insect only, and that the female has a parasitic beetle of the genus Brachytarsus attached to it, as is the case in some European species of Coccidæ.

TEASELS.

Col. Clarke showed specimens of the cultivated Teasel, grown in Northamptonshire, with a smaller form, probably introduced with foreign seed, and referred to Mr. Ridley for identification.

CYCLAMEN.

From Mr. Clarke, of Twickenham, came a speci men of Cyclamen, showing curious outgrowths from the upper surface of the leaves, as well as from the petals, to which we shall hereafter refer more at length.

CANKER ON HAWTHORN.

Mr. Plowright sent specimens illustrative of the peculiar appearance left on Hawthorn twigs after the death of the spawn of Roestelia lacerata, as determined after actual experiment.

CHIMONANTHUS GRANDIFLorus.

Fruits and a seedling plant from Mr. Noble were shown. The two seed-leaves are very large, like those of the Beech, but much thicker, and dark green in colour.

PRIMULAS.

Mr. Henslow showed illustrations of flowers gradually losing their brilliancy of colour and becom ing at the same time uniform as regards the length of their stamens and pistil. As the attraction for insects is less, and the length of the stamens and style adapted for close fertilisation, cross fertilisation did not occur, and the number of seedlings was proportionately increased.

EUCALYPTUS.

Mr. Smee communicated a paper on the culture of these plants in Chili. (See p. 499.)

PLANTS EXHIBITED.

In addition to the Epiphyllum and Cyclamen abovementioned, flowers of Calceolaria Burbidgei, Ranunculus cortusifolius, Villarsia parnassifolia, and Speirantha convallarioides were shown by Mr. Loder; and Dr. Masters showed specimens of the curious excrescences found on the stems of Cryptomeria by Mr. Mills. (See p. 416, March 28, 1885.)

Floral Committee,

Present:-Shirley Hibberd, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs. G. Henslow, W. Wilks, H. Bennett, W. Bealby, J. Child, H. Herbst, J. Walker, J. James, C. Noble, J. Fraser, G. Duffield, Dr. Masters, H. M. Pollett, J. O'Brien, H. Ballantine, H. Turner, E. Hill, W. B. Kellock, J. Douglas.

Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons exhibited several new forms in Amaryllis, as Lady Howard de Walden, a well formed white flower of medium size, but of more than usual substance in the petals; Archimedes, a crimson self; Rosslyn, bright scarlet, with a white band on the petals and a white star; Duchess of Edinburgh, with a crimson coloured suffusion over a white ground, and several others of handsome colours. Gladiolus blandus Rosy Gem, pale pink, with bright cerise circles on the segments of the flower; Tree Carnation Sir Charles Wilson, of deep crimson, a good bloom, full, compact, and smooth; and Tree Carnation Niobe, a fine crimson. Mr. B. S. Williams, Holloway Nurseries, showed a collection of Amaryllis hybrids, containing distinct and pleasing colours, but of which none obtained recognition. Guiding Star, a crimson, having a white band on the petals; Magnifica, a scarlet of excellent build; and Dr. Masters Improved, were among the most striking. He exhibited Clivea Madame Reimers, now pretty well known as one of the finest hybrids of this beautiful genus, C. miniata being shown to mark the advance in this flower of late years; C. Madame Van Houtte was also a fine form, but would be taken to rank second only; Odontoglossum Andersonianum grandiflorum, a fine variety, with crimson spots, sepals and petals spotted alike, the blooms being of great sizethe plant carried two flower-spikes of fifteen blooms; O. radiatum, a curious form, with many hairs on the labellum, which is likewise much dentated at the edges, the prevailing colours of the flowers being brown and gold; Begonia gogoensis, a prostrate plant, with bronzy. green foliage and pale green nerves and veins-pretty ; Aralia regina, with finely divided leaf segments; Pancratium calathinum, with two white blooms standing on a very strong flower-stalk, the perianth projecting much beyond the flower; Ochna multiflora, with green berries and red calices; a new red Beet, with straplike foliage, likely to prove a useful subject in the flower garden, came from the Holloway Nurseries.

Mr. Ballantine, gr. to Baron Schroeder, The Dell, Egham, showed several fine things, as Lælia bella, the splendid hybrid raised by Messrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, the gorgeous purple lip, with, as it were, the edge of a silver lining seen on the margin, being of great development; Dendrobium macrophyllum Burkei, a very vigorous spike of creamy coloured flowers, having the faintest trace of pink at the base of the petals; some Cattleya Trianæ flowers, and a spike of Odontoglossum crispum, spotted like O. Ruckerianum-very fine in the markings, and the spike of considerable size.

John Day, Esq., Tottenham, showed the rarely seen Vanda coerulescens, a spike small and compact, with blooms 1 inch across, rosy-lilac sepals and petals, and a crimson lip, the crest tipped white. Mr. Denny, gr. to S. W. Marriott, Esq., Down House, Blandford, showed Ornithogalum gracile and a large bloom of Anthurium Andreanum. Mr. C. W. Scott, Woodbank, Dumfries, showed a hybrid Odontoglossum crispum, with suffused pink petals and brown spots (six) on each, the crest being lemon coloured. Mr. Ross, gr., Welford Park, showed Dracaena Eyrei, a dwarf compact variety, with red, green, and white foliage markings. Messrs. Heinrich, Altona, Hamburg, exhibited a new hybrid (?) Cactus, Epiphyllum Russelianum var. Gartneri, with the growth of a Cereus and Epiphyllum combined, the flowers being numerous and of a vivid scarlet colour. Mr. Douglas, Great Gearies, Ilford, had show Auricula Dr. Kidd, a smooth white-edged flower, and Mrs. Moore, an equally good grey-eged bloom.

From Mr. C. Turner, Slough, came Carnations Snow. ball, a white, fairly full flower; F. W. Girdlestone, yellow ground, scarlet flake, a distinct flower of its class; A. H. Kennedy, a beautiful crimson, full, regular, and particularly smooth in outline; others of lesser merit were Antonio, Heroine, and Salamander. From the same nursery were Azalea indica Elise Lieber, a large white, here and there spotted and barred with cerise, and having a few abortive petals in the centre of the flower; and Rose Gloire Lyonnaise (Guillet), new H.P., but with a slight suspicion of a Tea derivation as to fragrance.

H. M. Pollett, Esq., Fernside, Bickley, showed a spike of Odontoglossum Pollettianum-a dense spike of this much spotted variety. C. Dorman, Esq., The Firs, Laurie Park, had Dendrobium Dormanianum, white sepals and petals, purple tipped, as is likewise the lip, this last being cupped, and of a fine lively golden colour, relieved by two brown spots on either side; Odontoglossum constrictum, a small inconspicuous bloom of greenish-yellow; Dendrobium Domini, a variety of D. nobile.

Messrs. Collins Bros. & Gabriel, 39, Waterloo Road, had a large collection of numerous varieties of Daffodils, Galanthus Elwesii, Anemone apennina, Erythronium muscari, fine flower sprays of Berberis Darwini, &c. ; fine double yellow Wallflowers, and a very choice lot of Anenomes, striking in colour and markings. The Silver Banksian Medal was awarded for this colection.

Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, had a large collection of Daffodils, Anemones, &c., of the choicest varieties, which, along with Messrs. Barr & Son's collection, formed a bank of the different shades of yellow, which was most happily relieved with small Palms, &c., and which without these auxiliaries would not have produced such a pleasing display. Both exhibitors received equal honours-the Silver-gilt Banksian Medal. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, had six fine dwarf robust plants of Laurustinus lucidus in 8-inch pots, very well flowered; also five new varieties of Azaleas, viz., Á. Impératrice des Indes, a fine semi-double salmon, edged with white, and spotted with dark crimson--a sweet flower; A. King of Whites, a very large white flower, with distinct foliage-a good thing; A. Bignonia florepleno, fine semi-double deep rose; A. Queen of Whites, fine large flower, with very large petals, which, being crimped, gives the flower a very distinct appearance; A. La Flambeau, most brilliant crimson-rather a small flower, but very telling. Rev. C. Wolley Dod, Malpas, had a collection of Daffodils of much interest, as showing the origin of some of the double varieties, and as affording links between the wild Daffodil, N. Telamonius, N. major, and bicolor varieties. One form of the Daffodil was a self white from a field near Bicester. The New Plant and Bulb Company, Colchester, had a nice collection of Daffodils. Mr. J. King, Rousham, Aylesbury, had several seedling Primroses, amongst others Rousham Blue-hardly blue, but approaching as closely to it as any variety we have seen. Messrs. Paul & Son, the "Old" Nurseries, Cheshunt, showed a select interesting collection of alpine and other plants, consisting of fine plants of Convallaria multiflora (Solomon's Seal), Muscari, Fritillarias, the charming little Polygala chamabuxus, and P. c. purpurea, several double Primroses of different shades of colour, Saxifragas in variety, Primula Clusii and P. Obristi, the yellow-flowered Rosa berberifolia var. Hardyi, Rosa microphylla rubra plena, White Pet, and White Baroness, H.P.; Gentiana verna, Aubrietia purpurea variegata, Doronicum austriacum, Impatiens Sultani alba, Viola gracilis, the parent, so far as known, of the garden Pansy; and the new H. P. Rose Gloire Lyonnaise.

Mr. R. Clark, Twickenham, had again a fine choice lot of dwarf Cyclamens, also a white one, mentioned elsewhere, which was much admired; he was awarded the Bronze Banksian Medal. Dr. Brown, Hull, had a small collection of Daffodils. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, a large group of Daffodils, intermixed with Muscari, Scillas, Anemones, Saxifrages, Doronicum caucasicum, Dielytra spectabilis, Iris, Galanthus, Lachenalias, Primulas, &c., receiving a Silver-gilt Banksian Medal. Messrs. E. H. Krelage & Son, Haarlem, Holland, showed Pseudo-Narcissus variegatus plenus, princeps, maximus (true), lobularis; a novelty to be named (Pseudo-Narcissus); and another Pseudo-Narcissus, which was named Spurius coronatus by the committee. A small collection of Daffodils was shown by Mrs. Lloyd Williams, of Coed Coch; three Clivea superbum, from the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick; Captain C. J. Nelson, R.N., a collection of Daffodils, neatly arranged with Isolepis and Lycopodium. Miss Jekyll, of Munstead Place, Godalming, had a group (arranged in moss that would have had a by no means bad effect had greener moss been chosen).

The plan was that of an undulating bank of moss, highest at one end, backed up by drooping sprays

of Solomon's Seal, and of Alexandrian Laurel (Ruscus). In the moss were studded at intervals groups of Daffo dils of various kinds, of Primula rosea, P. denticulata, Heuchera, Iris stylosa, Oxlips, &c. The whole group furnished a valuable lesson to flower-show exhibitors, for it was evident that such an arrangement as this might frequently be adopted with great advantage even when, as in Rose shows, it is desirable to have the competing kinds side by side for comparison. So far as beauty and general interest is concerned, the advantages of this plan are beyond question, though, of course, it is not always practicable. A Bronze Medal was awarded for the group-none too high a commendation. Mr. J. Tyerman, Penlee, Tregony, had a small collection of Daffodils, also seedling Triteleias and Hellebores. Messrs. J. Dickson & Sons, Chester, showed a few varieties of Daffodils. A splendid group of most of the known kinds of Daffodils was exhibited by Mr. J. Walker, Whitton, Middlesex, which contained many most beautiful specimens, excellently grown and well set up, a Silver-gilt Banksian Medal being well bestowed.

The collection staged by Messrs. Barr & Son contained, along with a large and varied collection of Daffodils, examples of Muscari, Scillas, several of the curious terrestrial Ophryses, Clivea nobile, Fritillarias, the rare Placea arzæ, Orchis Robertiana, Anemones, Amaryllis hybrida, dark velvety-crimson; and Corydalis bracteata. Messrs. J. Green & Nephew, 107, Queen Victoria Street, St. Paul's, E. C., exhibited Munstead flower glasses, made of fine quality glass, and varied in size and shape, admirably adapted for floral devices.

FIRST-CLASS CERTIFICATES.

To Mr. J. Douglas, for Auricula Mrs. Moore. To Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, for Amaryllis Lady Howard de Walden.

To MM. Krelage & Sons, for Narcissus spurius coro

natus.

To Mr. M. Heinrichs, for Epiphyllum Gaertneri. To Mr. Chas. Turner, for Carnation F. W. Girdlestone.

To Mr. Ballantyne, for Lælia Bellax.

To Mr. Jas. O'Brien, for Odontoglossum Andersonianum pictum.

To Mr. Ballantyne, for Dendrobium macrophyllum Burkei. VOTES OF THANKS.

To the New Plant and Bulb Company, for a collection of Daffodils,

To Mr. Denny, for Anthurium flowers.

To Messrs. James Green & Nephew, for Munstead flower glasses.

To Mr. T. S. Ware, for Ornithogalum lacteum. To Mr. Owen Thomas, for cut blooms of Camellia reticulata.

Fruit Committee.

Present-Harry J. Veitch, Esq., in the chair; and Messrs. John Lee, W. Paul, S. Lyon, J. E. Lane, G. Bunyard, C. Ross, J. Willard, G. Goldsmith, J. Woodbridge, W. Denning, H. Weir, J. B. Hay. wood, R. D. Blackmore.

A collection of Rhubarb came from the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Chiswick, and consisted of the following:-Buck's Early Red, Hawke's Champagne, Dancer's Early Red (good), Crimson Perfection, Baldrey's Scarlet Defiance, Albert or Early Red, and Linnæus. Mr. C. Ross, Welford Park, Newbury, showed a collection of thirty-two dishes of Apples, the major part of them being in a capital state of preservation; the finest were Cox's Orange Pippin, Northern Spy, Northern Greening, Brabant Bellefleur, Annie Elizabeth, Cox's Pomona, Baldwin, Blenheim Orange, Cornish Aromatica, Stamford Pippin, Sturmer Pippin, Lord Raglan, Tower of Glamis, Mère de Ménage, Lane's Prince Albert, Loddington Seedling, Lord Burleigh, and others.

