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July 4, 1866. ]

JOURNAL OP HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Month

"17

■Week.

JULY 4^-10, 1865.

.tvcraKe Tomporuluro
noar LuniloD.

Rain Id

la»t
se ycara.

Sun

KiBCB.

Sun

Sets.

Moon
RinoB.

Moon

Sots.

Moon'B
Anc.

Clock
bofnre
Sun.

y«cur.

Diiv.

NiRht.

Mean.

Days.

m. h.

m. h.

ni. h.

m. )i.

Day«.

ni. B.

t

5
t)

7

a

9

10

Tn
W
Tu
K

S

T»)n(lflax flowers.

7S.8

50.8

68.2

IS

51at»

17 at 8

69 at B

42 at

ll

4

185

77.4

61.0

64.2

16

62 8

16 8

1 6

16 1

12

4 15

188

7i;.2

51.3

6S.B

18

5S 8

16 8

68 6

67 1

IK

4 25

1H7

St. .lolin'K W<irt flo-wern.

711.7

61.4

62.6

20

64 8

16 8

61 6

46 2

14

4 85

1H8

74.1

60.0

62.1

1»

55 »

16 K

86 7

48 »

O

4 44

189

4 SrM>AY AKTEU TkINITV.

74.0

49.6

61.8

17

66 8

14 8

17 8

48 4

16

4 63

190

M

Willi Carrot flowcvtJ.

74.7

50.5

62.6

16

67 8

13 8

63 8

6

17

5 2

191

From obsorvatjoiij takuu neaj Loudou iluriug the livst thirty-oigbt yuarn

, the averBgo day temperature of the wcel

ia 75.1'

and its ui^'ht 1

temporatiiro M.S'. The grcatoBt heat was

97°, ou the 5th, 1862; and the lowest cold, a;)", on the ath, IWiU

. The greatest laU ol |

mill waB 0.82 inch.

1

LIBRARN
NEW YOk
BOTANICa,

UAKbEN.

GLEANINCIS FROM ROCK AND FIELD
TOW.UtDS ROME.— No. 1.

LEFT Eugluuil in Februaiy,
but before my departuie tlie
Editors of The Journai. of
HoimcuLTL'itE kiiidly pro-
mi.sed me space, on my re-
turn, for the account of any
Ferus or plants I mi^;lit meet witli ; and thougli I fear my
success viiM not be deemed very gi'eat, I ventiu'e once more
to \\Tite of what it han been, as I have journeyed to and
ii'om Rome, witli eyes always tm-ued lonj^dngly to rock.
bank, and watercourse, seelung for the tufts of bright
waving green, wliich ever and anon would call forth a cry
of " Bcstdte !" and a plunge from the carriage, trowel in
hand, to dig up the treasm-e and transfer it to the tomist's
bag, whicli I carried on my shoulder, or, rather, rovmd my
neck, at the umuinent peril of sulfocatiou when the booty
was large and heavy.

I left England on February •22nd, in bitter cold, with
snow many inches deep on the gi'ound. We left snow at
Lyons on February "23, and as we neared Marseilles we were
told that the '" mistral " was l)lo\viiig there : and blow it did !
The OUve trees bent tliek supple Umbs to it — tlie fan- pink
bloom of the Almond trees fled before it ; women did fierce
battle with crinoline, and men di'ew theii' long cloaks about
them, and all the time the sky looked intensely blue and
innocent of the riot, and the sim shone brightly, and Ids
rays bimit Ulvo fii'e. Happy England 1 happier English-
men, to whom •■ misti'al," " tramontana," and " sirocco " are
unmeaning words. iVlas ! for those who shudder at thek
names, as tliey bring back to memoiy the blasthig, blight-
ing efi'ect of tiiese terrible seom-ges. An east wind is bad
enough, with the dust and the cliill it brings with it ; hut
what of a scorching hot east %vind that seems to biu-n up
and shrivel all life m man and natm-e, and to blow Cayenne
pepper and Cliili vinegar down your throat ? Yet in spite
of the " misti'al " we saw tokens of coming spring e^-ery-
where. Vine-di-essers were busy ui the vineyards pruning
every spare branch, Olive trees were being banked up — the
whole creation seemed watclung and waitmg for the rcsiu--
rection so sm-ely coming from the winter's gi-ave.

In the market we found Violets, Camellias, Carnations,
Anemones, Daflbdils, Narcissus, Koses (Cliiua and red),
and large beautiful Heailspase. The flower market of
MarseOles is very curious and pretty, each market-woman
iiaving a stall covered with a huge imibrella under the
sliadow of a tree. In one of these stalls I saw a woman
maldng a large flat bouquet of dark Violets as a cross with
white flowers roiuid. I asked, "Is that for a church'.'"
^_"0h no," she replied; "it is for a lady who is dead."
22 No. 223 -Vol.. rx., New Series.

These large bouquets arc placeil ou the liicr when the body
is carried to its last resting-place, and left on tlie grave, as
gentle witnesses of the fleeting nature of all that is most
fair on earth. Sometimes the grave is entu'ely bordered
with flowers : sometimes there are only vases of flowers
decked with ribbons and beads. The vegetables were such
as we shoidd see ui a south-country market in England,
with the exception that in Marseilles the first crop of Peas
was being gathered, and we had some for dinner boUcd
and sweetened to (French) taste.

The first Fern I saw was at Nice : on my way to the
English church I passed a cart filled with blocks of stone,
and peeping at me from their crevices I saw Ceterach and
Trichomanes. The churchywd was full of Roses in bloom
(red and wldte). and the scent of Oranges and Lemons
tilled the au\ Summer seemed at hand, and we bought
dust-coloiu-ed pai'asols and overcoats in expectation of its
near presence. En ronte fi'om Nice to Mentone wc saw
by the wayside hedges of Roses, the pink wild Anemone
(Anemone liortensis ; the nemorosa I have seen but very
rarely in Italy), SciQas, -Tonquils. and I believe the pint
Cyclamen, witli many other common flowers ; there were
also huge Aloes, Cactus, and Palms, with Orange, Citron,
and Lemon trees loaded with flowers and fruit. Often
when the road was liigh up ou the rock we looked down on
precipices made golden with the Orange boughs, and as we
tU'Ove on om- glorious w-ay little black-eyed children tlirew
branches of Orange trees, covered with li'uit and flowers,
into the caniage windows.

It was Shrove Tuesday, and the villages we drove throng
were alive with groups of merrj- laughmg peasants gaping
at the processions of mummers, who, in every sort of gro-
tesque costimie, paraded the streets. Enteiing Mentone
we heard voices singnig a chant. " Oh," said I, " here is
a chm'ch procession. Let us wait." Presently we saw a
party of men in wliite (in unitation of piiests'>, beaiing aloft
a man. who spread out his hands as if blessmg the people.
■' Pio Nono ! Pio Nono ! " shouted the crowd as they rushed
headlong on in their mad gaiety. To an English eye the
Carnival must ever seem a strange vestibule to Lent.

Cheilanthcs odora is to be foimd at ^Mentone, lint it was
too early to hope to find the small fragi'aut fronds on the
steep moimtain sides, wiiere later in the year it grows.
Tlie flora of Mentone is a very beautiful one : m April the
hedges and rocks are a mass of gay and varied bli lora ; but
there are few weeks dm-ing the winter mouths wlieu the
botanist may not find ample material for his tui and book.

Shortly after leaving Mentone I noticed the first tuft of
.\iUantum capUlus-Vcueris, and as the luncstone rock and
triclding water increitsed, the little tufts became vast masses ;
clefts hi the rock, lUie miinatm-e caverns, were covered with
the fau'y-like foliage, which in some places seemed to line
the entire face of the rock. At rare intervals I found the
Ceterach also, hut no other Fern. Cmeraria maiitima
gi-ew in great quantities, its soft gi"ey leaves waving to tlie
sea breeze, wiiich blew upon them over one of the i'.m-est
scenes to be met with on this most beautifid earth. Yet
even the exceeding beauty hardly repaid me for the more
exceeding frigJit the pass of the Cornice always ^ives me.

No. 675.— Vol. XXXI v.. Old fEIimS.

o

-2

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

C July 4, 1866.

The road in many places is hewn ou the face of the living
lock, which stands in grand defiance, fro-sniing on steep preci-
pices going down, down, oh ! so very far down into the surging
billows beneath. For a great part of the way there is no pro-
tection — literally none ; and eveiy now and then you are
greeted with pleasant remarks from the outside, such as — " Dear
me ! we were all but over when that carriage passed ; the horses
jibbed, or swei-ved, or something, and we were just over." Or,
perhaps, it would be, " We had better wait a few minutes ; they
are blasting the rock ahead, and if a thundering piece came
down the horses might take fright." Whatever the courage of
the horses might be, I knew of one trembUng passenger who [
was ever and anon reduced to study the geology of the steep !
rook rather than the botany of the precipice. Yet what a :
glorious sight it was ! as we wound along our perilous way. |
On one side the blasting of the rocks showed all their gi-and
colouring and veining, and the sunlight seemed to glint them
with a thousand rich and varied hues. Beneath lay the deep
blue Mediterranean, with white and red-sailed vessels here and
there ; wliile, stretching far away, before us and behind, lay
ioH blue distances with picturesque villages ; now high upon
some momitaiu side, now peacefully lining the shore, where
fishermen in red caps and jackets stood about mending their
nets, and little childj-en played in and out amongst the boats.
■Every few miles we made perilous descents into these sea-side
towns, and while the horses were rested we walked, gathering
wild flowers, about the neighbouring poilerr, the contadino,
priming the Olives or Vines, only looking up to give a friendly
glance at the stranger. On March 1, beneath the Olives or by
the wayside, we gathered Daisies, Thyme, Wood Buttercups,
'Pellitory, Wood MercuriaUa, purple and scarlet Anemones,
Narcissus tazetta, Hawkweed, Rosemary, and Celandine ; also
very fine specimens of Polygala vulgaris, much finer than the
Engli.sh Milkworts. The weather was so genial we required no
fire, and at San Eemo we sat with windows open to the sea.

To engineers, the Cornice is just now specially interesting,
fi-om the magnificent line of railway they are making from Nice
to Genoa. It seems almost too gi-and to be a himian under-
taking, chasms of such a tremendous depth have to be spanned
over with giant viaducts, and rocks of such enormous pro-
portions have to be bored through, rocks ending in precipices,
■A-ith rocks again beyond. Everything seems to fall before the
magic of the railway, or rather before the vast intelligence it
embodies ; old customs, old prejudices, old faiths are uprooted
with the uprooted trees, and pass onwards and away with the
sdvancing line. It is a strange thing to note the change a rail-
way mSikes in an old Italian town. Life, energ;^-, and purpose,
side by side with inertness and decay, vast heaps of iron rails
lying on beds of Myrtle and Lavender, causing the crushed and
broken boughs to give out a delicious perfume ; groups of
peaceful-looking nuns passing quickly by where rough-looking
and rougher-spoken "navvies" are at work. A mass of blasted
rock lying by the roadside with Maideu-hair Fern trailing over
it ; smart Parisian bonnets, worn by the smart wives of the
railway contractors passing down narrow streets, with none but
Italian peasants in their fanciful costume to look upon and
envy (?) them ! Everything has a disjointed, out-of-place look,
and it will be many years before the graceful pleasure-loving
Italy of old will be able to adapt herself to the requirements of
her more active and useful step-children, for born Italians the
new generation does not seem to be.

Ou March 3rd, I found between Savona and (ieuoa, what I
believed to be the Dunraven variety of Adiantum capillus-
Veneris ; the rachis is of stiffer growth, and the pinnules smaller
tlian they are in the ordinary form. I also found what I believe
to be a variety of Aspleuium adiantum-nigrum, the form of
fronds is more obtuse than in acutum, and the pinnas more di-
vided than in simple nigrum ; but I grieve to own tliat one of our
best Fern authorities has only dubbed it with the name A. adi-
antum-nigrum. I, however, venture to enter a trembling pro-
test against this ignominious treatment. We were detained at
Genoa by snow, and this on the 7th of March. It came steal-
LTig on the earth at nightfall, and, lo ! in the morning every
laonntain lay ghttering like diamonds beneath the rising sun,
every vessel, every house, each bye-way, and marble path wore
alike the same pure covering, beneath wliich poor Italy trembled
aud shivered as we never shiver in England. At night there
was a sunset ! our room looked over the noble white marble
terrace, upon the harbour of Genoa, bristling with a thousand
masts, a resting-place for vessels of every nation upon earth ;
the setting sun glorified the mountain tops, and hght, fleecy
clouds hung like lamps of fire above the gorgeous scene. Yet,

like all of earth, how fleeting was the glory ! A moment and
the fading light fell like a meteor on the lower banks of cloud
another instant and the tall masts rise hke gloomy spectres
against the clouds, the waters lie calm and silvery beneath,
and here and there a quiet star looks down.— Filix-f(emina.

LIQUID MANURES.

Liquid manure enters largely into the art of plant and fruit-
tree culture in pots and borders where the amount of root-
action is limited to a small space. That which I have chiefly
used has been the drainings of a dunghill, not necessarily
what might accimiulate from the washing of the manure heap
by the ordinary rainfall, but it was our practice to have the
fresh litter, during the siunmer particularly, thrown up every
ten days or fortnight, either preparatory to the formation of
hotbeds or for manure, into a square heap, which was after-
wards well satmated with water and covered with a layer of soil
or road-scrapings, if not wanted for hotbeds. In this way the
litter was more readily converted into manure, and the manure
tank was never long empty.

These washings, whether artificial or natural, were the kind
used, being the washings of horse, cow, and pig's dung in about
equal quantities, for the horse droppings were mostly collected
for Mushroom-growing. This liquid being used up, is made
fresh every fortnight ; it never had a noxious smell, aud never,
to my knowledge, fermented, consequently it was never very
putrescent. The liquid was used for watering, and sprinkling
the waUs, paths, ic, of the houses ; for watering, it was
diluted with an equal volume of hot water, so as to make the
temperature of the liquid equal to 90°. It was given to aU
plants after growth recommenced, always making sure that
the drainage was good, and that there was an abundance of
roots to absorb the food thus furnished. No plant was watered
with the Uquid unless the soil was full of healthy roots, nor
whilst in a state of rest ; and if fresh potted or top-dressed it
was not watered until new and healthy roots and new growth
had been made and were a little advanced. For instance :
Calceolarias and Cinerarias, were not watered so long as they
remained out of their blooming-pots, and not then imtil the
roots reached the sides of the pots, but aftenvards at every
alternate watering n\> to the time of their blooming. Geraniums
were treated in like manner. Pelargoniums were not watered
so long as they grew sufficiently strong, for ajiplications before
the bloom shows or trusses form have a tendeucy to encourage
growth at the expense of the bloom. On the other hand, when
the growth was weak, the plants still having healthy roots, they
were watered with the liquid diluted with four times its volume
of water. After the trusses were visible, the plants were
watered at every alternate watering with liquid manure up to
the time of their coming into bloom generally. This was the
treatment pursued with aU kinds of soft-wooded plants, no
liquid being given so long as they grew sufficiently well without
it, for I am persuaded that soils are, or ought to be, made
sufficiently rich to maintain the plant uj) to its showing its
trusses or bloom-stems ; the liquid given after this goes to
strengthen the flower-stalks, contributing to the size, not
number, of the blooms of the flower-head ; whereas, when it is
given at an earlier stage gross or strong growths are often
formed, and these are often produced at the expense of the
bloom, for a gross plant is seldom prolific of flowers. I make
it a rule to water no soft-wooded plant miti! it has been long
enough in its blooming-pot to fill it with roots, that being the
only time when I have found watering with manure water of
any advantage. To all bulbs after the spike appears or the
foliage attains its full size, it is given to strengthen the truss,
aud increase the size of the flower. Such, however, as have
the pots full of roots may be watered whilst the foliage is
forming, which will improve in size, and then it is only
reasonable to hope for finer flowers, to say nothing of the bulb
becoming stronger by higher feeding. It verj- often happens
that highly fed plants, and those of a bulbous nature are no
exception, do not flower so finely as those not so strong ; but
this is only due to the extra feeding retarding the ripening
process. Bulbs that are highly fed must be very well
ripeued, otherwise they will not flower satisfactorily. I may
note in passing that plants highly fed require more light, at
least a longer continuance of light and heat, to perfect or ripen
the growth made, whether it be eyes or buda on a plant or the
concentration of the current year's growth in a bulb for
another year.

Jaly 4, 1866. J

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

There are certain cases in which it is desirable to further

Rrowth by copious manure waterint^s, and particularly iloos
this apply to fine-foliaj;oil plants. CaladiuniK would, I bi'licvc,
live with their roots in a manure tank : I liavc known Caladium
argjTites treated as an aquatic, planted in water fully 3 inches
deejp, and it throve amazingly. All tlie Caladiums like liipiid
manure, and a brisk heat, with slight sluide. .Mocasins revel
in moisture and liquid manure when growing. JIarantas, aiul
all that have thick and fleshy roots, as Dracaenas, the I'alnis
generally, .\ralias, Kieuses, Coleus, Uillbergia (though half
epiphytal, some quite so), .Echmens, I'andanus, Sic, though
many have fibrous roots, are improved in foliage by hquid
manure when growing. There are indeed few plants to which
it may not be given with advantage, but they must be in a
healthy state — not necessarily vigorous, for then it is not
needed, but having henltby roots. It benetits those most,
however, that form thick roots, and those especially that
require a loamy soil wholly or in jiart. Those jilants that
never form such roots, as Heaths, I'imeleas, Leschenaultias,
Eriostemons, Correas, .\zaleas, and Uhododendrons, it does
not seem to improve n)uch if at all, and unless given very
weak, it is certain destruction to many of them if jiersistently
applied, and that even wlien weak. I fancied Azaleas had
finer flowers, and made finer wood with a little weak hquid
manure than others supi)lied with water only, but I am not
certain, and would therefore advise others to be cautious in
applying licpiid manure to any plant that requires peat soil
for its successful growth. Their roots are so very delicate
as to be soon destroyed ; Camellias, how(^ver, care nothing
about it, except when healthy, they like it botli when the buds
are swelling in winter or si)ring, and again when making their
wood. It is necessary, however, that the soil be well drained
and porous, and the roots healthy. It is useless giving strong
food to a sickly person without an appetite, and so with plants.
Weak but uoiirishing food is required by sickly plants ; a sweet
soil and atmosjihere, and thorough cleauhness, are what they
require until tliey gain strength, and are able to take and
make the most of stronger food.

Annual plants as Balsams and Cockscombs, succeed better
with liquid mamu'e than with very rich soil, and so do Gloxinias,
Gesneras, Achimenes, &c., from the time of their first showing
their buds to that of their coming into bloom.

I have an impression that Ferns, Mosses, and the lower
orders of plants are no finer in consequence of the application
of liqmd manure, or indeed manure in any form. Though
many of them will grow and appear none the worse of weak
doses, not too frequently given, say once a-week, they do not
seem to grow any better, and they are not improved, nor can I
say injured in a " manured atmosphere," whilst Orchids
become more luxuriant, aiul have healthier and better-coloured
foliage in such an atmosphere.

Now draiuings of the dunghill will do wonders in a garden
during a dry season. The Roses will bloom finer in consequence
of watering them with it, from the time of the buds forming to
that of the flowers expanding, applying it cool, though it
would be none the worse of being boiled to destroy the eggs
and larvaj of insects, even if allowed to cool afterwards. Roses
in hot weather hke the liquid cool, and so do all plants that
are required to grow slowly and remain long in bloom. It may
not be generally known that cold pump water will cause a
plant to continue longer in bloom than were it watered with
water exposed to the air. It is best, therefore, to use the liquid
at 90' when we wish to forward, and cool when we desire to
retard the flowei-ing, fniiting, or perfection of vegetables. The
liquid may be given to all out-door plants when diluted with an
equal quantity of water.

Whether is hard or rain water the better ? This is a question
well worth considering. We frequently see rain water recom-
mended as the best for watering. I have known a large
establishment successfully managed with no water except
pump water, and no matter how dry the summer there never
was any scarcity of water. I think a pump and a deep well
capital things in a garden. Spring water is the best of agents
for keeping the roots of plants cool, and, much as I like soft
water, it is a fact that plants in a hot summer do better with
pump than with warm or aired soft water, particularly those
dehghting in coolness and moisture, as Roses, Calceolarias,
and any others of which we wish to prolong the blooming.
It is also good for Strawberries in hot seasons. I may add that
pump water is soon aired by pumping it into an open cistern,
and if this be elevated the water can be run where wanted by
means of pipes, and hose to distribute it \vill obviate much of

the drudgery of watering. For tender plants pump water is

not good, or rather rain water is better.

To return. The drainings of a dunghill may be given to all
out-door plants that are healthy, though weak, whilst growing,
which it is desired to invigorate ; the Uquid being diluted with
an eipial (juantity of water for the strong, and with four times-
that ([uantity for the less-growing kinds of plants, except such
as KhodoiU'ndrons, A/aleas, Kalniias, Andromedas, Ericas, &e.
There nvv. otlur exceptions, as the majority of the Conifers. Of
all plants to which I have used li(iuid manure, tree I'scouies
are those wliich show the beneficial elTects perhaps more than
any other, an application being afforded twice a-week from the
time the buds are first visible up to flowering.

Passing on to fruits, I may say they all like copious water-
ings with licpiid manure. I water Pines regularly with it, from
the time that the suckers become well rooted up to fruiting — in
fact from March to October. We water them with half
drainings of the dunghill and half soft water, at a temperature
of from DO*-' to 10(1". During the winter months they are
watered sebhun, aiul with aired soft water only. To Vines
in pots the liipiid numure is given at every alternate watering,
from the time of the buds breaking uj> to that of the fruit
riiieniug ; to Figs in pots, fi'om the leaves appearing till these
change colour — but it should be borne in mind that our Figs
are always under-potted, for if Figs are liberally treated with
pot room they grow too freely, and cast their fruit ; and aU
stone fruits, from their setting up to ripening, are freely
supplied with liquid manure. Musas in pots and tubs may
have li(iuid manure every day when growing freely ; Oranges
too, may receive it when making new wood, and throughout
the summer once or twice a-week. There is not a fruit tree
grown in pots that is not benefited by frequent and copious
waterings of liquid manure whilst in active growth, always
excepting those of which the gi'owths are already too luxuriant,
or gross to an extent that interferes with their bearing.

Pines in beds are watered with liquid mamu-e the same as
those in pots ; Figs, also, if the borders are filled with roots,
and other fruit trees in borders, at every alternate watering.
It ought to be borne in mind that, so long as the border is
sufficiently rich to furnish strong wood and good crops of fruit,
liquid manure is not likely to improve ; for, though it might
render the crop larger, it might produce rank growth, and im-
perfectly ripened wood. On the other hand, it may safely be
given to trees whose growths are fruitful, the wood strong and
close-jointed ; and it may be given advantageously to those
that are weak from want of nourishment in the soil, always
making sure that the roots are in a healthy state. I was
formerly of opinion that roots were more freely formed, and
ran more readily through poor soil than rich. This, I find, is
only in part correct ; for, if we plant a tree m rich soil, roots
will not be so readily emitted as when it is planted in poor
ground ; but when once emitted they ramify and extend more
rapidly in rich than in poor soil. It is really astonishing how
the roots will rise in pots surface-dressed with rich soil, even
up into the top-di-essiug itself. I have nothing to urge against
liquid manure, but I very much question whether it is as safe as
top-tlressings of manm-e. After the fruit has set, top-dress a
fruit tree — say a Peach in a 1,5-iuch pot — with an inch of fi'esh
cowdung, so as to form a depression to hold water, and fill
this with about two quarts of water every day, and renew the
dressing of cowdung, an inch each time, at iuten'als of six
weeks, up to the fruit taking its last swelling ; give another tree
an equal quantity of liquid maniue daily, up to the same period,
and which will be the healthier tree, and yield the finer fruit ?

Of other liquids, I have used guano, at the rate of 2 ozs. to
a gallon of water, for plants in the open air, and not frequently
watered, or, if in pots, at the rate of 1 oz. to the gallon ; and
this last is the strength used for all plants of Umited root-
action in pots, tubs, and borders. The guano is best dissolved
in a wooden tub, pouring the water upon it the night before
using it. If pl.aced in a watering-pot it quickly brings the
paint oft', and corrodes the iron. A peck of fresh sheep's-dung,
mixed with forty gallons of water, was a favomite Uquid with the
man in charge of the houses where fruit and vegetable forcing
was carried on, whilst cowdung — a peck to twenty gallons of
water — was much valued by the flower gardener. Horse-
droppings, in the same proportion, were not thought much of^
Soot-water, made by pouring, or rather pumping — for all the
tubs were in a shed at the back of the forcing-houses, and a
pump in the rain-water tank enabled all the barrels to be filled
by the simple turning and shutting on or off of the water —
forty gallons of water over a peck of soot, was much used..

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTCEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

C Julj 4, 1865.

In conclusion, I may state that I have used several chemical
manures in a sohible form, but I never found cue of them of
tcay use, except to bring the leaves of the plants down. Re-
Hismber, I do not include, in this condemnation, some of the
sulphates, mniiates, and phosphates, which are manurial agents,
but concentrated liipiids, which are said to answer the same
end as the pills of the Scythians, which would answer for food
during a six -mouths campaign. The gluten of a bread loaf,
brought into the compass of a pea, will no more satisfy and feed
a hungi'y man than will a drop of the manurial constituents of
a cartload of dung, condensed into an ounce phial, added to a
bucket of water, be beneficial to plants, — G. Abeev.

CONIFEK.E rRODUCING CONES AT LINTON
PARK.

TuE tine dry autumn of last year seems to have exerted a
fruitful influence on some of our trees, which this season have
produced cones, and possibly Bome of these may arrive at ma-
tuiity. I must, however, remark that the blooming of ordi-
nary forest trees and shrubs was not so abundant as last year,
and some of them have not the appearance of being loaded
with their usual heavy crop of seeds. Walnuts will be thin,
and the common Hawthorn will bear anv-tliing but a hea\-y
crop. These things are, however, of little importance com-
pared with the crops of eiUble fruits which form so important a
feature in the general cultivation of the district, and which in
most cases fall short of the expectation once entertained. My
ptirpose, however, is to point o)it some Conifers which have
here this geason produced cones for the first time. Might I
ask if they have done so elsewhere, and with what result ?

AK.vrc.iRU iMERic.iT.i. — A fine tree of Araucaria imbricata
has this season produced three large cones, which, from their
manner of growth, pi-omise to arrive at a size hitherto unknown
amongst specimens furnished by other trees ; the tree is Jip-
wards of 30 feet in height, and in outline more cylindrical than
conical, the diameter of its branches at the height of 25 feet
being about the same as at bottom. The top is gi-acefnlly
roonded, and though the bottom branches for about 3 feet are
gone, the next tier sweep the ground, so as to give that imiform
outline so much admired in trees of this and similar species.
The cones are near the top, are globular in form, and, as a
lady justly ohsen-ed a few days ago, are like hedgehogs in size
and the bristly manner in which they are set with leaves, or
rather spines, on all sides. Their size is quite equal to that of
a full-grown heilgehog. From these cones appearing so early
in the season there is reason to hope that they may amve at
perfection, the situation of the tree being favmrraWe for ma-
tiu-ing them, being dry, sunny, and sheltered. Indeed we have
long thought the site drier than is wanted for a tree of this
kind, but not having a tree of equal size growing on a situation
of opposite character, although we have several smaller ones,
it is, perhaps, premature to condemn the site, especially when
it is known that the tree has never suffered from the severest
winter, and promises so well.

PirEA NOBiLis. — A specimen of tliis fine Conifer which had
lost its leader some fifteen years ago, and remained without
one for several years, growing slowly in a lateral direction, at
length sent np two leaders ; and one being taken off, the other
has pushed on as straight as a gun-barrel, and for the last four
or five years the gi-owth has averaged fully 3 feet. The tree is
now upwards of 20 feet high, and as healthy-looting as could
be desired, presenting that rich glaucous hue so much admired
in this genus. This season several cones have been formed,
and they promise to arrive at perfection. They are now np-
wards of 7 inches long, of a pale gi-een colour, and to all appear-
ance look as if they would attain a large size. The tree is on
a dry stony situation, well sheltered from the north .and east,
and I hope the cones, from showing themselves thus early,
may ripen.

PiCE.\ CEPH-VLONICA. — A Specimen of this has also shown
cones this season in numbers. I am not certain whether it
has done so before or not ; they are, however, short and small
compared with those of P. nobilis. The tree is more bushy,
and has not the tall upright foi-m of the last-named. An
accident deprived it of its leader about twelve months ago, but
it is making an effort to replace it by another, which will give
the tree that conical form of which it is so good a representative.

Besides the above, Pinus insignis is this season loaded with
a more than usual number of cones, it having borne a quantity
for several years in succession. It is too earlv vet for those of

Cedrus deodara to show themselves, but abortive ones have for
some years been produced on our largest specimens. Mote
perfect ones, black as Sloes, or rather of a beautiful purple
black, have here been produced by Picea Webbiaua each year,
and this year is no exception to tlie rule. Some other Piiiuses
have also jiroduced cones ; but I have not seen any indication
of "Wellmgtonias becoming fruitful, neither is such a state of
things to be wished for, it being in some degree the precursor
of disease and a premature death. I belie\e, however, it has
.shown fruit in some places, but I have not seen it. Some of
the Thujas are also bearing eones, I am told, in places, but I
have not perceived in that state any of those introduced
within the last twelve years ; but a second hot smumcr following
on the diy autumn of last year may, jjerhaps, throw into a
hearing condition some of those which have not hitherto pro-
duced cones ; but there are many things more desirable than a
young tree doing so. — J. Eor.sox.

DINEKS A LA EUSSE,

AND THEIR EXEMPLAIRES AT KEN.S1XGT0N.

What is a "diner il la Russe?" Tliis would seem to be a
question as yet undecided, if one may judge from the character
of the tables set out at Kensington on Saturday week. Is it a
dinner for the advertising of china and glass ?' Is it a slice of
a bad ribbon-border cut out and laid on a white cloth ? or what
is it ? My incUnations do not lead me into society much. I
do sometimes, it is true, diue with friends who, I believe,
know what is correct ; and I must say it seems to me that there
was in many of the tables laid out on Saturday the 24th iust. a
want of taste, a vulgarity and inappropriateness, that none of
my friends would have tolerated at their houses.

What is a diner a la Russe ? then. I repeat. My idea of it is,
as compared with the old style of dinner parties, that it con-
sists in this — that the dessert is laid upon the table at once,
that the old epergnes and candelabra give place to a lighter
and more elegant ornamentation in the shape of flowers, and
that the dinner is cut up at the side table and handed round.
If I am correct in my ideas, then, I should have disqnaUfied
some of the tables, and certainly not have judged them as they
were judged ; and without wishing to say one word of dispa-
ragement either of the ladies who undertook the arduous task
or the Aeadt'niicians who assisted them, I cannot think they
have tended to increase good taste amongst our dinner-giWng
friends. It must have been no slight matter to judge, for in
defiance of all ideas of comfort and convenience, the tables
were laid, some on one side, some on the other of the conser-
vatory ; so that, having decided on the merits of one half of
the tables, the Judges had to cross the whole length of the con-
servator>', keep in their minds what they had seen, and compare
them with the other half. AVhen we remember that even in
judging a few boxes of Roses yon have often to take one stand
and put it alongside of another, and that even then it is often a
difficult matter, one can estimate what a task this must have
been. It only illustrates what many besides myself think —
that a really effective show of any kind can never be held under
the present state of things at Kensington.

And now to the prizes. " Surely," I said to a friend as I
approached the table that took first prize. " this must be a
china dealer's," little thinking how near the truth I was. My
objections to this are — First, that I think white china is a
decided mistake. It may do all very well for a warmer climate,
but in ours it is cold and chilly -looking ; and as winter is the
cliief season for dinner parties, that ought to be considered.
Second, The table was overloaded : it matters not whether this
be with silver or china, it is conh'arv to the elegance that
belongs to this new style of dinner table. Third, The dessert
was not well arranged. The double butter-boats in which the
fruit was placed, -whUe ])retty in themselves, were awkward.
I do not know how Cherries were to be got ont of them except
by one's hands ; and Strawbeiries must have been inevitably
smashed before they found their way to one's plate. And then
there was an absence of those pretty nhicc fruits and fanciful
])rtitx foiirx which are indispensalile to a handsome dessert.
Then, fourth. It was a decided mistake to put the dessert plates
on the table. While the centre of the table is laid out for .a
dessert, the covers should be an-anged for the dinner itself —
knives, forks, spoons, bnt no plates. And what can be more
babyish than to have holes in the rims of the plates for water
and flowers V

July t, 1865. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

vSo fiu- for the first. Aa to the second, fair ladies ! what
could have porsuaderl you so to honour it ? There was neither
tasto nor beauty Mat as a Cliiililcau plain. .Viid then the
lines of yellow, blue, red, and white! It is (luito true there
wiw no obstiuetion ; but pooplo do not ^;euerally talk across the
table, and now that the old fashion of lU-iukiu;; wino toKether
faas gone out there is no need of this ttatness ; so that I do not
see the force of the objection which this table aiijiarently was
intended to meet— that the view is generally too much ob-
structed. There is a medium in ;U1 things, but the extremes
of flatness and overcrowding were to be seen in the second and
first prizes.

As to the thiid, the elaborateness of the design and the
minuteness of tho details were contrary to that simple elegance
in which true, genuine, refined taste so much consists. A
mirror set in a gilt frame with glass stands placed on it, and
crowded with Fenis, Stephanotis, and Orchids, is not to my
mind the sort of thing one wants to see. Indeed, amongst the
unsuccessful tables were many which in my poor opinion were
far beyond those which were honoured ; and were I asked to
sit down at one of them I should most fervently hope that the
taste of tho die/ was better than that of the dresser of the
table, for if not. I should look for a fit of iudigcBtion. It some-
times happens that when people iniiigiue that there is some-
thing extra reipiirod of them, that they fail through excess oi
painstaking. I have Imown preachers to whom one has listened
often with pleasure, when called upon for some special occasion
become so imuatural, so imlike themselves, that one could
only regret they had ever been called upon to undertake tho
sermon. The young lady whom you have listened to with such
pleasure as she perfonued her morning's practice, when called
upon before a large uimiber surprises you not so much by the
briUiancy of lier singing as by the unnatural and stilted cha-
racter of her performance. And so the other day in Paa-is at
Lady 's, the dinner table, arranged doubtless in its ordi-
nary method for a diner a la Russe, was far more effective and
elegant than anything I saw at South Kensington. In these
observations I am only uttering my omi individual opinion.
My canons of taste may be wrong, but judged by them I say
that all the tables exhibited were defective. — D., Deal.

HOSES -VNr> strawberuies.

Roses. — The Editors and •' D.," of Deal, are right about
Duchesse de Caylus. It is a splendid first-class Rose, of great
substance, beautiful clear colour, and excellent outline and
folding. It bloomed on Sunday, the 25tli of .luue, and has
stood the broiling sim for three days without impression. Its
colom' is rich brilliant scarlet crimson. Its declining colour is
rich clear pink. Mr. Adolphus Kent is hurc, and we cut up
the plant and budded it on briars. Ilushton Radclyfi'e is a
fine, well-formed, full Rose, a strong grower, with good foliage,
and an abundant bloomer, opening easily. These are very
beautiful Roses : Lords Herbert, Maoaulay, and Clyde. The
first is full and beautifully folded, aud of correct outline. The
last two are of greater substance, and very beautiful and good.
Lefebvre, Lords ilacaulay and Clyde, Senateur Vaisse, and
Gloire dc Santenay are of great substance, and resist the sun
well. The above five new Roses may be added safely to the
five previously recommended. The next best and good are
Alpaide de Rotalier, a larger and improved " old Cabbage " Rose,
Leopold I., George Prince, and Madame Derreulx DouviUe. I
should hke to see them bloom once more before confidently
recommending them. All that I have named in this paper are
good growers.

I cut twenty-four trebles to please Mr. Kent on Tuesday
morning at .5 a.m. ; they were good. The trebles of Charles
Lefebvre, Gloire de Santenay, aud Senateur Vaisse were fine.

Stiuwbekbies. — As regards Lord Clyde, I had only two plants
of it, and being under a hot south wall, the blooms happened to
come out early, and were destroyed by a very severe frost. I
was amused at M. Van Houtte's very ftattering notice of me in
his catalogue. He says of me, '• He is the most experienced and
best judge of Strawberries in England." " He is the most caustic
and picturesque WTiter, sparing no one ; neither in prose nor
in verse." "Till this great judge says, ' To be, or not to be,'
raisers are in a state of the greatest anxiety." I can only say
that " from the sublime to the ridiculous there is but a step."
What I said of Lord Clyde and John Powell was this : — " They
were the best novelties here, and were rich aud good." Of
John Powell I have about forty plants, and ca:i now speak of it

confidently. The form of plant is excellent; it has set its
fruit well. The berries are of good size, beautiful clear crim-
son, and of deliciims flavour. It has cropped well.

In a few days, after I have tasted Mr. Ingram's No. 10, I will
send to 171, Fleet Street, a short StrawbeiTy treatise, as rc-
(piested by a clergyman. — W. F. IUjjclyife, Tarrant RwshUm,
ISlandford.

W.VTEUING .MELONS TO AVOID THEIR DECAY.

My Melons have hitherto succeeded excellently and are now
ripening; but instead of ripening all over at one time, ; they
decay at one end before the other end is ripe, so that the fruit
are scarcely fit ior table. — P. D.

[In watcrnggive water to the roots without poming it on the
surface, and even then if the weather continues cquaUy sunny
place a piece of thin paper over the Melons during the hottefjt
hoiurs of the day.]

THE laTCHEN GARDEN.

I'EBnrAUY.
This, if the weather is r.t all favourable, will be a busy
month, but it is bail practice to work the groimd when enow
or rain has made it sloppy. During frosty weather, should
it occur, the mauure can be wheeled without injury to the
walks, and the Pea-rods all pointed and stored separately in
their different lengths. The priming of the fruit trees, if it has
not been done before, should also be performed, and when all
are pnined I generally paint them over with a mixture of
lime, sulphur, and soot, of a very thin consistency, in order to
keep down the moss, and to act as a preventive against the
ravages of the small birds on the fruit-buds. A handy man
with an ordinary- whitewash brush will soon go over a great
number of bushes, after which, the ground between them
being forked, all wUl look neat and clean. During vei-y bad
weather one can get the labels made, painted, and written to
each separate packet of seed, which ought to be in by this
time. I generally obtain mine from an old-estabhshed firm a
good distance off, where I know most of the seeds aie home-
grown, and all to be depended on, as I consider it is a very
good plan to prociu'e them fi-om a distance, for the change
of sou and cUmate is beneficial. I seldom attempt to save
seed of any kind myself, except a few Potatoes, which it is
almost impossible to buy properly matm-ed and greened ready
for planting for an early crop.

Everything must now come up that can possibly be spared,
such as Turnips, .Colewort stomps. Savoys, &c., and the
groimd be manured and trenched, or dug, ready for the main
crops, not forgetting when clearing off the Turnip bed to lay
a few in some sheltered corner, where, with a little protection,
they mil yield a good dish or two of Turnip gi-eens, which
will afford an acceptable variety in the vegetable supply at
this season. Savoys, too, may be kept on some time longer
with a little management. A very good plan with them is
to place two rows of Pea-rods opposite to each other, at an
angle of 45° ; throwing over them a little rough litter, and
placing more sticks crossways to keep on the protecting
material. As the Winter Spinach bed will now be the
mainstay, it must be well looked after by loosening the gromi<l
between the rows, &c ; autumn-planted Cabbages the same.
All intended plantations of Horseradish, Mint, and herbs,
ought now to be pushed along, if not done before. In fact, -me
must seize time by the forelock and hold him fast till the
beginning of May, when, if you have nothing else to do, yoa
may rest and contemplate yoiu- handiwork of the two pre-
cedrng months.

The supply at this time generally consists of Brussels
Sprouts, Spinach, Savoys, Turnip Greens. Coleworts. Kale of
1 sorts, Sprouting Broccoli, and Winter White Broccoli, if so
fortunate as to have any that have stood the severity of the
weather. With salading very little can be done, except with
that under protection, as Celery, Lettuce, Endive, and Mustard
and Cress. Several tilings may now be sown mth a chance of
success. Should some of them fail, sow them again directly, a
good gardener is never down-hearted ; but be sure to select diy
sunny days for sowing.

I generally sow a pan of Cole's Crystal White Celeiy, and a
pinch of Cauliflower seed, and pub them in one of the pits. In
the beginning of the month I sow two rows of Dickson's
Favom-ite Peas, and, before the month is out, two rows of

B

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ Jalj- 4, 1663.

Veitch's Perfection, sowing them but 3 feet apart in the rows,
as by the time they are done with the ground can be prepared
for autumn Broccoli, and, if possible, I sow my Parsnips before
the month is out, also a few rows of spring Spinach on the
gronnd that will be required for the second lot of Dwarf Kidney
Beans. The above are aU sown in the open quarters, and on
the border I sow a few small beds of such things as Early
Horn Carrots and Red Dutch Cabbages, and plant a few rows of
Robinson's Golden Kidney Potatoes. Some Radishes may be
sown on the top of them, not forgetting to take the necessary-
precautions against the weather and the birds, which are very
fond of Radish seed ; sowing, in addition, a row or two of
Parsley in some convenient quarter, is about all that can be
ventured on in this month. — Buf.xtwood, P.D.
(To be continued.)

SIPHOCAMPYLOS BICOLOE.

The Siphocampylos is a most useful plant for in-doors,
seldom being out of bloom ; but it is more adapted for a large
conservatory than cultivation in pots. Its rambling habit
renders it rather difficult to grow in pots to form a neat spe-
'Cimen, but when planted out either against a wall or pUlar in a
cool house its true character is at once developed. A plant m
our conservatoiy at this place has bloomed beautifully all
ihrough the winter, and is still in fine condition ; and I believe
the same plant to have occupied the same place for the last
fom-teen years, and shows no signs of death, but is as healthy
and vigorous as it was ten years ago. It strikes freely from
cuttings at any season, and thrives remarkably in good loam,
leaf mould, and an addition of a handful of sand. I have tried
to grow it in pots, but never succeeded in making what I call a
respectable-looking plant. Others may be more successful. —
{•I.E. in Scottish Gardener.)

THE EOYAL HORTICTTLTITEAL SOCEETYS
EOSE SHOW.

This was held on Saturday the 1st inst., and was decidedly the best
Rose Show which we have seen, or, indeed, we believe, that has taken
place this season. Not only was the nnmber of boxes exhibited very-
large, but the quality was excellent. Beneath the roof of the con-
servatory a light canvas awning extended from end to end, serving the
double purpose of breaking the force of the sun, and preventing the
height of the building dwarfing the blooms. Under this two rows of
stands, one on each side, extended from end to end of the conservatory,
and the exhibition was prolonged into the adjoining arcades.

Class I. was for seventy-two kinds, one truss of each. Here there was
a close competition between Messrs. Paul & S6n and Mr. Mitchell of
the Piltdown Nurseries for the first place, both collections being very
evenly balanced as regards the number of first-rate blooms. Messrs.
Paul & Son, however, carried off the palm. Among their blooms we
noticed fine examples of Maurice Bemardin. Gloire de Santenay,
Vainqueur de Goliath, Madame C. Crapelet, Lselia. Senateur Farre.
Madame Fnrtado. Due de Rohan. Comtesse de Chabriliant, Pierre
Notting, Monte Christo and Praire de Terre Noire, Caroline de
Sansal, Madame Alfred de Rougemont. Queen Victoria, the new
yellow Tea, Martchal Niel, Auguste Vacher, Gloire de Dijon. Alba
Rosea, and Louise de Savoie. From Mr. Mitchell, who was second,
came many of the above. Madame Masson, Madame Charles Wood,
Wilhelm Pfitzer, Vicomtesse Douglas, Leopold Hausburg, Marechal
Souchet, Madame Julie Daran, Charles Lefebvre, Victor Verdier,
George Prince, Senatenr Farre, Madame Boll. Due de Cazes. Madame
CaiUat, General Washington, and Due de Rohan. Mr. Keynes was
third with La Reine. Franv'ois Premier, Cloth of Gold, Mfred de
Rougemont, Louise Peyronny, Devoniensis. and many others very
good ; and Mr. Cant had the fourth prize — Rubens in his collection
was very beautifal. Mr. Fraser, of Lea Bridge Road, had also an
excellent exhibition.

In Class n., forty-eight kinds, three trusses of each, there was a
very rich display, and, as in the preceding class, Messrs. Paul & Son
again took off the first prize with fine trasses of Madame Chai-les
Wood, Devoniensis, Laelia, Comte de Nanteuil. Vicomte Vigier, Lord
Clyde, Maurice Bemardin, beautiful ; Oliver Delhomme, very fine :
Madame Villermoz, Vicomtesse de Cazes, Senateur Vaisse. brilliant ;
Madame Furtado, Gloire de Santenay, Madame Rivers, &c. Mr.
Keynes was an excellent second with beautiful trusses of Souvenir de
la Malmaison. Virginal, Comte de Nanteuil, Alpaide de Rotalier, Lord
Macanlay, Soeur des Anges, Vicomtesse Vigier, Monte Christo, Triomphe
de Rennes. L"Eblouissante, Gloire de Santenay, America, Madame
Rivers, and others scarcely less fine. Mr. Francis, of Hertford, was
third ; Messrs. Lee, of Hammersmith, fourth.

In Class ITT., twenty-four kinds, three ti-usses, a beautiful exhibition
from Ml". Keynes took the first prize. Particularly noticeable were
•Madame Charles Wood, Madame Boutin, General Jacqueminot.

Madame C. Crapelet, Madame Vigneron, Charles Lefebvre. Maurice
Bemardin, Marechal Souchet, a fine dark-shaded crimson ; Madame
Furtado. and Gloire de Vitry, the last very fine. Mr. Cant, who was
second, had fine examples of Victor Verdier, Madame Vidot, Madame
Furtado, Prince CamiUe de Rohan, Jules Margottin, John Hopper,
Queen Victoria, Colonel de Rougemont, General Jacqueminot, Madame
Clemence Joigneaux, 6cc. From Mr. Fraser came John Hopper^
Marechal Vaillant, Imperatrice Eugenie, Madame Vidot, Gloire de
Santenay. and Madame Julie Daran, all of them fine. Mr. Fraser
had a third prize, and the fourth was taken by Messrs. Paul & Son, in
whose collection we noticed Due de Rohan, very brilliant in colour ;
Louirie Magnan, very pretty, nearly white, and Madame Vidot.

Class IV. was also for twenty-four kinds, single trasses. Mr. Keynes
took the first prize with Senateur Vaisse. Madame Charles Crapelet,
Souvenir de la Malmaison, very large ; Triomphe de Rennes, Alpaide
de Rotalier, Charles Lefebvre, Louise Peyronny, and Comte de
Nanteuil, very large. Mr. Fraser, who was second, had also some
excellent blooms, particularly Madame Vidot, Beauty of Waltham,
and Devoniensis. Mr. Cant was third, and Mr. Clarke fourth.

Class V. was for Amateurs only, single trusses of forty-eight kinds.
The first prize went to Mr. Hedge, Reed Hall, who had, among others,
fine blooms of Sceur des Anges, Madame Bravy, Olivier Delhomme,
Victor Verdier, George Prince, Caroline de Sansal, Queen Victoria,
Gloire de Dijon, Louise Magnan, Niphetos, Madame Boll. President
Lincoln, and La Ville de St. Denis. From Mr. Ingle, gardener to
G. Roand. Esq., Colchester, came also a good exhibition, in which we
noticed Comtesse de Chabriliant, Senateur Vaisse, Beauty of Waltham,
Cloth of Gold. Fnin(,-ois Premier, and several others very good.

In Class VI., single trusses of twenty-four kinds. Sir. Ingle was
first ; Mr. Moffat, Kaston Lodge, Dunniow, second ; Mr. Hedge third ;
Mr. Exell. gardener to J. Hollingworth, Esq., and Mr. Sawkins,
Hertford, equal fouith. In this class there were very good examples
of General Washington, Charles Lefebvre, Jules Margottin, Madame
Fnrtardo, Louis XIV., Victor Verdier, and Louise Magnan.

Class Vn., was for eighteen single trusses. In this ilr. R. B. Pos-
tans, of Brentwood, took the first prize with Triomphe de Caen, bright
purplish scarlet ; Senateur Vaisse, Jean Goajon, Dnc de Rohan,
Madame Vidot, Mauiice Bemardin, Vicomte Vigier, and Souvenir de
la Malmaison. all of them tine. The Rev. V. Child, Little Kaston. was
second ; Mr. Marlow, gardener to J. Wigan, Esq., Mortlake, and Mr.
Cruckshauk. gardener to W. J. Loyd, Esq., being equal third.

In Class ViU., for twelve trasses. Mr. Postans was again first ; Mr.
Marcham, Hanwell, second; and Mr. Smith, gardener to F. Moxon,
Esq., Leyton, third.

Clnss IX.. was for eighteen new Roses of 1863 and 1864. but these
were generally not in the best condition to judge of. Pierre Notting, deep
violet-shaded crimson ; Rev. H. Dombrain; Charlemagne, deep rose;
Paul de la Meilleray. Marechal Niel, Alpaide de Rotalier, Leopold,
Premier, and Mareehal Souchet fDamaizin). rosy carmine, were the
most noticeable of those in the collection of Messrs. Paul &: Son, who
took the first prize, ill". Cant, who was second, had Soeur des Anges,
a very beautiful pale rose, almost white ; Marechal Niel ; George
Paul, a tine bright red ; and Madame Victor Verdier. all of them fine
varieties. Mr. Fraser was third. Joseph Fiala, Paul de la Meilleray,
Duchesse de Momy, and Madame Victor Verdier in this collection were
fine. Mr. Francis was fourth ; and in an excellent collection from
Mr. Keynes, which unfortunately contained two blooms of Laurent
Descourt, and was, therefore, disqualified, Marechal Souchet (Guillot),
was a tine, deep, velvety crimson. There were besides very good ex-
amples of Pierre Notting, and other kinds named above.

In Class X., twelve trusses of any new kinds of 1863, Messrs. PanI
and Son were first with beautifal blooms of Lord Clyde ; Mr. Cant
second with the same kind.

In Class XI.. twelve trusses of any kind, Mr. Cant was first with
Devoniensis. most beautiful : Messrs. Paul & Son second with Frant^ois
Louvat, fine lilac-shaded crimson ; ilr. Keynes third with Madame
Charles Wood, very large ; and Mr. Cattell fonrth. Beantiful boxes
of Charles Lefebvre. Senateur Vaisse. and John Hopper were shown
by Mr. Francis and Mr. Cant.

Among yellow Ro^es shown in Class XH., the beautiful uew yellow
Tea Rose. Mar-chal Niel. was conspicuous: and of others, Louise de
Savoie, Ciotli of Gold, Vicomtesse de Cazes. L'Enfant Tronve,
Narcisse, und Celine Forestier were well represented. The exhibitors
were Messrs. Cant, Paul & Sou, and Hedge, who took prizes in the
order in v.hieh they are named.

Class XIIL. for twelve Tea-scented and Noisette Roses, exhibited
considerable siuneness owing to the want of high-coloured flowers in
these sections. Mr. Exell was first with good examples of Isabelhi
Grav. Vicomtesse de Cazes. Triomphe de Rennes, Solfaterre. Madame
Bravy, Comte de Paris. Niphetos. Madame VUlermoz, and Gloire de
Dijon. Mr. Ingle was second. In the corresponding class for Nursery-
men. Messrs. Fraser. Cant, and Paul & Son were respectively first,
second, and thii-d.

In Class XV., single blooms of twelve kinds, ilr. Keynes, who was
first, had beautiful examples of Devoniensis, Gloii-e de Santenay,
Alpaide de Rotalier, Maui-ice Bemardin, Gloire de Vitry, and Madame
C, Wood ; Mr. Francis was second, and Mr. Cant third with good
blooms of several of the above, Charles Lefebvre, Madame Furtado,
and some others.

Vases of Roses, shown in the succeeding class, were almost identical,

July 4. IMS.

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

Miiioirs Ktanils beui« nsei by all the ixhibitoi-s, nuil in tlio first ami
stcoiidprize vasts, the stem of the stand was twined round with
Louicem auroo-ntiiuhita, the Rose; at tlio base and in the top dish
in ottfb iMVse, icstin'; on Ferns. Mr. In«K> was lirst, Mr. Marlow
.s.-iond, and Mr. H.'.i.^U'.v, TwWord Abhin-, third, Isoli'iiis Rracilis beiui;
employed by the last named in the top dish. In six bouimuts of as
many kinds.' Mr. Keynes was first. Mr. E. 1*. Fnineis seeond, Mr. HedRc,
third; and for Moss llosos, Messrs. Paul it Son were first, with,
among others, the White Bath and the Crested v.'rj- good.

Roses in pots were not in good eoudition. Me,ssr!(. Paul took Mr.
Kelk's prize for those in sis-inch pots.

Of niiseellaneous objoets Mr. VV. Paul sent a collection of Roses
raised by bin) from sied, or introduced by bini. consisting of Olorj-
and Beauty of Waltham. Ca>ur de I.ion. Lord Herbert, Prince de
Joinv-ille, Princess of Wales. Dr. Limlley. and Lord Mncanlay. all
different shades of crimson and scarlet ; (^ueen Victoria, delicate pink ;
Madame Emile Boyan, a very promising light Hybrid Perpetual ; and
Elizabctli Vigiuroii. lihiesbaded rose. Many of the above require no
counnent. their nierits being already ri'tognised. Messrs. .Taeluuan
sent uamcrous Mooms of their beautiful ik-w Clematises ; and Messrs.
Nnylor, glass and table ornaments.

SYRINGING GRAPES.

I r.EG leave to ilifl'or very much from your correspondent,
Mr. Whittle, le.specting the "syriugiug of fruiting Vines, unless
ualled for by some unusual occurrence, as red spiiler, making its
appearance : then Isay bynllmeansu.se the syringe freely for a
few days until it is all" washed off. Jly principal reason for not
syringing is, that it is impossible to do so without leaving a
mai-k on the ben-ies from a deposit in the water, wliicli quite
^^poils their appearance for exliibitiou or table, where it is
necessary they should be perfection, not that it injures the
Vines in anyway, or does them any good, as is proved by the
fine Grapes exhibited at cnu- Loudon shows, without ever hav-
ing a drop of water throwai on them. I quite agree with his
remai-ks on stopping. — N. W. D. P.

I'OLOUR AND SOUND.

In all specimens of good colouring there is a key colour,
and that colom- predominates. In the histcu-ie pictures of the
old masters that colour is usually crimson or violet, and these
answer to G .and B, root notes, especially C, in the musical
scale. It is curious that Professor Saunderson, who was bom
blind, and had no conception of colour, said that he thought
i-ed must be like the sound of a trumpet.

On this connection of music and colour a well-known man
of science some years ago wrote to us as follows : —

" Takuig the seven colours of the rainbow as equivalent to
the seven notes of the natural musical scale, the order will
stand thus : —

Red. Orange. Yellow. Green. Blue. Indigo. Violet.
C. D. E. F. G. A. B.

The red here sounds the key colour of the prismatic series,
and corresponds to C, the root note of the musical scale in the
natural key. and both would of course be again repeated as the
octave or eighth degree of the gamut. Bed, then, must be just
as prominent in well-conceived pictiires as C in musical pieces
composed in that key ; and the remaining sounds and colours
have corresponding fiinctions in the two sciences.

" Every oni' knows that, for the convenience of nuisicians,
the notes of the scale are both numbered and lettered — the
first seven letters of the alphabet and cardinal numbers being
used. Thus, in the key of A, the scale is numbered and
lettered as follows : —

A. B. C. D. E. F. G.
1. 2. a. 4. .5. 6. 7.

Now, it does not signify what note we may start from, for the
constitution of every key is the same, and only tlitfering in the
pitch being high or low, as the case may be. The key of C,
however, is chosen by musical men as a standard, and hence
called the natiual key. As such I shall adopt it in the present
notice. The order will then be as in tlie following table, to
which I also add the equivalent colours : —

C. D. E. F. (t. a. B. C. (octave*)

1. 2. 3. i. :,. fi. 7. 8.

Ked. Orange. Yellow, tircen. Blue. Indigo. Violet. Red.

" Now, in harmonising times composed in this key, four
grand chords are employed — that is, four combinations are
chosen out of these seven notes, and severally used when they

• The first note, in effect, is repeated eight not'-'s higher, and hence
railed the octave.

will apply as accompaniments to the notes of the subject or air.
These chords, then, in letters, numbers, and colours being
known, the scientific or artistic gardener may modify them,
invert them or change tlu'ir position, and alter the arrange-
ment of their fundamental constituents at his own pleasure.
The chords are as follows in their natural position : —

I. THE COMMON CHOKU OF C I, llED.

Natnrftl position.
5. G, blue

3. E, vellow
1. C, ied

II.-
Salural position.

1. C, red

t). A, indigo

4. F, green

IIL-
Natural position.

2. D, orange
7. B, violet

5. G, blue

' First change.
1 1. C, red

I 5. G, blue

I 3. E, yellow

THE COMMOX CHOnD OM

First change,
■t. F, green
1. C, red
6. A, indigo

Second change.

3. E, vellow
1. C, red

5. G, blue

F.

Second chance.
G. A, indigo

4. P, green
1. C, red

BLrE.

I Seeond change.

7. B, violet
5. G, blue
2. D, orange

COMMON CHORD ON G,

I First change.

5. G, blue

2. D, orange

7. B, violet
The fourth table may in the same manner be constructed en
the key of F, grecu."

Now" all this was brought to memory by the wonderful
Handel Festival just concluded at tlie Crystal Palace. It was
objected that this Palace is not an appropriate place for
oratorios, but the retort was a silencer — "Music and flowers
are associated with our ideas of Pai-adise," and a lady added, " I
never hear the trumpet notes in ' Let the bright Seraphim," with-
out my eye resting unconsciously on some very bright colour."
There is, therefore, in cidtivated minds an association of
colom- with sound — a harmony between certain tints and
certain notes ; they may be, and are enjoyed together at the
musical celebration's in the Crystal Palace ; and the combina-
tion is not without applicability even to the gardener. " Optics
associated with Acoustics." might form the theme for an
additional chapter in " The Connection of the Physical
Sciences."

VINE CULTURE.

