never seen the fruit of this Ruscus in India, but in the South of Europe one of the flowers is sometimes followed by a vermilion-coloured little oval berry about the size of a small marble, and containing one seed surrounded by a whitish pulp. I have never seen it propagated by seed, but always by division of the roots or underground stems. The whole world is often ransacked for some plants that will thrive indoors, and yet here is one which appears to possess all the necessary qualifications for admittance into ballrooms, drawing-rooms, and other indoor places, and no one seems to care about it. I should say for the darkest corners of rooms it is admirably suited, and, as I said, it scarcely requires any attention, rarely any water, and, even when much neglected, it does not seem to mind it. Its pseudo-foliage is so coriaceous that it can stand the hottest wind of India. course if suitable soil and conditions are given, like everything else, it grows luxuriantly; bad soil, how. ever, and neglect will not kill it, but only make it stunted. For these reasons I should say it is admir ably suited to the heated rooms of England, where fires and gas in winter render the air very dry. I think this interesting Ruscus hypophyllum certainly deserves attention for the purposes above indicated. Of While discussing the subject of indoor gardening I certainly think that a more aesthetic form of pot might be devised than the ordinary conical one, which, while being prettier in outline, would meet the necessity for ease in shifting. I have in my verandah a form of pot with the above Ruscus which has a much prettier outline than the ordinary conical pot, and plants look much more elegant in it. On one occasion the potter here had none of the ordinary pots, which in India might usually be called "frights." He had ready, however, a number of earthern pots used by sweetmeat sellers for keeping curds in, and other similar things. They have a pretty outline. So, making a virtue of necessity, I took some of these, bored holes in their bottoms, and used them as flowerpots. Afterwards I found that the tout ensemble of pot and plant (especially when Dracena, Ruscus, Canna, and Calamus were planted in them) was far more pleasing to the eye than when the old-fashioned pot was used. By allowing the ball of earth to dry before shifting, it shrinks sufficiently to enable it by a little manage. ment to come out by a half revolution. If the interior is spherical, this half revolution will be more easily effected. The ingenuity of English potters, however, might devise a somewhat conical interior, while the external outline remained "æsthetic." Glazed and decorated vases of this shape for drawing-rooms and halls might be made very picturesque. The ordinary pot is very convenient for nurserymen, and for raising plants in quantity, but for verandah and indoor gardening, something with a more elegant outline might, I think, be easily devised, so as to please the eye and not bother the gardener. E. Bonavia, M.D., Etawah, Reports of Societies. ROYAL NATIONAL TULIP: May 30. THIS annual exhibition took place in the Botanical Gardens, Old Trafford, Manchester, on the above date, and it may be said to have made the ninth day of Mr. Findlay's great horticultural carnival. The large show. house, bereft of its inhabitants, which made so much of the great Whitsun show, was now handed over to the Tulip-men, who placed their flowers on the tables running along the centre of the spacious conservatory. As many as twenty-two exhibitors staged their flowers, and they covered a considerable space of tabling. The show was scarcely so large as usual, and the quality, with but few exceptions, was not nearly so apparent as on previous occasions; the fixture was too early to suit some growers, and notably the worthy President of the Society, Samuel Barlow, Esq., who was scarcely able to cut a flower from his famous Tulip garden at Stakehill. He will this season bloom some 5000 flowers, and his beds are full of promise, but they will not be at their best for a week or ten days. What flowers Mr. Barlow was able to show came from Shim, his new place at Llandudno. The Rev. Mr. Horner was in strong force, and he brought from his northern home at Burton-in-Lonsdale some remarkable flowers of the highest quality; he took a high position in the leading classes, and was the fortunate possessor of the three premier flowers. A few new flowers were staged, but they could not be regarded in their present form as superior to the leading varieties of the past few years. Some of the rectified flowers were in excellent character, and the breeders were as usual most attractive in their unbroken rich and delicate self colours. A selection of the finest flowers taken from the entire exhibition would show the following result:-Feathered bizarres : Commander, Masterpiece, Royal Sovereign, William Wilson, and Hepworth's Seedling, the latter very fine, and like a seedling of the Sir Joseph Paxton type. Flamed bizarres : Sir J. Paxton, Polyphemus, Dr. Hardy, and Orion. Feathered roses Heroine, Charmer, which does not appear to differ from Mabel; Industry and Modesty. Flamed rose Annie McGregor, Old Aglaia, so ancient as to possess an almost prehistoric reputation; Triomphe Royale, also a very old variety, and Mabel, the last named of a kind of slated-scarlet colour. Feathered bybloemens: Mrs. Cooper, extra fine; Friar Tuck, King of the Universe, Alice Grey, May Queen, and the new John Hart. Flamed bybloemens: Talisman, Chancellor, May Queen, and Walker's Duchess of Sutherland. A grower having the foregoing