Februaiy 12 , 1801 . ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
187 
N’ame of Beetle QG. II. C .').—It is one of our native species, a 
rather large female specimen of the Weevil, called Otiorhynchus tene- 
bricosus. During the winter months these cease to eat, and hide away 
at some slight depth in the earth, or occasionally under bark ; they are 
not unfrequently conveyed from one place to another in pots or boxes 
containing mould. Early in the spring they issue forth to attack the 
buds or young twigs of fruit trees, showing much partiality for the 
Apricot and Peach. Later in the season the stout fleshy grubs or larvm 
may be found feeding on the smaller roots of various fruit trees, also 
other shrubs. As yet they have not been discovered in the act of doing 
any harm to Orchids. 
Applying: Superphosphate of Xime (L*. i?.).—Superphosphate 
of lime principally berefits plants by its phosphoric acid, which is com¬ 
bined with one equivalent of calcium (lime). The superphosphate being 
soluble in water is, therefore, a readily available plant food. Being 
principally a phosphatic manure, although containing a small per¬ 
centage of nitrogen, superphosphate may be applied advantageously to 
ground that contains naturally an abundance of lime, for though some 
limestones contain a good per-centage of phosphoric acid, most are 
deficient in phosphates, which are particularly valuable as dressings for 
light soils, or where immediate benefit is desired, for it does not come 
under the permanent improvement class ot manures. 
Peach Tree Casting: Buds (AT/t Avant ').—The present condition 
of the soil is no indication of its previous state, and we think the tree 
has not been well supplied with water at some stage in the formation of 
the flower buds. The buds fall, however, from a variety of causes, but 
over-development, imperfect formation, and dryness at the roots are the 
chief. The border having an incline leads us to assign the cause to dry¬ 
ness, especially as the soil is in better condition near the stem of the 
tree, an 1 the taking out of an old tree where the soil was sour is no 
evidence of the tree casting its buds through lack of moisture as above 
indicated. None of the manures you name has any prejudicial effect on 
the buds, but by favouring soil enrichment would contribute to their 
formation and retention. 
Applying: Blood to Vine Borders (TF. B .').—Dried blood forms 
a valuable fertiliser, supplying potash, phosphoric acid, and nitrogen 
to the soil. It should not be applied whilst the Vines are dormant, as 
it decomposes rapidly, the organic nitrogen being soon converted into 
ammonia and soluble compounds, and is an excellent dressing for sandy 
soils. If the blood be fresh it can easily be coagulated by adding 
enough sulphate of lime (gypsum) to it, which causes a more rapid 
decomposition, and encourages the conversion of the insoluble nitro¬ 
genous matter into nitrates. Apply it at the rate of a good handful 
per square yard or a peck per rod when the Vines are starting into 
growth. If the gypsum is not handy dry wood ashes answer for drying 
the blood, and are a useful manure for Vines. 
Cropping: Pot Vines (^Jas. S .').—Judging by the shoots sent we 
should consider the Vines capable of perfecting eight bunches each, 
taking care to remove the superfluous bunches in good time, or as soon 
as the best can be ascertained ; also supporting the roots by surface 
dressings and copious supplies of weak liquid manure. If the Vines 
were encouraged to form feeders at the surface, by placing turves 
around the rims of the pots, and that filled with decomposed manure, 
there would be greater certainty of the crop swelling well, especially if 
the roots came over the rim of the pots and had the run of the fer¬ 
menting bed. It is not unusual for Vines to show fruit freely at 
eleven months old, and yours are very free, the bunches being promising, 
and we heartily congratulate you on your successful practice. 
Iffeg-lected Nut Trees (ZT. T, 11 .').—Not on’y will fresh growths 
push from the cut-back stems, but from the ground, and produce growths 
stronger than ever, and fruitless in character, unless the root action is 
seriously checked by digging a deep trench round each tree 2 or 3 feet 
from the stem, cutting right down through the roots, at the same time 
undermining and severing all that strike downwards. If this is done 
and the soil replaced and beaten down firmly, and a selection of 
modera'e growths of equal strength is made, and these are at least a 
foot, and preferably 18 inches apart, all others being suppressed now, 
and as they appear in spring and summer, there is the possibility of 
shorter firmer growths being produced and ripened that may bear in 
due time. If you do not reduce the roots considerably the branches 
will soon shade the fruit trees again without affording any nuts as 
compensation. 
