April 80, 1891. J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
865 
simple reason that they know better, and men who possess eonsiderable 
educational acquirements are the last to indulge in pedantic references. 
Cockroaches (5". B .').—They are the largest of our native cock¬ 
roaches, the Blatta germanica. Professor Westwood, however, has 
great doubts whether this is truly indigenous. It is very abundant in 
Germany, and occurs also at the Antipodes. It is not a very common 
species, seldom occurring in houses, but being found in fields amongst 
heaps of rubbish, dead leaves, &c., sometimes in hollow trees. We have 
never heard or read of an instance of its having done any mischief to 
cultivated plants ; still, if introluced to a garden it might soon increase 
and become troublesome, if circumstances were in its favour. For, as 
was pointed out some years ago in thi.s Journal, the familiar B. orientalis 
sometimes quits the kitchen and makes excursions to gardens and 
frames where, owing to its nocturnal habits, it may do mischief fre¬ 
quently and escape detection. 
Rhubarb QCurious ').—The Early Bed Rhubarb as grown in the 
liondon market gardens has been described in the Journal of the Royal 
Horticultural Society, as synonymous with varieties grown at Chiswick, 
as Early Albert, Royal Albert, and Prince Albert. As it was doubtless 
grown in the London market gardens before the late Prince Albert was 
born, this name can scarcely have priority. It is usually the earliest, 
and has often been large enough for use in February. We believe the 
Yaxley 'Nhcar’s Rhubarb to be the old Early Red and nothing more, 
though we quite believe the Vicar offercl it in good faith as being 
distinct. We know that when the stalks of both were mixed even 
Mr. Barron could not separate them, and he has as quick an eye for 
detecting the differences in Rhubarb as anyone we know, though, 
perhaps, Mr. N. Pownall may equal him. When Early Red and Hawke’s 
Champagne are growm by the acre for market, the former is gathered 
from first, the latter following, and is better in colour and qrrality. As 
growing side by side at Chiswick this year there was no appreciable 
difference in earliness; perhaps the former was a trifle the taller at a 
given date, but the stems of the latter were somewhat thicker, and 
certainly richer in colour. Paragon was as tall, if not taller, than either, 
and almost as well coloured as Hawke’s, but Mr. Pownall found it later. 
As grown at Chiswick it is undoubtedly a good early variety. Amongst 
some seedlings of Mr. Laxton, now developing their characters at 
Chiswick, one especially is very distinct, of great promise, and as coming 
in between the first earlies, and Victoria bids fair to be about the best 
in the collection. It is good enough to be called Conqueror, unless its 
raiser can give it a better name. 
Culture of Scarlet Runner Reans (J/. i?,). —The present is a 
good time to make the first sowing of this indispensable vegetable. The 
usual practice is to make several sowings of Runner Beans between the 
end of April and the end of June, and to afterwards support the haulms 
with sticks from 5 to 7 feet high, and to stop the shoots at that height. 
The best results, however, are not obtained by following that practice. 
We plant two rows of Runner Beans, between 60 and 70 yards long each, 
in drills 3 or I inches deep, and 8 feet apart, and running east and west. 
The first planting is, as already stated, made the last week in April, and 
the second two months later in front (south) of the first row. As soon 
as the plants apj)car and have had a little soil drawn up to them on each 
side, the sticks, from 12 to 20 feet long, are stuck firmly in the ground 
1 foot apart on each side of the same, and are then braced together by a 
line of Bean sticks fastened longitudinally on the upright s'icks at 6 or 
7 feet from the ground by means of cross-ties made of tarred string. 