varieties might aspire to the highest honours in Tulip showing. BROKEN OR RECTIFIED TULIPS. The principal class was for twelve dissimilar Tulips, two feathered and two flowered in each class of bizarres, roses, and bybloemens. Six stands were staged, and the Rev. F. D. Horner, of Burton-in-Lonsdale, appeared to be as invincible as with Auriculas, as he set up an excellent stand, to which the judges had no hesitation in awarding the 1st prize, consisting of feathered bizarres Hepworth's Seedling and William Wilson (Hardy); flowered bizarres Polyphemus (Barlow) and Sir Joseph Paxton; flowered roses Heroine and Charmer; flowered roses Aglaia and Annie McGregor; feathered byloemens Mrs. Cooper, a charming flower, and Friar Tuck; flowered bybloemens Talisman and Walker's Duchess of Sutherland, William Wilson, Mrs. Cooper, Friar Tuck, Hepworth's Seedling, which is very fine both in form and colour; Annie McGregor, very rich; Barlow's break of Polyphemus, Sir J. Paxton, finely flamed, and Heroine, were very fine indeed, and seen in their best form. 2d, Mr. D. Woolley, druggist, Stockport, with feathered bizarres Masterpiece and Photo; flowered bizarres Sir J. Paxton and Masterpiece; feathered roses Mrs. Lea and Julia Farmese; flowered roses Mabel and Aglaia; feathered bybloemens Bessie and King of the Universe; flowered bybloemens Duchess of Sutherland and Chancellor. 3d, Mr. Thomas Haynes, Church Street, Warwick, with a good lot; 4th, Mr. William Whittaker, Peru Street, Salford; 5th, Mr. James Thurston, Wolverhampton. Class 2, for six Tulips, one feathered and one flamed of each class, brought eight competitors, and the Rev. F. D. Horner was placed Ist, with beautiful blooms of feathered bizarre Masterpiece, feathered bizarre Sir J. Paxton, feathered rose Mabel, and flamed rose Annie McGregor, feathered bizarre Mrs. Cooper, and flamed bybloemen Talisman. 2d, S. Barlow, Esq., Stakehill House, Castleton, was 2d, showing smaller but charming flowers of feathered bizarre Dr. Dalton, flamed bizarre William Lea, feathered rose Hepworth's Seedling, flamed rose Mabel, feathered bybloemen Talismanshown also in a flamed character. 3d, Mr. D. Woolley ; 4th, Mr. T. Haynes; 5th, Mr. J. H. Wood, Royton; 6th, Mr. James, Thurstan. Class 3 was for the same number of Tulips, but the competition was confined to those who subscribe half-aguinea only, on the ground that they represent the small growers, and should be encouraged. Four stands of flowers were staged, and Mr. H. Housely, Edward Street, Stockport, was 1st, with feathered bizarre Royal Sovereign, flamed bizarre Sir J. Paxton, feathered rose Mrs. Lea, flamed rose Lady Catherine Gordon, feathered bybloemen Adonis, flamed bybloemen Duchess of Sutherland. 2d, Mr. Wright Prescott, Bedford Leigh, Lancashire, with feathered bizarre Royal Gem, flamed bizarre Sir J. Paxton, feathered rose Lady Lylford, flamed rose Mrs. Woollar, feathered bybloemen Guido, flamed bybloemen Adonis. 3d, Mr. R. Wolfenden, Thorpe, Royton; 4th, Mr. A. Fearnley. Class 4, for three feathered Tulips, brought five competitors, and here the Rev. F. D. Horner was ist, with charming flowers of bizarre Commander, rose Modesty, and bybloemen Mrs. Cooper; 2d, Mr. W. Dymock, Warren Street, Stockport, with bizarre Mr. Mill, rose Alice, and bybloemen King of the Universe; 3d, Mr. D. Woolley, with bizarre Magnum Bonum, rose Kate Connor, and bybloemen Bessie; 4th, Mr. T. Haynes; 5th, Mr. James Boydell. In the class for three flamed flowers, always more numerously represented than the feathered varieties, there being on this occasion thirteen competitors, the Rev. F. D. Horner was again ist, with bizarre Orion, rose Annie McGregor, and bybloemen Talisman; 2d, S. Barlow, Esq., with bizarre Dr. Hardy, rose Mabel, and bybloemen May Queen; 3d, Mr. T. Haynes, with bizarre Sir J. Paxton, rose Triomphe Royale, and bybloemen Walker's Duchess of Sutherland; 4th, Mr. D. Woolley; 5th, Mr. A. Fearnley; 6th, Mr. H. Housley. Then came a class for two Tulips, one feathered and one flamed, reserved for maiden growers, but there was only one entry, from Mr. Thomas Boydell, who had feathered bizarre Duke of Rutland, and flamed bizarre Sir J. Paxton. But in the open class for the same there were fourteen competitors, and Mr. H. Housley was placed ist, with feathered bizarre Royal Sovereign and flamed bizarre Sir Joseph Paxton; 2d, the Rev. F. D. Horner, with flamed rose Triomphe Royale and feathered bybloemen Mrs. Cooper; 3d, Mr. Thomas Haynes, with feathered bizarre Ajax and flamed rose Aglaia; 4th, Mr. John Morris; 5th, S. Barlow, Esq.; 6th, Mr. W. Whittaker. Then followed prizes for single blooms in each of the six classes, viz., feathered and flamed bizarres, feathered and flamed roses, and feathered and flamed bybloemen; from sixty to seventy flowers being staged in each. In the class for feathered bizarres Mr. T. Baker was Ist, with Masterpiece; 3d, with Captain Winslow; and 1 5th, with Duke of Devonshire; Mr. H. Housley 2d, with Royal Sovereign; the Rev. F. D. Horner 4th, with Hardwick's Seedling; and 6th, with Masterpiece. With flamed bizarre the Rev. F. D. Horner was 1st, with Sir. J. Paxton; and 3d, with Orion; S. Barlow, Esq., 2d, with Excelsior; Mr. T. Baker 4th, with Overshaw; the Rev. F. Tymons, Baskin Hill, Drumconna, Dublin, 5th, with Sir J. Paxton, a flower that should certainly have been nearer the 1st place; 6th, Mr. T. Haynes, with William Lea. The Rev. F. D. Horner was very strong in the class for feathered roses, for he was 1st, with Heroine; 2d, with Charmer; 3d, with Industry; and 6th, with Modesty; S. Barlow, Esq., 4th, with