EDINBURGH BOTANICAL: April 9.

THE Society met this evening at 5, St. Andrew's Square, Professor Dickson, President, in the chair, when the following papers were read :—

I. "An Obituary Notice of the late Professor T. C. Archer, Director of the Edinburgh Museum of Science and Art." By Alexander Galletley.

II. "A Note on Sanseviera longiflora," plants of which have been raised from seeds sent to the Edinbugh Botanic Garden by Mr. John Buchanan, of Blantyre, East Africa. By Andrew Taylor.

44

III. Exhibition of Photographs of Botanical Interest taken during the voyage of H.M.'s exploring ship Challenger. By Hugh Cleghorn, M.D., LL.D.

"

IV. Report on the Progress of Vegetation at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh." By Robert Lindsay, Curator.

very little progress and is still about three weeks behind. The thermometer fell below freezing point on nineteen nights; collectively, 82° of frost were registered for the month as against 29° for the corresponding month last year. The lowest readings occurred on the 9th, 23°; 14th, 25; 22d, 25°; 23d, 21°; 28th, 26°. The highest morning readings were, on the 8th, 40°; 11th, 40°; 17th, 45° 26th, 45; 29th, 44°. The lowest day temperature was 39°, which occurred on the 9th; and the highest, 55°, on the 28th. Flowers of Rhododendron Nobleanum were injured by frost on the 23d. Deciduous trees and shrubs are late in developing their leaves; Thorns, Poplar, and Lilac, which usually have their leaves more or less expanded by the end of March, had not a single leaf fully developed at that date this year. Willows and Elms are flowering most abundantly, and on walls, Pyrus japonica, Ribes sanguineum (single and double flowering), and Forsythia viridissima have not been so finely flowered for some years back. Magnolias, double-flowering Peach, and other plants on walls are well set with flower-buds. Spring flowering bulbs are vigorous, and flowering well, notwithstanding their lateness in opening; cold east winds are shortening their period of flowering considerably, which a few genial showers of rain would do much to prevent. The season has been most favourable for seed sowing, the ground being in splendid condition for that purpose. The extremely dry state of the ground causing a scarcity of worms is probably the reason why the various birds which abound in the Botanic Garden are so assiduously stripping the flowers of Crocuses and Primroses as soon as they expand in some portions of the garden. Formerly their depredations were mainly confined to newly sown seeds, Holly berries, and the like; as there are abundance both of seeds and berries, their preference for a floral diet seems all the more remarkable.

On the rock garden a large number of plants is now in flower. Sixty-five species came into bloom during March, exclusive of those which opened in the previous month, many of which are still flowering. Among the most interesting which opened in March were the following :

:

28 Feb 20

30

12

31 "

14

Report on temperature, vegetation, &c., in the garden of the Royal Botanic Institution of Glasgow, for March, 1885."-The thermometer has been at, or below, the freezing point twenty-one times during the month; the remaining night readings also being low. The lowest was 22° during the night of the 22d. The mean day temperature has also been low for the month, with cold and variable winds. The weather has been mostly dry, and favourable for working heavy soils; but the frequent frosts have prevented seed sowing to any great extent. Most trees and shrubs have a backward look. The leaf-buds of Lilacs are ready to burst, but the only shrub in actual leaf and bloom is the common Ribes sanguinea. Some forms of Salix and Ulmus are in bloom. Several herbaceous plants, which may frequently be seen in bloom here in February, such as Pulmonaria officinalis and azurea, Helleborus viridis, and some of the early Scillas, are not yet developed. Owing partly to the absence of severe frosts, and partly to the drier weather that has prevailed during the dormant season, the latter class of plants have suffered much less than is usual here.

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL.

BOSTON: March 19 and 20.-The annual Azalea and Rose show, the first exhibition for the current season, was held in the Society's upper hall, and was, considering the state of the weather, remarkably successful, it bein very cold for this time of the year, and plants could be brought only with the greatest trouble and care in packing; but, notwithstanding, it was the best exhibition the Society has ever made. The Orchids occupied one end of the large hall, and were backed by groups of Palms and Ferns, and the display is said to have surpassed anything ever shown in this city or any other one in this country.

F. L. Ames was the largest contributor, and he showed some very curious and interesting plants, among which we noticed Phalaenopsis Brymeriana (one of the only two plants in this country), P. Stuartiana, P. Schilleriana, Lælia anceps, Masdevallia triangularis, Coelogyne cristata, Cymbidium eburneum, Cattleya amethystoglossa, Dendrochilum glumaceum, Ada aurantiaca, Schomburgkia crispa, Cypripedium Harrisianum, Dendrobium Ainsworthii, Odontoglossum Pescatorei, &c.; and Mr. H. H. Hunnewell exhibited a large collection, including Phalaenopsis grandiflora, P. Schilleriana, Lycaste Skinneri, Odontoglossum Rossii, O. Insleayi, Coelogyne cristata, Dendrobium nobile, D. Ainsworthii rosea, Cymbidium Lowianum, and Calanthe nivalis. Mr. E. W. Gilmore showed Masdevallia tovarensis, Dendrobium chrysotoxum, Lælia harpophylla, Odontoglossums Rossii majus and O. Roezlii. Mr. David Allan, gr. to Mr. R. M. Pratt, filled a large table with Orchids and other flowers.

President Moore took the 1st prize for twenty-four cut blooms H.P. Roses, seven named varieties. He was also awarded 1st prize in the class for six cut blooms; also ist prize for a single cut bloom H.P. Mr. Jackson Dawson, of the Arnold Arboretum, showed H. P. Roses on the Japanese stock, and took the 1st prize for three plants; also 1st prize for single plant. He also exhibited Kalmia latifolia, and a large collection of hybrid Primulas (English). Mr. James Cromley, gr. to Mrs. F. B. Hayes, filled a stand with fine Roses and greenhouse plants, among which we noticed Rhododendron Veitchianum lævigatum, which formed the centre of the group. In the classes of tender Roses, twelve Bon Silene, Mr. S. Niel took the 1st prize. Twelve of Catherine Mermet-the 1st prize went to Mr. C. M. Hovey. Twelve Cornelia Cook-Messrs. Delay & Meade took the 1st prize, and also the 1st prize for twelve Souvenir de la Malmaison, and twelve Niphetos. Hon. M. P. Wilder and Mr. A. W. Blake were the principal exhibitors of Azaleas, Mr. Wilder filling a platform with fine large old specimens. Mr. Blake contributed a collection of young plants of the newest varieties, among which we notices Duchesse de Jernan Nunez, La Flambeau, and Amoena Caldwelli. Mrs. F. B. Hayes filled a table with Camellias of many varieties. Mr. W. A. Manda, gr., Harvard Botanic Gardens, contributed a collection of plants, including Lilium tenuifolium, L. pulchellum, Trillium grandiflorum, Aquilegia glandulosa, Primula Sieboldi, Veltheimia glauca, Doronicum caucasicum, and Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme, also Dendrobium Pierardi. In the centre of the hall there was a platforme running the length of the hall, with an elevated centre devoted mainly to spring flowering bulbs. All the newest varieties of Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Jonquils, Crocuses, Anemone coronaria, and Lilies of the Valley, were shown in large numbers. Among the Narcissus, Sir Watkin is a new variety, shown here for the first time. The Tenby Daffodil is also quite new here, and the Narcissus Poeticus ornatus attracted its share of attention. Mr. J. L. Gardner took the 1st prize for specimen greenhouse There were also plant with Imantophyllum miniatum. large collections of Cyclamens and Cinerarias from different contributors.

