I873-] EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SHOW. 519 



Autennarias, &c., should be planted on a few inches of soil spread over 

 a hard surface, and when required, as indicated above, late in autumn 

 for planting and carpeting, they can be lifted without check in any 

 size or shape of tufts required. 



Beautiful as are Alternantheras and other plants used for summer 

 carpeting, we do not consider it any disparagement to such plants to 

 say that they are not nearly so interesting to an observant mind and eye 

 as are these gems of beauteous hues and more beautiful construction, 

 which, in addition to their beauty, are so hardy that they put on their 

 best dress as other plants unclothe themselves of foliage and flowers. 

 We hope our readers will be induced to try this style of grouping or 

 planting Alpine plants, and that they will report on them in due time. 

 It is a system of hardy gardening which only requires to be begun to 

 become one of extreme interest and beauty. D. Thomson. 



PHYLLOXERA VASTATRIX. 



A CAUTION TO IMPORTERS OF PLANTS FROM FRANCE. 



A SHORT time since a correspondent sent us specimens of Vine-leaves 

 taken from Vines which had been planted last January, and from 

 which the foliage was dropping off yellow and prematurely, and the 

 Vines dying. On examining the leaves we found them to be one 

 mass of the breeding-galls of this destructive insect. We at once 

 advised the destruction of the Vines and the stamping out of the 

 pest without delay. The insect was found swarming on the roots, as 

 has been described in the 'Gardener' for January. In answer to some 

 questions about the history of these Vines, we are informed that a 

 quantity of Roses and Carnations were received from Trance in frosty 

 weather, about the beginning of the year, and when they were unpacked 

 they were laid in a quantity of soil on the potting-bench, close to 

 where the Vine-eyes were from which the young Vines were to be 

 reared, and after they were rooted they were potted in the soil in which 

 said Roses and Carnations were located for a time. There cannot be 

 any doubt that the Phylloxera was thus imported direct from the Con- 

 tinent in connection with the Roses and Carnations, and we thus notice 

 the case to put others on their guard against any similar risk. 



^EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL SHOW FOR 1875. 



Our readers, we are sure, will have noticed with pleasure that the Caledonian 

 Horticultural Society have determined to hold another great show in 1875. 

 Judging from the very great success which has attended the two previous great 

 shows which have been held in Edinbui'gh, there is every reason to expect a 



