856 
THE GARDENERS’ 
[Dzc. 26, 
CHRONICLE. 
firm. The Mainmillariz afford quite a seasonable re- 
freshment in the Missouri Plains ; though only during 
the time of growth while the fibres are tender. In 
taste they resemble raw Cucumbers; the same may be 
said of the young shoots of the Opuntiæ ; the latter 
however, proved a great annoyance to the travellers, 
especially as there are no other shoes worn in that part 
of the wilderness than of buck-skin ; ihey are more 
easily avoided by day, but it is quite impossible to move 
aboutatnight, even horses get lamed by stepping care- 
lessly in these thorny bushes. In the month of June 
they show their large bronze-yellow flowers in abund- 
ance, which are only open during noon-day hours ; and 
in warm weather the stamens evince the same irritabi- 
lity as those of Berberis and Sparmannia.— Hooker's 
Journal of Botany. 
Hops.—Mr. Epps, Bower Nursery, Maidstone, has 
received instructions to ship 50,000 sets of Hop plants 
for Hobart Town, where the soil and the climate are 
Sailto be most congenial. 
On the Duration of Woods, and means of prolonging 
it,—The following are the results of experiments made 
with great care and patience by M. G. L. Hartig :— 
Pieces of wood of various kinds, 2$ inches square, were 
buried about an inch below the surface of the ground, 
and they became decayed in the following order :—-T 
Lime, American Birch, Alder, and the Trembling- 
leaved Poplar, in 3 years ; the common Willow, Horse 
Chesnut, and Plane, in 4 years ; the Maple, Red Beech, 
and common Birch, in 5 years ; the Elm, Ash, Horn- 
beam, and Lombardy Poplar, in 7 years ; the Robinia, 
Oak, Scotch Fir, Weymouth Pine, and Silver Fir, were 
only decayed to the depth of half an inch in 7 years ; 
the Larch, common Juniper, Red Cedar (Juniperus 
virginiana) and Arbor-vite, at the end of the last- 
mentioned period remained uninjured. The duration 
of the respective woods depends greatly on their age 
and quality, specimens from young trees decaying much 
quicker than those from sound old trees; and, when 
well seasoned, they last much longer than when buried 
in an d state. In experi with the woods 
cut into thin boards, decay proceeded in the following 
order, commencing with the most perishable :— 
S 
aple. 
11 Silver Fir. 
ane. 
2 Horse Chesnut. 
3 Lime. 12 Scotch Fir. 
4 Poplar. 3 Elm. 
5 American Birch. 14 Weymouth Pine. 
6 Red Beech, | 15 Darch. 
7 Hornbeam, | 16 Robinia, or Locust. 
8 Alder. |. 17 Oak. 
| 
It has been proved by repeated experiments that the 
best mode of prolonging the duration of wood is to char 
it, and then pay it over with three or four coats of 
pitch. But simply charring the wood was of very little 
utility, as were likewise saturations with various salts, 
acids, &e.— Hurtig, Revue Horticole.|| 
Calendar of Operations. 
(For the ensuing Week. 
Preparation of Fermentin, 
gardens in the country leaves can be collected, and 
when properly managed they form perhaps the most 
useful source of bottom-heat with which we are ac- 
quainted, except, of course, the tank. All the leaves 
necessary for carrying on the business of the ensuing 
year should be collected as early as possible in the 
autumn, and laid in a body close together to ferment. 
After fermenting for three weeks or a month they are 
in excellent order for use; in this state they will both 
heat with more certainty and tread more closely. In 
order to be ready for forcing of all kinds, to form 
powerful linings, or to build new beds, it is necessary 
to have a mixture at hand, composed of hot dung and 
leaves. In the course of December, therefore, the whole 
of the hot dung should be drawn from the stable yard 
to the leaf yard, and immediately thrown together, and 
well watered, in order to dispel the fiery heat. When fer- 
mented thus for a week. or so, it may be mixed with 
leaves, About four parts of the leaves to one part of 
hot manure will make a powerful and enduring mix- 
ture, and in most eases provide a bulk of material which 
will carry out all the hotbed and lining affairs for two 
months to come. This provided, a gardener can make 
up a frame or pit at any time, or farnish new linings at 
a couple of hours’ notice ; for if the dung has had one 
powerful heating previous to its mixture with the leaves, 
little danger need be apprehended from impure vapours, 
provided the most ordinary precautions are observed. 
