EDITORIAL NOTICE.

ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB. LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.c. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens and plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITOR, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN ON ONE SIDE ONLY OF THE PAPER, sent as early in the week as poss bl, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Special Notice to Correspondents.-The Editor does not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for any opinions expressed by his correspondents. Illustrations. - The Editor will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c., but he cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.-Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editor to see. Local News.-Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editor early intelligence of local events likely to be of interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists.

APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK.

TUESDAY, MAY 14

Roy. Hort. Soc. Coms. meet.

British Gard. Assoc. Ex, Council meet. SATURDAY, MAY 18-German Gardeners' Soc. meet.

AVERAGE MEAN TEMPERATURE for the ensuing week, deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich-52-8°.

ACTUAL TEMPERATURES:

LONDON.-Wednesday, May 8 (6 P.M.): Max. 65'; Min. 49°.

Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London-Thursday, May 9 (10 A.M.): Bar., 298; Temp., 55; Weather Slight rain. PROVINCES Wednesday, May 8 (6 P.M.): Max. 51° Cornwall and Ireland S.; Min. 50', Folkestone.

SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK, WEDNESDAY

Gladiolus, Montbretias, Begonias, Liliums, Stove and Greenhouse Plants, Palms, Bays, &c., at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12. THURSDAY

Sale by tender of Warwick Road Nurseries, Bristol. Auctioneer, Mr. Albert Ford, Albion Chambers, Bristol. Tenders to be received before 12 o'clock noon. FRIDAY

Choice Imported and Established Orchids in variety. Orchids in flower and bud, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45.

Rubber.

Colonel Prain presided at a recent meeting of the Society of Arts, when the subject of cultivation of trees and plants yielding rubber was brought forward by Mr. Herbert Wright. In the course of his remarks, the Chairman (the Director of the Royal Gardens, Kew) uttered a warning note as to the possibility of epidemic disease breaking out in the plantations, as it had done in the case of coffee in Ceylon. When large areas are planted with trees or plants generally in juxtaposition, it is evident that the conditions are eminently favourable for the spread of disease. The danger may be averted or minimised by the precautions advised by a competent pathologist, and by the care and supervision exercised by the cultivator.

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In connection with the supply of rubber it should be borne in mind that the production of caoutchouc by chemical means, already proved to be possible, may ultimately compete with the natural product. Again, there is the risk of over-production, as has happened in the case of the Cinchona. than one speaker, we are glad to note, recognised the value of the services rendered by Kew in the extension of the rubber industry in the various colonies and dependencies where the cultivation is possible. Manufacturers and brokers concurred in expressing their thanks to Kew and the Colonial Office, because it was to their efforts that the wonderful success which had been achieved by

the industry was due. To Sir William Thiselton-Dyer much credit is also due for his work in this direction during his directorate. Very few of those who go to Kew to "look at the flowers" or gape at the water-fowl have any conception of the work done in acquiring and raising plants of industrial or economic importance, in distributing them, and in promoting their cultivation in the Colonies.

Mr. Wright's paper contains an admirable summary of our knowledge as to the commercial potentialities of rubber cultivation, and the plants furnishing the valued juice in various tropical countries. From this latter point of view, Mr. Wright emphasises the necessity for correctly identifying the valuable caoutchouc-producing species from others similar in appearance, perhaps, but less important, or not important at all, from the point of view of rubber production. Here, again, the value of the herbarium at Kew is illustrated. Details concerning the collection and preparation of the rubber were also given by Mr. Wright, whose communication is therefore one of great value to all concerned in the industry, as containing in short compass a classified summary of what is known of rubber in its various aspects.

With regard to the durability of rubber, one of the speakers in the discussion that ensued on Mr. Wright's paper stated that "the archway under Euston Station was paved 18 years ago with a rubber composition, and during that time it had only worn to the small extent of five-eighths of an inch. It had been clearly demonstrated that, compared with wood, asphalt, and pavings of that description, rubber worked out much cheaper in the long run, because of its enormous durability."

