148 



IRISH GARDENING. 



for half an hour, and then allowed to run down through 

 a hole in the quilt. This operation must be done after 

 dark, and the stock should be disturbed as little as 

 possible when removing- and replacing the roof. After 

 two days the stock may be examined to see that the 

 queen has been accepted. Of course beginners should 

 remember that it is utterly useless attempting to intro- 

 duce a new queen to a hive which already contains one, 

 and those who buy expensive queens should make very 

 sure, before risking their half-guinea's worth, that the 

 stock is in a proper condition to receive it. 



Notice. 



Awards in the Photographic Competition. — 

 I. (10/-) T. Maguire, The Orchard, Enniskillen ; 2. (5/-) 

 Harold Jacob, The Moorlands, Greystones ; 3. (3/6) W. 

 J. Mitchison, Mullaboden, Naas. 



The prize photographs will be reproduced in illustra- 

 tion of an article on " How to Beautify the Home." 



Bulb Catalogues. 



Note — It is strongly recommended to plant bulbs 

 early, as this will give the roots time to make good 

 growth before the soil loses its stored-up heat. It is 

 also important to use bulbs of good quality only — plump, 

 heavy, and well matured. This is especially essential if 

 the intention is to grow the bulbs in fibre, as directed on 

 page 137. The advantage of dealing with good firmsis 

 emphasised by the experience recorded by Mr. Brock 

 on page 139. 



Bulbs for Garden and Greenhouse. Autumn, 

 1908. Issued by Sir James W. Mackey, Ltd. — This is 

 a descriptive catalogue of ornamental, bulbous and 

 tuberous-rooted plants for autumn and spring planting. 

 It is beautifully printed on thin plate paper, and is 

 handsomely illustrated. The picture of grape hyacinth 

 in bowl, on page 137, is a reproduction of one of the 

 illustrations in this pleasing catalogue. 



Catalogue of Bulbs. J. R. Pearson & Sons. — 

 This is a very tasteful publication, consisting of eighty 

 pages of letterpress and illustrations. The cultural 

 directions in several cases (Narcissi, for example) are 

 very full, and a section devoted to " Household Flower 

 Gardening " will be found interesting and helpful. 



Bulbs and Hardy Flowers, issued by Samuel 

 M'Gredy & Son, Portadown — A comprehensive illus- 

 trated Tist (with cultural notes) of bulbs and other hardy 

 perennials for autumn planting. The Narcissus section 

 is botanically arranged, and the varieties very fully 

 described. Bulbs for early flowering in pots and vases 

 are specially listed. A very useful catalogue. 



Bulbs and Nursery Stock— being the catalogue of 

 David Henry, Carlow — This is a ver}' neat and prettily 

 illustrated list of hardy garden plants, including 

 bulbs, ornamental flowering shrubs, roses and fruit 

 trees. A useful list of apples for the home garden is 

 given on page 9. 



Bulbs for Autumn and Spring Planting. — Another 

 well illustrated and descriptive catalogue sent us this 

 month is that of Wm. Fell & Co., Hexham, Ltd. A 

 choice selection of hyacinths and Narcissi are 

 catalogued. 



List of Daffodils and other Bulbs, issued by Miss 

 F. W. Currey, of Lismore. Miss Currey is well known by 

 all daffodil lovers as an expert in the culture of these 

 garden favourites, as well as a successful raiser of new 

 varieties. The catalogue is small but choice. 



To Correspondents. 



Owing to pressure of space this month corres- 

 pondents have been answered by post. If answers have 

 not been received will readers please repeat queries, 

 when replies will be forwarded at once. 



The caterpillars sent by W. B. are (both) those of the 

 Pepper and Salt moth {Amphidnsys betularia) that 

 mimic so cunningly a piece of dead apple twig. 



In answer to a correspondent on the advantages of 

 " French Gardening," we would say that it is advisable 

 not to accept for gospel all that the newspapers have 

 reported on this subject. We have it from an authority 

 that it has yet to be proved whether " French " gar- 

 dening will pay in the British Isles. 



" A Reader " asks for hints on the successful culture 

 of the old-fashioned double primrose. The usual 

 practice is about the end of May to lake up the plants 

 and divide the offsets singly. In doing so see that the 

 plants lose as little of their moisture as possible. Secure 

 some partially shady place, with rich, moist soil, and 

 plant about twelve inches apart. See that these newly 

 divided plants are not in the direct rays of the sun for 

 a few days. Avoid this by covering with some light 

 material as matting. Water freely. In the autumn 

 they should have grown into healthy plants. Up-root 

 with care, and plant in the spring flower-bed. 



With regard to the query about the dropping of 

 immature stone-fruit, the only reason we can give is 

 that in all probability the soil lacks lime. The lime 

 should be applied in autumn or winter to be effective 

 the following fruiting season. 



SHOWS. 



Midland Counties. 



The sixth annual exhibition of the Midland Counties 

 Association, held last month at Athlone, was a splendid 

 success. For number and variety of its exhibits, for 

 attendance and general interest, this exhibition is 

 now without a rival in Ireland. The association has a 

 great educational influence in the Midlands, and is infus- 

 ing new ideas, new interests, and new life into the rural 

 districts. 



There were over 2,000 entries, which included not 

 only horticultural exhibits but poultry, butter, honey, 

 and such industrial exhibits as woodwork needlework, 

 lace, cookery, preserves, &c. The horticultural 



instructor for Roscommon (Mr. Bowers) gave lectures 

 and microscopical demonstrations on potato disease and 

 kindred subjects. One great attraction of the show 

 was the demonstration plot section, and special mention 

 must be made of the plot ( VI rs. Flynn's) that secured the 

 first prize. 



The flower tent containing the exhibit of many of the 

 leading firms of florists and seedsmen of Ireland 

 presented a very gay appearance, and attracted much 

 attention. Any reference to this remarkable exhibition 

 would be incomplete without referring to the public- 

 spirited work of the president and secretary. Mrs. 

 Dames Langworthy's enthusiasm and untiring labours, 

 supported by the originality and organising genius of 

 Mr. Harold Smith, have gone far to bring about the 

 success this association has attained. 



Galway Horticultural and Industrial. 



What the Wtstc niNe-n^s describes as the finest exhibition 

 of plants, fruits, flowers and industrial products that had 

 ever been held in the county of Galway for a number of 

 years was held last month in the Convent Schools and 

 Harpur's Hall. There were 1,100 entries, and great 

 credit is due to the excellent arrangements carried out 

 by the secretary, Mr. Rothwell. 



