these influences the rush of growth in plant life is such as to be scarcely conceivable by the inhabitants of cool climates, where the exciting effects of rapid transitions of this kind in the weather are unknown. The natural result of this quick development is that the season's growth is quickly completed; after this a stop is put to shoot extension by the exhaustion of moisture in the soil and its proportionate absence in the atmosphere, brought about by the dry rainless period that follows the deluging rainfall. Then comes stagnation, which in its turn extends for a longer or shorter period, according to the nature of the climate of the particular country. In parts of England, where the exceptional drought of the past summer and autumn was greatest, here was seen something of the influences which an over-dry condition of the soil annually exerts on plant life. The fine warm autumn through which we passed had not the effect of forwarding the growth of plants that usually start early into activity to near the extent that enerally occurs in a mild autumn. Snowdrops, Crocuses, Scillas, and others, first to greet the dawn. ing year with their leaves pushing through the soil, are backward. Many shrubs and trees that usually by the prominence of their buds at the commencement of the year show the effects of a protracted summer, are now small and motionless; fruit trees especially, as also bush fruits, are in this state—a condition, happily, which conduces in no slight degree to the chances of a favourable blooming time, which, needless to say, is indispensable to a fruitful season. T. Baines. Foster's Seedling as a "Stock."-In reply to "H.'s" query as to whether Foster's Seedling Vine was a suitable stock for inarching upon, my experience leads me, without the least hesitation, to say Yes. I may mention Grapes (Madresfield Court) produced by the above union were awarded 1st prize at Read. ing and Crystal Palace shows, August, 1881. E. Crump, Ranelagh Gardens, Leamington. Cucumber Growing.-Thinking probably Mr. Longthaw would communicate to the Gardeners' Chronicle the information asked for by your correspondent, "F. B. T.," respecting his (Mr. Longthaw's) method of Cucumber growing, I did not deem it prudent to reply at once to the observations made by the same correspondent on this subject respecting myself, but as no article has appeared in two recent issues of the Gardeners' Chronicle I think it my duty now to reply. In the first place I must ask "F. B. T." to read with more care the article of Mr. Longthaw before he criticises mine, as the question asked was for the average per plant, and not per square yard, as "F. B. T." seems to think; and he also states I was less successful as a grower than Mr. Longthaw by just 20 per cent. I suppose this is based on the average per square yard. Now I am one amongst many others who greatly object to this method of calculating the success of a Cucumber grower. For instance, should I plant a new vinery with Cucumber plants (as I frequently have done) with a rafter of 18 or 20 feet, and get what would be termed a good crop of Cucumbers if they had been grown in a 13 feet span Cucumber-house, but taking into consideration the dimensions of the vinery the crop would be insignificant. For I contend that if Cucumber plants are properly pruned and attended to they ought to cover a space of about 6 or 8 feet, that is, 3 or 4 feet on each side of the rafter. Those I grew to produce the average of over nine dozen did not exceed 5 feet in height, as my then employer can testify. Alfred Bishop, The Gardens, Abbotsford, Burgess Hill, Sussex. Selecting Potato Sets.-There is a good deal in this, much more than people imagine, and one reason of Potato exhibitors growing such fine and handsome samples is owing to the care with which their planting sets are seltected. The champion exhibitor of the season-Mr. J. Hughes, of Eydon Hall Gardens, states that when he proceeds to select the sets he intends to plant he chooses them according to the variety; if it is a weakly growing variety, good sized tubers are put on one side for planting; if the variety be a strong growing one, medium-sized sets will be selected, and these are cut in two at planting time, all the eyes being removed but one. In the case of varieties of medium growth, medium-sized tubers are also selected, but these are planted uncut, as in the case of the varieties of weakly growth, all the eyes being removed excepting those which Mr. Hughes denominates the crown eyes. The planting sets are selected as soon as the Potato crops are lifted, they are then put upon shelves in a cool shed; care is taken to select sets of the best shape. Whether this helps the production of handsome tubers or not, Mr. Hughes is not prepared to say, but he adopts the practice on the ground that good-shaped tubers may just as well be planted as ungainly ones. R. D. [The fine samples seen at exhibitions are the produce of kinds that are too often quite unfit for the tables, such exhibitions proving a snare to those who do not know : there are Potatos for eating, and others that are fit to please the eye only. ED.] ROBERTSON v. RALSTON AND OTHERS Bowling Green Dispute at Campeltown, Argyleshire. -This action, with the consent of both parties, was raised in the Sheriff Court of Ayr, and after several hearings before the Sheriff Substitute the case was remitted by consent of both parties to Mr. James Anderson, Meadowbank Nurseries, Uddingston, the Sheriff appointing Mr. Anderson judicial referee, and the following are his findings and notes, which sufficiently explain the nature of the case : In terms of your Lordship's remit of December 5' 1884, I made a personal inspection of the bowling-green at Campeltown; and after taking evidence of parties concerned in conjoined actions, and hearing procurators, find as follows: " " (1.) That in respect to the items in specification under the heading "stone bottoming,' engine-ashes bottoming," and "sand bottoming," that they have not been put down by the contractor in uniform layers in terms of specification, but that the committee or their inspector, or both, homologated the alteratlons while the work was proceeding. (2.) That the item in specification under the heading of "turf" is not satisfactory, a part of first cargo, and nearly the whole of the second cargo, being wet when laid, and overheated in transit or in bulk on or about the premises, consequently the turf during the season contracted, and the grasses died, mainly from want of forethought and attention on the part of the contractor, and in part from not being watered when the turves were laid. (3.) The extra items charged by the contractor have been mainly due to the interference, and have had more or less the tacit sanction, of the committee. (4.) Find, on the whole, that on the contractor supplying and putting down on the grounds adjoining the Good Templar's Hall 500 square yards of Irvine turf, cut in terms of specification, that the committee pay him a balance of £84 8s. 11d. sterling, being the difference between items of specification amounting to £190, together with extras of 29 8s. 8d. and the sums paid on account either to or for the contractor. (5.) Find each of the parties liable to pay their own expenses and half fees and costs in the conjoined actions. (Signed) James Anderson. Fanuary 14, 1885. NOTE. This contract from beginning to end has not been conducted on business principles. The contractor draws out his own specifications, the committee accept them unconditionally, and the work is little more than begun before extra excavation is suggested by the contractor, and permitted by the committee, and consequently additional expenses incurred. The committee may have considered if the contractor sold the sand excavated beyond the cubical dimensions of what was scheduled, he was held bound to replace with a material of a satisfactory character, but there is no stipulation by letter or otherwise in evidence to that effect. Then as to the respective layers of stone bottoming, ashes and sand, while the committee and their inspector declare in evidence that they were all along dissatisfied with the work as being disconform to specification, they not only allow it to proceed, but aid and abet the alterations, and latterly do a considerable portion of the foundation work during the contractor's absence. As to the "rubble bottoming," which was specified to come from "Weir's Quarry," there seems to have been an abundance, but of a more costly character than the contractor had estimated for; and the committee, instead of exacting, as they might have done, for bottoming of this quality, conjoin to permit the contractor to break through this item of the specification, and go along with him to places at much greater distance to get the requisite quantity, which appears according to evidence to have been of a very indifferent quality throughout. Therefore, in so far as regards the foundation work of the bowling green, the committee have, no doubt somewhat unwisely, homologated the doings of the contractor, and consequently are entitled to pay him for the several extra items charged in his statement of account. The "turfing" is exceedingly unsatisfactory. Th first and second cargos of turf particularly had been stowed away in the holds of the respective vessels along with other goods. The turves appear to have been shipped in a wettish condition, fermentation to a greater or less degree ensued, most of the grasses perished and what little life was left was not conserved as it ought to have been. Moreover, the turf, if placed at all in a radesmanlike manner, closely fitting together at first (which looking to the green as it stands now is somewhat upen to doubt), would never have contracted to the extent of each layer being separate on a moist winter day to the extent of a full inch throughout unless they had been thoroughly saturated when laid. No doubt, judicious sanding, watering, and rolling, together with close shaving or mowing from the month of July, when it was so-called finished, to the end of October, would have helped appearances much, but nothing has been done. What was both the contractor's and the committee's business to correct remains uncorrected. It is not denied that the committee through their convener or inspector ordered and paid of their own accord for the watering of the first portion of the turf when laid. By doing so they interposed authority and assumed a responsibility which generally belongs to the contractor, at least until the work is finished, and consequently the referee cannot rid them of a portion of the onus and its consequences of the bowling-green being in the plight that it is. The award must therefore strike at both parties, the contractor to supply the 500 square yards of turves same as specified, 12 inches wide, by 14 inches by 2 inches, and the committee to engage their own man and provide the funds for the laying of the same and finishing it. J. A. EDINBURGH BOTANICAL: Jan. 8. The third meeting of the Society for the session was held at 5, St. Andrew Square, Professor Dickson, President in the chair. PALMS. Mr. Lindsay gave notes on some of the large Palms at present growing in the Palm-stove at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, a portion of which will appear in our columns next week. PYTHIUM ON DAHLIAS. A note was communicated from Messrs. Owen, Gorey, Ireland, on "The Occurrence of Pythium De Baryanum on the Roots of Dahlias. The fungus at first appeared as brown patches, which gradually spread into the substance of the tuber. When microscopically examined it was identified by Mr. Worthington Smith as the above form. It was noticed that the cells invaded by the fungus hypha were filled with bodies exactly resembling sphere crystals of inulin, while those in the normal condition had liquid contents. SAPROLEGNIA. Dr. Macfarlane exhibited and described specimens