OUR SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATION is a reproduction from a photograph taken by Mr. GREGORY in the exceedingly interesting gardens of Sir EDMUND LODER, Bart., at Leonardslee, near Horsham, in Sussex. The view represented is one in a portion of the grounds known as the American Garden, which is planted with a rich collection of Rhododendrons, including the less hardy species; Ericas, Ledum, Camellias, Gaultherias, Kalmias, and other flowering shrubs. The stems of many of the indigenous trees are gay in June and July with the flowers of rambling varieties of Roses, but as a foil to the extraordinary amount of colour furnished by the Rhododendrons and Roses there are grand clumps of Bamboo and a large number of hardy Palms [Trachycarpus]. Few gar. dens, indeed, possess so many hardy Palms as may be seen at Leonardslee, there being about 400 plants in healthy growth. As the photograph was taken when the deciduous trees were leafless, the fine effect of the Palms on the landscape in winter is well shown in the illustration. A detailed account of the Leonardslee Gardens, which are in the care of Mr. W. A. COOK, was published in these pages on Oct. 13 and Oct. 26, 1906.

ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.-The next meeting of the committees will be held in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Tuesday next, May 14. In the afternoon at three o'clock a lecture will be delivered on Photographs of Flowers."

THE ROSE SHOW.-Some of our readers will be glad to be reminded that the exhibition held annually by the National Rose Society will be open in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, on July 4. All applications for space must be made to the secretary before the end of June.

AN APPRECIATION OF SIR JOSEPH HOOKER, -The American Florist for April 20 contains a brief biography and a portrait of Sir JOSEPH HOOKER, in which due mention is made of his long and valuable services to botany. Sir JOSEPH HOCKER attains his ninetieth birthday this summer, and the veteran English botanist is still straight and active and a keen worker."

THE OXFORD PAGEANT.-A prospectus has reached us of the Pageant which it is proposed to hold at Oxford during the last three days of June (except Sunday, 30th) and the first three days of July. The commemoration will, of course, be historical in character, and is in aid of the Radclife Infirmary and other charities. The prospectus contains some interesting pictures of Oxford in the past.

"PUNCH" Pictures FOR PARIS.-Our famous contemporary has recently exhibited a collection of upwards of 100 drawings, executed by the more famous living Punch artists, and which are to form a portion of the forthcoming exhibi tion at the Salon des Artistes Humoristes, to be held from the 15th instant to June 30 in Paris. The drawings were on view in the Punch dining. room, where the famous weekly dinner is held.

HORTICULTURE IN EGYPT. - The EARL f CROMER, late British Agent and Consul-General, in his annual report lately received at the For eign Office, remarks that there can be no doubt there is much land in Egypt which is singularly suitable for market gardening, and which could very profitably be devoted to that purpose; also, that many trees could be grown on land which is practically useless for any other purpose. It has now been decided to grant a Government subvention to the Agricultural Society at Alexandria os the condition that the money shall be used for horticultural purposes. For the rest of Egypt, a new horticultural society has been formed, entitled "The Commercial Horticultural Society of Egypt," with Prince HUSSEIN PASHA KIAMIL as president. The Government has assisted this society with a considerable subvention, and has given it further facilities as regards the use of land, &c. As a commencement, two gardens (one of some 5 acres and the other smaller) have been started in the immediate vicinity of Cairo, and an English secretary, Mr. T. BROWN, has been engaged to carry on the work of the society, more especially with regard to making experi ments as to what varieties of vegetables and fruits can be most profitably grown in the coun try.

He is further charged with the education of a certain number of young Egyptians in all matters pertaining to his profession, such as vege table cultivation, grafting of fruit and other trees, and other matters which are little understood in Egypt. It is hoped eventually to start expenmental gardens in all the big provincial centres, where not only experiments will be carried out, but ocular demonstrations given to the cultiva tors as to the possibilities of Egypt in this direction. All who have paid attention to this subject lay much stress on ocular demonstration as by far the best, if not the only, way of con vincing the Egyptian cultivator that horticulture can be successfully and profitably carried out. The encouragement of arboriculture will also form an important duty of the new society. Later, should the society's labours be crowned with success, it will act as the middleman between the producer and the merchants until an adequate connection has been established between the two.

