362 



THE GARDENERS' MONTHLY 



[Decemter, 



phenomena frequently observed both in in-door Park, South Kensington, &c., where magnificent 



and outdoor culture. specimens of this plant are every year exhibited, 



Last season, and after a rather protracted period can scarcely form a conception of the dimensions 



of drouth, it rained more or less for several days it attains in England, under a system of culture 



in succession, when quite a number of rose-bushes which is perfectly well-known and understood 



under glass showed unmistakable signs of mildew. 

 But in this case the change in the weather was as 

 favorable for the plants as it proved to be for the 

 mildew. And I remember a somewhat similar 

 case that occurred several years ago in a house of 



there. 



k is not uncommon to see mignonette, trained 

 in pyramids or other like shapes, measuring three 

 to six feet in height, and this is none other than 

 the common mignonette, grown in our gardens as 

 young grape-vines, which continued in vigorous ' an annual, which when left to itselt never exceeds 

 growth from spring until August, when they were | a foot or two in height at the most. 



suddenly attacked by the parasite then known as 

 Oidium Tuckerii, the result of which was. that the 

 foliage which gave promise of performing its 

 work satisfactorily until the close of the season, 

 was wholly destroyed in a day or two. And, also. 



The arborescent character of the plant is the 

 result of the mode of culture pursued and treat- 

 ment it receives, not of any difference in species. 

 It is true that by long-continued culture and as- 

 siduous care in the selection of the healthiest and 



it must be in the recollection of many how that, ' finest seeds, plants are obtained which diverge 

 some forty years ago, whole fields of potatoes in ! slightly in point of size and vigor from the ordin- 

 the very bloom of heahh were utterly destroyed , ary type, but they are not more arborescent than 

 in a few hours by one of the most destructive I is the latter. 



The following will be found the inost advantage- 

 ous method of growing tree mignonette. In Apri' 

 or May, take some pots about five inches across, 

 and in each put three, four, or five seeds, and set 

 the pots on a hotbed, or on a shelf in the hot- 

 house close to the light. The best compost is 

 good light loam mixed with about a quarter of its 

 volume of well-rotied dung, so as to form a black 

 mould, to which is added a certain proportion of 

 wood charcoal, and, if procurable, a little builder's 

 rubbish or broken plaster. The whole should be 

 well mixed and allowed to settle so as to drain 

 thoroughly. As soon as the plants are big enough 

 to distinguish which of them is likely to attain the 

 state in which alone they can afford due nourish- i largest size, the latter is retained, and the rest 

 ment. I believe rather that, like seeds of higher j P""ed up. As the roots grow and touch the sides 

 grade, these minute bodies require a combination ! o( the pot, the plant is shifted from time to time 

 of favoring circumstances for their development ] '"to larger-sized pots. Care should be taken to tie 

 and growth, some of which seem to be, special j o"t 'he P'ants as they grow, and to pinch out all 

 conditions of light, heat and moisture, and when I blooms as soon as they show themselves. The 

 these exist mildew will show itself suddenly and equilibrium of growth sliould be carefully watched. 



parasites of which we have any knowledge, and 

 one which, instead of selecting as its victims 

 plants that were weak and sickly, chose rather 

 those that were strong and in health. 



From these and similar examples no evidence 

 can be educed in support of the very popular 

 belief that debility must precede the attacks of 

 fungi. On the contrary, the evidence is strong 

 that when circumstances favor the germination of 

 the spores, they can derive support from congenial 

 plants whether they are in sickness or in health. 

 And I cannot believe that spores alighting upon 

 healthy plants will remain at rest or perish, unless 

 adverse influences have toned them down to a 



before any material change can take place to 

 weaken the plants upon which it feeds. 



A'ew Haven, Conn., Oct. jo, jSSs- 



EDITORIAL NOTES. 



and any branches showing a disposition to outgrow 

 their neighbors should be stopped by pinching. 



As the season advances and the sun gets more 



powerful, the plants are put in a more shady place- 



with a good moist temperature, as in a deep frame 



or a glass-house with a northerly aspect. If they 



were left in a dry atmosphere exposed to the sun, 



Culture of Tree Mignonette in England, the wood would set, the growth would be checked, 



-Those who have not yet had an opportunity of and the plant would blossom at once. Care 



visiting the horticultural establishments in the should be taken that the growth does not receive 



neighborhood of London, or the great flower shows, I a check. In August or September the plants are 



such as are held at the Crystal Palace, the Regent's I allowed to flower, if intended for autumnal or 



