watkins ;  and  the  “  Cultivation  of  Grapes  and  Tomatoes,”  by  Mr. 

S.  T.  Wright. 

YORK. — November  15th,  16th,  and  17th. 

The  fourteenth  annual  Chrysanthemum  Show,  under  the  auspices 
of  the  Ancient  Society  o.^  York  Florists,  was  held  in  the  Fine  Art  Exhi¬ 
bition  buildings  of  the  city.  The  number  of  entries  showed  a  slight 
falling  off  from  those  of  last  year,  more  especially  in  the  section  de¬ 
voted  to  cut  blooms,  but  the  customary  high  quality  was  ably  main¬ 
tained.  Groups  were  a  great  feature,  the  whole  of  the  floor  of  the 
central  hall  being  reserved  for  their  accommodation.  Taken  as  a  whole 
they  w’ere  excellent,  admirable  taste  having  been  displayed  in  the 


476 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  23,  1893. 


arrangements.  The  Japanese  blooms  were  very  fine,  and  the  incurve  1 
were  of  exceptional  excellence.  Bouquets  of  Chrysanthemums  and 
baskets  of  the  same  flowers  were  largely  staged.  Superior  taste  was 
displayed  in  the  arranging  of  the  flowers,  and  the  effect  produced  was 
consequently  striking  and  highly  beautiful.  The  management  of  the 
Show  in  the  energetic  hands  of  Mr.  J.  Lazenby,  the  Secretary,  and 
the  Committee  were  excellently  carried  out,  and  high  praise  must  be 
accorded  these  gentlemen  for  their  efforts.  We  append  a  list  of  the 
prizewinners  in  the  principal  classes,  space  not  allowing  us  to  give 
details  of  all. 

Iq  the  class  for  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums  interspersed  with 
foliage  plants,  Mr.  G.  Slater,  gardener  to  Mr.  Alderman  Close,  The 
Hollies,  was  first.  The  arrangement  was  excellent.  Palms,  Asparagus,  and 
other  plants  having  been  utilised  to  much  advantage.  In  addition  to  the 
first  prize  a  handsome  silver  cup  was  given  in  this  class.  Mr.  McIntosh, 
gardener  to  J.  T.  Kingstone,  Esq.,  Clifton,  York,  was  a  close  second 
with  a  highly  creditable  exhibit  ;  Mr.  J.  R.  Dawe,  gardener  to  Dr. 
Bedford  Pierce,  The  Retreat,  York,  being  third ;  and  Mr.  Smallwood, 
gardener  to  H.  Leetham,  Esq.,  Burnholme,  York,  fourth.  An  extra 
prize  was  deservedly  accorded  to  Mr.  J.  Sinclair,  Blake  Street,  York. 
In  the  class  for  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums,  arranged  for  effect  in  a 
space  not  exceeding  80  square  feet,  Mr.  E.  Everard,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
Gutch,  Holgate  Lodge,  York,  was  first  with  an  admirable  exhibit.  The 
plants  were  carrying  good  flowers  and  stout  healthy  foliage.  Mr;  J. 
Hunt,  gardener  to  J.  Sinclair,  Esq.,  York,  was  accorded  the  second 
position  ;  Mr.  S.  Hardcastle,  Huxley  Road,  York,  being  third  ;  and  Mr. 
J.  Year,  gardener  to  Miss  Steward,  Bishopthorpe,  York,  fourth.  Mr.  R. 
Hudson,  Acomb,  York,  was  a  splendid  first  foragroupof  Chrysanthemums, 
the  class  being  open  to  amateurs  within  a  five-mile  radius  of  York.  The 
plants  were  excellent  examples  of  cultural  skill.  The  second  prize 
went  to  Mr.  George  Hudson,  Lowther  Street,  York  ;  the  third  to  Mr. 
J.  Pillmoor,  I,  George  Terrace,  York  ;  and  the  fourth  to  Mr.  J.  Emms. 
For  four  incurved  plants,  distinct,  Mr.  W.  Dickenson,  Gale  Lane, 
Acomb,  York,  was  awarded  the  premier  position  and  a  silver  medal, 
with  handsome  specimens  of  Mr.  Bunn,  Lord  Wolseley,  Mrs.  G.  Rundle, 
and  Robt.  Cannell.  Mr.  Everard  took  the  second  position,  and  the 
third  to  Mr.  W.  Dodd,  gardener  to  the  Hon.  Claud  Lambton,  Grove 
Lodge,  York. 

For  one  incurved,  distinct,  Mr.  Everard  was  first  with  Mrs.  Dixon, 
Mr.  Dickenson  second  with  Mrs.  G.  Rundle,  and  Mr.  Slater  third  with 
the  same  variety.  Mr.  Everard  was  a  good  first  for  four  Japanese 
specimens,  distinct,  staging  Mrs.  Gutch,  Val  d’Andorre,  Madame  de 
Sevin,  and  Mdlle.  Lacroix  in  fine  form,  Messrs.  Year  and  Slater  being 
second  and  third  in  the  order  named.  The  first  prize  for  a  single 
specimen  Japanese  went  to  Mr.  Everard  for  a  grand  example  of  Madame 
de  Savin,  the  second  to  Mr.  Dickenson  for  Sarah  Owen,  and  the  third 
to  Mr.  Year  for  Yal  d’Andorre.  Mr.  Year  was  first  in  the  class  for 
four  reflexed  specimens,  showing  Golden,  White,  and  Pink  Christine, 
and  Cullingfordi,  all  splendidly  flowered.  Mr.  Everard  was  first  for 
one  re  flexed  with  a  grand  plant  of  Golden  Christine,  Mr.  Year  second 
with  the  same  variety,  and  Mr.  Dobbs  third  with  Chevalier  Domage. 
Mr.  T.  Smith,  Norwood  Nursery,  Beverley,  was  first  for  four  specimen 
Pompons,  showing  superb  plants  of  White  Cedo  Nulli,  Salamon,  Golden 
Mdlle.  Marthe,  and  Soeur  Melanie.  The  second  and  third  prizes  went 
to  Messrs.  Year  and  Dawe  respectively.  Mr.  Smith  was  again  first  for  a 
single  specimen  Pompon  with  a  superb  example  of  White  Cedo  Nulli ; 
Mr.  Dickenson  being  second  with  Mdlle.  Marthe,  and  Mr.  Year  third 
with  Mr.  Astie.  For  a  single  specimen  Anemone  flowered  plant  Mr. 
Dickenson  was  first  with  Soeur  Doroth4  Souille,  Mr.  Everard  second 
with  the  same  kind,  and  Mr.  Year  third  with  Margaret  de  St.  Yallan- 
gossie.  In  the  class  for  six  Chrysanthemums,  any  varieties  in  7-inch 
pots  suitable  for  decorative  purposes,  Mr.  Smith  was  a  good  first  with 
Golden  and  White  Cedo  Nulli,  Soeur  Dorothy  Souille,  Salamon,  Black 
Douglas,  and  Soeur  Melanie ;  Mr.  Everard  second  with  a  charming  exhibit. 

The  principal  class  in  the  cut  bloom  section  was  for  thirty-six  blooms, 
half  to  be  Japanese,  and  the  remainder  incurved,  not  less  than  twelve 
distinct  varieties  of  each  to  be  staged.  The  premier  prize  went  to  Mr. 
Ritchings,  gardener  to  Dr.  Frankland,  Red  Hill,  who  staged  superb  ex¬ 
amples,  more  especially  amongst  the  incurved.  The  stand  was  composed 
of  Japs — back  row  ;  Edwin  Molyneux,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Florence  Davis, 
President  Borel,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  Edwin  Molyneux.  Middle  row:  Yiviand 
Morel,  Robert  Owen,  Chas.  Shrimpton,  Princess  Yictoria,  Mrs.  Falconer 
Jameson,  Yiviand  Morel.  Front  row  :  Robert  Owen,  Mons.  Bernard. 
Lord  Brooke,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Mrs.  Nevill,  and  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke, 
Incurved — back  row  :  Golden  Empress,  Empress  of  India,  Lord  Alcesler 
Mrs.  Robinson  King,  Empress  of  India,  Golden  Empress.  Middle  row  : 
Jeanne  d’Arc,  Yiolet  Tomlin,  Queen  of  England,  Lord  Alcester,  Queen 
of  England,  and  Mrs.  Robinson  King.  Front  row  :  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas, 
Princess  of  Wales,  Madame  Darrier,  Princess  Teck,  Mrs.  S.  Coleman,  and 
Jeanne  d’Arc.  The  second  prize  went  to  Mr.  G.  Haigh,  gardener  to 
W.  H.  Tate,  Esq.,  Woolton,  Liverpool,  whose  exhibit  was  particularly 
strong  in  Japanese,  the  best  of  which  were  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne, 
Chas.  Davis,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson.  The  incurved 
were  generally  somewhat  weak,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  and 
Lord  Wolseley  being  amongst  the  best.  Mr.  Folkard,  gardener  to  Sir 
J.  R.  Walker,  Bart.,  Sand  Hutton,  York,  was  a  fair  third.  There  were 
four  competitors  in  this  class,  and  the  competition  was  remarkably 
keen.  For  twenty-four  blooms,  half  incurved  and  half  Japs,  in  distinct 
varieties,  Mr.  G.  Anderson,  gardener  to  A.  Milnthorpe,  Esq.,  Tower  Hill, 
Cottall,  was  a  good  first,  staging  Japs— back  row  :  Stanstead  White, 
liitoile  de  Lyon,  Puritan,  and  Boule  d’Or.  Middle  row  :  Sarah  Owen, 


W.  W,  Coles,  Belle  Paule,  Mdlle.  Lacroix.  Front  row  :  Gloire  du 
Rocher,  Mont  Blanc,  Yal  d’Andorre,  Sunflower.  Incurved — back  row  : 
Yiolet  Tomiin,  Mrs.  Heale,  Lord  Wolseley,  Empress  of  India.  Middle 
row  :  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Baron  Beust,  White  Beverley,  Mr.  Bunn.  Front 
row  :  Mr.  Brunlees,  Princess  of  Wales,  Cherub,  and  Princess  Beatrice. 
Mr.  Folkard  was  a  good  second,  his  Japanese  especially  being  refined 
blooms.  The  third  prize  went  to  Messrs.  G.  Longster  &  Son,  Malton, 
and  the  fourth  to  Messrs.  J.  Horsley  &  Sons,  Malton.  Mr.  Folkard 
was  first  for  twelve  incurved,  distinct,  staging — back  row:  Jeanne 
d’Arc,  Princess  of  Wales,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Golden  Empress.  Middle 
row :  Robert  Cannell,  Lord  Alcester,  Queen  of  England,  Mrs.  W. 
Shipman.  Front  row  :  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Yiolet  Tomlin,  Cherub, 
and  Mrs.  S.  Coleman,  Messrs.  Longster  and  Son  being  second. 

Mr.  J.  Haigh  was  first  for  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  with  handsome 
blooms  of— back  row  :  Chas.  Davis,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  G.  C.  Schwabe, 
Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne.  Middle  row  :  Boule  d’Or,  Florence  Davis, 
Etoile  de  Lyon,  Mons.  A.  E.  Carriere.  Front  row  :  Edwin  Molyneux, 
Lord  Brooke,  Puritan,  and  Gloire  du  Rocher.  Mr.  D.  Williams,  gardener 
to  the  Earl  of  Feversham,  Duncombe  Hall,  Helmsley,  was  second  with 
a  highly  creditable  exhibit  ;  Mr.  D.  Dickenson,  gardener  to  W.  B. 
Richardson,  Esq.,  Elm  Bank,  Hull,  being  third.  For  six  Japanese,  one 
variety,  Mr.  Anderson  was  first  with  Boule  d’Or  ;  Messrs.  J.  Horsley 
and  Son  second  with  Yiviand  Morel ;  and  Mr.  D.  Williams  third  with 
W.  H.  Lincoln.  Mr.  Ketchell,  gardener  to  C.  H.  Simpson,  Esq.,  Moor- 
top  House,  Ackworth,  was  first  for  twelve  Anemone-flowered,  in  not  less 
than  six  varieties,  with  Delaware,  Nelson,  Sabine,  Mrs  J.  Benedict, 
Jeanne  Marty,  Mrs.  R.  Owen,  and  Gladys  Spaulding.  Mr.  Dickenson 
was  second  ;  aud  Mr.  Keightley,  gardener  to  G.  Whitehead,  Esq., 
Deighton  Grove,  York,  third.  For  six  reflexed  blooms,  distinct,  Mr. 
J.  Haigh  was  a  grand  first  with  Golden  and  White  Christines,  Dr.  Sharp, 
King  of  Crimsons,  Fred  Hart,  and  Chevalier  Domage.  Me.'srs.  Dicken¬ 
son  and  Ketchell  were  second  and  third  in  the  order  of  their  names. 
Mr.  Lunt,  gardener  to  H.  Stourton,  Esq.,  Holme  Hall,  York,  was 
accorded  the  premier  position  for  six  distinct  singles,  Mr.  Ketchell 
being  second,  and  Mr.  S.  Hardcastle  third.  In  the  ciass  for  eighteen 
blooms,  distinct,  with  the  first  prize  of  which  went  the  “  citizens’ 
challenge  prize,  tc  be  competed  for  by  growers  residing  within  a  five 
mile  radius  of  York,  Mr.  Dickenson  was  first  with  Yiviand  Morel, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Sunflower,  Stanstead  White,  Puritan,  W,  H. 
Lincoln,  Florence  Davis,  Gloire  du  Rocher,  Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson, 
Avalanche,  Edwin  Molyneux,  and  Gloriosum  Japs  ;  Emily  Dale,  John 
Lambert,  Golden  Empress,  Yiolet  Tomlin,  John  Salter,  and  Jeanne 
d’Arc  incurved.  The  second,  third,  and  fourth  prizes  went  to  Messrs. 
Everard,  Keightley,  and  Year  in  the  order  of  their  names. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  included  magnificent  vegetables  and  fruit 
grown  in  the  neighbourhood  of  York  ;  a  collection  of  Apples  from 
Messrs.  Backhouse  &  Sons,  nurserymen,  also  a  number  of  grand  Conifers 
and  Evergreens  from  the  same  firm  ;  and  Potatoes,  Artichokes,  Onions, 
and  Beet  in  excellent  condition  from  Messrs.  Kent  &  Brydon,  seedsmen, 
Darlington. 

CHUDLBIGH. — November  16th. 

The  fourth  annual  Show  was  quite  the  best  of  the  series,  and 
rivalled  that  of  Exeter  in  point  of  merit.  The  competition  was  not 
extensive,  but  the  exhibits  were  good  in  quality. 

The  principal  class  for  thirty-six  cut  blooms,  distinct,  half  incurved 
and  the  remainder  Japanese,  for  which  a  silver  cup  was  offered  by  Lady 
Clifford,  Mr.  G.  Foster,  gardener  to  H.  Hammond  Spencer,  Esq., 
Teignmouth,  was  an  easy  first  with  well  developed  blooms  in  both 
sections.  Mr.  Stiles,  gardener  to  Miss  Fripp,  Teignmouth,  second,  and 
Mr.  Yeale,  gardener  to  the  Rev.  A.  H.  Simms,  The  Rectory,  Newton 
Abbot,  third. 

Mr.  Stiles  won  the  premier  award  for  twelve  Japanese,  followed  by 
Messrs.  Foster  and  Yeale.  Mr.  Foster  was  first  for  six  Japanese,  and 
also  for  six  of  any  white  variety.  Mr.  Stiles  won  in  a  similar  class  for 
six  any  yellow  variety,  Messrs.  Foster  and  Yeale  following.  Mr.  Foster 
won  for  twelve  incurved,  Messrs.  Stiles  and  Yeale  following  in  the  order 
here  given.  The  same  order  was  maintained  in  the  class  for  six  incurved. 
Mr.  Yeale  gained  the  premier  award  for  six  Anemone  blooms  with  a 
creditable  stand.  Mr.  J.  Clack  secured  the  principal  prizes  in  the 
amaturs  section  with  creditable  exhibits. 

Table  decorations  and  sprays  were  a  feature  of  the  Show.  In  the 
former  Miss  Somerville  was  the  most  successful ;  Mrs.  W.  J.  Col  will, 
Newton  Abbot,  easily  outdistanced  the  other  competitors. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  as  well  as  miscellaneous  plants  arranged 
for  effect  made  a  commendable  display.  Mr.  E.  Daw  was  the  most 
successful  in  the  former,  while  Mr.  A.  Abraham,  gardener  to  the 
President,  the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Clifford,  Ugbrook  Park,  Chudleigh,  was 
an  easy  winner  in  the  latter  class.  The  last  named  staged  by  far  the 
best  vegetables  in  the  various  classes  set  apart  for  them. 

MELTON  MOWBRAY.— November  16th  and  18th. 

The  first  Exhibition  of  the  Melton  Mowbray  Chrysanthemum  Society 
was  held  on  the  above  dates,  and  the  Committee  are  to  be  congratulated 
on  the  success  of  their  initiating  efforts.  The  room  in  which  the  Show 
took  place  had  a  very  bright  and  charming  appearance.  Two  long 
tables  were  in  the  centre,  containing  the  cut  blooms,  and  at  the  sides 
were  nine  competitive  and  several  non-competitive  groups.  Mr.  Whait, 
gardener  to  W.  Chaplin,  Esq.,  was  first  with  an  excellently  arranged 
group  containing  many  good  flowers,  and  was  well  finished  with  small 
Palms,  Crotons,  and  Ferns.  Mr.  Bolton,  gardener  to  W.  Billson,  Esq., 
was  second,  and  Mr.  Russell,  gardener  to  Capt.  Williams,  third. 


Kovember  23,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


477 


In  the  open  class  for  twenty-four  blooms,  twelve  Japanese  and  twelve 
incurved,  Mr.  J.  Underwood,  gardener  to  R.  Walker,  Esq.,  Bnderby 
Hall,  was  first  with  good  blooms  of  Viviand  Morel,  Condor,  Mrs.  Falconer 
Jameson,  Mdlle.  M.  Hoste,  Edward  Molyneux,  Sunflower,  Mons. 
Bernard,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Boule  d’Or,  Puritan,  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  and 
Florence  Davis  for  the  Japanese,  and  Empress  of  India,  Mrs.  Robinson 
King,  Queen,  Lord  Alcester,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Prince  Alfred,  Prince  of 
Wales,  Lord  Wolseley,  M.  Barrier,  Jeanne  d’Arc,  Mrs.  Coleman,  and 
Princess  of  Teck  for  the  incurved.  Mr.  H.  Rogers  of  Gipsy  Lane 
Nursery,  Leicester,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Smith  of  Loughboro’,  third.  In 
this  class  Mr.  H.  Dunkley,  gardener  to  S.  Syminton,  Esq.,  Market 
Harboro’,  showed  an  excellent  twelve  incurved  b'ooms — the  best  in  the 
exhibition — but  through  the  falling  off  in  his  Japanese  he  was  not  placed 
amongst  the  prizewinners.  Here  is  a  strong  argument  in  favour  of 
separate  classes  for  incurved  and  Japanese  for  small  shows.  The  local 
classes  were  well  filled,  but  many  of  the  exhibits  were  of  a  poor  nature. 

Fruit  was  good  in  quality.  Grapes  beintr  excellent.  The  non-com¬ 
petitive  exhibits  were  plentiful,  and  added  much  to  the  attractiveness  of 
the  Show.  Mr.  W.  K.  Woodcock  exhibited  a  magnificent  wreath,  and 
was  first  for  a  hand  bouquet  of  Chrysanthemums.  A  special  feature  was 
the  specimen  plants  which  were  numerous. 

LINCOLN. — November  16th  and  17th. 

The  eleventh  annual  autumn  Exhibition  was  held  in  the  Drill  Hall, 
and  was  generally  a  success.  The  Shows  of  this  Society  have  long  been 
noted  for  the  excellence  of  its  groups  of  miscellaneous  plants  arranged 
for  effect,  this  year  they  were  even  better  than  in  the  past.  The 
arrangements  under  the  guidance  of  Mr.  Holmes,  the  Secretary,  were 
satisfactory. 

The  principal  class  was  for  a  group  12  feet  square,  composed  of 
Chrysanthemums  and  other  plants  arranged  for  effect,  and  a  grand 
display  was  made  in  the  centre  of  the  building.  Mr.  C.  Foster, 
gardener  to  R.  Dawson,  Esq.,  Lincoln,  won  the  coveted  award  with  a 
magnificent  group  charmingly  arranged.  The  base  or  groundwork  of 
the  group  was  composed  of  moss,  from  which  rose  well  developed  Crotons, 
single  stems,  beautifully  coloured,  intermixed  with  other  choice  plants 
all  elegantly  arranged.  Mr.  A.  Wipf,  gardener  to  W.  C.  Cockburn, 
Esq.,  Hartsholme  Hall,  Lincoln,  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Herring, 
The  Nurseries,  Lincoln,  third.  In  the  class  for  a  Chrysanthemum 
group  arranged  for  effect  along  with  green  foliage  plants  in  a  semicircle 
Messrs.  Foster  and  Wipf  occupied  similar  positions  as  in  the  former 
class.  Mr.  W.  Mitchell,  gardener  to  W.  J.  Warrener,  Esq.,  Swallowbeck, 
Lincoln,  third.  The  best  specimen  Chrysanthemums  were  those  staged 
by  Mr.  Wipf  in  the  class  for  six,  being  freely  flowered  and  not  too  for¬ 
mally  trained.  Mr.  G.  Temple,  Lincoln,  was  second.  These  two  exhibitors 
changed  places  in  the  class  for  three  standards.  Palms,  C^cads,  Ferns, 
table  plants  made  a  good  display.  In  the  three  former  classes  Mr. 
Wipf  was  the  most  successful,  Mr.  Foster  winning  in  the  latter.  Orchids 
were  well  shown  by  Messrs.  Foster  and  Wipf. 

Cut  blooms  were  of  fairly  good  quality.  In  the  principal  class — 
that  for  forty-eight,  half  incurved  and  the  remainder  Japanese,  there 
were  but  three  entries,  Mr.  F.  Thornton,  gardener  to  C.  E,  Marfleet, 
Esq.,  Lincoln,  won  the  premier  position  by  the  superior  quality  of  the 
incurved  blooms,  the  best  being  Robt.  Cannell,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Golden  Empress,  J.  Doughty,  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Princess  Teck.  The 
best  of  the  Japanese  were  Sunflower,  Avalanche,  F.  Davis,  Miss 
A.  Hartshorn,  Mrs.  C.  Wheeler,  Mrs.  F.  Jameson,  and  Vice-President 
Audiguier.  Mr.  Wipf  was  second,  and  Mr.  J,  Burrows,  gardener  to 
Sir  H.  Bennett,  Lincoln,  third.  For  twelve  incurved,  Mr.  A.  Wilcox, 
52,  London  Road,  Spalding,  was  first ;  Mr.  Wipf  second.  In  the  class 
for  six  Japanese,  six  reflexed  and  six  incurved,  Messrs.  Willcox,  Wipf, 
and  Mitchell  were  placed  in  the  order  here  named,  Mr.  Wipf  had  the 
best  of  five  stands  of  twelve  reflexed,  really  good  blooms.  Mr.  G.  Burrows 
second.  Messrs.  Wipf  and  Wilcox  shared  the  honours  in  the  class  for 
twelve  Japanese,  both  showing  good  blooms.  Anemone  varieties  were 
well  represented  by  Mr.  Wipf  in  the  classes  for  Japanese  and  the 
ordinary  show  type.  Mr.  Burrows  second  in  each  class.  Viviand  Morel 
won  for  Mr.  Wipf  the  premier  award  in  the  class  for  six,  any  one  variety 
Japanese.  Single-flowered  varieties  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Bugg, 
Lincoln.  The  premier  incurved  bloom  in  the  Show  was  Princess  of 
Wales  from  Mr.  Wipf,  and  the  premier  Japanese  was  Viviand  Morel 
from  Mr.  Thornton. 

A  room  was  specially  set  apart  for  table  decoration  to  be  shown  under 
artificial  light,  and  a  very  commendable  display  was  made.  Miss  Ellison, 
The  Manse,  Bracebridge,  Lincoln,  won  the  first  prize  for  the  best  laid 
out  table  for  six  persons,  Chrysanthemums  being  the  only  flowers 
employed  with  any  kind  of  foliage.  Mr.  Colebrook,  Grimsby,  second  ; 
and  Mrs.  F.  E.  Cole,  Hundleby,  Spilsby,  third.  Messrs.  Perkins  &  Son, 
Coventry,  was  an  easy  first  for  a  table  of  12  feet  by  .3  feet  filled  with 
bouquets  and  wreaths.  Mr.  J.  Illman,  florist,  Nettleham  Road,  Lincoln, 
was  a  good  second  ;  and  Mr.  Colebrook,  third. 

SHEPTON  MALLET. — November  16th  and  17th. 

The  third  annual  Exhibition  of  Chrysanthemums,  fruit,  and 
flowers  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the  above  dates,  and  was 
considered  to  be  an  improvement  upon  previous  shows  held  in  this  place. 

Groups  were  numerous  and,  for  the  most  part,  arranged  with  good 
taste.  Mr.  J.  Webb,  gardener  to  Miss  Davis,  Oakhill,  Shepton  Mallet, 
was  first  in  the  principal  class  with  a  fine  arrangement,  Mr.  H.  Phillips, 
gardener  to  Dr.  J.  F.  Fry,  was  second,  and  Mr.  Mackenzie,  gardener  to 
A.  T.  Somerville,  Esq.,  Binder,  Shepton  Mallet,  was  a  creditable  third. 


In  the  open  class  for  three  incurved  and  three  Japanese  plants,  single 
stems,  Mr.  J.  Webb  was  first,  showing  six  grand  plants  nearly  6  feet  over, 
in  fine  condition,  and  profusely  flowered.  Single  and  double  flowered 
Primulas  were  well  shown  by  Messrs.  J.  Allen,  E.  F.  Hall,  and  J.  Webb. 

In  the  class  for  twenty  -  four  blooms,  twelve  incurved  and 
twelve  Japanese,  distinct  varieties,  four  good  stands  were  arranged. 
Mr.  W.  R.  Williams,  gardener  to  J.  F.  Hall,  E.sq.,  Binder,  Shepton 
Mallet,  was  first,  Edwin  Molyneux,  Florence  Davis,  W.  H.  Smith, 
Madame  John  Laing,  Waban,  Puritan,  Sunflower,  Viviand  Morel,  John 
Salter,  Lord  Alcester,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas,  Golden  Empress,  and  Queen 
of  England  (the  best  bloom  in  the  Show)  being  the  most  prominent. 
Mr.  Webb  was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  J.  B.  Payne,  gardener  to  the 
Lord  Bishop  of  Bath  and  Wells,  The  Palace,  Wells,  was  a  creditable 
third.  Messrs.  W.  R.  Williams  and  J.  Webb  had  the  two  best  stands 
of  twelve  blooms  in  that  order. 

Fruit  was  not  shown  very  plentifully,  but  what  was  staged  was  of 
good  quality.  Messrs.  Brown  &  Sons,  Frome,  secured  premier  position 
with  very  good  bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Mr.  Payne  being 
second  with  Black  Alicante  in  good  condition.  Mr.  Payne  was  first  for 
both  dessert  and  culinary  Apples.  Mr.  J.  Webb,  obtained  first  place 
in  a  fairly  good  Pear  competition  with  fine  examples  of  B4urr6  Diel, 
Mr.  R.  Isgar,  Wells,  taking  second  place  with  fruits  of  Glou  MorQeau, 

Messrs.  Browne  &  Sons,  Priory  Nurseries,  Wells,  contributed  seventy- 
two  dishes  of  Apples,  eleven  dishes  of  Pears  and  Medlars,  all  in  fine 
condition. 

DUBLIN. — November  16th  and  16th. 

The  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Ireland  held  their  winter  Exhi¬ 
bition  in  the  spacious  hall  at  Ball’s  Bridge,  Dublin,  on  the  16th  and 
17th.  Cut  blooms  were  the  leading  feature,  plants,  as  a  rule,  were 
getting  a  little  past  their  best.  Lord  Ardilaun’s  prize  for  a  group  of 
thirty  plants  staged  on  a  space  of  14  feet  by  7  feet  was  taken  by 
Mr.  Watt,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Pease  of  Willow  Park,  who  was  closely 
followed  by  Mr.  Stewart  with  an  exceedingly  fresh  and  bright  group  not 
quite  so  large  in  the  blooms  ;  third  F.  A.  Millar,  Esq.  In  the  separate 
classes  of  six  each,  incurved,  Japanese,  reflexed,  and  Anemone,  Mrs. 
Pease  took  all  before  her,  and  also  took  first  for  a  single  specimen  with 
a  grand  W.  H.  Lincoln. 

In  cut  blooms  the  special  class  with  lO-guinea  cup  and  money  added 
for  thirty-six,  half  Japs,  half  incurved. — First,  J.  G.  Nutting,  Esq.  ; 
second.  Viscountess  Ashbrook ;  third,  Earl  of  Clancarty.  Mr.  Nutting’s 
special  prize  for  thirty-six  Japs  in  eighteen  varieties  brought  out  a  strong 
competition  with  thirteen  entries.  Mrs.  Pease  again  took  first  ;  second. 
Lady  Bury  ;  third,  Earl  of  Clancarty.  The  prize  added  by  Mr.  Col¬ 
chester  of  Ipswich  to  the  Society’s  first  prize  for  twenty-four  incurved 
was  awarded  to  J.  G.  Nutting,  Esq.  ;  second,  Earl  of  Clancarty  ;  third, 
Loyd  Vaughan,  Esq.  For  twelve  incurved,  Mrs.  Pease  again  came  to 
the  front.  For  twenty-four  reflexed. — First,  R.  de  la  Poer,  Esq.  For 
twelve  reflexed. — First,  J.  L.  Naper,  Esq.  While  for  the  stand  of  twelve 
Japs,  Lord  Gough  took  first  honours.  In  a  general  survey  of  cut  blooms 
Colonel  Smith,  Lord  Brooke,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  F.  Davis,  and  Viviand  Morel 
were  very  prominent,  the  latter  perhaps  too  much  so.  Everyone  grows  it, 
everyone  shows  it,  and,  like  its  huge  cousin  Etoile  de  Lyon,  it  seems 
overdone. 

EDINBURGH. — November  16th,  17th,  and  18th. 

A  MOST  successful  Exhibition  was  held  by  the  Scottish  Horticultural 
Association  in  the  Waverley  Market  on  the  above  dates.  The  entries 
were  more  numerous  than  at  any  previous  show,  and  the  exhibits 
generally  were  quite  as  good.  Lord  Provost  Russel  opened  the  show  on 
the  first  day.  Propitious  weather  favoured  the  efforts  of  the  promoters, 
and  the  attendance  of  the  public  was  very  large. 

There  was  a  desirable  improvement  noticeable  on  the  pot  plants 
generally,  those  with  which  Mr.  D.  Caronagh,  St.  Edward’s,  Murrayfield, 
secured  first  prize  for  eight  pots  Japanese  varieties,  and  for  four  pots  of 
the  same  being  particularly  good.  With  a  fine  Avalanche  in  the  first 
named  class  this  exhibitor  won  the  silver  medal  for  the  best  plant  in  the 
Show.  Mr.  J.  Holmes,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Hamilton,  Ogilvie,  Winton 
Castle,  East  Lothian,  was  first  for  four  pots  incurved  varieties,  and  there 
were  many  other  classes  for  Pompons,  as  well  as  specially  named 
varieties.  There  were  three  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  arranged  for 
effect  on  the  floor,  each  group  to  be  not  more  than  15  feet  in  diameter. 
Mr.  J.  Petrie  was  first  with  a  collection  of  plants  with  large  blooms. 
Mr.  D.  Jardine,  Ravelston,  second  ;  and  Mr.  Holmes  third.  In  a  similar 
class  for  Chrysanthemums  and  other  plants  Mr.  Wood,  gardener  to 
J.  Buchanan,  Esq.,  Oswald  House,  was  first.  Among  other  plants  shown 
were  good  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Roman  Hyacinths,  Primulas,  Ferns,  and 
decorative  plants.  The  cut  flower  section  was  well  filled,  the  Japs 
specially  being  large,  well  coloured,  and  fine. 

The  chief  class  was  the  City  of  Edinburgh  prize,  open  to  all,  for 
forty-eight  blooms  Japanese,  not  less  than  thirty-six  varieties ;  first,  £20 
cup;  second,  £10;  third,  £5.  Mr.  James  Beisant,  Castle  Huntly, 
Longforgan,  secured  the  cup  with  even  blooms,  including  many  of  the 
best  of  the  newer  sorts.  The  most  noteworthy  were  Viviand  Morel, 
C.  S.  Sharpe,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Boule  d’Or,  Mdlle.  M.  Hoste,  R.  C. 
Kingston,  W.  K  Woodcock,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Payne,  Colonel  Smith,  Cbas.  S. 
Shrimpton,  Geo.  Darrell,  W.  W.  Coles,  Avalanche,  and  Mme.  Carriere, 
Mr.  J.  Machar,  Broughty  Ferry,  second,  with  very  good  blooms.  Third, 
Mr.  Wm.  Rushton,  Corstorphine,  and  fourth,  Mr.  J.  Carruthers,  Corstor- 
phine.  The  next  class  was  open  to  Scottish  gardeners  and  amateurs 
only,  the  prize  being  the  Scottish  challenge  cup,  for  thirty-six  blooms, 
not  less  than  twenty-four  varieties.  Mr.  D,  Nichol,  Rossie,  Forgan- 


478 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  23,  1893. 


denny,  secured  this  prize  with  a  stand  of  very  fine  blooms,  the  second 
and  third  prize  stands  also  beint?  good.  Mr.  Nichols’  stand  included  very 
fine  blooms  of  Btoile  de  Lyon,  Mr.  B.  W.  Clark,  Viscountess  Hambleden, 
very  fine  Stanstead  White,  Viviand  Morel,  Edwin  Molyneux,  W.  Tricker, 
VV,  H.  Atkinson,  Mons.  Bernard,  and  J.  S.  Dibben.  Mr.  J.  Kyles,  Milburn 
Tower,  Gogar,  second,  and  Mr.  W.  Rushton  third.  For  twenty-four 
Japanese,  not  less  than  twelve  varieties,  Mr.  W.  Rushton  was  first ; 
second,  Mr.  J.  Pirie,  Sunderland  Hall,  Selkirk  ;  third,  Mr.  P.  Geddes, 
Knock  Castle,  Largs.  For  twelve  Japanese,  distinct,  Mr.  D.  Alexander, 
Eaglescairnie,  Haddington,  was  first  with  a  very  good  dozen  ;  second, 
Mr.  Rushton,  and  third  Mr.  Pirie.  Several  classes  were  devoted  to  six 
blooms  of  one  variety.  Among  these  Avalanche  (Mr.  Geddes  first), 
Viviand  Morel  (Mr.  Alexander  first).  Sunflower  (Mr.  Beisant  first), 
Edwin  Molyneux  (Mr.  Nichol  first),  and  Bouquet  des  Dames  (Mr. 
Rushton  first)  were  extra  fine. 

The  incurved  and  other  section  were  far  below  the  Japenese  in 
quality.  For  twenty-four  incurved,  Mr.  J.  Clark,  Bannerfield,  Selkirk, 
was  first.  This  stand  included  fine  examples  of  Princess  of  Wales,  Miss 
Haggas,  Violet  Tomlin  (best  bloom  in  Show).  Mr.  Clark  was  first  also 
for  twelve  incurved. 

In  the  class  open  to  nurserymen  for  forty-eight  blooms,  Mr.  H.  J. 
Jones,  Lewisham,  was  easily  first,  securing  also  the  prize  for  the  best 
Japanese.  Messrs.  R.  B.  Laird  &  Sons,  Edinburgh,  second. 

Some  good  Grapes  were  shown.  In  the  class  for  four  distinct  varie¬ 
ties,  Mr.  Leslie,  Pitfour,  (Perth,  was  first,  showing  good  clusters  of 
Alicante,  Gros  Colman,  Lady  Downe’s,  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  Mr 
Murray,  Park  Hall,  Polmont,  second  ;  and  third  Mr.  Caldwell,  Ashley 
Bank,  Langholm.  Mr.  McNiel,  Priorsford,  Peebles,  had  the  two 
best  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Mr.  Leslie  the  best  pair  of  Alicante,  while 
Mr.  Murray  had  the  best  Lady  Downe’s  and  the  best  Gros  Colman.  Two 
collections  of  fruit  in  twelve  varieties  were  shown.  Mr.  Mclntyr,  The 
Glen,  Peebles,  first ;  and  Mr.  D.  Murray,  gardener  to  Marquis  of  Ailsa, 
Culzean,  Ayr,  second.  Apples  were  a  feature  of  the  Show.  They  have 
never  been  better  coloured,  though  perhaps  larger  has  been  seen.  The 
competition  was  keen,  with  many  entries  for  the  prizes.  Mr.  Wilson 
Auchencrum,  Ayr,  was  first  for  six  dishes  culinary  ;  and  Mr.  Craw,  West 
Foulden,  for  sixteen  dessert.  For  eighteen  varieties  Apples  and  six  varie¬ 
ties  Pears,  Mr.  Campbell,  Singleton,  AVales,  was  first  with  beautifully 
coloured  fruit ;  and  for  the  same  number  fruit  grown  in  Scotland  Mr. 
Wilson  was  first. 

Vegetables  were  particularly  fine.  Leeks,  Cauliflowers,  Brussels 
Sprouts,  Celery,  and  Parsley  were  extensively  shown,  and  mostly  very 
fine  in  quality. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  included  a  large  number  of  cut  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  blooms  from  Mr.  Jones,  Lewisham ;  Carnations  from 
Mr.  Campbell,  High  Blantyre.  A  table  of  plants  and  fine  blooms 
from  Messrs.  Methven  «&  Sons,  Princes  Street.  Drawing-room  decora¬ 
tions  and  bouquets  from  Todd  &  Co.,  Maitland  Street.  Some  beautiful 
examples  of  artistic  floral  arrangements  from  Mr.  John  Dorner,  Princes 
Street,  and  plants  from  Messrs.  Laird  &  Sons,  West  Coates.  To  most  of 
these  special  awards  were  made. 

SHEFFIELD. — November  17th  and  18th. 

A  REALLY  good  Exhibition  was  that  held  in  the  Corn  Exchange  on 
the  dates  named.  Cut  blooms  created  the  principal  interest,  the 
principal  classes  being  for  twenty-four  incurved,  not  less  than  eighteen 
varieties,  the  same  conditions  governing  the  class  for  Japanese. 

Messrs.  Drover  succeeded  in  easily  winning  the  premier  award  in 
both  the  above-mentioned  classes.  The  incurved  were  not  large,  but 
were  fresh  and  well  finished.  The  varieties  were  Empress  of  India, 
Golden  Empress,  Lord  Alcester,  Emily  Dale,  Miss  Drover,  Mrs.  R.  King, 
Lord  Wolseley,  Alfred  Salter,  Mrs.  Norman  Davis,  J.  Doughty,  Mrs. 
W.  Shipman,  Mias  M.  A.  Haggas,  Princess  of  Wales,  Hero  of  Stoke 
Newington,  Cherub,  Princess  Teck,  Nil  Desperandum,  and  Lady  Dorothy. 
Mr.  Jellicce,  gardener  to  F.  Gossage,  Esq.,  Camp  Hill,  Woolton,  Liver¬ 
pool,  second,  with  larger  blooms,  not  so  neatly  finished.  Mr.  P.  Blair, 
gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Sutherland,  Trentham,  Stoke-on-Trent,  third. 
The  Japanese  blooms  were  not  of  huge  size,  but  possessed  colour 
according  to  the  varieties,  being  fresh,  and  well  staged.  The  names 
were  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Vice-President  Audiguier,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Mrs. 
E.  D.  Adams,  Alberic  Lunden,  Viscountess  Hambleden,  C.  Davis,  Mrs. 
C.  H.  Payne,  Mrs.  C.  Wheeler,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  W.  Seward,  Golden 
Wedding,  Viviand  Morel,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Mrs.  F.  A.  Spaulding, 
B.  W.  Clark,  Princess  Victoria,  and  Lord  Brooke.  Mr.  Heany,  gardener 
to  H.  G.  Schintz,  Esq ,  Mossley  House,  Liverpool,  second  with  heavy 
blooms.  Mr.  Shoesmith,  gardener  to  M.  Hodgson,  Esq.,  Croydon,  was 
a  close  third. 

Mr.  Blair  won  the  premier  award  for  twelve  incurved  with  medium 
sized  fresh  examples.  Mr.  Coombes,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Dudley, 
Himley  Hall,  was  second  ;  Mr.  Jellicoe  third.  For  six  incurved  Mr. 
Shoesmith  was  first,  Mr.  Jellicoe  second,  and  Mr.  Walker,  Hull,  third. 
Mr.  Heany  won  with  twelve  Japanese,  Mr.  Jellicoe  second.  The  last 
named  won  with  six  Japanese,  and  also  for  six  reflexed.  Mr.  C.  Scott, 
Sheffield,  second  in  the  latter  class.  Messrs.  Scott  and  Redmill  were 
the  principal  winners  in  the  local  classes.  Mr.  Broomhead,  Leopold 
Street,  Sheffield,  won  all  the  first  prizes  in  the  amateur  classes,  staging 
remarkably  good  blooms. 

Groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  of  moderate  quality,  the  best 
TOming  from  Mr.  W.  Redmill,  gardener  to  J.  G.  Lowood,  Esq.,  Five 
u  ii'’ gardener  to  Sir  H.  Watson,  ShirecliSa 

m  ®cott,  gardener  to  J.  Colley,  Esq., 

Sheffield,  had  the  best  specimen  .Tapanese,  Mr.  E.  Green  the  best 


incurved,  the  various  members  of  the  Rundle  family.  Mr.  G.  Walker 
arranged  a  remarkably  pretty  group  of  miscellaneous  plants  in  the 
amateurs’  division,  winning  premier  honours  easily. 

BOLTON. — November  17th  and  18th. 

The  seventh  annual  Show  of  the  above  Society  was  held  in  the 
Albert  Hall,  and  from  every  point  of  view  was  better  than  any  previous 
exhibition  seen  in  Bolton. 

For  twenty-four  cut  blooms,  Japanese  and  incurved,  six  staged, 
Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow  House,  Roby,  near 
Liverpool,  secured  premier  honours  with  fresh  and  well  coloured  blooms. 
The  Japanese  were  Chas.  Davis,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Florence  Davis,  Viviand 
Morel,  Marie  Hoste,  Boule  d’Or,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  E.  Molyneux,  Mrs.  F. 
Jameson,  Viscountess  Hambleden,  Excelsior,  and  Col.  W.  B.  Smith,  and 
the  incurved  Queen  of  England,  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  John  Lambert, 
Rt.  Cannell,  Baron  Hirsch,  Empress  of  India,  Miss  M.  A.  Haggas, 
Princess  of  Wales,  John  Salter,  Mrs.  Heale,  Alfd.  Salter,  and  Violet 
Tomlin.  The  second  honours  fell  to  Mr.  J.  Craig,  gardener  to  A. 
Heine,  Esq.,  Fallowfield,  Manchester.  Mr.  P.  Blair,  gardener  to  the 
Duke  of  Sutherland,  Trentham,  third.  In  the  corresponding  number  of 
miscellaneous  blooms  Mr.  J.  Craig  was  a  good  first.  Mr.  J.  Bracegirdle, 
gardener  to  W.  H.  Watts,  Esq.,  Elm  Hall,  Wavertree,  was  second,  and 
Mr.  R.  Pinnington  third. 

For  a  stand  of  blooms  arranged  for  effect  Mr.  J.  Abbot,  gardener  to 
Jas.  Musgrave,  Esq.,  jun.,  first ;  Mr.  W.  Wainwright,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
J.  K.  Cross,  Fernclough,  Heaton,  second  ;  and  Mr.  G.  Rawson,  gardener 
to  John  Hejwood,  Esq.,  J.P.,  The  Pike,  third.  The  latter  had  in  the  local 
class  the  premier  incurved  bloom  with  Empress  of  India,  the  prize  for 
premier  Japanese  going  to  Mr.  T.  McGrigor,  gardener  to  M.  Howarth, 
Esq.,  jun.,  for  Viviand  Morel.  In  the  local  classes  for  twenty-four 
blooms  a  silver  cup  was  presented  by  the  President,  R.  K.  Cross,  Esq., 
and  a  spirited  competition  was  the  result,  the  prize  being  secured  by 
Mr.  J.  Gallon,  gardener  to  John  Harwood,  Esq.,  Woodsleigh,  for  a  very 
fine  stand.  Mr.  Chas.  Jones,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Shaw,  Wellesley  House, 
and  who  won  a  cup  in  this  class  last  year,  was  a  close  second.  The  third 
position  was  taken  by  Mr.  John  Wainwright,  gardener  to  Mrs.  B.  Cross. 
For  twelve  incurved  Mr.  Callow  was  again  first,  staging  capital  examples, 
Messrs.  .1.  Wainwright  and  Chas.  Jones  following  with  good  stands.  For 
twelve  Japanese  Mr.  T.  McGrigor  exhibited  fine,  well  built  flowers, 
Messrs.  W.  and  J.  Wainwright  being  second  and  third. 

There  were  two  groups  of  Chrysanthemum  plants  arranged,  first 
prize,  including  silver  medal  of  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  being  taken 
by  Mr.  J.  Pownall,  gardener  to  Martin  Musgrave,  Esq.  ;  and  the  second 
by  Mr.  W.  Wainwright.  The  miscellaneous  groups,  10  feet  diameter, 
were  good.  The  first  prize  carried  with  it  the  bronze  medal  of  the 
R.H.S.,  and  this  was  won  by  Mr.  Chas.  Jones  with  an  admirable  arrange¬ 
ment,  harmonising  thoroughly  in  every  way.  The  second  was  taken  by 
Mr.  J.  Wainwright  with  a  pretty  group  well  arranged,  but  containing 
too  much  colour  for  the  size  of  group ;  the  third,  also  good,  being  taken 
by  Mr.  Pownall. 

The  trained  and  specimen  plants  were  most  creditable,  the  principal 
prizetakers  being  Messrs.  H.  Shone,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Makaut,  Esq.  ^ 
Mr.  J.  Hicks,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Haslam,  Ravenswood ;  J.  Pownall, 
J.  Wainwright.  Primulas,  Roman  Hyacinths,  and  table  plants  were 
all  in  fine  condition,  the  winners  being  Messrs.  R.  Allen,  J,  Callow, 
Geo.  Cross,  gardener  to  E.  Thwaites,  Esq. ;  and  J.  Pickthall,  gardener 
to  T.  H.  Thwaites,  Esq.  The  ball  and  bridal  bouquets  were  excellent. 
Mr .  J.  Moseley,  Halli well ,  securing  both  prizes,  which  were  well  deserved. 

Black  and  white  Grapes  were  fairly  well  shown,  the  winners  being 
Messrs.  Hicks  and  W.  Wainwright.  For  vegetables  the  prizes  went  to 
Mr.  G.  Corbett  (gardener  to  A.  Knowles,  Esq.),  Mr.  R.  Fairhurst,  Mr, 
J,  Barnes,  Mr,  J.  Fletcher,  and  Mr.  R.  Barlow. 

Special  prize  for  Roman  Hyacinths,  given  by  Messrs.  Clibran, 
Altrincham,  was  taken  by  Mr.  G.  Cross.  Messrs.  Clibran  &  Sons  staged 
four  dozen  blooms  of  Chrysanthemums,  representing  some  of  the  newer 
varieties.  Mr.  James  Oakes,  Darley  Hall  Potteries,  had  a  fine  display 
of  pottery.  The  prize  for  dinner-table  for  eight  persons,  arranged  with 
fruit  and  flowers  for  effect,  was  taken  by  Mrs.  H,  Walmesley,  Bradshaw- 
gate,  Bolton. 

HDYTON  AND  ROBY. — November  18th. 

The  second  annual  Exhibition  of  the  above  Society  was  held  on 
Saturday  in  the  Huyton  Park  Hall,  and  was  a  great  advance  of  what 
was  held  last  season,  the  competition  in  the  cut  bloom  classes  being  very 
keen.  The  principal  prizetakers  included  Mr.  Pinnington,  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow  House,  Roby,  who  took  first  prizes  tor  twenty-four 
blooms,  twelve  incurved  and  twelve  Japanese,  twelve  blooms  reflexed 
and  Anemone  flowered,  six  incurved  in  three  varieties  and  six  Japanese 
in  three  varieties,  two  Palms,  two  Ferns,  six  pots  Roman  Hyacinths, 
three  dishes  and  one  dish  Culinary  Apples,  three  dishes  and  one  dish  of 
Pears,  one  dish  dessert  Apples ;  and  seconds  for  twelve  incurved,  six 
Japanese  and  six  incurved,  three  dishes  dessert  Apples,  and  six  table 
plants.  The  second  in  the  twenty-four  bloom  class  was  taken  by  Mr. 
Thos.  Eaton,  gardener  to  Jno.  Parrington,  Esq.,  Roby  Mount,  Roby.  He 
was  also  second  for  twelve  Japanese  and  first  for  two  splendidly  coloured 
bunches  of  Lady  Downe’s  Grapes.  Mrs.  Parrington  taking  the  first 
prize  for  the  best  arranged  Epergne  with  a  pretty  combination  of  Roman 
Hyacinths  and  Salvia  splendens  and  Maidenhair  Fern  as  foliage. 

Mr.  J.  Rose,  gardener  to  J.  Kitchen,  Esq.,  Fernwood,  Huyton,  secured 
honours  with  twelve  Japanese  and  Welve  incurved,  also  for  trained 
plants,  the  award  of  merit  being  granted  as  well.  For  six  Japanese  and 
six  incurved  Mr.  W.  Wharton,  gardener  to  Jos.  Royston,  Esq.,  Huyton, 


November  23.  1893.  ]  JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


4  79 


was  first,  also  for  six  Primulas  and  Puinsettias.  The  prizes  for  plants, 
incurved  and  Japanese,  six  of  each,  and  group  of  plants,  went  to  Mr, 
W.  Lyon,  gardener  to  A.  M.  Smith,  Esq.,  Bolton  Hey,  Boby  ;  and  for 
white  Grapes,  one  Orchid  and  three  dishes  dessert  Apples,  to  Mr.  W. 
Oldham,  gardener  to  Jos.  Beecham,  Esq,,  Ewanville,  Huy  ton. 

An  effective  group  of  plants  and  a  choice  one  of  Chrysanthemums 
was  arranged  (not  for  competition)  by  Mr.  J.  Wattie,  gardener  to  J.  A, 
Willcox,  Esq.,  M.Pq  Parkside,  Huyton  ;  certificates  granted.  The  trade 
were  represented  by  the  Liverpool  Horticultural  Co.,  Garston,  for  fine 
stand  of  Orchids  and  plants  in  variety,  and  to  Mr.  H.  Middlehurst, 
seedsman,  Manchester  Street,  Liverpool,  for  well  berried  Solanums  and 
other  plants. 


WQKK.foiitheWEEK.. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 


Peaches  and  Ifectarlnes. — Earliest  Forced,  House. — The  trees 
having  been  started,  they  must  have  sufficient  water  at  the  roots, 
examining  the  border  for  ascertaining  its  condition,  and  if  it  is  doubt¬ 
ful  whether  the  soil  be  moist  enough  a  good  watering  must  be  given, 
supplying  liquid  manure  to  weakly  trees.  Fire  heat  should  only  be 
employed  at  night  to  exclude  frost,  and  by  day  to  insure  a  temperature 
of  50°,  above  which  ventilate  freely.  A  close,  vitiated  atmosphere  must 
be  avoided  after  the  buds  commence  swelling,  syringing  the  trees  in 
the  morning  and  early  afternoon  of  bright  days  until  the  buds  begin  to 
show  colour ;  then  maintain  a  suitable  moisture  by  damping  the  paths 
and  borders.  Allow  a  little  ventilation  by  the  top  openings  of  the 
house  constantly.  Aim  at  slow,  gradual  development  in  the  growths  to 
secure  sturdy  well  expanded  blossoms,  with  strong  stamens  and  anthers 
well  laden  with  pollen,  and  the  pistils  stout  and  perfect.  This  is  essen¬ 
tial  to  a  good  set  of  fruit. 

Second  Early  Forced  House. — The  trees  to  be  started  for  affording 
fruit  in  May  or  early  in  June,  must  now  be  kept  as  cool  as  possible. 
The  lights  having  been  removed,  they  may  remain  off  until  the  weather 
sets  in  very  severe  or  snow  falls,  when  they  should  be  replaced,  after 
thoroughly  cleansing,  repairing,  and,  if  need  be,  painting.  The  trees 
will  require  little  pruning  if  they  have  received  proper  attention  in 
disbudding,  reserving  only  the  growths  needful  for  extension  and  next 
year’s  crop,  and  cutting  out  that  which  has  borne  fruit  this  year  and  is 
not  required.  If  the  trees  have  been  affected  with  brown  scale  nothing 
assists  in  its  destruction  better  than  exposing  the  trees  to  frost. 
Where  the  lights  are  fixed  the  trees  may  be  syringed  with  water  at  a 
temperature  between  140°  and  160°.  This  will  bring  off  most  of  the 
scale,  then  the  trees  can  be  washed  with  a  solution  of  softsoap,  3  or 
4  ozs,  to  a  gallon  of  water,  using  a  brush  to  dislodge  the  scale,  and  being 
careful  not  to  dislocate  the  buds.  In  bad  cases  it  is  advisable  to  go 
over  the  trees  a  second  time  before  they  are  tied  to  the  trellis.  Plenty 
of  space  must  be  left  in  the  ties  for  the  swelling  of  the  branches. 
Remove  the  remains  of  mulching  and  any  inert  surface  soil ;  supply" 
fresh  turfy  loam  about  2  inches  deep,  chopped  moderately  small,  and 
adding  a  6-inch  potful  each  of  steamed  bonemeal  and  Thomas’s  phos¬ 
phate,  with  as  much  as  of  both  of  wood  ashes  to  every  3  bushels,  incor¬ 
porating  well.  Ventilate  to  the  fullest  extent  except  when  the  weather 
is  severe,  and  see  that  the  soil  is  kept  properly  moist. 

Third  Forced  House. — The  trees  in  this  structure  will  be  started  with 
the  advent  of  February  to  ripen  their  fruit  late  in  June  or  early  in 
July,  and  they  should  now  be  subjected  to  the  same  treatment  as 
advised  for  the  trees  in  the  second  early  house.  It  is  a  bad  practice  to 
leave  houses  and  trees  unattended  after  the  leaves  fall  until  the  time  of 
closing  the  structures,  and  favours  insect  pests  immensely.  The  trees 
can  never  be  handled  so  safely,  either  for  the  needful  cleaning  and 
pruning  or  eradication  of  insects  as  when  the  buds  are  least  active, 
which  is  as  soon  as  the  leaves  have  fallen,  and  the  insects  are  reached 
before  they  are  obliged  by  cold  to  make  their  retreat  to  safe  quarters. 
Such  pests  as  brown  aphis  live  on  the  growths  constantly.  Any  shoots 
infested  should  be  cleansed  with  a  brush  dipped  in  tobacco  water.  It  is 
a  common  practice  to  use  houses  of  this  kind  for  plants,  especially 
Chrysanthemums  ;  but  it  is  fatal  to  that  rest  so  essential  to  the  success 
of  Peach  trees,  and  a  primary  cause  of  the  buds  subsequently  dropping. 
The  better  plan  is  to  let  the  water  run  out  of  the  hot-water  pipes,  and 
remove  the  roof  lights. 

Fourth  House. — This  can  hardly  be  termed  a  forcing  structure,  yet 
there  should  be  means  of  affording  a  genial  heat  when  the  trees  are  in 
blossom,  and  for  accelerating  the  ripening  of  the  fruit  as  may  be 
necessary,  also  for  maturing  the  wood  in  cold  districcs.  It  may  be 
analogous  to  a  Peach  case  or  covered  wall,  against  which  the  choicest 
raidseason  Peaches  and  Nectarines  are  planted  and  trained,  but  the  trees 
do  better  on  trellises  about  a  foot  from  the  glass.  The  house  being 
closed  early  in  March,  the  trees  will  ripen  their  fruit  early  in  August 
and  September  if  kept  cool.  They  are  now  leafless,  and  should  undergo 
the  process  advised  for  the  second  early  forced  trees  in  every  particular. 
It  is  an  old  and  excellent  practice  to  empty  the  hot- water  pipes  and 
remove  the  lights,  leaving  them  off  until  the  blossoms  begin  showing 
colour,  or  admit  air  to  the  fullest  extent  in  all  weather,  for  no  amount 
of  frost  will  injure  the  wood  provided  it  is  thoroughly  ripe. 


Late  House. — Cut  out  all  the  wood  that  has  borne  fruit  if  not 
otherwise  required.  Do  not  allow  the  soil  to  become  dry,  but  give  a 
thorough  soaking  of  water  if  necessary.  If  the  wool  does  not  ripen 
well  employ  heat  by  day  with  moderate  ventilation,  and  turn  it  off  in 
the  afternoon,  so  as  to  have  the  pipes  cool  before  the  night,  and  then 
open  all  the  ventilators  unless  keen  frost  prevails.  The  house  must 
otherwise  be  kept  cool  by  free  ventilation  and  the  fallen  leaves  cleared 
away.  Late  Peaches  are  valuable,  and  when  well  grown  good  in  quality. 
If  any  of  the  trees  grow  too  luxuriantly  root-pruning  and  lifting  must 
be  attended  to  without  delay. 

Unheated  Houses. — The  leaves  of  the  trees  in  unheated  houses  against 
south  walls  are  off  except  where  the  trees  are  unsatisfactory,  and  such 
should  be  lifted  and  the  roots  laid  in  fresh  rather  strong  calcareous 
compost  nearer  the  surface.  With  proper  treatment  the  crop  for  next  year 
will  not  be  prejudiced.  In  lifting  the  trees  do  not  manipulate  the  roots 
too  much,  and  do  not  lift  them  before  the  wood  becomes  firm.  If  the 
drainage  is  defective  it  should  be  rectified,  and  soil  of  an  unsuitable 
nature  removed.  It  is,  however,  almost  useless  trying  to  patch  up  bad 
borders,  and  it  would  in  most  cases  be  more  satisfactory  to  make  new 
ones.  A  4-inch  tile  drain  should  be  at  the  base,  with  a  proper  fall  and 
outlet  to  carry  off  superfluous  water,  with  a  foot  of  rubble  over  the 
bottom  of  the  border  and  above  the  drain,  and  if  the  drainage  is  covered 
with  a  layer  of  old  mortar  rubbish  it  will  insure  the  keeping  of  the 
rubble  open  and  supply  lime.  About  24  inches  depth  of  soil  is  ample, 
but  it  will  need  to  be  30  inches  at  first  to  allow  for  settling. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines  like  a  firm  soil.  This  should  be  strong,  pre¬ 
ferably  a  calcareous  clay — loam — the  top  3  inches  of  a  pasture,  and 
where  the  formation  is  limestone  or  chalk.  If  the  soil  is  light  add  to  it 
a  fourth  part  of  clay-marl,  dried  and  pounded,  incorporating  well 
together.  Soil  of  this  character  usually  induces  a  stout  short-jointed 
growth,  and  the  fruit  is  large,  high  coloured,  heavy,  juicy,  and  full 
flavoured.  The  border  need  not  be  wider  than  a  foot  beyond  the  exten¬ 
sion  of  the  roots  in  the  first  instance,  adding  to  it  as  the  roots  extend. 

A  narrow  border  is  in  many  respects  superior  to  a  large  one.  The 
restriction  of  the  roots  entails  more  frequent  supplies  of  water  and 
liquid  nourishment  with  top-dressings  and  surface  mulching,  but  the 
results  are  better  than  in  the  wider  border,  as  the  food  is  supplied  fresh, 
and  the  trees  are  completely  under  control.  The  wide  border  may  have 
some  part  sour  before  the  roots  reach  it,  and  in  any  case  its  freshness 
is  gone,  and  roots  never  thrive  so  well  in  stale  as  in  fresh  loam.  If 
any  new  trees  are  wanted  they  should  be  procured  and  planted  with¬ 
out  delay.  In  a  Peach  case  fruit  can  be  had  from  early  July  to  the 
beginning  of  October  by  a  proper  selection  of  varieties — say,  Waterloo, 
Hale’s  Early,  Dr.  Hogg,  Crimson  Galande,  Dymond,  Goshawk,  Royal 
George,  Alexandra  Noblesse,  Grosse  Mignonne,  Bellegarde,  Gladstone, 
Sea  Eagle,  and  Golden  Eagle — excellent  Peaches  in  every  respect. 
Suitable  Nectarines  are  Early  Rivers,  Lord  Napier,  Rivers’  White,  Elruge 
(some  prefer  Stanwick  Elruge),  Newton,  Dryden,  Pine  Apple,  Spencer, 
and  Victoria. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Globe  Artichokes. — Frosts  have  reduced  the  leaves  considerably! 
and  it  is  now  possible  to  take  the  requisite  protective  measures.  Unless 
either  leaves  covered  with  strawy  manure  to  keep  them  from  blowing 
about,  litter  or  ashes  are  banked  well  up  around  the  plants,  the  best  of  the 
crowns  will  be  either  killed  or  badly  crippled  during  the  coming  winter. 
When  the  best  crowns  are  damaged  by  frosts,  the  early  growths  are 
weak  and  the  flowering  stems  feeble  and  late  accordingly.  As  a  rule 
only  a  very  small  per-centage  of  seedling  Artichokes  are  worth  saving, 
and  if  those  of  a  worthless  character  have  been  duly  marked,  they  may 
well  be  rooted  out,  those  reserved  being  protected. 

Protectlngr  Celery. — Unless  Celery  is  well  moulded  up,  it  is  a  very 
difficult  matter  to  afford  proper  protection  against  severe  frosts.  It  is  the 
stalks  and  coarser  midribs  that  suffer  most,  and  once  they  are  badly 
frozen  decay  soon  spreads.  Instead  of  leaving  the  whole  of  the  leaves 
exposed,  the  stalks  only  be  covered  with  soil,  the  wiser  plan  is  to  bank 
up  the  soil  sufficiently  high  to  bury  about  one-half  of  them,  and  the  rest, 
unless  in  very  cold  localities,  may  well  be  left  unprotected.  We  some¬ 
times  experience  very  severe  frosts  early  in  December,  and  no  time 
should  be  lost  therefore  before  completing  the  earthing  up.  Compara¬ 
tive  dryness  of  soil  is  essential,  and  the  ridges  should  be  well  rounded. 
Fresh  dry  straw  and  bracken  covered  over  the  tops  of  Celery  will  ward 
off  severe  frost,  but  if  in  a  wet  state  it  may  easily  do  more  harm  than 
good.  If  protection  must  be  afforded,  let  it  be  in  the  shape  of  boards 
nailed  together  in  the  form  of  the  letter  V,  and  inverted  over  the  rows 
whenever  necessary,  as  being  the  least  trouble  and  the  most  effective  in 
the  end. 

Celerlac. — The  “  bulbs”  of  Celeriac  are  far  from  being  hardy.  They 
may  be  protected  against  a  moderately  severe  frost  by  drawing  the 
soil  up  to  them  much  as  Potatoes  are  moulded  up,  but  in  order  to  be 
prepared  for  all  emergencies  some  portion  at  least  of  the  crop  should 
be  lifted,  and  after  having  the  tops  trimmed  off  be  stored  in  a  cool 
shed,  enough  fine  soil  or  sand  surrounding  them  to  afford  some  protec¬ 
tion  from  frosts,  and  also  to  prevent  premature  shrivelling.  Celeriac  may 
also  be  kept  in  a  “  clamp  ”  or  heap  in  the  open,  all  being  well  covered 
with  straw  and  banked  over  with  soil. 

The  Broccoli  Supply. — Autumn  Cauliflowers  have  not  held  out 
nearly  so  well  as  usual,  and  autumn  Broccoli  have  also  been  somewhat 
coarse  as  well  as  earlier  than  desirable.  Late  plants  of  Veitch’s 
Autumn  Protecting  are  doing  good  service,  but  even  these  commenced 
hearting  prematurely.  What  are  left  should  be  taken  care  of.  Very 
severe  frosts  may  spoil  them,  merely  covering  the  hearts  with  large 
old  leaves  being  little  avail  against  10°  or  more  of  frost.  They  will  pay 


480 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  23,  1893. 


well  for  being  lifted  with  a  fairly  large  ball  of  soil  about  the  roots,  and 
then  bedded  in  somewhat  closely  together  in  the  pit  of  a  cool  vinery,  or 
in  a  deep  brick  pit,  turf  pit,  or  wooden  frame.  Some  of  the  oldest 
leaves  may  be  removed,  and  if  the  tops  do  not  smother  each  other,  the 
hearts  will  keep  fresh  for  several  weeks.  Lifting  and  either  laying  or 
suspending  in  either  a  cellar  or  shed  will  be  the  next  best  plan  to 
pursue,  especially  in  the  case  of  those  with  hearts  nearly  or  quite  fully 
grown.  If  those  with  hearts  only  just  commencing  to  form  were  also 
lifted  and  stored  in  a  pit  or  vinery,  the  roots  being  firmly  surrounded 
with  rich  soil  kept  constantly  moist,  these  would  soon  recommence  active 
growth,  and  a  good  supply  of  small  hearts  be  had  at  midwinter  and  later. 
Snow’s  Winter  White  seldom  hearts  in  before  February  or  March,  but 
this  season  there  is  a  prospect  of  its  being  very  much  earlier.  Some  few 
hearts  are  already  showing,  and  if  a  portion  of  the  breadth  of  this  variety 
were  lifted  and  stored  under  glass,  as  advised  in  the  case  of  late  hearting 
Veitch’s  Autumn  Protecting,  there  is  every  likelihood  of  their  well 
repaying  for  the  trouble  taken  with  them. 

Successlonal  and  Iiate  Broccoli. — In  most  cases  the  main  crop  and 
late  Broccoli  have  grown  very  strongly.  Frost  have  given  the  desired 
check  to  this  late  growth,  but  all  the  plants  are  so  full  of  sap  that  they 
will  not  withstand  a  severe  frost.  It  is  the  stems  however  that  are  the 
most  susceptible  of  injury,  and  these  should  be  protected.  Heavily 
moulding  up  the  stems  without  greatly  damaging  the  outer  leaves 
would  be  a  desirable  practice,  but  as  a  rule  the  rows  are  arranged  far  too 
closely  together  for  this  to  be  done.  Heeling  in  or  laying  down  Broccoli 
renders  the  plants  hardier  and  assists  in  prolonging  the  supply. 


% 

HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 


The  Weather — Feeding. 

With  the  exception  of  Panics,  which  are  still  working,  all  the 
other  bees  have  been  very  quiet  during  the  past  month  of  change¬ 
able  weather.  Frost  has  been  frequent,  but  of  short  duration,  the 
lowest  temperature  being  21°  on  several  occasions.  Up  till 
November  I3th  the  barometer  was  exceedingly  high,  standing  at 
30  40  for  several  weeks  ;  on  the  14th  it  began  to  move,  and  on  the 
17th  it  registered  28  10,  with  the  thermometer  at  an  early  hour  at 
50°  with  a  drizzling  rain,  and  bees  active  on  the  wing.  It  is 
impossible  to  say  what  the  coming  winter  will  be,  but  judging 
from  the  actions  of  certain  animals,  I  should  not  be  surprised  it 
will  be  of  a  mild  nature. 

If  favourable  weather  prevails,  the  present  is  a  good  time  to 
change  floors,  for  when  solid  they  will  be  more  or  less  affected 
with  damp,  which  is  very  injurious  to  both  bees  and  hives.  As  I 
find  the  hives  are  much  lighter  than  they  were  two  months  ago,  it 
will  be  advisable  to  pay  attention  to  the  stores  which  the  bees  have, 
and  if  short,  supplement  them  by  feeding  with  a  few  pounds  of 
syrup. 

Hints  for  Beginners. 

As  there  are  numerous  inquiries  about  the  Lanarkshire 
storifying  hive,  and  as  it  is  the  most  fitting  season  for  amateurs  to 
be  making  preparations  for  the  next  summer,  I  have  resolved  to 
give  instructions  on  my  favourite  hive,  which  I  have  used  for  well 
nigh  half  a  century.  In  doing  so  I  will  not  set  forth  the  hive  as 
one  of  an  ornate  character,  but  as  one  specially  adapted  for  the 
preservation  of  bees,  working  them  to  their  own  and  their  owner’s 
best  advantage,  both  as  a  pastime  and  from  a  commercial  point  of 
view.  It  is  many  years  since  I  abandoned  the  fancy  apiary  for  one 
of  utility ;  but  for  all  that  the  Lanarkshire  hive  can  be  made  as 
comely  in  appearance  as  any  hive.  At  one  time  I  used  much  fret¬ 
work,  and  otherwise  adorned  my  hives  with  fancy  painting ;  but  I 
soon  tired  of  such  work.  Having  to  move  my  hives  long  distances 
to  the  Heather  in  common  conveyances  by  land  and  water  taught 
that  a  hive  to  be  suitable  and  profitable  must  be  one  of  little 
compass,  and  which  could  not  be  easily  damaged. 

I  have  still  to  take  my  bees  to  the  Heather  at  Leadhills,  about 
fifty  miles  by  road  and  by  rail,  and  if  our  hives  were  but  a  little 
larger  they  would  one  year  with  another  be  a  losing  concern.  I 
once  started  from  home  at  three  o’clock  a.m.  with  ten  hives  and 
some  other  articles  upon  a  barrow  to  catch  the  boat  at  the  Braemie- 
law  (about  nine  miles)  at  7.20.  On  reaching  Lamlash  the  tide  was 
ebbing,  and  the  captain  deemed  it  unsafe  to  land  us  at  the  quay,  so 
we  had,  with  the  assistance  of  those  on  board,  our  live  cargo  put 
afloat  in  a  ferry  boat  ;  but  as  there  was  no  landing  place,  and 
the  tide  being  against  us,  we  had  no  alternative  but  to  wade  into 
the  sea  and  pull  the  bees  ashore  on  the  barrow.  Another  half  or 
three-quarters  of  a  mile  further  up  the  “  brae  ”  I  had  my  bees 
safely  set  down  and  at  work  a  little  after  two  o’clock.  The  reader 
may  consider  whether  there  is  another  hive  that  could  be  transmitted 
the  same  distance,  and  in  such  a  manner. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee¬ 
keeper. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Hogg  &  Eobertson,  22,  Mary  Street,  Dublin. — Forest  Trees,  Conifers, 
Fruit  Trees,  and  Roses. 

L4vgque  &  Sons,  Ivry-sur-Seine,  Paris.— Chrysanthemums, 
Dahlias,  and  Other  Plants. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor”  or  to  “The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Books  (IF.  F.  G.'). — Cooke’s  “Manual  of  Botanic  Terms”  is  what 
we  think  you  require.  It  is  published  by  Mr.  Hardwick,  192,  Piccadilly 
London,  and  can  be  obtained  through  a  local  bookseller.  It  is  in¬ 
expensive.  {G.  F.'). — There  is  no  book  published  of  the  exact  nature 
you  appear  to  require. 

Better  (.7.  Taylor'). — Your  letter  is  received,  and  the  enclosure  has 
been  forwarded  in  accordance  with  your  desire. 

B.ucuba  japonlca  (IF.  M.  B.). — The  pollen-bearing  form  of  this 
shrub  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Fortune  in  1850. 

Cyprlpedlum  luslg^ne  (  (F.  B.  Tidy) — It  is  not  very  unusual  for 
Cypripedium  insigne  to  carry  two  flowers  on  one  stalk  under  superior 
cultivation,  and  no  doubt  you  have  before  grown  the  plant  well. 

Vlvland  IVXorel  Sport  (tr.  Marr). — The  sport  of  which  you  send  a 
bloom  is  of  no  value.  There  are  many  better,  but  all  are  more  or  less 
inconstant,  and  appear  to  refuse  to  be  “fixed”  for  purposes  of  increase 
and  cultivation. 

Extalbltlnir  Chrysanthemums  {J.  C.M.). — In  a  class  for  “twenty- 
four  varieties  (cut  blooms)  Japanese,”  a  stand  containing  two  blooms  of 
any  variety  would  be  open  to  disqualification  on  the  ground  that  only 
twenty-three  varieties  would  be  included. 

Exhtbltlngr  Chrysanthemums  (A.  T.). — You  ask  if  an  exhibitor 
would  be  disqualified  by  having  an  incurved  Japanese  amongst  the 
incurved  blooms  in  a  class  described  as  follows  :  “  For  the  best  twenty- 
four  cut  blooms,  viz.,  twelve  incurved  and  twelve  Japanese,  not  less  than 
twelve  varieties,  and  more  than  three  of  any  one  variety.”  Such  a  class 
would  admit  twelve  Japanese  blooms,  incurved  or  not,  but  admittedly 
Japanese,  and  twelve  incurved  blooms,  not  of  Japanese  origin  ;  thirteen 
Japanese  blooms  would  not  be  within  the  conditions,  and  would  invite 
disqualification. 

Bone  Manures  (F.  J.). — The  kind  you  have  obtained  is  presum¬ 
ably  the  same  as  steamed  bone  flour.  An  analysis,  showing  the  con¬ 
stituents  of  manures,  should  be  supplied  by  vendors.  Your  mixture 
would  be  good  for  general  use,  but  if  trees  or  plants  are  too  slow  in 
growth  they  could  be  stimulated  by  a  supplementary  dressing  of  finely 
powdered  nitrate  of  soda,  at  the  rate  of  half  an  ounce  or  little  more  to 
the  square  yard  in  April,  and  as  may  be  further  needed  ;  but  the  potassic 
and  phosphatic  manures  must  be  in  the  soil  as  well  for  the  best 
permanent  results  to  be  forthcoming. 

Tuberous  Fungus  Found  Under  an  Old  Oak  Tree  (A.  S.). — 
The  tubers  are  not  those  of  the  true  edible  T.-uffle  (Tuber  sestivum),  nor 
belong  to  that  genus,  yet  to  the  same  order — Tuberacei.  The  true 
Truffle  is  black  outside,  and  the  flesh,  so  esteemed  for  flavouring,  is  at 
first  whitish  and  tender,  but  afterwards  becomes  powdery,  and  not  unlike 
a  Puff-ball,  to  which,  however,  it  is  not  closely  related.  Four  tubers  are 
those  of  Elaphomyces  variegatus  (muricatus),  Vitt.,  white  outside  and 
black  inside,  with  white  interlacing  (variegated).  This  Truffle — all  the 
Tuberacei  are  popularly  termed  Tmffles — was  formerly  used  in  medicine, 
but  is  now  discarded.  Whether  it  is  edible  or  not  we  have  no  experience, 
but  field  mice  are  extremely  fond  of  the  tubers,  and  are  continually 
scratching  about  for  them.  The  botanist  is  guided  to  where  this  Truffle 
is  to  be  found  by  the  appearance  of  a  parasitic  fungus  (Torrubia 
ophioglossoides,  7ul.),  the  spawn  of  which  grows  over  a  common  moss 
(Mnium  hornum,  Hedio-),  and  is  running  in  search  of  the  Truffles 
(Elaphomyces  variegatus),  which  usually  grow  from  4  to  5  inches 
beneath  the  surface.  If  there  are  no  Elaphomyces  in  the  soil,  the 
mycelium  of  the  Torrubia  perishes,  but  in  most  woods  where  the  moss 
grows  the  Truffles  are  generally  found. 

Weed  on  Tennis  Bawn  QJ.  R.)  — There  are  several  weeds  called 
Gill-run-the-ground.  Had  you  sent  a  portion  we  might  have  recognised 
it ;  but  that  is  not  material,  as  you  do  not  wish  to  interfere  with  the 
ground,  beyond  applying  something  to  the  surface.  If  your  employer 


November  23,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


481 


does  not  object  to  the  grass  being  browned  a  little,  as  it  must  be  if  the 
weeds  are  to  be  killed  or  prevented  increasing,  and  the  grass  ultimately 
encouraged,  you  can  try  the  following  mixture  : — Sulphate  of  am¬ 
monia,  3  cwt.  ;  kainit,  2  cwt.  ;  reduce  to  fine  powder,  mix  thoroughly, 
and  apply  in  dry  weather — that  is,  with  a  prospect  of  no  rain  or  snow 
falling  for  some  time.  The  above  amount  is  for  an  acre.  About  the  middle 
of  next  February,  or  as  soon  after  as  the  ground  is  thawed,  you  may 
apply  5  cwt.  per  acre  ol  dissolved  bones.  The  grass  ought  to  be  better 
next  year  and  the  weeds  fewer. 

ITotospartluin  Carmlcbaell  (A.  B.  C.').  —  You  are  right  in 
assuming  that  Notospartium  Carmichaeli  has  been  figured  in  the  Journal 
of  Horticulture,  but  as  the  plant  is  not  well  known  we  reproduce  the 
illustration.  Notospartium  Carmichaeli  is  a  New  Zealand  shrub  of 
slender  habit,  with  somewhat  flattened  leafless  stems  and  branches,  or 
with  the  leaves  reduced  to  scale-like  proportions.  The  neat  pea-shaped 
rosy-purple  flowers  are  borne  in  dense  clusters  on  the  stems  as  shown  in 
the  woodcut  (fig.  69).  In  some  districts  this  plant  no  doubt  will  be 


the  treatment  accorded  to  hard  wooded  plants. 

Cyclamen  Roots  Destroyed  QCi/cla')  — The  roots  of  your  plants 
are  being  eaten  by  the  larvm  of  the  destructive  weevil  Otiorhyncus 
sulcatus.  These  weevils  feed  at  night,  and  with  diligence  and  the  aid  of 
a  lantern  many  of  them  may  be  caught.  Plants  having  their  roots  eaten 
to  iuch  an  extent  that  they  can  be  “lifted  out  of  the  pot  ”  should  be 
taken  out  and  immersed  in  a  decoction  of  hellebore,  made  by  placing  2  ozs. 
of  the  powder  in  a  gallon  of  cold  water,  then  steadily  brought  to  the 
boil,  and  when  cool  enough  the  roots  placed  in  it.  The  fresh  soil  should 
be  charred  over  a  fire  and  then  properly  moistened  before  being  used. 

Cbemlcal  IMCanures  for  Zonal  Pelargoniums  (_jVorthants'). 
—There  is  no  such  thing  outside  the  imagination  and  the  chemists 
laboratory  that  favours  any  particular  part  of  the  plant  or  flower,  for  no 
one  chemical  substance  is  a  manure  in  itself,  but  is  dependant  upon 
another  for  its  efficacy.  To  enable  a  plant  to  produce  fine  trusses  it 
must  be  stored  with  nutrient  matter  by  food  supplied  to  the  roots 
and  converted  into  the  essential  elements  in  stout,  thick-textured, 
healthy,  clean  leaves.  Here  is  a  mixture  for  this  purpose  after  the 
plants  are  well  rooted  in  sweet  firm  soil  : — Three  parts  pure  dissolved 
bones,  two  parts  nitrate  of  potash  powdered,  one  part  sulphate  of  lime, 
ground  ;  m'x  thoroughly,  and  keep  in  a  dry  place.  Use  a  thimbleful  on 
the  surface  of  the  soil  in  an  8-inch  pot,  oiher  sizes  in  proportion,  spread¬ 
ing  evenly,  and  wash  in.  Repeat  about  every  fortnight  or  three  weeks, 
as  growth  is  required.  Grown  in  plenty  of  light  and  air  the  plants  will 
throw  up  grand  trusses.  That  is  one  of  the  great  secrets,  and  when 
they  are  beginning  to  open  out  add  half  a  part  of  sulphate  of  iron  to  the 


mixture — that  is,  taking  the  proportional  parts  of  the  whole,  and  it 
will  bring  out  the  size  and  colours  to  perfection. 

N'ames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  numher  of  worthless  Apples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening .  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  QDr.  Wallace'). — 1,  Waltham  Abbey 
Seedling  ;  2,  Reinette  de  Caux  ;  3,  Cockle’s  Pippin  ;  4,  not  known, 
quite  second-rate  ;  5,  Scarlet  Nonpareil  ;  6,  probably  a  seedling  of  no 
value.  (_Coombe  Park). — 1,  Vicar  of  Winkfield  ;  2-3,  Scarlet  Pearmain  ; 
4,  Lady  Apple.  (iV.  H.  P.). — General  Todleben.  (Ji  H.)-  —  Large 
Apple,  Dutch  Mignonne  ;  small  one  is  a  local  variety.  (F.  E). — Rymer. 
(Hills). — The  fruit  resembles  Golden  Queen  imperfectly  ripened. 
( A.  B.). — 1,  Norfolk  Bearer  ;  2,  Local ;  3,  Golden  Russet.  (Y.  N.  R  ). — 
1,  Grenadier  ;  2,  Manks  Codlin  ;  5,  Greenup’s  Pippin  ;  Pears,  3,  Josephine 
de  Malines.  The  others  are  all  rotten.  A  parcel  has  been  received  from 
Hitchin  without  a  letter  or  address. 

iTames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  ffiorists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 

M.). — Lycaste  Skinneri.  (J/.  D.). — 1,  Tecoma  capensis  ;  2,  Agave 
americana.  (Z.  B.). — Veronica  Andersoni  variegata.  (F.  Geeson).—~ 
So  far  as  we  can  judge  from  the  imperfect  dried  specimen  the  Grass  is 
Triticum  repens.  The  other  is  apparently  an  Eryngium,  but  it  is  im¬ 
possible  to  identify  the  species,  the  specimen  being  imperfect. 


COVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — November  22nd. 


Trade  very  quiet.  FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

8. 

d 

Apples,  per  bushel  ..  .. 

2 

0  to  7 

6 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0  to  0 

0 

Cobs  . 

30 

0 

32 

6 

Plums,  per  half  sieve  . , 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

vegetables. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb.  . . 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to  0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

6 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

H 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

5 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

0 

3 

6 

Scorzonera,  bundle  ..  .. 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

7 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  ..  .. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE 

WHOLESALE 

PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety. 

Chrysanthemum  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season, 

hence 

the  price  is  very  low. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

3 

0 

to  5 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0  to  12 

0 

Azalea,  dozen  sprays . .  . . 

1 

0 

1 

6 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  . . 

1 

0 

3 

0 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

sprays . . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

bunches . 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

0 

6 

2 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

Q 

0 

4 

0 

Lilac  (Fren'ch)  per  bunch 

3 

6 

6 

0 

Tuberoses.  12  blooms. . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

blooms  . .  . 

1 

0 

3 

0 

per  bunch . 

2 

6 

3 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum.pordoz. 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunch  . 

2 

0 

2 

6 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Violets  (English),  dozen 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

0 

4 

0 

bunches  . 

1 

6 

2 

0 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  .. 

0 

4 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitas  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Ferns  (small)  per  hundred 

4 

0  to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  .. 

1 

u 

/ 

6 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each.. 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi.per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  .. 

3 

0 

4 

.0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Dracmnai  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Ericas,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Palms,  in  var..  each  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Euonvmus,  var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  ,. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

0 

0 

Ferns,  lu  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

Solanums,  per  dozen,.  .. 

9 

0 

12 

0 

482 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  NoTcmber  23,  1893. 


PROFITABLE  LIVE  STOCK. 


So  important  is  the  question  of  the  best  cow  for  the  dairy 
farmer,  and  how  to  feed  it,  that  we  return  to  this  subject  this 
week,  in  view  of  touching  a  few  more  points  of  practice,  with 
some  facts  bearing  upon  them. 

If,  as  we  hold,  the  keeping  of  an  inferior  cow  is  both  foolish 
and  wasteful,  it  is  surely  owing  to  want  of  thought,  a  failing  to 
grasp  this  fact  in  its  full  significance,  that  such  animals  pre¬ 
dominate  everywhere.  All  the  food  that  a  cow  consumes, 
beyond  what  is  necessary  to  sustain  life,  should  go  to  promote  a 
fully  sustained  milk  yield  up  to  a  given  standard,  both  in 
quantity  and  quality.  The  average  milk  yield  in  the  British 
Isles  is  440  gallons  per  cow,  which  means  the  yield  ranges  from 
300  gallons  upwards  to  1000  gallons  or  more.  A  cow  yielding 
the  lesser  quantity  is  kept  at  a  loss,  at  the  greater  quantity  the 
profit  is  so  high  as  to  exceed  the  bounds  of  all  ordinary 
calculations.  Granted  that  1000  gallons  per  cow  is  a  yield  so 
extraordinary  and  exceptional  that  only  a  few  of  such  marvel¬ 
lously  deep  milkers  are  met  with  in  our  best  herds,  yet  we  can 
afford  to  fall  from  that  high  figure  to  a  minimum  of  500  gallons 
and  still  have  profitable  cows.  But  no  sensible  man  can  possibly 
rest  contented  even  with  such  cows  ;  the  net  profit  upon  them 
cannot  be  much  more  than  £4,  and  the  yield  is  in  reality  a  very 
low  one.  Ten  quarts  daily  for  200  days  make  up  the  sum  of  it, 
yet  it  falls  below  that.  At  the  lowest  computation  a  cow  should 
be  in  milk  quite  250  days  out  of  the  365  days  of  the  year,  and  we 
have  often  told  of  a  small  black  Kerry  cow  which  we  had  from 
Dr.  Hogg’s  herd  that  gave  16  quarts  of  exceptionally  rich  milk 
daily.  It  was  a  mere  pigmy  beside  a  huge  Shorthorn,  which  at 
best  only  gave  10  quarts  daily — not  by  any  means  a  fair 
equivalent  for  the  food  consumed  by  it.  Such  large  animals 
must  be  deep  milkers  to  be  profitable.  Extra  outlay  upon  food 
only  answers  for  well-bred  cows,  it  is  comparatively  wasted  on 
mongrel  breeds. 

According  to  a  high  authority  an  inferior  cow  costs  £14 
a  year  for  its  food,  and  yields  a  calf  worth  £1,  and  400  gallons 
of  milk,  which  at  8d.  is  £13  6s.  8d ,  or  a  total  of  £14  6s.  8d., 
profit  6s.  8d.  A  superior  cow  costs  £17  a’^year  for^its  food, 
yielding  in  return  a  calf  worth  £2,  and  700  gallons  of  milk 
at  8d.,  or  £23  6s.  8d  — total,  £25  6s.  8d.;  profit,  £8  6s.  8d.  If  the 
milk  of  both  cows  was  used  for  butter  or  cheese  making,  the 
difference  in  the  result  would  be  much  more  in  favour  of  the 
supei’ior  cow.  It  is  also  obvious  that  if  the  milk  producer  could 
dispose  of  it  to  the  consumer  at  the  present  ordinary  retail  price 
of  4d.  per  quart  his  profits  would  be  doubled.  Truly  a  grand 
business  is  that  of  the  retailer  of  milk !  the  eager  competition, 
the  headlong  rush  of  a  dozen  or  more  milk  carts  along  every 
suburban  street  or  road  of  the  metropolis  twice  daily  is  not  to 
be  wondered  at,  even  if  new  milk  only  was  sold.  But  there  is  no 
doubt  that  much  separated  milk  is  mixed  with  it  and  sold  as 
new,  and  police  court  reports  often  tell  of  an  addition  of  30  or 
40  per  cent,  of  water. 

For  the  production  of  cheese  or  butter,  quality  is  a  prime 
factor,  dependent  both  on  food  and  breeding.  For  example,  the 
milk  of  a  Jersey  cow  yields  25  per  cent,  of  cream,  and  when  we 
have  such  richness  in  combination  with  the  desirable  average  of 
700  gallons  the  result  is  certainly  satisfactory.  Cows  of  this 
breed  frequently  yield  much  more  than  this;  the  famous  Jersey 
cow  “  Luna’s”  yield  for  three  consecutive  years  was  876,  898,  and 
816  gallons,  an  average  milk  yield  per  year  of  slightly  over 


863  gallons,  or  almost  double  the  ordinary  annual  average  yield- 
For  the  home  farmer  a  herd  of  Jerseys  is  highly  desirable, 
though  we  must  confess  to  a  preference  for  the  larger  and  more 
robust  Guernseys.  Certainly  for  rich  milk,  for  deep  milking, 
and  for  a  well  sustained  yield  the  Guernsey  ranks  very  high. 

For  the  ordinary  dairy  farmer  we  give  preference  to  our 
favourites  the  Red  Polled  Suffolk  cows,  in  which  we  have  in 
admirable  combination  deep  milking  and  beef  production.  The 
milk  is  rich,  and  the  square  fleshy  frames  are  easily  fattened. 
Some  of  the  best  cows  yield  upwards  of  a  thousand  gallons 
yearly,  and  the  steers  are  equally  remarkable  for  early  maturity. 
In  the  Whitlingham  herd  of  this  breed — a  very  large  one — 
especial  care  has  been  given  to  the  selection  of  both  males  and 
females  from  famous  milking  dams,  with  results  so  remarkably 
in  favour  of  an  increased  milk  yield  as  to  carry  conviction  of  the 
value  of  selection  both  for  milk  and  for  beef. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

During  the  present  and  three  following  months  butter  difficulties 
are  wont  to  crop  up,  and  all  possible  care  must  be  exercised  to  guard 
against  them.  For  the  daily  churning  avoid  the  milk  from  stale  cows. 
Under  good  management  there  is  a  fresh  cow  or  two  coming  in  every 
month,  and  it  is  from  their  milk  that  cream  for  the  daily  churning 
should  be  taken.  Correct  any  tendency  to  the  acridity  that  so  often 
renders  butter  unpalatable  in  winter  by  using  a  small  teaspoonful  of  finely 
powdered  saltpetre  to  three  gallons  of  cream  ;  a  small  pinch  between 
finger  and  thumb  is  sufficient  for  the  daily  churning.  Just  a  modicum 
of  salt  in  the  form  of  brine  helps  the  flavour,  but  this  requires  a  careful 
hand,  as  the  order  which  so  frequently  comes  from  head  quarters  of  “  no 
salt  in  the  butter  ”  can  only  be  ignored  with  advantage  by  a  really 
skilful  butter-maker.  It  is  just  a  question  of  palate  tickling  worthy  of 
best  efforts,  and  a  compliment  upon  good  butter  at  midwinter  is  certainly 
worth  trying  for. 

Look  well  to  the  churning,  have  no  bewitched  cream,  at  which  one 
after  another  tries  their  hand  for  hours  without  bringing  the  butter. 
Temperature  must  have  attention  ;  65°  is  the  best  temperature  for  cream 
when  it  is  put  in  the  churn  during  winter.  This  is  easily  and  best 
managed  by  placing  the  cream  jar  in  water  slightly  above  that  tempera¬ 
ture.  Warm  the  churn  with  water  at  about  70°,  which  let  run  out  just 
before  putting  in  the  cream.  There  should  then  be  no  difliculty  in 
getting  the  butter  quickly.  The  churning  may  be  done  more  briskly  in 
winter  than  in  summer,  but  there  must  be  no  violent  or  abrupt  clashing 
about  of  the  cream  at  any  time.  Begin  slowly,  gradually  increase  the 
speed,  and  when  the  butter  grains  appear  gradually  reduce  the  speed. 
Never  break  the  grain  in  churning,  or  the  butter  will  not  keep  sweet. 

Equal  care  must  be  taken  with  the  cows  and  their  food.  We  must 
have  a  clean  cow  house,  clean  hands  for  milking,  and  clean  milk  pails. 
For  food  use  the  best  meadow  hay.  Carrots,  bran,  crushed  oats.  Cabbage, 
or  Thousand-headed  Kale.  The  bulk  of  food  is  in  the  hay,  with  from  a 
gallon  to  a  peck  of  bran,  and  half  that  quantity  of  oats  at  milking  time. 
A  little  Palm-nut  meal  may  be  added  with  advantage,  but  care  must  be 
taken  not  to  use  enough  Cabbage  to  affect  the  flavour  of  the  milk. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS, 
Oamdbn  Square,  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

1893. 

November. 

jmeter 
2°,  and 
Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Rain, 

^  CO  c8 
cs  It  <1^ 
M  sm 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Wind. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Sunday  . .  12 

Inchs. 

30-386 

deg. 

42-5 

deg. 

39-3 

N.E. 

deg. 

43-4 

deg. 

45-6 

deg. 

37-0 

deg. 

69-1 

deg. 

32-3 

Inchs. 

Monday  ..  13 

30-126 

33-4 

32-9 

N.E. 

42-0 

43-1 

30-0 

65-4 

24-4 

0  010 

Tuesday  . .  14 

29-876 

36-9 

36-9 

S.B. 

40-9 

42-0 

31-3 

42-6 

27-8 

0-594 

Wednesday  15 

29-751 

40-1 

39-9 

N.E. 

41-2 

45-7 

36-4 

49-6 

37-2 

0-023 

Thursday . .  16 

29-935 

45-2 

44-3 

S.B. 

42-1 

55-4 

38-4 

56-9 

33-2 

0-031 

Friday  17 

29-190 

55-2 

54-0 

S.W. 

43-6 

58-0 

43-0 

72-9 

39-6 

0-154 

Saturday  ..  18 

29.068 

39-7 

38-9 

N.E. 

44-4 

42-4 

37-8 

49-0 

35-4 

0-277 

29-762 

41-9 

40  9 

42-5 

47-5 

36-3 

57-9 

32-8 

1-089 

REMARKS. 

12tli. — Almost  cloudless  throughout. 

13th. — Slight  fog  till  10  A.M.,  but  almost  cloudless  throughout. 

14th. — Very  wet  fog  all  day ;  slight  showers  in  afternoon ;  steady  heavy  rain  from 
6.15  P.M. 

15th. — Continuous  heavy  rain  till  4  A.il.,  then  overcast  and  dull;  continuous  drizzle 
from  11.30  a.M.  to  3  p.M.  ;  fair  evening. 

lEth. — Overcast  morning;  fair  afternoon  with  gleams  of  sun;  cloudy  evening  and 
rain  at  midnight. 

17th. — Slight  showers  early ;  overcast  from  8.30  A.il.;  frequent  sunshine  from  noon  to 
3  P.M.  but  a  very  slight  shower  about  1  P.M.;  overcast  after,  with  high  wind 
and  heavy  rain  between  5  and  7  P.M. 

18th. — Rain  from  3  to  7  A.M.,  then  overcast  and  rain  from  1.30  P.M.,  changing  to  snow 
about  3  P.M.,  which  continued  till  after  midnight,  with  a  violent  gale. 

Temperature  below  the  average,  rainfall  considerably  above  it.  The  total  rainfall 

this  year,  16’85  in.,  is  very  nearly  as  much  as  fell  in  the  whole  of  the  year  1864.  It  is 

therefore  clear  that  1893  cannot  be  unprecedentedly  dry. — G.  J.  Symons. 


NoTunber  30,  1893,] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


488 


I  AM  very  sorry  to  be  so  late  in  bringing  out  this  analysis,  but 
having  missed  my  opportunity  early  in  the  year  through  press 
of  other  work,  I  have  delayed  completing  it  until  the  show  time 
came  round  again,  thinking  it  would  then  be  of  more  interest  than 
during  the  summer  or  early  autumn  months.  At  the  Exhibition 
held  by  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  at  the  Royal 
Aquarium,  Westminster,  in  November,  1892,  the  display  of 
incurved  cut  blooms  was  the  smallest  of  which  I  have  any 
record.  There  were,  however,  rather  more  Japanese  than  at  the 
previous  Show. 

The  following  short  statement  gives  the  number  of  cut  blooms 
staged  in  the  incurved  and  Japanese  sections  at  the  eight 
exhibitions.  The  flowers  shown  in  the  classes  for  six  blooms  of 
any  one  variety  were  not  tabulated  for  the  analysis,  and  therefore 
have  not  been  included  in  the  totals. 


1885 

1886 

1887 

1888 

1889 

1890 

1891 

1892 

Incurved  . 

.  839 

1080 

964 

1147 

682 

1377 

827 

609 

Japanese  . 

.  835 

1026 

1221 

1759 

922 

2054 

975 

1033 

1674 

2106 

2185 

2906 

1604 

3431 

1802 

1642 

Now  that  I  have  a  complete  set  of  records  for  eight  years  to 
deal  with,  I  am  in  a  position  to  adopt  a  similar  system  of  analysis 
to  that  so  successfully  employed  when  dealing  with  the  last  Rose 
and  Dahlia  analysis.  This  system  I  have  endeavoured  to  explain 
at  page  358.  The  steady  going  incurved  Chrysanthemums  will  not 
be  found  in  any  way  seriously  affected  by  this  improved  method — 
indeed,  the  relative  positions  of  nearly  all  the  leading  kinds  remain 
practically  as  in  the  previous  analysis.  The  table  of  the  headstrong 
Japanese  has,  however,  become  greatly  changed,  and  I  trust 
improved  since  the  last  version  of  it  appeared.  I  have  gone  most 
carefully  into  the  places  accorded  these  Japanese  varieties,  and 
endeavoured  to  give  each  its  proper  relative  position  in  the  list ; 
but  the  changes  in  this  section  are  so  rapid,  and  there  is  such  a  large 
accession  of  new  sorts  every  year,  that  I  have  in  many  cases  only 
the  records  for  a  few  years  to  guide  me  in  placing  them  —indeed, 
the  careers  of  many  of  these  Japs  are  so  brilliant,  and  yet  at  the 
same  time  so  fleeting,  as  to  make  them  in  these  respects  more 
resemble  butterflies  than  well  regulated  florists’  flowers.  However 
trying  to  the  analyst  these  startling  chrnges  may  be,  they  indicate, 
T  must  confess,  very  substantial  progress.  In  order  to  give  some 
idea  of  the  extent  of  the  changes  referred  to,  and  at  the  same 
time  show  how  greatly  the  flowers  themselves  have  improved,  I 
may  mention  that  only  five  out  of  the  first  twenty-four  varieties  in 
the  table  published  only  six  years  ago  are  now  considered  worthy 
of  places  among  the  first  twenty-four  in  the  present  analysis.  Of 
these  five,  Madame  C.  Audiguier  has  fallen  since  then  from  its 
position  as  the  premier  flower  to  No.  19,  Jeanne  Delaux  from 
No.  3  to  No.  10,  and  Val  d’Andorre  from  No.  5  to  No.  9.  Boule 
d’Or  stands  pretty  well  the  same  in  both  tables,  and  Mr.  Ralph 
Brocklebank,  then  quite  a  novelty,  will  be  found  at  No.  16.  If  the 
advance  made  during  the  short  space  of  six  years  has  been  so 
considerable  as  these  alterations  indicate,  what  glorious  possibi¬ 
lities  may  there  not  be  in  store  for  us  during  say  the  next  decade. 
Already  there  are  not  wanting  indicatioi^s  in  the  comparative 
tables  before  me  of  the  speedy  downfall  of  many  varieties  at  the 
present  time  in  much  request.  Not  only  are  the  flowers  of  many 

No.  701. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


of  the  modern  varieties  improvements  on  those  of  their  prede¬ 
cessors,  but  the  plants  themselves,  particularly  as  regards  their 
heights  and  constitutions,  show  a  decided  advance  as  well. 

Empress  of  India  once  more  heads  the  table  of  incurved 
varieties,  and  deservedly  so,  as  it  appears  to  be  a  most  reliable 
Chrysanthemum.  In  certain  seasons  Queen  of  England,  Lord 
Alcester,  and  Golden  Empress  of  India  have  not  been  far  behind 
the  premier  flower,  and  have  each  at  a  single  show  been  staged 
rather  more  frequently,  but  their  records  from  year  to  year  being 
more  unequal,  they  do  not  seem  to  have  any  chance  of  seriously 
threatening  its  position.  Lord  Wolseley,  Princess  of  Wales, 
Golden  Queen  of  England,  and  Novelty  have  never  before  been 
better  represented  than  they  were  last  year.  On  the  other  hand 
Alfred  Salter,  Prince  Alfred,  Barbara,  Jardin  des  Plantes,  Hero  of 
Stoke  Newington,  and  Cherub  at  none  of  the  preceding  seven 
shows  have  been  as  seldom  staged  in  competition.  Miss  M.  A. 
Haggas  and  Violet  Tomlin  were  also  poorly  represented. 

In  this  section  the  newer  varieties  in  the  table,  those  dating 
from  1889  and  after,  are  eight  in  number.  Of  the  1889  incurved 
Mrs.  S.  Coleman,  No.  14,  and  John  Doughty,  No.  15,  were  equally 
as  well  shown  as  at  the  previous  Exhibition  ;  while  Camille 
B.  Flammarion  has  improved  on  its  performance  in  that  year. 
Madame  Darier  and  Monsieur  R.  Bahuant,  sent  out  in  1890,  appear 
for  the  first  time  in  the  table,  and  both  at  No.  23,  while  Ami 
Hoste  of  the  same  year  takes  up  a  position  at  No.  37.  The 
still  newer  kinds,  Mrs.  Robinson  King  and  Robert  Cannell, 
only  introduced  in  1891,  will  be  found  at  Nos.  35  and  36  re¬ 
spectively. 

Turning  now  to  the  table  of  Japanese  varieties,  as  I  said 
before  I  have  done  all  in  my  power  to  deal  with  them  as  fairly 
and  accurately  as  the  data  at  my  disposal  will  allow.  The  results 
generally  can  never,  however,  be  considered  quite  satisfactory 
while  this  section  remains  in  such  a  state  of  rapid  transition. 
That  grand  Jap.,  Edwin  Molyneux,  it  will  be  noticed,  is  for  the 
time  being  the  leading  flower,  closely  followed  by  the  snow  white 
Avalanche.  The  following  established  kinds,  if  they  can  be  so 
called,  were  less  frequently  shown  than  at  any  previous  exhibi¬ 
tion  : — Mr.  Ralph  Brocklebank,  Jeanne  Delaux,  Madame  Baco, 
Madame  J.  Laing,  Sarah  Owen,  Meg  Merrilies,  Carew  Underwood, 
Mdlle.  Lacroix,  Baronne  de  Prailly,  Belle  Paule,  Mrs.  C.  H. 
Wheeler,  Mr.  H.  Cannell,  Fair  Maid  of  Guernsey,  Criterion) 
Marguerite  Marrouch,  Thunberg,  Lady  T.  Lawrence,  Yellow 
Dragon,  Mrs.  J.  Wright,  Monsieur  J.  M.  Pigny,  Mrs.  H.  Cannell, 
Comtesse  de  Beauregard,  and  four  others.  This  is  a  goodly  list, 
and  clearly  shows  how  quickly  many  of  the  older  favourites  are 
retreating  before  the  advance  of  the  new  comers,  although,  of 
course,  this  does  not  necessarily  apply  to  every  variety  included 
in  it,  as  the  disastrous  effects  of  certain  seasons  upon  particular 
sorts  is  well  known.  But  the  question  may  naturally  be  asked, 
“On  the  other  hand,  what  ‘established’  Japs,  were  last  year 
staged  oftener  than  at  any  previous  show  ?  ”  I  answer,  only 
two  !  Avalanche  and  Sunflower,  the  first  an  1887  and  the  other 
an  1888  variety. 

No  fewer  than  twenty-one  Japanese  Chrysanthemums  which 
have  been  sent  out  since  1888  already  find  places,  and  a  fair  pro¬ 
portion  of  them  excellent  places  too,  in  the  analysis.  Looking 
carefully  down  the  table  we  first  come  to  Viviand  Morel  (No.  4), 
the  sensation  flower  at  the  1892  exhibition.  This  fine  variety, 
although  only  sent  out  the  year  before,  appeared  in  more  stands 
than  any  other  with  the  exception  of  Edwin  Molyneux,  Avalanche 
and  Sunflower,  which  are  from  three  to  five  years  older.  Except 
as  regards  its  variability  in  colour  it  is  indeed  a  sterling  acquisition 
in  every  way.  Next  comes  Gloire  du  Rocher,  sent  out  only  in  1891 
at  No.  6.  W.  H.  Lincoln  (No.  6),  an  1890  Jap.,  was  also  last  year 
surprisingly  well  shown.  Florence  Davis  (1891)  likewise  made  its 
mark,  and  is  pretty  sure  this  year  to  rise  even  higher  than  its 
present  honourable  position  at  No.  15.  Louis  Boehmer  (No.  15) 

No.  2357.— VoL.  LXXXIX.  Old  Series. 


484 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  30,  1893. 


of  the  same  year  was  also  equally  well  represented.  This  is  an 
easily  grown  hirsute  variety,  but  owing  to  its  dull  purple  colour  is 
not,  I  think,  likely  to  advance  in  popular  favour.  Mr.  A.  H.  Neve 
(1890)  takes  up  a  good  place  at  No.  15.  William  Tricker  (No.  27) 
also  introduced  in  1891,  stands  well  considering  that  this  is  its  first 
appearance  in  the  analysis.  Miss  Anna  Hartshorn  (No.  31),  first 
sent  out  in  1889,  was  shown  last  year  three  times  as  frequently  as 
at  the  previous  exhibition.  We  then  reach  an  1891  variety,  Mdlle. 
Marie  Hoste,  which,  although  new  to  the  analysis,  already  stands 
at  No.  33.  Mr.  E.  Beckett  (1892)  a  still  newer  candidate  for 
honours  will  be  found  at  No.  39.  Then  lower  down  follow 
Coronet  (1889)  at  No.  42,  Alberic  Lunden  (1890)  at  No.  44,  Mrs. 
Alpheus  Hardy,  that  delicately  constituted  white  variety  \\ith 
hairy  petals  which  all  growers  are  so  proud  to  stage  in  good  con¬ 
dition,  also  at  No.  44,  M.  E.  A.  Carri^re  (1889)  at  No.  46,  Beauty 
of  Castlewood  (1892)  at  No.  48,  Pink  Lacroix  (1889)  also  at  No.  48, 
Lilian  B.  Bird  (1890)  at  No.  50,  Cesare  Costa  (1890)  at  No.  52, 
Mrs.  Irving  Clark  (1889)  at  No.  52,  Eynsford  White  (1889) 
at  No.  57,  and  lastly,  Vice-President  Audiguier  (1890)  also  at 
No.  57. 

INCURVED 


The  above  new  varieties  are  placed  in  the  list  according  to  the 
number  of  times  they  were  staged  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  Show 
last  year,  in  order  to  give  them  every  possible  chance  of  competing 
with  their  more  established  brethren.  There  is,  however,  one 
disturbing  cause  afEecting  the  very  newest  sorts  in  the  table,  but 
these  only,  for  which  I  am  unable  to  apply  any  correction,  and  yet 
which  must  in  exceptional  cases  have  considerable  influence  on 
the  positions  they  are  assigned,  for  I  am  told  that  in  some  instances 
it  is  impossible  for  a  new  variety  to  be  well  represented  on  its 
first  appearance,  owing  to  the  limited  number  of  plants  available 
for  distribution  when  it  is  first  sent  out. 

The  contrast  between  the  incurved  and  Japanese  sections  is 
very  marked,  whether  we  take  the  average  ages  of  the  leading 
varieties  or  the  changes  from  year  to  year.  For  instance,  taking 
the  first  twenty-four  sorts  in  each  case  we  find  the  average  age  of 
the  former  to  be  twenty-one  years,  whereas  the  first  twenty-four 
Japanese  average  only  six  years.  As  I  have  already  stated,  only 
five  Japanese  varieties  which  were  classed  among  the  first  twenty- 
four  kinds  six  years  ago  are  now  to  be  found  in  the  same  number 
of  leading  flowers.  Treating  the  incurved  varieties  in  (*ee  p.  486) 

VARIETIES. 


Position  in  Present 
Analysis. 

Average  Number  of 
Times  Shown. 

No.  of  Times 
Shown  in  1892  in 
True  Relative  Propor¬ 
tion  to  the  Average. 

Name 

Date  of 
Introduction. 

Raiser’s 

or 

Introducer’s 

Name. 

Colour. 

1 

56-3 

56 

Empress  of  India . 

1861 

Downie,  Laird  &  Laing 

Pure  white 

2 

51-6 

58 

Lord  Alcester  . 

1882 

Freemantle  . 

Pale  primrose 

3 

49-6 

50 

Queen  of  England  . 

1847 

J.  Salter . 

Delicate  rose  blush 

4 

46  3 

38 

Golden  Empress  of  India  . 

1877 

Loader  . 

Pale  yellow 

5 

44-0 

34 

Miss  M.  A.  Haggas  . 

1888 

Hayes . 

Soft  bright  yellow 

6 

42  5 

34 

Miss  Violet  Tomlin . 

1888 

Doughty . 

Bright  violet  purple 

7 

40  3 

50 

Golden  Queen  of  England  . 

1859 

J.  Salter . 

Pale  straw  colour 

8 

400 

34 

Jeanne  d’Arc . 

1881 

Lacroix  . 

Blush  w’hite,  tipped  purple 

9 

37-3 

50 

Princess  of  Wales . 

1865 

Davis  . 

Blush,  tinted  rose 

10 

37  1 

44 

Lord  Wolseley . 

1883 

Orchard  . . 

Bronzy  red 

11 

36-0 

17 

John  Salter  . 

1866 

J.  Salter . 

Cinnamon,  orange  centre 

12 

33  3 

20 

Alfred  Salter . 

1856 

J.  Salter . 

Clear  lilac  pink 

13 

32-2 

16 

Prince  Alfred  . 

1863 

Davis  . 

Rose  carmine,  shaded  purple 

14 

30-5 

30 

Mrs.  S.  Coleman  . 

1889 

Russell  . 

Bright  rose,  shaded  yellow 

15 

30  0 

30 

John  Doughty  . 

1889 

Doughty . 

Bronze  fawn,  suffused  rose 

16 

27-0 

24 

Nil  Desperandum . 

1862 

Smith . 

Dark  orange  red 

17 

23-7 

20 

Lady  Hardinge . 

1861 

Clark  . 

Silvery  rose 

18 

23-6 

24 

Mrs.  Heale . 

1867 

Heale . 

Pure  white 

19 

23-3 

6 

Barbara  . 

1869 

J  Salter  . 

Bright  amber,  shaded  orange 

Fawn  colour 

20 

21-9 

20 

Mrs,  W.  Shipman . 

1878 

Shipman . 

21 

21-7 

13 

Jardin  des  Plantes  . 

1859 

J.  Salter  . 

Deep  golden  yellow 

22 

21-3 

14 

Princess  of  Teck  . 

1868 

Pethers  . 

White,  suffused  pink 

23 

19-0 

19 

Madame  Darier . 

1890 

Sautel . 

Yellow,  shaded  purple 

Rose  purple 

23 

19'0 

19 

Monsieur  R.  Bahuant . 

1890 

Hoste  . 

24 

17-2 

6 

Hero  of  Stoke  Newington  . 

1873 

Forsyth  . 

Rose  pink 

25 

15-0 

8 

Cherub  . 

1862 

Smith . 

Orange,  tinted  rose  bronze 

26 

13-7 

8 

Empress  Eug4nie . 

1866 

Pethers  . 

Rosy  lilac 

26 

13-7 

11 

Refulgens  . 

1873 

Hock  . 

Rich  purple  maroon 

27 

13-3 

6 

Mr.  Brunlees . 

1884 

Smith . 

Indian  red,  tipped  gold 

28 

13-2 

11 

Mr.  Bunn  . 

1881 

Bunn  . 

Bright  golden  yellow 

29 

13  0 

13 

Camille  B.  Flammarion . 

1889 

Sautel . 

Dark  violet 

30 

12  6 

11 

Princess  Beatrice . 

1868 

Wyness  . 

Delicate  rosy  pink 

31 

12-4 

5 

Prince  of  Wales  . 

1865 

Davis  . 

Purple 

32 

11-0 

11 

Alfred  Lyne  . 

1888 

Lyne  . 

Rose  lilac 

33 

10-3 

8 

Lady  Dorothy  . 

1887 

Buss  . 

Cinnamon  buff,  suffused  rose 

34 

10  0 

5 

White  Venus . 

1872 

Shrimpton . 

Pure  white 

35 

9  0 

9 

Mrs.  Robinson  King  . 

1891 

Hotham . 

Rich  yellow 

Sd 

90 

5 

Venus . 

1863 

J.  Salter . 

Lilac,  suffused  pink 

36 

8-5 

6 

Robert  Cannell . 

1891 

Cannell  . 

Crimson  and  golden  bronze 

37 

8-0 

8 

Ami  Hoste . 

1890 

Sautel . 

Buff  yellow,  striped  carmine 

38 

7  5 

2 

Mrs.  Norman  Davis . 

1886 

Mizen . 

Rich  golden  yellow 

39 

7-1 

13 

Novelty . 

1860 

Clark  . 

Blush 

40 

7-0 

2 

Charles  Gibson . 

1887 

Mizen . 

Bronze  red,  centre  fawn 

41 

6-6 

3 

Beverley . 

1863 

Smith . 

Cream  white 

42 

6-4 

6 

Golden  Eagle  . 

1863 

Davis  . 

Reddish  bronze,  tipped  orange 

43 

5-6 

5 

Baron  Beust . 

1868 

Pethers  . 

Chestnut  red,  shaded  yellow 

44 

5-4 

0 

Mabel  Ward . 

1882 

Ward  . 

Buff  yellow 

45 

5-1 

5 

Eve . 

1865 

Smith . 

Cream  white 

46 

5  0 

0 

Bronze  Queen  of  England  . 

1886 

Carter . 

Bronze  brown,  tinted  rose 

d 

0) 

3 

£.2 

.9^ 

I. 

.2-<1 

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o 

fM 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

15 

15 

15 

16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

22 

23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

34 

35 

35 

36 

37 

38 

39 

40 

41 

42 

43 

44 

44 

44 

44 

44 

45 

46 

47 

48 

48 

49 

50 

50 

51 

52 

52 

52 

52 

52 

52 

53 

54 

55 

56 

57 

57 

57 

57 

58 

59 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


486 


JAPANESE  VARIETIES. 


Name. 

Date  of 

Introduction. 

Raiser’s 

or 

Introducer’s 

Name 

Colour 

Edwin  Molyneux . 

1886 

Cannell  . 

Chestnut  crimson,  golden  reverse 

Avalanche . 

1887 

Cannell  . 

Snow  white 

Etoile  de  Lyon . 

1888 

Boucharlat  . 

Rosy  purple 

Viviand  Morel  . 

1891 

Lacroix  . 

Rose,  striped  white 

Sunflower  . 

1888 

Cannell  . 

Rich  golden  yellow 

Grloire  du  Rocher . 

1891 

Gibson  . 

Orange  amber,  flushed  crimson 

W.  H.  Lincoln  . 

1890 

Fewkes  . 

Deep  yellow 

Stanstead  White  . 

1887 

Laing . 

Pure  white 

Monsieur  Bernard  . 

1886 

Laing . 

Rosy  purple 

Val  d’Andorre  . 

1883 

Pertuzes . 

Orange  red 

Jeanne  D^laux . 

1882 

D^laux  . 

Dark  crimson  maroon 

Mrs.  Falconer  Jameson  . 

1888 

Cannell  . 

Orange  bronze 

Madame  Baco  . 

1886 

Davis  . 

Deep  rose 

Madame  John  Laing  . 

1885 

Delaux  . 

Creamy  white,  tinged  rose 

Sarah  Owen  . 

1887 

Owen  . 

Golden  bronze,  shaded  rose 

Florence  Davis . 

1891 

Davis  . 

Pure  white,  greenish  white  centre 

Louis  Boehmer . 

1891 

Henderson . 

Deep  purplish  rose,  lighter  reverse 

Mr.  A.  H.  Neve . 

1890 

Owen  . 

Silvery  blush,  purplish  centre 

Mr.  Ralph  Brocklebank . 

1886 

Winkworth  . 

Yellow 

Condor  . 

1888 

Boucharlat  . 

White 

Puritan  . 

1887 

Waterer . 

White,  flushed  lilac 

Madame  C.  Audiguier . 

1879 

Marrouch  . 

Deep  mauve 

Rich  yellow,  tipped  bronze 

Boule  d’Or . 

1882 

Bernard  . 

W.  W.  Coles  . 

1888 

Craig  . 

Bright  terra-cotta 

Meg  Merrilies  . 

1871 

J.  Salter . 

Sulphur  white 

Gloriosum  . 

1885 

Waterer . 

Orange  to  golden  yellow 

Carew  Underwood  . 

1886 

Beckett  . 

Bronze 

Mdlle.  Lacroix . 

1880 

Lacroix  . 

White 

Japonais  . 

1880 

D61aux  . 

Bronze  yellow 

Baronne  de  Frailly  . 

1868 

J.  Salter . 

Pale  rose 

William  Trickcr  . 

1891 

Rich  light  pink 

White,  edged  rosy  purple 

Belle  Panic  . 

1881 

Marrouch  . 

Stanstead  Surprise  . 

1888 

Laing . 

Reddish  purple 

Mrs.  0.  H.  Wheeler . 

1885 

Waterer . 

Chestnut  crimson,  golden  reverse 

Miss  A.  Hartshorn  . 

1889 

Waterer . 

White,  slightly  tinted  pink 

Mr.  H.  Cannell . 

1886 

Cannell  . 

Deep  lemon  yellow 

Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste . 

1891 

Lacroix  . 

White,  slightly  tinted  pink 

Fair  Maid  of  Guernsey  . 

1872 

Downton  . 

Pure  white 

Criterion  . 

1873 

.1.  Salter . 

Orange  amber 

Creamy  white,  tinted  blush. 

Crimson,  edged  yellow 

Maiden’s  Blush . 

1885 

Stevens  . 

Marguerite  Marrouch . 

1878 

Marrouch  . 

Thunberg  . 

1881 

Veiteh  . 

Soft  golden  yellow 

White 

Lady  T.  Lawrence  . 

1886 

Cannell  . 

Mr.  E.  Beckett . 

1892 

Davis  . 

Rich  deep  yellow 

Yellow  Dragon . 

1863 

Salter . 

Bright  golden  yellow 

La  Triomphante  . 

1885 

Reydellet  . 

White,  suffused  purplish  rose- 
Clear  yellow 

Coronet  . 

1889 

Thorpe  . 

Mrs.  J.  Wright . 

1886 

Laing . 

Pure  white 

Alberic  Lunden  . 

1890 

Ddaux  . 

Purple  crimson 

Duchess  of  Albany  . 

1883 

Jackson  . 

Orange  buff 

Monsieur  J.  M.  Pigny . 

1886 

.Audiguier  . 

White 

Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy  . 

1890 

Creamy  white 

Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke  . 

1888 

Craig  . 

Amaranth 

Mrs.  H.  Cannell  . 

1886 

Cannell  . 

Pure  white 

Monsieur  E.  A.  Carriere . 

1889 

DAlaux  . 

Creamy  white,  tinted  blush 

Elaine . 

1882 

Downton  . 

Pure  white 

Beauty  of  Castlewood . 

1892 

Spaulding  . 

Crimson  and  old  gold 

Pink  Tiacroix . 

1889 

Delicate  rose  pink 

Rosy  lilac 

Comtesse  de  Beauregard . 

1867 

J.  Salter . 

Comte  de  Germiny  . 

1881 

Veiteh . 

Nankeen,  striped  crimson  brown 

Lilian  B.  Bird  . 

1890 

Fewkes  . 

White,  tinted  pink 

Pale  pink 

George  Daniels . 

1888 

Boucharlat . 

Album  Fimbriatum . 

1886 

Laing . 

Pure  white 

Cesare  Costa . 

1890 

Hoste  . 

Poppy  red 

Monsieur  Freeman  . 

1885 

DAlaux  . 

Purplish  rose,  white  centre 

Monsieur  J.  Laing  . 

1884 

DAlaux  . 

Reddish  brown,  golden  reverser 

Mrs.  Irving  Clark . 

1889 

Craig  . 

Delicate  peach 

Solid  T.ftvant . 

1874 

Delicate  yellow 

Purple,  white  centre 

Marsa . 

1886 

Reydellet  . 

Volunteer  . 

1888 

Henderson . 

Bright  flesh  pink,  tinted  rose 

L’Adorable . 

1885 

DAlaux  . 

Canary  yellow,  tipped  purple 

Triomphe  de  la  Rue  des  Chalets  . 

1881 

Pertuzes . 

Reddish  salmon 

Evnsford  White  . 

1889 

Cannell  . 

Ivory  white 

Mdlle.  Blanche  Pigny . 

1885 

Audiguier  . 

White 

Monsieur  Brunet  . 

1879 

Lacroix  . 

Lilac  mauve 

Vice-President  Audiguier  . 

1890 

Lacroix  . 

Rose  and  white 

Monsieur  H.  Elliott . 

1886 

DAIaux  . 

Salmon  buff,  tinted  rose 

Florence  Percy  . 

1886 

Allen  . 

Creamy  white 

486 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Norember  30,  1893. 


the  same  way,  there  are,  on  the  contrary,  only  five  varieties  which 
are  not  to  be  found  in  both  analyses. 

The  relative  positions  of  the  different  varieties  in  the  following 
lists  are  dependent  upon  their  average  performances  at  the  last  five 
or  less  exhibitions  as  the  case  may  be. 

RefLexed. — Cullingfordi,  King  of  Crimsons,  White  Christine, 
Cloth  of  Gold,  Pmk  Christine,  Golden  Christine,  Peach  Christine, 
Chevalier  Domage,  Dr.  Sharpe,  Mrs.  M.  Sullivan,  and  Phidias. 

Large  Anemones. — Mrs.  Judge  Benedict,  W.  and  G.  Drover, 
Lady  Margaret,  Gluck,  Empress,  Miss  Annie  Lowe,  J.  Thorpe,  jun., 
Gladys  Spaulding,  Grand  Alveole,  Georges  Sand,  Acquisition, 
Fleur  de  Marie,  and  Nouvelle  Alveole. 

Japanese  Anemones.  —  Mons.  C.  Lebocqz,  Jeanne  Marty, 
Kodolpho  Ragioniere,  Fabian  de  Mediana,  Nelson,  Le  Deuil> 
Madame  Robert  Owen,  M.  Dupanloup,  Soeur  Dorothee  Souille, 
Duchess  of  Westminster,  Marguerite  Solleville,  and  Sabine. 

Pompons. — Black  Douglas,  Mdlle.  Elise  Dordan,  Golden  Mdlle. 
Marthe,  Mdlle.  Marthe,  Prince  of  Orange,  Marabout,  President, 
Pygmalion,  William  Westlake,  Rubrum  Perfectum,  St.  Michael, 
and  Cendrillon. 

Pompon  Anemones. — Antonius,  Perle,  Astria,  Rose  Marguerite, 
Madame  Montels,  Marie  Stuart,  Mr.  Astie,  Regulus,  and  Calliope. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society’s  Show,  Held 
November  7th,  1893. 

This  was  one  of  the  largest  exhibitions  the  Society  has  yet  held  ; 
in  fact,  the  number  of  Japanese  Chrysanthemums  staged  in 
competition  exceeded  that  at  any  previous  show,  with  the  exception 
of  the  Centenary  Exhibition  in  1890. 

As  it  may  be  some  weeks  before  my  next  Chrysanthemum 
analysis  is  ready  for  publication,  it  may  be  of  interest  if  I  give 
here  the  relative  positions  the  following  new  varieties  are  likely 
to  occupy  in  that  analysis  when  it  appears.  Those  new  sorts  only 
are  mentioned  which  are  not  to  be  found  in  the  foregoing  tables. 

Incurved. — Baron  Hirsch,  Madame  Frederic  Mistral,  Brookleigh 
Gem. 

Japanese. — Colonel  W.  B.  Smith  ("the  champion  new  variety  of 
the  Show),  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Charles  Davis,  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne, 
Excelsior,  Lord  Brooke,  William  Seward,  John  Shrimpton,  Violet 
Rose,  R.  C.  Kingston,  Amos  Perry,  Mr.  Charles  Blick, 
J.  Stanborough  Dibbens,  Miss  Dorothy  Shea. 

It  only  now  remains  to  thank  Mr.  C.  Harman  Payne,  Secretary  of 
the  Catalogue  Committee  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society, 
for  again  kindly  supplying  the  dates  and  raisers’  names  of  some 
of  the  newer  varieties  in  the  tables. — E.  M.,  Berhhamsted. 


WANDERINGS  IN  WICKLOW. 

The  county  of  Wicklow,  if  equalled  in  its  splendid  scenery  by 
more  remote  parts  of  the  west  of  Ireland,  can  scarcely  be  surpassed, 
and  joining  as  it  does  to  county  Dublin,  is  of  easy  access  from  “  the 
car-drivingest  city  ”  in  the  world.  This  might  be  considered  a 
doubtful  advantage  resulting  in  an  invasion  of  Nature’s  privacy, 
but  such  is  not  the  case,  for  though  many  persons  go  to  Bray,  which 
may  be  aptly  called  the  gate  to  Wicklow,  few  continue  the  journey 
beyond. 

Bray,  the  so-called  Brighton  of  Ireland,  is  singularly  unlike  the 
fashionable  English  resort.  The  ocean  dashes  against  the  fine 
esplanade  unaccompanied  in  its  solo  by  either  hand  organs  or 
Ethiopian  minstrels.  True,  the  soft  mournful  notes  of  the  Irish 
pipes,  tuned  by  a  blind  musician,  fall  on  the  ear,  but  harmoniously 
so,  though  the  missing  link  may  perhaps  be  found  in  specimens  of 
the  Edie  Ochiltree  type,  who  pour  out  voluble  blessings  for 
prospective  baksheesh  ;  or  mayhap  the  jaunting  car  driver  has 
beguiled  yer  honour  ”  into  patronising  him,  and  you,  though  on 
pleasure  bent,  retain  the  frugal  mind  by  omioting  the  pour  boire, 
his  look  without  words  is  as  expressive  as  the  verbiage  of  his 
brother  over  the  water. 

On  leaving  the  station  visitors  cannot  fail  to  be  impressed  by 
the  bold  front  of  Bray  head,  sharply  outlined  against  the  sky  and 
backed  up  by  the  mountains,  of  which  the  Sugarloaf  stands  out 
pre-eminent.  Striking  off  inland  through  the  picturesque  Alpine- 
hke  village  of  Enniskerry,  where  Fuchsia  gracilis  hangs  gracefully 
round  some  cottage  windows  and  Lobelia  f ulgens  grows  luxuriantly 


below,  a  few  miles  drive  brings  one  to  Powerscourt,  a  place  of  note 
in  the  gardening  world,  unrivalled  in  its  setting  amidst  the 
mountains.  An  extensive  range  of  glass  on  a  plateau  near  the 
mansion  is  described  and  illustrated  in  “  Thompson’s  Gardener’s 
Assistant,”  and  some  fine  groups  of  statuary  embellish  the  terraced 
gardens,  but  a  Scotch  mist  marred  an  all  too  brief  visit,  prohibiting 
any  attempt  to  see  the  waterfall,  one  of  the  features  of  Lord 
Powerscourt’s  noted  demesne.  Time  has  wrought  changes  since  I 
saw  Powerscourt  on  an  autumn  day,  and  a  detailed  account  of  a 
visit  then  might  be  misleading  now  ;  yet  the  glorious  panorama  of 
lights  and  shadows  on  the  eternal  hills  disclosed  by  the  rifting 
clouds  is  changeless  though  ever  changing.  Mr.  Crombie,  who  now 
wields  the  bSton  over  the  gardens,  is  a  Chrysanthemum  man  and  a 
past  exhibitor,  when  his  huge  blooms  have  given  other  competitors 
some  anxiety.  Other  seats  in  the  neighbourhood  are  those  of  Lord 
Monck  and  the  Earl  of  Meath. 

Starting  again  from  Bray  the  rail  winds  round  the  head  on  a 
narrow  rocky  shelf,  so  narrow  that  one  looks  down  a  sheer  descent 
of  many  feet  into  the  clear  blue  water,  curling  its  white  crests 
round  detached  fragments  of  the  rock,  on  by  the  village  of  Grey- 
stones,  still  skirting  the  sea  till  entering  the  Yale  of  Ovoca,  of 
which  Moore,  the  sad  sweet  poet  of  Ireland  says — 

“  There  is  not  in  the  wide  world  a  valley  so  sweet 
As  the  vale  on  whose  bosom  the  wild  waters  meet.” 

From  Rathnew  Station  via  the  village  of  Ashford,  Ballycurry, 
the  seat  of  Col.  Tottenham  is  reached,  this  demesne  of  1500 
acres  it  is  needless  to  say  embraces  much  that  is  naturally  beautiful, 
the  chief  point  of  interest  being  the  Devil’s  Glen,  a  mountain  gorge 
of  several  miles  embosoming  the  tumbling  and  leaping  river 
Yartry,  happy  in  escaping  the  reservoir  at  Roundwood,  the  head  of 
the  glen,  where  the  “  City  Fathers  ”  have  impounded  it  for  the  use 
of  Dublin  and  the  townships.  Passes  obtainable  at  the  hotel  at 
Ashford  at  a  nominal  charge,  admit  visitors  to  this  enchanting  piece 
of  nature. 

Near  the  mansion  are  the  quaint  old-fashioned  gardens,  on 
entering  which  one  steps  back  a  century  at  least,  a  labyrinth 
of  narrow  walks,  low  walls,  crowded  with  numerous  sweet 
smelling  flowers,  creepers  and  climbers,  and  memories  of  the 
past.  Well  cared  for  are  some  ancient  Figs  spreading  their 
branches  horizontally  afar,  and  Peaches  are  a  picture  without 
framing  or  glazing,  bearing  freely  and  ripening  too  in  the  open, 
but  the  especial  pride  of  the  Colonel  is  a  huge  Benthamia  fragi- 
f era  near  the  mansion,  so  large  that  in  describing  it  to  my  old  friend 
“  F.  B.”  he  said  it  was  something  else,  but  it  is  not,  and  unfor¬ 
tunately  I  had  not  taken  the  height  and  breadth  thereof. 

I  must  not  omit  to  mention  a  charming  spot  I  had  passed  in  the 
morning  near  Ashford,  situated  in  what  appeared  the  fork  of  a 
river — Tritomas,  Pampas  plumes,  Yirginian  Creeper,  and  all  the 
glories  of  autumn  seemed  concentrated  here.  I  learned  afterwards 
it  is  the  residence  of  Mr.  Walpole,  a  gentleman  noted  for  his  love 
of  hardy  plants,  and  in  no  sweeter  nook  could  he  have  gathered 
together  his  choice  collection.  The  name  of  this  place  I  do  not 
know,  but  Eden  or  Paradise  suggest  themselves  to  a  gardener’s 
mind. 

The  climate  of  Wicklow  is  a  favoured  one,  though  the  pleasant 
walk  of  six  miles  in  the  quiet  September  morning  contrasted 
painfully  with  the  lonely  tramp  back  in  the  dark  of  night  under 
weeping  skies,  and  to  wanderers  in  Wicklow  a  waterproof  is 
indispensable.  On  another  autumn  day,  which  we  gardeners  seem 
to  favour  for  a  brief  holiday,  and  enjoy  the  more  when  the  hurry 
and  rush  of  the  season  is  over,  the  writer  and  another  (the 
unbeliever  in  the  huge  Benthamia)  set  off  at  an  early  hour  from 
the  plains  of  Kildare  on  a  special  invite  to  see  the  gardens  of 
Glenart  Castle,  the  Irish  seat  of  Lord  Carysfort,  situated  on  the 
right  bank  of  the  Ovoca,  far  down  “  that  valley  so  sweet,”  and 
near  the  fishing  town  of  Arklow.  Detraining  at  Woodenbridge, 
we  come  to  terms  with  a  native  car  driver,  who  dashes  us  along 
some  two  miles  of  a  good  road  to  the  entrance  gates,  where  pride 
gets  a  fall  from  the  guardian  angel  of  the  lodge,  vigorously  declaim¬ 
ing  through  the  bars  that  one  shall  come  in,  the  other  shall  not  ; 
to  admit  one,  “  them’s  her  orders,”  but  after  some  cajolings  on  our 
part,  and  protest  on  hers,  we  enter  one  of  the  best  kept  demesnes 
I  have  yet  seen — a  perfect  road,  with  channelled  sides,  hard  as  a 
steam  roller  then  in  constant  use  on  the  estate  could  make  it, 
winding  round  and  up  a  hill  to  the  garden  entrance  under  a  lofty 
clock  tower.  Terrace  after  terrace  falls  away  to  the  south,  and 
just  beyond  the  handsome  castle,  surrounded  by  its  velvet  lawns, 
all  in  perfect  keeping.  The  glass  department  is  commodious,  two 
houses  of  Pines  were  in  grand  form,  as  were  also  late  Grapes — 
Gros  Colman,  huge  in  its  berries,  and  of  fine  colour.  A  cork- 
covered  door  clothed  with  Ficus  repens  at  the  back  of  a  central 
conservatory  opening  into  the  office  was  a  novelty,  the  secret  being 
a  box  on  the  inner  side  of  the  door  through  which  the  Ficus  stem 


November  30,  1393.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


487 


was  brought.  Retracing  our  steps  we  climb  the  tower,  where  the 
keen  sharp  air  brings  forcibly  to  our  mind  that  we  had  an  early 
breakfast,  and  our  worthy  guide,  Mr.  Wilmett,  trots  us  off  to 
his  creeper-clad  cottage,  where  two  hungry  gardeners  lighten  the 
larder,  and  afterwards  feast  our  eyes  outside  on  the  glowing  mass 
of  Ampelopsis  Veitchi  clothing  the  gardener’s  house  and  the  out¬ 
side  of  the  garden  walls. 

On  the  left  bank  of  the  river,  immediately  opposite,  is  Shelton 
Abbey,  the  home  of  the  Earl  of  "Wicklow,  laying  low  in  the  valley, 
distinct  in  its  character  from  Glenart,  but  equally  beautiful.  The 
nearest  bridge  is  miles  away,  and  boating  is  not  possible  at  any¬ 
time.  To-day  water  is  scarce,  at  other  times  too  plentiful,  coming 
down  with  a  rush  from  the  mountains  ;  but  friend  Wilmett, 
though  not  an  energetic  man,  is  equal  to  this  emergency,  and 
orders  his  heavy  cart,  in  which,  cushioned  on  straw,  we  navigate 
through  broad  shoals  of  gravel,  and  catch  Mr.  Tyler  at  home, 
from  which  I  think  Irish  gardeners  are  seldom  absent.  Huge  Bay 
Laurels  and  many  shrubs,  but  semi-hardy  in  less  favoured  localities, 
flourish  here.  All  looks  well  in  the  houses.  Again  more  Pines, 
but  little  inferior  to  those  of  Glenart  ;  but  a  limited  staff  of  hands 
cannot  result  in  the  high  keeping  which  obtains  across  the  river. 
Another  noted  place  a  few  miles  from  here  is  Coollattin  Park,  the 
seat  of  Earl  Fitzwilliam,  as  yet  to  me  a  terra  incognita. 

Nearer  to  Dublin  is  the  ruins  of  the  seven  churches  in  the 
valley  of  Glendalough,  and  nearer  still  to  the  busy  hum  of  the 
great  city  is  the  Scalp,  a  gigantic  freak  of  Nature  in  rockwork 
building,  huge  boulders  of  many  tons  weight  piled  high  up  on 
each  side  of  the  high  road.  The  Scalp  being  but  some  nine  miles 
by  road  from  Dublin  is  a  popular  resort  of  those  on  pleasure  bent, 
and  sundry  remains  in  the  shape  of  bottles  bearing  the  name  of 
Guiness  or  Jamieson  give  silent  evidence  of  modern  Celts 
patronising  Irish  manufacture ;  but  among  the  mountains  of 
Wicklow,  the  lover  of  Nature  can,  undisturbed,  hold  communion 
with  her  visible  forms,  and  easier  understand  how  strong  is  that 
feeling  of  amor  patriae  in  the  breast  of  the  poor  emigrant,  so 
many  of  whom  go  to  seek  their  fortunes  in  the  great  land  of  the 
West,  and  so  few  of  whom  return  to  see  again  the  loved  hills  and 
valleys  of  dear  Ireland. 

Sparsely  populated,  each  census  telling  the  tale  of  decreasing 
numbers,  the  few  one  meets  with  are  quiet  and  thoughtful  looking, 
greeting  the  stranger  in  soft  and  pleasing  accents,  so  different  to 
the  awful  brogue  some  English  papers  are  pleased  to  give  us 
specimens  of.  Warm-hearted,  generous  to  a  fault.  Some  years 
since  the  rector  of  the  parish  I  was  then  situated  in  was  lending 
a  sympathetic  ear  to  my  tale  of  difficulties — I,  a  newly  imported 
gardener,  experienced  with  a  large  staff  of  workmen  ;  but  years 
have  rolled  by,  and  hours  of  trial  have  come  that  few  escape,  and  I 
have  experienced  that  generous  warm-hearted  sympathy  ungrudg¬ 
ingly  given  to  me,  an  alien  in  race  and  creed,  that  I  can  now 
endorse  the  remark  he  then  concluded  with — “  with  all  their  faults 
I  love  them  still.”  I  venture  to  touch  but  lightly  on  a  subject 
which  may  at  first  eight  appear  out  of  place  in  the  Journal.  Yet, 
on  consideration,  it  cannot  be  an  unimportant  one  to  the  English 
gardener  settled  in  Ireland ;  and  to  those  who  are  not,  it  may  serve 
to  remove  one  at  least  of  many  erroneous  impressions  that  time 
and  experience  have  eliminated  from  the  mind  of — E.  K. 


Orchids  for  Flowering  at  Christmas. 


{Continued  from  page  464.) 

A  SELECTION  of  Orchids  for  flowering  at  Christmas  would  be 
incomplete  without  that  easily  managed  and  useful  species  Cypri- 
pedium  insigne,  which,  with  its  varieties,  can  be  depended  upon, 
with  greater  certainty  and  less  trouble  than  any  other,  to  produce 
its  flowers  in  December,  and  retain  them  in  good  condition  into 
January,  or  later  if  desired.  As  a  matter  of  experiment  we  have 
grown  this  Cypripedium  in  many  different  soils  and  under  varying 
conditions,  and  though  it  has  not  been  always  equally  satisfactory, 
it  has  never  absolutely  failed.  If  potted  soon  after  flowering  in  a 
compost  of  equal  parts  fibrous  loam  and  peat,  with  the  addition  of 
a  small  proportion  of  old  decomposed  cow  or  horse  manure,  it  has 
a  long  season  of  growth,  a  vinery  being  a  capital  place  for  it, 
supplying  water  and  syringing  freely  in  warm  weather.  At  the 
present  time  a  conservatory,  warm  greenhouse,  or  the  cool  end  of 
an  Orchid  house  is  suitable — in  fact,  any  position  where  it  can  be 


protected  from  draughts  of  cold  air,  and  where  the  temperature 
does  not  fall  below  45°,  diminishing  the  application  of  water  as  the 
flowers  show,  but  giving  enough  to  prevent  their  suffering  or  being 
checked.  When  in  flower  plants  can  be  placed  in  a  room,  or  the 
flowers  if  cut  and  arranged  in  vessels  of  water  will  last  for  weeks. 
The  varieties  are  now  numerous,  ranging  from  a  pale  yellow  or 
nearly  white  tint  to  a  rich  polish  bronzy  brown,  with  purple  or 
violet  spots,  or  tinting  in  dorsal  sepal,  which  also  varies  in  size  and 
in  the  breadth  of  the  white  margin.  One  of  the  best  still  is,  however, 
C.  insigne  Maulei.  _ 


For  richness  of  colouring  and  gracefulness  of  habit  Lselia 
anceps  and  its  charming  varieties  are  unsurpassed  for  winter,  and 
their  flowers  can  be  as  readily  ensured  at  Christmas  as  the  old 
Cypripedium  just  named.  They  can  be  grown  in  a  warm  con¬ 
servatory  or  in  the  warm  end  of  a  cool  Orchid  house,  but  from  now 
until  tbe  flowers  are  fully  expanded  they  are  better  in  rather  dry 
quarters,  as  the  presence  of  much  moisture  in  the  air  is  apt  to 
injure  the  flowers.  Only  sufficient  water  is  required  to  keep  them 
fresh  and  prevent  the  plants  suffering,  and  it  may  be  taken  as  a 
general  rule  for  Orchids  in  flower  during  winter  that  the  smallest 
quantity  of  water  with  which  they  can  be  supplied  consistent  with 
the  health  of  the  plants  is  the  most  likely  to  ensure  the  long  lasting 
of  the  flowers.  The  ordinary  varieties  of  L.  anceps,  with  rosy 
purple  sepals  apd  petals  and  rich  crimson  lip,  are  all  beautiful  and 
useful  for  general  cultivation,  but  there  are  scores  of  other  forms 
differing  greatly  in  richness  or  delicacy  of  colouring,  some,  as 
Barkeriana  and  Dawsoni,  possessing  strongly  marked  characters. 


A  most  useful  winter  Orchid  is  Zygopetalum  Mackayi,  which 
produces  its  purple-veined  flowers  naturally  in  the  dull  season,  and 
the  plants  being  managed  without  any  great  difficulty  it  is  de¬ 
servedly  a  favourite.  It  makes  its  growth  best  in  an  intermediate 
house,  a  warm  conservatory,  or  the  coolest  part  of  a  stove.  When 
in  flower  it  is  preferably,  however,  transferred  to  drier  quarters 
like  most  of  the  others  mentioned.  The  well-known  Dendrobium 
nobile  can  be  added  to  the  list,  for  if  the  plants  have  been  duly 
prepared  it  is  easy  to  have  some  in  flower  at  the  middle  or  end 
of  December.  D.  Wardianum  can  also  be  occasionally  had  in 
flower  at  the  same  time,  but  both  must  have  been  thoroughly 
matured  in  a  sunny  warm  position,  and  be  bought  on  very  gradu¬ 
ally.  D.  nobile  is  especially  valuable,  as  its  flowers  are  useful  for 
cutting  to  be  employed  in  buttonholes  or  bouquets.  Vanda 
coerulea  will  help  materially  if  it  can  be  secured,  and  its  pale  blue 
flowers  can  easily  be  had  if  the  plants  are  arranged  in  a  cool  house 
and  carefully  watered  during  the  present  and  the  next  month. 
The  small  flowered  but  fragrant  Vanda  Amesiana  is  another 
charming  Orchid  for  this  season,  its  white  rose  and  purple-tinted 
flowers  being  much  appreciated.  Like  the  last,  it  is  best  in  a 
cooler  position  while  flowering.  The  diverse-flowered  Dendrobium 
Phalsenopsis  var.  Schroederianum  is  in  excellent  condition  during 
November  and  part  of  December,  some  plants  frequently  continuing 
attractive  over  Christmas.  An  intermediate  temperature  suits 
very  well,  but  it  can  be  arranged  with  any  of  those  named  in  a 
warm  conservatory.  The  true  autumn-flowering  Cattleya  labiata 
may  be  grown  under  similar  conditions,  and  its  flowers  prolonged 
into  January.  This,  and  its  varieties  under  whatever  names  they 
are  grown  are  most  valuable  for  the  Christmas  list. — Orchidist. 

(To  be  continued.) 


THE  PREMATURE  DECAY  OF  APPLES. 

I  WAS  much  interested  in  reading  Mr.  Iggulden’s  letter  on  page  437, 
November  16th,  and,  like  him,  should  be  glad  to  have  a  satisfactory 
explanation  of  the  premature  decay  of  our  early  Apples  this  season. 
Every  agriculturist  knows  full  well  that  when  Turnips  have  been 
checked  in  their  growth  by  hot  dry  weather,  and  their  skin  has  become 
“hide  bound,”  they  will  after  a  soaking  rain,  start  to  grow  again,  and 
the  skin  being  tough  will  frequently  crack  at  the  shoulder,  the  Turnip 
putting  out  fresh  tops  at  the  neck,  and  subsequently  keeping  very  badly. 
This  would  seem  to  support  Mr.  Iggulden’s  theory  that  the  late  rains, 
which  came  before  the  fruit  was  ripened,  coming  after  the  long  dry  spell, 
had  by  causing  the  fruit  to  swell  rapidly  occasioned  the  mischief  com¬ 
plained  of  but  this  theory  is  difficult  to  maintain  in  the  face  of  the 
fact  that  the  same  varieties  when  grown  in  pots  under  glass,  and  had  never 
suffered  from  lack  of  food  or  moisture,  spotted  and  cracked  quite  as 
badly  as  their  fellows  in  the  open  air.  Many  of  the  best  fruits  after  being 
carefully  gathered  and  stored  swelled  and  cracked  like  a  baked  Apple, 
Ecklinville,  Alexander,  Lord  Suffield,  Lord  Grosvenor,  and  New  Haw-- 
thornden,  were  amongst  the  worst  offenders,  whilst  Cox  s  Pomona,  a 
variety  which  I  think  much  under-rated,  Domino  and  Bismarck  have 
stood  the  trial  better. 

Of  the  American  varieties  I  cannot  say  much,^  as  they  are  unsuited 
for  our  climate  in  the  Midlands.  Newtown  Pippin  we  discarded  year 

8 


488 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Noyember  30,  1893. 


ago,  as  the  fruit  was  little  larger  than  Crabs,  and  most  of  the  Americans 
seem  too  tender  for  us  ;  King  of  Tomkins  County  is  an  exception 
perhaps,  but  has  proved  so  far  a  shy  bearer. 

Of  the  later  kinds  we  have  not  much  to  complain,  and  although  they 
ripened  early  they  seem  to  be  keeping  well ;  with  such  varieties  as 
Newton  Wonder,  New  Northern  Greening,  Alfriston,  Beauty  of  Kent, 
and  Bramley’s  Seedling  as  sheet  anchors,  there  should  be  no  dearth  of 
late  cooking  Apples  ;  whilst  King  of  the  Pippins,  Cox’s  Orange  and 
Scarlet  Nonpareil  are  keeping  very  well  so  far.  Cornish  Aromatic  has 
done  well  this  season,  and  Sturmer  Pippin  seems  to  be  in  great  force  ; 
everyone  has  a  crop.  Apropos  of  prices  I  was  grieved  to  hear  of  Cox’s 
Orange  being  sold  in  Somersetshire  at  Gd.  a  peck ;  when  I  was  at  the 
Market  Growers’  Show  in  Maidstone  last  month  I  saw  a  two  peck  basket 
of  this  variety  sold  for  208.,  these  must  surely  be  extremes. 

The  conclusion  that  we  came  to  here  was  that  the  cause  of  our  fruit 
keeping  badly  was  the  heat  of  the  fruit  room,  which,  although  built 
with  hollow  walls,  is  exposed  to  the  full  sun,  and  it  seemed  beyond  our 
power  to  keep  it  cool.  I  saw  on  my  visit  to  Kent  a  fruit  room  thatched 
with  reeds  on  the  roof  and  sides,  which  contained  a  collection  of  fruit 
calculated  to  arouse  the  envy  of  any  grower ;  doubtless  the  owner  will 
tell  us  how  it  has  kept. — A.  H.  Peaeson,  Clnlwell^  Notts. 


Mr.  Iggtjlden  (page  437)  has  done  well  to  draw  attention  to  a  not 
improbable  scarcity  of  Apples  in  several  places  later  in  the  season.  The 
past  summer  produced  splendid  crops  with  me,  and  so  far  as  I  can 
foresee  the  supply  here  will  last  till  June.  The  Apple  crop  of  1892, 
especially  late  kinds,  was  fairly  good ;  those  in  use  from  January 
onwards  were  the  following  :  Kirke’a  Incomparable,  an  old  free  bearing 
sort ;  Northern  Greening,  Leyden  Pippin,  M6re  de  Manage,  Bedfordshire 
Foundling,  Norfolk  Beefing,  Striped  Beefing,  and  Baldwin.  Norfolk 
Beefing  was  the  last  for  use  in  May,  when  the  Gooseberries  came  in.  Of 
dessert  kinds.  King  of  Pippins,  Adams’  Pearmain,  and  Old  Nonpareil 
kept  well  till  late  in  the  spring.  The  Baldwin  Apple  in  March,  April, 
and  May  is  good  for  either  culinary  or  dessert,  the  reddest  and  best 
looking  being  picked  out  for  the  latter  purpose. 

As  regards  the  supply  for  next  spring,  which  with  myself  I  am  glad 
to  say  is  more  plentiful  than  last  year,  the  following  kinds  may  be 
named,  none  of  them  may  perhaps  be  termed  large  showy  Apples  like 
some  of  the  autumn  varieties,  still  they  are  worth  cultivating.  Three  of 
the  largest  are  M5re  de  Manage,  Alfriston,  and  Striped  Beefing.  The 
last  named  is  an  excellent  cropper,  a  pruned  bush  of  it  7  feet  high  and 
as  much  through  produced  three  bushels  of  large  Apples,  many  of  which 
are  more  than  a  foot  round.  One  of  the  most  abundant  croppers,  and 
moreover  of  best  cooking  quality,  is  the  old  Northern  Greening.  There 
are  a  number  of  orchard  trees  in  this  neighbourhood,  possibly  planted  by 
our  great-grandfathers,  that  were  crowded  with  fruit.  From  an  old 
standard  in  this  garden  seven  bushels  were  picked,  and  then  a  large 
number  were  left  on  through  not  being  easy  to  reach.  Although  so  old 
a  sort,  where  one  is  wanted  for  culinary  purposes  in  the  new  year  this 
may  well  be  planted.  If  the  new  Northern  Greening  is  as  good  a 
cropper  it  will  be  an  acquisition  to  our  modern  kinds.  Neither  should 
Norfolk  Beefing  and  the  Striped  Beefing  be  omitted,  the  last  named  I 
find  is  the  largest  and  most  constant  cropper,  taking  one  season  with 
another.  As  regards  the  black  and  brown  spots  so  much  observed  this 
year,  I  have  noticed  it  with  several  kinds,  and  particularly  the  Eibston 
Pippin .  My  impression  is  that  it  was  caused  by  a  severe  hailstorm  that 
occurred  here  about  the  end  of  June.  The  weather  was  very  hot  at  the 
time ;  but  it  was  a  singular  sight  to  see  all  the  fields  with  an  half  inch 
covering  of  hail.  It  was  a  curious  spectacle,  a  midwinter  scene  in  mid¬ 
summer;  but  in  half  an  hour  it  had  all  disappeared,  and  the  afternoon 
being  hot  and  sultry. 

I  see  by  Mr.  Iggulden’s  article  that  he  would  like  some  information 
as  regards  American  varieties  of  Apples  doing  well  in  this  country. 
Out  of  nearly  fifty  kinds  grown  here,  there  is  only  one  that  I  know  of 
that  is  American,  and  that  is  the  Baldwin.  Of  its  fruiting  and  good 
keeping  qualities  I  cannot  speak  too  highly.  As  I  said  before,  it  is  good 
either  for  kitchen  or  table  purposes  from  March  to  May  or  June ;  whether 
it  will  keep  this  season  so  long  is  a  matter  I  can  only  speak  of  later  on, 
when  the  time  comes.  Seventeen  years  ago  two  dwarf  bushes  were 
planted  here,  and  being  a  vigorous  kind  grew  freely.  The  soil  I  may 
state  is  a  stiffish  loam  a’oout  3  feet  deep  resting  on  gravel.  After  three 
or  four  years  they  commenced  bearing,  and  have  done  so  ever  since, 
some  years  more  than  others.  The  best  of  the  two  bushes  is  now  8  feet 
high,  and  as  much  through  ;  in  fact,  they  have  been  kept  pruned  to  that 
height  the  last  ten  years.  Pruning,  if  possible,  is  usually  performed  in 
August ;  it  admits  the  light  in  to  help  colour  the  fruit,  and  is  beneficial 
for  the  next  season’s  buds.  But  it  is  not  only  as  a  pruned  bush  that  it 
can  be  recommended,  for  it  is  as  an  unpruned  tree  that  it  has  done  so 
well.  Eleven  years  ago  I  was  induced  to  insert  grafts  of  it  in  an  old 
apparently  worn  out  tree  of  Wellington,  through  an  odd  circumstance. 
It  80  happened  that  a  bed  of  Parsley  was  growing  beneath  the  pruned 
bushes  of  Baldwin,  and  in  March  of  that  year  (1882)  three  Apples  were 
found  beneath  the  Parsley  leaves  in  a  perfectly  sound  condition,  having 
passed  through  the  winter’s  rain,  frost,  and  snow  uninjured.  They 
evidently  fell  and  lay  unnoticed  or  hidden  since  the  previous  October. 
I  cut  one  of  them,  and  although  it  was  not  quite  ripe  the  flavour  was 
very  good,  and  the  thought  occurred  to  me  that  it  was  an  Apple  worth 
looking  after.  Eight  grafts  were  placed  on  the  sawn-off  Wellington  ; 
four  of  them  grew  well,  and  now  form  the  head  of  a  tree  nearly  30  feet 
high.  The  largest  of  the  grafts  at  the  present  time  measures  23  inches 
round.  The  circumference  of  the  main  stem  or  stock  at  6  inches  from 


the  ground  is  5  feet  6  inches.  The  first  year  after  grafting,  the  young 
shoots,  some  of  them  a  yard  in  length,  were  shortened  about  one-half. 
Since  then  no  pruning  has  been  done.  The  crop  from  it  this  year  has 
been  three-and-a-half  barrels  of  10  stones  each  barrel.  Last  year  about  a 
bushel  was  produced,  and  in  1891  two  barrels,  or  about  six  bushels.  So 
much  for  its  vigour  and  fruitfulness.  The  shelves  in  the  fruit-room 
being  all  occupied  with  other  kinds,  and  as  our  American  friends  put 
them  in  barrels  for  several  weeks,  or  may  be  months,  I  thought  I  would 
do  the  same,  and  stand  them  on  the  brick  floor  of  the  fruit-room.  In 
1891  they  were  taken  out  of  the  barrels  three  months  after  picking  in  a 
perfectly  sound  condition,  not  half  a  peck  being  bad.  The  other  day, 
two  months  since  they  were  picked,  having  now  more  room  on  the 
shelves,  about  20  stones  were  taken  off  the  top  of  the  barrels,  and  out  of 
that  quantity  only  twelve  bad  Apples  were  found. 

From  the  two  pruned  bushes  and  the  grafted  tree  between  50  and 
60  stones  of  fruit  of  good  size  have  been  picked  this  year.  In  Septem¬ 
ber  last  year  I  examined  the  branches  when  in  full  leaf,  and  could  see 
that  it  was  likely  to  have  a  large  crop  of  blossom,  so  two  barrowfuls  of 
dry  wood  ashes  and  four  of  good  manure  were  placed  over  the  roots  of 
the  grafted  tree,  a  covering  of  about  4  inches  deep,  and  left  for  the 
autumn  and  winter  rains  to  wash  in.  No  doubt  this  dressing  left  its 
mark  on  the  excellent  weight  of  the  crop.  Another  point  in  favour  of 
this  Apple  is  this  :  It  has  been  my  lot  on  many  occasions  a  few  years 
back  to  buy  and  unpack  barrels  of  American  and  Canadian  Apples — 
Newtown  Pippin,  Baldwin,  and  Northern  Spy,  and  as  a  general  rule  I 
found  that  the  Baldwin  always  came  out  less  damaged  than  either  of 
the  others.  Although  both  of  them  are  excellent  sorts,  yet  the  skin 
appears  thin  and  liable  to  injury.  Many  times  I  have  emptied  a  Bald¬ 
win  barrel,  and  only  a  dozen  Apples  or  so  have  been  damaged,  whereas 
of  the  other  two  kinds  a  bushel  has  often  been  unfit  for  use.  Fruit 
from  the  north  side  and  shaded  parts  of  the  trees  are  green,  but  those 
fully  exposed  to  sunshine  are  a  bright  red.  I  have  rather  enlarged  upon 
this  much-imported  Apple ;  but  as  it  has  done  so  well  it  is  a  pleasure 
to  recommend  it  to  others.  It  certainly  is  not  so  ripe  here  in  January 
as  those  sent  from  America  at  that  time.  It  would  be  of  interest  to 
know  how  it  has  fared  with  others  who  have  cultivated  it  for  any 
length  of  time. — A.  Harding,  Orton  Hall,  Peterborough, 


In  common  with  others  I  have  found  Apples  to  keep  very  badly  this 
season.  Eibston  Pippin  and  Blenheim  Orange  have  been  the  worst 
offenders  with  me.  It  is  really  sad  to  see  such  fine  specimens  going  so 
fast.  The  late  Apples,  Lane’s  Prince  Albert,  Alfriston,  and  Wellington, 
are  not  so  bad  at  present  ;  but  every  inspection  shows  a  few  more  decayed 
fruit.  Beauty  of  Kent  and  the  Pearmains  have  done  very  well  with  me 
at  present,  and  so  have  both  the  Hawthordens. 

What  “  A.  D.”  (page  465)  says  on  the  preservative  power  of  dead 
leaves  is,  I  believe,  as  true  as  it  is  interesting.  They  are  Nature’s  own 
covering  ;  not  only  her  bed  clothes  for  the  winter  sleep  of  her  tender 
plants,  but  also  her  means  for  the  conservation  of  her  produce  and  fruits 
for  her  creatures  who  are  meant  to  eat  them .  I  have  found  them  the 
best  of  the  many  materials  I  have  tried  for  the  protection  of  the  dwarf 
Tea  Eoses  against  severe  frost. — W.  E.  Eaillem  . 


1  HAVE  heard  numerous  complaints  of  Apples  keeping  badly,  but  the 
state  of  matters  indicated  by  Mr.  Iggulden  at  page  437  is  more  serious 
than  I  had  imagined.  Personally,  I  cannot  say  much  about  the  earlier 
Apples,  as  I  sold  all  when  they  were  ready.  Late  kinds  are  keeping 
quite  as  well  as  usual.  A  few  fruits  keep  decaying,  but  these  without 
exception  have  been  pecked  or  otherwise  damaged.  While  that  is  the 
case  here,  I  hear  of  others  who  have  lost  most  of  their  best  fruit.  But 
I  know  that  this  had  been  gathered  much  too  soon. 

The  autumn  was  perfect,  and  many  gardeners  seem  to  have  been 
tempted  by  the  appearance  of  the  fruit  to  pick  it  much  earlier  than 
usual,  some  crops  having  been  gathered  and  stored  before  the  end  of 
September.  Then,  the  practice  of  keeping  Apple  rooms  shut  close  is,  I 
am  certain,  prejudicial  to  the  keeping  qualities  of  the  fruit.  Judging 
by  the  manner  fruit  left  out  of  doors  keeps,  it  is  apparent  that  free 
ventilation  is  not  inimical  to  the  fruit.  I  keep  our  Apple  store  freely 
ventilated,  except  in  frosty  and  damp  weather,  and  believe  it  to  be 
beneficial. 

With  regard  to  the  fruit  of  Duchess  of  Oldenburg  decaying  it  is 
quite  a  common  occurrence  for  it  to  do  so.  It  is  the  only  fault  I  have 
against  this  beautiful  variety.  The  decay  begins  at  the  core  and  spreads 
outwards. — B. 


From  the  reports  of  your  various  correspondents  it  is  evident  that 
the  price  of  Apples  must  eventually  go  up  when  there  comes  a  scarcity 
of  home-grown  produce.  I  find  that  Emperor  Alexander,  Warner’s 
King,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch,  and  Wellington  are  showing  signs  of  dete¬ 
rioration,  whereas  Bramley’s  Seedling,  Manks  Codlin,  and  Lane’s  Prince 
Albert  are  in  the  best  of  condition.  I  have  them  stored  in  an  airy 
room,  which  is  not  over-dry,  and  which  I  can  ventilate  by  a  window 
18  inches  square. 

As  to  the  cause  of  this  rapid  decay  I  agree  with  Mr.  Cheal  (page  466) 
that  it  is  the  sudden  and  superabundant  flow  of  sap  through  the  trees 
after  the  fruits  have  begun  to  ripen  that  has  ruptured  the  cellular 
tissues  which  connect  the  fruit  to  the  tree,  and  which  we  are  told  by 
scientists  become  gradually  sealed  up  as  the  Apples  develop,  so  that 
when  the  fruit  is  beginning  to  ripen  there  is  really  no  connection  for 
the  flow  of  sap.  This  would  greatly  interfere  with  the  ripening  process, 


Koyember  30,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


489 


which  has  evidently  been  the  case  this  year.  Perhaps  it  would  be  of 
service  to  your  readers  if  our  large  growers  of  fruit  would  state  the  kind 
of  soil  upon  which  their  trees  are  grown,  and  also  whether  the  fruits 
produced  upon  dry  soil  are  keeping  better  than  those  grown  upon  that 
of  a  heavy  wet  nature. — S.  H. 

A  Good  Cbop. 

Can  you  oblige  me  by  giving  the  name  of  the  Apple,  of  which  I  send 
you  sample  herewith  ?  A  tree  from  which  they  were  gathered  is  grow¬ 
ing  in  the  garden  of  a  neighbour  of  mine.  It  is  an  old  standard  of 
considerable  spread  of  growth,  and  always  bears  well ;  but  this  year  it 
has  excelled  itself  in  the  production  of  over  19  cwt  of  fair  sound  fruit. 
Many  of  them  are  much  larger  than  those  sent,  and  they  keep  well  until 
April  and  May,  and  cook  splendidly.  I  trust  this  note  may  be  of  in¬ 
terest  to  you,  and  shall  be  glad  to  know  if  instances  of  single  trees 
yielding  a  ton  of  fruit  in  a  season  are  at  all  frequent. — Jno.  Bateman, 
Highgate,  N. 

[The  Apple  closely  resembles  Eymer,  a  useful  culinary  variety. 
Nearly  a  ton  of  sound  fruit,  sucb  as  the  samples  sent,  from  one  tree  is 
a  remarkable  crop  of  a  good  orchard  Apple.] 

Apples  Losing  Flavour. 

Although  much  has  been  written  on  the  best  means  of  preserving 
Apples  1  have  not  recently  observed  anything  upon  the  absorbing 
powers  of  materials  employed  in  the  packing  of  Apples.  Lately  I  was 
cutting  up  a  number  of  barrels  in  which  Apples  had  been  imported,  the 
wood  being  of  red  and  white  pine.  Some  of  these  barrels  had  been 
exposed  a  long  time  to  the  influence  of  the  weather.  Yet  the  fragrance 
of  the  Apples  was  very  pronounced,  being  greatest  in  the  red  pine,  and 
the  Apples  in  the  barrels  must  have  lost  much  of  their  flavour  after  they 
were  gathered . 

My  reply  to  “A.  D.’s”  query  (page  465),  “Has  anyone  ever  tried  the 
stacking  of  Apples  in  leaves  outdoors  1  ”  is  that  I  have  frequently  come 
across  Apples  buried  amongst  leaves  by  boys  or  animals,  quite  fresh  in 
spring,  as  were  isolated  ones  beneath  the  natural  fallen  leaves,  when 
Apples  from  the  same  trees,  stored  inside  were  not  in  the  same  sound 
condition.  The  hedgehog  has  sometimes  collected  heaps  of  Apples,  and 
this  autumn  I  found  a  large  number  of  Pears  in  a  heap  beneath  some 
Ferns,  the  animal  perhaps  instinctively  knowing  the  decaying  fronds 
would  afford  ample  protection. — T. 


PRIMULA  FORBESI. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Eoyal  Horticultural  Society  on  Tuesday, 
November  14th,  much  interest  was  centred  on  a  basket  of  plants  of 
Primula  Forbesi,  staged  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Burford  Lodge, 
Dorking.  The  plants  were  covered  with  small  lilac  flowers,  having 
yellow  centres,  the  whole  forming  a  pretty  mass  of  bloom.  P.  Forbesi  is 
a  native  of  Yunnan,  China,  and  was  introduced  in  1891,  but  apparently 
it  is  not  yet  included  in  other  than  choice  collections.  It  may  be  termed 
a  half-hardy  species,  thriving  best  in  a  greenhouse  or  frame,  under  the 
same  conditions  as  P.  obconica,  and  it  usually  flowers  in  November, 
The  illustration  (fig.  70),  which  indicates  the  character  of  this  charming 
Primula,  has  been  prepared  from  a  sketch  of  the  plants  exhibited  on  the 
above  occasion,  and  for  which  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded.  It 
is  stated  to  be  a  biennial  plant,  and  can  be  readily  raised  from  seed. 


NOTES  BY  THE  WAY. 

A  Great  Vegetable  Grower  and  His  Work. 

