March 26, 1885. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
261 
Arranging Plants in Flower Bed (Merchant ).—You do not say 
whether you wish to use the whole of the plants or only those that would 
afford the most pleasing effect; but we think the latter is the intention, 
therefore we propose—1, Mrs. Pollock Pelargonium ; 2, blue Lobelia ; 3 and 6, 
Flower of Spring Pelargonium ; 7, 8, 9, and 10, Golden Feather Pyrethrum ; 
4 and 5, Happy Thought Pelargonium ; then a line all round the bed so as 
to strike all the points of 2 and the outer edges of the circles 3, 4, 5, and 6 of 
Santolina incana; then a line of blue Lobelia and an outer edging or margin 
of Cerastium tomentosum. The Echeverias may be dotted in the Lobelia, 
or in 2 at about 1 foot distance apart. We presume what you call French 
Lavender is Santolina incana. 
Insects in Soil ( C. I. B., Bridporl). —The slender, worm-like insects are 
Myriapods, so named from their many feet. The particular species seems to 
be Julus pulchellus, which often infests the roots of plants, occasionally 
devouring or damaging seeds, such as those of Peas and Beans. It has 
been argued, however, that they seldom attack any plant which is not 
already beginning to grow sickly or to decay. They may be killed by a 
dressing of quicklime and soot, or by watering with the solution of soft- 
soap ana petroleum which has been frequently recommended in these 
pages. Large numbers may also be trapped by slices of Potato placed in 
the ground at night. The caterpillar enclosed is that of the yellow under- 
wing moth (Tryphena pronuba) which feeds through the winter on the roots 
and stems of plants, doing some seasons a good deal of harm amongst 
vegetables, upon which it feeds rather promiscuously. 
Lapageria Unhealthy (M. C. B .).—Judging by the leaf sent, the house 
in which the plant is grown is not judiciously ventilated. We suspect it is 
often kept closed too long in the morning, then the lights are thrown open 
widely. This results in excessive evaporation from the leaves, which 
are thereby chilled, imparting to the leaves a scorched appearance. 
Lapagerias require a free ventilation at all times, a close atmosphere being 
very injurious. Are you sure the roots of the plant are working in 
su'table soil ? 
Vine Leaves Blistered (C. H. H.). —We do not like the appearance o 
your Vine leaves, but there is not sufficient evidence of the presence of the 
phylloxera. We rather attribute the condition of the leaves to the pre¬ 
sence of excessive moisture, followed by sudden evaporation, resulting 
from keeping the house closed too long, then throwing open the venti¬ 
lators somewhat widely at once. You do not say whether the Vines grow 
freely or not, nor give a hint as to the state of the borders and con¬ 
dition of the roots. If you like to send further particulars and specimens 
the matter shall have our close attention. 
Double Richardias ( J. B. G.). —Flowers with double spathes are by 
no means common, yet from some unexplainable cause appear to be rather 
frequent this year. We have had two examples similar to yours sent to 
us, and so far as we know they represent either a “ freak of Nature,” or 
are the result of a maturation of the growths during an unusually fine 
summer and autumn, coupled with high cultivation this spring. We are 
not aware that the plants will necessarily produce double-spathed flowers 
another year, but they will no doubt be watched with interest by cultivators. 
Culture of Zygopetalum Mackayi (J. W. Leigh). —An experienced 
cultivator contributes the following note on the culture of this useful 
Orchid :—“ The secret of growing this old Orchid well is to give it heat and 
moisture during the season of activity and complete rest while in flower. 
The conditions of the conservatory or any similar structure will suit it 
exactly where a temperature not higher than 45° to 50° is maintained. 
This plant will continue growth slowly under ordinary stove treatment 
where the night temperature ranges from 60° to 65°, according to the 
weather. To ensure complete rest in such an atmosphere the plant must 
be dried severely at its roots, and even then the season of rest received 
under such conditions is not really beneficial to the health of the plants. 
The large pseudo-bulbs and thick fleshy roots enable it to withstand 
drought for a very long time, but complete rest, so essential to luxuriant 
growth, is better brought about by subjecting the plant to a lower tem¬ 
perature. Little or no water at the roots will be needed while the plant is 
allowed to remain in the temperature advised. Not only is this Zygo¬ 
petalum generally benefited by a lower temperature, but the flowers if al’o ved 
to expand under cool conditions are larger in size, brighter in colour, and 
they last nearly twice the length of time. This Orchid does well in a pot 
or pan in a mixture of peat fibre, lumps of charcoal, or broken crocks, or 
both, or a little sphagnum moss. During the season of activity, if the, pot 
are well crammed with roots, weak stimulants occasionally assist the plants 
wonderfully.” The plants may be potted in the present or next months 
and they may be divided if you wish, as they will probably produce “ back 
growth.” The Orchid sent is Oncidium Cavendishianum. 
