362 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ October 23, 1890, 
three out of the six, and from what has appeared in the pages of this 
paper and in the “ Rosarian’s Year Book” as to the extern of the other 
three, “Exhibitor” may be assured that all the plants grovn by these 
six amateurs would go comfortably into four acres of ground ; and 
further, that in at least two of these gardens nothing beyond labourers’ 
assistance is available. 
Should he still doubt, my modest half acre (a liberal estimate) is 
freely open to his inspection, and I venture to make the same offer on 
behalf of the other five amateurs to whom I have referred. As to the 
remarks of “ Exhibitor ” on the qualifications of an amateur, the best 
definition is, I think, given by Ogilvie in the “Imperial Dictionary” 
—“ a person attached to a particular pursuit without regard to gain.” 
This appears to precisely define the true amateur, and so long as he 
conforms to the explicit rule of the National Rose Society against the 
sale of Rose plants or blooms it seems immaterial whether he grows half 
an acre or 20 acres of Roses. Most assuredly the more he increases his 
number the less will be his “regard to gain.”—E. B. L. 
PARK HOUSE, KINGSCLERE. 
KINGSCLERE has associations amounting almost to national fame in 
its extensive and magnificent stabling, but the impressions on my mind, 
animated by a brief visit to this establishment, do not relate to horses 
but to gardening features, which, though not extensive in their ranges, 
are none the less interesting and enjoyable. Park House is the well- 
appointed seat of I. Porter, Esq., situated at the foot of the chain of 
Hampshire hills, which, together with the extensive expanse of corn- 
growing land at this season, thickly studded with neatly built ricks, 
makes the surrounding picture enviable in the extreme. A walk of 
about a mile brings one to the summit of this high elevation, from which 
a panoramic scene is presented not easily forgotten, the fertile and well- 
timbered country extending for many miles coming within view in 
varying and innumerable tints and scenes, and from here alone can the 
visitor become cognisant of the large extent of the establishment under 
notice. 
As previously noted, gardening is not extensive in its attempt, but is 
exceptionally neat and well kept in every particular—lawns, gardens, 
and houses. On the former are flourishing specimens of handsome ever¬ 
green as well as deciduous trees, comprising Cedrus deodara, Welling- 
tonia gigantea, Cupressus Lawsoniana, Pinus Pinsapo, Thuiopsis dolo- 
brata, a good specimen Hornbeam, and Drooping Ash perfectly trained 
are noteworthy among many others equally beautiful ; the deep green 
and rich colour which characterise their growth prove that the soil and 
situation are well chosen for their requirements. The flower beds occupy 
a prominent position in the front of the house, and are planted with much 
taste, especially a large circular one set in the enlarged gravel space by 
the principal entrance. This has a bold groundwork of the silvery 
foliaged hardy Antennaria tomentosa, having varied shaped devices 
tastefully arranged thereon. The value of such an arrangement is 
twofold, for a free and bold groundwork displays the coloured designs to 
greater advantage, and is economical as concerning the demand for 
tender summer plants as well as others to form the winter display. A 
piece of newly acquired land has been laid out for tennis court-, 
surrounding which are well-made gravel paths and a broad belt of 
shrubs for providing the requisite shelter from the winds, which 
descend with terrific force. This was sown with Grass seeds, and is 
now perfection itself to the eye and in practical utility. A costly | 
pitch-pine structure serves as a summer house overlooking the lawn, 
and is fitted with a deep glass front in its entire length, the extended 
gable roof defying any intrusion from the sun to mar its coolness or 
comfort. 
The glass structures are of medium size, and very conveniently 
arranged. Two excellent houses of recent date are devoted mainly to 
the culture of Orchids in mixed variety, and to flowering plants. I 
noticed some uncommonly fine pieces of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum and 
D. Walkerianum, the latter having stout and tall growths ; Dendrobiums 
Dalhousianum, Jamesianum, nobile, Wardianum, albo-sanguineum, and 
primulinum, among others being similarly well grown. Cypripediums 
in variety, also Calanthes and Odontoglossums are well represented, 
particularly 0. Alexandra, of which there are numbers of vigorous 
plants. Odontoglossum ornithorhyncum was furnished with some 
unusually strong pendant spikes, which are much appreciated for the 
agreeable fragrance freely emitted. Lselias autumnalis, anceps, and 
albida showed promises of a rich display later on, and a healthy speci¬ 
men Cattleya Gaskelliana was finely in bloom. Vanda Amesiana is a 
precocious bloomer, quite a small plant sending up a strong spike, and is 
much prized. One striking feature with all except recent purchases 
was the freedom in growth of the sphagnum moss used as a surfacing, 
this proving so good a grower that frequent resort has to be made to 
clipping, so as to keep it from encroaching on the legitimate occupants 
of the pots. Not a few who have witnessed this moss growth have 
envied Mr. Norris, the gardener, his chances of supply, because his 
source, though restricted, is available in the neighbourhood, and thus he 
has an undeniable advantage over growers dependant on the dealer, who 
often supply it unavoidably in a dried condition. A span-roofed struc¬ 
ture is devoted to Grapes in mixed varieties, of which Black Hamburgh 
and Madresfield Court have furnished unusually good produce, and the 
same remarks apply to that frequently abused Grape Mrs. Pince. NRht 
soil has contributed largely to the excellent growth and finish of the 
Grapes, and an attack of red spider was never known. Tomatoes in 
boxes occupied the sunniest end of the house, and gave the best returns 
secured iu the neighbourhood, disease never venturing to put in an 
appearance since Mr. Norris has been in charge of the garden. 
