ness' grounds and palace. "Well," he said, "if they were offered to me for nothing I would not have them.”

In Jeypore there are many trees of Ailantus excelsa. It has very light wood, which is mainly used for sword-scabbards. They say that Mangos do not grow in Jeypore, and I do not remember seeing one. The city on one side is bordered by a crescent of low hills, which are not wooded, but which have low scrubby plants, Euphorbias and others, used only for firewood. On one of the hills is a fort and summer palace.

The

It

I visited the "Ramnewas" garden. guide-book stated that "it is probably the most beautiful garden in India." It is extensive, and bears the stamp of having been designed on paper and then of an endeavour having been made to carry out the design on the ground. This, of course, can be easily done, but then the result will be probably such a garden as this. It has here and there little depressions, and some mounds, and several lawns, which could hardly be called green, as they were dotted with brown patches. It has all been recently done-some fifteen or sixteen years ago. The shrubs have grown fairly, but there is not a tree of any size. Some plants of Cupressus sempervirens were dotted about in lines and otherwise, looking rather unhappy. One thing I saw which was charming, viz., a "Neem tree (Melia azadirachta) covered on one side with the deep rose sprays of Antigonon leptopus. was so fine that it is a wonder this fine climber is not oftener sent up a "Neem" or other tree. The contrast between the deep rose flowers and the dark green feathery foliage of the "Neem " was perfect. It was the only one I saw, and it appeared to have gone up the tree by chance. A number of these simple natural combinations alone would light up the place,; which, although extensive, I thought was not less monotonous. Climbers are tortured into espaliers, arches, and other unnatural positions. This garden, although recent, already shows signs of neglect. The fact is, this style of gardening, on an extensive scale, requires a small army of workmen to keep it in order, and an expenditure which would be enough to ruin any native potentate. It appears to be all non-productive. It would have been better if portions of it had been planted with groups of forest trees, which might have been made very ornamental in various ways, and which would, now and then, have afforded the eye an escape from the monotony of the scenery, and repose to the mind. When the present trees grow bigger-if allowed to do so-the garden may then look less monotonous. I was told, however, that now and then somebody orders them to be pruned. In all the gardens I have seen in native states there is too much chopping and chipping and bothering of plants.

66

Natives appear to have a fancy for this unnatural sort of gardening. The evolution of the art of gardening appears to necessitate this "stage of clipping." In olden times, in Europe, it was considered the proper thing, and as a relic of the past some gardeners in England still cultivate this fancy. I would say, Give me one Antigonon trailing naturally up a 'Neem' tree, and keep all the clipped things to yourself!" There was an opportunity here for landscape gardening which, I think, has been allowed to escape, while great energy appears to have been expended on symmetry, steps, mounds, ponds, and seats. metry ought to have been, however, there it

was not.

Where sym

A small symmetrical yard near the aviary had four small plots in the four corners. One had an Oreodoxa regia, and the rest other kinds of Palms, which can never by their nature become symmetrical. As the Italians say

Qui ci andavano quattro Oreodoxa regia, or quattro something else, all of one kind.

The aviary contained a number of interesting birds. One thing, however, was rather painful to look at, viz., a small shallow pond, enclosed with wire netting. It was 14 paces long and 12 paces wide, with side recesses of stone, and a small bit of dry ground. In this enclosure were twenty flamingos, several herons, storks, spoonbills, cranes, ibises, paddy-birds, barheaded geese, knob-beaked geese, Brahmini ducks, and a variety of other ducks, teals of sorts, terns, water-hens, a cormorant, and a hill raven. The cormorant, with his traditional appetite, was diving for and devouring bits of meat in quick succession; herons and terns were doing pretty much the same thing, others were quarrelling. The water was dirty, and I was told was changed only once a week, the dirty water being discharged into a plot of Plantains. I think it

ought to make fine liquid manure. Nineteen of the flamingos were having a foot bath, with their heads under their wings, the twentieth, and the finest of the lot, had evidently had enough of this sort of life, and was lying dead on dry land. The other nineteen were probably dreaming of a similar and not distant fate. About a stone's-throw from this aviary the Maharajah is building himself a new palace of marble and stone, and an extensive "zenana,” to cost Heaven knows how many lacs of rupees. On charitable and sanitary grounds these poor water-birds might have a few of these rupees set apart for the purpose of giving them a little more space and cleaner water.

(To be continued.)

PINUS PATULA.

THE branch and cones of Pinus patula (fig. 20) are figured from a tree of this graceful Mexican Pine now growing in the gardens at Carclew, Cornwall,

.X.50.

