G THE GARDENER. [Jan. 



tuted, which are protected with inverted flower -pots, though only 

 when absolutely necessary. Some of the best Walcheren Cauliflower 

 I have seen, were grown at the foot of a south wall — in this instance 

 in the ordinary border. Those grown on ridges, as I advise, will not 

 often be large, but this is more than compensated for by their extra 

 earliness. Any well-enriched soil will do for the Cauliflowers. 



Although Peas are scarcely so profitable as the two preceding kinds, 

 they will yet, with a little trouble, give a few small early dishes. For 

 this work, Laxton's IMinimum must eventually become very popular, as 

 it is remarkably dwarf, very prolific, and of extra-good quality. Unique 

 (Laxton), an older dwarf variety, has not met with much favour, but I 

 find it a really profitable sort, and annually save seed for sowing the 

 next season. Other good dwarf early varieties are Carter's Extra-early 

 Premium Gem, and M'Lean's Blue Peter. After various experiments, 

 I have come to the conclusion that the plan of sowing in boxes, and 

 placing in cold frames in preference to heat, or of sowing in the open 

 ground, is by far the best. They make sturdy growth, and readily 

 transplant into the open border, or the ridge, as in our case ; no per- 

 ceptible check being given, even when the roots are shaken quite clear 

 of the soil. We use about four ordinary bedding Pelargonium boxes, 

 and although we sow thinly, invariably secure enough plants to make 

 a line about 16 yards long. They are planted in a manner similar to 

 box-edging, a deep drill being cut with a spade (6 inches from the 

 wall), the plants laid in rather thinly, and the roots lightly covered. 

 Stakes are at once given according to the height of the variety, and 

 beyond that they are no further trouble. If sown early in January, 

 they may be put out on the first favourable opportunity in March, 

 and will give a picking a fortnight before those that may be sown or 

 planted farther from the walls. 



Lettuces are well worthy of a place at the base of a warm wall. 

 They may be treated much the same as the Cauliflowers, as in reality 

 they are quite hardy in the southern counties. Our greatest difficulty 

 is to keep off rabbits, birds, and slugs. Two lines may be grown on 

 the ridge, the back one, about 6 inches from the wall, to be a Cos 

 variety put out 10 inches apart ; and about 9 inches in front of this 

 a line of a hardy Cabbage variety, these being 9 inches apart. A row 

 of the latter may also be worked in in the front of the Peas. 



W. Iggulden. 



ROSES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS. 



The interest in Roses never seems to flag, except it be in new ones. 

 The new Roses of late have been very much like new novels, attractive 

 only in their names. Enthusiasts — and they are not few — will buy, 

 and try, and endure disappointments, in the hope of the chance of 

 having something good and new ; but a Marechal Niel or a Madame 



