January 3, 1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
17 
perhaps, one of the best of its kind, whether for bedding purposes or as 
a pot plant. It has some qualities which mark it as an improvement 
on both parents, since it lasts longer in bloom than 8. Maweana, and is 
of much superior habit to S. Wilkommiana, while it possesses a sweet 
scent but faintly present in either parent. Messrs. Dicksons & Co. 
procured the original plant from the raiser, and at once proceeded to 
increase it, preparatory to sending it out. As many as 10,000 pots of it 
have been in stock in Messrs. Dicksons’ Nurseries at one time, for, 
although the plant very rarely seeds, it is easily grown from cuttings. It 
was distributed all over Britain and throughout the Continent of 
Europe, as well as in America. 
As already stated, doubts have been thrown on its origin and history, 
and it is chiefly to set these doubts at rest, and to give honour to whom 
honour is due in the raising of it, that I have ventured to bring this 
subject before the members of the Botanical Society. 1 trust the plant 
will long keep alive the memory of its raiser—one who, though but a 
humble horticulturist, was, throughout a long life, a keen and enthusi¬ 
astic lover of plants.—J. Geieve. — {Transactions of the Botanical 
Society of Edin'bxirgh.') 
OX-EYE DAISIES. 
culture and position. On the other side of the house the stage was filled 
with a general collection of Orchids, looking the picture of health, 
several in flower and others throwing up strong spikes. 
There was much more to see, all denoting the best of management, 
particularly the large fernery, with the water rippling over the pebbles 
and the fish darting about. Dicksonias, Calatheas, Todeas, and other 
plants also looked quite happy and at home. We were sorry when the 
shades of evening stole upon us. But should any persons interested in 
horticulture or bee culture be in the vicinity I am sure Mr. Forbes will 
make them welcome, and show them the work that he and his assistants 
are so ably carrying on.—W. RUSHTON, Cochno, 
WOKK.foiitheWEEK.. 
No doubt for cutting purposes flowers of these 5 inches across do 
seem too large. One of the faults of C. latifolium is its stifiEness, and 
the laeiniated forms of C. maximum far surpass it in beauty. I believe 
the great merit of the new variety of latifolium lies in its uses for 
garden effect. Flowers of 5 inches across are not inordinately large on 
a plant 10 feet high, a height which this large form will attain in good 
soils. I am told that filiforme is the proper spelling of this name and 
not filiformis. 
“ A. D.” (page 539) is quite right in his wishes for the use of common 
names. But for the confusion which would arise with the popular 
Chrysanthemum sinense we might cut the Gordian knot by saying 
C. filiforme, and so on. But then we have Elaine and Duchess of 
Abercorn to deal with, and the confusion with those of the other species 
would be certain to come ini I fear we shall thus require to keep to 
C. maximum filiforme, C. m. Elaine, C. m. laciniatum, and C. m. Duchess 
of Abercorn. For garden purposes the use of the “ m ” would suit well 
enough. I understand the Rev. C. Wolley Dod’s large variety was 
named C. latifolium “Al.” Possibly this was only a provisional name, 
but I do not know that any other has been given by its raiser. I should 
much like to see the increase of varieties with lighter and more 
elegantly formed flowers. C, leucanthemum (semi-duplex) is a distinct 
variety, which it is to be hoped may lead to others of a similar but better 
form.—S. Aenott. 
OVERTOWN. 
This fine bouse and gardens, the residence of Lord Overtown, is 
situated on the south-west corner of the Kilpatrick Hills, about 600 feet 
above the sea level ; and, as seen from the town of Dumbarton, looks 
beautifully sheltered amongst the trees and the high hill at the back. 
After walking about two miles from the above town we find ourselves 
at the entrance of the new drive, which is yet in an unfinished state. 
Nothing is being spared to make this new approach substantial in 
character. It is 1^ mile in length, and the contractor has had many 
difficulties to overcome. The ground through which the drive passes is 
intersected by a deep glen in two places, one part being filled up to the 
depth of at least 100 feet, and the other is to be spanned by a substantial 
bridge in keeping with the architecture of the mansion ; and at one 
corner of this bridge a large rockery is in course of erection. As we 
stand on the terrace in front of the house we have one of the finest of 
the many lovely views to be seen from the Kilpatrick Range, Dumbarton. 
Its majestic rock and the River Clyde, with its far reaches on either 
side, make this view sublimely grand. 
The real object of our visit was, however, to see two diflEerent classes 
of plants—viz., Chrysanthemums and Calanthes—through the kind 
invitation of Mr. Forbes, who has had charge of these gardens for the 
last twenty-seven years; and I can confidently say a finer group of 
Chrysanthemums and a finer collection of Calanthes have rarely been 
witnessed. As we suddenly came in front of the hexagon-shaped 
conservatory, and beheld the Chrysanthemums, we cried, “ That’s 
grand.” The plants were arranged in a group on the floor in the centre 
of the house, and were clothed with foliage down to the pots. The 
plants in front were about 2^ feet high, and gradually rose to the 
height of 6 feet at the back, and so disposed that each bloom showed 
itself to the fullest advantage. These were large, and scarcely a bad 
petal was to be seen. This was remarkable considering the lateness of 
the season (November 30th). Many of the best varieties of the 
Japanese, incurved, and reflexed families were represented. Mr. 