of a Saprolegnia from the body of a blackbird found floating in a water-cistern. The fungoid growth on the submerged part of the body was wholly zoogonidial, while the portion immediately above water was oogonidial. From several experiments subsequently made, he considered that the presence of the two generations under the above conditions was frequent. He drew attention also to the excellent results obtained by preserving such fungi in chrom-acetic acid, the microscopic appearances remaining quite as in the fresh state. NEPENTHES, &c. Dr. Macfarlane exhibited pitchers of Nepenthes and Heliamphora nutans received from Messrs. Burbidge and Veitch. The Nepenthes included N. villosa, Edwardsiana, Harryana, Rajah, sanguinea, Northiana, cincta, Lowii, and bicalcarata. He mentioned that in N. Lowii the digestive glands at the bottom of the pitcher were so large and densely arranged as to resemble a piece of shagreen. In Heliamphora nutans he pointed out a very striking resemblance in the young state to pitchers of Sarracenia rubra, this being departed from more and more as the pitchers became older. THE WEATHER AND THE PLANTS. Mr. Lindsay gave a report on vegetation at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, for December, 1884. -Frost was registered on twenty mornings during the past month of December, indicating collectively 88°; during the same month of 1883, 22° only were registered. Although frost has thus been pretty constant throughout the month, yet it has not been very severe at any particular time, the lowest point reached being 12° of frost. On the 23d more or less frost occurred every night from the 15th till the end of the month. A slight fall of snow took place on the evening of the 16th, which had not altogether disappeared by the end of the month owing to the recurring frost at nights. The highest day tem perature was 50°, which was registered on five occasions between the 6th and the 14th; the lowest was 29° on the 22d of the month. The lowest night readings were on the 220, 22°; 23d, 20°; 26th, 22°; 29th, 24°; 30th, 27°; and the highest morning readings were on the 3d, 44; 7th, 46; 11th, 43°; 13th, 46°; 14th, 45°. The following six species of plants came into flower, on the rock garden, during the month, viz., Crocus byzantinus, Helleborus niger angustifolius, H. orientalis, H. albicans major, H. purpurascens var.; Hepatica triloba, making a total of 1121 species and well marked varieties as having flowered during the past year. At the meeting of the Society on January io last, Mr. Lindsay exhi bited flowers of fifty-three species of plants which were gathered out-of-doors; to-day only twenty-six species could be found, none of which are typical spring flowers. LONDON: Atmospheric Pressure. - During the week ending January 17, the reading of the barometer at the level of the sea decreased from 29.06 inches at the beginning of the week to 28.91 inches by 9 A.M, on the 11th, increased to 29.72 inches by 3 P.M. on the 13th, decreased to 29.71 inches by midnight on the same day, increased to 29.99 inches by 9 A. M., and decreased to 29.98 inches by 3 P. M. on the 15th, increased to 30.06 inches by 9 A.M. on the 16th, decreased to 29.99 inches by 3 P.M. on the same day, and was 30.11 inches by the end of the week. The mean reading of the barometer for the week was 29.76 inches, being 0.20 inch lower than last week, and 0.15 inch below the average of the week. Temperature.—The highest temperature in the shade in the week was 44°, on the 11th; the highest on the 13th was 35°. The mean of the seven high day temperatures was 38°.4. The lowest temperature was 29°.5, on the 13th; on the 11th the lowest temperature was 37°.1. The mean of the seven low night temperatures was 31°.6. The greatest range of temperature in one day was 8.5, on the 15th; the smallest was 5°.5, on the 13th and 14th. The mean of the seven daily ranges was 6°.8. The mean temperatures were-on January 11, 40°. I ; on the 12th, 33°.1; on the 13th, 32°; on the 14th, 33°.2; on the 15th, 34°.6; on the 16th, 35°.4; on the 17th, 34°.9; and these were all below their averages (excepting the 11th, which was 3°.8 above) by 3°.3, 4°.4, 3°.3, 1°.9, 1o.3 and 1°.9 respectively. The mean temperature of the week was 34°.8, being 20.7 lower than last week, and 1°.8 below the average of the week. The highest reading of a thermometer with blackened bulb in vacuo placed in the full rays of the sun was 67°, on the 11th. The mean of the seven readings was 51°.7. The lowest reading of a minimum thermometer with its bulb placed on grass was 20°, on the 13th. The mean of the seven readings was 22°.8. Rain.-Rain fell on five days to the amount of 0.25 inch. ENGLAND: Temperature.-During the week ending January 17 the highest temperatures were 51°, at Plymouth and Leeds, and 49°.7 at Nottingham. The highest at Bolton was 40°.2, at Hull 41°, at Liverpool 42°. The general mean was 45°.7. The lowest temperatures were at Wolverhampton, 25°.1, at Cambridge 25°.2, at Bolton 25°.7; the highest at Leeds, 31°, at Liverpool 30°.9, at Nottingham 30°.8. The general mean was 28°.4. The greatest ranges were 24°.4 at Wolverhamp⚫ ton, 22° at Plymouth, 20° at Bradford and Leeds; the smallest ranges were 11°.1 at Liverpool, 13° at Sheffield, 14° at Hull. The general mean was 17°.3. The mean of the seven high day temperatures was highest at Plymouth, 42°.5, at Truro 42°.3, at Preston 40°.9; and was lowest at Bolton, 37.4, at Hull 37°.6, at Brighton 37°.8. The general mean was 39°.4. The mean of the seven low night temperatures was highest at Truro, 34°.3, at Liverpool 33°.8, at Preston 33°.6; and was lowest at Wolverhampton, 29°.7, at Cambridge 30°.2, at Bolton 30°.5. The general mean was 32°.1. The mean daily range was greatest at Plymouth, 9°.3, at Wolverhampton 9°, at Bradford 8°.7; and was least at Liverpool, 4°.9, at Brighton 5°.8, at Sheffield 5°.9. The general mean was 7°.3. The mean temperature was highest at Truro, 38°.1, at Plymouth 37°.7, at Preston 37°. ; and was lowest at Bolton, 33°.7, at Cambridge 33°. 