blue-purple self, good tube and paste, very pretty and distinct. SEEDLING ALPINES. Here Mr. Turner carried all before him, having a large group of fine seedlings. The best golden centre was Rosalind, having a deep golden centre and maroon ground, broadly edged with rosy-salmon; 2d, Lobelia, much in the same way, yet quite distinct. The best white centre was Albion, dark ground, edged with pale mauve; 2d, Marion, dark, edged with bright mauve. POLYANTHUSES: GOLD-LACED. These were well shown, good plants, and well bloomed. Mr. J. Douglas had the best six, staging capital examples of John Bright, Prince Regent, Lancer, Formosa, Elliott's Red Ground, and George IV. ; 2d, Mr. W. Brockbank, with George IV., Exile, Cheshire Favourite, Prince Regent, Lord Derby, black ground; and Blackbird, also a dark variety; 3d, Mr. R. Dean, with Exile, Sanderson's Beauty, Prince Regent, Cheshire Favourite, John Bright, and George IV. The best three came from Mr. Brockbank, who had Exile, President, and Cheshire Favourite; 2d, Mr. J. Douglas, with Elliott's Red Ground, Prince Regent, and George IV. ; 3d, Mr. R. Dean, with William IV., Prince Regent, and George IV. In the class for single specimens the Rev. F. D. Horner was 1st and 2d with Cheshire Favourite, and Mr. Brockbank 3d with the same; then followed in the order of merit, Cheshire Favourite again, Prince Regent, and George IV. SEEDLINGS: GOLD-LACED. In the class for a red ground variety the 1st prize and a First-class Certificate of Merit was awarded to Red Rover, rich red ground, finely laced, shown by Mr. Douglas. FANCY POLYANTHUSES AND PRIMROSES. Mr. R. Dean, Ealing, was 1st, with twelve plants of fancy Polyanthuses, and also Ist with the same number of Primroses; and while the former were very good, the latter were especially so-large plants, crowded with bloom; 2d, Mr. J. Douglas, in both classes; Mr. F. Hooper, of Bath, being 3d with Primroses. The class for twelve Primroses brought but two collections. Mr. J. Douglas was 1st with three varieties of P. Sieboldi, P. Nelsoni, P. rosea, P. marginata, P. obconica, P. nivea, and P. intermedia; 2d, Messrs. Paul & Son, nurserymen, Cheshunt, with a choice lot, comprising the pretty blue P. glutinosa, P. Obistri, P. ciliata purpurea, P. pulcherrima, P. pubescens, P. nivea, &c. ROYAL BOTANIC: April 22. The second show held by this Society this year took place on Wednesday last, in the corridor and part of the large conservatory in their gardens, and was the means of bringing together an excellent display. Numerous exhibits were decidedly above the average, and although the entries were not large, the show must be considered a success. Messrs. Paul & Son, The "Old" Nurseries, Cheshunt, had between forty and fifty standard and dwarf pot Roses arranged at the west end of the conservatory. People who have seen Paul & Son's Roses will understand what an imposing spectacle this group presented when told that the quality of the exhibit was equal to the usual specimens shown by them. In this group Marie van Houtte, Merveille de Lyon, Maréchal Niel, Madame Marie Verdier, Madame de Montchaveau, Madame Margottin, Leon Renault, Duke of Connaught, Madame Falcot, &c., were exceptionally fine. They were awarded a Large Silver Medal. Mr. H. James, Farnham Royal, Slough, had a group of his famous Cinerarias, which were of fine form and substance, and very dwarf. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, London, had a large stand of choice cut blooms of Narcissus, &c., for which he received a Large Bronze Medal. A group of Cinerarias from Messrs. Carter & Co., Holborn, with large heads of bloom, bright coloured but rather small flowers, also was awarded a Large Bronze Medal. Messrs. Barr & Son, Covent Garden, had a choice collection of Narcissus, which contained large quantities of the favourite types, also five new ones of exceptional merit, viz. :-Mrs. Langtry, very fine, almost like a Eucharis : Katherine Spurrell, fine pure white perianth with yellow cup; MM. de Graaff, fine rounded white perianth with a wide cup; Flora McDonald, like the latter, but with more pointed perianth segments; Sulphureus Beauty, fine form of the Incomparable type, with faint white bar down the centre of each segment of the perianth. A Large Bronze Medal was awarded for the group. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, Chelsea, also received a Large Bronze Medal for a splendid collection of Narcissus, &c. Messrs. Collins Bros. & Gabriel were awarded a Bronze Medal for a similar collection. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were awarded a Large Bronze Medal, and Messrs. J. Carter & Co. a Bronze Medal, for collections of alpines. Mr. J. Douglas, Great Gearies, Ilford, and Mr. C. Turner, Slough, had each a choice collection of Auriculas, for which they were respectively awarded Large Bronze Medals. Mr. W. Bull, Chelsea, had a few rare plants, including fine pans of Hæmanthus Kalbreyeri maximus, Vriesia Janeiriensis variegata, Sarracenia Tolliana, Clivea prínceps, Alocasia Sanderiana (a fine thing), Tillandsia hieroglyphica, Pinguicula caudata, &c. Messrs. Todman & Son, Upper Tooting, showed Azaleas British Queen, fine double white; Edith Todman, semidouble, deep rose. Messrs. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, were awarded a Large Bronze Medal for a nice collection of plants. consisting of Epacris, Ericas, Azaleas, Acacias, Boronias, &c., Azalea Phoebus, semi-double rose, very fine. Messrs. J. Veitch & Son exhibited some fine Amaryllis, amongst them Prince George of Wales, vivid crimson, with distinct white eye, was very fine. The same firm also showed double Ghent Azaleas Louise Aimée Van Houtte and Mina Van Houtte. Three baskets and two stands of superb cut Roses shown by Mr. J. Walker, Thame, Oxon, were awarded a Small Silver Medal. gr. For six greenhouse Azaleas, nurserymen, Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was 1st, with well flowered examples, as seen the day previously at Kensington; Mr. H. James, Lower Norwood, was 2d, with good examples of Duc de Nassau, Concinna, La Victorie, Duplex, Maculata, Roi de Hollande, and Apollon; Messrs. T. Todman & Sons were 3d. Six ditto, amateurs.