RCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. quently imported since, it has been always in very small quantities. J. O'B.

CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE "CLARE

DOW."

A FLOWER of this exceedingly pretty variety is nt me by W. Millie Dow, Esq., Kirkcaldy, no takes special interest in varieties of C. signe. It flowered out of a small lot of the montanum" importation, and, like others of at class, has the features of C. nitens, and its The e substance and effective colouring. rsal sepal, which is 2 inches high and nearly much in width, is apple-green on the basal o-thirds and pure white above, with seven eight irregularly-placed rows of large chocoe-purple blotches, the upper blotch on the ree central rows being on the white ground. e petals, when extended, are nearly 6 inches m tip to tip, each being 1 inch wide; yelvish tinged and veined with purple, except = tips, the medium line being darkest, and me dark spots displayed on the lower half.

WHITE CATTLEYAS.

In the last number of the Journal de la Société Nationale d'Horticulture, M. Maron relates his experiences. He crossed in 1902 a pure form of Cattleya El Dorado alba, having pure white segments, the throat of the lip alone being yellow with a pure white form of Lælia Perrini alba. When the crossed seedlings flowered the blooms were all rose-coloured!

M. Bert obtained a different result. He crossed a white Cattleya Mossia with a white variety having a yellow throat. The result was a plant bearing pure white flowers, It is to be desired that these crossed plants should be self-fertilised; the results would show which characters are "dominant' and which recessive," and then if the Mendelian hypothesis be borne out it will be possible for breeders to obtain results with a measure of certainty now unobtainable.

[Photo by J. Burtt-Davy.

G. 14.—DOMBEYA ROTUNDIFOLIA IN FULL FLOWER on a kopje, "the willows," pretoria.

lower sepals are of large size, pale green spotted purple lines. Lip large, pale w, tinged with purple. Staminode broad,

W.

MILTONIA ENDRESII.

Is pretty little ally of M. vexillaria is again ower in the collection of R. I. Measures, Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell (gr. Mr. 1), where so many pretty and singular Although M. s find a congenial home. aria is quite a common plant in gardens, Costa Rican, M. Endresii, is but rarely with. The delicate sprays of flowers are ed like those of M. vexillaria except in anduriform outline of the lip. They are , with a faint rose line at the basis of the and petals, and with two blotches of light one on each side of the bright yellow Although first discovered by Warscewicz e Cordillera of Veragua in 1849, it was not Endres re-discovered it in 1873 that a few were got home alive, and, although fre

e,

THE ALPINE GARDEN.

GENTIANA ACAULIS.

"

21

not possible, has an unmistakable fondness for the fullest light and air that can be given it. A fully exposed and sunny position is the best, while ultimate success will depend not a little upon the depth and the character of the soil about the roots. A most important item is that of autumn-planting, and it is important inasmuch as the large majority of the stoloniferous or underground shoots are produced at that season, appearing above ground early in spring. Concurrently with these underground stems any new root fibres are produced, and these greatly assist the newly-planted subject. So far as soil is concerned, that of a rather light and sandy nature is much the best, but the plant also succeeds well in sandy loam, and even in soil of a peaty nature. Where the soil is very light, sandy and shallow, cow-manure should be added. In light soils the planting cannot be done too firmly. I have employed the turf beater, garden roller, and spade scores of times to firm the plants in their positions even after firm planting. Newly-made beds or edgings of the plant are purposely walked upon with the same object. When forming edgings of the plant in such soils the ground is prepared as for laying an edging of Box, the soil made firm by beating, and the small portions of the plant buried well up to the lowest leaves. Happily, the leathery texture of the leaves is proof against injury from either treading or beating, and these are no longer necessary when the plant becomes established. A perfectly. drained soil is very necessary for the plant, and an assured depth of at least 12 inches of good soil. In large gardens, where a heap of old potting soil exists, nothing more suitable could be chosen. The capacity of the plants to flower year after year depends largely upon the production of new shoots from below. When in good condition, these shoots are produced numerously, and tuft, becoming crowded in time, would then deteriorate. The remedy is division and re-planting. And were this done more frequently the almost flowerless tufts of this beautiful spring-flowering plant that too often are seen in gardens would be less frequent. E. H. Jenkins.

a

NOTICES OF BOOKS.

LANDSCHAFTLICHE GARTENGESTALTUNG. By

Camillo Karl Schneider, with 73 illustrations.
Published by Carl Scholtze (W. Junghaus),
Leipzig.

THIS, in addition to the author's previous works on garden-making and cognate subjects, has met with a favourable reception in Germany and Austria. The topics discussed, unlike those in earlier works, are confined within narrower boundaries, and consist of personal views with regard to the modelling and formation of gardens in landscape style in opposition to the architectural, geometrical, and combination of all three, as are frequently found at the present day in all parts of Europe.

The whole is arranged in such a manner that anyone with experience in the formation and improvement of gardens, whether layman or practical horticulturist, can readily understand it, and the illustrations with which the book is furnished are precisely such as will please those who may not share the views of the author. He is concerned chiefly with the present and the future, the past being touched upon only so far as its lessons explain that which is stated and what is demanded by his subject. He holds the belief that the professional man and the layman differ so widely about that which is carried out and as to what should be done in this field as to be unable to give a proper verdict, therefore there is the greater necessity for the gardening art to speak for itself.

