variety was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Fruit and Vegetable Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. President Barabé, a variety recently referred to by Mr. Cook, is also less known than it should be, and of this variety I can only note its value from trees grown in the south. As a cordon-trained tree it was excellent and a valuable late winter variety. This is a much newer introduction than Nouvelle Fulvie. The fruit is large, and with a clear lemon-yellow coloured skin and greenishwhite flesh that is melting and possesses a pleasant aroma. The tree is of compact habit and is very prolific; grafted on the Quince stock it makes a grand bush or pyramid tree and a fruitful cordon. This variety is excellent for late winter supplies, and I have had from very young trees good fruits late in February: in the north it should be a good March variety. This Pear was also given a First-class Certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society a few seasons ago. Other well-known varieties were named by Mr. Cook. I quite agree with him in his remarks concerning Passe Crassane, but it is a rather difficult Pear to perfect in some gardens. This variety has on several occasions been staged in grand condition by Mr. Geo. Woodward, Barham Court Gardens, and at a season of the year when good Pears are very scarce. For years I failed with Passe Crassane, grown in the usual manner both as wall-trained and pyramid trees in the open, till close pruning was abandoned and a greater freedom of growth allowed, with liberal food when the fruits were swelling. I observed how well a small standard tree of this variety that was rarely pruned cropped, whereas closely-cut trained trees failed to fruit. In the north the fruit was sound well into March and possessed good flavour at that date. I fully agree with Mr. Cook concerning Knight's Monarch and how badly this variety drops; but standard trees in Worcestershire always gave a fair supply for March and even later. In this case the fruits were thinned, gathered very late, and given cool storage. Better known or recently introduced varieties include Beurré Perran (this is a deli cious Pear and in season in February and March), Le Lectier, and the smaller Duchesse de Bordeaux. G. Wythes.

present

SPRING FLOWERS AT FIR GRANGE.-Although much later in flowering than usual, the numerous bulbous plants and rare shrubs in he cleverly designed and interesting gardens of V. A. Bilney, Esq., at Fir Grange, Weybridge, fine show. a The earliest of the Daffodils, Narcissus cyclamineus, and N. minimus are fully out, some of the bulbs bearing our or five scapes each. In shady places beneath the Pine trees (these Conifers are a eature in the garden), patches of Cyclamen ederæfolium and C. Coum are in bloom, and he species of Helleborus in various nooks are ensely set with buds. The spring Saxifrages, Hepaticas, Anemones, Snowdrops, Leucojums, nd other spring flowers are well in bloom, and continuous succession of flowers is assured. at Fir Grange are collections of Bamboos, Tree Pæonies, and many other plants which are enerally regarded as tender," but although he winter has been a long one, nothing of imortance has perished, and the Bamboos have -intered excellently. A large bush of Hamamelis rborea, the leafless stems densely covered with s gold and claret coloured flowers, is now a ery beautiful object. J. O'B.

ON

·66

LENDING A HAND.-Besides the many uties devolving upon the gardener and his ssistants in the garden proper, there are often lls from many quarters to "lend a hand to o something quite outside the general routine. ot that the time actually taken to do the work orms a high percentage during the year, but here is undoubtedly a disorganisation of the roper run of work when men are called off from job just to lower a tree. Perhaps the tree half a mile away-across the park.

66

"Won't ake more than ten minutes." Put it at an hour efore the tools are again at work, and, meanhile, someone is waiting for the men to come ack-" cannot go on until they come.' In many garden the regularity of the work suffers for ant of consideration on the part of the powers at be, and the gardener has his worries ineased. Through the shooting season his men ay be wanted for several days-may be at in

