Deeember 23, 1886. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
571 
Correspondents should not mix up on the same sheet questions relat¬ 
ing to Gardening and those on Bee subjects, and should never 
send more than two or three questions at once. All articles in¬ 
tended for insertion should be written on one side of the paper 
only. We cannot reply to questions through the post, and we 
do not undertake to return rejected communications. 
TO WRITERS AND READERS.—Owing to the unusual pressure on 
our space several valuable articles cannot be inserted this week. They 
are not the less appreciated on that account, and we are in the satisfac¬ 
tory position of having our literary stores enriched for the benefit of 
future issues. 
Galls on Gardenia Roots (W. D.).—We have received the specimens, 
which will be subjected to careful examination, and an answer respecting 
■them given in an early issue. 
Early Authors and Cultivators (M. D .).—Hesiod is considered to be 
the first writer on husbandry whose work has descended to us. His poem 
■entitled “ Works and Ways ” was described by Pliny as the first positively 
inown as giving directions for the cultivation of the ground. 
Montbretia crocosmaefiora (Somerset). —Pot the roots in moderately 
rich soil, but drain the pots thoroughly, and do not supply much water 
until growth commences. A greenhouse or any hot structure will suit them, 
and very little trouble will be experienced in their culture. The number of 
roots to be placed in pots will depend upon their size, but they do not look 
■well when very thin. 
Gladioli from Seed (Surrey Amateur ).—Thousands of plants are raised 
i.rom seed annually in this country, but this method of increase is not com¬ 
monly adopted by amateur cultivators. We observed a few bushels of fine 
■conns in one of the vineries at Wimbledon House recently that Mr. Oller- 
shead had raised from seed in a very easy manner, and we shall shortly 
publish the details of the method he adopts in producing them. 
Grapes not Setting—Artificial Fertilisation (E. Mason ).—The bunch 
■of Lady Downe’s Seedling you have Sint is very similar to an example we 
have received from Mr. S. Castle, who also favours us with a valuable 
article on the subject on which you desire information. The communica¬ 
tion cannot be inserted this week, but will appear in an early issue. If 
■after perusing it you would like to ask any further questions they shall 
have oar best attention. 
Root-pruning Fruit Trees (An Old Soldier ).—You ask a question to 
which it is not easy to give a categorical reply. We think the best plan is 
to print it and leave those of our readers who have had experience on the 
subject to record their views. Your question is short, but not without 
significance—*• Has root-pruning done the most good or the most harm to the 
fruit supply of this country ?” We have seen beneficial results accrue from 
the practice intelligently carried out, and observed many trees crippled by 
the abuse of the piactice ; but, as suggested, the experience and observa. 
tions of many in various districts are necessary for arriving at the genera^ 
results that have followed as affecting the “fruit supply of this country.” j 
Waste from Boiler (Unfortunate). —As you say there are no signs o 
leaking, yet after “ extra firing ” you have to occasionally put 15 gallons 
■of water into the feed cistern in the morning, there must be much loss of 
water in the form of evaporation or steam. When extra hard firing has to 
be resorted to to maintain the requisite heat, and to effect this you have to 
make the water “ boiling hot,” that indicates there is not sufficient piping 
for heating the houses satisfactorily. It may be in that respect that you 
are “ unfortunate,” as many gardeners are, and the fault may not be in the 
boiler. The kind you name we have seen working as well as anyone could 
-desire, still you will be justified in explaining your case to the maker, and 
he may perhaps be able to give you a hint that may be useful. He is a vtry 
practical man, and so far as we know, conducts his trade in a straightforward 
business-like manner. 
Foliage in America (A. B.). —The colour of the foliage of most trees 
.assumes a more brilliant hue in autumn in vaiious parts of America than it 
does in England, or can be expected to do in Scotland ; and though the 
winters are more severe in America than in the “ old country,” the brilliant 
■autumns preceding the former ripen the wood better than it can be matured 
under our clouded skies, and consequently some plants pass the winter over 
the water that succumb here. Andromeda arborea is hardy in the south of 
Scotland, and if by “Japanese Ivy” you mean Ampelopsis Yeitcbi, it is 
hardy there too, and colours fairly well on walls having a southern aspect. 
