BLUE WATER LILIES.-The chief drawback to these lovely flowers is that the plants lack the hardiness of the Nymphæa Marliacea hybrids, and therefore perish during the winter if not lifted from the ponds and kept in a warm tank during the winter. In many cases they have been flowered in the open water during the summer months even where the water has not been artificially warmed, and in small tanks, through which hot water has been kept continually running, they have remained alive through the winter. According to Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening the blue Water Lilies are Nymphæa gigantea, Australia; N. scutifolia, Cape of Good Hope; N. stellata, Tropical Africa; and N. zanzibarensis, Zanzibar. I note that Mr. James Hudson writes: "N. scutifolia is only a varietal form of N. stellata, so far at least as I have been able to form an opinion." It will undoubtedly be admitted by all those interested in horticulture, that if a race of blue Water Lilies sufficiently hardy to withstand the cold of winter in the open water, as do the Marliac hybrids, were introduced, water gardening in this country would gain an added charm, and from the remembrance of visits paid to the Cape some 25 years ago I should say that a hardier variety might be easily obtained. Between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth lie the Outeniqua Mountains, a coastal range, distant from five to ten miles from the sea, from which, every few miles, a clear river flows downwards to the shore, and in these rivers a blue Water Lily, probably N. scutifolia, grows. The mountain range is quite low. I should say, from recollection, that the loftiest peaks do not exceed 4,000 feet in height, and every winter they are covered with snow, while in a paper I received a few months ago a heavy snowfall was recorded in the town of George, at the foot of the mountains. Even in February, which is practically mid-summer, the temperature by the water-side in the River Kloop fell very low at 2 a.m., as I well remember, and in the winter the cold immediately around these Lilies must be considerably more severe. Under the circumstances I cannot but think that Lilies imported from this district would prove far hardier than those at present under cultivation in this country, and that they would probably pass the winter without harm in sheltered water in the south-west. I remember seeing these Lilies in beautiful flower close to the ford by which I crossed the little River Goukamma, distant a few miles from Knysna. S. W. Fitzherbert. HISTORY OF SAXIFRAGA BOYDII.-The mention on p. 440, December 29, of this beautiful plant in the obituary notice of the late Mr. J. B. Boyd, in whose garden at Cherry Trees, Kelso, N.B., it originated, induces me to pen a further note concerning it. In my articles on the yellow-flowered Saxifrages in the Gardeners' Chronicle in April and May of last year I quite forgot to mention the first coloured plate that was given of Saxifraga Boydii. This was published in the issue of The Garden for July 5th, 1890, and from the text accompanying this plate it is almost certain that Mr. Boyd believed its parentage to have been quite different to that now generally accepted, and Mr. Boyd's opinion held good until the plant first flowered at Kew, when the late Mr. D. Dewar, who at that time had the care of the herbaceous department in that establishment, suggested the parentage now believed to be correct, which is cited in the Kew Handlist of hardy plants. This flowering at Kew naturally took place several years after the plant appeared at Cherry Trees, SO that even to-day the history of the plant is founded on conjecture, though the grounds for such supposition are admittedly strong. Mr. Dewar's note in The Garden states that Mr. Boyd first considered the parents to have been Saxifraga Burseriana and S. Rochelliana, both white-flowered specimens. When the plant first flowered at Kew Mr. Dewar wrote to Mr. Boyd suggesting the influence of S. aretioides in the hybrid, and Mr. Boyd, remembering the existence of the last-named species in his garden at Cherry Trees, concurred in Mr. Dewar's views. The question might probably be solved by attempting to reproduce a hybrid identical with S. Boydii by crossing the abovenamed species; indeed, I have a seedling that may assist to this end. In Mr. Dewar's article in The Garden he refers to S. Boydii alba as "undoubtedly of the same parentage, with more of the Burseriana blood than of S. aretioides, which shows itself in the number of flowers and denser rosettes." Now there is not the slightest evidence in S. Boydii alba, either in the growth of the plant or in its flowering, of any influence of S. aretioides, and I much incline to the opinion that the parentage originally given by Mr. Boyd as that of the yellow S. Boydii, viz., S. Burseriana and S. Rocheliana, was in reality that of S. Boydii alba. In the flower truss and in the greater freedom of growth there is abun dant evidence in support of such a theory, and, again, the much larger rosettes and the quickly-spreading habit support the same view. Boydii alba is, however, not a good name for the plant which bears it, and one might reasonably expect just a white-flowered Boydii from the name, but in reality it is a totally distinct plant from S. Boydii. In the inflorescence the plant more nearly resembles the Italian S. marginata, and this likeness directs one at once to S. Rocheliana, the very early flowering of S. Boydii alba bearing evidence of the influence of the other parent, viz., S. Burseriana. S. aretioides primulina has also been suggested as one of the parents of S. Boydii, but I think it has been established beyond dispute that the late Mr. Boyd was not then in possession of this rare and beautiful variety. Whatever the parentage of the two plants in question may be, they have played their part in creating a desire for more. E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. SOCIETIES. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. ANNUAL MEETING. FEBRUARY 4.