NATIONAL CONGRESS OF HORTICULTURE.Prof. TRACY, of Washington, writes: "Those who essay to explore the ocean of the unknown should occasionally make observations and comparisons to ascertain just where they are. We can learn something of this through a mere physical exhibition of what has been and can be accomplished, but it is far more important that we come to an exact knowledge of the laws through and by which the results are obtained. This can only come through a conference between those who are studying these laws, for what seems a truth to one and, under a certain set of conditions, the experience of another under other conditions, may show is only a seeming truth. It is well, then, for all who are engaged in any particular line of study. to meet occasionally for council, that they may ascer. tain just how much of that we think we know is actually so, to ascertain just how far we are in our voyage into the unknown. To this end the National Council of Hort culture have thought it wise to call for the meeting of a congress of the horticulturists of the world to assemble at Jamestown, Virginia, during the latter part of the exhibition to be held there in 1907 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement in what is now the United States. The exact date of the meeting and the formal programine has not been decided upon, but will be announced later, but in the meantime we ask that all interested in progressive horticulture plan to attend the congress, and communicate with Mr. H. C. IRISH, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A., as to what definite subjects should be discussed."

BEAUTY IN ALOES.-There is a great deal of beauty in the flowers of many species of Aloe as may be seen in the succulent house at Kew, where there is a collection of about 120 species. On New Year's Day the following were in flower :

ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY.-The nineteenth volume of the Transactions of this society, or rather the first part of the twentieth, has been issued. It contains a large number of papers interesting to foresters. Among them is one by Dr. NISBET on the "Novar" system of combating the Larch disease by forming pure Larch plantations and thinning out after 16 to 20 years all the diseased trees, leaving only the soundest and most promissing. How long they would remain sound is a question which will have to be solved before the practice is generally adopted. On the face of it, it seems as if the plantation of pure Larch must be the most sure method of propagating the pure fungus. Incidentally, we note that Dr. BORTHWICK reports the presence of the Larch fungus on the Japanese species, Larix leptolepis, and Sir HERBERT MAXWELL on Pinus Laricio and P. silvestris. The great value of the Dougias Fir is shown by the fact that, as compared with the Spruce, it "yields about twice the amount of timber with about three times the value," whilst its wood surpasses that of the Spruce in quality. It is satisfactory to hear of the progress made in planting the pit-mounds and spoil-banks in the Black Country. Conifers and Oaks do not thrive in the atmospheric conditions, but Willows, Birch, Alder, and many other trees "thrive quite well under the conditions prevailing in the Black Country." The part, as a whole, contains welcome evidence that the improvement and development of forestry is making progress.

PROFESSOR BAYLEY BALFOUR. The last volume of the Garden is dedicated to Prof. BAYLEY BALFOUR, of whom a good portrait is given. Had he done nothing beyond introducing Begonia socotrana he would have deserved well of horticulture.

RHODODENDRON BARBATUM.-Sir HERBERT MAXWELL asks why this species is not more often grown, as it is as hardy as R. ponticum, though its brilliant scarlet flowers are apt to be injured by spring frosts if grown in exposed places.

AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS FOR 1906.According to the report issued by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, cultivated or farmed land was reduced in 1906 by 20,000 acres diverted to residential or industrial use. As regards special crops, the area devoted to Potatos was markedly decreased last year, and the area returned under Hops was the lowest on record. The acreage under small fruits and under orchards increased, the additions being in many, or nearly all, divisions of Great Britain, not in one or two districts only.

The plants were about 18 months old, and from 1 to 2 feet in height. At this stage of their growth the leaves are a silvery-grey colour, a character which they lose after the juvenile stage is past.

To keep the plants from making a too vigorous growth, and to facilitate lifting the plants at the end of the season, they are plunged in their pots. The average plant treated in this manner has, usually, to be watched very carefully to see that it does not suffer from a lack of water, not so the Canary Island Pine, which appears to thrive better with a minimum supply of water. The seeds germinate very readily, and its cultivation as a greenhouse foliage plant when in a small state is to be recommended.

A figure is given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 9, 1888, p. 721. It is a native of the Canary Islands, where it grows at an elevation

or from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Excepting in one or two favoured spots in this country, the plant is not hardy, but requires the protection of a cool greenhouse in winter. Several fair-sized trees are, however, flourishing in the open air in Cornwall. D. D.

SEEDLING ODONTOGLOSSUMS

AT CHELSEA.

