264 
The Garden Magazine, January, 1921 
This fearless freedom in his use of color has been a matter of 
progressive growth, as Mr. Galsworthy himself will tell you. 
He early discovered the futility of pigment timidly laid on, and 
with the increasing assurance of experience has arrived at a 
method comparable to nature’s own in the matter of results. 
It is no insignificant achievement to reproduce, consistently 
and effectively, the brilliancy, piquancy, and gaiety of the living 
flower in its many forms; and without any loss of breadth and 
splendor to make the reproduction so faithful in every detail 
that the gardener immediately exclaims: “Ah, there is my favor- 
ite Le Mahdi! and here’s Coquelicot !” Even artificial 
lighting, the enemy of all water-color, has not succeeded in drain- 
ing these flower portraits of their sparkle and their life. 
That Mr. Galsworthy’s interests extend beyond the realm of 
horticulture is hinted by “The Old Pitcher” in which the Ane- 
mones stand and by other bits of pottery affectionately intro- 
duced on occasion. Mr. Galsworthy’s career as an architect 
of established standing is reflected in some skilfully rendered 
interiors, but it is as gardener-artist, as student, lover, and por- 
trayer of flowers that he has created for himself in the world of 
horticulture and of art a place, unique and distinguished. 
T HE preliminary report of the Committee on Quarantine 
Revision appearing on page 267 of this issue will be received 
by many as an excellent statement of the “status quo.” It is 
interesting to note the reference to the stated outline of policy 
by the Bureau of Plant Industry, looking toward a time when 
all foreign plant material shall be excluded, and which justifies 
a feeling entertained by many people that the Quarantine No. 
37 was not imposed in good faith, on its own merits, but as a 
means toward an ulterior end. Since the committee report 
was issued an answer has been made by Doctor Marlatt, on 
behalf of the Federal Horticultural Board in which the report 
is stigmatized as “misleading if not absolutely incorrect.” 
Doctor Marlatt, for the first time since the discussion has devel- 
oped, deigns to give some specific figures as to the permits issued, 
number of plants imported, etc., but the attitude of the Board 
is reflected in a concluding statement that “Certainly no back- 
ward step can now be taken by this Department.” The 
letter claims “a policy of great liberality” with respect to 
permits to import; but the fact remains that the Board 
abrogates to itself the soleright to determine what the trade 
needs without considering those in the trade. No question of 
“liberality” to individuals should be at issue — rather each one 
on terms of equality — justice to all alike. 
THE OPE^C olum: K_, 
Readers’ Interchange of Experience and Comment 
A Floral Roman Candle 
To the Editor of The Garden Magazine: 
T HERE is one way that 1 can always create a floral sensation in 
my garden. I mean by that, excite the voluble “ohs” and “ahs” 
of my visitors. That is by growing the Tigridias. Truth to tell, these 
are among the most gorgeous and interesting bulbous flowers, and yet 
not one garden in a hundred contains them. 1 think that amateurs 
who buy the bulbs often forget that they are not hardy, and so lose 
them the first winter. Of course they must be lifted in the fall, as soon 
as the foliage has ripened, and taken to a cellar for winter. With care- 
ful handling, making sure that they do not decay during the winter, 
they can be carried along from season to season, and even increased by 
means of offsets. 
When it comes to planting, they can be handled just about like 
Gladiolus, but it is well to run a little sand into the holes under them if 
the ground is at all heavy. Really, they like light, sandy soil best, and 
it should be chosen when possible. Moreover, they must be given a 
position in full sun, and preferably where they are protected from 
sweeping winds. It is true that the flowers are evanescent, lasting 
only for a day, but one follows the other in such quick succession that 
this fact is overlooked. Somehow, these Tigridias always make me 
think of a floral roman candle. Nothing more showy can be imagined 
than the immense brilliant flowers, and yet their bright hues are not 
gaudy or objectionable. 
How many gardeners have thought of growing the Tiger flowers in 
pots after the manner of Freesias? This can be done readily enough, 
and has an advantage even in summer, because the pots can be taken 
indoors when hard winds or a period of bad weather comes on. The 
species pavonia is the kind most commonly grown in this country. 
This is the Shell-flower, and as handsome as any. — E. I. Farrington, 
Mass. 
Fruit Varieties for the Home Garden, and Why 
To the Editor of The Garden Magazine: 
I N “The Assets of the Fruit Garden” in the September Garden 
Magazine objection is made to Baldwin, Ben Davis, Gano, Winesap 
and Rome Apples. What varieties does Mr. Hartill recommend? 1 
would also like to know what are likely to do well in a very dry, sunny 
situation and which in a dry shady situation? Are dwarfs advisable? 
What is the best early Peach? Plum? Apple? Should Cherries be 
planted in spring or fall? Are Apricots hardy in the outskirts of New 
York City? Are there any trees immune to diseases? How can 1 
know Pear blight? What bites the tips of young Peach branches? 
— C. A. Gardin, New York. 
— 1 did not intend to give the impression of unqualified disapproval of 
Baldwin, Ben Davis, Gano, Winesap, and Rome Apples. They are 
splendid commercial varieties. But in the home garden quality should 
be the first consideration. Soil and climate must primarily determine 
selection : but the following suggestions may prove helpful : Oldenburg 
— early, excellent for cooking; Wealthy — autumn, exceedingly hardy; 
Gravenstein — fall and early winter; ranks 100 per cent, in quality; 
Delicious, Spitzenburg, Cox Orange, Pippin — mid-winter, among very 
best; Yellow Newtown — late winter, unsurpassed. 
T1GRIDIA PAVONIA 
Variously called Shell-flower, Day-lily, Peacock- 
lily, etc., this iridaceous plant with gorgeous scarlet 
and gold flowers may be handled like Gladiolus 
