September 8, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
213 
Dahlia Mrs. Basliavi (Keyne3, Williams k. Co.).—A neat flower of 
the Cactus type, and somewhat similar in colour to Countess of Radnor, 
already described (award of merit). 
Canna Star of '91 (C. L. Allen, New York).—This is a fine variety, 
with bright orange-scarlet flowers of large size (award of merit). 
Gladiolus Poetis (Kelway & Sons).—A light coloured variety, the 
edge of the flowers being tinged with pink. The lip sulphur yellow, 
striped with pink (award of merit). r 
Gladiolus JYuma (Kelway & Son).—An exceedingly pretty variety. 
The flowers are large, light coloured; with a deep magenta edge running 
well into the petals (award of merit). 
Pea Veitck's Success (Mr. G. Wythes).—Large scimitar-shaped pods, 
■some containing ten peas (first-class certificate). 
STRAWBERRIES AND SHEEP. 
It may seem strange to utilise a flock of sheep for the removal of 
superfluous foliage and runners from Strawberries and to clear the 
ground of weeds in the autumn or at the usual time. Nevertheless this 
is now being done in the Strawberry fields in this neighbourhood, where 
many acres are under Strawberry cultivation. About three weeks since 
a flock of sheep was penned—not allowed to stray all over the field—on 
the Strawberries, with the result that in a few days 
not a vestige of greenery was to be seen, the sheep 
.having nibbled every scrap of green leaf off the plants 
beside clearing the ground of weeds. Since then the 
plants have pushed forth new leaves in abundance, the 
lield looking quite green again. The rew leaves will 
be quite large enough to afford that protection to the 
crowns of the plants which is considered to be necessary 
for a winter coating. The plan is only another way of 
clearing the plants instead of mowing the whole over, 
as is sometimes practised with good effect by cultivators. 
The land being light the treading of the soil by the 
sheep will do more good than harm, and by their aid 
■manure is given to the land at the same time. Where 
a quantity of Strawberries are grown, as in this neigh¬ 
bourhood, the plan adopted is a good one, not only as a 
saving of labour but from a utilitarian point of view 
also. Certainly I never saw a Strawberry field look 
more promising at this season than the one in question. 
Had the cleaning not taken place until a month hence 
it might not have resulted so favourably, as sufficient 
time would not have been available for the maturation 
of the new leaves, upon which the plants are wholly 
dependent for their protection during the winter. Diverse 
opinions exist amongst Strawberry cultivators as to the wisdom of a 
total removal of the old leaves at the annual clearing of the plants after 
■each crop, some holding with a total clearance, while others believe only 
in a partial cutting away. The present being a seasonable time for 
such work, perhaps others may have something to say on the subject.— 
E. M., Bishojos Waltham. 
which is elongated and two-celled, opening by a hole in the apex. The 
species shown in the engraving (fig. 30) is a beautiful but somewhat 
delicate plant, and requires care and attention to grow it satisfactorily. 
It is well deserving the attention of all plant-growers. Pot in good 
fibry peat, adding about a third of sand, and if some pieces of sandstone 
or charcoal are introduced they will serve to keep the soil more open 
and greatly benefit the plant. Special care must be given to the 
drainage, not so much as regards quantity as in the matter of covering, 
in order to prevent the soil running into it and stopping the free per¬ 
colation of the water ; for although the plants enjoy a liberal supply of 
water, they cannot suffer the slightest stagnation, for when this comes 
about, either at the roots or in the atmosphere, its greatest bane, mildew, 
is sure to make its appearance. By no means stimulate the plants 
NOTES ON COMPTON YERNEY. 
On looking round the gardens at Compton Yerney the other day 
Mr. Garner pointed with pride to a grand bed of Onions which was 
something to be proud of. A very large breadth had been devoted to 
this useful crop, which was as even as it well could be ; the individual 
bulbs, too, were remarkably fine, and showed unmistakeable evidence of 
high culture. The variety grown is Yeitch’s Maincrop, which Mr. 
Garner considers the best for his purpose. He also attributes his success 
in a great measure to timely thinning when the plants are in a very 
young state. 
The flower garden at the same place was as usual in perfect order 
and good keeping. The beds are just now look .g at their best. In this 
department it was a pleasure to notice that no one style of bedding is 
allowed to predominate at the expense of another. Carpet beds are 
there, beds of Pelargoniums and Begonias, as well as others of Violas, 
Gladioli, and Marguerites, so that in every part there is something to 
attract attention beyond that seen at the first glance. 
Chrysanthemums, which are largely grown for decorative purposes, 
both as bushes and on the single stem system, are in excellent condition, 
and will doubtless make a splendid show during the dull days of 
November. 
In the vineries Madresfield Court and Black Alicante Grapes were 
good, the former though not large in bunch being perfectly coloured, 
and the latter fine in every respect; although it may seem to many 
somewhat early to have Alicante ripe. They are much prized for use in 
a few weeks time, and when ripened thus early the flavour is decidedly 
better than when the ripening is not completed till the end of 
September.—H. Dunkin. 
ROELLA CILIATA. 
This plant is a member of a small genus belonging to the Cam- 
panulaceae, the chief characteristic being derived from the capsule, 
TIG. 30.— ROELLA CILIATA. 
during winter, but have the growths well ripened in autumn, and the 
plants will pass through the dull season in good condition. The growths 
made in winter are always weak and miserable. A dry atmosphere with 
a free circulation of air is requisite for the health of the plants and the 
prevention of mildew. 
Roella ciliata is a slender-growing, much-branched, greenhouse 
shrub, attaining a height of some 2 or 3 feet. Leaves Heath-like and 
light green. There are five distinct colours in the flowers, which, being 
disposed in rings or circles, produce a striking effect. The base of 
the corolla is yellowish white ; succeeding this is a circle of deep 
bluish black; above this comes another circle of lavender blue 
succeeded by a narrow ring of white, whilst the spreading lobes a:e 
pale purple. 
It blooms during May, June, and July, and is a native of the 
Cape of Good Hope. 
