| 
37—1846.] 
THE GARDENERS’ 
CHRONICLE. 
615 
perhaps, a little too winding. The whole of the gardens j 
are under the management of Mr. Esler, whose son (who 
was lately in England) showed us over. The glass- 
houses are of considerable extent, but looked old and 
old-fashioned ; we had not time to go through them. 
There are besides those above-mentioned several other 
buildings on the grounds, amongst whieh the most 
interesting is the Dutch Palace built by Peter the 
Great, with many relies of that extraordinary man. 
The garden of the Tauride Palace is one of the best 
within the town ; it is under the care of Mr. Gray, son 
of one of the most celet d English g: here, 
the late Mr. Gray, of the Ropscha Gardens, The orna- 
mental grounds of the Tauride are well laid out and 
neatly kept, the vegetation vigorous, and the whole out 
of the reach of the inundations. Besides these grounds 
there is an extensive tract cultivated partly as a nursery 
garden, partly as a fruit garden, with (as we were told) 
nearly a mile in length of houses and pits chiefly for 
fruit for the Court. In some of the Peach-houses the 
trees were large, trained nearly upright, with the glass 
at a very steep slope, and some of them had a very fine 
erop. There was also a fair crop of Grapes in one of 
the houses, but most of the houses were not in bearing 
at present, early fruit being as much in request here as 
with us; the finest Pine-apples were also over, those 
now in fruií were numerous but small, with large 
crowns, and very much crowded in the pits; and in 
general these gardens did rot show that care which 
is necessary even during the time of rest of the trees. 
The houses contain also a large stock of plants for the 
ornamenting rooms—one large one nearly full of 
Marantas, Calatheas, and other Seitaminez. Out of 
doors I observed two or three rows of Potentilla alba, 
a shrub nearly as tall as the P. fruticosa, so common 
in shrubberies here, but wi pure white flower. 
Reviews. 
The Potato Murrain and its Remedy. By George W. 
Johnson, Esq. 8vo. 1846. Baldwin, 
Tux man who shall finda remedy for the Potato disease 
will have conferred some benefit upon, and eonduced 
more to the convenience of this country ; for, although 
the extinetion of the Potato would in many respeets be a 
great blessing, yet, under wise management, it wil! always 
be a plant upon which man has a right to count for food. 
as having been for many years pursued by Mr. Shep 
herd, an intelligent farmer in the Calf of Man, We 
believe this practice to be the-right one ; we believe it 
to be, as we have over and over again stated it to be, 
1 1 
the upper end many stiff, plaited, lanceolate, 5-ribbed 
leaves, and a terminal paniele of flowers as large as 
those of Vanda Roxburghii, with dark purple spots on 
a pale ground. Of that plant we possess a dried speci- 
men, with one of the lower branches of the panicle in 
good preservation, and as it proves to be a new genus 
we take this opportunity of naming it after its dis- 
coverer.” This notice produced the desired effect, 
living specimens having been received by the Rev. 
John Clowes, and by Messrs, Loddiges, from the latter 
of whom the specimen which supplied the accompany- 
ing drawing was exhibited to the Horticultural Society, 
in Regent-street, in February last. The plant was 
about 2 feet high, and bore 24 flowers. We under- 
stand that Mr. Clowes's specimen was much finer. It 
is indeed a noble thing ; for although its flowers have 
somewhat the colour and appearance of a large Cymbid, 
yet their panieled disposition, and the entirely different 
habit of the plant, render it much more showy than any 
Cymbid known to us. Its nearest affinity is perhaps 
with Bromheadia, with which it corresponds in having 
a lengthened stem and terminal inflorescence; and thus 
it may serve as a connecting link between the Brassid 
forms of Indian and African Orchids, and as a tran- 
sition to the Indian Sarcanthids by way of Eulophia or 
Galeandra. It is very near Cymbidium in technical 
characters, though so extremely different in its manner 
of growth. The auricles at the base of the column, the 
four poilen-masses, and the very narrow gland fining 
away to each side, sufficiently distinguish it. Although 
it is stated that this plant was found growing on the 
stems of the Oil Palm, yet under cultivation it will in 
all probability succeed best in a pot if treated in a 
similar way to Peristeria elata. It roots freely in turfy 
heath-mould, and requires an ample sugply of water 
during the growing season. In winter if may be sup- 
posed that a season of rest is necessary, when little or 
no water should be given ; a damp atmosphere being 
suffieient for all the requirements of the plant.— 
Bot. Reg. 
Garden Memoranda. 
United Nursery, King's-road, Chelsea. — There is 
now in bloom here a fine plant of Agnostis sinuata, one 
of the Proteads; few of which are handsomer. It 
forms a little tree 7 feet high, with a bare stem, 3 or 
4 feet in height, branching out into a head, clothed 
with hard shining leaves, from whose axils spring short 
branches armed with clusters of bright orange blos- 
oms. In an early stage of their development the 
flowers, each about an inch in length, radiate horizon- 
tally from a common centre in a regular manner; but, 
as maturity is advanced, they gradually bend upwards, 
forming a eup, ornamented round the top with little 
round balls, which are the ends of the calyxes. When 
full blown, the latter are set free, and the red straps 
of the calyx fall backwards in the opposite direction, 
the most rational plan of g t yet pr f 
But-we must not deceive ourselves ; we must not give 
it an exaggerated importance ; nor will Mr. Johnson 
find it support his theory. It is, no doubt, an excellent 
system, and let us give all honour to Mr. Shepherd, 
who first proposed it : but it will not keep off the mur- 
rain. That is quite a separate question. The following 
letter to a friend from Mx. Shepherd is conclusive, and 
requires no comment. 