Bignonia grandiflora we do not remember seeing on open walls in Scotland, 
but some of our northern friends may possibly be able to say if it grows and 
dowers in the open air in North Britain. 
Temperature for Starting Vines (G. Wilkinson ).—You ask if we “ have 
-ever known a case in which Vines were started in a temperature of 80° from 
•the commencement?” We have only been informed of one such case, and 
our informant was the late Mr. T. Speed of Chats worth. On inspecting a 
very good house of Grapes in the famed gardens alluded to, Mr. Speed re¬ 
marked that it was his regular practice to maintain a high temp- rature of 
80 or more, with moisture, until the buds fairly commenced swelling, then 
to gradually reduce the heat to promote strong growth. He observed that 
he secured not only a quicker but a more regular break by this method than 
by starting at 50° or so in November, at which time Vines are somewhat 
■sluggish in their movements. The crop of Grapes on Vines that we were 
■apprised had been subjected to that treatment was very satisfactory. Mr. 
Speed, in answer to a question on the subject, said he did not start with an 
exceptionally high temperature in the spring “ because it was not 
necessary.” 
Ammonia in the Soil (B. G .).—Perhaps the following extract from 
Johnston’s “Elements of Chemistry” will answer your question :—“Am- 
1£n ^ nia ^® P at orally formed during the decay of vegetable substances in the 
eon. This happens tither, as in animal bodieB, by the direct union of 
nitrogen with a p rtion of the hydrogen of which ill y consist, or by a com- 
tination cf a portion of their by drogen with tie nitrogen of the air ; or, when 
iney decompose, in contact with air and water ; at the same time, by their 
caking the oxygen of a quantity of the water and disposing its hydrogen at 
the moment of liberation, to combine with the nitrogen of the air and form 
ammonia. In the two latter modes ammonia is formed most abundantly 
when the oxygen of the air does not gain the readiest access. Hence, in 
open subsoils in which vegetable matter abcunds it is most likely to be 
produced; and thus one of the benefits which follow from thorough draining 
and subsoil ploughing is that the roots penetrate and fill the subsoil with 
vegetable matter, which, by its decay in the confined atmosphere of the 
subsoil, gives rise to this production of ammonia.” 
Fuchsias from Seed (An Amateur Admirer). —Yv T e have raised many 
hundreds of plants from seed, but few of them on flowering proved equal to 
existing varieties ; still the pursuit is int-resting to amateurs who desire to 
have something new of their own raising. Tbe pods should be carefully 
gathered when ripe. As the seeds are enveloped in a pulp it is necessary, 
in order to preserve them, to cleanse them effectually. This is done by 
washing; bruise the berries with the hand, and mix them with water; as 
soon as the pulp is all washed off pass the liquor through a hair-sieve fine 
enough to catch the seed, wash it repeatedly till it is quite clean, then dry 
it gradually; put it up in brown paper, and keep it in a dry room till spring. 
Sow it early in March in a mixture of light sandy loam and peat, cover 
slightly, and place the pots in a gentle hotbed. When the seedlings are 
half an inch high transplant them in rows across pots 5 inches wide—these 
will hold about twenty or thirl y plants each—and then replace them in the 
hotbed. In these pots they may remain for a month or six weeks, and then 
they will require placing singly into 3-inch pots. Place them for a few 
days in a cold frame, and keep pretty close and shaded till fresh roots are 
formed, and they are then able to bear the full light, and a moderate 
admission of air. Give plenty of the latter as they acquire strength, and 
when the pots are full of roots give another shift into 4-inch pots, and let 
them remain in these last till thf y flower. Many of them will flower the 
first year, and then is the time to make a selection. The selected ones 
should be repotted, and grown on to the end of the season to prove them. 
Cuttings of the beBt may be inserted, and the whole kept in the coolest part 
of the greenhouse during the winter. 
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. 
(Stonebridge). —1, Madame Millet; 2, Beurrd Sterckmanns. 
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 Fem 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. 
(Houndswood ).—Maxillaria leontoglossa. (A. D .).—Calanthe Textori, 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— December 22nd. 
