Ma-ch 5, 1891. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
197 
Pressing: Wild Flowers (^Grifflii ).—The principal point needing 
attention is in the drying, as this process must be performed gradually, 
or the characters of the plants will not be preserved. Thick porous 
paper is used, and the specimens must be carefully spread out in as 
natural a manner as possible, preserving the form of flowers and leaves, 
and in the case of small plants the natural habit. The sheets of paper 
and specimens should then be placed in small piles, with a stout board 
below and one on the top; upon the latter weights can be placed to 
provide the necessary pressure. The specimens must be frequently 
examined in the early stages, and if there is much moisture on the 
paper fresh sheets should be supplied and the others dried before being 
used again. Do not be in too great a hurry to complete the process, 
some plants require a long time, and if any attempt is made to “ mount ” 
them before drying is completed it will cause much after trouble. 
When, however, it is seen that the substance of the plants is thoroughly 
dried the specimens can be secured to stout sheets of white paper, by 
means of thin glue or strong gum applied to the principal parts of the 
leaves or stem, or what is preferable, by means of narrow strips of 
paper placed across the stems, leaf and flower stalks, and fixed to the 
paper by their ends with the glue. Always employ large sheets of 
paper, so that ample room can be allowed to the specimen, and do not 
fix them all the centre of paper, but let some be near the sides, as it 
will be more convenient for arrangement in the herbarium, as it 
equalises the pressure. At the base of the sheet the botanical and 
common name of the plant should be given, its natural order, and the 
place where it was found, with the date. 
Cyclamens —Plants when grown for market by experts 
in their culture and sold, as they usually are. just when in their best 
condition, would not continue producing equally fine flowers, even under 
the most favourable conditions—that is, if they had not been sold, but 
kept in the structures in which the plants were grown and there accorded 
the best attention. What may be termed the first fine flush of flowers 
(there is alliteration for you) exhaust the plants and soil to an appreciable 
extent, the successional flowers being the smaller in consequence. The 
disparity is bound to be more marked when the plants have undergone a 
journey and then placed in a structure differing from the one from 
which they were removed. At home they would receive just what they 
wanted in respect to temperature, atmospheric moisture, light, and 
support. These essentials cannot be found in due proportion in a mixed 
house of plants, and particularly a lofty conservatory, and especially, 
perhaps, if the pots are arranged on dry open latticework stages. All 
you can do is to take care that the soil never gets so dry as to shrink 
and form a slight fissure next the pots ; also give weak clear liquid 
manure at every alternate watering, soot water as clear and pale as 
pale sherry being good for the plants. If they stand on a dry base, 
such as an open stage over hot-water pipes, that will be the reverse 
of good for them, and the pots should be syringed occasionally. We 
have not yet arrived at any satisfactory conclusion in reference to 
your plant named “ Philandris mimosa.” The nomenclature is new to 
us, and if we reverse the names—Mimosa philandris—we do not gain 
the light we wish for the purpose of identification. By the way, can it 
be a certain mottled-leaved plant that figured somewhat effectively in a 
certain prize group with which you are not unacquainted ? If so, it is 
neither a Philandris nor a Mimosa, but a sort of phonetic mixture of 
both those names. Perhaps you had better send us a leaf or two, and 
the matter shall have our further and ready attention. 
