September 1, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER: 
205 
young state), Lomaria gibba, Davallia Maries!, D. bullata, and I). Tycr- 
mani, Microlepia hirta cristata, Nephrodium molle, Nephrolepis 
davallioidrs and its variety furcans, the old exaltata also being useful. 
Polystichum proliferum is also useful and effective in a small state. 
Had you stated what variety of Aralia you had that had grown too tall 
we should have been able to tell you how to propagate it. If you supply 
this information wo will gladly do so. 
Bilberries and Cranberries (<9. 7/.).—The fruit is wholesome, 
and enjoyed by some palates. The reason why the plants do not grow 
in your district is probably because, as you say, it is “high and dry.” 
They like moisture. The berries aro subaeid, moderately astringent, and 
agreeably flavoured, and contain mucilage, sugar, malic and citric acid, 
and an astringent substance, which exorcises a tonic effect. The common 
Bilberry or Blaeberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) grows abundantly on the 
moors of England and Scotland, and produces berries of the «i/,o of 
Currants, of a bluish-black colour, covered with a mealy bloom. They 
aro eaten either raw or in tarts with cream, or made into jellies with 
sugar. In Devonshire they aro eaten with clotted cream. With the 
juice of the berries mixed with the bark of alder, powdered and mixed 
with alum, the inhabitants of northern Russia dyo their hair of a bright 
red colour. The fruit of the Great Whortleberry (V. uliginosum) is 
large and black, but less juicy than the preceding, and neither so agree¬ 
able nor bo wholesome, on account of its narcotic properties, which, 
when the fruit is eaten to any extent, cause headaches and vertigo ; 
they aro sometimes put into beer to make it heady, and, when fer¬ 
mented, tiny make an intoxicating liquor. Tho Cowberry, or Red 
Whortleberry (V. vitis idtoa) is abundant on the dry, barren moors of 
Scotland. Tho berries are dark red, acid, and austere, and not so agree¬ 
able as either tho Cranberry or Bilberry. They make an excellent jelly, 
which is estcomod for coldH and soro throats, or to eat with roasted meat, 
for which latter purpose tho Swedes use it extensively to venison, and 
consider it superior to Currant jelly. In Wales it is oaten with roast 
mutton. Tlje common Cranberry (Oxycoccus palustris) grows in moun¬ 
tainous districts in tho northern regions of the Old and New World, ami 
is also found in many parts of Britain. The berries are Bear shaped, 
globular, often spotted, crimson, of a peculiar flavour, with a strong 
acidity. They aro much esteemed in tarts. Tho American Cranberry 
(O. macrocarpus) produces fruit much larger than the preceding, and 
of a brighter rod colour. The plant grows wild in many parts of 
America, but is also cultivated for iis fruit. 
Cropping Vines (.7. 7/.).—You wish to know tho reason of tho 
bunches of Grapes being so much larger at tho top of your VineB than 
they aro towards tho bottom and for some distance up tho rods. This 
is by no means an uncommon occurrence, though we know of many 
exceptions. The bunches aro tho largest near the top because the wood 
is stronger and tho buds from which the fruiting laterals grew woro 
bolder than those much lower down. Tho evil, for an evil we consider 
it to be, is aggravated by leaving tho leading cane too long at tho winter 
pruning. The sap ascends to tho highest point, forces tho growths there, 
and these deprive tho laterals lower down of tho support that is essential 
to induce them to grow strongly and produco fine leaves and bold buds. 
When the balance of strength is lost to a material extent if is not easy 
to restore it. Tho strongest of the lower laterals only should be retained, 
and these trained not less than 15 inches apart along each side of the 
rod, and they may be allowed to extend more than the stronger ones 
above them. If there is room for the development of the leaves, three 
or four may be allowed beyond tho bunches (if any), while the stronger 
laterals towards the top may be stopped at one leaf beyond the bunch 
and all subsequent growth promptly suppressed. About this time of the 
year tho long lower laterals may bo half shortened to “plump" tho 
lower buds. In tho spring the rods should be taken down and trained 
horizontally, or rather bent so that their ends aro as low as they can be 
conveniently brought below tho horizontal line, and there remain till 
the lower buds have pushed an inch or two of growth, then with great 
care place tho rods up tho roof. If you can give the lower buds the leal 
you need have no fear about those towards tho top lagging very long 
behind. It is a mistake to leave a great length of young cane for 
bearing when tho Vines aro to bo trained on tho spur system, also a 
mistake to denude the lower part, from the ground up to tho roof, of 
buds, as some growth down to tho ground causes tho stem to thicken and 
equalises the sap throughout. The upper part of a house is, moreover, 
offer warmer than the lower, unless thought is exorcised in early and 
a little consLant ventilation by the top sashes. 