CONSERVATORIES, STOVE, &c. 
Conservatory.— Observe to keep as moderate a tem- 
perature as possible where the Camellias are in bloom, 
in order to prolong their season. We found drip to be 
rather inconvenient during the frost, and withheld 
water altogether for a few days; yet this did not en- 
tirely prevent it. We then covered the roof with a 
canvas screen, which, by preventing condensation 
through the low roof temperature, accomplished the ob- 
ject effectually. Scarcely a drop has fallen since, and 
we are now enabled to water all available surfaces, to 
keep up a eonsiderable amount of atmospheric moisture, 
which Camellias so much delight in. We have had hen- 
dreds of very fine blossoms out for many weeks, and 
have scarcely found one spotted through condensed 
Steam, although water has been bountifully applied 
morning and evening. We keep a little air both front 
and back, day and night; even with the thermometer 
at 19° out of doors, a very little was left, The ther- 
mometer was generally about 40? at night, and 45? by 
dày., It is impossible for plants to look better. 
Stove and Orchids.—1t will soon be time to commence 
ag Materials.—1n most| 
potting the Orchids. Let a stock of proper material 
be provided, therefore, without delay. Free fibrous 
heath soil, eut into squares about the size of a Walnut; 
| fresh Sphagnum, chopped or eut; plenty of broken 
crocks, and charcoal in lumps; and some chopped 
sticks (avoiding Fir-wood), will be found all that is ne- 
cessary. The whole of these materials, except the 
erocks and charcoal, should be subjected to some pro- 
cess that will destroy snails or other insects, with their 
eggs. We have generally scalded the Sphagnum and 
peat, but I object to this from experience, as the process 
so much hastens decomposition in the vegetable matter, 
that it soon becomes a pulpy mass impervious to the 
atmosphere. It is better to lay it in some very warm 
and dry place, turning it occasionally. Mixed Green- 
house.—Observe the conservatory directions, Beware 
of much night heat. 
KITCHEN GARDEN FORCING. 
# Early Vineries.—Where the buds are beginning to 
swell, or are starting a little, increase of temperature 
must be allowed—say 60° by day, 55° by night. Take 
care that plenty of atmospheric moisture is maintained 
by syringing or otherwise. Do not, however, keep them 
constantly wet. Allow the stems to become compara- 
tively dry at intervals. The oftener the fermenting 
materials are turned the better. Let newly introduced 
Vines be bent down where practicable, to equalise the 
sap. Late Vineries.—As soon as the Grapes are all 
cut, let the Vines be pruned immediately, stopping 
every cut with white-lead. Whether taken out to rest or 
not depends, of course, on other arrangements, If they 
are taken out, be sure to cover them well with old mats 
and litter. Vines love rest undoubtedly, but depend 
upon it they do not love a thermometer at 18°, espe- 
cially if they have recently been subjected to a high 
temp Peach-h . — Increase the heat 
gradually here also. If in blossom, withhold water in 
every shape, and be moderate in the increase of heat in 
proportion to the absence of atmospherie moisture. 
Give air at every opportunity, leaving a circulation day 
and night, if possible. Figs, Cherries, &e.—It will 
be time enough to say a few words about these in the 
early part of January. 
PLOWER-GARDEN AND SHRUBBERIES. 
Go on according to the advice of last week ; everything 
that can be done by anticipation here, also, will be 
found of value ulti ly. The Chi hus fragrans, 
with us, has stood the late frost well, although in, full 
bloom: it has, however, had a thick piece of canvas 
over it, 
FLORISTS' FLOWERS. 