I CAN almost remember the time when people were very sceptical of the existence of these in cultivation, and as recently as 1900 they were considered rather a "cut above" most Orchid seedlings, as witness the report of the Orchid Review (October, 1900, p. 314), where it is stated that I had shown two seedlings at once at the R.H.S.-"a specially interesting exhibit in the shape of two seedling Odontoglossums raised in his collection."

To-day this reads quite amusingly when we know they are being raised and grown by hundreds almost in the very heart of London upon the dead flat, marshy swamps of Chelsea by Mr. Lakin, for Messrs. W. Bull & Sons.

I have watched his strenuous efforts with great interest for the past three years, and am pleased to be able to chronicle his unmistakable success, as is indisputably proved by the seedling house.

All the plants on the left side and the three front rows on the right of this house are "Odontos or "Odontios," the remainder on the right side are either Seed Beds," or "fine things." There are 900 pots containing over 1,200 little plants. I consider this a remarkable result to have been achieved in the period Mr. Lakin has been in charge, he having assumed his office in September, 1901.

The first Odontoglossum seedling to bloom was O. Aliceæ (Edwardii x crispo-Harryanum), which was purchased and shown by J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., at the R.H.S. on the 8th inst., when it was awarded an Award of Merit fig. 15). It has been but 4, 7/12 years from crossing to blooming, a rapid rate for an Edwardii cross, the actual record being "crossed May 5, 1902; sown July 14, 1903; bloomed December 12, 1906."

The photographic reproduction of this bea1tiful thing once more tells us the immensely powerful influence O. Edwardii will have upon the future of Odontoglossum hybrids, an influence only equalled or excelled by that of Cochlioda Noezliana. It is an interesting speculation upon the future to picture a while hence the result of the union of the best Cochlioda and Edwardii hybrids. What will they give?

Not only in Odontoglossums has Mr. Lakin been successful, for he has remodelled the houses, turned out almost all the species, and nearly filled them again with some 25,000 Cattleya or Lælia, Cypripedium and Sophronitis hybrids. There is not apparently much difficulty in raising these, as the seed-pans testify.

Mr. Lakin is to be heartily congratulated upon the results he has achieved for his firm, and there is no reason why his successes should stop, for he is given a free hand and uses it intelligently, as his organisation amply testifies. de B. Crawshay.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER IN MY FLORIDA GARDEN. (Continued from page 2.) LEONOTIS leonurus, the Lion's Tail, grows with equal vigour, large plants in full bloom being a beautiful sight. It is a fine companion to the Lantana, but it spreads still more and grows larger and taller than that flower. Though scarcely ever out of bloom, it is at its best in November and December. Cosmos "Klondike " is a very stately and brilliant autumn bloomer, and Petunias, Tagetes, Torenias, and Dahlias, but particularly Chrysanthemums, form a sheet of colour where they are carefully tended and where the soil is rich and fairly moist.

ALLAMANDAS.

The Allamandas are never out of bloom, but by November they have finished their growths, and the bushes are then covered from top to bottom with the large, finely-shaped and brilliant yellow flowers. They are common garden

SEEDLING PLANTS OF PINUS CANARIENSIS USED FOR BEDDING TOGETHER WITH SUCCULENT PLANTS.

ants in Florida, especially Allamanda Hen. rsonii, which forms a rampant climber, and e burly A. neriifolia, which is popularly own as the "Golden Bells." Other species, te A. Sobuttii and A. Williamsi, are equally riferous and easily grown, but they are rarely et with here. Large plants frequently ripen eir seeds, which are contained in a burr-like ickly fruit, which varies in the different ecies, from the size of a small Plum to that a Walnut. At the present time several of my ints are both in flower and in fruit.

HIBISCUS, DATURAS, CESTRUM, &c. A bed of the different varieties of the Chinese biscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is an object of at beauty, the refulgent and dazzling hues of large but fugacious flowers creating an enisiasm in every lover of the beautiful. The gle varieties are luxuriant growers, and will ain a height of 10 to 12 feet in rich soil, while double kinds are dwarfer. Like the Allandas, Jacobinias, Lantanas, and Lasiandras, Hibiscus is a sun worshipper, thriving only I revelling in the full sunshine, and in conuenco reaching here its greatest perfection. Tear my study window, a plant of the Angel's mpet (Datura suaveolens) has attained very osing dimensions. I inhale the fragrance of chaste and lily-like blossoms, which are ost pure white in colour; while writing these s, several hundred flowers are suspended n its massive branches. Being a gross feeder equires a large amount of stimulant rich in nonia and phosphoric acid, and a bounteous ply of water. These plants frequently attain eight of from 12 to 15 feet. Near this speci, a large Clivia cyrtanthiflora grows in peron, and is now flowering most profusely, on the opposite side of the Datura, Agathus umbellatus finds a place. Both these are natives of South Africa, but while Clivia-a hybrid between C. miniata and C. le-is in full vigour, the Agapanthus shows cely any sign of growth. The charming tness of the Angel's Trumpet mingles with strong and exceedingly delicious perfume of ge flowering specimen of the night-bloomJasmine (Cestrum nocturnum) and the lly powerful odour of Cestrum parqui. The named species is a tall, dense-growing o, blooming four or five times during the its display of the inconspicuous greenish- flowers lasting only for three or four days. second species is a dwarf grower, with large ed foliage of a very dark green colour. Howers are larger and greener in hue, lasta full freshness for about a week or ten Their perfume is overpowering during the time. H. Nenrling Gotha, Florida. (To be continued.)