(Contiimed from Vol. VIII., pane 411.)
If all has gone on well, the Grapes will be done stoning by
this time ; all berries that are not likely to swell off kindly
should be cut away at once ; the temperatiu-e may be increased
a little, and a moist atmosphere maintained by frequently syring-
ing the floor and paths of the house. If the stopping of the
Vines has been carried out according to the directions given at
page 410, there will be suflicient leaves left on the Vine for all
purposes. All laterals that make their appearance should,
therefore, be pinched out as soon as they are produced, in
order that the whole force of the roots may be directed towards
the Vine for the purpose of giving it sufficient strength to
mature its present crop, and to provide for the crop of the
following year. If the laterals are allowed to extend beyond
the limits "before described, much of the strength of the Vine
will be wasted. From the time the Grapes have finished
stoning till they begin to colour, they should be well suppUed
with water twoor three times a-weeli, in such a dry season as
the present, and when water is given it shoidd not be with a
sparing hand. To give a Vine-border a small quantity of water
is worse than useless, better withhold it entirely. My plan is
to sprinkle a Utile guano over the border, on this the water is
pom-ed, not by scores of potfuls at a time, but by hundreds. I
generallv put" five or six men on with two pots each at one
watering, for a border Ho feet by 10 or 1.5 feet wide I use a
tank of water hokling about four thousand gallons. Between
the time of stoning and colouring I generally give my borders
about four such soakiugs as this, using a little guano each
time. Besides this, they are watered two or thi-ee times
weekly, as stated above. " From the time of stoning tiU the
Grapes begin to colour, avoid sudden changes of atmosphere
as much as possible. Give air as early in the morning .as
possible, by opening the top lights a Uttle to allow the foul air
to escape, and to diT the condensed steam that settles on the
fohage during the iiight. If this is neglected the foliage is
often bumed up by the sun.

As a preventive is always better than a cure, paint the whole
of the hot-water pipes over with a thick coating of sulphur. If
this is mixed with a Uttle soft soap it will stick to the pipes

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUBE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

1 Jnly 4, 1865.

better, and will not be so easily washed off by the syriuge.
Smear the walls and every available place in the house with
the sulphur brush ; this will prevent the appearance of two of
the Grape-gi-ower's worst enemies — namely, mildew and red
spider. As soon as the gi-eater part of the berries have partly
changed colour give all the air [lossible night and day, this
■will help to impart a i3ne flavour, and assist the colouring
process very muoh. Fire heat should not be dispensed with
until the Grapes have finished colouring, and in damp or dull
weather they should have the benefit when ripe of a little arti-
ficial warmth to keep them dry, and to cause them to retain a
sweet and brisk flavour. After the crop of fruit has been all
gathered give the borders another good soaking with water,
using a little guano as before. Give abundance of air by open-
ing aU the lights as wide as possible, hut by no means take off
the top of the house. I mention this particularly, as I know it
is often done with the idea of ripening the wood.

If the top lights are taken off the foliage cannot possibly be
preseiTed, it is blown about against the wires by the wind, and
by that means becomes very much mutilated. Its decay is,
therefore, brought on much earlier than it ought to be, and the
Vine suffers very much in consequence of losing a large portion
of its foliage before its proper time, or before it has fulfilled its
natural functions of storing the Vine with food as long as the
sap was in circulation.

I am very glad my previous article is likely to provoke a
little discussion on the cultivation of the Vine. This is what I
was anxious to promote. I did not wish it to appear that the
plan described and adopted by me was better than that of any
other Grape-gi'ower, personally knowing as I do many of our
celebrated Grape-growers. I was in hopes that a description of
the simple plan pursued with a fair share of success by my-
self, would be the means of inducing some of the more suc-
cessful growers to favour the numerous readers of The .Journal
OF HoRTicuLTCEE w'ith their system of cultivating the Vine.
The Editors would, I am sure, gladly open these pages to all who
would communicate their ideas on the cirltivation of the Vine,
or any other subject connected with practical gardening.

Mr. Wliittle is quite right in thiniing that I did not allude
to the cultivation of Vines in pots in my last article ; that will
form the subject of another communication. I fear Mr. Whittle's
views will not be very well received with regard to stopping the
Vine. In the first place, Mr. Whittle says he would not stop at
all until the fi-uit were set. The evil to be expected in this case
would be this : By the time the frait had set the shoot would
have, perhaps, six or more leaves above the frait-joint, and
would have gi-own 18 inches or 2 feet above that joint.
This being the case, it is natural to suppose that it will have
very much exliausted the Vine, and a gi'eat portion of the
Strength of the Vine, which would have been directed into the
bunches had the shoot been stopped at the proper time is
thereby lost, and the size of biinch and berry very much
reduced. Then, again, to cut off a strong shoot when it is
nearly the size of one's finger just above the bunch, must cause
a very sudden check to the whole system of the Vine ; and I
must, until I am further convinced, beg most respectfully to
differ in opinion from Mr. Whittle with regard to stopping. I
consider that when the .shoot is stopped at the joint from which
the bunch gi'ows, and that when the bunch is just formed, a
greater quantity of sap flows to the point than the bunch and
one leaf can make use of. In mv opinion the two leaves above
the bunch are necessary to absorb the supei-fluity of sap until
the fruit is set, when the bimch can take without injury all
the sap that can be spared by the Vine, and the atmospheric
food supplied by the foUage above the bunch as well.

Mr. 'Whittle says he differs with me ?'». toto, as to sjTinging
after the Grapes are set, and that no one would think of syring-
ing whilst they were in flower. Mr. "Whittle may, perhaps,
think me mad when I tell him that for many kinds of Grapes
that is the most proper time to syringe them for thepuirpose of
causing them to -set freely, espiecially in the case of Lady
Downe's and Muscat of Alexandria. I admit the treatment
adopted by Jlr. Wiittle was quite right with regard to the Vines
he described the first year he midertook the management of
them ; but if he would subject them to the same treatment on
the two following seasons — namely, to syringe the Vines, fruit
and all, up to the time of the berries changing colour, the
water he is using must be clear indeed. Lastly. Mr. Whittle
must allow me to differ very much in opinion from him with
respect to aiding fertilisation. He may have been fortunate
this season, and nature may have done much for him without
his aid, but he may find another time, when other natural

agencies are not at work in his favour, that nature could be
very much assisted by art; but more of this anon. In the
meantime I hope Mr. Whittle will favom- us more fully with
his %'iews on the cultivation of the Vine. — J. Wills.
(To be continued.)

PASSION-FLOWERS NOT BLOOMING.

" E. M." has two Passion-Flowers (P. ccernlea) trained against
a south wall. They have grown about 20 feet, and were shifted
last year into tubs 15 inches in diameter. Should '• E. M." give
liquid manure to induce them to bloom wbich hitherto they
have not done, or what treatment would be most likely to lead
to that result ?

[You may" give mannre water and plenty of it with great pro-
priety. If the wood of last year was well ripened, almo.st every
shoot that comes fi-om it this season, will give you plenty of
bloom. Nothing is easier managed afteraards, you have only
to cut back these flowering shoots in spring to two or three buds,
and these will throw out the summer flowering-shcota next
year.]

PEACHES AND GPaPES SWELLING SLOWLY.

The Peaches in my orchard-house are at a stand-stiU, they
are now just the size they were a month or five weeks ago.
They appear to be quite hidebound and do not swell at all. The
stone is getting quite hard, the kenial looks perfect, and the
trees are quite healthy. I tm-ned one out of the pot to see if
anything was amiss with the roots, they were looking weU
and not at aU dry.

I also have a house of Muscat Grapes that do not stone as
they ought.— F. K.

[The Peaches are most likely all right, you must give them
time, they stand still a long while at the stoning period.

As with the Grapes you must either have too many on the
Vines, or the roots are in a soil they do not like.]

NEW BOOK.

Hardy Farm: linw I collected and ciillivati'd them. By Nona
Bellaies. London : Smith, Elder cfc Co.

" One of Nature's simplest pages — I had almost said one of
its prettiest — is that which I have made the subject of this
small volume.

•' The common hedge-row, the old waU, the rock by the sea-
coast, and the wild moor, provide for us the little kingdom of
Ferns, whose peculiar habits of life and growth form a pleasant
study for our hom-s of recreation.

" We shoiUd begin our collection from those which grow near
our own homes, bringing first one root, then another, finding
out to what family they belong, what soil suits them, and their
distinctive characters and habits.

" The cottage garden may always have room for its fernery ;
a few plants by the old well, by the wicket-gate, will supply
subjects for thought and study ; helping to tm-n the child's
heart to the love oJE the pure and beaxxtiful instead of the vile
and the debasing."

To lead to and to aid in eft'ecting the good thus depicted, the
authoress has labom-cd attractively and ably. Our readers will
recognise in the voliime contributions that have been admired
in our pages, but they are now collected iu a form so tasteful
that no lover of Ferns but will be glad to possess the volume.

KOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY— JtraE -^7.

FLon.u. Committee. — Although the subjects for examination were
not quite so numerous on this occasion, there were several noTelties
and plants of considerable interest. Mr. Kust. gardener to the Earl
of Abergavenny, sent a collection of cut Antin-hinuma of no merit ; also
ft seedling Myosotis, with dark bine flowers. Mr. Herbst, Kew, sent a
seedling Amarv'llis grandis, with dark scarlet flowei-s. of good substance,
but wanting iu form — not nearly equal to Amarjilis Unique. Mr.
WiUiams. Holloway. sent Statice pulverula. also a nice specimen of
the beautiful New Zealand Fern, Todea superba, which had received a
tirst-class certificate at a former meeting ; Lilium species from Japan,
small bright yellow spotted flowers — second-class certificate ; Tricho-
pilia picta — secoud-class certificate ; Lilium species, serai-double, dull
red, spotted flowers ; Phalfenopsis amethystiua, very small and insig-
nificant ; a cut specimen of Odontoglossum lt»Ye, the flowers with
remarkably narrow segments.

Jnly 4. 1666. ]

JOURNAL OK HORTIO0I/nrBE AND COTTAGE GAUDENER.

Mr. Uill, Hnulfifhl. «*\liibit«l a white seydlinR Verhoim Beauty of
I'-ut^lauJ, u phmt of ^Tt-iit luerit ; thr Ifdhh vfrv Iiir-^'e, tlie Howofh flat
and smootb, very jmn- whiU^ ; n. lirst-ratt* Verbeiiii. It was awarded a
tirst-«'Li«« i'*'rtifi(ul4-. .1. Diiy. Krti|.. Tuttt-uhain. rvliilnttHl a iit'W
Oivhid, rftliiml-iiia laiididii. This curiouw plant Kt'emeJ murh to
iutwrent Or-IhiI iiriiutfui-s. It was uwunled a rtr^^t-class curtificutH.
Also, Airiiii'K Liiull* yiiuii, very beautiful — tii"st-< liis< ccrtitioati' ; I'olv-
chilut; oomu-rtrvi, well nuiiu'il from the tlower-spiliO whil« in bud ve-
sombliuy a staji'H horn— tir.st-cluss t-ertitk-att; ; i'ronuim'ii citriua, whh
uwardod ii tirHt-UiwH certifn-uto iu May: C_^"itript'diiuii, new spiH-ioH.
A special certilit-at*^ was awurdt-d to Mr. IJay ^ 1,'tiit-r.il jiiid beuutifiil
coHectiou. Me.ssrs. Jackmau, Wokuij;. sint thn-t:' sv.'dliiif,' Clymaiiscs.
Tht'v wore rrinue of WiJys, a very tine, largH, dark pnr]>le Hower, the
p^'trtls striped with red, vei-y distinct — first-class tertiticate ; C. vu-
Li'Ua, smaJier rinwer. but eiiuaily trood iu form, with more red mixed witli
the parple, distinct and bcantifnl — first -class cui-tificate ; C. IViuct-ss
of WalcH, a puler-colonrt'd flower, not so perfect in form uor so full.
H. WaJk«r, EtM].. Hornsey, sent Phyumtodts glauca. a new. distinct,
:uid handnom** Fcni — tii-st-dass certitic»t« ; and Polystirhuni sp., a
half-bardy Fern — tirst-elass certiticate. Mr. Winsor exhibited seed-
ling Zonale Ptdiu'j^onmm Pink Pei-fyctiuu. Mr. George Smith. Honisey,
showed seedlinj^ ZonaJe Pelargonium ChieEaiu, a vcn- bright orange
Krarlet tJowir, of e\(f Uent form and good truss — tirst-class certificate ;
Zonale Pelargonium Cbristabcl. pure white, with small salmon cci\tre
— thi« will probably improve as tlie season advances : Zonule Pwlar-
goniniu AIplui., something like the tir**t in colour, but not so gnod in
form: Zoualc Pelargouium iNosegay) La Gramlo, a veiy fine truss,
distinct iu colour — carmine crimson ; this will be a very useful plant
for bedding, both on account of its bright flowers and general habit.
Mj-. TownKcnd. Hornsey, sent four soudliug Clomatifiey. Lady Georgina
Fuller was the best, a large pule lilac llower. vorj' .similar to Clematis
lanngiuoBft. for which it was taken ; Souvenir de Cardinal Wiseman,
dork purple flowers ; Ilev. Canon Oakley, paler in colour ; and
C. Hollaudii. These were deficient in form, and not ei|unl to the
hybrids lately sent out. He also sent Thujopsis dolabrata vanegata —
thia plant was awarded the silver Banksinn medal iu 18G1 ; and
Convallaria variegatn, an old and well-known plant.

Mf. Veitch exhibited another of Mr. Domiuy's hybrid Orchids,
Cattleya quimiuecolor ; the parents were L'. Acklau.liie and Forbesii ; a
very handsome vaiiety. It was awarded a first-class certificate. Mr.
Mackiutosh sent Solauum vescum ; as an out-of-door oruameutal plant
very useful — second-class certiJicate. Mr. Holland, gardener to K. W.
Peake. Esq., sent seedling Zonale Pelnrgonium, a vanegated form, not
equal to the Countess of Wanviek ; Asplenium trichomaues Harovii,
a very beautiful dwarf-habited Fern — first-class certificate ; Cyclamen
Peakiauum, a very useful plant, an evergreeii, and continuing to pro-
duce its rosy pink flowers all the year through : one of the plants
exhibited was brought before the Committee three years ago, aud has
continued in flower ever since — nrst-class certificate.

Mr. Wills, gardener to Sir P. De Grey Egerton, Bai-t., sent Mimulus
cuprous improved, hut the improvement was not discovered by the
Committee. The Rev. W. H. Girdlestone, Kyde, Isle of Wight, sent
Athyrinm Filix-fiemina lissidens ii-reguhire, a variety discovered
last year in the Highlanch*, a verc distinct aud beautiful Fei*u — first-
class cei-tiflcate. Mr. Batlcy, Rugby, contributed twelve seedling
Verbenas, some of them pretty flowers, hut not distinct or new. Mr.
Fleming, Cliveden, sent cut specimens of several very beautiful
seedling Zonale Pelargoniums, Nosegays and otheis. It was requested
that these should be seen again : when iu better condition some of
tham wiil takt- a good positiou. Mr. Wm. Paul, Waltham Cross, sent
Zonale Pelargoniums (Nosegays), Duchess, light scarlet, dwiu-f, com-
pact habit, large truss, wUieh was awarded a first-class certificate ; Mrs.
VV«i. Paul, not a Nosegay, pale rose, good trass, butuot equal to Beaute
deSarenues ; lUso, Imlian Yellow Nosegay, distinct iu colour, vei^ useful
— first-class certificate ; also, Donald Beaton, too coarse for a Nosegay,
aud not poesessiug the good qualities of the other section of Zouales ;
and Nosegay Walthum Seedlijig. Mr. W. Paul also sent four boxes of
cut Roses, consisting chiefly of his own seodliugs, wliieh have all been
noticed, before. Lord Maeatilay appeai-s to be the best, but this Rose
too much resembles Charles Lefeb\Te, they are both vei-^' fiue Roses.
Mi'. Eyles sent from the Society's Gardeur.. a seedling Glailiolus. col-
lected by Mr. Cooper ; also a ven,- amall LiUiuu, from seod, fi"om Dr.
Regel, aud a cut specimeu of Amai^llis reticulata.

Fruit Committee. — Mr. John Lee, iu the chair. Mr. Tillery, of
W'elbeck, seut a tray of magnificent British Queen Stiawl^erries, the
last of the forced Strawbemes of the season. They were the ad-
miration of the Committee, and of all who saw them, both for their
splendid appearance aud their rich flavour, which was, indeed, that of
a Pine. Mr. .lohn Wills. p\rdeuerto Sir Philip M. De Grey Egerton.
Bart., Oultipu Piu-k, sent a seedling Melon, which the Committee
named Oultou Park Hybiid. It is of mediuui size, round, and with
a salmou-eoluured flesh, not quite a scarlet flesh. The flesh is wonder-
fully tender aud melting, aud very rich iu tiavoiu'. This was con-
sidered a great acquisition, and received a fii-st-class certificate. Mr.
Thomas lugram, of Frogmore, sent a seedling Cherry, called Frog-
more Early Higarrcau. It is of large size, almost white whore shaded,
aad with a brilliant crimsou cheek where exposed to the sun. The
flesh is remarkably tender and richly flavoured. This also received a
first-class certificate. Mr. Cutbush, of Highgate, seut a branch of a
seedling Strawberrj-, remarkable for its lateness, the fruit being not

pe.

more than the size of peas, while the Pi-jnce of Wales wan fully ri
Mr. Cutbush iutimatod Iuh intention uf bringing it forward whon npo
at a HubiMqueat meetiug.

Scikstikk; Micktimi, Lord Henry Gordou Leunox, M.P., in tbo
chair. — The Chairman anjioiuiind that J. M. Strachan, JOsq., hud
made a pii-st-nt of a long list of valuable buuks for the library, which
the Soci«;ty was trying to collect, and added that further donations
wr)uld be very acceptable. A betjuest of books had likewise been
made by one whose name commanded their respect and esteem^ Sir
.loseph Paxton, who had slood Ijy the Society through good report, and,
it might almost be said, through evil report, and he the Chairman
asked the meeting to express in their vote of thauka to Lady Paxton,
the deep regi-et wbiidi they felt for the loss which slie and the Society
had sustained. Tlie vote luiviug been unanimouily passed, the Rev.
Mr. Di\, and Mr. G. F. Wilson, the Chairmen of the Floral and Fmit
Committees, read over the list of awards, and briefly commented on
some of the objects exhibited,

Mr. Bateman. iu the unavoidable absence of the Rev. Mr. Berkeley,
offered some observations on the plants exhibited. Among those which
came under notice were Clematises, especially those raised by Mesars.
-laclanan, of Woking, offering iu the flowers pui-plish metallic tints
like those of some Iponneas. and being quite a new race, and the best
fur out-door pui-jioses. A plant of Jackmanni on a south wall Iu hia
own garden in Norih Staffordshire, was growing vigorously, aud he had
no doubt would soon cover the wall, which was G feet high, with an in-
definite number of tiov/ers, quite as fine as those exliibited. Between
Messrs. Jackmau's varieties and tlioso from another exhibitor, there
was no discoverable differeiue. Clematis lanuginosa, another hardy
Idud, would have a tine effect when planted aloug with Jackmajjni, so
as to combiue the blue of the former with the de* p pui-jjle tints of the
latter. A Viburnum iliseovered by Mi'. Fortune was i;tated to be per-
fectly distinct from the common Snowball Tree (Viburnum opulus), the
leaves being entire and the flowers of a purer white. It was found to
be perfectly hardy in the climate of Noiih Staffordshire, but would,
doubtless, be finer iu more favoured localities. Mr. Bateman next
introduced to the meeting specimens of purple and golden foliage. The
puqile foliage was that of three hardy trees, the Pur|)le Nut, the Purple
Beech, aud the Black Maple, which, he said, deserved to be well
kuo\s'U. It was iutroduced by some foreign nurseryman from Japan,
and has small, cut, reddish purjjie leaves, transparent when seen with
their proper background the sun. Contrasting the richer tints with
light ones, what could be better than Golden Yew? Other plants
offering such tuits were the Golden Holly, Golden Ivy, Louicera anreo-
reticulata, aud one of the most effective of all, the Golden Bramble.
The variegated Acer ueguudo, aud many more, might be employed,
and these, be it remembered, were not hothouse plants, but hardy trees,
which all might enjoy. Doubtless, if attention were tnnied iu that
direction, there would be no lack of suitable materials. Mr. Bateman
theu pointed out Kalmias as suitable plants for enduring the heated
atmosphere of crowded rooms at this season, and related an anecdote
of Linnieus being cured of au attack of the gout on the return of his
jmpil Kalm, after whom the genus was named, with a rich collection
of Kalmias, and so-called American plants. Attention was then
directed to a singular plant, namevl by Professor Reichenbach, Luisia
Psyche, having the flowers close to the stems, and presenting a striMng
smiilarity to some insects. It was mentioned because the genus had
been said to consist of none but uninteresting plants. Mr. Bateman
exhibiting a Trichopilia, which he had bought at one of Stevens's
sales, and stated it had been named by Professor Reiehenbach T. tnrre-
alba, being found at the foot of a liigh mountain capped with snow, so
as to resemble a white tower ; but sijice he (Mr. Bateman) had come
into the room he had seen another aud better variety of the same
Trichopilia. shown by Mr. Williams, called picta, under which name
it had been figured in " LTllustration Horticole," by M. Lemaire. A
summer-flowering variety of Lycaste Skinueri, exhibited by Mr. Veitch,
was stated to have smaller and neater flowers tlian that commonly cul-
tivated, and Goveniji liliacea (?) was pointed out as beiug useful for
liouquets. Iu reference to Dendrobium Pierardi, which was exhibited
by Mr. Stone, gardener to Mr. Day, Mr. Bateman remarketl that
though it had been known for fifty years, it still held its ground, and
no collection was complete without it.

Major R. Trevor Clarke then offered some observations on the ob-
jects which he had brought to the meeting. Among them was a tall
stem of Lilium testaceum, othenvise excelsum, from his garden in
Northamptjnshii'e, where he had cultivated it for years as a perfectly
hardy plant, hardier than the common Lily. It had the unjust re-
putation of being somewhat tender. There was also a specimen of a
climbing parasitical Aroid of the tropics, of which he did not recoUect
the tririal name, but the plant was figured by Dr. Wallich. For its
generic name the choice lay between Philodendrou, Scindapsus, Pothos,
aud Moustera. Its curious ripe fruits were on the table, and were said
to be eatable, particularly that of the larger sort, called deliciosa, and
to be convertible into a cooling drink. It had au ancient jungle-like
tropical smell, and would probably give to cream ice a sensational
thivour. The species now exhibited had a qualify which would prevent
it from beiug a practicable fruit fur European palates, beiug flUed
with the same ii-ritating spiculic which existed iu the hep of the Briar.
He had also brought two iiu onspicuons objects — a shabby -lookiug
garden Stock, aud a spike of Gladiolus in a bottle, with its three poor

10

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

C July 4, 186*

termmal flowers left blooming alone. The one was a seedling from
a cnriouB old plant, Mathiola feuestralis, crossed with the common
•garden Stock, il. iucana, but it had uot yet flowered ; the other was
the produce of one of the handsome rose-coloured Gladioli, croseed
with the brilliuut scarlet African upcciea, Gladiolus cardinalis. It
was interesting in this case to be able to coutirm an obsf nation made
by the late Dean of Manchester, to the effect that the splendid colours
of cardinalis were not fully transmitted to the offspring, which the
Dean attributed to the interbreeding having taken place in a cooler
climate. The influence of cardinalis, however, had produced a favour-
able effect in the present instance. The seedlings appeared to be early
.summer flowers, with the large and handsome habit of the autunmals.
The two objects in question were authentic hybrids between two known
plants, and he (Major Clarke) urged his horticultural brethren to lose
no opportunity of bringing such instances to the Tuesduv meetings.
No person who had not really worked at seientilie subjects enuld have
a notion how valuable such contributions were — valuable becuuse they
were facts. A cross which might seem comparatively unimportant,
being authentic, might supply a link in the chain of the evidences in
an important investigation. "I call upon you," said Major Clarke,
*' to bring to these meetings objects of scientific interest of every land,
whether the results of individual experiment, or gleanings from' hill or
valley, river or forest, illustrations of nature's -wild and wondrous
changes. Such objects are too rarely seen on the tables of the Horti-
cultural Society. Why is this ? I believe because the horticultural
mind, improved as it is in the present day, has not been sufficiently
turned in this dii-ection. In the early part of the season the obser-
vation was made by my friend, Mr. Ba'teman, that there was a lack of
horticulturists at the present day. Now, this remark was, I believe,
ntterly misunderstood by some of his auditors or readers. We have
clever gardeners, both in the nurserj- profession, and in the gardens of
our country gentlemen, so clever that no couutiy on tlie face of the
earth can find their equal ; but the mau who will devote time and

money during a lifetime to legitimate hortienltnral experiment, both
within and without this Society, who will from time to time take the
trouble to produce hit- results in this room, who will initiate imd perfect
revolutions in our art, who will raise generation after generatiou of the
fruits of the earth, Beaaou by season, improving and improving — thin
man will have deserved well of his fellowH. These are the men alluded
to by my friend, Mr. Batemau, und I believe with him that they are
rare. But such men are rising, must be rising, in this almost over-
intellectual age. "

Mr. Bateman prefaced his lecture on Eafilesia AmohU, by remark-
ing that when any one gave a lecture, or put his name to a paper read
before any learned bociety, it was generally supposed that there wan
some fresh information to communicate, or progress to report, but
he had nothing to add to what had been previously known ; his
object was simply to recall attention to what was the wouder of bo-
tanists — a plant of which an account was published in the *" Trans-
actions " of the Linnean Society, in 1820. and which was called
Rafflesia Amoldi. The generic name was given in compliment to Sii
Stamford Raffles, and the specific mime was in honour of its discoverer.
Dr. Arnold, who was attached to Sir Stamford Kuflless mission to
Sumatra, and who. about a fortnight after its discoven-, fell a victim
to fever caught in the woods where it gi-ew. The biogi-apher of this
plant, the celebrated Brown, who wrote an accoimt of it in the "Lin-
nean Transactions," had also piissed away. It appears that after
having resided awhile in Sumatra. Dr. Arnold had ventured some way
into the woods, when one of the Maliiy senants came running to him
with wonder in his eyes, and siiid, " Come with me, Sir, come, ;i
flower, very large, beautiful ! wonderful ! " He immediately went with
the man about 100 yards into the jungle. The rest of the party
hastened on, and here, growing apparently on a stem, was a flower a
yard across. The whole flower was of veiT thick substance, the petals
and neetaiy being in but few places less than a quarter of an inch
thick, and in some places three-quarters of an inch ; the substance of

\th)K«i!

'mj^

u^ldi '.\ith bud, growing on the stem ol a Cissus.

it was very succulent. When Dr. Arnold fii"st saw it, a swarm of
flies was hovering over the mouth of the nectary, and apparently
laying their eggs in the substance of it. It had precisely the smell
of tainted beef. The centi-e of the nectarium gave rise to a large pistil,
at the top of which were about twenty processes, somewhat cnn'ed and
sharp at the end, resembling a cow's bom. Now for the dimensions,
which are the most astonishing part of the flower. It measured a full
yard across ; the petals which were sub-rotund, being 12 inches from
the base to the apex, and it being about a foot from the insertion of
the one petal to the opposite one. The nectarium was estimated to hold
twelve pints, and the weight was about 15 lbs. In order to ensure
the size being accm*ately taken, four large sheets of paper were pinned
together, and cut to the precise size of the flower. The soil whei'e it
was found was veiy rich, and covered with the excrements of animals.
A guide from the interior of the connti-y iufonned Dr. Araold that such
flowers were rare, but that he had seen several, and that the natives
called them Krubiit. What was this wonderful plant ? Was it a fungus
or an ordinary fioweiing plant ? Brown with his usual sagacity decided
that it was not a fungus but a true root parasite ; and Mr. Bateman
then explained at some length the distinction between parasites and epi-
phytes. Dr. Arnold had thought that the stem on which the flower
was produced, was the root or stem of the Rafflesia, but it was the
stem of a Cissus or Vine which wound round the trunk of a tropical
tree. According to Brown, it takes three months from the first appear-
ance of the bud to the full expansion of the flower, and the latter
appears but once a-year, at the conclusion of the niiny season. The
plant " has no stem of its own, but is parasitic on the roots and stems
of a ligneous species of Cissus where it appeal's to take its origin in
some crack or hollow of the stem, and soon shows itself in the form
of a round knob," at first like an egg, then resembling a Drumhead
Cabbage, and finally becoming a flower such as represented and de-
scribed. It was not enough, ailded Mr. Bateman, to see a flower

represented in that room, but it was an object of natural ambition to
have the plant. Mr. Loudon, when he diew a phiu for the Birming-
ham Botanic Garden, had a tropical -house in the middle of the garden
in which he hoped Rafflesia Amoldi would succeed, but thirty years had
elapsed and it was not yet in the country, though it ought to be in the
stoves of Kew. He had no doubt it would be flowered in this country,
but whether such a result would be obtained in the lifetime of the
present generation of horticulturists he could not venture to say,
unless the Chairman would use his parliameutaiy influence to induce
the Government to take some steps in the matter. It appeared from
an article in a Belgian periodical, that Rafflesia had been flowered in
Java. The article stated that the Rafflesia Amoldi " is parasitic on the
roots of certain species of Cissus in the isles near the Suuda Strait,
especially those of Cissus scariosa. M. Teysmaun has tried, in the
garden of Buitenzorg, in the isle of Java, to sow the plant which pro-
duces these gigantic flowers on the roots of Cissus, after ha\'ing made
an incision to dinde the bark. The experiment has been perfectly
successful, and at the end of eighteen months, M. Teysmann has had
the satisfaction of seeing many flower-buds of Rafflesia burst from the
roots, whose size varied from that of a Pea to that of a middle-sized
Apple. From the obsen-ations which the Dutch gardener has had an
opportunity of maldug on spontaneous Rafflesiic. these buds ^^ill require
a year or more before expanding the flowers, which are frequently not
less than a metre in diameter. It has also established this singular
fact, that the parasites spring some distance above or below the ]>oint
at which the seeds were inserted. We may then hope to obtain in a
cultivated state this remai-kable vegetable."' Mr. Bateman concluded
by urging all who hud friends in Java, to take steps to send home this
remarkable plant ; and moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman,
who in returning thanks expressed the gratification which he felt in
attending the Society's meetings whenever it was pos^iible for him to
do so.

Jnly 4, 1865. :i

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

n

THE MODERN PEACH-PllUNEK

I,()N(i PKUNINW.

-No. lu

TnnnK are various methods of pruning tlu; I'i'acli wliicli can
ho c:las.se(l iinilnr tho head of "lou;;;" but it is iimiecessary
)ioro to ilhistrate more than one, which may Iji^ taken as a Rood
specimen of tliis method. It is not more eomiilicated iu prac-
tice than the otlicrs, which are founded on tlie annual supply
of youuR liranchos.

In tliis method the shoots spring! from spurs which are cal-
culated to last several years, and which are renewed whenever
a new shoot spriuRs conveniently from the base of the spur. A
Rood succession of younR wood is obtainable in this way.

All modern experience tends to show that systems founded
on any considerable annual cutting-out of branches, however
small those branches, must end in causing disease in the Peach
tree. There is not, in reality, any good reason for this dan-
gerous practice, which has already caused so much loss ; far

frum this, the day seems nt liauci wlien b luling branches will
not be shortened at all, and the chief pnmint; of the tree will
bo effected by the summer-stoppini; of the shoots, iiUowinga
comparatively small amount of rej^ulutinii for the winter season,

\Vhcu these ideas are fully carried out, the clitlionlty of Peach
pruning will become small, -nd theory iPiid practice will agree
more fully together.

It is necessary now to go back a little, and renjember that
our young tree is su;iposed to have made a certain growth
during the summer next after its being planted. Man> pruners,
at the winter season, shorten this growth inndi' by the leading
branches by one-third ; the reason they give is, that the lowest
third part of each branch frequently fails to develope its buds.
This is, however, but a vtsionnvy fear, if the roots do their
duty.

Fiji. 11. — Tliu'tl Summer Pruniug.

The next summer all the branches will extend freely, and
tlie buds upon them will begin to develope themselves. The
buds situated on the lowest third portion of each leading
Ijraneh not receiving, especially if placed on the under side,
much sap, will generally not extend much, and if the season be
very favourable, some will become converted into cluster-spurs
(class 5). These must, therefore, be retained untouched. Their
character is discernible by May. Shoitld they extend more
freely they will pass out of class 5, and become rather slender
shoots, and should not be stopped at all, not being iua position
to become gross shoots (class 4). The buds situated on the
central third portion of each branch will extend freely, and be

ri^'. 1"J. — Winter Pruning'.

the principal fruit-bearers of classes 2 and 3. They should be
stopped at 12 inches as soon as they have made 1,5 inches of
growth, and be lightly tied-in during the season of growth, at
regular intervals, and at nearly the same angle as the branch.
The buds situated on the upper third portion of the branch
should be treated in the same manner ; and should any exhibit
the appearance of becoming gross shoots, of class 4, thej
should be cut down at once to two eyes, from which one new
shoot is to be selected (the l>est-placed, and the weakest) to fill
up the vacant place. This will be a shoot of a valueless
character, long between the joints, and of class 1 ; but it cannot
be avoided.

Fig. 13. — Fuurlli Summer Pruning.

The extension, or new growth, of each leading branch must
be allowed to develope freely. Care must be taken to guide
these branches in the proper direction, by means of light rods,
and none of them should ever be lowered into the place it is
destined eventually to fill, until it be well constituted, and iu
good balance with the corresponding branch of the other side.
This is done by raising or depressing, according to circum-
stances. As no fruit is expected at this stage, blossom-buds
may be rubbed off. Should any of the wood-buds be seen to be
double, and to put forth two shoots, some little discernment
may here be required to select the proper one, and to do so at
the right time. Passing over the shoots of the lowest third of
each branch, which are not troublesome, of those placed higher
up the shoots nearest to the wall must be selected, and the
outer ones removed, whether on the upper or lower sides of
the branch. But, on the upper third portion, which receives
abimdant sap, all the weaker shoots should be selected for
fruit-bearers, no matter where placed.

At the winter pruning of this the second year, should any
cluster-spurs appear, one or two may be selected to bear the
third season's fruit — that is, if it be so desired, because the

1 i^'. 14, — Fourth Winter Pruuiug.

tree is yet very young to bear. All the other .shoots should
now be cut back to two good eyes. The leading branches in
this style of pruning are now shortened by, say, one-fifth. To
shorten more would be to throw the tree into inconveniently
long lateral growth, requiring much interval between the
branches. Of course, this interval varies with the style of
])runing. Twenty inches is considered a moderate interval.

At the spring of the ensuing, or third season, the tree will
have acquired certain proportions and form, and the shoots
shortened last winter to two eyes will each speedily develope
two new shoots, which shoots must now be carefully attended
to, as destined to bear a moderate croji of fruit in the fourth
season. We come thus to consider the branches and shoots as
they appear at the third season.

The two shoots during this summer will gradually assnme
the appearance indicated in «;/. 11. They are there named re-
spectively A and !!, as being the two original shoots proceeding
from the spur k. If we keep to this nomenclature it will avoid
confusion. No doubt the term " spur "' is the most appro-
priate here, and has been received as such before by reviewers
of cordon training. Spur is the correct rendering of the

12

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULXUBE AND COTTAGE GAfiDENEB.

[ Juljr 4, 186§.

synonymous continental word, and it certainly is produced
by manipulation. Both shoots will be allowed to extend to
15 inches, and be stopped back to about 12 inches. At Mon-
treuil about 14 inches is the general rule.

Many prmiers abjure summer stopping altogether, which is
a great error, and the cause of overgi-owth and weakness iu the
tree. The winter shortening is immense and needless, because
it is well known that the buds of the lower portion of each
shoot can be reaililj distinguished in .June, and a good guess
then made as to their (juality. If the lower buds be then pro-
minent, and well established, what need can there be for any
superfluous length of shoot beyond them? But, let us sup-
pose A and I) to make a good summer growth, and to have been
stopped at 12 inches, as seen in Jiji. 11, and then to have made
an additional second growth, which is only of use so far as it
occupies the supernbundixut sap. During the season they will
have been secured to the wall, avoiding enclosing any leaves, at
the proper angle, and if weak it is proper to raise them some-
what more. At the winter pruning, when the leaves have
dropped, they will look much like //;/. 11. e Eepresents the
original shoot, now called a spur.

It will now be proper to consider which shoot should be pre-
served long for fniit, and which cut back for a replacing-shoot.
In Jiff. 12 it is supposed that b has been found, by reason of its
groups of triple buds, to be the best, and therefore it is cut
down to above the second group of triple buds. Many primers,
however, would have left it half as long again. Some retain
thereby space for a couple of fruit. This may be done when
there is generally little fruit on the tree, or if the tree have few-
shoots. A Is cut down to two good wood-buds for a succession ;
the long shoot n is attached closely to the waD at rather an
acute angle w ith the branch. The spur e continues to preserve
its original form. These simple operations complete the year's
work ; great care having been taken, by syiinging copiously,
&c., the leaves during the summer, so as to keep down insects
and favour growth. Practical Peaeh-pruners, such as Mr. Kad-
clyffe, continually tell us this.

At the fourth summer, in firj. 13 we see that the original
shoots A and ii are still the basis of the work in hand, a From
its two wood-bnds puts forth two summer shoots c and d,
which are likewise stopped at 12 inches, and make a second
growth. B Now- bears a fruit at v, and the wood-bud accom-
panying the fniit extends a little, and is pinched in at three or
four leaves. The terminal group sends forth another shoot
from its central bud, and this is also pinched to three leaves.
These two small shoots are amply sufficient to attract sap to
the fruit below them, and this is their use. It will be observed
that the fruit grow-s in this case on the lowest triple group,
which is always the best to select. Should the shoot b have
been laid in at much greater length than here shown, and dis-
budding the intervening buds be practised (as so many do,
some leaving only the bud accompanying the fruit, and another
at the base to succeed), then it can only be considered an un-
natural and useless custom. Moreover, some of the very best
practical pruners agi-ee that it is not proper to depend on the
same shoot to bear fruit and to produce a replacing-shoot for
the next season. It cannot be depended on, and requires far
more attention iu bending the shoot at just the proper time
than the present plan. If this bending down of the shoot is
omitted it will be blind the following year. The new shoots
c and D are treated as before described, and if neatly secured
to the wall will not present any confused or crowded appear-
ance.

At the fourth winter pnining either of the shoots c and n are
selected according to their character. Supposing d, the lower
shoot, to be selected as the fruit-bearer, it is cut above the
second or thh-d group of buds as before ; c, the npper shoot,
then becomes that destined to produce the two new succession-
shoots, and is accordingly cut back to two wood-buds. The
upper portion of the original spur E, together with the whole
of the shoot B, are now- cut away as smoothly as pos.sible,
leaving the whole as it appears in ft'f/. 14. By this time one or
more buds will have appeared at the base of original spur e,
and these it developed will form the basis of future work.
Should several appear, one at least should be closely pinched
iu, so as to form a cluster-spur, and thereby increase the chance
of fruit.

There arc several other ways of managing the shoots, but
none better than this one, nor in reality more simple. Some
manage to work with altei-nate shoots. Others dispense even
with this, and are content mth single ones. Much overlying
of ahoot and branch and considerable winter amputations are

the consequences. Long pruning on the whole wastes the
vitality of the tree by producing much needless wood. All
recent experience points to a modification of this system, which
shall form my next subject. — T. Brehaut, Richmond House,
Guenuiey.

THE I^TE DUKI': OF DEVONSHIPiE AND SLR
JOSEl'H PAXTON.

Asorr twenty years ago, by the direction of the late Duke of
Devonshire, I copied the following fi-om the original in his
Grace's handwriting : —

" Joseph Paxton was boi-n the 3rd of August, 1803. I made
his acquaintance at the Horticultural Society's Garden at Chis-
wick, where he was placed in 1823. He was chiefly employed
then in training the creepers and newly introduced plants on
the walls there, which first excited my attention ; and being in
want of a gardener at Chatsworth, I .'isked Mr. Sabine, who
was then at the head of the establishment, whether he thought
that yoimg man would do ? He said, ' Young and untried,' but
spoke so favourably that I had no doubt.

" The yoimg man had made a large lake in 1822 at Sir
Gregory Page Turner's place near Woburu. He came to Chats-
w-orth in 1826. You shall have it in liis own words : ' I left
Loudon by the Comet coach for Chesterfield, and arrived at
Chatsworth at half-past four o'clock in the morning of the 9th
of May, 1820. As no person was to be seen at that early hour
I got over the greenhouse gate by the old covered way, explored
the pleasiu'e-grounds, and looked round the outside of the
house. I then went down to the kitchen gai-don, scaled the
outside wall, and saw the whole of the place, set the men to
work there at six o'clock ; then returned to Chatsworth, and got
Thomas Weldon to play me the waterworks, and afterwards
went to breakfast with poor dear Mrs. Gregory and her niece :
the latter fell in love with me, and I w-ith her, and thu.s com-
pleted my first morning's work, at Chatsworth, before nine
o'clock.'

" He man-ied Miss Sarah Bow-n in 1827. In a very short
time a great change appeared in pleasure-ground and garden :
vegetables of which there had been none, fruit in perfection,
and flowers. Twelve men with brooms in their hands on the
lawn began to sweep, the labourers to work with activity. The
kitchen garden was so low and exposed to floods from the river,
that I supposed the first wish of the new gardener would be to
remove it to some other place, but he made it answ-er. In 1829
the management of the woods w-as entrusted to him, and
gradually they were rescued from a prospect of destruction.
Not till 1832 did I take to caring for my plants in earnest.
The old greenhouse was converted into a stove, the greenhouse
at the garden.s was built, the Arboretum was invented and
formed. Then started up Orchidace», and three successive
houses were built to receive the increasing niunbers.

" In 183.5 the intelligent gardener John Gibson was despatched
to India to obtain the Amherstia nobihs and other treasures of
the East. The colossal new Conser\'atory was invented and
begim in 1836 ; the following year Baron Ludwig was so
charmed with its conception, that he stripped his garden at the
Cape of the rarest produce of Afi-ica. Paxton had now been
employed in the superintendence and foi-mation of my roads :
he made one tour with me to the West of England, and in 1838
contrived to accompany me for an enth-e year abroad, iu which
time, having gone through Switzerland and Italy, he trod iu
Greece, Turkey. Asia Minor, Malta, Spain, and Portugal. In
absence he managed that no progress should be checked at
home. A great calamity ruined the expedition he had set on
foot to California ; the unfortunate Wallace and Banks, young
gardeners from Chatsw-oi-th, having been drowned in Columbia
river. He went with me in 1840 to Lismore, and in that year
the Conservatory w-as finished. The vUlage of Edousor was
new-modelled and rebuilt between 1839 and 1841, and the
crowning works have been the fountains and the rock-garden."

After I had copied what precedes. I inquired of the Duke if
he knew the amount of wages Paxton was receiv-ing from the
Hoi-ticultiu-al Society in 1823 ? the answer was, " Only 18.<;.
a-week, as I was informed by Mr. Sabine." As I knew that
the Duke of Devonshire (by whom I had been most kindly
aided for the last eighteen years) would not be offended by the
question, I asked what wages he had liimself given the "young
and untried " gardener in the first instance ? and his reply was,
" I think 25.S. a-week, and a cottage." Of com-se, his Grace
afterwards rapidly advanced Paxton's wages ; and eight or ten

July i, 1865. 1

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDKNEB.

13

years siibscquently, the young labourer of 18s. a-wcek, and the
now gardener of 25.<. a-week, was often seen dining at tiic
Duke's table. — (J. Payne Colliek, in Notes and Qufyien.)

NEW KAllLY PEAS.

On the 7th of Fcbniiiry I sowed the following varieties : —
Dickson's First and Best Early, Sutton's Rinslender, Dilli-
. stone's Early Prolific, Sangster's No. 1, Daniel O'Koiirko, and
Maclean's Princess Koyal, and on the follnwiug day Dickson's
Early Favourite, Wonderful, and Maclean's Dwarf Prolific.
In consequence of a long period of severe weather which set iu
just after they were sown, it was at least seven weeks before
any of them appeared above gi-ound. and then iu the follow-
ing order : — 1st, Sutton's Ringleader, and Carter's First
Crop ; 2nd, Dickson's First and Best, and Dillistone's Early
ProUtic ; 3rd, Daniel O'Konrke ; 4th, Sangster's No. 1 ; the
other three Idnds coming through together a little after the
last named. The time occupied iu the Peas appearing above
gi-ound was from ten to twelve days. On the .5th of May, I
noted that Carter's First Crop, and Sutton's Kiugleader, were
in full bloom ; Dickson's First and Best Early was four days
later jjwhile Sangster's No. 1, and Daniel O'Roiirke, bloomed to-
gether about two days later tlian Dickson's. Dillistone's Early,
the seed of which was had direct from Mr. Dillistoue, of Sible
Hedingham, started off into a strong growth just as it was
coming into bloom, a very heavy rain having fallen a few days
previously. It reached the height of between 5 aud 6 feet,
came into bearing the last of all the early kinds, and produced
a good crop, but the pods were rather small, and as I grew it,
did not seem to present any special claims to favour.

On the 1st of June, I gathered a good dish of Peas, the ma-
jority from Carter's Fii-st Crop, and Sutton's Ringleader, and
some from Dickson's First and Best Early ; from the last, two
days later, I was enabled to gather an abundant dish. Some
time after the Peas had been sown, I was informed by Messrs. F.
and A. Dickson & Sons, of Chester, that the seed of their First
and Best Early Pea, was of the crop of 1863 ; in fact, that all
they sent out, in the past spring, was of that harvest. I am,
therefore, of opinion, that when new seed of the First and
Best Pea can be sown against Cai'ter's and Sutton's, it will be
found quite as early, aud a much better cropper, as it really is.

1 fully believe that the First Crop, aud Ringleader, are iden-
tical in every respect, and this is not only my own opinion, but
also that of aU others who saw them, and it was noticeable that
whereas Dickson's Pea was entirely free from " rogues," or
" stragglers," there was a number of them amongst the other
two vaineties. The three were grown in a good deep loam, well
manured last year for Onions, the average height being from

2 to 2i feet. Sangster's No. 1, and Daniel O'Rourke, were
ready for gathering about a week later, and their good quahties
are too well known to need conuneut here.

In succession to these came Dickson's Favourite, Princess
Koyal, Wonderful, and Maclean's Dwarf Prolific, all were in
bearing at the same time. Dickson's Favourite is a weU-known
tariety, an abimdant bearer, with long well-fiUed pods. It will
grow from 5 to 6 feet high. Princess Royal is a large, white,
lonnd, Marrow Pea, gi'owing about 3J feet in height, and an
abundant cropper, having large pods filled with fine Peas of good
flavour. Wonderful is similar to Princess Royal, excepting that
it is a white wrinkled Marrow, and scarcely so robust a grower.
Both of these are first-class Peas, and they deserve to rank Al.
in the seed catalogues. Maclean's Dwarf Prolific grows about
2i feet high, is an abundant cropper, rather smaller in the pod
than the other two, and not quite so hardy. I may mention, that
I grew Maclean's Advancer last year, and that I have this season
seen it growing in the garden of Sir W. Heathcote, Bart., M.P., at
Hursley, Hants, and while I admit its claims as a very early
wrinkled Man-ow, yet I find, tliat in southern localities at least,
it grows so dwarf, and crops so sparely, that I do not think it
can long hold its own.

I am also gi-owing 'Veiteh's Perfection, Yorkshire Hero,
Hairs' Dwarf Mammoth, Prince of Wales, aud Lord Raglan,
but they are not yet sufiSciently advanced to make notes of at
present. I know from last year's trial that they are all ex-
cellent varieties.

I should like to recommend, as best dwarf Peas for succession,
Diek.son's "First and Best Early,'' Sangster's No. 1, Princess
Boyal, Wonderful, Veitch's Perfection, and Lord Raglan. — Alex.
Sean, Maybush, Shirley, Sonthampton.

WORK FOR THE WEEK.

KITCnEN OAUnEN.

TiiK weather during the past few days has in many parts of
tlic country been particularly favourable for planting out the
autunni and winter crops, which may have been delayed in
consequence (jf the pre\ious dry weather. Ili-iin.s, some Maza-
gans may yet )}C ]>ul in, which will produce late in the season
if the weather jirove favourable. Br<iccoli, Cape and Grange's
may now be planted where the early Peas have been removed ;
the main crops of the other sorts ■should be got iu as early as
possible. Cahharii', sow a little more seed, if the sowing we re-
commended last month has failed. Chervil, another sowing to
bo now made for succession. Cucumhcr", put in a few cuttings
or sow a little seed, so as to have a few plants to plant out for a
succession till Christmas. Continue to pay every attention to
those in frames ; they must have a liberal supply of water twice
a-week, and should be sprinkled every afternoon. Kiidirc, con-
tinue to plaul-out a few about once a-fortnight, to keep up a
succession ; another sowing should be made. Dwarf Kidney
Heans, the last principal sowing should now be made ; earth-
up the advancing crops. Leeks, those sov.-n in drills should be
thinned to a toot apart in rich ground, the thhanings will do to
plant out. Parsley, make a sowing, so as to have strong plants
by the winter. Peas, earth-up and stick the advancing crops ;
a few more may be sown, which will come into bearing if the
autumn is favourable. liadishes, make a sowing of the various
sorts ; the Turnip-rooted, however, are generally preferred at
this season. Vegetaiile Marrow, these plants will require a
liberal supply of water ; stop the main shoots to cause them to
throw out laterals. Immediately a crop is done with either
remove it to the char-heap or dig it in, in either case sprinkle
the gi'ound with lime to destroy slugs.

FEniT GARDEN.

Grape Vines against walls to have the young shoots trained
from the lower part of the wall for bearing next year. See that
Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots oi-e nailed, if not alreadj'
done, as the wind is sometimes very strong about midsiimmer
aud makes sad havoc with the shoots. Currants and Goose-
berries require all watery useless shoots to be thinned out. It
is a good plan for keeping Bed Currants till the latest period
for tarts, etc., to select some of the best bushes on a dry day,
and thin aU the shoots from the fruit ; drive a strong stake in
the middle of the bush, and tie all the branches to it, then
wrap one or two garden mats aroimd it.

FLOWER GARDEN.

Remove suckers from Eoses, and clear the stems of wild
shoots. Sti'ong shoots of Chrysanthemums may now be layered
in pots to produce dwai-f compact bushes. Those iu pots may
soon receive their final shift. Ranuncirluses may be taken up
as soon as the foUage has turned yellow ; for should wet weather
continue they might emit fresh fibres, and if taken up then
they are likely to be worthless. Plants gro'w-ing in baskets or
vases should now have a final stining at the roots before the
surface is entirely covered with foliage, likewise put on a layer
of moss to prevent excessive evaporation, and thus save some
labour in watering, which they would otherwise frequently
require, as they are generally elevated above the surrounding
surface, and therefore more exposed to the sun's rays. Beai"
iu mind that Fuchsias in vases should be attended to daily as
regards watering, it is inattention to this that causes the bloom
to drop, and in the course of time renders the plant unsightly.
Remove all decayed flowers and seed-vessels from American
plants. Now is a good time for layering Rhododendrons, Bel-
gian Azaleas, &e., just as they are coming into full growth.
Shrubs grown to embellish ItaUan and geometric flower gardens,
terraces, &c., should now be cut into the figure they are to
assume ; in many cases wires will be necessai-y to keep the
branches in their proper places at first, when aftei-wards the
knife and shears will suffice to keep them in proper form.
Portugal Laivrels, Cypresses, Arbor Vita', Yews, Bays, and tree
Box are the plants most commonly used for this pm-pose, and
when cut into architectural figures are good accompaniments of
the above style of gardening. They should, however be clipped-
in two or three times during the season to preserve correctly
the desired outline.

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Wliile out-door flowers may soon be expected in abimdanoe,
nothing should be brought here but what is well grown and
bloomed, nor should any plants be allowed to remain that are
at all shabby, for it is a waste of means, aud certainly betrays

14

JOUENAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAllDENEIi.

[ July 4, 1865.

bad luiinagement to occupy glass houses with plants of in-
terest inferior to such as are plentiful in the open air. It
is not desirable, however, to crowd the houses with flower-
ing plants, the aim should rather be to have a moderate num-
ber of handsome specimens effectivelj- arranged, which will
.yield more pleasure than a greaer amoiuit of tfloral display
from plants of no individual merit. A thin arrangement of
pot plants will also be advisable on account of the permanent
occupants of the beds in the conservatory, which at this season
should be allowed plenty of space in order to secure strong and
well-ripened wood, without which they need not be expected to
bloom finely. Use every means to keep down insects. Give clear
weak liquid manure to young gi-owing specimens, and repot any
that arc intended to have another shift this season, so as to
have the pots well filled with roots before winter. Maintain a
moist gi-owiug atmosphere in the gi-cenhouse, and s^Tinge
vigorously any plant at all infested with red spider.

STOVE.

Encoiu-age backward plants of Orchids with plenty of heat
and moisture while that can be done safely. See that plants
on blocks and in baskets are properly supplied with moisture at
the roots. To prevent any mistake in this matter carefully
examine every plant at least once a-week, and immerse any
found to be dry in tepid water until the material about the
roots shall have become well soaked. Syringe lightlv morning
and evening, and sprinkle floors, &c., in' order to keep the at-
mosphere thoroughly moist. Here a number of Clerodendrons
and such like softwooded plants, will now be showing bloom,
and with the late-blooming Ixoras, Dipladenias, Echites, &c.,
this house will be very interesting for some time to come.
Weak clear manure water should be used here once or twice
a-week, as well to sprinlde the house as to water the plants.

PITS AND rr..\MES.
Alpine plants in pots should now have a little attention.
They should now be collected together ; some mil require
division at the roots to increase the species. Manv will require
weeding and top-dressing, and others shifting into larger-sized
pots ; finally plunge the pots up to the rim in sand or finely
sifted coal ashes. They should now be regularly syringed vrith
clear water early in the morning and late every evening. —
W. Ke.«e.

DOINGS OF THE LAST M'EEK,

KITCHEN GARDEN.

Wateriiii/.—Om- chief work has been to render our little
water as useful as possible, by applying it close to the roots,
and either mulching or throw-in'g dry soil over the moist surface
as soon as possible. Jlere surface "watering, in such weather,
is of ven- little benefit, except for newly-planted-out things, so
as merely to refresh the foliage, as alluded to last week in the
ornamental department. There have been signs of a refreshing
rain, but as yet none has visited us ; but on this morning of
the 29th the barometer has fallen rapidly, and we hope
that at last we shall have rain, which will greatly benefit all
field and garden crops. In om- stifiish, deep-stirred, mode-
ratcly-em-iched soil, the crops, especially those helped with
mnlching, are standing well ; but in many cottagers' gardens
the Beans are refusing to be more than bare stalks, and the
Potatoes are ripening their haulm with but few tubers, and
these refusing to swell to any size. Too many persons are
slow to learn the advantage of surface-stirring in such weather,
and deep stirring before planting. We lately saw some beds
of vegetables and flowers with the surface cracked all over,
and what was not cracked, pretty well as hard as iron ; and
the wonder was that, with almost constant evening sprinklings
of water, the plants refused to grow. A good forking on the
surface \iould have been better than all the drizzling from
the water-pot. The watering, if given to reach the roots, would
have been useful, and then, if the sm-face had been stirred to
keep it in, the one watering would have been worth a dozen or
a score of these di-izzles on the surface, which merely
eucoiuraged roots to come to the sm-face, to be burned up bv the
next day's sun.

An old friend of ours is a gi-eat advocate of the sprinkling-
overhead system, and wonders, though the plants "seem re-
freshed by his kindly-meant process, that next day, if anvtliiug,
they look the worse from it. As to getting our walking-stick into
the ground, that was out of the question ; we might as well
have tried a plate of iron. Good stout arms would be needed to
break it with a fork. No vronder that Cabbages and CauUflowers

bolted, instead of laying a good foundation for good heads ;
no better plan could be devised for causing them to flower and
seed early. As a rule mere surface watering, except for re-
freshing foliage, and chiefly of freshly-turned-ont plants, is of
little or no benefit, and often does harm even in well-stirred
gi-ound, because it breaks the line of conduction and evapora-
tion, so that the roots are deprived of the moistm-e from beneath
which they would otherwise receive. We have great faith in
the moisture that is stored up in the earth, and wliich will be
absorbed by the roots of plants, as it passes them, in proportion
to the heat applied at the surface. The mere damping of the
surface arrests, for a time — that is, until the surface is again
dried — the line of communication between the moisture beneath
and the sun and atmosphere above : hence it often happens
that, after a slight shower in summer, which merely refreshes
the foliage, and slightly damps the surface, if followed at once
by a bright hot smi, the plants, as soon as the Httle sprinkling
has evaporated, wiU seem to suffer more than before for a few
hours, because, for a time, the roots have been deprived of
their supply of moistm-e from beneath. Hence, also, the
difference between natural and artificial watering. In the
former case the whole atmosphere, with its clouds, seems as
refreshing as a shower bath. In a bright sunny day the atmo-
sphere, if we do not do anj-thing in the way of mulching or
surface-stirring to prevent it, will hasten to take away the
moisture which we give. A dull or a drizzUng day, or late in the
evening, are, therefore the best times for watering. Sprinkling
overhead in the sun, as alluded to last week, is merely an
exceptional process, when, having secm-ed enough of moistm-e
at the roots, we keep down or lessen evaporation from the
foliage until the plants become used to their new position.
Plants in general would have been benefited by such foliage-
sprinkling in these dry hot nights, where the amomit of dew
deposited would not have soiled a satin sHpper in the early
morn ; but that sprinkling is a very different thing from
thorough watering, and then letting well alone until your
services are again required.

Among the iminitiated few things are less understood than
watering, and the dribbling system is that winch generally
obtains. Let us take a Fuchsia plant in a pot as an illustra-
tion. We find the leaves and blooms uumistakeably drooping,
and, as the readiest way for avert ng disaster, we throw water
with a fine syringe over the leaves and branches — a very good
thing, it must be allowed, but then the remedy is a vei-j- tem-
porary one. Finding this to be the ease, we give a little water
— enough to penetrate an inch or two below the surface — and
that does a little more good. Keep on with this chibbUng, and
you might as well, or rather better, have grown your plant in a
shallow saucer. The lower roots wiU die, in time, from having
no moisture to feed on. Placing such a plant in a bucket, to
be thoroughly soaked, would be the best means for insuring its
safety, and then water it thoroughly when you do water. We
are supposing the plant to be standing on a shelf or stage ; but
if you plunge the pot in a bed, or in the earth, the very
plunging, though the plant be in a jiot, makes it more inde-
pendent of your care. The top-sprinkling, the surface-di-izzling,
would be ineffectual as to lasting effects as before, and would
so far just deprive the roots of the moisture that would reach
them from the bed or the earth ; but then the roots, in self-
defence, if permitted, would endeavour to look after themselves,
by getting through the pot, and down into the earth, after the
moisture. In such a ih-y summer as this the fields of Wlieat
often look extremely flourishing. 'Whence do the roots obtain
their moisture ? From great depths, for the surface is like
di-iven dust. A mere di-izzHng on the surface would do more
harm than good, as it would do no good to the roots, because it
would not reach them, and. until evaporated, the raising of
moisture from beneath would be arrested. On the same prin-
ciple, plants thoroughly established, and with deep roots, will
often do better without mulching than with it. Until we saw
through these matters, one fact often surprised us. In a dry
summer we have noticed how refreshed the fields looked after
the foliage was even slightly washed with a passing shower ;
but if that happened in the morning, and the day proved sunny
and windy afterwards, then, in the afternoon, the plants would
hang their heads and look more distressed than before. The
rain had done nothing for the roots, and the supply of moist
vapour, by capillary attraction from beneath, was temporarily
cut oft'. The balance was restored as the sm-face became dry.
The shower, on the whole, did good, by cleaning, refreshing,
and swelling out the stems and foliage ; but it could not do
what a soaking rain would do, that reached the roots. Let us

July 4, 1868. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

ir,

syringe ami surfaco-water if we will, but we must not expect
the results of a Rooil wateriiif^ that reaches every libre of the
rootlets. We tliink we luue jireviously mention<'il about a
gardener beint; fouml fault with for watering his dry flower-
beds in a dull drizzling day. wlion the barometer showed there
was no liliclilKiod of much rain. He ought rather to have been
commended. Watering in hot .sun should only be resorted to
when it cannot be avoided. Unless care, by mulching and
surface-stirring, is used, the moisture we give will soon rise as
vapour to improve the general atmosphere : lience one ad-
vantage of surface-stirriug and of loose mulching, is that,
whilst the gi-eat heat is excluded, the air, with its vapour, can
enter.

