1843.] 
THE GARDENERS 
CHRONICLE. 
191 
Star-fishes, belonging to the family Ophiuride, which he had 
discovered in the Aigean sea. A continuation of Mr. Griffith’s 
paper onthe Development of the Ovulum of Santalum, Viscum, 
it nera, was also read, acket of seeds of the Czesal- 
pinia coridria, the Dividivi or Libidibi plant, was presented for 
distribution amongst the Fellows. 
FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 
March 21.—Mr. Mauger in the chair. Mr. Orsonread a paper 
upon the properties of the Carnation and Picotee, in which h 
these flowers, but proceed to point out that although the Carna- 
tion was originally divided into three classes, viz., Bizarres, 
Flakes, and Picotees, yet that the latter were now considered a 
distinct variety. Bizarres were distinguished by having two 
eolours, aud Flakes by having only one colour, upon a white 
ground ; these two principal classes being subdivided into scarlet, 
crimson, pink, and purple Bizarres;—scarlet, purple, and pink 
or rose, Flakes. In some counties, pink, purple, and crimson 
Bizarres were all classed under the head of pink Bizarres, 
whereas in other parts of the country they were known as crim. 
son Bizarres. The author considered that a good Carnation 
should possess the following properties:—The calyx, or pod, 
should be long, firm, and entire, of sufficient substance to sup- 
port the petals, which should be thick, broad, and substantial, 
smooth, and free from indenture on the edge. The guard petals 
should rise gracefully above the pod, and turnin a horizontal 
direction, having a gradual disposition to cup, but not terminat- 
ing in an abrupt curl at the outer edge; the whole forming a 
complete circle. The interior petals should rather decrease in 
size as they approach the centre, each row being regularly and 
alternately arranged above the other, so as never to be crowded, 
on the other hand, to have a loose and gaping appearance ; 
in fact, the spaces should be only sufficient to display the col our- 
ing distinctly, The number of petals ina first-rate flow er should 
not be less than 17, three of them being placed in the centre, to 
liant, and distinct throughout. The ground colour should be a 
pure white, free spot, tint, or tinge of any sort. 
The Flakes should be d and bold, commencing at the ex - 
treme edge, a proportionate width to the petal, running 
through to the centre, or so ean discern, and 
diminishing in breadth as they approach the centre, in the same 
‘atio as the petal. The distribution of colours should be equal in 
every respect; in a flake, not less than three divisions on each 
petal ; ina Bizarre, not less than five divisions ; and when pro- 
perly arranged, their respective and united beauties should be 
strikingly apparent. Size should not be lost sight of, though it 
should never take precedence, unless the other general properties 
were equal. The disqualifications of a Carnation are—a dead, 
loose, mutilated, or split petal; a petal having no white on the 
upper side; a petal having (if a Flake) no colour upon the white 
on the upper side; a petal upon which (if a Bizarre) there are not 
two colours upon the white on the upper side; if the pod be split 
down to. the sub-calyx, or cut away in any part. Mr. Orsonthen 
proceeded to state that size was the only material point upon 
which there was any great difference of opinion. In some places 
two rows of petals were thought sufficient; while some writers 
upon this subject argued that a Carnation should be as double 
asa Dahlia or a Ranunculus, atement was put forth last 
summer to the effect that the height of the former flower, when 
viewed sideways, should represent the half of a ball, a word 
which did not convey any definite meaning as to circularity ; 
and further, that the beauty of the Carnation and Picotee would 
be increased tenfold if they essed the fulness of the Dahlia. 
