December 14,1882. ] JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 559 
grown and sold by the thousand by nurserymen ; and secondly because they do 
not always bear freely. For gathering green we doubt if you will find any to 
surpass Whitesmith and Lancashire Lad, the latter a red variety, and good also 
for preserving. Crown Bob bears heavy crops of fine fruit, but in all soils the 
trees do not grow freely. Early Sulphur is one of the best for affording ripe 
fruit as soon as possible ; while for late use and general preserving purposes the 
Red Warrington has few if any superiors. If any of our readers can name more 
profitable sorts to grow by the hundred or thousand than those we have recom¬ 
mended we will readily publish the names with any particulars of the varieties 
that arc furnished. 
Conifer Hedges (T. Wilkinson ),—There are few if any Conifers that will 
form a more beautiful hedge than Tliuia gigantea, usually sold under the name 
of T. Lobbi. It is hardy, retains its bright green colour throughout the winter, 
and is close yet elegant in appearance. T. occidentalis is cheaper and makes a 
good hedge, but in light soils is apt to get thin at the base. We have seen 
ornamental hedges of the Cedrus Deodara, Abies excelsa, and Cupressus nut- 
kaensis (often sold as Thujopsis borealis), and good compact fences of Cupressus 
Lawsoniaua ; but the firmest, closest, and most durable of Conifer hedges are 
those of the Yew, but it is of somewhat slower growth than most of the other 
trees named, and its dark colour may not suit your taste. In planting to form 
hedges young trees should be inserted from 1 to 2 feet apart according to their 
size, the ground being trenched and manured to promote free growth. 
Spray Diffuser (S. Hoskins). —There are several appliances for distributing 
insecticides in the form of spray. One of the most serviceable of these has been 
advertised by Mr. Wells, Earlswood Nurseries, Redhill. We have nothing to 
add to nor "detract from the following remarks that we published last year 
relative to this handy little garden appliance. It is much less of a plaything 
than some spray-distributors that we have seen, and is used precisely the same 
as a pair of bellows. An insecticide of any kind, and of approved strength, if 
placed in the reservoir can be distributed far more economically than through 
a syringe, and is often more effectual, as the spray adheres to the foliage like 
dew, which is not the case when liquid is applied through a syringe. Any 
insect-infested plant in a collection can easily be dressed with the aid of this 
implement, and it will be of even greater value in destroying tlirips and other 
insects on Vines where the Grapes are colouring. For this purpose this spray- 
diffuser will be of substantial value, as a large vinery may be dressed in a very 
short time without injuring the Grapes by placing the nozzle between the 
bunches and covering the foliage with, to the insects, deadly dew. 
Inarching Vines (J. D .).—The information you require is not given in 
either of the works to which you allude ; but you will find different methods of 
propagating, including inarching, in our “ Vine Manual,” which can be had 
from this office post free for 3i. 2 d. ; if you also send 3Li. to the publisher and 
ask him to send you No. 617 of the Journal of Horticulture you will find the 
details of an excellent method of inarching or bottle-grafting, which can 
scarcely fail to be of service to you. The particular method that is best to 
adopt can only be determined by circumstances ; but we tliink you will have no 
difficulty in accomplishing your object. If we can render you any aid we will 
readily do so on receiving particulars of your case, and the means and material 
at your disposal. 
Weeds among Fruit Trees (IF. A.).—“Water Grass ” is very common 
on such soils as yours, and where the land is under cultivation can only be got 
rid of by frequent tillage and cleaning. We do not think any special manure 
will destroy it. Practically we do not think there is any difference between 
English and foreign bones, and as those that you have used have answered well, 
you cannot do better than continue them; then lime, we think, will not be 
needed. There is no better manure for fruit trees than bones. 
Jacobaea Lily Culture (Subscriber).— The following extract from our 
“Greenhouse Manual” will answer your inquiry, except, as you have only one 
bulb, we should place it in a small pot and plunge this in a larger, as the soil in 
the smaller pot could be kept in a more equable state of moisture than if the 
pot were exposed. Sprekelia formosissima, or Jacobsea Lily, has narrow Ama¬ 
ryllis-like leaves; flowers rich crimson, on stems about a foot high. It is an 
old favourite, and without forcing, or in the greenhouse, it flowers about June, 
earlier or later according to temperature. With forcing it may be had in flower 
from February. It has one great defect—namely, that of flowering either before 
the leaves are produced or when there are but few* of these. Like many others, 
the beauty of the specimen is greater when there is a mass of bulbs in a pot, 
half a dozen or more not being too many for a 6-inch pot. They succeed 
admirably in a compost of fibrous loam two parts and one part of leaf soil, and 
should be covered to the neck. Drain the pots well and place them near the 
glass. From the end of September to April keep the plants dry on a shelf; in 
April giadually moisten the soil, having previously examined the drainage and 
put it in order, also removing the surface soil and giving a top-dressing of fresh. 
