March 7,1395. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
213 
cannot fail to impress a lasting effect on the memory. If grown in a 
large pot, and its cultivation carefully and assiduously attended to, few 
climbing plants can excel it for exhibition purposes. 0. splendens 
apeciosissima forms a grand companion to Thomsons. In habit and 
character it is very similar, but differs in the colour of the flowers, 
which are of a dazzling scarlet, and freely produced over the bright 
shining green foliage, truly classes it as one of the best stove climbers in 
cultivation. 
In C. fallax we have without doubt the very best of the shrubby 
varieties, and I have confidence in saying that when once given a fair 
trial the results will exceed all expectations, and will not fail to please 
the most fastidious. It is of an erect growing nature, and freely produces 
its bright scarlet flowers in large terminal panicles. Firm potting is 
essential, being conducive of obtaining short-jointed wood, and also 
adding materially to the strength, size, and durability of the flowers. 
Propagation may be readily effected by cuttings or seeds, and I much 
prefer the latter course, although the quickest way is undoubtedly by 
cuttings. 
Plants of Clerodendrons which have been at rest should now be 
overhauled, removing any weak or superfluous wood, and in the case of 
the climbing varieties tying the remainder of the growths neatly and 
evenly. They should then be placed in a brisk heat, and kept well 
syringed to encourage them to break, water at the roots being sparingly 
applied till root action has commenced. When they have made a few 
inches of growth they should be either shaken out and repotted or have 
the surface soil removed and well top-dressed according to the state of 
the roots. 
A mixture of good fibrous loam and peat in about equal proportions, 
with one-fourth leaf soil or well decomposed manure, to which a little 
charcoal and sand has been added, will form a very suitable mixture for 
the climbing varieties, but the shrubby sorts, owing to the grossness of 
their foliage, will require a somewhat stronger compost. Should any 
signs of insect pests be detected every effort should be strenuously 
employed for their extermination, or they will quickly establish them¬ 
selves on the young growths, when it will be impossible to eradicate 
them. Should mealy bug make its appearance, the best and most 
effectual cure is by handpicking, or by sponging with a solution of soft- 
soap and Gishurst compound. —Geo. Parbant, Asliby Lodge Gardens, 
mar Rugiy. 
BENTHAMIA FRAGIFERA. 
In reply to the query of “J. W. G.,” this tree was discovered by 
Dr. Wallich, and is a native of Japan and Nepaul. It produces yellowish 
flowers and large red orange coloured fruits, which are very attractive, 
of the size and shape represented in the woodcut, fig. 39. It succeeds in 
the south and west of England and in the south of Ireland, but it is 
liable to be injured by severe winters. We have seen handsome trees in 
the neighbourhood of Cork, the largest being 40 to 50 feet high, and as 
much in diameter. The tree also fruits well in the county of Cornwall. 
FASHION’S FANCIES. 
Horticulture, like everything else which contains an element 
of luxury, is ruled to a more or less degree by the caprices of fashion. 
No sooner is some new specimen introduced to the public, than after 
creating a sensation for a short time it is looked on as being common, and 
something new and novel is expected. By careful investigation and 
constant experiments on the part of enterprising nurserymen this 
demand is supplied until gardening, from being the commonplace 
occupation of half a century ago, has become a science. Public taste 
of to-day tends towards elegance and gracefulness, taking the place 
entirely of the stiff formality which formerly characterised it. 
Let us consider first the landscapes, a glimpse at many old gardens 
show a series of straight lines and right angles, beds running parallel 
to each other, and long monotonous stretches of walks and terraces, 
all tending towards giving the idea that Nature herself had not 
assisted in their formation. The garden of to-day is laid out in an 
entirely different style. Sweeping carves take the place of straight 
lines, and the ground is laid out to give as natural and undulating an 
appearance as possible. To accomplish this mounds are thrown up 
and planted in such form that pretty and unexpected peeps of scenery 
suddenly open themselves to the gaze; water is called greatly into 
requisition, not so much in large formal lakes as in miniature water¬ 
falls and rivulets, the running and rippling of which adds an air of 
life to the landscape. In the planting of shrubs and trees, too, formality 
is fast disappearing, and only specimens of light and elegant growth 
are now planted. This reformed system has many advantages, and 
with a little foresight even the most unsightly spots may be converted 
into a pleasing landscape. 
In our large horticultural shows the same tendency prevails. Formal 
banks of flower and foliage plants, in many cases all staged at one level, 
are now displaced by artistic groups arranged for effect, and exhibitors 
can testify to the fact that gracefulness and elegance must be aimed at 
when arranging in order to meet with approbation from the judges. In 
the making up of floral designs it is the same. Stiff and artificial looking 
wreaths and crosses are now a thing of the past, while the “shower 
bouquet ’’ takes the place of the formal bunch which was once fashionable. 
The same change in taste is also to be noticed in table decorations and 
the adornment of rooms, anything of long and trailing habit being greatly 
in requisition. 
Turning to the cultivation of flower and foliage plants the same 
tendency is found. It is with feelings of regret that we see many old 
favourites now disregarded. Camellias, once so popular, are thought 
little of now. If you ask the question why, the reply comes. Oh, they 
look too artificial. And the closely trained Azaleas, which once wera 
looked on with pride, are now thought little of, and are grown in such 
form in comparatively few establishments. In these instances, and 
many other of such, we see striking evidence of the capriciousness of 
dame Fashion. A peep at the flower garden tells the same story. Giant 
Sunflowers and Hollyhocks are not the favourites they once were, and 
instead of the unvarying rows of plants following in rotation, harmonious 
blending of colours and tasteful arrangement is aimed at. 
In all these many changes that are ever taking place there is a wida 
field for enterprise, and it is only through the energy of men who are 
ever on the alert for something new that this constact demand can b# 
supplied.—W anderer. 
SEASONABLE HINTS ON FLORISTS’ FLOWERS. 
As soon as the frost breaks it will be well to examine the plants 
thoroughly, pick off all dead leaves, clear away all green fly, stir the 
surface of the soil, and where it has shrunk in the pots a little top¬ 
dressing of the same compost as that in which they were potted may be 
added. It cannot but be, I think, that those who have not artificial 
heat will be out of court when the date for the Southern National show 
arrives. At this time in ordinary years many of the plants are what 
Auricula growers call truss-bare, and I suppose that even where heat 
is used it may be overdone, and the plants drawn and otherwise 
injured. 
Carnations and Picotees.— I have just been looking at my small 
number of plants which were potted in the autumn, and placed in cold 
frames ready for planting out now, and find that they look quite as well 
as one might expect. These flowers suffer far more from damp, muggy 
weather than they do from cold. 
As to those out in beds I know not what to say, as they have had a 
rough time of it. The plants raised from seeds kindly supplied by Mr. 
Martin R. Smith, and which had been planted out, have apparently 
stood the winter well, although, if I had space, I should have wintered 
these in pots, as I have done my other plants, for I am persuaded that 
this is the better plan. I read in some paper the other day that one 
grower for sale disposed of 100,000 plants annually to supply vacancies, 
many of these being amongst the more highly priced and refined sorts. 
The border varieties are more coarse, and therefore do not suffer in equal 