Mrs. P. D. Richards, West Medford, Mass., contributed a collection of Mosses, all carefully named, which were to many the most interesting collection in the hall.

The Weather.

STATE OF THE WEATHER AT BLACKHEATH, LONDON, FOR THE WEEk Ending Wednesday, April 15, 1885.

at the level of the sea decreased from 29.91 inches at the beginning of the week to 29.25 inches by 5 P.M. on the 6th, increased to 29.59 inches by 5 P.M. on the 8th, decreased to 29.56 inches by 9 A. M. on the 9th, increased to 29.63 inches by 5 P.M. on the same day, decreased to 29.55 inches by 9 A.M., and increased to 29.57 inches by I P.M. on the 10th, and was 29.73 inches by the end of the week.

The mean reading of the barometer for the week was 29.55 inches, being 0.52 inch lower than last week, and 0.37 inch below the average of the week.

Temperature. The highest temperature in the shade in the week was 55°.2, on the 7th; the highest on the 9th was 43°.5. The mean of the seven high day temperatures was 50°.1.

The lowest temperature was 30°.2, on the 5th ; on the 9th the lowest temperature was 38°.9. The mean of the seven low night temperatures was 45°.7.

The greatest range of temperature in one day was 23.3, on the 5th; the smallest was 4°.6, on the 9th. The mean of the seven daily ranges was 142.4.

The mean temperatures were-on the 5th, 40°.9; on the 6th, 44°.7; on the 7th, 41°.9; on the 8th, 40°.4; on the 9th, 40°.9; on the 10th, 40°.2; on the 11th, 41°.6; and these were all below by 4°, 0°.3, 3°.3, 5°, 4°.7, 5°.5, and 4°.2 respectively.

The mean temperature of the week was 41°.5, being 10.3 lower than last week, and 3°.9 below the average of the week.

The reading of a thermometer with blackened bulb in vacuo placed in the full rays of the sun was 114o, on the 5th. The mean of the seven readings was 84°.7.

Rain.-Rain fell on two days to the amount of 0.17 inch.

ENGLAND: Temperature.-During the week ending April 11, the highest temperatures were 55°.2, at Blackheath, 54°.7 at Cambridge, 53° at Brighton ; the highest at Sunderland and Newcastle was 46°, at Hull 47°. The general mean was 50°.2.

The lowest temperatures were 23° at Cambridge, 25° at Wolverhampton and Hull; the lowest at Liverpool was 36°.1, at Sunderland 32°, at Plymouth, Preston and Newcastle 31°. The general mean was 29°.

The greatest ranges were 31°.7 at Cambridge, 26.5 at Bristol and Wolverhampton; the smallest ranges were 12°.9 at Liverpool, 14° at Sunderland, 15° at Newcastle. The general mean was 21°.2.

The mean of the seven high day temperatures was highest at Blackheath, 50°. 1, at Truro 50°, at Plymouth 49°. I; and was lowest at Sunderland, 44°.2, at Newcastle 44°.5, at Hull 44°.7. The general mean was 47°.I.

The mean of the seven low night temperatures was highest at Liverpool, 38°.5, at Sunderland 37°.8, at Leeds 37°.4; and was lowest at Wolverhampton, 33°.3, at Bolton 34°.1, at Cambridge 34°.6. The general mean was 33°.9.

The mean daily range was greatest at Blackheath, 14.4, at Cambridge 14°.2, at Truro 14°; and was least at Sunderland, 6°.4, at Bradford 8°.6, at Leeds 8°.7. The general mean was 11°.2.

The mean temperature was highest at Truro, 41°.6, at Blackheath 41°.5, at Plymouth 41°.2; and was lowest at Hull, 38°.6, at Bolton and Newcastle 38°.7. The general mean was 41°.2.

Rain. The largest falls were 1.06 inch at Bradford, 0.96 inch at Sheffield, 0.82 inch at Sunderland; the smallest falls were 0.17 inch at Blackheath, o 28 inch at Nottingham and Preston. The general mean fall was 0.55 inch.

SCOTLAND: Temperature.—During the week ending April 11, the highest temperature was 54°.4, at Edinburgh; at Aberdeen and Leith the highest was 49°. The general mean was 51°.1.

Kingdom, for agricultural and sanitary purposes, for the week ending Monday, April 13, 1885; issued by the Meteorological Office, 116, Victoria Street, London, S. W. :- The weather has been generally fair or fine in the extreme west and northwest, but ususually dull and gloomy for the season in most other parts of the kingdom, with occasional falls of cold rain.

The temperature has continued below the mean in all districts, the deficit varying from 1° to 3° in Scotland, and between 4° and 5° over England and Ireland. The maxima, which were recorded on the 12th or 13th, ranged from 48° in "England, N.E.," and 49° in "Scotland, E.," to 55° in "England, S.," and "England, S.W." The minima, which were registered on different dates in the various districts, ranged from 26° in "Ireland, N.," to 33° in "England, N.W.," and 39° in the "Channel Islands."

The rainfall has been more than the mean in "Scotland, E.," "England, N. E.," and "England, E.," but considerably less elsewhere.

Bright sunshine shows an increase in "Scotland, N.," but a decrease in all other districts. In "England, N.E.," only 2 per cent. of the possible amount of duration was recorded; in the "Midland Counties," 67, and in most other parts of England between 10 per cent. and 16 per cent. ; in "Scotland, W.," however, 33 per cent. was registered; in "Ireland, S.," and the Channel Islands," 35 per eent., and in "Scotland, N.," as much as 53 per cent,

Depressions observed.-As the period commenced, the barometer was highest over Scandinavia, while a depression lay over the Bay of Biscay, the winds in our islands consequently being moderate or fresh from the eastward. On the following day this disturbance had disappeared, but another was approaching the North Sea from the Netherlands. This depression, after reaching the southern part of the North Sea, and remaining almost stationary, finally developed into a large trough of relatively low readings stretching from the South of England to North Germany and Russia. As this disturbance appeared the winds over the United Kingdom backed to the northward, and on our east coasts, and blew strongly, but subsequently became light or moderate, and generally north-easterly or easterly.

Answers to Correspondents.

BOILER CRACKING, &C. G. H. The metal at the points mentioned may have been very thin, and thus has corroded through in four years. You will find your boilers remain in better condition full of water than empty during the time they are out of use; and for ordinary use cast-iron is far to be preferred to wrought. For the office a flow and return pipe of 4-inch size will be ample, if it run along the two longer sides of the room.

