910 
THE GARDENERS’ 
CHRONICLE. 
Mr. Loudon.—As an amateur gardener, I have long 
been an enthusiastic admirer of the late Mr. Loudon, and 
deeply regret, in common with other friends, that the 
widow should be left in a destitute state. It appears 
that there are 350 copies of the ‘‘ Arboretum et Fruti- 
cetum Britannicum”’ on hand, and that a sale amounting 
to 2,400/. would release all other works from the pub- 
lishers for the benefit of the widow. This is a large 
number to dispose of, particularly of an expensive work 
that has already had a great sale. I therefore take the 
liberty of suggesting to you the following plan, subject to 
any improvement you may think desirable, and at the same 
time offering my services gratuitously for carrying it out. 
A lottery of 14,000 tickets, at 5s. each ; the 350 copies of 
the “ Arboretum,” &c. to be the prizes. This would 
realise 3,500/., less the sum paid for advertisements, leaving 
a few hundreds surplus for the widow. Without any un- 
charitable feeling for my fellow-creatures, I believe there 
are hundreds who would pay five shillings for a chance of 
gain, however remote, who would not give the same sum 
out of pure charity. The low price of the tickets would 
enable many to take them who could not afford a larger 
sum.—Amicus.——In a late Number of the Chronicle 
is an announcement of the death of John Claudius Loudon, 
Esq. ; and in the last Number of his Magazine is a 
modest, but painful and distressing, statement of the 
position of his affairs. The debt owing to the late lamented 
author by every Gardener I am sure will be willingly paid. 
Among the friends in and about London, the matter can 
be easily arranged for England; and so, also, in and 
about Edinburgh, for Scotland; and as to Ireland, I can 
safely vouch that many are ready, and will be willing, in 
and about Dublin, to unite in organising a subscription 
on this side the Channel. As an individual, I shall be 
glad to afford all the aid in my power for the furtherance 
of this object; and I hope that what I have thus expli- 
citly suggested will meet with approbation and powerful 
assistance. In the meantime, I shall be making every 
exertion amongst those who are interested here; and wiil 
be happy to have any suggestions that may be likely to 
promote the object in view.—N. Niven, Richmond-hill, 
Dublin. [We insert these two letters ; but the columns of 
@ newspaper are not the proper place for discussing such 
questions. No one wishes better to the survivors of Mr. 
Loudon than ourselves, but the task of organizing such 
measures as may be considered desirable must rest with 
persons of leisure. When any public demonstration takes 
place we shall be ready to report it.] 
Heating.—A good deal having been written in your 
Journal recently regarding different modes of heating, I 
take the liberty of sending you my plan of heating my 
greenhouse,which, although published elsewhere some time 
ago, has probably not been seen by some of your readers, 
who may improve on my plan. I should be most happy 
to receive any suggestions on the subject. Its superiority 
according to my idea consists in its being perfectly free 
from brickwork ; the whole heat is given out in the house; 
A, ash-pan 
B, Horizontal pipe to 
e e fire, Sins. 
E, joint to light the 
fire 
F, Damper to regu- 
diameter. late ii 
C, copper-pipes dins, 
diameter, 
D, lid that opens to 
let out steam, 
late it. 
G, Side of the house 
through which the 
chimney projects 
foot. 
it keeps my house of a very agreeable temperature, and 
ripens Grapes well; the chimney takes off at E, through 
which some straw and a few sticks are put down, and on 
them some coals. B opens like the cover of a saucepan, 
through which you can arrange your fire. At A, a lighted 
candle is introduced, and the fuel burns quickly. After it 
burns up I feed it with what in Wales they call balls, 
which are thus made :—Take 3 barrows of dust-coal, 1 
barrow of clay, mix them well to the consistence of mortar, 
make them into round lumps about the size of cricket- 
balls, put them in at the damper, F, say three or four, and 
you will find that they will burn many hours. My green- 
house has been heated by them these three years, and it 
answers admirably. Open D, and your house is soon full 
of steam ; shut it, and none escapes; the whole is made 
of copper, excepting the chininey from E to F, and the 
legs. I went expensively to work, as I had no pattern, the 
whole being an idea of my own; it was made by a brazier 
in this town, and cost me altogether about 10/. A cast- 
iron one would last for ever without any repairing.—J’, 
Davies, Pershore. 