8, at Hull 33°.9. The general mean was 35°.6. Rain. The largest falls were 0.85 inch at Nottingham, 0.80 inch, at Hull, 0.64 inch at Bradford; the smallest falls were 0.03 inch at Liverpool, 0.06 inch at Truro and Bolton. The general mean fall was 0.33 inch. SCOTLAND: Temperature.-During the week ending January 17, the highest temperature was 46°.7, at Edinburgh; at Dundee the highest was 39°.8. The general mean was 42°.7. The lowest temperature in the week was 20°, at Perth; at Leith the lowest temperature was 31°.8. The general mean was 25°.9. The mean temperature was highest at Leith, 36°; and lowest at Perth, 31°.1. The general mean was 34°.2. Rain. The largest fall was 0.49 inch, at Edinburgh and Aberdeen; the smallest fall was o°.01 inch at Greenock. The general mean was 0.30 inch. JAMES GLAISHER, F.R.S. SUMMARY OF TEMPERATURE, RAINFALL, AND DURATION OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE in the United Kingdom, for agricultural and sanitary purposes, for the week ending Monday, January 19, 1885; issued by the Meteorological Office, 116, Victoria Street, London, S.W. :- The weather has continued in a cloudy, gloomy condition in most parts of Great Britain, with some fog or haze and a few showers of cold rain or sleet; over Ireland, however, the sky has been rather clearer, and the rainfall very slight. The temperature has been below the mean in all districts, the deficit ranging from 2° in "England, N.E.," to as much as 6° in "England, S. W.,' and Ireland, S.," and 7° in "Ireland, N.," and the "Channel Islands." The maxima, which were recorded on the 18th or 19th in Ireland and Scotland, and on various dates over England, ranged from 39° to 44° in most districts to 46° in "Ireland, S.," and the "Channel Islands." The minima were generally registered on the 15th, when the thermometer fell to 16° in "Scotland, N.," 18° in " Scotland, E.," and to between 23° and 31° elsewhere. During the greater part of the week the diurnal range was very slight. The rainfall has about equalled its normal value in England, but has been less in all other districts, the percentages of possible duration varying from 32 in "Ireland, N.," and 28 in "Ireland, S.," to less than 4 over the greater part of England; while in "England, N.E.," bright sunshine has continued altogether absent. Depressions observed.-Beyond an irregularly shaped disturbance which was shown over Holland and the south of Denmark as the week commenced, there have been no depressions of importance in our neighbourhood, the distribution of pressure over northwestern Europe being anti-cyclonic. During the earlier part of the time the highest pressures lay off our north-western coasts, and the lowest over the south of France; but as the week progressed the former was slowly transferred to the south of Scandinavia, and the latter to the south-west of our Islands. The wind, after blowing freshly from the north at the opening of the period, subsequently became fresh or strong from the north-east and east, and finally moderate or light from the east or south east. Obituary. DEATH OF MR. ROBERT T. VEITCH, OF WE regret to announce the death of Mr. R. T. VEITCH, of the Exotic Nurseries, Exeter, he being the last surviving son of the late Mr. James Veitch, of Exeter. Mr. Veitch had been in failing health for some time past, and had resided at Torquay during the last two winters, his death taking place at his residence there on Sunday, the 18th inst. In early life Mr. Veitch studied farming near Slough. He then went out to Smyrna as manager of an extensive corn-growing estate there, some time after removing to the Cape of Good Hope, and settling down as a squatter farmes in that colony. In the winter of 1856 he returned to Exeter, and joined his father in the management of the wellknown nursery there. Since the death of his father he has been the sole partner in the nurseries at Exeter, until about two years ago, when his son, Mr. Peter Veitch (who was previously at the Chelsea establishment), joined him as a partner in the Exeter nursery. Mr. Veitch had an extensive knowlege of the pomology of the Western Counties, whilst he rendered service to horticuture in introducing and placing in commerce some plants of rare interest and beauty, such as, for instance, the greenhouse Rhododendron (R. exoniense), and the beautiful climber, Tacsonia exoniensis, the popular Adiantum Farleyense, &c. The Exeter newspapers, in a long obituary notice, speak highly of Mr. Veitch as a citizen. He was sixty-two years of age, and leaves a widow and eight children-four sons and four daughters. The nurseries and seed business will be carried on by his son (Mr. Peter Veitch) under the same title as formerly, namely, Robert Veitch & Son. MR. PETER CLIFFE. The subject of this notice had served the Egerton family (of Tatton) as gardener for nearly half a century, first as foreman in the gardens at Tatton Park, and eight years subsequently as gardener to Lord Egerton of Tatton, at Mere Hall, till his Lordship's succession to the Tatton estates and title in 1857, when Mr. Cliffe went with him, fulfilling his duties with great ability and faithfulness until his Lordship's decease in the beginning of the year 1883. The death of his employer was a severe blow to Mr. Cliffe, whose health had been failing for many years, the result of severe inflammation. He, however, was one of those old servants chosen by the present Lord Egerton to continue his services at Tatton Park, which he did until September last, when he was obliged by his failing health to retire from active life, and there is no doubt that his retirement affected him painfully in his then weak state. His Lordship kindly allowed him to retire on a pension of £1 per week. During the last few weeks of his illness Lady Egerton constantly visited him, which cheered him very much, bringing fruit and flowers. MRS. J. SHIRley Hibberd. On the 21st inst., at The Priory Park, Kew, of peritonitis, Ellen, second wife of J. Shirley Hibberd. Enquiries. "He that questioneth much shall learn much."