In  a  series  of  retrospective  reflections  it  is  impossible  to  avoid  depress¬ 
ing  contrasts.  Winter  thoughts  or  summer  wanderings  bring  back 
many  a  pleasant  scene.  A  beautiful  spot  is  recalled  in  some  country 
garden,  and  at  once  eyes  are  filled  with  summer  sunshine  and  ears  with 
the  song  of  birds,  for  with  the  one  recollection  comes  back  a  host  of 
others  closely  associated  with  it.  But  a  nor’  caster  whistles  around  the 
windows,  showers  of  sleet  are  driven  against  the  panes,  and  bare  soil 
instead  of  flowers  rewards  the  outward  glance.  It  is  natural  that  the 
aesthetic  soul  should  indulge  in  a  sympathetic  shiver  and  retire  within 
itself,  indulging  in  a  kind  of  dormouse  existence  until  the  spring  comes 
again.  The  contrast  is  too  great  to  be  realised  without  a  sense  of 
emptiness  and  depression,  and  so  it  is  shrunk  from  and  avoided. 


Gardeners  as  a  body  are  by  no  means  devoid  of  sensibility,  or  dead 
to  every  artistic  influence,  but  for  all  that  they  do  not  usually  share  to 
any  great  extent  in  the  feeling  to  which  reference  has  just  been  made. 
The  explanation,  of  course  is,  that  although  floral  aspects  play  a  part  in 
a  gardener’s  work,  and  have  no  small  share  in  his  happiness,  they  do  not 
fill  his  life.  There  are  trees,  for  example,  and  these,  as  a  writer  has 
has  said,  are  “  silent  friends,  remaining  with  us  always.”  A  collection 
of  fine  Conifers,  such  as  those  referred  to  in  my  notes  on  page  464,  is  a 
source  of  perennial  pleasure.  They  have  not  the  charms  when  bending 
under  ripping  winds,  and  dripping  with  cold  rain,  that  they  possess  in 
the  spring  time,  but  they  are  there,  solid  and  visible,  affording 
subject  for  admiration,  conversation  and  discussion.  Truly  trees  are 
friends,  and  if  they  are  silent  ones  then  all  the  more  reason  why  we 
should  blow  their  trumpet  for  them. 


And,  again,  if  the  flower  beds  and  borders  are  empty  the  kitchen 
garden  is  not.  The  most  advanced  mathetic  must  eat,  and  surely  there 
is  much  food  for  interest  in  comments  and  observations  on  vegetables. 
It  is  sheer  affectation  and  pedantry  to  look  down  upon  a  Cabbage  or  a 
Parsnip  just  because  it  ministers  to  our  physical  wants  instead  of  to  our 
artistic  ones.  Let  us  be  sensible  and  study  both,  then  when  the  flowers  have 
gone  we  can  find  consolation  in  the  more  practical  aspects  of  gardening. 


Piobably  there  are  not  many  cultivators] who  will  deny  that  there  is  as 
much  interest,  if  not  as  much  beauty,  in  a  well  stocked  and  well 
managed  kitchen  garden  as  there  is  in  a  series  of  flower  beds.  There  is  a 
variety  of  method  and  varying  degrees  of  skill  in  the  one  just  as  there  is 
in  the  other.  In  one  garden  a  particular  crop  or  variety  does  better  than 
in  another,  and  in  one  instance  there  is  a  good  system  of  cropping  and 
great  productiveness,  while  in  a  second  the  plan  of  action  is  imperfect 
and  the  crops  moderate  or  poor. 

Great  vegetable  growers  are  as  much  entitled  to  respect  from  the 
fraternity  generally  as,  let  us  say,  great  Chrysanthemum  growers,  and 
their  methods  are  as  well  worthy  of  study.  They  do  not  always  get  it 
so  far  as  tie  general  public  are  concerned,  for  what  casual  visitor  at  a 


490 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Koyember  30,  1891. 


show  will  pause  to  discuss  and  admire  a  Dell’s  Beet  when  there  is  a 
Viviand  Morel  not  far  away  ?  But  in  the  inner  circles  the  leading 
kitchen  gardens  of  the  country  do  not  pass  unthought  of,  and  for  that 
reason  I  think  it  probable  that  a  few  remarks  on  one  of  the  best-known 
cultivators  and  his  work  may  have  at  least  a  vestige  of  interest.  What 
gardener  reading  the  reports  of  the  principal  vegetable  competitions 
does  not  know  the  name  of  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite  ?  He  is  not  a  triton  amongst 
the  minnows,  swooping  down  on  small  shows  and  bringing  confusion  to 
minor  cultivators,  but  one  who  loves  to  meet  foemen  worthy  of  his  steel. 
This  is  the  sort  of  fighter  that  Britons  respect  most.  The  warrior  who 
shirks  from  contests  with  others  of  his  own  calibre  in  order  to  have 
easy  victories  against  opponents  a  long  way  below  him  is  a  poor  sort  of 
creature.  Better  be  beaten  by  a  good  man  than  earn  a  creditless  victory 
against  one  of  a  minor  grade.  _ 

Glenhurst  lies  somewhat  oflE  the  main  road  from  London  in  a  quiet, 
retired  corner  of  the  pleasant  Surrey  townlet  of  Esher,  but  it  is  within 
comfortable  walking  distance  of  the  station  of  that  name.  It  is  not 
what  would  be  called  a  large  place  as  that  term  is  usually  understood 
amongst  the  craft.  The  kitchen  garden,  which  is  in  more  than  one  part, 
mounts  up  to  about  2f  acres  in  all,  which  means  a  fair  but  not  great  extent 
of  ground.  And  the  pleasure  part  is  about  in  proportion,  also  the  glass. 
This  does  not  point  to  extraordinary  provision  for  securing  exceptional 
crops,  and  as  a  matter  of  fact  a  visit  shows  at  once  that  the  exceptionally 
good  results  secured  are  the  result  of  the  best  cultural  methods  combined 
with  incessant  work.  A  man  of  wonderful  energy  is  Mr.  Waite. 
He  is  a  worker  to  the  finger  tips,  getting  through  as  much  as  two 
ordinary  men.  Active  and  alert,  brisk  in  every  movement,  he  is  a 
thoroughly  good  type  of  the  English  gardener.  Should  anyone  think 
that  the  place  is  purely  a  “  show  ”  one,  where  everthing  is  sacrificed 
to  securing  fine  samples  for  exhibition,  he  should  go  and  let  his  own 
eyes  teach  him  a  lesson  of  the  error  he  has  made.  The  amount  of 
produce  which  is  grown  in  the  Glenhurst  gardens  will,  I  venture  to 
think,  set  all  such  hasty  criticism  at  naught. 


My  call  was  paid  in  the  height  of  the  hot  summer  weather,  and  I 
found  the  presiding  genius  of  the  garden  hard  at  work  with  the  foreman 
— another  of  the  go-ahead  brigade — pouring  sewage  on  to  a  Vine  border. 
The  dark,  rich-looking  liquid  was  being  applied  in  scores  of  gallons,  and 
the  Vines  seemed  to  appreciate  it,  for  they  were  in  splendid  health  and 
carrying  fine  crops.  The  wood  is  too  strong  to  be  tied  till  it  comes  down 
with  the  weight  of  the  bunches.  Foster’s  Seedling,  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,  Black  Hamburgh,  Mrs.  Pearson,  Buckland  Sweetwater, 
Black  Alicante  and  Lady  Downe’s  were  all  finely  represented,  being 
particularly  noteworthy  for  size  of  berry. 


That  the  Glenhurst  gardener  is  an  admirable  fruit  as  well  as  vege¬ 
table  grower,  the  Peaches  and  Nectarines  also  serve  to  prove.  The 
collection  in  pots  was  particularly  striking,  quite  reminding  one  of 
Mr.  Rivers’  wonderful  trees.  Pine  Apple  had  given  158  fruits,  and  a 
bush  of  Princess  of  Wales  was  almost  breaking  down  with  its  burden. 
Two  other  sorts,  which  give  excellent  crops  are  Bellegarde  and  Crimson 
Galande.  To  summarise,  seven  trees  had  given  700  fruits,  and  when 
it  is  borne  in  mind  that  bushes  in  pots  have  produced  this  result,  it 
will  be  accepted  as  highly  creditable.  The  trees  are  repotted  every 
year,  and  plunged  in  leaves  out  of  doors  when  at  rest.  Beyond  shorten¬ 
ing  a  few  leading  shoots  of  a  straggling  character  little  pruning  is 
done.  The  trees  bear  most  of  their  fruit  on  short  natural  spurs,  Trained 
Peaches  planted  out  under  glass  were  equally  fine  in  their  way. 


Yet  another  excellent  fruit  crop  was  Melons.  Few  such  crops  are 
met  with  in  gardens  as  that  which  Mr.  Waite  had  to  show.  The  plants 
had  been  planted  in  a  span-roofed  pit,  which  had  been  used  for  propa¬ 
gating  in  the  spring.  It  has  six  lights,  and  eighteen  plants  were  put  in 
14  inches  apart.  On  these  100  fruits  were  set  and  swelling,  presenting  a 
tenapting  picture.  The  plants  were  in  the  best  of  health,  and  evenly 
trained,  not  a  tangled  mass  of  interlacing  growths.  Mr.  Waite  is  no 
believer  in  keeping  a  dry  atmosphere  at  ripening  time,  and  does  not 
practise  the  system.  The  special  favourite  is  one  he  raised  himself, 
called  Perfection,  and  which  Messrs.  Sutton  are,  I  believe,  sending  out. 
It  is  a  Melon  uniting  delicious  flavour  with  other  good  qualities. 


'  One  lof  the  secrets  of  the  Esher  exhibitor’s  wonderful  series  of  suc¬ 
cesses  with  vegetables  is  deep  cultivation.  When  he  started  operations 
he  found  a  thin,  half-worked  soil,  and  he  set  to  work  to  trench,  doing  a 
good  deal  of  the  work  with  his  own  hands.  In  the  original  garden  there 
is  now  a  depth  of  about  3  feet  of  pulverised,  aerated,  crumbly  soil,  well 
sweetened  by  the  air  and  enriched  with  more  solid  substances.  This 
deep  root  medium  results  in  magnificent  crops,  particularly  of  roots. 
Take  Parsnips  for  instance.  At  a  time  when  most  people’s  crops  were 
half  a  failure  from  the  drought  Mr.  Waite  could  draw  and  show  me  a 
clean,  straight,  whip-like  root  nearly  18  inches  long,  and  which  would 
have  developed  iato  a  grand  example  in  due  course.  This  grower  sets 
himself  up  ideals  in  vegetables  as  others  do  in  flowers,  and  one  of  his 
great  feats  is  to  produce  Parsnips  which,  root  and  top  growth  included, 
^e  as  tall  as  himself.  This  is  not  bad  work.  Native  guano  helps  him. 
He  uses  six  or  seven  tons  of  this  useful  fertiliser  every  season. 


But  it  13  not  Parsnips  alone.  Carrots  were  a  picture  for  such  a  season, 
no  looking  parched  and  rniserable,  but  healthy  luxuriant  and  flourishing. 
Unions  are  another  speciality,  Early  sowing  supplemented  by  deep 


rich  soil  give  the  2^  lb.  bulbs  which  add  so  materially  to  the  strength  of 
the  Glenhurst  collections.  Some  Mammoth  Silverskins  were  18  inches 
in  circumference.  These  were  striking  individually,  and  as  a  crop  it 
would  be  dififlcult  to  imagine  anything  finer  than  a  large  piece  of 
autumn  sown  in  the  new  kitchen  garden.  Celery,  too,  is  splendidly 
grown.  The  early  crop  is  taken  off  the  outside  Vine  border,  and  Mr, 
Waite  argues  that  the  Vines  benefit  rather  than  suffer  by  the  system, 
inasmuch  as  they  get  the  advantage  of  the  manurial  applications  given 
to  the  Celery.  The  sticks  are  blanched  with  brown  paper.  The  later 
crops  are  grown  in  the  new  gardens,  and  such  crops  are  rarely  met  with. 

Lettuces  and  Leeks  are  also  blanched  with  paper.  An  early  crop  of 
the  former  is  taken,  and  then  the  ground  is  planted  with  Cauliflowers. 
To  refer  to  the  merits  of  every  crop  would  be  merely  a  repetition  of 
adjectives,  for  there  was  no  exception  to  the  rule  of  fine  produce  and  full 
land.  Even  Peas,  so  bad  in  most  gardens,  were  good.  Magnum  Bonum 
in  particular  being  full  of  excellent  pods.  Potatoes  come  out  large, 
shapely  and  clean,  because  the  land  is  worked  until  it  is  as  friable  as  so 
much  potting  soil,  crumbling  soft  as  silk  beneath  the  fingers. 

Few  cultivators  work  their  land  as  hard  as  Mr.  Waite.  He  has 
much  to  provide,  besides  what  is  wanted  for  the  exhibition  table,  and  he 
packs  the  ground  with  grand  produce.  But  consider  how  his  soil  has 
been  studied  1  He  enlarged  the  plant  larder  until  its  capacity  was 
increased  threefold,  and  then  stored  it  with  good  things.  Alike  in  its 
mechanical  condition  and  in  its  fertility  has  been  improved  year  by 
year  until  it  is  like  a  mass  of  potting  compost,  rich,  porous  and 
friable.  He  has  made  corresponding  provision  for  his  vegetables  to  that 
which  a  Chrysanthemum  champion  makes  for  his  plants  when  potting. 
The  work  is  a  monument  to  his  industry  and  an  example  to  all  who 
aspire  to  be  what  all  must  admit  him  to  be — a  credit  to  British 
gardening. — W.  P.  W. 


Events  of  the  Week. — But  few  events  of  horticultural  interest 
will  take  place  in  the  metropolis  during  the  ensuing  week.  An  Exhibi¬ 
tion  will  be  held,  under  the  auspices  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum 
Society,  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  on  December  5th,  6th,  and  7th.  The 
annual  meeting  of  the  National  Rose  Society  will  be  held  at  the  Hotel 
Windsor,  Victoria  Street,  S.W.,  on  the  7th  prox.,  when  the  Rev. 
W.  Wilks  will  occupy  the  chair.  The  members  of  the  Society  will 
hold  their  annual  dinner  during  the  evening  of  the  day  mentioned,  and 
at  the  same  place.  A  few  auction  sales  will  be  held,  as  usual,  at  the 
various  rooms,  the  particulars  of  which  will  be  found  in  the  advertise¬ 
ment  pages. 

- The  Weather  in  London.  —  The  past  week  has  been 

characterised  by  some  changeable  weather.  On  Sunday  it  rained  more 
or  less  for  the  greater  part  of  the  day  in  the  metropolis,  but  cleared  at 
night,  and  a  severe  frost  occurred  early  on  Monday  morning.  Towards 
evening  on  the  latter  day  it  became  mild,  similar  weather  continiring  on 
Tuesday.  Wednesday  opened  dull  but  fine,  and  at  the  time  of  going  to 
press  it  is  very  mild  for  the  time  of  year. 

- Weather  in  the  North. — There  were  slight  frosts  for  a 

morning  or  two  at  the  beginning  of  the  past  week,  but  the  weather  has 
generally  been  open  and  unsettled,  with  an  occasional  wet  evening.  On 
the  morning  of  the  27th  4°  frost  were  recorded,  and  this  morning  (28th) 
the  thermometer  registered  52°. — B.  D.,  S.  Perthshire. 

- Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund.  —  An  entertainment, 

under  the  patronage  of  Lord  Egerton  of  Tatton,  Coningsby  Disraeli, 
Esq.,  M.P.,  J.  W.  Sidebottom,  Esq.,  M.P.,  and  other  distinguished 
persons,  will  be  held  in  the  Literary  Institute,  Altrincham,  on  Wednes¬ 
day  evening,  December  6th.  Mr.  William  Plant,  the  active  Secretary 
of  the  Local  Committee,  hopes  that  the  present  effort  to  strengthen  the 
Fund  will  be  even  more  successful  than  a  previous  one,  when  £20  were 
realised. 

- A  Meeting  of  the  Committee  of  the  Royal  Gardeners’ 

Orphan  Fund  was  held  on  Friday  last  at  the  Hotel  Windsor,  West¬ 
minster,  W.  Marshall,  Esq.,  presiding.  The  receipts  for  the  month 
were  considered  satisfactory,  one  amount  of  £21,  the  proceeds  from 
a  concert  organised  by  W.  Furze,  Esq.,  Mr.  A.  Dean,  and  others,  for 
which  a  special  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded.  Various  other  amounts 
had  been  received  from  the  sale  of  flowers  at  Chrysanthemum  Shows, 
collecting  cards  and  boxes,  and  from  Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  Stamford, 


Koreiabef  30,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


491 


and  The  Grange  Gardens,  Wallington,  where  Chrysanthemums  had 
been  on  public  view.  It  was  decided  to  elect  five  more  orphans  at 
the  annual  meeting.  Forms  of  application  can  be  obtained  of  Mr. 
A.  F.  Barron,  Hon.  Sec.,  Royal  Horticultural  Gardens,  Chiswick,  and 
must  be  returned  on  or  before  December  27th,  1893. 

-  Death  of  Alexander  Stephen  Wilson. — With  regret  we 

announce  the  death  of  Mr.  A.  S.  Wilson  of  North  Kinmundy,  Aberdeen¬ 
shire,  which  took  place  in  Aberdeen  on  the  16th  inst.  Mr.  Wilson,  who 
was  in  the  sixty-seventh  year  of  his  age,  took  a  great  interest  in  botany 
and  agriculture,  and  was  the  author  of  several  scientific  and  philosophical 
works. 

-  Death  op  Me.  Bailey  Denton. — We  regret  to  hear  of  the 

death  of  Mr.  J.  Bailey  Denton,  which  took  place  on  Sunday,  19th  inst. 
Mr.  Denton  was  in  his  eightieth  year,  and  for  a  long  time  had  made 
agriculture  his  hobby.  Of  late  years  Mr.  Denton  took  much  interest  in 
the  cultivation  of  Orchids  at  his  country  residence  at  Stevenage  in 
Hertfordshire. 

-  North  of  Scotland  Horticultural  and  Arboricultural 

Association. — The  members  of  this  Association  held  their  monthly 
meeting  at  Aberdeen  on  Wednesday,  15th  inst.  There  was  a  good 
attendance,  and  Mr.  John  Munro,  Polmuir  Nurseries,  occupied  the  chair. 
An  Exhibition  of  flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables  was  held.  Cultural 
certificates  were  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  Crighton  and  Mr.  Ross,  Cranford, 
for  Chrysanthemums  and  Orchids. 

-  The  Agricultural  Exhibit  of  Sir  John  Lawes  and  Sir 

Henry  Gilbert  at  Chicago  appears  to  have  been  much  appreciated  by 
the  Americans.  According  to  “  Nature,”  the  Association  of  American 
Agricultural  Colleges  and  Experiment  Stations  have  passed  a  special 
resolution  expressing  the  value  they  attach  to  the  exhibit,  and  the 
Director-General  of  the  Exposition  has  forwarded  the  same  to  England, 
with  the  added  thanks  of  the  Exposition,  for  “  the  great  benefit  done 
to  American  agriculture  by  this  excellent  and  instructive  exhibit." 

-  A  Wild  Flower  Carnival. — An  Australian  paper  gives  an 

account  of  a  “  wild  flower  carnival  ’’  which  the  residents  of  York  made 
an  absolute  success.  From  its  inception  the  idea  of  a  wild  flower  show 
in  “the  garden  of  the  colony”  “caught  on,”  and  a  keen  amount  of 
friendly  rivalry  was  shown,  which  resulted  in  a  display  which,  for 
uniqueness  of  arrangement  and  variety  of  design,  made  the  task  of 
judging  the  various  exhibits  a  difficult  one.  On  entering  the  hall,  it  is 
stated,  one  was  first  impressed  with  the  artistic  taste  displayed  in  the 
various  decorations,  and  the  care  and  attention  which  was  shown  in  the 
arrangement  of  the  exhibits,  so  that  everything  should  be  seen  to  the 
best  advantage,  and  for  this  the  ladies,  who  are  always  willing  workers 
on  such  occasions,  deserve  the  warmest  thanks. 

-  Brussels  Sprouts. — It  is  exceedingly  instructive  to  find  that 

whilst  a  good  deal  of  complaint  has  been  made  as  to  the  unsatisfactory 
products  of  Brussels  Sprouts  in  many  private  gardens,  they  are  so  good 
in  fields  where  grown  on  harder  soil,  and  are  more  exposed  to  the  weather. 
It  would  be  well  if  some  gardeners  who  complain  so  much  of  the  coarse 
and  inferior  sprouts  their  plants  produce  from  their  rich  loose  soils, 
would  dibble  out  plants  on  to  hard  soil  early  in  June,  such  as  had 
carried  during  the  winter  a  crop  of  Spinach,  or  some  other  winter 
produce,  other,  of  course,  than  Brassica.  To  give  full  effect  to  the 
virtues  of  firmness  the  soil  should  not  be  dug,  only  deeply  hoed  over, 
then  the  Brussels  plants  put  out  and  left  to  take  their  chance.  That  is 
the  way  to  induce  the  production  of  very  hard  woody  stems  and  firm 
well-formed  sprouts.  Especially  are  such  plants  valuable  for  late 
winter  cropping. — D, 

-  White  Earwigs. — Our  old  friend  “Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper” 

(page  458)  asks  what  are  they  ?  and  as  no  one  has  replied,  perhaps  I  can 
throw  a  little  light  on  the  subject.  I  have  frequently  met  with  speci¬ 
mens  in  various  stages  of  growth,  and  my  impression  is  that  they  have 
very  recently  cast  the  brown  skin  or  moulted,  and  that  in  a  few  days  at 
most  they  regain  their  usual  brown  colour.  I  have  no  doubt  that 
“L.  B.  K.”  has  frequently  found  the  sloughs  under  quilts  on  bee  hives. 
Respecting  earwigs  being  “  more  the  friends  of  the  gardener  than  his 
enemy,”  I  expect  it  will  take  a  vast  amount  of  ocular  demonstration  to 
persuade  some  of  us  to  entertain  the  idea  after  our  experience  in  Dahlia, 
Rose,  and  fruit  growing,  not  to  mention  smaller  matters,  whatever  may 
be  their  counteracting  uses  to  bee-keepers,  which  I  have  yet  to  learn 
from  observation.  I  once  killed  about  2750  earwigs  at  one  round  of  my 
garden  and  orchard,  and  I  certainly  have  no  wish  to  renew  the 
stock.— J.  Hiam. 


-  Canker  in  Fruit  Trees  — I  see  (page  467)  that  Mr.  J.  Hiam 

is  satisfied  he  “can  cure  canker  by  dressings  of  insecticides  and  lime,” 
Will  he  explain  his  methods?  also  how  he  induces  his  men  to  apply  the 
lime?— B.  D.  K, 

-  Professor  Marshall  Ward, — We  learn  that  a  Royal  medal 

has  been  awarded  by  the  President  and  Council  of  the  Royal  Society  to 
Professor  Marshall  Ward  in  recognition  of  the  merit  of  his  researches 
into  the  life  history  of  fungi. 

-  Death  of  Mr.  Robert  Fraser. — We  regret  to  learn  of  the 

death,  which  took  place  recently,  at  the  age  of  seventy-one  years,  of 
Mr.  Robert  Fraser,  senior  partner  in  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Cunningham, 
Fraser,  &  Co.,  nurserymen.  Comely  Bank,  Edinburgh. 

- Allotment  Gardens  in  Bushy  Park.— A  letter  was  read  at 

a  recent  meeting  of  the  Hampton  Wick  Local  Board  stating  that  the  Chief 
Commissioner  of  Works  was  willing,  subject  to  the  sanction  of  the 
Treasury,  to  grant  the  Board  14  acres  of  land  in  Bushy  Park  for  allotment 
gardens  at  a  rental  of  70s.  per  acre  per  annum. 

- -  Mr.  Swailes  in  your  issue  of  the  23rd  inst.  (page  467),  speaks 

of  Stephanotis  Fruiting.  I  had  two  fine  fruits  on  a  plant  two 
years  ago,  one  I  cut  off,  and  the  other  I  saved  ;  in  due  course  the  fruit 
ripened,  and  the  seed  sown  from  which  I  have  fine  young  plants. — 
Arthur  Shambrook,  Gardener,  Sutton  Hall,  Derby. 

-  Death  of  Mr.  Duncan  Walsh.— On  November  19th,  Mr. 

Duncan  Walsh,  for  thirty-four  years  head  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Pembroke,  Mount  Merrion,  near  Dublin,  passed  away  at  the  age  of 
si.xty-four.  Retiring  from  active  life  but  last  June,  he  returned  to  his 
native  county,  Ayrshire.  His  many  friends  will  learn  with  regret  that 
he  has  not  been  longer  spared  to  enjoy  his  well-earned  rest.  Though 
not  an  exhibitor,  he  for  many  years  assisted  in  judging  at  the  shows 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Ireland.  As  a  plant  grower  his 
name  is  associated  with  the  finest  specimen  of  Darlingtonia  californica 
ever  grown,  and  as  a  man  he  was  esteemed  by  all  who  were  privileged 
to  know  him. 

-  Edinburgh  Botanical  Society, — At  a  recent  meeting  of 

this  Society,  Dr.  Christison  in  the  chair,  it  was  arranged  that  Mr 
R.  Lindsay  of  the  Botanic  Gardens  should  submit  an  obituary  notice  of 
the  late  Mr.  Jenner  at  the  next  meeting.  Professor  Bayley  Balfour 
intimated  that  Mr,  George  William  Trail  had  presented  his  valuable 
collection  of  British  Algre,  and  a  series  of  microscopic  sections  of  the 
same,  to  the  Society  ;  also  that  Dr.  Watt  had  given  the  Society  a 
herbarium  of  Indian  plants,  both  donors  stipulating  that  the  collections 
be  kept  intact  during  their  lifetime.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Paul  gave  a  report 
of  the  Scottish  Alpine  Botanical  Club’s  excursion  to  Clova,  and  Mr. 
Lindsay  reported  on  the  weather  for  October.  Professor  Bower  was 
elected  President  of  the  Society  for  the  current  year. 

-  Brighton  and  Sussex  “  New  ”  Horticultural  Society. 

— At  the  monthly  meeting  of  this  Society  a  few  days  ago,  Mr.  Mark 
Longhurst,  the  Secretary,  gave  some  figures  bearing  on  the  success  of 
the  recent  Chrysanthemum  Show  in  that  town.  On  the  first  day,  he 
said,  3019  people  paid  for  admission,  and  5560  on  the  second  day.  The 
takings  at  the  doors  amounted  to  £76  8s.  the  first  afternoon,  £78  17s. 
the  first  evening,  £77  17s.  6d.  the  second  afternoon,  and  £102  4s.  6d.  the 
second  evening.  Up  to  the  present  time,  apart  from  the  ticket  money, 
their  receipts  throughout  the  year  come  to  £1047,  and  probably,  when 
everything  was  settled  up,  their  total  takings  for  the  year  will  be  found 
to  be  about  £1060,  and  their  expenses  under  £1000,  The  expenses  of 
the  Spring  Show  were  £233,  and  of  the  late  Autumn  Show  £418  6s.,  so 
that  they  had  already  paid  out  £656. 

-  Onions  and  the  Maggot. — Having  regard  to  the  absolute 

freedom  from  the  maggot  of  Onion  plants  raised  from  autumn  sowings, 
it  seems  a  pity  that  it  was  not  the  rule,  more  than  it  now  is,  to  sow 
in  the  autumn  some  of  the  best  keeping  varieties  rather  than  White 
Lisbon,  Rocca,  and  Tripolis.  The  ordinary  spring-sown  varieties  are  just 
as  hardy,  and  certainly  would  keep  very  much  longer.  Such  varieties 
as  Cocoa-nut,  Sutton’s  Globe,  Southport  Red,  and  Crimson  Globe,  all 
the  best  of  keepers,  would  prove  of  great  value  if  grown  from  autumn 
sowings.  The  Tripoli  types  are  mature  to-day,  useless  to-morrow 
whilst  the  sorts  I  have  named  will  keep  till  Christmas.  A  sowing 
made  early  in  April  under  glass  would  give  strong  plants  to  go  out 
at  the  end  of  May,  and  these  would  escape  the  maggot  also.  How 
easy  then  is  it  to  circumvent  this  pest  which  has  done  so  much  harm 
in  our  Onion  breadths,  Surely  these  little  experiments  are  well 
worth  trying.— D, 


492 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  NoTember  30,  18»3. 


-  Cedrela  australis. — The  most  valuable  tree  produced  in  New 

South  Wales  is  the  so-called  Red  Cedar,  Cedrela  australis,  which  owes 
its  common  name  to  the  sweet  smell  of  its  wood.  It  is  much  lighter  in 
weight  than  mahogany,  although  it  bears  considerable  resemblance  to  that 
wood  and  is  used  for  the  same  purposes,  that  is,  for  cabinet  work  and 
furniture  in  general,  and  for  the  fittings  of  buildings,  where  the  cost  is 
not  too  great.  Where  it  is  kept  dry  it  is,  says  a  colonial  contemporary, 
very  durable.  Naturally  of  a  pleasing  red,  it  turns  to  a  deeper  and 
richer  colour  with  age,  and  some  trees  have  a  beautiful  grain.  It  is 
stated  that  extensive  plantations  of  young  Cedar  are  being  made  every 
year  and  are  flourishing  finely. 

-  Death  op  Mr.  Isaac  Dixox.  —  We  regret  to  learn  of  the 

death  and  burial  of  this  well-known  manager  at  Feltham,  Middlesex,  to 
Messrs.  C.  Lee  &  Sons,  the  old  nursery  firm.  The  deceased  had  been  in 
the  firm’s  service  as  manager  some  twenty-five  years,  and  also  undertook 
business  journeys,  so  that  he  was  very  widely  known.  He  was  endowed 
with  great  energy,  and  no  doubt  proved  a  valuable  servant.  We  learn 
that  his  very  unexpected  death  is  attributed  to  his  having  slept  in  a 
damp  bed  at  Ashford  in  Kent  recently,  as  he  returned  home  very  weak, 
and  afilicted  with  great  pain.  The  cause  of  death  seems  to  have  been 
intermittent  fever  and  ague.  His  death  occurred  on  November  18th, 
and  his  funeral  on  the  25th.  This  took  place  amidst  great  demonstra¬ 
tions  of  respect,  a  large  number  of  Freemasons,  of  which  body  he  was  an 
active  member,  also  attending. 

-  The  Royal  Horticultural  Society  and  South 

Kensington. — In  consequence  of  a  leakage  from  the  Council  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  a  rumour  was  circulated  about  a  fortnight 
ago  of  a  proposal  that  the  Society  should  emigrate  to  the  old  region  of 
South  Kensington,  but  under  the  circumstances  we  did  not  think  it 
appropriate  to  make  public  reference  to  the  subject.  As  the  proposal 
was,  however,  freely  spoken  about  in  the  Westminster  Drill  Hall  last 
Tuesday  there  are  no  grounds  for  refraining  from  stating  that  it  is 
understood  that  the  question  for  making  the  Imperial  Institute  the  head¬ 
quarters  of  the  Society  is  under  consideration.  It  would  perhaps  be  con¬ 
sidered  premature  to  discuss  the  matter  in  the  absence  of  authoritative 
information  ;  but  it  may  be  remarked  that  in  the  opinion  of  many 
persons  the  Society  has  of  late  become  more  consolidated,  and  what 
may  be  termed  a  settling  down  policy  has  been  adopted  with  a  gratifying 
measure  of  success.  In  consequence  of  this  there  are  not  wanting 
among  its  supporters  those  who  look  with  a  good  deal  of  concern  to  any¬ 
thing  of  a  disturbing  nature  occurring  through  a  project  of  a  speculative 
character.  Is  not  the  Imperial  Institute  itself  essentially  speculative  ? 
Is  it  sufficiently  consolidated  to  justify  a  move  in  the  direction  in¬ 
dicated  ?  and  will  it  be  safe  to  place  the  Society  under  the  wing  of  a 
body  of  South  Kensingtonian  speculators  ?  These  questions  are  mooted 
as  needing,  what  we  may  expect  they  will  receive,  the  gravest  considera¬ 
tion  before  any  change  that  may  be  of  a  momentous  character  is  finally 
decided  upon.  It  is  tolerably  well  known  that  the  often  dingy  Drill 
Hall  has  no  special  charms  for  us,  but  we  are  bound  to  say  that 
horticulturists  have  adapted  themselves  to  it  almost  better  than  we 
could  have  anticipated,  and  there  are  several  we  suspect  who  at  the 
present  moment  think  it  safer  in  this  reference  to  “  endure  the  ills  we 
have  than  fly  to  others  that  we  know  not  of,”  Possibly  the  Council 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  in  view  of  the  disquieting  rumours 
may  think  it  desirable  to  make  an  official  statement  on  the  important 
subject,  and  show  that  if  a  change  is  intended  there  are  reasons  in  its 
favour  so  strong  as  to  be  practically  irresistible.  N.B. — Since  the 
foregoing  was  in  type  we  are  informed  on  the  best  authority  that  pro¬ 
posals  emanating  from  the  authorities  of  the  Imperial  Institute  have 
been  made  to  the  Council  with  a  view  to  the  removal  of  the  head¬ 
quarters  of  the  Society  to  South  Kensington  ;  a  proposal  which  we  have 
the  satisfaction  of  announcing  was  not  considered  desirable  in  the 
interests  of  the  Society. 


NOTHING  PAYS— A  WAIL. 

We  often  read  glowing  accounts  of  the  profits  and  benefits  to  be 
derived  from  fruit  growing  and  market  gardening.  Personally  I  believe 
there  are  some,  but  not  to  so  large  an  extent  as  some  persons  may 
imagine.  A  market  grower  from  the  west  of  England  called  here  at 
the  early  part  of  this  week.  He  gave  an  exceedingly  doleful  account 
o  the  work.  His  Apples  and  Pears  were  not  worth  gathering,  price 
emg  so  low,  and  bushels  were  spoiling;  the  same  with  Plums  and 
bush  fruits.  He  is  of  opinion  that  London  is  one  of  the  worst  markets 


we  have.  I  note  a  few  wholesale  prices  in  a  western  town .  Peaches, 
large  ones,  lOd.  per  dozen  ;  Grapes,  8d.  per  pound  on  the  18th  November 
(Gros  Colman)  ;  Tomatoes,  3d.  per  pound  ;  Cabbages,  3d.  per  dozen  ; 
Celery,  6d.  per  dozen. 

What  conclusion  can  anyone  come  to  after  reading  the  prices  realised 
with  those  given  in  horticultural  papers,  and  those  charged  by  the 
retailer  ?  Is  it  the  middleman  or  excessive  railway  rates  that  prevent 
the  better  distribution  of  vegetables  and  fruits  about  the  country  ?  The 
grower  above  referred  to  called  at  some  London  retail  shops,  offering 
to  send  to  them  direct,  but  they  preferred  going  to  the  market.  There 
is  no  doubt  that  the  prices  published  from  time  to  time  are  misleading. 
We  need  some  re-arrangement,  so  that  we  can  get  something  more 
authentic.  I  cannot  but  think  that  if  the  working  classes  and  others 
would  spend^more  on  vegetables  and  fruits,  and  less  in  other  question¬ 
able  ways,  they  and  the  country  would  be  better  for  it.  I  may  add 
that  this  west  of  England  grower  does  not  find  Mushrooms  a  paying 
crop.  I  send  his  wail  to  the  Journal  of  HorticulUire. — A.  J.  Brown, 
School  of  Handicraft,  Chertsey . 

[The  west  of  England  grower  is  either  in  an  unsuitable  locality,  has 
unfavourable  soil,  or  in  some  way  is  lacking  in  the  requisites  which 
enable  so  many  growers  of  vegetables  and  fruit  to  pay  £5  an  acre  for 
the  land  and  live,  through  their  good  judgment  and  effective  work,  in 
comfortable  if  not  affluent  circumstances. .  Some  men  are  so  satisfied 
with  growing  first-class  garden  produce  for  sale  that  they  are,  as  far  as 
is  practicable,  extending  their  operations.  We  are  intimately  acquainted 
with  one  market  gardener  who  has  been  working  100  acres  of  land  at  a 
rent  of  £5  an  acre,  who  has  just  taken  twice  the  extent  of  land  ;  also, 
we  are  in  touch  with  a  working  man  who  commenced  with  less  than  an 
acre,  who  is  now  seizing  all  the  vacant  plots  in  his  district  at  Is.  a  rod, 
or  £8  an  acre.  He  does  not  trouble  himself  about  published  prices, 
but  grows  the  best  “stuff”  he  possibly  can,  has  it  ready  as  early  as 
others  (a  little  earlier  if  possible),  and  sells  only  first-class  samples, 
taking  his  chance  about  prices.  There  are  thousands  of  tons  of  garden 
produce  for  which  there  are  no  prices,  and  it  cannot  therefore  pay  for 
growing  and  sending  to  market.] 


CROTON  RUSSELLI. 

As  will  be  seen  by  referring  to  the  accompanying  illustration 
(fig.  71),  this  is  a  distinct  Croton,  and  one  that  will  probably  be 
included  in  most  collections.  The  plant  from  which  the  engraving 
has  been  prepared  was  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton, 
at  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  November  14tb, 
a  first-class  certificate  being  awarded  for  it.  When  well  developed 
the  leaves  are  large  and  the  upper  surface  is  bronzy  green,  richly  spotted 
and  veined  with  yellow  and  red.  The  under  surface  is  bronzy  red.  The 
plant  appears  to  be  of  a  dwarf  habit,  and  will  be  useful  for  decorative 
purposes. 


PRIZES  AT  THE  FORESTRY  EXHIBITION. 

Allow  me  as  one  of  the  “  unfortunate  ”  prizewinners  at  the  late 
Earl’s  Court  Exhibition,  to  add  a  few  remarks  to  “  Exhibitor’s  ”  note, 
page  444.  I  wrote  some  two  months  ago  to  Mr.  H.  Milner,  asking  that 
the  prize  money  due  to  me  should  be  paid,  and  a  few  days  later  received 
a  reply  that  my  letter  should  be  attended  to  in  due  course,  and  although 
in  the  schedule  it  stated  that  all  prizes  would  be  paid  within  a  month  of 
the  Exhibition  I  have  up  to  this  date  received  neither  money  nor  other 
reply.  Like  “  Exhibitor”  I  thought  such  names  as  Mr.  H.  Turner  and 
Mr.  Milner  were  sufficient  guarantee  of  proper  civility  and  respect  being 
shown  to  everyone.  I  know  of  one  exhibitor  whose  expenses  were  con¬ 
siderably  over  £10,  and  who  has  all  along  looked  forward  to  about  as 
much  prize  money  to  repay  him  for  expenses  incurred.  No  reply  what¬ 
ever  has  been  received  by  him  to  his  application  for  the  amount  which 
he  won. 

As  “  Exhibitor  ”  states,  if  anyone  has  received  prize  money  it  would 
be  as  well  to  at  once  say  so,  if  not  I  think  all  should  fall  in  with  his 
suggestion  and  take  the  matter  to  court.  I  will  willingly  give  my  mite 
towards  the  cost,  for  I  feel  confident  that  exhibitors  are  fully  entitled 
to  the  prize  money  due  to  them. 

I  was  painfully  surprised  to  learn  from  “  Exhibitor’s  ”  letter  that  the 
donations  promised  to  the  gardeners’  charities  have  not  yet  been  paid, 
and  I  am  sure  it  will  come  as  a  like  surprise  to  a  great  many  more,  as  I, 
with  many  friends,  had  often  spoken  of  it  as  a  most  benevolent  action 
and  one  deserving  of  the  warmest  praise. 

Surely  Mr.  H.  Turner,  as  the  head  of  a  most  respected  firm,  and 
whose  name  has  often  adorned  the  pages  of  the  Journal,  will  give  us 
some  explanation.  If  the  Exhibition  has  been  a  failure,  what  have  the 
officials  to  lose  by  at  once  saying  so  ?  If,  on  the  other  hand,  they  really 
intend  paying,  why  not  at  once  state  the  cause  of  the  delay,  and  so  settle 


K^vember  30,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


493 


the  matter  ?  No  one  wishes  to  be  unfair,  and  a  few  lines  from  either 
Mr.  H.  Turner  or  Mr.  Milner  would  suffice. — Another  Exhibitor. 

[We  had  pleasure  in  giving  publicity  to  whatever  might  be  calcu¬ 
lated  to  contribute  to  the  success  of  the  Earl’s  Court  Exhibition,  and 
have  now,  therefore,  the  less  hesitation,  in  common  fairness  to  exhibitors, 
to  allow  them  to  draw  public  attention  to  the  position  they  are  in.  The 
letter  of  our  correspondent,  it  will  be  conceded,  is  a  temperate  one,  and 
we  agree  with  him  that  an  explanation  is  due,  and  we  trust  may  be 
forthcoming  under  the  very  unusual  circumstances  now  existing.] 


A  CALL  AT  CHILWELL. 

In  the  last  issue  of  the  Journal  at  page  470  brief  reference  was  made 
to  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson  &  Sons’  Chrysanthemums,  which  are,  however. 


attention  is  being  directed  to  the  fruit,  it  must  not  be  thought  that  the 
remainder  is  being  neglected,  for  such  is  by  no  means  the  case.  Each 
department  is  under  the  personal  supervision  of  one  or  other  •member  of 
the  firm,  cleanliness  and  good  order  prevailing  throughout. 

General  Plants. 

As  the  Chrysanthemums  were  mentioned  last  week  attention  will 
now  be  turned  to  general  plants,  which  are  grown  in  finely  built 
structures  erected  by  the  well-remembered  father  of  the  present  firm 
Mr.  J.  R.  Pearson.  Good  as  are  the  houses  they  are  in  no  way  superior  to 
their  contents,  the  plants  throughout  being  in  perfect  health  and  free 
from  any  signs  of  insect  pests.  For  Zonal  Pelargoniums  the  firm  has 
been  renowned  for  many  years,  and  is  likely  to  be  maintained  if  those 
now  in  bloom  may  be  taken  as  a  criterion.  The  plants  have  been 
flowering  for  months,  and  appear  likely  to  continue  doing  so,  for  they 
are  furnished  with  an  abundance  of  buds.  The  plants  are  mostly  of 


Fig  71.— CROTON  RUSSELLI. 


only  one  of  the  many  excellent  features  of  this  old  established  firm.  It 
is  my  intention  in  these  notes  to  refer  to  the  plant  houses  and  the 
extensive  fruit  tree  nursery,  each  of  which  departments  is  in  admirable 
order  and  replete  with  good  things.  A  visit  to  Chilwell  must  always  be 
full  of  interest,  for  at  all  times  there  is  much  to  see.  During  the  spring 
months  the  Narcissi,  in  which  Mr.  Duncan  Pearson  is  taking  such  an 
interest,  present  a  magnificent  sight,  as  also  do  the  fruit  trees  when  they 
are  bearing  their  delicately  tinted  flowers.  Later  the  greenhouses  will 
afford  sufficient  pleasure  to  repay  a  journey.  Again,  when  fruit  is 
hanging  on  the  trees  one  could  not  do  better  than  pay  a  call,  and  at 
planting  time,  when  fruit  trees  are  being  sent  away  to  all  parts  of  the 
country,  a  spectacle  of  life  and  activity  is  presented  such  as  will  not 
perhaps  be  seen  at  any  other  season  of  the  year.  It  was  at  this  time 
when  my  visit  was  paid.  So  successful  have  Messrs.  Pearson  been  with 
fruit  trees  that  they  are  devoting  every  yard  of  available  land  to  this 
department  of  their  business ;  but  though  such  a  vast  amount  of 


dwarf  habit,  and  the  blooms  of  much  substance,  with  pips  of  perfect 
form  and  heavy  trusses,  which  stand  boldly  out  from  the  foliage. 

On  the  back  wall  of  the  Pelargonium  house,  which  is  a  lean-to  struc¬ 
ture,  is  growing  Asparagus  plumosus.  That  the  position  is  admirably 
suited  to  this  plant  is  evident  by  the  luxuriant  growths  it  is  making, 
and  which  afford  numberless  fronds  for  decorative  purposes  at  all  times, 
but  more  especially  during  the  early  months  of  the  year,  when  Maiden¬ 
hair  Fern  is  somewhat  on  the  wane.  Notwithstanding  the  freedom  with 
which  the  Asparagus  grows,  Messrs.  Pearson  find  it  difficult  to  meet  the 
demands,  their  cut-flower  trade  having  developed  to  an  extraordinary 
extent  during  the  past  few  years.  Eucharises,  too,  are  largely  grown, 
and  are  now  affording  an  abundance  of  their  chastely  beautiful  blossoms, 
which  perhaps  have  no  equal,  and  certainly  no  superior  in  many  phases 
of  decorative  work.  As  a  berried  plant  for  the  embellishment  of  rooms 
Adisia  crenulata  is  splendid.  The  berries  are  brightly  coloured,  and  the 
foliage  of  a  deep  glossy  green.  With  reasonable  care  and  attention 


491 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Kovember  30,  1893. 


these  plants  will  last  in  a  room  in  perfect  condition  for  a  long  time,  and 
it  is  surprising  that  they  are  not  more  popular.  The  stock  at  Chil well 
is  an  extensive  one,  all  the  plants  bearing  the  impress  of  careful  attention 
and  good  health.  On  the  roof  of  one  of  the  intermediate  houses 
Stepbanotis  floribunda  is  growing  wonderfully,  and  must  present  when 
in  full  flower  a  perfect  picture.  I  trust  that  on  my  next  visit  to 
Chilwell  it  will  be  in  this  condition,  for  1  would  much  like  to  see  it. 
Marhchal  Niel  Eoses  are  evidently  a  speciality,  and  are  largely  grown. 
The  plants  are  most  noteworthy  for  the  extraordinary  growth  and  the 
admirable  manner  in  which  the  shoots  are  ripened.  Most  assuredly 
they  will  produce  an  abundance  of  fine  blooms.  The  plants  are,  however, 
grown  for  sale,  and  one  would  think  that  there  were  enough  to  supply 
all  the  growers  in  England,  so  great  is  the  number.  An  unusual  sight  is 
seen  in  the  two  enormous  banks  of  Adiantum,  formed  of  huge,  healthy 
looking  plants,  some  of  the  fronds  of  which  are  of  great  size  and  substance. 

The  collection  of  Orchids  cannot  be  called  an  extensive  one,  but  if 
lacking  somewhat  in  quantity  it  makes  up  in  quality.  Cattleyas, 
Odontoglossums,  and  Cypripediums  are  represented  by  beautiful  plants, 
all  of  which  are  remarkable  for  their  healthy  appearance  ;  but  amongst 
the  Orchids  the  Coelogyne  cristata  must  be  accorded  the  premier 
position.  The  plump  pseudo-bulbs  and  stout  green  leaves  denote 
the  way  the  plants  are  grown,  and  the  condition  they  are  in  at  present. 
They  will  give  a  number  of  beautiful  flowers.  This  does  not 
by  any  means  exhaust  the  list  of  plants  grown,  and  that  well,  at  Chil¬ 
well  ;  but  mention  must  now  be  made  of  the  fruit  trees.  Mr.  C,  E. 
Pearson,  who  takes  charge  of  the  plant  and  flower  department,  must  be 
accorded  a  word  of  praise  for  the  excellent  condition  of  his  charge, 
in  which  it  need  scarcely  be  said  he  takes  the  most  intense  interest. 

FiiuiT  Trees. 

The  fruit  tree  department  is  under  the  active  supervision  of  Mr. 
Alfred  Pearson,  and  the  state  of  the  trees  and  the  ground  throughout  is 
a  striking  evidence  of  his  ability  and  intelligence.  As  in  the  other 
divisions  of  the  firm,  cleanliness  and  good  quality  appear  to  be  the 
objects  striven  after,  and  but  a  glance  suffices  to  prove  how  admirably 
these  are  achieved.  At  this  season  of  the  year  the  fruit  department 
encroaches  on  that  of  the  plants,  inasmuch  as  one  of  the  largest  houses 
is  devoted  entirely  to  a  show  of  Apples  and  Pears,  arranged  in  dishes  on 
a  huge  centre  table.  And  a  sight  they  present  !  All  the  popular 
varieties  are  represented,  but  the  place  of  honour,  both  in  the  house 
and  in  the  hearts  of  the  members  of  the  firm,  is  accorded  to  Newton 
Wonder.  It  is  certainly  a  handsome  Apple,  and  combines  with  its 
good  appearance  other  high  qualities  rarely  found  in  one  variety.  The 
tree  is  a  splendid  cropper,  and  the  fruits  colouring  well  are  in  great 
demand  in  markets.  The  flavour  leaves  nothing  to  be  desired,  and  as  it 
possesses  exceptional  keeping  qualities,  it  is  an  Apple  which  cannot 
fail  to  be  more  largely  grown  than  it  is  at  present.  Thinking  so  highly 
of  it,  the  Chilwell  firm  has  a  grand  stock.  Young  and  old,  trained 
and  untrained  trees  are  there  in  abundance,  ready  to  be  sent  to 
their  customers,  and  practically  certain  to  give  them  satisfaction. 
Amongst  the  other  Apples  to  be  seen  in  the  house  were  Wellington 
(Dumelow’s  Seedling),  Potts’  Seedling,  the  Apple  par  excellence  for 
town  gardens  ;  King  of  the  Pippins,  Blenheim  Orange,  in  superb 
condition  ;  and  Bramley’s  Seedling,  in  splendid  form.  Pears  did  not 
perhaps  show  to  such  exceptional  advantage,  but  this  may  be  accounted 
for  by  the  visitor  still  having  those  beautiful  Apples  in  his  eye.  How¬ 
ever,  some  grand  examples  of  the  leading  varieties  are  noticeable, 
and  the  Potatoes  with  which  the  end  of  the  house  is  occupied  would 
be  a  credit  to  any  exhibition.  Clean  shapely  tubers — some  large, 
others  small,  but  all  firm  and  good — are  there  in  abundance. 

From  the  show  of  fruit  a  walk  of  ten  or  fifteen  minutes  brings 
us  to  the  fruit  tree  nursery,  and  here  on  every  side  are  seen  the 
signs  of  a  busy  time.  Thousands  of  trees  have  been  taken  up, 
and  yet  thousands  remain.  The  stock  of  trees  is  a  very  extensive  one. 
Upwards  of  thirty  acres  are  entirely  devoted  to  them,  and  the  trees 
throughout  are  in  splendid  condition.  Horizontally  trained  trees  are  a 
great  feature  at  Chilwell,  and  as  all  are  trained  to  a  uniform  measure, 
it  will  readily  be  imagined  that  their  appearance  is  first-rate.  Trained 
trees  are  there  in  all  sizes,  from  the  smallest  up  to  the  giant  which  is 
ready  to  fill  a  blank  in  the  garden  and  commence  cropping  at  once.  No 
fear  need  be  felt  as  to  the  advisability  of  buying  such  large  specimens, 
for  they  have  been  regularly  transplanted,  and  will  lift  with  an 
abundance  of  those  healthy  fibrous  roots  which  are  so  essential.  The 
trees  are  beautifully  trained,  and  present  an  excellent  appearance. 

Plums  are  represented  by  the  thousand,  and  are  carrying  splendid 
wood,  rich  in  promise  of  future  crops.  This  is  in  fact  applicable  to  all 
the  trees  in  the  nursery,  for  the  shoots  throughout  are  stout  and 
perfectly  ripened.  The  standards  are  magnificent  trees  and  cover 
some  acres  of  ground.  The  stems  are  straight,  clean  and  sturdy, 
every  one  having  had  a  stake  attached  to  it.  This  will  readily  be 
recognised  as  a  stupendous  task,  but  it  is  only  following  what  appears 
to  be  a  rule  of  the  firm — do  everything  well.  Damsons,  Apples,  Pears 
and  Plums,  all  are  worth  going  to  Chilwell  to  see.  It  would,  of  course,  be 
impossible  to  particularise  the  varieties  of  fruits  grown  at  Chilwell,  their 
name  is  legion.  No  variety  possessing  good  qualities  is  omitted  from 
the  collection,  all  receiving  alike  the  same  excellent  and  thorough 
culture.  Grown  on  thoroughly  prepared  soil,  better  specimens  could 
not  be  wished  for.  I  spent  a  delightful  time  at  Chilwell,  for  there  is 
much  to  see  and  much  to  learn,  and  the  hearty  welcome  accorded  makes 
one  feel  at  home  at  once.  Let  all  readers  of  the  Journal  who  can 
possibly  do  so  visit  Chilwell,  they  will  be  courteously  received  and  see 
much  which  cannot  fail  to  be  of  benefit  to  them  in  the  future. — Nomad. 


The  Eose  in  1893, 

{Concluded  from  page  465.') 

As  1  said  last  week,  1893  was  not  an  amateur’s  year,  and,  therefore, 
we  have  no  such  record  of  success  as  that  of  the  Eev.  J.  H.  Pemberton 
some  years  ago,  when  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  season  he 
carried  all  before  him.  But  it  was  different  with  the  professional 
growers.  Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  besides  the  challenge  trophies  already 
alluded  to,  carried  off  every  first  prize  for  seventy-twos  in  the  kingdom, 
a  record  unique  in  itself  and  of  which  they  may  be  justly  proud.  This 
prowess  of  the  northern  growers  was  kept  up  to  the  very  last,  and  at  the 
Show  at  the  Agricultural  Hall  at  the  end  of  August  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons 
of  Aberdeen  staged  a  remarkably  fine  collection  of  blooms,  remarkable  for 
their  substance  and  brightness  of  colour.  The  Tea  Eoses  were,  as  might 
have  been  expected,  exhibited  well,  but  the  glory  of  the  victory  had 
passed  from  west  to  east,  and  while  Somerset  and  Hereford  were  out  of 
it  Bast  Anglia  carried  all  before  it  and  the  flowers  of  the  Eevs.  Foster 
Melliar  and  H.  A.  Berners  will  not  be  soon  forgotten.  Some  of  the  Teas 
were  exceptionally  fine ;  never  have  Marie  Van  Houtte  and  Madame 
Cusin  been  exhibited  as  they  were  this  year.  The  bloom  of  the  latter 
shown  by  Eev,  Foster  Melliar  at  the  National  was  certainly  never 
equalled  in  any  exhibition  on  this  side  of  the  Channel. 

Madame  Hoste  has  fully  j  ustified  the  expectations  of  those  who  thought 
that  it  only  required  time  to  win  its  way.  A  doubt  still  hangs  over 
Ernest  Metz  as  to  whether  it  has  got  that  constancy  which  exhibitors 
look  for  ;  of  its  beauty  there  can  be  no  question.  Whilst  writing  about 
Teas  one  cannot  forbear  alluding  to  the  excellent  manner  in  which 
Mr.  Geo.  Mount  of  Canterbury  has  exhibited  this  year.  In  a  season 
when  so  early  and  so  warm  a  place  as  Canterbury  must  have  severely 
tried  him,  he  has  brought  forward  his  Teas  from  the  very  earliest  to  the 
latest  shows  ;  his  blooms  have  been  always  fresh  and  of  good  substance, 
and  his  stands  have  always  contained  the  best  leading  varieties.  Two 
other  nurserymen  who  have  occupied  a  more  prominent  place  than  here¬ 
tofore  are  Messrs.  Merryweather  of  Southwell  and  Messrs.  Prior  &  Son 
of  Colchester. 

Passing  away  now  from  this  rapid  review  of  the  season’s  Eoses  as  far 
as  exhibition  varieties  are  concerned,  let  us  ask  in  what  way  it  has 
influenced  what  are  ordinarily  termed  garden  Eoses,  These  comprising 
Hybrid  Chinas,  Hybrid  Bourbons,  Gallicas,  and  most  single  Eoses,  were 
over  long  before  the  exhibition  season  commenced,  and  consequently 
the  display  of  them  at  our  shows  was  in  most  cases  deficient.  Some  very 
beautiful  stands  it  is  true  were  shown,  but  not  in  the  quantity  that  one 
would  have  desired.  And  in  truth  the  Eose  season  in  our  gardens  was 
a  very  short  one,  but  what  we  lost  in  July  has  been  largely  made  up 
for  us  by  the  profusion  and  excellent  quality  of  the  flowers  in  September 
and  October.  I  have  seen  Hybrid  Perpetuals  which  have  equalled  the 
July  flowers,  while  of  Teas  the  display  has  been  marvellous.  The 
excellence  of  the  flowers  could  not  have  been  surpassed  even  in  their 
normal  blooming  season,  and  the  same  account  reached  me  from  all 
quarters.  And  even  as  late  as  October  25th  I  could  gather  fresh 
coloured  and  good  sized  blooms  from  my  own  small  collection. 

Perhaps  the  most  noticeable  fact  with  regard  to  the  excellence  and 
number  of  Eoses  in  October  was  furnished  by  the  Oyster  Feast  at 
Colchester,  when  the  tables  were  decorated  by  upwards  of  4000  blooms, 
and  although  I  was  not  there  to  see,  being  obliged  to  refuse  the  invita¬ 
tion,  yet  I  am  told  that  the  flowers  were  exceptionally  good,  and  the 
effect  very  striking.  Colchester,  too,  possesses  in  Mrs.  Orpen  one  whose 
taste  in  decoration  has  been  proved  so  frequently,  and  1  believe  she 
helped  not  a  little  to  carry  out  the  arrangements  ;  at  least  I  am  told  it 
was  her  hand  which  made  the  buttonhole  bouquets  with  which  each 
guest  was  furnished. 

In  one  respect  the  dry  season  has  been  propitious.  Most  of  the  shows 
have  been  held  under  favourable  circumstances  as  regards  weather  with 
the  somewhat  unfortunate  exception  of  the  day  on  which  the  provincial 
Show  of  the  N.E.S.  was  held  at  Worksop,  and  yet  with  all  that  I  hear 
ominous  sounds  with  regard  to  the  probable  endurance  of  many  of  them. 
It  will  be  a  matter  I  am  sure  of  the  sincerest  regret  if  the  contemplated 
breaking  up  of  the  Eeigate  Association  takes  place.  I  have  been  told 
by  several  who  have  attended  many  of  the  exhibitions  that  Eeigate 
stood  easily  this  year  in  front  of  all.  Sad  that  it  should  be  the  last 
note  of  the  dying  swan.  How  many  pleasant  days  have  we  spent  there, 
and  what  a  home  of  thoroughly  good  rosarians  it  was.  Can  one  ever 
forget  the  pleasant  meetings  at  the  late  Mr.  Baker’s,  and  after  his  death 
the  gatherings  round  Mr.  Hayward’s  hospitable  board?  But  times  are 
altered.  Mr.  Baker  passedaway  some  years  ago,  Mr.  Waterlow’s  beautiful 
place  at  Great  Doods  is  in  the  market,  Mr.  John  Pawle  has  left  Eeigate, 
Mr.  Sargent  and  Mr.  West  have  pretty  well  given  up  exhibiting,  Mr, 
Wollaston  has  long  since  retired,  and  when  such  defections  as  these  take 
place  we  all  know  how  difficult  it  is  to  revive  an  interest.  On  the 
other  hand,  new  societies  spring  up.  The  enthusiasm  for  the  Eose  does 
not  seem  to  diminish  ;  as  some  of  the  veterans  fall  out  of  the  ranks  young 
and  active  recruits  take  their  place,  and  yet  one  asks  with  some  degree  of 
misgiving,  Where  are  the  successors  of  the  giants  to  come  from  ?  Ever  and 


November  30,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


496 


anon  we  hear  oE  some  new  amateur  going  largely  in  for  Roses,  as  in  the 
case  of  Mr.  Tate  of  Leatherhead  and  Mr.  Machin  at  Worksop,  and  we 
can  only  hope  that  many  more  of  the  same  character  may  come  forward, 
and  that  the  Ruse  amateurs  of  the  future  may  be  worthy  successors  of 
the  Jowetts  and  Bakers,  the  Halls  and  Whitwells  of  former  days. — 
D.,  Deal. 


PEARS  IN  1893. 

The  late  summer  and  autumn  fruits  are  nearly  over,  but  it  is  no 
wonder  after  such  a  summer  of  agreeable  sunshine.  Take  Pears  for 
instance.  With  us  Doyenn6  d’Et4,  Beurr6  Giffard,  and  Jargonelle,  three 
of  the  earliest,  were  all  ripe  in  July.  Williams’  Bon  Chr§tien,  usually  a 
late  August  and  September  Pear,  was  on  a  south  wall  fit  to  gather  the 
end  of  July,  and  fit  to  eat  the  first  week  in  August  ;  but  trees  of  it  in 
the  open,  and  on  a  wall  with  a  north  aspect,  kept  the  supply  on  till  the 
middle  of  September.  This  deservedly  popular  variety  should  be  planted 
in  this  latter  position,  if  there  is  space  to  spare.  Louis  Bonne  of  Jersey, 
Beurr4  Bose,  and  Marie  Louise  were  good,  and  suitable  for  use  a  month 
before  the  usual  time,  so  also  was  Duchesse  d’Angouleme. 

I  saw  some  fine  French  Duchesses  in  a  fruiterer’s  shop  in  August’ 
General  Todleben,  Forelle,  Beurr4  Diel,  Doyenn4  du  Comice,  and  Brown 
Beurr4  were  all  good,  but  they  are  over  now ;  and  Glou  Morceau  is  in 
use,  when  it  has  usually  come  in  at  Christmas  time.  The  same  may  be 
said  of  Josephine  de  Malines,  a  splendid  Pear  when  grown  against  south 
walls.  Beurr4  Ranee  is  not  ripe  yet,  and  will  prove  serviceable.  The 
free-bearing  Nec  Plus  Meuris  is  not  a  very  large  Pear,  but  the  quality  is 
likely  to  be  good  this  year.  Many  of  them  will  be  ripe  in  December, 
and  possibly  will  last  through  January.  There  was  no  crop  on  Crasanne 
this  year,  when  there  is  I  have  found  it  good  for  January. 

A  large  bush  of  Nec  Plus  Meuris  this  year  produced  3  bushels  of  clean 
fruit.  Bergamotte  Esperen,  the  latest  of  all  kinds  with  me,  planted  as 
an  orchard  standard  produced  nearly  4  bushels,  half  of  which,  if  they 
finish  in  the  fruit  room,  will  be  fit  for  dessert,  the  rest  will  be  rather 
small.  These  two  last  kinds  should  be  in  every  collection  of  Pears  for  a 
late  supply,  although  it  is  not  every  year  that  we  have  so  favourable  for 
Pears. 

A  free-bearing,  medium-sized  Pear  for  kitchen  purposes  I  find  in 
Bellissime  d’Hiver,  and  will  remain  in  use  for  a  long  time.  The  fruit 
comes  very  even  and  clean  as  an  orchard  tree,  none  very  large,  and  no 
very  small  ones. — A.  Harding. 


Though  I  have  no  complaint  to  register  with  regard  to  Apples,  and 
I  hope  to  have  a  sufficient  supply  as  long  as  usual,  in  the  case  of  Pears 
I  am  not  so  sanguine.  Not  that  the  fruit  is  keeping  worse  than  usual, 
for  unless  in  the  case  of  those  that  have  been  pecked  by  birds  it  is 
keeping  very  well  ;  but  the  fruit  is  ripening  so  abnormally  early  that 
there  is  no  likelihood  of  there  being  a  supply  to  the  usual  time.  For 
instance,  our  Marie  Louise  is  now  over,  and  in  former  years  there  was 
no  difficulty  in  keeping  it  till  Christmas.  Winter  Nelis,  a  variety 
which  was  wont  to  be  in  use  during  January  and  part  of  February,  is 
now  ripening,  and  I  sent  in  the  first  dish  on  November  2l8t.  Van 
Mons  L4on  Leclerc  is  quite  ripe  ;  Easter  Beurre  and  Beurr4  Ranee  are 
softening.  There  is  one  redeeming  feature  however,  and  that  is  the 
splendid  flavour  most  varieties  developed.  I  do  not  remember  Pears 
ever  to  have  been  so  richly  flavoured  before,  sorts  that  were  only  fit 
for  stewing  in  most  seasons  being  this  year  really  well-flavoured. — B. 

Pears  verstis  Peaches, 

The  article  on  Pears  versus  Peaches  by  “  0.,”  in  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture,  September  21st  (page  259),  has  brought  out  some  different 
opinions.  It  may  interest  readers  to  learn  that  I  had  occasion  to  buy 
Peaches  the  first  week  in  September.  There  were  a  great  number  that 
could  not  be  sold  at  any  price  owing  to  the  glut.  I  paid  from  Is.  to  3s. 
per  dozen.  They  were  of  splendid  colour  and  of  good  flavour.  This  was 
at  Doncaster  during  the  races  ;  a  week  previous  they  could  be  bought 
at  any  price. 

I  had  a  good  crop  of  Pitmaston  Duchess  Pear,  which  I  gathered  a 
week  or  two  after,  and  sold  them  all  in  the  trade  to  sell  again  at 
10s.  per  dozen.  There  was  not  a  fruit  under  a  pound  weight  ;  the 
heaviest  weighed  over  li  lb.  My  employer  was  rather  interested  in 
them  when  growing,  as  he  thought  such  large  Pears  would  be  useless  to 
eat,  but  after  tasting  one  he  said  it  was  one  of  the  best  flavoured  Pears 
he  had  ever  tasted. 

I  was  surprised  when  I  read  “  E.  M.’s  ”  (page  373)  remarks  anent 
Beurre  Diel  being  of  no  flavour.  In  Yorkshire  it  is  perfect  in  flavour. 
We  have  some  grand  fruit  of  it  this  year.  Clapp’s  Favourite,  which  is 
condemned  by  some  as  having  no  flavour,  is  very  good  with  us.  It  must 
be  the  soil,  as  we  never  water  our  trees.  The  past  season  has  just 
suited  the  land,  which  is  on  the  magnesian  limestone.  Durondeau, 
Winter  Nelis,  and  Doyenn4  du  Comice  are  now  in  perfect  condition, 
but  Thompson’s  and  Duchesse  d’Angoul^me  are  no  better  than  a 
Turnip. — Northerner. 

The  Hessle  Pear. 

Referring  to  the  interesting  note  respecting  this  popular  Pear 
from  Mr.  Lord  (page  469),  I  draw  attention  to  the  fact  that  all  round 
London  in  numerous  old  orchards  it  was  evidently  the  one  Pear  for 
market  growth  and  sale.  Nearly  all  the  old  trees  We  still  see  standing 
about  in  the  suburbs  are  of  the  Hessle,  and  young  trees  are  still  largely 
planted.  The  market  men  persist  in  calling  the  variety  “Hazel,”  but 
as  the  calling  things  by  other  than  correct  appellations  is  a  very  common 


feature  in  the  market  trade,  it  rather  than  otherwise  supports  Mr.  Lord’s 
contention  The  tree  is  a  very  handsome  grower,  presenting  in  standard 
form  the  most  perfect  of  pyramidal  heads,  the  young  growth  wearing 
a  drooping  aspect.  It  is  one  of  the  hardiest  of  Pears,  and  should 
make  an  excellent  secondary  stock  for  double  working.  It  is  also  an 
almost  constant  fruiter,  and  although  the  fruits  are  smallish  and  of 
very  poor  quality,  yet  because  they  can  be  gathered  early,  and  are 
abundantly  produced,  seems  to  be  profitable,  and  that  is  all  the  market 
grower  troubles  about. — A.  D. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

November  28th. 

The  meeting  on  this  occasion  was  a  comparatively  small  one,  and  but 
few  exhibits  were  forthcoming.  Some  Orchids  were  staged,  whilst 
Zonal  Pelargoniums  and  Chrysanthemums  made  a  fair  display.  Fruit 
was  only  moderately  represented. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present;  Philip  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair). 
Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr.  Hogg,  T.  F.  Rivers,  H.  J.  Pearson,  Harrison  Weir, 
J.  Cheal,  G.  Goldsmith,  G.  Bunyard,  W.  Warren,  A.  Dean,  A.  H.  Pearson, 

F.  Q.  Lane,  H.  Balderson,  J.  Hudson,  G.  Wythes,  A.  J.  Laing, 

G.  T.  Miles,  and  J.  Wright. 

The  duties  of  the  Committee  were  the  reverse  of  heavy,  but  interest¬ 
ing  and  well-grown  specimens  were  submitted  for  examination.  The 
English  Fruit  Growing  Company,  Hereford,  sent  a  dish  of  very  fine 
Apples,  named  Byford  Beauty.  The  fruit  was  quite  as  large  as 
Warner’s  King,  yet  distinct  from  it,  being  firmer  and  heavier.  They 
were  said  to  have  been  borne  by  an  orchard  tree,  described  as  an 
excellent  grower  and  free  bearer.  Mr.  J.  Watkins,  Pomona  Nurseries, 
Hereford,  also  despatched  fruits,  but  they  had  not  arrived.  This  is  not 
a  new  Apple,  but  is  grown  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Hereford,  and  there 
esteemed.  An  award  of  merit  was  voted  unanimously. 

At  a  meeting  in  September  an  award  of  merit  was  granted  to 
Messrs.  W.  Brown  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries,  Wells,  for  Bartlett's  Glory 
Ai^ple,  the  fruits  of  good  size  and  attractively  coloured.  They  were 
taken  to  Chiswick  for  testing  their  keeping,  but  on  being  examined  now 
were  found  to  be  partially  decayed,  and  consequently  no  advance  was 
made  on  the  September  award.  Mr.  Bunyard  sent  fruits  of  Christmas 
Pearmain,  a  good  sized  conical  fruit  with  a  tender  flesh  and  pleasant 
flavour,  but  over-ripe ;  also  highly  coloured  medium  sized  fruits  of 
Foster’s  Scarlet  Prolific  of  the  Cellini  type  ;  and  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons 
sent  a  dish  of  Ouseley’s  King  of  the  Valley  Apple,  being  in  appearance 
intermediate  between  Queen  Caroline  and  Golden  Noble.  No  awards 
were  made  for  the  varieties  mentioned.  Mr.  T.  Arnall,  Brookside, 
Headington  Hill,  Oxford,  sent  remarkably  large  specimens  of  Uvedale’s 
St.  Germain  Pears.  Twelve  of  the  fruits  grown  by  Mr.  Arnall  weighed 
27  lbs.  6  ozs.,  the  heaviest  Pear  being  3  lbs.  8  ozs.  in  weight.  Eleven 
out  of  the  twelve  fruits  were  placed  on  the  table,  and  a  bronze  Banksian 
medal  was  unanimously  recommended. 

The  Liverpool  Horticultural  Company  sent  bunches  of  the  Ham¬ 
burgh  Colman  Grape.  The  variety  originated  with  Mr.  E.  H.  Woodhall, 
St.  Michael’s,  Scarborough,  and  was  said  to  ripen  a  month  earlier  than 
Gros  Colman  and  flourish  in  cool  vineries.  The  best  bunches  exhibited 
were  produced  from  a  Vine  inarched  on  another  variety  (not  named) 
at  Allerton,  Liverpool ;  but  the  Grapes  were  described  as  the  most 
tasteless  ever  tasted  by  the  Committee.  Some  berries  from  the  original 
stock  were  better,  but  their  appearance,  through  injury  in  transit,  the 
reverse  of  tempting,  and  no  award  could  be  made. 

A  large  and  well-grown  cluster  of  Bananas  (Musa  Cavendish!)  was 
sent  by  Mr.  J.  Quarterman,  gardener  to  C.  E.  Smith,  Esq.,  Silvermere, 
Cobham,  and  a  cultural  commendation  promptly  awarded.  Messrs. 
Chantrier  Freres,  Mortefontaine,  France,  sent  fruits  of  the  Persimmon, 
Diospyros  Kaki,  but  they  were  not  in  good  condition,  and  it  is  very 
rare  indeed,  if  ever,  that  Persimmons  are  placed  before  the  Committee 
in  satisfactory  condition. 

Mr.  G.  Goldsmith,  gardener  to  Sir  E.  G.  Loder,  Bart.,  Leonardslee, 
Horsham,  exhibited  a  very  fine  collection  of  thirty  dishes  of  Apples  and 
twelve  of  Pears,  all  of  first-class  exhibition  quality.  The  Pears  were 
fine  and  the  Apples  beautifully  coloured,  Barnack  Beauty  was  perhaps 
never  seen  in  richer  crimson  garb.  It  would  have  gladdened  the  eyes  of 
Mr.  Richard  Gilbert,  who,  we  think,  “  discovered  ”  this  variety  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Stamford.  A  silver  Knightian  medal  was  unanimously 
recommended  for  this  most  creditable  collection  of  fruit. 

Floral  Committee. — Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  R.  Owen,  Chas.  F.  Druery,  H.  Herbst,  R.  Dean,  G.  Stevens, 
C.  F.  Bause,  C.  J.  Salter,  Geo.  Gordon,  J.  D.  Pawle,  C.  Jeffries,  Jas. 
Walker,  C.  E.  Shea,  T.  Baines,  C.  Noble,  H.  Cannell,  and  Peter  Barr. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park  Nurseries,  Enfield,  staged  a 
collection  of  Cyclamens,  the  plants  in  which  were  sturdy  and  finely 
flowered.  Greenhouse  plants  were  also  staged  by  the  same  firm  (silver 
Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  Henry  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  arranged  a 
collection  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  conspicuous  alike  for  the  perfect 
contour  of  pips  and  large  size  of  the  trusses.  Amongst  the  most  promi¬ 
nent  were  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Launcelot,  Lucrece,  Madame  de  Bondeville, 
King  of  the  Purples,  W.  P.  Wright,  and  Albion.  Chrysanthemums  were 
also"  staged  by  Messrs.  Cannell.  The  blooms  were  of  fine  shape  and 
substance.  Robt.  Flowerday,  C.  Westland,  Judge  Hoit  (award  of  merit, 
see  below).  Golden  Wedding,  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne,  Golden  Ga'e 
(award  of  merit,  see  below),  Mdlle.  Th4rese  Rey,  Robert  Owen,  and 
Madame  Ad.  Girard  were  the  most  noticeable  (silver  Banteian  medal). 


496 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


£  November  30,  1893. 


Mr.  Robert  Owen,  Maidenhead,  showed  some  handsome  Chrysanthe¬ 
mums,  including  Mrs.  John  Gardiner  (award  of  merit),  Mrs. 
J.  Mitchell  (award  of  merit),  Sir  Titus,  Walter  Surman,  E.  L. 
Jamieson,  H.  M.  Pollett  (award  of  merit),  John  Noble,  H.  L. 
Sunderbruck,  Elsie  Walker  (award  of  merit),  Little  Pet  and  Le 
Prince  du  Bois  (award  of  merit).  Mr.  C.  Blick,  The  Warren,  Hayes, 
showed  blooms  of  Chrysanthemum  Helen  Crawford.  Mr.  Salter,  gardener 
to  T.  B.  Haywood,  Esq.,  Woodhatch  Lodge,  Reigate,  showed  magnificent 
flowers  of  Lord  Brooke,  Elmer  d’  Smith  (award  of  merit).  Chrysanthe¬ 
mum  Eric  was  shown  by  Mr.  Duncan,  gardener  to  C.  J.  Lucas,  Esq., 
Wareham  Court,  Horsham.  Mr.  J,  Reynolds,  Netley  Castle,  exhibited 
Chrysanthemum  Lady  Emma.  A  cultural  commendation  was  accorded 
to  Mr.  Blandford,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Haselfoot,  Moorhill,  Southampton, 
for  pots  of  yellow  Chrysanthemums.  Begonia  Madame  Lebourg  was 
shown  by  Mr.  H.  B.  May,  Dyson’s  Lane  Nurseries,  Upper  Edmonton, 
and  it  appears  to  be  a  variety  of  much  promise.  A  first-class 
certificate  was  accorded  to  Mr.  May  for  Acalypha  Macafeena,  which 
is  described  elsewhere.  A  handsome  piece  of  Aglaomorpha  (Polypo¬ 
dium)  Meyeniana  was  also  shown  by  Mr.  May,  and  awarded  a  first-class 
certificate  (see  below).  Mr.  T.  S.  Ware,  Hale  Farm  N  urseries,  Tottenham, 
showed  a  small  collection  of  plants,  and  received  a  vote  of  thanks. 
Lachenalia  pendula,  Leontice  Leontopetalum,  and  Narcissus  mono- 
phyllus  were  represented.  Blooms  of  Lilium  nepalense  were  shown  by 
Messrs.  H.  Low  &  Co. 

The  group  of  foliage  and  flowering  plants  arranged  by  Mr.  G.  Wythes 
improved  what  was  otherwise  a  sparse  meeting.  Calanthe  Veitchi 
superba,  Cypripedium  insigne,  Poinsettia  pulcherrima.  Palms,  Crotons, 
Dracaenas,  and  Ferns  were  all  of  exceptional  merit,  and  well  deserved 
the  silver  Flora  medal  which  was  awarded.  Sterculia  nobilis  in  fruit 
was  shown  by  Mr.  Wythes,  and  received  a  vote  of  thanks.  A  cultural 
commendation  was  accorded  to  Mr.  Latham,  Botanic  Gardens,  Birming¬ 
ham,  for  splendid  piece  of  Callicarpa  purpurea. 

Prizes  were  offered  for  groups  of  Chrysanthemums,  the  first  being 
awarded  to  Mr.  E.  Vince,  gardener,  Highgate  Cemetery.  The  plants 
were  well  grown  and  flowered,  and  included  amongst  others.  Mens. 
Bernard,  Florence  Percy,  Viviand  Morel,  and  Val  d’Andorre  ;  Mr. 
Wythes,  gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Syon  House, 
Brentford,  being  accorded  the  second  position. 

Orchid  Committee.— Present ;  H.  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Dr.  Masters,  Messrs.  Jas.  O’Brien,  H.  M.  Pollett,  Thos.  Statter,  W.  H. 
White,  E,  Hill,  Jas.  Douglas,  T.  B.  Haywood,  and  F.  Sander. 

Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co.,  St.  Albans,  sent  some  choice  Cypripediums, 
including  C.  Lynchianum  (C.  Spicerianum  x  C.  selligerum*  majus), 
C.  Pyrorianum,  Calanthe  Sandhurstiana,  a  bright  rosy  red  flower,  and  a 
basket  of  Calanthe  Victoria  Regina,  tastefully  arranged  with  Asparagus 
plumosus  nanus.  An  award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  this  Orchid,  which 
is  described  elsewhere.  Mrs.  Haselfoot,  Moorhill,  Southampton  (gar¬ 
dener,  Mr.  N.  Blandford),  sent  a  dozen  grand  spikes  of  Cattleya  labiata, 
and  a  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded.  W.  R.  Lee,  Esq.,  Beech  Lawn, 
Audenshaw,  Manchester  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Billington),  sent  Cypripedium 
Leeanum  superbum  and  C.  Mary  Lee  (award  of  merit).  Messrs.  B.  S. 
Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway,  procured  an  award  of  merit  for 
Calanthe  Mylesi,  which  is  described  below.  Walter  Cobb,  Esq.,  Dulcote, 
Tunbridge  Wells  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  Howes)  sent  Cypripedium  x  Cobbianum. 
T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  had  Cypripedium  Fairiano- 
Lawrencianum  (award  of  merit),  and  Lselia  anceps  Amesiana.  A  first- 
class  certificate  was  awarded  for  the  last-named  plant,  and  a  description 
of  it  is  given  elsewhere. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea,  sent  a 
small  collection  of  choice  Orchids.  These  included  Catasetum  Darwini- 
anum  and  Cypripedium  Minos,  for  which  awards  of  merit  were  adjudged. 
The  same  firm  had  a  plant  of  Habenaria  ciliaris,  and  a  botanical  certifi¬ 
cate  was  awarded  for  this.  R.  J.  Measures,  Esq.,  Cambridge  Lodge, 
Camberwell,  secured  an  award  of  merit  for  Cypripedium  insigne  var. 
Illustre,  a  distinct  form.  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  had  a  few 
Cypripediums  and  a  plant  of  Vanda  Sanderiana. 

Certificates  and  Awards  op  Merit. 

Acalypha  Macafeeana  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is  a  splendid  foliage 
plant.  The  largest  leaves  on  the  plant  exhibited  were  nearly  a  foot  in 
length  and  8  inches  wide.  The  upper  surface  is  bright  red  blotched 
brown,  the  under  part  being  also  red  (first-class  certificate). 

Aglaomorpha  QPolypodium')  3Ieyeniana  (H.  B.  May). — This  is  a 
splendid  Fern  from  the  Philippine  Islands.  The  fronds  are  more  than 
2  feet  in  length,  and  a  graceful  habit.  It  is  apparently  a  good  Fern  for 
growing  in  a  basket  (first-class  certificate). 

Calanthe  Mylesi  (B.  S.  Williams  &  Son).  —  A  charming  white 
Calanthe,  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  nivalis  and  C.  Veitchi  (award 
of  merit). 

Calanthe  Victoria  Regina  (F.  Sander  &  Co.). — This  is  an  exceed¬ 
ingly  pretty  form,  and  was  raised  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.  A 
card  on  the  plant  exhibited  stated  “  it  was  probably  from  C.  Veitchi 
and  Limatodes  rosea.”  The  flowers  are  large,  blush  pink,  with  a  faint 
tinge  of  yellow  in  the  throat  (award  of  merit). 

Catasetum  Darwinianum  (J.  Veitch  cSc  Sons)  — A  very  fine  species 
from  British  Guiana.  The  flowers  are  a  curious  mixture  of  brown, 
green,  and  creamy  white  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Le  Prince  du  Bois  (R.  Owen).— -A  splendid 
Japanese  variety  of  a  bright  yellow  shade  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Little  Pet  (R.  Owen). — A  pretty  English-raised 
Pompon,  brownish  red  in  colour  (award  of  merit). 


Chrysanthemum  JSlise  Walker  (R.  Owen). — A  brick  red  Pompon 
edged  with  yellow  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  H.  M.  Pollett  (R.  Owen). — An  English-raised 
seedling  of  Viviand  Morel  type,  fine  fiower,  rich  rosy  pink  (award  of 
merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Mrs.  J.  Mitchell  (R.  Owen). — An  incurved  sport 
from  Empress  Eug4nie.  Flower  medium  sized,  and  of  a  golden  amber 
creamy  shade  faintly  suffused  with  rose  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Mrs.  John  Gardiner  (R.  Owen). — An  incurved 
variety,  clear  yellow,  good  shape. 

Chrysanthemum  Elmer  d'  Smith  (T.  B.  Haywood,  Esq.). — A  large 
Japanese,  dull  erimson,  silvery  reverse  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Golden  Gate  (H.  Cannell  &  Sons). — A  fine  reflexed 
Japanese,  broad  florets,  clear  yellow  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Judge  Holt  (H.  Cannell  &  Sons).  —  A  large 
Japanese  Anemone,  soft  rose  colour  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Mary  Lee  (W.  R.  Lee,  Esq.).  —  This  is  the  result 
of  a  cross  between  C.  Leeanum  and  C.  Arthurianum.  The  dorsal 
sepal  is  large  with  a  deep  white  margin,  spotted  violet  purple.  The 
base  is  green,  spotted  brown.  The  petals  and  lip  are  green,  shaded 
brown  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Fainano-Lawrencianum  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — A  dis¬ 
tinct  hybrid,  being  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Fairieanum  and 
C.  Lawrencianum.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  white  and  green,  heavily  veined 
with  purple.  The  lip  is  bronzy  green,  while  the  petals,  which  droop, 
are  green  spotted  and  margined  purple  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Minos  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is  a  beautiful  hybrid. 
It  is  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Anthurianum  and  C.  Spiceranum. 
The  dorsal  sepal  is  large,  the  greater  portion  white,  densely  spotted 
crimson.  The  lip  is  dark  shining  brown,  and  the  petals  are  yellowish 
green,  veined  brown  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  insigne  var.  Illustre  (R.  J.  Measures,  Esq.). — A  very 
fine  form  of  the  well  known  type.  The  dorsal  sepal  is  yellowish  green, 
covered  with  large  brown  spots,  and  a  distinct  white  tip.  The  lip  is  a 
bright  brown,  tinged  with  yellow,  as  are  the  petals  (award  of  merit). 

Lcelia  anceps  Amesiana  (T.  Statter,  Esq.). — This  is  a  beautiful 
form  of  L.  anceps.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  white,  tinted  rosy  purple. 
The  front  portion  of  the  lip  is  very  richly  coloured,  purplish  magenta, 
the  throat  being  veined  crimson  and  yellow  (first  class  certificate). 


VIOLAS. 

I  HAVE  read  with  much  interest  “  W.  D.’s  ”  contribution  (page  438) 
on  new  Violas.  As  I  cultivated,  very  successfully  for  the  most  part, 
during  last  summer  the  great  majority  of  the  beautiful  varieties  which 
he  so  expressively  characterises,  1  am  perhaps  in  a  position  to  endorse 
his  remarks.  I  may  state  that  the  following  are  my  favourite  Violas, 
which  I  can  strongly  recommend  to  cultivators  of  this  interesting 
flower — Countess  of  Wharncliffe,  Duchess  of  Fife,  Bridesmaid,  Lemon 
Queen,  Edina,  Countess  of  Kin  tore,  H.  M.  Stanley,  White  Duchess, 
White  Flag,  Violetta,  Sylvia,  and  Countess  of  Hopetoun.  Of  these  the 
most  charming  are  Countess  of  Wharncliffe,  delicate  satiny  white  ; 
Violetta,  the  most  graceful  and  highly  perfumed  of  Dr.  Stuart’s  miniature 
Violas,  and  Duchess  of  Fife.  I  think  the  last  mentioned  is  superior 
to  White  Duchess,  which,  unless  in  eomplexion,  it  resembles  very 
much.  It  is  perhaps  heroic  as  well  as  conservative  to  make  this 
assertion,  after  being  assured  by  Mr.  Wm.  Cuthbertson  of  Rothesay,  for 
whose  opinion,  nevertheless,  I  have  the  greatest  respect,  that  White 
Duchess,  which  is  the  latest  production  of  Mr.  Baxter  of  Daldowie  in 
Perthshire,  is  “  the  sweetest  Viola  in  cultivation.” 

Edina,  justly  eulogised  by  Mr.  Wm.  Dean  of  Birmingham  (who  has 
practically  written  the  Viola  into  its  present  popularity),  is,  I  under¬ 
stand,  a  sport  or  variation  from  Countess  of  Kintore.  During  last 
September,  after  keeping  stationary  in  aspect  for  several  months,  it 
began  to  be  eccentric,  and  produced,  to  my  gratification,  several  flowers 
entirely  distinct  from  the  original  “  Edina,”  of  much  darker  colour  and 
velvety  hue. — David  R.  Williamson. 


FLORAL  NOMENCLATURE  —  CURIOUS  SPELLING  OF 

NAMES. 

I  HAVE  read  with  interest  the  paragraphs  which  have  appeared  in 
the  Journal  of  Horticulture  from  time  to  tfime  on  the  above  subject. 
We  all  agree,  I  think,  that  gardeners  are  not  expected  to  be  versed  in 
Latin,  Greek,  German,  and  French ;  but  I  think  the  exhibits  at  our 
'shows  ought  to  be  correctly  labelled  for  the  benefit  of  the^  visitors.  If 
the  exhibitor  cannot  do  it,  surely  the  Secretary  or  some  official  connected 
with  the  arranging  of  exhibits  could. 

In  visiting  some  of  the  recent  Chrysanthemum  shows  I  have  noticed 
the  following,  amongst  others,  inaccurately  spelt,  in  addition  to  the 
writing  being  illegible :  For  Miss  Haggas,  “  Miss  Hageas ;  ”  for  Etoile 
de  Lyon,  “  Etole  de  Loyn  ;  ”  for  Nil  Desperandum,  ”  Nil  Desperande ;  ” 
for  Audiguier,  “  Audeger ;  ”  for  Bahuant,  “  Bahant,”  and  similar  errors 
which  could  easily  have  been  avoided  by  copying  the  names  from  a 
catalogue.  I  hope  gardeners  will  avail  themselves  of  the  opportunities 
now  offered  by  the  County  Councils,  whereby  we  can  improve  our 
knowledge  in  subjects  pertaining  to  gardening. — S.  H. 

I  MUST  disclaim  any  desire  to  make  “West  Anglia”  (page  466) 
appear  responsible  for  the  advocacy  of  a  classical  training  for  gardeners. 


November  30,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


497 


My  point  was,  that  if  one  is  to  be  satisfied  with  nothing  short  of 
perfection  in  the  spelling  and  pronunciation  of  foreign  languages,  such 
training  is  indispensable.  I  had  no  intention  of  charging  “  West 
Anglia”  with  inability  to  correctly  decipher  the  mis-spelt  labels  to  which 
he  referred.  Whilst  allowing  that  the  exhibitor  was  in  fault,  I  suggested 
that  some  of  the  mistakes  read  as  if  the  words  were  copied  from  labels 
on  which  but  a  few  legible  letters  remained.  Of  course  a  gardener 
should  see  that  his  labels  are  always  readable  ;  but  somehow,  especially 
where  single-handed  gardeners  are  employed,  labels  have  a  way  of 
becoming  periodically  obliterated,  and  the  gardener,  whose  time  is 
entirely  occupied  in  the  culture  of  his  charges,  finds  on  the  eve  of  the 
exhibition  that  a  few  isolated  letters  represent  the  name.  Then  comes 
an  attempt  to  copy  the  words  as  near  as  may  be.  This  I  know  from 
experience  is  what  not  infrequently  occurs,  and  I  have,  happily,  been 
sometimes  able  to  help  exhibitors  to  rectify  their  errors  before  the 
advent  of  the  judge.  However,  as  “West  Anglia”  says,  this  is 
negligence,  and  while  not  defending  the  delinquents,  I  ask  for  a  lenient 
judgment.— S.  W.  F. 


Hull  Chrysanthemum  Show,  1894. 

We  learn  that  the  annual  Exhibition  of  the  Hull  and  East  Riding 
Chrysanthemum  Society  will  next  year  be  held  on  November  14th  and 
15th.  Messrs.  G.  Gordon,  E.  Molyneux,  and  J,  Wright  have  been 
invited  to  act  as  judges. 

Mr.  Molyneux  in  Ireland. 

I  SPENT  two  hours  with  Mr.  Molyneux  yesterday  (21st  inst.)  and 
they  were  two  valuable  hours  to  me,  but  I  am  sadly  disappointed  that 
his  first  impressions  of  Ireland  cannot  be  favourable  to  us.  To  me  they 
are  humiliating  ;  brought  over  as  he  has  been  to  an  amateur  society  at 
a  small  place  where  two  rival  shows  are  held.  I  feel  rather  strongly  on 
this  matter,  for  I  was  anxious  that  poor  Ireland  should  be  seen  at  its 
best,  not  at  its  worst,  and  I  do  not  consider  that  the  remains  of  the 
Chrysanthemum  feast  that  have  been  set  before  the  “  Chrysanthemum 
king  ”  have  been  a  dish  worthy  of  him  or  of  us. — Paddy. 

Incurved  Japanese  Chrysanthemums. 

May  I  ask  some  of  your  correspondents  if  L4on  Frache  and  Mdlle. 
Marie  Hoste  belong  to  the  incurved  Japanese  section  1  At  the  Reading 
Chrysanthemum  Show  the  Society  asked  for  twelve  Japanese  incurved, 
distinct,  and  the  stand  that  was  placed  first  had  the  above  mentioned 
varieties  in  the  twelve.  I  did  not  know  they  belonged  to  that  section, 
nor  can  I  find  them  in  the  N.C.S.  catalogue  as  such,  and  the  Reading 
Chrysanthemum  Society  is  afiiliated  with  the  National. — Beginner. 

[If  “  Beginner  ”  refers  to  our  instructions  to  correspondents  on 
page  500  he  will  find  these  words :  “  All  articles  intended  for  insertion 
should  be  written  on  one  side  of  the  paper  only.”] 

An  Amateur’s  Chrysanthemums. 

It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  Chrysanthemums  are  now  grown  nearly 
as  well  by  amateur  cultivators  as  by  most  professional  gardeners,  and, 
in  the  majority  of  cases,  the  former  are  well  represented  at  exhibitions. 
Around  the  metropolis  thousands  of  amateurs  take  a  keen  interest  in 
Chrysanthemums,  and  amongst  others  that  have  come  under  our  notice, 
the  collection  brought  together  by  Mr.  A.  Barrett,  Alexandra  Road, 
Hornsey,  is  deserving  of  mention.  Although  not  an  exhibitor,  this 
gentleman  is  an  enthusiastic  grower,  and  considering  his  comparatively 
brief  experience  in  the  matter,  he  has  managed  to  produce  some  remark¬ 
ably  fine  blooms  of  the  leading  varieties.  The  plants  are  principally 
grown  for  decorative  purposes  and  for  some  weeks  past  Mr.  Barrett  has 
had  a  charming  display  in  the  conservatory  at  his  suburban  residence. 

Chrysanthemum  Chas.  Davis. 

I  THANK  “  P.”  (page  470)  for  his  reply,  but  I  do  not  consider  his 
answer  a  very  satisfactory  one.  The  introducer  of  Chas.  Davis  describes 
the  colour  as  “  clear  rosy  bronze,”  and  a«  such  I  have  seen  many  blooms 
this  season.  The  certificate  was  awarded  to  blooms  of  a  pale  yellow 
slightly  tinged  with  bronze  on  the  outer  florets.  From  “  P.’s”  remarks 
I  gather  that  small  undeveloped  blooms  of  the  orthodox  hue  would  be 
passed  over  for  large  blooms  of  much  less  colour.  If  he  will  refer  to 
my  query  he  will  notice  that  I  stated  the  blooms  which  were  passed 
over  were  “perfect  in  shape,  fresh  and  equal  in  size”  to  the  faded 
blooms  to  which  the  certificate  was  awarded.  I  have  always  understood 
that  fair-sized,  fresh,  highly  coloured  blooms  of  Etoile  de  Lyon,  Mons. 
Bernard,  Viviand  Morel,  and  many  others  counted  many  points  more 
than  larger  paler  blooms  of  the  same  varieties.  I  know  they  are  much 
more  difficult  to  grow.  Surely  size  is  not  the  standard  of  the  N.C.S. 
Floral  Committee. — Querist. 

The  N.C.S.  and  Its  Certificates. 

“  P,"  (page  470),  in  answer  to  my  complaint  of  the  bad  light, 
points  to  the  Drill  Hall,  and  comforts  himself  with  the  idea  that  the 


R.H.S.  are  no  better  off  in  this  respect  than  the  N.C.S.  As  I  think  I 
have  already  seen  quoted  in  the  Journal,  “  two  wrongs  do  not  make  one 
right.”  But  I  cannot  allow  that  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  sit  in  anything  like  such  darkness  as  the  Floral 
Committee  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  did  on  the  8th  inst. 
What  is  more,  the  R.H.S.  meet  at  midday  and  the  N.C.S.  at  a  later  hour. 
When  the  last-named  Committee  rose  on  the  8th  it  was  near  four  o’clock, 
and  hardly  possible  for  those  sitting  at  the  head  of  the  table  to  distin¬ 
guish  those  at  the  bottom.  I  find  the  R.H.S.  are  more  lavish  than  the 
N.C.S.  with  their  certificates  ;  will  the  latter  follow  the  Royal  in  this  ? 
I  hope  not ;  but  according  to  “  P.’s  ”  argument  they  should.  It  may  be 
a  comfort  to  the  N.C.S.  that  the  R.H.S.  are  no  better  off  for  light, 
but  it  will  not  console  those  who  send  blooms  for  certificates. — 
A  Mummer. 

Chicago  Chrysanthemum  Show. 

A  PRIVATE  correspondent  in  Chicago  has  sent  me  a  note  concerning 
the  great  Show  recently  held  at  the  World’s  Fair,  Chicago,  which  he 
says  is  the  largest  they  have  ever  held  there.  The  admission  fee  was 
fifty  cents.,  and  the  takings  at  the  doors  amounted  to  about  £1800 
(9000  dollars).  In  the  “  American  Florist  ”  is  a  long  report  of  the 
proceedings,  by  which  it  appears  that  there  were  exhibits  from  twenty- 
one  different  States  including  Canada,  and  that,  exclusive  of  seedlings 
and  undistributed  kinds,  about  110  varieties  were  staged.  As  may  be 
imagined  most  of  these  were  of  American  origin,  but  it  is  gratifying  to 
find  that  our  Yankee  friends  do  not  wholly  rely  upon  native-raised 
varieties,  and  that  there  was  a  fair  number  of  novelties  from  the  Old 
World  growers.  The  best  of  these  were  Mons.  R.  Bahuant,  Chas.  Davis, 
H.  Cannell,  Jeanne  Delaux,  Domination,  Bertha  Flight,  L’Enfant  des 
Deux  Mondes,  Kate  Mursell,  Robert  Owen,  Mdlle.  Thbrese  Rey,  William 
Seward,  Source  d’Or,  and  Viviand  Morel. 

Most  of  the  cut  blooms  appear  to  have  been  set  up  in  vases,  some¬ 
times  fifty  in  each,  and  illustrations  are  given  of  the  collections  staged 
by  the  leading  prizewinners. — P. 

Certificated  Chrysanthemums. 

On  Wednesday,  the  22nd  inst.,  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  National 
Chrysanthemum  Society  held  a  meeting  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  when 
Mr.  Geo.  Gordon  occupied  the  chair.  There  were  some  remarkably  fine 
exhibits  submitted  for  adjudication,  and  the  principal  awards  were  as 
follows  : — A  silver  medal  to  Mr.  Robert  Owen  of  Maidenhead  for  an 
excellent  collection  of  novelties,  principally  English  seedlings.  A  silver 
medal  to  M.  Ernest  Cal  vat  for  an  interesting  collection  of  his  seedlings 
raised  this  year,  and  which,  in  spite  of  the  long  journey  from  Grenoble, 
had  arrived  in  very  much  better  condition  than  some  of  the  previous 
ones  sent.  A  bronze  medal  to  Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons  for  a  collection 
of  cut  Chrysanthemums,  in  which  were  some  attractive  novelties. 

First-class  certificates  were  granted  to  the  following  : — 

William  Tunnington  (R.  Owen). — A  very  large  incurved  flower,  colour 
deep  golden  bronze  and  crimson. 

Mrs,  T.  Denne  (R.  Owen). — An  American  raised  incurved  Japanese 
variety  of  good  size  and  substance.  Colour  a  deep  rosy  purple. 

Prince  du  Bois  (R.  Owen). — This  is  a  large  globular  Japanese  flower, 
with  narrow,  curly  florets  of  pure  yellow. 

Golden  Gate  (R.  Owen). — A  Japanese  with  spreading  florets,  a  large 
bloom,  colour  deep  bronzy  yellow,  and  the  petals  of  considerable  length. 

Cecil  Ray  (E.  Beckett). — An  English  raised  variety.  A  fine  Japanese 
flower  with  long,  flat  florets,  colour  pure  yellow. 

Mdlle.  Carnot  (E.  Cal  vat). — This  variety  is  one  of  the  largest  French 
seedlings  we  have  seen.  The  florets  are  pure  white,  rather  grooved  and 
curly,  and  the  bloom  very  full. 

Professor  Lachnan  (E.  Calvat.) — An  incurved  Japanese.  Colour 
purple  amaranth,  with  a  rosy  reverse. 

There  were  many  other  large  and  attractive  flowers,  but  unfortu¬ 
nately  they  were  inclined  to  be  somewhat  rough  and  coarse.  Le  Colosse 
Grenoblois  was  simply  gigantic,  but  its  condition  precluded  the 
Committee  from  dealing  with  it  beyond  expressing  a  wish  to  see  it 
again.  Deuil  des  Jules  Ferry,  a  rosy  amaranth  Japanese,  and  President 
Leon  Say,  a  golden  and  chestnut  bronze  flower,  were  commended,  both 
being  in  M.  Calvat’s  collection  with  the  one  previously  mentioned. 
Celtic,  an  attractive  Anemone,  colour  rosy  chocolate.  President  W,  R. 
Smith,  a  pale  blush  incurved  Japanese  ;  Niveus,  a  white  American 
Japanese  ;  E.  L.  Jamieson,  a  bright  crimson  Japanese  ;  Elsie  Walker, 
a  pretty  orange  bronze  Pompon,  all  in  Mr.  Owen’s  collection,  were  also 
commended.  Wm.  Kendall,  a  reflexed  Pompon,  rosy  mauve  and  white, 
was  another. 

Some  fine  looking  incurved  blooms  were  staged,  the  best  being  Mrs. 
J.  Gardiner,  which  the  Committee  thought  too  closely  resembled  Mrs. 
Coleman.  Lord  Rosebery,  a  large  purple  bloom  of  good  size,  was 
considered  to  approach  too  nearly  to  Violet  Tomlin. 


CHRYSANTHEMUM  SHOWS. 

CHESTER  PAXTON  SOCIETY.— November  21st  and  22nd 

This  Exhibition,  held  in  the  Town  Hall  on  the  2l8t  and  22nd  inst., 
was  one  of  the  best  the  Society  has  brought  together.  The  exhibits 
from  point  of  numbers  and  quality  exceeded  anything  that  had  been 
seen  in  the  old  city  before.  This  is  all  the  more  creditable  from  the  fact 
that  the  Society  started  in  a  comparatively  small  way  four  years  ago  at 
the  Grosvenor  Museum,  and  also  when  it  is  remembered  that  such  fine 


498 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  November  30,  1893. 


shows  of  fruit  and  Chrysanthemums  are  held  so  near  as  Liverpool.  The 
groups  of  Chrysanthemums  arranged  for  effect  were  very  good,  there 
beint^  a  lightness  and  graceful  blending  of  colours  about  them,  the  want 
of  which  often  mars  more  pretentious  groups. 

The  competition  in  the  cut  bloom  classes  was  very  keen,  there  being 
some  fine  blooms  of  Princess  of  Wales,  Violet  Tomlin,  Lord  Wolseley, 
Mrs.  Heale,  and  Golden  Empress  among  the  incurved,  and  Viviand 
Morel,  B.  Molyneux,  Lord  Brooke,  Sunflower,  Etoile  de  Lyon,  and  Colonel 
W.  B.  Smith  among  the  Japanese. 

Apples,  which  are  usually  well  grown  in  Cheshire,  were  exhibited  in 
grand  form.  The  County  Council  through  its  lecturers  (four  of  which 
by  the  way  are  leading  members  of  the  Paxton  Society)  are  doing  all 
they  can  to  encourage  this  branch  of  fruit  culture.  In  the  classes  for 
Pears  the  effects  of  the  past  summer,  and  the  now  general  complaint  of 
fruit  not  keeping  well,  were  very  manifest  by  the  absence  of  some  of 
the  best  dessert  varieties. 

The  Society’s  silver  medal  for  the  best  fifty  dishes  of  Apples 
brought  two  fine  exhibits,  one  from  Mr.  J.  Watkins,  Pomona  Farm, 
Hereford,  and  the  other  from  Mr.  Bunyard,  Kent,  which  for  size, 
quality,  and  finish  would  be  difficult  to  beat,  and  it  is  very  doubtful  if  a 
finer  table  of  Apples  has  been  exhibited  anywhere  this  season  than  these 
made.  The  former,  however,  won  the  medal  by  a  few  points  in  colour. 

In  the  evening  a  Fruit  Conference  was  held,  the  ex-Mayor  presiding, 
when  papers  was  read  by  Mr.  E.  S.  Baillie,  F.L.S.,  on  “Fruit  and 
Fruit  Growing.”  Mr,  Watkins  followed  with  one  on  “  Gathering, 
Storing,  and  Marketing  Apples  and  Pears,”  after  which  Mr.  Newstead 
gave  the  results  of  “  Recent  Investigation  on  the  Currant  Bud  Mite.” — 
M.  F.  B.,  Eaton. 

SUTTON  COLDFIELD.— November  22nd. 

The  Sutton  Coldfield  Gardeners’  Association  is  an  offshoot  from  the 
Birmingham  Gardeners’  Association,  and  was  formed  because  of  the 
inconve^nience  to  many  in  going  to  Birmingham  to  the  meetings.  It  is 
an  admirably  worked  affair,  and  many  young  men  engaged  in  gardening 
have  joined.  As  the  Chrysanthemum  has  “caught  on”  at  Sutton  and 
in  the  district,  an  annual  Exhibition  takes  place,  and  there  has  been 
such  a  marked  improvement  in  the  cultivation  of  them,  that  a  small  but 
excellent  show  was  produced  on  the  22nd  inst.  in  the  Town  Hall 
of  Sutton  Coldfield. 

Four  excellent  groups  were  arranged,  the  first  prize  going  to  Mr. 
J.  G.  Pears,  gardener  to  J.  D.  Rippingille,  Esq.;  second,  Mr.  R.  Popnell, 
gardener  to  W.  H.  Tonks,  Esq.  ;  third,  Mr.  James  Padbury,  gardener  to 
R.  H.  Bunn,  Esq. ;  fourth,  Mr.  Albert  Jeffs,  gardener  to  H.  E.  Yates, 
Esq.  In  the  class  for  smaller  groups  where  only  one  gardener  is  kept, 
Mr.  H.  Warren,  gardener  to  J.  H.  Lloyd,  Esq.,  was  first. 

A  few  well  grown  plants  in  pots  were  staged,  cut  back,  bushy,  and 
well  cultivated,  averaging  from  2  to  3  feet  through,  a  marked  improve¬ 
ment  on  the  old  tying  down  system,  and  the  Japanese  varieties  grown 
in  this  natural  style  were  very  effective.  Mr.  Pea-;e  was  first  in  the 
classes  for  these. 

The  cut  blooms  were  not  numerous,  but  some  fine  ones  were  staged, 
and  here  again  Mr.  Pease  was  first  for  twelve  Japanese  blooms  ;  second, 
Mr.  A.  Jenkins,  gardener  to  A.  W.  Wills,  Esq.,  J.P. ;  third,  Mr.  A.  T. 
Bath,  gardener  to  C.  H.  Pugh,  Esq.  In  the  class  for  twenty-four  blooms, 
twelve  incurved  and  twelve  Japanese,  Mr.  Hughes,  gardener  to  W.  L. 
Hodgkinson,  Esq.,  was  first  ;  second,  A.  W.  Wills,  Esq. 

Some  good  Primulas,  specimen  stove  or  greenhouse  plants  and  table 
plants  were  staged  for  prizes,  in  another  class  of  members,  where  only 
one  gardener  is  employed.  Mr.  Popnell  was  first  ;  Mr.  George,  gardener 
to  E.  T.  Shannon,  Beq.,  second  ;  and  Mr.  Clark,  third. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Wills,  who  has  been  an  Orchid  cultivator  for  years,  sent 
a  group,  not  for  competition,  including  some  Cypripediums  and  Den- 
drobiums,  and  Phalsenopsis  ;  and  Mr.  Groves,  the  Hon.  Secretary,  sent 
from  his  nurseries  a  large  group  of  Chrysanthemums  and  cut  blooms. 

The  vegetables  were  a  striking  feature  of  the  Exhibition,  many  of 
them  being  of  exceptional  quality.  Collections  in  the  open  class  for 
members  were  both  numerous  and  of  excellent  quality.  Mr.  T.  Garland, 
gardener  to  C.  Rhodes,  Esq.,  was  first ;  Mr.  Popnell  second  ;  Mr.  T. 
Huxley  third. 

Still  another  class  for  six  varieties  of  vegetables,  for  members  who 
have  no  greenhouse,  and  some  excellent  exhibits  were  staged.  Mr.  J. 
Deville,  Mancy,  Sutton  Coldfield,  was  first ;  second,  Mr.  Joseph 
Horton  ;  third,  Mr.  George  Gibbs.  Mr.  Deville  was  first  for  six  Parsnips 
of  great  size  and  finish  ;  also  first  with  the  finest  Leeks  in  the  Exhibition, 
and  of  great  weight.  Mr.  W.  Halford,  the  Royal  Hotel,  Sutton  Cold¬ 
field,  was  first  for  six  dishes  of  Potatoes,  good  clean  tubers  of  Inter¬ 
national,  Vicar  of  Laleham,  Sutton’s  Abundance,  Paragon,  Mr.  Breesee, 
and  Prizetaker. 

Each  year  prizes  are  offered  for  collections  of  fungi,  and  this  season 
two  somewhat  extensive  collections  were  staged.  First,  Mr.  George 
Gibbs  ;  second,  Mr.  A.  Horton,  both  working  men  employed  on  the  rail¬ 
way.  Botany  is  encouraged  by  the  Committee  of  the  Association,  and 
Mr.  Groves  is  a  thoroughly  good  leader  as  well  as  Secretary,  and  the 
adjacent  park  and  woods  of  about  1800  acres,  rather  rich  in  choice 
British  plants,  afford  a  good  hunting  ground  for  the  members.  The 
Association  possesses  a  small  but  very  useful  library  of  gardening 
books,  and  only  members  are  allowed  to  exhibit  for  prizes  at  the 
November  Show. 

BARFORD.— November  23rd  and  24th. 

The  second  annual  Chrysanthemum  Show,  which  was  held  at 
Barford  Hill,  was  a  decided  improvement  on  that  of  last  year  and 


there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  Show  which  will  rapidly  increase 
in  importance  has  been  successfully  inaugurated.  Financial  difficulties 
which  so  many  young  societies  encounter  are  entirely  absent  in  this 
instance,  thanks  to  the  liberality  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith-Ryland,  who 
also  evince  great  personal  interest  in  the  arrangements,  which  are 
admirably  carried  out  by  Mr.  J.  Gourlay,  the  energetic  Secretary. 

Chief  interest  was  centred  in  the  cut  bloom  classes  in  which 
Mr.  H.  Dunkin,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Warwick,  Castle  Gardens, 
Warwick,  secured  the  premier  position  for  both  twelve  incurved,  and 
also  for  the  same  number  of  Japanese  in  distinct  varieties.  The 
competition  in  the  latter  class  was  particularly  close,  each  exhibitor 
having  excellent  stands  of  blooms.  Mr.  Finch,  gardener  to  W.  R. 
Mann,  Esq.,  Leamington,  was  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Liney,  gardener  to 
W.  M.  Low,  Esq.,  WilleSbourne  House,  third.  For  six  incurved  distinct, 
Mr.  Finch  was  first,  Mr.  Dunkin,  second,  and  Mr.  Liney,  third.  For  a 
similar  number  of  Japanese,  Mr.  Dunkin  was  again  to  the  front, 
followed  by  Mr.  Liney  and  Mr.  Skelcher,  gardener  to  B.  K.  Little,  Esq., 
Newbold  Pacey,  Warwick,  each  exhibitor  having  excellent  blooms. 
Mr.  F.  Williams  was  first  for  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums.  Mr.  Finch 
occupied  a  similar  position  for  bouquet  of  Chrysanthemums,  and 
Mr.  Skelcher  for  a  cross. 

Table  plants  were  well  shown,  the  first  prize  going  to  Mr.  J.  Simpson, 
gardener  to  W.  M.  Smythe,  Esq.,  The  Lawn,  Warwick,  the  same 
exhibitor  securing  first  honours  for  three  dishes  of  dessert  Apples,  and 
second  for  black  Grapes,  an  equal  second  being  also  awarded  to  Mr. 
Liney.  Mr.  Finch  was  placed  first  for  both  black  and  white  Grapes  and 
culinary  Apples  (three  dishes),  while  for  the  same  number  of  Pears  Mr. 
L.  Skelcher  occupied  the  post  of  honour. 

Non-competing  exhibits  made  a  fine  display.  Foremost  among  them 
must  be  noticed  the  numerous  stands  of  splendid  Japanese  flowers  staged 
by  Mr.  R.  Jones,  gardener  to  C.  A.  Smith-Ryland,  Esq.,  Barford  Hill, 
which  made  an  imposing  display.  Two  grand  bunches  of  perfectly 
coloured  Gros  Colman  Grapes  and  two  of  Alicante  were  staged  by  Mr. 
J.  Ketly,  Castle  Nursery,  Warwick,  who  also  exhibited  a  fine  dish  of 
Tomatoes,  culture  of  the  highest  excellence  being  apparent  in  each 
exhibit.  Mr.  F.  Perkins  of  Leamington  arranged  an  attractive  group  in 
good  style. 

ECCLBS,  PATRICROFT,  PENDLETON,  AND  DISTRICT. 

November  24th  and  25th. 

The  seventh  annual  Exhibition  of  the  above  Society  was  held  in 
the  Drill  Hall,  Patricroft,  on  the  above  dates,  and  the  exhibits  were 
remarkably  good.  The  groups  of  Chrysanthemums  were  much  superior 
to  anything  seen  in  the  neighbourhood  this  season. 

Taking  the  open  section  first,  the  plants  and  groups  were  really 
excellent,  more  particularly  the  first  prize  group,  arranged  for  effect,  by 
Mr.  J.  Horrocks,  gardener  to  J.  C.  Chorlton,  Esq.,  and  which  secured,  in 
addition  to  the  money  prize,  the  silver  medal  of  N.C.S.  It  was  a  credit 
to  Mr.  Horrocks.  The  second  and  third  prizes  were  taken  by  Messrs. 
R.  Lovell  and  W.  Russell,  both  of  Swinton.  For  six  plants  of  Japanese 
and  six  incurved  varieties  Mr.  E.  Pollitt,  gardener  to  J.  Wynne,  Esq., 
Eccles,  was  the  prizewinner.  For  three  Pompons  Mr.  Wm.  Powell, 
Eccles,  was  placed  first.  The  groups  of  miscellaneous  plants  did  not 
call  for  particular  comment,  a  pretty  arrangement  securing  Mr.  W.  Elkin, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  T.  Agnew,  Eccles,  the  first  award.  The  second  went  to 
Mr.  A.  Towe,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Winterbotham,  Pendleton.  Mr.  R.  Lovell 
was  third.  Tables  plants  and  Primulas  were  very  moderate,  but  Roman 
Hyacinths  were  good,  the  prizes  going  to  Messrs.  J.  Wilson,  D.  Livsey, 
J.  Horrocks,  D.  Firkins,  and  A.  Towe  in  the  order  named.  Bouquets 
and  sprays  were  exceptionally  good,  Mr.  J.  Mosley,  Halliwell,  taking 
honours  with  three  bouquets  and  one  epergne  and  three  buttonhole 
flowers,  the  remaining  one  of  six  sprays  of  Chrysanthemums  going  to 
Mr.  J.  Wilson. 

In  the  cut  bloom  classes  the  competition  was  very  close  indeed.  For 
twenty-four  distinct  Japanese  and  incurved  the  silver  cup  was  given  by 
W.  T.  Lewis,  Esq.,  in  addition  to  a  handsome  money  prize.  A  very  close 
contest  resulted  in  the  judges  awarding  the  cup  to  Mr.  T.  Carling, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Cope,  Dove  Park,  Woolton,  for  an  excellent  stand,  the 
best  Japanese  being  Etoile  de  Lyon  (fine),  Boule  d’Or,  Beauty  of  Castle- 
wood  (superb),  Lord  Brooke.  Mrs,  Walter  Cutting,  and  Viviand  Morel. 
Incurved  :  Violet  Tomlin,  Empress  Eugenie,  John  Salter,  and  Lady 
Dorothy.  Mr.  Goodacre,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of  Harrington,  Elvaston 
Castle,  Derby,  was  second,  staging  amongst  others  a  grand  Lord  Alcester, 
which  was  the  premier  bloom  in  the  Show.  Mr.  Cragg,  gardener  to 
A.  Heine,  Esq.,  Fallowfield,  was  third.  For  twenty-four  miscellaneous 
blooms  Mr.  Carling  was  again  successful,  staging  Colonel  W.  B.  Smithy 
Beauty  of  Castlewood,  John  Salter,  Empress,  and  Anemones,  La  Dieul 
and  Annie  Lowe  in  splendid  condition.  An  excellent  second  stand  was 
contributed  by  Mr.  R.  Pinnington,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Banner,  Blacklow 
House,  Roby;  Mr.  J.  Roberts,  gardener  to  H.  Lightbown,  Esq.,  Weaste 
Hall,  being  third. 

For  twelve  incurved  Mr.  Cragg  first,  Mr.  Pinnington  second,  and 
Mr.  G.  F.  Brotherston,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Titus  Salt,  Bingley,  third.  For 
twelve  Japanese  Mr.  R.  Pinnington  was  an  easy  first,  staging  bright 
coloured  and  fresh  flowers.  Mr.  Brotherston  was  second  with  fine 
coloured  flowers  not  fully  developed,  and  Mr.  Craggs  third.  For  six 
incurved  and  six  Japanese  Mr.  Cragg,  Mr.  Wainwright,  and  Mr. 
Pinnington  took  the  prizes. 

The  amateurs  classes  were  well  filled,  but  space  prevents  a  detailed 
report.  Mr.  Huber  was  first  for  six  Anemones  (two  classes),  twelve 
miscellaneous  (three  classes),  whilst  for  twelve  Japanese,  twelve 


NoTember  30,  1893.  ]i 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


49  9 


incurved,  and  six  Japanese  and  six  incurved  Messrs.  J.  Gibson  and 
P.  Eckersley  were  the  successful  exhibitors.  For  three  Japanese  and 
three  incurved  plants  Mr.  H.  Huber  was  first.  Mr.  A.  B.  Wimpory, 
second  ;  the  latter  winning  with  three  plants  and  four  Primulas. 
Mr.  Huber  also  won  prizes  in  other  classes,  and  secured  the  silver  medal 
of  the  N.C.S.  as  well  as  a  certificate  for  the  best  incurved  bloom  in  this 
section.  Mr.  Wm.  Crawshaw  scored  with  six  Japanese  and  six  bunches 
of  Pompones.  For  six  incurved,  Mr.  Wm.  Eckersley,  Little  Hulton, 
took  first  honours.  Mr.  Jas.  Smethurst,  Winton,  was  first  with  eighteen 
blooms  arranged  for  effect  with  Asparagus  and  Maidenhair  Fern.  Mr. 
Huber  was  second.  The  silver  cup  in  the  amateurs’  section  was  given 
for  twelve  blooms,  incurved  and  Japanese.  This  was  won  by  Mr. 
Thos.  Morton  for  a  very  fine  stand.  Mr.  J.  Benjamin  Wroe,  Patricroft, 
was  second. 

Messrs.  Clibran  &  Sons,  Altrincham,  staged  eight  dozen  cut  blooms 
which  showed  to  advantage.  Other  trade  exhibitors  were  Messrs. 
Dickson  and  Robinson,  and  Dickson,  Brown  Tait.  Miscellaneous 
plants  very  good  and  choice. 

GRASSENDALB  AND  AIGBURTH. 

The  third  annual  Exhibition  was  held  in  the  Pariah  Room,  Grassen- 
dale,  and  was  again  a  success.  Owing  to  the  great  storm  which  was 
raging  at  the  time  many  gardeners  did  not  bring  exhibits,  but  neverthe¬ 
less  there  were  sufficient  to  make  a  good  display.  The  exhibits 
numbered  176,  and  as  regards  quality  were  far  in  advance  of  those 
staged  last  year. 

The  leading  feature  in  the  Show  was  the  class  for  twenty-four  cut 
blooms,  and  in  which  four  competed.  As  remarked  in  last  week’s 
issue  (page  470),  the  prize  was  won  for  the  second  year  in  succession  by 
Mr.  Donald  Forbes,  gardener  to  A.  Holt,  Esq.,  Crofton,  Aigburth,  and 
is  now  his  property.  He  also  won  in  three  other  classes  for  cut  blooms. 
Mr.  J.  Bounds,  gardener  to  A.  L.  Jones,  Esq.,  Oaklands,  Aigburth,  won 
in  this  group,  staging,  amongst  others,  very  fine  plants  of  Viviand  Morel. 
A  feature  of  the  Show  was  the  magnificent  specimen  plant  of  Etoile  de 
Lyon,  carrying  over  fifty  choice  blooms,  and  which  was  exhibited  by 
Mr.  Wm.  McKevitt,  gardener  to  H.  Hornby,  Esq.,  J.P.  Orchids  were 
splendid  in  quality,  Mr.  P.  Green,  gardener  to  L.  H.  Macintyre,  Esq., 
Aigburth,  being  first. 

The  principal  prizewinners  in  other  classes  were  Mr.  J,  Bounds,  for 
Black  Alicante  Grapes  ;  Mr.  J.  Kelly,  gardener  to  R.  Singlehurst,  Esq., 
fruit  ;  Mr.  J.  Grant,  gardener  to  W.  S.  Gladstone,  Esq.,  cut  blooms ; 
Mr.  Keightley,  gardener  to  Major  Larnor,  Garston  Hall  Road,  cut 
blooms,  plants,  and  fruit ;  Mr.  T.  Ankers,  cut  blooms,  fruit,  and  plants  ; 
Mr.  J.  Agnew,  gardener  to  Mrs.  Watts,  Grassendale  Park,  same  kind  of 
exhibits  ;  Mr.  G.  Leadbeater,  gardener  to  W.  J.  Davey,  Esq.,  Holm- 
leigh,  plants,  fruit,  and  cut  blooms  ;  Mr.  J.  Harrison,  gardener  to  Mrs. 
W.  G.  Bateson,  Elmhurst,  Aigburth,  out  blooms  and  other  exhibits. 
— R.  P.  R. 


vT¥ 

J  WOKK.fouthe week..  ^ 

3^ 

m 

HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Pruning  and  Trailing  Wall  Trees. — During  mild,  open  weather 
forward  this  work  at  every  opportunity,  commencing  with  Pears,  Plums, 
and  Cherries,  leaving  Apricots,  Peaches,  and  Nectarines,  until  the 
spring,  the  latter  if  nailed  too  early  being  liable  to  be  brought  into 
flower  sooner  than  is  requisite  for  the  welfare  of  the  crop.  All  the 
summer  pruned  shoots  on  the  branches  of  upright  and  diagonal  cordons, 
horizontally  and  fan-trained  trees,  must  now  be  shortened  back  to  the 
plump  basal  buds,  which  will  be  sooner  or  later  the  fruit  buds.  Weak 
and  crowded  spurs  may  be  chinned  out,  also  dead  portions  of  wood, 
which  can  easily  be  detected  as  each  branch  is  examined. 

The  thin  disposal  of  the  main  branches  must  not  be  overlooked. 
This  is  important  with  most  wall  trees,  but  especially  in  the  case  of 
Plums  and  Cherries,  which  admit  of  young  wood  being  trained  in 
between  the  main  branches,  these  growths  when  two  years  old  pro¬ 
ducing  fruit.  A  fair  selection  of  such  growths  may  now  be  nailed  in, 
the  foreright  shoots  stopped  in  summer  on  the  main  branches  being 
shortened  to  form  spurs,  which  also  bear  fruit.  There  are  great  advan¬ 
tages  in  this  combination.  The  branches  can  be  periodically  renewed 
if  any  decline  in  vigour  or  die.  Closely  stopped  Plum  and  Cherry  treees 
are  liable  to  attacks  of  gumming.  A  freer  system  of  training  mitigates 
this  evil  to  some  extent.  In  nailing  make  the  branches  and  shoots 
secure  with  as  few  shreds  as  possible,  not  fastening  too  tightly,  so  that 
their  natural  swelling  is  arrested. 

TCorello  Cherries. — The  finest  crops  of  fruit  are  obtained  from 
trees  that  have  all  the  best  placed  young  wood  retained  and  trained  in 
to  the  wall  or  trellis.  They  produce  fruit  on  the  spur  system  of  train¬ 
ing,  but  not  nearly  so  freely  as  by  the  annual  replenishment  of  wood, 
cutting  away  the  fruit  bearing  shoots  after  the  crop  has  been  gathered. 
The  shoots  then  have  sufficient  time  to  ripen  before  the  winter,  when 
they  should  be  neatly  trained,  removing  the  weakest  and  most  crowded. 
If  insects  have  attacked  the  trees  during  the  summer,  or  any  are  present 
now,  a  washing  with  an  effective  insecticide  will  act  beneficially. 


Surface  Dressing'  Wall  Tree  Borders. — One  of  the  require¬ 
ments  necessary  to  insure  the  continued  production  of  good  crops  of 
fruit  from  the  various  kinds  of  trees  cultivated  thereon  is  to  encourage 
the  presence  and  multiplication  of  abundance  of  fibrous  roots  near  the 
surface.  This  can  be  done  by  placing  good  substantial  food  within  their 
reach,  whereby  they  will  be  attracted  to  it,  and  absorb  it  readily.  The 
result  is  short-jointed  fruitful  growths  which  mature  properly.  On  the 
contrary,  when  the  surface  soil  is  never  enriched,  either  with  compost  or 
moisture  in  the  shape  of  stimulants  at  proper  times,  roots  descend  into 
the  subsoil,  and  then  their  character  is  entirely  the  opposite  of  those 
prevailing  in  the  upper  layers  being  long,  strong,  and  sappy,  the  wood 
growth  above  also  partaking  of  the  same  characteristics,  the  inevitable 
result  being  unfruitfulness.  This  may  not  have  been  caused  entirely  by 
inattention  to  the  roots,  errors  in  the  management  of  the  branches  often 
being  the  first  cause  of  roots  going  wrong.  It  will  be  seen,  therefore, 
that  it  is  little  or  no  use  improving  the  surface  when  the  roots  are  out 
of  reach.  In  that  case  they  must  be  lifted.  But  when  not  too  far 
descended  much  may  be  done  to  attract  some  of  the  fibrous  ones  into 
better  feeding  ground. 

Applying  the  Dressing. — This  operation  is  often  deferred  until  the 
pruning,  regulating,  and  cleansing  of  the  trees  have  been  completed,  and 
in  cases  where  these  details  require  extra  attention  it  will  be  well  to 
postpone  the  application,  thus  avoiding  the  continual  treading  on  the 
ground  until  those  necessary  matters  have  been  completed.  The  first 
essential  then  following  is  to  ascertain  the  whereabouts  of  the  roots. 
Fork  over  the  surface  for  a  distance  from  the  wall  of  or  3  feet,  and 
if  roots  are  not  found  throw  the  loose  soil  conveniently  out  of  the  way. 
Treat  the  next  layer  of  soil  similarly,  where  roots  will  almost  certainly 
be  found.  If  ascertained  to  be  fairly  numerous  do  not  disturb  either 
them  or  the  soil  much,  but  remove  that  which  is  loose,  so  that  the  fresh 
material  can  be  placed  in  contact  with  them  to  the  depth  of  2  or 

3  inches. 

Material  for  Surface  Dressing, — Surface  dressing  being  generally 
practised  in  order  to  recoup  the  energies  of  trees  and  encourage  roots  to 
the  surface,  the  constituents  of  the  compost  must  as  a  rule  be  fairly 
rich  and  substantial.  As  a  main  ingredient  nothing  is  better  than  turfy 
loam  for  all  kinds  of  fruit  trees,  but  whether  this  should  be  further 
enriched  by  adding  partially  decomposed  manure  depends  on  the  vigour 
apparent  in  the  trees.  If  growing  fairly  strong  omit  it.  In  place  of 
organic  manure  the  material  from  a  garden  smother  used  fresh  and  dry 
mixed  with  the  soil  is  beneficial.  Bone  meal  and  kainit  at  the  rate  of 

4  ozs,  to  the  square  yard  are  good  for  sustaining  vigour  and  rendering 
assistance  in  the  following  season  when  growth  recommences.  An 
application  may  be  given  now.  sprinkling  the  mixture  on  the  surface 
under  the  trees.  Both  these  manures  decomposing  slowly,  their  qualities 
will  not  be  appropriated  by  the  trees  until  next  season. 

Enriching-  the  Roots  of  Trees  on  Crass. — Old  fruit  trees  grow¬ 
ing  on  turf,  if  they  are  subject  to  much  close  stopping,  will  need  assist¬ 
ance  to  enable  them  to  continue  healthy  and  in  a  bearing  condition. 
Liquid  manure  is  the  best  enricher  for  trees  thus  situated.  In  order 
that  it  may  reach  the  lower  roots  it  is  a  good  plan  to  make  holes  with  a 
crowbar  at  intervals  of  18  inches  under  the  spread  of  the  branches,  and 
to  fill  them  repeatedly  with  strong  liquid  manure  consisting  of  drainings 
from  cowsheds  and  stables,  soap  suds  and  urine  mixed.  A  good  soaking 
may  also  be  applied  to  the  surface,  preferably  when  the  ground  is  moist. 
The  holes  should  afterwards  be  filled  with  good  loam  and  manure, 
making  the  mixture  firm. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Figs. — Earliest  Trees  in  Pots. — To  have  ripe  fruit  at  the  end  of 
April  or  early  in  May  the  trees,  if  not  started,  must  be  again  dressed 
with  an  insecticide,  but  do  not  rub  off  the  young  fruit.  The  varieties 
most  suitable  for  early  forcing  are  Early  Violet,  a  small  dark  fruit ; 
St.  John’s,  a  greenish  yellow,  and  good  Fig  ;  White  Marseilles,  and 
Brown  Turkey.  Place  the  trees  in  a  mild  bottom  heat,  the  pots  being 
stood  on  pillars  of  loose  brickwork,  so  that  they  will  not  settle  with  the 
fermenting  material.  The  heat  about  the  pots  must  not  exceed  65°  until 
the  trees  are  fairly  in  growth,  while  the  top  heat  may  be  50°  to  55°  at 
night,  and  65°  by  day,  the  trees  and  house  being  damped  in  the  morning 
of  fine  days,  and  again  early  in  the  afternoon,  but  it  must  be  done 
sufficiently  early  to  allow  of  the  trees  getting  fairly  dry  before  night. 
Supply  water  at  the  roots  to  keep  the  soil  moist,  and  always  at  the  same 
temperature  as  the  bed. 

Earliest  Forced  Planted-out  Trees. — If  trees  are  not  grown  in  pots 
for  an  early  supply,  and  fruit  is  required  ripe  in  May,  the  house  should 
now  be  closed.  Apply  tepid  water  to  the  roots  at  frequent  intervals  to 
moisten  the  soil.  Commence  with  a  temperature  of  50°  at  night,  55°  by 
day,  and  65°  from  sun  heat,  syringing  the  trees  and  every  available 
surface  in  the  morning  and  early  afternoon,  unless  the  weather  be  dull 
and  cold,  when  the  morning  syringing  only  should  be  practised.  Admit 
air  moderately  when  the  weather  is  mild,  closing  the  house  with  sun 
heat  at  65°.  Where  there  is  a  house  of  early-forced  trees  in  pots  the 
planted -out  trees  need  not  be  started  until  the  new  year. 

Succession  Houses. — When  the  foliage  has  fallen  the  trees  should  be 
pruned.  Shoots  that  have  attained  to  the  limits  of  the  trellis  may  be 
cut  back  to  where  successional  ones  start,  in  order  that  they  may  occupy 
their  places  in  the  ensuing  reason.  Cut  away  entirely  all  elongated 
spurs,  reserving,  however,  as  may  be  desirable  a  few  of  those  which  are 
short-jointed  and  fruitful.  The  trees  after  pruning  should  be  loosened 
from  the  trellis,  and  after  thoroughly  cleansing  the  woodwork  and  glass, 
and  limewashing  the  walls,  wash  the  trees  with  soapy  water  with  a  brush, 
and  afterwards  with  some  insecticide,  avoiding  pigments  that  leave  a 


600 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  Noyembcr  30,  1893, 


thick  deposit  upon  the  shoots.  When  this  is  completed  tie  the  shoots 
to  the  trellis,  not  too  tightly.  If  the  trees  have  not  been  lifted  lightly 
point  over  the  border,  removing  the  loose  soil,  and  apply  a  top-dressing 
about  a  couple  of  inches  thick  of  good  fibrous  loam  and  manure.  The 
houses  can  hardly  be  too  freely  ventilated,  and  only  when  frost  prevails 
they  should  be  closed. 

Cherry  House. — The  pruning  must  now  have  attention.  Full 
grown  trees  regularly  stopped  during  growth  will  however  require  very 
little  pruning.  Any  shoots  that  have  grown  considerably  should  be  cut 
back  to  about  an  inch  from  the  base  of  the  current  year’s  growth,  and 
the  worn  out  or  decayed  spurs  ought  to  be  removed.  The  terminal 
shoots  in  the  case  of  trees  not  full  sized  must  not  be  shortened  unless 
the  extremity  of  the  trellis  is  reached,  and  the  central  shoots  of  young 
trees  will  require  to  be  cut  back  as  may  be  necessary  to  originate  those 
for  filling  the  space  regularly.  The  fan  mode  of  training  is  the  most 
suitable,  and  is  more  particularly  applicable  to  the  Cherry,  as  it  admits 
of  replacing  any  branch  that  may  fall  a  prey  to  gumming.  The  house 
should  have  a  thorough  cleansing,  the  trees  being  washed  with  soapy 
water,  about  3  ounces  to  a  gallon,  and  then  dressed  with  some  approved 
insecticide,  applying  it  with  a  brush,  but  do  not  injure  the  buds.  The 
house  must  be  thoroughly  ventilated  until  the  time  arrives  for  starting 
the  trees,  but  it  is  better  if  the  roof  lights  are  off. 

Vines. — Houses  to  Afford  Grapes  in  May. — The  Vines  intended  to 
afford  ripe  Grapes  at  the  time  stated  must  be  started  without  delay. 
The  outside  border  should  have  the  needful  protection  from  cold  rains' 
and  snow.  If  fermenting  materials  are  employed  two  thirds  of  leaves 
to  one  of  stable  litter  afford  a  less  violent  heat  but  more  lasting  than  all 
manure  ;  but  unless  the  materials  can  be  replenished  from  time  to  time 
it  is  better  to  dispense  with  the  heat.  In  that  case  the  outside  borders 
must  be  covered  with  bracken,  straw  or  litter  so  as  to  throw  off  the  wet. 
We  find  about  6  inches  thickness  of  dry  leaves  and  a  little  litter  over 
them  answers  remarkably  well.  If  the  roots  are  entirely  outside  then  it 
is  necessary  to  use  fermenting  material.  The  inside  border  should  be 
brought  into  a  moist  condition  by  applying  water,  and  in  the  case  of 
weak  Vines  give  tepid  liquid  manure.  Start  with  a  night  temperature 
of  50°  in  severe  weather,  55°  in  mild  weather,  and  65°  by  day,  except 
the  weather  be  severe,  when  50°  will  suffice,  not  exceeding  these  figures 
until  the  growth  commences.  Maintain  a  moist  atmosphere  by  syring¬ 
ing  occasionally,  but  excessive  moisture  excites  the  emission  of  aerial 
roots  from  the  rods.  Depress  the  rods  of  young  Vines  to  the  horizontal 
line  or  below  to  ensure  the  regular  breaking  of  the  buds. 

Houses  Started  Early  in  Noveniber.  —  Whether  the  Vines  are 
in  pots  or  are  planted  in  borders  the  temperature  will  need  to  be 
inereased  to  60°  at  night  in  mild  weather,  58°  in  severe  weather  after 
the  buds  break,  and  gradually  increasing  so  as  to  have  it  60°  by  day  in 
severe  weather,  and  70°  to  75°  in  mild  weather  with  moderate  ventila¬ 
tion.  Tie  the  Vines  in  position  as  soon  as  growth  has  well  commenced, 
and  before  the  shouts  are  so  long  as  to  be  damaged  in  the  process. 
Sprinkle  the  paths  in  the  house  two  or  three  times  a  day  in  clear 
weather,  but  avoiding  a  very  moist  or  dry  atmosphere.  Disbudding 
should  not  be  practised  until  the  fruit  shows  in  the  points  of  the  shoots. 

Midseason  Houses. — When  the  Grapes  have  been  cut  the  Vines 
should  be  pruned.  It  is  decidedly  advantageous  to  do  this  work  directly 
the  leaves  have  fallen,  the  Grapes  having  been  cut  with  the  requisite 
amount  of  wood  and  placed  in  bottles  of  clear  rain  water.  Early  pruning 
is  the  best  safeguard  against  bleeding,  and  the  Vines  enjoy  a  longer 
season  of  rest.  The  Vines  will  in  all  probability  give  sufficiently  large 
bunches  if  pruned  to  one  or  at  most  two  eyes.  If  larger  bunches  are 
wanted,  or  the  Vines  from  weakness  do  not  afford  bunches  so  large  as 
desired,  leave  more  growth,  only  select  sound,  round  fully  developed 
buds  on  firm  well  ripened  wood.  If  the  roots  are  in  firm  soil  and 
favourable  for  rooting  then  the  wood  will  be  stout  and  short-jointed, 
and  the  buds  at  their  base  will  be  round,  plump,  and  well  matured. 
Let  the  Vines  be  dressed,  the  house  thoroughly  cleaned,  and  everything 
put  into  order,  so  that  there  need  be  no  hurry  to  put  things  straight. 
Keep  the  temperature  as  cool  as  possible  so  as  to  insure  complete  rest. 

Late  Houses.  —  Every  precaution  should  be  taken  against  damp. 
The  most  prolific  cause  of  Grapes  not  hanging  well  is  bad  construction 
of  the  houses,  water  hanging  in  the  laps  of  the  glass  and  blown  over 
the  Grapes .  Eemove  all  leaves  as  they  become  decayed,  and  afford  only 
sufficient  fire  heat  to  expel  damp  and  to  exclude  frost,  keeping  at  40°  to 
45°.  Close  the  house  in  wet  weather,  and  seek  to  insure  a  dry,  cool, 
and  equable  temperature. 


£ 

HE  BEE-KEEPER. 

r-T. ,  ■  ,  ■  1  -  1  ■  i  - 1  - 1  -j  -  1  -  j . .  .  1  ■  1  - 1  -  I  ,  1  .  1 

APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Practical  Hints. 

All  our  queens  are  youthful  and  the  bees  quite  strong  enough 
for  the  stocks  to  stand  any  protracted  winter  we  are  likely  to  experi¬ 
ence.  Although  the  stocks  were  left  ample  food  for  the  winter 
much  late  breeding  reduces  it  and  necessitates  feeding  with  3  or 
4  lbs.  of  syrup  to  each  hive.  All  sugars  are  not  alike  in  quality,  nor 
in  the  proportion  of  water  required.  I  place  some  sugar  in  the 
vessel  in  which  it  is  to  be  dissolved,  then  pour  cold  water  on  it 
sufficient  to  cover  the  sugar  2  inches  for  every  7  lbs,  of  sugar. 


For  various  and  obvious  reasons  X  have  discarded  all  top-feed¬ 
ing,  unless  in  a  few  cases  of  nuclei.  The  bees  will,  at  times,  carry 
up  syrup  when  they  will  not  touch  it  if  above.  When  feeding 
from  below  all  uncovering  and  covering  hives  and  the  cooling  of 
them  are  avoided.  When  the  hives  are  warm  and  cosy  keep  them 
so,  and  do  not  cool  them  by  uncovering.  The  simplest  and  best 
feeder  I  use  is  a  fountain  having  a  neck  or  thimble  into  which  a 
cork  is  fitted  having  a  hole  through  the  centre.  Into  this  I  put  a 
saw  handle  screw,  broad  end  up,  which  acts  as  a  valve  to  shut  or 
open  when  the  lower  end  touches  or  leaves  the  trough.  When 
filling  draw  the  cork,  and  when  full  replace  inverted  ;  insert  the  neck 
into  the  hole  and  let  it  rest  on  stage  or  platform,  which  should 
be  of  such  a  height  as  to  allow  the  thimble  or  neck  to  be  one- 
eighth  of  an  inch  lower  than  the  upper  edge  of  the  trough,  which 
is  three-eighths  deep  and  covered  with  wide  mesh  wire  cloth  to 
keep  the  bees  clean  and  out  of  the  feeder.  Wire  cloth  is  much  to  be 
preferred  to  perforated  metals  or  floats,  the  latter  preventing  the 
bees  getting  beneath  it,  and  when  refilling  being  killed. 

Hives  having  ventilating  floors  require  no  attention,  but  already 
hives  will  have  absorbed  a  considerable  amount  of  dampness  fatal 
to  bees  during  the  winter.  These  damp  boards  should  be  removed 
and  dried,  or  a  dry  one  substituted.  The  absence  of  damp  in  any 
hives  during  the  winter  is  the  reason  disease  is  never  present,  and 
at  no  time  are  many  dead  bees  to  be  seen.  My  hives  arranged, 
prepared,  and  the  bees  fed  as  directed,  having  not  more  than  1  inch 
entrances  unless  on  a  chance  fine  day,  when  the  bees  are  airing, 
they  will  be  widened  in  the  morning  and  contracted  at  dusk. 
They  will  require  no  more  attention  till  the  May  flowers  are 
profuse  and  hives  increased  in  strength. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee¬ 
keeper. 


BEES  IN  YORKSHIRE. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Wakefield  Paxton  Society  held  on  the 
18th  inst.  Mr.  J.  Eastwood  read  a  paper  on  “Bee-keeping,”  The 
essayist  remarked  that  bee-keeping  was  a  hobby  that  yielded  profit, 
pleasure,  and  instruction.  It  would  be  well  if  every  labourer  were  the 
fortunate  possessor  of  a  hive.  Watching  these  industrious  insects  ac¬ 
cumulating  a  store  for  a  rainy  day  would,  he  thought,  suggest  thrift  to 
the  owner.  After  speaking  of  the  important  work  of  bees  in  hybridisa¬ 
tion,  Mr.  Eastwood  said  he  believed  bees  had  increased  the  yield  of  his 
Strawberry  crop  one  quarter.  A  neighbour  of  his  had  gathered  40  stones 
of  honey  this  season,  which,  at  Is.  per  lb.,  was  worth  £28.  In  Scotland 
he  had  heard  that  7  cwt.  had  been  yielded  by  six  hives.  A  man  in  West¬ 
moreland  had  eighty  hives,  and  realised  SOs.  from  each,  or  £200.  It 
was  important  to  catch  the  honey  flow,  by  shifting  hives  into  the  vicinity 
of  Clover  and  Bean  fields,  by  which  astonishing  results  were  secured. 
The  method  of  managing  skep  hives  and  bar-frame  hives  was  clearly 
explained,  and  also  the  securing  of  swarms  and  the  driving  of  bees  in 
order  to  take  the  produce  without  destroying  them.  Many  interesting 
and  amusing  narratives  of  his  experiences  in  bee-keeping  were  related 
by  Mr.  Eastwood,  who,  in  conclusion,  said  that  with  successful  manage¬ 
ment  and  fairly  good  seasons  everyone  might  follow  this  hobby  of  Iwe- 
keeping  with  great  satisfaction  and  profit. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor”  or  to  “The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Books  {It.  P.'). — We  have  had  another  inquiry  of  the  same  purport 
as  yours,  and  to  which  a  reply  has  been  sent  by  post. 

Book  on  Grafting-  (A.  Shandbrooli). — Baltet’s  work,  published  at 
37,  Southampton  Street,  will  afford  you  the  desired  information. 

Carnations  {J.  Hughes'). — The  flowers  to  hand  are  apparently  as 
good  as  Mrs.  Leopold  de  Kothschild  Carnation  in  general  appearance, 
so  far  as  we  can  remember  of  the  latter  variety.  Comparison,  however, 
is  necessary  to  decide  definitely  on  that  point.  The  variety  is  well  worth 
preserving. 


Kovember  30,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


501 


Wblte  Vlyland  IVIorel  Clirysanthemum  (JFalier  Barnes). — 
We  have  seen  similar  examples  to  yours  of  two  white  blooms  and  one 
deep  pink  one  on  the  same  plant,  each  bloom  having  developed  from  a 
terminal  bud. 

^  (.T  W.  1.). — We  have  no  doubt  about  1  and  2  being 

identical  in  variety,  and  we  should  not  like  to  say  they  have  not  both 
been  grown  in  the  same  bed.  No.  3  may  have  been  so  grown  also  from 
the  same  packet  of  seed,  seminal  variations  of  the  nature  displayed  in 
the  samples  not  being  in  the  least  uncommon.  It  is  impossible  to 
judge  positively  on  all  the  roots  being  grown  together  because  the  soil 
particles  have  been  washed  from  two  of  them,  but  there  is  nothing  to 
indicate  their  being  grown  in  different  soils. 

Pear  Bergramotte  Heitrlcb  (^Amateur).  —  You  wish  to  know 
whether  this  Pear  “  is  worth  growing,  and  would  like  to  see  an  illustra¬ 
tion  of  it.”  It  is  a  delicious  Pear,  usually  ripe  at  Christmas,  and  will 
keep  till  May .  The  following  description  of  the  Bergamotte  Hertrich 
Pear  is  taken  from  the  “  Fruit  Manual  ” — “  Fruit  rather  below  medium 
size,  2  inches  high,  and  2^  inches  wide;  Bergamot-shaped,  inclining  to 
roundish  turbinate,  even  in  its  outline,  except  at  the  stalk,  where  it  is 
furrowed.  Skin  very  much  covered  with  ashy  grey  russet,  through 
which  the  grass  green  ground  is  visible  ;  on  the  side  next  the  sun  there 
is  a  brownish  tinge,  and  there  is  a  patch  of  pale  brown  russet  surround¬ 
ing  the  stalk  and  the  eye.  Eye  with  narrow  incurved  segments  set  in  a 
shallow  and  furrowed  basin.  Stalk  three-quarters  of  an  inch  long. 


inserted  in  a  narrow  cavity.  Flesh  yellowish,  with  a  greenish  tinge 
under  the  skin,  melting  and  juicy,  with  a  rich  flavour  and  fine  aroma, 
somewhat  resembling  the  Swan’s  Egg.”  When  grown  under  favourable 
circumstances  this  Pear  usually  produces  a  good  crop  of  fruit. 

Cucumber  and  Tomato  Boots  Infested  wltb  Eelworms 
(^.  A,  B.). — The  small  fragments  of  roots  are  infested  with  eelworms, 
for  the  most  part  dead,  through  the  drying  of  the  roots  in  transit.  The 
mite  which  is  associated  with  eelworm  attack  in  Cucumbers  was  also 
dead.  Nevertheless,  we  found  some  live  eelworms  both  on  the  Tomato 
and  Cucumber  roots,  and  these  having  left  the  cysts  were  feeding  on  the 
roots  destitute  of  nodules,  and  would  have  spread  upwards  until  they 
killed  the  plants.  Soot  water  did  not  destroy  the  eelworms,  the  active 
creatures  seem  to  enjoy  it,  though  it  is  far  more  beneficial  to  the  plants 
than  many  manures  that  are  employed.  The  only  accepted  remedy  is  to 
destroy  the  plants,  clear  out  the  old  soil,  and  start  again  with  fresh 
plants  and  soil.  The  disease  has  been  established  on  the  plants  several 
weeks  or  months. 

Manure  for  Tomatoes  (^Enquirer). — You  ask,  “  What  is  the  best 
artificial  manure  for  Tomatoes  in  the  open  ground  ?  ”  No  one  can 
answer  the  question  without  knowing  what  any  particular  soil  contains 
and  what  it  lacks  in  the  way  of  essential  elements  for  the  growth  of 
Tomatoes.  A  simple  mixture  of  two  parts  bonemeal  and  one  part 
kainit  is  generally  good,  applied  early  in  the  spring  at  the  rate  of  2  ozs.  to 
3  ozs.  per  square  yard,  according  to  the  state  of  the  soil.  A  sup¬ 
plementary  dressing  of  nitrate  of  soda  of  less  than  an  ounce  to  the 
square  yard  when  the  plants  are  growing  will  have  a  stimulating  effect, 
but  this  is  most  needed  after  the  fruits  set,  as  the  over-excitement  of 
the  plants  in  their  early  stages  favours  soft  tissues  and  their  vulnerability 
to  disease. 

Names  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 


wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Apples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  named.,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named  in  a  hard  green  state,  (t?.  J.  31.,  Nottingham.). — Winter 
Greening.  QR.  G.  L,  B.). — 5,  Beurr4  Bose.  6,  Knight’s  Monarch. 
9,  Minchall  Crab.  10,  Beauty  of  Kent.  (IF.  Seal). — 1,  Rymer  ;  3. 
Scarlet  Pearmain  ;  4,  Beauty  of  Hants  ;  5,  Aromatic  Russet ;  6,  Uvedale’s 
St.  Germain.  (Y.  S.  N.  P.). — 5,  Easter  Beurre ;  6,  Hacon’s  Incom¬ 
parable;  7,  Calabasse  ;  8,  Marie  Louise  ;  9,  Golden  Noble.  (Y.  N.  R.). 
— We  are  sorry  we  cannot  name  any  of  your  fruit.  The  Apples  are 
evidently  local,  and  the  Pears  are  imperfect.  (47.  E.  3L). — 1,  Greenup’s 
Pippin ;  3,  Peasgood’s  Nonesuch  ;  4,  American  Mother  ;  5,  Golden 
Pearmain  ;  6,  Lord  Derby. 

Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(IF.  E.  T.). — The  flowers  you  sent  are  distinctly  florists’  varieties,  and 
which,  as  you  will  see  by  our  conditions,  we  do  not  undertake  to  name. 
A  grower  of  a  large  number  of  plants  might  possibly  name  the  varieties 
on  comparing  them  with  others  in  his  collection.  {H.  B.). — Dracaena 
indivisa.  (Y.  31.  Jff.).  —  1,  Ficus  repens;  2,  Adiantum  cuneatum. 
(^Amateur). — 1,  Aralia  Veitchi ;  2,  Bertolonia  guttata;  3,  Asparagus 
deflexus. 


TRADE  CATALOGUE  RECEIVED. 

Harlan  P.  Kelsey,  Highlands  Nursery,  Linville,  North  Carolina, 
U.S.A. — North  American  Ornamental  Plants. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — November  29th. 


Trade  very  quiet.  FRUIT. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

8. 

d 

Apples,  per  bushel  ,.  ., 

2 

0  to  7 

6 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0  to 

0 

0 

Cobs  . 

32 

6 

35 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  , . 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

vegetables. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb.  , , 

0 

3 

:o  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to 

0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

6 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

« 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

5 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . , 

1 

0 

3 

6 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

6 

0 

ly 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . .  . .  . . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

7 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  .. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

A.VERAGB  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety.  Ohrys.authemum  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season,  hence 
the  price  is  very  low. 


8. 

d. 

8.  d 

6. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ., 

3 

0 

to  5  0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

Oto  12 

0 

Azalea,  dozen  sprays . .  . . 

1 

0 

1  6 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  ,, 

0 

6 

1  0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

0 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  . . 

1 

0 

3  0 

bunches . 

4 

6 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

0 

6 

2  0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

0 

1 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

sprays  . 

6 

bunches . 

3 

0 

6  0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

0 

6 

2  0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Eucharis,  dozen  . .  . .  . . 

4 

0 

6  0 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

c 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4  0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

o 

0 

4 

0 

Lilac  (French)  per  bunch 

3 

6 

6  0 

Tuberoses.  12  blooms . . 

0 

4 

0 

e 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

blooms  . 

1 

0 

3  0 

per  bunch . 

2 

6 

3 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum,perdoz. 

6 

0 

9  0 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunch  . 

2 

2 

6 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6  0 

Violets  (English),  dozen 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  , . 

0 

4  0 

bunches  . 

1 

6 

2 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  .. 

0 

4  0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

8. 

d. 

8.  d. 

s. 

d. 

9. 

d. 

Arbor  Vit*  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0tol2  0 

Perns  (small)  per  hundred 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36  0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  . .  . . 

1 

0 

7 

6 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10  6 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9  0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2  0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Dracmna  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42  0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Dractena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24  0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Ericas,  per  dozen  . ,  . , 

9 

0 

18  0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  . ,  . . 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Buonvmus,  var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18  0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

24  0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 

18  0 

Solanums,  per  dozen. .  .. 

9 

0 

12 

0 

502 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  KoTember  30,  1893. 


PROFITABLE  LIVE  STOCK. 


Hopefully  do  we  write  about  the  possible  improvement  of 
stock,  because  it  is  so  obviously  in  the  interest  of  farmers  that 
we  are  working.  It  is  for  them  to  consider  ways  and  means,  to 
proceed  with  caution — yet  by  all  means  to  proceed  to  bring 
about  a  reform ;  to  shake  off  the  heedless,  aimless,  buying  and 
breeding  of  inferior  animals ;  to  give  full  recognition  to  the 
value  of  stock  upon  which  some  profit  is  always  possible,  by 
having  only  such  stock  upon  their  hands. 

Given  then  of  such  high  class  animals,  dairy  cows  whose 
annual  milk  average  is  well  up  to  the  700  gallons  which  we 
know  to  be  so  entirely  possible,  there  must  also  be  sound 
practice  in  feeding  and  housing  them.  The  difficulty  here  is  in 
the  conception  of  what  sound  practice  really  is.  We  may  define 
it  as  a  combination  of  gentle  kindly  treatment,  with  wholesome 
nutritious  food,  thorough  shelter,  and  cleanliness.  Brutality, 
and  the  hurried  driving  of  cows,  has  spoiled  many  a  batch  of 
cheese  and  butter,  as  well  as  checked  the  flow  of  milk.  It  is 
a  well-known  fact  that  when  cows,  frantic  from  attacks  of 
gadflies,  rush  about  pasture  for  hours,  the  milk  yield  falls  off 
very  much  ;  it  is  also  known  that  when  cows  are  driven  to  the 
milking  hurriedly,  or  are  knocked  about  in  the  cow  house,  the 
quick  souring  of  the  milk  shows  how  much  it  has  been  injured. 
Avoid  extremes  in  feeding ;  nothing  can  be  worse  than  the  state 
of  semi  starvation  in  which  cows  are  so  frequently  kept  during  the 
dry  or  non- milking  period,  which  on  cheese  farms  often  extends 
for  three  or  four  months.  The  fact  that  cows  require  more 
rather  than  less  nourishment  during  gestation  is  apparently 
ignored;  they  are  kept  out  on  pasture  to  clear  off  the  fog  which 
really  affords  very  little  nourishment,  in  addition  to  which  a 
scanty  bite  of  hay  is  thrown  out  to  them  on  the  pasture.  They 
must  always  be  hungry ;  they  fall  off  woefully  in  condition ; 
can  we  wonder  that  the  calves  are  weakly,  and  enfeebled 
from  the  emaciated  dams  ?  It  is  ridiculous  to  talk  to  the 
brutal,  foolish  owners  of  such  cows  about  selection,  breeding, 
or  any  detail  of  management.  They  positively  court  failure, 
and  then  cry  to  J upiter,  in  the  guise  of  their  landlord,  for  aid 
in  the  form  of  rent  reduction ! 

It  is  the  landlord  who  is  to  be  pitied,  and  not  the  tenant  in 
sucb  a  case.  To  tho^e  who  have  so  mismanaged  their  cows  in 
pure  ignorance  and  thoughtlessness,  and  who  would  do  better  if 
they  knew  how,  we  say.  Keep  up  condition  in  your  cows,  and 
economise  food  in  winter  by  the  provision  of  thorough  shelter. 
The  poor  animals  ask  you  for  it  plainly  enough,  by  seeking 
such  shelter  as  can  be  had  from  tree  clumps  or  hedgerows 
when  they  are  left  out  at  night.  Even  that  is  better  than  some 
hovels  known  to  us.  So  many  of  them  are  too  narrow, 
more  are  so  badly  constructed  as  to  be  almost  useless.  For  all 
open  hovels— i  e.,  having  the  side-facing  a  yard  open,  the  correct 
width  is  18  feet,  for  close  hovels  15  feet  is  sufficient.  We  know 
a  long  hovel  at  a  certain  midland  dairy  farm,  which  has  a  brick 
side  and  ends,  the  other  side  having  faggots  set  on  ends.  They 
do  not  reach  to  the  eaves,  and  as  there  is  an  open  space  between 
the  top  of  the  wall  and  the  eaves  on  the  other  side,  the  hovel  is 
draughty  and  cold.  This  is  bad  enough,  but  as  the  whole  of  the 
land  is  in  pasture  there  is  no  straw,  the  cows  lie  upon  the  bare 
floor,  which  would  not  matter  if  it  were  dry  and  clean,  but  it  is 
worn  into  holes,  tilth  is  suffered  to  accumulate  upon  it,  so  that 
at  turning  out  time  in  the  spring  the  cows  are  in  a  disgustingly 
filthy  condition.  It  is  impossible  that  the  milk  can  come  from 
such  a  building,  or  animals  so  dirty,  untainted.  There  is  often 


trouble  of  another  kind  with  winter  milk,  which  goes  straight 
from  the  cowhouse  to  the  separator,  and  that  is  the  clogging  of 
the  separator  by  foi'eign  matter  in  the  milk.  It  is  patent  to  every¬ 
one  that  when  the  milker  comes  to  milk  cows  with  their  coats 
full  of  dry  filth,  into  which  he  butts  his  head  during  the  milking 
the  friction  causes  much  “  foreign  matter  ”  to  fall  into  the  pail, 
to  which  dirty  hands  often  contribute.  The  fact  is  not  pleasant 
to  write  about,  but  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  cleanliness  of  the 
cow  it?elf,  of  its  food,  and  of  its  sui’roundings,  has  not  a  tithe 
of  the  attention  it  ought  to  have.  We  would  have  the  curry 
comb  and  brush  in  daily  use  among  cows  during  winter  just  as 
much  as  for  horses,  the  cowhouse  should  rival  the  stable  in 
keeping,  the  cowman  be  as  c’ean  as  his  milk  pails — all  matters 
of  detail  worthy  of  our  best  attention. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Are  the  roots  ail  in  clamp  or  heaps  yet  ?  If  not,  all  large  roots  may 
now  be  spoiled  by  a  cold  snap  of  very  brief  duration.  Since  writing 
our  last  notes  we  have  seen  a  field  of  fine  Swedes  on  the  borders  of 
Yorkshire  being  pulled  and  trimmed  while  it  was  freezing  sharply,  with 
occasional  snowstorms.  This  was  not  good  management,  nor  was  the 
apparent  waste  of  the  Swede  tops  this  season  in  the  eyes  of  a  southern 
farmer.  For  a  month  or  more  the  fresh  green  growth  upon  them  which 
come  so  freely  in  the  moist  warm  autumn  has  been  in  use  for  the  cows, 
and  though  to  eke  out  the  tops  as  long  as  possible  the  clearance  of  roots 
was  prolonged,  it  was  got  through  in  time  to  be  safe  from  severe  frost. 

As  active  work  on  the  land  is  brought  to  a  close  till  spring  go  care¬ 
fully  over  all  implements,  have  necessary  repairs  done  at  once,  and  let 
the  whole  of  them  be  well  cleaned  and  painted  before  being  put  away. 
Any  that  are  worn  out  or  useless  should  be  got  rid  of  ;  there  is  no  more 
objectionable  sight  about  a  homestead  than  old  implements  mouldering 
and  rusty,  unless  it  be  useful  implements  left  about  in  the  open  just  as 
if  they  were  worthless.  It  is  a  good  rule  to  have  them  brought  in  and 
housed  at  once,  and  we  like  them  to  be  painted  afresh  every  year. 
Everything  about  the  homestead  should  now  be  especially  neat,  trim, 
and  in  good  order.  Look  well  to  drains.  Suffer  no  accumulation  of 
water  in  yards.  See  that  there  is  scrupulous  cleanliness  in  stable, 
cowhouse,  and  poultry  houses,  also  that  all  are  free  from  draughts, 
There  is  nothing  better  for  such  buildings  than  roof  louvres  with  three 
or  four  openings,  as  then  ventilation  is  assured.  Poultry  houses  especi¬ 
ally  must  be  snug  and  warm  now  if  we  would  have  winter  eggs.  We 
have  often  found  harm  caused  in  them  by  cold  cutting  winds  entering 
along  the  eaves  right  upon  the  fowls  on  the  perches.  Now  is  the  time 
to  guage  the  egg  supply  and  to  ascertain  if  any  alteration  or  improve¬ 
ment  is  possible  or  is  required  in  view  of  doing  better  another  winter. 
The  matter  is  simply  one  of  timely  pullet  selection  in  sufficient  numbers 
to  afford  a  full  supply,  no  light  matter  for  a  large  household,  but  just 
one  of  those  things  which  denote  good  management. 

Extraordikaey  Weight  of  Swedes. — Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons  inform 
us  that  their  stands  at  the  Birmingham  and  London  Cattle  Shows  include 
some  extraordinary  specimens  of  Webbs’  Imperial  Swede  grown  by  Mr. 
W.  Maxwell,  Sparnel  Bank,  Galston  ;  124  of  these  roots,  which  have 
been  photographed,  scaled  the  enormous  weight  of  1  ton  2  lbs.,  or  an 
average  of  over  18  lbs.  each.  Messrs.  Webb  believe  that  this  return 
beats  all  record,  and  the  weight  has  been  attested  by  reliable  witnesses. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
CAMDEN  Square,  London. 

Lat.  51°  32'  40"  N. :  Long.  0°  8/  0"  W.;  Altitude.  Ill  feet 


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

Bain. 

1893. 

November. 

1  Barometer 

1  at  32°,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . . 

19 

29-602 

31-8 

30-8 

N. 

42-7 

42-7 

29-4 

49-7 

31-4 

0  067 

Monday  . . 

20 

2H-976 

41-9 

37-7 

N.E. 

41-9 

43-3 

31-2 

56-2 

30-3 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

21 

30-444 

39-7 

37-0 

N.E. 

41-3 

45  0 

37-2 

70-9 

32-2 

— 

Wednesday 

22 

30-189 

39-1 

36-7 

S.W. 

42-0 

45-0 

37-4 

58-0 

35-1 

— 

Thursday . . 

23 

30-(i60 

30-4 

28-3 

N. 

40-9 

38-4 

29-0 

63-7 

27-0 

— 

Friday 

24 

30-135 

35-0 

33-9 

S.W. 

39-3 

45-8 

28-5 

51-8 

25-4 

0-010 

Saturday  . . 

25 

29-914 

45-2 

44-0 

w. 

40-0 

50-7 

34-9 

66-1 

33-3 

0-382 

30046 

37-6 

35-5 

41-2 

44-4 

32-5 

59-5 

30-7 

0-459 

REMARKS. 

19th. — Snowing  till  about  5  A.M.,  occasional  flakes  in  morning,  and  also  with  spots  of 
rain  in  afternoon,  and  a  heavy  shower  between  6  and  7  P.M.  Violent  squalls  of 
wind  throughout. 

20th. — Bright  sun  at  times  in  morning ;  overcast  after,  with  spots  of  rain. 

21st.— Bright  sunshine  almost  all  morning  ;  generally  overcast  in  afternoon. 

22nd.— Bright  sunshine  generally,  but  overcast  at  times,  and  a  squall  of  rain  and  wind 
at  3  P.M. ;  brilliant  night. 

23rd. — Almost  cloudless  till  1  P.M. ;  generally  overcast  from  2.30  P.M.  to  4  P.M.,  but 
clear  again  after,  and  brilliant  night. 

24th. — Generally  overcast,  but  occasional  sunshine  in  afternoon;  very  slight  showers 
about  9.30  A  M.  and  3.30  P  M. 

25th. — Fine,  with  frequent  sun  in  morning;  overcast  afternoon  with  occasional  drizzle ; 
steady  rain  from  7  P.M . 

Temperature  rather  below  the  average,  but  by  no  means  exceptionally  so.— G.  J.  STMONS. 


December  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


508 


WE  always  expect  to  hear  of  a  number  of  complaints  about 
errors  in  judging  during  and  at  the  close  of  the  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  season.  Far  more  complaints  have  been  sent  to  us  this 
year  than  could  possibly  be  published,  even  if  they  had  possessed 
more  than  local  interest,  which  the  majority  did  not.  Moreover, 
some  of  them  were  evidently  of  a  personal  character,  as  emanations 
from  exhibitors  who  were  surprised  and  annoyed  by  the  verdicts 
recorded,  or  from  their  friends  who  were  doubtless  honestly 
convinced  that  the  judges  were  wrong  in  their  decisions.  Most  of 
the  complaints  were  of  a  general  character,  no  definite  or  tangible 
evidence  being  forthcoming  in  support  of  the  opinions  expressed, 
and  in  more  than  one  instance  the  remarks  contravening  the 
justice  of  the  awards  were  founded  on  an  inspection  of  the  exhibits 
on  the  second  day,  or  twenty- four  hours  or  more  after  the  judging 
was  completed.  Also  we  have  had  the  verdicts  that  were  recorded 
it  may  be  presumed,  by  experienced  men,  overturned  with  the 
greatest  ease  by  self-appointed  censors,  who,  however  competent 
have  not  yet  been  chosen  by  societies  to  officiate  at  important 
shows.  It  could  not  be  supposed  that  the  public  would  be  greatly 
interested  in  narratives  of  what  may  be  termed  second-hand 
judging  under  the  circumstances  indicated,  and  possibly  the  nar¬ 
rators  of  the  alleged  delinquencies,  in  some  cases  at  least,  were  glad 
rather  than  otherwise  that  their  criticisms  were  not  published. 