Made arrangements for soon sowing the last Peas. Planted
a good space of Dwarf Kidney Beans. Will make another
sowing, and then will sow where protection can be given. We
have thus freciuently gathered up to November. Sowed the
main crop of Endive and Lettuces for succession. We always
look upon early Endive where there is plenty of Lettuce as
something like waste. Though veiy jjretty in the salad-bowl,
wo consider Endive as merely a substitute for, and not a com-
petitor with a crisp Lettuce. We lately saw splendid specimens
of Carter's and Sutton's Chamjiiou Lettuces, excellent where
size is an object. The flavour also was very good. The
London and Paris Cos are useful for small gardens. Planted
out more Cauliflowers, shading them and Celery with tree
branches. The liulk of winter stuff we must leave a little
longer in liopes of having rain, as the plants are easier kept
in the beds and in the rows where tliickly pricked out. Re-
gulated Cucumhers. Spawiied Mushroom-bed in open shed,
and could we spare the time, would make some fresh spawn as
it now dries quicldy, and the spawn would run but with little
trouble. We have had as yet a fair supply in the house, which
is a lean-to to the north, by syringing all the walls and floor,
and giving air so as to promote coolness. Heat is the gi'eat
enemy to Mushrooms in houses above gi'oimd in summer, and
draughts of air do not suit them so well as an open shady shed.
We have had them very good under the shade of Vegetable
Marrows and Gourds, but the spawn should not be placed
nearer than a yard from the main stem of the Gourd or Marrow
plants. Sometimes when we have spawned a ridge used for
such plants, the spawn injm-ed the roots of the MaiTow ; but
if placed near the outside it did no harm, and the large leaves
kept the Mushrooms cool and also delicate in colour. All such
fimgi require rich organic matter to thrive in, otherwise the
Mushroom will grow in any rich ground. A friend of ours had
some fine gatherings last season on a north border. He jilaced
the droppings from his iiony about i inches thick on the
jground just as he got them, put some bits of spawn in it about
9 inches apart, and covered with an inch of soil, beat it down,
and covered with a sprinkling of litter to prevent rapid drying.
He had plenty and to spare before the cold weather came. As
fine a bed as ever we saw was in the comer of a stable. With
a little covering the farmer had plenty all the winter and spring
months.

FROIT O.Vr.DEN.

Proceeded with watering Strawberries, stopping the shoots of
fruit trees, regulating Melons, banking-up linings round frames
with Utter to prepare for a change in the weather, and attending
to other things with watering, thinning, much as detailed in
previous weeks, .^t length some red spider has appeared in
the lean-to orchard-hoiise, and as a preventive have daubed
all open spaces on wall with a paint formed of soft soap and
sulphur. The fumes of both when the sun shines are disliked
by these insects. Out of doors the birds are troublesome,
getting at fine Cherries imder the closest netting, and a lesson
may well be learned from the patient and persevering scrutiny
they evince, to find the slightest break or hole in your defences ;
but, i^oor things, they are objects of pity this season. Many
of the larger birds — as blackbirds and thrushes, are perfect
skeletons from their inability to find worms, and grabs, and
snails in this dry weather. The word " quinine," in second
column, page 491 of the volume just concluded, should be
^'quassia."

OllNAMENTAL DEPARTMEMT.

Without any watering the Roses on our stiff soil have been
large and good. In lighter soils even with watering they have not
been so good as usual. Gathered a great many when full blown,
for drying for pot pourri. We question if the gathering system I
is not the most economical on fine lawns, as when they shed
the flowers and there is the least wind the sweeping-up is end-
less. On this account alone we!should incline to banish them

altogether from a nice-kept lawn, and place the Roses in a
roaery, or in front of a shrubbery where a few shed flowers would
be of less consequence. To our eye nothing disfigures a lawn
more than being dotted over with tree Roses with small mop-
heads on the top of a walking-stick stem. Such tree Rosck
are only tolerable when they are trees — that is, when the head
has a ilianieter of from li to 12 feet, and droops gracefully.
Many pretty gardens are quite spoiled by these puny mop-
heads rising out of the turf.

With the exception of a little filling-up when wo thought
the ]>lants would bo rather thin, finished all our bedding-out
last week. All the earlier-planted will now pretty well look
after themselves. The Calceolarias are jjroducing Inige cauli-
flower-like heads of bloom, but where uuich exposed, as on
raised beds, they are not making such gi'owth for succession as
we would like in this dry weather, and with the ability to give
them none but a minimum of water.

Mulchinii. — For these and (jeraniums not covering the ground,
and indeed for things in general, and as the ground is warm
enough for anything, we have proceeded to mulch to keep the
ground cooler and moister about the roots. We are not well
off for materials this season, and have been obliged to use it
rougher this season. For the centre of large beds we have
used half-rotten leaves from the Vine-border, breaking them
well up with the jioints of a five-tined fork, until they are
pretty well as loose and flossy as the hair that is jjrepared for
hair mortar. Even then this would be tempting for the birds,
if placed near the sides of the beds, as 'they woidd soon pick it
over the lawn. They have little chance of doing it from the
middle of the beds, in consequence of the thickness of the
plants, and the twigs to keep them all right and safe from
winds. The front of the beds and borders will be slightly
mulched, as far as the material goes, with from half iin inch
to an inch thick of a mixture of leaf mould and old Mushroom
dimg, passed through a sieve with openings an inch wide. This
makes a nice finish, and is a gi'eat help every way, rendering
much watering unnecessary, and economising what is used,
and, in raised beds, preventing the nmuiug of the soil when
watering is resorted to ; whilst, if rain comes, the nourishment
in the material is washed down to the roots. A little soot
and lime, in the outside mixture, would help to keep the bills
of the birds from it. But for scarcity of the material we would
have used this riddled mixture alone, for the sake of neatness,
and for most of the beds in this dry weather. By promoting
surface-rooting it also promotes free flowering, instead of extra
luxuriance, which much manme dug into the beds is apt to do.
Moss is also a capital mulching, and gives a nice gi-oimd colour,
if kept green, until the leaves hide it ; and so is the cocoa-nut
fibre. Some of our amateur friends write of it to us in ecstacies,
and ask why we do not commend it for general use for this
mulching process. Well, we agi'ee in much of their enthusiasm ;
but then the expense of so mulching a large garden !

Lau-m. — In such weather, the less mowing and gi'ass-cutting
with the machine the better, so long as neatness is secm-ed.
A deep cut with the mowing machine is sure to promote brown-
ness and a rusty appearance. If the lawn looks flossy and a
little rough, and pieces are long, especially round the sides of
beds, a man who takes a pride in his work will so hold and
regulate the machine as to knife the long points, and will soon,
with a 14 or Ki-inch machine, go over a large space of ground.
When a few Bents, Plantains, and Daisies appear, the daisy-
knife is the tool to remove them with, and the sun will make
short work in sending them out of sight. The beautiful low
yellow Lotus corniculatus, which would make a capital yellow
bed, has been rather prominent on the lawn here this year,
and the extreme dryness is also giving us lots of white flowers
of the Dutch Clover ; and the yellow and the white are apt to
stud the green of the grass, and yet be so low that neither
knife nor scythe can get hold of them ; but as soon as they
rise the least above the level of the short grass the knife soon
settles them. A visitor told us, some time ago, that in a
public garden he saw seven men toiling .away with daisy-rakes
on a lawn, and that they did not do half as much work as one
man was doing easily with the daisy-knife. As yet our lawns
are pretty green, but a good cutting with the machine, without
rain, would make them brown enough.

Flnri.iti' Flmcers. — Auriculas, Polyanthuses, and Pansies will
now do best in a shady place. The last two may be diWded
and ])lanted out or potted. Pansies, to be kept good, should
have a shady place, plenty of rich top-dressing, and abundance
of water to keep them moist and cool. Cuttings of favourite
kinds may now be inserted in sandy soil in a shady place ;

16

.TOUENAL OP HORTICULTUEe AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ July 4, 1865.

seeds be collected, and those used for flower-beds in spring be
divided and grown on in beds for next season. Daisies we will
divide as we get time. Piiil;s and Carnations need supporting,
and gi-een tly should be brushed off if it make its appearance.
A fine brush and weak quassia water are better than using the
fingers and thumb. Pricked out seedling Cinerarias. Planted
out a lot of these done flowering to yield suckers. Put a tew
branches over them. Herbaceous Calceolarias done blooming
should be placed out in a shady place to form suckers and
shoots. One of these shoots rooted or struck as a cutting in
the autumn will make a better plant than could be made of the
old plant by any coddling whatever. These are invaluable for
display chiefly in April and May. After that the air is too dry
and hot except they are kept in a cool place. Tidips, cut oif
flower-stems, and the roots of fine ones should be taken up as
soon as the leaves decay. Lachenalias and many early bulbs
should be now in a state of rest, and may remain in the re-
versed pots, or be taken out and be iilaced in saueers covered
with dry sand.

Went on potting stove and gi-eenhouse plants. Cockscombs,
especially feathered ones which promise to be fine, and Ba -
sams, giving the latter mostly rotten dung and loam in equal
proportions. Some of the Balsams had a little fly, and the
tops of the plants were, therefore, dipped before shifting into a
liquid of soft soap and quassia water, but not so strong as that
recommended by Mr. Eivers. Even in r.ather small pots they
promise to be strong and fine. The pots are plunged but the
heads receive plenty of air. jUl our large Chrysanthemums
are plunged to save water chiefly, but the plants are more easily
kept in a uniform comfortable state. Dipped baskets of Stan-
hopeas in manure water, and kept all plant-houses in a moist
state by damping the floors and stages. Clear weak manure
water suits almost every thing now, if the drainage is all right.
— E. F.

COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 1.

The market is now well supplied with everything. The late \vanii
weather haviiiji driven all kinds of fruit funvard, prices have consequently
fallen considerably. Some good Apricots and Plums are now arrivint;
from the continent. The first cai-go of West ludiau Pines has ai-rived,
bat the froit is not very good.

ERUIT.

Apples \ sieve

Apricots pottle

Cherries lb.

Chestnuts bush.

Ctirrants, Red A sieve

Black do.

Figs doz.

Filberts 100 lbs.

Cobs do.

Gooseberries, . ^ sieve
Grapes, Hambro.. . lb.

Muscats lb.

Lemons 100

Artichokes each

Asparagus bundle

Beans Broad. . ^ sieve

Kidney 100

Beet, Red doz.

Broccoli bundle

Brus. Sprouts. .^ sieve

Cabbage doz.

Capsicums 100

Carrots bunch

Cauliflower doz.

Celery bundle

Cucumbers each

pickling doz.

Endive scorce

Fennel buuch

Garlic and Shallots, lb.

Herbs bunch

Horseradish . . bundle

H.

d. s.

d

2

Otol

n

9 1

B

4 6

8 12

fiO 60

2

a

X

n

H

H

12

5

10

s. d. 8. d

Melons each 8 Oto 8

Mulberries punnet

Nectarines doz. 12 24

Oranges 100 6 14

Peaches doz. 18 36

Pears (kitchen) . . doz.

dessert doz.

Pine Apples lb. 4

Plums i sieve

Quinces | sieve

Raspberries lb. 1 S

Strawberries lb. 6 2

Walnuts bu.sh 14 2U

«

1

6

VEGETABLES.

s. d. 8. A
4to0 6

3 5
2 D 3
G 1

S

9

U 7

4

2

6

2 6

3

8

3

2 6

1 6

10
8

Leeks bunch

Lettuce per score

Mushrooms. . . . pottle
Mustd. A Cress, punnet
Onions bushel

pickling quart

Parsley ^ sieve

Parsnips '. doz.

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

New.. per doz. lbs.
Radishes doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Savoys doz.

Sea-kale basket

Spinach bushel

Tomatoes doz.

Turnips bunch

Vegetable Marrows dz.

s. d. 9. d
U 3 to 6
1 6

1

5

1
1

2
1

6
2

7

1
2
1
4
2

1

2

4

6

2

TIUDE CATALOGUE RECEIVED.

Osbom & Sons, Fulham. — Catalogtte of Hardy Trers ami

Shrubs.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Plants Suitable for the Wall of a Stove (J. Bayley). — Wistaria
chinensis; Virginian Creeper; Lonicera flexnosa, L, aureo-reticolata ;
Clematis montaua, C. flamniula; Ai-istoloehia sipho; Bignouia radicans
major ; Hedera (the Iv}'), Gold-blotched Irish, maculata, palmata, Silver-
striped. Climbing Roses Ruga (this will grow in the coldest situation),
Amandis, Grevillii, Felicite perpetuelle.

Prize Melon.— The scarlet-fleshed Melon with which I took first prize
at the Royal Botanic Society's Exhibition should have been named
Mounsden's Moreton Hall instead of Malvem Hall.— Thos. Patoh, CfutTle-
cote Park.

Stopping Vine Laterals- Buds Bursting (W. D.J utu). —The cansu
of the buds bursting prematm-ely on your young Vine is very luxuriant
growth and rapid root-action. We had a young cane of Duche^riS of Buc-
cleuch this season that burst in a similar way. It is unfortunate when
this happens, as the Vine will have to be cut back at the pruning season
to the firbt good eye below the tir.st primitive bud. If this is not done the
Vine will always look very imsightly, as the spurs will I)e obliged to be
left long, and ^s-ill go on increasing in length each rear; but if the Vine is
strong and can be well ripened, the best way would be to take five or six
good bunches of fruit fi-om it next year, and encoiu-age a young can& up
from the base of the Vine for the following season.

Muscat Vine Leaves Turning Buown (A Y'oiuig Gard-:^nci\ Lincoln-
8kire).~Yoiir Vines are very likely infested with the red spider. If so,
keep the atmosphere moist, and put a thick coat of sulphur on the pipes,
walls, or any other available pai-t of the house.

Azalea Leaves Infested \\^TH Brown Thrips (X. Sidm6uth).~T:be
foliage of your Azaleas is very badly infested \vith brown thrips. Dip
them two or three times in a mixture of Gishurst compound .ind water;
put about two ounces of Gishurst to one gallon of water, and syringe the
plants two or three times daily with clean water. This will soon, clear
them.

Grapes Diseased iJ. B.I.— The berries of the Lady Downe's Grape arc
very severely affected with what gardeners call *• spot." It is an idcera-
tion caused usually by the roots not obtaining a sufficient nutriment from
the soil, owing to their descending too deeply or into an uugenial subsoil.
We would remove the surface down to the flr.st roots, put over them a
little rich compost, and water with tepid water, at the same time venti-
lating night and day freely.

Iron Greenhouse (P.). — Any of the hothouse manufacturers who ad-
vertise in our columns could supply what you require. A similar struc-
ture might be made of wood, equally removeablo and cheaper.

Garden Turf Weedy (M. E. H.).~The Plantain and the Milfoil
(Achillea), which you enclose can only be eradicated by uprooting with a
chisel or knife. Then sift over the whole a mixture of thoroughly decom-
posed stable manure and earth to the depth of a quarter of an inch ; then
sow it with Suckling seed (Trifolium minus), and pass the roller over.

Applying Salt to Asparagus-beds {W, E.).— We apply it at the rate
offour ounces to the gallon, dissolved in house sewage, by means of shallow
trenches made between the rows of plants. We apply it once a-week
throughout the gi-owing season — from April to October. We cover the
surface of the beds with about an inch in thickness of thoroughly decayed
stable manure. ^

Calceolaria Seedlings iKtioimthorpr, Lecdit). — Yom- seedling Calceo-
larias are some of them of first-rate quality. Those with a light cream-
coloiu-ed ground are especially good, the circular markings distinct and
novel. We should much like to see the plants. The dark flowers, though
of good form, are nut new in colour. Some of them are very i>romiiiiiig,
and of fine fonn.

Mildewed Pear IjEaves \Chtliuorth). — The leaves so severely visited
by patches ai fungi, tm-ning black eventually and falling, indicate the
border requires manure, mulching on the surface, and abundance of
moisture. We should sjxinge copiously the leaves and the wall every
evening during dry hot weather.

Cucumbers Deformed — Vegetable Marrows Falling iProspera).' —
Cucumbers have large stalk ends, and dwindle towards the other ex-
tremity, usually because the roots are defective m action, o^ving to too
little or too much bottom heat, or because there has been an irregular or
deficient supply of water. The Vegetable Mai-row fi-uit would fall from
gimilar causes, or from air not being admitted suflBcieutly fretly.

An Ornamental Conifer — Propagating Flowering Thorns {P. -B.).
— You may take your choice for your moimd and screen of Wellingtonia
gigautea. Abies Douglasii. and Pinus insignis. The latter makes a noble
tree, but you had better inquire whether it is perfectly hardy in yonr
neighbourhood before you decide. Abies Douglasii is sure to be hardy.
Flowering Thorns are best from buds, which may be put in during August
and September.

Placing Vallota purpurea in Water (P. P.I.— We have not tried this
Amaryllid in the open air. placed 2 or 3 inches in a shallow reservoir of
water, hut have repeatedly had it in a taucer of water from April to
September, and it seemed none the worso of this semi-aquatic treatment.
We have kept it in the open air plimged in a sunny place ; and we doubt
not it woTtld do with the pots jilaccd 2 or 3 inches deep in water in a large
shallow reservoir, very raucli exposed to the sun, as you propose, takiiiR
in the pots the end of Heptejnber. If you try the experiment we should
be obliged by your stating the result.

Melons Turning Yellow (B. Allen), — Tlie usual reason is that not
giving air early destroys the pollen, and the Melons consequently do not
set. Another cause is too much moisture, which destroys or hinders the
distribution of the pollen, and prevents the stigma recei\-in4» it in a fit
state for fructification. The fruit sometimes turns yellow from a defi-
ciency of bottom heat preventing a supply of sap sufiirient to insure the
swelling of the fruit, and at times through a deflcien(\v of moisture in
the soil. Keep the shoots thin, so as to admit light and air; giv* air
early, and keep the surface of the soil rather dry at the time of setting^
still quite moist beneath the surface ; impregnate the flower, and stop
above the fruit at the second joint; maintain a brisk bottom heat, and
then keep the atmosphere drj-. Avoid watering or wetting the surface
whilst in bloom, and, if necessary to give water at that time, do so
through drain-tiles inserted in the soil, or make holes, and pour the water
into them.

Cutting Asparagus. — At page 468, second colnmn, line 19, for " finer,'*
read " fewer."

RosF, News. — I cannot this week give the gossip that I gathered upon
my late visit to Paris, but I may give all Rose-growers a good bit of news
— "that Lacharmc, the well-known raiser of Charles Lefeb\Te, LouiPC
Darzins. and other excellent Roses, has a genuine yellow Hybrid Per*
petual, of the Centifolia type, to be let out in 1866.— D., Deal.

July 4, lS«fi. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUIIE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

17

Uahauing a Newly-i'Lantid Thork and Beb(ih Hrikie (An AmUtur
(fanUn<-r).—Yua diil qiuti) right iu cuttinK the Thorn iir Quick plants
<luwn lifter pbintiliK thi' htnlKO. It would MtronRthi'U the (JuicliH. causing
tlic shootu til I'onio utrongor. nnrt a good Ijottoin wonlcl bn obtained at
once, whicli is ii muin point. So tur. tlmn, your bcdgo will have a good
foundation, wlii.'h you uiuat retain by trimming in the silica slightly curly
in Auguirt, UM.I keeping the bottom dear of weeds, so tliat the fence may
grow thick and elosc to the bottom. At any time after the Imitcb have
falleu up to that of their reappearance the top may be taken off to 1 loot
fi iuchos, if it has mailo xo much growth ; if not that heiglit, dti not cut it
down until after the second year's growth is porfi'cted. Continue to trim
ftto sides in in .\ugiist in future, and when the height of hedge is attained
take off the top at a few inches below the height re<|uired ; trimmiug
daring the sunmier in June, and another run-over in tlie end of August
win keep it very ne it. The lieech will need no trinuning this year, and
onlv at the sides uiiil the height of hedge is gaim'd. when it should have
the" top taken olV9 ii:'-hes or a foot lower than ultimately required. It ia
best to clip Beech h, .Igcs during the w inter, though they may be cut, like
(juiek and Privet hedges once or twice during the smnmer.

lUislNH Krompton- STOCK.S i/i(cm I.— Sow the aecd forthwith in an open
.situation, and water if dry weather ensue. Wlien large enough to handle
plant out where intended" to bloom, selecting a sheltered situation, and
affording a littU proti-ction during severe wejither by means of funie and
flr or other clo.se.braucliea overgieens. The Stocks may he i>Iauted close
t'>getlier, so as to require thiuuing in M.arch ; but the safest plan is to pot
them in small pots, and place in a frame on a dry bottom on tlic approach
of frost, plunging the pots iu coal ashes, and giving air in mild weather,
and planting out witli the balls entire in March.

Kaulv Peas.— We have received (.June 30th). from Messrs. Carter & Co-
a sample of their variety, "First Crop." The Peas nro an excellent
sample, dry and hard— evidence that the harvesting was not hurried.

Woums in ViNE-BonDER {Witten Lorl^et—The earth worms were at-
tracted to the border by the manure. They will be heuelicial rather than
otherwise by making perfonitions in the soil.

Air. IN Vinery (.( Huhtcribcri.— It requires to be kept well supplied
with moisture by pouring water on the paths, &c., freely ; but the venti-
lation must be good also by night and day, for stagimnt damp air induces
mildew. A dry hot atmosphere insures the introduction of red spider.

Seedlinc. Carnations {Eatun M. D.i.— There is nothing remarkable in
yonr seedling Carnation but its size; it is what is termed iu floral lan-
guage a monster. It is not unusual for seedlings when they first come
into Bower to produce these gigantic forms. The flowers are totally
useless ; the superabundance of petals always causes the pods to burst,
which is very objectionable.

Doi-BLE FccHsiA (.4. R. MeGuire.i.—Yonr seedling double Fuchsia is
not at all new, the bright colour of the sepals is a great recommendation,
but it is not lietter than Hercules, rniversal. and many others. The value
of the seedling would depend on the habit of the plant. We have no
recollection of receiving an Anemone flower from you in the spring.

iNARonnia Vines (An AvMteur, Southampton). Unite green wood of
the scion to greon wood ot the stock when the shoots of each arc a or
a feet long.

Select Carnations, Picotees, and Pnms (A. T. C.I. —The tastes of
northern and southern growers difTor, hut the fcdlowlug nro good and suit-
able for the northern and tnidland (^oimtiesr—funirtfiuTM.- Admiral
Curzon,LordKaneliffe,KUek Diiimruid, Lord Milton, Kauny, Sarah Payne,
Priimier, Squire Meynell, Firebraml. Siiortsinan, .\riel, Friar Lawrence.
Pir'itr,:< : Mrs. Norman, Isabella, Amy Rohsart, Lord Nelson, Mrs. Dod-
well, Robin Hr>od, Mrs. May, Finis, Mrs. JJaniard, Venus, Bortha, Mrs.
Msher. Pinkt : Beauty, Catlicrine, Climax. .lohu Bull, Lord Chancellor,
Lucknow. Lucy, New Criterion, Mrs, Enfield, Mary Ann, Puri>lo Perfec-
tion, Purple Gem.

What Caisks tuf. Winds (Eir,-n.i.— Wo cannot reply better than by
the following ciuotution from one of the beat of our magai-.inos :— " Regard-
ing thorn in the simplest way, thev are evidently produced by the succes-
sive heating of those parts of the earth most directly ex})osedto the sun's
rays, the consequent expansion of those heateil portions i-( the atmosphere
in contact with the warm earth, ami the repliiei-in.Mil of these warmed
and expanded portions by cooler air from north and south. The operation
going on incessantly, a steady curr.Mit would he produced at all times
from both poles to the equator. This, indo'ed, soim ceases to be a north
and south cuiTent from the poles to tlie eqiuitor, for the heated air rising
aiul passing to the poles is moving ivitli the velocity of the earth's surface
at the equator-ora thousand miles per hour— while tho air starting from
the poles has no initial vciooity. Thus each hot current as it advances
northwards or southwards passes beyond the longitude of the place from
which it started, and each cold current as it travels toward tlie polo lag,s
behind the parts of the earth over which it auecessivc-ly travels. The
north and south winds thus become at length east winds at tho equator.
While approaching the equator they are north-east and simth-eaat winda
for a considerable distance, and in this state, within certain latitudes, are
called trade-winds, from their usefulness in navigation."— (Tftf English-
inait'^ Majazint! for Juli/.)

Vinery (P. O. l»')iiti';o'<Kll.— With plenty of heating power, which, we
presume, you can easily have in your part of the countrj-, we do not
consider that your house is too high ; and the angle, 45', is a good one,
either for early or late work, or any work. If you feared the wind very
much you might have the height 2 feet less, but, with plenty of heat, we
would do as you propo.se. For the border, inside, we would advise from
•20 to '24 inches in depth, over a foitt of rubble, and that drained beneath.
It is much in your favour having the floor of the house, inside, so much
above the outside level, as drainage will he an easier matter. We would
make the border on the top of the present floor.

Names of Plants [('vmhpT\and). — 1, Lastrea Filix-maa incisa ; 2, Po-
iTstielmm angul.are subtripinnatum ; 3, Lastrea dilatata grandidena ;
4 Athyrium Filix-foemina p>-riunidatum ; 5, Lastrea Filix-mas paleacea ;
ei AthjTium FiUx-foemina. "iH. T. K.).~\. Pedicularis sylvatica; 2, Gil-
lenia tiifoliata ; 3, Polygonum .aviculare ; 4, Nepeta Mussinii.

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week endins July 1st.

Sim. . .
Mon. . .
Tues. .
Wed. .
Thura.
Fri. ..
Sat. ..

barometeb.

THEKUoaiETER

Air.

Earth.

Wind.

inches.

Mux.

Min.

THozL.

Min.

1 ft. dp.

2 ft dp.

80.153

80.0-24

78

47

64

62

S.W.

.00

30.050

30.081

68

48

64

61*

E.

.00

■»vni

30.112

77

39

68

6aS

W.

.00

80.055

29.1E2

78

50

63

60J

E.

.01

29.64fi

29.362

64

62

62

60

W.

.42

29.876

2;) .262

66

50

62

59J

w.

.43

1 29.872

29.605

73

39

61

60

N.E.

.00

1 ■29.909

29.749

72.00

45.31

6-2.71

60.57

0.86

GENER.iL ReMARK.S.

Very fine
Overcast
Overcast
Overcast
Overcast
Overcast

overcast ; very fine at ni^ii.

drj- haze ; overcast ; finest night.

very fine ; fine at iiipht.

cloudy antl fine ; slight shower ; very fine ; overcast.

rain ; cloudy ; rain.

warm and hesTT,- rain at Tii^ht.

Cloudy; fine; very fine tliroughout ; cuol at niKht.

POTJLTEY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHEONICLE.

FACTS ABOUT EGGS.

It is tLought by aaturalLsts, that the eggs of our domestic
hen of the present day are, on an average, very nearly a third
larger and hearier than those of the hens of the ancients.

The proportions of the yolk to the white of the egg are very
nearly the same iu each of the different races ; bnt in propor-
tion as the egg diminishes in size, does the relative proportion
of the white to the yellow of the egg duuinish — that is, small
eggs have more yellow than large ones in proportion to their
size, hut the weight of their shell is also greater in jiroportion.

Eggs wliich contain the largest yolk or yellow, like those
of the Brahma and Cochin-China hens, produce the largest
chickens.

The weight of sterile, or uufecundated eggs, is less than that
of those that have been fecundated ; and their nutritive qua-
lities are less.

The eggs of the wild hen have a superior flavour. The
proportion of the yellow in them is greater than in the eggs of
ordinary domestic fowls ; they have a higher colour, also, and
cooks esteem them on this account, for the preparation of
certain sauces in the proportion of one to three.

Barlev is said to increase the proportion of tlie yeUow of the
egg, and rye is said to favour the development of the white.

^Eggs lose a slight portion of their weight day by day, when
left to themselves, the contents becoming (hied up gradually,
and reduced, so that there is left a solid residmun withdrawn
towards the small end of the egg, the opposite end being filled
with air. Eggs which weighed 25 ozs. when fresh, weighed but
a very small fraction over 1 oz. at the end of two years.
Dm-ing incubation the dimiuutio;i of weight is pretty rapid.

Aristotle taught that round eggs contained male chickens,
and elongated eggs females. Scientific men have both combatted
and sustained this opinion, but the general opinion of natural-
ists at the present day is, that both males and females come
fi-om both round and elongated eggs. Fecundation exercises
no control over the figure or foi-m of the egg. The most exact
and scientific experiments upon these points, conducted
recently at the .Jardin d'Acchmatation at Paris, have led to
these conclusions. — (Massachwsettx Pluwman.)

\1SRY LIKE SWINDLING.

Can any of " Our Journal " readers give me ,iny information
respecting a person who advertised in your columns for good
poultry in exchange for foreign birds ? Having many of the

18

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 4, 1865.

former, and being fond of the latter, I was induced to answer
the ailvertisement. This led to a correspondence, in which the
advertiser undertook to send me some Califomian Quails and
other Australian birds (sic), on my sending her a pen of Buff
Cochins which I had mentioned. My birds were sent to the
address named, and after some delay I was iufomied that the
lady had moved from Croydon to Brompton. The result is
that I have never recovered bu'ds, price, or equivalent ; and
after repeated threats at length I instructed my solicitor to
IJroceed against the person, but this was too late, as we find
the bird has flown and cannot be heard of. Perhaps some one
else has been victimised in the same way ; and if so, you may
he doing a kindness to our poulti-y fraternity by stating that
the name of this "lady" is Mrs. Firebrace, late of Croydon,
since of Ovingtou Square, Brompton. — T. C. H.

THE FIFTH TOE OF DORKING FOWLS.

Is this really an essential? Mr. Baily, in his little book
entitled "Fowls," when speaking (pp. 112, 113), of the points
required in exhibition birds says nothing about it. The largest
and most symmetrical birds I ever saw had all the Dorking
characteristics except the lifth toe. I am further inclined to
believe that it is not an essential, because you see it of all kinds
of shapes, pointing in different directions, and even nailless,
without having any influence over the awards of the judges. —
Newpoet.

[Tliis is one of the most heretical letters we ever read, and if
Mr. Bailj- knew the writer we are quite sure he would excom-
mimii^ate him. The fine birds alluded to by "Newport," are
known as " Sussex " fowls. They are thus mentioned in " The
Poultry Book " — " The breed now known as the Sii.tsex fowl,
lias only four claws, and is a less compact though larger bird
than the true Dorking, which it otherwise much resembles."
In fact, the fifth toe is an essential characteristic, and can no
more be disregarded than can the white
face in the Spanish, or blue legs in
Hamburghs. It is quite true that a dis-
tortion of the fifth toe is not held to be
a disqualification any more than a dis-
tortion of one of the other toes, and
would only be taken into account in
case it was the only
inferiorityapparent in
two otherwise-equally-
excelleut competiug
pens. At the same
time there is no doubt
that there is a form
and jiosition of the
fifth claw, which is
the most desirable, and it is as thus represented by M. Jacques.

" The claws," he says, " should be strong, cleau-jointed, five
in number; " and " The Poultry Book " says, in detailing the
characteristics of exceUeuc«, "Claws five in number on each
foot, and well defined."]

BEE-KEEPING IN DEVON.— No. XXFV'.

A PROSPEKOUS .VPI-IBT.

When publishing to the world the misfortune which over-
took me in 1863,* and relating my experience of that terrible
ilisease foul brood, which had caused my hapless apiary to
dwindle to the very verge of extinction, it was not a little
amusing to observe how many were prone to attribute my ill-
success to the adoption of a scientific and experimental system
of bee-mauagement. "An Old-F.\shioxed Bee-M.\ster" of
Finchley, openly rejoiced over my discomfiture ; Mr. Lowe
authoritatively pronounced that " an experimental apiary can
never be a thoroughly prosperous one," and published an
amusing article wliich riled me not a little at the time, and in
which he appeared to hold up to ridicule all that he either
knew or imagined of my apiarian proceetUngs ; whilst Jonas
Jackson attributed my downfall to the neglect of certain
popular superstitions. These Job's comforters were, however,
vastly out-numbered by the multitude of correspondents who
aided and cheered me by their sympathy and advice, and even
in one instance (that of " J. E. B.," whose personal acquaint-
ance I have recently had the pleasure of making), presented me
♦ Vide Journal of Horticulture, Vol. V., page 59.

with a strong colony of bees in the hope that it might aid in
stemming the torrent of destruction which, at that time,
threatened to ovenvhchn my entire apiary. Nor were there
wanting those who, while giving expression to their kind
sympathy, did not hesitate to express their conviction that I
should in the end triumph over all my difficulties, and
ultimately re-establish my apiary, and perchance raise it to a
higher state of prosperity than before. To all such I may now
return my warmest thanks, and I feel sure they will participate
in the pleasure I have in infonning them that their kind
anticipations have been more than realised. Never since I
first commenced bee-keeping (now just a quarter of a century
ago), have apiarian matters progressed so pleasantly and pros-
perously with me as during the glorious siunmer of this year
of gi-ace 1865.

It may be remembered that last autumn I possessed twenty
stocks ; of these I unfortimately allowed one to starve by an
oversight for which I can now scarcely account. The whole of
the nineteen remaining stocks survived the winter, albeit some
were much weakened from loss of bees during their protracted
confinement, and breeding was also much delayed by the cold
and late spring. Notwithstanding these drawbacks my account
now {29th Jmie) stands as under : —

PARTED WITH.

Stocks 14

Swarms 3

Queens 4

Total parted with 21

REMAINING IN MV APIARY.

Stocks 11

Nuclei with imprepnated queens 4
„ „ unimpregnated „ 1
„ „ royal cells 9

Total remaining '!:>

Total parted nitb 21

Grand total 46

As nearly all the stocks which I have sent out were despatched
during the spring, they have, of course, been of little or no
assistance in multiplying those that remained, so that in point
of fact almost all this increase has arisen from the five remain-
ing old stocks, aided by combs and brood from three purchased
black swarms, which swarms were allowed to remain undis-
turbed in tlie country for about a month after hiring, and then
plundered of nearly all the combs which they had constructed.

I esteem myself particularly fortunate in having had but one
natural swarm, which issued on the flth of Jime, settled in a
pear tree' and was soon safely hived ; but as it it were impossible
for a natural swann to issue in my apiary without being the
harbinger of some mishap, the only young queen I have lost
this season happens to be the one which just five days after-
wards emerged from one of the only two royal cells which
existed at the time of the departure of the swarm. Her death
occuiTed in this wise : On June 17th, I was looking over, and
rectifying, as is my wont, any irregularities in the formation of
the new combs of the swarm, upon one of which I had just
seen the queen, when I was hoiTor-stricken by (hscovering, as
I supposed, the beautiful matron I had seen in full liealth not
a minute before l.ving hfeless, and evidently stimg to death on
the floor-board. Bitter was my mortification at believing that
some inexplicable clumsiness in my manipiilatious had resulted
in the premature decease of what was certainly my most beau-
tiful and favourite queen — a mortification mitigated only by
the reflection that she had attained the mature age of three
years, and, although evincing as yet no sign of waning fecimdity
or decrepitude, not likely much longer to continue capable of
maintaining the population of a strong and flourishing colony.
Having accordingly allowed three days of mom-ning over my
defunct favourite to elapse, I reflected that it was of no use to-
waste the time and energies of so large a multitude of bees in
raising a young queen and waiting her impregnation, when I
had it in my power at once to place a competent sovereign at
their head, and therefore proceeded again to examine the combs
with the view of taking preliminary" steps by eradicating such
royal cells as might have been started in the interim. Judge,
then, what must have been my joyful surprise at discovering
my pet queen perambulating the combs in the enjo.^Tnent of
full health and vigour, and perceiving that she had evidently
"not been dead at all," although I had mourned her as such.
I was for some days much puzzled to accoimt for the presence
of the dead queen on the floor-board, and although this mystery
ultimately received a partial elucidation by the discovery of the
loss of the young queen from the old stock, I am still unable
satisfactorily to account for her straying into the hive contain-
ing the swarm, especially as a third colony intervened between
the two.

I may here say a few words with regard to the supposed

Jaly 4, 1865. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTT \0E GARDENER.

19

inferiority of what arc called " artifltial " queeus, wliicli are by

iomo suppospil to bo so dcticient in instinct as to be more prone
to go astray than natural queens, to which, indeed, it is ima-
>;iued they are also inferior in fecundity. My experience, \yliich
is now a pretty extensive one, satisfies mo that there is no
fonndation wliatever for this belief. " Artificial " queens, so
oalled, are really as natural as what are genernlly denoniinated
•' natural " ones, from which they do not, moreover, differ in
the sliKhtest respect. Their fecundity is the same and their
instinct by no means inferior. It will be observed that the
only "natural" queen that has been produced in my apiary
during this season was also the only one to go astray.

So abundant has been tlie honey harvest that one of my old
stocks compelled me, rather late in May, to put on a super.

Notwithstanding; repeated deprivations of bees and brood for
the pui-pose of stocking " nuclei," honey poured in so rapidly
that the breeding sjiacc was fast reaching the vanishing point
when I tardily afforded tliem the much-required accommoda-
tion. This was at once taken possession of, and all went well
until the 13th of .June when a swann emerged, but did not
cluster, and presently returned to the parent hive. Knowing
that the queen was disabled in one wing through ill-treatment
liy a swai-m of black bees wliich were united to her subjects in
tiie autuimi, I instituted a diligent search ; but failing in finding
her, hoped she had not attempted to take wing, and turned my
attention to the old hive, which I examined likewise witliout
success, but from which I excised every royal cell I could find.
On the 19th of .June I repeated my examination, again excised
whatever royal cells I could discover, and introduced a young
queen hatched on the 11th and which hail exhibited signs of
fecundation. A subsequent examination, five days aftenvards,
revealing huncU-eds of eggs in the first coml) lifted out was so
satisfactory that it was not further proceeded with, and the
stock working vigorously has now nearly completed its super,
tlie nett contents of which when filled will not be much under
iO lbs. and which I hope to he able to allow Messrs. Neighbour
to exhibit at Phnuouth during the forthcoming show of the
Royal Agricultural Society.

in conclusion I would invite such of the readers of " Our
.Tourual" as may be disposed to doubt the possibilityi of an
experimental apiary being also a thoroughly prosperous one to
pay a visit to that of — A Devonshire Bee-keeper.

BEES IN YORKSHIRE.

As reports from this district are very rare in the .Journal, it
may interest your apiarian readers to know that the season so
far has been a favourable one for bee-keepers. Swarms have
been nrmierous, and there is no lack of honey. We have had
more than five weeks of fine weather, interrupted only by three
days rain ; and although the excessive heat and drought are
uot very favoiu'able to honey-gathering, yet the continuance of
so many fine days without a break, adds continually to the
.-tores of the hive. The cold nights also have induced frequent
hea\'y dews, which always tell well.

The hives here stand rather thick on the ground, there being
upwards of forty within the radius of a mile ; but I believe all
are doing well. As soon as our chickens ai'e hatched and may
be safely counted, I hope to give some account of my own pro-
ceedings and those of one or two of my neighljours. Mean-
while, for the sake of comparing with other districts, I note the
large nmnber of double swarms which have occurred this season,
the union taking place without fighting, except in the case of
the queens ; al.so, the prevalence of drone-comb in the supers.
.Vm I right in attributing this to an iibmidance of honey, which
can be stored more rapidly in this way than in worker cells ? —
F. H. West, Fotternewton, nrar Leeds.

[We shall be obliged by reports of the results of the honey
harvest from different localities. The ingathering from the
lime-tree blossoms is now at its height near London. — Eds.]

THE MASON WASP.

On the front of the gentleman's house where I reside _ as
gardener, I was staking some sweet peas, when my attention
was drawn to something like earth on the ledge outside the
window, but upon closer examination it prtjved to be a nest of
larv.T, like little catterpillars. There were four closed tubes
rather larger than tobacco pipes, one of which I broke off to
see what it was like. I took the top off one of the other tubes
anil stood looking at the minute grubs. In a few minutes a large
wasp cau.e humming up and alighted on the top where I had
made the hole. It looked very closely at the hole which I had
made, then tlewaway, and I thought no more of it till looking
on the gravel there was the wasp. Up it flew to the tidies and
deposited some very fine dust or sand, and then fonned it mto
a puddle, and filled the little hole up wliich I had made, and
then flew away. — J. B.

[The wasp which formed the mud cells described above, is
one of the Solitary Mason wasps (Odyuerus), of which there is
a considerable niimber of British species. We shall be glad to
see a specimen of the wasp itself, as the cells were rather
imusual in form. — W.]

The To-iD a Bee-eater. — I have heard that our common
toad would devour bees, but I would not believe the assertion
until last week. I was then watching my bees as they were
'•oiuing in and out of the hive, and to my surprise I saw a
large toad in front of the bees, in a bed of cabbages, devouring
them as fast as they flew down or near where he was. Will you
inform me whether this is a usual occurrence ? — James N .

[It is well known, and has been long known, that the toad is
a most determined apicide. — Eds.]

BEES IN NEW BURLINGTON STREET.

The Times of Friday last says :— " On Wednesday after-
noon, about five o'clock, not a little excitement and astonish-
ment was caused in New Burlington Street by the circumstance
of a swarm of bees alighting on a cab wliich had just drawn up
at a restaurant. A man having procured a hive, set to work,
and with assistance succeeded in securing the whole of the
unexpected visitors, and took them away. A swarm of bees is
rarely if ever seen in the streets of London, but it is not an
uncommon occurrence for a swarm to stray considerable dis-
tances." Referring to the foregoing paragraph, Mr. Alfred
Neighbour writes us as foUows :— " The bees were ours. A
swarm, being ordered to be sent into the country the following
morning, was placed temporarily on the leads at the back of
this house (149, Regent Street). The sun shining hot on the
hive, or some other cause, induced them to decamp. Some
one told us that the bees had arrested the progress of a cab,
and we sent our man to bring the truants back, which he suc-
ceeded in doing, followed by a crowd to this door, who were
evidently amazed at the sight of the " 'oney bees," as the
cockney' lads called them. Cabby had to be compensated for
the loss of his fare, and so you may imagine that not a little
commotion was caused. I thought that from the cireumstHUce
of the paragraph appearing in the ' leading joiu-nal' you might
make an extract for The Journal of Horticulture, and that
it might be as well to put you in possession of the real facts.
New Burlington Street is the next street to this going towards
Oxford Street."

CAUTION.

The following advertisement has appeared in several recent
Numbers of the Times : —

" How to Take the Honey out of the Hive without Destroying
the Bees. Full particulars will be sent to any part of the
United Kingdom on the receipt of 12 postage stamps and a
directed stamped envelope. Apply, &c. Warranted perfectly
safe."

Lest any of our apiarian readers should be induced by the
above to part with a shilling in the hope of learning " some-
thing to their advantage," we may state that the operation
prescribed by the advertiser is neither more nor less than that
of stupefying bees by means of chloroform, a process which
has already been fully tested and most emphatically condemned
by several of our ablest apiarian contributors.

OBTAINING AN ARTIFICIAL SWARM.

I purchased a swarm of Ligurian bees on the 5th of last
month, and put them into a full-sized Woodbury bar and frame
hive. As far as I can see, the hive appears to be fuU of cr mb ;
I would like to have an artificial swarm from it. I 'ntend
taking the swarm off in the following manner, which ha lieiu
recommended in the Journal— viz., by taking a brood comb out
of tlie hive, and putting it into a smaller hive, and placing the
empty hive with the brood comb in it on the place where the
other hive stands. I suppose I must do this in the middle of a

20

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ .Tilly 4, 1866.

fine daj. Will yon inform me what the brood is like at two days
old, as I never saw a brood comb ? I suppose the bees can
form a queen if they have brood of that age. — A Novice.

[In choosing a comb for the purpose of rearing a queen you
should select one containing brood in all stages, from the newly
laid egg to the sealed grub, and take also the bees that adhere
to the comb. An egg two days hatched becomes a minute
white worm, which lies at the bottom of the ceU surrounded
by a miliy-looking fluid.]

WEIGHT AND PROBABLE UNION OF SWARMS.

The other day my bees swarmed in my absence, and on my
return my ueighbour had had a swarm, and mine had vanished.
With his permission I weighed my neighbour's liive aud found
the swarm alone weighed 7i lbs. Both my neighbour and self
are young beginners, and wish for your opinion as to whether
they have iinited. The hives were about 12 yards apart. —
Herbert Landon.

[7J lbs. is a very unusual weight, aud we should, tlierefore,
be incUned to believe that the two swarms have united. There
is, however, a well-authenticated instance of a swann of Li-
gurians weighing 8 lbs., but the heaviest that ever came under
our own immediate observation was at Edgbaston, and weighed
6 lbs.]

CAPRICIOUSNESS OF BEES.

Bees are very uncertain in their behaviour, as sometimes a
peaceful union is accompUshed without any trouble or prepara-
tion, and again when circumstances are apparently exactly
similar a deal of fighting aud disturbauce takes place. I
stocked my unieomb-hive this summer with a second swarm
made by di-iviug, and secured a moderate-sized swarm and a
fine young queen only just at liberty. She turned out a drone-
breeder, no doubt owing to the difficulties experienced in find-
ing her way out of the hive. I returned home early one day
when she was about sixteen days old — i. c, about 3.30 (the morn-
ing had been very fine aud bright), and on looking into the hive
failed to find the queen. It occurred to me that she might be
absent in quest of the drones, and shortly afterwards a scud
came on, which caused the bees to retm-n home in vast num-
bers, and on looking on the alighting-board there stood the
queen, sunrounded by a few of her subjects ; she remained
almost motionless for some time pluming herself, and then
very deliberately marched into the hive. I could see no marks
of fecundation, but thought she might possibly have been more
fortunate in a previous excursion. The next day proved cloudy,
and the day after she began to lay. I soon noticed that she
was imusually tardy in laying, remaining a long time in a cell,
and on inspection found that she constantly deposited two,
three, or more eggs in single cells, and this convinced me that
I again had before me a case of parthenogenesis.

As the sunmierwore on the population not being replenished
with workers, rapidly diminished, and although I furnished them
with a fertUe queen, for a short time I feared they would fall a
prey to robbers, and so, on leaving home for a fortnight, removed
the queen, a valuable one, and left them to rear a successor fi-om
her brood. On my return the young queen, a small dark-
coloured one, was at liberty with a small pojiulation ; but as
the cottagers were taking down their bees, I (h-ove a hive, and
brought the natives home to strengthen the waning colony.
I sprinkled the strangers with peppermint-syrup, and also
anointed the aborigines with the same compound, aud as I was
quite indifferent to the fate of the queen I knocked the bees
out in a mass in front of the hive, having secured the queen
and placed her in limbo, and left them, making sure that they
would make good an entrance ; but on my returning home, to
my astonishment, I found that my bees, relying on their strong
iutrenchments, had compelled the strangers to beat a retreat,
leaving a vast number of their comrades dead in front of the
stronghold. But where had they retired to ? I supposed they
had returned home, but on inqniiy found not one had been seen
at the accustomed stand, and on examining a bar and frame
hive, containing previously a strong population, I was satisfied
that the exiles had joined the community, and this had been
effected without the slightest opposition from its inhabitants.

I afterwards di-ove another cottager's hive, and proceeded
in exactly the same manner, hut before knocking out the
bees in front of the unicomb-hive compelled the sentinels
to retire fi'om the entrance by giving them a few good puffs

of tobacco smoke ; the strangers marrched to the entrance
with great alacrity, gained possession of the entrance, and
very soon entered the hive en nuiiise. No fighting too place.
The bees were in a great state of agitation all night, as the
strangers were evidently searching for their queen, and in the
morning I found that the yoimg Italian monarch was under
arrest, she was not, however, very closely confined, and would,
I doubt not, have soon been set at liberty. To hasten her
liberation I dispersed her persecutors with a whiff or two from
the pipe ; the bees stiU continued to search for their own queen,
but did not again molest the Italian princess, who was pro-
claimed monarch bv universal suffrage before evening set in. — ■
J. E. B.

BEES IN A CHIMNEY.

A swARii of bees have settled in an unused chimney in a
large stack in my house. The chimney is a great height from
the ground, the house being too storeys high, aud the swarm
is some distance down the inside. 'VV'hat means would you
advise me to adopt in order to captm-e the colony ? — T. H. F.

[We confess ourselves puzzled, and should be obliged if any
of our correspondents who have had experieuce in the capturing
of errant swaj-ms would advise •' T. H. F." in his difficulty.]

BEES FIGHTING IN A COLLATERAL.

A SMALL straw hive being crowded, I added a collateral box.
After about a week the bees entered it, but only to fight
furiously, so that the ground in front of the hive is strewed
with dead bodies. I cannot tell what they were doing in the
hive, but they worked very peaceably in a super. — H.

[We cannot tell why your bees fought in the side box. Are
you sure they did so ? We have known bees die in great
numbers owing to being unable to find their way out. In this
case a small aperture allowing the bees to escape into the open
air is all that is necessary to set matters right.]

DRrV^NG BEES, AND TAKING THEIR HONEY.
This is the second year I have had them, and I have been
most successful this year in driving them. I drove a hive last
week, which swanned May tnelvemonth, and obtained 40 lbs. of
tine honey, and did not lose one bee. They are all working away
merrily now in another hive. In the case of a swarm of bees
which I took on the 2nd of June, finding the hive so full of
comb, I drove the bees on the 22nd. and have 10 lbs. of
beautiful white honey. I mention this hoping it nvill encourage
yoimg bee keepers, and save the bees from the painful death of
suffocation. — Prospera.

OUR LETTER BOX.

Cochin-China Chicken Dying Suddenly {Eboracum) —Sl&iXgerint*
after feeding, and falling dead, demonstrates that the chicken died of
apoi)lesy. A blood-vessel i-nptiired on the brain. Cocbin-Chinas are
voracious feeders, and excess of food is one of the most common causes
of apoplexy both in man and animals. Less food both in quantity and
at any one time is the be.st preservative.

Fattening Chickens ildfin). — We cannot reply better than by this
quotation from our - I*oiiltry Book for the IVI:'ny." Oatmeal and barley-
meal alternately, mixed «ith milk, and occasionally with a little di-iiipin(?,
is good food. The feeding-troughs, which must be kept constantly
scoured, should be placed before the birds at regular intervals, and when
they have eaten sufficient it is better to remove them, placing a little
gravel i^-ithin reach of the coop to assist digestion. Keeping the birds
without food for some hours after they are put up frequentlyindnces them
to take it more readily afterwards, but sufficient attention is rarely
bestowed on the various details of preparation and supplying the food ;
hence complaints of the fowls deteriorating in the fattiug-pen are far
from uncommon. Access to water should be allowed at all times. Fatten-
ing must be completed in ten days, for after that period they begin to
lose weight. The best age for table birds is when they are from four to
six months old. The coop should be 3 feet high, 2 feet wide, and
4 feet long. This will admit from six to eight birds, according to their
size. The bottom and front should be of bai-s 3 inches apart. A
board outside the bars in front. 6 inches wide, will sei-ve as a stand for
the food and water-troughs. The coop should be in a warm, well-venti-
lated outhouse, and if kept dark between the times of feeding all the
better. Sleep and warmth promote fattening.

.Java Sparrows (B. B.). — It is a very usual thing for birds, although
not paired, to lay eggs and sit on them for a short, time, and such was the
case with your Canary. A Java Sparrow will not pair with a Canaiy, as
the former bird will not breed in this country. We do not know of any
distinctive marks between the sexes of the birds.

Stocking a Hia-e. (R. W.). — The best mode of stocking your improved
hive is with a swarm from the old colony. Transferring a stock of bees
from a common to a moveable comb hive is by no means a simple opera-
t:'on, and one which should only be undertaken by a skilled bee-master.

Jiily II, 1865. j

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE (iAEDENER.

at

WEEKLY CALENDAR.

Month

Week.

JULY 11—17, 1865.

ATcrogo Temperatnra
Dear LoacLoQ.

Itain In

lust
38 years.

Sun
UisoH.

Sun
Sets.

Moon
IliseB.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Age.

Clock Day
before of
Sun. 1 Yeai;

11
12
13
14
15
16
17

Tu
W
Th
P

s

Sun
M

IJueliwheat flowers.
Traveller's .Toy flowers.
Evoiiastini; Pea (lowers.
WUd Basil tluwcTb.
Tree rriiiiro^c |]o^^■crs.
5 SiTNiiAv Ai-TEK TRramr.
White Popiiy flowers.

Day.
74 .H
75.1!
74.0
76.4
76.2
75.7
75.9

NlKbt.
5(1.8
B0.7
51.4
61.1
50.3
49.7
51.S

Mean.
6'2.8
03.1
62.7
63.8
C8.2
62.7
68.7

Days.
10
12
13
14
20
15
IS

m. h.

6«af 3
59 3

4

1 4

2 4
8 4
5 4

in. h.
13 af 8
12 8
11 8
10 8
9 8
8 8
7 8

in. h.
23 tt£ 9
50 9
17 10

47 U
10 11

48 11
mom.

wi. h.
14aI7
82 8
49 9
7 11
after.
88 1
68 2

Days.

18
19
20
21
<
23
24

m. 8. :
5 10 1 192
5 18 19S
5 25 194 '
5 82 195
5 SS 198
5 44 , 197
5 49 198

From observutions takon near Liiudoii liurinf- the last thirtv-eiRbt yoars, the averape day tcmperntOTo of tlin week is 7.1.5", and its night
temperature 5(I.S . The gi-catest heat was 94^, ou tlie 17tk, 1834; and the lowest eold, 34 , on the lUth, 1863. The greatest fall of
miu wuB l.GO iiieh.

TUEES

POTS.

regards J'"is troc-'S for put
oulture tlu'si! may be of tw(i
kinds — d\v'arfs, and bushes
on sliort stoius. The former
have the shoots (dose to the
soil, and very olteu sprm<;-
ing from tlie stem beneatli it, and are readily obtained.
These liave from tlu"ee to five shoots fi'enerally, and are
gi'own on the system of never stoppiiifj tlie slioots, but the
wood done bearing is annually cut out, and the young
shoots that spring from the base of the plants are retained,
thus keeping the tree fiu-nished with bearing and ymmg
wood witliout encumbering it with tliat which is old and
useless.

The hush ti-ees have sti'aight stems !) inches or a foot
lugh, ■ndth a hush-lilie head above that. Trees, to form
these, should have a single or straight stem, cutting oft' the
side shoots, and that must he cut down in the spring to
within 9 inches or a foot of its base, disbudding the shoots
to tliree or five shoots, according to their strength, allow-
ing tliree to a weak and five to a strong plant. When they
have made five full-sized leaves pinch out the points of the
side shoots, allowing the upper one to gi'ow three weeks
longer, then pinch out its point in like maimer, and the
tree is formed ; but it will not fruit that season, unless it
be gro«-n in a forcing-house, when the spring shoots may
give fruit in autmnn, still it is as well not to allow them to
do this, but rub oft' the fruit if any be showii. so as to throw
more vigom" into the second or midsiuumer shoots on wliich
the first crop is produced ui the ensuing season.

We have now provided Fig trees of two Idnds — one
in which the shoots ai"e never shortened, but when the
old shoots become too long young shoots from the base
arc prepared to take their place and the old cut clean
out. by which system we keep up a succession of yoiuig
hearing wood, and dispense with the old. These are the
kind of trees to be selected for forcing. In those of the
second description the shoots are systematically shortened
to five joints whenever that numlier of leaves is made,
the shoots being disbudded so as to prevent crowiling,
notwithstanthng wliich the shoots will become too much
crowded in a few years, rendering it absolutely necessary
to thin-out the shoots ^\ith a shiu-p luiife <tlose to the
branch from which they spring, or to the stem itself'.
These trees may be bushes on very short stems, in- stan-
dards from 1 foot to any height of stem (h^sired. They are
most desirable for cool houses or those occasionally heated.
The Fig makes two gi'owths in a year. The first is tlie
spring growth, on which the second or autumn crop of
fruit is prod.uced, the shoots being made before midsummer
in heated sti'uctiu'es and the yoiuig fruit will he prommcnt
No. aai.— Vol. IX., New FEaiES.

in the axils of the loaves. The second growth is made after
midsummer, and such shoots are usually termed the niid-
siuumer shoots, and on such the friut is produced that fur-
nishes the fh'st crop the following season. Owing to the
Fig maliing two growths in a year two crops are olitiiined
in a twelvemontli and occasionally three, hut tliough three
may have been obtained I am inclined to heUeve from my
own experience tliat two crops are the Ihnit. I readily ad-
mit that I have had a crop produced from May up to July by
trees started in .lanuary, when the trees would rest until
the end of August, then commence ripening a crop from
the spring shoots, and continue to do so until October.
Now tins is to me conclusive tliat the non-stopping of the
shoots has a tendency to cause continuous bearing rather
than the production of two crops or tliree in a season ;
yet tliere is evidence of two crops, for there is a cessation
from healing between the first and sec(md crop on tlie
same trees. The Brown Turkey or Lee's Perpetual is very
nearly a continuous bearer, wlulst hi most others the fruit
is ripe in a much shortei' time, and the e\idence of one or
two crops more is apparent. Have any of yoiu' correspon-
dents had the Fig produce three distinct growths and ripen
three distinct crops in one season '.' If so. When were they
started ? at what time were the respective crops ripe '! and
when were the trees put to rest '? also, what kind or lands ?