-1st, Mr. G. Wheeler, to Lady Louisa_Goldsmith, St. John's Lodge, Regent's Park, with Duchesse de Nassau, Criterion, Stella, Magnificans. Mr. H. Eason, gr. to B. Nokes, Esq., Hope Cottage, Highgate; and R. Butler, gr. to H. Gibbs, Esq., St. Dunstan's, Regent's Park, were placed equal 3d. Twelve Rhododendrons.-Messrs. H. Lane & Son, Berkhampstead, were 1st-Queen of the West, Mrs. R. Sturgiss, Nero, Snowflake, Marchioness of Downshire, Verschaffeltii, Cynthia, Roweana, Fastuosum flore-pleno, W. E. Gladstone, Lord John Russell, Etendard de Flandres, and Bodaertianum. The same firm were 1st for twelve hardy Azaleas. For twelve alpine Auriculas Mr. C. Turner and Mr. J. Douglas were respectively 1st and 2d. For twelve prize Auriculas the positions were reversed, with Mr. E. Pohlman, Parkinson House, Halifax, 3d. For twelve hardy herbaceous plants Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, were 1st, with a fine collection. For nine Cinerarias Mr. J. James was ist; 2d, Mr. J. Douglas; 3d, J. Carter & Co.; all with good stuff, but Mr. James' strain decidedly superior to the others. For twelve stove and greenhouse plants Mr. H. James was Ist, with good specimens of Epacris miniata splendens, Azaleas Hercules, Apollon, and Jean Vervaine, Ericas Victoria and Marnockiana, Eriostemon pulchellum, Gardenia intermedia, Anthurium Andreanum and Scherzerianum, Franciscea confertifolia; 2d, Mr. G. Wheeler, with good Azaleas Duchesse de Nassau and Fieldingii, Adenandra fragrans, Anthuriums, &c.; 3d, Mr. R. Butler. Mr. Perry, gr. to G. Rowlett, Esq., The Woodlands, Cheshunt, was Ist for six forced Roses, amateurs, with good examples of Ferdinand de Lesseps, Alba rosea, Etoile de Lyon, Madame Victor Verdier, John Hopper, Magna Charta, Duke of Teck, and Caroline Kuster. For nine torced Roses, Messrs. Paul & Sons, Cheshunt, were Ist, with magnificent plants of Innocenta Pirola, Madame Clemence Joigneaux, Duke of Edinburgh, Céline Forestier, Madame Lacharme, Beauty of Waltham, Caroline Kuster, La France, and Madame de St. Joseph. Mr. J. Douglas was Ist for twelve Amaryllis, all good. Fairlop Oak received a Floral Certificate, being the best-a very vivid crimson, of great substance and fine form. Mr. C. Turner, Slough, was 1st for nine Pelargoniums. Messrs. B. S. Williams exhibited some good Amaryllis, among which A. magnæflora, very vivid crimson, pure white star, and Mr. Walford, something similar, but the stars, more flaked, were the most remarkable. Botanical Certificates were awarded to Mr. W. Bull, Chelsea, for Alocasia Sanderiana and Vriesia Janeiriensis variegata; and to Messrs. J. Carter & Co., for Saxifraga Vandelii. Floral Certificates were awarded to Messrs Collins Bros. & Gabriel, for Narcissus spurius coronatus; to Mr. J. James, for Cineraria Countess, Amy Robsart, and The Bride; to Mr. W. Nicoll, Lower Merton, Surrey, for Azalea Princess of Wales; to Mr. C. Turner, for alpine Auricula Chastity, and Rosalind and Sunrise show Auriculas; to Messrs. J. Veitch & Son, for Amaryllis Prince George of Wales; to Messrs. Barr & Son, for Narcissus MM. de Graaf. NEWCASTLE SPRING FLOWER SHOW: April 15 and 16. The spring show of the Durham, Northumberland, and Newcastle Botanical and Horticultural Society, which was held in the Town Hall and Corn Exchange, Newcastle, was an entire success. On its merits as a floral exhibition it will favourably compare with any of the Society's previous spring shows; and when it is remembered how cold and backward has been the season this year this fact acquires greater significance. The exhibits were numerically in excess of those of last spring; they were drawn from a wider field of competition, some of them having been sent from London, and others from Scotland, and in variety and beauty it is difficult to imagine how they could have been excelled. As has been the case with the Society's exhibitions for some years, the strongest department was that of plants in bloom, of which there was a magnificent display, including two fine collections sent by Messrs. Smith & Co., Worcester, and Messrs. Fell & Co., Hexham, respectively, which, though not for competition, enhanced considerably the general effect of the exhibition. Auriculas, Cinerarias, Dielytras, and Tulips were all strongly represented. Of Roses there was a somewhat small but very fine collection. Hyacinths, with their wealth of colour and delightful odour, are ever a popular exhibit, and they were on this occasion deserving of every commendation. feature of curiosity was the exhibition of a few hothouse Strawberries, sent by a local gentleman. The arrangement of the exhibits was much the same as in former years, except that the plants in bloom were placed in the centre of the Corn Exchange, on the ground formerly occupied by the Hyacinths, which were ranged along the west side of the building-an alteration which improved the general effect of the display. The Secretary (Mr. Gillespie) and committee of the Society A were indefatigable in their management, and left nothing to be desired in the general arrangements of the show. In the open classes the 1st prize for four dissimilar plants was awarded to Mr. F. C. Ford, who likewise was ist for four Azalea indica. For six Dielytra spectabilis, Mr. McIntyre was Ist. For six Deutzias Mr. W. R. Armstrong was 1st, Mr. J. Wood securing the 1st prize for three Genistas. Mr. Noble was 1st for six Spiræas, Mr. J. Blackwood was Ist for six Cinerarias. Mr. J. Short was Ist for six Primula sinensis; Mr. D. Thompson for six Cyclamen. Mr. W. J. Watson won the Ist prize for his splendidly grown Lily of the Valley, and Mr. W. L. Thompson took honours for table decorations. The winners in the Auricula classes W. were Mr. H. White for twelve, Mr. Alfred Holms for six, and Mr. W. L. Thompson for four plants-in these classes alpine varieties being excluded, The best prizes in the Hyacinth competition were bestowed on Mr. W. J. Watson for twenty-four pots and twelve pots, for nine pots of Tulips, and likewise for six pots of Polyanthus Narcissus. Mr. F. C. Ford was Ist for twelve Camellia blooms and for twelve Rhododendron blooms. Mr. J. Short was awarded the 1st prize for twelve bunches of Azalea blooms in not less than six varieties, and Mr. Wright for twelve Rose blooms. In the open class, from which nurserymen were excluded, Mr. J. McIntyre was placed ist, for two Azalea indica; Mr. A. Methven, for an Acacia; Mr. McIntyre, for three Dielytra spectabilis. The prizes for twelve Hyacinths, six ditto, and six pots of single Tulips, were won by Mr. J. Wood, Mr. W. Sanderson, and Mr. J. Wood respectively. Amateur exhibits were numerous and generally of much merit. The Weather. STATE OF THE WEATHER AT BLACKHEATH, LONDON FOR THE WEEK ENDING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 1885. LONDON: Atmospheric Pressure. During the week ending April 18, the reading of the barometer at the level of the sea increased from 29 73 inches at the beginning of the week to 29.79 inches by 9 A.M., decreased to 29.78 inches by 5 P.M. on the 12th, increased to 29.94 inches by 9 A.M. on the 13th, decreased to 29.89 inches by 5 P.M. on the same day, increased to 29.92 inches by 9 A.M. on the 14th, decreased to 29.75 inches by 9 A.M. on the 16th, increased to 30.17 inches by 9 A.M., decreased to 30.14 inches by I P.M. on the 18th, and was 30. 