Modesty; and Mr. D. Woolley, 5th, with Heroine. In the class for flamed roses Mr. D. Woolley was ist, with Aglaia; and 4th, with Mabel; Mr. T. Haynes 2d, with Aglaia; and 3d, with Industry; S. Barlow, Esq., 5th, with Lady Sefton; and 6th, with Anastasia. With feathered bybloemen Mr. W. Dymock was 1st and 2d, with John Hart; 3d, with a seedling; and 4th, with Lord Denman ; Mr. D. Woolley 5th, with King of the Universe; and the Rev. F. D. Horner 6th, with Mrs. Jackson. In the class for flamed bybloemens the Rev. F. D. Horner was Ist, with Talisman; Mr. T. Haynes 2d, with Queen of the Universe; 3d, with Alice Maud; and 5th, with Duchess of Sutherland; and Mr. T. Baker 6th, with Bessie. BREEDER TULIPS. Of these there were, as is usual, a large number, many of them self flowers of great beauty. In the class for six flowers, two of each, Mr. James Thurstan, who has during the past few years obtained a fine lot of seedlings, was Ist, with medium sized but excellent blooms of bizarre Sir J. Paxton and a seedling rose, Annie McGregor and a seedling, and two seedling bybloemens; 2d, the Rev. F. D. Horner, with a fine lot of flowers of large size and great beauty, having bizarre Sir J. Paxton and Dr. Dalton, rose Lady Burdett Coutts and Lady C Grosvenor, bybloemen Talisman and Glory of Stakehill; 3d, S. Barlow, Esq., with beautiful blooms of bizarre William Lea and Sir J. Paxton, roses Annie McGregor and Mr. Barlow, bybloemen Nimbus, and a seedling; 4th, Mr. T. Haynes; 5th, Mr. T. Whittaker. In the class for three breeders the Rev. F. D. Horner was again ist, with bizarre Dr. Dalton, rose Lady Burdett Coutts, and bybloemen Glory of Stakehill; 2d, S. Barlow, Esq., with bizarre Lord Denman, rose Annie McGregor, and bybloemen Glory of Stakehill; 3d, Mr. W. Whittaker, with bizarre Sir J. Paxton, rose Mabel, and bybloemen Delicata; 4th, Mr. H. Housley; 5th, Mr. A. Fearnley; 6th, Mr. John H. Wood. In the classes for single blooms of breeder Tulips a large number were staged. In the class for bizarres the results were-Ist, Mr. T. Haynes, with Sir J. Paxton; 2d, the Rev. F. D. Horner, with Dr. Dalton, and 3d with Excelsior; 4th, Mr. W. Whittaker, with Sir J. Paxton; 5th, S. Barlow, Esq., with Lee's No. 9, and 6th with Lord Delamere. It is customary to offer prizes for the best feathered, flamed, and breeder flowers, selected from the whole show. On this occasion the Rev. F. D. Horner supplied the flowers for all three awards. The best feathered bloom was Mrs. Cooper, bybloemen, in his 1st prize stand of twelve varieties; the best flamed flower Sir J. Paxton, in his 1st prize stand of six varieties; and the best breeder, Glory of Stakehill, in his 2d prize stand of six flowers. A First-class Certificate of Merit was awarded to Mr. W. Dymock for feathered bylomen John Hart, a seedling of much promise, raised from Adonis. EDINBURGH BOTANICAL: May 14. THE Society met in the class-room, Royal Botanic Garden, Professor Dickson in the chair. The following communications were read : I. "Note on Strophanthus hispidus from Mr. John Buchanan, with Exhibition of Specimens." By Professor T. R. Fraser, M.D., F.R.S.E. Professor Fraser announced that he had discovered how the active 'principle of this plant, used by the natives on the Shire, East Africa, as well as many other districts of that continent, for poisoning their arrows, is of incalculable benefit in cardiac diseases. Though acting in the same manner, it far surpasses the principle of digitalis in intensity. II. "Notes on the Vegetation and Vegetable Products of Blantyre and Zomba Districts, Africa." By John Buchanan. Mr. Buchanan gave many details as to the trees, fruits, and economic plants of these districts. The Baobab is conspicuous in districts lower than 2000 feet in elevation; while the Msuka, Napala Kirkii, is characteristic of the highlands. This latter tree, which is usually 12 feet or so high, and about a foot in diameter, yielding a wood not unlike mahogany, is the most important one of the Zomba district. Its fruit is much eaten by the natives. A native substitute for the Mangosteen-a species of Garcinia-is also fairly edible, while the native Damson is the fruit of Ximenia americana; Rubus rigida is now extensively sold by the natives. Amongst the native representatives of the Leguminosæ are many well worthy of a place in our home greenhouses, such as Tephrosia -Vogeeli and purpurea, several Crotalarias, and Clematis Kirkii, as well as Hibisci, Abutilons, Convolvuli are characteristic features of the forest scenery; Liliaceæ are sparse, though there is a fine Crinum, and twenty or thirty species of ground Orchids. The top of Zomba is rich in Helichrysums and Alyssums, as well as in a tall Polygala, whose flowers, distinct in colour from the surrounding vegetation, stand out in fine contrast with it. There are also many Tree Ferns on this high mountain summit; Adiantum, Asplenium, and Pteris abound in the district, while a species of Selaginella may be found almost everywhere in damp shady places. Mr. Buchanan, who is enjoying a furlough at his native village of Muthill, Perthshire, purposes returning to Mount Zomba early in July. III. "Preliminary Note on the Evolution of Oxygen by Seaweeds." By J. Rattray, M.A., B.Sc., F.R.S.E. IV. "Exhibition of a new arrangement for demonstrating Botanical Microscopical Objects by aid of the Lantern." By Dr. Foulis, F.R.C.S.E. 30th, 55°. The lowest day temperature was 42°, which occurred on the 8th, and the highest 68', on the 19th. The aggregate amount of frost registered this season up till the end of April is 466°, while for the same period last