Christmas week has somewhat improved business, but with heavy sup¬ 
plies, prices have only just been maintained. Hothouse Grapes are reach¬ 
ing us in large quantities at scarcely remunerative rates. Nova Scotia and 
Canada Apples in good supply. 
FRUIT. 
3. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
a 
Apples. 
4 sieve 
l 
6 to 4 
0 
Melon . 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
„ Nova Scotia and 
Oranges .. .. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Canada, per barrel 10 
0 
13 
0 
Peaohes . 
perdoz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Cherries. 
£ sieve 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Pears. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cobs . 
100 lb. 
60 
0 
70 
0 
Pine Apples English .. lb. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Figs . 
dozen 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Plums. 
$ sieve 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Grapes . 
0 
6 
3 
9 
St. Michael Pines 
. .each 
2 
0 
5 
0 
Lemons •• •• T . 
10 
0 
15 
0 
Strawberries .. .. 
per R. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
s. d 
8. 
d. 
S 
d 
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 
Beans, Kidney 
. per lb 
0 
6 
I 
0 
Mustard and Cress 
punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red .. . 
. dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Onions. 
bunch 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Broccoli. 
. bundle 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley .. dozen bunches 
2 
0 
s 
0 
Brussels Sprouts . 
. J sieve 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Parsnips. 
dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cabbage . 
. dozen 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Potatoes. 
cwt. 
4 
0 
5 
0 
Capsicums . 
100 
1 
6 
2 
0 
,, Kidney . 
cwt. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Carrots. 
. bunch 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Rhubarb.. «, . 
bundle 
0 
2 
0 
6 
Cauliflowers .. . 
. dozen 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Salsafy .. , 
bundle 
1 
0 
1 
0 
Celery . 
. bundle 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Scorzonera .. .. 
bundle 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Coleworts doz. 
bunches 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Soakale .. .. per basket 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Cucumbers .. . 
. each 
0 
8 
0 
4 
Shallots .. .. .. 
0 
8 
0 
6 
E ndive. 
. dozen 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Spinach. 
bushel 
8 
0 
4 
0 
Herbs •• •• 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes •. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Leeks . 
0 
s 
0 
4 
Turnips .. .. 
bunch 
0 
4 
0 
0 
These prices are subject to great alterations towards the end of the 
veek on account of Church decorations for Christmas. 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
Aralia Sieboldi .. 
Arbor vitas (golden) 
„ (oommon) 
Azalea .. .. per 
Bedding Plants, var. 
Begonias .. . 
Chrysanthemum . 
Cockscombs per 
Cyperus . 
Dractena terminalis, 
„ viridis .. 
Erica, various 
„ hyemalis per 
„ gracilis per 
Euonymus, in var. 
Evergreens, in var. 
Ferns, in variety .. 
dozen 9 
dozen 6 
dozen 6 
dozen 24 
doz. 0 
dozen 4 
dozen 4 
dozen 0 
dozen 4 
dozen 30 
dozen 12 
dozen 9 
dozen 12 
dozen 9 
dozen 6 
dozen 6 
dozen 4 
a. 
8. 
a. 
s. 
d. 
0 to 18 
0 
Ficus elastica 
.. each 
1 
6 to 
0 
9 
0 
Fuchsia 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
13 
0 
Foliage Plants, var. each 
2 
0 
0 
43 
0 
Hyacinths 
per dozen 
9 
9 
0 
0 
0 
Hydrangea .. 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
9 
0 
Ivy Geraniums 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
12 
0 
Lilium auratum 
per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Lobelias .. .. 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
12 
0 
Marguerite Daisy dozen 
6 
0 
0 
60 
0 
Mignonette .. 
per dozen 
3 
0 
0 
24 
0 
Mask .. .. 
per dozen 
0 
0 
0 
12 
0 
Myrtles .. .. 
6 
0 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var. 
.. each 
2 
6 
0 
it 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 
6 
0 
0 
18 
0 
Poiasettia 
per dozen 
12 
0 
0 
24 
0 
Primula sisensia 
per doz. 
4 
0 
0 
18 
0 
Solanums 
per doz. 
9 
0 
B. d. 
^ 0 
0 0 
10 0 
IS 
0 
0 
0 
0 
9 
6 
0 
12 
21 
9 
0 18 
6 0 
12 0 