16 inches by the end of the week. The mean reading of the barometer for the week was 29.91 inches, being 0.36 inch higher than last week, and 0.01 inch below the average of the week, Temperature.-The highest temperature in the shade in the week was 65°.3, on the 18th; the highest on the 16th was 51°. The mean of the seven high day temperatures was 56°.2. The lowest temperature was 35°, on the 14th; on the 16th the lowest temperature was 40°.. The mean of the seven low night temperatures was 37°.2. The greatest range of temperature in one day was 29°.3, on the 18th; the smallest was 11°, on the 16th. The mean of the seven daily ranges was 19°. The mean temperatures were on the 12th, 44°.6 ; on the 13th, 43°; on the 14th, 42°.5; on the 15th, 43°.6; on the 16th, 44°.7; on the 17th, 48°.6; on the 18th, 49°.8; and these were all below their averages (excepting the 17th, which was 1°.8 above) by 1°.3, 3°.1, 3°.8, 2° 9, 1°.9, and 2°.8 respectively. The mean temperature of the week was 45°.3, being 3.8 higher than last week, and 2° 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 130°.5, on the 18th. The mean of the seven readings was 110°.8. The lowest reading of a minimum thermometer placed on grass was 28°.7 on the 13th. The mean of the seven readings was 31°.6. Rain.-Rain fell to the amount of 1.18 inch during the week, of which 1.15 inch fell on the 16th, and 0.03 inch on the 17th. ENGLAND: Temperature.-During the week ending April 18, the highest temperatures were 66°.7, at Cambridge, 65°.6 at Brighton, 65°.3 at Blackheath ; the highest at Newcastle was 54°, at Truro 57°, and at Plymouth 58°. The general mean was 61°.2. The lowest temperatures were 28°, at Cambridge, 30° at Truro, 31°.5 at Sheffield; the lowest at Plymouth was 37°, at Brighton 35°.4, at Bristol and Blackheath 35°. The general mean was 33°.2. The greatest ranges were 38°.7 at Cambridge, 30°.3 at Blackheath, 30°.2 at Brighton; the smallest ranges were 19° at Newcastle, 21° at Plymouth, 26° at Sunderland. The general mean was 28°. The mean of the seven high day temperatures was highest at Blackheath, 56°.2, at Brighton 55°.9, at Cambridge 55°.1; and was lowest at Bradford and Newcastle, 46°.8, at Sunderland 48°.1. The general mean was 50°.8. The mean of the seven low night temperatures was highest at Plymouth, 39°.8, at Brighton 38°.9, at Liverpool 38°.I; and was lowest at Wolverhampton, 33°.8, at Hull 34°, at Cambridge 34°.3. The general mean was 36°.6. The mean daily range was greatest at Cambridge, 20°.8, at Blackheath 19°, at Truro 17°.9; and was least at Newcastle, 9°.5, at Nottingham and Sunderland 11°. The general mean was 14°.2. The mean temperaure was highest at Brighton 45°.9, at Blackheath 45°.3, at Plymouth 44°.2; and was lowest at Wolverhampton, 39°.6, at Bradford 39°.7, at Hull 40°.2. The general mean was 42°.2. Rain. The largest falls were 1.18 inch at Blackheath, 0.61 inch at Wolverhampton, 0.54 inch at Nottingham; the smallest fall was 0.01 inch at Sunderland, 0.06 inch at Newcastle, 0.09 inch at Bolton and Hull. The general mean fall was 0.31 inch. SCOTLAND: Temperature.-During the week ending April 18, the highest temperature was 63°, at Leith; at Greenock the highest temperature was 57°. The general mean was 60°.8. The lowest temperature in the week was 29°, at Perth; at Greenock the lowest temperature was 34°.2. The general mean was 31°.4. The mean temperature was highest at Paisley, 45°.3; and lowest at Perth, 41°.4. The general mean was 42°.9. Rain. The largest fall was 0.10 inch, at Dundee ; the smallest fall was 0.01 inch, at Edinburgh. No rain fell at Glasgow, Greenock, Leith, Paisley, Perth. The general mean fall was o 02 inch. JAMES GLAISHER, F.R.S. Answers to Correspondents. BULBS: A Member of the Daffodil Committee. The foundation is laid, and the general arrangement concluded, but not to such a degree as necessarily to prevent modification in point of detail according to circumstances as growth goes on. You will see that we are en accord in all essentials. CINERARIA WONDER OF THE WEEK: Lucombe & Pince. Very good blooms, equalling anything seen at metropolitan shows, so far as size, form, and colour go. Why pack in that injurious cotton-wool? Deformed GARDENIA BLOOMS: X. We cannot say for certain; it is sometimes the result of a surfeit of rich stimulating manures, and consequent poor assimilation, and is not often seen under rational treat ment. DOUBLE ALLAMANDA : E. P. We do not remember to have seen a double Allamanda before. Your flower is a very curious hose-in-hose sort of production, with a second complete corolla inside the first, the lobes of the second being placed exactly in front of those of the first, not alternate with them. DOUBLE SPATHED CALLA: Woolton Wood. By no means rare. HYACINTHS: W. P. & Sons. The presence of three flowers on one stalk, as in your specimen, is very unusual and interesting. We will examine and report. var. NAMES OF PLANTS: C. B. M. Odontoglossum Alexandræ; a fine form of it. W. H. D. 1, Primula elatior (true); 2. Anemone hortensis; 3, a Valerian (specimen insufficient); 4. Anemone ranunculoides ; 5, Dondia epipactis; 6, Narcissus incomparabilis, var. "Butter and eggs."-W. E. Only a form of the wild Daffodil showing a tendency towards the "major" form. It is not sufficiently distinct to have a separate name, though fat catalogue makers might be of another opinion.