66

tervals of a week or two, or successively-to go beating.' To this there is less objection than to most hindrances of the kind, because the men not only like the change of work, but they find it to their advantage; and, moreover, there is a better chance, at such a season, of catching up the garden work. The most trying period is during spring and summer; cropping is due, the weather is suitable, all hands go out and commence to work with a will. Alas! "Please · Who does not know that plaintive messenger? What gardener can answer him with a smile? Then, again, on many estates it is customary for a portion of the garden staff to "lend a hand" in the hay-field or corn harvest. I admit that it is not an easy matter in these days to get labourers enough to save fifty or one hundred acres of hay, even by booking them a month or two beforehand. The work must be done, and those upon the estate are often called upon to do what would be done by occasional help if that help were procurable. Thus it is that the garden is robbed of its labour when the fruit season is in full swing; weeds are growing apace, winter crops are waiting to be planted, and a hundred other things demand attention. The gardener is anxious to make the best of his fruit crop, and to secure a good start for the winter. He dislikes seeing the weeds growing, and does not feel happy to remember that to-morrow, if it is fine weather, his men will be in the harvest field, and not hoeing in the garden. Of course, there are gardens where this state of things does not exist. Some employers are sympathetic, and often try to compensate by sending farm-hands into the garden to work up the time equivalent to that which the farm received, but this does not always work out successfully; the season has gone on and cannot be overtaken; the work is strange, and after a busy and tiresome harvest the men, however willing, are necessarily spent. Such light work as picking small fruit may be done by youths or women, and this can be almost left out of consideration compared with digging, hoeing, and carting water. Many a gardener and employer can see the force of all this, but how can it best be remedied? Covertbeating, hay-making, occasional calls upon the labour staff, such as for carpet-beating, drainopening, road-repairing, dangerous tree felling, &c., &c., must be done by someone. Pensioners of the estate may do some things, but they are few. Labour-saving instruments may accomplish much, and, so far as the farm work is concerned, this is the only remedy yet in view. As for the rest, "what cannot be cured must be endured." Mutually, the employer and the gardener must adjust their demands with as much goodwill as their good natures and the circumstances permit. To "lend a hand " may lead either to unpleasantness, or to mutual goodwill and gratitude. The former is inevitable if there is not forbearance on both sides, and the latter is equally possible if there is cheerful reciprocity. All gardeners are not diplomats, nor are employers and stewards for that matter. Still, the thing may be adjusted by careful forethought by all concerned if time is taken, notice given to each party, and the thing is not rushed. By rushing and want of consideration the best of tempers may be spoiled, but by care, what looks like failure may be turned into tolerable

success.

Careful.

AN IMPOSITION.—A correspondent writes to me from a village near Swansea:-"I purchased some Carnations at my door to-day from a man who stated that he was a representative of yours, and produced your catalogue. I should be glad to know if he is an agent of yours, and if he and his roots are genuine." As I have no representatives, I wrote for particulars. These are as follow:-A man called at a large house, when the owner was out, and produced my catalogue, saying he had travelled down to Swansea with a large order for Carnations for Mr. P. (a gentleman who has a fine house and grounds with professional gardeners), that there was a mistake somewhere, as he had some left over, those in his hand-seventeen plants, which he did not like to carry back, &c., &c. It was a lame tale, but the lady, a lover of Carnations, was tempted and bought them. My correspondent, a doctor, saw the same man, with a comrade, later in the day, still getting rid of a surplus stock of Carnations. Catalogues are easily obtained, and a good name may be jeopardised by swindlers such as these. J. Douglas.

CATS IN GARDENS.-Jason (see p. 160), would do well to found more homes for the stray cats which have been thoughtlessly and cruelly turned away by the so-called lovers of cats. An unsuccessful attempt was made, some time ago, in one of the parks, to photograph one of these castaways and her progeny under a lavender bush, where the kittens were born. Surely there are few city residents who seeing a gaunt, hungry, miserable-looking specimen of a cat preying on our only too few London songsters would be disposed to consider it "an asset of city life." A. J. Hartless.

CAUTION!-There is travelling at the present time a man who professes to represent a firm known as the Gibson Scotch Tweed Manufacturing Company. He represents his goods as being of extra good quality. I bought some at 5s. 6d. the yard; I took it the same night to a tailor and asked his opinion of it. He told me he could supply me with better stuff at 2s. 4d. the yard. One thing which tended to allay my suspicions was his remarkable knowledge of gardeners about the country. Among other well-known men he mentioned as among his customers were such men as Mr. Bates, Mr Barnes, Mr. Gibson, &c., whom he professes to have served for years. I am writing to warn others. He is a man of medium height, with a ginger-coloured moustache, between 40 and 50 years of age. One of His Dupes.

SOCIETIES.

ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL.

MARCH 20.-The monthly meeting of this society was held on the above date. Dr. H. R. Mill (president) in the chair.

Major B. F. S. Baden-Powell gave a lecture on "The Exploration of the Air." He began by saying that the atmosphere forms a vast ocean above us, an ocean but little explored. We crawl about the ground like crabs on the bottom of the sea; we make our meteorological observations down on the ground, ignorant of all that is going on in the midst of that great expanse of air above our heads where the clouds hang about, where the rain and the hail are formed, where the lightning flashes have their origin. We look to the cross on St. Paul's, or the top of the Eiffel Tower as the most elevated points at which to observe the mechanism of the atmosphere, yet these compare to the aerial ocean but as a pin stuck in the carpet does to the air of a room. If all the clouds in the sky were suddenly solidified, in their various shapes and different elevations, what vast realms of unexplored territory there would be! But even though not solid land, there is still plenty to explore in these regions of ever-changing cloudland. If we can mount up among them, we can ascertain the temperature, the humidity, the air pressures, the electrical effects, and many other points on which we are at present very ignorant.