FIG. 19. CROSS CUT OF A LEAF OF PINUS PATULA, MAGN. (SEE TEXT)

the seat of Lieut.-Colonel Tremayne, where there are three fine specimens of this rare half-hardy Pinus. They have borne female blossom and cones for some years past, in clusters from two to ten in number, but no male blossom has been observed as yet. As this tree is rarely met with, it may be interesting to notice the measurements of the few speci. mens that are known to us in the West of England. Of the three trees at Carclew, which were planted by the late Sir Charles Lemon soon after their introduction into this country, the stem measures in circumference

But perhaps the most ornamental and perfectly well grown specimen of this tree in Cornwall (though younger than others) is that now growing in the pinetum at Tregrehan, the seat of G. R. G. Carlyon, Esq. Its branches are perfect from the ground to the leading shoot to the height of 32 feet, and the girth of its trunk at the ground is 6 feet 9 inches, and at 3 feet from the ground 5 feet 10 inches, with a head spreading 40 feet in diameter. This tree has borne cones for a few years, but no male catkins have been noticed. The accompanying portrait of the tree

(fig. 22, p. 117) is from a photograph by F. A. Allchin, Esq. There are other single specimens of this Pinus at Lamorran, in the pretty grounds of the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Boscawen, where it is 24 feet 7 inches high, measuring at 3 feet from the ground 3 feet 10 inches, with a head in diameter 24 feet 7 inches. Another fine tree is at Pencarrow, near Bodmin, height 43 feet 6 inches, and girth at 3 feet, 7 feet 3 inches. Another is at Penjerrick, near Falmouth, a younger tree, but of fine growth. There were other plants at Antony, at Heligan, and at Menabilly, but these have been blown down or killed.

In Devonshire there are a few trees of P. patula, the finest being, it is believed, that growing at Bicton, in Lady Rolles' fine collection of Pines, which is 36 feet high, and its girth at the ground 8 feet.

The branch of P. patula which is drawn in Lambert's Genus Pinus does not show the graceful pendulous character of the foliage, and the cone is larger than those grown in Cornwall, having probably been drawn from a Mexican specimen. 7. R., Menabilly, December, 1884.

[To the above account of a most graceful tree with which we were favoured by Mr. Rashleigh there is little that need be added, as the tree has been described by Lambert, Parlatore, in De Candolle's Prodromus, xvi., 2, p. 397; and by Gordon, Pinetum, ed. 2, p. 278. We may add, however, as points that have hitherto been unrecorded, that the buds are clustered at the ends of the shoots, each from -1 inch long, cylindric-conic, and very sharply pointed. The leaf in transverse section (fig. 19) has one convex and two concave sides, and when examined microscopically, may be seen to have a double layer of strengthening cells (hypoderm) beneath the epiderm, and a variable number of resin canals in the cellular tissue of the leaf (sometimes they are wanting). The central double bundle is surrounded by a well marked sheath or endoderm. The cones are borne on short horizontal stalks in whorls, some little distance above the base of the shoot of the year, at about a third or a fourth of the distance from the base to the tip, as pointed out to us by Mr. Rashleigh. The delicate thread-like foliage is not well shown in the engraving of the tree, as there must have been some motion of the leaves when the photograph was taken in fact the foliage is too fine to be accurately represented on a reduced scale. M. T. M.]

:

New Hayden Plants.

ODONTOGLOSSUM VIMINALE, n. sp.*

A NEW Odontoglossum of some botanic interest, in the way of Odontoglossum anthoxanthum. It has a very long peduncle, much exceeding a foot in length, with few-flowered straight racemes. Flowers as large as those of Oncidium gramineum. Sepals and petals brown, with curious pale, whitish-sulphur borders, and linear spots around the margin, which are scarcely to be seen. Lip with an angle at each side of the base and lanceolate anterior part, light sulphur at base, deep yellow in front. There are two thick acute calli at the base. Column pallid green, with some mauve borders at the top. Leaves linear acute, exceeding a foot in length. Pseudobulbs equal to a large hen's egg, glaucous, narrower at the top. It is a new importation of Mr. F. Sander from the United States of Columbia. H. G. Rchb. f.

MANCHESTER HORTICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY.-The next meeting of this Society will be held on Thursday evening, January 29, when a paper will be read by Mr. E. Griffiths Hughes on "Insecticides." The chair will be taken at 7 o'clock.

* Odontoglossum viminale, n. sp.-Affine Odontoglosso anthoxantho, Rchb. f. Pseudobulbo oviformi magno demum minute ac varie iuguloso; foliis linearibus elongatis acutis ; pedunculo elongato apice simpliciter racemoso, recto, sc. non fractiflexo; sepalis tepalisque cuneato-oblongis acutis paulisper undulatis; labello basi rhombeo antrorsum lanceolato calls geminis oblongis crassis antice acutis parallelis in basi; columna utrinque sub margine androclinii obtusangula.-Ex U. s. Columbia allatum dicitur. H. G. Rchb. f.

THE BIRD'S NEST ORCHIS.

THE sudden and somewhat mysterious appearance and disappearance of several native Orchids, notably Ophrys apifera, Neottia Nidus-avis, and some species of Epipactis, have not only to the casual observer but to those who have gone deeper into the subject, proved rather difficult to account for. This is, however, not to be wondered at, when we consider that few tribes of our native plants are more imperfectly understood than the Orchidea.

As this curious fact has been repeatedly brought under notice without eliciting any satisfactory informa. tion, the following notes, the result of close personal observation, may be of interest in throwing some light on the subject.

The extraordinary manner in which Neottia Nidus-avis springs up in a single season where it was never seen in a young state, and where there had been no intimation of its existence during the previous season, is no longer a mystery, for a careful examination of the rootstock has revealed the fact that the fleshy fibres, though dead at the base or end which had been attached to the old plant, are alive at the other end and gradually push forth young fibres.