-K. S. L. Narcissus incomparabilis, "Butter and eggs;" 2, one of the forms of N. major; 3. N. Telamonius plenus; 4, one of the forms of N. tazetta; 5, N. cernuus. W. & J. B. N. cernuus.-W. M. B. Senecio Ghiesbreghtii, so far as we can tell from the leaf alone.-R. P. F. 1, Cephalotaxus drupacea, male; 2, Cephalotaxus pedunculata, also male. You will find the history of these plants in Gardeners' Chronicle, Jan. 26, 1884; 3. Retinospora decussata of gardens. It is apparently an infantile form of some Juniper.-W. & 7. B. Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, variety cernuus.-J. W. Phalaenopsis Luddemanniana. ORCHIDS: D. B. C. 6, Withered and crushed beyond recognition; 470, Lælia-curious. We will examine and report; 132, a good form of O. crispum. PERIODICALS, AMERICAN AND FRENCH: Fruit. Gardeners' Monthly, edited by Thomas Meehan; Revue Horticole, edited by MM. E. A. Carrière and Ed. André. PHOTINIA SERRULATA: W. E. Many thanks. We shall figure your specimen, but we do not think it is quite so rarely seen in flower as you imagine. In any case it is not common. The young leaves are very beautiful. ROSES: Rash Behary Roy. The Roses you mention may be obtained from Mr. Henry Bennett, Rose grower, Shepperton, Middlesex. STEPHANOTIS: C. B. Fasciation. We have not seen this before in this plant, but probably it would occur on any. It is a sign of over-rapid, vigorous and disproportionate growth. WORMS ON LAWN: E. H. Water with clear decanted lime-water in the evening, and sweep up the worms in the early morning. To make the grass grow use finely-sifted loam and wood ashes, two-thirds of first to one-third of last-named; or, failing the ashes, use the loam alone, or mixed with guano in the proportion of one part guano to twenty of loam. WHITE CINERARIA: W. Tyfe. A good variety, its large number of substantial petals being greatly in its favour, and well set off with a neat violet eye. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. JAMES COCKER & SONS, Aberdeen-Florists' Flowers. BRUANT, Boulevard Saint Cyprien, à Poitiers, Vienne, France-General Catalogue of Flowering Plants. RICHARD SMITH & CO., Worcester-Rose List. COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED -J. Lamont.-J. Snow.-W. H. Markets. COVENT GARDEN, April 23 TRADE more brisk, with a better demand for forced goods. Several samples of new Grapes from the Channel Islands to hand, making fair value. James Webber, Wholesale Apple Market. FRUIT.-AVErage Wholesale Prices. .. s. d. s. d. Lemons, per case .. 90-150 Pine-apples, Eng., lb. 1 o- 20 -St. Michael, each 2 6-8 0 Strawberries, per ib. 4 o- 8 0 Apples, 1⁄2-sieve Nova Scotia and Canadian, barrel 12 0-21 o Grapes, new, per lb. 6 0-10 o - old, per lb. 6 0-12 0 VEGETABLES.-Average RETAIL PRICES. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Artichokes, Globe, Lettuces, Cab., doz. 1 6per doz. 40-60 -French Cos, each o 6Asparagus, English, Mint, green, bunch.. o 9- 1 O per, bundle 3 6-10 o Mushrooms, p. baskt. 1 o 16 French, bundle 4 o- 8 o Onions, per bushel.. 4 0Perpignan, nat., per bundle Beans, Eng., per 100 2 0Beet, per doz. 20 Spring, per bun. o 6Parsley, per bunch.. o 6Peas, per lb. ..19 Potatos, new, per lb. o 6- 1 o Cabbages, per doz... 1 6- 2 o Radishes, per doz, Carrots, per bun. Cauliflowers, English, dozen.. Celeriac, per root Celery, per bundle.. 1 6-2 6 Cucumbers, each o 9-16 Endive, per dozen.. Garlic, per lb. o 6Herbs, per bunch 02-04 .. Horse Radish, bun. 3 0 4 0 .. 20 Rhubarb, bundle Salsify, per bund. Seakale, per punnet 2 0-2 6 Small salading, per punnet .. 04-.. Spinach, per bushel 3 6Tomatos, per lb. .. 20-26 Turnips, bun. new, per lunch 1 3 .. 05- .. POTATOS.-All markets 5s. to 10s. per ton lower, with a bad trade. Ghent, per doz 18 0-24 o Begonias, per doz... 6 0-12 o Bouvardia, dozen .. 90-18 o Calceolarias, doz. .. 90-12 0 Cinerarias, per doz.. 9 0-12 0 pots Cyclamens, per doz. 9 0-24 o Marguerite Cyperus, per dozen 4 0-12 0 per dozen.. Dracæna terminalis. Musk, per dozen .. 30-40 per dozen ..30 0-60 0 Myrtles, per doz. viridis, per doz..12 0-24 o Narcissus, 12 pots Erica, various, doz. 9 0 18 o Palms in variety, Cavendishii, doz. 30 c-48 0 each ventricosa, doz. 36 0-60 o Pelargoniums, Euonym in var.,doz. 6 o-18 0 dozen Evergreens, in var., carlet, dozen per dozen.. 6 0-24 0 Spiræa, per dozen CUT FLOWERS.-Average Wholesale PRICES. s. d. s. d. Abutilon, 12 bunches a 0-4 o Anemone, 12 bunch. 1 6-4 0 Arum Lilies, 12 blms. 3 0- 6 o Azalea, 12 sprays .. 06-10 Bouvardias, per bun. I o- 16 Camellias, per doz.. 1 0 4 0 Carnations, 12 blms. 1 o 20 Cinerarias, per bun. o 6- 10 Cyclamen, 12 blooms o 3- 0 6 Eucharis, per doz. 4 0-6 0 Euphorbia jacquiniflora. 12 sprays 3 0 6 0 Gardenias, 12 bims.. 2 0 4 0 Heliotropes, 12 sp... o 6- IO Hyacinths, Roman, .. 20-40 French, 12 bun. 6 0 12 0 Pelargoniums, per 12 sprays 09-10 scarlet, 12 sprays o o- o 9 Primro es, 12 bunch. o 4-0 9 double 12 bun.. 1 - 2 o Primula, double, bun. o 9-10 Roses (indoor). doz. 1 4 0 coloured, doz... 2 - 6 o French, per doz. o 4-0 6 Spiræa, 12 bunches.. 6 0-12 0 Stephanotis, 12 spr... 3 0 4 0 Tropaolum, 12 bun. I o 20 Tulips, 12 blooms.. o 4-0 6 Violets, 12 bun. .. 04-09 Parme, French, per bunch.. 30-50 Waliflower, 12 bun.. 2 40 White Jasmine, bun. o 6-0 SEEDS. LONDON: April 22.-The attendance of buyers on to-day's market was thin, and the business doing was of small extent. Sowing orders for Clover and other field seeds still come to hand, but the wholesale consumptive trade for this season is now, of course, drawing to a close. Some speculative enquiry, however, for holding over has been springing up, as present rates all round are temptingly low. Rape seed is rather dearer. There is no change in Mustard. For Canary and Hemp seed the sale is slow. John Shiw & Sons, Sed Merchants, 37, Mark Lane, London, E.C. CORN. At Mark Lane on Monday hopes of peace getting stronger the grain trade got weaker, and prices were even worse than on Friday. For the week English and foreign Wheat may be quoted 25. to 35. lower. Towards the finish to-day the tone grew steadier. Flour was 6d. to Is per sack lower. Malting Barley upheld late value, but grinding sorts were 6.1. to Is. lower. Beans and Peas were not altered in value, arrivals being very light. Oats were 6d. cheaper, with very dull sale. Maize off stands was 6d. lower; round corn in some cases Is. lower. -On Wednesday, owing to the explanations in Parlia ment on the previous night there was a very unsettled feeling in the grain trade; higher prices were asked all round, but the result at the close was considered disappointing. A sale or two of English Wheat had been made at Is. above Monday's rates, and also in foreign at a partial advance of 6d. to Is. Flour ruled very quiet. Barley showed a partial advance of 3d. on grinding descriptions. Beans and Peas remained unaltered; Oats showed a partial improvement of 3d. per quarter; and Maize was held dearer.