584 



THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 



[Sept. 



1855. 



in garden scenery, that ve wi*»h at present to direct 

 attent on, and on these points we find the following 

 excellent instructions in the second edition, just pub- 

 lished, of the little work we have already mentioned. 

 "The Hollyhock is a capital plant for the borders of 

 plan tuitions or shrubbery walks : it forms a finer 

 distant object in such situations than the Dahlia, is 

 less lumpish, and continues blooming to a later period 

 of the }ear. Again, it may be planted to advantage 

 in the back ground of an herbaceous border, so that 

 the lower part of the stem is hid from view by the 

 plants in front. In both these situations it may be 

 ]1 nted singly, in irregular lines, or in groups of three 

 or five. And here, jxrhaps, the less choice kinds are 

 more in character thon the finest, as a high state of 

 culture is neither convenient nor expected. To be 

 effective en masse is all that is looked for, and the 

 showiest should be chosen, the hardy kinds of brilliant 

 colours, and left to assume their natural form of growth. 

 It is sometimes said that it is not a suitable plant for 

 small gardens. I think, however, it m. r *y be agreeably 

 disposed there in avenues, or in groups of three or 

 five near the boundary, filling up in front with dwarf 

 shrubs, herbaceous, or summer-flowering plants. Jt 

 appears to me anything but difficult to erf'ect such an 

 arrangement with this plant as shall relieve the flatness 

 often so tiresome in small gardens. The amateur who 

 cultivates with the view of producing he flowers or 

 spikes in the highest state of perfection, will probably 

 prefer planting in square beds or rows. This is con- 

 n nient for shading, and places the whole under the eye 

 at one time. If planted in beds set them 3 feet apart ; 

 if in rows 3 feet from plant to plant, and 4 feet from row 

 to row, that one may walk conveniently 1 etween them. 

 In regard to the soil suitable for the Ilolhhoek, it hap- 

 pily is not over fastidious in this respect. It i3 a gross 

 feeder, as its fleshy porous roots and large soft leaves, 

 with high perspiratory powers, abundantly testify. It 

 is found to thrive well in common garden soil, although, 

 if a choice is at hand, a rich moist loam may be pre- 

 ferred. I need, perhaps, scarcely say, that a situation, 

 airy, and freely exposed to the sun, is indispensable if 

 we wish to carry culture to the highest pitch of success. 

 Let us suppoj e the beginner to have a supply of plants 

 in October or March, and from that period let us trace 

 their culture. First, let us ask, " Have these plants 

 been raised from grafts, cuttings, or from seed \" Cut- 

 tings or seedlings I think preferable, where the correct- 

 ness of the latter can be guaranteed by the raiser 

 having previously bloomed them ; but as some kinds 

 only are reproduced true from seed, it is likely the stock 

 will consist partly of plants raised from cuttings or 

 grafts. Whether obtained in autumn or spring, they 

 should be at ouce transferred from the small pots, in 

 which they have been kept for convenience in removal, 

 to larger one?, using a compost of turfy loam, sand, 

 and dtcomposed manure, placing them in a cold pit until 

 they may be safely planted in the open ground in May. 

 In preparing the ground for planting, it should be dug 

 two-spit deep. Where spring planting is intended, 

 throw up the earth in ridges in autumn, that it may 

 become mellowed by the winter's frost. In all cases 

 this practice is beneficial, but it is especially so where 

 the soil is of close texture or retentive of moisture. 

 A gocd dressing of manure, not too far decomposed, 

 may be strewed over the soil previous to ridging, and 

 mixed in during the operation. One advantage of this 

 is, the manure will keep the clods light, and give the 

 sun and air a free entry ; and, farther, the soil will 

 become more evenly impregnated with the nutritious 

 properties of the manure as they are washed down by 

 the rain. One point, when planting, of too great im- 

 portance to be overlooked, is the state of the ground. 