Definition of a “ Cottager ” (6*. Arviitage ).—It would be difficult, 
we suspect, to define the term in a manner that would be generally 
acceptable for purposes of exhibiting garden produce at local shows, as 
circumstances and conditions of life vary considerably in various dis¬ 
tricts. In the schedule of a well managed amateur and cottage garden 
society in what may be termed a suburban district, in which a number 
of men work in mills, the following is the simple, concise, and 
satisfactory definition :—“ A ‘ cottager ’ must be a person of the working 
class, and must not receive any professional assistance or paid labour in 
the cultivation of his garden or produce.” In a rural district in which 
prizes have been competed for over a series of years the definition runs— 
“ Cottagers are understood to be persons belonging to the class which 
supports itself by manual labour, who occupy a cottage or part of a 
cottage, and who cultivate ground (without paid assistance) in their 
own occupation.” This did not give general satisfaction on the ground 
that some cottagers were better off than others, and could afford to buy 
better seeds and plants. It was then decided to take the ordinary wage 
rate as a basis, which in that district is los. a week, and classes were 
provided for (1) cottagers who do not receive more than that amount 
weekly, and (2) for those who exceed it by manual labour. This division 
has answered well. We cannot approve of your prohibiting a cottager 
from using even a cold frame. That is discouraging, not encouraging, 
in its tendency. Many a thrifty, industrious, genuine working man at 
the ordinary wage rate of the locality has not only made himself a 
rough but useful frame, but even what might be termed a miniature 
greenhouse, and we think no society should discourage such efforts on 
the part of toilers in field, shop, or factory, and provided they do every¬ 
thing without “ professional assistance ” they remain, in our opinion, 
eligible for competing in cottagers’ classes ; but if they do employ 
skilled labour they should only compete in the amateurs’ section at the 
exhibition. The magnificent Onions, Leeks, Celery, and other things 
staged at the cottagers’ great co-operative show every season at the 
Crystal Palace eould not be produced in the absence of glazed frames or 
glass shelter of some kind for advancing the plants early in the season. 
The conductors of the show would make a very great mistake in check¬ 
ing this enterprise in cultivation by working men, and there is not the' 
least fear of their doing so. We do not like your repressive definition,, 
for, under it, if a cottager knocks the bottom out of an egg or other box: 
and places glass across the top, and uses the little enclosure for raising 
plants of flowers or vegetables early, and thereby has superior produce 
for the show, he is rendered ineligible as a competitor. Try some other 
definition, based on a more generous policy, and greater interest will be¬ 
taken by working men in their gardens, and in time a higher standard- 
of excellence established at the shows. 
ITames 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 any beyond that number cannot 
be preserved. (J. G.'). —1, Dumelow’s Seedling ; 2, Minchull Crab 
3, Northern Greening; 4, Alfriston ; 5, Orange Goff; 6, Tower of 
Glamis. 
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, soft green grass or leaves form the best packing, dry 
wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at once, 
and the numbers should be visible without untying the ligatures, 
it being often difficult to separate them when the paper is damp. 
{B. H. iZ.).—The plant is Tillandsia setacea, and it requires to be 
grown in a warm house. (^Subscriber'). —We cannot undertake to name 
your plants without flowers, and the only two therefore in suitable 
condition are—1, Acacia Farnesiana ; and 2, Acacia dealbata. (Cave ).— 
A fine variety of Dendrobium spcciosum. (F. B. D.) —A small variety/ 
of Dendrobium speciosum. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— March 4th. 
lI.i.RKET remains the same, with short supplies generally. 
VEGETABLES. 
0. 
d. 
0. 
d. 
6. 
d. 
0. 
s: 
Artichokes, dozen .. 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet 
• • 
1 
6 
to 2 
cv- 
Beana, Kidney, per Id. .. 
1 
6 
1 
9 
Mustard & Cress, punnet 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bushel.. .. 
3 
0 
4 
c- 
Brussela Sprouts, J sieve 
2 
6 
3 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
a 
0 
8 
a 
Cabbage, dozen .. .« 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen .. 
• • 
1 
0 
0 
a 
Carrots, bunch .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per owt. .. 
• • 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen.. .. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Rhubarb, bundle .. 
• • 
0 
2 
0 
8 
Celery, bundle. 
1 
0 
1 
3 
Salsafy, bundle .. 
• • 
1 
0 
1 
t 
Coleworts, doz. buncheg 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle ,. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Cucumbers, doz. .. ., 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Seakale, per bkt. .. 
• • 
2 
0 
2 
6 
Endive, dozen. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Shallots, per lb. .. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
H orbs, bunch .. 
0 
a 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. 
• 
6 
0 
0 
Leeks, bunch.. 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. .. 
« • 
0 
0 
8 
Lettuce, dozen. 
2 
0 
2 
6 
Turnips, bunch .. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
4’ 
FRUIT. 
e. 
d. 
0. 
d. 
0« 
d. 
0. 
