THE CULTURE OF CUCUM

BERS.

THE PITS.-A good supply of Cucumbers throughout the year, but more especially during the summer and autumn months, is indispensable in most gardening establishments. The most suitable house to grow summer and autumn Cucumbers in is a low span running east and west, having the glass bedded in the best linseed oil putty, and on either side the central pathway a bed about 2 feet deep and the same width, with a flow and return hot-water pipe fixed from 2 to 4 inches above the floor-line in the centre of each for supplying bottom-heat, and these should be provided with gun-metal screw valves for regulating the bottom-heat; the air being admitted through the front sashes (about 21 inches deep and 4 feet wide), and a box 10 inches deep and the same width fixed in the ridge-the lid being raised and lowered by means of a crank and piece of sashline.

THE BED.

Over the pipes about 3 inches thick of old brick rubble, the finest on the top, should be placed for drainage, to be followed with 18 inches deep of long stable-dung (including the horse-droppings), trodden firmly together, then a surfacing of short dung, after which the mounds of soil, consisting of three parts light loam, and one of short well-rotted dung and leaf-mould, well incorporated, can be made 3 feet apart along the centre of each bed, and about I foot deep, covering at the same time the short dung in the intervening and surrounding space with a couple of inches thick of the same compost, so that it may retain the ammonia arising from the fermentation of dung and droppings, and which would otherwise be spent in the atmosphere of the house, and perhaps injuriously affect young plants on shelves near the apex, unless the precaution under the circumstances has been taken of leaving a slight space open to let out the

steam.

THE PLANTS.

Meantime young plants of Rollisson's Telegraph and Tender and True, or any other variety, according to fancy, which may be had true to name-but which is sometimes a matter of difficulty-should be raised by sowing seeds singly in 3-inch pots three parts filled with light soil, consisting of three parts of light loam and one of leaf-mould. Cover the seeds with a little of the same soil, and then plunge the pots to the rim in a box of leaf-soil or sawdust, covering the latter with a square of glass; place over the hot-water pipes, where, after a few days, the little plants, if the seeds were good, will appear. They should then be placed on a shelf near the glass, and after they have made 2 inches of growth be top dressed with soil, which should have been slightly warmed prior to being used, and so soon as the plants have made a few true leaves, and before the pots become full of roots, they should be turned carefully out-being thoroughly moist at the roots before doing so-and planted on the mounds. The soil should be pressed moderately firm about the roots, and afterwards watered with tepid water to settle it. Then put a stick for support, sufficiently long to allow for the beds subsiding 9 or 10 inches during the three following weeks, and meanwhile tie loosely to the first wire of the trellis, which should not be nearer to the glass than 15 inches, so that the plants and sticks may sink with the soil.

TREATMENT AFTER PLANTING,

Shade the plants from bright sunshine until the roots have pushed well into the soil, after which it should be discontinued. Syringe the plants overhead morning and afternoon on bright days, to prevent the attacks of red-spider, and ventilate freely during favourable weather to secure a short-jointed sturdy growth in the plants. As the roots push through the sides of the hillocks, add a couple of inches of the same compost as that in which the plants are growing, and continue to make such additions until the intervening space is filled with soil. The base of the plants and the soil within 6 or 8 inches should, however, be left a couple of inches higher than that between the plants, to prevent the stems and the soil immediately surrounding them from becoming too damp by the lodgment of water. If this simple precautionary measure were more generally observed in the planting of Cucumbers and Melons, fewer complaints would be heard of the plants being affected

with canker. But should this preventible disease attack the plants, a mixture of lime and soot rubbed into the diseased portion of the stems will prevent its spreading, but as "prevention is better than cure," a little powdered charcoal should be placed around the collars of the plants, which will prevent a superabund. ance of moisture from settling in that quarter.

RAPID FORCING.

If the object be to get Cucumbers as soon as pos. sible from these plants, stop them as soon as they have reached the third wire of the trellis, and the shoots-fruit-bearing shoots-resulting from this stopping should again be pinched at one joint beyond the fruit, and leave only one of the latter to a shoot.

GATHERING THE FRUITS.

Cucumbers should be cut before they lose that dark green colour and heavy bloom which indicate freshness and crispness, and not be left until a shade of yellow spreading over the fruit pronounce them to be overgrown and consequently unfit for salading pur. poses. The fruit should be [stood on end in a saucer containing half-an-inch of water in a cool room until required for use. Train the young growths regularly and thinly over the trellis until the latter is furnished with fruit-bearing wood.

SUBSEQUENT TREATMENT.

After the plants have been fruiting a couple of months, cut out some of the old shoots occasionally to make room for young wood, for herein, other cultural points being properly attended to, lies the secret of securing a regular supply of fruit from the same plants throughout the year. When the plants show signs of exhaustion lay on a surface dressing an inch thick of the same compost as that in which they are growing, and to which add a little of Beeson's manure, which is an excellent fertilising agent, at the rate of 3 lb. to a bushel of soil.

The cultivator must be guided in the application of water to the roots and leaves by such circumstances as the condition of the weather, the health of the plants and condition of the soil in which they are growing, together with the drainage and the mode by which bottom-heat is supplied to the roots. When, however, the condition of the soil and plants indicate dry. ness at the roots, let the supply of water be sufficient to thoroughly moisten the whole mass. Plants grow. ing freely in borders prepared as indicated, and in which their roots have become a network, may have liberal supplies of tepid liquid manure given to the same without any fear of the plants being overwatered. Indeed such waterings are under the circumstances necessary to to keep the plants in a healthy fruit-bearing condition. A humid rather than an arid atmosphere will be congenial to the plants in all their stages of growth.

TEMPERATURE.