ts

ANT NOVELTIES IN 1906. (Continued from page 4.) ORCHIDS FROM NURSERYMEN. srs. SANDER & SONS, St. Albans, hold the especially in the matter of imported new s, their ardour in collecting abroad not extinguished by the ever increasing num. f their garden hybrids. Among their new 5, the best are Arachnanthe annamensis, nich the Curator of the Royal Botanic as, Glasnevin, received a First-Class Cer

Cymbidium erythrostylum, C. insigne, e-white Erides virens Sanderæ; the very ow-white Coelogyne Mooreana; the large a form of Phaius maculatus, Lælia maIba shown at the Holland House exhibiCattleya Warscewiczii saturata and C. i J. Gurney Fowler," two very handorms; also Cypripedium Godefroyæ leum Hodgkinsii, a very large and handblotched variety. The hybrids for which were given to Messrs. SANDER during ere Cymbidium Holfordianum, Brassoa The Baron, and Odontoglossum anum, which obtained First-Class Certiand Cypripedium "Earl of Tanker

ville," C. Baron Schröder ardens, C. Victory, Brasso-Cattleya striata superba, Odontoglossum Fletcherianum, His Lælio-Cattleya elegans Majesty, L.-C. Golden Beauty, and L.-C. Canhamiana Meteor, which received Awards of Merit; also the very fine and distinct Odontoglossum amabile Royal Sovereign," shown at the Holland House exhibition, with a number of other novelties not yet sufficiently developed to come into this list.

Messrs. CHARLESWORTH & Co., Heaton, Brad. ford, have been among the most successful exhibitors of hybrid novelties of the past year, receiving First-Class Certificates for Odontoglossum amabile "John Bradshaw," Cypripedium Ossulstoni "W. H. Hatcher"-both shown on April 17-and Cattleya Claudian. They gained also Awards of Merit for Cattleya Octave Doin, Cymbidium eburneo-giganteum, Odontioda heatonensis, and its variety "St. Vincent"; Odontioda Bohnhoffiæ, Lælio-Cattleya Sunray superba, L.-C. illustris magnifica, Odontoglossum Eurydice and Phalaenopsis violacea, Heaton variety.

Messrs. JAS. VEITCH & SONS, LTD., King's Road, Chelsea, secured a First-Class Certificate for Lælio-Brasso-Cattleya Veitchii, a very hand. some secondary hybrid of Brassavola Digbyana, and Brasso-Cattleya Pyrrha.

one

Messrs. HUGH Low & Co. introduced in Cypripedium Fletcherianum of the finest Cypripediums of the year, and their Cattleya Mendelii Mercury was a noble form.

Messrs. JAS. CYPHER & SONS, Cheltenham, famous for Dendrobiums, exhibited a model form in D. nobile Perfection.

Messrs. J. W. MOORE, LTD., Rawdon, Leeds, commenced their career as exhibitors with

M. JULES HYE DE CROM, Ghent, for Odontoglossum percultum Juno, shown at the Temple Show, was given an Award of Merit; and occasional novelties came from other Continental raisers.

The following Orchids were illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle:

Angræcum Kotschyi, June 16, p. 379. Arachnanthe annamensis, May 12, p. 290. Brasso-Cattleya Mrs. Francis Wellesley, supp., June 30.

Brasso-Cattleya The Baron, supp., May 5. Bulbophyllum virescens, supp., Oct. 13. Cattleya Schröderæ alba, May 12, p. 300. Cattleya Bowringiana (specimen), Feb. 24, p.

several distinct novelties, of which Cattleya Marstersoniæ superba secured an Award of Merit.

Messrs. McBEAN, Cooksbridge, the famous Odontoglossum specialists, had for their best novelty Odontoglossum crispum Laburnum, a very remarkable variety with Laburnum-yellow blooms, and Lælia anceps Fascinator.