We  do  not  imply  that  in  all  the  instances  which  have  been 
brought  to  our  notice  of  alleged  errors  that  the  official  adjudicators 
were  of  necessity  right  in  every  case,  and  that  their  censors  had 
nothing  whatever  to  complain  about.  That  is  not  the  question. 
The  point  is  this.  In  nine  out  of  ten  complaints  of  the  verdicts  at 
shows  the  matter  as  it  is  presented  simply  amounts  to  a  divergence 
of  opinion  between  officially  appointed  adjudicators  and  self-con¬ 
stituted  revisers,  the  latter  frequently  condemning  the  former  for 
not  judging  by  points  ;  while  the  complainants  fail  to  send  figures 
of  their  own  as  affording  evidence  that  they  have  themselves 
tested  the  accuracy  of  the  awards  carefully  and  systematically. 
In  some  cases  we  know  they  have  not.  Conclusions  have  often 
been  arrived  at  in  five  minutes  quite  opposite  to  those  of  the 
adjudicators,  who  after  infinite  pains  have  estimated  the  value  of 
every  bloom,  and  recorded  the  results  in  their  pocketbooks.  It  is 
desirable  when  allegations  are  made  of  the  negligence  or  incapacity 
of  judges  that  evidence 'should  be  submitted  to  show  that  protests 
are  well  founded,  or  at  least  presented  in  a  manner  in  which 
their  value  can  be  tested.  They  should  then  receive  the  attention 
of  officials,  and  if  transmitted  in  temperate  language,  as  all  protests 
should  be,  are  not  likely  to  be  ignored  by  the  Press,  as  accuracy 
in  the  awards  at  exhibitions  is  a  matter  of  great  public  importance. 

A  case  to  hand,  and  a  very  remarkable  one  it  seems  to  be, 
enables  us  to  show  that  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  will  not  deny 
publicity  to  a  clearly  presented  instance  of  alleged  errors  in  appor¬ 
tioning  prizes  at  shows.  If  the  writer  of  the  following  letter  has 
made  no  mistake,  we  have  a  case  of  judging  the  judges,  such  as  is 
altogether  uncommon,  and  a  verdict  of  guilty  of  incapacity 
entered  against  them  by  the  secretary  of  the  society  as  authorised 
by  its  committee  of  management.  After  approving  generally  of 
the  remarks  of  “  Secretary,”  on  page  469  last  week,  our  correspon¬ 
dent  proceeds  as  follows  :  — 

Perhaps  you  will  permit  me  to  give  an  instance  of  misjudgment, 
which  you  will  agree  must  be  hard  for  certain  exhibitors  to  bear.  In  a 

No.  702.— VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


northern  show  a  silver  cup,  valued  at  £20,  given  by  the  city,  was  offered 
as  a  first  prize  for  forty-eight  blooms  of  Japanese  Chrysanthemums  in  at 
least  thirty-six  varieties.  After  the  awards  were  allotted  to  the  different 
stands,  two  of  the  competitors  handed  in  a  written  protest  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Show  against  what  they  considered  misjudgment.  The 
Committee  so  far  entertained  the  protest  as  to  appoint  a  competent 
expert  to  "  point  ”  the  different  stands,  and  he  gave  his  verdict  as  below 


First  prize  collection 


Second  „ 
Third  „ 
Fourth  „ 


» 

n 


150  points. 


126 

159 

157 


II 

II 

II 


The  Secretary  afterwards  told  the  “  protesters  ”  that  the  Committee 
acknowledged  the  misjudgment,  but  owing  to  a  clause  in  the  rules — 
namely,  “  The  decision  of  the  Judges  is  final,”  nothing  could  be  done  in 
the  matter.  When  such  cases  as  these  happen  is  it  not  a  duty  to  bring 
them  before  the  public  ?  And  if  societies  will  have  such  a  decisive  rule  in 
their  schedules,  ought  not  they  to  make  sure  that  the  judges  appointed 
are  competent  men  in  whom  competitors  can  repose  confidence?  I 
consider  one  of  the  most  important  matters,  as  affecting  the  success  of 
any  society,  rests  in  the  ability  and  integrity  of  its  judges.  I  would  also 
suggest  that  the  Judges  wherever  the  contest  is  close  be  asked  to  hand 
to  the  Secretary  the  number  of  “  points  ”  recorded  for  the  different 
entries,  and  not  to  be  satisfied  with  verdicts  arrived  at  from  a  bird’s-eye 
view  of  the  exhibits. 


It  will  be  conceded  that  the  case,  as  it  stands,  is  a  remarkable 
one.  Our  correspondent  sends  us  his  name  and  address,  and  is 
evidently  convinced  of  the  accuracy  of  his  statements.  Whether 
the  officials  of  the  Show  have  a  different  version  of  the  case  to 
place  before  the  public  remains  to  be  seen.  Our  pages  are  open 
to  any  counter  statement  or  explanation,  and  if  neither  is  forth¬ 
coming  the  public  will  naturally  conclude  that  the  above  record 
is  substantially  correct.  What  does  it  mean  ?  It  means  un¬ 
doubtedly  that  the  Judges  are  found  guilty  of  incompetence  ;  but 
that  is  not  all,  for  the  Committee  in  condemning  the  Judges 
condemn  themselves,  as  they  are  responsible  for  the  appointment 
of  adjudicators  and  the  justice  of  their  awards.  The  existence 
of  the  rule,  behind  which  it  is  said  they  (the  Committee)  have 
sought  shelter,  is,  in  effect,  a  declaration  that  the  Judges  are  so 
competent  that  they  are  empowered  to  act  for  the  Committee  on 
a  determinate  point.  They  are,  in  fact,  delegates  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee,  entrusted  with  carrying  out  its  object  of  doing  justice  to 
all.  “The  decision  of  the  Judges  shall  be  final,”  means  that  it 
is  the  decision  of  the  Committee  recorded  by  men  they  have 
appointed  for  that  definite  purpose.  If  committees  are  not 
satisfied  with  the  work  of  their  judges,  they  can  there  and  then 
supersede  them  and  appoint  others,  the  verdicts  of  the  former 
being  declared  null  and  void  if  this  is  done,  and  the  prize  cards 
withdrawn  before  the  public  are  admitted  to  a  show.  If  the 
awards  are  “  published,”  as  they  are  when  disclosed  to  the  public 
at  the  appointed  time  for  admittance,  then  we  think  those  to 
whom  the  prizes  have  been  awarded  can  claim  them,  even  if  the 
judgments  are  wrong  ;  but  there  is  no  claim  on  the  judges,  but 
only  on  the  committee,  and  the  members  of  a  committee  are 
personally  and  severally  responsible  to  exhibitors  for  errors  com¬ 
mitted  by  their  delegates.  This,  we  believe,  represents  both  the 
law  and  equity  of  the  whole  matter. 

In  the  extraordinary  case  in  question  the  Committee  is  said  to 
have  appointed  a  “  competent  expert  ”  to  point  the  blooms,  and 
it  is  implied  that  his  figures  were  accepted  as  correct.  He, 
therefore,  was  the  final  judge.  But  what  about  the  judges  first 
appointed  ?  Were  they  not  competent  experts  ?  It  seems  to  be 
admitted  by  the  Secretary  they  were  not.  Why,  then,  were  they 
appointed  ?  If  the  figures  above  published  are  those  which 
the  Committee  accepted  as  correct  when  admitting  the  mis¬ 
judgment,  then  indeed  is  injustice  done  to  two  exhibitors,  for 
we  have  this  strange  anomaly  : — 


A,  Third  prize  with 

B,  Fourth  „  „ 

C,  First  „  „ 

D,  Second  ,,  „ 


159  points. 


157 

150 

126 


II 

11 

II 


This  anomaly  is  only  explainable  by  remembering  that  the 
positions  of  the  competitors  were  determined  by  the  appointed 


No.  2358.— VoL.  LXXXIX.  Old  Series. 


501 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  7,  1893. 


judges,  while  the  pointing  is  the  work  of  the  revising  “  expert !  ” 
Was  not  he  the  final  judge  appointed  by  the  Committee  ?  It 
would  seem  as  if  the  proceedings  had  ended  in  an  imbroglio  as 
peculiar  as  it  is  rare. 

It  is  undoubtedly  a  matter  of  paramount  importance  that 
judges  of  proved  competence  should  be  secured,  and  so  much  are 
committees  of  societies  whose  shows  have  achieved  almost  world¬ 
wide  fame  alive  to  the  fact  that  they  choose  and  secure  the  judges 
nearly  a  year  in  advance,  and  already  men  are  booked  for  several 
«how3  to  be  held  next  November. 

No  experienced  judges  would  have  the  least  objection  to 
handing  to  the  secretary  the  number  of  points  recorded.  Why 
should  they  ?  This  is  in  fact  often  done,  but  a  secretary  would 
not  be  likely  to  disclose  the  points  to  exhibitors  as  soon  as  the 
work  was  completed — at  least  not  more  than  once,  as  a  dozen  or 
score  of  persons,  competent  and  otherwise,  would  soon  be  testing 
them  and  disputing  over  them  in  a  manner  that  would  not  add 
to  the  comfort,  or  increase  the  freedom  of  movement  of  visitors 
to  the  exhibition.  We  suspect  there  are  not  many  judges  of 
repute  who  would  hasten  to  accept  invitations  from  committees 
who  would  repudiate  their  verdict  on  the  authority  of  an  “  expert.” 
Should  not  this  supervisor  be  the  sole  judge  next  year  ?  The 
Committee  referred  to  by  our  correspondent  have  only  themselves 
to  blame  for  the  not  very  enviable  position  they  are  in  through 
pronouncing  their  own  appointed  judges  guilty  of  incompetence, 
yet  feeling  bound  to  accept  their  verdicts,  though  founded  on 
acknowledged  misjudgment.”  The  case  should  be  historical. 


ST.  BRIGID’S  ANEMONES. 

(Anemone  coronaria  semi-plena.) 

I  HAVE  been  frequently  asked  by  many  people  as  to  the  origin 
-and  history  of  these  now  highly  popular  garden  flowers,  and  so  I 
'have  briefly  set  down  all  I  know  about  them  for  the  information 
•<yf  your  readers,  and  all  interested  in  Anemones  and  their  culture. 
They  came  into  notice  about  twenty  years  ago  ;  one  of  the  first  to 
appreciate  and  cultivate  them  outside  the  garden  of  the  lady  who 
founded  the  strain,  and  initiated  the  best  system  or  method  of 
culture,  being  the  late  Dr.  David  Moore  of  the  Royal  Botanical 
•Gardens  at  Glasnevin,  near  Dublin.  It  was  at  Glasnevin  that  I 
ifirst  saw  a  bed  of  these  splendid  seedling  flowers  blooming  pro¬ 
fusely  in  October  or  November  some  twelve  or  thirteen  years  ago. 
I  had  never  seen  such  a  sight  in  my  life,  and  Mr.  Thos.  Smith  of 
Newry,  who  is  no  novice  in  the  world  of  flowers,  who  also  saw 
them  with  me,  said  at  once  that  the  germ  of  a  new  idea  lay  in  the 
fact  that  these  splendid  blossoms  could  be  so  easily  and  readily 
grown  as  annuals  from  carefully  selected  seeds  sown  every  spring. 

On  November  the  4th,  1881,  I  think  it  was,  I  had  the  honour 
of  a  visit  from  the  lady  whose  nom  de  plume  of  St.  Brigid  is  now 
80  intimately  associated  with  these  flowers.  It  was  a  dull,  foggy, 
November  day,  with  roads  aslush,  and  things  generally  seemed 
inimical  to  “  the  flowers  that  bloom  in  the  spring  ;  ”  but  on  entering 
my  room  the  owner  unfolded  from  a  parcel  in  her  hand  some  of 
the  brightest  and  most  charming  Anemone  blooms  I  ever  saw  even 
in  April  or  May.  Chrysanthemum  flowers  looked  absolutely  pale 
and  dull  and  lifeless  beside  them,  and  life  seemed  brighter  and 
more  enjoyable  for  their  sunny  presence  in  the  smoky  town.  Of 
course  I  made  all  kinds  of  inquiries,  and  found  out  their  history 
as  far  as  it  could  be  known  ;  but  I  subsequently  discovered  that 
the  Editor  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  had  been  long  before  me 
in  admiring  these  flowers,  and  in  stamping  them  with  his  imp>ri- 
matur.  On  turning  over  a  file  of  this  paper  I  find  a  short  article 
on  “  Anemones  and  their  Culture,”  by  “  L.  L  ,”  in  the  number  for 
April  15th,  1875,  and  as  this  is  the  very  first  published  allusion  to 
these  flowers,  and  really  contains  the  germ  of  all  that  has  since 
been  written  or  said  of  them,  I  may  be  excused  for  quoting 
lit  here.  ° 

“When  I  look  at  the  lovely  beds  of  semi-double  Anemones  now  in 
blossom  in  my  garden,  the  intensest  brilliance  side  by  side  with  the 
softest  harmony  of  colour,  I  think  how  much  those  lovers  of  spring  flowers 
miss  who  do  not  treat  these  beautiful  blossoms  with  somewhat  more  care 
than  is  usual.  Besides  their  beauty  of  form  and  exceeding  richness  and 
variety  of  tint,  which  I  scarcely  dare  to  dwell  on  lest  it  should  seem 
exaggerated,  the  Anemones  possess  the  great  charm  of  producing  blos¬ 
soms  all  through  the  dark  days  of  winter,  to  which  their  brightness 
forms  such  a  cheering  contrast.  The  bed  I  now  speak  of  has  supplied 
me  with  continuous  bouquets  from  last  October  up  to  the  present  day. 


the  size  of  the  flowers  of  course  increasing  with  the  advance  of  spring, 
which  is  the  meridian  season  of  their  beauty  ;  but  if  there  is  a  mid¬ 
winter  open-air  bouquet  more  charming  than  a  flat  vase  filled  with 
scarlet  Anemones  along  with  blossoms  of  the  large  Christmas  Rose  white 
as  a  snowdrift,  I  can  only  say  I  have  never  seen  it. 

“  Observing  so  many  spring  flowers  praised  in  your  Journal  I  have  often 
wished  to  say  a  word  for  the  Anemones,  but  the  old  saying  “  No  Irish 
need  apply,”  has  hitherto  deterred  me.  However,  last  week  having 
shown  my  flowers  to  several  florists,  their  hearty  exclamation  that  they 
had  never  before  seen  such  beautiful  Anemones,  tempts  me  now  to  give 
my  mode  of  treating  them,  in  the  hope  that  others  may  have  equal 
enjoyment  in  their  blossoming. 

“  Having  saved  the  seed  the  preceding  May,  in  March  or  in  April  I 
select  a  piece  of  good  ground  in  a  warm  situation.  I  have  it  well  dug 
and  made  fine,  and  then  over  the  surface  I  have  spread  a  layer  of  fresh 
cow  droppings  collected  from  the  pasture  ;  this  is  dug  in  from  5  to 
6  inches  deep,  and  then  some  well-decayed  leaf  mould  is  mixed  with  the 
upper  2  inches  of  the  bed  ;  it  is  raked  fine,  and  all  is  ready  for  sowing. 
I  then  take  the  seed  and  mix  it  with  my  fingers  in  some  sand  that  has 
a  little  moisture — just  enough  to  make  it  adhere  to  the  seeds,  and  thus 
separate  them.  I  next  sprinkle  the  seed  thus  prepared  over  the  bed, 
not  too  thickly  ;  and  having  ready  some  fine  mould,  I  with  the  hand 
shake  enough  over  the  bed  to  cover  the  seeds,  but  not  bury  them. 

Whenever  weeds  appear  they  should  be  pulled  up  while  they  are  yet 
so  small  that  their  removal  will  not  disturb  the  Anemone  seedlings, 
which  are  tardy  in  appearing  and  slow  in  their  first  growth ;  but  by 
August  they  should  be  sending  up  flower-stems,  a  few  only  at  first,  but 
increasing  every  week,  until  by  the  end  of  October  the  bed  is  well  filled 
with  blossoms,  to  continue  so  all  winter  until  spring  adds  fresh  vigour 
to  its  splendour.  I  enclose  some  blossoms  pulled  to-day,  so  that  they 
may  speak  for  themselves. — L.  L.” 

[We  never  saw  more  beautiful  specimens  of  the  semi-double 
Anemone. — Eds.] 

The  paragraph  on  their  culture  from  seed  is  especially  valu¬ 
able  and  practical,  and  it  but  very  rarely  happens  that  so  few 
words  have  ever  proved  so  rich  in  beautiful  results  to  all  who  have 
followed  them  out  to  the  letter  in  their  gardens.  Of  course  I  do 
not  mean  to  imply  that  “St.  Brigid”  actually  inaugurated  or 
originated  the  rearing  of  Anemones  from  seed.  That  had  been 
done  by  all  the  early  English  florists  from  the  days  of  Gerard  and 
Parkinson  to  the  days  of  Hogg  and  Tyso,  but  what  “  St.  Brigid  ” 
really  did  was  to  revive  this  good  old  practice,  and  to  start  a 
renaissance  as  it  were  in  seedling  Anemone  culture,  in  place  of 
planting  the  dried  and  comparatively  worthless  roots  at  too  late 
a  season  in  the  year. 

Now,  some  people  have  asked  what  are  “  St.  Brigid’s  Ane¬ 
mones  ?  ”  Well,  they  are  simply  carefully  selected  seedlings  from 
the  common  A.  coronaria  as  so  largely  grown  in  Brittany  and  in 
Normandy,  near  Caen  and  elsewhere.  But  then  the  seed  was  care¬ 
fully  selected  for  years  from  the  finest  and  brightest  blooms  only, 
all  weedy  forms  and  bad  colours  being  ruthlessly  torn  up  and  cast 
out  on  the  first  opening  of  their  flowers,  to  prevent  their  pollen 
infecting  the  finer  kinds.  By  a  systematic  course  of  culture  from 
seed  aided  by  selection  of  this  kind  “  St.  Brigid  ”  actually  developed 
from  the  so-called  French  or  Crown  Anemone  a  new  and  vigorous 
race,  hence  the  name  so  appropriately  bestowed  upon  them. 

But  why  does  “L.  L.”  call  herself  “St.  Brigid?”  someone  is 
sure  to  ask,  indeed  the  question  has  been  asked  hundreds  of  times 
already.  To  make  a  long  story  a  short  one,  I  may  say  that  the  lady 
owns  an  estate  in  County  Kildare  (cill  =  church,  da7’e  ==  Oak 
tree),  where  in  bygone  days  St.  Brigid,  the  Patroness  Saint  of 
Ireland  in  the  days  of  St.  Patrick,  founded  a  nunnery  and  oratory 
under  a  spreading  Oak  tree,  just  as  the  old  monks  at  Fountain's 
Abbey  sheltered  under  the  spreading  Yew  trees  there  existing 
while  they  reared  the  first  walls  of  their  celebrated  abbey.  It  was 
in  a  quaint  old  garden  near  the  site  of  St.  Brigid’s  Church  or 
Oratory  that  Mrs.  L.  Lawrenson  first  grew  the  Anemones  in  the 
way  described,  and  from  thence  she  sent  the  flowers  which  drew 
forth  your  editorial  commendation  at  the  end  of  her  article, 
reprinted  above.  But  something  else  had  happened  soon  after 
sending  you  the  letter  and  the  flowers.  Your  comments  had 
excited  the  interest  of  a  wide  circle  of  readers  twenty  years  ago, 
just  as  they  do  to-day,  and  so  letters  by  the  dozen  reached  “  L.  L.” 
through  your  office  and  in  other  ways,  asking  for  roots  or  for  seeds, 
or  for  advice  of  one  sort  or  another  as  to  the  rearing  and  after 
management  of  these  flowers.  To  avoid  as  far  as  possible  any 
farther  personal  publicity,  the  pseudonym  of  “  St.  Brigid  ”  was 
taken  merely  as  an  additional  safeguard,  and  it  has  proved  to  be  a 
tolerably  efficient  one,  though  no  one  can  really  “  hide  a  light 
under  a  bushel,”  and  so  Mrs.  Lawrenson  has  found  that  in  spite 
of  her  desire  for  privacy  her  flowers  have  forced  a  sort  of  floral 
fame  upon  her  whether  she  would  or  no. 

But  it  is  not  merely  Anemones  that  have  occupied  all  “  St. 
Brigid’s  ”  cultural  care,  for  she  has  many  very  fine  seedling  Narcissi 
and  a  splendid  new  series  of  seedling  varieties  of  Christmas  Roses  or 
Helleborus  niger,  mostly  seedlings  from  the  large  pure  white 


Bfeefitober  7,  18S3  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


606 


variety  which  bears  her  name,  crossed  with  pollen  of  H.  Maximus, 
and  others  of  the  best  kinds.  But  after  all  the  rich  variety,  the 
vigour  of  growth,  the  brilliancy  of  colouring,  and  the  perpetual 
flowering  habit  of  “  St.  Brigid’s  ”  race  of  Anemones  will  long  serve 
to  perpetuate  her  contribution  of  loving  labour  to  our  gardens,  and 
so  to  the  greater  happiness  and  contentment  of  our  lives,  for  has 
not  her  fair  hand  enriched  the  earth,  and  made  its  fruits  more  fair 
than  they  were  before  ? — F.  W.  Burbidge. 

[Well  do  we  remember  those  brilliant  and  beautiful  flowers  sent 
nearly  twenty  years  ago  —  flowers  that  will  not  fade  from  the 
memory,  and  glad  are  we  to  know  that  the  sender  of  them  still 
engages  in  the  work  she  loves,  in  “  the  quaint  old  garden  ”  in 
Co.  Kildare.] 


L^lia  anceps  Amesiana. 


At  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  on  No¬ 
vember  30th,  T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  exhibited 
a  plant  of  Lselia  anceps  Amesiana,  and  for  which  a  first-class 
certificate  was  awarded.  It  is  obviously  a  very  fine  form.  The 
sepals  and  petals  are  white,  tinted  rosy  purple  at  the  tips  and  base. 
The  lip  is  medium  sized,  but  of  deep  purplish  crimson,  and  the 
throat  is  richly  veined.  Fig.  73  represents  this  beautiful  Orchid. 

Cattle YA  citrina. 

I  HAVE  understood  that  in  order  to  grow  Cattleya  citrina  suc¬ 
cessfully  the  plant  should  be  so  placed  that  the  apices  of  the 
pseudo-bulbs  point  downwards,  and  I  do  not  remember  to  have 
seen  a  plant  in  any  other  position  until  to-day  (November  30th), 
when  I  received  three  plants  from  a  noted  firm  for  Orchids  placed 
upright  in  pans  with  peat  fibre  and  sphagnum,  but  evidently  potted 
very  recently.  This  circumstance  reminds  me  of  having  read  in 
the  Journal  a  year  or  more  since  that  (according  to  the  correspon¬ 
dent’s  view)  the  downward  position  is  unnecessary.  I  shall  feel 
much  obliged  if  Orchid  growers  will  kindly  give  their  opinions  on 
this  point. — C. 

Orchids  for  Flowering  at  Christmas. 

{^Concluded  from  page  487.) 

Though  less  durable,  yet  for  beauty  and  softness  of  tints  in  the 
lightly  poised  flowers,  the  Calanthes  of  the  vestita  group  are 
admirable  for  flowering  in  December  and  January,  their  long 
scapes  adapting  them  for  arranging  with  other  plants,  such  as 
Ferns  and  small  Palms.  Calanthes  require  very  liberal  treatment 
to  insure  their  success,  and  though  it  is  too  late  now  to  correct  any 
errors  of  the  past  season,  we  may  give  a  hint  or  two  for  present 
guidance,  and  to  provide  for  better  results  another  year.  If  well 
grown  the  pseudo-bulbs  should  be  now  plump  and  mature,  the 
foliage  turning  yellow  as  its  work  is  performed.  The  supply  of 
water  should  be  gradually  decreased,  and  the  only  care  needed  is  to 
watch  the  scapes  closely  as  they  expand  to  avoid  any  injury  to 
them,  and  to  give  just  sufficient  water  to  keep  them  steadily 
advancing ;  but  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  saturate  the  soil 
frequently  unless  the  leaves  are  still  fresh  and  active.  This  must 
be  followed  up  while  the  plants  are  in  flower,  then  allow  them  to 
become  quite  dry  for  a  few  weeks,  repotting  in  succession  early  in 
January  or  February,  according  to  convenience.  Remove  old  roots 
and  place  the  plants  in  a  compost  of  equal  parts  good  fibrous  loam 
and  peat,  with  a  little  old  manure  and  sand.  Then  allot  them  a 
light  position  in  a  stove,  Cucumber  house,  or  any  similar  house 
where  a  fairly  high  temperature  is  maintained  with  abundance  of 
moisture,  the  roots  supplies  to  be  increased  as  the  growth  advances, 
and  frequent  syringings.  The  varieties  of  Calanthe  vestita  are 
numerous,  differing  in  the  size  and  colouring  of  the  flowers,  rubro- 
oculata  having  a  deep  red  centre,  being  an  effective  form. 
C.  vestita  Turneri  and  Regnieri  are  useful  as  flowering  some  weeks 
later  than  the  ordinary  varieties  of  C.  vestita,  thus  extending  into 
January  and  February  in  natural  succession. 

That  most  useful  winter-flowering  Orchid,  Calanthe  Yeitchi, 
merits  a  special  paragraph,  for  though  it  naturally  flowers,  under 
the  same  treatment  as  C.  vestita,  in  November,  yet  with  a  succession 
of  plants  potted  and  started  at  intervals  of  a  week  it  is  possible  to 
have  some  in  flower  over  Christmas,  or  until  the  later  forms  of  the 
C.  vestita  group  are  attractive.  Those  in  flower  now  may  be  kept 
in  good  condition  for  some  time  if  they  are  placed  in  as  cool  a 
house  as  is  safe,  and  water  is  not  allowed  to  settle  on  their  flowers  ; 


while  those  showing  spikes  may  be  retarded  if  care  is  exercised  tuy 
avoid  sudden  check,  a  warm  conservatory  being  a  suitable  positron. 
With  liberal  culture  this  Orchid  makes  wonderfully  strong  pseudo- 
bulbs,  and  if  these  are  properly  matured  fine  spikes  are  to  be 
expected,  and  when  these  can  be  secured  4  feet  in  length  there  is 
every  reason  for  satisfaction.  Few  hybrid  Orchids  have  obtained 
a  popularity  approaching  Calanthe  Yeitchi,  which  has  also  without 
a  doubt  been  more  extensively  increased  by  propagation  in  the 
thirty-seven  years  of  its  existence  than  any  Orchid  introduced 
within  that  period.  It  was  one  of  the  late  Mr.  Dominy’s  early 
successes  ;  but  it  is  not  generally  known  that  this  hybridiser  also 
raised  the  white  variety,  which  has  been  since  obtained  by  several 
amateurs  in  recent  times,  and  if  memory  serves  correctly,  Mr. 
Dominy  once  told  us  that  it  was  from  the  same  sowing  of  seed, 
but  was  sold  before  it  flowered,  being  supposed  to  be  the  same  as 
the  ordinary  type.  The  cross  was  effected  between  Calanthe 
vestita  and  Limatodes  (now  known  ai  Calanthe)  rosea,  the  flowera 


showing  an  interesting  combination  of  characters,  with  the  rich' 
rosy  crimson  colour  of  the  Limatodes  rather  improved,  and  the 
vigorous  floriferous  habit  which  characterises  so  many  hybrids. 

One  of  the  most  delightful  little  Orchids  for  December  ' 
flowering  is  that  known  popularly  as  “Indian  Crocus,”  botanically 
as  Caelogyne  praecox,  and  more  familiarly  in  gardens  as  Pleione 
prsecox.  We  have  a  trio  of  beautiful  miniature  plants  in  Pleione 
lagenaria  which  can  be  had  in  November,  P.  prascox  for  December,, 
and  P.  humilis  for  January  flowering.  That  first  mentioned  in  this 
paragraph  will  shortly  be  showing  its  rosy  purple  flowers,  and  fs' 
better  in  a  cool  position  where  moisture  is  not  too  abundant,  either 
in  a  conservatory,  warm  greenhouse,  cool  house,  or  any  other 
convenient  place  if  the  temperature  can  be  prevented  falling' 
below  45°,  giving  only  sufficient  water  to  keep  the  flowers  fresh, 
and  sphagnum  also  with  which  the  surface  of  the  soil  should  be 
covered.  As  these  little  plants  flower  without  leaves,  a  few  small 
Ferns  dotted  amongst  them  look  well  and  also  afford  a  means  of 
testing  if  the  supply  of  water  is  right.  Shortly  after  flo’^ering 
they  can  be  repotted,  placing  them  in  shallow  pans,  using  a  compost 
of  one-half  peat,  one-fourth  loam,  and  one-fourth  sphagnum,  sand, 
and  old  manure.  A  place  on  a  shelf  in  a  warm  house  can  then  be- 
found  for  them,  watering  them  freely  when  growth  is  advancing; 
vigorously.  _______ 

Angraecum  eburneum  is  rather  too  large  a  plant  for  small  col¬ 
lections,  but  it  has  a  very  telling  appearance  when  bearing  its  taW 


606 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  December  7,  189J. 


racemes  of  flowers,  the  green  sepals  and  petals  being  contrasted 
with  the  broad,  heart-shaped  white  lip.  It  needs  a  warm  house, 
and  abundance  of  water  during  growth. 


Amongst  Orchids  that  usually  flower  in  October  or  November, 
but  which  can  frequently  be  prolonged  to  a  later  period,  the  fol¬ 
lowing  may  be  named — Dendrobiums  bigibbum  and  superbiens  ; 
Odontoglossums  bictoniense,  gloriosum,  and  Insleayi  ;  Cattleyas 
Bowringiana  and  luteola  ;  Lselias  autumnalis,  Perrini,  and  pedun- 
cularis  ;  Angraecum  Scottianum,  Barker),  Skinneri,  and  Pholidota 
imbricata.  Of  those  flowering  in  January  and  February,  but  which 
may  be  occasionally  had  earlier,  we  can  note  Dendrobium  aureum, 
crassinode,  Devonianum,  and  primulinum  ;  Laelias  elegans  and 
superbiens  ;  Phalaenopsis  Schilleriana,  amabilis,  and  grandiflora  ; 
Pilumna  fragrans  ;  Maxillaria  aromatica  ;  Odontoglossums  constric- 
tum,  maculatum,  pulchellum,  and  Edwardi  ;  Oncidium  varicosum, 
and  ornithorhyncum. _ 

In  the  third  list — those  which  flower  continuously  or  at  different 
seasons — we  have  Cypripedium  Edeni ;  Odontoglossums  grande, 
crispum,  and  Bossi  majus  ;  Oncidiums  Forbesi  and  flexuosum, 
usually  autumn  flowers  ;  several  of  the  Masdevallias,  Vanda  suavis, 
and  numbers  of  others  which  cannot  be  enumerated  here .  It  will 
be  seen,  however,  from  the  foregoing  that  there  need  be  no  lack  of 
Orchid  flowers  at  Christmas  as  far  as  regards  the  plants  that  can 
be  selected  to  produce  them  at  that  period.  If  through  mismanage¬ 
ment  or  the  unavoidable  fogs  the  plants  fail  to  satisfy  us,  we 
have  to  take  heart,  try  again,  and  hope  for  a  better  future.  In 
some  seasons  we  have  had  an  Orchid  display  that  would  be  con¬ 
sidered  satisfactory  at  a  much  more  favourable  time  of  the  year, 
and  then  we  have  had  the  reward  for  all  disappointments. — 
Okchidist. 


SELF-FERTILISING  PEARS. 

“According  to  Prof.  Waite  of  the  American  Agricultural 
Department,  the  varieties  of  Pears  which  are  self-fertilising  are 
Doyenne,  Le  Conte,  Kieffer,  Baffum,  Flemish  Beauty,  Seckel,  and 
Tyson ;  the  following  are  not,  and  must  be  near  some  staminate 
variety  to  be  fruitful :  Bartlett,  Anjou,  Clapp’s  Favourite,  Clairgeau, 
Sheldon,  Mt.  Vernon,  Lawrence,  Howell,  Louise  Bonne,  Souvenir 
du  Congres,  Winter  Nelis,  Bose,  Easter,  and  Superfin. 

“  Not  more  than  three  rows  of,  say,  one  variety  should  be  planted 
together,  and  they  should  be  separated  from  the  next  three  rows  of 
the  same  variety  by  at  least  one  row  of  another  variety.  Probably  it 
would  be  still  better  to  plant  two  rows  of  one  kind  and  one  row  of 
another  kind  alternately. 

“  In  a  majority  of  cases  it  was  found  that  the  fruit  produced  by 
self-fertilisation  was  quite  different  from  that  produced  by  cross¬ 
fertilisation.  Occasional  specimens  of  self-fertilised  Bartletts  were 
invariably  smoother  and  slimmer,  the  cross-fertilised  ones  rougher 
and  broader.  This  difference  was  so  constant  as  to  be  striking. 

“  A  still  greater  difference  was  shown  in  the  seeds.  Self-fertilised 
fruits  had  but  few  seeds,  and  these  seldom  perfect.  The  cross- 
fertilised  specimens  showed  the  regular  number  of  perfect  seeds. 
Buffum,  self-fertilised,  almost  without  exception  had  imperfect  seeds. 
The  self- fertilised  fruits  are  not  the  normal  ones,  and  would  not  pass 
as  typical  specimens. 

“  Fruit  growing  in  ordinary  mixed  orchards,  under  ordinary 
conditions,  show  by  their  shape,  &c.,  that  they  are  the  result  of  cross¬ 
fertilisation.  With  Apples  the  results  were  less  decided.  Pollen 
taken  from  other  trees  of  the  same  variety  usually  acts  in  the  same 
way  as  that  taken  from  the  same  tree.  The  different  trees  all  came 
from  the  same  seed,  and  are  really  one  and  the  same  so  far  as  the 
character  of  flowers  and  pollen  is  concerned. 

“  Many  plants  procure  fertilisation  by  the  aid  of  the  wind.  Not 
so  the  Pear.  This  depends  altogether  on  insects  for  the  transfer  of 
the  pollen.  A  great  many  varieties  of  insects  visit  Apple  and  Pear 
blossoms — flies,  beetles,  bees,  &c.  The  honey  bee  is  the  most  regular 
and  persistent  visitor,  and  on  account  of  its  great  activity,  the  most 
important.  During  rains,  strong  winds,  or  in  cold  weather  these 
insects  do  not  come  out,  and  flowers  may  fail  to  get  properly 
fertilised.” 

The  foregoing  has  been  sent  to  Mr.  Abbey  from  a  colonial  paper, 
and  has  suggested  the  following  comments  from  our  able  correspon¬ 
dent  : — 

The  broaching  of  this  subject  at  the  present  time  is  not  inopportune, 
for  a  large  number  of  fruit  trees  yet  remain  to  be  planted,  and  on 
their  selection  and  arrangement  success  or  failure  in  a  great  measure 
depends. 

Every  adviser  (and  they  are  about  as  plentiful  as  Blackberries  in 
September)  on  fruit-growing  for  profit  is  emphatic  in  restricting  the 
varieties  of  the  several  fruits  to  as  few  as  possible,  consistent  with  a 


full  supply  of  produce  from  the  earliest  to  the  latest  period  of  their 
respective  seasons.  To  this  no  objection  can  be  taken,  but  when 
varieties  are  enumerated  which  are  incapable  of  self-fertilisation  to 
the  extent  of  producing  full  crops  of  the  finest  fruit,  a  few  words  of 
caution  against  their  exclusive  planting  are  imperative,  for  some 
varieties  are  not  inherently  fruitful,  but  owe  their  fertility  to  cross¬ 
fertilisation  by  the  pollen  of  another  or  several  varieties. 

The  incapability  of  self-fertilisation  in  some  varieties  of  cultivated 
plants  was  first  pointed  out  by  the  illustrious  Darwin  in  his  “  Origin 
of  Species,”  and  the  soundness  of  his  views  and  deductions  have  been 
verified  in  the  American  orchards,  where  the  trees  on  the  dwarf  or 
low  standard  system  are  planted  in  blocks — a  number  of  acres  of  one 
variety  exclusively.  This  method  is  fast  becoming  the  established 
practice  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic,  therefore  it  is  necessary  to  point 
out  its  evils  as  well  as  its  advantages. 

By  our  system  of  mixed  orchards — a  great  number  of  varieties 
and  pernicious  planting,  or  a  row  of  one  variety  and  another  of  a 
different  kind — those  incompetent  of  self-fertilisation  would  be 
fertilised  by  the  pollen  of  other  trees  in  the  row  adjoining  through 
the  agency  of  the  wind,  bees,  or  other  insects.  A  variety  absolutely 
sterile  as  regards  the  pollen  on  its  own  blossom  may  be  and  generally 
is  rendered  fertile  by  the  pollen  from  another  variety,  and  the  result 
is  heavier  and  more  constant  crops  of  finer  fruit.  Instead,  therefore, 
of  planting  an  acre  or  more  of  a  self- fertilising  variety  by  itself  the 
non-self-fertilising  kinds  should  be  planted  with  it  in  alternating  rows, 
still  keeping  the  early,  medium,  and  late  flowering  varieties  as  much 
together  as  possible,  for  to  be  of  service  the  blossoming  of  varieties 
for  cross-fertilisation  must  be  simultaneous.  No  record  of  the  time 
of  blossoming  of  Pears  has,  so  far  as  I  am  aware,  been  made,  but 
such  would  be  of  great  value,  not  only  as  showing  the  difference  in 
the  hardiness  of  the  blossoms  of  different  varieties,  but  as  an  aid  in 
planting,  so  that  those  which  expand  about  the  same  time  might  be 
placed  favourably  for  cross-fertilisation. 

The  excellent  record  kept  by  Mr.  W.  Paul,  and  given  a  few  years 
ago  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  of  the  blossoming  dates  of  several 
varieties  of  Apples,  might  advantageously  be  imitated  in  respect  of 
other — indeed  all  hardy  fruits,  for  such  records  are  not  only  interest¬ 
ing  but  suggestive  of  the  importance  of  careful  observation,  and  of 
the  great  benefit  calculated  to  be  conferred  on  succeeding  genera¬ 
tions,  who  will  see  in  them  guidance  in  their  culture. 

In  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  June  Ist,  1893,  page  437,  I  had 
the  pleasure  of  making  some  remarks  on  Prof.  Waite’s  observations 
on  the  self-fertilising  properties  or  otherwise  of  certain  fruits  and 
their  varieties,  and  I  now  proceed  to  make  further  comments  on  the 
above  excerpt  from  an  American  paper  with  special  reference  to 
Pears  as  coming  under  my  personal  observation. 

Selffertilising  Varieties. — Summer  Doyenne  (Doyenne  d’Ete)  in¬ 
variably  sets  its  fruits  well,  the  blossom  being  bold  and  perfect 
anthers  laden  with  pollen.  (Beurre  Giffard  has  grand  flowers,  but 
sets  its  fruits  sometimes  indifferently,  fertilised  with  Summer  Doyenne 
it  sets  splendidly).  Le  Comte  and  Kieffer  I  had  from  the  late  Mr. 
T.  Laxton,  Bedford,  and  they  proved  very  floriferous,  remarkably 
hardy  in  blossom,  and  set  fruit  enormously  ;  but  their  fruit  was  as 
“  hard  as  nails,”  and  about  as  flavourless  as  Hawthorn  twigs,  very 
inferior  to  our  second-rate  Pears.  Buffum  is  an  October  fruit,  an 
American  variety,  originated  in  Khode  Island,  and  however  good  it 
may  be  there  it  is  seldom  passable  in  this  country.  Flemish  Beauty 
has  a  grand  blossom.  Seckle  and  Tyson  are  both  American  Pears. 
The  first  has  a  very  pretty  and  hardy  blossom,  sets  its  fruit  well,  and 
its  fruit  is  one  of  the  sweetest.  It  succeeds  as  a  standard  in  the  North 
of  England,  and  bears  fruit  when  many  others  have  the  blossom 
destroyed  by  frost.  The  last  is  seldom  good  in  this  country.  This 
completes  Prof.  Waite’s  list  of  self-fertilising  Pears. 

Crawford  and  Lammas  are  pictures  of  beauty  when  in  blossom, 
usually  “  swarming”  with  bees,  and  generally  bear  heavy  crops. 
Both  are  better  in  quality  than  many  newer  varieties.  Beacon 
certainly  must  be  classed  as  a  self-fertilising  variety,  its  bold  stamens 
and  pollen-laden  anthers  attest  this.  Madame  Treyve  cannot  be 
beaten  for  a  free-bearing  kind,  the  fruit  being  large  and  good. 
Fertility  fertilises  itself  and  every  non-fertilising  variety.  Some 
trees  of  Passe  Colmar  that  fruited  erratically  borne  constantly  when 
Fertility  was  introduced  near  them.  Hessle  is  good  for  itself,  and 
for  fertilising  Williams’  Bon  Chretien,  Clapp’s  Favourite,  and 
Jargonelle,  as  opposite  varieties  to  Hessle  as  can  well  be.  Bees 
appear  to  delight  in  the  free-bearing  varieties,  and  have  great 
partiality  for  Comte  de  Lamy,  so  have  I  for  its  fruit— the  best  of  all 
Pears.  Its  blossoms  are  very  hardy,  and  it  carried  heavy  crops  in 
seasons  when  no  other  varieties  in  the  open  had  any  fruit  worth 
naming.  Jules  d’Airolles  is  another  self- fertiliser,  and  it  is  far  better 
ill  cold  districts  than  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey.  Beurre  Bachelier  is 
highly  commended  for  free-beariug  and  good  quality  in  cold  districts. 
Beurre  Capiaumont  sets  its  fruit  when  many  sorts  fail  to  crop,  but 
the  quality  satisfies  few.  Bishop’s  Thumb  must  be  included  in  the 


December  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


507 


self- fertilising  list,  and  its  fruit  is  not  bad  eating.  General  Todleben 
is  very  free,  also  Beurre  Diel  and  Beurr4  Langelier.  The  latter  is  a 
good  Pear,  but  I  cannot  recommend  the  General  owing  to  its  grittiness, 
and  Beurre  Diel  cracks  seriously  in  the  open  in  wet  seasons,  but  is 
excellent  from  a  wall.  Marie  Louise  d’Uccle  is  also  a  self-fertiliser, 
and  bears  heavy  crops  of  not  very  juicy  fruit.  Van  Mons  Leon  le 
Clerc  has  a  fine  blossom,  but  tender,  yet  sets  well  in  warm  situations. 
It  bears  large,  handsome  fruits  when  trained  to  a  south  wall.  Jean 
de  Witte  can  hardly  forbear  setting  good  crops  on  itself  and  others 
near  it,  besides  it  runs  Winter  Nelis  hard  for  quality.  Bergamotte 
Esperen  seldom  fails  to  set  full  crops,  and  the  fruit  attains  better 
size,  acquires  more  colour,  and  is  freer  from  grit  when  grown  against 
a  south  wall.  For  a  specimen  of  self-fertilisation  none  excel  Passe 
Crasanne,  it  will  blossom  and  set  even  on  the  current  year’s  wood. 

Non  self-fertilising  varieties. — Let  us  first  take  Prof.  Waite's  list. 
Bartlett  (Williams’  Bon  Chretien)  a  sad  but  true  indictment.  (Dr. 
Jules  Guyot  is  better  as  a  cropper  and  in  appearance.  Its  blossom 
is  hardy  and  self-fertilising,  and  being  good  for  market  might  be 
planted  along  with  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  to  mutual  advantage,  for 
the  Dr.  has  not  the  quality  of  Williams’  nor  anything  like  it). 
Beurre  d’Anjou,  one  of  the  finest  Pears,  has  a  tender  blossom,  and 
Clapp’s  Favourite  is  subject  to  shrunken  pollenless  anthers.  As  to 
BeurrfS  Clairgeau  it  is  usually  well  provided  with  the  essential  fertili¬ 
sation  organs.  Sheldon,  a  medium  sized,  high  flavoured  variety,  of 
Mt.  Vernon  I  cannot  find  a  reference,  and  Lawrence,  medium  size, 
lemon  yellow,  rich  flesh,  and  grown  for  shipment,are  American  varieties 
of  which  I  know  nothing  only  from  report.  Howell  also  is  an  American 
variety,  said  to  be  rather  large,  juicy,  brisk  and  vinous.  Louise 
Bonne  of  Jersey  certainly  has  a  tender  blossom,  but  I  cannot  exactly 
admit  its  incapability  of  self-fertilisation.  Souvenir  du  Congres 
blossom  is  tender,  and,  like  Clapp’s  Favourite  and  Williams’  Bon 
Chretien,  the  fruit  is  liable  to  scab  fungus.  Winter  Nelis  has  a 
poor  blossom  anything  but  hardy,  also  Beurr6  Bose,  but  it  bears 
grandly  near  Jean  de  Witte,  and  is  a  very  fine  Pear,  while  of 
Easter  Beurre  I  cannot  say  that  its  blossom  is  not  self-fertilising, 
but  of  its  fruit  I  have  nothing  good  to  say  except  long  keeping. 
Beurre  Superfin,  my  second  favourite  Pear,  the  impeachment  is  only 
too  true  as  regards  its  requiring  aid  in  setting  the  fruit. 

Jargonelle  and  Windsor  are  apt  to  produce  a  number  of  antherless 
blossoms,  and  these  usually  drop,  for  the  bees  are  not  particularly 
fond  of  the  flowers  of  either  variety,  yet  the  perfect  blossoms  set  the 
fruit  well.  Beurrd  d’Amanlis,  usually  fertile,  I  have  quite  sterile,  its 
handsome  blossoms  being  devoid  of  pollen  in  the  anthers.  Seedlings 
from  it,  as  Backhouse’s  Beurre,  are  remarkably  fertile,  and  in  some 
cases  the  variety  bears  constantly.  These  changes  are  mere  vagaries. 
Princess  certainly  is  more  self-fertilising  than  Louise  Bonne  of 
Jersey,  for  it  is  hardier  as  a  tree,  as  well  as  in  blossom.  Thompson’s 
— my  third  favourite  Pear — and  Marie  Louise  have  tender  blossoms, 
and  in  many  cases  the  pistillate  as  well  as  the  staminate  organs  are 
defective,  and  they  set  the  fruit  better  placed  near  varieties  that 
afford  pollen  abundantly.  Beurr4  Hardy  is  the  worst  setter  I  am 
acquainted  with — plenty  of  blossom  and  only  a  fruit  here  and  there — 
qualities  making  everyone  long  for  more.  Jersey  Gratioli  seems 
incapable  of  self-fertilisation,  and  Hacon’s  Incomparable  bears 
erratically — sometimes  enormously,  and  then  forgets  to  produce  a 
decent  blossom,  much  less  fruit.  Knight’s  Monarch,  unsurpassed  for 
musky  flavour,  holds  its  fruit  better  if  cross-fertilised  and  well 
thinned  and  supported  at  the  roots. 

Glou  Morgeau  has  less  deformed  fruits  if  the  blossoms  are  cross- 
fertilised.  Beurre  Sterckmans  appears  to  have  a  tender  blossom,  but 
it  and  Ne  Plus  Meuris  do  well  in  company  against  a  wall.  Brown 
Beurre  sometimes  sets  its  fruit  well,  and  at  others  has  very  defective 
blossoms  and  only  a  sprinkling  of  fruit.  Duchesse  d'Angoul^me  is 
not  nearly  so  free  bearing  as  Pitmaston  Duchess — a  very  much  over¬ 
praised  Pear,  for  it  is  coarse  in  looks  and  in  quality — not  as  good  as 
Duchesse  d'Angouleme  for  the  shops.  These  are  a  few  varieties  that 
occur  to  my  mind  as  requiring  aid  in  fertilising,  either  by  planting 
varieties  near  them  for  bees  to  transfer  the  pollen,  or  by  using  a 
camel’s  hair  brush — an  interesting  and  useful  occupation. 

Some  of  the  best  for  affording  pollen  are  Belle  Julie,  Colmar 
d’Ete,  Doyenne  du  Comice,  Durondeau,  Eyewood,  Emile  d'Heyst, 
Fondante  d’Automne,  Josephine  de  Malines,  Triomphe  de  Vienne, 
besides  the  others  specially  referred  to. — Q.  Abbey. 


THOUGHTS  ON  SHRUBS. 

The  management  of  shrubs  as  a  part  of  a  gardener’s  duty 
does  not  receive  so  much  attention  as  it  ought  to  do.  Generally 
the  first  serious  thought  a  young  gardener  devotes  to  shrubs  or 
shrubberies  is  when  he  is  brought  face  to  face  with  some  problem 
on  their  treatment,  and  he  discovers  that  he  has  to  rely  on  an 
uninstructed  judgment  for  a  solution.  But  young  gardeners  are 


not  solely  to  blame  for  being  largely  ignorant  of  this  department 
of  ornamental  gardening,  as  on  too  many  estates  shrubs  are 
not  properly  cultivated.  Apart  from  this,  however,  one  does 
not  find  young  men  very  keen  of  taking  advantage  of  any 
opportunities  that  occur  for  benefiting  themselves  by  a  little  insight. 
On  the  surface,  the  cultivation  of  fruit  and  of  flowers  forms  a  Uaore 
alluring  occupation.  One  sees  results  in  these  instances,  within  a 
short  space  of  time,  but  with  shrubs  and  trees  there  always  inter¬ 
venes  a  period  of  waiting.  While  such  is  the  case  it  must  not  be 
too  hastily  conceived  that  no  pleasure  is  to  be  extracted  from 
shrub  culture.  There  is  indeed  a  great  amount  of  gratification, 
and  personally  I  am  quite  as  pleased  to  see  these  plants  do 
well  as  others  in  departments  more  closely  connected  with  the 
garden. 

In  open  situations  and  with  soil  of  fairly  good  quality  shrub 
cultivation  presents  no  difficulties,  but  when  one  is  called  upon  to 
form  living  screens,  with  sand  and  gravel  as  a  rooting  medium,  or, 
even  worse,  to  plant  underneath  overshadowing  trees  in  soil  inter¬ 
laced  with  roots,  we  experience  some  difficulty.  In  neither  case,  so 
far  as  my  experience  goes,  is  it  possible  to  achieve  success  without 
incurring  expense,  or  without  more  than  usual  labour.  Few  plants 
take  kindly  to  gravel,  and  even  fewer  thrive  on  the  fragments  left 
by  century-old  trees  ;  nor  do  they  appreciate  the  continued  shade. 

I  have  seen  much  money  wasted  in  trying  to  get  shrubs  to  grow 
under  such  circumstances  without  first  preparing  the  ground  and 
by  indiscriminately  planting  anything  that  came  to  hand  without 
taking  into  consideration  adaptability  as  to  position.  The  best  shrub 
for  growing  under  trees  is  the  Holly,  the  common  sort  being  excel¬ 
lent  ;  but  both  Ilex  Hodginsi  and  I.  maderiensis  nigra  are  good,  and 
much  bolder  in  effect  than  common  seedlings.  Yews  and  Portugal 
Laurels  do  fairly  well,  and  where  the  shade  is  only  slight  Rhodo¬ 
dendrons  succeed,  as  also  do  common  Laurels.  Small  plants  of 
any  of  these  are  of  no  use,  but  strong,  vigorous,  well  rooted 
specimens,  which  in  those  estates  where  shrubs  are  looked  after  are 
always  to  be  had,  ought  alone  to  be  employed. 

The  plants  there  ought  to  be  protected  against  dryness,  and  the 
roots  of  the  trees  among  which  they  are  planted.  I  go  to  work  in 
this  way  in  order  to  circumvent  the  intruders.  First  of  all  a  hole 
large  enough  to  hold  the  ball  of  the  plant  with  an  extra  allowance 
of  6  inches  all  round  for  new  soil  is  made.  The  plant  is  then  put 
in,  the  new  soil,  in  our  case  generally  decaying  compost,  is  added, 
and  made  firm,  and  then  at  a  distance  of  9  inches  or  so  from  the 
outer  limit  of  the  hole  a  circle  is  cut  with  the  spade.  This  keeps 
the  roots  of  the  trees  in  check  until  the  newly  planted  shrub 
becomes  established.  Another  important  matter  is  to  apply  water 
even  at  this  season,  that  is  to  say  if  there  appears  any  dryness 
about  the  site.  During  the  following  spring  and  summer, 
water  will  in  all  probability  be  required  by  the  plants  at  short 
intervals.  The  care  taken  in  this  respect  during  the  first  year  is 
amply  compensated  for,  as  apart  from  the  plants  being  kept  in  good 
health  there  will  be  no  further  need  to  go  over  the  work  another 
year,  as  I  have  seen  happen  more  than  once  in  similar  circum¬ 
stances.  An  occasional  dressing  of  manure,  or  of  soil  put  on  about 
this  time  of  year,  will  keep  them  in  vigorous  health. 

The  method  I  have  adopted  with  success  where  the  soil  is  very 
gravelly  consists  in  selecting  strong  plants  with  fibrous  roots,  in 
making  the  hole  for  the  same  double  the  size  necessary  to  hold  the 
ball,  and  in  filling  in  with  good  soil  or  compost.  Dryness  during 
the  spring  and  summer  must  not  be  allowed,  and  repeated 
mulchings  of  short  grass,  or  of  manure  if  it  can  be  spared,  are 
most  helpful.  The  importance  of  the  latter  is  very  great,  and 
shrubs  or  trees  ought  not  to  be  neglected  in  that  respect.  If  a 
shrub  or  a  tree  is  growing  in  impoverished  soil  neither  will  be 
ornamental,  and  the  ordinary  grass  would  be  more  pleasing  to  the 
eye.  Along  with  other  Conifers,  I  had  an  Abies  Nordmanni  to 
plant,  the  latter  securing  perhaps  the  most  gravelly  site.  As  a 
matter,  of  course,  it  did  not  grow  very  well  ;  but  a  barrowful  of  cow 
manure  applied  one  autumn  made  a  difference  for  the  better.  More 
the  next  year,  worked  a  still  further  improvement,  and^  at  present 
this  specimen  looks  very  flourishing  indeed.  I  have  during  the  past 
week  used  about  three  tons  of  animal  excreta  all  applied  to 
shrubs.  Upon  the  roots  of  Rhododenrons  growing  in  poor  soil 
these  surfacings  of  good  manure  act  like  magic.  Old  worn  out 
stumps  become  quite  energetic,  produce  strong  growths,  and  in  due 
course  flower  as  well  as  those  which  have  much  better  chances. 
Variegated  plants  such  as  Hollies,  Yews,  Retinosporas  and  others, 
when  surface  dressed  with  manure  or  soil  of  rich  quality  have 
better  colouring  than  when  left  to  grow  without  any  manurial 
aid. 

A  common  error  in  planting  is  in  placing  the  roots  too  deep. 
Two  years  ago  I  recommended  to  a  gentleman  some  hedging  plants 
the  same  as  I  had  myself.  In  the  spring  he  complained  they  were 
looking  badly,  and  “  Would  I  see  what  I  thought  was  wrong  i 


608 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  December  7,  1893. 


Eyery  one  had  been  planted  with  its  stem  6  inches  below  the 
surface,  and  the  plants  died.  Only  last  autumn  I  had  to  overhaul 
a  recently  planted  shrubbery  in  which  the  plants  were  making  no 
progress,  and  in  this  case  also  deep  planting  was  the  fault.  A 
plant  with  the  main  roots  showing  on  the  surface,  if  staked  and 
watered,  will  hardly  die,  and  it  is  certain  to  make  progress  when 
once  it  is  established.  A  plant  with  a  buried  stem,  on  the  other 
hand,  will  never  do  well. — B. 


DEEPLY  PLANTED  CELERY. 

There  are  no  doubt  advantages  as  well  as  disadvantages  attending 
the  use  of  deep  trenches  for  the  growth  of  Celery,  but  it  is 
doubtful  if  the  value  of  deep  planting  was  ever  more  fully  exem¬ 
plified  than  in  the  present  season,  when  shortness  of  water  was  a 
more  common  complaint  than  ever  before  experienced.  Shallow 
rtrenches  this  year,  with  a  restricted  supply  of  water,  must  have 
.seriously  affected  this  valuable  winter  crop,  and  especially  in  soils  of 
a  light  sandy  or  gravelly  nature.  I  have  never  before  practised 
iauch  deep  planting  as  this  year,  one  reason  in  particular  being  that 
the  depth  of  soil  available  did  not  allow  of  it  being  adopted,  but 
:had  I  resorted  to  the  usual  depth  of  trench  our  Celery  crop  must 
Jiave  been  a  very  indifferent  one.  As  it  is  I  think  it  will  bear  very 
favourable  comparison  with  that  obtained  in  seasons  of  greater 
■  rainfall. 

Beyond  a  light  watering  given  at  planting  time  no  water  could 
be  spared  for  the  Celery.  Under  ordinary  circumstances  the  plants 
'.would  have  been  flagging  continuously  for  want  of  water,  but 
<deep  trenches  with  a  high  bank  of  soil  on  each  side  afforded  a 
good  means  of  protection  from  direct  sunshine  on  the  surface  soil 
and  roots.  As  much  moist  and  decayed  manure  was  worked  into  the 
trenches  in  the  early  spring,  and  these  being  of  a  sufficient  width 
for  planting  two  rows  of  Celery  were  better  able  to  sustain  mois¬ 
ture  than  a  narrower  one  could  do.  After  the  plants  had  advanced 
well  into  growth  the  foliage  completely  filled  the  width  of  each 
trench,  and  this  acted  as  good  as  a  non-conductor  to  the  drying 
winds  and  sunshine  in  a  marked  manner. 

In  a  wet  summer  possibly  the  chances  of  obtaining  good  Celery 
from  such  deep  planting  would  not  be  so  favourable  ;  but  if  the 
ground  is  well  drained  even  then  I  do  not  see  any  objection  to  the 
system  of  deep  planting,  because  with  ample  foliage  much  of  the 
rain  is  transmitted  to  the  sides  from  off  the  surface  of  the  over¬ 
hanging  leaves,  and  the  roots  are  thus  not  in  receipt  of  the  whole 
of  the  rainfall.  In  double  rows  and  deep  trenches  there  is  a 
natural  gain  of  length  of  stem,  and  this  more  easily  blanched  than 
"is  the  case  when  the  opposite  course  is  followed.  Earthing  or 
moulding-up  is  a  simple  matter  in  the  one  case,  when  in  the  other, 
as  less  wide  spaces  are  allowed  between  the  trenches,  it  is  difficult 
to  keep  the  soil  up  ;  especially  is  this  so  with  sandy  textured 
garden  soil.  There  would  seem  to  be  a  very  general  prejudice 
against  the  planting  of  double  rows  of  plants  in  one  trench,  for  it 
is  observable  that  in  the  majority  of  gardens  the  single  row  is  the 
one  most  commonly  adopted.  The  idea  is  that  it  is  more  difficult 
to  earth-up  the  plants  in  the  autumn,  or  if  not  more  difficult  there 
is  great  risk  of  doing  injury  through  the  soil  getting  into  the  hearts 
in  the  course  of  “  banking  ”  up.  I  held  this  view  of  the  matter, 
and  abstained  from  adopting  the  double  row  system  for  several 
years  ;  but  I  find  there  is  no  more  difficulty  in  the  one  case  than 
in  the  other,  and  certainly  it  economises  space  very  considerably, 
and  quite  as  good  material  might  be  grown  in  double  as  in  single 
lines.  One  advantage  is  gained  in  wide  trenches  by  the  greater 
height  of  the  sides  brought  about  by  the  breadth  of  soil  removed. 
This  makes  the  trenches  appear  deeper  than  is  actually  the  case. 
■Ours  are  two  spades  in  depth,  and  the  loose  “  crumbs  ”  serve  to 
jjover  the  manure  for  planting  in.— W.  S.,  Rood  Ashton. 


THE  FRUIT  KEEPING  QUESTION. 

Not  only  as  to  “  the  premature  decay  of  Apples,”  but  also  as 
to  the  keeping  of  Pears,  is  the  question  raised  by  Mr.  Iggulden 
(page  437),  a  most  interesting  one,  but  it  has  been  all  through  this 
.autumn  season  a  very  anxious  one.  W^hen  a  gardener’s  supply  is 
•reduced,  he  is  called  upon  for  a  reason  for  the  reduction,  and  the 
reason  I  have  given  is  precisely  the  one  suggested  by  Mr.  Iggulden 
and  supported  by  Mr.  Cheal,  and  partly  supported,  but  widened, 
by  m^  neighbour,  Mr.  A.  H.  Pearson  of  Chilwell  (page  487),  “  that 
the  rains  which  came  after  the  long  spell  of  dry  weather  filled  to 
overflowing  the  sap  vessels  of  the  fruit ;  these  being  dried  up  and 
narrowed  by  the  dry  weather  were  not  able  to  bear  the  strain, 
and  that  the  after  season  was  not  long  enough  to  elaborate  and 
^^lUte  that  rush  of  sap  ;  hence,  immatureness  and  premature 


In  some  such  form  as  that  I  have  endeavoured  to  explain  when 
asked,  “  How  do  you  account  for  this  excessive  decaying  of  fruit  ?  ” 
I  cannot  say  that  our  late  Apples  are  keeping  very  badly.  We  gave 
them  as  long  a  time  as  we  could  before  gathering,  seeing  that  they 
had  so  much  to  do  after  the  rains  came,  and  now  that  they  are 
stored  away  in  our  airy  fruit  chamber,  they  are  keeping,  what 
I  may  say,  fairly  well.  Caldwells  or  Rymers,  with  Normanton 
Wonders,  are  two  of  our  most  reliable  long  keeping  Apples,  and 
we  lay  by  a  good  store  of  these.  The  early  Apples,  as  Early  Julyan, 
Duchess  of  Oldenburg,  and  even  Keswicks  and  Potts’  Seedling, 
we  only  retain  sufficient  for  present  consumption,  putting  the 
others  into  the  market ;  and  the  “  Summerings,”  with  their  strong, 
penetrative  smell,  we  never  keep  by  us  at  all. 

Pears,  the  early  ones,  have  been  the  greatest  trial.  Gathered 
one  day  they  seemed  to  be  decayed  the  next,  and  it  was  most 
difficult  to  keep  up  a  daily  supply.  Doyenne  d’Ete,  Jargonelle,  Clapp’s 
Favourite  (a  very  useful  Pear  this),  and  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  we 
were  obliged  to  gather  in  sections,  a  basketful  or  so  at  a  time. 
By  so  doing  we  prolonged  our  season  very  materially.  Beurre 
d'Amanlis  kept  better,  though,  having  trees  in  different  positions, 
and  gathering  them  at  various  times,  a  few  at  a  time,  may  account 
for  our  longer  time  of  consumption.  Pitmaston  Duchess  fruited 
well,  but  I  cannot  join  “  Northerner,”  who  writes  so  glowingly  of  it 
on  page  495  in  his  estimate  ;  for  though  we  get  plenty  of  fruit,  and 
on  the  walls  of  good  size,  too,  we  do  not  get  that  high  table  quality 
which  makes  people  ask  for  it.  Indeed,  when  I  say  that  we  stewed 
the  bulk  of  ours  it  will  be  understood  how  it  stands  in  our  esti¬ 
mation,  those  at  least  which  did  not  decay,  for  this  was  one  this 
season  which  you  could  almost  stand  and  see  decay. 

Some  of  the  Pears  which  are  invariably  good  with  me  have  this 
season  been  conspicuously  uncertain.  One  favourite,  Fondante  de 
Charneu,  was  little  better  than  a  good  young  Turnip  ;  usually  it 
is  asked  for  more  than  any  other  in  its  season.  To  set  against  that 
Vicar  of  Winkfield  is  this  year  singularly  good.  We  are  using  it 
now  with  much  acceptance.  Louise  Bonne  of  Jersey  were  very 
good  in  quality,  but  smaller  than  usual,  and  kept  the  best  of  all 
save  one,  and  that  is  a  December  Pear,  not  in  much  cultivation, 
Epine  du  Mas.  It  is  a  prolific  bearer,  of  good  quality,  the  fruit 
keeps  well,  and  comes  in  at  a  most  acceptable  time.  We  have  just 
finished  them,  and  are  now  using  Winter  Nelis,  always  a  welcome 
fruit  in  the  dining-room.  Josephine  de  Malines  and  Easter 
Beurre  are  keeping  fairly  well,  and  will  be  in  very  soon.  Nec  Plus 
Meuris  and  Glou  Mor9eau  did  not  fruit  very  well  this  year,  but 
are  keeping  well,  though  in  each  of  these  varieties  their  season  is 
about  a  month  earlier  than  usual,  and  the  Pear  consumption  will 
therefore  be  limited  by  that  amount  of  time.  Beurre  Sterckmans 
did  so  badly  in  ripening  out  that  I  headed  them  down,  and  worked 
other  varieties  upon  them. 

I  must  go  back  a  little  and  say  that  I  have  only  words  of  un¬ 
stinted  praise  for  such  Pears  as  Doyenne  Boussoch,  Doyenne  du 
Comice,  Marie  Louise  d’Uccle,  Marechal  de  Cour,  and  Emile 
d’Heyst,  as  well  as  Fondante  d’Automne,  but  as  for  Beurre  de 
Oapiaumont,  Beurre  Clairgeau,  Beurre  Bose,  Beurre  Van  Mons,  and 
Fertility,  the  less  said  about  them  the  better.  The  last-mentioned 
Pear  is  unquestionably  a  heavy  and  constant  bearer,  much 
more  so  than  the  old  Hessle,  but  its  table  quality  is  very  low.  That 
is  as  I  have  proved  it  ;  it  may  do  differently  elsewhere.  That 
fact,  by  the  way,  is  a  truth  which  a  long  experience  has  given  me, 
that  a  fruit,  or  vegetable  indifferent  in  one  place  may  be  quite  the 
opposite  in  another,  and  therefore  I  find  it  wise  not  to  dogmatically 
condemn  anything  in  the  fruit  and  vegetable  line,  but  just 
chronicle  my  own  personal  experience.  Fertility  has  had,  however, 
one  feature  this  year,  and  that  is  to  die  off,  as  to  its  leaves,  in 
ruddy  glory,  as  red  almost  as  that  of  a  Virginian  Creeper.  These 
fruit  experiences  are  very  interesting  reading  to  me,  and  so  I 
venture  to  send  this  small  contribution. — N.  H.  P.,  Notts. 


THE  CRYSTAL  PALACE  COMPANY’S  SEPTEMBER 

FRUIT  SHOW. 

The  present  appears  to  me  to  be  an  opportune  time  to  express  a  hope 
that  the  Crystal  Palace  Company  may  next  year  resume  the  holding  of 
an  exhibition  of  choice  and  other  fruit  in  conjunction  with  the  National 
Dahlia  Show  the  first  week  in  September.  This  unfortunately  has 
been  discontinued  the  last  two  years,  owing,  I  suppose,  to  the  fact  that 
a  fruit  Show  embodying  all  the  fruit  classed  included  in  the  “Palace 
schedule  ”  was  to  be  held  at  Earl’s  Court,  London,  in  1892,  and  a 
series  of  little  fruit  shows  held  in  the  same  place  during  the  past  summer, 
and  which  latter  shows  appear,  judging  from  recent  correspondence  in 
the  Journal,  not  to  have  given  the  same  satisfaction  to  prizewinners 
that  resulted  from  the  management  of  the  International  Fruit  Show 
held  in  the  same  place  last  year. 

I  think  it  would  be  a  great  pity — not  to  say  a  pomological  calamity — 
that  there  should  exist  any  cause  or  causes  to  prevent  the  Crystal  Palace 


Oaoember  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


509 


Oompany  holding  its  great  Fruit  Show  the  6rit  week  in  September,  as  in 
former  years  (excepting  1892  and  1893).  As  an  exhibitor  for  several 
years  past  in  all  the  principal  daises  at  the  Show  in  question,  as  well 
as  at  many  leading  shows  in  the  provinces,  I  am  in  a  position 
to  say  that  the  Crystal  Palace  September  Fruit  Show  has  been  looked 
upon,  and  justly  so,  as  the  great  show  ot  the  season — in  fact,  the  National 
Fruit  Show  of  the  country. 

The  Palace,  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  is  quite  unique  as  a  place 
for  holding  horticultural  exhibitions,  and  the  details  of  the  exhibitions 
held  there  have  always  been  admirably  arranged  ;  and  last,  though  by 
no  means  least,  the  prize  money  has  always  been  forthcoming  soon  after 
it  had  been  won.  I  am  sure  that  in  thus  writing  I  am  only  expressing 
the  sentiments  of  the  numerous  fruit  growers  who  used  to  annually  com¬ 
pete  in  the  fruit  classes  at  the  Crystal  Palace  Show,  and  who  looked 
forward  with  much  pleasure  to  meeting  one  another  in  friendly  contest 
early  in  September  every  year.  Permit  me  to  express  a  hope  that  the 
■Crystal  Palace  Company  may  give  us — its  old  and  regular  exhibitors — an 
opportunity  of  doing  so  again  in  1894,  as  the  Shows  in  question  gave  a 
great  impetus  to  the  movement  of  high-class  and  profitable  fruit  culture. 
— H.  W.  W. 


THE  ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY  AND 

SOUTH  KENSINGTON. 

You  state  in  an  article  on  page  492  in  your  last  issue  that  “in 
<3on8equence  of  a  leakage  from  the  Council  of  the  R.H.S.,”  proposals  as 
to  the  removal  of  the  meetings  of  the  Society  to  the  Imperial  Institute 
are  known  to  be  under  consideration.  I  made  careful  inquiries  at  a 
late  meeting  of  the  Council  whether  any  member  had  communicated 
with  the  horticultural  Press,  directly  or  indirectly,  on  this  subject,  and 
was  assured  that  no  member  had  done  so.  I  think  this  contradiction 
should  be  published,  because  at  the  time  you  name  the  proposal  had  not 
even  been  submitted  to  the  Council,  and  it  is  therefore  a  somewhat 
severe,  and  I  believe  unjust,  imputation  on  a  member  or  members  of 
that  body. — Henry  J.  Pearson. 

[We  publish  the  above  correction  with  very  great  pleasure,  but 
at  the  same  time  we  think  Mr.  Pearson  will  have  no  difficulty  in 
admitting  that  his  inquiries  at  a  late  meeting  of  the  Council  were  not 
made  in  consequence  of  anything  that  appeared  in  the  Jourrial  of 
Horticulture.  We  did  not  say  the  proposals  were  “  known  "  to  be  under 
consideration,  but  that  there  was  a  “  rumour  ”  of  the  nature  indicated. 
This  was  quite  true.  It  also  appears  to  be  equally  true  that  the 
rumour  was  not  groundless,  as  proposals  were  admittedly  made  by  the 
authorities  of  the  Imperial  Institute  for  the  removal  of  the  headquarters 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  to  South  Kensington.  “  Rumour  ” 
is  quite  liable  to  be  at  fault  relative  to  the  origin  of  a  leakage,  but  that 
there  was  an  “  escape  ”  in  this  case  from  somewhere  appears  self-evident, 
■or  there  could  have  been  no  occasion  for  any  gentleman  to  make 
•“  careful  inquiries  ”  on  the  subject  at  a  Council  meeting  held  prior  to 
ithe  publication  of  our  remarks  last  week.  We  unhesitatingly  accept 
Mr.  Pearson’s  assurance  that  no  disclosures  whatever  were  made  by  any 
members  of  the  Council,  and  we  include  in  this  assurance  all  attendant 
officials.] 


A  RETROSPECT. 

Time  has  been  given  me  to  look  back  over  the  last  fourteen  years  or 
so,  during  which  my  heart  has  been  wrapped  up  in  matters  horticultural. 
Although  the  love  I  have  borne  and  bear  still  for  everything  connected 
with  a  garden  has  never  been  a  means  of  supplying  my  daily  wants,  but 
has,  on  the  other  hand,  impoverished  me,  I  cannot  even  now  say  that 
I  regret  it. 

During  this  period  I  have  seen  horticulture  advance  by  giant  strides, 
and  gardeners  become  in  their  best  representatives  a  body  of  scientific 
well  read  men.  The  pages  of  VaQ  Journal  of  Horticulture  bear  testimony 
to  this. 

I  have  also  seen  of  late  years  the  culture  of  fruit  brought  to  the 
front,  and  the  old  rough  and  ready  ways  of  planting  any  variety 
the  nurseryman  sent  abolished.  Dr.  Hogg’s  “  Fruit  Manual  ”  and 
Mr.  Wright’s  “Prize  Essay”  have  been  of  inestimable  worth  to  our 
young  planters. 

Many  changes  have  happened  of  late  years  ;  we  seem  to  have  lost 
an  unusual  number  of  first-class  gardeners,  and  when  Mr.  Laxton 
(whose  helpful  letters  to  me  were  a  source  of  great  comfort  at  a  trying 
time)  went  over  to  the  majority  I  felt  a  blow  I  shall  never  forget. 

How  much  knowledge  and  pleasure  I  have  gained  by  the  perusal  of 
“our  Journal”  I  know  not.  This  I  know,  that  there  was  always 
something  fresh  to  learn,  always  something  to  add  to  the  pleasure  of 
reading.  I  owe  very  many  thanks  to  the  contributors  to  “our  Journal,” 
many  of  whom  have  been  most  courteous  and  kind  to  me.  I  heartily 
return  my  thanks  to  one  and  all.  If  I  might  single  one  out  I  should  say 
that  any  contribution  with  “  D.,  Deal,"  underscribed  has  been  a  lasting 
pleasure  to  me. 

And  now,  starting  as  I  am  on  a  long  journey  from  which  I  shall  not 
return,  I  desire  to  thank  our  kind  Editor  and  each  contributor  for  the 


knowledge,  pleasure,  and  profit  I  have  ever  received  from  them. — 
H.  S.  Easty,  Ashdcne,  Hill  Lane,  Southampton, 

[It  is  with  profound  regret,  in  which  our  readers  will  share,  that  the 
painful  malady  from  which  Mr.  Easty  has  long  suffered  has  at  last  been 
pronounced  mortal.  Mr.  Easty  is  a  gentleman  by  birth,  and  has  devoted 
his  means  to  acquiring  information  by  travels  abroad  ai:d  experiments 
at  home,  until  those  means  are,  we  believe,  exhausted,  and  we  fear  he 
has  difficulty  in  obtaining  simple  home  comforts.  Under  these  circum¬ 
stances  the  calm  trustfulness  of  his  pathetic  letter  cannot  but  evoke 
admiration,  and  impart  a  suggestive  lesson  on  a  subject  of  a  momentous 
character.] 


Aberdeen  Roses. 

With  a  view  to  keep  things  right,  may  we  ask  you  to  kindly  insert 
the  following  remarks,  by  way  of  correcting  a  mistake  in  “  D.,  Deal's," 
very  interesting  article  on  “  The  Rose  in  1893,”  which  appeared  in  your 
issue  of  the  30th  ult.  (page  494)  ?  We  observe  he  credits  Messrs.  Hark- 
ness  &  Sons  with  carrying  off  every  first  prize  for  “  seventy-two’s  ”  in 
the  kingdom. 

We  only  staged  in  two  “  seventy-two’s  ”  during  last  season  in 
England,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  winning  them  both.  The  first 
was  at  Tibshelf  (Derbyshire),  on  July  25th,  and  we  understand  that 
this  was  the  best  and  keenest  contested  “  seventy-two  ”  of  the  season, 
there  being  six  exhibits  staged,  Messrs.  Harkness  coming  in  second. 
The  second  was  at  Elland  (Yorkshire)  on  August  15th,  where  we  also 
won  the  first  prize. 

We  do  not  wish  by  any  means  to  detract  from  the  Messrs.  HarknesJ 
splendid  record,  but  we  take  this  opportunity  of  pointing  out  that  we 
met  the  above-mentioned  firm  eighteen  times  in  England  during  the 
season,  commencing  July  20th,  with  the  following  result — viz.,  Messrs. 
Harkness  &  Sons  two  first  prizes.  Cocker  &  Sons  fifteen  first  prizes  and 
one  equal. — James  Cocker  &  Sons,  Aberdeen . 

The  National  Rose  Society  and  the  Future  of  Exhibiting. 

I  TAKE  advantage  of  some  remarks  made  by  “  D.,  Deal,"  in  his 
article  on  “  The  Rose  in  1893,”  page  494  of  the  Joxirnal  of  Horticulture 
last  week,  to  fay  a  few  words  as  to  the  future  of  the  Society  as  they 
occur  to  me,  both  in  regard  to  its  membership  and  the  advantages 
which  are  now  offered,  and  those  which,  I  think,  should  be  offered  to 
new  rosarians.  “  D.,  Deal" — than  whom  there  are  few  more  experi¬ 
enced,  whether  as  men  of  the  world  or  as  “past  masters”  in  Rose 
matters — says,  in  regard  to  the  annual  recruiting  of  rosarians  for  the 
Rose  shows  of  the  future,  “  one  asks,  with  some  degree  of  misgiving, 
where  are  the  successors  of  the  past”  [why  not  present  ?]  “giants  to 
come  from  ?  ”  This  question  may  be  one  fraught  with  consequences  of 
the  first  magnitude  to  rosarians,  and  is  of  vital  importance  to  the 
N.R.S.,  therefore  it  is  one  which,  having  been  put  forth  by  a  leading 
official  at  what  is  apparently  a  propitious  moment,  might  be  discussed 
with  advantage  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  N.R.S.,  which  coincides 
with  the  date  of  the  next  issue  of  the  Journal. 

It  is  of  vital  importance  to  the  Society  that  its  membership  should  be 
materially  increased,  as  there  are  many  members  who,  when  it  first 
started  in  December,  1876,  were  the  mainstay  of  its  exhibitions,  and 
who  now  either  from  age  or  disinclination  have  dropped  out  of  the  fray. 
Future  exhibit'ons  and  the  Society  itself  must  sooner  or  later  depend 
for  support  from  those  who  are  now  becoming  interested  in  Rose 
growing,  and  it  is  with  the  object  of  sounding  a  note  of  warning  to  the 
N.R.S.  executive  that  I  write  this  letter. 

I  have  for  some  years  been  a  persistent  advocate  for  the  encourage¬ 
ment  of  new  members  and  small  growers  amongst  rosarians,  and  unless 
the  Society  offers  more  inducement  in  the  future  than  it  now  does  to 
“young”  rosarians,  it  will  find  it  a  matter  of  difficulty  to  keep  up  its 
roll ;  death  and  desertion  will  soon  outnumber  the  yearly  recruiting,  and 
the  number  inscribed  on  the  roll-call  will  then  be  found  a  diminishing 
quantity. 

I  do  not  write  this  letter  as  a  pessimist,  but  in  the  present  day  a 
society  or  a  business  must  either  advance  or  retrograde,  you  cannot  stand 
still  and  succeed  ;  and  I  say  that  when  I  find  there  are  forty-eight  local 
secretaries  of  the  N.R.S.,  and  through  that  body  of  supposed  active 
workers  only  thirty-four  recruits  (not  counting  those  I  myself  brought 
in  this  year)  were  obtained  in  1893,  the  Society  is  in  a  perilous  state, 
especially  if  its  schedules  are  to  be  maintained  at  a  satisfactory  level.  I 
have  worked  fairly  hard  and  not  unsuccessfully  in  getting  in  new 
members  ;  but  I  confe-s  that  the  question  often  asked  me,  “  What  do  I 
gain  or  obtain  by  becoming  a  member  of  your  Society?”  frequently  finds 
a  reply  difficult,  and  at  times  I  have  been  puzzled  to  find  a  suitable  one, 
but  the  question  being  a  proper  one  there  should  be  a  satisfactory  reply 
ready  to  hand.  I  therefore  appeal  to  those  now  responsible  for  the 
Society’s  working  to  offer  next  year  advantages  to  new  members — do 
away  with  useless  classes  in  the  prize  schedules,  such  for  instance  as  the 
one  for  residents  within  an  eight-mile  radius  (which  is  practically  a 
monopoly  to  a  very  small  coterie),  and  in  the  place  of  those  eliminated 


610 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  7, 18>I. 


classes  substitute  several  new  ones  for  rosarians  who  have  joined  the 
Society  within  say  three  years,  or  those  who  have  never  won  a  prize  at 
its  exhibitions.  By  adopting  this  plan  a  nursery  will  soon  be  formed, 
and  thus  the  babes  of  the  present  may  become  the  giants  of  the  future, 
and  probably  not  unworthy  to  be  compared  with  their  predecessors. — 
Charles  J.  Grahame,  Croydon. 

MANUEINa  AND  TRANSPLANTING  ROSEB. 

Autumn  and  winter  are  the  best  times  in  the  whole  year  for  applying 
a  liberal  dressing  of  solid  manure  to  the  soil  devoted  to  the  growth  of 
the  queen  of  garden  flowers.  Where  good  manure  is  plentiful  and  is 
largely  used  for  the  purpose  the  difficulties  of  Rose  growing  are  reduced 
to  a  minimum.  No  mere  sprinkling  of  this  necessary  fare  will  suffice 
to  keep  such  gross  feeders  in  health  and  vigour.  A  coating  of  from 
3  to  6  inches  in  thickness  should  be  spread  evenly  over  the  whole  surface 
of  the  bed,  and  as  the  work  proceeds  be  packed  closely  around  the  stems 
of  standards  or  the  stools  of  bushes.  The  manure  then  answers  the 
two-fold  purpose  of  protecting  the  roots  from  severe  frosts  and  of  supply¬ 
ing  them  with  abundant  nutriment,  as  the  rains  and  snow  convey  its 
most  powerful  constituents  to  the  soil.  This  layer  of  manure  should 
remain  upon  the  surface  of  the  soil  till  the  Roses  are  pruned  in  the  spring, 
when  it  is  necessary  to  fork  the  beds  over  to  a  sufficient  depth  to  admit 
of  covering  the  manure.  Deep  digging  around  Rose  bushes  should  at 
all  times  be  avoided,  as  it  is  most  inimical  to  their  well  being,  by  driving 
the  roots  deeper  into  the  soil,  when  the  aim  of  the  cultivator  should  be 
to  keep  them  near  the  surface. 

On  light  hungry  soils  1  believe  cow  manure  to  be  unsurpassed  for 
Roses,  for  it  is  not  only  extremely  rich  in  easily  assimilated  plant  food, 
but  being  also  close  in  texture  helps  to  make  the  soil  more  retentive  of 
moisture,  an  object  not  easily  accomplished  when  ordinary  farmyard 
manure  containing  a  good  percentage  of  straw  is  employed  unless  very 
much  decayed,  in  which  condition  its  manurial  properties  are  consider¬ 
ably  lessened.  On  the  other  hand,  when  dealing  with  a  heavy  soil  fresh 
horse  manure  containing  a  good  amount  of  strawy  matter  is  of  great 
utility  in  keeping  the  soil  open  so  that  the  action  of  the  weather  may 
pulverise  it. 

I  find  it  an  excellent  plan  to  lift  and  transplant  bush  Roses  every 
three  or  four  years  ;  this  is  especially  the  case  with  those  on  their  own 
roots,  as  by  continually  throwing  up  suckers  in  various  directions  the 
centre  of  the  stool  is  often  left  bare.  In  addition  to  the  advantage 
accruing  from  this  point  of  view,  the  bushes  are  undoubtedly  kept 
healthy  and  vigorous,  without  producing  such  exceptionally  strong  shoots 
as  undisturbed  bushes  do  when  pruned  closely  to  secure  large  blooms. 
The  reason  why  periodically  lifted  Roses  give  such  satisfactory  result  is, 
I  doubt  not,  in  consequence  of  the  number  of  fibry  roots  produced  under 
this  system  of  management,  which  also  gives  opportunities  of  frequently 
trenching  the  soil  and  incorporating  manure  with  it  throughout  its 
entire  depth.  Ample  food  being  thus  within  easy  reach  of  the  roots 
they  show  no  inclination  to  wander  away  in  search  of  it,  making  in 
their  course  long  fibreless  lengths,  which  all  cultivators  dislike  to  see. 

November  is  perhaps  the  best  time  to  take  in  hand  the  work  of 
lifting  or  planting  the  hardier  kinds  of  Roses,  and  those  enthusiastic 
rosarians  whose  Roses  are  the  most  important  feature  in  their  gardens, 
will  doubtless  have  managed  to  carry  out  the  work  ;  but  gardeners  who 
have  extensive  charges  in  each  department  to  attend  to  must  perforce 
fit  in  this  kind  of  work  whenever  opportunities  arise  and  the  weather  is 
favourable.  November  is  a  busy  month  with  most  of  us,  as  with  the 
leaves  from  numerous  trees  falling  fast  (which  if  not  quickly  collected 
are  swept  by  the  wind  in  all  directions,  only  to  give  additional  labour) 
and  other  alterations  also  in  progress,  planting  must  necessarily  be 
delayed  ;  however,  by  choosing  an  open  spell  of  weather  when  the  ground 
is  fairly  dry,  we  have  hitherto  been  able  to  perform  this  kind  of  work 
with  the  best  results,  and  contemplate  undertaking  it  again  at  various 
times  during  the  next  three  months. 

Our  plan  of  procedure  is  to  take  up  the  Roses,  carefully  cut  away 
any  old  fibreless  parts  or  stools  from  which  the  younger  portions  have 
extended,  and  at  the  same  time  making  a  clean  cut  at  the  ends  of  all 
other  roots,  so  that  they  are  in  readiness  for  replanting.  They  are  then 
laid  upon  the  ground  and  covered  with  mats  while  the  beds  are  being 
prepared  for  their  reception.  This  preparation  consists  in  double¬ 
digging,  at  the  same  time  giving  a  heavy  dressing  of  manure,  which  is 
well  incorporated  with  the  soil  as  the  work  proceeds,  and  a  little  of  the 
subsoil  is  mixed  with  the  upper  strata.  When  the  digging  is  completed 
the  Roses  are  at  once  planted,  spreading  the  roots  evenly  in  all  direc¬ 
tions,  and  keeping  them  near  the  surface.  Any  plants  which  have 
become  leggy  ought  to  be  planted  obliquely.  Light  soils  should  be 
trod  firmly  ;  but  when  dealing  with  heavy  ones  the  fork  or  spade  should 
take  the  place  of  the  foot  in  pressing  down  the  soil.  A  couple  of 
inches  of  rough  manure  must  in  all  instances  be  placed  upon  the 
surface  to  complete  the  work. — A  Lover  of  Roses. 


AUTUMN  AND  WINTER  FLOWERS. 

Not  often  is  a  finer  display  seen  than  I  found  on  a  recent  visit  to 
Norman  Court,  the  residence  of  W.  Baring,  Esq.,  as  provided  by  the 
able  gardener,  Mr.  J.  Hughes.  Apart  from  Chrysanthemums,  which 
were  admirably  represented.  Salvia  splendens  was  very  striking.  The 
plants  were  grown  from  cuttings  rooted  in  March  and  planted  out 
in^  the  open,  afterwards  taken  up  and  established  in  10-inch  pots,  the 
soil  used  being  loam  and  leaf  mould,  no  sand.  Well-grown  Zonal 


Pelargoniums  intermixed  with  Mignonette  and  Heliotropes  formed  an 
effective  combination,  and  Primulas  were  very  fine  indeed. 

The  stage  on  the  south  side  of  the  Rose  house  was  filled  with  Miss 
Jolliffe  Carnations  (the  improved  strain),  the  blooms  being  not  in  hun¬ 
dreds  but  thousands,  and  well  worth  a  long  journey  to  see.  Mr.  Hughes 
may  be  justly  proud  of  his  success  in  the  culture  of  these  plants,  and  it 
seems  a  pity  it  should  not  be  convenient  to  place  them  before  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society’s  Committee,  where  I  have  no  doubt  they  would 
receive  the  recognition  they  deserve.  There  are  200  plants,  in  7-inch 
and  9-inch  pots.  The  cuttings  were  rooted  about  the  middle  of  February 
in  slight  bottom  heat,  the  plants  being  eventually  potted  and  grown  in 
a  cold  frame.  The  final  potting  was  done  in  July,  the  compost  then 
used  being  good  maiden  loam,  charred  soil,  leaf  mould,  with  a  little 
bonemeal  and  sand  added.  Some  of  the  best  plants  had  twelve  spikes, 
carrying  from  forty  to  fifty  blooms.  The  house  is  kept  cool  with  plenty 
of  air,  and  the  plants,  which  are  sturdy  in  growth,  are  kept  free  from 
insects.  On  the  north  stage  of  the  same  house  was  a  collection  of 
dwarf  German  Scabious.  These  plants  were  kept  growing  through  the 
summer,  but  all  flower  spikes  as  they  appeared  were  pinched  off  until  a 
few  weeks  ago.  At  the  present  time  they  are  in  full  bloom,  affording  a 
pleasing  variety  of  colour,  in  32-size  pots,  some  of  the  plants  carrying 
from  fifty  to  sixty  trusses  of  flowers. 

Other  winter-flowering  plants  are  not  forgotten.  Cyclamens,  Marie 
Louise  Violets,  and  Cinerarias  are  grown  in  pits,  as  are  Bouvardias, 
these  being  planted  out,  and  will  no  doubt  prove  of  great  service.  I  hope 
these  few  stray  notes  may  show  what  can  be  done  with  perseverance. 
Such  good  work  merits  appreciation,  and  Mr.  Hughes  is  to  be  congratu¬ 
lated  on  what  he  has  accomplished  so  well. — W.  Palmer,  F.R.H.S. 


Events  of  the  Week. — Comparatively  few  events  of  horticul¬ 
tural  interest  will  take  place  in  the  metropolis  during  the  ensuing  week. 
The  Royal  Botanic  Society  will  hold  a  meeting  in  the  Gardens,  Regent’s 
Park,  on  Saturday,  December  9th,  and  the  Committees  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  will  meet  at  the  Drill  Hall,  James  Street,  S.W., 
on  Tuesday,  the  12th  inst. 

-  The  Weather  in  London. — Various  changes  in  the  weather 

have  taken  place  during  the  past  week.  On  Sunday  morning  a  severe 
frost  prevailed,  12°  being  registered  in  some  suburban  districts. 
Towards  evening  on  that  day  it  became  milder,  and  a  little  rain  fell 
during  the  night.  Monday  was  mild  and  dull,  Tuesday  being  colder  and 
foggy  in  the  morning.  Wednesday  opened  dull,  but  at  the  time  of 
going  to  press  it  is  clearing. 

-  Weather  in  the  North.— The  weather  has  been  change¬ 
able  for  the  last  eight  days,  with  occasional  high  winds  and  drizzling 
showers.  On  the  morning  of  the  30th  ult.  the  ground  was  white  with 
snow,  and  heavy  falls  were  reported  from  the  northern  counties. 
December  opened  with  frost,  7°  in  the  morning  of  the  1st,  and  14°  on 
Saturday  morning.  By  evening  it  rained  heavily,  and  till  Tuesday 
morning  the  weather  has  been  fresh  and  generally  fine  for  the  season. — 
B.  D.,  S.  Perthshire. 

-  Earl’s  Court  Exhibition.  —  My  attention  having  been 

drawn  to  the  remarks  of  one  or  two  correspondents  (pages  444  and  493) 
who  have  exhibited  at  Earl’s  Court,  and  not  received  their  prize  money, 
I  regret  to  say  that  the  delay  has  occurred  through  the  illness  of  the 
Financial  Director,  who  has  been,  and  is  now  suffering  from  influenza. 
As  soon  as  he  is  able  to  attend  to  business  the  prizewinners  will  receive 
their  awards.— Harry  Turner,  The  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough. 

-  Royal  Horticultural  Society.— The  last  meeting  of  the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  for  the  year  1893  will  take  place  in  the 
Drill  Hall,  James  Street,  Victoria  Street,  Westminster,  on  Tuesday, 
December  12th.  The  Fruit,  Floral,  and  Orchid  Committees  will 
assemble  at  twelve  o’clock,  and  new  Fellows  will  be  elected  at  three 
o’clock. 

- Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — Mr.  G.  J. 

Ingram,  Secretary,  50,  Parliament  Street,  London,  S.W.,  writes  : — I 
have  been  requested  to  acknowledge  the  following  sums  received  in  aid 
of  the  funds  of  the  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution  :  Mr.  Bailey 
Wadds  of  Birdsall,  York,  £2  11s. ;  and  the  Reigate  and  District  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society,  £31  lOs. 


December  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


611 


-  Changes  in  the  London  Pabks. — After  many  years’ 

service  in  the  London  Parks  Mr.  Gibson  retires  through  failing  health 
from  the  position  as  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park,  and  his  friends 
hope  he  will  enjoy  his  pension  for  many  years.  Mr.  J.  W.  Moorman 
(Dulwich  Park)  succeeds  Mr.  Gibson  at  Victoria  Park,  Mr.  Bailey 
goes  from  Southwark  to  Dulwich,  Mr.  Curie  from  Waterlow  to  South¬ 
wark,  Mr.  Pallett  from  Myatt’s  Fields  to  Waterlow,  while  the  propagator 
at  Victoria  Park  goes  as  Superintendent  to  Myatt’s  Fields.  Mr.  Moor¬ 
man’s  advancement,  from  the  smallest  garden  (Myatt’s  Fields)  to  the 
largest  park  under  the  London  County  Council,  within  a  period  of 
five  years,  affords  high  testimony  to  his  energy  and  ability,  and  the 
other  superintendents  have  won  their  promotion  by  the  excellence  of 
their  work.  The  London  parks  were  never  better  cared  for  by  the 
authorities  than  at  the  present  time. 

- National  Amateub  Gabdenebs’  Association. — At  the 

monthly  meeting  of  the  members  of  this  Association,  held  at  the 
Memorial  Hall,  Farringdon  Street,  E.C.,  on  Tuesday  evening  last. 
Dr.  A.  B.  Griffiths  gave  a  lecture  on  artificial  manures.  Mr.  T.  W. 
Sanders  presided,  and  there  was  a  good  attendance.  The  lecturer  dealt 
at  length  with  the  physiology  of  plants,  and  described  the  manner  in 
which  the  roots  absorbed  the  necessary  nourishment  from  the  soil. 
Formulae  of  special  manures  for  various  plants  and  soils  were  also 
-detailed  and  apparently  appreciated  by  the  audience.  An  interesting 
discussion  followed,  during  which  numerous  questions  were  put  to  the 
lecturer.  In  addition  to  the  customary  vote  of  thanks,  it  was 
unanimously  resolved  to  award  Dr.  Griffiths  a  bronze  medal  for  his  able 
Tecture. 

-  Death  of  Mb.  H.  G.  Qtjilteb, — Many  of  our  older  readers 

will  learn  with  regret  of  the  death  of  Mr,  H.  G.  Quilter,  which  took 
place  on  November  23rd,  at  Felixstowe.  Mr.  Quilter  was  seventy  years 
of  age,  and  was  at  one  time  a  very  prominent  figure  in  horticultural 
matters.  Some  years  ago  he  organised  a  most  successful  exhibition 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  the  Aston 
Lower  Grounds,  Birmingham. 

- White  Eabwigs. — I  regret  that  I  missed  the  query  made  by 

■“  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper  ”  at  page  458,  and  may  now  endorse  Mr. 
Hiam’s  explanation.  After  the  final  ecdysis,  or  cast  of  skin,  which 
brings  the  earwig  to  its  perfect  condition,  the  insect  is  white  or  pale  in 
colour  for  a  time,  as  is  also  the  familiar  cockroach  of  our  kitchens.  It 
has  been  found  by  experiment  that  a  cockroach,  after  this  moult,  is 
white  for  several  days,  even  if  exposed  to  the  light,  and  an  earwig  may 
take  as  long  to  acquire  its  usual  colour,  only  it  is  probable  that  it 
remains  usually  in  hiding,  from  prudential  motives,  till  it  has  both 
■darkened  and  hardened.  If  any  friend  has  undeniable  testimonials  in 
favour  of  the  earwig  I  should  be  glad  to  see  them  ;  at  present,  it  must 
be  owned,  the  insect  has  anything  but  a  creditable  character.  One 
thing  that  much  surprised  myself  and  other  observers  of  earwigs  this 
summer  was  the  plump  and  well-to-do  condition  of  most  of  the 
Individuals ;  evidently,  somehow  or  other,  the  long  drought  had  not 
hurt  them. — J.  R.  S.  Clifpobd. 

—  “A  Lanabkshibe  Bee-keepeb  ”  writes ; — “  While  I  am  obliged 
to  Mr.  J.  Hiam  (page  491)  for  his  explanation  of  the  above,  I  must 
say,  without  any  contradictory  spirit,  I  am  not  satisfied  with  it.  We 
ought,  however,  at  all  times  to  give  due  deference  to  others’  opinions 
and  observations,  as  well  as  never  to  put  a  misconstruction  upon  what 
is  said.  It  was  gardeners’  friends,  and  not  ‘  bee-keepers’,’  I  said  on 
page  458.  I  have  watched  over  and  over  again  the  carnivorous  habits 
•of  earwigs  amongst  the  larvae  and  pupae  of  ‘  gardeners’  enemies,’  just  as 
many  of  the  spiders  are." 

-  CuBious  Spelling  of  Names.— I  fancy  "  S.  H.”  (49C)  has 

not  had  much  experience  of  the  duties  appertaining  to  the  post  of 
Secretary  to  an  autumn  Exhibition,  or  he  would  not  suggest  the  ex¬ 
amination  of  the  names  by  this  official  to  correct  those  mis-spelt.  I 
often  pity  the  Secretary  when  perhaps  half  a  dozen  exhibitors  are 
asking  him  questions  as  to  the  position  of  their  exhibits,  inquiries  for 
class  cards,  and  making  appeals  for  admission  tickets.  Where  from 
1000  to  2000  cut  blooms  are  staged  I  imagine  those  officials  would 
not  thank  “  S.  H.”  for  the  suggestion  of  examining  the  names.  I  am 
aware  that  the  manner  in  which  some  names  are  mangled  in  spelling  is 
deplorable,  but  I  fear  the  remedy  lies  only  in  the  hands  of  exhibitors 
themselves.  It  is  not  always  that  catalogues  agree  either  in  the  proper 
spelling  of  the  names.  Where  this  occurs  of  doctors  differing,  who 
shaU  decide  1 — E .  M 


-  Mb.  H.  Cannell. — We  learn  from  a  Kentish  paper  that  Mr. 

Henry  Cannell,  head  of  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons,  seedsmen 
and  horticulturists,  of  Swanley  and  Eynsford,  has  been  awarded  by 
the  Council  of  the  Academy  (Industrial)  of  Science  and  Arts,  Brussels, 
with  the  diploma  of  that  Institution,  and  the  free  membership  of  the 
same,  the  honour  having  been  conferred  for  useful  invention,  commerce, 
and  for  the  common  good. 

- We  have  much  pleasure  in  mentioning  that  we  have  received 

from  M.  Martinet  of  Paris  a  copy  of  his  new  weekly  paper  "  Le  Petit 
Jardin  Illustr^.’’  It  is  published  at  the  price  of  10  centimes  (one  penny), 
and  consists  of  sixteen  octavo  pages.  It  is  worth  remarking  that  this 
is  the  first  weekly  publication  in  France  upon,  the  subject  of  Horticulture, 
and  if  there  is  anything  like  the  same  demand  for  it  that  there  is  in 
England  for  papers  of  this  character,  a  prosperous  career  awaits  it. 

- A  New  Wateb  Lily. — Prom  Nymphaa  dentata,  fertilised 

by  the  pollen  of  N.  Sturtevanti,  Mr.  William  Tricker  has  secured  a 
new  hybrid  night-flowering  Water  Lily,  which  is  distinct  and  produces 
flowers  of  great  beauty.  In  the  specimen  of  Nymphsaa  Trickeri  which 
I  have  seen,  says  Mr.  J,  N.  Gerard  in  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  the 
leaves  are  18  inches  in  diameter,  finely  toothed  and  a  glistening 
emerald  green  above.  The  under  surface  is  dark  brown  and  boldly 
ribbed  with  numerous  prominent  veins.  The  flowers  are  semi-doublC; 
with  three  rows  of  petals,  and  in  form  quite  identical  with  N.  Sturte¬ 
vanti,  having  even  the  tendency  to  plication  of  the  edges  of  the  petals. 
It  differs,  however,  not  only  in  colouring  of  the  leaves,  as  noted  above, 
but  also  in  the  distinct  colouring  of  the  flowers,  which  may  be  described 
either  as  a  light  rose  pink,  shading  irregularly  to  white,  or  as  white, 
irregularly  suffused  with  pink,  the  general  effect  being  a  light  pink 
flower  with  white  markings.  Under  artificial  light  it  is  the  most 
brilliant  of  all  Lilies.  The  white  markings  are  then  not  distinguish¬ 
able,  and  it  appears  as  a  most  charming  glow  of  light  rose  pink  of 
very  pure  tone. 

-  Mb.  Gebabd  also  observes  : — There  are  no  nobler  Nymphseas 

than  N.  rubra,  N.  Devoniensis  and  N.  Sturtevanti,  and  N.  Trickeri,  the 
lightest  in  colour  of  the  quartette,  is  apparently  an  important 
addition  to  the  series.  The  night- blooming  Nymphaeas  are  precious 
flowers,  which  should  meet  with  wider  appreciation.  Though  they 
open  in  the  evening  they  remain  open  during  the  early  morning,  and 
in  a  later  stage  still  longer.  Their  flowers  are  charming  under  artificial 
light,  and  exquisite  effects  in  decoration  are  possible  by  their  aid.  They 
will  be  probably  always  somewhat  rare  and  uncommon,  for,  while  the 
plants  offer  no  difficulties  in  cultivation,  to  be  well  grown  they  require 
considerable  space,  and  this  will  prevent  their  being  grown  for  com? 
mercial  purposes.  It  will  be  readily  seen  that  an  arrangement  of 
Nymphmas  in  a  suitable  receptacle  is  one  which  is  delightful  in  itself, 
and  sure  to  excite  attention  and  give  pleasure.  Such  arrangements 
are  frequent  with  ordinary  day-flowering  Nymphseas,  but  these, 
unfortunately,  close  in  the  evening,  so  that  plants  like  N.  dentata, 
N.  rubra  and  its  hybrids,  which  are  open  when  they  can  be  generally 
most  enjoyed,  are  especially  valuable. 

-  Pbices  of  Gbapes. — Such  dolorous  reports  occasionally 

appear  with  respect  to  the  miserable  returns  that  are  obtained  for 
Grapes — returns  that  seem  utterly  absurd  assuming  that  the  fruit  be  at 
all  good — that  I  venture,  as  some  antidote  to  these  statements,  to 
publish  what  is  written  in  a  letter  lying  before  me,  received  a  few  days 
since  from  one  who  is  both  a  first-class  grower  and  one  in  a  large  way, 
for  his  annual  output  is  measured  by  tons.  Perhaps  the  fact  that  a 
grower  can  be  depended  upon  to  keep  up  a  supply  of  first-class  samples 
in  great  bulk  over  some  nine  months  of  the  year  helps  to  the 
securing  of  better  prices.  The  writer  says,  and  he  specially  refers  to 
what  has  been  written  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  “I  still  keep 
cutting  Grapes.  To-morrow  the  price  will  be  3d.  more,  the  lowest 
being  2s.  per  lb.  It  may  be  of  interest  to  you  to  know  that  on  Monday 

I  sent  seven  baskets  of  Alicante  to  - ,  really  the  worst  I  had  ;  the 

return.  Is,  7d.  to  Is.  lOd.  per  lb,,  very  satisfactory,  and  am  asked  to 

send  more.  One  shop  alone  at - has  taken  seventeen  baskets  this 

week,  and  other  good  quantities  have  gone  to  other  towns.  In  three 
weeks  we  have  turned  over  £100 — not  bad  for  our  little  place.”  Here 
is  no  complaining,  but  perfect  satisfaction.  When  we  read  such  dis¬ 
tressing  complaints  as  to  prices  it  would  be  much  more  instructive 
could  we  see  the  samples.  In  the  case  quoted  very  little  is  done  through 
markets,  but  chiefly  with  the  shopkeepers  direct.  This  fact  serves  to  show 
that  it  is  the  middleman  who  gets  the  growers’  profits.  Why  do  not 
growers  form  a  syndicate,  and  be  their  own  salesmen,  retail  as  well  as 
wholesale  ? — D. 


612 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  7,  189J» 


-  We  learn  that  Mr.  John  Waterer,  son  of  the  late  Mr.  John 

Waterer,  and  brother  of  the  late  Mr.  Michael  and  Mr.  Fred  Waterer, 
died  at  Bagshot,  on  the  21st  ult.,  aged  67  years. 

-  The  Phylloxera  in  Sicily.  —  It  is  reported  that  serious 

damage  is  being  caused  by  the  Phylloxera  in  Sicily.  In  the  provinces 
of  Syracuse  and  Catania  also  the  loss,  owing  to  this  cause,  is  most 
alarming. 

- Diospyros  Kaki. — Readers  may  be  interested  to  know  that  a 

plant  of  the  Japanese  Persimmon,  Diospyros  Kaki,  has  this  year  borne 
five  fine  fruits  in  the  succulent  house  at  Kew.  The  plant  is  stated  to 
be  a  grafted  one  and  is  6  feet  high. 

— —  Mr.  W.  Gleeson,  The  Warren  House  Gardens,  Stanmore, 
desires  us  to  announce  he  has  been  awarded  a  valuable  set  of  silver 
fish  carvers,  offered  by  Mr.  Colchester,  of  Ipswich,  for  the  best  exhibit 
at  the  Watford  Chrysanthemum  Show. 

-  All  classes  in  Ireland  heard  with  surprise  and  sorrow  of  the 

death  of  the  Duke  of  Leinster  at  Carton,  May nooth,  on  December  Ist. 
His  Grace,  who  has  been  thus  untimely  cut  off  by  typhoid  fever  at  the 
age  of  forty-two,  was  President  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of 
Ireland,  a  post  held  by  his  father,  the  late  Duke.  A  lover  of  Nature, 
taking  a  keen  interest  in  all  pertaining  to  gardening  and  forestry,  few 
coaid  surpass  him  in  knowledge  of  timber  and  ornamental  trees. 

— —  Shading  Plants.— Is  not  the  too  protracted  use  of  summer 
shading  upon  greenhouses  injurious  to  plants?  Plants  in  my  own 
garden  have  not  been  satisfactory  when  covered  with  obscured  glass, 
while  those  grown  under  clear  glass  were  healthy  and  fruitful.  The 
Spider-web  Sedum  previously  mentioned  by  me  has  only  in  two  years 
one  rosette  under  rough  glass,  the  web  being  scarcely  visible,  while 
that  under  clear  glass  has  filled  the  space  with  prettily  webbed 
rosettes.— T. 

- The  Total  Rainfall  at  Abbot’s  Leigh,  Hayward’s 

Heath,  Sussex,  for  the  past  month  was  2  08  inches,  being  1-59  inch 
below  the  average.  The  heaviest  fall  was  0  43  inch  on  the  14th.  Rain 
fell  on  seventeen  days.  The  maximum  temperature  was  61°  on  the  3rd, 
the  minimum  25°  on  the  1st;  mean  maximum  46‘06°,  mean  minimum 
35-13°  ;  mean  temperature  40  59°,  nearly  2°  below  the  average.  Although 
we  did  not  feel  the  full  force  of  the  storm  of  the  18th  the  barometer  felt 
it ;  the  reading  on  that  morning  was  28-75.  It  was  very  unsteady  from 
that  date  till  the  morning  of  the  26th,  when  it  made  a  remarkable  rise 
from  2918  to  30  03  on  the  following  morning,  where  it  remained 
stationary  till  the  close  of  the  month.  December  opened  wet  and  stormy, 
but  cleared  out  in  the  afternoon  to  frost,  with  a  keen  N.W.  wind. — R.  I. 

-  The  Weather  Last  Month.— Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall 

Gardens,  Stamford,  writes  :  “  November  was  showery  and  dull,  but  we 
had  very  little  fog.  There  were  nine  bright  days.  The  first  snow  of  the 
season  fell  on  6th.  We  had  a  gale  and  a  fall  of  snow  on  night  of  18th. 
Wind  was  in  a  northerly  direction  nineteen  days.  Barometer  :  highest 
30-42  inches  at  1  p.m.  on  2 Ist,  lowest  29  inches  at  10  45  p.m.  on  17ih. 
Total  rainfall  193  inches,  which  fell  on  twenty  days.  The  greatest  daily 
fall  came  as  snow  on  18th,  viz.,  0  40  inches.  The  total  is  0  73  inches 
below  the  average  for  the  month.  Temperature  :  highest  in  shade  60°  on 
3rd,  lowest  21°  on  5th;  lowest  on  grass  14°  on  5th.  Mean  daily 
maximum  47  46°.  Mean  daily  minimum  34-43°.  Mean  temperature 
of  the  month  40-85°.  The  garden  spring  ran  6  gallons  per  minute 
00  30th..’' 

i - Summary  of  Meteorological  Observations  at  Hodsock 

Priory,  Worksop,  Notts,  November. — Mean  temperature  of  the 
month,  41-1°.  Maximum  on  the  3rd,  57  8° ;  minimum  on  the  5th,  24-3°. 
Maximum  in  the  sun  on  the  6th,  93  7°  ;  minimum  on  the  grass  on  the  5th, 
17-5°.  Mean  temperature  of  air  at  9  A  M.,  40-5° ;  mean  temperature  of 
soil  1  foot  deep,  42  8°.  Number  of  nights  below  32°,  in  shade  fourteen  ; 
on  grass,  nineteen.  Total  duration  of  sunshine  in  the  month,  thirty-seven 
hours,  or  15  per  cent,  of  possible  duration ;  we  had  nine  sunless  days. 
Total  rainfall,  2-06  inches  ;  rain  fell  on  twenty-three  days.  Average 
velocity  of  wind,  11-1  miles  per  hour;  velocity  exceeded  400  miles  on 
four  days,  fell  short  of  100  miles  on  four  days.  Approximate  averages 
for  November  : — Mean  temperature,  42  3°  ;  sunshine,  fifty  hours  ;  rain¬ 
fall,  2-03  inches.  A  rather  cold  and  dull  month,  with  a  large  proportion 
of  northerly  winds,  and  about  average  rainfall,  though  with  more  than 
the  average  number  of  rainy  days.  No  damage  was  done  here  by  the 
gale  on  the  18th,  but  the  snow  which  fell  drifted  a  good  deal,  and 
several  roads  were  blocked  next  day,— J.  Mallender. 


- Wanderings  in  Wicklow — A  Correction. — In  the  article- 

on  this  subject  (page  487)  referring  to  Shelton  Abbey,  it  is  inadvertently 
stated  that  Mr.  Wilmett  is  “  not  an  energetic  man.”  The  sentence 
should  read,  “  not  an  emergency  man.” 

-  Death  op  Mr.  Howard. — We  announce  with  regret  the 

death  of  Mr.  Howard,  on  November  27th,  at  Southgate.  He  was  well 
known  as  a  grower  for  Covent  Garden  Market,  and  at  the  time  of  his 
death  was  in  his  59th  year.  Mr.  Howard  was  an  enthusiastic  supporter 
of  the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund  and  other  charitable  institutions- 

- Australian  Flowers.  —  Apropos  of  the  note  rt  a  "  Wild 

Flower  Carnival,”  published  on  page  491,  we  are  informed  that  a 
bouquet  of  Australian  wild  flowers  is  now  on  its  way  to  England  frozen, 
in  a  solid  block  of  ice,  and  intended  as  a  present  for  the  Queen. 

-  A  CORRESPONDENT  writes  “  The  death  of  the  Earl  op 

Warwick  has  taken  from  us  an  English  nobleman  whose  love  of  horti¬ 
culture  was  as  strongly  marked  as  his  courtly  gentleness  and  artistic 
tastes.  The  late  Earl  took  the  deepest  interest  in  every  phase  of 
gardening,  and  cherished  by  constant  watchfulness  many  of  the  rarer 
trees  and  shrubs  at  Warwick  Castle ;  and  his  knowledge  of  their 
nomenclature  was  as  thorough  as  his  admiration  tor  their  beauty.  Even 
in  the  confines  ot  the  sick  room  the  presence  of  some  favourite  flower 
seemed  to  keep  keenly  alive  his  interest  in  gardening.  His  Lordship’s 
decease  is  deeply  regretted  by  all  who  knew  him,  and  by  none  more  so 
than  those  who  were  constantly  associated  with  him.  His  Lordship’s 
charm  of  manner  and  kind  consideration  to  all  around  won  the  respect 
and  love  of  equal  and  dependent  alike.” 

- The  Weather  in  Hertfordshire.  —  Mr.  E.  Wallis,  The 

Gardens,  Hamel’s  Park,  Buntingford,  Herts,  writes : — The  weather 
during  the  past  month  has  on  the  whole  been  very  favourable  to  the 
horticulturist,  planting  and  outdoor  operations  of  all  kinds  having  had 
very  few  drawbacks.  The  s  light  frosts  have  tended  to  check  the  very 
late  growth,  and  harden  vegetation  against  the  coming  winter.  Like 
each  of  the  preceding  months  of  the  present  year  November  has  shown 
some  points  quite  opposite  to  its  usual  character.  There  has  been  an 
entire  absence  of  fogs,  and  we  shall  long  remember  the  terrific  gale  of 
the  18th  and  19th,  which  much  resembled  the  gale  of  January  18th, 
1881.  Rain  has  fallen  on  thirteen  days  during  past  month.  Maximum 
in  any  twenty-four  hours  was  0-63  on  the  25th  ;  minimum,  0-02  on  the. 
24th.  Total  during  the  past  month  2-31  against  1-75  of  1892.” 

- -  Herbaceous  Grafting. — Professor  L.  H.  Baily  of  CornelL 

has  been  grafting  the  Tomato  on  Potato  plants,  with  the  result  that 
the  upper  portion  bore  Tomatoes  and  the  lower  portion  bore  Potatoes.. 
This  seems  natural,  and  yet  it  is  in  direct  opposition  to  experiments^ 
which  have  been  reported  as  having  been  made  in  other  countries^ 
where  the  result  was  said  to  be  an  intermixture  of  the  two,  and  the  facts 
have  been  brought  forward  as  illustrating  what  is  known  as  graft 
hybridism.  The  result  of  Professor  Baily’s  experiments,  says  “  Meehan’s 
Monthly,”  does  not  show  that  the  other  experiments  have  been  mis- 
reported  or  misconstrued,  but  it  certainly  does  go  to  show  the  value  of 
continually  repeating  experiments  which  are  said  to  produce  such 
unique  results.  Professor  Baily  found  that  Peppers  could  be  grafteci 
on  Tomatoes,  and  that  Tomatoes  could  be  grafted  on  Peppers,  and  that 
these,  including  Egg  plants,  would  grow  when  grafted  on  the  “Alkekengi.” 
It  should  be  remembered,  however,  that  all  these  plants  are  of  the  same 
natural  order,  and  very  closely  related — all  belonging  to  Solanaceae,  and 
there  is  no  more  surprise  at  this  result  than  the  grafting  of  the  Pear  on 
the  Quince  or  the  White  Thorn.  In  the  use  of  material  for  this 
herbaceous  grafting  Professor  Baily  notes  that  the  wood  must  not  ha 
too  young,  but  rather  on  the  approach  to  maturity. 


A.  CHARMING  FLOWER  BASKET. 

One  of  the  most  beautiful  ornaments  that  could  be  devised  for 
the  flower  garden  is  a  wicker  basket,  as  shown  in  the  illustration 
(fig.  74),  and  which  is  standing  in  the  garden  of  Alfred  de  Rothschild, 
Esq.,  Halton,  Tring.  The  basket  is  of  huge  dimensions,  being  about 
14  feet  across,  upwards  of  5  feet  in  height,  the  cross  handle  of  course 
rising  much  higher  than  this.  When  filled  with  flowers  it  is  very 
effective,  and  possesses  the  additional  merit  of  being  most  unique.  The 
basket  is  lined  with  turves,  grass  side  outwards,  and  in  this  is  placed  a 
casing,  which  carries  the  weight  of  the  soil.  During  the  past  summer 
the  centre  was  bright  with  Lilium  longiflorum  andL.  tigrinumsplendens 


December  7,  1893  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


618 


grand  Hydrangeas,  Petunias,  and  Tropfeolums,  the  latter  being  allowed 
to  hang  in  festoons  over  the  sides.  Every  plant  was  carefully  tended, 
and  the  arrangement  of  the  flowers  reflected  credit  on  Mr.  Sanders, 
the  head  gardener. 


DEATH  OF  ME.  EPHRAIM  SYMS  DODWELL. 

Many  of  our  readers  will  share  in  the  regret  we  feel  in  recording  the 
death  of  Mr.  E,  S.  Dodwell,  which  took  place  somewhat  suddenly  at  his 


Born  on  the  23th  November,  1819,  at  Long  Crendon,  Bucks,  Mr. 
Dodwell  had  bat  recently  completed  his  seventy-fourth  year,  and  only 
this  summer  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dodwell  celebrated  their  golden  wedding,  and 
were  presented  by  their  floricultural  friends  with  a  silver  tea  and  coffee 
service  at  the  last  Show  of  the  Oxford  Carnation  and  Picotee  Union, 
held,  as  customary,  in  Mr.  Dodwell’s  garden,  of  which  Society  he  from 
its  commencement  had  acted  both  as  Secretary  and  Treasurer.  For 
many  years  he  carried  on  business  as  a  cigar  merchant  in  St.  Mary  Axe, 
London,  but  retired  from  the  same  in  1880.  In  the  following  year  he 
tonk  up  his  rtsidence  in  Oxford,  where  he  is  best  known  in  connection 


Fig.  74.— a  flower  basket  AT  HALTON,  TRING. 


residence,  S;anley  Road,  Oxford,  on  Thursday,  the  30th  nit.  We 
understand  that  the  deceased  gentleman  was  in  his  usual  state  of  health 
up  to  the  previous  day,  but  for  some  some  years  past  he  had  suffered 
from  a  chronic  bronchial  affection,  which  necessitated  his  exercising 
continuous  care  with  regard  to  exposure.  Mr.  Dodwell  was  seen  in 
Oxford  on  the  day  before  he  was  taken  ill,  but  appeared  to  be  more 
excited  in  his  manner  than  customary,  and  on  his  return  home  it  was 
thought  advisable  to  call  in  his  medical  attendant,  who,  however,  did 
not  anticipate  any  immediate  danger  to  arise  from  his  symptoms. 
On  the  following  (Thursday)  morning  the  most  painful  surprise  was 
occasioned  the  members  of  his  family  and  friends  when  at  eleven 
o’clock  he  passed  away. 


with  the  Society  he  established  there  on  ceasing  to  be  Secretary  of  the 
Southern  Section  of  the  National  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society, 

His  interest  in  the  cultivation  of  the  Carnation  and  Picotee  gained 
for  him  a  widely  extended  fame,  and  he  will  be  remembered  amongst 
amateur  and  professional  florists  as  the  raiser  of  a  large  number 
of  standard  varieties  with  which  most  of  our  readers  are  probably 
familiar.  He  was  a  contributor  to  the  gardening  Press  on  matters 
that  concerned  his  views  or  practice  in  the  pet  object  of  his  latter 
life,  and  was  the  author  of  a  handbook  on  the  cultivation  of  his 
favourite  flowers. 

Mr.  Dodwell  leaves  a  widow,  four  sons,  and  four  daughters.  Two 
of  his  sons,  we  understar d,  hold  appointments  in  H^ng  Kong. 


614 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  7,  1893. 


New  Cheysanthemums. 

FOLLOWiNa  the  practice  I  have  adopted  for  several  years  for  the 
benefit  of  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  I  will  describe  some 
new  varieties  as  I  have  seen  them,  in  the  hope  that  the  selection  may  be 
of  service  to  persons  who  have  not  the  opportunity  of  seeing  them  at 
shows  or  elsewhere.  The  advantage  that  an  exhibitor  gains  in  having 
all  new  varieties  of  merit  is  well  known,  and  no  matter  how  well  grown 
a  certain  variety  may  be,  it  cannot  compete  with  others  of  superior 
character.  An  example  or  two  will  suflSce  to  show  what  I  mean.  A 
few  years  since  Elaine  was  regarded  as  the  best  white  in  the  Japanese 
section,  but  with  the  advent  of  Avalanche,  Elaine  could  no  longer  hold 
its  position,  and  gradually  dropped  out  of  premier  place.  Now  we  have 
another  that  will  oust  this  favourite.  I  allude  to  Mdlle.  Ther^se  Key, 
which  is  undoubtedly  the  finest  white  Chrysanthemum  in  existence, 
new  or  old.  The  advantage,  then,  of  being  in  possession  of  new  sorts  of 
approved  form  is  obvious  to  all  who  make  exhibiting  a  feature- 
Varieties  under  different  forms  of  cultivation  vary  somewhat  in 
character,  not  only  in  the  formation  of  their  florets,  but  in  colour  also. 
For  this  reason  the  descriptions  I  append  to  each  may  not  in  all  cases 
agree  with  catalogue  definitions.  I  base  my  opinions  on  the  flowers 
as  seen. 

Incueved  Vaeieties. 

These  appear  to  be  fewer  in  number  than  usual,  not  a  single  sport 
having  come  under  my  notice  during  a  lengthened  tour  and  of  visits  to 
the  most  important  shows  and  growers.  This  is  to  be  regretted,  as  in 
spite  of  the  number  of  varieties  belonging  to  this  section  exhibitors  at 
times  find  it  difficult  to  stage  thirty-six  distinct  varieties  at  one  time. 
This  section  affords  so  little  scope  for  variety  of  form  that  it  is  only  in 
the  matter  of  colour  where  we  can  obtain  variety. 

Vice-President  Jules  Jiarigney. — This  was  raised  by  M.  D61aux, 
presumably  from  seed,  and  sent  out  first  under  the  name  of  President 
Carnot,  on  trial.  In  colour  it  is  chestnut  suffused  with  buff.  Catalogue 
description  gives  it  as  being  rich  crimson  on  the  inside  of  the  florets, 
but  this  is  misleading,  as  it  is  not  that  part  of  the  floret  we  wish  to  see. 
Unfortunately  the  hlooms  do  not  possess  much  build,  but  where  variety 
is  required  this  sort  may  prove  useful. 

Mdlle,  Martignao.  —  This  is  presumably  another  French-raised 
variety,  possessing  a  much-needed  colour,  rich  yellow.  Unfortunately 
though  the  blooms  are  not  very  deep,  the  florets  are  short,  but  incurve 
neatly. 

Miss  Drover. — A  seedling,  possibly  of  American  origin,  introduced 
by  the  Messrs.  Drover.  An  excellent  bloom  of  it  was  staged  by  them  at 
Sheffield,  and  also  at  Portsmouth.  The  florets  are  pointed  and  pearly 
white,  a  good  middle  row  bloom.  Unfortunately,  though,  in  growth  the 
plant  is  exceptionally  tall. 

Broolileigh  Gem. — Sent  out  last  year,  is  a  deep  lilac  sport  from 
Jeanne  d’Arc,  having  all  the  characteristics  of  its  parent  in  habit  and 
form.  Many  good  blooms  of  it  have  been  seen  this  year. 

Lord  Rosebery. — An  English  seedling  raised  by  Mr.  R.  Owen.  In 
colour  and  form  it  much  resembles  Violet  Tomlin,  purple  violet  in 
colour,  but  is  larger  than  that  member  of  the  Princess  of  Wales 
family.  Figured  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  November  23rd, 
page  471. 

Robert  Petjield — Presumably  a  sport  obtained  a  year  or  two  since, 
but  not  yet  sent  out.  The  stock  is  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  R .  Owen,  who  it  is 
hoped  will  let  the  public  have  the  benefit  of  this  sterling  novelty  early 
next  year.  Blooms  this  season  have  freely  borne  out  the  high  opinion  I 
formed  of  it  last  year.  In  colour  it  is  deep  lilac  with  faint  purple 
stripes.  The  florets  are  pointed  and  incurve  thoroughly.  As  a  middle 
row  bloom  Robert  Petfield  will  be  in  great  request. 

Lucy  Kendall.-— K  sport  from  Violet  Tomlin,  sent  out  last  season  by 
Mr.  Owen,  has  quite  come  up  to  expectation,  giving  exhibitors  quite  a 
new  colour.  The  centre  of  the  florets  are  deep  purple,  the  tip  of  each  is 
gold,  which  passes  away  with  age. 

Oeta, — An  American-raised  variety  of  promise;  From  crown  buds 
the  flowers  are  yellow  with  just  a  trace  of  bronze  suffusion.  From  later 
formed  buds  the  florets  are  bronze  ;  unfortunately  the  blooms  then  are 
thin,  lacking  that  substance  which  is  necessary  to  make  a  perfect  incurved 
bloom. 

Baron  Hirsoh. — This  variety  has  been  plentifully  shown  this  season, 
being  freely  produced,  but  it  lacks  quality,  the  petals  being  too  erect  to 
be  termed  quite  first-rate. 

Miss  Bella  Wilson. — As  I  concluded  last  year,  this  variety  is  too 
pointed  in  its  petals  and  too  coarse  in  the  bloom  to  ever  become  popular 
as  an  exhibition  variety. 

Comte  de  Paris.— By  many  this  variety  is  confused  with  the 


Japanese  Marquise  de  Paris.  In  form  it  partakes  somewhat  of  the  style 
of  Jeanne  d’Arc  ;  pure  white  in  colour,  with  just  a  tinge  of  blush  about 
the  base  of  the  flower. 

Japanese  Vaeieties. 

These  are  more  numerous  than  in  any  year  previous,  and  many 
excellent  varieties  have  been  obtained,  which  will  improve  the  exhibitor’s 
stand  considerably. 

Mdlle,  TMrese  Rey, — This  must  have  the  post  of  honour,  it  being 
one  of  the  finest  introductions  of  recent  years,  All  other  white  varieties 
for  exhibition  pale  before  this  French-raised  seedling  of  M.  Calvat. 
Well  developed  blooms  measure  from  7  inches  to  8  inches  in  diameter, 
and  are  of  corresponding  depth,  a  point  which  renders  this  variety 
valuable  for  exhibiting.  The  florets  are  of  medium  width,  and  incurve 
slightly  at  the  tip  until  fully  expanded,  when  the  point  gives  a  little 
twist.  The  flower  is  white,  with  a  faint  tinge  of  cream  in  the  unfolding 
florets.  In  habit  of  growth  nothing  could  be  more  desirable  ;  the  foliage 
is  especially  robust,  Wooms  appear  to  come  full  sized  on  rather  weakly 
looking  stems,  which  is  a  proof  of  its  freedom.  A  bloom  of  this  variety 
was  illustrated  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  November  16th, 
page  449. 

President  Borel. — The  colour  is  rose-magenta,  the  reverse  pale  gold, 
which  is  very  perceptible  in  half-opened  blooms.  The  florets  are  flat 
and  of  medium  width,  the  flower  being  large  enough  for  any  purpose. 
I  should  advise  exhibitors  to  add  this  to  their  list  without  delay. 

Louise. — This  belongs  to  the  type  of  incurved  Japanese,  and  is  one 
of  M.  Calvat’s  latest  introductions.  Not  only  is  it  a  desirable  acquisi¬ 
tion  for  the  cut  bloom  stand,  but  growing  only  2  feet  6  inches  high,  and 
producing  extraordinarily  fine  blooms,  it  must  be  indispensable  for 
grouping  purposes.  The  colour  is  flesh  pink,  and  quite  unique  in  that 
respect. 

Charles  Davis. — This  is  a  grand  acquisition.  Being  a  sport  from 
Viviand  Morel  is  of  approved  habit  of  growth,  giving  full  siz^  exhibi¬ 
tion  blooms  from  plants  '3  feet  6  inches  high.  The  bloom  varies  much 
in  its  colouring,  according  to  the  date  of  “  taking  ”  the  buds.  Those 
formed  early  develop  soft  yellow  blooms,  while  later  ones  give  canary 
yellow  flowers,  beautifully  tinted  with  rosy  bronze.  The  blooms  are 
fully  7  to  8  inches  in  diameter,  and  of  corresponding  depth. 

Madame  Edouard  Rey. — Early  buds  of  this  open  pale  lilac  in  colour, 
being  spotted  and  suffused  with  rose ;  those  from  later  buds  have  more 
colour,  warm  rose  pink.  The  florets  are  broad,  incurving  at  the  tips. 
The  flower  is  full  size,  and  a  valuable  addition  to  the  exhibitor. 

Eda  Prass. — An  incurved  Japanese,  though  some  blooms  when  fully 
developed  lose  that  form.  It  is  a  desirable  variety,  and  the  colour  is 
pleasing,  being  a  warm  peach  tint. 

Mrs.  Charles  Cox. — A  sport  from  Mons.  Bernard,  possessing  all  the 
characteristics  of  its  parent  in  formation  of  flower.  The  colour  is  golden, 
base  suffused  with  red.  Blooms  developing  from  late  buds  will  exhibit 
a  richer  tone  of  colour. 

Dr,  Mrs.  Ward. — An  American-raised  variety,  having  broad  florets  ; 
the  tip  of  each  recurves,  giving  the  flower  a  novel  appearance.  The 
surface  of  the  florets  is  golden  amber,  which  is  fully  displayed  ;  the  edge 
of  each  is  brick  red.  A  striking  novelty. 

Miss  Watson. — A  desirable  variety  for  grouping,  being  especially 
pleasing  in  point  of  colouring — a  warm  shade  of  yellow.  In  formation 
the  flower  closely  resembles  Avalanche.  As  a  front-row  bloom  it  will 
be  useful  to  the  exhibitor,  but  as  a  decorative  variety  it  will  prove 
serviceable  to  all. 

Miss  Dorothy  Shea, — Although  sent  out  last  year,  it  was  only  during 
the  present  season  that  this  variety  was  seen  in  its  true  character.  I 
believe  this  variety  supplied  the  finest  individual  bloom  that  I  saw  this 
season  in  a  rather  extended  tour.  The  bloom  in  question  was  fully 
8  inches  wide  and  7  inches  deep,  and  was  quite  full  in  the  centre.  The 
colour  is  a  rich  terra  cotta,  with  buff  reverse.  The  petals  are  rather 
narrow  and  smooth.  An  exhibitor’s  variety. 

Princess  Victoria,  ■ —  This  is  one  of  Mr.  Seward’s  English-raised 
seedlings,  and  represents  a  good  type  of  flower.  The  florets  are  of 
medium  width,  slightly  twisted  at  the  points.  Colour  creamy  white, 
flushed  rose  at  the  base.  A  full  solid  flower.  The  habit  of  growth  is 
all  that  could  be  desired. — E.  Molynedx, 

(To  be  continued.) 

Ceetificated  Cheysanthemums. 

On  Tuesday  last  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum 
Society  held  a  meeting  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  when  Mr.  George  Gordon 
occupied  the  chair.  Considering  the  lateness  of  the  meeting,  some 
meritorious  flowers  were  staged,  and  first  class  certificates  were  awarded 
as  follows  : — 

Judge  Hoitt  (Mr.  H.  J.  Jones). — A  large  Japanese  Anemone  variety 
with  quilled  incurving  ray  florets  of  a  rosy  blush  tint,  rather  a  flat  disk 
of  pure  white. 

Col.  T.  C.  Bourne  (Mr.  R,  Owen). — A  Japanese  variety ;  very  long  flat 
florets  of  a  rich  rosy  wine-coloured  crimson,  with  reverse  of  old  gold. 

Lord  Rosebery  (Mr.  R.  Owen). — An  incurved  bloom  of  good  size  and 
very  solid.  The  colour  is  a  deep  rosy  purple. 

There  were  several  other  Chrysanthemums  which  the  Committee 
desired  to  see  again — viz.,  Mrs.  Smith  Ryland,  a  Japanese  incurved, 
with  large  broad  florets,  crimson  inside,  a  large  solid  flower  ;  Mrs.  Dr. 
Ward,  a  Japanese  incurved  hairy  variety  of  good  size,  colour  yellow  and 
bronze  ;  Mr.  H.  Jackson,  an  incurved  Japanese  of  deep  golden  yellow  ; 
Mr.  C.  R.  Bessent,  a  white  incurved  Japanese,  with  florets  of  good 


December  7,  1893.  3 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


616 


Bubstance,  and  a  very  compact  bloom  ;  and  C.  B.  Whitnall,  an  incurved 
flower  of  American  origin,  colour  deep  purple  crimson. 

Some  small  but  curious  thread-petalled  flowers,  said  to  have  been 
sent  from  Japan,  were  also  staged  by  Mr.  Morter,  to  whom  a  vote  of 
thanks  was  accorded. 

Cups  and  Tubes. 

Though  we  have  cups  and  tubes  of  improved  patterns  “  the  Perfect  ” 
has  yet  to  come.  We  want  a  cup  with  a  spring  or  clip  in  the  neck  that 
will  catch  the  stem  of  the  flower  when  drawn  down,  and  hold  it 
securely  and  firmly  in  position.  Especially  is  the  want  felt  with 
incurved  blooms,  for  pinning  the  stem  with  a  cork  wedge  does  not 
give  satisfactory  results.  Some  of  them  are  sure  to  get  loose,  and  by 
the  time  you  reach  “the  halls  of  judgement”  they  are  wobbling 
about. — E.  K. 

Hairy  Chrysanthemums. 

I  HAVE  been  expecting  to  hear  something  about  these  new  candidates 
for  public  favour,  and  have  kept  a  rather  keen  look-out  for  them 
wherever  I  have  been  this  season.  There  have,  however,  been  so  many 
of  the  other  sections  shown  in  fine  form  that  hairy  varieties,  or  at 
least  the  newest  of  them,  seem  to  have  escaped  anything  like  marked 
attention.  Everybody  is  now  fairly  well  acquainted  with  the  older 
sorts  like  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy,  Louis  Boehmer,  L’Enfant  des  Deux 
Mondes,  W.  A.  Manda,  and  a  few  others,  that  nothing  need  be  said  con¬ 
cerning  them.  But  some  notes  of  a  few  of  the  novelties  may  be 
acceptable  to  those  interested  in  the  new  class . 

Hairy  Wonder  is  a  Japanese  incurved  bloom  of  a  deep  bronzy  yellow, 
with  numerous  hairs  on  the  reverse  of  the  petals  ;  and  another,  called 
King  of  the  Hirsutes,  which  I  saw  at  the  Aquarium  in  Mr.  Jones’  stand, 
is  also  a  yellow,  which,  in  the  uncertain  light  of  that  building,  seemed 
to  approach  too  nearly  in  form  and  colour  to  W.  A.  Manda.  Sautel, 
1893,  is  probably  the  best,  for  it  is  larger  in  size  than  most  of  those  in 
its  class  ;  it  has  deeply  grooved  incurving  florets  of  a  light  rosy  amaranth 
inside,  with  a  pale  pink  silvery  reverse.  Chrysanthemiste  Delaux  is  not 
pretty,  although  distinct,  is  a  dull  bronzy  crimson.  Mireilli  is  also  a 
Japanese,  the  colour  pale  lilac.  Souvenir  de  I’Ami  Coye  is  better  in 
several  respects,  being  a  pure  white  Jap  of  the  incurved  type,  with 
narrow  pointed  florets  and  plenty  of  hair  on  the  reverse.  Belle  Arl4sienne, 
like  the  four  preceding,  comes  from  France  ;  it  is  less  hairy  than  the 
others,  but  the  colour  is  clear  and  good,  being  pure  white,  with  a  delicate 
shade  of  yellow  in  the  centre.  William  Falconer  is  a  pretty  pale  blush 
sport  from  Louis  Boehmer,  a  more  refined  looking  flower  than  the 
parent.  This  was  raised  in  America,  where  it  is  also  known,  I  believe, 
as  Patrick  Barry.  Mrs.  Dieterichs  is  probably  from  the  same  country, 
the  florets  incurve,  and  the  colour  is  a  clear  silvery  shade  of  mauve. 
Miss  Baldwin  is  rather  a  flat  flower,  very  tall  in  growth,  the  colour  pale 
mauve  or  amaranth.  There  are  about  twenty  other  sorts  announced  in 
the  catalogues,  but  the  above  are  all  I  have  seen  worth  mentioning. — P. 

Pompon  Florence  Carr. 

Probably  never  in  any  season  has  there  been  more  Pompon 
Chrysanthemums  shown  than  during  the  current  year,  for  at  all 
local  shows  they  have  been  well  represented,  while  at  the  “  National  ” 
Exhibition  they  were  shown  in  abundance.  With  the  exception  of  one 
or  two  cases  they  were  all  of  very  high  quality,  showing  that  they  are 
becoming  more  popular,  and  as  the  varieties  are  not  very  extensive 
any  good  sort  would  be  much  appreciated,  and  that  I  think  we  shall  find 
in  Florence  Carr.  This  is  a  variety  raised  by  a  Mr.  W.  Carr  of  Croydon, 
who  exhibited  it  at  the  show  held  in  the  Royal  Aquarium,  West¬ 
minster,  where  it  was  commended  ;  it  received  a  first-class  certificate  at 
the  Crystal  Palace  this  year.  The  colour  of  this  new  Pompon  is  of  a 
deep  bronzy  red,  flower  of  large  size,  fine  substance,  and  the  plant  a 
dwarf  habit  of  growth,  something  after  the  style  of  Mdlle.  Elise  Dordan. 
I  do  not  know  whether  this  Pompon  is  being  sent  out ;  if  not,  I  hope 
it  soon  will  be.  Perhaps  some  of  our  readers  will  be  able  to  give  us 
their  opinion  about  it. — Grower. 

Incurved  Japanese  Chrysanthemums. 

Where  any  society  is  afliliated  to  the  N.C.S.  the  duties  of  judges  are 
clearly  defined  in  the  matter  of  nomenclature,  and  their  duties  in  this 
respect  are  rendered  quite  easy.  Varieties  that  do  not  correspond 
with  the  published  description  of  each  in  the  official  catalogue  must  of 
necessity  be  disqualified.  In  the  case  in  point  (page  497)  the  judges 
ought  to  have  exercised  their  powers  in  disqualifying  L6on  Frache  and 
Mdlle.  M,  Hoste,  as  they  are  clearly  not  recognised  as  incurved  Japanese. 
The  latter  was  introduced  by  Lacroix,  1891,  and  except  a  few  florets 
from  early  formed  buds  the  blooms  cannot  be  termed  incurved  at  all. 
L^on  Frache  opens  with  an  inclination  to  incurve,  but  this  eventually 
passes  away,  leaving  the  florets  quite  flat.  Now  that  this  section  is 
increasing  so  fast  varieties  that  remain  incurved  when  fully  developed 
only  ought  to  be  admitted.  For  instance,  Robert  Owen  is  a  true  type 
of  incurved  Japanese. 

Where  judges  have  no  definite  law  laid  down  for  their  guidance,  as 
in  the  case  of  new  varieties,  it  is  then  rather  embarrassing  for  them  to  be 
called  upon  to  make  a  law  applicable  to  certain  varieties. — E.  M. 

Chrysanthemum  Catalogues. 

May  I  be  allowed  to  point  out  a  very  important  matter  in  con¬ 
nection  with  the  new  Chrysanthemum  catalogues  which  does  not  seem 


to  have  entered  the  minds  of  our  principal  growers  ?  In  these  days  there 
is  a  large  number  of  persons  interested  in  tracing  the  origin  of  some  of  the 
new  flowers  and  of  discovejring  the  age,  raisers,  and  names  of  some  of 
the  older  ones.  A  set  of  old  catalogues  of  any  of  the  principal  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  importers  would  afford  much  interesting  material  of  this  sort, 
especially  if  they  could  be  bound  up  together  in  a  neat  handy  little 
volume.  With  the  lists  of  most  of  the  leading  firms  this  is  impossible, 
because  every  two  or  three  years  they  alter  the  sizes  of  their  lists,  with 
the  obvious  result  that  after  lying  about  for  a  time  they  become  dog¬ 
eared,  the  wrappers  torn,  and  are  little  better  than  waste  paper.  If  some 
of  our  trade  growers  would  only  do  as  the  late  Mr.  John  Salter,  or  as 
Messrs,  Dixon  did — keep  their  lists  to  one  size — many  of  us  would,  1  am 
sure,  carefully  place  them  aside  year  by  year  and  have  them  bound  up 
for  future  reference  and  instruction.  This  is  a  plan  I  have  adopted  for 
some  years  where  possible,  but  unfortunately  several  of  our  leading 
trade  growers  and  importers  will  never  be  represented  in  my  set  of 
Chrysanthemum  catalogues  because  of  the  frequent  changes  they  have 
made  in  their  lists. — P, 

Mr.  Mawley’s  Chrysanthemum  Analysis. 

Whilst  all  must  concede  that  Mr.  Mawley  has  in  the  preparation  of 
his  Chrysanthemum  analysis,  published  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture 
for  November  30th,  shown  great  patience  many  persons  will  ask  of  what 
use  is  it  when  it  is  published  ?  The  figures  given  of  the  number  of  blooms 
shown  at  the  Royal  Aquarium  November  shows  are  interesting,  in  so 
far  as  they  exhibit  the  rise  and  wane  of  exhibitors’  enthusiasm.  Starting 
low  in  1885,  rapidly  rising  for  the  next  three  years,  falling  to  zero  in 
1889,  then  springing  up  most  spasmodically  to  more  than  double  the 
number  of  the  previous  year,  then  coming  down  again  gradually  to  a 
low  ebb  in  1892,  when  many  exhibitors  doubtless  having  the  measure 
of  their  quality  wisely  retired  from  a  competition  at  which  only  the  very 
best  blooms  can  win.  Still  even  these  figures  are  of  no  appreciable 
value  to  the  present  day  grower,  whilst  the  long  lists  of  varieties  that 
have  been  popular  in  past  days  read  simply  as  old  history,  for  to-day 
already  three-fourths  of  the  Japanese  mentioned  are  as  good  as  dead  and 
buried. 

In  the  case  of  the  incurved  forms  they  move  so  slowly  that  change 
is  far  less  in  their  case  in  ten  years  than  in  the  Japanese  in  one  year. 
Now,  what  would  be  far  more  useful  as  well  as  interesting,  would  be 
selections  made  by  hona-fide  private  growers  and  exhibitors  of  say 
twenty-four  of  the  best  Japanese  selected  from  their  own  or  other  boxes 
of  the  past  show  season.  With  exhibitors  it  is  most  important  to  learn 
not  of  old  and  now  shunted  sorts,  but  of  the  very  best  present  day  varieties. 
I  should  rigidly  exclude  from  the  growers  who  may  be  invited  to  join 
in  this  selection — and  some  twenty-five  to  thirty  would  be  ample — all 
trade  growers.  The  object  should  be  to  secure  impartial  returns  of  the 
very  finest  varieties,  each  one  being  placed  on  the  list  by  the  sender  in 
the  order  in  which  he  regards  it  as  meritorious. 

It  is  so  very  obvious  that  whilst  this  season  we  have  seen  fully  one 
half  of  the  places  in  good  class  boxes  occupied  by  new  or  practically 
new  varieties,  that  next  year  that  proportion  will  be  extended  to  fully 
two-thirds,  almost  the  only  so-called  old  varieties,  perhaps,  being 
E.  Molyneux,  Avalanche,  Sunflower,  Viviand  Morel,  W.  H.  Lincoln,  and 
Etoile  de  Lyon ;  and  of  these  how  many  will  be  found  in  first-class 
stands  two  years  hence  ?  It  is  this  great  swiftness  to  displace  older  good 
sorts  that  presents  such  a  terror  almost  to  exhibitors.  They  cannot,  if 
they  wish  to  be  in  the  front  ranks,  refrain  from  obtaining  the  best  new 
sorts,  but  they  do  not  want  to  purchase  varieties  that  have  either  not  been 
seen  or  may  prove  worthless.  It  is  in  this  respect  that  high-class  selec¬ 
tions  by  leading  private  growers  would  prove  so  helpful. 

Whilst  we  do  undoubtedly  derive  splendid  varieties  of  Japanese 
Chrysanthemums  from  seed,  and  for  such  a  facile  means  of  obtaining 
variations  we  ought  to  be  grateful,  yet  is  it  in  danger  of  becoming  some¬ 
thing  of  a  nuisance,  because  it  is  at  once  so  difficult  and  so  costly  to  keep 
pace  with  novelty  production.  Only  last  week  there  were  at  the  Drill 
Hall  and  the  Aquarium  no  less  than  eight  Japanese  varieties  certificated, 
and  at  the  preceding  meetings  on  November  7th  and  14th  at  the  same 
place  nine  other  J apanese  were  certificated  and  several  others  had  been 
certificated  previously,  so  that  altogether  some  twenty-five  at  least  have 
been  so  honoured,  and  another  twenty-five  have  come  so  near  to  honours 
as  to  show  that  they  have  if  well  grown  high  merit.  What  wonder  is 
it  if  in  such  case  a  selection  becomes  bewildering  ? — A.  D. 

The  Right  Bud. 

This  is  the  most  perplexing  question  a  Chrysanthemum  grower  can 
put  to  me.  I  get  this  question  from  all  parts  of  Scotland,  Ireland, 
Wales,  and  England,  but  it  cannot  be  answered  without  some 
consideration.  First,  as  to  what  part  of  the  British  Isles  does  the  ques¬ 
tion  come  from  ?  What  time  of  the  year  were  the  cuttings  rooted  f 
How  were  they  treated  after  rooting  ?  When  were  the  plants  potted  ? 
Were  they  ever  topped,  pinched,  or  cut  back  ? 

Before  a  correct  or  final  answer  can  be  given  all  the  above  details 
must  be  taken  into  consideration.  The  “  right  bud  ”  for  southern  England 
is  the  wrong  bud  for  northern  districts,  and  the  same  applies  to  Scotland. 
The  grower  should  be  the  best  judge.  He  should  study  his  locality  ;  the 
time  the  blooms  are  required ;  whether  the  variety  is  early,  medium,  or 
late.  No  hard  and  fast  rules  can  be  laid  down.  The  seasons  vary  so 
much  ;  the  treatment  of  plants  varies  equally  as  much.  Therefore,  no 
definite  answer  can  be  given  to  this  question.  Many  growers  profess  to 
know  the  exact  bud  to  select,  and  when  to  select  it.  I  do  myself,  but 
only  for  my  own  locality,  not  for  Great  Britain. — R,  U.  M. 


516 


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[  Decembor  7,  1893. 


In  Ibeland, 

It  is  very  kind  of  “  Paddy  ”  (page  497)  to  refer  to  me  and  my  visit 
to  Ireland.  I  can  assure  him  that  I  am  not  so  unfavourably  impressed 
by  what  I  saw  as  he  imagines.  True,  I  did  not  find  Chrysanthemums  in 
that  condition  that  would  enable  their  owners  to  be  bold  enough  to  cross 
over  to  England  and  “sweep  the  decks”  of  the  best  prizes  at  the  lead¬ 
ing  shows.  The  same  remark  applies  to  other  countries,  where  I  have 
gone  upon  the  same  errand,  therefore  this  may  be  some  consolation  to 
“  Paddy.” 

If  I  did  not  find  Chrysanthemums  in  the  condition  your  corre¬ 
spondent  thinks  they  should  have  been  upon  this  occasion,  I  found 
several  things  that  cannot  be  excelled  in  England,  viz.  enthusiasm 
coupled  with  a  desire  to  emulate  the  successful,  and  a  hearty  acceptance 
of  defeat  without  the  slightest  attempt  (publicly),  and  far  as  I  know 
privately,  to  cavil  at  the  awards  or  to  entertain  acrimonious  feelings 
towards  the  successful  exhibitors.  This  is  a  trait  in  the  character  of  an 
exhibitor  to  be  proud  of,  and  one  that  could  with  advantage  be  copied 
by  not  a  few  on  this  side  of  the  Channel. 

I  did  not  expect  to  find  Chrysanthemums  of  the  highest  order  of 
merit,  therefore  was  not  disappointed.  The  date  was  rather  late 
for  the  finest  blooms  to  be  seen,  and  this  is  some  excuse.  I  knew  that 
the  exhibitors  were  mainly  amateurs,  but  from  blooms  that  were  staged 
at  the  show,  “  not  for  competition,”  that  had  a  few  days  before  won 
prizes  at  the  exhibition  of  the  R.H.S.  of  Ireland  held  in  Dublin,  I  could 
very  well  gauge  the  Chrysanthemums  produced  in  Ireland,  and  I  would 
advise  English  cultivators  not  to  rest  on  their  laurels  or  they  may  find 
a  “dish”  of  Irish-grown  blooms  set  in  front  of  them  upon  an  English 
exhibition  table  that  might  be  “humiliating”  to  the  latter.  If  the 
blooms  at  the  Dalkey  Show  were  not  entitled  to  rank  as  first-class,  it  is 
only  fair  to  che  cultivators  to  say  under  what  conditions  some  of  these 
said  blooms  were  produced.  Especially  do  I  allude  to  the  exhibits  of 
the  worthy  Hon.  Secretary,  Mr.  J.  M.  Ross,  who  last  year  fairly  “  cleared 
the  board,”  but  this  season  was  not  so  fortunate,  while  his  successful 
rival,  Mr.  J.  Smallman,  took  all  before  him. 

To  return  to  Mr.  Ross  and  the  difficulties  he  has  to  encounter  in  growing 
Chrysanthemums.  Rarc-an-ilan,  the  residence  of  Mr.  Ross,  is  situated 
on  the  edge  of  a  clifiE  in  Dalkey  Bay,  facing  east,  about  ten  miles  from 
Dublin.  The  house  is  but  40  feet  above  sea  level,  and  within  that  dis¬ 
tance  from  the  sea  at  high  water.  During  the  storm  which  prevailed 
on  the  18th,  three  days  before  the  date  of  the  show,  it  was  not  possible 
to  see  through  the  dining  room  windows.  The  glass  was  thoroughly 
encrusted  with  the  salt  deposit  from  the  spray  which  was  lashed  against 
them  by  the  fury  of  the  gale.  Within  20  feet  of  these  windows,  and 
facing  south,  stands  the  greenhouse  in  which  the  blooms  unfolded  their 
florets.  The  summer  quarters  of  the  plants  are  situated  on  the  western 
side  of  the  house,  and  but  60  feet  from  the  said  dining  room  windows. 
So  enthusiastic  is  Mr.  Ross  about  his  Chrysanthemums  that  for  the 
summer  quarters  he  has  appropriated  part  of  his  lawn,  so  that  they 
might  enjoy  more  space  than  hitherto.  What  would  our  leading  English 
exhibitors  say  if  they  were  told  to  produce  blooms  equal  to  their  present 
standard  under  similar  circumstances  ?  Surely  this  is  Chrysanthemum 
culture  under  difiiculties.  When  these  facts  are  known  I  doubt  not 
but  that  Chrysanthemum  growers  generally  will  agree  with  me  that 
“  Paddy  ”  need  not  take  so  desponding  a  view  of  my  first  impression 
of  Ireland. 

With  regard  to  the  Show  itself  the  competition  was  very  keen. 
Specimen  plants  were  really  well  shown,  and  would  have  done  credit 
to  many  English  meetings.  The  class  for  nine  distinct  specimens 
brought  out  three  exhibitors.  Mr.  Tower,  gardener  to  J.  E.  McCormick, 
Esq,,  Monkstown,  Co,  Dublin,  was  an  easy  first  with  plants  from  3  feet 
to  4  feet  high,  not  formally  trained,  but  carrying  on  an  average 
thirty  to  forty  blooms  each,  and  of  really  good  quality.  Mr.  W. 
M’Comas,  The  Grange,  Monkstown,  was  a  good  second.  In  other 
classes  for  plants  Mr.  J.  Smallman,  Shamrock  Lodge,  Dalkey,  was  the 
principal  prizetaker  with  excellent  examples  of  W.  Holmes,  Etoile  de 
Lyon,  Mdlle,  L.  Leroy,  E.  W.  Clark,  and  Source  d’Or.  So  numerously 
were  plants  staged  that  a  tent  had  to  be  requisitioned  at  the  last 
moment,  the  Town  Hall  not  being  nearly  large  enough  to  contain  all 
the  exhibits.  This  is  the  first  time  that  I  have  seen  Chrysanthemums 
shown  under  canvas. 

The  cut  bloom  classes  were  well  represented.  In  the  open  classes  for 
cut  flowers,  Mr.  Knowldin,  gardener  to  J.  G.  Nutting.  Esq.,  Gortmore, 
Dundrum,  was  the  principal  prizewinner,  his  exhibits  being  much  in 
advance  of  any  other,  the  blooms  showing  good  culture,  and  were  neatly 
staged.  Mr.  Smallman  won  several  first  and  second  prizes,  his  blooms 
of  Florence  Davis,  E.  W.  Clark,  Viviand  Morel,  Col.  B.  Smith,  Golden 
Empress,  Violet  Tomlin,  Queen  of  England,  Lord  Wolseley,  and  Jardin 
des  Plantes  were  really  creditable.  The  Anemone  blooms  from  Mr. 
Robert  M’Mullen  were  quite  up  to  English  form,  being  full  in  the 
centre  and  neatly  staged.  Prizes  were  offered  for  baskets  of  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  arranged  with  Ferns  and  other  foliage.  Several  com¬ 
mendable  exhibits  were  forthcoming,  the  best  coming  from  Mrs, 
Findlater. — E,  Molyneux. 

National  Chbysanthemum  Society. — Annual  Dinnee. 

The  members  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  held  their 
annual  dinner  at  Anderton’s  Hotel,  Fleet  Street,  E.C.,  on  Thursday 
evening,  November  30th,  and,  as  on  previous  occasions,  resulted  in  an 
enjoyable  gathering.  Sir  Edwin  Saunders,  President  of  the  Society, 
occupied  the  chair,  and  he  was  supported  by  many  influential  gentlemen 
interested  in  the  culture  of  the  Chrysanthemum.  About  140  persons 


sat  down  at  the  tables,  and  amongst  others  present  we  noticed  Dr.  Low, 
Professor  Aguilar,  E .  Trimmer,  Esq.,  S.  Hutchinson,  Esq.,  W.  F.  Forsyth, 
Esq.,  Ashley  Gibbings,  Esq.,  J.  G.  McKinlay,  Esq.,  C.  E.  Shea,  Esq., 
J.  Halse,  Esq,  J.  W.  Wilkinson,  Esq.,  J.  T.  Berridge,  Esq.,  Messrs. 
C.  E.  Pearson,  R.  Ballantine,  C.  H.  Payne,  T.  W.  Sanders,  D.  B.  Crane, 
H.  J.  Jones,  R.  Owen,  S.  Mortimer,  and  many  well-known  horticul¬ 
turists.  The  room  was  tastefully  decorated  with  large  Palms  and  other 
foliage  plants  kindly  lent  by  Messrs.  E .  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Albert 
Nurseries,  Peckham  Rye,  and  the  tables  were  embellished  with  flowers 
sent  by  Messrs.  T.  Bevan,  G.  Langdon,  H.  Cannell,  and  others.  The 
arrangements  were  carried  out  in  an  efficient  manner  by  Mr.  R.  Dean. 

Sir  Edwin  Saunders,  after  the  customary  loyal  toasts  had  been 
rendered,  proposed  the  toast  of  the  evening,  “  The  National  Chrysan¬ 
themum  Society.”  On  rising  the  Chairman  observed  that  he  was  sure 
the  toast  would  meet  with  a  ready  response.  He  thought  it  might  with 
great  propriety  be  termed  “  Continued  Success  to  the  National  Chrysan¬ 
themum  Society,”  inasmuch  the  progress  made  during  the  past  few 
years  left  nothing  to  be  desired.  In  proof  of  this  he  would  give  a  few 
statistics  which  had  been  placed  before  him.  Already  150  new  members 
and  twelve  Fellows  have  been  elected  during  the  present  year.  (Hear, 
hear.)  In  addition  to  this  fact  nine  more  societies  were  recently  affiliated. 
The  growth  of  Chrysanthemum  societies  in  Australia  and  at  the  Cape 
was  a  stirring  instance  of  the  popularity  of  this  flower.  Regarding  the 
exhibitions  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  N.C.S.  during  the  present 
year,  he  might  say  that  these  had  been  most  successful,  not  only  in  the 
extent  of  the  exhibits,  but  the  quality  of  the  flowers.  It  was  acknow¬ 
ledged  by  experts  that  some  of  the  Japanese  blooms  staged  at  the 
October  Exhibition  rivalled  those  generally  seen  a  month  later.  The 
November  Exhibition  was  one  of  the  finest  the  Society  has  ever  held, 
there  being  nearly  500  entries.  The  meetings  of  the  Floral  Committee 
in  October  and  November  had  been  the  means  of  bringing  together  a 
large  number  of  new  varieties,  showing  the  increased  interest  taken  in 
the  Chrysanthemum  by  various  raisers.  They  had  received  flowers  for 
examination  from  the  continent  and  other  parts  of  the  world.  Early  in 
the  present  year  the  Society  sent,  as  they  were  well  aware,  blooms 
frozen  in  ice  to  New  Zealand,  and  he  had  reason  to  believe  they  created 
much  interest  there.  The  educational  work  of  the  Society,  including 
the  papers  read  at  conferences  and  meetings,  had  played  an  important 
part  in  disseminating  a  love  for  this  flower.  He  considered  this  was  a 
record  of  which  those  who  were  mainly  instrumental  in  bringing  it 
about  may  justly  be  proud.  The  Society  wes  established  at  a  period 
when  the  Chrysanthemum  was  not  in  very  good  favour,  but  it  has 
made  marvellou.s  progress,  and  he  ventured  to  think  that  the  world 
was  greatly  indebted  to  the  N.C.S.  for  the  wonderful  improvement 
made  in  the  flower.  (Hear,  hear.)  While  occasional  spasmodic  exer¬ 
tions  of  a  few  growers  may  be  useful,  it  was  to  the  emulations  of 
exhibitions  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Soc'ety  that  one  must  look 
for  advancement.  He  viewed  the  Chrysanthemum  from  three  points 
— sesthetic,  educational,  and  commercial.  In  the  first  he  included  the 
improvements  in  size  of  flower,  form,  cultural  details,  to  say  nothing 
of  the  numerous  insect  pests  with  which  growers  had  to  contend. 
Then  the  arrangement  of  the  flowers  was  an  important  feature, 
seeing  that  colours  were  not  brought  into  juxtaposition,  but  blending 
them  harmoniously.  With  reference  to  the  second  point,  he  had  already 
remarked  upon  the  educational  work  being  taken  forward  by  them ; 
and  as  to  the  commercial  side  of  the  question,  he  hardly  dare  tread 
upon  that  ground  further  than  saying  that  the  trade  growers  merited 
all  that  could  be  said  in  their  favour,  whether  they  be  actual  or  potential 
millionaires.  (Laughter.)  The  Chairman  concluded  by  remarking  that 
the  Chrysanthemum,  as  we  now  see  it,  was  a  modern  flower,  and  he 
doubted  not  that  the  ancient  Romans  would  have  given  much  to  have 
possessed  such  splendid  blooms  as  were  so  plentiful  now  for  decorating 
the  tables  at  their  banquets.  (Applause.) 

Mr.  R.  Ballantine  gave  the  next  toast,  that  of  “The  Affiliated 
Societies,”  and  in  doing  so  remarked  that  they  had  been  a  great  strength 
to  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society.  When  the  idea  was  started 
eight  years  ago  fifteen  societies  became  affiliated  to  the  “National,”  and 
they  had  gone  on  increasing  by  leaps  and  bounds  until  there  were  now 
102  affiliated  societies.  Many  of  these  were  in  Wales,  a  few  in  Scotland, 
and,  he  was  glad  to  say,  one  in  Ireland  ;  there  was  also  one  in  the  Cape, 
but  the  greatest  pleasure  of  all  was  in  announcing  that  they  had  ten 
affiliated  societies  in  that  “  England  over  the  sea  ” — Australasia.  They 
had  been  favoured  with  the  presence  of  representatives  from  such 
societies  on  these  occasions,  and  he  well  remembered  the  centenary 
festival  when  a  lady  representative  from  Tasmania  was  present.  The 
result  of  this,  and  the  excellent  manner  in  which  their  indefatigable 
Foreign  Secretary,  Mr.  C.  H.  Payne,  carried  out  his  arduous  duties,  was 
that  the  Chrysanthemum  had  increased  in  popularity  in  the  colonies. 
It  was  from  New  Zealand  that  they  received  the  first  consignment  of 
frozen  flowers,  and  he  had  the  pleasure  that  of  assisting  to  reciprocate 
by  despatching  some  frozen  blooms  from  one  of  their  exhibitions.  These 
flowers  had  been  exhibited  in  New  Zealand  and  several  parts  of  Australia, 
and  were  much  appreciated.  He  was  pleased  to  couple  with  the  toast 
the  name  of  Mr,  W.  Ratchelous,  who  represented  the  St,  Neots  Society, 
which  had  won  the  challenge  trophy  for  the  third  time.  (Cheers.) 

Mr.  Ratchelous  briefly  responded,  and  said  that  although  St.  Neots 
was  one  of  the  smallest  Chrysanthemum  societies  in  the  kingdom,  most 
people  would  agree  with  him  that  it  had  been  well  represented  at  the 
exhibitions.  The  members  of  it  had  won  the  trophy  three  times,  and  he 
hoped  the  Society  would  win  it  again.  It  was  specially  gratifying  to  him 
to  hear  that  there  was  an  affiliated  Society  in  Ireland,  because  he  had 


December  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


517 


recently  received  a  letter  from  an  Irish  gentleman,  H.  F.  Smith  Barry, 
Bsq.,  as  member  of  Parliament  for  their  district,  congratulating  the 
members  of  St.  Neots  Society  on  the  success  they  had  attained.  (Cheers.) 

Mr.  C.  E.  Shea  in  giving  “  The  Health  of  the  President,”  said  that  in 
Sir  Edwin  Saunders  they  had  a  President  that  was  in  sympathy  with  the 
interests  of  the  National  Chysanthemum  Society.  He  presided  at  the 
dinners  and  at  the  conferences,  and  he  was  a  gentleman  of  patience  and 
endurance.  He  said  that  advisedly,  because  Sir  Edwin  had  once  read  a 
paper  of  his  (the  speaker’s)  whilst  he  was  away.  He  congratulated  the 
Society  upon  having  such  an  admirable  President.  The  Chairman 
briefly  responded,  remarking  that  he  should  have  pleasure  in  forwarding 
the  interests  of  the  Society. 

Dr.  George  Walker  proposed  “  The  Vice-Presidents,  Officers,  and 
Committees  of  the  Society,”  and  briefly  eulogised  them.  To  the  officers 
and  Committee  he  said  much  of  the  success  of  the  Society  was  due. 
They  had  a  capital  President,  excellent  Secretaries,  and  Committees 
that  worked  like  slaves. 

Mr.  C.  Harman  Payne,  the  Foreign  Corresponding  Secretary  of  the 
Society,  and  Mr.  H.  Cannell  responded. 

The  Chairman  briefly  rendered  “  The  Visitors,”  to  which  Dr.  Low 
responded. 

Mr.  J.  W.  Wilkinson,  Secretary  Royal  Aquarium,  gave  “  The  Press,” 
which  toast  was  responded  to  by  Messrs.  E.  Ranger  Johnson  and 
B.  Wynne. 

During  the  evening  the  presentation  of,  prizes  took  place,  including 
the  challenge  trophy.  Holmes’  Memorial  cups,  and  medals  awarded  to 
various  growers  for  blooms  and  plants  staged  at  the  exhibitions  during 
the  present  year.  It  was  announced  that  owing  to  the  generosity  of 
the  President  the  reserve  fund  now  amounted  to  upwards  of  £50, 


NATURE’S  HELPS  TO  GARDENERS. 

The  Laced-Winged  Fly. 

As  though  to  assist  man  in  his  labours.  Nature  has  provided  several 
checks  on  the  multiplication  of  the  aphis  tribe,  if  we,  in  our  ignorance, 
did  not  mar  her  efforts.  Besides  the  larvae  of  the  Syrphidae,  referred 
to  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  October  26th,  page  383,  there  are 
other  insects  that  help  to  lessen  their  numbers. 