BOOK, "MUSHROOMS FOR THE MILLION :" Mushroom. This useful work, by Mr. J. Wright, is published at the office of the Journal of Horticulture, 171, Fleet Street, E.C., price 6d.

CORRIGENDA: Royal CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SHOW. In the report of this show, forwarded to us, an error has crept in, with reference to the awards made to Messrs. Ireland & Thomson and Messrs. R. B. Laird & Sons, the first-named firm not gaining all the first prizes in the six classes in which it exhibited, but, namely, five firsts and one second, the latter for new and rare plants, the first prize in this class falling to R. B. Laird & Sons.

CURIOUS FORM OF CATTLEYA TRIANE: R. B. W. Thanks for specimen, which was forwarded to Prof. Reichenbach as requested.

DISEASED Camellia LeAVES: Waterside. We can find no fungus on the leaves.

DISEASED PALM: K. W. The spots may be due to a fungus, but it is in too immature a condition to be determined.

FIXTURES RIGHT OF

LEASEHOLD TENANT TO REMOVE: C. Taylor. No, if they stand on brick walls, and are attached by bolts or nails to these; or if they are of brick, and standing in the ground. Utensils used in trade, fixed in such buildings, may be removed. In cases of this kind it is always the best policy to consult a solicitor.

MASDEVALLIAS: P. W. We are not able to point out the difference between the alleged varieties. All seem to be forms of M. chimæra.

NAMES OF PLANTS: L. C. We cannot undertake to name detached leaves only.-A Subscriber. Juniperus communis.-F. W. B. Eria ferruginea, probably.S. Young. Allium neapolitanum. -H. B. Both varieties of Lycaste Harrisoniæ.-W. B. C. Dendrobium crepidatum.-A. J. Hemmerde. Oncidium O'Brienianum.-Hon. Mrs. E. V. Boyle. 1 and 2, Narcissus Telemonius plenus; 3, N. moschatus ; 4, Spurius.

NOTICE TO QUIT SERVICE: X. In England, when the service was entered into without any particular agreement, the law construes the hiring to be for a year; and in Scotland the yearly hirings fix the term. A quarter's notice must be given in the first-named country prior to the expiration of the term. POPLAR: B. The Canada Poplar is Populus monilifera; the Black Poplar P. nigra. Neither is native to this country.

RHODODENDRON COUNTESS OF DERBY: G. L. This beautiful variety, and many others of the same type, are the offspring of a cross between R. Edgeworthi and R. multiflorum, which latter variety sprung from intercrossing R. virgatum, Hook., with R. ciliatum, Hook.

SELECT FRUITS: L. G.-Six kitchen Apples: Haw-
thornden, Keswick Codlin, Worcester Pearmain,
Gravenstein, Warner's King, Lane's Prince Albert.
Six dessert Apples: Early Harvest, Red Astrachan,
Golden Reinette, Cox's Orange Pippin, Adam's Pear-
main. Claygate Pearmain. Six early Pears: Citron
des Carmes, Jargonelle, Clapp's Favourite, Bon Chré-
tien (Williams), Beurré Superfin, Beurré d'Amanlis.
Six late Pears: Marie Louise, Van Mons, Glou
Morceau, Beurré d'Aremberg, Marie Benoist, Easter
Beurré. Three Pine-apples: The Queen, Charlotte
Rothschild, Smooth Cayenne. Six black Grapes:
Black Hamburgh, Esperione, Alnwick Seedling,
Alicante,
Madresfield
Lady Downe's,
Court.

Six white Grapes: White Muscat of Alexandria,
Chasselas Musqué or St. Albans, White Frontignan,
Buckland Sweetwater, Foster's White Seedling, Royal
Muscadine. Four Strawberries: Amy Robsart,
Keens' Seedling, Pioneer, Loxford Hall Seedling.
Four Gooseberries: Champagne Red, Early Green
Hairy, Bright Venus, Warrington Red. Two red
Currants: Red Dutch and Houghton Castle. Two
white Currants: White Dutch and Blanc de Versailles.
Four Plums: Green Gage, Reine Claude de Bavay, Jef-
ferson, Denyer's Victoria. Two Apricots : Rivers' New
Large Early and Moor Park. Six Peaches and Nec-
tarines Royal George, Barrington, Dymon, Peaches:
Balgowan, Élruge, Pine-apple. Four Cherries: May
Duke, Late Duke, Black Tartarian, Monstreuse de
Metzel.

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.-W. M.-Ely (next week) C. M. Owen.-J. H., Jamaica.-E. H. Krelage.-Fredk. Fitch.-W. J. P.—J. R. J. —Leo Grindon.-J. T. B.-M. M. -J. M. L.-H. W. W.-J. S.-F. W. B-J. Veitch & Sons. Ir. O'B. T. Sander. R. M.-T. T. WAT BC. -W. Smythe.-J. R. J.-J. F.-R. B. W.-J. L.-W. H.L G.-W. J. P.-Sir George Macleay.-M. Ŏ.

Markets.

COVENT GARDEN, April 16.

OUR market is very dull, and business in an unsettled state. James Webber, Wholesale Apple Market. FRUIT.-AVErage Wholesale Prices. s. d. s. d. Apples, -sieve 16- 50 Nova Scotia and Canadian, barrel Cobs, per 100 lb. Grapes, per lb.

12 0-21 0 50 0-550 5 0-10 0

s. d. s. d. Lemons, per case ..12 0-18 0 Pine-apples, Eng., lb. 1 0 2 0 -St. Michael, each a 6-8 o Strawberries, per lb. 4 - 6 o

VEGETABLES.-Average Retail PriceS.

s. d. s. d. 4060

20

I 0

s. d. s. d. Lettuces, Cab., doz. 1 6French Cos, each o 6Mint, green, bunch.. o 9-10 Mushrooms, p. baskt. 1 0- 1 6 Onions, per bushel.. 4 0Spring, per bun. o 6Parsley, per bunch.. o 6Peas, per lb. Potatos, new, per lb. o 6Radishes, per doz... 1 0-2 0 Rhubarb, bundle 06Salsify, per bund. I 0Seakale, per punnet 2 0- 2 6 Small salading, per punnet Spinach, per bushel 3 6Tomatos, per lb. Turnips, bun. -new, per bunch 1 3-..

Artichokes, Globe, per doz. Asparagus, English, per bundle 3 6-10 o French, bundle 40- 8 o Perpignan, nat., per bundle Beans, Eng., per 100 2 0Beet, per doz. Cabbages, per doz... 1 6- 2 0 Carrots, per bun. ..06Cauliflowers, English, dozen.. .. 20-40 Celeriac, per root Celery, per bundle.. 1 6-2 6 Cucumbers, each Endive, per dozen Garlic, per lb. Herbs, per bunch Horse Radish, bun. 3 0 4 0 POTATOS.-All markets 5s. to ros. per ton lower, with a bad trade.

20-2 6 .. 0 5-..