In many art-circles, and in particular among architects, the belief has become general that the formation of a garden, from the artistic point of view, is an architect's business; in other words. that no such thing as the art of landscape gardening exists. This view of the subject is contested by

the author with great zeal and knowledge, and the illustrations included in the book give strong support to his views. There are pictures from many noted parks and gardens, private and public, in Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and Bosnia, the water scenes being very charming, some being natural, others artificial, but even in the latter nature is very closely followed. We do not see in what essentials the methods advocated differ much from those which for a hundred years have been the fashion in the best places in our own country. In Germany and Austria, on the contrary, where die Englische style has not been adopted, stiffness and formality are the characteristics of the laying out, with their concomitants, close planting, and groups of trimmed shrubs, both deciduous and evergreen, lack of breadth in the treatment of the planting, and the effects of light and shade but little considered. F. M.

The Week's Work.

FRUITS UNDER GLASS.

By ALEXANDER KIRK, Gardener to J. THOMPSON PATON. Esq,, Norwood, Alloa, Clackmannanshire.

Vines which failed to ripen satisfactorily should be examined at their roots in the inside borders, and if any long, bare roots, having few or no fibres, are found, such roots must be pruned. The best time to root-prune the vine is about the end of September or the beginning of October. But it can be done now, and it is not advisable to postpone the operation for a whole year. Cut out a trench down the centre of the border as far as the drainage material, and remove all the soil in the border nearest the vines until almost the stem of the plant is reached. Tie the roots in bundles as the work proceeds. See that the drainage provided is in proper order. Any roots found growing among the drainage material must be removed, and, when the trench is filled in, be laid-in nearer the surface.

Furnish some fresh compost composed of good turfy loam chopped into pieces about 3 inches square. To every 3 tons of loam add 1 cwt. of coarse-grade Vine manure; if the loam is of poor quality or sandy, add a further cwt. of fine-grade fertiliser, a liberal quantity of wood ashes and lime rubble, mixing the whole thoroughly together. A light loam will not require the addition of as much lime rubble as a heavy one. Place a single layer of turves grass-side downwards over the drainage, and fill the trench with the compost, spreading the roots carefully as the work proceeds as near to the surface as possible. Shorten any long, bare roots to within 2 feet of the main stem. Consolidate the soil, and when all is finished give a copious supply of water and cover with a mulching of manure. The outside border may be renewed in the same manner during September or October next.

the

Young vines planted in new borders during last spring or summer should, if strong of growth, be shortened back to the bottom of the roof rafters, but if weak they must be pruned harder, say, to within 2 feet from the ground. Two or three years old vines must also have their leaders shortened, according to strength of the rods, and their laterals pruned back to a single bud. A length of 2 to 3 feet of last season's growth will be sufficient to leave. Examine the inside borders, and if they are found to be well filled with roots add another 18 inches to the width of the border, using similar compost to that recommended above.

Peaches and Nectarines.-When the weather is too severe for work outside cleanse and, if required, paint the structures containing these fruit trees. The walls should also receive a coating of lime-wash, to which some sulphur has been added. The trees themselves should be washed with soft soap or Gishurst compound by means of a soft brush, taking care not to draw the brush backwards against the buds. After this operation prune and tie the branches to the trellises. Examine the border, and remove any loose soil down to the roots. Afford a top-dressing of light loam mixed with lime rubble and fine-grade Vine manure. Give the border a copicus watering if at all dry. If, as is often the case, young trees are growing too vigorously, they should be lifted and rootpruned, and some lime rubble added to the border.

Strawberries in pots should be examined, and plants with best crowns be selected, cleaned, and have their pots washed. Place the selected plants in a gentle heat, in pits, or in a vinery that is shortly to be heated for forcing purposes. Keep the plants near to the glass, and maintain a night temperature of 45° rising to 55° by day. Do not unduly hurry them into growth, and afford ventilation only when it is necessary.

Cucumbers in pots will require a night temperature of 70°. Do not overcharge the atmosphere of the pits in which they are growing with too much moisture. Increase the heat, and afford more moisture as the days lengthen. Pinch the points of the shoots as the plants develop. Make a fresh sowing in pots for a successional crop.

THE FLOWER GARDEN.

By A. C. BARTLETT, Gardener to Mrs. FORD, Pencarrow, Cornwall.

un

Bedding Pelargoniums.-Owing to the usually dry summer, it was difficult last autumn to get sufficient cuttings without despoiling the flower-beds, and it may be necessary to make up the required numbers with spring-rooted plants. Judgment must be exercised when cutting growths for furnishing cuttings for this purpose, because if the plants are cut back very severely, it will be a case of "robbing Peter to pay Paul," and nothing will be gained. Keep the knife sharp, so as to make a clean cut, and remove the lower leaves and stipules. Place five or six cuttings in a 48 size (5-inch) pot in preference to boxes. Place them in a warm house and do not water them more often than is absolutely necessary. When they have made roots, these plants should be potted off singly into 60's (3-inch pots). The stock should be frequently looked over, removing all decaying leaves with a downward jerk. It is surprising what a small quantity of water suffices at this season to keep these plants in good health, and they will withstand a low temperature better if kept somewhat dry.