THE AMERICAN GARDEN AT LEONARDSLEE, HORSHAM, IN JANUARY,

Photo by F. Gregory.

FLORAL DESIGNS.-Mr. W. D. WILTSHIRE has re-published in pamphlet form and with additions some designs for bouquets and wreaths that have been given in the Fruit, Flower, and Vegetable Trades' Journal. He gives many reproductions, from photographs, of floral arrangeinents of all sizes from button-holes to elaborate funereal devices. Many of the latter demand not merely a wealth of flowers, but a special faculty for their construction. It is impossible to teach the whole of the wreath-maker's art in writing, but the pictures provide many suggestions, and there are some useful hints to aid the amateur florist in constructing decorations. This amateur industry affords employment to many workers who are, naturally, desirous that it shall remain popular. That anchors, harps, and other devices should be constructed of flowers is not in accordance with good taste.

A CONCISE HANDBOOK OF GARDEN ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS. By C. M. A. PEAKE. (METHUEN & Co., 36, Essex Street, W.C.).—This little book is one of a series, and therefore uniform with others and subject to certain restrictions as to space. Mr. PEAKE wisely makes special mention of desirable plants, whether familiar or not, and passes lightly over certain popular but comparatively worthless varieties. The notes upon annuals and biennials and their cultivation are followed by a useful alphabetical list, with descriptions and comments where necessary. Many illustrations and a full index further assist the enquirer after knowledge, and the whole makes a handy guide that may be trusted as regards the matters of which it treats. FOOD-REQUIREMENTS OF HYBRID CLIMBING ROSES.-A recent part of the Journal de la Société Nationale d'Horticulture de France contains a paper by M. G. TRUFFAUT on the food requirements of hybrid climbing Roses. The author chose for his various experiments the sturdy and wellknown Rose Madame Ulrich Brunner, and with the assistance of M, CoCHET-COCHET and other growers was able to work on a large scale. The results obtained by the various food-constituents are summarised as follow:-The mixture of nitrates and phosphoric acid produced very fine growth, extra large flowers, early, and well coloured. Complete manures poor in potash yielded excellent results, even in soils rich in nitrogen and in phosphoric acid. Roses should be grown in clayey or in clayey-siliceous soils, not over rich in humus. I advise, says M. TRUFFAUT, for manuring Roses in the open ground in autumn, a little cow manure, and in spring to spread on each square metre (rather over 3 feet) 50 grammes of precipitated bone phosphate, 30 grammes of burnt horn, 10 grammes of dried meat, 10 grammes of dried blood (1 gramme = 15.4,324 grains). The whole to be forked in. Then, after June 15, the plants should be watered with a solution of 1 gramme per litre (1 litre 35.2,154 oz.) of the following mixture: 50 per cent. phosphate of ammonia, and 50 per cent. nitrate of ammonia; this gives 23 per cent. of nitrogen and 22 per cent. of phosphoric acid. By following these directions, by appropriate pruning, and leaving a moderate number of flowering shoots, bloom will be maintained until November, the flowers being large and fragrant, the stems firm and branching, the foliage dark green and shining, thick, and resisting rust and mildew.

THE FOREST FLORA OF NEW SOUTH WALES. -Mr. J. H. MAIDEN has issued part 2 of Vol. III. of his publication (part XXII. of the complete work), and it contains descriptions and plates of the Hill Flindersia (F. collina), Broad-leaved Messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua), and Cedar Wattle (Acacia elata). Vol. III., part 3 (or part XXIII.), contains Dysoxylon Fraseranum, Eucalyptus vitrea, and Acacia decurrens.