A flower possessing the Jatter property would, however, present 
only a confused mass of deformity ; and although Carnations and 
Picotees were not shown with a single row of petals, it did not 
follow as a matter of course that they should be as double as a 
Dahlia. A flower with only two rows of petals was quite as 
objectionable, although the growers in some counties were satis- 
fied with them, One of the flowers most i is Brooks’s 
Plora’s Garland, possessing fulness and ‘uliarity of colour, 
and pureness of white, but having one imperfection which, from 
its fulness, has been overlooked, viz., irregularity of marking ; 
the colour in many of the petals not running through from the 
edge to the centre of the flower, but appearing in stripes and 
spots, and terminating abruptly midway in the petal, Other 
flowers were also named, which exhibited the same defect, Upon 
this account, therefore, extreme fulness in a Carnation was 
3 
objectionable. Mr, Orson next read a list of the number of 
times which each flower had been successfully exhibited during 
the last season in the neighbourhood of London. From this it 
appeared that the most successful flowers were Ely’s Lady Ely, 
rlets; Martin’s Splendid and Phoenix; 
Chadwick’s Brilliant, Marsden’s Jolly A 
e regular, at 
: Ist, form; 2d, white or ground 
our or marking, with its distribution ; and 4th, 
size. Form: The guard or outer petals should be broad, firm, 
smooth, almost flat, having when expanded their base sufficiently 
long to throw themselves out of the calyx, So as to extend from 
1} t0.13 inch from the centre; an inflated air-balloon, cut 
x most desirable form. The 
id bear to the diameter 
Hales: ‘Albert; too much cupped and liable to split, as in 
Twitchett’s Don John; and plaited or crumpled, as in Water- 
house’s Sun. In the general form of the flower, the guard 
isin 
Petals should be six innumber, nearly equal in size, and arranged 
S0 as to form a complete circle; the next tier should consist of 
five petals of a proportionate size, so placed as to cover the inter- 
Stices of the guard petals: four petals would complete the third 
‘er, within which should be two or three, to form a centre or 
Stown to the flower, which would thus contain 17 or 18 petals. 
phen necessary, six petals might be taken to follow the guard 
eaves, which might be succeeded by 5, 4, and 3, making in all 
25 petals » thus showing that 25 may not be too large a number, 
nor 17 too few, for perfecting a first-class flower. Ground colour: 
‘Yhis should be pure, as in Sharpe’s Defiance, not freckled as in 
armsley’s William IV., uor flushed as in Wallis’s Beauty of 
Cradley or Alloway’s Wonder of the World. In the distribution 
of colour two classes were distinguishable; viz., Bizarres and 
Flakes. In the former, the colour should cover two-thirds of the 
flower; in the latter, three-fifths; the remaining portion being 
white. When properly diffused, these proportions approached the 
nearest to perfection; it was difficult, however, to find flowers 
possessing such rare qualities. In a large petal there should be 
at least five and not more than eight divisions of colour, each 
bold and distinct, commencing at the outer part of the petal and 
gradually diminishing to the centre. The diffusion of colour in 
a bizarre might differ materially from that ina flake, inasmuch 
as in the former a large portion of colour is sometimes distribu- 
ted on one side, with perhaps only one stripe of an opposite colour 
on the petal. This, though not very objectionable in a bizarre, 
would be most edly so in a flake; in which latter class the 
colour should be divided into not less than three, or more than 
five, stripes on each Every petal, whether bizarre or 
flake, must possess the requisite colour and white, self petal 
should disqualify the flower, as well as a petal in a bizarre having 
only the white and dark colours developed. Si: iter 
stated it to be desirable, with regard to the minimum size of a 
show-flower, that a standard should be fixed, and that he thought 
23 inches in diameter would not be too sma a lower tier in 
a stand of 12. In summing up his observations, he endeavoured 
to convey his sentiments on the qualifications of a perfect flower 
in the following manner :—Take cS uxley’s Albert, com- 
posed of the rigid petals of Brutus, exhibiting the pure unsullied 
white of Sharpe’s Defiance combined with the bold markings of 
Count Paulina, and displaying the brilliant colours of Roi de 
Capucins and Paul Pry. ake, if Willmer's Solander pos 
sessed the ribband of Millwood’s Premier, with the colour of 
Princess Charlotte, Simpson’s Marquess of Granby, or Hitcher’s 
Duchess, those who were fortunate enough to possess such a 
concentration of excellence, would obtain the five classes in the 
highest perfection. 