The plant dies down after flowering, but is thus capable of reproducing a new plant from the point of the fibres after they have fallen apart, the extreme point becoming a bud or shoot, which increases in bulk underground till it comes to the flowering age, when it grows up vigorously, dies off, and is again propagated in the same extraordinary way. From examination of various roots, and taking the size and strength of the bud or eye into consideration I am inclined to believe that five years are required for the perfect development of the fibre from its young state to the flowering period. This, however, is on no authority, and must only be accepted for what it is worth, for, as the plant cannot be cultivated, a good deal of difficulty is experienced in arriving at trustworthy conclusions. Would the root only increase under cultivation reliable information could then be obtained, but for my own part several careful attempts at transplanting, so that the nature of the plant might be closely observed, have only turned out gigantic failures. The plant may, when in a young state and by having a good ball of earth attached, be removed to the garden, where it will in most cases perfect the flowering stem, but as regards increasing or reproducing its species all attempts have hitherto been productive of the most unsatisfactory results. As to whether all the root-fibres produce young plants I will not at present state positively, although observations tend to the inference that such is the case. Certainly the greater number do.

Another point regarding Neottia Nidus-avis, which has occasioned no small amount of comment, may be briefly noticed in passing, that is, as to its parasitic nature. That it is not so careful exa minations of the roots long ago convinced me, although the opinions of others are equally strong on the opposite side. The late Charles Darwin, in one of his works, dwells at considerable length on this Orchis, and in a foot-note attached we read as follows: -"This unnatural, sickly-looking plant has generally been supposed to be parasitic on the roots of the trees under the shade of which it grows, but according to Irmisch (Beiträge zur Biologie und Morphologie der Orchideen, 1853, s. 25) this certainly is not the case."

Mr. E. C. Malan, who has devoted considerable time to the study of this Orchid, writes to me as follows :—" The opportunities of observing this most curious plant are certainly few and far between, for, besides its acknowledged scarcity, it does not always reappear in those particular localities where it professes to grow. I have as yet only been able to find it in one place, namely, in a small Oak wood near here. The soil there is hard, cold, uncompromising clay, which, after a short absence of rain, becomes cracked, and on the surface like stone.

"I cannot say that I have been able to observe the Neottia Nidus-avis very accurately, for those plants which I placed in pots did not thrive, nor did others which I transplanted when just above-ground ever increase. I cannot say either that I have found them attached to the roots of trees, for the specimens above mentioned were free in the clay. The spot where the flowers grew in 1880 was entirely destitute in 1881, and also in 1882. But quite in a separate part of the same wood, both this summer and last, many

fine single plants were to be observed." For my own part, I could never detect any parasitical attachment either, although the plant is perhaps most frequently found beneath the shade of the Beech or Oak -the tannin matter from the decayed leaves being, in my opinion, the great secret of its growth in such places. [Mr. Webster's note is very interesting, and offers independent corroboration of German and French observations well known to botanists, but which have not found their way into British Floras. ED.]

EPIPACTIS PALUSTRIS

is propagated in a somewhat similar manner to the Neottia. The rootstock, which is composed of one thick fibre and several smaller ones, elongates each year, the point forming a bud or eye, which is destined to be the plant of the following season. From this eye, two of which are not unfrequently formed in the same year, several short roots are sent out, but between this point and the previous shoot, a distance of usually 2 inches, no rootlets are emitted. On lifting the plant I have frequently found the rootstock nearly 2 feet in length, and composed of a number of joints something similar in construction and appearance to what may be seen aboveground in our common Ajuga. Unlike the Neottia, however, the eye or bud of the Epipactis does not increase beneath ground until of a flowering size, as during the growing season numerous plants of all sizes and destitute of flowers are to be observed. Another point of difference, to which it may be well to direct particular attention, is that in this plant the bud is produced from the thick rootstock, whereas in the Neottia it is formed at the point of the fibre or rootlet after becoming detached from the parent plant.

I have good reasons for believing, although my investigations have not yet been sufficiently conclusive to state positively, that the tubers of Ophrys apifera will increase underground in a somewhat similar manner to the root of the Neottia, and which, if true, would readily account for the well-founded statements that have frequently been made regarding the sudden appearance and disappearance of the plant. [Well accounted for by Prillieux's account of the life-history of this plant. ED.] That the presence of foliage or stem is by no means necessary for the perfect development of the roots of several Orchids I have proved beyond a doubt in various other cases as well as that recorded above. In Hab. enaria bifolia and some species of Orchis the tubers if deprived of stem and leaves will become as it were cumulative, and increase in size beneath ground. In the former species especially I have repeatedly proved by experiment that by removing the stem and leaves when the plant is in full flower the succeeding year's growth will be much stronger than had the plant been left unmolested. This I have also proved to be the case with the bulbs of some kinds of Lily and the root of Cypripedium acaule.

EPIPACTIS OVALIS.

