November 27, 1890. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
481 
However, carbonate of potash, commonly called pearlash, is usually 
used for cleansing purposes, and it is a little surprising your chemist did 
not know it. 
American Blight QF. iY. and J. S .).—We not only consider it a 
wasteful, but a dangerous practice, dressing trees with pure petroleum 
for the destruction of this pest, for we have known the application to 
kill trees as well as insects. The mixture recommended on page 392, 
our issue of October 30th, is safe, and also effectual, if properly used. 
Chrysanthemum Sport (//. C. B.). —The bloom received is very 
loose, and we scarcely suppose that the variety will be of material value 
when better grown, as it appears to be more like a reversion to the 
Queen of England than anything else. You had better, however, try 
it another year, as there is the possibility of its developing qualities 
that are not apparent in the specimen before us. 
Weeds In Lawn ((?. T. ).—We have known lawns greatly im¬ 
proved and Daisies killed by applications of lawn sand, but it will not 
kill deep rooted plants, such as Plantains and Dandelions, but a drop 
or two of oil of vitriol placed exactly in the centre of each will. The 
method of application has been often and recently described. Your 
lawn is no doubt poor, and a free dressing of soot and wood ashes might 
do it much good. We have known an old lawn dug up, the land 
cleaned, grass seeds sown, and a firm, close, new lawn formed in eight 
weeks, the work commencing in March. 
Trimming Baskets of Chrysanthemums at Exhibitions 
with Ribbons and Silk Scarves (J. R. iY.).—It is usual to allow a 
full license to ladies’ exhibits in these matters, in which it must be 
admitted they make a very interesting and diversified display. Of 
course in adjudicating, these trimmings must be made quite secondary to 
the flowers and their arrangement. Where there are better flowers and 
better taste in arrangement it would not be wise to withhold a prize 
because the exhibit was displayed in rich shades of satin and silk. Some 
people besides the ladies like these displays, but it would be well if such 
exhibits were “ trimmed with natural sprays and leaves ” only, or at 
least confined to the floral arrangement. The basket proper might be 
trimmed in any way the exhibitor saw fit. 
Old Rubbish-heap Soil for Bevelling Lawn ( Subscriber ). — 
You could not have anything better than the debris of the rubbish heap 
reduced to mould passed through a half-inch sieve for dressing the lawn. 
It will be better for filling up the inequalities in the surface than decom¬ 
posed manure, and sufficiently invigorate the grass. Spread it evenly 
on the surface, allow it to lie a few days, and then make level with the 
back of a wooden or hay rake, by which the inequalities of surface will 
be removed. If deep the hollow places must have the turf raised and 
soil placed under, as the grass must not be deeply buried ; but small 
inequalities are readily filled in the manner indicated. It should be 
done now—the sooner the better, and must not be deferred beyond 
February. 
Plum and Other Fruit Tree Stocks (J. B.'). —The Muscle or 
Mussel stock is raised from stones of the Plum of that name, sown now 
or earlier in drills 2 inches deep and 1 inch asunder, the drills 9 to 
12 inches apart. The stones are not usually in commerce, but stocks may 
be had of most the large fruit growing nurserymen. We, however, 
have a rule, for obvious reasons, not to recommend dealers. The stocks 
or suckers for that purpose from Victoria Plums will answer, but they 
are not so good as those raised from seed, which are less liable to 
throw up suckers. The English Broad-leaved Paradise stock is raised 
from layers, and is grown extensively. Quince stocks are also raised 
from layers, and may be had of any large grower of fruit trees for sale. 
The Angers Quince is perhaps best, but the Portugal is largely used. 
