May 14, 189L J 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
393 
Other fine species are P. Hilli and P. rethiopicum, both of which are 
strong growers and remarkably handsome. In addition to those already 
alluded to there is one other species that is sometimes catalogued, 
though probably not in cultivation, and from description is the oddest 
of this odd genus, as it has in addition to these two forms of fronds 
common to the family a special fertile segment or frond, the latter being 
kidney-shaped and G inches or more in breadth and thrown up on a 
stalk.—W. H. Taplix (in American Florist), 
THE ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY.— May 13rn. 
A BEAUTIFUL Exhibition was provided on Wednesday in the 
Regent’s Park Gardens, and the day being exceptionally bright and 
warm rendered it completely satisfactory in all points. The marquee 
was filled but not crowded, and there was plenty of colour without 
being overpowering ; the arrangements being skilfully managed by Mr. 
Coomber. There was a large attendance of visitors. 
Orchids formed a fine bank in the centre, three first prize collections 
occupying the space devoted to these plants. For twelve exotic Orchids 
Mr. T. Whellans, gardener to the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim, had 
premier honours for handsome specimens of Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, 
Odontoglossums, and a grand Cymbidium Lowianum. Mr. J. Douglas, 
gardener to Mrs. Whitbourn, Great Gearies, Ilford, had a similar position 
in the amateurs’ class for a collection with a bright and varied group of 
large and small plants ; and Mr. James, Norwood, was first in the 
nurserymen’s class for twelve plants with healthy specimens. 
Stove and greenhouse plants were represented by medium-sized 
examples. Mr. W. Chapman, gardener to J. Spode, Esq., Hawkesyard 
Park, Rugeley, repeated his Crystal Palace successes, and won premier 
honours in the amateurs’ classes with ten and six specimens in capital 
condition. Mr. Scott, Regent’s Park, was second in the former class, 
and Mr, Offer in the latter, both showing small plants. Mr. Mould, 
Pewsey, was first in the nurserymen’s classes for twelve and six respec¬ 
tively, small but neat, and Mr. James was second in these classes. Mr. 
Mould was also awarded first prize for six Cape Heaths, Victoria Regina 
being an excellent specimen. 
Azaleas were an extremely bright feature, and constituted pro¬ 
nounced masses of colour on the slopes. Mr. C. Turner had some finely 
flowered plants, taking first honours with twelve, and also with six, the 
last named being the largest and most freely flowered Azaleas in the 
Show. Mr. Offer, gardener to J. Warren, Esq., Handcross Park, 
Crawley, was first in the class for six with large specimens, but rather 
irregular. Messrs. Eason, Offer, and Scott were also the prizetakers in 
another class for six Azaleas in 12-inch pots. 
Large specimen Roses won the chief position for Messrs. Paul and 
Son, Cheshunt, in the nurserymen’s class for nine plants, Centifolia 
Rosea and Catherine Soupert with Magna Charta being very notable. 
Smaller but well grown plants gained Mr. Wm. Rumsey, Waltham 
Cross, the second prize, but some of his plants were not at their best. 
With six Roses (amateurs) Mr. P. Perry, gardener to J. C. Tasker, 
Esq., Middleton Hall, Brentwool, was first with neat specimens. Messrs. 
Paul & Son’s corner group of twenty Roses, which were awarded the first 
prize in that c’ass, were excellent young plants of medium size, but 
with abundant fine blooms. 
Pelargoniums were in satisfactory condition, and occupied their usual 
positions on the right and left banks of the large marquee near the 
corridor entrance. Mr. D. Phillips won the honours with six show 
varieties (amateurs), and six fancy varieties (open); Mr. C. Turner being 
second with fancy varieties, and first in the nurserymen’s class for six 
show or decorative varieties. Calceolarias from Mr. D. Phillips were 
also fine, and gained the first prize. Fine-foliage plants and Ferns were 
shown by Messrs. Offer, James, J. Douglas, and Mould. 
An extensive and beautiful collection of hardy plants secured Mr. 
T. S. Ware, Tottenham, the leading award, Messrs. Paul & Son taking the 
second place, but this firm was first with a choice collection of Alpines. 
Miscellaneous. 
Roses in pots were grandly shown by Messrs. W. Paul & Son, 
Waltham Cross, the outer part of the group being margined with a 
dozen boxes of cut blooms and an edge of Adiantums (silver-gilt 
medal). Stove and greenhouse plants. Azaleas, Mignonette and various 
hardwooded plants with graceful Perns and Palms from Messrs. 
Cutbush & Son, Highgate, were awarded a large silver medal. A 
magnificent bank of Palms, Caladiums, Tuberous Begonias, Orchids and 
Heaths from Messrs. J. Laing & Sons, Forest Hill, deservedly secured 
a similar award. 
A superb group of Orchids from Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son, Upper 
Holloway, was arranged on one of the banks in the centre of the marquee 
—Cymbidiums, Cattleyas, Lrelias, Cypripediums, Masdevallias, Onci- 
diums, and Odontoglossums predominated (silver-gilt medal). Olivias, 
Hippeastrums, Azaleas, and Leschenaultias constituted another bright 
group from Messrs. B. S. Williams & Son. Anemone flowers were shown 
by T. H. Burroughes, Esq., Ketton, Rutland, representing several distinct 
and brilliant varieties. Roses in pots from Mr. Perry gained him a 
small silver medal. New Pelargoniums of the show and decorative 
type were exhibited by Messrs. J. & J. Hayes, Edmonton (bronze medal). 