-The annual general meeting of the members of the above society was held on this date in Carr's Restaurant, 264, Strand, W.C. The President, Charles E. Shea, Esq., occupied the chair. We publish the following EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT. The names of 60 new members have been added to the roll during 1906. The customary three exhibitions were held at the Crystal Palace in 1906. The outstanding feature of the shows was the increased attention given to single and decorative blooms, which fully justified the committee's action in extending the classes for these varieties in the schedule. The exhibition of market Chrysanthemums held at the Foreign Flower Market, Covent Garden, W.C., on Wednesday, December 12, by permission of His Grace the Duke of Bedford, K.G., was very successful. The shows for 1907 have been fixed for Wednesday and Thursday, October 2 and 3; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 6, 7, and 8; and Wednesday and Thursday, December 4 and 5. Negotiations are now taking place with the Crystal Palace Company for the holding of these shows there. The Market Show for 1907 will be held on Wednesday, December 11. One hundred and eighty-five new varieties were exhibited at various exhibitions, but the committee only felt themselves justified in granting First Class Certificates in 34 cases. On the recommendation of the Publication Sub-committee, your Executive Committee resolved to issue a Year Book early in 1907. This Year Book will contain articles from the pens of leading English, American, and Australian authorities on Chrysanthemum culture, numerous illustrations and statistical information of the highest value to exhibitors and growers, besides a series of critical and literary contributions on many subjects of interest connected with the Chrysanthemum. Mr. C. Harman Payne and Mr. Chas. H. Curtis have acted as hon. editors of this publication, which is now in the press. Copies of the book will be forwarded free to all members of the society as soon as they are received from the printers. Your committee have taken the necessary steps to institute a "Dean Memorial Medal." The cost of the die has been defrayed by voluntary contributions, and a balance is still in hand to pay for the medals that may be awarded. The report and balance-sheet were passed without comment, save the introductory speech of the proposer, Mr. Thos. Bevan, who announced that the balance-sheet was further brightened owing to the Crystal Palace Com. pany having, since the report was published, paid nearly the whole of the money promised in 1906, and this has enabled all the prize-winners to be paid in full. They had agreed with the Crystal Palace Company to hold their exhibitions for 1907 at Norwood, and for this they were to receive £200 from the Palace authorities. A small saving would have to be made in the schedule. The President remarked that, all things considered, the report and balance-sheet were satisfactory, but there was an absence of progress recorded, and he asked why. As a comparison, he instanced the progress the Rose Society is making, although the Rose has no greater claims over the Chrysanthemum. He was a firm believer in the need for the society publishing literature on the subject of the Chrysanthemum, for the Year Book of the sister society laid the foundation of much of its recent progress; indeed, from a single copy displayed on the speaker's own table, 15 persons had been induced to join the N.R.S. Competitive exhibitions were, however, the life of such societies as theirs, and he desired to see the society cater more and more for the small exhibitor. In some of the small classes of the Rose Society from 30 to 35 exhibitors were found, and in all likelihood these small classes would be further divided to attract a still further number of smaller growers. AMENDED RULES. The rules of the society were presented to the meeting in an amended form, and were car. ried en bloc without discussion. The principal alterations are in defining the duties of the respective officers and committees. com On the proposition of Mr. Bevan, Chas. E. Shea, Esq., was again elected president of the society. Mr. John Green was elected treasurer in the place of the late Mr. Taylor, and a vote of sympathy was passed with the family of the late treasurer, to be forwarded in the name of the meeting. Other officers were elected as follow:-Mr. Thos. Bevan, chairman of mittees; Mr. E. H. Hawes, vice-chairman, in the place of Mr. J. H. Witty; Mr. C. Harman Payne, hon. foreign corresponding secretary; and Mr. Richard A. Witty, general secretary. The following gentlemen were appointed to fill vacancies on the committees:-Messrs. W. O. Hiehle, Geo. Heming, Geo. Cassidy, A, Hems. ley and J. H. Witty. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. JANUARY 24.-Present: E. Ashworth, Esq. (in the chair), and Messrs. Sander, Warburton, Rogers, Shill, Keeling, Upjohn, Cypher Ward, Thorp, Cowan, P. Smith, Williamson, Parker, and P. Weathers (hon. sec.). Ten degrees of frost did not prevent some of the more enthusiastic members sending exhibits. A. WARBURTON, Esq., Haslingden, obtained a Silver Medal for a group, and Awards of Merit for Cypripedium x Miss Louisa Fowler and C. x Traceyanum. C. aureum virginale was also shown from the same collection and the previous award of a First-Class Certificate confirmed. Messrs. J. CYPHER & SONS, Cheltenham, staged a really good group, which gained a Silver-Gilt Medal. A pretty collection of the white varieties of Lælia anceps was included in this group. Messrs. CHARLESWORTH & Co., Bradford, exhibited their new and beautiful hybrid, BrassoCattleya Queen Alexandra, which obtained a First-Class Certificate, and the same firm received an Award of Merit for Cypripedium x Mrs. . Fred Hardy "magnificum." Messrs. SANDER & SON, St. Albans, received an Award of Merit for Saccolabium bellinum giganteum. G. F. MOORE, Esq., Bourton-on-the-Water, exhibited Cypripedium x G. F. Moore, a hybrid between C. x Sallieri x C Mrs. Mostyn, to which an Award of Merit was granted. Messrs. KEELING & SONS, Bingley, Yorks,* staged a small group of Orchids. P. W. TAR AS AN INSECTICIDE.