Hr 
Apples, J sieve. 
1 
6 
to 6 
0 
Lemons, case .. .. 
15 0 to 20 
0 
,, Nova Scotia and 
Melons, each .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
O’ 
Canada, per barrel 15 
0 
26 
0 
Oranges, per 100 .. 
• • 
4 
0 
9 
0 
Grapes, per lb. 
1 
6 
3 
6 
St. Michael Pines, each 
«• 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Kentish Cobs „ 
45 
0 
60 
0 
Strawberries, per lb. 
• • 
0 
0 
0 
(y 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES. 
CUT FLOWERS. 
0 . 
d. 
0. 
d. 
0. 
d. 
0 . 
d-- 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 to 
4 
0 
Mimosa (French), per 
Azalea, doz. sprays .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
9 
bunch . 
1 
0 to 1 
6 
Bouvardias, bunch 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Narciss (Paper-white). 
CameUia, white, per doz. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
French, doz. bunches . . 
2 
0 
6 
0 - 
„ rad „ 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Do. Do. English, 
Carnations, 12 blooms ., 
1 
0 
2 
6 
per bunch . 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Christmas Roses, dozen 
Narciss (Various) dozen 
blooms . 
0 
4 
0 
9 
bunches, French 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Cineraria, 12 bunches .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 
1 
0 
1 
6. 
Cyclamen, doz. blooms .. 
0 
3 
0 
6 
„ Scarlet, 12 bnchs 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Daffodils, doz. blooms .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Poinsettia, dozen blooms 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Eucharis, dozen .. .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Primula(double)12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Gardenias, each .. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Primroses, dozen bunches 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Hyacinths (Roman), doz. 
Roses (indoor), dozen .. 
0 
6 
1 
6 
sprays . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ Red (English) per 
Hyacinth,Roman (French) 
bloom. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
doz. bunches. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
„ Red, 12 bis. (Fncb.) 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Lapageria, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
,, Tea, white, dozen.. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
LOao (French') per bunch 
4 
0 
6 
0 
„ Yellow, dozen .. 
3 
0 
9 
0 
Lilium longiflorum, 12 
Snowdrops, doz. bunches 
1 
0 
3 
0 
blooms. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Spiraea, per bunch .. .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Lily of the Valley, dozen 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms . . 
1 
6 
2 
0 
sprays . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Tulips, per dozen .. .. 
0 
9 
1 
6 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Violets (Parme), per boh. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
bunches. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
„ (dark), per bch... 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
4 
0 
e 
0 
„ (English), doz.bnoh 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Mignonette, 12 bunches.. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Wallflower, doz. bunches 
1 
6 
2 
6 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
0. 
d. 
0. 
d. 
0. 
d. 
0. 
<L 
Aralia Sieboldi, dozen .. 6 
Oto 12 
0 
Foliage plants, var., each 
2 
0 to 10 
0 
Arbor Vitas (golden) doz. 6 
0 
8 
0 
Genista, per doz. 
8 
0 
12 
0 
Azalea, per plant .. ,. 2 
0 
3 
6 
Hyacinths, doz. pots .. 
G 
0 
9 
0 
Cineraria, per doz.8 
0 
10 
0 
Lily of the Valley, per pot 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Cyclamens, per doz. .. 9 
0 
24 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Dielytra spectabilis, per 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
dozen .9 
0 
18 
0 
Myrtles, dozen. 
6 
0 
13 
0 
Dracaena terminaUs, doz. 24 
0 
42 
0 
Palms, in var.,each.. .. 
2 
6 
21 
0 
„ viridis, dozen .. 12 
0 
24 
0 
Pelargoniums, per doz. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Erica, various, dozen .. 12 
0 
18 
0 
Poinsettia, per doz. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Euonymus, var., dozen .. 6 
0 
18 
0 
Primula sinensis, per doz. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 6 
0 
24 
0 
Solanums, per doz. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen.. 4 
0 
18 
0 
Spiraea, per doz. 
10 
0 
18 
n 
Ficus elastica, each.. .. 1 
6 
7 
0 
Tulips, dozen pots .. .. 
6 
0 
« 
0‘ 
