October 21, 1886. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
377 
Destroying “White Bug” (L. S. S.). —The “white bug” to which you 
refer is no doubt the mealy bug, aud must have been dreadfully neglected to 
have “eaten down the whole house of Passion fruit.” Petroleum is an 
excellent remedy, and judiciously applied will not destroy the plants. We 
advise the Paesiflo-a to be loosened from the trellis, and any other plants 
removed from the house and cleansed This may be done effectually with 
petroleum at the strength named below, laying the plants on their sides and 
turning them round that every part can be reached with the mixture. 
This will facilitate matters as regards the Passioi Flower. Add 2 ozs. soft- 
soap to a gallon of boiling rain or soft water, or 8 ozs. to a four gallon 
watering potful, and half an ounce of soda. Mix thoroughly, then add 
one-third of a half-pint of petroleum and mix this by stirring briskly. With 
this the Pashflora should be syrinjed, the petroleum being kept mixed with 
the soap solution by briskly stirring it. It must ba done (flkctually, and 
the mixture should be kept from the roots. Wash the whole of the woodwork 
with the same mixture, thoroughly cleansing it. Repeat the syringing of 
the plant if necessary. If the work is done well the e will not be a trace 
of mealy bug, and the plant will be little if any the worse for the application. 
A sharp look out must be kept afterwards, and every insect destroyed the 
moment it is seen. There is no better method of preparing the petroleum 
mixture than that described on page 210, September 2nd, 1886, under the 
heading of “ Hollyhocks Diseased.” Fir tree oil is also good for the same 
purpose. Either the gardener in charge of the new glass range to which 
you allude is overwhelmed with work or is lethargic or inexperienced. 
Mushrooms in Pastures (B. C. D.). —Though salt is applied to pastures 
for the destruction of wireworm it is a little questionable if it is as efficacious 
as is popularly supposed, as we suspect that a dressing strong enough 
to destroy the pests below the surface would injure if not kill the grass. We 
cm quite understand that a pasture infested with wireworms would not be 
favourable for the gr >wth of Mushrooms, through the reason you suggest of 
the larvfe breaking the cobweb 1 ke threads of the mycelium. That Mush¬ 
rooms have benefited by salt is well known to growers of this crop in beds, 
and in such cases it is clear there was not sufficient salt in the soil. It 
may be, and probably i», beneficial in another way to the growth of Mush¬ 
rooms in pastures, especially in dry soils and seasons—namely, its deliques¬ 
cent properties rendering the soil more uniformly moist in hot weather. 
When salt is applied liberally and systematically to Asparagus beds the 
soil remains moist long after that surrounding, and to which no salt is 
applied, is dry; and the prolonged and uniform moisture of the land in hot 
weather through the application of salt may be favourable to the spread of 
the Mushroom mycelium. The growth of Mushrooms in pastures is greatly 
influenced by the weather, and salt would not be nearly so beneficial in a 
wet summer as a dry one. The distance for inserting spawn in pastur s is 
very much a question of fancy or outlay, and the results somewhat a matter 
of chance, but we would rather insert half bricks of spawn a yard apart 
than small particles a foot asunder, as the larger pieces would be less liable 
to be destroyed by a possible term of wet weather than smaller would. Salt 
applied to an orchard will not injure the trees if it does not destroy the 
grass. 