There are two classes of people interested in the exploration of the atmosphere: (1) The meteorologists, who study it chiefly to find out about the weather, and (2) the inventor, who would utilise it as a highway of travel. The aerial navigator will want to know all about the currents and the conditions of the air, while the meteorologist will derive the utmost benefit from the ability to visit any parts of the atmosphere. There are three means now at the service of man by which he may ascend into these desirable regions, or may send up self-recording instruments to probe the mysteries of the skies, viz., balloons, kites, and flying machines. The balloon, although at the time of its invention it was hailed with acclamation as promising the conquest of the air to man, yet it is now realised that it is not capable of much practical application. It is nevertheless useful (1) as an observatory for scientific investigation; (2) as a means of reconnaissance in war, and (3) as a most agreeable way of spending an hour or two in blissful peace and sublimity. But recently great strides have been made in the improvement of the balloon in the way of providing it with engines and propellers, so that it may be driven to any pre-determined goal. Twenty-five years ago the French Government made the first dirigible airship, and now they possess one, if not more, that seems to be a really practical air vessel of war. Count Zeppelin,

in Germany, has also produced a machine which, in point of size as well as in speed, has beaten all records. Going to the other extreme, we have small balloons now capable of attaining the greatest heights carrying self-recording instruments. Such contrivances have recently ascended to the enormous altitude of 82,000 feet, or nearly 16 miles above the surface of the earth. Closely connected with this subject of "ballons sondes," as the French call them, is that of meteorological kites. These also have been much improved in recent years, and instruments lifted by kites retained by steel wires have actually ascended to a height of 4 miles. Kites of a much larger dimension have also come into use during the last few years. At Aldershot they have been regularly introduced into the service. Men were first lifted by this means in 1895, in which year the lecturer made a number of ascents up to 100 feet high, but improvements have gradually followed until now men have actually gone up to a height of 3,000 feet, an elevation practically beyond the reach of rifle bullets, and so high as to render the aeronaut almost invisible.

Major Baden-Powell, in conclusion, referred to a subject which, if it has not hitherto had any very practical results, yet promises to bring about perhaps the most extraordinary changes in the life of man than have resulted from any other of the marvellous inventions of the 19th or 20th centuries. The flying machine has come, and it has come to stay. Years ago, people argued that it was impossible to lift in the air that which was far heavier than the air. But the advocates of the cause pointed to the birds, and there was no gainsaying that the thing was possible. Then the pessimists cried that it would not be possible to balance the apparatus without the intelligence of a bird, but models were made, finally so good as to fly for threequarters of a mile. Then men took to gliding on wings and sailing on the wind. Huge machines were constructed with very light engines, and at last during the last two or three years, not only have men been successfully raised off the ground, but they have been able to sustain themselves in the air for half an hour at a time. Very little more remains now to be done before we can say that man has veritably conquered the air.

SCHEDULES RECEIVED.

DARLINGTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S Spring Flower Show, to be held in the Drill Hall, Darlington, on Wednesday, April 24, 1907.

BOLTON HORTICULTURAL AND CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY'S twenty-first exhibition, to be held in the Albert Hall, Bolton, on Friday and Saturday, November 15 and 16.

THE WEATHER.

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARY RECORD of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending March 23, is furnished from the Meteorological Office:

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.

The weather.-Except in the north of Scotland the greater part of the week was dry and fine, the sky being generally very free from cloud. A thunderstorm occurred at Lairg on Sunday night, and at Armagh on Tuesday; lightning was observed at some other northern stations early in the week, while on the night of Thursday there was an auroral display in various parts of Scotland, as well as at Dublin and Roche's Point.

The temperature was above the average very generally, the excess being greatest (3.1°) in England E., and least (0·7°) in Scotland N. and Ireland N. The highest of the maxima were recorded, as a rule, on Thursday, and ranged from 61° in the Midland Counties and 60° in England S., to 56° in Scotland E. and to 51° in Scotland N. The lowest of the minima, which occurred during the latter half of the week, varied from 23 in England S.W. (at Llangammarch Wells) and 25° in England S. and the Midland Counties to 30° in the north and north-east of Great Britain, and to 35° in the Channel Islands.

The mean temperature of the sea.-The water was rather colder than during the preceding week on many parts of the Atlantic seaboard, but warmer elsewhere, the rise being 2° at Eastbourne and Cromarty and 2-7° at Kirkwall. The actual temperature ranged from about 47° on the southwestern coasts of England and Ireland to a little above 40° on the east and north-east coasts of England, and to 39.5° at Cromarty.

The rainfall exceeded the normal in Scotland N., Ireland N., and England N.W., but was less in all other districts.

The bright sunshine was abundant in all districts except Scotland N. In England S. the percentage of the possible duration was as high as 70, and in England E. and N.E. 67, while elsewhere the percentage ranged from 61 in the Midland Counties and 62 in the English Channel, to 49 in Ireland S. and to 29 in Scotland N.