Propagation of Yuccas.-Any stems which have been broken down by the recent snow. storm should be used for purposes of propaga tion. If not too large, the head may be cut off and, after tying up the leaves, pot it firmly and plunge in a warm hot-bed. By May or June it will be sufficiently rooted to plant out of doors. The stem from which the "head" was severed may be laid full length in the propagating frame, or be cut up into short pieces. In either case, the dormant buds will soon grow and form shoots, which when 3 or 4 inches long may be taken off and rooted in small pots, or be allowed to form roots before being removed. Field mice often prove very destructive to Yuccas during hard weather, so that it is well to watch for any signs of them. The mice usually burrow under the plants, and then, secure from observation, eat all the pithy portion of the stem, leaving simply the rind and skin. The sickly appearance of the leaves is the first sign of anything wrong. As they have a storehouse of food, trapping is of little use. I have usually found that waterings with quassia chips infusion, or a handful of soft soap and a quarter of a pint of petroleum well mixed in 3 gallons of water and poured down the holes will drive the rodents away, and do no harm to the Yuccas. The soil around the stems should be examined at intervals, and the dose repeated if there are any signs of their return. Protection.-Examine the protective material around the more tender plants and shrubs. Bracken and straw will be found sodden and of little value as protective material. This may be entirely removed, and either replaced at once with a fresh supply or withheld until the weather hardens again. The thawing of snow has also weighted down the layer of leaves which was placed over the roots of many plants, keeping the soil cold. A few minutes' work with a fork will remedy this. For protecting tender ever. green shrubs, nothing is better than to surround the bush with deep wire-netting, leaving 6 inches or so of clear space. In the bottom place about 3 inches deep of leaves, which will keep all frost out of the soil, and on this round the lower parts of the shrub lightly place a handfui of dry bracken. Then stick in the soil around the plant, a few large branches of hardy evergreen-Rhododendron ponticum for choice. This

will give ample protection, and allow sufficient air and light to penetrate and keep the shrub in good health.

PLANTS UNDER GLASS.

By J. G. WESTON, Gardener to H. J. KING, Esq., Eastwell Park, Kent. The forcing-house.-Continue to introduce successional batches of plants into heat according to requirements, taking care not to subject them to excessive heat at the commencement. It is a good plan to put small batches into fruithouses which are just being "started," and move them into a greater degree of heat as it becomes necessary. Azaleas of all kinds (especially the A. mollis x sinensis varieties) are indispensable, the varieties Anthony Koster, Mme. A. Koster, and Glory of Boskoop being extra good for forcing, though unnamed seedlings may be procured more cheaply, and are capable of giving a splendid return. A. Daviesii, having sweet-scented, white flowers, is a favourite, and there is no lack of beautiful varieties of A. indica. Lilacs, Acers, Prunus triloba, Wistarias, Laburnums, and Staphylea colchica will all respond to forcing at this sea

son.

Standards of these species are very useful for the conservatory, and for the arrangement of groups. Sufficient Spiræas, Lily-of-the-Valley crowns and bulbs may be brought into heat. Tulips, perhaps, are capable of bearing more forcing than most bulbs. Daffodils should be brought along very gradually, and all bulbs must be thoroughly well rooted before they are forced, or failures will result. Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon's Seal) is a capital plant either for cutting, or arranged with brightly-coloured flowering plants. Homegrown clumps, as a rule, are most satisfactory for forcing; the same may be said of Dicentra spectabilis, the forcing of which, however, must be done very gradually.

Violets in frames.-Air should be admitted Reevery day when the weather is suitable. move all decayed leaves from the plants, and stir the surface soil occasionally to keep it sweet. Very little water need be afforded at this season. Contrary to several growers who have written in the Gardeners' Chronicle recently, I have always found the variety Princess of Wales to be more satisfactory than La France. Of the double-flowered varieties, Mrs. J. J. Astor is very free in flowering, and of a distinct shade of colour. This, together with Marie Louise and the white Comte de Brazza, are the varieties chiefly relied on here. A newer variety named Mme. Bertha Barron is under trial, but I have not grown it long enough to speak definitely of its merits.

Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations.--These can be best wintered in a light, well-ventilated house, the conditions of which should be pretty much the same as those for the winter-flowering varieties [see Calendar in last week's issue], but the atmosphere may be slightly cooler. If the disease or rust is noticed, the plants should be examined every week, and every piece picked off on its first appearance and burnt. This practice, though making the plants look rather shabby for the present, will eventually stamp out the disease. There are various preparations on the market for spraying the plants, but my experience is that the above method, if persevered with, will invariably give the best results. Fumigate regularly in all Carnation and other plant houses, not waiting until greenfly or other insect pests have a strong hold on the plants, as Carnation leaves, once having suffered from the ravages of these pests, will always show the effects, thus spoiling the appearance of otherwise healthy plants.

THE ORCHID HOUSES.

By W. H. WHITE, Orchid Grower to Sir TREVOR LAWRENCE, Bart., Burford, Surrey,

Heat and moisture.-If the weather is mild, only a moderate amount of fire-heat will be necessary to maintain the proper degree of heat, and very few dampings down should be done when the external atmosphere is moist. The paths and stages of the East Indian division should be well syringed in the morning as soon as the proper degree of warmth is reached; in the afternoon, when the fires have been re-started, the paths, &c., may again be sprinkled. In houses where the atmosphere dries more quickly, it may be necessary to again

