310 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
{ October 24, 1878. 
in its markings. TEurya latifolia variegata and Eleagnuses 
were highly effective in the baskets, but they require very 
sheltered positions in the garden. 
Some suitable green-foliaged plants and shrubs for associating 
with those haying variegated foliage were represented by green 
Boxes, Aucubas, and dwarf Rhododendrons: Azara micro- 
phylla, elegant; Veronica Traversii, light green, attractive ; 
Sedum thymirolium, dwarf and distinct ; Cotoneasters and 
Yuccas. For forming a green carpet under trees were Hyperi- 
cum calycinum, and the still dwarfer berry-producing plant, 
Vaccinium Vitis-Idea. 
Of flowering plants, most of them already flowering pro- 
fusely and others in an advanced state, Rhododendron Early 
Gem is one of the most valuable of plants for in or outdoor 
decoration in early spring ; Andromedas floribunda and Catesbei, 
Veronica salicifolia, dwarf Laurustinuses ; Diplopappus chryso- 
phyllus, slender and Heath-like with white flowers; and the 
Heaths themselves. Most beautiful amongst these were the 
Menziesias polifolia atropurpurea and erecta alba, both highly 
attractive, the latter especially so; also Ericas herbacea, 
mediterranea, vulgaris in variety, vagans, carnea, and the 
dwarf and distinct Mackayana. 
_ Amongst berried plants were Skimmia japonica, Aucuba 
japonica vera, dwarf and densely cropped; and the crimson 
Pernettya mucronata, all alike very ornamental. Besides the 
plants above named were the indispensable Conifers for im- 
parting both grace and colour to the arrangement. Small 
plants of Retinosporas, Cupressuses, and Junipers are most 
valuable for various purposes of decoration in winter. Some 
are noteworthy for their bright colours, as Cupressus Law- 
soniana aurea and Retinospora obtusa aurea ; some are silvery, 
Some green, some again elegant and feathery, others compact, 
but all ornamental and adapted for various purposes and 
positions. A few of special merit in this section were Cupres- 
suses Lawsoniana aureo-variegata, albo-variegata, fragrans, 
lutea, argentea, erecta viridis, nana glauca, alba spica, macro- 
carpa, thyoides variegata, Nutkaénsis and N. variegata; Cryp- 
tomeria elegans; Juniperus japonica aurea, japonica aureo- 
variegata, excelsa stricta, and Sabina variegata ; Retinosporas 
obtusa aurea, leptoclada, ericoides, squarrosa, plumosa, pl. aurea, 
pl. argentea, and pl. albo-picta; Taxus baccata aurea and ele- 
gantissima, Biota orientalis aurea and semper-aurescens, Thu- 
jopsis dolabrata, and Thuja Lobbi. 
Such were the more important of the plants included in 
the collection, and which are not only valuable for garden 
decoration in winter, but equally so for window sills and 
balconies in town and country. With plants of the nature of 
those enumerated there is no excuse for empty flower beds in 
winter except empty pockets, and yet the plants are by no 
means costly, especially when it is considered that they in- 
crease in value year by year if well managed.—_J. WRIGHT. 
TOMATOES. 
IN a late issue of the Journal it is stated that the Tomatoes 
in the market gardens about Fulham are yery badly diseased ; 
it is also the case with me, although not to the extent as stated 
to be there. The discase did not make its appearance till the 
forwardest fruit was fully grown, and it certainly bears a 
strong resemblance to the Potato disease, but whether it is the 
same disease or not I have never seen stated. I also find that 
it attacks some kinds more than others. The position out- 
doors and atmospheric changes make a difference. Cultural 
details were ably given lately, so it is unnecessary for me to 
enter into that; but-this disease is rather a serious matter, 
so it would do no harm if cultivators of this plant would 
state their experience of it. ; 
Early last June about 250 plants were put out here ; 200 in 
the open to be trained to stakes 3} to 4 feet long, the rest being 
planted against the walls in vacant places between the fruit 
trees. All were strong and healthy when planted ; they were 
a foot in height, and just showing their first flower truss. The 
varieties were Orangetield, Green Gage, and Hathaway’s Ex- 
celsior, the majority of the plants being of the variety last 
named, which is one of the best sorts I am acquainted with. 
Being showery weather at the time of planting no water was 
given, nor has any been given since. The ground was rich 
and well pulverised, and the plants grew very luxuriantly, and 
weekly pinchings-out of the young side shoots and cutting 
away of all superfluous growth beyond the fruit were necessary, 
as one straight stem to a stake is quite sufficient. The plants 
on the walls were allowed to branch, and they were nailed 
up as required, but all growths which were not wanted were 
suppressed. 
The disease made its appearance first on the Orangefield 
variety, before the fruit began to colour; a week or so after- 
wards the Green Gage was badly infected with it, and at the 
present time all three kinds have it, but Orangefield and Green 
Gage are by far the worst. This applies to the plants in the 
open tied to the stakes, and out of 2 cwt. of fruit ripened from 
them one-fourth part has been thrown away diseased, some 
fruit slightly, and others infested all over. 
From the fifty plants against the walls having south and 
Fig. 50.—Erica mammosa (see page 315.) 
south-east aspect only two fruits, or about half a pound in 
weight, have been bad ; thus showing that although plenty of 
fruit may be grown without walls the produce can be depended 
on more with them, and although there are at present a great 
many left on them not a trace of disease is perceptible, but 
within 100 yards from them in the open it spreads very rapidly, 
especially after rain. This, I think, proves that a dry atmo- 
sphere is necessary for the ripening of Tomatoes, and when 
they are crown against walls showers sometimes do not touch 
the plants. 
A three-light frame with boards at the bottom has been used 
for ripening the fruit, cutting them from the plants as they 
showed signs of colouring ; a little air has been left on night 
and day to keep the atmosphere dry. Treated thus the fruit 
has ripened perfectly. 
The plants trained to the stakes were 3 feet apart each way, 