A night temperature of from 65° to 70°, according as the weather is cold or mild, should be aimed at, and 70° to 80° during the day with fire, running up 10° higher with sun-heat, and plenty of atmospheric moisture at shutting-up time in the afternoon. In the matter of putting on and taking off air, the cultivator should also be guided by the nature of the weather, and the stages of growth at which the plants may have arrived, but cutting winds must be guarded against, as such would check the growth of the plants.

DISEASES AND INSECTS.

Should mildew occur as a result of a low temperature, and at the same time over-moist atmosphere, or redspider, brought about by circumstances the opposite of those just stated, and perhaps dryness at the rootsapply flowers of sulphur through a distributor for the former (when the leaves are damp), and a soft-soapy water sponge to the latter, which will be the means of arresting their mischievous incursions; and should green or black-fly be troublesome, fumigate lightly with

tobacco-paper two evenings in succession, which will be more effective and safer than filling the house too full at one time. Syringe the plants well the suc ceeding mornings, and ventilate the house somewhat freely (weather permitting) for a couple of days after. wards. H. W. Ward, Longford Castle.

VICTORIA REGIA.

IT is a great pleasure to read of the success of this fine Water Lily, for when well grown there is no doubt but what it is one of the greatest attractions to any garden. No matter how extensive the collection of plants may be, visitors will crowd to see it. When reading the success which has been attained at Kew, and also at Mr. Dixon's at Leatherhead, it struck me a few words respecting the one growing here might not be out of place.

The plant in question was planted in April, 1840, and went on well without any check, which I think is the keynote to success, producing both leaves and flowers very fast. The following is the amount of flowers produced:-The first year after planting it produced thirty-two flowers and over forty leaves; the second year after planting it produced sixty-five flowers and about seventy leaves; the third year it produced seventy-six flowers and eighty-five leaves. This year there have been more flowers produced than even last year, but not quite so many leaves, neither have they been quite so large. The largest leaf was produced in August of last year, measuring 6 feet 8 inches across. It will be seen that this Lily has produced more numerous leaves and flowers than any on record.

The tank in which the plant is growing is 30 feet across. Although it may seem ample room for one plant to grow in, it has occasionally pushed some of its leaves over the brickwork, thus rendering amputa. tion necessary. Twelve leaves on the plant at a time are quite sufficient, for if more be allowed to remain they crowd the tank, for if clear water is seen round the leaves it adds to their appearance.

The Victoria regia has been grown here for many years past, and I believe one plant attained the age of two years, but I think no plant has attained the age of four years in England before. When the plant can be kept over the winter there is a great advantage in the appearance of both leaves and flowers much earlier than on young plants raised the same year, thus rendering the season much longer.

We find the Lily-house, as it is called here, a centre of attraction to the many thousands of people who visit these gardens on certain days, hence it is a wonder there are so few Lily-houses in our large gardens. C. Penford, Leigh Park Gardens, Havant.

APPLES AND SOILS.

I CORDIALLY agree with Mr. Ingram in his wish to see an exhaustive report of the soils, climate, &c., on which Apples exhibited are grown, but it is undeniable that to draw up such a report would be no easy task. To begin with, the geological formation on which any given garden may stand, as shown in the maps of the Geological Survey, would probably mislead anybody who attempted to generalise from it, inasmuch as in most cases it is covered with such a thickness of drift deposits (clay, sand, or gravel, as the case may be) that the roots of trees would never approach the actual rock. In this city, for instance, the New Red Sandstone (Bunter) only comes to the surface in a few spots, and the soil there is sandy and warm. But in most places it is covered by a varying thickness of sand or clay, or both, and there are gardens within a few hundred yards of each other standing respectively on a thick bed of drift sand, or still thicker bed of boulder clay, which underlies the former.

As regards climate, which is even more important than soil, both rainfall and temperature-and as regards the latter both the summer maxima and the liability to late frosts-have to be considered.

Further, there is the difficulty of ascertaining the names of the most prolific varieties, and the questions arise of mode of growth (i.e., whether on Crab or Paradise stocks, whether standards, pyramids, bushes or espaliers), aspect of garden, and no doubt many others which will present themselves to your readers.

Probably the best way would be to divide the country into districts, somewhat like Mr. Symons' rainfall districts, and have separate exhibitions-say one for early and one for keeping Apples-in each

district. Local committees should be appointed to get up the required information on the points alluded to above. I venture to think that, if properly worked out, the result in increasing the production of this valuable fruit would amply compensate for the trouble. Alfred O. Walker, Chester, Jan. 4.

EPIPHYLLUMS.

FEW, if any, stove or intermediate-house plants are more useful than these, for, besides their gorgeous beauty, they may be grown in a variety of ways, and they come naturally into bloom at a season when flowers are scarce, and last a long time in full beauty. For table decoration during the dead of winter they are quite unrivalled, as they may be grafted on stocks of suitable height and made to form neat symmetrical heads, which, owing to the gracefully pendulous habit of the Epiphyllums, and the brilliant blossoms hanging from the ends of the shoots show off to the greatest advantage.

To prepare them for the purpose referred to, two stocks are suitable, the one Cactus speciosissimus, and the other Pereskia, the latter being most in favour, as it may be propagated readily, and got to a size large and long enough to work in a year. The operation of grafting is a very simple and easy affair, as all that is necessary is to cut the stock back to any length that may be decided on, and then to make a slit in the end, about an inch down, in which to place the graft. This should be selected from among the ripe shoots of the Epiphyllum, and when taken off the way to trim it is to slice away each side of the end, so as to make it wedge-shaped, when it will be ready for inserting, and after this is done it may be made secure in its position by binding it round with moss and soft matting, the moss being required to keep the air out, and the scion moist and plump, till the stock and graft are united. This is soon effected, especially at this season, which is perhaps the best time for working Epiphyllums, as the scions are less likely to shrivel, and being done thus early they make their growth soon after and flower the following winter.