CUT FLOWERs.—Average Wholesale PRICES. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Abutilon, 12 bunches 2 0 4 0 Marguerites, 12 bun. 3 0-60 Anemone, 12 bunch. 1 6- Mignonette, 12 bun. 3 0-90 Arum Lilies, 12 blms. 3 0- o Narcissus, PaperAzalea, 12 sprays 06-10 white, 12 sprays.. a 9-1 O Bouvardias, per bun. I o- 1 6 French, 12 bun. 6 0-12 o Camellias, per doz 10- 40 Pelargoniums, per 12 Carnations, 12 blms. 1 0 3 0 sprays .. 09-10 Cinerarias, per bun. o 6-10 scarlet, 12 sprays o 6Cyclamen, 12 blooms o 3-0 6 Primroses, 12 bunch. 0 4Eucharis, per doz. 40-60 Euphorbia jacquiniflora. 12 sprays 30-60 Gardenias, ia blms.. 2 0 4 0 Heliotropes, 12 sp... o 6- I O Hyacinths, Roman,

coloured, doz... 2 0- 6 o French, per doz. o 6- o 9 Spiræa, 12 bunches.. 6 0-12 0 12 large bunches..12 0-24 o Stephanotis, 12 spr... 4 0 6 0 - mixed, per box.. 1 6- 30 Tropaeolum, 12 bun. 1 0 2 0 Jonquils, 12 bunches a 0-6 o Tulips, 12 blooms .. o 6- o 9 Lapageria, white, 12 Violets, 12 bun. .. 04-09 blooms .. 20-30 Parme, French, red, 12 per bunch.. 30-50 blooms 10- 2 0 Wallflower, 12 bun.. 20-40 Lily-of-Val,, 12 sprays o 9- 1 6 White Jasmine, bun, o 6-1 o

PLANTS IN POTS,-AVERAge Wholesale PRICES. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Aralia Sieboldi, doz. 6 0-24 o Ferns, in variety, per Arbor-vitæ (golden), dozen 4 0-18 0 per dozen 6 0-18 0 Ficus elastica, each i 6-7 0 (common), dozen 6 0-12 o Foliage Plants, variArum Lilies, dozen 9 0-15 0 Azaleas, per dozen..18 0-42 0 Ghent, per doz 18 0-24 o Begonias, per doz... 6 0-12 o Bouvardia, dozen 9 0-18 0 Cinerarias, per doz.. 9 0-12 o Cyclamens, per doz. 9 0-24 O Cyperus, per dozen 4 0-12 o Dracæna terminalis. per dozen ..30 0-60 0 viridis, per doz..12 0-24 0 Erica, various, doz. 9 0-18 o Cavendishii, per

ous, each Genista, 12 pots 9 0-18 0 Hyacinths, per doz. 6 o- 9 o Lily-of-the-Valley, 12 pots ..12 0-18 o Marguerite Daisy, per dozen.. 8 0-15 0 Myrtles, per doz. 6 0-12 0 Narcissus, 12 pots ..12 0-18 0 Palms in variety, each Pelargoniums, dozen Primula sinensis, per dozen Spiræa, per dozen Tulips, dozen pots

SEEDS.

26-21 0

per ..15 0-24 0

40-60 9 0-18 0 60-90

LONDON: April 15.-Messrs. John Shaw & Sons, of 37, Mark Lane, report that a fairly active demand for Clover and other seeds still continues. As regards values there is no important change to be noted. Prices all round remain extremely moderate, and holders appear quite indifferent whether they clear out what little stock they have still on hand or keep some over. More money is asked for blue Peas. Haricot Beans are also in better demand. There is no variation in the prices of spring Tares; sowing orders come in freely. Mustard and Rape seed are steady. In feeding Linseed the tendency is upwards. Canary, Hemp seed, and Millet are firm.

CORN.

At Mark Lane on Monday the market was slightly dearer than on Friday's close, and on the week quoted 45. dearer for both English and foreign Wheat, and 35. per sack on flour. Barley was quoted Is. 6d. to 25. above Wednesday last; Maize showed a rise of Is. 6d. ; Oats were 3d. to 6d. dearer than quoted on Friday last, making the rise 25. Since this day fortnight Beans and Peas show a rise of Is. to 25., and Lentils Is.-On Wednesday a somewhat calmer feeling with regard to political affairs checked the excitement in the grain trade. Business opened with a very quiet tone, and the market became weaker during the day. At Monday's advance there were no buyers of Wheat or flour, and to have made sales at least 6d. less must have been accepted for Wheat. In the absence of business in Barley, Beans, and Peas, off stands rates nominally unaltered, but the tendency was against the seller. For Oats the market closed without improvement upon Monday's prices. Maize was steady in value, without activity..-Average prices of corn for the week ending April 11 :-Wheat, 335. 3d.; Barley, 31s. 2d. ; Oats, 20s. 11d. For the corresponding period last year -Wheat, 375. gd.; Barley, 31s. 4d.; Oats, 19s. 11d.

CATTLE.

At Copenhagen Fields on Monday the cattle trade opened about steady and finished slowly, prices where any change was apparent, being rather in favour of the buyers. A heavy supply of sheep and lambs met a dull market. Prices opened easier, and finished worse for the former; but for the latter rates were fairly steady. There was a bad trade for calves, and the pig trade nominal from absence of supply. Quotations :-Beasts, 35. 8d. to 4s. 6d., and 45. 8d. to 5s. 4d.; calves, 35. 8d. to 5s. 8d.; sheep, 4s. 8d. to 5s. 2d., and 5s. 2d. to 5s. 8d.; lambs, 7s. 6d. to 8s. ; pigs, 4s. to 45. 6d.—On Thursday trade was quiet, the unfavourable weather telling against the demand. Both beasts and sheep sold slowly, and were weak in value. Lambs were neglected, and calves were lower to sell.

HAY.

Tuesday's Whitechapel market report states that supplies were very short, with an advance in the top prices for Clover and hay. Quotations :-Clover, prime, 85s. to 110s.; prime second cut, 855. to 110s.; inferior, 465. to 755.; hay, prime, 76s. to 100s. ; inferior, 46s. to 75s. ; and straw, 225. to 355. per load.-Cumber and Market quotations :-Clover, best, gos. to 105s. ; inferior, 60s, to 845.; hay, best, 84s. to 955. ; inferior, 45s. to 755 and straw, 30s. to 345. per load.

POTATOS.

The Borough Market report informs us that supplies are fully adequate to demand, which is dull. Quotations:-Scotch Regents, 80s. to 95s.; Kent ditto, 70s, to 90s.; Champions, 40s. to 50s.; Magnum Bonums, 50s. to 80s.; and Victorias, 60s. to gos. per ton. The imports into London last week consisted of 573 bags from Hamburg, 439 Bremen, and 43 boxes from Lisbon.

Government Stock.-Consols closed on Monday at 95 to 95 for both delivery and the account. Tuesday's figures were 94 to 95 for both transactions. The final figures recorded on Wednesday were 95 to 951 for both delivery and the account. Consols closed on Thursday at 951 to 951 for both transactions.

WE

PRIMROSES.

