ABSTRACTS. 



737 



the flowers and the latter in the habit of growth. Flowers yellow, shaded 

 with crimson. — C. C, II. 



Cattleya Roezlii. By R. A. R. {Orch. Rev. p. 222; July 1902).— 

 Interesting particulars of this Orchid as to its origin, and possibilities of 

 being a natural hybrid, are given. — II. J. C. 



Celery Culture. By W. R. Beattie (U.S.A. Dep. Agr. Farm. Bull. 

 148, illustrated). — Celery is much grown in the Northern and Eastern 

 States, and supplies the market from early June till January 1, that from 

 Florida and California being ready from December until March or April. 

 This paper, however, is chiefly devoted to the production of Celery for 

 home use, growing and storing in small quantities, also to assist beginners 

 who wish to grow for commerce. Celery seems to prefer a rich mellow 

 sandy loam, but even clay is better than the peat bogs which abound in 

 some regions. Sowing and transplanting are carried out in the same way 

 as practised in all gardens ; but, as Celery is apt to suffer from drought 

 many systems of watering have been tried, amongst others the " deluge 

 sprinkler," which, involving a system of pipes, is costly to install, and 

 interferes with cultivation ; another, a sprinkler travelling on wires 

 which has attained fair success ; and sub-irrigation, which is not satis- 

 factory, owing to the warmth induced in the sub soil by the current of 

 air following the water. 



The simplest and best, where the surface of the soil is even, is to run 

 water along the rows by means of small furrows. Mulching is, of course, 

 recommended, as obviating the necessity of much watering. 



Blanching, for early use, can be done either by banking up with earth 

 (which imparts the best flavour) or by the use of boards, drain-tiles, paper- 

 wrappings (not recommended) &c. 



For winter use it is better not to blanch at all, as the Celery keeps 

 longer unblanched. and this process takes place naturally when stored, 

 in trenches, pits, or otherwise. But on the whole, except by growers 

 who wish to control and supply a special trade, it is found unprofitable to 

 store for late keeping. Diseases, marketing, profits, and varieties are 

 also dealt with. — C. H. C. 



Chayote: a Tropical Vegetable. By 0. F. Cook (U.S.A. Dep 

 Agr. Div. Bot. Bull. No. 28). — Belongs to the Gourd family, and suggests 

 the Cucumber more than any other of the cultivated plants of the same 

 family. The leaves are concave, of a deep, fresh green, with a rough 

 surface. The fruit is pear-shaped. There are several varieties. It is 

 known throughout tropical America, has long been established in Madeira, 

 also in gardens in Southern Europe and North Africa. In Australia, 

 where it has been introduced, it bids fair to become of recognised com- 

 mercial importance. The Chayote (Sechium edule) thrives best in a loose 

 sandy or loamy soil ; its other requirements are a sheltered position and 

 something to climb on. To secure new plants it is the universal practice 

 to plant the entire fruit. As a food it has been compared to a Vegetable 

 Marrow, and pronounced by some superior. — J. C. E. K. 



Cherries in Pots. By Owen Thomas (Garden, No. 1,589, p. 287 ; 



B B 



