July 13, 1893. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
45 
Vines Unhealtby (i?. A .").—Your letter, through not having been 
addressed to “ The Editor,” has remained unopened until there is no 
time left to give other than a brief reply. Lime water may be given 
with safety. Wire worms can be trapped with Carrots or Potatoes. 
Crapes Scalded QR. A. L'E .).—We cannot name unripe Grapes. 
The berries sent are scalded, and the reply to “ J. G.” applies equally to 
your case. As your Grapes may be Muscats a light shade, such as a 
screen of herring nets or sprinkling the glass with limewash, may be 
advisable in extremely hot weather ; and the hotter it is the greater the 
danger of a low night temperature, particularly if there is moisture in 
the house with the ventilators closed, or not opened soon enough in the 
morning. 
Crapes Scalded (.7. — The Grapes have been carefully 
examined. They are scalded more or less over every part, quite as much 
on the lower part of the bunch and under side of the berries as at the 
upper part of the bunch and top side of the berries. It is a bad, but not 
uncommon case. It shows that the night temperature has been low and 
the atmospheric moisture considerable, wdth the house closed. The sun 
acting upon such in the morning quickly heats and expands the 
moisture-laden air, and this, forced against cooler or less rapidly heated 
substances, as the upper surfaces of leaves, the berries of Grapes, cold 
walls, or water pipes, condenses, and this water being often 10° to 15°, 
and not infrequently 20° to 30° higher in temperature than the skin or 
cuticle of the berries, the parts most exposed, either to the sun or the 
surrounding atmosphere, have the epidermal tissues destroyed, and when 
evaporation takes place from such parts they shrink. If the Grapes are 
examined closely it will be noticed that the scalding has occurred before 
air has been admitted, and the discolouration and shrinking is only due 
to the evaporation which follows the ventilation. Had the ventilation 
commenced with the heating and expansion of the atmosphere by the 
sun, evaporation taking place from the berries instead of moisture being 
condensed upon them, and they had been warmed correspondingly with 
the surrounding air, it is certain scalding would not have occurred. It 
is prevented by fire heat, so as to maintain a night temperature of 65° to 
70°, and a little more by day artificially. This admits of air being 
given, and moisture does not condense on the berries. A temperature 
of 70° by artificial means and enough air to promote a circulation is a 
complete preventive of scald, but it may occur in Muscat of Alexandria 
on the upper part of the bunches when they are exposed to the direct 
rays of the sun, especially on bright weather succeeding a cold dull 
period, then a slight shade is necessary. As scalding is only likely to 
occur in Lady Downe’s from a fortnight to three weeks before the 
colouring is well pronounced it is advisable to employ a little fire heat, 
ao as to maintain a rather warm and somewhat dry atmosphere during 
that time, and until the berries are all assuming their ripening hue. 
Constructing- a Grape Room (77. B .).—As your wall is only 
8 feet high the lean-to to allow for head room could only be narrow, but 
a width of 6 feet inside will allow of racks being placed against both 
walls. There is no objection to your using galvanised corrugated iron 
for the roof, with provision for ventilation, a few small openings 
sufficing. The straw will act as a non-conductor, and the walls should be 
lined with boards kept about an inch from the face. The floor may be 
formed of tiles or cement, the latter preferably, as it is needful to 
keep out rats. It will be necessary to provide pipes for heating so as to 
exclude frost and expel damp, fixing them as far from the racks as 
possible, say in the centre or path. A flow and return 2 inch pipe would 
be sufficient. Hacks may be easily made by fixing uprights 3 inches by 
2 inches against the sides at 3 feet apart, narrow surface outwards. 