Take the first opportunity; when fine weather sets in, 
of earefully looking over Carnation layers that are in 
frames; it is possible that dirt may have settled in the 
axils of the leaves; as this retains moisture in a very 
inconvenient degree, it is highly necessary for the 
health of the plants that it should be removed. With 
respect to Ranunculuses, lose no time in making the 
necessary purchases, and take care during this rather 
variable weather that the roots do not contract mouldi- 
ness, which is fatal to them. Refer to preceding Calen- 
dars for other operations ; and, of all things, we would 
advise the amateur, who intends to excel, not to be 
chary of his trouble; and, in concluding our directions 
for the present year, we would counsel all cultivators of 
florists’ flowers, and especially those who are about 
commencing, always to bear in mind that quality is pre- 
ferable to quantity, and that it is always the best policy 
to purchase good strains and good sorts. During some 
30 years of cultivation we have paid dear for not acting 
on this principle ; and, in truth, we can assert with Dr. 
Franklin that * we have paid dear for our whistle.” 
KITCHEN GARDEN AND ORCHARD, 
Seize on the first moment when a thaw in earnest 
arrives to follow out trenching, &e., as a preparation 
for spring cropping. Proceed with all pruning and 
nailing ; do everything, in fact, which can be done to 
ease the spring of its burdens. Do not forget to 
have a good breadth of short top frame Radish, sown on 
raised beds, in a warm aspect. Soak the seeds for six 
hours in luke-warm water ; and when sown, cover the 
beds directly with some clean new straw. 
COTTAGERS’ GARDENS, 
Where a cottager, having a garden, is sometimes 
thrown out of work in winter, a capital opportunity 
occurs for deep digging, trenching, or draining his plot 
There will be no real loss in the end, if these things are 
done justice to. As before observed the Parsnip crop 
(which will be ere long better esteomed, if the Potato 
murrain unfortunately continues), should be left in the 
ground until mid-winter, or early spring, with a coat of 
manure spread over the crowns for the next crop. 
uch being the case, they may be trenched out as 
opportunity serves, leaving the ground in ridges, to 
fallow : such will be fit for amy crop in March. 
FORESTING. 
Now a thaw has arrived, planting may again be 
resumed. Young Oak coppice may stand at from 8 to 
10 feet apart. Some dense screen should be planted as 
protection, in very cold districts, on the bleak sides 
thereof. In marshy spots Birch and Ash may be 
introduced. 
State of the Weather nea 
observed a 
x London, for the week ending Dec, 24, 1843, as 
ne Horticultural Garden, Chiswick, 
| 29.493 | 99.340 31.0| 35.7 EJ 
Average cm 
S | Dee. 1 
harp first; clear and frosty; overcast; rain 
H nin; foi i 
2 
cast. G 
«low the average. 
State of the Weathor at Chiswick during the last 20 years, for the 
ensuing 
Week ending Jun 2, 1847. 
Aver. 
Lowert 
Temp. 
Prevailing Winds 
I 
Aver. 
Dec, | Highest 
Tem; 
i Sli z 
| » 
Sun. 806 4 " 
Mon, $8 80.5 l 4 
Dues 29 850 3 3 
Wed 30 84.3 a 1 
Thur. 81 38.9 1 a 
Fri, 1| 43 39.4 8 2| 4 
Sa | 418 99.4 a 8 5 
(The highest temperature during the above period occurred on the 30ih 
15:3 ~thorm, 56° ; and the lowest on the lat, 1837—therm. 12°, 
Wotices to Correspondents, 
Back Nuwnzns—One Shilling each will be given for Numbers 
31 and 38—1846. 
Ks—J Norris—Warnes or Dickson on Flax. All book- 
sellers supply all books, or can if they choose. t 
ConnssPONDENTS whose letters are this week unanswered aro 
requested to have a little patience, and to ascribe any omis- 
sion to Ohristmas day falling on the Friday. 
CurTINGS—J G M—' them off now, and lay them by the 
heels till they are wanted. 