“Calf Island, August 31, 1846. 
* In answer to yours of the 26th inst., 1 am sorry to 
have to inform you that the haulm. of our Potatoes is 
entirely decayed by the prevailing disease, although we 
cannot yet complain of disease in the root. Should the 
roots, however, remain sound, they will be a very poor 
crop. The Potatoes on the mainland, in the south of 
the island, are entirely lost. Many farmers are allow- 
ing the poor to dig them without any payment; and, 
indeed, the labour amounts to as much, or more than 
their worth. 
* Up to the end of July, I must say that I never 
recollect the growing erops of Potatoes to have looked 
better, particularly those that were planted with diseased 
Potatoes. 
e 
God, let you know how our crops 
on advances ; but, at present, I 
pinion of them, Although those 
we are at present digging have been affected in the 
haulm since the 2d of August, yet the Potatoes are 
Sound, with the exception of a solitary one or two in 
oiling ; and the crop would have been a great one 
had the roots been matured previously to the disease 
taking effect in the haulm. When I say that the Po- 
tatoes will be a poor erop, I mean that they will be 
Our Potatoes all came up as well 
as usual.—Roserr SHEPHERD.’ 
We f 
are affected, a: 
have no very fa 
t: 
African Aneellia. 
Epiphyte. (Orehids.*) Fernando Po. 
he noble plant now figured was spoken of by us in 
1844 in the following terms: “While we are writing 
on this subject, we would also mention another most 
Noble plant, specimens of which might certainly be pro- 
cured by any of our African merchants, When Mr. 
Ansell was ill from the effects of the Niger expedition, 
25 Fernando Po, he found in Clarence Cove, growing on 
the Stems of the Oil Palm (Hlais guineensis), an epiphyte 
With a slender jointed stem about 2 feet long, having at 
Stove 
See Lindley’s ** Vegetable King ? for xpla ion 
these tee Aley s Vegetable Kingdom ” for an explanation of 
I a very singular, but truly noble appearance. 
The plant has been cultivated at Chatsworth as well as 
at other places for many years ; but we believe, until 
now, it has never blossomed in this country. It is grow- 
ing in a pot, and about two months ago every branch 
was topped —not for the purpose of inducing it to bloom, 
but in order to obtain cuttings which strike rather 
reluctantly—in a gentle heat under a handglass. The 
result has been, however, as above described, a pro- 
fusion of handsome flowers on the old wood, even down 
on the bare stem. The roots appeared to be rather 
cramped for want of room, and the wood seemed to 
have been well ripened, which, no doubt, had much to 
do in causing it to flower ; but the topping is believed 
to have been the prime mover’ in the matter. It has 
been standing in an airy part of an intermediate house 
Miscellaneous. 
Anecdote for Naturalisis—A few days ago as the 
gardener of B. Potter, Esq., of Darley Hall was mow- 
ing the Grass-plot, he eut open, lengthwise, an adder of 
large dimensions, out of which ran a mouse, no doubt 
recently swallowed. The same person, on entering the 
stable, heard the eroaking of a frog in distress, and on 
proceeding to its reseue, he discovered the little animal 
with its hind legs in an adder’s mouth, and on killing 
1e venomous reptile, the frog leaped away, and escaped 
uninjured.— Derby Mercury. 
A Large Flight of Locusts lately passed over the town 
of Sunderland. They hovered over the neighbourhood 
of Hendon, and numbers alighted on the hedges there, 
till, on a crowd beginning to collect, they took flight 
towards the south. They appeared to conduct their 
migration in close company. Several of them were 
caught. — Newcastle Journal. [Mr. Curtis would be 
obliged by a specimen being sent to him at Hayes, 
Middlesex, to determine the species.] 
= 
Calendar of Operations. 
(For the ensuing Week.) 
Poiting Bulbs for Forcing.—The sooner this is ac- 
complished the better, more especially with regard to 
the imported roots. The chief business is to ge 
the root well established before growth commences, 
otherwise it is impossible to produce an early and 
strong bloom, Most of the failures we meet with are 
chargeable to the omission of this most important point; 
and the fault has not unfrequently been charged, most 
unjustly, on the roots. A soil composed principally of 
a mellow loam, with the addition of old cow manure and 
leaf soil, and a sprinkling of sharp sand and fine char- 
coal dust, will be found excellent material Secure 
good drainage, and pot the bulb high—three partsabeve 
the level of the rim, taking care that the soil is in a 
mellow state, neither wet nor dry. Shake the pet 
slightly, in order to prevent the bulb settling too low, 
but do not by any means press the soil, They succeed. 
by ‘far the best in a cold frame, and it is most desirable 
that they should receive no moisture, beyond what le 
soil contains, until the pot is somewhat filled with roots: 
Those who have not the convenience of a frame may 
plunge them in cinder ashes in some sheltered spe, 
taking care to raise them above the ground level, for 
fear of water lodging. Take care that there is 4 free 
passage for the rain, and let them be covered with 
6 inches of some mellow material, such as old tan, old 
leaf soil, sawdust (if not too new), or ashes. This 
depth is necessary to keep out intense frosts. These 
put in water glasses should be kept in a somewhat dark 
place until pretty well rooted, suffering the bulb to 
barely touch the water at first. 
