430 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. c November 10 , mi. 
can be grown on lawns anil in pleasure grounds. It is quite 
hardy, and many fine specimens are established in various parts 
of the country. The leaves usually assume a bright yellow colour 
in the autumn, and the trees then have a beautiful appearance. 
GRAPES AT THE HANDSWORTH (SHEFFIELD) 
SHOW. 
In the Journal of Horticulture, Oct. 13th, page 341, allusion is 
made to the Grapes shown at Handsworth by Mr. Simpson of 
Wortley, who was awarded the first prize for black Grapes. As 
one of the judges in the open class, I had every opportunity of 
examining the exhibits very closely, and I must certainly say the 
two bunches of black Grapes (Alnwick Seedling) were tine samples, 
being large both in bunch and berry, and carrying a fine bloom, 
showing the careful treatment they had received, there being no 
rubbing or marks to spoil the appearance of the fruit. As regards 
the brushing-up advised by your Edinburgh reporter to the 
gardeners in the neighbourhood of Sheffield, had he seen the 
quantity of good fruit shown at Handsworth I think his opinion 
would have been changed of the ability of Grape-growers in the 
locality of Sheffield; for I believe they are able to keep their 
own ground against others, no matter from what part of the 
country they may come, especially if such excellent Grapes as 
those staged by Mr. Simpson at Handsworth are forthcoming.— 
J. Jefferson,' Worksop. 
SEASONABLE NOTES ON GREENHOUSE PLANTS. 
In all well-ordered establishments the operation of removing 
indoors such plants as Camellias, Azaleas, Cytisuses, and other 
hardwooded plants which were placed outside during the summer 
months, is now completed. Previous to arranging the plants in 
their winter quarters a careful examination should be made of 
the drainage, removing all worms. Should it be difficult to 
find them, a few waterings with weak lime water will have the 
desired effect. If the drainage is foul carefully remove it, and 
supply clean material. See that the exterior of the pots receive a 
good cleansing—this is an operation too often neglected by many 
gardeners ; also carefully remove all inert soil from the roots of 
the plants, and apply water with care and judgment. 
Camellias, Azaleas, Cytisuses, and similar plants are greatly 
benefited by occasional supplies of clear soot water. The latter 
produces excellent effects upon Camellias, causing their leaves to 
assume a fine, dark, glossy appearance, and greatly assisting the 
formation of flower buds. Some growers repot their Camellias 
and Azaleas at this season ; but we question the soundness of 
such a practice, since from close observation we are convinced 
that the best period to repot these plants is in spring, when they 
commence growing. By so doing the soil does not become soured 
and saturated before the roots penetrate it. Again, unless the 
repotting be performed very carefully at this period the plants 
will shed their flower buds. Care must also be taken that the 
operation is skilfully performed. 
Cytisuses, Coronillas, and Acacias should have their drainage 
examined also, and subjected to the same cleansing as directed 
for Camellias. Occasional applications of weak liquid manure 
will be found highly beneficial during their flowering period. 
Ericas and Epacris should be treated similarly to the foregoing 
as regards cleansing. The plants should occupy a light airy situ¬ 
ation and receive careful attention in watering. Those useful 
and indispensable Ericas, hyemalis, gracilis, and Wilmorei, will 
soon be in flower. Chrysanthemums are now rendering green¬ 
houses and conservatories gay wflth their large brilliant flowers. 
Some growers plant these out and lift in September, but for ordi¬ 
nary establishments we do not consider the nractice a commend¬ 
able one. The system may doubtless answer well where large 
plants are required, but, like your correspondent “ Single- 
handed ” (page 341), we prefer those grown entirely in pots. 
It is, however, an excellent practice to plunge those grown in pots 
in a bed of coal ashes or cocoa-nut fibre refuse. Thus treated the 
labour of watering is considerably reduced. 
Callas (Richardia asthiopica) are useful plants for winter flow¬ 
ering. With some growers these are also planted out and lifted 
in the autumn. This is a good and speedy plan for growing 
young plants, but for flowering purposes we prefer those grown 
in pots. 
Eupatorium odoratum is a useful free-flowering plant, and 
deserves to be grown much more than it is. It is of easy culti¬ 
vation, and would certainly amply repay for the little attention 
bestowed upon it by a bountiful supply of its pure white flowers. 
