57G THE GARDENER. [Dec. 1873. 



publication unless they wish it, but for the sake of that mutual confidence 

 which should exist between the Editor and those who address him. We decline 

 noticing any communication which is not accompanied with name and address 

 of writer. * 



We have to thank several friends for their communications duly received, 

 and regret that want of space compels us to postpone their publication till next 

 month. 



H.S. — It is difficult for us to say why your bulbs do not bloom. Do you give 

 them a season of rest, as well as one of active growth ? If not, such is likely to 

 be the cause ; and if so, let them have a season of comparative dryness and repose. 



S.M. — Very likely the cause of the barrenness of your Vine is, that the strong 

 coarse growth — as you describe it— has never been properly ripened. The last 

 few seasons have not been favourable for ripening the wood of Vines that are 

 growing grossly. We should suspect that your border is rich, and that you 

 have not used sufficient fire-heat to ripen the wood. Next season give them 

 sufficient fire-heat, and circulation of dry, warm air, to v\])en. their growths, till 

 they are thoroughly brown and hard. Do not allow the wood and foliage to be 

 crowded, and see that the border is well drained. You should procure and 

 read carefully W. Thomson's treatise on the Vine, to be had at our office. 



John Camerox. — A Solanum, but we are not certain which species. A 

 mere scrap is in nine cases out of ten not sufficient by which to recognise a 

 plant, especially after it is so wasted by the post. 



S. T. — Hellebore powder, applied through a dredger or gauze bag, will destroy 

 the caterj)illars without destroying the foliage ; or a solution of it may be applied 

 with a syringe or water-pot. 



A. P. — The society in question is a burlesque on horticulture, and a disgrace 

 to the first horticultural nation in the world. The sooner it is supplanted with 

 some improved order of things the better. When a thing becomes despicably 

 bad, there is hope of something better. Nothing more for the present ; you will 

 hear of something startling soon. 



