JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
March 13 1882. ] 
247 
Filling a Fern Case (B. D .).—In preparing the cape for the reception of 
the plants give plenty of drainage, consisting of potsherds, the larger at the base 
and the finer nt the top, with a few pieces of charcoal. A suitable compost may 
be made of peat, sand, and a little turfy loam, also employing sandstone in pieces 
of various sizes, which should be embedded in the surface and will prove useful 
in retaining moisture. A few moderately strong-growing Fei ns will be required, 
and beneath them the surface can be covered with forms of dwarfish growth, 
especially the stronger of the Filmy Ferns. Among the larger Ferns suitable 
for your case one each of the following will probably be sufficient—rteris erotica 
albo-lineata, P. quadriaurita, Trichomanes radicans, Pelliea rotundifolia, Ony- 
chium auratum, Gymnogramma chrcrophylla, Asplenium cicutarium, A. mari- 
num, Doodia aspera, and Selnginella ccesia. Of the smaller Ferns Fadyenia pro- 
lifera, Doodia caudata, Rliipidopteris peltata, Davallia parvula, and Actiniopteris 
radiata are distinct, neat, and pretty. For covering the surface the following 
Selaginellas would be useful—S. apus, S. Poulteri, S. Kraussiana,and S. Martensii, 
and if only one sort is required S. Kraussiana should be selected. Hymeno- 
phyllum tunbridgense, H. unilaterale, and H. hirsutum are also dwarf and well 
fitted for including with the former if the space is not sufficiently filled. Small 
plants are preferable unless it is desired to completely furnish the case at once. 
Pelargonium Leaves Spotted (IF. A'.).—The disease is not the result 
of insect attacks, but is generally induced by defective root-action. If the soil 
is kept very wet and the atmosphere close and moist the evil will increase 
rather than diminish. We can only suggest that the plants have probably been 
too moist at the roots at some period of their growth, or the cuttings may have 
been taken from unhealthy plants. With healthy root-action and a warm but 
not too moist atmosphere the plants will probably improve ; but any that are 
seriously affected we should cut down, and healthy growth may issue. We 
never propagate from plants affected with the spot to the same extent as yours 
appear to be. Plants will often grow out of the disease when they are planted 
out in summer : if they do not do so they should be thrown away. 
Killing Insects (An Amateur of the Second Year). —We hope you will suc¬ 
ceed in having a satisfactory crop of Cucumbers and no insects ; but we know 
we could have stronger and cleaner plants that would produce at the least twice 
the quantity of fruit during the season than you can have by your method. But 
carry out your project; we like to see people engaged in encountering difficulties 
and conquering them. We have not tried the effects of a mixture of petroleum 
and soapsuds on Cinerarias in flower, never having had occasion to do so, as we 
take care that our plants are clean before the first flower expands. You can 
cleanse the plants by laying them on a mat or a grass plot and syringing them 
well on all sides with pure water. Your note will be readily inserted, possibly 
next week. 
A Seedling Begonia (Sussex). —The leaves and flowers you sent of a sup¬ 
posed hybrid precisely resemble in all their characters Begonia heracleifolia, a 
native of Mexico, whence it was introduced about fifty years ago. B. ricinifolia 
is quite distinct from this, having larger bright green leaves, and it is also 
taller-growing and of more robust habit. B. manicata is also very distinct with 
large bright green leaves, the stems and petioles being clothed with red fringe¬ 
like appendages. The flowers, too, of the last are small individually, but are 
borne in large erect panicles. Are your plants named correctly ? and are you 
sure you have not inadvertently had seeds of B. heracleifolia mixed with those 
resulting from the cross ? It is a very useful and easily grown Begonia, flowering 
during the greater portion of the year in a stove cr intermediate house. There 
are several varieties, differing slightly m the colour and size of the leaves. 
Planting a Flower Border (Nonsuch ).—There is no possibility of your 
carpeting your border, after the examples in the Loudon parks, with plants that 
you can raise from seed ; nor can you raise suitable plants from cuttings, as you 
do not appear to have the requisite stock to commence with. The cheapest way 
that we can suggest to render the border attractive would be to form it into 
circles and half circles, or diamonds and triangles, with lines of Golden Feather, 
and thus form a series of beds, which you might occupy with such plants as 
Stocks, Asters, Phlox Drummondi, dwarf Ageratums, Lobelias, and Petunias, 
with Zinnia beds at intervals if the plants are not too tall for the position. The 
Stocks can be had in separate colours or in mixture as you prefer ; but we think 
they would be the most effective separately. You might also have beds of Sapo- 
naria calabrica, dwarf blue Convolvuluses, and scarlet Nasturtium (Tropasolum) 
King of Tom Thumbs. These annuals would contrast with the yellow, and in 
good soil continue long in flower. A selection from the above would be suitable 
foryour beds also. There is no such cheap work devoted to carpet bedding as 
you appear to require. Mr. Graham of Hampton Court publishes a manual of 
the bedding there, the price of which you could have on application to him, and 
there are several small designs in Mr. Cannell’s “Floral Guide.” The “ Parks 
and Gardens of London," published at this office, price 5s., treats more fully on 
carpet bedding and raising the plants than any work with which we are ac¬ 
quainted. If the seeds of the Ficus are good you can raise plants in the manner 
you suggest. 
