n8 



GARDENERS' MAGAZINE. 



February i 9 , 



898. 



Turning to another department, you are soon amid heaths of all sizes species, 

 and varieties, growing or flowering finely, and in such a healthy state that there is 

 no fear of the Messrs Low and Co. losing their long-sustained reputation for he 

 management of ericas. It is most interesting to view the houses containing the 

 New Holland plants, and also educational, for as they have shown at many an 

 exhibition, the firm not only keep but they can grow these subjects well, and that 

 in a small and attractive state. Cytisus (genistas) are at present very attractive, 

 the golden flowers giving off a pleasing fragrance ; C. fragrans is most m evidence, 

 but C. elegans is also largely grown as well as the beautiful C. Scopanus 

 Andreanus. Many young gardeners would feel as if transported to a new 

 country, here among correas, diosmas, brachysema, polygalas, metrosideros, 

 chorezemas, aphelexis, Tremandra verticillata, witsenias, enostemons, 

 genetyllis, Aotus gracillima, &c, &c, all neat plants, and many of them now in 

 flower. Acacias are a great feature, and deservedly so, for they are most elegant 

 when in flower ; A. ovata, A. platyptera, A. cordata, A. Drummondi, and A. 

 dealbata are most extensively grown, but there are other interesting species that 

 are good garden plants. Greenhouse rhododendrons with deep green foliage and 

 swelling buds promise a rich harvest. Daphnes, the beautiful and fragrant 

 daphnes, abound, and delight one with their sweetness ; the difficulty at Bush Hill 

 Park is to grow these to any size, not that the firm is incapable of so doing, but 

 because the plants are bought up so quickly. Huge houses fullof azaleas in various 

 stages of progress towards flowering are to be seen, but space limits present mention 

 of more than three of the prime favourites— Deutche Perle, Van den Croyzen, and 

 Fielderi. A beautiful batch of Ariucaria excelsa arrests attention as much by its 

 size as thee legance and symmetry of the specimens. Then there are phormiums, 

 ophiopogons, Choisya ternata, boronias of many kinds, but especially 

 B. heterophylla and B. megastigma, coprosmas, cannas, houses of young vines, 

 figs, &c, &c, but we pass now to the orchid department. 



Orchids have ever been a great feature at the Messrs. Hugh Low and Co.'s 



Nurseries, and they take a most important place at Bush Hill Park. There is 

 one very large range of houses connected by corridors, and this contains the cool 

 orchids, and ere now, the phalcenopsis as well. Here, too, the firm has made a 

 new departure in the shape of a show house or orchid rockery, where, amid foliage 

 begonias, ferns, and other handsome foliage plants, some of the flowering orchids 

 are placed, and a charming effect is produced. The cool orchids, close by, odonto- 

 glossums and oncidiums chiefly, are in the pink of condition, rooting freely into 

 the compost, and what is more to the purpose, bristling with spikes. Here are un- 

 flowered thousands of Odontoglossum crispum, O. triumphans, O. luteo purpureum, 

 &c, and buyers may secure another O. c. Queen Victoria, such as the firm showed 

 at the last Temple Show, or some other fine form, and if they do not they will have, 

 at any ra e, some good flowers, for there are at present a large percentage of good 

 spotted forms. Like some few other orchid cultivators, Mr. Low believes in 

 early potting for odontoglossums, instead of autumn, and the condition of the 

 plants favours the former regime. A goodly number of specimens of Oncidium 

 macranthum attract attention by reason of their immense spikes, some of which 

 hive prominent flower buds on them ; these will be a grand sight later on. Odon- 

 toglossum Edwardi and O. cirrhosum are well spiked, and there is a large batch 

 of business-looking O. Pescatorei. Here is a batch from which O. excellens is 

 expected, and there a set that should contain O. Wilckeanum or O. Ruckerianum, 

 and, as if to coax them, a few fine plants of these desirable and beautiful orchids 

 are stood among the unflowered ones. One expects to see Cymbidium Lo*ianum 

 in good condition in the hands of its introducers, nor is one disappointed, for not 

 only are the specimens healthy and of good size, but the varieties are in almost 

 every case first rate, that is to say, they have deep colouring at the apex of the 

 hp. Near by are examples of C. Traceyanum, C. Lowio-eburneum, C. eburneum, 

 and C. Devonianum, all save the latter, in flower, and that only just over. In 

 the rockery the cymHdiums have a fine effect, their long depending spikes suiting 

 that kind of staging. Oncidium splendidum is here quite gay, and a grand orchid 

 it is for late winter ; Loelia cinnabarina also gives a bright touch of colour, and 

 not being a very largely grown orchid it at once arrests attention by reason of its 

 long pseudo-bulbs and deep vermilion flowers. A specimen of L<elia anceps 

 Stella, one of the best of the white forms, lifts its stately blooms aloft on long 

 spikes, and one cannot fail to stop and admire it. 



