38—1846.] 
THE GARDENERS' 
CHRONI 
CLE. 631 
Russell, Esq.—A number of meritorious extra pro- 
ductions were exhibited, for which Premiums, Certifi- 
cates of Merit, or thanks, were respectively voted. In 
Particular, for a cluster of Black Hamburgh Grapes, 
weighing 5 lbs., RAISED UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM OF HEAT- 
ING AT Pormaise, a premium was assigned to Mr. 
Brown, gr. to W. Murray, Esq., of Polmaise, Certifi- 
cates of Merit were granted to the Rev. T. Burnet, 
unbar, for specimens of the Green Yair Pear, of un- 
commonly large size ; to I. Anderson, Esq., of Maryfield, 
fora large flowering plant of Leptodermis lanceolata,and 
two pretty seedling Fuchsias ; to R. W. Maxwell, Esq., 
for a well grown Snake Cucumber ; to Messrs. Car- 
Stairs, Kelly, and Co., for a plant of Echites splendens 
1n fine flower ; to Mr. Thyne, Glasgow, for seedling 
ausies; and to Mr. Downie, for seedling Hollyhocks. 
Thanks were voted—to Professor Syme, Millbank, for 
A basket of the fruit of Passiflora edulis, and a fine 
T s in flower; to 
Messrs. Dickson and Co., for trays of Roses and 
Dahlias ; to Messrs. J. Dickson and Sons, for Bruns- 
ROYAL SOUTH LONDON FLORICULTURAL 
SOCIETY. 
Burwarton Cottagers! Show.—The annual exhibition 
of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, promoted by the Bur- 
Warton Horticultural Society, took place on the 2d inst. 
When we remember that the society is yet in its 
infancy, this being only the second exhibition, we cannot 
fail of assurance that it will accomplish all that is 
desired of such associations. „This has been mainly pro- 
moted by the influence of the Hon. Mrs. Hamilton, who 
ìs likely to be gratified by the progressive advancement 
of a pursuit which adds so largely to the comforts and 
enjoyments of the liumbler classes. Upwards of 1000 
Persons were present, and the worthy owner of Burwar- 
ton Hall directed the gates of the ancient domain to be 
thrown open to the visitors. The Exhibition took place 
under a spacious tent erected in front of the hall. 
The following prizes were distributed: — For the 
Heatest and best stocked garden within 2 miles of Bur- 
warton-hall, given by the Hon. G. F. Hamilton: 1, 
Os., to J. Preece ; 2, 10s., I. Colton. For the neatest 
and best stocked cottager’s garden in the parishes of 
Chetton, Deuxall, and Glazeley, given by Archdeacon 
Vickers and T. P, Purton, Esq. : 1, 20s., W. Massey ; 
Green Gooseberries : 1 > J. Preece ; 2, T. Jones. Red 
*ooseberries : 1, J. Preece ; 2, W. Bowen. Raspber- 
Yies: 1, T. Lloyd; 2, Sarah Lloyd. Cucumbers : 1, 
W. Barkley ; 2, J. Hodnett, Potatoes : 1, W. Pratt; 
2, E. Child. Potato Onions: 1, E. Bradley ; 2, T. 
ellings ; 2, T. Berrington. Carrots: 1, T. Richards; 
d n Bartley. Parsnips: 1, W. Pratt; 2, J. Preece. 
elery : lis 
Colton ; 2, J. Preece. Broad Beans: 1, I. Colton ; 
P, Richards ; 2, J. Prosser. The best collection of 
ot The best collection of 
Rhubarb: 1, E. Blake- 
, D. Evans. Pansies: 1, J. Hodnett. 
1, E. Bartley. The Society voted a prize of 
- Cox, for a beautiful flower-garden design, 
Composed of Fir Cones, Moss, and choice flowers ; 2, to 
+ Prosser, for a Mustard design. An extra prize was 
awarded to W. Breakwell, for fine Damsons; also, E. 
4 Hodnell, for a fine Caper plant, 
Mebielvs, 
Species Filicum. Vol. I. Part IV, By Sir W. J. 
ooker, K.H. 8vo. Pamplin. 