By stopping the spring shoots the flov/ of sap is an-ested
and impelled into the fi'uit tlien swelling on the shoots of
tJie previous year. Stopping thus increases the size and
forwards the ripening of the present crop, and assists the
ripening or perfecting of the shoot just made, so that tlie
second crop is lUiely to be produced sooner than were the
shoots not stopped. There is then a likelihood of two
crops bemg obtamed in the season without much, if any,
artificial heat. The midsmnmer shoots should in turn be
stopped if they make five joints (wluch is not always the
case, far from it, for they ofteuer make but a few short
joints from wluch the gi-owing point must not be taken), in
order to hasten the matiuity of the autmnn or second crop,
and to ripen the wood producing the first crop next year.

In all cases of Fig-training notlung is a greater obstacle
to the production of fine fruit than crowding the shoots..
Every shoot should be p.t such a distnce from the otliers that
its foliage may not be deprived, nor deprive them, of ligiit aaid
air. Allowing too many shoots to gi'ow after stoppmg, or
without stoppmg, at the spring or midsummer growth, is
only making work for the knife, which is only necessarj"-
in Fig prunuig for cutting out old shoots ; by disbudding
or not alliAving more shoots to grow than are absolutely
required, the vigoiu' of the tree may be dii'eoted towards
the few shoots that beai', iiLstaad of being wasted on the>
many that are not wanted. If any shoots have a tendency
to become over-vigorous tie them down, wliich will lessen
the crowding considerably, arrest the rapid flow of the sap,
and conduce to increased productiveness. Stopping tlie
wood when the trees are lealless is not only useless but is
detrimental to hearing. Any knife-shortening of Fig trees
is bad : when the knife is used for shortening it should be
, to cut off the branch altog-otlier. Li fact, we only want a
! knife once a-year, in spiing, to cut out any old branch long
No. 37(?.— Vol. XXXIV., Old Seiuks.

22

JOUBNAL OF HOETICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ July 11, lees.

aud destitute of bearing wood, for Figs never bear on spurs.
Disbud during the growing season instead of permitting a
shoot to grow in order to cut it out, aud use the nails of the
fiuger and thumb for piuchiug out the points of the shoots.

The most suitable soil is hazel or yellow loam, from turf
3 inches thick, cut up roughly, and one year old. To this it is
hardly possible to add anything that would improve it, unless
the loam is very strong, when the addition of sand would be
good, an lif light, strong loam aud weU-rotted manure would be
an improvement. Drain the pots effectually. No plant will
do well in a badly-drained soil, neither will the Fig.

Fig trees may be fruited in six or seven-inch pots, and
though the fruit is small it is much superior in flavour to that
produced where circumstances are more favourable to growth.
Six-iuch pots are only suitable for very small plants, aud at
the best afford but a scanty supply of fruit. They will, however,
do in the second year for those raised from eyes, when they
will give two crops. Deep pots are to be prefen-ed, and the
Fig should always be kept imder rather than overpotted. If
treated to " plenty of pot-room " the trees acquire an excess of
vigour prejudicial to their fruiting with certainty, aud are more
apt to cast their fruit than plants which grow but Uttle and are
pot-bound. Nine and ten-inch pots are very convenient sizes
for trees intended for forcing, eleven and thirteen-inch pots
for those intended for gi-owing in vineries and comparatively
cool houses. Larger pots may be employed, but they are
inconvenient.

The time of potting ia a matter of some nicety. If the trees
are potted in winter, or a short time before forcing or growth
commences, most, if not all, the fruit will fall, and, if potted
whilst in active growth, in all probabUity a plentiful supply of
wood, and the fall of the second crop prematurely will be the |
results. It is, indeed, hardly possible to pot theFig mthout
losing a part, if not all, of the succeeding crop. One exception
is when the pots are plunged in a bed of leaves or other j
fermenting materials, so as to get the roots to the sides of the
pots before any leaf growth of moment takes place ; aud the
other exception is when the trees are potted immediately after i
the last crop of fruit has been gathered, and the leaves are
assuming their autumn tints, for the fibrous roots are sure to be
emitted rapidly in spring, aud the succeeding crop will seldom
fall in consequence of the shift. It is a good practice to pot ;
Figs seldom, but to top-dress with rich compost, removing the i
old every year just when the leaves begin to fall, and to keep ;
the pots half plunged in leaves, or standing on a bed into
which the trees can root through the holes in the pots. The j
roots in this case should be cut off annually at the time of top-
dressing.

In a klition to top-dressing, the trees may be fed with liquid
manure, weak applications once or twice a-week being of great
service dm-ing the swelling of the fruit. I have occasionally
covered the surface of the soil \vith a layer of fresh eowdung
about 3 inches thick, so as to form a basin round the stem,
and into this the water was poured ; a healthy tree in full
growth would require this basin to be filled twice a-day in hot
weather, and once daily in duU periods. I may veuture to
state that there is not a fruit tree in a pot that will not d|0
well with a top-dressing of fresh cowdimg, and the roots come
up into it. Among the trees that like it best, the Bananas or
Musas are conspicuous ; they will take three di-essings of the
fresh dung in a season, and eveiT time the roots will come
through begging for more. The Vine, Peach, Nectarine, and
all stone fruits, and the Fig, flourish in it.

As to water, the Fig requires a good supply, but the soil
should never be deluged, nor allowed to become dry, or the
fruit will fall. It is a nice point neither to under nor overdo
the watering of Fig trees ; they should be kept well and
regularly sujiplied. The Fig seems to be very impatient of
changes, fori have found that a change of the waterer would be
sufiicient to cause the fruit to fall. I never could understand
this, but such is the fact ; only one person, when it is jn-ac-
ticable, should water Figs. Wlieu the fruit is ripening the soil
should then be kept rather di-ier, stiU well supplied with water,
but when the second crop is ripened off the water should be
given sparingly, aud altogether discontinued after the leaves
iiave fallen.

After bearing, the trees may be kept iu any cool house or
she:!, aud the cooler the better, if only secure from frost.
Though the soil iu the pots is usually allowed to remain dry
from ihe time of the leaves falling to that of the trees being
placed in heat or in the house where they are iutended to
ixuii, I an certain that this drying process may be earned to

extremes. The soil should be dry, no doubt, to a certain
extent, but there is a difference between keeping it dry to guard
against frost, and so dry as to cause the roots to shrivel. The
soil should be so moist as to maintain the roots in a healthy
state ; dry, but with a certain amount of moistm-e, though dry
to all outward appearance.

During the seasons of growth (the Fig having two), the
foliage should be syringed forcibly on the under side to keep
down red spider, its greatest enemy, twice daily from first to
last, except when the first crop swells for ripening, when the
air must be dry, otherwise the fruit will crack and split before
fully ripe, and after the second crop begins to ripen no more
syringing will be needed, in fact, syringing should then be
discontinued, the atmosphere kept dry, aud well ventilated.

The Vine is not imlike the Fig iii the treatment which it
requires as to temperature, and Fig trees in pots may be
successfully grown in vineries, whether forced or not, and wiU
succeed in a common greenhouse ; but to secure two crops it is
necessary to grow the Fig in a heated structure. Fig trees will
also succeed in a slightly shaded position, but when too much
in the dark, though they grow well, they fruit but little.

I shall have occasion to write of temperature, and other
matters relating to Fig culture, iu treating of the tree iu Fig-
houses, and on garden walls. — G. Abbey.

GOSSIP ABOUT ROSES.

Although my recent run through Belgium brought before
me many subjects of interest, which I shoidd be glad to intro-
duce to the readers of The Journal of Horticdltuhe, yet as
we are now in the very height of the Eose season, and so many
and so widely distributed are the subjects of the queen of
flowers, I cannot do better, I think, than just have a httle
quiet loyal chat with them on the matter of our common sove-
reign ; and while the " free and independent " all through the
couutrj' are discussing the relative merits of blue and orange,
pink and purjjle, we can, without the excitement, the cold
braudy and water, aud pots of beer, which seem, alas ! inti-
mately connected with political strife, decide as to the merits
of the candidates for our constituency ; and as it seems to me
that the measure of a candidate's suitabiUty is what can be
got out of him, so, I think, we have something of the same
standard to go by. If we cannot get out of our new Eose en-
joyment from its personal appearance (a point in whicli, by-
the-by, many woidd-be M.P.'s are singularly defective), plea-
sure iu seeing its fine foliage and steady grovi-th, and comfort
in its ha\nng a good constitution, we at once say it wo'n't do
for us. It may represent other constituencies — it may do for
the suburban porch of our friend Tomkins or the wilderness
gardens of Sawkins, but it will not do for our more fastidious
eye ; so that after all, though we talk very loudly, I am afraid
that we are actuated by something of the same spirit as the
free and independent electors who have the prospect of a good
berth or so for Master Tom or Harry in their minds before
they give their votes.

Any one who goes to Paris in the expectation of seeing first-
rate Eoses will be disappointed. I had a good walk through
several of their grounds, and I feel confident that neither Margot-
tin, Verdier, nor Levesque could put up such boxes of Eoses as
we are wont to see at our shows. Nor is it diflicult to see that
this must be so. The great heat and dryness of the soil is
injurious to good blooming, while the absence of that stimulus
that a good prize gives with us makes itself felt. Again : Any
one who has tried knows the difficulty of seeing the new Eoses.
You are either too soon or too late : so that, although I have
gone over at various times in June, yet I have never seen
many. I do not say that this is intentional — far from it ; I
believe the growers wished to let me see their Eoses ; but as
the new varieties are cut up so much for propagation they are
always a good deal later than the established plants, and thus
until the end of June you woiJd hardly see the new Eoses
there ; and at that time all the Lyons Eoses, some of our very
best, will have passed. Indeed,. Lacharme told me that the
best time to see the Eoses of the South of France is September ;
and the mention of his name induces me to notice what per-
haps many of your readers may have omitted to see last week,
as it was amongst the notices to correspondents — that he has
been fortunate enough to obtain a genuine yellow Hybrid Per-
petual Eose. I had best give his own description of it : —
" C'est un Hybride tres remontant, arbustu vigoureux ; fieurs
de la forme la plus parfaite dea centfeuillcs (Centifolia), tres

July 11, 1865. 1

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

23

beau jaune." He eays, moreover, that ho has others with
yellow flowers, which he is propagating. This is great news
for ms, ami opens out the prospect of other accessions. He
has also a very pure white in the style of Louise Darzins.
These are not for next autumn. He intends to send out four
■varieties in the autumn of the present year, one of which I
have seen, the other I hope to see before then. The one he did
send me was a very tine flower of the Senateur Vaisse and Due
de Rohan type. It is called Alfred Colonib. The flowers are
large, full, and well-shaped ; the colour, a lovely scarlet crim-
son, not shaded. He says he is very rich in seedling Roses,
and he is no mean judge, although lie has made a sad blunder
in one matter. I heard the story in Paris, and also from several
the other day at the Crystal Palace ; and as I knew it was
incorrect I determined to sift the matter to the bottom, and
I believe every Rose-gi'ower will acknowledge the correctness of
the view I have taken. It is this : Lacharnie was walking in

the garden of Mons. , a celebrated Rose-grower at Paris,

and, seeing a Rose in bloom, asked what it was. He was told
John Hopper. " Ah !" said he, " that is one of my seedlings.
The year that Charles Lefebvre was sent out this Rose was
growing alongside of it, and in executing an order for England
my man took it up by mistake and sent it over." Now, I know
Mr. Ward. I know him to be too honest a man to have acted
such a lie ; and I at once said, " This cannot be true, for I
saw John Hopper before Charles Lefebvre had left Lacharme's
nursery, for I well recollect Mr. Ward sending it up to the
Floral Committee in 1860, and how disappointed he was at its
non-recognition by them. I then told him that I was con-
vinced it was a first-rate Rose, and to keep it and show it
again. This he did, and with what result the world of rosarians
knows full well." On my return to Eugkind, finding that the
statement was being disseminated, I \STote to Mr. Ward, and
his answer, which I have now the pleasure of placing before
Kose-lovers, completely settles the matter. It will be seen
that I sought the fullest information on the subject. " I do
not wish to be robbed of the honour of raising John Hopper,
and I much feel the position such a statement would place me
in with the public if not contradicted. I shall be very glad to
show any one the original seedling plant and parent of every
John Hopper in existence, and my own production. I will
now answer aU the questions you have kindly put, and shall
be glad to answer or prove any other any one may feel respect-
ing the original of the plant.

" 1. I raised the plant from seed in 1859.

"2. You saw the first blooms in September, 18C0.

" 3. I sent it out in the autumn of 18(12.

" 4. At the time I let it out my stock consisted of six thou-
sand saleable plants and several thousands in a dormant state.

" 5. I never in my life received a plant of any description
from Lachai-me or any other raiser or individual in France.

" Charles Lefebvre came out in 1862, at which time I had
six thousand plants blooming of my John Hopper. I should
have shown my Rose again in 1861, most likely liave sent it
out in the autumn of 1861 or spring of 1862 ; but I had a long
illness — for four months in bed, which prevented it."

I think that this is quite overwhelming evidence, and I have
every reason to think that when Lacharme knows it he will be
quite ready to say he is wrong. I felt that our poor fame is
injured by such misrepresentations, and hence my desire to
sift it to the bottom. I have no doubt that, to my mind, the
tmwise custom of buying the stock of a Rose in France, and
then sending it out here with an English raiser's name attached
to it, leads the French Rose-growers to believe all our new
Boses are of the same character : it is a very misleading prac-
tioe.,5-D., Deal.

EARLY PEAS.

Some of your readers have, I see, favoui-ed you with the results
of their experience concerning different sorts of early Peas, and
therefore it may not be out of place to give you mine also.

I sowed early in Mai'ch last, within the same half hour and
on the same ground, six rows of early Peas, each row 9 yards
long, three rows of Carter's First Crop, two of Sangster's No. 1,
and one of Dillistone's Early Prolific.

The Early Prolific seemed to be more affected than the
others by the cold winds of our late and lingering spring, and
did not thrive nor do well. I do not think we gathered from
it a quart of pods, and I shall not grow it again. It was per-
haps a couple of days earUer than Carter's First Crop. Carter's
.Kjst Crop yielded also very badly, scarcely more than the

Prolific. These also I shall grow no more. They were ready,
I think, two or three days before Sangster's No. 1. A curious
circumstance attending their culture was that after a time
their first growth made no further progress, but a fresh growth
took place from the roots, reaching to be a foot high, but result-
ing in small blossoms and insignificant pods. The two rows
of Sangster's No. 1 yielded five or six times more than all the
other four, and were very little behind them iu time.

Mine is a garden of good soil, entirely unshaded by trees or
buildings, wholly open to the south, east, and west, but shel-
tered by a high bank of fully 20 feet high from the north.
Last year I grew for the early crop only Sangster's No. 1.
Half of the seed I steeped as recommended by one of your
correspondents, the other half I did not. The steeped Peas
were ready for gathering fully a week before the others. I
may add that with this year's crop no sticks were used. —
Theta.

PROPAGATING STAUNTONLV LATIFOLL^.

We have a beautiful evergreen creeper, the Stauntonia lati-
foUa, which seems to be little known, at least neither we nor
our friends can procure any plants. Our plant nearly covers
the front of our house, has had blossoms during the last three
springs smelling deliciously like Orange flowers. In vain we
have tried to give our friends cuttings. We have pegged down
suckers near the root which we are told may in two or three
years produce plants ! We are trying also to bend some of the
shoots into pots on a balcony, but these all wither away, so
do the wooden branches which we try to bend down into the
earth in the pots ; yet every gardener who hears of this
creeper and wishes to have some of it, says nothing is easier
than to propagate it in this way. Can j'ou give us anj- more
instructions ? This season for the first time, some little green
pods like short caterpillars have appeared, but they seem to
fall off without ripening. — A. A. Y.

[Select some of the finest flowers and disperse the pollen
about the pistil. This is best done with a small eamel's-hair
brush. If the blooms are carefully fertilised they will readily
produce seed, which is the surest way of propagating it, and
the way is to select half-ripened shoots, cut a small nick
just where the shoot is bent, then peg it firmly into the ground
using plenty of sand about it. This will cause the roots to
work freely. In fertilising the blooms select a day when there
is plenty of electricity in the air. ]

MY PLANTS,

AND HOW AND WHERE I FOUND THEM.— No. 6.
I HAVE always combined a slight accoimt of natiu'al history
with my botanical rambles, and the description of the knight
in the " lugoldsby Legends " would equally apply to myself.
My delight as a girl was to pore over some unknown chrysalis,
with two or three works upon butterflies and moths by my
side ; to bind up the broken limb of some unfortunate fowl ;
to refresh the leeches, newts, and beetles in a large wooden
tub (in which I had made an imaginary island), with a shower
of water from a large garden pot ; or to watch the change of
the tadpole into a frog, the same tadpole being kept for closer
inspection in a water-bottle upon my dressing-table. I was up
at six o'clock in the morning after the various kinds of cabbage
butterfly, through the woods in the heat of the day for the
highflyers, and out after dusk in the evenings with a lantern
in search of moths. Cats, dogs, dormice, and hawks completed
my small menagerie. These latter were the aversion of a
favoxu-ite sister, and often would she laughingly prognosticate
for me the ignoble fate of " Sir Thomas the good," who,

" Be it -wfll uiidorstood.
Was a man of a very conteiiipltitivr mood.

He would pore Iiy the hour

O'er a weed or a flower,
Or the kIues that came crawling out after a shower.
Black beetles and humble bees, bluebottle flies,
.\nd moths, were of no small account in his eyes;
An 'industrious flea' he'd by no means despise,
While an old ' daddy longlegs ' whose long legs and thighs
Pass'd the common in shape, or in colour, or size.
He was wont to consider an absolute prize.
Nay, a hornet or wasp he could scarce 'keep his paws

Oef.' He

Gave up, in short.

Both business and sport.
And abandon'd himself, tout enticTy to philosophy."'

Now having introduced you to the daily life of the " good

n

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AN35 COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ July 11, 1865.

Sir Thomas," allow me for one moment to put before you the
ignoble closing of his philosophical career, and also the moral,
or a part of it, with which Thomas Ingoldsby dismisses his
story. After waiting for " a fortnight or more " for her spouse,
who had gone out upon one of his exploring expeditions, the
Lady Jane's serving men discovered Sir Thomas's dead body
in the adjacaut pond.

*' 'Twos e'en so, poor dear knipht, with his * specs * and Mk hat
He'd gone poking Ills nose into this and to that;

When close by the side

Of the bank he espied
An * uncommon fine' tadpole remarkably fat I

He stoope^l ; and he thought her

His own — he had caught her ! —
Got hold of her tail, and to land abnost brought her,
■\Vhen — he plump'd head and heels into fifteen-feet water I"

MOR.\L.

'* All middle-aged gentlemen let me ad^ise,
If you're married, and have not got very good eyes,
Don't go poking about after bluebottle "flies !
If you've spectacles, don't have u toi-toi6.eshell rim ;
And don't go near the w.ater unless you can swim ! "

There is no doubt that natural history and botany are most
absorbing subjects to those who delight in them, and that we
have a world of interest which is not enjoyed by mankind at
large. I was foreibly reminded oi this the other day when
seeking of a bookseller a small work upon Ferns and Grasses.
In ansv.-er to my inquiries I was informed that " the subject
was so unpopular it was useless to keep such books in stock,
but that with pleasure he would order the work for me." AVho
does not know how the charm and freedom of some long-
looked-for expedition have been marred by the presence of some
uninterested individual, who, always forebodmg evil in some
forai or other, becomes at length a perfect Jonah in the vessel,
until he or she is got rid of '? — not exactly by pitching the said
personage out of the vehicle, because the finale might not be
so satisfactory as it was in the case of the prophet of old, and
to be indicted for manslaughter would be a sad termination to
even such unsatisfactory' beings as monomaniacal botanists —
but by the quiet dispersion of detachments of the party to
some devoted spot, leaving the aristocratic individual who
eschews dirty hands, hard names, and uneomfoitable-looldng
caterpillars and Hies to the charity of some kind-hearted friend,
jUid to lemon-coloured kid gloves and B}Ton.

Strangers iu Jersey, nothing of this kind troubled us. Inde-
pendent of everybody, we daily took some new walk, either in
the interior of the island, through the lanes with their Ivy-clad
banks, or towards the seacoast. The sea-weed is so ibmidaut
on the rocks around Jersey, that the inhabitants at certain
times collect it for manure and fuel ; and " vraicking," as it
is Cidled, is quite a gala time, men, women, and children all
being engaged iu it. I have seen whole families returning
home late and wearied ■with their carts laden with sea-weed or
" Traick." No hay -making scene in England can be more
picturesque. Fish is exceedingly plentiful. Congers of diffe-
rent species abound amongst the rocks, some of them of an
immense size and strength. A shell-fish, the Auris marina, or
" Ormer," as it is called by the natives, is considered a great
treat, although I think we did not .appreciate it as much as our
Jersey neighbours. The Aldeniey cows, of wliich we hear so
much in England, are chiefly sent from this island ; these
with a few slieep and gnats appear to comprise the short list of
domestic animals of which the place can boast. We found it
most difficult to obtain good EngUsh miitton whilst we were
residing iu St. Saviour's ; and I feel sure tliat a good deal of
tliat which was brought to us had more jiroperly been desig-
nated " goat," the flavour was so strong and tlie meat so
impalatable.

There is one plant which immediately catches the eye of the
newly-arrived visitor to Jersey. It is called the Jersey Cab-
bage. The plant grows to the height of 6 or 7 feet, and upon
the top of this high stem is the Cabbage. A garden planted
with these vegetables has the appearance of a miniature grove
of trees. I believe they use the stems of the trees as walking-
sticks. A most detestable combination which rejoices in the
cognomen of " Jersey soup," was pressed upon us one d.ay by
our voluble French hostess. We politely refused the proffered
luxm\y, as from the details of the ingredients therein used, we
were more disposed to take her word for its merits than to try
it; but she would take no nay. It was " (rt's (iohjic" "Mais,
Madame ! You Englesh are so much for dee rosbif ! Every
day it is meat of some kind. If I have the soupe I am con-
tent." I conclude it is the •' soupe maigre " of the continent ;

and soupe maicjrr it certainly is, being nothing but the
water in wliich a piece of fat bacon and a Cabbage have been
boiled.

One morning in stroUing about the garden I saw what I
considered was a humming moth flitting from flower to flower.
It eluded all my attempts to catch it, and finally I lost sight of
it altogether. I have since my return to England read of an
insect which is peculiar to Jersey, and which " resembles a
humming bird so much in its habits that it is considered of
the same species. Its size is that of a laige hiunble bee. It
does not light on any plant, but continually fluttering with a
loud hummmg noise, it introduces a long pi-oboscis into the
cup of a flower, and thus sucks out the moisture." I still am
inclined to think that it is the same moth which goes under
the name of " Humming Moth " in England, and which we
see occasionally in our gardens flitting and dancing over the
flower-beds like a fairy thing. Whilst speaking of beautiful
things I must not forget to mention the lizards which are found
upon the simny banks of Jersey. I am just now alluding to
that bright green kind which one sees, with its piercing eyes,
peering out from between the stones, or lying basking at full
length in the sun. They are exceedingly vigilant, and disap-
pear upon the slightest approach of danger. They are, how-
ever, to be bought of boys, who stealthily lie in wait for them,
and secirre these pretty creatures. The tremendous size of the
toads in the island is, I suppose, well known : the size of a
breakfast saucer is about the usual circumference. I could
even excuse the lady in the light kid gloves if she fainted at
the sight of these hideous monstrosities. I would go even
farther, and bathe her face with eau de Cologne, and read
Byron to her du-ring the process. — Alice.

ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY S SHOW.

JtJLT 5th.

This was the last of the Society's Shows for this season, ajid despite
of the hot weather of the previous fortnight, the tiowering plants were
still in good bloom, though not looking so fresh as they did in May.
Ferns and other omamental-foliaged plants were in tine condition,
wliilst of fruit there was a very extensive and excellent display. The
day being line theTe was a large attendance of visitors.

Stove and Gtrkenhouse Plants. — Although several very good
collections were shown, the plants of which they were composed were
nearly the same as at former shows. Of Ixora saUcifolia, Mr. Whit-
hreud exhibited a remarkably tine specimen covered from the base to
the top with large heads of orange flowers ; and a veiy good specimen
also came from IVIr. Peed. Tlie white-flowered Ixora alba was likewise
well represented in several collections, as well as Ixora coccinea and
javanica. AUainandas consisted of grancUfiora, Schottii, and cathar-
tica in good bloom ; and a Stephanotis from Mr. Fraser was covered
with a profusion of its white blooms. Among other plants we noticed
Dipladeuift splendens, and D. acuminata with numerous flowers of a
deeper rose ; Mussffindii frondosa, Kalosanthes, Haemauthus punicens,
with sixteen of its showy orange scarlet heads ; Cyrtoceras reflexum,
Statices, Heaths, Aphelexes, Pleroma elegans, Vincas, and Draco-
phyllum gracile.

Awards. — For sixteen : lirst, Mr. Peed, gardener to Mrs. TredweU ;
second, Mr. "SSTiitbread, gitrdeuer to H. Collyer, Esq., Dartt'ord ;
fourth, Mr. Kaile, gardener to Earl Lovelace. For ten (Nurserymen) :
tirst, Mr. Fraser ; second. Mr. Ilhodes ; third, Messrs. Lee ; fotu-th,
Messrs. A. Henderson & Co. For ten (Amateurs) : first, Mr. Chilman,
gardener to Mrs. Smith, Pipsom : second, Mr. A. Ingram, gardener to
J. J. Blandy. Esq., Reading ; thii-d, Mr. Pai^e, gardener to W. Leaf,
Esq. ; foiu-tii, Mr. Wheeler, gardener to Su- F. Goldsmidt, Bart.,
Regent's Park. For six : first, Mr. "VVheeler, gardener to J. PhiUpot,
Esq., Stamford Hill ; second. Mi*. Kemp, gardener to Earl Percy,
Albnry Park ; third, jlr. Smith, gardener to A. Anderson, Esq.

Frs'E-FOLLiGED PLANTS AND Feuns. — Foremost among the former
was a collection from Mr. "S^eitch, of Chelsea, conta inin g a mag nif icent
specimen of Alocasia zebrina, the dark green sagittate leaves about
a yard in length, and the stalks beautifuUy marbled ; also, two Crotons
of' large size and ■\nth the foliage beautifnlly coloured, the golden
colour predominating in C. variegatum, whilst in pictum the red varie-
gation was conspicuous, especially round the margin. Among the
others were the variegated Pandanns javanicns with the leaves beauti-
fully striped ; the graceful P. reflexus, a noble Dicksonia antarctica,
Cyathea dealbata, Theophrasta imperiaUs, Chamx-rops excelsa, and
Liitania borbonica. I'rom Messrs. A. Henderson &, Co. also cama
Alocasia zebrina, and their fine -Mocasia macrorhiza variegata, Ma-
ranta Portcaua, the leaves jircttily marked with white ; Anthuritini
leuconeunim, with deep green leaves veined with white ; Croton an-
gnstifolium, verj- ornamental from the weeping appearance which ia
offered bv the narrow pendulous leaves ; and a fine variety of Cala-
dinm hicolor. Mr. Bull likewise contributed a good collection, con-
sisting of Fema, Dracasnas, and Palms. In the Amateurs' Class, Mr.

July 11, 1865. J

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

25

Riimos flxliibitod a nsmiirkably fiuo collection in which Caladium
Lo\vii, Alocasia metallicii;i.ufl macvorhiza vai-iefnita, and the variegated
CrotoM were the most strildug. Dirksonia anturt'tii-a had a stem 8 or
9 inches in diaiimtur, Iho head forming an unihifUa; Gleichenia
wpeluuciB was also very fine. Coneetious containing' hirq;e woll-f;i"own
.specimens wc.vo likowiae exhibited hy Mr. Taylor and Mr. A. Intjram,
and smaller ones eanio from Messrs. Young and C'arr. Among them,
besides several species already noticed, were Nepentlms Uafllesiana with
several pitchers, and a very good pan of the red- veined Gymnostachyum
Verstdiaffelti, fi-om Mr. A. Ingi'am.

Of Kxotie Ferns, excellent collections of healthy well-grown plants
came from Mr. Barnard and Me.ssrs. Young, among Amateurs ; and
Messrs. Bull, Williams, and A. Henderson, among Nurseiymen. Of
British Ferns, interesting collections were o^chiliited by Messrs. Ivery,
containing many curious forms, especially of tlie Lady Fern and
Hart's Tongue ; two pretty varieties of the former being Athyrium
f. f. diffisHo-multitidum and A. f. f. Parsonaia'.

Awards. — For ten Fiue-foHaged Plants (Nurserymen) : first, Mr.
Veitch ; second, Messrs. A. Hendorsou ; third, Mr.'BuU; fourth, Mr.
Rhodes. For ten fAmatenrs) ; first, Mr. Baines, gardener to H.
Sficbolls, Ksq,, Bo-.vdon ; second, Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates,
Esq., Highgate ; third. Mr. A. Ingi-am ; fourtii, Mr. Young, gardener
to K. Barclay, Esq., Higbgate ; fifth. Mr. CaiT, gardener to P. Hinds,
Ksq., Byll.'t't. For twelve Exotic Ferns (Amateurs) : first, Mr. Bar-
nard, gardener to J. Taylor, Esq., Woodbury Down ; second. Mi".
Young, gardener to W. Stone, Esq., Leigh Park; third, Ml-. Young,
gardener to R. Barclay, Esq. ; fourth. Mi*. Taylor, gardener to J.
Yates, Esq. For twelve (Nursery-men) : first. Mr. Bull ; second, Mr.
Williams; third, Messrs. A. Hendorsou. For twelve Bi-itish Ferns:
first, Messrs. Iveiy ; second, Mr. Holland, gardener to K. Peake,
Esq., Isleworth.

Heaths were well groi,vn and bloomed, hut little can he added as
regards the varieties to what has appeared in former reports. Of
Pai-mentieriana rosea, Massoui, Shaimonia, Huvilleana, ohbata, exi-
mia, and others, very good specimens were shown.

Awards. — For ten : first, Mr. Rhodes ; second, Messrs. Jackson ;
thii-d, Messrs. Lee ; fourth, Messrs. F. & A. Smith ; fifth, Mr. Baxen-
dine. For eight : first, Mr. Peed ; second, Mr. Wliecler, gardener to
J. Phillpot. Esq. ; third, Mr. A. Ingram ; fourth. Mr. Chilman.

Orchids were not so nmnerously shown as on the Last occasion, nor,
indeed, in such perfection. In collections of twenty, Mr. Bullen a^ain
sent Brassia Henchmanni in good bloom, several Cattleyas and
Aerides, there being among the latter a very good Acrides Lobhi,
Oueidium ampUatum majus and Lauceauum. Cypripedium harbatum
majus, I,yca-;te Skinneri, Lielia elegans, Trichopilia crispa. in fine
bloom ; and Uropedimn Lindeuii, with two llowers. one of which had
a tail 9 inches long. From Mr. Page came Cyjiripedinm Stonei, with
two of its hand-some flowers : Saccolabium Blumci, with a tine spike
of flowers ; good Phala?nopses, including a small plant of P. rosea ;
Vandas, bearded Cv^jripeiliums, and Ai-rides. Mr. Penny had in his
coUeetion of twelve, Cattleya Mossife, in tine bloom ; Auguloa Ruckeri ;
Aerides Lolibi. fine ; Trichopilia picta ; tine varieties of Cypripedium
harbatum supcrbum and Saccolabium guttatum ; the rich-coloured
Oncidium Lanceanura ; and Aerides Liiidleyauum. In Mr. Wilson's
collection, which was also excellent, Trichopilia picta was blooming
^^*^^-}^' 1*^^"^*^^ which there were Cattleya snperba, brilliant in colour ;
C. Schilleriaua and C. Leopold!, both beautiful in colour ; the hi-illiant
Disa gi-andiflora. Aerides odoratum, &c. Calanthe veratrifolia, and
Renanthera coccinea, in fine bloom, came from Mr. Hill.

Awards — For twenty: first, Mr. BuUcn, gardener to A. Turner,
Esq.. Leicester; .second, Mr. Page; third, Mr. Peed. For twelve:
first. Mr. Penny, gardener to H. Gibbs, Esq.; second, Mr. Wilson,
gardener to W. 'Marshall. Esq.; third, Mr. Wiggins, gardener to W.
Reck, Esq., Isleworth ; fourth, Mr. Young, Leigh Park ; fifth, Mr.
Chilmaai. For six (Nurserymen): first, Messrs. Jackson. For six
(Amateurs) : first, Mr. Hill, gardener to R. Hanburv, Esq. ; second,
Mr. A. Ligram ; third. Mr. Whitbread ; foui-th, Mr. Wheeler, gar-
dener to J. PhUlpot, Esq.

Pelakgontums were good, considering the heat and the period of the
season. Mr. Eraser had Pericles, Bacchus. Lord Clyde, Bessie,
Royal Albert, Pi-ince of Prussia. Laudseer. Perflita, Festus, Regina
fcamiosa, Marabout, and De?;dpmona in good bloom ; and in the
Amateurs' class. Mr. Bailey had by far the best. They consisted of
Gmllaume Severyns, Desdemoua, *Beacon. Rovalty, Etna, Pericles,
Mademoiselle Patti, Scarlet Florihunda, Regiiia i'ormosa, and Con-
flagration. In Faueies. Mr. Fraser was the only exhibitor. His
Tarietios were Cloth of Silver, Madame Sainton Dolby, Miss-in-her-
Teens, Bridesmaid, and Roi des Fantaisies. Mr. Catlin exhibited
some very good Scarlets.

Awards.— For twelve : first, Mr. Fraser. For ten : first, Mr. Bailey ;
third. Mr. Wiggins. For six Fancies : first, Mr. Fraser, For six
Scai-let : first. Mr. Catlin, gardener to Mrs. Lennitte. Finchley ;
second, Ml-. Pettit, gardener to G. Powney Esq. ; third. Mr. Hawcs,
gardener to J. Noble, Esq., Fortis Green ; fourth, Mr. Weir ; fifth. Mi-.
J. Lc^au.

FxTCnsiAs. — The plants of these were not large, nor was the bloom
first-rate. Among the best of the white-sepaled varieties were Rose of
Castille, and Minnie Banks ; of those with white corollas, Madame
Comelissen ; and of dark lands Sir Robert Peel. Messrs. E. G. Hen-
derscm exhibited several of Mr. Banlcs'a varietie;-., as Puritani, white

corolla, Charming, a fine dark kind; Lucrozia Borgia, vei-y large
tlowei's ; La Favorita, and Sunshine.

Awards. — Second, Mr. J. Weston, gardener to D. Martiueau, Esq.,
Clapham Park; third, Mr. Gardiner, gardener to J. Stutter, Esq.;
fourth, Mr. Green, I'last Greenwich.

KosKS. — There was a good display of cut blooms, among which were
Konn! of the new Tea Marcchal Niel. Of others there were very good
examjiles of Charles Lefobvi*e, Gloire de Santenay, Fram,'ois Louvat,
Ma(bini(! Charles Wood, aud Isabella Gray.

Awards.^For fifty : first, Mr. Turner, and Messrs. Paul & Son ;
second, Mr. Fraser. For twenty-five ; first, Mr. Exell, gardener to
J. llollingworth, Esq. ; second, *Mr. Ingle, gardener to G. Round,
Esq., and Mr. W^-ight, Twickenham. For twenty-four: first, Mi-.
Turner ; second, Messrs. Panl & Son ; third, Mr. Fraser.

New Plants. — Interesting gi-oups of these wore furnished by Mr.
Voitch, aud Mr. Bull. Mr. Veitch had his new Rhododendrons —
Princess Royal, a)ul Princess Alexandra, both of which are very
fine ; Lepfcopteris superha, verj^ beautiful ; Bertolonias, IJrceolina
aurea, Cattleya quincolor, noticed last week ; Osmanthus ilici-
folius ; Seiadopitys verticillata, a handsome plant ; AntUurium Scher-
:ieriaiium, Calathea Yeitchii, aud some others. Mr. Bull bad a sin-
gular plant, stated to ho an Indian Radish, with eilihle pods having
the same flavour as a Radish. These, it is stated, gi'ow 3 inches in a
night, and attain the length of 3 feet or more. Globba radicans varie-
gata, the leaves screaked with yellow ; Sphturogj-ne ciniiamomea,
Cycas Rominiana, Bertolonia margaritacea, variegated Verbenas,
and Chrysanthemums, as well as several Fenis, and a pretty Lobelia
called Silver Gem, -with white and blue flowers, the wliite largely pre-
dominating, came from the same exhibitor. New Clematiies were
shown by Messrs. Jackman, and Mr. To^vnsend ; and Trichinium
Manglesii, a pretty Swan-River plant by Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich.
This was described in these columns f^ome time ago, and a re-
presentation of it was given in the "Florist" of October. Mr
Thompson stjxtes that it will succeed out of doors. Messrs. E. G.
Henderson sent Fuchsia Enoch Arden, with a large dark corolla, and
bright scarlet sepals, aud Gardenia florida variegata ; Mr. Smith,
Homsey Road, La Grande Pelargonium, a promising scarlet Nosegay ;
Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Orion Zonale Pelargonium, with salmon
flowers ; Mr. Morse, Epsom, Scolopendrium vulgare Coppardi, a fine
crested variety ; Messrs. Ivoi-y, Athyi'ium f. f. diffissum, Lastrea
f. m. gi-andiccps, and Polystichum proliferam Holeije, aU of which are
desirable additions ; aud Mr. Williams, a fiuie DracEcna liueata, Ferns,
and Aloes.

MiscELLANEOTTs. — Mr. W. Paul scut his new Nosegay Pelargoniums
in fiuo bloom ; Messrs. Saltmarsh, some of the tricolor- foli aged class ;
Mr. Fraser, Kalosauthes, in fine bloom ; Messrs. F. & A. Smith, a
sho\vy collection of Balsams ; Mr. Baines, gardener to H. Micholls,
Esq., Sarracenias Drummondi, pur][nirea, flava, and variolaris, fine
AnjEctoehils, and the curious Dionam muscipula. Caraatious and
Picotees from Mr. Turner were vci-y fine ; Messrs. Do^vnie, & Co., had
line Hollyhocks ; and Mr. Perry, seedling Verbenas, of which Charles
Tumor. Mazeppa, Cleopatra, and Glowwoinn, were excellent. Cala-
diums, and hanging baskets, neatly filled, came fi-om Messrs. A. Hen-
dci'son A; Co. ; aud from Mr. Barnes. Bicton. a fine collection of cones,
produced this year at Bicton, including those of Araucaria imbricata,
Picea Nordmanniana, Abies duciosa, and many others.

FHUIT.

The display of Fruit was very large, and most of the objects were
characterised by gi'cat excellence. It was, to a large number of visitors,
the most attractive feature of the Show ; the plants, many of them,
Iiad been seen before, but such fine fruit, aud in such quantity, has
rarely been seen.

In collections, Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Brownlow, Ashridge,
was first with fine bunches of Black Hamburgh and Muscat Grapes,
the latter well ripened, a good Queen Pine, a Melon, Royal George
Peaches, Elruge Nectarines, Brown Turkey Figs, aud British Queen
Strawbenies. Mr. Miller, gardener to Earl Craven. Combe Abbey,
sent two fine Queen Pines, Black Hamburgh and Trentham Black
Grapes, Canon Hall, not sufficiently ripe ; a large Melon, fine Peaches,
and British Queen Strawben-ies. Mr. EuSett, gardener to Lord
Palmerston, had a tine Providence and two Queen Pines, excellent
Peaches, and Black Tartarian Cherries. Good collections likewise
came from Mr. Baunerman, Mr. Dawson, and Mr. Lynn. Hedsor.

Awards. — First, Mr. Sage; second, Mr. Miller; third, Mr. Ban-
nerman, gardener to Lord Bagot, Rugelcy ; fourth, Mr. Dawson, gar-
dener to Earl Co^v]ler, Panshanger.

Pines v/ere not very numerous, but some good fi'uits were shown.
For a collection of four Mr. Barnes was first with a fine Providence,
a Prickly Cayenne, Queen, aud Ripley Queen ; Mr. Y'ouug. Leigh
Park, was second with two Providence, a Queen, and an En\'ille ; Mr.
Dawson third, Mr. Barnes sent, in addition, a collection of Pines
ripened in the op^n air, and, to all outward appearance, well
rijKmL'd. They consisted of Brown Antigua, Enville, Queen, and
Lemon Queen. Though the climate of Devonshire is doubtless
favourable to such an attempt, and so excellent a Pine-grower as Mr.
Barnes is well Iniown to be the most liliely to achieve success, it would
be interesting to know the mode of culture which he adapted in this
particular case. Some very good Queens, upwards of 4 lbs. in weight,
were shown. Mr. Young, gardener to Crawshay Bailey. Esq., was
first with a large and fine fruit ; Mr. Davis, gardener to W. Booker,.

26

JOUKNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEK.

[ July 11, 1865.

Esq., Car(liif, second with one of 4 lbs. 3 ozs. ; and Mr. Kemp, gar-
dener to E. Bentall, Esq., Maldon, third. Good fruit were also shown
b}- Mr. Carr, Mr. Barnes, and Mr. Bailey. Providence, though of
good size, were not handsome. Mr. Young and Mr. De\-ille were equal
first; Mr. Allen, gardener to .J. B. Glegg, Esq., second with a cocks-
eomb-crowned fruit ; Mr. Dawson third. In the class for Any other
Tariety the first prize was withheld ; the second went to Mr. Bailey
for a Priddy Cayenne ; the thii-d to Mr. Godfrey, gardener to H.
Chuck, Esq.. Ware.

Grapes. — Rarely, if ever, have finer bunches than those shown
been collected together at any one exhibition.

The Black Hamburghs were magnificent. Mr. Sage, gardener to
Earl Howe, was first with large beautifully finished bunches with very
large berries of a jet black ; Mr. Meredith second, with magnificent
bunches, the centre one in particular, the three weighing 8 lbs., but
a still more extraordinaiT exhibition was that which was put up by the
same celebrated giower in the Miscellaneous class, being a single
bunch with six shooldcrs, each as la:-ge as an ordinarj' bunch, finely
coloured, and weighing 9* lbs. Such a weight in a single bunch of
this variety has never, to our knowledge, been recorded before, and
the Judges awarded it the highest prize which it was in their power
to bestow. Third prizes were awarded to Mr. Wallis, gardener to
J. Dixon Esq., Astle Park; to Mr. Henderson, gardener to Sir G.
Beaumont Bart., Cole Oi-ton HaU ; and Mr. Speed, gardener to Sir E.
Walker Bart. ; and fourth prizes to Mr. Sawkius, Mr. .Jackson, and
Mr. O. Goldsmith, aU of whom had good well ripened bunches. Mr.
Rawbone, gardener to C. Campbell Esq., Ashbourne, had three very
fine bunches weighing 9 lbs. .5 ozs., but they were unripe. A splendid
basket of the same Grape, also from Mr. Meredith, had a first prize,
and one of 14 lbs. from Mr. M. Henderson a second, and the third
was taken by Mr. Wallis.

Muscats were not suHiciently ripe ; the best were fine large-berried
bunches from Mr. Turner, who received a second prize. There were,
however, several good bunches from other exhibitors. In Three dishes
of different varieties there were several fine exhibitions. Mr. Meredith
was first with Trentham Black, Black Hamburgh, and Black Prince,
magnificent bunches of the largest size and beautifully coloured. A
second prize was given to Mr. Hill, Keele Hall, for Black Prince, fine,
the three weighing S lbs. 2 ozs. ; Black Hamburgh, 5 lbs. 7 ozs. ; and
Black Alicante (Meredith's variety), 5 lbs. 12 ozs., one of the bunches
remarkably fine. Another second prize was awarded to Mr. Osborne,
Finchley, for Black Hamburgh ; Bucldand Sweetwater, finely ripened ;
and Muscat Hamburgh, very tine. Mr. Peachey, gardener to R. Hole,
Esq., Loughborough,' was third with Red Frontiguan, Golden Ham-
bm-gh, and Black Hamburgh ; and Mr. WaUis, fourth, with Black and
White Frontignans, and Black Hamburghs. Several other good dishes
were set up by other exhibitors.

Of other kinds, fine bunches of Black Pi-ince were shown by Mr.
Allen, Mr. Sage, Mr. Pottle, and Mr. Hill, those from Mr. Pottle
weighed 9 lbs. ,'> ozs., but were not sufiiciently ripe. Mr. Allport,
gardener to H. .^kn-oyd, Esq., Doddington Hall, had Ingram's Prolific
Muscat and Black Frontiguan, very good ; and of Buckland Sweet-
water remarkably fine bunches were"shown by Mr. Meredith, but they
were apparently not ripe enough. From Messrs. Lane came good
bunches of Chavoush and Royal Muscadine. For the above the
following awards were made ;— For Black Prince : first, Mr. AUeu,
gardener to E. Hopwood, Esq. ; equal third, Mr. WaUis and Mr. Sage.
For other kinds ; first. Mr. Allport ; second, Mr. Hyde ; third, Mr.
Goldsmith ; fourth, Mr. Peachey ; fifth, Mr. M. Henderson.

Pe.iches and Nectarines consisted of Royal George, BeUegai-de,
and Violette Hative Peaches, and Elruge and Violette Hative Nec-
tarines. Several of those to which prizes were awarded were large
and highly coloured.

Awards.— For four dishes: first, Mr. Allen, gardener to J. B. Glegg,
Esq. ; second, Mr. Hill. Keele Hall ; third, Mr. Rawbone ; fourth,
Mr. Enstone. For two dishes : first, Mr. Carr ; second, Mr. Sawkius ;
Mr. Roberts, gardener to Hon. A. BaiTv, Tullamore ; and Mr. Sage,
gardener to Earl Brownlow ; third. Mr. Ward, gardener to F. Martin,
Esq., and Mr. Ruffett ; fourth, Mr. Ford, gardener to Rev. T. Hudson,
Watton ; Mr. Young, Leigh Park ; Mr. Enstone ; and Mr. Budd, gar-
dener to the Earl of Daruley.

Melons. — There was a good show of these, and they were for the
most part well grown, but many of them we are informed were
rather inferior in flavour. Gem was the principal variety shown in
the Scarlet-fleshed class.

Awards.— For Green-fleshed: first, Mr. Enstone, gardener to Sir
J. Ductivorth, Bart. ; second, Mr. Earley, Digswell. For Scarlet-
fleshed : first, Mr. Gadd, Dorldng ; second, Mr. Weir, gardener to
Mrs. Hodgson, Hampstead.

Cherries. — Several excellent dishes of Bigarreau and Elton were
shown, and of the Black Tartarian or Cii-cassian, beautiful examples
came from Mr. Turner and Mr. Ruffett.

Awards.— For Blaik : first. Mr. Tunier and Mr. Eaftett ; second,
Mr. Pottle, Mr. Carr, Mr. Marcham, and Mr. Sawkins. For White :
first. Ml-. Enstone and Mr. Widdowson ; second, Mr. Turner, Mr.
Perkins, Mr. Ross, Mr. Sage, and Mr. Marcham.

MiscELLAXEOUS. — Figs consisted of good dishes of Brown Turkey
and White Ischia ; Plnms, of .Jefferson and Victoria. Of Straw-
ben-ies, Sir Charles Napier, Filbert Pine, Admiral Dundas, British
Queen, Bicton White, and some others were very good. Ra.spberries

came from Mr. Young and Mr. Cutbush, of Highgate, the latter
showing Prince of Wales and Princess Alice ; excellent baskets ot
Peaches from Mr. Osborne, Finchlev ; and some fine Nectarmes from
Mr. Henderson, and Mr. Masters, gardener to the Earl of Macclesfield.
Messrs. Lane had a good coUection of fruit trees m pots, and Mr.
Tunier contributed a seedling Strawberrj- caUed Dr. Hogg, f or whicli
a first-class certificate was awarded. ,

Awards.— For Figs: first, Mr. Orman, gardener to R HoUand,
Esq. ; second, Mr. Sage, gardener to Earl Howe ; and Mr. Hutt. If or
Plums : first, Mr. Robins, gardener to Sir G. Kerrison, Bart. ; second,
Mr. A. Ingram. For Strawberries : first, Mr. Bailey ; second, Mr.
Widdowson ; third, Mr. Budd ; fourth, Mr. Kaile.

THE GARDENERS- ROYAL BENEVOLENT
INSTITUTION.

The Anniversarv Meeting was held at the London Tavern on Friday
the 7th inst., J. R." Jeffen-, Esip, of Woolton Hall, Liverpool, m the
chair. Among those present were Mr. Serjeant Atkinson, Colonel
Scott, R.E., Colonel Bui-nabv, Grenadier Guards, Donald NicoU, Esq.,
Colonel Jeakes, Captain Fox, G. F. WUson, Esq., G. Child, Esq.,
R. Wrench, Esq. ; Messrs. J. & C. Lee, Fraser, Williams, Inmer,
Gray, Omison, and Taylor. ,

Tiie Ch.urman said that he proposed, with much pleasure and
heartfelt sinceritv. the health of the Queen. The next toasts were the
Prince and Piincess of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family ; and
the Army, Navy, Volunteers, and Naval Reserve, coupled with the
name of Colonel Bumabv. . , ^ -x

Coloxel Bcrnaey, in returning thanks for the Army, said that it
had been the custom of his regiment for two hundred years to have a
dinner once a-vear, and His Royal Highness the Commander-in-chief
had then said "that the •efficiency of the Army was aU that he conld
dosii-e. Mr. Cutler, the Secretarv, returned thanks for the Navy, in
which he had sei-ved when a youth ; Col. Jeakes and Captain 1' ox tor
the Voluuteers ; Captain Shaw for the Naval Reserve. , , , . -

The CHAlRM.iN then proposed the health of the Patron of the Insti-
tution, the Duke of Buccleuch. obsen-ing that nothing could be more
encouraging than to have among the promoters of the Institntion
gentlemen of such extensive landed possessions.

The Ch.uioi.in said he had next to propose to them the toast ot the
evenin", " Prosperity to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution,
but before proceeding to do so he had to apologise for having left at
Liveniool a large per-ceutage of his voice, but what was left was at
their serrice. The Institution was one of an unpretending character
and had not to contend with poverty, nor was it embanassed with too
much riches. It was blessed with one of the most persevenng and in-
dustrious of Secretaries. When Mr. Cutler called on him ithe Chair-
mani his dittidence and modesty induced him to decline the honour
of filling the position which he held that evening, bnt such were the
Secretary's persuasive powers and perseverance, that he (the Chairman),
at length accepted the post, believing that the duties he would have to
perform would be light. On second consideration he found that the
task he had undertaken was by no means so easy, for he found he waa
called on to strike with Aaron's rod that hard rock their pockets, to
cause them to flow in a refreshing steam to those who were dependant
on the Institution. He was given to understand that there were fifty-
seven of these, of whom thirty were females, and that they averaged
the great age of seventy-six. I! those present, or, indeed, the most
wealthy in the kingdom' were asked to forego indulgence in the mi6
arts or 'in the pleasures of a garden, there were few who would not prefer
to give up the former in preference to the latter ; and if so, was it not
a duty, was it not necessary and desirable, to make the latter days of
those' who so ministered to our enjoj-ments happy ? The Institution
was, 2>a'' ercrllence, a benevolent institntion, not one of those of which
there were too many instances m which the sober man was chamed to
the drunkard, the frugal to the improvident, and he urged its claims
to support. Each person present could contribute one stone to the
edifice. The stone might be called by any name they choose, a coin of
the realm if they liked, and each would have the satisfaction of con-
tributing to the support of an institution which did a great amount of
good. He found that the annual expenses were £800, and though
the balance sheet was i'316 in favour of the Institution, £.300 of that
sum must be forthwith dispensed to those who were dependant on the
funds. The Institution was established in 18:^8, bnt scarcely came into
life tiU 1842, when the present Secretary came into office. He (the
Chairman) was surprised to find the large amount which had been
distributed in that time, some £12,700, and yet there was a reserve in
the Stocks of £5,700. He believed those present would agree with
him in the hope that this sum would be doubled m half the period to
come. He commended most ardently, most sincerely, the claims of
the Institution to support. , , , ~ , nr

The healths of the Chairman, Mr. Wrench (the Treasurer), Mr.
Cutler (the Secretary), were then drunk; and among other toasts
given were the Nursery and Seed Trade, the Stewards, and the Ladies.

The amount coUected was about £380, of which the Chairman and
his friends contributed £80. The proceedings were enUvened by some
good music from Miss Poole and Mr. Perren. There was a handsome
dessert, and a variety of ornamental plants for the decoration of the
room, these last coming from Messrs. Leo and Smith.

July 11, IHfiS. ]

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

27

EOYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

July H.

Tun SIuiw ol' (>i iiainrntal aud Vtirieti(ittul-foliii^(ul Plants iind S('arli*t
l\'liii>;tniimii-^. nil Siiturdtiy last, wa;i prohiiltly tlm iiio^it tJxtenHivu ami
imst of tin- 1I1IM..1 showB held this year. thon;^h, doiihtlusH, tho general
t'ffoct wouhl have been improved by the iiitrodiu'tion litsro nud thuro of
flowering phuits, to relievo tho monotouy of so niuoli j^roeu foliage.

lu Class I., twelve stove aud greeuliouse plants with ornunicntal
foliaj^tS Mr. Kaiufs, gardener to H. Mit-iiolls. Ks<j., was first with a
remarkuhly tine collection, nearly the same as that wliich ho exhibited
at th«! Keyent's Park, aud which is noticed in auotlu r column. Messrs.
Loe were second with au excellent coUeotioii, in which were Alocasiii
metallica, ven* tine, Theophrastas, Rliopalas. Draca-na indivisa, varie-
pited Yucca, and Ananassa, a fine Bird's-nest Fern, Alsophila australis,
Oreopauax dactylifolium, aud Cordyline indivisa. Mr. Bull was third
with a culk'ctiou, in which wo noticed tall specimens of Draciena
flustralis and Khupala corcovadeusis, Dicksouia aiitarctica, aud other
Kenis. and the cinnamon-stemmed Sphujro-^yue. Mr. Carr, gardener
to P. lliuds, Esq., Bytieet, had an extra prize for a collection in which
were a magnificent example of the Sugar Cane, Saccharum otticinarum,
Cissus discolor, Sphnnragyne latifolia, aud Musa Caveudishii, iu the
culture of which hist he is au adept.

In Chiss II., six plants, equal first pnzes were given to Mr. Donald,
gardener to J. Ci. Banday, Esq., Loytou, aud Mr. Baiues, tho latter exhi-
biting his fine Sarraceuias aud Amectochils, noticed iu the report of
the Koj'al Botauic Show. Mr. Donald had a fine specimen of the
white variegated Alocasia macrorhiza, variegated Crotou, Maranta
zebrina, AhxNisia zebrina, aud Dicksouia antarctica. From Mr. Young,
gardeuer to R. Barclay, Esq., who was second, came a large and fine
Alocasia metallica, tho pretty white-blotched Caladium argj-rites, a
Rhopala, and Dieffenbachia ; aud iu a collection from Mr. Taylor,
gardener to J. Yates, Esq.. Highgate, were the Rush-like Littiea juucea,
Cireuligo vecurvata, and Marauta zehrina.

In Class III., six plants (Nurserymen), Messrs. Lee were first with
a tiue Alocasia Lowii, Dracieua indivisa, Croton pictum. Latauia rubra,
Rhopala corcovndensis, aud Cyathea Smitkii ; aud Mr. Bull second
with, among others, a handsome Araucaria called gracilis.

Classes IV. and V. were for Dracaenas and Cordylines. These
chietiy consisted of Dractena terminalis, ferrea, di'aco, rubra, australis,
stricta, arborea, Cooperi, helicouifolia, Veitchii, and Cordyline iuilivisa.
The first prize iu the Nurserymen's class was taken by Mr. Bull, the
second by Messrs. Lee ; and in the Amateurs' class Mr. Donald was
first, Mr. BiUTiard, gardener to J. Taylor, Esq., second, aud Mr. Y'oung
third.

In Class VI. nine Palms, Mr. Bull was the only exhibitor ;
among those which he exhibited wero Euterpe edulis, Seaforthia
elegans, Brahea dulcis, and the Date Palm.

In the Amateurs' Class VII., very fine specimens of Cycas revoluta
wore exliibited by Mr. Taylor, who also bad a gigantic Sabal Black-
buruiaua ; aud Mr. Young had the Date Palm, Chamcerops chinensis,
and a large plant of Thriuax elegans.

Calatliums shown iu Class VIII. were not remarkable for their
uovelty. Of lands with red markings, we noticed Chautini, Wighti,
precile, bieolor sjjlendens, and Schmitzi; aud of others arg}TJtes,
Belleymei, and Lowii. Mr. Carr was first, Mr. Young second, aud
Messrs. Lee third.

For a collection of twelve hardy variegated plants, a first prize was
awarded to Mr. Salter for the variegated Sedum Sieboldi, Japanese
Honeysuckle, Ivies, Coltsfoot, Fortune's Bamboo, Jasmine, Sedum
telephium, and others ; and the second to Mr. Bull for Aucubas,
Eurya, Euonyuius, and his variegated Chrj.sauthemum and Verbena.

The show of Zouale and other Pelargoniums, was tolerably effective,
though the plants were not at their best as regards bloom. For twelve
kinds of any colour, Mr. Eraser was first with good plants of Herald
of Spring, Clipper, Roi d'ltalie, Amiral Protet, Malakoff, and
L'Abbe Krensi, scarlet ; Mr. Rendatler, Eugenie Mezard, Souvenir de
Nancy, aud Henri Etienue, different shades of salmon ; Virgo Marie,
white, aud Rose Keudatler. Among those from Mr. Salter, who was
second, were Amelina Griseau, a tine large white with a large salmon
eye, MiUle. Marie Mezard, white, Germauia, orange scarlet, aud
Beaute de Suresnes, a verj' good deep rose.

Iu the Amateurs' Class for sis, Mr. Word, gardener to W. G.Willdns,
Esq., Le\-tou, was first ; Mr. Hawes, gardener to J. Noble Esq.,
Fiuchley, second.

Amoug variegated Geraniums, Mrs. Pollock, Glowwonn.aud Sunset
wore the best of the tricolor-leaved varieties ; Mma, Mountain of
Suow, aud some others of the white-variegated kinds wero also
exhibited iu good bloom. The only collection of Nosegays entered for
competition came from Mr. Salter. Mr. Eraser and Mr. Hally were
first and se<:oud for variegated Gerauiuuis, and Mr. Ward first for
BIX in the Amateurs* Class.