 To use a common gardening phrase, the earth should 

 "move like an ash-heap'' at the time this work is done : 

 rather would we wait a fortnight beyond the most ad- 

 vantageous season, than plant when the ground is wet 

 or clammy. The plants should be set firmly in the 

 ground 3 feet apart, not too low, pressing the soil well 

 round the neck with the hands or by a gentle stroke of 

 the foot. This done, watering must be attended to, if 

 the season be dry, using weak liquid manure, breaking 

 ihe surface of the ground with a hoe the day after the 

 water is given. 



Tree Carnations : J L. You certainly have been furnished with 

 wrong kinds. Among tree Carnations we have scarlet and 

 white flakes, salmon-pink striped and mottled with crimson, 

 bright cerise, lavender mottled with white, deep rose striped 

 with crimson, bliirdi white mottled with rose, scarlet, purple, 

 nnd large dark selts, and white sorts motthd with rose on the 

 edge; but we have never heard of Picotees being among 

 ti.em. You will find good directions for their culture at p. 23 

 of the current year's volume. 



SEEDLINGS. 

 Asters: P<fc Co. All beautiful specimens, large, broad in the 



petal, and very double, and in every way equal to the blooms 

 sent us last year from Fiance. 

 "\ erbe.vas: A P. All handsome sorts, more especially General 

 Markharn, which is large and showy, and if not too strong 

 a grower, will make an effective bed. 





Calendar of Operations. 



{For the ensuing teeeh) 



to prestrve the beauty of the flowers as long as possible; before soiling up the plants, at intervals of a few^davT 



and early in the morning, before the pests have retired 

 to their hiding-places. Take up and dry Onions that 

 have completed their growth. 



PLANT DEPARTMENT. 



Conservatory, &c.— The Japan Lilies will now be 



coming freely into bloom, and should be 



before the flowers get injured through 



about. When removed to the conservatory they should 



he placed in a cool airy part of the hems*, shaded from 



bright sunshine, and liberally supplied with water, so as 





nea'Iy staked 

 being blown 



for except they are properly cared for their beauty is 

 apt to be but short lived. Continue to trim and regu- 

 late the growth of twiners, cutting out any shoots that 

 have done flowering, which will teud to strengthen those 

 left, and cause them to bloom later than would other- 

 wise be the case. Maintain an active war against 

 insects, and endeavour to get these thoroughly sub- 

 dued before the damp cloudy weather of autumn sets in, 

 when it will not be safe to use the engine with the same 

 freedom as now. Also get any repairs, painting, &c, 

 which must be done this season finished as soon as pos- 

 sible, for the period is fast advancing when the plants 

 must be got into thtir winter quarters, and .t is exceed- 

 ingly inconvenient having workmen about the houses 

 among the plants. See that Chrysanthemums are 

 liberally supplied with water, and do not allow them to 

 be* injured for the want of staking. 



FORCING DEPARTMENT. 



Pineries. — Endeavour to afford plants swelling their 

 fruit a high temperature with as little assistance from 

 fire-heat as possible, which, as it tends to fender the 

 atmosphere dry is not conducive towards obtaining large 

 finely swelled fruit. Therefore economise the sun's 

 influences as much as possible, shutting up early on the 

 afternoons of bright days after syringing the plants and 

 moistening every available surface, and maintain a bigb 

 temperature during the day, giving air sparingly. But 

 fruit approaching maturity will be improved in flavour 

 by a moderate use of fire- heat, a freer circulation of air, 

 and a dry atmosphere, and where there are no means of 

 avoiding having plants swelling their fruit and those 

 ripening it in the same compaitoaent, then it will be 

 advisable to keep the atmosphere rather dry and airy 

 while fruit is colouring, as size is of little importance 

 unless combined with quality ; but this will be best 

 decided by employers' tastes, &c. Give careful atten- 

 tion to securing a fair supply of fruit for winter and 

 spring use. Look over stock in pots frequently to make 

 sure that it is properly supplied with water at the 

 root, and give a liberal supply of clear strong manure- 

 water where free vigorous growth is desired. Vineries. 



Gh e abundance of air on all favourable opportunities 



where the fruit is ripening, using fire-heat rather freely 



when the weather is damp and cloudy, and be careful 



% secure a dry state of the atmosphere where the fruit 



is ripe and expacted to han^ for any fength of time, 



using a little fire-heat when necessary to dispel damp. 