-Average prices of corn for the week ending April 18:- Wheat, 345. Id.; Barley, 31s. 3d.; Oats, 20s. 11d. For the corresponding period last year :-Wheat, 375. 3d.; Barley, 30s. 10d.; Oats, 19s. 5d. HAY. Tuesday's Whitechapel market report states that trade was very dull with larger supplies. The market had a drooping tendency. Quotations :-Clover, prime, 835. to 110s.; prime second cut, 85. to 110s. ; inferior, 46s. to 755.; hay, prime, 76s. to 102s. 6d. ; inferior, 255. to 60s.; and straw, 225. to 35s. per load.—On Thursday the moderate supply on sale met with a fair demand at Tuesday's rates Cumberland Market quotations :Clover, best, 90s. to 105s.; inferior, 60s. to 84s. ; hay, best, 845. to 95s. ; inferior, 45s. to 75s. ; and straw, 30s. to 345. per load. PAXTON'S STRAWBERRY CRINOLINE. IRON HURDLES, CATES, TREE GUARDS, Iron and Wire Espaliers, &c. MATERIAL for WIRING GARDEN WALLS. GALVANISED. Rosher's Garden Edging Tiles. With WATERWAY BACKS, and WELDED BOILERS, which are Specially adapted for Heating Greenhouses, Conservatories, Churches, Chapels, Schools, Public Buildings, Entrance Halls, Warehouses, Workshops, &c. They are the neatest, cheapest, most effective, and durable of any extant. The Tubular ones are remarkable for their great heating power, slow combustion, and the length of time the fire burn without requiring attention. This pattern Had the First and Highest Prize, a Silver Medal, Awarded to it at the Royal Horticultural Society's Exhibition, South Kensington, London, on June 3 1881. The Journal of Horticulture of June 9 says:"HEATING APPARATUS.-A great number of boilers, valves, &c., were exhibited by eight competitors, and considerable interest was manifested in the verdict of the judges, and much discussion was brought to bear on the merits and shortcomings of the different boilers. The apparatus for which the Silver Medal was awarded was a wrought-iron saddle boiler, with a series of intersecting tubes, somewhat in the form of a letter X, but the tubes in ogee form, in the crown of the boiler. gardeners who examined the boiler expressed a favourable opinion of it. It is no doubt a quick and powerful boiler without being complex, the latter condition having, no doubt, had weight with the judges." Most The Garden of June 11 says:"The premier prize, a Silver Medal, was taken by Messrs. Green & Son for their new patent tubular saddle boiler. It is a modification of their original patent, the boiler being longer and not so high. It is found to be a powerful and efficient boiler, and heats a large quantity of water quickly with a small consumption of fuel." Descriptive Illustrated Price List may be had free on application. Estimates given for all kinds of Heating Apparatus, and Hotwater Fittings of every variety supplied on the shortest notice. Galvanised Iron Cisterns, from 4d. to 1s. 6d. per gallon. EYES, 7d. per doz. HOLDFASTS, with Winders, 75. per dozen. WIRE, 25. per rco yards. BAYLISS, JONES & BAYLISS, VICTORIA WORKS, WOLVERHAMPTON, And 3, Crooked Lane, King William Street. London, E.C. SPECIAL GLASS GFS 21-0z. Foreign of the above sizes, in 100 and 200 feet boxes, 3ds and 4ths qualities, always kept in stock. A large stock of similar current sizes of 15-oz. glass in 200 feet boxes. Propagating and Cucumber Glasses, and all Miscellaneous Glass Articles, can be obtained from GEORGE FARMILOE & SONS, GLASS, LEAD, OIL and COLOUR MERCHANTS, 34, St. John's Street, West Smithfield, London, E.C. Stock List and Prices on application. Quote Chronicle. BUY ONLY ENGLISH THREE-QUARTER PLATE WATCHES. BENSON'S NEW PATENT (No. 4658) SILVER, £5 5s. "LUDGATE" WATCH, £12 12s. Is a "Special Strength" Silver English Lever, my best Chronometer balance. with damp and dust-proof Massive sterling silver dome cases With crystal glass front. Winds, set hands and opens at back. The superioity in value, accuracy, and durability of the "Ludgate" Watch over the Swiss and American Keyless and Non-Keyless Watches, made in imitation of and sold as English work, and the ordinary Full-plate English Watch is enormous. The "Ludgate" Watch is compact, strong, handsome, and durable. Being Three-Quarter Plate, it is superior in value and appearance to any 10 Watch sold, and, being compensated, it keeps perfect time; fitted with crystal front, it combines the strength of the Hunter. and convenience of the open face. Of my best London make, it will last a lifetime, stand rough usage of all and every kind without damage, and, being made in three sizes, it is for the above reasons suited for Home, Indian, and Colonial use by Gardeners, Workmen, and Gentlemen. SPECIALLY NOTE that J. W. BENSON is the only Maker Watchmaker to Her Majesty the Queen. The Steam Factory, The HE ABOVE and many other PATTERNS as do " Agents for LOOKER'S PATENT" ACME" FRAMES, PLANT COVERS, and PROPAGATING BOXES; also for FOXLEY'S PATENT BEADED GARDEN WALL BRICKS. Illustrated Price LISTS Free by Post. The Trade supplied. ORNAMENTAL PAVING TILES, for Conservatories, Halls, Corridors, Balconies, &c, from 35, per square yard upwards. Pattern Sheet of Plain or more elaborate Designs, with Prices, sent for selection. WHITE GLAZED TILES, for Lining Walls of Dairies, Larders, Kitchen Ranges, Baths, &c. Grooved and other Stable Paving of great durability. Wall Copings, Drain Pipes and Tiles of all kinds. Roofing Tiles in great variety, Slates, Cement, &c. F. ROSHER AND CO., Brick and Tile Merchants. See Addresses above. SAND, fine or coarse grain as desired. Price, by post, per Ton or Truckload, on Wharf in London, or delivered direct from Pits to any Railway Station. Samples of Sand free by post. FLINTS and BRICK BURRS for Rockeries or Ferneries. KENT PEATS or LOAM supplied at lowest rates in any quantities. F. ROSHER AND CO.-Addresses see above. N.B.