The  larva  of  the  lace  wing  fly  (Hemerobius),  see  fig.  75,  is  a  very 
voracious  aphis  eater,  and  consequently  a  most  useful  help  to  us 
gardeners.  Not  being  in  the  shape  of  a  maggot  or  grub — as  it  is  a  six¬ 
legged  perfect  Insect  to  most  eyes — the  larva  may  perhaps  often  escape 
death,  being  considered  harmless  ;  but  owing  to  its  enormous 
jaws,  certainly  a  third  of  the  length  of  the  whole  body,  it  might  by 
mistaking  head  for  tail  be  thought  a  small  earwig  and  suffer  accordingly. 
Like  the  earwig  we  often  see  in  half-fo  Ided  leaves,  it  is  brownish-grey  in 
colour,  and  quick  in  movements.  These  larvte  are  gormandisers,  so  much 
so  as  to  induce  the  naturalist  Reaumur  to  style  them  the  lions  of  the  aphis 
tribe.  The  jaws  are  peculiarly  formed,  so  that  the  aphis  held  by  them 
are  speedily  sucked  dry  and  tossed  aside.  When  fully  grown  they 
make  a  sort  of  cocoon,  in  which  they  remain  many  months  before  the 
chrysalis  changes  to  the  perfect  fly.  This  is  an  insect  of  the  dragon  fly 
tribe,  having  four  large  very  fine  wings,  beautifully  veined,  many  of  a 
pale  bluish  green  colour  ;  the  whole  insect  is  pale  green  in  colour,  and 
the  eyes  are  like  brilliantly  burnished  gold.  Though  its  wings  are 
large  its  powers  of  flight  are  very  feeble  ;  this  renders  it  an  easy  prey 
to  birds  and  children.  Its  smell  is  disgusting,  and  this  probably  earns 
death  for  it  from  those  who  do  not  know  its  great  value  in  the  economy 
of  Nature. 

The  eggs  are  very  peculiar,  whitish  or  pale  primrose  in  colour, 
oval  in  shape,  and  are  at  the  end  of  a  long  white  stem  from  a  quarter 
to  half  inch  in  length.  These  stems  of  the  eggs  are  attached  to 
leaves  or  to  the  smaller  twigs,  fifteen  or  twenty  in  close  proximity  to 
each  other.  The  stem  is  both  firm  and  elastic,  so  that  when  blown 
about  they  are  rarely  injured.  They  are  said  to  form  a  dainty  morsel 
for  other  aphis  eaters — viz.,  some  of  the  ladybird  tribe.  They  are  often 
found  on  the  Privet. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

November  28th. 

Scientific  Committee.  —  Present  :  Dr.  M.  T.  Masters  (in  the 
chair).  Prof.  Church,  Mr.  McLachlan,  Mr.  Bunyard,  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr. 
Bonavia,  and  Rev.  G.  Henslow,  Hon.  Sec. 

Pears  and  Fungicides. — With  reference  to  the  remedies  suggested  by 
Mr.  Massee,  Dr.  Masters  inquired  of  Mr.  Bunyard  as  to  his  experience  in 
their  use.  He  replied  that  growers  were  frequently  deterred  from 
employing  any  poisonous  preparations  in  consequence  of  the  careless¬ 
ness  of  the  men  from  their  want  of  realising  the  dangers  involved  in 
using  them,  so  that  they  preferred  to  employ  sulphur,  and  especially  the 
“  black  ”  impurer  sort. 

Tamarix  dimorphic. — Mr.  Henslow  remarked  that  the  two  species 
common  in  Egypt,  T.  articulata  and  T.  nilotica,  corresponded  with  the 
two  forms  of  Casuarina  exhibited  by  Dr.  Masters  at  the  last  meeting, 
who  observed  that  T.  gallica  not  infrequently  develops  the  two  forms  on 
the  same  plant. 

Sterculia  nobilis,  R.  Br. — A  fruiting  specimen  of  this  plant  was 
received  from  Syon  House.  A  synonym  is  Southwellia  nobilis,  of  Salis¬ 
bury’s  ”  Paradisus  Londinensis.”  It  has  been  known  to  fruit  in  this 
country,  but  Dr.  Masters  observed  that  it  is  rarely  now  seen.  The 


present  tree  is  eighty  years  old,  but  never  fruited  before.  Dr.  Church 
observed  that  being  closely  allied  to  Theobroma  cacao  or  Chocolate,  it 
would  be  interesting  to  examine  the  seeds  for  theobromine. 

Primula  capitata  and  Basal  Rot  in  Daffodils. — The  following  com¬ 
munication  was  received  from  Rev.  C.  Wolley  Dod,  Edge  Hall : — “  I 
have  been  engaged  for  several  years  in  investigating  that  mysterious 
phenomenon,  basal  rot  in  Daffodils.  The  Scientific  Committee  have 
assured  me  (after  repeated  examination  of  bulbs  sent  by  me)  that  no 
specific  cause  of  it  can  be  detected.  I  am  inquiring  whether  there  is 
anything  analogous  to  it  in  any  other  plants — viz.,  death  from  general 
unsuitable  conditions,  commencing  at  the  juncture  between  the  root  and 
the  bud,  and  producing  decay  there,  partial  or  entire.  I  have  noticed  some- 


pig.  75.— the  laced  winged  fly  (hemerobius). 

A,  the  Eggs ;  B  B,  the  Larvae ;  C,  the  perfect  Fly,  natural  size ;  D,  the  same  in  flight. 


thing  similar  in  some  Himalayan  Primroses,  especially  Primula  Stuarti, 
which  I  have  ceased  to  cultivate  because  the  base  of  the  bud  (I  use  bud  in 
its  botanical  sense  of  crown  from  which  the  leaves  sprout)  is  so  apt  to 
rot  into  pulp.  In  P.  capitata,  however,  of  which  I  have  grown  and 
flowered  thousands  during  the  last  fifteen  years,  no  winter  bud  is  ever 
formed.  Mr.  G.  Wilson  tells  me  that  in  his  garden  at  Wisley  it  is  a  hardy 
perennial,  but  with  me  it  invariably  dies  if  left  out  in  winter.  The 
tissues  are  not  destroyed  by  hard  frosts,  for  after  a  hard  winter  the 
leaves  in  the  centre  of  the  tuft  often  continue  green  in  February,  but 
rot  seems  to  commence  at  the  base,  as  in  the  specimens  enclosed,  and 
the  open  leaf  tuft  invariably  rots  off  before  spring,  being  often  still 
green.  I  should  be  glad  of  an  opinion  whether  the  case  is  likely  to  be 
analogous  to  that  of  basal  rot  in  Daffodils?”  Mr.  Wilks  corroborated 
Mr.  Dod’s  experience,  as  he  found  the  plants  died  in  a  similar  manner  in 
his  garden.  The  specimen  was  forwarded  to  Kew  for  examination. 

Cuscuta  rejlexa. — A  specimen  of  this  parasite  growing  on  Jasminum 
revolutum  was  received  from  Mr.  F.  W.  Burbidge  of  the  Tr.  Col.  Botanic 
Gardens,  Dublin.  He  observes  that  ”  it  does  nearly  as  well  on  Forsythia 
viridissima  and  F.  suspensa,  as  well  as  on  Ivy.  Indoors  in  a  warm 
house.  Pelargoniums,  Fuchsias,  and  Crotons  seem  to  suit  it  best.  We 
had  it  growing  on  a  Zonal  Pelargoniuni  which  was  placed  in  the  Jasmine 
on  a  west  wall  last  May,  and  it  now  forms  a  wiry  net-like  mass  10  feet 
high  and  8  feet  wide.  It  often  twists  upon  itself.”  An  examination  of 
the  suckers  or  haustoria  showed  that  the  Cuscuta  often  preyed  upon 
'  itself  whenever  two  branches  were  spirally  twisted  together.  As  far  as 


618 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Ee  member  7,  1833. 


a  few  observations  can  be  trusted  the  roots  of  the  thicker  of  the  two 
stems  always  penetrated  the  other.  It  frequently  fixed  itself  to  the 
surface  of  the  leaves  of  the  Jasmine  as  well  as  around  the  stems  and 
petioles. 

Preserving  Fresh  Fruit  in  Carbonic  Acid  Gas. — The  following 
communication  was  received  from  Mr.  W.  Sykes  of  Woodleigh,  East 
Dulwich,  being  a  description  of  experiments  suggested  at  a  meeting 
of  the  Scientific  Committee  on  July  25th  : — “  On  August  23rd  I  put 
down  some  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  Tomatoes,  and  eggs,  but  am  sorry  to 
say  that,  so  far,  my  experiments  with  carbonic  acid  gas  are  unsatis¬ 
factory  ;  neither  does  it  appear  to  check  the  ripening  or  decomposition, 
and  it  gives  the  fruit  a  peculiar  flavour.  The  Apples  have  a  musty, 
coddled  taste.  With  the  Plums  the  gas  centres  round  the  stones.  In 
the  Tomatoes  there  is  a  sharp,  forbidding,  pungent  taste  throughout, 
which  leaves  them  after  standing  twenty-four  hours  in  the  air.  I 
allowed  the  gas  to  pass  through  the  washing  bottle  into  the  tins,  the 
natural  air  escaping  through  a  pipe.  After  the  fresh  air  had  escaped 
(tested  with  a  lighted  match),  I  closed  the  latter  pipe  and  let  the  gas 
work  itself  dead  slow.  After  giving  them  all  a  good  application  (three 
dozen  taking  in  both  applications  some  six  hours)  I  went  through  them 
again,  opening  the  escape  pipe  mentioned  above  to  scour  out,  then  I 
reclosed  it  with  pliers  before  closing  the  entrance  pipe,  the  gas  had 
worked  dead  slow,  the  top  and  bottom  bulging  out.  The  pressure  at  the 
gauge  stood  at  5  lbs.  The  water  in  the  washing  bottle  was  fresh  boiled 
and  put  into  the  washer  (just  bearable)  being  changed  for  every  dozen 
tins.  I  did  not  exhaust  the  air,  and  found  with  this  test  of  a  week  that 
the  Tomatoes  were  sweating  equal  to  those  kept  for  over  a  fortnight 
after  the  air  was  exhausted.  Some  Coryopsis,  white  Marguerites,  and 
Nasturtiums  were  put  under  the  same  process  (August  23rd).  The  first 
kept  well,  and  after  being  in  water  looked  none  the  worse  ;  the  white 
of  the  Marguerites  turned  to  a  pale  chocolate  beyond  recovery,  and  the 
Nasturtiums  collapsed  into  a  withered  heap.”  Professor  Church  observed 
that  the  failure  might  have  been  due  to  an  insufficient  time  having  been 
allowed  for  the  atmospheric  air  to  diffuse.  He  added  that  much 
carbonic  acid  had  been  proved  to  exist  around  Mangold  roots  when  turfed 
over,  which  undoubtedly  acted  as  a  preservative. 


GRAPES  AND  TOMATOES. 

[Read  at  Hereford  by  Mr.  S.  T.  Wright,  Gardener  to  0.  Lee  Campbell,  Esq.,  Glewstone 

Court,  Ross.] 

The  Cultivation  of  Grapes. 

In  dealing  with  this  subject  my  remarks  must  be  brief,  as  time  will 
not  permit  of  an  elaborate  description  of  Grape-growing.  A  good  start 
is  important,  and  to  insure  that  result  perfect  drainage  is  essential,  as 
stagnant  water  is  fatal  to  satisfactory  results,  so  that  if  there  is  not  a 
free  drainage  naturally,  it  should  be  provided ;  at  the  same  time  a 
heavy  expense  is  unnecessary.  A  drain  put  down  the  middle  of  the 
border  and  covered  with  a  foot  of  rubble  will  be  ample  ;  over  this  turves 
should  be  placed,  grass  side  downwards  ;  and  if  the  soil  is  of  a  fairly 
open  character.  I  would  not  use  anything  but  turf  in  making  the  border. 
If  the  soil  is  heavy,  just  sufficient  lime,  mortar,  or  plaster  refuse  may  be 
added  to  keep  the  mass  open  and  allow  the  water  to  pass  away  freely. 
My  experience  is  decidedly  against  mixing  animal  manures  with  the 
soil  for  the  border.  It  is  not  wanted,  and  it  is  very  apt  to  cause  the 
border  to  become  sour,  and  the  Vines  more  or  less  unhealthy  in  con¬ 
sequence.  It  is  a  mistake  to  make  the  border  full  width  at  first. 
Supposing  it  to  be  from  2|^  to  3  feet  deep,  which  is  deep  enough,  a 
border  3  or  4  feet  wide  at  first  will  be  ample  for  the  first  two  years, 
and  after  fruiting  has  commenced  a  foot  more  may  be  added  until  the 
allotted  space  has  been  filled.  Opinions  differ  as  to  the  best  time  to 
plant  young  Vines.  I  favour  planting  when  the  Vine  is  in  active 
growth,  disturbing  the  roots  as  little  as  possible,  avoiding  deep  planting, 
but  having  the  top  roots  of  the  Vine  only  2  or  3  inches  below  the  surface 
of  the  border,  making  the  soil  firm  about  the  roots,  and  a  thorough 
soaking  of  water  applied  at  once.  Liquid  manure  is  seldom  requisite 
for  the  first  year,  as  it  would  probably  cause  a  thick  pithy  growth, 
difficult  to  ripen,  and  thus  a  source  of  trouble  in  the  future.  What 
should  be  aimed  at  is  a  short-jointed,  hard  wood,  with  bold  buds,  that 
will  be  almost  certain  to  give  satisfactory  results.  Attention  to  venti¬ 
lation,  atmospheric  moisture,  and  watering  of  the  border  is  all-important 
to  grow  first-class  Grapes. 

Taking  ventilation  first,  every  practical  gardener  is  well  aware  how 
the  weather  has  to  be  studied,  increasing  or  reducing  the  air  admitted 
according  to  external  circumstances.  If  too  much  air  is  given,  so  as  to 
give  the  Vines  a  check,  mildew  sets  in,  or  the  Grapes  refuse  to  swell 
properly,  and  if  too  little  is  given,  scalding  of  the  foliage  occurs.  To 
prevent  such  disasters  a  constant  watch  on  the  weather  must  be  main¬ 
tained,  thus  avoiding  any  rapid  rising  or  falling  of  the  temperature. 
On  bright  mornings  a  little  air  should  be  admitted  early,  gradually 
increasing  it  as  the  sun  gets  more  power,  and  closing  in  the  afternoon 
with  good  sun  heat,  while  the  Vines  are  growing.  When  the  fruit 
begins  to  colour  a  little  air  should  be  left  on  day  and  night,  but  not 
allowing  the  temperature  to  become  unduly  low.  After  the  fruit  is 
cut  plenty  of  air  should  be  admitted,  and  the  Vines  kept  as  cool  as 
possible  without  becoming  frosted. 

Atmospheric  moisture  is  only  second  in  importance  to  ventilation. 
As  a  rule  Vines  are  started  into  growth  at  a  temperature  of  45°  to  50°, 
with  a  thorough  syringing  of  the  rods  twice  Ja  day,  once  in  the 
morning  and  again  in  the  afternoon  when  the  house  is  closed.  The 
Dorder  walls,  and  paths  are  also  damped  several  times  daily,  and  the 


evaporating  troughs  on  the  hot-water  pipes  kept  full  of  water.  As  the 
Vines  come  into  bloom  syringing  them  ceases,  aad  a  rather  drier 
atmosphere  maintained  until  the  Grapes  are  set.  If  the  Vines  are  in 
good  health  a  sharp  rap  on  the  rods  will  cause  the  pollen  to  fly  freely, 
and  thus  cause  a  good  set.  As  soon  as  all  the  bunches  are  finished 
setting  all  the  worst  or  smallest  should  be  cut  off,  and  a  more  genial 
atmosphere  maintained,  thoroughly  damping  the  floors  and  borders 
early  in  the  morning,  and  again  in  the  middle  of  the  day  if  bright,  and 
again  in  the  afternoon,  shutting  up  with  a  good  sun  heat.  If  the 
temperature  rises  to  90°  or  100°  when  closed  in  the  evening,  so  much  the 
better  for  Grapes,  providing  there  is  plenty  of  moisture,  as  it  will  cause 
the  berries  to  swell  rapidly,  and  also  suit  the  foliage  of  the  Vine. 

Early  thinning  is  of  vital  necessity  if  large  bunches  and  berries  are 
desired.  In  thinning,  a  space  of  about  1  inch  will  be  ample  for  each 
berry,  but  for  the  smaller-berried  varieties  a  little  less  may  be  allowed. 
The  number  of  bunches  each  Vine  should  carry  depends  on  its 
health  and  vigour  and  the  size  of  the  bunch.  For  a  healthy  Vine, 
I  consider  from  30  to  40  lbs.  per  rod  of  about  16  feet  long  a  fair  crop  ; 
with  liberal  feeding  and  good  management  such  a  crop  of  Grapes 
ought  to  finish  well,  and  produce  a  similar  amount  annually. 

The  question  of  feeding  is  somewhat  complex,  as  soils  vary  so  much 
that  manure  excellent  in  one  place  may  be  of  little  value  in  another, 
owing  to  the  different  constituents  present  or  absent  naturally  in  the 
soil.  Therefore  it  is  evident  that  Grape  growers  must  ascertain  what 
elements  are  lacking  in  their  soil  necessary  to  produce  good  Grapes,  and 
when  this  deficiency  is  discovered  it  will  be  easy  to  remedy  the  defect. 
Judging  from  my  experience  in  various  parts  of  the  country,  I  think 
the  majority  of  Vines  do  not  receive  anything  like  adequate  nourish¬ 
ment.  When  we  consider  the  Grapes,  wood,  and  foliage  taken  every 
year  from  the  Vines,  it  is  apparent  that  a  vast  amount  of  plant  food  has 
been  absorbed  from  the  soil,  and  unless  these  elements  are  returned 
nothing  can  prevent  degeneration  setting  in  through  exhaustion.  Again, 
I  think  too  much  importance  is  attached  to  animal  manures  ;  all  solid 
or  liquid  manures  from  cattle  have  a  tendency  to  cause  sourness  of  the 
border,  followed  by  unhealthy  root  action.  The  best  form  in  which  to 
apply  animal  manures  is  in  connection  with  artificial  or  chemical 
manures;  if  used  with  care,  judgment,  and  a  knowledge  of  the  soil, 
splendid  results  will  be  certain,  if  combined  with  good  culture  in  other 
respects. 

The  following  manures  I  have  used  with  satisfactory  results  at 
Glewston  Court  on  the  light  sandy  soil  there  : — Liquid  and  solid  manure 
from  cows,  liquid  manure  extracted  from  sheep  droppings,  fish  guano, 
bonemeal,  superphosphate  of  lime,  and  muriate  of  potash.  The  time  of 
feeding  is  all  the  year  round  in  the  case  of  Vines  under  my  charge ; 
manure  in  some  form  is  applied  even  when  the  Grapes  are  ripe,  which 
does  not  affect  the  flavour  at  all,  but  greatly  assists  the  Vines  to  bear 
the  crop,  helping  also  to  develop  the  buds  for  next  season.  The 
advantage  of  winter  feeding,  or  while  the  Vines  are  at  rest,  I  consider 
of  much  importance,  for  though  the  root  action  is  slight  at  that 
period  the  soil  absorbs  the  plant  food  applied,  and  when  fresh  growth 
is  made  it  is  there  in  the  most  available  form  for  the  roots  to  take  up  as 
they  require  it ;  consequently  the  Vines  start  into  growth  in  a  most 
gratifying  manner. 

Pruning  is  best  done  as  early  as  possible  after  the  foliage  falls  ;  in  fact, 
I  seldom  wait  until  all  is  down,  but,  as  soon  as  about  four-fifths  of  the 
leaves  have  fallen  I  prune  all  side  shoots  to  the  first  good  bud  nearest  the 
main  rod,  which  is  usually  the  first  or  second  eye.  Young  leading  rods,  if 
strong,  may  be  pruned  to  within  3  or  4  feet  of  the  old  cut ;  a  greater 
length  of  young  wood  is  seldom  advisable  if  the  Vines  are  to  crop  for  a 
considerable  number  of  years.  In  concluding  this  paper  on  Grapes,  I 
would  strongly  urge  the  importance  of  cleanliness.  Insect  enemies  of 
all  kinds  must  not  be  allowed  a  footing,  and  every  effort  should  be  made 
to  keep  the  Vines  free  from  attack,  and  the  foliage  clean  and  healthy 
right  up  to  the  time  it  falls.  By  doing  so  success  is  practically  assured. 

Tomatoes  and  their  Culture. 

In  this  short  paper  on  Tomatoes,  only  the  chief  points  connected 
with  their  management  will  be  given.  So  popular  have  Tomatoes 
become,  that  nearly  all  classes  have  become  consumers,  and  many  acres 
of  glass  are  devoted  to  meeting  the  demand  for  them.  At  the  same  time 
I  question  if  all  the  Tomatoes  sold  as  English  are  grown  in  this  country  ; 
and  many  persons  have  been  so  disappointed  at  the  flavourless  fruit 
they  purchased  that  they  have  decided  to  try  to  grow  their  own.  To 
such  persons  I  hope  the  following  remarks  may  prove  serviceable : — 

If  a  moderate  amount  of  heat  under  glass  can  be  obtained,  the  early 
part  of  February  is  a  good  time  to  sow  the  seed,  which  should  be  sown 
rather  thinly  in  a  pot  or  pan  containing  fine  and  fairly  rich  soil.  As 
soon  as  the  seedlings  appear  they  should  be  placed  in  a  position  close  to 
the  glass  to  prevent  their  becoming  drawn.  When  the  young  plants  are 
large  enough  to  handle,  they  ought  to  be  placed  singly  in  small  pots, 
making  the  soil  moderately  firm,  and  after  giving  a  good  watering  placed 
near  the  glass  again.  Care  must  be  taken  that  they  do  not  suffer  by 
want  of  water,  otherwise  they  become  stunted,  and  seldom  do  much 
good  afterwards. 

As  the  pots  become  full  of  roots,  the  plants  may  be  shifted  into  a 
larger  size,  in  soil  composed  principally  of  turfy  loam  and  a  slight 
addition  of  bonemeal  and  decayed  horse  droppings,  still  keeping  the 
plants  near  the  glass  to  cause  a  stout  sturdy  growth.  The  next  shift, 
the  plants  may  be  transferred  to  large  pots  or  boxes,  using  the  same  soil 
as  previously  named,  and  placing  the  plants  in  the  lightest  position 
possible,  avoiding  overcrowding.  From  one  to  three  stems,  according  to 
room,  can  be  trained  up,  pinching  out  all  side  growths  as  they  appear ; 


Cecember  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


619 


and  if  the  foliage  is  too  thick  half  of  each  of  the  largest  leaves  should  be 
cut  away. 

No  feeing  with  manmres  is  required  until  the  first  truss  of  fruit  is 
set ;  then  feed  as  much  as  you  like,  as  the  fruit  prevents  any  undue 
groBsness.  By  heavy  feeding  the  plants  will  continue  bearing  for 
months.  At  all  times  avoid  a  close,  moist  atmosphere,  as  it  is  almost 
certain  to  cause  disease  to  set  in.  A  warm  and  dry  atmosphere  with 
plenty  of  liquid  nourishment  suits  the  Tomato. 

Outdoor  Tomatoes  should  be  sown  in  heat  early  in  March,  and  kept 
growing  sturdily  from  the  first  as  before  mentioned,  gradually  hardening 
the  plants  off  in  May,  and  planting  them  out  in  warm  and  sheltered 
positions  at  the  end  of  that  month,  keeping  the  shoots  far  enough  apart 
to  prevent  crowding,  and  shortening  the  leaves  if  necessary.  A  mulch 
of  good  manure,  or  an  occasional  soaking  of  the  same  in  liquid  form, 
when  the  plants  are  fruiting,  will  act  very  beneficially.  At  the  end  of 
August  all  further  growth  should  be  stopped,  as  fruit  formed  after  that 
date  will  not  develop  properly  ;  and  it  is  better  to  throw  all  the  strength 
of  the  plant  into  the  fruit  already  formed.  If  any  fruit  is  not  ripened 
when  cold  weather  approaches,  it  should  be  cut  off  with  a  good  piece  of 
stem,  and  hung  up  in  a  warm  place  where  it  will  colour  later  on. 


DESSERT  TABLE  COMPETITIONS. 

At  the  Hull  Chrysanthemum  Show  there  has  been  a  challenge  cup 
competition  for  a  dessert  table  for  many  years  past,  the  exact  wording 
of  the  schedule  being  as  follows  :  “  Dessert  table,  S  feet  by  4  feet, 
completely  laid  out  for  six  persons,  only  Chrysanthemums  loith  any  hind 
of  foliage  to  be  used  in  its  decoration.” 

This  year  the  first  prize  was  awarded  to  a  table  having  no  dessert 
thereon,  excepting  one  small  dish  containing  about  half  dozen  chocolates 
and  another  the  same  number  of  Almonds ;  there  were  also  six  plates, 
and  knives  and  forks,  in  addition  to  the  floral  decorations,  but  no  fruit 
or  other  accessories.  On  the  one  hand  it  is  held  that  it  is  not  the 
custom  now  to  put  the  dessert  on  the  table  along  with  the  floral 
decorations,  and  as  this  table  was  the  best  artistic  arrangement  as 
related  to  the  use  of  Chrysanthemums  and  foliage,  the  prize  was,  from 
that  point  of  view,  rightly  given  to  it. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  is  contended  that  as  there  was  no  fruit  or  other 
accessories  placed  it  did  not  comply  with  the  terms  of  the  schedule, 
having  regard  to  the  words  “  completely  laid  out,”  consequently  must 
have  been  disqualified  had  a  protest  been  entered.  I  shall  be  glad  to 
know  which  is  the  correct  view.  Being  a  challenge  competition  not 
yet  finished  the  wording  of  the  schedule  cannot  be  altered. — Edward 
Harland. 

[  We  shall  be  glad  to  publish  the  opinions  of  table  decorators  and 
show  judges  on  the  subject  indicated.! 


ROYAL  AQUARIUM  FLOWER  SHOW. 

December  5th,  6th,  and  7th. 

An  Exhibition  of  winter  flowers,  including  Chrysanthemums,  Cycla¬ 
mens,  and  Primulas,  was  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  National 
Chrysanthemum  Society  at  the  Koyal  Aquarium,  Westminster,  on  the 
above  dates.  There  was  an  exceedingly  good  display,  but  owing  to  the 
dull  weather  that  prevailed  it  was  impossible  to  see  the  true  colours  of 
the  flowers,  which  were  of  excellent  quality. 

The  principal  class  was  for  twenty-four  Japanese  blooms,  and  in  this 
there  were  eleven  competitors.  The  flowers  were  good,  and  a  close 
competition  resulted.  Mr.  E.  Rowbottom,  gardener  to  H.  R.  Williams, 
Esq.,  The  Priory,  Hornsey,  won  the  premier  award  with  a  grand  stand 
of  blooms.  The  best  of  these  were  Mdlle.  Th^rfese  Rey,  Beauty  of 
Castlewood,  Empire,  Pearl  Beauty,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Princess  Victoria, 
Lizzie  Cartledge,  W.  H.  Broomhead,  and  Etoile  de  Lyon.  Mr.  W. 
Collins,  gardener  to  J.  W.  Carlile,  Esq.,  Ponsbourne  Park,  Heitford,  was 
second ;  and  Mr.  H.  Alderman,  gardener  to  G.  Hatfield,  Esq.,  Morden 
Hall,  Surrey,  third.  An  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  W.  G.  Gilbert, 
gardener  to  B.  Le  Neve  Foster,  Esq.,  J.P.,  Sennowe  Hall,  Guist,  Norfolk. 
For  twelve  bunches  of  Japanese  blooms,  six  varieties,  Mr.  C.  W.  Knowles, 
gardener  to  Mrs.  Chas.  Egerton,  Solna,  Roehampton,  was  first ;  and  Mr. 
W.  Tyster,  gardener  to  Miss  Smith  Dorridon,  Hartwell  Villa,  Aylesbury, 
second.  The  class  for  twelve  Japanese  blooms,  distinct,  was  very  keenly 
contested,  there  being  seventeen  competitors.  Mr.  J.  Turk,  gardener  to 
P.  Bosanquet,  Esq.,  Penfield,  Hertford,  was  placed  first  with  fine  blooms. 
Amongst  them  E.  Molyneux,  Pelican,  Mrs.  E.  Beckett,  and  Mrs.  E.  W. 
Clark  were  the  best.  Mr.  W.  G.  Gilbert  was  second,  and  Mr.  Row- 
bottom  third. 

The  flowers  in  the  class  for  twenty-four  bunches  of  any  varieties  of 
Chrysanthemums  made  a  good  display.  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite,  Glenhurst 
Gardens,  Esher,  was  placed  first  with  a  stand  of  blooms  tastefully 
arranged.  Mr.  C.  W.  Knowles  was  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Smith,  Floral 
Cottage,  Hull,  third.  Mr.  C.  Cox,  gardener  to  J.  Trotter,  Esq., 
The  Grange,  Brickendon,  was  first  with  six  Japanese  blooms,  showing 
Viviand  Morel,  G.  C.  Schwabe,  Mrs.  E.  W.  Clarke,  Beauty  of  Castlewood, 
Etoile  de  Lyon,  and  Robert  Owen  in  splendid  condition.  Mr.  W.  Collins 
was  a  good  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith  third.  Extra  prizes  were 
awarded  to  Messrs.  H.  Alderman  and  A.  Gibson. 

Incurved  blooms  were  well  shown  for  the  time  of  year.  There  were 
sixteen  exhibitors  in  the  class  for  six  blooms,  and  the  competition  was 
exceedingly  keen.  The  first  prize  was  secured  by  Mr.  H.  Alderman,  who 


had  fine  examples  of  Golden  Empress  of  India,  Princess  Teck,  Lady 
Dorothy,  Lord  Alcester,  Empress  of  India,  and  Barbara;  Mr.  H.  Shoe- 
smith  was  second,  and  Messrs.  W.  &  G.  Drover,  Fareham,  third.  An 
extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  W.  G.  Gilbert.  Mr.  H.  Shoesmith  was 
first  with  twelve  blooms,  showing  these  in  very  good  condition.  The  best 
were  Princess  of  Teck,  Lady  Dorothy,  Chas.  Gibson,  and  Hero  of  Stoke 
Newington.  Mr.  W.  G.  Gilbert  was  second,  and  Mr.  G.  Smith  third. 
For  twelve  incurved  blooms  in  not  less  than  six  varieties  Messrs.  W.  &  G. 
Drover  were  first,  Mr.  Gilbert  second,  and  Mr.  H.  Alderman  third. 

For  six  blooms,  distinct,  of  any  new  varieties  Mr.  E .  Rowbottom  won, 
showing  Le  Ver?6au,  W.  H.  Broomhead,  Le  Drac,  Waban,  Chas.  Blick, 
and  Mr.  Hubbuck.  Mr.  A.  Newell,  gardener  to  Sir  Edwin  Saunders, 
Fairlawn,  Wimbledon,  was  first  for  six  bunches  of  six  Japanese  blooms. 
Mr.  C.  W.  Knowles  was  second,  and  Mr.  D,  B.  Crane,  Highgate,  a  good 
third.  An  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Miss  R.  Debenham,  St.  Peter’s, 
St.  Alban’s.  The  last-named  exhibitor  was  first  with  twelve  bunches  of 
single  Chrysanthemums,  Mr.  W.  C.  Pagram,  Weybridge,  second,  and 
Mr.  G.  Smith  third.  An  extra  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  J.  Agate. 
Messrs.  T.  Lansley,  E.  Spurge,  and  F.  Hicks  secured  the  prizes  for  six 
Japanese  blooms.  Mr.  W.  Howe,  gardener  to  Henry  Tate,  Esq.,  Park 
Hill,  Streatham,  was  first  for  a  group  of  foliage,  berried,  and  flowering 
plants  ;  Mr.  Newell  being  second.  Mr.  D.  B.  Crane  won  with  a  vase  of 
Chrysanthemums,  and  Mr.  W.  Cook  with  twelve  Cyclamens. 

Miscellaneous  exhibits  were  numerous,  and  made  a  charming  display. 
Mr.  H.  J.  Jones,  Ryecroft  Nursery,  Lewisham,  arranged  one  of  the  finest 
and  most  unique  exhibits  of  Chrysanthemums  ever  seen  in  this  country. 
Eleven  handsome  vases  filled  with  splendid  blooms  and  Mahonia  foliage 
were  placed  on  a  large  table  with  a  few  Palms  for  a  background.  The 
vase  was  filled  in  with  Ferns,  amongst  which  some  Chrysanthemum 
blooms  were  dotted.  Boxes  of  flowers  were  placed  on  the  front,  the 
whole  making  a  feature  that  attracted  much  attention.  A  gold  medal 
was  awarded  to  Mr.  Jones  for  his  splendid  contribution.  Mr.  J.  H.  Witty, 
Nunhead  Cemetery,  had  a  group  of  Chrysanthemums  (silver  medal)  ; 
and  Mr.  G.  Stevens,  St.  John’s  Nursery,  arranged  a  table  of  blooms 
with  Palms  and  Ferns.  Mr.  E.  Rowbottom  had  a  collection  of  foliage 
and  flowering  plants,  as  also  did  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate. 
Mr.  R.  Owen,  Castle  Hill  Nursery,  Maidenhead,  sent  a  large  collection 
of  Chrysanthemum  blooms  tastefully  arranged  (silver-gilt  medal).  Mr. 
W.  Wells,  Earls  wood  Nurseries,  also  secured  a  similar  award  for  a 
collection  of  Chrysanthemums  arranged  in  a  unique  manner.  Mr.  J.  R. 
Chard,  Stoke  Newington,  had  some  table  decorations  (silver  medal). 
Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  made  a  bright  display  with  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  and  Chrysanthemums  ;  and  Mr.  H.  Perkins,  Greenlands, 
Henley-on-Thames,  won  a  silver-gilt  medal  for  a  collection  of  Amaryllis 
in  fine  condition.  A  first-class  certificate  was  also  awarded  to  Mr. 
Perkins  for  Amaryllis  Charles  Davis,  a  crimson  flower  with  broad  petals 
and  a  whitish  green  throat.  Mr.  C.  J.  Waite,  Glenhurst,  sent  some 
magnificent  vegetables. 

Some  new  Chrysanthemums  were  exhibited  before  the  Floral  Com¬ 
mittee,  and  certificates  awarded  for  several  varieties  which  are 
described  on  page  514  of  this  issue. 


WOKHfo^theWEEK.. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Peacbes  and  ITectarlnes. — Earliest  House. — The  earliest  house 
having  been  closed  as  advised  in  former  calendars,  fire  heat  should  now 
be  applied.  The  house  ought  to  be  freely  ventilated  even  at  night  in 
mild  weather,  only  using  fire  heat  to  exclude  frost  until  the 
buds  commence  swelling,  then  40°  to  45°  is  quite  high  enough  at 
night,  turning  on  the  heat  in  the  morning  so  as  to  maintain  50°  by  day, 
with  free  ventilation  between  50°  and  55°,  and  full  at  and  above  -the 
latter  temperature,  rising  on  bright  days  to  65°.  Reduce  the  ventilation 
gradually,  and  close  between  50°  and  55°,  leaving  a  little  air  on  at  the 
top  of  the  house.  Syringe  the  trees  and  every  available  surface  morning 
and  afternoon  until  the  blossom  buds  are  showing  colour,  after  which 
discontinue  syringing  the  trees,  but  sprinkle  the  surface  of  the  border  and 
path  as  before,  so  as  to  maintain  a  genial  atmosphere.  The  inside 
borders  will  require  to  be  watered  with  water  not  less  in  temperature 
than  the  mean  of  the  house,  making  sure  that  every  part  of  the  soil 
is  properly  moistened. 

Pines. —  Young  Plants. — Pits  or  small  houses,  properly  heated  and 
well  ventilated,  are  most  suitable  for  young  stock.  Successional  plants 
often  suffer  irreparable  injury  at  this  season  from  being  kept  too  close 
and  warm,  the  plants  becoming  drawn  and  weakly.  A  temperature  of 
55°  to  60°  at  night,  with  60°  to  65°  in  the  daytime,  will  keep  young 
plants  gently  growing,  and  they  will  not  become  weakly  provided  a 
little  air  is  given  at  the  top  of  the  house  at  65°,  leaving  it  on  all  day . 
Do  not  let  the  temperature  fall  below  that  point,  and  when  the  sun 
raises  it  to  75°  a  free  circulation  of  air  should  be  allowed.  Maintain  a 
steady  bottom  heat  of  80°.  Avoid  a  very  damp  atmosphere,  moderate 
humidity  sufficing  at  this  season.  Examine  the  plants  once  a  week  for 
watering,  applying  it  only  when  they  become  dry,  and  then  give  weak 


620 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  1,  1893. 


liquid  manure  in  a  tepid  state.  Keep  the  plants  well  up  to  the  glass 
without  touching  it,  and  allow  them  plenty  of  room. 

Providing  for  Fruit  in  May  and  June. — Where  the  means  are 
limited  considerable  judgment  and  skill  are  required  to  maintain  a 
successional  supply  of  ripe  Pine  Apples  throughout  the  year.  There  is 
no  trouble  where  the  successional  plants  can  be  counted  by  hundreds, 
but  where  the  number  is  more  limited  the  difficulty  is  to  act  so  as  to 
have  the  fruit  come  in  at  the  right  time.  A  supply  of  ripe  Pines  being 
required  in  May  and  June  and  plants  are  not  showing  fruit  it  will  be 
desirable  to  select  from  those  started  last  March  which  have  completed 
a  stout  growth,  have  a  thickened  base,  and  are  now  resting,  being  guided 
in  the  selection  by  such  as  show  the  best  indications  of  starting  into 
fruit  when  subjected  to  a  higher  temperature  both  at  the  roots  and  in 
the  atmosphere.  The  plants  are  best  placed  in  a  structure  by  them¬ 
selves,  but  if  this  cannot  be  afforded  assign  them  a  light  position  in  the 
house  where  the  fruiters  are  swelling.  A  temperature  of  65°  at  night, 
5°  lower  in  the  morning  in  cold  weather,  and  70°  to  75°  by  day  will  be 
ample  at  present  in  the  fruiting  department. 

Cucumbers. — Winter-fruiting  Cucumber  plants  are  suffering  from 
attacks  of  eelworm  at  the  roots,  this  pest  proving  more  disastrous  than 
usual.  This  invisible  (to  the  naked  eye)  foe  gives  no  clear  indications 
in  the  growth  of  the  plants  to  an  ordinary  observer  of  the  presence  of 
the  attack  until  the  mischief  is  irremediable ;  but  we  advise  subjecting 
all  soil,  especially  turfy  soil  and  animal  manures,  to  a  temperature  of 
over  212°,  but  not  so  high  as  to  burn  or  consume  the  fibry  particles, 
before  it  is  used  for  the  plants,  as  a  preventive.  This  we  find  infallible, 
but  it  is  necessary  to  refrain  from  the  use  of  vegetable  or  animal 
manures  afcerwards,  and  from  any  form  of  bone  manure  other  than 
vitriolised,  and  rely  mainly  on  mineral  manures  for  sustaining  the  plants 
in  health  and  fruitfulness. 

Many  failures,  however,  with  winter  fruiting  Cucumbers  arise  from 
attempts  at  their  culture  in  unsuitable  structures.  Cold  weather  necessi¬ 
tates  heating  the  hot  water  pipes  where  there  is  a  deficiency  of  heating 
surface  to  a  temperature  highly  inimical  to  the  plants  by  drying  the 
atmosphere  more  than  is  good  for  the  foliage,  and  where  the  pipes  are 
in  close  proximity  to  the  roots  the  soil  is  dried  too  much  for  healthy 
growth.  The  consequence  is  the  fruits  become  stunted  and  swell 
indifferently,  the  plants  falling  a  prey  to  insects.  Air  must  be  admitted 
very  carefully,  affording  a  little,  however,  whenever  a  favourable  oppor¬ 
tunity  offers,  but  exclude  it  when  the  external  air  is  cutting  and  cold. 
In  bright  weather,  and  the  air  sharp,  turn  off  the  top  heat  when  the 
sun  is  powerful  and  likely  to  raise  the  temperature  above  80°,  for  much 
sun  heat  before  the  turn  of  the  day  only  accelerates  growth  which 
cannot  be  sustained.  In  such  weather  damp  the  house  in  the  morning 
and  afternoon,  closing  about  midday  or  I  P.M.  Do  not  wet  the  fruit  or 
the  embryonic  may  damp  off,  and  that  formed  become  scabbed  and 
deformed.  Water  will  be  required  at  the  roots  once  or  twice  a  week,  and 
it  should  be  equal  in  temperature  to  the  mean  of  the  house.  A  tem¬ 
perature  of  60°  to  65°  at  night,  and  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially  is 
suitable. 

The  winter  fruiting  plants  from  the  August  sowing,  and  planted  out 
in  September,  have  grown  to  the  extent  of  the  trellis  or  nearly  so,  and 
are  showing  plenty  of  fruit.  Only  a  few  for  Christmas  and  the  New 
Year  should  be  allowed  to  remain,  and  that  on  vigorous  plants,  as  the 
plants  will  need  all  their  strength  to  tide  over  a  severe  period  should 
one  occur,  and  fruit  is  most  in  demand  during  late  winter  and  early 
spring.  Attend  frequently  to  stopping  and  thinning,  also  tying  the 
shoots,  avoiding  overcrowding  as  one  of  the  greatest  evils.  Remove 
bad  and  decayed  leaves.  Mildew  is  unusually  prevalent  this  season, 
but  it  readily  yields  to  dusting  the  foliage  with  flowers  of  sulphur  or 
painting  the  hot-water  pipes  with  a  little  sulphur.  This  also  kills 
white  fly,  but  aphides  must  be  overcome  by  moderate  fumigation  on 
consecutive  calm  evenings.  Subdue  canker  by  rubbing  quicklime  into 
the  affected  parts,  repeating  as  necessary. 

Strawberries  In  Pots. — Although  John  Ruskin  has  proved  as 
susceptible  of  attack  from  mildew  in  many  places  as  its  prototype  Black 
Prince,  it  is  highly  spoken  of  in  some  quarters  and  grown  extensively 
as  a  first  early  forcing  variety.  Where  it  or  Black  Prince  can  be  had 
free  from  fungal  pests  there  is  a  manifest  advantage,  as  the  fruit  comes 
earlier,  and  is  higher  coloured  and  better  flavoured  than  very  early  fruit 
of  other  varieties.  The  earliest  fruits  have  commenced  swelling,  the 
crowns  and  the  trusses  are  “  peeping,”  and  with  them  tiny  aphides,  which 
must  be  killed  either  by  dusting  with  tobacco  powder  or  fumigation  with 
tobacco,  or  they  will  increase  amazingly,  and  fasten  on  and  spoil  the 
flower  buds.  The  temperature  may  be  advanced  a  few  degrees  by  day  ; 
a  temperature  of  50°  to  55°  being  sufficient  at  night  and  by  day  in  cold 
dull  weather.  A  light  syringing  in  the  early  part  of  bright  afternoons 
will  be  advantageous  to  the  plants.  Examine  the  plants  daily  and  supply 
water  to  all  those  that  require  it,  but  avoid  making  the  soil  sodden  and 
sour  by  needless  applications. 

More  plants  should  be  placed  in  a  house  from  which  frost  is  excluded, 
the  decayed  leaves  being  removed,  the  drainage  seen  to  and  rectified  if 
necessary,  the  surface  of  the  soil  loosened,  the  pots  washed  clean,  and  a 
top-dressing  of  rich  compost  given.  The  plants  will  then  be  ready  for 
introducing  during  the  next  three  weeks  to  vineries  and  Peach  houses 
being  started,  or  a  Strawberry  house,  assigning  them  a  position  near  the 
glass.  La  Grosse  Sucr6e,  Vicomtesse  Hericart  de  Thury,  President, 
and  Noble  are  suitable  varieties. 

Plants  for  introducing  later  on  will  be  quite  safe  in  their  quarters 
outdoors,  plunged  in  ashes  to  the  rim,  and  a  light  covering  may  be  given 


of  dry  fern  or  litter  in  severe  weather,  removing  it  when  the  weather  is 
mild.  If  placed  in  frames,  the  plants  should  have  the  lights  drawn  off 
in  mild  weather,  and  in  wet  weather  the  lights  should  be  tilted,  for 
the  plants  cannot  be  kept  too  cool,  nor  must  any  be  allowed  to  suffer  for 
want  of  water  at  the  roots. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Vacant  Ground. — In  most  kitchen  gardens  there  is  now  a  consider¬ 
able  amount  of  ground  void  of  crops,  and  whether  this  shall  be 
dug  or  trenched  or  made  tidy  for  the  winter  ought  to  depend  upon 
circumstances.  Some  soils  would  be  greatly  benefited  by  being  early 
manured  and  roughly  laid  up  to  the  pulverising  influences  of  frost, 
winds,  sunshine,  and  rains.  Either  double  digging  or  trenching  would  be 
beneficial  in  other  cases  ;  while  in  not  a  few  instances  all  such  operations 
would  be  deferred  with  advantage  to  nearer  cropping  time.  Soils  differ 
so  greatly  in  their  constitution  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  lay  down 
any  general  rules  as  to  their  proper  treatment,  as  what  would  be  right 
in  one  instance  might  be  radically  wrong  in  another  case  not  apparently 
dissimilar. 

Heavy  Soils. — These  naturally  are  of  a  decidedly  clayey  nature, 
and  are  usually  most  fertile  under  good  treatment  owing  to  their 
ability  to  absorb  and  retain  both  fertilising  matter  and  moisture,  but  if 
mismanaged  they  are  by  no  means  so  productive  as  medium  and  lighter 
soils.  If  there  is  too  great  a  percentage  of  pure  clay  present  in  the 
soil,  an  early  exposure  to  frosts  may  lead  to  this  running  badly  and 
assuming  the  consistency  of  birdlime  and  the  ground  be  very  difficult  of 
cultivation  during  the  rest  of  the  year  accordingly.  When  former 
experience  has  shown  that  autumn  or  early  digging  leads  to  such  results 
it  should  be  discontinued  till  such  times  as  it  has  been  possible  to  well 
mix  with  the  clayey  soil  a  heavy  dressing  or  repeated  dressings  of  sand, 
ashes  of  all  kinds,  burnt  clay,  leaf  soil,  decayed  garden  rubbish,  mixed 
with  lime,  well  decayed  tanner’s  bark,  and  such  like.  Once  such 
materials  get  well  mixed  with  clayey  soil  they  will  prevent  it  from  running 
together  again,  and  gradually  convert  the  mass  into  an  easily  worked, 
very  fertile  soil.  Have  all  or  any  of  these  materials  collected,  and  later 
on  wheeled  on  to  the  vacant  plots,  dig  in  with  forks  early  next  spring, 
or  any  time  not  long  in  advance  of  cropping,  and  while  yet  in  a  semi-dry 
state,  breaking  up  the  clods,  and  well  mix  the  additions  with  the  clayey 
soil  by  means  of  a  course  of  chopping  with  two-tined  or  Canterbury 
hoes. 

Heavy  loamy  soils,  or  those  which  do  not  contain  more  than  25  per 
cent,  of  clay,  will  usually  be  improved  by  being  manured  and  roughly 
dug  during  the  autumn  and  early  winter,  or  long  enough  in  advance  of 
cropping  to  admit  of  pulverisation  taking  place.  In  some  instances  it 
has  been  found  to  answer  well  to  dig  before  midwinter,  and  again  early 
in  the  spring,  thereby  avoiding  the  risk  of  having  a  finely  divided 
surface  and  great  tough  lumps  underneath.  On  no  account  should 
heavy  land  be  wheeled  over,  unduly  trampled  on,  or  dug  during  wet 
weather,  or  when  water  is  standing  on  the  surface,  as  this  would  of  a 
certainty  lead  to  its  working  very  badly  for  at  least  one  season,  and 
most  probably  for  some  time  longer.  Either  do  the  necessary  wheeling 
over  it  during  the  prevalence  of  frosts,  or  else  lay  down  planks  to  run 
on.  Cow  manure  is  about  the  worst  kind  that  can  well  be  used  on 
heavy  or  clayey  land,  as  it  serves  to  make  it  still  colder  and  more  reten¬ 
tive.  Horse  stable  manure  only  about  half  decayed  is  best  for  very 
clayey  soil.  Dug  in  freely  now  it  will  serve  to  keep  the  ground  looser, 
and  further  act  mechanically  in  breaking  up  the  clay. 

medium  and  Xlght  Soils. — When  either  of  these  rest  upon  a 
gravelly  or  chalk  subsoil  and  naturally  work  freely  without  a  long 
exposure  to  pulverising  influences,  it  is  not  often  a  good  policy  to  dig 
them  now.  Even  if  autumn  or  early  winter  digging  has  been  found 
advantageous  in  former  years,  it  would  be  yet  unwise  to  manure  them 
long  in  advance  of  cropping,  as  they  are  not  sufficiently  retentive  to 
admit  of  this  being  done  without  the  risk  of  the  greater  portion  of  the 
more  soluble  parts  of  the  manure  being  washed  down  into  the  drains. 
Well  decayed  manure  from  farmyards  best  suits  these  non-retentive 
soils,  the  cow  manure  being  most  suitable  for  the  lightest  or  least 
retentive  soils. 

The  summer  of  1893  proved  exceptionally  trying  to  crops  on  medium 
and  light  soils,  their  inability  to  retain  moisture,  owing  to  the  absence 
of  clay  in  their  composition,  being  most  marked.  This  failing  should  be 
remedied  as  far  as  possible  in  future  years,  a  start  being  made  at  once 
by  giving  a  dressing  of  either  marl  or  clay.  Make  no  attempt  to  divide 
the  lumps,  but  distribute  all  thinly  over  the  surface,  trusting  to  the 
action  of  frosts  to  break  them  down,  the  mixing  with  the  soil  taking 
place  early  in  the  spring.  This  addition  of  clay  or  marl,  and  which 
latter  may  be  defined  as  a  mixture  of  clay  and  lime,  soon  has  the  effect 
of  making  light  soils  more  retentive  of  moisture  and  fertility,  and 
therefore  more  productive  at  all  times. 

Trenchlngr. — In  order  to  improve  the  depth  of  fertile  soil,  and  to 
certain  extent  be  in  a  position  to  produce  good  crops  of  vegetables  during 
a  hot  dry  season,  trenching  should  be  resorted  to  according  as  the 
opportunities  for  carrying  out  this  work  properly  offers.  What  is  known 
as  bastard  trenching  consists  of  breaking  up  the  ground  two  spits  or 
more  in  depth  without  reversing  the  positions  of  the  surface  soil  and 
that  immediately  beneath.  It  is  both  the  safest  and  best  practice  in 
all  cases  where  the  subsoil  is  of  a  clayey  nature,  and  not  previously 
ameliorated  by  having  a  variety  of  decaying  substances,  including 
strawy  manure,  vegetable  refuse,  and  such  like  mixed  with  it.  Bringing 
up  a  mass  of  poor  soil  to  the  surface,  and  burying  that  which  has 


December  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


621 


by  long  cultivation  been  in  a  finely  divided  fertile  state,  is  a  most 
unwise  proceeding.  When,  however,  the  surface  soil  has  become 
manure-sick  and  inert  it  is  greatly  benefited  by  the  addition  of  a  small 
portion  of  the  subsoil,  that  known  as  the  “  shovellings,”  or  the  loosened 
portion  left  after  the  first  spit  has  been  dug  out  of  a  trench,  being  quite 
sufficient  for  mixing  with  and  correcting  the  surface  soil.  After  having 
been  broken  up  repeatedly  and  become  well  mixed  with  a  variety  of 
soluble  and  insoluble  substances  a  clayey  subsoil  may  be  safely  and 
profitably  brought  to  the  surface  by  the  process  known  as  trenching 
proper.  Alluvial  soils,  or  those  that  have  been  deposited  by  floods  or 
overflowing  rivers,  are  all  of  much  the  same  character,  sometimes  to  a 
very  considerable  depth,  and  in  all  such  cases  pay  well  for  being 
trenched,  the  subsoil  being  made  to  take  the  place  of  what  was 
previously  the  top  spit.  It  need  hardly  be  pointed  out  that  shallow 
soils  resting  on  a  very  gravelly  or  rocky  bottom  cannot  be  deepened 
by  trenching,  and  should  be  ^ded  to  as  much  as  possible  from  the 
surface. 

Rldg^lng-  Soils. — The  plan  of  laying  garden  ground  up  into  ridges 
early  in  the  winter  is  largely  practised  in  some  districts,  but  is  not 
always  the  best  course  of  treatment  that  can  be  adopted.  In  some 
cases  the  ridged  soil  breaks  down  very  finely  in  the  spring,  but  in  the 
furrows  the  very  opposite  prevails,  this  being  cold  and  sodden.  Better 
by  far  in  all  such  instances  that  ordinary  digging,  laying  the  soil  up  in 
rough  spits  had  been  done.  Very  stiff  clayey  soil  may,  however,  in 
many  cases  be  laid  up  in  ridges  with  advantage,  but  instead  of  trying  to 
arrange  it  in  conical  ridges  it  should  be  laid  up  squarely,  the  spits  being 
disposed  on  the  top  of  each  other  much  as  green  bricks  are  dried,  frosts 
and  winds  having  then  a  good  opportunity  of  thoroughly  penetrating 
the  spits. 

PLANT  HOUSES. 

Ctaryaanthemums. — Whether  good  bushes  or  large  blooms  are 
required  cuttings  should  be  inserted  where  they  can  be  obtained.  It  is 
better  to  wait  for  a  time  before  insertion,  rather  than  insert  growths 
from  the  stem  or  poor  puny  cuttings.  Those  for  large  blooms  if 
inserted  singly  in  thumb  pots,  will  root  freely,  even  quickly,  when 
placed  under  hand-glasses  in  a  cool,  airy  house.  When  rooted  under 
cool  conditions  the  plants  can  be  grown  without  subjecting  them  to 
heat.  All  that  is  needed  is  to  protect  them  until  they  can  be  turned 
outside.  Where  large  bushes  are  needed  three  cuttings  may  be  inserted 
in  each  pot,  and  properly  grown  these  will  produce  an  enormous  supply 
of  flowers.  For  this  purpose  only  free-branching  and  free-flowering 
varieties  should  be  selected.  The  stools,  after  they  are  cut  down,  should 
be  kept  in  a  cool,  airy  structure  until  the  cuttings  have  been  taken  ; 
nothing  is  gained  by  placing  them  in  heat.  The  plants  often  die,  and 
the  cuttings  produced  are  weak,  and  sometimes  fail  to  root. 

Hydrangreas. — Varieties  of  H.  hortensis  that  have  been  rooted  in 
email  pots,  have  prominent  flower  buds,  and  the  foliage  has  ripened 
naturally,  may  be  potted  from  time  to  time  as  opportunity  offers.  Pots 
5  inches  in  diameter  are  most  suitable,  and  the  plants  should  be  potted 
so  that  the  first  leaves  produced  are  close  to  the  rim  of  the  pots.  These 
plants  do  well  if  placed  in  good  loam,  one-seventh  of  manure  and 
sand.  Old  Cucumber  and  Melon  soil  mixed  together  will  grow  them 
splendidly.  After  potting  the  plants  should  be  kept  in  a  cool,  airy 
house  for  a  time,  when  a  few  may  be  introduced  into  a  vinery  or  Peach 
house  that  is  just  started,  or  any  structure  with  a  similar  temperature. 
Plants  that  are  kept  for  stock  may  be  cut  close  back  and  rested  in  any 
cool  place,  and  then  started  into  growth  under  the  conditions  advised 
for  those  that  have  formed  flower  buds.  Plants  of  H.  paniculata  grandi- 
flora  that  were  potted  while  their  leaves  were  upon  them  will  have 
formed  some  roots.  The  shoots  may  be  pruned  close  back,  leaving  one 
or  two  eyes  of  the  last  year’s  wood.  These  plants  do  best  if  plunged 
in  cold  frames,  and  allowed  to  start  naturally  into  growth. 

lilllum  Harrlsl. — All  plants  that  have  been  removed  from  ashes 
and  have  turned  green  should  be  placed  on  shelves  close  to  the 
glass,  where  they  will  make  sturdy  growth.  Be  careful  never  to  allow 
the  plants  to  become  dry,  and  watch  for  aphides,  which  are  very  liable 
to  attack  the  plants  in  their  points.  Aphides  are  readily  destroyed  by 
fumigating  the  house  or  plants  with  tobacco  smoke,  or  some  of  the 
various  inventions  provided  for  the  purpose. 

Cinerarias. — The  latest  plants  of  these  should  be  transferred  into 
larger  pots  and  placed  in  a  cool  airy  house,  where  they  can  come  forward 
slowly.  These,  if  cared  for,  and  kept  free  from  aphides,  will  be  found 
useful  when  all  the  earlier  plants  are  past  their  best.  Do  not  allow 
plants  that  are  well  developed  and  throwing  up  their  flower  spikes  to 
be  crowded  together  so  that  their  foliage  will  damp.  Water  during  the 
early  part  of  the  day,  ventilate  freely  on  all  favourable  occasions,  and 
do  not  employ  more  fire  heat  than  is  really  necessary.  Clear  soot 
water,  or  other  weak  stimulants,  should  be  given  every  other  time  the 
plants  need  water.  Keep  the  plants  standing  on  some  moisture-holding 
base,  or  they  are  certain  to  lose  their  lower  foliage,  and  if  a  dry 
atmosphere  is  maintained  they  are  certain  to  be  attacked  by  aphides. 

Primula  obconlca. — Well  developed  plants  will  soon  come  into 
bloom  if  they  are  introduced  into  a  temperature  of  50°.  If  the  blooms 
are  required  for  cutting  only  they  can  remain  in  this  temperature  ;  if 
for  the  conservatory,  they  can  be  removed  to  that  structure  as  soon  as 
they  are  presentable.  Plants  that  are  required  for  later  flowering  may 
be  kept  cool  in  any  light  airy  structure  where  the  temperature  does  not 
fall  below  45°  at  night. 

Souble  Primulas. — Plants  that  are  wanted  in  flower  may  be 
placed  where  the  temperature  ranges  about  50°  at  night.  They  will 


soon  come  into  flower  and  continue  for  a  long  time.  No  attempt  must 
be  made  to  keep  them  in  a  close  confined  atmosphere,  or  they  are 
certain  to  damp.  A  moderately  dry  atmosphere  should  be  maintained 
with  a  little  air  on  all  occasions  when  the  weather  permits  of  it, 
ventilators  being  opened. 

Justicla  flavicoma. — This  much-neglected  plant  will  make  the 
conservatory  gay  at  this  period  of  the  year.  When  the  first  flowers  are 
over  the  plants  should  not  be  cut  back  or  thrown  away,  for  they  will 
flower  a  second  and  even  a  third  time.  Very  frequently  the  second 
flowering  is  decidedly  the  best.  The  plants  may  be  introduced  again 
into  warmth.  When  well  grown  the  dark  glossy  foliage  of  the  plant  is 
attractive,  and  the  contrast  is  very  striking  when  large  plumes  of  yellow 
flowers  are  produced. 

TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

William  Barron  &  Sons,  Elvaston  Nurseries,  Borrowash,  near  Derby. 
— Coniferm,  Ornamental  Plants,  and  Forest  Trees. 

Dammann  &  Co.,  San  Giovanni  a  Teduccio,  Italy.  —  Flower  and 
Vegetable  Novelties. 

Herb  &  Wulle,  Naples,  Italy. — Natural  Curiosities,  Tree,  Garden, 
and  Agricultural  Seeds. 

W.  Wells,  Earlswood  Nurseries,  Redhill. — New  Chrysanthemums. 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

Hints  for  Beginners. 

The  bee-keeper  who  intends  to  make  his  own  hives  must  pay 
particular  attention  to  the  following  instructions.  White  pine  is 
sometimes  used  for  hives,  and  it  is  the  cheapest,  but  is  the  most 
worthless  and  least  endurable.  It  is  much  affected  by  the  weather, 
shrinking  or  swelling  more  than  other  woods.  Where  it  can  he 
afforded  yellow  or  red  pine  should  be  preferred.  The  latter  does 
not  carry  off  the  perspirations  of  the  bees  so  well  as  the  former, 
but  the  ventilating  floor  obviates  all  risks  of  injury  from  damp. 
Unless  where  boards  are  matched  it  is  unnecessary  that  they  should 
be  well  seasoned  ;  but  allowance  should  be  made  for  shrinkage, 
which  is  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  to  the  foot  laterally  only. 
Wood  damped  after  seasoning  swells  to  the  same  extent  as  green 
wood,  therefore  do  not  apply  paint  nor  hinge  parts  together  until 
the  whole  is  perfectly  dry,  or  decay  is  rapid,  and  the  joint  at  the 
hinges  will  be  open,  which  causes  trouble.  Reject  all  sap  wood, 
and  keep  the  heart  of  the  wood  outermost.  Provide  yourself  with 
a  few  proper  tools. 

The  instructions  given  are  intended  for  amateurs  and  not 
tradesmen,  as  the  two  work  on  different  lines.  AVhere  used  boxes 
are  available  they  should  be  secured  if  at  a  moderate  price,  and 
take  care  not  to  split  the  pieces  when  taking  them  asunder.  Pretty 
section  cases  and  supers  can  be  made  from  many  kinds  of  used 
boxes.  Some  of  my  hives  are  made  wholly  from  such  cases, 
including  ironmongery,  roof,  and  a  dozen  of  supers  or  four- 
section  crates,  at  a  cost  of  Is.  6d.  actual  outlay  ;  paint,  oil-cloths, 
and  wrappings  to  be  added. 

Neatness  is  desirable,  but  is  not  absolutely  necessary  ;  but 
accuracy  in  sawing  is  the  principal  point.  In  sawing  there  are  three 
kinds  of  cuts — “clearing  ”  the  drought,  “riding”  the  drought,  and 
cutting  inside  it.  The  use  of  the  several  cuts  will  be  explained  in 
a  future  issue.  In  order  to  work  accurately,  templates  and  measurers 
should  be  used. 

Without  oilcloths  we  should  not  get  on  very  well.  Summer  is 
the  best  time  to  make  them,  but  where  a  loft  is  accessible  old  ones 
may  be  spread  flat,  and  with  a  brush  given  a  coat  of  boiled  linseed 
oil.  No  other  kind  of  oil  will  do.  New  cloths  may  be  steeped 
for  several  days  in  the  oil  after  being  washed,  then  hung  up  by  one 
corner  and  allowed  to  drip,  reversing  the  position  at  intervals  until 
the  oil  begins  to  set,  when  they  should  be  stretched  out  and  sus¬ 
pended  to  dry.  With  these  preliminary  remarks  I  will  close, 
hoping  to  be  able  shortly  to  give  further  instructions  with  diagrams. 
— A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


GARDENERS’  CHARITABLE  AND  PROVIDENT 
INSTITUTIONS. 

The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — Secretary, 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingrain,  50,  Parliament  Street,  London,  W.C. 

United  Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Society. — 
Secretary,  Mr.  W.  Collins,  9,  Martindale  Road,  Balham,  London,  S.W. 

Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — Secretary,  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron, 
Royal  Horticultural  Society’s  Gardens,  Chiswick,  London,  W. 


522 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  7,  1893. 


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

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

Books  (ZT.  <7.  C.'). —  You  can  obtain  “  Chrysanthemums  and  their 
Culture,”  by  E.  Molyneux,  and  “Vines  and  Vine  Culture,”  by 
A.  F.  Barron,  from  this  office.  The  former  is  Is.  2d.  and  the  latter 
58.  3d.,  post  free. 

Cherry  Tree  Wood  (^Cherry  Blossom'). — The  wood  of  the  Cherry 
tree  is  easily  worked,  beau  tifully  grained,  and  takes  a  fine  polish.  It 
was  much  sought  after  formerly  by  cabinet  makers,  turners,  and  musical 
instrument  makers,  but  is  not  in  particular  request  at  the  present  time, 
as  mahogany  is  readily  o  btainable  in  this  country.  Nevertheless,  we 
have  known  good  prices  given  of  late  years  for  sound  trees,  especially  of 
the  Wild  Gean,  which  in  some  woods  on  chalk  formations  attains  the 
dimensions  of  Oak  trees,  and  is  very  clean  in  growth.  Consult  a  timber 
merchant,  or  preferably  a  cabinet  maker  in  a  large  way  of  business. 

mineral  Constituents  of  Apple  and  Onion  (£'.  W.). — The 
whole  fruit  of  Apples  contains  about  0  27  per  cent,  of  ash  in  100  parts 
— potash,  35 ’68;  soda,  26'09  ;  magnesia,  8‘75  ;  lime,  4'08  ;  phosphoric 
acid,  12'34  ;  sulphuric  acid,  6  09 ;  silicic  acid,  4  32;  iron,  2'G5.  Onion 
ash,  0'46  per  cent,  in  100  parts — potash,  32  35  ;  soda,  8  04  ;  magnesia, 
2'70  ;  lime,  12'66 ;  phosphoric  acid,  15  09  ;  sulphuric  acid,  8  34  ;  silicic 
acid,  3'04;  iron,  12’29  ;  chloride  of  sodium,  4-49,  If  the  ammonia¬ 
forming  substances  are  consumed,  how  can  there  be  any  nitrogen  in 
plant  ash  ?  This,  of  course,  is  not  what  you  mean,  but  the  albuminoid 
in  Apples  only  comprise  0'4,  and  the  mineral  matter  0'4  per  cent,  in 
100  parts  ;  and  the  albuminoides  are  1’5,  and  the  mineral  matter  0’5  per 
cent,  in  Onions  per  100  parts. 

Sulphate  of  Copper  Solution  for  Destroying  Scale  QD.  H.) — 

The  solution  advised  on  page  327,  October  12th,  for  cleaning  incised  and 
cankered  wounds  is  far  too  strong  to  apply  to  the  tender  wood  of  Peach 
trees  for  the  destruction  of  scale.  It,  however,  would  not  injure  thoroughly 
ripened  wood,  and  certainly  would  destroy  the  scale,  provided  it  was 
dislocated  with  a  brush,  avoiding  injury  to  the  buds.  The  solution, 
also,  would  act  deterrently  on  the  fungal  germs.  Try  it  on  a  few 
growths  first,  and  if  that  does  not  prove  injurious,  the  solution  can  then 
safely  be  used.  For  destroying  the  scale  there  is  nothing  better  than 
2  oz.  each  of  caustic  soda  (98  per  cent.)  and  commercial  potash  (pearl- 
ash)  to  2  gallons  of  water,  applying  with  a  brush,  wetting  every  part. 
If  the  wood  is  soft,  dilute  to  3  gallons  ;  and  apply  in  either  case  at  a 
temperature  of  120’  to  130°. 

Tlie  movements  of  Deaves  (^Avlate^^r) . — You  are  right,  spon¬ 
taneous  movements  of  leaves,  or  those  in  response  to  some  direct 
irritation,  are  interesting.  They  have  been  subjected  to  close  scientific 
study  in  the  case  of  such  as  the  Dionsea  and  Droseras  with  surprising 
results,  the  carnivorous  plants  having  enjoyed  a  notoriety  far  exceeding 
the  “  Weather  Plant,”  which  was  so  much  in  evidence  two  or  three  years 
ago.  The  infolding  of  the  leaf  lobes  in  the  Dionaea  when  some  substance 
is  introduced  is  familiar  to  many  now,  as  also  is  the  rapid  drooping  of 
the  Sensitive  Plant  leaves  when  touched.  There  is,  however,  an  occupant 
of  the  stoves  in  some  botanic  gardens  which  displays  a  still  more  remark¬ 
able  phenomenon  in  its  leaves,  and  which  is  not  nearly  so  well  known. 
This  is  the  Telegraph  Plant,  Desmodium  gyrans,  a  member  of  the 
Leguminosse,  and  a  native  of  the  East  Indies,  and  by  no  means  a  novelty. 
Though  Mr.  Darwin  and  others  have  determined  that  most  plants  have 
a  spontaneous  motion  in  their  growing  stems  and  roots,  these  are  so 
extremely  gradual  that  they  are  not  re.adily  observed,  and  can  only  be 
tested  by  careful  experiment.  In  the  Desmodium,  however,  we  have  a 
spontaneous  movement  that  is  visible  and  strongly  marked.  The  leaves 
consist  of  three  leaflets,  the  centre  one  large,  oblong,  or  elliptical,  and  at 
the  base  on  each  side  is  a  small  narrow  leaflet,  which  possesses  a  peculiar 
property.  When  the  plant  is  healthy  and  growing  these  leaflets  rise 
alternately  by  a  series  of  little  jerks  until  they  are  nearly  perpendicular, 
and  then  descend  in  a  similar  way,  to  resume  their  action  when  the 
other  leaflet  has  gone  through  a  similar  process.  This  takes  place 
without  the  application  of  external  stimulant  beyond  that  afforded  by 
light  or  heat ;  the  rapidity  of  the  movement  varies  greatly,  however,  and 
in  dull  weather  it  is  much  reduced  or  ceases  altogether,  as  it  does  when 
the  plant  becomes  unhealthy  or  old.  Sometimes  the  motion  is  confined 


to  a  few  leaves,  but  it  seems  to  depend  chiefly  on  the  age  of  the  plant, 
the  weather,  or  the  conditions  under  which  it  is  grown.  In  cold  or  a  dry 
house  it  is  much  lessened,  and  does  not  continue  so  long. 

SxposlniT  Wood  Ashes  to  Rain  (71.  JET.). — When  wood  ashes  are 
exposed  to  rain  the  potash  and  other  salts  are  washed  out,  and  enter  the 
ground  beneath  and  around  to  such  an  extent  as  to  prevent  anything 
growing  on  the  spot  for  some  time,  though  a  luxuriant  growth  of 
whatever  plants  may  be  on  the  margin  is  the  consequence.  If  wood 
ashes  are  placed  in  a  tub  and  water  poured  on  them,  and  left  a  few 
days,  the  main  portion  of  the  soluble  constituents  of  the  ashes  are  found 
in  the  water,  and  this  strained  off  leaves  a  residuum  of  very  little 
manurial  value  ;  may  be  tested  by  applying  these  leached  ashes  to  one 
tree  and  the  lye  to  another,  and  noting  the  results.  Dry  wood  ashes 
from  wood  not  larger  than  a  “  cord”  contained  8  J  per  cent,  of  real  potash, 
and  2  per  cent,  of  phosphoric  acid,  or  about  lbs.  of  potash,  and  1  lb. 
phosphoric  acid  per  bushel.  These  are  worth  2s.  at  least,  besides  which 
there  is  10  to  15  per  cent,  of  alkaline  matter,  available  for  converting 
vegetable  substances  in  the  soil  into  ammonia.  A  peck  of  wood  ashes 
contains  enough  potash  and  phosphoric  acid  to  support  most  crops  on  a 
rod  of  ground,  but  they  must  be  applied  in  a  fresh  state  to  the  soil,  or 
if  stored  for  future  application,  be  sure  they  are  kept  dry.  Leached 
ashes  either  from  the  lye-tub  or  from  open  heaps  long  exposed  are 
hardly  worth  distribution.  When  ashes  are  placed  in  the  soil  their 
manurial  properties  are  not  easily  washed  out,  but  they  rapidly  pass 
from  the  ash  heap  into  the  soil  where  they  are  not  wanted,  and  like  the 
drainings  of  manure  heaps,  represent  liquid  gold  wasted. 

Mixing  Blood  and  Wood  Ashes  (^Staffordshire  Cottager). — 
Blood  and  wood  ashes  are  rather  difficult  to  mix,  not  because  of  the 
coagulation  of  the  blood  with  the  wood  ashes,  but  through  the  blood 
being  already  in  that  state  and  not  readily  divisible.  If  you  stir  the 
blood  while  warm  until  it  cools,  so  as  to  prevent  its  coagulation,  then 
there  is  no  difficulty  about  the  mixing.  The  blood  being  caught  in 
a  pail  should  be  stirred  briskly,  and  a  handful  of  wood  ashes  at  a  time 
mixed  with  if,  continuing  this  until  a  thick  paste  is  formed;  then 
turn  out  on  a  hard  floor  sprinkled  with  wood  ashes,  and  spreading  more 
wood  ashes  on  the  heap,  mix  thoroughly  with  a  shovel  as  in  making 
mortar,  and  having  formed  a  crumbly  mortar-like  mass,  sprinkle  wood 
ashes  over  the  heap  and  leave  to  dry.  When  dried  it  will  break  up  into 
a  powdery  substance  unexcelled  as  a  manure  for  every  kind  of  flower, 
fruit,  or  vegetable  crop.  The  wood  ashes  must  be  dry  and  preferably 
heated  to  a  temperature  of  90°  to  100°  for  mixing  with  the  warm 
blood.  If  the  blood  is  allowed  to  coagulate,  it  is  best  to  dry  it 
thoroughly  and  then  grind  it  in  a  mill,  as  is  done  in  manure  works, 
though  it  may  be  pounded  on  a  hard  floor  and  made  fine  enough  for 
distribution,  adding  an  equal  proportion  of  dry  wood  ashes  and  pure 
dissolved  bone,  mixing,  and  using  about  4  ozs.  per  square  yard.  Or 
when  the  blood  has  clotted  and  is  rancid,  pour  muriatic  acid  upon  it  at 
the  rate  of  4  ozs.  to  16  lbs.  of  blood,  stir,  and  add  16  lbs.  of  dry  wood 
ashes,  mixing  well.  When  dry  break  up,  and  use  as  a  top-dressing. 
The  better  plan  is  to  mix  the  wood  ashes  with  the  blood  before  it 
coagulates. 

Booting  Chrysanthemums  (Young  Beginner). — You  cannot  do 
better  than  insert  cuttings  of  your  Chrysanthemums  at  once  if  they  are 
in  the  condition  described.  All  persons  who  grow  for  exhibition  take 
cuttings  during  November  and  December  ;  in  fact,  as  early  as  they  can 
obtain  them.  They  will  not  be  too  early  for  you  if  inserted  now.  It  is 
a  good  plan  to  insert  them  singly  in  thumb  pots  under  hand-lights  in 
a  cool  Peach  house  or  vinery.  By  adopting  this  method  the  plants 
receive  no  check — the  hotbed  is  unnecessary.  From  the  hand-lights  the 
plants  may  be  removed  to  frames  and  protected  only  from  frost. 
Gradually  harden  them,  and  then  give  abundance  of  air.  Treated  thus 
the  young  plants  are  grown  strong  from  the  first.  All  that  are  intended 
for  bushes  should  be  pinched  when  they  are  well  rooted,  and  the  growths 
they  make  are  generally  very  vigorous.  When  3  inches  in  length  pinch 
the  plants  again.  You  may  safely  continue  this  practice,  if  neces¬ 
sary,  until  the  beginning  of  May,  when  the  shoots  should  be 
allowed  to  extend  and  only  branch  afterwards  in  a  natural  manner, 
which  they  may  do  again  at  the  end  of  June  or  early  in  July.  The 
buds  that  show  during  August  must  be  “  taken.”  If  you  manage  the 
plants  well  there  is  no  difficulty  in  having  nine  good  blooms  on  a  plant 
that  will  be  creditable  to  you  for  purposes  of  decoration.  When  blooms 
are  needed  for  cutting  for  filling  various  sized  vases,  however,  some 
naturally  grown  free-flowering  kinds,  especially  Japanese,  prove  in¬ 
valuable.  Do  not  pinch  in  July,  only  take  natural  breaks  then. 
Plants  stopped  in  May  and  then  allowed  to  grow  often  produce  buds 
in  August,  about  the  right  time.  Your  potting  arrangements  are  satis¬ 
factory. 

Camellias  Dropping  their  Buds  (Tonng  Beginner).  —  The 
buds  of  Camellias  will  certainly  fall  if  the  plants  are  allowed  to  become 
dry  at  their  roots.  Exhaustion  will  also  bring  about  the  same  result. 
A  very  dry  atmosphere  after  the  buds  have  formed,  for  even  a  few  days, 
will  cause  the  buds  to  fall,  or  the  flowers,  hy  the  time  they  are  half  or 
fully  expanded.  The  mischief  is  frequently  done  weeks  before  bud¬ 
falling  is  observed.  Another  cause,  and  a  very  likely  one  in  your 
case,  is  unripened  wood,  if  the  trees  grow  as  luxuriantly  as  you  describe. 
If  these  plants  are  fully  exposed  to  the  sun  and  given  abundance  of  air 
from  the  time  the  foliage  is  fully  developed,  or  the  wood  commences  to 
ripen  and  form  buds,  if  well  watered  at  their  roots,  the  buds  should  not 
drop.  All  Camellias  are  flowering  long  before  their  proper  time  this 
year,  especially  those  that  have  been  kept  under  glass.  This  is  due  to 
the  long  spell  of  bright  sunshine  we  have  had,  and  the  higher  tempera- 


December  7,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


523 


ture  to  which  they  have  been  subjected  in  consequence.  We  do  not 
advise  you  to  prune  the  tree,  either  before  growth  or  after  the  growth 
has  been  made.  Retard  the  growth  as  much  as  you  can,  and  allow  the 
plant  to  start  growing  in  a  natural  manner.  It  is  doubtful  if  they 
will  be  as  early  next  year,  unless  the  plant  is  induced  to  grow  soon  in 
the  season.  The  roots  are  probably  too  deep,  which  alone  would 
account  for  strong  growth,  and  probably  the  falling  of  the  buds.  We 
certainly  advise  you  to  take  away  down  to  the  roots  the  wet,  sour, 
exhausted  surface  soil.  In  doing  so  you  may  find  that  the  water  passes 
away  by  the  side  of  the  walls,  and  the  evil  may  be  easily  remedied 
The  soil  can  be  substituted  by  good  loam,  one-seventh  of  the  old  rubble 
you  describe,  a  little  charcoal,  coarse  sand,  or  sandstone ;  broken  bricks 
would  also  be  beneficial  if  the  loam  is  of  a  fairly  heavy  nature.  These 
materials  would  be  better  than  adding  too  much  lime  rubbish  to  the 
compost.  If  the  loam  is  light  the  amount  of  lime  rubbish  given  would 
be  ample.  Cover  the  roots  with  about  4  inches  of  soil ;  press  the  latter 
firm.  Do  not  surface-dress  with  cow  manure.  If  the  drainage  is  good, 
liberal  supplies  of  water  are  needed  ;  you  could  scarcely  give  them 
too  much  while  growing.  Directly  the  growth  is  maturing  the 
atmosphere  should  be  gradually  brought  to  a  drier  condition  until  the 
flower  buds  are  visible,  when  the  syringe  may  again  be  freely  used. 
Examine  the  border  from  time  to  time  by  means  of  an  iron  rod.  If  wet 
it  will  come  out  sticky,  if  rather  dry  perfectly  clean.  We  cannot 
exactly  tell  you  how  much  water  to  give,  because  circumstances  alter 
individual  cases  so  widely. 

XTames  of  Fruits. — Notice, — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  numier  of  worthless  Ajgples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  he  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growmg.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  he  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  he 
named  in  a  hard  green  state,  (C'.). — 1,  Bergamotte  Esperen ; 
2,  uncertain,  perhaps  Napoleon  ;  3,  Easter  Beurre  ;  4,  Forelle  ;  5,  Vicar 
of  Wihkfield ;  6,  Rymer.  (P,  R.  TF.). — 8,  Beurr6  de  Jonghe  ;  9,  Golden 
Noble  ;  10,  Court-pendfi  Plat ;  11,  Hollandbury.  (6*.  E,  IF). — 1, 
Minshull  Crab  ;  2,  Alfriston  ;  3,  WinteriGreening;  (<9.  N.). — 1,  Allen’s 
Everlasting ;  2,  Local. 

STames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
CA,  B,  F,').  —  Jasminum  Sambac.  (L.  B,j. — Kentia  Belmoreana. 
(ZT.  E."), — 1,  Davallia  Mooreana  ;  2,  D.  Mariesi.  (Amateur'), — Justicia 
coccinea. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — December  6th, 


Tb.\.DE  very  quiet.  FRUIT. 


8. 

d. 

s.  d. 

d. 

8. 

d 

Apples,  per  bushel  . . 

•  • 

2 

0  to  7  6 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0 

to  0 

0 

Cobs  . 

35 

0 

40  0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

2  0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Lemons,  case  ..  .. 

10 

0 

15  0 

VEGETABLES. 

a. 

d. 

s.  d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

•  • 

0 

3 

to  0  4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to  0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

0 

0  0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Carrots,  bunch  . .  . . 

0 

4 

0  6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . . 

•  • 

2 

0 

3  0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

6 

Celery,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

0 

1  3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

8 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4  0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

5 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . . 

•  « 

1 

0 

3  6 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . .  . . 

1 

3 

1  6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  , .  , . 

0 

3 

0  0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . .  . . 

0 

2 

0  0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

7 

Lettuce,  dozen  . .  . . 

0 

9 

1  0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Mushrooms,  punnet  .. 

• 

0 

9 

1  0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

• 

s. 

d. 

8.  d. 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitse  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0tol2  0 

Ferns  (small)  per  hundred 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36  0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  . .  . . 

1 

0 

7 

6 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

6 

0 

10  6 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. . 

2 

0 

10 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9  0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2  0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Dracsena  terminalis. 

per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42  0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen 

9 

0 

24  0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Ericas,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18  0 

Palrhs,  in  var.,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

IS 

0 

Euonymus,  var.,  dozen 

, , 

6 

0 

18  0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24  0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

2 

0 

0 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen 

*• 

4 

0 

13  0 

S  olanums,  per  dozen . .  . . 

9 

0 

12 

0 

AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  iu  variety.  Chrysanthemum  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season,  hence 
the  price  is  very  low. 


s.  d.  s.  d 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  . .  3  0  to  5  0 

Azalea,  dozen  sprays ....  1  0  16 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  ..0  6  10 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  ..10  30 

Carnations,  12  blooms  ..  0  6  2  0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches .  20  60 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis.  0  6  2  0 

Eucharis,  dozen .  4  0  6  0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen  ..  2  0  4  0 

Lilac  (French)  per  bunch  3  6  6  0 

Lilies  of  the  Valley,  dozen 

sprays  .  2  0  4  0 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 

blooms  . 10  30 

Lilium  longiflorum,  per 

dozen .  6  0  90 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches .  40  60 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  ..  2  0  4  0 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  ..  3  0  6  0 

Naroiss,  Yellow  (French), 
dozen  bunches .  3  0  4  0 


8.  d.  s.  d. 

Narciss,  White  (French), 

dozen  bunches . 2  0  to  3  0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms  3  0  12  0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches  6  0  9  0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

bunches  . 40  60 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

sprays . 06  10 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches  2  0  4  0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen  ,.06  16 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  ..10  20 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ....  2  0  4  0 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

per  dozen . 09  16 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

per  100  16  30 

Tuberoses.  12  blooms..  ..  0  4  0  6 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

per  bunch .  26  30 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

bunch  .  2  0  2  6 

Violets  (English);  dozen 

bunches . 16  2  0 


PROFITABLE  LIVE  STOCK. 


The  proverbial  “  Roast  Beef  of  Old  England  ”  bas  become 
somewhat  mixed  under  stress  of  Scotch  enterprise  and  foreign 
competition.  It  is  true  that  certain  breeds  are  still  sufficiently 
good  to  command  special  quotations  at  the  metropolitan 
cattle  markets,  but  Scotch  beef  has  taken  the  lead,  and  is 
likely  to  keep  it.  At  the  Birmingham  Cattle  Show  the 
champion  prize  was  won  by  the  Aberdeen-Angus  heifer 
“  Bridesmaid,”  of  Benton.  At  Islington  on  the  Monday 
following  this  Show  the  (leading  quotations  were  —  for  prime 
Scotch,  6s. ;  for  Herefords,  Is.  lid. ;  for  Norfolks,  4s.  lOd. ;  for 
Runts,  4s.  9d. ;  and  for  Shorthorns,  4s.  8d.  per  stone  of  8  lbs. 
These  quotations  are  far  more  significant  than  the  Birmingham 
award,  for  although  the  champion  Scotch  heifer  was  also 
champion  at  Norwich,  is  a  marvellously  developed  animal,  and 
weighs  16  cwt.  3  lbs.  at  the  age  of  thirty-four  months,  yet 
there  were  several  English  beasts  at  both  Shows  running  the 
champion  very  closely,  Mr.  Wortley’s  Hereford  steer  weighing 
16  J  cwt.  at  thirty- one  months  old,  being  even  more  remarkable 
for  early  development. 

Such  grand  beasts  are  an  interesting  and  instructive  sight, 
showing  as  they  do  the  comparative  value  of  the  leading 
breeds,  but  it  is  at  the  market  and  auction  mart  that  lessons 
for  the  ordinary  farmer  are  to  be  had.  It  is  there  that  the 
failure  of  English  breed  beef  in  popularity  and  quality  is 
realised.  Yet  the  fact  remains  that  for  really  prime  home¬ 
bred  beasts  there  is  always  a  ready  market,  but  such  beasts 
are  not  forthcoming ;  inferior  animals  predominate  everywhere, 
i  It  would  really  appear  as  though  English  graziers  only  finish 
j  beasts  well  for  market  occasionally,  and  that  generally  there 
is  no  attempt  to  do  so.  Meanwhile  Scotch  beef  holds  the 
leading  place  at  markets,  and  foreign  beef  comes  to  us  in  ever- 
increasing  bulk,  much  of  it  being  sold  as  “  Prime  English  ”  or 
*■  Best  Scotch.”  Returns  show  that  of  the  total  annual  con¬ 
sumption  of  beef  and  mutton  in  this  country,  about  a  third 
consists  of  frozen  or  j  refrigerated  carcasses  from  abroad,  or 
of  cattle  slaughtered  at  the  port  of  disembarkation.  The 
moral  of  this  fact  is  that  inferior  home-bred  cattle  will  continue 
to  keep  low  in  value,  that  graziers  of  them  will  continue  to 
obtain  a  bare  profit,  if  any,  and  that  the  only  profitable  cattle 
to  rear  are  those  sufficiently  well  bred  and  well  cared  for  to  be 
really  ripe  for  the  butcher  well  within  the  second'year. 


624 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  7,  1893. 


The  Report  of  the  Parliamentary  Committee  which  sat 
last  summer  to  inquire  into  the  meat  trade  contains  much 
interesting  matter,  and  shows  particularly  how  in  some  towns 
English  meat  is  practically  driven  out  of  the  market.  The  most 
remarkable  case  is  that  of  Southport,  with  its  population  of 
41,500,  for  whom  fifty-four  butchers  cater,  yet  not  more  than 
three  English-bred  animals  were  killed  during  each  week  among 
the  whole  of  them.  If  Scotch  beasts  had  preference  in  the 
north  country  towns  no  harm  would  be  done,  but  there,  as  well 
as  in  the  south,  very  much  imported  beef  is  palmed  off  as  home¬ 
bred.  In  London,  says  the  report,  in  a  large  west-end  establish* 
ment,  professing  to  sell  nothing  but  English  and  Scotch  meat, 
only  six  sides  of  Scotch  were  said  to  have  been  sold  during  a 
whole  year,  the  rest  being  American.  In  other  shops  in  the  city 
and  west-end  three-fourths  of  the  beef  sold  as  English  is  said  to 
be  American.  Of  five  pieces  of  meat  purchased  in  Kensington, 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Piccadilly  and  Sloane  Street,  two 
comiietent  judges  declared  four  to  be  American.  In  each 
instance  the  vendors  declared  that  they  kept  nothing  but  the 
best  Scotch. 

It  is  much  to  be  desired  that  the  report  should  lead  to  a 
measure  for  the  protection  of  the  interests  of  home- reared  beasts. 
It  is  evident  that  there  are  plenty  of  people  willing  to  pay  well 
for  really  prime  Scotch  or  English  beef,  and  if  only  the  trade 
could  be  placed  upon  a  sound  basis,  it  would  be  for  the  mutual 
benefit  of  producer  and  consumer.  The  gains  of  the  middleman 
will  be  limited,  and  the  British  farmer  would  soon  find  home 
markets  harden  ;  or,  in  other  words,  prime  beasts  would  become 
much  more  valuable,  and  his  interest  in  rearing  compact  beasts 
of  moderate  size  would  be  so  apparent,  that  breeding  and 
selection  assuredly  must  have  more  attention  than  has  hitherto 
been  accorded  them.  We  have  no  desire  to  see  our  ports  closed 
against  foreign  meat,  but  we  do  claim  that  in  common  honesty 
it  should  be  sold  as  such,  and  not  be  foisted  upon  consumers  for 
the  superior  home-bred  article.  Appeals  for  aid  to  the  legis¬ 
lature  on  behalf  of  struggling  farmers  have  been  made  often 
enough  where  aid  was  impossible.  In  this  matter  there  should 
be  no  difficulty.  When  an  inspector  detects  a  farmer  sending 
diseased  meat  to  London  the  farmer  is  fined  heavily.  Let 
inspectors  also  be  appointed  to  check  the  transactions  of  butchers, 
and  let  adequate  fines  be  imposed  with  all  possible  publicity 
upon  any  of  them  who  are  detected  in  a  system  of  fraud,  which 
has  evidently  attained  gigantic  proportions  in  many  a  pretentious 
west-end  “  establishment.” 

WOEK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Lambing  time  commences  at  many  farms,  at  most  where  mixed 
farming  prevails,  towards  the  end  of  the  year  or  early  in  January,  and 
preparations  must  now  be  made  to  afford  the  flock  all  necessary  shelter  and 
food.  Every  home  farm  should  have  its  lambing  yard,  with  a  commodious 
hovel  on  the  north  side,  a  wall  or  corrugated  iron  sheeting  enclosure, 
having  a  projecting  roof,  beneath  which  cribs  are  made  for  each  ewe  and 
its  lambs  to  be  confined  in  so  long  as  may  be  necessary  immediately 
after  the  lambing.  Failing  this,  a  lambing  fold  is  made  with  parallel 
rows  of  nurdles  about  a  foot  apart,  the  space  between  them  being  so 
closely  packed  with  litter  or  straw  that  cold  wind  cannot  penetrate  it. 
Thatched  hurdles  will  not  answer  for  this  enclosure,  because  the  ewes 
may  pull  out  and  consume  the  straw,  but  they  are  used  for  cribs  inside 
of  and  against  the  enclosure,  and  as  a  roof  to  the  cribs.  See  that  this 
fold  is  of  ample  size  for  the  requirements  of  the  flock,  and  that  it  has  a 
wide^  opening  on  to  pasture,  and  another  opening  into  a  smaller  or 
hospital  fold,  where  ewes  requiring  some  extra  care  and  supervision  can 
be  taken  from  the  cribs.  Make  all  openings  through  which  the  flock 
has  to  pass  large  enough  to  prevent  crowding,  or  a  struggle  to  get 
through. 

A  small  clamp  of  Mangold  and  another  of  Swedes  is  made  near  the 
fold,  also  a  stack  of  Pea  straw,  and  another  of  litter.  If  the  fold  is  at 
a  distance  from  the  homestead,  it  is  also  a  good  plan  to  have  a  small 
store  shed  for  crushed  corn  and  chaff  near  the  shepherd’s  portable  hut. 
In  all  this  work  let  the  most  severe  winter  weather  of  the  past  be  your 
guide,  making  the  shelter  so  thorough,  and  the  store  of  food  on  the  spot 
so  ample,  that  it  must  be  the  shepherd’s  fault  if  the  flock  suffers.  We 
have  often  found  that  it  is  unwise  to  depend  upon  the  daily  cartin<»  of 
food  supplies  to  the  fold.  This  may  very  well  be  done  generally,  °but 
upon  an  emergency,  such  as  roads  being  blocked  with  snow,  it  is  well  to 
have  a  few  days  provision  at  hand. 

See  that  ewes  forward  in  lamb  are  kept  perfectly  quiet,  allow  no 


hurried  driving  by  dogs,  keep  them  on  firm  dry  pasture,  have  a  few 
racks  for  Pea  straw  placed  near  sheltered  parts  and  troughs  for  chaff 
and  corn.  Let  the  condition  of  the  pasture  be  your  guide  as  to  the 
use  of  these,  but  when  once  they  are  brought  into  use  it  is  as  well 
to  go  on  using  them,  as  sheep  are  often  shy  of  trough  food  at  first. 


Root  akd  Seed  Stands  at  Islington. — T  he  ninety-sixth  annual 
Show  of  the  Smithfield  Club  opened  at  the  Agricultural  Hall,  Islington, 
on  Monday  last,  but  not  having  received  any  reporters’  tickets  we  are 
unable  to  enter  into  details  as  regards  the  exhibits.  We  understand, 
however,  that  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  of  Reading  had  a  fine  display  of 
roots  and  seeds.  The  main  feature  was  a  collection  of  agricultural 
roots.  Mangels  were  to  be  seen  in  perfection,  prominent  being  Yellow 
Globe,  a  variety  that  is  generally  cultivated  in  all  parts  of  the  kingdom 
year  by  year.  This  kind  has  again  been  awarded  the  first  prize  for  the 
best  crop  of  Mangel,  open  to  all  England  and  Wales,  grown  in  1893. 
Gold  Tankard,  which  has  the  reputation  of  being  the  best  Mangel  for 
milch  cows,  and  Crimson  Tankard  are  prominently  represented.  Among 
the  Swedes  the  most  striking  was  Crimson  King.  Champion  was  good, 
and  maintained  its  reputation  as  one  of  the  hardiest  and  best  Swedes  for 
general  cropping.  Some  exceedingly  fine  roots  of  Perfection  Turnip, 
a  new  green-top  hybrid,  were  shown.  Disease-resisting  Potatoes  receive 
by  Messrs.  Sutton  no  less  attention  than  roots,  and  on  their  stand  there 
were  twelve  varieties  of  their  own  introduction,  all  of  superb  quality. 
Supreme,  Windsor  Castle,  Triumph,  Perfection,  and  Satisfaction  being 
seen  to  great  advantage.  Educational  cabinets  of  valuable  and  worth¬ 
less  pasture  Grasses,  and  agricultural  seeds  were  on  view.  Messrs. 
Webb  &  Sons,  Wordsley,  also  had  a  splendid  stand  of  roots  and  cereals, 
including  grand  specimens  of  Imperial  Swede,  Mammoth  Long  Red, 
and  Globe  Mangel.  A  choice  collection  of  Potatoes  was  exhibited, 
together  with  a  fine  display  of  Grasses  and  Grass  seeds,  many  novelties, 
and  other  items  too  numerous  to  mention . 


OUR  LETTER  BOX. 

Wheat  for  Cows  (A.  B.'). — Crushed  Wheat  mixed  with  pulped 
roots,  or  with  roots  and  chaff,  may  be  used  for  cows  advantageously,  or 
it  may  form  part  of  any  mixed  dietary  for  them.  Begin  with  half  a 
gallon,  mixed  with  other  food  at  milking  time,  and  let  the  condition  and 
size  of  each  cow  be  your  guide  as  to  increasing  the  quantity.  Avoid 
using  it  alone,  and  if  you  have  other  corn  such  as  Oats  or  Barley,  a 
mixture  is  always  preferable  to  either  of  them  alone.  Marketable  value 
has  come  to  have  much  influence  upon  this  matter,  and  we  agree  with 
you  that  it  is  better  to  use  corn  for  farm  stock  than  to  selL  it  at  a 
ruinously  low  price. 

Thin  Pasture  Fresh  stable  manure  is  unsuitable  for 

pasture,  but  if  you  have  old  manure  apply  at  once  at  the  rate  of  thirty 
cartloads  to  the  acre.  This  will  strengthen  the  growth  somewhat  next 
season,  but  it  will  not  thicken  the  plant.  The  proper  way  to  proceed  with 
pasture  thin  in  plant  and  weakly  in  growth,  is  to  cart  soil  (road  scrapings, 
old  pond  mud,  or  ditch  scourings)  upon  it,  any  time  during  the  winter,  but 
preferably  in  February.  Drop  the  soil  in  small  heaps  at  the  rate  of  full 
forty  cartloads  per  acre.  At  the  end  of  February  sow  broadcast  as 
evenly  as  possible  over  the  pasture  20  lbs.  per  acre  of  renovating  grass 
mixture.  Then  spread  the  soil  heaps,  roll  sufficiently  to  crush  the  soil, 
follow  with  a  bush  harrow  to  cover  the  seed  and  mix  it  with  the  soil. 
Then  at  once  apply  a  top-dressing  of  1  cwt.  nitrate  of  soda,  cwt. 
mineral  superphosphate,  J  cwt.  muriate  of  potash,  and  ^  cwt.  steamed 
bone  flour  per  acre. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamdbn  Square,  London. 

Lat.Sl®  32'  40"  N. :  Loug.  0°  8'  0"  W.;  Altitude,  111  feet. 


Date. 

9  A.M. 

IN  THE  Day. 

1893. 

November 

fTl  _2 

-S  g 

ao;,2 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

& 

and  December. 

S  W  c8 

w  oa  03 

mam 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Wind. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Sunday  .. 

26 

Inchs. 

29-605 

deg. 

46-3 

deg. 

44-8 

S.W. 

deg. 

42-2 

deg. 

47-0 

deg. 
43  2 

deg. 

51-9 

deg. 

39-2 

Inchs. 
0  091 

Monday  . . 

27 

30-379 

30-3 

28-9 

W. 

41-1 

50-2 

28-1 

63-2 

26-2 

— 

Tuesday  . , 

28 

30-3)7 

50-0 

48-3 

S.W. 

40-9 

53-2 

30-4 

[58-9 

28-0 

— 

Wednesday 

29 

30-319 

48-4 

45-9 

S.W. 

43-1 

50-0 

48-0 

53-1 

46-0 

— 

Thursday . . 

30 

29-941 

47-1 

45-8 

S.W. 

43-9 

50-9 

450 

58-9 

41-1 

0-230 

Friday 

1 

29-750 

35-9 

35-7 

N. 

44-2 

38-2 

35-1 

45-8 

35-8 

0-020 

Saturday  . . 

2 

30-432 

26-2 

24-1 

N.E. 

41-9 

35-1 

23-2 

55-2 

23-0 

— 

30  090 

40-6 

391 

42-5 

46-4 

36-1 

53-9 

34-2 

0  341 

REMARKS. 

26th. — Oontinuous  rain  till  3  A.M.,  and  from  10  a.m.  to  noon  ;  overcast  and  damp  after¬ 
noon  ;  bright  night. 

27th. — Fine,  but  slightly  foggy  early ;  generally  cloudy  in  morning ;  bright  sunshine  irk 
afternoon,  but  slightly  foggy  after  sunset. 

28th. — Pair  and  mild,  but  scarcely  any  sunshine. 

29th. — Overcast  morning ;  fair  afternoon  but  no  sunshine. 

30th — Pair  morning ;  sunshine  for  a  couple  of  hours  at  midday,  dull  later. 

1st. — Almost  continuous  rain  from  0  A.M.  to  9  A.M.,  then  drizzle  and  occasional  flakes 
of  snow  till  noon  ;  bright  sun  from  1  P.M.  to  sunset,  and  clear  cold  night. 

2nd  — Almost  cloudless  morning ;  generally  sunny  in  afternoon ;  clear  cold  night, 

A  cool  but  variable  week;  sharp  frost  on  the  2nd.— G.  J.  SYMONS. 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


625 


:k 

THINNING  AND  SHORTENING 

FRUIT  SPURS. 

- X - 

TTNDER  the  improved  system  of  root-pruning  and  unchecked 
U  branch -extension  in  fruit  trees,  it  is  not  unusual  for  the  fruit 
spurs  to  become  injuriously  crowded, and  in  consequence  imperfectly 
developed.  When  such  is  the  case  fruit  trees  may  be  a  perfect 
picture  whilst  in  blossom  in  the  spring,  but  the  fruit  exceedingly 
scanty.  This  is  frequently  attributed  to  the  inclement  state  of  the 
weather  during  the  blooming  period.  Frost  and  excessive  wet  will 
render  perfect  blossom  abortive  by  injuring  and  destroying  their 
essential  organs  of  reproduction  before  they  have  performed  their 
functions  ;  but  this  is  not  always  the  cause  of  barrenness  and  the 
production  of  worthless  fruit.  It  is  often  because  the  blossoms 
are  imperfectly  formed,  in  consequence  of  the  spurs  being  too 
crowded.  To  allow  a  tree  to  open  thousands  of  blossoms  more 
than  is  necessary  to  secure  a  good  crop  is  to  exhaust  its  resources 
to  no  purpose  just  at  a  time  when  it  is  most  needed. 

It  would  be  absurd,  in  our  uncertain  climate,  to  thin  the  spurs 
to  a  number  only  just  sufficient  to  secure  a  good  crop  of  fruit  ; 
indeed,  we  should  not  feel  safe  with  less  than  treble  the  number 
that  were  necessary  for  that  purpose.  But  then  there  are  trees — 
in  otherwise  gocd  form — with  ten  times  too  many  spurs,  and  it  is 
to  these  we  would  direct  attention.  The  best  results  generally 
follow  if  they  are  thinned  a  fortnight  before  the  leaves  fall,  as 
then  the  remaining  spurs  would  be  strengthened  and  more  fully 
developed  by  the  returning  sap.  We  are,  of  course,  past  that  period 
now,  but  the  mode  may  be  advantageously  described.  In  performing 
the  operation  some  experience  is  necessary,  for  if  done  to  too  great 
an  excess,  the  remaining  blossom  buds  may  develop  into  wood 
growth  in  the  following  spring,  and  the  balance  of  the  tree  be 
upset  for  a  year  or  two.  The  trees’  growing  power  must  be  taken 
into  consideration,  and  if  this  is  known  to  be  unduly  vigorous, 
careful  root-pruning  must  be  resorted  to. 

We  must  not  shorten  the  main  branches,  but  let  them  remain 
full  length,  or  nearly  so  ;  they  will  then  act  as  safety  valves  to  the 
superfluous  sap  just  in  proportion  as  they  approach  the  vertical 
line.  Horizontal  branches  do  not  act  to  any  extent  in  this  way, 
hence  undue  vigour  must  be  dealt  with  at  the  roots.  The  finest 
fruits  are  usually  obtained  from  spurs  that  lie  close  to  the  main 
branches  in  consequence  of  there  being  fewer  interruptions  in  the 
flow  of  sap  to  the  fruit  ;  therefore,  in  thinning  the  spurs,  preference 
should  be  given  to  them.  Indeed,  one  of  the  main  objects  in 
thinning  and  shortening  the  spurs  is  “  to  keep  them  at  home.”  It 
will,  however,  sometimes  happen,  especially  if  the  spurs  have  been 
much  crowded,  that  the  inside  lowest  fruit  buds  are  not  sufficiently 
developed  to  produce  perfect  blossom  the  following  spring  ;  in 
which  case  a  few  of  the  outside  plumper  buds  must  be  left,  and 
then  be  promptly  removed  as  soon  as  the  fruit  is  ripe  the  next 
year. 

In  well  managed  trees  spurs  never  attain  to  any  great  length, 
as  by  summer  pinching  and  autumn  pruning  short  spurs  are 
obtained  ;  but  in  neglected  trees  they  are  often  crowded,  weak, 
and  long.  Trees  in  this  condition  cannot  be  made  presentable  and 
capable  of  bearing  full  sized,  good  flavoured  fruit  in  less  than  three 
years,  and  sometimes  more.  The  flow  of  sap  to  the  fruit  is  so 
much  impeded  in  its  passage  through  these  long  gnarled  growths 
that  the  fruit  is  usually  small,  insipid,  and  worthless,  and  the  tree 
altogether  a  mere  cumberer  of  the  ground.  Providing  the  main 

No.  703. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


stem  and  branches  are  healthy  much  may  be  done  with  patience 
and  a  judicious  selection  of  buds  in  rectifying  former  evils,  also  in 
bringing  the  tree  into  a  profitable  state  in  much  less  time  than  a 
fruitful  young  tree  could  be  produced.  Those  buds  most  distant 
from  the  main  branch  should  be  cut  off  the  first  year,  which  will 
have  the  effect  of  strengthening  those  immediately  behind  them, 
and  in  many  cases  induce  the  development  of  fruit  buds  lower 
down  on  the  spur,  and  sometimes  on  the  main  branch  at  the 
junction  of  the  old  spur. 

If  we  are  induced  by  our  impetuosity  to  cut  back  the  old  spurs 
too  much  the  first  year,  these  latent  buds  that  have  been  excited 
sufficiently  to  form  close  fruit  buds,  would  develop  vigorous 
wood  growths,  and  thus  in  the  end  we  should  have  lost  time.  The 
second  season  we  may  get  some  fairly  good  fruit,  but  we  must  still 
avoid  cutting  the  old  spurs  too  hard.  Unless  the  root-action  is 
very  feeble  we  can  seldom  venture  to  cut  back  to  the  new  fruit 
buds  on  or  near  the  main  branches  until  the  third  season. 

As  before  stated,  undue  vigour  must  be  dealt  with  at  the  roots, 
but  we  must  at  the  same  time  have  sufficient  vigour  to  excite  the 
latent  buds  at  the  base  of  the  old  spurs.  In  practice  we  find  it  best 
to  defer  root-pruning  until  the  second  season,  in  which  case  the 
old  spurs  can  be  considerably  reduced. — J.  H.  W.,  Leicester,  Frith. 


THE  GARDENERS’  ROYAL  BENEVOLENT 

INSTITUTION. 

An  Appeal  to  Gap.denepvS  in  Ireland. 

Ere  the  dying  year  passes  and  the  new  one  comes,  bringing 
with  it  its  new  hopes  and  fresh  resolutions,  I  venture  to  bring 
forward  a  subject  which  has  received  much  attention  in  England 
from  gardeners  and  the  patrons  of  our  art,  yet  seems  to  have  been 
given  but  scant  consideration  from  gardeners  in  Ireland.  Though 
I  hope  these  few  remarks  may  be  looked  upon  as  an  appeal  to  all 
persons  who  are  not  subscribers  to  this  noble  Institution,  they  are 
especially  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  my  brother  gardeners 
in  the  Green  Isle. 

The  plethora  of  candidates  for  gardeners’  situations  which 
obtains  in  our  time  is  known  to  all.  The  years  of  self-deniab 
burning  the  midnight  oil,  the  difference  of  being  in  or  of  being  out 
of  a  situation,  and  the  bitterness  of  waiting  are  known  to  many  as 
well  as  to  me  ;  perhaps  a  few  remarks  coming  from  the  pen  of  a 
gardener  to  gardeners  may  claim  that  sympathy  and  attention 
which  abler  pens  in  higher  quarters  have  failed  to  attain,  and 
which  the  subject  deserves. 

While  other  trades  and  professions  are  forming  and  supporting 
benefit  societies  over  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land,  we  appear 
to  be  the  only  class  in  this  age  of  progress  content  to  let  things 
run  on  as  best  they  may.  All  must  and  do  recognise  the 
importance  of  our  art,  which  began  with  the  first  man,  and  which 
probably  will  only  end  with  the  last  one.  We  cannot  compel  the 
moneyed  classes  to  create  more  gardens  for  gardeners,  nor  prohibit 
young  men  from  coming  into  the  overcrowded  field.  For  this  evil 
I  see  no  remedy  ;  but,  fellow  workers,  I  do  see  one  clearly 
defined  duty,  one  way  in  which  we  can  help  ourselves — viz.,  by 
becoming  members  of  the  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. 
Some  gardeners  may,  indeed  some  have,  met  me  with  the  remark, 
“  Oh,  I  may  never  need  the  bounty.”  True,  0  friend  !  I  trust 
you  never  will.  Your  remark  is  not  heartless,  only  thoughtless. 
We  are  not  a  selfish  class,  but  do  not  refuse  to  “  help  a  worn  and 
weary  brother  pulling  hard  against  life’s  stream.” 

Do  start  this  new  year  by  sending  a  guinea  to  the  Secretary. 
I  hear  your  remark,  “A  guinea  is  a  guinea.”  V®®) 
something  more  to  a  gardener.  Our  guineas  are  heavy  with  days 
of  toil  and  nights  of  thought.  I  know  it,  and  there  are  so  many 
ways  for  them,  as  a  rule  so  many  olive  branches  in  the  gardener’s 
cottage,  though  there  may  be  none  in  the  castle  ;  you  are  perchance 

No.  2359.— VoL.  LXXXIX,,  Old  Series. 


526 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893. 


in  the  mid-day  of  life,  and  the  evening  yet  seems  so  far  off,  and 
the  future  pregnant  with  so  many  possibilities.  We  have  so  much 
to  bother  us,  so  much  to  cope  with,  ever-increasing  worries,  these 
scientists  with  their  microscopes  ever  and  anon  finding  out  some 
new  bug  where  no  hug  should  be,  and  so  we  go  on  digging,  planting, 
sowing,  reaping,  so  busy. 

“  Well  doing  is  our  wealth. 

Our  mind  to  us  an  Empire  is 
While  Grace  alfordeth  health.” 

but  “  unerring  nature  ”  at  last  silently  but  forcibly  tells  us  we 
have  had  our  day,  the  evening  of  life  is  at  hand.  Dame  Fortune, 
the  fickle  jade,  has  not  perhaps  realised  the  possibilities  of  long 
ago,  and  perchance  after  all  those  precious  guineas,  sown  annually, 
may  not  only  have  helped  “the  worn  and  weary  brother,”  but 
return  to  us  increased  an  hundredfold, 

I  need  not  go  into  details  of  the  Institution  ;  all  that  will,  I 
am  sure,  be  willingly  given  by  Mr.  Ingram,  the  Secretary,  50,  Par¬ 
liament  Street,  London,  to  those  who  do  not  already  know.  Do 
you  not  think  that  amongst  the  156  aged  gardeners  or  their  widows 
now  on  the  pension  list,  that  there  is  not  amongst  that  number 
some  who  have  thought  and  made  the  remark  about  not  needing 
it  that  I  have  supposed  you  to  make,  and  have  lived  to  find  “  the 
bread  then  cast  upon  the  waters  ”  returned  to  them  again  ?  Are 
there,  beyond  the  small  amount  of  self-sacrifice,  any  good  or  valid 
reasons  why  you  should  not  subscribe  to  it  ?  I  hope  to  have  made 
clear  some  reasons  why  you  should. 

In  the  “  Horticultural  Directory  ”  there  are  some  300  names 
of  gardeners  in  Ireland,  and  in  the  last  report  of  the  Institution 
there  are  fifteen — please  note,  but  fifteen  !— gardeners  subscribing 
to  it  from  Ireland.  Now  I  take  it  that  he  whose  name  appears  in 
the  “  Directory  ”  is  of  more  or  less  prominence  in  the  gardening 
world,  and  that  there  is  no  name  there  but  what  is  worthy  of  being 
there,  so  I  respectfully  and  earnestly  say  that  all  those  names 
should  be  found,  and  are  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  report  of  that 
noble  institution  founded  in  1838  for  the  benefit  of  aged  gardeners 
or  their  widows  ;  and  should  it  never  be  needed  by  yourself  you 
will  at  least  have  the  unalloyed  pleasure  of  helping  some  old  friend 
to  whom  Fortune  has  been  less  kind  by  giving  him  the  votes  at 
your  disposal  on  becoming  a  member. — E.  K.,  Dublin. 


CITY  CARDENS:  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

One  of  our  modern  authors,  who  has  drawn  fancy  pictures  of 
the  future,  has  suggested  that  the  City  of  London  may  some  day 
undergo  a  pleasing  transformation,  and  that  groves  or  gardens  may 
appear  in  the  place  of  huge  warehouses  and  busy  offices.  This  is 
to  happen  by  much  of  its  business  being  relegated  to  the  suburbs, 
while  some  of  it  is  carried  on  underground,  so  that  the  surface  of 
the  City  may  be  dotted  over  with  only  a  few  buildings,  and  present 
a  broad  space  available  as  a  place  of  meeting  or  promenade,  to  be 
intersected  perhaps  by  an  electric  railway.  As  yet  there  are  no 
signs  of  this  change  coming  about,  but  much  has  been  done  of  late 
for  the  improvement  of  those  small  spaces  in  the  City  which  bricks 
and  mortar  have  not  covered,  and  most  of  which,  not  many  years 
ago,  were  scenes  of  desolation,  neglect,  or  even  filth.  They  were 
closed  mostly  to  the  public — which  was  quite  as  well — now  some  of 
them  are  opened  free,  and  turned  into  gardens  ;  others,  still  kept 
private,  have  also  been  improved  by  the  introduction  of  shrubs 
and  plants.  Even  yet  much  may  be  done  to  make  the  best  of 
these  generally  small  gaps  amidst  the  busy  streets;  several,  at 
present  inaccessible  to  visitors,  might  be  thrown  open,  and  many 
more  shrubs  and  trees  planted.  It  is  found  that  the  number  of 
trees  which  will  live,  flourish  we  can  hardly  say,  in  the  City 
atmosphere  is  larger  than  was  formerly  supposed.  Of  course  a 
serious  disadvantage  we  have  to  contend  with  is  the  destructive 
propensities  of  the  host  of  boys  employed  about  London’s  centre 
who  frequently  commit  damage  from  pure  mischief  if  trees  and 
shrubs  are  accessible,  but  I  am  glad  to  find  that  caretakers  of  city 
gardens  report  an  improvement  recently.  Also,  we  are  told 
London  trees  suffer  from  the  conduct  of  climbing  and  pugnacious 
cats,  a  nuisance  not  limited  to  the  metropolis. 

We  have  no  pictures  extant  showing  the  City  as  it  was  during 
the  Middle  Ages,  nor  even  in  the  times  of  the  Stuarts,  but,  by 
d^cription,  much  of  it  had  fora  long  time  a  semi-rural  appearance. 
There  were  rows  of  trees,  some  for  shade  or  ornament,  others  of 
fruit-bearing  kinds  ;  flower-plots  and  gardens  of  herbs  attached  to 
many  of  its  mansions,  also  patches  of  ground  upon  which  vegetables 
were  grown.  A  large  number  of  the  London  citizens  and  merchants 
had  a  ta,ste  for  gardening,  and  as  they  could  not  obtain  the  needful 
space  within  the  walls,  as  early  as  the  fifteenth  century  some  of 
the  citizens  hired  or  bought  land  in  the  east  and  north  of  London, 
where  they  cultivated  plants  for  use  or  amusement,  many  of  these 


being  situate  along  the  City  Road.  In  the  reign  of  Elizabeth  they 
were  beginning  to  go  still  further  north,  and  form  gardens  about 
Hogsden,  or  Hoxton,  and  Cantelowes,  the  old  name  for  what  we 
now  call  Kentish  Town.  Both  the  City  of  London  and  its  vicinity 
were  favourably  situated  for  horticulture,  owing  to  the  numerous 
little  hills  and  sheltered  valleys  below  them,  while  the  soil  was 
refreshed  by  the  course  of  winding  streamlets,  long  dried  up,  which 
ran  from  the  Middlesex  uplands  into  the  Thames. 

The  warmth  of  the  City  favoured  the  growth  of  some  plants, 
no  doubt,  and  until  the  seventeenth  century,  or  about  that  period, 
no  coal  was  burnt  in  the  metropolis,  so  the  atmosphere  was  free 
from  those  carbonaceous  particles  which  clog  the  pores  of  leaves  and 
stop  the  development  of  buds.  Evelyn,  writing  in  the  seventeenth 
century,  refers  to  the  fine  orchards  there  were  near  the  Barbican, 
a  well-known  tower  on  the  old  Roman  wall  (presumably  these 
orchards  were  just  beyond,  not  within  the  City),  and  he  notes  the 
fact  that  when  the  supply  of  coal  from  Newcastle  was  suspended, 
owing  to  the  Civil  War,  a  much  larger  yield  of  fruit  was  obtained 
than  had  been  known  for  some  years.  He  proceeds  to  comment 
upon  the  objection  to  sea  coal,  not  only  as  being  hurtful  to 
vegetation,  but  as  a  cause  of  colds,  coughs,  and  other  diseases. 
Actually  in  the  City,  however,  there  were  many  fruit  trees,  some 
of  which  bore  fruit  till  they  were  cut  down  to  make  room  for  new 
streets.  St.  Martin  Pomary,  in  Ironmonger  Lane,  a  church  destroyed 
by  the  Great  Fire,  was  said  to  have  received  its  name  from  the 
Apples  that  grew  around  its  site.  Vines  on  the  walls  of  some  of 
the  houses  of  the  nobles  yielded  good  crops  of  fruit,  and  it  was 
observed  that  the  Fig  seemed  to  thrive  in  the  London  air,  and 
Mulberry  trees  were  planted  here  and  there  in  City  gardens  ;  two 
of  these,  of  great  size,  near  Ludgate  Hill,  bore  fruit  till  the  reign 
of  George  II.  Almost  in  the  shadow  of  St.  Paul’s  Cathedral, 
even  when  the  Stuarts  began  to  reign.  Ivy  Lane  was  green,  from 
the  specimens  of  that  plant  which  covered  the  houses  ;  and  the 
Drapers’  Company  had  a  large  garden  in  Throgmorton  Street. 
Others  of  the  City  companies  had  gardens  attached  to  their  halls, 
and  in  several  of  these  they  grew  Roses,  Gillyflowers,  and  the  few 
flowers  besides  which  adorned  old  English  gardens. 

A  little  way  outside  the  City  proper,  gardens  there  were  that 
yielded  an  abundance  of  Roses  during  the  seventeenth  century.  In 
Eald  or  Old  Street,  St.  Luke’s,  was  a  rosery  of  two  or  three  acres, 
and  near  it  a  nursery  planted  with  the  best  kinds  of  fruit  trees 
then  known,  from  which  plenty  of  fruit  was  obtained.  In  Ely 
Place,  Holborn,  there  was  a  vineyard,  and  the  garden  was  famous 
for  its  Strawberries,  while  the  Roses  were  so  abundant  there  that 
the  flowers  were  measured  by  the  bushel  when  gathered  to  be  paid 
as  a  yearly  perquisite  to  Bishop  Cox,  after  he  had  surrendered  to 
Queen  Elizabeth  this  property  long  held  by  the  Bishops  of  Ely. 
One  of  the  first  gardens  in  which  a  large  collection  of  exotics  was 
grown,  and  which  testified  to  the  skill  and  research  of  Master 
Gerard,  was  situate  on  the  slope  of  Holborn,  and  the  now 
unattractive  Saffron  Hill,  Clerkenwell,  was  formerly  yellow  with 
the  bloom  of  this  much-esteemed  plant.  Out  in  the  East  of 
London,  quite  in  sight  of  its  ancient  Tower,  were  gardens  in  which 
Kale  and  other  vegetables  were  raised  for  consumption  in  the  City. 
Goodman’s  Fields  was  no  fiction  when  Stow  wrote  about  London  ; 
there  was  a  farm  near  the  Minories,  and  cattle  grazed  along  the 
fields.  Subsequently  this  was  cut  up  for  garden  plots.  Prescot 
Street,  close  by,  is  said  to  have  been  originally  Peascod  Street,  from 
the  Peas  planted  on  the  ground.  West  of  the  city,  the  now 
curtailed  Temple  Gardens  offered  citizens  a  pleasant  evening 
resort,  and  the  palaces  of  the  Strand  had  long  gardens  reaching  to 
the  Thames. — J.  R.  S.  Clifford. 


WINTER  IN  A  SCOTTISH  MANSE  GARDEN. 

Of  all  the  seasons  winter  is  generally  supposed  to  be  the  least 
inspiring  by  reason  of  its  prevailing  barrenness  of  aspect,  yet  it  is 
not  altogether  destitute  of  inspiration.  It  has,  indeed,  infinitely 
more  life  and  energy  than  outwardly  appears  ;  for  are  not  the 
seeds  of  summer’s  luxuriance  steadfastly  growing,  invisibly  to  the 
vision,  beneath  the  inglorious  blackness  of  the  winter  earth  ?  Does 
not  Nature  tell  us  what  Revelation  declares — that  what  we 
sow  in  the  seemingly  lifeless  ground  is  not  quickened  or  vivified 
by  the  subtle,  mysterious,  reanimating  elements  unless  it  die  ? 

We  have  now  so  many  floral  gradations,  flowing  onwards 
unceasingly  and  dying  into  each  other,  as  wave  into  wave  on  a 
boundless  sea,  that  even  during  the  so-called  desolation  of  winter 
the  earnest  horticulturist  can  never  realise  that  the  beauty  which 
waited  upon  his  art  in  fairer  seasons  has  utterly  departed,  leaving 
him  to  mourn  the  glory  that  has  fled.  His  hopes,  which  seemed  to 
fade  in  November  with  the  last  autumnal  Rose,  are  rekindled 
when  the  winter  Jasmine  (Jasminum  nudiflorum),  as  if  to  assert 
proudly  that  Nature  is  not  dead,  bursts  suddenly  into  bloom. 


December  14,  1893  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


627 


Nothing  is  at  present  more  gladdening  to  my  vision  than  the 
picture  presented  by  this  marvellous  flower,  surviving  the  fiercest 
influence  of  the  recent  frosts,  and  fearlessly  confronting  with  all  its 
gentle  beauty  the  cruel  northern  blasts. 

Hardly  less  consoling  to  the  worshipper  of  Nature  amid  the 
storms  of  winter  are  the  Aconite  and  the  Snowdrop,  the  latter  of 
which,  as  if  resolved  to  become  the  predecessor  of  the  former  this 
season,  is  already  above  the  ground.  It  will,  I  anticipate,  be  in 
flower  in  my  garden  at  least  a  month  earlier  than  it  was  last  year. 
Another  gem  which  promises  to  bloom  prematurely  is  Sutton’s 
Anemone,  somewhat  resembling  A.  fulgens  (better  known  as  the 
Scarlet  Windflower)  in  appearance,  but  of  larger  dimensions  and 
more  lustrous  hue.  It  is,  I  can  certify,  a  very  distinct  develop¬ 
ment,  and  a  precious  acquisition.  The  Glory  of  the  Snow 
(Chionodoxa  Luciliae)  has  not  yet  announced  its  ever-welcome 
advent,  probably  because  I  planted  it  so  late.  But,  on  the  other 
hand,  I  have  already  flowers  not  too  large  or  lustrous  on  Helle- 
borus  niger,  the  Christmas  Rose.  I  am  not  without  hope  that  as 
the  season  advances  these  will  improve. 

Roses  have  lasted  for  a  long  time  this  year.  I  cut  my  last 
bouquet,  and  a  'splendid  one  it  was,  on  the  14th  of  November, 
from  Baroness  Rothschild,  Pride  of  Waltham  (also  the  pride  of 
Kirkmaiden  Manse),  Ella  Gordon,  Jeannie  Dickson,  an  Irish 
beauty,  derived  from  the  venerable  Baroness  and  Marie  Finger, 
and  combining  the  characteristics  of  both  ;  Perle  des  Jardins,  well 
worthy  of  such  a  name  ;  Prince  Arthur,  a  darker  and  more  velvety 
G^neralJacqueminot,  and  a  native  of  Colchester  ;  and  the  snow- 
white  pendulous  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince.  If  this  certificate  in 
favour  of  those  exquisite  varieties  of  the  Rose  is  not  absolutely 
eloquent  or  impressive  in  expression,  it  is  at  least  sincere. — 
David  R.  Williamson. 


SAXIFRAGA  BITERNATA. 

This  fine  species  is  seldom  met  with,  though  it  cannot  be  con¬ 
sidered  a  new  plant.  It  belongs  to  the  section  Nephrophyllum,  of 
which  the  best  known  representative  is  the  common  S.  granulata. 
All  the  species  composing  this  section  are  deciduous,  and  of  a  more  or 
less  bulbiferous  habit.  S.  biternata  has,  as  will  be  seen  from  the 
accompanying  engraving  (fig.  76)  very  distinct  biternate  leaves,  which 
form  fine  tufts  of  bright  green  colour.  The  flowers  are  pure  white, 
comparatively  large,  and  are  borne  on  short  stalks.  Like  the  other 
members  of  the  section,  S.  biternata  prefers  a  damp  shady  position  in 
sandy  peaty  soil.  It  is  a  native  of  Spain  and  Algeria.  The  illustration 
has  been  prepared  from  a  plant  that  flowered  in  the  Royal  Gardens, 
Kew,  last  spring. — A.  B. 


THE  FRUIT  KEEPING  QUESTION. 

I  CANNOT  at  all  bring  my  mind  to  the  same  conclusion  on  this 
matter  as  Mr.  Iggulden  (page  437),  Mr.  Cheal,  and  Mr.  Pearson 
(page  488)  have  brought  theirs.  Nothing  is  easier  than  to  set 
up  a  theory  and  to  sustain  it,  even  though  it  may  be  radically 
incorrect,  when  we  are  faced  by  a  problem  that  it  is  difficult  to 
solve.  One  speciality  of  all  the  large  fruits  soft  and  thin  of 
texture  that  have  been  found  so  abundantly  this  season,  and  then 
have  so  suddenly  collapsed,  is  that  so  far  from  being  filled  to 
overflowing  with  sap,  they  have  all  been  exceptionally  lacking  in 
sap  or  juice.  What  proof  is  there  furnished  that  there  has  been 
any  such  rush  of  sap  as  is  here  referred  to  ?  Has  any  grower 
found  this  autumn  that  trees  have  made  unusual  wood  growth 
because  of  this  “  overflow  of  sap  ?”  or,  to  accommodate  this  pleasing 
theory,  did  it  all  concentrate  its  rush  into  the  fruits  and  not  into 
the  wood  ?  All  plant  physiology  tells  us  that  the  leafage  is  the 
great  sap-attracting  force,  and  that  did  this  rush  after  the  autumn 
rains  but  have  taken  place  then  we  must  have  seen  it  evidenced  in 
an  unusual  autumn  wood  growth.  That,  however,  was  not  so. 
There  was  nothing  at  all  abnormal  in  the  wood  growth  of  fruit 
trees  anywhere  this  autumn,  but  there  is  ample  evidence  that  this 
sudden  collapse  of  fruit  began  before  the  autumn  rains  occurred. 

“N.  H.  P.”  (page  508),  also  oddly  enough  jumps  to  the  sap 
theory  conclusions  with  a  real  rush.  “  Pears,  the  early  ones,  have 
been  the  greatest  trial  ;  gathered  one  day  they  seemed  to  be  decayed 
the  next,”  this,  too,  long  before  we  had  any  considerable  rainfall. 
If  the  early  Pears  before  rain  came  thus  went,  is  there  anything 
remarkable  that  the  later  ones  followed  suit  as  speedily  ?  Then 
what  does  he  say  about  late  Apples?  “These  are  keeping  well,” 
and  yet  if  the  rush  of  sap  theory  is  to  have  effect,  these  should, 
having  to  endure  so  much  more  of  it,  have  suffered  equally  with  the 
others. 

There  were  some  localities  where  prior  to  Apples  and  Pears  being 
gathered  there  was  not  enough  of  rainfall  to  influence  the  roots. 


In  these  districts  the  fruits  have  gone  as  early  and  as  badly,  if 
not  worse,  than  where  there  was  early  and  heavy  rainfall.  Depend 
upon  it  we  have  not  in  our  fruit  suffered  from  the  autumn  rains. 
Their  influence  on  the  fruits  were  inappreciable.  The  impression 
seems  to  be  that  roots  are  like  a  sponge,  which  sucks  up  every  drop 
of  water  speedily.  No  evidence  has  been  afforded  that  roots  did 
anything  of  the  sort  in  the  autumn,  and  indeed  there  is  no  proof 
that  the  autumn  rains,  those  prior  to  the  end  of  September,  were 
anywhere  in  sufficient  force  to  reach  the  roots  of  trees,  or  to 
materially  influence  them.  The  bulk  of  the  heavier  rains  came  in 
October,  and  then  the  greater  portion  of  our  finest  Apples  and 
Pears  had  been  gathered.  No  doubt  the  abnormal  heat  and  drought 
of  the  season  has  wrought  all  the  trouble.  Through  lack  of  root 


FIG.  76.— SAXIFRAGA  BITERNATA. 


moisture  the  fruits  were  imperfectly  formed,  they  lacked  juice  and 
substance.  They  more  resembled  forced  Apples  and  Pears  in 
texture  and  in  method  of  production.  We  may  grope  as  in  darkness 
after  shadows,  as  a  drowning  man  catch  at  straws,  but  we  shall 
never  be  able  to  escape  from  the  conclusion  that  not  the  refreshmg 
autumn  rains,  but  the  abnormal  heat  and  drought  which  preceded 
is  the  cause  of  all  our  hardy  fruit  troubles. — A.  D.,  Surrey. 

In  reference  to  the  remarks  of  Mr.  Iggulden  (page  437)  I  have 
looked  over  the  fruit  room,  and  find  our  large  collection  (some  200 
varieties)  on  the  whole  keeping  well.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind 
that  this  year  we  are  at  least  four  weeks  earlier  than  usual  in  the 
ripening  of  nearly  all  fruits  ;  and,  as  a  natural  result,  the  August 
and  September  kinds  of  Apples  are  nearly  all  past,  though  in  an 
ordinary  year  we  keep  them  till  January.  Potts’  Seedling,  Ringer, 
Cellini,  Professor,  and  Manks  Codlin,  are  still  good  and  sound,  also 
the  Old  Hawthornden  ;  but  the  extra  sixe  fruit  of  the  large-growing 


628 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893. 


sorts,  having  reached  an  abnormal  size  this  year,  could  not  be 
expected  to  keep  well.  All  the  largest  specimens  are  nearly  past. 
Warner’s  King,  The  Queen,  Queen  Caroline,  and  Codlins  are  the 
only  kinds  which,  as  a  whole,  are  not  keeping  well.  On  the  other 
hand,  the  Apples  that  require  a  warm  time  are  very  grand  in  colour 
and  size,  and  Calville  Rouge,  Calville  Blanche,  Calville  Malingre, 
Sturmer  Pippin,  Clark’s  Late  Pippin,  Royal  Russet,  the  Nonpareils, 
the  race  of  Pearmains,  and  Reinettes,  are  very  sound,  and  look 
like  keeping  well.  I  would  caution  the  public  not  to  be  led  away 
by  the  past  hot  season.  Not  only  was  it  exceptionally  warm,  but 
the  spring  was  so  genial  that  the  fruit  never  had  a  check.  Though 
it  did  not  make  much  progress  in  the  drought,  it  very  rapidly 
swelled  when  the  rains  came  in  May  and  June,  and  in  this  way  had 
a  month’s  start.  These  circumstances  may  not  occur  again  for 
many  years. 

We  have  had  the  American  varieties  in  our  nursery  for  twenty 
years,  but  with  the  exception  of  Wealthy,  Melon,  and  Mother 
Apples  they  have  never  been  of  any  value  outside.  Northern  Spy 
never  fruited  at  all.  No  doubt  the  “  Americans  ”  we  have  will 
keep,  but  that  is  of  no  use  if  the  quality  is  second-rate,  and  from 
present  appearances  our  British  sorts  will  be  as  good  late  as  the 
Americans.  We  have  in  very  fine  condition  Wagener,  Melon, 
Peck’s  Pleasant,  Fallawater,  Wealthy,  Mother  ;  but  King  of 
Tomkins  County,  Twenty  Ounce,  and  Washington  are  a  little 
past ;  and  Baldwin  is  very  inferior  ;  Newtown  Pippin,  small,  but 
of  plump  texture,  and  just  changing  colour  ;  New  Rock  Pippin, 
good. 

Since  writing  the  above  I  have  seen  Mr.  Cheat’s  sensible  remarks 
(page  488),  and  concur  with  him,  that  we  cannot  do  better  than 
plant  our  own  tried  kinds.  Our  fruit  room  is  on  the  soil,  and  we 
keep  this  damp,  thus  preventing  that  shrivelling  which  is  often  so 
prevalent  where  too  dry  an  atmosphere  is  kept.  After  the  fruit 
room  we  will  turn  to  the  trees,  and  now  that  the  leaf  is  off  a  little 
we  can  see  the  bristling  fruit  buds  and  the  dark  brown  wood 
ripened  to  the  tips,  which  gives  us  hope  for  next  year.  We  have 
heard  no  complaints  among  the  large  growers  as  to  bad  cases  of 
decaying  in  stores,  and  generally  growers  are  well  satisfied  with  the 
prices  which  have  ruled  for  really  clean  well  sorted  fruit.  Wagener 
Apples,  as  grown  here,  are  finer  than  the  Canadian  examples  shown 
at  the  Drill  Hall,  but  at  present  they  have  a  distinct  Quincey 
flavour. — George  Bunyard,  Maidstone. 


The  general  complaint,  as  Mr.  Iggulden  says,  is  that  Apples 
keep  badly  this  year.  No  doubt  this  is  to  a  great  extent  caused  by 
the  large  amount  of  saccharine  in  the  fruit.  This  is  easily  observ¬ 
able  in  the  large  number  of  cider  fruit,  which  I  convert  into 
cider.  The  juice  of  nearly  all  varieties,  when  tested  with  the 
sacebarometer  shows  10  per  cent,  and  more  than  their  usual 
quantity  of  saccharine.  At  the  same  time,  when  estimating  the 
time  of  ripening  Apples  and  Pears,  it  must  be  remembered  that 
the  season  1893  has  been  quite  a  month  earlier  all  through,  both  in 
time  of  blossoming,  setting  fruit,  ripening  fruit  on  trees,  and, 
therefore,  maturing  later  sorts  in  store.  However,  in  cool  fruit 
rooms  and  when  the  fruit  was  left  to  mature  well  on  the  trees  I 
have  no  fear  but  what  the  late  sorts  will  keep  well.  No  doubt 
in  certain  cases  the  fruit  did  get  sunburnt,  some  of  the  softer 
fleshed  varieties  especially.  I  quite  agree  with  Mr.  Iggulden  that 
we  can  limit  our  varieties  too  much.  It  is  always  observable  that 
seasons  will  suit  a  variety  which  will  not  when  others  usually 
prolific  fail,  and  the  same  also  applies  to  localities.  At  the  same 
time  it  is  folly  for  market  purposes  growing  too  many  sorts. 

As  regards  American  sorts,  I  believe  they  are  usually  better 
keepers  than  ours  ;  this  season  has  suited  them,  and  they  are 
much  finer  than  usual ;  but  it  does  not  follow  that  it  would  be  wise 
to  cultivate  them  generally.  Such  sorts  as  Newton  Pippin,  Bald¬ 
win,  Northern  Spy,  and  others  will  never  pay  to  cultivate  in  this 
country.  Amongst  the  best  are  American  Mother  (grand  for  a 
warm  soil),  Wealthy,  King  of  Tompkins  County,  Rhode  Island 
Greening.  These,  I  think,  are  worthy  of  extended  cultivation. 
J onathan  is  a  good  keeper  but  poor  bearer.  I  have  added  about 
fifty  of  the  newer  American  varieties  to  my  trial  plantation,  pro¬ 
cured  direct  from  America  and  selected  as  those  sorts  most  highly 
spoken  of  by  the  leading  fruit  growers  there.  Whether  they 
will  prove  as  good  in  our  climate  is  a  question  which  can  only  be 
answered  b}  years  of  trial,  but  as  a  rule  I  find  an  Apple  does  not 
retain  the  reputation  it  does  in  the  country  of  its  origin. — John 
Watkins,  Pomona  Farm  Nurseries,  Withington,  Hereford. 


I  HAVE  read  with  interest  the  articles  in  the  Journal  of 
Hortic'dture  on  the  keeping  of  Apples  this  season.  I  quite  agree 
wirh  '■  A.  D.”  (page  465),  that  in  a  season  like  the  past,  our 
ordinary  methods  of  keeping  Apples  are  not  the  best.  The  advice 
as  to  tha  stacking  of  Apples  outdoors  is  worthy  of  being  put  into 


practice.  I  generally  select  a  dry  plot  of  ground  where  I  intend  to 
stack  the  Apples,  and  spread  clean  Wheat  straw  from  1  to  2  inches 
thick  on  the  surface.  The  Apples  are  placed  on  the  straw  and 
formed  ridge  shape,  like  Potatoes,  all  bruised  and  small  sized  fruits 
being  placed  on  one  side  for  immediate  use.  After  forming  the  ridge 
I  cover  the  Apples  with  clean  straw,  and  bank  up  with  soil,  fixing 
a  2-inch  drain  pipe  at  intervals  on  each  side  to  let  out  moisture  and 
admit  a  current  of  fresh  air.  During  frosty  weather  the  mouth  of 
the  drain  pipes  can  be  easily  closed  by  being  filled  with  dry  bracken. 
I  have  50  bushels  of  Apples  stacked  in  this  manner,  and  I  am 
confident  from  the  results  of  past  experience  that  the  fruit  will 
well  repay  me  for  any  extra  labour,  and  will  keep  far  better  this 
year  than  others  will  in  an  ordinary  fruit  room.  The  Apples  I 
usually  store  thus  are  for  use  after  Christmas. 

Much  fruit  is  yearly  lost  by  careless  gathering.  Only  men  who 
can  thoroughly  be  depended  upon  should  be  allowed  to  perform 
the  work.  The  practice  of  shaking  down  fruit  because  it  cannot 
be  reached  without  a  little  exertion  on  the  part  of  the  fruit 
gatherer  should  be  deprecated.  On  the  whole  my  Apples,  both  in 
the  fruit  room  and  those  which  are  stacked,  are  keeping  well. 
Those  produced  from  trees  in  the  orchards  are  very  firm,  especially 
so  from  trees  planted  on  the  hillsides  facing  north  and  east.  The 
late  Mr.  T.  A.  Knight  had  his  orchards  established  on  ground 
facing  all  aspects,  and  the  wisdom  of  his  so  doing  is  fully  apparent 
in  that  we  generally  secure,  no  matter  what  the  season,  an  abundant 
crop  of  Apples  for  home  consumption.  Our  orchards  are  not 
planted  with  a  few  sorts,  but  with  trees  of  many  well  tried  varieties 
known  to  suit  the  soil  and  climate,  so  that  if  one  variety  fails, 
others  yield  a  crop  of  fruit. 

I  quite  agree  with  Messrs.  Iggulden  and  Cheal  that  there  is 
some  danger  of  too  few  varieties  being  planted.  My  advice  is 
plant  many  trees  of  early  and  late  varieties  which  are  known  to  suit 
the  soil  in  different  parts.  Beauty  of  Kent  with  me  is  sound  at 
present,  also  Blenheims,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Jefferson’s  (Devon 
Red),  Hollandbury,  Mere  de  Manage,  Reinette  du  Canada,  Golden 
Noble,  Goff,  and  Wyken  and  Ribston  Pippin.  I  have  said  nothing 
about  Dumelow’s  Seedling,  Northern  Greening,  and  other  late 
varieties.  Those  who  are  fortunate  enough  to  have  a  good 
supply  of  late  Apples  will  be  able  to  realise  good  prices  for  their 
fruit.  It  has  been  a  sad  sight  this  season  to  see  so  much  fruit 
wasted  because  fancy  prices  could  not  be  obtained. — John 
Chinnery. 


Cirrhopetalum  ornatissimum. 

This  is  a  beautiful  little  Indian  Orchid,  second  only  in  size  and 
interest  to  the  new  C.  Colletti,  to  which  it  is  closely  allied.  The 
former  was  introduced  from  Sikkim  in  1882,  when  it  was  named 
by  Reichenbacb.  It  first  flowered,  says  Mr.  W.  Watson  in  the 
American  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  at  Kew  in  1887,  and  a  picture  of 
it  was  published  in  the  “Botanical  Magazine,”  t.  7229.  A  plant 
of  it  was  exhibited  in  flower  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  at  a 
recent  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  who  awarded 
it  a  first-class  certificate. 

It  has  four-angled  pseudo  bulbs  springing  from  long  creeping 
rhizomes,  a  leathery  leaf  4  to  6  inches  long,  and  a  graceful  scape 
8  to  12  inches  long  bearing  an  umbel  of  flowers,  each  4  inches  long, 
including  the  tails  of  the  broad  curiously  twisted  sepals,  which  are 
yellow,  lined  with  dots  of  purple  ;  the  short  petals  are  each  tipped 
with  a  brush  of  red  palese  ;  the  labellum  is  small,  tongue-like  and 
coloured  purple-black.  Cirrhopetalums  are  finding  general  favour 
with  English  cultivators,  being  easy  to  grow  in  a  stove,  free 
flowering,  and  exceptionally  interesting  in  flower  structure. 

Odontoglossum  crispum. 

A  CORRESPONDENT  writes  to  a  foreign  contemporary  that  the 
best  varieties  of  Odontoglossum  crispum  have  been  found,  so  far, 
in  a  comparatively  small  range  between  the  fourth  and  fifth 
degrees  of  northern  latitude  on  the  western  slope  of  the  eastern 
Cordilleras,  and  at  an  elevation  of  6000  to  7000  feet.  The  plants 
grow  higher  up  the  mountains,  and  farther  north  and  south  ;  but 
when  found  at  an  elevation  of  9000  feet  they  are  smaller,  with 
more  decidedly  pear-shaped  bulbs,  which  shrivel  a  great  deal  when 
they  are  dried  off.  At  the  elevation  of  9000  feet  the  temperature 
sometimes  falls  to  42°  Fahrenheit,  while  at  6000  the  thermometer 
never  registers  less  than  55°. 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


529 


O,  crispum  is  fond  of  light  and  air,  and,  therefore,  does  not 
grow  in  the  dense  woods,  but  on  the  edges  of  openings,  where  it 
can  receive  sunlight  and  enjoy  the  breezes.  This  is  why  it  seems 
to  follow  the  little  streams  and  gullies  in  the  mountains  which 
apparently  split  the  forests  open.  Jt  grows  on  the  thick  limbs  and 
crotches  of  large  trees,  such  as  the  Chinonas  and  Melastomas,  and 
the  trees  upon  which  these  Orchids  are  found  are  cut  down 
without  mercy,  and  the  plants  are  torn  off  and  shipped  away. 

Cattleya  citrina. 

Relative  to  the  remarks  upon  Cattleya  citrina,  by  “  C.” 
(page  505),  I  would  like  to  state  what  has  been  my  experience  with 
that  fastidious  Orchid.  I  once  had  charge  of  some  plants  of  it 
fresh  from  the  nursery,  evidently  only  newly  placed  in  small  pans. 
The  pseudo-bulbs  were  perfectly  upright,  but  as  the  plants  com¬ 
menced  to  grow,  the  growth  described  a  half-circle,  and  when 
about  1.^  inch  long  were  something  like  a  half-moon.  The 
following  year  they  resumed  their  old  habit  of  growing  downward. 
— F.  Tugwood. 


Ix  reply  to  your  correspondent  “  C.’s  ”  inquiry  (page  505),  with 
regard  to  the  downward  position  of  Cattleya  citrina,  my 
experience  is  that  it  grows  much  stronger  when  placed  in  shallow 
pans,  and  consequently  produces  finer  flowers  and  more  freely. 
Although  placed  in  pans  in  the  upright  position,  the  next  growth 
made  will  assume  its  natural  position  downwards.  When  so 
cultivated,  the  growing  point  should  be  placed  close  to  the 
edge  of  the  pan,  the  growth  is  then  unimpeded,  and  its  pretty 
sweet-scented  flowers  are  seen  to  the  best  advantage. — W.  H. 
Stephens. 


Your  correspondent  “C.”  (page  505)  asks  about  growing 
Cattleya  citrina.  It  grows  naturally  downwards  ;  if  it  be  placed  in 
a  basket  with  the  pseudo-bulbs  upright,  it  soon  grows  over  the  side. 
I  have  more  than  a  hundred,  all  in  perfect  health  and  vigour, 
some  of  which  I  have  had  more  than  twenty  years.  They  are 
growing  on  a  great  variety  of  materials,  all  nearly  equally  healthy, 
whether  on  cork,  several  kinds  of  bark.  Oak  root.  Teak  baskets, 
stages  made  of  split  pieces  of  Oak  or  Laburnum,  Acacia,  bundles 
of  Yew  branches  tied  together,  or  others  also.  I  think  perhaps  I 
like  the  Yew  branches  better  than  anything.  Of  course,  I  generally 
tie  them  on  with  the  pseudo- bulbs  pointing  downwards.  I  never 
tried  them  in  a  pot  with  peat  and  sphagnum ;  but  I  should  think 
there  hardly  could  be  a  worse  way  of  growing  them.  Like  most 
Mexican  Orchids,  they  thrive  in  an  airy  greenhouse  or  vinery,  but 
not  in  an  Orchid  house. — 0.  W.  Strickland. 


JUDGES  JUDGED. 

As  you  say  your  pages  are  open  to  any  explanation  regarding  this 
matter  (page  503),  I  shall  like  to  give  my  opinion.  I  do  not  say  the 
Judges  were  correct  or  not  in  their  awards,  but  as  to  the  charge  you 
make  against  the  Committee  not  appointing  competent  Judges  is  not 
correct.  I  know  for  a  fact  that  the  Judge  appointed  for  this  particular 
class  is  one  of  the  best  in  the  south.  But  what  of  that  ?  He  telegraphed 
to  the  Secretary  the  night  before  the  Exhibition,  stating  his  inability  to 
act.  I  think  you  and  your  correspondent  ought  to  have  known  the 
whole  truth  about  this  matter  before  giving  your  verdict  of  guilty 
against  the  Committee. — Berks. 

[We  certainly  did  not  pronounce  the  Judges  guilty  of  incompetence. 
We  carefully  refrained  from  doing  anything  of  the  kind.  The  Com¬ 
mittee  are  wholly  and  solely  responsible  for  that  verdict.  The  only  way 
of  ascertaining  the  “  whole  truth  ”  was  by  inviting  information,  and  we 
are  obliged  by  the  quota  supplied  by  “  Berks.”  Perhaps  he  could 
supply  more.]  _ 

The  article  respecting  this  in  last  week’s  Journal  is  very  instructive, 
and  shows  very  plainly  that  committees  cannot  be  too  careful  in 
selecting  judges,  that,  of  course,  is  taking  it  for  granted  that  one 
“  expert”  is  more  than  equal  to  the  three  judges  in  question.  A  similar 
case  came  under  my  notice  during  November.  The  exhibition  was  not 
a  small  one,  as  may  be  seen  when  I  mention  over  £30  were  awarded  in 
one  class  for  cut  blooms.  Two  sets  of  judges  were  appointed,  one  pair 
to  adjudicate  on  the  cut  blooms,  the  other  the  miscellaneous  plants,  as 
well  as  the  groups  of  Chrysanthemums.  Of  these  latter  there  were  nine, 
and  these  were  classed  “  for  effect  ”  and  “  quality  of  blooms.”  The 
judges  who  awarded  the  prizes  to  the  groups,  considering  their  work 
finished,  left  the  exhibition.  It  was  then  discovered  that  the  certificate 
of  the  N.C.S.  should  have  been  awarded  to  the  best  group  in  the  show. 
The  judges  (one  of  whom  was  an  expert)  who  officiated  on  the  cut 
blooms  were  asked  to  make  the  award,  and  they  proceeded  to  do  so. 
The  certificate  fell  to  a  second  prize  group,  much  to  the  discomfiture  of 
the  secretaries  and  committee.  This  plainly  showed  some  persons  had 
erred  in  judgment.  To  get  out  of  the  difficulty,  the  certificate  was 
ultimately  awarded  to  a  non-competitive  group  of  well  grown  plants. 
The  mistake  apparently  was  in  having  really  good  “  all  round  ”  and 


practical  gardeners  who  were  not  Chrysanthemum  experts  as  judges 
for  the  groups.  I  would  like  to  add  the  committee  were  apprentice 
hands,  this  being  the  society’s  second  year  of  existence. — Visitor. 


Unless  committees  of  flower  shows  are  always  prepared  to  submit 
disputed  awards  of  judges  to  some  court  of  appeal  it  is  most  obvious 
that  the  old  formula,  “  the  judges’  decisions  are  final,”  must  be  adhered 
to  both  in  spirit  and  in  letter.  A  graver  violation  of  their  own  law 
could  hardly  have  been  conducted  than  was  that  act  referred  to  in  your 
leader  of  last  week.  That  a  committee  should  first  deliberately 
select  certain  persons  to  act  as  judges  at  their  show,  men  whom 
it  would  have  been  a  complete  condemnation  of  the  competence 
of  the  committee,  if  incompetent  themselves,  and  then  to  practically 
admit  that  they  were  incompetent  by  employing  “  an  expert  ”  to  re¬ 
point  the  flowers  in  the  disputed  class,  was  one  of  the  most  inconceiv¬ 
able  insults  ever  inflicted  on  judges,  that  is  to  say  if  it  were  done 
as  alleged  by  your  correspondent.  I  do  not  know  who  the  judges 
were. 

But  who  was  the  “  expert,”  and  what  special  qualifications  did  he 
possess  that  were  not  possessed  by  the  Judges?  Is  it  a  case  where  a 
Committee  obtains  the  assistance  of  local  men  on  the  cheap, 
and  finds  that  such  help  is  dear  in  the  long  run  ?  or  is  it  a  case  of 
securing  the  best  man  obtainable  at  reasonable  charges  ?  This  should 
be  made  known,  although  neither  between  the  former  would  justify 
the  Committee  for  one  moment  in  withdrawing  confidence  from  their 
Judges  after  the  awards  had  been  made,  and  in  inflicting  upon  them  the 
grossest  of  insults. 

It  is,  it  must  be  held,  imperative  in  every  case — except  where 
Committees  thoughtlessly  admit  of  appeals  to  some  other  authority  than 
the  regular  Judges— that  the  decision  ol  these  officials  must  be  final, 
and  without  appeal,  except,  of  course,  in  some  proved  case  of  fraud, 
which  is  of  a  very  different  nature.  To  open  the  door  to  indiscriminate 
appealing  would  be  to  evoke  all  the  wildest  and  fiercest  passions  of 
human  nature,  and  to  convert  flower  shows  into  pandemoniums. 

But,  after  all,  the  “  expert’s  ”  pointing  proves  nothing.  It  simply 
shows,  if  anything,  that  it  is  utterly  impossible  to  establish  any  code 
of  pointing  that  shall  in  all  cases  be  infallible,  for  the  simple  reason 
that  the  code  has  to  be  in  all  these  cases  determined  by  diverse  people, 
I  will  wager  that  if  a  dozen  “  experts”  had  followed  the  Judges  in  this 
particular  instance  that  no  two  would  have  pointed  alike.  If  anyone 
doubts  let  them  test  a  case  next  season,  and  note  the  result.  It  is  so 
easy  to  see,  did  we  admit  the  process  of  “  judging  the  judges,”  that  we 
should  be  landed  in  chaos,  whilst  in  theory  I  see  no  reason  whatever 
why  the  points  awarded  to  each  flower  might  not  be  made  known  to  the 
exhibitors,  and  specially  the  full  number  of  points  awarded  to  each 
exhibit.  I  fully  understand  that  in  practice  it  might  lead  to  an  intoler¬ 
able  nuisance.  It  is  a  degradation  of  exhibiting  that  some  dissatisfied 
exhibitors  should  hang  about  their  exhibits  and  wrangle  and  complain, 
and  exhibit  so  much  of  the  worst  aspects  of  human  nature.  This  sort  of 
thing  it  is  feared  the  publication  of  individual  pointing  would  largely 
increase.  So  much  yet  has  to  be  learned  from  Dean  Hole’s  Kose  book’s 
adjuration  „ 

Be  eacli,  pray  God,  a  geatleman.” 

— D. 


Your  leading  article  (page  503)  deals  so  fully  with  the  matter  of 
exhibitors’  protests,  that  little  else  is  left  to  be  said.  Year  after  year  I 
am  the  more  convinced  that  judging  by  points  where  the  stands  of 
blooms  are  close  in  merit  is  the  only  just  method  of  awarding  the 
prizes. 

At  an  important  show  where  I  was  engaged  during  the  last  month 
valuable  prizes  were  offered  for  twenty-four  Japanese  blooms.  At 
least  five  of  the  competing  stands  were  close  in  point  of  merit.  After 
the  public  were  admitted  a  well  known  Chrysant’nemum  judge  remarked 
to  me  after  well  examining  the  exhibits  in  this  particular  class,  “  I  am 
sure  the  blooms  here  are  close  to-day,  would  you  mind  telling  me  what 
difference  separated  the  first  and  second  stands  ?”  “  Certainly,”  I 

answered,  and  turning  to  my  notes  replied,  “  3J  points.”  The  question 
and  answer  occupied  less  than  one  minute.  How  could  the  difference 
be  noted  so  quickly  by  any  other  method  ?  Some  judges  favour  what  I 
term  the  comparison  method.  Instances  have  occurred  this  year  where 
exponents  of  this  method  have  officii.ted,  and  upon  being  appealed  to 
civilly  to  state  the  difference  between  certain  stands,  replied  curtly, 
“  That’s  my  business.” 

It  cannot  be  said  that  the  blooms  placed  first  by  the  “  expert  ” 
(page  503)  were  of  high  excellence,  or  else  this  individual  pointed  them 
low.  Forty-eight  Japanese  blooms  of  good  quality  should  give  at  least 
195  points,  and  when  extra  good  in  all  respects  twenty  points  more 
would  not  be  out  of  the  way  high  pointing.  My  opinion  of  awards 
made  is  that  the  adjudicators  should  be  in  a  position  to  give  a 
reason  for  their  decision,  and  when  this  can  be  clearly  done  seldom  are 
the  judges  at  fault.  It  is  those  persons  who  can  give  no  tangible 
reason  why  one  stand  of  blooms  is  supsrior  to  those  in  another  that  make 
errors.— E.  Molyneux. 


Possibly  those  who  are  always  “judges  ”  will  be  those  who  trouble 
themselves  the  least  about  your  leader.  Yet,  as  a  rule,  judges  are,  I 
believe,  strictly  honourable  men  ;  but  though  honourable  men,  they  are 
men,  and  therefore  fallible.  Those  who,  like  myself,  occasionally  act  in 
that  diflflcult  and  by  no  means  to  be  desired  capacity  will  perhaps  think 
more  about  the  incident  therein  mentioned. 


580 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  189J. 


On  the  part  of  the  judges  there  is  very  much  to  be  said.  There  are 
rules  about  “  the  tents  being  cleared  for  the  judges  ”  at  a  certain  hour, 
which  should  be  just  as  binding  as  “  the  decision  of  the  judges  is  final.” 
One  is  as  much  a  regulation  of  the  show  as  the  other.  Yet,  where  do  you 
see  it  carried  out  ?  and  who  is  the  Hercules  that  is  to  sweep  this  Augean 
stable  clean?  Why  are  the  judges  to  have  the  time  at  their  disposal 
(generally  utterly  inadequate)  cut  short  by  the  breaking  through  of  one 
rule,  whilst  another  regulation  may  not  be  interfered  with  ? 

In  judging  Roses  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  verdict  given  by  the 
judges  at  noon  may  often  be  considered  unsound  by  many  at  4  p.m. 
The  judges,  however,  have  to  judge  flowers  as  they  are,  not  as  they  may 
be  a  few  hours  hence  ;  but  in  the  case  of  Chrysanthemums  there  is  a 
lasting  power  the  Rose  possesses  not,  and  in  the  afternoon  judgment 
may  be  as  easily  settled  as  at  the  earlier  time.  Many  years  ago,  I 
think  nearly  half  a  century,  when  reporting  for  your  pages  a  large 
West  of  England  Show,  I  noticed  what  I  considered  errors  in  judging. 
One  of  the  exhibitors,  whom  I  knew  only  by  name,  somehow  fixed  the 
report  on  me,  and  was  exceptionally  indignant,  not  that  I  cared  an  atom 
for  the  gentleman’s  spleen.  Well,  in  that  report  I  suggested  that 
another  judge  should  judge  the  judges.  The  idea  was  scouted,  but 
here  at  this  Exhibition  something  of  the  kind  seems  to  have  been 
done,  if  your  correspondent  is  accurate  in  his  statement. 

My  idea  was  this.  We — judges,  exhibitors,  committee — are  all  liable 
to  error,  there  is  nothing  infallible  about  us.  Why  should  we  ape  it? 
Assuming,  then,  that  judges  may  make  mistakes — and  sometimes, 
recollect,  it  may  be  an  accidental  error  of  copying  on  the  card  the 
wrong  number  of  the  exhibitor — why  should  not  another  judge  scan 
the  verdict  before  its  being  sent  to  the  secretary’s  tent,  and  detecting 
what  he  may  consider  an  error,  tap  his  brother  judges  on  the  shoulder 
and  say,  “  Come,  just  point  over  these  two  stands  with  me?  ”  It  is  well 
known  that  stands  may  be  so  close  together  that  points  do  not  separate 
them,  and  the  judges  are  forced  to  take  setting  up  into  account  to 
decide  ;  these  are  not  the  cases  where  dissatisfaction  arises.  Possibly 
in  the  case  mentioned  there  was  little  to  choose  between  third  and 
fourth  prizes,  but  when  you  come  to  compare  these  with  the  second 
prize  it  is  plain  that  a  matter  of  thirty  points  must  have  been  a  startling 
difference  in  the  stands.  And  it  is  for  these  manifest  oversights  or 
misjudgments  that  the  extra  judge  making  his  own  conclusions  and 
finding  them  at  variance  with  the  recognised  censors,  might  advan¬ 
tageously  hold  a  consultation  with  them  before  the  decision  is  made 
final. 

Some  such  arrangement  would  do  away  with  such  a  glaring  case 
as  the  comparison  between  second,  third  and  fourth  prizes  at  the  exhi¬ 
bition  named  ;  nay,  it  actually  did  detect  the  error,  but  too  late  for 
alteration. — Y.  B.  A.  Z. 


The  case  mentioned  on  page  503  is  the  worst  muddle  I  have  ever 
heard  of.  Neither  judges,  committee,  or  secretary  are  to  be  congratu¬ 
lated,  and  it  appears  doubtful  if  the  final  judge  or  censor  ought  not  to 
be  included  with  them.  It  is  well  you  have  published  the  alleged  facts ; 
they  contain  many  warnings.  But  putting  the  above  case  on  one  side 
for  the  present,  I  would  ask,  Are  not  many  errors  in  judging  caused  by 
neglect  to  clear  the  place  of  exhibition  soon  enough?  It  is  nothing 
unusual  at  some  shows  to  find  the  officials  nearly  an  hour  behind  the 
notified  time  for  clearing;  chiefly,  it  is  presumed,  because  one  or  two 
exhibitors  have  arrived  late,  and  have  not  finished  staging.  This  is 
grossly  unfair  to  those  who  do  try  to  abide  by  the  regulations,  as  they 
cannot  safely  leave  their  exhibits  until  the  place  is  cleared,  and  the 
judges  are  hurried  round  in  order  to  get  finished  before  the  time  to 
admit  the  public.  All  such  rules  should  be  carried  out  to  the  letter.  If 
any  exhibitors  are  not  ready,  let  them  be  disqualified  ;  they  will  learn  to 
arrive  in  time  at  the  next  exhibition. 

The  best  arrangement  I  have  seen  in  this  matter  is  that  practised  at 
Birmingham  Chrysanthemum  Show.  A  notice  printed  in  bold  type  is 
sent  to  each  exhibitor  a  day  or  two  before  the  show,  saying  that  the  rule 
as  to  time  will  be  strictly  enforced.  A  bell  is  rung  as  a  warning  to  be 
ready  about  ten  minutes  before  the  time,  and  the  hall  is  cleared 
punctually  and  quickly  when  it  is  rung  again. 

The  above  is  the  only  reason  I  can  think  of  for  many  mistakes  in 
judging  which  one  sometimes  meets  with.  A  few  years  back  at  a  very 
large  show  I  remember  two  dishes  of  Sea  Eagle  Peach  in  one  collection 
of  fruit  were  shown  under  distinct  names,  one  of  them  being  selected 
with  less  colour  than  the  other.  Good  judges  ought  to  find  out  and 
disqualify  those  who  do  such  tricks,  but  if  they  are  pressed  for  time  they 
cannot  reasonably  be  expected  to  do  so.  It  is  a  pity  such  cases  should 
occur,  but  as  long  as  there  are  shows  there  will  doubtless  be  a  few 
dishonest  exhibitors  who  are  not  ashamed  to  rob  their  neighbours. 
There  ought  to  be  some  means  of  punishing  them  by  law  for  this,  I 
consider  it  quite  as  bad  as  picking  a  man’s  pocket. 

If  I  understand  your  article  rightly  on  page  503  you  say  the  judges’ 
decision  cannot  be  altered  after  the  public  are  admitted.  If  this  holds 
good,  how  are  judges’  mistakes  to  be  rectified  in  the  future? — 
W .  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  Stamford, 


The  article  on  page  503  throws  a  search  light  of  electric  power  on 
the  case  in  question,  and  places  the  matter,  so  far  as  it  has  gone,  very 
clearly  before  the  public.  Although  the  verdict  has  been  found, 
sentence  will  presumably  be  deferred  until  all  the  side  lights  have  been 
turned  on  what  is  undoubtedly  a  momentous  subject. 

As  a  judge  and  exhibitor  of  some  years’  standing  may  I  be  allowed 
to  make  a  few  comments  and  offer  a  suggestion  ?  The  case  appears  to 


resolve  itself  under  two  heads — viz.,  error  or  incompetence.  The  latter 
I  need  not  dwell  on  ;  the  leading  article  deals  with  that  so  con¬ 
clusively.  But  error  or  difference  of  opinion,  which  the  so-called  error 
may  resolve  itself  into,  allow  me  to  turn  on  a  side  light  from  afar  off 
truly — viz.,  ancient  history.  “Long,  long  ago,  beyond  the  space  of 
twice  a  thousand  years,”  Jupiter,  in  a  merry  mood,  showered  down  on 
mortals  a  number  of  spectacles,  which  each  fitted  on  (no  two  were 
alike),  and  each  mortal  since  has  been  comeplled  to  wear  them,  though 
invisible  ;  hence,  till  Jupiter  takes  back  his  gift,  we  mortals  shall 
never  see  things  alike. 

Another  side  light.  Given  two  exhibitors,  each  complying  with  the 
rules,  each  with  blooms  of  about  equal  merit,  the  deft  hand  of  one 
exhibitor  will  with  neat  arrangement  and  finish  in  setting  up  add  a 
grace  and  charm  to  his  stand  which  his  opponent  fails  in  doing,  though 
on  analysis  of  the  individual  blooms  this  does  not  count,  but  in  close 
competition  does  not  this  influence  the  judges,  and  should  it  not  receive 
consideration  ?  It  does  from  the  public,  and  they  are  no  bad  judges. 
I  have  seen  the  humble  man  from  a  single-handed  place,  practically 
unknown  and  unnoticed,  the  first  to  put  up  his  stand,  the  last  to  leave 
it,  giving  a  touch  here,  another  there,  whilj  my  lord’s  gardener  dis¬ 
daining  these  trifles,  dishes  up  sans  ceremonie  and  sans  gout,  but  to  find 
later  on  that  these  little  things  are  not  to  be  despised,  and  do  carry 
weight. 

Who,  as  an  exhibitor,  when  clearing  out  for  the  judges  does  not  give 
a  final  look,  and  take  the  measure  of  his  opponents  with  his  eye  ?  I  do, 
and  am  seldom  far  out  in  this  premature  judging.  After  that,  unless 
anything  glaring  should  be  found,  which  I  never  have,  I  do  not  question 
the  judges’  decision,  and  though  not  always  getting  the  expected  place, 
at  other  times  the  unexpected  falls  to  me,  and  any  seeming  error 
either  way  I  attribute  to  Jupiter’s  spectacles,  which  we,  the  judges,  and 
even  experts,  are  condemned  to  wear.  My  suggestion  is  that  the 
National  Chrysanthemum  Society  should  formulate  and  publish  a 
clearly  defined  code  of  rules  for  the  help  and  guidance  of  judges,  which 
would  undoubtedly  be  recognised  as  the  standard  of  all  societies.  A 
committee  of  judges  nominated  by  Mr.  Molyneux,  himself  acting  as 
Chairman,  is  an  alternative  suggestion. — E.  K. 


There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  show  referred  to  on  page  503  last 
week  was  that  of  the  Scottish  Horticultural  Association,  and  the 
allegations  contained  in  your  correspondent’s  letter  demand  an  answer 
from  me  as  Secretary. 