Mr. WHATELEY, Kenilworth, had the handsomely-blotched Odontoglossum crispum Whateleyæ.

Messrs. STANLEY, Southgate, showed the fine yellow Oncidium Stanleyi; Messrs. SUTTON & SONS, Reading, the pretty Coelogyne yunnanensis. A few other novelties have been shown by various exhibitors.

Continental exhibits of special merit have not been numerous during 1906.

M. A. A. PEETERS, Brussels, secured two First-Class Certificate for varieties of his beautiful Odontoglossum Lambeauianum; another for the showy Cattleya labiata Peetersii, and an Award of Merit for his pure-white Cattleya Mrs. Myra Peeters.

M. CHAS. VUYLSTEKE, Ghent, has shown several fine Odontoglossums during the year, securing awards for Odontoglossums percultum Meteor and Juno.

Lælia Nemesis, Tring Park variety, Mar. 3, p. 131.

Lælia majalis alba, July 21, p. 45. Lissochilus Horsfallii, at Tring Park, supp., Mar. 31.

Macodes javanica, supp., April 7.

Miltonia vexillaria Empress Augusta Victoria, supp., Feb. 24.

Odontioda Vuystekeæ x, July 21, p. 47. Odontoglossum amabile Royal Sovereign, Aug. 25, p. 152.

Odontoglossum crispum G. W. Law-Schofield, June 2, p. 339.

Odontoglossum crispum Leonard Perfect, June 2, pp. 348-9.

Odontoglossum crispum Pittianum, Mar. 31,

p. 197. Odontoglossum crispum Queen of the Earth, May 19, p. 309.

Odontoglossum Fowlertanum, Mar. 17, p. 163. Odontoglossum Queen Alexandra var. Carmen, July 7, p. 13.

Phalaenopsis Luddemanniana, April 28, p.

259.

Saccolabium bellinum, June 30, p. 419. Sobralia Amesiæ, supp., Aug. 25.

(To be continued.)

HOME CORRESPONDENCE.

(The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions expressed by his correspondents.) CULTURE OF VIOLETS IN POTS.-In reference to the correspondence which has recently appeared in the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle respecting the culture of Violets, I fully agree with Mr. Brewer as to the success to be obtained by growing the plants in pots for flowering in winter. As specimens in pots they form a welcome change from other plants for use in house decoration, and in the conservatory. They are more under control than when planted out in frames, being more readily inspected for decaying leaves, insect pests, slugs, caterpillars, and woodlice, which at times cause them much injury, eating away both leaves and flowers. I enclose a photograph (see fig. 16), which was taken in the first week in December, and which shows part of a batch of plants growing in 6 and 7-inch pots. The plants have been in full bloom since the middle of October, and some of them have still as many as 12 fully-developed blooms upon them, as well as numerous buds. The varieties are Neapolitan and Marie Louise. I also enclose a photograph of the variety Neapolitan (see fig. 17) growing in a cold frame, and from which we have been picking flowers from the end of August, which was some weeks before they were put into the frames. I find that the white Comte de Brazza is more delicate in constitution than any I have to deal with. F. E. Stokes, Cokethorpe Park Gardens, Oxon, December 17, 1906.

INJURY BY RATS AND PHEASANTS.-Rats during the recent hard weather have ruined hundreds of Brussels Sprouts in these gardens, eating the stems through and the core of same to the depth of 2 and 3 inches. They also obtained entrance to a vinery and nibbled off all the shoots from some Chrysanthemum plants. Pheasants here are also very troublesome. On one Saturday in last spring I had about 500 plants of Cauliflower transplanted to a plot of ground from the frames, and on the following Monday there was not a leaf left. I find the only way to grow these vegetables is to protect all the plants with netting. Pheasants are very fond of Seakale sets when planted, and they will pull them out and eat every morsel. They found the New Potatos and made great havoc by scratching them out and half eating them, then leaving the tubers and passing on to more. Pheasants have also a great liking for the herbaceous plants, laying their eggs under Asters, Pæonies, &c. A bed of early Carrots was taken possession of by one hen pheasant, and when the Carrots were ready for pulling they had to be left until the young pheasants were on the move. R. Mountford, The Gardens, Norton Priory, Runcorn, Cheshire.

