1869. ] 



ANTHUBIUM SCHEEZEMANUM. 81 



Gladioli, Koses, &c, with specimens of Apples and Pears, are also exhibited at 

 these shows ; besides which Celery is sometimes introduced as a secondary feature, 

 and many very creditable specimens are staged. At one show at Ashton, I saw 

 last season three fruit of Uvedale's St. Germain Pear, which weighed 61b. 6oz. 

 Celery, not trimmed, reaches from 161b. to 17lb. 



Leeks are not cultivated at Ashton. The cottagers around Bolton, however, 

 take much interest in them, and at their September shows many fine specimens 

 are exhibited, though none so large as those shown in Scotland ; nevertheless, 

 sometimes the flag measures as much as 8 in. in width. In Scotland they are 

 shown in threes, and have exceeded 91b. weight. The friend previously alluded 

 to says he has just lifted one 10 in. in circumference. Henry's Hybrid, 

 Bobbie's Champion, Poussey's Giant, and Stenhouse's Leek, all improvements on 

 London Flag and the Musselburgh, have each their admirers. These require to 

 be treated in the same way as the onion, only in planting they must be put in 

 a trench like celery, and earth must be drawn up to them as they advance. They 

 require abundance of manure, and should know no stint of liquid during their 

 growth ; they cannot well be overdone, for they are gross feeders. The prizes 

 offered for them are insignificant compared to those given for onions, and do not 

 afford sufficient encouragement for the labour and expense attendant on their 

 culture. As a vegetable the leek is not so much esteemed as the onion, yet it is 

 a good substitute for it in many ways. Leeks are good boiled or stewed, and I 

 have tried them fried, and consider them very good. They are esteemed as a 

 necessary adjunct to the "kail pot," so much used in this locality. It is really 

 astonishing to see the quantity of "pot yerbs " disposed of in Manchester market 

 during the winter season. Those who have never tried the culture of large leeks 

 will find it very interesting to see what can be done by a little extra labour. 

 Winton. John Walker. 



ANTHURIUM SCHERZERIANUM. 



f l EW stove plants of recent introduction are more deserving than this of 

 extensive cultivation. The inflorescence is strikingly beautiful, and 

 remains long in perfection. I have a small plant which began to flower 

 in July last ; this has continued blooming ever since, and I cannot 

 tell how much longer it may continue. It seems to be very easily cultivated, 

 and most gardeners will admit this to be a great point in its favour. I grow it 

 in a cool stove, the temperature of which ranges about 55° during the winter 

 months, and the plant has never had any bottom-heat since it was purchased, 

 but stands on an inverted flower-pot, which shows it off to the best advantage. 

 The compost used for it consists of two parts turfy peat of an open sandy nature, 

 such as Azaleas thrive in, and one part sphagnum moss, with a few pieces of 

 broken charcoal added. In potting, the plant is kept well up, so that the 

 compost may be raised in the form of a mound in the pot, and plenty of drainage 

 is used. I fill the pot half full of broken crocks. As regards watering, it 