If pyramids are desired the Pereskia must be worked at certain distances all up its stem, varying the sides from top to bottom that the grafts may be opposite all round, and thus form regular plants, clothed from base to summit, which when in bloom will make a magnificent show. The way to insert the scions when grafting for pyramids is to make an incision through the bark just into the wood, extending downwards an inch or so, which will form a tongue-like flap, and when the grafts are prepared in the manner alluded to above, by making the end wedge-shaped, they should be bound in by using moss and matting, in the same way as the standards.

Not only may Epiphyllums be grown as pyramids and standards, but by running the Pereskia up under the roof of a house they may be worked on its branches and allowed to droop down, in which way they produce a striking effect, and also when suspended in baskets. For this purpose, and also for forming dense low plants in pots, they are best on their own roots, and to get the cuttings to strike all that is necessary is to take any of the firm shoots off with a heel, or break them off at a joint, and then insert them in sharp sandy soil, and place them on a light shelf up near the glass, where they can have a little heat to give them a start. As soon as rooted they should be potted on, or placed in the baskets, which need not be large, as at no time do Epiphyl. lums require much soil, but they will live and thrive with their roots in a very limited space, if kept well snpplied with water when growing and blooming, a season when liquid manure is a great help. Plants that have become too large, or heavy in the head, will bear pruning or thinning, as all that is requisite to get them into shape, or lighten them, is to shorten them back, or break out shoots where they are too dense, as after this is done they soon start again at the ends. To encourage them to do this they should be stood where they can have a brisk temperature, and syringed occasionally with tepid water; but at the same time they ought only to be kept just moist at the roots till young growth appears; and to have this firm, and get it well ripened, the plants should be fully exposed to the light and sun all through the summer, which will harden the half-succulent shoots, and cause them to set plenty of flower-buds. As soon as they have done this they may be kept cool by giving all the air the ventilator will admit, and a dry regimen should be pursued at the same time, which

will give them a rest, but when autumn sets in they must again have warmth by placing them in an intermediate-house, or cool stove, where if the atmosphere is not moist they will last a long time in full beauty.

To support standards or pyramids there is nothing equal to an iron rod made with triangular feet, and if wire stays are run from the top to the rims of the pots it will remain perfectly rigid, and appear neat at all times. Wooden stakes are very unsafe, as they rot quickly, and snap from the weight of the plants, several of which I have seen spoiled completely in the moving of them about.

Excepting greenfly when making their growth, or swelling their flower-buds, Epiphyllums are not subject to insects, and therefore are no trouble in keeping clean, as a syringing with tobacco-water, or fumigating, will settle the aphis and set the plants free. 7. S.

ASPLENIUM GERMANICUM.

HAVING always entertained a strong doubt of the supposed hybridity of Asplenium germanicum I have for many years, during occasional visits to Switzer

FIG. 15.-ASPLENIUM GERmanicum.

land, kept a close look-out for any forms which might serve to throw additional light on this debated subject, and, having always observed it associated with A. septentrionale and never with A. ruta. muraria, it seemed to me highly improbable that it could be anything more than a mere variety of the former, an opinion which I am pleased to find is also held by our President, Mr. Boyd, who has kindly informed me of the facts which he recently brought under your notice touching this question. If my memory serves me, however, it was on one or two occasions found in company with both A. rutamuraria and A. septentrionale by the late Professor Balfour.

In 1877 I found some specimens on the Maloja Pass, above Chiavenna, similar in form to that recently exhibited by Mr. Boyd to the Botanical Society, having distinct fronds of A. germanicum growing from the same root with A. septentrionale, but there were unfortunately no intermediate forms proving their common origin, and I was unable to bring the roots home in a sufficiently good state to enable me to keep them alive.

In 1882 I was more fortunate in finding, near the same locality, several other specimens bearing on the same root every intermediate form betwixt A. germanicum and A. septentrionale. A few which are

here figured (fig. 15), will, I venture to think, help to decide the question. The roots which were brought home are still flourishing, and have put up a goodly crop of fronds, which are all typical forms of A. germanicum. This fact is especially interesting when viewed side by side with the instance noted by Mr. Boyd, who informs me that his specimen, varying betwixt the two forms, finally developed into A. septentrionale.

In the figures which I have given it will be observed that only the intermediate forms are figured, but there were on the same root other fronds, having the distinctive characters of each species. I need scarcely add that extreme care was taken to satisfy myself that there was only a single root, all the fronds being observed to issue from the same point. John Lowe, M.D., King's Lynn, Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

BRANCHING POTATOS.

THE Potato of which we give an illustration (fig. 16) might have formed part of the stock-in-trade of the apothecary whom Romeo sought out on a memorable occasion. A similar one was shown at the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday last. The explanation we take is] that a Potato, for some reason or other, takes to branching, the branches becoming tuberous, like the main tuber from which they spring. The phenomenon is of a similar character to that which produces fasciation in the Cockscomb, Asparagus, Pine-apple, &c., but the separation of the buds is carried to a greater extent.

MESSRS, WEBB AND SONS'
SEED FARMS.