It is well known that most recent writers and authorities on plants consider this but a strangely abnormal form of E. latifolia, the character of which has become altered by soil and situation. Having special advantages for studying this rare plant both in a wild and cultivated state I may be allowed to point out the wide difference that exists between it and E. latifolia, and which has led me, without hesi tation, to regard the plants as distinct species. The first and greatest point of difference, and one which will be apparent to any accurate observer, is that the rootstock of E. ovalis is shortly creeping, the new buds or eyes being formed, one close to the old stem and the other at the end of a stout shoot, and at a distance of usually 2 inches from the parent plant. In E. latifolia the reproduction is very different, the new plant being produced alongside and quite close to the parent stem, and never at the point of the shoots. When examining numbers of the roots of E. latifolia, which occasion required when comparing it with E. palustris, I never saw a single instance in which the plant was propagated by extension of the root.

Three years ago, so as to study its nature more carefully, I transferred from the Orme's Head (one of the British stations of this plant) to my garden a plant of E. ovalis, which was placed in ordinary loam alongside a limestone boulder. The first season after being planted two stems appeared, one close to the old stem, and the other at a distance of 2 inches. This season there were three plants, one each along.

side the former stem, and a third in a direct line 3 inches from that produced last season. From the above it will be seen that while E. ovalis approaches, in root formation, very nearly E. palustris, it is widely different from the species (E. latifolia) with which it is often associated.

It is also strange that this plant (if only a form of E. latifolia) should present little or no variation in the half-a-dozen British habitats from which it has been recorded, or that (if soil and situation are the cause) when planted in good loam it does not, in some degree, revert to the typical E. latifolia. That it does not my observations and experiments clearly show, for although planted in good loam and a shady situation it has not increased in stature since being transferred from the denuded limestone rocks of the Orme's Head to the more congenial surroundings of my garden. A. D. Webster. (A Paper read before the Scientific Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society.)

THE SCLEROTIUM DISEASE OF POTATOS.

DURING last summer I received from Mr. Carroll, Director of the Albert Model Farm, Glasnevin, Co. Dublin, some Potato stems full of the growing mycelium of Peziza postuma. Some of this I applied to one or two Potato stalks growing singly-not as a crop-in my garden, with the view of infecting them. The mycelium appeared to die, and thinking the experiment a failure, I took no further note till, a week or so ago, noting the dead stem I examined it and found three or four sclerotia therein, not large, but unmistakeable. A second stalk in the same group had no sclerotia, and to the best of my recollection I infected but one stem of that group. The other infected stem I could not find. This observation goes far to show that this disease is contagious, and can be communicated from one plant to another. It is of course possible that the sclerotia might have appeared without any assistance from me, but scarcely probable. The tubers which were produced were very fine and small. If I can obtain the live mycelium I mean to repeat the experiment on a larger scale next summer. Greenwood Pim, M.A., F.L.S. [The disease here alluded to is that figured at p. 265, August 28, 1880, and 1883, September 15, p. 333. ED.]

CAPE HEATHS.

ON leaving the quaint-looking old city and environs of Cape Town, formerly settled by the Dutch in 1652, the enthusiastic traveller soon begins to meet here and there a variety of the small, handsome, evergreen Ericas, as a foretaste of what is in reserve for him as he journeys upwards and onwards. And presuming he is one of those inquisitive persons who let nothing escape their keen observation, his progress will be slow indeed.

On all sides, and especially while passing over the long stretches of undulating country, his attention will continually be drawn towards the increasing numbers, in many varieties, of these elegant miniature flowering shrubs. And if he fortunately knows their botanical names, he will be much pleased with the winsome features he joyfully recognises, like the meeting of old companions after many years. And numbers of free growing kinds, such as Erica cerin. thoides major, from 5 to 6 feet high; E. dichromata, from 4 to 6 feet; E. vernalis, 6 to 7 feet; E. Massoniana, 8 to 9 feet; and E. urceolaris, 12 to 15 feet. He will occasionally meet, overtopping those of a more dwarf and compact habit, such as E. comosa, E. nigrita, E. blanda, E. petiolata, E. minima, E. elegans, and E. carnea. To specify individual kinds by name from upwards of five hundred indigenous varieties, would give the reader but a faint idea of what they are like unless well versed in botanical nomenclature. And as he approaches the rising ground, along the well beaten path which winds up the mountain sides, further on, these ligneous gems assume a more symmetrical and sturdy habit, and if possible become more beautiful until the summit of Table Mountain is reached.

After hard and persistent struggling up and along the tortuous and rugged footpath, which frequently doubles and zigzags among immense masses of detached rocks, through deep defiles and apparently impassable chasms, along which the purest spring water comes splashing over precipitous cascades

from near the apex, the tired pedestrian will find an inviting resting-place in a natural alcove. To his great surprise, he will then see what may seem incredible to old Heath growers who have only seen them in pots under glass-namely, low bushes of E. vestita elegans, and E. princeps, flourishing with all the freedom of bog plants, in soil apparently never dry. While, per contra, E. pumila, E. densiflora, E. incana, and E. penicillata, seemed equally healthy, growing in small cracks or crevices in the fissured rocks, where it was high and dry, with only a few grains of sand to root in.

The writer was completely nonplussed at the sight of healthy blooming Heaths growing upon the face of precipitous rocks, upon the sunny sides of which it was unpleasantly hot to the touch, conditions fatal to them under cultivation.