-Orders promptly executed by Rail or to Wharves A liberal Discount to the Trade. JOHN Russia Mat Merchants. and FLOWERS. GARDEN NETTING, 2 yards wide, 1d., or per 100 yards, ros.; ditto. 4 yards wide, 3d., or per 100 yards, 20s. SCRIM CANVAS, 1 yard wide, 3d.; 1% yard, 41⁄2d.; and 2 yards. 6d. per yard. TIFFANY, 38 inches wide, in 20 yard pieces, 3s. 6d. per piece. SHADING BLINDS made up any size. RICK CLOTHS, TARPAULINS, Corn and Potato SACKS, FLAGS, TENTS, &c., for Sale or Hire. From HY. VAN AND CO. (the oldest London House in the Trade, established 1780), 17, Tooley Street, London Bridge, S.E. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ORCHID CONFERENCE DOUBLE DAFFODILS.* GARDENERS' CHRONICLE TN attempting to comply with the request the for MAY 9 will contain a IN committee has done me the honour to make, I shall, as far as possible, confine myself to such facts as may be verified by any observer. I cannot, however, entirely pass over the tenth year, and the Manu- SPECIAL 8-PAGE SUPPLEMENT, the possible physiological explanations of these facturers have again much pleasure in stating that it is still increasing in popularity. to They are, however, sorry to find that it is still necessary CAUTION the Public against, under any circumstances, accepting it, unless in their PACKETS or SEALED BAGS, as they will not be responsible for its genuineness under any other conditions. Where no Agent resides in the neighbourhood they will forward a Sample Bag, carriage paid, on receipt of Cheque or Post-office Order. Sold in Packets, ONE SHILLING each, and in Sealed Bags, 7 lb. 14 lb. 28 lb. 56 lb. 1 cwt. 2/6 4/6 7/6 12/6 20/ CLAY & LEVESLEY, TEMPLE MILL LANE, STRATFORD, LONDON, E. Clay & Levesley also supply CRUSHED BONES, BONE DUST, PERUVIAN GUANO, SULPHATE OF AMMONIA, and NITRATE OF SODA, of the best quality only. CONTAINING AN ALPHABETICAL LIST of all the GENERA of ORCHIDS, TOGETHER WITH A MAP (a feet 3 inches by 1 foot 7 inches), Showing their Geographical Distribution according to CLIMATE, RAINFALL, &c. ; PORTRAIT of Sir TREVOR LAWRENCE, Bart., M.P., President of the Royal Horticultural Society and of the Conference, &c., &c. THE facts-a much more difficult and debateable matter, but one the relevancy of which to the questions the committee has set itself if possible to determine, will not be denied. To start with, we have the concrete fact of the existence of flowers double, and we have to account as best we can for their existence. The attempt will be no empty scholastic exercise, of no value to the cultivator. On the contrary, the experiments and observations made under the superintendence of the committee, if successful, are sure to be of direct practical importance. Proceeding in our quest from the known to the unknown, these questions arise(1) whether these doubles can originate in the way it is asserted they do? and (2) whether they really do so? To the second question it is GARDENERS' CHRONICLE beyond my commission to attempt to reply, that must be left to be declared in the final summing up of all the evidence from various quarters and different points of view. To the first question I should be disposed to give an affirmative reply, for reasons which I shall hereafter give. This being so, I shall be immediately asked, How can these things be? and this will at once bring me to the particular part of the work which the committee has entrusted to me-the consideration of the structure of these so-called double flowers. Before any satisfactory conclusion can be arrived at as to the causes which produce "doubling" in Daffodils, it is therefore requisite to know in what that doubling consists. It is obvious on the most cursory examination that the process is not uniform, but that it presents many diversities. These diversities may be absolute, or they may be merely the result of different degrees of intensity of the same essential condition. GROWTH OF THE BULB. Previous to detailing the specific alterations of floral construction which constitute the double condition, a few generalities may be indulged in, if only for the sake of making what is to follow more clearly intelligible. The general structure and mode of growth of the bulbs, leaves, and flowers of the Daffodils are known to all lovers of these flowers, and need, therefore, not be adverted to here in detail; but there are certain points on which it is desirable to lay special stress with reference to this present inquiry. And first of all as to the bulbs. The bulbs are at once nests in which the young flowers are formed, and nurses by which they are nourished. It is not necessary to describe so well known a bulb as that of the Narcissus, but it is of importance to notice its mode of growth. For a time from its short axis or central stem proceed, on this side and on that, in regular sequence and in definite order, thick This article was prepared at the request of the Daffodil Committee. fleshy scales, which wrap round and encompass the bulb. Presently these fleshy scales give place to green leaves. These die down, and scales are again produced. The scales are the nursing mothers of the bulb and of its offsets. In them are stored much of the water, the salts, the other elements which directly or indirectly are required for the maintenance and building up of the plant. The leaves exposed to light wrench from the carbonic acid of the air the carbon the plants require, and generally serve to collect and to manufacture the stores of food, or materials capable of conversion into food, which are stored up in the scales. If the scales of a bulb in full growth be stripped off one by one, it may easily be seen that scales and leaves are continuous, that the one is but a modification of the other, and in spite of their different look no one would say that they were essentially different. Should any one object that all this is very trite and rudimentary, it may be answered that this is a case where first principles eminently need to be insisted on, and the principles involved so far are these-(1), primitive uniformity of conformation; (2), subsequent differentiation, one set of leaves being told off to do one duty, another set of leaves being modified to ful. fil some other description of work ; (3), alternation in the mode and purposes of growth, as just explained; and (4), a