THE HOME ESTABLISHMENT.-The pages of the Gardeners' Chronicle have, on not a few occasions, illustrated the remarkable progress made by several of the leading seed houses, both in London and the provinces during the past twenty years. A spirit of enterprise stimulated by a brisk competition, both at home and abroad, has done wonders in the way of developing business relationships, and the growth of these has made necessary the acquisition of large breadths of land suited for the cultivation of plants bearing seeds, an extensive plant in the way of appliances and machinery, warehouses of large extent, and a staff of foremen and assistants undreamed of by the seed trade half a century ago. Seed houses then, and later, doing a moderate business, and some who have launched their venture since, have steadily grown into enormous concerns, and made world-wide reputations. The efforts put forth to gain business notoriety (and they are some of the leading features of horticultural enterprise during the past quarter of a century) have operated to arouse the interest of thousands in the delightful pleasures experienced in the culture of plants and flowers, and so extended business ramifications. A large business— if properly worked-must in the nature of things grow, and grow rapidly too, and when this stage is reached the very accretion of business is enormous, customers are counted by thousands and tens of thousands, and if some drop away annually others come forward to take their places. The enterprise, forethought, daring, skill, and general business capacity required to work a large concern successfully can perhaps be imagined. It is sometimes said, in disparagement of large concerns in the seed trade, that, like Aaron's rod, they swallow up many a small venture, but this is probably an exaggeration. It would not be difficult perhaps to prove that they are helpful in not a few ways to small businesses. That they are one of the facts of the age cannot be questioned, and we hope their influence is on the whole decidedly beneficial to the best interests of practical horticulture.

The seed business of Messrs. Edward Webb & Sons is, in so far as the garden and flower seed departments are concerned, one of comparatively modern development. The family have long been established at Wordsley, a busy village or township three miles or so distant from Stourbridge, in the direction of Dudley, Wordsley being the seat of the fine art glass trade. The Webbs have for a long time past been manufacturers of fine art glass, they are Hop and wool factors, they are corn merchants, in the sense that they deal largely in Wheats, Barleys, Oats, &c.; while grasses, Clovers, Turnips, and other agricultural seeds are traded in to a large extent.

time to time, such as Electric Light, a main crop Marrow Pea, well adapted for exhibition purposes; Triumph, a prolific blue wrinkled variety; Stourbridge Marrow, another good exhibition variety; Kinver Gem, an early round blue type of dwarf growth, and highly productive; Perfection, a white round, of much the same type; Kinver Marrow, a second early variety, that is largely grown in the district; and lastly, one of the best Peas of modern introduction-Wordsley Wonder-the result of a careful cross, and, as we have seen it in gardens in dif ferent parts of the country, a valuable.main-crop variety. In addition could be seen several seedlings of promise.

seeds they sell, have extensive seed farms. The Kinver Seed Farms occupy an elevated position on a fertile ridge some 6 miles or so from Wordsley; they exceed 1600 acres in extent, a great portion of the land being freehold; in addition, large contracts are taken by farmers and others, both here and on the Continent. The soil of the Kinver Seed Farms is particularly suitable for the growth of crops, and one of the principal uses to which they are put is to grow selected stock for seed purposes, all of which are "rogued" with the utmost rigour.

NEW PEAS.

The growing crops at Kinver during the past summer included a trial of some 130 reputed sorts of Peas; among them we had opportunity of inspecting some new kinds put into commerce by this firm from

SEED TRIALS.

A special feature of interest in a seed farm of this character is the trials of selected stocks. Experience has taught that at times stocks of high character will sometimes deteriorate from causes not always apparent, and thus it is that Messrs. Webb & Sons, in common with other large seed firms, are always on the alert to obtain special selections, in order to maintain their supremacy. Here was Webb's Dark Red Beet, medium size, good in shape, and with bright blood foliage-a model Beet of the Dell's type; a selected Scarlet Runner, the Victoria Dwarf French Bean, the Kinver Mammoth Longpod variety; Webb's Matchless Brussels Sprout; a fine main crop Broccoli, appropriately named Webb's Perfection; their Champion Cabbage, an early handsome type; Webb's new Summerhill Cabbage, and

Monstrous in Lettuces; and others too numerous to mention. Specialities are now the order of the day : the better in character they are the greater is the sale they command.

POTATOS.

The Wordsley firm do an extensive trade in Potatos. Of these there were some 65 acres at Kinver. Of such sorts as Reliance, a new white round of handsome appearance, and a good cropper; Webb's Early Ashleaf, selected strains of Magnum Bonum, Schoolmaster, &c., together with some seedlings undergoing a rigid test. Large breadths of Cabbage for seed were to be seen, especially Webb's Emperor, Early Drumhead, and other leading varieties, both for garden and farm purposes.

FLOWER SEeds.

Flower seeds are grown in good quantities, and here were to be seen representatives of the most useful hardy annuals, with trials of Stocks, Asters, Balsams, Zinnias, Phlox Drummondi, Petunias, &c. We need scarcely state that the strains of these were all good and satisfactory.

SEED CORN.

Of especial interest for the agriculturist were the extensive crops of seed corn and other products for the farm. There were 172 acres of Wheat, including a new white Wheat, known as Webb's Kinver Giant; Webb's Challenge White, winner of the Gold Medal in France in 1882; and other important prizes; Webb's selected Golden Drop, and several others suited to varying soils and purposes. Of Barley there were some 250 acres, including Webb's new Barley Golden Grain, Webb's Kinver Chevalier, Webb's Beardless, &c. Of Oats there were 167 acres, including Webb's New White Tartarian, Webb's Prolific Black Tartarian, Webb's Challenge White Canadian, &c. Harvest opera

tions with

ROOTS,

Swede and Turnip seeds, were in full force on the occasion of our visit, while large breadths of Mangel were within a few days of being ready to cut. The bulk of the Swede, Turnip, and Mangel seeds is grown for them in other suitable districts from stock seeds supplied by themselves to those who hold contracts. We saw many acres of Webb's Imperial or Great Swede, of Mangels and common Turnips, and of those growing on the Kinver Farms; they looked exceedingly well. These were being grown to produce roots to be selected and transplanted in 1885 for the pur. poses of obtaining stock seeds.

MISCELLANEOUS.