season 163° only were registered. The lowest point reached this season was 18° Fahr., or 14° of frost, which occurred on January 23. The following are the amounts of frost registered for each month, viz. :-October, 7°; November, 64°; December, 86°; January, 70°; February, 67°; March, 82°; April, 27°. The rock garden was very gay during the month; 182 species and varieties of alpine plants came into bloom, making a total of 280 since January 1, as compared with 225 for the same period last year. Amongst the most conspicuous plants which flowered were: Robinsoniana Draba Maweana Gentiana verna Helonias bullata Narcissus bulbocodium minor A large number of interesting plants in flower was laid on the table for exhibition, among which was a pure white variety of Gentiana verna, found by Professor Dickson, at Teesdale, while with the Scottish Alpine Botanical Club's excursion to that district last autumn. Mr. Lindsay drew attention to a fine large specimen of Morchella esculenta, which was sent to the meeting by Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Palace Gardens. who found it growing under a Gooseberry bush in the kitchen garden there. " VI. "Report on Temperature, Vegetation, &c., in the Botanic Garden, Glasgow, April 1885 13 By Robert Bullen, Curator.-The thermometer has been at or below the freezing point nine times, the lowest reading being 26° during the night of the 8th. No frost has been registered since the morning of the 18th. During the latter part of the month the temperature has been higher than is usual, weather often sunless, and showers frequent, but generally light; this has had a marked effect on vegetation, the growth developed in a few days being wonderful. Like the corresponding month last year, the rainfall has been light, and favourable for seed sowing, which important operation had in many instances to be deferred owing to the frequent slight frosts. March 30 Jan. 21 Feb. 14 March 12 March 22 27 April 15 19 Feb. 6 Jan. 26 8 I 11. Draba aizoides 12. Eranthus hyemalis 13. Erythronium Dens-canis 14. Fritillaria imperialis.. 15. Galanthus nivalis 16. March 20 April Feb. 28 March 6 Jan. 26 Feb. 12 Feb. 9 March 17 March 18 April 8 Feb. 28 March 15 .. 20 28 34. Sisyrinchium grandiflorum.. 36. Symphytum caucasicum 37. Symplocarpus fœtidus 38. Tussilago alba Feb. 30 March 1 " Feb. 7 "Report on the Progress of Vegetation at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, for April, 1885." By Robert Lindsay, Curator: During the month of April vegetation generally made good progress. The weather during the latter half of the month was mild and genial, frequent light showers of rain and bright sunshine alternated, and these conditions, combined with southerly winds, caused vegetation to make rapid progress. Many deciduous trees had their leaves well developed at the end of the month. Pear, Cherry, and Currant were in full flower and well laden, Apple blossom being also well advanced. Although a good deal of frost occurred little or no damage was done, owing chiefly to the lateness of the season. The thermometer was at the freezing-point on ten occasions, indicating 27° of frost collectively, as against 37° for the corresponding month last year. The lowest readings were on the 2d, 29°; 4th, 25°; 9th, 28°; 14th, 28°; 15th, 27°. The highest morning readings were on the 19th, 61°; 20th, 53°; 21st, 55°; 27th, 54° ; The Whitsun show of this Society closed in a manner highly satisfactory to the Council and Mr. B. Findlay, for it left them with a gain of something like £700. Whit Monday, which was so wet about London, was gloriously fine at Manchester, and the largest numbers with but one exception, which had attended this show on a Whit Monday was present, and over £800 were taken at the gates. Though only the Tulips were on view on Saturday last, and there was the counter attraction of a high-class county cricket-match close by, a large number of persons were at the Botanical Gardens, and the sum of over £67 was taken in sixpenny admissions. The gardens are now being seen to the best advantage; the spring tints are on the trees, the greensward is in the best condition, and many shrubs and plants are in bloom. Everywhere the admirable care The bestowed in keeping the grounds is apparent. entrance walk is greatly improved by the addition on the left-hand of a fringe of rockwork, planted with many choice hardy subjects. The houses are attractive with flowering plants, and such specimens of Schizanthus as one seldom sees in the show-house. Manchester has once more come to the fore in a decided and successful manner. A spirited policy on the part of the Council commands and receives a generous public support. KLUGIA NOTONIANA. This is an old introduction from the East Indies, probably lost, and reintroduced last year to Kew, where it is now flowering in the Begonia-house. The flowers are small, but of a beautiful intense blue, and singularly interesting on account of the curious conformation of the corolla. The upper lip is small, the lower one large and pouched, but much flattened vertically, and completely enclosing the organs of the flower. At first sight one would imagine the flower was self-fertilising, but its deep colour and singular development preclude this idea. A more plausible theory is that the flower is specialised for certain large insects which are able to open the lip and effect an entrance, to the exclusion of small ones. The plant is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 4620, and rejoices in several synonyms, such as Wulfenia Notoniana, Glossanthus Notoniana, and