When the flower scapes’ appear water copiously, and after fresh foliage is made 
give very liberal supplies up to September ; then place the plants on a shelf near 
the glass and lessen the supply of water, but not so as to cause the foliage to 
become limp, and after September keep them dry. If the plants are required 
to flower, say, in April or earlier, they may have the drainage put in order, 
removing any old soil that comes away freely, and be top-dressed, placed in a 
bottom heat from 70° to 75°, and a top heat from 55° to 60°, and they will soon 
start into flower. Just before the blooms expand the pots should be gradually 
withdrawn from the hotbed before removal to the greenhouse or sitting-room. 
Avoid too large pots and potting over-frequently. After the removal of the old 
soil the pot should just hold the roots without cramping, while allowing of a 
little soil all round. No harm will result from the bulbs being left in the pots 
until the latter split; on the contrary, the plants are never so healthy nor so 
free-flowering as when they are in this state. If they should be enfeebled in 
growth repot them in a smaller-sized pot. 
Vine Border—Garnishing Grapes (Idem).— Your Vine border will not 
require any further covering. Garnishing fruit is a matter of taste and the 
materials at command. Some use green and variegated Holly, sprays of Conifers, 
or any* other evergreens ; others prefer the foliage of stove plants, such as Coleuses 
and Fittonias. Not knowing your resources we cannot give a more explicit 
reply. 
Pinus Lumbertiana (C. if. A.).— In its native habitat, California and 
Oregon, this is the tallest of all the Pines, often reaching a height of upwards of 
200 feet. In Veitch’s excellent “ Manual of the Conifer*,” it is stated that “ In 
England Pinus Lambertiana thus far shows no indication of rivalling the gigantic 
dimensions of its parent in California. Although introduced fifty years ago, 
there are few specimens that exceed a height of 60 feet; its growth in all soils 
and situations is very slow, especially during the first years from the seed. It 
is, however, a handsome tree of erect habit, with branches short and slender in 
proportion to the height of the trunk, the lower ones spreading, those higher up 
with the ends inclined upwards, and the highest ones ascending and generally 
well furnished with foliage distinguished by its bluish-green tint. To insure a 
good specimen of this noble tree it should be planted in a situation sheltered 
from winds blowing from the north, north-east, and east, and a clear space 
having a radius of not less than from 20 to 25 feet should be allowed for it.” 
Dr. Ilogg, in his “ Vegetable Kingdom,” states :—“The timber of P. Lambertiana 
is white, soft, and light, and produces an abundance of pure amber-coloured 
resin, which, when the trees are partly burned, acquires a sweet taste, and in 
this state is used by the natives of the Rocky Mountains as a substitute for 
sugar. The seeds are eaten either roasted or pounded into coarse cakes, for use 
during the winter season.” 
Fruit for Market (Veclii ).—It is next to impossible for us or anyone to 
give categorical replies to all the questions you have submitted. Your first 
query we answer in the negative. The prices represent the current retail value 
of the different articles enumerated in the lists, and in most cases the proba¬ 
bility is that a less amount would be returnable by a salesman disposing of the 
same class of goods, after deducting commission. Your second question we 
answer in the affirmative, yet conditionally—namely, assuming the soil and 
district to be favourable, and sound judgment and good management are exer¬ 
cised, the investment we should expect would prove fairly lucrative ; or, in 
other words, some persons might employ the sum named in the manner you 
suggest profitably, while in other hands and under differing circumstances the 
returns would not be satisfactory ; and, further, under any circumstances some 
time must necessarily elapse before any substantial return would be available 
from the culture of hardy fruit. The first half of your third question we answer 
without any qualification. It is not at all likely that planting railway em¬ 
bankments will affect the fruit supply of this country, but that the American 
yield will affect it more or less is quite probable ; still, by growing the best 
market varieties and producing fruit of high quality you ought not to fear a 
competitor who has to send his goods nearly four thousand miles to market. 
Your fourth question depends wholly on the skill and aptitude of the cultivator. 