SO

amp down lightly during the evening. In the Cattleya and intermediate houses a moderate amping of the floors two or three times each reek will suffice. Some Cattleya houses, howver, may be sufficiently moist naturally, and will be only necessary to give the usual appliations of water to the roots of the plants. As egards the cool houses, they also should be amped down or not according to their conruction and situation. Generally, they will eed but little damping after the necessary aterings and the washing of the floors have een caried out. Should the atmospheric temerature be more than 40°, admit a moderate nount of fresh air to the plants in all the visions, carefully considering whether the uses are in exposed positions or otherwise. Blinds for use in cold weather and bright sunine.-There may still be severe and boisrous weather to come. See that all the latticepod blinds are in thorough working order having the pulleys, &c., well oiled, at they may be easily rolled down, and it is visable to attach strong cords to them in der to keep them from being blown over ould strong winds prevail. The present is a itable time to take down any of these blinds at need repairing, taking the opportunity to and repaint them before refixing them to the of. Our method is to do one blind at a time, d in the event of very cold weather occurring ring the process, to cover the roof with other terial. Where the ordinary canvas blinds are ed, the old ones should be examined and aired, and if any new ones are required, >per measurements should be taken, and the terial placed in the hands of those who may ve to make them. Prepare a number of den mats by tieing in the ends strong and atly; these will be useful during very cold ather, and if rolled along the eaves, or lower t of the roof, they will be of great assistance maintaining the proper degree of heat withthe use of excessive fire-heat.

PUBLIC PARKS AND GARDENS.
W. W. PETTIGREW, Superintendent of the Parks and
Open Spaces in the City of Cardiff.

The making of provision for the playing of es in parks.-Although nearly everyone nowys recognises the importance of fresh air

S

e

the

preservation and improvement of th, it is still quite impossible to get ple to leave the vicinity of their dwel. and get out into the open, unless is some ulterior motive for their g so. In nearly every large town and parks and open spaces of some kind provided wherein the residents may enjoy er and purer air than is to be found in the ded thoroughfares and hemmed-in streets. ole, however, will not visit these parks simfor the sake of getting a breath of fresh air, e the authorities are realising more and that, in addition to providing large parks open spaces, it is their duty to do every. g in their power to attract the people to . Thus their parks are made as beautiful ossible with varied kinds of flowering trees, os, herbaceous plants, and conservatories with plants, so to interest those gardening and aesthetic tastes. Music is ded at stated intervals during the year to ct those who are musically inclined; and, , provision is made for the enjoyment of inds of games and sports suitable to the and formation of the ground at their dis

as

The provision for, and encouragement ort is a most important function of a parks tment, appealing as it does to old and galike, and to every class of the commuThe greater the diversity of the games led for, the greater will be the number of e attracted to the parks.

tball and cricket.-Every parks department to provide ample room for the playing of all in the winter and cricket in the summer, being the most popular of all our national s. From the parks management standthe advantage of these games is that they nly attract and find amusement for the players, but they bring out great numbers erested spectators.

key, baseball, and la crosse.-Next in imce come the games of hockey in the and baseball in the summer, and as are both very popular, every effort should

be made to find room for them. La crosse is a winter game, which is now played in this part of the country, and we have found it necessary to make provision for it also.

Games for the pleasure garden.-The foregoing are essentially games for the young, and should be confined to the recreation ground pure and simple. There are other games which are more for the amusement of older folks, which are better allocated to some part of the pleasure garden, such as tennis, bowling, croquet, and quoits. These are now very often provided as part of a park's attraction, and are invariably greatly appreciated by the general public. Archery is a sport which is being introduced in a few parks for the benefit of the ladies, but, owing to its special requirements as to site, &c., it can hardly become general.

Water sports.-Where a park possesses a large lake fed by a constant stream of fresh water, there are possibilities of providing boating, bathing, fishing, and model yachting, and in winter skating and curling can all be indulged in during periods of frost.

The question of "condition."-Although it has been commonly agreed that public bodies need not attempt to keep public recreation grounds in such a good condition for play as private clubs keep their grounds, I think every effort should be made to keep the ground in the best possible condition for the playing of the game for which it is intended. Hockey and football grounds and cricket pitches should be rolled and mown as often as they need it, while in the case of tennis courts, bowling and croquet greens, as much care and attention should be bestowed upon them as is given by private clubs to theirs. This policy gives the greatest satisfaction to players, and pays in the long run.

THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN.
By J. MAYNE, Gardener to the Hon. MARK ROLLE,
Bicton, East Devon.

Pruning orchard trees.-In the carrying out of outdoor work such as planting, pruning, &c., the weather must be the determining factor, as even one night's frost of 12° is sufficient to prevent the ground being properly worked, unless it be trenching for a new plantation. Even in such a case it is unwise to bury hard, frozen soil 2 to 3 feet deep, because such soil would naturally remain cold and wet for a long period. Should there be a period of frost, however, a few hours in the middle of the day may be utilised to push forward the thinning, as well as the pruning and cleansing of orchard trees, still much neglected in many parts of the country. Trees that have been given little or no attention in the matter of spraying will sure to be more or less covered with Lichen, especially the trunk and larger branches. Much of this can be removed with a flat piece of wood and a half-worn-out scrubbing brush, thus leaving less for the spraying that should follow pruning. It is not good practice to be very severe in the pruning of a much-neglected tree, it being better to extend the treatment to the second season, thus preventing the tree from suffering too great a check. Cut away the worst of those branches which intercross with each other, and endeavour to keep the centre of the tree open to the influences of sunshine and air. Where a saw has to be used, the cuts should be made smooth and clean with a chisel, and afterwards coated over with Stockholm tar, which will prevent decay during the healing of the wound. Burn up the spray-wood, and return the ashes to the scil, such ashes having an excellent fertilising effect upon every kind of fruit tree.

Planting. After planting young trees on a Grass-plot, the Grass or turf should not be allowed to grow within a radius of 6 or 8 feet of the bole.

