306 THE GARDENER, [July 



are used for the purpose of growing Gourds, Indian Corn, Toma- 

 toes, &c. 



In tlie herbaceous ground a very hxrge collection of herbaceous 

 plants could be seen. It was computed that there Avere many thou- 

 sands in pots, and they were clean and admirably arranged. Adja- 

 cent lands had as occupants forest and fruit trees, &c., and ground is 

 continually being added for the growth of stock. 



Close by the nursery is a sample-seed ground on an extensive scale, 

 for the purpose of proving the growth, as well as the quality, of vege- 

 table seeds. ]N"early at all periods of the year this sample-ground 

 would amply repay a visit, as there can always be found something to 

 interest and instruct. One most interesting feature was the presence 

 of large patches of all the various grasses and clovers ; and advantage 

 was being taken of a neighbouring sewer, for the sewage was being 

 diverted to the sample -ground in order to furnish the means for 

 experiments in growing crops by the application of sewage. 



It may be added that aU building -work, painting, and glazing, 

 basket-making, &c., is done by Messrs Carter & Co.'s employes, there 

 being nearly one hundred persons employed on the grounds at Perry 

 Hm. E. D. 



TROPCEOLUM SPECIOSUM. 



TO THE EDITOR OP THE ' GARDENER.' 



Sir, — I have been interested in the articles on Tropceolum Speciosum by your 

 correspondents W. S, and R. F. I have seen this pretty plant in all its beauty 

 on the "rock" and wind-raked terraces referred to. All I shall say regarding 

 them is, that they are presided over by a gardener whose intelligence and deter- 

 mination make everything succeed he takes in hand. 



R. F.'s beds I have often seen, and can assure W. S. they are all that could be 

 desired. And this success has been obtained in a cold, damp, ungenial soil, which 

 may account for the *' bottoming of Pea-sticks. " Some years ago the beauty of 

 these beds, and the festoons of this Tropceolum on the front of R. F.'s 

 cottage or miniature castle in which he resides, took my fancy so much that 

 I desired roots and the proper treatment. I was kindly supplied with both, 

 and set to planting in high spirits, but unfortunately I omitted the ** Pea-stick 

 bottoming." My beds went on very much as W. S. says they do for the first year or 

 two, but after they seemed to have met my most sanguine expectations, the roots 

 took to travelling from home through a grass border into a private house, of 

 which they have taken entire possession, but the beds became so poor they had to be 

 broken up. So the " beauty " is at present a fugitive with me — in fact, a weed. 

 This is a wrinkle in its history your other correspondents have not touched on, 

 so I send it you, in the hope it may be of service. 