-I have read with interest the articles on gas tar as an insecticide, pp. 45-60, for use on vines infested with mealybug. I have proved this substance to be most effectual and safe, and practise the following method of applying it. After pruning the vines I remove all loose bark and thoroughly wash the rods two or three times with strong paraffin soap, at the rate of half a pint of soap to one gallon of warm water. I next procure some clay and mix it with water to the same consistency as paint, and to one gallon of this mixture add one half-pint of gas tar and well mix the whole. The tar and clay is applied to the vines with an old paint brush, with which the insecticide is rubbed well into all crevices of the vines. I paint the buds also, for I find it does them no harm, the only effect being to retard them for a few days when breaking into growth, which is of little importance compared to ridding the vines of a troublesome pest. Tar is also valuable for keeping wasps out of fruit houses. It should be placed about the houses in vessels and stirred occasionally. Mr. J. A. Huntley states, p. 60, that vines were killed by petroleum. I have seen vines killed by petroleum through using it when the vines were dormant, but it is perfectly safe to apply when the tissues are filled with sap. I have seen excellent results from the use of this fluid. Some badly infected vines were washed with ordinary insecticide, but the bug was not killed. I tied the young growths down, and applied neat petroleum to the old wood, at intervals of about a month. After using the petroleum three or four times not a bug was to be seen. When the vines are in a dormant condition at their roots, the fluid finds its way into the tissues of the vine, and of course failure results, but when the sap is up, it cannot penetrate into the plant, and can then be used with safety. P. Wilkinson, Hylands, Chelmsford. GAS TAR ON FRUIT TREES AND BUSHES.— Discussion on this subject is highly desirable. I should be glad to know if any reader has tried diluted gas tar sprayed on Gooseberry or Currant bushes or Plum trees, to prevent birds from eating the buds. If it would not harm the bushes or trees, it would probably be much more effectual than any mixture containing lime, because it would stick on the buds longer. Possibly also it might prevent the hatching of aphis eggs on Plum and Apple trees, and the eggs of the Apple sucker on the latter, if it did not actually kill them. It is to be presumed that, if safe to use at all, diluted gas tar would be so only when trees and bushes are dormant, as I take it for granted that to coat foliage with it would be highly injurious. Otherwise it might be used to kill or disgust the aphis when actually attacking Plum or Apple trees, which nothing yet tried by me does effectually. Last season I sprayed Apple and Plum trees twice, and in some cases three times, with a strong solution of quassia and soft soap; and yet the aphis attack was only slightly mitigated. A much weaker mixture effectually kills the Rose aphis; but Plum and Apple aphides appear to wear waterproof coats. South-East Sussex. APPLE MINCHULL CRAB.-At the recent meeting at Vincent Square, members of the Fruit Committee were somewhat puzzled over a very fine sample of an Apple shown by Earl Stanhope's gardener, Mr. Sutton, from Chevening Park, and named Minchull Crab. Eventually it was found that the fruit was that of Annie Elizabeth, being Of conical, well coloured, firm, and handsome. all the late Apples grown few can excel this variety for sample of fruit, keeping, or quality. The fruits of the true Minchull Crab are broad and flattish, also green in colour. Old Rogers described them as resembling those of the Deux Ans. The tree is very hardy, never subject to canker, and has a spreading growth. Annie Elizabeth has erect growth. Minchull Crab, like so many other old Apples, has been displaced by much better ones. A, D. MALFORMED CYCLAMEN. I have a Cyclamen in flower at the present time, and on one of the peduncles, instead of the usual petals, there appears a branch. It has already produced two leaves and two rudimentary leaves. There is a space of half an inch between the two nodes. In the axil of the lower leaf a small spine or hair-like structure appears. Underneath the upper leaf are two roots half an inch long. By its general appearance one would think it is about to form a corm. Is this a common occurrence? D. [We occasionally see similar ones.-ED.] THE CATTLEYA FLY.-Among the Cattleyas and Lælias this is well known to be a very injurious pest. Its presence is easily detected by the unusual swelling of the young growths when the latter are a few inches long, and if steps are not quickly taken to eradicate it many plants will soon be disfigured. Opinions differ regarding the remedy best to adopt to dispose of this unwelcome intruder. Some recommend the cutting away of the young growths as soon as the unusual swelling is perceived. This I consider the wrong course to adopt; it is quite unnecessary. If only one or two plants were attacked, and one were quite certain that no flies were living in the house, then the cutting away process would be advisable. But if numerous plants suggest signs of their recent visitation, that is evidence that there are flies still living, and as long as living flies remain in the house, one might cut away all the young growths and still be no nearer exterminating the pest than at the beginning, for as other growths are made their work will be carried on as before. The Cattleya Fly, like many other winged insects, may be quickly killed by fumigation, and I have found by experience this is the best remedy to adopt. Though rather expensive in the first place it is cheaper in the end. As soon as it is seen the destructive visitor has arrived, fumigate the house with Richards' XL All Vaporiser twice a week for about five months; any flies present will be killed. Before five months have elapsed all eggs deposited will have changed into larvæ, passed through their various stages, and, becoming flies, meet the same fate as their predecessors. Eight years ago most of the Cattleyas and Lælias in one house here were affected with the Cattleya Fly in a manner I think seldom seen; nearly every young growth had been cut away