Returning again to the subject, and following the ascending path, which to his intense delight will be found closely margined on each side with handsome Heaths, which absolutely cover every inch of soil possible to root in with masses of highly-prized species, the sight cannot fail to remind him of those he may have often admired at home. True there are no legends of the past wound around them, as there are about the Heath or Heather of other lands, of which the poet has often sung. Savage Hottentots and Caffres, who for ages have ignorantly wandered among them, keep no historical records; and although no charm of romance invests them with anything prosy or poetical, they are nevertheless most intensely interesting to those who admire frutescent beauty. And whoever has enjoyed a ramble among them will not be likely to ever forget the peculiar refreshing odour arising from the myriads of pretty blossoms.

And while still ascending, at every onward step brilliant colours and fresh forms of Heath beauty will delight the eye with pleasant changes, until, when near the summit, the novel sensation of passing above the fleecy clouds which externally drape the top of Table Mountain will be experienced. Even when in cloudland the somewhat stunted, though symmetrical, Heaths will still be there; and with every possible tinge or shade of green tiny leafage these compact little plants seem to vie with each other for the palm of grace and beauty. All of this large and interesting family are exquisitely bedecked with a profusion of delicate, lovely, wax-like flowers, from pure white to flesh and cream colour; yellow, dark green, light green, orange, and purple; red, pale red, red and green, red and yellow, red and orange, orange and purple, white and scarlet to brilliant scarlet, crimson, flame-colour, &c. W. T. Harding, in "Gardeners' Monthly."

LEICESTERSHIRE APPLES.

THE splendid lot of Apples exhibited by Mr. Ingram from the orchards and gardens of Belvoir at the meeting of the Fruit Committee at South Kensing ton on the 13th inst., for which the Society's Bronze Medal was awarded, forms an excellent commentary on the remarks of Messrs. Harrison & Sons, of Leicester, in the report of the National Apple Congress.

Mr. Ingram's exhibit consisted of thirty-five varieties, many of which were of an exceptionally fine character; specially remarkable for colour and size were the examples of Blenheim Orange, which is the most popular Apple, judged as both a dessert and culinary variety, in cultivation. Peasgood's Nonsuch was also very large and fine; this variety promises to become very popular and useful. Bramley's Seedling was especially noteworthy, proving how well suited this Nottingham Apple is for the Midland Counties. Finer examples of Betty Geeson, an Apple raised somewhere in Mr. Ingram's neighbourhood, we have seldom seen; and the same remark applies to the examples of that most beautiful of French Apples, Mère de Ménage. Rosemary Russet was unusually large and fine; this is a variety in great repute at Frogmore, and was largely cultivated there by the late Mr. Ingram. The examples of Frogmore Prolific are "Ingram " Seedling. The old Caldwell, or Rymer, Tower of Glamis, Lord Derby, and Northern Greening may also be mentioned as being specially fine amongst the culinary varieties; and amongst the dessert varieties the examples of Cox's Orange Pippin, Ribston Pippin, Margil, Old Nonpareil, King of the Pippins, and others of the leading sorts were all that could be desired,

No better illustration than this of Mr. Ingram's could have been submitted to demonstrate and to prove that Apples may and can be grown in Leicestershire equal to any in the country-ay, and further, we would submit, equal and superior in some respects to American produce. There is no question of the superiority of home-grown Apples in point of quality for culinary purposes; they have far more of that brisk acidity which is so much relished by most people. American Apples are flat and tasteless by comparison. In the matter of dessert Apples the American varieties surpass our own for the most part, having that peculiar short tender flesh that is extremely agreeable in an eating Apples; but not one of the American sorts is equal to our Cox's Orange or Ribston Pippins.

How comes it that doctors disagree? Messrs. Harrison take a somewhat pessimist view, and state that Leicestershire "is not a county in which Apples are grown extensively, or considered of much importance," and are of opinion that the "red clay " which predominates in their district is "too cold for Apples in most seasons." The elevated situation of Belvoir renders it probably the finest for fruit culture in the county, and there can be no doubt of their receiving the very best attention as to cultivation. The Lias clay subsoil existing here is evidently well suited for Apples, especially in hot and dry seasons like the past.

There is a very great deal in situation, and very great variety exists in comparatively small districts sometimes. Soils also and subsoils exert consider. able influence. But positive neglect in regard to the pruning, &c., of the trees, and to the cultivation of the land, has more to do with the miserable condition of our orchards, and the disrepute into which home-grown Apples have fallen, than any other cause whatever. Messrs. Harrison subscribe to this when they state that "the trees are allowed to grow without either manure or management." Plant more trees, certainly, but plant with judgment in situations similar to those of Belvoir, and in particular pay attention to their after-management and cultivation. There are many places, not only in Leicestershire, but throughout the country, where Apples may and should be grown in far greater quantities and in better condition than they are at present. A. F. B.

DR. REGEL ON THE CULTI

VATION OF PLANTS.