period of rest or quiescence (not absolute, but relative) between the stages, growth manifesting itself in two different methods and to two different ends-and arrest of growth between the acts. Such, in brief, is the regular course of events in the parent bulbs. But now we have to consider the flower born in that bulb, and that consideration will again introduce some first principles of which further cognisance must be taken in endeavouring to understand the rationale of double flowers. Some bulbs there are whose central stem, after having given origin on this side and on that to scales or leaves, or both, winds up its career by the crowning glory of a flower. In such cases scales, leaves, stalks are but as the pedestal on which the floral statue is raised. The Onion and the Tulip have bulbs of this character, in which the central stem of the bulb ends in a flower. Such bulbs are known as "definite" bulbs, because the growth of the stem is limited or defined by the formation of the flower at its extremity. Once the flower completed there is no further development in that direction. Arrest of growth takes place, and under ordinary circumstances that arrest is decisive and permanent. Other bulbs there are whose manner of growth is different, and the Hyacinth and Narcissus are among them. Here the central stem of the bulb does not end in a flower, but in a growing point. Arrest of growth, indeed, takes place, but only to be resumed after a period of rest, and when circumstances become propitious. Such bulbs are called "indefinite." In such bulbs the flowers are borne from the sides, not the end of the stems, and in the "axils" of the scales. In the definite bulbs the main stem dies every year, provision being previously made for side growth in the following season. The consequence of this is that in the second season there is little or nothing left of the growth of the first. In the Hyacinth and Narcissus, on the other hand, the main stem, or at least its central growing point, lives on from year to year; its base dies away, and so do the whole side flower stems, provision being made as in the other case for new side growths in the shape of small bulbs or scales. These two classes of bulbs illustrate two great principles of floral development, permanent arrest of growth and temporary intermission, and, as a consequence of these, deflection in the current or direction of growth or continuance in the same direction. GROWTH OF THE FLOWER. It is of course quite unnecessary to occupy time with the description of the parts of a flower in an ordinary Narcissus, but in its development and mode of growth there are several circumstances which may aid us in understanding the way in which double flowers may be brought about. The flower begins as a hemispherical globule or pimple of very minute size, without trace of parts. From its circumference, below the extreme tip, emerge in succession, first three, afterwards three more pimples similar to the one from which they sprang. These six pimples ultimately develope into the six parts or segments of the perianth, which are free at their tops but remain in union below, thus forming a tube pushed up from below during growth, and enclosing and surmounting the ovary. In the case of the perianth, then, the six segments originate in two sets, three outer and three inner. After the formation of the six parts of the perianth, as above described, three other pimples emerge from the primary dome or pimple-these three emerge all at one time, and are followed by three more which are also developed all together. These are the six stamens, free for great part of their length, but inseparate from the flower-tube beneath. Immediately after the first beginnings of the stamens, or it may be just prior to that period, the little central dome or pimple from which the parts of the flower have proceeded is seen to be depressed in the centre; the depression becomes gradually deeper, so that a tube or cavity, already referred to, is formed. The reason for this introduces us to another peculiarity of growth -its inequality. Here the outer or lower portions of the dome grow faster than the central ones, and the result is the formation of a tube. From the sides of this tube proceed three more little pimples, formed simultaneously, the tips of which alone remain free (as the stigmas), the other portions remaining adherent not only one to another, but to the side of the tube from which they originally sprung. As this lengthens the whole ovary-for such it is—becomes, as it were, imbedded in it; and in the mature flower we have the little green knob below the flower, called, from its position, the " 'inferior ovary." It is not necessary to extend this summary account of the mode of growth of the flower further than to mention that the cup, trumpet, or corona (I prefer the latter term, as comprehensive of all the varieties), that the corona is an outgrowth from the top of the flower-tube or extreme base of the flower-segments, that it is not a distinct organ, or set of organs, as was at one time supposed, but is a mere secondary outgrowth, of use probably in directing insects in which way they should go.* DOUBLE FLowers. It now remains to speak of the different modes of doubling met with in Daffodils. For the purposes of this communication I have been favoured with letters and specimens from a large number of correspondents -specimens so numerous and so varied that I could not undertake to describe the particular variations sent me by each contributor.† The variations admit of being reduced to two or three principal groups, the complications arising from the combination in the same flower of several different conditions. The doubling of Daffodils is therefore due to1. A reduplication of the perianth as a whole. 2. To a multiplication, or increased number of parts in a particular series (polyphylly). 3. To a metamorphy or permutation of parts. 4. To the isolation or separation of parts generally united. These exist in different degrees in different flowers, sometimes, but rarely, separately, much more frequently in various degrees of combination in the same flower. And then there is a variation, which has been sent me by more than one correspondent, and which consists merely in the union, more or less complete, of two or more flowers side by side. These illustrations of "synanthy" may fairly be excluded from the category of doubles, as being inconstant, and not necessarily involving any change in the flower itself, and outside the limits of this inquiry. PLEIOTAXY. 