We are next introduced to a block of four houses, all filled with cattleyas — one 

 contains C. Tnana;, one C. Mossue, another C. Mendelli, and the last C. labiata. 

 In the first one we noted a plant of C. Trianae plumosa just coming into flower, 

 and the lovely C. T. Enfieldenae, white with yellow throat. The specimens of C. 

 Mossia: vary in size, but as a rule they carry from six to ten sheaths, and promise 

 well ; dotted among them are some specially good forms of Laelia purpurata, 

 while hanging from the roof in two long lines is Cattleya citrina. Cattleya Men- 

 deli, so scarce in some quarters, U here in great plenty, and a house full of semi- 

 established unflowered plants offers plenty of room for hope and speculation : there 

 are many variations of size and shape in the pseudo bulbs, so that the wiseacres 

 can back their fancy At one end of the house of C. labiata is a mighty specimen 

 ot C. Bowringiana that would startle those who do not grow orchids in larger pots 

 than forty-eight size. One house of C. Percivaliana has not many flowers remainine 

 but there were sufficient to prove that there are some fine types here. As great a 

 surprise as any was Laelia purpurata, a whole house full of really large specimens 

 full of health and vigour and flower sheaths. Mr. Low now pulls out a special 

 key and we enter other orchid houses, from whence supplies are drawn to fill those 

 already alluded to, and others wherein are choice seedling or varieties varying 

 m Mze from just perceptible seedlings to good saleable plants. Among the 

 enme de la crime we saw examples of Lcelia cattleya Pallas, L.c. Nysa, Cattleya 

 bkmneri alba, C. labiata lilacina (the blue labiata) ; Lalia pumila Low's var., a 

 Due form; L. p Vine House var., one of the finest; Cattleya Wagneri C 



C sSJSS? f L mKly ' aDd doSe ^ are ™ m «°«* K'and specimens of 

 „Wc r 8 gas in P 305 ' suspended from the roof, are just the sort of 



Dlants for a beginner to start with. Vw „ ' „j i. ' V 0 " ™ 



many other orchids W^u^ mentioned* SS^'f" &C '\ n ? Ust * ***** ov « and 

 no purpose. Orchids of alT 52? I ' u USC * me , r , e Stnng of names would 

 seldL^een £^j&$™™> ™ U m ™^> and - have very 



Set SS^V^VgLF*- f °r thC ? "V^ * 



. . K ^cvtrai acres of roses, besides conifers, &c. These, how- 



acres 



depar 



we saw enough to prove that these 



must now 



^ aaxmrauiy managed as tl 

 phasise what we have already alluded to 

 think of Messrs. Hueh Low w rl v u 



instead of to Clapton 8 Bush Hffl Pari ^ Far \ an £ £ 'hither " future 



GE.R., and there is a half-hour tratn J^' °^ * ^? Enfield branch of the 



n °uny tram service to and from Liverpool Street. 



Exhibitions and Meetings. 



THE ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL SOCIETY 



This useful society held its annual meeting in its rooms No c ^ ' 

 Square, Edinburgh, the other day. This was its forty-fifth'anniverkrv 

 new members were proposed, and there are now on the roll seven h ^ j * 

 eighty-eight members. It was stated that the income of the society h , ■ ^ 

 from ^285 5s. 8d. to ^454 6s. 9 d. On the motion of ProfesLr^^ 

 seconded by Colonel Bayley, Mr. Dunn, of Dalkeith, was elected an 

 member nonorarj 



The Chairman (Mr. Munro Fergusson, M.P.), in resigning office sdoU r l 

 last few years as the most eventful that had lately taken place in relation toX • 

 forestry. The growth of new ideas largely sprang up from their visit to Ge^* 1 * 

 and hoped that the society would rise to the great opportunities that lav bef ^ 

 Scotsmen liked to see things done in a proper way. British agriculture w ill 

 first in the world, but he would be a bold man that would say the same f* 

 forestry. Most of their great Highland area was fit for forestry and £ 

 nothing else, and it was to forestry they must look for the solution of th2 

 land and labour troubles. They would never have any large poDulaSl 

 on the land by creating large or small holdings, or by any aSuS 

 occupation of the greater part of the Highlands. But there was hardly any lS 

 to the population they could bring upon the Highland area if they had a properJr 

 developed system of forestry and a well conceived system of manufacturi* 

 along with it. He had the privilege of naming his successor, and it was vrii 

 special pleasure he nominated Colonel Bayley, a gentleman admirably fitted to 

 the office. Their work would probably lie in the direction of planting fore* 

 experimental areas, which might, by degrees, grow into a forest school. The? 

 could begin with the area, and go on to the forest school, for without trainS 

 their men thoroughly they would not be in a position to go to any governmentto 

 ask for any great national scheme of forestry being undertaken. Doing full justice 

 to the tact and ability of Scottish foresters, Mr. ^Ferguson went on to state that 

 they wanted some place where new ideas could be lested, and advanced forestry 

 turned to the best account. This could hardly be done on a private estate. They 

 must have an area where the experiments would be continuous and successive. 