-BACON. HORTICULTURAL BOILERS. - Cruciform writes :"While the correspondence is going on in your paper as to which is the most economical boiler for private and public gardens, will any reader kindly give his or their experience with the old Cruciform boiler (not the modern Cruciform saddle)? I fear, in these days of new inventions, this fine old boiler is nearly, or quite, lost sight of. If any one can give it a good word I will be pleased to add my testimony as to the value of the above old form of boiler." MYOSOTIDIUM NOBILE.-What is the proper soil and situation for this fine plant? D. Answers to Correspondents. ADDRESS: W. Reid. Botanic Garden, Chelsea, S. W. BOOKS: M. M. M. The Rose Amateur's Guide, by T. Rivers, affords ample information as to the propagation of Roses and their culture in pots; published by Longmans, Green & Co., London. The Clematis as a Garden Flower, by T. Moore, F.L.S., and G. Jackman, of the Woking Nursery, is one of the best and cheapest works on the Clematis; sold by G. Jackman & Son, Woking Nursery, Surrey.-W. W. Fruit Farming for Profit, by G. Bunyard, Maidstone; to be had of E. Stanford, Charing Cross, or of F. Bunyard, 29, Week Street, Maidstone. CORRIGENDA.-On p. 58, col. 2, fourteenth line from the bottom, "waxing" should read "coaxing." CYPRIPEDIUM INSIGNE: Constant Reader. Yes, it is unusual for Cypripedium insigne to carry two flowers on one stalk. It is considered to be the result of extra vigour in the plant. DISEASED PINE TREE: E. V. We are not able to say what caused the death of the tree. The bark is perforated by the grubs of a wood-eating beetle, but we do not think the insects caused the death of the tree. INSECTS: H. L. The heart of your Echeveria is eaten out by the larvae of the brown weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus). Sift the earth carefully, and bake it, if necessary, before repotting the plants. 7. O. W. LEAF FROM SURFACE OF APPLE: X. Rare, but not unprecedented. Pliny describes a variety which produced one or two leaves from the side: "Melofoliis folium unum aliquando et geminum erumpit e latere medio." Lib. xv., cap. xiv. LIST OF PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR PENSIONS FROM THE GARDENERS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION: Constant Reader. Ours was the correct one. NAME OF BUSINESS HOUSE: C. W. S. A nurseryman at Cape Town, dealing largely in African bulbs, is Mr. Charles Ayres. NAMES OF FRUIT: Fowler, Leeds. Your Apple is named the Plum Apple.-7. H. R. Not recognised. -W. & G. Brown. Probably Golden Reinette.T. Cripps & Sons. 20, Beauty of Kent; 42, Osborn Golden Reinette; 74, Mannington's Pearmain. NAMES OF PLANTS: F. P. W. So far as we can tell from small scraps without flowers your specimens are as follows. Another time please send not more than four at one time. I, the Irish Yew; 2, Taxus adpressa; 3. Picea orientalis; 4. Berberis dulcis ; 5. Leucothoe axillaris; 6, Gaultheria Shallon; 7, Vaccinium nitidum; 8, Ruscus racemosus; 9. Cotoneaster, sp.; 10, Tsuga canadensis.-E. Thrupp. Zygopetalum Mackayi; the other indeterminable.-w.W. Hartland. Seedling varieties of Gladiolus Colvilli. It is a pretty variety, but an English name for it would be better than the French one.-H. H. No. 2 is Tracheliospermum jasminoides, which will do in the stove, if the highest night warmth does not exceed 60° in the winter; it is properly a greenhouse plant. PICEA PARRYANA GLAUCA: Fir Cone. The plants you mention are referable to two species, of each of which there is a glaucous variety, thus :-Picea Engelmanni (alias P. commutata) and P. Engelmanni var. glauca, Picea pungens (alias Parryana) and P. pungens glauca (alias Parryana glauca). The latter is by far the best as an ornamental tree. PLANTS FOR A TANK IN CONSERVATORY: A Constant Reider. Calla palustris, white, from January to August; Richardia æthiopica (Abyssinian Lily), from January to May, white; Cyperus alternifolius, January to September, greenish-white; Juncus zebrinus, with zebra-like markings on the leaves; Eichornea speciosa, a few blooms in early spring; Limnocharis Humboldtii, sometimes in winter. The treatment the plants will receive will have much to do with having them in bloom during the time they are wanted, viz., from September to April, as not many species bloom in that period, unless compelled to do so by special treatment. POSY: A. D. W. A contraction from "poesy," and originally applied to the copy of verses which accompanied the gift of a bunch of flowers, and ultimately, when versifying went out of fashion, to the flowers themselves. RAINFALL REGISTER: E. Gilman. It is not desirable to insert any more tabulated matter concerning the rainfall than our weather record contains; were we to do so we should be deluged. SCALDED LEAVES: H. H. Your Allamanda was scalded by the sun shining on the wet foliage. SECRETARY OF HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY: D. A secretary should not vote; he is present rather to record the proceedings. At the same time you have no rule to preclude him from doing so, and he should be as impartial as possible. VERONICA: B. Of the three possible ways of pronouncing this word we should say Veron-Ica is the most usual, Vero-nica the most pedantic, and Veroněēka the most correct-that is, if the Continental method of pronouncing Latin names (which is admitted by scholars to be more correct than our own) be adopted, as it will probably be. VINE GROWTH: A. F. The growth is due to an overgrowth of the cellular and vascular tissue of the Vine, the vessels in particular being greatly increased. It is probably the result of the puncture of an insect, but we do not know this for certain. FUNGUS-LIKE GROWTH ON CAMELLIAS: B. of B. These outgrowths of woody formation are peculiar to the genus, and also to others, and are often