October 4 , 1883. J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
295 
pod is an impressive name and a fertile Bean, but it is very short as 
Beans grow now-a-days.—A Kitchen Gardener. 
GRAPES AT CLOVENFORDS. 
Much has been written respecting the Grapes grown at this noted 
establishment, so when northwards I availed myself of the privilege 
freely accorded me by Mr. Thomson to visit and note for myself 
what is being done \ Briefly, then, will I describe as fairly as i can 
the condition of the varieties. 
Lady Downe’s. —This valuable Grape, which is highly esteemed 
by Mr. Thomson, was first examined. The crop looks noble. Fancy 
span houses 200 feet long, proportionately wide, and very high 
pitched, the roofs covered as regularly as can be imagined with 
bunches of Grapes. The Vines are 9 feet apart, each carrying three 
rods, and there are twenty or more bunches of a good size for 
keeping on each rod. To my mind medium bunches of 1 Lb. or H l"b. 
are prettier than the larger ones. The Grapes were colouring well. 
I did not observe many laterals with two bunches, but where those 
were present I could see but little difference in quality or size of 
bunch or berries. Really this Grape when thus excellently grown 
has a very superior appearance. I particularly noted that the 
majority of large bunches were grown on young rods run up last 
year. Some bunches would turn the scale at 4 lbs. and had no 
shoulders. Again, some bunches were so broad across the top as to 
resemble Alicantes. Mr. Thomson assured me that he intended 
bottling about 1000 bunches. The laterals were strong and not at all 
■close, and the foliage was good. Houses of this variety presented a 
sight not soon to be forgotten. Attention is required when the 
bunches are in flower to get them to set evenly. There is little 
scalding, as might be expected in such lofty well-ventilated houses. 
Doubtless plenty of fire heat has somewhat to do with the success 
attained, there being, I believe, six rows of 4-inch pipes on each side 
■of the houses. There are three houses of this Grape, and the crops 
represent something considerable, especially -when it is remembered 
they are not used until the other var. Grapes are cut. This Grape 
will keep well on Vine until March. 
Black Alicante. —So good are the crops of this Grape I really 
fail to see why rods were cut out to make way for the preceding. 
The bunches are noble, some I think weighing G lbs., and all of good 
■colour, though the berries might have been larger by a little more 
thinning. The bunches being large were of course less numerous 
than those of Lady Downe’s, yet f feel sure some of the Alicante 
rods carried nearly double weight of the other. Alicante is of little 
use for keeping after Christmas, the fruit being so watery, though 
good cultivation improves them in the latter respect. I left these 
(being rather interested in this variety) with a very favourable 
opinion of it. This a very hardy Grape, and sets very freely—too 
freely for some persons. 
Muscat of Alexandria. —Of this I consider the crop too heavy 
to finish well; the rods, being only 3 feet apart, have not sufficient 
space for the fruit to ripen and colour early. These, though grown 
extensively, do not pay for growing in proportion to Alicante. Some 
fine pieces were hanging with good berries, still they gave me the 
idea of not being quite happy. This, however, only confirms the 
■opinion of good Muscat growers that this Grape requires very special 
treatment to grow it well. Then the question arises, Will this special 
treatment pay for market purposes ? 
Duke of Buccleuch. —I had seen this Grape exhibited at the 
Edinburgh Show the day previous in grand form, and expected to see 
it growing extensively at home, but I was too late, as the bulk of the 
■crop was cut. However, sufficient was left to exhibit the high 
character of this noble Grape. Tasting is always considered a test 
for quality, and I had the pleasure of tasting in liberal quantity, and 
very superb the quality was. The berries are so large that one is a 
mouthful, and the skin thin. This Grape must command attention, 
and whoever has it once will cerfainly want it again. No doubt it is 
•a great success here, and there is no spot which occurs in some places. 
This is a very early variety, and I do not suppose will keep long with 
any certainty. 