Bush fruits.-Some delay the pruning of Gooseberry bushes until late in spring, especi ally where birds are unusually numerous, but if left to themselves the birds will serve all the shoots alike, and there is, therefore, very little to be gained by postponing the work. Last season's shoots are capable of yielding the heaviest crops. Cut out the points of such of these as will be retained at about 20 inches from the point of origin, and prune back "closehome" all surplus shoots, and any that are likely to reach the ground when laden with fruit.

Keep the main shoots about 6 inches apart, and the centre of the bush open, so that

the gathering of the berries may be the more conveniently carried out. Select a number of cuttings from the straightest shoots about 12 inches long, and cut out all the " eyes except the uppermost three. These should be planted in nursery lines 6 inches asunder. Red Currants require to be spurred back to within two 'eyes;" extension shoots may be left 8 inches long. Cuttings should be made and set out in the manner recommended for Gooseberries. Black Currants require different treatment. Merely cut away exhausted branches, encourage basal growths to take their place, and spurring back side-shoots where these are too numerous. Cuttings of Black Currants should not be trimmed, it being desirable that sucker growths should appear annually. Syringe Gooseberry and Red Currant bushes with a thin mixture of soot and lime, and wind black and white cotton among the branches to scare away birds.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN.
By WILLIAM HONESS, Gardener to C. COMBE, Esq.,
Cobham Park, Surrey.

Globe Artichokes and Celery.If these crops have not already been supplied with a covering of long litter, this means of protection should be afforded without delay. A few of the outer leaves should first be removed from the Artichokes and a few sticks placed close up to the plants to hold them up, and to prevent the litter from bearing directly on them, which might cause the plants to decay should there be a long period of wet weather.

Lettuce growing in frames should be afforded plenty of air on bright, dry days, and all decaying leaves should be removed at intervals. The variety of cabbage Lettuce known as "All the Year Round" usually winters well in frames, and will often do so on a warm vine border out-of-doors, turning in and giving good returns in early spring. Where Bell glasses or the French cloches can be obtained, the variety Petite Noire, sown at intervals during September and October, will yield a good supply of the most tender Lettuce throughout December until the end of February. After the last few warm days in early autumn this variety requires no air admitted whatever, whether grown in frames or under cloches, a fact which speaks for itself for the cleanliness and tenderness of this Lettuce.

Broad Beans.-The long-pod section maturing almost as early as the smaller varieties, a sowing of these in boxes now would form a close succession to those sown in the open borders in November, and should the winter prove a severe one, and sharp frosts prevail while the latter are in flower, this second sowing will be almost as early, and will sometimes fill a vacancy provided these are brought on hardy in a late Peach house or vinery.

French Beans.-Plants raised from seeds sown in pots after this date will give better results than those sown in the autumn. A mixture consisting of manure from a spent Mushroom bed, and loam in equal parts, will be found a good compost for this crop, using pots seven or eight inches in diameter, which should be filled to within an inch of the top. I do not recommend the old method of half filling the pots, thus allowing for the application of a liberal top-dressing later on, because a percentage of the young plants get fatally bruised during the process. Do not afford any root-waterings until the seeds have germinated. Afford all the light possible and an atmospheric temperature of 55 to 60°. As the young plants continue to advance in growth they will need the support of a few short sticks.

Asparagus-If forced Asparagus will be required in large quantities a liberal supply of roots had better be lifted whilst the ground is still free from frost. Although this vegetable is soon injured if the roots are exposed to the air, the plants will be found quite capable of withstanding a considerable amount of frost, thus, if more are lifted than are required for one batch, the surplus can be covered with an old mat or two or some long litter, just sufficient to exclude the air. If they are allowed to become frozen they will be found none the worse for this experience when it is necessary to place them in the frame for forcing.

Cauliflower. Make a small sowing of this vegetable in a pan or box, and place it in a sunny position, close to the glass, in a cold frame. If this batch is intended to succeed a sowing made in autumn, the variety Magnum Bonum may be selected, but if no previous sowing has been made I would recommend the selection of Early London, or First Crop.

EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB. LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

MONDAY, JANUARY 14–

R.H.S. Exam. of Public Parks and Gdns. Employées. Unit. Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. Com. meet. TUESDAY, JANUARY 15-Nat. Amat. Gard. Assoc. meet. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16

Ann. meeting Brixton & Dist. Hort. Soc. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17-Linnean Soc. meet. SATURDAY, JANUARY 19-German Gard. Soc. meet.

AVERAGE MEAN TEMPERATURE for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich-38-3°.

ACTUAL TEMPERATURES:

LONDON.-Wednesday, January 9 (6 P.M.): Max. 47°;
Min. 44°.

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street,
Covent Garden, London.-Thursday, January
10 (10 A.M.): Bar., 303; Temp., 48°; Weather-
Overcast.

PROVINCES.-Wednesday, January 9 (6 P.M.): Max. 49°
Ireland S. W.; Min. 43' Scotland N.

SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK,
MONDAY AND FRIDAY—

Border Plants and Perennials, Azaleas, Roses, Hardy
Bulbs, &c., at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe &
Mortis, at 12.

WEDNESDAY

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

FRIDAY

Grand imported Cattleya Mossiæ and other Orchids. Consignment of Odontoglossum crispum, &c., at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45.

The American

mildew.