Forbes stated that most of the plants were cut back during the month 
of May; also that this was the second lot of plants so grouped, the 
earlier being considerably dwarfer. 
We passed on to see the Calanthes. These occupied the whole side 
of a span-roof house 24 feet long. There were five rows of plants, prin¬ 
cipally in 7 and 8-inch pots, and what a sight 1 every pot just coming to 
its best. Three varieties are grown—namely, C. Veitchi, C. vestita 
rosea, and C. lutea. The majority of the spikes were 3 feet in length, 
and the colours very bright. Veitchi appeared to be of a deeper and 
better colour than is generally met with ; this probably owing to good 
FRUIT FORCING. 
Vines. — Early Forced in Pots. — In order to secure well-set 
bunches the temperature should be somewhat brisk during the flowering 
stage, 70° to 75° by day and 65° to 70° at night being maintained, and an 
advance of 10° to 15° allowed from sun heat, admitting air moderately, 
always without inducing an inrush of cold air, which stunts the growths, 
crippling the foliage, and sometimes producing rust on the berries. As 
soon as the fruit is set the Vines should be well supplied with liquid 
manure, and have surface dressings of rich compost, maintaining a 
genial atmosphere by damping the paths two or three times a day, and 
occasionally with liquid manure, keeping the evaporation troughs 
regularly charged. Let the berries be thinned as soon as they are 
fairly set, removing the smaller, but remember they do not swell so 
large at the early part of the season as later, or as those of planted- 
out Vines. 
Early Forced Planted-out Vines. —Great care is necessary to avoid 
chills, such as those resulting from injudicious ventilation, or admitting 
air too freely after a dull and cold period. In bright weather a 
moderate amount of ventilation will suffice to insure a change of air, 
which should be eflEected without lowering the temperature. With the 
foliage increasing root action will he excited, and should be encouraged 
by supplying water or liquid manure in a tepid state. Disbud, and tie 
the shoots down before they touch the glass, not being in too great a 
hurry in stopping nor restricting to a certain number of joints beyond 
the bunch, but extend the growths so as to insure well-developed 
foliage without overcrowding. Remove superfluous bunches as soon as 
choice can be made of the best, avoiding overcropping. Keep the house 
at 70° to 75° as the flowers open, and maintain a rather drier condition 
of the atmosphere. 
Houses to Afford Ripe Grapes in June. —The Vines that are to 
supply these should be started at once, the outside border being pro¬ 
tected with sufficient leaves, fern or litter to exclude frost. The inside 
border must be watered sufficiently to be evenly moistened to the 
drainage. Damp the house and Vines two or three times a day when 
the weather is bright, but in dull weather once or at most twice a day 
will be ample. The temperature should be 50° to 55° by artificial means, 
and 65° from sun heat. 
Succession Houses. —Midseason Vines ought always to be pruned, and 
the houses thoroughly cleansed by the new year, and where late Grapes 
have been cut the Vines should be pruned with as little delay as 
possible. Cut to a plump bud as near the main stem as possible. There 
may be two eyes or more, which will cause the spurs in course of time 
to become long, but it is easy to train up young canes for displacing any 
rods that have the spurs too long. Rub ofE loose bark, for it does 
nothing but harbour insects, and wash the Vines with softsoap and 
water, not using a stronger solution than 4 ozs. to a gallon of water. If 
the Vines have been infested with mildew dress them with flowers of 
sulphur, formed into a creamy consistency with skim milk, and apply 
with a brush ; or if the Grapes were attacked by “spot” use a solution 
of sulphate of iron, 1 lb. to a gallon of water. Remove the surface soil 
or mulching, and supply fresh material. Keep the house cool, but if 
utilised for plants the temperature, artificially, must not exceed 45°; 
indeed, plants that require safety from frost only should be placed in 
vineries when the Vines are at rest. 
Late Houses, —Vineries in which Grapes are hanging should have a 
dry atmosphere and a mean temperature of 45°. Examine every bunch 
frequently, and remove all decayed berries. Ventilate the house on fine 
dry mornings, and keep it closed when the weather is damp. It is a 
better plan, however, to cut the Grapes, inserting the ends of the shoots 
in bottles of water, secured in an inclined position, so as to admit of the 
fruit hanging clear of the bottles. Any dry room will be a suitable 
place where an equable temperature of 40° to 45° is maintained. This 
will admit of the Vines being pruned and the house cleaned. 
Cberry House. —This having been closed last month, as advised, 
and frost excluded from the house, gentle excitement will have taken 
place, and fire heat may now be applied so as to maintain a temperature 
by artificial means of not more than 40° at night and 45° in the day¬ 
time, advancing 10° from sun heat, ventilating at 50°, and closing at 