Your  correspondent  states  two  facts,  viz.:  first,  that  “The  Com¬ 
mittee  so  far  entertained  the  protest  as  to  appoint  a  competent  expert  to 
‘  point  ’  the  different  stands  ;  ”  and,  second,  that  “  The  Secretary  told 
the  ‘protestors’  that  the  Committee  acknowledged  the  misjudgment, 
but,  owing  to  a  clause  in  the  rules,  viz.,  ‘  The  decision  of  the  Judges  is 
final,’  nothing  could  be  done  in  the  matter.” 

To  both  of  the  above  “facts”  I  have  to  give  a  most  emphatic 
denial.  When  the  disappointed  competitors  handed  me  their  protest  it 
was  laid  before  a  meeting  of  the  Committee,  and  it  was  resolved  that  the 
Committee  had  no  power  to  call  in  question  the  decision  of  the  Judges, 
in  whose  skill  and  integrity  they  placed  every  confidence  ;  and  this 
decision  was  communicated  to  the  “  protestors.” 

As  this  matter  must  be  brought  before  my  Committee,  in  justice 
to  myself  I  think  it  but  right  that  the  name  of  your  correspondent 
should  be  placed  in  my  hands.  The  other  remarks  contained  in  your 
editorial  do  not  call  for  my  criticism,  and  therefore  I  pass  them  over 
for  what  they  are  worth. — Robert  Laird. 

[We  are  obliged  to  Mr.  Laird  for  informing  the  public  that  the  Show 
alluded  to  was  that  of  the  Scottish  Horticultural  Association,  held  in 
Edinburgh  on  the  16th,  17th,  and  18th  ult.  Our  correspondent  of  last 
week  sent  us  his  name  and  address,  assuring  us  of  the  accuracy  of  his 
statement,  which  he  desired  us  to  publish.  He  did  not  mention  the 
name  of  the  Society,  nor  did  we  know  it  when  our  last  issue  was 
published.  It  was  in  no  degree  material  that  we  should  know  it.  It 
was  a  question  of  what  Mr.  Laird  describes  as  “facts,”  but  which  we 
described  as  allegations,  these  being  of  such  an  extraordinary  nature, 
yet  stated  with  such  precision,  as  to  demand  attention.  We  placed  our 
pages  open  for  any  counter  statement,  and  as  readily  insert  Mr.  Laird’s 
communication  as  we  did  that  of  the  writer  whose  accuracy  is  so 
emphatically  denied.  The  Committee,  he  says,  did  not  appoint  an 
expert  to  point  the  blooms  after  the  Judges,  and  did  not  acknowledge 
any  “misjudgment.”  Who  then  appointed  the  “  expert,”  the  result  of 
whose  irksome  duty  we  published  last  week?  Our  correspondent  will 
note  Mr.  Laird’s  request  for  his  name  and  address.  We  have  no 
objection  to  these  being  furnished  for  placing  before  the  Committee  as 
Buggestei.j 


CRYSTAL  PALACE  SEPTEMBER  FRUIT  SHOW. 

I  AM  pleased  to  see  in  your  last  issue  that  “  H.  W.  W.”  (page  508) 
draws  attention  to  these  once  popular  gatherings  of  pomologists,  the 
discontinuance  of  which  has  indeed  been  a  great  disappointment  to 
both  fruit  growers  and  exhibitors  generally.  Like  “  H.  W.  W.,”  I  was 
for  some  years  an  exhibitor  at  these  shows,  and  always  looked  upon 
them  as  being  the  best  managed  and  best  conducted  of  any  in  my 
experience  of  exhibiting. 

I  endorse  every  sentiment  “  H.  W.  W.”  has  expressed  in  his  desire 
to  urge  the  Crystal  Palace  Company  to  renew  their  September  Fruit 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


681 


Show,  and  if  they  will  do  so  I  can  only  say  that  I  for  one  will  endeavour 
to  support  them.— An  Old  Exhibitor. 


I  TRUST  there  will  be  not  only  a  strong  backing-up  of  “  H.  W.  W.’s” 
appeal  (page  508)  for  a  resuscitation  of  the  September  Fruit 
Show,  but  also  that  a  sort  of  memorial  from  a  large  number  of 
fruit  growers  will  be  prepared,  signed,  and  sent  to  the  Crystal 
Palace  Directors  in  favour  of  the  suggestion.  Let  “  H.  W.  W.”  prepare 
the  memorial  and  sign  it,  then  send  it  to  the  Editor,  who  should  be 
authorised  by  fruit  growers  all  over  the  kingdom  to  attach  their 
signatures,  sent  on  specially  provided  slips,  and  it  could  then  be 
forwarded  to  the  Crystal  Palace  Directors.  It  is  so  obvious  that  not  only 
has  no  other  show  been  found  a  substitute  for  this  exhibition  but  there 
is  less  probability  than  ever  in  the  future  that  any  substitute  will  be 
furnished  anywhere  in  or  about  London .  The  opportunity  is  an  excellent 
one  for  the  Directors  to  resume  their  proper  position  in  relation  to  the 
National  Autumn  Fruit  Show. — D. 


MESSRS.  E.  D.  SHUTTLE  WORTH  &  CO.,  LTD. 

Although  but  some  three  years  or  so  have  elapsed  since  Messrs. 
E.  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  first  established  themselves  at  the 
Albert  Nurseries,  Peckham  Rye,  they  have  obviously  made  great 
progress,  and  the  firm  now  occupies  a  prominent  position  amongst  metro¬ 
politan  nurserymen.  Visitors  to  exhibitions  held  in  the  metropolis, 
also  in  the  provinces,  have  often  had  their  attention  drawn  to  the 
meritorious  exhibits  staged  by  this  firm,  and  these,  with  the  judicious 
management  of  the  Chairman  of  the  Company,  Mr.  Charles  Hicks,  have 
done  much  towards  building  up  a  growing  business.  The  Albert  Nur¬ 
series  are  situated  about  half  a  mile  from  Honor  Oak  Station,  and  rather 
more  from  Peckham  Rye,  both  on  the  London,  Chatham,  and  Dover 
Railway,  Messrs.  C.  Hicks,  H.  Wigley,  and  T.  Baker  being  the  directors. 
To  meet  the  increasing  demands  several  large  glass  structures  have 
recently  been  built,  and  these,  together  with  many  other  houses  and 
numerous  pits  and  frames,  are  filled  with  healthy  plants  of  various 
descriptions. 

Being  growers  for  the  wholesale  as  well  as  retail  trade  Messrs.  E.  D. 
Shuttleworth  &  Co.  carry  on  an  extensive  business  in  ornamental 
foliage  and  flowering  plants  suitable  for  decorative  purposes.  Palms 
for  example  are  strongly  represented,  and  we  are  keeping  within  bounds 
in  saying  that  so  far  as  these  are  concerned  the  firm  can  hold  its  own 
perhaps  with  any  in  the  country.  Thousands  of  plants  in  all  stages  of 
growth  may  be  seen,  including  seedlings  an  inch  or  so  in  height  to  those 
magnificent  specimens  10  or  more  feet  high,  which  have  embellished 
so  many  exhibitions  during  the  past  two  or  three  years.  It  is  impossible 
to  enumerate  the  whole  of  the  species  grown,  but  it  may  be  mentioned 
that  of  such  popular  kinds  as  Cocos  Weddelliana,  Geonoma  gracilis, 
Kentia  Canterburyana,  K.  Belmoreana,  K.  Fosteriana,  Latania  borbonica, 
and  Areca  lutescens  there  is  an  enormous  stock.  Asparagus  plumosus 
nanus  is  largely  grown,  there  being  an  almost  insatiable  demand  for  this 
decorative  plant,  and  the  same  applies  to  the  best  of  the  Dracaenas.  The 
last-named  plants  are  characterised  by  a  clean  healthy  appearance,  and 
bear  the  impress  of  skilful  cultivation.  Crotons,  too,  receive  special  atten¬ 
tion,  as  a  glance  at  the  beautifully  coloured  foliage  will  testify.  If  further 
corroboration  were  necessary  we  have  it  in  the  fact  that  the  firm  has  on 
several  occasions  procured  first  prizes  for  these  plants  when  exhibited. 
Only  the  best  are  kept  in  stock,  and  thousands  of  young  plants  are 
annually  propagated.  What  has  been  said  in  regard  to  Palms  is 
applicable  to  Ferns,  which  appear  to  have  more  than  ordinary  notice 
given  them.  Several  houses  are  devoted  to  their  culture,  and  it  may  be 
observed  that  immense  numbers  of  the  best  decorative  kinds  are  raised 
from  spores.  Some  plants  of  A.  farleyense  in  6-inch  pots  were  exceed¬ 
ingly  healthy,  as  also  were  Pteris  tremula  Smithiana,  and  Davallias  of 
various  kinds.  Ornamental  foliage  Begonias  are  not  forgotten,  there 
being  a  good  demand  for  these  plants ;  also  Araucaria  excelsa,  Aralias  in 
variety,  Marantas,  Aspidistras,  and  Cyperuses.  As  is  now  well  known 
Cycads  are  a  specialty  at  the  Albert  Nurseries,  and  some  splendid 
specimens  of  C.  revoluta  have  been  exhibited  by  the  firm  on  several 
occasions.  Other  foliage  plants  deserving  of  individual  notice  are 
Poinsettia  pulcherrima  variegata,  Abutilon  foliis  variegata.  Souvenir  de 
Bonn  ;  also  the  new  Sonerila  Baron  Sallier  and  Phrynium  variegatum, 
a  plant  worthy  of  more  extensive  cultivation. 

Whilst  so  much  attention  is  given  to  ornamental  foliaged  plants  it 
must  not  be  thought  that  those  usually  grown  for  their  flowers  are 
overlooked.  The  latter  are  cultivated  quite  as  extensively  as  the  former, 
and  equally  as  well.  Roman  Hyacinths  and  Lily  of  the  Valley  are  now 
blooming  profusely,  while  the  early  Due  Van  Thol  Tulips  are  already 
showing  their  brilliant  blossoms.  Large  consignments  of  well-ripened 
crowns  of  Lily  of  the  Valley,  with  bulbs,  are  imported  from  abroad,  and 
apart  from  the  forced  flowers  during  the  winter  and  spring,  a  rising  trade 
is  done  in  roots  through  the  autumn.  Messrs.  E.  D  Shuttleworth  &  Co. 
also  import  thousands  of  Ghent,  Mollis,  and  other  Azaleas,  and  many  of 
these  are  now  expanding  their  flower  buds  in  a  genial  temperature. 
Others,  again,  are  temporarily  planted  in  beds  for  furnishing  a  later 
supply  and  meeting  the  demands  for  imported  plants  that  arise.  Orchids 
are  grown  in  good  numbers,  as  also  are  Zonal,  Ivy-leaved,  and  other 
Pelargoniums.  An  immense  stock  of  Marguerites  in  pits  attracts 
notice,  and  Gardenias  are  well  represented,  the  plants  being  clean  and 
healthy.  Ericas  in  variety,  double  Primulas,  Bouvardias,  and  Cyclamens 
are  also  extensively  grown. 


Messrs.  E.  D.  Shuttleworth  k.  Co.  have  a  branch  nursery  at  Fleet, 
Hampshire,  over  which  Mr.  Wigley  presides,  and  here,  the  Journal 
representative  was  informed,  hardy  plants,  Roses,  Coniferm,  forest  and 
fruit  trees,  are  grown  in  large  numbers.  About  two  acres  of  ground  are 
devoted  to  the  culture  of  Daffodils,  which  give  promise  of  becoming  a 
leading  feature  in  the  business.  Carnations  and  Dahlias,  with  other 
popular  flowers,  likewise  have  attention,  all  the  newer  varieties  of  these 
being  cultivated.  Much  more  could  be  said  in  regard  to  this  thriving 
business,  but  the  foregoing  will  suffice  to  show  the  firm  merits  all  the 
attention  that  has  been  given.  It  is  worthy  of  mention,  however,  that 
comprehensive  and  well  arranged  catalogues  of  general  plants,  bulbs, 
and  seeds  are  issued  by  this  firm,  and  these,  like  the  plants,  deserve 
more  than  a  passing  glance. 


DESSERT  TABLE  COMPETITIONS. 

The  points  raised  by  Mr.  E.  Harland  in  connection  with  this  subject 
(page  519)  may  perhaps  appear  confusing  to  some,  but  to  my  mind  the 
matter  is  clear  and  simple  enough,  as  it  hinges  upon  the  query.  Can  a 
dessert  table  be  considered  “  completely  laid  out  ”  if  no  fruit  or  other 
accessories  are  placed  upon  it?  Decidedly,  yes,  as  the  custom  of  not 
placing  fruit  upon  the  table  is  a  rapidly  extending  one.  True,  there  are 
hosts  of  families  among  whom  the  older  custom  of  placing  both  fruits 
and  sweetmeats  upon  the  table  still  lingers.  That,  however,  does  not 
prove  a  dessert  table  to  be  incomplete  without  them,  any  more  than 
that  a  dinner  table  would  not  be  considered  “  completely  laid  out  ” 
unless  the  viands  were  placed  upon  it.  In  my  opinion,  therefore,  the 
Judges  at  the  Hull  Chrysanthemum  Show  rightly  awarded  the  first  prize 
to  the  table  which  was  acknowledged  to  be  the  best  artistic  arrange¬ 
ment,  and  I  fail  to  see  how  a  protest  for  disqualification  could  have  been 
sustained  by  the  point  raised. — H.  Dunkin. 


On  first  reading  the  paragraph  contained  in  the  Hull  Chrysanthemum 
schedule,  one  naturally  comes  to  the  conclusion  that  the  exhibitor  who 
had  no  dishes  of  fruit  in  his  exhibit  for  dessert  table  decoration  would 
render  himself  liable  to  disqualification.  But,  on  closer  scrutiny,  it  is 
plain  that  the  Judges  would  not  have  been  justified  in  disqualifying  such 
exhibit,  as  it  would  be  quite  in  conformity  with  the  wording  of  the 
schedule.  One  has  no  doubt  as  to  what  was  in  the  minds  of  the  Com¬ 
mittee  when  arranging  for  this  class,  though  the  Judges  cannot  take  into 
account  any  intentions  of  the  donors  of  such  prizes,  but  must  give  their 
decision  according  to  the  exact  wording  of  the  schedule. 

The  clause  is  very  explicit  as  to  what  flowers  and  foliage  are  to  be 
used,  but  not  a  word  as  to  what  kind  of  dessert  fruit,  or  how  many 
dishes,  “  if  any,”  were  required  ;  the  word  “  completely  ”  contains,  no 
doubt  a  good  deal  of  meaning,  but  to  have  its  full  significance  the  clause 
should  read,  “completely  laid  out,  with  not  less  than  ‘  so  many  ’  dishes 
or  varieties  of  dessert  fruits.” — Geo.  Woodgate,  Warren  House  Gardens, 
Kingston  Hill,  Surrey.  _ 


It  is  very  evident  that  the  problem  propounded  for  solution  by  Mr. 
Harland  is  more  one  for  logicians  than  for  table  decorators.  Custom  or 
rule  does  not  bind  the  case.  It  is  to  be  determined  by  interpretation  of 
words.  Those  of  primary  importance  are  “dessert”  and  “completely. 
Now,  with  regard  to  the  first,  what  is  a  dessert  table  ?  Clearly  one  at 
which  people  sit  to  partake  of  whatsoever  of  fruit,  sweets,  and  drinks, 
may  be  placed  before  them.  Now,  we  have  hundreds  of  dinner- 
table  competitions  florally  dressed,  but  because  “  dinner-table  ”  did  any¬ 
one  ever  hold  that  in  any  such  competition  there  must  be  placed  on  the 
table  dishes  of  meats,  entries,  poultry,  fish,  vegetables,  and  sauces  ?  Of 
course  no  one.  It  is  held  that  dinners  are  not  now  so  served,  but  rather 
are  furnished  a  la  Russe.  That  estimate  has  always  been  excepted,  and 
no  one  perhaps  has  ever  held  that  because  called  “  dinner  ’’-table 
the  presence  of  the  usual  accompaniments  of  a  dinner  were  essential. 
We  have  but  to  apply  the  same  rule  to  a  “dessert”  table,  and  the 
solution  of  the  problem  is  found. 

Besides,  it  is  evident  that  “  fruit,”  or  the  ordinary  concomitants  of  a 
dessert,  was  not  in  the  minds  of  the  framers  of  the  schedule,  or  they 
would  have  so  expressed  themselves.  On  the  other  hand.  Chrysanthemum 
flowers  and  foliage  are  specially  enjoined.  It  is  so  obvious  that  the 
prize  is  given  for  the  best  floral  dressing,  because  the  form  or  material 
of  dressing  is  strictly  enjoined.  Then  as  to  the  interpretation  of  the 
word  “  completely,”  who  would  undertake  to  assume  when  or  how  a 
table  was  completely  furnished  with  dessert  ?  Say  it  is  for  six  persons, 
should  the  dessert  include  a  Pine,  white  and  black  Grapes,  Pe^rs  and 
Apples,  Oranges,  dried  fruits,  nuts,  sweets,  biscuits,  and  wines. 
Does  not  all  this  paraphernalia  present  itself  to  any  sensible  person’s 
mind  as  preposterous  ?  Indeed,  were  it  bound  to  be  furnished,  it  is  but 
too  evident  that  the  judgment  of  the  tables  would  be  more  contingent 
on  the  fruits  than  on  the  floral  decorations  and  their  style  of  arrange¬ 
ment.  That  it  is  not  now  the  ordinary  practice  at  small  dinner  tables 
to  place  all  the  dessert  on  the  table — a  vicious  practice — but  to  hand  it 
round  from  the  sideboard,  shows  that  in  merely  furnishing  plates,  knives 
and  forks,  and  one  or  two  trivial  dishes,  that  the  principal  decorator 
merely  wished  to  convey  the  idea,  as  intimated  in  the  schedule,  that 
places  at  the  table  were  furnished  for  six  people,  and  that  number  only. 
That  was  his  interpretation  of  the  word  “  completely,”  and  it  would  seem 
to  be  the  only  logical  one. 

A  dessert  table  does  not  mean  one  dressed  with  a  dessert.  Had  such 
been  expected  it  would  have  been  specially  provided  for.  What  was 
required  is  what  is  fully  expressed  in  the  quotation  from  the  schedule. 


582 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893. 


“  Only  Chrysanthemum?,  with  any  hardy  foliage,  to  be  used  in  its 
decoration.”  The  word  “  only  ”  settles  the  business. — A.  D. 


Mr.  Harland  has  given  us  a  very  queer  nut  to  crack.  If  the  framers 
of  the  prize  schedule  of  the  Hull  Chrysanthemum  Show  had  tried  to 
word  the  conditions  governing  the  class  for  a  ”  dessert  table,”  so  as  to 
cause  confusion  among  both  exhibitors  and  judges,  they  could  not  well 
have  done  it  more  effectively.  Personally  I  am  inclined  to  agree  with 
those  judges  who,  when  they  have  to  decide  a  knotty  point,  lean  towards 
sustaining  the  framers  of  schedules  in  what  they  intended  should  be 
understood  by  certain  conditions,  and  not  towards  those  of  the  exhibitors 
who  prefer  to  put  their  own,  and  perhaps  a  very  different  construction 
upon  the  wording.  In  particular  would  I  favour  what  has  been  accepted 
as  the  right  construction  in  former  years.  In  the  course  of  a  fairly 
long  career  as  an  exhibitor  I  have  been  either  disqualified  or  lost 
points  more  than  once  for  putting  my  own  construction  upon  the 
wording  of  certain  rules,  and  can  therefore  sympathise  with  those  who 
also  have  to  suffer  if  not  exactly  for  “  conscience  sake,”  at  any  rate  for 
“  backing  their  own  opinion.” 

As  a  Judge  I  thoroughly  dislike  disqualifying  exhibits,  though  it  has 
to  be  done  occasionally ;  and  all  things  considered  I  should  have  hesitated 
about  voting  against  the  table  at  Hull  on  which  there  was  no  fruit.  If 
it  had  been  worded  ‘‘  only  fruit  and  Chrysanthemums,  with  any  kind  of 
foliage  to  be  used,”  there  could  have  been  no  mistaking  the  conditions  ; 
but  unfortunately  fruit  was  left  out,  and  this  gives  a  good  opening  for 
a  lawyer.  Candidly  I  think  the  Judges  took  the  only  way  out  of  the 
diflBculty.  It  is  unfortunately  too  true  that  in  some  quarters  it  has 
become  the  custom  to  keep  the  dessert  off  the  table,  this  being  served 
very  much  as  the  earlier  part  of  the  dinner  is  done.  This  practice  is  to 
be  commended  in  all  cases  where  the  dessert  will  not  bear  much 
inspection,  but  is  not  likely  to  prevail  where  the  host  or  hostess  has 
some  good  home-grown  fruit  to  offer.  By  all  means  serve  Grapes 
without  bloom,  bruised  Pears,  shabby  Apples,  and  imported  fruit 
generally  from  the  sideboards ;  but  if  my  brother  gardeners  are  well 
advised  they  will  endeavour,  to  the  best  of  their  ability,  to  keep  up  the 
old  custom  of  placing  some  of  the  best  of  their  fruit  on  the  table.  Not 
only  does  it  add  greatly  to  the  general  effect,  but  it  often  leads  to 
an  acknowledgement — that  is  to  say,  a  commendatory  notice  from  the 
guests,  and  subsequently  the  master  or  mistress  as  the  case  may  be. 

If  I  intended  to  compete  for  the  prizes  oifered  at  Hull  I  should 
certainly  feel  justified  is  using  four  good  dishes  of  fruit,  both  because 
the  wording  admits  of  this  being  done,  and  more  especially  because  I 
am  certain  that  would  gain  me  a  few  points  with  the  Judges.  Seeing 
that  the  wording  of  the  schedule  must  stand,  my  advice  to  the  Hull 
Committee  is  to  let  matters  take  their  course,  beyond  intimating  to  the 
Judges,  if  they  are  diflerent  to  those  engaged  this  year,  that  there  must 
be  no  disqualifying  tables,  whether  fruit  is  or  is  not  used  in  their 
decoration,  providing  the  competitors  adhere  to  the  other  conditions.  They 
have  established  a  precedent,  which  ought  now  to  stand  till  the  end  of 
the  competition. — W.  Iggulden. 


With  Mr.  Harland,  I  fully  agree  that  the  first  prize  was  rightly 
awarded  to  Mrs.  Douglas  Joy,  of  Welton  Hill,  her  table  being  much  the 
best  artistic  arrangement  of  Chrysanthemums  and  foliage,  and  that,  I 
take  it,  is  the  principal  object  for  offering  these  prizes.  Yet,  on  the 
other  hand,  I  must  entirely  differ  from  Mr.  Harland  when  he  states 
that  “  if  a  protest  had  been  entered,  this  table  must  have  been  dis¬ 
qualified,”  because,  forsooth,  it  was  not  “  completely  laid  out.”  In  this 
instance,  what  a  bugbear  that  word  “completely  ”  can  be  made.  Was 
every  exhibitor  to  load  her  table  with  all  the  known  wines  and  cordials, 
also  all  the  home  and  foreign  fruit,  both  fresh  and  dried,  that  our 
fruiterers  could  supply  ?  I  think  if  such  were^the  case  there  would  be 
a  terrible  crowding  out  of  everything  in  the  way  of  floral  decorations. 
Your  correspondent  wishes  ‘*  to  know  what  is  the  correct  view.”  I 
quote  the  following  from  “  The  Gentlewoman  ”  (no  mean  authority,  by 
the  way)  : — “  Fruit  is  not  often  put  on  the  table  for  dessert,  but  instead 
very  small  dishes  of  salted  almonds,  olives,  and  French  bonbons.” 
— A  Yorkshire  Bite. 


Referring  to  “Dessert  Table  Decoration,”  I  have  come  to  the 
decision  that  fruit  and  every  requisite  should  have  been  placed  on  the 
table  to  accord  with  the  wording  of  the  schedule.  At  Southampton,  as 
far  as  I  can  now  recollect,  it  mentions  in  the  schedule,  “  in  the  dessert 
table  class,”  that  fruit  need  not  be  placed  on  the  table.  I  do  not  see 
how  a  table  can  be  complete  without  the  fruit  and  all  requisites. — 
F.  W.  Flight,  Cornstiles,  Tioyford. 


I  think  a  Judge  would  take  a  bold  step  if  disqualification  was 
enforced  because  a  table  was  devoid  of  fruit  in  its  adornment.  I 
know  of  no  rule  that  bids  the  placing  dishes  of  fruit  on  the  table.  This 
is  entirely  a  matter  of  personal  taste,  and  in  the  absence  of  such  a  rule 
the  laying  down  of  individual  law  is  liable  to  bring  complications.  I 
have  repeatedly  seen  tables  this  year  win  premier  honours  that  had  no 
fruit  on  them  beyond  dishes  similar  to  those  described  by  Mr.  Harland 
on  the  winning  table  at  the  Hull  Show. 

The  main  point  in  awarding  the  prizes  for  table  decoration  is  to 
recognise  the  greatest  skill  and  taste  in  disposal  of  the  flowers  allowed. 
It  would  be  a  peculiar  law,  I  think,  that  permitted  an  exhibitor  to  take 
a  premier  honour  with  an  arrangement  of  flowers  of  diverse  colours,  as 
well  as  being  huddled  together,  for  the  reason  that  it  contained  a  soli¬ 
tary  dish  or  two  of  any  ripe  fruit  which  its  opponent,  intentionally  or 


otherwise,  had  omitted.  In  the  absence  of  definite  instructions  that 
dishes  of  fruit  must  be  employed,  I  cannot  see  how  disqualification  can 
be  supported.  I  have  examined  many  schedules  containing  classes  of 
this  kind,  and  in  nearly  all  the  conditions  are  similar  to  those  named 
in  the  Hull  schedule.  The  definition  applied  to  the  words,  “  completely 
laid  out,”  I  take  it  means  that  such  articles  as  plates,  knives  and  forks 
must  be  present. — E.  Molyneux. 

[Those  letters  from  exhibitors,  judges,  secretaries  of  shows,  and 
accomplished  table  decorators,  are  overwhelmingly  in  favour  of  the 
interpretation  of  the  conditions  by  the  adjudicators  at  Hull — Mr. 
Cypher  of  Cheltenham,  and  Mr.  Hudson  of  Gunnersbury.] 


The  Weather  in  London. — Much  rain  has  fallen  in  the 
metropolis  since  publishing  our  last  issue.  A  slight  frost  was  apparent 
on  Sunday  morning,  but  as  the  day  advanced  it  rained  heavily.  Mon¬ 
day  proved  fine,  but  on  Tuesday  it  was  very  squally.  Wednesday 
opened  wet,  and  at  the  time  of  going  to  press  the  weather  is  very  un¬ 
settled,  but  mild. 

- Weather  in  the  North. — There  has  been  very  little  frost 

during  the  past  week,  but  many  sleet  showers  and  much  high  wind. 
Throughout  Thursday  night  and  all  Friday  a  gale  from  the  south¬ 
west  blew,  causing  much  damage  to  property,  and  Saturday  was  alsO’ 
gusty  with  heavy  showers  of  sleet.  Roads  were  slippery,  and  driving 
difficult  from  frost  on  Sunday  morning,  but  there  was  high  wind 
and  drizzle  in  the  evening.  Monday  was  the  best  day  of  the  eight, 
and  this  morning  (12th)  the  ground  is  white  with  snow. — B.  D,, 
S.  Ferthsliire. 

-  Mons.  Ed.  Ortgies. — It  is  announced  that  Mons.  Ed.  Ortgies, 

who  for  the  last  thirty-eight  years  has  been  Curator  of  the  Botanic 
Gardens,  Zurich,  is  about  to  retire  into  private  life,  and  will  resign  his 
office  on  April  1st,  1894.  As  a  young  gardener,  Mons.  Ortgies  served 
at  Chatsworth,  also  in  some  of  the  London  nurseries,  and  was  a  foreign 
member  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 

-  Rugby  and  District  Horticultural  Society.  —  May  I, 

through  your  columns,  express  to  those  exhibitors  who  so  kindly  gave 
their  spare  blooms  and  fruit  to  the  stall  held  at  our  late  Show  on 
behalf  of  the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund,  and  also  to  Messrs. 
E .  D.  Shuttleworth  &  Co.  for  sending  a  case  of  small  Ferns  and  Palms 
for  the  same  object,  our  Committee’s  sincere  and  hearty  thanks,  and  to 
state  the  amount  realised  was  £6  17s.  8d.,  a  cheque  for  which  has  been 
forwarded  to  the  Hon.  Secretary  to  the  Fund. — William  Bryant,  See, 

-  Tee  Season. — What  is  to  be  done  with  regard  to  the  more 

“  precocious  ”  belonging  to  our  herbaceous  plants  ?  Many  of  these  are 
pushing  vigorously — bulbous  plants,  too.  I  have  already  gathered 
Crocuses,  shallow  planted  ones  of  course.  My  idea  is  to  have  a  supply 
at  once  at  hand  of  cocoa-fibre  refuse,  and  when  serious  frosts  attack 
us  to  drop  it  into  the  centre  of  the  plants,  and  for  4  or  5  inches 
around  them.  Do  not  put  it  on  before  it  is  absolutely  necessary. 
Pfeonies  are  very  hardy,  but  still  the  early  growth  must  be  susceptible  to 
frost.  Whatever  should  be  put  on  must  be  light  stuff,  and  dry. — J.  A.  W. 

- The  December  Number  of  “  Curtis’  Botanical  Maga¬ 
zine  ”  has  just  been  received  by  us.  It  contains  representations  of 
Amorphophallus  oncophyllus,  Eulophia  Zeyheri,  Protea  rhodantha, 
Abutilon  vitifolium,  and  Eria  Meirax. 

-  We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  Christmas  number  of  Sylvia’s 

“  Home  Journal,”  which  is  a  most  tastefully  arranged  and  profusely 
illustrated  sixpennyworth,  and  conspicuous  among  the  exceptional 
numbers  issued  at  this  season. 

-  Royal  Meteorological  Society. — At  the  next  meeting  of 

the  Society,  to  be  held  at  25,  Great  George  Street,  Westminster,  on 
Wednesday,  the  20th  inst,  at  8  p.m.,  the  following  papers  will  be  read  : 
— “  The  Great  Storm  of  November  16th  to  20th,  1893,”  by  Charles 
Harding,  F.R.Met.Soc.  “Rainfall  and  Evaporation  Observations  at 
the  Bombay  Water  Works,”  by  S.  Tomlinson,  M.Inst.C.E  ,  F.R.Met.Soc. 

“  On  Changes  in  the  Character  of  Certain  Months,”  by  A.  E.  Watson, 
B.A,,  F.R.Met.Soc. 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


533 


-  “  Kew  Bulletin.” — We  have  received  a  copy  of  the  “  Kev? 

Bulletin,”  Appendix  1894,  which  contains  a  list  of  such  hardy  herbaceous 
annual  and  perennial  plants  as  well  as  of  such  trees  and  shrubs  that  have 
matured  seeds  under  cultivation  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  during  the 
year  1893.  These  seeds  are  available  for  exchange  with  colonial,  Indian, 
and  foreign  botanic  gardens,  as  well  as  with  regular  correspondents  of 
Kew.  The  seeds  are  only  available  in  moderate  quantity,  and  are  not 
sold  to  the  general  public.  It  is  desirable  to  add  that  no  application, 
nxcept  from  remote  colonial  possessions,  can  be  received  for  seeds  after 
the  end  of  March. 

-  Royal  Botanic  Society. — At  a  meeting  of  this  Society,  held 

on  Saturday  last,  in  the  gardens  at  Regent’s  Park,  Mr.  Arthur  Rigg  in 
the  chair,  it  was  reported  that  the  donations  received  since  the  last 
meeting  included  specimens  of  the  peculiar  tropical  ants  inhabiting 
Myrmecodia  Beccari,  living  plants  of  which  are  already  in  the  gardens. 
These  plants  are  remarkable  as  affording  food  and  shelter  to  certain 
genera  of  ants  in  return  for  the  protection  they  are  able  to  give  against 
the  attacks  of  injurious  animals  or  insects.  It  is  stated  that  H.R.H.  the 
Duke  of  York  has  been  made  a  Fellow  of  this  Society. 

-  A  transatlantic  contemporary  states  : — Three  of  the  largest 

■Japanese  Maples  in  America  are  now  standing  in  Prospect  Park, 
Brooklyn.  They  are  said  to  be  among  the  first  of  these  trees  sent  there 
by  the  late  Mr.  Thomas  Hogg,  and  are  now,  perhaps,  35  feet  high,  with 
a  corresponding  trunk  circumference.  Although  they  are  beginning 
to  be  crowded  they  are  fine  trees,  and  during  the  late  autumn  they  are 
especially  beautiful.  This  late  retention  of  foliage  is  a  peculiarity  of 
East  Asian  plants,  and  it  should  be  taken  advantage  of  when  planting 
for  autumn  effect. 

-  Stapelia  gigantea. — This  wonderful  species,  according  to 

Mr,  W.  Watson,  in  the  “Garden  and  Forest,”  has  recently  flowered 
freely  in  a  stove  at  Kew,  and  some  of  the  star-shaped  flowers  measured 
a  foot  in  diameter.  While  it  may  be  taken  as  a  general  rule  that 
Stapelias  prefer  a  dry  atmosphere  with  plenty  of  sunlight  and  warmth, 
there  are  exceptions,  and  S.  gigantea  is  one  of  them.  Until  this  plant 
was  placed  in  a  moist  stove  along  with  the  Palms  and  Aroids,  where  it 
had  shade  in  bright  weather  and  plenty  of  water  at  all  times,  except 
for  a  few  weeks  in  midwinter,  it  never  flowered.  There  is  something 
fascinating  about  the  flowers  of  Stapelias,  dull  though  they  are  in 
colour  as  a  rule,  and  disagreeable,  too,  in  odour,  but  when  these  flowers 
are  a  foot  across,  tawny-red  in  colour,  hairy,  and  not  too  disagreeable  in 
odour,  they  are  worth  a  place  in  every  stove  collection.  S.  gigantea 
is  as  interesting  in  its  way  as  Aristolochia  gigas  Sturtevanti  or  Victoria 
regia. 

-  Lilies  and  theib  Culture. — This  was  the  title  of  an  able 

lecture  delivered  before  the  members  of  the  Wakefield  Paxton  Society 
at  their  ordinary  weekly  meeting  on  Saturday,  December  2nd.  The 
lecturer  was  Dr.  Clarke,  M.A.,  of  Headingley,  Leeds,  Professor  in  the 
Agricultural  Department  at  the  Yorkshire  College,  Leeds.  Dr.  Clarke 
is  an  authority  on  horticultural  and  agricultural  matters.  He  has  a 
hobby  in  the  culture  of  Japanese  Lilies.  The  lecturer  named  many  of 
the  best  varieties  of  Lilies  suitable  for  ^indoor  and  outdoor  cultivation 
in  this  country,  and  by  means  of  chalk  illustrations  on  a  black  board 
he  showed  the  best  mode  of  planting  Lilies  in  pots,  strongly  recom¬ 
mending  the  use  of  peat,  sandy  compost,  and  rape  dust.  He  depre¬ 
cated  the  practice  of  plunging  pots  of  Lilies  and  other  bulbs  in  ashes, 
saying  that  the  rain  frequently  washed  sulphurous  matter  out  of  the 
ashes  into  the  bulbs,  and  this  had  a  damaging  effect.  He  preferred 
clean  and  dry  straw  to  either  ashes  or  cocoa  fibre  dust,  this  being  a  safer 
material  for  the  purpose  in  question. 

-  Missouri  Botanical  Garden. — We  have  received  a  pamphlet 

containing  the  fifth  announcement  of  the  pupils  at  the  Missouri 
Botanical  Gardens,  St.  Louis,  U.S.A.  Previous  to  entering  the  garden 
the  pupils  must  pass  a  preliminary  examination.  Pupils  are  lodged  in 
comfortable  rooms  in  a  spacious  dwelling  adjoining  the  garden,  under 
the  charge  of  a  competent  employ 6  of  the  garden.  The  lodging-house 
includes  a  reading-room  supplied  with  horticultural  and  agricultural 
papers,  and  also  with  a  collection  of  books  on  the  same  subjects,  of 
which  the  pupils  have  free  use.  So  far  as  possible,  the  surroundings 
of  pupils  are  made  home-like,  and  without  assuming  any  responsibility 
for  their  behaviour,  an  effort  is  made  to  subject  them  to  influences 
calculated  to  insure  for  them  habits  of  industry  and  investigation. 
During  the  first  year  of  their  scholarship  the  pupils  work  at  the 
practical  duties  of  the  garden  nine  or  ten  hours  daily.  After  the  first 
year,  one-half  of  each  day  is  given  to  manual  work,  the  remainder  being 
devoted  to  class  work. 


-  A  Botanic  Garden  for  Cardiff. — It  is  reported  that  the 

Parks  Committee  of  the  Cardiff  County  Council  recently  passed  a 
resolution  to  the  effect  that  £500  be  voted  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a 
glass  house,  and  for  buying  a  collection  of  herbaceous  plants  to  form 
a  botanic  garden  in  connection  with  the  Roath  Public  Park. 

-  Presentation  to  Mr.  W.  Bailey. — We  learn  that  on  the 

6th  inst.  the  employes  at  Southwark  Park,  S.E.,  presented  Mr.  Bailey, 
until  recently  superintendent  of  the  park,  and  now  of  Dulwich  Park, 
with  a  handsome  electro-plated  cruet  stand.  The  foreman,  Mr.  F. 
Bright,  made  the  presentation  on  behalf  of  the  men,  and  wished  Mr. 
Bailey  success  in  his  new  appointment. 

- The  Watford  Chrysanthemum  Show.— I  was  somewhat 

surprised  to  read  in  your  last  issue  (page  512)  that  Mr.  Gleeson,  The 
Warren  House  Gardens,  Stanmore,  had  been  awarded  a  set  of  fish 
carvers  for  the  best  exhibit  in  the  Show.  Mr.  Colchester  offered  the 
above  as  a  special  prize  for  the  best  exhibit  in  the  Show  grown  with  a 
specified  manure,  but  too  late  to  appear  in  the  schedule,  consequently 
the  Judges  considered  it  would  be  wise  to  hold  over  the  prize  till  next 
year,  and  did  not  award  it  to  Mr.  Gleeson,  but  I  suppose  Mr.  Colchester 
has  done  so  personally.  I  do  not  object  to  Mr.  Gleeson  having  the  prize 
in  fact,  I  congratulate  him  on  receiving  it,  but  I  do  object  to  him  saying 
it  was  for  the  best  exhibit  in  the  Show.  The  Judges  alone  should 
decide  this. — One  of  the  Committee. 

-  Liverpool  Horticultural  Association. — On  Saturday 

evening  last  the  members  of  the  above  Association  held  their  seventh 
annual  dinner  at  the  Adelphi  Hotel,  Lime  Street ;  but  in  consequence 
of  the  large  amount  of  sickness  prevailing  many  old  friends  were  missed, 
and  the  company,  which  numbered  seventy-four,  was  only  about  half 
the  usual  strength.  Mr,  W.  Tunnington,  in  proposing  the  toast  of  the 
Association,  spoke  of  the  great  difference  of  the  exhibits  of  sixteen  years 
ago  and  the  present  time,  more  particularly  the  Chrysanthemums.  He 
referred  to  the  good  work  the  Association  had  done  in  disseminating 
knowledge  in  horticulture  amongst  the  young  gardeners,  and  hoped  it 
would  go  on  prospering  in  its  work.  Mr.  T.  White,  the  Chairman  of 
the  Association,  briefly  responded,  and  regretted  that  their  splendid 
exhibitions  were  not  more  patronised  by  the  public. — R.  P.  R. 

-  Doyenne  du  Comice  Pear  from  a  North  Wall, — Very 

good  samples  of  fruit  of  this  fine  Pear  so  produced  were  shown  by  a 
local  gardener  at  Limpsfield,  Surrey,  on  the  occasion  of  a  lecture  on 
fruit  culture  by  one  of  the  County  Council  lecturers  last  week.  The 
fruits  were  larger  than  what  are  often  found  on  wall  trees  on  a  warm 
aspect,  but  even  so  late  as  November  22nd  were  far  from  being  ripe,  and 
would  be  probably  be  at  their  best  a  month  later,  whilst  the  flesh  was 
excellent.  It  lacked  softness  and  the  flne  flavour  which  so  characterises 
this  grand  Pear.  That  such  fruit  would  be  produced  on  a  north  wall 
in  ordinary  seasons  is  doubtful,  indeed  in  this  case  the  tree  had  not 
borne  before  the  present  year.  It  is  very  obvious  all  the  same  that 
some  good  Pears  will  and  do  produce  good  fruit  on  a  north  wall,  and  it 
may  be  with  a  view  to  prolong  the  Pear  season,  all  too  short  this  year ; 
to  also  grow  more  on  north  walls  than  is  at  present  the  case. 

-  Birmingham  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association. — The 

present  session  of  this  Association  was  brought  to  a  close  on  Wednesday, 
6th  inst.,  when  Mr.  Alderman  Wm.  White,  T.P.,  gave  his  Presidential 
address  at  the  Temperance  Institute.  There  was  a  good  attendance,  but 
not  so  many  as  there  should  have  been  to  hear  such  an  enthusiast  in 
gardening  matters,  who  as  Chairman  of  the  Parks  Committee  is 
Birmingham’s  “head  gardener.”  He  chose  for  his  subject  “Gardens, 
Gardeners,  and  Gardening,”  His  connection  with  a  garden  commenced 
fifty  years  ago,  when  he  used  to  enjoy  many  a  chat  with  his  father’s 
gardener.  As  to  gardeners,  he  had  always  found  them  a  very  genial 
class  of  men ;  hut  he  thought  rather  addicted  somewhat  to  calling  their 
employers’  plants  and  fruit  “my  this”  or  “  my  that.”  In  the  case  of 
his  own  gardener  (for  he  said  he  was  only  an  under  gardener  now)  he 
held  that  he  had  a  right  to  style  them  as  partly  his  own,  and  when  the 
gardener  spoke  of  “  my  Grapes,”  he  turned  and  said,  “  Oh  I  they  are  not 
yours  entirely,  for  they  partly  belong  to  me.”  However,  to  turn  to 
gardening,  he  said  that  times  had  greatly  altered  when  he  was  a  youth  ; 
very  few  at  that  time  had  a  greenhouse.  At  the  conclusion  of  his 
address,  Mr.  Griffin  proposed  and  Mr,  Roe  seconded  a  vote  of  thanks  to 
the  President  for  his  very  interesting  address.  Messrs.  E,  D,  Clarke, 
Gosling,  W.  B.  Griffin,  and  R.  F.  Rees  exhibited  plants ^and  flowers,  and 
the  usual  awards  were  made.  The  silver  medal  for  the  highest  number 
of  points  during  the  year  has  been  won  by  Mr.  Gosling,  the  bronze 
medal  by  Mr.  W.  B,  Griffin. 


634 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  IMJ, 


-  Trapping  Bullfinches. — A  few  weeks  since  I  noticed  Mr. 

Hiam  was  writing  about  trapping  bullfinches.  Will  Mr.  Hiam  say  if 
the  trap  cages  can  be  easily  made,  or  where  they  can  be  bought  ? — J.  E. 

-  Mons.  L.  Gillekens. — We  are  informed  that  Mons.  Gillekens, 

who  has  been  Director  of  the  Ecole  d’Horticulture  of  Vilvorde  for 
twenty-six  years,  has  tendered  his  resignation.  Mons.  Gillekens  will,  we 
understand,  retain  his  present  title  as  an  honorary  distinction. 

-  A  Large  Paulownia. — Mr.  George  Canby  writes  that  he  has 

since  made  an  accurate  measurement  of  the  great  Paulownia  or  Empress 
Tree  in  Independent  Square,  Philadelphia,  and  he  finds  at  3  feet  from 
the  ground  it  is  9  feet  in  circumference.  As  we  (“  Meehans’  Monthly  ”) 
happen  to  know  that  this  is  probably  the  oldest  tree  in  the  United  States, 
it  will  be  interesting  to  learn  if  there  is  a  larger  one  or  not  in  the 
country. 

-  The  Boyal  Horticultural  Society  of  Ireland.— A 

special  meeting  of  the  above  Society  was  held  on  December  4th  at  the 
office,  15,  Lower  Sackville  Street.  The  following  members  of  Council 
were  present : — Sir  Percy  R.  Grace,  Bart.,  D.L.  (in  the  chair)  ;  Major 
Cusack,  J.P.  ;  Mr.  Edmund  D’Olier,  Mr.  F.  W.  Moore,  Mr.  William 
Dick,  Mr.  George  Casson,  J.P.  ;  Mr.  C.  Strong  King,  J.P.  ;  Mr.  George 
Ross,  M.A.,  B.E.  ;  and  Mr.  Hamilton  Drummond,  J.P.,  Hon.  Sec. 
The  following  resolution  was  passed  : — “  That  the  members  of  the 
Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Ireland  desire  to  express 
their  deep  regret  at  the  death  of  His  Grace  the  Duke  of  Leinster,  their 
late  President,  and  their  sincere  sympathy  with  Her  Grace  the  Duchess 
in  her  bereavement,  and  that  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  sent  to  Her 
Grace. — (Signed)  Percy  R.  Grace,  Bart,  Chairman.”  The  following 
were  elected  annual  members  of  the  Society  : — Major  A.  Mansfield, 
Morristown  Lattin,  Naas,  Co.  Kildare  ;  Mrs.  Adam  Findlater,  Primrose 
Hill,  Kingstown  ;  John  M'Entaggart,  Esq.,  Highfield  Manor,  Rathfarn- 
ham  and  Lower  Sackville  Street. 

-  California  and  Australia  Canned  Fruits. — A  horti¬ 
cultural  magazine  of  Melbourne,  Australia,  calls  attention  to  the  fact 
that  Australia  may  become  a  close  competitor  with  California  in 
furnishing  dried  and  canned  fruits  for  exportation  to  the  old  world. 
Peaches,  Pears,  Plums,  and  Apricots  find  themselves  very  much  at 
home  in  Australia  ;  and  the  freight  from  there  to  the  old  world  is 
little,  if  any  more  than  the  freight  from  California.  For  some  reason 
or  other,  the  enterprise  in  prosecuting  these  branches  of  fruit  business 
has  never  been  very  successful  in  Australia ;  but  our  contemporary 
states  that  during  the  past  year  or  two  a  great  advance  has  been  made 
in  this  branch  of  fruit  economy,  and  that  at  least  one  firm  in  South 
Australia  has  been  remarkably  successful  in  making  profitable  ventures 
in  this  line  to  the  old  world.  In  some  branches  of  agriculture  the 
Australians  have  become  close  competitors  with  America  for  portions  of 
the  trade  of  the  world  ;  and  it  would  look,  from  the  facts  above  noted, 
as  if  they  were  destined  in  the  future  to  come  closely  into  competition 
with  an  industry  which  has  been  almost  a  monopoly  for  California. 

-  The  Weather  Last  Month  in  Scotland.  —  Mr. 

G.  McDougall,  Stirling,  writes  :  —  The  total  rainfall  here  was 
3’417  inches,  which  fell  on  eighteen  days,  the  greatest  fall  being 
0‘950  inch  on  the  16th.  Frost  was  registered  on  nineteen  days. 
Warmest  day,  54-2°  on  the  27th;  coldest  day,  .35‘5°  on  the  18th  ;  warmest 
night,  49  8°  on  the  29th  ;  coldest  night,  21°  on  the  2l8t.  Mean 
maximum,  45  6°  ;  mean  minimum,  31’4°.  The  terrific  gale  of  the  18th 
will  long  be  remembered  as  the  most  disastrous  experienced  in  this 
district  for  a  long  time.  Nurserymen  will  be  busy  before  they  can 
supply  the  demand  that  is  sure  to  arise  if  only  some  of  the  trees  blown 
down  are  replaced.  On  the  Abbey  Craig,  which  belongs  to  the  town  of 
Stirling,  more  than  3000  trees  are  uprooted.  In  some  parts  they  are  lite¬ 
rally  packed  above  each  other.  Mr.  Lunt,  gardener  at  Keir,  told  me  that 
all  their  finest  specimens  are  down.  Some  of  the  woods  at  Airthrey 
have  the  appearance  as  if  a  bat'ery  of  artillerymen  had  been  practising 
amongst  them.  It  is  the  same  cry  from  all  quarters,  ”  What  a 
destruction  among  our  woods  !  The  finest  of  our  trees  are  lying 
prostrate,  trees  which  we  cannot  replace.” 

-  White  Earwigs  (page  511). — I  have  often  observed  earwigs  of 

a  lightish  colour,  but  they  were  always  under  cover,  and,  when  disturbed, 
they  endeavoured  to  get  out  of  sight  as  soon  as  possible.  I  have  always 
attributed  their  lightish  colour  to  a  new  change  of  garments.  Some  of 
the  Carabis  beetles,  too,  may  be  seen  with  their  elytra  white  and  soft, 
but  these  again  are  newly  emerged  from  the  chrysalis. — G.  MacDqugal, 
Stirling . 


- A  Gift  to  Dundee. — We  understand  that  Messrs.  R.  B. 

Laird  &  Sons  of  Edinburgh  have  offered  to  the  Council  of  the  City  of 
Dundee  as  a  gift  glass  houses,  trees,  and  shrubs,  valued  at  £4000.  It  is 
stated  that  the  houses  are  those  at  Coates  Gardens,  Edinburgh. 

- Two  Crops  of  Grapes  in  One  Season.  —  California  is 

especially  favoured  in  many  way*.  It  seems  to  be  the  Paradise  of  fruit 
growing.  It  does  not  seem  to  be  generally  known  that  they  have  two 
crops  of  Grapes  often  in  one  season.  At  the  present  time,  according  to 
an  American  contemporary,  one  of  the  questions  with  Californian  fruit 
growers  is  whether  it  really  pays  to  allow  the  Grapes  borne  upon  the 
later  wood  growth  to  mature  ;  some  believing  that  the  drain  on  the 
vitality  of  the  Vine  injures  it  for  the  future,  while  some  contend  that 
the  plant  is  just  as  strong  in  after  years  where  these  two  crops  are 
taken  as  it  would  be  with  only  one. 

-  WooLTON  Gardeners’  Mutual  Improvement  Society. — 

On  Thursday,  the  7th  inst.,  under  the  chairmanship  of  Mr.  H.  Corlett 
Mr.  R,  G.  Waterman  gave  an  interesting  account  of  various  noted 
horticultural  places  he  had  visited  during  the  summer — viz.,  Impney 
Hall,  Droitwich,  the  chief  features  being  the  Chrysanthemums  and 
fernery  ;  Appley  Towers,  Isle  of  Wight,  mention  being  made  of  an 
unusually  large  Fig  tree  carrying  an  enormous  crop  ;  Messrs.  Drover’s, 
Fareham,  and  their  Chrysanthemums  ;  Swanmore  Park,  where  Grapes 
were  very  fine,  but  the  great  feature  was  the  Apple  trees,  carrying  such 
a  heavy  load  as  to  necessitate  their  being  propped.  He  finished  an 
interesting  paper  by  mentioning  the  Earl’s  Court  Exhibition  and  the 
Crystal  Palace  Ffite.  Although  a  departure  out  of  the  ordinary  run  of 
the  meetings,  it  proved  of  great  interest,  as  showing  many  difiierent 
methods  and  ideas  at  the  places  visited.  Mr.  Stoney  and  Mr.  Carling 
followed  with  a  few  remarks.  The  usual  votes  of  thanks  terminated  the 
meeting. — R.  P.  R. 

- Fruit  Machinery. — When  we  consider  the  vast  difference 

between  the  price  of  labour  in  American  gardens  and  orchards,  and  the 
low  prices  paid  in  the  Old  World,  it  is  a  matter  of  surprise  to  foreigners 
that  we,  says  an  American  paper,  can  compete  so  successfully  with  them 
in  their  markets.  They  attribute  it  to  our  fine  climate  and  good  soil, 
yet  there  are  not  wanting  some  intelligent  fruit  cultivators  who  believe 
that  these  conditions  are  just  the  reverse,  that  America  has  probably 
the  worst  climate  in  the  world  for  the  successful  growth  of  fruits,  and 
that  it  is  simply  American  genius  which  overcomes  these  difluculties, 
and  thus  gives  them  the  command  of  the  world’s  markets.  But  it  is  in 
the  Far  West,  and  especially  along  the  Pacific  slope,  where  thousands 
of  acres  are  devoted  to  fruit  culture,  and  the  fruit  industries  are  among 
the  most  profitable  of  the  States’  revenues,  that  this  adaptation  of  art 
to  overcome  Nature  is  more  apparent  perhaps  than  in  the  Eastern  States. 
Sometimes  we  see  praise  given  to  the  systems  of  education  in  effect  in 
the  Old  World  as  compared  with  that  popular  in  America  ;  but  if  the 
proof  of  the  pudding  is  in  the  eating,  American  education  seems  to  have 
decidedly  the  advantage. 

-  The  Antwerp  Exhibition.  —  Arrangements  are  now  in 

progress  for  the  adequate  representation  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland 
at  the  forthcoming  International  Exhibition  at  Antwerp,  which  is  to  be 
opened  in  May  next,  and  of  which  the  King  of  the  Belgians  is  the 
patron,  and  the  Count  of  Flanders  the  President.  The  Exhibition 
includes  industrial,  scientific,  and  artistic  productions,  maritime, 
colonial,  and  African  sections  ;  and  shows  of  agricultural  products, 
flowers,  and  fruit.  The  site  of  the  Exhibition  is  a  plot  of  land  of 
200  acres,  near  the  river  Scheldt,  and  connected  with  all  the  principal 
railways,  and  the  main  buildings  cover  120,000  square  yards.  The 
Governor  of  Antwerp  is  the  President  of  the  Executive  Committee,  and 
the  Belgian  Government  has  appointed  a  Commissary-General.  The 
British  Government  has  authorised  Mr.  De  Courcy  Perry,  Her  Majesty’s 
Consul-General  in  Belgium,  to  act  as  Commissioner-General  for  Great 
Britain,  and  he  has  nominated  as  the  Antwerp  Committee  the  Lord 
Mayor,  Sir  Frederic  Leighton,  P.R.A.,  Alderman  Sir  David  Evans, 
Sir  George  Birdwood,  Mr.  Kennedy,  C.B.,  Colonel  North,  Mr.  Walter 
H.  Harris,  Mr.  A.  Agelasto,  Mr.  James  Dredge,  Mr.  John  Morgan,  and 
others.  The  scheme  has  received  the  warm  approval  of  the  London 
Chamber  of  Commerce  and  the  Associated  Chambers,  and  a  programme 
indicating  their  co-operation  will  shortly  be  issued.  Meanwhile 
information  will  be  supplied  in  London  by  the  Chamber  of  Commerce, 
and  in  Antwerp  by  the  British  Consul-General.  To  co-operate  with 
the  Chamber  of  Commerce  an  important  Committee  has  been  formed 
by  M.  Rogier,  Belgian  Vice-Consul  in  London.  Many  of  the  exhibitors 
at  Chicago  are  sending  their  goods  direct  to  Antwerp. 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


535 


OSTROWSKIA  MAGNIFICA. 

In  a  note  on  Ostrowskia  magnifica,  which  appeared  in  the  Journal 
of  September  28th  (page  282),  I  referred  to  the  difficulty  of  preierving 


Mr.  J.  N.  Gerard,  of  Elizabeth,  New  Jersey,  U.S.A.,  the  writer  of  the 
article,  very  kindly  Bent  me  a  copy  of  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  which  was 
followed  by  a  letter  giving  further  information.  In  the  meantime  I  had 
been  in  communication  with  the  Kev.  H.  Kwbank,  who  is  not  easily 


Fig.  77.— OSTROWSKIA  MAGNIFICA. 


and  flowering  this  plant,  and  asked  for  information  regarding  it.  On 
page  355  an  extract  from  the  American  “Garden  and  Forest”  was 
published,  giving  the  experience  of  a  correspondent  of  that  journal  in 
its  cultivation,  in  which  he  had  been  successful.  Shortly  afterwards 


baffled  in  the  culture  of  hardy  flowers,  and,  as  I  expected,  speciah treat¬ 
ment  is  required  in  order  to  grow  and  jflower  this  undoubtedly  fire 
plant. 

Mr.  Ewbank  says  it  should  be  dried  off  in  the  summer  in  situ.  He 


636 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893, 


does  it  by  placing  a  piece  of  glass  over  it  after  flowering,  and  it 
appears  that  Herr  Max  Leichtlin  says  that  it  requires  this  treatment. 
The  experience  of  Mr.  Gerard  also  points  to  the  necessity  of  a  period  of 
rest  in  summer.  His  plant  is  grown  in  an  Oncocyclus  Iris  bed,  a  raised 
border  against  the  south  wall  of  the  dwelling  house,  where  plants  can 
be  kept  perfectly  dry  from  time  of  ripening  until  well  into  August. 
There  (New  Jersey)  the  Ostrowskia  does  not  start  into  growth  until  well 
into  April,  and  hard  frosts  are  not  experienced  after  the  first  week  in 
that  month. 

This  information  would  point  to  a  bed  devoted  to  Oncocyclus  Irises 
being  one  of  the  most  suitable  positions  for  the  Ostrowskia,  these  Irises 
also  requiring  a  period  of  perfect  rest.  The  early  starting  into  growth 
of  the  Ostrowskia,  which  in  this  neighbourhood  we  also  experience 
with  the  Bremuri  is  not  so  easily  remedied,  and  I  fear  for  this  we  shall 
have  to  protect  for  a  little  while  in  the  early  spring.  It  still  remains  to 
be  seen  whether  our  cooler  summers  in  the  north  will  give  sufficient 
heat  to  ripen  this  plant.  The  summer  heat  at  Baden  Baden,  New 
Jersey,  and  Ryde  must  be  considerably  greater  and  more  prolonged  than 
we  can  expect  further  north,  but  we  must  make  another  attempt  to 
attain  success  with  an  uncommon  flower. — S.  Arnott,  Dumfries. 

[This  plant,  flowers  of  which  are  depicted  in  the  illustration  (fig.  77), 
was  exhibited  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery, 
Chelsea,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  in  July,  1888, 
when  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  for  it.  It  is  stated  that  Messrs. 
Veitch  &  Sons  first  flowered  Ostrowskia  magnifica  in  this  country.] 


THE  RASPBERRY  MOTH  (LAMPRONIA  RUBIELLA). 

The  small  red  caterpillars  of  this  moth  are  most  destructive  to 
Raspberry  canes.  The  culture  of  Raspberries  has  enormously  increased, 
as  they  have  proved  in  some  seasons  to  be  a  most  profitable  crop  ;  their 
enemy,  the  Raspberry  Moth,  has  multiplied  in  a  proportionate  degree. 
The  production  of  this  valuable  fruit  has  been  much  decreased  by  its 
action  in  some  seasons,  and  it  has  been  consequently  considerably  dearer 
than  other  fruit.  Currants,  Strawberries,  and  Cherries,  for  instance,  as 
seen  by  the  higher  prices  charged  for  Raspberry  jam  when  the  insect 
has  been  troublesome.  On  many  fruit  farms  the  crop  has  been  reduced 
from  one-third  to  half  in  consequence  of  the  attack  of  this  insect.  Fruit 
farms  in  Kent  and  other  counties  have  been  visited  in  the  spring,  upon 
which  at  least  half  of  the  buds  of  the  Raspberry  canes  had  been 
destroyed.  In  some  of  the  buds  the  caterpillars  were  still  actively 
working,  in  some  they  had  changed  into  pupae.  This  is  frequently  the 
condition  of  many  Raspberry  plantations  in  England  and  Scotland. 
Much  mischief  is  often  occasioned  also  in  gardens  and  allotments  where 
patches  of  Raspberry  canes  are  cultivated. 

Upon  close  examination  of  the  attacked  Raspberry  canes,  it  will  be 
seen  that  the  soft  juicy  part  at  the  base  of  the  buds  has  been  eaten 
away,  so  as  to  kill  the  buds  and  prevent  their  foliage  and  blossoms  from 
being  put  forth.  There  is  also  a  hole  in  the  cane  at  the  base  of  the  buds, 
in  which  the  pupa  will  be  found  ensconced. 

Debceiption  of  the  Moth. 

The  Larapronia  rubiella,  or  Raspberry  Moth,  belongs  to  the  family 
Tineidae,  of  the  group  Tineina.  It  is  a  most  beautiful  moth,  of  a  light 
brown  colour,  with  a  series  of  spots  like  burnished  gold  upon  its  fore 
wings.  The  hinder  wings  are  slightly  lighter  in  colour,  with  light 
fringes.  It  is  barely  half  an  inch  across  its  wings,  and  its  body  is  only 
about  the  fourth  of  an  inch  in  length.  It  may  be  seen  towards  the 
end  of  May,  or  the  first  week  of  June,  flying  round  the  Raspberry 
canes. 

Life  History. 

The  moth  places  her  eggs  upon  the  flowers  of  the  Raspberry  canes  at 
the  end  of  May,  or  in  the  beginning  of  June.  After  five  or  six  days 
the  caterpillar  may  be  found  in  the  raised  white  receptacle  upon  which 
the  fruit,  or  more  correctly  the  collection  of  little  fruits  composing 
the  Raspberry,  is  formed.  The  caterpillar  does  not  appear  to  injure  the 
fruit,  nor,  indeed,  to  feed  at  all  at  this  time.  Mr.  Stainton,  in  his 
“  Manual  of  Butterflies  and  Moths,”  says  that  the  caterpillar  hiber¬ 
nates  without  feeding.  When  it  is  fully  grown  the  caterpillar  makes 
its  way  out  of  the  receptacle,  either  by  crawling  or  by  letting  itself 
■down  by  silken  cords  to  the  earth  beneath  the  canes,  and  passes 
the  winter  in  a  case,  or  kind  of  cocoon.  It  emerges  from  this  state 
of  hibernation  on  the  first  approach  of  spring,  and  crawls  up  the  Rasp¬ 
berry  eanes,  and  getting  to  the  buds,  worms  itself  into  these  at  their 
bases,  and  makes  up  for  long  autumn  and  winter  months  of  fasting  by 
feeding  upon  them.  In  1892  caterpillars  were  first  found  in  Raspberry 
buds  on  April  10th.  Dr.  Chapman  states  that  the  caterpillar  leaves 
the  hibernating  cocoon  in  March,  early  or  late,  according  to  the  season. 

When  the  time  arrives  for  pupation,  the  caterpillar  scoops  out  a  hole 
in  the  pith  of  the  canes,  just  below  the  bases  of  the  buds,  in  which  it 
turns  to  a  chrysalis. 

From  a  quantity  of  pieces  of  Raspberry  canes,  whose  buds  were  badly 
infested  with  caterpillars,  sent  on  the  8th  of  May,  and  kept  in  a  glass 
case,  moths  came  forth  on  the  9th  of  June.  That  there  might  be  no 


possible  doubt  as  to  their  identity,  some  were  sent  to  Mr.  Stainton,  who 
pronounced  them  to  be  Lampronia  rubiella. 

The  larva  is  close  upon  a  quarter  of  an  inch  long,  decidedly  pink  in 
colour  for  the  most  part,  though  the  shade  of  colour  varies  somewhat  in 
individuals,  and  becomes  more  red  in  most  larvae  as  they  get  older.  The 
head  is  black.  There  is  a  patch  of  black  on  the  first  segment.  It  has 
three  pairs  of  black  feet  on  the  thoracic  segments.  The  pro-legs  number 
four  pairs,  and  there  is  a  pair  of  anal  feet. 

The  pupa  is  exactly  the  fourth  of  an  inch  long,  tapering  somewhat 
unusually,  and  has  a  curious  spine  upon  the  back  on  the  last  segment. 

Methods  of  Prevbntiok  and  Remedies. 

The  caterpillars  are  just  under  the  surface  of  the  ground,  around  and 
among  the  stocks  of  the  Raspberry  canes.  As  it  has  been  shown,  they 
remain  there  from  about  midsummer  until  March.  Therefore,  forking 
the  ground  round  and  between  the  stocks  deeply  with  a  pronged  fork, 
or  even  hoeing  it  with  a  three-toothed  hoe  would  destroy  some  and  bury 
others  so  deeply  that  they  could  not  get  forth. 

Dr.  Chapman  has  suggested  the  following  practical  method  of 
prevention :  “  The  caterpillars  are  in  the  crown  of  the  stock,  or 

near  it,  and  under  rubbish  there  collected.  Rake  this  away,  and 
earth  the  stock  up  again,  and  you  will  thus  bury  them,  and  most  will 
perish.” 

Soot,  lime  ashes,  or  soot  and  lime  mixed,  which  form  a  pungent 
compound,  might  be  forked  or  hoed  into  the  ground  in  the  autumn  or 
winter. 

Raspberry  canes  in  field  culture  are  nearly  all  cut  away,  so  that  there 
are  but  few  canes  or  stems  left.  It  would  be  easy,  therefore,  to  put  a 
little  thick  softsoap  composition  containing  paraffin  oil,  or  carbolic  acid, 
or  some  other  offensive  stuff,  with  a  large  paint  brush,  upon  the  lower 
part  of  each  cane  that  is  left,  in  order  to  prevent  the  caterpillars  from 
crawling  up.  They  are  very  small,  and  the  least  obstruction  of  a 
disagreeable  nature,  it  is  believed,  would  stop  their  progress. 

Cutting  off  and  burning  the  infested  stems  while  the  caterpillars  are 
in  the  buds  or  receptacles,  between  April  and  the  middle  of  June,  would 
destroy  many  caterpillars.  This  may  be  very  freely  done,  as  Raspberry 
canes  throw  up  plenty  of  shoots  to  take  the  place  of  those  cut  away.— 
{Board  of  Agriculture.') 


FLORAL  NOMENCLATURE. 

Respecting  scientific  names  (page  495),  if  young  men  during  the 
probation  of  bothy  life  embraced  those  golden  opportunities  seldom 
recurring  afterwards  by  a  little  steady  and  continuous  application  of 
spare  time  to  self  culture  we  should  not  hear  so  much  of  bad  spelling. 
Many  do,  I  know,  but  there  are  very  many  more  who  do  not,  who 
would  not  think  of  going  into  the  field  of  knowledge  after  the  day’s 
work  in  the  houses  or  garden  is  over,  and  there  delve  a  little  for  them¬ 
selves  by  digging  up  a  few  of  those  dry  old  Latin  roots.  To  those  who 
do,  how  they  bud  forth  into  leaves  and  flowers  ;  concealed  under  those 
hard  names,  what  a  hitherto  hidden  world  is  revealed  to  him.  It  may 
have  to  be  done  under  difficulties.  I  have  experienced  some  in  settling 
myself  in  the  corner  of  a  small  bothy  kitchen  of  a  winter's  night  with 
four  playing  with  cards  on  the  table,  and  one  solitary  candle 
between  us.  I  know  the  fifth  part  of  that  luminary  seemed  very  small 
to  me,  but 

“  He  who  hopes  th’  Olympic  prize  to  gain. 

All  arts  must  try  and  every  toil  sustain.” 

Relative  to  the  names  of  florists’  flowers,  could  not  some  protection 
be  given  by  special  societies  ?  For  instance,  could  not  the  National 
Rose  Society  persuade  the  raiser  of,  say.  Souvenir  de  Mons.  Andre 
Leroy  d' Angers  that  his  Rose  by  any  other  name  would  smell  as  sweet  ? 
or  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  that  L’Bnfant  des  Deux 
Mondes  would  not  suffer  if  deprived  of  its  two  worlds,  or,  vice  versa, 
the  two  worlds  might  do  without  the  child?  These  are stumblingblocks 
that  trip  up  old  gardeners  as  well  as  young  ones,  and  those  who  will 
persist  in  so  baptising  their  progeny  must  not  only  expect  liberties 
taken  with  them,  nor  be  surprised  if  they  get  so  mutilated  that  they  fail 
to  recognise  their  own  children. — E.  K. 


THE  POLLINATION  OF  PEARS. 

I  AM,  as  must  be  many  of  your  readers,  much  indebted  to  Mr.  Abbey 
for  his  suggestive  article  (page  606)  on  the  “  Pollination  of  Pears.”  The 
subject  appears  to  have  been  neglected  in  this  country,  while  it  has  been 
forced  upon  the  attention  of  Americans  by  their  custom  of  planting 
large  areas  with  single  varieUes.  This  has  enabled  them  to  discover 
that  certain  varieties  under  such  circumstances  do  not  become  fertilised, 
although  the  same  varieties  elsewhere  are  well  known  to  be  fertile. 

It  is  difficult  for  an  amateur  to  derive  from  a  mixed  collection,  where 
many  varieties  are  grown  together,  much  experience  as  to  the  matter  at 
issue  ;  yet  I  venture  to  give  some  little,  not  because  of  its  value,  but 
that  it  may  induce  others  to  give  us  the  benefit  of  theirs,  as  I  believe 
the  subject  is  well  worthy  of  discussion.  To  take  some  of  the  Pears 
mentioned  by  Mr.  Abbey :  Beurr6  Giffard,  an  excellent  Pear  and 
valuable  for  its  season,  although  perfectly  healthy,  very  rarely  sets  its 
fruit  with  me,  while  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  or  the  Bartlett,  as  invari¬ 
ably  bears  a  large  and  regular  crop  ;  Beurr6  Clairgeau,  quoted  as 
imperfectly  staminate,  is  retained  in  my  collection  solely  for  its 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


637 


beauty,  when  annually  loaded  with  its  handsome  fruit  ;  it  is  never 
eaten  here. 

I  fully  agree  with  Mr,  Abbey  that  Comte  de  Lamy  is  the  best  of  all 
Pears.  It  has  every  merit  that  a  Pear  should  possess,  not  excepting 
size,  which  is  most  convenient  for  biting.  Every  Pear  to  be  enjoyed 
perfectly  should  be  bitten,  large  juicy  Pears  cannot  be  so  eaten 
comfortably.  Jersey  Gratioli  with  me  sets  its  fruit  regularly  and  so 
abundantly  that  it  has  no  energy  left  to  make  young  wood  ;  there  is  no 
Pear  more  refreshing.  The  fertility  of  fruit  trees  depends  on  the 
perfect  development  of  the  blossom,  and  this  may  vary  with  soil, 
situation,  or  climate.  Therefore  it  is  not  difficult  to  understand  that  a 
variety,  which  in  some  circumstances  doss  not  develop  its  anthers,  may, 
under  other  conditions,  perfect  them,  and  so  some  of  the  discrepancies 
referred  to  in  Mr,  Abbey’s  article  may  be  explained. 

Mr.  Abbey  teaches  the  lesson  to  make  an  accurate  record  of  the 
dates  of  the  blossoming  of  the  Pear,  and  at  the  same  time  to  note  down 
carefully  the  condition  of  the  fertilising  organs  ;  and  if  it  be  found  in  a 
tree  otherwise  healthy,  but  unfruitful,  that  the  anthers  are  imperfect 
and  deficient  in  pollen,  to  plant  in  the  neighbourhood  of  that  tree  a 
variety  which  produces  pollen  in  abundance,  and  in  the  meantime,  until 
the  latter  is  in  a  condition  to  assist  the  tree  deficient  in  pollen,  to  try 
the  experiment  of  fertilising  it  by  artificial  means  with  foreign  pollen. — 
E.  Tonks,  Knoiole,  Birmingham. 


Me,  Molyneux  in  Ieelaxd. 

I  AM  grateful  to  Mr.  Molyneux  for  the  kind  expressions  (page  516) 
in  his  courteous  letter  on  Ireland,  and  considerably  soothed  besides.  He 
has,  figuratively,  taken  the  shillelagh  out  of  my  hand.  Being  behind 
the  scenes  whilst  he  was  on  the  stage  that  exciting  day  in  Dalkey,  I  was 
privileged  and  pleased  to  hear  the  vox  goojnili  unanimously  vote  him 
“  A  jolly  good  fellow.”  That  is  a  fact,  and  not  blarney  from — Paddy, 

Incueved  Japanese  Cheysanthemums. 

Eelative  to  the  article  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture, 'Novemhev 
30th,  page  497,  as  I  was  the  winner  of  the  first  prize  at  Reading  alluded 
to  by  “  Beginner,”  I  must  say  neither  Gaspard  Eozain,  nor  Mdlle.  Marie 
Hoste  were  exhibited  in  my  stand.  I  should  not  think  of  putting  either 
in  as  an  incurved  Japanese.  Perhaps  it  would  be  as  well  for  “  Beginner  ” 
to  be  sure  before  he  states  anything  in  print.  If  necessary  I  can  give 
the  names  of  all  blooms  exhibited  in  my  stand. — G.  Lane,  Highfield, 
Englejield  Green. 

Cheysanthemdm  Floeence  Caee. 

I  see  a  “  Grower  ”  (page  515)  is  inquiring  where  Florence  Carr  can 
be  obtained.  It  may  interest  your  readers  to  know  that  I  have  secured 
the  stock,  and  the  variety,  with  others,  is  being  advertised. — W.  Wells. 

Cheysanthemum  Eobeet  Petfield. 

Me.  R.  Owen  writes,  “An  error  has  crept  into  your  notes  (page  514) 
regarding  the  parentage  of  this  incurved  Chrysanthemum.  It  is  not  a 
sport,  but  a  seedling  from  Princess  of  Wales  of  my  own  raising.”  In 
justice  to  Mr.  Owen,  who  is  to  be  complimented  upon  the  introduction 
of  such  a  sterling  novelty,  I  hasten  to  make  the  correction. — 
E.  Molyneux. 

Cheysanthemums  at  Philadelphia,  U.S  A. 

At  this  Show,  the  first  prize  for  six  new  varieties  never  before 
exhibited  was  awarded  to  my  old  friend,  Mr.  H.  B.  Surman,  of  German¬ 
town.  The  same  grower  was  also  awarded  a  silver  medal  for  Mrs.  W.  A. 
Reed,  an  orange-yellow  Japanese  of  the  Golden  Ball  type,  and  a 
certificate  of  merit  for  another  new  seedling  named  Dr.  Herbert  M. 
Howe.  The  flowers  of  this  variety  are  of  fine  “  Blkhorn  ”  form  and 
good  pink  colour.  Mr.  Surman  is  well  known  as  the  raiser  of  many 
of  the  best  American  varieties. — Chas,  Lawton,  The  Gardens,  Welton 
House,  Hast  Yorkshire. 

Cheysanthemum  Chas.  Davis, 

By  altering  a  phrase  and  passing  it  ofE  as  a  quotation  “Querist” 
(page  497)  now  limits  his  grievance  to  the  statement  that  the  unsuc¬ 
cessful  blooms  were  “perfect  in  shape,  fresh,  and  equal  in  size”  to 
those  that  secured  the  award.  It  is  precisely  here  where  we  differ. 
The  winning  blooms  were  not  faded  ;  they  were  only  paler  in  colour, 
and  so  far  as  size  is  concerned  they  were  much  larger  blooms  altogether 
than  those  which  appear  to  have  captivated  the  eye  of  “  Querist.” 

As  to  point  judging  at  the  Floral  Committee,  I  am  not  aware  that 
such  a  system  is  supposed  to  prevail  there  at  all.  Their  only  rule  is 
that  when  more  than  one  exhibit  of  the  same  variety  is  staged  the 
award  shall  be  to  the  one  in  the  best  condition.  What  “  best  condition  ” 
means  is  for  them,  or  the  majority  of  them,  to  decide.  As  I  have  said 
before,  the  Committee  certificate  the  variety,  not  any  particular  tone  of 
colour  the  flower  may  assume.  Of  course,  “Querist’s”  individual 
opinion  may  differ,  but  when  well-known  exhibition  flowers  are  staged 
for  certificates  size  must  tell,  and  evidently  did  so  in  this  case. — P. 


Cheysanthemum  Mdlle.  Theeese  Rey. 

I  AM  pleased  to  find  Mr.  Molyneux  (page  514)  places  this  beautiful 
new  white  Japanese  in  the  foremost  place  of  novelties.  It  seems  to  me 
to  be  amongst  white  what  E.  Molyneux  is  amongst  dark  varieties.  It  is  a 
distinct  departure  from  the  too  common  forms  in  whites,  either  dense 
petalled  reflexed  of  the  Avalanche  style,  or  else  incurved  like  Stanstead 
White.  Mdlle.  Th^rese  Rey  was  one  of  the  very  best  shown  at  the 
Royal  Aquarium  last  week.  It  keeps  its  true  character  to  the  last,  and 
does  not,  as  some  others  do,  vary  its  proper  form  with  age.  The  florets 
are  broad,  flat,  and  very  pure,  but  are  not  too  long,  as  is  the  case  with 
so  many  varieties.  With  so  very  many  new  Japs  showing  incurved 
form,  and  Robert  Owen  is  the  best  of  that  strain  yet,  it  is  rather 
refreshing  to  find  such  a  delightful  variety  in  the  white  Mdlle  Th^r^se 
Rey,  that  is  so  very  “  Japanese  ”  in  character. — D. 

The  N.C.S.  and  its  Ceetificates. 

Because  I  referred  to  the  fact  that  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
sometimes  sit  in  a  bad  light  “  A  Mummer  ”  (page  497)  jumps  to  the 
conclusion  that  I  am  trying  to  argue  that  they  always  do  so.  One  thing 
is  certain,  whether  they  meet  an  hour  earlier  than  the  National  Chrys¬ 
anthemum  Society  or  not,  that  it  must  have  been  very  bad  on 
November  14th,  when  your  reporter  says  it  was  impossible  to  see  the 
true  colours  of  the  flowers.  I  should  like  to  know  where  fair  daylight 
can  be  depended  on  in  London  during  November,  and  all  I  intended  to 
point  out  was  that  the  N.C.S.  is  not  the  only  Society  that  suffers  from 
what  none  of  us  can  help. 

“A  Mummer”  finds  the  R.H.S.  more  lavish  than  the  N.C.S.  in 
the  matter  of  certificates,  and  hopes  the  latter  will  not  follow  suit.  I 
fail  to  see  why.  The  one  is  not  essentially  a  Chrysanthemum  Society, 
the  other  is.  The  novelties  exhibited  at  the  N.C.S.  must  be  far  more 
numerous  than  those  staged  at  the  Drill  Hall,  and  what  would  be  more 
feasible  than  to  find  the  National  awarding  a  larger  number  of  certifi¬ 
cates?  If  they  do  not  do  so,  and  “A  Mummer”  seems  to  know,  it  only 
shows  what  I  have  already  stated,  that  a  very  rigid  system  of  selection 
is  carried  out  by  the  N.C.S.,  and  that  the  standard  now  required  is  a 
very  high  one. — P. 

National  Cheysanthemum  Society. 

Theee  was  a  meeting  of  the  General  Committee  of  the  above  Society 
on  Monday  last  at  Anderton’s  Hotel,  Mr.  R.  Ballantine  occupying  the 
chair.  After  reading  the  minutes  of  the  previous  meeting  the  Chairman 
mentioned  that  there  was  only  one  matter  arising  out  of  them,  and  it 
referred  to  the  suggestion  of  holding  the  Society’s  Show  elsewhere  than 
at  the  Aquarium.  He  had  visited  two  places  suggested,  but  they  were 
quite  unsuitable,  not  only  in  regard  to  size  but  also  in  the  price  required. 
He  would  be  pleased  to  inspect  any  building  that  members  thought 
appropriate,  but  he  felt  that  no  terms  equal  to  those  offered  by  the 
Aquarium  Co.  could  be  obtained,  and  that  the  Society  was  not  in  a 
position  to  hold  its  shows  entirely  on  its  own  account. 

The  awards  of  the  Arbitration  Committee  at  the  December  Show 
were  then  confirmed,  consisting  of  a  gold  medal  to  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones, 
silver-gilt  medals  to  Mr.  W.  Wells,  Mr.  R.  Owen,  Mr.  Henry  Perkins  ; 
and  silver  medals  to  Messrs.  Chard,  N.  Davis,  E.  Stevens,  Rowbottom, 
Waite,  Witty,  and  Cannell  &  Sons  for  exhibits  of  Chrysanthemums,  and 
other  flowers.  The  Secretary  presented  the  interim  report  of  the  Schedule 
Sub-Committee,  from  which  it  was  gathered  that  arrangements  have 
been  concluded  with  the  Aquarium  Co.  to  hold  exhibitions  in  1894  in 
October,  November,  and  December,  and  that  the  Society  will  receive 
£300  towards  the  prize  money.  The  dates  fixed  are  as  follows  : — 
10th,  11th,  and  12th  October;  6th,  7th,  and  8th  November  ;  and  4th,  5th, 
and  6th  December. 

The  financial  statement  showed  receipts  to  the  amount  of  £650,  and 
the  reserve  fund  has  been  increased  to  upwards  of  £50.  Thirteen  new 
members  were  elected.  The  paper  by  Mr.  C.  B.  Shea  on  judging  was 
then  read  by  the  Secretary  in  the  absence  of  the  author.  It  was  a 
lengthy  but  interesting  review  of  the  present  system,  and  contained 
suggestions  for  a  new  method  to  be  authoritatively  set  up  by  the  N.C.S. 
This  paper  will  appear  in  the  schedule  for  the  ensuing  year. 

New  Cheysanthemums. 

{Concluded  from  page  514.) 

Van  den  Heede. — The  colour  of  this  is  peculiar,  being  that  of  cherry 
wood,  the  reverse  buff  lake.  The  florets  are  perhaps  a  trifle  short,  the 
flower  is  exceptionally  full  and  solid. 

Le  Verseau. — When  developed  from  what  is  known  as  late  crown 
buds  this  may  be  termed  a  refined  Etoile  de  Lyon.  The  florets  much 
resemble  that  variety  in  formation,  while  they  form  a  full  solid  flower, 
in  every  respect  possessing  much  quality  ;  in  colour  rosy  lilac,  the  tip 
of  each  floret  is  white  when  expanding. 

Thomas  Wilkins. — This  resembles  Mrs.  F.  Jameson  in  form,  the 
florets  are  however  longer,  the  flower  full  and  solid.  In  colour  it  is 
golden  bronze — a  promising  variety. 

James  Mgers. — This  is  an  English  raised  seedling.  In  form  it 
reminds  one  of  Flamme  de  Punch.  The  colour  is  rose. 

Rose  Wynne. — Incurving  florets  of  extra  width,  blush,  heavily 
veined  with  rose  pink.  A  large  loosely  formed  flower. 

Madame  R.  M.  JZieowfZ.— Narrow  flat  florets,  rose  lilac,  tipped  white,  a 
full  solid  bloom  ;  most  promising. 

Golden  Wedding. — Although  yellow  flowers  are  tolerably  plentiful 
in  this  section,  there  is  room  for  more  when  they  possess  the  sterling 
quality  of  this  American  raised  variety.  Rich  orange  yellow  is  the 
shade  of  this.  The  florets  are  narrow  at  the  base,  widening  towards  their 
extremity  and  incurving  at  the  points. 


538 


JOURi'TAL  OF  HORTIGU'LTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893. 


International. — This  is  a  giant  in  size,  even  moderately  well  grown 
blooms  measuring  8  inches  in  diameter.  The  florets  are  flat  and  broad, 
with  a  semi-drooping  character ;  lilac  in  colour,  with  rich  purple 
stripes. 

Miss  Muriel  Scott. — The  lower  florets  are  golden  bronze,  the  centre 
pale  yellow.  A  full  and  pleasing  variety. 

C.  Vere  Flood. — The  result  of  a  cross  between  Mrs.  F.  Jameson  and 
Puritan,  and  retains  some  of  the  character  of  both.  In  form  the  florets 
partake  of  the  former.  The  colour  is  deep  purple  rose,  mottled  white  in 
the  centre. 

IJiomas  Hewitt. — This  variety  is  deserving  of  notice  on  account  of 
its  great  keeping  property.  The  florets  are  broad,  and  incurve  thoroughly, 
giving  it  a  massive  appearance.  The  colour  is  white,  flushed  and  striped 
with  rose. 

Mrs.  J.  Ilammill. — Like  the  foregoing,  this  belongs  to  the  incurved 
section.  The  florets,  too,  are  of  massive  proportion.  In  colour  they  are 
creamy  white,  suffused  with  rose. 

Pearl  Beauty. — An  American  seedling,  raised  in  1892.  The  florets 
are  ivory  white  and  heavy  in  appearance,  belonging  also  to  the  incurved 
section. 

Madame  AdoljAius  Chatin. — As  an  incurved  Japanese,  this  should 
prove  valuable  to  the  exhibitor.  The  florets  are  broad  and  pure  white  ; 
with  age  they  become  tinged  with  pink,  adding  to  their  appearance. 

Middleton  Clarhe. — This  variety  has  reflexed  florets,  rose  crimson  in 
colour ;  promising. 

Sautel,  1^^^- — Sautel  adding  the  year  of  introduction  to  its  name 
must  have  thought  highly  of  it.  The  florets  resemble  those  of  Comte 
de  Germiny  in  formation.  The  colour  is  lilac  on  the  reverse,  rose 
inside. 

Silver  Cloud. — An  American  raised  variety,  quite  unique  in  point  of 
colouring,  which  reminds  one  of  the  outer  covering  of  a  pale  coloured 
Mushroom,  the  florets  are  broad,  and  remind  one  of  late  flowers  of 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste  in  their  form. 

Niveum. — Dwarf  in  habit  of  growth,  the  florets  are  strap  shaped, 
pure  white,  and  full  flower. 

Madame  Isaac. — This  is  also  pure  white,  the  flat  sword-like  florets 
are  numerously  disposed,  making  a  full  solid  bloom,  quite  promising. 

H.  Hammond  Spencer. — Named  by  Mr.  Jones  after  the  Devonshire 
exhibitor.  It  is  a  full  flowered  rose  lilac  bloom. 

Dule  of  York. — The  plant  is  of  dwarf  growth,  carrying  very  large 
blossoms  ;  the  colour,  magenta,  is  showy,  suffused  with  silver.  The 
points  of  the  flat  florets  incurve,  giving  the  bloom  much  character. 

Le  Prince  du  Bois. — This  was  raised  and  exhibited  by  Mr.  C.  Gibson, 
which  is  a  guarantee  of  its  worth.  The  colour  is  pleasing,  rich  yellow, 
fading  to  a  lighter  shade  with  age.  The  florets  are  narrow,  twist 
slightly  at  the  points,  ani  have  a  semi-drooping  tendency. 

Miss  Alice  Wilson. — An  improved  Stanstead  Surprise,  the  colour 
being  richer,  while  the  blooms  have  more  substance  ;  a  decided  gain. 

Kentish  Yellow. — Perhaps  the  best  of  yellows,  the  florets  have  an 
inclination  to  incurve.  It  is  devoid  of  anything  approaching  coarseness, 
the  rich  colour  is  decidedly  pleasing. 

Professor  Whitmach. — We  have  not  too  many  varieties  of  this 
colour — rose  magenta,  therefore  this  should  become  popular  with 
exhibitors.  The  reverse  is  silver,  which  is  plainly  seen  until  the  blooms 
are  fully  expanded,  as  they  at  first  incurve.  The  blooms  are  not  extra 
large,  but  possess  quality. 

Primrose  League. — This  provides  the  exhibitor  with  blooms  for  the 
back  row,  they  being  extra  large.  The  colour  is  creamy  white,  primrose 
centre,  as  the  florets  develop. 

Lizzie  Cartledge. — Bright  rose  pink,  reverse  silvery  white,  late  crown 
buds  develop  blooms  with  even  flat  florets,  a  trifle  pointed,  the  whole 
possessing  much  merit. 

Br.  Brigham. — The  blooms  of  this  American  variety  resemble 
Avalanche  in  form,  except  that  it  is  not  quite  so  compact.  The  colour 
is  creamy  white,  with  a  blush  suffusion  at  the  base.  As  an  early 
flowering  variety  it  deserves  a  place  in  collections. 

Joan  Farwell. — Rich  crimson,  very  bright,  reverse  gold,  the  florets 
narrow  and  serrated  at  the  points,  curling  slightly  also;  a  full,  solid 
bloom. 

C.  Shrimpton. — This  is  best  described  as  a  dull  coloured  E.  Molyneux. 
The  florets  resemble  those  of  this  variety  in  formation. 

T.  W.  Sanders. — The  flowers  are  delicate  yellow,  and  the  florets  are 
narrow.  It  is  not  extra  large,  but  perfect  in  all  other  respects. 

Alice  Seiuard. — Where  incurved  Japanese  varieties  are  favoured,  this 
English  seedling  is  well  worth  growing.  The  colour  of  the  stout  florets 
is  rosy  purple. 

Potter  Palmer. — This  variety  was  in  existence  last  season,  but  only 
in  the  hands  of  a  very  few  growers.  It  is  perhaps  the  purest  white  in 
existence  ;  the  florets  at  the  base  are  tubular,  those  in  the  middle  or 
body  of  the  flower  are  lance  shaped.  Fully  developed  blooms  measure 
8  inches  in  diameter,  and  of  corresponding  depth. 

Mrs.  Robert  Craig. — Another  of  American  origin  ;  the  blooms  are 
large,  pure  white,  incurved  Japanese. 

J.  Whittle. — Flesh  pink,  deeper  in  the  centre  as  the  flowers  expand  ; 
promising. 

Mrs.  A.  G.  Ramsay. — In  colour  this  is  Indian-red,  tipped  gold, 
which  passes  away  with  age  ;  a  full  promising  flower. 

Mrs.  Hillier. — The  florets  slightly  incurve  at  the  tips  ;  in  colour  it 
is  yellow  in  the  centre,  passing  to  primrose  at  the  edge. 

Principe  de  Trahia. — An  incurved  Japanese,  rosy  lilac  ;  promising. 

Robert  Owen. — The  best  of  all  the  incurved  Japanese  section  ;  the 
florets  fold  evenly  over,  forming  a  regular  ball  of  bronzy  yellow. 


Japanese  Anemone. 

Several  sterling  novelties  have  been  added  to  this  section  this  season, 
rendering  this  class  all  the  more  attractive. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh. — This  is  furnished  with  handsome  guard  florets, 
blush  white,  with  a  full  rose-coloured  disc. 

Queen  Elizabeth. — Lilac  pink  guard  florets,  with  deep  blush  disc. 

John  Runyan. — The  finest  introduction  in  this  section  for  years.  It 
is  best  described  as  having  a  Gluck  centre,  with  paler  coloured  long 
guard  florets. 

W.  W.  Astor. — High  rosy  yellow  disc,  tinted  blush  long  flat  guard 
florets.  The  above  four  varieties  were  raised  by  Mr.  Owen,  who  is  send¬ 
ing  them  out. 

Large  Anemones. 

Celtic, — Brassy  lilac,  full  centre,  short  guard  florets. 

Hibernius. — Bronze  disc,  pale  yellow  guard  florets. 

Singles. 

A  few  have  been  added  to  the  list  of  single-flowered  varieties,  of 
which  the  following  are  the  most  noteworthy  ;  — 

Pattie  Penford. — The  florets  are  of  medium  length,  semi-drooping, 
and  pure  white.  The  disc  is  high,  pale  green  in  colour. 

Dolly  Varden. — The  florets  are  rose  magenta  with  yellow  disc.  A 
remarkably  free  flowering  variety  of  dwarf  habit. 

Rev.  W.  E.  Remfrey. — Purple  amaranth,  florets  cup  shaped,  very 
showy. 

Alice. — Creamy  white,  shaded  blush,  long  flat  florets. 

Millie  Agate. — The  base  of  the  florets  white,  deepening  to  blush 
pink  at  the  edges  ;  good  form. 

Hirsute  Varieties. 

These  have  increased  so  rapidly  of  late  that  abundant  material  is 
available  now  to  form  a  separate  class. 

Hairy  Wonder. — This  is  being  sent  out  by  Mr.  Jones,  and  is  con¬ 
sidered  by  him  to  be  quite  one  of  the  best  in  this  section.  The  florets  are 
broad,  incurve  thoroughly,  and  are  more  thickly  covered  with  their 
hirsute  appendages  than  any  other  variety.  The  colour  is  buff,  suffused 
v/ith  chocolate. 

Wm.  Falconer. — A  sport  from  Louis  Boehmer.  In  colour  it  is  a 
blush  pink,  changing  to  lighter  shade. 

Queen  of  the  Ilirsutes. — Dull  red,  freely  incurved,  thickly  covered 
with  hairs. 

L' Enfant  dts  Deux  Mondes. — This  is  a  pure  white  sport  from  Louis 
Boehmer,  and  certainly  the  best  of  all  the  section. 

W.  A.  31anda. — Rich  orange  yellow;  points  of  florets  incurve  closely. 
The  body  of  the  flower,  though,  is  rather  thin. — E.  Molyneux. 


ROYAL  HORTICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

December  12th. 

The  last  meeting  for  the  current  year  was  held  at  the  Drill  Hall, 
James  Street,  Westminster,  S.W.,  on  the  above  date.  There  was  a  fair 
display.  Orchids  and  Chrysanthemums  being  well  represented.  Fruit 
was  also  shown  in  good  condition.  Being  the  concluding  meeting  for 
1893  votes  of  thanks  to  the  Chairmen  of  the  Committees  were 
unanimously  passed. 

Fruit  Committee. — Present:  Philip  Crowley,  Esq.  (in  the  chair), 
and  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  Dr.  Hogg,  with  Messrs.  H.  de  Vilmorin,  H.  J. 
Pearson,  G.  Bunyard,  G.  W.  Cummins,  J.  Cheal,  G.  Taber,  T.  J.  Salt- 
marsh,  W.  Warren,  A.  Dean,  W.  Bates,  A.  J.  Laing,  J.  Willard, 
G.  Wythes,  C.  Ross,  F.  Q.  Lane,  J.  Hudson,  H.  Balderson,  G.  Sage, 
A.  H.  Pearson,  J.  Smith,  and  J.  Wright — a  large  attendance,  as  is  usual 
at  the  last  meeting  of  the  year ;  also  as  is  usual  on  such  occasions,  the 
duties  of  the  Committee  were  somewhat  light. 

D.  C.  A.  Cave,  Esq.  (gardener,  Mr.  J.  H.  Stevens),  Sidbury  Manor, 
Sidmouth,  Devon,  sent  a  seedling  Orange,  Edith — beautifully  shaped, 
fruits  juicy,  and  delicious.  The  leaves  attached  to  the  fruits  somewhat 
resembled  those  of  Lemons.  The  tree  is  said  to  be  a  free  bearer,  and 
was  raised  from  seed  by  Mr.  Cave.  A  first-class  certificate  was 
unanimously  awarded. 

Mr.  Owen  Thomas,  The  Gardens,  Frogmore,  sent  a  dish  of  large  fruits 
of  ripe  Tomatoes,  Frogmore  Selected  ;  also  stems  bearing  fine  clusters. 
A  cultural  commendation  was  awarded,  and  a  desire  expressed  to  see 
samples  in  February. 

Messrs.  Lane  &  Sons,  Berkhamsted,  exhibited  seventy  dishes  of  well 
kept  Apples,  including  splendidly  coloured  specimens  of  Lane’s  Prince 
Albert.  A  silver  Knightian  medal  was  recommended.  Upwards  of 
thirty  dishes  of  excellent  Apples  from  Messrs.  John  Laing  &  Co., 
Forest  Hill,  were  marred  in  appearance  by  excessive  polishing  (bronze 
medal). 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons  sent  very  tall  Brussels  Sprouts  with 
compact  knobs,  also  bronze,  green,  and  beautifully  variegated  Kales,  and 
a  vote  of  thanks  was  accorded.  A  small  collection  of  vegetables  from 
the  Society’s  Gardens  at  Chiswick  included  specimens  of  the  ohristmas 
Drumhead  Cabbage;  heads  medium  size,  round  and  firm,  said  by  Mr. 
Barron  to  remain  in  the  same  condition  throughout  the  winter.  The 
plants  were  grown  from  seed  sown  presumably  in  May  or  early  June. 
The  variety  has  been  grown  at  Chiswick  for  seven  years  wi  thout 
sustaining  injury  by  frost.  It  is  of  French  origin,  and  the  leaves  dark 
green.  Mr.  Bunyard  grows  this  Cabbage,  and  values  it  highly  for  its 
hardiness  and  excellent  quality  in  winter.  An  award  of  merit  unani- 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


589 


mously  awarded.  Mr,  Osman  sent  a  new  form  of  Grape  scissors,  opening 
with  a  spring  ;  to  be  tried  with  other  forms  at  Chiswick, 

Before  rising  from  the  table  the  Chairman  thanked  the  Committee 
for  their  attendance  and  support  during  the  year.  Dr.  Hogg  returned 
the  compliment  by  proposing  a  vote  of  thanks  to  Mr.  Crowley  for  his 
ability  and  urbanity  as  Chairman.  This  was  passed  with  acclamation, 
and  the  last  of  the  year’s  series  of  pleasant  meetings  was  brought  to  a 
close. 

Floral  Committee. — Present  :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (in  the  chair)  ; 
Messrs.  J.  Laing,  R.  Owen,  H.  Herbst,  R.  Dean,  H.  B.  May,  C.  F.  Bause, 

G.  Stevens,  F.  Ross,  C.  Jefiries,  P.  Barr,  T.  W.  Girdlestone,  J.  D.  Pawle, 
W.  Furze,  W.  Bain,  T.  Godfrey,  T.  Baines,  C.  E.  Shea,  C.  Noble,  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe,  G.  Gordon,  Jas.  Walker,  G.  Paul,  and  the  Rev.  H.  H. 
D’Ombrain. 

Messrs,  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park  Nurseries,  Enfield,  staged 
a  handsome  collection  of  Cyclamens,  comprising  many  splendidly 
flowered  plants  (silver  Flora  medal).  A  beautiful  group  of  foliage  and 
flowering  plants  was  staged  by  Messrs.  J.  Laing  &  Son,  Forest  Hill. 
Prominent  amongst  the  plants  in  this  exhibit  were  Orchids,  Crotons, 
Palms,  Cyclamens,  and  Anthuriums  (silver  Flora  medal).  An  attractive 
feature  of  the  show  were  the  Nepenthes  shown  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  and 
Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea.  Particularly  noticeable  were 
N.Northiana,  Cbelsoni,  mixta,  cincta,  Amesiana (first-class  certificate ;  see 
below),  Burkei  excellens,  and  Morganise  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr. 

H.  B.  May,  Dyson’s  Lane  Nurseries,  Upper  Edmonton,  exhibited  a 
charming  collection  of  Ferns,  in  which  Lomaria  platyptera,  Pteris 
Victoria,  P.  tremula  Smithiana,  Platycerium  stemmaria  (sethiopica) 
first-class  certificate  ;  Nephrolepis  davallioides  furcans,  and  Polypodium 
nigrescens  were  the  most  striking  (silver  Flora  medal).  Mr.  Robert 
Owen,  Maidenhead,  showed  a  table  of  Chrysanthemums  in  excellent 
condition.  Amongst  the  best  were  Golden  Wedding,  Viviand  Morel, 
Abb6  Mendenhall,  Secretary  Farson,  Niveus,  Mdlle.  Th^r^se  Pankoucke  ; 
Mrs.  Marian  Bourne,  and  Good  Gracious  received  awards  of  merit,  and 
are  described  elsewhere  (silver  Flora  medal).  A  botanical  certificate 
was  accorded  to  Mr,  Bain,  gardener  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  for  a  plant 
of  Massonia  amygdalina  in  bloom.  Costus  igneus  was  also  staged  by 
the  same  exhibitor,  and  a  first-class  certificate  awarded  (see  below). 
Mr.  Bain  also  showed  a  basket  of  Primula  Forbesi  composed  of  profusely 
flowered  plants.  A  small  collection  of  Chrysanthemums  was  shown  by 
Mr.  W.  Wells,  Eailswood  Nurseries,  Red  Hill.  Mr.  J.  R.  Tranter, 
Henley-on-Thames,  staged  plants  of  Nicotiana  affinis  variegata. 

From  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  came  specimens  of  Manettia  bicolor, 
Brownea  Crawfordi  x ,  Bomarea  oligantha,  Senecio  macroglossus, 
Thunbergia  (Hexacentris)  Mysorensis,  Bomarea  patacoensis  and  Calpurnia 
aurea,  the  Natal  Laburnum  (a  vote  of  thanks  was  adjudged).  Specimens 
of  Veronica  Purple  Queen  were  staged  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons. 
Mr.  Balderson,  Hemel  Hempstead,  showed  fine  blooms  of  white  and  rose 
coloured  Primulas,  and  also  a  bunc’n  of  a  rich  deep  velvety  crimson 
variety,  which  has  a  clearly  defined  circle  round  the  eye  of  a  much 
deeper  shade.  It  is  a  grand  addition  to  these  popular  plants. 

Orchid  Committee. — Present :  H.  J,  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  chair) ; 
Dr.  Masters,  Messrs.  J.  O’Brien,  De  B.  Crawshay,  H.  M.  Pollett, 
H.  Ballantine,  C,  J.  Lucas,  T.  Statter,  E.  Hill,  J.  Douglas,  T.  B.  Hay¬ 
wood,  and  J.  Jaques. 

Messrs.  B.  S.  Williams  &  Son,  Upper  Holloway,  N.,  staged  a  good 
collection  of  Orchids,  comprising  Cypripediums,  Odontoglossums, 
Oncidiums,  and  a  few  Lselias.  The  group  had  a  background  of 
Palms,  and  Ferns  were  arranged  along  the  front,  the  whole  making 
an  effective  display  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Co., 
St.  Albans,  sent  a  small  group  of  choice  species  and  varieties. 
Amongst  these  were  the  beautiful  Lselia  anceps  Sanderiana,  L.  autum- 
nalis  alba,  Cypripediums  in  variety,  and  Zygopetalum  rostratum.  An 
award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  the  last-named  plant,  which  is 
described  elsewhere  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mons.  Jules  Hye  Lysen, 
Gand,  sent  a  plant  of  Cypripedium  fascinatum,  a  grand  form,  for 
which  a  first-class  certificate  was  awarded  (see  below).  C.  J.  Lucas, 
Esq.,  Warnham  Court,  sent  Cypripedium  Warnhamensis,  evidently  a 
free  flowering  hybrid  (award  of  merit).  E.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Wilmslow, 
Cheshire,  staged  Lselia  anceps  Amesiana  (figured  in  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture  last  week)  in  good  condition,  and  other  Orchids. 
W.  Wells,  Esq.,  Bloomfield,  Sale,  had  a  fine  spike  of  Cattleya 
exoniensis  which  attracted  notice.  Mons.  Linden,  Brussels,  had  a 
number  of  choice  Orchids,  including  Lycaste  Imschootiana  (award  of 
merit);  L.  Luciana  (botanical  certificate);  Lselio-Cattleya  Stche- 
goleffiana,  and  Odontoglossum  crispum  var.  Thompsonse  (award  of 
merit).  A  silver  Banksian  medal  was  recommended  for  the  collection. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  exhibited  a  collection  of  Orchids,  including 
Cypripediums  T.  B.  Haywood.  C.  Leeanum,  C.  OEnone  (award  of  merit). 
A  botanical  certificate  was  awarded  for  Dendrobium  glomeratum,  shown 
by  Messrs.  Veitch.  Baron  Schroder  was  awarded  a  first-class  certificate 
for  Laelio-Cattleya  Nyca,  which  is  described  below.  Messrs.  Hugh 
Low  &  Co.,  Clapton,  sent  a  small  group  of  Cypripediums  and  Odonto¬ 
glossums,  arranged  with  Palms  (silver  Banksian  medal).  Mr.  J.  Wythes, 
gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  Syon  House,  Brentford, 
staged  a  splendid  group  of  Calanthes,  and  a  silver  Banksian  medal 
was  recommended.. 

J.  F.  Ebrer,  Esq.,  Woodlands,  Beckenham  (gardener,  Mr.  A.  Waite) 
was  adjudged  an  award  of  merit  for  Cypripedium  Sallieri  aureum. 
T.  Statter,  Esq.,  Stand  Hall,  Manchester,  had  some  Cypripediums,  as  did 
R.  J.  Measures,  Esq  ,  the  latter  showing  C.  venustum  Measurianum 
(award  of  merit)  and  Pleurothallis  scapha  (botanical  certificate). 


Certificates  and  Awards  of  Merit. 

Chrysanthemum  Good  Gracious  — A  delicate  rose-coloured 

Japanese,  with  narrow  somewhat  twisted  florets  (award  of  merit). 

Chrysanthemum  Mrs.  Marian  Bourne  (R.  Owen).  —  An  incurved 
Japanese  variety,  with  broad  silvery  rose-coloured  florets. 

Costus  igneus  (Sir  Trevor  Lawrence). — A  fine  species,  with  large, 
rich,  orange-coloured  flowers  (first-class  certificate). 

Cypripedium  venustum  Measurianum  (R.  J.  Measures,  Esq.). — A 
distinct  form  with  rather  small  flowers.  The  upper  sepal  is  white  lined 
green,  the  petals  and  lip  being  yellow  marked  with  green.  The  foliage 
is  pale  green  blotched  with  a  darker  shade  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  Warnhamensu  (C.  J.  Lucas,  Esq.). — This  is  a  very  fine 
hybrid,  said  to  be  the  result  of  a  cross  between  C.  Curtisi  and  C.  laeviga- 
tum.  The  upper  and  lower  sepals  are  similar  in  colour,  being  white 
veined  with  purplish  crimson  and  green.  The  petals  are  twisted  and 
are  spotted,  and  suffused  with  dark  purple.  The  lip  is  very  large,  and 
of  a  bronzy  green  shade.  The  plant  exhibited  bore  two  flowers  on  one 
spike  (award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  fascinatum  (M.  Jules  Hye  Lysen,  Gand). — This 
is  a  splendid  acquisition.  The  upper  sepal  large,  white,  suffused 
and  spotted  crimson,  with  a  green  base.  The  petals  are  spotted  purple, 
and  also  have  light  purplish  tips.  The  lip  is  very  dark  (first-class 
certificate). 

Cypripedium  Sallieri  aureum  (J.  F.  Ebrer,  Esq.). — This  is  the 
result  of  a  cross  between  C.  insigne  and  C.  villosum.  The  flowers  are 
mainly  a  shining  greenish  yellow,  the  upper  sepal  being  spotted  brown 
(award  of  merit). 

Cypripedium  CEnone  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — The  result  of  a  cross 
between  C.  superbiens  and  C.  Hookeri.  The  upper  sepal  is  white  and 
green,  petals  spotted  and  suffused  purple,  the  lip  being  bronzy  green 
(award  of  merit). 

Ltslia  Fincherdana  (C.  W.  Fincken,  Esq.). — The  plant  of  this  that 
was  exhibited  had  one  spike  carrying  six  flowers.  The  sepals  and  petals 
are  pure  white,  the  lip  also,  with  a  broad  violet  margin  on  the  tip  (first- 
class  certificate). 

Leelio- Cattleya  Nyca  (Baron  Schroder). — This  bigeneric  hybrid  is 
the  result  of  cross  between  Lselia  crispa  and  Cattleya  gigas,  raised  by 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  and  Sons.  It  is  a  magnificent  flower  with  large  rosy 
mauve  petals  and  sepals.  The  lip  is  a  rich  purplish  crimson,  and  the 
t'nroat  pale  yellow  (first-class  certificate). 

Lycaste  Imschootiana  (M.  Linden,  Brussels). — A  very  distinct  hybrid, 
being  the  result  of  a  cross  between  L.  Skinneri  and  Maxillaria 
nigrescens.  The  flower  is  a  pale  yellow  shade,  spotted  crimson.  The 
lip  is  a  brighter  shade  than  the  other  parts  of  the  bloom,  and  the  throat 
is  richly  spotted  (award  of  merit). 

Nepenthes  Amesiana  (J.  Veitch  &  Sons). — This  is  a  handsome  hybrid 
between  N.  Rafflesiana  and  L.  Hookeriana,  the  former  being  the  pollen 
parent.  The  pitchers  are  short  and  very  broad,  the  ground  colour  being 
green,  profusely  blotched  with  deep  crimson  (first-class  certificate). 

Odontoglossum  crispum  var.  Thompson^  (M.  Linden,  Brussels). — A 
grand  variety  of  the  well-known  type.  The  plant  shown  bore  a  splendid 
spike  of  fourteen  flowers  (award  of  merit). 

Platycerium  stemmaria  (cethiopica')  (H.  B.  May). — A  handsome 
species,  with  large  fronds  of  a  bright  green,  covered  with  a  silvery  down 
(first-class  certificate). 

Zygopetalum  rostratum  (F.  Sander  &  Co.). — An  exceedingly  pretty 
species.  The  lip  is  for  the  most  part  white,  crimson  lines  starting  from 
the  base.  The  petals  and  sepals  are  white,  tipped  with  pale  brown 
(award  of  merit). 


National  Rose  Society.— New  Catalogtje  Fund. 

Such  of  the  subscribers  to  this  fund  as  have  not  paid  their  donations 
will  oblige  by  doing  so  at  an  early  date  to  Mr.  Charles  Grahame  or  Mr. 
E.  B.  Lindsell,  the  Hon,  Secretaries,  who  wish  to  close  the  list. 

Protecting  Tea  Roses. 

I  find  nothing  better  than  a  mixture  of  burnt  refuse  and  light  soil. 
Three  spadefuls  of  this  dropped  into  the  centre  of  the  plant  is  better,  I 
think,  than  the  earthing-up  system,  for  to  earth  up  sufficiently  must 
interfere  with  the  surface  fibrous  roots,  and  if  there  be  no  such 
roots  there  has  been  a  lack  of  good  cultivation.  The  burnt  refuse,  too, 
in  the  spring,  when  pricked  into  the  soil,  serves  as  a  valuable  manure. 
Light  dry  litter,  straw,  or  bracken  fern  should  be  added  later  on, 
weather  demanding. — J.  A.  W. 

Rose  Pests  and  Their  Eradication. 

It  does  not  much  matterl  what  the  time  of  year  may  be,  we  are  sure 
to  be  able  to  find  insect  pests  of  some  kinds  upon  Roses  carrying  young 
growth.  Even  under  the  most  skilful  treatment  a  few  can  generally  be 
found.  The  above  fact  indicates  how  very  necessary  it  is  to  adopt  pre¬ 
cautionary  measures  early,  and  although  I  do  not  wish  to  discourage 
growers  by  the  formidable  list  of  enemies  and  diseases  it  would  be  easy 


540 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893. 


to  name,  it  may  be  well  to  draw  attention  to  a  few  of  the  most  persistent 
pests  the  Rose  is  subject  to.  The  whole  secret  of  keeping  Roses  healthy 
and  clean  is  to  commence  operations  early,  and  I  am  quite  certain  that 
precautionary  measures  are  invaluable.  “I  must  fumigate  soon,  I  see 
there  are  a  few  flies  about,'’  is  a  remark  a  friend  of  mine  made  use  of 
while  I  was  looking  through  his  conservatory  a  few  days  ago.  This  will 
not  do.  Instead  of  “  soon  ”  it  should  have  been  at  once.  Why  wait 
until  the  enemies  have  increased  before  commencing  the  fight  ?  And 
yet  this  is  the  plain  truth  about  delay.  Not  only  is  it  easier  to  kill  a 
few,  but  we  avoid  the  injury  they  and  their  posterity  would  commit. 

There  are  far  too  many  enemies,  and  also  too  many  remedies  in  the 
way  of  insecticides  for  me  to  name  them  all,  so  I  propose  to  confine 
myself  to  a  few  general  hints.  The  two  most  important  of  these  are 
immediate  operations  as  soon  as  the  pests  are  discovered,  and  the  freer 
use  of  insecticides  of  a  weaker  nature  than  usual.  A  very  little  should 
be  contained  in  all  the  water  the  plants  are  syringed  with,  and  this  will 
be  found  a  grand  check  to  insect  life.  A  free  use  of  the  syringe  prevents 
any  dust  or  other  impurities  from  settling  upon  the  foliage,  and  encou¬ 
rages  growth.  Green  fly,  thrips,  red  spider,  scale,  and  other  insects  may 
be  killed  easily  while  in  a  young  state,  but  when  they  are  allowed  to 
increase  it  is  difficult  to  dislodge  them.  The  older  insects  are  also  able 
to  stand  against  stronger  measures  than  would  be  safe  to  use  upon  the 
tender  young  growths  which  they  affect  with  such  disastrous  results. 

Among  diseases  under  glass  we  must  name  mildew  as  the  worst,  but 
this  can  be  cured  if  taken  in  hand  at  once.  The  first  point  is  to  decide 
upon  the  cause,  and  alter  that  ;  when  this  is  done  give  a  free  syringing 
with  a  reliable  insecticide  to  which  has  been  added  a  little  flowers  of 
sulphur.  Do  not  be  persuaded  into  dusting  over  the  foliage  with  sulphur. 
This  has  an  unsightly  appearance,  is  far  less  effectual,  and  wastes  a 
great  deal  of  sulphur.  Mis  the  sulphur  in  the  form  of  paste  previous  to 
putting  it  in  the  solution.  It  will  then  be  easy  to  apply  if  the  whole  be 
kept  on  the  move  while  using.  In  dusting  the  foliage  it  is  impossible  to 
do  it  uniformly,  or  to  get  the  sulphur  to  adhere  to  the  lower  part 
of  the  leaves.  This  difficulty  is  surmounted  when  applied  as  I  have 
directed  above  ;  when  the  foliage  dries  there  will  be  a  very  slight  dusting 
of  sulphur  left  wherever  the  solution  touched,  and  the  unsightly  appear¬ 
ance  of  dusting  is  avoided. — Practice. 

Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons’  Roses. 

We  notice  Messrs.  Cocker  &  Sons  (page  509)  take  exception  to 
“D.,  remarks  (page  494)  re  classes'.of  seventy-two  Roses,  and  wish 

to  point  out  that  the  only  exhibitions  where  during  the  season  of  1893 
prizes  were  offered  for  seventy-two  Roses  distinct  were  Crystal  Palace, 
Gloucester,  Hereford,  Bath,  Manchester,  Wolverhampton,  and  Worksop, 
the  first  in  each  case  being  awarded  to  us.  The  class  referred  to  by 
Messrs.  Cocker  at  Tibshelf  is  for  fifty  varieties,  whilst  that  at  Elland  is 
for  twenty-four  varieties,  so  neither  are  ever  referred  to  in  connection 
with  the  great  classes  of  seventy-two  distinct. 

With  regard  to  the  number  of  times  Messrs.  Cocker  claim  to  have 
met  us,  there  must  be  some  mistake.  We  only  competed  against  them 
at  seven  shows,  four  of  which  were  in  August,  with  the  result  that 
sixteen  first  and  one  equal  first  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Cocker,  and 
seven  firsts,  and  one  equal  first  were  awarded  to  us,  including  the  lead¬ 
ing  prizes  at  Newcastle  and  Trentham.  At  Tibshelf  it  may  be  interest¬ 
ing  to  state  that  we  were  beaten  in  the  largest  class  by  one  point  only, 
the  total  number  of  points  being  109  as  against  108.  We  were  second 
for  forty-eight  distinct,  equal  first  for  thirty-six  with  Messrs.  Cocker  ; 
we  were  also  first  for  twenty -four  blooms.  We  considered  our  Roses 
quite  over  by  the  last  week  in  July,  and  only  attended  several  of  the 
August  shows  in  response  and  repeated  invitations  from  the  secretaries. 
We  feel  we  owe  you  an  apology  for  occupying  your  valuable  space  for 
so  trivial  a  matter. — Harkness  &  Sons. 

Manuring  and  Transplanting  Roses. 

I  HAVE  read  with  interest  the  letter  under  this  heading  from  “A 
Lover  of  Roses”  (page  510),  and  should  think  a  great  deal  of  his  advice 
is  good  and  sound.  But  there  are  one  or  two  points  to  which  I  should  take 
exception.  I  think  it  is  a  mistake  (though  not  an  unusual  one)  to  try 
to  make  a  top-dressing  of  manure  in  the  winter  act  both  as  food  and 
protection— as  a  manure  and  as  a  mulch.  If  meant  for  a  mulch,  then 
long  strawy  manure  would  be  better,  and  dead  leaves  the  best  protection 
from  the  frost.  And  surely  the  plants  themselves  require  covering 
from  frost  even  than  more  the  roots  ;  and  this  may  be  done  in  a  far 
cleaner  and  more  sightly  manner,  and  also  more  readily,  with  leaves 
than  with  either  long  or  short  manure.  If  meant  for  food,  some  good 
will  be  done  by  the  rain  permeating  the  manure,  but  not  much  ;  you 
cannot  expect  much  good  from  liquid  manure  in  the  winter,  unless  it  be 
plentiful  or  very  strong. 

But  it  is  the  “  forking  ”  in  of  the  manure  in  spring,  after  (as  “  A 
Lover  of  Roses  ”  admits)  the  rain  has  washed  the  nutriment  out,  that 
seems  to  me  a  great  and  common  mistake.  It  is  a  very  usual  piece  of 
advice  :  “  After  planting,  mulch  the  surface  with  manure  for  protection 
against  frost  ”  (some  say  “  long  manure,”  which  would  be  the  best 
protection,  but  would  add  to  the  after  uselessness  and  hopeless  struggles 
with  the  fork),  “  and  ‘  fork  it,’  ‘  prick  it,’  ”  (I  have  seen  “  hoe  it  ”)  “  into 
the  ground  in  the  spring.  Now,  it  is  not  only  that  the  manure,  being 
thoroughly  washed  and  bleached  by  the  rain  and  snows  of  winter,  can 
be  of  very  little  service  in  the  ground — but  what  I  want  to  know  is, 
how  I  am  to  “  fork,”  “  prick,”  or  “  hoe  ”  in  3  inches  of  manure,  whether 
long  or  short,  so  as  to  cover  it,  and  yet  not  disturb  the  roots,  which  are 


to  be  close  to  the  surface,  or  put  the  manure  in  actual  contact  with 
them,  which  is  well  known  to  be  prejudicial  ? 

The  roots  of  my  Roses  are  horizontal  and  close  to  the  surface,  and  I 
not  only  should  not  attempt  such  a  job,  but  believe  it  to  be  of  as  little 
use  as  another  one  for  which  “  A  Lover  of  Roses  ”  neglects  precious 
planting  time  ;  and  that  is,  gathering  leaves  as  they  fall.  I  know  of  no 
picture  that  shows  a  more  striking  object-lesson  of  waste  of  time  than 
one  I  have  often  seen  :  a  man  sweeping  leaves  on  a  path  or  lawn,  while 
they  are  in  the  very  act  of  falling  behind  him  as  fast  as  he  gathers 
them  up.  The  great  bulk  of  the  leaves  fall  in  ten  days  or  a  fortnight  ; 
an  army  could  not  keep  the  place  clean  during  that  time  ;  and  in  many 
places  a  good  sweeping  wind,  instead  of  adding  to,  saves  labour  eventu¬ 
ally  when  the  time  comes  for  gathering  them  up. — W.  R.  Raillbm. 

NATIONAL  ROSE  SOCIETY.— ANNUAL  MEETING. 

The  annual  general  meeting  of  the  members  of  the  National  Rose 
Society  was  held  at  the  Horticultural  Club  Room,  Hotel  Windsor, 
Victoria  Street,  S.W.,  on  Thursday  7th  instant.  The  Rev.  W.  Wilks 
occupied  the  chair,  and  there  was  a  large  attendance.  Amongst  others 
present  were  Sir  Alexander  Arbuthnot,  Dr.  H.  Shackleton,  Revs. 

F.  R.  Burnside,  Page-Roberts,  Foster- Melliar,  F.  H.  Gall,  H.  A. 
Berners,  Captain  Christy,  Messrs.  C.  J.  Grahame,  R.  Bloxam,  C.  E. 
Shea,  Colin  Romaine,  Cecil  Cant,  W.  J.  Jefferies,  J.  Bateman,  F.  Cant, 

G.  B unyard,  G.  Paul,  E.  B.  Lindsell,  G.  Prince,  J.  Cranston,  H.  Merry- 
weather,  J.  D.  Pawle,  H.  P.  Landon,  R.  E.  West,  H.  Appleby,  W.  Boyes, 
J.  Burrell,  W.  F.  Cooling,  R.  L.  Knight,  G.  Mount,  A.  Piper,  A.  Prince, 
A.  Slaughter,  R.  H.  Langton,  G.  Moules,  W.  H.  Williams,  J.  T.  Strange, 
A.  W.  Paul,  with  Rev.  H.  H.  D’Ombrain  and  Mr,  E.  Mawley,  the  Hon,  Se¬ 
cretaries,  and  Mr.  T.  B.  Haywood,  Hon.  Treasurer,  Messrs.  Colin  Romaine 
and  Cecil  Cant  were  appointed  scrutineers  of  the  ballot.  Following  this 
the  report  of  the  Committee  for  1893  and  the  financial  statement  were  read. 
Much  discussion  followed  regarding  the  date  of  the  provincial  Show  at 
Halifax,  and  many  members  expressed  their  opinions  on  the  subject,  Mr. 
Lindsell  said  he  had  consulted  some  northern  growers,  including  H.  V. 
Machin,  Esq.,  of  Worksop,  and  Messrs.  Harkness  &Sons,  Bedale,  and  they 
were  in  favour  of  July  12th,  being  anxious  to  meet  the  great  southern 
rosarians.  Mr.  F.  Cant  said  that  if  held  on  the  19th  of  July  all  southern 
growers  would  be  excluded.  Sir  Alexander  Arbuthnot,  Messrs. 
G.  Paul,  W.  J.  Jefferies,  E.  Mawley,  and  the  Rev.  H.  H.  D’Ombrain 
were  in  favour  of  the  latter  date,  and  it  was  eventually  decided,  by  a 
large  majority,  that  the  Northern  Show  of  the  Society  be  held  at 
Halifax  on  July  19th.  The  report  and  financial  statement,  which 
are  published  below,  were  adopted. 

Report  of  the  Committee  for  the  Year  1893. 

The  past  season,  owing  to  the  continued  drought  and  heat,  proved 
one  of  the  moat  disastrous  for  Roses  and  Rose  shows  that  has  been 
experienced  for  many  years,  so  that  notwithstanding  the  loyal  support 
of  the  exhibiting  members  at  the  three  exhibitions  held  by  the  Society, 
the  blooms  staged  were,  as  a  rule,  much  below  the  average  in  number, 
size,  and  quality.  The  competition  at  the  Show  of  Tea  Roses  held  at 
the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  was  good,  also  in  several  of  the  leading 
classes  at  Worksop,  but  at  the  Crystal  Palace  there  were  fewer  Roses 
than  at  any  similar  exhibition  for  nine  years.  In  connection  with  the 
Worksop  Show,  some  of  the  stands  exhibited  at  which  were  exception¬ 
ally  fine,  it  should  be  stated  that  the  success  of  the  Exhibition  was 
greatly  due  to  the  admirable  manner  in  which  all  the  arrangements  con¬ 
nected  with  it  were  carried  out  by  the  Committee  of  the  Worksop  Rose 
and  Horticultural  Society,  especial  credit  being  due  to  Mr.  H.  V,  Machin, 
Vice-President,  Mr.  J.  S.  Whall,  Hon.  Treasurer,  and  Mr.  G.  Baxter, 
Hon.  Secretary. 

The  new  catalogue  of  exhibition  and  garden  Roses  was  issued  to 
members  early  in  May  last,  and  appears  to  have  been  much  appreciated. 
Several  foreign  trade  growers  have  already  followed  the  Society’s  lead 
in  introducing  into  their  own  catalogues  a  separate  section  for  Hybrid 
Teas  upon  similar  lines  to  that  adopted  in  the  Society’s  catalogue. 

It  is  with  much  regret  the  Committee  announce  the  loss  the  Society 
has  sustained  during  the  year  through  the  death  of  one  of  its  Vice- 
Presidents — the  Rev.  J.  M.  Fuller — whose  valuable  services  as  Chairman 
at  their  meetings  will  be  greatly  missed.  They  have  also  to  deplore  the 
death  of  Monsieur  J.  B.  Guillot,  a  recently  elected  honorary  member, 
and  so  well  known  to  rosarians  generally  as  the  raiser  of  many  of  the 
choicest  Tea  and  other  Roses  in  cultivation. 

Notwithstanding  the  great  depression  in  trade  which  has  prevailed 
throughout  the  country  during  the  past  year,  the  number  of  members 
as  well  as  the  number  of  affiliated  societies  has  been  well  maintained  ; 
in  fact,  in  no  previous  year,  with  the  exception  of  1892,  have  the  present 
numbers  been  exceeded. 

Financial  Statement. 

The  Committee  congratulate  the  members  upon  the  present  satis¬ 
factory  financial  position  of  the  Society.  The  amount  in  hand  at  the 
beginning  of  the  year  was  £31  IGs,  7d.,  and  now  at  its  close  there 
remains  £81  19s.  3i.  to  carry  forward  to  the  next  account,  the  total 
expenditure  having  been  £699  Ss.  3d.,  while  the  aggregate  receipts, 
including  last  year’s  balance,  were  £781  23.  6d.  It  should  here  be 
stated  that  a  special  fund  was  raised  early  in  the  year  among  the 
exhibitors  to  defray  the  cost  of  printing  and  binding  the  new  catalogue, 
so  that  no  part  of  the  cost  of  its  publication  has  fallen  on  the  ordinary 
funds  of  the  Society.  Although  more  than  the  usual  number  of  changes 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


541 


have  takea  place  in  the  personnel  of  the  non-exhibiting  members  the 
amount  received  in  subscriptions  was  nevertheless  in  excess  of  that  of 
any  previous  year, 

NATIONAL  ROSE  SOCIETY. 

Balance  Sheet,  Year  ending  30th  November,  1893. 


Receipts. 

1892.  £  s.  d. 

Dec  1.  Balance  at  Bankers . 31167 

Subscriptions .  376  14  6 

Aflaiiation  Fees  and  for  Medals  from  Affiliated  Societies  ..  ..  96  19  6 

Advertisements  .  21  78 

From  Royal  Horticultural  Society  (two  years)  .  20  0  0 

„  Crystal  Palace  .  105  0  0 

„  Worksop  .  64  0  0 

Special  Prizes  .  9  0  0 

Sale  of  Catalogues .  4  12  3 

New  Catalogue  Fund  . 51  12  0 


£781  2  6 

Expenditure. 

£  s.  d. 

Printing,  Stationery,  and  Advertising .  55  0  10 

Postage,  Telegrams  and  Sundry  Expenses  .  3931 

Secretary’s  Travelling  Expenses  to  Arrange  Shows .  5  16  6 

Expenses  Drill  Hall  Show .  1  17  0 

„  Crystal  Palace  Show . 10  3  0 

„  Worksop  Show .  680 

Medals . 1074 

„  for  Provincial  Societies .  80  4  0 

Prizes  Drill  Hall  Show  . 41  10  0 

„  Crystal  Palace  Show  .  263  3  0 

„  Worksop  Show  .  ,.  118  15  0 

Assistant  Secretary  and  Accountant .  20  0  0 

Printing  New  Catalogue . 46  15  6 

Nov.  30.  Balance  at  Bankers . 81  19  3 


£781  2  6 

— T.  B.  Haywood,  /Ion.  Treasurer. 

Arrangements  for  1894. 

In  order  to  meet  the  requirements  of  exhibitors  in  all  parts  of  the 
country,  it  has  been  decided  by  the  Committee  to  hold  next  year  a 
Southern  Show,  a  Metropolitan  Show,  and  a  Northern  Show.  The  early 
exhibition  of  Tea  Roses  at  the  Drill  Hall,  Westminster,  will  therefore  be 
discontinued,  and  a  Southern  Show  be  held  instead  of  it  at  Windsor, 
in  connection  with  the  Windsor,  Eton,  and  District  Horticultural 
and  Rose  Society,  on  Wednesday,  June  27th.  The  Metropolitan  Show 
will  take  place  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on  Saturday,  July  7th,  while  the 
Northern  Show  will  be  held  at  Halifax  on  Thursday,  July  19th,  in 
conjunction  with  the  Salterhebble  and  District  Rose  Society. 

Members’  Privileges. 

Members  subscribing  £1  will  be  entitled  to  two  private  view  tickets 
and  four  transferable  tickets,  the  latter  admitting  at  the  same  time  as 
the  general  public,  while  subscribers  of  lOs.  are  entitled  to  one 
private  view  ticket  and  to  two  transferable  tickets.  Each  of  these 
tickets  is  available  for  any  one  of  the  Society’s  Exhibitions.  Members 
joining  the  Society  for  the  first  time  next  year  will  also  receive  a  copy  of 
the  Society’s  new  descriptive  catalogue  of  exhibition  and  garden  Roses. 
Members  alone  are  allowed  to  compete  at  the  Society’s  Exhibitions. 


There  are  two  classes  of  helpers  to  whom  the  Committee  feel  especi¬ 
ally  grateful.  In  the  first  place  to  those  local  Secretaries  who  have 
either  secured  for  the  Society  new  members,  or,  where  this  has  not  been 
possible,  have  done  all  in  their  power  to  keep  within  its  ranks  those 
they  had  previously  obtained ;  and  secondly,  to  all  those  who,  by  the 
gift  of  special  prizes  or  by  contributing  to  the  prizewinners’  fund  for 
the  new  catalogue,  have  enabled  the  Committee  to  maintain  the  high 
standard  of  prizes  offered  in  the  schedules.  Among  the  local  Secretaries 
two  are  worthy  of  special  mention — Mr.  C.  J.  Grahame,  late  local 
Secretary  for  Croydon,  who  again  secured  for  the  Society  a  large 
number  of  new  subscribers  ;  and  Mr.  C.  F.  Hore,  who  has  for  many 
years  rendered  the  Society  such  good  service  as  local  Secretary  for 
Beckenham,  and  to  whose  zeal  and  energy  the  Society  is  indebted  for 
the  largest  number  of  subscribers  ever  obtained  by  any  individual 
member  of  it. 

Alterations  of  By-laws  and  Regulations. 

Following  the  usual  resolutions  passing  votes  of  thanks  to  the  Ilort 
cultural  Club  for  the  use  of  their  rooms  during  the  past  year,  and  to  the 
officers  and  other  members  of  the  Committee  for  their  services,  several 
alterations  and  additions  to  the  by-laws  and  regulations  were  made. 

Mr.  R.  L.  Knight  first  proposed  an  addition  to  be  made  to  by-law  5, 
and  after  a  discussion  an  amendment  was  moved  by  Mr.  Bloxam,  so 
that  the  addition  to  the  said  by-law  will  now  read  :  “  A  general  meeting 
of  the  Society  may  be  called  at  any  time  on  a  requisition,  signed  by  not 
less  than  twenty  members,  being  delivered  to  one  of  the  Secretaries  at 
least  fourteen  days  prior  to  the  date  of  the  proposed  meeting.  The 
requisition  must  specify  the  business  for  which  the  meeting  is  called, 
and  no  other  business  shall  be  transacted  thereat.”  Mr.  G.  Paul  seconded 
the  proposition,  which  was  carried. 

Mr.  Lindsell  then  proposed  that  by-law  12  should  be  altered  to  read  : 
“  The  Society’s  regulations  for  exhibitions,  2,  5,  6,  7,  8,  1.8,  and  14,  are 
binding  on  all  affiliated  societies,  and  must  either  be  printed  in  their 
schedules,  or  it  must  be  prominently  stated  in  them  that  their  exhibi¬ 
tion  of  Roses  is  held  under  the  National  Rose  Society’s  regulations.” 
Several  members  spokeon  this  point,  and  an  amendment  was  moved  by  Mr. 
Jefferies,  making  it  binding  for  all  affiliated  societies  to  print  the  N.R.S. 


regulations  in  their  catalogues.  The  amendment,  however,  on  being  put 
to  the  meeting  was  lost,  so  that  the  alteration  in  by-law  12  being 
eventually  carried  by  a  large  majority  will  read  as  above. 

Mr.  G.  Paul,  after  pointing  out  the  necessity  of  such  an  alteration, 
next  moved  that  regulation  6  be  altered  so  as  to  read  : — “  The  following 
Roses  which  are  bracketed  together  are  considered  synonymous,  and 
must  not  be  shown  in  the  same  stand  ;  for  instance,  Marie  Finger  must 
not  be  shown  in  the  same  stand  as  Eugenie  Verdier  ; — 


Hybrid  Perpetuals— 
Charles  Lefebvre 
Marguerite  Brassac 
Paul  Jamaiu 
Comtesse  de  Ohoiseul 
Marie  Rady 
Duke  of  Wellington 
Bosieriste  Jacobs 
Eugenie  Verdier 
Marie  Finger 
Exposition  de  Brie 
Ferdinand  de  Lesseps 
Maurice  Bernardin 
Sir  Garnet  Wolseley 


Hybrid  Perpetuals— 
Grand  Mogul 
Jean  Soupert 
La  Rosi6re 
Prince  0.  de  Rohan 


Teas  and  Noisettes— 

■  Alba  Rosea 
Josephine  Malton 
Madame  Bravy 
.Madame  de  Sertot 
'  Souvenir  de  3.  A.  Prince 
The  Queen 


•‘The  climbing  variety  of  any  Rose  cannot  be  shown  in  the  same 
stand  with  it ;  for  instance.  Climbing  Devoniensis  cannot  be  shown  in 
the  same  stand  with  Devoniensis. 

“  N.B. — In  bracketing  varieties  together,  foliage  and  habit  of  growth 
are  not  taken  into  consideration.”  This  proposition  was,  after  being 
duly  seconded,  immediately  unanimously  adopted. 


Mr.  F.  Cant  moved  that  an  alteration  should  be  made  in  Regulation  14, 
and  after  some  discussion  it  was  proposed  that  it  should  read  :  “  Hybrid 
Teas  cannot  be  shown  in  the  classes  set  apart  for  Teas  and  Noisettes,  but 
may  be  shown  amongst  Hybrid  Perpetuals,  and  in  the  mixed  classes.” 
Mr.  Jefferies  seconded  this  resolution,  and  it  was  unanimously  carried. 

Mr.  West  next  proposed  that  the  following  new  regulation  be  added  : 
“  In  all  cases  where  three  trusses  of  each  variety  are  required  to  be 
shown  the  three  trusses  must  be  arranged  in  the  stand  triangularly.” 
Mr.  C.  J.  Grahame  said  that  in  connection  with  this  it  would  be  advisable 
to  have  a  clear  understanding  as  to  what  was  really  meant  by  “  triangu¬ 
larly.”  It  was  a  question  of  more  importance  than  many  might  suppose. 
Some  years  ago  a  dispute  arose  at  the  Crystal  Palace  as  to  what  form  the 
triangle  should  be — that  is  to  say,  whether  the  base,  as  it  were,  ought 
always  to  be  at  the  bottom.  The  Rev.  W.  Wilks  remarked  that,  in  his 
opinion,  the  triangles  would  make  a  better  appearance  if  placed  alter¬ 
nately  in  the  box.  After  being  seconded  the  motion  was  carried. 

Mr.  J.  Bateman,  on  behalf  of  Mr.  A.  Dickson,  made  a  proposed  alter¬ 
ation  of  note  respecting  “  New  Roses,”  to  read  :  “  In  such  classes  by  ‘  New 
Roses  ’  are  meant  those  offered  for  the  first  time  in  English  nurserymen’s 
lists  in  the  spring  of  a  certain  year  and  subsequently  ;  also  named 
seedlings  and  sports  not  yet  in  commerce.”  A  lengthy  discussion  took 
place  on  this  point,  and  many  members  expressed  their  views.  Mr. 
Ilateman  lucidly  referred  to  the  importance  of  the  question,  but  the 
Rev.  H.  H.  D'Ombrain  thought  the  existing  regulation  would  do,  and 
was  very  unwilling  to  alter  it,  being  sure  Mr.  A.  Dickson  would  not 
mind  if  the  proposition  was  not  carried,  as  he  had  won  the  gold  medals 
for  new  Roses.  Mr.  Grahame  dissented,  as  did  others,  including  Mr. 
E.  Mawley,  Mr.  G.  Mount,  Mr.  Jefferies,  and  Mr.  G.  Bunyard,  the  latter 
remarking  that  some  further  mark  of  recognition  for  new  Roses  would 
be  a  necessity  a  few  years  hence,  inasmuch  as  after  the  past  tropical 
summer  many  seedling  Roses  would  be  forthcoming.  Mr.  G.  Paul 
seconded  the  proposition,  and  it  was  subsequently  carried  to  read  as 
above. 

Mr.  F.  Cant,  after  the  above  alterations  and  additions  in  the  by¬ 
laws  and  regulations  were  made,  brought  forward  a  personal  matter. 
He  said  inasmuch  as  a  report  to  the  effect  that  Mr.  Orpsn  had  exhibited 
Roses  from  his  (Mr.  Cant’s)  ground  had  been  circulated,  he  wished  to 
give  an  absolute  denial  to  the  rumour.  He  did  not  think  that  the 
statement  had  been  made  maliciously ;  but,  nevertheless,  such  would  be 
damaging  to  him  from  a  business  point  of  view  if  not  contradicted. 

Sir  Alexander  Arbuthnot  deplored  the  action  of  the  Society  in 
deciding  to  discontinue  the  Exhibition  of  Tea  Roses  at  the  Drill  Hall. 
He  thought  that  if  precautions  were  taken,  and  announcement  made 
through  the  Press,  that  the  attendance  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  such  occa¬ 
sions  would  be  better.  The  Rev.  Foster  Melliar  also  regretted  that  no 
show  of  Tea  Roses  would  be  held  at  the  Drill  Hall  next  year.  The 
Rev.  W.  Wilks  remarked,  as  the  matter  had  been  brought  forward  he 
might  say,  although  nothing  to  do  with  the  present  meeting,  that  the 
Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  likewise  regretted  the  step 
taken,  but  they  had  arranged  that  practically  the  same  amount  of 
prizes  would  be  offered  for  Tea  Roses  at  the  Drill  Hall  on  the  day 
previous  the  Exhibition  at  Windsor. 

The  scrutineers  having  announced  the  result  of  the  ballot  was  to  the 
effect  that  the  house  list  had  been  unanimously  adopted,  a  vote  of 
thanks  to  the  Chairman  closed  the  meeting. 


The  Annual  Dinner. 

After  the  annual  general  meeting  passed  off  so  harmoniously,  it 
was  only  fitting  that  the  day  should  close  with  the  annual  festive 
gathering,  which,  after  various  alterations  has  come  back  to  its 
original  day.  That  the  change  was  appreciated  is  evident  from  the 
fact  that  there  was  a  larger  attendance  than  there  has  been  for  a  great 
many  years  past. 

The  President  of  the  Society,  the  Very  Rev.  the  Dean  of  Rochester, 
was  unavoidably  absent,  but  his  place  was  ably  filled  by  the  Rev,  W. 


642 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893. 


Wilks,  one  of  the  Vice-Presidents  of  the  Society.  The  guests  included 
a  large  number  of  both  professional  and  amateur  Rose-growers.  It  is 
not  the  custom  at  this  dinner  to  have  many  toasts  ;  in  fact,  except  the 
loyal  toasts  and  that  of  the  Society,  all  else  are  excluded.  The  Chair¬ 
man,  in  proposing  that  of  the  National  Rose  Society,  congratulated  the 
members  on  its  success ;  a  Society  which  in  these  days  could  show  a 
balance  of  £81  was  indeed  in  an  enviable  position.  This  was  in  no 
slight  degree  to  be  attributed  to  the  admirable  manner  in  which  the 
Committee  and  officers  of  the  Society  have  fulfilled  their  duties.  He 
therefore  proposed  prosperity  to  the  National  Rose  Society,  and  coupled 
with  the  toast  the  names  of  the  Secretaries,  both  of  whom  responded  to 
it.  After  Mr.  George  Paul  had  proposed  the  health  of  the  Chairman, 
who  briefly  replied,  the  party  separated. 


THE  “KNOWSLEY”  SNOW  PLOUGH. 

As  the  time  of  the  year  is  at  hand  when  snow  ploughs  may  be  in 
request,  I  am  sending  a  photograph  of  one  which  we  have  found  to  be  a 
great  improvement  upon  the  rude  implement  in  ordinary  use.  The 
“  Knowsley  ”  snow  plough  is,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  illustration 
(fig.  78),  an  adjustable  machine,  and  can  be  readily  fixed  to  suit  various 
widths  of  road,  up  to  about  12  feet.  There  is  a  slightly  projecting  plate 
of  iron  fixed  to  the  bottom  edge  of  each  side  piece,  which  act  as 
“shares”  in  cutting  the  snow  loose  from  the  ground,  and  a  pair  of  iron 
“skates”  fixed  in  the  line  of  draught,  and  secured  to  the  shafts  and 
front  part  prevent  the  possibility  of  the  implement  refusing  to  act  when 
it  happens  to  get  into  a  deep  drift.  As  a  further  aid  to  that  end  the 


FIG.  78.— THE  “  KNOWSLEY  ”  SNOW  PLOUGH. 


power  is  applied,  that  is  the  horse  is  hooked  on,  not  at  the  extreme 
end  as  is  usually  done,  but  a  little  further  back.  The  draught  of 
the  new  implement  is  much  lighter  than  that  of  the  old  pattern. 
The  plough  is  shown  here  with  one  side  extend  ed  and  the  other 
drawn  in.— F.  Harrison. 


OSIERS. 

{Continued  from  page  273.) 

Hitherto  the  ordinary  practice  of  most  growers  has  been  to  sell 
the  rods  when  cut  to  persons  who  peel,  sort,  and  store  them.  The  peeler 
requires  a  considerable  supply  of  labour  at  a  particular  period,  buildings 
in  which  to  store  the  rods,  and  capital  to  enable  him  to  hold  the  stock 
until  it  is  wanted. 

The  cost  of  peeling  is  as  follows.  Women  are  paid  5d.  per  green 
bunch.  The  rods  are  brought  to  them  by  men,  who  sort,  dry,  tie,  and 
store  the  bunches.  Two  men  will  attend  to  ten  or  twelve  peelers,  and 
they  are  paid  2d.  per  green  bunch.  A  woman  will  peel  from  three  to 
three  and  a  half  bunches  in  a  day.  The  peeling  process  extends  over 
eight  to  ten  weeks. 

The  per-centage  and  weight  of  each  class  of  rods  produced  in  a  holt 
has  been  estimated  as  follows  : — 

Large  rods,  35  per  cent.,  56  lbs.  per  bunch. 

Middle,  40  „  40-45  lbs.  per  bunch. 

Small,  25  „  28  lbs.  per  bunch. 

100 

Average  weight  per  bunch  about  43^  lbs. 

It  takes  three  bunches  of  green  rods  to  produce  two  bunches  of 
peeled  rods,  and  the  ratio  of  white  rods  to  green  rods  will  be,  approxi¬ 
mately,  54  j  per  cent,  in  weight. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  Osiers  grown  are  sold  by  the  growers  in  a 
green  state.  In  the  Cambridge  district  it  has  become  usual  to  sell  by 
auction  at  so  much  per  acre,  the  purchaser  cutting  the  crop  and  carry- 
ing  it  away.  Basket-makers  frequently  contract  with  growers  to  take 
their  green  rods  at  a  fixed  price  for  a  series  of  five,  seven,  or  even  four¬ 
teen  years.  The  most  common  plan  is  for  the  grower  to  cut  and  sell 
green  on  the  spot  at  the  market  price  of  the  day.  This  price  has  of 
late  years  ranged  from  Is.  6d.  to  2s.  6d.  per  bunch,  and  at  the  present 
time  the  priee  is  23.  for  good  rods.  Some  of  the  larger  growers  peel 
and  store  the  rods,  and  sell  them  when  there  is  a  brisk  demand .  Some, 


and  an  increasing  number,  combine  the  business  of  growing  with  that 
of  manufacturing. 

White  rods  are  now  generally  sold  by  the  ton,  and  the  present  price 
is  about  £18. 

It  will  be  interesting  to  compare  the  relative  returns  to  the  grower 
who  sells  the  raw  material  and  to  the  intermediary  who  prepares  that 
material  for  the  manufacturer.  Taking  the  figures  and  prices  given 
previously  as  a  basis,  it  would  appear  that  a  grower  who  sells  his  rods 
green  would  receive  for  an  average  crop  at  present  prices  £15  an  acre. 
A  grower  who  peels  his  rods  would  receive  for  the  same  crop  at  present 
prices  £34  Ifls.  Id. 

The  details  of  the  calculation  are  as  follows  :  —  Average  crop 
150  bunches. 

A.  Grower  who  Sells  Green. 

150  green  bunches  at  2s . £15  0  0 

B.  Grower  who  Peels. 

150  green  bunches  yield  100  bunches  of 
white  rods,  average  weight  per  bunch 
43|  lbs.  =  1-942  tons  at  £18  per  ton  ...  34  19  1 


Difierence  in  gross  returns . £19  19  1 

The  cost  of  peeling,  sorting,  and  storing  has  been  stated  as  7d.  pe 
green  bunch. 

150  bunches  at  7d . £4  7  6 

Add  for  carriage  from  holt  to  peeling  yard 

Id.  per  bunch  .  0  12  6 


Cost  of  peeling,  &c .  £5  0  0 

This  leaves  £14  193.  Id.  to  pay  the  middleman  for  his  outlay  of 
capital  and  risks  of  trade.  It  would  seem,  then  that  at  current  prices 
the  value  of  the  crop  is  divided  pretty  equally  between  the  grower  and 
the  middleman,  and  that,  as  usual,  the  producer  of  the  raw  material 
gets  very  little  in  proportion  to  his  original  outlay  unless  he  prepares 
his  crop  for  the  artificer. 

Of  course,  in  the  fluctuation  of  prices  the  circumstances  are  some¬ 
times  less  favourable  to  the  man  who  does  the  intermediary  work  of 
dressing  the  raw  material. 

If  the  price  of  green  bunches  is  2s.  6d.  when  the  price  of  rods  is  no 
more  than  £18,  the  margin  between  gross  reeeipts  of  the  two  is  reduced 
by  £3  153.,  and  if  the  minimum  prices  of  green  rods  and  white  rods  be 
taken  the  case  is  very  much  altered. 


150  green  bunches  at  Is.  6d. 

•••  ••• 

£11 

5 

0 

1-942  tons  of  white  rods  at  £10  per  ton 

£19  8  4 

Expenses  of  peeling  and  carriage  ... 

5  0  0 

14 

8 

4 

Difference . 

£3 

3 

4 

It  may,  perhaps,  be  taken  for  granted  that  on  the  average  the 
dresser  or  finisher  has  a  good  margin  between  the  current  price  of 
the  raw  material  and  that  of  the  prepared  goods,  and  that  an  Osier 
grower  who  has  conveniently  situated  and  suitable  premises,  where  a 
sufficient  supply  of  labour  can  be  found,  has  a  great  advantage  over 
one  who  has  no  choice  but  to  sell  his  rods  as  he  cuts  them,  because  he 
can  get  the  middleman’s  profit. 

Among  other  causes  of  the  alleged  decline  in  the  osier  industry,  it 
has  been  said  that  cane  is  now  largely  used  in  the  place  of  wicker-work 
Boxes  have  taken  the  place  of  hampers  for  the  transport  of  fish. 
Barrels  are  much  used  for  Potatoes,  and  iron  scuttles  and  sieves  are 
more  common  than  they  were. 

There  is  also  said  to  be  some  difficulty  in  obtaining  an  adequate 
supply  of  labour  at  the  particular  period  when  the  peeling  must  be 
done.  If  that  process  is  not  completed  before  midsummer  the  quality 
of  the  rods  is  seriously  deteriorated. 

A  grower  states  it  as  his  own  deliberate  opinion  that  “a  holt  planted 
in  a  suitable  site,  well  planted,  cleaned,  and  cared  for,  filled  up  and 
replanted  when  necessary,  has  always  paid  its  way,  and  where  the 
circumstances  allow  of  peeling  the  rods  a  very  good  result  has  been 
obtained. 

(To  be  continued.) 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

James  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  London. — Vade  Mecum  and  Seed- 
Catalogue  for  1894. 

W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Higbgate  Nurseries,  London,  N. —  Chrys¬ 
anthemums. 

E.  &  W.  Hackett,  73,  Bundle  Street,  Adelaide,  South  Australia.— 
Manual  for  the  Garden  and  Farm. 

Hogg  &  Wood,  Coldstream  and  Duns. — Forest,  Ornamental,  and  Fruit 
Trees,  Moses,  Clematis,  and  Shrubs. 

J.  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  S.E. —  Vegetable  and  Flower  Seeds. 

J.  R.  Pearson  &  Sons,  Chilwell  Nurseries,  Nottingham. — Chrys¬ 
anthemums. 

W.  Wells,  Earlswood  Nurseries,  Redhill. —  Chrysanthemums. 


December  14,  1893,] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


643 


WOKK.fo^ItheWEEK., 


HAEDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Winter  Pruning^. — It  is  desirable  to  begin  and  complete  this 
operation  during  the  present  month,  as  it  is  better  to  relieve  trees  and 
bushes  of  superfluous  wood  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  fall  of  the 
leaves.  Though  trees  apparently  are  at  rest  there  is  yet  a  certain 
amount  of  activity  prevailing  which  is  seen  in  the  gradual  plumping 
and  swelling  of  the  buds,  this  process  continuing  all  the  winter.  If 
pruning  is  deferred  until  early  spring  the  buds  intended  to  remain  are 
deprived  of  much  support  they  might  otherwise  receive  when  they 
have  not  to  share  it  with  useless  growths.  Mild,  dry  weather  is  the 
best  time  for  pruning  operations,  hard  frosty  weather  the  worst.  Much 
may  be  done  on  a  slight  frosty  day,  the  ground  being  clean  to  walk 
Hpon,  and  the  work  not  unpleasant. 

Pyramid  and  Bush  Trees. — Trained  trees,  well  established,  with  the 
branches  sufficiently  wide  apart  to  admit  sun  and  light  to  each  through¬ 
out  the  entire  length,  will  need  only  the  side  shoots  pruning  to  three 
buds,  leaving  the  leading  growths  about  a  foot  in  length,  or  less  if 
extension  is  not  desired.  Trees  in  the  course  of  formation,  having  well 
ripened  leading  growths  not  too  long,  need  not  have  these  shortened 
severely,  the  removal  of  the  points,  which  are  invariably  blossom  buds 
and  would  prevent  extension,  being  usually  sufficient.  Long  immature 
shoots  must  be  shortened  back  to  firm  wood,  cutting  near  to  a  bud 
pointing  in  the  right  direction,  making  a  short,  sloping  cut,  which  leaves 
no  snags  to  die  back.  Remove  dead  spurs  or  wood,  and  of  the  spurs 
remaining  any  which  are  unduly  elongated  shorten  back,  also  thin  out 
crowded  clumps.  The  access  of  light  and  air  to  the  interior  of  the 
trees  will  then  strengthen  weak  fruit  buds. 

Standard  Trees, — The  mistaken  practice  of  shortening  the  branches 
of  fully  formed  trees  to  any  extent  results  in  filling  the  interior  and 
the  upper  branches  with  useless  shoots.  Properly  managed  standard 
trees  require  little  pruning.  Rank,  gross  growths  when  they  appear 
may  be  cut  out  entirely.  Branches  extending  beyond  the  bounds  which 
mark  a  shapely,  well  balanced  tree  are  better  shortened  to  where  other 
branches  originate,  this  preventing  the  production  of  strong  young 
growth  likely  to  crowd  the  trees  and  make  them  unfruitful.  Remove 
branches  crossing  one  another,  as  well  as  those  thickly  and  ill-placed. 
The  advantages  of  having  the  branches  thinly  disposed,  not  only  in 
winter,  but  in  the  summer,  so  that  every  part  can  receive  the  full  benefit 
of  abundant  air  and  light,  will  quickly  be  apparent  in  early  and  con¬ 
tinued  fruitfulness,  thus  reducing  severe  pruning  to  a  minimum. 

Coidon  Trees.  —  Upright,  diagonal,  and  horizontal  cordon-trained 
trees  are  easily  managed,  if  the  proper  attention  is  accorded  in  the 
summer  in  stopping  the  side  shoots,  and,  when  the  full  extent  of  space 
is  not  covered,  allowing  the  leaders  to  extend.  Young  trees  well 
managed  in  these  respects  will  soon  be  furnished  from  the  base  upwards 
with  fruit  buds.  The  pruning  necessary  at  this  season  consists  in 
reducing  to  two  or  three  buds  the  summer-pruned  shoots,  slightly 
reducing  elongated  spurs,  and  thinning  out  where  much  crowded  any 
clusters  of  spurs  on  aged  cordons.  As  a  rule  immediately  fruit  bearing 
commences  on  young  cordons  over-vigorous  growth  of  side  shoots  and 
leaders  will  be  subdued,  but  should  strong  shoots  assert  themselves 
unduly,  which  cannot  be  restricted  by  summer  pruning,  lifting  the  trees 
when  the  leaves  fall  will  restore  the  balance. 

Fan-shai)ed  Trees. — This  form  of  training  fruit  trees  is  one  of  the 
best,  because  of  the  readiness  with  which  branches  can  be  replaced.  It 
admits  also  of  the  combination  method  in  the  case  of  stone  fruit  trees 
by  which  fruit  is  produced  on  spurs  as  well  as  on  young  wood  of  one  or 
two  years’  growth.  Morello  Cherries,  Pe'^ches,  Nectarines,  and  Apricots 
produce  fruit  freely  and  best  on  healthy  shoots  of  medium  strength 
developed  the  previous  season,  but  they  will  also  bear  on  spurs.  Plums 
and  dessert  Cherries  on  walls  should  have  the  branches  well  furnished 
with  spurs  by  summer  pinching,  and  the  intervening  spaces  occupied 
with  young  wood  thinly  disposed,  which  will  bear  the  second  year.  The 
chief  pruning,  therefore,  consists  of  cutting  out  the  old  bearing  wood  and 
training  in  succession  shoots,  stopping  those  not  well  placed  in  summer 
to  form  spurs.  Plums  and  Cherries  may  be  pruned  now.  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  and  Apricots  in  February. 

Bush  Fruit. — Birds  begin  their  depredations  among  Gooseberry  and 
Currant  bushes  earlier  than  many  people  suspect,  therefore  it  is  not  well 
to  prune  Gooseberry  trees  severely,  but  merely  to  thin  out  crowded 
shoots  and  branches,  leaving  a  good  proportion  of  young  wood  for  future 
bearing.  This  may  be  done  now  or  in  spring,  but  whether  the  bushes 
are  pruned  or  left  alone  they  should  be  well  dusted  with  soot  or  lime, 
applying  either  when  the  trees  are  wet  with  dew,  fog,  or  rain.  The  buds 
are  thus  rendered  distasteful  to  the  birds,  who  in  a  great  measure  leave 
them  alone  so  long  as  the  bitter  deposit  adheres  to  the  shoots. 

?If  Red  and  White  Currants  have  a  great  proportion  of  the  buds 
picked  out  on  the  spurred-in  shoots  the  following  crop  of  fruit  will  be 
light.  Cotton  or  worsted  run  in  lines  over  the  trees  will  prevent  birds 
taking  the  buds,  but  the  best  protection  is  to  grow  the  trees  under  wire 
netting,  forming  a  fruit  cage  from  which  birds  can  be  excluded  during 


winter,  and  when  the  fruit  is  ripe.  At  other  times  they  should  have 
free  access  to  the  trees,  or  insects  may  become  rampant.  Shorten  the 
leading  shoots  of  Currants  to  8  or  9  inches,  the  side  growths  to  an  inch. 
Black  Currants  may  have  the  old  worn  out  shoots  cut  away,  maintaining 
a  good  selection  of  vigorous  young  growths  from  the  base  which  bear 
the  finest  fruit.  No  spurring-in  of  side  shoots  or  shortening  the  leaders 
except  where  extending  beyond  bounds  is  necessary. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — Earliest  House. — After  the  buds  break  the  temperature  will 
need  to  be  increased  to  60''  at  night  in  mild  weather,  and  55°  in  severe, 
gradually  increasing  it  so  as  to  have  it  at  60°  at  night  when  the  Vines 
are  in  leaf,  and  70°  to  75°  by  day  with  moderate  ventilation.  If  there 
are  evaporation  troughs  in  the  house,  keep  them  regularly  charged  with 
liquid  manure.  Where  these  do  not  exist,  and  there  is  no  fermenting 
bed,  guano  water,  I  lb.  to  20  gallons  of  water,  or  the  urinary  drainings 
of  stables  and  cowhouses,  diluted  with  six  times  the  bulk  of  water,  may 
be  sprinkled  on  the  floor  and  surfaces  of  borders  in  the  late  afternoon, 
two  or  three  times  a  week.  Vines  in  pots  will  require  more  nourishment 
as  the  growth  advances,  supplying  liquid  manure  at  the  temperature  of 
the  house.  Sprinkle  the  house  two  or  three  times  a  day  in  clear  weather, 
avoiding  a  very  close  and  too  damp  or  a  dry  atmosphere.  Tie  up  the 
Vines  in  position  as  soon  as  growth  has  commenced  in  the  lowest  buds, 
always  before  the  shoots  are  so  long  as  to  be  damaged  by  the  process. 
Disbudding  should  not  be  practised  until  the  fruit  shows  in  the  points 
of  the  shoots. 

Houses  to  have  Fruit  Pipe  in,  May. — The  Vines  for  this  purpose  must 
be  started  without  delay,  for  quite  five  months  are  necessary  to  secure 
fruit  of  the  early  varieties  during  the  winter  and  spring  months.  To 
facilitate  a  good  break,  and  to  save  fuel,  a  bed  of  stable  litter  and  leaves 
in  equal  parts,  placed  on  the  floor  of  the  house,  turning  a  portion  of  it 
daily,  so  as  to  supply  ammonia,  is  useful.  The  outside  border  must  also 
have  the  needful  protection  from  cold  rains  and  snow,  If  the  roots 
of  the  Vines  are  mainly  inside,  a  covering  of  leaves  about  6  inches 
thick,  and  a  little  litter  over  them  to  prevent  their  being  blown  about 
by  wind,  will  afford  the  needful  protection.  Where  the  roots  are  chiefly 
outside  a  covering  of  warm  litter  after  the  Vines  break  will  materially 
assiit  root  action  and  the  supply  of  nourishment ;  two-thirds  leaves  to 
one- third  of  stable  litter  affording  a  less  violent  heat,  but  more  lasting 
than  all  manure.  This  material  once  put  on  must  be  kept  at  a  regular  heat 
by  adding  fresh  as  necessary  and  removing  some  of  the  spent.  The 
inside  borders  should  be  made  thoroughly  moist,  but  not  soddened,  by 
applying  water,  or  in  the  case  of  weakly  Vines,  liquid  manure  at  the 
mean  temperature  of  the  house — preferably  5°  in  advance  of  it.  It 
suffices  if  the  soil  is  moderately  moist  until  the  Vines  break.  Start  with 
a  temperature  of  50°  in  severe  weather,  55°  in  mild  weather,  and  65°  by 
day,  except  the  weather  is  severe  and  dull,  when  55°  will  be  more 
suitable.  Maintain  a  moist  atmosphere  by  syringing  the  Vines  and 
house  occasionally,  but  avoid  excessive  moisture  and  keeping  the  rods 
dripping  wet,  for  this  excites  the  production  of  aerial  roots  from  the 
rods.  Depress  young  canes  to  the  horizontal  position  or  below  to  cause 
the  buds  to  break  regularly. 

Midseason  Houses. — The  Vines  will,  in  most  cases,  be  pruned  and  at 
rest.  If  not,  the  pruning  and  cleansing  of  the  house  and  Vines  should 
be  attended  to  without  delay,  for  late  pruning  favours  bleeding  and 
insect  pests  immensely.  Where  the  Grapes  are  partially  cut  the 
remainder  may  be  removed  with  a  good  portion  of  wood  attached,  and 
that  inserted  in  bottles  of  water,  with  a  piece  of  charcoal  in  each,  will 
keep  the  Grapes  admirably  in  a  dry  room  from  which  frost  is  excluded. 
This  will  liberate  the  Vines  for  pruning  (it  being  assumed  that  the 
leaves  are  all  down)  and  the  house  for  cleaning,  repairs  and  painting. 
The  Vines  ought  only  to  have  the  loose  bark  removed,  be  washed  with 
soapy  tepid  water,  and  afterwards  with  an  insecticide.  If  they  have 
been  infested  with  scale  or  mealy  bug  add  a  fluid  ounce  of  petroleum  to 
a  gallon  of  water  in  which  4  ozs.  of  softsoap  has  been  dissolved,  and 
churn  violently  with  a  syringe  until  the  oil  is  well  mixed  with 
the  solution,  which  is  best  effected  at  a  temperature  as  high  as  the  hand 
can  bear,  and  then  applied  in  a  tepid  state  to  the  Vines  with  a  stiffish 
brush,  reaching  well  into  every  angle,  crevice,  and  hole.  Remove  the 
surface  soil  without  disturbing  the  roots,  and  supply  a  top-dressing  of 
fresh  loam  about  a  couple  of  inches  thick,  and  sprinkle  over  it  a  good 
handful  of  bonemeal  and  a  similar  amount  of  wood  ashes  (from  twigs) 
per  square  yard.  Both  will  be  diffused  through  the  soil,  and  be  in  a 
condition  for  taking  up  with  the  roots  by  the  time  the  Vines  start  into 
growth,  when  they  can  be  fed  with  quick  acting  manures. 

Late  Houses. — When  the  foliage  is  all  down  fire  heat  will  only  he 
necessary  to  exclude  frost  in  dry  weather,  taking  care  to  admit  air 
before  the  sun  acts  on  the  house  so  as  to  cause  moisture  to  be  condensed 
on  the  berries,  for  in  that  case  the  skin  of  the  Grapes  will  become  dis¬ 
coloured  and  rapidly  decay.  A  temperature  of  50°  by  artificial  means 
dries  the  atmosphere  too  much  to  preserve  thin-skinned  Grapes,  such  as 
Black  Hamburghs,  in  sound  condition — that  is,  without  shrivelling. 
Muscats,  Lady  Downe’s  and  Gros  Colman  require  a  temperature  of  50° 
until  thoroughly  matured,  and  then  a  dry  and  equable  temperature  of 
40°  to  50°  will  insure  their  sound  keeping,  but  a  close,  damp  atmosphere 
causes  the  berries  of  Gros  Colman  to  split  and  those  of  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  to  spot,  and  the  end  of  their  keeping  is  then  begun. 

Potted  Trees.— Fox  the  early  supply  of  Figs  experience  has 
proved  the  advantage  of  the  pot  over  the  planted  out  system.  Trees  in 
pots  forced  early  for  a  number  of  years  become  more  fruitful  as  they 
advance  in  age,  and  they  commence  growth  as  the  usual  time  of  starting 


544 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


[  December  14,  1893. 


comes  round  in  a  lower  temperature  than  trees  that  have  not  been  sub¬ 
jected  to  the  process.  Being  grown  gradually  they  retain  their 
first  crop  fruits  much  better  than  trees  forced  for  the  first  time,  unless 
these  have  been  started  early  in  the  previous  season,  so  as  to  make  and 
complete  their  growth  early,  and  have  time  for  rest  before  starting.  One 
great  mistake  in  the  culture  of  Figs  in  pots  consists  in  retaining  more 
trees  than  can  have  full  exposure  to  light,  for  instead  of  reducing  the 
number  of  trees  by  removing  the  least  appreciated  varieties  or 
duplicates,  the  whole  of  the  trees  first  procured  are  attempted  to  be 
grown  in  small  pots  and  by  reducing  the  heads.  This  is  not  the  way  to 
secure  plants  of  fine  Figs,  for  the  extension  system  of  pruning  is  not 
applicable  to  potted  trees,  and  those  that  are  early  forced  must  not  be 
crowded.  For  early  forcing  Early  Violet  and  St.  John’s  are  excellent 
small  fruited  varieties,  White  Marseilles  and  Brown  Turkey  Figs  being 
far  the  best  for  general  supply,  and  afford  an  excellent  succession. 
Trees  in  pots  do  remarkably  well  when  afforded  bottom  heat,  the  pots 
being  stood  on  loose  brick  pedestals,  the  roots  allowed  to  extend  outside 
the  pots,  and  renewed  annually.  This  with  copious  supplies  of  liquid 
manure,  and  judicious  thinning  of  the  second  crop  fruits,  results  in  a 
satisfactory  crop  of  early  Figs,  the  most  important  in  forcing. 