Primulas for Winter ( Sandbach ).—A heated frame or pit for raising 
and establishing the plants in the spring, cold frames for growing them in 
during the summer—say, from the middle of June till the middle or end of 
September, and a house with a minimum temperature of 45° afterwards, are 
requisite structural conveniences. A vinery will do very well after the 
Vines are pruned if kept at the temperature indicat d. Sow in April in 
pots of sifted leaf soil, decayed manure, and loam in equal parts, and not 
pressed down firmly, watering before sowing the seed, not covering with 
soil, but placing a piece of slate or something across the pot to prevent 
the escape of moisture from the soil. The seed germinates freely in a 
temperature of 60°, and light is then essential, yet the seedlings are best 
shaded from bright sun. When they can be handled prick them off an inch 
or more apart in boxes, keeping them rather close, moist, and shaded till 
established, then allow them more light and air. When the plants touch 
each other place them separately in small pots, reducing the leaf soil and 
increasing the loam. When established in these pots let the plants have 
plenty of air to keep them sturdy, but not a dry atmosphere nor a hot sunny 
position. On roots protruding through the drainage shift the plants into 
5-inch or 6-inch pots in a mixture of turfy loam not sifted, a sixth of 
decayed manure worked through a sieve, with a little crushed charcoal and 
sand to keep the mass porous, 1 oz. of bonemeal to 1 lb. of soil being a 
valuable addition. Drain the pots effectively, pot rather firmly and deeply, 
and arrange the plants on ashes in frames. Apply water carefully, and 
hade lightly from hot sun, drawing off the lights on the evenings of hot 
days in July and August, and leaving them off all night in settled weather, 
as the dews invigorate the plants. These are what you request—the 
“ outlines of culture,” but success depends on the constant attention of the 
cultivator in watering the plants judiciously, and providing a genial 
atmosphere for encouraging their growth. They must not be root-bound 
in the small pots before being shifted, and not until the larger are pretty 
well filled with roots is liquid manure required ; after then it may be given 
weak, clear, and often with great advantage. 
Names of Plants.—We only undertake to name species of plants, not 
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers. 
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds 
should contain spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm 
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, 
dry cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be 
named at once. (B. B .).—It is impossible to recognise your plant by 
two dried and imperfect leaves, but if you send a specimen when it is in 
flower we may be able to determine it for you. Judging by the leaves we 
received the plant is not in a very healthy condition, perhaps the pot is not 
sufficiently drained, or the soil may be unsuitable. (J. C., Durham ).—The 
specimens sent were very small and unrecognisable. Correspondents who 
desire their plants correctly named should take care to send gcod examples. 
As near as we can tell, the one with flattened branches and racemes of 
flowers resembles Genista sagittalis, the other appears to be Medicago 
lupulina. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 25th. 
TRADE quiet, with good supplies. Grapes falling off; prices improving. 
FRUIT. 
8. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
S. 
d 
Apples .. .. 
h sieve 
2 
6 
to 4 
6 
Oranges . 
.. 100 
4 
0 to 
7 
0 
Chestnuts .. 
. a 
bushel 16 
0 
0 
0 
Peaches . 
per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cobs, Kent .. 
per 100 lbs. 
55 
0 
0 
0 
Pears, kitchen .. 
dozen 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Currants, Red 
£ sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
,, dessert 
dozen 
2 
0 
6 
0 
„ Black 
, . 
| sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Pine Apples English .. lb. 
1 
s 
2 
0 
Figs .. .. 
dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Plums . 
A sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Grapes .. .. 
5 
0 
8 
0 
Strawberries.. .. 
10 
0 
12 
6 
Lemons .. .. 
•• 
•. case 
10 
0 
15 
0 
St. Michael Pines 
..each 
3 
0 
7 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d 
s. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
Artichokes .. 
dozen 
2 
0 
to 4 
0 
Lettuce. 
. dozen 
1 
0 to 
1 
6 
Asparagus 
bundle 
7 
0 
8 
0 
Mushrooms .. 
punnet 
0 
0 
1 
6 
Beaus, Kidney 
100 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Mustard and Cress 
punnet 
0 
2 
0 
4 
Beet, Red .. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Ouions . 
bunch 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli .. .. 
bundle 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Brussels Sprouts 
, , 
£ sieve 
2 
6 
S 
0 
Parsnips. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage .. .. 
dozen 
0 
0 
1 
0 
Potatoes. 
cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums .. 
. , 
100 
1 
6 
2 
0 
,, Kidney . 
cwt 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Carrots .. .. 
bunch 
0 
S 
0 
4 
Rhubarb. 
bundle 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers .. 
. . 
dozen 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Salsafy. 
bundle 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Celery .. .. 
bundle 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Scorzonera .. . 
bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts drz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale .. .. rer basket 
1 
0 
1 
0 
Cucumbers 
each 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Shallots. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Endive .. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach. 
brshel 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Heros 
bunch 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes 
.. lb. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Leeks 
bunch 
0 
S 
0 
4 
Turnips. 
bunch 
0 
4 
0 
0 
ALTERNATE HUSBANDRY. 
No greater boon can tbe farmer have at this season of the year 
than high reading of the barometer steadily maintained for days 
and weeks together, with the usual results of high wind from the 
north-east, bright sunny skies, clouds of dust upon the highways, 
and, best of all, soil in the best possible condition for sowing the 
Lent corn. So well and early has this been done, that as April 
is now close upon us we shall, in many instances, be able to sow 
the grass and Clover seeds used under the important system 
known as alternate husbandry in the first rather than the second 
or third week of that month, as is usually done. The corn 
should always have two or three weeks’ start in order that the 
seeds may continue dwarf till after harvest, for if sown together 
the grass springs up among the corn to such a height that it 
must be cut with it, and then the corn not only must be mown 
and left in the swath, but it not unfrequently has to be turned 
before it is dry enough to be carried to the rickyard. 
Where land is being laid down to permanent pasture, a certain 
proportion of it should be held in reserve for the cultivation of 
tall quick-growing grasses and Clovers to afford an ample supply 
both of green food and hay for the cattle, so that they may be 
kept away from the young growth of permanent pastures for 
the first two or three years. This is a matter of considerable 
importance, which we have reason to fear does not receive the 
attention it should do, simply because due thought is not given 
to the best way of treating our young permanent pastures for 