Mr. A. ALDERMAN, Gardener for the last 18 years to the late J. D. ELLIS, Esq., of Sparkin House, Worksop, as Gardener to the Hon. H. W. FITZWILLIAM, Wigganthorpe Hall, York.

Mr. W. Howe, Junr., late Gardener to Lord STANLEY, Coworth Park, Sunningdale, Berks., as Gardener to H. ROBERTSON, Esq., Alice Holt, Bentley, Farnham, Hants. Mr. ERNEST MARKHAM, Foreman in the Gardens at King's Walden Bury, Hitchin, and previously under Mr. GEO. BURROWS, at the Dell, King's Norton, as Gardener to LADY CHICHESTER, at Arlington Court, Barnstable, Devon.

Mr. C. H. HALL, until recently Foreman in the Gardens at Swinfen Hall, Lichfield, as Gardener to CLIFFORD J. CORY, Esq., M.P., Llantarnam Abbey, Newport, Mon. [The 2s. has been put into R.G.O.F. box.]

Mr. R. TEELE, until recently Gardener to Col. C. H. Bird, of Crookhey Hall, Garstang, Lancs., as Steward and Gardener to G. P. FITZGERALD, Esq., The Castle, The Island, Waterford.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

The Editor will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for forming Supplementary Illustrations to this Journal.

BOOKS: Farming, by W. M. Todd, M.A., published by J. M. Dent & Co., Bedford Street, London, W.C.

CALLA ELLIOTIANA: J. E. H. Twin flowers and other variations in this plant are often received by us, but we do not remember so large a number as 12 in one batch as in your case. It is not fasciation-not twin flowered-but one of the lower leaves has become spathaceous, probably from intensive culture. We shall be pleased to receive your help in compiling our report of the fruit-crops, and will send you a form later.

CYTISUS (GENISTA) FRAGRANS: Niphetos. Take cuttings of the young wood 2 or 3 inches in length with a "heel" attached to each if possible. Insert these in sandy soil in small pots and put the pots under a bell glass or in the propagating frame in a warm house, where the atmospheric temperature is kept as high as 60° at night-time. When the cuttings have formed roots remove them from the close atmosphere of the bell-glass, or frame, and gradually inure them to a greater degree of light and air and rather less heat. Repot them into larger pots as this becomes necessary, and cultivate them in the greenhouse or partially warmed frame. With proper treatment they should make nice little plants in 5-inch pots within 12 months after the cuttings were taken.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE LONDON PARKS: J. B. In the case of Kensington Gardens, Hampton Court, Hyde, Regent, and Greenwich Parks, you must apply to the respective superintendents for a form of application. Applications for employment in the London County Council parks and gardens must be addressed to Lt. Col. Sexby, 11, Regent Street, London. HISTORY OF THE GARDEN PEA: P. W. H. We cannot trace the articles you mention. An exhaustive paper on the subject, delivered by Mr. N. N. Sherwood, appeared in vol. xxii., p. 239, of the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. NAMES OF FLOWERS, FRUITS AND PLANTS.-We are anxious to oblige correspondents as far as we consistently can, but they must bear in mind that it is no part of our duty to our subscribers to name either flowers or fruits. Such work entails considerable outlay, both of time and money, and cannot be allowed to disorganise the preparations for the weekly issue, or to encroach upon time required for the conduct of the paper. Correspondents should never send more than six plants or fruits at one time: they should be very careful to pack and label them properly, to give every information as to the county the fruits are grown in, and to send ripe, or nearly ripe, specimens which show the character of the variety. By neglecting these precautions correspondents add greatly to our labour, and run the risk of delay and incorrect determinations. Correspondents not answered in one issue are requested to be so good as to consult the following numbers.

FRUITS Subscriber. Kindly send another specimen. The first was rotten on arrival.-James Green. 1, New Bess Pool; 2, Roi de Angleterre 3, Pear Beurré Rance. PLANTS: J. D.1, Buxus sempervirens var. rosmarinifolia; 2 and 3, B. s var. elegantissima; 4, B. sempervirens (seedling form unusual); 5, B. s. var. aureo-marginata; 6, B. s. var. arborescens.-W. W. Iris ja ponca, figured in Bot. Mag., t. 373, as Iris chinensis, and commonly known in gardens as Iris fimbriata. A well-known plant.-R. 0. 1, Bletia Shepherdii; 2, B. verecunda; 3, Phaias grandifolius: 4, Colax jugosus; 5, Lala longipes; 6, Maxillaria picta.-R. N. H., Chipping. Billbergia nutans, figured in Bot. Mag., t. 6,423.-Mrs. L. G. The common Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis.