Seldom, if ever, has the Horticultural Hall justified its exGooseberry-istence more fully than on Tuesday last, when a discussion took place on the now engrossing topic of the American Gooseberry-mildew. There was a crowded meeting; scientists jostled with fruit-growers, market-gardeners were mixed up with members of Parliament and Government officials. The Market-Gardeners', Nurserymen's, and Farmers' Association took a leading part in organising the meeting. The discussion was free and unfettered. Sir Albert Rollit, in opening the proceedings, deprecated the passing of any formal resolution, and hence much more freedom of debate was secured than would have been the case if the society had been committed to any definite course of action. From what took place at the meeting, it seems evident that no amount of legislation could prevent the introduction of fungus spores. We have had a conspicuous illustration of this in the case of the Phylloxera, which, in spite of the most drastic regulations, has spread throughout the vine-growing countries of the world. If legislation could not stop the progress of a little insect relatively much bigger than a fungus spore, we may be sure it would be powerless to arrest the progress of such very minute bodies as the spores of a mildew. But, although we deprecate the attempt to get the Government to do what is either useless or what we ought to do for ourselves, that does not imply that nothing should be done. The cry of the growers is that something must be done. Undoubtedly it should, but it must be done by the only people capable of doing it effectively-that is, by the growers themselves. The mildew is in the country; we cannot keep it out, but we can lessen its ravages by watchfulness and prompt action. Stamping out is very effectual in certain diseases of animals, just as small-pox may be and is in some countries practically exterminated by vaccination, but it by no means follows that the stamping-out process could be efficiently carried out in the case of a mildew. Practical men must look to what is practically possible, not to what is utopian.

Adverting now to the proceedings on Tuesday, we may add that Professor Salmon laid his case lucidly and forcibly before the meeting, and illustrated his remarks by excellent lantern slides, some taken from the figures in the volume of the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 1890, p. 140, and other works. It is not necessary for us to repeat now what Professor Salmon has already written at some length in our columns, from the year 1905 up to the present time, and elsewhere.* The discussion that followed was particularly interesting and useful as eliciting the views of the growers.

Mr. MASSEE prefaced his remarks by stating that what he was about to say was a matter of personal opinion, and did not in any sense represent the views held by the Board of Agriculture. He stated that he was the first to record the presence of the disease in this country, and had himself directed Mr. Salmon's attention to the matter. The dominant feature of Mr. Salmon's argument in favour of legislation was a quotation from an American expert, to the effect that English Gooseberries could not be grown on a commercial scale in America, owing to mildew. This quotation was quite correct, but Mr. Salmon omitted to mention, in his many communications to the Press, that it was made twenty years ago, at a period before spraying and preventive methods against diseases were evolved. Since that period equally emphatic statements have repeatedly appeared in official American publications to the effect that, owing to the efficacy of sprays, English Gooseberries were again in cultivation, and it was doubtful whether American varieties could maintain their supremacy. Such statements appear to have been overlooked by Mr. Salmon, as they are absent from his essays. Under the circumstances, Mr. Salmon's leading text must be considered as of historical interest only, and without meaning at the present day. Mr. Salmon's opinion that the disease is new to Europe, and introduced from America, is not supported by facts. The fungus was known in Ireland for some time before its identity was established, and its presence announced by Mr. Massee in the Gardeners' Chronicle, August 25, 1900, p. 143, fig. 39. Some European experts consider that the mildew is indigenous in Russia. It is a well-known fact that a given fungus may be present in a country for any length of time before it decides to become an injurious parasite, and, again, a given fungus may prove very injurious in one country and harmless in another. Special weather conditions often furnish the necessary stimulus that determines the commencement of a fungus on a parasitic career; such conditions were experienced in this country last year. Some Gooseberry growers have expressed the opinion that they have known the mildew in this country for many years. These may not be convincing, but they have not been proved to be wrong.

The one important point on which all arc are agreed, is the fact that the mildew is now established in this country. In Worcestershire, where it is fairly abundant, there is not the remotest evidence in support of the theory that it was introduced from the Continent. What remains to be done, and done promptly, is to practise those measures which have been proved to hold the disease in check in other countries. These are, autumn prunings; winter spraying with a solution of one pound of sulphate of copper dissolved in 25 gallons of water; spraying with liver of sulphur, half an ounce in a gallon of water, if the mildew appears when the leaves are young.

The present danger threatening Gooseberry growers in Ireland, Gardeners' Chronicle, October 28, 1905. p. 305, E. S. Salmon. See also E. S. Salmon, in Journal Horticultural Society, London (1890), p. 140; Cooke, Fungoid Pests of Cultivated Plants (1906), p. 146.

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In the absence of any evidence as to the introduction of mildew on imported bushes, at the moment of importation, and remembering the fact that so few Gooseberry bushes are imported under any circumstances, legislation may be considered as outside the sphere of usefulness in preventing the spread of the disease.

Finally, said Mr. Massee, it must be noted that, from Mr. Salmon's own statements, the mildew is most abundant in those countries where legislation against diseases is most stringent.