A good portion of the Kinver grounds is devoted to the growth of Strawberries, of such leading sorts as Eliza, Keens' Seedling, Black Prince, James Veitch, President, Sir J. Paxton, Sir C. Napier, British Queen, and Dr. Hogg; Rhubarb, Seakale, Asparagus, Artichokes, herbs, &c. Then there were large breadths of Carrots, Parsnips, Kohl Rabi, &c. That a firm so extensively engaged in the agricultural seed trade, and so famous for the displays of roots, seeds, &c., it makes at the annual meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of England and other important gatherings, should from time to time secure important awards need not be a matter for surprise. These are made directly to themselves or to their customers, and they testify to the value of the stocks of seed supplied by them. The garden and flower seed warehouses at Wordsley, as well as the offices for clerks, &c., are in keeping with so large a business, and the well-being of their employés is not overlooked by Messrs. Webb & Sons. Elaborate catalogues are issued, the compilation of which must necessitate a heavy outlay. At every hand numerous details of an instructive and interesting character arrest the atten. tion of the visitor. We have simply endeavoured to focus some of the leading details; a great deal more can be imagined than can possibly find a place in a necessarily abridged report.

ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY.-The annual general meeting of this Society will be held, by permission of the Council of the Institution of Civil Engineers, at 25, Great George Street, Westminster, on Wednesday, the 21st inst., at 7 P.M., when the report of the Council will be read, the election of officers and Council for the ensuing year will take place, and the President will deliver his address.

IN severe winters the lowest temperatures may usually be looked for during the last week or two of the old year, and the corresponding time at the begin. ning of the new; yet still there have been and no doubt again will be, exceptions when destructive frosts have come later on, and it is not always the lowest temperatures that do the most injury to recently planted evergreens. The keen cutting winds that sometimes accompany frost of less severity are often the most destructive, and although up to the time of writing we have so far escaped frost of any consequence, still it is well-to be prepared for the biting winds, with or without frost, that are all but certain to come later on. Where the work of plant. ing evergreens has been delayed until near the end of the year, as in many cases this season has been unavoidable, it will be well-spent labour to give such things as usually suffer most a little protection. Hollies, Arbutus, Portugal Laurels, Berberries, and others of like character, with the better kinds of Conifers, generally suffer most through late autumn planting, particularly in exposed situations; but it is often surprising what a little protection it takes to make the difference between injury or death and their coming through the ordeal scatheless. A Spruce branch, a stout piece of Gorse, or in fact anything in the shape of an evergreen stuck firmly into the ground at the windy side of the recently moved plant, will frequently be sufficient to tide it over the trying time. Even in such mild winters as the two last were, when in many parts of the kingdom there was scarcely frost enough to kill bedding Pelargoniums, when the keen easterly winds came later on, such slight protection as afforded by the above simple means had a marked influence in preserving evergreens that were planted too late to make roots before the close of the year. T.B.

CANADIAN FRUIT.

FROM an interview with A. H. Johnson, of Woolfville, Nova Scotia, an active and prominent member of the Fruit Growers' Association, we learn that there are some splendid openings for settlers, both in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, to enter into the cultivation of fruit for local and other markets. There is also a specially fine opening for experienced nursery. men, with a moderate capital, to open nurseries for supplying fruit trees in those provinces, nearly all trees now used requiring to be brought a long distance, and at a considerable expense and risk, by railway from Ontario or the United States nurseries.

The demand for the fruit products of those provinces far exceeds the supply, and is rapidly increasing as its quality becomes known. The climate is exceptionally well adapted for the growth of many varieties of fruit. It is generally admitted that the fruit grown in that locality, especially in the "Annapolis Valley," so called, in Nova Scotia, has a finer flavour than any American Apple. This is to be in some measure accounted for by the dampness of the climate, by the absence of extreme heat, by the position of the lands protecting them from the damaging winds, and especially by the shorter summer season of the northern latitude, ensuring more rapid matur⚫ ing of the fruit.

The proximity of the fruit-growing portion of those provinces to the seaports of St. John and Halifax, which are open all the year round, in addition to their direct and rapid communication with the largest consuming markets of the United States, as well as with this country, gives them exceptional facilities for this special trade.

COST OF PRODUCTION.

Good improved Apple growing lands, well situated, can be purchased for 20 dols. (4 to £6) per acre, and even less. In some cases, where they are situated off main roads, or where society is not so good, this price would include ordinary buildings. It of course rarely occurs that a whole farm would be adapted for fruit growing, but it is not advisable in that country to depend entirely upon fruit-the most successful mode being mixed farming, having

only moderate sized orchards, where position and soil are best suited.

In preparing for a new orchard, and to do it full justice, it would cost about 12 dols. 50 cents (say, L2 10s.) per acre. If the land, as in most cases it is, were under a proper state of cultivation, the cost would not be nearly so much. The cost of the trees, about fifty per acre, would be about 12 dols. 50 cents (£2 10s.). With the same preparation of the earth it is customary to plant Plum trees between the Apple trees, without in any way interfering with them. These trees will cost 12 dols. 50 cents (£2 10s.) per

acre.

In the meantime, while waiting for the growth of the Apple and Plum trees to their bearing maturity, it is customary to use the land for what is known as "hoed crops," such as Indian corn (Maize), Potatos, Peas, Beans, Carrots, Turnips, thus keeping the soil mellow, and the top-dressing used for these crops gives sufficient nourishment for the trees. These crops are generally sufficient to pay for all expenses of cultivation, except probably interest and taxes on the original outlay.

PLUMS.

The Plums will begin to bear fruit in about three years, and some in two years. Allowing a fair average product for the third year of, say, 25 bushels per acre, worth, say, 75 dols., these will then increase rapidly in their product, reaching, say, in the sixth or seventh year, about 1 and even 2 bushels per tree, or about 225 dols. (45) per acre. If carefully packed, boxed, and properly handled, even 50 per cent. better prices can be obtained.