Colonel Bayley, on accepting office, thanked all the members for the honour 

 done him, and promised to do all in his power to promote the interests of the 

 society, and added that if in this matter of forest areas, in which they were all so 

 deeply interested, he could render any special service he should be proud if that 

 should mark the period of his presidency. The council had authorised him to 

 state that a draft report had been prepared by Professor Somerville and himsdf 

 which embodied a scheme. They had hoped that it might have been ready for 

 presentation that day ; but in order that no time might be lost he asked them to 

 give the council power to deal with the report at the next meeting. 



Mr. Monro Fergusson, M.P., was cordially thanked for his past services* 

 president, and asked to accept the office of hon. secretary, so that his influence 

 among proprietors, Government officials, and members of Parliament might be 

 preserved to the society. The late president accepted. The election of office 

 bearers, council, and honorary scientific authorities, botanical, chemical, forestry, 

 entomology, geology, meteorology, was then completed. 



It was also resolved that the excursion next year should be either to the Fore* 

 of Dean or the north of Scotland, and in 1900 to the French Exhibition and some 

 of the French forests. 



The following papers were read, and more or less, mostly less, discussed: 

 Grouping versus Mixed Planting (Cullen House), in which grouping was strongly 

 advocated ; the Deterioration of Wire Fences, by Dr. James Kay, forester, Bute ; 

 and a plea for a special organ devoted to Forestry, by Mr. A. McRae, forester, 

 Castleconner, Kilkenny. About fifty members dined at the Royal British Hotd, 

 under the new president, Colonel Bayley. 



After dinner capital speeches were delivered in favour of the objects of « 

 society by Mr. John Methven, Councillor Gislland, Mr. McMillan, Colonel 

 Bayley, Mr. Mather, Mr. James Macdonald, Mr. Erskine-Lonie, and othej 

 and seldom has a more profitable day or pleasant evening been spent by this use» 

 society. D. T. F. 



was 



SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL ASSOCIATION. 



In consequence of the popularity of chrysanthemums in Edinburgh we bad* 

 crowded audience at the February meeting in St. Andrews when Mr. J. »• 

 Jones, read a paper on chrysanthemums and their culture. There was not modj 

 general business, nor many exhibits, so that it was possible to pass the minute? ■ 

 the last meeting and elect some dozen new members without loss of time. l 

 president, Mr. Todd, showed a choice collection of daffodils fringed with u 

 golden or yellow Acacia dealbata a rich and graceful blend. And another memoa 

 some specially fine sprays of the elegant Virgin's Bower, Clematis indivisa, an* 

 valuable decorative climber at this early season of the year for the warm or cool j»r 

 servatory. We rather expected that some attempt would have been made to s 

 a few blooms of late chrysanthemums, but none were forthcoming, either «j 

 the lecturer nor other growers. Hence we found the president, Mr. M. 

 Maitland Street, in his usual genial and felicitous terms, soon after ^'vP^^JT 

 introducing Mr. Jones. Mr. Jones, after a momentary reference to his 1?°^ 

 plunged at once into his subject, and proceeded to the first sm \^ 

 much as with a few trifling exceptions the great matter of P r0 P?^£ 



already over for the season. He, however, remarked in passing that 

 ferred propagating in boxes or open pits or frames to the usual pots. ^ 

 caution against being in too great a huny to pot, and against potting ^ 



plants at one time, or pottine too many, Mr. Jones said fifty plants often > 

 Kof^. — ..i _ 1 , b , . .1 _i 1 j * **«nn crest nrsi, *• 



selves upon 



"~ cnwvY L uc pi ail IS, UI IdLliCl men i\sv/u>, ^ - j Q|t 



before potting them, and this chiefly because unoccupied soil was a P™*gjg0 

 bad and sour condition. Protesting strongly against overcrowding ana 

 dwelling on the superlative importance of exposing the leaves and buds an ^ 

 to light in all stages, avoiding two of the greatest evils, draught on tnc : ^ 

 and a stuffy atmosphere on the other. As to soil about three-parts ot tui j ^ 

 one of leaf mould, and one of charred or the ash of chrysanthemum ^ 

 leaves were the most important. These with the addition of a small p^If^, 

 bone meal, crushed bones or soot with some rough silver sand 



ough the old plan of squeezing a handful in the hand auu 

 . crumble to pieces again, was given as one of t" e & 

 and surest tests of soil. Firm potting was also insistea ( ^ 

 in the case of weakly growth it was best to place the P Ia ™; u? 4 

 so that the stronger plant might help its weaker brother by u. n% 

 excess of food or water, and so keeping the soil sweet. Condemm b 



it to 