Mr. CECIL HOOPER and COL. LONG also spoke, and they were followed by Mr. HANS Gussow, a well-known expert in plant diseases. Mr. Güssow said that, in his opinion, Mr. Salmon has gone much too far in his warnings against the possible damage that the American Gooseberry fungus may do. We have not only to look upon the development of the fungus-of any parasitic fungus -from the laboratory point of view, but we have to consider mainly the question from the side of practical experience. Practical experience has taught mycologists, as well as farmers and fruit-growers, that an attack due to a parasitic fungus only develops into an alarmingly severe epidemic when specially favourable conditions prevail. Such specially favourable conditions are mainly due to climate or superabundance of moisture in the air or to complete absence of moisture drought. As long as no means are found-and he doubted if they ever would be found-of regulating these conditions, we shall have to deal with fungus epidemics. No legislation can prevent an epidemic I due to the development of these microscopic organisms. When these organisms are present-and in the case of American Gooseberry-mildew we have often enough heard that it is present and has been present for some years in this countryan epidemic will only appear when special conditions favourable for the rapid development of the fungus set in. If such conditions do not prevail, no epidemic which need alarm our fruit-growers will ensue, and, in spite of a hundred Acts of Parliament, an epidemic will appear when such favourable conditions exist. Mr. Güssow said he could give a number of instances which would prove beyond doubt that, from the development of an attack of a parasitic fungus to an epidemic outbreak, special conditions are necessary. The fungus is present in this country, and it should be combatedby means of law, if possible-but the speaker considered it unnecessary for he repeateɗ an epidemic outbreak cannot be checked by law.

Mr. CHEAL spoke as to the necessity of being forewarned, and thanked Mr. Salmon for his efforts in this direction.

Mr. LOBJOIT, in the course of an excellent speech, advocated the necessity of keeping out the disease by legislative enactments, and then of dealing with what is already in the country.

Mr. SALMON replied to the criticisms that had been passed on his paper, and a very hearty vote of thanks was accorded to him.

Various speakers laid stress on the differences of doctors, but those who adopted this line apparently failed to grasp the situation. There is no difference of opinion as to the nature of the fungus, nor as to its destructive habits. Where there is a diversity of opinion is as to the desirability or otherwise of seeking remedial aid from Parliament. This is no doubt desirable in some cases, but for the reasons already stated such aid would in this particular case most probably be ineffective. Watchfulness and prompt and specially combined action on the part of the growers, will do more than any Act of Parliament to keep the American Gooseberry-mildew in check.

THE BOTANICAL MAGAZINE.-The first part the New Year appears under the editorship of 1. PRAIN, the Director of the Royal Botanic rdens-a happy augury for the continued sucsful conduct of the magazine. The plants ared are the following:LOMATIA FERRUGINEA (Rob. Brown), tab. 8,112.is is a well-known greenhouse shrub, or small e, with elegantly divided leaves. It is a native Chile, but has not only proved hardy at Castlelan, Co. Down, but flowered there in July 6. The flowers are numerous, reddish, and anged in axillary clusters. The description is nished by Mr. SKAN.

CONITUM GYMNANTHUM (Maximowicz), tab. 8,113. . native of Tibet and Western China, and so arkable in its structure as to suggest a monsity rather than a normal species. The sepals spatulate with long claws and ovate blades of olet colour twisted so as to expose the stamens. hood, generally so conspicuous in Aconites, is tively very small. Moreover, the plant is an ual. For these reasons Dr. STAPF, who conutes the description, places it in a separate ion (Gymnoaconitum), of which it forms the representative. Kew.

IBURNUM CARLESII (Hemsley), tab. 8,114.- See Bean in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1906, i. p., 306, and figure in Gardeners' Chronicle, October 11. '. Hardy at Kew.

RICUSPIDARIA DEPENDENS (Ruiz and Pavon) tab. 5.-A Chilian shrub or tree belonging to the aceæ. Its ovate, shortly stalked, coriaceous es are pale on the under surface with a red -ib.

The campanulate white flowers are e singly on long peduncles proceeding from axils of the leaves. It is hardy in parts of wall and in south-west Ireland. ENANTHERA ANNAMENSIS (Rolfe), tab. 8,116.nnamese Orchid described by Mr. ROLFE and nguished from R. Imschootiana by its much ler flowers and spotted sepals. Perianth ents linear, oblong, yellow with red spots, much shorter than the segments spurred at pase and with a thick callus in the middle.

lcutta Botanic Garden.-Captain GAGE, e Indian medical service, has been appointed intendent of the Royal Botanic Gardens, tta. If we are not mistaken, this is the third n succession that a graduate of Aberdeen has appointed to this important position; certainly EORGE KING and Lt.-Col. PRAIN both hailed the northern University.

C. CHURCHILL.-A very full and interesting nt of the career of this gentleman is given e last number of the Kew Bulletin. As noted at the time of his decease, CHILL had an exceptionally good know. of mountain-plants, and not only enriched erbarium with very numerous dried specibut contributed very largely to the furng of the rock-garden at Kew. His assisin checking the nomenclature is also y acknowledged. It is interesting to note CHURCHILL had little faith in transitional apart from hybrids. "Recognised species long been in a condition of perfect equin with their environment, only disturbed sect action to a limited extent, but when egin to cultivate them new forces are set tion and produce no end of changes." would he have thought of "mutation"?

PROF. HECKEL.-In recognition of the services to economic botany and to the French colonial possessions, it is proposed to present Prof. HECKEL with a special gold medal. A committee has been formed for the purpose of receiving subscriptions, which may be sent to Prof. DOMERGUE, 341, Rue Paradis, Marseilles, France.

THE "KEW BULLETIN."-A part recently issued is of great importance as affording an indication of more regular publication, and especially for its contents, which are of unusually varied interest. We shall take the opportunity of alluding to some of its contents on other occasions. Meanwhile we may add that the publication may be had from WYMAN & SONS, Fetter Lane, for the nominal price of fourpence.

