Answers to Queries, and Queries. 381 



Preserving Ice above Ground. — I should feel obliged, if you, or any of 

 your numerous correspondents, would describe minutely the most simple 

 and efficient mode of preserving ice from the action of the external atmo- 

 sphere, and what sort of building would be best adapted for situations where 

 the natural flatness of the land prevents an excavation of more than three 

 feet? — W. G. W. Liverpool, Nov. 21. 1827. 



Dahlias. — Can you tell me why the name Georgina was not retained 

 instead of dahlia, which I have heard pronounced daw-ly-a, da-ly-a, and 

 dea-li-a? The last, I believe, is the general pronunciation, which I think 

 infringes on another genus of plants, I suppose named after Mr. Dale. 

 Which is the proper pronunciation ? — Thomas Haivkins. The Haw, near 

 Gloucester, March, 1827. 



Dahlias. — What is the proper time for planting dahlias, what soil suits 

 them best, and may they not be propagated in the same way as potatoes 

 are, I mean by dividing those roots which are furnished with eyes ? [Cer- 

 tainly.] Last season, by accident or otherwise, some of my roots of choice 

 dahlias were separated from each other, and I wish to know whether it 

 would be worth while to plant them? — A Constant Reader. April 11. 

 If the roots have buds they will grow; not otherwise. — Cond. 



Embanking Land from the Sea. — In Menteath's Forester's Guide men- 

 tion is made of a Mr. Lindsay's scheme for recovering land from the sea, 

 and thereby enlarging the territory and augmenting the resources of the 

 kingdom, (p. 7.) Can you, or any of your readers, furnish me with any 

 account of Mr. Lindsay's scheme ? — W. G. Swansea, Oct. 1826. 



Rosa Bdnlcsm. — Z. would be glad of any information as to the treat- 

 ment of the Banksian rose, so as to make it flower. It grows luxuriantly 

 with him, but has only once produced a small bunch of blossoms. 



Mixing the Breeds of Potatoes. — I observed in Cobbett's American Gar- 

 dener an assertion respecting early potatoes, which appears to me to be 

 rather an extraordinary one. He says, that if you have got the true kind 

 of early potato, and wish to keep it pure, c: you must take care that no 

 ether sort grow with it or near it, for potatoes of this kind mix the breed 

 more readily than any thing else, though they have no bloom ! " Will you 

 be kind enough to tell me, through the medium of your Magazine, whether 

 this statement of Cobbett be really correct ? [Not correct. J 



With respect to the crossing of the breed of plants, I am of opinion that 

 bees and other insects have less to do in this matter than is generally sup- 

 posed. I think the wind is the chief cause, for I have frequently grown 

 turnip seed quite pure within less than two hundred yards of cabbages and 

 kale, in bloom at the same time as the turnips were j but there were three 

 hedges intervened betwixt the turnips and the other plants — A. Y. Sepit. 

 15. 1827. 



The insects that infest cucumber frames occasion gx'eat trouble to gar- 

 deners. I, in common with many of your readers, would be glad to know 

 the best method of destroying them. — F. Powell, gardener. New Court, 

 near Hereford, Nov. 12. 1827. 



Grubs and Wire Worms trouble me much, and I am very desirous of 

 knowing how to destroy them. I am now in the habit of losing from sixty 

 to one hundred cabbage plants every night. Perhaps Agronome will be 

 able to furnish us with a hint on this subject? — A Surrey Reader. Sejjt. 

 28. 1827. 



. The best means of destroying Woodlice, which are very destructive in 

 cucumber and mushroom beds? — -Z. Nov. 3. 1827. 



Packing and preserving Seeds.- — Permit me, through the medium of your 

 valuable Magazine, to suggest to the Horticultural Society the propriety of 

 instituting a series of experiments to ascertain the best method of packing 

 seeds for warm countries. An immense advantage would accrue from a 



