2fi() JOURNAL OF THE EOYAL HORTICVLTURAL SOCIETY. 



the golden -yellow flowers are particularly attractive, and fully justify a 

 prominent position in the bog garden. Calthas should also be employed 

 in beautifying the edges of lakes and other ornamental waters by being 

 planted in large groups. Once established, the plants increase freely by 

 means of self-sown seeds, which germinate readily. Plants may also be 

 increased by division of the root in autumn or spring. There are now 

 six recognised species in cultivation. — E. T. C. 



Meconopsis. By S. Mottet {Le Jardin, vol. xx. No. 459, 1906, 

 pp. 100-101 ; 2 figs.). — A review of the different species of Meconopsis : 

 M. Cmnhrica, the only European species ; M. heterojjhylla from California, 

 several varieties from the Himalayas, the recently introduced M. inte- 

 grifolia from Thibet, which has lately attracted so much attention, and 

 several other new species, with directions for cultivation. — F. A. W. 



Mildew on Roses. By Douglas L. Freeland {Garden, No. 1795, 

 p. 208 ; April 14, 1906). — I believe that the contagious nature of 

 mildew is not so real as is generally supposed. To my mind the whole 

 trouble lies in some obscure hereditary tendency which requires an 

 exciting cause for its development. This hereditary taint is proved by 

 the susceptibility of roses belonging to certain families being especially 

 liable to be attacked. — E. T. C. 



Okpa: Culture and Uses. By W. R. Beattie (C7.S.4. Dep. Agr., 

 Fann. Bull. 232 ; 1905). — Okra {Hibiscus esculentus L.) has long been 

 cultivated in South Europe, and this bulletin recommends it as a desirable 

 addition to the vegetable garden, not only in the Southern States, but in 

 the Northern. It is raised from seed sown in the open as soon as the soil 

 is warm enough. A good and rich loam is the best soil in which to grow 

 the crop. The pods are used (gathered the day after the flower fades) in 

 making soups, ''gumbo," salad, or they may be boiled or baked. Various 

 recipes are given. A description of varieties follows. A note is added 

 that a taste for the okra flavour has to be acquired by some persons. 



F. J. C. 



Onion Culture. By F. Garcia {U.S.A. Exp. Stn. Neio Mexico, 

 Bull. 52 ; Sept. 1904 ; 10 figs.). — Describes the field culture of onions of 

 the Spanish type. The soil has to be irrigated, and it is recommended 

 that the seed should be drilled on the sides of the ridges and irrigated in 

 the furrows. Autumn sowing gives the best results, and thinning early 

 in the spring should be resorted to. It is better, however, to sow 

 the seed in special seed beds either in the open or under glass and 

 transplant in the spring. The preparation of the ground, the transplant- 

 ing, irrigation, cultivation, harvesting, and storing are all described, and 

 a table showing the cost of production is given. The various varieties 

 grown in the district are commented upon, and notes upon the insect and 

 fungal pests and manures suitable for the crop are added. — F. J. C. 



Osmunda palustris var. Mayii. By C. T. D. {Gard. Ckron. 

 No. 1027, p. 161 ; fig. 65 ; September 1, 1906). — A very curious variety, 

 originating in the nursery of Mr. H. B. May. " As will be seen by the 



