Queries and Answers to Queries. 239 



many quite neglected ; for what so common as a smoky chimney, and 

 what worse ? and yet what more clear than the folly of building them in 

 the usual manner, in the external walls and as rough inside as possible? 

 Mr. Hiort's plan sounds well, but I should like to hear how it succeeds in 

 practice, and if it succeeds, how we, who reside nearly 200 miles from 

 London, may obtain its advantages on reasonable terms. — A.G. Hear 

 Sarnsley. 



Gnaphl^lium ^tce'chas, and other Plants for RockworJc. — I am not aware 

 that it is generally known that this plant will stand the severity of our 

 winters better on the wall or on rockwork, than in the common soil of 

 the borders. The Cerastium repens is also a very ornamental plant for 

 rockwork. Also the Ferbascum -Slattkria var. fl. lutea, iSedum divarica- 

 tum, and Antirrhinum iparteum. — T. Hawkins. The Haw, near Gloucester, 

 June, 18. 1828. 



The Hfezereon, as a Conservatory Plant, was nearly in full blossom in the 

 borders in December. Perhaps by being protected in the conservatory, it 

 might generally blossom at that time; if so, its highly odoriferous flowers, 

 by diffusing their fragrance throughout the house, might recommend a trial 

 of a few of these plants scattered among others. — Id. 



What is the Magnol\?i sinuata ? Has it any synonyme ? — Causidictu, 

 Feb. A. 1829. 



Hyacinths in moist Sand. — I recollect hearing that hyacinths were grown in 

 greater perfection in fine sea sand kept moist, than in water-glasses. I have 

 tried the experiment this season. Has it been seen to succeed? — W. M. 

 Argyleshire, Nov. 6. 1828. 



Strelitzia regince. — I have had this plant for three years, and with all my 

 efforts, together with the assistance of my man Friday, have not been able to 

 flower it. Two of my friends are in the same state. We give it plenty of 

 heat in rich soil, but that will not do. Does it require much or little 

 water, or soil of a particular earth ; i. e. particular, speaking geologically ? 

 — G. G. Biriningham, Feb. 7. 1829. 



Ants on Peach Trees. — Can you or any of your correspondents inform 

 me of any remedy for ants on peach trees ? I am troubled with them 

 sadly ; my soil is a sandy loam, in which they seem to harbour so securely, 

 as to render extirpation impossible. Toads do not eat slugs ; the opinion 

 of Rusticus in Urbe is not correct in thinking that they do. I have kept a 

 large toad in an early cucumber-frame, and encoiu-aged him there to eat 

 these reptiles, but without effect ; woodlice are, however, rarely seen near 

 his abode. — G. iH. Atherstone. 



Ti-aining Vines downwards from the Rafters. — I am much at a loss to 

 know how this can be done; and should be much obliged to your corre- 

 spondent Mr. Haycroft, if he would give us some details, accompanied by a 

 sketch. — Id. 



Double Dahlias {noiu Georginas). — Is there any publication exclusively 

 devoted to fine varieties of this flower? — S. B. Ward. Sheffield, Feb. 53. 



Not that we know of; but some varieties are occasionally figured in 

 Sweet's Florisfs Guide. — Cond. 



Very Double Italian Tuberoses, such as they have in Paris, aee not to be 

 purchased about London ; What is the reason ? — Id. 



Cidtivation of the Oak. — Sir, Will you inform me who has written on the 

 cultivation of the oak, and which you consider the best and most useful 

 work on this most interesting subject ? Probably some of your corre- 

 spondents would give their opinion as to the rearing, culture, and attention, 

 the oak may require, to prepare it for timber. This would very greatly 

 oblige a constant subscriber and a sincere lover of a fine oak tree. — Q. 

 Bristol, Aug. 9. 1828. 