ODONTOGLOSSUMS AND IRIS: W., Notts. The darker Odontoglossum of which you send a photograph is probably O. Hunnewellianum, cr it may be of the darker section of O. Adriana (Hunnewellianum x crispum), the smaller forms of which approach O. Hunnewellianum. The other is probably ordinary O. Adrianæ. These are not now very valuable. We thank you for photograph of Iris japonica (fimbriata) If flowers of the Odontoglossums were sent, we could give a better opinion.

PEAR TREE: X. Y. Z. We are not certain of the cause of failure. Send us some fruits when they are in the condition you have described. It would be as well to spray the tree directly the buds commence to open with a weak solution of the Bordeaux mixture, adding one ounce of Paris Green to 10 gallons of the diluted mixture. If the injury is caused by the Apple blossom, Weevil or the Pear midge this spray will have a deterring effect.

PELARGONIUM LEAVES: Taxus. The blisters on the under surface exhibit no trace of fungi. An expert entomologist can find no evidence of insects. He reports "I cannot find a trace of any organism." At present it must remain a mystery until other evidence is secured. The bleached spots greatly resemble those caused by parasitic leaf fungi, but they are entirely barren, and without any trace of mycelium. Such spots are sometimes caused by water drops. In this instance the leaves afford no clue. PETROL FUMES AFFECTING PLANTS: Enquirer. You had better be guided by your gardener's advice, as he must have more knowledge of the circumstances of the case than ourselves. Make the partition as secure as possible, in order to prevent the gas from penetrating direct from the garage into the conservatory. SITUATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES. In reply to numerous enquiries we give Mr. Bunyard's ful address:—Mr. Harry Bunyard, c/o Mr. Bodding ton, Seedsman, New York, USA. We cannot undertake the responsibility of advising anyc to undertake so serious a step, but we thick a British colony such as Canada would be more suitable for British subjects. Whatever country be chosen the emigrant must take what comes and work hard.

SWEET PEAS FOR EXHIBITION IN THE FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST: Enquirer. Sow the seeds in about the middle of May, thus allowing the plants 10 weeks' cultivation. The ground should be deeply dug and well manured before sowing done. The plants will need liberal supplies of water during growth and the ground about the roots should be covered with a mulch. Thin o the number of flowers on each plant, and shade the brightly coloured varieties from hot su shine, otherwise they will be liable to "burn. TRICHIOLIRION: E. O. J. We suspect the bas sent you under the above name are those of Ixiolirion, a member of the Iris family. The plant is somewhat tender, and if cultivated outof-doors in your locality (Staffordshire) the bulbs should be planted in a warm border of light, porous soil, and facing to the south. TULIPS DISEASED: J. R. P. The plants affected with the Tulip disease-Botrytis. See answer to J. E. W. in our last issue. COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.-R. H. B.-Dunstable Gar -M. Gentil-J. Burtt Davy-W. D. G.-H. M. V-R Agric. Society-E. S. S.-R. H.-E. S. C.-Univers of Birmingham-W. G. S.-W. B. H., Cork-W. B. He -Laxton Bros.-Dr. Perez, Orotava-N. F. E.-Ing -H. B. M.-W. H. C.-W. H. K. & Son-A. B.-.

are

J. W.-C. R.-H. R.-H. D.-H. W.-8. C.-J. H. K.W. A. C.-A. T.-T. W. B.-J. C.-T. A. C.-M. N. (one shilling has been placed in the R. G. O. F. box),

Riviera, where it reached the most northern limit of any Palm; that is, 43° 43′ north. lat., as neither the Asiatic nor the American Palms advance so far north. Dr. Mader quotes ample proofs of its former localities on Mont Boron, at Villefranche, Eza, Monte Carlo, &c., which places form the warmest part of the Riviera, protected, as they are, by those high mountains which immediately slope down to the sea. The first to mention the dwarf Palm from this locality is Allioni, in his Flora Pedemontana (1785), vol. II., 363, where he states it to grow "in agro nicaecensi." According to Mr. Burnat, author of the Flore des Alpes Maritimes, Pyramus De Candolle saw the plant there when he visited the spot with the well-known naturalist Risso on June 25th, 1808, but in his notes De Candolle remarks that he only saw a few "pieds." M. Gay, the French botanist, in a letter to Alphonse De Candolle (see his Geogr. Botan., I., p. 152), states that he saw the plant near Beaulieu in 1821. Finally, the Abbé Montoliva informed Mr. Burnat in 1871 and 1875 that he had seen the Palm 15 or 16 years ago on the Mont Boron, near Villefranche, and that another "pied," certainly spontaneous, had been destroyed near Eza in the construction of the railway. The famous naturalist Karl Vogt is said to have seen the Palm about 1846 on inaccessible rocks of the Tête-du Chien, the steep mountain which rises immediately behind Monaco. Besides these accounts of

eye-witnesses, Mr. Sauvaigo, the Directeur du Musée d'Histoire Naturelle of Nice, gives the following data:-The dwarf Palm was found near Villefranche, Beaulieu, Eza, la Petite Afrique. M. Gay saw it in 1821, Cambessèdes in 1826; Mr. Cosson, guided by Risso, collected leaves of a plant in 1841, which are still preserved in his herbarium. Mr. Sauvaigo remarks that the plant had to endure the extremely cold winter of 1820, when the thermometer fell to 10° C. (14° F.), a temperature which is happily very exceptional. Ardoino, in his Flore des Alpes Maritimes (1866), was the first to state that the