Raising Cyclamens (Vero). —Unless you have a suitable house, such as a 
rather cool stove, for growing the plants without check through the winter, it 
would be better to sow the seed now than to wait until July. Sow in heat as 
you propose, and grow the plants in a house or frame having a minimum tem¬ 
perature of 60° and a moist genial atmosphere. Do not dry them in the autumn, 
but keep them steadily growing, and with good culture you will have attractive, 
if rather small, plants next spring. Sow the seed as you would sow Balsam 
seed, covering with its own thickness of soil, and if this is kept constantly moist 
young plants will appear, whichever “ way uppermost ” the seed happens to lie. 
Mr. Bardney, in an excellent article on the culture of these plants, which you 
will do well to read, gives the following instructions for sowing—“ Seed pans or 
6-inch pots should be employed, well drained, and nearly filled with a light 
compost of loam, leaf soil, and sand. The seed should be covered with sandy 
peat and leaf soil mixed. The soil must be well watered, and covered with a 
square of glass until germination takes place, and the pots be placed in heat. 
New seed is preferable, as it soon germinates, but old seed takes a much longer 
time. When the seedlings appear the glass must be tilted, exposing the young 
plants gradually to more light.” Mr. Bardney advocates sowing in October, but 
if he omitted sowing then, he would sow now rather than lose more time by 
waiting until the autumn. The article referred to was published in our issue 
of November 3rd, 1881, and the number containing it can, if desired, be had 
from this office post free for 3\d. You will also find a practical article on 
Cyclamens in our Greenhouse Manual, price 9 d., post free 1(W. 
Packing Cut Flowers (IF. E. B.). —We cannot answer your question 
more usefully than by citing from an article published in our columns two 
years ago. "Although,” writes Mr. Iggulden, “we are within comparatively 
easy distance of London hampers or boxes of fruit, flowers, or vegetables started 
from here at 7 A.M. seldom arrive at their destination before 6 P.M. This is 
owing to our being on the eastern side, and with a railway terminus several 
miles from the west end of London; it will therefore be seen that we are worse 
situated than are others who may be a hundred miles and upwards from the 
metropolis. Tn my case the packages are travelling about London in the vans 
of the Parcels’ Delivery Company several hours during the hottest part of the 
day, to the injury of the contents unless well packed. Vegetables are commonly 
packed in Spinach, and having frequently observed how fresh they turn out 
when so packed I last season determined to try its effect on cut flowers, and so 
well did it answer that I was requested to continue its use. Slephanotises and 
Boses are flowers much in request. The former and similarly delicate flowers I 
was accustomed to pack carefully in cotton wool, and the latter closely in thin 
layers in common with other flowers. In neither instance did they arrive at 
their destination in good condition, invariably flagging badly, and almost irre¬ 
coverably. The cotton wool, although it prevents bruising, really absorbs 
moisture from the flowers; but not so the succulent Spinach leaves, as the 
flowers are taken out of the packages apparently as fresh as when gathered. A 
leaf is wrapped round each Bose, and also each bunch of Stephanotis. a smaller 
leaf being placed among the pips; and the other flowers are mostly laid on 
Spinach, and the rows divided by it. Shallow boxes are used for packing, and I 
find it a good plan to cut the flowers and place them in pans of water on the 
previous night, as they then absorb sufficient moisture to compensate for the 
loss by bleeding. To keep up a supply of Spinach during hot weather frequent 
small sowings are made on a north and rather rich border.” The flowers must 
be placed in the boxes so closely that they cannot be displaced in transit, and 
they should be cut before they are expanded. Many flowers are sent to London 
in boxes about 18 inches long, 9 inches wide, and 5 inches deep, but others more 
fragile are packed in trays 2 inches deep, several of these fitting in a large box ; 
but more depends on the care of the packer than the size of the receptacles 
employed for the flowers. 
Paraffin as an Insecticide (II. N ).—It is quite true that many of our 
correspondents have recommended the use of paraffin (petroleum) as an insect- 
killer, and one at least has adduced evidence of its use as a weed-eradicator ; but 
it is equally true that it has been frequently stated that the oil will not mix with 
water, hence such advice as the following, that has in substance been given in 
almost every aiticle that has been published. “ The oil and water do not mix 
together well, but if two or three squirts with a syringe are made into the vessel 
containing the mixture, and then immediately one syringeful on to the plant, 
and afterwards alternately squirting one into the vessel and one on to the plant, 
it will be sufficiently mixed for all practical purposes.” Your remark that “ soap 
in the water makes the matter worse” we can only comprehend on the sup¬ 
position that the water in your district is extremely hard, and the addition of 
soda is needed. Try the following mode of mixing which has been adopted with 
success and is recommeuded by a practical gardener in these terms—“ I have 
used paraffin for five or six years for Melons, Cucumbers, and plants generally as 
follows for summer use, or when plants are growing. For making four gallons 
I use a small thumb pot full of paraffin, a quarter of a pound of soft soap, and a 
piece of washing soda the size of a walnut; the soda softens and causes the whole 
to mix thoroughly. I first put the soap and soda into the water-can, and pour 
about one gallon of boiling water upon it, stir the whole until thoroughly mixed, 
then add the paraffin, stir the whole again, then add sufficient rain or soft water 
to make four gallons, and syringe the plants at once.” 