Planted-out  Trees. — These  are  much  more  luxuriant  and  have  longer- 
jointed  wood  than  trees  in  pots.  They  are  often  unfruitful  when  grown 
in  a  deep  and  rich  soil.  To  have  fruitful  trees  the  border  must  be 
firm,  narrow,  shallow,  and  well  drained,  then  the  growth  will  be  sturdy, 
the  foliage  thick,  the  wood  stout,  short-jointed,  hard,  and  well-ripened. 
The  border  must  be  composed  of  well-compacted  rather  strong  loam, 
containing  plentiful  supplies  of  calcareous  and  siliceous  matter.  A 
width  of  3  feet  is  ample  to  begin  with,  and  6  feet  for  the  largest  tree, 
and  a  foot  depth  of  drainage  must  be  provided,  having  a  drain  under 
(unless  the  substratum  be  gravel  or  other  natural  drainage)  to  carry  off 
superfluous  water,  placing  a  3-inch  layer  of  lime  rubbish  over  it.  The 
soil  may  consist  of  medium  textured  loam,  inclined  to  be  stiff  rather 
than  light,  and  if  not  calcareous  add  a  sixth  of  gravelly  marl,  a  fifth  of 
old  mortar  rubbish  and  a  fourth  of  road  scrapings,  well  incorporated. 
If  the  loam  is  inclined  to  clay,  omit  the  marl  and  add  more  road 
scrapings,  if  light  omit  the  road  scrapings  and  increase  the  marl.  Put 
together  firmly  when  moderately  dry,  allowing  a  few  inches  for 
settling. 

Trees  with  single  stems  are  the  only  suitable  ones.  They  will  be  in 
pots.  Eemove  and  wash  away  all  the  soil ;  then  disentangle  the  roots, 
spread  them  out  evenly,  covering  about  3  inches  with  fine  soil,  and  give 
a  good  watering.  When  the  surface  has  become  dry,  tread  firmly,  and 
mulch  with  a  little  short  manure.  Fan  training  is  the  most  suitable. 
The  house  muse  be  light,  face  south  for  preference  (imperatively  so  for 
early  forcing),  and  have  top  and  bottom  ventilation.  The  shoots  should 
be  trained  about  1  foot  from  the  glass.  For  a  lean-to  it  is  better  to 
plant  the  trees  at  the  back  and  train  the  growths  down  than  plant  in 
front  and  take  them  up  the  roof.  This  insures  the  light  direct  into  the 
points  of  the  shoots,  and  the  fruit  is  borne  freely  throughout  the  length 
of  the  terminals,  which  produces  much  finer  specimens  than  stunted 
pinched  growths. 

For  general  forcing  purposes  no  Fig  surpasses  Brown  Turkey,  and  it 
has  an  eligible  companion  in  White  Marseilles.  Negro  Largo  is  very 
fine,  especially  for  succession  and  iate  crops,  but  it  must  be  confined  at 
the  roots.  For  high  quality  Black  Bourjassotte,  Gourand  Noir,  Monaco 
Bianca,  and  Grizzly  Bourjassotte  are  unrivalled  as  midseason  varieties, 
while  for  late  use  Col  di  Signora  Bianca  and  Agen  are  excellent. 
To  ripen  these  well  they  require  fire  heat. 


i 


HE  BEE-KEEPER. 


■  t:  !  ■ »  T  .  i-sT.'t .  1 . 1  j  rr  |- 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

The  Lanarkshire  Storifying  Hive. 

“  A  Sussex  Amateur”  is  desirous  of  having  full  information 
how  to  construct  the  Lanarkshire  storifying  hive.  At  an  early 
date  descriptive  notes  with  drawings  will  be  published,  which 
will  enable  any  amateur  to  make  them,  or  to  materially  assist 
his  tradesman.  Meanwhile  it  is  to  be  hoped  no  one  will 
allow  himself  to  be  carried  away  with  the  idea  that  a  hive  of 
some  peculiar  construction  should  first  be  procured,  and  then 
large  yields  of  honey  will  follow  without  further  exertion.  The 
fact  IS,  as  I  have  repeatedly  shown,  as  much  honey  can  be  had 
from  a  common  box  or  straw  hive,  as  from  the  most  elaborate 
frame  one.  Give  them  proper  attention  with  ample  accommoda¬ 
tion,  and  the  bees  of  the  abused  straw  hive  will  yield  to  their 
owner  as  much  weight  or  more  of  a  superior  quality  of  honey  than 
any  frame  hive  of  the  modern  bee-keeper,  with  the  use  and  the 
abuse  of  combs  and  extractor.  Turning  unsealed  combs  containing 
brood,  food,  and  water  for  larv®  into  it  does  not  produce  that 
excellence  in  honey  we  were  accustomed  to  in  our  youth  from  the 
selected  combs  of  the  straw  hive.  The  sealings  of  the  comb  were 
cut  and  honey  allowed  to  drip  through  a  clean  wicker  basket  and 
muslin  cloth. 


The  advantages  of  frame  hives  are  to  be  sought  for  in  different 
directions  than  large  yields  of  honey.  But  in  the  proper  manage¬ 
ment  of  superior  frame  hives  the  facilities  are  greater  to  increase 
the  yield  if  given  proper  attention  ;  if  neglected,  then  the  large 
straw  hive  is  superior.  The  winter  problem  is  thoroughly  solved 
in  the  Lanarkshire  hive.  The  bees  are  all  preserved  alive  in  it 
during  the  winter ;  breeding  goes  on  uninterrupted  and  in  a  healthy 
state  from  the  end  of  December.  The  bees  are  always  strong, 
and  ready  to  gather  honey  and  pollen  from  any  source  at  the 
earliest  opportunities.  Bees  that  have  been  badly  wintered  in  un¬ 
healthy  hives  require  weeks  to  make  up  what  they  lose  in  the  winter 
through  dampness  and  other  evils. 

A  properly  constructed  hive  enables  the  bee-keeper  to  add  or 
diminish  its  size  at  will,  and  to  compel  the  bees  to  store  the  choicest 
honey  where  he  chooses.  He  may  also  delay  or  prevent  swarming 
according  to  circumstances,  and  to  be  able  in  a  few  minutes  to  move 
them  from  one  place  to  another,  with  perfect  safety  to  the  bees 
and  to  those  attending  them.  It  is  possible,  too,  to  pack  them  when 
in  transit  in  little  space  without  any  damage  resulting  to  the 
hives.  The  foregoing  are  only  a  few  of  the  properties  the  Lanark¬ 
shire  storifying  hive  possess,  which  gives  the  bee-keeper  a  slight 
idea  of  what  a  hive  should  be  like  and  what  it  should  possess. — 
A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


•**A11  correspondence  should  be  directed  either  to  “  The 
Editor  ”  or  to  “  The  Publisher.”  Letters  addressed  to 
Dr.  Hogg  or  members  of  the  staff  often  remain  unopened 
unavoidably.  We  request  that  no  one  will  write  privately 
to  any  of  our  correspondents,  as  doing  so  subjects  them  to 
unjustifiable  trouble  and  expense. 

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

Communications  for  Our  “  Next  Issue  ”  (J".  AT.). — You  are 

only  one  of  several  correspondents  who  prevent  their  communications 
appearing  in  the  desired  “  next  issue  ”  by  posting  them  too  late  for 
that  purpose.  Only  brief  and  urgent  letters  arriving  on  Wednesday 
morning  can  be  inserted  the  same  week. 

Ctarysantbemum  Waban  (A/.  Molyneux'). — The  bloom  is  very 
imposing,  being  just  30  inches  in  circumference.  Evidently  you  do 
not  intend  Chrysanthemum  growing  to  become  a  lost  art  at  Swanmore, 
though  you  have  “  given  up  showing.” 

Black  Paint  for  Hot-water  Pipes  (Y.  It.  P.").  —  Lampblack 
formed  into  a  thin  paint  with  boiled  linseed  oil  is  the  best.  If  the 
pipes  are  made  warm  before,  and  kept  so  whilst  the  paint  is  being 
applied,  it  will  dry  sooner,  and  air  being  admitted  the  smell  will  not 
prove  injurious  to  plants.  Only  one  even  coat  need  be  given. 

Sawdust  from  Stables  as  a  Mulch  for  Fruit  Trees  (A’.  A.). — 

Sawdust,  after  being  used  for  bedding  horses,  is  a  good  mulch  for  fruit 
trees,  as  it  is  rich  in  ammonia-forming  matter.  The  only  danger 
attending  its  use  is  that  of  favouring  fungi,  which  may  prove  injurious 
to  the  roots  of  the  fruit  trees,  but  we  have  used  it  without  any  deleterious 
consequences  following.  It  may  also  be  used  for  Strawberries. 

Vine  Affected  with  Mildew  (A’.  A,). — After  washing  the  Black 
Hamburgh  Vine  with  softsoap  and  water,  and  thoroughly  cleansing  the 
house,  the  rod  and  spurs  may  be  dressed  with  sulphide  of  potassium, 
1  cz.  to  a  gallon  of  water,  applying  with  a  brush,  and  reaching  well  into 
every  angle  and  crevice,  but  taking  care  not  to  injure  the  buds.  Lime- 
wash  the  walls,  adding  a  good  handful  of  flowers  of  sulphur  to  a  pailful 
of  limewash.  Remove  the  loose  surface  soil  from  the  border,  and 
supply  fresh  loam.  If  the  mildew  appear  next  season  dust  with  flowers 
of  sulphur. 

Specks  on  Apple  (^Efingliani). — The  specks  are  produced  by  a 
fungus  called  Glmosporium  fructigenum.  It  is  rather  common  this  year 
on  the  gritty  Pears  and  hard-fleshed  Apples,  attacking  them  later  in  the 
season  than  usual,  but  it  develops  rapidly  in  the  stores.  Sulphide  of 
potassium,  half  an  ounce  to  a  gallon  of  water,  used  as  a  spray  or  through 
a  fine-rose  syringe  when  the  fruit  is  about  a  quarter  grown,  again  when 
half  grown,  and  a  third  time  when  about  three  parts  grown,  is  recom¬ 
mended  as  a  preventive.  The  fruit  should  be  disposed  of,  or  preferably 
destroyed.  If  the  Apples  are  used  the  peelings  ought  to  be  burned. 


December  14,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


546 


Creenlsh-whlte  Cbrysanthemum  (_R.  P.).  —  Mr.  Molyneux 
says  the  only  variety  he  knows  resembling  Florence  Davis  (Japanese)  in 
colour  is  Lord  Eversley,  a  sport  from  Princess  Teck,  originating  in  the 
hands  of  the  late  Mr.  Wildsmith,  at  Heckfield,  in  1887.  In  formation 
it  is,  like  nearly  all  sports,  the  exact  counterpart  of  its  parent.  It,  how¬ 
ever,  produces  the  smallest  bloDms  of  all  the  “  Teck  ”  family.  For  late 
flowering  it  is  valuable,  and  for  exhibition,  too,  where  a  large  number 
of  varieties  is  required.  Like  Florence  Davis,  the  florets  are  tinted 
green  when  unfolding,  but  as  in  the  case  of  that  Japanese  variety  the 
blooms  are  pure  white  when  fully  developed.  In  the  case  of  Lord 
Eversley,  though,  it  is  the  tips  of  the  florets  that  are  green,  in  the  other 
referred  to  it  is  the  centre  of  the  flower. 

IVXlcioscope  for  Examlnlner  Bacteria  (P.  P.). — To  show  the 
bioplasm  or  living  matter  growing  and  multiplying  in  the  bundles  of 
fibrous  tissue  in  animals,  or  in  the  cells  of  plants,  a  power  of  700 
diameters  is  necessary  ;  while  to  differentiate  or  show  the  very  minute 
particles  of  the  contagious  living  matter  or  bioplasm  a  lens  magnifying 
1800  diameters  is  required  ;  but  to  distinguish  the  malignant  from  the 
useful  bacteria,  and  refer  each  to  its  specific  character,  a  power  of  5000 
diameters  is  absolutely  essential.  This  implies  a  knowledge  of  bac¬ 
teriology,  attainable  only  by  a  long  course  of  study  and  acquirement  of 
the  distinction  between  fungal  and  bacterial  ferments,  which  in  many 
cases,  especially  in  plants,  is  only  determinable  by  cultures. 

Sunday  Work  In  Gardens  (M.  E,  C.').  —  Our  correspondent 
could  not  have  been  aware  of  what  you  state,  and,  we  Lope,  exaggerate. 
We  cannot  understand  that  any  gentleman  countenancing  such  Sunday 
work  in  his  garden  as  “  hoeing  between  Beet,  hacking  Potatoes,  ‘  warter- 
ing  ’  Lettuce  plants  ”  (you  should  learn  to  spell  ‘  watering  ’)  “  syringing 
Peas,  Cherry  trees,  and  doing  such  like  work.”  We  are  of  opinion  that 
all  unnecessary  labour  should  be  avoided  in  gardens  on  Sundays.  Your 
letter  is  so  faulty  in  grammar  that  it  cannot  be  inserted.  You  say  our 
correspondent  does  the  work  indicated,  though  you  no  doubt  intended 
your  allegation  to  apply  to  the  gardener  whose  work  he  described. 

Iilquld  IVIannre  In  Winter  for  Vines  (TF.  Laio). — As  you 
say  the  border  is  poor,  and  you  could  not  obtain  sewage  until  now, 
by  all  means  use  it  at  once  provided  the  site  is  naturally  or  artifi¬ 
cially  drained  so  that  superfluous  water  passes  away  freely.  Some  of 
the  most  profitable  Vines  we  know,  and  which  have  afforded  splendid 
Grapes  that  have  won  leading  honours  at  the  best  shows  this  year,  are 
made  so  in  part  (and  the  grower  believes  it  a  considerable  part)  by 
applications  of  liquid  manure  on  favourable  occasions  during  the  winter. 
It  can  be  used  with  advantage  much  stronger,  during  what  is  known 
as  the  resting  than  the  growing  period  of  Vines  and  fruit  trees. 
Do  not  miss  the  opportunity  of  applying  it  to  anything  that  needs 
manurial  support. 

House  for  Fruit  and  Chrysantliemums  (TF.  II.  M."), — 1,  The 
house  will  answer  as  regards  aspect,  but  it  is  somewhat  narrow,  for 
with  a  path  up  the  centre  there  will  be  a  4  feet  6  inches  border  on 
each  side.  This  is  quite  wide  enough  for  the  trees  with  liberal  feed¬ 
ing.  You  may  have  a  tree  on  each  side.  Dymond  and  Royal  George 
are  excellent  Peaches,  planting  the  first  on  the  south-east,  and  the 
latter  on  the  north-west  aspect.  2,  Pears  are  not  suitable  on  account 
of  the  heat  in  winter.  3,  A  flow  and  return  4-inch  hot-water  pipe 
along  both  sides  would  be  sufficient,  the  pipe  not  needing  to  be  highly 
heated.  4,  The  pipes  may  be  fixed  about  6  inches  from  the  wall. 
5,  A  3-feet  wide  border  would  answer  for  cordon  or  “  U  ”  trained 
trees,  and  it  would  then  be  a  better  arrangement  as  regards  the 
Chrysanthemums,  as  they  would  then  have  the  centre  of  the  house. 

lUClneral  Constituents  of  Pears,  Plums,  and  Strawberries 

(Dm.). — The  differences  between  the  per-centages  of  ash  and  mineral 
matter  have  no  connection  whatever  with  each  other,  as  they  refer 
entirely  to  different  subjects.  To  give  a  detailed  analysis  of  Apples 
would  enhance  the  value  and  add  to  the  expense  tenfold,  which  no 
analytical  chemist,  as  a  rule,  gives,  for  the  simple  reason  that  few 
care  to  pay  for  so  elaborate  an  analysis  of  fruit.  Pear :  Potash, 
54'69  ;  soda,  8‘52  ;  magnesia,  5  22  ;  lime,  7'98  ;  phosphoric  acid,  14'28  ; 
sulphuric  acid,  5'69  ;  silica,  1-49  ;  iron,  1-96  ;  chloride  of  sodium,  trace. 
Plum  :  Potash,  59  21  ;  soda,  0’54  ;  magnesia,  5  46  ;  lime,  10’04  ;  phos¬ 
phoric  acid,  12-26  ;  sulphuric  acid,  3-83  ;  silica,  2  36  ;  iron,  6-04  ; 
chloride  of  sodium,  trace.  Strawberries  :  Potash,  21  07  ;  soda,  27-01  ; 
magnesia,  trace  ;  lime,  14  21  ;  phosphoric  acid,  8-59  ;  sulphuric  acid, 
315;  silica,  12-05;  iron,  11-12;  chloride  of  sodium,  2-78.  The  per¬ 
centages  of  potash  and  sodium  vary  in  fruit  from  different  soils  as 
they  are  interchangeable  by  the  Strawberry.  The  albuminoids  in 
Pears  are  0  3  ;  mineral  matter,  0  3.  In  Plums  ;  Albuminoids,  0-5  ; 
mineral  matter,  0‘4.  In  Strawberries :  Albuminoids,  0  3  ;  mineral 
matter,  0  2. 

Vines  for  a  House  without  Fire  Heat  (D.  B.'). — The  variety 
you  name  is  not  desirable  for  the  purpose  indicated.  Chasselas  Vibert, 
Early  Smyrna  Frontignan,  and  Foster’s  Seedling  (white  Grapes),  also 
Black  Hamburgh,  Black  Prince,  and  Madresfield  Court  (black  Grapes) 
succeed  in  unheated  houses  farther  north  than  the  MidlanJs  in  favour¬ 
able  localities  and  seasons,  under  judicious  management.  This  mainly 
consists  in  husbanding  the  sun’s  heat  after  the  Vines  start  into  growth, 
allowing  them  to  do  this  naturally — that  is,  not  coddling  them  in  the 
spring,  but  ventilating  fully,  so  as  to  prevent  growth  before  April,  then 
pushing  them  ahead  by  judicious  early  closing,  especially  after  the 
Grapes  are  set  and  until  they  are  veil  ripened.  At  the  same  time  we 


consider  that  structures  for  growing  Grapes  in  are  incomplete  if  pro¬ 
vision  is  not  made  for  affording  artificial  heat. 


Hames  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  loorthless  Apples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  he  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (_T.  J.,  Watford.'). — We  think  the 
Apple  is  Warner’s  King.  (//.  D.). — The  most  careful  dissection  does 
not  reveal  the  name  of  the  Apple,  and  it  may  be  a  local  seedling. 
(TF.  <?.). — Wyken  Pippin  undoubtedly. 

Hames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligafures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp^ 
(F.  H.). — Anthurium  Andreanum.  {Young  Gardener). — 1,  Agave 
americana  ;  2,  Yucca  filamentosa  ;  3,  Kencia  Canterburyana  ;  4,  Sea- 
forthia  elegans.  {Amatexer).  — Jasminum  nudiflorum.  (AT.  P.).— 
Impatiens  Hawkeri. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET.— Decembee  13th. 


TbADE  very  quiet. 

Apples,  per  bushel  ..  ,. 

Cobs  . 

Grapes  per  lb . 

Lemons,  case  . 


Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

Beet,  Ked,  dozen . 

Carrots,  bunch . 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

Celery,  bundle  . 

Coleworts,  dozen  bunches 
Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

Endive,  dozen  . 

Herbs,  bimch  . 

Leeks,  bunch  . .  , ,  . . 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . .  . . 


FBHIT, 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

d. 

a. 

d 

2 

0  to  7 

6 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0  to 

0 

0 

35 

0 

40 

0 

Plums,  per  half  sieve  . . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  , . 

2 

0 

6 

0 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

s. 

d. 

s.  d. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

-2  to 

0 

0 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  , . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

0 

4 

0 

6 

2 

0 

3 

0 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

6 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

6 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

5 

1 

0 

3 

6 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

6 

0 

0 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

a 

0 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

7 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— GUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety .  Chrysanthemum  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season,  hence 


the  price  is  very  low. 

s.  d.  8.  d 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  ..  3  0  to  5  0 

Azalea,  dozen  sprays ....  1  0  16 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  ..0  6  10 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  ..10  30 

Carnations,  12  blooms  ..  0  6  2  0 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches .  20  60 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis.  0  6  2  0 

Eucharis,  dozen .  4  0  6  0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen  ..2  0  4  0 

Lilac  f  French')  per  bunch  3  6  6  0 

Lilies  of  the  Valley,  dozen 

sprays  .  2  0  40 

Lilium  lancifolium,  dozen 


blooms  . 

1 

0 

3 

0 

Lilium  longiflorum,  per 

dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Mignonette.  12  bunches 

3 

0 

6 

0 

Narciss,  Yellow  (Frenca), 

dozen  bunches . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

s.  d.  s.  d. 

Narciss,  White  (French), 

dozen  bunches . 2  0  to  3  0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoias  3  0  12  0 
Pelargoniums,  12  bunches  6  0  9  0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

bunches .  40  60 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

sprays . 0  6  10 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches  2  0  4  0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen  ..0  6  16 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  ..10  20 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  ..  2  0  4  0 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

per  dozen . 09  16 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

per  100  16  30 

Tuberoses.  12  blooms. .  ..  0  4  0  6 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

per  bunch .  2  6  3  0 

Violets,  Czar  (Preach),  per 

bunch  .  2  0  2  6 

Violets  (English),  dozen 
bunches  .  16  2  0 


PLANTS 


s. 

6 

18 

5 

4 

1 


Arbor  Vit®  (golden)  dozen 
Aspidistra,  per  dozen 
Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 
Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

„  large  plants,  each 
Drac®na  terminalis,  per 

dozen . 

Drac®na  viridis,  dozen  . . 
Ericas,  per  dozen 
Enonymus.  var.,  dozen  . . 
Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 
Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 


d.  s. 

0  to  12 


36 

10 

9 

2 

42 

24 

18 

18 

24 

18 


IN  POTS. 

8. 

Ferns  (small'i  per  hundred  4 
Ficus  elastica,  each  ..  ..  1 

Foliage  plant?,  var.,  each..  2 
Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen  12 
Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . .  3 

,  Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  ..  6 

Mignonette,  per  doz .  6 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 6 

Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  ..  1 

„  (specimens)  ..  ..21 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz.  2 
Solanums,  per  dozen..  ..  9 


d.  8.  d. 

0  to  6  0 

0  7  6 

0  10  0 

0  24  0 

0  4  0 

0  12  0 

0  9  0 

0  9  0 

0  15  0 

0  63  0 

0  0  0 

0  12  0 


546 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  14,  1893. 


PROFITABLE  LIVE  STOCK. 


Le?son  of  the  Cattle  Show, 

For  an  easy,  enjoyable,  and  instructive  comparison  of  breeds 
in  full  development,  or  far  on  the  way  thither,  the  winter 
show  of  fat  stock  at  Islington  is  altogether  preferable  to  the 
summer  meeting  of  the  “  Royal,”  simply  because  at  the 
Agricultural  Hall  the  classes  are  so  near  each  other  and  are 
so  accessible  that  comparison  is  easy,  and  a  useful  critical 
inspection  really  possible. 

Among  the  cattle  the  chief  points  of  interest  are  early 
development,  symmetrical  forms,  and  large  size.  Taking  the 
dictum  for  our  guide  of  Sir  John  B.  Lawes,  that  as  a  certain 
amount  of  food  is  consumed  every  day  by  an  animal  for 
respiratory  and  other  vital  functions,  it  is  evident  that  the 
quicker  an  animal  is  fed  for  the  butcher  the  less  total  amount 
of  food  he  will  consume,  weight,  age,  and  general  appearance 
all  have  attention.  Among  the  Shorthorns  in  class  11  for 
steers  not  exceeding  two  years  old,  the  Queen’s  first  prize 
handsome  steer,  weighing  14  cwt.  9  lbs.,  and  one  year  eleven 
months  three  weeks  old,  was  a  marvellous  example  of  early 
development.  The  weekly  average  weight  from  birth  to  show 
entry  being  about  15i  lbs.,  bears  favourable  comparison  with 
that  of  another  of  Her  Majesty’s  prizewinners.  Prince  Charlie, 
weighing  2O2  cwt.  at  the  age  of  three  years  six  months  two 
weeks,  or  a  weekly  average  of  about  12^  lbs.  This  grand  beast 
was  so  symmetrical  that  it  not  only  took  first  prize  in  the  class 
for  Shorthorn  steers  above  three  and  not  exceeding  four  years, 
beating  Mr.  J.  W.  Rowland’s  huge  second  prize  steer,  weighing 
22  cwt.  2  qrs.  18  lbs.,  and  Lord  Tredegar’s  third  prize  beast, 
weighing  20  cwt.  3  qrs.  21  lbs.,  but  it  was  awarded  the  breed 
cup,  the  £50  cup  as  best  male  among  the  cattle,  and  the 
reserve  ticket  for  the  championship.  A  marvellous  sight  were 
these  three  magnificent  animals,  each  of  them  over  a  ton  live 
weight,  but  apart  from  prizewinning,  and  regarded  strictly 
from  a  commercial  point  of  view,  the  younger  steer  bears  away 
the  palm  from  all  of  them. 

That  the  judges  were  not  influenced  by  mere  weight  was 
also  evident  in  the  contest  for  the  championship  between  Prince 
Charlie  and  Mr.  J.  D.  Fletcher’s  polled  Aberdeen,  Angus 
heifer.  Pride  of  the  Highlands,  two  years  and  eleven  months 
old,  and  weighing  17  cwt.  2  qrs.  So  excellent  were  both  of 
them  that  it  was  only  after  the  most  deliberate  inspection  and 
discussion  of  every  point  that  the  judges  decided  in  favour 
of  Pride  of  the  Highlands,  which  was  also  first  in  its  class, 
and  winner  of  the  breed  cup. 

Excellent  examples  of  early  maturity  were  there  in  other 
breeds,  as,  for  example,  Mr.  T.  H.  Risdon’s  first  prize  Devon 
steer,  one  year  eleven  months  two  weeks  old,  weighing  1 1  cwt.  ; 
Lord  Coventry’s  first  prize  Hereford  steer,  one  year  seven 
months  old,  weighing  11  cwt.  25  lbs.  ;  Mr.  J.  Godman’s  first 
l)rize  Sussex  steer,  one  year  ten  months  three  weeks  old, 
weighing  12  cwt.  26  lbs. ;  Mr.  R.  Turner’s  first  prize  polled 
Aberdeen-Angus  steer,  one  year  ten  months  old,  weighing 
11  cwt.  2  qrs.  2  lbs.  ;  and  a  ci’oss-bred  steer,  for  which  Mr.  John 
Boss  had  first  prize,  a  very  compact  polled  beast,  black  and 
white  in  colour,  with  Aberdeen-Angus  blood  largely  predomi¬ 
nant,  one  year  eight  months  one  week  old,  weighing  12  cwt. 
1  qr.  12  lbs.  All  of  them  were  in  the  classes  of  their  respective 
breeds  for  steers  not  exceeding  two  years.  Though  the  cross¬ 
bred  steer  has  some  advantage  over  the  pure-bred  animals  in 
weight,  we  were  not  favourably  impressed  by  the  appearance  of 
it  or  any  other  cross-bred  cattle  in  the  Show.  They  had  an 
inferior  appearance  that  suffered  very  much  by  comparison 
with  the  pure  breeds. 


For  condition,  form,  and  finish  there  was  nothing  to  equal 
the  attractive  and  picturesque  Herefords.  Their  white  faces* 
red  coats,  evident  ripeness,  and  symmetry  showed  how  entirely 
they  were  worthy  of  the  high  rank  assigned  them  among  our 
best  cattle,  and  how  well  they  repay  for  careful  tending  and 
judicious  feeding.  We  were  probably  more  imp-essed  by  them 
because  we  had  seen  many  of  the  same  breed  out  of  condition — 
victims  of  the  drought — at  Guildford  Market  on  the  previous 
day.  One  of  the  most  handsome  beasts  in  the  Show  was  Mr. 
John  Wortley’s  first  prize  Hereford,  in  the  class  for  steers  not 
exceeding  three  years  old.  It  was  two  years  seven  months  old, 
and  weighed  16  cwt.  26  lbs.,  gaining  also  the  breed  cup.  Our 
note  of  it  was  “a  fine  compact  beast — a  picture  !  ”  Very  hand¬ 
some,  too,  was  the  Queen’s  first  prize  Hereford  heifer,  weighing 
12  cwt ,  at  the  age  of  two  years  seven  months.  Mr.  R. 
Edwards’  second  prize  heifer,  a  month  younger  than  Her 
Majesty’s,  weighed  nearly  2  cwt.  more,  and  was,  we  thought,  the 
finer  animal  of  the  two ;  and  the  heaviest  Shorthorns  had  no 
mean  rival  in  Mr.  F.  Platt’s  Hereford  steer,  weighing 
20  cwt.  2  qrs.  24  lbs.  at  the  age  of  three  years  ten  months. 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

Recent  inquiries  about  eggs  in  winter  show  how  little  progress  is 
made  in  a  matter  wherein  success  depends  upon  details  of  management, 
and  not  upon  exterior  influences.  Where  the  supply  has  fallen  off  for 
want  of  pullets  coming  in  to  lay  now,  nothing  can  be  done  till  next 
season,  unless,  indeed,  more  pullets  were  purchased  at  once,  which 
would  prove  to  be  an  expensive  affair.  Bat  if  there  is  a  cessation  of 
laying  by  the  April  or  May  hens  of  the  current  year,  it  is  probably 
owing  to  the  use  of  improper  food  and  a  want  of  shelter  for  the  poultry 
both  by  day  and  night.  Remember  that  fowls  go  to  roost  early  now, 
often  by  or  before  3  P  .M.  At  least,  on  alternate  days,  preferably  daily, 
they  should  have  some  warm  food  about  2.30,  consisting  either  of  oat¬ 
meal  or  barleymeal,  or  both  in  mixture.  In  Sussex  it  would  probably 
be  oatmeal,  in  the  eastern  counties  barleymeal ;  which  of  them  has  pre¬ 
ference  is  immaterial,  the  point  of  real  importance  is  that  they  have 
the  food  warm.  Some  very  successful  poultry  keepers  prefer  whole 
corn.  We  do  not  object,  only  the  meal  can  be  prepared  simply  by 
mixing  it  with  hot  water,  while  the  whole  corn  require  a  saucepan  in 
which  it  is  placed,  almost  covered  with  cold  water,  which  is  then  made 
to  just  boil,  then  withdrawn  slightly  from  the  fire  for  an  hour  so  as  to 
keep  hot,  and  cause  the  corn  to  swell  without  any  more  boiling. 

When  they  come  down  in  the  morning  they  have  a  warm  breakfast, 
and  then  run  into  a  long  shed  open  to  the  south,  having  plenty  of  dust 
on  the  earthen  floor.  Here  they  have  some  corn.  Wheat,  Maize,  or 
Barley  thrown  among  the  dust  to  busy  them,  but  this  is  only  in  calm 
weather;  On  very  rough  cold  days  they  are  kept  in  the  snug  poultry 
house,  which  is  quite  clean,  has  plenty  of  light,  not  a  chink  or  hole 
of  any  sort,  nor  openings  along  the  eaves  to  admit  draughts  ;  warm 
food  is  then  given  them  at  dawn  of  day,  at  about  eleven,  and  again 
about  three  hours  before  they  go  up  to  the  perches. 

We  have  now  an  excellent  supply  of  rich-looking  brown  eggs  from 
Wyandotte  pullets,  which  are  excellent.  Minorcas  and  White  Dorkings 
have  also  supplied  ns  well  with  winter  eggs,  mainly  because  of  shelter 
and  warm  nourishing  foods. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamdkn  Squarb,  London. 

Lat.51°  32' 40"  N. :  Loag.  0°  8'  0"  W.;  Altitude.  Ill  feet. 


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

a 

1893. 

December. 

1  Barometer 

at  32®,  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  3 

30-422 

24-5 

23-8 

S.W. 

39-7 

41-3 

20-1 

45-3 

20-5 

0  010 

Monday  . .  4 

30-220 

41-1 

40-4 

S.W. 

38-3 

46-5 

23-9 

53-1 

24-4 

— 

Tuesday  . .  5 

30-366 

39-9 

37-6 

N.E. 

38-9 

43-8 

37-9 

49-4 

30  9 

— 

Wednesday  6 

30-172 

43-4 

42-2 

S.W. 

39-1 

49-3 

37-1 

56-2 

32-4 

0-058 

Thursday . .  7 

29-747 

45-9 

44-4 

W. 

41-0 

46-9 

43-1 

66-9 

39-9 

— 

Friday  . .  8 

29-480 

45-2 

43-9 

S. 

41-3 

49-6 

36-2 

50-8 

29-4 

0-441 

Saturday  . .  9 

29-358 

39-9 

38-9 

S.W. 

41-9 

44-2 

39-6 

63-1 

35-9 

— 

29-966 

40-0 

38  7 

39-9 

45-9 

34-0 

54-8 

30-5 

0  509 

REMARKS. 

3rd. — Frequent  bright  sunshine  in  morning, and  at  times  in  afternoon;  fair  evening; 
cloudy  night. 

4th. — Cloudy  with  occasional  faint  sunshine  in  morning  ;  bright  for  about  an  hour  at 
midday  ;  dull  and  drizzly  from  8  P.M.  6th. — Fair,  but  almost  sunless. 

6th. — Fair  with  occasional  faint  sunshine ;  drizzle  and  spots  of  rain  in  evening. 

7th. — Showers  early ;  bright  sunshine  from  9  A.M.,  andalmost  cloudless  from  11  A.M. 

8th. — Overcast  early  ;  frequent  drizzle  from  8.30  A.M. ;  rain  from  noon,  and  heavy  rain 
at  2  P.M. ;  fair  after  3  P.M. 

9th. — Rain  from  0.80  to  2.30  A.M.,  and  at  5.30  A.M. ;  cleared  after  sunrise,  and  bright  sun 
from  10  A.M. ;  almost  cloudless  night. 

Barometer  and  wind  variable,  temperature  slightly  below  the  average. — G.  J.  SIMONS. 


December  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


647 


r  Hi?  ^  - 

H  J 

CHURCH  DECORATIONS  AT 
CHRISTMAS. 

AS  the  festive  season  of  Christmas  approaches,  bringing  with  it 
feelings  of  universal  gladness,  long-parted  friends  and  relations 
gather  once  more  around  the  family  board,  or  perchance  lift  up 
their  voices  in  thankfulness  and  praise  within  the  sacred  walls  of 
the  church  of  childhood’s  days.  On  these  befitting  occasions  it  has 
long  been  the  widespread  custom  to  embellish  the  interior  of  our 
sacred  edifices  with  evergreens,  berries,  and  flowers.  In  so  many 
instances  the  execution  of  the  lion’s  share  of  this  kind  of  work  falls 
to  the  gardeners  that  it  may  without  further  explanation  be  classed 
among  their  multitudinous  duties.  Having  had  a  considerable 
amount  of  experience  at  this  work,  I  trust  a  few  remarks  on  the 
subject  may  prove  useful  to  many  at  the  present  time. 

A  prominent  feature  in  church  decorations,  especially  in  those 
instances  in  which  stately  pillars  or  beautiful  Gothicarches  abound,  is 
produced  by  tracing  the  outlines  of  the  latter,  and  encircling  the 
former,  with  wreaths  made  of  evergreens  of  various  description?! 
These,  if  well  made,  are  always  effective,  even  if  many  kinds  of 
foliage  are  mixed  up  in  an  indiscriminate  fashion  ;  but  in  order  to 
avoid  sameness  and  produce  distinct  features,  if  the  work  is  carried 
out  on  an  extensive  scale,  certain  portions  of  it  should  be  done  with 
one  or  two  kinds  of  foliage  only,  and  others  with  entirely  different 
material.  In  this  way  special  features  are  created,  for  the  lack  of 
which  many  examples  of  decorative  work  are  greatly  marred.  I 
will  here  give  a  few  illustrations  of  my  meaning,  which  of  course 
are  not  advanced  as  the  only  methods  of  securing  the  desired  effect, 
but  are  given  to  show  the  plan  of  action  by  which  monotony  may 
be  avoided. 

The  dark  coloured  oak  of  which  choir  stalls  are  frequently 
constructed  may  be  effectively  decorated  by  employing  Variegated 
Holly  or  shoots  of  Aucuba  japonica  formed  into  wreaths  and 
fastened  around  their  outlines.  Stone  pillars,  which  are  generally 
light  in  colour,  look  exceedingly  well  if  encircled  with  wreaths 
made  of  sprays  of  Ivy  surmounted  with  berries.  Holly  with 
green  leaves  and  red  berries,  or  a  combination  of  Portugal  Laurel 
and  light  sprays  of  Yew,  are  equally  suitable  for  the  purpose.  The 
angles  formed  by  the  outer  walls  and  ceiling  require  as  a  rule 
the  heaviest  wreaths.  These  may,  therefore,  have  a  great  variety 
of  materials  employed  in  their  construction.  Laurel,  Yew, 
Box  and  Holly  answer  the  purpose  admirably.  Whenever  there 
is  a  considerable  amount  of  bare  wall  below  the  base  of  the  roof, 
wreath  festoons  should  be  arranged  from  it  at  intervals  of  from 
3  to  6  feet.  The  wreaths  to  fit  in  the  angles  ought  to  be  made 
flat  ;  those  for  festooning  round,  and  be  so  arranged  that  they  are 
fullest  in  the  centre,  gradually  tapering  to  the  point  where  they 
are  fastened  to  the  wreath  above.  Arches  which  have  a  series  of 
grooves  cut  in  the  stone  of  which  they  are  made,  generally  require 
a  rather  heavy  wreath  fitted  round  the  outer  groove,  and  a  much 
smaller  and  round  one  made  of  Box,  arranged  in  the  groove  nearest 
the  under  side  of  the  arch. 

A  most  finished  way  of  decorating  large  arches  is  to  treat  them 
as  already  described,  and  in  addition  procure  stout  iron  rods,  have 
them  bent  to  the  shape  of  the  arch,  and  by  means  of  iron  clips  at 
the  base  and  apex  fasten  them  in  position  so  as  to  join  the  frame¬ 
work  of  another  arch  1  foot  below  the  arch  proper.  Before 
placing  finally  in  position,  these  irons  should  be  covered  with  Holly 
or  other  stiff  evergreen,  and  when  fitted  up  have  baskets  of  Ferns 

No.  704. — VoL.  XXVII.,  Third  Series. 


suspended  from  the  apex  and  base.  The  effect  is  then  exceedingly 
good.  Those  who  have  not  yet  tried  this  plan,  I  would  strongly 
advise  to  do  so. 

In  making  wreaths  of  all  kinds  the  thickness  of  string  should 
be  regulated  by  the  diameter  of  the  wreath  to  be  made,  and  in  all 
instances  I  prefer  wire  for  binding  the  shoots  to  the  string.  The 
kind  of  wire  obtained  on  reels  is  scarcely  thick  enough  for  the 
purpose,  but  I  have  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  rolls  of  iron  or  brass 
wire  of  exactly  the  right  thickness.  It  is  wound  on  reels  as 
required,  being  much  handier  for  use  in  that  form.  Bunches  of 
Helichrysums  of  various  colours  are  extremely  useful  for  fastening 
at  intervals  along  wreaths  in  the  most  conspicuous  positions. 

One  of  the  most  tedious  branches  of  the  work  of  church 
decoration  is  that  of  arranging  letters  in  the  form  of  texts  on 
substances  of  various  descriptions  and  shapes.  A  framework  of 
board  with  scarlet  cloth  stretched  across  it  is  a  favourite  and  effective 
method  of  forming  the  groundwork,  and  letters  cut  out  of  stiff  white 
paper  look  well  upon  such  a  groundwork.  I  used  to  find  it  a 
rather  difficult  matter  to  cut  out  the  letters  in  good  form  ;  that 
difficulty  has,  however,  been  overcome  by  getting  the  printers  to 
stamp  the  required  letters  on  paper  with  their  largest  type,  it  is 
then  an  easy  matter  to  cut  them  out  correctly.  Perhaps  the  most 
effective  white  letters  are  those  formed  of  cotton  wool  which  has 
been  split  asunder,  so  as  to  leave  a  rough  side  to  the  front.  When 
these  are  used  I  cut  out  the  letters  in  paper,  and  then  mark  the 
wool  under  them.  Letters  may  also  be  formed  of  gilt  paper,  as  well 
as  paper  of  other  colours.  Holly  berries.  Holly  leaves,  or  leaves  of 
many  kinds,  gum,  cotton,  or  tacks  being  the  material  employed  for 
securing  them  to  the  groundwork.  Holly  leaves  or  small  twigs  of 
Yew  are  generally  employed  to  form  a  border  round  devices  on 
which  texts  have  been  fastened.  Rough  w'ooden  frameworks 
formed  of  laths  crossing  each  other  in  such  a  way  as  to  form  a 
series  of  diamonds,  if  covered  with  Laurel  leaves,  which  may  easily 
be  fastened  with  tin  tacks,  provide  an  easy  method  of  covering  bare 
spaces  of  wall,  or  for  making  temporary  screens  of  an  ornamental 
character.  Holly  berries  or  bunches  of  Immortelles  should  be 
fastened  at  the  points  where  the  laths  cross  each  other. 

The  pulpit  and  lectern  require  especial  attention  in  the  matter 
of  decoration.  To  do  this  effectwely  whatever  materials  are  employed 
for  the  purpose  should  be  so  arranged  as  to  trace  the  outline  of 
panels  and  beading.  Strips  of  brown  paper  or  canvas  are  the  most 
generally  useful  for  fastening  the  materials  to.  I  have  some¬ 
times  secured  an  excellent  effect  by  covering  such  strips  with 
Holly  or  Laurel  leaves,  and  then  dotting  them  at  intervals 
alternately  with  small  circles  of  red  berries  and  tufts  of  grey 
lichen  (obtained  from  old  Apple  trees),  the  centre  of  the  panels 
being  covered  with  cotton  wool,  supporting  interwoven  letters 
worked  out  in  red  Holly  berries.  The  berries  and  lichen  are 
easily  fastened  in  position  by  the  aid  of  rather  thick  gum. 

Many  fine  examples  of  windows  of  various  types  may  be  met 
with  in  our  ancient  Churches.  These  when  tastefully  decorated  add 
much  to  the  general  effect  from  an  artistic  point  of  view,  yet 
strange  to  say,  the  embellishment  of  windows  usually  receives  but 
scant  attention,  beyond  encircling  the  surrounding  rim  of  wall  in 
a  wreath  of  evergreens.  When  all  of  them  cannot  be  well  done, 
a  few  of  the  most  prominent  should  receive  special  attention. 
The  largest  and  most  conspicuous  is  usually  immediately  above 
the  Communion  Table.  This  has  generally  a  wide  sloping  ledge, 
upon  which  a  most  pleasing  effect  may  be  produced  by  the  employ¬ 
ment  of  cut  flowers  and  pot  plants.  A  shallow  tin  about  2  inches 
wide  should  be  fitted  along  the  front  of  the  ledge,  and  a  ground¬ 
work  of  Ferns  in  pots  be  arranged  over  the  remaining  space.  This 
groundwork  may  be  dotted  thinly  with  graceful  Palms,  some  plants 
of  Poinsettia,  or  Scarlet  Pelargoniums,  and  Roman  Hyacinths  ;  but 
few  will  be  required  even  for  the  largest  windows,  as  overcrowding  is 
the  great  thing  to  avoid.  This  finished,  the  tins  may  be  filled  with 
water  and  arranged  with  flowers  and  greenery  ;  scarlet  is  the  most 

No.  2360.— VoL,  LXXXIX.,  Old  Series. 


548 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  SI,  1893. 


suitable  colour.  Smaller  windows  may  be  quickly  done  by  placing 
a  Palm  or  Dracaena  in  the  centre,  covering  the  foot,  and  the 
remainder  of  the  window-ledge  with  a  mound  of  moss,  dotting  this 
with  berried  Holly,  Immortelles,  or  flowers.  In  doing  this  work 
to  the  best  of  our  ability  something  is  contributed  towards  the 
liappiness  of  others,  which  helps  both  worker  and  beholder  to 
realise  the  hidden  meaning  of  the  time-honoured  greeting — “  A 
Happy  Christmas !  ” 

Much  more  might  be  written  on  this  subject,  but  I  have 
■endeavoured  to  set  the  inventive  faculties  of  Journal  readers  at 
work  in  such  a  way  as  to  enable  them  to  create  novel  and  beautiful 
combinations  for  themselves. — Decoeatok. 


THE  FRUIT-KEEPING  QUESTION. 

Foe  one  reason  do  I  again  return  to  this  question — namely,  to 
point  out  to  “  A.  D.”  (page  527)  that  ho  has  not  shown  his  usual 
perspicacity  in  looking  at  the  arguments  of  those  with  whom  he 
•appears  to  differ,  or  exhibited  that  impartiality  of  judgment  that 
.generally  characterises  his  writings.  He  has  been  so  anxious  to 
demolish  his  neighbour’s  theory  that  he  has  not  made  himself 
thoroughly  conversant  with  it,  or  if  so,  he  has  not  been 
generous  enough  to  give  his  neighbour  the  benefit  of  that  aquaint- 
ance.  I  leave  the  defence  of  the  theory  set  up  by  your  other 
■correspondents  and  myself  in  better  hands  than  mine  if  they  care 
■to  go  over  the  ground  again,  or  to  enlarge  the  question  by  other 
arguments. 

It  will  be  sufficient  for  me  to  call  “  A.  D.’s  ”  attention  to  this 
fact  that  I  did  not  “  jump  to  my  conclusion  as  to  the  sap  theory 
with  a  real  rush,”  but  that  I  arrived  at  it  by  slow  and  painful 
■degrees ;  and  for  this  reason,  because  it  was  those  early  Pears  which 
swelled  “  after  the  rains  came,”  and  which ,  by  their  season,  had 
to  be  gathered  whether  or  not,  that  were  the  soonest  decayed, 
and  deficient  in  quality.  Having,  as  he  thinks,  tripped  me  up 
about  Pears,  he  attempts  to  do  so  as  to  Apples.  I  said  Apples  were 
-keeping  well,  and  so  they  are,  the  late  ones,  and  for  that  very  reason 
I  said  we  gave  them  as  long  a  time  to  mature  as  we  could,  in 
order  that  the  rush  of  sap  into  the  fruits  might  be  converted  from 
the  crude  watery  elements  of  its  first  stage  into  the  ripened  juices 
of  the  perfect  stage.  Is  there  anything  wrong  in  that  ? 

Fruit  gathered  with  sap  in  it  which  had  not  been  elaborated 
would  mean  an  early  corruption  of  it,  just  as  fruit  gathered  after 
the  elements  had  by  time  chemically  changed  that  crude  sap  into 
conservative  juices  would  keep,  unless  fungus  or  other  decaying 
agencies  were  at  work.  That  is  how  I  look  at  it.  It  is  perhaps  a 
very  simple  way  of  doing  so,  and  not  quite  that  of  these  fin  de  siecle 
<iays.  Nevertheless,  as  a  gardener  of  the  older  school,  and  one  that 
has  been  a  reader  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  forty  years 
this  very  year,  I  am  not  ashamed  of  it,  because  I  gathered  it  first 
from  my  early  teachers  in  the  old  Cottage  Gardener,  and  have  seen 
no  reason  in  all  that  time  to  alter  it  by  a  long  fruit  experience. 
I  think  if  “A.  D.”  will  read  back  he  will  see  that  his  charge 
against  me  of  hasty,  illogical,  and  unpractical  deductions  of  a 
theory  is  not  a  sound  one,  and  if  he  will  kindly  re-read  my  notes, 
I  think  even  he  will  agree  that  it  is  scarcely  a  generous  one.  As  I 
said  before,  so  say  I  again,  “  A .  D.”  is  usually  so  fair  in  his  judg¬ 
ment  that  I  am  sure  he  will  do  me  this  justice. 

As  the  blessed  time  of  “  Peace  on  earth  ”  is  here — sentiment¬ 
ally,  if  we  do  not  make  it  practically  so — I  wish  him,  and  all 
readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  but  especially  our  chief  and 
his  most  efficient  assistants,  and  the  old  writers  (not  many  left 
now !)  and  the  young  writers  (more  power  to  them  !),  a  very 
Merry  Christmas  and  a  Happy  New  Year,  when  it  comes.  We  of 
the  generation  which  looks  back  along  the  years  we  have  been 
together,  and  miss  the  old  names  in  the  pages  of  our  Journal,  do 
so  with  a  deepening  sadness  at  the  remembrance  of  the  loss  of 
their  steadfast  lives  and  practical  teachings  ;  but  also  with  much 
satisfaction  that  their  “  prophet’s  mantle  ”  has  fallen  on  to  most 
worthy  shoulders  of  the  present  day  ;  and  so  with  calm  cou  age 
we  settle  down  to  doing  the  day’s  duty  as  best  we  can  in  our 
coming  days,  be  they  many  or  few. — N.  H.  P. 

[We  are  sure  that  both  old  friends  and  new  writers  and  readers 
will  reciprocate  the  kindly  sentiments  so  felicitously  expressed, 
and  hope  that  “  N.  H.  P.”  has  yet  many  happy  new  years  to 
come  ] 


My  opinion  for  Apples  not  keeping  well  in  some  instances  this 
year  is  the  rain  came  just  at  the  lime  they  were  maturing,  and, 
therefore,  unable  to  assimilate  the  superabundant  moisture  con¬ 
tracted  by  absorption  from  the  humid  atmosphere  as  well  as  through 


the  cellular  tissue  of  the  tree.  Is  there  ai  y  remedy  to  prevent  the 
early  decaying  of  Apples  ?  or  is  it  possible  to  build  a  fruit  house 
that  will  be  every  year  satisfactory  ?  I  am  afraid  not.  Potatoes, 
Turnips,  and  other  roots  sometimes  decay  to  all  appearance  the 
same  as  Apples  are  doing.  The  cause,  I  believe,  is  some  sort  of 
ferment,  which,  owing  to  a  certain  amount  of  water  being  present, 
overcomes  the  antiseptic  properties  of  sugar,  converting  it  and  the 
starch  into  carbonised  matter  much  in  the  same  way  as  sulphuric 
acid  acts  upon  sugar. 

Shrivelled  Apples  are  frequently  more  delicious  to  the  palate 
than  plump  ones,  and  are  in  a  better  state  of  preservation  if  the 
shrivelling  be  moderate.  Had  these  juicy  Apples  been  thoroughly 
desiccated  th-  re  would  not  have  been  premature  decay,  and  in  the 
other  extreme,  plunged  into  water,  they  would  in  all  likelihood 
remained  fresh  for  a  longer  period.  I  have  known  Apples  and 
Pears  to  keep  well  when  damaged  slightly  by  a  small  piece  being 
cut  or  chipped  from  them. 

Fruit  to  keep  well  should  have  a  certain  proportion  of  water 
to  the  amount  of  sugar  present,  and  when  in  excess  ought  to  be 
evaporated  by  being  kept  in  a  warm  fruit  house.  To  know  the 
right  proportion  of  water  experiments  should  be  made  to  learn 
that,  and  the  weight  of  sugar  to  the  bulk  of  Apples  ascertained. 
— W.  T. 

American  Apples. 

Both  Mr.  Bunyard  and  Mr.  Watkins  (page  528)  are  somewhat 
down  on  American  Apples,  and  they  should  be  able  now  to 
estimate  their  true  value.  I  grew  Northein  Spy  for  many  years 
on  stiff  clay  in  a  bed  on  the  Crab  stock,  and  never  had  a  fruit ;  on 
the  other  hand,  with  Mr.  Turton  at  Maiden  Erlegh,  on  almost  as 
stiff  soil,  but  worked  on  the  Paradise  stock,  and  in  bush  form,  it 
fruits  freely,  some  of  the  fruits  being  exceptionally  handsome,  rich 
coloured,  and  good.  Against  that  success  we  have  to  set  the  fact 
that  it  is  a  variety  that  displays  far  more  of  failures  than  successes, 
I  had  given  me  the  other  day,  grown  on  the  chalk  at  Titsey  Park, 
Surrey,  by  Mr.  J.  Dean,  a  couple  of  much  larger  samples,  and  the 
fruits  look  as  if  they  would  keep  firm  till  the  end  of  January. 
Still  the  past  season  has  been  so  exceptional,  as  all  admit,  that 
varieties  that  under  ordinary  conditions  seldom  fruit  have  borne 
good  crops  are  fine  samples. 

At  tire  Drill  Hall  last  week  Mr.  J.  Smith,  of  Mentmore 
Gardens,  invited  me,  with  others,  to  taste  samples  of  the  American 
Baldwin  he  had  from  trees  grown  at  Mentmore.  The  samples 
were  gcod,  skin  clear  golden,  not  highly  coloured,  the  flesh  soft, 
and  particularly  sugary,  but  not  specially  flavoured.  I  wonder 
whether  persons  who  praise  this  Apple  so  much  sometimes  mistake 
sugar  for  flavour.  Whenever  any  doubt  prevails  as  to  whether  a 
variety  has  flavour  or  not,  it  is  wise  to  refresh  the  palate  with  a 
taste  of  Cox’s  Orange  Pippin,  and  a  standard  of  excellence  is 
found  that  admits  of  no  disputation.  It  will  be  interesting  to 
learn  how  the  Baldwin  does  at  Mentmore  in  ordinary  seasons. 
Practically  we  have  little  room  in  this  country  for  American 
Apples,  and  less  need  for  them.  Our  wealth  of  varieties  literally 
covers  all  our  needs.  Any  advance,  if  it  be  possible,  should  not  be 
found  in  adding  so  much  to  our  present  plethora  of  early  dessert 
and  huge  cooking  sorts,  of  which  we  have  legion,  but  rather  in 
improving  our  late-keeping  or  winter  varieties,  for  these  afford 
most  scope  for  development. — A.  D. 


HARDY  FLOWER  NOTES. 

Snowdrops. 

So  long  has  the  Snowdrop  seemed  to  us  the  “early  herald  of  the 
infant  year  ”  that  to  many  the  introduction  of  the  varieties  which 
bloom  in  late  autumn  and  eaily  winter  appears  somewhat  un¬ 
welcome.  Our  ordinary  Galanthus  nivalis  has  always  been  eagerly 
looked  for  as  the  harbinger  of  spring,  betokening  the  coming  of  the 
host  of  flowers  which  that  season  delights  to  display  to  our  admiring 
eyes.  Yet  to  those  who  grow  the  autumn  and  winter  Snowdrops 
it  is  wonderful  how  soon  they  entwine  themselves  into  our 
affections,  and  equally  wonderful  how  eagerly  they  are  watched  for 
as  they  peer  through  the  soil,  and  gradually  attain  their  flowering 
period.  It  was  with  the  keenest  pleasure  that  I  recently  lingered 
before  a  few  of  these  chaste  flowers,  when  a  partial  recovery  from 
a  severe  attack  of  influenza  enabled  me  once  more  to  venture  into 
the  garden  to  see  what  was  left  to  us  in  these  gloomy  days. 

Galanthus  octobrensis  (?)  from  Albania. 

One  of  these  autumn  Snowdrops  which  will,  in  all  probability, 
prove  one  of  the  hardiest  of  its  race  is  one  introduced  from  Albania 
by  Mr.  Yan  Tubergen  of  Haarlem.  The  flowers  are  not,  perhaps, 
the  largest,  but  the  plant  shows  every  sign  of  a  good  constitution  ; 
my  few  bulbs,  which  were  planted  in  the  summer  of  18S2,  all 
showing  offsets  this  season.  The  first  flowers  of  this  Snowdrop 
became  fully  expanded  on  October  22nd,  and  continued  in  beauty 


December  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


649 


for  a  long  period.  In  my  garden  it  has  attained  a  height  of  only 
4  inches,  and  the  sepals  or  outer  segments  are  rather  less  than 
1  inch  in  length.  In  this  species  or  variety,  which  an  excellent 
authority  on  Snowdrops  has  recognised  as  only  a  variety  of  G.  octo- 
brensis,  the  sepals  appear  to  be  more  deeply  fluted  than  any  of 
the  others  in  flower  here.  The  leaves,  which  are  narrow,  present 
the  great  characteristic  of  the  autumn  and  winter  Snowdrop — the 
glaucous  line  down  the  centre — which  adds  much  to  the  appear¬ 
ance  of  the  plant.  The  flower  scape,  which  is  cylindrical,  is  of  a 
beautiful  glaucous  green, 

Galanthus  corcyrensis  pr^cox  (?). 

In  a  small  consignment  of  G.  corcyrensis  which  reached  me 
through  an  Italian  firm  in  1892  was  a  fine  Snowdrop,  that 
flowered  much  earlier  than  the  others  of  the  same  parcel  last  winter, 
and  this  year  the  same  bulb  produced  a  flower  which  was  fully 
expanded  on  October  22nd,  the  same  day  as  G,  octobrensis  flowered. 
As  it  is  undistinguishable  from  the  typical  G.  corcyrensis,  except 
from  its  earlier  period  of  blooming  and  its  handsomer  flower,  I 
have  named  it  provisionally  G.  corcyrensis  prsecox.  It  has  broader 
leaves  than  the  species  already  spoken  of,  and  grows  to  the  top  of 
the  spathe  valves  to  between  5  and  6  inches  in  height,  while  the 
floral  segments,  which  are  of  good  form  and  substance,  are  con¬ 
siderably  over  1  inch  in  length.  Last  year  this  bulb  produced  two 
flowers,  and  this  season  it  will  produce  the  same  number,  but  is  as 
yet  showing  no  signs  of  any  offsets. 

Galanthus  Rachel.^. 

I  have  to  acknowledge,  on  the  part  of  Mr.  F.  W.  Burbidge,  of 
Trinity  College  Gardens,  Dublin,  an  act  of  great  kindness  in  his 
sending  me,  quite  unsolicited,  a  bulb  of  the  true  G.  Rachelse,  and 
also  one  of  the  true  G.  Elsae.  I  appreciate  Mr.  Burbidge ’s  kind¬ 
ness  all  the  more  highly  in  consideration  of  my  being  a  total 
stranger  to  him,  and  the  stock  of  these  two  rare  Snowdrops  being 
so  small.  Up  to  the  time  I  write,  while  G.  Ehse  has  made  its 
appearance  above  the  soil;  G.  Rachelse  has  not  yet  shown,  but  I  am 
in  hope  it  is  still  in  existence.  In  1892  I,  however,  received  from 
the  same  source  as  the  G.  corcyrensis  praecox,  mentioned  above,  a 
Snowdrop  under  the  name  of  G.  Rachels.  Last  year  I  was  very 
sceptical  as  to  its  truth  to  name,  knowing  as  I  did  that  it  could  not 
have  come  from  the  small  stock  brought  from  Greece  by  Professor 
Mahaffy.  This  year,  however,  it  flowered  about  October  29tb,  and 
I  am  more  inclined  to  think  that  it  may  after  all  be  from  the  same 
habitat  as  Professor  Mahaffy’s  plant.  In  G.  Rachel®  the  flowers 
should  appear  before  the  foliage,  and  in  the  plant  under  notice  the 
leaves  are  only  noticeable  when  the  flower  appears.  Whether 
correctly  named  or  not,  this  Snowdrop  is  a  very  pretty  one,  of 
excellent  form  and  colour,  with  sepals  of  1  inch  in  length  on  a 
scape  about  5  inches  high,  and  with  the  pretty  leaves  just  showing. 
Various  other  autumn  Snowdrops  have  reached  me  this  season, 
but  they  cannot  be  spoken  of  with  any  confidence  at  present. 

Crocus  hyemalis  var.  Foxi. 

In  walking  round  my  garden  a  welcome  greeting  seemed  offered 
by  a  clump  of  this  pretty  Crocus,  which  had  come  into  flower 
while  I  was  confined  to  the  house.  I  have  mentioned  it  before, 
but  the  fact  of  its  thorough  hardiness  being  well  proved,  and  the 
beauty  of  its  white  flowers  with  black  anthers  and  gold  wire-like 
stigmas,  make  it  worthy  of  this  further  passing  notice. 

Anemone  eulgens. 

This  is  at  present  in  leaf  here,  and,  attracting  my  attention,  I 
was  reminded  that  for  some  time  I  have  intended  writing  a  brief 
note  upon  this  undeniably  fine  Anemone.  For  some  time  past 
complaints,  which  have  been  in  accordance  with  my  own  difficulties, 
have  reached  me  with  regard  to  the  non-flowering  of  A.  fulgens 
after  the  first  season  from  purchase.  Generally  speaking  it  proves 
satisfactory  enough  the  first  season,  and  the  pleasure  experienced 
at  the  sight  of  the  brilliant  scarlet  flowers  only  intensifies  the 
disappointment  the  following  year.  The  obvious  remedy  for  this 
unsatisfactory  state  of  matters  is  to  lift  the  roots  when  the  foliage 
has  died  off,  to  dry  them  well,  and  replant  in  autumn.  In  many 
cases,  however,  my  own  being  one  of  these,  this  involves  too  much 
work.  Growing,  as  I  do,  a  large  collection  of  plants  it  is  found 
exceedingly  troublesome  to  grow  many  which  require  arnual 
lifting,  drying  off,  and  replanting.  By  accident  I  have,  I  am  glad 
to  say,  discovered  how  to  flower  Anemone  fulgens  annually  without 
lifting. 

In  planting  a  number  of  roots  a  few  years  ago  I  placed  one 
on  a  high  position  on  a  dry  rockery  fully  exposed  to  the  sun.  This 
alone  of  the  number  I  had  has  continued  to  flower  from  year  to 
year,  and  I  purpose  increasing  the  number  thus  planted.  I  am 
aware  that  in  many  gardens  no  difficulty  is  experienced  with  this 
beautiful  Windflower,  but  where  this  is  felt  the  plan  of  planting 
on  dry  rockwork  might  be  adopted  with  advantage.  I  refer,  how¬ 


ever,  to  properly  constructed  rockwork  in  terraces  which,  while 
securing  perfect  drainage,  do  not  allow  the  rainfall  to  run  off 
without  reaching  the  plants. — S,  Arnott,  Dumfries. 


Lycaste  Imscuootiana. 


At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  for  thi& 
year,  Messrs.  Linden,  L’Horticulture  Internationale,  Rrusselsj 
exhibited,  amongst  other  Orchids,  two  very  distinct  new  Lycsstes, 
on  which  more  than  ordinary  interest  was  centred.  One  of  these. 


FIG.  79. — lycaste  IMSCHOOTIANA. 


L.  Imschootiana,  is  depicted  in  the  illustration  (fig.  79).  This  fs  a' 
hybrid  from  Peru,  and  is  said  to  be  the  result  of  a  cross  between 
Lycaste  Skinneri  and  Maxillaria  nigrescens.  In  habit  of  growth 
it  resembles  the  former  parent,  the  flowers  also  being  about  the 
same  size  and  shape.  As  regards  colour,  however,  they  are  very 
distinct.  The  petals  and  sepals  are  pale  yellow  densely  spotted 
crimson,  whilst  the  lip  is  also  yellow  of  a  brighter  shade.  An 
award  of  merit  was  adjudged  for  this  fine  hybrid. 

L^lia  Finckeniana. 

The  illustration  (fig.  80)  published  on  page  557  reprtsents  a 
plant  of  this  beautiful  L®lia,  which  was  exhibited  by  C.  W.  Fincken,, 


650 


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[  December  21,  H33. 


Esq.,  Hoyland  Hall,  Barnsley,  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society  on  Tuesday,  December  14th.  It  is  supposed  to  be 
a  natural  hybrid,  and  appears  to  be  allied  to  L.  anceps.  As  will 
be  noticed  in  the  engraving,  the  plant  exhibited  had  one  spike,  on 
which  were  six  flowers.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  white,  with  a 
deep  violet-tinted  blotch  on  the  lip.  The  flowers  are  medium¬ 
sized,  but  of  an  attractive  appearance,  and  the  plant  merited  the 
first-class  certificate  which  was  awarded  on  the  above-mentioned 
occasion. 

ORCHID  LESSONS  FOR  YOUNG  GARDENERS. 

ROOTS  AND  THEIR  REQUIREMENTS. 

When  Orchids  were  first  brought  into  British  gardens,  and  for 
a  considerable  period  afterwards,  they  were  regarded  as  mysterious 
plants,  most  difficult  of  cultivation  and  beyond  the  powers  of  any 
but  trained  specialists.  Mysterious  Orchids  still  undoubtedly  are, 
but  only  in  their  structural  peculiarities,  for  most  of  the  unfounded 
notions  respecting  their  culture  have  been  removed,  and  there  are 
few  members  of  the  family  that  can  be  said  to  still  afford  serious 
puzzles  to  the  grower.  The  fact  is  that  every  well  trained  gardener 
can  soon  master  the  requisites  of  success  in  Orchid  growing,  and  it 
is  quite  possible  for  a  man  with  no  special  knowledge  of  gardening, 
if  he  be  intelligent,  observant,  and  attentive,  to  perform  under 
good  direction  all  the  operations  needed.  In  the  early  stages  of 
my  experience  I  was  requested  by  my  employer  to  visit  a  nurstry 
where  Cattleyas  had  for  some  time  been  grown  with  much  more 
than  ordinary  success,  and  the  object  was  to  pick  up  a  few  hints  to 
guide  me  in  my  work.  Like  many  young  men  in  starting  who  are 
very  anxious  to  give  satisfaction  I  had  invested  Orchid  growing 
with  imaginary  difficulties,  and  I  was  prepared  to  find  that  the 
grower  in  charge  was  a  kind  of  horticultural  genius,  and  to  admire 
him  accordingly.  The  manager  took  me  into  the  spacious  house 
where  the  grand  Cattleyas  were  flourishing,  and  gave  a  brief  out¬ 
line  of  their  routine,  which  I  found  to  be  as  simple  and  reasonable 
as  nursery  management  usually  is.  “  But  of  course  the  man  in 
charge  has  had  considerable  experience  with  Orchids,”!  ventured  to 
remark,  and  the  reply  rather  surprised  me.  “  Certainly  our  grower 
has  had  good  experience  here,'’  he  said  ;  “  but  when  I  brought  him 
into  this  house  I  do  not  believe  he  had  ever  seen  an  Orchid.  I 
knew  he  was  a  careful  and  attentive  workman.  I  gave  him  a 
week’s  instruction  and  close  supervision,  found  he  was  to  be  trusted, 
and  I  have  never  had  any  trouble  since  ;  in  fact,  he  knows  more 
about  the  plants  now  than  I  do.” 


It  must  not  be  supposed  that  I  wish  to  lessen  the  credit  due  to 
any  successful  grower  by  making  too  light  of  the  work,  but  I  desire 
to  remove  the  idea  that  there  is  anything  in  Orchid  culture  which 
a  careful  gardener  cannot  overcome,  and  many  could  be  pointed 
out  who  have  gained  no  mean  degree  of  fame  as  cultivators  who 
were  appointed  to  their  charge  solely  because  they  had  proved  their 
skill  and  care  in  general  gardening.  The  qualities  needed  to  render 
a  man  successful  in  any  department  of  horticulture  are  exactly 
those  which  applied  to  any  other  branch  would  give  similar  results. 
It  is  a  long  experience  and  a  full  conviction  of  the  truth  of  this 
which  has  awakened  in  me  a  respect  for  specialists,  as  I  have  never 
known  a  man  who  had  made  a  name  with  Chrysanthemums, 
Orchids,  fruits,  or  vegetables,  either  as  a  private  grower  or  as  an 
exhibitor,  who  had  not  also  proved  himself  the  possessor  of  valuable 
qualities  that  would  have  rendered  him  a  formidable  opponent  in 
whatever  he  undertook.  The  phrase  “know  something  of  every¬ 
thing  and  everything  of  something  ”  is  a  good  one  for  gardeners  to 
bear  in  mind. 


One  quality  which  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to  a  gardener  is 
observation,  and  as  it  is  of  equal  importance  in  the  cultivation  of 
Orchids  it  cannot  be  too  strongly  impressed  upon  young  men  that 
the  best  training,  experience,  and  opportunities  are  lost  unless 
they  learn  to  use  their  eyes,  note  keenly,  and  remember  carefully 
whatever  bears  upon  their  work  and  the  welfare  of  the  plants  in 
their  charge.  Some  of  the  most  famed  horticulturists  of  the 
present  day  freely  admit  how  much  they  owe  to  the  faculty  of 
observation,  which  is  essential  alike  to  the  beginner  and  the  over¬ 
seer,  and  those  who  would  distinguish  themselves  as  cultivators  of 
Orchids  or  other  plants  must  strive  also  to  cultivate  this  quality  in 
themselves.  It  was  my  good  fortune  to  have  a  long  and  careful 
training  under  a  practical  gardener  of  the  old  school  who  had  had 
too  much  experience  to  depend  upon  “  rule  of  thumb”  practice,  or 
to  think  that  a  young  man  could  be  made  a  good  gardener  by  learn¬ 
ing  rules  by  rote.  His  lessons  sunk  deeply  into  my  mind,  and 
much  of  the  satisfaction  and  pleasure  I  have  derived  from  my 
calling  since  then  is  entirely  due  to  the  direction  given  to  my 
thoughts.  Most  earnestly  was  it  always  impressed  upon  me  that 
observation  and  attention,  combined  with  a  genuine  interest  in  the 


work,  were  indispensable  to  anyone  engaging  in  gardening,  and  as 
I  have  proved  the  advantage  derivable  from  a  development  of  those 
qualities  it  is  given  as  portion  of  this  preliminary  lesson,  not  only 
for  the  benefit  of  beginners  in  Orchid  culture  but  for  young 
gardeners  generally. 

Advancing  one  step  farther,  an  early  lesson  given  me  by  my 
old  and  respected  instructor  was  founded  on  the  horticultural  text, 
“  Take  care  of  the  roots.”  This  seems  so  simple  and  obvious  a 
precaution  in  plant  growing,  that  it  is  always  difficult  for  expe¬ 
rienced  men  to  understand  how  it  can  ever  be  disregarded  ;  but  the 
simple  things  are  often  neglected,  and  thus  it  is  we  too  often  find 
that  only  repeated  instructions  will  induce  young  men  to  attach  to 
it  due  importance.  It  is  painful  to  see  the  roots  of  plants  treated 
as  barbarously  as  they  frequently  are,  and  just  as  surprising  that 
anything  like  success  can  be  expected  to  follow.  Whether  we  are 
dealing  with  fruit  trees.  Vines,  vegetables,  or  Orchids,  with  plants 
generally,  it  is  not  possible  to  be  too  careful  in  impressing  the 
axiom,  “  Take  care  of  the  roots.” — Orchidist. 

(To  be  continued.) 


LONDON  CITY  GARDENS:  PAST  AND  PRESENT. 

{Concluded  from  page  526.') 

Notable  amongst  the  open  spaces  of  Old  London  were  its 
numerous  churchyards  ;  even  in  the  limits  of  the  City  proper  there 
was  considerably  over  a  hundred  of  these  after  the  Great  Fire  led 
to  the  remodel. ing  of  the  metropolis.  Few  of  them  presented  a 
garden-like  aspect  to  our  ancestors  ;  some  shrubs  or  trees  grew  in 
them,  but  could  not  be  slid  to  flourish.  If  these  were,  to  use  a 

modern  phrase,  the  “lungs  of  London,”  they  must  have  been 

unhealthy  ones,  for  the  way  in  which  burials  were  ordinarily 
carried  out  made  the  graveyards  far  from  sanitary.  Many  of  these 
have  now  been  built  over,  or  lines  of  streets  cross  them,  others 
have  become  yards  used  for  business  purposes,  and  some  have  been 
turned  into  private  gardens,  these  being  of  small  dimensions  mostly, 
and  difficult  to  find  amongst  the  blocks  of  huge  buildings  which 
frequently  surround  them.  Chiefly  by  the  exertions  of  the  Metro¬ 
politan  Public  Gardens  Association,  which  has  done  so  much  for 
the  preservation  and  increase  of  London’s  open  spaces,  several  of 

the  long-closed  churchyards  in  the  City  have  been  turned  into 

pleasant  and  much  appreciated  resorts,  and  there  are  still  a  number 
of  them,  at  present  closed,  which  we  may  hope  some  day  to  see 
turned  to  account,  and  planted  with  shrubs  or  flowers. 

The  City  churchyards  have  still  amongst  them  a  fair  sprinkling 
of  trees,  and  some  are  conspicuous  in  other  parts,  though  none  of 
great  age  are  to  be  seen.  London  trees  have  not  only  its  atmosphere 
to  contend  with,  but  even  there  insect  foes  are  active.  In  a 
contemporary  in  1877,  one  of  the  contributors  supplied  a  calcula¬ 
tion  of  the  number  of  trees  growing  in  central  London,  and  he 
was  able  to  count  up  about  1200,  which  was  rather  surprising, 
and  if  some  have  vanished,  others  have  been  planted  since  that  will 
replace  them.  Though  the  soil  of  the  City  is  less  moist  than  it 
used  to  be,  the  Poplar  may  still  thrive,  and  the  Willow  too,  only 
the  goat  caterpillars  will  persistently  molest  them.  But  the  principal 
tree  is  the  Plane.  This  observer  reckoned  620  of  these,  almost  half 
the  total  of  the  City  trees,  and  mostly  of  the  western  species,  one 
of  Tradescant’s  introductions  during  the  reign  of  Charles  I.  But 
the  Oriental  Plane  had  preceded  that,  as  it  was  planted  about 
London  by  the  middle  of  the  sixteenth  century.  In  busy 
Cheapside,  the  large  Plane  at  the  corner  of  Wood  Street  yet 
continues  to  mark  where  once  was  the  churchyard  of  St.  Peter  le 
Chepe.  Not  very  many  years  ago  it  had  six  rooks’  nests  ;  the  number 
diminished  to  a  single  pair,  then  none.  It  was  in  Gray’s  Inn 
Gardens  that  the  rooks  tarried  last,  after  they  had  quitted  other 
rookeries  near  the  heart  of  London.  Visitors  to  the  City  have  a 
good  sample  of  its  Planes  in  those  to  be  seen  along  Queen  Street, 
and  indeed  hardly  another  species  can  be  .said  to  grow  better  in 
London  air  than  the  Plane  does,  as  witness  the  noted  specimen 
at  Stationers’  Hall  still  existing  ;  but  the  Lime  and  Ash  bear 
smoke  fairly  well  ;  the  Elm  also.  Around  Smithfield,  for  instance, 
were  rows  of  Elms.  The  solitary  tree  of  St.  Paul’s  Churchyard  was, 

1  believe,  an  Elm.  This  is  the  one  made  memorable  by  Leigh  Hunt, 
who  tells  a  story  of  some  City  child  that  had  never  seen  any  tree 
but  this.  He  would  be  glad,  if  living,  to  notice  a  number  of  young 
trees  around  the  precincts  of  the  cathedral,  and  the  churchyard  is 
one  of  the  favourite  res  rts  of  those  seeking  a  change  of  scene 
during  the  intervals  of  their  daily  work  near.  Its  extent  is  nearly 

2  acres,  and  the  space  is  turned  to  good  account.  There  are  well 
kept  flower  beds,  and  a  fountain  adds  to  the  attractiveness. 

Others  of  these  City  gardens  also  exhibit  fountains,  and  we 
may  likewise  see  rockeries,  sometimes  well  contrived,  but  I  feel 
inclined  to  object  to  one  or  two,  where  fragments  of  old  tomb¬ 
stones  have  been  used  partly  in  their  construction.  Pigeon-houses 


December  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


561 


have  also  been  introduced  to  give  a  semi-rural  aspect,  and  possibly 
by-and-by  we  may  see  aviaries.  A  variety  of  flowers  is  displayed 
in  the  summer  season  by  the  bedding-out  system,  and  in  spring  by 
the  flowering  of  bulbs,  and  most  gardens  have  a  few  herbaceous  or 
perennial  plants,  upon  which  less  reliance  is  placed  now.  London 
gardens  of  the  old  type  had  these  in  predominance,  the  spaces 
between  them  being  yearly  sown  with  annuals,  not  to  much  profit ; 
in  fact  annuals,  as  a  rule,  cannot  advantageously  be  sown  in 
London,  the  cats  and  sparrows  being  much  against  them,  and  the 
soil  of  the  ordinary  bed  is  apt  to  cake  upon  the  surface  if  watered, 
so  that  the  seedlings  have  difficulty  in  breaking  through. 

Many  shrubs  have  been  planted  in  the  former  burial  grounds  of 
the  City,  and  some  that  seem  unlikely  to  thrive  amid  smoke  have 
grown  fairly  well.  The  calculation  of  trees  in  1877  did  not 
include  shrubs,  of  which  the  City  has  always  bad  a  number,  both 
of  deciduous  and  evergreen  species,  such  as  the  Elder,  Privet,  Lilac, 
and  Laburnum,  also  the  Holly,  Aucuba,  Portugal  Laurel,  Box,  and 
Euonymus.  It  is  curious  to  note  how  stationary  some  of  these 
appear  to  be  from  year  to  year,  making  no  appreciable  increase  in 
size.  One  singular  effect  of  the  drought  of  1893,  and  the  late  rains 
of  autumn,  was  that  many  London  trees  and  shrubs  put  forth  a 
crop  of  leaves  at  a  time  when  they  are  usually  bare,  and  retained 
these  till  nearly,  the  end  of  October. 

St.  Botolph’s  garden,  Aldersgate  Street,  is  another  garden  of 
about  an  acre  in  the  heart  of  the  City,  and  so  popular  on  fine 
summer  days  that  the  ground  is  often  crowded  with  visitors,  the 
conduct  of  young  and  old  being  generally  good.  The  grounds  of 
two  other  City  churches  of  like  name  being  also  much  appreciated, 
especially  the  half  acre  of  St.  Botolph,  Aldgate.  at  the  junction 
of  the  City  and  East-end.  About  the  same  size  is  the  churchyard 
of  St.  Botolph  in  Bishopsgate,  which  was  laid  out  as  a  garden  last 
year.  Of  smaller  size  (only  a  quarter  of  an  acre)  are  the  gardens 
of  St.  Mary  Aldermary,  and  St.  Katherine  Coleman  ;  also 
those  of  St.  Bride’s,  Fleet  Street,  and  St.  Sepulchre,  Holborn 
Viaduct,  just  beyond  the  City  boundaries.  As  an  example  of  a  most 
valuable  East  London  garden,  not  far  from  the  Tower  and  St. 
Katherine’s  Docks,  we  might  visit  St.  G-eorge’s-in-the-Eist  garden, 
formed  from  two  old  burial  grounds  of  3  acres,  where  we  find  a 
capital  display  of  flowers  from  spring  to  autumn,  looking  little  the 
worse  for  the  murky  atmosphere.  When  I  went  there  one  autumn 
day,  the  scene  was  enlivened  by  a  number  of  white  butterflies, 
which  delighted  the  juveniles,  though  the  gardener  demurred  to  the 
mischief  they  had  done  as  caterpillars. 

Farther  eastward  larger  gardens  occur  in  crowded  neighbour¬ 
hoods,  such  as  that  of  St.  Dunstan’s,  Stepney,  7  acres  in  extent. 
Spitalfields,  many  centuries  ago  real  fields  attached  to  the  old 
hospital,  now  an  over-populous  and  squalid  district,  has  at  least  one 
garden  of  2  acres  attached  to  Christ  Church,  which  is  much  visited 
by  those  who  cannot  reach  broader  spaces  some  distance  away. 
Moorfields,  once  an  extensive  open  space  just  beyond  the  north 
wall  of  the  City,  is  not  all  built  over,  for  we  have  the  gardens  of 
Finsbury  Square  and  Circus  of  nearly  10  acres  ;  upon  its  ground, 
though  not  as  yet  open  to  the  public,  are  the  Bunhill  Fields 
enclosure  of  7  acres,  which,  however,  retains  its  character  of  a 
cemetery,  and  is  not  garden-like.  On  the  west  of  the  City  is  one 
of  the  finest  spaces  of  central  London,  the  12  acre  expanse  of 
Lincoln’s  Inn  Fields,  well  timbered  ;  and  along  the  Embankment 
the  familiar  but  smaller  Temple  Gardens. — J.  R.  S.  C, 


SEASONABLE  HINTS  ON  FLORISTS’  FLOWERS. 

The  closing  weeks  of  the  year  always  more  or  less  bring 
anxiety  to  the  growers  of  those,  which  we  of  the  older  generation 
call  florists’  flowers.  As  I  have  often  said,  it  is  almost  an  impossi¬ 
bility  to  define  what  is  a  florist’s  flower,  but  there  are  certain 
plants  which  are  always  associated  with  that  term,  while  in  later 
years  a  few  have  been  generally  admitted  in  the  same  rank  ; 
although  we  can  give  no  valid  reason  why  a  Pansy  should  be  so 
called,°and  a  Phlox  not,  yet  so  it  is,  and,  like  many  other  arbitrary 
arrangements  in  horticulture,  we  must  be  contented  to  let  them 
bide.  I,  therefore,  confine  my  remarks,  as  usual,  to  a  few  out  of 
the  many  kinds  of  flowers  that  have  sometimes  been  so  designated. 
This  time  of  the  year  is,  as  I  have  said,  an  anxious  one,  not  so 
much  from  the  dread  of  frost  and  snow  as  from  the  prevalence  of 
damp  ;  when  the  atmosphere  is  heavy  and  charged  with  moisture, 
plants  under  shelter,  whether  in  the  greenhouse  or  frames,  are 
apt  to  suffer  from  it,  and  the  greatest  care  is  necessary. 

Auricdlas. 

The  past  season  has  had,  I  fear,  an  unfavourable  effect  on 
many  Auriculas.  They  love  a  cool  atmosphere,  and  hence  the  long 
terrible  drought  of  the  past  summer  bas  had  a  deleterious  effect 
upon  them  in  two  ways  ;  in  the  first  place,  their  vitality  to  seems 
have  suffered,  and  the  summer  losses  were  in  consequence  larger 


than  usual.  Stating  this,  I  am  not  detailing  my  own  experience, 
only  the  same  thing  has  been  told  me  by  moxe  extensive  growers 
of  this  class  of  plants  than  myself.  Another  is  that  there  has  been 
a  larger  number  of  autumn  blooms  than  usual.  The  mild  and  open 
weather,  also,  has  tended  to  increase  the  number  of  aphides,  many 
of  which  may  be  found  snugly  sheltered  in  the  upper  part  of 
the  foliage.  With  regard  to  any  present  work  connected  with 
Auriculas,  it  will  be  simply  that  of  removing  the  dead  or  decaying 
leaves,  and  the  plants,  after  this  is  done,  will  present  a  somewhat 
diminished  appearance.  These  leaves  are  those  which  have  clothed 
the  plant  with  beauty,  and  having  fulfilled  their  task,  gradually  die 
off  and  must  be  removed,  and  nothing  is  more  injurious  to  the 
well-being  of  the  Auricula  than  any  decaying  matter  of  this  kind ; 
at  the  same  time  it  would  be  well  to  look  both  in  the  heart  of  the 
plant  and  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaves  for  aphides,  which  should 
be  removed  when  the  collection  is  small  with  a  soft  brush.  When, 
however,  a  large  number  are  grown,  this  will  be  too  tedious  a 
process,  and  fumigation  may  be  done.  Where  Auriculas  are  grown 
in  frames  and  not  in  houses  or  pits,  there  is  often  great  danger  from 
drip.  There  may  be  some  small  leakage  in  the  glazing  through 
which  the  wet  comes,  or  there  may  be  condensation,  which  has 
very  much  the  same  effect,  and  in  a  frame  it  is  not  oftentimes  easy 
to  see  where  the  injury  is  ;  which  is,  however,  easily  discovered 
when  grown  in  a  house  or  p'it.  Watering  will  be,  of  course, 
necessary,  only  very  occasionally  ;  once  a  week  being  quite  sufficient 
in  dull  weather. 

Carnations  and  Picotees. 

Here  again  we  have  to  repeat  that  damp  is  the  great  enemy  we 
have  to  contend  with  ;  when  black  spot,  which  is  a  fungus,  appears 
on  the  leaves  it  is  a  pretty  sure  token  that  something  is  wrong. 
Affected  leaves  should  be  cut  away  and  the  plants  well  dusted  with 
sulphur,  for  it  is  very  contagious.  So  far  those  who  have  trusted 
their  border  Carnations  to  the  open  ground  hive  had  a  favourable 
time,  but  I  believe  for  the  greater  number  it  is  far  safer  to  keep 
them  in  pots  in  frames  during  the  winter,  as  has  always  been  done 
with  the  florist  varieties.  I  know  of  some  growers  who  have 
recommended  the  former  plan  have,  after  the  experience  of  two  or 
three  seasons,  reverted  to  the  latter  practice.  The  milder  weather 
will  probably  make  aphides  troublesome,  and  they  may  be  eradicated 
in  the  same  way  as  from  the  Auricula,  or  the  shoot  may  be  passed 
between  the  finger  and  thumb,  so  killing  the  aphides.  Where  the 
collection  is  large,  fumigation  had  better  be  resorted  to. 

Gladioli. 

Never  during  the  thirty  or  forty  years  that  I  have  grown  these 
plants  have  I  been  so  late  in  lifting  them  as  in  this  season. 
Various  causes  have  contributed  to  this,  the  chief  one  being  the 
illness  of  my  gardener,  which  has  thrown  me  very  much  behind¬ 
hand  in  many  things,  and  I  have  not  now  (December  1st)  lifted 
more  than  one-half  of  my  Gladioli.  I  have,  of  course,  as  I  fear  I 
must  always  have  in  this  garden,  a  considerable  loss  of  bulbs,  but 
certainly  not  in  any  way  equal  to  that  of  last  year,  while  the  sound 
ones  I  have  lifted  are  very  strong.  My  friends  Messrs.  Lindsell 
and  Fowler  give  the  same  account  of  theirs.  I  am  still  as  perplexed 
as  ever  at  the  cause  of  my  losses.  I  find  them,  as  in  last  year, 
amongst  imported  and  home-grown  bulbs,  and  as  yet  there  seems 
to  be  no  preventive  or  remedy.  As  I  no  longer  exhibit,  and  grow 
only  for  my  own  pleasure,  I  am  about  to  try  this  season  the 
experiment  of  leaving  some  in  the  ground  all  the  winter,  giving 
them  some  slight  protection  either  of  ashes  or  cocoa-nut  fibre.  ^  I 
want  to  see  whether  they  will  fare  better  tbat  way  than  by  being 
taken  up  and  dried.  That  the  disease  bas  something  to  do  with 
the  character  of  the  soil  I  have  now  very  little  doubt.  Some 
kinds  are  more  liable  to  it  than  others,  but  it  is  a  sore  trouble  to 
all  those  who  grow  Gladioli.  Some  per  centage  of  loss  appears  to 
be  the  misfortune  of  all  growers,  and  to  some,  as  with  myself,  in 
greater  measure.  ..'T. 

Pansies. 

The  past  hot  summer  was  very  unfavourable  to  thosedn  the 
south  of  England  who  grow  these  plants  ;  there  is  nothing  to:which 
they  more  strongly  object  than  drought,  and  whether  kept  in 
pots  or  planted  out,  there  were  considerable  losses  among  them  this 
year.  Mine  have  been  put  into  pots,  where  they  will  remain  until 
the  spring.  There  will  be  the  necessity  for  watching  against  damp, 
which  they  greatly  resent,  however  much  they  may  like  moisture. 
It  is  a  curious  thing  to  notice  the  collapse  of  the  show  varieties, 
as  they  were  called,  for  in  writing  of  Pansies  hardly  anyone  now 
seems  to  think  of  anything  but  the  fancy  kinds,  their  stronger 
constitution  and  greater  variety  of  colour  giving  them  a  decided 
preference. 

Roses. 

One  hardly  likes  placing  these  amongst  florists’  flowers,  yet  I  sup¬ 
pose  they  must,  strictly  speaking,  be  called  so.  So  much  is  written 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


t:62 


in  the  Journal  concerning  Roses  that  it  is  almost  unnecessary  to 
say  anything  about  them.  One  is,  however,  in  a  difficulty  this 
year  ;  I  generally  mulch  my  beds  at  this  season,  but  this  year, 
owing  to  the  failure  of  our  cereals,  it  is  impossible  to  get  straw, 
and  I  have  been  obliged  to  get  moss  litter  instead.  This  will  not 
do  for  mulching,  and  consequently  all  that  I  can  do  is  to  earth  up 
the  plants  as  if  they  were  Potatoes,  and  in  lieu  of  the  nutriment 
they  would  get  from  the  farmyard  manure  I  must  supply  them 
with  larger  and  more  frequent  doses  of  liquid  manure  later  on. 

Tulips. 

Of  these  I  have  little  to  say,  as  I  am  not  in  the  strict  sense  of 
the  term  a  Tulip  grower.  I  possess  a  bed  of  fairly  good  kinds,  and 
these  I  have  been  able  to  plant  in  good  condition  a  little  later 
perhaps  than  the  orthodox  time,  which  used  to  be  considered  the 
•Oth  of  November.  I  hardly  look  forward  to  the  resuscitation  of 
the  taste  for  Tulips  which  I  remember  to  have  been  so  general  in 
my  younger  days ;  they  are  still  much  sought  after  and  valued  in 
■the  north  of  England,  though  about  the  metropolis  and  the  south  I 
see  but  little  signs  of  a  revival.  I  fear  that  they  entail  too  much 
trouble  to  suit  the  style  of  gardening  which  is  prevalent  in  our  days. 

There  is  one  thing  which  munt  be  carefully  looked  after  as 
regards  those  plants  of  whatever  kind  which  are  wintered  in  cold 
frames,  namely,  their  protection  from  frost ;  when  this  sets  in  the 
■frames  should  be  covered  with  mats  or  other  warm  material  and 
the  plants  kept  perfectly  dry,  and  it  will  then  be  found  that  the 
frost  does  little  or  no  injury  to  them. — D.,  Deal. 


BLACKBERRIES. 


Tue  Bramble  or  Blackberry  is  a  common  shrub  in  the  hedge¬ 
rows,  copses,  and  woods  of  this  country.  It  produces  an  abundance 
of  fine  fruits,  which  are  oftentimes  gathered  and  made  remunerative. 
Blackberries  are  esteemed  by  rich  and  poor  for  their  good  qualities, 
either  raw,  cooked  in  pies  or  puddings,  or  preserved,  the  jam  being 
wholesome  and  of  a  very  rich  flavour.  They  also  furnish  an  excellent 
home-made  wine.  Several  varieties  of  the  Blackberry  have  been 
-originated  in  America,  either  by  cultivation,  selection,  or  cross¬ 
fertilisation,  large,  handsome,  juicy,  rich  flavoured  fruits,  and  withal 
-very  pioductive.  These  varieties,  however,  have  not  proved  satis¬ 
factory  in  this  country,  they  requiring  warm  weather  in  May  or  June, 
and  good  harvest  weather  to  ripen  their  fruit  and  canes.  The  two 
most  generally  cultivated  are  the  Parsley-leaved  and  Wilson  Junior. 
The  former  has  large,  black,  juicy,  richly  flavoured  fruits.  It  is  an 
immense  bearer,  a  vigoious  plant  of  three  or  four  years’  growth 
trained  to  a  trellis  or  wall,  yielding  100  to  120  quarts  of  berries  in  a 
season.  Its  habit  is  very  robust  and  trailing,  producing  canes  10  to 
15  feet  lung,  which  push  laterals  the  following  year  2  feet  long, 
bearing  rose-coloured  flowers  in  July,  and  splendid  fruit  in  August 
..onwards.  It  is  hardy  and  reliable,  a  selected  form  of  R.  laciniatus, 
..  and  superior  to  it.  Wilson  Junior  has  also  large,  black,  juicy,  and 
richh'-  flavoured  fruits.  It  is  a  medium  grower  and  very  prolific. 

Blackberries  are  best  increased  from  cuttings  of  the  roots,  and 
-covering  the  joints  of  the  shoots  with  soil.  Root-cuttings  are  obtained 
'by  digging  up  the  roots  and  cutting  them  into  pieces  about  2  inches 
placing  these  about  3  inches  apart  and  the  same  depth  in  light 
soil  in  the  autumn  or  early  spring.  Layering  the  points  of  the  canes 
in  August  or  September  is  soon  followed  by  stocky  young  plants. 
As  soon  as  the  tips  grow  nearly  bare  of  leaves  and  become  dark  in 
colour,  peg  them  into  the  ground  3  or  4  inches  at  an  angle  of  about 
45®.  In  a  month  to  six  weeks  they  will  form  roots,  and  can  be  cut  off 
and  planted  where  required.  To  obtain  strong  plants,  stop  a  vigorous 
young  growth  when  2  feet  high,  this  will  cause  it  to  throw  out 
several  laterals,  and  the  points  of  these  layered  early  become  wmll 
rooted  by  the  autumn. 


The  Blackberry  neither  likes  cold  wet  clay  nor  poor  dr}'  soil,  but 
a  deep,  free,  fertile  medium,  and  of  such  they  are  worthy.  It  must 
be  free  from  stagnant  water,  yet  moisture  should  be  within  reach  of 
■  their  roots.  'J  he  smaller  and  younger  the  plants,  providing  they  are 
'Well  rooted,  the  safer  they  are  removed,  and  more  satisfactory* they 
glow  afterwards.  They  are  best  planted  in  the  autumn,  not  exposing 
the  roots  needlessly,  such  exposure  being  one  reason  why  a  large 
“per  centage  of  these  plants  often  die.  Spring  planting  may  be 
•practised  if  the  conditions  named  are  carried  out,  subsequently  water¬ 
ing  and  mulching  to  insure  uniform  moisture  in  the  soil.  The  canes 
■■ahould  be  cut  down  after  planting  also  in  the  second  year  if  the  growth 
■IS  not  strong.  Wilson  Junior  may  be  planted  in  rows  5  feet  apart 
and  3  feet  between  the  canes  in  the  rows  Strong  growing  sorts  like 
■he  Parsley-leaved  require  much  morespace — namely,  the  rows  should 
not  be  less  than  9  feet  apart,  and  the  plants  4:^  feet  asunder  in  them, 
a  a  •  fo  stakes  or  trellises.  Trellises  are  best  fixed  about 

'■^o  inches  from  the  line  of  plants,  so  that  the  fruiting  canes  may  be 
lOeat  over  to  them,  thus  allowing  the  young  canes  to  come  up 


separate  from  the  bearing  canes,  which  facilitates  picking  the  fruit. 
The  Parsley-leaved  variety  is  excellent  for  covering  old  walls  and 
training  over  arches.  Dispose  the  canes  thinly  and  cut  them  out 
after  frui  iog,  having  a  supply  of  strong  summer  growths  which 
have  not  been  crowded  to  secure  in  the  place  of  those  removed. 

Blackberry  plants,  well  treated  in  the  first  and  second  year  after 
planting  out,  will  afford  considerable  fruit  in  the  third  summer,  some 
in  the  second,  if  the  plants  make  good  canes  the  first  year,  and  in  the 
third  or  fourth  year,  as  the  case  may  be,  they  will  fruit  bounteously. 
How  long  they  will  bear  profitably  depends  on  the  soil  and  treatment. 
In  good  soil  and  with  generous  treatment  the  plants  will  continue 
bearing  satisfactorily  for  ten  years,  but  if  the  old  stools  become  weak, 
the  shoots  are  thin,  and  the  fruit  small,  the  Blackberry  grower  will 
anticipate  this  by  making  new  plantations  in  advance  of  cutting  out 
the  old  plants. — G.  Abbey. 


SETTING  UP  WIND-BLOWN  TREES. 

The  gale  of  November  18th  was  almost  as  noteworthy  for  the 
damage  wrought  by  its  influence  on  plantations  as  the  one  of  October 
14th,  1881.  Some  estates  that  suffered  severely  then  were  little  the 
worse  this  one,  while  some  that  escaped  last  time  have  been  all  but 
ruined  now.  A  feature  of  these  gales,  which  may  easily  escape  notice, 
is  the  harm  they  do  to  growing  trees  which  apparently  are  unscathed  but 
which  may  be  loosened  at  the  roots,  or  so  torn  at  the  forks  or  clefts  in 
the  main  branches  that  they  either  die  slowly  where  they  stand,  or  in  some 
gale  in  the  near  future  are  limbed  or  uprooted.  I  particularly  noticed 
trees  that  succumbed  this  time  which  had  been  loosened  years  ago,  and 
during  the  height  of  the  last  gale  I  saw  many  trees  with  loosened  roots 
that  it  would  be  impossible  to  observe  had  received  any  harm  directly 
the  wind  had  fallen. 

In  portions  of  tie  pleasure  grounds  hardly  a  Conifer,  Holly,  or  Yew 
escaped  without  being  either  loosened  or  blown  more  or  less  from  the 
perpendicular.  Two  trees  were  laid  prone.  With  one  there  was  no 
difficulty  in  placing  upright,  as  it  had  been  only  a  dozen  years  planted  ; 
but  the  other,  a  Yew  45  feet  in  height,  and  with  a  spread  of  branches 
of  over  30  feet,  and  of  unknown  age,  could  only  be  uplifted  by  means 
of  powerful  appliances.  As  there  is  certain  to  be  many  trees  of  large 
dimensions  that  their  owners  would  gladly  see  placed  in  an  upright 
position  if  sure  it  can  be  done,  and  the  tree  not  suffer  much  afterwards, 
the  details  of  the  method  we  use  may  be  helpful. 

In  the  first  place  it  will  be  perceived  that  little  more  than  one-half 
of  the  roots  are  torn  from  the  ground,  and  that  the  chances  of  success 
with  healthy,  well  rooted  trees  are  therefore  good.  If  the  tree  is  old 
and  many  of  the  roots  decayed  the  chance  of  the  tree  surviving  is  very 
slight.  Another  point  is  that  the  tree  must  either  be  set  upright  without 
loss  of  time,  or  if  this  cannot  be  undertaken  at  once,  then  the  roots 
slijuld  be  covered  with  moist  material  until  it  can  be  done.  If  there  is 
a  staff  of  men  sufficient  to  allow  them  to  work  in  two  sections,  so 
many  may  proceed  to  make  an  excavation  2  or  3  feet  wider  than  the 
broken  roots  extend,  and  deep  enough  to  allow  the  roots  to  be  buried 
somewhat  deeper  than  they  had  been  growing.  The  reason  for  doing 
this  is  that  they  may  have  a  wider  range  of  good  soil  to  feed  upon  for 
the  first  two  years,  and  also  that  they  may  be  less  affected  by  dry 
weather,  at  the  same  time  that  the  increased  depth  of  soil  is  a  help  to 
keeping  the  tree  more  secure.  A  cartload  of  good  fresh  soil  ought  also 
to  be  placed  in  the  bottom  of  the  excavation  lor  the  roots  to  lay  upon, 
meanwhile  the  other  men  are  engaged  in  raising  the  tree.  A  powerful 
Fcrewjack  facilitates  this  operation,  and  two  of  these  are  much  better 
than  one,  as  there  is  then  no  need  for  propping  the  tree,  as  there  is 
v/ith  only  one  jack  every  time  that  a  fresh  lift  is  made. 

When  the  tree  is  raised  sufficiently  to  work  block  and  tackle,  the 
jack  is  dispensed  with,  and  the  tree  drawn  into  position  by  means  of 
strong  ropes.  If  there  is  no  tree  or  other  means  of  attaching  the  further 
end  of  the  tackle  to,  an  efficient  *‘grip”  is  obtained  by  placing  a  cart  filled 
with  stones,  side  on,  and  about  60  to  80  yards  away  from  the  tree.  The 
rope  is  run  underneath  the  cart  in  a  line  with  the  axle  and  attached  to 
the  nave  of  the  further  wheel  on  the  outside.  The  “  pull  ”  is  downward, 
as  well  as  toward  the  tree,  and  even  without  the  aid  of  a  strong  stake 
driven  in  to  keep  the  last  from  moving,  I  have  seen  large  trees  success¬ 
fully  drawn  up.  For  moderately  large  trees,  two  strong  stakes  driven 
3  or  4  feet  into  the  ground,  and  lying  at  an  angle  of  45°  away  from  the 
liees,  the  rope  being  attached  close  to  the  ground,  is  fairly  safe  and  good. 
A  double  block  and  tackle  is  much  better  than  a  single  one.  Guy  ropes 
are  safe  for  keeping  the  tree  from  swaying,  and  as  the  stem  is  gradually 
drawn  nearer  the  perpendicular,  struts  must  be  kept  moved  to  support 
the  tree  in  case  of  accident  to  the  tackle. 

The  Yew  above  referred  to,  owing  to  its  great  weight  of  branches 
and  foliage,  broke  a  rope  three  times  before  it  was  brought  to  an  upright 
position.  Through  being  securely  supported  with  struts  we  did  not 
lose  anything,  and  at  the  same  time  saved  the  tree  and  other 
shrubs  from  further  damage.  I  put  four  cartloads  of  good  soil  about 
the  roots  of  this  tree,  and  about  six  tons  of  stones  above  the  roots 
to  steady  the  tree,  and  in  addition  to  three  wooden  supports  tied  to  each 
other,  four  strong  wire  ropes  guy  the  tree.  These  are  secured  to  oaken 
posts  driven  into  the  ground.  Keep  the  roots  from  drought,  especially 
during  the  first  year,  and  an  occasional  surface  dressing  of  good  soil  or 
manure  is  of  the  utmost  benefit  to  trees  that  have  been  uprooted  and 
lifted  to  their  old  positions. — B.,  East  Lothian. 


December  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


653 


Matter  fob  Publication. — Communications  for  insertion  in  our 
next  issue  should,  where  it  is  practicable,  arrive  at  this  office  on  Satur¬ 
day,  this  week.  Correspondents  will  oblige  by  noting  this  intimation. 

-  The  Weather  in  London.  —  The  past  week  has  been 

-characterised  by  changeable  weather.  A  frost  occurred  early  on  Sun¬ 
day  morning,  followed  by  a  fog.  Monday  was  fine  and  mild,  but  it 
rained  heavily  on  Tuesday.  Wednesday  opened  wet,  the  rain  continuing 
as  we  are  going  to  press.  It  is  very  mild  for  the  time  of  year. 

-  The  Weather  in  the  North. — The  weather  of  the  past 

week  has  been  variable.  There  has  been  but  little  frost.  High 
westerly  winds  have  generally  prevailed,  and  a  good  deal  of  rain  has 
fallen.  Snow  fell  on  the  mornings  of  the  12th  and  13th,  but  thaw  soon 
followed.  Sunday  was  fine  throughout,  and  Monday  was  wet  in  the 
former  part,  but  fine  in  the  afternoon  and  evening. — B.  D.,  S.  Perth¬ 
shire. 

-  We  are  informed  that  the  Lord  Mayor  of  London  has  under¬ 
taken  to  take  the  chair  at  the  next  anniversary  festival  of  the  Royal 
Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund.  The  dinner  will  be  held  at  the  Hotel 
M4tropole  some  time  in  May,  the  exact  date  not  being  yet  definitely 
fixed. 

-  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund. — As  we  are  now  on  the 

eve  of  the  season  when  it  is  believed  that  the  human  heart  is  specially 
open  to  generous  appeals,  kindly  permit  me  to  invite  all  subscribers  to 
the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund  to  remember,  in  the  marking  of 
their  voting  papers  for  the  February  election,  the  most  necessitous  of 
those  cases  that  last  February  failed  to  secure  election,  in  preference  to 
new  ones.  There  are  some  that  will  start  with  a  good  number  of  old 
votes.  These  should  have  the  best  chance  of  election,  and,  so  far  as 
possible,  where  really  meritorious,  should  not  be  allowed  to  endure  two 
disappointments.  Still  only  five  orphans  can  be  elected.  That  seems  to 
be  an  additional  reason  why  the  non-elected  of  last  year  should  have 
first  consideration. — Subscriber. 

-  Index  Kewbnsis.  —  After  a  commendably  short  interval 

since  the  publication  of  the  first  part  of  the  Index  Kewensis,  we  are 
now  presented  with  the  second  part,  which  extends  from  Dendrobium 
to  Justicia.  The  character  of  the  work  is  well  sustained  in  every 
particular  as  to  authorship,  typography,  and  execution,  reflecting  the 
highest  credit,  both  on  the  staff  at  Kew  and  that  of  the  Clarendon 
Press  at  Oxford.  As  a  work  of  authority  it  will  long  hold  precedence, 
and  be  regarded  as  a  necessary  adjunct  to  every  scientific  library, 
being  what  Linnaeus  said  of  Caspar  Bauhin’s  Pinax — another  noted 
w Index  ” 

Opus  est  haotenus  sine  pari 
Opus  est  quo,  nullus  carere  potest. 

-  The  Royal  Horticultural  Society.  —  We  learn  that 

arrangements  have  been  made  to  hold  the  Exhibitions  and  meetings  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  during  the  year  1894  on  the  following 
dates  : — January  16th,  February  13th,  March  13th  and  27th,  April  10th 
and  24th,  May  ;  and  Temple  Show  on  May  23rd,  24th,  and  25th  ; 
June  12th  and  26th,  July  10th  and  24th,  August  14th  and  28th,  Sep¬ 
tember  11th  and  25tb,  October  9th  and  23rd,  November  13th  and  27th, 
and  December  11th. 

-  Death  of  Mr.  A.  K.  Angus. — We  much  regret  to  learn  of 

the  death  of  Mr.  A.  K.  Angus,  which  occurred  last  week  at  the  Carlton 
Hotel,  Leicester.  Prior  to  becoming  the  landlord  of  this  excellent  com¬ 
mercial  house,  where  he  lived  for  nine  years.  Mr.  Angus  was  a  gardener. 
He  went  from  the  gardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  Chis¬ 
wick  to  in  a  large  measure  form  and  furnish  the  fine  gardens  of  C.  H. 
Wilson,  Esq.,  Warier  Priory,  Pocklington,  which  he  managed  with  great 
success.  He  was  very  able,  and  attained  a  good  and  much-respected  posi¬ 
tion  in  Leicester,  as  was  testified  at  the  funeral.  Mr.  Angus  always  gave 
an  hospitable  welcome  to  horticultural  fiiends.  His  love  for  gardening 
never  left  him,  and  he  bought  a  walled-in  space,  wherein  he  could  dig 
the  ground  and  cultivate  crops.  The  cause  of  death  was  rheumatic 
fever.  Mr.  Angus  was  born  in  Aberdeen  in  1853,  and  was  thus  only 
forty  years  of  age.  Much  sympathy  is  felt  for  his  widow  in  her  great 
bereavement. 


-  National  Amateur  Gardeners’  Association.  —  The 

members  of  this  Association  held  their  third  annual  dinner  at  the 
Holborn  Restaurant,  London,  on  Thursday,  December  14th,  under  the 
chairmanship  of  Mr.  T.  W.  Sanders.  Nearly  a  hundred  ladies  and 
gentlemen  were  present,  and  a  most  enjoyable  gathering  resulted.  In 
proposing  the  toast  of  the  evening,  the  Chairman  remarked  that  there 
were  about  500  members  on  the  books,  and  several  affiliated  societies, 
including  one  in  Tasmania.  Numerous  silver  and  bronze  medals,  also 
certificates,  were  presented  to  members  who  had  won  such  during  the 
year.  A  feature  of  the  evening  was  the  presentation  of  a  handsome 
silver  tea  and  coffee  service,  with  an  illuminated  address,  to  Mr.  D.  B 
Crane,  the  energetic  Honorary  Secretary. 

- The  Royal  Botanic  Society. — We  understand  that  the  exhi¬ 
bitions  held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Society  for  1894 
will  take  place  as  follows  : — Spring  Shows,  March  14th  and  April  18th  ; 
Summer  Show,  May  23rd;  Special  Floral  Fe  e,  June  20th;  Evening 
FSte,  July  4th.  Musical  Promenades  will  also  be  held  on  Wednesdays 
in  May,  June,  and  Jnly,  with  the  exception  of  fete  days.  Lectures 
are  to  be  given  on  Fridays  in  May  and  June  at  four  o’clock.  General 
meetings  will  be  held  January  13th,  27th  ;  February  10th,  24th  ;  March 
10th,  3l3t  ;  April  14th,  28th  ;  May  26th  ;  June  9th,  23rd  ;  July  14th, 
28th  ;  November  10th,  24th  ;  and  December  8th.  The  Society’s  annual 
meeting  is  arranged  to  take  place  on  August  10th,  at  one  o’clock  P.M. 

-  Sulphate  of  Iron  for  Fruit  Trees.  —  A  foreign  paper 

state*: — Professor  Sachs  of  Wurzburg  asserted,  and  the  Royal  Institute 
for  Fruit  and  Vine  Culture  at  Gieienheim  has  tried  experiments  and  is 
apparently  satisfied,  that  sulphate  of  iron  is  a  valuable  stimulant  to 
plants  that  are  suffering  from  chlorosis,  or  absence  of  the  proper  green 
colour.  They  gave  small  trees  2  l-5th  lbs.  of  copperas,  and  large  trees 
4  and  2-5th  lbs.  The  results,  it  is  said,  were  most  gratifying.  Strange 
to  say  in  some  cases  where  the  trees  were  suffering  from  the  attack  of 
aphides  as  well  as  deficiency  of  colour  in  the  leaves,  the  aphides 
disappeared,  and  frequently  the  leaves  became  healthy  within  a  few 
days  after  the  treatment.  The  sulphate  of  iron  was  dissolved  in  water, 
and  applied  near  the  roots.  E  irly  spring  is  the  best  time  to  try 
the  experiment.  Some  soils  do  not  require  the  addition  of  sulphate  o: 
iron. 

-  The  Perfume  of  Flowers. — Mr.  E.  Mesnard  has  been 

making  researches  into  the  origin  of  perfume  in  flowers,  and  comes  to 
the  conclusion  that  (1)  the  essential  oil  is  generally  found  localised  in 
the  epidermic  cells  of  the  upper  surface  of  the  petals  or  sepals.  It 
may  exist  upon  both  surfaces,  especially  if  the  floral  parts  are  com¬ 
pletely  concealed  in  the  bud.  The  lower  surface  generally  contains 
tannin  or  pigments  derived  therefrom.  (2)  The  chlorophyll  seems  in 
all  cases  to  give  rise  to  the  essential  oil.  (3)  The  disengagement  of  the 
perfume  of  the  flower  makes  itself  perceptible  only  when  the  essential 
oil  is  sufficiently  disengaged  from  the  intermediate  products  that  have 
given  rise  to  it,  and  is  found,  in  a  manner,  in  a  ratio  inverse  to  the 
production  of  tannin  and  pigments  in  the  flower.  This,  says  Mr. 
Mesnard,  will  explain  (a)  why  flowers  with  green  petals  have  no  odour ; 
(5)  why  white  or  rose-coloured  flowers  are  most  often  odoriferous  ; 
(<?)  why  the  Compositse,  which  are  rich  in  tannin,  have  the  disagreeable 
odour  that  they  are  known  to  possess  ;  and  (P)  why  the  white  Lilac  and 
forced  Roses  take  on  a  finer  perfume. 

- Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society. — The  annual 

meeting  of  this  Society  was  held  on  the  7th  inst.  in  Edinburgh, 
Mr.  R.  Lindsay,  President,  in  the  chair.  Mr.  Fraser,  the  Treasurer, 
submitted  the  accounts  for  the  year  ending  30th  November,  which 
showed  that  members’  subscriptions  had  amounted  to  £i0S, 
special  subscriptions  to  £37,  and  the  drawing  at  the  shows  to  £1041 
— the  total  receipts  for  the  year  having  been  £1549.  On  the 
other  hand,  the  expenditure  had  been  £1578,  the  show  expenses 
having  been  £604,  the  amount  of  prizes  paid  £854,  and  the  general 
expenses  £80.  At  the  30th  November  the  funds  of  the  Socie  y 
amounted  to  £1183  Os.  9J.,  as  compared  with  £1201  Os.  8d.  at  the 
corresponding  date  last  year,  being  a  decrease  of  £80  133.  lid.  T1  e 
income  for  the  year  bad  been  £28  17s.  9d.  short  of  the  expenditur.*. 
The  accounts  were  approved  of.  Sir  Thomas  Gibson  Carmichael  wai 
appointed  a  Vice-President  in  room  of  Lord  Balfour  of  Burleigh. 
Messrs.  D.  Mitchell,  Comely  Bank,  Edinburgh  ;  C.  Buchanan,  Penicuik  ; 
and  James  Morrison,  Atcheifield,  were  elected  to  fill  vacancies  in  the 
Council.  Mr.  Malcolm  Dunn,  Dalkeith,  in  moving  the  re-election  ot 
Mr.  Fraser  as  Treasuier,  and  Mr.  Charles  Stewart,  W.S.,  as  Secretary 
said  if  the  funds  were  a  little  less  than  hitherto  this  year  it  was  due 
wholly  to  exceptional  expenditure. 


551 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


-  It  is  reported  that  Baron  de  Goldstein,  the  newly  appointed 

Dutch  Ambassador  to  this  country,  is  the  President  of  the  Royal 
Netherlands  Horticultural  Society. 

-  The  American  Dewberry. — An  Asiatic  contemporary  says 

that  among  exotic  fruits  recently  introduced  into  India,  one  of  the  most 
promising  seems  to  be  the  American  Dewberry,  which  bears  fruit 
profusely  in  the  Shaharanpur  Botanic  Gardens. 

-  Bolton  Horticultural  and  Chrysanthemum  Society. 

— Mr.  James  Hicks,  Secretary,  informs  us  that  the  next  exhibition  of 
Chrysanthemums  and  other  flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables  under  the 
auspices  of  this  Society  will  be  held  on  November  16th  and  17th,  1891. 

-  The  Death  op  Mr.  J.  Wells  took  place  on  Saturday,  9th 

inst.,  at  Osborne  Park  Nurseries,  Potter’s  Bar,  Middlesex.  He  was 
considerably  over  eighty  years  of  age,  and  in  former  years  was  for  a 
long  time  gardener  at  Holme  Lacy,  Hereford,  where  his  services  were 
highly  appreciated  by  the  late  Lord  Chesterfield,  who  was  Sir  Henry 
Scudamore  Stanhope  in  Mr.  Wells’  time. 

-  Railway  Gardening. — Some  years  ago  the  Midland  Railway 

directors  decided  to  set  aside  £1.50  annually,  to  be  allotted  as  prizes 
among  the  station  masters  throughout  the  system  as  an  encouragement 
to  them  to  render  their  platform  garden  borders  as  attractive  as  pos¬ 
sible.  This  year’s  awards  have  just  been  distributed,  and  range  from 
£6  to  5s.  Matlock  Bath  takes  the  first  prize,  and  amongst  other 
Midland  stations  securing  prizes  are  Sandal  and  Walton  and 
Woodlesford. 

-  A  Narcissus  (Daffodil)  Show  will  be  held  in  the 

Botanical  Gardens,  Edgbaston,  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  18th  and 
19th  April,  1894,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Birmingham  Botanical  and 
Horticultural  Society.  A  liberal  prize  schedule  has  been  prepared,  no 
less  than  seventeen  classes  being  provided.  Any  intending  exhibitors 
must  give  notice  in  writing  of  the  classes  in  which  they  intend  to 
exhibit,  and,  in  the  case  of  honorary  exhibits,  the  table  space  required, 
to  Mr.  W.  B.  Latham,  Curator,  Botanical  Gardens,  Edgbaston,  Bir¬ 
mingham,  on  or  before  April  13th.  F.  W.  Burbidge,  Esq.,  F.L.S., 
Trinity  College  Gardens,  Dublin,  has  been  invited  to  act  as  judge. 

- Pacific  Coast  Irises. — A  correspondent  writes  to  an  American 

contemporary  : — “  Oregon  collectors  are  offering  Iris  macrosiphon,  and 
describe  it  as  having  a  cream-coloured  flower.  It  is  common  on  the 
coast  range  of  Northern  California  and  North  Oregon,  and  where  it  is 
generally  a  lilac-purple.  I  have  seen  detached  clumps  which  were  pure 
white.  In  the  range  east  of  Ukiah  it  frequently  varies  to  cream  colour, 
and  in  one  locality,  within  a  half  mile,  it  runs  from  purple  through 
bronze-purple  to  rich  bronze  and  to  cream  colour.  Like  all  the  Pacific 
coast  species,  the  masses  are  dense,  with  rootstocks  hard  and  rather 
slender.  It  prefers  a  gravelly  soil  in  open  woods.  I  have  naturalised 
Iris  Douglasiana  with  success  in  my  Fern  beds,  where  it  shows  well 
with  its  yellow  purple-lined  flowers.  It  runs  through  the  eastern 
edge  of  the  Redwood  belt.  I.  Hartwegi  is  a  somewhat  similar  species 
with  yellow  flowers,  found  in  the  open  woods  of  the  Sierra,  flourishing 
in  the  peculiar  dry,  red,  granulated  soil.” 

- Ancient  Society  of  York  Florists.— -The  annual  dinner 

of  the  Ancient  Society  of  York  Florists  was  held  on  the  13th  inst.  at 
Harker  s  Hotel,  York.  The  ^Lord  Mayor  of  York  (Mr.  Alderman 
Clayton)  presided,  and  was  supported  by  a  large  number  of  other  gentle¬ 
men.  Mr.  Alderman  Rymer  in  proposing  the  “Ancient  Society  of  York 
Florists,”  said  they  had  a  right  to  lay  claim  to  their  title,  for  they  knew 
that  the  records  of  the  Society  went  back  100  years,  and  tradition  took 
it  back  further.  There  was  no  doubt  that  the  Society  had  had  its  ups 
and  downs,  but  it  was  never  more  prosperous  than  at  present.  It 
deserved  to  prosper,  seeing  that  its  aim  was  to  cultivate  and  encourage 
the  cultivation  of  all  kinds  of  flowers.  The  Chrysanthemum  Show  had 
had  the  effect  of  resuscitating  their  funds,  and  had  placed  them  on  their 
legs  financially  speaking,  and  had  given  incalculable  pleasure  to 
numberless  citizens  of  York.  Mr.  J.  Key  replied,  and  spoke  of  the 
rapid  progress  of  the  Society  during  the  past  twenty  years.  They  had 
now  in  round  numbers  about  600  members.  Mr.  Lamb  said  that  their 
total  receipts  for  the  year  had  been  £680,  and  the  expenditure  about 
£628,  leaving  a  balance  of  about  £160.  Mr.  J.  B.  Sampson  offered  a 
standard  woik  on  botany  as  a  prize  to  scholars,  and  hoped  the  Society 
would  take  tne  matter  up.  Mr.  J.  J.  Hunt  also  offered  £5  as  a  special 
hr^st  prize  for  dessert  table  decorations  at  the  next  Chrysanthemum 

Show,  which  doubtless  will  take  nlace  on  November  14th,  15th, 
and  16th,  * 


-  Seaweed,  though  not  the  diet  for  an  epicure,  is,  when  dry> 

says  an  Australian  writer,  richer  than  oatmeal  or  Indian  com  in  nitro¬ 
genous  constituents,  and  takes  rank  among  the  most  nutritious  of 
vegetable  foods. 

- Early  Snowdrops. — Colonel  Mesham  writes  from  Pontryflfydd,, 

North  Wales  ; — “  In  most  years  I  have  been  able  to  gather  some  Snow¬ 
drops  on  Christmas  Day,  but  this  year  I  have  found  several  in  bloom 
under  the  trees  in  my  shrubberies  on  the  17th  inst.” 

-  We  are  informed  that  the  Russian  traveller,  M.  POTANiN,  who- 

has  spent  more  than  a  twelvemonth  in  a  botanical  exploration  of  Thibet, 
is  expected  in  St.  Petersburg  in  January  next.  M.  Dobrotworsky  has 
arrived  at  Jenisseisk  on  the  Jennissei,  on  a  botanical  expedition. 

- Lady  Hutt  and  Appley  Towers  Grapes.  —  “  S.  W.  F.”^ 

writes  : — “  I  should  be  interested  in  hearing  the  experience  of  your 
Vine-growing  correspondents  with  the  Grapes  Lady  Hutt  and  Appley 
Towers.  They  were  sent  out  with  a  great  flourish  of  trumpets,  but  since 
that  time  I  have  not  seen  a  reference  to  either  variety  in  the  horti¬ 
cultural  press.” 

- Aristolochia  Sipho  Seeding.  —  Miss  S.  C.  Smith,  New 

Galloway,  Kirkcudbrightshire,  wishes  to  know  through  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture  if  it  is  usual  for  the  Aristolochia  Sipho  to  seed  in  thia 
country,  because  hers  did  so  this  season.  The  seed  pod  is  like  a  small 
Vegetable  Marrow  and  well  ripened,  and  her  plant  was  five  years  old. 
Miss  Smith  has  been  told  by  gardeners  in  her  neighbourhood  that  they 
had  not  heard  of  such  an  occurrence  before. 

- The  Midland  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society. — A  copy 

of  the  Report  for  1893  of  the  Midland  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society 
has  come  to  hand,  and  this  asserts  that  the  popularity  of  the  Society  i» 
proved  by  the  large  increase  of  members,  which  rose  from  152  in  1891 
to  204  in  1892  ;  the  number  still  further  increased  in  1893  to  242,  and 
twelve  new  members  have  already  promised  to  support  the  Society  for 
1894.  The  season  of  1893  was  one  long  to  be  remembered  for  its  pro¬ 
longed  drought  and  great  heat,  and  cultivators  experienced  much 
difficulty  in  keeping  down  the  ravages  of  thrips  and  other  insect  pests  ; 
and  it  was  feared  for  a  time  that  the  date  fixed  for  the  exhibition  would 
be  too  late  owing  to  the  flowers  being  driven  into  bloom  so  rapidly  and 
prematurely  ;  but  to  the  surprise  and  intense  gratification  of  the 
Committee  the  entries  and  exhibits  were  far  beyond  their  expectations,  no 
less  than  forty -six  members  bringing  flowers,  and  a  very  fine  exhibition 
was  secured.  The  success  of  the  exhibition  again  enables  the  Committee 
to  give  a  donation  of  £5  each  to  the  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent 
Institution  and  to  the  Royal  Gardeners’  Orphan  Fund,  and  they  hope 
to  be  able  to  continue  this  help  each  year.  The  financial  statement 
shows  a  balance  of  £50  7s.  3d.  The  schedule  for  1894  will  be  published 
in  January,  when  the  Committee  hope  to  increase  the  prize  list  to  £120. 

-  Insect  Pests. — An  Australian  nurseryman  referring  to  the 

three  common  pests  on  fruits  and  flowers — viz.,  scale,  aphis,  and 
mildew,  gives  some  practical  hints  from  his  own  experience.  In  the 
case  of  the  coccus  or  scale  insect  and  the  aphis  or  green  fly,  he 
recommends  kerosine  emulsion  as  the  most  simple,  effective,  and  the 
easiest  applied.  The  following  is  the  recipe :  Boil  softsoap  in  just 
sufficient  water  to  dissolve  it  (1  lb.  soap  to  1^  pint  water),  then  add 
1  pint  of  kerosine.  When  thoroughly  mixed  1  quart  will  be  sufficient 
for  3  gallons  of  water,  and  the  mixture  should  be  applied  with  a  fine 
nozzled  syringe.  In  the  case  of  the  aphides  one  good  dressing  is 
generally  effectual,  but  when  applied  to  the  scale  the  greatest  care 
should  be  exercised,  so  that  every  part  of  the  tree  gets  thoroughly 
saturated,  more  especially  underneath  the  leaves,  for  if  this  is  neglected 
all  the  insects  so  secured  will  remain  untouched,  and  form  a  new  stock 
for  further  destruction.  The  oidiurn  or  mildew,  different  from  the  two 
preceding  pests,  is  due  to  a  fungus,  and  in  its  early  stages  consists  of  a 
white  coating  over  all  parts  of  the  infested  plant.  The  superficial 
position  of  the  fungus  renders  direct  treatment  comparatively  easy,  and 
a  thorough  application  to  the  diseased  part  of  flowers  ot  sulphur  or 
sulphide  of  potassium  in  weak  solution  (which  is  also  recommended  for 
green  fly  and  red  spider)  will  be  found  sufficient  to  put  an  end  to  the 
fungus  without  injuring  the  plants.  But  it  has  also  been  found  that 
the  same  remedy  as  has  been  recommended  for  scale  and  aphides 
with  the  addition  of  a  little  flowers  of  sulphur,  applied  during  the 
period  of  rest,  has  been  found  a  good  preventive  ;  loose  bark  and  the 
soil  immediately  round  the  plant  should  at  the  same  time  be  removed 
and  burnt,  and  every  part  of  the  plant  thoroughly  washed.  If  this 
treatment  is  adopted  once  a  year,  as  a  rule,  it  will  destroy  all  traces  of 
mildew. 


D«cember  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


555 


-  Crystal  Palace  September  Fruit  Show. — Referring  to 

this  question,  Mr.  W.  H.  Divers,  Ketton  Hall  Gardens,  Stamford, 
writes  : — “  I  am  not  surprised  at  the  correspondence  which  appeared 
on  pages  508  and  531,  as  I  have  heard  many  regrets  expressed  by  fruit 
growers  in  various  parts  of  the  country  on  this  subject.  As  an  exhibitor 
there  for  many  years  I  have  no  hesitation  in  adding  that  I  should  be 
very  pleased  to  support  the  exhibition  as  much  as  possible  if  it  is 
revived.  I  know  of  no  building  so  suitable  as  the  Crystal  Palace  for 
shows,  and  I  must  certainly  add  the  management  of  all  the  shows 
which  I  have  attended  there  has  been  all  that  could  be  wished  for 
under  Mr.  Head’s  supervision.  It  is  a  pleasure  to  an  exhibitor  to  go. 
The  display  of  fruit  has  always  been  most  interesting  and  instructive, 
and  with  the  daily  increasing  interest  in  fruit  culture,  might  reasonably 
be  expected  to  advance.” 

-  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine.— This  is  a  hybrid  between 

B.  socotrana  and  B.  Dregi,  the  latter  a  Cape  species  in  the  way  of 
B.  caSra  and  B.  natalensis,  with  a  tuberous  rootstock,  annual  stems 
bearing  soft  green  leaves  and  numerous  bunches  of  white  flowers. 
According  to  an  English  correspondent  in  our  excellent  transatlantic 
contemporary,  the  ”  Garden  and  Forest,”  the  hybrid  was  raised  by 
Mons.  Lemoine  of  Nancy,  and  exhibited  in  flower  at  the  Paris  Exhibi¬ 
tion.  It  has  been  flowering  at  Kew  for  some  time,  and  recently  a  few 
well-flowered  examples  of  it  were  exhibited  from  the  garden  of 
L.  de  Rothschild,  Esq.  It  is  dwarf,  rarely  exceeding  a  foot  in  height, 
with  numerous  short  branches,  which  are  literally  smothered  with  bright 
rose-pink  flowers,  which  last  a  long  time,  a  character  peculiar  to 
B.  socotrana  and  all  its  progeny.  This  is  the  seventh  distinct  hybrid 
of  which  B.  socotrana  is  one  of  the  parents,  and  every  one  of  the  seven 
is  worth  a  place  in  all  good  gardens.  They  flower  very  freely,  usually 
in  late  autumn  or  winter,  and  their  flowers  are  always  pretty  in  colour 
and  last  a  long  time. 

-  The  Rings  op  Trees. — The  annual  rings  in  trees  exist  as  such 

in  all  timber  grown  in  the  temperate  zone,  says  the  “Builder’s  Gazette,” 
Their  structure  is  so  different  in  different  groups  of  timber  that, 
from  their  appearance  alone,  the  quality  of  the  timber  may  be  judged  to 
some  extent.  For  this  purpose  the  absolute  width  of  the  rings  from 
year  to  year,  and  the  proportion  of  spring  wood  to  the  autumn  wood, 
must  be  taken  into  account.  Spring  wood  is  characterised  by  less  sub¬ 
stantial  elements,  the  vessels  of  the  thin-walled  cells  being  in  greater 
abundance,  while  autumn  wood  is  formed  of  cells  with  thicker  walls, 
which  appear  darker  in  colour.  In  Conifers  and  deciduous  trees  the 
annual  rings  are  very  distinct,  while  in  trees  like  the  Birch,  Lime,  and 
Maple  the  distinction  is  not  so  marked,  because  the  vessels  are  more 
evenly  distributed.  Sometimes  the  gradual  change  in  appearance  of  the 
annual  ring  from  spring  to  autumn  wood,  which  is  due  to  the  difference 
in  its  component  elements,  is  interrupted  in  such  a  manner  that  a  more 
or  less  pronounced  layer  of  autumn  wood  can  apparently  be  recognised, 
which  again  gradually  changes  to  spring  or  summer  wood,  and  gradu¬ 
ally  finishes  with  the  regular  autumn  wood. 

-  Fruit  Preserving  at  Singapore.— The  Netherland  Con¬ 
sular  report  on  Singapore  for  last  year,  published  a  short  time  ago  in 
the  Java  “Government  Gazette,”  gives  the  folio  wing  particulars  regarding 
the  preserved  Pine  Apple  trade  :  —  “  The  preparation  of  preserved 
tropical  fruits,  chiefly  Pine  Apples,  increased  again  during  the  year 
under  report,  the  export  being  estimated  at  1,670,000  Pine  Apples 
against  1,600,000  in  1891.  This  increase  of  70,000  units  is,  almost 
exclusively,  to  be  ascribed  to  the  augmented  export  of  30,000  units  to 
Great  Britain,  and  40,000  units  to  the  Continent  of  Europe,  mostly  to 
France.  The  steady  extension  of  this  branch  of  industry  is  in  con¬ 
sequence  of  the  article  becoming  better  known  abroad,  and  of  the 
considerable  increase  of  Pine  Apple  cultivation  in  Singapore,  Johore, 
and  adjacent  places,  as  also  on  neighbouring  islets  in  the  Rhio  Archi¬ 
pelago.  The  Pine  Apple  crop  was,  moreover,  very  satisfactory  during 
the  past  year.  The  price  realised,  on  the  average,  fell  to  2  cents  for 
each  Pine  Apple  against  6  cents  in  1891,  and  this,  too,  in  spite  of  an 
increase  in  preserving  factories.  During  the  year  under  report,  at 
Singapore,  five  Europeans  and  five  Chinese  carried  on  the  preserving 
business  against  four  Europeans  and  three  Chinese  in  1891.  From  the 
above  mentioned  increase  in  the  export  it  need  not,  however,  be  made 
out  that  the  consumption  abroad  has  grown  in  proportion.  An  incon¬ 
siderable  portion  of  the  export,  indeed  mostly  to  England,  had  to  remain 
there  unsold  owing  to  a  glut  in  the  market,  as  also  in  consequence  of 
inferior  quality  and  less  careful  preparation  of  the  product.  These  last 
mentioned  consignments  were  largely  from  Chinese  factories,  of  which 
during  the  past  year  several  stopped  business,  while  others  were  set  up.” 


NOTES  ON  EUPHORBIAS. 

No  lengthy  description  is  necessary  to  add  to  the  charms  of  these 
beautiful  plants,  for  when  well  grown  they  are  certain  to  be  noticed,  the 
rich  glow  of  colour,  together  with  their  gracefully  arching  branches, 
rendering  them  very  attractive.  Although  a  large  genus,  only  a  few 
species  are  worth  cultivating  for  general  decorative  purposes.  Those 
most  frequently  met  with  are  Euphorbia  jacquini^flora,  E.  pulcherrima, 
and  E.  splendens.  The  last  named,  although  very  ornamental  and 
nearly  always  in  flower,  is  nevertheless  not  much  appreciated  on  account 
of  the  stout  sharp  thorns  which  cover  the  stems.  It  succeeds  best  when 
planted  out  in  tbe  stove  and  allowed  to  remain  undisturbed.  The 
finest  plant  I  have  ever  seen  of  this  variety  was  growing  under  similar 
treatment  to  that  described  in  the  gardens  of  Dale  Park,  Arundel, 
Sussex.  It  had  been  there  many  years,  and  was  never  known  to  be 
without  a  flower. 

Euphorbia  jacquiniasflora. 

Viewed  either  as  regards  its  general  usefulness  or  for  the  exquisite 
beauty  of  its  bright  orange-scarlet  flowers,  which  are  produced  in  long 
racemes  all  along  the  upper  parts  of  the  shoots,  Euphorbia  jacquiniae- 
flora  stands  quite  unrivalled  as  a  winter-flowering  plant.  Although  the 
individual  blooms  are  small,  they  are  so  elegantly  arranged,  and  pro¬ 
duced  in  such  profusion,  that  for  general  decoration  they  are  invaluable 
either  on  the  plants  or  when  used  in  a  cut  state.  The  long,  graceful, 
arching  branches,  thickly  studded  with  flowers,  also  form  a  most 
charming  wreath  for  personal  adornment,  for  which  purpose  they  are 
valued  by  ladies.  No  fear  need  be  entertained  in  reference  to  removing 
a  good  portion  of  the  stem  with  the  flowers,  for,  unlike  the  majority  of 
hardwooded  plants,  no  damage  is  done  by  cutting,  and  its  value  is  not 
deteriorated  in  any  way  other  than  by  the  loss  of  its  flowers. 

This  Euphorbia  is  not  very  hard  to  cultivate  after  it  has  fairly 
started,  but  it  is  frequently  found  very  difficult  to  establish.  I  find  the 
best  way  to  propagate  it  is  to  prepare  a  sufficient  number  of  small  pots 
by  filling  them  with  sandy  peat,  then  place  about  three  or  four  cuttings 
in  each  pot,  making  the  compost  quite  firm,  afterwards  placing  under  a 
bell-glass  or  hand-light  in  a  temperature  of  65°  to  70°.  It  is  very 
essential  that  the  glass  be  removed  every  morning  owing  to  the  con¬ 
densed  moisture  congregating  on  it,  which  if  not  wiped  off  is  liable  to 
cause  the  cuttings  to  damp.  When  well  rooted  tilt  the  glass  slightly 
every  day,  so  that  the  young  plants  may  not  experience  a  severe  check 
in  removing.  Where  a  sufficient  number  of  cuttings  can  be  obtained  I 
should  recommend  that  they  when  rooted  be  transferred  from  the  pots 
in  which  they  were  inserted  to  larger  ones,  without  disturbing  the  roots 
in  any  way.  By  this  means  much  stronger  shoots  may  be  obtained, 
which  will  be  a  decided  advantage  at  the  flowering  period.  Although 
the  general  practice  is  to  give  this  plant  stove  heat  I  think  much  better 
results  may  be  obtained  by  growing  it  in  an  intermediate  house,  as 
flowers  that  expand  under  such  conditions  invariably  possess  more  sub¬ 
stance  and  last  much  longer  in  perfection  than  those  which  are  subjected 
to  a  higher  temperature.  As  the  plants  go  out  of  flower  the  supply  of 
water  should  be  gradually  curtailed,  eventually  withholding  it  altogether 
and  allowing  them  to  remain  quite  dry  for  two  or  three  months. 

Euphorbia  (Poinsettia)  pulcherrima. 

This  species,  which  is  more  frequently  met  with  under  the  name  of 
Poinsettia  pulcherrima,  differs  very  materially  from  the  foregoing.  The 
best  bracts  are  produced  on  plants  which  are  grown  from  cuttings  every 
year.  The  cuttings  should  be  inserted  singly  in  small  pots.  When  the 
plants  are  established,  free  growth  should  be  encouraged  by  maintaining 
a  warm  moist  atmosphere  with  plenty  of  light.  Where  space  is  avail¬ 
able,  I  should  recommend  growing  them  in  a  cool  house  during  the 
summer,  in  preference  to  cold  frames.  The  advantages  obtained  by 
devoting  a  house  to  their  culture  are  multitudinous,  for  not  only  are 
they  more  easily  managed,  but  during  a  wet  dull  season  they  may  be 
assisted  by  employing  a  little  fire  heat.  If  the  roots  are  checked 
through  cold  or  any  other  cause,  the  plants  are  liable  to  lose  their 
bottom  leaves,  in  which  case  they  are  disfigured  for  the  remainder  of 
the  season.  Plenty  of  air  must  be  afforded  them  at  all  times,  providing 
the  weather  is  favourable.  I  have  known  some  growers  shade  them 
lightly  during  the  hottest  part  of  the  day,  but  I  prefer  letting  them 
have  the  full  rays  of  the  sun,  provided  plenty  of  air  is  afforded,  merely 
shading  for  a  day  or  two  after  repotting.  It  is  very  important  that  the 
ends  of  the  growth  be  kept  near  the  glass,  lowering  them  as  occasion 
demands,  as  by  this  means  much  sturdier  plants  are  obtained. 

A  gentle  dewing  with  the  syringe  every  morning  and  evening  during 
the  summer  is  very  beneficial  to  the  plants,  and  keeps  down  red  spider 
and  other  insect  pests.  When  the  bracts  appear  more  heat  may  be 
given,  and  an  occasional  application  of  manure  water  at  this  period 
will  also  prove  very  advantageous  to  the  plants.  Judicious  watering 
is  essential,  as  much  depends  upon  the  manner  in  which  this  is 
performed. 

It  has  been  repeatedly  notified  in  previous  issues  of  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture  that  there  are  two  distinct  varieties  of  Euphorbia 
pulcherrima,  I  will,  therefore,  restrict  myself  to  merely  one  or  two 
references  on  this  point.  Although  both  varieties  are  invaluable  for 
intermixing  with  other  plants,  or  where  a  succession  of  bloom  is 
required,  I  should  advise  growers  whose  object  is  to  obtain  a  mass  of 
colour  at  one  time  to  confine  themselves  to  the  earliest  variety  only. 
This  is  decidedly  the  better  and  most  valuable  of  the  two  ;  the  bracts 
are  much  paler  in  colour  and  produced  with  great  freedom.  A  consider¬ 
able  number  of  plants  are  grown  here  annually  under  similar  treatment 


666 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


to  that  described.  When  the  bracts  appear  the  plants  are  placed  in  a 
group,  filling  half  of  one  of  the  houses,  where  they  produced  an  imposing 
effect. — G.  Paerant,  Ashhy  Lodge  Gardens,  Itughy. 


JUDGES  AND  JUDGING. 

A  New  Catechism. 

As  we  gave  prominence  to  a  letter  of  an  extraordinary  character  and 
accompanied  it  with  pertinent  comments  on  page  503,  December  7th, 
and  as  the  matter  created  much  interest,  we  think  the  letter  of  another 
correspondent  is  entitled  to  a  little  more  than  ordinary  attention  in  our 
columns. 

“  Berks  ”  writes  :  “  You  wish  me  to  give  more  information  regarding 
this  case.  The  exhibits  were  not  pointed  till  the  second  day  of  the 
Exhibition.  I  think  Mr.  R.  Laird’s  article  settles  the  whole  question, 
with  the  exception  of  who  asked  this  expert  to  point  the  exhibits.  He 
ought  to  come  forward  and  say  who  appointed  him.  I  am  glad  you 
make  the  remark  on  my  note  on  page  529,  that  you  carefully  refrained 
from  pronouncing  the  judges  incompetent.  Then  what  about  the 
heading  of  your  leading  article,  page  508,  “Judges  Judged — Verdict 
Guilty.”  I  notice  you  also  make  remarks  on  Mr.  R.  Laird’s  article,  page 
530,  stating  you  did  not  know  the  name  of  the  society.  I  ask,  why  then 
did  you  send  nearly  every  member  of  Committee  a  gratis  copy  of  your 
Journal  of  December  7th,  1893  ?  I  regret  you  should  publish  such  a 
charge  against  any  society  without  making  inquiry  as  to  the  truth  of  the 
charge. — Berks.” 

We  are  much  obliged  to  “  Berks,”  who  takes  us  a  step  onward,  and 
an  important  one  too.  If  the  exhibits  were  not  pointed  by  the 
“  expert  ”  till  the  second  day  his  figures  can  have  little,  or  indeed  no, 
weight.  Perhaps  the  “  expert,”  whose  identity  is  not  quite  unknown 
to  us,  may,  as  suggested,  state  by  whom  he  was  engaged  to  point 
the  blooms— the  “second  day?”  We  do  not  see  why  he  should 
decline  to  do  this,  though  he  is  at  liberty  to  withhold  his  name  from 
publication. 

“Berks”  has  evidently  not  read  our  article  carefully.  We  have  had 
far  too  much  experience  to  pronounce  judgment  on  a  case  after  hearing 
one  side  only,  and  we  should  be  the  less  likely  to  decide  against  duly 
appointed  officials,  because  we  believe  that  competent  adjudicators  are 
correct  in  nine  cases  out  of  ten  when  protests  of  misjudgment  are 
entered  ;  but  as  even  judges  are  human,  they  are  liable  to  err  occasion¬ 
ally.  The  correspondent  whose  letter  we  published  clearly  stated,  “  The 
Committee  so  far  entertained  the  protest  as  to  appoint  a  competent 
expert  to  point  the  different  stands,”  and  he  sent  us  the  tabulated 
results,  going  on  to  say,  “  The  Secretary  afterwards  told  the  ‘  protestors’ 
that  the  Committee  acknowledged  the  misjudgment.”  What  could  be 
more  precise?  We  then  said,  “  If  the  writer  of  the  letter  had  made  no 
mistake,”  we  had  a  case  of  judging  the  Judges,  and  finding  them 
guilty  ;  and  if  the  allegations  were  true,  undoubtedly  that  would  be  so. 
That  is  our  reply  to  “  Berks  ”  on  that  clause  in  his  catechism. 

We  pass  to  another  in  which  he  not  obscurely  implies  that  we  pub¬ 
lished  a  statement  which  we  knew  to  be  false.  Does  he  appreciate  the 
seriousness  of  his  inuendo  ?  We  stated  we  did  not  know  the  name  of 
the  Society  when  we  published  our  article  on  December  7th.  We 
neither  knew  it  nor  wanted  to  know  it,  preferring  to  present  the  subject 
on  its  merits  as  presented  to  us,  and  to  guard  ourselves  against  any 
charge  of  prejudice  or  bias  on  the  part  of  persons  who  appear  to  be  so 
constituted  as  to  be  unable  to  refrain  from  attributing  unworthy 
motives. 

“  Berks  ”  conveys  the  impression  that  he  has  found  the  Editor  of  the 
Journal  of  Horticulture  guilty  of  falsehood.  That  is  “judging”  with  a 
vengeance.  What  are  his  grounds  ?  The  sending  of  copies  of  the  Journal 
of  December  7th  to  the  members  of  the  Edinburgh  Committee  !  “  Berks  ” 
is  a  gardener  of  great  ability,  intelligence,  and  acumen,  but  even  he  is 
liable  to  err,  and  has  most  assuredly  erred  in  this  case.  We  received  a  list 
of  names  hours  after  the  issue  was  published  on  December  7th,  for  the 
very  purpose  of  sending  the  copies  in  question,  and  previous  to  that 
neither  the  Edinburgh  Show,  nor  any  other  show,  had  been  mentioned 
to  us.  “Berks”  will  now  see “ why ”  they  were  sent.  The  desire  that 
they  should  be  was,  however,  a  very  proper  one,  as  every  gentleman  on 
the  Committee  was  entitled  to  see  what  was  said,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  any  counter-statement,  which  we  specifically  promised  to  insert. 
We  kept  our  promise,  as  “  Berks  ”  very  well  knows,  not  by  publishing 
his  note  only,  but  a  far  more  explicit  denial  by  Mr.  Laird  of  the  two 
caniinal  allegations  of  the  correspondent  whose  letter  we  inserted  on 
page  503.  As  at  the  moment  of  writing  we  have  not  received  any  reply 
from  this  correspondent  to  the  Secretary’s  letter  on  page  530,  we 
presume  he  has  sent  his  name  to  Mr.  Laird  as  invited.  If  he  has  no 
reply  to  this  gentleman,  he  will  tacitly  confess  that  he  is  guilty  of  false 
assertions. 


Returning  to  “  Berks.”  He  regrets  we  should  have  published  the 
letter  of  an  exhibitor,  who  sent  his  name  and  address,  without  making 
inquiry  into  the  truth  of  the  charges.  If  “  Berks  ”  knew  as  much  about 
editing  newspapers  as  he  does  about  gardening  he  would  not  let  such 
“  regrets  ”  trouble  him.  Why  should  we  not  have  made  roundabout 
private  inquiries,  and  obtain  documentary  evidence  relative  to  the 
accuracy  of  one  of  his  own  inaccurate  suggestions  before  publishing  his 
letter  containing  it  ?  On  matters  of  public  interest  nothing  brings  out 
the  truth  so  well  as  publication,  and  nothing  so  much  strengthens  those 
who  are  right  in  their  action,  and  weakens  those  who  are  wrong  in  their 
assertions. 

Our  article  excited  wide  interest,  and  brought  out  valuable  comments 
and  suggestions  on  various  phases  of  exhibiting — reckless  protests, 
unseemly  conduct  by  losers,  judges’  qualifications  and  methods,  show 
managers  failing  to  comply  with  their  own  rules,  with  other  collatera  1 
matters  were  discussed,  all  of  which  require  thoughtful  attention  withe 
a  view  to  the  avoidance  of  errors,  and  making,  as  far  as  is  possible,  the 
shows  of  the  future  better  and  more  agreeable  to  all  than  some  of  the 
past  have  been. 

N.B. — Just  as  we  are  preparing  for  press  a  letter  arrives  from  the 
original  complainant  in  this  case,  in  which  he  states  he  intends  sending 
a  reply  to  Mr.  Laird  next  week.  We  shall  be  obliged  if  he  can  let  u.s 
receive  it  not  later  than  Saturday  this  week,  as  our  pages  have  to  be 
advanced  in  preparation  for  adjournment  over  Christmas. 


Into  the  special  merits  or  demerits  of  the  particular  case  which  has 
given  rise  to  the  present  correspondence  I  do  not  desire  to  enter.  I 
write  simply  with  the  object  of  emphatically  endorsing  certain  remarks 
of  your  correspondent  “  E.  K.”  (page  530)  concerning  “  judging  ”  iu  the 
abstract.  Truly,  the  science  of  judging  is  in  a  condition  verging  on 
chaos.  No  definite  principles  or  rules  exist,  and  the  personal  tastes  and 
idiosyncracies  of  the  individual  judges  dominate  the  situation  of  the 
moment,  and  offer  to  the  exhibitor  a  standard  which  is  ever  varying, 
and  which  he  can  never  hope  to  retain,  even  if  he  can  grasp  it. 

This  essential  peculiarity  of  “  present  day  ”  judging  was  well  brought 
out  in  your  columns  a  few  weeks  ago.  A  correspondent  and  two  other 
judges — not  suggested  to  be  less  competent  than  himself — bad  to  judge 
Dahlias.  Your  correspondent  took  one  view  of  the  consideration  which 
should  influence  the  award  of  prizes,  the  other  two  judges  took  another 
view.  Who  was  right  I  do  not  know,  neither  does  it  matter ;  but  here 
we  are  shown  that  it  was  but  a  matter  of  chance  that  the  majority  that 
day  went  the  one  way.  Possibly  at  a  later  show  your  correspondent 
found  one  of  his  fellow  judges  of  his  way  of  thinking  upon  the  point  at 
issue,  and  so  the  verdict  was  reversed.  But  here,  again,  we  have  chance 
as  the  dominating  element,  and  not  judging  on  systematic  and  definite 
lines,  in  accordance  with  a  standard  created  by  authority,  and  in  the 
light  of  which  all  competitors  may  cultivate  their  flowers. 

“E.  R.”  suggests  “that  the  National  Chrys§,Dthemum  Society  should 
formulate  and  publish  a  clearly  defined  code  of  rules  for  the  help  and 
guidance  of  the  judges,  which  would  undoubtedly  be  recognised  as  the 
standard  of  all  societies.”  This  is  exactly  the  suggestion  made  by  me 
in  the  paper  on  “  Judging  Chrysanthemum  Blooms,”  read  before  the 
General  Committee  of  the  National  Chrysanthemum  Society  on  the 
11th  inst.  Until  such  a  standard  shall  be  created  judging  can  never 
be  completely  satisfactory,  even  at  the  hands  of  competent  judges.  At 
the  hands  of  the  incompetent  it  becomes  little  better  than  “  confusion 
worse  confounded.” — Charles  E.  Shea,  The  Elms,  Foots  Cray,  Kent. 


Some  of  your  capable  correspondents  having  in  my  opinion  given 
conclusive  evidence  re  the  two  difficulties  lately  mentioned  in  the 
Journal  I  will  not  trouble  you  with  my  view.  What  I  wish  now 
mainly  to  refer  to  is  “  point  judging.”  I  have  no  desire  to  be  egotistical 
when  I  say  that  during  the  twenty-seven  years  1  have  acted  as  a  judge 
I  have  frequently  adopted  the  practice  as  being  a  great  help  in  assisting 
me  to  form  a  correct  judgment  on  the  matters  before  me.  I  learnt  the 
idea  from  a  Hampshire  horticulturist,  who  told  me  he  had  used  the 
method  for  many  years  when  judging,  what  him  and  me  were  then 
doing — viz.,  cottage  gardens  situated  in  different  portions  of  a  scattered 
parish.  The  gentleman  in  question  has  been  dead  some  years  now,  and 
was  over  eighty  years  old  when  he  died.  I  mention  this  to  show  that 
judging  by  points  is  by  no  means  a  new  idea.  After  all  that  has  been 
and  can  be  said  in  favour  of  point  judging,  it  never  can  be  mathemati¬ 
cally  correct.  Some  people  speak  of  it  as  if  it  were  so. 

“  E.  K.”  (page  530)  expresses  my  ideas  best  on  this  matter  when  be 
alludes  to  the  different  spec  acles  we  weak  human  mortals  are  necessarily 
compelled  to  see  mundane  matters  through.  After  all,  point  judging  is 
but  a  help  to  an  otherwise  well  balanced,  well  informed  mind  in  forming 
a  correct  decision.  I  am  not  writing  to  run  down  point  judging  in  the 
least,  knowing  full  well  the  great  value  of  “notes”  in  judgiug  the 
many  objects  brought  before  the  Judges  at  horticultural  exhibitions, 
and  the  usually  very  limited  time  allowed  them  to  do  their  work.  In 
conclusion,  allow  me  to  say  that  the  “  experts  ”  now  so  frequently 
spoken  of  as  necessary  at  exhibitions  will  be  likely  in  time  to  cause 
managers  of  such  exhibitions  much  expense  and  trouble.  Why  not 
have  a  separate  “  expert  ”  to  judge,  say,  Turnips,  Carrots,  Cabbages, 
and  Cauliflowers  ?  We  have  them  for  Onions  and  Potatoes,  not  to 


December  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


657 


mention  in  the  same  breath  our  reigning  queen  of  the  winter  flower — 
the  Chrysanthemum .  As  an  old-fashioned  practical  gardener  on  the 
other  side  of  my  Jubilee  year,  I  almost  dread  going  to  act  as  a  judge  at  a 
show  nowadays,  not  considering  myself  an  “  expert  ”  in  anything. — 
Yorkshike  Gardener. 


At  the  Birmingham  Chrysanthemum  Show,  in  a  conversation  with 
Mr,  Robert  Owen,  I  remarked  what  a  blessing  it  would  be  if  at  flower 
shows  the  arrangements  should  be  completed  and  plants  in  position  over¬ 
night,  with  oiily  the  cut  blooms  admissible  early  next  morning,  so  that 
judging  could  commence  promptly  at  nine  o’clock,  or  at  the  latest  at 
ten  o’clock.  I  have  had  considerable  experience  of  flower  show  work, 
and  have  known  instances  at  Edinburgh  when  everything  was  com¬ 
pleted  overnight,  and  judging  commenced  before  breakfast.  In 
Belgium  I  have  seen  this  done,  and  at  Shrewsbury  the  principal 
portion  of  the  plants  are  to  a  great  extent  in  their  position  overnight. 


I  hold  strongly  the  opinion  that  all  award  cards  should  be  placedj^on 
the  exhibits  properly  and  legibly  filled  up  before  the  public  are 
admitted  ;  and  this  and  careful  judging  can  only  be  done  by  giving 
more  time  for  the  work.  Then,  also,  there  should  be  a  heavy  fine  of  6s. 
or  lOs.  for  anyone  entering  in  any  class  and  not  filling  it,  unless  notice 
to  the  contrary  is  in  the  Secretary’s  hands  twenty-four  hours  before  the 
morning  of  the  day,  so  that  the  Superintendent  of  the  staging  of  the 
exhibits  may  be  able  to  have  all  spaces  closed  up,  and  himself  saved 
much  trouble  and  worry. — W.  D, 


NEW  VIOLAS. 

{Concluded  from  page  439.) 

It  appears  to  me,  so  far  as  I  can  judge  at  present,  that  at  least 
fifty  new  varieties  will  be  shortly  sent  out  for  the  first  time,  and 
although  it  is  strong  evidence  of  the  popularity  of  the  Viola,  I  am 


Fig.  80.— L.ELIA  FINCKENIANA.  {See  page  540.) 


Notwithstanding  the  magnitude  of  this  Exhibition,  everything  is 
obliged  to  be  ready  by  ten  o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  show,  and  the 
judges  start  at  their  work  immediately,  and  have  invariably  finished  by 
the  time  the  public  are  admitted. 

Birmingham  is  alluded  to  in  page  530  of  last  week’s  Journal,  and 
the  rule  is  strictly  enforced  of  clearing  the  hall  at  eleven  o’clock.  Still, 
that  does  not  allow  of  sufficient  time  for  the  judges  to  do  their  work 
with  ample  time  for  consideration,  and  for  the  oflScials  to  get  the 
prize  cards  properly  filled  up,  whch  I  regret  to  say  at  some  exhibitions 
is  done  in  a  very  slovenly  manner.  This  is  not  the  case  at  Bir¬ 
mingham,  for  at  no  exhibition  in  the  kingdom  is  this  work  better  done. 
And  then  the  award  books  have  to  be  made  up  for  the  reporters  of  the 
local  daily  papers,  certificates  and  special  awards  made  to  honorary 
exhibits,  and  many  little  details  seen  to,  so  as  to  let  matters  run  in  a 
pleasant  groove. 


very  much  inclined  to  think  that  others  will  agree  with  me  that  these 
are  far  too  many  new  ones  for  one  season.  These  are  in  various  hands, 
Messrs.  Bobbie  &  Co.,  Smellie,  Irvine,  Pye,  Paul,  Forbes,  and  others, 
and  many  of  the  finest  have  been  raised  by  Mr.  J.  B.  Stuart  of  Belfast. 
My  descriptions  of  the  new  ones  must  be  necessarily  brief,  and  I  shall 
confine  myself  to  those  I  have  seen  and  know  to  be  good.  Of  their 
bedding  out  properties  I  am  unable  to  speak,  excepting  Buke  of  Clarence, 
and  this  is  a  fine  variety  for  that  purpose.  All  are  more  or  less  beautiful 
as  outdoor  plants,  although  some  bloom  more  freely  than  others. 

The  following  are  the  new  varieties  which  are  to  be  introduced  in  the 
spring,  and  which  I  have  seen,  and  arranged  alphabetically  with  the 
raiser  or  introducers’  name  appended — viz., 

Blue  Garter  (J.  B.  Stuart).— Very  like  Skylark,  but  with  lighter 
coloured  margin. 

Carissima  (.1.  B.  Stuart).— Veined  rosy  lilac  and  white  ;  fine. 


558 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


Cherry  Parli. — I  saw  this  at  York,  and  it  is  very  like  Annie  King; 

Commodore  (J.  D.  Stuart). — A  distinct  shade  of  pale  blue,  evidently 
a  fine  variety  for  forming  masses. 

Con  O'Neil  (J.  D.  Stuart). — White  with  rich  stripes  of  violet  purple; 
extra  fine. 

Diva  (J.  D.  Stuart). — Pure  white,  small  bloom,  and  entirely  rayless  ; 
a’charming  flower  of  good  form. 

Duchess  of  Rothsay  (Dobbie  &  Co.). — A  much  improved  Countess 
of  Kintore,  and  very  fine. 

Duke  of  Clarence  (Irvine).— Rich  black  with  deep  blue  blotches  ;  a 
very  handsome  and  distinct  variety. 

Erin  (J.  D.  Stuart). — A  rich  coloured  striped  flower  ;  fine. 

George  Lord  (Steel). — Sulphur  yellow,  with  a  deep  orange  central 
blotch  ;  a  very  fine  rayless  variety. 

Hibernia  (J.  D.  Stuart). — Rich  purple  striped,  distinct  and  fine. 

Jane  Bell  (Irvine). — Heliotrope  clouded  with  mauve,  fine  and 
distinct. 

Lady  Borthioich  (Irvine). — A  charming  variety,  and  distinct. 

Lady  Dufferin  (J.  D.  Stuart). — White,  marked  with  pale  mauve  or 
heliotrope  ;  distinct  and  fine. 

Lillie  Langtry  (Dobbie  &  Co.). — A  fine  and  rich  coloured  striped 
variety  of  good  substance  and  form. 

Lovelight  (J.  D.  Stuart). — White,  with  a  distinct  Picotee  margin  of 
blue  lilac,  and  very  pretty  and  distinct. 

Maggie  Todd  (Irvine). — Rich  violet  clouded  with  purple,  lighter 
coloured  top  petals  ;  a  handsome  variety. 

Mahogany  (Smellie). — Bronzy  crimson  veined  with  lemon;  bright 
and  fine,  and  very  distinct. 

Mary  Stuart  (J.  D.  Stuart). — White,  a  little  tinted  with  cream  ;  an 
extra  fine,  quite  rayless,  variety  of  good  form. 

Miss  Emily  Revh  (J.  D.  Stuart). — A  bright  carnation-striped  flower ; 
distinct  and  fine. 

Mrs.  Joseph  Chamberlain  (J.  D.  Stuart). — Rose  clouded  with  lilac; 
a  distinct  variety. 

Mrs.  C.  Kay  (Dobbie  &  Co  ). — Raised  by  Mr.  C.  Kay  of  Gargunnock. 
White  bordered  with  heliotrope  ;  a  distinct  and  pretty  variety. 

Mrs.  Joseph  A.  Olliver  (Irvine). — A  very  fine  variety. 

Mrs.  Scott  (Steel).— White,  with  a  yellow  blotch  below  the  eye,  and 
quite  rayless  and  of  excellent  form. 

Pride  of  Etal  (Steel). — White,  bordered  with  pale  lilac,  retaining  the 
“  Violetta  ”  style  of  flower  ;  a  bright,  distinct,  good  variety. 

Prince  of  Orange  (Dobbie  &  Co.). — A  rich,  deep  golden  yellow  self  ; 
a  decided  acquisition  in  every  way,  and  reported  to  be  a  good  bedding 
variety. 

(Steel). — Creamy  yellow  of  “Sylvia”  type. 

William  (Irvine). — A  grand  flower,  of  fine  form  and  substance, 

very  rich  black  violet,  blotched  and  clouded  with  pale  blue. 

William  Jones  (Irvine). — A  Countess  of  Kintore  style  of  flower,  but 
smaller  and  of  exquisite  form. 

1  have  also  seen  other  fine  varieties  raised  by  different  growers,  but  as 
I  have  no  knowledge  of  an  intention  to  introduce  them  until  the  autumn 
of  1894  or  spring  of  1895,  there  is  no  necessity  for  alluding  further  to 
them  now.  There  are  likewise  many  other  varieties  which  are  being 
introduced  for  the  first  time  by  Messrs.  Dobbie,  Irvine,  Pye,  and  others 
which  I  have  not  seen,  and  therefore  they  are  not  mentioned  here. 

It  will  be  noticed,  as  before  mentioned,  that  many  of  these  new 
varieties  have  been  raised  by  Mr.  J.  D.  Stuart  and  Mr.  McKee,  both  of 
whom  often  send  me  blooms  of  their  seedlings,  and  both  are  on  the  right 
track  in  raising  some  very  fine  varieties,  and  they  pass  into  other  hands 
for  distribution.  I  am  unable  to  allude  to  Mr.  McKee’s  new  varieties, 
as  their  distribution  is  so  uncertain,  but  I  think  Mr.  Irvine  will  be 
offering  some  of  them,  and  I  can  safely  say  that  his  Tara,  The  Clown, 
Decorator,  Spray,  and  Charm  will  be  acquisitions.  Mr.  McKee’s 
Countess,  Duchess,  and  Magnet  (the  latter  especially,  and  already  in 
cultivation)  gave  him  fame  as  a  raiser.  Mr.  J.  D.  Stuart  has  been 
most  successful,  and  at  the  great  Pansy  shows  of  the  midlands  has 
exhibited  so  many  good  seedlings,  certificates  were  granted  to  some  of 
them,  only  real  merit  being  recognised.  Messrs.  Dobbie  also  have  other 
new  varieties,  but  I  have  not  seen  them. — W.  D. 


It  will  be  clearly  noted  by  those  persons  who  read  the  notes  on 
recently  introduced  varieties  by  your  correspondent  “  W.  D.”  (page  438) 
we  have  now  arrived  at  a  period  when  these  plants  are  very  popular.  I 
cannot  speak  as  an  old  cultivator  myself,  but  I  certainly  do  grow  the 
majority  of  the  catalogue  varieties,  both  new  and  old.  My  object  in 
sending  these  notes  is  to  protest  mildly  against  the  constant  influx  of  so 
called  novelties.  A  glance  at  the  list  furnished  by  your  correspondent 
will  suffice  to  show  the  practical  growers  that,  at  least,  half  of  the 
varieties  should  never  have  been  brought  before  the  public.  It  would, 
of  course,  be  very  unwise  on  my  part  to  particularise,  but  I  know  at  the 
present  time  many  of  the  varieties  introduced  three  years  ago  are  now 
discarded  from  some  collections.  I  would  not  have  my  name  associated 
with  a  Viola  I  knew  would  be  ultimately  discarded;  neither  would  I  as 
a  trade  grower  introduce  a  worthless  variety.  The  time  will  come 
when  our  Viola  specialists  will  have  to  exercise  the  same  discretion  as 
the  rosarians  do  at  the  present  time. 

Viola  growers  are  now  sacrificing  everything  for  large  flowers,  losing 
sight  entirely  of  the  habit  of  the  plant,  a  point,  I  take  it,  as  of-  equal 
importance  to  the  flowers.  What  is  the  use  of  a  Viola  plant  that  will 
grow  a  foot  or  more  in  an  upright  direction  like  a  Pansy  ?  yet  how 
many  of  our  modern  varieties  come  under  this  head.  Exhibitors  to 


some  extent  are  responsible  for  the  introduction  of  these  unsightly 
growing  varieties  ;  so  long  as  the  flower  is  large  and  distinct,  it  would 
appear  they  do  not  mind  any  other  defect.  I  saw  several  of  our  new 
varieties  last  season  that  were  more  than  a  foot  high  tied  to  stakes, 
and  this  in  a  dry  season.  While  the  exhibitors  make  size  the  principal 
point  in  their  flowers,  or  appear  to  do  so,  we  shall  continue  to  receive 
the  annual  quota  of  these  “  leggy  ”  varieties.  We  have  many  dwarf 
forms  to  work  upon,  and  I  think  we  should  do  well  to  discard  this  class 
of  leggy  plants  which  is  now  in  the  ascendant.  The  Ardwell  Gem 
family  of  Goldfinch,  Duchess  of  Fife,  and  White  Duchess,  are  all  models 
as  far  as  habit  is  concerned,  the  foliage  being  on  the  surface  of  the 
ground,  forming  a  pretty  carpet. 

We  want  the  hybridiser  to  persuade  the  blooms  of  the  tufted  plants 
to  look  up.  Dr.  Stuart  of  Chirnside  appears  to  be  on  the  right  track, 
for  his  Sylvia,  a  creamy  white  with  good  habit,  possesses  nearly  all  the 
characteristics  that  go  to  make  up  a  fine  Viola.  Blush  Queen,  by  the 
same  raiser,  is  of  good  quality,  while  the  Violetta  type  certainly  opens  up 
a  new  field  for  Viola  raisers.  The  foliage  and  habit  are  all  that  can  be 
desired,  now  we  want  larger  flowers,  to  make  almost  an  ideal  Viola, 
with  a  tendency  to  early  flowering  added  thereto.  1  should  like  other 
Viola  growers  to  give  us  their  opinion  on  this  most  important  matter,  for 
I  think  it  only  wants  pointing  out  to  start  the  raisers  of  new  varieties 
on  a  different  track. — J.  B.  R. 