At 18 inches from the floor line fix shelves between the uprights 
3 inches by IJ inch, broad surface upwards, and the back edge 1 inch 
higher than the front, to which affix a J inch square lath flush with 
the face on the upper surface, forming a ledge. At the same height 
above the first shelf fix another, and so on to within 18 inches of the top 
of the uprights. Proceed in a similar manner between the other 
uprights, forming shelves from the floor, 18 inches between, all on the 
same levels and heights. The shelves are for the bottles to rest on. At 
1) inches above the level of each shelf fix a rail 2J inches by IJ, narrow 
face outwards, kept 1 inch from the face of the uprights by a strip of 
wood corresponding with the face of the upright, and the thickness of 
the rail, and secure the rail to the upright with screws. The bottom 
side of the rail should be 9 inches above the top of the shelf. Then cut 
notches 1^ inch wide and 1 inch deep on the inner edge of the rail for 
the neck of each bottle to rest in at 9 inches distance apart. Nothing 
more is required but the bottles. These are perhaps best ordinary pint- 
and-a-half wine or spirit bottles of clear glass. Filled with water they 
can be stood on the shelves with the neck in the notches easily and 
safely. > 
The Caper Plant (77. 71.).—Capparis spinosa, as we have before 
stated, from -which the capers of commerce are obtained, grows 
abundantly in the south of Europe, along the shores and on the islands 
of the Mediterranean, and in Syria. It is generally found wild on walls 
and rocks ; it is met with on the walls of Rome, Sienne, and Florence, 
and is extensively cultivated in the south of Europe, ■ particularly 
between Marseilles and Toulon, and in many parts of Italy ; but it is 
from Sicily that the greatest supply is brought. The flower buds form 
the capers so much used as a pickle and a sauce, but in some parts the 
fruit is also employed. In the early part of summer the plant begins 
to flower, and the flowers continue to appear successively till the 
beginning of winter. The young flower buds are picked every morning, 
and as they are gathered they are put into vinegar and salt; and this 
operation continues for six months, as long as the plants are in a 
flowering state. When the season closes the buds are sorted according 
to their size and colour, the smallest and greenest being the best; these 
are again put into vinegar, and then packed up for sale and exportation. 
Capers are stimulant, antiscorbutic, and are much employed as a condi¬ 
ment, but the medicinal virtues of the plant reside in the root, which is 
slightly bitter, somewhat acrid and sour, and is diuretic. 
N’ames of Fruits. — Notice. —Special attention is directed to the 
following decision, the object of which is to discourage the growth of 
inferior and promote the culture of superior varieties. In consequence 
of the large number of worthless Apples and Pears sent to this office to 
be named, it has been decided to name only specimens and varieties of 
approved merit, and to reject the inferior, ichich are not worth sending 
or growing. 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. (IF. N. P.j. —The Apple is the Early Red Margaret or 
J uneating. The premature ripening and fruit-falling is probably the 
result of the drought. 
N'ames 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 Arm 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. 
(7. S .').—Hoya stenophylla. (A. 77,).—Lilium japonicum. (H. 77.).— 
Monstera deliciosa. (71, 77.).—1, Luculia gratissima ; 2, Maranta 
albo-lineata. (71 Johnson). —1, Lysimachia nummularia; 3, Astrantia 
minor ; 4, Tradescantia virginica; 5, Centaurea speciosa. The others 
withered. ((7. J, S .).—1, Altrcemeria aurantiaca ; 2, Geranium pratense 
flore-pleno ; 3, a Ceanothus, no flowers. {G. A.). —1, Crataegus crus- 
galli, variety ; 2, Fraxinus heterophylla ; 3, Crinum capense. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— July 12th. 
No alteration. Supplies heavy with steady business doing. 
FRUIT. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
d. 
3. 
d. 
Apples, half sieve .. .. 
0 
0 to 0 
0 
Grapes per lb. 
1 
6 
to 2 
G 
„ Tasmanian,per case 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Lemons, case . 
10 
0 
15 
0 
„ Nova Scotia, per 
Oranges, per 100 .. .. 
4 
0 
9 
0 
barrel. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Peaches, per doz. 
1 
G 
8 
0 
Cherries, half sieve .. .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
St. Michael Pines, each .. 
2 
0 
5 
0 
Gooseberries, half sieve .. 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Strawberries, per lb. .. .. 