Peaches, Melons, Cucumbers, and other fruits are of the best in their 
season, and good demands are made for decorative material for room 
furnishing both in pots and as cut flowers. About 200 Chrysanthemums 
are grown, mostly on the large bloom principle, and they promise to give 
a rich display later on. Several of the newer sorts are on trial, together 
with most of the best standard exhibition varieties. 
In the vegetable garden good provision is made for a large supply 
of the best quality, and Peas throughout the season have been abnormally 
prolific, and will continue until interrupted by severe frost. One long 
border sheltered by a thick hedge is filled with Roses, all of the best 
possible kinds obtainable, each one being distinctly labelled with its 
proper name, a fact that lends considerable interest to the viewing or 
gathering of the blooms to owners and visitors alike. Espalier trained 
trees are found the most profitable, because better adapted to the 
position of the garden. Fruit would have but little chance of per¬ 
fecting on tall trees against the force of the west winds, which sweep 
across and down over the hill, the force of which was demonstrated 
beyond dispute on some rows of Runner Beans, whose leaves presented 
a blackened aspect, almost as if cut down by frost on the windward 
side. 
Everywhere one sees the influence of an unstinting hand, the houses 
and other buildings being kept in good repair by periodic attention to- 
paint, capital well invested. Although professional duties employ a 
great deal of time, Mr. Porter avails himself of all spare moments to 
visit his garden, which to him proves a pleasant recreation, and certainly 
great credit is due to him in the perfect condition of his estate and 
kindly thought for the welfare of his employes, none of whom appre¬ 
ciates more fully such sentiments than his gardener, Mr. R. C. Norris, 
who is prompted with the best of motives in furtherance of the com¬ 
mands of his esteemed employer accordingly.— Visitor. 
THE HOLLYHOCK. 
Mr. Dean, in his interesting notes on Hollyhocks at page 287, 
reminded me of a promise I made in these pages during the early 
part of this year—viz., to report my experience with an insecticide? 
kindly sent for trial by Mr. Alfred Bishop. I may say it is an 
excellent preventive when applied double the strength recom¬ 
mended. It will keep the plants clean without in any way injuring 
their growth, which is not the case with some other insecticides I 
have been experimenting with it, but the application must be applied 
regularly and with great care. Syringing in damp weather or in 
the evening often causes the plants to damp in early spring, espe¬ 
cially when not rooted ; but well rooted plants seem to enjoy their 
bath. These were dipped carefully overhead in the preparation 
twice a week, the under parts of the leaves being thoroughly 
“caught” in this way. Plants thus treated, and with an occa¬ 
sional syringe during the season, have not been affected with the 
fungus. Thus from personal experience I can testify that if plants 
could be regularly treated with the preparation during the whole 
season we should hear very little of Puccinia malvacearum. The 
“ Bordeaux mixture ” is another excellent preventive ; but instead 
of using it in the usual way, I have found it more effective when 
dissolving 1 oz. of softsoap in a gallon of soft water, dipping the 
plants in this, then dusting them with sulphate of copper bruised 
very line. Sulphur used in the same way is perhaps more simple, 
and has the same effect ; the leaves gradually wither and die, while 
clean healthy growths take their place. But can Hollyhocks not 
be grown without all this trouble ? Yes. There are several 
growers who have no disease among their plants ; but these are 
only reaping the reward of a hard-fought battle, and from them- 
we hope to be favoured with a few notes through the Journal. 
Although the fungus does not appear to attack the Hollyhock 
so virulently as it did when first introduced (it seems to have spent 
its energy, so to speak), it is, nevertheless, a great pest, and from 
my own experience I conclude that as long as Hollyhocks are 
grown Puccinia malvacearum will find its host. If the Hollyhock 
were the only plant affected by the fungus there might be some 
hope ; but when we see so much of it on the Mallow family in a 
wild state there is, I fear, little hope of a perfect cure. Our plants 
might be quite clean this year, and next year we may carry it to- 
our garden by visiting a friend’s collection; or when passing the 
wild Mallow it might be carried on our clothes, or in some way 
that we cannot account for. I do not mention this to frighten 
beginners ; on the contrary, to prepare them to use the greatest 
care ; for although we may never be thoroughly free from this 
disease, yet we find Hollyhocks grown in many gardens now 
comparatively clean, and it is pleasmg to relate that many amateurs 
are again growing their collections of Hollyhocks with marked 
success. For those who are about to commence their culture now 
is the time to prepare. Have the ground well trenched, well 
manured, and well dressed with soot and lime ; then getting 
thoroughly pulverised with the frost it will be found in excellent 
condition for planting in spring. April is, perhaps, the best time 