G. malabarica. LEUCOIUM HERNANDEZII. LEUCOIUM Hernandezii of Cambessides has for many years been one of our botanical puzzles. Nobody could tell you, with any degree of certainty, which of the summer Snowflakes it was. In my notes on the Leucoiums, published last year in your columns (Gardeners' Chronicle, March 15, 1884, p. 341), I stated that I had not been able to find any illustration of this flower, and I do not believe that any has ever been published. I afterwards searched through the specimens in the Kew herbarium, with the kind assistance of Mr. Baker, but it was not to be found there. Mr. Baker was anxious to have the matter cleared up, believing it would be found to be the same as L. pulchellum, and there appeared to be no other way open than that of obtaining bulbs from its native habitat. Dean Herbert made it the third of the Leucoiums, and described it carefully; so I Oddly suppose he had seen it under that name. enough, he describes pulchellum from the plate in Salisbury's Paradisus, and he adds: "I have never seen the plants." He states that L. Hernandezianum differs from æstivum in having flowers about half the size, and a more oblong germen, which is quite cor. rect; and he states that it was found by Dr. Her nandez in Majorca, on the mountains near Lluch. I, therefore, sent a sketch of the plant as I expected to find it to Señor M. Juan Rodriguez, of Malion, Minorca, an excellent botanist, for whose name I was indebted to Mr. Baker, and I stated the case as above, and asked if he would be so good as to endeavour to procure bulbs of the plants in the locality indicated by Dean Herbert. M. Rodriguez very kindly did so, and succeeded in procuring twenty bulbs, which in due time reached me in England. Several of these have flowered and are now in flower, and they have been seen by many botanists, and carefully compared with the other Leucoiums-æstivum and pulchellum. The conclusion arrived at has been that L. Hernandezii is the same as pulchellum. Salisbury appears to have named L. pulchellum in his note of 1807, whereas Cambessedes' paper, in which it was afresh introduced and named after its finder, Dr. Hernandez, was published in 1827, so that the name pulchellum has priority over Hernandezii, or Hernandezianum, as Dean Herbert has it, by twenty years. The latter names will, therefore, have to be dropped for the future, except as synonyms, and the name pulchellum will stand. There are thus but two summer Snowflakes-æstivum and pulchellum. I have been surprised to find how rare the true form of L. æstivum is in the North of England, whereas L. pulchellum abounds. I had but one clump of it in my garden, whereas we have at least fifty of pulchellum, and, oddly enough, that single clump of aestivum was marked Hernandezii by a very leading authority, and the various clumps of pulchellum were divided by fancied differences into æstivum and pulchellum. There are slight differences just as there are in the spring Snowflakes-some have yellower green spots, but beyond this there is no real difference. The best plate of the true form of L. æstivum is to be found in Jacquin's Flora Austriaca, vol. iii., pl. 263, and the only two I know of for L. pulchellum are in Salisbury's Paradisus, pl. 74, and Loddiges' Cabinet, 1478. W. Brockbank, Brockhurst, Didsbury, May 29. THE CABBAGE APHIS. MOST persons are familiar with the swarms of blueish aphides that in some seasons affect the common Shepherd's Purse. It occurs commonly on the Turnip, Radish, field Cress (Isatis tinctoria), Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), and Charlock (Brassica arvensis), in addition to Cabbage, and upon this last plant, according to Buckton, "It often crowds both the upper and under sides of the foliage in such numbers that the leaves become hidden by the living mass. Indeed, sometimes, weight for weight, there is more animal than vegetable substance present. The leaves then become putrid, offensive in odour, and quite disgusting to the eye. Frequently whole fields of Cabbage are rendered unfit for the market by the work of this species." "The remedy of tumigation with tobacco smoke, as recommended by Fitch, Curtis, Thomas, and others, is," says Prof. Riley in his report of the State Entomologist, "impracticable on a large scale, and applications of soot, ashes, lime, and washes of tobacco water and other materials seem ineffectual. Strong whale-oil soap solution, indeed, seems to be the only remedy so far tried which affords any satisfaction. This is highly recommended by Prof. W. R. Lazenby, formerly of the Horticultural Department of Cornell University. Saschenberg recommends sprinkling with soap-suds treated with quassia, and also the use of a decoction of fresh Walnut leaves. The Pyrethrum infusion will destroy a large number of the insects, which work in such exposed situations that they can be easily reached by a spray, while the waxy material which they excrete is not sufficiently abundant to perfectly shed a watery solution, as is the case with many aliied species. But the kerosene emulsion will prove more satisfactory than any of the insecticides mentioned." (See vol. xxii., 1884, p. 304.) W.: W. SW. W.SW: S.S.W. 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.03 W. SW. 0.35 During the LONDON: Atmospheric Pressure. week ending May 30, the reading of the barometer at the level of the sea increased from 29.79 inches at the beginning of the week to 30.07 inches by 9 A.M. on the 25th, decreased to 29 96 inches by 9 A M. on the 26th, increased to 29 99 inches by I P.M, decreased to 29.96 inches by 5 P.M. on the same day, increased to 30.02 inches by 9 A. M. on the 27th, decreased to 29.91 inches by 9 A. M. on the 28th, increased to 29.99 inches by I P.M on the 29th, decreased to 29.96 inches by 5 P.M. on the same day, incrcased to 30. 