WE are growing at the present time in the Garden of Acclimatisation at Geneva sixty-four distinct species of Primula, of which forty are of alpine origin; it is of these last alone that I propose to speak here.

The flowers in the genus Prmula are particularly rich in bright and pleasing colours. Nothing is more beautiful than to see the crannies of the rocks in the high Alps adorned with these flowers, of rose, yellow, or lilac colour, the delicate form and charming grace of which captivate the traveller. Attempts have often been made to transplant them into gardens, but most people have been disappointed, and only those persons who are acquainted with the proper method of culture of alpine plants have succeeded well with them. When it is wished to transplant a Primula from the mountains it is necessary to secure the uppermost roots-those which are nearest to the surface-entire, or as nearly so as possible. Generally rock-growing Primroses have a stock or underground stem, which supports the plant, and from which all the roots diverge. The older the plants the more numerous, the longer and more developed are the upper roots; the inferior ones dwindle away little by little, and form in time humus in the soil, while new roots are produced above the others. Moreover, the plant has a tendency to force its way out of the ground. Observe Primula discolor, or any other species of the same section, and it will be seen that when it arrives at a certain stage of development the strongest roots are level with the surface of the soil, and some even come off from the stem above the ground, and grow down into the earth like adventitious roots.

Further, there are certain species, such as Primula crenata and P. marginata, whose stem raises itself above the soil, and branches out so as ultimately to resemble a little tree. These are true arborescent Primroses, and we have just now on our rockwork Primula marginata, which forms a veritable shrub covered with its pretty lilac flowers. When from some reason or other the branches lie upon the surface of the ground they produce roots which penetrate the earth and form new centres; thus they may be multiplied by division of the aërial stems. The species which form this section rarely form offsets, raise themselves out of the soil, but do not spread upon the surface and form tufts.

Another section is formed of terrestrial species purely, such as P. glutinosa, P. minima, P. Wulfeniana, P. longiflora, P. farinosa, &c., and possessing roots all coming from the same point, and spreading in every direction; the stock ultimately divides above, each portion being provided with a few roots, so that each may form an independent plant. the autumn a certain quantity of plants may thus be procured from an old stock which in spring was undivided. It follows of necessity that as the plants grow they get larger and increase in width, forming tufts which may

In

easily be divided. These may be multiplied by dividing the stock in autumn before the other roots separate naturally. The same thing occurs in the Dodecatheon of North America. The same plan may be employed with certain Himalayan Primroses, among others P. rosea and P. denticulata.

Another group comprises species which are partly rock-growing and partly terrestrial, and which are met with in the gravelly soil of high regions, or in stony and gravelly pasturages. These are the most difficult species to cultivate and multiply; such are, for example P. Balbisii, P. pubescens, P. alpina, P. ciliata, P. hirsuta, &c.

Finally, there is a fourth section comprising the species which live in the less elevated regions, which grow in the roughest soil, and in which the roots spring from an underground stock, which never comes above-ground, and constitutes a rhizome. These are P. cortusa, P. cortusoides, P. acaulis, &c. They are multiplied by division of the underground stem, which is much branched, and forms so many different plants.

In the first section we find

P. Auricula, Linnæus.-This plant is met with on the calcareous rocks of the Alps, at from 3000 to 6500 feet in elevation, and in the greater part of the calcareous mountains of Eastern Europe. It is not of shrubby habit, but has the same tendency as the arborescent species, and according to the conditions under which it grows it forms an erect stock and gives off adventitious roots which penetrate into the ground. This species, the type of Auriculas of the gardens, is of easy cultivation; but if it is desired to procure the full golden colour in the flower, the mealy appearance of the leaf, and the sweet perfume of the flower, care must be taken to place the plant in the sun, in a soil rich in humus mixed with limestone well drained with pieces of limestone or coke. It flowers from April to June.

P. Balbisii, Lehmann, is a superb species like P. Auricula, but is distinguished from it by a glossy foliage without any mealy powder on the leaves. It has no perfume, but the flower has some hairs in its throat. It is a rare plant of the Baldo, Vallarsa, and of the Alps of Southern Tyrol. May.

P. venusta, Host., of Southern Tyrol, is a magnifi. cent plant, with large clear rose-coloured flowers; it requires a sloping and partially shaded position in the chinks of rocks, and flowers from March to June. P. discolor, Leybold, of the Western and Southern Tyrolese Alps, is a very beautiful species, with flowers of a purple-lilac tint, growing above 6500 feet in elevation, in fissures of granite rocks. Under cultivation it flourishes best when on a slope in rocks, and in a light soil rich in humus. April.

P. crenata, Jacquin, of the Eastern Alps, is a species with cut foliage, crenate on the margins, and looks as if bordered with silver. March to April.

P. marginata, Curtis, of the Alps of Dauphiné, is a fine species with large, clear lilac flowers, and foliage similarly bordered by a band of silver. February to April.

These two species are closely allied, but have the foliage distinct. They are absolutely arborescent in habit, and form little shrubs which are covered with lilac flowers in the months of March and April.

P. graveolens, Kerner, of Tyrol, has fine rose-purple flowers. An arborescent plant, liking a cool situation on granite. March to April.

P. integrifolia, Linnæus.—Native of the Swiss Alps at 7000 feet, and of the Pyrenees. A dwarf plant, covered with 'purple-lilac flowers in June and July. It is cultivated like Muretiana, but rots more easily, and requires a well drained soil.

SECTION II.

In the second section we findCommon in all the P. farinosa, Linnæus. 'mountainous bogs of Central Europe, and is so also in Asia. It is so well known that it is not necessary to describe it. It is a plant that is met with under two absolutely different forms, according as it is found in the marshes in the low grounds, or in the alpine pasturages. In the first case it has a flower of a lilac colour, borne on a long and slender stem, with narrow petals. In the Alps,

on the contrary, it shines with a bright tint, and is of a rose colour, supported on a short stem, and bearing extremely broad and bright petals. This difference refers evidently to the fertilisation of the flowers by insects, as referred to by Dr. H. Müller (Alpen Blumen und ihre Befruchtung, p. 364). That naturalist cultivated at Geysenheim some specimens of P. farinosa from Pomerania side by side with specimens from the Bavarian Alps. This pretty species succeeds in the open ground in a slightly moist soil rich in humus. It produces seeds readily, and forms tufts, by division of the stalk, as previomsly indicated. It flowers from March to June, and again in autumn. There is a fine variety with white flowers.

P. longiflora, Linnæus.-A superb species, belonging to the grassy regions of the high Alps, between 4900 and 6500 feet. It is larger in all particulars than P. farinosa; the limb of the corolla is brilliant and broad, borne on the top of a tube which is four times longer than that of P. farinosa. It belongs exclusively to the granitic regions of the high Alps, and prefers a light soil, composed of one-third peat, one-third leaf-mould, one-sixth granite-sand, and one-sixth loam. It likes an eastern or western aspect, and a shallow, well drained pit in the rock. As in Soldanella alpina it is necessary to give it plenty of water as soon as the plant flowers, and to do it so that the water runs off rapidly. Under cultivation it flowers from May to the end of June.