Crassane Pear Growths Thorny ( B . D. II.). —It is not unusual 
for some Pear trees in their young state to have long thorny spurs, some 
of them, as in your case, very sharp. They are more disposed to 
produce the thorny growths on the free or Pear stock than on the 
Quince, for they bear earlier and produce fruitful growths on the Quince 
sooner than on the Pear stock, but they have the thorns on both stocks 
when young and extra vigorous. It is not likely the tree is on the 
White Thorn, as nurserymen very rarely use it as a stock, but it may be 
on the wild Pear, which is very spiny, and on that account makes a good 
hedge plant, particularly near the sea. In that case even the thorny 
character of the stock would not be imparted to the scion or graft, 
which retains its characteristics on any stock, therefore the spines are 
due to the variety—a tendency to produce thorny growths when young 
and vigorous. It is easy to distinguish the stock on which the tree is 
worked, as there is a considerable difference between a Pear and a 
Quince in their barks. The tree will outgrow the thorny spurs as it 
gains fruitfulness. 
Dracaena leaves Withering- (Z. Z.).—If the soil is suitable, 
and no mistake made in watering, the cause of the evil must be ascribed 
to the temperature or atmosphere of the house. It may be too cold 
at times, giving a check to the movement of the sap, or too dry occasion¬ 
ally, if not always, causing an excess of evaporation, or an escape of 
moisture in greater ratio than supplied by the roots. It is quite cer¬ 
tain the leaves are in some way deprived of the support that is requisite 
for their health. Possibly when you obtained the plants they had been 
grown in a higher temperature and moister atmosphere than your house 
affords, and they therefore received a check at the outset from which 
they have never recovered. The injury would not be apparent for some 
time. You had better remove all the injured leaves, and it might be 
desirablei to notch the tops and place damp moss or moist soil round 
them to induce the emision of roots and so establish dwarf young plants 
with healthy leaves down to the soil. 
IVXildew and Insects on Vines ( Ancient Subscriber'). —The 
greater part of what, at the first glance, looks like mildew on the 
leaves, is sulphur. This has evidently been applied freely to both 
the under and upper surfaces, and has killed most of the mildew, which 
was not, however very prevalent, and what little remains now is the 
result of the natural decay of the foliage, and will do no appreciable 
harm. Only on one leaf could we find traces of mealy bug, but on 
closely examining the berries we discovered a number of the unwelcome 
insects clustering round the base of the footstalks, and crowding under 
the part that connects with the fruit. It is easy enough to deal with 
the insects on the foliage, for all the leaves that are as far advanced in 
maturity as those sent, or which are nearly ready for falling, can be 
removed by the hand (leaving the stalks for a time) and burned. When 
the leaves are nearly ready to fall they have done their work, and are of 
no further use to the Vines, and when there are insects on them it is 
obviously better to remove them in the manner suggested than to let 
them remain to be scattered all over the house. Dealing with those on 
the fruit is a different and more difficult matter. Several of them are 
not very apparent, but a good magnifier reveals their presence. We 
advise you to make an experiment on a few berries or bunches, and 
we shall be glad if you will inform us of the result. Procure some 
methylated spirit, and apply it with a very small brush or feather, 
working it under the fissure that you will find at the top of the berries,, 
for it is there where the insects are ensconsed. The spirit will destroy 
all those to which it is thoroughly applied, and possibly may not injure 
the skins of the berries nor impair their quality. This is what we 
should like you to ascertain. After the Vines are pruned they must 
be thoroughly washed with an insecticide, also every part of the house 
and everything in it. Also, if the Vines are planted inside, the surface 
of the border must be removed, all dry parts made thoroughly moist, 
and fresh soil added. It is only by rigid cleanliness and constant watch¬ 
fulness that this dread enemy of Vines can be extirpated. Its attack in 
your case is not half so bad as many we know, and you ought to be 
able to conquer the foe. If prompt and energetic measures are not 
taken, it will spread rapidly another year. 
