464 Answers to Queries. 



Art. VII. — Answers to Queries. 



Hybrid Currants. — " Sir, — In reply to the query of 'Ribes,' in the Second Num- 

 ber of your excellent Magazine, viz. ' If any hybrids have been originated between 

 the black and red currant ? &c.' I beg leave to state for his information, that in the 

 year 1822, I impregnated a blossom of a white currant, with the pollen of a black 

 currant. The berry contained only one seed, which produced a healthy, vigorous 

 tree ; more like in its habit to a black currant than to a white one; but the leaves 

 without the scent belonging to the black currant ; and the blossoms in regular 

 racemes, like the white currant. In 1 825, this plant blossomed, but not one 

 blossom set. I did not see it for two months after it was in blossom, and then 

 the flower stalks were hanging upon it, but not the slightest vestige of a currant. 

 This spring I was again absent at the time the plant was in flower, and did not 

 see it for a month afterwards ; there was still, at that time, a very fine crop of 

 stalks, but not a currant to be found. If I am at home next spring, I will 

 endeavour to ascertain what portion of the inflorescence is defective. 



" London, Great Alie Street, No. 22. " I am, Sir, &c. 



August 16, 1826." " Robert Lachlan." 



Black Insect which infests Cherry Trees. — " Sir, observing in the last Number 

 of your Magazine, the enquiry of your correspondent, W. B. B., if there is any 

 remedy for the small black insect which infests his cherry trees, I beg leave to 

 state the method which I have practised with success. In winter, or early in 

 spring, after unnailing the trees, I wash the wall with a mixture of tobacco- 

 water and soft soap, forcing it into the nail-holes with a syringe, or the garden 

 engine, as I find the little enemy chooses those places for his winter quarters, 

 as may be seen in a mild, dull morning in spring ; when great numbers of them 

 are observed leaving their lurking-places, and strolling about in quest of the yet 

 unexpanded leaf. I am careful, also, after the trees are pruned, to wash every 

 part of the tree with the liquor; (our peach, and nectarine, as well as our cherry 

 trees, were very much injected : J and never to use the old shreds. I never found 

 the least appearance of them on trees thus used ; although others, within a short 

 distance of them on the same wall, were nearly destroyed. I ought to have 

 observed, that the trees thus served, were, the preceding season, in a wretched 

 state. Allow me, also, to state, that on trees much infected, there are always 

 great numbers of the little winged insects known here by the name of lady-fly ; 

 but whether they are instrumental in producing them, or, like the ant, feed on 

 their larva?, I have not yet been able to determine. 



' ' New mode of grafting the Vine. — Before I conclude, allow me to state a 

 method of grafting the vine, which, as far as I know, is not generally known. 

 The stock and graft must be both shoots of the present year. I consider the best 

 time to perform the operation, to be when the shoots have advanced about two or 

 three feet. The stock is cut as for common whip -grafting, within a short distance 

 of last year's wood ; and the graft is prepared as for inarching, leaving about 

 two inches at the lower end of it entire, to be placed in a bottle of water sus- 

 pended from the trellis. They are then tied and clayed in the usual manner. 

 Care must be taken to fill up the bottle every day. If the operation is performed 

 judiciously, they will readily unite. I have also budded the vine in spring, with 

 complete success. If you think the above, or any part of it, worthy your notice, 

 you may make what use of it you think fit. I am, Sir, 



" Your obedient humble servant, 



"Near Worcester, July 18." " S. L." 



Orchideous Plants are removed with difficulty from their native localities to the 

 garden, and when brought there, retained in a state of cultivation with greater 

 difficulty than most others; but they are a most elegant and interesting order of 

 plants, and great favourites with botanists: and we are sure our readers will join 

 with us in thanking Mr. Stock for the valuable information which he has elicited 

 by his query. We insert the letters in the order in which we received them. 