P. Warei, Stein.-Eastern Alps. A charming little species, approaching P. farinosa, with an eye of a brighter yellow, bordered with shaded lilac.

P. glutinosa, Linnæus, of the Austrian granitic Alps, belongs to the glacial region, and grows as high as an elevation of 9800 feet. The flowers are of deep lilac, larger than those of P. farinosa, and of the dimensions of P. longiflora. A glutinous and sticky plant, very difficult to flower. There are now clumps in the Garden of Acclimatisation in bud. It was placed in a niche which received the sun in the morning and which is well drained with pieces of coke. I have made a soil composed of one-third of sphagnum, one-third peat, and one-third leaf-mould, to which I have added granite-sand. It seems to be doing very well, and those which we have in pots seem to me to be equally good. It flowers from April to May.

P. Flörkeana. Schrader, of the Swiss and Tyrolean granitic Alps. This species appears to be a hybrid between P. minima, of which it possesses the graceful foliage, and P. glutinosa, of which it has the flowers. It is cultivated like the last, but seems to be more easily raised.

P. minima, Linnæus, of the calcareous Alps of East Switzerland and Tyrol, is one of the most distinct and prettiest of the Primroses. It is met with at an elevation of 4900 to 8200 feet; it is a completely dwarf, tufted plant. Its dentate and crenate foliage forms tufts from which proceed the flowers. It prefers a calcareous soil and an eastern or western aspect; the soil should not be deep but well drained. May to June.

P. Facchinii, Schott.-A species of South Tyrol, belonging to the granite region. Leaves extremely graceful, and flowers rose. Culture like that of P. minima. May to June.

P. Wulfeniana, Schott.-Southern Alps. Altitude 4900 feet. A rare and very pretty plant, flowering profusely under cultivation. It prefers an eastern or western aspect, and a light and calcareous soil. May to June.

P. spectabilis, Trattinick. South Tyrol and Austria, 4900 to 6500 feet. Has large deep lilac flowers, leaves shiny and glabrous. It succeeds well in a light soil. May to June.

P. Tyrolensis, Schott.-Tyrol. April to May. A charming dwarf species with large flowers. Culture as for P. glutinosa, but it must be kept dryer. Henry Correvon, Geneva,

(To be continued.)

GUMMING OF FRUIT TRees. · The formation of gum in wood has been examined by B. Frank in a number of Leguminous and Rosaceous trees. He finds that it is the universal product of special conditions, and can always be induced by the production of these conditions, as, for instance, by wounding any part of the stem. After four or five weeks the cells of the medullary rays are nearly filled with gum, its formation commencing in the cavities of the vessels and wood-cells, which assume a more or less yellow or red colour, due to small granules resulting partly from metamorphosis of starch grains. The purpose of the internal formation of gum appears to be to form air-tight plugs to the vessels, this object being aided by the formation of thylle or cells inside the vessels. Journal of Microscopical Society.

New

Garden Plants.

ZYGOPETALUM PENTACHROMUM, nov. hybr. Angl.

A ZYGOPETALUM seedling raised from Zygopeta. lum Mackayi, fertilised with Zygopetalum maxillare. Thus the parents are the same as those of Zygopetalum Sedeni, but reversed. The bulb growth has the same strength as in Zygopetalum Mackayi; the habit resembles more nearly that of Zygopetalum maxillare. Longest leaf, 16 inches. The seeds were sown in 1876, and are now flowering for the first time, according to Mr. Harry Veitch, who sends a four-flowered raceme and a leaf. The sepals and petals are scarcely undulate, green, with a dark brown marbling. They remind one of Zygopetalum maxillare. The lip is cuneate obovate, nearly retuse, white, with numerous mauve blotches and lines, which are thicker here and there. The callus is like that of Zygopetalum Mackayi, with adhering acute falcate side lacinia, like those in Sir Trevor's great rarity, Zygopetalum obtusatum, Rchb. f. The upper and anterior part of the column under the fovea is of the darkest purple, base whitish. H. G. Rchb. f.

ERIA MONOSTACHYA, Lindl.

This species has at length appeared alive in the Botanic Garden of Leyden, grown by Mr. Witte, the enthusiastic Curator. It was imported from the Fenger Mountains, in Java, by Mr. F. Ottolander.

The plant ranks very near Eria paniculata, Wall.; and though polymorphous has much narrower leaves, compound inflorescences, and a very distinct lip. Our plant has leaves exceeding an inch in breadth. The inflorescences are simple. The tomentum consists of stellate hairs. The bracts are far more inconspicuous. The whole tomentum is far less developed and shorter than in Eria paniculata. The inflorescences themselves might be compared to those of Eria aëridostachya. They stand in pairs in the fine garden specimen at hand, and in threes in one of my wild specimens. The sepals and petals are of the lightest greenish-yellow. The lip has nearly the general shape of that of Eria paniculata, though the anterior lacinia is usually (not always) very small. The anterior callus is very small when compared to that of the above-named species, and there is a profusion of mealy substance in the midline, resulting from broken hairs. The chief character consists in the two an. gular calli near the sinuses between the lateral lacinia and anterior lacinia. The white column is bordered with purple-brown. H. G. Rchb. f.

PLEUROTHALLIS LIPARANGES, n. sp.*

A delicate small thing, a few inches high. The petiolate oblong blunt acute leaf is of a fine green. The upper surface is embellished with a number of scattered purple-mauve small spots, and the lower surface is nearly all mauve, with a few green blotches, chiefly near the apex. The one-sided raceme is very few flowered. The flowers are remarkably thin, pellucid, of a light reddish-ochre. The sepals are linear; the petals nearly so, but broader at the base. Lip oblong, blunt, acute, rounded at the base, light ochre with an orange margin at the apex. Column semiterete, green, with semi-elliptical, angulate wings near the fovea, as long as the column. Pollinia two, markedly pedicellate. This little curiosity was sent by the excellent Curator of the Leyden Botanic Garden, Mr. Witte. It was obtained from Mons. G. M. Binot, from Brazil. H. G. Rchb. f.

LIPARIS LATIFOLIA, Lindl., Gen. et Sp. Orch. 30.

This plant was published as Malaxis latifolia by the late Blume, in 1825. After nearly sixty years it appears at last in Europe as a rather stately species amidst its congeners. The strong light green bulb is compressed pyriform, and with a few furrows on it. The inferior sheaths are exceedingly thin, and

Pleurothallis liparanges, n. sp.-Aff. Pleurothallidi ephemeræ, Lindl. Cæspitosa; caule secundario brevi teretiusculo; folio petiolato cuneato oblongo acutiusculo violaceo maculato seu suffuso; racemo paucifloro secundifloro; floribus tenuibus membranaceis longis; sepalis tepalisque conniventibus, apice dissitis, lineari-lanceis ; tepalis basi bene dilatatis, labelo a basi subcordata ligulato obtuse acuto: columna labello æquilonga, juxta foveam angulato alata. E. Brasilia, intd. cl. Witte, Lugduni Batavorum. H. G. Rchb. f.