Nitrate of Soda.—In February, 1841, some old 
worn-out garden Roses had a portion of this salt applied 
to them, at the rate of one ewt. per acre, or $ lb. to the 
rod. It was sown broad-cast all over the ground, which 
is easily done by mixing it with dry sand. About the end 
of April, the ground became covered with a greenish ap- 
pearance, such as is frequently seen in damp situations in 
the autumn. As the dry weather advanced that appear- 
ance ceased. The plants became much more healthy, and 
of a fine dark green; in the autumn they appeared far 
more robust than those adjoining : they were also less in- 
fested with insects than the latter, but this may have 
arisen from their being in a more healthy state. Dahlias 
were also tried with nitrate of soda, each plant having 
about 4 0z. given to it, mixed with water. The plants 
Operated upon became like the Roses, of a fine dark green, 
more robust and compact in their growth; flowering 
rather more freely, and earlier than others which had no 
nitrate : it had no effect on the colours of the flowers. A 
few of these Dahlias were, about three weeks after, again 
supplied with an additional ounce, mixed with water as be- 
fore; but without any additional effect being perceptible, nor 
was any further result obtained when some of the same 
plants had a third 3 0z. administered to them about a 
month after. Some Verbenas, Pettinias, Pentstemons, 
and various other plants, were watered with the nitrate, 
at the rate of 3 Ib. to the rod, and with the same results ; 
except that they seemed to become exhausted in the 
autumn sooner than those which were not dressed with 
the nitrate. This, however, may have been owing to the 
long wet autumn. Nitrate of soda acts very quickly on 
plants; some stunted Oaks and a Silver Fir in pots be- 
came of a fine healthy green in about ten days after its 
application. It should be given in all cases where plants 
are beginning to be in full vegetation, and not when they 
are dormant ; if applied then, it seems to have little effect. 
It should also be always given in damp weather ; if applied 
in dry weather, and over-head, it acts in the same way 
as common salt, by destroying the leaves and young shoots. 
It has been found very effectual for killing slugs, of which 
the ground has this season been so full, that the entire crop 
of some kinds of vegetables has been destroyed in the 
market-gardens near London. The solution of nitrate of 
soda is more efficacious than lime-water where it can be 
applied without touching the foliage.—Proceedings of the 
Hort. Soc., No. 17. 
Large Pear-tree——About 10 miles north of Vincennes, 
Indiana, in the United States, there is a remarkable Pear- 
tree, said to have been raised from seed about 35 or 40 
years ago, which at one foot above the ground measures 
10 feet in circumference, and 6 feet at nine feet above 
the ground. The diameter of the space covered by the 
branches is 69 feet. In the year 1834 it yielded 134 
bushels of Pears ; in the year 1839 it produced 80 bushels ; 
and in the year 1840 it produced 140 bushels. The tree 
is a rapid grower, a constant bearer, and an enormous! 
productive kind. The fruit is about the size of a turkey’s 
egg, rating, as to quality, with the third grade of dessert 
Pears.—Hovey's Magazine of Horticulture. 
Agri-horticultural Society of India.—We learn from 
Indian papers, brought over by the last mail, that Mr. 
Hume has been elected Honorary Secretary of this Society. 
On account of some irregularity in the proceedings, 
however, in excluding the votes of non-resident members, 
another day has been appointed for reconsidering the 
matter, when it is expected that his election will be dis- 
puted. 
GARDEN. MEMORANDA. 
Horticultural Society's Garden, Turnham Green.—At this early 
period we cannot expect to find much that will prove attractive in 
the hardy department. Upon the south wall, however, the white 
variety of Cydénia japénica, with blossoms varying from white 
to rose, and the sweet-scented. Magnélia conspicua are blooming 
rofusely ; to which, in a few days may be added, Bérberis aqui- 
{lia, fascicularis, dulcis, and trifoliata; the latter, a species of re- 
cent introduction. The majestic Pinus insignis has stood through 
the winter unprotected without sustaining the slightest injury. 
Many of the Mexican Coniferze have also survived two seasons 
under the protection of a handglass: they consist of Pinus tenui- 
folia, apulcensis, Teocote, artwégii, 
i 
Cocarpoides, and pseudo-strobus : of these the three latter only 
not appear to have been much affected. Euénymus japénicus, 
a handsome evergreen, seems likely to prove hardy, a large plant 
having stood out without being in the least injured. In the con- 
servatory the plants a) r to be enjoying the most perfect 
health. The Camellias planted in the centre are producing fine 
blooms, those of élegans in some instances being as much as six 
inches in diameter. The tribe of Acacias, however, atthe present 
time forms the most striking feature in the house, A. tristis and 
hybrida bearing their golden rod-like shoots erect, whilst those of 
the elegan i 
re 
wering in pots. Amongst o 
resting Podalyria styracifolia, with pale lilac and white pea-shaped 
flowers; a tall standard of a variety of Rhododendron arbé- 
reum; Poljgala grandiflora, resembling a tree in miniature, with 
a cluster of purple flowers at the extremity of every branch ; P. 