10 inches by 9 A. M. on the 30th, and was 30.04 inches by the end of the week. The mean reading of the barometer for the week at the level of the sea was 29.99 inches, being 0.34 inch higher than last week, and 0.04 inch above the average of the week. Temperature.-The highest temperature in the shade in the week was 75°.8 on the 28th; the highest The mean of the seven on the 25th was 62°.5. high day temperatures was 68°.2. The lowest temperature in the shade in the week was 42°, on the 25th; on the 28th the lowest temperature was 54°.5. The mean of the seven low night temperatures was 47°.8. The greatest range of temperature in one day was 21°.9, on the 30th; the smallest was 17°.3, on the 29th. The mean of the seven daily ranges was 202.4. The mean temperatures were-on the 24th, 51°; on the 25th, 48°.3; on the 26th, 54°.7; on the 27th, 59; on the 28th, 63°.4; on the 29th, 58°.2; and on the 30th, 55°.7; of these the 24th, 25th, 26th, and 30th were below their averages by 3°.6, 6°.7, 0°.5, and 0°.3 respectively; the 27th, 28th, and 29th being above by 3.6, 7°.8, and 2°.4, respectively. The mean temperature of the week was 55°.8, being 6°.8 higher than last week, and o°.4 higher than 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 131°.5, on the 28th. The mean of the seven readings was 111°.8. The lowest reading of a minimum thermometer placed on grass was 34°.2, on the 25th. The mean of the seven readings was 42°.7. Rain.-Rain fell on two days, to the amount of 0.46 inch. ENGLAND: Temperature.—During the week end. ing May 30, the highest temperatures were 75°.8 at Blackheath, 74°.6 at Cambridge, 72° at Sheffield; the highest at Plymouth was 60 ̊.6, at Truro 62°, at Bolton 63°.7. The general mean was 67°.9. The lowest temperatures were 35° at Hull, 37° at Leeds, 37°.2 at Wolverhampton; the lowest at Truro was 47°, at Plymouth 46°.5, at Brighton 46°. The general mean was 41°.2. The greatest ranges were 34°.8, at Cambridge, 34° at Hull and Leeds, 33°.8 at Blackheath. The smallest ranges were 14°.1 at Plymouth, 15° at Truro, 20 ̊.5 at Bristol and Liverpool. The general mean was 26°.7. The mean of the seven high day temperatures was highest at Blackheath, 68°.2, at Cambridge 66°.8, at Brighton 63°.8, and was lowest at Plymouth 57°.4, at Bolton 58°.5, at Sunderland 59°.5. The general mean was 61°.7. The mean of the seven low night temperatures was highest at Brighton, 49°.3, at Truro 49°.1, at Plymouth 48°.9; and was lowest at Bolton, 43°, at Wolverhampton 43°.4, at Hull 44°.1. The general mean was 46°.4. The mean daily range was greatest at Cambridge, 20°.6, at Blackheath 20°.4, at Hull 19°.6; and was least at Plymouth, 8°.5, at Liverpool 12°.7, at Bristol 12°.9. The general mean was 15°.3. The mean temperature was highest at Liverpool, 57.5, at Blackheath 55°.8, at Brighton and Cambridge 54.8; and was lowest at Bolton, 49°, at Wolverhampton 50°.2, at Sunderland 50°.3. The general mean was 52°.6. Rain. The largest falls were 1.54 inch at Sunderland, 0.57 inch at Plymouth, 0.55 inch at Cambridge; the smallest falls were 0.06 inch at Liverpool, 0.07 inch at Hull, 0.09 inch at Bradford. The general mean fall was 0.37 inch. SCOTLAND: Temperature.-During the week ending May 30, the highest temperature was 64°.9, at Leith, at Aberdeen the highest temperature was 6.5. The general mean was 63°. The lowest temperature in the week was 28°, at Glasgow; at Leith the lowest temperature was 43°.4. The general mean was 39°.2. The mean temperature was highest at Leith, 53°.7; and lowest at Glasgow, 50°.1. The general mean was 52°.2. Rain. The largest fall was 0.62 inch at Aberdeen; the smallest fall was 0.24 inch, at Glasgow. The general mean fall was 0 41 inch. JAMES GLAISHER F.R.S. AN AUSTRALIAN FERN PARADISE. The Blue Mountain Range, in New South Wales, is much frequented by Fern-hunters, especially in the vicinity of Mount Wilson, where the summit of the ridge is largely covered with a dense growth of Eucalypti, the mere trunks of which almost obscure the horizon, and in the undergrowth it is no exaggeration to say that thousands of Tree Ferns, ranging up to 30 feet in height, are visible in every direction. It is on the southern slopes that the Sassafras jungle is found, in which mosses and Orchids luxuriate, and festoons of lianes hang from the topmost branches. There are two peculiarities in this vegetation which are worthy of notice; first, that the Tree Ferns (Alsophila australis) frequently bifurcate at a short distance from the ground, and in many cases divide into three or four, and sometimes into five and six stems, from one root; second, that Tree Ferns (which must be of very ancient date) are frequently almost entirely absorbed by the growth of forest trees (Quinetia Sieberii), which, germinating in the axils of their fronds, send down suckers to the ground, and enclose within their solid timber the Fern-stems from which they derived their first support. In some cases are seen Ferns which, having attained a growth of 20 feet in height, have been laid low by the wind, and where some portions of their heads have touched the ground a second growth of equal altitude has succeeded, which in its turn has been subsequently enclosed by a Quinetia of large diameter, while the roots of the original Tree Fern still retain their vitality. Sydney Paper. Answers to Correspondents. ASPECT FOR GREENHOUSE: W. W. We think spanhouses, with low-pitched roofs, standing north and south, would suit such plants as you mention, and would render unnecessary the turning round of the plants, an operation often required in houses with a southerly aspect only. DAISY A. S. W. The Hen-and-chicken Daisy, owing its appearance to a formation of secondary flower-stalks in the axils of the bracts (axillary prolification). JUDGING AT RECENT SHOWS: 7. C. & Co. We forwarded your letter to our reporter, and having received his reply, cannot admit that you have any just cause for complaint. NAMES OF PLANTS: D. H. I, Limnanthes Douglasii; 2, Coronilla Emerus. — D. W. H. 1, Leucoium vernum; 2, Narcissus poeticus; 3. Primula Sieboldi.