MISCELLANEOUS INTELLIGENCE. 2-17 



On Whitney's Composition. — Having observed in the May number of this 

 year, p. ] IS, that Whitney's Composition is strongly recommended in lieu of 

 glass, could you inform me if the cotton prepared as therein stated can be pro- 

 cured in London, or could the recipe be procured. 



Loudon, August 15. A Subscriber. 



[Early in the present summer we erected a house, the roof of small sashes, 

 for the summer department of the finest Fuchsias, and used fine glazed calico, 

 giving it two coats of the composition. We found it answer well for a few 

 weeks, there was desired protection, and whilst the prepared calico gave a suffi- 

 ciency of light it afforded a very good shade from powerful sun. Shortly, how- 

 ever, we found the leaves of the Fuchsias began to blister and turn brown, 

 eventually dropping rapidly off, and the plants assumed a very sickly appear- 

 ance. Iu the day time we had abundance of air admitted, but closed the roof 

 during night. It was evident that the liquid used contained what most inju- 

 riously impregnated the air, and thus damaged the Fuchsias. At the end of 

 July we had a storm of rain and wind, and this rent up the covering as if it had 

 been paper. On examination we found that the calico had become so tender as 

 not to be able to bear the least pull or pressure. A small portion of the calico 

 had had but one coat of the composition, this was in far better condition than 

 that which had two coats applied. 



We had some pit-lights, which had been constructed for glass, covered with 

 the prepared calico, under which were small Dahlias in pots ; these were not 

 injured by it, and the sash-bars prevented the wind moving the calico ; it has 

 in that instance done well, but the sashes were not used more than two months. 

 Other persons have used it with cucumber sashes, and it answered well, the 

 plants being healthy and very fruitful. A stronger material than glazed calico 

 should be used, and numerous cross supports. It will be found, too, that some 

 kinds of plants will not bear the effects of the composition which is transfused 

 into the air. 



The composition may be obtained of Mr. Whitney, of Shrewsbury, in bottles 

 of 2*. 6J. or 3s. Gd. each. It is applied over the calico, &c, by means of a 

 painter's brush, stretching it and securing it over the sashes when in a wet 

 state, so that when it dries it is quite tight. It soon dries and is readily pre- 

 pared for use. Any draper will be able to supply a better article than the glazed 

 calico, some fine but strong material. — Conductor.] 



REMARKS. 



ROYAL SOUTH LONDON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S MEETING, 



Held in the Surrey Zoological Gardens. 



Tub show of Picotees and Carnations was upon an extensive scale, the number 

 of competitors being very numerous, and the flowers in excellent condition. The 

 tent devoted to this part of the Exhibition was crowded during the day, and the 

 display of these beautiful flowers appeared to afford universal gratification. 

 The Silver Cup, offered by Mr. J. Dickson for 12 white ground Picotees, to be 

 contested for amon;j the amateur members of the Suciety, was awarded to T. 

 Barnard, Esq., for a remarkably fine stand of flowers, consisting of the following 

 sorts : — Ely's Great Western, Sharp's Duke of Wellington, Ely's Favourite, 

 Brinkler's Lady Emily, Wain's Victoria, Wildman's Isabella, Biirrough's Lady 

 Douro, Sharp's Gem, Green's Queen Victoria, Jessop's Sir W\ Middleton, 

 Wilson's Pluperfect, and Barnard's Mrs. Barnard. 



To Amateurs, Members of the Society, the Gold Medal was awarded to Mr. 

 Edmonds for lij blooms of white ground Picotees ; this stand, which was very 

 fine, consisted of Willmer's Princess Royal, Nulli Secundus, Jessop's Sir W. 

 Middleton, Orson's Adelaide, Green's Queen, Barraud's Cornelius, Ely's Grace 

 Darling, Headley'a NTaqnette, Gidden's Princess Royal and Teazer, C task's 

 Queen Victoria, and Brinkler's Purple Perfection. — Large Silver Medal to tin: 

 Rev. A. H. Matthews, who showed Dickson's Trip to Cambridge, Crask's Queen 

 Victoria, Lady Alice Peel (seedling), Enchantress, Ne plus Ultra, and Regina 

 (seedlings also), Biiuklei's Purple Perfection, Nulli Secundus, La Elegante, 



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