The safe plan would be to combine both forms of culture, as the former would 
give immediate returns, and in the meantime the latter would grow into profit, 
and, the seasons being favourable, would increase in value yearly. As to glass 
copings, you must avail yourself of the experience of cultivators in your own 
district; in some places they answer well, in others they fail occasionally. In 
reply to your fifth and last question, we think you would act more wisely by 
extending your present business if it is profitable, than by running the risk of 
establishing another near London. The nearer you come to the metropolis the 
greater is the value of land and the cost of labour; and further, you would lose 
a week in the maturation for market purposes of your crops, as we suspect the 
season in your district is quite a week earlier than in Surrey, Kent, or Middlesex, 
which is a point of great moment. We know nothing about your local rates for 
the transit of goods, but we know that both fruit and vegetables are sent much 
further distances with profit to the cultivators than you will have to send if you 
decide to cater for the London market. In growing fruit, &c., for market some 
persons succeed where others fail. If you have succeeded in a small way you 
will have gained experience that may warrant you in extending the scope of 
your operations ; but if you have not had a fair return for the outlay already 
incurred you will do well to act cautiously. It is one thing to be “ very fond 
of gardening,” but quite another matter to practise it successfully as a means 
of procuring a livelihood. Endeavour to thoroughly understand the whole 
matter, and to see your way clear before investing money that you cannot 
afford to lose, and do not put all your eggs into one basket until you have leaiued 
by experience which basket to choose. 
Names of Fruits (J. L. B. C .).—The delay that has occurred is the co- . 
sequence of your not having complied with the request at the bend of this 
column. No. 2 is Alfriston ; 4, Bess Pool; 5, Cellini ; 7, Moss’s Incomparable. 
The others we cannot name, some of them were decayed when examined. 
(T. E. H.).— Hughes’ Golden Pippin. (E. Bartrum ).—Warwickshire or Wyken 
Pippin. 
Names of Plants (E. )'., Norfolk). —All the plants you name would be 
admissible iu a class for greenhouse plants. The one of which you send flowers 
and leaves is Chrysanthemum pinnatifidum. (X. Z.). —1, Selaginella Wildenovii; 
2, Brainea insignis ; 3, Asplenium dimorphum ; 4, Adiantum macrophyllum ; 
5, Blechnum brasiliense. (IF. R.). —1, Maranta arundinacea ; 2, Tradescantia 
zebrina ; 3, Tradescantia Warscewiczii; 4, Fittonia argyroneura. 
COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— December 13tii. 
Trade quiet. Market largely dependant upon Canadian Apples, which are 
reaching us in good condition. Common qualities of Grapes principally* off the 
market, and good samples are in full demand at firm rates. 
FRUIT. 
s. d. 
s. d. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
fl. 
Apples. 
) sieve 
2 0 to 7 0 
Grapes . 
0 to 5 
0 
3.5 0 
0 
30 
0 
Apricots. 
doz. 
0 0 
0 0 
Melous. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Cherries. 
i sieve 
o o 
0 0 
Neutarines.. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Chestnuts. 
bushel 10 0 
11 0 
Oranges .... 
0 
0 
10 
0 
Currants, Black.. 
4 sieve 
0 0 
0 0 
Peaches .... 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ Red.... 
\ sieve 
0 0 
0 0 
Pears,kitchen .. dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Figs. 
dozen 
0 8 
1 0 
dessert .... 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Filberts. 
tb. 
0 0 
0 0 
Pine Apples, 
English ft. 
2 
0 
3 
o 
Cobs.. 
100 ft. 4.5 0 
50 0 
Raspberries . 
. ft. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Gooseberries .... 
4 sieve 
0 0 
0 0 
Strawberries 
lb. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. d. 
s. d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
dozen 
2 0 to 4 0 
1 
Ofcrt 1 
6 
Aeparaffus. 
bundle 
0 0 
0 0 
Mii.^iirooin » 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Keans,Kidney.... 
100 
1 0 
0 0 
Mustard & Chess .. punnet 
0 
2 
0 
s 
1 0 
2 0 
3 
2 
0 
Broccoli. 
bundle 
0 9 
1 6 
Par dey. 
doz. buiii h s 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Brussels Sprouts. . 
4 sieve 
1 6 
2 0 
Par.nips .... 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage . 
dozen 
0 6 
1 0 
Peas . 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Capsieum* . 
100 
1 6 
2 0 
Potatoes .... 
6 
0 
7 
0 
Carrots . 
bunch 
0 4 
0 0 
K ldney .... 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Cauliflowers . 
dozen 
8 0 
8 0 
Radishes _ 
doz. b laehes 
1 
0 
0 
0 
1 6 
2 0 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Coleworts.. ..doz. bunches 
2 0 
4 0 
Salsafy. 
1 
0 
0 
each 
0 6 
1 0 
1 
6 
0 
8 
1 0 
2 0 
Seakalt .... 
2 
3 
0 
Fennel. 
b iwioh 
0 s 
0 0 
Shallots .... 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Garlic . 
tb. 
0 6 
0 0 
S p inaa h _ 
3 
0 
0 
0 
Herbs . 
bunch 
0 2 
0 0 
Tomatoes .. 
. ft. 
0 
8 
1 
0 
Leeks. 
bunc 
0 3 
0 4 
r tu a 4. • .... 
• 
2 
0 
0 