WINTER-FLOWERING

CARNATIONS.-Under

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REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FIG.-M. LECLERC DU SABLON, writing recently in the Comptes Rendus, speaks of the method by which Figs are fertilised. There are, he says, two sorts of female flowers on the Fig. Those with a long style are found in most eatable species, and especially in the Smyrna Figs, which usually contain developed seed. The other flowers, with a short style, are found on what are called Caprifigs, the Figs of which are, generally, not eatable; the ovary of these flowers develops, but, instead of the seed, contains the larva of an insect of the Blastophagus genus, which is the agent in the pollenisation of the Fig; these are called gall-flowers. The short length of the style enables the Blastophagus, which thrusts its oviduct into the stigma, to deposit its egg in the nucellus of the ovule; this is impossible where the style is long. It may then be said that the short style constitutes a symbiotic relationship between the Fig and the Blastophagus. The importance of this dimorphism of female flowers has been proved by observations made by SOLMS-LAUBACH. Now, Figs of the second crop of the Caprifig, those which ripen in autumn sometimes contain seeds, although very few in number. SOLMS-LAUBACH found only 20 seeds in 40 Figs, but the condition of the materials did not enable him, to discover if the flowers that had produced these seeds had a long or a 'short style. Nevertheless, writers who have since studied the question, admit a clear specialisation of the two sorts of flowers; those which have long styles, adapted for the production of seed and incapable of admitting the Blastophagus, and the others with short styles adapted for symbiosis with the Blastophagus, and considered incapable of producing seed. The study of Caprifigs pursued in the departments of the Gard, of Vaucluse, and of Ardêche, has shown the author that the Blastophagus exists normally in that region, which has not previously been recorded. Further, in Figs of the third crop from one of these Caprifigs, that is to say, in Figs that remain during the winter on the tree and ripen in spring, M. LECLERC has observed in the middle of gall-flowers inhabited by the Blastophagus numerous achenes containing welldeveloped seeds, with an embryo and albumen like those of the Smyrna Figs. He has further noted that the flowers that produced these seeds This had short styles like the gall-flowers. observation showed, first, that the Caprifigs can produce seeds, not only in the autumn Figs, but also in the winter Figs, which had not been previously noted. In the second place, the

LIFE AND FLOWERS. BY MAURICE MAETER- Production of seed by the short-styled flowers

LINCK.

Translated by ALEXANDER FEIXEIRA DE MATTOS (London: GEORGE ALLEN, 156, Charing Cross Road). In M. MAETERLINCK's book we must not expect a treatise on scientific botany, nor instructions upon gardening. The author is a thinker and an enthusiast, and it is in writing of the things, visible and invisible, that make up his "life" that he alludes to flowers. For plants he claims that "none is wholly devoid of wisdom and ingenuity. All exert themselves to accomplish their work, all have the magnificent ambition to overrun and conquer the surface of the globe by endlessly multiplying that form of existence which they represent." In fact he credits plants with what we know as intelligence, with sense as well as sensibility, and with a soul represented by their perfume. It will be seen that the language used is ambitious, apparently the translator has faithfully rendered it, and the result is a chatty volume on various abstract and other matters. If we cannot agree with all M. MAETERLINCK'S Opinions, it will interest us to consider them, and not to judge them as if they were offered as undeniable facts concerning concrete substances.

showed that the specialisation of the two sorts of female flowers is not complete-at least, as regards the short-styled flowers. These are able to produce seed as well as to nourish the Blastophagus. The Caprifig cannot therefore be considered, as is often the case, as being the male Fig, whose part it is to produce pollen and to nourish the insect destined to transfer the pollen to a female plant. It is monoecious, with separate male flowers and female flowers normally constituted, and may be taken as the type of a species. The Figs of the first crop, ripening in summer, include male flowers which produce pollen, and female flowers which support the Blastophagus; issuing from these Figs, the Blastophagus, covered with pollen, enters a Fig of the second or third crop, which nor mally includes only female flowers, and there may either deposit its eggs in the ovaries, thus ensuring the preservation of its species, or it which will may pollinate certain flowers, seed destined produce the reproduce Caprifig. But flowers producing seed of exactly the same constitution as are the gallflowers.

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