SINCE the days of Sir Joseph Paxton but very few men in the gardening world have had so successful a professional career as Dr. Regel, of St. Petersburg From the time of his instalment as Director of the Botanic Garden in the Russian capital, some twenty-five years ago, he has been indefatigable in his efforts not only to make that establishment one of the first in Europe, but also to spread a knowledge of gardening among the Russian people. Twice he has organised an International Exhibition on a very grand scale; the second especially may be considered as having been a decided triumph. The highest personages in the land have shown him every mark of favour and encouragement. His biography and portrait were published some four years ago in one of the most extensively circulated illustrated papers of the capital; and during the last ten years especially his books have increased in number, and have passed through many editions. Some of these are small treatises on the cultivation of Raspberries, Currants, Strawberries, and others, ranging from 15 copeks (about 6ď.) upwards. One of the latest of these small books refers to the cultivation of fruit trees on walls and espaliers, and it may be considered as timely enough, for such modes of cultivating fruit trees are almost unknown in this country, where nobody has an idea of an enclosed fruit garden kept under lock and key. So far as I have seen, at least, fruit trees and forest trees grow together, and no kind of effective enclosure exists. Dr. Regel has therefore done well to write this treatise, for apart from the technical question of choice, planting, pruning, and training, it is quite clear that something must be done with respect to enclosures and the general arrangement of a fruit garden. No other writer in this country has so much authority on this subject as Dr. Regel.

But though his pen has been prolific enough during the last ten years, it is not my purpose to notice in detail all the smaller publications; my present object is chiefly to consider the merits of one which is allowed to be his most popular work among all intelligent amateurs in Russia, viz., The Cultivation and General Treatment of Plants in Rooms. Most people might think that such a matter would scarcely occupy more than a modest treatise, but Dr. Regel's work is a book of two good-sized volumes, extending to over

7c0 pages. This book Dr. Regel very appropriately dedicates to his friend and patron, General Greig, as a tribute of gratitude for the unfailing help and encour⚫ agement which that powerful Minister has always afforded him in his various undertakings.

46

It would be a long and fruitless task to enumerate all the subjects that are treated in this book, the 'contents" at the beginning of the first volume alone occupy no less than four pages, and in making a cursory analysis of the material employed I am involuntarily led to the conclusion that the author must have lost sight of the object originally aimed at.

Amateurs who have a garden and greenhouse with a certain number of frames will find this book very useful, but most of those who live in towns are not likely to derive so much benefit from it.

No doubt all that Dr. Regel states is quite true. The same things have been said many times before, and it is only fair to infer that they will be repeated, with more or less variation, a good many times more. But the most enthusiastic lovers of flowers and plants will not consent to turn their saloons into regular greenhouses. They have something else to do with cellars and larders than store them with plants in winter, and there are but very few, if any, who would like to make a material change in the windows of their drawing-room in order to grow or propagate favourite flowers.

Most people are quite satisfied to have a certain number of fine plants in their rooms near the windows, so long as they do not interfere with mirrors, curtains, statues, pictures, and other ornaments of fashionable dwellings. And if ladies and gentlemen do not keep a gardener who can attend to their window plants, they are generally guided by the directions of the gardener or nurseryman from whom the plants have been bought. For the most part a few explanations about watering, ventilation, and cleaning, are all they require for their own guidance, the rest they willingly leave to a professional man. Now Dr. Regel sets

out, apparently with the conviction that all he states is not only quite new to his readers, but that all his directions admit of being strictly followed. Everything relating to the cultivation of plants is carefully and minutely described. Everything that gardeners take years to learn in nurseries and private gardens is elaborately treated in this book-to enlighten refined people how to keep a few flowers and plants in their saloons. Upwards of one thousand genera or species are enumerated in the Latin index of one volume only. There are many respectable, gardens in Russia at least, which do not contain so many.

The author is, no doubt, aware that the great majority of his readers are not likely themselves to undertake most of the operations which he has described at length, such as the composition and preparation of soils, planting, and sowing, &c. Still what is stated is quite correct if anybody requires such information. The quality and longevity of seed has received much attention, and a great many interesting facts have been brought together.

There are some people who have not the slightest idea as to how Ferns are constituted and propagated. I have known one or two myself who, though other. wise intelligent and well informed, really believed that the spore-cases were so many filthy insects. I once even found an old peasant (a gardener) who affirmed that that was quite true. Dr. Regel, very properly, does not leave this subject unnoticed. At the same time I think he might have been much clearer. It would have been well, for instance, to give figures of one or two fronds, showing the arrangement of the spores at the back, and the distinction between fertile and barren fronds, male and female. This is a subject on which he might have enlarged to great advantage without making it very special.

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One of the most interesting and instructive parts of the first volume is devoted to some explanations respecting the distinctions between genera, species, and hybrids the author points out how new varieties are obtained, and shows how amateurs may derive a fund of real pleasure by crossing one species with another, and watching the result. But on this subject Dr. Regel seems to have introduced a new word to the Russian language, that of bastard. This word in English jurisprudence means an illegitimate child, and though it passes current among gardeners I think it ought not to be used in a scientific work, especially as the word hybrid (pomace) is sufficiently expressive. If the learned Doctor is fond of introducing new or foreign words into the Russian language he has a very wide range. Many thousand such words are already

naturalised, and no doubt many thousands more will be added in the course of time. A language like the Russian always admits of being much softened, modulated, and improved, and for scientific terminology in particular there is still something to be done. In botany, for instance, there is not a definite and distinct term for species, that employed by botanists (vid) has at least twenty different meanings all more or less expressive of view, form, aspect, appearance, &c. Now, as Dr. Regel has introduced the word bastard and one or two others, it might be worth his while to consider whether it is not possible to find a more precise term for species.

