460 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
[ December 1, 1892. 
particular seems to be supported by the friendly fronds of magnifi¬ 
cent Palms, excelsior-like, pressing the antique roof. More modern 
structures are filled with Orchids, and one long low house we peep 
into, to go in would be sacrilege, for fronds are meeting across the 
walk. How are they watered and attended to ? Well, like the 
borders, that is another mystery. Nepenthes lead one to inquire for 
The Rajah, that carnivorous wonder which Mr. Burbidge loaded 
his Indians with on Kina Balu. But, alas ! it is not, though Glas- 
nevin possesses one. 
Some gems of Crocus species are in flower outside, looking too 
fragile for a November day, whilst the earliest Narcissus braves the 
wintry winds. Memory recalls the privilege of seeing the great 
collection of Narcissi in flower five years since, and that was a red- 
letter day in the life of—E. K. 
A SUB-TROPICAL BORDER. 
A fine foliage or sub-tropical border forms a conspicuous 
feature in pleasure grounds, and always commands admiration 
providing suitable material and position are available. The position 
should if possible be sheltered from rough winds, which would 
break and disfigure the large and tender foliage of the plants used. 
A good situation for such a border is at the end of a sweep of 
lawn, or as a background of a design of flower beds, which serves 
as a foil to the brighter colours of the ordinary occupants of the 
beds. The soil should be rich and open ; that will ensure the 
plants making vigorous growth and bring out their characteristics. 
Leaf mould, thoroughly decayed manure, burnt earth, sand, and 
old compost from the potting bench may be added if deficient in 
"this respect. 
The plants most suitable for the purpose are Palms (Chamaerops 
and Phoenix), Aralia, Ficus elastica, Acacias, Melianthus, Suc¬ 
culents, Grevilleas, and Musa Cavendishi, if in a very sheltered 
position. Other plants, such as Wigandias, Cannabis gigantea, 
Variegated Maize, Giant Tobaccos, the fine-foliage Solanums, 
Lavatera arborea, Ricinus Gibsoni, and Erythrolsena conspicua 
are among the best to use. These may be raised from seed 
sown early in the spring and grown quickly and strongly in order 
to have them well hardened off when planting time arrives. 
Acanthus latifolius, Chamaepeuce diacantha and Cassabonae, and a 
crown or two of the Globe Artichoke may be used with good 
effect. In planting, consideration should be given to the ultimate 
height and size of the various plants so as to obtain a graduated 
outline from back to front, but while avoiding undue crowding let 
each plant fill its allotted space. 
A border arranged in the following order was much admired 
here during the past summer. Back row : Cannabis and Sun¬ 
flowers. These grew to 11 feet in height. Second row : Tobaccos, 
Wigandia, large Acacias, Ricinus Gibsoni, and Ferdinandias. Third 
row : Cannabis, Variegated Maize, Melianthus major, Ficus elastica, 
and a centre plant of Musa. Fourth : Erythrolsena, Globe Arti¬ 
choke, and Solanums. Fifth : Grevillea, and smaller plants of 
Acacia lophantha, large plants of Echeveria metallica, Perilla 
in clumps, Chamsepeuee diacantha and Cassabonse, with an 
edging off of Centaurea candidissima and Iresine alternately.— 
W. H. Stephens, The Gardens , Prescot House. 
PEACHES ON OPEN WALLS. 
I think maiden trees are the best if planted early in the autumn, 
and all the shoots required for a foundation simply nailed to the 
walls. I have seen the trees at some nurseries with all shoots cut clean 
out, not one left at the base to shelter the main stem. If the shoots were 
pinched to four leaves there would be some chance for the grower to 
cover the stem to the ground line, which I consider of great importance 
in the south. Sun-burnt trees must follow if there are no leaves on the 
main stem. If nurserymen clear all the growth, say, 2 feet from the 
' base, there is nothing for us to do but to train back shoots to cover the 
leafless base. I have had maiden trees of Alexander carry two dozen 
fruit the second year after being planted, and the required space covered 
in four to five years. In most cases it takes that number of years before 
these cut-back trees are able to leave the nursery. 
I have tried Alexander, Waterloo, and Amsden June; all ripen about 
the same time, and I see no difference in them. If anything, Amsden 
June affuds the best fruit, and does not lose any buds; moreover, it 
stands the frost better than the others. Hale’s Early is a grand Peach. 
Crimson Galande is a fine midseason variety, whereas Sea Eagle is woolly 
looking and coarse. Princess of Wales always does well, as also does 
Thames Bank, both ripening about the same time. Mr. Gladstone 
ripened in Srpt^mber, the fruit being very large, fair flavour, but has 
a woolly surface that I do not admire. Golden Eagle should be grown 
in preference to Salwey, for it is always good flavoured, and it has a 
future as a late Peach. With the exception of Pitmaston Orange, 
Nectarines are not satisfactory here.—H. GALTON, Shawford, near 
Winchester. 