-F. J. H. 1, a Casuarina; 2, Escallonia macrantha; 3. Epimedium alpinum; 4, Ribes aureum.-R. J. H. Ulmus montana.— -F. T. Epidendrum rhizophorum.-C. W. Cochlearia officinalis.— R. G. I. Polygala vulgaris. ORCHIDS: T. D. The variety you send is a fine one as regards size, form, and substance, but the colour is not so rich as in some we have seen. The Amaryllis is Sprekelia formosissima. - A. 7. We do not quite gather whether you allude to the photographs or the plants. SULPHATE OF AMMONIA: A Reader. I cwt. per acre, mixed with some fine ashes or sand. FOREIGN SUBSCRIBERS sending Post-Office Orders are requested to send them to the Publisher of this journal, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, and to make them payable to William Richards, at the PostOffice, Drury Lane, London, W.C. COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.-J. D.-J. C. & Co.-N. E. B. Markets. COVENT GARDEN, June 4. [THE subjoined reports are furnished to us regularly every Thursday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who revise the list weekly, and are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations are averages for the week preceding the date of our report. The prices fluctuate, not only from day to day, but often several times in one day, and therefore the prices quoted as averages for the past week must not be taken as indicating the price at any particular date, still less can they be taken as guides to the price in the coming week. ED.] BUSINESS has much improved, and prices all round are firm. James Webber, Wholesale Apple Market. AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES. s. d. s. d. 1 6- 50 Nova Scotia and Canadian, barrel..12 0-21 0 Figs, per dozen ..6 0-10 0 Gooseberries,1⁄2-sieve 4 0 5 0 Grapes, new, per lb. 2 0 5 0 FRUIT. Apples, sieve s. d. s. d. Vegetables.-AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES. s. d. s. d. Lettuces, Cab., doz. 1 0- English Cos, doz. 1 6Mint, green, bunch.. o 4Mushrooms, basket.. 1 - 1 6 Onions, per bushel.. 6 o-Spring, per bun. o 6Parsley, per bunch.. o 4Peas, per quart Potatos, new, per lb. o 3-.. Radishes, per dozen 10- 20 Rhubarb, bundle 。6-.. Small salading, per punnet ... .. 20- .. 0 4-.. lish, spring,per doz. 4 0-9 o Celery, per bundle.. 1 6-2 6 Cucumbers, each .. 0 6-1 O Endive, per dozen 2 0Garlic, per lb. o 6Herbs, per bunch o 2-0 4 Turnips, new, bunch 1 -.. Horse Radish, bun. 3 0 4 0 Spinach, per bushel 16-20 Tomatos, per lb. 20 .. POTATOS.-Magnum Bonums, 60s. to 70s.; Champions, 40s. to 455. per ton. New Jersey kidneys, 145. to 16s. per cwt. PLANTS IN POTS.-AVERAge Wholesale Prices. s. d. s. d. Aralia Sieboldi, doz. 6 0-24 o Arbor-vitæ (golden), per dozen.. 6 0-18 0 (common), dozen 6 0-12 9 Arum Lilies, dozen.. 9 0-15 0 Begonias, per dozen 6 0-12 0 Bouvardia, dozen 9 0-18 0 Calceolarias, doz. .. 60-90 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, doz.30 0-48 o ventricosa, doz..18 0-60 o Euonym.,in var.,doz. 6 o-18 0 Evergreens, in var, per dozen.. CUT FLOWERS.-AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES. s. d. s. d. 20-30 1 0 2 0 3 0-9 o 60-80 I 6-20 s. d. s. d. Marguerites, 12 bun. 3 0 6 o Mignonette, 12 bun. 3 0-90 Myosotis, 12 bun... 20-40 Narcissus, various, 12 bunches 20-60 Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses .. 09-10 scarlet, 12 trusses o 4-0 6 Primula,double, bun. o 9-10 Rhodanthe, 12 bun. 6 o 90 Roses (indoor), doz. 1 o- 3 o coloured, dozen 2 0 4 0 French, per doz. o 4-0 6 Spiræa, 12 bunches.. 6 o- 9 o Stephanotis, 12 spr.. 2 6 4 0 Tropæolum, 12 bun. 1 o 1 6 White Jasmine, bun. o 6-10 Woodroffe, 12 bun. 3 0-60 SEEDS. LONDON: June 3.-There is scarcely any business now doing in farm seeds. The prospects for red Clover seed for next season are not considered good, either in this country or America. Meantime, however, there is but little speculative inquiry for the small stocks left over. The prices asked for new French Trifolium are apparently too high for buyers on this side. For Mustard and Rape seed there is a good sowing demand: values keep steady. Other articles at this quiet season offer no subject for remark. John Shaw & Sons, Seed Merchants, 37, Mark Lane, London, E.C. CORN. At Mark Lane on Monday the reduction on both English and foreign Wheat was quoted 1s. to 25. The latter shows good quality. Flour was even more unsaleable than Wheat, and fully 1s. per sack lower. Grinding Birley was dull of sale, at 6d. reduction. Beans and Peas were down 6d. to Is. and Oats 3d. to 6d. per quarter.On Wednesday the fine weather and the Epsom races tended to check the already very limited business passing in the grain trade, and the tendency was adverse for both Wheat and flour. Maize engaged little attention. Barley remained unchanged, and Beans, Peas, and Oats were nominally the same as on Monday.-Average prices of corn for the week ending May 30:-Wheat, 34s. 11d. ; Barley, 28s. 8d.; Oats, 22s. 94. For the corresponding period last year : Wheat, 375. 