so THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST, [FEBRUARY, 



bark off as above described, wliicli I did for tbree seasons, and these two Vines 

 ceased to swell or enlarge in tlie stem like tlie others. Whether rightly or 

 wrongl}', I attributed the difference to this cause, and I believe there are other 

 gardeners of the same opinion. I. think once in two years is often enough to give 

 the Vine a dressing, and even then only the rough or loose bark should be taken off, 

 and that which clings fast to the stem, instead of being torn or peeled off, should 

 be left till the Vine exhibits a natural tendency to dispense with it. — Thomas 

 Eecord, Vinters Park^ Maidstone. 



LEICESTER RED CELERY. 



'his is a new comer, quite a stranger amongst us ; but when its merits are 

 better known, it will be welcomed as a real acquisition. One year's 

 experience of its qualities is sufficient to convince me that we have here got 

 another genuine article, vastly superior to any variety with which I am 

 acquainted, though every one of reputed merit has passed through my hands. It 

 may be said bhat I am an interested party : nothing of the kind ; my only object 

 is to bring it under the notice of the public. For my knowledge of it I am in- 

 debted to the kindness of Messrs. Harrison and Son, of Leicester, who during the 

 spring of last year sent me a packet of seed for trial, and such are the results. 

 The habit is very decided, stocky, and dwarf, so that it can be easily distinguished 

 from any other kind. The foliage . is deeply cut, and slightly drooping at the 

 extremities. The tissue is ver}- solid, crisp, and highly flavoured. This is not 

 my opinion only, but has been endorsed by every one who has tasted it. 



As a general rule. Celery keeps badly this season ; the all but incessant rain 

 is making sad havoc everj'where, so that b}' the end of February there will 

 scarcely be a sound head left. — Alexaxder Ceamb, Tortivorth. 



CRATER'S NEW HOLLYHOCKS. 



4^jL^E. CHATER stated, in the introduction to one of his catalogues, that it 

 {(J|l>j'X was in the year 18-46 he sent out his first selection of new and improved 



l^^f^ Hollyhocks, taking up the work of improving this flower at the point 

 i^2S where it was dropped by the late Mr. Charles Baron. Since then Mr. 

 Chater has stedfastly stuck by this noble flower, and most of the new Holly- 

 hocks now annually distributed, originate at the Saffron Walden Nurseries. 



Having had an opportunity during the past summer of looking through Mr 

 Chafer's collection when the plants were in the full flush of their floral beauty, I 

 am able to speak somewhat authoritatively as to the value of the new varieties he 

 is offering this season. They are more numerous than usual, a batch of eleven 

 varieties being announced. Arranged alphabetically, they run as follows : — 

 Arthur J. Dean., glowing crimson, tinted with a livelier paler hue, a very fine 

 and bold flower, and forming a massive spike. Blade Gem., a splendid dark glossy 

 maroon flower of great beaut}- and finish, producing a fine spike ; this variety was 

 announced for distribution in 1871, but had to be withheld from sale owing to 