By judicious management the plants may be had in bloom from 
the present time till spring. Liberal applications of weak liquid 
manure should be given to each of the foregoing plants. 
Habrothamnus Aubletii and H. elegans are useful free-blooming 
plants, especially the former, when planted out. 
Cyclamens are growing freely, and in some cases flowering 
freely too. Occasional waterings with weak soot water will greatly 
assist them. 
Primulas are coming rapidly into flower. They should not be 
subjected to a lower temperature than 55°, and occupy a position 
as near the glass as possible. Water them with tepid clear soot 
water. The double varieties, especially Gilbert’s strain, are lovely 
in form and colour, and valuable for cut purposes. Cinerarias 
will need all the light and air that can possibly be given. Supply 
them frequently with liquid manure in a weak state.—A SOUTHERN 
Gardener. 
SCRAPS ABOUT FRUIT. 
New Apple The Queen. —There is nothing the public are 
more sceptical about than new fruits, and we need not wonder at 
it when there is so many old favourites that have stood the test 
of time. But in the new Apple The Queen, which the Messrs. 
Saltmarsh & Son of Chelmsford exhibited last autumn in London, 
and to which the Royal Horticultural Society gave a first-class 
certificate, the public will be able to secure one of those sterling 
novelties which only appear perhaps once in half a century, and 
which all fruit-growers will welcome. In appearance The Queen 
is one of the most beautiful of Apples, being regular and even in 
its outline. Skin pale lemon yellow nearly covered with bright 
crimson, with here and there broken dashes of colour, which gives 
the fruit a beautiful marbled and highly ornamental appearance. 
Flesh white, juicy, and of fine quality; will be highly appreciated 
as a dessert fruit as well as for culinary purposes. No doubt the 
public will soon become acquainted with it, as exhibitors will find 
it to make one of the most telling of dishes, and market growers, 
from its beauty, quality, and general productiveness, one of the 
most desirable to grow. We therefore cordially welcome Her 
Majesty, as she promises to take the same rank amongst Apples 
that the Black Hamburgh and Muscats do amongst Grapes.— 
W. F. Bowman, Ilylands. 
Two Select Apples.—A dessert Apple of the first quality, 
though small and beautiful in appearance, is the Jefferson. The 
Frogmore Prolific is well worthy of a place even in a small col¬ 
lection, the former succeeding well as an espalier, and the latter 
as a bush.—W. H. C., Tunbridge. 
Raspberries. —It was only a few days before I left Cornwall 
that I went through the excellent truit gardens of Mr. William 
Thomas, Ridgeovan near Penzance. Mr. Thomas was then for¬ 
warding Raspberries in large barrels of about two bushels each. 
These went by rail, arriving at their destination safely. Mr. 
Thomas sends away many tons in this way every season. The 
variety is Fastolf, a good all-round sort.— William Roberts, 
Dersingham. _ 
Brown Beurre Pear. —Generally this Pear disappoints culti¬ 
vators in cold districts. Many trees have been planted as pyra¬ 
mids, but they are rarely satisfactory, and the only certain mode 
of obtaining good crops of fruit that will ripen is to grow the 
trees against walls. Are there not too many late Pears planted 
in the open, and too many early varieties occupying walls?— 
A. H., North Notts. _ 
Pear versus Quince Stocks. —I find the Pear is the only stock 
I can obtain fruit from here. I have about equal number of trees 
on Pear stocks as on Quince. The latter are all unhealthy and 
very much cankered—in fact, all the Pears on the Quince stock 
are worthless. Those on the Pear stock are in very fair health 
and very little cankered, and produce good crops of fruit. The 
soil is light and gravelly, resting on a bed of flinty gravel. The 
trees are heavily mulched every spring. From my experience I 
find the Quince stock only suitable for heavy or loamy soil, and 
the Pear stock for almost any kind of soil.—R. OWEN. 
Peasgood’s Nonesuch Apple. —The above is without doubt 
one of the finest Apples grown. It is of splendid shape, size, 
and colour, and the flavour is nearly all that can be desired. The 
tree is very prolific, and bears fruit in quite a young state ; there¬ 
fore it is suitable for small gardens. I strongly recommend it to 
intending planters, as I am certain it will give satisfaction.— 
R. Owen. 
The Washington Apple.— Having the privilege of seeing 