N the Annales de la Societé des Lettres, Sciences et Arts des Alpes Maritimes, XIX. (Nice 1905), p. 263, Dr. Fritz Mader blishes a very interesting paper on Chamaeps humilis L., which deserves to be brought the knowledge of readers of the Gardeners' hronicle and will prove of special interest those who are acquainted with the Riviera. The dwarf Palm is the only representative its family on the European Continent. It a native of Southern Spain, stretching as r north as Catalogna and to the opposite Frican coast of Algiers and Marocco. It ows also in Sicily, Sardinia, and Southern aly, but is rare in Corsica, where it has only een found in the vicinity of Bonifacio. It -appears, however, on the island of Elba, e little Capraia isles, and, finally, on Monte gentario, once an island, but now conected with the continent by sand dunes. It rther occurs on the Adriatic coast, doubtlly in Greece,* and is said to be found in Le Levant.

A comparatively short time ago the hamaerops humilis was also a native of the

E. de Halacsy, Conspectus Flor Graecae, III., 290, menons it as cultivated only.

however, in a paper published in 1892 again states having heard that the plant could still be found on the rocks north of Monaco.

From this latter statement and that of Karl Vogt, it seemed possible that the Chamaerops humilis still existed in this particular spot. To ascertain this fact, Dr. Fritz Mader, who is perhaps the best authority on the natural history of the Riviera, explored the whole territory. As the whole of this territory lies within the zone of the French fortifications, these places cannot be visited without special permission from the French military authorities. It was therefore easily to be presumed that, if anywhere, the Palm must still be found in this region, which is always rigidly closed to the public, and thus offers the best and strongest protection to the plants growing within its limits.

Dr. Mader obtained permission, but, despite his most careful researches, he did not discover a single trace of the Palm. He found plenty of the equally interesting and rare Leucoium hyemale D.C. (L. nicaense Ardoino), which is very scarce in its other localities.

It seems therefore pretty certain that Chamaerops humilis is extinct from this

most northern locality. Dr. Mader goes on to state his opinion about this fact. Contrary to Mr. Burnat and Mr. Montoliva, who attribute the disappearance of the Palm to plant-collectors and gardeners, Dr. Mader believes that a plant of such vigorous growth as Chamaerops humilis, which was, and is still, considered wherever it grows, a bad weed, would never have been destroyed in this manner. According to him, it is the progressive and intense cultivation of the soil, the building of terraces, houses and roads, which are the real cause of the disappearance of the Palm. Certainly, as he truly states, the Palm prefers deep, good soil to bare rocks, and it was especially on this soil that men first settled. The Chamaerops having found, with a few other remarkable plants, a refuge during the ice-period in this warm corner, could not spread further, as the available land is but a narrow strip along the coast. Here the Phoenicians may have been the first to disturb it, and it has since been gradually diminishing. Its associates from the tertiary epoch, Euphorbia dendroides, Cneorum tricoccum, Lavatera maritima, Rhamnus Alaternus, Phillyrea media and P. augustifolia were more fortunate. They established themselves on the sterile rocks, where few other plants rival them, and where man seldom comes to disturb them.

Thus the regrettable disappearance of the Chamaerops humilis is not to be attributed to changed climatic conditions. On the contrary, it flourishes in our gardens, wherever it is planted in deep, good soil. It is one of the most variable plants I know of. Nearly every specimen has its own distinct habit. The fruit is generally not worth much, although its pulpy pericarp can be eaten; it tastes like a Carob. There are, however, individuals with more fleshy fruits. Dr. Mader mentions a plant of these in a garden near Mentone. Alwin Berger, La Mortola, Ventimiglia, Italy. [Our figure 94 was sent us by M. Bornet from the Villa Thuret at Antibes.]

SUB-TROPICAL GARDENING IN PUBLIC PARKS.

IT is surprising to find, considering the appreciation that is shown by the public for the efforts which some park authorities make to provide them with places where examples of so-called "sub-tropical" gardening can be seen, that this style of gardening is not more generally carried out.

Such gardens form one of the most attractive features of those London parks where examples of sub-tropical gardening are to be seen.