Nam on 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 cometjuenoo 
of tho largo number of worthless Applet and Pears sent to this oilier to 
be named, it has been der ided to name only specimens and varieties of 
approved merit , and to reject the inferior, which arc not worth sending 
or growing . Tho names and addresses of senders of fruit to be named 
must in all cases be enclosed with tho specimens, whether letters 
referring to tho fruit aro sent by post or not. Tho names aro not 
necessarily required for publication, initials sufficing for that. Only six 
specimens can be named at once, and any beyond that number cannot 
lie preserved. ( IF. Smith"). — Most of the fruits arc insufficiently matured 
for naming, while tho stalks of some and segments of othors were 
broken, thus increasing tho difficulty of identification. 1, Lord Buffield ; 
l l, not determinable ; 11, Cox’s Orange Pippin; 4, Dumelow’s Seedling; 
I>, perhaps Hcarlet Nonpareil ; 6,possibly VVykon Pippin. (IP. Mansell ). 
—As you have sent summer shoots with tho fruit, also described the 
(lowers, we have been able to identify tho variety as Sea Eagle. 
Warac* of Plants.— Wo 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 moBS, soft green grass or leaves form the best packing, 
dry wool tho worst. Not more than six specimens can be named at 
once, and the numbors should be visible without untying the ligatures, 
it being often difficult to separate them when the paper is damp, 
(/i. M .).—We cannot namo flowering plants from leaves alone. See the 
above conditions. ( J . IF.).—Tho lid of the box was broken and the 
pieces pressed down on tho specimens, crushing them seriously. 1, A 
florist’s variety of Clematis, which we do not undertake to name ; 2, 
Bignonia cherore ; ff, not yet identified ; 4, crushed, possibly Campanula 
garganica ; 5, totally insufficient ; ff, Achillea Ptarmica. 
COVENT GARDEN MARKET.— August 3l8T. 
MAUK 1ST vury fiat indeed, with prices much depressed. 
FRUIT. 
H. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Apples, half sieve .. .. 
l 
0 
to 3 
6 
Oranges, per 100 .. .. 
4 
0 
to 9 
0 
drapes, per lb. 
0 
0 
1 
a 
Peaches, per dozen .. 
2 
0 
0 
0 
Filberts, Kent, per lb. 
0 
8 
0 
u 
Plums, per half siovo.. 
St. Michael Pinos, each .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Lemons, ease . 
15 
0 
35 
0 
3 
0 
6 
0 
VEO ETABLI5S. 
H. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
H. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Beam), Kidney, per lb. 
0 
0 
to 0 
0 
Mustard and Cress, punnet 
0 
2 
to 0 
0 
Beet, Rod, dozen .. .. .. 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bunch . 
(i 
3 
0 
6 
Uarrots, bunch. 
0 
4 
0 
0 
Parsley, dozen bundles .. 
Parsnips, dozen. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen .. .. 
‘2 
0 
3 
0 
1 
0 
0 
0 
Celery, bundle . 
1 
0 
1 
3 
Potatoes, per cwt. 
2 
0 
5 
0 
OidcwortH, dozen bunohos 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Haisafy, bundle.. 
I 
0 
1 
g 
OuouinberH, dozen 
1 
a 
3 
a 
Scorzouora, bundle .. 
1 
6 
0 
0 
Endive, dozen .. 
1 
3 
1 
a 
Scakulu, pur basket. ,. .. 
BhallotH, per lb. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Herbs, bunch . 
0 
3 
0 
0 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Leeks, bunch . 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel. 
3 
n 
3 
6 
Lettuce, dozen. 
0 
U 
1 
0 
Tomatoes, per lb. 
Turnips, bunch. 
0 
2 
0 
4 
Mushrooms, punnet .. 
0 
9 
1 
0 
1) 
3 
0 
4 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES.—OUT FLOWERS. 
Oreliid Blooms in variety. 
H. 
d. 
H. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arum I.ilies, 12 blooms .. 
2 
0 
to 4 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, doz. bohs. 
