I>«c«mber 28, 1884. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
583 
plants have seedlings pricked o£E now and growing freely, and these plants 
will be in splendid condition in the autumn of next year and the spring 
following. 
Carnations not Flowering {D. Edioards). —We have no means of 
knowing why your plants do not flower. Perhaps they are not strong 
enough; possibly the varieties are not the most free, or your house may not 
be light enough nor of the requisite temperature. Strong healthy outtings 
established in spring and the plants grown first on a shelf in a house having 
a temperature about 50°, then transferred to frames and eventually placed 
in the open air, will, if well attended to, be strong and sturdy by the autumn, 
and will flower freely enough in winter in a temperature of 50° to 55°, but 
they must have a light position. As you wish them to be dwarf and flori- 
ferous, try Miss Jolliffe and A. Alegatiere. We can cut handfuls of flowers 
from fifty well-grown plants of those useful varieties ; but many others have 
finer individual flowers. 
Wall-covering Plants for a Dark House {Willesden). —Wo doubt if 
there is a more suitable plant for your purpose than Ficus repens. It is 
evergreen, and we have seen it luxuriating in ferneries that Were densely 
shaded, and it succeeds in a stove or greenhouse temperature. The small¬ 
leaved variety of this plant, F. repens minima, forms a particularly neat 
and smooth surface, and is on that account attractive. It will grow in a 
cool house, but more rapidly in a warm one. 
Ink for Zinc Labels {J. Mersey). —We agree with you that it is most 
disappointing to find the names on zinc or any other labels obliterated. 
The proper ink for writing on zinc is nitro-muriate of platinum, which 
produces a jet-black indelible stain. This preparation is easily made, and at 
very little cost. Procure an ounce stoppered phial, into which have two 
pennyworth, or half an ounce, of nitro-muriatic acid (composed of two parts 
muriatic to one of nitric), which may be obtained of any chemist. Next 
obtain from the gunsmith an old platinum touch-hole, which may be had for 
a few pence ; then putting the latter in the acid and leaving out the stopper, 
set the phial in the sun or else upon hot sand until the acid has assumed a 
deep rich brown tint, or that the metal has ceased to give off bubbles of gas 
from the acid becoming a saturated solution. A few drops of this should 
now be added to a little water and tried with a quill pen, adding drop by 
drop until a sufficient blackness is produced. When using great care must 
be taken to wash the writing thoroughly in plenty of water immediately it 
has blackened, and then it should be wiped quite dry and varnished as soon 
afterwards as possible. 2, Take one part verdigris, one part sal-ammoniac, 
half part lampblack, and ten parts of water ; mix well, and keep in a bottle 
with glass stopper ; shake the ink before using it. It vull keep any length 
of time. Write it on the label with a steel pen not too fine-pointed. It 
dries in the course of a minute or two, and will endure for many years. 
Or put into two-pennyworth of common writing ink two pieces of sulphate 
of copper the size of a hazel nut ; let it dissolve, and write on the zinc with 
a quill pen. 
Heating a Fernery {T. W. G.). —There is no method comparable with a 
small boiler and a flo iv and return pipe conducted along the front of the 
house or partly round it for circulating the water. Three-inch pipes would 
_probably do in this case, but everything depends on the kinds of Ferns 
grown, the height of the house, and its exposure. Small boilers have been 
regularly advertised, any of which would answer. It will be best to write 
for illustrated prospectuses, and choose the apparatus which as regards its 
form can be the most] conveniently fixed to the house. A bellglass placed 
over Androsaces, but so fixed that the plants can receive abundance of air, 
will be useful. 
Myrobalan for Hedges {Trike). —We have been informed that this— 
commonly termed the Cherry Plum—makes a quick and good hedge, and we 
think it very likely to do so, though we have not had actual experience on 
the point. Plants are raised from seed, but as they cannot be ready for 
planting until four or five years after sowing you will perhaps rather pur¬ 
chase them from a nurseryman. You can get all the information you need 
on the question of artificial manures from a merchant or dealer in Beading. 
It is not our custom to procure and publish prices of articles when persons 
can obtain the information for themselves as easily as we can. 
Forcing Asparagus and Seakale {Edwin). —The most convenient plan 
of forcing Asparagus is to transfer it to a light pit provided with a moderate 
bottom heat, and duly covered with light soil; allowed as much sunlight 
and air as possible, an abundant supply of excellent Asparagus may be 
obtained. This system of removal may be considered extravagant when 
the destruction of the roots is considered ; but its adoption in some instances 
could not fail to be of use, as a system might be originated of substituting 
young and healthy stock in place of anciently established and worn-out 
plants, whose occupation of the land has continued for many successive 
years. There is no question but that the best-flavoured and finest Seakale 
is obtained from established plants subjected to no system of forcing, but 
merely covered with light earth or sand, and brought forward by the natural 
warmth of the season; but Seakale is demanded at Christmas, and a more 
active system of procedure is imperative. The old plan of covering with 
ots and supplying a stimulating heat by a body of leaves is still preferred 
y many. The more recent plan of taking up the roots and forcing them iii 
the Mushroom-house, or any dark place, has its recommendations both in 
regard to economy and rapidity of production ; only, if the precautions for 
excluding light be not effectual the flavour will be deteriorated. 
Odontoglossum grande {Amateur). —If absolutely n^'cessary the plant 
may be repotted now, but we should prefer delaying the operation for a 
month or two. This species succeeds best in a pot, and you may employ a 
compost of peat and sphagnum moss intermixed with liberal and carefully 
placed drainage. Fresh living moss should be placed over the roots and 
surface of the compost. The plant must never be permitted to become dry, 
as it speedily suffers from neglect in this matter. 