Of Miscellaneous objects, Messrs. Lee exhibited good mixed collec-
tions of Heaths, Orchids, Ferns, Ixoras, and Statices ; Mr. W. Paul
and Mr. Clarke, several boxes of Roses, the former also showing
Beaton's (ieraniums ; Messrs. Downie, Laird and Laing, tine Holly-
hock blooms ; Mr. Salter, hardy Ferns ; Mr. Bartlett, Hammersmith,
very fine pans of Adiantum cuneatum ; Mr. Bull, the Radiuh noticed
in another column ; Mr. Thompson, Ipswich, Trichininm Manglesii ;
Itfr. Catleugh, Chelsea, Liliam aaratam ; Mx. Hooper, Bath, Coiua*

tions and Picoteea; and Mr. Taylor, Highgato, tho singular f rait (rf
Dion edule, a cono measuring about 17 inches by 9 in diameter.
Messrs. E. G. Henderson had new Kurli^<ias of 1HI>5, consisting of
Father Ignatius, J'inocli Arden. ltoderi<'k Dhu, and War Eagle, all
having violet purple coroUas an<l retlexed scarlet sepals ; Light Heart,
with a blackish purple corolla ; aud Hose of Denmark, aud Lucy Mills
light kinds. A Ro.se huddiug Verbena called Ariel, aud Pink Stella
tleranium also came from the same iirm.

Fruit was represented by a good (^ueen Pine from Mr. Ford, gar-
dener to W. Hubbard, Esq., aud three dishes of Black Currants, one
kind being a seedling wliich is said to hang a month later than auy
other sort ; and from the Society's garden came a collection of forty
sorts of Gooseberries.

Miss Smith, Tooting, exhibited some beautifully-executed artificial
flowers, and Mr. Lowe. Maida Hill, a ueatly-fiUed plant ease. A
fine Phfeuocoma prolifera Baruesii came from Mr. liaines, and a varie-
gated Aloe-leaved Yucca, an excellent Bpecimeu, from Mr. Bull.

POTTED VINE UNFRUITFUL.

I HAVE iu a large pot a Vine which I am growing in a cool
Sreeuhouse, It has made shoots fiom about 1^ to 2 yards long.
It has no fruit on. Last year the wood did nut get wcdl ripened,
and I want to be sure of ripening it thoroughly this year.
Would it be advisable to turn it out of doors, exposed to the
air and sun now, to ripen the wood? I do not alter the tem-
perature of the house in the least on account of the Vine, but
keep it as cool as possible and moderately shaded. The Vine
will be two or three years old, and I suppose I might get some
fruit next year. — Eboracum.

[As your house is kept cool and shaded, the best thing you
can do, is to choose a dull day and take your Vine iu its pot
and place the stem against a south wall or fence, giving all the
sun possible, and lessening the application of water after
September.]

CHINESE GARDENING IN AUSTRALIA.

The class of Chinamen most useful to their European neigh-
bours, next to the miners, who are adding to the wealth of the
country, are the gardeners. There are few townships in the
colony the inhabitants of which are not mainly dependant on
the Chinese for a constant and regular supply of fresh vege-
tables of the very finest quality. Such, at least, may be said
to be the case on the gold fields. Any idea of competing with
the Chinese amoug our gold-fields townships, in the production
and sale of vegetables, appears to be pi'etty generally abandoned ;
and, although farmers will bring Cabbages, Pumpkins, and
such like to the weekly markets, the Chinamen may be seen
moving from door to door, by seven or eight o'clock every
morning, laden with fresh green esculents. At all seasons, aud
iu every description of weather, the Chinese gardener has some
kind of vegetable for sale. Neither heat nor cold, drought nor
rain, affects this regiUar supply. There are a great many of
those vegetable gardens in various parts of the Castlemaine
district, being so distributed that it would seem as if it had
been arranged that enough of vegetables should be reared by
Chinese, in each locality, to supply tlie whole of the siu*round-
ing neighbourhood. The number of Chinamen employed in
each is generally about from four to six, and all appear to have
an equal interest iu the business. Each has allotted to him
the particular duties wliich ho has to perform. One hawks the
vegetables aud collects manure ; another is employed chiefly in
weeding ; a third in watering, and a fourth in digging, prepar-
ing the plots and sowing the seeds. These arrangements once
made are rigidly adhered to, and are universally carried out in
the most amicable spirit. In this respect they set an example
worthy of imitation by many Europeans. There is never any
wrangling or jealousy amimg them, aud one is not to be found
complaining that he has too much wt)rk to perform, and that
his partners do less than he. You will never find the Chiua-
man in a hurry ; but, at the same time, he never loses a minute,
and works on steadily from early morning until the light fails
him at night, for he has never dreamed of an eight-hour
movement.

The Chinese are most successful gardeners, or rather farmers ;
for in their gardens in this colony we really get a specimen of
Chinese agriculture. Although we make a distinction between
farming and gardening, and conduct them dififercntly, there is
no such distinction made in China, every foot of which is
cultivated with as great carefulneaa as we find displayed here

28

JOURNAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEE.

[ July 11, 186S.

on the laud on -which they grow vegetables. The Chinese are
universally acknowledged to be the best agriculturists in the
world. They may not be able to understand the chemical
properties of the soil or of maum-es, but a Liebig could not
surpass them in selecting the one, or in choosing and in pre-
serviug and improving the qualities of the other. Probably,
for more than a thousand years, they have carried on the same
systems that they carry out now, and have learned, by expe-
rience, what modes of culture and what manures, &c., are most
effective ; and the analyses of the European chemist confirm
the practices they have adopted as beiug the best. The China-
man does not know what are the scientific causes, but he
laiows that, by certain processes, he can produce certain results.
If any unexpected difScuIty arises, the Chinaman endeavours
to overcome it by the most natural and simple means, however
laborious. If blight afflicts his Cabbages, he washes it off the
leaves with soap and water ; it he be troubled with grub,
caterpillars, beetles, or other insects, he does not attempt to
destroy them by any solution, or with kerosene and other
substances that have been tried by Europeans, but he gathers
them all carefully and destroys them ; sometimes before sowing
or planting, putting blades of any vegetable into the groimd to
entice them, hi order that they may be caught. Steady, patient
labour is the only means of which he can conceive by which to
overcome such obstacles. He has never thought of adopting
means to save time and labour. The necessities of the case,
no doubt, led the Chinese to discover methods by which they
could get their comitry to grow a sirfficiency of agiicultural
products to ifeed the teemiug millions of their population.
Agriculture has received much encouragement from the Chinese
Govermnent, and at an early period in Chinese history the
various modes of cultivation were taught to his subjects by an
emperor named Nung, so that a husbandman, or farmer, is
designated in Chinese by the word Nunggin. As every one is
aware, the Chinese are divided into a number of grades, castes,
or classes, in accordance with the profession or trade ia which
they are employed. The second place on the list was given to
agriculturists, " the learned men," or members of the learned
professions, as we would saj-, alone taking precedence of them.
This fact shows vrith how much res))ect the husbandman is
regarded by the poijulation who are dependant on his labotors
for the means of subsistence. Every house or tent in the
district inhabited by Chinamen is suppUed by the gardeners
with jars, to be used for the same purpose as the tanks re-
ferred to in China. The gardener goes roimd every day and
collects the contents ; and, so much is it valued, that serious
quan'els wUl sometimes arise if one gardener attempts to ap-
propriate anj-thing of this nature which another considers
to be his.

While on this subject, it may be mentioned that such Uquid
manirre as the Chinaman collects in his jars is, perhaps, more
valuable than any other description, the quantity of nitrogen
contained in 100 parts of it being, according to chemical
analysis, equal to 1300 parts of stable manure or (300 parts of
manure fi'om the byre. The latter lands of manui-e are like-
wise used by the Chinese gardeners, and when they come into
town after disposiug of their vegetables, they coUect the
compost, and carry it home ivith them. Wherever they can
find any, they pick it up, and may sometimes be seen gather-
ing it on the commons. The bulk of their supply, however,
they obtain fi-om such of their coimtrymen as keep horses for
■working then- puddling machines, giving some vegetables in
exchange. It is used chiefly as a top-dressing, and the effect
of its being so used, along with the straw in it, is that, as is
■well known to most horticulturists, it prevents the stu-face of
the soil fi'om being baked by the heat of the sun, and cracks
and fissures formed. It likemse assists in retaining moisture.

The Chinese display much skill audintelhgence in the choice
of their garden ground, both as regards the character of the
soil, and the natiu'e of the situation. The first consideration
■with them is the supply of water, and they choose a site there-
fore on the bank of a creek, in which they may obtain water in
the driest seasons. Failing this, they must have wells dug in
their gardens, from which they can get a constant supply of
pure water. The gardens are models of neatness, and i:x tmo
(Usee omiu'i:. for they all exactly resemble each other. They are
thoroughly clear of weeds, and all the vegetation is so fresh and
verdant in appearance that, in a warm season like the present,
they are most refreshing to the eye. The ground is preijared
by being trenched to a depth of from 2,{ to 3 feet. The
garden is divided by a number of narrow walks into long beds
or plots, which are of sucli a width that the gardener, sitting,

or rather crouching by the side of it, as the Chinese do,
can easily stretch half-way across the plot, so that he can weed
it -without having to step on the plot. The beds are raised to a
height of about 8 inches above the level of the walks. It has
to be observed that the soil is always beautifully pulverised,
and it may be presumed that it woiUd be sufficient to di-ive a
Chinese gardener frantic if any one were to tread and leave a
footprint on his plot. If the reader would wish to see how a
Mongolian can run, and how thoroughly his habitual equan-
imity can be disturbed, he must have an opirortunity of seeing a
goat break thi'ough the fence and get into his garden. They
have a pride in their gardens, and respect for them amounting
almost to reverence, and will take off their shoes before walking
tlu'ough them. A careful housewife cotdd not be more proud
and jealous of the furniture of a fashionable drawing-room.

An observant visitor to a Chinese garden might observe what
would appear to be a careless mistake — namely, that while the
most of the paths dividing the plots are of unswerving straight-
ness, a few are slightly ciuved. The intention appears e-vidently
to be that each series of plots should, by the natiu'e of the
Unes that di-vide them, represent the character or symbol
which is used for the Chinese word signifj-ing a " field." The
outhne of the symbol referred to is a square with two lines
running from side to side and from top to bottom of it, and
crossing each other at right angles. The upward line and the
sides of the square are perfectly straight, but the horizontal
line is sUghtly curved, corresponding in this respect exactly
with the cmTed paths refeiTed to in the garden. There can be
no doubt as to the intention of Chinamen in this respect, but
when questioned as to their motive or object for adopting such
a fanciful arrangement, they either cannot or wiU not under-
stand. Indeed, although naturally poUte and apparently fi-ank,
at least to an acquaintance or customer, the Chinese gardener
is not a communicative gentleman. Probably he fancies that,
having been from childhood familiar with all those things on
which he is questioned, his interrogator miist also know of
them, and he may assume that the ignorance is feigned. If
surprise be expressed or displayed, it is amusing to observe the
cm-ious smile which lights up the face of the Chinaman ; good-
humoured it is imdoubtedly, but there is a certain air of conde-
scension, mingled with satisfaction, and he seems to be amused
with the idea that his immense superiority should so astonish
the ignorant " barbarian."

The most of the Chinese gardens in the Castlemaine district
are on land that has been ahenated from the Crown, and for
which they pay tolerably high rents. They do sometimes
occupy Cro-wn lauds under business Ucenses, and then- objection
to doing so more generally is that they consider the charge for
a business license to be too high. They cultivate most of the
vegetables with which Eiuropeans are famiUar, and some
novelties which they have introduced from China. They prefer,
however, such vegetables as the Lettuce, which come rapidly to
maturity, so that they may have a number of crops off the
same gi'onnd every year, and get rapid returns for their outlay
and labour. For example, they would rather grow and sell
green Onions, or, as they are termed sometimes, "young
Onions," in preference to the same esculent brought to matu-
rity and dried. They will not plant fruit trees, because they
would have to wait too long for the fruit, and besides they all
entertain the hope of being able to retuini to China in a few
years, and wiUnot invest cajiital in this colony on " permanent
improvements." But this is not their only objection. A
gentleman recently offered to let a large and excellently-stocked
orchard to a company of Chinese gardeners, on very advan-
tageous terms, as his chief object was to get them to take
proper charge of the garden ; but they obstinately refused to
have it at any price, for they did not think one crop of fruit
a-year would pay them for the labour that would have to be
bestowed on the trees, although they could also grow vegetables.
In the same way they are averse to growing Potatoes, as they
occupy the groimd too long before the crop is obtained. They
are very successful in gro-wing Cucumbers, Pumpkins, Vege-
table Marrows and such like, and their Melons are specially
remarkable for their superior exceUenee. It may be mentioned
that the Chinese preserve the seeds of the Melon, salting and
di-;i-ing them, and they are afterwards cracked between the teeth
and eaten by Chinamen as Europeans eat nuts. Wheii a
Chinaman has had a few whiffs of opium, or is otherwise
enjoying a leisure hour, it becomes as natm-al to him to crack
and eat Melon seeds as it is for an English gentleman, after
dinner, to associate Walnuts with wine.

Among the best known of the novelties which have been

July 11, 1865. ]

JOURNAL OF HOliTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEK.

29

iiitroJucad by the t^hineso gardeners is what i» called the Chiua
Cabbage, a vps''table wlii(rh is not mnrh esteemed by the
English palate, because, wlieii boiled, it beeonins tasteless and
flavourless, and reduced to a iiuiiiy mass, as if it were decayed.
This, however, is not the case if it be properly cooked in the
same way as it is by a Chinese Soj-er. The China Cabbage
ought to bo Ixiiled, or ratlier stewed, in a small quantity of
water, not sntficient to cov(>r the vegetalile. The Chinese
usually cook it in a frying-pan after cutting it into small pieces.
WHieu it has been so boiled for a sliort tinnv -no cover being
put over the vessel — the water is partially strained off, and
some oil or pork fat added ; piroljably to most tastes, except
tliOBo of Chinameu, butter would be preferable. So prepared,
the China Cabbage would please tlie most fastidious i/ouniiet.
Tlie China Pea is another excellent vegetable, btiiug remarkable
for the great length of tlie pods and its proliti(- crops. The
Chinese use the Pea before the pods are thoroughly tilled, as they
cook the Peas in the pod and eat l)oth, in the same wily as
French Beans are used.

Probably the eliief secret of the success of the Chinese gar-
dener, in addition to the liberal manuring, is that the vegetables
are kept constantly sup)died with water. They are watered
three times a-day — -in tht! morning, about midday, and in the
evening. A large number of barrels, sunk in the ground at
the end of the plots, are distributed throughmit the garden.
These are tilled from the weUs or creek during the intei-vals
between the hours for watering, by the partner whose duty it
is to iici-torm this work. Prom there the watering-pails ai'e
filled at tlie proper time, and the liquid poured eo)nously over
the vegetables, for they consider it most essential to water the
plant as well as the soil, although English gaidpiiers will
frequently be seen pouring in only a little water at the roots of
a flower or other plant. The plots are likewise frequently and
regularly saturated with the liquid manure. English gardeners
think it injurious to water any kind of plants during the day
while the sun is shining; and so, indeed, it 'S, if the watering
be not continued regularly. A Chinaman's vegetables are kept
constantly moist, and he would water them at the apjiointed
hour, although it were evident that a perfect torrent of rain
would descend in a few minutes. The Chinese are quite as
diligent in weeding as in watering, and the former is carried on
as constantly as the latter, for they will not allow their manure
to be exhausted by a profitless crop. No trifle is considered
beneath notice, and a gfutler and more careful crdtivator than
the Chinese gardener it would he difficult to imagine. He
seems to be passionately fond of his plants, and nurses them
most .affectionately. For a picture of patience, nothing could
surpass a Chinese gardener washing blight from the blades of
his Cabbage. With a keg of soapy water, and a piece of stick
with a rag tied to the end of it, he moves slowly along the side
of the plot, tenderly lays hold of one blade after another, and
carefully rubs otf the bliglit with the cloth after he has dipped
it in the water. To wash many hundreds of Calibages in this
fashion seems an extraordinary undertaking, but the Cliinaman
thinks it the most natural thing in the world, and, persistently
persevering, it is astonishing what rapid progress he makes.
In no respect are the wisdom, foresight, and accurate calcula-
tion of the Chinese gardener more wonderfully displayed than
in his arr,augement of his crops, so that he has always some
description ready for sale, and yet never has a glut ; or is com-
pelled to sell immature vegetables, or allow them to become
overgrown. He sows and reaps something every day all the
year round ; -with him it is always seed time and always harvest.
In the garden are to he seen vegetables in all stages of develop-
ment ; and as soon as one plant is taken from the ground new
seed is put in its place. The soil is never allowed to remain a
day irlle, but it is too liberally treated ever to get exhausted.
It ought not to bo omitted to mention, before closing, as many
may be ignorant of the fact, that Chinese gardeners .alwavs
steep the seeds they are about to sow in liquid manure, until
they are considerably swollen and have begun to germinate.
The elJeet of this is that they spring up very rapidly, and
escape the ravages of insects to which seeds and tender blades
are so liabli'. Our best horticulturists and agricidturists could
learn many a valuable lesson from the Chinese gardener. —
(Australian Xmcs.)

ST1^A^VBERRY CULTURE.
TnEEE seems to be a prevailing opinion that the Strawberry
crc^) this year is a failure. I never had a better, and I think if

my system were carried out there would be no complaijit.H. My
ground is well dug and heavily manured, the Strawberry plants
dug up and ]mt in with a trowel in July, 2 feet every way from
plant to ])lanl, the surface of the ground covered with manure
in the end of JIarch, no sjiade or fcu'k ever allowed near the
beds after they are made till they are destroyed, the weeds
hand-|)icked, the roots kept single instead of being allowed to
run one into another, and the barbarous mowing the leaves off
strictly ])rohibited. I have Iiad as many as .seventeen clusters
of fruit on a root tlie hrst .lune after jilauting. After the
second year they are dug up and a fresh piece of ground planted.
— J. W. Chalonei'., Ncwtuii Kyme, Xudcaiter.

CUTTING ROSES AND TAKING THEM TO A
DISTANT EXHIIJITION.

Woin.n one of your contributors, skilled in preparing Roses
for exhibition, give a few hints as to the best means of con-
veying them to the place of exhibition ? Should they be ar-
ranged beforehand in the boxes as they are to be exhibited ? I
mean in case of having to convey them c^ne hundred miles or
more. Or, if carried to the place of exhibition and arranged
there, would a basket or close-fitting box be the best in which
to convey them ? Now that this flower is becoming so gene-
rally exhibited at our horticultural shows, a few hints on this
subject will, I have no doubt, be acceptable to many of your
readers, and especially so to — A Country Curate.

[In answer to the above two questions I reply, that I live
more than one hundred miles from London, and that, by care-
ful attention to blooms, I have carried them sutBcieutly fresh to
win two hrst prizes against the amateurs, and a second prize
against the nurserymen. The distance of one himdi-ed miles
entails night travelling. I, therefore, cut from 5 to 7 p.m., and
leave the box sufficiently open to take in the moist evening air
from 7 to 9. J^t that hour I start for Wimborne Station, seven
miles distant, ,and travel about three miles and a half an hour,
])ulling up at every dip, and driving in the centre of the road
to keep the box level. At Wimborne I water the Roses, haWng
a quarter of an hour to do so. I an-ive at Waterloo Station at
4.30 A.M. They are then watered .igain and hoisted .as level as
possible on to the cab. Having arrived at Kensington I water
them again and shut the box as close as I can to keep out heat
and prevent evaporation. In this case I place over the box a
wet cloth to prevent the action of heat on the box. I have
always arranged them beforehand, but I also take a number of
supernumeraries. I may say, that as decay is sometimes rapid,
Roses just relaxing their petals will oftentimes be better next
morning than Roses that left home fully expanded. It is best
to take both, but futile to take blooms that have been wetted.
The stems cannot be kept too wet, nor the blooms too di-y, as
heat and wet are the elements of decay. It is a great help to
Roses that are to travel to keep the plants watered pre-vionsly.
Before putting the blooms into tlie box dip the stalk into water
and sponge the leaves, but do not wet the blooms. On arrival
at the exhibition cut off a small slice at the bottom of the stem,
as they wiU suck the better for it. This is my reply to the first
question.

In answer to the second question, I have an opinion that the
following would be the best way of all for cut flowers to travel : —
Tlie mischief, of course, is evaporation. When a bloom is open
it is at its zenith. It must, therefore, more or less decline.
Our jiainted boxes draw the heat. The top, therefore, of the
show-box should not be painted. Mine is painted ; but to
counteract heat I travel with a wet sack over the box. I have
never travelled with cut flowers in a box, or basket, but I
imagine that a box lined with lead, and having ice at the
bottom, witli a newspaper between the ice and the flowers,
would be the best way of all. The flowers should be laid thinly
in layers, with w-etted grass, or moss, over their stems, and a
bit of paper between the blooms. I have often sent Roses to
London in linendraper's boxes without ice, but treated as
above, vnth success. The great point is to prevent evaporation
or the action of heat. Camphor is a very cooling thing, and,
therefore, if travelled with water-cups a little spirit of camphor
would help to keep the water-cool.

Finally, having put your Roses on the stand and having
removed the cover, keep your eye on the box as long as you can,
and, above all, keep your temper. As Mr. W. Paid justly
observes in his admirable book on Roses, page 177 : — " Let us
ask ourselves again, if there is any disgrace in being beaten? "
Certainly none. Every place here is honourable. If our plants

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEB.

[ Julf 11, 1863.

(or blooms), be good, never mind those of our cotemporary
being better.

I recommend to " Country Curate " an admirable article
printed in the " Gardeners' Annual," which contains ten
excellent rules to guide the Eose exhibitor. The direction
given in one of those rules — namely, to cut the Eoses in the
morning with the dew on them is a good direction for Eoses
grown on the hills where the dew is moderate ; but in valleys
the dew in summer, which is in the same ratio as the solar
heat, is so copious that it is very little short of rain. It pene-
trates into interstices between the petals, and when the Roses
are exposed to the heat of exhibition the colours fly. %\'hether,
therefore, I exhibit far or near, I cut overnight as late as I
can, and leave the lid of the box trigged open, but sufficiently
close to prevent the dew from falling on the blooms. They
will thus absorb quite sufficient moisture. I have always ob-
served at shows that my Eoses stand the heat and keep their
colours better than those of many others. — W. F. Radclyffe,
Tairant linsIUon.]

CUTTING ASPARAGUS.
I WILL reply to yonr correspondent, " J. K.," page 488, from
a totally diiierent point of view. When a garden is much in-
fested by the Asparagus beetle, it is obWous that by cutting off
all the sprouts, you deprive them of a place to lay their eggs,
and thus diminish them. On this principle I cut my beds
clean, but find great difficulty in forming a new bed, from the
impossibility of cutting, and the trouble of hunting after the
grubs, which become beetles. — G. S.

FROGMORE EARLY BIGARREAU CHERRY.

This production of the Royal Gardens is one of Mr. Ingram's
most successful efforts in raising new fruits, and will prove a
great addition to our varieties of early Cherries. The original
tree is gi-owing against a north-east wall, and the fruit was ripe
this season on the 17th of June. Unlike the class to which it
properly belongs, it has a tender melting flesh, and furnishes
another instance of Nature rebelling against the devices and
systems of men. In eveiy respect this is a Bigarreau in habit,
leaf, and appearance of the fruit, and must be classified along
with these varieties ; but as if to set at nought all human
arrangements, it persists in having a delicious melting flesh
instead of one that is hard and crackling.

Frogmore Early Bigarreau Cherrj-.

The fruit is large, obtuse heart-shaped, with a very shallow
suture. Skin with a brUliaut red cheek, dotted with minute
yellow points, and of a remarkably pale almost pure ■white

where shaded — so susceptible is it of shade that the point of a
leaf or the shadow of a twig would be photographed on this
brilliant red. Stulk 2 inches long with a very small receptacle,
and set in a shallow and narrow cavity. Flesh very delicate
and translucent, perfectly tender, melting, and veiy juicy,
with a rich sweet flavour. Stone small.

The tree is a great bearer ; clusters of a dozen and a half to
two dozen large handsome Cherries being produced on a small
spray.

AUCUBA JAPONICA.
Now that in our gardens this Aucuba perfects its brilliant
berries, or drupes, to speak botanically correctly, it has acquired
a very great additional interest, and, indeed, when loaded with
its coral fruit it has such a novel aspect, that we heard a lady
inquire "where this new species came from? "and, as this
query led to others, and as the information eUcited ia not
devoid of interest, we will arrange and detail it.

There is no doubt that Ka>mpfer was the first European to
see it, describe it, and pourtray it. In his " Amoenitates
exotica>," published in 171'2, he describes the " Aiikuba "
very accurately as having " red oblong fruit, rather larger than
that of the Laurel ; flesh slight, white, slightly sweet ; nut
inclosed, rather hard and harshly flavoured."

More than half a century later, Thuuberg also noticed it
when in Japan. He says, in his " Travels," that in 1776,
when travelling near the Japanese town called Kokura, " I
foimd near the bath at an inn a tree which is called Aiikuha,
and another called Nandina, both of which were supposed to
bring good fortune to the house."

That benign influence did not extend to its European dis-
coverers and the introducer to our gardens. Kiempfer returned
from Japan with shattered health, and died four years after he
had published his description of the Aucuba ; Thunberg
lingered for years suffering from accidental poisoning; and
John Grffifer, who first cultivated it in Europe, was murdered.
This last-named botanist is so Uttle known that a few
relative particulars deserve recording. He was a native of
Germany, and came to England about the year 1760, to be a
pupil of Philip Miller, by whose recommendation he was
advanced to be gardener to Mr. James Vere, of Kensington
Gore, one of the originators of the Eoyal Horticultural Society.
After a few years he became a partner with Messrs. Thompson
and Gordon in the Mile End Nursery, but he left the concern
when Mr. Gordon died, and accepted a high appointment in
Italy. On the title page of the only book he pubhshed he
is designated " Botanic Gardener to the King of Naples," and
to this he was appointed at the recommendation of Sir J.
Banks. In the preface to the same work, published in 1789,
he is mentioned as favourably laiown to our Admiralty for his
" invention of prepared vegetables." This, and perhaps the
influence of Lady Hamilton, who had a taste for gardening,
and whose husband was then our ambassador at Naples,
obtained for Mr. Grfefer the superintendency of Lord Nelson's
Sicilian Estate at Bronte.

Then came the Neapolitan revolution ; the Royal family
were driven from the throne, and Murat became King of Naples.
Unluckily for himself Gra>fer still retained his appointment,
for he was assassinated near his residence at Caserta in 1816.

Mr. Aiton in his " Hortus Kewensis," states that the Aucuba
was introduced by Mr. Grafer in 1783. For some years, with
praiseworthy care, our gardeners preserved it in the stove,
whence, says Mr. Cm'tis, it was removed to the greenhouse or
eonser\'atory, and is now (1809) found to be as hardy as the
Laurel or Laurustinus. The drawing of it in the " Botanical
Magazine " for that year is excellent. Unfortunately only a
female plant was introduced, and no one had the good thought
to strive for the acquisition of a male plant, until Mr. Fortune
visited Japan in 1861. He sent it with other valuable acquisi-
tions to Mr. Standish, and it was thus noticed by our reporter
soon after its arrival in 1862 : —

" There is a plant — familiar even to those least versed in
plant-leaniing, which is to be seen in the smoky squares in
London, or breathing the clear air of the country ; dingy it
may be in the first case, and showing a fresh morning face in
the other ; which is to be found in every garden, and which
succeeds well in all, alike resisting cold and heat, wet and
di-j-nesB. This is the Aucuba japonica, or rather a variegated
variety of that plant, for that which has been so long known
under this name is merely one of many such varieties only now
brought to light.

Jnly 11, 1865. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

31

,.,", 1^0 tnio Aucuba japonica is not varioKated, but has bean- I briKhtest colour ; and when the female plants are imnreimated
tiful shimng greeu leaves, which, when young, are of the | it will possess an adcUtioual charm in being covered with its

Aucuba japonica.

iMge fed berries. It may safely he predicted of this new intro- 1 shrubbery, where it will be quite as valuable as the common
duetion, that in a few years it will be planted in every | Laurel, and, Uke it, will form admirable hedges. For plantiDg

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

t July 11, 1885.

near Loudon and other large towns it will prove invaluable, for
the leaves will not look dirty so soon as those of the blotched-
leaved sort.

" Sueli a shnib as this is alone an ample recompense for Mr.
Fortune's journey, being, as it undoubtedly is, one of the
greatest aequisitious among hardy shrubs that has been made
in our time.

" The male Aucuba, which is also in Mr.Standish's possession,
IS, as far as its general appearance is concerned, but little if at
all different from the female. Its gi-eat value lies in its pro-
ducing flowers, by means of -whieli the female plants may be
fertihsed and enabled to produce their beautiful berries. It is
veiy scarce even in Japan, where it is only pro])agated for
this pm-pose." We recommend purchasers of berried plants to
sow the berries, for the chance of having, among the plants so
raised, one that has male flowers. Those plants now bearing
berries will not, of coni-se, bear them next year, unless male
flowers are close by during the blooming season.

PORTKAITS OF PLANTS, FLOAVERS. AND
FRUITS.

FoDRCROYA LoxG.EVA (Long-enduring Fom-croya). Wat. ord.,
Amaryllidaeie. I, inn., Hexandria Monogj-nia. — " The stately
plant here represented is Fourcrm/a Ungava, one of the most
marvellous productions of the vegetable world. It belongs to
the family of .iman/Hitlaccte, and has the habit of a gigantic
Yucca, its stem being frequently 50 feet high, and its flcjwer-
spike 40 more ! It was origiu.al'ly discovered on Mount Tauga,
m Oaxaca, at an elevation of 10,000 feet above the level of the
sea. Mr. Skinner has also met with it on the high mountain-
ndges m the interior of Guatemala. Plants of the species exist
in our nurseries, but, contrary to expectation, it seems to suffer
severely from the cold and changes of our climate. With us
and in the Eegent's Park garden, the temperature of a common
greenhouse is sufficient for it ; but the largest of our plants in
cultivation are, of course, but pigmies in comparison with its
height on its native moimtains." — (Bot. Mail., t. 5.519.)

Deniihoeium senile frtlnte-hairedDen(lri)bium). Nat. ord.,
OrchidacejE. Linn., Gynaudria Monandria.— Native of Moul-
mem. Flowers yellow and long-lasting.— i/fc/J., (. nrjiO.)

^JLvEiANTHUS DiunnioNDiANus (Drummond's JIariauthus).
Nat. ouL, Pi-ttosporaeefe. Lirm., Penlandria Mouogj-nla. —
Native of AVesteru Australia. Flowered in May at Messrs.
Yeitch's. Flowers blue. — (Und., t. .5521.)

Deimia aetissima (Lofty Drimia). Nat. m-d., Asphodelea;.
Limi., Hexandria MonogMiia.— The finest of all the Drimias.
Native of Natal. Flowers green, anthers yellow on puriile
filaments.— (/;);•(?., t. .5522.)

PHAL.ESOPSIS LriJEEMANKiANA (Luddemanu's Phahenopsis).
Nat. ord.. Orchidaceic. Linn., Gj-uandria Mouandria.— Native
of the Philippine Islands. Introduced by Messrs. Hugh Low
and Co., Clapton. Flowers white barred transversely with Ulac
at the base, .ind cinnamon on the upper parts. — (Ihid., t. 5523.)

Primula cortcsoides i-ar. am<esa. — Introduced by Messrs.
Veitch from Japan. Flowers crimson with white eye. — (Floral
Mar/., pi. 249.) ^ ^

Andromeda tetragona.— Native of North America. Flowers
■white. Suitable for rockwork. — (Iliid., pi. 250.)

Anemone fulgens.— Imported by Messrs. Backhouse and
Sons from the mountains of Greece! The flowers quite single,
and intensely crimson. — (Ibid., pi. 251.)

Berbeeis stexophylla.— Hybrid between B. Da.i-winii and
B. empetrifolia. Eaised by Messrs. Fisher, Hohnes, & Co.,
Handsworth Nursery, near Sheffield.— (Zi,(/., pi. 252.)

PELAEGONinii. — John Hoyle : " We mentioned this flower as
bemg, at the time we wTote, the flower of the season, so far as
show Pelargoniums were concerned ; and such it proved to be.
None of the many fine sorts which made their appearance
during the blooming season came up to it either in quality Or
m beauty. We may now add that, for chstinctness and rich-
ness of colouring, and for all the properties desirable in a flower,
laone of the varieties of the present season wiU he foimd to
surpass if—(Flori>^t and Pojnologist, iv., 137.)

WORK FOR THE "W'EEK.

_ KliCHEN GARDEN.

The principal business here for the next three weeks must
be the introduction of the various winter and spring Greens,

and the thorough cleaning of the kitchen garden. Indeed,
those who do not or cannot make eai'uest war against all
weeds at this period must not look for abiuidant produce
through the autumn aud winter. Artichitkes, when the heads
are used the stems should be cut off close to the roots, clean
the stools of decayed leaves, and loosen the surface of the soil
about them with the hoe. Bi-ussels S2)routs, let every nook be
now filled with these and Green Kale, Savoys, Cabbages, and,
of course, with a due supply of Broccolis. The Wilcove, the
Somers', particularly Late White, the old Sulphur, aud Snow's
Winter should be got out immediately. The middle season,
as the Grange's Impregnated, the Protecting, the Walcheren,
and the Cauliflower must speedUy follow, aud these again
followed by the Capes and some more Cauliflowers on a warm
border for heading until Christmas. Celery, the beds should
be planted speedily, as fast as land comes to hand. If the
plants get gross when they are " pricked-out " they will run to
seed if the weather is sunny. Cucumbers, keep the linings of
the frames made up, so as to transmit a gentle warmth through
the bed ; for how ever warm the weather may be, this is neces-
sary to procure tine handsome fruit. Garlic and Shallots, as
soon as the tops begin to fade pull up the roots ; after allowing
them to remain on the ground a daj' or two to dr^', tie them
up in bunches, and hang them in a di-y place. Lettuce, another
sowing may be made in drills where the plants are to remain ;
a little of the Paris and Bath Cos may be sown at the same
time. Mu.fhroows, save and prepare horse-droppiugs for beds
to produce through the autumn and winter. Take care that
newly-made spawn-bricks are thoroughly dry before being stored
away. Spinach, sow a few rows to keep up a succession, thin
the preceding crop, and keep it watered in dry weather. Tvr-
uips, thin-out the last sowing to a foot or 15 inches apart, and
as the weather is now favourable the main autumn crop may
be sown. Where the Broccolis are planted between Peas a
uarrow sjiace should be dug for them if the ground is very
hard, the nst of it can be dug and the intermediate rows of
plants got in when the Peas are off. Do not forget a good
breadth of Leeks immediately, aud I may add, do not forget to
put plenty of manure to them.

FRUIT GAEDEN.

Proceed with nailing the young wood of wall trees, and see
that they are perfectly clear of insects, also stop any gross
shoot, aud endeavour to secure a fair supply of bearing wood
all over the tree. Gross shoots that were stopped early in the
season should be divested of all the laterals except one, or if
it can be spared, remove it altogether. Keep the breastwood on
Pear and other wall and espalier trees closely stopped in, and
attend to thinning the fruit where the crop is too heavy for the
streugth of the tree. Look to preparing Strawbeny rimners
for forcing next spring. Prepare ground for fresh plantations
by heavily manuring and trenching it, or if land cannot be
obtained at once, select the strongest runners aud plant them
on a shady border in rich soil, to be transplanted with balls
next mouth.

TLOWEK GARDEN.

Go over the beds frequently, and keep the young shoots of
Verbenas, &c., nicely regulated and pegged down imtil the
gi'OTind has got fairly covered, after which greater freedom of
growth may be permitted. On light drj' soils two or three
applications of weak manure water, given at inteiwals of a few
days, aud when the ground is moist, will greatly assist in
getting the beds covered without loss of time. See that Dahlias,
Hollyhocks, &c., are securely staked aud kept properly tied.
Eemove decayed flowers and seeds from Eoses, and give autumn-
flowering varieties plenty of manure water in order to keep
them in vigoroxis health and to secure plenty of blooming wood.
Such as are budded on the Dog Eose must be kept clear of
suckers. Budding may be proceeded with when the weather
is cloudy. Give plants infested with gi'een fly a liberal wash-
ing with the engine, or sj-riuge them with tobacco water. Mil-
dew sometimes becomes troublesome after this season ; it may,
however, be kept in check by applying sulphur to the parts
affected the moment it makes its appearance, first wetting
them with water, iu order that the siilphur may stick. Where
required proceed with propagating herbaceous plants, selecting
for the purpose the small shoots not furnished with bloom. A
north border is a suitable place to strike them, and a hand-
glass will facilitate their rooting quicldy. Pansies for autumn
blooming may be treated in the same way. Climbers generally
should be looked to. Eussian Violets may be separated, and
fresh plantations made. Tulips may now be taken up, allow
the skin and roots, after carefully removing the soil, to tgnnin,

July 11, 1865. 1

JOUBNAL OF HORTICULTUnE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

tlieae can be better talten off when the bulb is drj". Push
DaJilias on by watei-iug freely when the weatlier ia dry, also
assist them by mulching the gi-ound with decayed stable-ma-
nure ; take carp that the plants do not chalo where attached to
the bloomiiij^'-sticks. Trap earwigs and other destructive in-
sects. Miiw and roll grass. Trim edgings. Attend to the walks,
the weather at present encouraging the growth of weeds.

OKEENUOnSE AND CONSKUVATOnY.

During the time when the creepers are in an active state
make it u rule to go over them frequently, that they may
not grow confused. The same may be said of creepers in
pots which require attention, for the same reason, every few
days. Any shoots which have done fluwering to be cut back,
and a crowded gi-owth avoided. A number of hardwooded
plants which were cut back some weeks since will now have
recovered themselves and be commencing a fresh gi-owth.
This is the proper time to shift into larger pots any plants
requiring it. Carefully loosen the outside roots. After jiotting,
keep the plants close for a few days, and syringe them daily,
but avoid giving any more water to the roots than ia sullicient
to preserve the old ball moist. Stock for autumn and winter
flowering will now requii-e some care to get it sufficiently for-
ward to be useful at the proper time. Chinese Primulas, espe-
cially the double varieties, if at all backward, may now bo
placed in a close frame and shaded from the sun, when they
will bo found to m.ike satisfactory progress. Cinerarias for
early flowering should also be potted and started at once,
choosing the strongest suckers for the purpose, and placing
them in a close shaded frame until they have become rooted.

STOVE.

The stock here will now be growing rapidly, and must be
allowed sufficient space to permit the perfect development of
the foliage and the formation of compact handsome specimens.
The atmosphere of this house can hardly be kept too moist,
and the plants should be sprinlded overhead morning and
evening, and every available sui-face kept constantly moist.
Plants that arc known to suffer from the direct action of the
sun's rays should be placed in a shady part of the house, or
kept together at one end where they can be shaded without
interfering with plants that require plenty of light. If pre%dous
instructions have been properly attended to there will be little
to do to the Orchids, besides attending to the ordinai-y routine
of affording them a thoroughly moist atmosphere, repotting
any specimen that may require it, and sponging the foliage as
may be necessary to keep it perfectly clean.

COLD PITS.

The stock here will now be growing freely, and should be
examined frequently in order to see that all is right, for plants
growing rapidly speedily suffer from neglect in watering. —
W. Keane.

DOINGS OF THE LAST AMCEK.

The rain which we anticipated last week came, greatly en-
livening the appearance of vegetation wherever it fell, and fall-
ing more freely, we believe, in the southern and eastern counties
thiin with ub. As a general rule, however, what are gi-eat general
advantages to the many are often obtained at the expense of the
inconvenience and discomfort of the few. The weather pro-
phet was no fool who kept a weU-lincd pocket, and a successful
popularity, by assuring his dupes he could send them rain at
any time, whenever they were all agi-eed as to the propriety
of having it on a certain day. This agreement was never
realised — one wished dry weather for hay, another a fine day
for pleasm-e, another fair weather imtil he returned from a
journey, and so on ; and, from the want of unanimity in his
supjiorters, the prophet maintained his ascendancy and repu-
tatittn.

Few could deny the advantages of the downpour on the
30th ultimo, but thousands wished that it had been on some
other day than that set apart for a great out-of-door horticul-
tural fete, which had been eagerly looked forward to, especially
by the youth of both sexes. Of this we shall have something
to say, if we can find time and space. Meanwhile, it was
higlily gratLf,\-ing to find even so many braving the discomforts
of the deluging rains, and the long wet grass, to see the flowers,
and to listen to the strains of the best music. They must
have felt that " music has charms," even when given in a tent,
along with the heavy, discordant, pattering of the rain.

Gn Thursday, the 6th, we had a delightful rain, attended

with thunder, which is likely to lessen the great amount of
heat, which has lately been making labour very trying to some
of us, and attempting to take things a little easy more trying
still. We can feel sympathy for a man who is working shaqjly
in one of these broiling days, with l\w, thermometer close on
90° in the shade ; but wo can feci the sinccrest pity for the
man who crawls about at work, or otherwise, on such a day.
The active workman will get ease from perspiration, and the
breezes which his own active motions make ; whilst the lethargic
man will feel as it he were going to be choked up in his own
laziness and immobility.

KITCHEN OABDEN.
Proceeded with getting in winter crops of Savoys, Brussels
Sprouts, Scotch Kale, Broccoli, &c.. after the rains. Those
pricked-out were lifted with balls, and planted in trenches with
the spade. Those from seed-beds were planted with the
dibber. See directions for dibbling last season. Transplanted
Beetroot which has come badly, have a lot coming on under
protection, hardly large enough to transplant yet ; wiU so sow
and transplant in future, as even under nets the birds nip
them up as soon as the red seed-leaves appear. Sowed a few-
more Beans, Kidney Beans, in the open ah-, and a few Dwarf
Fan Beans to come in in October, if the weather is fine. We
often succeed better with good rows of early Beans, cutting
them over when pretty well gathered about 3 inches above
the ground, and the shoots that are thrown out from below
often fruit better than those sown in .June or the beginning of
.July. Sowed aimost the last Peas, as Dickson's Favourite and
Songster's No. 1. Will most likely sow some early dwarf kinds
about the middle of the mouth, in a warm sheltered border.
Will proceed with winter stuff, as soon as we clear Potatoes,
and early Peas. Watered the Peas in full bearing with sewage
water, and mulched with short grass and Utter. Mulching we
find a great advantage, even if we could water more than we
do. Sowed Carrots and Onions for thawing young, and planted
out Leeks, giving them some good stuff to grow in, as Leeks
when well cooked are a dish for a prince. They are also said
by some of our learned medical men to be as cooUng for the
system as Onions are generally heating.

FECIT DEPAETITEST.

Much the same as in previous weeks. Gathered Raspberries,
Strawberries, and Currants for' preserving. Have as yet been
unable to plant out the .spring-forced Strawberry plants, or to
do much in preparing for next year's forcing. After this rain,
will proceed with both operations. A little spider having
appeared in the Peach-house, smeared the pipes with siJphur
and put a brisk fire on for two or three hours, and then gave
air, as a continuance would have been apt to throw off the
ripening fruit before they w-ere perfectly matured, and much
sulphm- fumes in a close house with heat would tell upon the
flavour. There is so little spider, and so Utile chance of its
increasing much before the fniit is all gathered, that unless
care is used, it would be better to dispense with fire heat and
sulphur on the pipes when the fruit is so far advanced. In
answer to an inquiry we would here state that we know of no
better plan for sending Peaches long distances safely, than
to gather before they are over-ripe, and pack in boxes divided
into partitions of 3i inches square, wrapping each Peach in
stout silk paper, placing bran below it, and bran all round it
and above it — shaldng a little to keep all firm.

Vinery Bordvi-x. — We have only been able to remove ourthin
covering of tree leaves ; this season we wish it had been done
a fortnight ago to have gained the advantage of the strong sun
heat, in general, for early Grapes, and the roots outside, and
the border covered so as to keep heat in and frost out, even
if Uttle heat is thrown in, we think it safer and better every
way to remove the covering in the end of .June, instead of, as
is often advised, in the beginning and middle of May. If the
days are warm in the end of May the nights are generally
coid enough, and the soU parts with its heat so rapidly by
radiation as to cool the roots and check them if near the surface.
If cold weather should succeed this thunder, it would be good
policy to throw some litter or other protecting material over
the border, as soon as the sun left it.

Wliat we and others have said r.bout Vine-borders is all right
enough, and it is well to use such precautions for success ; but,
since we mentioned the fine Vines in Mr. Lane's orchard-house,
we have been told of some dozen of instances of great success
where no border-making had been resorted to, but the Vines
were planted at once in the natural soil. A gentleman, or an
amateur, may well do such a thing, and risk the consequences ;

3i

JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAKDENEB.

[ July 11, 1866.

but a gardener, whose liTing and character depend on success,
can scarcely risk such a primitive way of doing work. Not
seldom, however, have we seen a great hole made, by taking
away excellent soU, and the place filled up with a heterogeneous
mixture of road scrapings, pond mud, and all sorts of rubbish,
in which the Vines could not be made to flom'ish. If drj-ness
is secm-cd at the root by drainage, it would often be a rational
plan to let well alone. Young Vines are much more ofteu
ruined by excessive early cropping than by bad soil or un-
suitable borders. Of course the one influence will act and re-
act on the other. No Vines will flourish in stagnant moisture ;
and we were going to say that they will not flourish with their
roots deep ; but we have known eases of fine Grapes — not early,
but ripening well in July — where the bulk of the roots were
some 20 inches below the surface, with fine open soil about
15 inches below that. For extreme fertility it is better to have
them within a few inches of the surface.

OnSAMENTAL DEPAETMENT.

Here our work has chiefly been a repetition of that of last
week. We are glad we covered a good portion of the beds
with a little mulching of rotten dung before the rains came.
The most of the beds will now look after themselves, with but
little care except tying, regiilating, and pegging. We have
several times described om- wholesale way of doing the latter
with little sticks, or prunings, cracked in the middle, and then
both ends inserted in the ground, just as we might do with long
hairpins of the ladies. The lawns are now getting nice and
green, so as to give a good contrast to the flowers. We will,
however, use the mowing machine but lightly until the vigour
is regularly restored, as a brown lawn is a great disfigurement,
and only less trying to the gardener than a withered grass
field is to the farmer. From the heat and drought many grass
fields never helped to blunt the scythe this season. Proceeded
with potting all kinds of plants, and the cold pits now emptied
of bedding plants are capital places for new-potted things, as,
merely by the difference in air-giving and shading, we can make
every two or three lights into a hot-plant stove, a cool-plant
stove, a greenhouse, a wai-m pit, or a cold pit, at will.

Placinri Plants Out of Doors in Summer. — There are few
plants that are the better of this process. We adopt it with
Azaleas, Camellias, New Holland plants. Pelargoniums when
done blooming, &c., but just because we can find no room for
them under glass. With light houses, and abimdance of air,
or, rather, part of the glass removed, we have no doubt all
would be as well, or better, if kept under glass. When set out
temporarily there is always danger from storms, from soaking
rains, and the chance of leaiing them a night too long, or
taking them out too soon ; but the practice is general, and
we must make the most of it. The position should be sheltered,
but not too much shaded, and, provided the heads are inured
gradually to the sun, they will seldom suffer from all that this
country can give them. It is from the roots that injiu'y pro-
ceeds, especially when the roots are matted at the sides of the
pot, and the pot is exposed to the force of a powerful sun.
Plunging the pots, or surrounding them with some substance,
to break the force of the sun's raj's, is of great benefit to the
plants, besides securing economy in attendance and watering.
Plants Drawn from Shade. — We have had numerous com-
plaints that Geraniums, Fuchsias, &c., well grown, were, on
account of their being drawn — that is, lengthened out by
shade — thrown back in the prize Usts at some country exhi-
bitions. The gardeners say what is perfectly true, that it was
impossible to have them othei-wise in the only place they had
to grow them in — und.'r the shade of Vines, etc. Some have
asked if that circuiu ,tance should not be taken into considera-
tion by the judges in awarding the prizes. We do not see how
that could be well done, unless all who grew in similar cir-
cmustances were to compete with each other. As a rule,
judges never trouble themselves as to how the articles are pro-
duced ; their work, for the time, is to single out what they
consider the best — a not-very-easy task frequently — and, in the
matter of plants, other things being equal, they will give the
preference to stiff stubby plants over those that are weak and
drawn. We quite sympathise with one gardener, who says his
master is dissatisfied that his plants, di'awn from shade, do
not take the first place, because the disadvantageous position
ought to be taken into account. It would be better every way
not to grow such plants for exhibition in such a place at all.
The gardener should explain the matter courteously to his em-
ployer, and either give over showing against more favoured
competitors, or obtain from his employer equal facilities for

growing them well. Even then every one cannot take the first
place ; and there are many instances of fine culture that do
not appear in the prize list. As our opinion is asked, we do
not hesitate to say that, though the samples of plant culture
turned out of fruit-houses are often wonderfully good, such
plants as Pelargoniums, Fuchsias, &c., where much depends on
the compactness of the plants and the richness of the colour,
can never be made to equal those grown in light open houses,
where the plants are the chief or only thing to bo attended to.
One amateur, who year after year failed with Geraniiims from
this cause, has taken to grow Ferns and Mosses with great
success, and here, in his own neighbourhood, stands pretty
well alone. Is not this much better than vainly striving to
beat or equal a neighbour with so many advantages over him-
self ? The gardener who competes will act wisely if he show
what his circumstances wQl enable him to give every justice to.
In the show alluded to we saw some wonderful Pelargoniums,
to which we will refer at a future time, and we were informed
that these plants did not even stand on a stage or a shelf, but
that every plant had a pedestal for itself, with plenty of room
all round it, and the light striking every part without obstruc-
tion. We also noticed some Pelargoniums and Petunias un-
rivalled for the brilliancy of their colouring ; and we ascertained
that they came from a gentleman who has taken out a patent
or patents for glass-house building. We had the privilege of
examining the houses and manufactory, and wiU give a short
description ere long. Meantime, if the matter of expense at
first can be properly got over, there can be no question of the
great improvements. The houses are entirely of iron and
glass, the iron either enamelled or galvanised, so as to dispense
with painting — at least it wiU seldom need to be resorted to.
Large squares of glass are used — no rebates, no laps, no putty,
no bother ; but the house can soon be put up, and soon taken
down, and the squares packed again in crates ; and yet so
securely is the glass fixed that no wind or change of weather
will cause it to move or rattle, and so loosely that there can be
no breakage from expansion, as we some time ago mentioned
took jjlace here, when glass was put edge to edge without
a lap. Except the small bars that are used to keep the glass
down, the whole surface is a plane of glass, and, though the
squares are joined to each other in the same plane, without
lap or anything between them, there is no di'ip. Of course
ventilation is duly secured. — E. F.

COVT^NT GARDEN MARKET— Joly 8.

The late refresliiiig rains have improved both the quantity and qnality
of the supplies to our market, which comprise ali the articles usually to
he had at this season. Among the foreign imports are Green Gage and
from France, and Pine Apples from the West

other Plums,
Indies.

Apricots

Apples i sieve

Apricots doz.

Cherries lb.

Chestnuts bush.

Currants, Red i sieve

Black do.

FiRs doz. 8

Filberts 100 lbs.

Cobs do. 50

Gooseberries. . ^ sieve 2
Grapes, Hambro.. . lb. 3

Muscats lb. 5

Lemons 100 5

d. s,
0to2
4 3

FRDIT.
. d

8. d. s. d

2 0to6

Melons each

Mulberries. . . . punnet

Nectarines doz. 10 15

Oranges 100 10 20

Peaches doz. 15 24

Pears (kitchen). . doz.

dessert doz.

Pine Apples lb. 4 8

Plums ^ sieve

Quinces | sieve

Raspberries lb. 6

Strawberries lb. 6 2

Wahiuts bush U 20

Artichokes each

Asparagus bundle

Beans Broad. . A sieve

Kidney ". . 100

Beet, Red doz.

Broccoli bundle

Brus. Sprouts. .A sieve

Cabbage doz.

Capsicums 100

Carrots bunch

Cauliflower doz.

Celery bundle

Cucumbers each

pickling .... doz.

Endive scorce

Fennel bunch

Garlic and Shallots, lb.

Herbs bunch

Horseradish . . bundle

s. d. s
4toO
5 8

VEGETABLES,
d

Leeks bunch

Lettuce .... per score
Mushrooms.... pottle
Mustd. & Cress,punnet
Onions bushel

pickling .. . .quart

Parsley ^ sieve

Parsnips doz.

Peas quart

Potatoes bushel

New. .per doz. lbs.
Radishes doz. bunches

Rhubarb bundle

Savoys doz.

Sea-kale basket

Spinach bushel

Tomatoes doz.

Turnips bunch

Vegetable Morrows ds.

d. s. d

8 too 6

9 1

July 11, 1865. J

JOURNAL OF HOBTICUIiTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

85

TllADK CATALOGUE IIECEI\T?:D.

William Dillistone, Munro Nursery, Sible Hediugham, Essex.

— Cataloiftw of Chvice Neiv Plants of 18G5.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

••* We request that no one will write privuti-ly to the dojiart-
niental writers of tlie "Jdurnal of liorticulturo, Cottage
Garilener, and Country (it-ntleinan." By so doing they
are subjected to vinjustitiablo trouble and expense. All
communiciitions should therefore be addressed snlebj to
The Editors of the Journal of Horticulture, <t'c., 171, Fleet
Street, London, K.C.

We also request that corresjiondents ^ill not mix up on the
Bame sheet questions relating to Gardening and those on
Poultry and Bee subjects, if they expect to get them an-
swered promptly and conveniently, but write them on
separate communications. Also never to send more than
two or three questions at once.
N.B. — Many questions must remain unanswered imtil next
week.

Gramber Sldpr (South Norwood). —Yon had better not npply these to
your CurmiilitT i)Iiiut.s. It is of too uucertain a ciiiiipi'sitiini to be em-
l>hiy(il liy any txcfpt practical men. Youraayapply the slup-^ (ut'abbages,
Rhubarb, Scu-kale, and AspuraKus i\-ithout fear of iujuriu^' thum.

Ro^E Cuttings in Cold Fkame (J5.). — They are best put in singly in
small, two-and-a-half or three-ineh, pots, in light sandy Inam, plunj^ing
them in anhes, sslmttiufT up close, and shading fnnn bright sun, never
opening the frame fur the first six weeks, except to sjirinkle them with
water every morning during bright weather. In Septi-iiiber admit air by
tilting the lights at back, and during the winter protect from severe
frost, admitting air in mild weather. The cuttings should be from wood
of the cmTcnt year, and are best taken just after the bloom is past.
They should have three joints, one being inserted in the soil, and the
others left with their leaves entire.

Pansies and Pinks Propagating (Afjues). — Your plan is the right one.
Keep close and shaded for a fortnight or so, or until the cuttings begin to
frrow, showing i)laiuly they have struck root ; then admit air and sun by
degiees. gi'adually inuring them to full light and plenty of air. They
like plenty of air after they have struck root, and that they usually do in
a fortnight to three weeks or a month, during which interval they require
no air. Shade from strong light and sun, and sprinkle with water now
and then, to keep the air and soil sufficiently moist, hut not wet or
saturated. We have no knowledge of covering the cuttings with a box
for weeks during the day, taking it off at night only. We have long ago
struck them by the hundred in a shady border, covering with mats during
the day, and only then during sunshine or hot dry weather, from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.ii. Wo think the covering with boxes is simply a modification of
this — shade from sun, and protection from drought. We do not know of
any difference in the Xosegay from other Geraniums, except in the
petals, they having three broad and pointed and two narrow and toothed ;
but Nosegays are now so crossed with others of the Zonale section as to
have lost much of theii- oi'iginal character. Nosegay Stella is one of the
best bedding Geraniums. We have more than twenty kinds bedded out,
and it surpasses all the others in colour. It is decidedly worth having;
and, though Mr. Beaton, its raiser, thought little of it, it rivals all others
that we have tried in the profusion and continuance of its bloom. The
old Monthly Rose will gi'ow freely in warm situations, but is usually cut
down to the ground by frost in open exposed phices. Cut out the old
wood, and manure like other Roses. Prune in March. We have beds
of them, which are cut to the ground ever>' year. They are now, and all
summer, masses of bloom.

Seedling Pelargoniums (A. It. 3f 'Gruirc ).— Your seedling Pelargoniums
are of no use ; they did not arrive in a condition for judgment ; the hot
weather had caused the petals to fall. They may bo pretty varieties, but
not of first-rate quality.

Plant Boxeh pou Window Sills {F. A. Forhen). — Hayinan is the namo
of tho maker, hut wu do nut know his dlruutiuu. He should advertise
them, lor thoy aru of very good design.

Figs kallinii (-1. li., Wallinpton).~Doca your Fig troo havo plenty of
light? Want of light is a fruitful source of failure. If yonr troo has
enough of light, and pluuty of air, wu can attribute the mischance either
to dryness at the extrismo roots, stagnant water there, or too groat luxu-
riance. If very luxuriant try a little ringing now. Wo havo had tho
points suffer in dull weather from defluiency of air.

IjILIum AUUATiiM CULTURE {O. S.V— SouLul loaui and a Uttlo peat and
leaf mould suit till these Lilies. Wo would givo little water after the
leaves decay, but we would keep the roots active by just kcoi)ing them
moist. If you set the pot on a moist floor, and cover the top with '.1 or
U inches of moss that will do. The moss if the pot was set on the ground
would save all yoiu* Lilies in tho orchard-house.

Cactus Pkoi'Agating {T. Har7ics).—ln the short article on the Cactus
to which you refer, Mr. Fish forgot to state that it was an answer to a
correspondent, and, therefore, no more was alluded to than merely met
his case. He would feel a pleasure in helping you to increase your stock,
and he would do this better if hf knew what kind you have. Most of tho
singular Echiuocacti and M;umiiill;iria, &c., are increased by division, and
taking off suckers, and little tul)erculed offsets. We suspect, however,
that yours is one of the Epiphyllum or Coreus breed, as these are what are
niDst generally grown in house windows, and the easiest and best way to
increase them is to take off a piece or pieces as cuttings, and place the
cut end among rough gravel and a little leaf mould, damping the inixtnro
a little occasionally. All of these Itinds will soon root under this treat-
ment, and then you may pot and gi-ow on. This is a more certain and
easy way than putting the cutting in a pot. We are glad you took so many
prizes at the flower show out of your spare rot)m, and regret you have no
kitchen garden to take your Calceolarias and Cinerarias to to give them
rest. When cut down they would do in tho back part of tho room, and
might remain there until thev made fresh shoots and suckers, and needed
potting. Thev would do better, however, out of doors, and any shady
place by the side of the house or the yard, would suit them as well as tho
kitchen garden. A common little yard can hold very many things ia
the rest period, as vou term it. If even such advantages are denied you,
and Tou object to having such faded plants in your room, we would advise
you to depend on a pinch of good seed instead of the old plants. The old
plants would give something more certain. If such plants are put in the
yard, though they would do well enough in the pots, they would do better
if those pots were plunged in ashes. As soon as the suckers were big
enough divide and pot into small pots, and then into larger, and get them
into the room before frost comes.

Wintering Bedding Plants (.4 Reir. Subacriber).~'In your lean-to
house 16 feet long and 9 feet wide, you may keep a great many things.
The best aiTangement would be to have a walk in the middle, and a plat-
form on each side, and then beneath the platform you can keep many
things in winter that do not need much light. To make sure in such a
house you would need from 43 to 60 feet of three-inch piping for the hot
water.