gracilis, a more delicate and free-flowering species, of a deeper 
colour; the singular Eucalyptus cordata; Clianthus puniceus, 
drooping with the burden of its curious scarlet flowers; and Ve 
rénica speciosa, a free-blooming pale-blue species, forming quite 
ush. The beautiful Kennédia Marryattz, trained npon chains 
on the south side of the house, is growing luxuriantly, and pro- 
ducing its clusters of bright scarlet in great profusion. In other 
parts of the house Camellias in pots, with Cinerarias, double 
Chinese Primroses, Correas, &c., keep up a gay appearance. The 
greenhouse and curvilinear stove, which have recently undergone 
some important alterations, noticed at p. 640 of 1842, have given 
perfect satisfaction; in the former is placed the collection of 
teaths, amongst which several pretty species are now in flower. 
rd 
The latter house is heated 
Boilers. which have given some trouble 
se, are flowering Amongst the 
Orchidaceous plants in bloom are, Phaius bicolor, reddish-brown, 
with a white labellum, afterwards changing to yellow; Acan- 
thophippium bicolor, bearing its singular reddish-purple and 
yellow flowers in clusters amongst the leaves ; Leptotes bicolor, 
pale green, having the throat marked with bright purple; Epi- 
dendrum virgatum, chocolate colour, with a yellow labellum 
the large and small varieties of Oncidium ampliatum; Spiranthes 
orchioides, a terrestrial species, wit i flowers; Catasetum 
laminatum, and the beautifully-marked Cyrtochilam maculatum, 
Numerous experiments have been going forward with different 
manures upon the grass in the Arboretum; divisions, each con- 
taining a rod, being marked out npon the lawn for that purpose. 
ese experiments have been carried on with ammoniacal 
rials, and diluted in six times its bulk of water. In allcases the 
grass turns brown within 48 hours after its application, bet 
rapidly recovers. appear most .beneficial where 
applied at the rate of 2 gallons to the rod, fixed with 2 oz. of 
sulphuric acid; when fixed with 2o0z. of sulphate of iron, not 
quite so good; and still less so when 2 0z. of sniphate of copper 
were used. Ammoniacal liquor, acted on by chloride of lime 
seems also to be advantageous Grass looks well, whilst 
the Moss is totally, and Clover partially, destroyed. Where 
it has been applied at the rate of 4 gallons to the rod, the 
‘S in.many places is quite burnt up; the most usefal propor- 
tion appears to be 2 To show more clearly that this 
ammoniacal liquor had been thrown as the matter was mixed, 
and thrown back 
not be procured, with old mats damped and surrounded with: 
arth. reoal from this refuse matter appears to he a: 
well adapted for horticultural purpo: s a more expensive: 
WRebiews. 
On Guano, as a Fertilizer. By Cuthbert Johnson, F.R.S, 
1843. 8vo. pp. 44. J. Ridgway. 
Science with Practice, or Guano the Farmer's Friend. 
By J. Trimmer, F.G.S. 8yo. pp. 30. M. Fothergill, 
Upper Thames-street. 
An Account of the Manure Guano, and authentic Expe- 
riments made with it, Elc. 1843. 8vo, pp. 15. 
Liverpool. 
Tuere is perhaps no substance proposed as a manure 
which has excited greater interest than Guano, and of this 
the number of pamphlets published respecting it is evi- 
dence... Although Guano has been known for a very long 
time, and indeed used as a manure for centuries in South 
America, yet it is only during the last few years that it 
has been imported and employed on a scale of any mag- 
nitude in this country. At a period when agriculturists 
in all parts of England were turning their attention to 
the subject of manures, and when the greatest eagerness 
was everywhere shown to try new fertilizing substances, 
the Guano of South America was introduced, and large 
quantities were purchased by experimental farmers, who, 
having heard much of the wonderful effects attributed to 
its use, were anxious to ascertain for themselves its value 
asamanure. Their experiments here led to somewhat 
contradictory conclusions, for whilst some have laudedit 
as the very best of manures, others have met with nothing 
