100 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
January 31, 1895. 
Then there was Mr. David Thomson, now of Drumlanrig, who lived 
at Dyrham Park, near Barnet, about the same period his brother was 
at Wrotham. I believe at that time, amongst other good things, 
Strawberries in pots and Pelargoniums were particularly well grown at 
Dyrham. In close proximity to the latter place about this time lived 
Mr. Thrower at High Canons, another excellent Grape grower. I have 
heard it remarked of him that once he had a foreman who stripped the 
Vines of their bark, and so annoyed was Mr. Thrower that he made 
him tie it on again. The late Mr. John Davis of Oak Hill, East Barnet, 
another grand Grape grower, was well known to me in my youth. I 
can picture Oak Hill as I write here, which I could see daily from my 
father’s doorstep. My father was at that time foreman to the late Mr. 
William Davis, at the Whetstone Nurseries, now owned by Mr. Sweet. 
Another notable man who used to visit there was Mr. Forsyth ; he, 
too, has left his mark concerning Grapes in his table of the temperatures 
of the early vineries at Oak Hill, as detailed in the “ Gardeners’ 
Assistant.” Both he and William Davis served together at Oak Hill 
under the elder brother of the latter. I have heard how Grapes from 
there in those days were carried to London on the head of one Harry 
Mills, who was afterwards many years sexton at Whetstone Church. I 
think he is gone too. In the same radius, somewhere about that period, 
lived also another noted fruit grower in the person of the late Mr. 
Tillyard, who then lived at Stanmore Priory, Middlesex. 
I heard much in my earlier days of the work of these good men, and 
I must have caught on that enthusiasm for Grape-growing that has 
never left me. The fine Lady Downe’s grown at Whetstone some years 
ago I shall ever recollect. Many a time have I carried them on my head 
from King’s Cross to the West End, when they were worth something 
like 20s. per lb. Things are different now. Then almost adjoining Oak 
Hill at one time lived Mr. Thos. Baines, growing his grand specimen 
plants. Now, only a short distance from there we have Mr. W. H. Lees 
of Trent Park Gardens making fame with Chrysanthemums.— 
J. J. Ceaven. 
I WOULD like to thank many members of the horticultural com¬ 
munity for their kind sympathy in our recent sore bereavement. My 
sisters and myself have been much comforted by the many kind letters 
received from all quarters. We shall not, I fear, be able to answer 
them all personally, and therefore I hope those who do not receive a 
direct reply will accept this public acknowledgment of their kindness.— 
John Thomson, Clovenfords, N.B. 
SEASONABLE NOTES. 
In these days of keen competition it behoves everyone who would 
advance with the times to be on the alert to embrace every favourable 
opportunity which presents itself that will in any way supply additional 
knowledge or assist them in the race and struggle of life. With the 
advent of the New Year the various duties of a gardener commence. 
The trade catalogues remind us that it is high time that we began to 
prepare our lists for another season, and in making up our seed lists 
year after year I think we are apt to adhere too closely to the old order 
of things instead of exchanging some of the varieties of the past and 
flupplementing them with those of more recent date. 
These remarks are not so much intended for vegetable as flower 
seeds, for of course where a fair trial has been given, and the most 
suitable varieties of the former have been selected, I should say by all 
means do not despise a good thing till you have found a better; but in 
the case of flowers I think a great deal more interest would be evinced 
if we were to diverge somewhat from the beaten track. Of the old- 
fashioned flowers what can be more beautiful during the summer 
evenings than the Night-scented Stock (Matthiola bicornis), filling the 
air with its delicious perfume? The Hesperis or Rockets are good 
plants, and although they are getting a little more popular, they are not 
nearly so often met with as their merits deserve. They are equal in 
<8very way to the Stock, blooming twice as long, and are perfectly hardy. 
For supplying cut flowers they are excellent. Nemophila insignis is 
one of the most charming of our garden flowers, attaining a height of 
about 6 inches it is suitable for edging or bordering purposes. 
Another subject which I think needs our attention is in reference to 
the tool shed. How often do we see tools laying about, some in one 
place and some in another; and though this state of things shows a 
etate of carelessness on the part of the men, it also shows loose manage¬ 
ment on the part of the head gardener. I remember during my early 
days the rigorous accuracy exercised by one head gardener in this 
matter. The plan adopted by him was as follows :—Each man on bis 
entry into the garden was presented with a set of tools necessary, and 
was also given space in the tool shed to keep them in. No man was 
allowed to use another’s tools. In addition to the ordinary garden tools 
each man was presented with a good pruning knife every two years or 
thereabouts. 
A matter too often overlooked was also strictly enforced—thoroughly 
cleaning the boots before coming off the garden on to the walks. 