Ailanthus glandolosa (A. R.). — lt is not unusual for this tree to
flower in England. It has ripened its fruit here, which is like that of the
Ash, but much smaller.

Various (E. J.).— Dactylis glomerata variegata is a hardy perennial
grass, and may be propagated bv division. Roinekia iSanseviera) carnea
is a hardv bulb, if gi-own in well-drained light soil, with a little protection
over the' bulbs in winter. Of the daisy-knife, mentioned by Mr. Fish,
there is a drawing in our Nc, 113, which you can have by post, if yoa
enclose four postage-stamps with your direction.

Arranging Gardens, *tc. {J. D.,Bri8toli.—lt you write to Mr. Chapman,
Hermitage Road, Richmond, Suney, he will furnish you with the
information you need.

Names of Plants (.( Kent Subscnhcr).— It is quite impossible for us to
spare the time which would be required to determine the names of the
trees from which your bundle of leaves was taken. Two or three speci-
mens of plants in flower we readily name. Your Grape appears to l>e
Marchioness of Hastings, but it is so unripe we cannot say confidently.
iA Subscriber, Wigan).—Wo cannot name tho scrap sent. The trueBread-
fruit tree is not a Musa, but Artocarpus incisa. {A Younrister).—!, Gaul-
theria shaUon ; 2, Calceolaria (dried upj ; 3, Galega officinalis alba ; Spira;a
salicifolia.

METEOROLOGICAI, OBSERVATIONS in the Suburbs of London for the Week ending July Sth.

San. . .
Mon.. .
Tnes. .
Wed. .
Thurs.
Fri. ..
Sat. ..

Mean..

BAROMETER.

Max. Sim,

30.0.52
30.073
29.969
80.016
29.940
29.781
29.893

29.960

80.007
30.000
29.942
80.011
29.700
29.687
29.761

THERMOMETER.

Max. Mm.

81
84
81
84
73
74

29.872 79.57 60.57

41
54

68
69
64
50

1 ft. dp. 2 n. dp.

61

64i
66
66
65

63.93

60

60J

61

62

6S

6SJ

63

S.W.
S.W.

S.

S.

s.

s.

S.W.

Rain in
inches.

.00
.00
.00
.00
.48
.01
.00

0.49

General Remabk3.

Vei-y fine ; hot and dry ; cool at nifiht. [ wy fl°e.

Veryiine; some low white clouds in clear blue sky; hot and dry;
Very fine ; hot and dry, with brisht sun ; cloudy ; fine at night.
Light clouds and fine ; exceedingly fine throui;hnut ; rain at night.
Very fine, nith slight haze; overcast and very hot; heavy ram at
Fine, with low white clouds ; fine throughout. ,^"!^'?;"

Slight shower ; dusky white clouds ; boisterous ; very fine at night.

POULTRY, BEE, and HOUSEHOLD CHRONICLE.

PETERBOROUGH EXHIBITION OF POULTRY
AND PIGEONS.

No donbt the Show held on Wednesday and Tharsdaj' last at Peter-
borough was quite equal to auy of those of former years held in oou-

uection with this agricultural Society. The proposed arrangements of
the managing Committee, had they been fulfilled, would ccrtamly have
proved as near perfection as possible ; but, on the contrarj-, the neglect
of the contractors well nigh upset the exhibition altogether. So far as
we could glean the circumstances, by inquiries made on the spot, it
appears that the well-lmown exhibition pens of Messrs. Tunier, of
Sheffield, were engaged a month prior to the time of holding the show,
and it is but justice to state that so far as that firm was concerned

36

JOURNAL 05" HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

[ July 11, 1855.

all the pens were ready on the gronnd folly forty-eight hours prior to
the time of wanting tbem. Another local contract entered into by
the Peterborongh Committee, was for a sufficient snpply of timber to
form a basement for the pens to stand npon. and also for the sapport
of an awning, to provide against the vieissitndes of weather during the
time the Show remained open to public in5pection. In this depart-
ment of the contracts it was that the shortcoming arose, to the pre-
vention of going on with the erection of the pens, and thus entailing
an amount of dUScuItj few persons inexperienced in such matters
would accredit. For this no excuse can be deemed sufficient, as the
contract had been signed fully a month previously, and we will, as
briefly as possible, give the results consequent on its non-fulfilment.
The Committee had to pay away ten carpenters, actually " waiting
(from time to timel for the timbers." Comparatively a very few of
the pens were erected at the time of opening the Show to the public ;
and even the whole of them were not finished at 3.0 p.m. of the tirst
day. Besides the annoyance to all parties concerned, the absolute
loss to the Peterborough Committee must have been considerable ; and
numbers of the exhibitors, who had been waiting in the broiling sun
for hours to pen tht-ir poultry, were by no means particular in the
expression of their individual opinions on the subject, ^e would
here suggest to all committees the absolutely imperative necessity, in
3Qch contracts, to insert a clause entailing a heavy fine in all cases of
non-completion. It would be justice to all parties concerned, and
would more surely enforce promptitude and compliance than the united
remonstrances of a committee, though persisted in for hours. Luckily
the weather was favourable during the time the pens remained un-
finished, and, consequently, as the poultry in the meantime were care-
fuBy and sufficiently supplied with food and water in their travelling
packages, we hope no injury may arise to any of them.

The Grey DorhnffS were classes of considerable merit, though the
majority of the birds exhibited were suffering materially in appearance
from being now in the midst of their annual moult. We exceedingly
regretted that decidedly two of the best pens shown of this valuable
breed, were disqualified altogether from the fact of the birds being
marked with tape sown round the legs. It leaves no alternative to a
Judge but to djsquali^. and two first prizes were lost entirelv from
this cause only. for. as the Judge stated at the time, "the marked
birds were infinitely superior to the winning ones." Some very good
Spanish fowls were exhibited, but the number of entries was few.. The
Gam^ classes were very good, and the class for Cochins was also
praiseworthy. We had almost supposed the day far gone, however,
when any exhibitor would have hoped to gain prizes bv sending a
Buff Cochin cock mated to a pair of excellent dark Partridge-coloured
hens in the same pen, yet such was the case at Peterborough. The
show of Hambttrfjhs was a poor one, though an open class to all
varieties. The Golden -spangled were the best, and Silver-pencilled
next in order of merit. Some very excellently feathered Silver- spangled
Ham burghs were also shown, but the hens possessed combs as pen-
dant as Spanish fowls — a defect rendering success an impossibility.
The class for Any other distinct breed was very good, and the com-
mendations numerous.

In Geese and Dufl.s, both Aylesbury and Ronens, and again in
Turket/s, Mr. Fowler, of Aylesbury, fairly ran away w^ith the
premiums, with birds such as would support the credit of even that
gentleman's far-famed selection at any show, whilst many of the
agricultural visitors at Peterborough seemed scarcely able to believe
the evidence of eyesight, that they could be bred to such perfection.

The Fifjeans were not numerous, being shown in pens of three
Tarieties, for a sweepstakes only — a plan but ill-calculated to promote a
^irited competition.

Notwithstanding the " disheartening " effect on the Committee of the
pens not being ready until so long after the time of public admission,
those gentlemen struggled diligently when the time came that they
could pen the poultry, but we fear as so many exhibitors were then
Euddenly called into requisition as assistants, at the last moment,
mistakes in penning may have arisen, particularly as several pens
■were *' disqualified " as being wrongly entered.

DoBKEJGS (Cock and Two Hen's). — First. T. Tatham, Kingsthorpe.
Second, R- Wood, Clapton. Thrapstone. Third. J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury.
Fourth, T. Rushin, Ravensthorpe. Highly Commended. R. Wood ; T.
Tatham ; J. Archer, Heminglord, St. Ives. Commended, J. K. Fowler.
(Two Hens). — First, J.Jjongland. Grendon. Second, J. K. Fowler. Ayles-
bury, Bucks. Highly Commended. T. Tatham. Kingsthorpe Norths ; T.
Bnsbin. Ravensthorpe. Norths : T. Hardy. Postland. ChickeTis (Cock and
Two Pullet.-; I. — ^First, T. Tatham, Kingsthorpe. Second, R. Wood, Clapton.
Third, J. K. Fowler, Aylesbury. BisquaUfied. Marchioness of Exeter,
Sorghlev House, Stamford. iTwo Pullets). — First. J. Longland, Grendon.
Second,' T. Hardy, Postland. Highly Commended, J. K. Fowler. Dis-
qualified, Marchioness of Exeter, Burghley House, Stamford.

SPA^'ISH (Cock and Two Hens). — First. J. Biggar. Northampton. Second,
C. Wright, Northampton. Third. J. W. Smith. Oundle. Commended,
X-Y. Z., Peterborough. (Two Hens). — First, J. Biggar, Northampton.
Second, C. Wright. North:^mpton. Highly Commended, J. W, Smith,
Oundle. Chickicns iCockand Two Pullets). — First, J. Biggar, Northampton.
Secmtd, C. Wright. Northampton.

Gake (Cock and Two Hens). — First, J. N. Beasley, Chapel Brampton.
Second and Third, H. Siiield, Northampton. Highly Commended, J. H.
Smith, Horton. Commended. S. Deacon, Polebrook HalL Oundle ; Capt.
T. Wetherall, Loddington. Kettering.

Cochts'-China (Cock and Two Hens). — First, T. Tatham, Kinj^thorpe.
Second, J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Bucks. Third, Marchioness of Exeter,
Bncphley House, Stamford. Highly Commended, Capt. T. Wetherall,
Joddington. Kettering. Commended, Rev. R. Montgomery, Holcot Rectory ;

T. Tatham. Kingsthorpe. CkteJcetK fCock nnd Two Pullets).— First, Rev.
L. H. Gandy, Stanwick Rectorv. Second. T. Hardv. Postland.

Hambcrhs (any variety).— First. T. C. Matmsell. Thorpe Malsor. Ketter-
ing (Golden-spantrledl; Second. T. Dance, Peterborouffh. Commended,
J. Barber. Millfield, Peterborough.

Ant other i>isTr>-CT breed (Cock and Two Hens).— Fii-st. Capt. T.
Wetherall. Loddington, Kettering. (Black-breasted Red Game Bantams);
Second. .\. Storar. Peterborough (Duekwinc Game Bantams |. Third.
Rev. R. Montgomery. Holcot Rectory (White Japanes Silk Fowls). Highlv
Commended. Capt. T. Wetherall. Loddintrton. Ket*ering (Black-breasted
Red Game Brintamsi; H. B. Spurgin. Northampton (Brahma Pootra) ;
J. Hill, Oundle iBr.ihma Pootra). Commended. Rev. R. Montgomery,
Holcot Eecton-: H. Sbefld. Northampton (Blnek-breasted Red Game);
E. Fullord, Abbey Farm. Crowland (Silver Polandsc H. B. Sptirgin,
Northampton (Black Bantams); J. K. Fowler. Prebendal Farm, Aylesbury;
(Brahmas) : J. Lound. Peterborough; (Black-breasted Red Game).

SINGLE COCKS.

Spantsh.— First, J. Biggar, Northampton. Second, C. Wright, North-
ampton.

GA3IE.— First and Commended, H. Sheild, Northampton. Second and
Third. J. H. Smith, Horton.

DoR£iXG.— Fir-rt, R. Wood, Clapton. Second. T. T.itham. Kingsthorpe.
Third, J. Longland. Grendon. Highly Commended, The Ladies Went-
worth Fitzwilliam, Harrowden House. Commended, J. Longland. Grendon.

Geese.— First. J. K. Fowler, Aylesburv. Second, W. Hettev, Orton,
LongueviUe. Peterboroueh.

DccKS f.\ylesbnry). — First and Second, J. K. Fowler, Prebendal Farm,
.\ylesbury. Highly Commended. The Marquis of Huntley, Orton, Peter-
borough. Commended, J. Craig. Fotherinshay.

DrcES (Rouen I. —First. J. K. Fowler. Aylesbury. Second, The Marquis
of Huntley. Orton, Peterboroueh.

DccKS (Any other variety f.— First, J. Beasoley. Bramnton, Northrmpton
(Buenos Ayreani; Second. S. Shaw. Peterborou(;h (Muscoviesi. Highly
Commended. S. De'.con. Polebrook Hall. OnndTe rEast Indian).

Turkeys (Cock and Two Hens).— First. J. K. Fowler, .■\vleshnrv. Second,
J. Beasley. Brampton, Northampton. Highly Commended. W. Brown,
Thomey. Conmiended. E. Fullard, Abbey Farm. Crowland.

Pigeons. — Prize, T. Adiims, Northampton i Carriers, Tumblers. Bald-
heads. Highly Commended, A. Patson. Peterborough (Red Mottled
Tumblers) ; A. Storar, Peterborongh (Dun Carriers. Croppers Magpies).

Mr. Edward Hewitt, of Eden Cottage, Sparkbrook, Birmingham,
ofBciated as Arbitrator.

SXAITH (YORKSHIKE) POULTRY SHOW.

{From a Correspondents)

Ofr annual meeting for the exhibition of poultry, &c., was held
this day, July 6th, and was one of the most successful hitherto held ;
the several pens contained some really superior birds, and there was
an increase in the number of entries. The cock and hen Game fowls
shown by Mr. F. Sales were universally admired for their symmetry
and colours.

The following are the several awards made bv J. Klchardson, Esq.,
Thome :—

Best Cock ast> He:^ nr the Show, a Silver Cup. 'First, F. Saleff,

Crowle. Second. C. Brierley. Roads House. Middleton.

Best Gaste Cock, a Silveb Cup. — First. E. Aykroyd, Bradford.
Second, F. Sales. Crowle.

Golden- Pheasant. —First, Messrs. R. & C. Burch & Bolton, Sheffield.
Se'-^nd. R. Tate. Leeds. Third, H. C. G. Holmes, Driffield.

SitvER Pheasants. — First. J. B. Hepworth, Bears Wood Green. Second,
Miss Caw^ome.

Spanish. — First, — Robson, Brotherton, Second. J. Mann, Howden.

Game. — First. F. Sales. Crowle. Second, G. Morley. Barlow.

Dorking. — First, Lord Hawke, Wormersley Park. Second, A. Young,
Driffield.

HAirBUBGH (Silver-pencilled). — ^First, G. Holmes, Driffield. Seccoid,
— Halliwell, Sheffield.

HAiTBURGH (Golden -pencilled). — ^First. O. A. Young, Driffield. Second,
Messrs. Burch & Bolton, Sheffield.

Cochin-China. — First, R. J. Wood, Browscalc Hall. Second, H.Merkin,
Driffield.

Bantams.— First. R. Tate, Leeds. Second, W. Brierly, Roads House,
Middleton. (A severe contest.)

Ant Breed. — First, W. Brierlev. Roads House, Middleton. Second, A.
Young, Driffield.

PJPON AND CLARO POULTRY SHOW.

{F\-om a Correspottdent,)

The fifth annual Show, in connection with this Society, took placd
on the 4th inst., in a field at Bishopton. The entries were not quite
so numerous as those of the preceding year, owing, probably, to the
prizes being reduced in value ; but the birds exhibited were equal to,
if not better than, those shown on anv former occasion, and the com-
petition very close in some of the classes. In the Gfwie there were
manv entries, hut manv of the birds were very inferior. Of Spanish
both first and second were very loose in feather. Dorkittfts were very
poor. Cochins, shown by Mr, Joseph "Walker, of Hay-a-Park, were
verv good. The show of Hamhttrffhs was good, especially the Spangled
birds ; Mr. Walker held his usual place in Silvers. BnTttams we
expected to see muster in good force. There was a very good show of
Pigeons.

Game.— First, T. Hen^, Bedale. Second. W. Elliott, Thirsk.

Spanish. — First, W.Jud3on,Ripon. Second, Bown and Greenwood, Har*
rowgate.

July n, 1865. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G.UIDENER.

37

DonKlVB.— PriM, .1. Bell, Thorntonle-Moor. , „ ,. ,„ . , ,

PoLiND.— First, BowTiand Greonwood. Second, J. Diilton, Sleiungtoru

OncHix-C«raA.— First, Bown and Greenwood. Second, J. Walker, Hay-

""GoL^SJSiAKoLED.-Fixst, J. Walker. Second, J. B. Topham, Borough-

SiLVEK-srAXoi.ED.— First, J. Walker. Seeond, T. Heim'h.
Gou>EN-PENCii.LED.-Fir9t, G. Cr.ver, Hartirith, Ripley. Seooud, Bon u

and Greenwood. ^ „• .. , ti.

Golden-laced Bastam.— Prize, G. Nicholson, Shiirow.
Gaub Bantam.— Prize, Bown and Greenwood.
Airr OTHER VAMETV OP BAXTAil.— First, Bown and Greenwood, bocona.

Turkeys.— First, J. Greaves, Clothcrhobne. Second, S. Gothorp, Xun-

Geese.— First. .T. Hatlersley. .\bel GranRc, Thirsk. Second, S. Gothorp.

DCCKS (.4ylcshnr>).— Prize.'ll. Walker, South Stainley.

DccKS (Koueu).— Prize, .T. Greaves.

Ducks (.'Iny breed or cross).— Prize, T. Renton, Ox Close House, Bipon.

PIOEOSS.— rnrri.is (of any colonr).— Prize, J. Hattcrsley. Ttmhiers
(Almondl.— Priac, R. Gmv, Eorobridae. TumbhrH ( Any other variety ).—
Mrst R. Gray. Second, T. H,immond, North Stainley. Pou-(fr,<.— Prize,
J. Hntterslev. JacoLiiw.- First, .J. Hattcrsley. Second, G. Petty Boro-
bridKc. Fa'ntaiU.— first and Second, J. Hattcrsley. Oirh and TmmpeJers.
—Prize, J. Hatterslev. Barl«.— First and Second. U. Gray. TurbtU.—
First and Second, J. Hatterslcv. Ih-o.oooas.- First, .1. H:ittersley. Sccoml
G Petty. Bai.i« 01- B.-ariJi.-First, T. Hammond, Second, J. W. Wood
Ripon. Anil new or distinH variety.— Sin^, J. Hatlersley. Second, J,
Malthouse, lUpon.

IT.UJAN MODE OF FATTENING ORTOLANS.

Sir Hugh Lyos Playfair, in his lectures ou the application
of physiologT to the rearing of cattle, gives a very remarkable
illnstration of the influence of rapid alternations of light and
darkness, without reference to the diurnal revolutions of the
earth, in inducing sleep and inclination for food, in the Italian
mode of rapidly fattening Ortolans. '■ .\t a certain hour in the
morning the keeper of the birds places a lantern in the orifice
of the wall, made for the special purjiose of dai-kening and
illuminating the room. The dim light thrown by the lantern
on the floor of the apartment induces the Ortolans to believe
that the stm is about to rise, and they awake and greedOy
consume the food upon the floor. The lantern is witbth-awn,
and the succeeding darkness acting as an actual night, the
Ortolans fall asleep. During sleep, little of the food being
expended in the production of force, most of it goes to the
formation of flesh and fat. After the birds have been allowed
to repose for one or two hours to can-y on digestion and
assimilation, the keeper again exhibits the lantern through
the aperture. The mimic daylight awakes the birds again ;
again they rise and feed; again darlmess ensues, and again
they sleep. The representatlTe snnshine is made to shed its
rays foiu' or five times every day, and as many nights follow its
transitoi-y beams. The Ortolans thus treated become like
balls of fat in a few days."

[It is not improbable that chickens and other poultry might
be similarly deluded into frequent voluntary feeding when put
np for fattening. If they conld be so induced to feed, it would
be far better than cramming, so often and cruelly adopted.
—Eds.]

THE STORIFYING SYSTEISI.

Your esteemed correspondent " J. E. B." asks me in No.213.
to detail my mode of procedure with storitied luTes, and I
append the following remarks in the hope they may prove alike
useful to him and the brotherhood generally.

First, then, as to hives. From a lengthened ex])erience of
square and octagon hives kept side by side, I have no hesita-
tion in giving a decided preference to the latter. I invariably
find, should hives be at all weakly in spring, that the bees
congregate in one side of square hives, gradually but slowly
extending as they increase in strength to the otier ; wliile in
octagon hives they stick to the centre, increase in numbers, and
■go ahead much more rapidly — easily accounted for by the
better concentration of heat in the octagon form. At the same
time I by no means disparage square hives for other purposes ;
lliese during the working season retain no insignificant place in
my apiary, and, from the greater number of frames they contain,
possess advantages to the scientific apiarian clearly apparent ;
still I seldom employ them as storifiers, e5Lcept when I mn
short of an octagon box, and for which rea-son I take care to
bave both sorts of uniform width — viz., 1-4 inches, and, that I
may transfer a frame or bar handily from one to the other,
have them also of the uniform depth of 7 inches.

The usual depth of Stewarton hives is 6 inches. Tlie enlarged
size I find advantageous, enabling me to employ them singly
for second swarms, or for beat-out bees at the end of the season.
Tliey also afford space for a larger window for observation,
;") inches from top to bottom, -1 inches across ; the glass is let in
from the inner side of the box, bedded in putty or sunk to the
flush, secured in addition with a few small sprigs ; the outside
edge of the cut is bevelled off in imitation of putty externally. I
adopted this plan of fixing wmdows, from finding frames catch
on the edge of the cut when letting Jowti into the hive, and also
combs, when frames were not employed, being carried out into
the window space, and of course broken when the bar was raised.
Each hive contains eight bars with the usual 7-lGths slides, the
six central bars are IJ, and the two end ones 14 inch broad-
The four central bars carry frames ; all are kept in their place
by means of half-inch brass screws ; the entrance full width to
dovetails, half inch deep, with the usual moveable door.

So much for the hives, now for their management. Two of
the deep or breeiling-boxes are fii-mly tied together with cord
attached to the little weighing-hooks, the slides withdrawn
from the lower, and the little pegs inserted ; then hive the
earliest and lar-gest prime swann to be had ; so soon as the two
boxes are filled, nadir with a third breeding box. A swarm so
treated in the north is not expected generally to yield any
honey harvest the first season, it being more important to the
storiiier for the following season's procedure if pos.sible to get
the lower box combed. From the greater earliness of swarms
and richer pastm-age of the south, glasses or, a small super
might possibly be taken in addition.

To ensure honey the first season here, the following plan is
almost invariably adopted. Eight or ten days after the first
swarm is hived in the boxes as above mentioned, a second good
prime swarm is secured in a single breeding-box, and set down
close to the other. At dusk the same evening the swann in the
two boxes is raised, and the new swarm in its box placed under
the slides of the lower, which are then drawn, and the morning
reveals a peaceful tmion, with the lower box empty, which had
better be at once removed, and a super placed on above for
access thereto, drawing only one sHde on either side, the outer-
most of course. The pressure of the combined force has
generaly the effect of compelling a detachment to be told off
to take possession of the super. So soon as comb can be seen
therein through the windows, the third or lowest breeding-box,
formerlv withdrawn, is now reinstated ; as the snper gets well
fiUed, place a second empty one above the first, at the same
time withdrawing all the slides of the lower so as to afiord free
access between the two. The first super can be removed com-
plete, when the cells of the central combs are observed to be aU
sealed ; the upper super then takes the place of the imder, and
in Uke manner a fresh one takes the place of the upper. AU
supers mtist be well wrapped up with old woollen or other warm
material. Meantime, the population may have increased to
such an extent as to require a fom-th breeding-box added below
to avoid the escape of a swarm. " J. E. B." wiU find as he
becomes more experienced in this system, that a little nadir
space afforded a fuU hive, instead of diverting attention from
the super, will on the contrary only stimulate to greater
activity, while withholding it, "in all probabihty, forces a
swarm" to the desertion of one or more supers, possibly for the
season.

In young hives standing in three breeding-boxes at the end
of the season, so soon as it is observed that the bees have
vacated the lowest, it had better be removed, the slides run in,
and after wrapping it up in paper, it can be hung up in a dry
loft or garret, and in its room a shallow eke for ventilation
inserted, that eke to be removed so soon as breeding fairly sets
in in spiing.

After work has been fairly stai-ted in a super, or even earlier,
the lower combed box can be looked out and once more set
beneath the hive. As a rule bees in these hives are generally
wintered in two boxes set on a shallow eke. Older hives in
four or five breeding-boxes, during the working season, wUl
generally in addition to the removal of supers and the lowest
box empty of comb, be able to spare, should the season bo
favourable, the upper breeding-box fiUed with honey. As in
the case of my friend " B. B.," alluded to at page 478, a hive
overloaded with honey, particularly at the beginning of the
gathering season, is a decided disadvantage.

Sometimes, should the second prime swarm intended to be
added be available sooner than the prescribed eight or ten days,
it may be advisable to retain it for a few days in the box before
imiting it to the other, so as to gain the advantage for that

38

JOURNAL OP HORTICULTUEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENER.

[ July 11, 1885.

time of the breedinp of both queens. This, the timeous supply of
space, and many little points of management too numerous to
go OTer here in detail, will suggest themselves as the operator
becomes experienced.

I cannot draw these observations to a close »-ithout attending
to the remarks of Mr. S. Bevan Fox at page 391. Tliat excellent
contributor, I am afraid, rather misunderstood me when he con-
cludes I reprobate the principle of his plan of placing shallow
ekes between the super and stock hive. Were I to do so I would
reprobate the very mode by which in days gone by I have taken
my largest hauls of honey. On the contrary, I am thoroughly
convinced that by no device can bees be induced to store up a
greater weight of honey than by a gradual enlargement of one
honey-storing compartment as in the adjuster hive, or by very
shallow ekes ; or by a similar enlargement, by deeper ekes,
of one breeding-space, the queen's production is greatly
Btimulated, as has been already pointed out in the adai)ter
hive, described by me in one of the early Numbers of the new
series ; each plan aUke offering a strong temptation to increased
storing and breeding, and avoiding altogether the hesitation
often observable in taking possession of a fresh separate
adjunct. Still, if we except some rare stupendous supers for
ornamental purposes, the honey-dealer is ready to offer a pro-
jjortionately larger price for the smallest and most completely
sealed packages ; and breeding in separate compartments offers
considerable inducements for a more ready lightening of stocks
overburdened with honey, besides emploj-iug such separated
portions with facility for other colonies. Then again the recent
improvements of the Woodbury bar and embossed wax sheets
do much to overcome now-a-days twisted combs, and the
consequent blocldng up a free communication between the
several portions of hives.

What I did deprecate in " J. E. B.'s" practice was the very
limited fixed breeding-space (a too-common error, I am afraid,
in the south, where the storifying system is not so generally
adopted), and extended ekeiug of unfjlled supers, manifestly
tending to force the queen to ascend and convert such enlarged
supers into second breeding-boxes or lead off a swarm.

Mr. Fox might find it worth his while giving the plan of
placing an empty super above an all-but-fiUed one a second
trial. Both points may be well illustrated by a case from my
own apiary. I had this spring a Ligurian colony in two seven-inch-
deep breeding-boxes ; when the honey season set in put on a
full-sized super ; as comb-building progi'essed therein, nadired
vrith a third breeding-box (empty, I was sorry to have no
combed one to supply) ; as the super got well filled, put on a
second above, drawing all the slides between the two. Shortly
thereafter the first super was completed and taken off ; the
second, by this time well combed, was set down on the stock in
its stead, and a third empty super put on above as before ; the
second now only wants a few cells to be completed, and the
third is fully combed. I have to-day (3rd July) given a fourth
empty super above all ; yet, notwithstanding, should the present
heat continue, I must nadir with a fourth breeding-box below
to avoid swarming, as a yellow mass of idlers he upon the
board and crowd up into the cover-porch. To nathr a hive
now 34 inches deep requires a little management. For any one
person to attempt to raise it, besides the weight, from its top-
heaviness there is a great risk of its toppling over. Such is best
effected by securing the boxes together with stout cord passed
round the weighing-hooks, and a strong pole shpped through
them on top, borne on the shoulders of two men. With the air
afforded by this additional breeding-box, to see the immense
body of workers contained in a hive, then 41 inches deep, in
full work is a treat of no mean order anticipated bj' — A Ren-
FEEWSHiRE Bee-keeper.

[In conclusion our Renfrewshire friend refers for further
details to his reply to "J. E. B." which appears in another
column.]

THIS YEAR'S HONEY HARVEST.

After twenty years' experience as an apiarian, I have no
hesitation in stating this to be a most extraordinary year both
for honey and swarms. Owing to the late swarming of last year
I succeeded, by feeding liberally, to commence this spring with
nineteen hives, many of them, of course, very hght, whereas
now they are all full of honey to the bottom, notwithstanding
the glasses, boxes, and caps I have obtained. Fourteen hives
have thrown off twenty-seven swarms, five of which went
together, the remainder I put into ten hives by imiting, in

which I succeeded in all cases but one, when by neglecting to
put perforated zinc over the top in lieu of the cork, they were
all smothered. My first swarm was on the 10th of June, but,
late as it is, many hives are full of honey, all will live. The
five swarms that went together were the best-behaved mob I
ever saw, no riot, none wounded, none kiUed. — T. W. Cualoneb,
Newton Kyme, Yorkshire.

A

A

B

B

C

C

D

B

D

B

THE MANAGEMENT OF STEWARTON HI-VES.
I SHALL be glad of your opinion on my management, and

the present position, of my two Stewarton

hives. The annexed rough outlines will ^ ■*■

help you to understand me the better. g g

In the early spring they stood thus — ■ —

As the season advanced I inserted a box between each of

the above, and then they stood thus —

I was afterwards told I ought to have put c A A

at the bottom, and was advised to remove it. — ~ — — ~ —
I did so, and now they stand as on the left.

To give more room, I after- B B

wards placed a top box on

each, and this became the position of them —
The first of these swarmed
(I beUeve) last Saturday
week, unobserved by any
one. The second showed signs of swarming,
and, to prevent it, I added, yesterday, a fifth
box from below, and beneath is now the
position of affairs with regard to this one.

I did not remove either c or d, because neither of

them seemed to be filled with honey, although in both
the bees were working well. Have I done right in the
past ? and what do you advise as to the futiu'e ?

I have two large square glazed supers very nearly
filled. The cells are sealed over, with the exception
of a very small space at one end of the comb — the
outer comb, I mean, as I caunot see the inner ones.
Would you advise my ekeing these now, or waiting
till completely sealed over ? An answer in the next Journal
will much obhge— T. B. D.

[Your letter has been submitted to " A Renfrewshire Bee-
KEEPEE," who, in reply, says : — " The management, on the
whole, was not amiss, excepting the blunder of placing an
empty between his stock-boxes. That, as a rule, causing a
vacancy to any extent between the portions of storified hives,
is bad practice — all additional breeiUng-space should be given
below, all honey room above. His further procedure will, in a
great measure, depend on the strength of his stocks. If the
first swarmed, it has, in all probability, room enough for this
season ; if they come to sufficient force to afford a prospect
of their completing the super, then a second might be tried
above. The other stock should have a second super on at
once, in like manner. One can form little opinion of such
storified hives without seeing them."]

D

B

E

BEES IN LINCOLNSHIRE.

I BEGAN the season this year with five stocks, one pure Lign-
rian (which I have multiphed into four as pure as the parent,
and three others that I cannot at preseut tell the purity of),
one hybrid Ligurian, the queen of which was kindly sent me
by " J. E. B." last year, and three black stocks, one of which,
a very old one in a cottage hive, being rather weak to begin
with, has afforded me no assistance in forming swarms. On
transfen-ing it into a bar and frame hive on May 20th I was sur-
prised to find the queen to be a well-marked Ligurian, and the
progeny are decidedly hybrids. Being ouly weak, possibly I
had noticed it but little, for certainly before the transfer I had
not observed a trace of Ligurian blood about it. The stock
has now, however, become very strong.

I have gone entirely upon artificial swarming this year, anel
have thus increased my five stocks into fourteen, all strong
and thriving, and, including four absolutely pure Ligurians, all
but one having more or less of Ligurian blood in them. I hope
yet to increase the purity of the hybrid stocks. I have also
abandoned the use of aU hives not fitted with frames, a» I find
the command this gives over the stocks is very great. The
season here has been a very good one thus far, but natural
swarming has been imusually late and slow. In an average of

July 11, 1865. ]

JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUliE AND COTTAGE GABDENEK.

39

miiarioB in tliis iioighbourhood not 15 per cent, (if tho HtoekM
have Bwiirmcil id all. I had a capital natural swarm last Tliurs-
day (2ytli of .Time), from a hylirid stock, from wlilcli I had
[M-OTiously taken two artificial swarms, tho last of which was
during tho preceding week. This is tho only natural swarm
I have had.

A curious aherration of nature has taken place with the first
pure Ligurian artificial swarm, and which for some time
puzzled me exceedingly. It was made on May 'iOth, and is as
strong u swarm as ever I saw. Somehow they seemed to work
vei-y hard, hut yet make very slow progress in tilling the box.
Li ahout three weeks I examined them, and found the (jueeii
to be a beauty, and breeding well (I might say that in forming
the swarm the queen escaped into the parent stock again
during the transfer of combs, so that tho swarm formed the
nucleus and raised nine royal cells, six of which I excised when
sealed for other stocks) ; but on examining the combs them-
selves I discovered that all the new ones were constructed with
circular cells instead of hexagonal ones, and I ccmsider that
this requires fully four times the quantity of botli wax and
labour. On June'iOtli, a remarkably hot day, two small combs
iu this hive fell, having been partially melteil at top, this
caused a great commotion. Of course I replaced them when I
got home, and was surprised to find that after this hexagiraal
cells have been constructed for a few days, but now again they
have gone back to circular ones. I have never heard of a
similar instance. Is it a common occurrence ?

The above may, perhaps, tend to strengthen the faith of
some of your readers in the superiority of so-called " artificial "
swarming, though it really seems to me a perfectly natural
operation. — G. F. B., Sjxihlinrj.

p.S. — I should have had one more swarm, but in removing
the stock I stumbled, and down came self, and bees, and all.
This caused a great commotion, and the greater portion followed
the parent, so of course I sacrificed the swarm.

[Combs with circular cells are a phenomenon I never met
with, and I should therefore be greatly obliged by a specimen
of this description of abnormal comb being forwarded to — A
Devonshike Bee-keeper.]

DISSECTION OF A DRONE-BREEDING QUEEN.

About the middle of August last year, I reared, artificially,
a queen, which with a numerous colony of bees was put into a
Woodbury frame-hive containing combs partially furnished
with honey. On the 24th of the same month I joined to this
virgin queen and colony a swarm headed by a fertile queen.
The queens fought ; one fell, to all appearance the fertile one,
but not having marked her I cannot be certain. The hive,
however, seemed to prosper, and but for drones continuing to
be sent forth from it late in autumn might have been pro-
nounced the most flourishing in my apiary. It got through
the winter beautifully, kept up its large population till the
arrival of spring, and showed gi-eat activity on fine days by
diligently eoUectiug pollen.

On March 24th, lively drones issued from it, but being of a
small size I at once concluded all was not right. However, I
determined to leave matters alone for the present, fanej-ing
that if the weather proved favourable, my virgin queen, if still
a virgin, might incline to take an airing in the company of the
drones. Some of the days that followed were warm and sum-
mer-like, the drone population increased, but no young workers
appeared.

On April 6th, I made an inspection of the combs (whicli, by-
the-wfty, did not contain a drone cell originally), and found the
central ones filled with drone-brood, all in worker cells, which
the bees had been at some pains to enlarge and elongate.

In some cells two and three eggs were laid, and placed at
random in the apex or on the sides. Replacing the combs, I
allowed matters to remain as I foimdthem till the 7th of June,
when about three-fourths of the population would be drones,
the working part having sadly decreased. The result that
would follow was sufficiently obvious. So without loss of time
I removed the unprofitable queen and despatched her to Mr.
Woodbury for dissection, requesting him to tell me whether or
not she had made a successful wedding trip. I told him not
one word regarding her age or history, my object being to test
as far as possible the truth of parthenogenesis. On June lOtli,
Mr. Woodbni'y replied as follows : — "I have dissected out the
spetmatheca of the queen sent by you, and find it destitute of ■

tho slightest trace of spermatozoa. If a young queen, she has,
therefore, never been impregnated ; if an old one, she has be-
come completely exhausted, and if she laid eggs they would
(like those of a virgin queen), jiroduce drones only." I have
thus stated a few simple facts, and I leave tho apiarian readers
of the Journal to draw their own inferences.

Tho hive though destitute of a ipieen still survives, and as
none of tho bees were hatched subsequent to the 22nd of
.\ugust, the youngest of them is rather more than ten months
old. They are all black, but I have a few Liguriaus wluch I
know, certainly to be still older.

From several circumstances I am led to tliink the average
age of bees is six months. Those hatched in spring dying off
late in autumn, and those hatched from about July keejiing in
vigour till spring is a little advanced. — K. b.

VOLUNTARY UNION OF SWARMS.

I MENTIONED in my note at page 19, the frequent occurrence
of double swarms iu this neighbourhood, or, more properly
speaking, of swarms that voluntarily unite, either from both
coming off at the same time, or the noise and excitement of a
subsequent swarm rousing the new settlers to turn out again
and join their fortunes with those on the wing. I am now able
to record the case of a triple swarm, which may serve as a pen-
dent to that of Mr. Stuttle, recorded in the Journal of Juno 13th.

On the 14th of June my neighbour, Mr. S., had an after-
swarm from one of his hives, which was secured about noon.
Very shortly afterwards a prime swarm from another hive
joined it, but some little fighting must have taken place, as a
hundred or two of dead bees were found stre^vn in front of the
hive. The double swarm worked briskly, for on the 2.5th the
hive was quite fuU of comb, and four large glass supers were
progressing fast. The hive was already inconveniently crowded,
but on the 27th an after-swarm from a hive which had been
removed to a little distance, joined it at 8.45 a.m. Both the
fact itself, the long interval that had elapsed since the second
imion, and the hour at whicli the third union was effected, are,
I think, somewhat remarkable. The bees for the last three or
four days have been hanging out in a great mass, looking more
like swarming than a swanu. I shall be glad to take note of
the proceedings of this colony, but thus far no such iU-luck
has befallen it as in the instance recorded by " T. G.," and it
seems now beyond the reach of harm. — F. H. West, FoUer-
newton, Leeds.

DYSENTERY IN BEES.

This complaint has been very prevalent this last winter in all
sorts of hives, and as some of the books say it is caused by
dampness and some by feeding on certain flowers, &c, I should
be glad to hear from your correspondents what they consider is
the cause, as I cannot tliink dampness has to do with it, although
it may help to cause it, as most of my bees were in straw skeps.
A hive of common bees that I had joined a small Ligurian
swai-m and 'queen to had it very bad, and I thought it would
have died out, and had it not been for the Ligurians being
stronger, it certainly would, as the black bees died out at least
a month before the Liguriaus or some hybrids that I joined at
the same time. If the " Devonshiue Bee-keepek," "B. &W.,"
and some of your able Scotch correspondents would be so kind
as give your readers their opinion on this complaint, we might
find out some preventive or remedy. — A. W.

ADDING A LIGURIAN QUEEN.

Having examined the hive into which I put a Ligurian queen
and finding her safe and healthy, with larva in abimdaute in
the cells, I need not say that I am well satisfied at the result.
They travelled to me from Devon remarkably safe, as there
were only two dead bees, ^\^len I ventured to allow the bees
to get beside the queen, I uncovered the box and opened the
hole at the top of the hive, when they immediately crowded
into the little box, amalgamating with the Italians and queen
in a very friendly manner, with that immistakeable hiuu when
they discover what they are in search of — a sovereign.

I thought all was now quite safe and just placed it mouth
down on the top of the hive to allow them to go down at their
leisure during the night. However, contrary to my antici-

40

JOUBNAL OP HOBTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

[ Julr 11, 1865.

pations, in the morning I found a severe internal warfare, and
a great number of bees stung and cast out, and still evidently
at war amongst themselves. At first I could scarcely judge of
the cause of the contest, but it had originated in the main Isody
of the bees in the hive not tollo\ving up those which went up
into the box ; and, consequently, aSter being separated for a
short time, apparently those that were in the box with the
qneen were attacking everj- one that attempted to go in from
beneath. I immediately iised smoke thinking that this would
at once put an end to the contest, but found it only had the
effect of a cessation for a short time ; and although I repeatedly
used it throughout the day. they stung a considerable number,
and in ease war should continue during the follo\ving night, I
forced those in the box to go down into the hive, and kept
them running together in the hive among a slight smoke until
they got completely mixed together and the quarrel was then at
an end ; but they were a few days before tbey were quite satis-
fied. Although there were not a few bees killed, I think there
would be fully 4 lbs. weight left, so that there is no fear of them
as to strength. — S.

THE PREVENTION OF EXCESSrVTS SWARMING.
I AND others would be glad to have a little more information
from " B. & W." on preventing excessive swarming, and the
best plan of preventing it, as giving them room will not always
EuflSce. I have adopted the plan of returning the third,
fourth, fifth, and sixth swann to the stock in the evening ; but
I should be glad to have his idea on this plan — that is, to take
the queen and a few bees from the swarm, and in the evening
join her and the few bees to the parent hive, and, as soon as
the bees find their queen gone, they would return to the hive
again. This, I think, will be less trouble than returning the
swarm in the evening, as they sometimes enter very slowly
when there is a number. I also find, when hives are close
together, that, putting the swarm in the stock'3 place, the
bees wiU not enter and stay, but go to the next nearest hive or
stock, and stay there. This I have had them do twice this
season ; but I should like to have " B. fr W.'s " opinion a little
fully on this subject ; and would he also say how he uses the
brown paper in expelling bees from the hollow trees ? as the
paper will not smoke unless dipped in nitre. — ^A. W.

BEES IN THE HOLLOW TRUNK OF A TREE.

Havixg derived much information from the several articles of
late in your Journal on the subject of bees, I am induced to send
you some notes I have made on points lately discussed in your
paper, and also to request your kindly answering one or two
queries. Precisely a similar ease occurred to me as to " B. B."
On the 7th of June a very fine swarm settled on the bough of a
beech tree, at a fnrm which I hold some tour miles from my
apiary ; but whilst I was maldng preparations for their capture
they again took i!ight, and finally chose the hoUow of an ash
tree for their permanent abode. I saw at once that there was
nothing for it but to fell the tree, which I set to at once,
having at hand the valuable assistance of a man who had spent
seven years in the backwoods of America, and whose skill in
handling the axe stood me in good stead. I found, when the
tree was down, that the bees had ascended at least 3 feet, and
that it would be necessary to channel out the tree for that
length. This we finally accomplished late in the even in g, and
secured one of the finest swarms I have ever seen. I conveyed
them home, a distance of four miles, in a common straw
skep, and transferred them the next day to one of Neighbour's
Scotch hives, in which they have since worked so -vigorously
that on the 18th of June I put on a glass top, which is now
more than half full cf pure virgin honey.

Curious to say, in the very next tree to which I have alluded
above, there has been established a colony of bees for the
last fifteen years. How can I secure the honey from them?
The tree is too ornamental to admit of being cut down, and the
entrance is about 20 feet from the ground. Of com-se the bees
would have to be smothered.

From a stock hive I this year had two swarms, the second in
my absence and much against my will. I afterwards put on
the stock hive a large bell-glass 10 inches in diameter, which is
now literslly packed with the finest honey. What is the best
way of removing this ? and would it be advisable to put on
another glass at this period ? \Miftt is your opinion cf Nutt's
collateral box-hive as compared with the super system ? Could

not bees hived in an old single straw hive he made to work on
this principle by placing another hive or box on the table by the
side of the hive, and establishing a commimication by means
of a groove in the table covered with glass, and the passage to
which could be commanded by a zinc sUde ? — Squib.

rWe know of no means of secm-ing the honey without injur-
ing the tree by laying bare the ca\-ity occupied by the bees.
Insert an empty box between the super and the stock hive.
The former will be found comparatively deserted the next day,
when it may be taken off, conveyed to a little distance, and the
remaining bees permitted to return home, a bright look-out
being kept in the meantime to guard against robbers. Putting
on another glass can at any rate do no hann, but take care
that the stock hive is sufficiently well stored to stand the winter.
We prefer the storifving to the collateral system. You will
fin d several modes of adapting the latter to common straw
hives described in Taylor's "Bee-keeper's Manual."]

OUR LETTER BOX.

Gapes ix Youxg Pori.TKV (Loosi' Box).— Give those affected a pDl.of
cimphor. the size of a small pea, daily until cured. Keep a piece of
camphor in their water-trough.

JiABKrSGS OF CoCHCs {Coloured China).— li is common for Partridge
Cochin cocks to have coloured breasts, but it is by no means desirable.
Our experience is, that it is hardly possible to breed them all with purely
black breast^, even fi-om the best strains. Some should, however, have
them. Where the chickens have only a few brown feathers, we should
decidedly keep them till they attained their adult plumage, in the hope they
would moult them out : but where it is a decidedly variegated breast, black ■
and hrowu, we should get rid of the bird. The work you naiiie will have
coloured plates, but we do not place implicit dependauce on such plates.
You will see that the classes at most shows are for " Buff and Cinnamon."
This has caused a laxity in lotting and matching which would not have been
allowed formerly. There were originally three clas.^es of Coebiu.s, which
are now intermixed: — the Bull, whieh should be uniform in colour; the
Cinnamon, the cock of whieh was the colour of wetted cinnamon, the
hens' bodies a lighter shade of the same, with very dark hackle ; the Silver
Cinnamon, the cock with a very light body. whUe the taUand hackle were
of very pale red brown. The hens of this breed, when they were kept
pure, were among the most beautiful of the tribe, the whole body was a
most beautiful French white, giving a soft silky appearance to the feathers,
and which was not belied on handling. The only variety of colour was a
lemon-shaded hackle. These have all inter-bretC and have originated the
colours you describe. The third bird you describe, being all Buff, seems
to ns the best coloured ; but the others would pass with well-matched
Buff hens.

Game Fowl Motion-less (af. P. C.l. — Your fowl had a cramp or a
temporary vertigo from blood to the bend, or some injurj- to the back.
In either case your treatment was the right one. We have known a slight
blow or a fall to injme the spine, and cause the apparent paralysis you
mention for a few minutes, or sometimes for a longer time, and a perfect
ctu"e has been effected by the struggling of the fowl when caught.

Diseases of Pigeon's (D. O.). — Ai-eyou sure that there is not something
unwholesome in their food ? Has any of the com ergot, or has it been
otherwise damaged ? Peas are not good for la>ing-Pigeons ; they are apt to
lay soft eggs on them. Hcmpseed is too exciting. They should have
access to chalk or old mortar. Or does their weakness arise from
diarrhcea ? You may try pills containing one grain of calomel, oue-twelth
of a grain of tatar emetic, and follow it bv pellets of cod liver oil and fiour.
— B. P. B.

Notes of Bbitish Birds arranged rs Music (E. M.). — ^We do not know
of any book in which such music is noted.

Hives (An Amateur). — We consider Neighbour's improved cottage hive
rather too small, but it is unquestionably large enough for sustaining a
swarm through the winter. Zinc ventilators are not essential to the suc-
cessful working of bell-glasses as supers. It i- better to remove one of
the queens in uniting, but the bees wiU generally do thi-s for themselves.
We have, however, known instances in which both queens have been
sacrificed, and stock lost in consequence.

HoN'EY l.'f Biteks Bce-k^'epcr). — Apply to Mes.<-TS. Neighbour, 127, High
Holbom, and 149, Regent Street, London.

Payne's Improved Cottage-hive (F. H.). — We do not know where
this can be obtained, if not of Messrs, Neighbour. "RTiy not buy our
"Bee-keeping for the Many?" You can have it free by post from our
ofiice for five postage stamps. In that there is a di-awing of Mr. Payne's
hive, and any maker of the common straw hive could malie one from
that drawing.

LONDON MARKETS.— July 10.

POULTRY.
The supply increases, and the trade declines earlier than usnal on
account of the dissolution of Parliament. We may look for low prices, if
t'je heat of the weather moderate. If it remain ns it is now, a few-
fresh goods will every day mate good prices, while there will be loss on
the bulk of poultry sent.

. s. d. to g. d.

Large Fowls . . .
Smaller do. . .
Chickens ....
Ducklinii's . . . .
Guinea Fowls
Goslings

8. d. b:
S 6 to 4

2 ., 4

Grouse „

Partridses „

Hares T „

Rabbits 1 4 „ 1 5

WUd do 8 „ 9

Pigeons 8 „ 9

July 18, 1865. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

41

WEEKtY CALENDAR.

Day

Month

Dny
of

Week.

JULY 18—24, 1865.

AvcrnKO Temiiernturo
near Loudon.

Uiiin in

lust
J8 years.

Sun
Rises.

Sun

Sets.

Moon
Kises.

Moon
Sets.

Moon's
Ago.

Clock Day
before of
Snn. Year.

IH
19
20
21
22
23
24

Til

W

Th

K

S

Sun

M

Cutton Thistlo (lowcrg.

Oninh flowovM.

St'il Er\ai(;o Mowers.

Sun's dwlinution 20''26'N.

Ciirri)t flowt'i'w.

(i Susn.^v AfTEK Trinity.

Corn Parsley flowers.

Day.
71.6
72.8
72.5
78.2
73.1
78.8
72.5

Ni«ht.
60.4
60.7
60.U
60.G
,11.6
52.1
52.0

JI.nxn.
62.5
Gl.H
61 .G
01.9
62..')
G3.0
62.2

Days.
18
21
23
17
22
19
14

m. li.
6tt(4

7 4

8 4

10 4

11 4

12 4
14 4

m. li.
6nf8
6 8
4 8
2 8
1 8
8

58 7

m. h.

26 at

12 1

5 2

3 3

G 4

14 5

20 C

m. h.
laf 4
8 5
58 5
•18 G
22 7

5a 7

19 8

Days.
25
26
27
2H

o

]

2

m. s. '
5 64 199

5 58 200

6 2 I 2(11
6 5 202
G 8 : 203
6 10 204
6 12 ] 205

rain was 1.37 iiuli.

SELECTION OF

STUAWBF-URrES
CL'LTUUIi.

AND THEIR

UT a fcfl' (lays ago I met at
Blaiidford the Rev. .Tosepli
Mansfield, Rector ofBlaml-
fonl St. Mary's, who occa-
sionally visits my garden.
Ho said, " I wish you would
UTite a treatise oii Stiavvborry culture, and' also give a
selection of Strawberries that are good and easy of culti-
vation in lands generally." I assured liirn that Mr. Undor-
liill's and Mr. Cuthill's treatises were excellent and amply
sufficient. StUl, as these maj- not be generally kno^\^l, it
may not be amiss to say a fe* words through a periodical
of wide cii'cidation.

It is difficult to make a suit of clothes to fit the whole
species of man ; and it is not less so to select Strawberries
to siut every man's taste aaid mdely difi'erent circiuustanoes.
As regards tastes — one man lilces the Hautbois flavour ;
another Ukes a vinous juicy Strawberry ; anotlier prefers
an acidulated flavour ; another Ukes the Pine flavoiu' ;
another does not care what the flavoiu' is as long as he eaji
get quantity, plenty of sugar, and Alderney cream. My
taste is set to Hautbois, Piiie, and Alpine flavour. As
regai'ds soils, there is a great difl'erence between clay or
deep loams, and sandy or challg' soils like mine. Jlore-
over, as regards some sorts, aspect and situation (high or
low) make a tUfferencc. You vrHl see, then, by these cir-
cumstances and considerations what a difficult task lies
before me to make a suit of clothes wliich is to fit every-
body. I will, however, do my best.

I •s\'ill coiumcnce by naming Strawberries of great excel-
lence, suitable only to first-class lands and painstaldng
cultivators. I doubt whether tlu;y can be depended upon
year after year in any land. 'When they succeed, you hear
of it : when they fail, people hold their tongues ! 1, Brit-
ish Queen and her synonjTnes, respectively in shape and
flavoiu', or both, Magnvrra Bonmn and La Chalonnaise ;
a, Carolina Superba ; :(, Filbert Pine : 4, La Constante ;
5, Myatt's Pine A|)ple ; 6, Crimson Queen. The last is
late, good, and the sm'est.

I now come to Strawberries that do well for me and are
excellent for the piu'poses for which they are designed.
1, Sii' J. Paxton, the earliest that is good, a hardy plant,
great cropper, and handsome show fiiiit. 2, Eclipse, the
best early sort. 3. Rivers's EUza, delicious, and lasts a
whole season ; I never knew it fail fi'om any cause. 4, Tlie
Royal Hautliois, cropping well for the third season. 5, Scar-
let Pine, the liighcst-flavourod and most pined sort that
has ever been here ; the plants are stalwart, and resist
fi-ost and drought. 0, Johu Powell, good plant, good
cropper, good colour and fonn, and delicious, 7, Wonder-
No. 225.— Vol. IX., New Series.

fill, a heavy cropper and very good ; it requii'es plenty of
water in a torrid summer, or it would become hard. 8, Era-
press Eugenie, large, handsome, a heavy cropper, and of
fair flavour, but not equal in flavour to some of the above.
i), JUcton White Pine, the best white : it is not ripe till it
is yellowish. 10, The Frogmore Late Pine, a noble late
sin-t, and liked here by aU. 11, The old Red and Wliite
iVlpiucs. These eleven sorts are on the whole the best
out of more than 1:J0 sorts that have been sent here for
trial. They seem to combine all that we want. If we can
get better of coiu'se we shall be glad, but in tlieii' dili'erent
liucs and seasons they '\\dll take some beating. If more
than these are desu-ed, these are good and good croppers,
but not equal to some of the above ; — President, Alice
Maude, Trollope's Victoria, Marquise de la Tour Mau-
bom'g. Marguerite, Ingram's Prince of Wales, and Sans-
pareil.

The following arc on trial, planted late in the spring.
Of coiu-se, some allowance must be made. They were
Idndly sent by Mi'. Ingi'am, Her Majesty's gardener. The
Faii'y Queen is nicely coned, hanclsome, sweet, and de-
licious. The plants have stood the heat very well. More
I cannot say at present. It is a great favourite at Frog-
more. No. 10 is a strong and quick-gi'owing plant and
runs ii'eely. It -w'as pegged June U4th. Tlie berries are
coned, large, and handsome. It is late. jNIr. Ingram says
it vdil be superior to the Frogmore Late Pines. Its seeds
are prominent. I have a hea\w crop of noble Frogmore
Pines, by which I have tested it. It is delicious, and
though it is not so large or highly pined as the Frogmore
Pines it is sweeter. John Powell, the Frogmore Pines, the
Fau'y Queen, and No. 10 do gi'eat credit to the raiser. I
should, however, lilie to see the last two go through a
severe winter — a severer spring they could not encounter.
To the two former I wiil give a first-class certificate, as I
have had them here in scorching siunmers and severe
winters, and, what is ■\vorse, in a severe spring. I have
tills morning (July 5), received a land and complimentary
letter from Mr. Ingram, asking me to name it, and expres-
sing a wish to call it after me. I have no objection to its
bemg called ''Mr. Radclyfte," or " Rushtou Radclyfte " if
he like it better. The Rose called after me does mo great
honom', and this Strawberry wiU do no less. The.y are
both a credit to the raisers. I tlmik it safer to caU it the
above name than on limited trial to call it " Frogmore Pine
Improved." Time wiU prove tins. I beg to thank Mon-
sieur Verdier and Mr. Ingi'am for this liigli compliment.

I now come to cultivation. There are very few culti-
vators of Roses and Strawberries in the kingdom. Even
those who manure them do little or nothing towards water-
ing them.

1. Preparation of the Soil. — Whether land be light or
strong it should be trenched. Though Strawberries like
great moistm-e and heat they also like free drainage. If
water lies on the siu'face, and zero bites, the roots ^\■ill be
injured : and though the plants may flower well and set
theii' fruit, they will not complete their crop. Mter trench-
ing, the land should subside. Mine is light laud : and if
the land is di'y I beat it dov\'n with a spade to prevent

No. 877.— Vol. XXXTV., Old Series.

42

JOURNAIi OF HOETICULTUKH AND COTTAGE GABDENEB.

Joiy-l«(,'l865;

its subsiiUng from the plaut. Strong land does uot require
so mucli prepai-atiou previous to jilunting on account of its
gi'avit.v.

2. Plantinri.- — ^The plants should be planted tbi itheii' base, or
collar, and no deeper. The roots should be spread out oil all
sides like a dtiok's foot. The soil should bo moderately pressed
down on the roots and watered, and if the weather is hot, a
ildwer-pot should be put over the plants by day, and removed
at toiglit. If they are planted from pots, the pot-soil should be
slaekened with the hand. If the roots are matted round the
ball of ( iirtb, they should either be cut off with a sharp knife
or carefully ppria<l out on all sides. The best time to plant is,
*hen the glass falls. The best seasons here to jilaut, with a
view to cropping the next year, is from Jauuaiy to July. Eliza
and Wouderfid will crop well, even if planted very late. In
this case yon must put the plants in thickor, and after crop-
ping remove every other one. Every plant of them will flower
however late the ruiuiers are taken. As regards distances, it
is a nlatter of judgment, restmg on the quality and condition of
the land, and also on the rate of growth of the plant. I am in-
clined to think, that in light land 18 inches every way is the
best distance. Plants intended to stand over two crops -should
he planted wider. I do not recommend more than two crops.
The Eritisli Queen, Filbert Pine, and La Oonstante will rarely
bear more than one crop. If they can be got in early, I think
with Dr. Pvoden, annual plantations of these sorts are best.

3. Xrtati/icnt utter Flaiitiiii/. — The soil shoidJ be coutiuu-
aUy surface-hoed (shallow), and the runners cut ofi. Water
in dry weather shoidd be constantly and hberally pom-ed on
the plants. Of course, the weeds should be kept down. The
necessity of protecting young plantations during their first
winter depends much upon the nature of the soil and their
establishment. Strong laud does not need so much winter-
mulching as light porous soils. If young plantations winter
badly, the best way is to keep the runners off and dis-iiower
them, they will then repay you manifold in the following j'ear.
I never break the soil of my Baspberries at all, and merely
scratch lightly the soil of my Strawberry plantations. My j
crops are always heavy and complete their final production.

I must here pause to obsei-ve two errors that seem to he pre- !
valent. The first is, the belief that a runner taken from a
plant that has not fruited will be barren. If it is taken from a
^taminate plant (a male plant), of course that will be the case
Off infinitum, but it is not true of hermaphi-oihtes, which are
the sorts that I keep, prefer, and recommend. Indeed, I believe
that most of our Em'opean sorts are hermaphi'odites. The
other error is. that only the first runner on a string will bear j
fruit. If the Strawberry were to run a mile, the last runner :
would bear fruit, but the first runner would bear best, because i
it would be earlier established, and have more time to make
crowns.