with no good result. We left the plants entirely alone, and commenced to fumigate with the XL All Vaporiser, and continued the practice for about the time above-mentioned, and not a vestige of fly has ever been seen since. The repeated fumigations during that time caused no injury to the plants whatever. The house then contained Cattleyas, Lælias, Oncidiums, Epidendrums, Miltonias of the spectabilis section, Ærides, Sobralias, Coelogynes, Odontoglossum citrosmum and O. Londesboroughianum, Schomburgias, Lycastes, Brassias, Brassavolas, Dendrochilums, and Zygopetalums. F. W. Thurgood, Rosslyn Gardens, Stamford Hill, London, N. STARTING EARLY PEAS ON TURVES. Although this is an old method, it is a very good one for the gardener who likes to obtain for his employer a few early Peas, especially if adopted in a season like the present, when early planting cannot be recommended, more especially on heavy, cold soils. The time is fast slipping away, but even now it would be an advan tage, especially to privileged gardeners who can get plenty of good fibrous turf. The turves should be cut from 1 foot to 15 inches long, and about 8 inches wide; then, if the turves are about 4 inches deep, scoop out about 2 inches of soil through the centre about 5 or 6 inches wide. Sow the Peas, and cover accordingly. The turves should only be placed in very moderate heat. After the seedlings are through and the surface ready to be moved, they should be put into a cold frame, and protected for a time. Gradually but thoroughly harden them off before planting them into prepared trenches. Place sticks to them at once, and protect them with black cotton to keep birds away. I am adopting this method rather largely this season, and the varieties I am planting are English Wonder and May Queen. W. H. Collett, The Gardens, Huntsham Court, N. Devon. CHRISTMAS ROSES: A WARNING.-It has often happened during the early months of the year, when Christmas Roses have been shown in flower at the meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society, that advice has been given to the effect that a good season for re-planting, or dividing and re-planting is so soon as the flowers are over, or when new growth begins. I desire to anticipate such advice being tendered and to utter a word of warning to intending planters. They should wait at least until the end of August next before attempting to plant Hellebores. Two sets of root fibres only are made each year by these plants: 1, the main roots late in summer or early in autumn, and 2, the smaller fibrous roots which form upon the main roots, and which appear about the same time as the new leaves. The matter would be of less importance if these main roots, once broken or cut off, sent out secondary roots as do many plants, but they do not. Much more frequently when broken or cut in their youthful stages these roots turn black and perish, often to the crown. In this way both sets of roots are sacrificed or much reduced in value, the result being that for nearly a year the plant lives upon itself, so to speak, and therefore is described as impatient of disturbance.' The Hellebore is impatient of disturb ance-at a wrong season. E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. DE " SEVENTY SEED PODS ON BEGONIA GLOIRE appeared in the pages of the Gardeners' I may say without fear of contradic. tion that I introduced this variety to the district of Liverpool some eight or nine years ago at the Horticultural Society's Show, with a view of instituting a class for competition. At that time I had several very fine pods of seed, fertilised by their own pollen. But professional teachers pronounced the raising of seedlings to be impos sible, and I am sorry to say my interest disappeared. Mr. Cromwell appears to attribute the seeding of his plants to having them in a somewhat dry structure. I do not think that alone is the cause. I would rather say the infrequency of seeding is owing to the paucity of female blossoms, and I venture to say female flowers are never produced until the end of the flower raceme is reached, and not in all cases even then. This shows that nature provides a means of perpetuating the plant. I have the variety seeding at present from cross-fertilised flowers. W. B., Carnatic Hall Gardens, Liverpool. SUTTON'S GARDEN SWEDE. We have given this vegetable a trial, and find it a valuable addition to the root - store. Field Swedes are usually strong in flavour, but the yellow variety as grown in these gardens is as mild as the best of Turnips, and the tops being particularly short require no more space than do the latter. They withstand severe weather better than Turnips, so may be left in the ground until quite late in the spring. The seed should be sown towards the end of July or quite early in August, as the Swede requires a long season of growth. James Mayne, Bicton Gardens, Devonshire. INCREASED APPRECIATION FOR FIGS.-The Fig has a great future in front of it, and for growers in this country. It has so far occu pied in the public esteem a similar position to the Tomato of some years ago, which was formerly only appreciated by a few, but is now a popular favourite. The Fig is rapidly becoming a popular fruit, and only needs to be put on the market in sufficient quantity to be somewhat reduced in the price at which it is now offered, and I firmly believe we shall have it as popular as any other fruit, not excepting even the Tomato or Banana. Laurence J. Cook. 44 BLUE WATER LILIES.