502 THE GARDENER. [Nov. 



after allowing time for the formation of roots ; and as soon as the pots 

 are well supplied with roots and the crown started, they may be forced 

 with success. Bottom-heat is not essential, although acceptable when 

 a fair amount of fresh air can be admitted amongst them, and the pots 

 staged near the glass, more especially after the plants have made some 

 advance in growth. It is a great c^bject to keep the plants as stubby 

 as possible, and this can never be attained when staged at much dis- 

 tance from the glass. Besides these drawbacks to contend with, green- 

 fly sometimes shows its presence uninvited, and, if allowed to stroll at 

 pleasure uninterrupted, will soon make short work with them. A 

 strong dose of tobacco-smoke is the only effectual cure for these pests, 

 and they require strong measures to suffocate them ; but the Tulip will 

 not suffer by a strong application of the ''weed." Always smoke 

 when the plants are dry in the foliage, and use the syringe freely the 

 succeeding morning. In all else attend to as for Hyacinths. 



The following are amongst the best for forcing early. First on the 

 roll is Due van Thol, single, both the old striped, the crimson, the 

 white, and the yellow. Kext the double of the same name. Close in 

 succession follow Toumesol, a splendid full double red, edged with 

 citron -yellow; and Tournesol Yellow, canary yellow, with orange 

 reflex. Rex Rubrorum is a magnificent ruby scarlet, but rather shy to 

 rise so early as closely to succeed Tournesol ; still, when coaxed a bit, 

 it makes a good figure and telling effect amongst other spring flowers. 

 La Belle Alliance, single, a beautiful variegated, colour brilliant ver- 

 milion red j without flowers, its golden-banded leaves are recommend- 

 ation enough. Chrysolor is a capital pure single yellow. Potte- 

 bakker, single, white, a charming beauty : so is the striped form, 

 which is golden yellow, variegated crimson. Vermilion Crimson, a 

 single too, unsurpassed. Mariage de ma Fille, double, ground white, 

 flaked cerise, excellent. Duke of York, double, red-edged nankeen. 

 Agnes, double, very large and full, of a brilliant scarlet cast. Cour- 

 onne des Roses, double, rose of glossy silk, texture magnificent. 

 Luther, a double, violet-purple. Imperator Rubrorum, a brilliant 

 scarlet, double. A. Kerr. 



THE LAMBTON BUNCH OF GRAPES. 



We have much pleasure in being able to give an illustration of the 

 very remarkable bunch of Black Hamburg Grapes which Mr Hunter, 

 gardener to the Earl of Durham at Lambton Castle, exhibited at the 

 Manchester International Exhibition last September. It may be con- 

 sidered the most extraordinary bunch of Grapes for size that has been 

 produced in this country, not excepting Speechly's 20 lb. Syrian, and 



