Kay 30, 1895. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
483 
he is no less famous—those of the beautiful, though perhaps somewhat 
under-estimated, fancy Pelargoniums. 
After seeing Mr. Jones’s creditable exhibit of these brilliant flowers 
at the recent Temple show, it was with the expectation of seeing some¬ 
thing out of the ordinary that the journey was taken to Ryecroft, and 
in this respect we certainly were not disappointed, as the large 
exhibition house in which they were staged presented a mass of bloom 
that would be extremely difhcult to excel. 
Owing to their aptitude to become infested with aphides, fancy 
Pelargoniums are not found adorning greenhouses to the extent their 
beauty merits, but that they can be and are grown in first-class style 
entirely free from green fly may be proved by paying a visit to the 
collection under notice, where excellent cultivation may be easily seen 
in each sturdy plant. So great was the density and variety of bloom 
presented that it was an impossibility to give each the amount of 
admiration due to it, as in one the form of flower and delicacy of colour¬ 
ing was so exquisite that we were apt to conclude that perfection was 
reached, until our attention was taken by another with some particular 
mark of beauty peculiar to itself. Such being the case former decisions 
had to be reconsidered until, after some further attempts had been made 
at picking and choosing, we felt obliged to give it up, and be content to 
admire the whole en masse. 
This was doubtless the best course to take, and in passing along 
many familiar varieties were recognised, while through the courtesy of 
Mr. Jones we were enabled to note other new and beautiful additions, 
for whose introduction be is in many instances responsible. Should 
the mode of cultivation, such as is practised at Ryecroft, become more 
general, we have no hesitation in suggesting that Pelargoniums will 
again be accorded a deservedly high position amongst greenhouse plants. 
Amongst the recent additions Mrs. W. Wright is well worthy of a 
high position, being one of the most beautiful Pelargoniums in cultiva¬ 
tion. When first opening the flower is of a pleasing rose shade, passing 
in later stages to pale blush. The blooms are well formed and slightly 
crisped at the edge, while the plants are robust and sturdy in habit. Of 
no less merit is Mrs. H. J. Jones, whose large and conspicuous flowers 
of blush-white blotched with crimson are particularly attractive. 
Eucharis carries large masses of pure white flowers, and in addition to 
its decorative qualities is one of the best for affording cut blooms. 
Mr. Jeffrey is of a colour most uncommon in Pelargoniums, being of a 
deep purple, while the truss is large and the habit of the plant dwarf 
and compact. 
One of the most profuse flowering varieties in cultivation is Mr. 
H. J. Jones ; in colour it is a bright rosy red, with a maroon crimson 
blotch on the upper petals. Another nov.elty is May Queen, of a soft 
salmon-rose, heavily blotched with dark crimson. Very different in 
colour is Agnes Cook, which is of dwarf habit, and carries a profusion 
of pale lilac flowers. Edward Perkins is a pleasing orange-scarlet, 
with a maroon blotch on the upper petals. Quite a feature in the 
collection was Lady Folkestone, a free-flowering variety of a charming 
rosy pink, with beautiful crimped edges. Very attractive also is Rose 
Queen, of an exquisite shade of blush pink, with upper petals blotched 
red. 
Amongst the “ Regals ” were noticed as being particularly striking 
Bush Hill Beauty, with large flowers of a mottled rose shade ; Duke of 
Fife, a clear lake with white margin ; Lady Duff, a rich red sport from 
the former ; Madame Thibaut alba, a charming pure white, as its name 
implies ; Prince of Wales, a bright vermilion with light centre and large 
trusses; and Queen Victoria, of a somewhat similar colour, but with a 
dark blotch on the upper petals. 
Worthy of a special note are several varieties not yet introduced— 
namely, Ladas, a delicate salmon pink with dark blotch in the centre ; 
Duchess of Portland, Euclid, and Miss Alice Love. The single Zonals 
were only accorded a passing glance, though their merits warranted 
much closer attention, and a group of some 600 double Ivy-leaf Pelar¬ 
goniums presented a mass of bloom, which to see meant to admire. 
Close attention to the hybridisation of these popular flowers has resulted 
in the production of many beautiful specimens, and we shall perhaps 
not be wrong in according Ryecroft Surprise the post of honour in this 
class. It has a bold vigorous habit, with blooms of a distinct shade of 
salmon pink clustering round the plant in great profusion. Of a 
different colour, though equally charming, is Flambeau, which is 
brilliant scarlet. Congo is very distinct, being of a light lilac shade 
with silvery white edge. Ryecroft Scarlet is described in the name ; it 
bears very large flowers, and is perhaps the best of its colour. Others 
in the group, each with its own particular attraction, were Prince of 
Wales, Jersey Beauty, Jeanne d’Arc, Liberty, and La France. 
Further attention was claimed by a large span-roofed house filled 
with single Begonias, all in excellent condition and giving ample pro¬ 
mise of a bright display later on ; but as the flowering period was only 
in its infancy we shall pass over these with but a few brief remarks. 
Like all other flowers grown in the nursery these have had their full 
share of attention in regard to raising new varieties, with the result 
that Mr. Jones is responsible for the introduction of many charming 
novelties. 
