October 6, 1892. ] 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
30 $ 
A FINE WEEPING ASH. 
The engraving (fig. 42) has been prepared from a photograph of a 
fine Weeping Ash standing at the south-western corner of the lawn at 
Benham Park, Newbury. Its height is about 30 feet and its circumference 
90 feet. The age of the tree is not known, but it has been planted 
upwards of thirty years. Mr. J. Howard, the head gardener, informs us 
that the circumference of the tree was much the same when he first saw it 
fourteen years ago, but that it was then allowed to make a new leader 
and has since nearly doubled its height. There are doubtless many 
taller specimens than this, but perhaps few so symmetrical in growth. 
As may be seen there is an opening in the tree, and it has occasionally 
NOTES ON CROCUSES. 
The Crocus with its rich yellow, purple, pure white, blue and lilac 
flowers is a prey to a variety of pests. Its flowers have a peculiar charm 
for sparrows and rooks, while mice seem to delight in devouring the 
corms, and rabbits the foliage. What difference there may be in the 
corms I do not know, but mice have a particular liking for those which 
bear yellow flowers. I have known them to destroy nearly every yellow 
one, while whites, purples, and striped kinds have not been touched. A 
slight syringing with petroleum and water will often prove effectual in 
the case of rabbits. 
The Crocus is a sun-loving plant ; it will grow in the shade, but it 
seems to lack the bright brilliant hue that is so characteristic of the 
flowers when grown in open sunny spots. It is less useful for growing 
Fig. 42.—WEEPING ASH IN THE GROUNDS OF BENHAM PARK, NEWBURY 
been used as a resort for tea and refreshments at tennis parties. The 
photograph, which is an excellent one, was taken by Miss Myers. 
The tree on the right of the Ash is a Beech in ill health, and is 
condemned to come down in the winter. Another effective tree on the 
lawn is a good specimen of the Golden Yew, which a month ago 
was in full summer beauty. Near the Ash is a plant of Chammrops 
bumilis over 20 feet high ; it was removed from the conservatory last 
year and stood the test of the winter fairly well, but when the cold winds 
of March earnest was severely cut. It has lately made a number of new 
leaves, and Mr. Howard hopes to get it permanently established. 
in grass than the Snowdrop, because its foliage is considerably longer in 
dying and thus prevents mowing. Crocuses should never be planted in 
the grass where it is necessary to keep it neat and short. In woods, by 
the side of woodland walks and in any semi-wild place, they are delight¬ 
ful springing naturally from amongst the grass. In these positions the 
foliage can ripen off naturally before it is necessary to mow the grass. 
Cut off the foliage while it is green, continue the practice for a few 
seasons, and the Crocuses will quickly degenerate. The yellow, white, 
qnd light forms are the best for planting in grass. Crocuses, like 
Snowdrops, should always be planted in positions where they can remain 
undisturbed until it becomes necessary to lift them through overcrowd¬ 
ing. They are charming for association with the flowers named, and the 