-The chief drawback to these lovely flowers is that the plants lack the hardiness of the Nymphæa Marliacea hybrids, and therefore perish during the winter if not lifted from the ponds and kept in a warm tank during the winter. In many cases they have been flowered in the open water during the summer months even where the water has not been artificially warmed, and in small tanks, through which hot water has been kept continually running, they have remained alive through the winter. According to Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening the blue Water Lilies are Nymphæa gigantea, Australia; N. scutifolia, Cape of Good Hope; N. stellata, Tropical Africa; and N. zanzibarensis, Zanzibar. I note that Mr. James Hudson writes: N. scutifolia is only a varietal form of N. stellata, so far at least as I have been able to form an opinion." It will undoubtedly be admitted by all those interested in horticulture, that if a race of blue Water Lilies sufficiently hardy to withstand the cold of winter in the open water, as do the Marliac hybrids, were introduced, water gardening in this country would gain an added charm, and from the remembrance of visits paid to the Cape some 25 years ago I should say that a hardier variety might be easily obtained. Between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth lie the Outeniqua Mountains, a coastal range, distant from five to ten miles from the sea, from which, every few miles, a clear river flows downwards to the shore, and in these rivers a blue Water Lily, probably N. scutifolia, grows. The mountain range is quite low. I should say, from recollection, that the loftiest peaks do not exceed 4,000 feet in height, and every winter they are covered with snow, while in a paper I received a few months ago a heavy snowfall was recorded in the town of George, at the foot of the mountains. Even in February, which is practically mid-summer, the temperature by the water-side in the River Kloop fell very low at 2 a.m., as I well remember, and in the winter the cold immediately around these Lilies must be considerably more severe. Under the circumstances I cannot but think that Lilies imported from this district would prove far hardier than those at present under cultivation in this country, and that they would probably pass the winter without harm in sheltered water in the south-west. I remember seeing these Lilies in beautiful flower close to the ford by which I crossed the little River Goukamma, distant a few miles from Knysna. S. W. Fitzherbert. HISTORY OF SAXIFRAGA BOYDII.-The mention on p. 440, December 29, of this beautiful plant in the obituary notice of the late Mr. J. B. Boyd, in whose garden at Cherry Trees, Kelso, N.B., it originated, induces me to pen a further note concerning it. In my articles in on the yellow-flowered Saxifrages in the Gardeners' Chronicle in April and May of last year I quite forgot to mention the first coloured plate that was given of Saxifraga Boydii. This was published in the issue of The Garden for July 5th, 1890, and from the text accompanying this plate it is almost certain that Mr. Boyd believed its parentage to have been quite different to that now generally accepted, and Mr. Boyd's opinion held good until the plant first flowered at Kew, when the late Mr. D. Dewar, who at that time had the care of the herbaceous department in that establishment, suggested the parentage now believed to be correct, which is cited the Kew Handlist of hardy plants. This flowering at Kew naturally took place several years after the plant appeared at Cherry Trees, SO that even to-day the history of the plant is founded on conjecture, though the grounds for such supposition are admittedly strong. Mr. Dewar's note in The Garden states that Mr. Boyd first considered the parents to have been Saxifraga Burseriana and S. Rochelliana, both white-flowered specimens. When the plant first flowered at Kew Mr. Dewar wrote to Mr. Boyd suggesting the influence of S. aretioides in the hybrid, and Mr. Boyd, remembering the existence of the last-named species in his garden at Cherry Trees, concurred in Mr. Dewar's views. The question might probably be solved by attempting to reproduce a hybrid identical with S. Boydii by crossing the abovenamed species; indeed, I have a seedling that may assist to this end. In Mr. Dewar's article in The Garden he refers to S. Boydii alba as "undoubtedly of the same parentage, with more of the Burseriana blood than of S. aretioides, which shows itself in the number of flowers and denser rosettes." Now there is not the slightest evidence in S. Boydii alba, either in the growth of the plant or in its flowering, of any influence of S. aretioides, and I much incline to the opinion that the parentage originally given by Mr. Boyd as that of the yellow S. Boydii, viz., S. Burseriana and S. Rocheliana, was in reality that of S. Boydii alba. In the flower truss and in the greater freedom of growth there is abundant evidence in support of such a theory, and, again, the much larger rosettes and the quickly-spreading habit support the same view. Boydii alba is, however, not a good name for the plant which bears it, and one might reasonably expect just a white-flowered Boydii from the name, but in reality it is a totally distinct plant from S. Boydii. In the inflorescence the plant more nearly resembles the Italian S. marginata, and this likeness directs one at once to S. Rocheliana, the very early flowering of S. Boydii alba bearing evidence of the influence of the other parent, viz., S. Burseriana. S. aretioides primulina has also been suggested as one of the parents of S. Boydii, but I think it has been established beyond dispute that the late Mr. Boyd was not then in possession of this rare and beautiful variety. Whatever the parentage of the two plants in question may be, they have played their part in creating a desire for more. E. H. Jenkins, Hampton Hill. SOCIETIES. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. ANNUAL MEETING. FEBRUARY 4.