Instead of stopping the runners, as is generally done, with a view to 
hastening the formation of pods, they are allowed to grow irninter- 
ruptedly, and so cover their allotted space, thereby prolonging consider¬ 
ably the supply of Beans, inasmuch as the individual plants yield a 
succession of Beans until cut away by frost, the finest Beans being on 
the top. Our two rows of Runner Beans thus grown are, when in 
flower, greatly admired as being a capital example of the ornamental 
and useful combined. In consequence of the row? running east and 
west, the first row having been planted north of, and a couple of months 
earlier than the second, the latter is protected effectively from autumn 
frosts, hence it is that we frequently secure daily gatherings of Runner 
Beans up to the middle or end of November. When sharp frosts are 
apprehended all the pods that are fit for use should be gathered and 
spread thinly on a she f in a cool room, thereby prolonging the supply 
three weeks or a month after the haulms had been destroyed. 
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 noL 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. (//. <S.).—The Apple is Moss’s Incomparable, the Pear 
Beurre Ranee. 
Names of Plants. —We only undertake to name species of plants, 
not varieties that have originated from sce<l 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 rvhen the paper is damp. 
(.7. t7.).—The variety is one of hundreds that have been raised from seed 
by florists, and, as you will see above, we do not irndertake to name 
varieties of florists’ flowers, many of which resemble each other too 
closely for satisfactory identification. If you obtained the plant from 
a nursery you might perhaps be able to procure its name from the 
vendor. (IF. G.). —We should be glad to oblige you, but the specimen 
received will not permit us to do so. In the conditions above you wiM 
see we require flowers, or at least descriptions, neither of which are 
forthcoming, and leaves or small portions of stems do not afford sufficient 
material for the determination of doubtful plants. (J7. 7?.).—1, Spar- 
mannia africana ; 2, Iris fimbriata; 3, Tremandra hirsuta. (^Broomr 
Hall). —By comparison with a large collection your Daffodils are deter¬ 
mined to be as follows :—1, C. J. Backhouse ; 2, Princeps ; 3, Inconi' 
parabilis Figaro ; 4, Bicolor Horsefieldi ; 5, Incomparabilis sulphurous-. 
(M. J. LI). —Diosma ericoides. Thanks for your letter. Your Vines will 
improve. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— APRIL 29th. 
A STEADY trade doing -witli good supplies. 
FRUIT. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d 
P. 
Apples, i sieve.1 
6 
to 6 
0 
Kentish Cobs. 
40 
Oto 50 
0 
„ Nova Scotia and 
Lemons, case .. .. .. 
15 0 
20 
0 
Canada, per barrel 15 
0 
26 
0 
Oranges, per 100 .. .. 
4 
0 
9 
O' 
„ Tasmanian, case 6 
0 
12 
0 
St. Michael Pines, each.. 
3 
0 
8 
0 
Grapes, Hew, per lb. .. 6 
0 
7 
0 
Strawberries, per lb. .. 
3 
0 
8 
VEGETABLES. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
dP. 
Artichokes, dozen .. .. 0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet 
1 
fi 
to 2 
0 
Beans, Kidney, per lb. .. 1 
0 
0 
0 
Mu.stard & Cress, punnet 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen .. .. 1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bushel. 
3 
0 
4 
0. 
Brussels Sprouts, J sieve 3 
0 
4 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Cabbage, dozen .. .. 3 
0 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0. 
Carrots, bunch .. .. 0 
4 
0 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen.. .. 3 
0 
6 
0 
Rhubarb, bundle .. .. 
0 
2 
0 
O 
Celery, bundle.1 
0 
1 
3 
Salsafy, bundle .. .. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Coleworts, doz. bunches 2 
0 
4 
0 
Soorzonera, bundle .. .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Cucumbers, doz.3 
0 
5 
0 
Seakale, per bkt. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Endive, dozen.1 
0 
0 
0 
Shallots, per lb. .. .. 
0 
3 
0 
0- 
Herbs, bunch.0 
2 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. .. 
6 
0 
6 
0 
Leeks, bunch.0 
2 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. .. .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Lettuce, dozen.3 
0 
3 
6 
Turnips, bunch .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
4 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES. 
CUT 
FLOWERS. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
a. 
S. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 2 
Oto 4 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches 
4 
0 
to 6 
O' 
Azalea, doz. sprays .. .. 0 
6 
0 
9 
Mignonette, 12 bunches.. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Bouvardias, hunch .. 1 
e 
1 
6 
Mimosa (Fr-ench), per 
Camellia, white, per doz. 2 
0 
4 
0 
bunch . 
1 
3 
1 
li 
„ red „ 0 
9 
1 
6 
Narciss (Various) dozen 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 1 
0 
2 
0 
bunches, French 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Christmas Roses, dozen 
Pelargoniums, 12 trusses 
6 
0 
9 
0 
blooms.0 
0 
0 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 bnchs 
4 
0 
6 
Cineraria, 12 bunches .. 6 
0 
9 
0 
Primula(donble)12 sprays 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Cyclamen, doz. blooms .. 0 
3 
0 
6 
Prhuroses, dozen hunches 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Daffodils, doz. bunches .. 2 
0 
6 
0 
Roses (indoor), dozen .. 
0 
6 
1 
6 
Eucharis, dozen .. .. 3 
0 
6 
0 
„ Red (English) per 
Gardenias, per doz. 1 
6 
4 
0 
dozen blooms .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Hyacinths doz. sprays .. 3 
0 
4 
0 
„ Red, 12 bis. (Fncb.) 
2 
6 
4 
0 
„ (Pnchl doz. bunches 12 
0 
15 
0 
„ Tea, white, dozen.. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
„ (Dutch) in boxes .. 1 
0 
3 
0 
„ Yellow, dozen 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Lapageria, 12 blooms .. 2 
0 
4 
0 
Spinea, per bunch .. .. 
0 
6 
0 
9 
Lilac (French') per bunch 5 
0 
6 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Lilium longiflorum, 12 
Tulips, per dozen ., ,. 
0 
6 
0 
9- 
blooms.3 
0 
4 
0 
Violets (Panne), per bcb. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Lily of the Valley, dozen 
„ (dark), per bcb... 
2 
9 
3 
0 
sprays . 0 
6 
1 
0 
„ (English), doz.bnch 
0 
G 
1 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Wallflower, doz. bunches 
1 
6 
2 
G 
bunches.4 
0 
9 
0 
PLANTS 
IN POTS. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
a. 
8. 
d. 
S. 
d.. 
Aralia Sieboldi, dozen .. 
6 
Oto 18 
0 
Genista, per dez. 
9 
0 to 12 
0 
Arbor Vitae (golden) doz. 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Hyacinths, doz. pots 
5 
0 
H 
0 
Azalea, per plmt .. .. 
2 
0 
3 
6 
Hydrangea?, per doz. 
12 
0 
15 
0 
Cineraria, per doz. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Lilium longiflorum, per 
Cyclamens, per doz. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
do;en . 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Deutzia, per doz. 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Lily of the VaUey, per pot 
1 
0 
2 
0 
i ielytra spectabilis, per 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen 
6 
0 
12 
0 
dozen . 
8 
0 
12 
0 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 
6 
0 
10 
0 
Dracaena terminalis, doz. 
24 
0 
42 
0 
Myrtles, dozen. 
6 
0 
12 
0 ■ 
„ viridis, dozen .. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var., each.. .. 
2 
6 
21 
0 
Erica, various, dozen 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums, per doz. .. 
12 
0 
18 
0 
Euonymus, var., dozen .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, per 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
dozen . 
G 
0 
9 
0 
Fairy Roses, per doz. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Primula sinensis, per doz. 
4 
0 
6 
0" 
Ferns, in variety, dozen.. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Solauums, per doz. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Ficus elastica, each.. 
1 
6 
7 
0 
Spirfea, per doz. 
10 
0 
12 
(J 
Foliage plants, var., each 
3 
0 
11 
0 
Tulips, dozen pots .. .. 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Bedding plants (in variety) in boxes, from Is. to 3s. 
THE GRASSY MIDLANDS. 
Farmers generally in this district appear to make no pro¬ 
vision of shelter whatever for the lambing. There are no folds,, 
crifcs, thatched hurdles, or lamb cloths, nothing but the hedges.. 