Rove readers, who are interested about Systematical 
mom, will be glad to learn that the first volume of 
l8 work is pleted by the app of the fourth 
» Which carries the pages to 245 and the plates to 
[os he part is chiefly occupied with the Species of 
SiStopteris, Davallia, and Lindsæa, , In his Preface, 
More; 2 
access. The opportunities, thus afforded, of paring 
the same species, in its varied forms, and from different, 
indeed often from widely severed, localities, have 
proved of the utmost utility. They have enabled him 
to arrive at results to which no other means of inves- 
tigation could have led. These results, he is aware, are 
but too likely to startle other students of the same tribe 
of plants; and indeed he is not ignorant that the so 
frequent junétion of supposed distinct species, in the 
following pages, has already called forth expressions of 
surprise from the pens of able botanists. He needs, 
however, scarcely state, that such an amalgamation of 
supposed genera and species has never been made 
without the most careful investigation ; and he must be 
allowed to add, that the further this investigation has 
proceeded, the more is he convinced that the system of 
curtailment ought to be, and will be, carried to a still 
greater length. There is, perhaps, no family of plants 
a | where more false species have been made, than among 
the Ferns. This is owing to three causes, 1. The 
difficulty of accurately defining in words the highly 
varied forms of these beautiful plants. 2. The often 
imperfect or incomplete specimens collected, especially 
of the larger kinds. And 3. A too generally received 
opinion that the same Fern is not likely to grow in 
two very remote portions of the globe. In illustration 
of the last of these remarks, a more striking instance 
can hardly be adduced than the universally known 
Osmunda regalis of Linneus, which, retaining its own 
name as an European species, has been described as 
O. spectabilis in North America, O. speciosa in Nepal, 
and O. Lesel ltii in the Neelgherri 
* Innumerable examples of a similar kind might be 
brought forward, and nothing can assist in rectifying 
these errors but the opportunity of examining a large 
number of specimens from various habitats. The want 
of such opportunities has led botanists of high repute 
not uncommonly to commit mistakes; and the author 
will take the liberty of adducing one or two instances 
which have recently come before him; in fact, so 
recently, that it was only just as the coneluding sheets 
of the present volume were in the press, He would 
not otherwise have failed to notice some of the errors 
before. 
“These statements are made from no invidious 
motive, but simply to show that, without access to a 
most extensive collection of specimens, from widely 
different localities, the best botanists, as has already 
been remarked, must be liable to fall into mistakes of 
this kind, and therefore to multiply the difficulties of 
the study, by loading the system with dubious or wholly 
untenable species. It has become a necessary, but in 
many respects an ungrateful task, thus to confine the 
Species, so far as is practicable, within due bounds ; but 
this is one main object the author has kept before him.” 
Oh ! utinam ! 
Newnham Courtenay, near Oxford; the Archbishop 
of York’s.—The first impression in approaching the 
mansion is, that it is buried in a valley ; sueh, however, 
is not the case, for it stands on the acclivity of a hill, 
commanding an extensively wooded and richly varied 
country, with Abingdon Church on the one hand, and 
the classic towers of Oxford rising in the distant hori- 
zon on the other, occasionally obscured as you pass 
along with luxuriant and stately timber, interspersed 
with the meanderings of the Thames, and forming a 
combination of beauty and grandeur scarcely to be sur- 
passed. The mansion itself is an unpretending Italian 
structure, surrounded with terraces and geometrical 
flower gardens,—proper accompaniments certainly when 
rightly disposed, which, unfortunately, in this instance, 
is not the case, and we are the more surprised at this, 
as they were planned by a gentleman* for whose talents 
we entertain the highest regard. The terrace wall 
ought to have extended along the south-western front, 
but that part which at present runs- parallel with the 
principal front, is squeezed almost up to the base of the 
building, completely destroying all dignity ; on the con- 
trary, it should have stood out at sufficient distance from 
the building, and at right angles with it, to have per- 
mitted the geometrical garden to have traversed. this 
front, more especially with its proper dressings and 
architectural enrichments. The shrubbery walks on 
the east side of the house were originally laid out by 
Mr. Brown, but have undergone much alteration and 
improvement by Mr. Bailey, the present gardener, who, 
by masterly arrangement, has brought with singular 
effect the principal beauties of the scene to surprise, 
and at times, astonish the visitor. Abingdon Church, 
with the River Thames in the foreground, present them- 
selves under the most favourable aspeet—quiet repose— 
when a few paces further on introduces a new and a 
grand scene, the ecclesiastical and classical edifices of 
Oxford rising prominently into view. This shrubbery 
unites admirably with the park, by means of suitable 
planting, composed of Furze and hardy Heaths. The 
effect is most excellent, and the dressed ground is made 
to glide into the park by a combination of planting of 
a most unusual character, producing an easy gradation 
of the artificial with the natural scenery beyond it. The 
ae Hooker thus defends his of genera 
Species which others have separated. 
“ ^ HE is 
whigh hing, he feels, could justify the conclusions at 
almost 
Weipliarly Ti 
g garden at the east side of the house, 
as well as the one at the west, were beautifully 
arranged, every attention being paid to the group- 
ing and contrasting of the various complementary 
colours, and especial regard is paid to the sizes which 
the plants in the different beds assume when their 
flowers and foliage are fully developed, so that no part 
* The late Mr. Gilpin. 