The sub-tropical gardens in Battersea Park may be cited as an example of what can be done by a public body in catering for the public taste in this direction. In the majority of cases no doubt the grants allowed for the maintenance cf the parks are not liberal enough to allow any attempt being made to form and embellish such a garden with specimen Palms, Tree Ferns, Cycads, &c. Much may be done, however, in places where funds are limited by planting a selection of effective hardy trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants; these, combined with the annual plants generally utilised for subtropical gardening, will, when arranged tastefully, made a good display and produce a most pleasing effect.

Although the cost of laying out and planting may in some cases prove to be heavy, the extra pleasure and enjoyment which the public derive show in a most unmistakable way that the re

ACER PALMATUM, and varieties.-These are very beautiful small shrubs, with foliage of various tints of bronze, crimson, red, and yellow, and are very desirable for planting in the foreground of borders with taller subjects at the back. They are best when planted in a light soil, rather poor in quality; care should always be taken when planting that the roots cannot gain access to beds or borders containing rich soil, or the brilliant colour of the leaves will be displaced, and they will assume a dull colour, caused by the vigorous growth which will ensue when the roots come in contact with manure. When there are signs of exhaustion, a slight dressing of leaf-mould will be quite sufficient as a stimulant. They are propagated by grafting and budding.

A ALIA SPINOSA and A. CHINENSIS.-These small trees prove hardy in the southern counties, but they are seldom seen growing out of doors. Where they can be planted in a warm corner, in light, dry soil, they can be depended on to make clean and vigorous growth. chinensis grows 5 to 6 feet, and A. spinosa 10 to 12 feet high. They may be propagated by stem and root cuttings.

A.

CATALPA BIGNONIOIDES and C. BIGNONIOIDES AUREA are both excellent. The former may be planted in any suitable position where there is plenty of room for it to develop into a standard, specimen tree. It is very attractive and showy when in flower in midsummer. The variety aurea is very ornamental and well suited for planting in the grass, where the highly-coloured foliage is shown off to perfection. They thrive in any soil of fair quality and texture, and are propagated by seed, cuttings, and layers.

FICUS CARICA (the common Fig).-This is a most serviceable subject for planting to impart a tropical semblance to the garden, and is equally adapted for planting to form isolated specimens, or in association with other subjects in the borders, &c. It luxuriates in a free, rich, sandy loam, and is propagated by cuttings.

GYMNOCLADUS CANADENSIS. The large bipinnate leaves of this species make it very ornamental, and it is a very suitable tree to plant in the borders to form a background to plants less in stature. It may be grown on the single stem system or allowed to develop into an or dinary standard. It thrives best when planted in a partially-shaded position in a deep, rich, friable soil, and may be propagated by root-cuttings and by seed.

MAGNOLIA FRASERI, M. CONSPICUA, M. MACROPHYLLA, and M. TRIPETALA are all most desirable, and, when established, make bold specimens. They are adapted for planting to form isolated specimens in the warmest positions in the garden. They all bloom in late spring or early summer before sub-tropical bedding can be commenced; they are, however, worthy of selection, for they make handsome foliage subjects. They should be planted in a free, rich soil, to which leaf-mould may be added with advantage, unless the soil is exceptionally light, when it would be unnecessary to use it. Layering furnishes the best method of propagation.

PAULOWNIA IMPERIALIS.-This is quite indispensable, for it is one of the most statelyhabited trees. It has entire, broad, pubescent leaves, which attain a length of 18 inches, and almost as much in width, when grown on the single-stem principle, and pruned back to two buds, as recommended for the Ailanthus. Groups planted in the grass or borders make most striking and effective objects. A free, sandy loam, liberally enriched with decayed stable manure, suits it admirably. It is propagated by cuttings and seed.

NEGUNDO ACEROIDES VARIEGATUM.-A handsome and easily-grown small tree; is adapted for planting in groups alone, or in association with any of the other subjects mentioned in this article. It flourishes in a deep, friable loam that is well drained, and may be increased by grafting and budding.

RHUS TYPHINA and R. GLABRA are good plants for planting in borders that skirt the main portions of the garden. They will grow freely in ordinary garden soil, and may be propagated by layers and cuttings.

SAMBUCUS NIGRA

var. AUREA (the Golden Elder) is a good plant for utilising in damp situations where other subjects would probably fail; it is readily propagated by cuttings.

VITIS COIGNETIÆ, V. DAVIDIANA, V. THONBERGII, and V. VINIFERA are climbers, that are quite first-rate in every way. They are very effective when trained upon rustic fencing, arches, or upon pyramids made by fixing stout limbs of oak in the ground, interlocking the branches so as to make them secure, or girdling the whole with iron bands, which is the most effectual way to keep the structure firm. When such rustic work becomes covered by the vine, it forms one of the most pleasing features to be seen at any time during the season. The vines should be planted in deep, rich, loamy soil. They may be increased by cuttings of the ripened wood and by eyes.