Gros Colman. —This is the Grape at Clovenfords, and of itself 
worth a journey of 400 miles to see. The two spans, 200 feet long, 
were a picture. I do not wish unduly to flatter Mr. Thomson respect¬ 
ing this the grandest of all market Grapes, but must say the crop is 
very encouraging to a small grower like myself. Invariably the 
bunches were without shoulders. The reason is not far to seek. First, 
for keeping we know such bunches are far the best, but the most 
important point is the ripening, a bunch without shoulder being com¬ 
paratively easy to finish, and when finished can be packed safely and 
securely. The owner of these grand Grapes speaks with experience 
when he says the Gros Colman takes two months longer to finish 
than Alicante. Plenty of fire is required for this. I did not expect 
find this quite so late, still there is no doubt about it being 11 
right, as my experience tells me it will colour and finish very late in 
October. In lean-to houses this variety was ready for cutting, but 
then the crop was lighter than in the span houses. I should not 
advise the planting of Gros Colman extensively in lean-to or in mixed 
houses. I brought home sample berries measuring fully 4 inches in 
circumference. The flavour I know is faulty, still the noble appearance 
will always command special attention. The Vines were planted 
8 feet apart, but the rods were about 3 only asunder ; foliage good, 
but presenting the usual characteristic of this kind—namely, curled 
edges, slightly'' coloured, with the usual touch of red spider. This, 
though slight, requires attention, and Mr. Thomson thinks sulphur on 
the pipes helps to keep it in check. No other Vines take this pest so 
freely, so growers should be on guard. I took particular note of the 
general crop all through, and observed that no matter how light the 
crop, which of course colours quickest, the bunches do not come any 
larger. I have left, say, from six to ten bunches on one rod and 
twice that number on the next, yet there was no great difference in 
size of bunches ; the berries are, however, the largest on the light- 
cropped rod. I do not think it wise, therefore, for cultivators 
generally to attempt very heavy cropping, as a rod bearing from, say, 
18 lbs. to 20 lbs. will give more satisfaction than a crop will of 
twice that weight. I came away with the impression that Gros 
Colman with three or more rods is better than vben limited to a 
single cane. I note, however, that Mr. Thomson is averse to a very 
rapid extension for this variety. Astonishing growths of young cut¬ 
backs of Gros Colman planted in other houses will doubtless create 
a sensation some time. 
Gros Maroc. —I saw one Vine of this Grape well cropped, berries 
very good, and covered with fine bloom. I believe Mr. Thomson .is 
only waiting to test its keeping qualities before deciding on the merits 
of this variety for market. I may have something to say respecting 
it later on. 
I make no attempt at fully describing all that is to be seen at this 
large establishment. The Orchid growers, however, would have a 
treat, for these plants are grown very largely. I have purposely 
avoided the manure question, but ere I finish let me give a word of 
praise to the Vine manure as made by Mr. Thomson. It is a Vine 
manure, yet so harmless and withal beneficial that every Orchid, 
Fern, or plant for which it is employed can be detected. Naturally 
Mr. Thomson is proud of this, and the conclusion I came to after 
examining the borders, both inside and out, was that the soil itself is 
but a poor sample of stiff hungry loam, such as is soon worn out. 
All the houses were as clean and orderly as in a nobleman’s garden, 
which is not always the case in commercial establishments. My 
thanks are due to both Mr. W. Thomson and his son for their 
very hospitable treatment of a stranger, and I trust this first visit 
may be the beginning of a series of future enjoyable visits.— Stephen 
Castle, West Lynn. 
TEA ROSES IN WINTER. 
Charming unfolding buds of these Roses are always welcome, and 
appear to be especially valued in the late autumn and early winter 
months. In the spring they can easily be had by forcing by all who 
have, the necessary means for producing them. During the closing 
months of the year flowers can be had with little forcing, provided 
healthy plants are established in pots. Such plants that have been out¬ 
side for some time past will have their wood thoroughly ripe, while 
others have broken back, producing new growth which will in a few 
weeks yield abundance of useful buds. These, if housed in a light 
position where the night temperature can range from 50° to 55°, with a 
rise of 10° during the day, and the house closed early while the sun is 
upon it, will give some very useful flowers after those in the outside 
borders are past. Those that have not commenced growth should have 
the thin weak wood removed and the stronger shoots partially shortened 
before they are started. Those that have already started can, if too 
early, have the buds removed at once, and they will quickly make 
short growths and produce buds in quantity. With strong plants, and 
these given careful and judicious treatment, the supply of useful buds 
need not fail between now and Christmas. 
If any of the plants are much rootbound they may with safety be 
transferred into a little larger pots. Others should be well top-dressed 
or given a little Standen’s or Crown manure, which acts quickly and 
beneficially upon Roses whether in pots or planted out. Young plants 
in G-inch pots that were rooted from cuttings last spring should be 
removed from the cold house in which they have been growing, and 
placed in the same genial temperature above mentioned, and they will 
well repay the care that has been devoted to them. Be careful that 
red spider does not exist upon the plants when removed indoors ; but 
the moment it is seen wash them thoroughly with soft soap, in which 
has been mixed a little sulphur.— Cultivator. 
Ancient Bridal Wreaths. —It appears that the Roman bridal 
wreath was of Verbena, plucked by the bride herself. Holly wreaths 
were sent as tokens of congratulations, and wreaths of Parsley end Rue 