LIRIODENDRON TULIPIFERUM OR SADDLELEAF TULIP TREE.-When looking through the ninth and last. volume of a fine old Dutch botanical work, published at Amsterdam in 1748, and entitled Opus Botanicum, by W. C. Weinemann, I came across, on plate 997, a portrait of a beautiful form of this well-known, handsome flowering tree which was quite new and unknown to me. In the ordinary form the flowers resemble those of a green Tulip, with golden yellow flakes and markings, but usually produced only cn the upper branches of old trees. As in a young state this tree never blooms in this country, they are seldom seen by anyone. In the form figured in the above-named old Dutch work under the name of Tulipifera Virginiana tripartito Aceris folio, the centre of the flower is bright rose coloured with streaks of the same colour down the centres of the petals, forming altogether a most beautiful flower. On the next plate is figured, under the same specific name, with the words Anthera filamentosa added, the ordinary form with yellow and green flowers. The text of the book being all in the Dutch language I can learn nothing from it. It would be interesting to know if this rosy form is still in cultivation. W. E. Gumbleton.

FRUITS OF JASMINUM OFFICINALE.-I enclose some fruits of the common white Jasmine belonging to a neighbour of mine, who has two plants: the one planted on a north aspect, the other facing the south. Both the trees were laden with fruits this autumn, and as this is a very unusual occurrence, I am sending some for your inspection. F. Mitten, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks.

from which reliable intelligence may be ob tained. Formerly, when I wanted to gain any particular information regarding park work, Í have found great difficulty in selecting any work from which such information could be had, although I have frequented some of London's largest libraries in search of it. This shows how handicapped those subordinate employees in the public parks have been who are endeavouring to qualify for promotion. We have plenty of opportunities of gaining a

MEGACARPEA ARMENA.-In reference to a note in last week's issue, by F. M., this name is evidently meant for Megacaryon armenum. The plant comes from Turkish Armenia, and the description given fits the plant very well. M. armenum was figured in the Gardeners' Chronicle, 1897, ii., p. 226, f. 67-8, under the name of M. orientale. In the Kew Index M. orientale is referred to as M. armenum. The genus is monotypic, and this plant has also been known under the names of Echium orientale and Onosma megalospermum. It is certainly a stately plant, and produces a long thorough knowledge of practical gardening, but succession of flowers. W. I.

SWEET PEAS.-The enclosed Sweet Peas are some of my new winter-flowering strain. They flower profusely throughout the winter. We have more than 40 different shades that have originated in these nurseries. C. Engelmann, Saffron Walden. [These appear to be of the same type as were first se it us in April, 1904 by Mr. Clarke (gr. to Lady Plowden), who obtained the seeds from a gentleman in Algeria.-ED.]

with such matters as I anticipate Mr. Pettigrew, and I hope others, will deal with, no oppor tunities have occurred until the present. Now they are forthcoming, they will be appreciated by myself, and, I have good reasons for believing, by many others also. Puisne. [Please do your part also.-ED.]

COLD STORAGE.-The Canadian Government, in order to encourage the provision of cold stor age, is reported in the Times of December 31 to have arranged a scheme whereby builders of

PUBLIC-PARK MANAGEMENT.-I feel sure that many officials and their subordinates in the public parks in the United Kingdom are pleased to see that you have allotted a portion of the Gardeners' Chronicle for the publication of a series of articles on the details appertaining to park-management. Only those who are employed in such places have any idea of the wide experience that is necessary, and the arduous duties which the position of superintendent entails on those who fill such positions. The motto Mr. Pettigrew has cited, "Efficiency with Economy," is undoubtedly one that appeals to the majority of those who are responsible for the proper maintenance of our public parks, and those directly concerned with the carrying out of such practices that will end in such a result being achieved. In the articles which Mr. Pettigrew is contributing, those who are endeavouring to fit themselves for filling such positions as park superintendent, foreman, etc., will find much valuable information. I am an employee in one of London's largest parks, and so belong to the above-mentioned class. I have a pressing need for a publication of some kind or other

new cold storage warehouses during the present fiscal year will receive grants in aid, amounting to 10 per cent. of the cost, and further grants in future years amounting in the aggre gate to 30 per cent. of the capital invested. When will our own Government encourage fruit growers and farmers in a similar manner? Cold storage houses in all our principal towns would be an inestimable boon to the above industries, and not less so to all private gardeners within reach of them, and would probably have a bene ficial effect on the general health of the inhabi tants. W. H. Divers.

STORM IN Co. MAYO.-It may interest some readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle to hear that a real blizzard began towards evening on December 25, and snow fell during the night and continued more or less during the remaining part of the week with rather severe frost. There was quite 3 inches deep of snow, and in many places the drifts were 6 to 7 feet deep. I am told it is the most severe frost and the heaviest snowfall that have occurred here for the last 15 years. Thos. Sunnucks, Gardener to C. Scrase Dickins, Esq., Coraun, Achill, West Coast of Ireland.