7d.; Barley, 28s. gd.; Oats, 215, 2d. CATTLE. At Copenhagen Fields on Monday the good finish up in the beef trade at the Central Market on Saturday induced hopes of a better demand for cattle here; but the result was disappointing, and although the previous Monday's extreme rates were obtained in exceptional instances, the current trade was against the seller. Sheep sold fairly well, and quite up to late value, but the lamb trade was decidedly worse, and prices much lower. Calves sold badly, though supply was lighter. No pigs were on offer, and quotations are nominal.Quotations:-Beasts, 45. to 45. 8d, and 45. 10d. to 5. 44.; calves, 45. to 5. 4d. ; sheep, 45. 84. to 5s., and 55. 4d. to 6s.; lambs, 6s. 4d. to 75.; pigs, 4s. to 4s. 6d. -On Thursday trade was quiet. Supplies were ample for the demand. At the Bath and West of England Show from the 8.h to the 13th-Stand 211. DAINE'S PATENT VENTILATING Beasts moved off very slowly, and PAINE Greenhouses.-120 Ventilators can be opened were lower to sell. Sheep were in quiet request, and were weak in value. Lambs were a shade steadier, but no higher; calves lower to sell, pigs dull. HAY. and closed in one minute. No cords required; can be worked by a baby, and cannot get out of order. Information and refer. ences on application to Tuesday's Whitechapel Market report states that J. trade was fair and supplies moderate. Quotations :Clover, prime, 85s. to 108s.; prime second cut, 85s. to 100s. inferior, 60s. to 755.; hay, prime, 70s. to 98s.; inferior, 40s. to 60s. ; and straw 26s. to 36s. per load.-On Thursday there was a moderate supply. Trade was quiet, except for best Clover, which was again dearer. Cumberland Market quotations :-Clover, best, 85s. to 1055.; other qualities, 6os. to 80s.; hay, best, 845. to 95.; other qua ities, 40s. to 70s.; and straw, 28s. to 355. per load. POTATOS. The Borough and Spitalfields Markets reports state that of old Potatos there is a short supply, dearer for good qualities. New Potatos from abroad are coming in, fairly good. Quotations :-Scotch Regents, 81s. to IIOS.; Kent ditto, 70s. to 100s.; Champions, 50s. to 60s.; Magnum Bonums, 70s. to 110s.; Victorias, 80s. to 110s. per ton; Jersey Kidneys, 18s. to 20s,; Lisbon and Malta Rounds, 8s. to 10s. per cwt.-The imports into London last week consisted of 288 boxes 2992 packages 5 cases from Malta, 5004 packages 4117 half-boxes Lisbon, 15 boxes Lyttelton, 157 cases 26 half-cases Salonica, and 390 baskets from St. Nazaire. Government Stock.-Consols closed on Monday at 101 to 101 for delivery, and 99% to 100, x.d., for the account. The figures of Tuesday and Wednesday were 99% to 99, x.d., for both delivery and the account. Thursday's closing quotations were 99 to 99%, x.d., for both the account and delivery. G. PAINE, Machinist, Broadwater, Worthing. Under the Patronage of the Queen. SMITH'S IMPERISHABLE HER MAJESTY, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES, 15,000 OF THE NOBILITY, GENTRY, AND CLERGY. Is extensively used for all kinds of OUTDOOR WORK, CONSERVATORIES, Greenhouses, Frames. CAN BE LAID ON BY UNSKILLED LABOUR. I Cwt., and Oil Mixture, Free to all Stations. Non-Poisonous Paints for Inside Work, Conservatories, &c. Prices, Patterns, and Testimonials, Post-free. CARSON'S, LA BELLE SAUVAGE YARD, LUDGATE HILL, 21 and 22, BACHELOR'S WALK, DUBLIN. FOR THE TENNIS-LAWN In Amber Glass, in Blue Glass, and 6s. 9d. the CONSISTING OF SET, In Amber Glass, and in Blue Glass. 6s. 9d. the SET, CONSISTING OF JUG, 6 GLASSES, and BASKET. Sent to any address, packed in case, 1s. 61. extra*, upon receipt of remittance. Delivered Free to any Railway Station in London. HALLING, PEARCE & STONE, WATERLOO HOUSE. PALL MALL EAST and COCKSPUR ST., LONDON, SW. * Value of Case returned upon receipt back of same. SAMPLES AND PRICE LISTS FREE. Children's 1/5 | Hemstitched. CAMBRIC Gents 3/8 Gents. 6/9 per dozen. ALL PURE FLAX. "The Cambrics of ROBINSON & CLEAVER have a world-wide fame" Queen. HANDKERCHIEFS For which Two Millions have been paid as Compensation by the AILWAY PASSENGERS' ASSURANCE Company, 64, Cornhill. Accidents of all kinds. Paid up and Invested Funds, £2fo,oco; Premium Income, £235,0co. Chairmam, Harvie M. Farquhar, Esq. Apply to the Clerks at the Railway Stations, the Local Agents, or West-end Office, 8, Grand Hotel Buildings, Charing Cross; or at the Head Office, 64, Cornhill, London, E. C. WILLIAM J. VIAN, Secretary. GARDEN REQUISITES. - Sticks, Labels; BOULTON & PAUL, NORWICH. R. Rustic Raffia Mats, Bamboo Canes, C. G. FRAZER & CO., BOULTON & PAUL, NORWICH. R. HOLLIDAY, SMALL, HANDY, LEAN-TO FRAMES. TWO-LIGHT FRAMES, 6 feet by 4 feet. painted three If with hinges, set-opes, and prop, as shown, price If with hinges, set-opes and prop, as shown, price £3 10s. Packing 4s., allowed in full if returned. No. 75.-Melon and Cucumber Frame. HORTICULTURAL IRON and WIRE WORKER, GARDEN ENGINES and ROLLERS. GARDEN PLANT TRUCK and WHEELBARROW. GARDEN SEATS and CHAIRS. REDUCED CASH PRICES, Carriage Paid. Size. Length. Width. .. 8 feet.. 6 feet .. 12 feet .. 6 feet 6 feet .. No. 3 Price List post-free. Illustrated Catalogues 12 stamps. AND HOT-WATER ENGINEERS, Plans and Estimates on application for every description of SEATS with Awning. CHAIRS with Spring Bottom and Back. A GREAT VARIETY ON SHOW TO SELECT FROM. PAXTON'S STRAWBERRY CRINOLINE. 18-in. AWARDED the First Prize at each of the Is the BEST in the Market VIDE 3 Great Contests, RESULTS 7-in. 8-in. 9-in. Sole Makers: JOHN CROWLEY & CO., OF CONTESTS. Side Delivery. 30-in. 36-in. 42-in £22 £26 £30 Sheffield. |