found on old trees which have snags from pruned-off branches, and decayed portions of stem in specimens that have been at any time in old age headed back. It will sometimes be seen in the stem when split by the wind FIG 24-WOODY EXCRESCENCE ON CAMELLIAS. twisting the head round. It is not in itself injurious although being usually a sign of declining vigour, and therefore is seldom seen in young bushes of the Camellia. It may be cut clean out, and the wound filled in with grafting-wax, "L'Homme Lefort," or plaster of Paris. Painting with gas-tar will also arrest its formation. VIVISECTION: B. No doubt it is not right to do a little evil even for a vast good, but the question arisesWhat is evil under such circumstances? Is it evil to extract a tooth, or dose an unwilling child with castor oil? These things in themselves are evil, but they are not done with evil motive-quite the reverse; and so, we suppose, they will continue to be done in spite of abstract morality. WHITE CINERARIA: 7. C. P. It is not uncommon. FOREIGN SUBSCRIBERS sending Post-Office Orders are requested to send them to the Publisher of this journal, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, and to make them payable to William Richards, at the PostOffice, Drury Lane, London, W.C. INTELLIGENT READERS, PLEASE NOTE. Letters relating to ADVERTISEMENTS, or to the supply of the Paper, should be addressed to the Publisher, and NOT to the Editor. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. FISHER, SON & SIBRAY, Sheffield and RotherhamDescriptive List of Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds, and Horticultural Requisites. DOBIE & MASON, 66, Dean Street, and 22, Oak Street, Manchester - Descriptive List of Reliable Seeds, &c., for the Garden and Farm. HOGG & WOOD, Coldstream-Garden Seeds and Novelties. T. MCKENZIE & SONS, 34, Dawson Street, DublinGarden Seeds. JAMES COCKER, Aberdeen-Perennials, Alpine, Bulbous, Tuberous-rooted. W. J. EPPS, Ringwood, Hants-Vegetable and Flower Seeds. W. RUMSEY, Waltham Cross-Select Seeds for Garden and Farm, and Seed Potatos. CLARK BROTHERS & Co., Carlisle-Garden Seeds. W. W. JOHNSON & SONS, Boston, Lincolnshire-List of Vegetable, Flower, and Farm Seeds. W. BAYLOR HARTLAND, Cork-Year-Book of Seeds. G. COOLING & SON, Bath-Vegetable and Flower Seeds, &c. W. INGLIS, Kelso, N. B.-Vegetable and Flower Seeds. JOHN GREEN, Thorpe, Norwich - Illustrated List of Plants. JOHN PERKINS & SONS, Northampton-Garden Seeds. T. SIBBALD, Bishop Auckland-Kitchen Garden and Flower Seeds. JACOB WRENCH & SONS, London Bridge, London- BRUANT, à Poitiers, Vienne, France-Special List of G. BRUCE, 36, Market Street, Aberdeen-Spring Catalogue of Seeds and Amateurs' Guide. PETER J. PERRY, Banbury-Vegetable and Flower Seeds. WILLIAM BULL, Chelsea, London-Select Flower and Vegetable Seeds. KENT & BRYDON, Darlington-Seed Guide. THE WESTERHAM NURSERY AND SEED COMPANYDescriptive List of Vegetable, Flower, and Agricultural Seeds. W. PIERCY, 89, West Road, Forest Hill, London, S. E.-Early or Summer Flowering Chrysanthemums and October blooming kinds. R. & G. NEALE, Wandsworth Common-Flower, Vegetable, and Agricultural Seeds, &c. COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.-H. Longford (shortly).-W. B. S. (next week).-W. Baxter.-W. Hurlestone -H. J. Smith. -0.0-J. D.-J. C.-J. Prewett.-A. G.-G W. R.-J. S. -J. McI.-W. W.-J. O. W.-H. L.-J. M.-J. K.G. DA. E.-R. M. C.-E. W. B.-J. S.-J. RCaroline B.-W. S.-E. S. D.-B. D. J-W. A.-Lucien Linden-J. H-M. Godefroy-Dr. Herdman.-C. V. Riley. J J. W.-W. E. G. s. d. s. d. Artichokes, per doz. 40-60 A paragus, English, per bundle ..12 0-14 0 French, bundle 20 0-30 0 Beans, Eng.. per 10 3 0Beet, per doz. 1 0 .. s. d. s. d. Lettuces. Cab., doz. 1 6-.. Mint, green, bunch.. 1 6Mushrooms, p. baskt. 1 o- 20 Onions, per bushel 40-.. Spring. per bun. o 6Parsley, per bunch.. 0 4-.. Peas, per lb. Cabbages, per doz... 1 6 2 0 Potatos, new, per ib o 6- 04-.. 4 0 CUT FLOWERS.-AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES. sinensis, 12 bun. 4 0 6 0 Roses (indoor), doz. 2 0 6 0 French, per doz. 1 0 3 0 Stokesia, 12 blooms I -.. Tropaeolum, 12 bun. 2 o- 4 0 Tuberoses, per doz.. 2 0-40 Tu'ips, 12 blooms 1016 I 610-16 Violets, 12 bun. French, bunch.. 2 6- 3 0 Parme, French, per bunch.. 709 Wal.flower, 12 bun.. 4 0Lily-of-Val,, za sprays 1 0 2 0 White Jasmine, bun, o 6-1 PLANTS IN POTS.-AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES. s. d. s. d. Aralia Sieboldi, doz. 6 0-24 o Arbor-vita (golden), per dozen.. 60-18 0 (common), dozen 6 0-12 o Arum Lilies, dozen 9 0-15 0 Azaleas, per dozen.. 18 0-42 o Begonias, per doz... 6 0-12 0 Bouvardia, dozen 9 0-18 0 Cinerarias, per doz.. 9 0 12 0 Cyclamens, per doz. 9 0-24 o Cyperus, per dozen 4 0-12 0 Dracena terminalis. per dozen ..30 0-60 0 viridis, per doz..12 0-24 o Epiphyllum, doz. ..18 0-24 o Erica, various, doz. 9 0-18 o Euonymus, various, s. d. s. d. ..2 0-10 O Ferns, in variety, per dozen .. 4 0-18 o Ficus elastica, each i 6-7 o Foliage Plants, various, each Hyacinths, per doz. 8 0-10 0 Roman, per pot 1 0-1 3 Marguerite Daisy, per dozen 8 0-15 0 Myrtles, per doz. ..6 0-12 0 Palms in variety, each Pelargoniums, scarlet, per dozen ..4 0-6 o Poinsettia, per doz. 9 0-15 o Primula sinensis, per dozen ..40-60 26-21 0 .. 90-12 0 6 0-18 o Solanums, dozen Tulips, dozen pots.. 8 0-10 0 per dozen.. Evergreens, in var., per dozen.. .. 6 0-24 0 SEEDS. LONDON: Jan. 21.-An increasing activity is now observable in the trade for farm seeds. More inquiries come to hand from the country, and a greater disposition is shown to purchase Clover seeds. No change, however, as regards values can be noted. American quotations come very firm. In spring Tares the tendency is in holder's favour. For Canary and Hemp seed the sale is not brisk; values unaltered. There is a better trade for blue boiling Peas and Haricot Beans. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, 37, Mark Lane, London, E.C. CORN. At Mark Lane on Monday trade was decidedly flat for English and foreign Wheats. Both were offered at 6d. less money, and met very few buyers. Flour also was very dull, and country marks were obtainable on easier terms. Barley, with diminished supplies offering, hardened in value. Grinding descriptions must be written 6d., and desirable malting qualities 6d. to IS. dearer on the week. There was no quotable change in the value of Beans or Peas. Lentils ruled Is. over the previous Monday's rates. Round Maize was very scarce at dearer rates, but flat corn was cheaper at 245. Oats were firmly held, last Friday's advance of 3d. from the previous Monday being maintained.-On Wednesday Wheat was very flat, and to sell even in moderate quantity lower rates must have been accepted. Flour ruled dull, with a drooping tendency. Barley met a steady inquiry, and Monday's advance was well maintained on both malting and grinding descriptions. Beans and Peas were in moderate request, at steady value. Oats in some cases showed rather dearer rates. Round Maize continued firm, but flat corn was easier. Average prices of corn for the week ending Jan. 17:-Wheat, 345. 2d.; Barley, 325. 3d.; Oats, 20s. Id. For the corresponding period last year :-Wheat, 38s. 9d; Barley, 32s. 3d. ; Oats, 19s. 3d. CATTLE. At Copenhagen Fields on Monday, with a smaller supply of cattle, and especially the primer kinds, a few lots sold in the early trade at rather better prices, but the improvement was not general. Quotations were, however, more evenly supported. With full supplies, the sheep trade was slow, and our top quotation was rather exceptional, 5s. 10d. being a more general top figure. Very iew prime calves were on offer, and rates in some measure nominal Quotations:-Beasts, 45. to 55. 2d., and 5s. 4d. to 5s. 8d. ; calves, 3s. 8d. to 5s. 8d.; sheep, 45. 6d. to 5s., and 5s. 4d. to 6s.; pigs, 3s. 8d. to 45. 4d.-Thursday's cattle trade was quiet. Beasts were in short supply, and sold slowly at barely Monday's rates. Sheep were dull of sale at the rates recorded above; and calves and pigs were quiet. HAY. Tuesday's Whitechapel Market report states that there were large supplies, with an exceedingly dull trade, at a reduction of is. on the top price of hay. Quotations :Clover, prime, gos. to 1075.; inferior, 46s. to 73s. ; prime second cut, gos. to 107s. ; hay, prime, 8os. to 94s. ; inferior, 30s. to 65s. ; and straw, 225. to 36s. per load.On Thursday there was a large supply. Trade was very dull, and hay sold for less money.-Cumberland Market quotations :-Clover, best, 90s. to 105s.; interior, 60s. to 84s.; meadow hay, best, 845. to 92s.; inferior, 60s. to 80s. ; and straw, 26s. to 345. per load. POTATOS. The report from the Borough market states that the supply was good, and the demand quiet with prices steady. Quotations :-Kent Regents, 70s. to 80s. ; Scotch ditto, 8os. to 100s. ; Victorias, 70s. to gos.; Magnum Bonums, 50s. to 80s.; Champions, 50s. to 6os. ; French, 40s. to 50s. per ton. COALS. The following are the prices current at market during the week :-Broomhill West Hartley, 14s. 6d.; Bebside West Hartley, 145. 9d.; East Wylam, 15s. 6d.; Walls End-Tyne (unscreened), 11s. 3d.; Lambton, 18s. 6d.; Hetton, 19s.; Hetton Lyons, 175.; Wear, 175.; Hulam, 175. 3d.; East Hartlepool, r8s. 3d.; South Hartlepool, 175. 3d.; Tees, 19s. 3d. Government Stock.-Consols closed on Monday and Tuesday at 99 to 99 for delivery, and 99 to 991 for the account. Wednesday's figures were 99 to 99 for delivery, and 991 to 100 for the account. Thursday's closing figures were 99 to 100 for delivery, and 991 to 100 for the account." 50 Bushels BRANKNEY MARROW PEAS.-The best Late Green Marrow Pea extant. Price 60s. per quarter. Sample on application. JOHN ETHERINGTON DIXON, 21 and 23, Lord Street, Gainsborough. New, Choice, and Rare Seeds. W. THOMPSON, SEEDSMAN, 34, Tavern Street, Ipswich, begs to inform his numerous Patrons and Amateur Horticulturists in general, that the Thirtieth Edition of CATALOGUE of Flower Seeds is now ready, and will be sent to any intending purchaser, post-free. It includes many seeds not to be had elsewhere. GARDEN REQUISITES. COCOA-NUT FIBRE REFUSE., 4d. per bushel; 100 for 25s.; truck (loose, about 2 tons), 40s.; 4-bushel bags, 4d each. LIGHT BROWN FIBROUS PEAT, 5s. 6d. per sack; 5 sacks, 25s.; sacks, 4d each. BLACK FIBROUS PEAT, 55. per sack, 5 sacks 225.; sacks, 4d. each. COARSE SILVER SAND, 15. 9d. per bushel; 15s. per half SPHAGNUM MOSS, 8s. 6d. per sack. BACCO CLOTH, RUSSIA MATS, &c. Write for Free ARDEN REQUISITES as supplied to the Royal Gardens.-Best Quality. Cocoa-Nut Fibre Refuse, 15. per sack; 30 for 255.-bags included. Trucks (containing 2 Tons) 255., free on Rail. Best Brown Fibrous Kent Peat, 5s. per sack; 5 for 22s. 6d.; 10 for 355. Black Fibrous Peat, 35. 6d. per sack; 10 for 30s. Coarse Bedford Sand, Is. 3d. per bushel; tas. per 1⁄2-ton; 22s. per ton. Loam, Leaf-Mould, and Peat- Mould, Is. per bushel. Guano, Crushed Bones, &c. Finest Tobacco lb.; 28 lb. for 18s. Spécialité Tobacco Paper, MEREDITH'S VINE AND GENEPAL PLANT MANURE. Manufactured by Joseph Meredith, lats of GREAT INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION, held at Hamburg-The MASSIVE SILVER CUP given by Her Majesty QUEEN VICTOHIA for the Best Specimen of Grapes was awarded to JOSEPH MEREDITH. This and other famous successes largely attributab'e to the use of this celebrated Manure. Used regularly in most of the leading establishments in the United Kingdom. CIRCULARS, with price and full directions for use, free on application to JAMES MEREDITH, Seedsman, &c, 126, BRIDGE STREET, WARRINGTON. EUREKA!! INSECTICIDE. Prepared by WILLIAM SMITH, Chemist, Stockbridge, Edinburgh Highest Award, Forestry Exhibition, Edinburgh. "Clovenfords, by Galashiels, N. B., July 25, 1883. "Mr. SMITH,-Dear Sir,-We have now tried your Insec icide on all the Insects we can find on any of our Plants, inchiding Orchids, and used as directed by you we find it instant destruction to them all, while it neither stains nor injure the tenderest leaf. We shall in future use no Fir-tree Oil, or other Insecticide but yours.