-The annual general meeting of the members of the above society was held on this date in Carr's Restaurant, 264, Strand, W.C. The President, Charles E. Shea, Esq., occupied the chair. We publish the following EXTRACTS FROM THE REPORT. The names of 60 new members have been added to the roll during 1906. The customary three exhibitions were held at the Crystal Palace in 1906. The outstanding feature of the shows was the increased attention given to single and decorative blooms, which fully justified the committee's action in extending the classes for these varieties in the schedule. The exhibition of market Chrysanthemums held at the Foreign Flower Market, Covent Garden, W.C., on Wednesday, December 12, by permission of His Grace the Duke of Bedford, K.G., was very successful. The shows for 1907 have been fixed for Wednesday and Thursday, October 2 and 3; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, November 6, 7, and 8; and Wednesday and Thursday, December 4 and 5. Negotiations are now taking place with the Crystal Palace Company for the holding of these shows there. The Market Show for 1907 will be held on Wednesday, December 11. One hundred and eighty-five new varieties were exhibited at various exhibitions, but the committee only felt themselves justified in granting First Class Certificates in 34 cases. On the recommendation of the Publication Sub-committee, your Executive Committee resolved to issue a Year Book early in 1907. This Year Book will contain articles from the pens of leading English, American, and Australian authorities on Chrysanthemum culture, numerous illustrations and statistical information of the highest value to exhibitors and growers, besides a series of critical and literary contributions on many subjects of interest connected with the Chrysanthemum. Mr. C. Harman Payne and Mr. Chas. H. Curtis have acted as hon. editors of this publication, which is now in the press. Copies of the book will be forwarded free to all members of the society as soon as they are received from the printers. Your committee have taken the necessary steps to institute a "Dean Memorial Medal." The cost of the die has been defrayed by voluntary contributions, and a balance is still in hand to pay for the medals that may be awarded. A new degree of membership is suggested, viz. : "Corresponding Member," and it is proposed that this degree of membership should be conferred on such persons as have a special knowledge of the Chrysanthemum, and are thus able to give the society the benefit of their knowledge if, and whenever, applied to. FINANCE. The balance-sheet shows total receipts from all sources of £608 16s. 10d., including £147 5s. received as members' subscriptions for 1906, and the grants from the Crystal Palace Company. On the other side of the accounts, prize-money was responsible for the expenditure of £122 10s., printing £79 13s., medals and engraving £86 17s. 2d., judges' fees and luncheons £36 5s., salaries £125, &c. The report and balance-sheet were passed without comment, save the introductory speech of the proposer, Mr. Thos. Bevan, who announced that the balance-sheet was further brightened owing to the Crystal Palace Company having, since the report was published, paid nearly the whole of the money promised in 1906, and this has enabled all the prize-winners to be paid in full. They had agreed with the Crystal Palace Company to hold their exhibitions for 1907 at Norwood, and for this they were to receive £200 from the Palace authori. ties. A small saving would have to be made in the schedule. The President remarked that, all things considered, the report and balance-sheet were satisfactory, but there was an absence of progress recorded, and he asked why. As a comparison, he instanced the progress the Rose Society is making, although the Rose has no greater claims over the Chrysanthemum. He was a firm believer in the need for the society publishing literature on the subject of the Chrysanthemum, for the Year Book of the sister society laid the foundation of much of its recent progress; indeed, from a single copy displayed on the speaker's own table, 15 persons had been induced to join the N.R.S. Competitive exhibitions were, however, the life of such societies as theirs, and he desired to see the society cater more and more for the small exhibitor. In some of the small classes of the Rose Society from 30 to 35 exhibitors were found, and in all likelihood these small classes would be further divided to at tract a still further number of smaller growers. AMENDED RULES. The rules of the society were presented to the meeting in an amended form, and were carried en bloc without discussion. The principal alterations are in defining the duties of the respective officers and committees. com On the proposition of Mr. Bevan, Chas. E. Shea, Esq., was again elected president of the society. Mr. John Green was elected treasurer in the place of the late Mr. Taylor, and a vote of sympathy was passed with the family of the late treasurer, to be forwarded in the name of the meeting. Other officers were elected as follow:-Mr. Thos. Bevan, chairman of mittees; Mr. E. H. Hawes, vice-chairman, in the place of Mr. J. H. Witty; Mr. C. Harman Payne, hon. foreign corresponding secretary; and Mr. Richard A. Witty, general secretary. The following gentlemen were appointed to fill vacancies on the committees:-Messrs. W. O. Hiehle, Geo. Heming, Geo. Cassidy, A, Hems. ley and J. H. Witty. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. JANUARY 24.-Present: E. Ashworth, Esq. (in the chair), and Messrs. Sander, Warburton, Rogers, Shill, Keeling, Upjohn, Cypher Ward, Thorp, Cowan, P. Smith, Williamson, Parker, and P. Weathers (hon. sec.). Ten degrees of frost did not prevent some of the more enthusiastic members sending exhibits. A. WARBURTON, Esq., Haslingden, obtained a Silver Medal for a group, and Awards of Merit for Cypripedium x Miss Louisa Fowler and C. x Traceyanum. C. x aureum virginale was also shown from the same collection and the previous award of a First-Class Certificate confirmed. Messrs. J. CYPHER & SONS, Cheltenham, staged a really good group, which gained a Silver-Gilt Medal. A pretty collection of the white varieties of Lælia anceps was included in this group. Messrs. CHARLESWORTH & Co., Bradford, exhibited their new and beautiful hybrid, BrassoCattleya Queen Alexandra, which obtained a First-Class Certificate, and the same firm received an Award of Merit for Cypripedium x Mrs. . Fred Hardy "magnificum." Messrs. SANDER & SON, St. Albans, received an Award of Merit for Saccolabium bellinum giganteum. G. F. MOORE, Esq., Bourton-on-the-Water, exhibited Cypripedium x G. F. Moore, a hybrid between C. x Sallieri x C Mrs. Mostyn, to which an Award of Merit was granted. Messrs. KEELING & SONS, Bingley, Yorks, staged a small group of Orchids. P. W. CARDIFF & COUNTY HORTICULTURAL. JANUARY 29.