About the end of the fourth chapter, Dr. Regel has a good deal to say about the different parts of the flower. This lesson in elementary botany and the physiological process of fructification is intended to prepare the amateur for the work of hybridising and obtaining different varieties by crossing. It is a very learned chapter, but I fear not many of those who study it will find it easy in practice. A long chapter of about thirty pages is devoted to all the various other modes of propagation, such as cuttings, budding, grafting, layering, &c. Of course this is a subject which would exhaust a whole volume, but Dr. Regel has wisely confined himself to a certain limit, and I think most people will find that quite sufficient.

I

Respecting glass cases, such as the famed Wardian case, the author has a good deal to say, and even mentions that the first was introduced by Mr. Ward, of Clapham Rise. Dr. Regel employs a word which I have not noticed before, that of Terrarium as differing from Aquarium, and whatever its merits may be as a new term it is certainly more euphonious than his translation in Russian of the Wardian case. think, however, such cases do not require so much attention as he advises. It is one of the chief merits of such cases that by the principle of evaporation and condensation the plants inclosed in them will thrive well enough for a long time without either ventilation or watering. We all know that plants sent from distant countries in closed cases arrive in England after a voyage of several months not only quite fresh but even sometimes in flower. The patterns which Dr. Regel has figured are well known, and pretty enough, and such modes of growing a certain number of plants in a saloon are much to be recommended.

Now, with respect to watering in general, this seems to be a subject which most amateurs find it very difficult to learn, and yet it is one of the most important in the cultivation of plants. Dr. Regel has treated it at length, but I cannot conceive that such large pumps and syringes as he recommends can ever be employed in an elegant drawing-room. I shall close for the present. P. F. Keir.

PROTECTING POTATOS.

In your issue of Nov. 22, 1884, I see that, in the experiments on protective moulding carried out at Chiswick, "it soon became obvious to the experimenters that Mr. Jensen's proposals would prove very costly to carry out, and that, as a matter of practice, the grower for market would have to face the problem whether, as a mere matter of cost the gain would be worth the candle." Will you allow me to observe that protective moulding by my system is carried out in many (I think I may say in thousands of) farms in Denmark, both by the means of the hand hoe and by means of a plough constructed for the purpose, and that up to the present time I have not heard the objection raised that this moulding is very expensive. As a matter of course in large fields the plough must be employed. I have before me now as I write an account from a Danish farmer in which it is stated that it took one and a quarter days for a man and a horse to mould up an acre of land (English measure) in the way designed by me. I suppose that at the very least it would take three quarters of a day to mould an acre of land in the common way; if so, the difference would be half a day, which for a man and a horse cannot, I think, be reckoned at more than about 4s. (in Denmark it would cost less than 35.), so that at all events it does not cost much more to high-mould by means of a plough than to perform the moulding in the common way. But in reality I think the difference will be even less, or none at all, if, as it ought to be, the protective moulding be done before the time of flowering, when the plants are not high enough to incommode the plough; for in the case above referred to the plough was fre

quently stopped on account of the size of the Potato tops. It is true that the ridges must be made much higher than in the case of ordinary moulding, yet all that is required is that the earth-cover on the uppermost tubers should be about 3 inches thicker than that produced by the old system of moulding. Again, it must be remembered that protective moulding shall be performed from one side only; this is a very great advantage, since it will save the man and the horse half the distance. Finally, it must be remembered that on account of the greater distance between the rows, which is rendered necessary by the protective system, the cost will be essentially reduced both as far as the planting, moulding, and lifting are concerned. Therefore, all things well considered, I think that the protective system may be carried out not only as cheaply, but undoubtedly even more cheaply than the common system of Potato growing. As for hand-moulding it has been experimentally stated by the Société Nationale d'Agricul. ture de France that high-moulding costs in that country 40 francs, or about 135. per English acre. What the cost of hand-moulding in the common way is I cannot tell, but at all events it is evident that the difference, if any, can be of but little practical consequence. J. L. Jensen, 162, Gamle Kongevej, Copenhagen, V., Dec. 13.

FASCIATED MEDLAR.

THE specimen from which our illustration (fig. 21) was taken was forwarded to us by Miss Owen. It will be seen that the fruit is curved like a ram's horn, and presents some forty calyx teeth instead of five. The explanation is that a tuft of perhaps eight flowers was in all probability formed in place of the ordinarily solitary flower, that these eight flowers instead of becoming separate in course of growth remained in union, or, as it is said, adhered one to another. The spiral twist is accounted for by the much greater and more rapid growth on one side, where growth was possible, than on the other, where it was necessarily restricted. But to be sure as to the way in which these malformations are brought about one ought to see them in their earliest stages and trace their growth onward.

FRUIT NOTES.