G LANTS—Teader—Gas, however pure, is injurious to 
plants ; for if the air is not contaminated by it, it at least 
dries it too much for their healthy existence. Cannot you 
employ Polmaise? Itis the cheapest and best plan. } 
IizATING— Tolla—'l'he cold air entrances pass as you suppose ; 
ut they are seldom used. If you look at the plan again you 
will find that they are capable of being closed up by a lid. 
The drains are usually fed from the inside of the house 
ly. 
considered synonymous, therefore No. 100 is Pteromalus pu- 
parum. £t, —— W M 1—1 
nidum, which is descri 
228. is a tropical visitor, which can withstand so great a 
W—1, Passe Colmar; 2, Beurré Diel; 
3, Old Colmar; 4, 5, 6, Glout Morceau.|| 
Names or PLANTS—When plants are sent to be named, it is 
most particularly requested that they may be in flower, and 
as perfect as circumstances permit. Most especially is it 
requested that the country whence they have been received, 
and whether they are annuals, perennials, or shrubs, bardy, 
greenhouse, or stove plants may be stated; because speci- 
mens by post are generally bad and incomplete, and much 
valuable time, which such information would save, is need. 
lessly wasted. ——.P B—1, Lzelia anceps; 2, avola venosa, 
3, Odontoglossum Cervantesii; 4, Od. Rossii; fine things 
well blossomed, 
PELARGONIUMS—M H F— We have received the money, and 
quite agree with you as to the manner of applying it. But 
before we publish your letter we must beg you to let us 
know whether itis your wish to offer it in one prize or in 
two and if the latter, in what amounts, 
Porarors—M R W—Thanks for the extracts from the papers. 
The vegetable called Challotte is the Ohaiotl of the Mexic: 3 
the Sechium edule of botanists ; the Choco of Madeira ; a kind 
of Gourd. But it has nota fleshy root that we know of; on 
the contrary, it is an annual, and there is some error on the 
part of Senor Thomaso. It is of no importance in Ireland ; 
nor can any of the West Indian vegetables be grown therein 
the open fields.——J P inquires whether Potatoes are cul- 
tivated in Egypt; and if they are, whether the disease ap- 
peared there? Does any one know ? 
Rasrasnnirs—Juvenis—Y our wish shall be complied with, Any 
respectable nurseryman can provide you with whatever is prc- 
curable. 
Scnizantnus—W—The specimen does not enable us to say 
whether S. nivalis is the same as S. candidus. If they are 
the same the former name must be canceled. The seeds 
shall be sown, and if you remind üsnext year you will learn 
what they produce. 
Wamwzn-PiPES— 4 B C—If you can manage glass pipes they will 
bethe best; but we cannot tell how far the glass works can 
supply them, Ofcourse they would be made of green bottle 
glass. The manner of jointing them would require consider- 
ation ; plaster of Paris would probably answer, Enquire of 
Messrs. Hartley, of Sunderland. Ifmnotgl en use iron ; 
lass, 
on no account lead. Remember how near you are to South- 
mpton, 
Miso—A Hutchins—Thore is no plant known generally by the 
name of the Siberian Honeysuckle, an 
you what was meant.——. 
The plant from St. Jago is 
some Spurgew: i ? Ye —Your 
letter never reached us, 1— — Sub— Where Apple-trees are 
planted as Espaliers, it does not signify what aspect they 
face. [——Enquirer, Peter Perrin—-For the price of super- 
phosphate of lime, see Mr. Lawes's Advertisement in another 
column, —H W 
SEEDLING FLOWERS. 
CINERARIAS—A Ripon Gardener—Neither of your seedlings are 
equal to similar coloured varieties of the present day.* 
EnnATA— In Mesers. Brown's Advertisement of 
ribunda should be 24s.,” instead 
ec, 12, ** Andromeda flor 
of ‘10s.”—In the Article on ‘ Entomology,” p. 836, col, 6, for 
“are” read ** were," 
