August 17, 1893. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
163 
especially good ; the latter are sown early in the spring, and the 
majority of them flowered during the ensuing summer. 
Glass structures are numerous and arranged in a somewhat scattered 
form in various parts of the kitchen garden. In the range which we 
first enter the houses have three-quarter span roofs. For lightness 
and finish these structures are admirable. There is, however, one 
drawback in connection with them—the framework is of iron, and those 
who have had experience with glass houses of this description are well 
aware what great watchfulness and care are necessary in the matter of 
ventilation and damping to counteract the great fluctuation in 
temperature for which hothouses constructed of similar materials are 
noted. It may therefore be readily understood that they do not find 
favour at Barford Hill, especially after the recent tropical weather. In 
the stove we found a clean healthy collection of plants of the right size 
for decorative purposes, for which they are in great demand. The 
central bed was occupied principally with Palms and Crotons, the latter 
being well coloured. C. Weismani, angustifolius, Chelsoni, Victoria, 
Disraeli, Thompsoni, and many other varieties were well represented, 
the wall of the bed being completely covered with a trailing mass of 
Panicum variegatum, while on the roof a thinly trained plant of Bougain¬ 
villea glabra bore imposing panicles of rose-coloured bracts, a useful 
shelf on the back wall being filled with Calanthes and other plants. 
The vineries are not numerous, being only two in number. Considering 
the Vines in these are old, an additional house or two in this department 
would be a great advantage, as without the loss of a crop it is a 
difficult matter to plant young Vines. An inside border has. however, been 
made, and some young Vines recently planted, which will next year be 
cut down to within a few inches of the soil. Mr. Jones, being an old 
“ Floors Castle” man, may be depended upon to do the best that can be 
done under the circumstances. The old Vines are carrying a heavy crop 
of excellent Grapes just the right size in bunch for table use. 
Gros Colman, Gros Guillaume, Black Hamburgh, Buckland Sweet¬ 
water, and Muscat all growing in one house. At the end of the range 
is a lofty conservatory, where many good specimens of Pelargoniums, 
Fuchsias, and miscellaneous plants were growing. In this house the 
bulk of the Chrysanthemums are flowered ; although some of the plants 
must necessarily be at a great distance from the glass, it is on the whole 
a capital place for them, being a light airy structure, just such a one as 
Mr. Molyneux would have liked for his plants of Madame C. Audiguier 
when he used to grow them 12 feet high. Near by we enter a capital 
range of Peach houses, the trees being trained on a curved trellis in the 
front, others occupying the back wall. Fine fruits of Royal George 
Peach and Victoria Nectarine were still hanging in one division. In 
the others the trees were clean, healthy and vigorous. Several good 
span-roofed plant houses have recently been built. In one of these we 
found a splendid collection of seedling tuberous Begonias, the plants 
were well grown sturdy examples, and made a fine display. One variety 
in particular was noted for its enormous well shaped flowers, and with 
judicious hybridising should prove the parent of a splendid race of 
seedlings. 
A start has been made with Orchids, a couple of houses being 
principally devoted to them. The majority of the plants are small, 
having only recently been obtained, but they are clean and healthy, 
appearing to be quite at home in their abode. A well-marked variety of 
Oncidium Krameri was in full beauty, as were several good spikes of 
flower among the Odontoglossums. The collection will in a short time 
be a good one, as choice species and varieties are being continually added 
to it, while those already obtained are making good progress. Another 
range of houses is devoted to the growth of Melons, Pines, Ferns, with 
batches of Cyclamen growing on shelves near the glass, a cool structure 
adjoining being used for forwarding plants just coming into flower 
preparatory to being taken to the mansion or conservatory proper. Near 
here are plenty of useful pits in which Cyclamen, Primulas, and 
Cinerarias are in capital condition. Zonal Pelargoniums and Bouvardias 
are grown extensively for winter flowering. These were looking remark¬ 
ably well, and will prove quite a sheet anchor during the dull season. 
Much more might be said on this subject, but I must pass onward, as 
there are other things to tell of. 
Chrysanthemums, of which 850 are grown on the large bloom 
principle, demand notice. As we approach them it is not difficult to 
see that our guide is a Chrysanthemum enthusiast. The light kindles 
in his eye, and his countenance is aglow with animation as we 
obtain a f ull view of his “ Chrysanthemum field,” for indeed such it 
seems. A splendid position in a wide open spot has been selected for 
them. The plants are arranged in rows running east and west, with 
some 4 or 5 feet of space between each row. Every facility is thus 
given for attending to the wants of each plant, and also for thoroughly 
examining them. This we proceeded to do. Passing along every row of 
plants we carefully note their condition, looking out for old favourites, 
and generally finding them as well as nearly all the new ones of proved 
merit. G. C. Schwabe, Viscountess Hambledon, Mohawk, Col. W. B. 
Smith, Lord Brooke, Middleton Clark, and Beauty of Exmouth are 
represented by several good plants. All are in capital health, and are 
remarkable for the firm, hard growth made ; there is no approach to 
grossness, and the leaves are as thick and leathery as it is possible to 
have them. They are now taking on that bronzy tint which is a sure 
indication of ripeness consequent upon exposure. Like many other 
cultivators this year Mr. Jones finds the crown buds formed too early. 
