1869.] MONTHLY CHRONICLE. 167 



in competition groups, and they promise to add a most interesting new feature to our shows, 

 the plants being very manageable and very striking in the effect of their colouring. The 

 addition of Mr. Anthony Waterer's Grand Show of American plants to the ordinary attractions 

 of a great flower show, made this a rod-letter day at South Kensington, for this glorious 

 exhibition, made up of the gems of perhaps the finest collection of Rhododendi - ons in existence, 

 has been more attractive this year than ever. The Second Grand Show at the Crystal Palace, 

 and the Rose Show at the same place, have been held during the month, the latter not at all 

 comparing as to quantity with the shows of previous years. Messrs. John V/aterer and Son's 

 Show of Rhododendrons, which has been held in the Regent's Park, has been a very fine one ; 

 and before these remarks reach our readers, the Royal Botanic Society will have commenced 

 in the same locality its Second Great Show. In Scotland, both Edinburgh and Glasgow have 

 had their gatherings ; and in the North of England extensive and high-class exhibitions have 

 been held at Leeds and at York, in connection with which latter, a testimonial, consisting of 

 a handsome gold watch and chain, has been presented to Mr. Wilson, the indefatigable 

 secretary, by the exhibitors and judges — a mark of appreciation which speaks well for the 

 management of the Show. 



2?R. Voelckee exhibited, at a recent meeting of the Koyal Horticul- 

 tural Society's Scientific Committee, a sample of Manure for Vines, said to induce 

 early maturity, and the production of fine fruit. On examination he had found 

 that the Manure in question -was composed of the boiled bones used in the manufacture of 

 glue. These were afterwards ground to powder, and sold at a price far exceeding their real 

 value. Bones that had been boiled were considered preferable as a Vine Manure, inasmuch 

 as they contained a relatively larger amount of phosphate of lime, and a smaller quantity of 

 nitrogenous matter, the which latter tended to favour the production of leaves at the expense 

 of fruit. In the course of conversation on this matter it was stated that in the south of 

 France the custom was to apply but little nitrogenous manure to the Vines, as the flavour of 

 the Grape is supposed to bo injuriously affected by such application. In the Rhine districts, 

 on the other hand, the growers avail themselves of every particle of manure that' they can 

 procure — a difference of treatment which may probably be explained by the difference in soil 

 and climate of the two localities. 



■ 2SJ.E may state, on M. Van Houtte's authority, that the new Iresine 



Lindeni proves to be an exceedingly effective ornamental plant for the summer 

 flower garden. The excessive heat of last summer in no way diminished the 

 beauty and luxuriance of examples which were planted in the open ground, fully exposed to 

 the sun ; and they were also found to bo unaffected by 5° of frost (27° Fahr.). The diffi- 

 culty of preserving Iresine Herhsti during the winter is but too well known. This disadvantage 

 is not shared by I. Lindeni ; all that it requires in the winter months, says M. Van Houtte, 

 is a cold greenhouse, where its robust constitution enables it to pass the season successfully 

 with but little attention. 



■ ■ She Scolime d'Espagne is the name of a vegetable cultivated largely 



in Spain, where it is esteemed as a great luxury, and regarded as both a whole- 

 some and a profitable crop. The root is white, resembling an Altringham carrot, 

 and when cooked and served with melted butter, it eats like well-blanched seakale. It is to 

 be grown like carrots or parsnips, except that it must not be sown before tho middle of June, 

 or else it starts into flower, and the roots become useless. It is quite hardy, takes only four 

 months to grow to maturity, and may be introduced as a second crop. The roots keep good 

 for use from October till March. 



$|,ever earth up Cardoons, or many of them will be lost by rotting, 



or eaten by worms. The following mode of blanching them is all that can be 

 required : — On some dry day towards the end of October dig in any corner a pit 

 5 feet deep, about the same in width, and of sufficient length. Cut off the green tops of the 

 Cardoons, dig up the roots, and plant them in the pit as close as possible, so that they do not 

 touch. Close in the pit with planks to throw off rain, and cover with straw or litter to keep 

 out light. After the first fortnight examine every week, and take out all that are sufficiently 

 blanched. If not wanted for use, put them away in any dry dark room or shod, where they 

 will keep good for two months. 



