346 JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. [ April 2 c, ises. 
killed. But it is better to avoid having to remove the large cater¬ 
pillars thus by dealing with them previously as juveniles. Should 
stray ones have been allowed to become chrysalids, they may be 
detected upon the twigs or branches by their bands of black and 
yellow. 
Now there is not a single caterpillar upon the Gooseberry in the 
early summer that has not previously fed upon its leaves in the 
autumn, and if the insects were more generally searched for then 
there would be little trouble from them during the ensuing season. 
One gentleman, a naturalist rather than a gardener, has proposed 
the removal of all the leaves about September, whereby the new 
brood would be killed or starved. This is, however, an extreme 
measure. When the bushes are pruned caterpillars may be found 
and destroyed; they may also be killed by the application of dry 
sulphur, quicklime, or soot. The best time for this process would 
be when the bushes are moistened by dew. Syringing with a 
solution of soap or with some soapy compound is serviceable. And 
as it has been thought part of the brood winter upon the earth, or 
just below the surface (although I have seldom so discovered them), 
forking round the bushes and manuring may be of use. 
Reserving until our next article a notice of the Gooseberry saw- 
fly, I add a brief history of another Lepidopterous insect, the cater¬ 
pillar of which feeds upon the Gooseberry. This is a “looper,” 
like the species just described; in crawling, the fore and hind legs 
move in turn, so that the middle of the body is bent into a loop; 
and from this habit occurring amongst a large group they have also 
been called “ geometers,” or ground-measurers, the regularity of 
their locomotion being thus peculiar. Not sufficiently abundant to 
be injurious, the caterpillar of the Y-moth (Halia wavaria) never¬ 
theless occurs in most parts of England in the Gooseberry during 
the autumn. It never attains to half the size of the preceding, but 
is a little slim caterpillar, greenish or buff-coloured, freckled with 
black warts. The moth flies in July. This is grey with a silvery 
gloss, a few black and white markings, and some very distinct deep 
brown spots near the tip of the wings, one of which is supposed to 
resemble the letter Y.— Entomologist. 
GARDENERS AND GARDENING. 
Gardening is not only one of the oldest, but one of the most 
elevating of pursuits. It is a pursuit that many people take great 
pleasure and pride in following, either as a means of acquiring a 
livelihood or as recreation. Although gardening has been practised 
since the creation of man, and deservedly held in high repute, it 
has, undoubtedly, made the greatest strides during the last half 
century. Gardening is now quite different from what it used to 
be even thirty years ago. The very prominent position it has 
now attained may be attributed, in a great measure, to cultivation 
under glass. The number of glass houses erected during the last 
half century is enormous, and the fashion is for everyone who 
can afford it to have one or more of such structures. In some 
instances I am afraid it has rather brought gardening and 
gardeners more into disrepute than otherwise. It frequently 
happens that the houses erected have been added without addi¬ 
tional help being given, consequently something is neglected, or, 
at least, does not have that attention and care which is essential 
to all who attempt gardening if they wish to do themselves and 
their calling any credit. Moreover, some gardeners pay more 
attention to the glass structures than to anything else ; others, 
again, care very little for the houses. But it is far wiser for 
a gardener to divide the time at his disposal to every depart¬ 
ment alike. Of course, as all practical gardeners know, there are 
some things that require, and must have, more attention than 
others. What I wish to impress more particularly is not to make 
too great a “ hobby ” of a few things and neglect others on their 
account. Again, the buildings and arrangements, especially in 
regard to heating, are often very unsuitable for the purposes 
intended. In some instances they are built merely to make a showy 
appearance, and sometimes without any reference being made to 
the gardener, in others more to utilise space and material at com¬ 
mand. And lastly, the produce of gardens is often compared, not 
considering perhaps that in one of the cases there are specially 
built houses well adapted for the purposes. 
Another very important addition within recent years, and one 
which, if it has helped to bring gardening more to the front, has 
added also to the gardeners’ duties— i.e., the bedding-out system. 
The evil is when thousands of these bedding plants have to be 
grown by inadequate means. Moreover, this style of gardening is 
often far too extensively practised. I would, therefore, say to all, 
Do not attempt what you know you cannot do as it should be done, 
and what you do attempt do well. 