"THE POTATO YEAR-Book."-The Potato has at length got a year book all to itself. Its economic importance, its history and scientific interest justify such a production. The present booklet is edited by Messrs. HORACE Wright and W. H. ADSETT, as the official publication of the National Potato Society. It is published at Hatton House, Great Queen Street, and, whilst it is presented to members of the society, it may be procured by the profane for one shilling. Mr. MASSEE leads off with an account of the black-scab or warty disease of the Potato, now attributed to a fungus known as Edomyces leproides, which is a much more destructive fungus than is commonly supposed. Gas lime, spread on the surface in April and lightly dug in in May, is the only remedy proposed. Mr. WALTER WRIGHT, the founder of the society, gives his opinion as to the six best Potatos for table as

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follows-Factor, Golden Worthy, Langworthy, Peacemaker, Up-to-Date, and Windsor Castle. Other papers are contributed by Mr. MALDEN, who finds fault with the business methods of some Irish growers and dealers, by Mr. FOSTER, Mr. WILLIAMSON, and Miss POAD. Prof. MIDDLETON contributes a valuable report on the experiments carried out near Cambridge. Amongst other points, Prof. MIDDLETON brings forward evidence to show the illeffects of "Express Cultivation," and, now that the absurd "boom" is a thing of the past, it may be expected that this method of cultivation will only be employed for special purposes and under exceptional conditions. The reports of the trials in various counties are already valuable, and will become increasingly so as time goes on. Numerous portraits are given, and a table of contents that is called an index, but which hardly deserves such an appellation. RETIREMENT OF MR. SANGWIN. Many friends of Mr. SANGWIN, the veteran gardener and home steward of Trelissick, near Truro, writes a correspondent, will be interested to know of his retirement at the end of the present month. For close on 49 years he has enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his employer, and now he lays aside the harness to enjoy for many years, we hope-a well-earned rest. It is given to few men to hold a responsible position for nearly half a century, and to fewer still to turn to account so successfully the natural features of an estate. Many visitors to Trelissick will remember the pond, with its huge Gunneras, its Nymphæas, its numberless Richardias, and its bog plants flanked with magnificent Dicksonias. Besides acclimatising numerous sub-hardy plants, Mr. SANGWIN made a collection of hardy fruits, and was a most successful cultivator. Holding progressive ideas, his knowledge has been freely given, and his advice to many a young man, accompanied with droll stories, will long live in the memory of the recipients. Mr. C. DAY, of Haverland Hall Gardens, Norwich, will succeed Mr. SANGWIN.

PLANTS FROM THE CONGO.-The first part of the second volume of M. Emile de WILDEMAN'S work has now appeared. These "notices sur les plantes utiles ou interestantes de la flore du Congo," are accompanied with plates that are both interesting and valuable, as they are from photographs of the plants and their natural surroundings.

THE "BLANCARD" FUND.-Mr. C. HARMAN PAYNE, Foreign Secretary N.C.S., 141, Wellmeadow Road, Catford, S.E., acknowledges further donations to this fund amounting to £3 13s.

POTATOS IN IRELAND.-The current number of Irish Gardening is largely devoted to articles concerning the cultivation of Potatos in Ireland. The results of recent experiments have attested the value of Irish-grown Potatos for "seed" purposes, and a vigorous effort is now being made to turn this circumstance to practical advantage. Directions are given to the farmers to grow the desired kinds, true to name and free from disease, to lift the crop early, and generally to study the requirements of the English market, even when they run counter to the regular practice adopted in Ireland.

THE CEDARS AT KEW.-London smoke, aided by that of Brentford and of Richmond, have contributed to the death of one of the few fine Cedars of Lebanon near the Pagoda. The sterile soil and the droughty summers of the last few years have, says the Kew Bulletin, hastened the destruction of these noble trees. Incidentally we may repeat our suggestion that the formation of a new arboretum at Wisley or elsewhere should occupy the attention of those con. cerned. We believe the R.H.S. has some intention of forming an arboretum, but, remembering the fate of the once famous collection at Chiswick, we should prefer to see a new arboretum placed under Government supervision. THE "REVUE HORTICOLE."-Ón opening the number for January 1 we were confronted with the announcement that our colleague and friend of many years' standing, M. ED. ANDRE, has been obliged, on account of ill-health, to retire from the editorship. This is a matter of grave concern for his many friends. What M. ANDRE has done for botany, horticulture, and landscape-gardening is as well known and as highly appreciated by experts in this country as in France, so that very great sympathy will be felt both for him and for the management of the Révue. M. D. Bois, who is called on to take the place of M. ANDRE, is also well known in this country for the zeal and capacity he has shown in horticultural and botanical matters. He entered the garden of the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle (Jardin des Plantes), and gradually rose to be assistant to the Professeur de Culture (Prof. MAX CORnu), and now to his successor. He succeeded DuCHARTRE as literary secretary to the Société Nationale d'Horticulture of France, and was deputed by the Government to visit Tonquin, where he made large collections and accumulated a with mass of materials connected economic botany and the cultivation of tropical plants. His publications are numerous, but perhaps the best known among them is the one published in collaboration with M. PAILLIEUX, entitled Le Potager d'un Curieux, a book full of interesting details concerning rare or littleknown culinary plants. In conjunction with M. MAURICE DE VILMORIN, he has lately given us a catalogue raissonné of the trees and shrubs growing in M. DE VILMORIN'S property at Les Barres. M. Bois will have the assistance of M. GRIGNAN, who has for some years been con. nected with the Révue, and whose communications amply justify the confidence reposed in him.