APPLES.

The Apple trees will begin to bear to a consider. able extent in from seven to ten years, in seven years many producing a half barrel, and in ten years a barrel per tree, say 50 barrels per acre at 2 dols. (8s.) per barrel (a fair average price on the ground). In about fifteen years their yield will increase to about 2 barrels per tree; at 2 dols. (8s.) this will give 200 dols (say £40). With these, as with the Plums, judicious picking, packing, and selling will materially add to the price.

Windfalls and inferior grades of Apples can be used for evaporating, cider making, &c., and should pay for barrels, expense of gathering, &c. In making calculations it is well to remember that Apple trees produce more abundantly every alternate year, while an occasional loss of Plums by frost will have to be allowed for.

In most cases the Plum trees will last twenty years, being productive without interfering with the Apple trees.

SHIPMENT.

As regards the shipment of Apples, particularly for the English market, considerable experience and great judgment are required to do it successfully. At the present time many mistakes are being made, and much valuable fruit lost by shipping at improper seasons, also in sending fruit not suited to the market. Shipments should be as follows:-First, Gravensteins, commencing from October; they should not be shipped later than November 1. Golden Ball, fall Jennetting, Duchess, Oldenburgh (Russian Apple), Munson Sweets, Snow Apple (Fameuse), as well as the Emperor, may be included in this shipment, but there shipment is not advised unless the crop should be short in England.

No. 2 shipment from November I to December 1, should include Ribston Pippins, Blenheim Pippins (Blenheim Oranges), King of Tompkins County (known as Kings), Spitzenburg, Blue Pearmain, Hubbardson's Nonsuch.

It is not wise to ship to London market after December I until about January 10, or so as to reach there about January 20, the market always being dull for some time after the Christmas sale.

No. 3 shipments may be made from the middle of January, or say the 20th, to about February 15, and should mainly consist of Baldwins, Rhode Island Greenings, and Golden Russets; Vandeveres, if shipped at all, should be included in this lot, but they are not liked in the London market, and their ship. ment is not advised. Tois variety is poor in quality, but splendid keepers, and would do for reshipment, country orders, &c.

No. 4 shipments, from February 20 as late as March, and even April, consist of the Nonpareil (Russet) and Northern Spy. These comprise the main varieties exported. Besides these there are a number which have but limited shipment, such as

the Baltimore Pippins, King of the Pippins, Twenty. ounce Pippins, Calkin's Pippins, Westfield Seek-nofarther, Pomme Grise, Cayuga Redstreak, Pound Sweet, Yellow Bellefleur, Porter, &c.

The markets for Plums are mainly local, but large quantities are shipped to Boston, New York, &c. The leading varieties are the Nectarine, Washington, Imperial Gage, Red Gage, Yellow Gage, and Green Gage, Duane's Purple, Prince of Wales, Bradshaw, Smith's Orleans, Black Damson, Magnum Bonum, several varieties of native Plums, including Blue Plums.

Other kinds of fruits grown include almost all varieties of Cherries-Black Heart, White Heart, common Kentish (red Cherry), Black Eagle, Black Tartarian, Yellow Tartarian, Yellow Spanish, and other varieties. Peaches, Quinces, Apricots, and Grapes, in great variety, grow in the open air, and without protection, as even wall fruit. Crab Apples of all varieties are plentiful. Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, Blueberries, Whortleberries, high and low bush Cranberries, are abundant in both wild and cultivated states. These berries are now becoming a large article of export, both tinned and otherwise preserved, but especially in the shape of syrups. The wild varieties are acknowledged to produce the finest fruit syrups obtainable, and large shipments are now being made to the United States and the Western Provinces, as well as to this market. A large establishment has also recently been constructed for evaporating these and other fruits, and is meeting with great success. Canadian Gazette.

The Herbaceous Border.

TREE PEONIES.

I NOTICED a few weeks since an article on the herbaceous varieties of Pæonies. I am at a loss to understand why it is that so few of these beautiful and truly gorgeous plants are to be found in our gardens. Why are they not more grown? For years I have had about thirty varieties, and when in bloom I deemed them a sight worth seeing, but if so, still more their neighbours in my garden, the grand and, if possible, yet more gorgeous, the Tree Pæonies (Moutan). Look at them how you will, either as to their foliage, its form, or its colour, or the grand flowers, whose size and (if I may use the term) presumptive contour, will take the attention of one passing, by storm as it were. It is this one grandest of flowering shrubs that is such a favourite with both the Chinese and Japanese artists, pictured as it so often is on their pottery and other art productions. For some years I had but two or three varieties, two of which I got from Belgium, when I was so fortunate as to have a note from Dr. Wallace, of the New Plant and Bulb Company, telling me of the number of forms of beauty that the late Robert Fortune had imported. This ended by my getting together about thirty, difterent in colour both of foliage and flower, and well was I rewarded for my venture. I had some of the most noble, the most gorgeous-looking blooms I ever beheld on any plant I measured one, a brilliant deep rose colour, and found it to be I foot in diameter, or 3 feet in circumference. This was the largest, but there were many others of great pretensions in this direction. Their colours were varied, chaste, and charming. The single sorts had attractions of their own, but I much preferred the double varieties. When out of bloom how elegant is their foliage, so very different from their surroundings, both in form and colour, scarcely any two alike-here a purplish-green, there a red, and now an emerald. On a lawn or a shrubbery border, well backed up with evergreens, they are admirable. Care should be taken that they are planted in such a position that they do not get the morning sun, as the young leaves are apt to get scalded, otherwise I have found them perfectly hardy. Unfortunately, I lost most of their names, some being carried off, I think, by magpies or mice, as I found one or two in a wood close by. I remember a fine white as the Bride of Chusan, then there was the Beauty of Nankin, a blush; a very bright deep rose was Robert Fortune, and a reddish-lilac Cordelia, then there was a Mandarin, light purple. But I trust I have said enough to draw attention to a noble family of plants, which, with all their boldness of colour and line, have not yet attracted from the lover

of brilliant colour in the garden that attention which they most justly and decidedly deserve. Harrison Weir.