See that ripe fruit is secure from the depredations of 



wasps, if these are at all troublesome. Give every 



possible attention to Vines in pots intended for fruiting 



early next season, and endeavour to get the wood strong 



and thoroughly ripened as early in the autumn as 



possible so as to allow of giving the plants a fair season 



of rest. Keep Vines planted this season growing as 



freely as possible, and see that they are kept clear 



of insects, for as a house with the Vines in this 



stage is found very useful for growing plants, and is 



often used for this purpose, insects are apt to find their 



way off the plants upon the Vines and greatly injure 



them. Therefore if plants are grown under the Vines 



see that they are not in a state to communicate black 



thrips or red spider to the Vines, for unless the foliage 



is kept in health there will be no possibility of getting 



the wood well ripened, or the Vines to break strongly 



next season. 



FLOWER GARDEN AND SHRUBBERIES. 



The earliest put-in cuttings should be potted off as 

 soon as they are sufficiently rooted to bear the opera- 

 tion, placing them in a close pit or frame until they get 

 fairly established in their pots, when they should be 

 freely exposed to the air, in order to induce short- 

 jointed firm growth, which, with ordinary care, will be 

 easily carried over the winter, whereas, plants got up 

 late in autumn in a close moist atmosphere will, despite 

 every care aud attention, be largely thinned before 

 spring. Push forward the putting in of cuttings, and 

 get the autumn propagation out of hand as speedi'y as 

 possible. Where alterations involving the removal of 

 large trees or shrubs are in view for this autumn, the 

 necessary arrangements for commencing them cannot 

 be made too soon ; for although large plants may be 

 removed successfully at almost any season of the year, 

 it can be done more cheaply, and with less risk of 

 failure, in September than at any other period of the year. 



HARDY FRUIT AND KITCHEN GARDEN. 



See that the Strawberry plants for forcing are well 

 cared for, as nothing but proper attention in preparing 

 the plants will insure a good crop. Keep them regularly 

 supplied with water, expose them fully to the sun, pinch 

 off" runners immediately they are perceived, and use 

 every means to secure fine strong plants with bold 

 crowns early in autumn, with which there will be no 

 risk of failure next spring. Cover Morel! o Cherries 

 with thin nets, to protect them from birds, without ex- 

 cluding the air; also, if not already done, net up some 

 of the latest keeping Gooseberries, to afford a late 

 supply. The Red Warrington is one of the best to 

 hand late on the trees, and is also of good quality. 

 Gather early Apples and Pears as they become ripe, 

 and before the greater portion is blown down and 

 injured. Tomatoes must be kept thin of wood, checking 

 all shoots, and exposing the fruit to the action of the 

 sun's rays as much as possible. Take advantage of 

 dry days to earth up early Celery, sprinkling a good 

 dusting of quicklime or soot about the plants in the 

 lines, and over the surface of the ground for some dis- 

 tance on each side, to destroy slugs, which generally do 

 considerable damage to Celery, especially in wet seasons. 



The soot or lime should be applied two or three times 



STATE OF THE V-EATHER AT CHISWICK 

 For the week ending An?. 30, 1865, as observe.! at the 



August. 



Friday :i 



Satur. 23 1 



Sunday 26; 



Mon.. 27 



T»iea. 28 



Wed. S9 



Thura. 30 



Average . 



a 



12 

 13 

 14 



o 



If) 



17 



18 



Babomstbr. 



Max. 



Min. 



29. S7 6 



9.791 



30.< 06 



I9.V61 



SOOtf 



29.775 



W.9S i 



2y>78 



29.5-58 



29.77." 



30.015 



2K.SJ91 



30.2.4 



30.: 50 



Tbmpbkatiihk 



, NEAR LONDON. 

 Horticultural Garden* 



Oi the Air. 





Max. Min. 