Burnside’s  Bijou  on  Tea  Roses. 

Ip  there  be  any  royal  road  to  a  knowledge  of  Rose  culture  it  has 
certainly  been  discovered  by  the  Rev.  F.  R.  Burnside,  Birch  Vicarage, 
near  Hereford.  It  is  an  age  of  expansion  in  literature,  but  it  is  also  one 
of  precis,  compendiums,  and  compression.  Even  the  English  literary 
sentence  has  shrunk  from  fifty  words  in  the  Carolian  era  to  twenty-five 
in  the  Victorian.  Those  who  love  to  meander  through  the  reams  of  text 
that  are  printed  in  gardening  papers  upon  Rose  cultivation  will  not  get 
much  of  this  linked  sweetness  long  drawn  out  in  Mr.  Burnside’s  work  on 
“  Tea  Roses  :  How  to  Grow  and  Exhibit  Them.”  He  very  soon  comes 
to  the  point.  He  has  accomplished  a  feat  which,  so  far  as  we  know,  is 
unparalleled.  He  has  compressed  all  he  considers  necessary  to  be  known 
on  the  cultivation  of  Tea  Roses,  on  which  he  is  an  admitted  authority, 
in  the  space  equal  to  about  a  page  and  half  of  the  Rose  matter  in  our 
columns,  the  remaining  pages,  one-third  of  the  book,  being  devoted  to  a 
good  descriptive  list  of  varieties.  Mr.  Burnside’s  Bijou  is  published  by 
Messrs,  Jakeman  &  Carver,  Hereford,  and  Simpkin,  Marshall,  Hamilton, 
Kent  &  Co.,  London. 

Roses  Comte  Alphonse  de  Serente  and  Comtesse  de 

Serenye. 

The  above  have  been  confused  in  more  than  one  instance  by  friends 
of  mine,  and  it  may  be  well  to  note  their  great  dissimilarity.  Comte 
A.  de  Serenye  was  introduced  by  Louvais  in  1866,  and  is  now  almost 
extinct  in  this  country.  No  nurserymen’s  list  that  I  have  contains  it. 
The  shape  is  good,  but  the  flower  is  small  ;  colour  bright  clear  rose, 
with  a  tinge  of  lilac  and  purple.  It  flowers  very  early,  and  almost 
always  produces  a  fair  bloom  in  the  autumn  from  the  point  of  late 
growths.  At  one  time  it  was  a  great  favourite  with  me,  and  is  still 
most  distinct  from  any  others. 

Soon  after  Comtesse  de  Serenye  came  out,  in  1875  (Lacharme),  I 
had  an  instance  of  its  confusion  with  the  older  Rose,  and  this  by  a 
trade  grower,  who  said  he  had  had  it  for  years.  He  had  mistaken 
the  name.  Lacharme’s  Rose  is  very  double,  and  a  bad  opener  during 
any  but  a  dry  and  cool  season.  I  did  not  get  a  bloom  in  1893.  The 
colour  is  a  light  rosy-peach,  petals  thin  in  texture,  and  very  numerous, 
easily  spoilt  by  wet,  but  a  magnificent  Rose  occasionally.  The  shape 
of  these  two  is  different ;  so,  too,  are  the  growth  and  foliage,  while  in 
colour  they  are  most  distinct.  I  cannot  help  thinking  a  little  more 
care  in  avoiding  names  too  suggestive  of  other  varieties  might  be  an 
advantage.  We  have  Duke  and  Duchess,  Comte  and  Comtesse  in  so 
many  varieties,  to  say  nothing  of  La  France  and  La  France  of  1889, 
that  one  not  thoroughly  conversant  with  Roses,  or  exceedingly  careful 
about  names,  is  apt  to  confuse  them  at  times.  There  is  a  Comte  de 
Paris  in  Hybrid  Perpetuals  and  again  in  the  Teas,  and  a  Comtesse  de 
Paris  also  in  the  former  class. —  Practice. 

The  Winter  Protection  of  Roses. 

There  is  an  old  saying  in  regard  to  the  cooking  of  hares,  viz  ,  “  first 
catch  your  hare,  &c.”  “  W.  R.  Raillem’s  ”  note  (page  540)  in  reply  to 
“  A  Lover  of  Roses”  (page  510),  rather  reminds  me  of  this  old  saw,  as 
his  advice  in  regard  to  mulching  Rose  plants  with  leaves  would  be  a 
troublesome  matter  to  such  of  us  as  live  in  big  towns  or  on  the  borders 
thereof.  During  and  since  the  recent  stormy  weather  I  think  I  could 
more  easily  have  collected  a  good  mulching  of  the  debris  from  roofs,  in 
the  shape  of  broken  slates,  than  an  equivalent  amount  of  fallen  leaves. 
Nevertheless,  I  quite  agree  with  “  W.  R.  Raillem  ”  that  if  you  can  get  an 
ample  supply  of  leaves  and  then  have  sufficient  persuasive  power  over 


December  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


569 


these  erratic  particles  of  vegetable  matter  to  induce  them  to  remain 
quiescent,  there  can  be  nothing  better  or  more  satisfactory. 

But,  unfortunately,  both  1  and  many  others  do  not  live  in  or  near 
sylvan  glades,  where  there  are  more  than  enough  for  everyone  of  the 
fallen  leaves  of  autumn,  so  we  must  adopt  some  other  plan  to  circumvent 
the  machinations  of  Jack  Frost,  and,  faute  de  mievx,  we  must  adopt 
what  is  really  the  only  other  effectual  mulch,  i.e.,  either  earthing  up 
or  the  use  of  long  or  short  manure. 

I  do  not  think  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  dig  in  this  mulching 
after  its  primary  use  is  over,  nor  do  I  adopt  or  advise  so  violent  a 
method  with  the  risk  to  roots  involved  therein,  but  in  the  spring  I 
spread  out  the  manurial  covering  over  a  larger  surface  than  that  on  which 
it  has  rested  in  winter,  and  later  on,  during  the  early  summer  months, 
this  mulch  gets  gradually  absorbed  and  amalgamated  with  the  soil  in 
the  process  of  gently  hoeing  or  forking  over  of  the  surface. 

I  know  some  advise  the  complete  removal  of  the  winter  mulch  and 
the  use  of  strong  manurial  water  as  a  stimulant,  but  I  adopt  the  plan  I 
mention,  although  I  also  give  artiticial  watering  and  help  the  Rose 
roots  with  concentrated  manurial  stimulants  applied  to  the  surface. 

I  believe  that  on  the  question  of  watering  I  am  not  in  agreement 
with  “  W.  R.  Raillem,”  but  here  again  I  can  claim  there  is  good  reason  on 
my  side  ;  it  is  an  absolute  necessity  for  me  to  water,  as  if  I  did  not  clean 
my  trees  by  artificial  watering  the  foliage  would  get  clogged  and  suffer 
from  the  impurities  which  are  inseparable  from  the  atmosphere  of  a  town 
80  large  as  Croydon. — Charles  J.  Grahame,  Croydon. 


Having  tried  “  J.  A.  W.’s  ”  (page  539)  suggestion  of  burnt  refuse  as 
a  protection  for  Teas  I  can  thoroughly  endorse  all  he  says,  and  1  think 
it  is  improved  if  mixed  with  road  scrapings.  I  adopt  three  kinds  of 
protection  in  the  autumn  for  established  dwarf  plants.  With  the  very 
tender  sorts  I  put  three  or  four  spadefuls  of  soil  in  the  centre  of  the 
plants  ;  with  those  of  a  more  robust  nature  I  hoe  the  bed  roughly,  and 
gather  a  few  inches  of  soil  round  the  stem ;  and  with  the  very  hardy 
Teas  I  hoe  the  ground,  but  do  not  stop  here,  as  over  all  I  place  a  pro¬ 
tection  of  long  manure.  My  plan  is  to  put  the  manure  on  fairly  thick, 
and  to  occasionally  lightly  fork  the  top,  and  so  keep  it  as  dry  and  sweet 
as  possible,  the  nutriment  being  washed  down  by  rain  and  snow  to  the 
surface  of  the  soil.  Then  in  the  spring  I  take  off  about  two-thirds,  and 
fork  in  the  remaining  manure  lightly. 

“  W.  R.  Raillem’s”  remarks  are  always  valuable,  but  I  think  he 
under-estimates  the  value  of  manure  so  applied  as  instanced  in  his  reply 
(page  540),  to  “  A  Lover  of  Roses  ”  on  page  510.  My  experience  is  that 
a  winter  top-dressing  of  manure  can  and  does  act  both  as  food  and 
protection  ;  also  as  the  manure  is  not  then  too  fresh  I  do  not  see  how  it 
can  injure  the  roots,  and  the  slight  forking  can  surely  do  very  little 
harm  to  the  surface  roots.  In  fact  experience  has  convinced  me  that 
the  more  the  surface  is  lightly  disturbed  the  more  the  thread-like 
roots  seem  to  grow  and  revel  in  the  liquid  manure  and  mulching  which 
they  receive  when  the  buds  are  forming. 

Is  “  W.  R.  Raillem”  really  serious  when  he  advocates  a  covering  of 
leaves  ?  If  so  how  many  feet  in  thickness  should  they  be  put  on,  as  dry 
leaves  have  a  habit  of  blowing  away,  and  how  would  he  overcome  this 
difficulty  ?  I  very  much  doubt  whether  leaves  would  act  as  a  suitable 
protection,  as  they  hold  the  moisture  and  tend  to  make  the  ground 
sodden  and  sour  when  put  on  in  a  dry  state.  I  wish  my  leaves  would 
all  fall  in  a  fortnight,  but  having  Limes,  Chestnuts,  Elms,  Oaks,  Beech, 
and  other  trees,  I  think  in  my  case  it  would  be  nearer  the  mark  if  I  sail 
two  months. — R.  M.  D. 

Manuring  and  Transplanting  Roses. 

I  HAVE  read  both  of  the  interesting  notes  upon  pages  510  and  540 
touching  on  this  question.  I  cannot  say  that  I  entirely  agree  with 
either  ;  but  “  W.  R.  Raillem’s  ”  remarks  against  the  use  of  short 
manure  as  a  winter  mulch  I  can  endorse  from  many  years’  experience. 
We  all  endeavour  to  avoid  surplus  moisture  at  the  roots  of  Roses  during 
the  winter ;  why,  then,  place  short  manure  around  the  most  vital 
portion  of  our  plants  ?  Few  materials  will  retain  the  wet  more  than 
the  thoroughly  decayed  manure  so  frequently  recommended  as  a  mulch, 
and  we  should  bear  in  mind  that  frost  is  doubly  injurious  when  com¬ 
bined  with  wet ;  yet  many  still  advocate  a  saturated  substance  as  a 
winter  protection.  “  W.  R.  Raillem  ”  does  well  to  call  attention  to  the 
little  use  of  forking-in  an  exhausted  dressing  during  the  spring,  it 
being  of  small  service  except  the  ground  be  naturally  heavy  and  with 
the  object  of  lightening  it. 

I  would  also  like  to  know  in  what  way  the  juices  washed  into  the 
soil  by  rain  can  benefit  Roses  while  at  rest.  We  should  not  think  of 
following  this  plan  with  pot  Roses  ;  always  affording  stimulants  while 
growth  is  being  made,  and  the  plant  is  in  need  of  it.  Winter  manuring 
seems  to  me  a  great  mistake.  In  the  first  place  much  of  the  juices  are 
absolutely  wasted,  while  all  of  the  benefit  derived  from  the  rising 
ammonia  is  lost.  By  allowing  the  air  and  frost  greater  action  upon  the 
soil,  and  then  mulching  and  forking  in  the  manure  carefully  during 
spring,  I  am  convinced  that  the  same  amount  of  labour  and  stimulants 
may  be  applied  to  fuller  advantage.  Wet  manure  is  no  protection  to 
the  base  of  a  Rose.  It  is  not  needed  excepting  during  severe  weather, 
and  at  these  times  the  whole  body  of  the  manure  is  frozen.  The 
“  long  ”  or  strawy  manure  is  liable  to  be  no  more  or  less  than  a  sodden 
mass  in  a  very  fev/  days  after  application.  It  also  blows  away,  and 
makes  the  whole  place  untidy  if  dry  ;  and  this  at  the  very  time  when 
-ts  presence  is  most  needed.  A  quiet  frost  does  little  harm  compared 
>0  the  same  W’hen  accompanied  by  keen,  frost-laden  winds.  These 


search  the  whole  wood,  and  are  particularly  trying,  and  they  demand 
a  great  deal  of  sap  from  the  roots  if  the  wood  is  to  be  kept  plump.  In 
proof  of  this,  note  how  quickly  unestablished  plants  shrivel  during 
their  prevalence.  My  observations  have  given  me  the  impression  that 
severe  frosts,  with  a  quiet  or  still  atmosphere,  do  little  harm  provided 
the  plants  surrounding  are  not  wet,  This,  and  the  waste  already 
pointed  out,  has  caused  me  to  cease  mulching  with  decayed  manure 
during  the  winter. 

A  little  of  the  ordinary  soil  drawn  around  the  base  of  dwarfs,  and 
a  few  branches  of  Birch,  Spruce,  or  Gorse  fixed  in  the  soil  around 
the  more  tender  varieties  is  far  more  rational.  As  “  W.  R.  Raillem” 
points  out,  the  roots  are  already  protected  by  the  soil,  and  the  wood  is 
the  chief  part  to  shelter.  The  amount  of  wind  and  frost  which  a  few 
branches  will  keep  off  is  scarcely  credible  by  those  who  have  not  tried 
this  plan.  They  are  so  easily  applied  and  removed,  and  they  answer 
their  purpose  when  most  wanted,  not  being  found  yards  away,  brought 
up  by  the  first  impediment  to  their  flight  before  the  very  frost-laden 
wind  we  wished  to  protect  the  Roses  from. 

I  have  seen  Roses  wrapped  up  with  fern  and  litter  as  carefully  as 
if  they  were  some  occupant  of  the  sub-tropical  garden  ;  far  more  pro¬ 
tected  than  the  same  person’s  Myrtles  and  Magnolias.  This  is  unne¬ 
cessary,  as  well  as  being  harmful.  The  wild  Roses  are  among  our 
hardiest  shrubs,  and  none  of  our  garden  varieties  need  more  than  the 
severe  brunt  of  a  sharp  winter  turned  from  them.  When  over-protected 
the  wood  cannot  be  exposed  to  sharp  spring  frosts  with  impunity,  while 
if  covered  too  long  we  get  premature  growth  of  no  value  whatever  ;  in 
fact,  only  a  severe  drain  upon  the  plants.  My  plan  of  placing  a  few 
boughs  among  them  admits  air  and  light  freely,  while  acting  as  sufificlent 
break  to  severely  keen  winds. — Practice. 

Winners  with  Seventy-two  Roses. 

We  regret  having  to  trouble  you  again,  but  as  you  will  perceive  from 
our  last  letter,  we  merely  wished  to  correct  a  mistake  on  page  494  in 
”  D.,  Deal's,”  remarks,  where  he  distinctly  states  that  Messrs.  Harkness 
and  Sons  carried  off  every  first  prize  for  “  seventy-two’s  ”  in  the  kingdom. 
Messrs.  Harkness,  in  replying  to  our  letter,  state  on  page  540  that  the 
prize  offered  at  Tibshelf  was  for  fifty  varieties.  Now  the  wording  of  the 
schedule  is  as  follows,  viz.,  ‘‘Roses,  seventy-two  blooms,  fifty  distinct 
varieties  ;  ”  whilst  the  wording  of  the  Elland  schedule  is,  v  z.,  ‘‘  Seventy- 
two  Roses,  twenty-four  or  more  varieties.”  We  herewith  enclose  the  two 
schedules  referred  to,  and  whatever  Messrs.  Harkness  make  of  it,  we 
still  maintain  and  claim  these  prizes  to  be  two  of  the  ‘‘seventy-two’s” 
in  the  kingdom,  and  the  Tibshelf  ‘‘seventy -two”  was  the  best  and 
keenest  contested  of  the  season. 

We  cannot  perceive  where  Messrs.  Harkness’  seven  firsts  come  in  in 
competition  with  us,  and  we  still  maintain  having  sixteen  firsts  to  their 
two.  If  they  had  more  firsts,  then  they  were  in  clas  es  in  which  we  did 
not  compete.  We  trust  this  will  now  be  sufficient  to  show  that  we  won 
at  least  two  of  the  seventy-two’s  in  the  kingdom,  and  the  only  two  for 
which  we  competed. — James  Cocker  &  Sons. 

[Our  correspondents  have  quoted  correctly  from  the  Tibshelf  and 
Elland  schedules  referred  to.  We  have  returned  them  to  Aberdeen.] 

Hybrid  Teas. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  of  the  National  Rose  Society  says  of 
the  new  catalogue  that  it  appears  to  have  been  much  appreciated,  and 
that  several  foreign  trade  growers  have  already  followed  the  Society’s 
lead  in  introducing  into  their  own  catalogues  a  separate  section  for 
Hybrid  Teas  upon  similar  lines  to  that  adopted  in  the  Society’s  catalogue. 
As  a  member  of  the  Catalogue  Sub-Committee  I  might  be  reasonably 
supposed  to  be  in  thorough  accord  with  the  new  classification  adopted, 
or  at  all  events  to  have  nothing  to  say  against  it ;  but,  unfortunately,  I 
do  not  think  the  arrangement  satisfactory.  I  said  at  first  I  did  not 
think  I  could  attend  the  meetings  of  the  Catalogue  Committee  ;  and,  in 
fact,  I  was  not  present  at  any  of  them.  Undoubtedly  I  was  in  fault,  in 
that  I  ought  to  have  declined  altogether,  or  resigned  later.  Mr.  Mawley 
was  also  so  extremely  courteous  as  to  send  me  a  proof  of  the  matters 
decided  on,  so  that  I  could  give  my  opinions,  and  they  were,  I  am  told, 
duly  laid  before  the  Committee.  Under  these  circumstances  I  am  either 
an  outsider  who  has  a  right  to  criticise,  or  in  the  position  of  a  judge  who 
is  in  a  minority  on  the  Bench,  and  who  in  such  cases  has  the  right  of 
stating  his  own  opinion,  wherein  he  differs  from  his  colleagues.  I  have 
also  the  assent  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  N.R.S.  to  my  stating  my  views 
on  the  matter,  it  being  understood  that  I  wish  to  be  quite  loyal  to  the 
decision  of  the  majority,  and  to  be  fair  and  accurate  in  every  way. 
I  think  the  catalogue  is,  and  always  has  been,  open  to  criticism  on  other 
points,  but  I  will  confine  myself  here  to  the  classification  question.  The 
Committee  seem  to  have  made  a  change  on  an  opposite  principle  to  that 
which  prevails  in  another  part  of  the  catalogue.  On  the  one  hand  they 
retain  the  placing  together  of  Teas  and  Noisettes  in  one  class,  and  on  the 
other  they  separate  Hybrid  Perpetuals  and  Hybrid  Teas  into  two.  This 

seems  to  me  inconsis  ent,  and  acting  without  principle. 

It  appears  to  me  to  be  impossible  to  classify  by  drawing  lines  of 
demarcation  without  definitions.  What  is  a  Hybrid  Perpetual,  a  Hybrid 
Tea,  a  Tea,  or  a  Noisette  ?  At  least,  as  H.T.’s  are  now  set  up  in  a 
separate  division,  it  maybe  asked.  What  is  a  Hybrid  Tea?  Is  it  the 
first  cross  only  between  a  true  Tea  and  a  Hybrid  Perpetual  ?  If  so, 
can  it  be  proved  that  La  France  and  Captain  Christy  are  such  first 
crosses?  or  is  it  any  cross?  If  so,  why  are  not  Margaret  Dickson 
(which  through  Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam  is  a  quarter  Tea),  Her  Majesty 
(which  is  even  said  to  be  a  first  cross),  and  others,  classified  as  Hybrid 


560 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


Teas  ?  Again,  if  La  France  and  Captain  Christy  are  to  be  considered 
H.T.’s,  why  stop  there?  Does  not  the  whole  of  the  Victor  Verdier  race 
show  the  cross  as  much  as  Captain  Christy  ? 

Once  more,  if  we  take  certain  from  the  H.P.’s  strongly  suspected  of 
being  H.T.’s,  should  we  not  do  the  same  with  the  Teas  1  Will  anyone 
deny  that  there  is  as  much  cross  in  Gloire  de  Dijon  to  separate  it  from 
the  true  Teas,  as  there  is  in  Grace  Darling  to  separate  it  from  the 
H.P.’s?  To  take  such  well-known  Roses  as  La  France  and  Captain 
Christy  from  the  H.P.’s,  where  they  have  been  sollong,  was  a  strong  step ; 
not  necessarily  wrong  in  itself,  but  I  think  that  definitions  should  have 
preceded  it,  and  that  future  results  should  have  been  considered.  We 
must  be  prepared,  now  hybridising  is  so  much  in  vogue,  for  a  H.T.  to 
be  crossed  back  with  the  Teas,  and  its  produce  back  into  the  H.P.’s, 
and  so  on  backwards  and  forwards  tiP,  as  the  coachman  said  of  the 
railway  accident,  “  Where  are  you  ?  ” 

For  these  reasons,  which  I  have  made  as  brief  as  possible,  for  there 
is  a  good  deal  to  be  said  on  the  matter,  I  think  the  new  classification 
of  Hybrid  Teas  to  be  unsatisfactory,  and  unlikely  to  be  permanent. — 
W.  E.  Raillem. 

A  Recent  Slander. 

Having  been  referred  to  on  the  subject,  I  should  like,  with  your 
permission,  to  write  a  few  lines  relating  to  an  important  personal  matter 
mentioned  by  Mr.  Frank  Cant  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  N.R.S. 
The  subject  is  mentioned  in  the  admirable  report  of  the  Society’s  meet¬ 
ing  published  by  you  on  pages  540,  541,  but  some  other  remarks  made  at 
the  time  in  connection  therewith  are  omitted.  Mr.  Frank  Cant  stated 
at  the  meeting  that  there  had  been  unfounded  reports  in  circulation  for 
some  time  past  in  regard  to  his  supposed  aiding  at  Rose  Shows  his 
intimate  friend  and  neighbour,  Mr.  O,  G.  Orpen  of  Colchester,  and 
Mr.  Cant  said  he  wished  to  give  a  most  unqualified  public  contradiction 
to  this  slander. 

I  suppose  that  jealousy  will  at  times  make  people  blind  to  the  merit 
apparent  to  others,  and  we  are  aware,  as  Mr.  Cant  said,  that  when  mud 
is  thrown  some  of  it  will  stick.  Other  slanders  have  also  been  in 
circulation,  and  it  was  time  that  they  should  all  be  brought  to  an  end. 
A  matter  of  this  kind  may  be  more  serious  in  its  consequences  to  a 
professional  rosarian  than  to  an  amateur  ;  but  everyone  values  his  good 
name,  and  we  can  all  understand  the  annoyance  given  to  both  the 
gentlemen  interested  in  this  particular  matter. 

Mr.  Frank  Cant,  as  a  rosarian,  stands  second  to  no  one  in  the  king¬ 
dom.  Mr.  Orpen  is  less  known  except  to  those  of  us  who  are  exhi¬ 
bitors.  We  who  know  both  gentlemen  personally  have  not  given  much 
heed  or  attached  importance  to  the  reports  in  circulation,  and  I  may 
say  that  although,  probably.  I  have  run  second  more  frequently  than 
anyone  else  of  late  to  Mr.  Orpen’s  first  (being  truly  a  “  Ravensbury  ” 
to  his  “  Isinglass  ”  in  five  recent  Rose  contests),  I  have  never  attached 
the  slightest  importance  to  the  depreciatory  and  untrue  remarks  made 
about  him,  as  I  have  always  felt  confident  that  he  won  by  sheer  merit, 
and  deserved  his  success. 

In  the  cultivation  of  Tea  Rosea  Mr.  Orpen  has  almost  discovered 
the  philosopher’s  stone  of  Rose  growing.  I  look  to  his  being  one  of  our 
amateur  champions  in  the  near  future,  and  he  will  be  a  worthy  one. 
“  noni  soit  q%ii  mal  y  pense." — Charles  J.  Grahame,  Croydon. 


GARDENERS  AND  GARDENING. 

[Read  by  Mr.  J.  Davies  before  the  Chislehurst  and  District  Gardeners’  Mutual 

Improvement  Association.] 

Gardening  is  one  of  those  aris  which  enables  us  to  make  the  most 
of  Nature’s  gifts.  It  has  been  said  over  and  over  again.  He  that  makes 
two  ears  of  corn  grow  where  only  one  used  to  grow,  is  a  public  bene¬ 
factor  ;  in  other  words,  whosoever  can  increase  the  produce  of  the  land 
does  a  real  service  to  the  country.  Gardening,  however,  takes  a  higher 
stand  ;  its  object  is  not  only  to  increase,  but  to  improve  the  produce. 
It  is  for  the  gardener  to  learn  from  Nature  what  a  plant  requires,  and  to 
afford  that  in  proper  quantities,  and  if  the  soil  does  not  contain  its 
proper  requirements,  it  is  for  the  gardener  to  step  in  and  supply  the 
want.  It  is  well  understood  that  what  succeeds  in  one  place  may  be  a 
complete  failure  a  few  miles  away.  Sometimes  in  the  adjoining  garden 
crops  that  succeed  with  your  neighbour  may  be  a  complete  failure  with 
you,  so  different  may  be  the  aspect  and  soil,  and  so  this  is  one  of  the 
many  reasons  why  gardening  is  never  learn*^. 

Study  your  employer’s  interest  in  commencing  your  duties  as 
gardener,  endeavour  to  find  out  the  requirements  and  tastes  of  your 
employers  as  soon  as  possible,  and  having  done  so,  lose  no  time  in 
carrying  those  wishes  out,  for  it  must  be  remembered  that  it  is  they 
who  find  the  sinews  of  war.  It  often  happens  that  a  gardener  has  some 
special  favourite  flower  of  his  own  ;  it  may  be  the  herbaceous  Calceolaria 
or  Cape  Pelargonium,  or  perhaps  Chrysanthemum  on  the  large  flower 
system  in  preference  to  the  smaller,  and  to  most  minds  more  useful 
blooms.  Be  that  as  it  may,  endeavour  to  fall  in  with  the  new  order  of 
things.  Of  course  there  are  unreasonable  employers  as  v.’ell  as  un¬ 
reasonable  employed,  and  if  found  that  tastes  and  temperament  are 
at  variance  with  each  other,  it  is  better  to  seek  “  fields  afresh  and 
pastures  new.” 

Interchange  of  friendship  and  paying  visits  to  other  gardeners  is  of 
the  utmost  benefit,  independent  of  the  pleasure  socially.  There  is 
always  something  worth  taking  note  of  to  an  observant  man,  however 
small  the  garden  might  be.  This  reminds  me  how  often  one  is  struck 
with  the  fact  that  in  small  gardens,  with  perhaps  only  one  or  two  glass 


houses,  that  much  is  done  with  very  limited  means  ;  on  the  other  hand, 
many  men  who  are  thoroughly  practical  and  produce  fine  examples  of 
their  work  as  long  as  ever  convenience  is  at  hand,  and  have  an  unlimited 
purse  at  command,  are  altogether  at  sea  when  they  have  to  manage  a 
garden  under  difficulties  and  on  strictly  economical  lines. 

Hybridising  and  making  experiments  are  interesting,  but  however 
laudable  this  branch  of  gardening  may  be  it  has  its  drawbacks.  Many 
employers  have  a  wholesome  dread  of  experimental  gardeners  as  being 
the  most  expensive,  and  are  often  paid  high  wages  for  simply  amusing 
themselves.  There  are  many  theorists  who  lecture  here,  and  write  there, 
and  talk  everywhere  ;  but  if  you  visit  their  places,  to  say  the  least,  you 
would  feel  disappointed.  I  am,  though,  willing  to  admit  that  there  are 
men  who  write  for  the  press  continually  who  are  thoroughly  practical  in 
every  branch  of  their  profession.  Hybridising  and  experiments  in  my 
opinion  are  better  suited  to  the  well-to-do  nurseryman  and  affluent 
amateur,  for  in  many  cases  it  is  not  a  very  profitable  occupation, 
however  interesting  it  might  be.  An  old  friend  of  mine  annually 
produced  a  great  number  of  seedlings  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums,  hoping  by 
a  systematic  fertilisation  to  have  a  blue  flowered  variety.  I  used  to 
visit  him  pretty  frequently,  and  he  always  fancied  he  was  getting 
nearer  his  ambition  ;  but  to  this  day,  now  some  twenty  years,  I  do  not 
think  he  has  succeeded.  Fortunately  for  him  he  had  a  very  indulgent 
employer,  and  one  who  to  a  certain  extent  encouraged  him  in  his  hobby, 
though  his  garden  suffered  terribly  through  lack  of  attention.  I  rather 
like  a  man  with  a  hobby ;  he  is  a  very  interesting  individual,  but  do  not 
ride  your  hobby  too  hard,  or  disastrous  results  will  probably  accrue. 

No  doubt  many  gardeners  will  remember  the  late  Mr.  Mechie  of 
Tiptree  Hall,  Essex,  and  London  some  twenty  or  thirty  years  ago — with 
what  spirit  and  energy  he  entered  on  the  task  of  converting  a  rather 
barren  spot  into  a  model  and  fertile  farm  ;  true,  it  had  some  natural 
advantages  in  climate  and  aspect.  I  am  now  writing  from  memory 
altogether,  so  am  open  to  correction.  He  was  considered  to  be  a  great 
authority.  Everything  that  Mr.  Mechie  did  was  taken  note  of  and 
reported  in  various  papers,  and  was  thought  to  be  a  great  success  ;  but 
notwithstanding  that  he  had  a  splendid  London  business  to  feed  these 
experiments  they  were  not  a  success.  Then  Mr.  Peter  MacKinley  some 
twenty-five  years  ago  gave  us  such  interesting  reports  in  a  tabulated 
form  as  the  results  of  his  experiments  with  various  kinds  of  Potatoes. 
These  were  carried  on  for  several  years,  but  became  very  expensive.  Most 
of  you  will  remember  the  late  Mr.  Clarke,  of  Magnum  Bonum  Potato 
fame.  He,  too,  spent  the  greater  part  of  life  in  raising  new  varieties  of 
Potatoes,  but  died  by  no  means  a  rich  man.  Mr.  Laxton,  who 
worked  most  perseveringly  for  years  in  producing  new  varieties  of 
Strawberries  and  other  things,  did  not  make  a  fortune.  I  mention  these 
facts  to  show  how  much  we  owe  to  these  men,  who  spent  whole  lives  in 
their  endeavours  to  benefit  the  world  at  large.  I  think  such  sacrifices 
as  these  should  be  recognised  in  some  substantial  way. 

Exhibiting  is  the  ambition  of  many  gardeners,  and  a  very  laudable 
one  too.  It  has  been  said,  however,  that  the  best  exhibition  board  is 
your  employer’s  table.  Be  that  as  it  may,  be  quite  sure  that  its  owner 
is  with  you  in  your  desire  to  show,  then  all  will  be  well,  for  it  entails 
much  expense  in  labour  and  materials,  and  unless  this  is  well  thought 
out  before  it  will  rather  surprise  you  when  bringing  it  into  practice. 
Then  there  is  the  thought  sometimes  that  everything  is  neglected  for 
the  plants  you  are  going  to  exhibit.  Watch  very  carefully  your 
employer’s  inclination.  Directly  you  see  he  shows  signs  of  being  tired 
of  the  business,  fall  in  with  his  views,  then  all  will  be  well ;  but  if  you 
continue  your  hobby  trouble  will  follow  most  assuredly. 

Order  is  one  of  Nature’s  first  laws.  It  is  wonderful  how  much  can  be 
done  by  a  proper  system  of  working.  One  man  in  commencing  some  work 
will  scatter  his  tools  and  material  everywhere.  The  work  will  be  begun  at 
all  points  and  finished  nowhere.  Another  man  will  well  consider  where 
the  work  should  be  commenced  and  where  it  ought  to  be  finished, 
endeavouring  all  the  time  to  keep  it  completed  as  close  up  as  possible,  so 
that  whatever  occurs  the  work  is  practically  finished  as  far  as  you  go. 
I  fancy  I  hear  someone  saying,  “  It’s  all  very  well  to  talk,  much  easier 
than  doing.”  That  might  be  so,  but  it  is  surprising  what  can  be  done 
by  keeping  these  ideas  before  you.  It  is  a  good  maxim.  If  you  have 
anything  in  particular  to  do  measure  the  time  it  will  take,  and  if  you 
think  it  can  be  done  in  one  day  try  and  do  it ;  if  it  will  take  a  week 
endeavour  to  do  it  in  that  time,  and  if  a  month  the  same  ;  it  gives  a  sort 
of  stimulus  to  the  work. 

The  rubbish  heap  is  a  necessity  in  every  place,  and  often  consists 
of  stones,  weeds,  leaves,  pruning  of  trees,  pot  plants  that  are  no  longer 
required,  sweepings  of  paths,  and  so  on,  all  in  one  confused  mass.  I 
remember  one  gentleman  remarking  that  there  was  no  reason  why  a 
rubbish  heap  should  not  look  tidy.  I  think  this  is  worth  remembering. 
It  is  a  good  plan  to  keep  everything  that  will  burn  apart  from  rubbish 
which  will  not ;  also  put  stones  by  themselves  for  making  roads  or  paths, 
I  have  often  seen  what  trouble  there  has  been  when  mixed  together ; 
the  attempts  to  burn  or  separate  this  mass,  finally,  perhaps,  disposing 
of  them  by  trenching  a  piece  of  ground  and  so  burying  the  whole,  to  be 
turned  up  again  at  some  future  time. 

In  concluding  this  paper  on  “  Gardeners  and  Gardening,”  I  urge 
all  young  men  to  make  the  most  of  their  time  at  their  disposal, 
for  assuredly  much  more  will  be  required  of  them  in  the  future  than  in 
the  past.  There  are  many  advantages  now  which  did  not  exist  a  few 
years  ago,  and  if  gardeners  do  not  embrace  these  opportunities  they  will 
have  much  cause  to  regret  it.  Mr.  Stanford  said,  “  In  the  young  man  ; 
firstly,  be  industrious ;  secondly,  have  a  settled  plan  ;  thirdly,  be  ever¬ 
lastingly  persistent  in  both.  These,  applied  to  fair  ability,  will  win.” 


December  21,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


661 


rCHR 


MUMS 

- 


National  Chrysanthemum  Society. 


The  last  of  the  Floral  Committee  meetings  for  the  present  season 
was  held  on  Wednesday,  the  13th  inst.,  at  the  Royal  Aquarium,  when 
Mr.  C.  Harman  Payne  presided.  The  exhibits  were  bright,  in  good 
condition,  and  numerous,  considering  the  lateness  of  the  meeting,  which 
was  rendered  attractive  by  a  large  contribution  ol  cut  Chrysanthemums 
from  Mr.  R.  Owen,  to  whom  a  silver  medal  was  awarded  for  his  collection. 
Secretary  Farson,  a  large  incurved  Japanese,  a  deep  globular  flower  of  a 
dull  rosy  bronze,  was  commended.  John  Noble,  another  of  the  same 
type,  colour  carmine  crimson,  with  a  paler  reverse,  tipped  yellow,  the 
Committee  wished  to  see  again,  together  with  W.  G.  Newitt,  a  white 
Japanese,  with  long  drooping  florets  flushed  yellow  in  the  centre.  An 
ingenious  expanding  show-board  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  C.  B .  Shea  ;  it  is 
made  in  sections,  each  of  which  can  be  moved  in  any  direction,  so  that 
the  board  can  be  used  for  staging  incurved  as  well  as  the  largest  of 
Japanese.  The  Committee  highly  commended  the  exhibit,  as  it  would 
enable  exhibitors  to  use  their  present  show-travelling  boxes. 

First-class  certificates  were  awarded  as  under  : — 

Owen  Thomas. — A  Japanese  incurved  of  large  build.  The  florets 
are  of  medium  width,  curly  at  the  tips,  and  of  a  bright,  clear  canary 
yellow.  One  of  Mr.  Owen’s  seedlings,  who  was  the  exhibitor. 

Good  Gracious. — A  Japanese,  with  tubulated  florets  of  remarkable 
length.  They  are  curly,  twisted,  and  intermingled,  forming  a  globular 
and  apparently  solid  bloom.  Upon  close  inspection,  and  without 
support,  the  flower  falls  open  rather  loosely.  Its  colour  is  blush  pink, 
passing  to  white  in  the  centre.  An  American  seedling  shown  by 
Mr.  Owen, 

At  the  close  of  the  meeting  Mr.  Kendall  called  attention  to  a  bloom 
of  Henry  Perkins,  which  some  time  since  was  certificated  as  an  incurved 
Chrysanthemum.  It  was  resolved  that  it  be  transferred  to  the  section 
of  Japanese  incurves  in  the  official  catalogue  of  the  N.C.S.  At  the  close 
of  the  meeting  the  Chairman,  in  the  name  of  the  General  Committee, 
thanked  the  members  for  their  attendance  during  the  season,  and  hoped 
that  the  meetings  for  1894  would  be  as  interesting  in  every  way  as  those 
this  season,  which  he  ventured  to  think  would  be  the  case,  considering 
the  remarkable  progress  the  flower  had  made  during  the  past  few 
seasons. 

New  Chrysanthemum  Eva  Knowles. 


Mr.  Knowles  of  Headlands,  Pontefract,  is  the  fortunate  raiser 
(from  American  seed)  of  a  grand  new  Japanese  variety.  It  is  a  sturdy 
grower,  and  the  blooms  were  good  both  from  crown  and  terminal  buds. 
In  colour  it  is  crimson  carmine,  in  size  equal  to  Vi  viand  Morel,  in 
growth  as  good  as  Etoile  de  Lyon. — W.  S. 


Rooting  Chrysanthemum  Cuttings. 

A  WELL-KNOWN  grower  referring  to  best  method  of  securing  a  good 
strike  of  cuttings  said  that  it  was  better  to  place  several  into  a  5-inch 
pot  than  to  put  them  singly  into  small  pots,  as  in  the  latter  case  the 
soil  will  become  somewhat  soured  through  frequent  waterings  ere  the 
roots  were  fully  formed.  I  called  upon  a  gardener  the  other  day  who 
said  that  suggestion  was  no  doubt  good  when  the  pots  were  stood 
on  stages  or  shelves  in  houses  where,  of  course,  the  soil  would  soon 
dry,  and  need  frequent  waterings.  “  I,  however,”  said  he,  “  root  mine  in 
small  pots  singly,  and  stand  them  in  a  close  frame  on  an  ash  floor,  where 
from  the  time  of  putting  in  after  once  watering,  and  give  them  only 
light  sprinklings  with  the  best  results.”  I  saw  his  cuttings  so  rooted, 
and  they  were  looking  all  that  could  be  desired. — A. 


Incurved  Japanese  Chrysanthemums. 

[1  wish  to  correct  the  error  I  made  on  page  497  by  stating  that 
Leon  Frache  and  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste  were  in  the  first  prize  stand  at 
the  Reading  Chrysanthemum  Show.  I  should  have  said  that  the 
varieties  mentioned  were  in  one  of  the  prizewinning  stands. — Beginner. 


Being  one  of  the  judges  at  the  Reading  Chrysanthemum  Show,  I 
have  been  somewhat  interested  in  the  discussion  on  the  above  question 
in  the  Journal.  I  cannot  understand  “  Beginner  ”  (page  497)  accusing 
the  winner  of  the  first  prize  exhibiting  unfairly.  I  am  glad  to  notice 
Mr.  Lane  (page  537),  the  winner  of  the  prize,  offering  to  give  the  names 
of  the  twelve  varieties  he  exhibited.  Though  by  mistake  he  mentioned 
Gaspard  Rozain  for  Leon  Frache,  I  have  since  had  his  word  he  staged 
neither  variety.  I  consider  this  class  should  be  revised  before  another 
season.  With  so  many  varieties  now  before  the  public  there  should  be  no 
doubt,  either  to  exhibitors  or  judges,  what  constitutes  a  Japanese 
incurved.  For  example,  why  should  Boule  d’Or  be  allowed  in  that  class  ? 
In  judging  at  a  show  this  season,  where  it  was  largely  exhibited  as  a 
Japanese  incurved,  I  could  hardly  bring  myself  to  believe  it  would  be 
found  in  the  National  catalogue  classed  as  such. — Edwin  Beckett. 

[VVe  have  heard  many  expressions  of  surprise  that  Boule  d’Or 
should  be  classed  as  an  incurved  in  the  Japanese  section  of  the  N.C.S. 
catalogue.] 


New  Chrysanthemums. 

I  NOTICE  that  Mr.  E.  Molyneux,  in  his  useful  notice  of  new  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  (page  514),  refers  to  my  seedling.  Miss  Dorothea  Shea,  as 
having  been  sent  out  last  year.  This  is  a  slight  error,  for  as  a  matter 
of  fact,  it  was  not  sent  out  until  the  season  1893.  Of  course  in  a  first 
season  a  variety  does  not,  as  a  rule,  appear  in  its  best  condition  ;  it  is, 
therefore,  the  more  gratifying  to  me  to  learn  that,  in  this,  its  first  year, 
the  variety  in  question  furnished,  in  Mr.  Molyneux’s  opinion,  “  the 
finest  individual  bloom  ”  that  he  saw  “  this  season  in  a  rather  extended 
tour.” — C.  E.  Shea. 

The  “  Shoesmith  ”  Cup  and  Tube 
Invented  by  Mr.  George  Coppiuiof  Croydon,  and  named  in  com¬ 
pliment  to  an  excellent  gardener  and  Chrysanthemum  grower,  this 


FIG.  81. 

receptacle  for  blooms,  including  Roses  and  cut  flowers  generally,  is  as 
neat  as  it  appears  effective.  The  material  is  white  pottery-ware,  light 
and  smooth.  Just  within  the  cup  is  an  indiarubber  washer  that  grips 
the  tube  and  holds  it  w'here  wanted,  high  or  low,  as  the  case  may  be. 
There  is  also  a  washer  in  the  neck  of  the  tube  that  grips  the  stem  of  the 
bloom,  holding  it  in  position  without  the  aid  of  pegs  or  wedges.  From 
the  cup  and  tube  we  tried  there  was  no  escape  of  water  when  held 
upside  down.  The  washers  may  be  expected  to  relax  their  grip  in  the 
course  of  time,  but  they  must  cost  next  to  nothing,  and  can  be  inserted 
in  a  moment.  The  material  is  breakable  under  rough  usage,  the  same  as 
cups  and  saucers  and  flower  pots,  yet  both  have  come  into  fashion  and  are 


FIG.  82. 


not  likely  to  go  out.  It  remains  to  be  seen  whether  the  “  Shoesmith  ” 
cup  and  tube  will  become  and  remain  a  favourite  with  exhibitors  of  cut 
blooms.  The  appliance  is  ingenious,  yet  simple  and  worth  trying.  The 
example  shown  in  figure  81  is  for  incurved  blooms,  that  in  fig.  82  for 
Japanese.  The  invention  is  “  protected.” 

Hairy  Chrysanthemums. 

I  AM  afraid  your  correspondent  “P.”  (page  515)  is  not  very 
favourably  impressed  with  these  Chrysanthemums.  Many  of  us  thought 
they  would  form  a  very  valuable  addition  to  our  lists,  but  1  fear  the 
majority  of  growers,  like  myself,  have  been  sorely  disappointed.  The 
advent  of  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy  was  hailed  with  delight,  but  very  few 
exhibitors  place  any  reliance  on  it.  In  Louis  Boehmer  we  obtained  a 
plant  with  a  fine  habit  and  good  growth,  but  the  less  said  about  the 
colour  the  better,  unless  the  plants  are  grown  naturally;  under  such 


562 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


culture  the  colour  is  far  more  attractive,  and  its  floriferousness  is 
remarkable,  I  regard  it  as  one  of  the  best  Chrysanthemums  we  have 
for  decorative  purposes.  Miss  Annie  Manda  is  said  to  be  an  improve¬ 
ment  on  Mrs.  Alpheus  Hardy.  I  ask  where  is  the  improvement  ?  In 
W.  A.  Manda  we  certainly  do  get  a  good  decided  colour,  but  its  hirsute 
character  is  not  too  strongly  developed.  It  is  an  excellent  decorative 
variety.  H.  Ballantine  has  nothing  to  recommend  it,  so  far  as  I  am 
capable  of  judging.  Like  your  correspondent,  I  have  grown  White 
Plume  during  the  past  season,  and  am  so  favourably  impressed  with  it 
I  shall  grow  a  larger  number  next  season.  It  possesses  the  true  Louis 
Boehmer  habit  and  floriferousness,  while  the  colour  is  pure  white.  I 
certainly  think  it  will  make  a  good  decorative  variety,  Sautel  1893  is 
a  variety  of  pleasing  colour. — J.  B.  R. 

Chrysanthemums  in  Baskets. 

At  the  late  Windsor  Show  substantial  prizes  were  offered  by  the 
Dowager  Duchess  of  Sutherland  for  twelve  blooms,  any  kind,  arranged 
in  a  basket  or  vase,  to  be  cut  with  a  stem  not  less  than  1  foot  in  length, 
retaining  the  foliage  with  the  blooms.  Seven  competed,  and  a  very 
effective  display  this  class  produced.  Where  the  colour  of  the  blooms, 
mostly  Japanese,  was  chosen  with  a  view  of  harmonising  them  with 
hardy  foliage,  such  as  Cryptomeria  japonica,  various  forms  of  Spiraea, 
Mahonia,  Bramble  leaves,  and  such-like,  the  effect  was  pleasing.  This 
appeared  to  me  as  being  an  excellent  way  of  utilising  these  large 
blooms  for  decoration,  and  worthy  of  imitation. 

Chrysanthemum  Mars. 

Anyone  requiring  a  really  good  decorative  variety  should  lose  no 
time  in  adding  this  to  their  list.  As  exhibition  blooms  go  nowadays, 
this  Japanese  is  too  small  for  the  “  boards.”  The  best  blooms  are  of 
medium  size,  very  full  in  the  centre,  the  florets  are  broad  and  flat.  The 
colour  is  its  great  charm,  being  rich  orange  yellow,  heavily  suffused  and 
spotted  with  chestnut  bronze.  The  habit  of  growth  is  most  desirable, 
being  dwarf  and  carrying  good  foliage. 

-  Chrysanthemum  Mrs.  A.  Hardy. 

This  variety  seems  to  be  a  free  seeding  one,  judging  from  the  number 
of  new  sorts  obtained  from  it  in  this  way.  Mr.  Godfrey  sends  me  a 
bloom  cut  from  a  seedling  plant  which  exhibits  a  marked  improvement 
upon  its  parent  in  the  massiveness  of  its  florets,  which  are  of  greater 
length,  and  possessing  much  more  substance.  The  hirsute  appendage, 
perhaps,  is  not  quite  so  striking  as  it  is  in  well-developed  blooms  of  Mrs. 
A.  Hardy,  but  the  extra  thick  petals  CDupled  with  the  purity  of  its 
colour  is  an  equivalent  to  the  loss  of  its  hair-like  addition. — E.  M, 

Damp-resisting  Japanese  Chrysanthemums. 

Mr.  E,  Molyneux  (pages  514  and  537)  gives  us  such  a  good  account 
of  new  varieties  that  I  should  be  glad  if  he,  or  some  of  your  correspon¬ 
dents  with  knowledge  of  the  new  varieties,  would  give  a  selection  of 
varieties  up  to  show  size  that  are  the  best  damp  resisters.  Many  gar¬ 
deners  are  expected  to  maintain  a  display  in  the  eonservatory,  and 
whether  a  bloom  will  keep  three  days  or  three  weeks  is  a  matter  of 
consequence  to  the  grower.  The  following  varieties  are  the  best  keepers 
in  my  collection  : — Mons.  Freeman  (best  of  all).  Beauty  of  Castle  wood, 
Mrs.  Wheeler,  E.  Molyneux,  Japonaise,  J.  Shrimpton,  Lord  Brooke, 
Princess  Victoria,  W.  W.  Coles,  Mrs.  C.  Harman- Payne,  Waban,  and 
J.  S.  Dibbens. — F.  Geeson. 

Habits  op  Chrysanthemums— A  Suggestion. 

It  is  now  too  late  for  the  following  suggestion  to  be  carried  out  this 
season,  but  in  good  time  for  the  consideration  of  nurserymen  and  others 
who  may  see  fit  to  adopt  it  next  autumn.  It  is  this,  namely,  that  if  the 
character  and  habits  of  the  different  varieties  of  Chrysanthemums — the 
newer  sorts,  especially — were  given,  and  less  said  about  the  splendid 
colours,  which  rarely  appear  in  the  blooms  when  they  are  open,  it  would 
be  a  step  much  valued  by  intending  purchasers  of  plants  and  cuttings. 
When  a  grower  advertises  a  certain  variety  for  sale  and  states  its  price, 
it  is  presumed  that  the  vendor  or  introducer  has  tried  the  plant  first,  and, 
consequently,  has  a  fairly  full  knowledge  of  the  peculiarities  of  it  as 
regards  growth.  When  customers  at  present  buy  a  new  sort  they  have 
to  devote  the  first  season  to  the  work  of  finding  out  the  proper  way  to 
grow  it ;  but  if  a  few  hints  only  were  given  in  the  first  place,  a 
practical  grower  would  be  able  to  treat  the  variety  with  some  assurance 
of  success.  I  have  seen  many  catalogues  of  Chrysanthemums,  and  take 
the  following  from  one  of  them  as  being  the  nearest  to  what  I  mean. 

“  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne  (Jap.  Inc.). — Rosy  blush,  of  immense  size 
and  substance  ;  one  of  the  best  of  the  present  season’s  introductions. 
First-class  certificate.  Very  vigorous  grower,  10-inch  pot,  at  least  five 
shoots  should  be  left  on  each  plant,  pot  firm,  use  manure  water  sparingly. 
Crown  bud.” 

“  President  Borel  (Ref.  Jap.). — Brightest  possible  rose,  pale  golden 
centre.  One  of  the  handsomest  and  most  welcome  of  the  season,  grand, 
vigorous  grower,  8-inch  pot,  liberal  supplies  of  manure  water.  Crown 
and  terminal  bud.” 

A  grower  cannot,  with  every  variety,  find  out  its  proper  treatment 
during  one  season,  but  the  time  is  sufficient  to  prove  whether  the  sort  is 
very  late,  medium,  or  very  early,  and  also  whether  it  gives  the  best 
flower  from  the  crown  or  terminal  bud.  I  will  not  take  up  your  space 
further  than  to  say  that  if  nurserymen  gave  some  such  description  as 
the  above  with  all  new  sorts  which  they  offer  as  worthy  of  cultivation, 
they  would  earn  the  gratitude  of  hundreds  of  Chrysanthemum  growers. 
— G.  Garner. 


French  Chrysanthemums. 

Ever  since  I  can  remember  the  French  raisers  of  new  Chrysanthemums 
have  been  seriously  taken  to  task  for  the  large  number  of  worthless 
varieties  they  have  sent  out,  not  perhaps  without  good  reason  at  times  ; 
but,  on  the  other  hand,  nobody  can  deny  that  many  of  our  leading  show 
varieties  are  of  French  origin,  and  still  continue  to  occupy  a  most 
important  position  in  the  winning  stands  of  the  leading  exhibitors  at 
our  shows.  Many  of  us  expected  a  few  years  ago  that  the  new  seed¬ 
lings  from  America  would  in  a  short  time  eclipse  the  French  ones,  and 
that  the  latter  would  be  practically  excluded  from  our  shows  in  future 
by  the  high  quality  of  those  from  the  States  ;  but  I  cannot  helf)  thinking 
we  are  as  yet  a  long  way  off  such  a  consummation.  It  would  perhaps 
take  a  very  patient  man  to  tabulate  the  lists  of  English,  French,  and 
American  seedlings,  so  as  to  show  precisely  their  relative  value  at  say  a 
dozen  of  our  leading  shows,  and  even  if  this  were  done  I  feel  sure  that 
the  French  seedlings  would  occupy  anything  but  an  unimportant 
position  in  such  a  compilation.  In  looking  over  the  reports  of  a  few  of 
the  early  shows,  it  is  most  remarkable  to  find  how  many  Japanese  Chrys¬ 
anthemums  of  French  origin  have  been  staged,  and  how  frequently  some 
of  them,  like  Viviand  Morel,  Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  and  Etoile  de  Lyon, 
appear  in  all  the  shows. 

I  have  had  the  curiosity  to  put  down  roughly  the  names  of  the  French 
flowers  reported  to  have  been  staged  in  two  or  three  of  the  large  classes 
at  Liverpool,  the  Crystal  Palace,  the  National,  Kingston,  and  Brighton 
Shows  only,  with  the  result  that  twenty-three  varieties  are  still  con¬ 
sidered  worthy  of  finding  a  place  on  the  show  boards  of  those  who  may 
be  considered  leading  exhibitors.  As  there  are  some  people  who  fancy 
our  French  friends  have  almost  reached  the  length  of  their  tether,  these 
names  may  be  of  interest  to  them,  especially  as  the  flowers  are  of 
modern  date  in  several  cases,  and  do  not  include  sports  which  have 
been  obtained  from  varieties  received  from  the  French.  They  are  as 
follows : — Etoile  de  Lyon,  Viviand  Morel,  Mrs.  C.  Harman  Payne, 
Mdlle.  Marie  Hoste,  Boule  d’Or,  M.  Bernard,  Bouquet  des  Dames, 
President  Borel,  Madame  E.  A.  Carriere,  Condor,  Alberic  Lunden, 
Pelican,  Van  der  Heede,  Madame  J.  Laing,  Beautd  Toulousaine,  Mdlle. 
Th^rese  Rey,  V. P.  Calvat,  G.  Daniels,  V.P.  Darquier,  Marquis  de  Paris, 
Val  d’Andorre,  Madame  Baco,  and  Louise  Leroy. 

These  may  be  all  regarded  as  established  varieties,  and  in  the  hands 
of  the  general  public  ;  but  there  are  others  in  the  hands  of  the  trade 
which  will  be  distributed  next  year,  and  consequently  swell  the  list. 
Many  of  these  novelties  are  distinctly  promising,  and  although  the 
French  raisers,  who  have  hitherto  kept  us  well  supplied,  do  not  shine 
this  year,  there  are  one  or  two  new  ones  who  may  take  their  place,  and 
thus  maintain  the  credit  of  their  country  for  new  Chrysanthemums. 
Of  these  I  consider  Mr.  Ernest  Calvat  is  destined  to  take  the  leading 
position  as  a  raiser  of  new  .Japanese  Chrysanthemums,  for  although  he 
has  only  been  engaged  in  the  work  for  a  period  of  three  years  there  are 
more  of  his  seedlings  now  in  the  English  trade  than  most  of  us  are 
aware  of.  Those  which  have  been  exhibited  at  the  meetings  of  the 
Floral  Committee  or  which  have  been  seen  in  good  form  at  the 
importers,  are  worth  naming.  It  is  unnecessary  to  attempt  descriptions 
for  the  present  purpose,  as  they  can  easily  be  had  from  the  trade  cata¬ 
logues.  They  are  Madame  Calvat,  Mdlle.  Marie  Recoura,  Dr.  Gache, 
Exposition  de  Grenoble,  L’Ami  Etienne,  Le  Drac,  L’Isfere,  Louise, 
Madame  Ed.  Rey,  Madame  Ch.  Molin,  Commandant  Blusset,  Madame 
Ad.  Chatin,  Madame  Ch.  Capitant,  M.  Aug.  Perrin,  Mdlle.  M.  Ricoud, 
Madame  Zurich,  of  which  there  are  sure  to  be  some  that  will  be  seen 
in  good  form  next  season. — C.  H.  P. 


DESSERT  TABLE  COMPETITIONS. 

I  AM  pleased  to  find  that  in  answer  to  my  inquiry  (page  519)  as  to 
the  proper  interpretation  of  the  words  of  the  schedule  of  prizes  of  the 
Hull  Chrysanthemum  Show,  as  it  relates  to  the  dessert  table  class,  the 
answers  of  your  numerous  correspondents  are  so  overwhelmingly  in 
favour  of  the  judges  who  made  the  award.  Mr.  W.  Iggulden  (page  532) 
describes  my  letter  as  a  “  queer  nut  to  crack,”  but  does  he  not  also 
extract  the  kernel  when,  after  supporting  the  judges,  he  says,  “If  I 
intended  to  compete  for  the  prizes  at  Hull,  I  should  certainly  feel 
justified  in  using  four  good  dishes  of  fruit,  both  because  the  wording 
admits  of  this  being  done,  and  more  especially  because  I  am  certain  that 
would  gain  me  a  few  points  with  the  judges  ?  ” 

“  A  Yorkshire  Bite”  (page  532),  however,  attributes  to  me  two  quite 
opposite  opinions,  a  ludicrous  mistake  which  an  ordinary  careful 
reading  of  my  letter  would  have  saved  him  from.  If  I  thought  the  first 
prize  was  “  rightly  awarded  ”  I  should  scarcely  be  so  foolish  as  to  believe 
that  “  if  a  protest  had  been  entered  it  would  have  been  disqualified,”^  I 
expressed  no  opinion,  but  stated  the  case  from  opposite  points  of  view 
for  the  purpose  of  having  openly  settled  a  point  which  had  been  raised 
by  numerous  visitors  to  the  show.  The  instructive  and  interesting 
replies  of  your  able  correspondents  will,  I  think,  dispel  any  mis¬ 
understanding  that  has  arisen,  and  I  hope  help  to  secure  a  good 
competition  next  year. — Edw.  Harland. 


Whether  the  adjudicators  at  the  Hull  Show  were  right  or  wrong 
in  their  interpretation  of  the  conditions  which  guided  them  in  the 
awarding  of  the  prizes  in  the  dessert-table  decoration  competition  is 
not  a  matter  which  I  wish  to  enter  into.  I  have  pondered  over  the 
views  given  as  to  what  is  the  difference  between  a  “  dessert  table’’  and  a 
“dinner  table.”  Evidently  “A.  D.”  (page  531)  thinks  there  is  a  difference. 
If  he  bad  much  experience  as  a  decorator  in  large  establishments  he  would 


December  21,  1893,  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


663 


think  [differently.  The  remarks  of  Mr.  Iggulden  I  fully  agree  with, 
wherein  he  states  that  if  his  brother  gardeners  are  well  advised  they 
will  endeavour,  to  the  best  of  their  ability,  to  keep  up  the  old  custom 
of  placing  some  of  their  best  fruit  upon  the  table. 

If  the  framers  of  the  schedule  at  Hull  did  not  intend  dessert  to  be 
placed  on  the  table,  why  was  it  described  as  “dessert?”  This  latter 
word  quite  as  much  settles  the  business  as  “  only  ”  Chrysanthemums 
with  any  hardy  foliage  to  be  used  in  its  decoration.  If  dessert  was  not 
placed,  then  there  should  have  been  spaces  left  for  the  number  of  dishes 
intended. 

I  am  well  aware  it  is  a  different  matter  to  arrange  a  table  at  a  show 
than  at  home,  but  at  the  same  time  these  decorations  are  supposed  to 
lead  to  ideas  for  home  decoration,  although  it  is  rarely  they  can  be  so 
adapted.  There  is  the  silver  to  display,  and  which  the  majority  of 
owners  take  a  pride  in,  and  the  decorations  have  to  be  so  arranged  to 
fit  in  with  this.  The  number  of  dishes  of  dessert  are  arranged  accord¬ 
ing  to  the  size  of  the  table.  “  Yorkshire  Bite  ”  oversteps  the  bounds 
of  argument  entirely,  wherein  he  asks  “  Was  every  exhibitor  to  load 
her  table  with  all  the  known  wines  and  cordials,  also  all  the  home  and 
foreign  fruit,  both  fresh  and  dried,  that  our  fruiterers  could  supply?” 
What  a  “  bite  ”  they  would  have  1  A  table  could  be  laid  out 
“completely”  with  four  dishes  or  six  dishes  of  fruit,  to  be  varied 
according  to  its  size.  A  dessert  table  could  be  “  completely  ”  laid  out 
with  only  preserved  fruits,  although  the  lady  or  the  gentleman  of  the 
house,  as  the  case  may  be,  would  think  perhaps  it  would  be  a  poor 
dessert  to  be  placed  before  their  guests,  that  is,  if  they  had  a  garden 
where  fruit  was  expected  to  be  grown. — A  Decokatoe. 


At  page  519  of  Journal  of  Horticulture  for  December  7th,  Mr. 
Harland,  one  of  the  Hon.  Secretaries  to  the  Hull  and  East  Biding 
Chrysanthemum  Society,  solicits  the  correct  view  of  the  following 
stipulation  in  the  society’s  schedule,  viz  ,  “  Dessert  table  8  feet  by  i  feet 
completely  laid  out  for  six  persons,  only  Chrysanthemums  with  any 
kind  of  foliage  to  be  used  in  its  decoration.” 

Following  Mr.  Harland’s  request  is  the  Editor’s  desire  to  publish 
the  opinions  of  table  decorators  or  show  judges  upon  the  subject,  an  i 
having  assisted  in  adjudicating  on  table  decorations  at  shows,  as  well 
as  a  fairly  large  experience  in  that  particular  art  of  gardening,  I  ven¬ 
ture  an  opinion  as  to  the  only  construction  it  appears  possible  for  either 
exhibitor  or  judge  to  put  upon  the  wording  of  the  schedule.  The 
table  of  proper  dimensions  as  required  by  the  schedule  is  of 
necessity  provided  by  the  Society,  the  competitor  being  requested  by 
strict  stipulation  to  convert  the  same  in  a  “  dessert  table  ”  completely 
laid  out,  that  is  to  say,  everything  that  is  necessary  to  a  fully  prepared 
dessert  table,  for  six  persons,  must  be  placed  upon  it,  the  character 
of  the  dessert  used  resting  entirely  with  the  exhibitor. 

That  the  Society  attaches  primary  importance  to  a  well  prepared 
dessert  table  is  evidenced  by  the  words,  “completely  laid  out,”  as  men¬ 
tioned  by  Mr.  Harland,  subordinating  other  adjuncts  such  as  floral 
decorations,  so  that  any  deviation  from  the  strict  wording  of  the 
schedule  must  assuredly  suffer  disqualification  in  the  event  of  a  protest 
to  that  effect.  The  following  would  appear  more  practicable  in  such 
cases  : — “  The  most  tastefully  decorated  dinner  table,  laid  out  for  six 
persons,  only  Chrysanthemums  with  any  kind  of  foliage  to  be  used  in  the 
decoration,  dimensions  of  table  8  feet  by  4  feet.” — J.  P.  Leadbettek, 
The  Gardens,  Tranhy  Croft,  Hull. 

[Many  persons  who  have  had  much  experience  in  judging  and  the 
interpretation  of  ambiguous  terms  would  in  this  case  differentiate 
between  “  laying  out  ”  a  table  tastefully  and  artistically,  and  furnishing 
it  with  comestibles.  The  condition  of  “laying  out”  the  table  for  six 
persons  appears  to  have  been  complete  in  the  number  of  necessary 
articles  for  use ;  the  “  placing  on  ”  the  table  of  fruit  and  wine  was  not  a 
specified  condition.  In  cases  of  doubt  in  law  “custom”  becomes  the 
determining  factor,  and  it  is  undoubtedly  the  custom  to  specify  that 
fruit  and  wine  must  be  placed  on  a  dessert  table  when  that  is  the 
intention  of  show  authorities.] 


OSIERS. 

(^Concluded  from  page  542'). 

Insect  and  other  Enemies. 

The  green  fly,  a  species  of  aphis  allied  to  the  Pea  aphis,  does 
considerable  damage  to  the  Osier  in  certain  seasons.  If  the  plants  are 
much  affected  the  tender  shoot  at  the  top  is  killed  and  the  growth  is 
stunted,  lateral  shoots  are  thrown  out,  making  the  rods  “snaggy,”  and 
so  injuring  the  sale.  Some  kinds  are  more  affected  than  others. 

The  “  black  smother  fly,”  another  of  the  aphis  family,  in  certain 
seasons  also  injures  the  rods  in  the  same  way  as  the  green  fly.  The 
tops  of  the  rods  are  completely  covered  with  them,  the  growth  of  the 
Osiers  is  stopped  and  the  crop  injured.  This  aphis  has  a  preference 
for  Glibskins,  white  new  kinds,  and  all  rods  with  a  sweet  skin. 

The  “scab”  is  a  disease  of  the  bark  :  the  effects  of  an  injury  made 
by  an  insect  in  the  early  growth.  The  injury  shows  itself  in  the  form 
of  a  scab  or  bad  place  in  the  rod,  going  through  the  bark  and  some  way 
into  the  wood  ;  at  these  places  the  rod  will  break  when  being  peeled, 
or  if  left  brown  will  break,  when  being  worked,  therefore  if  a  crop  is 
much  affected  it  is  a  very  great  loss  to  the  grower. 

The  larvrn  of  some  moths  and  beetles,  which  are  wood  borers,  are 
sometimes  found  in  the  heads  and  in  the  rods  themselves  when  left  for 
two-year-olds,  viz.,  the  goat  moth,  leopard  moth,  musk  beetle,  and  the 
long-horned  beetle.  The  larva  of  the  goat  moth,  however,  requires  two 


or  three  years  to  mature,  and  the  moth  almost  always  chooses  trees  of 
larger  growth. 

A  great  enemy  of  the  Osier  is  a  small  round  beetle,  the  Willow 
beetle  ^Phratora  vitellinas),  which  bites  the  young  rods  close  to  the  head 
so  severely  that  they  break  down  with  their  own  weight  and  come  to 
nothing.  The  beetle  is  rather  more  than  a  sixth  of  an  inch  in  length. 
It  is  somewhat  variable  in  colour,  from  blue  to  green,  with  metallic 
lustre,  having  faint  spots  upon  the  wing-cases.  The  body  beneath  is 
of  a  reddish  hue,  the  antennae  are  black.  It  is  most  tenacious  of  life, 
and  difficult  to  kill  with  water  and  pungent  and  poisonous  solutions  and 
fumes.  It  comes  forth  in  May  from  its  winter  retreats  in  the  earth,  in 
rubbish,  under  the  bark  of  trees,  in  the  chinks  and  crannies  of  build¬ 
ings,  posts,  and  rails.  Fences,  especially  fences  made  of  “  brush  ” 
woven  between  stakes,  form  admirable  shelters  for  it.  In  short,  any 
refuge  near  the  Willow  beds  seems  to  be  suitable  to  keep  the  beetles 
from  birds  and  from  the  weather,  for  they  are  not  affected  by  cold. 
Having  strong  wings,  they  can  fly  considerable  distance*.  The  eggs  are 
placed  under  the  leaves  in  groups  and  without  any  regular  arrangement. 
In  ordinary  circumstances  the  larvae  are  found  on  the  Willow  plants 
towards  the  end  of  June.  They  are  about  half  an  ineh  long,  dirty 
white  in  colour,  with  black  heads  and  rows  of  black  spots  along  their 
bodies  ;  they  have  six  feet.  In  this  country,  asiin  Germany,  there  are 
two  attacks,  one  in  the  spring,  and  the  other  in  September  and  October. 
To  prevent  the  attacks  of  these  beetles,  flooding  the  Willow  beds  has 
been  resorted  to  where  this  can  be  done  ariificially.  Though  they 
are  difficult  to  drown,  this  tends  to  decrease  them,  or  at  least 
those  below  the  water  level.  Many  are  ensconced  under  the  bark  of 
trees,  in  posts,  and  hedges  above  the  water  mark.  Flooding  with  sewage 
has  been  found  to  be  far  more  effectual  than  flooding  with  water.  As 
far  as  possible,  rubbish,  and  any  other  possible  refuges  for  the  beetles, 
should  be  removed  from  the  Willow  beds  and  their  neighbourhood. 
Many  things  have  been  tried  to  dislodge  these  insects,  such  a*  soot, 
sulphur,  and  other  unpleasant] materials.  Those  who  have  seen  Willow 
plants  growing  luxuriantly  in  beds  will  appreciate  the  difficulties  of 
applying  insecticides  or  insectifuges  either  in  dry  or  liquid  form.  Paris 
green  and  London  purple  have  been  experimented  with  and  found  of 
some  benefit.  These  require  to  be  applied  early,  upon  the  first  appear¬ 
ance  of  the  beetle*  and  before  the  plants  have  made  too  much  headway. 
Care  must  be  taken  not  to  make  the  arsenical  washes  too  strong,  as  the 
Willow  leaves  are  tender.  Not  more  than  1  oz.  to  20  gallons  of 
water  should  be  used  at  first.  Some  Willow-planters  have  taken  to 
picking  the  beetles  off  by  hand,  and  shaking  them  into  vessels  held 
beneath  the  plants  ;  this  operation  is  said  to  have  been  effectual  in 
small  plantations. 

The  larvae  of  the  eye  hawk  moth  and  the  bufftip  moth  are  found 
feeding  upon  the  Osiers,  and  also  those  of  the  puss  moth,  but  not  in 
sufficient  numbers  to  cause  any  real  injury.  The  bufftips  may  perhaps 
in  some  localities  do  mischief,  as  they  are  numerous  at  times  and  strip 
where  they  feed. 

A  fungoid  growth  of  the  Osier  is  a  kind  of  rust,  similar  to  the  rust 
on  Wheat.  It  comes  off  upon  the  clothes  of  persons  moving  amongst 
the  Osiers.  The  growth  of  Osiers  would  be  retarded  if  severely  affected 
by  rust. 

Rabbits,  when  numerous,  are  very  injurious,  biting  off  the  young 
shoots  and  injuring  others.  Hares  are  to  some  extent  injurious  in  the 
same  way,  but  not  so  much  complaint  is  made  about  them  as  of  rabbits. 
Water  rats  in  some  districts  do  a  certain  amount  of  damage  by  cutting 
a  road  through  the  young  growth.  Mice  on  fen  land  injure  the  heads 
by  biting  them  close  to  the  ground,  causing  them  to  die. 

Phrposes  to  which  Osiers  are  Applied. 

The  following  are  the  principal  purposes  to  which  Osier  rods  are 
applied  : — 

Agriculture. — Nearly  25  per  cent,  of  the  supply  of  Osiers  is  used  for 
hand  baskets  for  twitch  and  Potatoes,  root  and  Potato  skips,  chaff  skips, 
riddle  and  sieve  bottoms,  hampers,  flats,  peds  and  baskets  for  fruit. 
Potato  hampers  and  sieves,  and  fowl  baskets. 

Manufactures  and  Trade. — About  40  per  cent,  of  the  supply  of  Osiers 
is  utilised  in  the  manufacture  of  baskets  used  by  cotton  spinners,  lace 
makers,  hosiers,  confectioners,  wine  and  spirit  merchants,  brewers, 
carriage  makers,  fruiterers,  gardeners,  bakers,  grocers,  butchers,  hawkers, 
coal  miners,  and  coal  whippers. 

Domestic  Purposes. — About  10  per  cent,  of  the  Osier  supply  is  used 
for  clothes  baskets,  cradles,  wicker  chairs,  market  and  other  baskets, 
and  small  fancy  articles. 

Post  Office. — The  manufacture  of  baskets  used 'to  collect  and  carry 
letters  in  the  office,  and  of  parcel  post  hampers,  absorbs  about  7  per 
cent,  of  the  supply  of  Osiers. 

Railways,  — companies  use  about  10  per  cent,  of  the  supply 
for  luggage  barrows,  meat  and  other  hampers. 

The  remaining  8  per  cent,  is  used  for  herring  peds,  baskets  for 
unloading  herrings  and  other  fish,  smelt  hampers,  salmon  baskets, 
anglers’  hampers  and  baskets,  creels,  eel  hives,  and  jugs. 

In  addition  to  the  above  summary  of  Mr.  Little’s  report,  it  may  be 
useful  to  direct  attention  to  an  article  by  Mr.  W.  J.  Cochrane  of  Hetton- 
le-Hole,  Fence  Houses,  Durham,  on  the  cultivation  of  Osiers  as  a  profit¬ 
able  method  of  utilising  boggy  or  marsh  land,  published  in  the  Journal 
of  the  Highland  and  Agricultural  Society  of  Scotland  (5th  Series,  vol.  v., 
1893).  from  which  the  following  remarks  have  been  reproduced  : — 

Provided  there  is  a  constant  supply  of  moisture,  any  soil  is  suited  to 
the  Willow,  assuming,  of  course,  that  it  be  of  such  a  nature  as  to  supply 
the  requisite  amount  of  plant  food  ;  but  the  most  favourable  land  is 


564 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


a  drained  bog,  rich  in  “  humus  ”  or  decayed  vegetable  matter,  and 
situated  in  the  vicinity  of  water,  either  in  the  form  of  dykes,  ponds,  or 
the  sea. 

All  the  varieties  of  Osier  require  a  large  amount  of  moisture  ae 
compared  with  ordinary  farm  crops.  Stagnant  swamps,  however,  are 
not  suitable  for  Osier  growing,  and  such  spots  would  require  draining, 
but  not  to  such  an  extent  as  to  cause  the  land  in  a  few  years  to  become 
dry  ;  for  it  must  be  remembered  that  it  is  just  as  unreasonable  to  expect 
a  good  bed  of  Osiers  on  a  dry  soil  as  on  a  too  wet  swamp.  In  the  first 
case  they  soon  dwindle  down,  become  stunted  in  growth,  and  in  a  short 
time  yield  no  return  to  the  grower  ;  whilst  in  the  second  case,  if  too 
much  water  be  present,  the  frost  and  hoar-frost  resulting  therefrom  tend 
to  destroy  not  only  the  tops  and  young  shoots  but  also  the  roots.  The 
great  objection  to  a  too  dry  Osier  bed  is  that  during  the  spring  the 
plants  make  too  great  a  call  upon  the  moisture  existing  in  the  soil,  and 
thereby  reduce  it  to  such  an  extent  as  to  cause  a  deficiency  in  the 
summer  and  a  check  to  the  growth  of  the  trees. 

If  basket  work  is  the  main  use  to  which  the  Osiers  are  to  be  put, 
perhaps  the  best  kind  to  grow  is  the  common  White  Willow,  Salix  alba, 
which  grows  fast  and  attains  a  large  size,  yielding  tannin  and  salicin, 
while,  in  addition  to  its  utility  for  basket  making,  its  wood  is  suitable 
for  wattles,  fuel,  and  chip.  The  common  Willow,  Salix  viminalis,  is  a 
very  good  Osier  for  general  purposes,  being  suited  alike  to  rough  and 
to  delicate  work;  while  a  taller  variety, the  Long-leaved  Willow,  Salix 
triandra,  growing  to  a  height  of  20  feet,  is  one  of  the  most  useful  of 
all  Willows.  Amongst  others,  S.  rubra  and  S.  laurina  may  be  recom¬ 
mended.  Tbe  Crackling  Willow  (S.  fragilis)  is  rich  in  salicin,  and  at 
the  same  time  yields  a  fair  amount  of  very  good  timber. 

The  method  by  which  Willow-growing  is  extended  is  by  means  of 
cuttings  or  slips,  not  less  than  6  inches  long,  and  having  at  least  two 
healthy  buds,  taken  from  good  strong  plants  before  the  sap  has  risen, 
that  is,  during  the  month  of  March  for  preference.  Usually  such 
cuttings  may  be  obtained  dressed  ready  for  planting  at  the  rate  of 
about  lOs.  per  1000,  but  when  they  have  not  been  previously  prepared, 
it  is  necessary  to  make  a  clean  cut  with  a  sharp  knife  completely  round, 
and  immediately  below  a  bud,  just  as  you  would  treat  slips  of  Eose  trees 
or  other  garden  plants.  All  the  buds  and  young  shoots  but  three  should 
be  carefully  removed,  one  of  them  only  will  be  required  to  grow,  but 
in  every  case  three  should  be  left,  to  allow  for  the  possibility  of  any  of 
them  failing  to  produce  a  shoot. 

The  slips  should  be  put  into  rows,  singly,  about  2  inches  deep,  and 
a  few  inches  apart  each  way,  and  the  soil  should  be  very  firmly  trodden 
down  against  the  stem.  This  is  done  as  soon  after  the  cuttings  have 
been  taken  as  is  practicable — i.e.,  in  March.  During  the  summer  they 
will  not  require  much  attention  beyond  an  occasional  hoeing,  except 
in  very  dry  weather,  when  they  will  be  greatly  benefited  by  judicious 
watering. 

However  the  soil  of  the  future  plantation  may  have  been  occupied 
in  previous  years,  it  will  be  necessary  to  either  plough  it  over  and 
harrow  it  level,  or  dig  it,  which  latter  plan,  if  well  executed,  is  the 
best,  though  it  is  the  most  expensive.  If  there  has  been  a  sward  of 
grass  or  other  herbage,  it  must  be  pared  off  and  burned,  the  resulting 
ashes  being  spread  over  the  land.  If  it  is  considered  that  drainage  is 
required,  the  tiles  must  not  be  placed  less  than  3  feet  deep ;  in  the 
majority  of  cases  this  will  be  unnecessary.  If  digging  is  practised, 
the  land  may  be  trenched  into  beds  6  to  20  feet  broad,  according  to 
the  size  of  Osier  to  be  cultivated — cross  furrows  or  narrow  ditches 
being  formed  to  carry  the  surplus  water.  If  the  plough  has  been  used, 
the  trenching  and  bedding  up  should  be  done  soon  after  the  harrows 
have  completed  their  work. 

Transplanting  should  be  left  until  the  spring  following  the  year  in 
which  the  cuttings  were  planted,  when  it  may  be  done  without  fear 
of  injury.  It  is  at  this  period  that  great  care  is  needed  to  insure  a 
successful  bed  or  “holt,”  for  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  plants 
have  to  remain  here  for  the  rest  of  their  life,  and  no  amount  of 
trouble  should  be  spared  in  their  proper  planting  and  establishment. 
Bows  should  be  struck  out  3  feet  apart  on  the  higher  ground  (a  good 
distance  between  each  water  furrow  being  about  10  feet),  so  that  the 
rows  will  be  at  even  distances  throughout  the  plantation .  The  plants 
should  be  placed  uniformly  1,  2,  or  3  feet  apart  (for  general  purposes 
2  feet  is  the  best  distance)  ;  the  larger  species  require  more  room  than 
this,  but  in  some  parts  of  England  the  smaller  kinds  of  Osiers  are 
planted  12  inches  apart,  the  distance  between  the  rows  being  only 
18  inches. 

Before  the  plants  are  finally  placed  in  the  ground  the  shoots  wnich 
have  formed  from  the  extra  buds  may  be  cut  off  as  close  as  possible 
to  the  stem,  allowing  two  or  three  buds  to  remain  for  the  next  year’s 
growth,  but  all  those  shoots  which  would  go  below  the  ground  must 
be  entirely  removed.  A  spadeful  of  earth  should  be  put  round  the 
young  tree,  and  firmly  trodden  down,  so  as  to  give  it  stability  ;  finally, 
the  land  should  be  cleared  up  and  thoroughly  dressed  for  the  ensuing 
summer. 

Flooding  with  sewage  water,  if  skilfully  and  carefully  practised,  is 
a  great  boon  to  the  Osier  grower  ;  but  unless  the  plants  are  growing 
in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  some  populous  town  or  village  this  is 
impossible. 

On  sewage  farms,  the  number  of  which  is  rapidly  increasing,  it  has 
been  the  custom  to  grow  grain  and  other  crops,  notably  Cabbages  ;  but 
the  reluctance  manifested  among  the  inhabitants  to  vegetables  grown 
with  the  aid  of  sewage  is  so  great  that  consumers  prefer  to  buy  an 
inferior  article  from  the  market  garden,  To  remedy  this  the  attention 


of  the  sanitary  authorities  has  been  directed  to  the  growth  of  a  mor '« 
suitable  and  as  productive  a  crop  to  take  the  place  of  others  which 
are  no  longer  profitable  ;  and  in  the  industry  of  sewage-farming, 
Osiers  now  take  a  leading  place  on  the  list  of  products  recommended 
to  be  grown. 


WQKK.foiitheWEEK.. 


FRUIT  FORCING. 

Peaches  and  DTectarlnes. — Earliest  House. — When  the  flowers 
show  colour  cease  syringing  the  trees,  maintaining,  however,  moderate 
moisture  in  the  house  b^y  sprinkling  the  floors  on  bright  days  in  the 
morning  and  in  the  early  part  of  the  afternoon.  The  temperature  may 
be  maintained  at  50°  to  55°  by  day,  ventilating  from  the  first  degree 
upwards,  and  closing  at  the  latter.  Fifty  degrees  at  night  is  admissible 
in  mild  weather,  40°  to  45°  from  fire  heat  being  more  advantageous  than 
a  higher  temperature.  Directly  the  anthers  show  clear  of  the  petals  the 
temperature  must  be  raised  in  the  morning  to  50°,  and  kept  between 
that  and  55°  through  the  day,  with  ventilation,  more  or  less,  according 
to  the  state  of  the  weather,  allowing  an  advance  to  60°  or  65°  from  sun 
heat.  The  principle  is  to  get  stout  blossoms,  sturdy  stamens  with  bold 
pollen-laden  anthers,  and  well-developed  pistils  ;  then  resort  to  fertilisa¬ 
tion  on  fine  days  after  the  house  has  been  ventilated  some  little  time. 
If  the  trees  are  in  good  condition,  and  they  are  brought  into  blossom 
under  favourable  circumstances,  the  pollen  will  be  freely  discharged, 
and  when  this  is  the  case  the  set  generally  is  a  good  one,  even  without 
artificial  impregnation.  It  is  desirable,  however,  to  aid  fertilisation  by 
shaking  the  trellis  daily,  or  brush  the  blossoms  over  with  a  plume  of 
Pampas  Grass,  or  a  rabbit’s  tail  mounted  on  a  small  stick. 

Second  Early  House. — The  trees  to  afford  ripe  fruit  in  May  or  early 
in  June  must  be  started  without  delay.  Fire  heat  need  only  be 
employed  to  keep  out  frost  at  night,  and  to  insure  50°  by  day,  above 
which  ventilate  freely.  The  main  point  is  to  bring  the  trees  on  slowly. 
The  trees  should  be  sprinkled  on  fine  mornings  and  afternoons,  but 
damping  the  house  occasionally  in  dull  weather  will  suffice,  for  a  close 
moist  atmosphere  tends  more  to  leaf  growth  than  a  sturdy  blossom. 
Examine  inside  borders,  and  give,  if  necessary,  a  thorough  supply  of 
water  slightly  in  advance  of  that  of  the  house.  Outside  borders  should 
be  protected  with  leaves  or  litter,  so  as  to  prevent  tbe  soil  becoming 
frozen . 

Succession  Houses. — Proceed  with  the  pruning  and  dressing  of  the 
trees,  thoroughly  cleansing  the  house.  Dryness  at  the  roots  will  cause 
the  buds  to  fall,  so  if  there  is  any  doubt  give  a  thorough  watering.  It 
will  not  do  any  harm  in  properly  drained  borders.  Keep  the  temperature 
as  cool  as  possible  to  insure  a  long  and  complete  season  of  rest  for  the 
trees. 

Pines. — Preparations  must  now  be  made  for  producing  ripe  fruit  in 
May  and  June.  As  Smooth-leaved  Cayenne,  Black  Jamaica,  and 
Charlotte  Rothschild,  which  failed  to  show  fruit  in  October  and 
November,  will  not  now  throw  up  in  time  to  ripen  at  the  period  named, 
attention  must  be  directed  to  such  varieties  as  Queen,  Enville,  and 
Providence.  Choose  at  once  those  plants  which  have  an  enlatged  base, 
with  a  tendency  to  open  at  the  centre,  indications  of  the  fruit  being 
shortly  visible,  and  place  them  in  a  light  house  or  pit,  affording  a  brisk 
bottom  heat  of  85°  to  90°,  a  top  heat  of  60°  to  70°  at  night,  70°  to  75°  by 
day,  with  10°  more  when  the  external  conditions  are  favourable.  Main¬ 
tain  a  genial  atmosphere  by  damping  surfaces  other  than  hot-water 
pipes  on  fine  afternoons,  and  syringing  the  plants  lightly  once  or  twice 
a  week.  Examine  the  plants  for  watering  once  a  week,  apply  it  copiously 
when  required,  which  will  be  about  every  ten  days,  using  tepid  water, 
with  a  little  guano  or  some  fertiliser  in  it. 

Figs. — Early  Forced  Trees  in  Pots.  —  As  mentioned  in  previous 
calendars  early  Figs  are  best  secured  from  trees  in  pots.  Early  Violet  and 
St.  John’s  ripening  first,  and  are  followed  by  White  Marseilles  and 
Brown  Turkey.  A  slight  warmth  at  the  roots  is  highly  beneficial,  this 
being  furnished  by  two-thirds  leaves  and  one-third  stable  litter,  standing 
the  pots  on  9-inch  pedestals  of  loose  bricks  to  prevent  them  settling, 
and  bringing  up  the  fermenting  materials  so  as  to  maintain  a  temperature 
of  60°  to  65°  about  the  pots  in  the  early  stages.  When  the  heat  at  the 
roots  is  70°  or  more  during  the  early  part  of  the  forcing  process  the 
growth  is  too  rapid,  and  it  may  cause  the  first-crop  fruit  to  fall  at  a 
later  stage.  Where  the  trees  were  started  last  month  for  affording  fruit 
in  April  they  will  now  be  unfolding  their  leaves,  and  the  temperature  of 
the  bed  at  the  base  of  the  pots  may  be  75°.  The  temperature  of  the 
hous^e  should  also  be  increased  gradually  to  60°  at  night,  65°  bv  day  by 
artificial  means  in  severe  weather,  5°  more  in  mild  weather.  70°  to  75® 
with  sun  heat  and  moderate  ventilation,  closing  at  75°.  Supply  water 
to  the  roots  as  required  in  a  tepid  state.  Syringe  the  house  and  trees 
in  the  morning  and  afternoon  of  fine  days,  damping  the  floors  instead 
of  syringing  the  trees  in  dull  weather. 

Cherry  House.  —  To  insure  a  supply  of  ripe  Cherries  from  the 
middle  of  April  onwards  the  house  containing  the  trees  employed  for 
that  purpose  must  now  be  closed.  Be  sparing  of  fire  heat  at  the  com¬ 
mencement,  not  employing  it  unless  absolutely  necessary  to  maintain 


December  21,  1893  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER, 


666 


the  temperature  at  40°  at  night,  40°  to  45°  by  day,  ventilating  at  50°, 
and  closing  at  that  temperature.  Syringe  the  trees  early  on  fine  after¬ 
noons,  omitting  it  if  there  is  danger  of  the  buds  not  becoming  dry 
before  nightfall.  The  border  will  be  sufficiently  moist  through  the 
removal  of  the  roof  lights,  water  seldom  being  required  under  those 
circumstances  until  the  fruit  commences  swelling.  If  not  in  a  healthy 
state  supply  water  to  bring  it  into  a  thoroughly  moist  condition.  If 
dry  trees  in  pots  will  require  repeated  supplies  of  water  to  secure  the 
thorough  moistening  of  the  soil  to  the  base.  In  a  light,  airy,  properly 
heated  structure  Cherries  are  readily  forced  when  established  in  pots 
and  grown  under  glass  a  year  previous.  Early  Rivers,  Black  Tartarian, 
and  Governor  Wood  are  excellent  varieties.  Half-stHndards  are  the  best 
for  pots,  or  such  length  of  stem  as  will  give  heads  well  up  to  the  glass. 

Cucumbers.— The  weather  has  been  favourable  to  Cucumber  plants, 
there  having  been  a  fair  amount  of  sunshine.  Light  is  very  important 
in  the  cultivation  of  the  Cucumber  in  the  winter,  and  now  the  days  are 
so  short  keep  the  glass  as  clean  as  possible  both  inside  and  outside.  Do 
not  supply  strong  liquid  manure  too  freely.  It  should  be  tepid,  and  is 
better  varied  than  always  the  same.  Top-dressings  of  sweet  rich  com¬ 
post  applied  to  the  roots  promote  vigour,  supplying  a  little  at  a  time 
and  often,  always  previously  warmed  and  in  a  moist  root- favouring 
condition.  Do  not  overcrop  the  plants,  and  do  not  allow  the  fruit 
to  hang  too  long.  They  keep  fresh  several  days  after  being  cut  if  the 
stems  are  inserted  in  saucers  of  water  in  moderate  beat.  Remove  super¬ 
fluous  fruits  and  growths  as  they  appear,  and  tie  the  shoots  as  necessary. 
Red  spider  and  white  fly  are  best  subdued  by  painting  the  hot-water 
pipes  lightly  with  a  cream  formed  of  flowers  of  sulphur  and  skim  milk. 
It  is  also  effectual  against  mildew.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  sponge  any 
infected  leaves  with  a  solution  of  softsoap  on  the  first  appearance  of 
red  spider,  2  ozs.  to  a  gallon  of  water  sufficing,  aud  dust  flowers  of  sul¬ 
phur  on  any  parts  affected  with  mildew.  Green  or  black  aphides 
succumb  to  dusting  with  tobacco  powder,  or  careful  fumigation  on  a 
calm  evening,  repeating  in  the  following  morning  early. 

Where  early  Cucumbers  or  Melons  are  obtained  from  frames,  and 
there  are  no  other  means  of  raising  the  plants,  some  fresh  Oak  or  Ileech 
leaves  with  one-third  of  stable  litter  ought  now  to  be  thrown  together, 
and,  if  necessary,  be  moistened  so  as  to  induce  fermentation.  The  heap 
should  be  turned  when  warmed  through  alike  to  sweeten,  to  bring  all 
into  a  genial  condition  by  turning  the  outside  to  the  inside. 

THE  KITCHEN  GARDEN. 

Asparagus,  Seakale,  and  Rhubarb. — Where  a  regular  supply 
of  Asparagus  has  to  be  kept  up  with  the  aid  of  mild  hotbeds  in  pits  or 
frames,  fresh  roots  have  to  be  lifted  and  introduced  into  this  heat  at 
least  every  three  weeks,  shorter  intervals  being  desirable  if  the  demand 
is  heavy  and  the  roots  plentiful.  Should  we  once  more  experience  extra 
severe  frosts  of  long  duration  during  January,  this  will  greatly  interfere 
with  the  work  of  lifting  the  roots,  especially  if  no  precautions  have 
been  taken  of  either  heavily  covering  a  portion  of  the  old  bed  or  that  of 
lifting  enough  roots,  storing  them  in  a  shed  cr  other  place  where  they 
can  be  covered  with  fine  moist  soil  and  plenty  of  litter.  On  no  account 
ought  the  roots  to  be  long  exposed  to  frosty  air  or  be  dried  in  any  way, 
as  this  will  have  the  effect  of  greatly  weakening  the  top  growth. 

Seakale  should  also  be  lifted  and  stored  in  moist  soil  in  readiness 
for  placing  in  the  Mushtoom  house  or  a  warm  dark  corner.  The 
crowns  of  the  old  purple-topped  form  are  usually  quite  hardy,  but  not 
80  those  of  the  Lily  White,  and  these  ought,  theiefore,  in  particular  to  be 
either  lifted  and  protected  or  be  coveied  with  ashes  or  litter  where  they 
now  are.  Rhubarb  requires  no  protection,  but  a  severe  frost  may  render 
it  impossible  to  lift  the  clumps  when  most  wanted  for  forcing,  and  some 
of  these  again  should  either  be  got  up  in  readiness  for  forcing  or  be 
protected  where  growing.  If  any  roots  of  either  Seakale  or  Rhubarb 
are  being  forced  in  the  open  ground,  the  heating  material  should  be 
examined  frequently.  When  largely  composed  of  leaves  these  may 
become  cold  and  saturated,  and  require  livening  up  with  a  little  stable 
manure  or  fresh  drier  leaves.  If  stable  manure  has  been  principally  or 
solely  used,  then  overheating,  especially  after  a  change  from  cold  windy 
to  mild  weather,  may  occur.  Remedy  the  latter  dangerous  occurrence 
by  opening  out  the  heating  material,  banking  over  the  tubs  or  pots 
again  according  as  this  can  safely  be  done. 

Kidney  Beans  — These  require  a  brisk  heat,  or  say  that  of  a 
Cucumber  house  or  Pine  stove,  as  much  light  as  possible,  and  should  be 
carefully  watered.  Syringing  is  not  necessary,  but  if  the  pots  are  fairly 
well  filled  with  roots  a  little  soot  water  or  other  liquid  manure  may  well 
be  given  occasionally.  Sion  House  is  one  of  the  best  for  early  forcing; 
Ne  Plus  Ultra  and  the  dwarf  Osborn’s  Forcing  also  being  suitable.  New 
seed  will  always  germinate  the  most  quickly  and  strongly,  the  plants 
throughout  being  of  superior  vigour  to  any  obtained  from  old  seed.  If 
wanted  up  quickly  set  the  pots  direct  on  ihe  hot- water  pipes.  Not  less 
than  twenty-five  pots  should  be  filled  at  once,  the  sowings  being  divided 
by  intervals  of  from  a  fortnight  to  three  weeks.  Nine-inch  pots  answer 
well  when  properly  drained,  and  nothing  better  than  old  Chrysanthemum 
soil  can  be  used. 

Saladlngr. — If  there  are  any  signs  of  the  Endive  not  holding  out 
well,  or  if  Lettuces  are  always  in  demand,  seed  of  any  White  Cos  form 
may  be  sown  moderately  thickly  in  pans  or  boxes  of  fairly  rich  soil,  and 
placed  in  heat  to  germinate.  Before  the  plants  become  drawn  and 
damping  sets  in,  transfer  to  shelves  near  the  glass  in  a  warm  greenhouse 
or  other  structure  where  a  gentle  heat  is  constantly  maintained.  There 
should  be  no  thinning  out,  the  aim  being  to  have  a  number  of  plants  for 
cutting  over  Mustard  and  Cress  fashion  when  about  4  inches  or  rather 
more  in  height.  Sow  seeds  in  two  or  three  boxes  at  a  time  every  ^ 


fortnight  for  succession.  Early  raised  plants  of  either  Golden  Queen  or 
Early  Paris  Market  Cabbage  Lettuces  force  admirably  in  beds  of  good 
soil  on  the  top  of  a  gentle  hotbed,  excellent  hearts  being  had  late  in 
March  or  early  in  April.  Sow  some  seeds  soon,  and  treat  very  much  as 
advised  in  the  case  of  the  Cos  varieties  for  cutting  young,  only  there 
should  be  no  crowding  of  the  plants.  Much  Endive  ought  not,  therefore, 
to  be  introduced  into  these  warm  dark  places  at  one  time,  but  rather  a 
few  plants  each  time  at  fortnightly  intervals.  Sow  Mustard  and  Cress 
rather  frequently,  or  every  week ;  perfectly  fresh  good  soil  should  be 
used  every  time.  Sow  the  seed  thickly,  the  Cress  on  the  surface  and  the 
Mustard  nearly  so ;  keep  the  soil  uniformly  moist,  and  cover  with  mats 
or  brown  paper  till  the  salading  is  IJ  inch  in  height,  when  it  may  be 
gradually  exposed. 

Seed  Potatoes. — These  ought  from  the  first  to  have  been  separated 
from  and  treated  differently  to  the  ware  or  cooking  Potatoes,  Should 
all  have  been  stored  together  then  ought  the  first  favourable  oppor¬ 
tunity  be  taken  of  separating  them,  or  otherwise  those  intended  for 
planting  will,  in  common  with  the  rest,  sprout  prematurely,  and  be 
greatly  weakened  accordingly.  It  has  been  repeatedly  proved  that 
much  the  best  results  attend  the  practice  of  planting  medium-sized 
whole  tubers  in  preference  to  either  small  or  cut  sets.  Therefore 
select  and  store  the  requisite  number  of  medium-sized  tubers  rather 
thinly,  and  in  a  cool  light  place.  They  ought  not  to  be  stored  in  deep 
baskets  or  boxes.  If  there  are  no  suitable  sheds  let  the  seed  Potatoes 
follow  Apples  on  the  shelves  in  fruit  rooms.  The  Ashleafs  ought  to  be 
stored  in  a  single  layer  on  smallest  ends  in  shallow  boxes  or  trays,  as 
should  they  lose  their  first  strong  sprout  their  value  will  be  greatly 
reduced.  If  a  severe  frost  be  anticipated  all  ought  to  be  well  protected, 
but  uncover  after  the  frosts  are  over.  If  it  is  intended  to  force  Potatoes 
early  either  in  pots,  boxes,  or  pits,  select  a  good  short-topped  early 
variety,  such  as  Mona’s  Pride,  Old  Ashleaf,  and  Sharpe’s  Victor,  and 
start  them  into  active  growth  in  a  vinery  or  Peach  house. 

Ware  Potatoes. — Allowing  these  to  form  long  sprouts  greatly 
detracts  from  their  quality  when  cooked,  and  should  be  prevented  as 
much  as  possible.  When  outside  work  cannot  well  be  proceeded  with, 
the  men  may  be  employed  in  turning  heaps  of  Potatoes,  any  that 
are  diseased  being  thrown  out,  and  sprouts  just  beginning  to  form 
on  the  rest  rubbed  off.  Avoid  storing  them  in  great  heaps,  keep  them 
dark,  and  protect  heavily  whenever  severe  frosts  are  imminent.  Potatoes 
in  clamps  ought  also  to  be  examined,  and  if  need  be  turned  and  treated 
as  just  advised.  A  dry  mild  day  should  be  chosen  for  this  work,  and 
the  heap  be  again  heavily  covered  with  dry  straw  banked  over  with 
soil. 


i 


HE  BEE-KEEPER. 


•  I  .  I  .  r . 


M 


APIARIAN  NOTES. 

The  Weather  and  Bees. 

The  weather  for  the  past  few  months  has  been  of  a  most 
changeable  nature,  calms  and  storms  following  one  another  in 
quick  succession,  the  same  with  high  and  low  temperatures.  On 
the  8th,  9th,  and  10th  of  December  the  thermometer  ranged 
between  9°  and  32°,  and  on  the  11th  it  stood  nearly  all  day 
at  51°.  Storms  were  even  more  sudden,  a  main  feature  in 
them  being  their  eccentricity  in  blowing  furiously  in  narrow  and 
diversified  tracks.  The  great  storm  on  the  17th  ult.  that  de¬ 
vastated  some  parts  in  the  north  of  Scotland,  was  with  us,  com¬ 
paratively  speaking,  very  moderate,  but  the  one  on  the  8th  inst. 
proved  of  a  more  furious  character.  Fortunately,  however,  our  hives 
were  unmoved,  although  fully  exposed  to  the  full  force  of  the  gale. 

Since  October  bees  have  not  been  long  confined  to  their  hives, 
but  at  the  beginning  of  November,  early  in  the  season  as  it  was, 
several  hives  of  bees  that  came  under  my  notice  showed  signs  of 
abdominal  distension,  and  there  were  more  dead  bees  at  each  than 
were  at  the  whole  of  my  hives  last  winter.  The  cause  was 
not  far  to  seek.  These  hives  had  young  queens  hatched  in  Aueust. 
They  were  bent  on  breeding,  and  did  so  to  a  great  extent.  The 
longest  wintry  weather  at  one  stretch  being  the  end  of  October  and 
beginning  of  November,  the  young  bees  did  not  get  an  airing  in 
time,  hence  their  succumbing  to  the  protracted  confinement.  I 
have  repeatedly  shown  the  fallacy  of  the  doctrine  that  aged  bees 
constitute  a  dwindling  apiary,  and  that  one  of  increase  can  only  be 
insured  by  having  late  bred  bees,  also  that  bees  live  during  working 
weather  six  weeks  only.  I  possess  at  least  half  a  dozen  hives  that 
have  had  very  few  bees  bred  in  them  since  June.  The  aged  bees 
are  numerous,  and  I  have  no  hesitation  in  saying  many  of  them 
will  be  alive  next  May,  yet  I  never  experienced  a  more  trying  time 
for  bees  during  the  two  months  they  were  at  the  Heather  than  I 
did  this  year.  The  first  month  was  very  stormy,  and  the  other 
windy,  if  with  less  rain,  and  often  the  bees  had  great  difficulty  in 
reaching  their  hives.  But  they  are  still  alive,  although  according 
to  the  theory  propounded  every  one  should  have  been  dead  by  the 
middle  of  July.  Bees  are  never  old  and  prepared  to  die  until  their 
wings  become  ragged  and  unable  to  bear  their  bodies  aloft. 


666 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  189S. 


As  all  my  hives  have  had  good  flights,  I  have  no  fears  of 
further  calamity  from  any  form  of  distension  ;  but  owing  to 
the  changeable  weather  they  have  lessened  their  stores,  and 
some  of  them  feel  much  lighter  than  I  would  have  expected.  Only 
a  few  of  them  may  suffer  from  short  stores,  but  these  will  be 
supplemented  the  first  opportunity  in  January  after  their  first  flight 
of  1894.  This  is  necessitated,  too,  by  the  fact  that  young  bees  are 
sure  to  be  hatching  by  the  middle  of  the  month,  or  perhaps  earlier. 
A  lesson  from  the  foregoing  should  be  valuable  to  beginners, 
showing  as  it  does  the  stupidity  of  stimulating  bees  to  breed.  The 
bees  in  the  hives  mentioned  never  were  fed,  and,  contrary  to  my 
wishes,  bred  much,  when  I  would  have  preferred  them  to  be  quiet. 
Feeding  bees,  if  they  have  sufficient  stores,  does  more  harm  than 
good,  and  crown  feeders  militate  against  progress,  and  increase 
the  labour  of  the  bee-keeper. 

Before  despatching  this  letter  I  went  to  have  a  peep  at  the  bees. 
It  is  midday  of  the  16th,  the  thermometer  is  standing  at  54°  in  the 
shade  ;  every  hive  is  busy,  pure  Carniolans  the  least.  Punics  are 
busy  carrying  pollen,  mostly  from  pea  meal,  but  from  flowers  as 
well.  Hellebores  are  in  bloom.  Snowdrops  and  Primroses  are  on  the 
eve  of  opening,  while  a  few  of  the  hardy  Chrysanthemums  near 
the  house  have  their  flowers  fresh.  The  barometer  in  two  days 
has  risen  from  28T0  to  29  80. — A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


Humble  Bees. —  A  correspondent  writes  from  New  Zealand: — There 
was  a  very  noticeable  increase  in  the  number  of  humble  bees  last  year, 
and  this  season  it  is  more  noticeable,  much  to  the  regret  of  all  who 
keep  hives  of  the  ordinary  bees,  for  it  is  believed  the  large  bee  is  de¬ 
priving  them  of  honey,  and  that  in  a  few  years  apiaries  will  contain  no 
honey.  Last  season  some  found  that  their  honey  was  not  nearly  so 
plentiful  as  formerly.  The  same  complaint  is  heard  everywhere,  and  I 
have  not  yet  heard  a  good  word  said  on  behalf  of  the  humble  bee,  and 
it  is  said  that  efforts  are  being  made  to  reduce  their  numbers.  If  all 
that  is  said  against  this  importation  be  true,  it  is  to  be  regretted  that 
they  were  brought  out  to  fertilise  the  Clover. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIVED. 

Sutton  &  Sons,  Beading. — Amateurs'  Guide  in  Horticulture. 

E,  Webb  &  Sons,  Wordsley,  Stourbridge. — Spring  Catalogue. 

B.  S.  Williams  &  Son. — Flower,  Vegetable,  and  Agricultural  Seeds. 


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

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

Chou  de  Burghley  (iZ.  C.  TF.). — The  specimen  you  send  is  fairly 
representative  of  Chou  de  Burghley,  and  although  there  is  no  Broccoli 
head  in  the  centre,  we  can  see  a  very  distinct  difference  in  the  divided 
head  from  that  of  an  ordinary  Cabbage.  The  miniature  heads  do  not 
usually  form  till  the  spring,  and  not  then  in  all  the  plants.  We  think 
too  early  sowing  is  often  practised  with  this  vegetable,  the  month  of 
May,  in  our  experience,  being  soon  enough.  When  well  cooked  Chou 
de  Burghley  is  quite  distinct  in  flavour  from  the  ordinary  Cabbage. 
We  have  found  it  both  hardy  and  good  in  the  spring. 

Early  Forced  Elly  of  the  Valley  (A.  II.  E.') — In  order  to  have 
Lily  of  the  Valley  in  flower  by  the  middle  of  November  forcing  should 
commence  fully  three  weeks  before  the  spikes  are  wanted.  If  the 
crowns  will  not  start  within  a  fortnight  of  being  introduced  into  a 
strong  heat  it  is  very  doubtful  if  they  will  grow  at  all.  Well  prepared 
home-grown  crowns  are  fully  equal  to  the  best  imported,  but  as  a  rule 
are  not  sufficiently  matured  to  force  so  early  as  desirable  in  your  case, 
and  you  ought  to  procure  some  of  the  earliest  Berlin  crowns  imported, 
or  say  directly  some  of  the  wholesale  importers  get  them.  If  you  have 
a  propagating  frame  oyer  a  tank  of  hot  water  that  is  the  place  to  force 
Lily  of  the  Valley.  Do  not  pot  the  crowns,  but  merely  place  them 
thickly  in  cocoa-nut  fibre  refuse.  The  latter  should  be  kept  constantly 
moist,  and  the  frame  closed  and  darkened  by  mats.  A  strong  heat,  or 
say  about  90°,  will  be  needed,  and  you  will  have  to  be  content  with  com¬ 
paratively  small  spikes  with  weak  stems  and  no  leaves. 


Elmewashlngr  Vinery  Wall  (F.  J."). — A  limewashed  wall  is  more 
favourable  on  the  score  of  light  and  more  pleasing  to  a  cultivator’s 
eye  than  a  dingy  cemented  one ;  the  first  indicates  cleanliness,  and  the 
latter  dirt — disease  germ  infestation.  The  wood,  iron,  and  trellis  work 
should  be  thoroughly  cleansed  with  softsoap,  hot  water,  and  a  brush, 
and  the  glass  with  c'ean  water.  The  walla  also  may  be  washed  with  hot 
water,  and  when  dry  dressed  with  a  solution  of  sulphide  of  potassium, 

1  oz.  to  a  gallon  of  water,  using  a  rather  stiff  clean  painter’s  brush. 
The  sulphide  of  potassium  may  be  procured  of  any  chemist.  It  is 
commonly  known  as  lime  of  sulphur. 

Bone  i\.sh  as  a  ItCanure  (./.  S'). — Bone  ash  is  a  phosphatic 
manure,  supplying  the  soil  with  phosphates  and  about  1  per  cent,  of 
alkaline  salts.  It  contains  no  nitrogen,  the  element  forming  it  being 
lost  in  the  burning.  The  manure  may  be  used  for  all  garden  crops, 
including  flowers,  fruits,  and  vegetables,  at  the  rate  of  2  to  4  ozs.  per 
square  yard.  It  is  a  permanent  manure — that  is,  it  lasts  longer  than  the 
year  in  which  it  is  supplied,  and  is  more  calculated  to  promote  a  sturdy 
floriferous  or  fruitful  habit  and  a  fibrous  root  formation  than  free 
growth  ;  but  this  can  be  induced  by  supplying  nitrates  of  potash  or  soda, 
or  sulphate  of  ammonia  when  the  plants  or  trees  are  starting  into  growth, 
about  one-fourth  of  one  of  these  substances  being  sufficient  to  mix  with 
the  bone  ash  for  plants  in  pots,  also  for  Vines,  Boses,  or  vegetables.  Alone 
it  should  only  be  given  at  intervals  during  the  growth  of  plants  and  crops. 

Besting:  Esella  anceps  (A.  E.'). — This  is  one  of  the  most  service¬ 
able  and  attractive  Orchids  for  flowering  during  midwinter,  and  we 
presume  yours  are  now  in  flower.  It  will  not  hurt  the  plants,  and  the 
flowers  wdll  last  the  best  part  of  a  month  if  they  are  placed  in  a  cool 
house,  provided  this  is  kept  dry  and  just  enough  heat  maintained  in  the 
hot-water  pipes  to  insure  a  gentle  circulation  of  air.  After  flow^ering 
return  the  plants  to  the  house  in  which  they  were  grown,  an  ordinary 
stove  temperature,  or  such  as  suits  Cattleyas  when  at  rest,  answering 
well.  Keep  the  soil  only  just  moist,  enough  water  being  given  to 
prevent  shrivelling,  and  not  sufficient  to  excite  growth.  March  will  be 
quite  soon  enough  to  start  them  afresh,  what  repotting  or  top-dressing 
there  may  be  needed  being  done  then.  Keep  Coelogyne  cristata  in  the 
house  in  which  the  plants  formed  and  matured  their  growth.  The 
flower  sheaths  ought  to  be  already  showing  at  the  base  of  each  strong 
young  pseudo-bulb,  but  should  not  open  for  another  month  or  rather 
longer.  If  freely  wa  ered  now  many  of  the  flower  spikes  would  damp  off, 
and  only  enough  water  shou  Id  be  given  to  prevent  the  soil  becoming  dust  dry. 

Preventing  Cucumber  Root  Disease  (^Reader'). — The  grower 
referred  to  does  not  use  horse  or  any  animal  manure  with  the  soil  when 
it  is  of  a  fibrous  nature,  and  only  about  one-fifth  of  fresh  horse 
droppings  when  it  is  ordinary  loam  and  not  containing  a  large  per¬ 
centage  of  the  remains  of  previous  dressings  of  manure.  It  is  quite 
possible  to  grow  as  large  a  crop  and  of  as  good  quality  in  Cucumbers  by 
the  use  of  artificial  manures  alone  as  by  mixing  farmyard  manure  with 
the  soil.  The  soil,  h  iwever,  must  contain  a  fair  amount  of  humus,  and 
be  of  an  open  nature  so  a*  to  encourage  a  free  root  action.  Kainit  is  an 
excellent  dressing  for  land  liable  to  produce  some  kinds  of  club  in  the 
plants  grown  upon  it.  It  may  be  applied  at  tbs  rate  of  2  lbs.  per  rod, 
or  if  you  want  to  mix  it  with  the  soil,  2  ozs.  is  sufficient  for  an  ordinary 
barrowload  of  soil  with  farmyard  manure  added,  and  double  the 
amount  may  be  used  without  the  farmyard  manure,  but  an  excessive 
use  of  kainit  is  liable  to  sterilise  the  soil,  therefore  it  must  be  used  in 
moderation.  The  following  is  a  good  chemical  manure  for  Cucumbers  : 
three  parts  bone  superphosphate,  two  parts  powdered  saltpetre,  and 
one  part  ground  gypsum,  mixed.  Keep  it  dry,  and  apply  2  to  4  ozs.  per 
square  yard  at  fortnightly  intervals  as  a  top-dressing,  and  wash  in. 

Diseased  Carnation  Plants  (A«.  Old  Subscriber').  —  The  plant 
with  roots  (No.  1)  is  infested  with  a  fungus  (Helminthosporium  or 
Heterosporium  echinulatum).  It  was  first  described  in  England  on 
Carnations  twenty-three  years  ago  by  the  late  Bev.  M.  J.  Berkeley.  It 
was  introduced  into  this  country  from  the  continent,  and  in  America  it 
is  considered  a  recent  importation  from  Europe.  The  flocci  (mycelial 
threads)  are  irregular,  simple  or  slightly  branched,  bearing  here  and 
there  multiseptate  spores  ;  these  are  brown  in  colour,  and  when  pro¬ 
duced  in  abundance,  together  with  the  threads,  darken  the  spot  upon 
the  leaf.  The  spot  then  possesses  different  shades  of  colour,  according 
to  the  number  of  spores  produced.  The  growth  of  the  fungus  from  the 
centre  of  the  spot  is  centrifugal,  and  the  dark  colour  is  frequently 
arranged  in  concentric  rings,  of  which  your  plant  affords  excellent 
specimens.  You  may  dip  the  plants  affected  in  or  syringe  them  with  a 
solution  of  sulphide  of  potassium,  half  an  ounce  to  a  gallon  of  water, 
and  repeat  at  intervals  of  a  fortnight  to  three  weeks.  The  other  plant 
(No.  2)  is  attacked  by  the  Carnation  rust  fungus  (Uromyces  caryo- 
phillinus),  the  presence  of  which  is  indicated  by  a  slight  swelling  on  the 
leaf  or  stem,  one-eighth  to  a  quarter  of  an  inch  long,  and  in  some  cases 
nearly  as  broad.  The  surface  of  the  swelling  soon  becomes  pale  or 
nearly  colourless,  since  the  green  colouring  matter  at  that  point  is 
destroyed  by  the  growth  of  the  fungus,  and  is  obscured  by  the  crowded 
fruiting  threads  (mycelium)  and  young  spores  of  the  fungus.  As  the 
fungus  matures  these  spores  become  brownish  in  colour,  are  roundish- 
oval  in  shape,  and  so  close  together  as  to  impart  a  dark  browm  colour  to 
the  colony  or  sorus  (fructification  part).  The  epidermis  (skin)  of  the 
leaf  or  stem  is  ruptured  by  the  growth  of  the  fungus  within  the  tissues 
and  turned  on  one  side,  where  it  usually  clings  as  a  whitish  ragged 
looking  film  by  the  side  of  the  now  exposed  mass  of  spores.  The  rust 
fungus  attacks  the  Carnation  at  all  stages  of  its  growth,  not  sparing  the 
young  cuttings,  but  they  were  probably  infested  before  insertion  through 
being  taken  from  a  rusted  plant,  which,  as  regards  the  cuttings,  showed 
no  trace  externally  of  the  threads  within  the  tissues.  The  treatment 


December  21,  189?.  ]i! 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


567 


most  approved  by  growers  is  to  destroy  all  affected  plants,  remove  the 
soil,  and  disinfect  the  surroundings — that  is,  thoroughly  cleanse  the 
house.  This  means  the  loss  of  valuable  seedlings,  and  as  yours  is  one 
we  recommend  your  quarantining  it  and  all  infested  plants,  spraying 
them  at  intervals  of  ten  days  to  a  fortnight  with  Bordeaux  mixture, 
made  as  follows  4  ozs,  of  sulphate  of  copper  dissolved  in  a  vessel  by 
itself  in  2  gallons  of  water,  4  ozs.  quicklime  (light  lumps)  slaked  in 
another  vessel,  and  formed  into  a  thin  whitewash  by  adding  water. 
When  cool  pour  the  whitewash  into  the  mixture  containing  the  sulphate 
of  copper  solution  slowly  through  a  hair  sieve,  stir,  and  add  enough 
water  to  make  gallons,  stirring  well.  The  mixture  must  be  used  at 
once,  it  being  preferable  to  lay  the  plants  on  their  sides  on  a  floor, 
spraying  them  so  as  to  wet  every  part  of  them.  This  can  be  done  easily 
by  turning  them,  and  taking  care  to  only  coat  the  parts  with  the  finest 
possible  film  of  the  mixture.  The  house  may  be  sprayed,  wetting  every 
part,  and  any  spores  lurking  about  will  be  destroyed  directly  they  push 
their  germinal  tubes,  whilst  the  coat  on  the  plants  will  render  them 
invulnerable  to  any  spores  alighting  on  them.  The  mixture  must  not 
be  kept  overtwenty*four  hours,  therefore  take  such  proportionate  part  of 
the  ingredients  each  time  as  is  needed  forsprayingthe  plants.  Illustrations 
of  the  above-mentioned  diseases  attacking  Carnations,  with  descriptive 
notes,  were  published  in  the  Journal  of  Ilovticthlture  for  July  13th,  1893. 

Celery  Decaying-  (^Constant  Reader'). — In  most  gardens  a  few 
“sticks'*  of  Celery  are  found  with  completely  decayed  hearts  when 
lifted  ;  but  your  experience  is  a  more  serious  one,  five  bad  “  sticks  ”  out 
of  every  six  being  an  extraordinary  loss.  Unfortunately,  it  is  very 
doubtful  if  we  can  suggest  either  the  actual  cause  or  the  remedy.  It 
is  not  merely  Celery  grown  in  trenches  that  is  liable  to  behave  in  this 
way,  but  the  same  thing  occurs  in  America,  where  the  bulk  of  Celery 
grown  is  planted  on  the  level.  Nor  has  the  past  hot  summer  anything 
to  do  with  it,  as,  according  to  your  letter,  the  losses  have  been  quite  as 
heavy  in  previous  years.  American  authorities  state  that  it  is  the  most 
rapidly  destructive  disease  that  aff  cts  Celery,  and  add  that  it  has  not 
yet  been  fully  investigated  and  classified.  It  is  most  probably  some 
form  of  bacterial  disease,  the  germs  being  powerless  against  fully 
matured  outer  stalks,  but  are  quickly  at  work  when  washed  down  into 
the  heart.  Anything  that  is  to  operate  against  the  disease  germs  must 
also  find  its  way  down  to  the  hearts,  though  if  the  leaves  were  very 
lightly  sprayed  with  the  Bordeaux  mixture  the  amount  that  would 
reach  the  eatable  portion  of  Celery  would  be  infinitessimal  and  quite 
harmless.  One  recipe  for  mixing  and  applying  this  remedy  is  as 
follows  ;  Dissolve  2  lbs.  of  powdered  sulphate  of  copper  in  4  gallons  of 
hot  water,  adding  another  4  gallons  of  cold  water.  Slake  1  lb.  of 
caustic  lime,  then  diluteiit  to  the  thickness  of  milk  in  2  gallons  of 
water.  When  the  copper  solution  is  quite  cold  add  the  limewash,  and 
w’ell  mix  all  together  by  repeated  stirring.  It  should  be  sprayed  very 
lightly  over  the  rows  of  Celery  within  twenty-four  hours  of  mixing, 
and  must  be  kept  constantly  stirred  while  being  used.  An  earthenware 
or  wooden  vessel  should  be  always  used.  Dry  weather  should  be  selected 
for  the  spraying,  and  there  ought  to  be  not  less  than  three  applications 
during  the  summer  months.  It  is  somewhat  strange  that  you  should 
have  lost  so  much  Celery  every  year  lately,  and  in  all  probability  the 
severe  attacks  are  due  to  neglect  in  'ourying  deeply  or  mixing  the 
decayed  Celery  with  quicklime.  None  should  be  left  lying  about,  and 
the  site  chosen  for  the  Celery  trenches  next  season  ought  to  be  well 
away  from  where  this  crop  has  been  grown  of  late. 

Names  of  Fruits. — Notice. — We  have  pleasure  in  naming  good 
typical  fruits  (when  the  names  are  discoverable)  for  the  convenience  of 
regular  subscribers,  who  are  the  growers  of  such  fruit,  and  not  col¬ 
lectors  of  specimens  from  non-subscribers.  This  latter  procedure  is 
wholly  irregular,  and  we  trust  that  none  of  our  readers  will  allow 
themselves  to  be  made  the  mediums  in  infringing  our  rules.  Special 
attention  is  directed  to  the  following  decision,  the  object  of  which  is 
to  discourage  the  growth  of  inferior  and  promote  the  culture  of  superior 
varieties.  In  consequence  of  the  large  number  of  worthless  Ajoples  and 
Pears  sent  to  this  office  to  be  named,  it  has  been  decided  to  name  only 
specimens  and  varieties  of  approved  merit,  and  to  reject  the  inferior, 
which  are  not  worth  sending  or  growing.  The  names  and  addresses  of 
senders  of  fruit  to  be  named  must  in  all  cases  be  enclosed  with  the 
specimens,  whether  letters  referring  to  the  fruit  are  sent  by  post  or 
not.  The  names  are  not  necessarily  required  for  publication,  initials 
sufficing  for  that.  Only  six  specimens  can  be  named  at  once,  and  any 
beyond  that  number  cannot  be  preserved.  They  should  be  sent  on  the 
first  indication  of  change  towards  ripening.  Dessert  Pears  cannot  be 
named  in  a  hard  green  state.  (^Devon). — 1,  Dumelow’s  Seedling  ; 
2,  Blenheim  Pippin  ;  3,  Not  known.  (Knebba). — 1,  Not  known,  no 
flavour  ;  2,  Swan’s  Egg  ;  3,  Hunthouse;  4,  Orange  Goff.  (/.  E.  Kelly). 
— 1,  Adams’  Pearmain;'2,  Kerry  Pippin;  3,  Margil  ;  4,  Winter  Haw- 
thcrnden  ;  5,  Knight’s  Monarch.  6,  Bound  Winter  Nonesuch. 

Names  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(J.  J.  S.). — 1,  Libonia  floribunda  ;  2,  L.  penrhosiensis.  (ST.  31.). — 
Echeveria  retusa.  (f.  P.). — Adiantum  formosum.  (i.  R.). — 1, 
Ardisia  crenulata  ;  2,  A.  mamillata.  (^Amateur). — Cy penis  alternifolius, 
(//.  M.). — Cypripedium  insigne  Maulei.  (^Orchid). — A  good  form  of 
Laelia  anceps.  (f7.  II.  D.). — Diefienbachia  Bausei. 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — December  20th. 
FRUIT. 


Trade  slightly  brisker  for  Christmas. 


8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

d. 

s. 

d 

Apples,  per  bushel  , ,  . . 

2 

6 

to  9 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0  to 

0 

0 

Cobs  . 

40 

0 

42 

6 

Plums,  per  half  sieve  , . 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

G 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

B. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

B. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb. 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to 

0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  , . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

6 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

6 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

5 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . , 

3 

0 

7 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . .  . . 

1 

6 

0 

u 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

d 

0 

Herbs,  bunch  . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

7 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

8 

Mushrooms,  punnet  . .  . . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE  V7HOLBSALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety .  Chrysanthemum  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season,  hence 
the  price  is  very  low. 


s. 

d. 

s. 

d 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

4 

0  to 

6 

0 

Narciss,  White  (French), 

Azalea,  dozen  sprays . .  . . 

1 

0 

1 

6 

dozen  bunches . 

2 

0  to 

3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

0 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  . , 

1 

0 

3 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

bunches . 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

0 

6 

2 

0 

sprays  . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen  . , 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Hyacintji,  Roman,  dozen 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

0 

sprays  . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

0 

4 

0 

Lilac  (French')  per  bunch 

3 

6 

6 

0 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

Lilies  of  the  Valley,  dozen 

per  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

6 

sprays  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

Lilium  longiflorum,  per 

per  100  . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Tuberoses.  12  blooms. .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

per  bunch . 

3 

0 

5 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

Mignonette.  12  bunches  .. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

bunch  . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Narciss,  Yellow  (French), 

Violets  (English),  dozen 

dozen  bunches . 

2 

_0 

4 

0 

bunches  . 

1 

6 

2 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS, 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitae  (golden)  dozen 

6 

Oto  12 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. . 

2 

0  to  10 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Hyacinth,  Roman,  dozen 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

pots . 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Dractena  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Dracaena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Ericas,  per  dozen  . .  . . 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Palms,  in  var..  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Euonvmus.var.,  dozen  .. 

6 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  ..  .. 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

Poinsettia,  per  dozen . .  . . 

12 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns  (small',  per  hundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Solanums,  per  dozen..  .. 

9 

0 

12 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

7 

6 

How  to  feed  to  profit  is  a  matter  concerning  which  some 
of  the  best  stock  breeders  are  at  variance,  sides  being  taken 
for  and  against  extreme  early  maturity.  Some  there  are  who 
would  limit  the  age  to  three  years.  Their  views  had  powerful 
support  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Smithfield  Club  by  Mr. 
J.  D.  Fletcher,  who  had  at  the  Cattle  Show  tangible  proof  of 
their  importance  in  his  first  prize  Shorthorn  heifer,  weighing 
16  cwt.  3  qrs.  24  lbs.  at  the  age  of  two  years  nine  months,  and 
his  champion  polled  Aberdeen- Angus  heifer.  Pride  of  the 
Highlands,  two  years  eleven  months  old,  weighing  17  cwt.  2  qrs. 
Other  graziers  advocate  an  extension  of  the  term  of  maturity 
to  four  years  on  the  score  of  economy  of  feeding.  It  is 
altogether  a  question  of  profit  and  loss,  and  that  is  the  test 
to  apply  to  it.  Extravagant  feeding  for  the  mere  winning  of 
a  prize  will  not  bear  such  a  test,  nor  will  much  stall  feeding, 
if  profit  has  to  be  looked  for  in  the  manure,  as  it  often  has 
been.  But  if  straw  used  for  litter  is  to  be  regarded  as  an 
equivalent  for  the  manure,  then  the  margin  of  profit  is  often 
a  very  narrow  one  indeed.  In  proof  of  this  we  quote  from  a 
pamphlet  on  “The  Early  Maturity  of  Live  Stock,”  published 


568 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  21,  1893. 


some  sii  years  ago  by  the  Field,  a  complete  record  of  the 
dietary  of  a  beast  sold  as  prime  beef  at  seventy-one  weeks 
old 

£  s.  d. 


Purchase  of  acalf ,,  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..2  00 

Four  weeks’  new  milk,  6  quarts  daily,  at  2d.  per  quart . 1  8  0 

Eight  weeks’  skimmed  milk,  6  quarts  daily,  at  ^d.  per  quart,  and  2  lbs.  meal, 

at  IJd.  per  lb.  . 1  5  8 

Seventeen  weeks  in  June,  July,  August,  and  September  on  a  daily  diet  of  2  lbs. 

linseed  cake,  2  lbs.  beanmeal.  Mangold,  hay,  grass.  Clover,  &c . 3  19  4 

Twenty-six  weeks  to  end  of  March,  5  lbs.  cake  and  meal  daily,  |  bushel  of 

roots,  hay.  and  straw  for  fodder . 6  16  6 

Sixteen  weeks  to  harvest  8  lbs.  cake  and  meal  daily,  Mangold,  grass,  Clover  ; 

total.  7s.  2|d.  a  week  . 5  15  8 

Attendance,  seventy-one  weeks  at  6d . 1  15  6 

Insurance,  interest,  and  rent  of  shed . 1  50 


£24  5  8 


Dr.  £  s.  d. 

A  bullock,  seventy-one  weeks  old  24  5  8 

Profit  . 4  8  4 


Cr.  £  s.  d. 

A  bullock  sold  at  seventy-one 

weeks  old . .  . .  24  17  0 

Value  of  manure . 3  17  0 


£28  14  0 


£28  14  0 


The  value  of  the  manure  was  estimated  at  20  per  cent,  on 
the  cost  of  the  food  (£19  5s.  2d.),  but,  taken  as  the  straw 
equivalent,  we  have  then  only  a  profit  of  11s.  4d.  remaining. 

The  dietary  is  instructive  as  showing  amounts  and  the 
progressive  scale  of  feeding  a  young  beast  calved  in  spring 
and  sold  at  harvest  in  the  following  year.  In  the  dietary 
something  might  be  gained  by  the  substitution  of  corn  for 
cake,  both  to  avoid  cake  bills  and  to  utilise  home-grown  pro¬ 
duce,  in  the  guise  of  a  mixture  of  crushed  Oats,  Wheat,  Barley, 
Beans,  Peas— all  or  any  of  them,  it  matters  not — for  it  has 
been  proved  by  the  Woburn  experiments  of  the  Royal  Agri¬ 
cultural  Society  that  bullocks  thrive  equally  well  upon  corn 
or  cake  ;  and  we  are  disposed  to  favour  the  corn  on  the  score 
of  economy,  and  also  because  a  mixed  dietary  is  always  the 
most  wholesome. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  is  worth  while  considering  if  we 
cannot  do  better  where  rich  pasture  is  available  by  finishing 
beasts  either  at  two  or  three  years  on  the  grass,  avoiding 
stall  feeding  altogether.  In  doing  this  the  calves  would  only 
be  let  run  out  in  favourable  weather ;  all  exposure  to  gad 
flies,  cold,  or  wet  would  be  avoided.  Crushed  corn  would  be 
given  in  pans  on  pasture  if  required ;  they  would  be  pushed 
steadily  on  during  the  winter,  and  if  intended  for  market  by  the 
second  autumn  they  would  have  some  corn  all  the  summer. 
If  kept  over  a  second  winter  they  could  be  so  cared  for  as 
to  go  on  pasture  in  the  following  spring  in  such  fresh 
condition  that  they  would  come  out  fat  by  September  or 
October. 

The  treatment  of  such  beasts  must  always  be  tentative  and 
not  by  line  and  rule.  When  kept  till  the  third  autumn  corn 
would  be  used  during  the  winter,  but  it  would  hardly  be  required 
at  all  with  a  full  bite  of  rich  grass  in  the  spring  and  summer. 
The  fattening  property  of  the  best  grasses  and  Clover  is  simply 
marvellous ;  be  it  our  care  to  see  that  the  young  stock  leaves  the 
yards  for  it  in  spring  in  such  fleshy  condition  that  the  grazing 
tells  quickly,  and  the  beasts  are  kept  going  steadily  on  to  early 
ripeness  and  fair  profit.  Very  different  this  to  the  progress  of 
those  wretched  starvelings,  leaving  the  yards  at  turn-out  time, 
with  every  rib  so  clearly  defined  with  hollows  between  them, 
that  one  might  suppose  the  idea  of  ridge-and-furrow  roofing  was 
suggested  by  them.  Nothing  can  be  more  deplorable  than 
their  miserable  plight,  and  it  is  difl&cult  to  see  how  any  reason¬ 
able  person  can  expect  anything  like  profit  from  them.  By  all 
means  pay  heedful  regard  to  economy,  but  see  that  it  is  an 
embodiment  of  judicious  expenditure  with  avoidance  of  waste. 
Spend  freely  when  it  can  be  done  to  good  purpose,  and  remember 
that  waste  avoidance  includes  the  wise  prevention  of  loss  of 
condition  in  our  stock  during  winter. 


WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

The  pickling  and  smoking  of  bacon  and  ham  are  now  being  done  as 
the  pigs  fed  specially  for  the  purpose  become  ready.  We  intend  writing 
a  special  article  on  this  important  part  of  home  farm  economy  shortly, 
and  only  mention  the  matter  now  as  a  reminder  to  home  farmers  that 
their  method  of  bacon  curing  is  for  a  supply  from,  say,  New  Year’s  Day 
till  Christmas  at  the  least,  and  the  process  must  be  altogether  more 
deliberate  and  thorough  than  that  of  the  bacon  factory  men,  who 


accomplish  in  a  few  days  for  what  the  home  farmer  requires  two  months. 
Their  bacon  is  intended  for  speedy  consumption  and  not  for  long  storage  ; 
it  is,  therefore,  obviously  unwise  to  introduce  their  meth^  at  the 
home  farm. 

Fatten  and  sell  all  sows  becoming  old  or  of  large  size ;  the  only 
exception  we  ever  make  is  with  sows  that  are  exceptionally  gentle  and 
quiet.  But  no  sow  should  be  kept  for  breeding  after  she  becomes  large, 
or  rather  approaches  a  size  which  involves  risk  of  her  lying  upon  her 
progeny.  It  is  also  evident  that  very  large  breeding  sows  must  consume 
much  more  food  than  those  of  moderate  size.  It  is  at  her  second  litter 
or  farrow  that  a  sow  is  at  her  best ;  this  is  our  guide  to  breeding  early, 
and  the  first  farrowing  should  be  when  the  sow  is  ten  months  old,  the 
period  of  gestation  being  sixteen  weeks.  Bear  this  in  mind  in  your 
scheme  for  the  coming  year,  so  as  to  have  an  ample  store  of  porkers 
ready  for  corn  stubbles  ;  and  when  a  young  sow  proves  to  be  a  bad 
mother,  biting  or  eating  her  young,  she  must  be  fattened  and  sold. 
Temper  in  the  sow  often  arises  from  soreness  of  teats,  for  which  reason, 
and  by  way  of  prevention,  the  four  sharp  temporary  teeth  which  yourg 
pigs  have  are  broken  off  at  birth  by  many  breeders. 

In  any  case  we  have  always  found  it  answer  to  have  a  few  extra 
sows  to  make  certain  a  full  supply  of  pork  and  bacon  for  home  require¬ 
ments.  Superfluous  pigs  of  any  age  or  size  always  find  a  ready  market, 
fatten  quickly,  and  are  soon  out  of  hand.  Place  sows  about  to  farrow 
in  comfortable  quarters — a  commodious  sty  with  a  frame  round  the 
sides  to  protect  the  young  pigs  when  the  sows  lie  down.  Use  only  a 
moderate  amount  of  short  litter,  shut  in  sow  and  pigs  in  very  cold 
weather — it  is  then  that  a  passage  at  the  back  of  the  sty  is  so  useful. 
Do  not  wait  for  the  weaning  before  feeding  the  pigs,  but  as  soon  as 
they  are  able  to  eat  raise  the  slip  board  along  one  side  of  the  sty,  so 
that  the  pigs  can  get  out  to  a  low  trough  placed  near  it  outside.  Barley- 
meal,  ground  oats,  or  wheatmeal,  with  milk,  answers  well  for  them. 


Spratts’  Almanac. — Spratts  Patent,  Limited,  send  us  a  copy  of 
their  Almanac  for  1894.  It  contains  an  illustrated  sheet,  with  calendar 
for  each  month,  with  notes  explanatory  of  the  subjects  illustrated.  It 
will  be  acceptable  to  fanciers  of  dogs,  poultry,  and  domestic  pets.  It  is 
supplied  to  customers  who  apply  soon  enough  and  enclose  a  stamp  for 
postage  to  Henry  Street,  Bermondsey,  London. 

Live  Stock  Handbooks — Messrs.  Vinton  &  Co.,  London,  pro¬ 
prietors  of  the  well-known  “  Handbooks  of  the  Farm,”  have,  in  response 
to  numerous  applications,  commenced  the  publication  of  a  new  series, 
entitled  “Live  Stock  Handbooks.”  The  first  volume  is  devoted  to 
sheep,  and  has  been  written  by  Professor  Wrightson.  There  are  twenty- 
four  full-page  engravings,  and  the  price  is  39.  6d.  This  will  be  followed 
by  handbooks  on  light  and  heavy  horses,  cattle,  pigs,  and  other  animals. 

“Live  Stock  Journal”  Almanac  for  1894. — Once  more  is  the 
high  standard  of  this  useful  annual  well  maintained.  Each  leading 
class  of  horse,  cattle,  and  sheep  has  its  special  article  recording  its 
progress  for  the  year,  and  so  possessing  an  historical  as  well  as  a 
practical  value.  Pigs  and  poultry  also  have  attention,  besides  which 
there  are  interesting  and  valuable  contributions  on  Horse  Breeding, 
Horse  Shoeing,  Influence  of  Food  on  Milk,  Feeding  Live  Stock,  Milk 
Records,  Wool  and  its  Preparation,  Bacon  Curing,  Management  of  Pigs, 
and  the  Fattening  of  Poultry.  This  brief  notice  will  suffice  to  show 
what  a  useful  publication  it  is,  useful  alike  for  reference  and  for  its 
special  information  upon  matters  of  interest  to  everyone  connected 
with  agriculture.  The  work  is  illustrated  and  published  by  Messrs. 
Vinton  &  Co.,  London,  9,  New  Bridge  Street,  Ludgate  Circus,  E.C. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Square,  London. 

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


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  THE  Day. 

Bain. 

1 

1893. 

December. 

1  Barometer 

at  32",  and 

1  Sea  Level. 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 
Wind. 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Inchs. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

deg. 

Inchs. 

Sunday  . .  10 

2H-605 

39-7 

38-8 

S.E. 

40-5 

47-7 

30-7 

491 

27-7 

0  094 

Monday  ..  11 

29-426 

47-1 

45-2 

S.W. 

40-2 

47-8 

38-9 

57-4 

33-0 

0-02S 

Tuesday  ..  12 

29-555 

46-4 

43-9 

S. 

40-0 

53-3 

33-2 

54-2 

28  1 

0-346 

Wednesday  13 

29-176 

53-4 

52-6 

s. 

41-1 

57-8 

41-9 

68-9 

36-1 

0-426 

Thursday . .  14 

29-723 

39-1 

36-9 

N. 

43-1 

43-3 

38-4 

65-6 

35-6 

_ 

Friday  ..  15 

30-416 

40-9 

38-1 

S.W. 

410 

50-7 

31-1 

58-9 

27-9 

_ 

Saturday  . .  16 

30-532 

48-1 

46-6 

s. 

42-0 

51-6 

40-7 

62-0 

37-8 

— 

29  762 

450 

43  2 

41-1 

50-3 

36-3 

59-4 

32-3 

0  892 

REMARKS. 

10th. — Overcast  till  noon  ;  very  squally,  with  heavy  rain  from  0.30  to  1.30  P.M.,  and  at 
times  in  afternoon  ;  fair  again  in  evening. 

11th. — Rain  at  5  A.M.,  and  overcast  early;  sunny  from  11  A.M.  to  I  P.M. ;  fair  after¬ 
noon  and  bright  night. 

12th. — Squally  southerly  gales.  Occasional  gleams  of  sun  in  morning;  heavy  rain 
from  1.45  P.M.  to  4.30  P.M.  Gale  very  severe  from  4.30  to  5.30  P.M.,  and 
dropped  suddenly  at  6.30  P.M. 

13th. — Overcast,  with  squalls  and  showers  till  10.30  A.M. ;  fine  and  generally  sunny  from 
11  A.M.  to  sunset ;  heavy  shower  at  7.30  P.M.,  and  heavy  rain  from  11  P.M.  to 
2.30  A.M.  on  the  14th. 

14th. — Heavy  rain  till  2.30  *.M.;  overcast  till  about  10  A.M.;  bright  sun  from  11  to 
sunset,  and  bright  night. 

15th. — Fine,  with  a  good  deal  of  bright  sunshine  in  morning;  generally  cloudy  in 
afternoon.  16th.— Fine,  and  generally  sunny. 

Milder,  southerly  winds  and  gales,  low  barometer,  nd  rain. — G.  J.  SYMONS. 


December  28,  1893.  J 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


669 


PROBABLY  there  are  few  men  except  the  ultra  self-conceited 
who  will  not  admit  the  existence  of  certain  shortcomings  in 
their  year’s  record.  Those  who  have  apparently  done  the  best, 
and,  in  fact,  accomplished  much  on  which  they  may  dwell  with 
satisfaction,  will  be  the  first  to  acknowledge  that  on  certain  points 
their  judgment  may  have  led  them  somewhat  astray.  Those  are 
really  the  strong  men  of  the  day.  Strong,  because  of  their  clear 
perceptions,  and  not  shrinking  from  the  recognition  of  facts,  even 
when  these  were  not  in  harmony  with  their  prepossessions.  Men 
who,  in  their  own  view,  are  ever  in  the  right  on  every  conceivable 
topic,  who  can  see  nothing  wrong  in  what  they  say  or  do,  and  little 
that  is  good  and  true  in  others,  unconsciously,  yet  very  clearly, 
exhibit  their  own  frailties. 

I«  not  the  present  a  good  time  for  each  to  try  and  determine  in 
which  category  he  is  rightly  placed  ?  The  conduct  of  masters  to 
servants  and  servants  to  masters,  of  parents  to  children  and  children 
to  parents — has  it  all  been  right  ?  all  as  it  should  be,  and  as  each 
may  wish  it  to  be  again  ?  In  rivalry  has  all  been  honourable,  in 
controversy  has  all  been  fair,  in  government — the  superintendence 
of  man  over  man — has  all  been  just,  in  duty  have  all  been  diligent, 
in  trust  have  all  been  faithful  ?  We  know,  all  know,  there  have 
been  sad,  even  fatal,  departures  from  the  line  of  right  in  cases  that 
have  been  “  found  out.”  But  what  of  the  shortcomings  yet  more 
or  less  obscure  ?  Let  them  be  sought  out,  thought  over,  recognised 
and  diagnosed.  No  one  can  be  the  worse  for  this  self-searching, 
and  it  may  reveal  what  was  not  apparent,  leading  to  a  better  line 
of  thought,  and  a  safer  course  to  follow. 

Has  all  been  right  in  gardens,  or  as  nearly  as  it  might  have 
been  ?  Has  there  been  undue  austerity  by  those  who  direct  or 
provocation  by  those  who  serve?  Gardening  is  credited  with 
having  a  soothing  influence,  yet  it  is  not  a  panacea  for  wrong,  not  to 
say  hot-headedness  ;  it  is  also  credited  with  the  love  that  begets 
watchfulness  and  devotion  to  it  as  a  pursuit,  yet  it  is  not  a  complete 
antidote  to  carelessness,  laxity,  even  laziness.  On  these  matters  it 
will,  perhaps,  not  be  quite  treasonable  to  suggest  that  blustering 
managers  in  gardens  are,  like  weeds  in  flower  beds,  oat  of  place  ; 
and  equally  so  are  the  listless  slippery  lookers-for-night,  who 
cannot  hope  to  prosper  in  the  calling  into  which  they  have 
pushed  themselves  or  been  pushed  by  their  friends. 

Ifor  does  the  mere  possession  of  gardens  by  persons,  no  matter 
how  wealthy,  make  all  of  them  gentle  and  kind.  There  are 
gardens  which  could  be  named  in  which  men  are  tormented  and 
the  right  name  for  their  houses  is  jails.  There  they  aie  chained, 
for  only  men  with  large  families  are  sought  for,  and  who  cannot, 
dare  not,  move  and  face  what  might  be  penury  or  destitution. 
Happily  such  examples  of  intolerance  are  few — chance  weeds  in 
the  garden  of  humanity,  making  the  flowers  of  the  flock,  the 
great  mass  of  our  nobility  and  gentry,  “  the  country’s  pride,” 
shine  the  brighter  by  the  contrast.  Which  are  served  the  better, 
those  who  repel  by  their  severe  exactions,  or  those  who  attach 
by  just  yet  considerate  ways  ?  There  is  only  one  answer. 
Faithful  service  follows  dutiful  attachment.  Of  this  we  have 
thousands  of  pleasant  examples  over  the  length  and  breadth 
of  the  land,  the  exceptions  being  a  miserable  minority,  soon 
it  is  hoped  to  become  obsolete  and  forgottten. 

Then  are  there  not  shortcomings  in  the  literary  aspect  of 

No.  705.— Voii.  XXVII.,  Third  Skbiks. 


gardening — pens  as  if  made  to  wound  in  controversy  rather  than 
elucidate  and  instruct  ?  There  appears  to  be  a  good  deal  of 
character  in  pens,  and  the  makers  might  give  them  new  names, 
to  wit  the  “  stinger,”  to  make  opponents  wince  ;  the  “  cynic  ”  to 
tantalise  ;  the  “snarler  ”  (o  demean  ;  the  “grumbler  ”  to  despise  ; 
the  “dullard”  to  drive  away  readers,  and  so  on.  It  is  true  some 
of  them  have  a  recoil,  and  it  is  as  well  so,  perhaps  better,  or 
the  wrong  men  might  get  hurt  the  most.  Even  pens  it  will  be 
seen,  and  as  some  of  their  victims  have  felt,  are  not  all  they 
ought  to  be,  but  have  their  shortcomings,  needing  rectification. 
The  one  now  in  use  is  apt  to  be  refractory,  and  can  only  be 
exercised  under  a  sharp  rein,  but  it  seemed  to  want  a  run 
before  the  year  was  out,  and  is  having  its  way  for  once,  to  end 
possibly  in  the  ditch  known  as  the  W.  P.  B. 

Occasionally  the  attentive  reader  may  fancy  he  detects  short¬ 
comings  in  the  logic  of  literature — lines  of  reasoning  that  puzzle 
him  somewhat,  yet  which  he  enjoys  all  the  same.  Sometimes  it 
would  seem  the  best  of  pens  are  prone  to  be  “  erratic,”  and  surely  the 
“  D.,  Deal,"  is  one  of  the  very  best,  yet  what  does  it  make  the  good 
man  say  on  page  552  ?  “  Tulips  entail  too  much  trouble  ”  to 

become  popular.  They  need  planting  in  November  and  taking  up 
in  J une.  No  other  troubles  are  mentioned ;  but  what  “  picking, 
smoking,  sheltering,  and  brushing”  are  advised  for  Auriculas  ?  What 
trouble  the  fungus  is  on  Carnations,  and  the  attendant  doctoring, 
potting,  and  finger-and-thumbing  ?  While  as  for  Gladioli,  the 
instructions  read  almost  like  a  wail  of  despair.  Yet  these  flowers 
must  be  grown ;  the  hardy  Tulips  are  not  even  honoured  with  a 
malady,  they  only  entail  “  too  much  trouble.”  Oh,  that  pen  ! — and 
this!  Into  its  sheath  then  mine  shall  go  (but  oh,  not  his!) 
perhaps,  for  a  final  rest ;  all  depends  on  the  fate  of  this  its 
maiden  effort  ;  if  its  shortcomings  are  so  flagrant  as  to  meet  con¬ 
demnation  the  end  will  have  come.  The  attempt — well  meant — 
to  have  a  tilt  at  the  seamy  side  of  human  nature  will  have  failed, 
and  nothing  will  be  left  for  its  incompetent  guide  but  to  retire 
into  silence. — Watchman. 


AN  EAST  LOTHIAN  GARDEN  IN  1893. 

The  year  that  is  closing  has  been  so  exceptionally  good  from 
a  gardening  point  of  view,  that  before  it  is  gone  it  may  be  worth 
while  to  chronicle  some  of  its  outstanding  features.  And  yet, 
good  as  it  has  been,  there  have  been  certain  times  during  its  course 
when  much  uneasiness  was  felt.  At  its  beginning  the  frost  was 
very  intense  and  trying,  the  times  of  drought  in  the  summer,  and 
also  the  gales  towards  the  end.  Exceptions  to  the  rule,  therefore, 
occurred,  and  all  kinds  of  garden  crops  have  not  flourished  equally 
well.  Fruit  and  flowers  fared  best,  much  better  than  usual ;  but 
vegetables  on  the  whole  have  not  been  so  good. 

The  severity  of  the  frosts  early  in  the  year  destroyed  many 
vegetables.  Hardly  anything  in  our  garden  was  left  save  Leeks 
and  Brussels  Sprouts.  Spinach  was  severely  checked,  but  it  grew 
well  with  the  advent  of  warm  weather.  All  kinds  of  Broccoli  suc¬ 
cumbed.  If  there  was  one  kind  hardier  than  another  it  appeared 
to  be  Methven’s  June,  but  that  also  was  so  much  damaged  as  to  be 
not  worth  retaining.  Even  the  hardy  and  profitable  Sprouting 
Broccoli  was  killed  to  the  ground,  so  were  the  Curled  Kales,  and 
the  Globe  Artichokes  were  badly  damaged.  Later  in  the  year  the 
second  crop  of  Cauliflowers  was  entirely  destroyed  by  root  maggots, 
and  indeed  all  round  this  district  the  mischief  worked  on  Cabbages 
and  Cauliflowers  by  these  was  very  great.  Many  cottagers  had 
their  green  crops  destroyed.  However,  later  sowings  of  Cauliflowers 
were  all  that  could  be  desired.  King  of  the  Cauliflowers  and 
Magnum  Bonum  were  particularly  good.  I  saw  beautiful  speci¬ 
mens  of  a  late  variety  twelve  months  ago  named  Drummond’s 
Favourite.  This  I  tried,  and  have  found  it  to  be  an  excellent 
kind  ;  but  so  far  as  I  can  determine  it  is  identical  with  Veitch’s 
Autumn  Self-protecting  Broccoli.  However  that  may  be,  both  are 

No.  2361  — VoL.  LXXXIX,  Old  Series. 


579 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  23,  1893. 


superior  straia?,  and  for  cutting  late  in  the  year  they  are  indis¬ 
pensable. 

Spinach  did  moderately  well  up  to  the  sowing  made  about 
end  of  August,  of  which  most  of  the  plants  died  out  of  the  ground, 
so  that  we  are  depending  for  a  winter  supply  on  two  earlier  sowings. 
I  have  for  many  years  past  raised  three  distinct  crops  of  winter 
Spinach,  as  it  is  not  uncommon  for  that  sown  at  the  time  which  is 
suitable  in  general  to  fail  as  it  has  done  this  year.  Paresseuse  de 
Catillon  is  a  French  variety,  which  did  well  during  the  severe 
drought.  It  is  also  good  for  winter  sowing,  and  so  is  Lent,  a 
slow  seeding  variety.  Peas  proved  generally  unsatisfactory.  The 
late  crop  was  past  earlier  than  ever  I  recollect  it  to  have  been. 
Mr.  Eckford  sent  me  a  selection  of  his  seedlings  to  try.  Of  these 
I  was  greatly  pleased  with  Fame,  which  appears  to  be  an  improved 
Ne  Plus  Ultra.  Epicure  and  Censor  I  also  liked,  but  none  of  the 
sorts  impressed  me  so  much  as  the  first  named,  of  which  I  hope  to 
grow  many  in  the  coming  season.  Regarding  Potatoes,  all  that 
need  be  said  is  that  they  were  of  excellent  quality,  but  small  of  tuber. 
Brussels  Sprouts  are  very  good.  Spring-sown  Onions  were  maggot- 
eaten  almost  to  the  whole  crop,  and  we  have  had  to  depend  up  till 
now  on  bulbs  of  January-raised  Cranston’s  Excelsior,  an  Onion 
which  is  a  good  keeper  as  well  as  being  large  in  size. 

A  noteworthy  feature  of  the  year  is  the  manner  in  which  lost 
time  has  been  made  up  by  autumn  and  winter  crops.  Seeds  sown 
during  the  drought  germinated  rather  badly,  and  in  consequence 
many  crops  had  to  be  sown  again,  making  the  plants  much  later  in 
being  set  out  than  usual.  Broccolis,  the  seeds  of  which  germinated 
well,  were  long  in  making  growth,  and  also  seemed  likely  to  be 
but  of  small  size.  But  in  every  case  plants  have  made  an  almost 
abnormal  growth,  the  result  being  that  there  has  been  an  abundance 
of  succulent  produce  and  a  promise  of  plenty  to  follow.  London 
Coleworts  happened  to  be  a  “  miss  at  first,”  but  I  never  remember 
later  ones  of  these  to  have  been  finer  in  quality,  and  still  there  are 
many  of  green  heads  to  use. 

Despite  an  unpromising  spring,  the  hardy  fruit  crops  were 
above  the  average  in  bulk,  and  in  quality  they  were  generally 
superior.  The  two  crops  which  were  the  least  promising — viz.. 
Pears  and  Strawberries,  finished  good  average  crops,  though  they 
were  both  of  short  duration,  the  latter  ripening  all  at  once,  and  the 
later  sorts  of  the  former  are  ripening  abnormally  early.  Small 
fruits  were  also  over  earlier  than  usual.  We,  as  a  rule,  have 
Currants  and  Gooseberries  well  into  October,  but  these  were  all 
past  in  the  beginning  of  September.  No  doubt  the  fruit  would 
have  hung  much  longer,  but  they  were  literally  cleared  off  the 
bushes  in  the  course  of  a  few  days  by  wasps.  I  think  of  all  crops 
Apricots  were  the  most  satisfactory.  The  trees  blossomed  abund¬ 
antly  and  set  an  enormous  crop,  which  required  to  be  freely  thinned. 
The  season  was  much  longer  than  usual,  the  earlier  fruits  ripening 
in  the  commencement  of  August,  and  the  crop  continued  until  the 
middle  of  September.  I  do  not  remember  Apricots  ever  to  have 
ripened  so  well  all  the  season  through.  In  1867  and  1868,  in  1875, 
and  again  in  1887  Apricots  ripened  well,  but  not,  as  a  rule,  so 
perfectly  as  during  the  present  year.  The  largest  cropping  sort 
was  the  Royal.  The  earliest  fruits  were  gathered  from  trees  of 
Breda  and  of  Kaisha.  One  of  the  latest  and  best  was  D’Alsace, 
a  Variety  well  worthy  to  be  recommended.  Shipley’s  and  Peach 
were  also  good.  Hemskerk  did  not  bear  a  crop.  I  have  this 
auturnn  added  the  following  kinds — Angoumois  Hatif,  an  early 
ripening  variety  ;  Powell’s  Late,  and  La  Delicieuse,  the  latter  a 
new  variety  from  Syria. 

I  was  also  greatly  pleased  with  the  Plum  crop.  The  trees 
blossomed  but  sparsely,  and  on  old  trees  the  crop  was  not  large, 
in  no  case  requiring  to  be  thinned  ;  but  generally  there  were 
sufficient  fruits  for  the  trees  to  perfect,  and  all  the  varieties 
ripeiied  better  than  usual.  The  season  began  with  Rivers’  Early 
Prolific  and  The  Czar  in  July,  and  ended  with  Coe’s  Golden  Drop 
in  October.  The  Czar  is  a  grand  acquisition,  when  fully  ripe  being 
very  rich  in  flavour.  Kirke’s  was  also  good.  I  had  a  grand  crop 
on  a  young  tree  of  Cox’s  Emperor.  Strings  of  fruit  set  all  over 
the  tree,  and  after  severe  thinning  a  very  large  crop  remained. 
Fruit  was  gathered  off  this  tree  during  a  period  of  seven  weeks, 
and  it  was  appreciated  both  for  dessert  and  for  cooking.  Victoria 
was,  as  it  always  is,  grand,  and  so  was  Jefferson.  Green  Gages 
were  particularly  good  this  year,  so  also  was  Magnum  Bonum 
(white).  ^  This  is  a  Plum  which  is  highly  esteemed  in  our  case  both 
for  cooking  and  for  dessert,  and  during  several  weeks  this  year  we 
were  able  to  supply  good  fruit.  A  particularly  good  late  Plum 
which  fruited  well  this  year  for  the  first  time  is  Monarch.  The 
perfection  of  Plums  is,  doubtless,  Coe’s  Golden  Drop  when  at  its 
best,  as  during  the  past  summer,  and  whoever  is  without  a  tree  in 
hi^s  garden  ought  to  make  good  the  deficiency  at  once.  I  have 
wded,  among  other  sorts,  Archduke,  a  late  variety,  and  Purple 

Pears  were  like  Plums,  inasmuch  as  old  trees  did  not  bear 


well,  while  on  the  other  hand  young  trees  bore  an  abundance  of 
fruit.  The  first  good  Pear  to  ripen  was  Clapp’s  Favourite  at  the  end 
of  August.  Since  that  time  we  have  had  an  uninterrupted  supply 
of  better  fruit  than  we  have  ever  had  previously,  and  nearly  all 
from  young  trees.  As  mentioned  all  varieties  have  ripened 
earlier  than  usual,  and  as  the  season  progresses  this  abnormal 
precocity  in  ripening  becomes  more  pronounced.  The  best 
flavoured  Pears  we  have  had  during  November  and  December  were 
Doyenne  du  Comice,  a  most  delicious  sort,  the  well-known  Marie 
Louise,  Winter  Nelis  quite  six  weeks  earlier  than  usual,  and  now 
past,  and  Knight’s  Monarch,  which  will  keep  till  the  beginning  of 
1894.  Beurre  Ranee  is  now  ripening,  and  I  notice  that  Easter 
Beurre  is  also  softening,  though  in  most  years  it  is  towards  the  end 
of  February  before  these  begin  to  ripen.  Nec  Plus  Meuris, 
however,  is  still  hard.  I  have  added  a  few  cordon  trees  to  our 
collection,  including  Alexandre  Lambre,  Baronne  de  Mello,  the  old 
Beurre  Bose  and  Beurre  Hardy,  Nouvel'.e  Fulvie,  and  Marguerite 
Manilard. 

Apples  were  a  full  crop,  but  they  did  not  set  so  freely_  as  to 
require  thinning  ;  at  least,  very  few  trees  did.  The  quality  of 
the  fruit  in  some  sorts  was,  perhaps,  as  good  in  1887,  but  as  a 
whole  the  present  was  a  better  Apple  year.  In  1875  we  had  a 
larger  crop,  but  not  equal  in  quality.  Warner’s  King,  Nelson 
Codlin,  Tower  of  Glamis,  Ringer,  Keswick  Codlin,  Blenheim 
Pippin,  Frogmore  Prolific,  and  Dutch  Mignonne  were  exceedingly 
fine.  As  regards  the  keeping  qualities  of  the  fruit  I  see  there  is 
now  scarcely  any  turning  bad.  I  have  had  Tower  of  Glamis, 
Nelson’s,  and  Stirling  Castle  in  as  good  condition  as  I  ever  saw 
them.  The  wood  on  the  trees  is  beautifully  budded,  and  the 
prospect  of  a  heavy  crop  next  year  is  most  promising.  Selected 
Apples  brought  a  high  price,  and  that  at  a  time  when  inferior  fruit 
was  all  but  unsaleable.  Perhaps  the  most  abnormal  feature  of 
the  year  was  the  behaviour  of  an  old  Fig  tree,  which,  not  satisfied 
with  presenting  us  with  some  splendid  fruit  at  the  usual  period, 
yielded  a  second  crop  in  October.  The  fruit  was  very  small, 
but  of  good  flavour.  A  second  crop  of  Figs  is,  so  far  as  I  am 
aware,  a  very  uncommon  occurrence  in  Scotland. 

I  transplanted  a  large  number  of  trees  during  the  autumn,  these 
mainly  Plums  and  Apples.  The  roots,  as  a  whole,  were  in  prime 
condition,  and  taking  these  as  a  standard  I  conclude  that  the 
growth  of  roots  in  the  soil  has  been  as  favourable  as  the  growth  of 
the  wood. — B. 

(To  be  continued.) 


NOTES  ABOUT  PAESLEY. 

The  brilliant  emerald  green  of  the  Parsley,  so  pleasing  at  this 
season  and  so  good  to  have  in  abundance,  emboldens  me  to  add  a 
little  to  a  subject  which  may  appear  to  have  been  already  thrashed 
out  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture ;  but  I  propose  to  go  a  little  Way 
off  the  beaten  track  of  good  culture,  where  even  breakdowns  will 
occur,  to  say  something  about  no  culture  at  all,  viz.,  to  have  it  as  a 
weed,  and  it  is  probably  better  to  have  it  that  way  than  to  not 
at  all. 

The  way  it  will  grow  as  a  weed  (for  when  out  of  its  place  it 
comes  under  that  definition)  is,  I  think,  noticeable  more  or  less  in 
all  gardens,  until  the  conscientious  “scuffer”  cuts  short  the  career  of 
these  stray  plants,  though  one  may  escape  to  point  a  moral  with  its 
sturdy  luxuriant  foliage.  On  this  I  take  my  text,  off  the  beaten 
tracks  ;  but  nothing  new,  oh !  no  ;  “  there  is  nothing  new  under  the 
sun,”  though  a  good  deal  we  do  not  see,  and  some  things  we  will 
not  see. 

Now  for  my  way ;  it  is  scarcely  a  plan  or  a  method.  Take,  say, 
2  ozs.  of  seed  of  any  good  curled  variety — there  seems  to  me  but 
little,  if  any,  difference  in  the  kinds — though  they  be  somebody’s 
Pride  or  someone  else’s  Perfection,  all  are  good  ;  time,  from  the 
middle  to  end  of  June  ;  position,  here,  there,  and  everywhere  ; 
aspect,  north,  south,  east,  and  west,  close  up  under  the  walls  in 
small  nooks  and  corners  where  the  autumn  zephyrs  carry  the 
leaves,  in  the  open,  between  lines  of  fruit  trees,  any  place  where 
there  is  not  room  for  anything  else,  and  particularly  in  those  spots 
you  think  it  will  not  grow.  Take  a  pointed  stick,  scratch  the  face 
of  mother  earth,  scratch  it  deep,  she  likes  it ;  drop  in  a  few  seeds 
sparingly  as  if  they  were  gold,  close  in  with  your  feet ;  so  go  on  till 
your  seed  packet  is  empty.  Nothing  more,  only  keep  off  the  genius 
with  the  “scuffer,”  or  his  zeal  may  result  in  wiping  out  your  labours 
as  effectively  as  a  fresh  hand  in  a  certain  garden  who  was  sent  to 
fork  up  all  the  Horsetail  (Equisetum),  which  he  did,  and  a  good 
bed  of  Asparagus  besides,  remarking  to  his  horrified  chief,  who 
arrived  too  late,  “Master,  I  ha’  dug  up  all  they  durned  puttock 
pipes.” 

Granted  that  such  catastrophes  are  averted,  and  you  feel  on 
seeing  the  plants  that  Art  must  assist  Nature,  take  equal  parts  of 


December  S8,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


671 


soot  and  guano  and  sprinkle  them  well  with  it,  letting  a  “gossoon” 
(Anglice,  boy)  go  after  you  with  a  watering  pot  and  wash  it  in,  and 
when  you  are  laughed  at  for  having  too  much  Parsley  grin  and 
bear  it. — E.  K. 


RASPBERRY  JOTTINGS. 

There  were  rumours  of  phenomenal  prices  for  Raspberries  in 
the  early  summer,  £35  and  £40  a  ton  being  freely  talked  about,  as 
though  such  figures  only  needed  mentioning  to  be  realised  ;  but 
either  the  returns  were  not  secured,  or  else  those  who  were  lucky 
enough  to  get  them  have  kept  their  own  counsel.  It  is  always  wise  to 
allow  a  liberal  percentage  for  contingencies  when  such  figures  are 
quoted,  for  they  are  abnormal ;  but  after  making  all  reasonable 
allowances,  the  snm  is  not  whittled  down  below  a  fair  and  profit¬ 
able  margin.  Raspberries  have  paid  many  growers  very  well  this 
year,  much  better  than  Strawberries  in  some  cases  ;  and  indeed 
where  this  fruit  does  well,  it  rarely  fails  to  give  a  good  return. 

When  at  Knockholt  a  short  time  ago,  I  met  Mr.  Waterman,  who 
was  formerly  the  head  of  the  gardens  at  Preston  Hall,  Mr.  Brassey’s 
beautiful  mansion  near  Maidstone,  now  ably  managed  by  Mr. 
Jarman.  Mr.  Waterman  has  gravitated  into  the  trade,  having 
become  the  possessor  of  a  compact  nursery  ;  but  in  addition  to  this 
he  grows  small  fruit  for  market,  chiefly  Raspberries  and  Straw¬ 
berries.  I  mention  his  name  in  connection  with  the  former,  because 
he  makes  an  emphatic  stand  against  the  general  opinion  that 
“.there’s  nothing  like  Carter’s,”  having  a  variety  which,  he  con¬ 
tends,  is  better,  while  at  the  same  time  partaking  of  the  dwarf 
character  of  the  great  market  sort  and  consequently  needing  no 
stakes.  Now  if  there  be  in  cultivation  a  Raspberry  of  the  Carter’s 
Prolific  style  of  growth  which  is  as  good  a  grower  and  fruiter, 
and  which  wears  better,  it  ought  certainly  to  be  known. 

The  name  of  the  Raspberry  referred  to  is  Dr.  Maclean,  and 
Mr.  Waterman  tells  me  he  has  known  it  for  many  years.  He  has 
several  acres  of  it  at  Knockholt  growing  side  by  side  with  Carter’s 
Prolific,  and  thus  a  glance  suffices  to  show  the  similarity  in  their 
styles  of  growth.  They  are  both  dwarf  and  sturdy,  needing  no 
extraneous  support.  This  season  of  the  year  is  not  the  best  for 
comparing  the  points  of  Raspberries,  and  the  most  that  can  be  said 
about  them  is  that  Dr.  Maclean  is  rather  cleaner  and  brighter  in 
the  cane  than  Carter’s.  Such  a  difference  might  easily  be  brought 
about  in  the  same  variety  by  varying  soil,  but  the  two  are  growing 
on  the  same  ground  in  this  case. 

Dr.  Maclean  is  a  name  that  has  a  familiar  “  smack  ”  about  it, 
but  perhaps  this  is  through  the  well-known  Pea.  I  have  not  met 
with  a  Raspberry  of  that  name  before,  and  do  not  see  it  in  the 
“  Fruit  Manual.”  There  is  a  variety  there  called  McLaren’s 
Prolific,  and  between  McLaren  and  Maclean  there  is  not  a  great 
gulf  fixed,  but  Dr.  Hogg  describes  the  former  as  a  “double-bearing 
variety,  of  robust  growth,  and  producing  immense  second  crops  on 
the  young  shoots  of  the  same  season.”  Dr.  Maclean  is  not  robust 
in  the  same  sense  as  Superlative  and  Hornet,  nor  from  what  I 
gather  has  it  marked  double-bearing  proclivities,  although,  like 
most  other  sorts,  it  has  borne  a  second  crop  during  the  past  extra¬ 
ordinary  season.  I  should  like  to  learn  more  about  this  Raspberry, 
of  which  Mr.  Waterman  has  a  fine  stock,  and  which  pays  him,  he 
tells  me,  very  well. 