PINK TOM THUMB SCARLet.

I remember several years ago being at a show in the Old Deer Park, Richmond, and seeing a splendid basketful of this exhibited by Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea. The plants were very dwarf and the flowers bright scarlet; in every way, as far as I could judge, a plant likely to become exceedingly popular, but I have never seen a plant in flower since, and I have failed to get it, and understand Messrs. Veitch cannot now supply it. Can any reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle supply any information about it? I presume it is but slowly increased. R.

THE

PROPAGATOR.

THE PROPAGATION AND CULTURE OF ANTHURIUM.

SECTION I.-ANTHURIUM SCHERZERIANUM AND ITS VARIETIES.-These plants are admirably fitted for the decoration of the stove and conservatory; they are of an evergreen character and flower very freely, each flower, or rather spathe, blooming in perfection for several weeks, and, what adds greatly to their value, they are in flower nearly all the year round. Unlike many other beautiful plants which cannot be used for decorative purposes because of their delicacy, the Anthurium, with its elegant foliage of a leather-like substance and beautiful persistent spathes, will stand a great deal of rough usage in the way of decoration. A. Scherzerianum var. alba forms an admirable contrast in a group of plants with A. Scherzerianum, and a greater beauty will be added to this if it is edged round with Adiantum and Lycopodium. Of the other varieties of A. Scherzerianum, A. S. pygmæa, as its name indicates, is a dwarf variety which is well suited for the front row; A. S. giganteum is an exceedingly fine variety, having very large spathes of rich colour; A. S. Cypherii is a truly noble variety, and produces in great profusion im. mense spathes of fine colour, 6 inches in length by 4 inches in width, borne on flower-spikes from 18 inches to 2 feet in length. A. S. Wardii has also a splendid form.

All these varieties will grow well in a temperature from 55° to 65°. They should be placed in a shady part of the house and kept well watered at the roots during the summer months, although in the winter water need not be given them unless they are getting dry. They should also be syringed, but this must be withheld during the flowering time. In fine weather plenty of air should be given them, and the injurious effect of the fierce rays of the sun can be checked by light shading, but as soon as the sun has disappeared the shading should be removed. When the plants are making young growths, and also while they are throwing up flower-spikes, the greenfly often proves very troublesome, and in order to prevent the damage they do it is necessary to smoke the house very moderately for three nights in succession when occasion requires it. Heavy smoking, which often does more damage than people are aware of, should at all times be avoided, and three moderate smokings is far better for the plants than a single night of heavy smoking. The present is the time for potting these varieties, and they will grow in almost any soil, but they will last longer in good health and produce a greater quantity of roots when potted in the following mixture of soil, viz., half good fibrous peat, quarter turfy loam, and quarter river sand, to which should be added a small quantity of finely chopped sphagnum moss, a little charcoal broken into pieces of Walnut size, and finely broken potsherds or ballast, or a little broken sandstone. In potting these plants their crowns should be kept about an inch above the level of the pots rims, and the soil must be very firmly pressed around the plants.

FROM SEED.

If large quantities of the plants are required they can only be obtained from seed, but as purchased seed is not always to be depended upon, occasional fertilisation becomes necessary. In doing this a fine brush should be drawn up and down the spadix to ensure a large quantity of seed. As soon as the seed is ripe it should be sown, first, however, separating it from the glutinous substance surrounding it. Well

drained pans filled with the soil above given sifted and rubbed through a 4-inch sieve should be prepared for the seed. The soil should be solidified and levelled by a good watering, and should be allowed to stand for an hour before the seed is sown, which The should be done lightly and on the surface, seed-pans must be placed in a cutting case or frame upon a gentle bottom-heat, watering them as soon as dry and shading them from the sun, and for an hour each night and morning air should be given them. As soon as the seeds have germinated, and the seedlings have grown an inch in height, they can be taken from the cutting case and placed upon the open bottom-heat, where they should remain for about eight days to harden them for potting. After potting them separately into small thumb-pots in the soil above-named they must be well watered and placed in a good warm growing house upon a moist shelf on a front platform. The pots should stand on an inch of river-sand or sifted ashes. The plants should be sprinkled night and morning with a fine rose pot, and as soon as they are strong enough they can be potted into small 60's, but whenever they are potted the crown of the plant should be kept about an inch above the top of the pot. The plants in 60's must be kept well watered at the roots, besides being lightly syringed twice daily, and on every fine day a good supply of air should be given them. They should be treated in this way until they are strong, when they should be potted, the strongest in large 48's, and the rest into small 48's. After well watering them replace them upon the platform, and as they grow stronger more air should be given them. They can be potted into larger sizes as occasion demands.

There is another way of increasing Anthuriumsi.e., by cutting a piece about 1 or 2 inches long out of the top or trunk of the plant; care must, however, be taken to see that each piece so cut out has two or three roots upon it. Pot up the pieces, putting a little sand at the bottom of each piece, which should also be kept in its place by three sticks to which the three strongest leaves should be tied. When they have been well watered place them upon a gentle bottom. heat in a close warm house, but as soon as they have well rooted they should be removed to a cooler house. With regard to the old plants that were cut down, a little dry sand should be placed on the new cut for three or four successive days, in order to prevent the sap from exuding, and then put a stick to the middle of each plant, looping up to it there of the principal leaves. These also form good stock plants, for they are continually throwing up young growths from the base, which can be taken off and potted in the usual way. T. O.

