290 



THE GARDENER. 



[June 



(Dbihiarn £Toti«. 



We regret to have to announce the death of Robert Miln, Esq., at his seat 

 near Arbroath, on the 13th inst., at the age of 84. Mr Miln was a liberal 

 patron of horticulture, and had a passionate love for Orchids. His collection 

 contains many fine specimens, especially of cool Orchids. Amongst hot Orchids, 

 his plants of Phalgenopsis Schilleriana have long been famous, having gained 

 awards in London aud Edinburgh : in the latter town he showed a grand 

 specimen of this noble Orchid at the last spring show, and it was the admira- 

 tion of all who saw it. 



Mr Miln was greatly respected by all who had the pleasure of his acquaint- 

 ance, for the kindness of his heart as well as for the clearness of his judgment. 

 His extensive collection of Orchids will, it is to be feared, be dispersed. 



©aUnfcar* 



KITCHEN -GARDEN. 



Up to the middle of May we hear of great 

 difficulty in raising seedlings ia kit- 

 chen - gardens. The long continued 

 frosty weather and cold easterly winds 

 are trying in the extreme. "While we 

 write there is little improvement on 

 the past weather. Copious rain has 

 fallen, and is succeeded by north-east 

 winds unusually severe. On the 10th 

 May we had 8° of frost ; in some low- 

 lying places near this they had 12°. 

 Under such circumstances, the diffi- 

 culties we hear so much of are not 

 inventions, but stern realities. Those 

 who have cold pits and frames at com- 

 mand to raise their Brassicas, &c, are 

 safe ; and we think, considering the 

 trouble with birds, slugs, &c, it is the 

 cheapest method of raising seedlings. 

 Portable frames and plant-protectors, 

 such as Bolton's, Clarke's, and others, 

 are perhaps the most useful and ser- 

 viceable. We have, on borders and 

 sheltered places this season, done much 

 with squares formed with bricks — 

 others formed with slabs on edge — on 

 which are placed old lights, thin 

 mats, and other makeshifs ; but frames 

 made shallow, light and easily removed 

 from one position to the other, as 

 crops may require them, are the best 

 and cheapest in the end. In some 

 places in our locality, where new Pota- 

 toes have often been dug by the end of 

 May, or early in June, they have not 

 come through the ground yet. Some we 

 had under shelter of walls have been 

 cut down to the surface, and we fear are 



now worthless. Brocoli, which we were 

 considered fortunate in saving (about 

 100 out of 2000), are not likely to be 

 of much service. Kale Sprouts and 

 Savoy Sprouts are the most serviceable 

 items we have. Out of about 1000 

 Brown Cos Lettuce and Batavian 

 Endive (both now of great value) we 

 have lost none. They were sheltered 

 from north and east, and planted on 

 thoroughly trenched ground, with 

 bottom left very rough for drainage. 

 There is much more in these amenities, 

 while preparation for crops is being 

 made, than some believe. Artichokes 

 (Globe) are in many places killed. 

 Where young sprouts from the roots 

 can be had, they should be taken off 

 with a heel and planted (in rich ground 

 well broken) about 3 feet between the 

 plants. A sowing of Peas and Beans 

 should be made about the first to 

 middle of this month in northern and 

 late localities, and from the middle to 

 the end of month in warmer and more 

 southern districts. Early kinds are 

 best for late sowings in districts 

 where soil is deep and cool. Peas 

 are often had from late sowings of 

 the later kinds till frost takes them. 

 Veitch's Perfection and Ne Pius Ultra 

 we have had fine till October in such 

 positions. They were sown in May, 

 and topped to make them branch out. 

 French Beans may be sown to the mid- 

 dle or end of June ; and where frosts 

 are early, they could be protected with 

 frames. Hoops and mats are also use* 



