262 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ April 7, 1802. 
are not satisfied unless they can behold some outward sign of life—some 
recompense for their outlay. A natural desire surely, but applied to 
Lilies and Lily growing must be soothed over with a little oil of 
patience. A bulb of the Lily under notice planted with the best care 
will not make a great show in the first year, and perhaps not the second. 
Then it is uprooted to know the reason why, hence so many failures 
with this species. From time to time I have planted some grand bulbst 
and in the first year the growths have hardly ventured above ground, 
so to speak, but I did not lift them, for I knew the growth would 
improve next year. Of course, like others, I have had my season of fears 
and doubts, long since lessened by continued experience, and my advice 
to all planting this Lily, having secured really good bulbs at the start, 
to exercise plenty of patience afterwards. 
In all cases plant dormant bulbs, or such that are-well established 
in pots. If the bulbs are imported they will be more or less shrivelled) 
and after shaking away sawdust or similar matter from between the 
scales close the latter carefully to the bulb, and press some sand round 
about them to keep them in position. Contact with the moist soil will 
soon remedy this, but where much shrivelled it will be as well to place 
the bulbs in moist sand for twenty-four hours before planting them 
finally. The soil best suited for this Lily is one of peat, leaf soil, rough 
fibrous loam, and some rich charcoal, the three first in equal parts, and 
a peck of the latter to a barrowful of the mixture. Sharp silver sand 
may also be used with a liberal hand. Good drainage is an essential 
detail in Lily culture, so that the copious supplies of moisture at the 
right season may pass off freely. 
Soils that are naturally much drained are assisted by the free use of 
sandstone as a moisture-retaining agent. Cover the bulbs in planting 
quite 6 inches deep, laying them fiat on the soil. The number of 
fiowers usually obtained from a good specimen is from six to twelve, 
but it is capable of producing thrice that number, and attaining a height 
of 5 feet. The colour of the flowers is rich reddish-orange, the 
segments being freely veined with purple ; while the variety ocellatum 
has a yellow perianth, freely dotted with purple. Plant in a sheltered 
spot, protected from hot sun, and either by small sandstone chips or 
loose litter cover the surface to stay evaporation. This and other Lilies 
succeed on lower parts of Rhododendron banks, where they get the 
necessary moisture, while the numerous fibrous roots of the shrubs 
appear to supply the requisite drainage to a nicety.—J. H. E. 
FEEDING VINES. 
The question of Vine feeding is one uppermost in the minds of many 
Journal readers at the present time, and I hope other practical men will 
follow your correspondent “ G. A.” in giving us the benefit of their 
experience and opinions on manures, liquid and artificial, as beneficial 
to Vines, both in indoor and outside borders. Many, like myself, have 
little opportunity of experimenting with different kinds of manures, 
because they are not provided for experimental or practical purposes. 
Liquid manures, I presume, most growers can obtain in some form or 
other, though in many cases they have to be prepared by soaking, 
usually in small quantities in a tub or any other vessel available. For 
extensive Vine borders this would entail a good deal of work in the 
necessary frequent changes, because large quantities cannot be drawn 
from such sources of uniform strength. It must be a positive gain to be 
able to apply light dressings of some suitable artificial as an alternative 
change to natural liquid manures. True it is that fine produce is every 
year grown without incurring expense for artificials, but soils and 
surroundings have such varying influences that it would be an immense 
gain if we were more enlightened in the subject of chemistry as bearing 
on the art of cultivation. 
There is, I think, no doubt existing as to the value of house slops or 
urine for Vines when used with caution ; but after fermenting, as I 
suppose it should always be allowed to do, the odour arising from such 
is far from pleasant to many persons. Others are never better pleased 
than when they can detect the presence of stored liquid immediately on 
entering the vinery or any other structure, except, of course, the con¬ 
servatory. The drainings from the cow yard give off a vapour that is 
agreeable rather than otherwise, and I always think a house charged with 
such must be beneficial to the inmates growing therein, and sometimes 
attendants too. As a subordinate I was looked upon as being fond of 
using manures possessed of strong scent, and liquid manures I consider 
are not of much value unless they possess this quality. 
Fish manures I have always formed a high opinion of for Vines, and 
there would appear to be corroboration in the case of the Messrs. Cole- 
brook’s remarkable success in Grape growing, for I notice “ fish heads ” 
are used in rather large proportions to that of soil. I have seen excellent 
results in Grape growing follow the use of Jensen’s manure. Those 
who have turf in any quantity at their disposal to apply to the surface 
of the border annually can be independent to some extent of 
manures in any form, but there are few places where this is a standing 
privilege. 