(To be continued.)

Orchid Notes and Gleanings.

ORCHIDS AT LYTHE HILL.

ON visiting Mr. Evans the other day at Lythe Hill, the beautiful seat of J. Stewart Hodgson, Esq., I saw some fine Orchids in bloom of the following species:-Vanda insignis, V. tricolor, V. suavis, Veitch's variety, the latter splendidly furnished down to the pot, having twenty-five pairs of leaves upon it in good condition, the leaves being beautifully green; Phalaenopsis violacea, P. Schilleriana; Cypripedium Harrisianum, several flowering double; C. barba. tum, C. barbatum nigrum, and a very handsome plant of C. Sedeni, measuring over 34 feet through, it having sixteen beautiful branched spikes of flowers on it; C. Spicerianum, in the same house, was doing well. Of Calanthes, which are grown very extensively, being much employed for dinnertable decoration, there really was a grand display -upwards of 250 spikes of flowers; some of C. Veitchii, measuring 4 feet long; among them were some grand dark varieties. They were tastefully arranged with foliage plants, which gave them a very pretty effect. C. vestita lutea oculata and C. Turneri were just showing flower. Pilumna fragrans, Maxillaria maculata, Lycaste Skinneri, Odontoglos. sum grande, O. Roezlii, O. Rossi majus, O. Alexandra were finely in bloom. Some fine types of these with large flowers and broad lip much barred and fringed were seen, one having a spike of fourteen fully expanded flowers. I noticed also a variety with a narrow lip nearly white, part of an importa.

tion by Messrs. Veitch some fifteen years ago. Masdevallia bella, M. tovarensis, M. amabilis were growing in a cool house with the Odontoglots and doing well they will shortly make a good show. Some fine pans of Coelogyne cristata will be open soon, C. ocellata and C. intermedia just showing. There were some good plants of Sophronites grandiflora also in bloom. The whole were in good health, and doing Mr. Evans great credit as an Orchid cultivator. W. L.

CATTLEYA DOLOSA.

I see that Mr. O'Brien says that Cattleya dolosa has yet to be introduced; that all that have hitherto been sold have been varieties of C. Walkeriana. This is true, I think, of those lately imported; but the plant sold some years ago as Cattleya sp. from Minas (and which until lately was labelled at Kew Lælia minus) is, I believe, Cattleya dolosa. It has long upright bulbs, and flowers from the full-grown bulbs, and not, like C. Walkeriana, from small flowering bulbs. The Cattleya from Minas grows freely with me, but has only once flowered. I sent the flower to Prof. Reichenbach, and he named it for me Cattleya dolosa; and the plant at Kew is the same as mine, but I do not know that it has ever flowered. C. W. Strickland.

BARKERIA ELEGANS.

Mr. Bateman, in his magnificent work on the Orchidace of Mexico and Guatemala, refers to this, the rarest of all the Barkerias as among the most refractory of the tribe. To maintain it alive is all that the utmost skill of the cultivator is usually able to accomplish." (See note under Barkeria Lindleyana, plate 28.) A plant of the true B. elegans is now in flower with Mr. Phillbrick, Oldfield, Bickley [and shown at the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday last], where it has been grown the last year or two with others of the genus, and treated in the manner described in the Orchid Album for 1884 (type 148) under Barkeria cy. clotella, figured from the same collection. In the Gardeners' Chronicle for July 12 (vol. xxii., n.s., p. 44), we gave an extract from some notes on Barkeria cultivation supplied by Mr. Philbrick. The plant that has in recent years been frequently taken for B. elegans among cultivators is really B. Skinneri, a very different and far smaller flower, by no means so striking in appearance, and not uncommon in collections. Once seen the true B. elegans can never be mistaken : it thoroughly justifies its appellation as the most elegant and chaste of the genus. It is extremely rare in its native habitat, Guatemala, where it is found growing with B. cyclotella and Skinneri. The slender pseudobulbs are from 9 to 12 inches in length, and the leaves narrower than in the two last named species; their colour is pale green, and the growth and habit generally less robust. The flowers are formed in a spike at the end of the new growth, and are fewer in number than in other Barkerias. The individual flower when expanded measures about 2 inches across, the sepals and petals are light, suffused with a tinge of pink. The labellum is of the purest white, with a large central spot of the richest crimson. The upper surface of the column is densely spotted with small crimson spots, and its anterior part touched with yellow. The colouring is puce and beautifully distinct, rendering it one of the most attractive of this charming family. In Williams' Orchid Growers' Manual two varieties, one not so good as the other," are mentioned, but the description of the sepals and petals as "dark rose, lip edged with a lighter colour," hardly corresponds with the specimen now in flower with Mr. Phillbrick, but there can be no question Mr. Williams rightly says this is "the finest of the genus, and very rare.' It must be matter of regret to Orchid growers that this plant is so rare, and still more that it should prove so intractable under cultivation. Mr. Heims, the head gardener at Oldfield, may well be congratulated on his success with Barkerias generally, and especially with this lovely variety.

LÆLIA AUTUMNALIS.

At the present time there is very fine specimen of this beautiful Orchid flowering in the Victoria Nur. series of Mr. B. S. Williams. It has 450 pseudobulbs and twenty-four flower-spikes.

ODONTOGLOSSUM VEXILLARIUM SUPERBUM.

A splendid variety, flowered in Sir Trevor Law. rence's collection, and figured in the Orchid Album, t. 171. The flowers are deep in colour, especially the lip, which is deep rose with a basal blotch of a lozenge shape, and deep magenta-purple.