June 6,1^95. 
JOURNAL OF HORTICULTURE AND COTTAGE GARDENER. 
509 
the sun’s light and heat. Then maintain a moist genial atmosphere of 
65° to 70° at night, 76° by day artificially, and 80°, 90°, or 100° with sun. 
This and plenty of moisture appears all the plants require, but there 
would not be any harm in using a little soot, say a small handful per 
square yard, and washing in moderately. It will improve the colour 
both by the nitrogenous matter and the iron, and it is useful against 
parasites, 
Peacb Tree Castlngr its Fruit (ZT. W. iV.).—The fruit has fallen 
in the earliest stage of stoning, and arises either from imperfect ferti¬ 
lisation or the matter stored in the preceding season for the initial 
formation of the stone being inadequate, or what is known culturally as 
the imperfect ripening of the wood. We have had many such cases in 
our experience, and we invariably found that lifting as early in the 
autumn as safe was the best preventive, combined with cross-fertilisation 
and the supplying of phosphatic, potassic, and calcic matter to the soil. 
Some varieties are prone to this defect, more so in some soils than in 
others ; but it may generally be overcome by replanting after supplying 
calcareous gravel if the soil is very strong, or clayey marl if light. This 
we advise in your case, and it may be well to remind you that the 
variety you name is very seldom satisfactory without recourse to cross¬ 
fertilisation—that is, taking pollen from another variety and different 
in race—say, Royal George, and applying it to the stigma of the other 
showing the defect. 
Polnsettlas (Rustic ).—The best way to propagate these plants is 
by portions of the ripened stem. Pieces two joints in length should be 
inserted in sandy soil in thumb pots, leaving the top eye just out of the 
soil. If placed in brisk moist heat the portions soon make growth and 
form roots. This must be done while the plants are in a dormant state 
and have enjoyed a good rest. You will be too late for this system, as 
we have no doubt your plants have started into growth. Young shoots 
2 and 3 inches in length root freely enough if taken off just where they 
start from the old stem. The cuttings should be inserted in sandy soil 
with a little sand for the base of the cutting to rest on before they flag. 
After insertion water well with tepid water and place the pots under hand- 
lights or bell-glasses in a close warm house. If they can be plunged into a 
gentle hotbed and covered with the hand-light all the better. They root 
well without bottom heat, but quicker by its aid. The cuttings should 
be shaded from bright sunshine and be dewed with the syringe daily. 
When rooted gradually harden them and grow them for a time in an ■ 
intermediate temperature. 
Cucumbers Unsatisfactory (Ml J)esperandu7n). — We have 
carefully read your letter, and find nothing to which exception can be 
taken as regards management, and regret to say that the symptoms are 
those of plants suffering from eelworm, while the collapse of the lower 
leaves is consistent with the Cucumber mildew (so-called) of the United 
States of America, where it has been noticed to be very destructive and 
widely diffused since 1893, and unfortunately has appeared in this 
country in two or three places during the current season. It is closely 
allied to the downy mildew of the Vine. The destruction of the affected 
leaves and spraying with fungicides are the best remedial measures. 
Instead of syringing so late in the afternoon we should close soon after 
mid-day, well damping the house, and run up the temperature to 90° or 
100°, continuing this day by day, and only shading in the morning to 
prevent flagging. With plenty of moisture in the house there is little 
danger of scorching, and on the maintenance of a genial atmosphere 
and a high temperature without sudden fluctuations or depressions 
depends the production of straight and clean fruit quickly. Ventilate 
early and carefully in the early part of the day, it not being necessary 
to do more than to effect a change of air, as with the shading you can 
keep a temperature of 90° or more through the day from sun heat with 
perfect safety. Give the plants the benefit of a light sprinkling of soot 
on the soil, using a small handful per square yard, and wash in 
moderately. It will improve the colour of the leaves and fruit. We 
do not know of any small work that meets such cases as yours. 
Tomato Plants Xioslng their I.ower leaves (J. .5.).—The 
leaf tissue is mainly destroyed and the cell eontents diffused, the juices 
being mainly dissipated by evaporation and partly by absorption. 
What has caused this appears to have been external, there being 
considerable distortion of the hairs; yet they are not discoloured, as 
would be the case had they been destroyed by a corrosive or alkaline 
substance. Something has certainly acted injuriously on the epidermal 
tissue and penetrated or interfered with the functions of the leaves. It 
appears to be that of an alkali such as that of soap. There is no trace 
of any organic disease, except possible threads of the “ sleeping ” disease 
fungus (Fusarium solani or F. lycopersici), which has a general resem¬ 
blance (under the microscope) to “ black stripe” fungus (Macrosporium 
solani or M. tomati), figured on page 481 ; but the mycelial hyphae is 
much stouter, the conidiophores not being materially different except in 
septa, which is confined to the conidial part, that being branched, 
fusiform-falcate, three to five septate, and individually appear as a 
crescent, which divides into parts corresponding to the septa, all falling 
and assuming a globose form, but occasionally the spores germinate on 
the plant. The round bodies generally germinate on alighting on a moist 
surface, such as a Potato or Tomato leaf or stem, preferably the older to 
the younger leaves,^ stems, “ apple,” or fruit, undergrowing stem or 
tubers, and the germinal tube entering the tissue reproduces the “ fruits.” 