_Guano.—I_ have fmuch pleasure in telling you that I 
tried Guano upon part of a field sown with Turnips, the 
whole of which had been already manured with ashes. 
The produce of the part on which Guano, mixed with 
half ashes, was added to the former dressing is nearly 
double in weight and height of plant to any other part of 
the field; the colour of the plant is a much darker green, 
and the size of the Turnips immense.—G. O. 
| Effects of Gas-tar on Stems of F'ruit-trees-—Some time 
since one of your Subscribers recommended the use of 
gasor coal-tar for dressing the stems of Fruit-trees; I beg 
to state that a more injurious ingredient could not, be 
used. About 12 years ago the person who had the orchard 
I now possess, being afraid that sheep and pigs would 
injure the bark of the trees, had them dressed about three 
or four feet up from the ground with gas-tar, which 
answered in every respect the intention—to preserve them 
from cattle; but they suffered in a way equally bad. The 
Apple-trees, from effects of the gas-tar, gradually began 
to fail, and some died altogether in about five years after 
its application. The bark of others close to the ground 
became rotten, and even up to this time its deleterious 
effects on the trees are perceptible. Its application to 
Plum and Pear-trees caused the stem to overgrow imme- 
diately above where the tar had been put on; several of 
these trees became loose in the ground, and did not thrive 
for a long time afterwards. The gas-tar might, however, 
be tried in a diluted state for the sake of experiment, and 
then only on trees that are cankered and of little con- 
sequence, in the proportion of one part gas-tar to three of 
train-oil, well mixed together, with the addition of fifteen 
parts of cow-dung and two of water. If the stems of 
trees were covered with this, no cattle of any kind would 
touch them, and the diluted tar might act in some respects 
as a manure.—Caution. 
For Covering a New Wail with Ivy.—This has been 
effected very rapidly by mixing ripe Ivy seed with the 
mortar ; also by the insertion of suitable slips of Ivy 
throughout the wall whilst building. These take root in 
the fresh mortar, and the wall is green almost as soon as 
completed. Lord Devon’s agent in the North of Ireland 
is authority for the perfect success of both these experi- 
ments.—M. d. M. [We fear the Ivy will soon throw 
down the wall under these circumstances, for it must 
break all the joints of the brickwork if it continues 
to grow. 
Meteors.—There is and has been a singular luminous 
appearance visible in the heavens at this place, commencing 
about 6 o’clock in the evening, about half-way betwixt 
north and south. It is generally of a circular form, but 
assumes various shapes every moment, still however keep- 
ingin a body. Itis like a light cloud, not the dazzling 
brightness of the northern lights. For any information 
concerning this phenomenon I shall feel greatly obliged.— 
J. Rogers, Woolwich, Dec. 22. 
The Wren’s Nest.—I have been induced to direct my 
attention to this subject on account of what has been said 
in the Chronicle of the present year, at pages 139, 429, 
and 590. A Wren’s nest, usually termed the ‘‘cock’s 
nest,” was built this year just above my bedroom 
window, so that I had an opportunity of seeing it built. 
After it was finished I observed that only one of the birds 
made use of it until after the other one had brought forth 
her young, and then I found the other bird and the young 
ones appeared also at the nest above my window. At first 
I supposed it to be intended for part of the young to sit 
in, as I fancied one nest was not sufficient for the whole 
family, but I soon found this not to be the case, as they 
only appeared about this nest for ten days, as I imagine 
for the purpose of being fed by the old birds ; the young 
were not allowed to enter the nest, but were driven away 
from the place to find for themselves. I observed that the 
object of the cock’s nest is for its winter residence. I 
have examined it at different hours of the night and have 
found the bird in ; I have also seen him go inand out during 
the day, when stormy and wet, down to the present time ; 
where the other bird sits I have not been able to find out, 
but frequently see two of them during the daytime toge- 
ther.—M. Saul. 
Cape Bulbs.—In the Gardeners’ Chronicle of Sept. 