Names of Fruits (If. JJ. Jones).—1 is Sweeny Nonpareil; 2, Mannington’s 
Pearmain; 3, not known. {Crowder <.]• Sons). —Loan’s Pearmain. {J. Hart- 
land). —1, not known. 2, Pitmaston Nonpareil. 3, Franklin’s Golden 
Pippin. 4, Lord Burghley. 6, Golden Harvey. G, Morris’ Nonpareil 
Russet. The plant is Montbretia crocosmieflora. (J. /).).—3, Trumping- 
ton. We cannot recognise any of the other Apples, they are probably 
local varieties; 12 is not Golden Harvey. The Pear is Vicar of Winkfield. 
{H. T. Frere).—!, Fearn’s Pippin; 2, Court Pendfi Plat; 3, Blenheim 
Pippin ; 6, Dumelow’s Seedling; 4 and G, not knowui. 
Names of Plants (TV. L.). —1, Mahonia aquifolia. 2, the fungus is Stereum 
purpureum. 3, the Poinsettia is included in the natural order Euphorbiacese. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET. —Decembee 24th. 
Business very quiet, with little alteration in prices. Grapes improving in value. 
FEUIT. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Apples .. .. 
2 
6 to 8 
6 
Oranges. 
4 
0 to 
6 
0 
Chestnuts .. 
.. bushel 
16 
0 
0 
0 
Peaches . 
perdoz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cobs, Kent .. 
per 100 lbs. 
60 
0 
0 
0 
Pears, kitchen 
dozen 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Currants, Bed 
., h sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
,, dessert 
dozen 
2 
0 
6 
0 
„ Black 
.. J sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Pine Apples English., lb. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Figs .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Plums . 
i sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Grapes .. .. 
1 
6 
4 
0 
Strawberries.. 
.. lb. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Lemons.. .. 
10 
0 
15 
0 
St. Michael Pines 
. .each 
3 
0 
5 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
8. d. 
a. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
Artichokes .. 
.. dozen 
2 
0 to 4 
0 
Mushrooms .. . 
punnet 
0 
0 to 
1 
6 
Beans, Kidney 
lb. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Mustard and Cress 
punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, iled 
.. dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Ouions. 
bunch 
0 
3 
0 
4 
Broccoli .. .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Brussels Sprouts 
.. i sieve 
2 
6 
S 
0 
Parsnips. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage .. .. 
0 
0 
1 
0 
Potatoes. 
cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums 
100 
1 
6 
2 
0 
,, Kidney . 
. cwt. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Carrots .. ., 
0 
S 
0 
4 
Rhubarb. 
bundle 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers .. 
.. dozen 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Salsafy. 
bundle 
1 
0 
0 
6 
Celery .. .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Scorzonera .. . 
bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts dcz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale .. .. per basket 
2 
0 
2 
6 
Cucumbers 
.. each 
0 
4 
0 
8 
Shallots. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Endive .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach. 
bushel 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Herbs .. .. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes .. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Leeks .. .. 
0 
3 
0 
4 
Turnips. 
bunch 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Lettuce .. .. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
PIG MANAGEMENT. 
( Continued from ymge 562.) 
In the ordinary course of management enough pigs are reared 
upon the home farm to supply every possible requirement for 
home consumption, both of porkers and of bacon pigs. To do 
this perfectly there must always be a surplus over all extra¬ 
ordinary demands which may and do frequently arise, such 
surplus being easily disposed of when not wanted. In addition to 
this it is worthy of our serious consideration how many more 
pigs may be profitably bred for sale, and some degree of caution 
must be exercised in the matter, for it seldom answers to rush 
into extremes; rather should we aim to maintain a fair pro¬ 
portion of cattle, sheep, and pigs. If this is done it will be 
found in many instances that not nearly so many pigs are reared 
annually as might be managed without undue interference with 
other matters. Taken in this, the only safe way, it quickly 
resolves itself into a question of ways and means—convenience, 
food, labour, and a market. Most wisely are we taught that 
“ The great art of remunerative stock-keeping is the same for aU 
animals when kept for meat-production. From the period of 
birth until slaughter there should on no account be the slightest 
stagnation in growth or decline in condition rendered possible. 
This should be avoided as a fatal stumbling-block to success; 
and no stock can be kept so as to pay well for their food unless 
this art be well understood and its principles acted upon.” 
Acting upon this sound advice, we take care, after weaning pigs, 
to keep them in sleek condition by giving them enough wash or 
milk, slightly thickened with pollard, in addition to a vegetable 
diet, or when Potatoes can be had they are cooked and mashed 
as a substitute for corn. 
Of vegetables nothing comes amiss—all the Cabbage tribe, 
green Tares, Clover, grass, and Prickly Comfrey; and of roots. 
Parsnips, Carrots, Swede Turnips, and best of all. Mangolds, of 
which we may have a useful supply during the greater part of 
the year. There must, however, be systematic arrangement in 
reference to the growth of such crops specially for the pigs, and 
not the too common careless practice of letting them have odds 
and ends of crops only. If it is worth while keeping pigs at all 
they certainly must have a share of our attention in our plans 
for ci’opping the farm in the coming season. The most im¬ 
portant crop for them is Peas, which when harvested and stacked, 
may be used by giving the unthreshed haulm to pigs and letting 
them extract the Peas, which they do so thoroughly that not one 
of them is wasted, and they also consume much of the haulm. 
