374 Answers to Queries, and Queries. 



Do the Horticultural Society mean to exclude from their collection the 

 Common White Muscadine, for the name does not occur, and this grape is, 

 without exception, the most useful, and best out-of-door grape in this 

 country. It was cultivated in Parkinson's time, and probably much earlier. 

 Under the Royal Muscadine it would appear to be included, for here are 

 three grapes designated by one name. The Chasselas, Chasselas Dorc of 

 Duhamel, and the Chasselas de Fontainebleau are the White Muscadine. 

 The Chasselas de Bas sur Aube is the Royal Muscadine, and the D'Arbois 

 of Sir W. Temple, &c., is a Sweetwater grape, and has been called the 

 French Sweetwater. 



It is to be hoped that, in the future editions of this catalogue, some little 

 more attention will be paid in the compilation. The Horticultural Society 

 have a considerable library at hand to consult on every occasion where 

 there is doubt, and which will add greatly to their own personal observ- 

 ations. As a bodj', they can do more in settling the synonyms of fruits 

 than any individual whatever, however industrious or indefatigable, or 

 whatever may be his practical knowledge ; besides, they have opportunities 

 of comparing and adjusting differences which no single person can possibly 

 have at his command. 



I have just seen the first number of the Pomological Magazine, edited by 

 " two gentlemen intimately connected with the Horticultural Society," 

 which tends to confirm my opinion as above; for at No. 2. is figured the 

 Royal Apricot, or Abricot Royale, Bon Jard. and Noisette ; now, if this was 

 known to be the case, why was it inserted in the catalogue No. 20. Royal, 

 and No. 50. Royale? Again, No. 5. Sugar-loaf Pippin, Dolgoi Squoznoi; 

 both names appear in catalogue, Nos. 254. and 1078. — M. H. Nov. 20. 1827. 



On blacking Garden Walls. (Gard. Mag. vol. ii. p. 421.) — Coal tar is used 

 for this purpose ; I have used it myself for the purpose of blacking a wooden 

 fence, and had the idea that it would operate against small vermin and the 

 green fly, but in this I was greatly disappointed ; indeed, I do not like coal 

 tar for any purpose ; its only recommendation is its cheapness. I think the 

 following composition is much better : — 



Take Stockholm tar one gallon, boiled linseed oil (drying oil) one quart, 

 a sufficient quantity of mineral black in powder ; put all together into an 

 iron pot, and simmer it for some time over a small fire ; use it while hot in 

 the same manner as paint: the gloss will soon go off. — W. Green, jun. 

 Stepney, Aug.5\. 1827. 



Preventive against Birds taking Seeds out of the Ground. {Gard. Mag. 

 vol. ii. p. 465.) — If some thin light-coloured twine or white worsted be 

 stretched tight across the beds in which seeds are sown, at the distance of 

 about 2 in. from the surface of the beds, and about 2 or 5 ft. from string 

 to string, small birds will not touch either seeds or the young plants of 

 onions, against which sparrows seem to have a particular spite, as they pull 

 them up by hundreds, and leave them lying upon the surface of the beds, 

 but do not appear to eat them. This is the most effectual method I have 

 ever seen employed, and it is a very old one. — Id. 



Shrubs most capable of resisting the Effects of the Atmosj)here of London. 

 (Vol. II. p. 484.) — Add the tree box and the Auciiba japonica: the common 

 laurel will scarcely live with me. — Id. 



Art. IX. Answers to Queries, and Queries. 



HEATING by Water in earthen Pijjes. — If Mr. Wells of Bickley will, 

 through your valuable miscellany, communicate if by " earthenware pipes" 

 are meant the common pipes made of brick earth, or pipes of some superior 