0 
G 
1 
6 
VKGrSXABIiKS. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
Asparagus, per bundle .. 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Mustard and Cress, punnet 
0 
2 
to 0 
0 
Beans, Kidney, per lb. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Onions, bunch . 
0 
3 
0 
5 
Beet, Red, dozen. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bunches .. 
a 
0 
3 
0 
Carrots, bunch. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Parsnips, dozen. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen .. .. 
a 
0 
3 
0 
Potatoes, per cwt. 
a 
0 
5 
0 
Celery, bundle . 
1 
0 
1 
3 
Salsafy, bundle .. .. .. 
1 
0 
1 
8 
Ooleworts, dozen bunches 
a 
0 
4 
0 
Scorzonera, bundle .. .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Cucumbers, dozen .. .. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Seakale, per basket .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
1 
3 
1 
6 
Shallots, per lb. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel. 
3 
0 
3 
6 
Leeks, bunch . 
0 
a 
0 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. 
0 
4 
0 
6 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Turnips, bunch. 
0 
4 
0 
G 
Mushrooms, punnet .. .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES.—OUT FLOWERS. 
Orchid Blooms in variety. 
s. 
d. 
S. 
d 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms ., 
1 
6 
to 3 
0 
Myosotis, dozen bunches .. 
1 
6 
to 3 
0 
Bouvardias, bunch .. .. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Orchids, per dozen blcoms 
3 
0 
12 
6 
Calceolaria, dozen bunches 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 bunches 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Carnations, 12 blooms 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 
Carnations, dozen bunches 
4 
0 
8 
0 
bunches. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Cornflower, dozen bunches. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Pinks, dozen bunches .... 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Eucharis, dozen. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Primula (double) 12 sprays 
0 
9 
1 
0 
Gardenias, per dozen 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Pyrethrum, dozen bunches 
2 
0 
6 
0 
Lilium candidum, dozen 
Roses (indoor), dozen 
0 
6 
1 
6 
blooms . 
0 
6 
1 
0 
„ Red, doz. bunches .. 
4 
0 
8 
0 
Lilium longiflorum 12 
„ Tea, white, dozen .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
blooms . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
„ Yellow, dozen .. .. 
0 
4 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Sweet Peas, doz. biuiches.. 
3 
0 
G 
0 
bunches. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Sweet Sultan, doz. bunches 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bimches ., 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms,. .. 
0 
4 
0 
6 
Mignonette, 12 bunches .. 
3 
0 
G 
0 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
s. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
s. 
d. 
s. 
J. 
Arbor Vit® (golden) dozen 
6 
0 to 12 
0 
Ivy Geraniums. 
4 
0 
to 6 
0 
Aspidistra, per dozen 
18 
0 
36 
0 
Lilium lancifolium per doz. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Aspidistra, specimen plant 
5 
0 
10 
6 
Lilium Harrissi, per dozen 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Calceolaria, per dozen 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Lobelia, per doz. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Campanula, per dozen 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Lycopodiums, per dozen .. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Crassula. per dozen .. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen .. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
Dracaena terminalis, dozen 18 
0 
42 
0 
Mignonette, per doz. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
„ viridis, dozen .. 
9 
0 
24 
0 
Musk, per dozen. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Ericas, various. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
Myrtles, dozen. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Euonvmus, var., dozen .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
Nasturtiums, per dozen .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, in var., each .. .. 
1 
0 
15 
0 
Ferns, iu variety, dozen .. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
„ (specimens) .. .. 
21 
0 
63 
0 
Ferns (smalD pf r liundred 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Pelargoniums, per dozen.. 
G 
0 
12 
0 
Ficus elastica, each ., .. 
1 
6 
7 
6 
„ scarlet, per dozen.. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Foliage plants, var., each.. 
2 
0 
10 
0 
Petunia, per dozen .. .. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Fuchsia, per dozen .. .. 
5 
0 
9 
0 
„ single, in boxes.. 
1 
6 
3 
0 
Hydrangea, per dozen .. 
12 
0 
24 
0 
