1869.] MONTHLY CHRONICLE. 119 



(not sifted), and to this must be added sufficient silver sand to allow water to 

 pass freely through the mass ; also to provide ample drainage, and place some rough 

 peat on the top of it, to keep it in good working order, as the delicate hair-like 

 roots are soon destroyed if they become water-logged. A young plant in good 

 health will require two shifts in a season, as it is better to give two moderate 

 shifts than to overpot. Attend well to watering, so that the plant does not 

 suffer for want of this important element, which would prove as injurious as the 

 other extreme. After flowering is over, cut off the stems just above where the 

 young growth is seen pushing. The plants will at this stage be benefited by being 

 slightly bedewed in the afternoons of bright days, at the time when syringing 

 is usually performed. As they advance in growth, a few neat stakes will be 

 necessary to regulate and support the stems ; but as few stakes as possible should 

 be used, so that the plant may assume a natural appearance, as far as is consistent 

 with artificial cultivation. Admit air freely, and never subject the plant to a 

 high artificial temperature. At the end of July place the plant in the open air, 

 merely protecting it from heavy rains ; and about the middle of September 

 replace it in an airy situation in the greenhouse. It should be again shifted in 

 the following spring, and treated in all respects as above directed. 



Somerley Gardens. Henry Chilman. 



MONTHLY CHRONICLE. 



'AEDENEES have already a sufficiently extensive acquaintance with the 



destructive powers of the common Cocki'oach. It is therefore no good 



c|^< news to them to learn that another very destructive species has been 



^jj recently imported from India, amongst orchids. The new pest is named, 



on the authority of Professor Westwood, Blatta ?nelanocephala, and is said to be most prolific, 

 most destructive, and most difficult of extirpation. All cockroaches, it would seem, become 

 accustomed to any particular kind of trap, or poisoned food, and learn to avoid it. It was 

 stated by Mr. G. F. Wilson, at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society's Scientific 

 Committee, at which the specimens of this insect were exhibited, that if a bowl of water is 

 wrapped round with a wet cloth, the cockroaches will ascend by the cloth, and thus get into 

 the bowl, from which they cannot escape. 



JFires originating from Eailway Locomotives were very numerous along 



the lines of the several railways last summer, and sometimes they were also very 



serious, extending over large areas. One case of damage, in which the Midland 



Railway Company was concerned, was tried at the last Spring Assizes at Nottingham, with 

 the result of fixing the liability of the railway companies. The fire in this case destroyed 

 four acres of grass koep, several hundred trees and shrubs of 8 or 10 years' growth, and some 

 established quickset fences, the property of Mr. Harris, at Kegworth. By suggestion of the 

 learned judge, Baron Cleasby, the question of damages was referred, and a sum of =£144 was 

 awarded as compensation. 



Special Manures are just now engaging the attention of cultivators. 



Mr. Meredith, of Garston, announces a Vine Manure, to the use of which he 

 attributes much of his own success in grape-growing and grape-showing ; this 

 compound is said to secure in the crop not only fine bunches, but good flavour and high finish. 

 Mr. Wimsett, of Chelsea, has provided a " restorer " for Balcony Plants, and perhaps a good 

 excuse for using a concentrated manure for these latter, may be found, in the disadvantageous 

 circumstances under which such plants are compelled to grow. 



