1870.] NOTES AND QUERIES. 527 



are introduced to increase the productiveness of other parts of the farm by applica- 

 tion to the particular crops they suit, which produces more food for cattle, and 

 in the end, farmyard manure for the Hops. The number of pigs and cattle is 

 increased to the utmost limit by the addition also of artificial food. The grass- 

 lands are enriched with every known and purchasable application to produce 

 more hay, to feed more stock, to make more dung for the ground under Hops. 

 Some of these fertilisers are not applicable to Hops direct, and must produce 

 their effect in a roundabout way. Every part of the farm is made subservient 

 by those growers who go in thoroughly for this special cultivation. The sea con- 

 tributes sprats and herrings, starfish, whale's blubber, and all fish-refuse ; while 

 barges bring sweepings from Billingsgate, as well as other suitable manure from 

 London. The cesspools in use before the introduction of water-closets, afforded 

 a large supply to the Hop-garden. Nasal evidence is forcibly summoned to attest 

 the strength of the above applications. Stench is a valuable property of manurial 

 substances, as it constantly reminds the cultivator that they should be buried for 

 his own benefit, not carried off by the air to be absorbed by all hungry lands, pro 

 bono publico. — Land and Water. 



Lilium Giganteum (G. R. D.) — From inquiries made, we believe L. Gigan- 

 teum to be hardy. When visiting the Sunningdale Nursery of Mr Charles Noble, 

 at Bagshot, a few days ago, we saw there lines of this Lily growing between rows 

 of coniferous plants. Here, in an ordinary season, the strongest plants make a 

 growth of from 7 to 8 feet, and bloom freely, and the fragrance from the flowers 

 is diffused to an extent of from 60 to 80 yards round. Owing to the prevailing 

 drought of the past summer, the growth scarcely exceeded 4 feet. The plants 

 have no protection ; but when they begin to grow, as they do in the early part of 

 the spring, some fern is thrown over the tops to protect the young growth. The 

 hardihood of the Lily was further demonstrated by the fact that three years ago 

 a heap of bulbs was left out on the open ground by accident, and stood the trial 

 of from twelve to fourteen days of frost before they were discovered. They 

 were then covered up, and when the frost had left them, it was found they had 

 received no injury whatever. 



Cauliflowers and Peas (Amateur). — Plant the Cauliflower in August, and 

 let it stand through the winter to seed the following summer ; it is seldom they 

 seed when planted in the spring. "We know of no method you can adopt to pre- 

 vent worms from attacking Peas. This communication was unfortunately delayed 

 in course of transmission, hence the time that expired before a reply appeared. ' 



Viola Imperial Blue Perfection (* * *) — This is quite distinct from the Viola 

 Blue Perfection as sent out by Mr B. S. Williams. It is pretty, and free-bloom- 

 ing, and likely to be useful in the flower garden. We think it a pity it was so 

 named, as it leads to confusion. 



Sandall's Plum (A Scotch Gardener). — We cannot answer your inquiries 

 better than by laying before you the following extract from the 'Gardener's 

 Chronicle' : — "What are those beautiful black Plums which are now beginning 

 to make their appearance in Covent Garden Market \ Damsons ? No ; they are 

 far larger and finer, and more beautiful than Damsons. Though of the same 

 beautiful bluish-black colour, they are quite twice the size, if not more. They have 

 a little of the same peculiar taste, and a little of that of the Sloe also, but are not 

 so pleasant to the palate as a Coe's Golden Drop, yet, nevertheless, they are very 

 passable, and especially at this late season, when Plums are Plums. The Plum 

 in question is called Sandall's Plum. This fruit has been exceedingly plen- 



