The Canadian Horticulturi3'T. 37 



Hollyhocks as Shelter Plants for the Apiary. 



999. Sir, — I have hollyhocks planted on the west side of my bee hives, for the 

 jjurpose of keeping off the hot sun in summer. Tlie leaves have become affected with 

 lusty spots and have dropped off. Can you explain ? And what could I plant in their 

 place which would answer the same purpose ? 



A' Subscriber. 



I?ep/y by Prof. John Craig. 



Hollyhocks are frequently and seriously affected with a disease classed 

 among the " rusts " and scientifically known as Puccinea Malvacearuvi. This 

 appears on the leaves of the hollyhocks and closely allied plants, causing brown- 

 ish rusty patches. This disease has been introduced from Europe and seemj^ 

 to be spreading quite rapidly. Some successful results in treating it have been 

 reported, where Bordeaux mixture was used as a spray. 



Wherever plants are seriously affected, it will probably be best to root them 

 up and destroy them. As a substitute for the hollyhock, I would suggest some 

 of the tall growing double forms of the sunflower family. We have now many 

 double varieties of Helianthus^ which are very desirable for positions where they 

 serve the purpose of a screen or a back ground, and I do not think of any other 

 plant at the present time which would fill the position so well. One of the 

 most desirable forms of the helianthus is that known as the Californian Double 

 Sunflower. 



Strawberries for Home Use. 



•'S96. Sir, — What two or three kin<ls of strawberries would you prefer to plant in 

 the garden for family use ? 



J. Delgarmo, Marmion. 



There is so much difference in taste that this question is not easy to answer 

 satisfactorily to all concerned. We know some who prefer the sharp acid of the 

 old Wilson to the milder flavors of other berries. We would recommend a trial 

 of Downing, Cumberland, Sharpless, Saunders. Would our correspondent be 

 kind enough to give the results of his experiment. 



Grapes for Home Use. 



597. Sir, — Please give me a list of gra|>es suitable for planting in the neighlK)rhood 

 of Owen Sound, for home use. 



J(HiN 1)el«;armo, Marmion. 



The varieties most popular for home use or market are frequently changed, 

 owing to the introduction of new kinds. ^Ve would recommend our corres- 

 pondent to try for his section the Early Victor, Worden, Lady, Agawam, 

 Diamond and Brighton. 



