582 



JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



APPLIANCES, &c., TEIED AT WISLEY, 1912. 



Grape Preserver (Taylor). — This bottle we consider a great 

 improvement on those already on the market. It consists of a 

 cylindrical glass vessel 3 inches in height, with a diameter of 1| inch, 

 thus having a capacity of about 4 fluid ounces. It is fitted at the 

 open end with a rubber cap with a hole through which the stem of 

 the bunch passes, this being held in position by passing through a 

 hole in a zinc disc which fits at the bottom of the bottle. It is very 

 compact and takes up no space beyond the width of the bunch. The 

 water-holding capacity of the bottle is quite sufficient for most varieties, 

 but should a fresh supply of water be required there is no difficulty 

 experienced in refilling and no fear of spilling any water amongst 

 the berries. In using the preserver we found that either a short- 

 stemmed or a long-'stennned bunch could be preserved with equal 

 success, and that it is best to give the stem two slanting cuts to 

 allow it to pass more readily through the rubber. The stem must also 

 reach the hole in the zinc so that the bunch may be kept in position 

 when the water is low. The upper end of the stem is the more 

 convenient to insert, as it does not take so much water to keep 

 the berries plump when this end is inserted. The grapes stand well 

 clear of the bottle, thus preventing all risk of the berries being rubbed 

 by contact. It should prove a boon to tho-se who are not fortunate 

 enough to have a grape-room, for when cut the berries will keep well for 

 a considerable time in the vinery, and the rods may be relieved of 

 their bunches much earlier than otherwise possible without the above 

 convenience. 



New Patent Talley (Ward). — A nice label for exhibits but not strong 

 enough for the rockery. 



Patent Flower-pot (Vickeragej. — We did not find plants do so 

 well in this pot as they did in an ordinary flower-pot. 



Patent Supports (Walters & Co.). — These consist of straight 

 square iron rods of varying lengths with thin iron circular bands, drilled 

 and screwed on to the upright with a thumb screw, inside of which 

 the plant is trained. When used outside they are easily blown out of 

 position, and we find the screws readily break during stormy weather. 



Improved Demon Insecticide (Boundary Chemical Co.,. Ltd.). — ■ 

 A useful insecticide for washing and sponging when used according 

 to instructions. 



Folding Frame (The Folding Span Light Co.).— We found this 

 frame too draughty and damp for propagating purposes. 



Soluble Paraffin (Cooke). — An ideal preparation, pleasant to 

 use, easily mixed, and giving the leaves a glossy and green appear- 

 ance after use. 