Pruning: Bong: Sappy Shoots of Fruit Trees (Suburban 
Amatev )-).—Cut away the “ breast-wood” to a sound bud nearest the 
base. These useless growths only impoverish the other parts of the 
tree, and by depriving the spurs and growths that would form of 
light and air, prevent the solidification of the wood and the formation 
of blossom buds. These robbers should be pinched in summer to three 
or four leaves of their base, not counting the small basal leaves, and 
by the concentration of the sap on the lower buds aided by the increased 
power of elaboration in the leaves, it is probable they would form spurs 
or fruit buds ; but when growth is excessive, and there is no room for 
the trees to extend, root-pruning is the only effectual remedy. That 
we should advise in your case, taking care to r’o it effectually yet 
judiciously. By inducing a reciprocal action between the roots and 
branches the trees will fruit abundantly. The above was in type when 
your second letter arrived, in which you say that the trees have been 
taken up. We hope the broken ends of the roots were cut smooth 
before replanting. 
Feeding' Camellias In Tubs (T. T.). — Camellias are much 
invigorated by surface dressings of cow or sheep manure. The formei' 
mixed with one and the latter with two parts of turfy loam are less 
objectionable in appearance than if used alone, and an inch thickness 
encourages the roots to the surface, liberal waterings washing the 
manurial elements into the soil. Both make excellent liquid manures, 
using a peck of the first to twenty gallons, and the same quantity of the 
other to thirty gallons of water. If these are used boiling water should 
be first poured upon them, as they are apt to be full of insect or 
destructive larvae. Soot is a powerful stimulant. Form it into a paste 
with water, and use a tablespoonful with every three gallons of water 
employed in watering. The advertised artificials are good fertilisers, 
employing them according to the instructions. When the trees are 
swelling their buds is a good time to apply liquid manure, as it not only- 
assists the buds in swelling but enriches the soil, encouraging roDt 
formation and a good growth. Now is a suitable time to use it„ 
continuing until the buds are set. 
ITames 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, soft green grass or leaves form the best packing, dry 
wool the worst. Not more than s’x specimens can be named at onccj. 
and the numbers should be visible without untying the ligatures,, 
it being often difficult to separate them when the paper is damp. 
(J. B. S.). —1, Dicksonia antarctica ; 2, Dicksonia squarrosa ; 3, Cyathea 
medullaris ; 4, Todea superba ; .'5, Hymenophyllum ciliatum. (A. C .).— 
1, A species of Carex ; 2, Adiantum formosum; 3, Asplenium flac- 
cidum ; 4, Gnaphalium lanatum; 5, Pi'ea muscosa; 6, Choysia ternata. 
(.1/. II. S). —Crotalaria pulcherrima. 
COYENT GARDEN MARKET.— February 11th. 
Business quiet, -witli supplies somewhat shorter. 
VEGETABLES. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Artichokes,dozen - .. 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet 
1 
6 
to 8 
O' 
Beans, Kidney, per Ih. .. 
1 
6 
1 
9 
Mustard & Cress, punnet 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bushel.. .. 
3 
0 
4 
(T 
Brussels Sprouts, J sieva 
2 
6 
8 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
8 
0 
Cabbage, dozen .. .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen .. 
• • 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Carrots, bunch «, .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. .. 
• • 
8 
0 
4 
Cauliflowers, dozen.. .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Rhubarb, bundle .. 
• • 
0 
2 
0 
3 
Celery, bundle. 
1 
0 
1 
8 
Salsafy, bundle .. 
• • 
1 
u 
1 
C 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 
8 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle .. 
» • 
1 
6 
0 
r 
Cucumbers, doz. ., ,, 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Seakale, per bkt. .. 
• • 
2 
0 
2 
6 
Endive, dozen .. .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Shallots, per lb. .. 
Spinach, bushel 
• • 
0 
S 
n 
0 
Herbs,bunch .. .. .. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
« • 
5 
0 
6 
0 
Leeks, bunch . 
Lettuce, dozen . 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. .. 