Abundant opportunity is offered in the present day for feeding Vines 
with chemical productions, manufacturers being so numerous, and 
their goods equally varied, that by employing the preparations of, 
say, two or three vendors, and supplying them as alternate dressings, 
a perfect condition as regards the food contained in the border ought 
to be pretty easily accomplished. Is it possible under ordinary 
circumstances for 4 ozs. per square yard of any formula given three 
times during the year to be sufficient ? I scarcely think so, although 
I cannot pose as an authority. This is what “ G. A.” advises, and 
perhaps he does so on practical grounds, but I am persuaded larger 
quantities are given than this in most places where first-class Grapes 
are grown, unless there is a store of natural manure to draw upon 
as extras. 
Some growers lay great stress on the value of an ammonia-charged 
atmosphere, believing such vapours are absorbed by the foliage, and 
tend at the same time to hold in abeyance insect enemies. The latter 
theory I have not much faith in, neither red spider nor thripshave I ever 
yet found to be affected by an ammonia-charged atmosphere. The feeding 
of Vines through the foliage, and independent of their roots, is a 
subject on which some of the experienced contributors of the Journal 
might favour us younger readers with some practical information, none 
of whom will appreciate it more than—W. S., Somerset. 
INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION. 
The schedule of prizes and arrangements for the special shows, 
together with a plan of the buildings and grounds at Earl’s Court, 
which have just been issued, affords an opportunity for further reference 
to the above Exhibition. As previously announced, the Exhibition, 
which, it is anticipated, will surpass anything of the kind yet held, 
will be opened on May 7th, and will remain open until the end of 
October. Everything that is possible or likely to make the Exhibition 
interesting and instructive is being done, and it only needs the co¬ 
operation of horticulturists, as well as the general public, to render the 
undertaking a success. 
Apart from other features the contents of the main building are 
calculated to prove attractive to visitors. This huge structure covers an 
area of about 6 acres, the greater portion of which will be devoted to 
displays of seeds, models of greenhouses, conservatories, heating 
apparatus, pottery—everything in fact connected with horticulture. 
Near to the West Brompton entrance from Richmond Road a grotto 
is being made, as also is a similar one in the centre of the building. 
These will be planted with Ferns and choice foliage plants, over which 
fountains, brilliantly lighted with electricity at nighi-, will play con¬ 
tinually. New and rare plants will be grouped near the main entrance, 
and on each side considerable space is to be devoted to picture galleries 
and statuary. At the farthest end of the building, leading to the 
grounds, more than an acre is charmingly laid out as a garden under 
cover. A plan of this, issued with the schedule already referred to, 
shows that great ingenuity has been brought to bear upon the subject, 
and on a recent visit we noticed that rapid progress is being made with 
the work. By undulating the surface, and cleverly curving the 
numerous walks, the space occupied by this novel garden appears much 
larger than it really is, and the scene is rendered even more delusive 
by the skilful manipulation of the landscape artist. The beds, which 
are laid out in turf, in this under-cover garden are to be filled with 
sub-tropical plants of a choice nature, and, we were informed, will be 
changed monthly. 
The outside grounds, which have been re-modelled under the 
direction of Mr. H. E. Milner, will also be exceedingly interesting and 
attraetive, espeeially in fine weather. Examples of gardens of various 
kinds, ancient and modern, are being formed, and representations of the 
Tea Gardens of China and Ceylon will prove a novel and attractive 
feature. A model cottage garden and allotment ground will also be 
shown, and probably examples of continental petite culture will likewise 
be represented. Lectures and demonstrations in practical and theo¬ 
retical gardening will be given regularly, in addition to numerous other 
features, which cannot fail to be of interest to everyone connected, 
directly or indirectly, with horticulture. 
With reference to the special shows, to be held periodically during 
the summer, the first takes place on May 27th and 28th. This will be 
devoted chiefly to groups and collections of flowering and foliage plants 
and Orchids, cut flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables, and preserved fruit 
and vegetables. A liberal schedule for this Show has been prepared, 
and it should be one of the best Exhibitions of the year. No less than 
fifty-eight classes are provided for Orchids, stove and greenhouse and 
hardy plants ; seven for collections of cut flowers, which include Roses, 
Ixias, Sparaxis, Tulips, Rhododendrons, &c. ; eighteen for fresh fruits 
and vegetables; and nine for preserved fruits and vegetables. In 
addition to the prizes medals will be awarded in the leading classes. 
The other Shows will be held as follows:—“ Roses, Table Decorations, <fec.,” 
July 5th and 6th ; “ Carnations, &c., and Cottage Garden Produce,” 
August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ; “ Autumn Flowers, &c.,” September 9th and 
10th; “Hardy Fruit, &c.,” October 5th, 6th, and 7th; “Trees and 
Shrubs, &c.,” October 26th, 27th, and 28th. All inquiries regarding 
exhibits should be addressed “ The Secretary, International Horticultural 
Exhibition, Earl’s Court, London, S.W.” 
The following gentlemen comprise the General Committee :— 
*Mr. H. E. Milner, F.L.S., C.E., 7, Victoria Street, S.W., Chairman ; and 
Messis. R. Ballantine, 7, Distaff Lane, Cannon Street, E.C,; W. Bennett, 