Again, one of the best, if not the most important additions to 
gardening, is the large collection of Conifers we now have to 
select from for the embellishment of lawns, parks, and shrub¬ 
beries. Either for grouping or as single specimens they are un¬ 
rivalled. The smaller-growing kinds are grand too, and may be 
used effectively in many ways. 
As to gardeners, they are, or at least are supposed to be, a 
wonderful class of men if the multiplicity of things they are 
expected to do in addition to the duties of the garden is any 
criterion to judge by. Gardeners have many difficulties and dis¬ 
appointments to contend with, even their own families often prove 
an obstacle to them. It is, however, a consolation to know that 
this is not always so ; nevertheless, it is a well-known fact that 
the non-family man has the advantage. It has been truly said, 
“ That the life of a gardener is one series of difficulties, many of 
these to be conquered, others apparently unconquerable.” And 
again, “ That disappointment is our daily fare, and without doubt 
that fare is good for us if we do not have too much of it.” And 
finally, “ That professional gardeners are often taunted for not 
recording their failures, but it must be remembered that many 
have to serve non-professional masters who are not enthusiastic 
learners, and have no sympathy with failures,” though it is well 
known that failures are essential to success. Doubtless, as in other 
callings, there are good and bad gardeners, and some perhaps 
occupying good positions, with the best of houses and almost 
everything wished-for at their command, and, taking all things 
into consideration, not so successful as others with inadequate 
means. Indeed, gardeners having suitable houses for everything 
are very fortunate, for in most places something is not just a3 
would be wished. I may here observe that my ideas are quite 
contrary to those who say a good man is sure sooner or later to 
meet with a good appointment. Influence, position, and oppor¬ 
tunity are the gardener’s best friends. Men lacking these requisites, 
be they good or bad, stand a poor chance of success. Hence the 
most deserving are not always the most fortunate, in fact the 
reverse is often the case. 
Gardening having made great progress, the question naturally 
arises, Have gardeners made equal progress ? Have they intel¬ 
lectually and financially advanced with the times ? Intellectually 
I think I may say that they are well in advance. Financially I 
cannot speak so favourably. Taking into consideration the intel¬ 
ligence they are supposed to possess, and the high moral characters 
and attainments required, I must say that on the whole their 
services do not meet with that appreciation and encouragement 
they deserve. However, there are undoubtedly some whose 
services are well remunerated and appreciated. 
Having now stated a few thoughts on this subject, I think it 
will be admitted by many that gardening as a business, dearly 
as many, if not all of us, have it at heart, is not so very de¬ 
sirable. However, as nothing worth the attainment is to be had 
without a little trouble, I trust the few remarks offered may not 
in any way discourage any young gardener, but rather stimulate 
him to further exertions. Consequently to all young gardeners I 
say, Persevere. Indeed, to be successful in any occupation a 
person must be assiduous. The successful man is he who is 
diligent and painstaking, and one who pays the greatest attention 
to every little detail in whatever he takes in hand. To inattention 
and impatience may be traced many failures. It is only by attend¬ 
ing to little things that people are successful. 
Another, and a very important requisite, is decision of character, 
without which a person will miserably fail in any undertaking. 
Through indecision and procrastination many promising young 
men have totally failed. To the same source many failures in 
gardening may be attributed. Let nothing connected with horti¬ 
culture be beneath your notice. Devote all your spare time to 
improvement. Depend upon it nothing comes or is to be gained 
by wishing. In short, do all you can to merit success. Gardening 
prospects are certainly not so bright as we would wish them at 
the present time, agricultural depression in some instances having 
necessitated retrenchment, but doubtless there is a brighter 
prospect and a better future.— J. Richardson, Calverton Hall, 
Notts.—(Abridged from a Paper read, at a Gardeners' Meeting .) 
ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. 
April 25th. 
The second Spring Show of the present year was held last 
Wednesday, the exhibits occupying a good portion of the conser¬ 
vatory, in addition to the corridor, which was filled. The competition 
was not very keen in any of the classes, but the miscellaneous plants 
and groups staged by amateurs and nurserymen were a great 
feature as usual. Altogether a very bright and agreeable effect was 
produced. 
Stove and Greenhouse Plants .—A beautiful bank of healthy plants 
was formed by the exhibitors in these classes. In the open class for 
twelve Messrs. B. Peed & Son, Streatham, were first with handsome 