This is a very important matter, the neglect of which not only tends to 
the production of weeds, but also causes the walks to present a dirty 
and untidy appearance. On each quarter of the garden was placed a 
scraper and a partly worn-out broom. Five minutes were allowed at 
leaving time for thoroughly cleaning boots and tools, and for placing 
the latter in their respective places in the tool shed. In short the motto, 
“ A place for everything, and everything in its place,” which was hung 
up in the most conspicuous place in the shed, was always carried out, 
with the result that no time was lost in looking up the tools, as is the 
case in so many gardens. 
At this season of the year many changes are usually taking place, 
and it is for the benefit of those who are relinquishing the duties 
of foreman, and taking the duties of head gardener, that I am prompted 
to make these few remarks, and I am confident that where the foregoing 
hints are strictly enforced the result will be in every way satisfactory. 
The change may cause a little murmuring amongst the men at first, but 
this will be quickly overcome, and the routine will eventually become a 
pleasure to the workmen.— Geo. Paerant, Ashby Lodge, Rugby, 
National Chrysanthemum Society’s Exhibitions. 
In addition to the three exhibitions announced to take place at the 
Royal Aquarium in October, November and December, the usual show 
of early Chrysanthemums, Dahlias and Gladioli will beheld on September 
3rd, 4th and 5th, the National Chrysanthemum Society giving £20 
in prizes for early Chrysanthemums and £10 towards the Dahlia 
and Gladioli classes, supplemented by a grant of £50 from the Royal 
Aquarium Society. The schedule of prizes will be issued, as heretofore, 
with those of the National Chrysanthemum Society. 
M. DE Rey-dellet's Chrysanthemums. 
This French amateur raiser was better known a few years ago than he 
is to-day, for unfortunately a long time has elapsed since he sent us 
anything of great merit. La Triomphante, L’Ebouriffee, and Marsa being 
the last. During this season I have only met with two from this grower 
whieh have struck me as worthy of note. Yice-President Boulreux, a 
fimbriated Japanese, a fair sized, roundly built flower, colour rosy 
mauve, and Mdlle. Antoinine Truelle, a globular Japanese, medium size, 
colour a rich scarlet crimson and golden reverse. Very solid and compact 
are the ones referred to.—P 
Sheffield Chrysanthemum Society. 
The annual dinner of the above was held in the Masonic Hall, 
Sheflfield, on the 28th inst., under the chairmanship of Mr. C. E. Jeff- 
cock. President of the Society. Delegates were sent from the Wakefield 
and Leeds Paxton Societies, Rotherham Gardening Society, and the 
Sheflield and Walkley Amateur Floral Societies, Mr. Housley, Secre¬ 
tary, in reply to the toast of the Society, said it was a credit to its 
patrons. They commenced the year with the sum of 9s. in hand ; but 
the Committee worked hard, and at the end of the year they had a 
balance of £63 58. 9d. In addition to this the sum of £9 13*. 6d. had 
been contributed to the provident fund established in connection with 
the Society, which had to its credit £37 Os. I^d. This spoke volumes 
for the efficiency of the Committee. Monthly meetings are held, when 
papers and essays are read and discussed on general horticultural topics, 
and small prizes are offered for exhibits of cut blooms and plants. A 
library has also been formed in connection with the Society, consisting 
of the principal works published on horticulture. After the usual round 
of speeches, toasts, and songs the proceedings closed, a most enjoyable 
tveuing having been spent. 
Princess Victoria. 
I should like to advise gardeners who have to meet a large demand 
for white flowers at Christmas to give Princess Victoria a trial, for it is 
the best late white that I know. At the present time it is quite equal 
to the best blooms of Avalanche that I have seen at any of the shows 
during the last season, with very much more substance in the petal, 
and altogether a heavier flower. I am sure a few dozen blooms of the 
above would be appreciated by many employers, and admired by 
visitors at this time of year. It is a splendid keeper, and blooms that 
have been cut ten days and kept in a room with fire daily look as if 
they would keep for as long again.—W. F. Smith. 
I CAN fully endorse all Mr. G. Inglefleld says on page 69 in 
favour of the above as a decorative variety. I bought three plants last 
winter which, however, were not delivered until March, 1894, and 
then only moderately rooted : consequently, the crown bud was late 
in formation. On this account I ceased to take out side growths. 
The plants were housed with the general collection in September, and 
allowed to extend side shoots at will. To my surprise in December 
it produced the most beautiful display I ever beheld in any one 
Chrysanthemum. The stem is very erect, and the creamy-white flowers 
from side shoots are carried on thin, erect stems requiring no support. 
Having a heavy demand for flowers at the time, I introduced 
this variety for room decoration, and I need scarcely say the name 
was soon inquired after, and everyone who has seen it admit it to be 
the best. I intend growing a large number of it in the same way 
this season, and would strongly advise others to grow it. Eda Prass 
was treated precisely the same, but the result was not so encouraging. 