Pruning Vines ( Docet). —Several persons besides yourself appear to have 
read with “ much interest ” the article on Vines and Grapes by “ Experientia 
Docet ” on page 173, and, as the signature of our correspondent indicates, 
his articles are founded on the teachings of experience. We have seen just 
such Vines as he has described rendered much more fruitful than before by 
the change of pruning suggested. It does not follow that high-class Grapes 
can be had on Vims that constantly produce either no crops or miserable 
bunches by this simp’e change in pruning ; but that greatly improved crops 
have been obtained by a departure from close pruning in the case of many 
Vines is beyond a doubt. The two great essentials of fruitfulness in Vines 
are an abundance of active fibrous roots working freely in good soil near the 
surface of a border, and thinly disposed laterals with clean thick leaves in 
the summer, each developing without crushing against or being shaded by 
others. Vines thus grown may be spurred to any reasonable extent, and 
they will push strongly and bear good fruit; but Vines, the roots of which 
are not under control, and that produce weak laterals and small leaves in 
one case and long-jointed succulent growths in the other, are not equally 
amenable to the same treatment. It is qu : te certain that spur-pruning does 
not answer in your case, for you say the Vines are “ quite barren.” By all 
means change your plan and shorten the laterals to the best buds on firm 
ripened portions of the laterals. The best buds are those that are round and 
hard, not pointed on the one hand nor soft as if preparing to burst on the 
other. Also have regard to the direction of the buds, as in the same direc¬ 
tion will the shoots extend, and if a bud points inwards where there would 
not be room for the extension of growth, it would be a mistake to shorten 
to that if there were another equally good or nearly so pointing in the direc¬ 
tion of “ vacant space,” which the future laterals could occupy, and the 
leaves expand under full exposure to the direct action of light. If the 
ripened laterals are long enough to be secured to the main rod so secure 
them, shortening to the best buds, rightly placed, as suggested, then the 
“ fearfully long spurs ” you dread will have no existence. It is not unlikely 
that the stronger growths that would mature from these bolder buds might 
be cut back pretty close to thrir point of issue next year, as they might in 
consequence of their strength develope good buds near the base of the 
laterals. This we have more than once known, and the Vines have been 
afterwards managed on the spur system for a year or two. When the late¬ 
rals are not long enough to be secured to the main rods the most promising 
and best placed “ break ” or shoot from each must be retained for carrying 
the bunch, and one from near the base can be retained for producing a lateral 
forbearing next year ; but growths are almost certain to issue from latent 
buds on the rods or base of removed spurs between the bearing laterals ; but 
however that may be choose the best situated, and so dispose the growths 
that the foliage can develope without let or hindrance, stopping these late¬ 
rals, so they do not cause any serious overcrowding. There will be plenty 
of growths to choose from, and danger lies in retaining too many. Wher¬ 
ever there is space for the free expansion of the leaves let the laterals grow ; 
where there is not space for leaf development thire should be no laterals. 
It is not necessary to disbud before the bunches can be seen in the growths, 
then make your choice, not rubbing all the others off at once, but a few at 
a time thoughtfully over a period of a week or two. It depends to a very 
large extent on the judgment that is exercised in disbudding as to whether 
you or anyone else will succeed or not in this modified extension system of 
pruning Vines. Endeavour to obtain stout healthy leaves that can store 
nutriment in the laterals and produce bold axillary buds, then by pruning 
to the best of these yearly you will have fruitful instead of barren Vines. 
We advise no change from the spurring method where that answers well; 
but where it fails a change is desirable if Grapes in summer are esteemed of 
more value than straight neatly trimmed rods in winter. We prefer Grapes 
to affording opportunities yearly for a person to show how bandy he is with 
a knife, and little or no fruit to follow. As to thinning out overcrowded 
laterals now the leaves are withering to give the others more light it will be 
of no material benefit, as fading leaves have done their work and can do no 
more. The thinning ought to have been done long ago, then those relied 
on for storing food would not now be in need of relief, and the light would 
come too late for changing their character. 
Names of Fruits.—The names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named 
must in all cases be enclosed with the specimens, whether letters referring 
to the fruit are sent by post or not. The names are not necessarily required 
for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six specimens can be 
named at once, and surplus fruits beyond that number cannot be preserved. 
{H. S., Bedale ).—1, Ringer; 2, Lord Suffield ; 3, Manks Codlin ; the Pears 
are too far advanced for identification, some being quite rotten. (E. L . W.). 
—I, Napoleon; 2, Easter Beurre; 3, Glou Morpeau; 4, Beurre Diel; 
6 , Beurre Ranee ; 8, Huyshe’s Victoria. (P. H. W.). —1, Emperor Alexander ; 
2, Not known, perhaps local; 3, Lemon Pippin. (“ Shilling stone"). —Beurre 
Hardy. ( E. H.). —1, Striped Beefing ; 2, Carlisle Codlin ; 3, Roundway 
Magnum Bonum. (J. M.). —1, Duchesse d’Angouleme ; 2, Deux Sceurs ; 
4, Verulam ; 5, Red Doyenne. 
Names of Plants.—We only undertake to name species of plants, not 
varieties that have originated from seed and termed florists’ flowers. 
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds 
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm 
boxes. Slightly damp moss or soft green leaves form the best packing, dry 
cotton wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once. 
(A Constant Reader). —1, Sedum spurium ; 3, Polygonum cuspidatum ; 5, 
Corydalislutea ; 2 and 4 were unrecognisable. (//. S.). —1, Athyrium Filix- 
feemina plumosum; 2, Nephrodium spinulosum ; 3, Asplenium thelypter- 
oides ; 4, Nephrodium molle ; 5, Athyrium Filix-fcemina cristatum ; 6, 
Aspidium aculeatum var. angnlare. ( T. J. D .).—Apparently Epimedium 
pinnatum, but it was so much crushed in the letter that it was scarcely 
recognisable. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— October 20th. 