The spores may rest weeks or months, and on coming into contact with 
a Potato or Tomato plant stem in the ground grow and enter it, the 
plant then becoming stationary in growth, the lower leaves turning 
yellow and the stem becoming brown at the affected part, so that it is 
only a question of days or weeks before it is encircled and the plant 
destroyed. During the time of its action the plant is stunted, because 
its supplies of nutriment are intercepted and appropriated by the 
fungus, hence the term of the “ sleeping disease.” There is the yellow¬ 
ness and the clamminess so characteristic of the fungus, but this is also 
that of tissue injured by alkaline substances or impaired by the acid 
reaction of oils, such as accrues from the use of petroleum imperfectly 
emulsified or the indifferent saponification of oils and fats, as in poor 
quality softsoap. If there is any “sleepy” disease in your plants it is 
in the stem, either below or above ground, but as you have not sent this 
we are unable to give a definite opinion. The Fusarium is frequently 
associated with the Potato disease fungus (Phytophthora infestans), the 
mycelium of both being interlaced, and then the destruction of the 
Tomato plant is speedy and complete, there not being any sleepiness in 
the case. Unless there be the Fusarium on the stem—there certainly is 
not any discoverable on the leaves, but symptoms of it—you need not 
be alarmed, for the hot weather and the syringing with the insecticide 
are sufficient to account for their condition. 
XTames of Plants. —We only undertake to name species of plants, 
not varieties that have originated from seeds and termed florists’ flowers. 
Flowering specimens are necessary of flowering plants, and Fern fronds 
should bear spores. Specimens should arrive in a fresh state in firm 
boxes. Slightly damp moss, soft green grass, or leaves form the best 
packing, dry wool the worst. Not more than six specimens can be named 
at once, and the numbers should be visible without untying the ligatures, 
it being often difficult to separate them when the paper is damp. 
(G. J.). —1, Iris Isevigata ; 2, Polygonum Brunonis j 3, Philadelphus 
floribundus ; 4, Geranium pratense. (M. B.).— \, Ranunculus aconiti- 
folius fiore-pleno ; 2, Hemerocallis flava ; 3, Cytisus alpinus, the Scotch 
Laburnum. (B. P .).—Veronica gentianoides. (Y. 6 .).—1, Oncidium 
sphacelatum ; 2, Maxillaria tenuifolia ; 3, Cypripedium barbatum. 
(F. J. S.). —1, Todeasuperba ; 2, Asplenium bulbiferum ; 3, Woodwardia 
radicans. (Z.). —1, Hippophae rhamnoides, the Sea Buckthorn ; 2, a 
Polygonum, species not determinable ; 3, Sisyrinchium gramineum ; 
4, Corydalis lutea ; 5, Cornus sanguinea variegata; 6, ASgopodium 
podagraria, the Gout Weed. Your Laburnum is Cytisus Adami. It 
has long been known, and its history frequently given in our columns. 
(F. M. P.).—Wellingtonia gigantea. We have never heard of its 
being injurious to any animals. 
OOVENT GARDEN MARKET.— June 5th. 
The market is now affected by the holidaya, and prices are very irregular’ 
particularly Strawberries and Grapes. 
FRUIT. 
1. 
d. 
S. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
a. 
d. 
Apples, Nova Scotia, per 
Cobs, per 100 lbs. 
10 
0 
to 0 
0 
barrel.10 
Oto 21 
0 
Grapes, per lb. 
1 
6 
4 
0 
„ Tasmanian, per 
Lemons, case . 
10 
0 
15 
0 
case.5 
0 
8 
6 
Peaches, per dozen .. .. 
6 
0 
24 
0 
Asparagus, English, per 
St. Michael Pines, each .. 
2 
0 
6 
0 
bundle .1 
0 
3 
0 
Strawberries, per lb. 
1 
0 
4 
0 
vegetables. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
B. 
d. 
■ . 
d. 
Beans, Kidney, per lb. .. 1 
0 
to 0 
0 
Mustard and Cress, punnet 
0 
2 to 0 
0 
Beet, Red, dozen.1 
0 
0 
0 
Onions, bushel. 
3 
6 
4 
0 
Carrots, bunch.0 
3 
0 
4 
Parsley, dozen bunches .. 
2 
0 
3 
0 
Cauliflowers, dozen .. .. 3 
0 
6 
0 
Parsnips, dozen. 