-We are, yours truly, CORRY, "WILLIAM THOMSON AND SONS." WHOLESALE AGENTS: SOPER, FOWLER & CO., 18, Finsbury Street, London, E.C. VINE and PLANT MANURE. The LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL COMPANY (JOHN COWAN), Limited, will in future sell their celebrated MANURE under the name of "COWAN'S VINE and PLANT MANURE," in place of "THOMSON'S VINE and PLANT MANURE." The composition will be the same, and the high quality in every way be maintained. Bags containing I cwt., 18s.; cwt., 9s. 6d. ; cwt., 55.; cwt, 35. Circulars, with full particulars, on application to THE LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL CO. (JOHN COWAN), LIMITED, THE VINEYARD, GARSTON. BEESON'S MANURE Is the best for all Horticultural Purposes. Sold in Tins at 1s., 2s. 6d., and 10s 6d. each; also in W.H. Beeson, Carbrook Bone Mills, Sheffield. Testimonials from the Rev. Canon Hole, and most of the leading Gardeners, free on application. Pure Crushed Unboiled BONES, any size, for Vine Borders, &c. WHOLESALE AGENTS IN LONDON, CORRY, SOPER, FOWLER & CO. (Limited). 12-oz Sample Packets, free by post, 12 stamps. PEAT for ORCHIDS, &C. SILVER SAND, coarse, 1s. 3d. per bush., 12s. half ton, 225. ton RAFFIA FIBRE, best only.. 8d. per lb. TOBACCO CLOTH, finest imported 8d. lb., 28 lb. 18s. TOBACCO PAPER (Spécialité) 8d. lb., 28 lb. 18s. MUSHROOM SPAWN, finest Milltrack.. 55. per bushel. SPHAGNUM MOSS, all selected 25. per bush., 6s. per sack. COCOA-NUT FIBRE REFUSE (by Chubb's special process), sacks, Is. each; 10 sacks, 9s.; 15 sacks, 135.; 20 sacks, 175. 30 sacks, 255.; 40 sacks, 30s. Truck-load, loose, free on rail, 30s. Limited quantities of G., special quality, granulated, in sacks only, 25. each. Terms, strictly Cash with order. CHUBB, ROUND & CO., WEST FERRY ROAD, MILWALL, LONDON, E. Stove Plants, &c., £66s. per Truck. BLACK FIBROUS PEAT, for Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Heaths, American Plant Beds, 158. per ton per Truck. Sample Bag, 5s.; 5 Bags, 225. td.; 10 Bags, 455. Bags included. Fresh SPHAGNUM, 10s 6d, per Bag. SILVER SAND, Coarse or Fine, 525. per Truck of 4 tons. WALKER AND CO.. Farnborough Station, Hants. EPPS'S SELECTED PEAT.-Forty sacks, 2s. 6d. per sack; 30 ditto, 25. 9d.; 20 ditto, 35. 6d. : ro ditto, 4s. 6d. ; sacks, 6d. each. In trucks of 14 cubic yards, 11. per yard. For Rhododendrons and common purposes, 145. per ton, not less than four tons; sample sack, 2s. 6d. LOAM, SAND, LEAF-MOULD, SPHAGNUM, &c. See Special List, also for the Trade. Ringwood, Hants. VINE and PLANT MANURE.-This Manure is now solely manufactured by us, on our premises here, and to be had through all Nursery and Seedsmen, or direct from us. We will be happy to forward descriptive circulars in reply to applications, containing terms, &c. W. THOMSON AND SONS, Tweed Vineyard, Clovenfords by Galasheils. THOMSON'S Gardeners Chronicle. SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 1885. O one approaching the grey shores of Albion from the "other side," and witnessing the low cliffs of Ramsgate or the barren sea wall between Dover and Folkestone, would imagine that westward of the latter town, between that rising port and the long low flats of Romney Marsh, there was a district which may fairly bear the title we have given it,. Geologists and naturalists know that the Warren on the east is a place to revel in, but few of them would choose it as a winter residence, or think that within a mile or two westward there is an undercliff which from the mildness of its climate and the luxuriance of its vegetation might fairly vie, save in extent, with the better known district in the Isle of Wight; yet within a mile or two of Folkestone, at the base of the Greensand cliffs, is a district where Camellias grow into large bushes, covered in the season with thousands of blooms, which would do no discredit to a conservatory; where the Blue Gum, Eucalyptus globulus, rears its head regardless of frost (in ordinary winters); where the Hawthorn-scented Aponogeton clothes the pools with its singular white flowers; and where Hydrangeas luxuriate as they might in some corner of Devonshire: one measured some 45 feet round, by 5 feet in height. Yet all these may be seen at Enbrooke and at Encombe, both gardens at the back of the long straggling town of Sandgate, facing due south to the sea, and backed up on the north by cliffs of sand and clay-treacherous because filled with water, which percolates through the sand to the clay, and renders the latter slippery to a degree, that houses crack and have to be rebuilt on safer sites. At Enbrooke, the seat of Lord Pelham, are the Camellias we spoke of. There, too, is a fine Araucaria, covered with male catkins; there is a massive Pine of the Tæda section, with groups of evergreen Oaks, Hollies, and Irish Yews. Arbutus thrives, and Cupressus macrocarpa, where not exposed to wind, forms a dense green shelter that recalls the glorious belts of the fine Conifers around the Laureate's residence at Freshwater. The Pinaster grows, it is true, to large size, but its gaunt trunks and scraggy branches, even though laden with cones, are not attractive. The mansion stands back on rising ground with a full view of the sea and backed by plantations nestling under the bare hills known to military men as Shorncliff. It is a house of many gables overlooking a terrace-garden with radiating flower-beds, glowing with colour even in November-Vesuvius, Tom Thumb, and Beauty of Calderdale Pelargonium, and the purple velvet Spitfire Petunia lending colour even so late in the season. Erica arborea forms bushes that once more recall the Genoese hills, and along one side of the property runs a ravine clad with Rhododendrons and Ferns, and ablaze in spring with Narcissus, Hoop Petticoats, and other bulbs which thrive as if to the manor born. The glass |