4. Treatment vtnler Flatter and Crop. — Do not water them '•
when in flower, at least do not water the flowers. As soon as
the hemes are set, till they redden, in dry soils you can scarcely
put on too much water. In their last stage water or rain I
acidulates them and spoils the flavoiu-. After the first pro-
duction is ripe pick clean off, and water the plants picked co-
piously. For lack of this, in many places the Strawheri-y crop
and season will be short. As soon as they are in flower, put
clean straw in the ranks and between the plants ; and when I
they begin to redden jmt a net over them, which vUl cost you
Xti. per yard. I have bought 800 yards this spi-ing in addition
to my previous stock. Blackbirds and thrushes being "hiuigry
bestead,'' for w"ant of worms and slugs, have been very busy ;
but " .John Edgiugton " has bafiled them. I like to see aud
hear them, hut every " tsit " of a blackbird disaiTanges the
"ganglionic process " of Stephen, who seems to find reUef in
saving, " I ivish I could lay hold of you, X would twist your
neck for you ! " ■i-r.t..-! ,-i- i

5. Trentmmt after Ci-oppinfj. — I always, except when I want
runners, cut off the runners and bury the straw with black
dung, and water the ranks and whole siurface copiously after
cropping. I have given up the dangerous practice of cutting
off the leaves. The above treatment brings up new leaves,
which harden before winter sets in, fold over each other, and
protect the crowns and roots. To this treatment I attribute
my good crop this critical season. In natui^al soils it might
not be a good plan to manure so highly close after cropping ;
but the plants should be watered and encouraged to make new
roots from base or collar. The sooner they do it the better
they will winter and crop. A large volume of perpendicular
and horizontal roots is absolutely necessary to heavy cropping.

The failure of the crop this year, which I hear is general, must
not altogether be attributed to spring demolition, hut to de-
ficiency of water during aud after cropping last season. The
earth was like a fryingpaii, and the plants thus neglected
suffered damage at their crownis and base. This neglect was
followed by an h,\'perboreftn winter, and by a septeutrionic
spring. Add to this a torrid di'oughty summer aud an in-
adequate supply of water, aud you see why people have no
Strawberries ! I live nearly at the base of a steep chalky hill,
where the land is chalky and without clay (equal chalk and
clay is what we call " white laud," it is the best in the world),
and very di-y. I cannot water the jilauts from the liviUet, as
stated by " D." There is a nine-feet Thorn hedge between my
garden and the rivulet. Evei-ything here is watered from the
pump ! ' I keep two men at it with extra pay and beer. By
following the rules I have given you, both this year and last, I
have had a splendid crop. My annual Strawberry party was
June 22ud. Eighteen came and tried to eat me out, but I beat
them by several dishes. All the fruit used was fine and fit for
Coveut (larden — viz.. Boyal Hautbois, Scarlet Pine, Eivers's
Eliza, Wonderful, Eugi'-nie, and Trollope's Victoria.

(i. FrtK-uriiifi Jiwmera. — If they are intended to be cropped
the ensuing season,: and require a long time for establishment,
which is not the case with the sorts tliat I keep, you must have
two runners per plant during the fruiting season, pegged into
pots, and removed as quickly as possible ; or you must keep
plants of the sorts required for running 2'uiq50ses entirely. It
is absolutely necessary to plant the Queen early in any kind of
soil. It is adrisable to get the Frogmore Pine in early — a
hardy plant when established. Early establishment is a grand
ward in the key of Strawberry success ! ' ■ ' . :■ 'i'
7. ilamircs. — The grand constituent of a Strawberry 'jT&iit
and berry is potash. Good clay soil abounds in potash, and,
thei'efore, it is the best soil for Strawbenies ; cow manirre
liquid and solid, is the best manure because it abotmds in
pota,sh. All animal manures, liquid and solid, contain it.' I
use chiefly black dimg, nitro-phosphate, soot, liquid manure,
Perurian guano, and strong beer ' grounds. They are all good
for the purpose. ■ ■''' i.

For strong land unfermented manure is best ; for light lands
the converse is best. Strong land does not require to be so
highly or so frequently manured as light land. In my light
land 1 find that I can never manure a Bose tree or StrawbeiTy
plant too higlily, or too often. The plantations that are now
picked clean are manured over the straw, and a fine thunder
shower patters the manure into them.

In conclusion, keep a few things in your garden, and have
them all well done. Keep only such things as are suitable to
your land, situation, and circumstances. Do things at the
right time, and multiply only those things that are good, and
that do best for you year after year in this variable cUmate.
When Stephen passes Jules M;u'gottin and EHza, he frfeqmently
cries out, " That's the sorts after all ! " Above all, establish a
sufficient number of pumps and a willing pumper. The former
is of no use without the latter. Stejiheu and Fred have done
good service, and my " Issachars may now yield their shoulders
to the burden," for there is " a sound of abundance of rain 1"
— W. F. E.\DCLYrrE, Tarrant riiishloH.

GOSSIP ABOUT ROSES.

I WAS indebted this season, as I was last, to the kindness of
M. Eugene Verdier in bringing to the "'Jlu'abeau" lan hotel
which, by-the-by, I can conscientiously recommend to any
visitor of Paris), some blooms of his new Boses, and also some
of those of last year ; and as I beUeve my estimate of those
he sent out last autumn was tolerably correct — viz., that Mar6-
chal Niel aud Rushton Eadch-ft'e were the cream of the set, so
I think, miless he has others which ho may offer by-and-hy,
I can lay my hand now on the best of those of the present
season. He has one flower which will be, I think, a decided
acquisition. It is a large pink flower of the Louise Peyronny
style, somewhat of a hghter shade of pink, perhaps, but having
the same size of petal and the same bold and fine-looking
outline ; it is of fine vigorous habit with rich-looking fohage.
I am not quite sm'e that the name for it is thijroughly decided,
but .sliall know this before the time comes for the Msts to be
looked over (it is numbered 134). Then there was another
flower of the Souvenir de TEsposition tyi)e, like it in foliage,
veiy fine and large, having, doubtless, a grand appearance on
the tree ; but it is not a style of Eose much in favour with us

Jijjy la, 1865. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE fLXilDENEK.

43

in this comitry. The Souvenir do la Reine dcr I'AngletoiTa,
Mfidiune do Ciimbaoi'res, iiud Buoh like Rosos, must oventuiilly
bo iinsUc'd on one sitlo, to give pliioo tn Roses of ii liiHtfj- elass,
eombinin;,' sizd with shape. It in, I fuucy, a great mistake to
suppose wo hrtvp what we want in Roses as yot ; tliis wiJl not
be until we get crimson reds, dark enra."K)ns, and whites, with
the shape and general contour nf Comtosse Ceeila de CUa-
brillant or Coupo d'Hebe. A third Hose, that promises well,
was of the growth and fcdiaga of .Jules Margottin, fine in form,
not very large, and very swoot-scouted. I liave placi^d those in
the ord(!r in which I conceive theu- merit piititlos them to.

As I have already said, it was too lute for the Ltous Roses,
and, consequently, I could only obtain information by letter.
M. (ruillot, tils, has foiu- Roses, one of which seems very nnich
to resemble, if oue may judge by description, the Rose of
M. Eugene Verdier, whieli T have already alluded to. It is called
.Josei>hino de Beauharnais, and is ilescribed to me as of a very
beautiful delicate rose, witli sUveiy white edge to the petals,
a seedling of Louise Peyronuy, of which it retains the cha-
racter, both in wood and foliag?. He has also another wliich
seems to bear a striking analogy- to the second Hose of M. Eiigene
Verdier, as it, too, is a soedLiug of Triomphe de I'Expositian,
very well fomied, superb velvety red, shaded with violet. A
third Rose is Pline, a seedling of Jloro de St. Louis, of which it
is said to have retained the character in nearly every particiUar.
Besides, he lias a seedling Bourbon from Louise Otlier — Madame
J. Gay — I should imagine, from the description, very similar
to Emotion and Louise Margottin. Of the four, one would
have little hesitation in adopting M. Guillot's own view — that
.Tosephine de Beauharnais and President Mas will be the best.
From neither M. Charles Verdier nor M. Levesqne did I obtain
any information.

Of course I paid my old friend Margottin a visit, and, as
usual, obtained a great de.al of interesting Rose information
from him ; and, although his Roses (of which, I believe, he
has a couple), to be let out this season were not in bloom, yet
I had a long and broiling walk through his grounds on one of
the hottest days I experienced during my trip. He has a )daut
of .Jules Margottin this year which has come all marliled ; a
curious state is that marbling, for it seem?i, in nearly every
instance, to affect the style of the flower, as well as its colour.
I have myself this year a plant of Anna de Diosbach so marbled,
and I can see that the style of the blooms is evidently altering.
Whether it will be permanent I cannot yet decide ; the autumn
will teU whether these marbled flowers will remain true to their
character. As a general rule. Margottin considers that the
shaded Roses come better in France, and tlie bright ones in
England. Certainly those \-iolet-tinted and ardoisi' flowers
are not general favourites on this side of the channel. In
spealdng of white Roses he said that he believed that Made-
moiselle Bounaire was a seedling of General .Jacqueminot, and
that he had had numbers of white Roses from that most pro-
lific pai'ent, but none of tliem worth retaining.

I endeavom'ed to obtain from M. Margottin and other French
Rose-growers their opinion of the Roses of last season, and I
think that they have ai-rived pretty much at the same conclu-
sion that we have. Thus Duehesse de Caylus was by all
acknowledged to be a Rose of great merit, as was also Rush-
ton Radclyfte, both of which I anticipated would prove to be
gems. Of Duehesse de Medina Co?li the opinion was not so
favourable, and as I have seen but oue flower of it this
year I cannot say whether they are correct. Of Charles Mar-
gottin, I saw hundreds of blooms at the raiser's, and a very
remarkable Rose for brilliancy of colour and substance of petal
it is, in the style of Count Cavour, but brighter still ; it is
most certainly one of the brightest Roses out. At Lovesque's I
saw large quantities of Madame Eliza Vilmoriu, but although
brilliant in colour, it is wanting in that neatness of form and
smoothness of petal we look for. Denis Helve is a vers' tine
and Large flower in the style of Anna de Diesbach, but deeper
in colour. Xavier Olibo was also considered to be a good Rose.
It is some\vhat difficult to keep in one's mind the Roses of the
different seasons, as they come so rapidly one on the other ;
and in the metropolis, at any rate, one is struck with the few
Boses of the present season that one sees. In the class for
new Roses you get the Roses of three or four different years,
and rarely more than five or six of the present season. Of
those flowers which were distributed to the great bulk of Rose-
growers in the antnmn of last year I have noticed, as especially
good, the following : — Pierre Nottiiip, a deep violet burgundy-
pnrple rose, of good form and substance ; iladama Victor
Verdier, a fine deep rose, of exquisite build, and great depth ;

Duchesso de Morny, a sweetly-coloured rose ; Baron Pelletan
do Kinkelin, piurpliah crimson ; Kjito Hausburg, bvight rose,
and iirettily-cupiicd llower : Madame Derreulx Donville, rich
ileep pink;' an<l Si'iiveUir de Mar<Johnl Sernvrier, deep orimstm
purple, euiMied and fuU. Of the others that 1 have sefu, Amiral
Lapevrouse has not (<mougb stuff ; Bernard Pftlissy is a veiy
effective llower, but not of the -sliape to please a great many;
Centifolia rosea, a pink rose, Iml nolbing remarkable; J;ft
Heine de la I'ape, rose shaded with violet, not good; Louis
Van Houtte, too full, does not open well; Miuiama Maoker,
deUcate in habit ; Marechal Forey, rough and ba*U Furtbej
acquaintance may modify theao \lews, but at present this is
the estimate I have Ix'eu' led to form, and other Rosos: tliat: I
have not seen may take a good place.

The season genenaiy, wliile favourable in tlic, early part of
the year, did not fultil'its promise. The intense heat of .June
falrl'v l)e;vt some of the most experienced growers, and in many
grounds mildew set in with great force. The cool weather and
few rains we are now experieuoing will give a good second
growth, and we may possibly have a fine autumnal bloom.
And BO for the present ends my Rose gossip.

As several letters have reached me alxuit the yellow Rose of
Lacharme's, I may say hare that it wiUiliQt be let out till the
autumn of 1866. — D.i DtaUtsi .'jrii'l J-iodli''l ,ii

"\ V ■;; voifi If .lyvvi 'Jll

■ il i i hi ^wA l iM i ii.lt li. iffjfni ,rf>i)oii .7C hm..'

DINERS A LA''liu'^SE ']^0r' Wfe' tttlttSN'.'

" Wiivr isndineralaRusse?" asks your correspondent VD."
of Deal. " D." answers his question, at least so it seems to
me, verv correctly. exco]rt in saying that the (dd epergnes and
candelabra must give place to a iighter and more elegant orua-
raentaticm in the shape of flowers. Now I dine very constantly,
and I think very prettily a la Russe, with an (''pergne of
ancient date and pattern in the centre of the table. This
epergne is composed of silver, it has a bowl for flowers raised
conaiderably above the table in tJje middle ; while lower down
eight silver branches spring out, each holding a small vase.
When tastefully ornamented with flowers and Ferns, few
things could look more graceful and light thou this old
epergne with the dessert arranged in plates of valuable china
around it..- • i:-'TjjjJ ■_,■! m.'.' '■■ ':i-:;! :■ .i - ;!i j):"J J!J';''J

But many people may not possesBian old fipergne, ax^a,sy^^
one having a tolerably well stocked giudeu may enjoy this
prettiest and most economical way of dining. I will suppose,
that besides my garden I have a small -farm with a trout
streixm running through it ; I wish to have a few friends to
ilinner without much expense in this month of .July. I have
in common with most farm-houses, a few t>ld chma plates,
that belonged to my gi-amhnother, and a small stock of glass.
I place a small saucer topsy-tur-\T- on a soup plate, on the
saucer I put a tumbler, and in the tumbler a champagne ghiss
or old-fashioned rummer. Round the soup plate I dispose the
fresh gi-een fronds of the Polystichum angnlare, or aculeaturn ;
thev should be aU of the s.am'e size, so as tfl lie down evenly in
a circle on the fair white tablecloth. I dispose smaller Fems
so as entirely to hide the saucer and tumbler, and then I fiU
up the soup plate with a wreath of white Roses and blue Corn-
flowers, or the Verbenas Purple King and Suowflixke. From
the tumbler I depend mv flnejit Fuchsias, white Calceolarias,
Jasmine, and bhie Salvia, with a few fronds of Polypodium
dryopteris. My best Ferns and Pelargoniums I keep for the
champagne glass. ,::i .'■ : -. . •-.■ '■ \ .

This arrangement can be viiried .in a , huadred ways-r-Spi*
ra!a aria?folia, mixed with Humea elegans and' a few^ Fern
fronds, has a very good effect. I place this bouquet in the
centre of the table, bending the circle of Ferns to make them
lie on the tablecloth— then I put specimens of aU my best
Roses with fronds of Ferns in six rummers, and dispose them
between the outer circle of fronds. My dessert of Cherries,
StrawbeiTies, Raspberries, Gooseberries, with Currants, white
and red, I put in six of my old china idates, with a delicate
frond of some of my favorvrite Ferns here and there.

The trout stream fiirnishes the tish, which my husband gets up
an hour earlier in the morning to catch, and is rewarded with
one fried for his breakfast, which I need hardly say puts him
into a good temper till the hour for company smiles arrives.
I can spare this delicacy with the gi-eater ease because I need
only have just enough 'fish to satisfy my friends ; dining a la
Russe saves much waste, and my fish is brought iu hot from
the kitchen, instead of waiting on the table to get cold while
the company seat themselves. If the fish is preceded by soup.

44

JOUENAL OF HOKTICULTUKE AND COTTAGE GABDENEE.

[ July 18, 1865.

I would have the latter made of green Peas, for which I have
an excellent leceipt, requiring no meat. Being an early riser,
I should make this soup while my husband was catching the
fish, but I would take care and be tidy by the hour for break-
last. The farm would provide a couple of chickens and a leg
of lamb.

My second course should ibe toasted cheese — that is, cheese
boiled with a little cream, put on toast, and sent to table very
hot. This disii insures good temper for the rest of the
evening. The .sweets — Malvern pudding (fruit boiled, sweet-
ened and put in a bisiu lined with slices of thin bread — to be
eaten cold with thick cream poured over it), and a baked plum
pudding ; this is good both hot and cold, and therefore more
economical than a boili;iI plum pudding. The vegetables
should be early Droccoli and hrst-rate Potatoes.

Strictly speaking, none of these things, with the exception
of the friiit and flowers, (some people only have flowers) should
be put upon my table, but they might all appear there, and
yet the dinner not have the appearance of a cannibal feast.
The expense of this little dinner would be small, very small,
and its festal appearance would show my friends that I esteemed
their company an honour, and that it did not require any great
outlay to dine a la llusse, and bring to a homely life some of
the elegancies of society, supposed, erroneously, to belong only
to the rich. '

In a churchyard hear my old home, there is an epitaph
recording that — amongst other virtues, supposed to be a sort
of passport to heaven — the lady whose remains rested beneath
"contrived to make a very good appearance on a smaU
income." I always felt quite hot when I read that epitaph, in
sympathising with the great exertions of the poor lady, but it
■was no small praise after all ; I know something of that lady's
life, and the trying to make a good appearance is an amiable
as well as a very pleasurable excitement, and causes me often-
times to forget that I am (what the "Wiltshire Eectok"
declares I am not) — An Oveewokked Wife.

STOCKS AND THEIR INFLUENCE.

Where the soil and climate are suitable for the gi-owth, the
perfection of bloom, and for the maturity of the seed or fruit
of any tree, there can be no doubt that the organs, uaturallj-
provided for the supply of sap. Will afford it of proper quality
and sufficient quantitj' tor every want of the tree. Then, if
trees and shrubs succeed best, are more productive, and freer
from disease, when supplied -with sap from then- own roots and
passing through a stem of their own pecuUar kind, why do we
graft or bud on a stock of another species or variety ? We do
bud and graft, however — 1st, For the increase of a particular
Icind of tree, and on stocks of a different species or variety,
because they are the more readily obtained ; 2nd, To fit the
kind for some particular soil ; 3rd, To produce some alteration
in the habit of the tree or shrub. There is a prevailing im-
pression among gardeners that the stock communicates to the
species or variety of tree or shrub grafted upon it a portion of
its own power to bear cold without injury. This idea, however,
is wholly erroneous, as is amply proved by the tender kinds of
Koses on the Briar being destroyed by severe frost, and also by
the circumstance that the branches of every variety or species
of tree are much more easily destroyed by frost than its roots.
Physiologists agree in their views as to our grafting on stocks
which are of less growth than the scion, and consider the
practice wrong where extensive growth and dm-abUity is wanted,
but eligible whenever it is desirable to diminish the vigom- and
growth of the tree. iUr. Knight draws these conclusions from
his experience—" That the stock of a species or genus different
fi-om that of the fruit to be grafted upon it can be used rarely
with advantage, unless where the object of the planter is to
restrain and debilitate ; and that v.-here stocis of the same
species with the bud or graft are used, it will be found ad-
vantageous generally to select such as approximate in their
habits and state of chiinge, or improvement from cultivation,
to those of the variety of friut which thev are intended to
support." Mr. Johnson, in the " Science and Practice of Gar-
dening," p. 200, states—" The only situation in which we can
beheve that the stock of another can be advantageously em-
ployed, is wliere the soil happens to be unfriendly to the species
from which the bud or graft is taken." I have 'no doubt as to
the general conclusions of Jlr. Knight being correct so far as
the health of the tree is concerned ; but I find him all at sea
as to grafting or budding on a different species or genus restrain-

ing the vigour of the scion. I find the Apricot much less
vigorous grafted on a stock of its own species than on the
Pliun, it being a well-known fact that all varieties or species
take much more tardily from buds or grafts on stocks from
stones or seeds of their pecuhar kind, than on those of a
different species or genus nearly enough allied to permit of the
operation succeeding. It is also remarkable that the scion or
bud of any tree will take much more readily on another part of
the same tree, the tree itself being budded or grafted on a stock
of another species or variety, than when budded or grafted on
a stock of the same variety. Generally all trees and shrubs
seem to take better on a stock of a different species or variety
than on one of their own peculiar kind.

Now, by budding or grafting on a stock of less or slower
growth than the bud or graft, as in the case of the Peach and
Nectarine on the Plum, the aim seems to be to restrain vigour,
and render the tree more productive. Apart from any in-
fluence of the stock, grafting alone has a tendency to increase
fertility and lessen the vigour of the tree. It acts in the
same manner as ringing, or removing a ring of bark from a
branch or stem of a tree ; both act by arresting the downward
flow of the sap. Mr. Knight writes on this point — " When the
course of the descending current " (elaborated juice or sap), " is
intercepted, that necessarily stagnates and accumulates about
the decorticated part, whence it passes into the alburnum, is
carried upwards, and expended in an increased production of
blossom and fruit." Though this was written with reference
to ringing, yet it may be taken as having the same bearing on
grafting; for Mr. Johnson, in "Science and Practice of Gar-
dening," page 195, when writing of the influence of the stock,
states that " the sap becomes more rich, indicated by its
acquiring a greater specific gi-avity in some stocks than in
others," instancing a Black Cluster Vine stock on which a
Black Hamburgh had been grafted. According to this dictum
we ought to find the Pear on the quince more jiroUfic, and
giving larger fruit, of better flavour, than on the pear stock ;
and the same results should attend aU gi-afthig or budding on
a stock of less gi-owth, and of a different species or genus. It
is, indeed, verified by j^ractice ; the Pear on the quince, the
Peach and Apricct on the Plum, arrive at a fruiting state
earlier, iruit-buds are more abimdantly formed, the blossoms
set better, the wood and fi-uit ripen earher (simply from the
more abundant deposition of cambium, which we term the
ripening of the wood), and the fruit is larger, higher-coloured,
and richer-flavoured than when on their own stocks.

Grafting or budding, therefore, on stocks of less vigorous
growth than the scion or bud, restrains the growth, rendering
it more productive, though it may endure for a short time only
ere disease commence, and the parts decay ; or it may be perma-
nent, and of this I only laiow one instance — the Pear on the
quince. The reason, in this case, is not because the quince docs
not restrain the growth of the scion, but because the head or tree
is kejit close-prmied or stojjped, the growth of stock and graft
being made culturally corresponding. It is a common error to
conclude that, because Peaches on the Mussel Plum are short-
lived. Pears on the quince must be short-lived also. Nothing
can be brought to bear showing the parallel in these cases. No
doubt the Pear on the quince is short-lived when it is allowed
to outgrow its stock, as the Peach on the Plum always does, in
consequence of being allowed to make shoots a yard long, to be
cut down at the winter pruning to 9 inches or a foot. Were
close-primiog or stopping practised on the Peach, I have every
reason to believe it would be as long-lived as the Peai' on the
quince, of which I know trees as dwarfs, close-pruned or stopped,
upwards of half a century old, which annually ijroduce good crops
of large, fine-coloured, fuU-ttavom-ed fruit. Now that we have
Peaches on the Plum producing their fruit on spurs, I have
every reason to think that they wiU prove as healthy, as fruitful,
and as long-Uved as the Pear on the quince, "close-pinched"
so that the growth of stock and bud, or graft, correspond.
Perhaps Mr. Eivers may have some of his original Peaches on
the Plum elose-stoijped so as to produce their fruit on spurs
that even yet produce crops of large-sized aud good-flavoured
fruit ? If it be so it would go a great way to prove that fruit
trees on stocks of slower or less growth are only short-hved
when the scion is allowed annually to outstrip its stock in the
growth made.

Further, in budding or grafting on a species or genus different
from that worked upon it, we find that the bud or scions take
much more freely, aud make stronger growth for a few years
(the Peach on the Plum losing its vigour through the formation
of fruit-buds at the third season of growth), than on a -stock of

JiUy 18, 1865. ]

JOUKNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

45

its own from seeds. Peachea when budded in the latter way take
badly compared with those on the Plnm, make less growth, and
never outgrow the stock, both thickening alike ; and, unlike the
former, the trees annually become stronger, the sap flowing more
freely into the sm;ill or lateral shoots, and are in every way more
healthy, less fruitful, and the fruit deficient in size and flavour.
I am persuaded that, hov/ever wrong grafting on a stock of a
different species or genus may be physiologically, it yet serves
our purpose better than when a stock of the game kind is em-
ployed — we obtain an earlier and larger produce of finer fruit.
in a shorter period of time ; the question of longevity being of
secondary importance when trees are so easily replaced by
Others equally productive with their i)redecessors.

The greatest evil of grafting on a stock of a different species
or genus is that disease is likely to ensue. I think it is in
some measure owing to the increased specific gravity which the
Bap of au Apricot on the Mussel Plum acquires, that the disease
called gum, which so disfigures the Moorpark by the dynig of
the main branches, is brought on. It is certain that working
on a stock from a stone of the same Apricot renders the tree
free from this disagreeable malady. The buds, however, take
very unkindly, and grow much more slowly for the first year or
two, and seldom attain so vigorous a growth as when on the
Plmn. The Peach, too, on the Plum is liable, like the Apricot,
to gum on light loams on gravel, and on all soils the sap does
not flow so freely into the lateral shoots : lience an old shoot
does not continue either healthy or vigorous for any length of
time, but requires to be renewed with a younger shoot or branch.
Peaches on the Almond stock succeed better than those on the
Plum in soUs free of stagnant water ; whilst on a very hght
loose gravelly soil I am inclined to think they would do
admirably on the Apricot stock. I am not certain whether the
drain on the resources of the Plum stock, by our present
system of growing Peaches on what I may term the "long-
rod" system, is not jtltogether at variance with the natm'e of
both stock and scion. The nature of evety tree is to grow
freely whilst young, and afterwai-ds to grow less and fruit more.
By reducing the branches of any tree Considerably at the winter
pruning we obtain more vigorous growth, but it is certain that
this does not contribute to increased productiveness, the tree
frequently remaining improductivc until the balance between
the head and roots is restored. Whatever may be the result
of the Peach producing its fruit on spurs, I am led to think
highly of the Apricot stock for the Peach, though it is of another
genus ; whereas the Plum is perhaps only another species of the
same genus as the Apricot. I am also certain that the Apricot
would do better on a stock of another genus if one could be
foimd that would act in the same beneficial manner as the
quince for the Pear.

I have aheady alluded to the fact that grafting in itself
directly checks the growth and vigour of a tree. This is
strikingly apparent with seedling trees, which, when allowed to
gi-ow at their free wUl, require a lengthened period before they
arrive at a flowering or fruiting state. I find them flower
sooner even when a scion is worked on its own stock annually,
repeating the operation ou the last-budded or grafted part with
a scion or bud from that inserted in the previous year, and
this continued wiU bring the most refractory seedling into a
flowering and fruiting state ; and the object in view is obtained
sooner by grafting or budding on a stock of slower grovrth.
Thus, seedling Roses bloom the third or fourth year when
budded on the Dog Rose, but not luitil the fifth or sixth year
when budded on their own stock, or on a stock improved by
cultivation. A knowledge of these jjecuharities suggests to us
that many trees valuable on account of their flowers or fi'uit,
but which are shy in producing these, might be so far changed,
by grafting or budding successively twice or thrice, or oftener,
as to produce their flowers and fruit abundantly.

I have often thought it something strange to see a Pear ou
the Pear stock strong and healthy, but devoid, for the most part,
of fruit, though covering many square yards of wall ; whilst a
very small tree, not one-twentieth the size, gave double the
quantity of fruit, in an open border, close by, on the quince
stock. The Easter BemTc, BeiuTe de Ranee, Beiu're Bosc,
Gansel's Bergamot, Gensel's Late, Broom Park, Aston Town,
Marie Louise, Eyewood, and other Pears, are all too vigorous
to fruit on the quince profusely, but they are most prolific when
double-worked on it.

Whilst the repetition of grafting or budding conduces to the
early production of blossoms and fruit, the stock in the first
instance having a tendency to increase the specific grarity of
the sap impelled into the scion, and the gi-afting hindering or

restraining the downward flow of the elaborated juice, and
rendering the sap twice as rich as it would be uattu-ally, stiH
wo find productiveness and early bearing soonest attained by
working ou a stock of another genus less closely aJlied than
tlie quince to the Pear, as, for instance, the Pear on the Haw-
thorn. This, truly, is grafting on a stock of less and slower
growth than tlie scion, and yet it is attended with the beat
results as regards the early production of blossoms and fruit.
I think many lands of Pears that grow too vigorously on the
quince, or so much so i>a to requiro«biennial removal, might be
so far restrained in growth by double or treble working as to
bear annually without removal. Though the quince is a.n
admirable stock for Pears generally, it restrains the gi'owth of
some so much as to render them imhealthy. Thompson's,
even, when double-worked, is not healthy on the quince ;
Knight's Monarch (one of the very finest of Pears, of peculiar
flavour), is neither healthy nor fruitful ou it; nor are the
Seckle and Ne Plus Meuris at all benefited by working on the
quince. They jirobably require a stock of slower — certainly
one of corresponding growth.

I would observe, further, in relation to working on stocks of
slower or less growth than the species or variety to be increased,
that the fi-uit produced is not only larger, but higher-coloured,
and of better flavour. This is strikingly apparent, in addition
to the examples already namaj, in Bigajrreau and Heart
Cherries ou the common Cherx-y stock. On stocks of their own
kind from the stone they are not nearly so productive, nor so
fine either in size or flavour. Dukes and Moi-ellos on the
Cheiry stock are e.xtremely aci-.i, but romiirkably improved in
flavour on the Mahaleb. With regard to the 'healthiness of
Cherries ou stocks of either sliwsr or inferior growth, we know
that working on such has a tendency to induce gum, but not of
so virulent a nature as in the case of the Apricot on the Plum.
No one wi'J doubt, that the f wther we remove anything from its
own natural course the more susceptible it will be of disease ;
at the same time w-e cannot but see that budding or grafting
on a stock of another genus or species, nearly enough allied to
maintain, productiveness, and, the existence, of the tree for an
average lifetime, does away with large annual growths and
planting an orchard for another geueratioji ; and that by this
practice the largest produce, of the finest quality, is obtained
in the shortest time. i-

It has beon suggested that, by working trees below the surface,
the evils of grafting on a stock of another genus, species, or
variety of slower or less growth, would be obviated by having
the tree on its own roots. Now, this is something very ab-
siu-d. If the soil is suitable for that particular variety, well,
even then a stock is of no use ; for, whilst planting, we might
as well plant a tree ou its own roots in the first instance. If
the soU is the reverse of natural to the plant, then common
sense would tcU us ■ to aUow no i-oots except that of the stock
to find their waj- into it. If we eotdd give eveiy tree the soil
and cUmate natui'al to it, then we might safely adhere to the
fact that every tree is best nourished by its own roots, and
grow them on their own stock, approximating as nearly as
possible to a natural state of things. Notwithstanding, seed-
lings of even herbaceous plants are finer whfcn continued by
cuttings — less vigorous as a plant, but having finer flowers, or
it may be fruit. In like manner the seedling Pear, -4.pple,
Plum, Peach, &e., are seldom so fine on the original as on a
stock of another genus, species, or variety ; and all this goes to
show that grafting or budding on stocks of slower and less
growth furnishes food that becomes richer in the scion, tends
to productiveness and quality, but renders the subject more
Uable to — nay, induces — disease, ijesulting in early maturity
and death. — Cr. Aubey. '■-'''.

(To be continued.)

DICKSON'S EARLY PEA, FIRST ANI)' BEST.

In Messrs. A. Henderson's report on early Peas, in No. 221
of your .Jonrnil, they make a statement to the effect that
Dickson's First and Best and Saugster's No. 1 Peas are iden-
tical in aU respec-ts excepting a slight difference in the colovur
of the flowers. That statement is so contrary to my experience
of those kinds this season, that I am tempted to ^end you the
f oUowiug as the result with me. " '^'T^.

Both kinds were sown in boxes oh the same date (first week
in March), placed in heat until they came up, then hardened
off, and finally planted out in rows, across a south border, on
the 29th of March. Dickson's was gathered from on the 1st of
Jun2 in good condition, Sangster's No. 1 not until the 13tb,

4e

JOURXAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE G.ASDEKER.

Jtdjr I^, 1865.

and tJien .not in so good condition as the fonner was on the
lat. Dickson's was also a fortnight earlier in coming into
bloom, and did not grow so high as SaugsterVby a foot. .

I consider Dickson's First and Best Pea an excellent early
variety, being a good cropper, bearing good- sized, well-tilled
pods, and one from which several gatherings can be made.

I am not iu a position to speak of its qualities iis an early
Pea, as compared with some of the other early kinds, snch as
Carter's First Crop, DiUistone's Eai'ly Prolific, &c., not having
grown those varieties. Prgbably some of them are as early,
or perhaps earlier, and another season I may test them.

Dickson's First and Best is decidedly the, best early Pea I
have yet gi-own, and I consider S,auggter|s , a good variety to
succeed it when sown at the same tinieir^rJi,H. MiSOK,.St<m»to>i
Castie Gardens, S la ft'ordshire.' ■....:, .a •'!/ ..^jr-iln'J .. .; >"

THE POTATO SCAB— YOUXG- TOTATl lES

r

-ik-.l-jll.:') !■

SPROUTING.

I SHALL feel glad if you can give me any information respect-
ing Potatoes being scabby. I have, growingin a garden, Rivers's
Eoyal Ashleaf liidney, which are splendid croppers, and now
quite ripe, also Dnintree's Seedling, which are the size of a
Walnut, but so scabby that a few that I took up for trial had
to be peeled. White Kemps are similar. The Kidneys are
not so much scabbed ; but I am afraid the scab coming on the
Daintree's and Kemp's whilst they.flJey.sc^.Jiqningi^YffiiPip'^^t
their attaining their full gi'owth. •,,,,• ,,iv>-. .if'i '< ■ - ■

I have also some Lapstone Kidneys which are now in flower.
I found, when looking at them to-day, that the yoimg tubers
are glowing, one I found with a sprout above an inch long,
and roots starting from the base of it. Can you give any reason
for their doing so ? Perhaps it is a peculiarity of the Lapstone,
as I have found none of the others doing so. — J. W.

[The origin of the scab in the Potato is imdetermined. It
is merely an eruption, confined almost entirely to the skin of
the tubers, and. probably, is occasioned by hme. or some other
ingredient in the soil which causes decomposition in the tissue
of the Potato's skin. Hcils manured with coal aslies have
been obsen-ed particularly hable to cause tlie scab iu the tubers.
We shall be obliged by any of our readers sending us the results
of their experience relative to this disease.

The cau,se of the yoimg tubers sprouting is more easily
accounted for. When checked in growth and prematiu-ely
rijjened by long-continued di-ought, when rain occurs they
vegetate instead of increasing in size. They usually emit fresh
nmners, and produce on them fresh tuber';, which has been
called sitper-tviberatiqti.'— Ens.]

EOYAL HOETICULTUEAL SOCIETT.

JCLY 11.

SciEXTiric MEExrNo.— W. 'Wilson SamiJeis. Esq.. in tlie chair.
The Eev. Josbna Dix. after reading tlje listof the awards of the Floral
Committee, and briofiy commenting on r.omo of the oljjects for which
they were given, called attention to the Pelargoniums and other bed-
ding plants at Chiswiek, and particnlarly tbose of Mr. Bull : and the
collection of Larkspui-s and Poppies, he said, would aho well repay a
visit. Mr. G. F. Wilson, F.R.S., 8t:ited that uo oeititicates had been
awarded by the Fruit Committee ; but mentioned the fruit of Dion
edule from Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., of Highgnte,
Messrs. Catbush's liaspbeny, and a new Pea from Mr. Graham of
Crauford.

The Eev. Ml. Berkeley said, that before remoi'ldng on the objects
before the Meeting he wished to draw attention to a pamphlet by
M. Boucbet, of MontpeUier, giving an aceoaut of the results of experi-
ments in crossing Vines, and the substance of which had ap]ieared in
the •* Comptes Rendns " of tin; Academy of Sciences. With one
Vine in particnliLr, Le Teinturier, which was used for colounng wine,
some di&culty had been esperieuced in crossing, on account of its
flowering eight or ten days earhertban the kinds which were employed
as the female parents ; but this dilhcuhy having been overcome,
several varieties had been the result, some of which bad coloiu'less,
others coloured juice like the male parent ; and some were so early
that it would be possible to have the vintage in the South of France
in August. It bad been doubted whether cross-breethng affected the
character of the fruit or seed of a plant the same year : bnt Mr.
Standish, who had made numerous curious experiments in cross-
breeding Viaes and other plants, bad iufoiTiied him I Mr. Berkeley"),
that be b.id noticed a change of foim in Grapes which had l>eeu
crossed in the first year ; and Mr. .Standish laid promised to give the
Society some observations on this poiut. Mr. Berkeley then read a

letter from Mr. F. P. Moore, enclosing two leaves of Vines which had
been raised from the seeds of Malaga raisins purchased seven or eight
yeai"s ago for making wine. The raisins bad been boiled, the juice
pi-eased out, and the residue thrown on the garden, and iu a short
time hundreds of young Vines bad come up, some of which were now
4 feet high. In reference to this, Mr. Berkeley remarked that the
same thing had happened to himself, with this tUfference — that the
maj-c Inid not been boded for some hours, but treated with boiling
water, and from the refuse thousands of plants had come up. Mr.
Berkeley then proceeded to reriew the jdauts, &c., exhibited. A
double variety of Geranium sylvaticum was said to be an ornamental
plant for .shrubberies; and General Grant Pelargonium, from Mr.
Ueid of Sydenham, to be a cross betweeu a zouate raiiety and some
Cape species, and therefore never likely to be n;seful for bedding.
Ebzabeth Vigneron Rose, from Mr. W. Paul, was described as a most
exquisite variety, and even finer than its parent Louise Pevi'omiy. Of
Podophyllum Emodi an arcoimt would be given by.Mr. Short, who
had sae'ceeded in making the plant produce fruit. Tbei-e was also a
species, the M:iy -•Vpple, P.pcltiitum, cultivated in America,wbcre it was
known as the \Vild Lemon en account of the fruit being acid. The
leaves were said to be poisonous, but the plant possessed valuable
medicinal propeiiies, the rhizome being much u.sed in America in the
shape of a powder for fevei-s and affections of the hver. In reference
to the Castle Kennedy Fi^' he had omitted to remaik at a former
meeting that he believed that a gi-cat many valuable fniits that were
probably unknown in this couuti-y might be found in old gardens in
Scotland ; for in former days the intercourse between Scotland and
France and Fhiuders, was closer than between these countries and
En.gland. In confirmation of this, Mr. Berkeley observed that when
at the Marquis of Huntley's in Aberdeenshu-e, be had noticed magni-
I ficeut Gean Cbeny trees scattered over the country, aud which
i had probably been imported fi'om France, as tbey were certainly not
indigenous. 'They attained the size of Oaks, and bad a very pictoreaqne
api>earance. A huge Puff Ball which bad been exliibited at one of the
shows tt'as stated to be Lycoperdon bovista. and, remarked Mr. Berkeley,
though almost every one seemed prejudiced agiunst Fungi, some of
them bad curious properties. This one for instance was excelleut for
taking bees, had powertul aua-stbeiic properties, aud when young the
iiesb looked bio bread, and was most excellent when properly dressed,
being more tender than any sweetbread. In It.aly, where it grows abun-
dantly, it was kept in a cellar and a sUce cut off' when wanted, but here
it soon changed colour, and when it had an unpleasant smell i£ became
uutit for human food.

Mr. Short, having been called upon to give an account of bis mode
of cultivating Podophyllum Emodi, said that it was by no means a new
I plant, but he believed that bo now exhibited it for the first time in
1 fi-uit. He had turned his attention to its cultivation for the last ten
years, and no plant that he knew was so impatient of removal aud
disturbance as it ; if only a small piece were separated, the plant
would be three or fom- years before it anived at the same stage agaui.
The tlower to a casual obsen'er appeared like that of the Black
HeUcbore. but was more lil;e that of one of the Npnpbacese ; the
plant, however, belonged to an order of its onu — Podopbyllacea;. It
did not remain in tiower more thaji two days, and if the flower were
not unpregnated within the first few houi-s idl chance of fruit was
hopeless. Having removed some scedlinss he foimd tliat some of
them had oulv two tbre:ld-like roots 2 or 3 yards long. The
plant was difficult to propagate— the best way to grow it was to let it
alone. He thought that the froit would be either intensely acid or
intensely bitter. " The Ilev. Mr. Berkeley having tasted the fi-uit
declai-cd it to be not at all acid, but insipid, aud not particularly
nice. •

Mr. Wilson Saunders begged to direct attention to what gome of Ms
friends called ugly-looking plants. They were the next relatives to
Figs, and were called Dorstenias iifter Dorsten, aud through them the
fructification of a Fig could lie better explained than by the Fig itself.
Eveiy one know what is commonly termed the Fig, but that was not
really the fruit, but merely a hollow fleshy receptacle beoj-ing the true
fruit' on its inner surface in the shape of numerous small seeds.
Taking one of the Dorstenias it would be found to possess a square
flat receptacle set with mrmerons insignific;int green flowers, each of
which became a fruit. Now a Fig was nothing more than this roUed
into a bag or turned outside iu, with an aperture at top through
which the air passes, aud causes the poUen to fall ou the stigma. The
Dorstenias b.-id been long in the country, but had not received the
attention which they deseived. The foi-ms which the receptacle
assnmed in some of the species were vciy curious, as would be per-
ceived by the examples which be had brought. One species was said
to possess veiy acthe properties as an antidote to the poison of snakes,
bnt the princijde, whatever it was, ceased to be active in tbe dried state
of tbe plant. Passing from the Dorstenias. Mr. Saunders differed
from Mr. Berkeley as to crosses of the Cape Geraniums being too
tender to be used for bedding. Some of the Cape species there were
that would only do iu a greenhouse, but there were others, pai-ticularly
the hard-wooded kinds, that in hot seasons like the present might be
expected to stand out of doors when the temperature was not under
4U.° Mr. Saunders then adverted to tbe important influence of
fnonnd temperatnre on the giowth cf plants taken in conjimction with
the heat of the atmosphere, the latter being too frequently considered
without anv reference to the former. A Brassavola sent home by the

July 18, 1866. 1

JOUBXAL OF HOBTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GAHDENEE.

'iU^

Soc'ioty's collector Mr. Weir wtisthon noticed, aiul Mr. Saaiidtirs Btatcd
tliat it (lid uot dilTur much from H. iiodtisa ; uud in (^ouimoudinK thv.
ciiai'inijif,' Bi^uunius I'lvai Mr. l-'Kuiiuu; tu tbu uotini of the mn-tiiif^,
ill'. Suuudcrii stiuii^ly rucoiaun'itdud tlu-m for (loverilij^ tliu voofs of
gvuui^liousDK ami c(»ii.-iorvutorioa. Tu tlowtr wtill, bowevery the plants
should bo old, iiud bu.vu pleuty of room.

Floral Commttter. — The entries were not rerj- numerons, aUhrtU(»b
sevt-riil VL'iy iutevostiuff plants were brought bi'foro the Committee.
Mr. Flfiniutf. CUvi'den, exhibited somi; of hii^ se«fdlinK Nost'Kay and
Zoualc Pelargoniums, which were of ii very promising ohiiracter.
No-ictiny Dowiii^er Diicht-ss of Sutlit^vland. huvin<; n line largo truss of
deep carmine tiowers. very distinrt and bnuitit'ul. had a hrst-claiiH
curtiticato ; also Nosegay Lad\ Coustauce. brilliant scarbit, largu
shoH-y trnss, loaves deoply zonnto. Mr. Fleming nlfio brought cut
specimuns of sevei'al other seedlings of good (juality and new in
colour. Mr. Stone, gardener to J. I)ay. Esq., brought s.venil Orchids,
among which wen; a tine specinun of Cypriiiedimn Sli>uei, with three
riowei-3 in jjerfection, for which a special cortihriite \\as awarded ; and
EriopsiH rntidobnlbou, a vci-y beautiful Orchid, with spikes of brown
flowers, with n delirately-maikcd light rosy-nmttled lip. A lirst-class
certiticato was a\^arded for this; and Rolbophyllum jisittacoglossum had
one of tlie Rccoiid-olass. riiaheonojisis Wighti, « vi-iy small -flowering
apceios, very nnlilce some of its mngiiiticent relatives, was also shown
by Mr. Stone. Mossrs. Osbom. of Fnlham, exhibited a pbmt of Podo-
piiyllum I'.modi. which had never fruited in Kngbmd liefore ; the
tiowerii are produced singly, resembling those of Helleborus viridis,
and the fruit resembles that of the common Passiou-Flower in form
uud colour. It is a hardy plant, difficult ot cultivation, and when
once planted should not be removed. Oeranium sylvaticnm duplex,
h'om the sume linn, is a useful and ornamental plant, gi-owing where
fuw other jdants will succeed — under the shade of trees ; the flowers
were too much faded to judge of its merits. Mr. Bull sent a plant
of Staurnnthera granditiora ; Phegopteris saneta. a small and pretty
stove Fern — second-class certificate ; Lo'belia Silver (^ueen, which was
veiy similar to Lobelia speciosa alba ; Pandanus oniatus, reijuested
to bo seen again ; Dicksouia cinnamomea, a line tree Fexii. the stems
clothed with a rnsty bro\vn wool-like substance — first-class certificate ;
Cissus amazouica, not nearly so good as C discolor ; Costus zebrinus ;
Aspidinm sp., a stove Fern ; and cut specimens of a striped Verbena
(.jem, the colours not distinct, and sj^>oiled by the gicen centre. Mr.
Thompson, Ipswich, exhibited a \er\ pretty gi-eeubonse perennial,
Trichiuium Mauglesii, with tufts of pm-j)le flowers, growing on feather-
like footstalks, which give the plant an elegant appearance. It was
much admired, and will, doubtless, become quite a lady's plant, and
be in great request. It is nearly allied to the Amaranths and Celosias.
This received a first-class certiticate. From Mr. Williams, HoUoway,
caniti Cfleichenia sp., probably a glaucous variety of G. macrophylla —
lirst-clftss certiticate ; Gi,Tnnogi-amma sp., to be seen again, as it much
re.sombles G. Parsousia- ; Anwctochilus Tumeri, a veiy fine iorm of
this genus — first-class certificate ; Lilium sp. from Japan, the yellow-
spotted variety, exhibited before, and a small collection of Lilium
auratum. Mr. Wilson Saunders sent a collection of very curious
j.lants — nine distinct varieties of Dorstenia, with varied and singular
form of inflorescence. A special certificate was awarded for them ;
also a spedal certificate for the general collection. Mr. Keid, Syden-
ham, exhibited a seedling Pelargonium of the Nosegay section. General
Grant, hybriilised with a Cape variety ; the plant produced a ti-uss of
bright red flowers, and the foliage, instead of being circular, was much
lobed, and without any zone. Messrs. Downie, Laird, & Laing had,
for a collection of cut Hollyhocks, a special certificate. Mr. Ausell,
Kentish Town, exhibited a collection of cut Antinhinums, the usual
vaiieties which are produced from packets of seed which may be pur-
clmsed anywhere ; aud Mr. Smith. Honisuy lload, a seeiUing Zouale
Pelargonium Mrs. Box, pale salmon and white flowers, of which we
have already too many. Mr. Brown, Sudburj'. sent specimens of his
new scarlet Sweet Pea, called Invincible Scarlet, adveitised by him in
tJie spring. This is a very fine and distinct variety, really worth
gi-owing ; colour deep scarlet, blended with carmine, flowers large, and
ver>' liighly scented. It received a first-class certificate. Mr. Wm.
Paul «ent specimens of new Hybrid Pei-petual lioses Dr. Lindley,
Elizabeth Vignerou, Madame Kmile Boyau ; and JVIi'. Fleming, cut
specimens of two superb Biguonias, B. giandifiora aud B. chirere.
The plants were growing in a conservatory at Cliveden, fonuing ex-
tremely ornamental specimens. Mr. Eyles jilaced before the Com-
mittee an Orchid sent home by Mr. Weir, a v;u*ietj- of Brassavola
nodosa, to be called B. nodosa graudiflora. There appeared to be two
distinct varieties on the stump on which the plants were giowing and
wore sent home. A first-class certificate was awarded. A collection
of Sweet Peas was sent from the gardens, many good aud distinct
varieties, but not one equal to the In\Tncible Scarlet, which is a great
acquisition to its family.

Fruit Committee :"]Mr. G. F. Wilson, F.E.S., in the chair. — Mr.
Ciitbush, of Highgate, again brought fonvard his seedling liaspberrj-
Pi-inceas Alice, a lato variety, which was then just coming into nse.
The flavour is more brisk than in the Prince of Wales, fruit of which
was sho^^^l along with it. Mr. Heming. of Cliveden, brought a bunch
of a seedling muse at -flavoured Gnipe, raised from a cross between
White Frontiguan and Royal Muscadine. The hunch was of good
size long, and well set ; the berries as large as those of the White

Frontiguan, and thn flaTOur was decidedly good, notwithstanding the
fruit was far from being ripu. Mr. iiradley, of i^lton Manor Gardens,
scut a soedling Strawberry named *' i>r. lloj^g," a tino Imndsomcj fruit,
in tlic way of Briti^^h (^uceu, but higlUy coloured, aud giving iiidica-
tion of being a highly-flavoured ^ud uxcelleut variety ; but the fruit
had suffered so much by (carriage that the flavour was damaged, and
Mr. BraiUey was asked to send it again. Mr. Myatt, of r)epffvrd,
brought samples of early Potatoes — viz., Myatt's Profiflc Milky White,
aud Mona's Pride. Of th^so Mr. Myatt gave the preference to
Mona's Pride, as b&iug'ihe bbsi early Pbtato- be' Uak mfetwitti^lA
his experience. '. t. 'i'.- /mImI^'i' > ,n-,vn:/ .^oiiJ itwoig

Sii'ow OP LiLLACE.iE, .Tilly 15th. — This was chiefly confined to the
different varieties of Lilium lancifolium, of which some well-grown
beautifully -flowered spccimenB were shown by Messrs. Cutbush and
Young, of Highgate. We noticed the names of speciosum, rnbnim,
rosenm, cruentum, and album, which were the only lance-leaved kinds
shown on this occasion. Others consisted ()f Lilium auratum, among
which was a pretty variety with reddish bands from Messrs. E. G.
Hendereon. This was named rubeacena. The others camo' from
Messrs. Bartlett, Cutbush, Bull, Young, and Catleugh. The only
other LUies shown were the Tiger, b>ugifloi'um, ami martagon, of
which there was a pretty dark variet;^- under tho name of umbellatum.
Vallota pnrj)iu-ea aud Auiaryllu aulica ignesceus came from Messi*^.
E. G. Henderson; aud Vallota eximia from Mr. Bull. MiscellajieonB
subjects consisted of six stands of Hollyhocks from Messrs. Downie,
Laird, & Laing, together with a spike of a delicate pink seedling,
called Mrs. Laing. Kosuscame from Mr. Clarke, of Brixton; hanging
baskets, Achimenes, and variegated-leaved Begonias from Mr. Voung;
Cockscombs from Mr. Taylor, gardener to J. Yates, Esq., Highgate;
and a beautiful plant of Adiantum cuneatum from Mr. Baiilett.
Cones of Pinus excelsa were contributed by Mr. Carson, gardener to
W. F. G. Farmer, Esq., Nonsuch Park, Cheani ; and Figs and a
Queen Pine Apple by Mr. Ford, gardener to W. Hubbard, Esq.,
Horsham. ,- ,.>*./ ^il.^

THE UNITED HORTieULTUEAL SOCIETY, i^

This Society agaiii held a show in the garden of Fiiisburj' Circus ou
WeiluesJay the 12th inst., and as a whole for the season there was a
good lUsplay. The centre of the principal tent was devoted to flowering
and ornamental-foliated plants, ti'ce Ferns being placed along the
centre and two fine Draca-nas from Mr. "Williams one at each end. Of
Heaths some excellent specimens were exhibited by Mr. Rhodes, who
has been veiy successful with them at different exhibitions this Tear ;
and other plants from Messrs. Page. Rhodes, Fraser, Williams,
Wheeler of Stamford Hill, and ChUman, consisted of Ixoras, Dipla-
denia splendens, Lescheuaultia foraiosa, CjTtoceras reflexum. Statices,
Pleroma elegans, Tillandsia splondeug, SoUya linearis, Kolosanthes,
Fuchsias, and scarlet aud variegated Pelargoniums. j i';r[

Fiue-foliaged plants comprised Dicltsonias and other Ferns, Dra-
csenas, Caladiums, Maranta zebrina, and Warczewizii, a few Palms, a
variegated Ananassa in fruit, aud a collection of Caunas ; the
exhibitors being Mr. 'VViUiams, Messrs. Low, Mr. Wheeler, Mr. 'Wilson,
gardener to W. Marshall Esq.

Some good Orchids from Messrs. Wilson, Page, and Bater, occupied
a small tent bv themselves, along with a collection of hardy Ferns
from Sir. HoUiind, gardener to R.Peake, Esq.. Isleworth. We noticed
good examples of Cy-i)ripedium barbatum, aud superbum, Auguloa
Clowesii in good bloom, Phalfenopsis, Vandas, Aerides, Cattleyas
Leopoldi and superba, Oncidium Lauceanum, and the biilliaut Disa
granditiora.

Of other plants tricolor-leaved aud other bedding Geraniums came
from Mr. Aldi-ed. Kilburn, Messrs. Smith of Dulwich, Buxton,
Waudsworth Road, aud Williams of HoUoway ; the last named having
among others Annie Williams aud Golden Nugget, tw-o pleasing
varieties. Mr. Smith of ToUiugton Nursery sent Zonale Pelargoniums
Chieftain, aud La Grande, both of which have been certificated by the
Floral Committee aud described at p. M : likewise Petunias, and
Fuchsias. Lilium auratum was shown in good bloom by Messrs.
Cai-ter & Co. aud Mr. Williams, who had also the beautiful Todea
superba ; Auiectochils, by Mr. Ahb-ed ; Balsams, by Messrs. F. & A.
Smith ; Aurea floribunda Calceolarias in excellent bloom, by Mr.
Forsyth of Stoke Newingtou ; dwarf Tropieolums for bedding, by
Mr. George ; aud seedling Sweet Williams by Mr. Wiltshire.

Foremost among cut flowers were twelve boxes of beautiful Roses
from Messre. Paul & Son ; and six from Mr. Turner of Slough, who
also had large aud beautiful Camation and Pieotee blooms. Mr.
Holbaud likewise contributed pood boxes of Roses. From Messrs.
Paul & Sou, aud Messrs. Downie & Co., came excellent stands of Holly-
hocks ; Verbenas and Roses, from Mr. Vocldns ; aud cut Fuehsiaa from
Mr. Crute.

FiTiit consisted of Peaches, Ncctai-ines, and Strawbenics from Mr.
TUlery, Welbeck, and Mr. Young, gardener to W. Stone lisq., who
also had two Pines ; some excellent Currants aud GoosebeiTies, from
Mr. Newton, gardener to G. .T. Graham Esq.. Entield Chase, and
Mr. Mortimore, gardener to W.Pott, Esq., C'arshalton, who also sent a
good Queen Pine and two Melons ; Black Hamburgh Grapes from
Mr. Lewis, Stamford Hill ; and fruit trees in pots from Messrs. Lane.

48

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

f July 18, 1865.

Some good Cttcnmbers were shown, also herbaceous plants from
Eallymouough» Ireland ; and we noticed a pretty Cape Heath, called
Exquisita, exhibited by Messrs. Low.

TODMORDEN EOTAJS'ICAL SOCIETY.— July :Jrd.

De. W. p. H. Schtupee, G. ct M. Pr.. Ac. Sc. J. G. M. C, &c.,
*'Bryolog. Europ. Auctor.'" was admitted an associate member. In
pi"opo£iiig the above-named gentleman the Cbaii-man took occasion to
pay a high compliment to Ibe character and abilities of Dr. Scbimpcr,
remarking that he bad a world-wide and also a well-earned reputation,
and that the Todmcrden Botanical SocietT, in confeiing an associnte-
membership on such an indi\-idnal received a far greater honour than
it conferred. "VN'e noticed on the table a plant of a splendidly ramulose
var. of Polystichuni acnle.ltnm. AVe nnderstood the plant in question,
along with some twenty others equallv chai-acteristic. liiid been collected
in Dcvonsbiie w-ithia "the last few days by Mrs. Thornton, of Holds-
worthy rectory. Noith Devon, anil lately"of Eawtenstall, Rossendale.
Mr. H. Halstead contributed a frcnd of a new Athyrinm, with
curiously-ovate pinnules, and which, if quite pei-manent, promises to
be a valuable acquisition. The plant in question had been gathered
near to Castle-Carr, in Yorkshire ; several very rare and curious plants
and tlowers were sent from other sources. The Hon. Sec. read a
communication from Mr. Fielden Hartley, Alton, Illinois, N.A., report-
ing the discoveiy of Botrychium virginicum and other rare plants, and
enclosing a fine specimen of the one first-named.

The Vice-President (Mr. Nowell) having accompanied Drs. Schimper
and Wood to Snowden, reported the discovery of the following rarities,
none of which had ever before been seen in a gi-owing state by the
celebrated Schimper; Arctoa fnlvella, linely in fruit; (Edipodinm
Griiiithianum, splendidly in fruit : Kacomitrium ellipticmn, do ;
Bartramia arcuata, this is altogether unknown on the continent ;
Andrara alpina, abundantly in fruit.

WORKING-CLASS FL0AM3R SHOWS.

We visitecl, diu-iiig the past week, one of the.se iu Blooms-
htuy Square, and another in the Royal Horticultural Society's
Garden at South Kensington, and well gratified were we to
find the competitors so numerous. Great excellence is not to
be expected, but there were many specimens very creditable to
the growers, and CTideuce luimistakeable of an increasing
fondness and seeking after these beautiful adornments of a
house.

The Earl of Shaftesbury, who distributed the prizes at the
Bloomsbury Show — and let us add that the Bloomsbtuy window
gardeners keep ahead in this race which they originated — ob-
Kerred that he was glad that the movement, originating as it
did in Bloomsbtuy, and so well carried otit by the Bev. E.
Eayley assisted by Jlr. Bosanquet and others, had now spread
all over London. He thought, also, they ought not to forget
the inventor of the movement, the Eev. H. Parkes. He held
that a man who invented a movement like that, which was
accomplishing so vast an amount of moral good, was a bene-
factor of the age. He went much about ths town, and he
saw the good effect of such shows amongst the people. The
Bloomsbury folk ought to be very proud of originating a move-
ment which was spreading all over Loudon. He had three
flower shows to attend that week; last year there were not
above two such flower shows iu the metropolis, this year there
were twenty o? thirty, and next year he hoped there would he
a hundred.

There are a lew minor points about these exhibitions which
deserve alteration. We think, for instance, that a little more
regard should be had to neatness ; and if two plants showed
equal good cultivation, and one was exhibited iu a pot rendered
inoffensive to the eye by being enclosed in a piece of crenulated
green paper,, we would give its opponent in a bare stained pot
the second place in the award.

Labels or patches of white paper, even if all of a size and
well-written upon, we would banish from the sides of the pots.