I 



30 00 



i 





71 



73 

 74 



77 



81 

 72 



40 



49 

 39 

 49 

 44 

 42 

 40 



75-1 f 43.3 



Mean 



570 

 I 10 

 56.5 



63 

 62.5 

 58 5 



56." 



59/2 



OntheEiirth WiQd 



1 toot 2teet 

 deep. deep. 



67 



66 



65 

 66 



<7 

 C6 



66.4 



f,2* 



63 



62 



614 

 61 



6!.S 



S.W.I 



s.w. 



N. 

 S.W. 



s.w. 



w. 



N.E. 



.CO 

 .08 

 .CO 

 .'0 



•Of 



.00 



00 



0.( it 



Au£. 24 — Fine; very fine; cloudy. 



— 25- Very fine throughout ; orerc&st at night. 



— 26— Very fine ; cl ar and tine, with heavy dew at nigh*. 



— 27— Very fine ; clou«ly and fine at night. 



— iS-Yery fiue throughout. 



— 29— Uniformly overcast; clear and fine. 



— bO— Very fine throughout. 



Mean temperature ot the week J deg. below the average. 



RECORD OF THE WEATHER AT CHISWICK. 

 Ouring the last 29 years, for the ensuing week, ending Sept. 8, 1S55. 



Sept. 



Sunday 



Won. 



Tue*. 



W ed. 



Thu 



Frid. 



2 

 3 

 4 

 5 

 6 



7 



8 



ZA g 

 V u j£ 



71.0 

 70.3 

 703 



69-7 

 70.0 

 69.2 

 6*n 







47-7 



48.5 



47-7 

 48 1 



4S.3 

 48 3 



4S2 



2- 



59.3 

 59 4 

 59.0 

 5"«.9 

 bS.l 



58.7 

 ss.l 



JNo.of 

 Years in 

 which ii 

 Rained. 



10 

 10 

 12 

 14 

 11 



. 15 



12 



Greatest 

 Quantity 

 of Rain. 



Prevailing Winds.' 



55 « 



2 ? i sJ 



«3 



.1 • 



J r=* 



5 

 3 

 I 



1 



8 3 



2 5 , 



4 6 r. 



4 4 3 

 5 



1 



1 



3 4 



9 6 . 



y 3 l 



4 



W 6 2 2 3 9 2 



1 



The highest temperature during the above period occurred on the 3d. 

 1835, 5tb, 18 is, and 7tb, 1843, riid 1846— therm. 83 deg.; and the lowest on the 

 4th aud 6tb, IScO— therm. 30 deg. 



Notices to Correspondents, 



Apricot Tree: II O P. There can be little doubt that in your 

 case drought at the root is the cause of failure. J 



Araucaria : B B. If you cut a very narrow circular trench 

 round the plant now, at abput 3 feet from the stem, and fill the 

 earth in again, yon will be able to move the plant in October. 



Books : is' J\ Don's " Iiortus Cantabridgensis," or Loudon's 

 " llortus Britannicus," and for the "poor man" Paxton's 

 " Cottagers' Calendar." 



Brandy Cherries: J TV B. Cut the stalks half off. Do not 

 prick them. Fill a wide-mouthed bottle with them ; then fill 

 the bottle up with brandy. Use no sugar. Cork the bottle 

 well, or tie the mouth over with a bladder, and store them 

 where you like. A wine cellar is a good place. 



Deodorizers : F. The Nettle a deodorizer ! who says so ? 



Diseases: II EM. A further examination of the Justicia leaves 

 which you have kindly forwarded shows a number of sub- 

 globose semitransparent bodies, consisting of a membrane 

 filled with oily matter and a few granules. From the interior 

 of this membrane creeping threads with short patent branches 

 are produced, ultimately assuming the form of a Sporotrichum. 

 The primary disease consists of the globules, but the mould 

 which springs from them may ultimately produce mischief by 

 appropriating the matter contained in the tissue of the leaf. 

 Sulphur would probably destroy the mould, but it would have 

 no effect upon the other bodies. M. J. B. 



Insects: W Y. Your insects taken from the Pyrus Sorbus prove 

 to be, not the Leopard, but the Goat-moth, Cossus ligniperda. 