Several already in bloom were noted as being exceptionally fine, of 
good substance and varied in colour; the plants gave evidence of sound 
cultivation, being sturdy with flower stems sufficiently stout to dispense 
with the customary stake. 
In addition to the above there are about 150,000 seedlings raised this 
spring in various stages of growth, and the large space of ground set 
apart for exhibition was in preparation for planting. 
The Chrysanthemums will be heard more about in due season, but 
still their healthy appearance merits a word of approbation. Faint 
attempts were made to obtain some idea of the number grown, but it 
had to be given up, as they were to be seen everywhere and in all 
stages. Numbers already in their flowering pots with stems clothed 
with stout foliage looked everything that could be desired, whilst 
thousands of others in small pots and boxes were waiting their turn for 
removal. A large number of new seedlings are being closely watched 
by Mr. Jones, from which he hopes in the coming season to obtain 
several fresh novelties, and in this alertness he is equally matched by 
Mrs, Jones, who appears to understand the flowers almost as well as 
her better half. 
It was with reluctance we left this exhibition of flowers, for so it 
may be justly termed, fully satisfied that this energetic florist is at any 
rate doing his share towards popularising, not only the Chrysanthemum, 
but also the Begonia, and the somewhat neglected but singularly 
beautiful and varied “fancy” Pelargonium.—G. 
FRUIT FORCING. 
Peacbes and XTectarlnes.— Early Souses,—T \xq earliest forced 
trees of Alexander and Early Louise Peaches, Advance and Early 
Rivers’ Nectarines are, or nearly, cleared of the fruit. The shoots on 
which the fruit has been borne, if not required for the extension of the 
trees, must be cut away to the successional growths from the base. 
This will admit light freely to the foliage, and the access of water for 
cleansing purposes. Syringe forcibly to free the trees of red spider, and 
if this and scale continue troublesome the prompt application of an 
insecticide will be necessary to eradicate the pests. It is highly 
important that the foliage be kept healthy, and to prevent over-maturity 
or premature ripening it is necessary to keep the structure cool by 
ventilating to the fullest possible extent, when the weather is mild, 
after the fruit is gathered. The borders must be duly supplied with 
water, and in showery weather remove the roof lights. Keep gross 
laterals stopped, but avoid checking the growth by removing a large 
quantity of foliage at one time, as this has a tendency to hasten the 
ripening of the wood, and when this is the case the trees will be 
swelling their buds through over-development when they should be 
resting. 
Trees of Hales’ Early, A Bee, Early Alfred, Early York, Dr. Hogg, 
and Early Grosse Mignonne—all second early Peaches of good colour 
and first-class quality, with Stirling Castle, Royal George, and Dymond 
in the same house or in a house to themselves, which is the best, will 
now be ripening their fruit, and must not be syringed, though if the 
trees become infested with red spider a thorough syringing may be given 
when there is a prospect of a fine day ; but with the water hanging on 
the fruit for some time the skin is liable to crack, even in fruits partially 
ripe, while those that are nearly ripe will be much deteriorated in 
quality ; indeed, they acquire a very unpleasant musty flavour from the 
attacks of minute fungi. The trees must have sufficient water at the 
roots, but any excess at this stage has a tendency to cause splitting at 
the stone, especially in the case of vigorous trees. 
Souses Sta) ted in January ,—The trees of the very early varieties 
will be cleared of their fruit, or nearly so, while second early varieties 
will be ripening; both should be treated according to the preceding 
advice. The standard forcing varieties, such as Stirling Castle, 
Royal George, Grosse Mignonne, Dymond, and in some cases Alexandra 
Noblesse, with Lord Napier, Stanwick Elruge, Goldoni, and Dryden 
Nectarines are now advancing fast towards ripening. The leaves will 
have been turned aside, and the fruit raised on laths placed across the 
trellis with its apex to the light. This insures the fruit colouring well 
and ripening evenly. If the weather proves cold and wet gentle fire 
heat will be necessary to secure a circulation of air constantly, the 
temperature being maintained at 60° to 65° artificially at night, and 
5° to 10° rise by day, in order to keep the fruit in steady progress. 
Cease syringing as soon as the fruit begins to soften or assume the 
ripening tint, and take care to have the trees free from red spider before 
the syringing ceases, or the pest will increase so rapidly as to seriously 
affect future prospects. See that there is no deficiency of moisture in 
the borders, and if necessary give a thorough supply of water, mulching 
with some light material, such as partially decayed manure or spent 
Mushroom bed refuse, about an inch thickness sufficing. 
Succession Souses .—Do not hurry the trees during the stoning 
process, but allow time for the satisfactory completion of this exhausting 
and essential work, aiding the trees in effecting it by a dressing of 
superphosphate and potash manure. Allow a rather free extension of 
the laterals as an encouragement of root action, but be careful not to 
crowd the principal foliage, and keep insects in check by syringing twice 
a day. When the stoning is completed remove all the surplus fruits, 
and turn the others with their apexes to the light to insure their even 
colouring. Give thorough supplies of water, mulching the border lightly 
with partially decayed stable litter, and supply liquid manure liberally 
to weakly trees. Vigorous trees will not need more than a surface 