WISTARIA CHINENSIS and W. MULTIJUGA are plants that are adapted for utilising in the same way as the Vitis, to which they make a striking contrast, owing to the foliage being much lighter and inore graceful than the foliage of the Vitis, which is of a bold character, in V. Coig. netiæ especially. Wistarias like a free, loamy soil. Propagated by layers.

BAMBUSA AUREA, B. PALMATA, B. JAPONICA, and B. SIMONII are all hardy, and are excellent subjects to plant in moist situations; they are invaluable for forming groups or single masses of greenery in the most prominent portions of the garden. They revel in a strong loam, and are easily propagated by division of the roots.

CHAMÆROPS FORTUNEI. This Palm, if planted in warm, sheltered situations, and pro tected, when the weather is exceptionally cold, will survive our winters. Specimens that have become established out of doors are not common, but much admired and valued where they do exist. If medium-sized plants, that have been thoroughly well hardened and inured to our variable climate are selected and planted in good, rich loam in warm situations, and are given copious waterings in dry weather during the growing period, they will develop into good specimens in the course of a few years.

makes

FATSIA JAPONICA proves hardy in the London parks, and, when established, soon fine bushes 8 feet high, and as much through. Good specimens are quite unique in character, and are very effective. A sandy loam, to which a little peat should be added, will grow this plant to perfection. It is propagated by rootcuttings.

MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA and M. GLAUCA are both excellent, and are ornamental at all seasons of the year. When they are in flower the air is laden with the fragrance of the blossoms, and the foliage is always conspicuous owing to its shining surface and bold character. They should be planted in a rich, porous loam to which leaf-mould may be added at the rate of one bushel to every four bushels of soil. pagated by layering.

Pro

YUCCA RECURVIFOLIA, Y. GLORIOSA and Y. GLORIOSA var. SUPERBA are the three best of this most decorative class of plants for out-door planting. They make fine stately specimens when well grown, and when in flower they are much admired. They like a light, rich soil, and are increased by division of the roots.

There are many other trees and shrubs that might be added to this list, but sufficient have been named to furnish a selection adapted for planting in public parks, &c., where sub-tropi

cal gardening is contemplated. In conjunction with the many herbaceous perennials and annual plants that are suitable for the same style of gardening, they are ample to furnish a garden, which would be a great attraction in all towns. Where funds are adequate, and more plants that have greater distinctive tropical characters are desired, such types as Palms, Cycads, Tree Ferns, Musas, Alocasias, &c., can be utilised, and the beauty and attractiveness of the garden will be enhanced if these can be included for its embellishment. Puisne.

REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT MYCOLOGIST, Mr. T. PETCH, B.Sc.* THESE gardens have been associated for so many years with the study of fungi that we naturally turn to the report of the mycologist with interest. when we learn that the collection of fungi made by It is, therefore, to us a matter for congratulation that pioneer fungologist, Dr. Thwaites, is being examined and rearranged, and that many of the fungi represented in it are being redescribed from fresh specimens. The scientific importance of this work is great, as Rev. M. J. Berkeley's descriptions were at all times extremely brief, and were in this case necessarily made from dried specimens. Systematic work is rather out of fashion just now with the younger professional botanists; it is therefore fortunate that the work has fallen into such congenial hands as it has done.

GARDCHRON

FIG. 95.-SPORES OF PESTALOZZIA GUEPINI, HIGHLY MAGNIFIED.

With regard to plant diseases those of the Tea plant, India-rubber tree, Cocoa, Cotton, and other economic plants seem to have received special attention. Allusion is made to the well-known Pestalozzia Guepini. In this country the parasitic fungus is very common on Camellia leaves, where it produces those circular grey or brown spots which are almost invaribly attributed by gardeners to "sun burns." The spores are beautiful microscopic objects, pale brown in colour, fusiform in shape, divided by septa into three or four compartments, the two terminal ones being hyaline. They are borne on more or less distinct hyaline pedicels and are surmounted by two or three hyaline setæ (fig. 95). The fungus causes one of the best-known diseases of the foliage of the Tea plant, the so-called grey blight." Mr. Petch says of this "one case was reported in which the fungus attacked the leafstalk only and defoliated the bushes without producing the usual discoloration of the leaf. In another instance it was found on an old stem 1 inch in diameter." But the Pestalozzia is not confined to the Tea leaves and Tea twigs, it also occurs on the Rubber plant (Hevea brasiliensis), on Cocoanut and Rose. Experiments have been instituted at Peradeniya to ascertain whether these plants are attacked by the same or different species of Pestalozzia.

44

Many tropical plant diseases seem to be due to parasitic Pyrenomycetes. Attempts have been made at Peradeniya to differentiate the numerous root diseases of the Tea shrub, which have been grouped under the name of Rosellinia. A new

*Ceylon Administration Reports, 1905, Royal Botanical Gardens. Dr. J. C. Willis, F.L.S., Director Royal Botanic Gardens.