Pear Blossom (Idem). —We cannot account for the Fears on walls not 
producing blossom buds without knowing something about the trees. If they 
were equally floriferous, and the varieties were the same, the blossom of those on 
walls not having a north or very cold aspect would be as early as are standards 
in the open garden. 
Planting Potatoes (A. Boyle). —In all probability you will not only have 
a fair but a heavy crop of Potatoes from a recently broken-up pasture, the soil 
being strong loam, and we do not advise you to apply any manure at the time 
of planting. 
Names of Plants (A. Death). —1, I’teris longifolia ; 2, Nephrodium Filix- 
mas cristatum ; 3, Dendrobium nobile ; 4, Eria lanata. (It. P. B ).—The Phalse- 
nopsis is extremely fine, the colour being rich. It is a good variety of P. Schil- 
leriana. The Hellebore appears on comparison in a large collection to be a fine 
seedling form of H. purpurascens, but we do not know one exactly like it. 
(Sussex ).—Begonia heracleifolia. (II. C.). —1, Echeveriasecunda glauca ; 2, Sem- 
pervivum globiferum ; 4, Sempervivum montanum ; 3 and 5, Sempervivum cal- 
careum. The former is the true type, the latter is a chance variation. (IF. N.). 
•—Triteleia uniflora. (It. Smith, Bedford). —1, Dendrobium nobile ; 2, Dendro¬ 
bium thyrsiflorum ; 3, Bauera rubioides ; 4, Acacia verticillata ; 5, Acacia ar- 
mata; 6, Primula rosea. (IF. X, Kent).— 1, Mesembryanthemum cordifolium 
variegatum; 2, Sedum carneum ; 3, Sempervivum globiferum. 
COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— MARCH 22. 
Prices remain substantially the same as last week, and there is as yet no 
alteration in the supplies ; these, however, will be affected if the cold weather 
continues. 
FRUIT. 
8 . d. 9. d. 
Apples. 4 sieve 2 0to6 
Apricots. doz. 0 o 0 
Cherries. If lb. 0 0 0 
Chestnuts. bushel 16 0 0 
Currants, Black.. 4 sieve 0 0 0 
,, Red.... 4 sieve 0 0 0 
Figs . dozen 0 0 0 0 
Filberts. If lb. 0 0 0 0 
Cobs. V 100 ft. 30 0 CO 0 
Gooseberries .... 4 sieve 0 0 00 
Grapes . lb 6 0 12 8 
s. d. 
Lemons. case 12 
. each 0 
. dozen 0 
If 100 4 
dozen 0 
Melons . 
Nectarines.. .. 
Oranges . 
Peaches .. 
Pears, kitchen 
dessert . 
Pine Apples .. 
Strawberries 
dtol 6 
0 0 
dozen 
dozen 
If lb 
per oz. 
Walnuts . bushel 
VEGETABLES, 
s. d. s. d. 
Artichokes. dozen 2 0to4 0 
Asparagus. bundle 9 0 10 0 
Beans,Kidney .... If 100 2 0 2 6 
Beet,Red. dozen 10 2 0 
Broccoli. bundle 0 9 16 
Brussels Sprouts.. 4 sieve 13 16 
Cabbage. dozen 0 6 10 
Carrots. bunch 0 4 0 6 
Capsicums. ^ 100 1 6 2 0 
Cauliflowers. dozen 10 3 6 
Celery . bundle 16 2 0 
Coleworts....doz. bunches 2 0 4 0 
Cucumbers. each 0 9 10 
Endive. dozen 10 2 0 
Fennel. bunch 0 3 0 0 
Garlic . Plb. 0 6 0 0 
Herbs. bunch 0 * 0 0 
Leeks. bunch 0 8 0 4 
Mushrooms .punnet 1 
Mustard* Cress .. punnet 0 
Onions. bushel 3 
pickling. quart 0 
Parsley. doz.bunches 3 
Parsnips. dozen 1 
Potatoes. bushel 2 
Kidney. bushel 3 
Radishes.... doz .bunches 1 
Rhubarb. bundle 0 
Salsafy. bundle 1 
Scorzonera . buudle 1 
Seakale . basket 1 
Shallots. If lb. 0 
Spinach . bushel 3 
Tomatoes . If lb. 1 
Turnips. bunch 0 
Vegetable Marrows each 0 
d. s. 
0 to 1 