24, 1842, at p. 638, you did me the favour to insert some 
remarks I had made respecting Cape Bulbs. I now beg 
to inform you that early in September last I took up all 
that were to be found of the twelve bulbs I had planted 
in the open ground: the four at eighteen inches, and one 
of those at twelve inches were perfectly sound and throw- 
ing out roots, though they had never appeared above 
ground since I first planted them three years before. 
found another of those at twelve inches, but it was in a 
bad state. I planted it ina pot, but it shortly perished. 
Of the others I could discover not even a vestige. I should 
not have taken them up at that early period of the year, 
but that I thought at the moment I had a good opportu- 
nity of disposing of my property here, and I did not wish 
to leave them without ascertaining their fate. I shall 
certainly repeat the experiment whenever I have another 
opportunity, and have no doubt of its succeeding in a dry 
sandy soil, especially if forced by a handglass in the sum~- 
mer.—R. G. 
Swans and Weeds in Ponds.—S Correspond 
dispute my statement respecting swans clearing ponds 
of weeds. I am sorry it is not in my power to 
state what weeds the ponds at this place were choked 
with, as they were all exterminated before I came to 
reside here ; but certain it is the ponds at the present 
time are as clear as could be desired. Whether our 
swans are more herbivorous than other people’s, or are 
not so well fed, I will not pretend to say, but most 
assuredly they destroy everything in the form of aquatic 
vegetation that comes in their way. Even the Water 
Lily, (Nymphzea alba, ) and the common Flag, (Iris pseuda- 
corus, ) do not escape their ravages ; and where these plants 
have been planted for ornament, we are obliged to watch 
them pretty closely in the spring, to prevent the swans 
from destroying them ; but after the plants get well esta- 
blished they do not afterwards interfere with them until 
the following season.—_W. P. Ayres. 
Pruning Forest Trees.—In Number 45 of the 
Chronicle, ‘* Quereus’’ advises foresters to abstain from 
what he calls the ‘ dangerous plaything’’ of pruning. 
Had his objections been confined only to certain systems, 
he might have led us along with him, as much mischief 
_ 
has undoubtedly been incurred by the mismanagement of 
unskilful pruners. But this is not the case 3 he aims at 
nothing less than the complete suppression of every method 
of pruning, all being, in his opinion, hurtful to the growth 
of trees. He and I differ widely in our opinions on this 
oint. Ihave often given reasons for disagreeing with 
those who regret any interference with the branches: of 
trees, but have not always been successful in bringing 
them to my way of thinking. “Quercus,” on quoting 
a sentence of mine, places after it some remarks of Pro- 
fessor Lindley, as if they were opposed to it. My observ- 
ation is, ‘‘ When the lateral branches are shortened, the 
sap has less surface to cover than when they are allowe 
to extend to an improper length and thickness.’’ This 
fact is obvious enough. The query of ‘¢ Quercus,”’ how- 
ever, may be—‘‘ Is the sap as abundant proportionally 
to the surface in the shortened as in the unshortene 
tree: answer in the affirmative. It is even more 
abundant, which I account for quite consistently with the 
remarks of Dr. Lindley. He says, “ the supply of fluid 
by the roots should be continued and uninterrupted. The 
smallest leaf at the extremity of a branch of a lofty tree 
must assist in setting in action the absorbing power of the 
roots,_at whatever distance from the organ these roots act. 
If this reciprocal action is not maintained without inter 
ruption, and if anything occurs to check it during the 
period of vegetation, the plant will suffer to the amount 
of interruption.”’ To this I subscribe most cordially; and 
one especial benefit derived from shortening branches 
is, that it aids in rendering the reciprocity between the 
leaves and roots more ample and beneficial. The small- 
ness of the branches, and the closeness and breadth of the 
leaves, give a plentiful supply of sap, and render the cit 
culation rapid. Much of the misunderstanding on the 
subject proceeds, I think, from the idea that there is a 
irreparable loss of leaves sustained by the application 0! 
the pruning-knife. In the act of cutting, we, of course, 
take away wood which would produce leaves, and there 
may be a deficiency in the supply till the young shoots 
grow on the cut branches, but no longer. On the con- 
trary, there is a greater supply of nourishment from the 
leaves on the young shoots; they, being broader and fresher 
draw more nutriment from the atmosphere than is imbibe: 
by the leaves of uncut branches. All gardeners know that 
fruit-trees and many kinds of shrubs must be cut ovet 
annually, in order to make them blossom and bear wit 
full vigour. In like manner forest-trees by shortening, 
acquire a vigour and luxuriance from the conceD” 
tration of the sap that does not belong to uncut trees. It 
is easy to prove that the shortening I recommend secures 
much more timber for the trunk than any different 
method, and as it is the desire of planters generally to 
have rapid growth in the trunk, I doubt not that thé 
system will be more extensively applied than it has bee? 