 See Gard. Chron., 1847, p. 303, for figure and description. — 

 J A. The leech-like insects on the leaves of your Cherry trees 

 are the slimy larvae of the black-winged Sawfly, Tenthredo 

 (Blennocampa) iEthiops. See Gard. Chron., 1842, p. 692, for 

 figure and description. The most effectual method of destruc- 

 tion is to dust the leaves and grubs with lime, or syringe them 

 with lime-water, which instantly kills them. — J Ii. The pest 

 on your Pear trees is the same species of insect which attacks 

 the Cherry leaves. See the last answer. W. 



Legal Questions : A Sub. We are obliged to object to such 

 inquiries. It is understood that you cannot remove shrub3 

 and trees at the end of your tenancy, unless there is some 

 special covenant in your lease. 



Names of Fruits: E Pike. 1, Orange d'Ete; 3, Passe Madeleine; 

 4, Green Chisel.— J E X. The Diamond Plum, large, black, 

 and very coarse. 



Names of Plants : We have been so often obliged to reluctantly 

 decline naming heaps of dried or other plants, that we venture 

 to request our correspondents to recollect that we never have 

 or coul 1 have undertaken an unlimited duty of this kind. 

 Young gardeners, to whom these remarks more especially apply, 

 should bear in mind that, before applying to us for assistance, 

 they should exhaust their other means of gaining information. 

 We cannot save them the trouble of examining and thinking 

 for themselves; nor would it be desirable if we could. All we 

 can do is to help them— and that most willingly. It is now 

 requested that, in future, not more than four plants may be 

 sent us at one time— Erzeroum. 1367, Puschkinia scilloides; 

 302, Gladiolus Byzantinus; 13, Tulipa persica? 1358, Iris 

 iberica ; 1291, Fritillaria tulipifolia ; 155 and 155 a are un- 

 doubtedly the same; 173, Anemone albana; 1365, Eremurus 

 spectaliilis; 1347, Delphinium ochroleucum ; 124, Campanula 

 Steven), a dwarf state with scabrous oy&ry.—EIIS. Nc-3. 

 1 and 2 are the same species of Epidendrum ; but we do not 

 recognise it unless it be E. bidentatura. The other plant is 

 Acrojera Loddigesi.— G W. The red flower is Iiumea elegans, 

 a handsome ornament of out-door gardens in summer; but 

 impatient of cold. The other we do not remember, and must 

 examine at leisure. Where does it come from ? We will 

 notice it again next week. The llumea is too large for a 

 window greenhouse.- J. A variety (very slight) of Lythrum 

 Salicaria and Palmella cruenta. 



Potato Disease. We have to thank several correspondents for 

 communications concerning the spread of this malady, or for 

 speculations as to the cause. The first we hear of with mucu 

 regret: with the latter the public has been surfeited. If ^ re 

 should be so fortunate as to find anything which is at the same 

 time both new and true, we shall not fail to make it known. 



Raspberry Plants: Barton. We are quite unable to form anv 

 opinion concerning your method — not having been informed 



what it is. 



Bussta.v Mats: It G F will be obliged by some of our corres- 

 pondents informing him what they have found to be the best 

 substitute for Russian mats.; 



TnE Hare's-foot Fern: MA W. This is named Davalha 

 canariensis. It is named in allusion to the resemblance be- 

 tween its creeping curved hairy rhizome and a hares foot. 

 A similar comparison has led to the fable of the Barometz, 

 Baranetz, or Scythian Lamb, for which see Darwin. 



Tsajt: Lucy Gray will be obliged by our oo respondent who 

 in last Number gave a recipe for making yeast ttOTgno* 

 much is required Of the yeast for 4 lbs. of flour, and it u * 3 

 necessary to mix it the night before it is made into loaves. 



♦** As usual, many communications have been received too late 

 and others are unavoidably detained till the necessary inqturi^ 



can be made. We must aho beg the in°w lgenc « f«*t££ 

 numerous correspondents, the insertion of whose intercoms 



contributions is still delayed. 