Despite  their  taller  growth,  which  is  against  them  from  the 
market  grower’s  point  of  view,  there  is  every  sign  of  a  large 
demand  for  Superlative  and  Hornet,  the  former  more  particularly. 
The  young  canes  of  this  grand  Raspberry  were  bearing  heavily  in 
Messrs.  Veitch’s  nursery  at  Slough  in  the  autumn,  but  that,  of 
course,  is  not  a  very  weighty  point.  What  are  chiefiy  to  be 
remarked  are  its  merits  as  a  summer  sort.  It  is  of  very  free  and 
robust  growth,  tall  enough  to  require  outside  support,  but  a  prolific 
fruiter  and  bearing  splendid  berries.  It  is  rather  significant 
that,  although  the  market  men  look  askance  as  a  rule  at  a  Rasp¬ 
berry  which  is  not  self-supporting,  several  of  them  are  anxious  to 
get  Superlative,  being  convinced  of  its  high  merits. 

The  fact  of  Hornet  doing  so  well  at  Chiswick  in  comparison 
with  the  best  sorts  should  cause  attention  to  be  given  to  it,  and  it 
is  not  there  alone  that  it  has  given  abundant  satisfaction.  A 
Herefordshire  grower,  about  whom  “  J.  B.  R.”  knows  more  than  I 
do,  finds  it  the  best  sort  which  he  has  tried,  and  does  well  with  it 
in  the  market.  It  is  unquestionably  immensely  prolific,  while  the 
fruit  is  of  large  size  and  splendid  colour.  It  requires  support, 
growing  to  a  great  height  in  good  soil,  and  this  is  supplied  in  the 
form  of  strained  wires.  Either  as  a  garden  or  a  market  variety  it 
is  doubtful  if  there  is  a  Raspberry  which  gives  finer  crops  of  large 
fruit  than  Hornet.  It  is  pretty  safe  to  prophesy  that  it  will  grow 
rapidly  in  popularity  as  time  goes  on.  At  the  same  time,  so  far  as 
my  observation  goes.  Superlative  is  being  asked  for  much  more 
frequently  by  the  large  growers,  but  this  is  perhaps  owing  to  the 
fact  that  Hornet  is  as  yet  very  little  known. 


The  old  Semper  Fidelis  is,  I  see,  cropping  up  again.  I  saw  a 
very  large  order  executed  for  it  quite  recently,  the  canes  going  to 
a  grower  who  wants  the  fruit  for  jam.  Unlike  most  Raspberries 
the  ever  faithful  one  retains  its  form  in  the  boiling,  and  as  whole 
fruit  jams  are  much  more  in  demand  now  than  the  pulpy  “  brands  ” 
it  is  valuable  on  that  account. 

What  may  be  termed  the  columnar  system  of  growing  the  taller 
Raspberries  seems  to  be  very  little  practised,  but  when  speaking 
about  it  to  an  Essex  market  grower  on  a  small  scale  recently,  he 
told  me  that  he  had  always  found  he  got  more  fruit  by  shortening 
some  of  the  canes  in  a  stool  to  18  inches  or  so,  others  to  3  feet, 
and  then  merely  topping  the  others,  than  by  the  common  plan. 
Naturally  I  asked  him  why,  if  he  had  found  it  good,  he  did  not 
practise  it  now,  and  the  response  was,  “  Oh  !  well,  I  suppose  it  is 
because  I  have  so  many  other  things  to  do  that  I  don’t  trouble 
about  it.”  This  is  mild  for  Essex,  and,  after  all,  one  cannot  blame 
a  man  who  is  his  own  labourer  for  neglecting  matters  of  this  kind 
in  favour  of  others  which  must  be  attended  to  when  he  is  hard 
pressed  ;  but  the  system  is  worth  practising  by  those  who  are  not 
in  the  difficult  position  of  having  to  make  a  living  out  of  about 
an  acre  and  a  half  of  ground.  That  any  man  can  achieve  such  a 
result  in  the  face  of  the  fierce  competition  with  growers  having 
large  capital  to  turn  over,  strikes  me  as  being  greatly  to  his  credit, 
and  a  proof,  moreover,  of  what  a  hard  worker  can  do  who  feeds  his 
ground  well  and  crops  it  judiciously. — W.  P.  W. 


ENRICHING  THE  SOIL  DURING  AUTUMN  AND 

WINTER. 

{Continued  f  rom  page  416.') 

When  much  of  the  soil  of  the  garden  or  the  field  has  been 
cleared  of  its  exhausting  crops,  then  comes  the  golden  opportunity 
of  enriching  and  otherwise  preparing  it  for  yielding  an  abundant 
harvest  in  the  coming  year.  Heavy  dressings  of  manure  are  of  the 
utmost  importance  in  maintaining  the  fertility  of  the  soil  by 
returning  to  it  those  constituents  which  previous  crops  have  drawn 
out  ;  but  of  at  least  equal  importance  is  the  time-honoured 
practice  of  deeply  stirring  it,  so  that  the  rain  and  air  may 
penetrate,  and  carry  with  them  those  elements  of  fertility  which 
are  ever  present  in  the  atmosphere,  and  which  all  may  turn  to 
profitable  account,  with  no  greater  outlay  than  that  which  is 
involved  in  the  employment  of  the  labour  necessary  to  carry  out 
deep  culture.  It  is,  therefore,  apparent  that  every  inch  which  is 
added  to  the  depth  of  the  soil  renders  it  capable  of  drawing  a 
proportionately  greater  amount  of  plant  food  from  Nature’s 
storehouse.  These  undoubted  facts,  to  my  mind,  show  con¬ 
clusively  the  economy  of  deep  digging,  and  the  unwisdom  of 
relying  on  mere  surface-scratching. 

Few  will  remember  an  autumn  so  fine,  dry,  and  open  as  the 
past  one,  which  has  been  exceptionally  favourable  for  carrying  out 
the  work  of  manuring  and  digging  vacant  quarters.  Should  this 
satisfactory  state  of  affairs  continue  for  a  few  weeks  longer,  better 
opportunities  will  have  been  present  for  dealing  with  land  of  all 
descriptions  than  we  have  experienced  for  some  years,  during 
which  time  extended  frosts  have  left  but  short  periods  for  giving 
the  soil  that  thorough  preparation  it  ought  to  receive  betoie  the 
time  for  sowing  and  planting  arrives. 

Heavy  soils  should  be  the  first  to  receive  attention,  as  it  is  only 
by  throwing  them  up  roughly,  so  that  the  sun,  air,  and  frost  may 
pulverise  the  lumpy  spits,  that  heavy  soils  of  many  descriptions 
can  be  gradually  brought  into  good  working  order.  When  once 
these  adhesive  soils  become  thoroughly  ameliorated,  they  prove 
uncommonly  productive  on  account  of  the  power  they  possess  of 
retaining  moisture  and  the  food  of  crops.  In  many  instances, 
however,  it  is  unwise  to  attempt  to  do  too  much  at  once.  The 
top  spit  ought  first  to  be  thoroughly  worked  before  any  attempt  is 
made  to  deepen  it.  The  earliest  opportunity  should  be  taken  to 
wheel  upon  such  land,  whenever  it  is  dry  or  frosty,  a  heavy  dressing 
of  partially  decayed  strawy  manure  ;  that  obtained  from  the 
stables  is  the  most  suitable  for  the  purpose.  This  manure  may  be 
left  in  heaps  till  digging  commences,  when  it  can  be  spread  in 
patches  as  the  work  goes  on  ;  this  will  to  a  great  extent  prevent  the 
loss  of  valuable  manurial  properties,  which  quickly  escape  into  the 
atmosphere,  if  the  manure  is  spread  upon  the  land,  long  before 
being  buried  beneath  it. 

In  digging  heavy  land,  a  strong  fork,  such  as  they  use  in  the 
Kentish  Hop  gardens,  is  better  than  a  spade,  as  the  work  is  less 
laborious,  and  large  rough  spits  can  be  upturned.  The  workmen 
should,  however,  be  impressed  with  the  absolute  necessity  of 
stirring  the  soil  to  the  whole  depth  of  the  fork  when  thrust  into 
the  ground  in  a  vertical  position.  A  coating  of  from  3  to  6  inches 
of  the  manure  ought  to  be  placed  in  the  trenches  as  the  work 
proceeds.  By  using  this  in  the  rough  state  above  described  decay 


572 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  28,  1893. 


is  gradual,  and  the  soil  is  kept  open,  so  as  to  receive  the  full  benefit 
from  the  action  of  winds  and  frost. 

In  cases  where  the  soil  is  of  an  unusually  retentive  nature  a 
commendable  practice  is  to  throw  it  up  in  sharp  ridges  about  2  feet 
asunder,  by  so  doing  a  greater  surface  is  exposed  to  the  influence  of 
the  weather.  In  the  spring  these  ridges  should  be  levelled,  and  a 
coating  of  burnt  refuse,  coal  ashes,  leaf  soil,  old  mortar,  or  sharp 
sand  from  the  roadside  be  spread  upon  it  and  forked  in,  the  fork¬ 
ing  again  being  repeated  before  planting.  This  practice  was 
persistently  followed  in  a  garden  in  which  I  was  employed  some 
years  ago,  with  the  result  that  a  stubborn  clay  was  converted  into 
a  rich  friable  loam.  Especial  care  should  at  all  times  be  taken  to 
keep  off  the  land  when  it  is  in  a  wet  condition.  Any  soils  which 
have  been  thrown  up  roughly,  but  not  ridged,  ought,  if  possible,  be 
forked  over  several  times  during  the  spring,  and  some  of  the 
opening  materials  above  named  be  well  worked  in  as  the  work 
proceeds. 

Lime  is  also  an  excellent  agent  in  effecting  the  better  working 
of  heavy  soils,  as  well  as  in  sweetening  those  which  are  over-rich  in 
vegetable  matter.  It  should  be  covered  with  soil  till  slacked,  and 
then  spread  upon  the  land  at  the  rate  of  half  an  hundredweight 
per  rod,  and  be  properly  forked  into  the  surface.  When  the  top 
spit  has  been  improved  in  this  way  the  work  of  deepening  the  soil 
should  begin.  This  is  best  accomplished  by  double  digging,  by 
which  means  the  soil  is  loosened  and  enriched  to  a  great  depth 
without  changing  the  position  of  that  on  the  surface.  Commence 
by  marking  off  a  width  of  2  feet  at  one  end  of  the  quarter  to  be 
operated  upon.  Take  out  the  soil  one  spit  deep  and  wheel  to  the 
opposite  end,  next  place  a  thick  layer  of  rough  manure  in  the 
bottom  of  the  trench,  and  mix  it  thoroughly  with  the  soil  as  it  is 
turned  up  another  spit  in  depth.  Then  mark  out  another  2  feet 
strip,  and  place  the  top  spit  of  it,  as  well  as  the  shovellings,  on  the 
top  of  the  subsoil  first  broken  up,  mixing  manure  with  it  as  the 
work  proceeds.  When  the  end  of  the  quarter  is  reached,  the  last 
trench  can  be  filled  up  with  the  soil  previously  wheeled  back. 
Land  treated  in  this  way  will  speedily  exhibit  a  marked  improve¬ 
ment  if  abundance  of  rough  manure  is  used,  but  no  half  measures 
in  this  direction  must  be  relied  upon  to  ensure  satisfactory  results. 
— H.  Dunkin. 

(To  be  continued.) 


HARDY  FLOWER  NOTES. 

Lubinia  atropurpurea. 

Thb  lover  of  hardy  flowers  has,  above  all  others,  most  cause  to 
look  with  suspicion  upon  what  are  called  “  reintroductions  ” — that 
is,  plants  which  have  at  one  time  been  grown  in  this  country,  but 
have  from  various  causes  been  lost  to  cultivation.  This  is,  of 
course,  not  an  invariable  rule  ;  but,  as  a  rule,  one  may  look 
with  suspicion  upon  the  “  reintroduction  ”  as  having  “  either  an 
old  fault  or  a  new  one,”  the  fault  in  most  cases  being  that  the 
flower  is  either  not  quite  hardy  or  that  it  is  worthless  from  an 
ornamental  point  of  view.  Lubinia  atropurpurea  has  been  recently 
again  offered  to  the  flower-loving  public,  and  I  fear  the  experience 
of  those  who  are  induced  to  purchase  will  not  be  such  as  to  render 
them  enthusiastic  in  its  praises.  I  have  had  the  opportunity  of 
thoroughly  examining  the  Lubinia,  and  I  fear  I  cannot  speak  so 
favourably  of  it  as  I  should  willingly  do.  It  comes  under  the  list 
of  those  which  possess  the  two  great  faults  of  the  reintroductions 
being  neither  very  hardy  nor  very  ornamental. 

L.  atropurpurea,  which  belongs  to  the  natural  order  Primulaceae, 
was  introduced  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  so  far  back  as  1820, 
and  a  pretty  full  account  of  it  will  be  found  in  Maund’s  “  Botanic 
Garden,”  vol.  iii.,  page  52.  Maund,  while  speaking  generally  in 
high  terms  of  the  Lubinia,  admits  its  sombre  appearance  unless 
when  the  sun  shines  upon  it,  and  goes  on  to  speak  of  the  beauty  of 
the  Lubinia  as  seen  through  a  microscope,  the  petals  and  filaments 
being  gemmed  with  minute  Pear-like  substances  which,  when  viewed 
through  a  more  powerful  instrument,  are  seen  to  be  glands  “  each  a 
little  gland  on  a  cylindrical  pedestal.”  As  the  specific  name  would 
lead  us  to  infer,  the  flowers  are  of  an  intense  dark  purple.  The 
plants  grow  about  2  feet  in  height,  and  may  be  increased  by  division 
or  seeds.  The  latter  do  not  appear  to  germinate  well,  and  some 
protection  in  winter  will  be  found  advisable  for  plants  left  in  the 
open  ground. 

Stokesia  cyanea. 

It  is  seldom  that  this  fine  composite  is  seen  in  gardens,  due  no 
doubt  to  its  late  flowering  habit  and  its  doubtful  hardiness  north  of 
London.  I  should,  possibly,  not  have  mentioned  it  now  had  it  not 
been  that  some  time  ago  I  saw  in  a  greenhouse  a  plant  of  it  just 
coming  into  flower,  and  which  was  intended  to  be  cut  for 
exhibition  in  a  stand  of  hardy  herbaceous  flowers.  I  cannot  say 


that  I  approve  of  this  system  of  growing  hardy  flowers  for  exhibi¬ 
tion,  but  there  the  plant  was,  and  I  am  doubtful,  if  the  way 
schedules  are  generally  worded,  a  judge  would  be  justified  in 
excluding  a  stand  in  which  the  Stokesia  appeared.  At  all  events 
the  few  flowers  which  were  open  showed  how  beautiful  they 
would  be  with  their  brilliant  blue  Cornflower-like  heads. 

September  is  its  nominal  time  of  flowering,  but  we  cannot  get 
it  in  bloom  until  much  later,  unless  by  growing  it  under  glass  in 
spring,  and  planting  out  then,  lifting  in  the  autumn,  and  flowering 
under  glass.  I  do  not  care  for  either  system,  but  if  we  wish  to 
grow  this  beautiful  Stokesia  some  such  method  must  be  adopted. 
S.  cyanea  comes  from  Carolina  and  other  Southern  States  of 
America,  and  grows  from  18  inches  to  2  feet  in  height.  The 
spatulate  leaves,  which  are  slightly  hairy,  are  stem-clasping,  and 
the  flower  heads  which  are  large  are  of  a  deep  sky  blue.  Were  it 
not  for  the  fault  indicated — truly  a  grievous  one — this  would  be 
one  of  the  best  of  our  garden  plants. — S.  Arnott,  Dumfries. 


MARGARET  CARNATIONS. 

The  above-mentioned  Carnations  are  very  useful  for  providing  cut 
flowers.  Ours  were  raised  from  seed  sown  in  March,  and  when  large 
enough  the  seedlings  were  pricked  into  pans  filled  with  light  soil. 
When  sufiBciently  strong  the  young  plants  were  placed  singly  into  flO-sized 
pots,  kept  in  a  frame  until  established,  and  then  put  out  of  doors  in  a 
sunny  position.  They  were  subsequently  shifted  into  5-inch  and  6-inch 
pots,  using  good  loam  with  a  little  leaf  mould  and  sand  and  a  sprinkling 
of  horn  shavings,  making  the  compost  rather  firm. 

When  the  pots  were  filled  with  roots  the  plants  were  fed  with  soot 
water  and  liquid  manure  about  every  third  watering.  They  commenced 
flowering  about  the  end  of  September,  when  they  were  placed  on  the 
shelf  in  the  greenhouse.  From  about  seventy  plants  we  are  able  to 
gather  an  abundance  of  flowers  every  week. 

We  have  tried  the  planting  out  system  during  the  summer,  but  it 
did  not  answer  half  so  well  as  keeping  them  in  pots. — W.  S. 


SOME  GOOD  APPLES. 

Magnum  Bonum. 

This  is  an  Apple  not  much  known,  having  flesh  of  the  Golden  Spire 
type.  The  fruit  is  quite  conical  in  shape,  skin  smooth  and  of  a  deep 
golden  yellow  when  ripe,  at  the  end  of  September  or  early  in  October. 
In  habit  of  growth  the  tree  is  upright,  requiring  but  a  small  amount 
of  space. 

Greenup’s  Pippin. 

I  find  that  Counsellor,  Yorkshire  Beauty,  and  Red  Hawthornden 
are  simply  synonyms  of  Greenup’s  Pippin.  It  is  a  pity  that  Apples 
almost  a  century  old  should  be  re-named,  thereby  misleading  the 
inexperienced.  Apart  from  this,  however,  I  wish  to  call  attention  to 
the  Apple  under  notice,  not  only  for  its  good  appearance,  but  for  its 
quality  as  a  cooking  variety.  I  know  of  no  Apple  that  when  roasted 
preserves  its  form  so  well  and  is  apparently  quite  hard,  but  it  is,  never¬ 
theless,  just  the  reverse.  The  flesh  is  white  when  cooked.  In 
shape  the  Apple  is  faultless,  having  a  smooth  skin  and  a  rosy  cheek. 
For  home  use  or  for  market  this  cannot  fail  to  be  a  profitable  variety 
to  grow.  It  is  in  use  in  September. 

Kirke’s  Fame. 

This  Apple  is  seldom  mentioned  in  the  horticultural  press.  According 
to  Dr.  Hogg  in  the  “  Fruit  Manual  ”  its  proper  name  is  Pomeroy  of 
Herefordshire.  After  describing  it,  the  above  mentioned  authority 
remarks  that  it  is  a  very  richly  flavoured  dessert  Apple.  With  this 
description  I  quite  agree.  From  its  appearance  I  should  say  that  the 
proper  season  for  it  is  in  October.  It  is  an  excellent  cropper  ;  the  tree 
is  of  upright  growth,  not  requiring  much  space,  therefore  all  the  more 
to  be  encouraged  as  a  garden  variety. 

Peck’s  Pleasant. 

This  is  an  Apple  not  largely  grown  or  widely  known.  The  skin  is  of 
a  russety  dull  red  thickly  covered  with  large  white  spots,  which  renders 
it  somewhat  remarkable  in  appearance.  The  eye  is  deeply  sunken,  the 
fruit  rather  flat.  Altogether  it  appears  to  be  an  Apple  worthy  of 
extended  cultivation. 

Cardinal. 

As  an  early  culinary  Apple  for  market  this  is  to  be  recommended, 
coming  to  a  large  size  at  the  end  of  August.  In  addition,  its  colour 
and  perfect  shape  are  sure  to  command  a  ready  sale.  The  tree  is  a 
vigorous  grower,  the  foliage  is  really  handsome,  so  luxuriant  is  it.  For 
a  small  garden  Cardinal  is  just  the  Apple  to  plant,  bush  trees  requiring 
but  little  space. 

Cox’s  Pomona. 

I  would  draw  attention  to  this  culinary  Apple  as  a  market  variety. 
Not  only  is  it  a  good  cropper,  but  the  colour  which  it  carries  is  all  in  its 
favour.  As  a  rule  the  colour  spreads  entirely  over  the  fruit,  and  is  less 
affected  by  non-exposure  to  the  sun  than  the  bulk  of  other  sorts.  With 
me  the  colour,  streaks  of  bright  crimson  on  a  yellow’  base,  is  as  much 
deflned  at  the  base  as  the  apex. — E.  M. 


December  28,  1898.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


678 


CyPRIPEDIUM  INSIGNE  VAR.  ILLUSTRE. 


There  are  many  varieties  of  Cypripedium  insigne  now  in 
cultivation,  and  these  vary  much  in  character.  During  the  past 
few  months  three  or  four  different  forms  have  been  adjudged 
awards  of  merit  by  the  Orchid  Committee  of  the  Koyal  Horti¬ 
cultural  Society,  this  number  including  the  variety  depicted  in  the 
illustration  (fig.  83).  This  was  exhibited  at  the  Drill  Hall, 
Westminster,  S.W.,  by  R.  J.  Measures,  Esq.,  Cambridge  Lodge, 
Camberwell,  on  Tuesday,  November  28th.  It  is  a  very  distinct 
kind,  and  attracted  more  than  ordinary  attention.  The  upper 
sepal  is  yellowish  green,  unusually  heavily  spotted  brown,  and  has 
a  well  defined  white  tip.  The  petals  are  similarly  marked,  and  the 
lip  dark  thining  brown. 

ORCHID  LESSONS  FOR  YOUNG  GARDENERS. 

ROOTS  AND  THEIR  REQUIREMENTS. 

(^Continued  from  -page  550.) 

Before  pointing  out  the  requirements  of  Orchid  roots  we  must 
devote  a  few  words  to  explaining  in  what  respects  they  differ  from 
those  of  most  other  plants,  as  a  good  guide  is  obtained  in  our 
practice  if  we  understand  with  what  we  are  dealing.  In  the  first 
place,  Orchids  can  be  divided  into  two  natural  groups  for  the 
purposes  of  cultivation,  as  the  requirements  are  very  different. 
The  largest  group  is  that  comprising  what  are  termed  “  epiphytes  ” 
— namely,  Orchids  which  are  mostly  found  growing  upon  trees  or 
other  plants,  or  on  decaying  vegetable  matter,  and  but  seldom  in 
the  ordinary  soil  ;  the  other  includes  the  so-called  terrestrial 
Orchids,  which  are  commonly  deciduous,  losing  their  leaves  and 
growths  every  year,  dying  down  to  a  fleshy  tuber,  which  remains 
under  the  soil  through  the  period  of  rest.  With  the  epiphytes 
Orchid  growers  are  mostly  concerned,  and  to  them  first  attention 
must  be  devoted.  The  principal  point  that  will  be  noted  in  con¬ 
sidering  these  plants  is  that  the  roots  are  naturally  seldom  covered 
with  much  material,  and  this  is  of  a  light  character,  being  formed 
of  such  decayed  vegetation  as  may  accumulate  where  the  Orchids 
find  a  suitable  spot  for  growing.  As  the  plants  are  not  parasites — 
that  is,  they  do  not  derive  any  food  support  from  the  sap  of  the 
stems  on  which  they  live,  it  is  therefore  obvious  the  principal 
nourishment  of  the  epiphytal  Orchids  must  come  from  the  rains 
and  atmospheric  moisture  surrounding  them.  So  it  is  that  the 
roots  perform  two  functions — one  being  to  hold  the  plant  in 
position,  and  the  other  to  extract  the  requisite  moisture  from  the 
air  or  some  light  substance,  which  shall  not  bury  them  deeply.  As 
might  be  expected,  the  roots  are  very  different  from  those  of 
plants  which  derive  their  support  from  soil  in  the  ordinary  way. 
If  examined  they  will  be  found  to  be  comparatively  thick  and 
fleshy,  free  from  the  numerous  minute  fibres  characteristic  of 
other  plants,  while  the  roots  produced  on  the  stems,  and  therefore 
entirely  exposed  to  the  air,  are  frequently  found  to  be  covered  with 
a  whitish,  ashen,  or  leaden  coloured  kind  of  bark,  except  the 
young  tips,  which  are  usually  of  a  greenish  tint,  and  the  condition 
of  these  afford  one  of  the  most  reliable  indications  of  the  health 
and  activity  of  many  Orchids,  especially  those  producing  large 
leafy  stems.  _ 

Three  cultural  hints  can  be  derived  from  the  facts  mentioned, 
first,  that  the  roots  being  thick  and  fleshy  are  easily  injured  and 
not  readily  renewed,  pointing  to  the  necessity  of  great  care  in 
all  operations  ;  secondly,  that  very  little  material  is  required  about 
the  roots  of  the  epiphytal  Orchids,  consequently  it  is  a  mistake  to 
bury  them  deeply  in  large  pots  under  a  mass  of  close  substance, 
excluding  air  from  them,  and  leading  to  a  sourness  most  antagonistic 
to  healthy  growth  ;  thirdly,  that  gross  nourishment  is  not  required, 
but  a  regular  supply  of  moisture,  and  that  the  appearance  of  the 
stem  roots  often  gives  us  an  excellent  idea  of  the  state  of  the  plant. 


In  the  case  of  the  terrestrial  Orchids  the  roots  partake  more  of 
an  annual  character,  for  after  each  season  fresh  roots  are  produced, 
and  the  principal  object  of  the  cultivator  is  to  encourage  these  to 
make  free  and  rapid  progress  by  a  liberal  supply  of  readily  available 
food  in  a  more  substantial  soil.  Familiar  examples  of  this  class 
are  afforded  by  the  Calanthes  of  the  vestita  group  amongst  those 
grown  under  glass,  and  by  Cypripedium  spectabile  amongst  those 
which  can  be  grown  out  of  doors.  The  same  fleshy  moisture-loving 
character  is,  however,  possessed  even  by  these,  and  the  only 


temporary  safeguard  against  carelessness  is  that  the  large  pseudo¬ 
bulbs  or  tubers  serve  as  storehouses  from  which  the  plant  draws 
supplies  in  time  of  need. — Orchidist. 

(To  be  continued.) 


REMARKS  BEARING  ON  FRUIT  CULTURE. 

Having  received  a  letter  from  a  correspondent,  who  is  a  member  of 
a  “Gardeners’  Mutual  Improvement  Association,’’  in  which  I  am  asked 
to  answer  five  questions  of  a  practical  and  very  interesting  kind  ;  and  in 
writing  answers  thereto,  it  occurred  to  me  that  the  matter  might  prove 
as  useful  as  it  is  opportune  to  readers  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture. 
The  questions  are  given  in  my  correspondent’s  own  words,  and  are  as 
follows  : — 

(1) ,  Is  canker  in  fruit  trees  caused  principally  by  the  roots  penetrating 
into  bad  subsoil,  such  as  clay,  sand  or  gravel  ?  Yes ;  the  principal 
cause  of  canker  in  fruit  trees  is  the  pushing  of  the  roots  into  a  cold,  wet, 
poor,  and  perhaps,  sour  subsoil.  Strong,  vigorous  growing  varieties  of 
the  Apple  worked  on  a  free  stock  are  rarely  affected  with  canker. 

(2) ,  Are  the  roots  of  fruit  trees  (Vines  in  particular)  under  ordinary 
treatment  inactive  during  the  winter  months?  Practically,  if  not 
literally,  the  roots  of  fruit  trees  are  inactive  during  the  interval  elapsing 
from  the  shedding  of  the  leaves  to  the  bursting  of  the  buds  in  the 


spring,  or  at  any  time  that  circumstance  may  occur  under  artificial 
treatment. 

(3) ,  Do  the  roots  of  the  Vines  start  into  growth  before  or  after  top 
growth  has  commenced  ?  I  believe  the  roots  of  the  Vine  start 
growing  generally  after  top  growth  has  commenced.  This  is  certainly 
the  case  where  the  roots  are  in  outside  borders,  and  I  believe  it  is  the 
fact  when  the  roots  are  growing  in  inside  borders  too.  The  Vine 
grown  under  favourable  circumstances  has  completed  its  functionary 
preparations  for  another  year’s  work  when  it  has  shed  its  leaves,  and  so 
the  plump  well-ripened  buds  only  await  the  necessary  amount  of 
increased  light  and  warmth  to  push  into  growth  in  the  spring  in  advance 
of  root  action.  This  is  only  reasonable,  seeing  that  the  temperature — 
to  say  nothing  about  the  great  importance  of  light  as  a  factor  of  growth 
— to  which  the  top  part  of  the  Vine  or  tree  is  subjected,  is  uniformly 
much  higher  than  that  of  the  soil  about  the  roots. 

(4) ,  Is  it  beneficial  to  supply  manure  water  to  fruit  trees  just 
previous  to  their  coming  into  bloom  ?  It  is  most  certainly  beneficial  to 
well  water  fruit  trees  with  diluted  liquid  manure  previous  to  their 
coming  into  bloom,  then,  or  at  any  other  time,  always  assuming  that 
the  condition  of  the  soil  about  the  roots  is  such  as  to  render  the  applica¬ 
tion  of  water  advisable.  It  is  more  important  that  the  soil  should  not 
be  allowed  to  approach  the  dryness  at  the  period  indicated  than  at  any 
other  stage  (not  excepting  the  time  the  fruit  is  stoning)  of  the  tree’s 
gro  wth.  Ocherwise  the  fruit  buds  would  be  likely  to  drop. 


674 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  Deo«mber  S8,  1893. 


Is  it  right  when  pruning  fruit  trees  to  cut  “  clean  away  ”  all  growth 
(excepting  leaders  required  for  further  extension  of  the  trees)  so  as  to 
leare  no  chance  for  any  buds  to  start  or  form  1  No  ;  certainly  not.  In 
the  winter  pruning  of  trees  of  the  Apricot,  Apple,  Pear,  Plum,  and 
Sweet  Cherry  (the  summer  “pinching  ”  having  been  duly  attended  to), 
all  young  lateral  growths  should  be  cut  back  to  within  one  eye  or  bud 
of  their  bases.  I  am  referring  to  established  trees.  In  the  case  of 
young  trees  obtained  from  the  nursery  or  home  growers,  every  available 
shoot  (excepting  foreright  shoots)  should  be  spread  out  and  trained 
regularly  over  the  wall  space,  bending  the  strong  unpruned  leading 
growths  towards  the  ground,  and  securing  them  to  the  wall  in 
that  position  with  nails  and  shreds,  afterwards  fastening  the 
leaders  thus  operated  on  in  their  respective  positions,  and  arranging 
the  young  growths  over  the  intervening  spaces.  All  the  foreright 
shoots  should  be  cut  back  to  within  one  bud  of  their  origin  to  induce 
and  promote  the  formation  of  spurs  and  fruit  buds.  In  the  matter  of 
hardy  fruit  culture,  the  main  object  should  be  to  obtain  large  fruit¬ 
bearing  trees  of  approved  varieties  of  the  several  kinds  in  as  short  a 
time  as  possible.  Therefore,  in  starting  with  young  orchard  trees,  the 
leading  shoots  should  be  pruned  back  to  within  8  or  9  inches  of  their 
bases  after  they  have  shed  their  leaves  in  the  autumn,  and  should 
the  growths  resulting  from  the  shortened  back  shoots  in  the  spring  be 
likely  to  become  crowded  or  to  cross  each  other  they  must  be  pinched 
back  to  within  2  or  3  inches  of  their  origin. — A  Fruit  Grower  and 
Exhibitor. 


JOTTINGS  FROM  DUBLIN. 

A  JUDGING  engagement  took  me  to  Dublin  for  a  few  days  during 
■the  month  of  November.  I  determined  to  make  the  most  use  of  the 
short  time  at  disposal  by  inspecting  the  chief  horticultural  objects 
situated  in  or  near  the  city.  Gladly  accepting  the  proffered  guidance 
of  an  enthusiastic  amateur  horticulturist,  a  jaunting  car  was  chartered. 
The  first  order  the  “  jarvey  ”  received  was  St.  Anne’s,  the  princely 
residence  of  Lord  Ardilaun,  situated  some  five  miles  east  from  Sackville 
Street.  A  telegram  in  advance  made  certain  of  finding  Mr.  Smith  at 
home,  who  has  had  charge  of  these  gardens  for  the  last  twenty-six  years. 
A  very  pleasant  hour  was  spent  in  his  company. 

Time  did  not  permit  of  more  than  a  cursory  glance  at  each  of  the 
various  departments,  but  sufficient  was  seen  to  show  that  high  cultiva¬ 
tion  is  the  foremost  object  here.  The  first  house  we  entered  contained 
some  well-grown  winter  flowering  Carnations  ;  Winter  Cheer  and 
Whipper  In  made  a  bright  display  with  their  scarlet  blossoms. 
Mignonette  for  winter  flowering  is  largely  grown,  the  variety  Machet 
proving  to  be  quite  as  valuable  for  this  season  as  it  is  for  early  summer. 
Cyclamens  are  more  numerous  and  their  wants  better  understood  than  I 
had  previously  seen  in  any  private  garden. 

A  new  and  handsome  structure  is  devoted  to  tropical  plants,  such  as 
Palms,  Bananas,  Tree  Ferns  and  the  like,  all  bearing  the  stamp  of  good 
•cultivation.  In  another  house  adjoining  Crotons,  Dracasnas,  and  other 
similar  plants  suitable  for  house  decoration  are  grown  in  large  numbers, 
the  demand  for  material  of  this  class  being  a  heavy  one.  Hardwooded 
plants  are  not  neglected  either.  Camellias,  Azaleas,  Epacris  and  Heaths 
are  admirably  grown.  Rambling  freely  under  the  roof  in  one  of  the 
numerous  span-roofed  houses,  I  noted  a  healthy  plant  of  Bomarea  Carderl, 
which  is  but  seldom  .seen  in  private  gardens.  Orchids  do  not  occupy  a 
considerable  space,  but  they  have  a  healthy  appearance.  A  very 
fine  form  of  Vanda  coerulea  was  flowering  at  the  time  of  my  visit. 
Forty  guineas  had  been  offered  for  one  very  small  plant,  so  highly  of 
was  it  thought  by  one  of  our  greatest  Orchid  cultivators,  so  rich  is  it  in 
its  colouring.  Cypripediums  are  well  managed.  Cattleyas,  Laelias  and 
Zygopetalums  are  also  well  represented. 

In  the  fruit  houses  there  was  of  course  little  to  see,  but  judging  from 
last  season’s  growth  the  Peach  crop  must  have  been  a  good  one.  The 
Vines  as  far  as  could  be  judged  from  the  appearance  of  the  rods  and 
buds  give  good  crops  of  fruit,  quality  being  the  chief  point  aimed  at  and 
obtained.  Strawberries  in  pots  are  numerously  grown. 

Out  of  doors  all  departments  are  in  keeping  with  the  inside. 
Herbaceous  plants  are  extensively  cultivated.  I  was  not  a  little  sur¬ 
prised  to  hear  that  Salvia  patens  withstood  the  rigours  of  an  Irish 
winter  with  but  a  protection  of  coal  ashes,  a  layer  being  placed  about 
the  stems.  As  quite  a  dozen  roots  are  growing  in  each  clump  the  plants 
when  in  bloom  must  produce  a  good  effect.  Border  Carnations  are 
largely  .grown,  they  are  mainly  planted  in  wide  beds  in  the  kitchen 
garden,  and  rockery  plants  form  a  distinct  feature.  The  best  Yew 
hedges  that  I  have  seen  are  here,  and  some  lessons  in  hedge-clipping 
could  be  had,  so  accurately  is  the  work  done.  The  square  columns  are 
15  feet  high,  and  many  of  the  hedges  are  7  feet,  and  in  all  cases  these 
latter  have  perpendicular  sides  and  flat  tops. 

^  Conifers  and  forest  trees  are  not  of  particular  merit,  the  situation 
being  too  near  the  sea  and  too  much  exposed  to  wind  for  luxuriant 
growth.  Some  perfectly  formed  specimens  of  Weeping  Ash  I  noted  by 
the  side  of  the  carriage  drive.  Evergreen  Oaks  were  of  uniform  growth, 
the  foliage  being  rich  in  its  tone  of  colour.  The  general  appearance  of 
the  place,  which  includes  60  acres  of  pleasure  garden,  reflected  much 
credit  on  the  able  custodian,  who  is  apparently  held  in  great  respect  by 
his  noble  employer  if  one  may  judge  from  the  handsome  present  of  a 
silver  tea  service  with  suitable  inscription,  made  him  upon  the  comple¬ 
tion  of  twenty-five  years’  service. 

After  driving  back  to  the  city  a  change  of  guides  took  place,  I 
being  handed  over  this  time  to  the  charge  of  two  enthusiastic 


horticulturists,  one  as  hearty  and  entertaining  an  Irishman  as  ever 
lived,  as  full  of  Irish  wit  and  humour  as  the  proverbial  egg  is 
full  of  meat,  who  could  not  if  he  tried  have  copied  the  “  jarvey  ” 
(who  spoke  hardly  a  word  during  the  whole  of  the  day),  which 
to  me  was  a  surprise,  as  Irish  “jarveys”  were  noted,  1  had  been 
informed,  for  their  volubility  of  tongue.  Just  one  instance  of  my 
friend’s  native  wit  before  I  close  this  part  of  my  jottings.  Our  spirited 
horse  in  going  up  a  hill  past  the  penal  establishment  took  it  into  his 
bead  to  turn  suddenly  and  sharply  round.  The  riding  on  an  Irish  car 
being  new  to  me  I  was  prepared  for  a  jump  upon  the  slightest  sign  of 
danger,  which  drew  from  my  friend  the  remark,  accompanied  with  a 
merry  twinkle  in  his  eye,  “  A  sinsible  man  always  sits  still.” 

In  my  next  I  will  refer  to  my  pleasant  visit  to  Mr.  F,  W,  Burbidgeat 
the  Trinity  College  Botanical  Gardens. — E.  Molyneux. 


The  Weather  in  London. — Bright  and  genial  weather  charac- 
tised  Christmas  day.  With  a  clear  sky  four  hours  of  sunshine  were 
registered  in  Westminster,  and  there  was  an  entire  absence  of  rain  in 
the  metropolis  until  about  nine  o’clock  at  night,  when  it  fell  heavily 
for  an  hour  or  so.  The  temperature  continued  remarkably  high  for  the 
season,  the  lowest  reading  of  the  thermometer  during  the  night  being 
40°,  whilst  the  highest  in  the  day  was  46°.  Tuesday  was  also  fine, 
but  Wednesday  opened  dull,  and  as  we  are  going  to  press  a 
fog  prevails. 

-  Weather  in  the  North. — With  the  exception  of  the  20th, 

which  was  a  calm  clear  day,  the  weather  has  been  disagreeable  during 
the  past  week.  There  has  been  very  little  frost,  but  high  winds  and 
rain  have  prevailed,  and  there  was  a  slight  fall  of  snow  on  the  morning 
of  the  21st.  Christmas  Day  was  marked  throughout  by  gusts  of  wind 
and  cold  showers.  Tuesday  morning  was  dull,  but  so  far  fair  and  calm. 
— B.  D.,  S.  Perthshire. 

-  The  Gardeners’  Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — The 

fifty-fifth  annual  general  meeting  of  the  members  of  this  Institution 
will  be  held  at  “  Simpsons,”  101,  Strand,  London,  W.G.,  on  Wednesday, 
January  17th,  1894,  at  3  P.M.  The  meeting  is  called  for  the  purpose  of 
receiving  the  report  of  the  Committee  and  the  accounts  of  the  Insti¬ 
tution,  electing  oSicers  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  other  affairs  ;  also  for 
the  purpose  of  placing  fifteen  pensioners  on  the  Fund.  The  Committee 
request  that  all  unpaid  subscriptions  for  the  year  1893  be  forwarded  to 
the  Secretary,  Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram,  at  the  oflBce,50,  Parliament  Street,  S.W., 
before  the  31st  inat.,  the  date  on  which  the  financial  year  of  the  Insti¬ 
tution  closes. 

-  We  have  received  Part  20  of  the  “  Dictionnaire  Pratique 

d’Horticulture  et  Jardinage,”  published  by  M.  Octave  Doin  of 
Paris,  and  which  is  edited  by  MM.  Mottet,  Vilmorin-Andrieux  et  Cie, 
Alluard,  E.  Andre,  G.  Bellair,  G.  Legros,  &c.  It  professes  to  be  a 
French  translation  of  “  Nicholson’s  Dictionary  of  Gardening,”  but  in 
many  respects  is  quite  a  different  work,  both  in  the  letterpress  and  the 
illustrations.  To  those  who  understand  the  French  language  it  will  be  a 
most  useful  work,  and  we  commend  it  very  highly  to  those  who  are  able 
to  make  use  of  it.  We  have  not  received  Parts  17,  18,  and  19. 

-  “  Index  Kewensis.” — “A.  C.”  writes  : — Relative  to  the  notice 

of  the  “  Index  Kewensis”  in  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  (page  553), 
may  I  offer  a  free  translation  of  the  very  forcible  Latin  couplet  ? 

Opus  est  hactenns  sine  pari 
Opus  est  quo,  nullus  carere  potest. 

A  Work,  so  far,  quite  peerless  beyond  doubt ! 

A  Work,  this  is,  which  none  should  be  without ! 

-  The  St.  Brigid  Anemones. — Mr.  S.  Arnott  observes  These 

beautiful  Anemones  can  hardly  be  overpraised,  and  as  one  who  has 
grown  them  for  a  number  of  years,  and  has  often  wished  to  know  who 
“St.  Brigid”  is,  I  have  been  much  interested  in  Mr.  Burbidge’s  article 
on  page  504.  In  mild  seasons  I  cover  a  small  bed  with  a  frame,  and  am 
thus  enabled  to  cut  flowers  occasionally  throughout  the  winter.  The 
method  recommended  of  sowing  the  seed  in  March  or  April  is  an 
excellent  one  for  autumn  and  winter  flowering,  or  for  gardens  where 
the  Crown  Anemone  does  not  succeed  permanently  planted. 


December  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


575- 


-  Luculia  aRATisSIMA. — Half  a  dozen  plants  of  this  Luculia 

were  planted  eighteen  months  ago  in  a  border  composed  of  loam  three 
parts,  the  remainder  leaf  mould  and  peat  in  equal  portions,  with  a  little 
sand  and  charcoal  added.  They  are  trained  against  the  wall  of  a  large 
conservatory,  and  are  now  in  flower,  emitting  a  very  sweet  perfume. 
The  flowers  fade  quickly  after  cutting  if  the  stems  only  are  placed  in 
water,  but  if  picked  in  rather  small  pieces  and  allowed  to  float  in  a  bowl 
of  water  they  keep  fresh  for  a  much  longer  period,  and  are  a  welcome 
addition  at  this  time  of  year. — W.  S. 

-  Crystal  Palace  Fruit  Show. — I  should  like  to  add  a  few 

words  in  support  of  the  suggestion  of  “  H.  W.  W.”  (page  508),  which 
has  been  so  fully  endorsed  by  “An  Old  Exhibitor  ”  (page  531).  No 
matter  what  shows  are  held  in  that  grand  monument  to  Sir  J.  Paxton’s 
memory,  whether  they  be  of  Rose,  Fruit,  or  Chrysanthemums,  exhibitors 
and  public  alike  speak  in  high  terms  of  the  effectiveness  of  the 
arrangements  there.  It  is  therefore  much  to  be  regretted  that  the 
great  annual  Fruit  Show  should  have  been  discontinued  during  the 
last  two  years,  and  I  join  with  other  exhibitors  in  expressing  the 
hope  that  the  Crystal  Palace  Directors  may  be  induced  to  resuscitate 
their  September  Exhibition.  An  excellent  and  practical  method  of 
approaching  the  Directors  is  suggested  by  “  D.”  (page  531),  and  I 
entertain  a  firm  belief  that  if  “H.  W.  W.”  and  the  Editor  will  under¬ 
take  the  task  their  appeal  on  behalf  of  British  fruit  growers  will  not  be 
made  in  vain.— A  Midland  Counties  Fruit  Grower. 

-  Sunlight  Soap  Competitions. — Gardeners  who  make  a 

practice  of  exhibiting  usually  regard  competitions  as  a  stimulus  to  the 
routine  of  everyday  life,  and  as  a  deviation  from  these  the  “  Sunlight 
Soap  Competitions,”  inaugurated  by  Messrs.  Lever  Brothers,  are  worthy 
of  notice.  Particulars  of  these  competitions  are  given  in  our  adver¬ 
tisement  pages.  The  enterprise  of  the  proprietors  of  this  domestic 
necessity  has  developed  a  world-wide  trade. 

-  Ripening  Green  Tomatoes. — Compared  with  the  customary 

methods  in  this  country,  some  ideas  of  our  transatlantic  cousins  appear 
strange,  as  witness  the  following  : — “  Among  various  plans  for  ripening 
green  Tomatoes  which  are  usually  found  on  the  plants  when  frost  kills 
them,  the  ‘Florists’  Exchange’  gives  the  advice  to  spade  up  a  piece 
of  ground  which  is  protected  on  the  north  side,  then  pull  up  the 
plants  with  the  fruits,  spread  them  over  the  newly  spaded  ground  and 
cover  them  with  straw,  leaves,  corn  stalks,  or  anything  which  is  most 
convenient  to  keep  them  warm  at  night.  The  heat  of  the  earth  will 
ripen  the  fruits  perfectly.  The  fruit  does  not  wilt,  and  the  flavour  will 
be  as  good  as  if  it  ripened  in  the  sun.”  Has  any  British  Tomato  grower 
tried  this  method  ? — A;  B.  C. 

-  Room  Plants. — There  are  few  plants  of  any  description 

grown  in  pots  that  are  of  greater  value  at  this  time  of  the  year  than  are 
those  evergreens  that  will  do  well  in  fairly  cool  rooms,  yet  from  which 
frost  is  excluded.  By  evergreens  I  do  not  mean  shrubs,  but  Palms^ 
Ferns,  Aspidistras,  Dracaenas,  Indiarubber,  and  Asparagus,  all  of  great 
beauty  now  because  decorative  plants  in  cool  rooms  are  scarce.  I  have 
in  a  room  looking  west  a  Kentia  Fosteriana  that  was  given  me  last 
spring.  It  is  some  SO  inches  in  height,  and  is  in  perfect  condition. 
Other  smaller  ones  are  growing  and  do  ng  well,  Dracaena  indivisa 
2  feet  high,  is  excellent,  so  also  are  variegated  Aspidistras,  which  I 
obtained  six  months  ago,  and  are  as  good  as  ever,  perhaps  better.  The 
Adder’s-tongue  Fern  does  so  well  because  its  fronds  clean  so  admirably. 
This,  however,  may  be  said  of  many  others.  I  have  a  plant,  dug  up 
from  a  ditch  in  the  New  Forest  some  three  years  since,  that  does 
capitally  in  a  room,  and  a  more  recent  addition  is  a  well-seasoned 
clump  of  Asparagus  plumosus  nanus,  so  fragile  looking,  so  graceful,  and 
yet  so  admirable  for  room  culture,  indeed  one  of  the  best.  I  think 
a  cool  room,  in  which  fire  and  gas  are  used  but  once  a  week,  is  much 
better  than  is  a  room  more  frequently  heated.  It  is  true  we  have  not 
had  much  frost  so  far,  and  the  winter  has  been  very  favourable,  still 
should  the  weather  prove  hard  a  little  artificial  warmth  can  easily  be 
furnished.  That  there  are  many  of  these  good  green  or  variegated 
plants  in  cultivation,  of  which  little  as  to  their  domestic  usefulness  is 
known,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  I  am  not  referring  to  plants  that  are 
kept  in  rooms  for  a  week,  then  out  again ;  I  write  of  those  that  will 
nearly  always,  but  especially  for  several  months,  keep  fresh  and  growing. 
What  an  interesting  thing  would  be  a  competition  at  the  Drill  Hall  of 
three,  four,  or  six  plants  grown  in  pots  in  living  rooms  for  a  period  of 
six  months  previously,  having  windows  only  to  furnish  light  and  air. 
That  would,  be  something  novel  in  the  way  of  plant  exhibits. — D. 


-  Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society. — The  flower 

shows  of  this  Society  will  be  held  in  the  Waverley  Market,  Edinburgh, 
on  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  4th  and  5th  April  ;  Wednesday  and 
Thursday,  11th  and  12th  July;  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  12th  and 
13th  September,  1894, 

-  Parona  pAniculata. — An  American  contemporary  eulogises 

this  Parona,  and  says  it  is  an  annual  fast-growing,  twining,  high 
climbing,  downy  plant,  with  ample  much-branched  panicles  of  small, 
somewhat  tubular,  white  flowers.  The  leaves  are  cordate,  2^  to 
3J  inches  long,  smooth  above  but  downy  underneath,  and  rather 
suggestive  of  those  of  some  of  the  small-leaved  Aristolochias. 

-  London  Gardens.  —  A  correspondent  writes  : — Apropos  of 

the  interesting  articles  by  “  J.  R.  S.  0.”  (pages  52G  and  550)  the  follow¬ 
ing  clipping  from  a  recent  number  of  the  “  Nineteenth  Century,”  may 
be  worth  reproducing  : — “  London  alone  has,  since  the  formation  of  the 
Metropolitan  Public  Gardens  Association  in  1882,  increased  her  open 
spaces  by  157,  containing  4998  acres,  while  the  entire  number  of  public 
parks  and  gardens  within  easy  reach  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  metro- , 
polis  is  271,  containing  17,876  acres,  which  include  6380  acres  acquired  . 
and  maintained  by  the  Corporation  of  the  City  of  London.  We  may 
roughly  say  that  the  cities  and  towns  of  the  United  Kingdom,  including 
the  metropolis,  possess  some  500  open  spaces  over  40,000  acres  ia 
extent,” 

- Death  op  Mr.  George  Thorpe. — We  regret  to  learn  from 

the  American  papers  of  the  death  of  Mr.  George  Thorpe,  the  youngest  son 
of  Mr.  John  Thorpe,  which  occurred  on  the  morning  of  November  23rd. 
For  three  weeks  previous  Mr.  Thorpe  had  been  confined  to  his  room  with 
typhoid  pneumonia.  He  was  twenty-one  years  cf  age,  and  was  identified 
with  his  father  in  the  latter’s  position  as  Chief  of  Floriculture  at  the 
World’s  Fair.  The  illness  that  caused  his  death  was  induced  by  exposure 
while  attending  to  his  duties  at  the  Fair.  He  was  in  the  habit  of  reaching 
the  grounds  every  morning  at  four  o’clock,  and  he  often  remained  there 
until  late  at  night.  Mr.  Thorpe  was  a  promising  young  man,  of  a  genial 
disposition,  and  made  many  warm  friends.  The  funeral  services  were 
attended  by  numerous  friends  and  societies,  who  followed  his  remains 
to  Oakwoods  Cemetery.  The  Chicago  Florists’  Club,  of  which  he  was  a 
member,  attended  in  a  body.  ^  ^ 

-  Shropshire  Horticultural  Society. — The  annual  meeting 

of  this  Society  was  held  on  Monday,  the  18th  inst.,  when  there  was  a 
good  attendance  of  members.  His  Worship  the  Mayor  (W.  L.  Browne^ 
Esq.),  was  voted  to  the  chair.  Mr.  W.  W.  Naunton  (one  of  the  HoOr 
Secs.),  read  the  annual  report  of  the  Committee,  which  included  the 
following  ; — “  The  continued  success  which  attended  the  exhibitions  of 
the  Society  during  the  present  year  is  a  matter  for  congratulation,  but- 
there  is  nothing  which  calls  for  any  special  remarks.  The  accounts  will 
be  found  very  satisfactory,  showing  a  profit  for  the  year  of  about  £850. 
Arrangements  for  1894  are  in  progress,  and  there  is  every  reason  to  hope 
that  with  the  usual  kind  co-operation  of  the  railway  companies  and  thn 
corporation,  the  previous  successes  of  the  Society  will  be  fully  main¬ 
tained.”  Mr.  W.  Phillips  (one  of  the  Hon.  Treasurers)  then  read  the 
statement  of  accounts.  In  the  statement  for  1893  the  receipts  included 
Interest  on  invested  capital  £110  9s.;  subscriptions  received,  £404  ISs.; 
cash  taken  at  Spring  Show,  £15  ISs.  9J.;  received  for  rents,  £57  19s.  Gd.; 
cash  for  refreshment  contracts,  Summer  Show,  £354  18s.  9d.;  takings  at 
gate,  first  day,  £504  15s.  8d.;  second  day,  £1459  6s.  2d.;  cheap  tickets 
sold  by  Messrs.  Adnitt  &  Naunton,  £496  16s.  lOJ.  Total  receipts^for 
the  year,  £3631  128.  5d,  The  disbursements  included  : — Spring  Show 
expenses,  £85  11s.  lOd.;  prize  money.  Summer  Show,  £845  lls.  6d,,' 
sports  and  fireworks,  £455  53.;  horse  leaping,  £101  53.  3d,;  baBda;. 
£286  188,  9d.;  hire  of  tents,  gas,  enclosing  ground,  &c.,  '£321  193.  Sd;;' 
printing,  £143  lls,  7d.;  advertising,  £156  IGs.  91.  The  balance  carried; 
forward  is  £694  3s,  8d.  The  statement  showing  the  actual  position  of 
the  Society  was  read  as  follows  : — To  balance  as  per  last  balance  sheet, 
viz.,  at  banker’s  on  current  account,  £761  43.  9J.;  on  deposit,  £500— » 
£1261  48.  9d. ;  balance  in  hand  on  1893  accounts  £604  3s.  8d.;  amount 
transferred  from  deposit  account  to  current  account,  £1750  ;'amo«nt 
invested  on  Kingsland  Bridge  Debentures,  £1000  ;  investment  on  Police’ 
Station,  £500.  Total,  £5205  89.  5d.  By  amount  paid  for  fields  and 
gardens  purchased  from  J.  L.  Burton  Esq  ,  £3150  ;  paid  for  valnationj 
£10  17s.  6d.;  solicitor’s  charges  (half  legal  fees)  £33  I63.;  deposit'on! 
Circus  Fields  and  other  property  £230  ;  balance  in  banker’s  handsi 
£280  153.  lid,;  Kingsland  Bridge  Debentures,  £1000;  Police  Station’ 
investment,  £500.  Total,  £5,205  83.  5d.  It  was  subsequently  remarked 
that  since  its  inauguration  the  Society  has  contributed  £5OO0  towards 
the  charitable  institutions  of  Shrewsbury.  v.  i 


576 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  28,  1893. 


-  Colonial  Gardening  Appointments. — We  are  informed 

that  Mr.  H.  J.  Davies,  who  for  some  time  past  has  been  sub-foreman  of 
the  Orchid  department  at  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  will  shortly  leave 
England  for  the  Calcutta  Botanic  Gardens.  Mr.  J.  Ward,  also  from 
Kew,  goes  out  as  Curator  of  the  Magpur  Gardens  in  the  Bengal  Presi¬ 
dency.  Mr.  H.  Millen,  after  a  six  months’  holiday,  has  left  England 
once  more  for  the  Lagos  Gardens,  of  which  he  is  Curator. 

-  Ivy  under  Trees. — Mr.  E.  Molyneux  writes  : — The  best 

example  of  utilising  Ivy  for  covering  the  ground  under  large  forest 
trees,  where  but  little  else  would  grow  that  I  have  seen,  is  at  Dove 
Park,  Woolton,  a  suburb  of  Liverpool.  A  width  of  about  15  feet 
on  each  side  of  a  long  winding  carriage  drive,  planted  with  Beech, 
Sycamore,  and  Lime  trees,  is  covered  quite  thickly  with  Irish  Ivy, 
making  a  charming  green  carpet  fully  1  foot  thick.  True,  the  trees  are 
not  furnished  with  branches  very  near  the  ground,  which  is  all  in  favour 
of  the  Ivy.  One  would  think  that  the  leaves  falling  from  the  trees 
would  have  an  untidy  appearance  amongst  the  Ivy,  but  such  is  not  the 
case ;  they  seem  to  be  thoroughly  hidden  by  the  Ivy  covering.  Mr. 
Carling  told  me  that  they  always  throw  the  leaves  among  the  Ivy  when 
cleaning  the  drive.  In  time  they  decay,  and  act  as  a  surface  dress¬ 
ing  and  manure  for  the  Ivy.  Examples  of  this  kind  are  well  worthy 
of  imitation,  the  result  being  so  satisfactory. 

-  Bananas. — The  Banana  is  not  nearly  so  largely  cultivated  in 

English  gardens  as  it  deserves,  one  chief  reason  being  the  amount  of 
space  required  when  given  full  root  room.  We  have  had  six  plants  of 
Musa  Cavendish!  growing  in  a  bed  12  feet  long  by  6  feet  wide,  and 
about  3  feet  6  inches  deep,  in  a  compost  comprising  good  turfy  loam 
and  decayed  stableyard  manure.  When  planted  on  April  1st,  1893,  they 
had  scarcely  any  roots,  but  by  shading  and  frequently  syringing  the 
plants  have  attained  enormous  dimensions,  and  are  all  carrying  tremen- 
.  dous  clusters  of  fruit.  One  plant  measures  3  feet  in  circumference  at  the 
base  of  the  stem,  and  is  carrying  a  bunch  3  feet  long,  and  thickly  packed 
'With fruit.  The  other  four  measure  from  2  feet  8  inches  to  3  feet  at 
‘  base  of  stem,  and  are  carrying  bunches  of  similar  dimensions.  We  cut 
one  bunch  about  the  25th  of  November  weighing  130  lbs.,  with 
186  fruits  on  it,  which  we  have  been  using  for  dessert.  The  plants  have 
•  been  watered  occasionally  with  liquid  manure,  and  assisted  by  night 
-with  a  gentle  fire  heat.  The  remaining  fruits  are  swelling  fast,  and 
promise  a  long  lasting  supply  for  dessert.— Arthur  Smith,  Foreman, 
Knightshayes  Court. 

— —  Royal  Meteorological  Society.— The  monthly  meeting  of 
this  Society  was  held  on  Wednesday  evening,  the  20th  inst.,  at  the 
Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  25,  Great  George  Street,  Westminster, 
Dr.  C.  Theodore  Williams,  President,  in  the  chair.  Mr.  C.  Harding, 
F.R.Met.Soc.,  gave  an  account  of  the  “  Great  Storm  of  November  16th 
to  20th,  1893.  This  storm  was  the  most  violent  of  recent  years,  and  so 
far  as  anemometr.'cal  records  are  concerned,  the  wind  attained  a  greater 
velocity  than  has  previously  been  recorded  in  the  British  Islands.  The 
velocity  of  the  wind  was  ninety-six  miles  in  the  hour  from  8.30  to 
9.30  P.M.,  November  16th,  in  the  Orkneys,  where  the  hurricane  burst 
with  such  suddenness  that  it  is  described  as  like  the  shot  of  a  gun  ;  and 
the  wind  afterwards  attained  the  very  high  rate  of  ninety  miles  and 
upwards  in  the  hour  for  five  consecutive  hours.  At  Holyhead  the  storm 
was  terrific.  The  anemometer  recorded  a  wind  velocity  of  eighty-nine 
miles  in  the  hour,  and  it  was  eighty  miles  or  above  for  eleven  hours  ; 
while  the  force  of  a  whole  gale,  sixty-five  miles  an  hour  and  upwards) 
was  maintained  for  thirty-one  hours,  and  for  four  and  a  half  days  the 
mean  hourly  velocity  was  fifty-four  miles.  Many  of  the  gusts  were  at 
the  rate  of  115  miles  an  hour ;  and  at  Fleetwood  a  squall  occurred  with 
the  wind  at  the  rate  of  120  miles  in  the  hour.  The  storm  was  felt  over 
the  entire  area  of  the  United  Kingdom,  and  the  wreck  returns  show 
that  disasters  occurred  with  almost  equal  frequency  on  all  coasts.  Four 
weeks  after  the  storm  the  official  records  gave  the  total  loss  of  life  on 
our  coasts  as  335,  while  there  were  140  vessels  which  had  been  abandoned 
or  had  foundered,  stranded,  or  met  with  other  severe  casualty,  involving 
either  loss  of  life  or  saving  of  life  by  some  extraneous  assistance.  There 
were  600  lives  saved  on  our  coasts  by  aid  of  the  Life  Boat  Institution 
and  other  means.  The  author  has  tracked  the  storm  from  the  neighbour- 
ho^  of  the  Bahamas  on  November  7th  across  the  Atlantic  and  over  the 
British  Islands  to  Central  Europe  on  November  20th.  The  other  papers 
read  were  “Rainfall  and  Evaporation  Observations  at  the  Bombay 
Waterworks,”  by  Mr.  S.  Tomlinson,  M.Inst.C.E. ;  and  “  On  Changes 

M  Months,”  by  Mr.  A.  E.  Watson,  B.A., 


Rose,  Mrs.  W.  C.  Whitney. 

For  the  accompanying  illustration  (fig.  84)  and  description  of  this 
charming  Rose  we  are  indebted  to  “  Gardening.”  Says  our  excellent 
transatlantic  contemporary  : — “This  is  a  vigorous  Rose  of  the  American 
Beauty  stamp,  raised  from  seed  by  Mr.  John  N.  May  of  Summit,  N.J., 
who  describes  it  as  a  Hybrid  Tea.  Its  parents  are  Souvenir  d’un  Ami 
crossed  with  American  Beauty.  The  flower  is  large  and  heavy,the  colour 
is  a  deep  clear  pink,  and  the  fragrance  is  delicious.  It  was  obtained 
after  several  years’  trial  to  obtain  the  same  result.  Seedling  Roses 
are  very  difficult  to  raise.  Oftentimes  when  desiring  to  reach  a 
certain  point  the  conditions  are  so  that  the  seeds  either  fail  to  set,  or 
after  they  have  set  and  matured,  fail  to  germinate  ;  this  was  the  case  in 
this  partieular  instance.  Finally,  however,  success  followed  our  efforts, 
and  the  Mrs.  W.  C.  Whitney  Rose  is  the  result.  It  is  one  of  the  freest 
flowering  Roses  in  existence,  and  it  has  handsome,  heavy  foliage.” 

Classification  and  Protection  of  Roses. 

All  your  numerous  readers  at  all  interested  in  Rose  growing  eagerly 
read  with  pleasure  all  that  “  W.  R.  Raillem”  sends  to  “  our  Journal.” 
On  his  contribution  in  last  week’s  Journal  (page  559)  I  wish  to  make  a 
few  remarks.  In  my  opinion  there  is  no  sure  resting  place  for  the 
classification  of  modern  summer  and  autumn  flowering  Roses  other  than 
that  of  Hybrid  Perpetuals.  They  are  so  much  interbred  that  no 
other  designation  is  true  or  logical  in  my  opinion.  Let  any  rosarian 
judicially  consider  the  leaves  and  wood  of  Edith  Gifford  and  Comtesse 
de  Nadailac,  or  even  Ernest  Metz,  and  if  they  can,  avoid  the  conviction 
that  they  are  not  pure  Teas,  but  hybrids.  And  fancy  the  perpetual 
Gloire  de  Dijon  being  classed  with  Niphetos  or  Adam  1  Even  a  pure 
Bourbon  is  a  “  Hybrid  Perpetual,”  we  might  add  where  needed,  of 
“  Tea  stain  ”  or  “  Bourbon  strain,”  but  Hybrid  Perpetuals  is  the  proper 
classification. 

As  to  protection,  burnt  rubbish  in  a  mound  of  6  inches  and  then 
stable  manure  I  have  found  best  for  some  thousands  of  plants. — S.  S, 

Protecting  Tea  Roses. 

Mr.  Grahame,  and  other  suburban  Rose  growers,  if  they  have  no 
leaves  for  the  protection  of  their  Teas,  may  yet  congratulate  themselves 
that  they  have  not,  in  the  large  trees  so  often  thickly  present  in 
country  gardens,  one  of  the  greatest  obstacles  to  the  successful  culture 
of  the  Rose,  and  they  should  also  remember  that  walls  and  buildings 
which  drop  no  seeds  have  no  robbing  roots,  and  refract  and  increase  the 
heat,  are  the  very  best  shelter  against  the  wind,  and  are  even  in  some 
small  degree  a  protection  against  wind-frosts.  If  actually  in  the  smoke- 
circle  of  a  large  town,  no  doubt  watering,  syringing,  and  even  sponging 
of  the  leaves  are  sometimes  necessary, 

“  R,  M,  D.”  (page  559)  may  rest  assured  that  I  have  not  only  no 
objection  to  “  slightly  disturbing  the  surface,”  but  even  regard  it  (by 
means  of  a  hoe,  not  a  fork)  as  perhaps  the  most  important  point  in  what 
may  be  strictly  called  the  cultivation  of  the  Rose.  But  as  I  said  last 
week,  I  do  not  at  all  know  how  manure  can  be  got  into  the  ground  with 
a  fork  by  only  slightly  disturbing  the  surface.  1  can  further  assure 
him  that  I  am  most  serious  in  recommending  leaves  as  the  best  pro¬ 
tection  from  frost.  That  they  are  efficient  I  have  thoroughly  proved  in 
the  past  hard  winters,  and  recent  correspondence  in  the  Journal  has 
shown  how  they  even  keep  Apples  in  the  open  in  good  condition.  I 
recommend  their  being  placed  in,  around,  and  among  the  dwarf  Teas 
18  inches  to  2  feet  in  depth,  when  they  probably  generate  some  very 
slight  heat  in  themselves.  It  will  be  found  that  they  do  not  blow  away, 
the  low  thorny  branches  holding  them.  We  have  had  severe  gales  from 
every  quarter  during  the  last  few  weeks ;  trees,  chimney-pots, 
and  palings  have  been  blown  down,  but  my  Tea  Roses  are  as  well 
protected  as  before. 

Let  “R.  M.  D.”  examine  any  low  thorny  bush  not  under  shade,  but 
in  an  open  field,  provided  there  be  trees  any  distance  off  in  the  hedges. 
Instead  of  the  leaves  having  been  blown  away  from  the  bush  during  the 
winter,  he  will  find  that  they  have  been  blown  into  it,  and  remain  there 
thick  and  deep  till  the  spring.  He  will  also  see,  if  he  looks  to  page  540, 
that  I  said  “  the  great  bulk” — not  all — “  of  the  leaves  fall  in  ten  days 
or  a  fortnight.”  I  think  if  “  Practice  ”  (page  559)  had  had  practice  in 
growing  Tea  Roses  in  low-lying  ground  in  the  eastern  counties,  he  would 
certainly  have  had  great  losses  during  the  past  few  winters  if  he  had  not 
protected  his  plants  with  the  greatest  care  and  precaution.  He  alludes  to 
Magnolias  :  my  plant  has  sto^  unprotected  during  the  last  eight  years, 
and  has  suffered  no  harm  whatever  during  winters  which  have  some¬ 
times  swept  away  my  Tea  Roses,  in  spite  of  all  my  protection  and  care, 
— W.  R.  Raillem. 

Blue  Roses, 

The  late  Mr.  Laxton,  in  reply  to  an  inquiry  I  once  made  of  him  in 
the  columns  of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture,  wrote — “  A  yellow  Perpetual 
ought  long  since  to  have  been  evolved  from  Lyons  or  the  sunny  South. 
Now,  however,  that  Rose-crossing  in  earnest  is  being  taken  up  with 
skill,  judgment,  and  the  best  appliances  in  this  country  and  the  United 


December  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


677 


States,  I  shall  be  a  dishonoured  prophet  if  we  do  not  secure  during  the 
next  decade  not  only  a  yellow  but  a  violet  and  a  white  A.  K.  Williams.” 
This  was  in  1882.  Our  progress  has  not  been  what  Mr.  Laxton  expected. 
We  have  had  some  admirable,  I  dare  not  say  English,  but  United 
Kingdom  Roses,  not,  however,  what  were  predicted.  A  yellow  H.P.  did 
appear  with  a  flourish  of  trumpets,  but  it  is  at  present  white.  A  violet 
A.  K.  Williams  may  come  at  any  time,  but  we  are  no  nearer  to  a  sky 
blue  Rose. 

I  have  lately  had  the  advantage  of  a  conversation  with  the  prime 
mover  in  the  home  of  those  wonderful  Cinerarias,  Cyclamens,  and 
Primulas,  which  originate  at  Reading.  He  has  described  to  me  the  birth 
of  a  blue  Primula.  A  similar  close  attention  to  Nature,  watching  and 
adapting  it,  if  it  could  be  obtained,  would  surely  bring  about  a  blue 
Rose.  What  I  gather  is  that  white  flowers,  and  to  a  certain  extent 
pale  blue,  are  a  sign  of  weakness  of  constitution,  and  may  come  from 
adverse  circumstances.  The  colouring  matter  in  flowers  is  affected 
by  temperature, dry  ness, 
soil,  and  other  recondite 
causes. 

The  Bride  has  a  green 
tinge,  I  think,  peculiar 
to  its  white,  which  if 
cultivated  might  lead 
on  to  something ;  but 
Mr.  Martin  considers  a 
tinge  of  light  blue  more 
likely  to  be  found  in 
some  of  the  other  white 
Teas,  the  less  robust 
ones  rather  than  any¬ 
where  else,  and  that,  if 
this  could  be  obtained 
and  followed,  the  colour 
required  might  gradually 
be  procured.  At  the 
same  time  it  must  be 
admitted  that  possibly, 
in  the  eyes  of  some 
people,  this  flower  if 
produced  would  be  like 
that  horse  of  notoriety, 
which  was  very  difficult 
to  catch,  and  when 
caught  worth  only  little, 

I  may  remark,  speak¬ 
ing  of  comparatively 
new  Roses,  that  with 
me  Margaret  Dickson 
hag  proved  a  remark¬ 
able  climber,  giving 
shoots  10  feet  long  even 
during  the  drought  of 
the  past  summer. — A.  C. 


Hybeid  Teas. 

I  COULD  not  help 
thinking  of  the  quota¬ 
tion,  “  That  in  the 
captain’s  but  a  choleric 
word,  which  in  the 
soldier  is  flat  blas¬ 
phemy,”  when  I  read 
the  very  true  and  pun¬ 
gent  remarks  of  “  W.  R. 

Raillem  ”  on  the  sub¬ 
ject  of  Hybrid  Teas  in 
the  Journal  of  last  week 
(page  559),  and  it  cer¬ 
tainly  caused  a  grim 
smile  to  flit  across  my 
face.  I  note  that  “  W. 

R.  Raillem,”  with  due 

discretion,  got  the  assent  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  National  Rose 
Society  to  bis  stating  his  views,  and  that  he  thinks,  as  I  do,  that 
“  the  catalogue  always  has  been  open  to  criticism.”  Some  time  ago 
I  had  the  temerity  to  tell  one  of  the  Secretaries  that  I  intended  to 
criticise  the  new  catalogue,  as  I  considered  it  teemed  with  errors  in 
wrong  descriptions,  and  also  that  there  were  notable  omissions.  The 
reply  I  received  from  him  was  that,  having  been  a  member  of  the  cata¬ 
logue  Committee,  it  would  be  “  presumption  ”  to  criticise  my  colleagues’ 
work  ! 

Having  explained  my  quotation,  I  add  a  few  comments.  The  Hybrid 
Tea  class,  as  I  said  in  the  discussion  on  this  classiflcation  at  the  annual 
meeting,  is  one  of  the  worst  blunders  the  Society  has  ever  committed. 
Even  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  the  Chairman  of  the  annual  meeting,  who  looks, 
with  good  reason,  on  La  France  as  “  the  Saul  ”  amongst  Roses,  was  unaware 
till  I  drew  his  attention  to  the  fact  that  La  France  was  now  termed  a 
Hybrid  Tea.  This  year  it  was  debarred  from  exhibition  at  the  Earl’s  Court 
show  as  a  Hybrid  Perpetual,  and,  as  a  matter  of  course,  it  could  not  be 
shown  as  a  Tea  Rose.  Could  the  height  of  absurdity  further  go  ?  The 
Hybrid  Tea  classification  hag  simply  been,  and  is,  a  mistake,  and  as  “  W.  R. 
Raillem  ”  tersely  puts  it,  is  inconsistent.  As  to  the  general  opinion  on 


FIG.  84.— BOSE  MBS.  W.  C.  WHITNEY. 


its  value,  except  by  the  few  who  introduced  the  division  to  the 
Society’s  arrangements,  I  have  never  heard  anyone  outside  the  Com¬ 
mittee  say  a  word  in  its  favour,  and  one  of  our  Secretaries  has  been 
throughout  a  consistent  opponent  of  it ;  yet  in  this  year’s  report  it  is 
referred  to  as  if  the  arrangement  had  met  with  general  and  favourable 
acceptation. 

A  novice  in  Rose-growing  who  had  heard  of  La  France,  Viscountess 
Folkestone,  and  Grace  Darling  as  being  amongst  desirable  Roses  to 
grow,  and  being  told  they  were  not  Tea  Roses,  would  be  puzzled  on 
searching  in  some  catalogues  which  follow  the  N.R.S.  arrangement,  not 
to  find  them  mentioned  in  the  great  H.P.  division.  I  notice  that  one 
of  our  greatest  growers  and  exhibitors  has  in  his  catalogue  this  year, 
probably  in  despair,  mixed  up  all  his  Roses,  merely  giving  those  he 
grows  in  alphabetical  order,  and  denoted  them  by  the  initials  H.P., 
T.,  or  H.T.  The  plan  he  adopts  seems  a  good  and  useful  one,  as 
experienced  rosarians  ki.ow  all  about  the  divisions,  and  those  who  are 

inexperienced  do  not 
want  conundrums  when 
they  are  looking  for 
names  of  Roses. 

I  hope  “  W.  R.  Rail¬ 
lem  ”  will  further  follow 
up  his  criticism,  as  I  am 
quite  of  his  opinion  that 
the  new  classification  is 
“  unsatisfactory  and  un¬ 
likely  to  be  permanent.” 
Unless  Mr.  Frank  Cant’s 
wording  of  the  rule 
about  H.T.’s  had  been 
accepted  at  the  annual 
meeting  there  would 
have  been  grave  dis¬ 
satisfaction,  as  the  other 
alteration  suggested 
would  have  caused  the 
practical  disfranchise¬ 
ment  of  several  of  our 
most  beautiful  Roses  in 
the  “  open  classes,”  a 
result  which  would  be 
deplorable  in  view  of 
the  beautiful  exhibits — 
of  La  France,  for  in¬ 
stance — which  are  usu¬ 
ally  sent  by  some  of  the 
great  rosarians  to  our 
exhibitions. — Chables 
J.  Geahame,  Croydon. 

P.S.  —  To  show  the 
estimation  in  which  the 
new  Hybrid  Tea  class  is 
held,  I  may  mention 
there  was  not  a  single 
entry  made  in  the  class 
specially  reserved  for 
them  at  the  Crystal 
Palace  Show  this  year. 
— C.  J.  G. 

Manueing  and  Tbans- 


PL ANTING  Roses. 
Any  remarks  in  con¬ 
nection  with  the  subject 
of  Rose  culture  from  the 
fluent  pen  of  '•  W.  R. 
Raillem  ”  are  always 
interesting  and  original, 
and  beneath  the  spirited 
style  of  a  free  lance 
lurks  much  information 
which  is  sound,  though  perhaps  not  always  practicable.  I  can  fully 
appreciate  the  force  of  his  remarks  on  page  540,  even  though  I  torm  the 
target  for  his  well-aimed  shafts,  which  though  they  hit  do  not  penetrate, 
because  I  can  bring  forward  sounder  reasons  in  support  of  the  practice 
I  advocate  than  your  correspondent  has  yet  advanced  against  them. 
My  experience  is  altogether  at  variance  with  the  idea  that  “  it  is  a 
mistake  to  try  and  make  a  top-dressing  of  manure  in  winter  act  as  both 
food  and  protection — as  a  manure  and  as  a  mulch”  From  a  theoretic 
point  of  view  I  admit  the  most  economical  way  of  employing  manure  is 
to  cover  it  with  soil  as  soon  as  it  is  spread  upon  the  land,  so  that  as 
decay  takes  place  the  whole  of  its  nutritious  properties  are  absorbed  by 
the  soil ;  but  our  object  in  manuring  Roses  in  the  autumn  is  to  give 
them  protection  and  food  in  one  operation.  Of  the  soundness  of  this 
practice  I  am  thoroughly  convinced  after  trying  various  plans,  especially 
during  the  last  few  years,  during  which  time  our  winters  have  surely 
been  severe  enough  to  prove  a  fair  test. 

Although  we  are  situated  in  a  cold  district  of  the  Midland  counties, 
the  only  extra  protection  any  of  our  Roses  receive  during  the  winter  is 
a  mu  ching  of  manuie  as  previously  advised.  The  tender  varieties  of 
Teas  are  planted  only  in  sheltered  positions  or  against  walls,  and  our 


678 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  2S,  1893. 


loss  through  frost  is  not  more  than  3  per  cent.  Let  this,  therefore, 
suffice  as  to  the  wisdom  of  giving  manure  as  a  mulch.  Now,  in  regard 
to  giving  it  in  the  autumn  as  a  food.  “W.  R.  Raillem”  asserts  that 
some  good  will  be  done  by  the  rain  permeating  the  manure,  but  not 
much.  I  maintain  that  a  vast  amount  of  good  is  the  result,  so  much  so, 
that  I  find  no  difficulty  in  maintaining  the  fertility  of  the  soil  to  as 
high  a  state  as  is  desirable  by  following  the  practice,  because  it  is  always 
advisable  to  give  extra  stimulants  in  the  way  of  liquid  and  artificial 
manures  during  the  growing  and  flowering  periods.  If,  then,  the  matter 
is  satisfactory  from  both  points  of  view,  why  incur  the  labour  of  giving 
a  rough  mulch,  which  requires  removal  in  spring,  so  that  manure  may 
be  applied  1  The  only  advantage  to  be  gained  is  a  slight  economy  in  the 
matter  of  manure.  This  is  of  little  consequence  in  our  own  case,  as 
we  have  unlimited  supplies  of  manure,  but  labour  is  a  matter  for  far 
greater  consideration. 

I  will  not,  however,  rely  entirely  upon  my  own  experience  in  this 
matter,  so  I  search  to  see  what  that  successful  rosarian  the  Dean  of 
Rochester  has  to  say  upon  the  subject.  In  his  “  Book  About  Roses  ” 
(page  65)  I  find  this  significant  passage  :  “  The  season  when  manure  is 

applied  is  also  a  material  circumstance.  I  have  made  many  experi¬ 
ments,  but  I  have  come  back  to  the  plan  which  I  adopted  first  of  all, 
and  I  believe  it  to  be  the  best — namely,  to  give  the  Rose  trees  a  liberal 
stratum  of  farmyard  manure  in  November,  leaving  it  as  a  protection  as 
well  as  a  fertiliser  through  the  winter  months,  and  digging  it  in  in 
March.” 

“  W.  R.  Raillem’s”  graphic  description  of  the  difficulties  attending  the 
simple  practice  of  forking  manure  into  Rose  beds  at  springtime  are 
rather  imaginary  than  real.  Three  inches  of  manure  put  on  during 
autumn  or  winter  would  by  the  action  of  rain  and  frost  be  reduced  to 
little  more  than  half  that  thickness  when  the  time  for  forking  over  the 
beds  arrived.  A  good  workman  would  accomplish  the  task  quite  easily, 
without  injuriously  affecting  the  surface  roots,  and  would  have  sufficient 
common  sense  to  remove  any  very  rough  portions  which  could  not  be 
easily  forked  in.  I  am  not  one  of  those  gardeners  who  are  afraid  to 
touch  a  root,  as  I  consider  the  little  damage  done  to  them  in  the  opera¬ 
tion  of  forking  in  manure  is  altogether  overbalanced  by  the  great  benefit 
both  soil  and  roots  derive  from  the  admission  of  sunlight  and  air.  This 
is  the  everyday  teaching  of  both  science  and  practice.  I  have  now  to 
deal  with  the  concluding  portion  of  “  W.  R.  Raillem’s  ”  criticisms,  in 
which  he  clearly  shows  that  his  knowledge  of  trees  and  their  habits  is  so 
superficial  as  to  proclaim  its  own  weakness,  otherwise  the  remark  that 
the  “  great  bulk  of  leaves  fall  in  ten  days  or  a  fortnight  ”  would  scarcely 
have  crept  into  print,  because  the  time  during  which  the  bulk  of  leaves 
fail  depends  upon  how  great  a  variety  of  trees  a  garden  contains,  and 
the  amount  of  wind  or  frosts  which  we  experienced  during  the  autumn. 
We  have  numbers  of  Sycamore  trees  which  cast  their  leaves  in  shoals  by 
the  end  of  September  or  early  in  October.  By  the  middle  of  November 
Oak  and  Beech  are  doing  the  same  thing,  and  between  these  two  dates 
they  are  continually  falling  in  fluctuating  numbers. 

To  a  rosarian  who  is  lord  of  his  own  domain  it  perhaps  matters  but  little 
when  the  leaves  are  swept  up,  but  how  many  head  gardeners  would  keep 
their  positions  if  they  acted  on  this  principle,  just  at  the  time  when 
large  house  parties  are  the  order  of  the  day  ?  But  even  if  through  the 
tolerance  of  their  employers  they  managed  to  do  this  the  green  slimy 
condition  of  the  walks,  which  would  be  the  inevitable  result,  would 
require  more  expenditure  to  put  them  right  again  than  would  be 
incurred  in  daily  sweeping. — A  Lover  of  Roses. 


NOTES  ON  PEARS. 

A  very  interesting  communication  was  that  by  Mr.  Abbey  on 
Fertilising  Pears,”  page  506.  For  many  years  past  I  have  devoted 
some  attention  to  the  question  Mr.  Abbey  brings  forward,  and  with  the 
greatest  possible  good.  Especially  have  I  found  it  so  on  our  arch  of 
espalier-trained  trees,  which  is  about  120  yards  long,  nearly  all  the  trees 
being  over  forty  years  old.  I  commenced  the  operation  through 
observing  the  great  scarcity  of  bees  in  some  seasons  over  others  whilst 
the  trees  were  in  blossom,  and  after  the  fruit  was  set  the  great  number 
of  deformed  fruit  which  were  to  be  found  on  these  old  trees. 

I  had  considered  the  free-setting  qualities  of  some  varieties  to  others, 
and  came  to  the  conclusion  that  much  might  be  done  in  assisting  ferti¬ 
lisation  ;  but  the  camel-hair  brush  was  too  tedious  a  practice  on  these 
old  trees,  and  to  limit  the  time  to  the  lowest  possible  minimum  a  rabbit’s 
tail  was  procured,  tied  to  the  end  of  a  long  stick,  and  the  work  was 
speedily  performed,  with  such  good  results  that  I  have  followed  the 
practice  now  for  the  past  seven  years.  To  enter  into  details  on  the 
varieties  would  only  be  to  make  a  repetition  of  most  of  those  which 
Mr.  Abbey  has  enumerated.  One  more  word  to  say  that  with  us  Beurr4 
Diel,  planted  against  a  south  wall  in  soil  2  feet  from  the  solid  clay,  is 
of  very  good  flavour  ;  but  if  Mr.  Abbey  could  (and  I  know  of  no  one 
more  qualified  to  give  an  opinion,  judging  from  the  active  researches  in 
which  he  is  always  engaged)  tell  me  why  Beurr^  Diels  crack  in  wet 
weather  as  well  as  dry  I  should  esteem  it  a  great  favour,  for  we  suffer 
from  this  evil  to  a  great  extent  with  our  bush  trees  of  this  variety. 

Never  has  the  lesson  of  gathering  Pears  at  intervals  been  placed 
before  us  with  such  a  certain  measure  of  success,  and  to  keep  up  a  good 
supply  it  cannot  be  ignored.  We  commenced  with  Citron  des  Carmes, 
which  was  almost  useless.  Williams’  Bon  Chretien  and  Jargonelle  were 
good,  but  soon  over.  Beurr4  d’Amanlis  was  conspicuous  by  splendid 
fruit,  and  the  quality  really  good.  I  join  hands  with  “  Northerner  ” 


(page  495)  in  praise  of  Pitmaston  Duchess.  It  has  cropped  well,  been 
of  good  flavour,  and  so  far  from  using  it  for  stewing,  regret  was  expressed 
when  they  were  not  forthcoming  any  longer  for  dessert.  Clou  Mor^eau 
we  are  now  using,  and  it  is  superior  in  flavour  to  those  of  former  years. 
Doyenn^  du  Comice  has  been  good  in  every  way,  a  point  in  its  favour, 
having  at  the  recent  Liverpool  Show  the  first  and  second  prizes  awarded 
to  it  for  a  single  dish  of  ripe  Pears.  Easter  Beurr6  and  Beurr^  Ranee  are 
keeping  well,  the  latter  coming  good  in  certain  seasons.  I  agree  as  to 
the  worthlessness  of  Beurre  Clairgeau  and  Beurr6  Bose  for  dessert. 
When  well  grown  they  are  handsome  fruits,  but  we  only  use  them 
for  stewing.  Prince  Consort  I  have  once  remarked  upon  in  the  Journal. 
The  tree  is  a  good  grower  and  cropper  with  us,  fruit  of  large  size,  pale 
russet  and  green  spots,  a  grand  keeper,  and  the  most  juicy  Pear  in 
cultivation.  It  is  the  one  of  all  others  for  invalids,  not  being  too  sweet 
as  in  such  varieties  as  Fondante  d’Automne,  or  with  the  musky  aroma  of 
Nec  Plus  Meuris.  In  this  precarious  season  there  has  not  been  a  fault  to 
be  found  with  it. — R.  P.  R. 


JUDGING  AT  EDINBURGH. 

In  answer  to  Mr.  Robert  Laird  (page  530),  I  have  to  say — 1,  Regard¬ 
ing  the  appointment  of  an  expert  officially.  The  fact  is  that  an 
“  expert  ”  did  point  the  four  stands  in  question  ;  not  only  so,  but  in  my 
hearing  Mr.  Laird  gave  the  expert  instructions  to  proceed,  as  he  was 
doing,  in  the  pointing  of  the  blooms,  and  to  hand  him  the  results 
after  he  had  finished.  The  figures  as  appearing  at  page  503  were 
presented  to  the  Secretary,  and  I  also  was  presented  with  the  same 
figures  in  the  handwriting  of  the  genGeman  who  pointed  the  stands, 
the  document  containing  the  said  results  being  now  in  my  possession, 
with  the  signature  of  the  expert  subscribed.  Will  you  be  surprised 
that  I  inferred  that  the  said  expert  had  an  official  standing  ?  If  I  was 
mistaken  in  drawing  this  inference,  I  beg  to  express  my  regret,  and 
accept  Mr.  Laird’s  denial  on  this  head. 

2,  Regarding  the  second  denial  of  Mr.  Laird,  I  am  much  surprised 
to  learn  that  he  denies  the  acknowledgement  of  the  misjudgment.  I 
am  strong  in  the  recollection  of  his  explicit  statement  of  the  error  in 
the  judgment,  and  immediately  on  his  acknowledgement  of  the  error  I 
requested  him  to  send  the  fact  to  the  Press,  but  this  he  refused  to  do. 
It  is  only  right  to  say  here  that  the  acknowledgement  was  verbal. 

I  had  a  communication  from  the  Secretary,  dated  the  21st  of 
November,  stating  that  they  (the  Committee)  “  have  no  power  to  ask  the 
Judges  to  show  how  they  arrive  at  their  conclusion  in  any  case  of 
dispute.”  There  was  no  reference  whatever  in  this  communication  from 
the  Secretary  as  to  any  confidence  being  reposed  in  the  skill  atnd 
integrity  of  the  Judges,  which  he  seems  to  indicate  was  part  of  the 
contents  of  the  said  communication  to  protestors. — William  Rushton, 
Cochno  Gardens,  Diintocher. 

[We  believe  our  correspondent  wrote  in  good  faith.  He  did  not,  it 
would  appear,  discriminate  between  the  private  and  official  capacities 
of  some  of  the  officials  of  the  Show.  He  is  not  to  be  blamed  for  the 
step  he  took  under  the  circumstances,  as  he  was  not  the  cause  of  the 
misunderstanding  and  disquietude.  The  “expert”  informs  us  that 
if  he  had  pointed  the  blooms  the  first  day  the  points  would  have 
differed  still  more  widely  from  the  official  awards.  He  was  desired,  but 
not  officially  appointed,  to  examine  the  collections.] 

Grafting  Chrysanthemums. 

Experiments  in  grafting  the  Chrysanthemums  on  stocks  of 
Anthemis  frutescens  have  been  highly  successful  in  various  localities 
this  year.  According  to  the  “  Garden  and  Forest,”  a  specimen  of  the 
variety  Val  d’Andorre,  exhibited  at  Brussels  last  month,  measured 
9  feet  in  diameter  and  bore  783  flowers.  Other. grafted  varieties  did  not 
make  such  large  bushes,  but  bore  numerous  flowers  of  great  size  and  of 
unusually  deep  colours. 

^Mrs.  James  Carter. 

The  value  of  this  small  flowered  Japanese  variety  for  decoration  in 
a  cut  state  is  becoming  more  apparent,  judging  by  the  number  of  it 
seen  in  bouquets,  baskets,  vases,  sprays,  and  fan-covered  decorations 
at  shows.  The  small  thread-like  florets,  creamy  white  in  colour,  asso¬ 
ciate  so  well  with  other  flowers  other  than  Chrysanthemums.  When  the 
plants  are  cultivated  to  produce  an  abundance  of  blossoms  in  prefertnee 
to  fewer  but. larger  specimens  many  of  them  are  not  more  than  2  inches 
in  diameter,  which  renders  them  all  the  more  suitable  for  the  form  of 
decorative  use  to  which  they  can  be  applied. 


December  38,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


679 


Comte  F.  Lurani. 

Apart  from  its  value  aa  an  exhibition  variety  in  a  cut  state,  thia  ia 
one  of  the  best  for  grouping  purposes.  Keally  good  blooms  are  produced 
upon  plants  under  a  yard  high,  which  dispenses  with  the  necessity  of 
following  the  "  cutting  down  ”  system  to  obtain  dwarf  plants.  As  a 
decorative  plant,  the  stems  being  thickly  clothed  with  dark  green  leaves, 
coupled  with  the  semi-drooping  character  of  the  florets,  it  is  diSicult  to 
surpass.  The  colour  of  the  flower  is  a  warm  rose,  frosted  white,  which 
gives  it  a  novel  yet  pleasing  appearance, — E.  M. 

Elsie  and  Buttercup. 

Cultivated  in  buah  form  with  a  view  to  produce  a  large  number  of 
cut  flowers  either  for  use  in  a  cut  state  or  as  plants  for  the  conservatory 
these  are  two  excellent  varieties.  The  former  belongs  to  the  reflexed 
section.  The  blooms  are  not  of  extra  size,  but  quite  large  enough  ;  the 
tips  of  the  flat  florets  droop  gracefully.  In  colour  the  blooms  are 
pale  yellow  when  opening,  passing  with  age  to  a  deep  creamy  white. 
This  variety  also  makes  a  good  trained  specimen  plant. 

Buttercup  is  a  single-flowered  variety,  in  colour  rich  yellow,  as  its 
name  implies.  The  florets  are  nearly  erect,  forming  a  cup-like  bloom. 
The  growth  ia  vigorous,  and  wonderfully  free  in  flowering. 

Chrysanthemum  America. 

This  is  a  single-flowered  variety,  possessing  considerable  merit  from 
a  decorative  point  of  view.  That  such  a  beautiful  sort  should  have 
escaped  attention  so  long  is  a  matter  for  surprise  and  regret,  and  this 
remark  holds  good  in  reference  to  single  varieties  generally.  I  cannot 
say  whether  it  is  usually  so  late  in  flowering  as  it  ia  with  us  this  season  ; 
if  BO  it  would  be  a  valuable  addition  to  the  Christmas  display.  It  is 
now  at  its  best,  and  arrests  attention  more  quickly  than  any  other 
in  the  house.  The  flowers  are  comparatively  large,  the  florets  wavy  and 
narrow,  and  the  colour  a  delicate  shade  of  blush  pink  relieved  by  a 
yellow  disc.  For  arranging  in  vases  I  know  of  few  flowers  so  effective, 
and  to  see  it  at  its  best  it  ought  not  to  have  any  other  association,  except 
perhaps  some  foliage  of  an  approved  kind.  It  does  not  appear  to  be  so 
free  as  some  varieties  in  supplying  cuttings,  nor  is  its  constitution  so 
vigorous,  but  its  graceful  blooms  compensate  any  other  failings. — 
W.  S.,  Rood  Ashton. 


ABOUT  ONIONS. 

That  pest,  the  Onion  maggot,  crops  up  in  all  directions.  “  Nothing 
has  given  me  so  much  trouble  as  the  Onion  maggot,”  said  a  gardener  to 
me  the  other  day  ;  and  he  did  but  say  just  what  is  in  the  minds  of 
thousands  who  have  been  troubled  by  this  insect.  “  Did  I  think  that 
sowing  seed  on  the  same  ground  two  years  in  succession  was  harmful  ?  ” 
I  answered,  “From  a  cultural  point  of  view,  noi  so,  if  the  needful  Onion 
food  was  furnished  ;  but  so  far  as  the  maggot  was  concerned  it  was 
rather  trying  to  court  harm  than  endeavouring  to  avoid  it.”  Still  it  is 
evident  that  dealing,  not  with  a  creeping  insect  but  a  winged  insect,  it 
would  be  very  difficult  to  avoid  it  in  the  same  garden,  even  when 
sowings  took  place  as  remote  from  each  other  yearly  as  is  possible. 

I  advise  in  preference  to  sowing  in  the  open  ground  in  the  spring  at 
all,  growing  the  best  of  our  Spanish  and  Globe  type  Onions  from 
autumn  sowings,  and  then  sowing  seeds  under  glass  early  in  April, 
growing  in  frames  till  hardened  and  strong,  and  finally  planting  out 
into  the  open  ground  thinly  at  the  end  of  May.  Plants  so  raised  would 
be  at  that  time  as  strong  as  any  raised  from  seed  sown  in  the  open  early 
in  March.  It  is  rare  that  plants  so  treated  are  affected  by  the  maggot. 
Of  course,  I  discriminate  between  the  practices  advised  and  the  now 
common  one  of  sowing  seeds  in  midsummer,  to  give  eventually,  when 
planted  out  into  very  rich  soil,  large  exhibition  bulbs  ;  that  is  another 
matter. 

For  the  production  of  an  ordinary  crop  of  hard,  well  matured  bulbs 
a  sowing  in  shallow  pans  or  boxes,  giving  several  hundreds,  or 
if  need  be,  thousands  of  plants  for  dibbling  out  thinly,  made  early  in 
April  is  certainly  soon  enough.  So  far  as  I  have  seen  the  maggot  is 
always  the  most  troublesome  on  light  soil.  That  being  so,  ground  for 
the  reception  of  Onion  plants  in  May  should,  after  being  deeply  worked 
and  manured,  be  well  trodden,  then  rolled,  and  in  that  condition  if 
dibbling  be  difficult  it  would  be,  no  doubt,  all  the  better  for  the  plants 
in  the  end.— A.  D. 


NATURE’S  HELPS  TO  GARDENERS. 

Ladybirds  and  Their  Larvh3. 

As  larvae  and  perfect  insects  the  ladybirds  deserve  our  care,  for  in 
both  conditions  they  revel  on  a  diet  of  aphides.  Fortunately  the  beauty 
of  the  perfect  insects  generally  induces  children  and  others  to  treat 
them  gently.  But  though  the  beetle  is  well  known,  I  am  not  at  all 
certain  that  the  larva  or  grub  is  recognised,  at  any  rate  by  the  gardening 
world,  as  a  valuable  friend.  I  remember  once  at  a  dinner  of  scientific 
men,  supposed  to  know  something  of  animal  life,  that  during  toast  time, 
out  of  some  flowers  near  me,  one  of  these  larvae  fell  on  the  white  table¬ 
cloth.  I  noticed  our  friend  at  once  ;  but  several  were  ready  to  give  the 
“  happy  dispatch  ”  to  him,  had  I  not  interposed  and  begged  them  to 
“  make  a  note  ”  of  him  as  one  of  our  most  useful  insects.  All  declared 
they  had  never  seen  a  similar  creeping' thing  before,  and  yet  though  by 
no  means  so  commonly  seen  as  the  ladybird  itself,  the  larvae  are  common 
enough. 


Like  the  larva  of  the  Lacewing  fly,  illustrated  in  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture December  7th  (page  517)  the  larva  of  the  ladybird  runs 
no  risk  of  being  mistaken  for  a  grub,  caterpillar,  or  maggot,  as  it  has  six 
legs  and  is  quick  and  lively  in  motion.  Danger,  however,  hangs  over  it, 
because  moat  gardeners  prefer  to  see  their  plants  without  any  insect  life 
upon  them  at  all,  and  are  apt  to  visit  insect  intrusion  as  a  sufficient 
reason  for  death.  There  is,  alas  I  in  a  jury  of  gardeners  but  slight 
prospect  of  “  a  recommendation  to  mercy  ”  for  any  living  creature  when 
seen  on  a  petted  specimen  plant  ;  yet  that  is  just  the  very  place  where 
a  gardener,  with  knowledge  of  its  habits  of  life,  would  place  one  of  these 
larvge  if  he  found  one  wandering  about.  The  larvm  are  chiefly  seen 
near  the  ends  of  shoots,  where  they  know  their  food  is  to  be  found ; 
often  a  curled  up  leaf  is  their  haunt. 

In  colour  these  larvse  are  generally  a  blackish-grey,  irregularly  spotted. 
The  head  is  comparatively  very  large,  they  have  six  legs,  and  the  binder 


fig.  85. — LADYBIRDS  AND  THEIR  LARViE. 

A,  The  larva  or  grub;  n  B,  the  pupa  or  chrysalis;  C,  the  Seven-spot  Lady-bird 
(natural  size),  and  one  of  the  smaller  size,  many-spotted. 


part  of  the  body,  the  abdomen,  projects  considerably  beyond  these  legs. 
They  are  very  active,  and  quickly  reconnoitre  the  country  in  search  of 
their  prey.  It  is  but  right  to  say  that  some  naturalists  assert  that  some 
varieties  of  these  larvse  feed  on  leaves  of  plants,  but  these  are  excep¬ 
tions,  and  the  plants  they  feed  on  are  the  Briony  and  common  Heath  ; 
and,  restricting  themselves  to  this  diet,  they  cannot  be  called  enemies 
to  the  gardening  class.  The  beetle  commonly  called  ladybird  or  lady- 
cow  is  well  known  in  the  ordinary  variety,  the  larger  seven  spots  and 
smaller  two  spots  of  black  on  the  red  wing-cases,  but  the  sorts  I  have 
found  most  frequently  on  the  Chrysanthemum  are  nmall,  black  with 
many  red  spots,  and  dull  yellow,  also  many  spotted. 

The  pupa  or  chrysalis  might  often  be  mistaken  for  a  piece  of  earth 
or  mud  fastened  to  a  leaf  ;  It  is  almost  a  flattened  g’obe  with  one  side  of 
the  circle  thus  formed  cut  off.  Sometimes  we  find  it  hanging  to  a  leaf. 
By  many  it  would  be  considered  far  from  ornamental,  and  in  removing 
it  it  would  probably  give  way,  and  not  till  then  would  they  th’nk  that  it 
was  some  form  of  life.  It  is  in  this  stage  and  that  of  the  larva  that 
the  gardening  world  need  to  know  and  protect  them.  The  larva,  pupa, 
and  developed  insects  are  depicted  in  the  illustration  fig.  85. 

“  Knowledge  is  power.”  This  is  a  truth  that  touches  us  in  every 
position  in  life.  It  may  be  a  hackneyed  phrase,  but  it  is  none  the  less 
true,  and  as  far  as  the  aphis  pest  is  concerned,  did  we  know  how  to 
increase  these  three  friends  of  our  gardens  at  will,  we  might  defy  the  aphis 
hosts,  rapid  as  is  their  development.  As  we  cannot  do  this,  let  us  at 
least  learn  to  know  these  helpers  when  we  see  them,  and  not  lessen 
their  numbers  in  our  ignorance.— Y.  B.  A,  Z. 


B60 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  DMtmber  18,  1893. 


A  NOTE  ABOUT  GLADIOLI. 

Apeopos  of  “  -D,,  Deal's,"  remarks  in  your  last  number  (page  551) 
giving  his  experience  in  the  culture  of  these  beautiful  flowers,  1  would 
like  to  add  mine.  I  grow  only  Lemoine’s  hybrids,  both  early  and  lately 
issued  varieties,  and  have  done  so  for  the  last  ten  years.  I  noticed 
that  during  the  hot  weather  of  last  summer  my  plants  flagged  and 
stood  still  ;  the  flowers  that  came  out  were  poor,  but  after  the  rains 
came  the  plants  grew  apace,  and  produced  some  good  spikes.  Nevertheless, 
on  the  whole  the  spikes  were  fewer  than  usual,  and  the  flowers  smaller. 
They  grew  till  very  late  in  the  season,  and  I  did  not  complete  taking 
up  my  bulbs  till  the  beginning  of  December.  The  bulbs,  however,  were 
the  finest  I  have  ever  had,  and  mostly  in  splendid  condition. 

I  do  not  know  the  disease  referred  to  by  Gladiolus  growers,  as  I  have 
never  seen  any  fungus  amongst  my  bulbs.  I  find  it  is  important  to 
change  the  bed  every  year,  as  they  do  best  in  new  soil,  and  that  a 
medium  loam,  which  will  hold  moisture,  gives  better  results  than  light 
warm  soil.  My  experience  is  that  20°  of  frost  continued  will  kill  any 
Gladioli  left  in  the  ground  without  protection,  but  that  3  inches  of  spent 
hops,  or  4  to  6  inches  of  hedge  cuttings  or  Asparagus  tops,  or  such  like 
refuse  is  an  efficient  protection,  and  that  bulbs  planted  in  December  or 
January,  and  thus  protected,  will  do  better  than  those  kept  out  of  the 
ground  till  March.  I  therefore  do  feel  that  “  D.,  Deal's,"  experiences 
this  winter  in  leaving  his  bulbs  in  the  ground  will,  if  he  will  give 
them  slight  protection,  lead  him  to  continue  the  practice  in  future 
winters. — Alexindee  Wallace,  Colchester. 


NEW  MINIATURE  VIOLAS. 

These  very  interesting  dwarf-growing  Violas  are  fast  coming  to  the 
front,  and  most  deservedly  so,  and  for  them  we  are  indebted  to  Dr. 
Stuart  of  Chirnside  through  his  seedling  miniature  variety  “  Violetta  ”  in 
the  first  place,  and  for  other  seedlings  of  the  same  type  since  introduced. 
We  are  also  specially  indebted  to  Mr.  George  Steel,  late  of  Heatherslaw, 
and  now  of  Etal,  Cornhill-on-Tweed,  for  so  perseveringly  working  with 
this  section,  and  raising  so  many  pretty  seedlings,  some  of  which  will 
be  sent  out  in  the  spring.  Hitherto,  Mr.  Steel  has  cultivated  a  general 
collection  of  the  best  Violas,  but  he  has  now  discarded  all  excepting  the 
miniature  section,  so  as  to  be  able  to  devote  more  attention  to  this 
charming  type,  and  working  for  rayless  varieties.  Having  seen  flowers 
of  his  various  seedlings  to  be  sent  out  I  am  able  to  speak  confidently 
about  them. 

Of  the  miniature  section,  it  will  be  as  well  to  say  for  the  guidance  of 
those  who  have  not  grown  them,  that  they  produce  an  abundance  of 
small,  neatly  formed  flowers,  generally  with  a  strong  Violet  perfume  ; 
grow  close  to  the  ground,  and  are  of  compact  spreading  habit,  and 
the  flowers  are  ray  less — that  is,  free  from  rays  or  dark  markings  in  the 
centre  of  the  flowers,  the  attainment  of  which  I  was  the  first  to  advocate 
years  ago,  and  have  persistently  worked  for,  but  we  have  as  yet  not 
many  of  the  larger  section  of  Violas  entirely  free  from  it.  The  following 
new  varieties  of  miniatures  raised  by  Mr.  Steel  will  be  in  the  hands  of 
various  florists  in  the  spring  for  distribution. 

Ethel  Horsfall, — Delicate  clouded  lilac,  of  pretty  form,  and  very 
fragrant. 

Steeli. — This,  when  the  blooms  were  sent  to  me,  I  described  as  a 
miniature  of  miniatures ;  the  lower  petals  are  light  yellow,  the  top 
petals  cream  coloured,  entirely  rayless,  and  a  charming  variety. 

Ethel  Buchley. — Deep  heliotrope  colour,  with  a  deep  orange  eye,  and 
very  pretty. 

Pare  Love. — Similar  in  colour  to  Ethel  Horsfall,  but  smaller,  and 
very  pretty. 

Princess  May. — Delicate  lilac,  with  a  yellow  blotch  underneath  the 
eye  ;  a  small,  well-formed  flower,  very  fragrant  and  pretty. 

Beauty  of  Heather slaie. — Light  yellow,  the  lower  petals  a  little 
deeper  in  colour,  of  good  substance  and  form,  and  quite  rayless ;  a 
charming  variety. 

Picco. — Creamy  white  with  a  narrow  edging  or  border  of  lavender, 
and  with  a  small  yellow  eye  and  distinct. 

Miss  Isa. — Lavender-tinted  blue,  distinct  and  pretty. 

Mabel. — A  pretty  flower  ;  white  slightly  flushed  with  cream,  and 
uite  rayless. — W.  D. 


THE  APPLE  BLOSSOM  WEEVIL 

(Anthonomus  pomoeum). 

This  insect  very  frequently  causes  much  harm  to  the  Apple  and 
Pear  crops,  and  in  the  last  few  years  its  injuries  have  much  increased  in 
fruit-producing  districts,  and  have  been  often  attributed  to  the  cater¬ 
pillars  of  the  winter  moth.  Close  examination  of  the  blossoms,  how¬ 
ever,  would  show  that  the  larvae,  or  little  yellow  maggots,  of  the  weevil 
were  in  the  centres  of  the  flowers,  destroying  their  powers  of  fructifica¬ 
tion,  though  at  the  same  time  caterpillars  might  be  feeding  upon  the 
blossoms  and  leaves.  The  action  of  this  weevil  upon  the  fruit  blossoms 
of  Apple  and  Pear  tree^s  is  also  mistaken  for  the  effects  of  white  frosts, 
when  the  petals  have  become  brown  or  rust  coloured  ;  but  if  the 
blossoms  are  closely  inspected,  either  the  little  yellow  pupa  of  the 
weevil  will  be  found  in  them,  or  a  little  round  hole  in  the  side  of 
the  withered  flower  bud  will  be  noticed,  showing  that  the  perfected 
weevil  has  cut  its  way  out  of  its  cradle. 

Incredible  damage  is  often  caused  by  this  weevil  in  Apple  and 
Pear  orchards  in  France.  In  some  Departments  syndicates  of  defence 


against  it  have  been  formed  (“  Syndicate  de  d6fense  centre  I’Antho- 
nome  ”),  consisting  of  a  committee  in  each  Commune,  to  carry  out  a 
series  of  operations  calculated  to  destroy  this  dangerous  enemy,  as  it  is 
felt  that  it  is  only  by  united  action  among  cultivators  that  injurious 
insects  of  this  and  other  kinds  can  be  stamped  out. 

Desceiption. 

The  Apple  blossom  weevil  is  very  small,  only  the  fourth  of  an  inch 
long,  and  the  eighth  of  an  inch  in  breadth.  It  is  reddish  or  chestnut- 
brown,  with  down  or  pubescence  of  a  greyish  hue  upon  its  body. 
Occasionally  specimens  are  found  almost  pitchy  in  colour.  The  wing 
cases  have  pale  marks  upon  them  below  the  middle.  There  is  a  con¬ 
spicuous  white  mark,  or  scutellum,  at  the  base  of  the  wing  cases.  The 
legs  are  reddish  ;  the  thighs  of  the  first  (or  anterior)  pair  are  large,  and 
furnished  with  a  formidable  tooth  on  each  ;  the  feet,  or  tarsi,  are  of  a 
darker  colour.  The  rostrum,  or  snout,  is  the  most  remarkable  feature, 
being  half  as  long  as  the  body,  slightly  curved,  with  antennae  near  its 
extremity  furnished  with  oval  clubs  having  four  joints. 

Like  many  other  weevils  it  falls  down  when  disturbed,  tucks  in  lits 
legs  and  snout,  and  remains  motionless,  feigning  death  until  the  danger 
has  passed. 

Life  Histoey. 

In  the  first  warm  days  of  spring  the  weevils  issue  from  their  winter 
retreats,  and  find  their  way  to  the  Apple  and  Pear  trees.  Some 
authorities  consider  that  the  females  seldom  use  their  wings,  and  that 
only  the  males  fly  freely.  Others  hold  that  both  sexes  fly  equally  well. 

The  female,  either  by  flying  or  crawling,  finds  its  way  to  the  blossom 
buds  of  Apple  and  Pear  trees,  and  boring  a  hole  either  with  its  snout, 
as  Curtis  and  others  affirm,  or,  according  to  some  observers,  with  a 
stylet  placed  at  the  end  of  its  body,  it  places  one  egg  within  each  bud, 
and  carefully  closes  up  the  hole.  A  female  lays  from  fifteen  to  twenty 
eggs,  but  places  one  only  in  each  flower  bud.  The  process  of  laying  one 
egg  takes  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour.  The  egg  is  yellowish  and 
oval.  Authorities  agree  that  oviposition  in  an  individual  female  may 
extend  over  a  fortnight  at  least.  The  eggs  are  hatched  in  from  five  to 
nine  days. 

The  larva,  or  maggot,  is  without  feet,  and  is  about  the  third  of  an 
inch  long.  It  is  wrinkled,  and  white  at  first,  gradually  becoming 
yellowish.  It  has  a  brown  head,  with  two  little  brown  spots  on  the 
first  segment.  It  lies  in  the  bud  in  a  curved  form,  and  attacks  the 
stamens  and  pistils,  but  rarely  touches  the  ovary.  It  soon  causes  the 
petals  to  wither  ;  the  flower  bud  changes  to  a  rusty  hue,  and  decays. 

The  larva  in  from  eight  to  ten  days  turns  into  a  pupa,  which  is 
nearly  a  quarter  of  an  inch  long,  of  a  yellow  colour,  with  a  long  beak  or 
rostrum,  and  feet  folded  on  the  under  side  of  its  body.  This  state  lasts 
for  about  ten  days,  when  the  weevil  appears,  and  escapes  through  a  hole, 
which  it  bores  in  the  petals. 

After  this,  the  weevils  live  among  the  leaves  of  the  fruit  trees.  It  is 
not  known  whether  they  feed  upon  their  leaves.  A  French  savant. 
Dr.  Henneguy,  concludes  from  careful  observation  that  they  do  not  feed 
at  all,  but  live  upon  a  reserve  of  fat,  cor2)s  graisseux,  stored  up  in  their 
bodies  during  their  previous  state.  They  are  not  seen  after  the  end  of 
September,  retiring  for  hibernation  to  chinks  in  the  bark  of  Pear  and 
Apple  trees,  also  in  lichenous  and  mossy  growths  upon  their  branches, 
as  well  as  under  stones  and  rubbish  beneath  and  around  the  trees,  and 
in  other  similar  refuges.  They  probably  also  pass  the  winter  under  the 
bark  of  other  trees,  as  they  have  been  found  upon  Oaks  in  the  summer. 

ClKCUMSTANCES  OP  THE  ATTACK. 

According  to  natural  instinct,  the  weevils  do  not  appear  until  the 
weather  is  mild  and  the  flower  buds  have  begun  to  swell.  If  the  season 
is  and  continues  warm  and  growing,  the  effects  of  the  attack  are  usually 
of  a  slight  character.  But  should  the  weather  be  cold  and  changeable, 
as  is  so  often  the  case  in  Great  Britain  and  the  north  and  western 
parts  of  France,  the  flower  buds  are  slowly  developed,  and  the  weevils 
consequently  have  time  to  lay  their  full  complement  of  eggs,  whose 
period  of  hatching  is  accomplished  before  the  flowers  are  fully  evolved. 

Varieties  of  Apple  trees  which  blossom  very  early  and  very  late  are 
more  likely  to  escape  the  attacks  of  the  weevil  than  those  of  the  main 
crop  whose  blossom  comes  late  in  May  in  ordinary  seasons. 

Methods  op  Peevention,  and  Remedies. 

One  mode  of  prevention  is  to  spray  the  limbs  and  branches  of  Apple 
trees,  between  October  and  February,  with  a  solution  of  sulphate  of  iron, 
to  destroy  the  lichens  and  mosses  which  serve  as  harbours  for  this  weevil 
and  other  insects.  One  pound  of  sulphate  of  iron  should  be  put  to  one 
gallon  of  water.  This  can  be  thrown  up  over  the  trees  by  means  of  a 
garden  engine  with  a  powerful  pump. 

Lichens  and  mosses  upon  fruit  trees  may  be  killed  by  throwing  up 
freshly  slaked  powdered  lime  over  the  branches  in  damp  weather  in 
winter.  This  can  be  done  by  men  having  tin  scoops,  like  small  flour 
scoops,  fastened  upon  long  poles. 

All  long  grass,  leaves,  and  rubbish  should  be  cleared  away  under¬ 
neath  fruit  trees  on  grass  land,  and  on  cultivated  land  it  would  be 
useful  to  apply  lime,  lime  ashes,  or  lime  and  soot,  and  dig  it  in  around 
the  trees. 

Assuming  that  Curtis,  Schmidberger,  and  others  are  correct  in  their 
belief  that  the  female  weevils  cannotfly,  or  rather  do  not  care  to  exercise 
their  power  of  flight,  greased  or  tarred  bands  of  paper  put  round  the 
fruit  trees  wouid  prevent  their  ascent. 

It  wou’d  be  w  ell  to  adopt  the  practice  of  orchardists  in  Brittany,  who 


©aoember  28,  1893.] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


681 


take  ofE  the  rough  bark  of  the  trunks  and  large  branches  of  the  fruit 
trees  with  scrapers,  and  brush  every  part  with  stiff  carpet  brushes. 
They  place  cloths  round  the  tree  to  catch  the  pieces  of  bark  and  the 
weevils  that  are  dislodged  ;  these  are  collected  and  burnt.  Sometimes 
limewash  is  put  on  the  trees  after  the  scraping.  Others  apply  com¬ 
positions  of  lime  and  naphthaline  or  petroleum. 

Limewashing  the  trees  is  not  effective  against  insects  unless  the 
rough  bark  is  cleared  off,  and  the  limewash  thoroughly  worked  into 
every  cranny  while  it  is  fresh. 

It  is  most  difficult  to  use  insecticides,  and  insectifuges,  with  advantage, 
as  compositions  that  are  strong  enough  to  kill  or  drive  away  the  weevils 
would  probably  injure  the  tender  buds.  After  the  larva  is  within  the 
bud  it  is  hopeless  to  attempt  to  reach  it. 

A  m<^e  of  decreasing  the  number  of  weevils  adopted  in  France 
consists  in  shaking  the  branches  to  make  the  insects  fall  on  to  cloths 
spread  below.  Cloths — old  rick-cloths  being  best — are  cut  and  arranged 
so  as  to  fit  close  round  the  trunks  of  the  trees.  Labourers  get  into  the 
trees  and  shake  the  branches  violently,  and  others,  with  the  aid  of  long 
poles  with  hooks  at  the  ends,  .shake  the  branches  within  reach.  The 
cloths  are  quickly  swept  with  brooms,  and  the  debris  and  the  weevils  are 
shovelled  into  sacks.  This  must  be  done  rapidly,  before  the  weevils  can 
fly  away.  It  is  said  that  four  men  and  two  boys  treated  110  trees  in  a 
day  in  this  manner. 

From  experiments  made,  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  perform  this 
operation  two  or  three  times  on  each  tree,  as  all  the  weevils  are  not 
shaken  off  at  once.  From  a  tree,  for  instance,  from  which  at  the  first 
shaking  1000  weevils  had  fallen,  385  were  shaken  off  five  hours  later. 
In  one  orchard  of  8  acres,  having  347  trees,  nearly  450,000  weevils  were 
destroyed  in  three  days,  at  a  cost  of  £1.  A  satisfactory  crop  of  Apples 
was  obtained. 

It  should  be  pointed  out  that  this  operation  must  be  carried  out 
before  the  weevils  have  laid  their  eggs,  and  upon  their  first  appearance, 
commencing  with  the  earliest  varieties. 

This  mode  of  destroying  the  Apple  blossom  weevils  might  be  advan¬ 
tageously  practised  in  Great  Britain.  It  might  also  be  useful  in  case  of 
attacks  of  winter  moth  and  other  caterpillars.  It  need  hardly  be  pointed 
out  that  the  fruit  growers  in  districts  should  combine  to  wage  war  in 
this  fashion  simultaneously,  and  with  care  and  energy. — {Board  of 
Agriculture.') 


WOKK-FoutoeWEEK..  S 

^^1 

HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Protectlngr  Outdoor  Plgr  Trees. — In  all  but  the  most  favourably 
situated  positions  Fig  tiees  require  protection  frum  the  severest  frosts. 
A  ready  method  of  insuring  the  safety  of  trees  on  walls  is  to  unfasten 
the  whole  of  the  branches,  tying  them  compactly  together  in  bundles  ; 
and  when  severe  frosts  are  imminent  dry  bracken  or  straw  may  be 
packed  over  them  also,  enclosing  the  main  stem,  which  needs  protection 
equally  with  the  branches.  Archangel  mats  nailed  over  all  will  make 
everything  neat  and  tidy. 

Heading:  Down  Fruit  Trees  for  Craftlngr.— Large-limbed  fruit 
trees,  which  it  is  intended  to  graft  in  the  spring  with  scions  of  better 
varieties,  should  now  be  headed  down  to  points  within  a  short  distance 
of  the  junction  of  the  branches  with  the  main  stem,  leaving,  however,  a 
sufficient  length  to  each  stump  so  that  a  portion  may  be  removed  at 
grafting  time,  the  bark  adjoining  a  new  cut  working  easier  than  that 
around  an  old  one. 

Preserving-  Scions  for  Grafting.  —  During  the  operation  of 
pruning  Apple  and  Pear  trees  well-ripened  portions  of  the  current  year’s 
wood  may  be  selected  for  furnishing  scions,  laying  them  nearly  the 
whole  of  their  length  in  trenches  made  in  a  cool,  shady  position,  where 
they  will  remain  dormant  until  wanted.  It  is  essential  that  the  scions 
be  cut  before  the  least  swelling  of  the  buds  takes  place,  and  they  are 
best  secured  in  mild  weather  during  the  next  few  weeks. 

Hints  on  Winter  Planting  Fruit  Trees. — There  are  many 
favourable  opportunities  when  young  new  trees  may  be  planted  or 
specimens  of  several  years’  growth  removed  from  one  part  of  the  garden 
to  another.  The  best  time  is  just  when  the  leaves  fall,  but  it  is  not 
always  possible  to  accomplish  the  work  then,  and  if  carefully  done  now 
there  is  no  reason  why  trees  should  not  thrive  afterwards.  They  will 
do  so  if  the  most  important  rules  laid  down  for  planting  are  strictly 
followed.  The  weather  should  be  mild  and  comparatively  dry  in  order 
that  the  soil  may  work  easily  without  clinging  tenaciously  to  the  boots 
of  the  workman,  or  render  his  spade  difficult  to  use.  Soil  in  this  state 
may  be  placed  about  the  roots  without  fear.  Its  friability  may  be 
increased  by  mixing  with  it  a  small  portion  of  dry  wood  ashes,  which 
will  favour  the  healing  of  the  roots  and  an  early  commencement  of 
root  action.  All  broken  roots  must  be  cut  smooth,  and  secure  staking 
adopted  along  with  the  planting,  afterwards  a  mulch  of  fairly  short  and 
dry  littery  manure  will  prevent  the  entry  of  frost.  Newly  planted 
trees  ought  not  at  the  present  time  to  be  watered.  The  soil  is  moist 
enough  in  all  cases,  and  quite  sufficient  for  the  requirements  of  roots  in 
an  inactive  state. 


IVIanurlng  Bush  Fruit. — After  the  pruning  of  these  is  completed 
and  the  prunings  cleared  away,  spread  a  coating  of  half-decayed 
farmyard  manure  under  and  between  the  bushes  that  need  the  dressing, 
lightly  forking  it  into  the  ground  wherever  such  is  not  occupied  with 
roots.  The  soil  immediately  under  the  branches  is,  in  well  established 
bushes,  mostly  crowded  with  masses  of  fibrous  roots  which  ought  to  be 
left  undisturbed.  Merely  spread  the  manure  over  them,  leaving  it  to 
decay,  but,  if  desirable,  it  may  be  covered  with  a  thin  coating  of  soil. 
Gooseberry  bushes  that  have  been  badly  affected  with  caterpillars  in 
summer  ought,  if  practicable,  to  have  the  surface  soil  removed  a  couple 
of  inches  from  under  the  spread  of  the  branches,  which  will  clear  away 
the  pupae  of  caterpillars  in  hiding  there  for  the  winter.  Such  soil 
should  be  deeply  buried  between  the  bushes  in  the  spaces  free  from  roots, 
accompanied  with  a  dressing  of  lime.  If  not  convenient  to  remove  the 
soil  make  the  ground  white  with  lime.  The  soil  from  the  trench  mixed 
with  some  short  manure  can  be  spread  over  the  roots. 

Dressing-  Fruit  Trees. — Allowing  insects  and  parasitical  growths 
to  infest  fruit  trees  soon  brings  them  into  an  enfeebled  condition.  Those 
pests  which  infest  the  branches  and  stems  and  once  fairly  established 
are  always  more  or  less  in  evidence  if  means  to  check  them  are  not 
continually  waged,  Winter  is  the  best  time  to  carry  on  the  work  of 
insect  eradication. 

Moss  and  Lichens. — To  rid  trees  of  these  incrustations,  lime  used 
in  conjunction  with  soot  and  sulphur  is  a  good  destroyer.  In  preparing 
a  mixture  of  this  kind  add  to  four  parts  of  hot  lime  two  parts  of  soot 
and  three  of  sulphur,  mixing  all  together  in  strong  soapsuds  to  the 
consistency  of  paint.  On  applying  this  with  a  brush  to  all  affected 
parts  of  trees  it  will  not  only  destroy  the  (growths  referred  to,  but 
insects  concealed  in  the  bark  as  well.  Previously,  however,  the 
thickest  of  the  growths  should  be  carefully  scraped  off  either  with  a 
wooden  spatula  or  piece  of  hoop  iron,  being  cautious  not  to  injure  the 
bark.  The  soda  and  potash  mixture  recommended  on  page  522  is 
excellent  for  cleansing  the  branches  of  fruit  trees  or  bushes. 

American  Blight  and  Scale. — These  insects  require  the  use  of  strong 
and  persistent  measures  to  fully  exterminate  them  from  fruit  trees.  An 
emulsion  of  softsoap  and  petroleum  at  the  rate  of  a  wineglassful  of 
the  latter  to  a  gallon  of  water  in  which  3  ozs.  of  softsoap  has  been 
dissolved  will  destroy  all  the  insects  it  reaches.  Combine  the  oil 
and  soapy  water  with  a  force  pump,  applying  it  to  the  trees  at  a 
temperature  of  100°.  Badly  infested  trees  ought  first  to  be  well  washed 
with  a  stronger  solution  of  softsoap,  not  less  than  4  ozs.  to  the  gallon, 
using  it  at  the  same  temperature.  If  numerous,  the  scale  insects  should 
be  scraped  off  with  a  blunt  edged  piece  of  wood,  the  trees  afterwards 
being  brushed  or  syringed  with  the  emulsion. 

FRUIT  FORCING. 

Vines. — iarliest  Forced  in  Pots. — The  Vines  started  early  in 
November  in  bottom  heat  are  making  rapid  progress,  growth  having 
been  freely  produced  and  root  action  excited  in  consequence  of  the  leaf 
development,  which  should  be  encouraged  by  top-dressings  of  artificial 
manures  and  supplies  of  water  not  less  in  temperature  than  that  of  the 
bed.  The  fermenting  materials  must  not  be  allowed  to  decline  in  heat 
at  this  critical  stage,  augmenting  them  as  required  to  maintain  a 
temperature  of  70°  to  75°  about  the  pots.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  keep  a 
heap  of  leaves  and  stable  litter  in  reserve,  from  which  supplies  may  be 
drawn  as  required.  Particular  attention  must  be  given  to  the  ventila- 
lation,  avoiding  chills,  such  as  those  resulting  from  cold  currents  of  air, 
supplying  the  Vines  with  cold  water.  Disbud  and  tie  down  before  the 
shoots  touch  the  glass,  not  being  in  too  great  a  hurry  in  stopping,  nor 
restricting  to  a  certain  number  of  joints  beyond  the  bnnch  where  there 
is  room.  Yet  there  ought  to  be  two,  as  well-developed  foliage  is 
essential  to  the  proper  swelling  and  finishing  of  the  Grapes.  Avoid 
overcrowding  the  foliage  and  overcropping  by  removing  superfluous 
bunches  as  soon  as  choice  can  be  made  of  the  best.  Maintain  a  night 
temperature  of  60°  to  65°,  70°  to  75°  by  day  artificially,  so  as  to  secure 
steady  progress,  and  as  the  flowers  open  keep  a  rather  drier  atmo¬ 
sphere.  Otherwise  damp  the  paths  two  or  three  times  a  day,  and  where 
fermenting  materials  are  not  employed,  sprinkle  the  floors  occasionally 
with  liquid  manure. 

Planted~out  Vines  Started  Early  in  December. — Where  the  house 
was  closed  at  the  beginning  of  this  month  the  Vines  will  have  started 
to  grow.  The  temperature  should  be  gradually  raised  so  as  to  have 
it  60°  to  65°  at  night  when  they  come  into  leaf,  70°  to  75°  by  day  in 
mild  weather,  but  65°  is  more  suitable  when  the  weather  is  dull  and 
cold.  Air  must  be  given  judiciously,  as  cold  currents  cripple  the  foliage 
irreparably,  yet  moderate  ventilation  is  essential  to  sturdy  growth  and 
well-developed  leaves.  As  the  foliage  enlarges  root  action  will  be  pro¬ 
moted,  and  it  should  be  accelerated  by  supplying  top-dressings  of 
phosphatic  manure,  as  bone  superphosphate,  say  4  ozs.  per  square  yard. 
Defer  disbudding  until  the  bunches  show  in  the  points  of  the  shoots, 
and  allow  these  to  grow  up  towards  the  glass.  The  growths  also 
should  be  allowed  to  make  two  joints  at  least  beyond  the  show  of  fruit 
before  stopping,  pinching  off  the  points  when  the  leaves  at  the  stopping 
point  are  about  the  size  of  a  halfpenny,  remaving  laterals  at  the  same 
time.  Supply  water  when  needed  to  the  inside  border  at  a  temperature 
of  5°  higher  than  the  mean  of  the  house.  If  the  roots  are  partly  out¬ 
side,  the  border  must  be  effectively  protected  from  frost,  and  where  they 
are  entirely  outside  fermenting  materials  will  materially  assist  root 
action  and  a  steady  supply  of  nutrition,  but  once  used  they  must  be 
added  to  from  time  to  time  to  maintain  the  heat  uniform  at  a  tempera¬ 
ture  of  70°  to  75°  at  the  surface  of  the  soil.  This  may  be  ascertained  by 
plunging  a  thermometer  with  the  bulb  level  with  the  base  of  the 


682 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


[  December  S8,  1893. 


fermenting  material.  Damp  the  paths  and  borders  two  ot 'three  times 
a  day,  sprinkling  the  Vines  occasionally,  but  avoid  excessive  syringing 
or  a  confined  moist  atmosphere,  as  it  only  favours  aerial  roots  from  the 
rods  to  the  prejudice  of  proper  root  activity. 

Houses  to  Afford  Ripe  Grapes  in  June — The  Vines  that  are  to  supply 
these  (should  be  started  at  once.  If  the  Vines  are  planted  inside,  the 
outside  borders  should  be  protected  with  a  thickness  of  leaves  sufficient 
to  exclude  frost ;  but  the  Vines  being  planted  outside,  the  border  will  be 
advantageously  covered  with  fermenting  material,  two  parts  leaves  and 
one  part  stable  manure,  both  as  fresh  as  possible,  mixed,  and  put  cn 
so  as  to  maintain  a  temperature  at  their  base  of  60°  to  65°,  and  70°  to 
75°  when  the  Vines  start  into  growth.  Supply  the  inside  border 
with  water  at  a  temperature  of  60°  to  65°,  bringing  it  into  an  evenly 
moist  but  not  saturated  condition.  Fuel  may  be  economised  by  the  free 
use  of  fermenting  materials  placed  inside  the  house,  turning  a  portion 
of  them  daily,  and  adding  fresh  as  needed,  so  as  to  maintain  a  genial 
warmth,  and  the  giving  off  of  ammonia-charged  moisture.  This  will 
also  lessen  the  necessity  for  damping  ;  otherwise,  damp  the  house  and 
Vines  two  or  three  times  a  day  when  the  weather  is  bright.  In  dull 
weather  sprinkling  the  floor  once  or  twice  ]a  day  will  be  ample.  The 
temperature  should  be  50°  to  55°  by  artificial  means  and  65°  from  sun 
heat.  Yourg  Vines  or  canes  will  need  depressing  to  the  horizontal 
line  or  lower,  to  insure  their  breaking  regularly  to  the  base. 

Houses  frim  which  the  Grapes  Hare  been  Cut. — The  Vines  should 
be  pruned  as  soon  as  possible,  as  when  this  is  deferred  beyond  the  turn 
of  the  days  bleeding  is  more  or  less  liable  to  follow,  but  to  a  plump  bud 
or  eye  as  near  to  the  main  stem  as  practicable.  Vines  in  good  condition 
will  give  fruit  enough  when  pruned  to  one  bud  ;  but  where  this  has  not 
been  the  case,  or  the  bunches  were  too  small  in  previous  years,  the 
bearing  shoots  (called  laterals)  may  be  shortened  to  two  buds,  or  left 
longer  if  those  are  not  round  and  plump.  This  will  cause  the  spurs  to 
become  long  in  course  of  time,  but  it  is  easy  to  encourage  growth  from 
the  base  and  cut  the  old  spurs  away,  or  train  up  young  canes  for  the 
displacement  of  the  old  rods.  All  loose  bark  should  be  stripped  off, 
especially  on  the  spurs,  no  attempt  at  scraping  being  made,  and  the 
Vines  washed  with  tepid  softsoap  and  water  (3  ozs.  softsoap  to  a  gallon 
of  water).  This  is  all  that  is  necessary  if  the  Vines  are  clean,  otherwise 
follow  with  an  approved  insecticide.  Cleanse  the  house  thoroughly. 
Limewash  the  walls,  adding  a  handful  of  flowers  of  sulphur  to  each 
pailful  of  limewash.  Remove  the  loose  surface  soil  or  remains  of 
mulchings,  and  supply  fresh  turfy  loam,  and  sprinkle  over  it  4  to  8  ozs. 
per  square  yard  of  this  mixture  : — Three  parts  steamed  bonemeal,  two 
parts  sulphate  of  potash,  and  one  part  ground  gypsum,  mixed.  The 
house  should  be  kept  cool,  but  if  utilised  for  plants  the  temperature 
artificially  should  not  exceed  45°,  as  the  Vines  will  be  excited  in  a  mean 
temperature  of  50°,  and  that  is  fatal  to  complete  rest.  Plants  only  that 
require  safety  from  frost  should  be  placed  in  vineries  when  the  Vines 
are  dormant. 

Late  Houses. — A  temperature  of  45°,  with  a  dry  atmosphere,  should 
be  maintained  in  houses  where  Grapes  are  hanging.  It  will  greatly 
assist  in  securing  an  equable  temperature  to  cover  the  roof  with  mats 
or  straw  secured  with  tarred  string.  Some  keep  the  Grapes  in  this  way 
on  the  Vines  until  March,  but  due  provision  is  made  for  ventilation,  it 
being  important  to  prevent  the  deposition  of  moisture  on  the  berries, 
for  that  causes  the  germination  of  the  spot  fungus  spores,  or  its  near 
ally,  the  ripe  rot  fungus,  and  the  berries  speedily  decay.  The  shade 
also  prevents  black  Grapes  losing  colour  nearly  so  rapidly  as  those 
exposed  to  strong  light,  and  they  do  not  lose  weight  to  anything  like 
the  same  extent.  Examine  every  bunch  carefully  and  frequently, 
removing  all  decayed  berries.  Ventilate  the  house  on  fine  mornings, 
and  keep  it  closed  with  a  little  warmth  in  the  pipes  when  the  weather 
is  damp. 

The  better  plan  is  to  cut  the  Grapes,  especially  where  they  were 
ripened  comparatively  early,  placing  the  ends  of  the  stems  in  bottles  of 
clear  rain  water  secured  in  an  inclined  position  so  as  to  admit  of  the 
fruit  hanging  clear  of  the  bottles.  Any  dry  room  free  from  dust,  and 
where  an  equable  temperature  of  40°  to.45°  is  maintained,  will  be  a 
suitable  place.  This  will  admit  of  the  Vines  being  pruned  and  the 
house  cleaned.  The  Vines  then  have  about  a  couple  of  months’  complete 
rest  before  it  is  necessary  to  start  them  again. 


1  .  , 

m  BEE-KEEPER. 

APIAEIAN  NOTES. 

_  Bees  in  1893. 

The  closing  year  has  been  much  talked  about  as  an  extra¬ 
ordinary  one  for  honey.  There  was,  however,  not  a  single  day 
throughout  the  whole  year  during  which  hives  rose  in  weight  more 
than  from  4  to  6  lbs.  daily.  I  have  known  them  rise  in  weight 
10  lbs.  daily  for  a  week,  and  extra  strong  hives  gather 
from  14  lbs.  up  till  33  lbs.  in  one  day.  In  all  the  records  there  is 
not  an  instance  of  any  hive  reaching  the  weight  many  did  in 
1863,  and  in  some  subsequent  years.  Some  of  my  hives  have 
never  ceased  breeding  since  August,  and  in  most  cases  I  see  from 
their  movements  that  water  gathering  has  commenced  for  another 
year.  One  peculiar  instance  of  the  season  is  that  bees  hereabouts 


never  had  an  opportunity  of  gathering  anything  from  Ivy.  Ifc 
used  to  flower  with  us  in  November,  but  this  year  very  little  was 
in  bloom. 

Comb  Building. 

I  have  a  number  of  queries  to  answer,  but  as  tbe  information 
will  be  embodied  in  “  Hints  for  Beginners,”  I  will  defer  them  till 
the  New  Year.  “  C.  R.,”  however,  has  one,  among  other  questions, 
“Why  bees  refuse  to  build  combs  during  the  season.”  Although  I 
have  never  written  a  special  article  on  the  subject,  I  have  from 
time  to  time  advised  bee-keepers  how  to  manage  their  stock  to 
meet  the  difficulty,  and  to  prevent  swarming  before  the  hives  are 
filled.  I  cannot  tell  the  reason  bees  will  not  build  combs,  but  prefer 
swarming  from  a  half  or  two-thirds  full  hive,  though  I  may  tell 
your  readers  that  had  my  instructions  been  carried  out  disalppoint- 
ment  on  that  line  would  not  have  happened.  The  following  is  a 
repetition  of  past  instructions.  Every  colony  intended  as  a  stock 
should  have  its  hive  filled  with  combs  during  September  or 
October,  This  prevents  premature  swarming  if  the  queen  is 
youthful  and  prolific,  and  an  excess  of  drone  comb.  Of  course  it 
is  understood  that  a  full-combed  hive  can  only  be  satisfactory  with 
the  Lanarkshire  ventilating  floor.  Where  that  is  absent  the 
amount  of  decay  in  the  combs  is  sometimes  great,  and  is  eaten  out 
by  the  bees,  when  invariably  drone  combs  are  substituted, 
constituting  a  double  loss  to  the  bee-keeper.  I  have  repeatedly 
removed  brood  combs  during  the  months  of  June  and  July, 
substituting  a  frame  having  a  narrow  starter  of  foundation 
only,  and  in  a  year  hence  these  frames  remained  empty. 
Although  the  seasons  were  good  and  supers  were  filled,  yet  the 
bees  did  all  that,  and  swarmed  without  building  the  combs  in  the 
brood  nest.  It  is  stated  Carniolans  were  the  neglectful  in 
“  C.  R.’s  ”  case,  but  in  my  own  experience  other  varieties  were  as 
guilty ;  but  why  they  in  some  instances  refuse  to  work  combs  in 
the  places  most  essential  to  the  bees’  well-being  is  beyond  my 
comprehension. 

Spreading  Brood. 

This  is  another  question.  “  A.  M.,”  who  has  followed  the  advice 
given  by  other  writers  in  the  way  of  spreading  brood,  now  finds  his 
hives  full  of  chilled  brood,  having  failed  to  store  surplus  honey 
during  the  summer.  He  is  afraid  of  foul  brood,  and  asks  my 
advice.  I  have  from  the  first  warned  bee-keepers  of  the  question¬ 
able  practice  as  advised  by  inexperienced  writers.  Bee-keepers 
who  prefer  to  throw  aside  the  good  old  Scottish  methods  of 
managing  bees,  following  the  advice  of  book-learned  bee-keepers, 
must  just  take  the  consequences.  The  pages  of  the  Journal  of 
Horticulture  are  open  to  all  who  care  to  give  or  ask  for  information, 
and  those  who  depend  upon  it  will  neither  have  chilled  brood  nor 
foul  brood  in  their  hives,  at  least  beyond  an  infected  case, — 
A  Lanarkshire  Bee-keeper. 


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

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

To  Correspondents, — As,  in  consequence  of  the  Christmas  holidays, 
our  offices  were  closed  from  Saturday  to  Wednesday,  only  those  com¬ 
munications  for  which  space  was  reserved  could  be  inserted  on  Wednesday 
morning ;  also  letters  of  inquiry  which  arrived  after  Saturday  last  cannot 
be  answered  this  week. 

Tuberoses  to  Tlower  In  August  (^Reader). — Pot  the  bulbs  early 
in  March,  and  plunge  in  ashes  in  a  cold  frame.  Placing  a  single  strong 
bulb  in  each  5-inch  or  slightly  larger  pot  is  preferable  to  starting  them 
in  smaller  pots,  and  shifting  from  these  into  larger  ones.  Use  a  rather 
rich  loamy  soil,  and  pot  firmly,  only  about  three-parts  burying  the  bulb. 
Keep  them  in  cold  frames  or  pits,  some  being  placed  in  the  open  air  to 
afford  a  good  succession.  All  may  not  flower,  but  the  bulk  will  produce 
much  stronger  stems  than  will  those  grown  in  heat.  Syringe  frequently 


December  28,  1893.  ] 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


583 


in  order  to  keep  down  red  spider,  give  liquid  manure  when  the  pots  are 
well  filled  with  roots,  support  the  flower  stems  with  stakes,  and  the 
result  will  most  probably  exceed  your  expectations.  Should,  however, 
they  fad  to  expand  early  enough  forward  by  means  of  gentle  heat,  the 
plants  Veing  given  a  light  position. 

White  Antirrhinum  (^Reader'). — Your  pan  of  well  rooted  cuttings 
should  be  kept  in  a  cool  pit  or  frame  for  another  six  weeks,  when  they 
ought  to  be  placed  thinly  or  not  less  than  3  inches  asunder  each  way  in 
a  box  containing  some  loamy  compost.  Keep  them  under  glass  till  well 
rooted  and  growing  strongly,  when  they  should  be  hardened  off  and 
planted  where  they  are  to  flower  next  summer,  the  early  part  of  May 
being  a  good  time  to  do  this.  If  you  have  kept  the  variety  well  away 
from  any  other  Antirrhinum  ard  saved  seed,  the  plants  resulting  from 
this  will  almost  probably  closely  resemble  the  parent  plant.  The  seed 
being  ^own  very  early  in  the  year,  and  the  seedlings  kept  growing 
vigourously,  they  will  flower  freely  next  summer  and  autumn. 

Apple  Cascolg-ne’s  Seedling  (//.  F.  B  ). — You  are  quite  right 
in  assuming  that  “  there  are  three  Gascoigne’s  Seedling  Apples  described 
in  ‘  British  Apples,’  as  having  been  exhibited  at  the  National  Apple 
Congress,  held  in  gardens  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  some  years 
ago.”  The  one  illustrated  (fig.  86)  is  the  best  of  them,  and  our  descrip¬ 
tion  of  the  Apple  is  as  follows  : — Fruit  roundish  ovate,  very  promi¬ 
nently  ribbed  towards  the  eye.  Skin  lemon  coloured  when  ripe,  marked 
on  the  side  next  the  sun  with  a  crimson  flush,  and  broken  streaks  of  the 


FIG.  86. — APPLE  GASCOIGHE  S  SEEDLING. 


same  colour  ;  the  base  has  a  greenish-grey  tinge  and  covered  with  a  coat 
of  thin  russet.  Eye  closed,  with  incurved  convergent  segments  set  in  a 
deep  angular  basin.  Stamens  basal  :  tube  conical.  Stalk  upwards  of 
an  inch  long,  inserted  in  a  deep  funnel-shaped  cavity.  Flesh  white, 
crisp,  juicy,  and  briskly  flavoured,  with  a  pleasant  aroma.  Cells 
obovate,  axile,  or  somewhat  abaxile.  Is  a  very  handsome  Apple  indeed, 
and  may  be  used  for  dessert  or  culinary  purposes. 

Winter  Condition  of  Black  riy  ((7.  IF,).  —  The  black  aphis 
(A.  cerasi)  lives  through  the  winter  on  the  young  growths  of  Cherry 
trees  under  favouring  climatic  conditions,  or  in  glass  houses,  and  some¬ 
times  in  warm  situations  outdoors.  These  continue  to  increase  parthe- 
nogenetically  under  such  circumstances  for  a  number  of  years.  This 
process  of  reproduction  by  gemmation  or  budding  is  distinct  from  that 
by  eggs.  These  eggs  consist  of  the  outer  wall  or  vitelline  membrane, 
which  is  practically  weather-proof,  the  yolk  or  vitellus,  the  germ  vesicle, 
and  germ  spot.  All  these  parts  are  easily  determined  anatomically,  but 
it  is  extremely  difficult  to  refer  the  egg  under  examination  to  the 
species.  The  eggs  you  have  sent  appear  to  be  those  of  the  Cherry  or 
black  aphis,  the  nucleus  being  well  developed  and  spreading,  so  that 
they  will  presently  become  dark  brown  or  black,  and  in  due  course  the 
outer  wall  or  shell  will  crack  at  the  germ  spot,  and  the  virgin  aphides 
emerge.  The  eggs  (true)  are  produced  by  winged  females  at  the  end  of 
the  summer  or  n  autumn,  generally  pale  or  yellow  at  first,  but  ultimately 
turning  black. 

irames  of  Plants. — We  only  undertake  to  name  species  of  plants, 
not  varieties  that  have  originated  from  seed  and  termed  florists’  flowers. 
Flowering  specimens  are  necessary  of  flowering  plants,  and  Fern  fronds 
should  bear  spores.  Specimens  should  arrive  in  a  fresh  state  in  firm  boxes. 
Slightly  damp  moss,  soft  green  grass  or  leaves  form  the  best  packing, 
dry  wool  the  worst.  Not  more  than  six  specimens  can  be  named  at 
once,  and  the  numbers  should  be  visible  without  untying  the  ligatures, 
it  being  often  difficult  to  separate  them  when  the  paper  is  damp. 
(^Amatem-').  —  Coprosma  Baueriana  variegata.  (A.  P.  S'). — Cuphea 
platycentra.  (^Yorhs). — 1,  Daphne  indica  ;  2,  Cyperus  alternifolius. 
(t7.  //.).  —  1,  Begonia  Ingram!  ;  2,  B.  manicata.  (^Suhirian) . — 
Asparagus  decumbens. 


TRADE  CATALOGUES  RECEIYED. 

H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley. — Chrysanthemums. 

Dickson  &  Robinson,  Manchester. —  Garden  Seeds. 

Dicksons,  Limited,  Chester. —  Vegetable  and  Flower  Seeds. 

Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  Scotland. —  Catalogue  and  Comgn-titors'  Guide. 
W.  J.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  Devon. —  Chr'ysanthcinums . 

H.  J.  Jones,  Ryecroft  Nursery,  Lewisham. — DescrigVive  Catalogue 
of  Chrysanthemums. 

Stuart  &  Mein,  Kelso,  Scotland. — Amateurs'  Gardening  Guide. 

J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Royal  Exotic  Nursery,  Chelsea. — Catalogue  of 
Seedsand  Horticultural  longfements . 


OOVENT  GARDEN  MARKET. — December  27th. 

FRUIT. 

The  Christmas  market  was  abundantly  supplied  and  trade  brisk. 

s.  d.  8.  d. 


d.  8.  d 


Apples,  per  bushel  . ,  . . 

2 

6 

to  9 

0 

Peaches,  per  doz . 

0 

0  to 

0 

0 

Cobs  . 

40 

0 

42 

6 

Plums,  per  half  sieve 

0 

0 

0 

0 

Grapes  per  lb . 

0 

6 

2 

0 

St.  Michael  Pines,  each  . . 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Lemons,  case  . 

10 

0 

15 

0 

VEGETABLES. 

B. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Beans,  Kidney,  per  lb.  . . 

0 

3 

to  0 

4 

Mustard  and  Cress,  punnet 

0 

2  to 

0 

0 

Beet,  Red,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

0 

Onions,  bunch . . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Carrots,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Parsley,  dozen  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Cauliflowers,  dozen  . .  . . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Parsnips,  dozen . 

1 

0 

0 

6 

Celery,  bundle  . 

1 

0 

1 

3 

Potatoes,  per  cwt . 

2 

0 

4 

fi 

Ooleworts,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Salsafy,  bundle . 

1 

0 

1 

5 

Cucumbers,  dozen  . .  . . 

3 

0 

7 

0 

Scorzonera,  bundle  . . 

1 

6 

0 

0 

Endive,  dozen  . 

1 

3 

1 

6 

Shallots,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

9 

U 

Herbs,  bunch  . .  . .  , . 

0 

3 

0 

0 

Spinach,  bushel . 

8 

0 

0 

0 

Leeks,  bunch  . 

0 

2 

0 

0 

Tomatoes,  per  lb . 

0 

3 

0 

7 

Lettuce,  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

0 

Turnips,  bunch . 

0 

4 

0 

G 

Mushrooms,  punnet  ..  .. 

0 

9 

1 

0 

AVERAGE  WHOLESALE  PRICES.— OUT  FLOWERS. 

Orchid  Blooms  in  variety .  Chrysanthemum,  blooms  very  plentiful  this  season,  hence 
the  price  is  very  low. 


8. 

d. 

8. 

d 

8. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

Arum  Lilies,  12  blooms  .. 

4 

0 

to  6 

0 

Narciss,  White  (French), 

Azalea,  dozen  sprays . .  . . 

1 

0 

1 

6 

dozen  bunches . 

2 

0 

to  3 

0 

Bouvardias,  bunch  ..  .. 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Orchids,  per  dozen  blcoms 

3 

0 

12 

0 

Camellias,  dozen  blooms  .. 

1 

0 

3 

0 

Pelargoniums,  12  bunches 

6 

0 

12 

0 

Carnations,  12  blooms 

1 

6 

3 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

Chrysanthemums,  dozen 

bunches . 

4 

0 

S 

0 

bunches . 

2 

0 

6 

0 

Primula  (double),  dozen 

Chrysanthemums,  doz.  bis. 

0 

6 

2 

0 

sprays  . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

Eucharis,  dozen . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Pyrethrum,  dozen  bunches 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Gardenias,  per  dozen 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Roses  (indoor),  dozen 

0 

6 

1 

6 

Hyacinth,  Roman,  dozen 

„  Tea,  white,  dozen  . . 

1 

0 

2 

u 

sprays  . 

0 

6 

1 

0 

„  Yellow,  dozen  ..  .. 

0 

4 

0 

Lilac  (French)  per  bunch 

3 

6 

6 

0 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

Lilies  of  the  Valley,  dozen 

per  dozen . 

0 

9 

1 

6 

sprays  . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Roses,  Safrano  (French), 

Lilium  longiflorum,  per 

per  100  . 

1 

6 

3 

0 

dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Tuberoses,  12  blooms, .  . . 

0 

4 

0 

6 

Maidenhair  Fern,  dozen 

Violets,  Parme  (French), 

bunches . 

4 

0 

6 

0 

per  bunch . 

3 

0 

5 

0 

Marguerites,  12  bunches  . . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

Violets,  Czar  (French),  per 

Mignonette,  12  bunches  .. 

3 

0 

6 

0 

bunch  . 

2 

0 

3 

0 

Narciss,  Yellow  (French), 

Violets  (English),  dozen 

dozen  bunches . 

2 

0 

4 

0 

bunches . . 

1 

6 

2 

0 

PLANTS 

IN  POTS. 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

8. 

d. 

s. 

d. 

Arbor  Vitse  (golden)  dozen 

6 

0  to  12 

0 

Foliage  plants,  var.,  each. . 

2 

Oto  10 

0 

Aspidistra,  per  dozen 

18 

0 

36 

0 

Hyacinth,  Roman,  dozen 

Aspidistra,  specimen  plant 

5 

0 

10 

6 

pots . 

12 

0 

18 

0 

Chrysanthemums,  per  doz. 

4 

0 

9 

0 

Lilium  Harrissi,  per  dozen 

12 

0 

24 

0 

„  large  plants,  each 

1 

0 

2 

0 

Lycopodiums,  per  dozen  . . 

3 

0 

4 

0 

Dracaena  terminalis,  per 

Marguerite  Daisy,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

12 

0 

dozen . 

18 

0 

42 

0 

Mignonette,  per  doz . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Draorena  viridis,  dozen  . . 

9 

0 

24 

0 

Myrtles,  dozen  . 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Ericas,  per  dozen 

9 

0 

18 

0 

Palms,  in  var.,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

15 

0 

Euon vmus ,  var.,  dozen  . . 

6 

0 

18 

0 

„  (specimens)  . .  . . 

21 

0 

63 

0 

Evergreens,  in  var.,  dozen 

6 

0 

24 

0 

Pelargoniums,  scarlet,  doz. 

6 

0 

9 

0 

Ferns,  in  variety,  dozen  . . 

4 

0 

18 

0 

Poinsettia,  per  dozen . .  . . 

12 

0 

15 

0 

Ferns  (small)  per  hundred 

4 

0 

6 

0 

Solanums,  per  dozen..  ., 

9 

0 

12 

0 

Ficus  elastica,  each  ..  .. 

1 

0 

7 

6 

SOME  LESSONS  OF  THE  YEAR. 

The  year  draws  to  a  close;  its  span  of  time  will  soon  be 
complete  ;  in  a  few  days  it  will  be  numbered  with  the  past  ;  but 
its  lessons— clear,  incisive,  and  unmistakeable — will  remain  with 
us,  and  of  all  things  which  the  old  year  leaves  behind  they  will 
prove  the  most  valuable  if  their  meaning  is  fully  grasped— 
their  teaching  applied  to  the  correction  of  specific  faults,  to 
the  improvement  of  practice  in  farm  management  generally. 

Failures — those  dear-bought  lessons  of  adversity  which, 
taken  aright,  are  stepping  stones  to  success,  have  sprung 
primarily  from  two  causes — imperfect  autumn  tillage  and 


684 


[  December  28,  1893. 


JOURNAL  OF  HORTICULTURE  AND  COTTAGE  GARDENER. 


poverty  of  soil  ;  secondarily  from  drougflit.  We  say  this  plainly, 
with  a  distinct  comprehension  of  the  general  opinion  that 
drought,  and  drought  only,  was  the  cause  of  crop  failure  in 
hay,  corn,  and  roots.  Bat  close  observation  on  our  long 
journeys,  the  inspection  of  imany  farms  in  different  parts  of 
the  country,  and  the  results  of  our  own  practice  has  shown 
that  the  effect  of  the  drought  was  very  much  in  proportion  to 
the  condition  of  the  land.  Of  corn  crops.  Wheat  sown  early  on 
good  sound  land  was  entirely  satisfactory  in  ear,  the  only  effect 
of  the  drought  being  visible  in  a  certain  dwarfing  of  straw 
growth.  Late-sown  Wheat  on  poor  land  was,  on  the  contrary, 
a  decidedly  inferior  crop.  Where  the  land  was  clean  and 
ridged  in  autumn  the  sowing  of  spring  coi'n  was,  as  usual,  done 
early,  and  done  well.  The  fine  seed  bed  gave  a  full  even  plant, 
the  manure  drilled  in  with  the  seed  gave  vigorous  growth, 
which  had  such  a  good  and  early  start  that  Oats  were  a  mag¬ 
nificent  crop,  decidedly  superior  to  the  best  of  the  Barleys. 

Compare  this,  as  we  have  done  repeatedly,  with  spring  corn 
sown  on  poor  land,  ploughed  late  in  spring  under  great  diffi¬ 
culties,  in  so  rough  a  seed  bed  that  the  plant  was  most  uneven, 
some  coming  up  so  long  before  the  other  that,  as  harvest  time 
drew  on,  there  were  patches  of  ripe  and  green  corn  all  over  the 
fields.  Worse  than  this,  much  of  it  found  so  little  sustenance 
in  the  poverty  stricken  soil  that  it  dwindled  and  died.  Many 
a  corn  field  have  we  seen  the  miserable  growth  of  which — 
unworthy  to  be  termed  a  crop — ought  never  to  have  b6en  left 
to  ripen,  but  should  have  been  folded  off  with  sheep  in  its 
green  state. 

Root  crops  were  affected  very  much  in  the  same  way.  With 
the  drought  setting  in  so  early  in  March,  it  was  evident  that 
special  treatment  was  an  imperative  necessity  if  we  would  have 
a  useful  crop  There  was  the  land  ridged  the  proper  width  in 
autumn  for  Mangolds  and  early  Swedes,  so  it  was  left  till  the 
end  of  March  ;  then  the  farmyard  manure  was  carted  directly 
from  the  heap  to  the  furrows,  where  a  double  amount  of  it  was 
used  to  make  certain  that  the  plant  should  have  plenty  of 
moisture,  the  ridges  being  split,  and  the  seed  sown  at  once, 
only  as  much  dung  being  carted  daily  as  was  required  for  that 
day’s  sowing.  By  this  method  the  seed  (sown  deeper  than 
usual)  had  sufficient  soil  moisture  to  induce  speedy  germina¬ 
tion,  the  plant  became  quickly  established  in  the  mass  of  rich 
moist  humus,  and  passed  through  the  drought  with  comparative 
impunity.  Where,  on  the  other  hand,  the  ploughing  was  done 
late,  only  a  mere  scattering  of  manure  being  placed  in  the 
furrows  and  no  special  effort  made  to  meet  the  emergency, 
there  was  a  lamentable  failure  of  plant  and  a  proportionate 
shortness  of  crop. 

Poor  pasture  was  practically  bare  all  the  summer.  Live 
stock  suffered  accordingly,  and  lean  cattle  were  forced  on  the 
market  in  such  large  numbers  that  prices  were  ruinously 
low.  On  such  land  the  hay  crop  is  never  a  full  one.  This 
year  it  was  less  than  usual  by  five-sixths.  For  example  a 
grazier  who  last  year  made  60  tons  of  hay,  this  year  had  only 
10  tons  from  the  same  area.  Of  course  he  and  his  neighbours 
are  loud  in  complaints  ;  would  that  they  could  be  made  to  see 
the  folly  of  their  negligence  of  the  Und  for  which  they  pay 
rent  and  get  such  miserable  crops  from.  With  land  in  good 
heart,  with  fertility  well  sustained,  and  the  annual  dressing 
of  pure  chemical  manure  applied  in  February,  there  was  growth 
early  and  strong,  a  good  crop  of  hay,  and  it  was  only  during 
the  weeks  of  extreme  heat  that  the  herbage  ran  short,  to 
come  again  with  full  vigour  when  the  rain  did  come. 

Never  was  there  a  summer  in  which  the  quick  action  of 
that  king  of  nitrogenous  manures,  nitrate  of  soda,  was  so  useful. 
A  supply  of  it  was  kept  in  readiness,  and  advantage  was  taken 
of  the  first  steady  downpour  of  rain  to  give  a  dre-sing  of 
about  li  cwt.  to  the  acre  on  pasture  becoming  bare.  The 
effect  was  almost  magical,  so  quickly  and  strongly  did  growth 
follow.  Gi’een  Maize,  too,  must  have  notice  for  its  splendid 
growth  and  high  value.  Mention  of  it  is  a  reminder  of  ths 
outspoken  opinion  of  dairy  farmers  of  land  all  in  pasture,  that 


mixed  farming  is  safe  farming ;  that  their  difficulties  would 
have  been  much  less  if  they  could  have  had  some  green  crops 
and  roots. 

Earnestly  do  we  hope  that  these  and  other  lessons  of  the 
year  may  lead  to  better  practice,  that  their  teaching  may  be 
applied,  that  they  may  carry  conviction  into  the  mind  of 
every  farmer,  and  lead  to  improvements  which  are  so  possible 
and  so  much  to  be  desired.  Under  judicious  change  we  believe 
entirely  in  the  possibility  o':  a  prosperous  future  for  agri¬ 
culture  in  this  country,  but  it  is  a  matter  that  must  be 
considered  with  an  open  mind  ;  prejudice  and  the  blind 
following  of  custom  must  yield  to  the  dictates  of  good  sense. 
When  we  hear  of  conferences  for  the  discussion  of  help  from 
within,  of  thorough  cultivation  of  the  land,  of  a  general 
improvement  in  breeding  and  feeding  live  stock,  of  a  common 
standard  of  excellence  for  all  land  worthy  of  cultivation,  of 
sustained  fertility  of  soil,  of  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
comparative  value  and  right  use  of  manures,  of  the  disposal 
of  farm  produce  in  the  most  profitable  manner,  and  of  a 
system  of  cropping  and  farm  management  adapted  to  require¬ 
ments  of  the  times,  then,  indeed,  shall  we  believe  that  farmers 

“  Rise  to  higher  things 
On  stepping  stones  of  their  dead  selves.” 

WORK  ON  THE  HOME  FARM. 

On  those  estates  where  the  horses  of  the  home  farm  are  used  for  the 
clearance  of  timber  or  underwood  advantage  should  be  taken  of  all  open 
weather  now  for  the  carting,  every  effort  being  made  to  get  through  with 
such  work  before  spring.  The  carting  of  gravel  for  repairing  farm 
roads  or  carriage  drives  must  also  have  attention,  and  if  the  gravel  pit 
is  upon  the  estate  see  that  there  is  a  sound  and  easy  road  out  of  it.  We 
have  had  such  roads  of  an  easy  gradient,  but  we  have  one  now  up  which 
no  horse  can  draw  a  full  load,  and  which,  when  the  estate  came  under 
our  control,  had  deep  wheel  tracks,  showing  that  no  care  had  been 
taken  to  keep  it  in  repair  or  to  improve  it.  The  carters  either  went  off 
with  half  a  load  or  horses  had  to  undergo  much  brutality.  A  sound 
road  and  a  horse  in  trace  harness  at  the  pit  set  matters  right. 

Draining  is  now  being  got  on  with  on  land  where  many  patches  of 
Rushes  clearly  indicated  the  presence  of  superfluous  water.  This  pasture 
has  also  much  Carnation  Grass  and  other  poor  herbage,  and  we  must 
have  the  draining  finished  in  good  time  for  a  dressing  of  chemical 
manure  in  February.  A  renovating  mixture  of  strong  growing  grasses 
will  be  sown,  the  superfluous  soil  from  the  drain  spread  over  the  pasture, 
and  the  whole  well  rolled  and  bush-harrowed  in  due  course.  Pasture 
generally  is  wonderfully  firm  to  the  foot  for  this  season  of  the  year,  and 
sheep  folds  are  in  full  use  upon  as  much  of  it  as  possible.  We  like  a 
large  flock ;  it  enables  us  to  keep  down  manure  bills,  sheep  folding 
being  used  everywhere  that  it  can  be  managed.  Herein  lies  the  special 
value  of  sheep,  which  gives  them  an  advantage  over  all  other  stock,  and 
renders  them  indispensable  to  the  farmer.  Avoid  folding  pregnant  ewes 
on  arable  land  ;  never  forget  the  heavy  losses  which  have  followed  care¬ 
lessness  in  this  matter,  both  from  the  strain  made  upon  them  in  walking 
about  in  the  sea  of  mud  to  which  the  soil  in  such  folds  is  often  reduced 
at  this  season  of  the  year,  but  also  from  the  chilling  effects  of  the 
consumption  of  large  numbers  of  frosty  Turnips. 


METEOROLOGICAL  OBSERVATIONS. 
Oamden  Square,  London. 
Lat.51°32'40''  K. :  Loa?.  0°8'0"  W.:  Altitude.  Ill  feet 


Date. 

9  A.M. 

In  the  Day. 

1893. 

December. 

55 '^-3 
-S  « 

«  c8  > 

Hygrometer. 

Direc¬ 
tion  of 

Temp, 
of  soil 
at 

1  foot. 

Shade  Tem¬ 
perature. 

Radiation 

Temperature 

i 

eS 

PS 

M  «  C« 
CO  ^  aj 

CO  dm 

Dry. 

Wet. 

Wind. 

Max. 

Min. 

In 

Sun. 

On 

Grass. 

Sunday  .. 

17 

Inchs. 

30-378 

deg. 

365 

deg. 

36-4 

Calm 

deg. 

42-0 

deg. 

42-6 

deg. 

33-3 

deg. 

51-0 

deg. 

29-4 

Inchs. 

Monday  . . 

18 

30108 

40-5 

39-4 

S.E. 

41-1 

46-4 

33-3 

49-3 

29-9 

— 

Tuesday  . . 

19 

29-553 

45-7 

43-9 

S.B. 

41-5 

48-9 

41-2 

57-7 

35-3 

0-216 

Wednesday 

20 

28-065 

42-7 

41-4 

S, 

41-9 

50-0 

39-9 

56-9 

34-9 

0-252 

Thursday . . 

21 

29-490 

36-1 

34-3 

s  w. 

41-3 

43-2 

34-3 

60-1 

29-6 

— 

Friday 

22 

29-856 

41-9 

40.0 

s.w. 

39-9 

511 

33-0 

50-3 

27-6 

0160 

Saturday  . , 

23 

30-164 

38-3 

38-1 

s.w. 

40-1 

46-7 

35-2 

60-4 

30-3 

— 

29  788 

40  3 

39-1 

41-1 

47-0 

35-7 

55-1 

31-0 

0-628 

KEMARKS. 


17th. — Fine  and  sunny  till  about  3  P.M.,  cloudy  after. 

18th.— Fair  early,  dull  and  misty  from  9  A.M.  to  noon ;  fair  afternoon,  bright  evening. 

19th. — Overcast  early,  occasional  sunshine  from  10  A.M.  to  noon ;  continuous  rain  from 
1.45  P.M.  to  6  P.M.,  and  showers  later ;  high  wind  in  afternoon. 

20th. — Rain  from  7  to  9  A.M.,  and  showers  after;  bright  sun  from  1  to  2  ®.M.,  then 
overcast  again,  and  heavy  rain  from  3  P  .M.  to  6  P.M. ;  S.B.  gale  and  squall,  and 
very  low  barometer  in  afternoon  ;  lunar  halo  at  night. 

21st. — Bright  throughout,  and  brilliant  night. 

22nd.— Fair  early,  almost  continuous  from  9  A.M.,  with  steady  rain  from  6  to  7  P.M.i 
fine  night. 

23rd.— Fair  early,  bright  day,  but  damp :  cloudless  but  misty  at  night. 

A  damp  week,  with  average  temperature.  Barometer  very  low,  28’565  inches  at 

5  P.M  on  2  ith.— G.  J.  Sl'MONS.  /  A 


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