• t 
0 
4 
V 
8 
2 
0 
2 
0 
Turnips, bunch .. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
4 
FRUIT. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Aoples, i sieve . 
1 
6 
to 6 
0 
Lemons, case .. .. 
15 0 to 20 
0 
„ Nova Scotia and 
Melons, each .. .. 
Oranges, per 100 .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Canada, per barrel 15 
0 
26 
0 
« « 
4 
0 
9 
u 
Grapes, per lb. 
1 
6 
3 
6 
St. Michael Pines, each.. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Kentish Cobs „ 
45 
0 
50 
0 
Strawberries, per lb. 
• » 
0 
0 
0 
Ou 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES. 
CUT 
FLO'WERS. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Ft 
d. 
8. 
iH- 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
2 
Oto 4 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
4 
0 
to 6 
0 
A’.alea doz. sprays .. ., 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Mignonette, 12 bunches.. 
3 
0 
6 
O' 
Bouvardias, bunch .. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Mimosa (French), per 
Camellia, white, per doz. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
bunch . 
1 
6 
2' 
O' 
n red „ 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Narciss (Paper - white). 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 
1 
0 
2 
6 
French, doz. bunches .. 
6 
0 
12 
a 
Chiittmas Roses, dozen 
Do. Do. English, 
blooms. 
0 
6 
1 
6 
per bunch . 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Cbrvsanthemum, 12 bobs. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Daffodils, doz. blooms .. 
Epiphyllum, doz. blooms 
1 
0 
2 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 bnchs 
8 
0 
12 
0 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Poinsettia, dozen blooms 
3 
0 
6 
n 
Eucharis, dozen 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Primula(double)l2 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0. 
Gardenias, each 
Hyacinths (Roman), doz. 
8 
0 
5 
0 
Roses (indoor), dozen .. 
0 
6 
1 
6 
,, Red, 12 bis. (Fnch.) 
2 
0 
4 
b 
sprays . 
0 
6 
1 
C 
„ Tea, white, dozen.. 
„ YeUow, dozen .. 
1 
0 
S 
n 
Lapageria, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
3 
n 
12 
or* 
Lilac (French') per bunch 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms ,. 
1 
6 
2 
« 
Lilium longiflorum, 12 
Tulips, per dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
2 
O' 
blooms. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Violets (Parme), per bch. 
4 
0 
6 
0- 
Lily of the Valley, dozen 
„ ( dark), per bch... 
2 
0 
3 
» 
sprays . 
0 
9 
1 
C 
,, (English), doz.bnch 
1 
0 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Wallflower, doz. bunches 
8 
0 
6 
0- 
bunoss. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
"W 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
r. 
d. 
8. 
d.. 
Aralia Sieboldi, dozen .. 
6 
Oto 12 
0 
Lilium lancifolinm, doz. 
,, longiflorum, doz. 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Arbor Vitas (golden) doz. 
6 
0 
8 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Azalea, per pi-nt .. .. 
2 
0 
3 
6 
Lily of the VaUey, per pot 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cineraria, per doz. 
Climbing Plai^^s, various. 
9 
0 
11 
0 
Lobelia, per doz. 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
0 
0 
0 
0 
6 
0 
12 
0 
dozen pots. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Eracaena terminalis, doz. 
14 
0 
42 
0 
Musk, per dozen .. .. 
Myrtles, dozen. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
„ viridis, dozen ., 
12 
0 
24 
0 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Epiphyllum. per dozen.. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Nasturtiums, dozen pots 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Eiica, various, dozen 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Palms, in var., each.. .. 
Pelargoniums, per doz. .. 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Euonymus, var., dozen .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
0 
0 
u 
0 
Evergreens, in var., do' en 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Poinsettia, per doz. 
9 
0 
15 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen.. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Rhodanthe, per dozen .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Ficus elastica, each.. .. 
1 
6 
7 
0 
Stocks, per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Foliage plants, var., each 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Tropseolums, various, psr 
Genista, per doz. 
9 
0 
18 
0 
dozen . 
n 
0 
0 
0 
Geraniums Scarlet, p. doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Tulips, dozen pots .. 
c 
0 
9 
a 
Hyacinths, doz. pots ,. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