-This progressive society held its annual meeting on the above date, under the presidency of Mr. Vernon Hill, J.P. After payment of all liabilities a credit balance of £201 is carried forward. The report and balance sheet were adopted, and the date of the next show fixed for July 24 and 25, at which a challenge cup, value ten guineas, will be offered for herbaceous flowers. Sweet Peas, a strong feature in last year's show, will be strengthened by an audit class, for which the National Sweet Pea Society are offering a gold and silver medal. Sir John T. Dillwyn Llewelyn, Bart., was appointed president for the ensuing year, and the other officers were also appointed. The retiring members of the executive committee were re-elected. Obituary. JOHN WALLIS.-We have received news of the death of this well-known and respected gardener at the age of 70 years, which occurred on the 4th inst., a Woore, near Newcastle-under-Lyme. Considerations of time and space will only permit us, for the moment, to express our regret upon this sudden termination of a very short illness. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. HOUSE FOR CARNATIONS.-Will some readers please give their views on the best kind of house for Carnation growing? I am thinking of building a span-roofed structure with a division, one part to be occupied with Souvenir de la Malmaison, and the other with tree Carnations. What are the most suitable dimensions? What would be the approximate cost per foot run of such a house? I do not want an expensive house, but Enchantress. hope to get efficiency with economy. VALVE FOR USE IN POND.-In reply to Aquatic, see p. 79, a simple and effective valve for use in the pond can be made as follows: Procure two circular iron rims about 2 inches wide and three-eighths of an inch thick, made to bolt tightly together. Between the two iron rims should be placed a stout leather or rubber washer of such a size that there is about an inch of material on the inner edge of the iron all round, to form a seat for the ball valve, which should be made of stone properly turned and provided with an iron ring. There should be a dip in the pond bottom at the point where the valve is to be built in, as then all that is necessary to stop the outlet is to drop in the stone ball anywhere within a foot or two of the outlet when it will immediately roll into position. By this means the pond can be either emptied or lowered to any desired point. The outlet to valve that I have in mind was, as nearly as I recollect, 6 inches in diameter and the stone ball about 9 inches in diameter. It was made and supplied by Messrs. Pulham & Sons. W. C., Cransford. 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. " ACACIA JULIBRISSIN : Lexden. The correct name of this plant is Albizzia Julibrissin. It is a native of the Orient and is commonly known under the name of Pink Siris." You need not be alarmed at your young plants losing their leaves, as this species is deciduous during the winter months, and it would be advisable that they should be placed in cold frames in preference to a greenhouse during the next few months. The plant is of very easy culture, thriving in almost any sort of soil, and is able to withstand 10 or 12° of frost with impunity when it has become old and woody. The young plants are more tender and require protection until a few years old. The best plan to succeed with this species in your locality is to grow the plants on in pots for two years, and afterwards plant them out at the foot of a wall facing to the south, affording some protection during severe weather. BEGONIAS: F. J. R. You have not sent specimens, but we suspect that the rusty appearance you Immerse the complain of is caused by mites. plants in Tobacco water. CHAMÆROPS: J. C. You may certainly let the Palm flower, and set fruits if it will. The result will be nothing worse than a slight and temporary hindrance to growth. CLUB IN CABBAGES: T. W. B. Some cultivators, when planting out young Cabbages, take the precaution to "puddle" the roots in a mixture of soot, lime, and earth, made with water to the consistency of paint. We expect you refer to this practice, which is to be recommended, not only as affording some protection against fungus, but in helping the plants to withstand drought for a time whilst making new roots. GRUB IN PEAR SHOOT: J. C. The grub is that of the wood leopard moth, Zeuzera æsculi (fig. 44), described in the Gardeners' Chronicie, p. 2:6, April 11, 1846. The larva is somewhat similar to that of the goat-moth, but it is much smaller, being only 1 inch long, fleshy, and of a yellow colour. The larvæ live in the trunks of various trees, including Apple, Pear, Horsechestnut, &c., and it derives its specific name from the last-named. The moths are hatched about the FIG. 44. THE WOOD LEOPARD MOTH: LARVA, PUPA, AND EGGS. we end of June, and are found until the end of August. Many of the eggs are laid in July and the larvæ issue from them so as to cast their skin in September, and arrive at maturity the following June. The best plan to kill the larva is to pour a few drops of bisulphide of carbon in their burrows; they may also be removed by means of a piece of hooked wire, or killed by pushing a stiff rod of wire or iron in their holes. NAMES OF FLOWERS, FRUITS AND PLANTS.-We are anxious to oblige correspondents as far as 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 labour, and greatly to our 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: Daniel Bros. Cullen.-J. C. W. & Son. Orange Goff. PLANTS: F. E. S., Oxon. Cypripedium insigne of the good original type. It is sometimes called variety sylhetense in gardens.-C. E. F. Epidendrum angustifolium.-F. P. O. 1, Adiantum trapeziforme; 2, Adiantum formosum; 3, Polypodium aureum; 4, Pteris cretica; 5, Selaginella viticulosa.-J. H. 1, Cypripedium javas nicum; 2, Cypripedium siamense; 3, Lycaste tricolor; 4, Oncidium altissimum; 5, Oncidium mulus; 6, Odontoglossum Wallisii. - E. C Lastrea filix mas cristata.