Dates of Shows for 1893. 
In the past many smart things have been done by the Birmingham 
and Kingston Chrysanthemum Societies, but none which redounds to 
their credit more than the fixing of the dates of their exhibitions for the 
coming year. The latter have chosen Tuesday and Wednesday, 
November 7th and 8th, while Wednesday and Thursday, November 15th 
and 16th, are the dates selected by the Midland Society. Such an early 
date to announce their fixtures is a commendable action, as opportunities 
are given for other societies to make their arrangements with a view to 
avoiding a clashing of dates. Not only is this early date fixing good for the 
Society itself, but it is equally so for intending competitors who know 
exactly now how to shape their course. Where societies, like the two 
in question, have not to depend upon circumstances with regard to 
knowing how their balance at the bank is likely to guide the arrange¬ 
ment of their schedules for the coming year, there seems to be no reason 
why the schedules of prizes should not very shortly be issued. This would 
relieve competitors very much of the anxiety of knowing whether they 
are likely to have too few or too many varieties in any section. When 
the issue of an important schedule is deferred until say April, it is then 
too late to make any great alterations in the stock of plants. I have 
known exhibitors blamed for not filling particular classes better than 
they did, but the reason lay with the executive rather than the growers. 
I hope very shortly to hear that the dates of the N.C.S. are fixed, and 
that the schedule of prizes is being prepared.—E. Molyneux. 
The National Chrysanthemum Society. 
I have never yet known a horticultural society, and more especially 
a special society, whose head quarters are in London, that did not, or 
does not, at some time or other, have directed against it such a sarcasm 
as being a “ London clique.” The reason is not far to seek. It is in the 
nature of things that any society of the kind established in London will 
be governed mainly by London men. London is the great centre of 
floricultural enterprise, and the most earnest enthusiasts are found 
there. But I know of no special society (and I am connected in some 
way or the other with many of them) against which the charge of 
“ London cliquism ” can be more unjustly brought than the National 
Chrysanthemum Society. If Mr. Chas. E. Pearson will take the trouble 
to inquire a little more closely into the methods of this Society 
he will find it offers the greatest facilities for the principal provincial 
centres being in touch with it. We have in affiliation with the 
National Chrysanthemum Society some e ; ghty-five provincial societies, 
representing many of the leading Chrysanthemum growing districts. 
Every one of these affiliated societies has the privilege of nominating a 
representative on the General Committee, who is invited to all its 
meetings, and who has as much influence in determining the policy of 
the Society as an elected member ; a considerable number of these 
representatives attend the meetings, and act cordially with the elected 
members. 
There are thirty-six elected members in addition to the officers 
making in all forty-two, and if it be true there be safety in numbers it 
is amply secured. I have now been a member of the Committee for 
some eight years, and I witness plenty of independence of speech and 
act, but nothing which can be designated “ cliquism.” lean truly say 
that the elected Committee represent all interests, large and small, in 
relation to Chrysanthemum culture. How much the services of a pro¬ 
vincial grower of repute are welcomed was seen in the position on the 
poll occupied by Mr. W. Herbert Fowler of Taunton, at the last election. 
As the Nottingham and Notts Chrysanthemum Association is in affilia¬ 
tion with the National Chrysanthemum Society, let Mr. Pearson get 
himself appointed as its representative on our Committee, and come 
among us and become acquainted more fully with our procedure, and I 
am quite certain that with wider knowledge there will inevitably follow 
a more enlightened and juster conception of the methods of the 
National Chrysanthemum Society.— Richard Dean, Secretary. 
The Wakefield Paxton Society’s Chrysanthemum Show. 
There was a very large gathering at the Paxton Society’s meeting 
on November 20th, and the proceedings were of a most interesting 
character. Mr. J. G. Brown presided, and Mr. B. Whiteley was in 
the vice-chair. The subject for the evening’s discussion was “ The 
Chrysanthemum,” and there was a large and magnificent display of 
exceptionally well grown blooms. The flowers had been sent by various 
professional and amateur gardeners, and they were well staged by Mr. 
W. Blackburn, who was recently appointed Curator to the Society in the 
place of the late Mr. Arthur Lupton. It was generally admitted that the 
largest and best collection on view was a stand of thirty-six exceedingly 
fine, large, and well-formed flowers of various tints, and of the Japanese, 
incurved, and reflexed varieties from Miss Edith G. Mackie’s grounds at 
St. John’s, where there is at present an extensive and most attractive 
collection of the best varieties. Considering the very unfavourable 
season the flowers were marvellous productions, and Mr. Garnett was 
warmly complimented on the success which had a'tended his efforts. 
A discussion on the subject of Chrysanthemum growing took place, which 