BEURRE BOSC PEAR.-The Beurré Bosc is a Pear to which I give my unqualified praise. It is large, pyriform, a little uneven, tapering long and gradually into the stalk, and of a rich delicious perfumed flavour. It bears singly, and not in clusters, looking as if thinned on the tree, whence it is always of fine size. It is a good and regular bearer; the fruit as it ap proaches maturity is subject to the attack of flies and wasps. This is rather remarkable, as they rarely or ever touch any of the other sorts of Pears that grow close by them. It should be grown as a standard. It grows freely, shoots long, brownisholive; season in use, from the beginning of November to the end of December. It was raised, I believe, by Van Mons, and named Calebasse Bosc, in honour of M. Bosc, a distinguished Belgian cultivator. Having been received at the garden of the Horticultural Society of London under the name of Beurré Bosc, Mr. Thompson, I understand, thought it best to retain this name as less likely to lead to a confusion with the Calebasse, a distinct fruit. M. Saul, York.

APPLE, GOLDEN Spire.

I can fully endorse all that has been published in Fruit Notes at p. 16 of Gardeners' Chronicle in favour of this most valuable Apple. Five years ago I was favoured with a number of Apple scions, then considered to be the leading varieties of the day. Having grafted all on the free stock, and with care and special attention, my results have been that Golden Spire has yielded two crops of good fruit, considering age and size of tree. Several of the others have rewarded me with one solitary fruit, therefore I have no hesitation in saying that the free stock is the proper one of this sort. Its keeping qualities are so good that it is usable long after Christmas. I doubt not that, wherever it is grown, it will soon become a favourite, as all who have seen it here were quite pleased with its habit of growth and the beauty of its fruit. D. Wilkie, Sundrum, Ayr.

LATE GOOSEBERRIES TRAINED ON ESPAliers.

Some of the best late varieties of these have such a drooping habit that they seldom make good bushes, the fruit lying in many cases within reach of rain splashing spoils the fruit. The following method of growing and training will amply repay for the trouble it entails, considering the facilities it affords for netting, to keep the fruit until the end of August and September. A shaded part of the garden or north border is a good situation for late Gooseberries. The soil best suited for them is a deep strong loam, which should be trenched 2 feet deep, working in plenty of good rotten manure. If a north border, say 15 feet wide, it will take five rows at a yard apart longitudinally, fix the wires for training 4 feet high, using iron posts at the end or straining posts let into stone with a stay to each: the intermediate posts can be of light iron with two legs, or if desirable use 4-inch Oak posts with Larch intermediate. A light gauge wire answers better than a stronger one, it does not require so much straining. Place them 9 inches apart. Plant either one or two-yearold trees that have not been cut back. One foot apart is a good distance to plant them. Let them grow as they like the first season, then cut them close down to the ground; the result will be one or two strong shoots that will nearly reach the top of the trellis, then train either upright or diagonally, and after they are established lay in a young shoot each season to replace the old ones. Another method is to put in cuttings where they are to remain, and fix the trellis afterwards when established, only fork amongst them lightly, and top-dress with good rotten dung in autumn for mulching in summer. The grass from the lawns is excellent for the purpose: it keeps the ground cool, prevents the fruit from being splashed with heavy rains; since using the grass, commencing with the first cut in March and letting it lie on 4 inches deep in summer, I have not been troubled with caterpillar. I should not like to say that it has kept it off. If it does make its appearance use Hellebore powder, dusting it on when the trees are damp. It is a certain cure. Some of the best late varieties are Red Warrington, Slaughterman, Ploughboy, Yellow Leader, Rumbillior, Leveller, green white; Whitesmith, Pitmaston, Green Gage, Antagonist. Wyeside.

A HOUSE OF GRAPES IN JANUARY.

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It was very common during the summer and autumn months to read of the splendid crops of Grapes in vineries at different establishments, but it is not so common to hear of them in the month of January. In one of the divisions of the long range of vineries at Longford Castle the Grapes are now in splendid condition. The Grape which takes the eye on entering this house is Roberts' Gros Guillaume, producing, as it does here, splendid bunches, ranging from 10 lb. to 12 lb. in weight, well proportioned and well coloured. Some of the smaller bunches of this variety are very elegant, quite models of what a bunch of Grapes should be, being about 18 inches in length from the wood to the tip of the bunch, with no shoulders to tie up, and the berries all of a size, large, and sufficiently thick, so that to all appearance the bunch would preserve its form if laid on its side. It will probably be in the memory of some of your readers that in this establishment the variety Gros Guillaume and Barbarossa appeared distinct, but not sufficiently so to class them as distinct varieties, and Mr. Ward decidedly gives the palm to Roberts' variety. It was surprising to me to know how these huge clusters are preserved from damp through the dull, foggy weather through which we have lately passed. To all appearance not a damped berry has yet been cut out. Other varieties are equally good, viz., Gros Colmar, Mrs. Pince, Lady Downe's, and Alicante. There were many bunches of these from 2 lb. to 4 lb. in weight, well-coloured and handsome bunches. There were in the fruit-room some excellent bunches of Trebbiano and Muscat of Alexandria, especially the latter, and it would appear from the appearance of the two varieties named that the last-mentioned would run the other hard in its keeping properties, and if so there is no question as to which is preferable and best flavoured. C. Warden, The Gardens, Clarendon Park, Salisbury.

TRADE MEMORANDUM.

THE address of Samuel Hawley, lately carrying on business at Forest Gate, is asked for.