4 
0 
to 0 
0 
Asters, French, bunch 
0 
9 
1 
3 
Marguerites, 12 bunches .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
„ English, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
« 
0 
Myosotls or Forget-me-not, 
Bouvardlas, bunch .. 
0 
a 
1 
0 
dozen bundles. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
(Jaruatloi)H, I‘2 blooms 
0 
a 
2 
0 
Mignonette, 12 bunches .. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
Carnations, MnlmniHon, 12 
Orchids, per dozen blooms 
2 
0 
8 
II 
blooms . 
1 
0 
G 
0 
Pansies, dozen bunches .. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Carnations, dozen bunches 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 bunches 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Cornflower, dozen bunches 
1 
0 
3 
0 
„ scarlet, 12 bundles 
8 
0 
4 
0 
Chrysanthemums, dozen 
Poppies (var.), doz. bunch 
I 
0 
4 
0 
blooms . 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Primula (double) 12 sprays 
i) 
G 
0 
9 
Chrysanthemums, dozen 
Pyrothrum doz. bunohes .. 
:i 
0 
G 
0 
bundles . 
II 
0 
12 
0 
Roses (Indoor), dozen 
0 
9 
2 
0 
Eucharls, dozen. 
1 
0 
3 
0 
„ (outdoor), doz. bunch. 
2 
0 
G 
0 
Fuchsias, per bunch .. 
0 
0 
1 
0 
„ lied, per doz. blooms.. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Gardenias, per dozen 
2 
II 
4 
0 
„ Tea, white, dozen .. 
0 
0 
2 
0 
Gladioli various >V. spray 
1 
0 
2 
0 
„ Yellow, dozen .. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Gypsophilas, English, 
Stocks, dozen bunohes 
:i 
0 
5 
II 
pur bimuh . 
0 
:i 
0 
G 
Sunflower, doz. bunches . 
2 
0 
a 
0 
Lavender, doz. bunches .. 
4 
0 
G 
0 
Sweet Sultan, doz. bunches 
2 
0 
3 
0 
I,ilium longillorum 12 
Sweet Peas, dozen bunches 
1 
G 
4 
0 
blooms . 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms.. 
b 
3 
0 
6 
Lllium (var.) doz. blooms 
0 
(i 
2 
0 
PLANTS 
IN POTS. 
H. 
il. 
H. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arbor Vita) (golden) dozen 
(i 
0 to 12 
0 
Hydrangea, per dozen 
9 
0 to.15 
0 
Begonia, per dozen .. 
(i 
0 
12 
0 
Lobelia, par dozen .. .. 
8 
0 
6 
0 
Chrysanthemums, per doz. 
it 
0 
i) 
0 
Lycopodiums, per dozen .. 
8 
0 
4 
o 
large plants, each 
i 
0 
3 
(1 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen .. 
(I 
0 
12 
0 
CuprcHims, largo plants,each 
2 
0 
5 
0 
Mignonette, per dozen .. 
4 
0 
G 
0 
Graciena termlnalu, dozen 
18 
0 
42 
0 
M yrtles, dozen .. .. .. 
II 
0 
9 
0 
„ virldls, dozen .. 
11 
0 
24 
0 
Palms, In var., each .. .. 
1 
0 
15 
0 
EuonymuH, var., dozen .. 
0 
0 
18 
0 
„ (specimens) .. .. 
21 
0 
G3 
0 
Evergreens. In var., dozen 
(1 
0 
2t 
0 
Pelargoniums, scarlet, doz. 
O 
0 
4 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen .. 
4 
a 
18 
(J 
„ per dozen .. 
G 
0 
12 
0 
„ (sm ill) per hundred 
e 
0 
10 
0 
Rhodauthcs, per dozen 
4 
0 
li 
0 
Ficus elastica, each .. 
l 
6 
5 
0 
Trailing plants (various), 
Foliage plants var., each.. 
2 
0 
1U 
0 
per dozen .. 
3 
0 
9 
0 
Fuchsia, per dozen .. 
:i 
0 
G 
0 
Troptoolum or NuHturtlunM 
Geraniums, Ivy. 
4 
0 
0 
0 
per dozen. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
THE SIZE OF FARMS. 
IIomk farmers, what of your balance-sheets ? Aro you still 
able to pay your way, or are you falling into arrears, which grow 
| heavier year by yearP If so, there must bo a change in some way 