In nearly all instances they have therefore been removed and successional 
ones promise to come quite soon enough. Many men, especially gardeners, 
have a knack of showing visitors the best last. Such was our experience 
in this instance. Good as the plants already seen were, the last row sur¬ 
passed all others. Etoile de Lyon and Miss Lilian Bird were the varieties 
which held the post of honour. These were exceptionally strong, yet 
hard, and without doubt well ripened, and I fancy it will be difficult to 
meet with better plants. With a lingering look we leave them to hasten 
to the pleasure grounds before the shades of evening fall. 
Around the outskirts we follow a pretty winding walk, and wend our 
way among some artistically arranged rockwork containing Yuccas, 
Ferns, and other suitable plants. Catching a pretty glimpse of park¬ 
like scenery, we cross the green sward, near large beds of vigorous Roses, 
and wend our way to the terrace around the mansion. Below we have 
a series of oblong beds planted chiefly with Pelargoniums, Lobelias, and 
Pyrethrums. Black Douglas is a bronze tricolor very popular here, 
where it grows and colours wonderfully well. One unique bed was 
filled with this variety and edged wi^h a broad band of Manglesi. 
Others were masses of rose, pink, or scarlet provided with suitable 
edgings. Near the centre of this line of beds were two grand Golden 
Yews, perfect specimens some 10 or 12 feet high. The whole of the 
pleasure gardens were in fine trim, tidiness and good order being 
apparent on every hand. Following the terrace walk we pass to the 
conservatory adjoining the mansion. Here a fine plant of Tacsonia 
Van-Volxcmi covers the roof, the shoots being allowed to drop loosely 
from it, must have a fine effect when in flower. Palms and other fine- 
foliaged plants luxuriate in the central bed, while a good selection of 
flowering plants brighten up the side stages. 
We now retrace our steps to the terrace walk in order to take a 
lingering view of the fine scene before us. Our eyes first rest upon the 
brightly coloured flower beds beneath, then wander to the cool refreshing 
green of a distant belt of trees ; this belt is broken in its outline, and 
between the serried lines shine the bright waters of Shakespeare’s 
“flowing Avon.” From the water to the tree tops the space widens, as 
if to give a clearer view of the stately tower of St. Mary’s church at 
Warwick. Still another glimpse of the Avon is seen in the opposite 
direction, and all around the beauty of the undulating ground defies my 
power of description ; but it requires no great gift of imagination to 
arouse the inward conviction that for quiet home-like beauty the scene 
before us will not be easily surpassed. Both “ the Squire ” and Mrs. 
Smith-Ryland are ardent lovers of horticulture, who take great interest 
in their gardens, and provide with a liberal hand the means for keeping 
them in good condition, and in Mr. R. Jones they have an active and 
intelligent gardener, whose heart is in his work, and who thoroughly 
appreciates the liberality of his employers.—H. D. 
APPLES FROM THE HIMALAYAS—HEAVY RAINFALL. 
I SEND you two Apples for the favour of naming. I purchased Dr. 
Hogg’s “ Fruit Manual,” and I have been trying to name my Apples by 
it, but I have not been very successful. Perhaps English Apples vary a 
little when grown here, as our climate on the Himalayas is different 
from yours. Our elevation is 6500 feet. Last year we had no rain from 
February to July. This year during the cold weather (from the end of 
January to the beginning of March) 15 feet of snow fell. All the spring 
and till the 18th June rain constantly fell. At this time the monsoon 
commenced, and the fall was :— 
June .. 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 
Inches.. 084 3'62 1-56 1-17 0-06 3-24 0-92 0-18 0-53 2-97 2'13 1-23 126 
The two Apples I send have not had much sun to colour them. In 
ordinary years they are much redder. Are they both the same 1 They 
look so, but all on one tree have the stalks short and on the other the 
stalks are long. The first tree is a compact grower and the other is a 
straggling one. If you could name these for me it would help me in 
working with Dr. Hogg’s book.— Angus Campbell. 
[We regret very much that the two Apples arrived in a completely 
rotten state ; in fact, a shapeless mass, with not a vestige of character 
left to guide us in their identification. If the stalks of the fruit from 
one tree are short, and the other long, and the trees are markedly 
dissimilar in habit, the varieties may be regarded as distinct. 
The chief external fixed characters to be noted in seeking for the 
names of fruit are :— Stalks, short or long, stout or thin, inserted in deep 
or shallow depressions ; eye, large or small, open or closed, with broad 
or narrow segments, flat or erect, set in a deep or shallow, smooth or 
plaited, basin. Yet we have many specimens sent to us without stalks, 
and the eyes spoiled by pinning the numbers in them. The size, shape, 
colour, and peculiar markings of the fruit have also to be observed, but 
these are, so to say, moveable factors as influenced by climate or other 
disturbing cause. 
The internal characters to be noted are the position of the dried 
stamens in the tube—namely, marginal, median, or basal; the tube 
itself as to form—conical or funnel shaped ; and the carpels or core. 
Illustrations of all these distinctive marks are given in the “Fruit 
Manual,” and they become clearer by study and comparison with 
dissected fruits. 
Our readers, and they are many, who are interested in the question 
of rainfall, which they carefully ascertain, will note the Himalayan 
downpour represented by 19'61 inches on thirteen days in June, no less 
than 6'86 inches falling on two days, but it will be observed there was 
no rain from February to July, but there was plenty of snow in March. 
We must not consider our climate, with all its drawbacks, the worst in 
the world.] ( 