Then we would have distinct prizes for treUised plants and
plants imtreUised. A Fuchsia, we think, looks best tr.iined as
a pyramid rather than as a fan. A Gerauiimi we consider more
difficult than a Fuchsia to grow meritoriously. Lastly, a plant
taken out of a border or a large pot, cut down, and then grown
5n a small pot in a window for next year's exhibition, is not
" a plant raised and flowered within twelve months." A plant
to come within this definition should be raised from the cut-
ting iu one year and exhibited before the close of the next.

These concluding notes aie in answer to some queries we
have received.

BEGMUS SCHECEDERI-ZIZ.VXIA AQUATICA.

I SEE that Messrs. Carter advertise this Grass amongst their
novelties, and give a glowing description of it in the adver-
tising columns of yom- Number of Apiil 11th. I have known
and had it for some time, but never sowed any tiU this spring.
Having just returned from London, I am glad to find a fine
bunch of it about a yard high and in fxil! ear. It was sown long
after the general com crop, so that Messrs. Carters' remark
as to its pecuharity in sending up seed at a veiy early stage of
its growth seems to be conect. Probably, if I had been at home
and pushed it on with hquid manure during the late impre-
cedented hot weather, it might have been higher, but "the
Derby," and such like, must be seen — " mat ecelum.''

Being a member of Council of the AecUmatisation Society,
I have devoted much time and attention towards introducing
such hardy shrubs and Grasses as will afford food for game ;
and my respected fi-iends, P. Lawson & Son of Edinburgh, who
in the kindest manner iilwavs send me anything they meet
with tending to that object, forwarded me, some time ago, a
spike of this Brome Grass. I distributed it among a few
members of our Society, and a fine head of it was shown at the
council meeting last Thursday. I believe Messrs. Lawson had
it long since from Berhn, but I think it is a native of Virginia.
There is no doubt it will be excellent food for game or poultry,
but I doubt its perennial character, as well as its hardiness,
as it grows so fast.

Kespecttng the Zizania aquatica. or Wild Bice of Canada,
with the re-introduction of which my name has been so much
coupled, I am soriy to state that we have tttterly failed in
raising it. Mi\ Thomas Moore of Chelsea and I have tried it
all ends up without gettingit to show the least vitahty. I have
gallons of it left, but it is no good giring it to any one. We
are goiug to try to get yoimg plants of it over. — Jackson
GiLLBA^KS, Cutuherlaitd.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

MAKCH.

This, the busiest month of the twelve in the kitchen garden,
must be made the best use of if the weather is at all propitious :
but in the last .season or two, owing to the inclemency of the
weather, it has been impossible to keep to any method as to
time of sowing, &c. ; hut on the proper use of any opportuni-
ties occurring during the month, will, in a great measure,
depend the vegetable supply for summer, autumn, and winter.

The first day the ground is in a proper state for sowing,
which may be ascertained by its crumbling beneath the tread,
the main crop of Onions should be sown in diiUs 9 inches
apart, the earth being well trodden and neatly raked after
sowing. I lay great stress on getting them iu as early as
possible in the month, as they will be fit for drawing yotmg
sooner, and the main crop will be superior in every respect to
those later sown, with the additional advantage of being ready
to be taken off earlier in the season, thus leaving the ground
at liberty for Winter Spinach,- Cabbage, iSrc. Mine were sown
this year on the 3rd of March, after which time, if I remember
aright, we had some rather severe weather, and they are now
looking first-rate, owing, I beUeve, in a great measm-e to their
having had a good start before the dry weather set in.

The Cauliflowers, too, should receive immediate attention.
Presuming that the trenches are thrown out between the Peas
for Celery, these can be used for the reception of the surplus
stock from the hand-lights, which will be off by the timfe the
trenches are wanted for Celery. As regards those that are to
remain under the hand-hghts, of com'se, selecting the most
forward, they should be watered, earthed-up, and the Ughts
raised by placing bricks under them, but by no means coddle
the plants too much, or they will ultimately assume too
much the appearance of a flower. Next to the Cauliflowers, the
Asparagus-beds should receive attention. I generally cover
mine all over with about 6 inches of manui-e the first brosty
day in the autumn or winter, and let it remain on till this
month when the littery portion is forked off and the rotten
part is merely loosened with a fork, digging the alleys to make
all look neat and clean ; but I never earth it up any more than
I have now stated.

The main crop of Carrots and Beet should now be sown in
the same way as advised for Onions, but before sowing be sure
to make up your mind what crop is to foUow ; by so doing
you wiU be better able to determine how much ground you

Jnly 18, 1865. ]

JOUBNAL OP HOKTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER.

49

can spare for each crop, and prevent much confusion aftor-
warda. It will bo as well to sow ft very nmall bed of Early
Horn Carrots for sununcr uso, as they often stop a gap, especi-
ally in such dry suniuicrs nn it appears we aro doomed to have.
In fact, there are so many thinfis to sow this month that it is
uo easy tasi; to enumerate them all with remarks; but as one
generally has to (jive up a frame or pit to half-hardy annuals, a
partof it can be devoted to sowings of Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli,
Lettuce, and Celery, not forgetting to prick the first sowing out
as soon as largo enough to handle, and again place some-
where under glass. Where Dwarf Kidney Beans are grown
under glass now is the time to work them, as with ordinary at-
tention they will repay the labovir and come in now very useful.
Besides these the supply will be much the same as last mouth,
with the addition of the tliinnings of the autumn-planted Cab-
bages, 03 I generally jJant them so thickly in the rows that I
am able to cut at every other one for greens, and the Eadislies
from the pit will make a nice addition to the .salad for the
mouth, with Cucumbers if you have them.

In this month I sow two rows each of Yorkshire Hero and
Veitch's Perfection Peas, sowing Radishes between the rows
and rolling all over to protect the seeds from the birds, after
which I sow no more long Radishes but rely chiefly on Turnip
Radishes, of which I make a sowing before the month is out. In
addition to the above, sowings should be made of Vegetable
Marrows, Tomatoes, Leeks, springer summer Spinach, Turnips,
and herbs. Plant Potatoes, and gravel the walks if necessary.—

BUBNTWOOD, P. I>.

^To be continued.)

MY ORCHARD-HOUSE ON MIDSUMMER DAY.

The late dry weather severely taxed our tanks. Getting-in
the luxuriant hay crop, and watering the flower-beds, prevented
due attention, to our Strawberry-beds and Peaches in-doors
.and out. Out of doors I never saw them so spidered ; anything
more abnormal than the leaves one could not conceive ; also,
mildew on the young shoots, and remains of spring-blistered
leaves. All this arose from neglect of syringing and appli-
cations, but it was out of our power. Guernsey is the land of
monopoly, close borough, and dissent ! Thus, at times there
is much" inconvenience in the labour market. The clergy, if
not actually reduced to " di-ive cabs," must work their garden
engines themselves if they wish to conquer the aphis tribe. In-
doors, Uttle spider, less mildew, but a great amount of brown
aphis. If overlooked for a day the leaves curl up and defy all
syringing. After many appUcations which injured the tender
leaves, I decided on the " very close pruning " ofJ of the diseased
shoots, but there is little danger, for the buds for next year's
crop .are now plainly prominent and abundance of "May
clusters " are visible, only in the case of an extension of a
branch it is very trying to see it curled up and crooked. How-
ever, they are all cut off, being second growths.

Mr. Rivers presented me last year with about three dozen
new trees, many unnamed seedlings. These with other new
sorts make up about one hundred splendid varieties, and, I
believe, my good friend alone could show choicer sorts. The
interest created by watching them, noting their blossoms, habit
of growth, and fruit, as yet unnamed, is unbounded. Among
newer sorts Mexina Chaupin is a remarkably dark Peach, darker
than any Bellegarde. The shoots are of a dark purple. Heath's
Northern Tree, an American Peach, is very prolific, and seems
good. Bergen's YeUow, said to be a shy bearer, is doing well.
■Then there are a number of seedlings all to be tried. Of the
Victoria Nectarine I have two trees both bearing. The fruit is
the largest Nectarine in the house after Chauvifire. The
Princess of Wales Peach is truly fine. Another unnamed
seedling white Nectarine will be first-rate. Of older sorts.
Early York is still a very great favourite ; so are the American
varieties, Canary, Stump the World, and Golden Purple, all
free-setting and good. No Peach is more prolific than Stump
the World. Teeiimseh, a new Georgian Peach, said to be veiy
late, has also fruit. Pool's Late Y'ellow is finer this year. The
Comet Peach is promising well.

My Apricots have not done much this year ; why, I cannot
say. Neither have they succeeded in a friend's house who has
wonderfiU Plums, and such Apples and Pe.ars !

My Figs I have removed from pots and planted against the
wall inside the house. They require too much attention to
watering. — any neglect and the crop is in danger ; but trained
en cordon, as diagonals, and closely, very closely indeed, pinohed-

in, they make a goodly show. Some are nearly ripe, others of
the size of a Pea, and many between these sizes. Let me re-
commend close pinching-in for Fig trees. We aw coming to
this style for everything.

As to the general crop, it is about 1.500, as last year, besidog
plenty of Grapes along the rafters ; but wo are fatally crowded
owing to my gooil friend's liberality, and as this is a common
fault with bpgiiniers, let me say here how dangerous it is. The
shifts we are ])ut to to save room, the way we turn the jjUints
to the light, the accidents from crinoline, the injurious com-
ments of our many %isitors, irritating to a degree to our self-
respect, and the consciousness that our best trees are becoming
fast out of ))roj)orti<)ns, all these and other good reasons induce
mo to reconimend amateurs to construct their houses with a
good width, and plenty of ventilation and means of irrigation.
On the subji;ct of \'i8itors and their remarks, some curious
chapters might, indeed, be written. — T. C. Br^haui, Itichmond
lloiisry (lufritufy.

IDIOT GARDENERS.

A STitANGE title ! — yet fully justified by the truths leading to
its adoption.

Who has not Imown a family with an idiot member ? — some-
times an idiot filthy in its habits ; resolute not to use njuscular
exertion ; drivelling sometimes ; sometimes uncontrcjllably
violent ; voracious in .appetite, and careless of the quality of
food partaken ; without discernment of good from evil, and in
fact loathsome, and a total sorrow, and an incubus upon the
family ?

We have known many such — na}-, more, we have known a
family with all the children iiliots — and we, in common with
the parents, and, probably, in common with a majority of our
readers, looked upon them as incurables, and tliought that
Luther was not far wrong in concluding they should not be
allowed to live. Yet, how totally this is at variance with the
path that should be pursued, and how totally incorrect the
conclusion that such imbeciles are incurables !

We ask of our readers, emphatically and urgently, to read a
contribution to the just-published " Edinburgh Review,"
entitled " Idiot Asylums," and they wOl marvel to find that all
icUots are teachable, all may be rendered happy and useful, and
" that some actually possess special powers, above the com-
mon standard as relates to music, the art of drawing or
modelling, and in powers of memory and arithmetic, and
instead of dulness, imperfection, and deprivation, have in some
direction or other a strange exaltation."

It is the mode of treatment — the adapting the teaching to
the deficient powers of the mind, the associating with minds
on a level with each other, and gradually leading each other on,
that effects such a wondrous change. All the details are
interesting, but we can afford space only for one extract —
many trades are successfully taught — but we must confine our
notice to the idiot cultivators of the soil.

" No idiot asylum should be without a farm and a garden,
and if the number of pupils is large they should be of con-
siderable extent. There are between twenty and thirty farmers
and gardeners at Earlswood, while at Essex Hall the employ-
ment of pupils able to do the work assigned to them in the
garden has long been found most attractive and beneficial. In
the first-named place the garden consists of about 8 acres, and
is admirably kept by the young gardeners imder snperinten
dence. The vegetables required in the establishment are well
and abundantly grown, and in the flower borders, which are in
excellent taste, it is almost impossible to find a weed. There
is a greenhouse, and also there are some frames for preserving
the plants to be bedded out in the summer, and every part of
them has been made in the place in a workmanUke maimer.
Now and then at Ijoth the asylums just named, prizes have
been gained for Cucumbers, Celery, and other produce, at the
neighbouring horticultural shows, to the great joy and triumph
of their growers. Such an occupation has a most happy
influence on the imbeciles employed in it, while it secui'es
abundance of excellent fresh vegetables and summer and
winter fruits for their use, a part of their diet of great impor-
tance.

" To see the poor fellows watching their plants and trees, and
in summer parading near the Peas and Currants, with their
clackers to frighten the birds, is a most exhilaratiiig spectacle
when contrasted with the uselessness and wretchedness of their
previous lives. The great object of ambition, however, is to be

50

JOTJENMi OF HOKTIOULTCEE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

[ July Ig, 1868.

a farmf r. ' I am a farmer now,' is tbf proudest boast of some
poor fallow promoted to that post. The attention paid to the
liTU animals of the faa'm is unfaUing; whate-ver danger of
iicRlect keepers of cows mi^ht fear from the bo}-s who tend
theui, there is none from the idiots. The cows are the special
object of their lenarA, and when a calf comes, or a litter of
pigs, they are welcomed and oared for with enthusiasm, and
they will run eaperly to the hoase to tell of the addition to the
stouk ; only perhaps in mistaken terms, as one hoy did out of
breath—' Sir, sir, the pig has calved.' All the hay of a large
acreage is easily made by the idiots, only they would fail with-
out guidance in constructing the ricks. Idiot haymakers are a
joyous company, and the hay-field is a source of pleasure to
those too feeble to do any work in it. Nor is this labour with-
out profit, for the farm produce has been sold at Earlswood for
more than £1,000 in one year. Some boys are trusted with
miliung, and nothing in the way of pleasiu-e would keep them
from this duty, to which they go just before the tea is ready.
Somebody asked one of them who sat tugging at a cow's dug
after all the milk seemed to have been exhausted, ' Huw do you
know when to leave off ?' ' Oh,' said he, ' when the tea-heO
rings.' It is a pleasant sight to see them come in fi'om the
farm to a meal ; how carefitUy they wash their hands, and
dean their shoes, and taJie off their working clothes to go into
the common eating-room neat and with all propriety. It
would have been considered as utterly impossible to have
achieved such order and decorum with pupils whose previous
habits tended to the reverse, but it may be witnessed daily.

" Indeed the sight of a large company of well-trained idiots
at table is most remarkable, and none are allowed to dine in
the principal dining-ball. till they have achieved all the acts of
feeding and sitting at their meals with due decorum. \Vhen
they.&st coiae into Ibe establiskmeut, unless they belong to
r '! aWctriid^/;! viov hnu ,-'.'i:ruiU!-. i.'A .-.•Mi'-r j: 'i ti i:f< ■ i ■■■•'•■ i.i

the class who mope and are sluggish, they are as greeily and
ravenous as wild beasts, seizing and bolting everything
brought near them in the way of food, with a tendency, if not
cheeked, tu gorge themselves to excess. In time, however,
they are brought to enter the apartment in regular order, the
females arranging themselves on one side, and the males on
the other. By means of apparatus tor the purpose, the room
being close to and upon the level with the kitchen, the dinner
with the portion of each on a separate plate is served- in a veiy
short time. No one begins till all are served, when they
sing under the leadership of their master, a short griice, and
then commeuce. There is no apparent greediness, no un-
seemly feeding, but they form a cheerful and well-conducted
company, much gratified by the notice of visitors. The dinner
concludes, as it began, with another grace, and the room is
quitted in a quiet and orderly manner. Some of the pay cases-
at Earlswood have a dining-room apart, where the meal is
served as nearly as possible in the way they would have
it at home, and thus when restored to' their friends they are
not exchided from the family dinner because of any impro-
prieties. The preparation for ilinuer in the kitchen is a lively
scene at Earlswood, for there are about a dozen of the pupils
engaged as cooks in a subordinate capacity, and they are
dressed in white with the usual caps, looking the perfection of
cleanhness and neatness. They work with tlie greatest delight
in this employment, and are very fond of it. This occupation
does not interfere with the work at any trade, and it is one of
those beneficial changes in the daily routine which are found
so desirable. One boy has extreme pleasure in washing the
plates and dishes, doing it well. So absorbed is he in this
undertaking, that it is his principal thought ; and when asked
which he liked best, his present or former rChidence, he replied
'Oh, this, because there is a better sink here.' "

'I

POCKET FERN TROWEL.

Yotin fair correspondent " Alice's " remark, in a late Num
ber of the Journal that she found a common screwdi-iver £
tTsef 111 accessory to licr botanisiiig knapsack', ' Has indiiped me
to forward a sketch of a
vei'y useful form of trowel,
well adapted for the re-
moval of tenacious-rooted
pkauts, Ferns, itc, from ————■■ -■r-,r,..,r<-.-yj|-ni-^.»-»3^»q.yag

walls. Indeed it will be , .

fomid a very useful im- .'_..'. ;. ' ' |^ _

plement wherever the Coiimiori trowel miglit pe required,

by any one of our hotanising friends to whom unnecessary

kiggage woiild prove a gi-eat drawback in their customary

rambles.

Pocket Fern Trowel.

The pocket Fern trowel is made wholly of steel, tbe who^e,
being polished, with the exception of the sm'face portion oif
the handle, which for greater ease to the hand in working, has

affixed a piece of leather.
With this exception the
handle is identical -with
the blade rumiiug the
whole length of the same,
which gives it greater
strength. The trowel is
enclosed in a neat leather sheath, and the whole being only
6i inches in length, can readily be carried in the pocket. They
are manufactured by Messrs. Nunn & Sou of Hertford. — Wu.llu4-,
Eaeley, DigxiccU.

GLEANINGS FROM ROCK AND FIELD TOWARDS ROINIE.— No. i.

'.■VVe .left- Genoa on March 8th, passing through snow, which
was lying thickly on the gi'ound, and which gave to mountain
and valley a character of almost imearthly lovehness. The
road continued for the most part on the edge of a precipice
overhanging the sea, from which you looked upon the fair
villa^tes, stretching as far as the eye could reach, along the sea-
coast, and uesthug in groves of Oranges and Lemons, with
Olive-crowned hiUs at the back. Through all the towns we
passed there were such signs of life as I had hartlly hoped to
see in Italy,: in many places the seashore was lined with
vessels in every stage of progi-ess and completion ; there
seemed to be quite a swarm of men, women, and cbilth-eu
around these sliips, some working, others talking, while the
little cliddreu played in and out, making labour appear a very
holiday task in these beautiful regions. In several of the
towns there were large potteries, the sides of the houses being
stuck all over with pots and pans of clay, drying and hardening
in the sun: I could fancy that the captivity of the " Sleeping
Beauty " was over, and tlie Prince airived at last.

We rested in the midtUe of the day at Kuta, a very fair type
of these Cornice towns. The inn was built on a terrace, mth
vineyards and oUveyards in terraces sloping down to the sea.
From the stone walls of these divisions I gathered Ceterach
and Aspienium ruta-muraria, -with Polyiiodium vulgare, in
large quantities. I fancied that the Ceterach was more di^^ded

than is usually the case in England, but not so mucli,so as to
make it worth while to bring away any roots. tJnder the
Ohve trees I gathered large and beautiful Violets, which I took
back with me to adorn the dinner-table. Befiire the inn door
there was an alcove with stone seats, and wooden treUis adorned
with the leafless tendrils of Vines woven in and out like lace-
work ; sitting in the alcove were men — working men and beg-
gars — women and chilcb'en; these all gather round, a new
arrival, talking, and watching, and begging. The tUning-room
of the inn was at the head of a flight of rambUng stoue stairs ;
beyond the dining-room, opening from it, was a bedroom, and
opening from the bedroom a large arbor-Uke room, roofed only
■with a trellis-work of Vines, and commanding a magnificent view
of earth and sea ; from the arbor you could descend by wooden
steps to a garden, and such a garden ! — Olives, Vines, chickens,
children, flowers, and weeds all mingled together in hopeless
confusion, and yet amidst all the untidiness and ruin, preserv-
ing its own wild luxuriance of beauty — a be.auty that in sum-
mer and winter is ulike there.

On the 'Jth of March we left Sestri de Levaute with six horses
for the ascent of the Bracco Pass, which is even more terrible
in its unprotectedness than the Cornice. There is, indeed, no
railway, and there is plenty of room — mountain seems piled on
mountain, with every shade of colouring adorning them, up to
the very heavens. The different stages of vegetation on the

July 18, 1866. ]

JOURNAL OF HOUTIOULTUBE AND: COTTAGE GABDENER.

51

BnioTO iti most iiitcvestiug. MyrtleH, ArbutuH, AJiautiim ciipil-
lus-VmmriB Kive plixoe to Ericas of several lioautiful kiiKl»,
Aspk'uiura acii(intum-jiigrim\, nnd PolysticJium aiiniilin'n (Keen
to-drty lor the first tirao), ami thf-'ne are chiDiKcd into I'iiKiH and
tli^ Heatljei" of our jiativs land; but after a wUilo all vu(;i.'ta-
t^QU Oflftses, and you are aa it wore alouu on tho bluak ruj^i^od
mouutaiii, with such blasts blowing round you as nialio you
shiver and tremble lest carriafio and horses and you slionld be
blown down the two thousand feet that are betweeu you an<l
ypur Inst night's halting-place. . :

] About BiuFghetto we gathered LithoBpetinura purpureiim-
ccBrnleum, Crocus vernns, Aquilogia vulgarLs, and a very curions
Bpeoies of Poteutilla with a rough woody stem, from whicJi was
formed a dense tuft of leaves and llowers. The loaves were
teruate and very hairy, the petals white, witli a ])retty l)rown
tinge. I had never met with this I'oteutiUa before, and its
woody stem distinguished it £rom any species I knew. Wo
drove by fields bright with the common lilac Anemone, and
others again gay with the Anemone liorteii.sis. The only Feru
I saw on this day's route that appeared strange to me was a
very tiuo variety of .isi)louimu trichomanes ; it was growing
higij on the Bracco Pass, its fri)nds measuring (piito a quarter
of a yard in length, the j'innules large and very far apart. It
did not look the least like the English trieliomanes, but yet
there was no particular feature to distinguish it from it.

Although I missed strange Ferns from tho Braoco, their loss
was in some sort made up to me by the strange variety in the
beggars ; they troop down the hill in parties to meet you ; you
hear them laughing and chattering as they run, but the minute
they approach you the laugh gives place to a low whine, which
they will keep up for a gi-eat distance. I usually started in
the morning with as much money in small coins as I meant
to give away during the day, and when it was all gone I began
to beg of the beggars, when the whine would cease, and the
dark eyes twinkle with fun, and sometimes they would pelt me
^vith flowers in retm-n. There is in the Italian character so
much chUd-like simplicity and aptitude for fim, that even the
very beggars win their way into your heart as no other nation
has the power to do.

From La Spezzia we journeyed to Siena by rail, staying a
short time at Pisa to gaze once more upon its unrivalled
piazza, where the baptistry, the cathedral with its leaning
campanile, and the Campo Santo stand out white and glorious
against the sky. Our way wound at the foot of mountains,
the highest of which w-ere covered with new-fallen snow, and
looked dazzlingly bright as if with the light of life — the Carara
moimtains, rich with a hundred varied hues, worshipped at
the feet of their white sisters, who seemed so near to heaven
that the reflection of its purity fell on them. Siena is chiefly
to be noticed for its academy, which contains very fine examples
of what is called the Sienese school of painting. Some of these
pictures are said to be of the thirteenth century. Duccio of
Siena was an estabUshed painter at Siena in 1'28'2, and there are
several of his pictures still existing to be seen : real artists
fall into ecstasies about them, describing their merits in glow-
ing terms, but to my untutored eye most of them were but
unnatural, almost grotesque, performances, hard in outline and
unmeaning in expression ; but I looked at them as I look at
the old China Rose, feeling that out of them has been deve-
loped all that is beaiitifiil in art, and much that is lovely in
nature.

Looking out of the inn window at Siena, I saw the dead
body of a poor man being taken to the mortuary — a house for
the dead provided by nearly every foreign town for the recep-
tacle of the poor whose smaU dwellings can ill spare a separate,
decent space for their dead. Brothers of. I believe, the Bene-
dictine order, habited in the brown suit of their order, with the
hoods drawn over their faces, carried a black bier to the door
of the house. Four priests, dressed in surplices, came out,
preceding the brother bearing the corpse. This was placed in-
stantly, but with all possible reverence, in the bier, covered
with a pall on which was embroidered a gold cross, and the
small procession formed, the priests heading it : four brothers
canied the bier, while four others walked at the side bearing
lighted tapers. The whole ceremony was so quiet and rc\e-
rent, that I could not help wishing that every parish in England
could have its mortuary and its Protestant confraternity to
perform offices of love, such as I have described, for its poor.

March 12th was piteously cold, and it was Sunday, so I went
to the Duomo or Cathedral to listen to a f.amed .lesuit preacher,
and to gather what flowers of Italian rhetoric I could find.
Sermons in Italy are not like sermons in England. The gene-

ruUty of tho peo))le go to mass early in the nuirning, and to
the sermon, if there be one, in the middle of the day ; they do
not sit, an wo d-j, but are content to stand for an hour together
liHtening in wrapt attention to tho eloquence for whicli Itahan
jirea-shera are fiuuod. Oh ! how wonderful it was to watuh that
vast mnllitudo of uptnnicd faces eagerly drinking in tho rich
and varied tones I llutulrcds wore standing— -soldiers, priests,
old men and yoiuig childnri, the luuie and the sick, the sister
of charity in her white h<iod, side by sido with the poor among.st
whom she ministers — all listcuuig, all wrapt up in the exceed-
ing interest of the subject; there came a ])auso, tho preacher
wiped away the hot perspiration, the midtitude murmnred
loud in assent, then a few finishing worcLs, and it was over.
It was a scene, strikhig in its deep simplicity and in the un-
rivalled beauty of its surroundings. 1 wish i could say that
thu subject of the sermon made it deserving of the atteintgon
it met with. It was on the gradual da'ay of England, in
prosperity and prestige since she became Protestant ! Few of
the Itahan poor are educated in any way, nearly all their know-
ledge comes to them through their priests ; and if the source
of tlie fomitai:i be jioUuted, where shall those who long for
knowledge be able to slake their thirst ?

The cathedral of Siena is in part unfinished — that is, a pro-
portion of it is left as the builders left it when the plague
burst over the town destroying 80,000 of its inhabitants, and
all the church revenues were taken to support the poor. What
is finished is very perfect, the very floor itself being of inlaid
marble figures, the pillars are of rich marbles, and the roof
magnificently carved.

Siena is a queer-looking old town with vei*y steep paved little
streets, leachug up and dow-n and in and out in a most sur-
prising fashion. The cold was intense, and the wood for the
fires— ao called in mockery— was gi-een, and the chimnies
smoked ; but it is a place for summer, and very fashionable for
Florentines in the hot season. — Filix-fcemina.

i -LwiV. STOPPING AND SYRINGING VINES.

Your able correspondent Mr. Wills does me injustice. I
have not the paper by me containing my article, neither have
I a copy of my letter, but I well remember the observations
I made on the stopping of Vines on the spur system. Mr.
Wills, in the article before me, sets forth as if I made it a
general rule not to stop at all until the fruit is set. I will
take up your worthy correspondent's words, and say I must be
mad shoirld I attempt to allow a shoot to proceed on in its
course without stopping until the fruit were set. I advocated no
such system ; on the contrary, Mr. Wills advocates tw o joints,
I advocate one, and I stated in some instances that stopping
even at the bunch's joint I considered not impfi-acticable. Mr.
Wills may well say I should have few advocates if I entertained
any such notion ; I should consider myself a complete sim-
pleton. I said there is no general rule for stopping, there
are exceptions, but N.B., the exception I here name is confined
to pot Vines. ,. , .

In some instances we have no occasion to stop at all. I
know not the distance yoiir correspondent and myself are
apart, but I should indeed be very happy, and esteem it a great
favour, if he would call upon me ; I could then show him in-
stances, more than one, where I have had no occasion to stop,
and now the shoot is not more than two or three leaves beyond
the bunch. In oitr second house of pot Vines the hunches
are mostly cut, yet some good bimches still remain ; the third
batch is progressing nicely, and he would see in both houses
examples I have before named. '-->i

And now I must give a double invitation, should it be
required, for Mr.Wills's visit. Whatever his experience le.ads him
to follow, I adhere in every resjject not only as to two follo~n-ing
seasons, but two multiplied by ten, to my system of syringing.
I have now a house, that named in my former communication,
two years planted out ; the syringe has not been stayed more
than three weeks, there are bunches hanging from the top to
the bottom of the house nicely colouring, and not a stain or
discoloration to be seen on any of the berries (Muscats and
Black Hambirrghs). The pot Vines I treat, so far as regards
the syringing, exactly in the same w.ay, and the bloom that is
upon the Black Gr.apes" cannot be surpassed. But it appears
that your correspondent and myself have disagreed to agree ; for
most assuredly I perfectly agi-ee with him in reference to the
water being clean. Undoubtedly the water must be perfectly
clean, or the Grape will be (Uscoloured. I can speak to this from

52

JOTJENAL OP HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENEB.

C July 18, 1885.

experience, for when I was at Bangor Castle, Co. Down, Ii'eland,
I commenced my old practice of syringing, as I have done in
England. I remember one morning, just as the Grapes began
to coloxir, going through the houses I observed, as I thought, an
appearance of mildew ; I called the young man who had chai'ge
, of them, and told him to smear the pipes over with an admix-
ture of black sulphur and milk, but to my surprise I saw the
discoloration continue. I then had the water with which they
had been syringed analysed, and was told it was chalky water;
this caused the bunches to have an appearance of mildew, but
otherwise they coloured very well, and when on the table in the
evening the defect was not discovered. The following year I
had the water brought more than two miles to syi-inge with,
but the same thing occm-red again ; and from firrtiier inquiry,
I was informed that no water coiJd be obtained in the county
of Down without an admixture of chalk ; and there, from sheer
necessity, I was obhged to discontinue my favourite practice of
syringing the Vines whilst fruiting. I must say that many-years
experience indorses the statement that where the syringe can
be applied, it is followed by the Vines being more healthy, and
consequently the Grapes in eveiy respect better and free from
that horrid pest red spider. I cannot leave this subject without
making a fm-ther obseiwatiou on Mr. WUls's recommendation,
and to me very remarkable — namely, using the syringe when
the Grapes are setting, not but that I perfectly agree with him
that it assists setting (but no one but an experienced Grape-
grower can say this). I leave off, not from being afraid, as just
said, of the berries setting, but from fear of causing discoloura-
tion. The yoimg Grapes when setting are very susceptible of
being injured. I believe, I will not say positively, if the
person who thins the Grapes shoiild at the time have a
nauseous breath, it will cause the rust ; the touch of the hand,
or the hair coming in contact with the berries, is also, in my
opinion, more or less injurious. Having seen the berries nicely
set, the bunches thinned, the syringe immediately commences
its work, and continues till I see the first appearance of colour.

In respect to fertilisation, I wiU not disturb Mr. Wills in his
opinion, but this much I will say, I never missed setting a
Yine yet, neither Muscat nor any other ; therefore having done
well by nature having its coiu-se, I will not, for my part,
attempt to disturb her, and I feel very thankful she so kindly
favoirrs me with her assistance, and whilst she does so I will
in no wise interfere.

In conclusion I wiU just state that I gi-ow and propagate oiar
own pot Vines, this year about 150, all from eyes, with the
exception of about thii-ty cut-doT^Ti ones, which are now ripening
their wood, to be ready to commence forcing with in October or
November. I am glad to see Mr. Wills is going to favour us
with his system of pot cultm'e, I shall read his articles I trust
with interest, but somehow I am vain enough to fancy if he
saw ours at Bush Hall, he would be pleased with them. I
have given a challenge to gi-ow six of my own Vines against
any six in the kingdom, placing them in the hands of some
good disinterested Vine-grower, and letting him have the fruit
for his trouble. — A. Whittle.

APPLES— THE DEMOCRATIC FRUIT.

" PoruLAii" is a word which is much despised, but may be made
respectable. In this country wealth is obliged to pay respect
to popular opinion, and of all fruits the Apple is the most de-
mocratic — the true democratic — for some democracy that we are
acquainted with sprung from the first Apple. This popular
favour of the Apple arises fi-om the nature of the tree and the
fruit. Any man who can gi-ow corn can raise Aj^ples.

In evei-y soil, and under the most discoiu-aging circumstances,
the Apple tree lives and thrives. It can bear high or low
cultivation. It is not dyspeptic like the Peach, or apoplectic
Bke the Pear, or scrofulous like the Plum. Tlie Apple is
among the fruits like the cow among animals, like the camel,
and like aU good things, uncomely — for beaiity is only the
mask which covers ever^^;hing that is evil. In the beautiful,
evil has struck in and affects the whole vital organism, whDe in
homely women it is on the surface.

Have you never seen the maiden who, in a whole family of
girls, remains unmarried, so homely that the lovers have all
passed by her, who was the nurse, the mother, the stoi-y-teUer,
to a generation of little ones — the Virgin Mary of the house-
hold — the mother of God to little souls, in teaching them the
better life — who was more fruitful in all except chUdreu, than
any of her kindred ?

My perfect idea of woman is my dear old aunt Esther, who
wiU spend ages in heaven wondering how she ever got there,
and the angels will wonder why she was not always there.
Wliat such a one is to the household is the Apple among fruits.
Not the least among its excellences is its hardiness.

We should as soon think of coddling om- forest trees as the
Apple tree. It will thrive in the stony lot too steep for the
plough, or grow in the meadow, and repay us for the more
.abundant nutrition.

Wliere a Mullen stalk or a hill of corn will grow, the Apple
will continue to secure an existence. It can be plain or ornate,
always able to take care of itself — what I call democratic. It
is emphatically the people's tree. In Florida or Canada it is
equally at home, and equally good ; while on the Pacific slopes
it is portentous in size. Newton's Apple, which originated in
his brain the science of gi'avitation, had it grown in California
would have for ever put an end to his discoveries, and have
opened the heavens to his gaze.

The health and longevity of the Apple tree are unsmi^assed.
Healthier than the Pear, no blight or disease affects it ; worms
and insects may lodge upon it, but unbuckhug its bark, it
exposes them to the wind and storm. An acre of Potatoes will
not produce as much as the same area in orchard, with five
times the labour. The grub only is a fonnid.able enemy, but
is so easily exterminated by a flexible wire, that if you have
borers you deserve to be bored.

Fanners never think of nursing their orchards. And as for
longevity, I have a tree now growing on my farm at least five
hundred years old. Two ladies, now eighty years of age, say
that in their clrildhood it was called the old Apple tree. At
12 feet from the groimd it is 14 feet 10 inches in circumference ;
the fruit sweet and pleasant, though not large. I do not expect
to live to see my young trees reach that size. I cannot resist
a feeling of respect and awe when I stand in the presence of
this gigantic tree, which heard the cannonading of the revolu-
tion ; underneath whose branches Washington may have walked,
musing upon the great task to which he was devoted.

The wood of the Apple tree has uses which we are not accus-
tomed to credit it with.

For firewood it is equal to Hickory, and for cabinet work it
is imsurpassed in beauty by any other wood. My best bureau
is made of the Apple wood, and resembles Cherry. In Europe
the roads are bordered with Apple trees, and the fruit is fi'ee to
the public, except where wisps of 'straw fastened to a tree indi-
cate that the fruit is reserved for the owner, of the land.

How adapted to such a use is the upright Apple tree ; planted
along our roads, there would be no temptation for those
juvenile saints to rob oirr orchards. Of all the contrivances to
prevent stealing this is the most certain and easy.

The origin of the cultivated Apple is still uncertain; the
wnd-crab theory is unsettled, for no one has evidence that the
seed of the Crab Apple ever produced an improved fruit. No
Van Mens ever did for the Apple what has been accomplished
for the Pear. Although prob.able, the theory must remain
rmcertain untn, if by some horticrdtural Sunday school the
Crab Apple has been converted into a good Christian tree.

No other fruit has such a range of ripening and of use. In
good cellars it is kept from JiJy to .July. Kinds so deUcate — and
as the General Grant of the Vine would say, " so refreshing,"
even the Pear cannot rival, not even (he Peach can sui-pass.

The various culinary uses of the Apple, its value in raising
and fattening stock, were touched by the reverend lecturer with
great humour, and for an hour he held the audience delighted
with his picture of coimtiy life, interposed with wit and
pathos, until he closed with, " And let me not omit to speak of
cider. Temperance has banished it from the table, but it is
creeping back again, not in its own old homely name, but
imder the guise of champagne.

As a temperance man I cannot advise you to make cider, but
I can say that if you will make cider, I hope you will make
it good.

I will not consume more of your time with those eloquent
periods with which I intended to close this addi-ess, for two
reasons — first, it is aheady too long, and second, because I do
not have them at hand. — (Beechek in Prairie Farmer.)

Preserving Flowers bt Glycerine. — Mr. C. E. Tichbome
states, in the Artizan, that, being desirous of preserving a
vegetable Ivsus naturee for some time, he submerged it in
some weak glycerine, considering that that fluid would be less

July 18, 18C5. ]

JOURNAL OF HOKTICULTUHE AND COTTAGE GAEDENEE.

lis

likely to destroy the tender organism, and also remembering
that it hud been found most efficient in the preseiTatiou of
animal tissues. The glycerine answered its purpose most
admirably, presen-ing the delicate parts of the plant and pre-
venting deeouiposition. He immediately saw that the property
of glycerine might be made available for certain iiharmaceutieal
purposes, where it was desired to preserve or extra<'t the aroma
of vegetalile products, such as Elder, Orange, or Rose flowers,
and also might be substituted for the oils and fats used in the
purest process termed enileurage. The glycerine need not be
especially jnire, but should be devoid of odour. The Elder
flowers should be t;a<hercd when the corolla is fully expanded,
but not too far gom; ; they should then be plucked from the
.stem, and jiacked firmly in wide-mouthed bottles or jars, with-
out crushing them ; and the whole should then be covered with
glycerine. Mr. Tichborne states that he has thus preserved
Sowers for two years, and, on distilling them, procured a water
the perfume of which has etiualled the most recent product.
For tlie preservation of the aroma of the flowers he considers
the em]iloyment of glycerine fiu' superior to the system termed
enliourage, in which beat is used.

THE FLOWER FARMS OF FRANCE.
The growing of flowers for the production of fine essential
oils and for medicinal purposes, is an important branch of
horticultural industry in those departments of France bodering
upon the Gulf of Lyons and the Mediterranean Sea, and especi-
ally in the southern portion of the Department of Var, adjoin-
ing the former Italian, but now French, province of Nice.
There are extensive factories in Nismes, Blontpelier, Morbihan,
Nice, and some lately established across the sea in Algeria.
Smaller establislimeuts are found at Mentone, and all along the
Genoese Biviera ; but the great and acknowledged centre of this
branch of industry, is the town of Grasse, situated about seventy-
five miles E.N.E. of Marseilles, a few miles inland, and its
seaport Cannes, well known as the winter residence of Lord
Brougham. It would bo ilifficult to state, with any degi-ee of
acem'acy, the product of the flower-fields of this interesting
region. There are over sixty factories in Grasse, which is a
flourishing place of 12,000 inhabitants, giving employment in
the various departments of field and in-door labour', to fully
5,000 i^ersons. Many manufactiu'ers grow their own flowers,
others buy them daily in the market, and still others are
supplied by contract. The latter system prevails among the
leading houses. Contracts are made, at a fixed price for a term
of years, for the total product of a farm, at rates varying fi-om
8 to 10 cents per kilogramme ('2J lbs.) of Rose leaves, up to
1 dollar for Tuberose leaves, and even higher for Violet leaves ;
the latter being mainly produced at Nice. The average prices
ai'e about as follows : —

Rose leaves, 8 to 10 cents the kilo-

gi'amme.
Jasmine leaves, 40 ly CO cents the

Idlojframme.
Orange leaves, 60 cents the WIo-

gramme.

Acacia buds, 60 to 80 cents the kilo-

t^ranuue.
Tuberose leaves, 1 dollar the kilo-

frramme.
Violet leaves, 80 cents to 1 dollar

80 cents the kilogi-anime.

These are the leading garden-flowers used in Grasse ; only
small <|uantities of the Jonquil, Narcissus, Hyacinth, Migno-
nette, A-o., are produced. .\ gi-eat breadth of land is devoted
to Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, Sweet Marjoram, Cherry
Laurel, Sage, Balm, and other medicinal and culinary plants,
which are sold at much lower rates than the products of the
above-named flowers.

The preparations derived from aU these plants divide them-
selves into four classes: — essential oils, distilled waters,
pomma les and oils, and dried leaves and flowers. It is true
that considerable quantities of extracts of the pommades are
manufactured and sold, but they are generally of inferior
quahty, and will not compare with those produced by the great
perfimiers of Paris and this coimtrj'.

The gi-eat bulk of essential oils produced consists of Laven-
der, Kosemai-y, Thyme, Sage. Spike Lavender, and Sweet Mar-
joram, all of a terebinthine nature. The most valuable products,
of any considerable amount, arc the essential oils of Neroli
and Petit Grain. The former is the result of the distillation of
Orange flower water, from the petals of the flower of the Biga-
rade or Bitter Orange (the sweet or Portugal Orange yielding a
somewhat inferior product), and the latter is obtained from
the green leaves of the same tree. The price of Neroli varies
with the season from 30 dols to 45 dols. the pound, of Petit

Grain from 8 dols. to 12 dols. Those two oils are used exten-
sively in the composition of Cologne water, and in combination
with Bergamot and Rosemary, give its distinctive character.
The Orangi^ flower water is cunsumcd in immense quantities in
France, in the " eau sucrce," so universally drank in the hot
seasons ; this, by the way, is the only form in which a French-
man will drink water at all.

The Bigarade Orange tree also fm-nishes a rough-skinned,
bitter, inedible fruit, from tlie rind of which is expressed an
inferior oil caUed " Essence Bigarade," often used for adiiltcra-
tingthc finer oils. The tree requires ten years to mature, and
twenty to attain perfection, and yields an average of 17 lbs. of
flowers ]ier annum.

Rose water is also distilled in large quantities. A result of
its tlistillatiou is a very minute propoi-tion of otto of Roses of
the very highest quality ; it appears in small supernatant grains
or drops, which are carefully skimmed off and rectified. It is
superior to the famous Kizanlik or Turkish otto, and, like it,
congeals at ordinary temperatures in Ijcautiful, transparent
crystals. I saw, at the celebrated manufactory of Mr. Antoinc
Chiris, who was in all things the loader of his profession, a
bottle containing about three pounds, which he valued at
550 dols. or over 11 dols. the ounce. It is not an article of
export, the quantity produced being very sniall, but is reserved
for use in unfavourable seasons, or a faihire of the flower crop,
to give strength and finish to the Pommades and oils. The
" Rose de Mai," (Eosa centifolia provincialis), or double May
Rose, is the one universally grown.

Another very costly ai-ticle of which less than an ounce had
been produced in Grasse at that time, is the essential oil of
Jasmine. Its existence in the flower was long and stoutly
denied by the tlistillers, although they failed to prove what other
principle caused its fine odour. In 1853 an Algerian chemist ob-
tained a minute quantity, which cost him, we were informed, at
the rate of 17,000 francs the kilogramme, or nearly 100 dols. the
ounce. It has, since then, been produced at a cheaper rate,
but still too dear for commercial purposes. The wild Arabian
.Jasmine is grafted on the cultivated plant of the same species,
acclimated, and bears for many years, if not winter-killed,
yielding from 90 to 150 lbs. of flower-petals per thousand plants.
It is closely trimmed in spring and deeply covered in winter.
The catei-piUar is its most formidable enemy.

A most important branch, and one in which gi'eat rivalry
exists, is the preparation of perfumed pommades and oils,
w-hich have a twofold use ; first as bases for the finer kinds of
hair oils and pomatums, and next as a medium for obtaining
spirituous extracts for the handkerchief and the toilet ; such
as Lubiu's well-known " Extraits pour le monchoir." Their
jjreparation is the most curious and interesting feature of the
Grasse establishments.

The pommade " body," which is jirepared in winter, is com-
posed of 1 part of beef-suet, and 2 parts of beef-lard (except
for Jasmine and Tuberose, which is mainly lard, hardened by
mutton or veal suet), thoroughly hashed, washed in several
waters, and, among the best manuf:'.cturers, washed several times
in Rose water to deprive it of all unpleasant odoui', then care-
fully melted and stored away in huge tin cans, in airy, cool
vaults, for use in the season of flowers. Another preparation,
cal'ed " corps dur," or hard body, is made of beef tallow only,
and is used in the mamifacturo of stick pomatums. For the
oils, the inodorous virgin olive oil is used, expressed from
oUves just before their maturity.

The busj' operations of the year commence with the Rose
season.

There are two processes for impregnating the pommade body,
and the oils with the floral odours — one by infusion and macera-
tion, the other by what is termed ' enfleurage." The first is
employed for the strong, less volatile odom'S of the Rose, Orange,
and Acacia ; the latter for the sensitive, ethereal perfumes of
the Jasmine, Tuberose, Jonquil, and all the bulbous plants,
which will not endure the appKcatiou of even a moderate
degree of heat.

And, first, by infusion. Ahjut 100 Idlogi-ammes (220 lbs.)
are put into a tin planished copper vessel, placed in a copper
water bath, melted at a low temperature, and chai'ged, a.t day-
break, with a certain quantity of the fxeshly-gathered flowers,
which are stirred constantly dm-ing the day and night, the
mass being kept only warm enough to maintain a semi-fluid
state. "About midnight it is removed from the fire, poured
into strong bags, made of fish cord, and subjected to heavy
pressiue in large perforated iron cylinders, standing vei-tically
upon marble bed plates, which are gently warmed, to prevent

5i

JOURNAL OF HOETICULTURE AND COTTAGE &AEDENEE.

[ Jnly 18; 186S.

the congelation of the exnding mass. Next morning fresh
leaves are added, and the process repeated daily, iintil the
desired strength of frerfiune is attained ; the pommado is then
poured into cylindrical tin boxes, and sealed up for shipment.

The oils are treated in the same manner as to maceration,
but are filtered instead of being pressed.

The process of " enflenrage" is as follows : — Large nnmbers
of "chassis" or sashes are yn'epared, abont 2J feet long by
11 wide, the frame itself being 2 inches wide and Ij thick,
holding a stout plate of ground glass, and resembling in con-
struction a large school .slate. Those for the oils are about
4 by 2J feet, proportionately heavy, and, in place of the glass,
have coarse iron-wire network. The large factories have several
thousands of each of these frames.

Upon each side of the glass the pommade is thinly spread,
and the surface is channeled or furrowed with a four-tined
square-pointed wooden fork, so as to present the utmost surface
for the absorption of the odour from the flower-leaves, which
are thickly sprinkled upon it. The frames are successively
charged w-ith flowers, and piled one upon another, up to the
ceiling. The leaves, confined between two strata of pomatum,
wither, and yield up their odorate principle, which is rapidly
absorbed. Daily renewals of the flowers are made, imtil the
proper strength is obtained. The perfumed pommade is then
scraped oil gently, melted in a water bath, and poured into cans.

In preparing the oils, coarse, heavy, spongy, cotton cloths,
made especially for this purpose at Marseilles, are saturated
with olive oil, and spread upon the netted fi-ames ; flowers are
then strewn thickly upon them, and they are piled up in hke
manner as the pommade frames. When sufficiently charged
with the odour, the oil is expressed from the cloths by powerful
levers.

Many hundredweights of flowers and herbs are dried an-
nually, are variously used in medicine, in cookery, and in the
composition of scent-bags, cachous, fuming-pastils for the sick
chamber, and kindred compounds of the perfumer's art.

The Parmesian or double Violet is grown mainly at Nice,
under the shade of trees, and yields a delicate and delightful
perfume. It was the favourite odour of the Athenians under
Pericles, and is now one of the most fashionable scents of the
Parisian heuii munde.

The flower-farms receive the highest culture. Underdrain-
ing was not practised at the period of my visit, but great
attention was paid to irrigation. In some fields at Cannes
there were complete networks of irrigating-tubes substantially
laid in cement. A constant warfare is waged upon insects, and
each plant has its particular borer, grub, or bug. Continual
vigUanee is the price of success.

The heat in summer is intense, though tempered by the sea
breeze ; and the winter is, at times, as rigorous as at Washing-
ton or Eichmond.

Male labour costs 35 to 40 cents per day, and female 15 cents.
— (American Gardi'iier's Montldy.)

WORK FOR THE ^^rEEK.

KITCHEN GARDEN.

At the time of planting Celery, Endive, or ajiy other
cuUnary vegetable, they should by no means be deprived of
any portion of their leaves. This' practice is still continued
by some ]iersons ; but it is evidently a bad one, and may be
proved as such by trying both methods. In planting great
care should be taken to press the soil close to the roots.
CabbaficK, plant out some of last-mouth's-so-nm plants, for use
in the autumn as Coleworts. Make a sowing at the end of
the week for the first main spring crop. Gapsieums, the plants
should be kept watered in dry weather ; if a little litter is laid
round them they will not require it so often. There is a fre-
quent complaint of their not fruiting sufficiently early to ripen.
We know not how it can be expected when the plants receive
no attention whatever, and consequently do not begin to grow
till the autumnal rains set in. Canijls, thin the late-sown
crops, and loosen the earth between them where they have
been sown in di-ills. CeUnj, the earliest i)lantcd will now re-
quire to be gone over, and divested of their small kiwer leaves
and side-shoots. The trenches should afterwards be thoroughly
soaked with water, previously to the plants being earthed-up,
which should take place the following day as soon as they are
quite di-y. Cuciimbera. as the plants on the ridges spread,
cover the soil with short litter. This will keep the earth moist
and the fruit clean. Etulive, transplant a few more, and make

another sowing. A few days' difference in transplanting. Sat
this season, sometimes proves of great advantage. Dwarf
Kidney Beans, a last sowuig should now be made in a sheltered
situation ; tlie drills should be watered if the soil is very dry.
Herbs, those for drying or distilling should be cut before the
flowers expand, as they aftenvards lose those qualities for
which they are most valued. Sorrel should be cut down if
required for use in autumn. Tomatoes require constant at-
tention to cause them to ripen their fruit ; the shoots should
be thinned, and those left kept closely nailed to the wall ; they
should also be watered and mulched in dry weather.

FECIT GARDEN.

Attend to the previous directions in regard to the thihiiiiig
and stopping the young shoots of all trained trees ; and ii&vr
make the final thinning of Peaches and Nectaiines, of course
leaving the hoariest crop on the most vigorous trees and
strongest branches. As a general rule no two fruit should be
left together. Plums of tlie large kinds, as well as the finer
sorts of Pears, should also lie thinned, if the crop is too heavy.
Young P.-ach and Apricot trees, when making over-vigorous
leaders, ;;!jould have the points of the branches shortened, to
cucouragH tlum to make other shoots less vigorous, and of a
fruitful character. This will obvia' 3 the necessity of shortening
them back at the winter pruning. Strawberries will require
frequent waterings during dry weather. Layer the runners
intended for pot culture, as well as those required for making
plantations. All spare runners may be cut away, and keep the
plants free from weeds. Thin and stop shoots of Figs as soon
as they have made a growth of about C inches. Remove all
useless gi-owth from out-door Vines. Keep fru t close to the
wall, and shaded by the foliage from the smi.

FLOWER O.VEDES.

strong shoots of Chrj'santhemums may now be layered in
pots to produce dwarf compact bushes. Those in pots may
soon receive their final shift. All seedlings should be marked,
noticing their various properties as to form, colour, and sub-
stance. There are few persons, we believe, who are fond of
horticultural pm-suits but save seeds from some favoimte flower,
they raise them and watch their opening blossoms with anxious
but pleashig expectations of procuiing something difierent from
what they have j'et seen, but how many are disappointed in
their expectations ! The cause of this is that no attempt is made
to artificially impregnate distinct species or varieties having
good qualities, or if it is done, it is done carelessly, and new
varieties are not more iilcely to be produced than by the com-
mon practice of sa\Tng the seed indiscriminately from every
plant that produces it, whether having bad or good properties.
This we believe to be the chief reason of so much disappoint-
ment in seedlings. One person, by care and attention to im-
pregnation, will have more good flowers from fifty plants than
another who has saved seed indiscriminately will from a thon-
sand. Now is the best season for obserring the effect of the
arrangement of the colours, &c., and if any alteration is deemed
necessary it should be carefully noted, which will greatly
facihtate its execution at the proper season. Seedling Poly-
anthuses should be carefully shaded from the sun's rays, and
watered with a fine rose, this will jn-event the ravages of the
red spider. Ranunculus roots ^ill be better out of the ground
as soon as thu foliage is Withered ; the roots to be gradually
dried, when this is done too rapidly it is detrimental to those
which happen to be in a weak state. Continue to propagate
Picotees, Pinks, and Pansies. CUp Box-edgings in cloudy
weather. Bud Roses. Mow and roll lawnSfi aadiidUom> up
assiduously the exth-pation of weeds. ■iijr/i'ffq J/. lnLii.'j::;

GREENHOUSE AND CONSERVATORY.

Hardwooded plants, including most of the genera from New
Holland which bloom early in the spring, and which after
blooming received the neeessai-y pruning, &c., will now he so
far advanced in their new gi-o\vth that any requiring to be
potted shoixld at once have a shift. After turning them out
loosen the outside roots before placing them in their new pots,
to enable them to take to the fresh soil more readily. Keep
them close for a few days, especially if the roots have been
much disturbed, and damp once or twice daily overhead, water
carefully at first, taking jiains to insure the old ball haring its
proper share until the roots get established in the new soil.
Continue Epacrises under glass till their gi-o\vth is complete,
but more air and light should be allowed, then increasing it as
the wood gets firmer. In the beginning of next month they
may be placed out of doors in an open situation where they
can be protected from heavy rains. Some of the stove plants

Joly 18, 186S. ]

JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE ©ARIVENER.

5ff

that biivo recently bi'pn brouidit into the couservatciry will
reqtiirt attoution to prevunt thrir bfiun injured by daiii)) cluriu^
floudy weatlier, and it will probably bo nuceMMiiry to use HliRht
fires oecasiojially (or thu luirpose of dryiji;^ tlio atmosphere of
tho house. Coi'iliime to carefully regulate the tjrowtU of the
twiners, but uvoiil tyiiin thorn too ulose, and allow them to Krow
according to their natural habits as nuudi as cueiuiistances will
admit.

STOVIi.

The plants that are inti'uded for the decoration of the con-
servatory in uutuniu sdiould now be earefnlly looked over, Hhift-
iug sucli as are likely to want more potrooni, with a view of
getting the pots weli tilled with roots before the plants are
requii'ed to bo in bloom. Keep, also, the shoots tied-out rather
thiuly and e.\pose the plants to as much .sunshine as they will
bear without scorching their fiiliage in order to keep them low
and bushy. Give clear weak manure water to young growing
specimens, and repot any that are intended to have another
shift this season, so as to have the pots well tilled with roots
before winter. JIaintain a moist growing atmosphere, and
syringe vigorously any plant at all infested with red spider.
Growing Orchids should be encoui-agcd with plenty of heat and
moisture while that can be done .safely. See that plants on
blocks and in baskets arcs properly supplied with moistiu'e at the
roots. To prevent any mistake in this matter caref idly examine
every plant at least once a-wcek, and immerse any fomid to be
dry in tepid water until the materiid about the roots shall have
become well soaked. Syringe lightly morning and evening, and
spriulde floors, &c., in order to keep the atmosphere thoroughly
moist. — W. Ke.vne. . i .

'Il ■l'.|;,:,,'l M.i) -Ju i,^.i.

DOIN'GS OF THE LAST WEEK.

Os Saturday, tho 8th inst., we had a severe storm of thunder
and hail, which riddled a good many broad-leaved plants. AVe
notice it in order to record the fact, that large squares of
16-oz. glass were uucrackedand xuibroken, but we observed that
many of the hailstones rebounded fi'om the glass fully 3 feet
in height, and that the glass waved and bent considerably.
There would be less risk of bre;ikage with stouter glass, but
then it would bend and cui-ve less to the stroke of the hail-
stones. On Sunday, the 9th, we had some three and a half
lioursin the afternoon of continuous thunder and down-pourhig
rain, "which seems to have well so.aked the ground, and has
laid the best fields of Barley considerably, but several cattle
and sheep were killed. No ordinary spouting could accommodate
such down-pouiing, and, therefore, we received much less in
oiu- tanks than we expected. The heavy rains shot quite over
the spouts. There is now in this neighbourhood little UkeU-
hood of being so daned up as we were last season. Wednes-
day, the 12th, was a beautiful di-y day, and even the flowers
with a httle cleaning were opening freely to look as bright
gems over the now fine green of the foliage and lawns, but the
weather became wet again on Thursday, and if it continue the
very best flower-beds will have a wobegoue appearance. When
the beds are full of leaf and bloom at this season, it tries the
patience and equanimity of the gardener to find the results of
his skill and imwearied care, little better to look at by visitors
of the family than so many mounds of drowned mice. Who
will have the honour of being the first to cover an acre, or even
half an acre of the finest modern flower garden with glass,
so ventilated by leverage power that even the rains and dews
can be admitted at will, and rains and Ijoisterous winds also be
excluded at pleasure ? We venture to say that such a garden
would yield more continuous satisfaction than a dozen acres of
flower garden in our imcertain climate. Probably, however,
there may be a bewitching chanu in the very uncertainty of
being able to see such modern flower gardens at their best on a
certain day, just as there is, at least, some test to the depth of
that love which is not jiermitted to develope itself in the
smoothest of chamiels. Well, there is no accounting for tastes,
but we would be quite willing to make a present of our share
of the pleasm'e arising from the thorough uncertainty of having
a flower garden brilliant against a certain day, with the likeli-
hood of our changeable climate marring all our expectations. In
one thing we must rejoice, the beautiful luxmiance that is now
spreading over, the brown parched pastiu-es.

KITCHEN- G.iBDEN.

Proceeded with planting out Winter Greens as we could get
gromid cleared for them. Planted more Cauliflower, Lettuce,
&c., these being always indispensable. Staked late Peas, the

medium crops being richly flavoured after' the rain. In some
hot days gave the slightest shading to (.'iicaniheru to keep them
sweet, hi such weather us we have lately hod, CucuuiberK,
fuUy oxposed out of doors, or even with air on under glass, are
apt to bo a little bitter, tliough in some seuMons where they
had unobstructed sunliglit they were always crisp lUid sweet.
The bitterness, we consider, is not ho much owing to unob-
strncteil sun as to the tiercu siui and dryness combined. In
many cases the comphvints of Cueuraber-oaters arise from
having thu fruit sent to them when it is too large and old.
If sent in the young state there would be fewer complaints.
The mistake has arisen from country societies too generally
patnmising length and size. Some time, ago wo heard au
exhibitor very wroth because his Cucumbers, were passed by.
The judge, tii silence him, took hold of the Cucumber by one
end, and the other end at once jiretty well joined it, the body
of the Cucumber making a beautiful are of a circle. There
was no reply to tins question, " how long sucli specimens h.-id
been cut and kept in the cellar." The person who would