CONSERVATORIES, STOVE, &c. 
Conservatory.—Follow former directions, and 
constant attention to all matters which may aid in 
ing up gaiety through the winter. Be sure that all 
flues are perfectly clean, so as to be ready whem 
severe weather sets in. Give a thorough cireula- 
tion of air, and shut up with a little solar beast, 
in order to encourage some of the large specimens 
of a tenderer character than the ordinary steck. 
Orchids.—Give regular attention to these, in order te 
ascertain which have completed their season's growth; 
such should be instantly removed (more i 
if any yellowness occur in the leaf) to a mods- 
rate house. Several of the Bletias, as well as the old 
Phaius grandifolius, are very useful for producing 
winter or early spring flowers. The Manilleria 
aromatica, also, is an excellent early thing, provided 
the growth is early made and well matured. This 
principle, indeed, applies to all forcing matters. Mixed 
Greenhouse.—Heliotropes, to lower through the winter, 
and the scarlet Pelargoniums, should now be introduced. 
here on alight and cool shelf. Autumn frosts may 
shortly be expected, and if such could be warded off ‘by 
some means, most of these things would be better out 
of doors for another fortnight. Pot early Cinerarias3 
those taken in hand in due time will now be skowing 
bloom, and will be very useful in prolonging the autumm 
display. Those who desire Violets in pots, should now 
pot their Neapolitans, and early Russians, whieh wewe 
cultivated early for this purpose. This is the peried 
also for planting a frame or pit of Violets, and if xe- 
quired to bloom through November and December, con- 
tinuing until April, a little bottom-heat is a desirable 
thing. It must, however, be of a moderate character, 
not exceeding by any means 75°. The plants must be 
planted with good balls of earth, and must receive a 
slight shading for a week after planting ; after whick 
they must have abundance of air day and night, but ue 
rain. Pelargoniums eut down a few weeks since may 
now be disrooted, the soil shook entirely away, the roots 
slightly pruned, and repotted in clean pots, thoroughly 
drained. The Anne Boleyn Pinks for early forcing, if 
not potted, must be done forthwith. All these things, 
for very early forcing, should at this period be strong 
and well established in their pots. Let all propagation 
matters concerning such flowers as Verbenas, Fuchsias, 
Caleeolarias, &e. &c., for next year's display in pots, be 
brought to a close. 
KITCHEN GARDEN FORCING. 
ing the 
Pines.—Those who are g 
plan may, on cutting any given fruit, displace two or 
three leaves, and soil up the stem with a little fibrous or 
turfy loam ; this is not, however, an absolute rule. 
The plant will, in general, dictate by its appearance 
when these things are necessary. If the roots at the 
bottom of the stem near the surface are protruding 
through the axils of the leaves, it may be taken as asure 
sign that help may be rendered in this respect. Earth. 
ing up in the late autumn months and through the 
winter can, however, do little good ; for, unless 
heat be kept up, and that aided by more solar light 
than we can possibly expect at that period, very little 
assistance can be rendered. Mr. Hamilton jocosely ol- 
serves in one of his letters, in reference to the com- 
parative value of the old and the stem roots, “ I$ is well 
to prove our new friends before we let go the old” 
Perhaps this maxim may be applied to the Vine, which 
is apt to produce stem roots. 
FLOWER-GARDEN AND SHRUBBERIES. 
Now is an excellent time to collect a nice lot of Ver- 
bena plants, with roots, from early planted masses. 
Let all propagation matters, having reference to mezt 
year’s display, be wound up forthwith. See to the 
staking of late Asters, Phloxes, &c., of a tall characters 
the autumn storms will otherwise destroy them prema- 
turely. Prime Hollyhocks for seed should have the 
decaying corolla plucked out ; this helps the seeding 
much. Make observations on the colour and 
character of the flower-garden before the season closes, 
in order to improve next year. After studying the im 
dividual effect of flowers, let collective effect receive m. 
thorough consideration ; and the important principles 
of proportion and outline, as well as combination of 
colours, have their full weight. 
FLORISTS’ FLOWERS. ; 
Auriculas.—If not already potted for the winter 
should be done without delay. Remove suckers or off- 
sets, and place them round the sides of the pots, whic 
should be 6 inches across, Auriculas are impatient af 
rich compost during winter, turfy loam, river sand, amd 
very rotten horse.dung; a small portion of the twe 
Ted 