Those who are anxious to have wide-spreading branches 
may get them by desisting from pruning when the trun 
has gained the desired height, and the branches will spre® 
out and be more elegant and luxuriant from the previous 
training. Dr. Thackeray’s management of forest-trees I 
have reason to believe is similar to my own. In a letter 
I had from him he stated “that he annually pursued 
my system in his plantations in the counties of Denbigh, 
Flint, and Merioneth, amounting to 850 acres, since the 
autumn of 1804.’”” Such decided success in the case of 
Dr. Thackeray might, I think, have a tendency to convine® 
the sceptical.—Gavin Cree, Biggar. 
ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
Dec. 7.—This was the Winter General Meeting of this Society, 
and it was held in the Hall, in the Experimental Garden ; the 
Hon. Lord Murray, V.P., in the chair. On the centre table Rha 
displayed the Chinese Chrysanthemums, and the various ae 
rapes, Pears, and Apples, which had been sent for con 
tion, those which had gained prizes being distinguished by cards+ 
At one end of the Hall was exhibited, in large pots, single speci- 
mens of the rich collection of Conifere belonging to the Societys 
and other parts of the room were decorated with choice plants 
Prizes were awarded as follows :—For excellent retarded Grapes, 
the Silver Medal to Mr. P. Crocket, gr. to Colonel Ferguson, 5 
Raith, the kind being White Muscat of Alexandria ; 2, pte 
Young, gr. to Mrs. Hamilton Nisbett Ferguson, of Archerfiel : 
3, Mr. obertson, gr: to Lord Gray, Kinfaun: ‘o fewer than 
ducing six sorts, and the fruit being in general of good duality. 
The Silver Medal was voted to Mr. Young, Archerfield, for Marie 
Louise, Louise Bonne (of Jersey), Precel, Easter Beurré, Sie 
sell’s Bergamot, and Swiss Bergamot; 2d premium to Mr. J+ 
Lyall, gr. to Sir J. Hope, Bart., of Pinkie, for Glout Morceau, 
ne, and Precel. 
Pippin, and Blenheim Pippin; 2, Mr. J. Murré Nod 
Fletcher, Esq., of Saltoun, for Ross Nonpareil, Common No 
pareil, Golden Mundi, Golden Pippin, Paradise, and Ri cake 
The display of Chinese Chrysanthemums was brilliant, there be 1 
six competitors, each exhibiting 1 varieties, Sing: 
clusters of each flower. The silver medal was assigned to Mr. 
J. Young, gr to T. Oliver, Esq., Newington Lodge, for Queen, 
Comet, Adventurer, Conjuror, Victory, Invincible, Superb oe 
tered Yellow, Norfolk Rival, Venus, Gem, Tasselled Yellow, an 
Marquis ; 2, Mr. Young, Archerfield, for Queen, Vesta, Marquis, 
Princess Maria, Superb clustered Yellow, ‘Triumphant, bere’, 
Champion, Goliath, Spectabile, Imperial, and Minerva; and 3d, 
Mr. J. Addison, gr to the Earl of Wemyss, Gosford, for ae 
Maria, Queen, Beauty, Vesta, Minerva, Clustered pee ir- 
ginica, Gem, Lucidum, Memnon, Formosum, and Adven ee 
For a handsome plant of the b d variety of yl 
truncatum in flower, 2 premium was awarded to Mr. Addison, 
Gosford. In the culinary department the show of Celery was 
extensive, there being eight competitors, each producing ae 
stalks, three red and three white. The silver medal was awarded 
, a premium to Mr. J, Tho i 
gr to W. Keith, Esq., Corstorphine-hill, for Blood-red, James’s 
[Dec. 30,7 
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