1 
0 
0 
6 
Celery, bundle .1 
0 
1 
3 
Potatoes, per owt. .. .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Coleworts, dozen bunches 2 
0 
4 
0 
Salsafy, bundle. 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Cnoambers, dazen .. .. 1 
6 
3 
6 
Seakaie, per basket .. .. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
Endive, dozen .1 
3 
1 
6 
Scorzonera, bundle .. .. 
1 
ti 
0 
0 
3 
0 
0 
Shallots, per lb. .. .. .. 
0 
3 
0 
0 
2 
0 
0 
Spinach, bushel .. ., 
1 
0 
1 
6 
Lettuce, dozen .. .. .. 0 
9 
1 
6 
Tomatoes.per lb. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Mushrooms, punnet .. .. 0 
9 
1 
U 
Turnips, bunch ., 
0 
3 
u 
6 
AVERAGE WHOLESALE PRICES.— 
OUT FLOWERS.—Orchid Blooms 
in variety. 
s 
d 
a. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
f. 
d 
Arum Lilies, 12 blooms .. 3 
0 to 6 
0 
Pansies, various, dozen 
Azalea, dozen sprays.. .. 0 
6 
1 
0 
bunches . 
1 
0 
to 2 
0 
Asparagus Fern, per bunch 2 
0 
3 
0 
Pelargoniums, 12 bunches 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Bouvardias, bunch .. .. 0 
6 
1 
0 
Primula(double), doz. spy?. 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Carnations, 12 blooms .. 2 
0 
6 
0 
Ranunculus, doz. bunches 
1 
6 
2 
0 
Eucharis, dozen.4 
0 
6 
0 
Roses (indoor), dozen 
0 
6 
1 
0 
Gardenias, dozen .. .. 3 
0 
4 
0 
„ Moss (French) per doz. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
Geranium, scarlet, doz. 
„ Tea, whfte, dozen 
1 
6 
2 
6 
bunches.4 
0 
6 
0 
„ YeUow, dozen (Niels) 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Lilac (French) per bunch 3 
6 
4 
6 
„ Safrano (English), 
Lilium candidum, dozen 
dozen. 
1 
0 
2 
0 
blooms .1 
0 
2 
0 
„ Yellow, dozen blooms 
1 
S 
2 
0 
Lilium longiflorum, dozen 3 
0 
4 
0 
„ Red, dozen blooms .. 
2 
0 
4 
0 
Marguerites, 12 bunches ., 1 
C 
3 
0 
Smilax, per bunch .. .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Maidenhair Fern, dozen 
Spirffia, dozen bunches .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
bunches . 6 
0 
8 
0 
Stephanotis, dozen sprays 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Orchids, dozen blooms .. 1 
6 
12 
0 
Tuberoses, 12 blooms,. .. 
0 
4 
0 
6 
PLANTS IN POTS. 
B. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
fl. 
d. 
8. 
d. 
Arbor Vitas (golden) dozen 
6 
0 to 12 
0 
Foliage plants, var., each 
2 
Oto 10 
0 
Aspidistra, dozen .. .. 
18 
0 
36 
0 
Genistas, per dozen .. .. 
8 
0 
10 
0 
Aspidistra, specimen plant 
6 
0 
10 
6 
Geraniums, Ivy, per dozen 
■t 
0 
8 
0 
Azaleas, each . 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Heliotrope, per dozen 
6 
0 
8 
0 
Calceolaria, per doz. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Lobelia, per dozen .. .. 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Cinerarias, per doz. 
8 
0 
10 
0 
Lycopodiums, dozen .. .. 
3 
0 
4 
0 
Coleus, per doz. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Marguerite Daisy, dozen .. 
8 
0 
10 
0 
Cyclamen, dozen .. .. 
9 
0 
12 
0 
Myrtles, dozen. 
6 
0 
9 
0 
Dracsena, various, dozen.. 
12 
0 
30 
0 
Palms, in var.. each ., .. 
1 
0 
15 
0 
Dracaena viridis, dozen .. 
9 
0 
18 
0 
„ (specimens) .. .. 
21 
0 
63 
0 
Erica, various, dozen 
9 
0 
18 
0 
Pelargoniums, per dozen .. 
9 
0 
15 
0 
Euonvmus, var., dozen .. 
6 
0 
18 
0 
„ scarlets, per 
Evergreens, in var., dozen 6 
0 
24 
0 
dozen .. 
3 
0 
6 
0 
Ferns, in variety, dozen .. 
4 
0 
18 
0 
Rhodanthe, per dozen 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Ferns (small) per hundred 
4 
0 
6 
0 
Roses, per dozen. 
8 
0 
24 
0 
Ficus elastica, each .. .. 
1 
0 
7 
0- 
Spiraea, per dozen .. .. 
6 
0 
12 
0 