may prepond or balanee the other, which 
would tend to destroy all harmony of expression. This 
is a point scarcely sufficiently regarded in many of our 
best flower-gardens, The shrubbery intermediate be- 
tween the house and the kitchen-garden, is the most 
perfect of its kind we ever remember to have seen, 
There is no comparison either as regards the disposition 
or arrangement of the various shrubs and flowers 
which are introduced to give cheerful and contrast, 
Remarkable character and interest is produced by the 
introduction of all the choice Junipers, Cypresses, and , 
Cedars, and these are so well disposed that the most 
fastidious observer could not interfere without pro- 
ducing manifest injury. In passing nearer the kitchen 
garden, we come upon the Rosarium, which contains 
all the choice sorts in cultivation ; one great improve- 
ment in the effect of this garden as contra-distinguished 
from most others of the kind, is the disposition of a 
series of geometrical beds which are constantly over- 
flowing with profuse blooming plants, thus creating 
liveliness and beauty at seasons when the Rose itself 
would not afford such. The kitchen garden, which is 
connected with this by shrubbery walks, occupies 
5 acres, well-planned and 7'^nted with all the best kinds 
of fruit-trees admirably managed. The Peach-wall is 
a fine example of good gardening. Mr. Bailey adopts 
a system of training differing from Seymour's, inas- 
much as the shoots are trained under instead of above 
the main stems, which radiate from the bole of the tree. 
The trees were in the most perfect health, not a blotched 
or curled leaf to be seen, and the wall completely 
covered, and on many of the trees a fair crop, a rather 
unusual ci in this neighbourhood this season. 
There is a wall appropriated to the finer kinds of Pears, 
which were excellent examples of training ; another 
wall to Currants, which are protected and kept to a late 
season. The Morello Cherry wail was very fine, 
having an abundant crop, and the fruit extremely fine, 
but the most remarkable wall of all, and which is of 
considerable extent, is the Fig wall; the trees were in 
a fine fruit-bearing state, and completely loaded. In 
this climate they ripen remarkably well. The Pear 
trees, which are planted in the borders of the garden, 
near the walks, are managed on a different plan from any 
we had previously observed ; for instead of shortening 
back the shoots as Mr. Thompson practices, they are 
cut about three parts through, and allowed to remain 3 
thus still carrying’off the superfluous sap, yet checking it 
sufficiently to encourage the formation of blossom- 
buds, and the plan succeeds admirably. Perhaps Mr. 
Bailey will be kind enough to favour the public with his 
management more in detail. The kitchen garden is 
well-kept and cropped. The houses for the culture of 
Grapes looked well. The fruit remaining were of a fine 
size, and well-coloured red Hamburg The 
Peach-houses were equally fine, and the fruit remaining 
in the late one were large and well-coloured. There is 
a large house in which Pelargoniums are alone culti- 
vated. - These had been fine, but were, of course, nearly 
past. There is also a house of considerable dimensions 
set apart for Camellias and greenhouse Azaleas, of 
which there is a fine collection. The assortment of Cape 
Ericas is very extensive, embracing all the choice va- 
rieties. A capital span-roofed house has been erected 
for them, and they seem to like their quarters, for 
many of them are becoming dense bushes of large 
dimensions. There are numerous other glass erections, 
which space will not allow us to mention in detail. 
Now, one word. with regard to the keeping of the place. 
As a whole, it is, without exception, the best kept place: 
we ever saw. Such extensive gardens and pleasure- 
grounds are rarely of one uniform character and keep- 
ing ; but every part betrayed equal industry and atten- 
tion. The condition of the turf, the flower-beds, the 
cropping of the kitchen garden, and all the walks on 
the premises, are at the highest mark of skilful manage- 
ment and minute dressing. A new approach has been 
lately formed to Abingdon-road Station from the Lodge 
Gate on that side of the park through cultivated 
fields, We would suggest, as an improvement on this 
approach, that it be flanked with a double row of trees 
on each side, placed at 30 feet apart and 40 feet from 
the road. Asan example of the effect produced by such 
planting in a similar situation, we may refer to the Wil. 
derness in Kent, where it was adopted by Repton, but 
the error there is, that the trees are too near the road, 
and placed too close to each other.—R. G. 
Miscellaneous. 
The Potato Disease.—Last spring Mr. W. Wilson, 
coal-agent, of this town, planted in his garden several 
rows of Potatoes, in which he set at the same time a 
number of Savoy Cabbage-plants, at suitable intervals 
between the Potato sets. On each side of these rows a 
portion of the garden was planted with Potatoes alone : 
the same manure being employed for all On taking 
up these last mentioned Potatoes they were found com- 
pletely diseased; in fact, quite rotten ; while, to Mr. 
Wilson's astonishment,the Potatoes which were mingled 
with and covered by the Cabbage-plants were as sound 
and good as could be desired. The circumstance may 
at least be considered a strong proof that the ind uence 
which causes the disease is atmospherie, the hardy Sa- 
voys (whieh it should be stated, are uninjured), having 
apparently intercepted the blight, from whatever cause 
it may arise.— Westmorland Gazette, Kendal, Sept. 5. 
Å 
Calendar of Operations. 
(For the ensuing Week. 
, General Stopping of Fruit-trees.—Of all the opera- . 
tions necessary to promote fructification, this is perhaps 