Tbade quiet, prices remaining the same. Good samples of Pines in fair 
demand. 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
8. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
B. 
a. 
s. 
a- 
Aralia Sieboldi .. dozen 
9 
0 to IS 
0 
Ficus elastica 
.. each 
i 
6 to 
7 
0 
Arbor vitae (golden) dozen 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Fuchsia 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ (common) dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Foliage Plants, var. each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Asters .. .. per dozen 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Heliotrope 
per dozen 
0 
9 
0 
0 
Bedding Plants, var. doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Hydrangea .. 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Begonias .. .. dozen 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Ivy Geraniums 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Chrysanthemum .. dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Lilium auratum 
per doz. 
12 
0 
80 
0 
Cockscombs per dozen 
4 
0 
6 
0 
„ lancifolium per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cyperus.dozen 
4 
0 
12 
0 
„ longiflorum per doz 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Dracsena terminals, dozen 
30 
0 
60 
0 
Lobelias .. 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ viridis .. dozen 12 
0 
24 
0 
Marguerite Daisy dozen 
< 
0 
9 
0 
Erica, various .. dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Mignonette .. 
per dozen 
3 
0 
6 
0 
,, hyemalis per dozen 18 
© 
24 
0 
Musk .. .. 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ gracilis per dozen 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Myrtles .. .. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Euonymus, in var. dozen 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Palms, in var. 
.. each 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Evergreens, in var. dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Ferns, in variety .. dozen 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
CUT FLOWERS. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
Abntilons 
12 bunches 
2 
0 to 4 
0 
Lily of the Valley, 12 sprays 
0 
0 to 0 
0 
Ageratum 
12 bunche3 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Marguerites .. 
12 bunches 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Arum Lilies .. 
12 blooms 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Mignonette .. 
12 bunches 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Asters 
12 bunches 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Myosotis 
12 banche3 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Bouvardias .. 
per bunch 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Pelargoniums, per 12 trusses 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Camellias 
12 blooms 
3 
0 
6 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 trusses 
0 
3 
0 
6 
Carnations .. 
12 blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Roses 
12 bunches 
2 
0 
9 
0 
12 bunches 
4 
0 
9 
0 
„ (indoor), 
per dozen 
0 
8 
2 
0 
Chrysanthemums 12 bches. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
„ Tea.. .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
12 blooms 
1 
0 
6 
0 
„ red 
.. dozen 
0 
8 
i 
0 
Coreopsis 
12 bunche3 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ Moss 
12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cornflower .. 
12 bunches 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parme Violets (French) 
6 
0 
6 
0 
Dahlias 
12 bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Pyrethrum .. 
12 bunches 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Epiphyllum .. 
doz. blooms 
0 
6 
0 
0 
Stephanotis .. 
12 sprays 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Eucharis 
per dozen 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Stocks, various 
12 bunches 
3 
0 
5 
0 
Gardenias 
12 blooms 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Sunflowers 
0 
6 
i 
0 
Gladioli 
12 bunches 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Sweet Peas .. 
12 bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Hyacinths, Roman, 12 sprays 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Tropaeolum .. 
12 bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Lapaceria, white, 12 blooms 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Tuberoses 
12 blooms 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Lapageria, red 
. 12 blooms 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Violets .. .. 
12 bunches 
i 
0 
0 
0 
„ longiflorum, 12 bims. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
„ Czar, French, per bunoh 
i 
0 
1 
8 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d 
d. 
s. 
a 
Artichokes 
.. dozen 
l 
0 to 0 
0 
Lettuce .. .. 
dozen 
1 
0 to 
1 
6 
Asparagus 
.. bundle 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Mushrooms .. 
punnet 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Beaus, Kidney 
per bushel 
a 
0 
3 
0 
Mustard and Cress 
punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red 
.. dozen 
i 
0 
2 
0 
Onions .. .. 
bunoh 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Brussels Sprouts 
.. £ sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsnips.. .. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage .. .. 
l 
6 
0 
0 
Potatoes .. .. 
cwfc. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums .. 
100 
l 
6 
2 
0 
,, Kidney 
• 
cwt. 
4 
e 
6 
0 
Carrots .. •. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Rhubarb . . .. 
bundle 
0 
> 
0 
8 
Cauliflowers .. 
.. dozen 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Salsafy .. .. 
bundle 
l 
0 
i 
0 
Celery .. .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Scorzonera 
. . 
bundle 
i 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts doz. bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Seakale .. .. 
per basket 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cucumbers 
. . each 
0 
8 
0 
4 
Shallots .. . . 
0 
8 
0 
6 
Endive .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach .. .. 
bushel 
8 
0 
4 
4 
Herbs .. .. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes .. 
0 
2 
0 
6 
Leeks .. .. 
0 
8 
0 
4 
Turnips .. .. 
9 • 
bunch 
0 
4 
0 
0 