-J. L. 1, Salvia fulgens; 2, hybrid from S. splendens. PLANTS SUITABLE FOR A JAPANESE GARDEN ON THE PACIFIC COAST OF N. AMERICA: J. T. As the maximum and minimum temperatures given are 80° max. and 60 min., it should be possible to grow almost any plant that is indigenous to mid and southern Japan. The Pacific or western slope of the Rockies affords an almost ideal climate, which, and especi ally in the centre and south, affords what is needful, namely, an abundant rainfall, which is tempered by south-westerly winds that blow from the ocean. The whole family of Bam boos should thrive there in the greatest luxuriance, as they do along the Riviera, where they may be seen in the finest possible condition not far away from the Mediterranean. The best of those which do well even in this country are Arundinaria fastuosa, A. Fal coneri, A. anceps, A. nitida; Bambusa palmata, B. tessellata, B. japonica, B. For tunei variegata, Phyllostachys aurea, P. are nigra, P. mitis, P. viridi-glaucescens, P. VIOLET ROOTS: C. S. There is no fungus disease COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.-H Henkel, Darmstadt-S. P. For Market and Weather Reports see page xvi. FEBRUARY 16, 1907.] THE 107 101 106 109 Ranunculus rutæfolius 100 Apple, a seedless 105 Plants, new or note Apple, Minchull Crab.. 107 worthy Araucaria imbricata with Woodwardia рага erect branches 100 doxa Aspidistra punctata Banana, a hardy... Callipsyche' mirabilis Royal Horticultural 104, 107 106 Tree Wash, the Woburn 98 Torreyas, seedling 99 104 100 Week's work, the Flower garden, the 103 Fruits under glass 102 Obituary Hardy fruit garden 103 Kuntze, Dr. Otto 105 Kitchen garden, the... Morrison, George 110 Orchid houses, the Wallis, John 111 Parks and gardens White, Lynch... 111 Plants under glass 102 103 103 102 ILLUSTRATIONS. 101 varieties Flora of New South Wales 105 Foster, Sir M., the late Gardeners, the future of 104 Gas tar as an insecticide 106 Hydrangeas, blue Kew notes The greenhouse Lord Howe's Island Nymphæa atro-purpurea 104 HARMINGLY situated on high ground amidst sylvan and floral beauties, and within a short distance of the old and somewhat picturesque town of Ware, is Presdales, the Hertfordshire home of Albert G. Sandeman, Esq. It is approached from two separate points from the Ware to Hertford Road two past lodges, one at each entrance. The house a view of which was given in the Gardeners' Chronicle for September 27, 1902, p. 229is a modern built and picturesque edifice in the Elizabethan style, and commands pleasant views from the terrace of near and distant scenery, including beautifully wooded hills and green dales. The walls, consisting of dressed stone, are clothed on the south front with flour. ishing trees of Magnolia grandiflora, Ampelopsis Veitchii, closely-trimmed Ivies, Jasmines, Roses, &c. From the terrace mentioned, two separate flights of stone steps lead down to the principal flower garden, Rose border, and ornamental water. The flower beds--including an isolated, oblong bed, having a background of the white-flowered Japanese Anemone (Honorine Jobert), with scarlet-flowered tuberous-rooted Begonias in front, and a broad edging of Centaurea candidissima-were, at the time of my visit (September 1), gay with a pleasing com. bination of colour, and which, viewed in con nection with an extensive area of well-kept vases Nature has done much for Presdales, and the landscape gardener, Marnock, made the most of the natural beauty of the place. But the ground space immediately in front of the mansion and adjoining the lower flower garden was subsequently extended by Mr. Sandeman, as hitherto the area of the ornamental grounds in that direction was considered to be too confined, and therefore did not show to advantage the picturesque pile of buildings in the background. Many fine trees, including a handsome.young specimen of Cedrus atlantica, were observed in the grounds during the writer's hurried visit. THE KITCHEN GARDENS are about 3 acres in extent, two of which are Endive were observed growing in wide borders Apples are grown on either side of the wide gravel walks in the kitchen gardens. The trees (of leading varieties) are good-sized specimens, and were carrying heavy crops of fine-quality fruit; the branches had been subjected to judicious annual thinning and shortening of the current year's growths. Plums of the varieties Jefferson's, Washington, Kirk's, Coe's Golden Drop, Guthrie's Gage, &c., were fairly plentiful on trees growing against walls facing east and west, as were also Morello Cherries on trees trained on north walls; the crops of sweet Cherries had been plentiful on trees occupying a wall facing westward, the varieties grown being May Duke, Black Eagle, Frogmore, Bigarreau, Governor Wood, White Heart, &c. The finest, healthiest, and best managed lot of Peach and Nectarine trees that I have seen for several years past were noticed. The trees were furnished from the ground line with fruitful, well-trained branches and large healthy foliage, and had borne good crops of fruit. Some of the trees, such as Violette Hâtive and Sea Eagle, were, at the time of my visit, ripening their fruits. The ground, for a space of about 3 feet from the wall, was heavily mulched with halí-decayed manure, and liberal waterings afforded during the summer months had washed the soluble particles of the manure down to the roots with most satisfactory results. Among the Nectarines grown at Presdales are Rivers' Early, Pineapple, and Dryden. A wall having a south or south-west aspect furnished a picture of healthy, well-trained, heavily-cropped, cordon Pear trees, the sight of which in itself well repaid a visit to Presdales. The trees, 61 in number, are trained obliquely, and they were all carrying heavy crops of large, handsome, well-developed fruits of the respective varieties. These consisted of Durondeau, Fertility, Souvenir du Congrès, Emile d'Heyst, Duchess d'Angoulême, Beurré Bachelier, Beurré d'Anjou, Doyenné du Comice, General Todleben, Olivier de Serres, Princess, Pitmaston Duchess, and Nouvelle Fulvie. PLANT AND FRUIT HOUSES. The glasshouses are conveniently situated at the north end of the kitchen garden, and consist of plant, stove, Carnation house, Marguerite house, Fernery, greenhouse, and Palm house, two vineries, Melon house, in three divisions, orchard house, besides numerous pits and frames. A nice lot of foliage and flowering plants, including brightly-coloured Dracænas and Codiæums (Crotons) in variety, were |