154 Notes and Gleanings. 



The Royal Vineyard Fig is described in the Florist and Pomologist as a 

 new variety of sterling merit. In shape it resembles the Brown Turkey ; but the 

 warm reddish tinge of the Royal Vineyard is very distinct from the dull brown 

 or chocolate hue of the Turkey. In flavor, also, the Royal Vineyard is infinitely 

 superior. It is, in fact, one of the highest flavored figs in cultivation, and will 

 succeed under the ordinary treatment required for the Brown Turkey, which is 

 well known as one of the most easily cultivated and prolific of all figs. 



Planting-out Heliotropes. — About twelve months ago, Mr. Tillery, of 

 Welbeck, contributed to your columns a short but practical letter on the desira- 

 bility of planting-out the heliotrope. Profiting by the hint, I last May planted 

 the back wall of a peach-house, eighty feet long, with it. The plants during the 

 summer grew vigorously, but produced very few flowers. The peach-house was 

 started in the middle of January last, and I have now plants six feet high, cov- 

 ered with a perfect sheet of their sweet-scented blossoms, and which are the 

 admiration of all who see them. I would advise every gardener who has a small 

 place, to grow this gem of a plant. If we look at it in a business point of view, 

 I am sure the flowers would command more money than the crop of peaches- 

 I may add that, when the peaches were in bloom, the sight was such a one as 

 must be seen to be appreciated. R. Gilbert, in Gardener's Chronicle. 



Leaf Rake. — A new wheel hand rake, for raking leaves, is advertised in 

 England. It can be easily worked by a woman or boy, and gathers six or seven 

 times as much as the ordinary rake. 



Inarching Vines. — The best time to inarch last year's canes to old vines, 

 is as soon as the stock or old vines have shoots a few inches long, with leaves 

 to attract the sap, and so prevent bleeding. The scions are also better of some 

 growth. No union can take place until there is growth, as it is effected by the 

 descending current or elaborated sap. English Jourtial of Horticultnre. 



The Scarlet and Zonal Race of Pelargoniums are, as Dr. Denny 

 remarks, much in want of a distinctive name. In the face of the objections to 

 the use of the name " Scarlet " for flowers of all hues, to " Zonal " for many 

 which have no zones, and to " Geraniums," which would be robbing the true 

 geraniums of their good name, it has been suggested that Sweet's name of 

 Ciconium should be taken up for them. It was applied by him to this very 

 group, which he describes as " a natural section which will most likely be here- 

 after divided from Pelargonium into a distinct genus," and is also used as a sec- 

 tional name for the same group by modern botanists. No doubt it is the best 

 distinctive term yet suggested, and the only difficulty lies in getting any un- 

 famihar name generally adopted. Florist and Pomologist. 



Azaleas should be pruned as scon as flowering is over, and before growth 

 recommences. Keep them in a mild, genial atmosphere, to induce them to break 

 freely. Gardener'' s Chronicle. 