Cut Roses were shown by Mr. W. Rumsey (bronze medal), Mr. C. 
Turner also had handsome group of Roses in pots (silver medal). 
Petunias were uncommonly well staged by Messrs. J. Carter & Co., 
High Holborn, representing their New Emperor strain. The flowers 
were astonishingly varied in form, colours, and markings, and the 
plants being arranged with Ferns and small Palms, constituted one of 
the most pleasing groups in the Show. 
Tree Paeonies from Mr. T. S. Ware formed an imposing bank, the 
flowers large, and varied in colour (small silver medal). The brilliant 
blue Leschenaultia biloba major from Messrs. Balchin & Sons, Hassocks 
Nursery, Sussex, was much admired (bronze medal). White Stocks 
were shown by Mr. J. Wiggins, Hillingdon Heath, very even, double,, 
and pure (bronze medal). Tulips, Daffodils, and hardy flowers were 
staged by Messrs. Barr & Son, Co vent Garden (large bronze medal). 
Daffodils, Pyrethrums, and Carnations coming from Mr. T. S. Ware. 
FRUIT FORCING. 
Pines. —Changeable weather nece.ssitates careful attention in the 
cultivation of Pines, especially as regards plants with fruit in an 
advanced condition, a moderately high temperature and a moist 
atmosphere being essential to their well-doing, wdiich condition renders 
them more susceptible to injury, the effects of sudden outbursts of sun 
telling disastrously, especially upon the crown, which is not unfre- 
quently scorched if the ventilation is not carefully attended to. Large, 
well-finished fruits are only to be obtained by close attention to details, 
especially when the plants are cultivated in pots. Watering will 
require attending to once a week, but avoid indiscriminate periodical 
waterings. Plants that have heat at the roots by means of hot-water 
pipes need more water than those having the heat furnished by means 
of fermenting material; the former should have water as often as 
required, on every occasion employing some stimulant, 1 lb. of guano to 
twenty gallons of water is a suitable quantity. Admit air at the top of 
the house at 80°, and maintain the temperature through the day at 80° 
to 90°, closing at 85° ; but unless it be de.sirable to enlarge the crowns 
do not quite close the house. Fire heat must be employed to prevent 
the temperature falling below 70° at night, and to raise it to 75° in the 
day, the bottom heat being kept at 80° to 90°, or with the bottom heat 
steady a few degrees variation in the atmosphere is not of great 
consequence. Syringe the plants or house two or three times a week 
according to the weather, and maintain the atmosphere in such a 
condition as is likely to secure the perfect development of the fruit. 
Peaches and Nectarines. —Trees Started at the New Year .— 
The fruit whilst stoning must not be subjected to a higher temperature 
than G0° to 6.5° by artificial means, commencing to ventilate at 65°, and 
not allowing 75° to be exceeded without full ventilation. Tie in the 
shoots as they advance, removing superfluous growths, as it is important 
that no more be trained in than can be fully exposed to light and air. 
If the shoots are crowded thin them well as soon as the stoning is com¬ 
pleted. Allow one fruit to every square foot of trellis covered by the 
trees, which will be one to each shoot of last year, although vigorous 
shoots may be allowed to carry two fruits. By apportioning the fruits 
according to the vigour of the trees, or degrees of vigour, the evenness 
of vigour may bo maintained throughout the tree. After stoning main¬ 
tain a good moisture in the house, and water the inside border copiously, 
which "in well drained borders will not be required less than once a 
week, mulching the surface with about 2 inches thickness of short 
manure. Unless it is desired to accelerate the ripening, continue G0° to 
65° as the night temperature, and 65° by day artificially by day in dull 
weather,’ and 75° with sun heat, closing at the latter with plenty of 
moisture in the house. In a high temperature and moist atmosphere 
Peaches swell to a great size after stoning, but are not so tempting in 
appearance nor so well flavoured as those in less heat and moisture and 
with freer ventilation. 
Irees Started in Fehrmry. —The fruit of these will soon be com¬ 
mencing stoning, and should have the number reduced, leaving two 
fruits on strong shoots, but one will be sufficient on the weaker. The 
fruit retained must, in all instances, be best situate! for receiving air 
and light. Thin the shoots where crowded. The temperature by 
artificial means must be kept at 55° to 60° at night, and 60° to 65° by¬ 
day artificially, ventilating from 65° and fully between 70° and 75°. 
Irees Started in J/izrc/t.—With the fruit swelling attention must 
be given to thinning, and as it can now be seen which fruits have 
been properly fertilised by their taking the lead in swelling thin them 
to two or three on strong shoots, and proportionate’y less on weaker 
growths. Afford liquid manure to weakly trees, but vigorous trees 
being more prone to cast the fruit must have water only. Remove all 
superfluous shoots, the remaining shoots being trained to the trellis as 
thev advance. 
Unheated Houses. —Although frosts have prevailed there docs net 
appear to be any injury affecting the crop, which promises to be 
abundant, and probably nine-tenths of the fruits will have to be removed.. 
A moderate syringing on fine mornings will be a great assistance in 
ridding the fruit of the remains of the blossom ; but there must not be 
any attempt at an afternoon syringing for the present, and no sprinkling 
practised likely to cause a moist atmosphere at night, as the weather is. 
not yet to be depended on, and a sudden severe frost occurring whilst the 
house is moist is very much more likely to prove disastrous to the crop 
than if the atmosphere is dry. Ventilate at 50°, not allowing an advance, 
to 65° without full ventilation, and close at 50°, or before if there is a 