Names of Fruits (J. Rimmery). —1, Nouveau Poiteau ; 2, Bishop’s 
Thumb; 3, Knight’s Monarch; 4, Burr Knot. (A. C. McIntosh ).— 
1, Ribston Pippin, fine specimen; 2, Rhode Island Greening; 3, Jose¬ 
phine de Malines ; 4, Beurre d’Aremberg ; 5, Swan’s Egg. ( Armagh ).— 
1, Golden Noble; 2, Maltster; 3, Pomeroy; 4, Dumelow’s Seedling; 
5, Mere de Menage ; 6, Not known. 
Names of Plants (.7. B. S.). —Cotoneaster frigida. Thanks for 
the excellent specimens. (IK. G.).— Your variety of Chrysanthemum 
is practically the same as Sarah Owen, also a sport from Mrs. John 
Laing. (A. G.). —Corydalis lutea. (A. E. C.). —We fail to see any 
resemblance to the variety Mr. Freeman in the sport sent; it is some¬ 
thing like M. Elliott. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— November 26th. 
Business steady, with scarcely any alteration in prices. 
FRUIT. 
s. 
d. 
8 . 
d. 
8 . 
d. 
s. a. 
Apples, J sieve. 
1 
6 
to 6 
0 
Lemons, case. 
20 
Oto 23 
0 
„ Nova Scotia and 
Melons, each. 
1 
0 
2 
O 
Canada, per barrel 15 
0 
26 
0 
Oranges, per 100 .. .. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Grapes, per lb. 
0 
9 
3 
0 
St. Michael Pines, each.. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Kentish Cobs „ 
65 
0 
70 
0 
Strawberries, per lb. 
0 
0 
0 
o- 
VEGETABLES. 
0 . 
d. 
8 . 
d. 
8 . 
d. 
8 . 
dv 
Artichokes, dozen .. .. 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet 
l 
6 
to 2 
& 
Beans, Kidney, per lb. .. 
0 
6 
0 
0 
Mustard & Cress, punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bushel. 
3 
0 
4 
a 
Brussels Sprouts, J sieve 
1 
9 
2 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 - 
Cabbage, dozen .. .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
a 
Carrots, bunch .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen.. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Celery, bundle. 
1 
0 
1 
8 
Salsafy, bundle .. .. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle ,. .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 - 
Cucumbers, doz. 
2 
0 
3 
6 
Seakale, per bkt. 
2 
0 
2 
6 - 
Endive, dozen. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Shallots, per lb. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Herbs, bunch. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Leeks, bunch. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. 
0 
4 
0 
8 
Lettuce, dozen. 
0 
9 
1 
s 
Turnips, bunch .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
4 
CUT 
FLOWERS. 
0 . 
d. 
8 . 
d. 
8 . 
a. 
8 . 
cR 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
4 
Oto 8 
0 
Narciss (Paper - white), 
Bouvardias, bunch 
0 
6 
l 
0 
French, doz. bunches .. 
4 
0 to 10 
0 - 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Do. Do. English, 
Chrysanthemum, 12 blms. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
per bunch . 
1 
0 
i 
6 . 
„ 12 bunches 
3 
0 
9 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 
0 
9 
l 
V 
Epiphyllum, doz. blooms 
0 
4 
0 
6 
„ scarlet, 12 bnchs 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Eucharis, dozen .. .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Poinsettia, dozen blooms 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Gardenias, 12 blooms .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Primula(double)12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Lapageria, 12 blooms 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Roses (indoor), dozen .. 
0 
6 
1 
6 
Lavender, dozen bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ Red, 12 blooms .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Lilac (French) per bunch 
5 
0 
7 
6 
„ Tea, white, dozen.. 
0 
6 
2 
0 
„ longiflorum,12 blms. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
„ Yellow. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms .. 
0 
4 
0 
9 
bunches. 
4 
0 
9 
e 
Violets (Parme) .. .. 
2 
6 
3 
6 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
2 
0 
6 
0 
„ (dark) . 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Mignonette, 12 bunches.. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
„ (English), doz.bnch 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Mimosa (Fnch.,) per bnch 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Wallflower, doz. bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