1. The duplication of the perianth (pleiotaxy) is perhaps the commonest change met with. It consists in the repetition of the perianth-segments without, or generally with, the corona, and without, or generally with, changes in the stamens and styles. The Ovary with the contained ovules is usually quite unaffected. In its more perfect state the corona retains its tubular form, particularly the outermost one, as It scarcely comes within the scope of this article to discuss the question of the fertilisation by means of insects of these flowers, but as the question is one of great interest and is not without bearing on the subject immediately under discussion, it would be very desirable if observers would indicate what insects visit the flowers of Narcissus. Müller, the great authority on the subject, says nothing as to the Daffodil, and suggests that N. Tazetta is fertilised by night-flying insects. The comparative rarity with which seed-pods and perfect seeds are found even in single Daffodils seems to point to the absence at the proper time of the requisite insect, and, if this be really so, to the ultimate extinction of the plant! It is to be feared, how. ever, that peripatetic flower-sellers may contribute even more speedily to their destruction-an event for which the introduction of a Victoria regia or Vanda Sanderiana would be but a sorry compensation. Among these I may mention the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Bos cawen, the Rev. C. Wolley Dod, Messrs. Barr, Hartland, Bur bidge, A. D. Webster, Brockbank, Archer Hind, W. W. Fisher, Frank Miles, Lord Balfour of Burleigh, Hon. Mrs. Boyle. one sees in double flowers of the variety major of N. Pseudo-Narcissus. When the corona is split up we have such forms as N. Telamonius plenus, N. spurius fl.-pl., forwarded by Mr. Burbidge; N. obvallaris fl.-pl., from Mr. Brockbank; and Hales' Silver and Gold, where, owing to the difference in colour of the perianthial and of the coronal segments respectively, we have alternating zones of light and deeper yellow. In other cases the diversity of colour is even more striking from the presence of a deep green colour on the edges of the segments, which forms a pretty contrast to the crown and is indicative of a partial reversion of the segments to the state of leaves. It is in these repeatedly duplicated flowers that we find what are called Rose Daffodils (forms of the variety major). In these flowers, in addition to the changes already mentioned, the axis or thalamus of the original flower divides into from two to six subdivisions, each of which bears a flower whose perianth is reduplicated as in the primary one. Of course the ovary of the primary flower does not exist in such cases, its place being occupied by the branched axis. These cases are instances of median prolification.* This is hardly the place or time to enter upon the discussion whether or no N. major and its double forms are natives to this country; suffice it to say that, among the specimens sent from Devonshire by Mr. Archer Hind, and from Shropshire and Cornwall by another correspondent, and from Bangor by Mr. Webster, there were many, both double and single, and reputed wild, which went far to establish a complete series of links between the ordinary wild Daffodil as I know it in Kent and the Home Counties, and the large forms of major, and even of Telamonius plenus. Such a series can readily be found on comparing specimens from different localities? As to their really wild condition, I can say nothing definite or at first-hand. POLYPHYLLY. 2. Multiplication, or Polyphylly.-By this is meant a condition in which the perianth is not repeated, but in which the individual members of the single whorl are increased in number. Thus in a specimen of bicolor sent by Mr. Hartland, there were eight perianth segments, four in each row, and as many stamens, the ovary, however, having three cavities as usual. Mr. Brockbank sent a similar specimen in a form of major, but the condition is not frequent and need not detain us long. Seeing that the ovary retains its ternary condition it seems probable that the additional segments here are the result, not of any absolute new growth, but of a subdivision or branching of the primary organs. METAMORPHY. 3. Petalody. The particular form of permutation which is most common, indeed which is all but universal in double Daffodils, is that called petalody, from the fact that the stamens and pistils, some or all, assume more or less completely the guise of petals or perianth segments. If it be complete of course neither pollen nor ovules can be produced, but such complete petalody is rarely met with, generally some of the stamens are present, even if distorted, and half an anther would furnish a considerable number of pollen grains. As to the ovary and ovules it is especially noteworthy that they are, as compared with the stamens, very rarely changed. Even in the most complex combination of pleiotaxy and petalody, it is rare for the ovary and ovules to be affected. The few exceptions will be mentioned in a subsequent paragraph. This affords matter for speculation as to the sexual changes in these flowers, and their possible antecedent and future condition. I must, however, content myself with noting the fact. It has already been mentioned that petalody most frequently accompanies pleiotaxy but not necessarily so, for I have had several double Daffodils in which the outer perianth was not increased, and in which indeed there was no change but that of the stamens and the styles (not the ovary) into petals. (Gardeners' Chronicle, Feb. 21, 1885, fig. 46.) 4. Isolation of Parts.—This is a very interesting condition, and none the less so, physiologically, because it is usually, but not always, attended by sup. pression of the stamens and of the ovary. In speaking of the ordinary course of development of the flower it was shown how after the formation of the parts of the flower as separate members (exclusive of the For a coloured figure of this change see C. Morren in Bull. Acad. Belg., t. xx., part 2, p. 272. |